Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biochemical and immunological characterization of an R plasmid-encoded protein with properties resembling those of major cellular outer membrane proteins

MRB, a major R222 plasmid-encoded protein previously described by us, is synthesized in large amounts in host Escherichia coli cells, where it is located principally in the outer membrane. Most of this protein is also bound to the peptidoglycan layer in a form which is trypsin resistant. Its monomeric molecular weight is about 29,000, but it is isolated from cell membranes in aggregate molecular weights of more than 100,000. These properties demonstrate a strong similarity between MRB and porins, major outer membrane proteins of host E. coli cells. They suggest that MRB may have an as-yet unidentified transport function, as do cellular outer membrane proteins with similar biochemical properties. By using antiserum specific for MRB, we demonstrated identity between MRB and the product of the traT gene, one of the surface exclusion proteins on the F plasmid. The synthesis of MRB was found to be constitutive, in contrast to other tra genes, which appear to be under more rigid regulation by the tra operon. These findings suggest that on R222 and other F-like R plasmids this protein has its own promoter.
Timberland in institutional portfolios and the question of persistence

Although timberland is becoming a more popular investment alternative with institutional investors, it is not yet a fully accepted asset class. One reason is because until recently no widely available property-based benchmarks existed to measure the investment performance of timberland, which hampered asset allocation decisions. A second reason is because it was not clear whether timberland returns are persistent over varying time periods. This study used a property-based timberland investment performance benchmark to conduct asset allocations for rolling time periods ranging from 5 to 15 years, between 1981 and 1996. The objectives were to determine whether 1) a positive timberland allocation was included in optimized portfolios and the percentage of the total portfolio allocated to timberland when it entered the solution, and 2) timberland increased returns over portfolios without timberland, and the degree of return enhancement at each level of risk. The results show that in all periods and at most risk levels timberland increased overall returns, often substantially. Timberland's return and risk characteristics were also such that it maintained a persistent allocation in optimized portfolios over all periods. The study suggests that investors who have not considered timberland may find it a desirable addition to institutional portfolios.
Structure of Cellulose Microfibrils in Primary Cell Walls from Collenchyma1[C][W][OA]

In the primary walls of growing plant cells, the glucose polymer cellulose is assembled into long microfibrils a few nanometers in diameter. The rigidity and orientation of these microfibrils control cell expansion; therefore, cellulose synthesis is a key factor in the growth and morphogenesis of plants. Celery (Apium graveolens) collenchyma is a useful model system for the study of primary wall microfibril structure because its microfibrils are oriented with unusual uniformity, facilitating spectroscopic and diffraction experiments. Using a combination of x-ray and neutron scattering methods with vibrational and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we show that celery collenchyma microfibrils were 2.9 to 3.0 nm in mean diameter, with a most probable structure containing 24 chains in cross section, arranged in eight hydrogen-bonded sheets of three chains, with extensive disorder in lateral packing, conformation, and hydrogen bonding. A similar 18-chain structure, and 24-chain structures of different shape, fitted the data less well. Conformational disorder was largely restricted to the surface chains, but disorder in chain packing was not. That is, in position and orientation, the surface chains conformed to the disordered lattice constituting the core of each microfibril. There was evidence that adjacent microfibrils were noncovalently aggregated together over part of their length, suggesting that the need to disrupt these aggregates might be a constraining factor in growth and in the hydrolysis of cellulose for biofuel production.
Expression Patterns of the Wnt Pathway Inhibitors Dickkopf3 and Secreted Frizzled-Related Proteins 1 and 4 in Endometrial Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group Study

