Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of radiation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the structural and functional properties of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (YADH)

Abstract Purpose: To determine the mechanism underlying oxidative modifications caused by radiation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and elucidate their effect on the structure and function of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (YADH), a zinc-containing protein. Materials and methods: YADH was exposed to water radiolysis products in an air atmosphere. YADH oxidation products were determined by spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric methods. The extent to which oxidative modifications affected enzyme activity was also studied. Results: Water radiolysis products oxidized thiol groups leading to the release of zinc ions and the destruction of tryptophan and tyrosine residues. Those processes were accompanied by alterations in protein structure such as increased surface hydrophobicity, greater tryptophan accessibility to acrylamide, and changes in the secondary structure. Structural modifications were correlated with lower enzyme activity. Conclusion: During the process of functional and structural changes in YADH exposed to reactive oxygen species, a key part is the oxidation of cysteine residues attached to zinc and the release of zinc ions from the molecule. It may be assumed that ROS induce similar changes in many other zinc-containing proteins.
Monocytosis and a Low Lymphocyte to Monocyte Ratio Are Effective Biomarkers of Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity

Background:Current biomarkers in ulcerative colitis (UC) are limited by their performance, cost, and limited availability in daily practice. This study examined alterations in the leukocyte profiles as biomarkers of UC activity, including the effects of age, gender, and medications. Methods:Case–control study that included 110 UC subjects, 75 subjects with Clostridium difficile infection, and 75 non-inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) subjects, randomly selected from a single-institution IBD database. Mean values of neutrophils (N), lymphocytes (L), monocytes (M) and their ratios were compared between groups. Receiver operator curve analyses assessed the performance of each biomarker in discriminating disease states. Subgroup analyses examined leukocytes profiles with endoscopic activity. Results:Elevated monocyte counts and decreased L/M values significantly differed between subjects with active UC and UC in remission and performed better than the other leukocyte profiles. A monocyte count of 483 and L/M ratio of 3.1 were 60% sensitive and had a specificity of 61% and 53%, respectively for active UC. Monocyte count >860 and L/M value <1.6 had a 75% positive predictive value for UC activity. Those markers also correlated with endoscopically active disease. L/M and N/L values performed best at differentiating active UC from non-IBD controls, whereas N/L and N values performed best at differentiating from C. difficile controls. Conclusions:Monocytosis and a low L/M ratio might be effective, readily available, and low-cost biomarkers to identify disease activity in UC patients. N/L values were more effective in distinguishing active UC patients from patients without IBD and those with C. difficile infection.
DNA damage induced by diet

Franco Dani Campos-Pereira, Ana Cristina Prado Veiga-Menoncello, and Maria Aparecida Marin-Morales Laboratório de Mutagênese Ambiental (LMA), Universidade Estadual Paulista – UNESP Avenida 24-A, no 1515, Bela Vista, CEP 13506-900, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil Departamento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional IB, Universidade Estadual de Campinas UNICAMP, Av. Bertrand Russel, s/no, CEP 13083-865, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
A Novel Transmit Waveform Design Method Based on MMA

In this paper, we extend the information-based approach to the signal-dependent interference problem and propose a new model for optimal waveform design in signaldependent interference. We assume that the target is finiteduration Gaussian signal and investigate the mutual information (MI) in signal-dependent interference and channel noise. Based on maximization of the mutual information and the energy constraint, we can obtain the matched waveforms. However, the equations obtained by differentiation cannot easily be solved. Thus we utilize the very computationally efficient approach of Maximum Marginal Allocation (MMA) to solve the problem. Then we show several waveform design simulations and compare the optimal waveform. Finally, we prove the effectiveness of the new approach by the simulation analysis.
Limited genetic structure of Gulf Menhaden (Brevoortia patronus), as revealed by microsatellite markers developed for the genus Brevoortia (Clupeidae)

