Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved Derivatives of Bactenecin, a Cyclic Dodecameric Antimicrobial Cationic Peptide

ABSTRACT Both linear and cyclic derivatives of the cyclic 12-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide bactenecin were designed based on optimization of amphipathicity and charge location. In general, increasing the number of positive charges at the N and C termini and adding an extra tryptophan residue in the loop not only increased the activities against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria but also broadened the antimicrobial spectrum.
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Drug Susceptibility and Molecular Diagnostic Testing

Abstract:Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB), defined by resistance to the 2 most effective first-line drugs, isoniazid and rifampin, is on the rise globally and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the increasing availability of novel rapid diagnostic tools for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) drug susceptibility testing, the clinical applicability of these methods is unsettled. In this study, the mechanisms of action and resistance of Mtb to isoniazid and rifampin, and the utility, advantages and limitations of the available Mtb drug susceptibility testing tools are reviewed, with particular emphasis on molecular methods with rapid turnaround including line probe assays, molecular beacon-based real-time polymerase chain reaction and pyrosequencing. The authors conclude that neither rapid molecular drug testing nor phenotypic methods are perfect in predicting Mtb drug susceptibility and therefore must be interpreted within the clinical context of each patient.
Acute viral encephalitis in children

Fifty‐seven cases satisfying criteria of the diagnosis of acute viral encephalitis were studied. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 (presumed), 48 eases; Group 2 (postinfectious), nine cases. A possible association of viral aetiology was found in 26%. Viruses isolated were: influenza (3 cases), Coxsackie virus (2), adenovirus (2), mixed cytomegalovirus and adenovirus and herpes simplex viruses (1 case each). The mortality rate was 28%. Among the 41 survivors, 76% were completely normal and 24% had neurological sequelae with focal neurological deficit in 29%; personality changes in 6%; moderate mental retardation in 2%; severe mental retardation in 4%; hyperactivity in 4% and epilepsy in 4%. The best predictors to unfavourable outcome were the rapid rate of deterioration in conscious level after admission and the age of the patients.
Different Evolutionary Trajectories of European Avian-Like and Classical Swine H1N1 Influenza A Viruses

ABSTRACT In 1979, a lineage of avian-like H1N1 influenza A viruses emerged in European swine populations independently from the classical swine H1N1 virus lineage that had circulated in pigs since the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918. To determine whether these two distinct lineages of swine-adapted A/H1N1 viruses evolved from avian-like A/H1N1 ancestors in similar ways, as might be expected given their common host species and origin, we compared patterns of nucleotide and amino acid change in whole genome sequences of both groups. An analysis of nucleotide compositional bias across all eight genomic segments for the two swine lineages showed a clear lineage-specific bias, although a segment-specific effect was also apparent. As such, there appears to be only a relatively weak host-specific selection pressure. Strikingly, despite each lineage evolving in the same species of host for decades, amino acid analysis revealed little evidence of either parallel or convergent changes. These findings suggest that although adaptation due to evolutionary lineages can be distinguished, there are functional and structural constraints on all gene segments and that the evolutionary trajectory of each lineage of swine A/H1N1 virus has a strong historical contingency. Thus, in the context of emergence of an influenza A virus strain via a host switch event, it is difficult to predict what specific polygenic changes are needed for mammalian adaptation.
Predicting alcohol consumption in adolescence from alcohol-specific and general externalizing genetic risk factors, key environmental exposures and their interaction

