Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical Association of Starch Biosynthetic Enzymes with Starch Granules of Maize Endosperm (Granule-Associated Forms of Starch Synthase I and Starch Branching Enzyme II)

Antibodies were used to probe the degree of association of starch biosynthetic enzymes with starch granules isolated from maize (Zea mays) endosperm. Graded washings of the starch granule, followed by release of polypeptides by gelatinization in 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate, enables distinction between strongly and loosely adherent proteins. Mild aqueous washing of granules resulted in near-complete solubilization of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, indicating that little, if any, ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase is granule associated. In contrast, all of the waxy protein plus significant levels of starch synthase I and starch branching enzyme II (BEII) remained granule associated. Stringent washings using protease and detergent demonstrated that the waxy protein, more than 85% total endosperm starch synthase I protein, and more than 45% of BEII protein were strongly associated with starch granules. Rates of polypeptide accumulation within starch granules remained constant during endosperm development. Soluble and granule-derived forms of BEII yielded identical peptide maps and overlapping tryptic fragments closely aligned with deduced amino acid sequences from BEII cDNA clones. These observations provide direct evidence that BEII exits as both soluble and granule-associated entities. We conclude that each of the known starch biosynthetic enzymes in maize endosperm exhibits a differential propensity to associate with, or to become irreversibly entrapped within, the starch granule.
macrophages: Role of membrane phosphatidylserine

We recently reported that oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL), but not acetyl LDL (AcLDL), inhibited the binding and phagocytosis of nonopsonized, oxidatively damaged red blood cells (OxRBCs) by mouse peritoneal macrophages, implying the involvement of a "scavenger receptor" other than the AcLDL receptor. Numerous studies establish that loss of plasma membrane phospholipid asymmetry, which increases phosphatidylserine expression on the outer leaflet of the membrane, can play a key role in macrophage recognition of damaged and apoptotic cells. We report here that this recognition is in part attributable to the same mouse macrophage receptor that recognizes OxLDL. As described in an accompanying paper, this is a plasma membrane protein of 94-97 kDa. Phosphatidylserine liposomes show strong ligand binding to the same 94to 97-kDa protein and this binding is inhibited by OxLDL but not by AcLDL. Inhibition of the RBC membrane phospholipid translocase by incubation with sodium vanadate caused a progressive increase in the appearance of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface and a parallel increase in the binding of these RBCs to macrophages, binding that was inhibited by OxLDL. Finally, OxLDL also inhibited the binding of sickled RBCs and apoptotic thymocytes to mouse macrophages. However, the latter was incomplete ('509o), suggesting that other receptors are also involved. We suggest that the OxLDL receptor plays a significant role in recognition of damaged and apoptotic
Pharmacotherapy of post-transplant viral infections.

BACKGROUND Management of a number of significant viral pathogens in transplant recipients remains challenging. OBJECTIVES To define an optimal antiviral approach to the management of cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6), Epstein-Barr (EBV)-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), and polyoma virus-associated nephropathy in transplant recipients. METHODS Clinical trials and existing data regarding use of antiviral agents for these viruses were reviewed to develop evidence-based recommendations for their management. CONCLUSIONS Weighing the current evidence regarding the use of valganciclovir as pre-emptive therapy or prophylaxis, the former approach offers a greater benefit for the overall prevention of CMV disease. Limited data show that prophylaxis with antiviral agents is associated with a reduction in the risk of EBV-associated PTLD. Treatment options for HHV-6 and polyoma virus-associated nephropathy are still limited.
Portable Preimpact Fall Detector With Inertial Sensors

Falls and the resulting hip fractures in the elderly are a major health and economic problem. The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a portable preimpact fall detector in detecting impending falls before the body impacts on the ground. It was hypothesized that a single sensor with the appropriate kinematics measurements and detection algorithms, located near the body center of gravity, would be able to distinguish an in-progress and unrecoverable fall from nonfalling activities. The apparatus was tested in an array of daily nonfall activities of young (n = 10) and elderly (n = 14) subjects, and simulated fall activities of young subjects. A threshold detection method was used with the magnitude of inertial frame vertical velocity as the main variable to separate the nonfall and fall activities. The algorithm was able to detect all fall events at least 70 ms before the impact. With the threshold adapted to each individual subject, all falls were detected successfully, and no false alarms occurred. This portable preimpact fall detection apparatus will lead to the development of a new generation inflatable hip pad for preventing fall-related hip fractures.
Angiotensin-(1-7) Formation in the Intact Human Heart: In Vivo Dependence on Angiotensin II as Substrate

