Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Compartmentation of deoxypyrimidine nucleotides for nuclear DNA replication in S phase mammalian cells

DNA synthesis in S phase Chinese hamster embryo fibroblast cells in the presence of exogenous 3H‐dUrd shows incorporation of the labeled precursor with very little dilution by the large unlabeled intracellular precursor pools. Full mixing would predict a specific activity 10‐fold less than that measured. This coupled with the finding that 80% of the radioactivity from the exogenous 3H‐dUrd appears in the karyoplasts implies a compartmentation where 3H‐dUMP and 3H‐dTTP derived from exogenous 3H‐dUrd do not mix freely with endogenous cytoplasmic pools.
HIV‐infected macrophages mediate neuronal apoptosis through mitochondrial glutaminase

A significant number of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) suffer cognitive impairment ranging from mild to severe HIV‐associated dementia (HAD), a result of neuronal degeneration in the basal ganglia, cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Mononuclear phagocyte dysfunction is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of HAD. Glutamate neurotoxicity is triggered primarily by massive Ca2+ influx arising from over‐stimulation of the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptors. The underlying mechanisms, however, remain elusive. We have tested the hypothesis that mitochondrial glutaminase in HIV‐infected macrophages is involved in converting glutamine to glutamate. Our results demonstrate that the concentration of glutamate in HIV‐1 infected conditioned media was dependent on glutamine dose, and HIV‐1 infected conditioned medium mediated glutamine‐dependent neurotoxicity. These results indicate HIV‐infection mediates neurotoxicity through glutamate production. In addition, glutamate‐mediated neurotoxicity correlated with caspase activation and neuronal cell cycle re‐activation. Inhibition of mitochondrial glutaminase diminished the HIV‐induced glutamate production, and attenuated NMDA over‐stimulation and subsequent neuronal apoptosis. These data implicate mitochondrial glutaminase in the induction of glutamate‐mediated neuronal apoptosis during HIV‐associated dementia, and provides a possible therapeutic strategy for HAD treatment.
Usefulness of the Parameters of Quantitative Myocardial Perfusion Contrast Echocardiography in Patients with Chronic Total Occlusion and Collateral Flow

Microvascular obstruction becomes more severe with longer duration of ischemia, such as chronic total occlusion (CTO) which used to have collateral flow. In this study, we explored the correlation between parameters measured using quantitative myocardial perfusion contrast echocardiography (MCE) and the angiographic collateral flow grades in patients with CTO. Furthermore, we investigated the usefulness of the parameters of quantitative MCE for the measurement of microvasculature changes after revascularization of CTO lesions.
Nanomaterials in the Environment: Perspectives on in Vivo Terrestrial Toxicity Testing

Over the last decade, engineered nanomaterials (NMs) brought a revolutionary development in many sectors of human life including electronics, paints, textiles, food, agriculture, and health care. However, the exponential growth in the number of NMs applications resulted in uncertainties regarding their environmental impacts. Currently, the common approach for assessing the toxicity of NMs such as carbon- (fullerenes, single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes), mineral- (gold and silver nanoparticles, cerium and zinc oxide, silicon and titanium dioxide) and organic-based NMs (dendrimers) includes standard guidelines applied to all chemical compounds. Nevertheless, NMs differ from traditional materials as their physicochemical and surface properties influence the toxic rather than their composition alone. Considering such NMs specificities, adaptations in some methods are necessary to ensure that environmental and human health risks are accurately investigated. In this context, the focus of this mini-review is to summarize the current knowledge in nanotoxicology regarding relevant organisms and experimental assays for assessing the terrestrial toxicity of NMs.
The Micro-RNA172c-APETALA2-1 Node as a Key Regulator of the Common Bean-Rhizobium etli Nitrogen Fixation Symbiosis1[OPEN]

