Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Highly similar piggyBac elements in Bactrocera that share a common lineage with elements in noctuid moths

The piggyBac IFP2 transposable element, originally discovered in a Trichoplusia ni cell line, also exists as nearly identical elements in other noctuid lepidopterans, and in several species of the tephritid genus Bactrocera. To further define the distribution of piggyBacs in Bactrocera, and compare their relationship to sequences found in Lepidoptera, a survey by PCR amplification was performed in a range of Bactrocera species. Highly similar piggyBac sequences were found in all B. dorsalis complex species tested, as well as in species in the B. zonata and B. frauenfeldi complexes. All nucleotide sequences had > 94% identity to corresponding sequences in the T. ni IFP2 element, and > 88% identity among the sequences. Conserved primers did not amplify any distantly related sequences that have been found by computational searches in a wider range of insect and non‐insect species. Notably, 55 nucleotide substitutions relative to IFP2 were common to all the Bactrocera sequences, 44 of which exist in piggyBacs previously sequenced from moths, with 17 resulting in amino acid substitutions. These piggyBac elements, that apparently traversed orders by horizontal transfer, probably arose from a lineage separate from IFP2 and the other known elements in T. ni. Implications for the presence of nearly identical piggyBacs, in widely distributed insects, to the applied use of piggyBac vectors are discussed.
Mild effects of gestational stress and social reactivity on the onset of mother–young interactions and bonding in sheep

Abstract Consequences of prenatal stress on mother–young relationships are well-documented in altricial mammals but less so in precocial mammals. In this study, we investigated the effects of unpredictable aversive events on maternal behavior and mutual mother–young recognition in pregnant ewes while accounting for modulatory effects of ewe reactivity. From a population of 120 Romane-breed ewes, we selected 20 high-responsive (HR) and 20 low-responsive (LR) ewes according to pre-mating reactivity assessed in isolation tests. Over the final third of pregnancy, 10 HR ewes and 10 LR ewes were exposed daily to various aversive events such as social isolation, mixing and transport (stressed ewes), while the other 20 ewes were not exposed to aversive events (control ewes). Although the treatment induced chronic stress, physiologically confirmed by an increase in salivary cortisol following transport and sham shearing, maternal behavior of stressed ewes observed during the first 30 min postpartum and in the selectivity test 1 h 30 min later did not differ from controls. However, in a maternal motivation test performed 48 h postpartum, stressed ewes vocalized less than controls when separated from their lambs, and walked less readily past an unknown object to reach their lambs. Lambs of stressed ewes spent more time near their dam in a preference test performed 15 h after birth compared to control-ewe lambs. HR ewes spent more time grooming their lambs than LR ewes. We posit that domestication could have selected animals displaying robust expression of maternal behavior related to social reactivity and producing offspring that are better adapted to challenging situations.
Mechanisms of face perception in humans: A magneto‐ and electro‐encephalographic study

We have been studying the underlying mechanisms of face perception in humans using magneto‐ (MEG) and electro‐encephalography (EEG) including (1) perception by viewing the static face, (2) differences in perception by viewing the eyes and whole face, (3) the face inversion effect, (4) the effect of gaze direction, (5) perception of eye motion, (6) perception of mouth motion, and (7) the interaction between auditory and visual stimuli related to the vowel sounds. In this review article, we mainly summarize our results obtained on 3, 5, and 6 above.
Solid-Phase Proteoliposomes Containing Human Immunodeficiency Virus Envelope Glycoproteins

