Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Targeting of Rac1 to the Phagocyte Membrane Is Sufficient for the Induction of NADPH Oxidase Assembly*

The superoxide (O⨪2)-generating NADPH oxidase complex of phagocytes consists of a membrane-associated flavocytochrome (cytochrome b 559) and four cytosolic proteins, p47 phox , p67 phox , p40 phox , and the small GTPase Rac (Rac1 or -2). NADPH oxidase activation (O⨪2 production) is elicited as the consequence of assembly of some or all cytosolic components with cytochromeb 559. This process can be reproduced in anin vitro system consisting of phagocyte membranes, p47 phox , p67 phox , and Rac, activated by an anionic amphiphile. We now show that post-translationally processed (prenylated) Rac1 initiates NADPH oxidase assembly, expressed in O⨪2 production, in a cell-free system containing phagocyte membrane vesicles and p67 phox , in the absence of an activating amphiphile and of p47 phox . Prenylated Cdc42Hs, a GTPase closely related to Rac, is inactive under the same conditions. Results obtained with phagocyte membrane vesicles can be reproduced fully by replacing these with partially purified cytochrome b 559, incorporated in phosphatidylcholine vesicles. Prenylated, but not nonprenylated, Rac1 binds spontaneously to phagocyte membrane vesicles and also to artificial, protein-free, phosphatidylcholine vesicles, a process counteracted by GDP dissociation inhibitor for Rho. Binding of prenylated Rac1 to membrane vesicles is accompanied by the recruitment of p67 phox to the same location and the formation of an assembled NADPH oxidase complex, producing O⨪2 upon the addition of NADPH. Amphiphile and p47 phox -independent NADPH oxidase activation by prenylated Rac1 is inhibited by Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor and by phosphatidylcholine vesicles, both competing with membrane for prenylated Rac1. We conclude that, in vitro, targeting of Rac to the phagocyte membrane is sufficient for the induction of NADPH oxidase assembly, suggesting that the principal or, possibly, the only role of Rac is to recruit cytosolic p67 phox to the membrane environment, to be followed by the interaction of p67 phox with cytochromeb 559.
Semiconductor Manufacturers' Efforts to Improve Trust in the Electronic Part Supply Chain

One of the major problem areas in the electronic part supply chain is the issue of counterfeit electronic parts and the risks associated with them. Guidelines are needed for detecting, avoiding, and preventing the use of counterfeits in order to mitigate the risks associated with such parts. As part of this effort, we have identified the role of part manufacturers in building trust in the supply chain. Part manufacturers, as the brand owners and trademark holders, play a critical role in enhancing trust in the electronic part supply chain.
Optimal management and integration of electric vehicles to the grid: Dynamic programming and game theory approach

This paper provides a Dynamic Programming (DP) approach to optimally manage the charging schedule of electrical vehicles (EV) based on a decentralized global optimization frame given by the use of a Game Theory approach. The paper provides a detailed explanation of a forward induction DP algorithm and shows its adaptation to the problem of optimal charging of one EV with the corresponding constraints of limiting power consumption, minimal and maximal states of charge, desired states of charge, etc. The extension to multiple EVs is provided by the adaptation of a N-person non-cooperative game approach. In this game, the payoff of each player is based on a utility function that aims to reduce the distance between the total load and the average load, achieving load curve flattening.
An economic and regulatory framework for insular grids: The case of the Canary Islands

This paper presents the state-of-the art of the electricity market structure, operation and regulation in Spain, focusing on the extra-peninsular electricity systems (SEIE). The main goal is to analyze recent market rules and their remuneration in order to consider new proposals that can improve the insular regulatory framework. In the new context, where Distribution Generation is increasing, their integration in distribution networks is the main challenge for System Operators and distribution companies in order to meet new economic, technical and operational requirements. The question is: what is the best way to remunerate agents in isolated insular systems? To answer this, we focus on the Spanish SEIE, specifically on the Canary Islands, which are not connected to any mainland network.
On‐Line Activity Screening for Radical Scavengers from Baccharis chilco

