Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A synthetic heat‐shock promoter element confers heat‐inducibility on the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene.

Previous deletion analysis of the Drosophila hsp70 heat‐shock promoter has identified a sequence upstream of the TATA box that is required for heat induction. This region contains homology to other heat‐shock promoters, and it was proposed that the common sequence is an important element in the regulation of the heat‐shock genes. We have constructed sequences similar to the consensus CT‐GAA‐TTC‐AG from synthetic oligonucleotides and placed them upstream of the TATA box of the herpes virus thymidine kinase gene, in place of the normal upstream promoter element. The resultant genes are heat‐inducible both in monkey COS cells and in Xenopus oocytes. We conclude that the transcriptional heat‐shock response is mediated by some factor that interacts with this sequence.
Stable biped locomotion using improved Proportional Derivative Controller

In this paper, we propose a modified version of the standard proportional-derivative (PD) controller for biped locomotion. Our improvements stabilize the biped for high gain PD controllers. The main idea of our approach involves applying corrective component to the existing framework, so that it prevents overshooting at high gains to stabilize the biped. We use pose control graphs to represent various gaits for the biped. We demonstrate with our improvements that the biped controller is stable while walking on irregular terrains. We also demonstrate that our formulation provides additional stability to the biped under minor impediments while in motion.
Ca2+-dependent Modulation of Intracellular Mg2+ Concentration with Amiloride and KB-R7943 in Pig Carotid Artery*

It has long been recognized that magnesium is associated with several important diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases. In the present study, we measured the intracellular free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in pig carotid artery smooth muscle. In normal solution, application of amiloride (1 mm) decreased [Mg2+]i by ∼12% after 100 min. Subsequent washout tended to further decrease [Mg2+]i. In contrast, application of amiloride significantly increased [Mg2+]i (by ∼13% after 100 min) under Ca2+-free conditions, where passive Mg2+ influx is facilitated. The treatments had little effect on intracellular ATP and pH (pHi). Essentially the same Ca2+-dependent changes in [Mg2+]i were produced with KB-R7943, a selective blocker of reverse mode Na+-Ca2+ exchange. Application of dimethyl amiloride (0.1 mm) in the presence of Ca2+ did not significantly change [Mg2+]i, although it inhibited Na+-H+ exchange at the same concentration. Removal of extracellular Na+ caused a marginal increase in [Mg2+]i after 100–200 min, as seen in intestinal smooth muscle in which Na+-Mg2+ exchange is known to be the primary mechanism of maintaining a low [Mg2+]i against electrochemical equilibrium. In Na+-free solution (containing Ca2+), neither amiloride nor KB-R7943 decreased [Mg2+]i, but they rather increased it. The results suggest that these inhibitory drugs for Na+-Ca2+ exchange directly modulate Na+-Mg2+ exchange in a Ca2+-dependent manner, and consequently produce the paradoxical decrease in [Mg2+]i in the presence of Ca2+.
Small-molecule screening identifies inhibition of salt-inducible kinases as a therapeutic strategy to enhance immunoregulatory functions of dendritic cells