Background—Several enzymes that hydrolyze angiotensin I (Ang I) and Ang II to Ang-(1-7) have been identified, but their relative importance in the intact human heart is not known. Methods and Results—Intracoronary (IC) 123I-Ang I was administered to 4 heart transplantation recipients. Arterial and coronary sinus (CS) samples were taken before and after coadministration of IC enalaprilat. 123I-Ang metabolites were separated by high-pressure liquid chromatography, and 123I-Ang-(1-7) and 123I-Ang II were quantified across the myocardial circulation. 123I-Ang II formation (as measured by fractional conversion) at steady state was 0.43±0.05 and was reduced to 0.042±0.02 after IC enalaprilat (P <0.01). The fractional conversion of 123I-Ang-(1-7) was 0.198±0.032 but was reduced to 0.06±0.01 during IC enalaprilat (P <0.01). Net Ang II production at steady state was 2720±704 pg/min. Ang-(1-7) production was 3489±768 pg/min. After IC enalaprilat, Ang II production fell to 436±66.8 pg/min (P <0.05 versus Ang II production). After suppression of Ang II production with enalaprilat, there was net uptake of Ang-(1-7): −289±144 pg/min (P <0.05). Conclusions—Ang-(1-7) was formed in the intact human myocardial circulation and was decreased when Ang II formation was suppressed. These data indicate that the major pathway for Ang-(1-7) generation in the intact human heart was dependent on substrate availability of Ang II. Ang-(1-7)–forming enzymes that demonstrate substrate preference for Ang II are likely to play an important role in the regulation of Ang-(1-7) formation in the intact human heart.
Round window membrane and labyrinthine pathological changes: an overview

The round window membrane is considered the most likely pathway from the middle to the inner ear. Various substances placed in the middle ear have been seen to pass through the round window membrane. Once toxic substances or inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and nitric oxide enter the inner ear, various inner ear sequelae such as labyrinthitis, endolymphatic hydrops, sensorineural hearing loss or more insidious diseases can occur.
Leadership Strategies For Successful Schoolwide Inclusion The Star Approach

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Clustering of mutations in the 5' tertile of the NF1 gene in Slovakia patients with optic pathway glioma.

Optic pathway gliomas (OPG) occur in 15% of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1; OMIM 162200). Genotype-phenotype correlations in patients with NF1 may help to determine the risk group for developing complications such as OPG in coincidence with other NF1.features. We evaluated 52 patients with NF1 (25 with OPG and 27 without OPG). All subjects underwent a clinical examination focused on neurofibromatosis type 1 and molecular diagnostics of NF1 gene using protocol based on RNA analysis confirming the diagnosis of NF1. In the group with OPG patients, there was a significantly higher incidence of freckling (P=0.017), neurofibromatosis bright objects (NBO) (P=0.0038), compared to the group without OPG. The differences between the groups with respect to Lisch nodules were on the borderline of statistical significance (P=0.088). The frequency of neurofibromas in the group with OPG was not significant (P=0.9). From all patients with the mutation localized in the first tertile of the NF1 gene majority (71%) had optic glioma compared to individuals who didn't have the OPG 29% (P=0.0049). Our results present the clustering of mutations in the 5'tertile of NF1 gene in patients with optic nerve glioma and suggest higher incidence of freckling and neurofibromatosis brain objects in these patients. Molecular analysis of NF1 gene is important part in complex management of NF1 patients and contributes to a better understanding of clinical picture of NF1 patients.
Comparison of Bioaugmentation and Biostimulation for the Enhancement of Dense Nonaqueous Phase Liquid Source Zone Bioremediation

