Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diverse conjugative elements silence natural transformation in Legionella species

Significance Natural transformation is a major mechanism of horizontal gene transfer. Although the genes required for natural transformation are nearly ubiquitous in bacteria, it is commonly reported that some isolates of transformable species fail to transform. In Legionella pneumophila, we show that the inability of multiple clinical isolates to transform is caused by a conjugative element that shuts down expression of genes required for transformation. Diverse conjugative elements in the Legionella genus have adopted the same inhibition strategy. We propose that inhibition of natural transformation by episomal and integrated conjugative elements can explain the lack of transformability of isolates and also the apparent lack of natural transformation in some species. Natural transformation (i.e., the uptake of DNA and its stable integration in the chromosome) is a major mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria. Although the vast majority of bacterial genomes carry the genes involved in natural transformation, close relatives of naturally transformable species often appear not competent for natural transformation. In addition, unexplained extensive variations in the natural transformation phenotype have been reported in several species. Here, we addressed this phenomenon by conducting a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on a panel of isolates of the opportunistic pathogen Legionella pneumophila. GWAS revealed that the absence of the transformation phenotype is associated with the conjugative plasmid pLPL. The plasmid inhibits transformation by simultaneously silencing the genes required for DNA uptake and recombination. We identified a small RNA (sRNA), RocRp, as the sole plasmid-encoded factor responsible for the silencing of natural transformation. RocRp is homologous to the highly conserved and chromosome-encoded sRNA RocR which controls the transient expression of the DNA uptake system. Assisted by the ProQ/FinO-domain RNA chaperone RocC, RocRp acts as a substitute of RocR, ensuring that the bacterial host of the conjugative plasmid does not become naturally transformable. Distinct homologs of this plasmid-encoded sRNA are found in diverse conjugative elements in other Legionella species. Their low to high prevalence may result in the lack of transformability of some isolates up to the apparent absence of natural transformation in the species. Generally, our work suggests that conjugative elements obscure the widespread occurrence of natural transformability in bacteria.
Career Aspiratioins Of Selected FFA Members

This descriptive study conducted in 2003 utilized random sampling techniques for accessing the 450,000 members of the National FFA Organization. The purpose of the study was to describe career aspirations of FFA members within, and related to, USDE career clusters, Supervised Agricultural Experiences, Career Development Event participation and career related demographic indicators. The study compared results to a similar study conducted in 1999. The data revealed that FFA members are busy with involvement in multiple sports and multiple clubs within their school and that a majority hold a job. FFA members across the nation consistently connect to agriculture with over half of all respondents reporting involvement in raising animals or crops as an SAE. The data revealed that FFA members strongly associate with production practices in agriculture through their involvement in FFA activities. Eighty-seven percent of all respondents aspire to some form of post-secondary education or technical training. One-third of all respondents indicated their first choice of careers within the USDE career clusters to be agriculture while health sciences received 14%. A recommendation is that the National FFA Organization develop activities and awards programs that emphasize skills and careers found within the broader life sciences industry.
Pattern of presentation and management of ca breast in developing countries. There is a lot to do.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the pattern of presentation, severity, factors responsible for delayed presentation and outcome of breast cancer in patients presenting to a teaching hospital of Jamshoro. METHODS It's a prospective descriptive study of 103 malignant breast lumps treated at a tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 8 years. All patients were admitted through Outpatients department and were thoroughly examined and investigated. Treatment offered was based on triple assessment and ranged from lumpectomy to toilet mastectomy depending upon the stage of disease. The variables studied were recorded on a proforma and analyzed on SPSS version 12 for measuring frequencies and using Chi square test where applicable. RESULTS The mean age of the study population was 39.17 +/- 6.019 years and a range of 22 to 54 years. The frequency of advanced malignancy was alarmingly high in younger patients. Intra- ductal carcinoma was the commonest tumour in 93 (90%) patients, while the remaining included lobular (07) and Paget's disease (03). The high figures of advanced disease at presentation is attributed to lack of knowledge and education, poverty and local customs of women not exposing themselves even to the physicians. In addition, there is a substantial delay in the referral of patients from under privileged, remote areas where patients continue to receive symptomatic treatment till such time that disease becomes incurable. CONCLUSION Advanced breast disease is common in younger patients belonging to underprivileged and remote rural areas. Great efforts are required to educate people so as to make early diagnosis possible
Topological Uncertainty in Wireless Networks

This work provides an analysis of topological uncertainty in wireless networks. Here, we model a wireless network as a random geometric graph (RGG) and quantify topological uncertainty in terms of the Shannon entropy of the underlying graph model. Direct pairwise connections between nodes are probabilistic in general, and thus our analysis covers cases where channel randomness contributes to uncertainty in the network topology. We derive a simple bound on RGG entropy. We then consider a pairwise connection model based on small-scale Rayleigh fading and study the behavior of the entropy bound as the number of nodes n in the network grows large while the typical connection range r_0 increases or decreases. We present three key results that quantify the rate of growth or decay of r_0, as a function of the number of nodes n, that must be obeyed in order for the entropy bound to converge to a positive limit. Although the contributions of this paper are theoretical, they have applications in systems such as ad hoc networks employing opportunistic routing and device-to-device (D2D) networks for future cellular communication (5G and beyond).
Dating and substance use in adolescent peer networks: a replication and extension.