Significance IL-10 plays an essential role in maintaining gut immune homeostasis as evidenced by the link between genetic perturbation of this anti-inflammatory cytokine and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we describe a small-molecule screen that identified inhibition of salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) as a strategy to enhance IL-10 production by macrophages and dendritic cells. Significantly, the IL-10–potentiating effects of SIK inhibition are associated with reduced secretion of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α, and these coordinated effects are observed in cells relevant to IBD including anti-inflammatory CD11c+ CX3CR1hi cells from murine gut tissue and in human dendritic cells and macrophages. Collectively, these results identify SIK inhibition as a promising approach to treat IBD by increasing gut IL-10 levels. Genetic alterations that reduce the function of the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 contribute to colitis in mouse and man. Myeloid cells such as macrophages (MΦs) and dendritic cells (DCs) play an essential role in determining the relative abundance of IL-10 versus inflammatory cytokines in the gut. As such, using small molecules to boost IL-10 production by DCs–MΦs represents a promising approach to increase levels of this cytokine specifically in gut tissues. Toward this end, we screened a library of well-annotated kinase inhibitors for compounds that enhance production of IL-10 by murine bone-marrow–derived DCs stimulated with the yeast cell wall preparation zymosan. This approach identified a number of kinase inhibitors that robustly up-regulate IL-10 production including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs dasatinib, bosutinib, and saracatinib that target ABL, SRC-family, and numerous other kinases. Correlating the kinase selectivity profiles of the active compounds with their effect on IL-10 production suggests that inhibition of salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) mediates the observed IL-10 increase. This was confirmed using the SIK-targeting inhibitor HG-9-91-01 and a series of structural analogs. The stimulatory effect of SIK inhibition on IL-10 is also associated with decreased production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α, and these coordinated effects are observed in human DCs–MΦs and anti-inflammatory CD11c+ CX3CR1hi cells isolated from murine gut tissue. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that SIK inhibition promotes an anti-inflammatory phenotype in activated myeloid cells marked by robust IL-10 production and establish these effects as a previously unidentified activity associated with several FDA-approved multikinase inhibitors.
Synaptic Integration of Adult-Generated Olfactory Bulb Granule Cells: Basal Axodendritic Centrifugal Input Precedes Apical Dendrodendritic Local Circuits

The adult mammalian olfactory bulb (OB) receives a continuing influx of new interneurons. Neuroblasts from the subventricular zone (SVZ) migrate into the OB and differentiate into granule cells and periglomerular cells that are presumed to integrate into the synaptic circuits of the OB. We have used retroviral infection into the SVZ of mice to label adult-generated granule cells and follow their differentiation and integration into OB circuitry. Using synaptic markers and electron microscopy, we show new granule cells integrating into the reciprocal circuitry of the external plexiform layer (EPL), beginning at 21 d postinfection (dpi). We further show that synapses are formed earlier, beginning at 10 dpi, on the somata and basal dendrites of new cells in the granule cell layer (GCL), before dendritic elaboration in the EPL. In the EPL, elaborate dendritic arbors with spines are first evident at 14 dpi. The density of spines increases from 14 to 28 dpi, and then decreases by 56 dpi. Despite the initial appearance of dendritic spines at 14 dpi in the EPL, no expression of presynaptic or postsynaptic markers is seen until 21 dpi. These data suggest that adult-generated granule cells are first innervated by centrifugal or mitral/tufted cell axon collaterals in the GCL and that these inputs may contribute to their differentiation, maturation, and synaptic integration into the dendrodendritic local circuits found in the EPL.
The Tribological Properties of Multi-Layered Graphene as Additives of PAO2 Oil in Steel–Steel Contacts

Multi-layered graphene was prepared by supercritical CO2 exfoliation of graphite. As the additives of polyalphaolefin-2 (PAO2) oil, its tribological properties were investigated using four-ball test method. The friction reduction and anti-wear ability of pure lubricant was improved by the addition of graphene. With a favorable concentration, the graphene was dispersive. The PAO2 oil with 0.05 wt % graphene showed better tribological properties than that for the other concentration of graphene additives. It could be used as a good lubricant additive for its excellent tribological characteristics, and the multi-layered graphene can bear the load of the steel ball and prevent direct contact of the mating metal surfaces. However, a higher concentration would cause the agglomeration of graphene and weaken the improvement of tribological properties.
Tsg101 regulates PI(4,5)P2/Ca2+ signaling for HIV-1 Gag assembly

