Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Replicative Helicases as the Central Organizing Motor Proteins in the Molecular Machines of the Elongating Eukaryotic Replication Fork

Major processes in the cell often involve the coordinated and efficient assembly of macro‐ molecular complexes; such examples include: RNA transcription, DNA replication, trans‐ lation, and cellular motion. These processes can be likened to miniature forms of machines, so-called “molecular machines” with multiple components and motors at their heart driving the systems. This term has been used by several researchers, which equate many of life’s inner workings as homologous to machines; albeit much more efficient than their macro-type counterparts [104]. In 1998, Bruce Alberts wrote an elegant article for Cell noting the inherent beauty of molecular biology’s machines, praising them and stating that as with all machines these macromolecular complexes must in turn contain an assortment of moving parts that act in a highly coordinated fashion with each other [1]. One such studied process is DNA replication, which has been extensively studied since the discovery of the DNA double helix. Due to the biological necessity for duplica‐ tion of the genetic material, and the intricate link between the faithful replication of the genomic blueprint and its mismanagement leading to cancer, it is difficult to envision a process more important to human health than the study of DNA replication. The motor that drives the molecular machine that is DNA replication is the replicative DNA heli‐ case. Replicative DNA helicases are well known as the motors that drive DNA replication forks along the DNA strands. But in more recent years it is becoming evident that repli‐ cative helicases also coordinate the necessary associations and dissociations of the various DNA replication complexes that need to act at the elongating replication fork. Here we
Lack of association between the CYP1A1 Ile462Val polymorphism and endometrial cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE Any association between the CYP1A1 Ile462Val polymorphism and endometrial cancer risk remains inconclusive. For a more precise estimate, we performed the present meta-analysis. METHODS PUBMED, OVID and EMBASE were searched for the studies which met inclusion criteria. Data in all eligible studies were evaluated and extracted by two authors independently. The meta-analysis estimated pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for endometrial cancer risk attributable to the CYP1A1 Ile462Val polymorphism. RESULTS A total of 7 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated no association between endometrial cancer risk and the CYP1A1 Ile462Val polymorphism (for Val vs Ile allele model [OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.73-1.62]; for Val.Val vs Ile.Ile genotype model [OR 1.54, 95% CI 0.56-4.23]; for (Ile.Val + Val.Val) vs Ile.Ile genotype model [OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.71-1.63]; for Val.Val vs (Ile.Ile + Ile.Val) genotype model [OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.53-4.04]). CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis suggests that there is no association between endometrial cancer risk and the CYP1A1 Ile462Val polymorphism.
Specific modulation of motor unit discharge for a similar change in fascicle length during shortening and lengthening contractions in humans

This study examines the effect of a change in fascicle length on motor unit recruitment and discharge rate in the human tibialis anterior during shortening and lengthening contractions that involved a similar change in torque. The dorsiflexor torque and the surface and intramuscular electromyograms (EMGs) from the tibialis anterior were recorded in eight subjects. The behaviour of the same motor unit (n= 63) was compared during submaximal shortening and lengthening contractions performed at a constant velocity (10 deg s−1) with the dorsiflexor muscles over a 20 deg range of motion around the ankle neutral position. Muscle fascicle length was measured non‐invasively using ultrasonography. Motor units that were active during a shortening contraction were always active during the subsequent lengthening contraction. Furthermore, additional motor units (n= 18) of higher force threshold that were recruited during the shortening contraction to maintain the required torque were derecruited first during the following lengthening contraction. Although the change in fascicle length was linear (r2 > 0.99), and similar for both shortening and lengthening contractions, modulation of discharge rate differed during the two contractions. Compared with an initial isometric contraction at short (11.9 ± 2.4 Hz) or long (11.7 ± 2.2 Hz) muscle length, discharge rate increased only slightly and stayed nearly constant throughout the lengthening contraction (12.6 ± 2.0 Hz; P < 0.05) whereas it augmented progressively and more substantially during the shortening contraction, reaching 14.5 ± 2.5 Hz (P < 0.001) at the end of the movement. In conclusion, these observations indicate a clear difference in motor unit discharge rate modulation with no change in their recruitment order between shortening and lengthening contractions when performed with a similar change in muscle fascicle length and torque.
mRNA and protein localization of the IGF system during mouse embryonic development in areas with apoptosis.

