Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environmental Regulation of Salmonella typhi Invasion-Defective Mutants

ABSTRACT Salmonella typhi is the etiologic agent of human typhoid. During infection, S. typhi adheres to and invades epithelial and M cells that line the distal ileum. To survive in the human host, S. typhi must overcome numerous complex extracellular and intracellular environments. Since relatively little is known about S. typhi pathogenesis, studies were initiated to identify S. typhi genes involved in the early steps of interaction with the host and to evaluate the environmental regulation of these genes. In the present study, TnphoAmutagenesis was used to study these early steps. We isolated 16Salmonella typhi TnphoA mutants that were defective for both adherence and invasion of the human small intestinal epithelial cell line Int407. Twelve of sixteen mutations were identified in genes homologous to the S. typhimurium invGand prgH genes, which are known to be involved in the type III secretion pathway of virulence proteins. Two additional insertions were identified in genes sharing homology with the cpxA anddamX genes from Escherichia coli K-12, and two uncharacterized invasion-deficient mutants were nonmotile. Gene expression of TnphoA fusions was examined in response to environmental stimuli. We found that the cpxA,invG, and prgH genes were induced when grown under conditions of high osmolarity (0.3 M NaCl). Expression ofinvG and prgH genes was optimal at pH 6.5 and strongly reduced at low pH (5.0). Transcription of bothinvG and prgH TnphoA gene fusions was initiated during the late logarithmic growth phase and was induced under anaerobic conditions. Finally, we show that both invGand prgH genes appear to be regulated by DNA supercoiling, a mechanism influenced by environmental factors. These results are the first to demonstrate that in S. typhi, (i) theprgH and cpxA genes are osmoregulated, (ii) theinvG gene is induced under low oxygen conditions, (iii) theinvG gene is pH regulated and growth phase dependent, and (iv) the prgH gene appears to be regulated by DNA supercoiling. Since our experimental conditions were designed to mimic the in vivo environmental milieu, our results suggest that specific environmental conditions act as signals to induce the expression ofS. typhi invasion genes.
Developmental regulation of glucose transporters GLUT3, GLUT4 and GLUT8 in the mouse cerebellar cortex

Glucose uptake into the mammalian nervous system is mediated by the family of facilitative glucose transporter proteins (GLUT). In this work we investigate how the expression of the main neuronal glucose transporters (GLUT3, GLUT4 and GLUT8) is modified during cerebellar cortex maturation. Our results reveal that the levels of the three transporters increase during the postnatal development of the cerebellum. GLUT3 localizes in the growing molecular layer and in the internal granule cell layer. However, the external granule cell layer, Purkinje cell cytoplasm and cytoplasm of the other cerebellar cells lack GLUT3 expression. GLUT4 and GLUT8 have partially overlapping patterns, which are detected in the cytoplasm and dendrites of Purkinje cells, and also in the internal granule cell layer where GLUT8 displays a more diffuse pattern. The differential localization of the transporters suggests that they play different roles in the cerebellum, although GLUT4 and GLUT8 could also perform some compensatory or redundant functions. In addition, the increase in the levels and the area expressing the three transporters suggests that these roles become more important as development advances. Interestingly, the external granule cells, which have been shown to express the monocarboxylate transporter MCT2, express none of the three main neuronal GLUTs. However, when these cells migrate inwardly to differentiate in the internal granule cells, they begin to produce GLUT3, GLUT4 and GLUT8, suggesting that the maturation of the cerebellar granule cells involves a switch in their metabolism in such a way that they start using glucose as they mature.
Local Government Authority and Representation in REDD+: A Case Study from Nigeria

