Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol efflux to apoA-I in ABCA1-expressing cells is regulated by Ca2+-dependent calcineurin signaling

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is required for the lipidation of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), although molecular mechanisms supporting this process remain poorly defined. In this study, we focused on the role of cytosolic Ca2+ and its signaling and found that cytosolic Ca2+ was required for cholesterol efflux to apoA-I. Removing extracellular Ca2+ or chelating cytosolic Ca2+ were equally inhibitory for apoA-I lipidation. We provide evidence that apoA-I induced Ca2+ influx from the medium. We further demonstrate that calcineurin activity, the downstream target of Ca2+ influx, was essential; inhibition of calcineurin activity by cyclosporine A or FK506 completely abolished apoA-I lipidation. Furthermore, calcineurin inhibition abolished apoA-I binding and diminished JAK2 phosphorylation, an established signaling event for cholesterol efflux to apoA-I. Finally, we demonstrate that neither Ca2+ manipulation nor calcineurin inhibition influenced ABCA1's capacity to release microparticles or to remodel the plasma membrane. We conclude that this Ca2+-dependent calcineurin/JAK2 pathway is specifically responsible for apoA-I lipidation without directly modifying ABCA1 activity.
The Methionine Salvage Pathway in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Rat Liver

The 5-methylthio-D-ribose moiety of 5′-(methylthio)-adenosine is converted to methionine in a wide variety of organisms. 1,2-Dihydroxy-3-keto-5-methylthiopentene anion (an aci-reductone) is an advanced intermediate in the methionine salvage pathway present in the Gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae and rat liver. This metabolite is oxidized spontaneously in air to formate and 2-keto-4-methylthiobutyric acid (the α-keto acid precursor of methionine). Previously, we had purified an enzyme (E2) from Klebsiella which catalyzes the oxidative degradation of the aci-reductone to formate, CO, and methylthiopropionic acid. To further characterize the reactions of the aci-reductone we used its desthio analog, 1-2-dihydroxy-3-ketohexene anion (III), which was described previously. This molecule undergoes the analogous enzymatic and non-enzymatic reactions of the natural substrate, namely the formation of formate, CO, and butyrate from III. Experiments with 18O2 show that E2 is a dioxygenase which incorporates one molecule of 18O into formate and butyric acid. No cofactor has been identified. We were unable to find an enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of 1,2-dihydroxy-3-keto-5-methylthiopentane to a keto acid precursor of methionine. The keto acid is probably produced non-enzymically in Klebsiella. We have, however, identified and purified an enzyme (E3) from rat liver, which catalyzes the formation of formate and 2-oxopentanoic acid from III. This enzyme has a monomeric molecular mass of 28,000 daltons, and no chromophoric cofactor has been identified. Experiments with 18O2 show that E3 is a dioxygenase which incorporates an 18O molecule into formate and the α-keto acid. In rat liver CO formation was not detected.
Occult tumor burden contributes to racial disparities in stage‐specific colorectal cancer outcomes

There are differences in outcomes in blacks compared with whites with lymph node–negative (pN0) colorectal cancer. Recurrence in pN0 patients suggests the presence of occult metastases undetected by conventional approaches. This study explores the association of racial differences in outcomes with occult tumor burden in regional lymph nodes.
Analysis of Protein Complexes in Wheat Amyloplasts Reveals Functional Interactions among Starch Biosynthetic Enzymes1[C][W][OA]