We analysed mRNA and protein localization of the IGF system components in regions with apoptosis during mouse development between 9.5 and 13.5 days post coitum. A spatio-temporal relationship between these expression patterns and the onset of apoptosis in specific areas was sought. The IGFBP mRNA and protein expression patterns were tissue-specific. In most tissues, mRNA expression patterns colocalized with protein localization. Discrepancies between mRNA and protein detection were found in, for example, lens, neural layer of the retina, whiskers and somites. Localization of the IGFs, the type I IGF receptor and IGFBP-2 correlated well with cell death regions. When these genes were expressed no apoptosis occurred and vice versa. Correlation of IGFBP-3, -4 and -5 with apoptosis regions was noticed only at 13.5 days post coitum. In eye muscles, whiskers and somites, the expression of IGF system components preceded the occurrence of apoptotic cells. When IGF-I expression ceased, apoptosis occurred in these areas. In conclusion, our results suggest that IGF-I, the type I IGF receptor and IGFBP-2 inhibit apoptosis. In contrast, IGFBP-3, -4 and -5 may stimulate apoptosis by trapping the IGFs. Tissue-specific modulation of IGF protective action against apoptosis by the different IGFBPs during mouse embryonal development may contribute to organ specific morphology.
Facilitate Complex Search Tasks in Hypertext by Externalizing Functional Properties of a Work Domain

The premise of this study was that practical problem solving within a complex work domain (ergonomic design and integration of computer workstations) could be enhanced by a hypertext representation of that work domain. Two alternative hypertext representations were developed. The first consisted of an ecological interface design based on the means-end abstraction hierarchy (AH) approach (Vicente & Rasmussen, 1992). In this design, the goal-relevant constraints and functional relations within the domain were explicitly represented on the interface. The second hypertext interface was based on a more traditional classification hierarchy (CH) in which supraordinate categories were broken down into their components (part-whole relation). The relative effectiveness of the 2 approaches was compared using an experimental procedure in which participants solved ergonomic problems of increasing complexity. The results supported the following research hypotheses: (a) When performing a complex or problem-solving task,.
CC11: a Monoclonal Antibody Specific for Interleukin 3‐Sensitive Mouse Cells Defines Two Major Populations of B Cell Precursors in the Bone Marrow

B lymphocytes from mice have been classified into subsets that differ with respect to phenotype, tissue distribution and functional responsiveness to a variety of so-called T-independent and T-dependent antigens or mitogens (Gronowicz & Coutinho 1974. Hardy et al. 1984, and reviewed in Moller 1982. 1983). The lineage relationships of these B cell subsets are not understood. Two major models can be considered with regard to the lineage distinctions among B lymphocytes. According to the singte-lineage mode! , a B cell precursor proceeds through several progressive stages of differentiation and maturation and finally gives rise to antibody-secreting plasma cells. A branched-Iineage model states that a precursor population divides into two (or more) branches that have distinct phenotypes and functionally distinct response properties. Support for this model comes from studies showing that the B cells responding to certain types of antigens or mitogens are distinguishable (Grenowicz & Coutinho 1975, Playfair & Purves 1977). Support for the existence of multiple B cell lineages came also from studies of mice with various genetic defects. Work carried out with CBA/N xid-defective mice, whose B cells fail to respond to certain antigens (called type 2), suggested that these mice lack a subset of B cells that normally express the Lyb3-Lyb5 cell surface markers (reviewed in Scher 1982). However, recent studies showed that xid-defective mice generate B lymphocytes with abnormal properties. , rather than having deletion of a normal B cell lineage (Sprent & Bruce 1984a, 1984b), that these mice do have Lyb5' cells (Eldridge et
Detection of feline parvovirus in dying pedigree kittens

