Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of the virulence‐related Sca (Mn2+) permease in Streptococcus gordonii is regulated by a diphtheria toxin metallorepressor‐like protein ScaR

The acquisition of transition metal ions by pathogenic bacteria is crucial to their growth and survival within the human host, however, the mechanisms of metal ion homeostasis in streptococci are unknown. The scaCBA operon in the human oral bacterium Streptococcus gordonii encodes the components of an ABC‐type transporter for manganese (Mn2+). Production of substrate‐binding lipoprotein ScaA was increased approximately fivefold in cells cultured in low Mn2+ medium (< 0.1 µM Mn2+), but not in iron (Fe2+/Fe3+)‐limited medium, and was enhanced in the presence of human saliva or serum. mRNA analysis revealed that under low Mn2+ conditions, levels of scaCBA transcript (2.6 kb) were increased > 20‐fold. The Mn2+‐responsive transcriptional regulator of the sca operon was purified and characterized as a 215‐amino‐acid residue polypeptide, designated ScaR, with 26% identity to the Corynebacterium diphtheriae diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR). Inactivation of scaR in S. gordonii DL1 (Challis) resulted in constitutive derepression of sca operon transcription. Expression of tpx, located immediately downstream of scaA and encoding a putative thiol peroxidase, was not subject to ScaR regulation. Purified ScaR protein bound to the scaC promoter region in vitro in the presence of Mn2+ (Kd∼ 80 nM) and, to a lesser extent, in the presence of Ni2+ or Zn2+. The metalloregulator protein binding region was localized by DNA protection analysis to a 46 bp sequence encompassing the −35 and −10 promoter signatures. This sequence was well conserved within the promoters of corresponding virulence‐related permease operons in other streptococci. The results identify a new Mn2+‐sensing regulator of Mn2+ transport in streptococci, important for Mn2+ homeostasis during infection of the human host.
The impact of enterprise systems on process flexibility and organisational flexibility

In light of the current dynamic business environment, companies nowadays need to respond rapidly to changes. Companies often invest heavily in enterprise systems in the hope that these can improve their flexibility in coping with such changes. However, previous studies have shown that the impact of enterprise systems on flexibility can be either positive or negative. To resolve this inconsistency in the existing research, this paper suggests that a company's flexibility should be distinguished between process level and organisational level. Specifically, this paper proposes that enterprise systems will affect process flexibility negatively but affect organisational flexibility positively. The analysis results show that enterprise systems have different effects on process and organisational flexibility. Furthermore, industry clockspeed sets a boundary for the effect on process flexibility but not for that on organisational flexibility. Research and practical implications of this study are discussed.
Changes in single K+ channel behavior induced by a lipid phase transition

Membrane proteins activity is affected by the properties of the lipid bilayer hosting them. These properties are established by both the lipid composition and the thermodynamic state of the bilayer. In the latter case, any parameter which can alter the state of the bilayer is indirectly able to affect the activity of membrane proteins. In a recent study, we have demonstrated that the activity of the KcsA ion channel is strongly related to the thermodynamic state of the lipid bilayer. In particular, when the lipid bilayer is in its main phase transition region, the conductivity of KcsA is increased and all its characteristic times change according to the characteristic times of the lipid bilayer. We propose here that the lipid bilayer can affect the distribution among many conformational substates of the open channel, affecting the corresponding channel conductivity.
Sedative, Amnestic, and Analgesic Properties of Small-Dose Dexmedetomidine Infusions