Protein-protein interactions among enzymes of amylopectin biosynthesis were investigated in developing wheat (Triticum aestivum) endosperm. Physical interactions between starch branching enzymes (SBEs) and starch synthases (SSs) were identified from endosperm amyloplasts during the active phase of starch deposition in the developing grain using immunoprecipitation and cross-linking strategies. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments using peptide-specific antibodies indicate that at least two distinct complexes exist containing SSI, SSIIa, and either of SBEIIa or SBEIIb. Chemical cross linking was used to identify protein complexes containing SBEs and SSs from amyloplast extracts. Separation of extracts by gel filtration chromatography demonstrated the presence of SBE and SS forms in protein complexes of around 260 kD and that SBEII forms may also exist as homodimers. Analysis of cross-linked 260-kD aggregation products from amyloplast lysates by mass spectrometry confirmed SSI, SSIIa, and SBEII forms as components of one or more protein complexes in amyloplasts. In vitro phosphorylation experiments with γ-32P-ATP indicated that SSII and both forms of SBEII are phosphorylated. Treatment of the partially purified 260-kD SS-SBE complexes with alkaline phosphatase caused dissociation of the assembly into the respective monomeric proteins, indicating that formation of SS-SBE complexes is phosphorylation dependent. The 260-kD SS-SBEII protein complexes are formed around 10 to 15 d after pollination and were shown to be catalytically active with respect to both SS and SBE activities. Prior to this developmental stage, SSI, SSII, and SBEII forms were detectable only in monomeric form. High molecular weight forms of SBEII demonstrated a higher affinity for in vitro glucan substrates than monomers. These results provide direct evidence for the existence of protein complexes involved in amylopectin biosynthesis.
Recent Progresses and Development of Advanced Atomic Layer Deposition towards High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries

Electrode materials and electrolytes play a vital role in device-level performance of rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs). However, electrode structure/component degeneration and electrode-electrolyte sur-/interface evolution are identified as the most crucial obstacles in practical applications. Thanks to its congenital advantages, atomic layer deposition (ALD) methodology has attracted enormous attention in advanced LIBs. This review mainly focuses upon the up-to-date progress and development of the ALD in high-performance LIBs. The significant roles of the ALD in rational design and fabrication of multi-dimensional nanostructured electrode materials, and finely tailoring electrode-electrolyte sur-/interfaces are comprehensively highlighted. Furthermore, we clearly envision that this contribution will motivate more extensive and insightful studies in the ALD to considerably improve Li-storage behaviors. Future trends and prospects to further develop advanced ALD nanotechnology in next-generation LIBs were also presented.
Complications of local anaesthesia for ophthalmic surgery.

Topical local anaesthetic agents frequently sting, and are occasionally associated with temporary clouding of the cornea, making surgery more difficult [38]. This clouding was most often seen with cocaine and is much less common with amethocaine or oxybuprocaine. Corneal anaesthesia necessitates protection,of the eye by ensur ing that it is closed and protected by a pad.
A game-theoretic approach for optimizing intrusion detection strategy in WSNs

Due to the limited capabilities of sensor nodes in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) in terms of computation, communication, and energy, selecting the profitable detection strategy for lowering resources consumption determines whether the IDS can be used practically. The signaling game is used to set up an intrusion detection game modeling the interactions between a malicious sensor node and an IDS agent, and its equilibriums are found for optimal detection strategy. The stage intrusion-detection game at each individual time slot is showed in aspects of its player's utilities and the mixed-strategy Bayesian Nash equilibrium BNE. As the game evolves, the stage intrusion detection game is developed into a multi-stage dynamic intrusion detection game in which the beliefs on malicious sensor node can be updated based on Bayesian rules. Depending on the current belief, the best response strategy for the IDS agent can be gained based on the Perfect Bayesian equilibrium (PBE). The simulation results have shown the effectiveness of the proposed games, thus, the IDS agents are able to select optimal strategy to defend the malicious sensor node's actions.
A Temporal Model of Institutional Interventions for Information Technology Adoption in Less-Developed Countries

This empirical study of Internet adoption in four Latin American countries delineates a gradual but progressive course of institutional actions and suggests a temporal ordering of the actions--including knowledge building, subsidy, knowledge deployment, innovation directive, and standard setting. The temporal model reveals how each country sustained the momentum of its evolving strategy, grew in competence to forge technological solutions, and gained access to the Internet. The four countries' original goals changed, but through experience they perceived new opportunities and established evolving Internet strategies that form the bases of new technological services provided at the national level.
“Yin Nature and Yang Nature of Qi" and Theory of Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine

This paper discusses the theory of “yin nature and yang nature of qi" and its influence on the theory of qi in traditional Chinese medicine. The author points out that the idea of “yin nature and yang nature of qi" was formed with the advent of the concept of yin and yang, and is the generalization of the original qi in the universe with the concept of yin and yang. It is of great significance to the formation and development of the theory of qi and the theory of state of viscera in traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine divides the various kinds of qi in the human body into two kinds, yin nature and yang nature, to indicate the different functions of each kind and explain the functions of zang-fu organs and the life process.
Cyclolinopeptide B methanol trisolvate

The title compound, C56H83N9O9S·3CH3OH, is a methanol trisolvate of the cyclolinopeptide cyclo(Met1—Leu2—Ile3—Pro4—Pro5—Phe6—Phe7—Val8—Ile9) (henceforth referred to as CLP-B), which was isolated from flaxseed oil. All the amino acid residues are in an l-configuration based on the CORN rule. The cyclic nonapeptide exhibits eight trans peptide bonds and one cis peptide bond observed between the two proline residues. The conformation is stabilized by an α-turn and two consecutive β-turns each containing a N—H⋯O hydrogen bond between the carbonyl group O atom of the first residue and the amide group H atom of the fourth (α-turn) or the third residue (β-turns), repectively. In the crystal, the components of the structure are linked by N—H⋯O and O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds into chains parallel to the a axis.
[Avoidable causes of death and their effects on life expectancy. A socio-demographic interpretation. The case of the northern frontier, 1980-1990].

"This study forms part of [a] research project on the health-disease-death process along the [Mexican] Northern Frontier--a by-product of the socio-economic structure of a specific social formation that determines disease and death--to support regional and sectorial design of policies and actions for the improvement of health conditions for its population. An important finding is a 4.1 year increase of life expectancy due, among other causes, to a slight decrease in avoidable death causes, although these still produce about 50% of deaths. " (SUMMARY IN ENG)
LinoSPAD: A Compact Linear SPAD Camera System with 64 FPGA-Based TDC Modules for Versatile 50 ps Resolution Time-Resolved Imaging

The LinoSPAD camera system is a modular, compact and versatile time-resolved camera system, combining a linear 256 high fill factor pixel CMOS SPAD (single-photon avalanche diode) sensor with an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) and USB 3.0 transceiver board. This modularization permits the separate optimization or exchange of either the sensor front-end or the processing back-end, depending on the intended application, thus removing the traditional compromise between optimal SPAD technology on the one hand and time-stamping technology on the other hand. The FPGA firmware implements an array of 64 TDCs (time-to-digital converters) with histogram accumulators and a correction module to reduce non-linearities. Each TDC is capable of processing over 80 million photon detections per second and has an average timing resolution better than 50 ps. This article presents a complete and detailed characterization, covering all aspects of the system, from the SPAD array light sensitivity and noise to TDC linearity, from hardware/firmware/software co-design to signal processing, e.g., non-linearity correction, from power consumption to performance non-uniformity.
Elevated Nitric Oxide Concentration in the Seminal Plasma of Infertile Males: Nitric Oxide Inhibits Sperm Motility

PROBLEM: To evaluate the “effect of nitric oxide in the seminal plasma on sperm motility. METHOD: Seminal plasma concentrations of NO2—, a stable end product of nitric oxide, of 108 males of infertile couples and 15 proven fertile donors were measured and compared with spermatogram parameters. Motile sperm was incubated with a nitric oxide‐generating drug, sodium nitroprusside, for 6 hr in the absence or presence of oxyhemoglobin, an inhibitor of nitric oxide.
A Review on Precoding MIMO Technique

— With the integration of Internet and multimedia applications in next generation wireless communications, the demand for wide-band high data rate communication services is growing. In recent years, multiple transmitter and receiver antennas are employed in the wireless communications systems to adapt various demands of high speed wireless links and improved signal to noise ratio . In order to takefull advantage of the Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) systems, precoding technique is needed at the transmitter side. Many precoding techniques exist in literature. In this paper a brief review of previous work which done with precoding for mimo system is disscussed .
Distinct Requirement for Two Stages of Protein-Primed Initiation of Reverse Transcription in Hepadnaviruses

