Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SpoIVB and CtpB Are Both Forespore Signals in the Activation of the Sporulation Transcription Factor σK in Bacillus subtilis

ABSTRACT The proteolytic activation of the mother cell transcription factor pro-σK is controlled by a signal transduction pathway during sporulation in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. The pro-σK processing enzyme SpoIVFB, a membrane-embedded metalloprotease, is held inactive by two other integral membrane proteins, SpoIVFA and BofA, in the mother cell membrane that surrounds the forespore. Two signaling serine proteases, SpoIVB and CtpB, trigger pro-σK processing by cleaving the regulatory protein SpoIVFA. The SpoIVB signal is absolutely required to activate pro-σK processing and is derived from the forespore compartment. CtpB is necessary for the proper timing of σK activation and was thought to be a mother cell signal. Here, we show that the ctpB gene is expressed in both the mother cell and forespore compartments but that synthesis in the forespore under the control of σG is both necessary and sufficient for the proper timing of pro-σK processing. We further show that SpoIVB cleaves CtpB in vitro and in vivo but that this cleavage does not appear to be necessary for CtpB activation. Thus, both signaling proteins are made in the forespore and independently target the same regulatory protein.
New approach to the study of city planning and domestic dwellings in the ancient Near East

This paper presents the results of a magnetic survey on the Hellenistic and Roman site of Doura‐ Europos in Syria. The interpretation of the magnetic data is based on an original approach by considering the use of space in a domestic unit. This type of study has been developed for sociological research but is adapted to the information carried within geophysical data. After a brief presentation of the role of geophysical methods for the study of city planning, the most important components of the ‘space syntax’ will be presented and applied to two blocks of Doura‐Europos, one that has been excavated in the twentieth century by the Yale University and another surveyed using the magnetic method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon flow through the pelagic food web in southern Chilean Patagonia: relevance of Euphausia vallentini as a key species

The southernmost Patagonian region constitutes a major glaciered area with a high freshwater input loaded with particulate and dissolved matter. We assessed the relevance of the terrestrial (allochthonous) and marine (autochthonous) matter that permeates into the fjord and channel system and their possible impact on the euphausiid-based food web. A research cruise (CIMAR 16) was conducted from 18 October to 13 November 2010 (austral spring) in the area between Magellan Strait and Drake Passage to study the physical-chemical and biological characteristics of the pelagic food web, as well as the main biological processes linked with the food web. The dominance of phytoplankton within the autochthonous fractions of particulate organic carbon (POC) and the high abundance and bacterivory rate shown by the heterotrophic nano-flagellates suggest an interplay between microbial and classical food webs. Euphausia vallentini showed a moderate grazing impact (3% of the gross primary production) and a daily ration of 18.6%, and the fecal pellet production rate corresponded to 24.5% of the ingestion rate. This species removed heterotrophic prey (67.5%) preferentially over diatoms (32.5%), and the ingested diet was mainly dinoflagellates, tintinnids, crustacean nauplii and centric diatoms. Overall, euphausiids fed preferentially on marine matter, which showed a tight link with the pelagic food web. Congeneric species of the genus Euphausia shared the condition of 'key species' as they constitute a major carbon and energy flow from lower to higher trophic levels and an important part of the POC flux through their active vertical migration and passive fecal-carbon export.
PlA polymorphism of the glycoprotein IIIa and efficacy of reperfusion therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Summary The PlA polymorphism of the platelet glycoprotein IIIa gene is associated with altered platelet function and response to antiplatelet drugs. We sought to assess whether the PlA polymorphism influences myocardial salvage achieved by reperfusion therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction. We analyzed 292 patients enrolled in 2 randomized trials that compared stenting plus abciximab with thrombolysis (alteplase alone or alteplase plus abciximab) in acute myocardial infarction. Patients were genotyped for the PlA polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction with fluorogenic probes. Technetium-99m sestamibi was injected before and 1-2 weeks after reperfusion treatment. The scintigrams enabled the calculation of the initial perfusion defect, final infarct size, and the proportion of initial defect salvaged by reperfusion (salvage index). Clinical follow-up was done up to 18 months after primary treatment. The genotype distribution was as follows: PlA2/A2 in 3.4%, PlA1/A2 in 24.7% and PlA1/A1 in 71.9% of patients. There were no significant differences between PlA2 allele carriers and PlA1/A1 patients in salvage index (0.46±0.50 vs. 0.41±0.43, respectively, P=0.48), final infarct size (16.8±20.8% vs. 18.4±19.1% of left ventricle, respectively, P=0.46) as well as 18-month mortality (8.5% vs.7.1%, respectively, P=0.69). The lack of relationship between PlA2 allele and myocardial salvage was observed for both reperfusion strategies, stenting and thrombolysis. Thus, these findings show that the functional PlA polymorphism of platelet glycoprotein IIIa has no influence on the degree of myocardial salvage achieved by reperfusion therapies in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Raman scattering in carbon nanotubes

