Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor activity during the modulation of protein synthesis

The capacity of cultured human fibroblasts to bind 125I‐labeled epidermal growth factor (EGF) was measured during protein synthesis inhibition and reinitiation. Protein synthesis was inhibited by incubation of human fibroblasts in histidine‐free medium supplemented with L‐histidinol to produce a stringent amino acid starvation. Under these conditions 125I‐EGF binding activity decreased with a half‐life of 14.5 hours. Protein synthesis could be rapidly reinitiated by the addition of L‐histidine to human fibroblasts which had been preincubated in histidinol containing media for 36 to 48 hours. 125I‐EGF binding activity rapidly increased upon the reinitiation of protein synthesis. In the presence of serum 100% of the original binding capacity was recovered ten hours after the renitiation of protein synthesis, while 70% of the binding capacity was recovered in 12 hours in serum‐free media. The recovery of 125I‐EGF binding activity after the reinitiation of protein synthesis, was not blocked by the presence of Actinomycin D, indicating that the messenger RNA for the EGF receptor may accumulate during the period of histidinol‐mediated inhibition of protein synthesis. The time course of recovery of 125I‐EGF binding activity after the reinitiation of protein synthesis is very similar to that observed during the recovery of receptor activity following “down regulation” of EGF receptor activity. Recovery from down regulation, however, was markedly sensitive to Actinomycin D.
Resilience Decisions of the Firm: An Experimental Analysis of Dynamic Decision-Making in Repeated Disasters

Given the increasing prevalence of catastrophic events, policymakers are increasingly searching for effective strategies to encourage firms to invest in resilience rather than relying on insurance or government assistance. Too often, however, resilience research focuses on decisions made by firms and emergency planners in the context of “one-off” events. We extend this research by examining resilience decision making in the more realistic context of repeated catastrophic events. Using a population of professional managers of middle market firms and a university experimental economics subject pool, we conduct a series of controlled experiments on the decision to invest in inventories to improve firm resilience to repeated catastrophic events. While existing economic and supply chain resilience research has focused on resilience in terms of avoiding some magnitude of economic losses, existing research omits a focus on the probability of those losses. Evaluating the influence of probability cannot be as effectively evaluated with observational data that cannot control for magnitude in the way a controlled experiment can. We find that decision makers are less likely to make resilience investments in inventories when a disaster has recently occurred. We further find that advisory information alone is insufficient to motivate resilience investments by firms, it must be substantiated by a history of advisory accuracy. However, we find that this effect is heavily moderated by the type of advisory information provided; we find that firms are much more likely to trust precautionary advice.
Herpes simplex virus pathogenesis in transgenic mice is altered by the homeodomain protein Hox 1.3

The DNA sequence TAAT is the core binding motif for the mouse homeodomain protein Hox 1.3 (proposed new name, Hoxa-5). These sequences are present within the multiple TAATGARAT regulatory motifs in the promoters of the immediate-early genes which control herpes simplex virus type 1 replication. To investigate the role of this homeodomain protein in the regulation of herpes simplex virus gene expression and pathogenesis, transgenic mice containing a mouse Hox 1.3 cDNA under the control of the virus- and interferon-inducible Mx 1 promoter were generated. After infection of transgenic mice with herpes simplex virus, Hox 1.3 RNA and protein were expressed at the sites of virus replication. In these transgenic mice, herpes simplex virus replication, spread of virus through the host, and virus-induced mortality were markedly enhanced. Increased spread and replication of herpes simplex virus were also observed in cultured fibroblasts from transgenic mice. This finding suggests that in vivo, Hox 1.3 may increase viral spread by increasing viral replication at the level of the individual infected cells. These results demonstrate that expression of a transgene encoding a single host protein, Hox 1.3, alters the pathogenesis of experimental herpes simplex virus infection. We conclude that a protein that belongs to a class of DNA-binding proteins which are best known for their role in regulating embryonic development may also regulate herpesvirus pathogenesis.
The effect of nutritional intervention program on the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in rural areas of Belbis district-Sharkia Governorate-Egypt.

