Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amino acid recognition by Venus flytrap domains is encoded in an 8‐residue motif

A motif foramino acid recognition by proteins or domains of the periplasmic binding protein‐like I superfamily has been identified. An initial pattern of 5 residues was based on a multiple sequence alignment of selected proteins of that fold family and on common structural features observed in the crystal structure of some members of the family [leucine isoleucine valine binding protein (LIVBP), leucine binding protein (LBP), and metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1 (mGlu1R) amino terminal domain)]. This pattern was used against the PIR‐NREF sequence database and further refined to retrieve all sequences of proteins that belong to the family and eliminate those that do not belong to it. A motif of 8 residues was finally selected to build up the general signature. A total of 232 sequences were retrieved. They were found to belong to only three families of proteins: bacterial periplasmic binding proteins (PBP, 71 sequences), family 3 (or C) of G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) (146 sequences), and plant putative ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluR, 15 sequences). PBPs are known to adopt a bilobate structure also named Venus flytrap domain, or LIVBP domain in the present case. Family 3/C GPCRs are also known to hold such a domain. However, for plant iGluRs, it was previously detected by classical similarity searches but not specifically described. Thus plant iGluRs carry two Venus flytrap domains, one that binds glutamate and an additional one that would be a modulatory LIVBP domain. In some cases, the modulator binding to that domain would be an amino acid. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci), 2005
Simple biodosimetry method for use in cases of high-dose radiation exposure that scores the chromosome number of Giemsa-stained drug-induced prematurely condensed chromosomes (PCC)

There is a need for quick dose estimation by a simple method in radiation accidents. This study develops a simple and rapid dose estimation protocol for victims of such accidents, in particular those involving high radiation doses. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were γ-irradiated in vitro at several dose points up to 60 Gy, and were stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) for 2 days to obtain dividing cells. PBL were then forced to condense prematurely, using 50 nM calyculin A, and the obtained chromosome spreads were Giemsa stained. The G2-PCC (prematurely condensed chromosomes) index and chromosome number for each radiation dose point were scored. G2-PCC were stably induced using calyculin A within 24 h delays in stimulation of PBL with PHA-P. The chromosome number of G2-PCC increased steeply with radiation doses up to 30 Gy at a rate of 0.31 Gy − 1 and then decreased at 0.30 Gy − 1 up to 40 Gy. More than 10% of G2-PCC index remained up to a 15 Gy dose. Even after 40 Gy irradiation, about 2% PCC index was obtained, and this value was enough to score a sufficient number of chromosome spreads for analysis. Therefore, the combined use of chromosome number and G2-PCC index allows biodosimetry to be done easily and rapidly. If PCC are not induced using calyculin A, it is strongly suggested that the radiation dose is over 50 Gy. A rapid and easy dose estimation for large dose exposure whole-body was realized by combined analysis of Giemsa-stained chromosome number of G2-PCC and PCC index using calyculin A. This simple method will be of use for rapid decision making of therapy for radiation accident victims. This method also has potential for use as a biodosimeter for partial-body exposure accidents.
Noncollinear spin-spiral phase for the uniform electron gas within reduced-density-matrix-functional theory

The noncollinear spin-spiral density wave of the uniform electron gas is studied in the framework of reduced-density-matrix-functional theory. For the Hartree-Fock approximation, which can be obtained as a limiting case of reduced-density-matrix-functional theory, Overhauser showed a long-time ago that the paramagnetic state of the electron gas is unstable with respect to the formation of charge- or spin-density waves. Here we not only present a detailed numerical investigation of the spin-spiral density wave in the Hartree-Fock approximation but also investigate the effects of correlations on the spin-spiral density wave instability by means of a recently proposed density-matrix functional.
Severe exacerbations and decline in lung function in asthma.

