Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Arabidopsis GPAT9 (At5g60620) as an Essential Gene Involved in Triacylglycerol Biosynthesis1[OPEN]

Arabidopsis GPAT9 is a highly conserved, single-copy, and essential glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase involved in seed oil biosynthesis. The first step in the biosynthesis of nearly all plant membrane phospholipids and storage triacylglycerols is catalyzed by a glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT). The requirement for an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized GPAT for both of these critical metabolic pathways was recognized more than 60 years ago. However, identification of the gene(s) encoding this GPAT activity has remained elusive. Here, we present the results of a series of in vivo, in vitro, and in silico experiments in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) designed to assign this essential function to AtGPAT9. This gene has been highly conserved throughout evolution and is largely present as a single copy in most plants, features consistent with essential housekeeping functions. A knockout mutant of AtGPAT9 demonstrates both male and female gametophytic lethality phenotypes, consistent with the role in essential membrane lipid synthesis. Significant expression of developing seed AtGPAT9 is required for wild-type levels of triacylglycerol accumulation, and the transcript level is directly correlated to the level of microsomal GPAT enzymatic activity in seeds. Finally, the AtGPAT9 protein interacts with other enzymes involved in ER glycerolipid biosynthesis, suggesting the possibility of ER-localized lipid biosynthetic complexes. Together, these results suggest that GPAT9 is the ER-localized GPAT enzyme responsible for plant membrane lipid and oil biosynthesis.
Diversity of the Escherichia coli Type 1 Fimbrial Lectin

Type 1 fimbriae are the most common adhesive organelles of Escherichia coli. Because of their virtual ubiquity, previous epidemiological studies have not found a correlation between the presence of type 1 fimbriae and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Recently it has become clear that type 1 fimbriae exhibit several different phenotypes, due to allelic variation of the gene for the lectin subunit, FimH, and that these phenotypes are differentially distributed among fecal and UTI isolates. In this study, we have analyzed in more detail the ability of isogenic, recombinant strains ofE. coli expressing fimH genes of the predominant fecal and UTI phenotypes to adhere to glycoproteins and to uroepithelial cells. Evidence was obtained to indicate that type 1 fimbriae differ in their ability to recognize various mannosides, utilizing at least two different mechanisms. All FimH subunits studied to date are capable of mediating adhesion via trimannosyl residues, but only certain variants are capable of mediating high levels of adhesion via monomannosyl residues. The ability of the FimH lectins to interact with monomannosyl residues strongly correlates with their ability to mediate E. coli adhesion to uroepithelial cells. In this way, it would be possible for certain phenotypic variants of type 1 fimbriae to contribute more than others to virulence of E. coli in the urinary tract.
Perioperative blood lactate levels, pyruvate levels, and lactate-pyruvate ratio in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass for congenital heart disease.

Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) affects almost every body system by hypoperfusion either subclinically or clinically and produces a systemic inflammatory response owing to contact of blood with mechanical surfaces. There has been no documentation regarding pyruvate in predicting postoperative mortality and morbidity. Aim: This study was carried out to evaluate lactate levels, pyruvate levels, and lactate-pyruvate ratio in pediatric patients undergoing CPB (for correction of congenital cardiac anomaly) and their correlation to perioperative outcomes. Method: 50 consecutive patients (less than 14 years of age) of various congenital heart diseases undergoing CPB were studied. Patients were classified into three categories according to their surgical complexity. Arterial blood samples were collected at different stages of CPB to estimate blood lactate and pyruvate levels by using documented spectrophotometric method. Results: The observed mean baseline lactate levels were 2.24 + 0.79 mmol/l (normal range of 0.9-1.7 mmol/l). The mean circulating lactate levels, at 15 and 45 min after institution of CPB, increased to 4.49 + 1.2 and 5.24 + 1.02 mmol/l, respectively. A progressive decline in the mean lactate levels was noted during rewarming (at 35°C) and immediately off-bypass which continued steadily even 24 and 48 h postoperatively. The mean baseline lactate-pyruvate ratio was 24.73, which increased at 15 and 45 min after institution of CPB, rewarming (at 35°C), and immediately off-bypass. As far as the duration of CPB is concerned, we found that lactate levels were elevated significantly (P Conclusion: In patients undergoing CPB for congenital heart operation, elevations in lactate-pyruvate ratio can predict the postoperative outcome significantly better in comparison with lactate levels.
Theory of the Josephson effect in d-wave superconductors.

