Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Binding of the recombinant proteinase inhibitor eglin c from leech Hirudo medicinalis to human leukocyte elastase, bovine alpha-chymotrypsin and subtilisin Carlsberg: thermodynamic study.

The effect of pH and temperature on the apparent association equilibrium constant (Ka) for the binding of the recombinant proteinase inhibitor eglin c from leech Hirudo medicinalis to human leukocyte elastase (EC 3.4.21.37), bovine alpha-chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.21.1) and subtilisin Carlsberg (EC 3.4.21.14) has been investigated. On lowering the pH from 9.5 to 4.5, values of Ka for eglin c binding to the serine proteinases considered decrease thus reflecting the acid-pK shift of the invariant histidyl catalytic residue (His57 in human leukocyte elastase and bovine alpha-chymotrypsin, and His64 in subtilisin Carlsberg) from congruent to 6.9, in the free enzymes, to congruent to 5.1, in the enzyme:inhibitor adducts. At pH 8.0, values of the apparent thermodynamic parameters for eglin c binding are: human leukocyte elastase - Ka = 1.0 x 10(10) M-1, delta G phi = -13.4 kcal/mol, delta H phi = +1.8 kcal/mol, and delta S phi = +52 entropy units; bovine alpha-chymotrypsin -Ka = 5.0 x 10(9) M-1, delta G phi = -13.0 kcal/mol, delta H phi = +2.0 kcal/mol, and delta S phi = +51 entropy units; and subtilisin Carlsberg - Ka = 6.6 x 10(9) M-1, delta G phi = -13.1 kcal/mol, delta H phi = +2.0 kcal/mol, and delta S phi = +51 entropy units (values of Ka, delta G phi and delta S phi were obtained at 21 degrees C; values of delta H phi were temperature independent over the range explored, i.e. between 10 degrees C and 40 degrees C; 1 kcal = 4184J). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Combining factors on protein and gene level to predict radioresponse in head and neck cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND Radiotherapy is the main therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); however, treatment resistance and local recurrence are significant problems, highlighting the need for predictive markers. In this study, we evaluated selected proteins, mutations, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involved in apoptosis, cell proliferation, and DNA repair alone or combined as predictive markers for radioresponse in 42 HNSCC cell lines. METHODS The expression of epidermal growth factor receptor, survivin, Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L) , cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and heat shock protein 70 was analyzed by ELISA. Furthermore, mutations and SNPs in the p53 gene as well as SNPs in the MDM2, XRCC1, and XRCC3 genes were analyzed for their relation to radioresponse. To enable the evaluation of the predictive value of several factors combined, each cell line was allocated points based on the number of negative points (NNP) system, and the NNP sum was correlated with radioresponse. RESULTS Survivin was the only factor that alone was significantly correlated with the intrinsic radiosensitivity (IR; r = 0.36, P = 0.02). The combination of survivin, Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L) , COX-2, and the p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism was found to most strongly correlate with radioresponse (r = 0.553, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION These data indicate that the IR of 42 HNSCC cell lines can be predicted by a panel of factors on both the protein and gene levels. Moreover, among the investigated factors, survivin was the most promising biomarker of radioresponse.
Stereoselectivity of mucorales lipases toward triradylglycerols—A simple solution to a complex problem

The lipases from Rhizopus and Rhizomucor are members of the family of Mucorales lipases. Although they display high sequence homology, their stereoselectivity toward triradylglycerols (sn‐2 substituted triacylglycerols) varies. Four different triradylglycerols were investigated, which were classified into two groups: flexible substrates with rotatable O'‐C1′ ether or ester bonds adjacent to C2 of glycerol and rigid substrates with a rigid N′‐C1′ amide bond or a phenyl ring in sn‐2. Although Rhizopus lipase shows opposite stereopreference for flexible and rigid substrates (hydrolysis in sn‐1 and sn‐3, respectively), Rhizomucor lipase hydrolyzes both groups of triradylglycerols preferably in sn‐1. To explain these experimental observations, computer‐aided molecular modeling was applied to study the molecular basis of stereoselectivity. A generalized model for both lipases of the Mucorales family highlights the residues mediating stereoselectivity: (1) L258, the C‐terminal neighbor of the catalytic histidine, and (2) G266, which is located in a loop contacting the glycerol backbone of a bound substrate. Interactions with triradylglycerol substrates are dominated by van der Waals contacts. Stereoselectivity can be predicted by analyzing the value of a single substrate torsion angle that discriminates between sn‐1 and sn‐3 stereopreference for all substrates and lipases investigated here. This simple model can be easily applied in enzyme and substrate engineering to predict Mucorales lipase variants and synthetic substrates with desired stereoselectivity.
A Soluble Form of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2) with S252W Mutation Acts as an Efficient Inhibitor for the Enhanced Osteoblastic Differentiation Caused by FGFR2 Activation in Apert Syndrome*

