Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential upregulation of rat Na-K-Cl cotransporter, rBSC1, mRNA in the thick ascending limb of Henle in different pathological conditions.

BACKGROUND Na-Cl cotransport across the apical membrane of epithelial cells in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (TAL) plays a major role in salt accumulation for hypertonic medullary interstitium. The electroneutral, rat bumetanide-sensitive sodium transporter, rBSC1, is involved in this process. We studied the level of rBSC1 mRNA in dehydration and cardiac failure, since sodium transport in TAL may be enhanced in both conditions in spite of the difference in extracellular fluid accumulation. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were deprived of water for 24 hours and myocardial infarction of about 40% of left ventricular circumference was induced in another group of rats that later developed congestive heart failure (CHF). Digoxigenin-labeled cRNA probe for rBSC1 was constructed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Northern blot analysis was performed using RNAs from renal outer medulla. By inducing a point mutation at the middle of PCR product, we compared the amount of rBSC1 transcripts in the renal cortex using competitive PCR, since TAL represents a small fraction of the total cortical tissue. RESULTS Northern analysis showed a significant increase in rBSC1 mRNA in the renal outer medulla of both dehydrated and CHF rats. In the renal cortex, however, the increase was noted only in CHF by competitive PCR. In situ hybridization using the riboprobe for northern analysis demonstrated that the transcript signal in dehydrated rats was intensified segmentally in TAL located in the inner stripe of outer medulla. Western analysis and immunohistochemistry using a specific antibody against rBSC1 confirmed the distinct segmental enhancement of apical protein expression in dehydration and diffuse enhanced expression in CHF. CONCLUSIONS rBSC1 is differentially upregulated in different pathological conditions.
Extension and Empirical Comparison of Graph-Kernels for the Analysis of Protein Active Sites

Graphs are often used to describe and analyze the geometry and physicochemical composition of biomolecular structures, such as chemical compounds and protein active sites. A key problem in graph-based structure analysis is to define a measure of similarity that enables a meaningful comparison of such structures. In this regard, socalled kernel functions have recently attracted a lot of attention, especially since they allow for the application of a rich repertoire of methods from the field of kernel-based machine learning. Most of the existing kernel functions on graph structures, however, have been designed for the case of unlabeled and/or unweighted graphs. Since proteins are often more naturally and more exactly represented in terms of node-labeled and edge-weighted graphs, we propose corresponding extensions of existing graph kernels. Moreover, we propose an instance of the substructure fingerprint kernel suitable for the analysis of protein binding sites. The performance of these kernels is investigated by means of an experimental study in which graph kernels are used as similarity measures in the context of classification.
Psychometric properties of the Beck Depression Inventory-II for OEF/OIF veterans in a polytrauma sample.

OBJECTIVE The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) is widely used as a screening instrument for depressive symptomatology in clinical settings. The factor structure has been researched in a variety of settings with results ranging from a single factor to a five-factor structure. The purpose of this study was to examine several identified factor structures when applied to a mixed polytrauma sample. METHOD A sample of 310 veterans was used for this study. All subjects were administered the BDI-II screening measure as part of an evaluation in an outpatient polytrauma clinic. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine the best model. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a three-factor model provided a best fit. A model previously identified for individuals in residential treatment for substance abuse provided a best fit for this sample. CONCLUSIONS The BDI-II may provide additional information for clinicians when examining the three-factor model with veterans in polytrauma settings.
Sulphonamide residues in eggs following drug administration via the drinking water

The aim was to determine concentrations of sulphadimidine (SDM) and sulphadimethoxine (SDT) in eggs following oral administration through drinking water for 5 days (0.5g-1 for SDT, 1 and 2gl-1 for SDM). Residues of sulphonamides in albumen and yolk were monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. The limit of quantification was 0.005 µg g-1 for the two egg components. The results indicate that 0.9–1.4% of the dose administered was deposited in eggs. Maximum concentrations in albumen were much higher than those in yolk. More than 75% of the overall sulphonamides detected in eggs was concentrated in the albumen. The residue levels declined below the limit of quantification within 12–20 days for albumen and 14–15 days for yolk after treatment was discontinued.
Propionibacterium acnes

Propionibacterium acnes, a common skin organism, is most notably recognized for its role in acne vulgaris. It also causes postoperative and device‐related infections and has been associated with a number of other conditions such as sarcoidosis and synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis (SAPHO), although its precise role as a causative agent remains to be determined. Propionibacterium acnes produces a number of virulence factors and is well known for its inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Recent publication of the P. acnes genome should provide further insights into the pathogenic capabilities of the organism and potentially lead to the development of new therapies.
Growth hormone secretion after the administration of GHRP‐6 or GHRH combined with GHRP‐6 does not decline in late adulthood

OBJECTIVE Growth hormone (GH) secretion in middle and late adulthood declines with age. However, the precise mechanisms causing this impairment in OH release are unknown. HIs‐D‐Trp‐Ala‐Trp‐D‐Phe‐Lys‐NH2(GHRP‐6) Is a synthetic compound that releases OH in a dose related and specific manner in several species, including man. In order to gain a further Insight Into disrupted GH secretion in late adulthood, we evaluated GH responses to GHRP‐6 or GHRH, administered either alone or in combination, in healthy young and late adulthood groups of subjects.
Experimental studies of atomic structure, electronic structure, and the electronic transport mechanism in amorphous Al-Cu-Y and Mg-Cu-Y ternary alloys.