For the correct interpretation of Raman spectra it is important to realize that the scattering process in carbon nanotubes is doubly resonant, a feature which - although known from semiconductors - is greatly enhanced by the peculiar bandstructure of graphene near the K-point. We discuss the double-resonant process and, as examples of its importance, show how the relative defect concentration in a set of boron-doped multiwalled tubes can be measured and how the determination of the diameter through the radial breathing mode (RBM) is affected by double resonance.
Digital Cytology: Current State of the Art and Prospects for the Future

The growth of digital methods in pathology is accelerating. Digital images can be used for a variety of applications in cytology, including rapid interpretations, primary diagnosis and second opinions, continuing education and proficiency testing. All of these functions can be performed using small static digital images, real-time dynamic digital microscopy, or whole-slide images. This review will discuss the general principles of digital pathology, its methods and applications to cytologic specimens. As cytologic specimens have unique features compared to histopathology specimens, the key differences will be discussed. Technical and administrative issues in digital pathology applications and the outlook for the future of the field will be presented.
When A Virtue is not A Virtue: conDitionAl Virtues in morAl eVAluAtion

Four studies show that people distinguish between two sorts of moral virtues: core goodness traits that unconditionally enhance the morality of any agent, and value commitment traits that are conditionally good (i.e., that polarize the morality of good and bad agents). Study 1 revealed that commitment traits (e.g., dedicated) amplify the badness of a bad agent (terrorist), whereas core goodness traits (e.g., kind) amplify the goodness of the bad agent. Study 2 replicated these results while also showing that both commitment and core goodness traits enhance the perceived goodness of neutral and good agents. Studies 2–4 established that commitment traits polarize moral evaluations by signaling agents’ commitment to certain values, rather than their agency or effectiveness in pursuing those values. These results extend current understanding of the perceived structure of moral character.
Relationship between biological stability and net n mineralization of organic amendments and fertilizers

The long-term effect of organic amendments and fertilizers (OAFs) on soil fertility depends largely on their biological stability. Our objective was to relate humification indices (HI) to organic C stability and potentially mineralizable N (No). Thirty representative OAFs were studied. Two HI were determined: (i) the ratio of absorbance at 600 nm to organic C content (A6C), and (ii) the spectrofluorimetric humification degree (HD). The biological stability index (BSI) was computed from organic fractions using regression coefficients from the literature. Twelve OAFs from different categories of biological stability were incubated in two soils of contrasting texture. The A6C and HD were closely related to BSI (R = 0.96 and 0.99, respectively). Since A6C and HD are more rapidly determined than BSI, they could be preferably used. No was more highly correlated to A6C, HD, and BSI (r = -0.86 ~ -0.90) than to C/N ratio (r = -0.63 ~ -0.68). However, A6C was a poor predictor of N mineralization from organic fertilizers with low BSI values (R = 0.70) compared to BSI (R = 0.86) or HD (R = 0.87). Hence, the HD provided a reliable index to estimate stable organic C and the potential mineralization of organic N.
Ectopic Germinal Center–Like Structures in Minor Salivary Gland Biopsy Tissue Predict Lymphoma Occurrence in Patients With Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

