Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endogenous Myoglobin in Breast Cancer Is Hypoxia-inducible by Alternative Transcription and Functions to Impair Mitochondrial Activity

Background: The role of MB in tumors cells is yet unclear. Results: MB is induced by hypoxia in breast cancer cell lines, possibly by an alternative transcription start site. Knockdown of MB in breast cancer cells is functionally relevant and significantly alters cellular respiration. Conclusion: MB might impair mitochondria in hypoxic cancer cells. Significance: MB might have tumor-suppressive functions, not described so far. Recently, immunohistochemical analysis of myoglobin (MB) in human breast cancer specimens has revealed a surprisingly widespread expression of MB in this nonmuscle context. The positive correlation with hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) and carbonic anhydrase IX suggested that oxygen regulates myoglobin expression in breast carcinomas. Here, we report that MB mRNA and protein levels are robustly induced by prolonged hypoxia in breast cancer cell lines, in part via HIF-1/2-dependent transactivation. The hypoxia-induced MB mRNA originated from a novel alternative transcription start site 6 kb upstream of the ATG codon. MB regulation in normal and tumor tissue may thus be fundamentally different. Functionally, the knockdown of MB in MDA-MB468 breast cancer cells resulted in an unexpected increase of O2 uptake and elevated activities of mitochondrial enzymes during hypoxia. Silencing of MB transcription attenuated proliferation rates and motility capacities of hypoxic cancer cells and, surprisingly, also fully oxygenated breast cancer cells. Endogenous MB in cancer cells is apparently involved in controlling oxidative cell energy metabolism, contrary to earlier findings on mouse heart, where the targeted disruption of the Mb gene did not effect myocardial energetics and O2 consumption. This control function of MB seemingly impacts mitochondria and influences cell proliferation and motility, but it does so in ways not directly related to the facilitated diffusion or storage of O2. Hypothetically, the mitochondrion-impairing role of MB in hypoxic cancer cells is part of a novel tumor-suppressive function.
Staged-fault testing for high impedance fault data collection

Faulted lines must be repaired and returned to service in the shortest possible time to provide reliable service to the customers. Fault detection is an important aspect of system protection, as it involves personnel as well as equipment safety. The research on high impedance fault (HTF) detection techniques is mainly based on conventional methods, familiar to the power system engineers. TXU Electric Delivery (TXUED) and ABB have initiated a project to collect HIF data from staged-fault testing, to assist ABB in the research and development of suitable techniques for detecting high impedance faults. Since most protective relay engineers have spent their careers avoiding faults on the electric system, they are not usually comfortable with the process of staging faults on a system in service. The purpose of this paper is to describe one method of staging faults that is both safe for utility personnel performing the tests and results in no interruption or break in service to the utility consumers connected to the distribution feeder. Also, the analysis of the resulting HIF test data is discussed. These staged fault tests occurred on January 27-29, 2004 and also on September 27-28, 2004 on a distribution feeder at the TXU Huntington Substation near Lufkin, Texas.
Effects of Postural Education on Daily Habits in Children

A group-randomized controlled trial was carried out to investigate the effects of a postural education program on daily life habits related to low back pain in children. The study sample included 137 children aged 10.7 years. 6 classes from 2 primary schools were randomly allocated into an experimental group (EG) (N=63) or a control group (CG) (N=74). The EG received a postural education program over 6 weeks consisting of 6 sessions, while the CG followed the usual school curriculum. A questionnaire was completed by the participants at pretest, post-test and 3 months after the intervention finished. The outcomes collected were: correct use of sofa, stooping correctly, take care to sit correctly at home/school and frequent posture change on chair at home/school. A sum score was computed from the 6 items. To examine the effect of the intervention, we used repeated measures analysis of co-variance (ANCOVA); with baseline, post-test and follow-up outcome values as dependent variables, study group as fixed factor, and sex and age as covariates. Single healthy items mostly improved after the intervention and remained improved after 3 month follow-up in EG, while no substantial changes were observed in the CG. Healthy habits score was significantly increased at post-test compared to baseline in the EG (P<0.001), and remained significantly increased after 3-months, compared to baseline (P<0.001). No significant changes were observed in the CG (P>0.6). The results suggest that children are able to learn healthy daily life habits which might contribute to future prevention of low back pain.
Bacteria and PAMPs activate nuclear factor κB and Gro production in a subset of olfactory ensheathing cells and astrocytes but not in Schwann cells