AIMS The current report examined associations between romantic partner, peer and individual substance use behaviors in a sample of American adolescents. DESIGN The report used two waves of data (8th and 9th grades) from the Partnerships to Enhance Resilience (PROSPER) intervention project and focused on dating couples and their friends in 54 sampled school-cohorts. Hierarchical logistic regression models examined the associations between friend, partner and friend-of-partner substance use and daters' future drinking and smoking. SETTING Surveys administered in rural Pennsylvania and Iowa secondary schools. PARTICIPANTS A total of 744 dating couples. MEASUREMENTS Student participants completed questionnaires that assessed substance use, background characteristics and dating and friend nominations. Friend, partner and friend-of-partner substance use were assessed at each wave directly from respective reports. FINDINGS Consistent with a bridging hypothesis, friends-of-partner drinking had a strong and independent association with subsequent drunkenness (b = 1.40, P < 0.01) and drinking (b = 0.82, P < 0.01) among daters, and these associations did not vary by gender. A similar association was not observed for smoking, where partner (b = 0.77, P < 0.01) and direct friends (b = 1.19, P < 0.05) smoking showed strong and significant associations with future smoking, but friends-of-partner smoking did not (b = -0.44, P > 0.10). CONCLUSION Romantic partner and peer behaviors have substantially different associations with adolescent drinking and smoking. Intervention efforts aimed at reducing teenage smoking should be aimed at proximal peer and romantic relationships, whereas interventions of teenage drinking should also include the wider circle of indirect friends.
Parameters of Regional Cooperative Behavior in the German Biotech Industry – A Quantitative Social Network Analysis

We analyse the determinants of network formation in Germany's biotechnology industry using social network analysis combined with a regression approach for count data. Outcome variable of interest is the degree centrality of German regions, which is specified as a function of the region's innovative and economic performance as well as biotech-related policy variables. The inclusion of the latter allows us to shed new light on the question to what extent R&D-based cluster policies are able to impact on the formation of the German biotech network. Our results show that policy indicators such as the volume of public funding for collaborative R&D activity are positively correlated with the region's overall and interregional degree centrality. However, besides this direct funding effect, we do not observe any further (non-pecuniary) advantages such as prestige or image effects. Regarding the role played by locational factors as elements of the sector-specific and broader regional innovation system, we find that the number of biotech patent applications, the share of regional hightech start-ups and the population density among other factors are positively correlated with the region's position in the German biotechnology network.
Evaluation of chimerism by quantitative PCR analysis of DNA polymorphism after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a pediatric population with malignancies

Bautista F, Moreno L, Fernández‐Navarro JM, Senent L, Andrés MM, Castel V, Verdeguer A. Evaluation of chimerism by quantitative PCR analysis of DNA polymorphism after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a pediatric population with malignancies. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:81–87. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
The scaling of tooth sharpness in mammals

The scaling of many aspects of mammalian biology remains to be thoroughly investigated. Isometric scaling of tooth sharpness over very large body size ranges appears unlikely from a theoretical viewpoint, as geometricallysimilar teeth will function differently in a masticatory system that scales isometrically. Taking into consideration developmental controls on tooth shape and the effects of tooth wear, tooth sharpness is predicted to be highest in small animals, with relatively lower tooth sharpness in medium and large animals. The results for small to large mammals (1-2500 kg) are reassessed to show that in this range of body size there is no isometric scaling in this body size range and that wear is probably the primary determinant of sharpness, producing sharpness that is relatively scale-independent when sufficient wear occurs. Including limited additional data on tooth sharpness for very small mammals (Microchiroptera) suggests that there may be an overall trend of isometry for functional tooth crests over the very broadest range in size (0.008-2500 kg), a hypothesis that can be tested in the future with broader taxonomic sampling.
Mechano-electrical transducer currents in hair cells of the cultured neonatal mouse cochlea