Our previous studies identified the 1,4,5-inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), a channel mediating release of Ca2+ from ER stores, as a cellular factor differentially associated with HIV-1 Gag that might facilitate ESCRT function in virus budding. Channel opening requires activation that is initiated by binding of 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3), a product of phospholipase C (PLC)-mediated PI(4,5)P2 hydrolysis. The store emptying that follows stimulates store refilling which requires intact PI(4,5)P2. Raising cytosolic Ca2+ promotes viral particle production and our studies indicate that IP3R and the ER Ca2+ store are the physiological providers of Ca2+ for Gag assembly and release. Here, we show that Gag modulates ER store gating and refilling. Cells expressing Gag exhibited a higher cytosolic Ca2+ level originating from the ER store than control cells, suggesting that Gag induced release of store Ca2+. This property required the PTAP motif in Gag that recruits Tsg101, an ESCRT-1 component. Consistent with cytosolic Ca2+ elevation, Gag accumulation at the plasma membrane was found to require continuous IP3R activation. Like other IP3R channel modulators, Gag was detected in physical proximity to the ER and to endogenous IP3R, as indicated respectively by total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) or indirect immunofluorescence. Reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation suggested that Gag and IP3R proximity is favored when the PTAP motif in Gag is intact. Gag expression was also accompanied by increased PI(4,5)P2 accumulation at the plasma membrane, a condition favoring store refilling capacity. Supporting this notion, Gag particle production was impervious to treatment with 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, an inhibitor of a refilling coupling interaction. In contrast, particle production by a Gag mutant lacking the PTAP motif was reduced. We conclude that a functional PTAP L domain, and by inference Tsg101 binding, confers Gag with an ability to modulate both ER store Ca2+ release and ER store refilling.
Environmental Correlates of Physical Activity Among African-American Adults

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to identify perceived environmental correlates of meeting physical activity guidelines among African-American adults living in Southern Nevada. Trained interviewers phoned potential participants who lived in the 12 zip codes of Clark County, Nevada with the highest proportions of African-American residents. Respondents (n=237) answered 52 health-related and demographic questions. Slightly less than 50% of participants met physical activity guidelines. A factor analysis procedure produced two environmental variables, neighborhood safety and environmental supports for physical activity. Age, gender and educational attainment (p<.05) predicted the meeting of those guidelines (R 2 =.214), while neighborhood support for physical activity, neighborhood safety, and BMI failed to do so. This finding suggests that environmental factors are not strong predictors of physical activity among AfricanAmerican adults, although environmental supports for physical activity approached significance. Future studies should consider assessing additional aspects of the built environment as an influence on physical activity.
TNFR2 Expression on CD25hiFOXP3+ T Cells Induced upon TCR Stimulation of CD4 T Cells Identifies Maximal Cytokine-Producing Effectors

In this study, we show that CD25hiTNFR2+ cells can be rapidly generated in vitro from circulating CD4 lymphocytes by polyclonal stimuli anti-CD3 in the presence of anti-CD28. The in vitro induced CD25hiTNFR2+ T cells express a conventional regulatory T cells phenotype FOXP3+CTLA4+CD127lo/−, but produce effector and immunoregulatory cytokines including IL-2, IL-10, and IFN-g. These induced CD25hiTNFR2+ T cells do not suppress target cell proliferation, but enhance it instead. Thus the CD25hiTNFR2+ phenotype induced rapidly following CD3/28 cross linking of CD4 T cells identifies cells with maximal proliferative and effector cytokine-producing capability. The in vivo counterpart of this cell population may play an important role in immune response initiation.
Does Marketing contradict Intuition

Many marketing principles are contrary to the pre-existing attitudes of students in introductory marketing courses. This article addresses the difficulties arising from such contradictions. Tools were developed to identify students' opinions regarding central marketing topics both before and after taking the course. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted among a student sample before the beginning of course, at its end, and one year after its conclusion. Research findings indicate a very slight change in student attitudes as a result of the course. The article identifies the naive attitude of the marketing student as the principle barrier to adopting marketing theory principles. It then proposes ways of confronting the difficulties by exposing the naive attitude and by applying various methods that divert students away from their original naive attitude.
Chapter IV: Factor Analysis in Educational Research