To determine risk factors for primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS)–associated lymphoma in a multicenter cohort of patients, with analysis of the predictive power of previously reported risk factors, including the presence of ectopic germinal center (GC)–like structures in minor salivary gland (MSG) biopsy tissue.
MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF SPECIES OF THE GENUS CENTROCERAS (CERAMIACEAE, CERAMIALES), INCLUDING TWO NEW SPECIES 1

Centroceras clavulatum (C. Agardh) Montagne is widely reported as being a prime example of a cosmopolitan red algal species. Instead, C. clavulatum is here determined as restricted to northern Chile, Peru, southern California, southern Australia, and New Zealand. Specimens identified using the current species concept for “C. clavulatum” fall into nine morphological groups that correspond to highly supported clades in phylogenetic analyses. Three of these clades correspond to the resurrected species Centroceras gasparrinii (Meneghini) Kützing, C. hyalacanthum Kützing, and C. micracanthum Kützing. Two others are recognized as new species: Centroceras rodmanii sp. nov. from southern Chile, which is characterized by hooked spines arranged in a whorl at the node, a spine or flattened gland cell cut off from the first cortical initials, and a single acropetal cortical cell issued from the second cortical initials; and C. tetrachotomum sp. nov. from South Africa, which has a tetrachotomous branching pattern, straight spines in a whorl, an acropetal cortical cell and a spine or a flattened gland cell cut off from the first cortical initials, and a two‐celled acropetal filament cut off from the second cortical initials. Three additional species from South Africa are also recognized as distinct species. All phylogenetic analyses of the rbcL gene, LSU rDNA, and SSU rDNA were consistent with the vegetative and tetrasporangial morphological distinctions, thus supporting the resurrection of three species and the description of two new species.
Acceptability and performance of a directly assisted oral HIV self-testing intervention in adolescents in rural Mozambique

Introduction Whereas progress in HIV testing and treatment has been made globally, the UNAIDS goal of “90 90 90” is still out of sight in rural northern Mozambique. New strategies that promote testing in hard to reach groups will aid Mozambique’s response to the HIV epidemic. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is recommended by the WHO as an additional approach to augment the HIV testing services available to adolescents. This study evaluates acceptability and performance of a directly assisted oral HIVST intervention for adolescents in rural Mozambique. Methods Adolescents aged 16–20 years were included at schools and invited to attend the local hospital’s youth friendly service for directly assisted oral HIVST. Baseline and post-test questionnaires were obtained. OraQuick Rapid HIV-1/2 Anti body test® was used. Results were read by the participant and by a nurse. Results were confirmed by finger prick HIV test (Determine® HIV 1/2 Alere and Unigold™ HIV Trinity Biotech) according to the Mozambican national standard. Results Between September and November 2016, 496 adolescents were included, of which 299 performed an oral HIV self-test. 70% were first time testers. The positivity rate was 1.7%. The inter-rater agreement between adolescent and nurse was 99.6% (kappa 0.93); there were no false negative or false positive results of the oral HIV self-test. Five tests were invalid. 7.1% found the test difficult to use. Over 80% preferred directly assisted HIVST compared to the standard finger prick testing. While 20% thought it would be good to do HIVST at home, 76% preferred to do HIVST at the health centre, for reasons including increased security, privacy, and the presence of a counsellor. Conclusions Directly assisted oral HIVST is a feasible intervention for adolescents in rural Mozambique and showed encouraging results for first time HIV testers.
Progesterone Hypersensitivity: A Challenge for Luteal Support