OBJECTIVE to determine the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in rural areas of Belbis district, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, and to assess the effect of iron supplementation and nutritional educational program on the level of hemoglobin in blood. DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted followed by intervention prospective study. SUBJECTS Women attended the antenatal clinics in two primary health care units of Belbis district through December 2000, which amount to 100 women 50 in each primary health care unit. Data was collected as regard to their age, parity, educational level and occupation. All participating women were subjected to hemoglobin analysis during the first time, after one month and two months. Women with hemoglobin level less than 11 gm/dl were considered anemic. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Chi-square and "t" tests (paired and unpaired) were applied to test the relationships among study variables. RESULTS The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women at the first time booking was 55%. After the intervention nutrition education program and iron supplementation the prevalence declined after three months down to 32%. While the prevalence after the same period for pregnant women in the control group (non intervention group) was 46%. Both parity and educational level affected significantly the prevalence of anemia only among the intervention group. This study suggests that anemia is still high among pregnant women and integrated intervention programs should be considered prior to conception.
Pension Contributions, Pension Awareness, and Changing Personal Finances

Workers with 401(k)s and similar defined contribution pensions adjust contributions facing large fluctuations in personal finances. Using administrative tax records linked to the Health and Retirement Study, this paper shows that adjustments differ for contributors who are aware and unaware of their pension coverage. Unaware contributors are more likely to stop contributing facing deteriorating finances, but adjust contributions similarly along the intensive margin. For example, 25% of unaware contributors stop contributing facing earnings declines, but only 15% of aware contributors do so. These findings have implications for policies like automatic enrollment and information campaigns that encourage retirement savings.
The Predominant Cultivable Flora of Sound and Carious Human Root Surfaces

Little detailed knowledge exists about the composition of the human root flora. Therefore, the predominant cultivable flora (PCF) was determined for samples of: (1) plaque from sound root surfaces (SRS) in eight subjects without root caries, (2) plaque from incipient root lesions (IRL) in eight subjects with root caries, and (3) carious material from advanced root lesions (ARL) in nine other subjects with root caries. Generally, one root surface was sampled per subject, and organisms-358, 512, and 389 for SRS, IRL, and ARL, respectively-were identified by standard methods. It was found that: (1) streptococci, actinomyces, and veillonellae constituted 84.2, 57.8, and 65.7% of the PCF of SRS, IRL, and ARL samples, respectively; (2) a wide variety of other Gram-positive cocci and Gram-positive and -negative rods was also present; (3) the PCF of many samples was often dominated by few organisms, the identity of which differed from sample to sample; (4) a negative and no association with root caries existed for the PCF levels of the non-mutans streptococci (non-MS) and the actinomyces; and (5) mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (L) were not always present among the PCF of IRL and ARL, respectively, and non-MS were isolated from the PCF of most lesions and actinomyces from all lesions. Our findings illustrate the complexity of the root surface flora and suggest that root caries development involves organisms other than MS and L.
Efficient Clustering Approach for Intrusion Detection in Ad Hoc Networks

Mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) are temporary wireless networks useful in emergency rescue services, battlefields operations, mobile conferencing and a variety of other useful applications. Due to dynamic nature and lack of centralized monitoring points, these networks are highly vulnerable to attacks. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) provide audit and monitoring capabilities that offer the local security to a node and help to perceive the specific trust level of other nodes. We take benefit of the clustering concept in MANETs for the effective communication between nodes, where each cluster involves a number of member nodes and is managed by a cluster-head. It can be taken as an advantage in these battery and memory constrained networks for the purpose of intrusion detection, by separating tasks for the head and member nodes, at the same time providing opportunity for launching collaborative detection approach. The clustering schemes are generally used for the routing purposes to enhance the route efficiency. However, the effect of change of a cluster tends to change the route; thus degrades the performance. This paper presents a low-overhead clustering algorithm for the benefit of detecting intrusion rather than efficient routing. It also discusses the intrusion detection techniques with the help of this simplified clustering scheme.
Antinociceptive properties of neurosteroids III: experiments with alphadolone given intravenously, intraperitoneally, and intragastrically.

The veterinary neurosteroid anaesthetic Saffan has the same formulation as Althesin now withdrawn from human use and is a mixture of two neurosteroids, alphadolone, and alphaxalone. The molecular structures of these two pregnanes and their properties as i.v. anaesthetics were reported to be similar. Preliminary experiments showed that alphadolone caused powerful antinociceptive effects without sedation when given i.p. In this study, alphadolone was given to rats (weight 100-200 g) i.v. , i.p., and intragastrically. I.v. injections of alphadolone (25 mg kg(-1)) caused anaesthesia and sedation, whereas i.p. (0.1-100 mg kg(-1)) and intragastric administration (750 mg kg(-1)) produced no such effects. Intragastric alphadolone caused antinociceptive effects assessed with the electrical current threshold test (response 2.2 x pre-drug control values) without sedation. These effects were reversed at the level of the spinal cord by intrathecally-administered bicuculline (10 pmol). We conclude that a metabolite of alphadolone acetate produced in the liver leads to antinociceptive effects after i.p. and intragastric administration of the parent compound. This antinociception involves spinal cord GABA(A) receptors, even though the drug was administered via a non-spinal route.
Possible Effects of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Organochlorinated Pesticides on the Thyroid after Long-term Exposure to Heavy Environmental Pollution

