Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proteomic and Genomic Characterization of Highly Infectious Clostridium difficile 630 Spores

ABSTRACT Clostridium difficile, a major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, produces highly resistant spores that contaminate hospital environments and facilitate efficient disease transmission. We purified C. difficile spores using a novel method and show that they exhibit significant resistance to harsh physical or chemical treatments and are also highly infectious, with <7 environmental spores per cm2 reproducibly establishing a persistent infection in exposed mice. Mass spectrometric analysis identified ∼336 spore-associated polypeptides, with a significant proportion linked to translation, sporulation/germination, and protein stabilization/degradation. In addition, proteins from several distinct metabolic pathways associated with energy production were identified. Comparison of the C. difficile spore proteome to those of other clostridial species defined 88 proteins as the clostridial spore “core” and 29 proteins as C. difficile spore specific, including proteins that could contribute to spore-host interactions. Thus, our results provide the first molecular definition of C. difficile spores, opening up new opportunities for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Cannabinoids and Cytochrome P450 Interactions.

OBJECTIVE This review consists of three parts, representing three different possibilities of interactions between cannabinoid receptor ligands of both exogenous and endogenous origin and cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs). The first part deals with cannabinoids as CYP substrates, the second summarizes current knowledge on the influence of various cannabinoids on the metabolic activity of CYP, and the third outline a possible involvement of the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid ligands in the regulation of CYP liver activity. METHODS We performed a structured search of bibliographic and drug databases for peer-reviewed literature using focused review questions. RESULTS Biotransformation via a hydrolytic pathway is the major route of endocannabinoid metabolism and the deactivation of substrates is characteristic, in contrast to the minor oxidative pathway via CYP involved in the bioactivation reactions. Phytocannabinoids are extensively metabolized by CYPs. The enzymes CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4 catalyze most of their hydroxylations. Similarly, CYP represents a major metabolic pathway for both synthetic cannabinoids used therapeutically and drugs that are abused. In vitro experiments document the mostly CYP inhibitory activity of the major phytocannabinoids, with cannabidiol as the most potent inhibitor of many CYPs. The drug-drug interactions between cannabinoids and various drugs at the CYP level are reported, but their clinical relevance remains unclear. The direct activation/inhibition of nuclear receptors in the liver cells by cannabinoids may result in a change of CYP expression and activity. Finally, we hypothesize the interplay of central cannabinoid receptors with numerous nervous systems, resulting in a hormone-mediated signal towards nuclear receptors in hepatocytes.
Serotypes and Genotypes of Erythromycin-Resistant Group B Streptococci in Korea

ABSTRACT Among 78 erythromycin-resistant group B streptococcus (GBS) isolates from Korea, ermB was detected in 58 (74.4%), mefA was detected in 14 (17.9%), and ermTR was detected in 6 (7.7%). The most prevalent serotypes of erythromycin-resistant GBS were V (detected in 34 isolates [43.6%]) and III (detected in 33 isolates [42.3%]). All serotype V erythromycin-resistant GBS harbored the ermB gene.
THE EFFECTS OF INGESTED PLASTIC AND OTHER MARINE DEBRIS ON SEABIRDS

Seabirds ingest plastic particles and other marine debris more frequently than do any other taxon. Despite considerable speculation as to the adverse effects ingested debris has on seabirds, there have been few experiments designed to test these hypotheses. Initial attempts to demonstrate adverse effects were based on correlations between plastic load and bird condition. However, unless the influence of season and breeding status are removed, negative correlations cannot be used to infer an adverse effect from ingesting plastic. Few statistically significant negative correlations have been found among adequately controlled samples, suggesting that the effects of ingestion are either relatively minor or that they frequently are masked by other variables. To avoid ambiguous results, carefully designed experiments are required to assess the severity of the specific adverse effects that have been hypothesized to result from debris ingestion. Ingested debris may have three specific effects on seabirds: physical damage and blocking of the digestive tract, impairment of foraging efficiency, and the release of toxic chemicals. of debris ingested and their retention time within seabirds.
The ras superfamily of GTP‐binding proteins: guidelines on nomenclature