ABSTRACT The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) exterior envelope glycoprotein gp120 mediates receptor binding and is the major target for neutralizing antibodies. A broadly neutralizing antibody response is likely to be a critical component of the immune response against HIV-1. Although antibodies against monomeric gp120 are readily elicited in immunized individuals, these antibodies are inefficient in neutralizing primary HIV-1 isolates. As a chronic pathogen, HIV-1 has evolved to avoid an optimal host response by a number of immune escape mechanisms. Monomeric gp120 that has dissociated from the functional trimer presents irrelevant epitopes that are not accessible on functional trimeric envelope glycoproteins. The resulting low level of antigenic cross-reactivity between monomeric gp120 and the functional spike may contribute to the inability of monomeric gp120 to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies. Attempts to generate native, trimeric envelope glycoproteins as immunogens have been frustrated by both the lability of the gp120-gp41 interaction and the weak association between gp120 subunits. Here, we present solid-phase HIV-1 gp160ΔCT (cytoplasmic tail-deleted) proteoliposomes (PLs) containing native, trimeric envelope glycoproteins in a physiologic membrane setting. We present data that indicate that the gp160ΔCT glycoproteins on PLs are trimers and are recognized by several relevant conformational ligands in a manner similar to that for gp160ΔCT oligomers expressed on the cell surface. The PLs represent a significant advance over present envelope glycoprotein formulations as candidate immunogens for HIV vaccine design and development.
Hepatocellular carcinoma diagnostic and prognostic features in north american patients

Diagnostic and prognostic characteristics of 121 North American patients with hepatocellular carcinoma seen in one metropolitan area over a 6‐year period were assessed using multivariate analysis. Presenting symptoms commonly included abdominal pain (53%) or mass (34%), anorexia (31%), and ascites (20%); however, the ability to make an early diagnosis was complicated by a variety of unusual symptoms accounting for 25% of presentations. While cirrhosis (63%) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity (52%) were common associated findings, the majority of patients (67%) had no prior diagnosis of liver disease. Despite the vascular nature of these malignancies, percutaneous biopsy procedures performed in 66 patients provided diagnostic material in over 85% of cases with little morbidity. Histologic diagnosis was made by blind percutaneous biopsy (41 done, 83% positive), peritoneoscopy with directed percutaneous biopsy (25 done, 88% positive), laparotomy (42 done, 98% positive), or autopsy (19). Percutaneous hepatic biopsy procedures were associated with no mortality and rare bleeding (three cases). Overall median survival was only 18 weeks; multivariate analysis indicated increased bilirubin or presence of pulmonary metastases adversely influenced outcome. Unexpectedly, patients younger than 45 years of age had a significantly (P < 0.01) greater survival (median, 40 versus 9 weeks) than did older patients with this disease. We conclude: (1) hepatocellular carcinoma can be rapidly and safely diagnosed using percutaneous biopsy procedures; (2) North American patients with hepatocellular carcinoma younger than 45 years of age have a more favorable prognosis.
Global iodine nutrition: Where do we stand in 2013?

BACKGROUND Dietary iodine intake is required for the production of thyroid hormone. Consequences of iodine deficiency include goiter, intellectual impairments, growth retardation, neonatal hypothyroidism, and increased pregnancy loss and infant mortality. SUMMARY In 1990, the United Nations World Summit for Children established the goal of eliminating iodine deficiency worldwide. Considerable progress has since been achieved, largely through programs of universal salt iodization. Approximately 70% of all households worldwide currently have access to adequately iodized salt. In 2013, as defined by a national or subnational median urinary iodine concentration of 100-299 μg/L in school-aged children, 111 countries have sufficient iodine intake. Thirty countries remain iodine-deficient; 9 are moderately deficient, 21 are mildly deficient, and none are currently considered severely iodine-deficient. Ten countries have excessive iodine intake. In North America, both the United States and Canada are generally iodine-sufficient, although recent data suggest pregnant U.S. women are mildly iodine-deficient. Emerging issues include discrepancies between urinary iodine status in pregnant women compared to school-aged children in some populations, the problem of re-emerging iodine deficiency in parts of the developed world, the importance of food industry use of iodized salt, regions of iodine excess, and the potential effects of initiatives to lower population sodium consumption on iodine intake. CONCLUSIONS Although substantial progress has been made over the last several decades, iodine deficiency remains a significant health problem worldwide and affects both industrialized and developing nations. The ongoing monitoring of population iodine status remains crucially important, and particular attention may need to be paid to monitoring the status of vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and infants. There is also need for ongoing monitoring of iodized salt and other dietary iodine sources in order to prevent excess as well as insufficient iodine nutrition. Finally, it will be essential to coordinate interventions designed to reduce population sodium intake with salt iodization programs in order to maintain adequate levels of iodine nutrition as salt intake declines.
Comparison of Single Administration with an Ovule of 600 mg Fenticonazole versus a 500 mg Clotrimazole Vaginal Pessary in the Treatment of Vaginal Candidiasis