Baccharis plants have been used since ancient times in American traditional medicine. Baccharis chilco is a perennial shrub of temperate regions of South America that grows well in rainfall forests of Colombia. Neither chemical composition nor biological studies of this plant have ever been reported. Two caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) derivatives, 5‐O‐[(E)‐caffeoyl]quinic acid (1) and 3,5‐di‐O‐[(E)‐caffeoyl]quinic acid (3), and rosmarinic acid (2) have been isolated from B. chilco growing wild in Colombia, using the on‐line HPLC‐DAD‐DPPH radical‐scavenging detection technique as guidance. In the course of the purification work, L‐chiro‐inositol (4) was also isolated. Structures of the four isolated compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods. Antioxidants 2 and 3 exhibited high antiradical activities evaluated by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH.) assay, although somewhat lower than that of the reference compound ascorbic acid. The on‐line HPLC‐DAD‐DPPH technique allowed a rapid pinpointing of antioxidants in the studied EtOH extract, and the facile guided isolation of the target molecules.
Streptococcus s.b.e.: A Streptococcus Associated with Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis

In two preliminary publications (Loewe, Plummer, Niven, and Sherman, 1946; Niven and White, 1946) a report has been presented outlining the identities of various streptococcus cultures isolated from a large number of cases of subacute bacterial endocarditis. One of the largest groups recorded appeared to represent a hitherto unrecognized variety, or species. This streptococcus, which was recovered from approximately one-third of the patients afflicted with bacterial endocarditis, has several unique physiological characteristics which afford a relatively simple and accurate means for identification. Furthermore, all the strains which have been studied thus far have fallen into one of two serological types. For the sake of convenience this streptococcus is referred to as "Streptococcus s.b. e. " The successful use of penicillin-anticoagulant therapy for subacute bacterial endocarditis by Loewe (1945a, 1945b) has recently received wide attention. For the first time a large proportion of the patients suffering from this disease are being cured. As reported by Loewe, a majority of the cases which do not respond to the treatment are ones from which Streptococcus s.b. e. have been recovered. The purpose of the present publication is to describe in detail the physiological characteristics of Streptococcus s.b. e.
How to Increase Online Visits and Sales? An Empirical Study on the Consumer-to-Consumer Online Stores

Product visits and sales are of special meanings for online stores. However, little research has compared the influential factors for product visits and sales. Using data of the China C2C online market, this research adopts the Poisson and zero-inflated Poisson model to examine this issue. Bayesian methods are used to estimate the parameters and we find that factors such as store advertising and product's historical sales positively influence both visits and sales. However, price, the number of items offered in store, and store reputation exert differential impacts on visits and sales, and the results on the impact of guarantees and consumer evaluations are mixed. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications in the conclusion part.
Viruses in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma : A Review

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy world wide and accounts for approximately 5% of malignant tumors in developed countries. Prevalence and anatomic distribution of these lesions are associated with habits like tobacco, smoking, alcohol, etc., Thus the use of tobacco and alcohol are considered as a risk factors for OSCC, but it does not always show a positive correlation. Individual that develops the OSCC without past habit history suggests that others factors can play a role in head and neck carcinogenesis. [1]
Tools and Abstractions for Swarm Based Music and Art

A new version of our swarm simulation environment for musical and artistic applications is presented. The main improvements of this version concern the integration of an OSC based communication protocol and the addition of a graphical user interface. These extensions offer a variety of approaches for the configuration, manipulation and application of simulated swarms in real time. We hope, that these improvements open up the application of swarm simulations to a wider audience of artists and musicians.
Historique de l'amélioration de la canne à sucre et état de l'art des recherches en génétique d'association pour le rendement