therasoncogeneproteinshasbeendescribed(1-4). Thenumberofmembersofthissuperfamily identified hasincreaseddra-matically inrecentyears,andthenumber ofdescriptivetermsornamesusedtodenotetheseproteinshasincreasedalmostasdramatically aswell.During therecentFASEBSummer ResearchConference on“LowMolecular WeightGTPBinding Proteins:’aninformal sessiononnomencla-turewasheldinanefforttoestablishguidelinesforthelitera-tureinthisrapidlyexpanding field,aswellasinthenamingofnewgenesandproteins. Theneedforsuchasessionclearlyresultsfromtheabundance ofsequenceinformationonnewgenesandproteinsandtherelativepaucityofinfor-mationregarding proteinfunction, acommonthemeinthebiological sciencestoday.Thediscussion focusedonthreemainquestions:
Altered expression and allelic association of the hypervariable membrane mucin MUC1 in Helicobacter pylori gastritis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Infection with Helicobacter pylori causes chronic gastritis, and this confers a risk of gastric cancer. Short alleles of the membrane-bound mucin MUC1, which has a large extracellular highly glycosylated domain and is highly polymorphic due to variation in the number of tandemly repeated (TR) 20-amino acid units, have been shown to be associated with gastric cancer. Our aim was to investigate the involvement of MUC1 in chronic gastritis and, by implication, gastric cancer. METHODS Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on endoscopic biopsy specimens from 95 patients. Gastritis was classified using the Sydney System, and H. pylori status was determined. MUC1 was detected with antibodies against different epitopes of the TR region and the cytoplasmic tail. Southern blot analysis of the MUC1 gene was performed on 57 Northern European patients to determine TR allele lengths. RESULTS With the TR antibodies, apical staining and some perinuclear staining was seen in 34 of 41 biopsy specimens classified as histologically normal and H. pylori negative. None of the 36 biopsy specimens with gastritis and current H. pylori infection showed apical staining. In contrast, the cytoplasmic tail antibody detected apical staining in both groups. Comparison of the MUC1 allele length distributions between Northern European patients with H. pylori infection and those without H. pylori gastritis showed a statistically significant difference in distribution, with shorter alleles associated with H. pylori gastritis. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that H. pylori interacts with MUC1 and that there are functional allelic differences that affect susceptibility to gastritis.
An Inductive Power Transfer System for Driving Multiple OLED Light Panels

An inductive power transfer system for driving multiple organic light-emitting diode (OLED) light panels is presented. Each light panel is driven by an output in a daisy-chained transformer (DCT) structure through a detachable transformer. The DCT structure allows using a single switching network to drive multiple light panels with good current balancing. A primary-side freewheeling (FW) circuit and an open-load protection network are introduced to maintain the current-balancing function of the DCT structure upon abnormal power transfer from the primary side to the secondary side of the detachable transformer. Apart from easy and safe operation, the proposed system also offers a modular, scalable, maintenance-free, and hot-swappable platform for large-area illumination. Modeling, design, and analysis of the system under normal and faulty operating conditions and misalignment of the detachable transformer will be given. A prototype system with four OLED light panels has been built and evaluated. The experimental results show that the circuit has a robust current balancing ability and fault condition tolerance. In addition, a comparison on the cost effectiveness between DCT structure and “one-drive-to-one-load” structure is investigated.
CHALLENGES FACING IMPLIMENTATION OF GREEN PROCUREMENT IN MANUFACTURING SECTOR INKENYA: A CASE STUDY OF UNGA LIMITED KENYA