Fenticonazole is an imidazole derivative with a broad spectrum of antimycotic activity. The therapeutic activity and tolerability of 600 mg fenticonazole versus 500 mg clotrimazole were evaluated in an investigator-blind trial in 80 patients with mycologically confirmed vaginal candidiasis. Fenticonazole was administered as an ovule and clotrimazole as a vaginal pessary, both in a single administration. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by microbiological and clinical criteria 7 days after the start of treatment. Patients cured at the end of the trial were rechecked 4–5 weeks after the start of therapy in order to identify and evaluate possible relapse. Both treatments resulted in a statistically significant reduction in vaginal symptoms (erythema, itching, discharge and oedema) and in elimination of Candida albicans in about 90% of patients. The tolerance of both treatments was excellent since no local or systemic signs or symptoms of toxicity were reported. An equally high efficacy and safety for both drugs in the elimination of symptoms and objective evidence of vaginal candidiasis was indicated.
Efficacy and safety of ziprasidone in the treatment of first-episode psychosis: an 8-week, open-label, multicenter trial

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of ziprasidone in first-episode psychosis. This was an 8-week, open-label, multicenter trial. In total, 27 patients (14 male patients, 13 female patients) with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fourth Edition diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, or psychotic disorder not otherwise specified comprised the study population. The initial recommended dose of ziprasidone was 40 mg/day. Within the first 2 weeks, the dose could be increased to 120–160 mg/day depending on the patient’s condition. The primary outcome variables were scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale; secondary measures included the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia and others. To assess safety, we measured drug-related adverse events, weight, lipid variables, prolactin, and corrected QT (QTc) interval. Among the 27 enrolled participants, 16 dropped out [lack of efficacy (n=7), loss to follow-up (n=7), withdrawn consent (n=1), and serious adverse event (n=1)]. The mean total daily and endpoint doses of ziprasidone were 120.30±40.34 and 131.85±51.22 mg/day, respectively. The administration of ziprasidone resulted in significant improvement in the PANSS (P<0.0001) and CGI scores (P<0.0001) over time. Significant improvement in the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia score (P<0.0001) was also observed at week 8. The response rate (defined as a 30% or greater decrease in the PANSS total score from baseline to last observation) was 51.85%. No significant differences in extrapyramidal symptoms rating scale scores, and lipid and prolactin levels from baseline to last observation were found. However, modest side effects regarding the incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms and hyperprolactinemia, and weight change from baseline in male patients were observed. These results indicate that ziprasidone is effective in the treatment of the positive, negative, and depressive symptoms of first-episode psychosis and has a modest side-effect burden.
Organizational capabilities for successful innovation

The ability to innovate and sustain a programme of innovation has become critical to the promotion of competitiveness and achieving and sustaining business success. There are many determinants of innovation: some are related with technology push and pull, or the individual abilities of the entrepreneur, but many are related to innovation capabilities of the organization. It is important to comprehend these capabilities and to understand “what works, and why and how it works” to advance innovation success. Data collected from high-technology companies in Munich are analysed using multi nominal logistic regression models to determine correlates of innovation capabilities and innovation achievement. All companies have been founded under the formal requirements of the Munich Business Plan Competition (MBPW). Analysis is conducted for radical, incremental and total innovation. The paper reports the analysis and how innovation relates to the process of knowledge acquisition; customer intelligence and market orientation are associated with enhanced business performance. Features of exploiting the networks and measuring innovation performance are also found to be important.
The effects of fish oil supplementation on markers of inflammation in chronic kidney disease patients.