Two 11.7‐m 3 experimental controlled release systems (ECRS), packed with sandy model aquifer material and amended with tetrachloroethene (PCE) dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source zone, were operated in parallel with identical flow regimes and electron donor amendments. Hydrogen Releasing Compound (Regenesis Bioremediation Products, Inc., San Clemente, California), and later dissolved lactate, served as electron donors to promote dechlorination. One ECRS was bioaugmented with an anaerobic dechlorinating consortium directly into the source zone, and the other served as a control (biostimulated only) to determine the benefits of bioaugmentation. The presence of halorespiring bacteria in the aquifer matrix before bioaugmentation, shown by nested polymerase chain reaction with phylogenetic primers, suggests that dechlorinating catabolic potential may be somewhat widespread. Results obtained corroborate that source zone reductive dechlorination of PCE is possible at near field scale and that a system bioaugmented with a competent halorespiring consortium can enhance DNAPL dissolution and dechlorination processes at significantly greater rates than in a system that is biostimulated only.
EVALUATION OF PLASMA SUBSTANCE P AND BETA-ENDORPHIN LEVELS IN CHILDREN WITH PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME.

BACKGROUND Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare obesity-related genetic disorder often caused by a deletion of the chromosome 15q11-q13 region inherited from the father or by maternal disomy 15. Growth hormone deficiency with short stature, hypogonadism, cognitive and behavioral problems, analgesia, decreased gastric motility and decreased ability to vomit with hyperphagia are common in PWS leading to severe obesity in early childhood, if not controlled. Substance P (SP) and beta-endorphin (BE) are neuropeptides involved with centrally and peripherally mediated pain perception, emotional regulation, and gastric motility impacting nausea, emesis and feeding patterns. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to investigate potential mechanisms for PWS symptom development for pain, emotion and gastric motility and plasma levels of substance P and beta-endorphin between PWS and unrelated unaffected children. METHODOLOGY Plasma samples were collected from 23 Caucasian children with PWS and 18 unrelated, unaffected siblings with an average age of 8.2 ±2.0 years and age range of 5 to 11 years following an overnight fast and neuropeptide substance p and beta-endorphin levels were assessed using Multiplex sandwich immunoassays using the Luminex magnetic-bead based platform. Linear regression analysis was carried out on log-transformed values adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS The mean plasma SP (57 ± 23 pg/ml) and BE (592 ± 200 pg/ml) levels in PWS were significantly higher than SP (35 ± 20 pg/ml, F=10.5, P<0.01) and BE (402 ± 162 pg/ml, F=10.8, P<0.01) levels found in unrelated, unaffected siblings suggesting a previously uncharacterized neuroendocrine pathophysiology in PWS. CONCLUSIONS The increased BE and SP plasma levels relative to unrelated, unaffected siblings may contribute to hyperphagia, abnormal pain sensation and adrenal insufficiency seen in PWS. Increases in SP levels may be modulated by central and/or peripheral actions of BE on opioid, GABA or POMC precursors and may reflect loss of feedback inhibitory control. Further studies are needed to confirm and elucidate the biochemical basis for observed disturbances in neuropeptide levels seen in our study and may impact on the development and persistence of symptoms commonly seen in PWS.
C-band 340-W and X-band 100-W GaN power amplifiers with over 50-% PAE

In this paper, we report a C-band power amplifier with over 340-W output power using 0.8-µm GaN-HEMTs and an X-band power amplifier with over 100-W output power using 0.25-µm GaN-HEMTs. We used two-chip configurations and the three-stage impedance transformers to extend the bandwidth for both circuits. The input and output lines adjacent to each chip are divided by four to suppress the non-uniform heat distribution in a chip at high frequencies. As a result, we obtained 343-W output power and 53-% power added efficiency (PAE) at 4.8 GHz. This is the highest output power ever reported C-band power amplifiers. We also obtained 101-W output power and 53-% PAE at 9.8 GHz. This is also the highest PAE ever reported X-band power amplifiers with over 50-W output power.
Blood glucose levels at 24 hours after trauma fails to predict outcomes.

