Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The double life of HMGB1 chromatin protein: architectural factor and extracellular signal

The High Mobility Group Box (HMGB) chromosomal proteins have been known and studied for a long time, but we have only recently started to understand their biological functions. They now have a clear reputation for being important architectural factors: they facilitate the assembly of site‐specific DNA binding proteins to their cognate binding sites within chromatin. Beyond this intranuclear function, they also have an extracellular function, which will be the prime focus of this short review. ### The HMGB family: structure, expression and nuclear function The HMGB family comprises the three proteins HMGB1 (previously HMG1), HMGB2 (previously HMG2) and HMGB3 (previously HMG4 or HMG2b) (Bustin, 2001). The structure of these three proteins is highly conserved (>80% amino acid identity), and their biochemical properties are so far indistinguishable. HMGBs are composed of three different domains. The two homologous DNA binding domains, HMG boxes A and B, are each ∼75 amino acids in length. The C‐terminal domain is highly negatively charged, consisting of a continuous stretch of glutamate or aspartate residues, and is longest in HMGB1 and shortest in HMGB3 (reviewed in Bustin, 1999; Bianchi and Beltrame, 2000). HMGB1 is ubiquitous and only 10 times less abundant than core histones, at ∼106 molecules per typical mammalian cell. Expression of the other two family members is more restricted: HMGB3 is only expressed to a significant amount during embryogenesis (Vaccari et al ., 1998); HMGB2 is widely expressed during embryonic development, but restricted mainly to lymphoid organs and testis in the adult mouse (Ronfani et al ., 2001). The localization of these proteins in most cells is nuclear. In their nuclear identity, HMGB1 and HMGB2 bind to the minor groove of DNA, causing a local distortion of the double helix. They have little or no sequence preference, and they are recruited to the site of action by specific DNA binding proteins. HMGB1 has …
Human Papillomavirus Worldwide Distribution in Women Without Cervical Cancer

I. Dutra1,2, I. Foroni1,2, A.R. Couto1,2, M. Lima2,3 and J. Bruges-Armas1,2 1 Servico Especializado de Epidemiologia e Biologia Molecular, Hospital de Santo Espirito de Angra do Heroismo 2Genetic and Arthritis Research Group (GARG), Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), University of Porto 3Grupo de Epidemiologia e Genetica Humana do Departamento de Biologia da Universidade dos Acores Portugal
Fungal Contamination Of Non-Cellulosic Instruments In Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.

A study of fungal contaminants of non-cellulosic instruments in Umuahia. Abia State was carried out. The instruments involved were microscopes, cameras, clocks and wristwatches.Four species of fungi were isolated namely: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigates, Rhizopus species and Penicillum species.The ability of these isolates to produce four enzymes namely cellulose, amylase, caseinase and gelatinase were tested. Among the isolates Aspergillus fumigates produced the highest amount of amylase and cellulose. All the isolates tested positive for caseinase and gelatinase production tests. Carbon sources such as glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, mannose and maltose were all utilized by the isolates as carbon sources, but Aspergillus niger utilized them faster than others. No gas was produced of these isolates ranged between 30 0
First trimester screening for preeclampsia

Purpose of review Aspirin therapy from the first trimester of pregnancy may benefit women at high risk for preeclampsia. We review publications from the past year that examine first-trimester screening studies for preeclampsia. Recent findings For a false positive rate of 5%, first-trimester uterine artery Doppler studies will detect 50–65% of women who will develop severe preeclampsia (i.e. needing delivery before 35 weeks). Measurement of placental volume with three-dimensional ultrasound at 11–14 weeks detected 20% for a false positive rate of 10% in one study and further evaluation of this technique is needed. Maternal serum placental growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 have shown initial promise, but recent studies have shown no improvement in screening compared with using uterine artery Doppler alone. Placental protein 13 is the most promising serum marker and in combination with uterine Doppler may predict up to 90% of cases of severe preeclampsia for a false positive rate of 9%. Summary First-trimester uterine artery Doppler can identify over half of women who will develop preeclampsia. Detection rates may be increased by a combination of uterine artery Doppler with first-trimester maternal serum markers, especially placental protein 13. Such high-risk women may be the most likely to benefit from pharmacological intervention in future trials.
HIPAA Compliance: An Institutional Theory Perspective

One would think that the enactment of the HIPAA and associated mandates on data security and privacy has brought a major shift in the information security management practices across the US healthcare sector. Unfortunately, recent industry reports indicate substantially low level of regulatory compliance, thus raising security concerns to US health IT infrastructure. This research develops a regulatory compliance model by drawing insights from institutional theory literature to identify the key drivers influencing compliance, both institutional and market forces e.g. mix of state and federal privacy regulations, pressure from compliance leaders in the region, and the consumer demand for privacy among others. The primary contribution of this research lies in the novel application of institutional theory to explain the variability in regulatory compliance prevalent in the US healthcare sector.
The 9 th International Conference on Mobile Web Information Systems ( MobiWIS ) Authoring relational queries on the mobile devices