This research determined the safety and efficacy of two small-dose infusions of dexmedetomidine by evaluating sedation, analgesia, cognition, and cardiorespiratory function. Seven healthy young volunteers provided informed consent and participated on three occasions with random assignment to drug or placebo. Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, ETCO2, O2 saturation, and processed electroencephalogram (bispectral analysis) were monitored. Baseline hemodynamic measurements were acquired, and psychometric tests were performed (visual analog scale for sedation; observer’s assessment of alertness/sedation scale; digit symbol substitution test; and memory). The pain from a 1-min cold pressor test was quantified with a visual analog scale. After a 10-min initial dose of saline or 6 &mgr;g · kg−1 · h−1 dexmedetomidine, volunteers received 50-min IV infusions of saline, or 0.2 or 0.6 &mgr;g · kg−1 · h−1 dexmedetomidine. Measurements were repeated at the end of infusion and during recovery. The two dexmedetomidine infusions resulted in similar and significant sedation (30%–60%), impairment of memory (approximately 50%), and psychomotor performance (28%–41%). Hemodynamics, oxygen saturation, ETCO2, and respiratory rate were well preserved throughout the infusion and recovery periods. Pain to the cold pressor test was reduced by 30% during dexmedetomidine infusion. Small-dose dexmedetomidine provided sedation, analgesia, and memory and cognitive impairment. These properties might prove useful in a postoperative or intensive care unit setting. Implications: The &agr;2 agonist, dexmedetomidine, has sedation and analgesic properties. This study quantified these effects, as well as cardiorespiratory, memory and psychomotor effects, in healthy volunteers. Dexmedetomidine infusions resulted in reversible sedation, mild analgesia, and memory impairment without cardiorespiratory compromise.
Carbon nanotube-induced macroscopic helical twist in an achiral nematic liquid crystal

An achiral nematic liquid crystal was doped with a small quantity of carbon nanotubes having a net chirality, and the mixture was found to exhibit an average mechanical twist over macroscopic dimensions. The nanotube-induced chiral pitch length P was determined as a function of the average nanotube concentration by measuring the radii of curvature of reverse twist disclination lines in 90° nematic twist cells. The results suggest that the nanotubes’ spatial concentration can vary significantly across the cell and that at high average concentration, the nanotubes undergo aggregation, resulting in an apparent saturation of P−1 at high concentrations. The macroscopic helical twisting power of the nanotubes has been estimated from the results.
In vitro maturation of canine oocytes: a unique conundrum

Oocyte maturation depends on multiple variables. In fact, in dogs, the requirements for oocyte development in vitro are so complex that achievement of female gamete maturation has been viewed as a difficult problem. The conundrum, thus far unanswered, of achieving dog oocyte maturation in vitro, is nowadays the major puzzle of the in vitro program in the canine species. In in vitro studies of dog oocytes, researchers are dealing with an entire spectrum of reproductive functions, from oocyte maturation to development, which are not entirely understood for the canine species. There have been many trials focusing on animal selection, oocyte quality identification, establishment of environmental conditions, and medium composition. Different systems were tried but have not produced satisfactory results. Differences in metabolic requirements are considered to be some of the major causes underlying the specific sensitivity of the canine oocyte to in vitro development. The main aim of this review is to provide the reproductive biologist with information on the novel trials being performed in the field of in vitro assisted reproductive technology (ART) for canines. The article focuses on in vitro oocyte maturation.
Comparison of 6-min "all-out" and incremental exercise tests in elite oarsmen.

A high aerobic capacity is an important criterion for rowing success. Two exercise protocols, the 6-min "all-out" (6M-AO) and progressive incremental (PI) tests, have been used to evaluate physiological performance in rowers and to select team members. We measured heart rate (HR), minute ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO2), and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) every 30 s, and obtained ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) from 12 candidates for the 1983 United States Men's Lightweight Rowing Team. Testing was randomized and each oarsman performed a different test on the rowing ergometer on consecutive days. For the group, age was 23 +/- 2 yr (mean +/- SD), height was 183 +/- 3 cm, and weight was 72.2 +/- 1.4 kg. Peak physiological values were achieved in the first 2 min of exercise for the 6M-AO test, but in the last 2 min for the PI test. There were no statistically significant differences among peak values for HR, VE, VO2, VCO2, and RPE with each test. The peak ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO2) was also similar. The onset of anaerobic metabolism was observed at 83 +/- 4% of peak VO2 during the PI test, while anaerobic metabolism has been shown to occur within the first minute of the 6M-AO test. We conclude that physiological values at peak exercise were similar for the 6M-AO and PI tests. Because the onset of anaerobic metabolism can only be determined by noninvasive means using the PI test, this method of testing is preferable for the physiological assessment of rowing performance. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Absence of Evidence for a Causal Link between Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Strain Variant L-BSE and Known Forms of Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in Human PrP Transgenic Mice

