Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier exists and functions as a monomer

For more than 40 years, the oligomeric state of members of the mitochondrial carrier family (SLC25) has been the subject of debate. Initially, the consensus was that they were dimeric, based on the application of a large number of different techniques. However, the structures of the mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier, a member of the family, clearly demonstrated that its structural fold is monomeric, lacking a conserved dimerisation interface. A re-evaluation of previously published data, with the advantage of hindsight, concluded that technical errors were at the basis of the earlier dimer claims. Here, we revisit this topic, as new claims for the existence of dimers of the bovine ADP/ATP carrier have emerged using native mass spectrometry of mitochondrial membrane vesicles. However, the measured mass does not agree with previously published values, and a large number of post-translational modifications are proposed to account for the difference. Contrarily, these modifications are not observed in electron density maps of the bovine carrier. If they were present, they would interfere with the structure and function of the carrier, including inhibitor and substrate binding. Furthermore, the reported mass does not account for three tightly bound cardiolipin molecules, which are consistently observed in other studies and are important stabilising factors for the transport mechanism. The monomeric carrier has all of the required properties for a functional transporter and undergoes large conformational changes that are incompatible with a stable dimerisation interface. Thus, our view that the native mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier exists and functions as a monomer remains unaltered.
Analysis of the Factors Influencing Body Weight Variation in Hanwoo Steers Using an Automated Weighing System

Simple Summary The body weight (BW) of animals is an important indicator of their physiological status and productivity. The BW of animals varies from day to day and even within a day due to various factors. However, these variations have not been fully tested because it is challenging to measure the BW of animals repeatedly at various time points. This study used an automated weighing scale (AWS) to overcome these difficulties and generated a large number of BW measurements. We found that differences between individual animals had the greatest impact on BW deviations in Hanwoo steers. Additionally, it was found that changes in the BW of Hanwoo steers during the day were influenced by feeding patterns. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the diurnal pattern of changes in the BW of Hanwoo steers. Our results suggest that variations in individual animals and their feeding patterns need to be considered when applying precision-farming technologies with real-time BW measurements in cattle. Abstract This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the body weight (BW) of Hanwoo steers by collecting a large number of BW measurements using an automated weighing system (AWS). The BW of 12 Hanwoo steers was measured automatically using an AWS for seven days each month over three months. On the fourth day of the BW measurement each month, an additional BW measurement was conducted manually. After removing the outliers of BW records, the deviations between the AWS records (a) and manual weighing records (b) were analyzed. BW measurement deviations (a − b) were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by month, day and the time within a day as well as the individual animal factor; however, unexplained random variations had the greatest impact (70.4%). Excluding unexplained random variations, the difference between individual steers was the most influential (80.1%). During the day, the BW of Hanwoo steers increased before feed offerings and significantly decreased immediately after (p < 0.05), despite the constant availability of feeds in the feed bunk. These results suggest that there is a need to develop pattern recognition algorithms that consider variations in individual animals and their feeding patterns for the analysis of BW changes in animals.
Algorithms as discrimination detectors

Preventing discrimination requires that we have means of detecting it, and this can be enormously difficult when human beings are making the underlying decisions. As applied today, algorithms can increase the risk of discrimination. But as we argue here, algorithms by their nature require a far greater level of specificity than is usually possible with human decision making, and this specificity makes it possible to probe aspects of the decision in additional ways. With the right changes to legal and regulatory systems, algorithms can thus potentially make it easier to detect—and hence to help prevent—discrimination.
Herbage intake, milk production and sward utilization of dairy cows grazing grass/white clover swards at low, medium and high allowances

Abstract Herbage intake (HI), milk production and sward utilization of Norwegian Red Cattle dairy cows in mid-lactation, rotationally grazing grass/white clover swards at low, medium and high allowances (HA), were examined in three experiments (I, II and III). The daily target allowances per cow were 18 and 36 kg DM in Experiment I and 12, 18, and 24 kg DM in Experiments II and III. The cows were grazing in groups of seven (Experiments II and III) to ten (I) individuals. The proportions of white clover in the swards averaged 12%, 40% and 46% in Experiments I, II and III, respectively. In addition to pasture, the cows were fed concentrate mixtures in varying amounts (0–6.8 kg) with the highest amounts offered to the highest yielding cows. HI was estimated using the n-alkane technique. No effect of HA on HI was obtained in Experiment I. In Experiment II, and for II and III combined, there was a significant positive effect of HA on HI. The average increase in HI was 0.24 kg DM per extra kg DM on offer. The utilization of the sward (measured at 3 cm above ground level) decreased from 72% at the lowest HA to 51% at the highest HA in Experiment II and III. HA did not affect milk yield or milk composition significantly (P>0.05).
The Influence of Bioactive Inorganic Materials on Osteopontin Expression in Rat Calvarial Osteoblast Culture

in its physical properties and biocompatibility. To examine theinfluence of hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, pure titanium and pre-treated titanium on osteopontinexpression in osteoblasts, RNA was extracted from prol iferated and cultured osteoblast cells and OPN mRNAexpression was observed by RT-PCR.
Impact of performance-based sanitation systems on microbiological characteristics of poultry processing equipment and carcasses as compared with traditional sanitation systems