In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a graphical user interface to interact with a relational database management system on touch screen based mobile devices. Our system allows users to author arbitrary graphical relational queries on the touch screen using a collection of on-screen widgets and gestures. The user can interact, introspect and integrate pieces of sub-queries on the mobile device. The system dynamically performs type checking during the authoring, so the user receives immediate visual feedback in case of semantic error in the resulting query. We have deployed our system on several Android devices ranging from the 4” smart phones to 7” and 10” tablets. Our usability study shows that our query interface provides a significant improvement in the user experience when querying a relational data model. The system allows fast authoring speed of complex queries, and user friendly experience. c © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Pattern recognition of EMG signals: Towards adaptive control of robotic arms

Given the importance of hands as dexterous instruments to execute daily life tasks and the huge disability people suffer from when losing their limbs, this paper uses the electrical activity of the muscles (EMG) as control signals in a pattern recognition control system to manipulate the movement of a motorized 3D printed robotic arm. A system to acquire the electromyography signals is first designed and tested. Some features are then extracted from the EMG signal to build a support vector machine classification model. The obtained results indicate the fidelity of acquired signals, the efficiency of the exoskeleton, and the accuracy of the classification process in achieving a robust myoelectric control system. The final results compose a backbone for a future development of a robust classification system to fulfill a complete prototype.
The intact Kunitz domain protects the amyloid precursor protein from being processed by matriptase-2

Abstract Proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) leads to amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. So far, the mechanism of APP processing is insufficiently characterized at the molecular level. Whereas the knowledge of Aβ generation by several proteases has been expanded, the contribution of the Kunitz-type protease inhibitor domain (KPI) present in two major APP isoforms to the complex proteolytic processing of APP is poorly understood. In this study, we have identified KPI-containing APP as a very potent, slow-binding inhibitor for the membrane-bound proteolytic regulator of iron homeostasis matriptase-2 by forming stable complexes with its target protease in HEK cells. Inhibition and complex formation depend on the intact KPI domain. By inhibiting matriptase-2, KPI-containing APP is protected from matriptase-2-mediated proteolysis within the Aβ region, thus preventing the generation of N-terminally truncated Aβ.
Do Stock Mergers Create Value for Acquirers

This paper finds support for the hypothesis that overvalued firms create value for long-term shareholders by using their equity as currency. Any approach centered on abnormal returns is complicated by the fact that the most overvalued firms have the greatest incentive to engage in stock acquisitions. We solve this endogeneity problem by creating a sample of mergers that fail for exogenous reasons. We find that unsuccessful stock bidders significantly underperform successful ones. Failure to consummate is costlier for richly priced firms, and the unrealized acquirer-target combination would have earned higher returns. None of these results hold for cash bids.
Cardiac regeneration and stem cell therapy

Purpose of reviewSignificant recent developments have occurred in the field of cardiac regeneration and stem-cell therapy. Understanding the new technological advances in cell therapy will ultimate allow us to achieve a goal of cell-based cardiac repair. Recent findingsWe discuss the latest cell-based therapies (including skeletal myoblasts, bone-marrow-derived cells, stem cells), the recent clinical trials in humans and different delivery techniques. SummaryOngoing unraveling of the mechanistic and clinical complexities underlying cardiac regeneration will advance the field of regenerative medicine. Substantial progress is being made by the parallel conduct of basic science studies and clinical trials that are incorporating mechanistic evaluations.
SEROLOGIC STUDIES OF EMBRYONIC AND TROPHOBLASTIC TISSUES OF THE MOUSE.

The isoantigenicity of mouse embryonic and trophoblastic tissues was studied by quantitative absorptions of isohemagglutinins. Isoantigenic activity was found in the earliest C3H embryos studied (10½ days old). The antigenicity of the liver increased rapidly between days 13½ and 15½, whereafter it remained constant. In preterm embryos the thymus was the most antigenic organ, having an antigenicity similar to that of the adult thymus. The placenta showed a relatively high antigenicity which remained unchanged throughout pregnancy. The livers of (129 × C3H) F1 hybrids contained both paternal and maternal isoantigenic activity. The two antigens attained, at each developmental stage, about half the concentration found in homozygous embryos. Both the paternal and the maternal antigens were demonstrable in hybrid placentas. No isoantigenic activity could be found in the trophoblastic growths resulting from grafts of 2½- to 3½-day-old fertilized C3H eggs into cryptorchid C57BL or 129 testes. It is concluded that the lack of H-2 isoantigenicity of the trophoblastic cells enables them to function as a barrier between the fetus and the mother.
Imitative motion generation for smart device interlocked robot partner based on neuro-genetic approach