Background Alcohol consumption is influenced by specific genetic risk factors for alcohol use disorders (AUDs), non-specific genetic risk factors for externalizing behaviors and various environmental experiences. We have limited knowledge of how these risk factors inter-relate through development. Method Retrospective assessments in 1796 adult male twins using a life history calendar of key environmental exposures and alcohol consumption from early adolescence to mid-adulthood. Analysis by linear mixed models. Results The importance of non-specific genetic risk factors on maximal alcohol consumption rose rapidly in early to mid-adolescence, peaked at ages 15–17 years and then declined slowly. Alcohol-specific genetic risk factors increased slowly in influence through mid-adulthood. We detected robust evidence for environmental moderation of genetic effects on alcohol consumption that was more pronounced in early and mid-adolescence than in later periods. Alcohol availability, peer deviance and low prosocial behaviors showing the strongest moderation effects. More interactions with environmental risk factors were seen for the non-specific externalizing disorder risk than for specific genetic risk for AUDs. Conclusions The impact of specific and non-specific genetic influences on alcohol consumption have different development trajectories. Genetic effects on alcohol use are more pronounced when social constraints are minimized (e.g. low prosocial behaviors or parental monitoring) or when the environment permits easy access to alcohol and/or encourages its use (e.g. high alcohol availability or peer deviance). Gene–environment interactions influencing alcohol intake may be more robust at younger ages, indicating greater plasticity of genetic influences early in the development of drinking patterns.
An EMG-based handwriting recognition through dynamic time warping

In this paper, an electromyography (EMG)-based handwriting recognition method was proposed for a latent tendency of natural user interface. The subjects wrote the characters at a normal speed, and six channels of EMG signals were recorded from forearm muscles. The dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm was used to eliminate the time axis variance during writing. The process for template making and matching was illustrated diagrammatically. The results showed that no more than ten training trials per character could make an accuracy of above 90%. The recognition performance was compared in three character sets: digits, Chinese characters and capital letters.
Using Interface Design Standards to Support Pervasive Computing

By definition, pervasive computing should support endless expressions of varying interfaces, contexts and automation. As pervasive computing becomes more prevalent, it is important that designers build systems in support of unique, in-use and user-defined characteristics. We explore this expressiveness and propose the use of existing technologies to enhance it. We investigate the impact of interface design standards on two essential aspects of pervasive computing: device independence and usability. Our findings suggest that the application of proper interface design standards can improve data delivery across independent devices with varied bandwidth and resource availability, thereby providing device independence and improved usability respectively. We demonstrate that through their effect on device independence and usability, interface design standards play an important role in the evolution, expansion and expressiveness of pervasive computing.
Adenocarcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix

Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) of the uterine cervix is a rare lesion which may be a precursor of invasive adenocarcinoma. In 6 of 8 cases, it was associated with coexisting epidermoid carcinoma in situ of the cervix. AIS may not be diagnosable on small cone biopsies and was not found in 3 instances of fractional curettage. The cytologic diagnosis may be obscured by the coexisting epidermoid carcinoma in situ. We believe hysterectomy is the treatment of choice.
On Distributed Reduced-Order Observer-Based Protocol for Linear Multiagent Consensus under Switching Topology

We discuss linear multiagent systems consensus problem with distributed reduced-order observer-based protocol under switching topology. We use Jordan decomposition method to prove that the proposed protocols can solve consensus problem under directed fixed topology. By constructing a parameter-dependent common Lyapunov function, we prove that the distributed reduced-order observer-based protocol can also solve the continuous-time multi-agent consensus problem under the undirected switching interconnection topology. Then, we investigate the leader-following consensus problem and propose a reduced-order observer-based protocol for each following agent. By using similar analysis method, we can prove that all following agents can track the leader under a class of directed interaction topologies. Finally, the given simulation example also shows the effectiveness of our obtained result.
Age Discrimination in Mental Health Services

The UK government is currently (June 2008) considering the introduction of legislation to outlaw age discrimination in the provision of public services. The Department of Health commissioned a short piece of research to explore the extent of age discrimination in mental health services. Three broad issues are addressed in this report: inequalities between adult and older people’s mental health services; inequalities between adults and older people with mental health problems in their use of health and social care services; and knowledge about the likely single equalities legislation in current services and the possible costs of implementation. The report does not examine differences in outcomes
Touch DNA Collection Versus Firearm Fingerprinting: Comparing Evidence Production and Identification Outcomes