RATIONALE To evaluate the association between asthma exacerbations and the decline in lung function, as well as the potential effects of an inhaled corticosteroid, budesonide, on exacerbation-related decline in patients with asthma. OBJECTIVES To determine whether severe asthma exacerbations are associated with a persistent decline in lung function. METHODS The START (inhaled steroid treatment as regular therapy in early asthma) study was a 3-year, randomized, double-blind study of 7,165 patients (5-66 yr) with persistent asthma for less than 2 years, to determine whether early intervention with low-dose inhaled budesonide prevents severe asthma-related events (exacerbations requiring hospitalization or emergency treatment) and decline in lung function. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS There were 315 patients who experienced at least one severe asthma exacerbation, of which 305 were analyzable, 190 in the placebo group and 115 in the budesonide group. In the placebo group, the change in post-bronchodilator FEV(1) % predicted from baseline to the end of the study, in patients who did or did not experience a severe exacerbation was -6.44% and -2.43%, respectively (P < 0.001). A significant difference was seen in both children and in adults, but not in adolescents. In the budesonide group, the change in the post-bronchodilator FEV(1) % predicted in patients who did or did not experience a severe exacerbation was -2.48% and -1.72%, respectively (P = 0.57). The difference in magnitude of reduction afforded by budesonide, in patients who experienced at least one severe asthma-related event compared with those who did not, was statistically significant (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS Severe asthma exacerbations are associated with a more rapid decline in lung function. Treatment with low doses of inhaled corticosteroid is associated with an attenuation of the decline.
Effects of Rat Sinoaortic Denervation on the Vagal Responsiveness and Expression of Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors

We studied heart rate (HR) responses to vagal electrical stimulation (VES) and the expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in the rat atria 1 day (SADa) and 20 days (SADc) after sinoaortic denervation (SAD). Arterial blood pressure (BP) was recorded in conscious, unrestrained rats and during vagal electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve. In the acute phase, SADa rats had hypertension, tachycardia, and increased blood pressure lability. In the chronic phase, heart rate and blood pressure in SADc rats returned to normal whereas blood pressure lability remained increased. VES produced a frequency-dependent bradycardia that was higher in SADa and SADc groups. Binding experiments with [3H] N-methylscopolamine showed that in the chronic phase of SAD mAChRs density (SADc=412.2±28.64, SADa=273.38±48.37 and CTR=241.5±25.35 fmol/mg of protein, P<0.05) and affinity increased in SADc rats (reduced dissociation constant: SADc=0.45±0.05, SADa=1.01±0.26, and CTR=0.98±0.12 mM, P<0.05). Our study provides evidence that vagal hyperresponsiveness coexists with increased sympathetic activity in SADa rats without a concomitant increase in mAChRs density or affinity, suggesting that complex mechanisms might modulate the “accentuated antagonism” observed in the acute SAD phase. However, SADc rats had increased bradycardia to VES, increased affinity, and upregulation of mAChRs in the atria. Our results show that, 20 days after SAD in the rat, functional and cellular adaptations occur in the cardiac parasympathetic efferent pathway that may contribute to other regulatory mechanisms to compensate for cardiovascular changes provoked by baroreceptor arch disruption.
The characteristics of Lactobacillus plantarum, L. helveticus and L. casei.

SUMMARY: The characteristics of 152 strains of lactobacilli were examined, and strains divided into three groups. Lactobacillus helveticus fermented inositol, sorbose, glycerol and rhamnose but not melibiose or raffinose, failed to grow in 4 % bile salt, but gave a positive Voges-Proskauer reaction and a rapid acid clot in Yeastrel glucose litmus milk (y.g.l.m.). L. casei would not ferment these sugars, nor tolerate 4 % bile salt, rarely gave a positive Voges-Proskauer reaction, but. produced a rapid acid clot in y.g. l.m. L. plantarum always fermented melibiose, usually raffinose and sometimes rhamnose, but did not ferment inositol, sorbose or glycerol. Strains of these species tolerated 4% bile salt but gave a negative Voges-Proskauer reaction and produced an acid clot in y.g. l.m. only slowly.
Sea Turtle Bycatch Mitigation in U.S. Longline Fisheries