OBJECTIVE One prevalent characteristic of all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines. Fish oil (FO) supplementation has been reported to lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines. The benefits of FO for an extensive range of populations and a variety of health concerns are apparent, yet the anti-inflammatory benefits for nondialysis CKD patients are not as well documented. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the daily consumption of FO (1,400 mg eicosapentaenoic acid + 1,000 mg docosahexaenoic acid) on interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) for 8 weeks in nondialysis CKD patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled intervention, the effect of 8 weeks of FO administration on IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in nondialysis CKD patients were evaluated. INTERVENTION Thirty-one nondialysis CKD patients (17 = FO; 14 = placebo) randomly received either FO dietary supplementation 2.4 g/day (1,400 mg eicosapentaenoic acid + 1,000 mg docosahexaenoic acid) or placebo (safflower oil) for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were all measured as markers of inflammation. RESULTS One-way analysis of variance revealed no significant differences in IL-6 (P = .06), IL-1β (P = .18), and TNF-α (P = .20) between groups in pretest values. Additionally, no pretest differences existed between groups for age (P = .549), weight (P = .324), waist circumference (P = .086), gender (P = .591), and ethnicity (P = .875). Covariance was calculated using compliance, age, gender, ethnicity, body weight, and waist circumference as covariates. No significant differences were discovered between groups after FO supplementation for IL-6 (P = .453) and TNF-α (P = .242). A significant difference was discovered for IL-1β (P = .050) with lower levels in the FO group. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study are in agreement with some previous studies that suggest that FO supplementation has no effect on plasma proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α or IL-6, but does have an effect on IL-1β in nondialysis CKD patients.
Cooperative macromolecular device revealed by meta-analysis of static and time-resolved structures

Here we present a meta-analysis of a large collection of static structures of a protein in the Protein Data Bank in order to extract the progression of structural events during protein function. We apply this strategy to the homodimeric hemoglobin HbI from Scapharca inaequivalvis. We derive a simple dynamic model describing how binding of the first ligand in one of the two chemically identical subunits facilitates a second binding event in the other partner subunit. The results of our ultrafast time-resolved crystallographic studies support this model. We demonstrate that HbI functions like a homodimeric mechanical device, such as pliers or scissors. Ligand-induced motion originating in one subunit is transmitted to the other via conserved pivot points, where the E and F′ helices from two partner subunits are “bolted” together to form a stable dimer interface permitting slight relative rotation but preventing sliding.
Polycrystalline CPP-GMR Pseudospin Valves Using  $\langle {001}\rangle $  Textured Co2Fe(Ga0.5Ge0.5) Layer Grown on a Conductive (Mg0.5Ti0.5)O Buffer Layer

We report the magnetotransport properties and the microstructure of polycrystalline current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance (CPP-GMR) pseudospin valves (PSVs) using (001) textured Co<sub>2</sub>Fe(Ga<sub>0.5</sub>Ge<sub>0.5</sub>) (CFGG) ferromagnetic layers grown on a conductive (Mg<sub>0.5</sub>Ti<sub>0.5</sub>)O (MTO) buffer layer. The PSV with a 10 nm CFGG on 2 nm MTO buffer layers annealed at 400°C shows a resistance change-area (Δ R A) product of 6.6 mΩ μm<sup>2</sup>. Interfacial roughness of the PSV multilayer has been substantially reduced (0.2 nm) compared with those of our previously reported MgO-buffered CFGG/Ag/CFGG PSVs. A relatively large magnetoresistance output and favorable interfacial smoothness make MTO a promising choice to fabricate a (001) textured Heusler-alloy-based CPP-GMR device.
Simulation Study of Large-Scale Charge Sharing Mitigation Using Seamless Guard Band