Long-term sustainable management of wild populations should be based on management actions that account for the genetic structure among populations. Knowledge of genetic structure and of the degree of demographic exchange between discreet [sic] populations allows managers to better define management units. However, adequate gene loci for population assessments are not always available. In this study, variable co-dominant DNA loci in the heavily exploited marine genus Brevoortia were developed with a microsatellite-enriched DNA library for the Gulf Menhaden (Brevoortia patronus). Microsatellite marker discovery was followed by genetic characterization of 4 endemic North American Brevoortia species, by using 14 novel loci as well as 5 previously described loci. Power analysis of these loci for use in species identification and genetic stock structure was used to assess their potential to improve the stock definition in the menhaden fishery of the Gulf of Mexico. These loci could be used to reliably identify menhaden species in the Gulf of Mexico with an estimated error rate of α=0.0001. Similarly, a power analysis completed on the basis of observed allele frequencies in Gulf Menhaden indicated that these markers can be used to detect very small levels of genetic divergence (Fst≈0.004) among simulated populations, with sample sizes as small as n=50 individuals. A cursory analysis of genetic structure among Gulf Menhaden sampled throughout the Gulf of Mexico indicated limited genetic structure among sampling locations, although the available sampling did not reach the target number (n=50) necessary to detect minimal values of significant structure.
Glutamate Synthase: Properties of the Reduced Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide-Dependent Enzyme from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-dependent glutamate synthase has been detected and partially purified from crude extracts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The enzyme is specific for NADH, glutamine, and α-ketoglutarate (Km values of 2.6 μM, 1.0 mM, and 140 μM, respectively) and has a pH optimum between 7.1 and 7.7. The stoichiometry of the reaction has been determined as 2 mol of glutamate synthesized per mol of glutamine consumed. Glutamate synthase can be distinguished from either of the glutamate dehydrogenases of yeast on the basis of its substrate requirements and behavior during agarose gel and ion exchange chromatography. Variations in the specific activity of glutamate synthase, which occur in response to changes in the growth medium, are similar in character to those observed with the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent (anabolic) glutamate dehydrogenase.
From Cells to Cell Processors: The Integration of Health and Video Games

Healthcare offers special opportunities for the application of game research and technology. This was evident in the presentations at the 2007 Games for Health Conference.One of the most important sectors seeing the impact of games is health. In 2004, with support from the Lounsberry Foundation and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Serious Games Initiative started the Games for Health Project. The Serious Games Initiative focuses on all sectors, but after surveying many usage areas for games, we felt that health and healthcare had special opportunities for games.
Depression-related impairment: estimating concurrent and lingering effects

Synopsis This article examines the effects of depression in the sphere of social functioning. On the basis of previous research, it is hypothesized that a major depressive episode has both concurrent and lingering effects and that these effects are a function of the clinical features associated with the episode. This hypothesis is examined using a large community sample and a non-linear model containing both concurrent and lingering effect parameters. The results corroborate the hypothesized effects. Limitations of the current study are discussed and suggestions are offered regarding appropriate research designs. It is suggested that the most general limitation is theoretical. The existence of lingering effects is a phenomenon which presents a theoretical challenge that may prove strategic in understanding the nature and course of depression.
Chlorella and spirulina microalgae as sources of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and food supplements; an overview

Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com Abbreviations: LCPUFAs: Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids; ω6: Omega-6 Family; GLA: γ-Linolenic Acid; AA: Arachidonic Acid; ω3: Omega-3 Family; EPA: Eicosapentaenoic Acid; DHA: Docosahexaenoic Acid; AL: Linoleic Acid; AAL: Alpha-Linolenic Acids; vitamin A: Beta-Carotene; vitamin K: Phylloquinone; vitamin E: Alpha-Tocopherol; B1: Thiamine; B2: Riboflavin; B3: Niacin; B5: Pantothenic Acid; B6: Pyridoxine; B9: Folic Acid; B12: Cobalamin; B7: Biotin; FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization; PCs: Phenolic compounds; SW: Subcritical Water; SPE/SFE: Solid-Phase/Supercritical-Fluid; VOCs: Volatile Compounds; AA-CSIA: Stable Isotope Analysis; FDA: American Food and Drug Administration; EFSA: European Food Safety Authority; GRAS: Generally Recognized as Safe; PCA: p-Coumaric Acid; NC: Narigenin Chalcone; N: Naringenin; LQ: Liquiritigenin; D: Daidzein; A: Apigenin; G: Genistein; L: Luteolin; DK: Dihydrokaempferol; DQ: Dihydroquercetin; Q: Quercetin
Growth-state-dependent radiation-induced expression of the proto-oncogene c-fos in NIH 3T3 cells.

Expression of the proto-oncogene c-fos in response to ionizing radiation has been observed in some but not all cell lines tested. Here we report on delayed, transient c-fos expression in NIH 3T3 cells induced by 60Co gamma rays in the dose range 2-5 Gy. Induction of c-fos was significantly increased in cells irradiated in the density-arrested quiescent state compared to irradiation in the exponential growth phase. The enhancement correlated with the transition to quiescence as measured by the proliferation markers, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and bromodeoxyuridine. The observation of growth-state-dependent expression of c-fos after irradiation might indicate a functional relationship between c-fos and growth control in the DNA damage response, e.g. a potential role of c-fos in the control of replicative proteins.
Determinación de índices de eficiencia mediante DEA en explotaciones lecheras de Buenos Aires

En el presente estudio se aplica un analisis de eficiencia con una metodologia no parametrica (DEA) sobre un conjunto de datos de panel conformado por 21 explotaciones lecheras ubicadas en la Cuenca de Abasto Sur de Buenos Aires, Argentina. EL analisis se baso en modelos con rendimientos constantes a escala y variables a escala, bajo dos enfoques: input-orientado y output-oriectado. Se utilizo un unico output, la produccion de leche, y tres inputs: la superficie ganadera, el numero de vacas lecheras y los costes expresados en dinero. Los resultados muestran un promedio de eficiencia tecnica global de 83%.
Low dose poly I:C prevents diabetes in the diabetes prone BB rat.

Poly I:C, an inducer of IFN-alpha and other cytokines, has been used to study the development of diabetes in both the BioBreeding (BB) diabetes prone rat and non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse animal models of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Surprisingly, poly I:C accelerates the disease in the BB rat while inhibiting it in the NOD mouse. Since cytokines can have dose related opposing effects on immune responses, we hypothesized that the paradoxical effect of polyinosinic polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) on diabetes in the two animal models is dose related. Accordingly, we compared the incidence of diabetes and degree of insulitis in diabetes prone BB rats administered saline and poly I:C at doses (0.05 microg/g body weight and 0.1 microg/g body weight) up to 100-fold lower than doses (poly-5 microg/g) previously found to accelerate diabetes. In addition, the non-specific suppressor activity of mononuclear splenocytes from BB rats administered low dose (poly-0.05 microg/g body weight), high dose (poly-5 microg/g body weight), and saline were compared. The development of diabetes was inhibited in rats treated with each dose of poly I:C. The degree of insulitis in poly-I:C treated animals was also less severe. The total white blood cell count and proportion of RT6+ T-cells and each T-cell subset were unaltered by poly I:C. When compared to splenocytes of control animals, splenocytes from poly I:C (0.05 microg/g body weight) treated rats suppressed responder cell proliferation to concanavalin A and alloantigen. However, spleen cells from high dose poly-I:C did not suppress responder cell proliferation to alloantigen. In adoptive transfer studies, the administration of spleen cells from poly-0.05 treated rats decreased the development of diabetes in recipient BB rats. In vitro studies also demonstrated that poly-I:C inhibits the proliferative response of BB rat spleen cells to concanavalin A. The administration of poly-0.05, but not poly-5.0, decreased TNF-alpha mRNA and IL-10 mRNA content in spleen cells. We conclude that poly I:C, at a dose 100 times lower than that required to accelerate diabetes prevents the development of diabetes in BB rates by interfering with the development of insulitis. The induction of suppressor cell activity induced by low dose poly-I:C in vivo and the inhibition of T-cell responses by poly-I:C in vitro suggests that the diabetes sparing activity of poly I:C is mediated by augmented immunoregulatory cell activity. Further studies with poly I:C may be important in increasing our understanding of the pathogenesis of IDDM and provide a means to prevent it.
Prevalence of antimicrobial use in a network of Canadian hospitals in 2002 and 2009

The Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program has been performing surveillance of antibiotic-resistant organisms in Canada since 1994. The authors of this study compared two point-prevalence surveys of antimicrobial use that were conducted in hospitals that were participating in the program in 2002 and 2009. The authors compared the use of antimicrobials between these two surveys. The changes in antimicrobial use over time are presented, in addition to potential reasons for and consequences of these changes.
Improving our fundamental understanding of the role of aerosol−cloud interactions in the climate system

The effect of an increase in atmospheric aerosol concentrations on the distribution and radiative properties of Earth’s clouds is the most uncertain component of the overall global radiative forcing from preindustrial time. General circulation models (GCMs) are the tool for predicting future climate, but the treatment of aerosols, clouds, and aerosol−cloud radiative effects carries large uncertainties that directly affect GCM predictions, such as climate sensitivity. Predictions are hampered by the large range of scales of interaction between various components that need to be captured. Observation systems (remote sensing, in situ) are increasingly being used to constrain predictions, but significant challenges exist, to some extent because of the large range of scales and the fact that the various measuring systems tend to address different scales. Fine-scale models represent clouds, aerosols, and aerosol−cloud interactions with high fidelity but do not include interactions with the larger scale and are therefore limited from a climatic point of view. We suggest strategies for improving estimates of aerosol−cloud relationships in climate models, for new remote sensing and in situ measurements, and for quantifying and reducing model uncertainty.
A hybrid adaptive coevolutionary differential evolution algorithm for large-scale optimization

In this paper, we propose a new algorithm, named HACC-D, for large scale optimization problems. The motivation is to improve the optimization method for the subcomponents in the cooperative coevolution framework. In the new HACC-D algorithm, an algorithm selection method named hybrid adaptive optimization strategy is used. It is aimed to hybridize the superiority of two very efficient differential evolution algorithms, JADE and SaNSDE, as the subcomponent optimization algorithm of the cooperative coevolution. In the beginning stage, the novel strategy evolves the initial population with JADE and SaNSDE as the subcomponent optimization algorithm for a certain number of iterations separately. Then the one obtained better fitness value will be chosen to be the subcomponent optimization algorithm for the following evolution process. In the later stage of evolution, the selected algorithm may be trapped in a local optimum or lose its ability to make further progress. So it exchanges the subcomponent optimization algorithm with the other one when there is no improvement in the fitness every certain number of iterations. The proposed HACC-D algorithm is evaluated on CEC'2010 benchmark functions for large scale global optimization.
A Compact L-Band Bandpass Filter with RF MEMS-Enabled Reconfigurable Notches for Interference Rejection in GPS Applications

In light of today's crowded radio spectrum and the high level of receiver sensitivity required to receive very weak signals, mitigating interference (cosite, intentional jamming, or from other sources) has become a very important topic of research. The recent controversy regarding the use of spectrum close to the global positioning system (GPS) bands is the motivation for the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society 2014 International Microwave Symposium (IMS2014) Tunable Radio-Frequency (RF) Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Filter Student Design Competition, held in Tampa, Florida. Although there are frequency bands reserved for GPS, there is sometimes interference from undesired signals from a variety of sources, such as radio emissions in adjacent bands, intentional/unintentional jamming, and naturally occurring space weather. Ensuring the continuity of GPS service requires the protection of its spectrum from interference. This competition was intended to interest students in the design of innovative RF front-end solutions to address this issue. This article describes the work of the winners of the first-place award.
Measuring fuzzy uncertainty

