Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between annexin V tryptophan exposure, calcium, and phospholipid binding.

Annexin V is a Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid-binding protein that may have one or more membrane-related functions, including inhibition of blood coagulation. The fluorescence of the single tryptophan of annexin V was used to monitor Ca2+ and/or phospholipid binding in terms of emission wavelength, emission intensity, and susceptibility to acrylamide quenching. In the absence of phospholipid, Ca2+ titration showed a strong red shift of the wavelength of maximal emission to approximately 345 nm, where a small increase in intensity occurred and was half maximal at approximately 3 mM Ca2+. The Stern-Volmer quenching constant due to acrylamide was only 5.2 M-1 for annexin V alone, indicating limited aqueous exposure of the tryptophan, but 36 M-1 for a Ca(2+)-bound form, indicating full exposure. Binding to both negatively charged and zwitterionic phospholipids was accompanied by a very large increase in fluorescence emission intensity, a red shift, and low exposure to acrylamide. Calculated concentrations of Ca2+ near the surface of negatively charged vesicles suggested that the exposure of tryptophan by Ca2+ binding to annexin V was sufficient for binding of the protein to all vesicles tested, including those composed of oleic acid and phosphatidylcholine (PC), but not to those composed of pure PC. When binding to PC was monitored, the phenomena associated with phospholipid binding were observed separately, at higher Ca2+ concentration, from the red shift and the high exposure to acrylamide due to Ca2+ binding alone. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Mutual Autonomy LFSR Output-Based Cellular Automata (MALO-CA)

Over the past few decades, cellular automata (CA) has become an inseparable aspect of modern computer system. Due to its simplicity, robustness and low complexity, the concept of cellular automata has also been exploited in the field of cryptography. However, most of the previous works done are either insecure or inefficient. This paper presents a novel algorithm of pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) based on the combination of linear feedback shift register (LFSRs) and one-dimensional cellular automata model. The simple design of our algorithm provides a high degree of efficiency in a wide variety of environments, making it highly competitive when compared with other pseudorandom number generator. Relevant experiments are carried out and the statistical results reveal the quality and effectiveness of our pseudorandom generator.
Evaluating risks in cloud computing: Security perspective

The cloud computing provide resources and service as and when required over the internet. In cloud computing environment users share highly important data, maintaining centralizing storage of data and resource sharing which tents to extends financial benefit, rather managing their own systems. World is still not very open to cloud computing platform due to many security, privacy and policy related issues that are responsible for limiting the adoption of cloud computing. However, legal challenges and policies issues of cloud computing are the major cause in slow down the growth of cloud computing. In this paper potential of cloud computing with reference to Security, Privacy and Policy issues are examined as a part of major concern which makes the computing potential puny and review of existing literature for security challenges and policies issues in cloud computing.
More Direct Evidence for a Malonyl-CoA–Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase I Interaction as a Key Event in Pancreatic β-Cell Signaling

We sought to explore the emerging concept that malonyl-CoA generation, with concomitant suppression of mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT I), represents an important component of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) by the pancreatic β-cell (Prentki M, Vischer S, Glennon MC, Regazzi R, Deeney JT, Corkey BE: Malonyl-CoA and long-chain acyl-CoA esters as metabolic coupling factors in nutrient-induced insulin secretion. J Biol Chem 267:5802–5810, 1992). Accordingly, pancreases from fed rats were perfused with basal (3 mM) followed by high (20 mM) glucose in the absence or presence of 2 mM hydroxycitrate (HC), an inhibitor of ATP-citrate (CIT) lyase (the penultimate step in the glucose → malonyl-CoA conversion). HC profoundly inhibited GSIS, whereas CIT had no effect. Inclusion of 0.5 mM palmitate in the perfusate significantly enhanced GSIS and completely offset the negative effect of HC. In isolated islets, HC stimulated [1-14C]palmitate oxidation in the presence of basal glucose and markedly obtunded the inhibitory effect of high glucose. Directional changes in 14C incorporation into phospholipids were opposite to those of 14CO2 production. At a concentration of 0.2 mM, 2-bromostearate, 2-bromopalmitate and etomoxir (all CPT I inhibitors) potentiated GSIS by the pancreas and inhibited palmitate oxidation in islets. However, at 0.05 mM, etomoxir did not influence insulin secretion but still caused significant suppression of fatty acid oxidation. The results provide more direct evidence for a pivotal role of malonyl-CoA suppression of CPT I, with attendant elevation of the cytosolic long-chain acyl-CoA concentration, in GSIS from the normal pancreatic β-cell. They also raise the possibility that the tested CPT I inhibitors act, in part, by generating non-metabolizable acyl-CoA species that mimic the effects of natural acyl-CoAs in triggering insulin release.
Globalisation and new realities for multinational enterprise-developing host country interaction

