Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HYD1-induced increase in reactive oxygen species leads to autophagy and necrotic cell death in multiple myeloma cells

HYD1 is a D–amino acid peptide that was previously shown to inhibit adhesion of prostate cancer cells to the extracellular matrix. In this study, we show that in addition to inhibiting adhesion of multiple myeloma (MM) cells to fibronectin, HYD1 induces cell death in MM cells as a single agent. HYD1-induced cell death was necrotic in nature as shown by: (a) decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), (b) loss of total cellular ATP, and (c) increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Moreover, HYD1 treatment does not result in apoptotic cell death because it did not trigger the activation of caspases or the release of apoptosis-inducing factor and endonuclease G from the mitochondria, nor did it induce double-stranded DNA breaks. HYD1 did initiate autophagy in cells; however, autophagy was found to be an adaptive response contributing to cell survival rather than the cause of cell death. We were further able to show that N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a thiol-containing free radical scavenger, partially protects MM cells from HYD1-induced death. Additionally, N-acetyl-L-cysteine blocked HYD1-induced as well as basal levels of autophagy, suggesting that ROS can potentially trigger both cell death and cell survival pathways. Taken together, our data describe an important role of ROS in HYD1-induced necrotic cell death in MM cells. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(8):2441–51]
Managed care, primary care, and the patient-practitioner relationship

AbstractOBJECTIVES: This study examines how specific attributes of managed health plans influence patients’ relationships with their primary care practitioners (PCPs) and determines whether these effects are mediated by access to, continuity with, or perceived choice of PCPs. DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS: The data source was the nationally representative 1996/97 Community Tracking Study Household Survey (cumulative response rate 65%). The study population (N=19,415) was composed of 18- to 64-year-old adults whose most recent visit in the past 12 months was made to their primary care delivery site. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Patients’ ratings of their interpersonal relationships with their PCPs as measured by a 7-item scale. RESULTS: Gatekeeping arrangements that require patients to select a primary care physician or obtain authorization for specialty referrals were associated with lower ratings of the patient-PCP relationship. Health plan use of a provider network had no effect on the patient-PCP scale score. Although there were no significant differences across any insurance payer categories, uninsured adults rated their relationships with PCPs as significantly poorer than did their insured counterparts. Shorter office waits, having a specific clinician at the primary care site, better perceived choice of PCPs, and a longer duration of relationship with the primary care practitioner were associated with higher ratings of the patient-PCP relationship. Perceived choice of primary care practitioners, but not access to or continuity with PCPs, attenuated some of the negative effects of gatekeeping arrangements on patients’ relationships with their primary care practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: Managed health plans that loosen restrictions on provider choice, relax gatekeeping arrangements, or promote access to and continuity with PCPs, are likely to experience higher patient satisfaction with their primary care practitioner relationships. Lack of health insurance impedes the development of patients’ relationships with their primary care practitioners.
Target-Selected Inactivation of the Zebrafish rag1 Gene

The zebrafish has become a favorite organism for genetic analysis of vertebrate development, but methods for generating mutants by reverse genetic approaches have been lacking. We report a method to obtain stable mutants of a gene based on knowledge of the gene sequence only. Parental fish were mutagenized withN-ethyl-N-nitrosourea; in 2679 F1fish, the rag1 gene was analyzed for heterozygous mutations by resequencing. In total, we found 15 mutations: 9 resulted in amino acid substitutions and 1 resulted in a premature stop codon. This truncation mutant was found to be homozygous viable and defective in V(D)J joining. Although presumably immune deficient, these homozygous rag1 mutant fish are able to reach adulthood and are fertile. As sperm samples from all 2679 F1 fish were collected and cryopreserved, we have in principle generated a mutant library from which mutants of most zebrafish genes can be isolated.
π-Shape slotted microstrip patch antenna for ZigBee applications