ABSTRACT Reverse transcription in hepadnaviruses is primed by the viral reverse transcriptase (RT) (protein priming) and requires the specific interaction between the RT and a viral RNA signal termed ε, which bears the specific template sequence for protein priming. The product of protein priming is a short oligodeoxynucleotide which represents the 5′ end of the viral minus-strand DNA and is covalently attached to the RT. We have now identified truncated RT variants from the duck hepatitis B virus that were fully active in the initial step of protein priming, i.e., the covalent attachment of the first nucleotide to the protein (RT deoxynucleotidylation), but defective in any subsequent DNA polymerization. A short sequence in the RT domain was localized that was dispensable for RT deoxynucleotidylation but essential for the subsequent DNA polymerization. These results have thus revealed two distinct stages of protein priming, i.e., the initial attachment of the first nucleotide to the RT (RT deoxynucleotidylation or initiation of protein priming) and the subsequent DNA synthesis (polymerization) to complete protein priming, with the second step entailing additional RT sequences. Two models are proposed to explain the observed differential sequence requirement for the two distinct stages of the protein priming reaction.
Effect of High-Flow Nasal Cannula versus Conventional Oxygen Therapy for Patients with Thoracoscopic Lobectomy after Extubation

Objective. To investigate whether high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy is superior to conventional oxygen therapy for reducing hypoxemia and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) in patients with thoracoscopic lobectomy after extubation. Methods. Patients with intermediate to high risk for PPC were enrolled in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to HFNC group (HFNCG) or conventional oxygen group (COG) following extubation. Arterial blood samples were collected after extubation at 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Patients with postoperative hypoxemia and PPC were recorded. Adverse events were also documented. Results. Totally 110 patients were randomly assigned to HFNCG (n = 56) and COG (n = 54). The occurrence rate of hypoxemia in COG was twice more than that in HFNCG (29.62% versus 12.51%, P < 0.05) and PaO2, PaO2/FiO2, and SaO2/FiO2 were significantly improved in HFNCG (P < 0.05) in the first 72 h following extubation. Respiratory rate and incidence of reintubation as well as needing noninvasive ventilation were also decreased in HFNCG (P < 0.05), whereas the incidence of pneumonia and atelectasis were similar (P > 0.05). Adverse effects as throat and nasal pain occurred more frequently in COG. Conclusions. HFNC application improves oxygenation and reduces the risk of reintubation following thoracoscopic lobectomy but cannot decrease the incidence of PPC.
PTEN, RASSF1 and DAPK site‐specific hypermethylation and outcome in surgically treated stage I and II nonsmall cell lung cancer patients

The primary objective of this study is to identify prognostic site‐specific epigenetic changes in surgically treated Stage I and II nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients by quantifying methylation levels at multiple CpG sites within each gene promoter. Paraffin‐embedded tumors from stage Ib, IIa and IIb in training and validation groups of 75 and 57 surgically treated NSCLC patients, respectively, were analyzed for p16, MGMT, RASSF1, RASSF5, CDH1, LET7, DAPK and PTEN promoter hypermethylation. Hypermethylation status was quantified individually at multiple CpG sites within each promoter by pyrosequencing. Molecular and clinical characteristics with time to recurrence (TTR) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Overall average promoter methylation levels of MGMT and RASSF1 were significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers (p = 0.006 and p = 0.029, respectively). Methylation levels of the p16 promoter were significantly higher in squamous cell carcinoma than in adenocarcinoma (p = 0.020). In univariate analysis, hypermethylation of RASSF1 at CpG sites −53 and −48 and PTEN at CpG site −1310 were the significantly associated with shorter TTR (p = 0.002 and p < 0.000, respectively). Hypermethylation of PTEN at −1310 and DAPK at −1482 were most significantly associated with outcome in multivariate analysis. These results show that methylation of specific promoter CpG sites in PTEN, RASSF1 and DAPK is associated with outcome in early stage surgically treated NSCLC.
Electrical Suppression of Tinnitus with High-Rate Pulse Trains