Objective The aim of the study was to determine the differential expression patterns of the wingless-type (Wnt) pathway inhibitors Dkk3 (Dickkopf 3), SFRP1 (secreted frizzled-related protein 1), and SFRP4 in normal müllerian tissue and endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma specimens. Methods Messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of the Wnt pathway inhibitors Dkk3, SFRP1, and SFRP4 were evaluated by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. A total of 87 human tissue specimens were obtained from 60 women who participated in Gynecologic Oncology Group protocol 210. Twenty-seven normal müllerian tissues, 32 early-stage, and 28 advanced-stage endometrial endometrioid cancer specimens were analyzed. Results Median age for this cohort was 60 years, with median body mass index of 32 kg/m2. There was a difference in Dkk3 protein expression between normal müllerian tissues and primary endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma samples (P = 0.05). There was down-regulation of Dkk3, SFRP1, and SFRP4 mRNA expression in patients with high-grade disease (P = 0.08, 0.06, and 0.05, respectfully). Furthermore, a decrease in SFRP1 and SFPR4 mRNA expression was noted in patients with a diagnosis of locoregional and distant disease recurrence. Lastly, a trend toward decreased progression-free survival in patients with low Dkk3, SFRP1, and SFRP4 mRNA expression levels was noted. Conclusions Wnt pathway inhibitor (Dkk3, sFRP1, and/or sFRP4) expression was down-regulated in patients with high-grade disease and was associated with locoregional and distant disease recurrence. Despite sample size (power) limitations, these results support previous preclinical studies and may suggest a therapeutic role for Wnt signaling in endometrial cancer.
Use of the Sharp and Larsen scoring methods in the assessment of radiographic progression in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the applicability of the Sharp and Larsen scoring methods for radiographic damage in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS Wrist/hand radiographs of 25 patients with polyarthritis obtained at first observation and then yearly for 4-5 years were assessed independently by 2 pediatric rheumatologists according to the Sharp and Larsen methods. To facilitate score assignment, each patient radiograph was compared with a bone age-related standard. A third pediatric rheumatologist measured the Poznanski score, and a pediatric radiologist provided a semiquantitative assessment of radiographic damage severity. RESULTS Interobserver and intraobserver agreement on longitudinal scores were good for both Sharp and Larsen methods, with intraclass correlation coefficient >0.9. Agreement on change assessment was good for the Sharp method and moderate for the Larsen method. Both methods yielded a steady increase in scores during the study, with score change being more marked in the first year. Sharp and Larsen scores were highly correlated (r(s) = 0.96). Correlations of both scores with the Poznanski score were moderate to high (r(s) from -0.62 to -0.72). Radiologist score was correlated at borderline-high level with both Sharp (r(s) = 0.70) and Larsen (r(s) = 0.71) scores. Sharp and Larsen score change from baseline to final visit was moderately to highly correlated with the number of joints with active arthritis and restricted motion and the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire score at final visit. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that the Sharp and Larsen scoring systems are potentially reliable and valid for assessment of radiographic progression in patients with polyarticular JIA.
Evolution of Perpendicular Recording Media Grains on Carbon-Based Synthetic Nucleation Layer

Perpendicular recording media, where the recording layer is deposited on carbon-based synthetic nucleation (SN) layers, have been investigated for magnetic and microstructural properties. It was observed that the recording layers deposited directly on low-pressure sputtered Ru layers with and without an SN layer showed a similar microstructure from plan-view TEM images. However, the magnetic properties of the media with SN layer show better intergranular segregation, whereas the media without SN layer show signs of strong intergranular exchange coupling. Recording layer thickness dependent studies indicate that the 3-nm-thick recording layer deposited on the Ru layer directly without SN layer showed rectangular hysteresis loop, indicating the formation of a continuous layer. A recording layer (3 nm) deposited on an SN layer showed a superparamagnetic type of hysteresis loop, indicating better intergranular segregation. Transmission electron microscopy observations also indicate that the recording layer deposited on SN layer shows better segregated structure even at 3 nm. The results indicate that SN layer is beneficial for grain size reduction as well as eliminating the initial continuous layer formed in the recording layer.
B7/CD28-Dependent CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells Are Essential Components of the Memory-Protective Immunity to Candida albicans1