A project by a metropolitan police agency in 2008–2009 had police use touch DNA kits to collect cell samples from seized firearms. To assess outcomes, results of touch DNA swabbing of firearms were compared to fingerprinting firearm evidence. The rationale was that fingerprinting, as the older technology, was the baseline against which to compare touch DNA. But little is known about ways to measure touch DNA productivity compared to fingerprinting. To examine differences between the two requires comparable measurements. Two measures were used: quantity of probative or investigative evidence produced and identification outcomes. When applied to firearms seized within an Indianapolis, IN police district, touch DNA produced a larger volume of evidence than fingerprinting, but identification outcomes for the two methods were equal. Because touch DNA was deployed by police patrol officers, there are implications for firearm forensics and the choice of forensic approaches used by police.
Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy masquerading as tobacco-alcohol amblyopia.

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of known primary mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) in patients previously diagnosed as having tobacco-alcohol amblyopia. DESIGN A case series of 12 patients with tobacco-alcohol amblyopia. Follow-up ranged from 2 months to 15 years. SETTING Tertiary care. PATIENTS Twelve patients diagnosed as having tobacco-alcohol amblyopia, based on the classic clinical presentation, were tested for all the known primary mtDNA mutations associated with LHON. All patients had a history of heavy alcohol or tobacco use or both. Twelve other patients who fit inclusion criteria were unable to be contacted or refused to participate in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Presence of a known primary mutation for LHON at nucleotide positions 11778, 3460, 15257, or 14484 of mtDNA. RESULTS Two (17%) of 12 patients previously diagnosed as having tobacco-alcohol amblyopia tested positive for known LHON genetic mutations, one for the 11778 mutation and one for the 3460 mutation. CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of LHON should be considered in all patients diagnosed as having tobacco-alcohol amblyopia, particularly those with visual acuities of 20/200 or less. The availability of molecular genetic testing for LHON now allows confirmation of the diagnosis of LHON in patients who otherwise may be misdiagnosed.
Suicide in Immigrants: An Overview

Globalization in the Internet era has rendered job mobility and migration frequent and important social phenomena, with implications at several different levels of societies. In addition, migration, either voluntary or forced, is accompanied by significant changes in suicide ideation, frequency of suicide attempts and rates of suicide of people that migrate compared to the host country. However, several different peculiarities render the interpretation of the interaction of migration-suicidality as quite complex. This article provides an overview of the most significant aspects that contribute to this complexity, in order to provide the reader with a road map for better orientation in a world of rapidly changing landscapes.
Resting state fMRI analysis using a spatial regression mixture model

Functional MRI (fMRI) is one of the most important techniques to study the human brain. A relatively new problem to the analysis of fMRI data is the identification of brain networks when the brain is at rest i.e. no external stimulus is applied to the subject. In this work a method to find the Resting State Networks (RSNs), using fMRI time series, is proposed. To achieve that our method uses the Regression Mixtures Models (RMMs). RMMs are mixture models specifically design to cluster time series. Furthermore, our method takes into account the spatial correlations of fMRI data by using a new functional for the responsibilities of the mixture. Experimental results have showed the usefullness of the proposed approach compared to other methods of the field such as the k-means algorithm.
DNA sequence of the gene for pseudorabies virus gp50, a glycoprotein without N-linked glycosylation

The DNA sequence was determined for a region of the pseudorabies virus (PRV) genome to which a mutation defining resistance to a monoclonal antibody has been mapped (M. W. Wathen and L. M. K. Wathen, J. Virol., 51:57-62, 1984). This sequence was found to contain an open reading frame that did not include an amino acid sequence directing N-linked glycosylation. This open reading frame was expressed in uninfected Chinese hamster ovary cells to produce the PRV glycoprotein gp50. When PRV-infected Vero cells were incubated in the presence of tunicamycin, the gp50 that was produced had an identical molecular weight to that produced in the absence of drug. When infected cells were incubated in the presence of monensin, the molecular weight of gp50 was reduced from 60,000 to 45,000, but was not sensitive to endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H. These observations led to the conclusion that gp50 does not contain N-linked carbohydrate, as predicted from the DNA sequence. A region of the amino acid sequence and the positions of the cysteine residues of PRV gp50 are homologous to glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus.
Föderalismus in Deutschland