The purpose of this work was to study the effects of high environmental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other organochlorines on the thyroid. Thyroid volume, hypoechogenicity and nodules (by ultrasound), presence of antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies, and abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in serum (by radioimmunoassay) were examined in 101 adults from the PCB-polluted area in 360 controls. Serum levels of PCBs, hexachlorobenzene, &ggr;-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), p,p′-DDT(1,1,1-trichloro-2,2′-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane), and p,p′-DDE(1,1-dichloro-2,2′-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethene) were measured by high-resolution gas chromatography. Very high levels of PCBs were found in the polluted area (7300 ± 871 ng/g lipids) compared with controls (2045 ± 147 ng/g). Positive correlations (P < 0.001) were found between the levels of all organochlorines and their total except for hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH). In the polluted area, the highest thyroid volumes (18.7 ± 2.32 mL; mean ± SE) were clustered among 23 subjects (17 males and six females) with PCB levels above 10,000 ng/g (range 10,000–58,667 ng/g). In the remaining 438 subjects the thyroid volume was 14.2 ± 0.29 mL. These data suggest that there might be a threshold serum PCB level of approximately 10,000 ng/g that may influence the thyroid volume. A two-way ANOVA showed that all thyroid volumes in the polluted area were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in the control area. In males from the polluted area, the frequencies of thyroid hypoechogenicity, thyroid nodules, positive anti-TPO, and abnormal TSH level were higher than in males from the control area, whereas such differences were not observed in females. Increased thyroid volume and indicators of potential thyroid dysfunction were associated with long-term environmental exposure to PCBs. These effects on the thyroid were confined to subjects with PCB levels above 10,000 ng/g of lipid (thyroid volume) and to males from the polluted area (thyroid hypoechogenicity, thyroid nodules, positive anti-TPO, and abnormal TSH).
Exaggerated Beat-to-Beat R Amplitude Variability in Patients with Panic Disorder after Intravenous Isoproterenol

Background: Anxiety symptoms are associated with a marked increase in sudden cardiac death, suggesting an abnormality in cardiac autonomic function. Our previous studies show a relationship between R amplitude variability and sympathetic function.Methods:We examined the effects of β-adrenergic stimulation on R and T amplitude variability in panic disorder patients by infusing the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol in 6 panic disorder patients and 11 normal subjects. The ECG signal was analyzed before the infusion and 5 min after the infusion was started. The outcome measures were the R and T detrended variance normalized for mean amplitudes (Rvm and Tvm) and the Rvi and Tvi, measures which are normalized for the inter-beat interval variability in addition. Results: Patients with panic disorder had significantly more variability in R and T amplitude than normal controls and the R amplitude variability was increased further by β-adrenergic stimulation with isoproterenol, which was more pronounced in the patients. Conclusions: The isoproterenol-associated increase in R amplitude variability occurred in controls in the absence of significant anxiety. However, the increase in R amplitude variability was greater in patients with panic disorder, suggesting a greater sensitivity to β-adrenergic effects of isoproterenol or to isoproterenol-induced anxiety.
Gender Inequality and Adaptive Capacity: The Role of Social Capital on the Impacts of Climate Change in Vietnam

Climate change has exacerbated gender inequality, and women are a vulnerable group. Previous research attributed this to physical gender differences, gender differences in ownership and control of natural resources, and socioeconomic status. We used a survey of 99 participants, seven focus group discussions, and 13 in-depth interviews in a coastal community in Vietnam to gain insight into the roots of gender inequality in the capacity to adapt to climate change. We analysed the role of social capital in regulating and mobilising other livelihood assets from a gendered perspective and found that gender norms explain the division and interactions of men and women in formal and informal networks. Based on our results, we suggest that policy-makers should pay more attention to gender issues when proposing climate change policies and reducing the gender imbalance in the impact of climate change adaptation.
The Role of Resorbable Mesh as a Fixation Device in Craniosynostosis

