Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Enhanced Arachidonate Availability Through Phospholipase A2 Pathway in Mediation of Increased Prostaglandin Synthesis by Glomeruli From Diabetic Rats

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production by superfused glomeruli from rats made diabetic for 2 wk by streptozocin injection is twofold higher than that by glomeruli from normal rats. The higher rates of PGE2 production by glomeruli from diabetic rats are associated with higher levels of labeled free arachidonate in glomeruli prelabeled with [3H]arachidonate, both basally and after stimulation with Ca2+ ionophore A23187. The difference between release of labeled arachidonate from phospholipids of diabetic versus normal glomeruli is likely underestimated by measurements of arachidonate alone due to more rapid incorporation of released arachidonate into triacylglycerol of diabetic glomeruli. A23187 induced a fall in labeled phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol in glomeruli that had been prelabeled with [3H]arachidonate and also induced a reduction in the mass of these phospholipids. Consistent with the higher levels of labeled arachidonate, the reduction in both labeled phospholipids and phospholipid mass with A23187 was greater in glomeruli from diabetic than normal rats. Furthermore, the reduction in labeled phospholipids and phospholipid mass with A23187 was largely (62–80%) accounted for by a fall in phosphatidylcholine plus phosphatidylethanolamine in glomeruli from both normal and diabetic rats. These results suggest a primary role for phospholipase A2 in A23187 actions on glomerular arachidonate release in normal rats and for the higher levels of arachidonate found in glomeruli from diabetic rats. Nevertheless, A23187 also stimulated the production of inositol phosphates—a measure of cellular phospholipase C activity. The increases in inositol phosphate production induced by A23187 were greater in glomeruli from diabetic than normal rats. However, the difference in inositol phosphate production between the two groups was abolished by indomethacin, suggesting that they were secondary to the enhanced prostanoid production by the diabetic glomeruli. Studies of phospholipase A2 and C activities in subcellular fractions of glomerular homogenates also supported a role for enhanced phospholipase A2 activity in the mediation of increased availability of arachidonate for prostaglandin synthesis in glomeruli from diabetic versus normal rats. Thus, phospholipase A2 activity was twofold higher in glomeruli from diabetic than normal rats, whereas phospholipase C activity was not different between the two groups. Treatment of diabetic rats with insulin prevented the rise in glomerular phospholipid A2 otherwise seen in these rats.
Structure and expression of the human MEP1A gene encoding the alpha subunit of metalloendopeptidase meprin A.

The human genome contains several sequences that are similar to the MEP1A gene encoding the alpha subunit of metalloendopeptidase meprin A. We now report the first genomic structure for the human MEP1A gene that maps to chromosome 6p21. The gene spans approximately 45 kb and consists of 14 exons and 13 introns. Overall, about 6.7% (3 kb) of the MEP1A gene corresponds to the exon sequences. Tissue specificity of the MEP1A gene expression was examined by dot blot analysis of poly(A) RNA from 50 different human tissues. The MEP1A mRNA was detected for the first time in kidney and appendix in addition to colon and small intestine previously known to express the gene. The elucidated gene structure and tissue-specific expression of the MEP1A gene set the stage for investigating regulation and function of the gene and related sequences in the human genome.
Congestion and Centrality in Traffic Flow on Complex Networks

The central points of communication network flow have often been identified using graph theoretical centrality measures. In real networks, the state of traffic density arises from an interplay between the dynamics of the flow and the underlying network structure. In this work we investigate the relationship between centrality measures and the density of traffic for some simple particle hopping models on networks with emerging scale-free degree distributions. We also study how the speed of the dynamics are affected by the underlying network structure. Among other conclusions, we find that, even at low traffic densities, the dynamical measure of traffic density (the occupation ratio) has a non-trivial dependence on the static centrality (quantified by "betweenness centrality"), where non-central vertices get a comparatively large portion of the traffic.
CHAPTER 11 ENTERPRISE IT AND TRANSFORMATION

Today’s enterprises are using information technology (IT) in virtually all aspects of their business. IT enables enterprises to provide seamless access to corporate data; streamline existing and create new business processes; design, improve, and deliver new products and services; and communicate and collaborate with customers, suppliers and other organizations across the globe. As enterprises undergo transformation of various kinds, IT can become a driving or inhibiting force to successful change. This chapter highlights some of the current enterprise IT trends, presents the fundamental drivers of the information economy, and suggests some basic architectural IT principles that can facilitate a smooth transformational process. The success and failure resulting from appropriately, and lack of, implementing these principles are illustrated in numerous examples and case studies throughout the chapter. The chapter concludes by introducing a novel concept of enterprise IT and transformational maturity and offering some practical guidelines.
The Choice of Human Resource Management Practices from the Perspective of Institutionalism

