Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nuclear ErbB 2 Enhances Translation and Cell Growth by Activating Transcription of Ribosomal RNA Genes

Aberrant regulation of rRNA synthesis and translation control can facilitate tumorigenesis. The ErbB2 growth factor receptor is overexpressed in many human tumors and has been detected in the nucleus, but the role of nuclear ErbB2 is obscure. In this study, we defined a novel function of nuclear ErbB2 in enhancing rRNA gene transcription by RNA polymerase-I (RNA Pol I). Nuclear ErbB2 physically associates with b-actin and RNA Pol I, coinciding with active RNA Pol I transcription sites in nucleoli. RNA interference–mediated knockdown of ErbB2 reduced pre-rRNA and protein synthesis. In contrast, wild-type ErbB2 augmented pre-rRNA level, protein production, and cell size/cell growth, but not by an ErbB2 mutant that is defective in nuclear translocation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that ErbB2 enhances binding of RNA Pol I to rDNA. In addition, ErbB2 associated with rDNA, RNA Pol I, and b-actin, suggesting how it could stimulate rRNA production, protein synthesis, and increased cell size and cell growth. Finally, ErbB2-potentiated RNA Pol I transcription could be stimulated by ligand and was not substantially repressed by inhibition of PI3-K and MEK/ERK (extracellular signal regulated kinase), themain ErbB2 effector signaling pathways. Together, our findings indicate that nuclear ErbB2 functions as a regulator of rRNA synthesis and cellular translation, which may contribute to tumor development and progression. Cancer Res; 71(12); 4269–79. 2011 AACR.
Eliciting and Combining Subjective Judgments About Uncertainty

Frequently, health care decisions must be made before compelling and unequivocal evidence is available about the benefits, risks, and costs of a proposed new health technology. It is common for decision makers to seek the advice and opinions of experts to supplement the available evidence. This article reviews some of the methods used or recommended for eliciting the opinions of experts about uncertain events and for combining these opinions with those of others and with available empirical evidence.
Parametric study of PV arc-fault generation methods and analysis of conducted DC spectrum

Many photovoltaic (PV) direct current (DC) arc-fault detectors use the frequency content of the PV system to detect arcs. The spectral content is influenced by the duration and power of the arc, surrounding insulation material geometry and chemistry, and electrode geometry. A parametric analysis was conducted in order to inform the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1699B (“Photovoltaic DC Arc-Fault Circuit Protection”) Standards Technical Panel (STP) of improvements to arc-fault generation methods in the certification standard. These recommendations are designed to reduce the complexity of the experimental setup, improve testing repeatability, and quantify the uncertainty of the arc-fault radio frequency (RF) noise generated by different PV arcs in the field. In this investigation, we (a) discuss the differences in establishing and sustaining arc-faults for a number of different test configurations and (b) compare the variability in arc-fault spectral content for each respective test, and analyze the evolution of the RF signature over the duration of the fault; with the ultimate goal of determining the most repeatable, `worst case' tests for adoption by UL.
Identification of Common Transcriptional Regulatory Elements in Interleukin-17 Target Genes*

Interleukin (IL)-17 is the founding member of a novel family of inflammatory cytokines. Although produced by T cells, IL-17 activates genes and signals typical of innate immune mediators such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β. Most IL-17 target genes characterized to date are cytokines or neutrophil-attractive chemokines. Our recent microarray studies identified an acute phase response gene, 24p3/lipocalin 2, as a novel IL-17-induced gene. Here we describe a detailed analysis of the 24p3 promoter. We find that, unlike cytokine or chemokine gene target genes, 24p3 is regulated primarily at the level of transcription rather than mRNA stability and that synergy between IL-17 and TNFα occurs at the level of the 24p3 promoter. Two key transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) were identified, corresponding to NF-κB and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP). Deletion of either site eliminated 24p3 promoter activity in response to IL-17. These findings were strikingly similar to the IL-6 promoter, where IL-17-mediated regulation of both NF-κB and C/EBP is essential. To determine whether joint use of NF-κB and C/EBP is common to all IL-17 target genes, we performed a computational analysis on 18 well documented IL-17 target promoters to assess statistical enrichment of specific TFBSs. Indeed, NF-κB and C/EBP sites were over-represented in these genes, as were AP1 and OCT1 sites. Moreover, these promoters fell into three definable subcategories based on TFBS location and usage. Analysis of IL-17 target gene regulation is key for understanding this important host-defense molecule and also contributes to an understanding of upstream signaling mechanisms used by IL-17, either alone or in concert with TNFα.
Impact of tuberculosis control measures and crowding on the incidence of tuberculous infection in Maryland prisons.