Globalisation has changed economic realities. First, the competences of MNEs are becoming increasingly mobile and knowledge-intensive. MNEs thus give more attention to the availability and quality of the created assets of alternative locations. Second, among developing countries there are now considerable differences between the 'catching-up' countries (e.g., NICs) and 'falling behind', less-developed countries (LDCs). These developments have changed the opportunity sets of both parties. FDI-based development strategies are now commonplace among LDCs, but there is also increased competition for the 'right' kinds of investment. In general, the balance in bargaining power has shifted in favour of the MNE, and LDCs increasingly need to provide unique, non-replicable created assets to maintain a successful FDI-assisted development strategy .
Stretchable biocompatible electronics by embedding electrical circuitry in biocompatible elastomers

Stretchable and curvilinear electronics has been used recently for the fabrication of micro systems interacting with the human body. The applications range from different kinds of implantable sensors inside the body to conformable electrodes and artificial skins. One of the key parameters in biocompatible stretchable electronics is the fabrication of reliable electrical interconnects. Although very recent literature has reported on the reliability of stretchable interconnects by cyclic loading, work still needs to be done on the integration of electrical circuitry composed of rigid components and stretchable interconnects in a biological environment. In this work, the feasibility of a developed technology to fabricate simple electrical circuits with meander shaped stretchable interconnects is presented. Stretchable interconnects are 200nm thin Au layer supported with polyimide (PI). A stretchable array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is embedded in biocompatible elastomer using this technology platform and it features a 50% total elongation.
Late EEG after-effects in humans following hyperventilation. II. A comparison between subjects with different level of adaptation to hypoxia.

The late EEG after-effects following application of a short-lasting ventilatory interoceptive influence (3 min hyperventilation-HV) were studied in humans with three degrees of adaptation: students (ST) with a lower degree of training, professional alpine climbers with a high level of training (AL1) and the same subjects (AL2) in a middle position of adaptation i.e. 6 months after an expedition. ST developed late EEG after-effects, consisting mainly in an increase of the beta-2 EEG activity; AL1 showed very slight changes, while in AL2 the EEG after-effects were intermediate. It is suggested, that a lower level of adaptation facilitates the triggering through HV of processes in the cortical EEG which accompany an improvement of the brain tone.
Bordetella Adenylate Cyclase-Hemolysin Toxins

Adenylate cyclase-hemolysin toxin is secreted and produced by three classical species of the genus Bordetella: Bordetella pertussis, B. parapertussis and B. bronchiseptica. This toxin has several properties such as: (i) adenylate cyclase activity, enhanced after interaction with the eukaryotic protein, calmodulin; (ii) a pore-forming activity; (iii) an invasive activity. It plays an important role in the pathogenesis of these Bordetella species responsible for whooping cough in humans or persistent respiratory infections in mammals, by modulating host immune responses. In contrast with other Bordetella toxins or adhesins, lack of (or very low polymorphism) is observed in the structural gene encoding this toxin, supporting its importance as well as a potential role as a vaccine antigen against whooping cough. In this article, an overview of the investigations undertaken on this toxin is presented.
Thrombocytopenia following liver transplantation is associated with platelet consumption and thrombin generation