A general formula for the Josephson current in a {ital d}-wave/insulator/{ital d}-wave-superconductor junction is presented by taking account of the zero-energy states formed around the interfaces. For a fixed phase difference between the two superconductors, the current component becomes either positive or negative depending on the injection angle of the quasiparticle. Anomalous temperature dependences are predicted in the maximum Josephson current and in the free-energy minima. {copyright}{ital 1996 The American Physical Society. }
Optimizing waypoints for monitoring spatiotemporal phenomena

We introduce a graph-based informative path planning algorithm for a mobile robot which explicitly handles time. The objective function must be submodular in the samples taken by the robot, and the samples obtained are allowed to depend on the time at which the robot visits each location. Using a submodular objective function allows our algorithm to handle problems with diminishing returns, e.g. the case when taking a sample provides less utility when other nearby points have already been sampled. We give a formal description of this framework wherein an objective function that maps the path of the robot to the set of samples taken is defined. We also show how this framework can handle the case in which the robot takes samples along the edges of the graph. A proof of the approximation guarantee for the algorithm is given. Finally, quantitative results are shown for three problems: one simple example with a known Gaussian process model, one simulated example for an underwater robot planning problem using data from a well-known ocean modeling system, and one field experiment using an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) measuring wireless signal strength on a lake.
Attribution of human papillomavirus types to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive cancers in Southern China

The attribution of individual human papillomavirus (HPV) types to cervical neoplasia, especially intraepithelial lesions, varies ethnogeographically. Population‐specific data are required for vaccine cost‐effectiveness assessment and type replacement monitoring. HPV was detected from 2,790 Chinese women (444 invasive cervical cancers [ICC], 772 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] grade 3, 805 CIN2 and 769 CIN1. The attribution of each HPV type found in multiple‐type infections was approximated by the fractional contribution approach. Multiple‐type infection was common and correlated inversely with lesion severity (54.7% for CIN1, 48.7% for CIN2, 46.2% for CIN3, 27.5% for ICC). Vaccine‐covered high‐risk types (HPV16/18) attributed to 59.5% of squamous cell carcinoma, 78.6% of adenocarcinoma, 35.9% of CIN3, 18.4% of CIN2 and 7.4% of CIN1. Distinct features compared to worldwide were a higher attribution of HPV52 and HPV58, and a much lower attribution of HPV45. Inclusion of HPV52 and HPV58 in future vaccines would provide the highest marginal increase in coverage with 11.7% for squamous cell carcinoma, 14.4% for CIN3, 22.6% for CIN2 and 17.7% for CIN1. The attribution of HPV types in southern China is different from elsewhere, which should be considered in prioritizing HPV types for vaccine and screening assay development.
Comparative Effectiveness Research in Oncology: The Need for Clarity, Transparency and Vision