Capture of sea turtles in longline fisheries has been implicated in population declines of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) turtles. Since 2004, United States (U.S.) longline vessels targeting swordfish and tunas in the Pacific and regions in the Atlantic Ocean have operated under extensive fisheries regulations to reduce the capture and mortality of endangered and threatened sea turtles. We analyzed 20+ years of longline observer data from both ocean basins during periods before and after the regulations to assess the effectiveness of the regulations. Using generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs), we investigated relationships between the probability of expected turtle interactions and operational components such as fishing location, hook type, bait type, sea surface temperature, and use of light sticks. GAMMs identified a two to three-fold lower probability of expected capture of loggerhead and leatherback turtle bycatch in the Atlantic and Pacific when circle hooks are used (vs. J hook). Use of fish bait (vs. squid) was also found to significantly reduce the capture probability of loggerheads in both ocean basins, and for leatherbacks in the Atlantic only. Capture probabilities are lowest when using a combination of circle hook and fish bait. Influences of light sticks, hook depth, geographic location, and sea surface temperature are discussed specific to species and regions. Results confirmed that in two U.S.-managed longline fisheries, rates of sea turtle bycatch significantly declined after the regulations. In the Atlantic (all regions), rates declined by 40% and 61% for leatherback and loggerhead turtles, respectively, after the regulations. Within the NED area alone, where additional restrictions include a large circle hook (18/0) and limited use of squid bait, rates declined by 64% and 55% for leatherback and loggerhead turtles, respectively. Gains were even more pronounced for the Pacific shallow set fishery, where mean bycatch rates declined by 84% and 95%, for leatherback and loggerhead turtles, respectively, for the post-regulation period. Similar management approaches could be used within regional fisheries management organizations to reduce capture of sea turtles and to promote sustainable fisheries on a global scale.
Deterioro cognitivo leve: método y procedimiento de clasificación

Title: Mild cognitive impairment: classification method and procedure. Abstract: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is one of the most important clinical entities in the field of cognitive neuroscience, the size of their numbers and the possible evolution of some of the subtypes of dementia. The aim of this study is to test a method and procedure for classification of MCI in terms of neuropsychological test scores and its convergence with established clinical criteria, and analyze the differences between the resulting groups. After applying the inclusion-exclusion criteria, was as- sessed using a battery of neuropsychological tests to 39 people aged be- tween 60 and 89 years. Diagnostic groups were established by psychomet- ric criteria and a cluster analysis and satisfactory results were obtained by analyzing the coherence between the two criteria. There is a significant number of subjects diagnosed with MCI (43.6% and 53.9% as a function of each criterion), showing them lower levels of schooling than healthy controls. MCI prevention and the definition of subtypes is necessary, al- though the use of criteria: objective, scientifically valid and assess different cognitive domains, is an appropriate mechanism to be analysis and diag-
α6 integrins participate in pro‐T cell homing to the thymus

During embryogenesis, colonization of the thymic rudiment by hemopoietic progenitor cells depends on the adhesion of these cells to the jugular endothelium. Previously, we showed that progenitor T cells (pro‐T cells) interact with α6 integrins present on vascular endothelium. Here, we demonstrate that anti‐α6 integrin antibodies reduced the number of thymocytes up to 80 % in a congenic mouse model for thymus colonization by pro‐T cells. In organotypic thymus cultures, the anti‐α6 integrin antibodies did not influence T cell development and proliferation. From this, we conclude that α6 integrin participates in thymus homing. During mouse thymus ontogeny, α6 integrin mRNA and protein expression was found as early as day 10 of development; at day 11, perithymic endothelial cells were α6 integrin positive. Two α6 integrin mRNA exist which are produced by alternative exon usage. The longer form, α6, integrin, predominates during early embryonic stages, while the shorter α6A form was present later during development. Although α6, integrins can be displayed by immature thymocytes, strongest expression was found on intra‐ and perithymic vascular endothelium. These data suggest that α6 integrins are involved in the homing of pro‐T cells to the developing thymus by mediating adhesion of pro‐T cells to the vascular endothelium.
Exercise echocardiography and the diagnosis of heart failure with a normal ejection fraction