Apert syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by craniosynostosis and bony syndactyly associated with point mutations (S252W and P253R) in the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 2 that cause FGFR2 activation. Here we investigated the role of the S252W mutation of FGFR2 on osteoblastic differentiation. Osteoblastic cells derived from digital bone in two Apert patients with the S252W mutation showed more prominent alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin and osteopontin mRNA expression, and mineralized nodule formation compared with the control osteoblastic cells derived from two independent non-syndromic polydactyly patients. Stable clones of the human MG63 osteosarcoma cells (MG63-Ap and MG63-IIIc) overexpressing a splice variant form of FGFR2 with or without the S252W mutation (FGFR2IIIcS252W and FGFR2IIIc) showed a higher RUNX2 mRNA expression than parental MG63 cells. Furthermore MG63-Ap exhibited a higher osteopontin mRNA expression than did MG63-IIIc. The enhanced osteoblastic marker gene expression and mineralized nodule formation of the MG63-Ap was inhibited by the conditioned medium from the COS-1 cells overexpressing the soluble FGFR2IIIcS252W. Furthermore the FGF2-induced osteogenic response in the mouse calvarial organ culture system was blocked by the soluble FGFR2IIIcS252W. These results show that the S252W mutation in the FGFR2 gene enhances the osteoblast phenotype in human osteoblasts and that a soluble FGFR2 with the S252W mutation controls osteoblast differentiation induced by the S252W mutation through a dominant negative effect on FGFR2 signaling in Apert syndrome.
Accuracy of EM Simulation Tools in Modeling of Resonant Left-Handed Microstrip Lines

Split ring resonators and complementary split ring resonators are used in left-handed media to obtain negative values of permeability and permittivity, respectively. A typical resonant left-handed (LH) microstrip line, composed of complementary split ring resonators (CSSR) and capacitive gaps in the microstrip, exhibits a pass-band behavior. However, a significant shift between the measured and simulated values of the central frequency of the pass-band always occurs. In this paper, three widely used full-wave simulation tools: Ansoft's high frequency structure simulator, EMSight in Microwave Office, and IE3D from Zeland Software Inc., are compared for the case of resonant LH transmission lines. The simulation results are compared with the measured data.
Differential accumulation of transcripts for four tomato 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase homologs under various conditions.

Degenerate oligonucleotide primers corresponding to conserved regions flanking the active-site domain of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase (EC 4.4.1.14) were used for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify DNA fragments from mRNA isolated from tomato fruit and tomato suspension cell culture. Antibodies raised against two conserved peptide sequences (TNPSNPLGTT and SLSKDLGLPGFRVG) were used to screen for positive colonies, after the PCR products were cloned into a Bluescript plasmid and expressed in Escherichia coli. Four distinct cDNA fragments encoding ACC synthase homologs were isolated. While pBTAS1 and pBTAS4 were obtained from fruit mRNA, cell culture mRNA yielded three sequences, pBTAS1, pBTAS2, and pBTAS3. Sequencing of these gene fragments revealed that pBTAS1 and pBTAS4 were identical to those full-length sequences previously reported by Van Der Straeten et al. [Van Der Straeten, D. , Van Wiemeersch, L. , Goodman, H. & Van Montague, M. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87, 4859-4863] and Olson et al. [Olson, D. C. , White, J. A. , Edelman, J., Harkin, R. N. & Kende, H. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88, 5340-5344] from tomato fruit, whereas pBTAS2 and pBTAS3 represent new sequences. Ribonuclease protection assays were used to examine the expression of these transcripts under three different conditions of enhanced ethylene production--namely, during fruit ripening, in response to mechanical wounding in fruit tissue, and auxin stimulation in vegetative tissue. Transcripts of pBTAS1 accumulated massively during ripening and wounding but only slightly in response to auxin treatment. Although pBTAS4 was associated with fruit ripening, it was unresponsive to auxin treatment in vegetative tissue. In contrast, the expression of pBTAS2 and pBTAS3 was greatly promoted in auxin-treated vegetative tissue but was absent from fruit tissue. While the expression of pBTAS2 was moderately dependent on wounding, pBTAS3 was unresponsive to wounding. These data support the view that ACC synthase is encoded by a multigene family and that the members are differentially expressed in response to developmental, environmental, and hormonal factors.
Neuropsychological, physical, and functional mobility measures associated with falls in cognitively impaired older adults.