A π-shape slotted microstrip patch antenna is presented in this paper for 2.4 GHz band applications. These applications include ZigBee and Bluetooth. Recently, these applications have been appreciated and became essential for daily use in industrial and home automation in small areas because of their low power requirement for operation and long battery life. The proposed antenna is constructed on an FR-4 epoxy substrate with thickness of 1.6 mm and εr =4.4. The proposed antenna operates from 2.3 GHz to 2.48GHz with good omnidirectional radiation patterns, its narrowband impedance bandwidth protect it from interference problem from other applications in ISM band. Proposed antenna has compact size of 24×33mm2. Proposed antenna has advantages in simple design, narrow bandwidth, and compact in size and easy in fabrication. The measured result is in good agreement with simulated one.
Transoral CO2 Laser Resection for Post-Radiation Arytenoid Edema

Arytenoid edema following radiation therapy of laryngeal cancer may persist and make careful inspection and evaluation of the larynx difficult. Moreover, it may have serious impacts on functions such as breathing, swallowing, speech and voice. Conservative management such as antibiotics and steroid may be attempted but may be ineffective in progressive and severe cases of edema. We present four cases of persistent postradiation arytenoid edema successfully treated with partial resection of the arytenoid mucosa using transoral CO2 laser.
GLCM-Based Multiclass Iris Recognition Using FKNN and KNN

Iris recognition is one of the important authentication mechanism used extensively in biometric applications. The majority of the applications use single class iris recognition with normalized iris image. The proposed technique uses multi class iris recognition with region of interest (ROI) iris image on supervised learning. In this paper, the term ROI is referred as Un-normalized iris. The iris features are extracted using gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) and a multiclass training vector is created. Further, iris image is classified based on fuzzy K-nearest neighbor (FKNN) and KNN classification. Test samples features are matched with the stored repository by various matching techniques such as max fuzzy vote, Euclidean distance, cosine and cityblock. The experiment is carried on standard database CASIA-IrisV3-Interval and result shows that multiclass approach with ROI segmented iris has better recognition accuracy using FKNN and KNN.
Unrecognized vitamin D3 deficiency is common in Parkinson disease: Harvard Biomarker Study

Ding et al.1 concluded that a significant proportion of patients with Parkinson disease (PD) are vitamin D deficient, and the severity of deficiency is correlated to the severity and duration of the disease. The authors should be praised for admitting that this association does not mean causation and that PD might predispose to vitamin D deficiency by limiting outdoor activity. The authors should also be commended for not suggesting vitamin D supplementation to all patients with PD. However, after the analysis was …
Design systems engineering of software products: implementation of a software estimation model

In this paper, we present the implementation of a software estimation model to evaluate effort, schedule and cost of software development during all the phases of a project. An approach based on COCOMO II model is used, and we propose an adaptation to a particular context of an organization. Both human and cultural aspects of the company are considered in order to mitigate the problem of acceptability. Our model is based on the work of Dr. Allan Albrecht on Function Points (FP) and Dr. Barry Boehm on COCOMO II model
Map-Reduce based Multiple Sub-Graph Enumeration Using Dominating-Set Graph Partition

The purpose of this paper is to find all the instances of a given set of pattern graphs (sub-graphs) in a large data graph using a single round of Map-Reduce. For the simplest pattern graphs like a triangle and rectangle we propose the solution. This paper enumerates complex pattern graphs using the enumeration of simple pattern graphs. We proposed Dominating set based graph partition, it generates non-overlapped sub-graphs. Each sub-graph is processed by one machine in the cluster. We analyze both the communication cost and the total computational cost. Communication cost is reduced by using Map-Reduce based dominating set graph partition. At the same time Multiple pattern (sub-graphs) graphs can be enumerated with the same communication cost. The proposed method is not always superior to the conventional sub-graph enumeration, but in some cases involving large-scale data where this method wins, including (1) Adjacency list representation of the graph is the input (2) Number of partitions are decided based on the graph size. We experimentally show that our approach decreases significantly the computation cost, communication cost and scales the enumeration process with a large graph database.
First Implementation of a Subnanosecond Rise Time, Variable Pulse Duration, Variable Amplitude, Repetitive, High-Voltage Pulse Source