In this paper, a novel seamless guard band (SGB) technique for charge sharing mitigation is studied using 3-D TCAD numerical simulations. The simulations results in 65-nm twin-well bulk CMOS technology indicate that the SGB technique can not only mitigate the single-event transient pulsewidth greatly but also mitigate the charge sharing between logical nodes or logical cells significantly. The simulation results also indicate that the SGB technique is superior to the conventional guard band (GB) technique, for it is more beneficial for parasitic bipolar effect mitigation. Using SGB technique, the single-event double-transient (SEDT) generation is mitigated completely under low LET particle (LET <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\le \text{40}\ \text{MeV}\cdot \text{cm}^{2}/\text{mg}$</tex-math></inline-formula>) radiation, and the SEDT pulsewidth is mitigated > 50% even with the LET of 80 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{MeV}\cdot \text{cm}^{2}/\text{mg}$</tex-math></inline-formula>, which is > 25% from GB technique. Finally, the SGB technique can be applied to the construction of a radiation-hardened standard cell library conveniently, and its area penalty is 1–1.67 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times$</tex-math></inline-formula>, which is the same with that of the GB technique.
THE RISK FOR RETINAL DETACHMENT ASSOCIATED WITH HEMORRHAGES PRE- AND POSTLASER TREATMENT IN RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY

Purpose: To determine the risk factors including retinal or vitreous hemorrhage for retinal detachment after laser photocoagulation in threshold or aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity. Methods: The medical records of 184 eyes of 94 consecutive infants who underwent diode laser photocoagulation for threshold or aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity between 1996 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Eight clinical variables were included in the logistic regression analysis to assess the relationship between each variable and retinal detachment of 4A or greater. Results: The mean follow-up after laser photocoagulation was 25.06 ± 23.59 months (range: 6–85 months). Sixteen (8.7%) eyes developed a retinal detachment. Pre and posttreatment retinal or vitreous hemorrhage was present in 30 (16.3%) eyes. Among 154 eyes without hemorrhage, 6 (3.9%) developed a retinal detachment, whereas 10 of 30 (33.3%) eyes with a hemorrhage developed a retinal detachment (P < 0.001). The logistic regression analysis showed that a pretreatment hemorrhage, vitreous organization, a persistent active element of plus disease after 21 days, and posttreatment hemorrhage were statistically associated with the development of a retinal detachment. Conclusion: Pre and posttreatment hemorrhage was significantly associated with the progression to retinal detachment along with vitreous organization, a persistent plus disease activity 21 days after treatment.
Optical spectroscopy of the bladder washout fluid to optimize fluorescence cystoscopy with Hexvix®

Abstract. Fluorescence cystoscopy enhances detection of early bladder cancer. Water used to inflate the bladder during the procedure rapidly contains urine, which may contain fluorochromes. This frequently degrades fluorescence images. Samples of bladder washout fluid (BWF) or urine were collected (15 subjects). We studied their fluorescence properties and assessed changes induced by pH (4 to 9) and temperature (15°C to 41°C). A typical fluorescence spectrum of BWF features a main peak (excitation/emission: 320/420 nm, FWHM=50/100 nm) and a weaker (5% to 20% of main peak intensity), secondary peak (excitation/emission: 455/525 nm, FWHM=80/50 nm). Interpatient fluctuations of fluorescence intensity are observed. Fluorescence intensity decreases when temperature increases (max 30%) or pH values vary (max 25%). Neither approach is compatible with clinical settings. Fluorescence lifetime measurements suggest that 4-pyridoxic acid/riboflavin is the most likely molecule responsible for urine’s main/secondary fluorescence peak. Our measurements give an insight into the spectroscopy of the detrimental background fluorescence. This should be included in the optical design of fluorescence cystoscopes. We estimate that restricting the excitation range from 370–430 nm to 395–415 nm would reduce the BWF background by a factor 2.