ABSTRACT Prions are proteinaceous pathogens responsible for subacute spongiform encephalopathies in animals and humans. The prions responsible for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) are zoonotic agents, causing variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans. The transfer of prions between species is limited by a species barrier, which is thought to reflect structural incompatibilities between the host cellular prion protein (PrPC) and the infecting pathological PrP assemblies (PrPSc) constituting the prion. A BSE strain variant, designated L-BSE and responsible for atypical, supposedly spontaneous forms of prion diseases in aged cattle, demonstrates zoonotic potential, as evidenced by its capacity to propagate more easily than classical BSE in transgenic mice expressing human PrPC and in nonhuman primates. In humanized mice, L-BSE propagates without any apparent species barrier and shares similar biochemical PrPSc signatures with the CJD subtype designated MM2-cortical, thus opening the possibility that certain CJD cases classified as sporadic may actually originate from L-type BSE cross-transmission. To address this issue, we compared the biological properties of L-BSE and those of a panel of CJD subtypes representative of the human prion strain diversity using standard strain-typing criteria in human PrP transgenic mice. We found no evidence that L-BSE causes a known form of sporadic CJD. IMPORTANCE Since the quasi-extinction of classical BSE, atypical BSE forms are the sole BSE variants circulating in cattle worldwide. They are observed in rare cases of old cattle, making them difficult to detect. Extrapolation of our results suggests that L-BSE may propagate in humans as an unrecognized form of CJD, and we urge both the continued utilization of precautionary measures to eliminate these agents from the human food chain and active surveillance for CJD phenotypes in the general population.
Multi-rate signal processing that enables smart antenna, multi-channel communication, wideband intelligence gathering and data compression systems

Moore's Law continues to drive higher levels of processing capacity, and in doing so, processes that were once deemed too costly now find their way into newly fielded products. In particular, multi-rate systems that digitally decompose a wideband signal into a continuous set of sub-band signals are now coming into common use. To enable this technique an efficient set of multi-rate algorithms must be used. The algorithms described in this paper are polyphase decomposition (analysis) and reconstruction (synthesis) algorithms that possess the pseudo perfect reconstruction property. Examples of system designs are described that point out the design trades of prototype filter size and type, word sizes, multiple decimation and interpolation rates, and filter design to achieve a specified baseband equivalent filter. The resulting designs show the tremendous efficiencies in required compute capacity for applications such as radar, electronic warfare, and communications systems. The sub-bands of these systems are processed in many ways including Doppler processing, pulse compression and space-time adaptive processing for radar; signal detection, parameter estimation and techniques generation for EW; data demodulation, limiting and modulation for communications. Additionally, in each case, depending on the type of system, processing may perform receive and transmit beamforming or an angle of arrival interferometer within the sub-bands or subsets of the sub-bands allowing manipulation of distinct band portions of the wideband signal
Session Editorial: Computer Infrastructure for Systems Biology

Computer Infrastructure for Systems Biology is the first international conference session dedicated to systems biology informatics held at the 18th International Conference on Systems Engineering. Our goal is to bring forth ideas and collaborations among industrial and academic bioinformaticians, biocomputing professionals, data analysts, and system biologists to facilitate systems biology research and findings. The compilation of twelve full session papers and four poster papers at this meeting represents a snapshot of emerging research and development trends in systems biology informatics.
Neutrophil-Derived Interleukin 16 in Premetastatic Lungs Promotes Breast Tumor Cell Seeding