Our aim was to determine the incidence of tuberculin skin test (TST) conversion in the Maryland state correctional system. We conducted a historical longitudinal cohort study. A sample of 1,289 inmates, incarcerated in 16 of 23 prisons, who had a negative TST and a second test within 24 months was selected. The incidence of recent conversion was 6.3 per 100 person-years. Risk factors for conversion included high prison-population density (relative risk [RR] = 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-3.8) and incarceration in a higher-security institution (RR = 2.4; 95% CI, 1.4-4.3). Incarceration in an institution with higher levels of isoniazid prophylaxis (> 65% of TST positives) reduced the risk of infection by 50% (RR = 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.7). Crowding was strongly correlated with risk of conversion (r = 0.83; P < .001), while rates of isoniazid prophylaxis initiation were inversely correlated with risk of infection (r = -0.82; P < .001). In stepwise regression, higher prison-population density was the strongest predictor of increased infection. In a final model, inclusion of the rate of isoniazid prophylaxis initiation reduced the risk associated with crowding (RR = 1.4; P = .4). Annual screening programs for prisons can identify recent conversions that may not otherwise be detected.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic ileal bladder augmentation: defining techniques and potential pitfalls.

PURPOSE Laparoscopic bladder augmentation has been limited because of the extensive suturing required. The use of robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) procedures may circumvent this limitation and allow more efficient suturing. The purpose of the study is to define the techniques and the potential pitfalls in performing RAL bladder augmentation in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten swine underwent RAL bladder augmentation using 20 cm of ileum. In five animals, the bowel anastomosis was performed intracorporeally. In the others, the bowel ends were externalized through one of the ports, and a free-hand bowel anastomosis was performed. The operative time was recorded. The anastomoses were evaluated for patency and leakage. RESULTS The mean procedure time was 6 hours 44 minutes (range 5 hours 50 min-8 hours 5 min) with a rapid learning curve. We identified minor technical modifications that were helpful, such as placement of "hitch stitches," irrigation of the isolated bowel loop extracorporeally, and leaving the bladder wall attachment intact to maintain bladder suspension. Leakage at the bowel-bowel anastomosis occurred in one animal with use of a stapling technique. Because this could be a potentially fatal complication, we altered our technique to perform the bowel-bowel anastomosis outside the peritoneal cavity. Subsequently, there was no further incidences of bowel leakage, and all anastomoses were patent. The mean bowel-bowel anastomosis time was equivalent to using the two techniques. Leakage at the bowel-bladder anastomosis was seen in two animals, both occurring early in the series. CONCLUSION RAL bladder augmentation can be safely and efficiently performed. There is a rapid learning curve. We identified minor technical modifications in techniques to help reduce operative time and potential complications. We recommend performing the bowel-bowel anastomosis outside the peritoneum to avoid the risk of leakage. Leakage at the bowel-bladder anastomosis may occur but can be managed with simple catheter drainage.
Alpha‐smooth muscle actin expression in rat and mouse mesenteric wounds after transforming growth factor‐β1 treatment