The local atomic structure in the amorphous ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$(${\mathrm{Cu}}_{0.4}$${\mathrm{Y}}_{0.6}$${)}_{100\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$ and ${\mathrm{Mg}}_{\mathit{x}}$(${\mathrm{Cu}}_{0.4}$${\mathrm{Y}}_{0.6}$${)}_{100\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$ (0\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}85) alloys was determined by neutron-diffraction experiments. The electronic structure near the Fermi level was determined using the same samples by means of x-ray photoemission spectroscopy and soft x-ray spectroscopy. Both sets of data are combined to determine self-consistently and uniquely the local atomic structure in both Al- and Mg-based amorphous alloys. The bonding nature and resulting atomic environment are found to depend significantly on whether the third element is Al or Mg. Based on the atomic and electronic structures thus derived, we could interpret the Al or Mg concentration dependence of the crystallization temperature, electronic specific-heat coefficient, and also that of the resistivity value of 300 K. The origin of the appearance of a positive Hall coefficient observed in the Al-based amorphous alloys but not in the Mg-based amorphous alloys is also briefly discussed. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Molecular structure of the G.A base pair in DNA and its implications for the mechanism of transversion mutations.

The synthetic deoxydodecamer d(C-G-C-G-A-A-T-T-A-G-C-G) was analyzed by x-ray diffraction methods, and the structure was refined to a residual error of R = 0.17 at 2.5-A resolution (2 sigma data) with 83 water molecules located. The sequence crystallizes as a full turn of a B-DNA helix and contains 2 purine X purine (G.A) base pairs and 10 Watson-Crick base pairs. The analysis shows conclusively that adenine is in the syn orientation with respect to the sugar moiety whereas guanine adopts the usual trans orientation. Nitrogen atoms of both bases are involved in hydrogen bonding with the N-1 of guanine 2.84 A from the N-7 of adenine and the N-6 of adenine within 2.74 A of the O-6 of guanine. The C-1'. C-1' separation is 10.7 A close to that for standard Watson-Crick base pairs. The incorporation of the purine.purine base pairs at two steps in the dodecamer causes little perturbation of either the local or the global conformation of the double helix. Comparison of the structural features with those of the G.T wobble pair and the standard G.C pair suggests a rationale for the differential enzymatic repair of the two types of base-pair mismatches.
L'émigration algérienne en France au XXe siècle

L’emigration des Algeriens vers la France est ancienne et a change plusieurs fois de forme tout au long du XXe siecle. Concue au depart pour alimenter une immigration de travail, elle etait vecue comme un exil suppose temporaire. A partir du milieu des annees soixante-dix, en vertu des dispositifs de regroupement familial, le depart de l’Algerie a debouche sur une installation plus perenne, voire definitive, en France. Le choix de rester sur le territoire francais, d’en acquerir la nationalite, d’y fonder une famille, continue depuis de se heurter aux soupcons lancinants des discours sur l’integration.
Dealing with a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm during assist device implant

Despite increasing use of left ventricular devices for the surgical treatment of heart failure, there is limited experience with implantation of devices in the setting of challenging left apical anatomy. We report the case of a 68-year-old man with a chronic post-infarction calcified apical pseudoaneurysm, who underwent pseudoaneurysmectomy, ventricular myoplasty, and left ventricular assist device implantation. A review of the literature and operative strategies are presented.
Changes in dermal interstitial ATP levels during local heating of human skin