A common bean microRNA, that targets a trancription factor, positively controls root development and symbiotic rhizobia infection and nodulation. Micro-RNAs are recognized as important posttranscriptional regulators in plants. The relevance of micro-RNAs as regulators of the legume-rhizobia nitrogen-fixing symbiosis is emerging. The objective of this work was to functionally characterize the role of micro-RNA172 (miR172) and its conserved target APETALA2 (AP2) transcription factor in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)-Rhizobium etli symbiosis. Our expression analysis revealed that mature miR172c increased upon rhizobial infection and continued increasing during nodule development, reaching its maximum in mature nodules and decaying in senescent nodules. The expression of AP2-1 target showed a negative correlation with miR172c expression. A drastic decrease in miR172c and high AP2-1 mRNA levels were observed in ineffective nodules. Phenotypic analysis of composite bean plants with transgenic roots overexpressing miR172c or a mutated AP2-1 insensitive to miR172c cleavage demonstrated the pivotal regulatory role of the miR172 node in the common bean-rhizobia symbiosis. Increased miR172 resulted in improved root growth, increased rhizobial infection, increased expression of early nodulation and autoregulation of nodulation genes, and improved nodulation and nitrogen fixation. In addition, these plants showed decreased sensitivity to nitrate inhibition of nodulation. Through transcriptome analysis, we identified 114 common bean genes that coexpressed with AP2-1 and proposed these as being targets for transcriptional activation by AP2-1. Several of these genes are related to nodule senescence, and we propose that they have to be silenced, through miR172c-induced AP2-1 cleavage, in active mature nodules. Our work sets the basis for exploring the miR172-mediated improvement of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in common bean, the most important grain legume for human consumption.
Incidence of persistent symptoms after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard treatment for symptomatic gall stone disease. This study aimed to assess the effect of the operation on patients' symptoms. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy between June 1994 and June 1995 were evaluated using standard questionnaires examining demographic details, indication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, characteristics of pain, and other associated dyspeptic and colonic symptoms. A history of psychiatric disturbances and of hysterectomy were also recorded. The same questionnaires were administered again six months after the operation. Operation notes and histological reports were reviewed. RESULTS: Three patients were converted to open surgery and were excluded from analysis. The median age of the remaining 97 patients was 50.9 (19-85) years; 19 were men. There was one complication each of bleeding and biliary leak. Indications for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were biliary type pain (66 patients) and complicated gall stone disease (acute cholecystitis 21, cholestatic jaundice six, and pancreatitis four). Thirteen patients (13%) had persistent pain and two (3%) developed diarrhoea at follow up. Only one patient with persistent pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy originated from the complicated gall stone disease group. Logistic discriminant analysis showed that bloating (p < 0.001), constipation (p < 0.05), and previous and current use of psychotrophic drugs (p < 0.001) were significantly more common among those with a poor outcome after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Heartburn was unaffected. Of patients with persistent symptoms after cholecystectomy 77% had no or mild histological changes of cholecystitis as compared with 30% in the pain free group. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of persistent pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 13%. Abdominal bloating and psychiatric medications were predictive for persistence of pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Resistance properties of Thera-Band tubing during shoulder abduction exercise.

STUDY DESIGN Single-group, repeated measures. OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between tubing length and tubing tension for 6 colors of Thera-Band tubing (each color representing a different level of resistance) and to estimate the resistive shoulder torque provided during shoulder abduction exercise. BACKGROUND Thera-Band tubing is popular for providing resistance in rehabilitation strengthening programs. Unfortunately, it is difficult to compare use of elastic tubing with other resistance training methods because no published data exist on how much resistance is being provided during exercise. METHODS AND MEASURES Nine male and 6 female subjects (age, 25.9 +/- 3.6 years; height, 173 +/- 10 cm) performed shoulder abduction, using 6 colors of tubing. A strain gauge attached at the fixed end of the tubing directly measured the tension generated during stretch. For each color of tubing, each subject momentarily held a position at 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees, and 150 degrees of abduction. Shoulder joint abduction, limb segment position, and tubing length were analyzed by means of the Peak Motion Measurement System. Simple linear regression equations predicted tubing tension from percent change in tubing length at the joint angle positions. A 2-way (5 x 6) repeated-measures ANOVA determined the mean differences in tubing tension across tubing colors at the shoulder abduction positions. RESULTS Strong linear relationships were found for each tubing tension when referenced according to changes in tubing length. Significant differences in tension were found for the various colors of tubing. The resistive torque curves for each color tubing were similar to isotonic exercise. CONCLUSIONS Thera-Band tubing provides linear resistance during shoulder abduction, but the resistive torque provided by the tubing mimics isotonic exercise.
Stochastic charging coordination method for electric vehicle (EV) aggregator considering uncertainty in EV departures