The premetastatic niche in distant organs prior to metastatic cell arrival emerged as an important step in the metastatic cascade. However, molecular mechanisms underlying this process are still poorly understood. In particular, whether neutrophil recruitment at a premetastatic stage promotes or inhibits metastatic cell seeding has to be clarified. We aimed at unraveling how neutrophil infiltration in lung parenchyma induced by the distant primary tumor influences the establishment of lung metastasis. Elevated neutrophil counts and IL-16 levels were found in premetastatic lungs in a syngenic mouse model using 4T1 tumor cells. 4T1 cell–derived soluble factors stimulated IL-16 secretion by neutrophils. The functional contribution of IL-16 is supported by metastasis burden reduction in lungs observed on instillation of an IL-16 neutralizing antibody. Moreover, IL-16 promotes in vitro 4T1 cell adhesiveness, invasiveness, and migration. In conclusion, at a premetastatic stage, neutrophil-derived IL-16 favors tumor cell engraftment in lung parenchyma.
The Oxford Companion to the Wines of North America

Jon Fredrikson, wine and the American consumer - trends and demographics Jancis Robinson, MW, how good are North American wines? Jancis Robinson, MW, commentators and the wine media Dan Berger, the prohibition paradox Jean-Michel Valette, MW, the US wine distribution system Peter Granoff, MS, cybersales and the future Larry Stone, MS, wine service in the US Fritz Hatton, American wine auctions Merry Edwards, recent advances in North American winemaking technology Ron Subden, PhD, microbiology in North American wine Philip Freese, North American viticulture Bruce Cass, labour in the North American vineyard Lucie T. Morton, the vine family in North America Carole Meredith, North American geneticists untangle the vine variety web Jim Lapsley, organic wine in North America A-Z entries. section: 20 maps of US areas
[Regional and individual factors of stress experience in Germany: results of a representative survey with the perceived stress questionnaire (PSQ)].

AIM The aim of the present study was to define, besides prevalence data, regional and individual factors of stress experience in a representative sample of the German general population. METHODS Regional factors were examined separately by federal state and the size of the political location. Individual factors were defined according to the severity of the stress experience as well as on the basis of central social factors such as family state, profession and earnings. The Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), a validated, self-evaluation process for recording a subjective representation of frequency estimates of stress experiences was used. Data acquisition was carried out by a market research institute in a multi-topic questionnaire (N=2,552). Households were selected by the random route procedure, target persons were also selected at random. RESULTS The prevalence rate for an elevated stress experience was 14.5%, that for a very high stress experience 3.1% of the sample. People without education exhibited the highest rates of stress experience (36.8%), followed by the unemployed (30.6%). Individual and social factors that favour an increased stress experience are a subjectively poor state of health (OR: 3.42) or belonging to the lower social economic status (OR: 1.30). Furthermore, there are indications of regional factors such as size of the location as well as differences between the individual federal states. An east-west comparion did not show any significant differences with regard to stress experiences. CONCLUSION In the light of the illness burden associated with chronic stress situations, preventative measures in cases of unemployment or low level of education should be given priority.
Association between XRCC1 gene polymorphisms and risk of glioma development: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE Previous studies of the association between X-ray cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) gene polymorphisms and the gliomas risk have yielded conflicting results, and thus a meta-analysis was performed to provide a more accurate estimation. METHODS A computerized literature search of 5 electronic databases was conducted to identify the relevant studies. Fixed or random effect models were selected based on the heterogeneity test. Publication bias was estimated using Begg's funnel plots and Egger's regression test. RESULTS A total of 11 studies (3,810 cases and 6,079 controls), 7 studies (2,928 cases and 5,048 controls), and 4 studies (1,461 cases and 2,593 controls) were finally included in the analyses of the association between XRCC1 Arg399Gln, Arg194Trp, and Arg280His polymorphisms and glioma risk, respectively. The pooled results showed that GlnGln carriage was associated with moderately increased risk of gliomas in Asians (GlnGln vs. ArgArg, OR=1.490, 95%CI 1.031-2.153; GlnGln/ArgGln vs. ArgArg, OR=1.321, 95%CI 1.037- 1.684), whereas a marginal association was revealed in Caucasians. For the Arg194Trp polymorphism, although a significant association was shown in the homozygous genotype comparisons (TrpTrp vs. ArgArg, OR = 2.209, 95%CI 1.398- 2.945), no significant link was found on subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity. With regard to the Arg280His polymorphism, no significant association was found in each comparison. No particular study was found to significantly influence the pooled results, and no potential publication bias was detected. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis suggested that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism is moderately associated with increased risk of gliomas in Asians, while Arg194Trp and Arg280His polymorphisms demonstrated no significant influence. Due to the limited studies and the potential confounders, further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Mutation scanning analysis of microsatellite variability in the second internal transcribed spacer (precursor ribosomal RNA) for three species of Metastrongylus (Strongylida: Metastrongyloidea)