Considerable interest has recently emerged and substantial resources are being invested in developing better research models and analytic tools for comparing various management strategies for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of common diseases including cancer. Over 1 billion dollars is currently targeted for comparative effectiveness research (CER) through the Department of Health and Human Services ($400 million), the National Institutes of Health ($400 million) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ($300 million). While this represents a large appropriation, clearly it is only an initial investment into addressing the challenges related to evaluation, approval and utilization of new technologies across the multitude of diseases and innovative strategies that could be considered. In no disease setting is the need and potential greater than in oncology. Rapid advances in molecular biology and genetics have led to the identification of a virtually limitless number of potential strategic targets for improving the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention of cancer which is projected by the International Agency for Research on Cancer to become the leading cause of death worldwide by 2010 (1). All of this, unfortunately, must be placed against a backdrop of rapidly rising healthcare costs threatening our very economic stability. To optimally inform important clinical, regulatory, and policy decisions, it is essential to consider the totality of evidence relevant to a specific question which then can be fully evaluated and combined. The acquisition, evaluation and synthesis of all relevant information related to effectiveness, safety and overall value of comparative diagnostic, treatment, and prevention strategies offer the best opportunity to address important clinical and public health issues.
Assignment1 of CD163B, the gene encoding M160, a novel scavenger receptor, to human chromosome 12p13.3 by in situ hybridization and somatic cell hybrid analysis

Members of the scavenger receptor cysteine rich superfamily are typically expressed on cells associated with the immune system (Resnick et al., 1994). However, proteins containing scavenger receptor cysteine rich (SRCR) domains were also shown to be synthesized by other cells such as epithelial cells in the gastrointestinal channel (Cheng et al., 1996; Holmskov et al., 1999) and hepatocytes (Goldberger et al., 1987). SRCR domains are thought to mediate protein-protein interactions and ligand binding and mediate cellular differentiation and activation as shown in macrophages (Law et al., 1993) and Tcells (Tarakhovsky et al., 1995). We have recently cloned and characterized a novel member of the SRCR superfamily, termed M160, which is mainly expressed in cells of the monocytic/macrophage lineage (Grønlund et al., in preparation). M160 is composed of 12 group B SRCR domains, a transmembrane region and a cytoplasmatic domain. Two variant mRNA transcripts of the M160 gene encode two forms of the M160 protein with differences confined to the cytoplasmatic domain only. The major form, M160-· has a cytoplasmic domain composed of 71 amino acids whereas the less abundant form, M160-ß has a cytoplasmic tail of 39 amino acids. M160-· has three potential phosphorylation sites that are not contained in the alternative spliced form. M160 shows high homology to CD163 and to bovine WC1, two membrane molecules composed of nine or eleven extracellular tandem repeat group B SRCR domains, respectively. CD163 is exclusively expressed on cells from the monocytic/macrophage lineage, while WC1 is expressed on a subset of T-cells. The functions of CD163 and WC1 are not known. Different isoforms of CD163 have been characterized. These isoforms are generated by alternative splicing of mRNA transcripts from one gene which recently has been mapped to human chromosome 12p13 (Ritter et al., 1999). This study assigns the gene (symbol: CD163B, CD163 antigen B, containing scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domains, alias M160) encoding M160 to human chromosome 12p13.3. We propose that the linkage of the genes for M160 and CD163 on chromosome 12p13 reflects a duplication event from one ancestral gene as has been described for the genes of two other scavenger receptors, CD5 and CD6 (Bowen et al., 1995; Lecomte et al., 1996).
Infrasound Emitted by Tornado-Like Vortices: Basic Theory and a Numerical Comparison to the Acoustic Radiation of a Single-Cell Thunderstorm

This paper addresses the physics and numerical simulation of the adiabatic generation of infrasound by tornadoes. Classical analytical results regarding the production of infrasound by vortex Rossby waves and by corotating “suction vortices” are reviewed. Conditions are derived for which critical layers damp vortex Rossby waves that would otherwise grow and continually produce acoustic radiation. These conditions are similar to those that theoretically suppress gravity wave radiation from larger mesoscale cyclones, such as hurricanes. To gain perspective, the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) is used to simulate the infrasound that radiates from a single-cell thunderstorm in a shear-free environment. In this simulation, the dominant infrasound in the 0.1–10-Hz frequency band appears to radiate from the vicinity of the melting level, where diabatic processes involving hail are active. It is shown that the 3D Rossby waves of a tornado-like vortex (simulated with RAMS) can generate stronger infrasound if the maximum wind speed of the vortex exceeds a modest threshold. Technical issues regarding the numerical simulation of tornado infrasound are also addressed. Most importantly, it is shown that simulating tornado infrasound likely requires a spatial resolution that is an order of magnitude finer than the current practical limit (10-m grid spacing) for modeling thunderstorms.
Susceptibility of the guinea pig to chemical carcinogenesis.