SUMMARY The performance-based sanitation (PBS) system has been tested in some poultry processing facilities through the ongoing use of microbiological indicators to determine the frequencies and protocols necessary for proper cleaning, sanitizing, disassembly of equipment, and other sanitation procedures. The PBS system emphasizes continuous cleaning based on microbiological results, as opposed to traditional sanitation (TS) systems, which emphasize once-daily cleaning and preoperational visual inspection. In a relatively new broiler processing plant, the TS and PBS systems were compared microbiologically during independent 30-d treatment periods for each program. Aerobic plate counts were measured on equipment surfaces before and during operations, and carcass rinses were analyzed for aerobic plate counts, generic Escherichia coli, and the presence of Salmonella species. On the basis of microbiological results, protocols conducted under the PBS system achieved sanitation effectiveness comparable with those of the TS system. Therefore, PBS can be a viable alternative to TS programs in poultry processing facilities while providing additional microbiological data for use in ongoing continuous improvement of sanitation program effectiveness and efficiency.
Producing Printability: Articulation Work and Alignment in 3D Printing

Three-dimensional printing is widely celebrated as enabling open design and manufacturing practice. With easy-to-use techniques such as automated modeling, fabrication machines ostensibly help designers turn ideas into fully fledged objects. Prior HCI literature focuses on improving printing through optimization and by developing printer and material capabilities. This paper expands such considerations by asking, how do 3D printing practitioners understand and create “printability? ” And how might HCI better support the work that holds together printing workflows and changing ecosystems of materials and techniques? We conducted studies in two sites of open design: a technology firm in Silicon Valley, California and a makerspace in Stockholm, Sweden. Deploying workshops and interviews, we examine how practitioners negotiate the print experience, revealing a contingent process held together by trial and error exploration and careful interventions. These insights point to the value of tools and processes to support articulation work, what Strauss and colleagues have called the acts of fitting together people, tasks, and their ordering to accomplish an overarching project. We show that despite the sought-after efficiencies of such manufacturing, 3D printing entails articulation work, particularly acts of alignment, exposing messy modes of production carried out by a varied cast of practitioners, machines, and materials.
Vitamin D levels in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma/diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma

Purpose To investigate serum vitamin D levels in patients newly diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma/diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (NHL-DLBCL), multiple myeloma (MM) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Patients and methods We measured serum levels of vitamin D by ELISA in 103 patients prior to initiation of treatment, of whom 37 were diagnosed with MM, 32 with CLL and 34 with NHL-DLBCL. Results Suboptimal serum vitamin D levels (<30 ng/mL) were observed in all 103 patients. In 14 patients, serum vitamin D levels were between 20 and 30 ng/mL, while all other patients had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL). Severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL) was observed in 32.3% of NHL-DLBCL patients, 28.1% of CLL patients and 81% of MM patients. Conclusion We observed low serum vitamin D levels in the majority of patients newly diagnosed with NHL-DLBCL, CLL and MM.
The Release of Nitrite from Barley Roots in Response to Metabolic Inhibitors, Uncoupling Agents, and Anoxia

When excised sterile barley roots, from plants which had been grown in the presence of nitrate, were placed under low oxygen tensions, nitrite was released into the external solution. The maximum leakage of nitrite occurred under completely anaerobic conditions. Nitrite was also released from barley roots under aerobic conditions when uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation (DNP, CCCP1, pentachlorophenol) or certain simple organic acids were supplied. Inhibitors of the Krebs cycle, or of respiratory electron transport, were much less effective in causing the loss of nitrite, possibly because these compounds did not in general inhibit root respiration severely. Nitrite release, in response to any of the above treatments, was accompanied by an accumulation of nitrite within the tissue. It was concluded that an increase in membrane permeability, and a decrease in ATP synthesis, were contributory causes of this phenomenon, although neither could explain the experimental observations completely. There was however no evidence that the pentose phosphate pathway, which is regarded as the source of reducing power for nitrite reduction, was inhibited under conditions which favoured nitrite release.
Changes in activity of antioxidative enzymes in wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings under cold acclimation