This paper presents a stochastic method for an electric vehicle (EV) aggregator to coordinate EV charging schedule considering uncertainty in EV departures. The EV aggregator is responsible for managing the charging schedule of EVs while participating in the electricity markets. The managed EV charging can provide additional revenues to the aggregator from regulation market participation and charging cost reductions to EV owners. The aggregator needs to coordinate the charging schedule considering various uncertain factors such as electricity market prices and the stochastic characteristics of EVs. In this paper, the EV charging scheduling problem incorporating uncertainty in EV departures is formulated as a stochastic optimization problem. A stochastic optimization method is used to solve the EV charging scheduling problem. Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) and a scenario-reduction method are also applied to reduce the computational efforts of the proposed method. The results of a numerical example are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed stochastic EV charging coordination method.
Characterization of a Cellobiose Phosphorylase from a Hyperthermophilic Eubacterium, Thermotoga maritima MSB8

The cepA putative gene encoding a cellobiose phosphorylase of Thermotoga maritima MSB8 was cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli BL21-codonplus-RIL and characterized in detail. The maximal enzyme activity was observed at pH 6.2 and 80°C. The energy of activation was 74 kJ/mol. The enzyme was stable for 30 min at 70°C in the pH range of 6-8. The enzyme phosphorolyzed cellobiose in an random-ordered bi bi mechanism with the random binding of cellobiose and phosphate followed by the ordered release of D-glucose and α-D-glucose-1-phosphate. The K m for cellobiose and phosphate were 0.29 and 0.15 mM respectively, and the k cat was 5.4 s-1. In the synthetic reaction, D-glucose, D-mannose, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, D-glucosamine, D-xylose, and 6-deoxy-D-glucose were found to act as glucosyl acceptors. Methyl-β-D-glucoside also acted as a substrate for the enzyme and is reported here for the first time as a substrate for cellobiose phosphorylases. D-Xylose had the highest (40 s-1) k cat followed by 6-deoxy-D-glucose (17 s-1) and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (16 s-1). The natural substrate, D-glucose with the k cat of 8.0 s-1 had the highest (1.1×104 M-1 s-1) k cat/K m compared with other glucosyl acceptors. D-Glucose, a substrate of cellobiose phosphorylase, acted as a competitive inhibitor of the other substrate, α-D-glucose-1-phosphate, at higher concentrations.
C in education and software engineering

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Leg ulcers : Causes and management

BACKGROUND A leg ulcer is not a disease but the manifestation of an underlying problem that requires a clear diagnosis. OBJECTIVE This article outlines the assessment and management of patients with leg ulceration. DISCUSSION The simple tag of 'leg ulcer' is not an adequate diagnosis. A comprehensive assessment of the patient, skin, vascular status, limb, and ulcer is required to determine the aetiology and to formulate an appropriate management plan. Most leg ulcers are caused by venous insufficiency and compression is required to successfully heal venous leg ulcers. Treatment must address oedema, infection and pressure. Managing peripheral oedema using compression bandages is often more important than the topical dressings. Success requires consistent adherence to a care plan designed to address the underlying pathology and contributing factors.
Dynamics and Control of Motion on the Ground and in the Air with Application to Biped Robots