• Heating human skin results in a localized increase in blood flow (hyperaemia) to the skin. • Experiments in mouse skin and cultured human cells suggest that skin cells known as keratinocytes release the chemical ATP, a known cutaneous vasodilator, and that the release of this ATP increases when temperature‐sensing vanilloid type III and IV transient receptor potential ion channels (TRPV3, TRPV4 respectively) are activated by heating. Studies also suggest that this ATP release is necessary for temperature sensation. • We hypothesized that, like mouse skin locally heating human skin to temperatures that activate heat‐sensing TRPV3 and TRPV4 channels would be associated with an accumulation of ATP in the interstitial space that would be related to temperature sensation. • We also hypothesized that the accumulation of ATP would be associated with the magnitude of heat‐induced hyperaemia to the area. • We report that, unlike mouse skin, such local heating does not result in an accumulation of ATP in the interstitial space of human skin, and therefore such an accumulation is not necessary for cutaneous temperature sensation and local reactive hyperaemia. • We also report that warming skin from 31°C results in dilatation at temperatures as low as 35°C, which is several degrees lower than previously reported. This suggests that TRPV3 and/or TRPV4 channels have a role in heat‐induced hyperaemia or that such heating sensitizes TRPV1 channels to respond to temperatures below their typical threshold.
Experimental study of the bone marrow protective effect of a traditional Chinese compound preparation

This study investigated the effect of Wei Gan Li on bone marrow haemopoiesis in myelosuppressed anaemic mice induced by 60Coγ, cyclophosphamide and chloramphenicol. After treatment with Wei Gan Li, colony forming units of granulocyte macrophages, erythroid cells, burst forming unit‐erythroid cells, megakaryocytes and the proliferation of bone marrow stromal cells were measured by in vitro cell culture techniques. Bone marrow haemopoietic stem cells were measured by flow cytometry. The peripheral blood cell count was found to have significantly recovered after Wei Gan Li administration and the proliferation of bone marrow haemopoietic stem/progenitor cells and BMSC were also significantly increased. Wei Gan Li was therefore found to promote the recovery of bone marrow haemopoietic function in myelosuppressed anaemic mice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
To Push or To Pull: On Reducing Communication and Synchronization in Graph Computations

We reduce the cost of communication and synchronization in graph processing by analyzing the fastest way to process graphs: pushing the updates to a shared state or pulling the updates to a private state. We investigate the applicability of this push-pull dichotomy to various algorithms and its impact on complexity, performance, and the amount of used locks, atomics, and reads/writes. We consider 11 graph algorithms, 3 programming models, 2 graph abstractions, and various families of graphs. The conducted analysis illustrates surprising differences between push and pull variants of different algorithms in performance, speed of convergence, and code complexity; the insights are backed up by performance data from hardware counters. We use these findings to illustrate which variant is faster for each algorithm and to develop generic strategies that enable even higher speedups. Our insights can be used to accelerate graph processing engines or libraries on both massively-parallel shared-memory machines as well as distributed-memory systems.
Effect of Intensive Diabetes Treatment on Low-Density Lipoprotein Apolipoprotein B Kinetics in Type I Diabetes

The metabolism of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was studied in six insulin-dependent (type I) diabetic patients during a 7-wk period of conventional and intensive therapy with insulin. Plasma glucose and HbA1c were normalized, demonstrating the effectiveness of our intensive treatment program. Plasma lipoprotein profiles and LDL apolipoprotein B kinetic parameters were estimated during conventional and then during intensive therapy for each patient. Intensive therapy resulted in a significant reduction of plasma and LDL cholesterol and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The lower LDL levels resulted from a decreased production of lipoprotein rather than an increased fractional catabolic rate. These results are consistent with our previous observations of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) metabolism during intensive therapy. VLDL production is significantly reduced; thus, a decreased production of LDL supports the contention that intensive therapy with insulin in normolipemic type I diabetic patients reduces the production of lipoproteins containing apolipoprotein B rather than increasing the clearance, and therapy also increases HDL cholesterol. Both of these effects may be beneficial in reducing the risk for coronary heart disease in type I diabetes.
Osteoarthritis of the knee: effects on gait, strength, and flexibility.

This study examined the differences in gait mechanics, isokinetic knee strength, and flexibility between a group of adults with symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee (n = 15) and an age-, mass-, and gender-matched group of control subjects (n = 15). Both groups performed under similar environmental conditions. Our results suggest that patients with symptomatic OA of the knee have poorer flexibility in both the affected and unaffected legs and demonstrate significantly less (p less than .05) knee angular velocity and, to a lesser extent, knee range of motion during gait. They have an increased loading rate in the unaffected leg after heel strike, exert less peak vertical force during pushoff, and are significantly weaker in both the dominant and nondominant legs compared to adults with no lower extremity disease.
Boost converter with high voltage gain using a switched capacitor circuit

An integrated boost switched-capacitor (SC) converter able to step-up the line by ten times is presented. It is formed by a SC-circuit containing three capacitors and a boost stage. The two power stages are not connected in cascade, but they are integrated for achieving an overall high efficiency. The SC-circuit allows for a steep voltage ratio; for efficiency's purpose, it is not regulated. The boost stage gives the line and load regulation, using a classical PWM control. The theoretical results based on an energy-balance approach and simulation using the exact cyclical differential equations of the converter are confirmed by the experimental results on a prototype of 35 W power.
Effect of growth hormone therapy on feeding problems and food intake in children with growth disorders