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to present our experience with endocranial fixation using the Resorb-X mesh (KLS Martin, Jacksonville, FL) in frontoorbital reconstruction. A retrospective review of all patients underwent frontoorbital advancement at our institution from 2003 to 2012 was performed. Inclusion criterion included: pediatric patients who underwent frontoorbital advancement for craniosynostosis; patients underwent treatment of the craniosynostosis only at our center; resorbable fixation devises were applied only endocranially; and follow-up was ≥2 years. Patients’ evaluation included demographic information, postoperative complications, surgical outcomes, and postoperative computed tomographic imaging if accessible. Thirty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. Resorbable plates were used in 16 patients and Resorb-X mesh in 23 patients. Observed complications were unrelated to the fixation system used. Resorption of fixation devices was evident in all patients after 20 months following reconstruction. There were no incidents of local reaction to the fixation system. Frontoorbital area contour was deemed good in 24 patients and excellent in 15 patients by both families and attending surgeon. There was a statistical significant difference (P = 0.030) between patients ⩽12 months and >12 months regarding the complications rate. Endocranial fixation using the Resorb-X mesh is easily applicable, avoids material palpability, and provides stable and secure fixation. This technique is superior to the conventional endocranial osseous fixation with absorbable plates, as it avoids some of its possible complications while providing all the benefits of resorbable fixation.
Clinical Outcomes for Saudi and Egyptian Patients Receiving Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation in China

Long waiting list times in liver transplant programs in Saudi Arabia and unavailability of deceased donor transplantation in Egypt have led several patients to seek transplantation in China. All patients who received transplants in China and followed in three centers from January 2003–January 2007 were included. All patients’ charts were reviewed. Mortality and morbidity were compared to those transplanted in King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) during the same period. Seventy‐four adult patients were included (46 Saudi nationals; 28 Egyptians). One‐year and 3‐year cumulative patient survival rates were 83% and 62%, respectively compared to 92% and 84% in KFSH&RC. One‐year and 3‐year cumulative graft survival rates were 81% and 59%, respectively compared to 90% and 84% in KFSH&RC. Compared to KFSH&RC, the incidence of complications was significantly higher especially biliary complications, sepsis, metastasis and acquired HBV infection posttransplant. Requirements of postoperative interventions and hospital admissions were also significantly greater. Our data show high mortality and morbidity rates in Saudi and Egyptian patients receiving transplants in China. This could be related to more liberal selection criteria, use of donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors or possibly more limited posttransplant care.
A long non-coding RNA promotes full activation of adult gene expression in the chicken α-globin domain

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were recently shown to regulate chromatin remodelling activities. Their function in regulating gene expression switching during specific developmental stages is poorly understood. Here we describe a nuclear, non-coding transcript responsive for the stage-specific activation of the chicken adult αD globin gene. This non-coding transcript, named α-globin transcript long non-coding RNA (lncRNA-αGT) is transcriptionally upregulated in late stages of chicken development, when active chromatin marks the adult αD gene promoter. Accordingly, the lncRNA-αGT promoter drives erythroid-specific transcription. Furthermore, loss of function experiments showed that lncRNA-αGT is required for full activation of the αD adult gene and maintenance of transcriptionally active chromatin. These findings uncovered lncRNA-αGT as an important part of the switching from embryonic to adult α-globin gene expression, and suggest a function of lncRNA-αGT in contributing to the maintenance of adult α-globin gene expression by promoting an active chromatin structure.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the ProSeal™ Laryngeal Mask Airway with the Laryngeal Tube Suction in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Background:The ProSeal™ Laryngeal Mask Airway (PLMA) (Laryngeal Mask Company, Henley-on-Thames, United Kingdom) is a new laryngeal mask with a modified cuff designed to improve its seal and a drain tube for gastric tube placement. Similarly, the Laryngeal Tube Suction (LTS) (VBM Medizintechnik Gmbh, Sulz a.N, Germany) is a new laryngeal tube that also has an additional channel for gastric tube placement. This study compared the placement and functions of these two devices. Methods:One hundred fifty patients undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery were randomly allocated to the PLMA (n = 75) or LTS (n = 75). Oxygenation and ventilation, ease of insertion, fiberoptic view, oropharyngeal leak pressure, ventilatory data, ease of gastric tube insertion, and postoperative airway morbidity were determined. Results:After successful insertion of the devices in 96% of patients with the PLMA and in 94.4% with the LTS it was possible to maintain oxygenation, ventilation, and respiratory mechanics during the entire duration of surgery. Successful first and second attempt insertion rates were 57 patients (76%) and 15 patients (20%), respectively, for the PLMA and 60 patients (80%) and 11 patients (14.6%), respectively, for the LTS. Airway placement was unsuccessful with the PLMA in three patients and with the LTS in four patients. Time to achieve an effective airway was 36 ± 24 s with the PLMA versus 34 ± 25 s with the LTS. Gastric tube insertion was possible in 97.3% of patients with the PLMA and in 96% with the LTS. Conclusions:With respect to both physiologic and clinical function, the PLMA and LTS are similar and either device can be used to establish a safe and effective airway in mechanically ventilated anesthetized adult patients.