The dynamics of a multi-linkage model of natural or man-made systems with arbitrary holonomic and non-holonomic constraints at the joints are formulated. The formulation is equally applicable to movements on the ground or in the air. Nonlinear control strategies for postural balance and rhythmic motion are presented. A predictive algorithm to compensate for computation or transmission delay is proposed. Digital computer simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the control strategy for a five-link three-dimensional biped.
TRPA1 contributes to specific mechanically activated currents and sensory neuron mechanical hypersensitivity

Non‐technical summary Detecting mechanical stimuli is vital to determining our responses to environmental challenges. The speed required for this process suggests ion channels are opened in response to mechanical forces. A specialised membrane protein called the TRPA1 ion channel mediates chemical based pain; however its role in mechanical pain remains unresolved. Here we show that TRPA1 contributes to the detection of mechanical stimuli in a select set of pain sensing neurons. Furthermore, we also show that acute activation of this channel enhances the mechanical responsiveness of these neurons. Finally, we also show that increasing the expression of TRPA1 causes a further enhancement in the mechanical response. These findings suggest that a drug designed to block TRPA1 would be beneficial for the treatment of numerous pathological conditions associated with mechanical pain.
Designing and implementation of the root rises cosine filter in DDC

RRC (root rises cosine) filter is widely applicable to shape the signal pulse in DDC (Digital Down Conversion). This paper research the theory of root rises cosine filter. Based on the more extensive use methods of local search algorithm and design filter, we go forwards a new method to design RRC filter. This method adopts combine of local search and the FIR structure unify to design the RRC filter by using Quartus IL Then we simulate the RRC filter in Quartus H. Simulation results show that the designed RRC filter is reliable. The method can save the filter design time and improve efficiency.
Synthesis method for matching filters

The aim of this paper is to develop an exact synthesis technique for matching filters in connection with the use of single band antennas. A certified algorithm based on Youla's matching theory and convex optimization is presented. A practical example is considered with the synthesis of a matching filter in SIW technology used behind a microstrip patch antenna at 1.5 Ghz.
Are habitat fragmentation, local adaptation and isolation‐by‐distance driving population divergence in wild rice Oryza rufipogon?

Habitat fragmentation weakens the connection between populations and is accompanied with isolation by distance (IBD) and local adaptation (isolation by adaptation, IBA), both leading to genetic divergence between populations. To understand the evolutionary potential of a population and to formulate proper conservation strategies, information on the roles of IBD and IBA in driving population divergence is critical. The putative ancestor of Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) is endangered in China due to habitat loss and fragmentation. We investigated the genetic variation in 11 Chinese Oryza rufipogon populations using 79 microsatellite loci to infer the effects of habitat fragmentation, IBD and IBA on genetic structure. Historical and current gene flows were found to be rare (mh = 0.0002–0.0013, mc = 0.007–0.029), indicating IBD and resulting in a high level of population divergence (FST = 0.343). High within‐population genetic variation (HE = 0.377–0.515), relatively large effective population sizes (Ne = 96–158), absence of bottlenecks and limited gene flow were found, demonstrating little impact of recent habitat fragmentation on these populations. Eleven gene‐linked microsatellite loci were identified as outliers, indicating local adaptation. Hierarchical AMOVA and partial Mantel tests indicated that population divergence of Chinese O. rufipogon was significantly correlated with environmental factors, especially habitat temperature. Common garden trials detected a significant adaptive population divergence associated with latitude. Collectively, these findings imply that IBD due to historical rather than recent fragmentation, followed by local adaptation, has driven population divergence in O. rufipogon.
Genetic predisposition to elevated levels of C-reactive protein is associated with a decreased risk for preeclampsia