Feline parvovirus (FPV) was detected in the intestinal tract contents of 13 pedigree kittens which were fading or died suddenly by the use of a new chromatographic test strip for canine parvovirus (cpv) and FPV. The test appeared to be sensitive and specific for the detection of FPV and was a useful diagnostic aid. In three cases in which virus was grown in cell culture, the isolates were characteristic of FPV and not cpv. Cats in the households in which the kittens were reared were regularly immunised with FPv vaccines. The most likely explanation for the occurrence of FPv-associated disease was exposure of the young kittens to large doses of virus contaminating the environment.
Environmental factors influencing the rate of hydrocarbon oxidation in temperate lakes

Rates of hydrocarbon biodegradation were estimated by following oxygen uptake during mineral oil oxidation or oxidation of [1-14C]hexadecane to 14CO2, when these substrates were added to natural water samples from Wisconsin lakes. A lag phase preceded hydrocarbon oxidation, the length of which depended on population density or on factors influencing growth rate and on the presence of nonhydrocarbon organic compounds. Hydrocarbon oxidation was coincident with growth and presumably represented the development of indigenous hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms in response to hydrocarbon additions. In detailed studies in Lake Mendota, it was found that, despite the continued presence of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms in water samples, seasonal variations in the rates of mineral oil and hexadecane oxidation occurred which correlated with seasonal changes in temperature and dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus. The temperature optimum for oil biodegradation remained at 20 to 25 C throughout the year, so that temperature was the main limiting factor during winter, spring, and fall. During summer, when temperatures were optimal, nutrient deficiencies limited oil biodegradation, and higher rates could be obtained by addition of nitrogen and phosphorus. The rates of hydrocarbon biodegradation were thus high only for about 1 month of the ice-free period, when temperature and nutrient supply were optimal. Nutrient limitation of oil biodegradation was also demonstrated in 25 nutrient-poor lakes of northern Wisconsin, although in almost every case oil-degrading bacteria were detected. Knowledge of temperature and nutrient limitations thus will help in predicting the fate of hydrocarbon pollutants in freshwater.
Proanthocyanidins-Loaded Nanoparticles Enhance Dentin Degradation Resistance

Previous studies reported that grapeseed extract (GSE), which is rich in proanthocyanidins (PAs), improves the biodegradation resistance of demineralized dentin. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a new GSE delivery strategy to demineralized dentin through loading into biodegradable polymer poly-[lactic-co-glycolic acid] (PLGA) nanoparticles on the biodegradation resistance in terms of structural stability and surface/bulk mechanical and biochemical properties with storage time in collagenase-containing solutions. GSE-loaded nanoparticles were synthetized by nanoprecipitation at PLGA/GSE (w/w) ratios of 100:75, 100:50, and 100:25 and characterized for their morphological/structural features, physicochemical characteristics, and drug loading, entrapment, and release. Nanoparticle suspensions in distilled water (12.5% w/v) were applied (1 min) to demineralized dentin specimens by simulating pulpal pressure. The nanoparticle delivery was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the GSE release from the delivered nanoparticles was further characterized. The variations in surface and bulk mechanical properties were characterized in terms of reduced elastic-modulus, hardness, nanoindentation testing, and apparent elastic-modulus with a storage time up to 3 mo. Hydroxyproline release with exposure to collagenase up to 7 d was estimated. An etch-and-rinse dentin adhesive was applied to investigate the morphology of the resin-dentin interface after nanoparticle delivery. Treatment with the GSE-loaded nanoparticles enhanced the collagen fibril structural resistance, reflected from the TEM investigation, and improved the biomechanical and biochemical stability of demineralized dentin. Nanoparticles having PLGA/GSE of 100:75 (w/w) showed the highest cumulative GSE release and were associated with the best improvement in biodegradation resistance. TEM/SEM showed the ability of the nanoparticles to infiltrate dentinal tubules’ main and lateral branches. SEM revealed the formation of a uniform hybrid layer and well-formed resin tags with the presence of numerous nanoparticles located within the dentinal tubules and/or attached to the resin tag. This study demonstrated the potential significance of delivering collagen crosslinkers loaded into biodegradable polymer nanoparticles through the dentinal tubules of demineralized dentin on the biodegradation resistance.
DNA methylation in insects