BACKGROUND Blood glucose (BG) at admission correlates with lactate and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this correlation continues at 24 hours. METHODS We studied 335 trauma patients correlating Injury Severity Score (ISS), lactate, and outcome parameters to BG at admission and 24 hours. RESULTS There were 134 patients at admission and 68 patients at 24 hours who had a high blood glucose (HBG) (>150 mg/dL). Admission HBG group had higher ISS (25.3 +/- 13.6 vs. 19.8 +/- 11.4, p = 0.0002, analysis of covariance p < 0.0001), longer lengths of stays (in days) (ventilator: 2.0 +/- 4.4 high blood sugar [HBS] vs. 0.8 +/- 2.5 low blood sugar [LBS], p = 0.0034; intensive care unit: 7.7 +/- 10.1 HBS vs. 4.6 +/- 7.5 LBS, p = 0.0001; hospital: 14.7 +/- 13.8 HBS vs. 9.8 +/- 11.6 LBS, p < 0.0001) and a higher mortality rate (15.67% [21 of 134] HBS vs. 7.46% [15 of 201] LBS, p = 0.02) compared with the LBS group. A significant linear relationship existed between ISS and blood sugar (r = 0.06, p < 0.0001) and ISS and lactate (r = 0.05, p < 0.0001). The Pearson correlation identified that blood sugar and lactate trended together (r = 0.3, p < 0.0001). Twenty-four-hour HBG failed to correlate with worse outcomes. With lactate </=2.2 mmol/L at 24 hours (n = 287), there was no difference in mortality between the HBG and LBG groups (9.8% [5 of 51] HBS vs. 6.36% [15 of 236] LBS, p = 0.37). In the LBG group at 24 hours (n = 267), there was a significant difference in mortality with a lactate >2.2 mmol/L group (35.5% [11 of 31] vs. 6.36% [15 of 236], p = 0.00003). Using logistic regression, only lactate at 24 hours (odds ratio 1.79, 95% confidence interval 1.259-2.546) and ISS (odds ratio 1.1, 95% confidence interval 1.06-1.15) were independently predictive of death. CONCLUSIONS BG levels at 24 hours do not correlate with outcome, particularly if the patient is adequately resuscitated with a normal lactate.
Role for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Erns Glycoprotein in the Control of Activation of Beta Interferon by Double-Stranded RNA

ABSTRACT Production of alpha/beta interferon in response to viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) produced during viral replication is a first line of defense against viral infections. Here we demonstrate that the Erns glycoprotein of the pestivirus bovine viral diarrhea virus can act as an inhibitor of dsRNA-induced responses of cells. This effect is seen whether Erns is constitutively expressed in cells or exogenously added to the culture medium. The Erns effect is specific to dsRNA since activation of NF-κB in cells infected with Semliki Forest virus or treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha was not affected. We also show that Erns contains a dsRNA-binding activity, and its RNase is active against dsRNA at a low pH. Both the dsRNA binding and RNase activities are required for the inhibition of dsRNA signaling, and we discuss here a model to account for these observations.
Export Subsidy or Export Tariff?: A Game Analysis of Trade Policies and Timing Choices Based on Carbon Tariff

Based on the fact that a developing country and a developed country are different in both production cost and carbon emission intensity, if the developed country is about to carry out a carbon tariff policy, the developing country can decide whether to carry out trade policies, including export policy and export tariff policy, and when to implement that policy. The paper establishes three multi-staged game models individually, and applies the method of backward induction to make an analysis. It shows that the developing country may give priority to either export subsidy or export tariff policies if the developed country carries out a carbon tariff policy, which depends on the magnitude of marginal environmental damage, and differences in both production cost and carbon emission intensity. It also shows that the choice that the developing country does nothing is a second best choice if the marginal environmental damage is smaller, otherwise, the choice that the developing country levies export tariff when the developed country carries out carbon tariff would be a second best choice.
Focal hyperhidrosis: diagnosis and management

HYPERHIDROSIS, A CONDITION CHARACTERIZED by excessive sweating, can be generalized or focal. Generalized hyperhidrosis involves the entire body and is usually part of an underlying condition, most often an infectious, endocrine or neurologic disorder. Focal hyperhidrosis is idiopathic, occurring in otherwise healthy people. It affects 1 or more body areas, most often the palms, armpits, soles or face. Almost 3% of the general population, largely people aged between 25 and 64 years, experience hyperhidrosis. The condition carries a substantial psychological and social burden, since it interferes with daily activities. However, patients rarely seek a physician's help because many are unaware that they have a treatable medical disorder. Early detection and management of hyperhidrosis can significantly improve a patient's quality of life. There are various topical, systemic, surgical and nonsurgical treatments available with efficacy rates greater than 90%–95%.
Effect of PCMBS on CO2 permeability of Xenopus oocytes expressing aquaporin 1 or its C189S mutant.