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the association between genetic predisposition to elevated C-reactive protein (CRP)and risk for preeclampsia using validated genetic loci for C-reactive protein. Methods: Preeclampsia cases (n = 177) and normotensive controls (n = 116) were selected from live birth certificates to nulliparous Iowa women during the period August 2002–May 2005. Disease status was verified by the medical chart review. Genetic predisposition to CRP was estimated by a genetic risk score on the basis of established loci for CRP levels. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between the genotype score and preeclampsia. Replication analyses were performed in an independent, US population of preeclampsia cases (n = 516) and controls (n = 1,097) of European ancestry. Results: The genetic risk score (GRS) related to higher levels of CRP demonstrated a significantly decreased risk of preeclampsia (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82–0.96). When the GRS was analyzed by quartile, an inverse linear trend was observed (p = 0.0006). The results were similar after adjustments for the body mass index (BMI), smoking, and leisure-time physical activity. In the independent replication population, the association with the CRP GRS was also marginally significant (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.92, 1.02). Meta-analysis of the two studies was statistically significant (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90, 0.99). Conclusion: Our data suggest an inverse, counterintuitive association between the genetic predisposition to elevated levels of CRP and a decreased risk of preeclampsia. This suggests that the blood CRP level is a marker of preeclampsia, but it does not appear to be a factor on the causal pathway.
Finite-time stabilization of an integrator chain using only signs of the state variables

This paper considers the finite-time stabilization problem for an integrator chain in the context of uncertain measurement nonlinearities, such that the signs of the state variables are the only available information for feedback. The solutions of this problem are known for single, double, and triple integrators. The main result of the present paper is a higher-order sliding mode (HOSM) controller that stabilizes an integrator chain of arbitrary length. Computer simulations are provided to validate theoretical results.
Amplification of MDM2 inhibits MyoD-mediated myogenesis

One obvious phenotype of tumor cells is the lack of terminal differentiation. We previously classified rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines as having either a recessive or a dominant nondifferentiating phenotype. To study the genetic basis of the dominant nondifferentiating phenotype, we utilized microcell fusion to transfer chromosomes from rhabdomyosarcoma cells into C2C12 myoblasts. Transfer of a derivative chromosome 14 inhibits differentiation. The derivative chromosome 14 contains a DNA amplification. MDM2 is amplified and overexpressed in these nondifferentiating hybrids and in the parental rhabdomyosarcoma. Forced expression of MDM2 inhibits MyoD-dependent transcription. Expression of antisense MDM2 restores MyoD-dependent transcriptional activity. We conclude that amplification and overexpression of MDM2 inhibit MyoD function, resulting in a dominant nondifferentiating phenotype.
Mobility beyond the clinic: the effect of environment on gait and its measurement in community-ambulant stroke survivors

Objective: To explore the impact of a complex community environment on gait parameters (speed, step length and cadence) for community-dwelling participants with a previous stroke, and compare outcome measures commonly used in a clinical environment. Design: Repeated measurement of participants in different environments. Setting: One clinic and two community environments (suburban street and shopping mall). Subjects: Thirty community-dwelling stroke participants with chronic stroke who were classified according to gait speed (20—50 m/min on 10-metre timed walk) as marginal community walkers. Outcome measures: During a six-minute walk test (6MWT) a step activity monitor (SAM) and odometer were used to calculate gait speed, step length and cadence. The 10-metre timed walk (10MTW) was measured in a clinic environment. Analysis: A mixed linear model examined differences in gait measurements in the different environments. Bland—Altman analysis illustrated agreement between gait speed measures (6MWT and 10MTW). Results: A statistically significant, but not a clinically significant difference in gait speed between some environments was found. Gait speed was slowest in the mall and fastest in the street with a difference of only 2.1 m/min between these environments (95% confidence interval (CI) -3.8 to -0.5, P<0.01). Comparison of clinic 10MTW and street 6MWT showed wide limits of agreement (-18.5 to 16.9 m/min) which improved for clinic 6MWT and street 6MWT comparisons (-5.7 to 8.9 m/min). Conclusion: Despite residual gait deficit, the gait parameters of these chronic stroke survivors did not deteriorate markedly under challenging conditions. The 6MWT is recommended as a clinical measure for community ambulation.