This paper proposes a method of imitative motion generation for smart device interlocked robot partner. Imitation is an essential ability for robot partners to provide human like communication. In this study, we have developed a robot simulation for testing human-like motion patterns on a various types of body structure. Moreover, we apply a neuro-genetic approach to generate imitative motions for the robot partner. In the experiment, we show that the smart device interlocked robot partner can perform imitative motion corresponding to human motion measured by 3D image sensor, regardless of the bodily structure differences.
Match analysis of an elite beach soccer team.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological demands and technical-tactical performances of field players in Italian elite beach soccer team. METHODS Three official matches of the Italian First Division beach soccer tournament were analyzed to evaluate the heart rate (HR) and time-motion analysis considering: standing, walking, jogging, running and sprinting, and technical-tactical aspects. Repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to determine the effects of time on the physiological measures and time motion analysis. RESULTS The mean heart rate (HR) was 161±20 b·min-1 corresponding to an overall mean of 84.3±10.5% of maximum heart rate (HRmax). Beach soccer players spent 52.5% of the time exercising at HR>85% of their HRmax. The time motion analysis results showed that for 50% of the match the players performed very low intensity activities. The notational analysis showed that during the 52.8% of the offensive actions 2 players were involved and the 42.6% of the offensive actions was performed by one pass. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that the beach soccer is an intermittent high intensity sport with a significant involvement of anaerobic metabolism. The results of time motion analysis and notational analysis underscored that the sand does not support the movements of players overall high intensity running. Team work is difficult to implement due to irregular rebounds and it does not consent precise passes. Furthermore this study suggests that it is important to include an intermittent training with high intensity and short recovery to improve the athlete's performance.
Topographic analysis of the toxic Gef protein from Escherichia coli

The chromosomal gef gene of Escherichia coli is a member of the gef gene family which encodes strongly toxic proteins of about 50 amino acids. We demonstrate here that the Gef protein is detectable by anti‐peptide antibodies. Furthermore, we show that Gef is anchored in the cytoplasmic membrane by the N‐terminal part of the protein, and that the C‐terminal part is localized in the periplasm in a dimeric form with at least one disulphide bond. By mutagenesis of gef it is shown that the periplasmic portion of Gef encodes the toxic domain and that the dimerization of Gef is not essential for the toxic effect.
Long-Term Adherence to Interferon β Therapy in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Background/Aims: To assess the proportion and the reasons of drop-outs in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferon-β (IFNB) and the outcome of switching subjects. Methods: Patients stopping IFNB were classified according to the reason of drop-out: perceived lack of efficacy (PLE) side effects (SE) and other reasons. Long-term adherence was described using the Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: We evaluated 225 subjects (158 women; age = 36.6 ± 9.2 years, disease duration = 8.0 ± 6.1 years, Expanded Disability Status Scale score = 1.9 ± 1.2) who received Betaferon (46), Avonex (88) and Rebif (91) therapy. The mean follow-up duration was 4.2 ± 2.7 years. Forty-six percent of patients suspended therapy, 29% because of PLE, 15% because of SE and the remaining 2% due to other reasons. Twenty-five out of 33 subjects who suspended IFNB because of SE and 62 out of 65 patients who suspended the therapy due to PLE were switched to another disease-modifying drug. At the end of the follow-up, the majority of these patients could continue the treatment. Conclusions: When starting IFNB therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, a relatively high proportion of discontinuation is to be expected over time. Switching from a treatment to another taking into account the reasons of drop-out and the disease activity is a suitable option.
Action of angiotensins I, II, and III on aldosterone production by isolated rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells. importance of metabolism and conversion of peptides in vitro.

The steroidogenic activity of angiotensin I (AI), angiotensin II (All), and [des-Asp1]angiotension II (AIII) were assessed using dispersed rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cell incubations. Aldosterone and corticosterone outputs were measured by RIA. All at concentrations as low as 10−12 m significantly increased the output of both steroids and had a maximal effect at 10−8 m. AIII had a potency relative to All of approximately 0.3% and a threshold dose of near 10−8 m. Measurement of the survival of the peptides by both pressor bioassay and RIA revealed that AIII was degraded faster than All during incubation. The source of this peptidase activity was predominantly from the albumin in the medium. However, in medium containing albumin free from peptidase, a similar difference in the potencies of All and AIII was observed, and degradation of AIII but not All was found in the presence of glomerulosa cells. AI had a steroidogenic potency intermediate between All and AIII, with a potency relative to All of approxim.
Coffee consumption and risk of localized, advanced and fatal prostate cancer: a population-based prospective study.