Le federalisme a ete l'un des piliers de la Republique federale d'Allemagne (Bundesrepublik) depuis sa fondation en 1948/49 par les Lander allemands. Il continue a etre un garant de la stabilite politique de la Republique federale. En fait, le federalisme temoigne d'une longue tradition dans tous les pays de l'ancien Saint Empire (Altes Reich jusqu'en 1806, Rheinbund jusqu'en 1815, Deutscher Bund jusqu'en 1867, Norddeutscher Bund jusqu'en 1871, Deutsches Reich jusqu'en 1918, Weimarer Republik jusqu'en 1933). En 1948/49, la Loi fondamentale allemande (la constitution) attribua aux Lander une position forte, tant en terme de competence qu'en terme d'influence sur le processus legislatif federal, ceci a travers le Bundesrat (la plus petite des deux chambres de l'Allemagne). Cette influence a grandi avec le temps de telle maniere qu'aujourd'hui la majeure partie de la legislation est sujette a l'approbation du Bundesrat. En meme temps, l'Allemagne est toutefois devenue tres homogene et unitaire, avec la plupart des politiques desormais negociees entre le Bund (l'Etat central) et les Lander. Un haut degre de redistribution fiscale a elimine la concurrence entre les Lander. De plus en plus, des critiques s'elevent contre cette erosion du principe federal et une reforme adequate est fort probable dans un futur proche.
Chromatographic methods for biogenic amines determination in foods of animal origin

Biogenic amines (BAs) are formed as a result of specific free amino acid decarboxylation. Analysis of these metabolites may be of great importance to determine food quality and for monitoring the levels of biogenic amines such as histamine and tyramine related to intoxication episodes in humans. Chromatography is a chemistry separation technique used to characterize biogenic amines in foods. Variations of this technique (liquid, thin layer and gas chromatography) have been widely applied; however, the food matrix complex requires that changes in the methodology of extraction, derivatization and detection must be performed according to each group of foods. High-performance liquid chromatography is the most widely used chromatographic method applied for biogenic amines in foods. However, due to the current importance of biogenic amines in quality control and consumer safety, researchers try to develop new methods for a fast, reliable analysis of foods in the market. This review presents some chromatographic techniques applied to monitoring BAs in different foods of animal origin.
A soluble form of the adhesion receptor CD58 (LFA‐3) is present in human body fluids

The human adhesion receptor CD58 (LFA‐3) is expressed on most human cell types. Here we report on a soluble form of CD58 (sCD58) in human serum, human urine, and culture supernatants of several cell lines. sCD58 partially purified from human serum, from supernatant of the Hodgkin cell line L428, and purified sCD58 from human urine were found to have a molecular mass of 40‐70 kDa under denaturating conditions (sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting). However, gel filtration of sCD58 purified from human urine gave a molecular mass of 118‐166 kDa, suggesting a noncovalent homotrimer conformation or its association with other molecules. Using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay specific for CD58 we found that sera from patients suffering from different forms of hepatitis contained elevated sCD58 levels (n = 108). Accordingly, there was a fivefold increase of supernatant sCD58 when the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Hep G2 was incubated with 25 ng/ml recombinant tumor necrosis factor‐α in vitro. In contrast, sCD58 serum levels of 337 additional patients suffering from various other immunological disorders were not found to be raised. At high concentrations sCD58 binds to CD2‐positive cells and inhibits rosette formation of human T cells to human erythrocytes. Thus, local release of large quantities of naturally occurring sCD58 may interfere with intercellular adhesion in vivo.
Isolation and Characterization of CA XIV, a Novel Membrane-bound Carbonic Anhydrase from Mouse Kidney*