In this paper, we present the first implementation of our 0-60-kV picosecond rise time 1-10-ns pulse generator. The pulse generator will be used in future work to generate a (sub-)nanosecond streamer plasma for air purification research. The first implementation of the pulse generator is a single-line pulse generator with an oil spark-gap, which generates 5 ns pulses with a 200 picosecond rise time and can operate at repetition rates of over 1 kHz into a 50 Ω load. In this paper, we evaluate its performance and describe how we measure the very short pulses with an integrated and calibrated D-dot sensor. Furthermore, we present 3-D EM simulations of the 5 ns pulse generator and show that the simulations are in good agreement with the measurements. We previously described methods to flexibly vary the pulse duration of the pulse source by (artificially) changing the length of the pulse forming line (PFL). Here, we test these methods and find that changing the length of the outer conductor of the PFL and inserting magnetic material at the end of the PFL is a suitable method to change the pulse duration. Finally, we measure the breakdown voltages of the oil spark-gap and discover that higher pulse repetition rates are possible at higher oil pressures and smaller gap distances.
Pancreatic Digestive Enzyme Blockade in the Small Intestine Prevents Insulin Resistance in Hemorrhagic Shock

ABSTRACT Hemorrhagic shock is associated with metabolic defects, including hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, but the mechanisms are unknown. We recently demonstrated that reduction of the extracellular domain of the insulin receptor by degrading proteases may lead to a reduced ability to maintain normal plasma glucose values. In shock, transfer of digestive enzymes from the lumen of the intestine into the systemic circulation after breakdown of the intestinal mucosal barrier causes inflammation and organ dysfunction. Suppression of the digestive enzymes in the lumen of the intestine with protease inhibitors is effective in reducing the level of the inflammatory reactions. To determine the degree to which blockade of digestive enzymes affects insulin resistance in shock, rats were exposed to acute hemorrhagic shock (mean arterial pressure of 30 mmHg for 2 h) at which time all shed blood volume was returned. Digestive proteases in the intestine were blocked with a serine protease inhibitor (tranexamic acid in polyethylene glycol and physiological electrolyte solution), and the density of the insulin receptor was measured with immunohistochemistry in the mesentery microcirculation. The untreated rat without enzyme blockade had significantly attenuated levels of insulin receptor density as compared with control and treated rats. Blockade of the digestive proteases after 60 min of hypotension in the lumen of the small intestine led to a lesser decrease in insulin receptor density compared with controls without protease blockade. Glucose tolerance test indicates a significant increase in plasma glucose levels 2 h after hemorrhagic shock, which are reduced to control values in the presence of protease inhibition in the lumen of the intestine. The transient reduction of the plasma glucose levels after an insulin bolus is significantly attenuated after shock but is restored when digestive enzymes in the lumen of the intestine are blocked. These results suggest that in hemorrhagic shock elevated microvascular extracellular digestive enzyme activity causes insulin receptor dysfunction, hyperglycemia, and reduced ability to regulate blood glucose values.
Nedd4-2 Catalyzes Ubiquitination and Degradation of Cell Surface ENaC*