Protective immunity to the fungus Candida albicans is mediated by Ag-specific Th1 cells. Paradoxically, some Th2 cytokines are required for the maintenance of Th1-mediated immune resistance to the fungus. Therefore, in addition to the Th1/Th2 balance, other mechanisms seem to be involved in the regulation of Th1 immunity to the fungus. Here we show that CD4+CD25+ T cells, negatively regulating antifungal Th1 reactivity, are generated in mice with candidiasis. CD4+CD25+ T cells were not generated in B7-2- or CD28-deficient mice or in condition of IL-10 signaling deficiency. Accordingly, although capable of efficiently restricting the fungal growth, these mice experienced inflammatory pathology and were incapable of resistance to reinfection. CD4+CD25+ T cells poorly proliferated in vitro; were highly enriched for cells producing IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β; and required IL-10-producing, Candida hypha-activated dendritic cells for generation. Adoptive transfer of CD4+CD25+ T cells or IL-10-producing dendritic cells restored resistance to reinfection and decreased inflammation in B7-2-deficient mice. These results show that oral tolerance induced by Candida hyphae is required for the occurrence of long-lasting protective immunity after yeast priming. The implication is that preventing reactivation rather than favoring sterilizing immunity to ubiquitous fungal pathogens may represent the ultimate expectation of vaccine-based strategies.
Under‐representation of racial minorities in prostate cancer studies submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration to support potential marketing approval, 1993‐2013

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of new drugs depends on results from clinical trials that must be generalized to the US population. However, racial minorities are frequently under‐represented in clinical studies. The enrollment of racial minorities was compared in key clinical studies submitted to the FDA in the last 10 years in support of potential marketing approval for prostate cancer (PCa) prevention or treatment.
An “Opposing Responses” Test of Classic versus Market-Based Promotion Tournaments

We use a systems-based econometric method to show that classic and market-based tournament models are empirically distinguishable since the role of risk differs across these models. Implementing the method using a large, Finnish, worker-firm matched panel, we find support for classic tournaments given that promotions depend on relative performance, the firm’s wage structure is convex, promotion probabilities are decreasing in the number of competitors, performance is increasing in the wage spread, and workers and firms adjust their choice variables in opposite directions when the variance of the stochastic component of worker performance changes.
Abstract 172: Tissue Doppler Imaging as a Predictor of Immunoglobulin Resistance in Kawasaki Disease

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) causes myocarditis and left ventricular dysfunction during the acute phase of the illness. Despite treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), a significant number of patients are IVIG resistant (fail to defervesce or experience recrudescent fever). We evaluated KD patients in the acute phase using Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) to assess if myocardial dysfunction may predict IVIG resistance. Methods: All patients with acute KD presenting to Children’s Hospital Colorado from February, 2007 to March, 2014 were included in this study. All patients underwent echocardiograms with TDI (pulsed wave sample Doppler were placed at the tricuspid, septal, and mitral annuli) upon diagnosis with KD. Patients were divided into two groups: IVIG Responder group and IVIG Resistant group. Group differences were assessed using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Chi-square testing. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve analysis was utilized to determine threshold values of TDI measurements associated with IVIG resistance. Results: Fifty-one age matched (+/- 6 months) IVIG Responder patients were compared to 51 IVIG Resistant group [33.49 (17.30 - 62.89) months vs 44.57 (20.13 - 77.07) months, p <0.44]. There were 34 males in Responder group versus 33 males in Resistant group (p< 0.83). There were significant differences in the tricuspid, septal, and mitral early diastolic velocities (E’) (p< 0.05, p< 0.001 and p<0.01) respectively. ROC analysis demonstrated that tricuspid E’ < 0.15 cm/s, septal E’ < 0.12 cm/s, and mitral E’ < 0.16 cm/s were good predictors of IVIG unresponsiveness (AUC = 0.66, 0.66, and 0.70 respectively). There were no differences between the systolic velocities (S’) or late diastolic velocities (A’). Conclusions: IVIG resistant KD patients present with significantly greater diastolic dysfunction compared to responders in patients with KD. TDI may be a useful tool to differentiate KD patients who may be IVIG resistant.
Creutzfeldt Cell Rich Glioblastoma: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Differentiating demyelinating conditions from neoplastic conditions can pose a significant challenge. There are a number of reports in the literature of large ring-enhancing, space-occupying lesions that were initially considered neoplastic or infectious but, on further review, were deemed demyelinating. Creutzfeldt-Peters cells (CPC) are reactive astrocytes with fragmented nuclear inclusions that are routinely seen in multiple sclerosis (MS) and generally exclude the diagnosis of glioblastoma (GB). The patient is a 78-year-old man with a history of prostate cancer, which was treated with radiation therapy, who presented with altered mental status. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain revealed a 4.6 x 3.1 cm mass lesion in the right posterior temporal lobe with minimal mass effect and heterogeneous contrast enhancement. The patient underwent an open biopsy of the mass, which on histology was rich with Creutzfeldt-Peters cells. Frozen histology was unclear and full resection of the mass was delayed. A molecular and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed glioblastoma. The patient returned four weeks later for a subtotal resection of the tumor. The case presented demonstrates an example of a challenging diagnosis. Differentiating between demyelinating and neoplastic conditions is critical since the management and prognosis differ greatly. More importantly, we present a case of glioblastoma rich with Creutzfeldt-Peters cells, which has previously not been reported in the literature.
GSNO reductase and β2-adrenergic receptor gene–gene interaction: bronchodilator responsiveness to albuterol