Progesterone hypersensitivity is a rare phenomenon which can occur after both endogenous and exogenous exposures. We present a case of hypersensitivity to various forms and routes of exogenous progesterone. A 27-year-old female presented with primary infertility. Investigations revealed Grade 1 endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. Three cycles of intrauterine insemination were attempted which were unsuccessful and in vitro fertilization was proceeded. Six blastocysts of Grade A were formed and cryopreserved. Artificial cycle was used for endometrial preparation for frozen embryo transfer (FET). However, due to failure to use exogenous progesterone due to hypersensitivity reaction, Modified Natural Cycle (MNC) was used. A follicle was formed using ovulation induction with tamoxifen and human menopausal gonadotropin. Ovulation was induced by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and natural progesterone from corpus luteum was used. FET was done when endometrium was 8 mm. Pregnancy was confirmed by transvaginal ultrasound and β-hCG levels and continued uneventfully. Endogenous progesterone can be used as an alternative for endometrial preparation for FET in patients with exogenous progesterone hypersensitivity.
Study of Bovine Serum Albumin Solubility in Aqueous Solutions by Intrinsic Viscosity Measurements

The behavior of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in water is scarcely studied, and the thermodynamic properties arising from the experimental measurements have not been reported. Intrinsic viscosity measurements are very useful in assessing the interaction between the solute and solvent. This work discussed in a simple determination of the enthalpy of BSA in aqueous solution when the concentration ranges from 0.2 to 36.71% wt. and the temperature from 35 to C. The relationship between the concentration and intrinsic viscosity is determined according to the method of Huggins. The temperature increase reduces the ratio between inherent viscosity and concentration (). This is reflected in the Van't Hoff curve. Furthermore, this work proposes hydrodynamic cohesion value as an indicator of the degree of affinity of protein with water and thermodynamic implications in conformational changes.
The Synergistic Effect of SAHA and Parthenolide in MDA‐MB231 Breast Cancer Cells

The sesquiterpene lactone Parthenolide (PN) exerted a cytotoxic effect on MDA‐MB231 cells, a triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line, but its effectiveness was scarce when employed at low doses. This represents an obstacle for a therapeutic utilization of PN. In order to overcome this difficulty we associated to PN the suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), an histone deacetylase inhibitor. Our results show that SAHA synergistically sensitized MDA‐MB231 cells to the cytotoxic effect of PN. It is noteworthy that treatment with PN alone stimulated the survival pathway Akt/mTOR and the consequent nuclear translocation of Nrf2, while treatment with SAHA alone induced autophagic activity. However, when the cells were treated with SAHA/PN combination, SAHA suppressed PN effect on Akt/mTOR/Nrf2 pathway, while PN reduced the prosurvival autophagic activity of SAHA. In addition SAHA/PN combination induced GSH depletion, fall in Δψm, release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase 3 and apoptosis. Finally we demonstrated that combined treatment maintained both hyperacetylation of histones H3 and H4 induced by SAHA and down‐regulation of DNMT1 expression induced by PN. Inhibition of the DNA‐binding activity of NF‐kB, which is determined by PN, was also observed after combined treatment. In conclusion, combination of PN to SAHA inhibits the cytoprotective responses induced by the single compounds, but does not alter the mechanisms leading to the cytotoxic effects. Taken together our results suggest that this combination could be a candidate for TNBC therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1276–1289, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Comparison of microleakage from gingival wall restorations with and without sonically activated bulk-fill composite resins and incrementally layered composite resin: A laboratory experimental study

One of the factors that determine the success of proximal composite restorations is a good marginal adaptation at the interface area. During polymerization, composite resin will undergo contraction which may cause gap formation between the wall cavity and restoration. The gap can cause microleakage and provide a passage for bacteria, fluid, molecules, and ions. The purpose of this study was to analyze the microleakage from gingival wall restorations with and without sonically activated bulk-fill nanohybrid composite resins and incrementally layered nanohybrid composite resins. Standardized Class II cavities were prepared on 30 extracted human upper and lower human teeth and were randomly assigned to three groups: filled with sonically activated bulk-fill composite resin, filled without sonically activate resin, and filled incrementally with resin. The specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 hours, were subjected to thermocycling, and were followed by immersion in 1% methylene blue dye for 24 hours. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally, were evaluated for microleakage under a stereomicroscope at 25x magnification, and were scored from 0–3. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to perform the statistical analysis. None of the techniques was capable of eliminating microleakage from gingival wall cavity preparations. There were no statistically significant leakage differences among the three groups.
Inkjet-Printed Organic Transistors Based on Organic Semiconductor/Insulating Polymer Blends