Traditional human resource management theory believes that the aim of enterprises is to maximize profits,whereas institutionalism argues that the enterprise's human resources management practices are also affected by the impact of institutional factors at the same time.Outlining and classifying the human resource management practices(HRMP),the paper explores the choice of SOE's and non SOEs' human resource management practices in transitional period from the institutionalism perspecitve,so as to better explain the human resource management practices which can't be totally explained by the traditional management theory.
Biological therapies in primary Sjögren's syndrome

Introduction: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) is a relatively common immune-mediated condition characterized by oral and ocular dryness, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain and poor health-related quality of life. Other extra-glandular organs can also be affected and PSS is associated with a markedly increased risk of lymphoma. Furthermore, the health-economic cost for PSS is substantial. There is currently no effective treatment available. With better understanding of the pathophysiology of PSS and advances in technologies, it is now possible to develop biological therapies to target specific molecules or molecular pathways that are important in PSS pathogenesis. Indeed, a limited number of biological therapies have already been tested in PSS with mixed successes. Areas covered: Published data on the use of biological therapies in PSS, the possible roles for other biological therapies and the potential challenges for their use. Expert opinion: The use of biological agents targeting key cellular and molecular pathways in PSS pathogenesis represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Clinical trials assessing the efficacy of biological therapies in PSS should be encouraged but patient selection and outcome measures used in these studies must be carefully considered to ensure that the true effects of biological therapies on the outcomes of PSS are being appropriately evaluated.
Proportional-Derivative Observer-Based Backstepping Control for an Underwater Manipulator

This paper investigates the performance of a new robust tracking control on the basis of proportional-derivative observer-based backstepping control applied on a three degrees of freedom underwater spatial manipulator. Hydrodynamic forces and moments such as added mass effects, damping effects, and restoring effects can be large and have a significant effect on the dynamic performance of the underwater manipulator. In this paper, a detailed closed-form dynamic model is derived using the recursive Newton-Euler algorithm, which extended to include the most significant hydrodynamic effects. In the dynamic modeling and simulation, the actuator and sensor dynamics of the system are also incorporated. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is demonstrated using numerical simulations along with comparative study between conventional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controls. The results are confirmed that the actual states of joint trajectories of the underwater manipulator asymptotically follow the desired trajectories defined by the reference model even though the system is subjected to external disturbances and parameter uncertainties. Also, stability of the proposed (model reference control) control scheme is analyzed.
Internal Consistency Reliability and Construct Validity of the Dutch Translation of the Francis Scale of Attitude toward Christianity among Adolescents

A sample of 1,021 young people attending Years 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 at Catholic secondary schools within the state-maintained sector completed the Dutch translation of the Francis Scale of Attitude toward Christianity. The data support its reliability and validity and commend it for further use in studies conducted among young people in The Netherlands.
Model selection for incremental learning of generalizable movement primitives

Although motor primitives (MPs) have been studied extensively, much less attention has been devoted to studying their generalization to new situations. To cope with varying conditions, a MP's policy encoding must support generalization over task parameters to avoid learning separate primitives for each condition. Local and linear parameterized models have been proposed to interpolate over task parameters to provide limited generalization. In this paper, we present a global parametric motion primitive which allows generalization beyond local or linear models. Primitives are modelled using a linear basis function model with global non-linear basis functions. Using the global parametric model, we developed an online incremental learning framework for constructing a database of MPs from a single human demonstration. Above all, we propose a model selection method that can choose an optimal model complexity even with few training samples, which makes it suitable for online incremental learning. Experiments with a ball-in-a-cup task with varying string lengths demonstrate that the global parametric approach can successfully extract underlying regularities in a database of MPs leading to enhanced generalization capability of the parametric MPs and increased speed (convergence rate) of learning. Furthermore, it significantly excels over locally weighted regression both in terms of inter- and extrapolation.
Hybrid Multicast Transmission for Public Safety Network in 5G

We investigate the application of wireless multicast technology in public safety network (PSN) in future wireless communication system. The hybrid unicast/multicast transmission system is proposed and analyzed in 3D massive multi-input multioutput (MIMO) channel. The mutual coupling channel model is adopted under the different antenna array configuration scenarios. The proposed hybrid system adopts multicast beamforming in the multicast groups as well as multiuser-MIMO (MU-MIMO) linear precoding in the unicast group to increase system throughput. The null space method based interference cancellation is further performed between each group to eliminate signal leakage generated from each group. Comparisons between two types of antenna array configurations, different channel models, linear precoding as well as multicast beamforming, and user grouping strategies for multicast services are presented and analyzed by simulation.
A SSRR based multiband reconfigurable monopole antenna