Background Short-acting inhaled β2-agonists such as albuterol are used for bronchodilation and are the mainstay of asthma treatment worldwide. There is significant variation in bronchodilator responsiveness to albuterol not only between individuals but also across racial/ethnic groups. The β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) is the target for β2-agonist drugs. The enzyme, S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), which regulates levels of the endogenous bronchodilator S-nitrosoglutathione, has been shown to modulate the response to β2-agonists. Objective We hypothesized that there are pharmacogenetic interactions between GSNOR and β2AR gene variants that are associated with variable response to albuterol. Methods We performed family-based analyses to test for association between GSNOR gene variants and asthma and related phenotypes in 609 Puerto Rican and Mexican families with asthma. In addition, we tested these individuals for pharmacogenetic interaction between GSNOR and β2AR gene variants and responsiveness to albuterol using linear regression. Cell transfection experiments were performed to test the potential effect of the GSNOR gene variants. Results Among Puerto Ricans, several GSNOR SNPs and a haplotype in the 3′UTR were significantly associated with increased risk for asthma and lower bronchodilator responsiveness (P=0.04–0.007). The GSNOR risk haplotype affects expression of GSNOR mRNA and protein, suggesting a gain of function. Furthermore, gene–gene interaction analysis provided evidence of pharmacogenetic interaction between GSNOR and β2AR gene variants and the response to albuterol in Puerto Rican (P=0.03), Mexican (P=0.15) and combined Puerto Rican and Mexican asthmatics (P=0.003). Specifically, GSNOR+17059*β2AR+46 genotype combinations (TG+GG*AG and TG+GG*GG) were associated with lower bronchodilator response. Conclusion Genotyping of GSNOR and β2AR genes may be useful in identifying Latino individuals, who might benefit from adjuvant therapy for refractory asthma.
Cisapride improves gallbladder emptying and bile lipid composition in patients with gallstones

Background and Aim: Biliary cholesterol supersaturation, gallbladder stasis and delayed intestinal transit are the key events in cholesterol gallstone formation. We studied the effect of cisapride, a prokinetic drug, on gallbladder emptying and bile composition in patients with gallstone disease undergoing cholecystectomy.
Lost in Cyberspace: The Impact of Information Scent and Time Constraints on Stress, Performance, and Attitudes Online