Activated oxygen species such as superoxide radicals, singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals can be produced in plants exposed to low, non-freezing, non-injurious temperatures. To prevent or alleviate oxidative injury, plants have evolved several mechanisms which include scavenging by natural antioxidants and enzymatic antioxidant systems such as superoxide dismutases, catalase and peroxidases. Although overproduction of hydrogen peroxide and increased tolerance to oxidative stress can be induced in wheat by low-temperature treatments, data concerning changes in the enzymatic antioxidant systems are almost absent. With the aim to provide this information, antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutases, catalase and peroxidases) activities were analysed in leaves and roots of Triticum aestivum cvs Brasilia (frost resistant in field) and Eridano (less frost resistant in field) seedlings grown at day/night temperatures of 24/22°C (control treatment) and 12/5°C (low-temperature treatment). Our data showed that superoxide dismutase activities were unaffected by low-temperature treatment both in leaves and roots. Catalase activity in leaves and roots was decreased in 12/5°C-grown seedlings, but Brasilia maintained higher catalase activity than Eridano. Differences were also observed in guaiacol peroxidase activities between control and acclimated seedlings: Higher guaiacol peroxidase activities were found in the leaves of 12/5°C-grown seedlings while in roots these activities were lower. Moreover, Brasilia guaiacol peroxidase activities were higher than Eridano. Superoxide dismutase and peroxidase zymogram analyses showed that synthesis of new isoforms was not induced by low-temperature treatment. Changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes induced by cold acclimation support the hypothesis that a frost-resistant wheat cultivar, in comparison with a less frost-resistant one, maintains a better defence against activated oxygen species during low-temperature treatment.
Progesterone in the Brain: Hormone, Neurosteroid and Neuroprotectant

Progesterone has a broad spectrum of actions in the brain. Among these, the neuroprotective effects are well documented. Progesterone neural effects are mediated by multiple signaling pathways involving binding to specific receptors (intracellular progesterone receptors (PR); membrane-associated progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1); and membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs)) and local bioconversion to 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone (3α,5α-THPROG), which modulates GABAA receptors. This brief review aims to give an overview of the synthesis, metabolism, neuroprotective effects, and mechanism of action of progesterone in the rodent and human brain. First, we succinctly describe the biosynthetic pathways and the expression of enzymes and receptors of progesterone; as well as the changes observed after brain injuries and in neurological diseases. Then, we summarize current data on the differential fluctuations in brain levels of progesterone and its neuroactive metabolites according to sex, age, and neuropathological conditions. The third part is devoted to the neuroprotective effects of progesterone and 3α,5α-THPROG in different experimental models, with a focus on traumatic brain injury and stroke. Finally, we highlight the key role of the classical progesterone receptors (PR) in mediating the neuroprotective effects of progesterone after stroke.
N-acetylcysteine as an adjunctive treatment for smoking cessation: a randomized clinical trial

Objective: This randomized controlled trial examined the efficacy and safety of N-acetylcysteine as an adjunctive treatment for smoking cessation. Methods: Heavy smokers were recruited from smoking cessation treatment for this 12- week randomized controlled trial. Eligible tobacco use disorder outpatients (n=34) were randomized to N-acetylcysteine or placebo plus first-line treatment. Abstinence was verified by exhaled carbon monoxide (COexh). The assessment scales included the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, the Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale, and the Medication Adherence Rating Scale. We also assessed anthropometrics, blood pressure, lipid profile, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNF-R) levels 1 and 2. Results: First-line treatment for smoking cessation plus adjunctive N-acetylcysteine or placebo significantly reduced COexh (p < 0.01). In the N-acetylcysteine group, no significant changes were found in nicotine withdrawal symptoms, depressive and anxiety symptoms, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, or glucose compared to placebo. However, there was a significant reduction in sTNF-R2 levels between baseline and week 12 in the N-acetylcysteine group. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need to associate N-acetylcysteine with first-line treatment for smoking cessation, since combined treatment may affect inflammation and metabolism components. Clinical trial registration: NCT02420418
SEASONAL EGG-MASS VARIATION AND LAYING SEQUENCE IN A BIRD WITH FACULTATIVE BROOD REDUCTION