In this paper a compact size reconfigurable multiband antenna is presented. The design is based on straight line monopole with two single split ring resonators (SSRRs) at both sides of monopole. The straight line strip (i. e. monopole) and resonators are magnetically coupled and overall structure resonates at three frequency bands, thus can behave as tri-band antenna. In order to achieve re-configurability in the antenna, electronic switches are used across the resonator for activating or deactivating the particular resonant frequency. Keysight ADS software is used to design and simulate the antenna. The designed antenna is fabricated on 30×30 mm FR4 substrate with relative permittivity 4.6 and thickness of 1.6mm. The simulated and experimental results are closely matched.
Vascular smooth muscle and neurohypophyseal hormones.

Experimental studies relating to the direct peripheral vascular actions of neurohypophyseal hormones and their synthetic variants are reviewed. In addition, the available data on the comparative pharmacologic actions of these peptides on mammalian vascular smooth muscle are reviewed. Experiments relating to mechanisms by which neurohypophyseal peptides induce contraction of blood vessels are discussed. Neurohypophyseal peptide hormones appear to be able to contract and relax vascular smooth muscle, the exact type of response being dependent on species, vascular bed, and region within a vascular bed. Receptors that subserve both contraction and relaxation may exist on different blood vessels within a species, with a preponderance of receptors that subserve contraction being present in most blood vessels. Concentrations of vasopressin that can be considered physiologic (i.e., 10(-13) to 10(-11) M) are capable of evoking responses on a variety of microscopic as well as large blood vessels. Arginine-vasopressin appears to be, relatively, the most potent contractile substance on rat blood vessels investigated to date; angiotensin is not. Preservative-free oxytocin is a contractile agent on all mammalian arterial and arteriolar vessels so far investigated. A great deal of the controversy surrounding the exact vascular actions elicited by these peptide hormones can be attributed to many factors that were not controlled in older experiments. Moreover, rat pressor assays cannot be utilized to determine structure-activity relationship for neurohypophyseal peptides on vascular smooth muscles. Nuerohypophyseal peptide-induced contractions of vascular smooth muscles can be markedly affected by sex, sex hormones, alcohols, [Ca2+]0, [mg2+]0, oxygen deficit, and glucose-deprivation. Extracellular sodium and potassium ions appear to play relatively little role in vasopressin-induced contractions of rat arterial smooth muscle. The terminal amino group, phenolic hydroxyl, aromatic ring and basicity in positions 1, 2, 3, and 8, respectively, of the neurohypophyseal hormones are important for optimizing hormone-receptor affinity and intrinsic contractile activity on vascular smooth muscle. Basicity in position 8 of these peptide hormones is not an absolute requirement for contractile activation of these smooth muscles. Alterations in molecular structure can result in neurohypophyseal peptides with unique, and selective, microcirculatory effects that may be beneficial in the treatment of low-flow states.
Distribution of lag-1 Alleles and Sequence-Based Types among Legionella pneumophila Serogroup 1 Clinical and Environmental Isolates in the United States

ABSTRACT Approximately 84% of legionellosis cases are due to Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. Moreover, a majority of L. pneumophila serogroup 1 clinical isolates react positively with monoclonal antibody 2 (MAb2) of the international standard panel. Over 94% of the legionellosis outbreaks investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are due to this subset of L. pneumophila serogroup 1. To date, there is no complete explanation for the enhanced ability of these strains to cause disease. To better characterize these organisms, we subtyped 100 clinical L. pneumophila serogroup 1 isolates and 50 environmental L. pneumophila serogroup 1 isolates from the United States by (i) reactivity with MAb2, (ii) presence of a lag-1 gene required for the MAb2 epitope, and (iii) sequence-based typing analysis. Our results showed that the MAb2 epitope and lag-1 gene are overrepresented in clinical L. pneumophila serogroup 1 isolates. MAb2 recognized 75% of clinical isolates but only 6% of environmental isolates. Similarly, 75% of clinical isolates but only 8% of environmental isolates harbored lag-1. We identified three distinct lag-1 alleles, referred to as Philadelphia, Arizona, and Lens alleles, among 79 isolates carrying this gene. The Arizona allele is described for the first time in this study. We identified 59 different sequence types (STs), and 34 STs (58%) were unique to the United States. Our results support the hypothesis that a select group of STs may have an enhanced ability to cause legionellosis. Combining sequence typing and lag-1 analysis shows that STs tend to associate with a single lag-1 allele type, suggesting a hierarchy of virulence genotypes. Further analysis of ST and lag-1 profiles may identify genotypes of L. pneumophila serogroup 1 that warrant immediate intervention.
Mass spectrometric identification of amino acid transformations during oxidation of peptides and proteins: modifications of methionine and tyrosine.

Liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS), tandem mass spectrometry with on-line liquid chromatography (LC/ESI-MS/MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry with liquid secondary ionization (LSI-MS) were utilized to identify the modified amino acids in peptides and proteins formed during oxidation with performic acid. The procedure of protein oxidation was chosen to assist in protein unfolding by oxidizing the cystines to cysteic acids to allow for more complete proteolytic digestion and to create additional cleavage sites for endoproteinase Asp-N. Investigation of the Asp-N peptide map of oxidized superoxide dismutase (SOD) by LC/ESI-MS revealed that an expected proteolytic fragment of the protein was missing. In its place, two peptides with molecular weights 66 and 100 higher than that calculated for the missing peptide were observed. To identify the modified amino acids in the unexpected peptides, a model peptide with some amino acid similarities (tyrosine, arginine, methionine, lysine) to the missing peptide was chosen and was subjected to similar oxidation and enzymatic digestion steps, conditions, and reactions. After oxidation and digestion, the model peptide (TAP; sequence, Ac-MDKVLNRY) showed three major peaks in LC/MS. The peptides in the three peaks were identified as the unmodified peptide and two peptides whose molecular weights were 66 and 100 higher than that of TAP. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A new approach to distributed charging control for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) tend to become more widespread in the next decades. However, large penetration of PHEVs will overload the distribution system. In smart grid, the charging of PHEVs can be controlled to reduce the peak load, which is known as demand side management (DSM). In this paper, we focus on the impact of PHEV charging on low-voltage transformers. The objective is to flatten the load curve of low-voltage transformers, while each consumer's requirement for their PHEV to be charged to the required level by their specified time is satisfied. We first formulate it as a convex optimization problem and then propose a distributed water-filling-based algorithm to solve it. Proofs of optimality and numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in smoke from different woods and their transfer during traditional smoking into chorizo sausages with collagen and tripe casings

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), at least those with high molecular mass, are classified as probable human carcinogens by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The importance of the material used to generate smoke is indicated by the attention that the European Union is paying to list the wood that can be used to produce smoking flavour agents. The paper examines the dependence on the nature of the wood used for smoking on the formation of eight PAHs (selected as markers of PAHs) and transfer of these PAHs into traditional Spanish smoked chorizo sausages with collagen and tripe casings. The results showed that the kind of combustion performed on different materials seriously affected the PAH levels in the smoke generated. Ignition and firing of the material with a flame compared with heating produced more PAHs in the smoke. The levels of PAHs found in the meat and in the collagen and tripe casings of the smoked chorizo samples suggest that the collagen-based casings behave as a better barrier to PAHs.
Once-daily aminoglycoside therapy

The once-daily administration of aminoglycosides is an attractive concept. In animal experiments and clinical trials, there is either a reduction in or no influence on the risk of toxicity. Less frequent dosing reduces the contact time between host tissue binding sites and drug. Thanks to the PAE and perhaps other as-yet-unrecognized factors, the fall in the level in serum below the MIC does not appear to impair antibacterial efficacy; in fact, the higher peak level in serum may enhance drug efficacy early in a dosage interval. In neutropenic patients, the in vivo PAE may be lost or small-colony variants with a shorter PAE may be selected unless a concomitant beta-lactam is administered. Because it will be some time before data from clinical trials in the United States are available, because the results from the international trials are encouraging, and because there is potential benefit to patients, it seems reasonable for infectious diseases consultants to cautiously initiate the educational process necessary to implement once-daily aminoglycoside therapy in their institutions.
A novel robust regression approach of Lidar signal based on modified least squares support vector machine

Lidar is an active remote sensing instrument, but its effective range is often limited by signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio. The reason is that noises or fluctuations always strongly affect the measured results. To resolve this problem, a novel approach of using least-squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) to reconstruct the Lidar signal is proposed in this paper. LS-SVM has been proven as robust to noisy data; the Lidar signal, which is strongly corrupted by noises or fluctuations, can be thought as a function of distance. So detecting Lidar signals from high noisy regime can be regarded as a robust regression procedure which involves estimating the underlying relationship from detected signal data set. To apply the LS-SVM on Lidar signal regression, firstly the noises in Lidar signal is analyzed and then the traditional LS-SVM algorithm is modified to incorporate the a priori knowledge of the Lidar signal in the training of LS-SVM. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our approach.