Epithelial Na+ absorption is regulated by Nedd4-2, an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that reduces expression of the epithelial Na+ channel ENaC at the cell surface. Defects in this regulation cause Liddle syndrome, an inherited form of hypertension. Previous work found that Nedd4-2 binds to ENaC via PY motifs located in the C termini of α-, β-, and γENaC. However, little is known about the mechanism by which Nedd4-2 regulates ENaC surface expression. Here we found that Nedd4-2 catalyzes ubiquitination of α-, β-, and γENaC; Nedd4-2 overexpression increased ubiquitination, whereas Nedd4-2 silencing decreased ubiquitination. Although Nedd4-2 increased both mono/oligoubiquitinated and multiubiquitinated forms of ENaC, monoubiquitination was sufficient for Nedd4-2 to reduce ENaC surface expression and reduce ENaC current. Ubiquitination was disrupted by Liddle syndrome-associated mutations in ENaC or mutation of the catalytic HECT domain in Nedd4-2. Several findings suggest that the interaction between Nedd4-2 and ENaC is localized to the cell surface. First, Nedd4-2 bound to a population of ENaC at the cell surface. Second, Nedd4-2 catalyzed ubiquitination of cell surface ENaC. Third, Nedd4-2 selectively reduced ENaC expression at the cell surface but did not alter the quantity of immature ENaC in the biosynthetic pathway. Finally, Nedd4-2 induced degradation of the cell surface pool of ENaC. Together, the data suggest a model in which Nedd4-2 binds to and ubiquitinates ENaC at the cell surface, which targets surface ENaC for degradation, and thus, reduces epithelial Na+ transport.
A Review on Community Acquired Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus an Emerging Infectious Disease

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a community acquired infection in the past decade. Molecular studies showed that HCA-MRSA and CA-MRSA represent different organisms that produced different clinical syndromes . MRSA infection is associated with high morbidity, mortality, longer hospital stay and economic burden worldwide. All over the world, the dissemination of a few distinct clones of CA-MRSA has resulted in an increase in skin and soft tissue infections and necrotizing pneumonia, without defined risk factors. There has been link to fluroquinolone (FQ) exposure to epidemic CA-MRSA strains obtained from subjects with nasal colonization. Low socioeconomic status may be one common link among the identified high-risk groups, although many patients with CA-MRSA infections have no risk factor. CA-MRSA isolates are characterized by the presence of SCCmec type IV or type V. S.aureus clones ST30, ST80, CC75 and ST 93 has been documented in some countries. These clones are likely to provide insights into the emergence of methicillin resistant strains of S.aureus. CA-MRSA is readily disseminated in the hospitals and may cause outbreaks of infection . It is suggested that the use of the few effective antibiotic agent should be restricted
Ecological and Environmental Factors Domestic Animals Microbe Human Biological and Socioeconomical Factors Wildlife Emerging and Re-Emerging Zoonoses

There are a number of factors and driving forces that have converged to create a new era of emerging and re-emerging diseases. This era is likely to continue for some time with profound implications for both human and animal health. Because approximately 75% of the new emerging human diseases over the last several decades are zoonotic, this era is also characterized by a greater convergence of animal and public health programs, officials, and organizations. This growing interdependence presents animal health officials and the OIE with significant challenges and opportunities. The responses to a recent questionnaire distributed to OIE Member Countries revealed that animal health officials worldwide are experiencing more emerging and re-emerging diseases; finding more antimicrobial-resistant pathogens; experiencing a growing number of factors that will ensure future zoonoses; and are increasingly concerned about the introduction or re-emergence of zoonotic pathogens either through natural or intentional means. Clearly, OIE Member Countries are anticipating a closer working relationship with their public health counterparts and many are organizing to become more collaborative. The responses to the questionnaire also indicated an almost unanimous support for the OIE to both become more engaged in training and educational programs for emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases, and to create an ad hoc group to address the contemporary and global issues created by these diseases and the growing need for more attention to surveillance, detection, response, and prevention strategies.
Hybrid WDM/SCMA-PON using wavelength-locked fabry-Pe/spl acute/rot laser diodes

We propose a large-capacity hybrid passive optical network (PON) with a wavelength-sharing technique achieved by applying subcarrier multiple access on each single channel of a wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) PON. We also use forward-error correction to reduce the effect of optical beat interference noise. We demonstrate three-subchannel sharing in a 100-GHz-spaced WDM-PON to accommodate three times more subscribers simultaneously at a fully dedicated connection rate of 125 Mb/s
BPM-based framework for e-government processes improvement: legal requirements integration