The primary olfactory nerves provide uninterrupted conduits for neurotropic pathogens to access the brain from the nasal cavity, yet infection via this route is uncommon. It is conceivable that olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), which envelope the olfactory nerves along their entire length, provide a degree of immunological protection against such infections. We hypothesized that cultured OECs would be able to mount a biologically significant response to bacteria and pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The response of OECs to Escherichia coli (E. coli) and various PAMPs was compared to that of Schwann cells (SCs), astrocytes (ACs), and microglia (MG). A subset of OECs displayed nuclear localization of nuclear factor κB), an inflammatory transcription factor, after treatment with E. coli (20% ± 5%), lipopolysacchride (33% ± 9%), and Poly I:C (25% ± 5%), but not with peptidoglycan or CpG oligonucleotides. ACs displayed a similar level of activation to these treatments, and in addition responded to peptidoglycan. The activation of OECs and ACs was enhanced by coculture with MG (56% ± 16% and 85% ± 13%, respectively). In contrast, SCs did not respond to any treatment or to costimulation by MG. Immunostaining for the chemokine Gro demonstrated a functional response that was consistent with NFκB activation. OECs expressed mRNA for Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4, but only TLR4 protein was detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrate that OECs possess the cellular machinery that permits them to respond to certain bacterial ligands, and may have an innate immune function in protecting the CNS against infection. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Impact of Body Mass Index on the Link Between Depressive Symptoms and Health Outcome in Patients With Heart Failure

Background:Depressive symptoms are predictors of shorter cardiac event-free survival, whereas increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with longer cardiac event-free survival in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the impact of BMI on the link between depressive symptoms and cardiac event-free survival is unexplored. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the relationship between depressive symptoms and cardiac event-free survival differs among HF patients stratified by BMI tertiles. Methods:A total of 297 outpatients with HF completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to assess depressive symptoms. Body mass index was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Patients were followed for 1 year to determine cardiac event-free survival. Cox proportional hazard regression with survival curves was used to determine the relationships among depressive symptoms, BMI, and cardiac event-free survival. Results:Both depressive symptoms (P < .001) and lower BMI (P = .002) are independent predictors of shorter cardiac event-free survival after controlling for age, gender, etiology, total comorbidity scores, ejection fraction, New York Heart Association functional class, and prescribed medications. Patients with depressive symptoms had shorter cardiac event-free survival compared with patients without depressive symptoms in the lowest (P = .001) and middle (P = .036) BMI tertiles. There was no difference in cardiac event-free survival between patients with and without depressive symptoms in the highest tertile (P = .894). Conclusions:Higher BMI has a protective role in the adverse effect of depressive symptoms on health outcomes in patients with HF.
The Minimal Replicator of Epstein-Barr VirusoriP

ABSTRACT oriP is a 1.7-kb region of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) chromosome that supports the replication and stable maintenance of plasmids in human cells. oriP contains two essential components, called the DS and the FR, both of which contain multiple binding sites for the EBV-encoded protein, EBNA-1. The DS appears to function as the replicator of oriP, while the FR acts in conjunction with EBNA-1 to prevent the loss of plasmids from proliferating cells. Because of EBNA-1's role in stabilizing plasmids through the FR, it has not been entirely clear to what extent EBNA-1 might be required for replication from oriP per se, and a recent study has questioned whether EBNA-1 has any direct role in replication. In the present study we found that plasmids carryingoriP required EBNA-1 to replicate efficiently even when assayed only 2 days after plasmids were introduced into the cell lines 143B and 293. Significantly, using 293 cells it was demonstrated that the plasmid-retention function of EBNA-1 and the FR did not contribute significantly to the accumulation of replicated plasmids, and the DS supported efficient EBNA-1-dependent replication in the absence of the FR. The DS contains two pairs of closely spaced EBNA-1 binding sites, and a previous study had shown that both sites within either pair are required for activity. However, it was unclear from previous work what additional sequences within the DS might be required. We found that each “half” of the DS, including a pair of closely spaced EBNA-1 binding sites, had significant replicator activity when the other half had been deleted. The only significant DNA sequences that the two halves of the DS share in common, other than EBNA-1 binding sites, is a 9-bp sequence that is present twice in the “left half” and once in the “right half. ” These nonamer repeats, while not essential for activity, contributed significantly to the activity of each half of the DS. Two thymines occur at unique positions within EBNA-1 binding sites 1 and 4 at the DS and become sensitive to oxidation by permanganate when EBNA-1 binds, but mutation of each to the consensus base, adenine, actually improved the activity of each half of the DS slightly. In conclusion, the DS of oriP is an EBNA-1-dependent replicator, and its minimal active core appears to be simply two properly spaced EBNA-1 binding sites.
Monthly variation in physical activity levels in postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION Month-to-month variation in physical activity levels in a cohort of postmenopausal women participating in a single site clinical trial undergoing lifestyle intervention was investigated before and after lifestyle intervention. METHODS Participants were Caucasian and African American women (mean age = 57.0 +/- 3.0 yr) from the Women on the Move through Activity and Nutrition study. Physical activity was measured subjectively by questionnaire (past week and past year) and objectively by pedometer at the baseline and at the 18-month follow-up. RESULTS At baseline, before intervention, pedometer steps were highest in the summer months (7616 steps per day), lower in the fall (6293 steps per day), lowest in winter (5304 steps per day), and then rebounded in the spring (5850 steps per day). Physical activity estimates from the past-week subjective measure followed the same seasonal pattern. After 18 months, the lifestyle change group significantly increased their pedometer step counts when compared with the health education group (P < 0.0001). At 18 months, pedometer step counts for the health education group appeared to fluctuate from month to month, whereas month-to-month step counts for the lifestyle change group appeared to remain consistent throughout the year. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm previous reports that suggest physical activity levels fluctuate throughout the year. Lifestyle intervention, which includes a physical activity component, not only increases step counts but appears to reduce some of variation in physical activity levels over the course of a year in postmenopausal women.
Perpetration of partner violence and HIV risk behaviour among young men in the rural Eastern Cape, South Africa