Cytosine DNA methylation has been demonstrated in numerous eukaryotic organisms and has been shown to play an important role in human disease. The function of DNA methylation has been studied extensively in vertebrates, but establishing its primary role has proved difficult and controversial. Analysing methylation in insects has indicated an apparent functional diversity that seems to argue against a strict functional conservation. To investigate this hypothesis, we here assess the data reported in four different insect species in which DNA methylation has been analysed more thoroughly: the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, the cabbage moth Mamestra brassicae, the peach‐potato aphid Myzus persicae and the mealybug Planococcus citri.
Harvesting solar energy for limited-energy problem in wireless sensor networks

The major problem in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is the limited-energy source, typically small batteries, employed by sensors. In order to prolong the lifetime of the WSNs, a lot of approaches have taken the limited-energy problem as a primarily design criterion. However, inevitable energy depletion will eventually disturb the operation of the WSNs. Recent studies have shown that renewable energy sources would potentially provide an infinite energy source for powering WSNs. Solar energy is the most effective energy source for WSNs as it has the largest power intensity. Therefore, each sensor which requires a small amount of energy for efficient operation can harvest sufficient energy from solar. In this study, a platform is designed in order to allow sensors to exploit solar energy. The performance of the sensors in terms of the lifetime is practically studied. The results demonstrate that sensors can also survive when there is no energy available through storing energy in a super-capacitor. IRIS nodes are used in experiments as they are very popular in WSNs domain.
Sulphonamide-resistant meningococci after sulphonamide prophylaxis among vaval recruits in Norway.

AbstractIn February 1969, 2 cases of meningitis in a naval training centre in Norway were caused by sulphonamide-resistant meningococci group A and B, respectively. According to instructions, sulphonamide prophylaxis was given at once. Two groups of recruits, platoon I, consisting of 62 men, and platoon II, which comprised 61 men including the two patients, were treated with a total dose of 2 and 18 g of sulphonamides per man, respectively. Pharyngeal cultures were taken 4–10 days after completion of the prophylaxis. Among the recruits in platoon I, 45.2% were carriers of meningococci, and 78.6% of the isolated strains were found to be sulphonamide-resistant. In platoon II the carrier rate was 54.2%, and no strain sensitive to sulphonamides was found. Group Y was the most frequent serogroup among the sensitive strains, while groups A and B dominated amcng the resistant ones, accounting for 66.0 and 26.4%, respectively, of the total number of resistant strains. Also sulphonamide-resistant group Y and Z men.
Extinction on the High Seas

Biologist have long assumed that the oceans are just too vast--and their inhabitants too prolific and widespread--for humans to threaten many marine species with extinction. But the conventional wisdom about ocean extinctions is, itself, now under threat. A small but growing number of scientists say that widespread extinctions could soon take place.
Comparison of the amino acid sequences of nine different serotypes of hepatitis B surface antigen and genomic classification of the corresponding hepatitis B virus strains.