BACKGROUND Older people with cognitive impairment have an elevated fall risk, with 60% falling annually. There is a lack of evidence for fall prevention in this population, in part due to limited understanding of risk factors. This study examined fall risk in older people with cognitive impairment with an emphasis on identifying explanatory and modifiable risk factors. METHODS One hundred and seventy-seven community-dwelling older people with mild-moderate cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination 11-23/Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised <83) underwent neuropsychological, physical, and functional assessments. Falls were recorded prospectively for 12 months with the assistance of carers. RESULTS Of the 174 participants available to follow-up, 111 (64%) fell at least once and 71 (41%) at least twice. Higher fall rates were associated with slower reaction time, impaired balance (sway on floor and foam, semitandem, near-tandem, tandem stance), and reduced functional mobility (co-ordinated stability, timed up-and-go, steps needed to turn 180°, sit-to-stand, gait velocity). Higher fall rates were also associated with increased medication use (central nervous system, total number) and poorer performances in cognitive (Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised: visuospatial domain, cube drawing; Trail-Making Test) and psychological (Geriatric Depression Scale, Goldberg Anxiety Scale, Falls Efficacy Scale-International) tests. Multivariate analysis identified increased sway on foam, co-ordinated stability score, and depressive symptoms to be significantly and independently associated with falls while controlling for age, years of education, and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised score. CONCLUSIONS This study identified several risk factors of falls in older people with cognitive impairment, a number of which are potentially modifiable. Future research involving targeted interventions addressing medication use, balance, mood, and functional performance may prove useful for fall prevention in this population.
Hybrid Photovoltaic Systems with Accumulation—Support for Electric Vehicle Charging

The paper presents the concept of a hybrid power system with additional energy storage to support electric vehicles (EVs) charging stations. The aim is to verify the possibilities of mutual cooperation of individual elements of the system from the point of view of energy balances and to show possibilities of utilization of accumulation for these purposes using mathematical modeling. The description of the technical solution of the concept is described by a mathematical model in the Matlab Simulink programming environment. Individual elements of the assembled model are described in detail, together with the algorithm of the control logic of charging the supporting storage system. The resulting model was validated via an actual small-scale hybrid system (HS). Within the outputs of the mathematical model, two simulation scenarios are presented, with the aid of which the benefits of the concept presented were verified.
Human evolution: taxonomy and paleobiology

This review begins by setting out the context and the scope of human evolution. Several classes of evidence, morphological, molecular, and genetic, support a particularly close relationship between modern humans and the species within the genus Pan, the chimpanzee. Thus human evolution is the study of the lineage, or clade, comprising species more closely related to modern humans than to chimpanzees. Its stem species is the so‐called ‘common hominin ancestor’, and its only extant member is Homo sapiens. This clade contains all the species more closely‐related to modern humans than to any other living primate. Until recently, these species were all subsumed into a family, Hominidae, but this group is now more usually recognised as a tribe, the Hominini. The rest of the review sets out the formal nomenclature, history of discovery, and information about the characteristic morphology, and its behavioural implications, of the species presently included in the human clade. The taxa are considered within their assigned genera, beginning with the most primitive and finishing with Homo. Within genera, species are presented in order of geological age. The entries conclude with a list of the more important items of fossil evidence, and a summary of relevant taxonomic issues.
An Improved PSO Algorithm and Its Application to Structural Damage Detection