Thrombocytopenia frequently occurs immediately after orthotopic liver transplantation. We have investigated the cause of this phenomenon in a cohort of 45 consecutive liver transplant recipients. The median preoperative platelet count (range) of 129 × 109/l (14–719) fell to 56 × 109/l (23–334) by the fourth postoperative day. The median preoperative reticulated platelet percentage (range) of 6.7% (2.2–23.9) increased to 16.4% (4.6–40.8) on day 7. There was a significant rise in prothrombin fragment F1.2 by the first postoperative day which was followed by rises in fibrinogen and fibrin degradation products. There was no increase in platelet‐associated immunoglobulin or markers of endothelial activation. We conclude that there is an increased rate of platelet consumption associated with thrombin generation that reflects the magnitude of liver transplant surgery.
Convergence and Optimality of Higher-Order Adaptive Finite Element Methods for Eigenvalue Clusters

Proofs of convergence of adaptive finite element methods for the approximation of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of linear elliptic problems have been given in a several recent papers. A key step in establishing such results for multiple and clustered eigenvalues was provided by Dai et. al. (2014), who proved convergence and optimality of AFEM for eigenvalues of multiplicity greater than one. There it was shown that a theoretical (non-computable) error estimator for which standard convergence proofs apply is equivalent to a standard computable estimator on sufficiently fine grids. Gallistl (2015) used a similar tool in order to prove that a standard adaptive FEM for controlling eigenvalue clusters for the Laplacian using continuous piecewise linear finite element spaces converges with optimal rate. When considering either higher-order finite element spaces or non-constant diffusion coefficients, however, the arguments of Dai et. al. and Gallistl do not yield equivalence of the practical and theoretical estimators for clustered eigenvalues. In this note we provide this missing key step, thus showing that standard adaptive FEM for clustered eigenvalues employing elements of arbitrary polynomial degree converge with optimal rate. We additionally establish that a key user-defined input parameter in the AFEM, the bulk marking parameter, may be chosen entirely independently of the properties of the target eigenvalue cluster. All of these results assume a fineness condition on the initial mesh in order to ensure that the nonlinearity is sufficiently resolved.
Análisis de la Eficiencia Técnica Hospitalaria del Insalud GD en Castilla y León

Este articulo analiza la evolucion de la eficiencia tecnica en los hospitales del Insalud Gestion Directa a lo largo de los ultimos anos de vigencia del sistema de contratos programa (1993-1996). Los resultados del analisis indican que, continuando la tendencia observada en los estudios anteriores para el periodo 1991-1993, los indices de eficiencia han experimentado un notable incremento. Esta mejora ha sido especialmente importante en el conjunto de hospitales de la Comunidad de Castilla y Leon. Al estimar los factores determinantes del coste medio de la UPA, se observa la especial importancia de la productividad media de los medicos y de los distintos indicadores de eficiencia hospitalaria.
Elevated Salt and Nitrate Levels in Drinking Water Cause an Increase of Blood Pressure in Schoolchildren

Aim: To assess the influence on blood pressure in schoolchildren, of elevated sodium (Na<sup>+</sup>) and nitrate (NO<sup>–</sup><sub>3</sub>) levels in the drinking water. Methods: The blood pressure was recorded in three groups of age- and weight-matched schoolchildren (fourth and fifth graders) ingesting differing Na<sup>+</sup> and NO<sup>–</sup><sub>3</sub> concentrations with their drinking water. Group 1 (n = 452) imbibed high-Na<sup>+</sup>, high-NO<sup>–</sup><sub>3</sub> water (196 and 49 mg/l, respectively); group 2 (n = 418) consumed low-Na<sup>+</sup>, high-NO<sup>–</sup><sub>3</sub> water (25 and 49 mg/l, respectively) and group 3 (n = 86) drank low-Na<sup>+</sup>, low-NO<sup>–</sup><sub>3</sub> water (35 and 25 mg/l, respectively). The chloride (Cl<sup>–</sup>) concentrations varied in parallel to those of Na<sup>+</sup>. Results: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were significantly increased in group 1 versus groups 2 and 3 (115.6 ± 12.2 and 86.4 ± 9.6 mm Hg vs. 111.1 ± 11.6 and 83 ± 8.3 and 107 ± 8.8 and 81 ± 7.2 mm Hg, respectively, p < 0.05). The SBP in group 2 was also significantly higher than in group 3 (111.1 ± 11.6 vs. 107 ± 8.8 mm Hg; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Elevated Na<sup>+</sup> (and possibly Cl<sup>–</sup>) in combination with high NO<sup>–</sup><sub>3</sub> concentrations in drinking water leads to an increase of SBP and MAP in fourth and fifth graders. The effects of Na<sup>+</sup> (and/or Cl<sup>–</sup>) and NO<sup>–</sup><sub>3</sub> on SBP and MAP appear to be additive, yet independent of each other.
Enhanced Immunoglobulin A Response and Protection against Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium in the Absence of the Substance P Receptor