To assess the effect of therapeutic doses of growth hormone (GH) on the feeding problems, food intake, body fat and mealtime interactions of children with growth disorders, an age‐matched group of 46 children with Turner syndrome (TS) or Silver Russell syndrome (SRS) was examined using questionnaire measures and direct observation. The children's body fat was measured using bio‐electrical impedance analysis and skinfold thickness measurements. Children receiving GH consumed significantly more energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate than did the children who were not receiving GH, independent of the extent of the child's feeding problems. Children receiving GH had less body fat than did children who were not receiving GH. Children who were not receiving GH distracted their parents from the mealtime significantly more often and received more negative prompting and coaxing from their parents to eat than did children who were receiving GH. This study provides evidence to support the theory that appetite and intake is determined in part by growth and growth potential. Feeding problems seen in children with growth disorders are partly due to parental attempts to impose control over their child's intake, when their child consumes less than the parent believes to be adequate.
The marker choice: Unexpected resolving power of an unexplored CO1 region for layered DNA barcoding approaches

The potential of DNA barcoding approaches to identify single species and characterize species compositions strongly depends on the marker choice. The prominent “Folmer region”, a 648 basepair fragment at the 5’ end of the mitochondrial CO1 gene, has been traditionally applied as a universal DNA barcoding region for metazoans. In order to find a suitable marker for biomonitoring odonates (dragonflies and damselflies), we here explore a new region of the CO1 gene (CO1B) for DNA barcoding in 51 populations of 23 dragonfly and damselfly species. We compare the “Folmer region”, the mitochondrial ND1 gene (NADH dehydrogenase 1) and the new CO1 region with regard to (i) speed and reproducibility of sequence generation, (ii) levels of homoplasy and (iii) numbers of diagnostic characters for discriminating closely related sister taxa and populations. The performances of the gene regions regarding these criteria were quite different. Both, the amplification of CO1B and ND1 was highly reproducible and CO1B showed the highest potential for discriminating sister taxa at different taxonomic levels. In contrast, the amplification of the “Folmer region” using the universal primers was difficult and the third codon positions of this fragment have experienced nucleotide substitution saturation. Most important, exploring this new barcode region of the CO1 gene identified a higher discriminating power between closely related sister taxa. Together with the design of layered barcode approaches adapted to the specific taxonomic “environment”, this new marker will further enhance the discrimination power at the species level.
Non-functional Property Analysis using UML 2 . 0 and Model Transformations

Real-time embedded architectures consist of software and hardware parts. Meeting non-functional constraints (e.g., real-time constraints) greatly depends on the mappings from the system functionalities to software and hardware components. Thus, there is a strong demand for precise architecture and allocation modeling, amenable to performance analysis. The report proposes a model-driven approach for the assessment of the quality of allocations of the system functionalities to the architecture. We consider two technical domains: the UML domain for the definition of the model elements (for both description and analysis), and an analysis domain, external to UML, used for formal verification. This report defines three metamodels—one for each domain—and provides automated transformations within and between these domains. A special attention is then paid to temporal property analysis, based on a particular analysis model: the Modular and Hierarchical Time Petri Nets.
New basic care goals seek to rein in global rise in cardiovascular disease.

LEADERS FROM THE CARDIOVASCUlar disease prevention community have joined forces to endorse a plan to reduce the global burden of noncommunicable diseases. The plan follows adoption of a global target to reduce premature noncommunicable disease mortality 25% by 2025 by ministers of health attending the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland last May. Noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes mellitus, have replaced communicable diseases as the world’s major disease burden. Almost half of this burden comes from cardiovascular disease, which is the leading global cause of death, accounting for about 17.3 million deaths each year—a number expected to increase to more than 23.6 million by 2030. In addition, about 80% of these deaths occur in lowand middle-income countries, where human and financial resources are most limited. Members of the global public health community believe such dire forecasts can be minimized if nations implement simple and inexpensive therapies and lifestyle modifications within the next few years. To that end, leadership from the World Heart Federation, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology Foundation, the European Heart Network, and the European Society of Cardiology issued an advisory September 17 that sets target levels for 8 cardiovascular disease risk factors. It also sets drug therapy target levels for individuals at high risk for myocardial infarction and stroke and calls for making available basic technologies and generic essential medicines required to treat major noncommunicable diseases.
Structure of the human arachnoid granulation.

✓ The human arachnoid granulation was studied by light microscopy in gapless serial sections after local postmortem perfusion of the subarachnoid space with glutaraldehyde. The smaller granulations are invested in a dural sheath several layers thick which is separated from the body of the granulation by a true subdural space. In larger granulations, there are restricted regions where the body of the granulation protrudes through the dura to enter the venous sinus directly.