Abstract Females may maximize their lifetime reproductive output by adjusting their investment in each breeding event to the perceived likelihood of success. The Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) is a long-lived seabird with facultative siblicide. We examined whether there is differential resource allocation to eggs with laying order and whether greater egg mass increases hatching probability, chick survival, hatching interval, and mass and size at hatching. We found that the relative investment in first and second eggs decreased as the season advanced: second eggs were slightly (1.5%) heavier than first eggs in early clutches; by contrast, first eggs were 2% heavier than second eggs in late clutches. Accordingly, hatching probability increased with laying date for first eggs and decreased for second eggs. The mass of the egg increased hatching probability, and no effect on chick survival was detected. Laying interval increased after a heavier egg was laid, and heavier eggs produced heavier hatchlings. Hatching intervals were positively related to laying intervals, but egg mass was unrelated to the length of the incubation period and the hatching interval. Our results suggest that egg mass influences embryo survival and that Blue-footed Booby females may adaptively allocate resources to eggs of different laying order according to breeding conditions. Variación del Peso de los Huevos y Secuencia de Postura en un Ave con Reducción Facultativa de la Nidada
Metabolic Modelling as a Framework for Metabolomics Data Integration and Analysis

Metabolic networks are regulated to ensure the dynamic adaptation of biochemical reaction fluxes to maintain cell homeostasis and optimal metabolic fitness in response to endogenous and exogenous perturbations. To this end, metabolism is tightly controlled by dynamic and intricate regulatory mechanisms involving allostery, enzyme abundance and post-translational modifications. The study of the molecular entities involved in these complex mechanisms has been boosted by the advent of high-throughput technologies. The so-called omics enable the quantification of the different molecular entities at different system layers, connecting the genotype with the phenotype. Therefore, the study of the overall behavior of a metabolic network and the omics data integration and analysis must be approached from a holistic perspective. Due to the close relationship between metabolism and cellular phenotype, metabolic modelling has emerged as a valuable tool to decipher the underlying mechanisms governing cell phenotype. Constraint-based modelling and kinetic modelling are among the most widely used methods to study cell metabolism at different scales, ranging from cells to tissues and organisms. These approaches enable integrating metabolomic data, among others, to enhance model predictive capabilities. In this review, we describe the current state of the art in metabolic modelling and discuss future perspectives and current challenges in the field.
Funnel plots of patient‐reported outcomes to evaluate health‐care quality: Basic principles, pitfalls and considerations

A funnel plot is a graphical method to evaluate health‐care quality by comparing hospital performances on certain outcomes. So far, in nephrology, this method has been applied to clinical outcomes like mortality and complications. However, patient‐reported outcomes (PROs; eg, health‐related quality of life [HRQOL]) are becoming increasingly important and should be incorporated into this quality assessment. Using funnel plots has several advantages, including clearly visualized precision, detection of volume‐effects, discouragement of ranking hospitals and easy interpretation of results. However, without sufficient knowledge of underlying methods, it is easy to stumble into pitfalls, such as overinterpretation of standardized scores, incorrect direct comparisons of hospitals and assuming a hospital to be in‐control (ie, to perform as expected) based on underpowered comparisons. Furthermore, application of funnel plots to PROs is accompanied by additional challenges related to the multidimensional nature of PROs and difficulties with measuring PROs. Before using funnel plots for PROs, high and consistent response rates, adequate case mix correction and high‐quality PRO measures are required. In this article, we aim to provide insight into the use and interpretation of funnel plots by presenting an overview of the basic principles, pitfalls and considerations when applied to PROs, using examples from Dutch routine dialysis care.
A 1 V 92 dB SNDR 10 kHz Bandwidth Second-Order Asynchronous Delta-Sigma Modulator for Biomedical Signal Processing

In this paper, a second-order asynchronous delta-sigma modulator (ADSM) is proposed based on the active-RCintegrators. The ADSM is implemented in the 0.18 μm CMOS Logic or Mixed-Signal/RF, General Purpose process from the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company with a center frequency of 848 kHz at a supply voltage of 1 V with a 92 dB peak signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SNDR), which corresponds to 15 bit resolution. These parameters were achieved in all the endogenous bioelectric signals bandwidth of 10 kHz. The ADSM dissipated 295 μW and had an area of 0.54 mm2. The proposed ADSM with a high resolution, wide bandwidth, and rail-to-rail input voltage range provides the universal solution for endogenous bioelectric signal processing.
Neoadjuvant Treatment Options in Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Due to the heterogeneity of soft tissue sarcomas (STS), the choice of the proper perioperative treatment regimen is challenging. Neoadjuvant therapy has attracted increasing attention due to several advantages, particularly in patients with locally advanced disease. The number of available neoadjuvant modalities is growing continuously. We may consider radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiosensitizers, hyperthermia, and their combinations. This review discusses possible neoadjuvant treatment options in STS with an emphasis on available evidence, indications for each treatment type, and related risks. Finally, we summarize current recommendations of the STS neoadjuvant therapy response assessment.