Rat mesenteric perforations heal by contraction within 5 to 7 days, whereas mouse mesenteric perforations seldom close within 3 weeks unless stimulated by transforming growth factor‐β1. In this article, we quantified the expression of alpha‐smooth muscle actin by quantitative‐reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and the orientation of actin filaments at the wound margin by Fourier transformation image analysis after treatment with transforming growth factor‐β1. The expression of transforming growth factor‐β1 and its type II receptor was also assessed. Actin filaments were shown to increase with time at the wound margin in both species and the expression of alpha‐smooth muscle actin mRNA increased simultaneously. Transforming growth factor‐β1 enhanced the alpha‐smooth muscle actin expression four to five times in rats and three to four times in mice on day 5, but the number of copies expressed per cell was 15‐fold higher in rats than in mice. Transforming growth factor‐β1 was down‐regulated after wounding in free peritoneal cells of rats, but maintained until day 5 in transforming growth factor‐β1‐treated mice. The main finding of this study was that untreated, normal rats expressed substantially more alpha‐smooth muscle actin than mice. After treatment with transforming growth factor‐β1, this expression increased similarly in both species. It can be hypothesized that normal closure of mesenteric perforations requires a minimum level of actin expression. This level is not reached in normal mice, but is exceeded after stimulation. Perforations in the rat always close, because the alpha‐smooth muscle actin expression is always above this level.
Three dimensional melt-deposition of polycaprolactone/bio-derived hydroxyapatite composite into scaffold for bone repair

In this study, three dimensional (3D) polycaprolactone/bio-derived hydroxyapatite (PCL/BHA) composite scaffolds were fabricated by using a melt-deposition system (MDS) for the applications in bone repair. PCL/BHA composites with BHA contents of 0, 10, 20, and 40% were successfully processed into 3D scaffolds by using MDS, while it was failed to fabricate PCL/BHA scaffold with BHA content of 60%. The scaffolds produced were demonstrated to possess the same structures as the predefined with highly uniform and completely interconnected pores. The compressive modulus and strength of the PCL/BHA scaffold increased from 27 to 56 MPa and from 1.9 to 4.5 MPa, respectively, as BHA content increased from 0 to 40%. The wettability of PCL/BHA composite scaffold was also improved with the increase of BHA content. Moreover, the PCL/BHA scaffolds fabricated by MDS showed satisfactory biocompatibility and were capable of being integrated with the surrounding host bone. This study shows the feasibility of fabricating 3D PCL/BHA composite scaffolds with favorable pore structures, mechanical properties, wettability and biocompatibility by using MDS and supports further research of developing novel PCL/BHA composite scaffolds with MDS for the applications in bone repair.
Expression pattern of stop lacZ reporter gene in adult and developing mouse brain

Stable tubulin‐only polypeptide (STOP) proteins are microtubule‐associated proteins responsible for microtubule stabilization in neurons. STOP null mice show apparently normal cerebral anatomy but display synaptic defects associated with neuroleptic‐sensitive behavioral disorders. STOP null mice have therefore been proposed as an animal model for the study of schizophrenia. In the present study, the expression pattern of STOP gene in developing and adult brain has been examined by using lacZ gene inserted in the STOP locus, as a reporter gene. β‐Galactosidase (β‐gal) immunostaining was confined to neuronal cells and projections. Strong labeling was observed in the whole olfactory system, cortical layer VII, hippocampus, hypothalamus, cerebellum, habenula, fasciculus retroflexus, and interpeduncular nucleus in adults. Additionally, ventral thalamic nucleus, clusters of positive cells in striatum, and Cajal‐Retzius cells of cortical layer I were labeled in young mice. The strong expression of STOP lacZ reporter gene observed in brain is confined to areas that may be involved in the schizophrenia‐related symptoms observed in STOP‐deficient mice. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Jasplakinolide on the Kinetics of Actin Polymerization

Jasplakinolide paradoxically stabilizes actin filaments in vitro, but in vivo it can disrupt actin filaments and induce polymerization of monomeric actin into amorphous masses. A detailed analysis of the effects of jasplakinolide on the kinetics of actin polymerization suggests a resolution to this paradox. Jasplakinolide markedly enhances the rate of actin filament nucleation. This increase corresponds to a change in the size of actin oligomer capable of nucleating filament growth from four to approximately three subunits, which is mechanistically consistent with the localization of the jasplakinolide-binding site at an interface of three actin subunits. Because jasplakinolide both decreases the amount of sequestered actin (by lowering the critical concentration of actin) and augments nucleation, the enhancement of polymerization by jasplakinolide is amplified in the presence of actin-monomer sequestering proteins such as thymosin β4. Overall, the kinetic parameters in vitro define the mechanism by which jasplakinolide induces polymerization of monomeric actin in vivo. Expected consequences of jasplakinolide function are consistent with the experimental observations and include de novo nucleation resulting in disordered polymeric actin and in insufficient monomeric actin to allow for remodeling of stress fibers.
Response of an FM discriminator in the presence of noise and a cochannel interference