Hypothesis Application of high-rate pulse trains (e.g., 4800 pps) to the cochlea may represent an effective treatment of tinnitus. Background Tinnitus is a widespread clinical problem with multiple treatments but no cure. A cure for tinnitus would restore the perception of silence. One plausible hypothesis for the origin of tinnitus associated with sensorineural hearing loss is that it is due to loss or alteration of the normal spontaneous activity in the deafferented regions of the cochlea. Electrical stimulation of the cochlea with 5000-pps pulse trains can produce spontaneous-like patterns of spike activity in the auditory nerve. Methods Eleven volunteer human subjects with bothersome tinnitus and high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss underwent myringotomy and temporary placement of a round window electrode. High-rate pulse train stimuli were presented at various stimulus intensities and tinnitus, and stimulus perception were scaled by the subject. Three cochlear implant recipients with tinnitus in the implanted ear underwent similar stimulation. Results Five of 11 (45%) of transtympanic subjects showed substantial or complete tinnitus suppression with either no perception or only a transient perception of the stimulus. Three showed tinnitus suppression only in association with the perception of the stimulus. Three showed no effects on tinnitus. A similar pattern of responses was seen in the cochlear implant subjects. Conclusions Although the study lacked an ideal placebo control, the results are promising and support further research to develop a clinically useful intervention for this troubling disorder.
Curvedness feature constrained map matching for low-frequency probe vehicle data

ABSTRACT Map matching method is a fundamental preprocessing technique for massive probe vehicle data. Various transportation applications need map matching methods to provide highly accurate and stable results. However, most current map matching approaches employ elementary geometric or topological measures, which may not be sufficient to encode the characteristic of realistic driving paths, leading to inefficiency and inaccuracy, especially in complex road networks. To address these issues, this article presents a novel map matching method, based on the measure of curvedness of Global Positioning System (GPS) trajectories. The curvature integral, which measures the curvedness feature of GPS trajectories, is considered to be one of the major matching characteristics that constrain pairwise matching between the two adjacent GPS track points. In this article, we propose the definition of the curvature integral in the context of map matching, and develop a novel accurate map matching algorithm based on the curvedness feature. Using real-world probe vehicles data, we show that the curvedness feature (CURF) constrained map matching method outperforms two classical methods for accuracy and stability under complicated road environments.
Factors involved in the early pathogenesis of bovine Staphylococcus aureus mastitis with emphasis on bacterial adhesion and invasion. A review

Summary Staphylococcus aureus is the most important and prevalent contagious mammary pathogen; it causes clinical and subclinical intramammary infection with serious economic loss and herd management problems in dairy cows. In vitro studies have shown that Staphylococcus aureus adheres to mammary epithelial cells and extracellular matrix components and invades into mammary epithelial as well as other mammary cells. Staphylococcus aureus strains from intramammary infection produce several cell surface‐associated and extracellular secretory products. The exact pathogenic roles of most of the products and their effects on adhesion and invasion are not well evaluated. It is also known that mammary epithelial cell‐associated molecules and extracellular matrix components interact with S. aureus during the pathogenesis of mastitis, but their roles on adhesion and invasion have not been characterized. The adhesion of S. aureus to epithelial cells may involve non‐specific physicochemical interactions and/or specific interactions between bacterial cell‐associated ligands and host cell surface receptors. In vitro adhesion depends on the S. aureus strain, the growth phase of the bacteria, the growth medium and the origin of the epithelial cells. Adhesion is hypothesized to be a prerequisite and crucial early step for mammary gland infection. Staphylococcus aureus invades mammary epithelial cells. It also invades other cells such as endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Bacteria are found enclosed in membrane bound vacuoles in the cytoplasm of mammary epithelial cells. Recent observations indicate that S. aureus escapes from the phagosome into the cytoplasm and induces apoptosis. The invasion into mammary epithelial cells may occur through an endocytic process that requires involvement of elements of the cytoskeleton or by direct binding of bacteria to epithelial cells through a process mediated by specific receptors that needs de novo protein synthesis by both cells. Thus, the recurrent subclinical infection may result from this intracellular existence of bacteria that are protected from host defenses and effects of antibiotics. This review emphasizes on recent findings on S. aureus adhesion to mammary epithelial cells and extracellular matrix components and invasion into mammary epithelial cells.