The surface (S) genes of 12 hepatitis B viruses (HBVs) encoding nine different serotypes of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. These represented the eight strains of HBV, P1 to P8, defined at an international workshop on HBsAg subtypes in Paris in 1975, and the adrq- subtype. The S genes from additional HBV strains, one ayw4, one adw4 and one ayw1, of sub-Saharan African origin, were also sequenced. The relationship of these 12 new S gene sequences to those of the 20 published previously was investigated by constructing a phylogenetic tree, which confirmed a previous classification into four groups, designated A to D, based on 18 complete HBV genomes. When relating our sequenced S genes to these genomic groups, ayw1 of African origin and P6 (adw2) were both allocated to group A, the reference P1 (ayw1 of Vietnamese origin) was allocated to group B, P5 (ayr), P8 (adr) and adrq- were all related to group C, and P2 (ayw2) and P3 (ayw3) could both be allocated to group D. Interestingly, the S genes of w4 serotype viruses, i.e. P4 (ayw4) and P7 (adw4q-), differed by 4% or more from both previous groups and from each other, suggesting their classification into two new groups, for which the designations E and F are proposed. Genomes specifying ayw were also found in groups A and B; previously sequenced genomes specifying the ayw subtype have all been confined to group D. There were indications that the epitope for subdeterminants of w resided at amino acid positions 125 to 127. Thus, at positions 125 and 127, ayw1, ayw2 and adw2 had T and P residues, respectively, whereas M and T residues were at the corresponding positions of ayw3. Both ayw4 and adw4 had L at residue 127, and all strains expressing r, apart from P5, had an I instead of a T residue at position 126.
The effects of substance P analogues on the scratching, biting and licking response induced by intrathecal injection of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate in mice

1 Intrathecal (i.t.) administration of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) elicited a dose‐dependent behavioural response consisting of licking, biting and scratching in mice. 2 Repeated i.t. injections of 0.4 nmol NMDA, at 5 min intervals, resulted in the rapid development of desensitization to this NMDA‐induced behavioural phenomenon. 3 The NMDA‐induced response was dose‐dependently inhibited by the simultaneous injection of a selective NMDA‐receptor antagonist, d‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid. 4 The substance P (SP) analogues [d‐Pro2, d‐Trp7,9] SP and [d‐Arg1, d‐Trp7,9, Leu11] SP (spantide) inhibited NMDA‐induced behavioural responses in a dose‐dependent manner. However, [d‐Phe7, d‐His9] SP (6–11), a SP analogue selective for neurokinin1 (NK1) receptors, failed to inhibit NMDA‐induced responses even at a dose of 4.0 nmol. 5 These results indicate that NMDA‐induced behavioural responses are mainly mediated through NMDA receptors without affecting NK1 receptors in the spinal cord.
Comparing folic acid pharmacokinetics among women of childbearing age: single dose ingestion of 1.1 versus 5 MG folic acid.

BACKGROUND A 2001 study suggested that supplementation with 5 mg folic acid, among women of childbearing age, is needed to render maximum protection against neural tube defects (NTD). No human study is presently available which examined the pharmacokinetics of 5 mg folic acid. OBJECTIVE To compare the pharmacokinetics of ingesting a single dose of 5 mg versus 1.1 mg folic acid contained in 2 prenatal multivitamins (PregVit and PregVit-Folic 5), and to estimate its contribution to steady-state folate levels. METHOD The pharmacokinetics of 1.1 mg folic acid was determined in a previously published study. The method was replicated among 6 healthy, non-pregnant women who were given 5 mg folic acid to ingest. Blood samples were drawn and serum folate concentrations were measured at various time points during 10 hours post-ingestion. Standard pharmacokinetic parameters were determined and compared with Student's t-test, when appropriate. RESULTS The mean area under the curve (AUC) of 1.1 mg and 5 mg folic acid were 147.6 +/- 52.8 (ng/mL) x hr and 997.5 +/- 271.9 (ng/mL) x hr, respectively (p<0.0002). An approximate 5-fold difference was detected in the peak concentrations (Cmax) between the 2 groups (p<0.0005), alongside a slight difference in the times to peak (Tmax) (p=0.02). The estimated steady-state serum folate concentrations produced by 1.1 mg and 5 mg folic acid were 6.2 +/- 2.2 ng/mL and 41.6 +/- 11.3 ng/mL, respectively (p<0.0002), prior to its summation with initial (baseline) steady-state levels. CONCLUSION Single dose administration between 1.1 mg and 5 mg folic acid demonstrated linear pharmacokinetics, with approximately a 5-fold difference between the 2 doses in serum folate contribution to steady-state levels, under ideal adherence.