An exact expression for the output autocorrelation function of an FM discriminator is derived when the input of the FM discriminator is an FM signal, cochannel interference and Gaussian noise. The modulating baseband signals for the FM signal and the cochannel interference are assumed FDM signals whose statistics are modeled by a stationary Gaussian random process. The interaction among signal, interference and noise are determined by which the NPR (noise-power-ratio) can be calculated. >
Shape and size of jatropha beans (Jatropha curcas L.) during drying at different temperatures

This study was carried out to study the physical properties of the jatropha beans over the drying under six air conditions, based on measurements of roundness, sphericity, volume, superficial area, projected area and surface/ volume ratio. Jatropha beans with moisture content around 0.61 (decimal d.b.) were subjected to thin-layer drying in oven with forced-air circulation under six temperature conditions (36, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 °C) and relative humidity of 31.7; 19.6; 9.4; 4.8; 2.6 and 1.5% respectively , until reaching the moisture content of 0.1 1 ± 0.006 (decimal d. b.). The results showed that the necessary time for jatropha beans to reach the moisture content of 0.11 ± 0.006 (decimal d.b.) were 1.5; 2.25; 3.0; 4.75; 6.75 and 12.0 h for the drying temperatures of 105, 90, 75, 60, 45 and 36 °C, respectively; and the reduction in the moisture content as well as the drying conditions promoted changes in the shape and reduced the size of the jatropha beans.
Risk factors and complications in type 2 diabetes outpatients.

OBJECTIVE Our study investigated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) outpatients attending a university hospital in Montes Claros, MG, to estimate the prevalence of risk factors and their association with diabetes complications. METHOD This was a quantitative, documental, retrospective and analytical study. Medical records of 95 outpatients with T2DM treated in this hospital from 2011 to 2015 were analyzed. Data were collected according to a structured questionnaire surveying sociodemographic, anthropometric and biochemical data and clinical and lifestyle aspects. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between risk factor variables and complications. RESULTS With a mean age of 54 years, the study population showed irregular blood glucose control, despite the use of hypoglycemic medication, and did not have a healthy lifestyle. The main complication reported was high blood pressure (HBP), occurring in 70.9% of patients. The prevalence of complications was positively associated with patients receiving insulin treatment (p=0.042) and multidisciplinary monitoring (p=0.050). CONCLUSION The associations identified reflect the condition of patients that were already treating diabetes and its complications, especially HBP. The characteristics of the study population indicate the need to improve clinical follow-up and increase motivation for healthy behaviors.
Analysis of Functional Abilities for Elderly Danish Twins Using GEE Models

Abstract In this work we present a new method for genetic analysis of twin data which is based on generalized estimating equations and allows for analysis of various response types (e.g., continuous, binary, counts) combined with estimation of residual correlations. The new approach allows for control of covariates of any kind (e.g., continuous, counts) by modeling the dependence of mean and variance on background variables. The proposed method was applied to identify the covariates that have a significant influence on elderly people’s functional abilities, and find the estimates for the correlation coefficients of residuals for MZ and DZ twins in a sample of 2401 Danish twin 75 years of age or older. The bootstrap method was used to obtain standard errors for correlation coefficients. It was shown, that the chosen covariates have similar effects on MZ and DZ twins, and that the residual correlation in MZ twins is significantly higher than in DZ twins, which indicates that genetic factors play an etiological role in the determination of physical status of elderly people, controlled for 10 background variables.
Exponential convergence to quasi-stationary distribution for multi-dimensional diffusion processes