The diagnosis of heart failure is not always easy. It is even more difficult for the group of patients who have symptoms of heart failure but are found to have a normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), a condition variously called diastolic heart failure, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction or more precisely heart failure with a normal ejection fraction (HFNEF). 1 2 Most patients presenting to a hospital emergency department with heart failure will have obvious classic diagnostic symptoms and signs such as peripheral oedema, raised jugular venous pressure and a third heart sound, and echocardiography will confirm a dilated left ventricle and reduced ejection fraction. These patients with ‘systolic heart failure’ or more accurately heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF) are simpler to recognise and treatment with inhibitors of the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and β-blockers is well established and supported by large clinical trials. For the HFNEF group, however, the situation is completely different. Although presentation with HFNEF can be acute with obvious pulmonary oedema often it is a complaint of breathlessness on exertion that prompts the referral to a clinic. Breathlessness is of course a non-specific symptom and has many causes, particularly in the elderly, and is often confounded by obesity and smoking. It may also be an angina equivalent especially in diabetics. Thus, there has been considerable debate about the reliability of symptoms in this group of patients. Many have suggested that many with the diagnostic label of HFNEF do not have heart failure at all.3 In one study patients being treated for a clinical diagnosis of HFNEF were found to have the same self-reported symptoms and 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) performance as patients with HFREF yet had normal NT-proBNP levels.4 It was concluded that perception of symptoms is disproportionate to the …
The 'delta pH'-probe 9-aminoacridine: response time, binding behaviour and dimerization at the membrane.

The fluorescence quenching of 9-aminoacridine (9-AA) after imposition of a transmembrane pH gradient (inside acidic) in liposomes has been investigated for a number of different lipid systems. The initial fluorescence decrease after a rapid pH jump, induced in the extravesicular medium by a stopped-flow mixing technique, was ascribed to a response of 9-AA to the imposed pH gradient and not to changes in the vesicular system itself. Time constants for this fluorescence quenching are in the range of several hundred milliseconds at 25 degrees C. Fluorescence recovery which should be correlated to the dissipation of the pH gradient occurs in the 100 s time range and is 10-30-times faster than the delta pH decay monitored with the entrapped hydrophilic pH-indicator dye pyranine. The quenching was severely hindered below the lipid phase transition of dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol. No delta pH-induced quenching was obtained in lipid vesicles containing only zwitterionic, net uncharged phosphatidylcholine headgroups. For the occurrence of quenching, the presence of negatively charged headgroups, i.e. phosphatidylglycerol or phosphatidylserine, was necessary. The extent of quenching, at a specific pH difference applied, had a cooperative dependency (Hill coefficient approximately 2) on the number of negative headgroups in the membrane and on the concentration of unquenched (unbound) 9-AA molecules. The concentration of quenched 9-AA molecules was furthermore proportional to the number of dimer-excimer complexes of 9-AA which are formed during the quenching process.
[Disseminated molluscum contagiosum during topical treatment of atopic dermatitis with tacrolimus: efficacy of cidofovir].

BACKGROUND Tacrolimus applied locally is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug with proven efficacy in atopic dermatitis. Skin infections can occur, especially viral infections. CASE-REPORT A 35-year-old male patient had been treated for extensive atopic dermatitis for several months with tacrolimus (Protopic). After six months of treatment, he presented a large eruption of molluscum contagiosum, in particular on the zones that had received a substantial amount of tacrolimus. The treatment was discontinued and application of a preparation containing cidofovir led to the patient's quick complete recovery, without recurrence in the ensuing months. DISCUSSION Viral skin infections, in particular poxvirus infections, are prompted by topical immunosuppressant treatments such as tacrolimus, usually in dose-dependent fashion. Paradoxically, they provide protection against bacterial infections by restoring the integrity of the cutaneous barrier. Application of cidofovir successfully treated a severe form of molluscum contagiosum rapidly without any noticeable adverse effects. This confirms several observations about the efficacy and the good safety of this drug in the treatment of infections by DNA viruses. It provides an additional therapeutic prospect for immunodepressed patients who often present extensive and resistant forms of infections that are usually common.
A CLOUD STORAGE SYSTEM FOR SHARING DATA SECURELY WITH PRIVACY PRESERVATION AND FRAUD DETECTION