ABSTRACT The development of the neurokinin-1 receptor-deficient (NK1R−/−) mouse permitted inquiry into the regulation of secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) responses by substance P (SP) after oral immunization with a Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium vector expressing colonization factor antigen I (CFA/I) from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. In NK1R−/− mice, mucosal and serum IgA anti-CFA/I fimbrial responses were augmented, while secreted IgG anti-CFA/I fimbrial responses remained unaffected compared to those of BALB/c (NK1R+/+) mice. Supportive antibody-forming cells were present in the small intestinal lamina propria and spleen. To gain insight as to why the augmented S-IgA responses occurred, minimally, the responses were not attributed to differences in vaccine colonization of Peyer's patch (PP) and spleen or in their respective tissue weights. However, these S-IgA responses were supported by increased numbers of PP CD4+ T helper (Th) cells secreting interleukin-5 (IL-5) and IL-6 and splenic CD4+ Th cells secreting IL-6 compared to NK1R+/+ mice. Challenge of naive NK1R−/− mice with wild-type Salmonella showed improved median survival compared to naive NK1R+/+ mice. Data from peritoneal macrophage infection studies suggest that this survival is in part contributed by increased IL-10 production. Oral vaccination with Salmonella CFA/I or Salmonella vector showed no significant differences in conferred protection against wild-type challenge for either NK1R−/− or NK1R+/+ mice. Thus, these studies suggest that SP mediation contributes to proinflammatory responses to Salmonella infections.
Characterization of amplification core and esterase B1 gene responsible for insecticide resistance in Culex

Organophosphorus insecticide (OP) resistance in several Culex species is associated with increased esterase activity resulting from amplification of the corresponding structural gene. In Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus, high levels of OP resistance (approximately 800 times) are due to the esterase B1 gene, which is amplified at least 250-fold. This gene has now been sequenced, and the structure of the amplification unit (amplicon) encompassing the structural gene has been partially characterized. The inferred amino acid sequence of the enzyme revealed regions of strong homology with other eukaryotic serine-esterases, such as cholinesterases, which are the target of OPs. The amplicon covers at least 30 kilobases and contains a constant and highly conserved "core" of 25 kilobases. This core carries a single copy of the esterase gene (2.8 kilobases) as well as other sequences that are present as single or low number copies in the genomes of mosquitoes lacking overproduction of the esterase B1 protein. In the amplicon, the esterase gene is framed by two DNA sequences that are repeated in other parts of the genome of resistant mosquitoes and found in the genome of susceptible mosquitoes but not near the esterase B1 gene. It is suggested that these repetitive sequences may have a role in the amplification process.
Comparative Study of Nerve Grafting versus Distal Nerve Transfer for Treatment of Proximal Injuries of the Ulnar Nerve

Abstract Background The prognosis for motor recovery associated with ulnar nerve injuries at a level proximal to the elbow is usually considered poor. Nerve transfers techniques were introduced as an alternative for the management of nerve lesions of the upper limb, aiming to improve the surgical results of those nerves for which direct reconstruction has not historically yielded good outcomes. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted to compare the outcomes obtained using nerve grafting (20 cases) with those of distal nerve transfer (15 patients) for the treatment of proximal injuries of the ulnar nerve. Nerve transfer combined the suture of the anterior interosseous nerve to the motor branch of the ulnar nerve and the cooptation of its sensory branch to the third common digital nerve via an end-to-side suture. Results The Medical Research Council M3/M4 outcomes were observed significantly more often in the nerve transfer group (80 vs. 22%), and the mean values for handgrip strength were higher (31.3 ± 5.8 vs. 14.5 ± 7.2 kg). The groups were similar in attaining good sensory recovery (40 vs. 30%) and mean two-point-discrimination (grafting: 11 ± 2 mm; nerve transfer: 9 ± 1 mm). The mean value of the disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand for the nerve transfer group (23.6 ± 6.7) was significantly lower than for grafting (34.2 ± 8.3). Conclusions Distal nerve transfer resulted in better motor and functional outcomes than nerve grafting. Both techniques resulted in similar sensory outcomes, and nerve grafting was demonstrated to be a better technique for managing the painful symptoms associated with the nerve injury.
The effects of fasting on metabolism and performance