This study investigated sequence variability in the second internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA for 3 species of Metastrongylus (porcine lungworms). The ITS-2 region was amplified by PCR from individuals of M. elongatus, M. pudendotectus and M. salmi, and then subjected directly to single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP), which allowed the direct display of sequence variation within and among individuals representing each speciesNucleotide sequences data reported in this paper are available in the EMBL, GenBankTM accession numbers: AJ305373 to AJ305404. There were marked differences in SSCP profiles among species, making this approach useful for species identification. For individual species, representative bands were excised from electrophoretic gels, reamplified by PCR and subjected to direct sequencing. For all 3 taxa, variability in the ITS-2 was related chiefly to the presence of microsatellites. Eight different microsatellites were identified, namely (A)n, (TG)n, (TCG)n, (TA)n, (TATG)n, (G)n, (TACA)n and (T)n. Considerable variability in microsatellite repeat number (ranging from 1 to 23) was found among individual nematodes of a species and between species. The microsatellites were located to specific stem or loop regions in the predicted ITS-2 precursor rRNA secondary structure. The results may suggest that slipped-strand mispairing in microsatellite regions contributes to sequence variability in the ITS-2 of Metastrongylus species under structural constraint as a consequence of microsatellite location in the precursor rRNA. Similar studies of the ITS-2 for a wide range of parasitic nematodes may lead to a better understanding of concerted evolution in these organisms.
LL-37 Protects Rats against Lethal Sepsis Caused by Gram-Negative Bacteria

ABSTRACT We investigated the efficacy of LL-37, the C-terminal part of the only cathelicidin in humans identified to date (termed human cationic antimicrobial protein), in three experimental rat models of gram-negative sepsis. Adult male Wistar rats (i) were given an intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg Escherichia coli 0111:B4 LPS, (ii) were given 2 × 1010 CFU of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, or (iii) had intra-abdominal sepsis induced via cecal ligation and puncture. For each model, all animals were randomized to receive intravenously isotonic sodium chloride solution, 1-mg/kg LL-37, 1-mg/kg polymyxin B, 20-mg/kg imipenem, or 60-mg/kg piperacillin. Lethality; growth of bacteria in blood, peritoneum, spleen, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes; and endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations in plasma were evaluated. All compounds reduced lethality compared to levels in controls. Endotoxin and TNF-α plasma levels were significantly higher in conventional antibiotic-treated rats than in LL-37- and polymyxin B-treated animals. All drugs tested significantly reduced bacterial growth compared to saline treatment. No statistically significant differences between LL-37 and polymyxin B were noted for antimicrobial and antiendotoxin activities. LL-37 and imipenem proved to be the most effective treatments in reducing all variables measured. Due to its multifunctional properties, LL-37 may become an important future consideration for the treatment of sepsis.
The sources of country and industry variations in ASEAN

ABSTRACT This paper examines the possible determinants for the sources of country and industry variations in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) stock returns across financial crises. Using 4043 firms from 6 ASEAN countries and 40 industries, from 1990 to 2010, we found that lagged country return and concentration are among the determinants that explain the country factors in the region, while size proved to be the determinant of industry factors for both tradable and non-tradable industries. In general, a higher previous return and lower industrial concentration would increase the country factor. We documented the loss of explanatory power of these determinants in the presence of crisis effects.