In a recent report (28) on the susceptibility of guinea pigs to 7,1 2-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and urethan, previous work on the induction of tumors at various sites in this species was reviewed. This communication complements and extends the segment of the literature referred to in the report (28), which focused on the susceptibility toward polycyclic hydrocarbons and urethan. Until 1962 to 1963, it was generally considered that guinea pigs, in comparison to rats and mice, are highly resistant to chemical carcinogenesis. This communication stresses the high susceptibility of the guinea pig to carcinogenesis by nitrosamine-type alkylating agents and aflatoxin, which susceptibility became known early in the last decade. Indeed, Druckrey and Steinhoff (6) and Argus and Hoch-Ligeti (2) were the first to show that guinea pigs are highly responsive to the hepatocarcinogenic action of diethylnitrosamine. Subsequently, a number of investigators (3, 5, 9, 11, 15â€”17,21, 22, 24â€”27, 31) reported that guinea pigs are susceptible, in addition to diethylnitrosamine, also to dimethylnitrosamine, di-n-butylnitrosamine, methylnitro sourea, cycad meal, methylazoxymethanol, aflatoxin, and dioxan in the liver and other tissue targets. In scanning the literature, one finds that other published reports give indirect indications of the susceptibility of the guinea pig to certain types of chemical carcinogens. The fact that guinea pigs are at least equally or more sensitive to the acute toxic effects of aflatoxin was known as early as 1964 (4, 14, 20). Moreover, since the original finding (2, 6) which showed the great susceptibility of the guinea pig to the carcinogenic action of nitrosamines, it was almost to be expected that this species would also be susceptible to the carcinogenic action of cycad meal and the cycasin aglycon, methylazoxymethanol, because of the demonstrated similari ties between the biochemical action of cycasin and dimethylnitrosamine (e. g., see Ref. 23). In the discussion of a recent paper (7), the greater suceptibiity of the guinea pig than the rat to the carcinogenic action of diethylnitrosamine has been restated. The demonstration of the high susceptibility to nitrosamine-type carcinogens invalidated the concept that guinea pigs are endowed with a â€œspecies-specific cancer resistance. â€• This concept had prompted several attempts to demonstrate the specific tumor cytotoxicity of guinea pig serum and its protective effect in other species against carcinogenesis (e.g., see Refs. 1, 8, and 12). The refractoriness of the guinea pig to the carcinogenic action of aromatic amines and amino azo dyes possibly resides in its limited ability to metabolize these agents to their N-hydroxy derivatives. Indeed, Miller et a! (18) have shown that N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene induces in this species adenocarcinomas of the small intestine (upon feeding) and
Screening for interference in immunoassays.

In their report in a recent issue of Clinical Chemistry , Emerson et al. (1) screened clinical samples for the presence of interference in four immunoassays. Three different techniques were applied, defining interference as (a) nonlinear assay responses with serial dilution, (b) discrepant assay results after pretreatment with heterophile blocking reagent (HBR), or (c) positive reactions on a mouse-antibody-negative control reaction (Tandem ICON® ImmunoConcentration hCG). The percentage of interference-positive samples varied significantly by technique, and the authors therefore concluded that prescreening for interfering substances with these assays is not warranted. False-positive results caused by assay interference could be detrimental if undetected, as shown in the hallmark report by Rotmensch and Cole (2). Interferences have been characterized or labeled as heterophile antibodies, human-anti-mammalian antibodies, human-anti-mouse (monoclonal) antibodies, …
Virus‐specific T‐cell therapy in solid organ transplantation