Green procurement refers to acquisition of products and services with smaller-than-average environmental footprints. This study analyzed the challenges facing the implementation of green procurement in manufacturing sector in Kenya, a case study of Unga Limited Kenya. In addressing the latter, the research aimed at establishing how organizational structure, legal and regulatory framework, cost of green procurement and firm resources capacity affect the implementation of green procurement in manufacturing sector. The beneficiaries will include; the management, employees and stakeholders in Unga Limited Kenya. Descriptive research design was used and a stratified random sampling method to pick a sample of the respondents who were provided with the questionnaires. The target population comprised 126 employees from Unga Limited Kenya. A sample of 56 respondents from within each group in proportions that each group bear to the population as whole was taken using Slovin’s formula: n=N/ (1+Ne²). The data collected were analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The quantitative data generated was keyed in and analyzed by use of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) to generate information which was being presented using tables, charts, frequencies and percentages. The linear regression model was used to show the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables. The findings indicated that, currently there is lack of Structural and organizational change to support implementation of green procurement, poor legal and regulatory framework. Moreover, the cost of green procurement is relatively high and the resources required to implement green procurement are limited in manufacturing sector. The study recommended that, the organization and other stakeholders should ensure that there is Structural and organizational change to support; implementation of green procurement, improvement of legal and regulatory framework on environment, reduction of cost associated with green procurement and allocation of resources necessary for effective implementation of green procurement.
The steady-state level of Mg-protoporphyrin IX is not a determinant of plastid-to-nucleus signaling in Arabidopsis

The plastid plays a vital role in various cellular activities within plant cells including photosynthesis and other metabolic pathways. It is believed that the functional status of the plastid is somehow monitored by the nucleus to optimize the expression of genes encoding plastid proteins. The currently dominant model for plastid-derived signaling (“plastid signaling”) proposes that Mg-protoporphyrin IX (MgProto) is a negative signal that represses the expression of a wide range of nuclear genes encoding plastid-localized proteins when plastid development is inhibited. In this study, we have re-evaluated this hypothesis by quantifying the steady-state levels of MgProto (as well as its neighboring intermediates protoporphyrin IX and Mg-Proto monomethyl ester [MgProtoMe]) in Arabidopsis plants with altered plastid signaling responses as monitored by expression of the Lhcb1, RBCS, HEMA1, BAM3 and CA1 genes. In addition, we have examined the correlation between gene expression and MgProto (MgProtoMe) in a range of mutants and conditions in which the steady-state levels of MgProto (MgProtoMe) have been modified. Overall we found that there was no correlation between the steady-state levels of MgProto (MgProtoMe) and Lhcb1 expression or with any of the other genes tested. Taking these results together, we propose that the current model on plastid signaling must be revised.
PAST , PRESENT , AND HYPOTHETICAL METHODS FOR CRANE REINTRODUCTION AND MIGRATION

In the early 1980’s the technique of releasing yearling parent-reared cranes was perfected with the Mississippi sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pulla). In the late 1980’s, we discovered that hand-reared yearlings could also be released with good expectation of survival in both migratory and nonmigratory situations. In the mid-1990’s, efforts expanded in many directions including (1) the use of various types of motorized vehicles to lead migrations, (2) the release of juveniles one by one into wild flocks in autumn or winter, and (3) the release of adult pairs. Here I outline new and proven techniques and those likely important in future reintroduction and migration projects. PROCEEDINGS NORTH AMERICAN CRANE WORKSHOP 9:197-202
What We Know About Intimate Partner Violence in the Middle East and North Africa

Little is known about intimate partner violence in the Middle East and North Africa. This review synthesizes and critically evaluates the literature. Of 59 studies found, only 21 reported data on the prevalence of such violence or on beliefs regarding its justification, covering just 9 countries. Spousal abuse is pervasive and widely accepted. Victims are of all ages and are more likely to be rural and less educated. National data from Egypt and Jordan indicate almost 9 in 10 ever-married women accept at least one reason for wife beating. Change is possible but will require increased research, coalition building, and intervention efforts.
A Comparison of Postoperative Analgesia Provided by Wound Infiltration or Caudal Analgesia