Recent advances in inkjet-printed organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) based on organic semiconductor/insulating polymer blends are reviewed in this article. Organic semiconductor/insulating polymer blends are attractive ink candidates for enhancing the jetting properties, inducing uniform film morphologies, and/or controlling crystallization behaviors of organic semiconductors. Representative studies using soluble acene/insulating polymer blends as an inkjet-printed active layer in OFETs are introduced with special attention paid to the phase separation characteristics of such blended films. In addition, inkjet-printed semiconducting/insulating polymer blends for fabricating high performance printed OFETs are reviewed.
Prescription Drug Insurance and Ex-ante Moral Hazard Among Chronically Ill Patients : Evidence from Medicare Part D Job Market Paper

The implementation of Medicare Part D has created a significance increase in prescription drug insurance coverage for Medicare recipients. In this research, using information from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data, I examine whether the availability of this coverage causes older patients with chronic diseases to complement or substitute this advantage by changing their non-medical health behavior. Estimates from the combined difference-in-differences and Regression Discontinuity research designs indicate that the implementation of Medicare Part D reduces the probability of engaging in physical exercise. While its effect on dieting is inconsistent across different specifications, it does not have a statistically significant effect on cigarette smoking. The negative physical exercise effect of Medicare Part D is more pronounced among patients with low educational attainment. This is may be because Medicare Part D has reduced the health benefit of physical exercise among patients with low educational attainment. JEL classification: D03, D80, I12, I13
Phase 1b Randomized Trial and Follow-Up Study in Uganda of the Blood-Stage Malaria Vaccine Candidate BK-SE36

Background Up to now a malaria vaccine remains elusive. The Plasmodium falciparum serine repeat antigen-5 formulated with aluminum hydroxyl gel (BK-SE36) is a blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate that has undergone phase 1a trial in malaria-naive Japanese adults. We have now assessed the safety and immunogenicity of BK-SE36 in a malaria endemic area in Northern Uganda. Methods We performed a two-stage, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled phase 1b trial (Current Controlled trials ISRCTN71619711). A computer-generated sequence randomized healthy subjects for 2 subcutaneous injections at 21-day intervals in Stage1 (21–40 year-olds) to 1-mL BK-SE36 (BKSE1.0) (n = 36) or saline (n = 20) and in Stage2 (6–20 year-olds) to BKSE1.0 (n = 33), 0.5-mL BK-SE36 (BKSE0.5) (n = 33), or saline (n = 18). Subjects and laboratory personnel were blinded. Safety and antibody responses 21-days post-second vaccination (Day42) were assessed. Post-trial, to compare the risk of malaria episodes 130–365 days post-second vaccination, Stage2 subjects were age-matched to 50 control individuals. Results Nearly all subjects who received BK-SE36 had induration (Stage1, n = 33, 92%; Stage2, n = 63, 96%) as a local adverse event. No serious adverse event related to BK-SE36 was reported. Pre-existing anti-SE36 antibody titers negatively correlated with vaccination-induced antibody response. At Day42, change in antibody titers was significant for seronegative adults (1.95-fold higher than baseline [95% CI, 1.56–2.43], p = 0.004) and 6–10 year-olds (5.71-fold [95% CI, 2.38–13.72], p = 0.002) vaccinated with BKSE1.0. Immunogenicity response to BKSE0.5 was low and not significant (1.55-fold [95% CI, 1.24–1.94], p = 0.75). In the ancillary analysis, cumulative incidence of first malaria episodes with ≥5000 parasites/µL was 7 cases/33 subjects in BKSE1.0 and 10 cases/33 subjects in BKSE0.5 vs. 29 cases/66 subjects in the control group. Risk ratio for BKSE1.0 was 0.48 (95% CI, 0.24–0.98; p = 0.04). Conclusion BK-SE36 is safe and immunogenic. The promising potential of BK-SE36, observed in the follow-up study, warrants a double-blind phase 1/2b trial in children under 5 years. Trial Registration Controlled-Trials.com ISRCTN71619711 ISRCTN71619711