The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with inertial weight is improved by adopting the sigmoid function and applied to structural damage identification in frame structures in this paper. The theoretical background on the improved PSO (IPSO) algorithm is introduced, a suite of four famous benchmark functions are then employed for evaluation on the IPSO performance. Some comparative studies on single and multi-damage of a 2-story rigid frame structure have been carried out. The illustrated results show that the IPSO algorithm can significantly improve the performance of the conventional PSO algorithm. IPSO can locate and identify structural damage with higher accuracy.
An Additive Model for Relations between AQT Single-and Dual-Dimension Naming Speed

Color-form naming in A Quick Test of Cognitive Speed (AQT) is used to assess processing speed on three rapid automatic naming tasks, two of which measure single-dimension and the third of which measures dual-dimension naming speed. These tests have been used to identify changes in processing speed associated with normal aging. The present study evaluated whether a simple additive model could explain the normally expected relation between scores on measures of single- and dual-dimension naming speed. The AQT color (C), form (F), and color-form (CF) naming tests were administered individually to 270 adults (ages 18 to 70 yr.). Paired-sample t tests mean comparisons of C + F and CF naming times for the total group and for three age cohorts (ages 18 to 34, 35 to 54, and 55 to 70), each with 90 adults, indicated significant mean differences between these processing-speed measures for the total group and for the 18- to 34- and 35- to 54-year age cohorts. Thus, a simple additive model does not explain the relationship between single- and dual-dimension naming speed across ages. To provide a better description, an additive model with “overhead” (a measure of processing efficiency) was proposed and norm-referenced for using the AQT tests to assess normal and atypical ranges for dual-dimension processing efficiency (overhead). ANOVA with post hoc analysis (Scheffé) compared AQT C + F, CF, and overhead means across age cohorts. The results indicated significant mean differences for the CF and overhead measures, but not for the C + F measure. Normative ranges for typical overhead sizes were established for each age cohort. In clinical practice, an overhead larger than typical or normal for a given age would suggest executive dysfunction, involving attention, visual working memory, and set shifting.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-gut axis dysregulation in irritable bowel syndrome: plasma cytokines as a potential biomarker?

BACKGROUND & AIMS Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder with an etiology that has been linked to both psychological stress and infection. The primary aim of this study was to examine the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in patients with IBS and to relate such response to plasma cytokine profiles. METHODS A total of 151 subjects, 76 patients and 75 controls, were recruited. The patients with IBS were diagnosed according to Rome II criteria. Forty-nine patients and 48 matched controls had cytokine levels measured, and a subset of 21 patients and 21 controls also underwent a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test with plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol measured. The remaining 27 patients and 27 controls underwent a dexamethasone (1 mg) challenge. RESULTS Cortisol and the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 (together with its soluble receptor) and IL-8 were elevated in all IBS subgroups (diarrhea predominant, constipated, and alternators), although the elevation was most marked in the constipated subgroup. There was no alteration in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Following CRH infusion, an exaggerated release of both ACTH and cortisol was observed in patients with IBS. There was a significant correlation between the ACTH response (deltaACTH) and the IL-6 levels. A similar relationship existed between the deltaACTH/deltacortisol ratio and the IL-6 levels. Dexamethasone suppression of cortisol was similar in patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS IBS is characterized by an overactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and a proinflammatory cytokine increase.
No Synergistic Effect of Cotransplantation of MSC and Ex Vivo TPO-Expanded CD34(+) Cord Blood Cells on Platelet Recovery and Bone Marrow Engraftment in NOD SCID Mice.