First, this paper reviews several well known measures of fuzziness for discrete fuzzy sets. Then new multiplicative and additive classes are defined. We show that each class satisfies five well-known axioms for fuzziness measures, and demonstrate that several existing measures are relatives of these classes. The multiplicative class is based on nonnegative, monotone increasing concave functions. The additive class requires only nonnegative concave functions. Some relationships between several existing and the new measures are established, and some new properties are derived. The relative merits and drawbacks of different measures for applications are discussed. A weighted fuzzy entropy which is flexible enough to incorporate subjectiveness in the measure of fuzziness is also introduced. Finally, we comment on the construction of measures that may assess all of the uncertainties associated with a physical system. >
Prevention of Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: The Role of New Antiarrhythmic and Antithrombotic Drugs

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. It is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, including stroke. Results: Rate or rhythm control and prevention of thromboembolism with oral anticoagulants are the main management objectives for patients with AF. Until recently, rhythm control studies did not show prevention of cardiovascular complications. However, dronedarone, a novel antiarrhythmic drug, has been shown to decrease stroke risk by 34% (p = 0.027). In addition, the Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulant Therapy trial showed significant stroke reductions with the anticoagulant dabigatran 150 mg b.i. d. compared with adjusted-dose warfarin (the results for dabigatran 110 mg b.i.d. were similar to warfarin). Conclusions: Novel antithrombotic agents and antiarrhythmic agents with cardiovascular prophylactic properties may enhance the management of stroke risk in patients with AF.
Discogenic Low Back Pain

Low back pain of discogenic origin has eluded physicians for decades. In 1948, Linblom studied the effects of puncturing the intervertebral disc. 1 Hirsh followed up this work in a clinical study and theorized that ruptures and/or tears in the annulus would lead to pathologic processes producing pain. 2 In 1964, Crock propagated the theory of disc disruption. He described these patient’s as having had trauma to the disc caused by heavy lifting or high-speed application of force, which leads to damage of the disc content. 3 Discogenic pain has been responsible for a countless number of missed workdays and millions if not billions of dollars of lost revenue. For years physicians have queried over the innervation of the lumbar discs and have attempted to block these elusive pathways. This paper will attempt to summarize the innervation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatments available to the long-standing problem of discogenic back pain. A multitude of pain generators are responsible for discogenic back pain. These include the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, the rami communicantes, the sympathetic trunk, and the sinuvertebral nerve. 5 More recently, with the aid of immunohistochemical studies, researchers have identified that the contents of the degenerated disc many also contribute to pain generators. These substances include phospholipase A2 (PLA2), prostaglandin E, histamine like substances, potassium ions, lactic acid, and several polypeptide amines. 4,5,6,7
Community, Polity, and Temple in a Middle Bronze Age Levantine Village

The social and economic implications of rural ritual behavior during the development of early urbanized society are inferred from material evidence from households and temple compounds at Tell el-Hayyat, Jordan. Textual sources, primarily from the second millennium BC Syria, show that some temples were dependent upon institutional support (e.g. from palaces), while others were firmly embedded in the domestic economy of their surrounding community. Spatial and temporal patterning of animal bones, plant fragments, ceramics and symbolic objects during Middle Bronze Age IIA and B (ca. 2000-1650 BC) at Tell el-Hayyat reflect some specific ritual prescriptions (e.g. in ovicaprid and fig consumption, and deposition of metal objects). However, a variety of congruences between domestic and temple assemblages (e.g. in sheep:goat management, cattle consumption, cooking pot and storage jar manufacture and use) suggest that Hayyat's temple economy generally reflects immediate community support, rather than the intervention of external institutional authority.