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is involved in various physiological processes such as acid-base balance and transport of carbon dioxide and ions. In this study, we have succeeded in the isolation of a novel CA from the mouse kidney by use of the signal sequence trap method. It is a 337-amino acid polypeptide with a calculated molecular mass of 37.5 kDa, consisting of a putative amino-terminal signal sequence, a CA domain, a transmembrane domain, and a short hydrophilic carboxyl terminus, which we designated CA XIV.1 The CA domain of CA XIV is highly homologous with those of known CAs, especially extracellular CAs including CA XII, IX, VI, and IV. The expression study of an epitope-tagged protein has suggested that CA XIV is located on the plasma membrane. When expressed in COS-7 cells, CA XIV exhibits CA activity that is predominantly associated with the membrane fraction. By Northern blot analysis, the gene expression of CA XIV is most abundant in the kidney and heart, followed by the skeletal muscle, brain, lung, and liver. In situ hybridization has revealed that, in the kidney, the gene is expressed intensely in the proximal convoluted tubule, which is the major segment for bicarbonate reabsorption and also in the outer border of the inner stripe of the outer medulla. In conclusion, we have cloned a functional cDNA encoding a novel membrane-bound CA. This study will bring new insights into our understanding of carbon dioxide metabolism and acid-base balance.
Integration of fluctuating renewable energy — A German case study

With increasing amounts of power generation from intermittent sources like wind and solar, capacity planning has not only to account for the expected load variations but also for the stochastics of volatile power feed-in. Moreover investments in power generation are no longer centrally planned in deregulated power markets but rather decided on competitive grounds by individual power companies. This poses particular challenges when it comes to evaluating future electricity markets in large-scale systems like the European transmission system. Within this article an approach is presented which allows assessing electricity market development in the presence of stochastic power feed-in and endogenous investments of power plants and renewable energies. This model uses typical days and hours as well as recombining trees to represent both load and feed-in fluctuations. Four scenarios are presented covering 30 European countries and simultaneously optimizing generation investments and dispatch as well as utilization of transmission lines. Results are presented up to 2050.
Neuronal activity in the hippocampus during delayed non‐match to sample performance in rats: Evidence for hippocampal processing in recognition memory

Neuronal activity in the CA1 of rats was explored with regard to functional correlates of performance in an odor‐guided continuous delayed non‐match to sample task. Although different CA1 cells fired in association with each identifiable trial event, these analyses focused on cells that fired selectively during the period of odor cue sampling and response generation. The firing patterns of many of these cells reflected the match or non‐match comparison between current and previous odor cues independent of the particular stimuli that composed those comparisons. Such cells were more prevalent in sessions when performance was highly accurate. Hippocampal cells did not demonstrate stimulus‐evoked firing that persisted through the memory delay, nor did they fire differentially to session‐novel vs. repeated odor presentations. These results suggest that the hippocampus contributes to recognition memory by processing comparisons between current information and representations of previous stimuli stored in parahippocampal and neocortical structures.
Association between anterior and posterior keratoconus.

BACKGROUND/METHODS We studied a 53-year-old male patient, presenting with a history of reduced vision since childhood in the right eye and since birth in the left eye. RESULTS Ocular examination revealed the presence of anterior keratoconus in the right eye and posterior keratoconus in the left eye. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, co-occurrence of both varieties of keratoconus in the same patient has not been previously reported.
Application of a widely tunable sampled grating distributed Bragg quantum cascade laser for multi-species spectroscopy

We demonstrated the feasibility of multicomponent trace gas sensing using a tunable sampled-grating distributed Bragg reflector QCL. We have achieved continuous fine tuning over 10 cm<sup>-1</sup> to retrieve N<sub>2</sub>O, H<sub>2</sub>O and CO.