The first step towards the generation of the receptor potential in hair cells is the gating of the transducer channels and subsequent flow of transducer current, induced by deflection of the stereocilia. We describe properties of the transducer current in outer hair cells of neonatal mice. Less extensive observations on inner hair cells suggest that their transducer currents have similar characteristics. The hair bundles were stimulated by force from a fluid jet. The transducer currents in outer hair cells are the largest found so far in any hair cell, with a chord conductance of up to 9.2 nS at – 84 mV. The transfer function suggests that the channel has at least two closed states and one open state. The permeabilities for sodium, potassium and caesium are similar, consistent with the channel being a fairly non-selective cation channel. At negative potentials the currents adapt in most cells, although never as completely as in hair cells of lower vertebrates. If the unit conductance of the transducer channel is similar to that of the turtle’s auditory hair cells (100 pS), then there are about 90 channels per hair bundle, or one channel between every pair of adjacent stereocilia in neighbouring rows.
Effects and Regulation of Connective Tissue Growth Factor on Hepatic Stellate Cells

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a 38-kd protein involved in several human fibrotic disorders including atherosclerosis and skin and renal fibrosis. Although it has been shown that human and experimental liver fibrosis is associated with CTGF expression through up-regulation of CTGF mRNA by hepatic stellate cells (HSC), the role of CTGF in the liver has not yet been determined. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of CTGF on rat primary HSC and its regulation in a well-established model of in vitro liver fibrogenesis. Incubation of primary HSC with recombinant CTGF induced a significant migratory (2.3-fold, 50 ng/ml CTGF) and proliferative effect (1.8-fold, 100 ng/ml CTGF). Type I collagen mRNA expression, as assessed by a real-time RT-PCR procedure, was also increased when cells were incubated in the presence of CTGF (2-fold, 50 ng/ml). Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) strongly stimulated CTGF mRNA expression, a direct mechanism observed in the absence of any intermediate protein synthesis. Furthermore, spontaneous activation of HSC plated on plastic and stimulation by vascular endothelial growth factor, lipid peroxidation products (HNE, MDA), acetaldehyde, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB significantly up-regulated CTGF mRNA expression in HSC. PDGF-induced CTGF stimulation might be related in part to TGF-β1 secretion because CTGF mRNA up-regulation observed after PDGF-BB stimulation was abrogated in the presence of neutralizing TGF-β1 antibody. In conclusion, this study extends the role of CTGF in HSC activation and suggests that CTGF up-regulation might be a central pathway during HSC activation.
An application of q-calculus to harmonic univalent functions

The purpose of the present paper is to introduce a new subclass of harmonic univalent functions associated with q-calculus. We obtain coefficient conditions, distortion bounds, extreme points, convolution condition and convex combination for functions belonging to this class. We also discuss a class-preserving integral operator and q-Jackson type integral operator for this class of functions.
Occupational therapy for multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are referred to occupational therapy with complaints about fatigue, limb weakness, alteration of upper extremity fine motor coordination, loss of sensation and spasticity that causes limitations in performance of activities of daily living and social participation. The primary purpose of occupational therapy is to enable individuals to participate in self-care, work and leisure activities that they want or need to perform. OBJECTIVES To determine whether occupational therapy interventions in MS patients improve outcome on functional ability, social participation and/or health related quality of life. SEARCH STRATEGY Relevant full length articles were identified by electronical searches in Medline, Cinahl, Embase, Amed, Scisearch and The Cochrane MS Group Trials Register. The reference list of identified studies and reviews were examined for additional references. Date of last search: December 2002. SELECTION CRITERIA Controlled (randomized and non-randomized) and other than controlled studies addressing occupational therapy for MS patients were eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The methodological quality of the included trials was independently assessed by two reviewers. Disagreements were resolved by discussion. A list proposed by Van Tulder et al. (Van Tulder 1997) was used to assess the methodological quality. For outcome measures, standardized mean differences were calculated. The results were analysed using a best-evidence synthesis based on type of design, methodological quality and the significant findings of outcome and/or process measures. MAIN RESULTS Only one randomized clinical trial was identified. Two other included studies were a controlled clinical trial and a study with a pre-post test design. The studies included 271 patients in total. Two studies evaluated an energy-conservation course for groups of patients and one study evaluated a counselling intervention. The results of the energy conservation studies could be biased because of the designs used, the poor methodological quality and the small number of included patients. The high quality RCT on counselling reported non-significant results. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS On basis of this review no conclusions can be stated whether occupational therapy improves outcome in MS patients. The lack of (randomized controlled) efficacy studies in most intervention categories of OT shows an urgent need for future research in occupational therapy for multiple sclerosis. Initially, a survey of occupational therapy practice for MS patients including the characteristics and needs of these patients is necessary to develop a research agenda for efficacy studies.
T2 measurement of J‐coupled metabolites in the human brain at 3T

Proton T2 relaxation times of metabolites in the human brain were measured using point resolved spectroscopy at 3T in vivo. Four echo times (54, 112, 246 and 374 ms) were selected from numerical and phantom analyses for effective detection of the glutamate multiplet at ~ 2.35 ppm. In vivo data were obtained from medial and left occipital cortices of five healthy volunteers. The cortices contained predominantly gray and white matter, respectively. Spectra were analyzed with LCModel software using volume‐localized calculated spectra of brain metabolites. The estimate of the signal strength vs. TE was fitted to a monoexponential function for estimation of apparent T2 (T2†). T2† was estimated to be similar between the brain regions for creatine, choline, glutamate and myo‐inositol, but significantly different for N‐acetylaspartate singlet and multiplet. T2†s of glutamate and myo‐inositol were measured as 181 ± 16 and 197 ± 14 ms (mean ± SD, N = 5) for medial occipital cortices, and 180 ± 12 and 196 ± 17 ms for left occipital cortices, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure and Germany: When is a surplus an “imbalance”?