An overnight fast of 8–10 h is normal for most people. Fasting is characterised by a coordinated set of metabolic changes designed to spare carbohydrate and increase reliance on fat as a substrate for energy supply. As well as sparing the limited endogenous carbohydrate, and increased rate of gluconeogenesis from amino acids, glycerol and ketone bodies help maintain the supply of carbohydrate. Many individuals undergo periodic fasts for health, religious or cultural reasons. Ramadan fasting, involving 1 month of abstention from food and fluid intake during daylight hours, is practised by a large part of the world population. This period involves a shift in the pattern of intake from daytime to the hours of darkness. There seems to be little effect on overall daily dietary intake and only small metabolic effects, but there may be implications for both physical and cognitive function. The limited evidence suggests that effects of Ramadan-style fasting on exercise performance are generally small. This needs to be balanced, however, against the observation that small differences in performance are critical in determining the outcomes of sporting events. Studies involving challenging sporting events (prolonged sustained or intermittent high-intensity events, hot and humid environments) are needed. Increases in subjective sensations of fatigue may be the result of loss of sleep or disruption of normal sleep patterns. Modifications to the competition timetable may minimise or even eliminate any effect on performance in sport, but there may be negative effects on performance in some events.
Burden of general medical conditions among individuals with bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVE Treatment of coexisting medical comorbidities may reduce the risk of adverse outcomes among patients with bipolar disorder. We determined the prevalence of general medical conditions in a population-based sample of patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the Veterans Administration (VA). METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients (n = 4310) diagnosed with bipolar disorder in fiscal year 2001 receiving care at VA facilities located within the mid-Atlantic region. General medical conditions were assessed using ICD-9 codes, and we compared the prevalence of each condition in our bipolar sample with national data on the VA patient population. RESULTS The mean age was 53 (SD = 13), 10% were women, and 12% African-American. The mean age of the VA national patient population was higher (58 years). The most prevalent conditions among patients with bipolar disorder included cardiovascular (e.g. hypertension, 35%), endocrine (e.g. hyperlipidemia, 23%; diabetes, 17%), and alcohol use disorder (25%). When compared with national data, the prevalence of diabetes was higher in the bipolar cohort than in the national cohort (17.2% versus 15.6%; p = 0.0035). Hepatitis C was more common in the bipolar group than the national cohort (5.9% versus 1.1%; p < 0.001). Lower back pain (15.4% versus 10.6%; p < 0.0001) and pulmonary conditions (e.g. COPD: 10.6% versus 9.4%; p = 0.005) were also more prevalent among the bipolar cohort than the VA national cohort. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with bipolar disorder possess a substantial burden of general medical comorbidity, and are occurring at an earlier age than in the general VA patient population, suggesting the need for earlier detection and treatment for patients with bipolar disorder.
Support vector machine and genetic algorithm based predictive control for active power filter

A new control method for active power filters using support vector machine (SVM) is presented. In the strategy, SVM is employed to model and predict future harmonic compensating current, it has the advantages of nonexistence of local minima solutions, automatic choice of model complexity and good generalization performance. Based on the model output, Genetic algorithm optimization method is adopted to produce proper value of control vector, this value is adequately modulated by means of a space vector PWM modulator which generate proper gating patterns of the inverter switches to maintain tracking of reference current. The SVM based predictive algorithm is used in internal model control scheme to compensate for process disturbances, measurement noise and modeling errors. The proposed method is applied to the control of a shunt active power filter, simulation results show SVM based predictive controller is more effective and feasible than PI control or digit adaptive control.