An e-government system is articulated around a set of governmental processes offering a new era of greater convenience in stakeholder access to governmental information and services. However, a survey of e-government implementations has brought out that most governmental institutions have not transformed and improved their supporting processes. This has led to a big gap between the deployed portals and the expected promises because they attribute more attention to their web-based portals away from their supporting governmental processes. Consequently, this work considers the Government Process Management lifecycle, especially the designing phase in order to design efficient governmental processes according to their legal basis. Indeed, for governmental processes, all design choices should be backed by legal-texts. To do so, the developed approach is articulated around two main levels, namely the legal design and the operational design. Its main purpose is to produce common governmental processes models, explicit legal requirements representation, and shared domain concepts and services.
Cellular pharmacology studies of shikonin derivatives

The naphthoquinone pigment, shikonin, isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc. (Boraginaceae) and its derivatives are the active components isolated from the Chinese herbal therapeutic, Zicao. Historically, Zicao root extracts have been used to treat macular eruption, measles, sore‐throat, carbuncles and burns. Multiple pharmacological actions have been attributed to shikonin, e.g. antiinflammatory, antigonadotropic and anti‐HIV‐1 activity. In this review, several therapeutic applications of shikonin will be summarized including its pleiotropic, antiinflammatory and antitumour effects. Widely diverse and sometimes conflicting activities have been attributed to shikonin, e.g. wound healing, enhanced granuloma formation, suppression of local acute inflammatory reactions, inhibition of angiogenesis, inhibition of select chemokine ligands, inhibition of DNA topoisomerase activity, inhibition of platelet activation and antimicrobial activity. Comparison of the various reported mechanisms of action for shikonin lead us to hypothesize that shikonin is an effective inhibitor of protein–protein interaction with multiple targets in both the intracellular and extracellular compartments. This general inhibitory effect can account for the broad spectrum of shikonin biological and pharmacological activities. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intestinal Calcium Transport: Stimulation by Low Phosphorus Diets

Rats maintained on a low phosphorus diet supplemented with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 show high intestinal calcium transport activity as compared to rats similarly treated but fed a diet containing adequate phosphorus. This increased transport activity is correlated with an increased biosynthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the probable metabolically active form of the vitamin in the intestine.
Geometry of the ringed surfaces in R4 that generate spatial Pythagorean hodographs

A Pythagorean–hodograph (PH) curve r ( t ) = ( x ( t ) , y ( t ) , z ( t )) has the distinctive property that the components of its derivative r ′ ( t ) satisfy x ′ 2 ( t )+ y ′ 2 ( t )+ z ′ 2 ( t ) = σ 2 ( t ) for some polynomial σ ( t ). Consequently, the PH curves admit many exact computations that otherwise require approximations. The Pythagorean structure is achieved by specifying x ′ ( t ) , y ′ ( t ) , z ′ ( t ) in terms of polynomials u ( t ) , v ( t ) , p ( t ) , q ( t ) through a construct that can be interpreted as a mapping from R 4 to R 3 deﬁned by a quaternion product or the Hopf map. Under this map, r ′ ( t ) is the image of a ringed surface S ( t, φ ) in R 4 , whose geometrical properties are investigated herein. The generation of S ( t, φ ) through a family of four–dimensional rotations of a “base curve” is described, and the ﬁrst fundamental form, Gaussian curvature, total area, and total curvature of S ( t, φ ) are derived. Furthermore, if r ′ ( t ) is non–degenerate, S ( t, φ ) is not developable (a non–trivial fact in R 4 ). It is also shown that the pre–images of spatial PH curves equipped with a rotation–minimizing orthonormal frame (comprising the tangent and normal–plane vectors with no instantaneous rotation about the tangent) are geodesics on the surface S ( t, φ ). Finally, a geometrical interpretation of the algebraic condition characterizing the simplest non–trivial instances of rational rotation–minimizing frames on polynomial space curves is derived.