Abstract As competition online increases, website owners investigate ways in which they can attract and retain more users. One avenue is to reduce frustration and stress for the users. Furthermore, many website users are rushed when browsing for specific information on a website. To save time and prevent frustration, website owners should try to maximize information scent, that is, visual, audio, and semantic cues that are meant to lead or guide the user to his or her informational goal. This paper presents and tests a model to predict how information scent can reduce the amount of stress that consumers experience when seeking information under time constraints. The study also demonstrates the relationships between information scent, time constraints, stress, performance, and attitudes toward the website. Results demonstrate that high information scent is an important design goal for a website, and latent semantic analysis can be a useful tool for measuring scent. In addition, rather than an attribute of an overall site, the concept of scent is demonstrated to be dependent on both the website and the task(s) being performed by the user. This finding demonstrates that to maximize users’ satisfaction and ability to accomplish their goals, website designers need to determine what tasks users need to accomplish, and to make sure that the links on each page point clearly to the appropriate destination to meet those goals. The latent semantic analysis tool can provide an indication of strength and clarity of the links. Clear links gain even more importance when considering the time constraints of users. Measurable stress explains some of the variance in performance and attitudes.
Fiscal and Monetary Policy Interactions in Pakistan Using a Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Framework

Currently Pakistan’s economy is under stress and registered a sluggish growth for many years in a row. The performance of major economic indicators is not satisfactory. Low investment, double digit inflation, fiscal imbalances and low external capital inflows indicates the severity of the grave economic situation. This paper investigates fiscal and monetary policy interaction in Pakistan using dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model. Finding of the paper reveals that fiscal and monetary policy interacts with each other and with other macroeconomic variables. Inflation responds to fiscal policy shocks in the form of government spending, revenue and borrowing shocks. Monetary authority’s decisions are also affecting fiscal policy variables. It is also evident that fiscal discipline is critical for the effective formulation and execution of monetary policy.
A multi-dimensional analysis of cue-elicited craving in heavy smokers and tobacco chippers.

AIMS This research examined the performance of a broad range of measures posited to relate to smoking craving. DESIGN Heavy smokers and tobacco chippers, who were either deprived of smoking or not for 7 hours, were exposed to both smoking (a lit cigarette) and control cues. PARTICIPANTS Smokers not currently interested in trying to quit smoking (n = 127) were recruited. Heavy smokers (n = 67) averaged smoking at least 21 cigarettes/day and tobacco chippers (n = 60) averaged 1-5 cigarettes on at least 2 days/week. MEASUREMENTS Measures included urge rating scales and magnitude estimations, a rating of affective valence, a behavioral choice task that assessed perceived reinforcement value of smoking, several smoking-related judgement tasks and a measure of cognitive resource allocation. FINDINGS Results indicated that both deprivation state and smoker type tended to affect responses across these measurement domains. CONCLUSIONS Findings support the use of several novel measures of craving-related processes in smokers.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of rituximab in patients with stiff person syndrome

In stiff person syndrome (SPS), an antibody‐mediated impaired γ‐aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) neurotransmission is believed to cause muscle stiffness and spasms. Most patients improve with GABA‐enhancing drugs and intravenous immunoglobulin, but some respond poorly and remain disabled. The need for more effective therapy prompted a trial with the anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab.
NEW VARIABLE NEIGHBORHOOD SEARCH METHOD FOR A TWO LEVEL CAPACITATED LOCATION ALLOCATION PROBLEM

The distribution network design is placed as strategic choice that have an influence either in the commercial issue as the tactical action or in operational management of the supply chain. Numerous economical decision problems concern selecting and or locating certain facilities to satisfy, efficiently, a given demands points. This article aims to provide a resolution for a facility location allocation problem in a distribution network. We focus on the choice of stores locations. These are designed to meet customer demands. Indeed, we consider the majority of economic parameters to fulfill a model of the distribution network, similar to a Two Level Capacitated Location Allocation Problem TLCLAP. A new Variable Neighborhood Search approach is proposed to resolve the problem.