Objectives:To examine associations between the perpetration of intimate partner violence and HIV risk behaviour among young men in rural South Africa. Design:An analysis of baseline data from men enrolling in a randomized controlled trial of the behavioural intervention, Stepping Stones. Methods:Structured interviews with 1275 sexually experienced men aged 15–26 years from 70 villages in the rural Eastern Cape. Participants were asked about the type, frequency, and timing of violence against female partners, as well as a range of questions about HIV risk behaviours. Results:A total of 31.8% of men reported the perpetration of physical or sexual violence against female main partners. Perpetration was correlated with higher numbers of past year and lifetime sexual partners, more recent intercourse, and a greater likelihood of reporting casual sex partners, problematic substance use, sexual assault of non-partners, and transactional sex. Men who reported both physical and sexual violence against a partner, perpetration both before and within the past 12 months, or more than one episode of perpetration reported significantly higher levels of HIV risk behaviour than men who reported less severe or less frequent perpetration of violence. Conclusion:Young men who perpetrate partner violence engage in significantly higher levels of HIV risk behaviour than non-perpetrators, and more severe violence is associated with higher levels of risky behaviour. HIV prevention interventions must explicitly address the links between the perpetration of intimate partner violence and HIV risk behaviour among men, as well as the underlying gender and power dynamics that contribute to both.
Cranial myology and bite force performance of Erlikosaurus andrewsi: a novel approach for digital muscle reconstructions

The estimation of bite force and bite performance in fossil and extinct animals is a challenging subject in palaeontology and is highly dependent on the reconstruction of the cranial myology. Furthermore, the morphology and arrangement of the adductor muscles considerably affect feeding processes and mastication and thus also have important dietary and ecological ramifications. However, in the past, the reconstruction of the (cranial) muscles was restricted to the identification of muscle attachment sites or simplified computer models. This study presents a detailed reconstruction of the adductor musculature of the Cretaceous therizinosaur Erlikosaurus andrewsi based on a stepwise and iterative approach. The detailed, three‐dimensional models of the individual muscles allow for more accurate measurements of the muscle properties (length, cross‐section, attachment angle and volume), from which muscle and bite force estimates are calculated. Bite force estimations are found to be the lowest at the tip of the snout (43–65 N) and respectively higher at the first (59–88 N) and last tooth (90–134 N) position. Nevertheless, bite forces are comparatively low for E. andrewsi, both in actual numbers as well as in comparison with other theropod dinosaurs. The results further indicate that the low bite performance was mainly used for leaf‐stripping and plant cropping, rather than active mastication or chewing processes. Muscle and thus bite force in E. andrewsi (and most likely all therizinosaurs) is considerably constrained by the cranial anatomy and declines in derived taxa of this clade. This trend is reflected in the changes of dietary preferences from carnivory to herbivory in therizinosaurs.
Electrified Automotive Powertrain Architecture Using Composite DC–DC Converters

In a hybrid or electric vehicle powertrain, a boost dc-dc converter enables reduction of the size of the electric machine and optimization of the battery system. Design of the powertrain boost converter is challenging because the converter must be rated at high peak power, while efficiency at medium-to-light load is critical for the vehicle system performance. By addressing only some of the loss mechanisms, previously proposed efficiency improvement approaches offer limited improvements in size, cost, and efficiency tradeoffs. This paper shows how all dominant loss mechanisms in automotive powertrain applications can be mitigated using a new boost composite converter approach. In the composite dc-dc architecture, the loss mechanisms associated with indirect power conversion are addressed explicitly, resulting in fundamental efficiency improvements over wide ranges of operating conditions. Several composite converter topologies are presented and compared to state-of-the-art boost converter technologies. It is found that the selected boost composite converter results in a decrease in the total loss by a factor of 2-4 for typical drive cycles. Furthermore, the total system capacitor power rating and energy rating are substantially reduced, which implies potentials for significant reductions in system size and cost.
Prevalence of hepatitis A virus infection among municipal solid‐waste workers