After cord blood (CB) transplantation, early platelet recovery in immune-deficient mice is obtained by expansion of CB CD34+ cells with thrombopoietin (TPO) as single growth factor. Moreover, improvement of hematopoietic engraftment has been shown by cotransplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). We investigated whether a combination of both approaches would further enhance the outcome of CB transplantation in NOD SCID mice. NOD SCID mice were transplanted with either CB CD34+ cells, CD34+ cells with MSC, TPO-expanded CD34+ cells or TPO-expanded CD34+ cells with MSC. We analyzed human platelet recovery in the peripheral blood (PB) from day 4 after transplantation onward and human bone marrow (BM) engraftment at week 6. The different transplants were assessed in vitro for their migration capacity and expression of CXCR4. TPO expansion improved the early platelet recovery in the PB of the mice. Cotransplantation of MSC with CD34+ cells improved BM engraftment and platelet levels in the PB 6 weeks after .
3D approaches for non-volatile memory

The NAND flash market is continuously growing by the successive introduction of innovative devices and applications. To meet the market trend, 3-dimenstional (3D) non-volatile memories (NVMs) are expected to replace the planar one, especially for 10 nm-nodes and beyond. Therefore, the fundamentals and current status of the 3D NAND flash memory are reviewed and future directions are discussed.
Application of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation based on AHP in investment of emerging industries

Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, which is to integrate qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis together in decision-making, has been widely used in many fields. The focus of the model is how to determine the weights of evaluation factors. In this paper the weights of factors is determined based on AHP. And the model is applied to evaluate the investment projects of emerging industry segments, which is scientific and practical.
Spinal 2-Chloroprocaine: The Effect of Added Fentanyl

Chloroprocaine is being investigated as a possible replacement for spinal lidocaine. Adding fentanyl to lidocaine increases the quality of spinal anesthesia without prolongation of block. We report the characteristics of 2-chloroprocaine (2-CP) spinal anesthesia with or without fentanyl in 8 volunteers receiving 40 mg 2-CP with saline or 20 &mgr;g fentanyl in a double-blinded, randomized, crossover manner. Spinal anesthesia was successful for all subjects with complete block regression, ambulation, and void by 110 min. Itching occurred in all subjects receiving fentanyl, though medication was not required. No subject reported signs of transient neurological symptoms. Peak block with fentanyl averaged T5 (T3–7) and without fentanyl T9 (L1–T4) (P = 0.005). Regression to L1 was 78 ± 7 min with fentanyl and 53 ± 19 min without fentanyl (P = 0.02). Tourniquet was tolerated for 51 ± 8 min with fentanyl and for 34 ± 14 min without fentanyl (P = 0.02). Complete regression of block occurred at 104 ± 7 min with fentanyl and by 95 ± 9 min without fentanyl (P = 0.02). We conclude that 2-CP spinal anesthesia provides rapid onset and adequate potency, giving it a positive profile for ambulatory surgery. The addition of fentanyl lengthens regression to L1 and tourniquet tolerance while minimally lengthening block duration.
Radiolabeling of new generation magnetic poly(HEMA-MAPA) nanoparticles with (131) I and preliminary investigation of its radiopharmaceutical potential using albino Wistar rats.

In this study, N-methacryloyl-l-phenylalanine (MAPA) containing poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (HEMA)-based magnetic poly(HEMA-MAPA) nanobeads [mag-poly(HEMA-MAPA)] were radiolabeled with (131) I [(131) I-mag-poly(HEMA-MAPA)], and the radiopharmaceutical potential of (131) I-mag-poly(HEMA-MAPA) was investigated. Quality control studies were carried out by radiochromatographic method to be sure that (131) I binded to mag-poly(HEMA-MAPA) efficiently. In this sense, binding yield of (131) I-mag-poly(HEMA-MAPA) was found to be about 95-100%. In addition to this, optimum radiodination conditions for (131) I-mag-poly(HEMA-MAPA) were determined by thin-layer radiochromatography studies. In addition to thin-layer radiochromatography studies, lipophilicity (partition coefficient) and stability studies for (131) I-mag-poly(HEMA-MAPA) were realized. It was determined that lipophilicities of mag-poly(HEMA-MAPA) and (131) I-mag-poly(HEMA-MAPA) were 0.12 ± 0.01 and 1.79 ± 0.76 according to ACD/logP algorithm program, respectively. Stability of the radiolabeled compound was investigated in time intervals given as 0, 30, 60, 180, and 1440 min. It was found that (131) I-mag-poly(HEMA-MAPA) existed as a stable complex in rat serum within 60 min. After that, biodistribution and scintigraphy studies were carried out by using albino Wistar rats. It was determined that the most important (131) I activity uptake was observed in the breast, the ovary, and the pancreas. Scintigraphy studies well supported biodistribution results.