BACKGROUND The epidemiological evidence on possible relationships between coffee consumption and prostate cancer (PCa) risk by subtype of the disease (localized, advanced) and fatal PCa risk is limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS A population-based cohort of 44 613 Swedish men aged 45-79 years was followed up from January 1998 through December 2010 for incidence of localized (n = 2368), advanced (n = 918) and fatal (n = 515) PCa. We assessed the associations between coffee consumption and localized, advanced and fatal PCa risk using competing-risk regressions. We examined possible effect modification by body mass index (BMI). RESULTS For localized PCa, each one cup increase in daily coffee consumption was associated with a 3% reduced risk [sub-hazard ratio (SHR) = 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.95-0.99]. For advanced and fatal PCa, we found a non-significant inverse association; each one cup increase was associated with a 2% reduced risk of advanced [SHR (95% CI) = 0.98 (0.95-1.02)] and fatal PCa [SHR (95% CI) = 0.98 (0.93-1.03)]. We observed evidence of effect modification by BMI for localized PCa (Pinteraction = 0.03); the inverse association was stronger among overweight and obese men (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2)) compared with normal-weight men (BMI < 25 kg/m(2)). CONCLUSIONS We observed a clear inverse association between coffee consumption and risk of localized PCa, especially among overweight and obese men.
Near-field dual-use antenna for magnetic-field based communication and electrical-field based distance sensing in mm3-class sensor node

This paper proposes a mm3-class dual-use near-field antenna that can be used for both magnetic-field based communication and electrical-field based distance sensing. The proposed antenna consists of two spiral coils, and they are used as a coil antenna in communication mode and signal electrodes in distance sensing mode. We evaluated the performance of the communication mode with a prototype antenna. The measured S21 is −8.3 dB to −45.1 dB in the range from 6 mm to 24 mm, which is highly correlated to 3D full-wave electromagnetic simulation. With this antenna, we performed BER evaluation with commercial transceiver boards showing that the proposed antenna could be used for ASK/OOK signaling. We also confirmed that the proposed antenna could be used for cm-scale node-to-node distance sensing through capacitive coupling.
Bioarchaeology as Anthropology

Scientists' perceptions of their discipline clearly influence how they frame their research agenda. Seeing bioarchaeology as anthropology profoundly affects the problems that capture one's interest, the questions that one seeks to answer, and the methods one uses to resolve them. Bioarchaeology as anthropology reaffirms a worldview that incorporates an intradisciplinary biocultural approach with a cross-cultural perspective. The field is committed to understanding the adaptation and the evolution of social systems. Given the postprocessual rejection of cultural evolutionary theory, rejection of scientific methodology, rejection of culture as a means of extrasomatic adaptation, rejection of culture as a system, rejection of ecological interpretations, and rejection of etic analysis (Johnson 1999), the perspective presented in this chapter may be seen as a defense of an earlier era of scientific anthropology. Emotionally, a rejection of the postprocessual criticism may feel like the best response; however, a reasoned evaluation of the criticism and measured response is a much more effective strategy. This strategy is reflected in Charles and Buikstra's (2001) effective use of "mitigated objectivism" championed by Wylie (1992). I will argue that bioarchaeology as anthropology, by incorporating aspects of the postprocessual and antiprocessual critiques, has positioned itself to make new and significant contributions to knowledge.
The mean platelet volume in patients with obesity

Mean platelet volume (MPV), a determinant of platelet function, is a newly emerging risk factor for atherothrombosis. The present study was designed to evaluate MPV in patients with obesity compared with non‐obese control subjects. We selected 100 non‐obese subjects and 100 subjects with obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2] matched for age and gender. The MPV was significantly higher in obese group than in non‐obese control group (10.3 ± 1.2 vs. 9.0 ± 0.8 fl, p < 0.01). MPV was positively correlated with BMI in obese group (p < 0.05). Increased MPV may be a possible cause for increased cardiovascular risk in patients with obesity.
Network Competence: The Conception and the Functional Mechanism

Network competence means not only having qualifications but also using or having the potential to use the qualifications. The network competence is a three-dimensional construct that can be defined as network qualifications competence, network management competence and network development competence. By resource capture and transfer, relationship integration and innovation, there is the functional mechanism on network competence. Network competence can be also enhanced by favorable network positions, network learning capabilities and innovative network.
Host Defense Peptides in Wound Healing

Host defense peptides are effector molecules of the innate immune system. They show broad antimicrobial action against gram-positive and -negative bacteria, and they likely play a key role in activating and mediating the innate as well as adaptive immune response in infection and inflammation. These features make them of high interest for wound healing research. Non-healing and infected wounds are a major problem in patient care and health care spending. Increasing infection rates, growing bacterial resistance to common antibiotics, and the lack of effective therapeutic options for the treatment of problematic wounds emphasize the need for new approaches in therapy and pathophysiologic understanding. This review focuses on the current knowledge of host defense peptides affecting wound healing and infection. We discuss the current data and highlight the potential future developments in this field of research.