SHORTER treatments of factor methods and results have appeared passim in previous issues of the REVIEW in the past 12 years. In the cycle dealing with research methods in education, the following articles deserve men­ tion: Vol. XII, December 1942, Chapter VII (Fa t tu ) ; Vol XV, December 1945, Chapter VII (Lorge); Vol. XVIII, December 1948, Chapter VIII (Fat tu) . Much greater attention has been paid to factor analysis in the cycle dealing with educational and psychological tests; the following articles may be consulted: Vol. XI, February 1941, Chapters II (Stuit), V (Traxler), and VIII (Flanagan); Vol. XIV, February 1944, Chapters IV (Sells), V (Traxler), and X (Conrad) ; Vol. XVII, February 1947, Chapters II (Findley, Turnbull, and Conrad), III (Carter), IV (Ellis), and VIII (Travers); and Vol. XX, February 1950, Chapters I (Segel and Gerberich), II (Cornell and Gillette), III (Stuit), IV (Traxler and Jacobs), and IX (Ebel). Since this is the first full-scale treatment of factor analysis which has appeared in the REVIEW since the December 1939 issue it seems wise to consider as a whole the work that has been done since that time, with particular attention to more recent developments. Our purpose is to present a basis for the evaluation of factor analysis as a research technic, with proper concern for results and applications.
Identifying Labour Market Dynamics Using Labour Force Survey Data

This paper evaluates the appropriateness of the standard methodologies and the quality of the data frequently used to analyse labour market dynamics in Europe. Our results indicate that, due to recall error and heterogeneous survey design, the retrospective approach tends to result in a considerable number of spurious transitions being recorded. Whilst the use of quasi-longitudinal data should overcome such problems, sample attrition and more importantly, misclassification error, is shown to result in significant over-reporting of transitions. Studies which failure to allow for the error structure of the underlying data are therefore, likely to be subject to considerable bias.
Hepatitis E in Karamoja, Uganda, 2009-2012: epidemiology and challenges to control in a setting of semi-nomadic pastoralism.

BACKGROUND A prolonged hepatitis E outbreak occurred between 2009 and 2012 among a semi-nomadic pastoralist population in the Karamoja region of Uganda. As data on the public health problems of nomadic pastoralists in sub-Saharan Africa is limited, we sought to characterize the epidemiology and challenges to control of hepatitis E in such a setting. METHODS A retrospective case-series investigation was undertaken. Surveillance line-lists of suspected hepatitis E cases maintained during the outbreak were analyzed. Standardized interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with key informants involved in outbreak control activities. RESULTS Between August 2009 and September 2012, 987 hepatitis E cases with individual case-based data were identified. Of 22 total deaths, almost half occurred during the first 4 months of the outbreak. Infection attack rates were higher among males and young adults. The average time between onset of jaundice and presentation was approximately 1 week. Challenges to control were related to persistent consumption of untreated water, poor sanitation infrastructure, remote geography, nomadic movement and civil insecurity. CONCLUSIONS The hepatitis E outbreak in Karamoja highlights the emergence of sanitation and hygiene-related disease among semi-nomadic pastoralist populations. Improving sanitation and safe water access and extending health education programs to remote pastoralist communities is crucial to prevent such diseases from becoming endemic.
Increase in Suicide Rates by Hanging in the Population of Tabasco, Mexico between 2003 and 2012

Background: Worldwide, the suicide rate is decreasing. To examine changes in the rates of completed suicide in the Mexican population from 2003 to 2012, we analyzed these changes according to: (i) the method of suicide; (ii) age group and (iii) gender. Methods: The data analyzed were obtained from governmental organizations from the State of Tabasco, Mexico. The data provided 1836 cases of subjects born and residing in Tabasco, who completed suicide in this state. Results: Suicide by hanging was a common choice of suicide method for Mexicans. The rate of suicide by hanging increased from 5.80 to 6.49 per 100,000 persons between 2003 and 2012, a rate percentage increase of 11.89%. Conclusions: Hanging was found to be the most common choice of suicide in the Mexican population, probably because the materials required are easily available and the method does not require complicated techniques, especially in the 55–64 age group. Strategies for prevention and intervention should be developed for the Mexican population considering suicide rates by age group and gender.
Early detection and prognosis of ovarian cancer using serum YKL-40.