A study was conducted among 151 municipal workers (72 solid‐waste workers, and 79 workers not exposed to waste). Total antibodies against Hepatitis A virus (HAV) were measured, and socio‐demographic information was collected using a self‐administered questionnaire. Univariate analysis has shown that occupational exposure to waste, age, duration of employment and educational status were significantly associated with the prevalence of anti‐HAV(+). Municipal Solid Waste Workers had a higher prevalence of anti‐HAV(+) in comparison with municipal workers not exposed to waste. Duration of employment was significantly associated anti‐HAV(+). Multivariate analysis revealed an independent association of anti‐HAV(+) with occupational exposure to waste and ageing. Our results suggest a potential causal role of occupational exposure to waste, in the development of HAV infection.
Salivary β2-Microglobulin Analysis in Chronic Kidney Disease and Hemodialyzed Patients

Background: β2-Microglobulin (β2m) is a major component in dialysis-related amyloidosis, a disabling disease affecting long-term dialysis patients. Methods: β2m and other components were analyzed in saliva and serum from 53 individuals in 4 subgroups: healthy normal controls, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients. Results: Median salivary and mean serum β2m concentrations were 78% higher in both saliva (p = 0.048) and serum (p = 0.047) in DM patients; 118% (p = 0.016) and 907% (p = 0.007) higher, respectively, in CKD patients, and 328% (p = 0.0001) and 2,710% (p = 0.001) higher, respectively, in HD patients, compared with healthy controls. The correlation analysis between salivary and serum β2m concentrations showed a low correlation rate in HD patients (r = –0.18), but was rather high in CKD patients (r = 0.50). Conclusions: Salivary analysis of β2m is a reliable method for evaluating serum β2m levels in CKD patients, and may help predict the potential for development of CKD-induced amyloidosis.
Low‐grade cylindromatous adnexal carcinoma with unusual histopathological features: report of a case with comparative immunohistochemical study and meta‐analysis of the literature

We present an extremely rare case of low‐grade cylindromatous adnexal carcinoma (CAC) on the right chest wall of a 77‐year‐old man. Histopathologically, the neoplasm was initially diagnosed as a cylindroma that developed over the course of 13 years. A diagnosis of low‐grade CAC was rendered after the documentation of a local recurrence and histopathology of the recurrent tumor. To further assess the evolution of low‐grade CAC over time, we compared the morphology, mitotic account, proliferative markers and adhesion molecule immunoreactivity among paired primary and recurrent tumors. Unlike those earlier reported, our case showed the maintenance of tumor morphology after a recurrence without areas of obvious malignant transformation or metaplastic change. We showed here for the first time the expression of adhesion molecules of CAC/spiradenoma and a comparison of proliferation indices between a primary tumor and its local recurrence. This peculiar tumor differs from previously reported cases and harbors a malignant potential although the histopathological features of malignancy are subtle. Our meta‐analysis of the literature provided background information regarding this rare entity. Alterations of E‐cadherin and GCDFP‐15 expression may provide additional helpful clues in differential diagnosis and determining the clinical behavior of this unusual neoplasm. Further studies are warranted to confirm the potential discriminative role of these markers.
Exploring poverty traps and social exclusion in South Africa using qualitative and quantitative data

Abstract Recent theoretical work hypothesises that a polarised society like South Africa will suffer a legacy of ineffective social capital and blocked pathways of upward mobility that leaves large numbers of people trapped in poverty. To explore these ideas, this paper employs a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. Novel econometric analysis of asset dynamics over the 1993–98 period identifies a dynamic asset poverty threshold that signals that large numbers of South Africans are indeed trapped without a pathway out of poverty. Qualitative analysis of this period and the period 1998–2001 more deeply examines patterns of mobility, and confirms the continuation of this pattern of limited upward mobility and a low-level poverty trap. In addition, the qualitative data permit a closer look at the specific role played by social relationships. While finding ample evidence of active social capital and networks, these are more helpful for non-poor households. For the poor, social capital at best helps stabilise livelihoods at low levels and does little to promote upward mobility. While there is thus some economic sense to sociability in South Africa, elimination of the polarised economic legacy of apartheid will ultimately require more proactive efforts to assure that households have access to a minimum bundle of assets and to the markets needed to effectively build on those assets over time.