We consider diffusion processes killed at the boundary of Riemannian manifolds. The aim of the paper if to provide two different sets of assumptions ensuring the exponential convergence in total variation norm of the distribution of the process conditioned not to be killed. Our first criterion makes use of two sided estimates and applies to general Markov processes. Our second criterion is based on gradient estimates for the semi-group of diffusion processes.
Demonstration of FinFET CMOS circuits

We present, to our knowledge, the first published experimental demonstration of a CMOS inverter chain built from FinFETs, completely integrated in 180nm CMOS technology, using one level of copper wiring and tungsten vias. A four-stage inverter chain with Lgate = 200nm, Tsi =, 60nm, and Tox = 2.2nm was run at 1.5V. We demonstrate successfully propagating CMOS levels through four inverter stages employing over 300 fins.
Robust stability of MIMO nonlinear uncertain systems using operator-based right coprime factorisation

ABSTRACT In this paper, a class of multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) nonlinear systems with uncertainties is considered by using operator-based right coprime factorisation. First, based on proposed quotient operators, coupling effect of the MIMO nonlinear systems is discussed. Second, based on the operator-based right coprime factorisation approach, sufficient conditions for guaranteeing robust stability of the MIMO nonlinear systems with uncertainties are proposed by using a new unimodular operator. Finally, a simulation example is shown to illustrate the proposed design scheme for the MIMO nonlinear systems with uncertainties.
Effectiveness of a physical activity intervention for Head Start preschoolers: a randomized intervention study.

OBJECTIVES The level of children's motor skill proficiency may be an important determinant of their physical activity behaviors. This study assessed the efficacy of an intervention on gross motor skill performance, physical activity, and weight status of preschoolers. METHOD The Food Friends: Get Movin' With Mighty Moves(®) program was conducted in four Head Start centers. Measurements included the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, pedometer counts, and body mass index (BMI) z scores. RESULTS The intervention led to significant changes in gross motor skills in the treatment group (n = 98) compared with the control group (n = 103) and was a strong predictor of overall gross motor performance (gross motor quotient), locomotor, stability, and object manipulation skills. No intervention effect was found for physical activity levels or weight status. CONCLUSION The intervention dose was adequate for enhancing gross motor skill performance but not for increasing physical activity levels or reducing BMI.
Augmentation of Rabbit Posterolateral Spondylodesis Using a Novel Demineralized Bone Matrix-Hyaluronan Putty

Study Design. Posterolateral spinal fusion with allogeneic demineralized bone graft–hyaluronan putty in addition to autogenous iliac crest bone graft in a rabbit model. Objectives. To determine the potential efficacy of demineralized bone graft–hyaluronan putty as a bone graft enhancer. Summary of Background Data. Autograft bone is the material of choice for posterolateral lumbar intertransverse process fusion. Bone graft alternatives such as demineralized bone matrices that can be used as graft extenders, enhancers, or substitutes continue to be developed. Methods. One hundred New Zealand white rabbits underwent bilateral posterolateral spinal fusion with autogenous iliac crest bone graft or bone graft with allogeneic rabbit demineralized bone graft–hyaluronan putty. The rabbits were killed 9 weeks later, and the lumbar spines were removed. Manual manipulation and fine detail radiography were used to assess spinal fusion, and computed tomographic images were used to quantify the volume of the fusion mass. Results. In comparison with autograft bone alone, the fusion rates were greater when demineralized bone graft–hyaluronan putty was used as an adjunct to autogenous bone. Furthermore, the radiographic fusion rate was greater when demineralized bone graft–hyaluronan putty was used in a 2:1 ratio to autograft bone in comparison with a 1:1 ratio (P = 0.001). The addition of demineralized bone graft–hyaluronan putty to autograft bone was found to increase mineralized bone volume in a ratio-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Conclusions. Allogeneic demineralized bone matrix–hyaluronan putty enhances rabbit posterolateral spine fusion when used as an adjunct to autogenous bone graft. This new formulation of demineralized bone matrix may facilitate greater bone formation and successful fusion.