La selection de la canne a sucre est recente, elle commence lors de la creation des premiers hybrides obtenus a Java au debut du siecle dernier. La nobilisation, une methode de croisements interspecifiques, permit l'obtention de varietes nettement plus performantes et resistantes aux principaux pathogenes de la canne. Depuis, les centres croisent des varietes elites et la selection se fait a partir du phenotypage des descendances. Utiliser l'information moleculaire pour la selection d'elites serait une reelle avancee pour le selectionneur. Bien que de nombreuses etudes en genetique d'association soient realisees, aucun marqueur n'est aujourd'hui utilise dans les schemas de selection de la canne a sucre. Les effets des marqueurs ne sont pas estimes de facon assez precise et doivent etre valides dans des populations independantes. L'association marqueurs-caracteres est aujourd'hui completee par de nouvelles approches telles que la selection genomique et l'utilisation des modeles ecophysiologiques dans la prediction du rendement. (Resume d'auteur)
Experience-dependent plasticity without long-term depression by type 2 metabotropic glutamate receptors in developing visual cortex

Synaptic depression is thought to underlie the loss of cortical responsiveness to an eye deprived of vision. Here, we establish a fundamental role for type 2 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2) in long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission within primary visual cortex. Direct mGluR2 activation by (2S,2′R,3′R-2-(2′,3′-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG-IV) persistently depressed layer 2/3 field potentials in slices of mouse binocular zone when stimulated concomitantly. Chemical LTD was independent of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors but occluded conventional LTD by low-frequency stimulation, indicating shared downstream events. Antagonists or targeted disruption of mGluR2 conversely prevented LTD induction by electrical low-frequency stimulation to layer 4. In contrast, Schaeffer collateral synapses did not exhibit chemical LTD, revealing hippocampal area CA1, naturally devoid of mGluR2, to be an inappropriate model for neocortical plasticity. Moreover, monocular deprivation remained effective in mice lacking mGluR2, and receptor expression levels were unchanged during the critical period in wild-type mice, indicating that experience-dependent plasticity is independent of LTD induction in visual cortex. Short-term depression that was unaffected by mGluR2 deletion may better reflect circuit refinement in vivo.
Methods for detection of mitochondrial and cellular reactive oxygen species.

SIGNIFICANCE Mitochondrial and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in both physiological and pathological processes. Different ROS, such as superoxide (O2(•-)), hydrogen peroxide, and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), stimulate distinct cell-signaling pathways and lead to diverse outcomes depending on their amount and subcellular localization. A variety of methods have been developed for ROS detection; however, many of these methods are not specific, do not allow subcellular localization, and can produce artifacts. In this review, we will critically analyze ROS detection and present advantages and the shortcomings of several available methods. RECENT ADVANCES In the past decade, a number of new fluorescent probes, electron-spin resonance approaches, and immunoassays have been developed. These new state-of-the-art methods provide improved selectivity and subcellular resolution for ROS detection. CRITICAL ISSUES Although new methods for HPLC superoxide detection, application of fluorescent boronate-containing probes, use of cell-targeted hydroxylamine spin probes, and immunospin trapping have been available for several years, there has been lack of translation of these into biomedical research, limiting their widespread use. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Additional studies to translate these new technologies from the test tube to physiological applications are needed and could lead to a wider application of these approaches to study mitochondrial and cellular ROS.
A broadband radiometer configuration at 94GHz in planar technology

This paper describes a broadband radiometer receiver configuration in planar technology working around 94 GHz. This differential configuration allows reducing gain and noise temperature fluctuations of the amplifiers themselves in a wide bandwidth, which improves the sensitivity of these systems. In addition to this, the studied configuration also allows obtaining as an output a reference signal amplified in the same way that the unknown RF signal. Therefore, the system can be easily calibrated. The different components of the RF front-end of the receiver have been optimized for an operational bandwidth of 80–100 GHz.
Can Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 Improve Prognostication in Heart Failure Patients?

Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) is a phosphate regulatory 251-aminoacid hormone secreted by osteocytes and acts as regulator phosphorus reabsorption in the proximal tubule of nephron and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D synthesis. Recent clinical studies have shown that higher serum FGF-23 levels are associated with subclinical cardiovascular (CV) disease, with new Heart Failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease. Moreover, FGF-23 is independent and specific predictor of all-cause mortality and CV mortality in general population, subjects with known CV disease and CKD independently traditional CV risk factors. The mini review summarizes knowledge about the predictive role of FGF-23 in HF patient population. In has been suggested that elevated serum FGF-23 may predict CV mortality in HF subjects with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction treated with ACE inhibitors. Moreover, FGF-23 demonstrated an increased discriminatory power for mortality in addition to N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide in HF individuals. Nevertheless, the future studies might explain the predictive value of serial measurements of serum FGF-23 levels and predictive superiority of elevated FGF-23 before other recommended biomarkers, e.g. galectin-3, ST2, and natriuretic peptides. The role of FGF-23 in biomarker-guided care of HF is not still clear and requires more investigations.
Risk and safety concerns in anesthesiology practice: The present perspective

Newer developments and advancements in anesthesiology, surgical, and medical fields have widened the functional scope of anesthesiologist thus increasing his professional responsibilities and obligations. While at workplace, anesthesiologist is exposed to a wide array of potential hazards that can be detrimental to his overall health. Numerous risks and safety concerns have been mentioned in the literature, but the magnitude of challenges in anesthesiology practice are far greater than those cited and anticipated. Many times these challenging situations are unavoidable and the attending anesthesiologist has to deal with them on an individual basis. These hazards not only affect the general health but can be extremely threatening in various other ways that can increase the potential risks of morbidity and mortality. This article is an attempt to bring a general awareness among anesthesia fraternity about the various health hazards associated with anesthesia practice. Also, a genuine attempt has been made to enumerate the various preventive methods and precautions that should be adopted to make practice of anesthesiology safe and smooth.
Repair of Laser-localized DNA Interstrand Cross-links in G1 Phase Mammalian Cells*

Interstrand cross-links (ICLs) are absolute blocks to transcription and replication and can provoke genomic instability and cell death. Studies in bacteria define a two-stage repair scheme, the first involving recognition and incision on either side of the cross-link on one strand (unhooking), followed by recombinational repair or lesion bypass synthesis. The resultant monoadduct is removed in a second stage by nucleotide excision repair. In mammalian cells, there are multiple, but poorly defined, pathways, with much current attention on repair in S phase. However, many questions remain, including the efficiency of repair in the absence of replication, the factors involved in cross-link recognition, and the timing and demarcation of the first and second repair cycles. We have followed the repair of laser-localized lesions formed by psoralen (cross-links/monoadducts) and angelicin (only monoadducts) in mammalian cells. Both were repaired in G1 phase by nucleotide excision repair-dependent pathways. Removal of psoralen adducts was blocked in XPC-deficient cells but occurred with wild type kinetics in cells deficient in DDB2 protein (XPE). XPC protein was rapidly recruited to psoralen adducts. However, accumulation of DDB2 was slow and XPC-dependent. Inhibition of repair DNA synthesis did not interfere with DDB2 recruitment to angelicin but eliminated recruitment to psoralen. Our results demonstrate an efficient ICL repair pathway in G1 phase cells dependent on XPC, with entry of DDB2 only after repair synthesis that completes the first repair cycle. DDB2 accumulation at sites of cross-link repair is a marker for the start of the second repair cycle.
Blood Groups and Urinary Micro-organisms

The evidence for selection in blood group polymorphism is limited (Reed, I96I). If infection is considered as a selective force it would be of interest to determine whether subjects of different blood types possess varying degrees of resistance to infectious diseases. Muschel and Osawa (I959) showed cross-reactivity between human blood groups substance B and Esch. coli o86, and suggested a possible influence of blood groups in resistance to infection against those microbial agents that may possess blood groups antigens.
GRAND CHALLENGES IN UPPER-LIMB BIOMECHANICS

1 Mechanical Engineering and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA 2 Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA 3 Biomedical Engineering and Physical Medicine and Rehab. , Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 4 Biomedical Engineering and Biokin. and Physical Ther. , Univ. of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA 5 Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Effect of composition of tris-based diluent and of thawing solution on survival of ram spermatozoa frozen by the pellet method.