In this new Policy Brief, CEPS Director Daniel Gros argues that the 13 November announcement of the European Commission that Germany is running an excessive current account surplus appears to be much ado about little. All the Commission can, and will, do is to start an ‘in depth analysis’. This might lead to strong political reactions and an enormous echo in the media. But nothing of concrete substance is likely to follow.
Albumin Dialysis With a Noncell Artificial Liver Support Device in Patients With Acute Liver Failure

BACKGROUND Albumin dialysis with the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) (Gambro, Lund, Sweden), a noncell artificial liver support device, may be beneficial in acute liver failure (ALF). OBJECTIVE To determine whether MARS improves survival in ALF. DESIGN Randomized, controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00224705). SETTING 16 French liver transplantation centers. PATIENTS 102 patients with ALF. INTERVENTION Conventional treatment (n = 49) or MARS with conventional treatment (n = 53), stratified according to whether paracetamol caused ALF. MEASUREMENTS 6-month survival and secondary end points, including adverse events. RESULTS 102 patients (mean age, 40.4 years [SD, 13]) were in the modified intention-to-treat (mITT) population. The per-protocol analysis (49 conventional, 39 MARS) included patients with at least 1 session of MARS of 5 hours or more. Six-month survival was 75.5% (95% CI, 60.8% to 86.2%) with conventional treatment and 84.9% (CI, 71.9% to 92.8%) with MARS (P = 0.28) in the mITT population and 75.5% (CI, 60.8% to 86.2%) with conventional treatment and 82.9% (CI, 65.9% to 91.9%) with MARS (P = 0.50) in the per-protocol population. In patients with paracetamol-related ALF, the 6-month survival rate was 68.4% (CI, 43.5% to 86.4%) with conventional treatment and 85.0% (CI, 61.1% to 96.0%) with MARS (P = 0.46) in the mITT population. Sixty-six of 102 patients had transplantation (41.0% among paracetamol-induced ALF; 79.4% among non-paracetamol-induced ALF) (P < 0.001). Adverse events did not significantly differ between groups. LIMITATION The short delay from randomization to liver transplantation (median, 16.2 hours) precludes definitive efficacy or safety evaluations. CONCLUSION This randomized trial of MARS in patients with ALF was unable to provide definitive efficacy or safety conclusions because many patients had transplantation before administration of the intervention. Acute liver failure not caused by paracetamol was associated with greater 6-month patient survival. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris.
Identification of a virulence gene cluster of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by signature‐tagged transposon mutagenesis

Tuberculosis remains the greatest cause of death worldwide due to a single pathogen. In order to identify the genes required for the pathogenicity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a functional genomic approach was developed. A library of signature‐tagged transposon mutants of this bacterium was constructed and screened for those affected in their multiplication within the lungs of mice. From 1927 mutants tested, 16 were attenuated for their virulence. The insertions harboured by the selected mutants were mapped on the M. tuberculosis genome and most of the mutated loci appeared to be involved in lipid metabolism or transport across the membrane. Four independent mutations identified a cluster of virulence genes located on a 50 kb chromosomal region. These genes might be involved in the production of phthiocerol and phenolphthiocerol derivatives, a group of molecules restricted to eight mycobacterial species, seven of them being either strict or opportunistic pathogens. The interaction of five mutant strains with mouse bone marrow macrophages was investigated. These five mutants were still able to multiply in this cell type. However, in three cases, there was a growth defect in comparison with the wild‐type strain. The other two strains exhibited no clear difference from the virulent strain, MT103, in this model. This study, which is the first global research of virulence factors of M. tuberculosis, opens the way to a better understanding of the molecules that are key players in the interaction of this pathogen with its host.
Changes in the muscle fiber properties of the mouse temporal muscle after weaning

To clarify changes in the muscle fiber properties of the temporal muscle related to the start of masticatory movement, we immunohistochemically investigated myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform protein expression using pre-weaning and post-weaning mice. In addition, we examined the expression of a gene coding for those MHC proteins. Immediately after weaning, isoforms with fast and potent contractility were frequent. This suggests that the temporal muscle plays an important role in a marked functional change in the oral cavity from lactation to mastication, contributing to oral function in cooperation with other masticatory muscles.