A prospective randomised study was performed to compare postoperative analgesia produced by caudal block with that of local wound infiltration in 54 children following unilateral inguinal herniotomy. There was no statistically significant difference in the analgesia produced by these two methods. The requirement for additional postoperative analgesia and the incidence of side-effects was similar in the two groups.
Megadontia, striae periodicity and patterns of enamel secretion in Plio‐Pleistocene fossil hominins

Early hominins formed large and thick‐enamelled cheek‐teeth within relatively short growth periods as compared with modern humans. To understand better the developmental basis of this process, we measured daily enamel increments, or cross striations, in 17 molars of Plio‐Pleistocene hominins representing seven different species, including specimens attributed to early Homo. Our results show considerable variation across species, although all specimens conformed to the known pattern characterised by greater values in outer than inner enamel, and greater cuspal than cervical values. We then compared our results with the megadontia index, which represents tooth size in relation to body mass, for each species to assess the effect of daily growth rates on tooth size. Our results indicate that larger toothed (megadont) taxa display higher rates or faster forming enamel than smaller toothed hominins. By forming enamel quickly, large tooth crowns were able to develop within the constraints of shorter growth periods. Besides daily increments, many animals express long‐period markings (striae of Retzius) in their enamel. We report periodicity values (number of cross striations between adjacent striae) in 14 new specimens of Australopithecus afarensis, Paranthropus aethiopicus, Paranthropus boisei, Homo habilis, Homo rudolfensis and Homo erectus, and show that long‐period striae express a strong association with male and average male–female body mass. Our results for Plio‐Pleistocene hominins show that the biological rhythms that give rise to long‐period striae are encompassed within the range of variation known for modern humans, but show a lower mean and modal value of 7 days in australopithecines. In our sample of early Homo, mean and modal periodicity values were 8 days, and therefore similar to modern humans. These new data on daily rates of enamel formation and periodicity provide a better framework to interpret surface manifestations of internal growth markings on fossil hominin tooth crowns. Importantly, our data on early hominin cross striation variation may now contribute towards solving difficult taxonomic diagnoses where much may depend on fragmentary molar remains and enamel structure.
Remote Sensing Based Land Use Change and Landscape Pattern Analysis in Taicang County, China

Based on Landsat TM images, the land use change and landscape pattern of Taicang County, Jiangsu Province in 1995 to 2008, have been investigated using the supervised classification and Fragstats. Images processing including study area resizing, radiometric correction, geometric correction, and supervised classification have been conducted. The land use categories in Taicang were classified into four types, including built land, vegetation land with high water, vegetation land with low water, and water body. The overall accuracies of the supervised classification are 97.58% and 89.35% for 2001 and 2008, respectively. Using eight landscape metrics proposed by the FRAGSTATS, i.e. NP, PD, LPI, TE, LSI, PAFRAC, SHDI, and SIDI, the landscape pattern of Taicang County have been analyzed in detail.
Intracellular free [Ca2+] in human skeletal muscle with myopathic carnitine deficiency.

Carnitine is required for the transport of activated long chain fatty acids through the mitochondrial inner membrane. We measured the intracellular free calcium concentration [( Ca2+]i) by means of a calcium selective microelectrode in skeletal muscle biopsies obtained from nine patients in which myopathic carnitine deficiency (MCD) was diagnosed, and from six subjects with no evidence of neuromuscular disease. Intact intercostal muscle bundles were dissected and then split for electron microscopic studies and electrophysiological measurements. The [Ca2+]i in muscle fibers from MCD patients was 0.46 +/- 0.02 mumol.l-1 (mean +/- SEM) and 0.10 +/- 0.01 mumol.l-1 in control subjects. At the electron microscopic level, the predominant abnormality was the presence of lipid vacuoles between the myofibrils. These results show that in patients with myopathic carnitine deficiency there is a significant increase in the resting myoplasmic calcium concentration which might be related to a malfunction of some mechanisms responsible for the homeostasis of intracellular calcium.
An adaptive path planning algorithm for cooperating unmanned air vehicles

An adaptive path planning algorithm is presented for cooperating unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) that are used to deploy and operate land-based sensor networks. The algorithm employs a global cost function to generate paths for the UAVs, and adapts the paths to exceptions that might occur. Examples are provided of the paths and adaptation.
Organic Pillared Clays.