Cloud computing provides much-known services for storing user data over cloud server and it provides attention towards a broad set of technologies, rules and controls deployed to provide security for applications and data. As the more and more firm uses the cloud, security in cloud environment is becoming very important issue. It is much needed that companies should work with partners doing best practices of cloud security and which facilitate transparency for their solutions. Number of security solutions today depends on the authentication for security but it did not provide solution for the privacy problems while sharing data in the cloud environment. Data access request from the user itself may expose users’ private data no matter his request approved or not. So this becomes very important in sharing data in the cloud environment. In this paper we proposed a system which provides attention towards the above mentioned problem. In proposed system we used the concept of data anonymity for sending data access request to data owner and also provide the data auditing facility to detect fraud in the integrity of users shared data.
Ophthalmopathy in childhood Graves' disease

Aims: To study the ocular manifestations and their severity in children with Graves' disease. Methods: All patients with Graves' disease having regular follow up in a paediatric endocrine clinic were recruited for the study. A comprehensive ophthalmic assessment including ocular motility, exophthalmometry, intraocular pressure (IOP), slit lamp, and fundus examinations was performed. Results: 83 patients (72 female, 11 male) aged 16 years or below were examined. All are Chinese. Ocular symptoms occurred in 12 patients. Ocular signs of ophthalmopathy were documented in 52 patients (62.7%). Most of them presented with eyelid abnormalities such as lid oedema, lid lag, and lagophthalmos, whereas lower lid retraction was the commonest clinical sign noted (38.6%). Diffuse conjunctival injection was found in four patients (4.8%). 10 patients (12.0%) had mild proptosis of less than 3 mm. Only one patient (1.2%) had limited extraocular motility in extreme gaze. Punctate epithelial corneal erosions were reported in 11 patients (13.3%). Conclusions: This is the largest series on the ocular complications of childhood Graves' disease in the literature. Although 52 patients (62.7%) were identified with positive ocular changes, none of them had visual threatening complications or debilitating myopathy.
Application and research on model-based safety analysis

With the increase of military and civil aircraft system complexity, the shortage of traditional safety analysis technology goes distinctly, while the Model-based Safety Analysis technology attaches more and more importance. Therefore, this paper presents the background, basic concept and research and application situation of Model-based Safety Analysis technology, identifies the benefit of it. This paper also presents a framework of taking Model-based Safety Analysis into airplane safety assessment process, and a case study of performing MBSA in powerplant system is given to shown the effect of MBSA. Finally, this paper analyses the shortage and challenge of Model-based Safety Analysis considering its application in aircraft safety assessment process.
Human parvovirus B19 infection among patients with chronic blood disorders.

OBJECTIVE In a normal host, parvovirus infection can be asymptomatic or can result in erythema infectiosum or arthropathy. Patients with underlying hematologic and immunologic disorders who become infected with this virus are at risk for aplastic anemia. This small study attempts to confirm this relation between the human parvovirus B19 infection as one of the predisposing factor of aplastic crisis in patients with hemolytic disorders. METHODS The laboratory records of 73 patients' serum samples, which were tested for detection of specific Immunoglobulin M and Immunoglobulin G antibody by means of the recurrently available indirect enzyme linked Immunoassay during the period from March 1998 to March 2001, were reviewed retrospectively at the Armed Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS For all patients there were 11 (15%) who were diagnosed as acute infections while 50 (68%) had serological evidence of previous exposure. Eight out of the 11 acute patients had chronic hemolytic disorder as the underlying disease while, the 3 other patients were organ transplant and connective tissue disease patients. CONCLUSION Seventy-eight percent of our infected patients were known to have an underlying blood disorder, while 22% had immunosuppressed disorders such as organ transplant and connective tissue disorder. Parvovirus B19 can be considered as one of the predisposing factors of hemolytic crisis in patients with chronic hemolytic disease.