A recent study on Xenopus oocytes [N. L. Nakhoul, M. F. Romero, B. A. Davis, and W. F. Boron. Am. J. Physiol. 274 (Cell Physiol. 43): C543-548, 1998] injected with carbonic anhydrase showed that expressing aquaporin 1 (AQP1) increases by approximately 40% the rate at which exposing the cell to CO2 causes intracellular pH to fall. This observation is consistent with several interpretations. Overexpressing AQP1 might increase apparent CO2 permeability by 1) allowing CO2 to pass through AQP1, 2) stimulating injected carbonic anhydrase, 3) enhancing the CO2 solubility of the membrane's lipid, or 4) increasing the expression of a native "gas channel. " The purpose of the present study was to distinguish among these possibilities. We found that expressing the H2O channel AQP1 in Xenopus oocytes increases the CO2 permeability of oocytes in an expression-dependent fashion, whereas expressing the K+ channel ROMK1 has no effect. The mercury derivative p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid (PCMBS), which inhibits the H2O movement through AQP1, also blocks the AQP1-dependent increase in CO2 permeability. The mercury-insensitive C189S mutant of AQP1 increases the CO2 permeability of the oocyte to the same extent as does the wild-type channel. However, the C189S-dependent increase in CO2 permeability is unaffected by treatment with PCMBS. These data rule out options 2-4 listed above. Thus our results suggest that CO2 passes through the pore of AQP1 and are the first data to demonstrate that a gas can enter a cell by a means other than diffusing through the membrane lipid.
Linking neuroscience theory to practice to help overcome student fear of neurology

Reports in the literature have attributed medical student fear of neurology to an inability to apply knowledge of the basic science to clinical situations. A teaching and learning initiative called case based teaching (CBT) was designed to help medical undergraduates integrate clinical neurology with the neuroscience that underpins it. In the context of the evaluation of a neurological case, students learned the correct technique for eliciting a large number of signs and symptoms, while applying their understanding of normal structure and function to interpret and understand the history, examination and investigation findings. Students were very positive about the practical, problem-solving, small group-learning environment, reporting that it facilitated the integration of nervous system structure and function with clinical medicine. Some admitted to a fear of neurology, which was helped by the limited initiative, but requested more CBT sessions to reduce their neurophobia. Many eminent groups in neurology education recommend integration of teaching in basic science and clinical neurology, and this report indicates that medical undergraduates value this approach too.
Differentiation of C57/BL6 mice bone marrow mononuclear cells into early endothelial progenitors cells in different culture conditions

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can be isolated from bone marrow and characterized by the expression of cellular markers such as CD34, CD133, VEGFR2, CD31, and VE‐Cadherin, by the uptake of acetylated low‐density lipoprotein and by in vitro tube formation in tridimensional matrices. These cells are able to differentiate into mature endothelial cells and participate in the re‐endothelization of damaged vessels. In this work, we tested different cultured media that can promote the proliferation and differentiation of mononuclear cells (MNCs) into early EPCs, with defined concentrations of growth factors and serum in order to establish a composition that may ensure us the reproducibility of our cultures. MNCs from mice bone marrow were cultivated using selective culture media containing DMEM or M199 supplemented with 10% FBS, VEGF, bFGF, and IGF, for 3, 7, and 14 days. Differentiation into early EPCs was analyzed using immunohistochemistry, FACS and western blotting and by functional parameters as uptake of ac‐LDL, and formation of vessel‐like structures. The cells cultivated with medium DMEM‐M1 (DMEM plus VEGF, bFGF and IGF) expressed CD34, CD133, CD31, VEGFR2, and VE‐Cadherin at all culture time‐points with increased expression of these markers after 7 days. Only EPCs cultured for 30 days were able to form vessel‐like structure. The uptake of ac‐LDL was observed after 3, 7, 14, and 30 days, confirming the differentiation of mononuclear cells into early EPCs. DMEM‐M1 was able to sustain MNCs proliferation and differentiation, increasing the expression of the characteristic EPC markers, allowing the expansion of early EPCs in culture in a similar way to that observed in commercial available media.