This article reviews the current state of T‐cell therapy as therapeutic option for virus‐associated diseases against the background of the most common viral complications and their standard treatment regimens after SOT. The available data of clinical T‐cell trials in SOT are summarized. References to the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are made if applicable data in SOT are not available and their content was considered likewise valid for cell therapy in SOT. Moreover, aspects of different manufacturing approaches including beneficial product characteristics and the importance of GMP compliance are addressed.
TOF data non-rigid motion correction

PET acquisition requires prolonged scan times, and during the scan a large magnitude of patient motion can occur. Breathing may result in a significant displacement of organs and consequent blurring of clinically relevant features. Various non-rigid motion corrections that act in the image space were proposed to address this problem. TOF data can be considered to be histo-images. Therefore, non-rigid motion correction can be performed in this quasi image space. The TOF locality property can be used to locally perform motion correction; that is, the approximation of motion as locally rigid on a scale of TOF resolution. In this work we investigate motion correction in the TOF data space, assuming a known motion field. Data correction factors, such as normalization and attenuation, will be combined for motion compensation depending on the combination of data. The benefit of the presented motion correction is that only one data set needs to be used for the final reconstruction. An XCAT phantom is used in computer simulations. Initial results showed that the presented methodology accommodates for changes in non-rigid body movements for a typical pattern of patient motion.
The structure, biosynthesis and function of glycosylated phosphatidylinositols in the parasitic protozoa and higher eukaryotes.

INTRODUCTION The protozoa are the most diverse and amongst the most ancient group of organisms in the eukaryotic kingdom (Sogin et al., 1989). Many of their members are parasitic and some, like those belonging to the family Trypanosomatidae (African trypanosomes, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania. spp.) and the genera Plasmodium, Eimeria, Babesia, Theileria, Toxoplasma and Entanoeba, are the cause of important diseases in humans and their domestic livestock. Glycoconjugates on the cell surface of these organisms frequently play a crucial role in determining parasite survival and infectivity. It has become clear over the last 5 years that many of these molecules are anchored to the plasma membrane via glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors. This type of anchor is not unique to the protozoa, but it does appear to be used with a much higher frequency in these organisms than in higher eukaryotes. In this article we review the structure, function and biosynthesis ofGPI anchors in protozoan parasites and in higher eukaryotes. These data suggest that there may be significant differences in the function of GPI protein anchors in unicellular versus metazoan organisms. In addition, some of the parasitic protozoa, particularly those belonging to the Trypanosmatidae, synthesize a number of exotic GPI-related structures which are not attached to proteins. The structure, biosynthesis and role of these major cell surface glycoconjugates in parasite survival and infectivity are discussed, together with some speculations on the evolutionary aspects of the GPI-family. Previous general reviews on the subject of the GPI anchors and related structures can be found in Ferguson and Williams (1988), Low (1989), Cross (1990a), Thomas et al. (1990), Ferguson (1991, 1992b), McConville (1991) and Turco and Descoteaux (1992).
A STUDY OF PLASMA PROGESTERONE, OESTRADIOL‐l7β, PROLACTIN AND LH LEVELS, AND OF THE LUTEAL PHASE APPEARANCE OF THE OVARIES IN PATIENTS WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS AND INFERTILITY

Thirty‐four infertile patients with regular cycles and endometriosis were studied and compared to a control group of 28 women. The endometriosis was classified as mild (n = 16), moderate (n = 9) and severe (n = 9) according to Acosta et a1 (1973). The interval between the LH peak and the onset of subsequent menstruation was shorter (P = 0.024) in patients with endometriosis than in the control group. In mild endometriosis, oestradiol‐17β levels fell on the day after the LH peak, but this was not the case in moderate and severe endometriosis. In mild, moderate and severe endometriosis the plasma progesterone concentration did not rise on the first day following the LH peak, and at laparoscopy significantly (P<0.005) less ovulation stigmata were present. We conclude that endometriosis is associated with luteinization in situ and that this may explain the associated infertility.