PURPOSE YKL-40 is a secreted glycoprotein (chitinase family). We compared YKL-40 with two ovarian cancer serum markers, CA125 and CA15-3, for the detection of early-stage ovarian cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum YKL-40 levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for 46 healthy subjects, 61 high-risk individuals, 33 patients with benign gynecologic processes, and 50 preoperative patients subsequently diagnosed with predominantly early-stage ovarian cancer. Serum CA125 and CA15-3 values were obtained. RESULTS Median YKL-40 level was 28 ng/mL (range, 15 to 166 ng/mL) for healthy subjects, 36 ng/mL (range, 9 to 69 ng/mL) for high-risk individuals without prior cancer, 44.5 ng/mL (range, 5 to 133 ng/mL) for high-risk patients with prior breast cancer, and 38 ng/mL (range, 5 to 67 ng/mL) for individuals with benign gynecologic processes (P = NS). Median preoperative YKL-40 level for ovarian cancer patients was 94 ng/mL (range, 17 to 517 ng/mL; P <.0001 compared with normal and high-risk). YKL-40 was elevated (>/= 62 ng/mL) in 36 (72%) of 50 patients compared with 23 (46%) of 50 and 13 (26%) of 50 patients for CA125 and CA15-3 (P <.008). Twenty (65%) of 31 early-stage patients had elevated serum YKL-40 levels compared with 11 (35%) of 31 and four (13%) of 31 patients for CA125 and CA15-3 (P =.039). YKL-40 levels increased with stage (P <.005), regardless of grade, histology, or patient age. Patients with early-stage tumors with YKL-40 values more than 80 ng/mL had a worse prognosis (71% recurrence v no recurrence [P =.034]). CONCLUSION YKL-40 may represent a novel marker for the detection of early-stage ovarian cancer. YKL-40 levels in early-stage patients may also predict disease recurrence and survival. The utility of YKL-40 in detection of early-stage ovarian cancer deserves further investigation.
Methamphetamine ‘facts’: The production of a ‘destructive’ drug in Australian scientific texts

In this article, we analyse the ways in which methamphetamine, its use, and those who consume it are discursively produced in Australian scientific research, drawing on theoretical concepts from the field of science and technology studies. Our interest is in how specific realities of methamphetamine and its use come to be enacted as scientific ‘facts’ through particular devices and processes, and the political effects of these enactments for people who consume methamphetamine. A mapping exercise of the scientific literature on methamphetamine was undertaken in order to trace the textual enactments of methamphetamine in scientific discourse. We focus on three claims repeatedly made in this literature. They are (1) methamphetamine is associated with dependence, (2) methamphetamine is harmful and (3) crystalline methamphetamine (or ‘ice’) is more harmful than other forms of methamphetamine. Through focusing on these claims, we seek to underline the contingency of facts, making visible the contradictions and political choices involved in the haste to generate knowledge about this drug.
Researching the lives of Irish Roman Catholic clergy who have sexually abused minors: Collaborative inquiry

Child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church has become an international problem of truly global proportions and while much has been written on this topic much remains to be understood. This article describes and discusses the orientation and methodology adopted in undertaking a study of Irish Catholic clergy who had sexually abused minors. Whilst much of the literature on sexually offending clergy comes through third party analysis and interpretations, the study discussed in this article is based on first-person narratives and a collaborative approach to the research process. The study is taken as a point of departure for discussion of a number of ethical considerations when undertaking research with participants who are clients of a therapy service and who are therefore seen as members of a vulnerable group. Some of the complexities involved in conceptualizing men who have abused minors as a vulnerable group are considered.
Fast Moment Estimation for Generalized Latent Dirichlet Models

ABSTRACT We develop a generalized method of moments (GMM) approach for fast parameter estimation in a new class of Dirichlet latent variable models with mixed data types. Parameter estimation via GMM has computational and statistical advantages over alternative methods, such as expectation maximization, variational inference, and Markov chain Monte Carlo. A key computational advantage of our method, Moment Estimation for latent Dirichlet models (MELD), is that parameter estimation does not require instantiation of the latent variables. Moreover, performance is agnostic to distributional assumptions of the observations. We derive population moment conditions after marginalizing out the sample-specific Dirichlet latent variables. The moment conditions only depend on component mean parameters. We illustrate the utility of our approach on simulated data, comparing results from MELD to alternative methods, and we show the promise of our approach through the application to several datasets. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.