Commonly used organophilic clays are modified by alkylammonium cations which hold apart the aluminosilicate layers permanently. The cations fill the interlayer space and are contemplated as flexible pillars, resulting from the mobility of the alkyl chains. Therefore, the interlayer distance varies depending on the layer charge and on the alkyl chain length. Contrary to these cations, rigid pillaring cations guarantee a constant interlayer distance without occupying the interlayer by themselves and show special adsorption properties such as hydrophilic behavior contrary to the generally hydrophobic ones. Smectites were modified by flexible organic cations, e.g., dimethyldioctadecylammonium, and by rigid ones, e.g., tetraphenylphosphonium. Their adsorption properties are compared. Our investigations showed improved adsorption properties for rigid organic cations on smectites using 2-chlorophenol as pollutant. Best adsorption results are achieved using pillaring cations in combination with low charged smectites, especially at low pollutant concentrations. The properties of organic modified smectites are discussed by a pollution intercalation model. The intercalation process of an organic pollutant into an organic modified smectite is expressed by a two-step Born-Haber cycle process: (i) the formation of an adsorbing position by layer expansion and (ii) the occupation of the adsorbing position by the pollutant. The first step of the formation of the adsorbing position is an endothermal transition state which lowers the total intercalation energy and therefore worsens the adsorption behavior. Thus, an already expanded organophilic smectite will show improved adsorption behavior. The formed adsorbing position state on organic modified smectites is comparable to the pillared state of inorganic pillared clays. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.
Proximal Newton for Non-Convex Optimization Problems

We introduce a novel algorithm for solving learning problems where both the loss function and the regularizer are non-convex but belong to the class of difference of convex (DC) functions. Our contribution is a new general purpose proximal Newton algorithm that is able to deal with such a situation. The algorithm consists in obtaining a descent direction from an approximation of the loss function and then in performing a line search to ensure sufficient descent. A theoretical analysis is provided showing that the iterates of the proposed algorithm admit as limit points stationary points of the DC objective function. Numerical experiments show that our approach is more efficient than current state of the art for a problem with a convex loss function and a non-convex regularizer. We have also illustrated the benefit of our algorithm in high-dimensional transductive learning problem where both loss function and regularizers are non-convex.
Activation of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase by interaction with Ras and by point mutation.

We have reported previously that Ras interacts with the catalytic subunit of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI 3‐kinase) in a GTP‐dependent manner. The affinity of the interaction of Ras‐GTP with p85alpha/p110alpha is shown here to be approximately 150 nM. The site of interaction on the p110alpha and beta isoforms of PI 3‐kinase lies between amino acid residues 133 and 314. A point mutation in this region, K227E, blocks the GTP‐dependent interaction of PI 3‐kinase p110alpha with Ras in vitro and the ability of Ras to activate PI 3‐kinase in intact cells. In addition, this mutation elevates the basal activity of PI 3‐kinase in intact cells, suggesting a direct influence of the Ras binding site on the catalytic activity of PI 3‐kinase. Using an in vitro reconstitution assay, it is shown that the interaction of Ras‐GTP, but not Ras‐GDP, with PI 3‐kinase leads to an increase in its enzymatic activity. This stimulation is synergistic with the effect of tyrosine phosphopeptide binding to p85, particularly at suboptimal peptide concentrations. These data show that PI 3‐kinase is regulated by a number of mechanisms, and that Ras contributes to the activation of this lipid kinase synergistically with tyrosine kinases.