Six factorial experiments were conducted to examine the effects of concentra tion of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris) and type and concentration of sugar in the freezing diluent, and of composition of thawing solution on the survival of ram spermatozoa following the freeze-thaw procedure.
The role of lymphoid organs in the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection

ConclusionsAlthough HIV infection is characterized by a long period of clinical latency, HIV actively replicates in the lymphoid organs during this period, despite the fact that virus replication is barely detectable or absent in peripheral blood. Histopathologic alterations (i.e., follicular hyperplasia and expansion of the FDC network) may partly explain the dichotomy between the levels of viral burden in the lymphoid organs versus peripheral blood. These findings demonstrate that lymphoid organs function as reservoirs and potentially as major sites of virus replication. However, they also indicate that the peripheral blood does not accurately reflect the actual state of HIV disease, particularly in early-stage infection. In fact, HIV disease is active and progressive even when there is little evidence of disease activity in peripheral blood. Therefore, a state of true microbiological latency is non-existent during the course of HIV infection.
The Evaluation of Hemorrhage in Cardiac Patients Who have Undergone Extracorporeal Circulation

The present study defines excessive bleeding in patients who undergo cardiopulmonary bypass, and evaluates the use of coagulation testing to predict those patients that bleed excessively. Evaluation of 774 consecutive patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass surgery was carried out. Cardiopulmonary bypass consisted of a bloodless prime and a Harvey bubble oxygenator. In the postoperative period, excessive hemorrhage was denned as that exceeding 600 ml chest tube drainage in the first eight hours. One hundred and sixty‐three patients (21%) were noted to be in this category. Excessive bleeding postoperatively was best predicted by a PTT greater than 45 seconds, a PT greater than 19 seconds, a fibrinogen level less than 225 mg/dl and a TFT equal to or less than 1:32. These laboratory findings occur singly or in combination. The assessment of platelet, numbers or function and fibrin(ogen) split products were of no prognostic value. Using these criteria, the re‐exploration rate for excessive hemorrhage and/or tamponade was 0.6 per cent (5 out of 774 patients). No preoperative laboratory test of hemostatic function was useful in predicting coagulopathies resulting from cardiopulmonary bypass.
Analysis of Genetic Diversity of the Thai Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Using Cattle Microsatellite DNA Markers

Recently the numbers of the Thai swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), a native species of Thailand, have been rapidly declining, leading to a requirement for conservation programs for this breed. Such studies of the genetic diversity of this species are essential for conservation decisions and to assist the rational implementation of breeding programs. In this study, the genetic diversity of 80 Thai swamp buffalo, randomly selected from seven different research stations of the Thai Department of Livestock Development, were studied using ten cattle microsatellite markers. Polymorphic PCR products were observed at all microsatellite loci, with percentages of polymorphic loci ranging from 80.00 to 100.00%. The population from Payao showed the lowest level of polymorphism. The mean number of alleles per locus was 4.7 with the highest number of alleles being eight (ETH152) and the lowest being three (HAUT27 and ILSTS030). The average unbiased heterozygosity for all seven populations was 0.61 and varied between 0.5314 (Samui) and 0.6798 (Surin). The genetic distance according to NEI's (1972) ranged from 0.0722 to 0.4427. The populations from Surin and Burirum are the closest populations, while populations from Samui and Payao are the most divergent. The information generated by this study will greatly aid in the establishment of effective breeding and conservation programs for the Thai swamp buffalo.