SUMMARY Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries (REDD+) is a global climate change mitigation initiative. The United Nations REDD Programme (UN-REDD) is building capacity in developing countries interested in REDD+ including Nigeria. REDD+ will reduce access to forests and compromise the livelihoods of local people. UN-REDD commits to strengthen local democracy as a safeguard to prevent elite capture of benefits from REDD+ for local people. This study examined whether local representation in the UN-REDD international policy board and during the consultative process accompanying adoption of REDD+ in Nigeria strengthened local democracy. The study is based on field research in Nigeria in 2012 and 2013. It found that local government authority, the substantive political representatives of local people were not in the UN-REDD policy board, and were absent from the consultative process that led to adoption of REDD+ in Nigeria.
Identification and Molecular Characterization of Two Closely Related G Protein-coupled Receptors Activated by Prokineticins/Endocrine Gland Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor*

We previously described two mammalian secreted proteins, prokineticin 1 and prokineticin 2, that potently contract gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Prokineticin 1 has also been shown to promote angiogenesis by stimulating proliferation, migration, and fenestration of endocrine organ-derived endothelial cells. Here we report the cloning and characterization of two closely related G protein-coupled receptors as receptors for prokineticins. Expression of prokineticin receptors in heterologous systems shows that these receptors bind to and are activated by nanomolar concentrations of recombinant prokineticins. Activation of prokineticin receptors leads to mobilization of calcium, stimulation of phosphoinositide turnover, and activation of p44/p42 MAPK signaling pathways that are consistent with the effects of prokineticins on smooth muscle contraction and angiogenesis. mRNA expression analysis reveals that prokineticin receptors are expressed in gastrointestinal organs, endocrine glands, and other tissues.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Primary Care Approach

Purpose To provide primary care providers with guidelines on the evaluation, diagnosis and management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Data sources Research‐based articles in the medical literature, review articles, and clinical practice guidelines. Conclusion Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects mainly synovial joints. Diagnosis is based primarily on clinical examination. Clinical criteria developed by the American Rheumatism Association can help the primary care provider recognize this potentially devastating disease and facilitate early referral to a rheumatologist for treatment. Implications for Practice: Patients with RA should be treated early and aggressively. Laboratory tests are not essential to confirm the diagnosis of RA. The clinical usefulness of the rheumatoid factor could be increased by restricting the test to patients who have a high probability of RA based on clinical symptoms.
Influence of HLA compatibility on renal graft survival using live unrelated & cadaver donors in India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Living unrelated donor (LURD) renal transplantation has shown a rising trend over the last 5 yr at our center following the passing of The Transplantation of Human Organs Act by the Government of India in 1994. In this paper, the results of LURD and cadaver (CAD) donor renal transplantation are compared. We have also looked into factors that have a bearing on graft survival such as the extent of HLA mismatch (MM), infections, acute rejections (AR), donor age and sex. METHODS A total of 42 LURD and 25 CAD renal transplants performed between March 1994 and February 1999 has been included in the study. HLA typing, panel reactive antibody (PRA) screening and T and B cell cross match assay were performed by the complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) method for all patients. RESULTS The graft survival rates were generally higher in the LURD category as compared to the CAD group and were significant at 6 month period (90 vs 56%, P = 0.002). A follow up of the patients up to 60 months revealed a matching effect since the 3, 4 allele MM group had better survival rates as compared to the 5, 6 MM group. Twenty six of the 67 recipients (39%) experienced episodes of acute rejection (AR). Patients with 3, 4 MM had fewer such episodes than those with 5, 6 allele MM (P < 0.05). Of the 32 deaths, 20 were those with a functional kidney, of which 15 were caused by severe infections. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION Better HLA matching ensures fewer episodes of rejection and better long term graft survival in comparison to the poorly matched grafts. The graft survival for LURD recipients was appreciably higher than that of CAD recipients.
CD4 memory T cells divide poorly in response to antigen because of their cytokine profile

Immunological memory is a hallmark of adaptive immunity, and understanding T cell memory will be central to the development of effective cell-mediated vaccines. The characteristics and functions of CD4 memory cells have not been well defined. Here we demonstrate that the increased size of the secondary response is solely a consequence of the increased antigen-specific precursor frequency within the memory pool. Memory cells proliferated less than primary responding cells, even within the same host. By analyzing the entry of primary and memory cells into the cell cycle, we found that the two populations proliferated similarly until day 5; after this time, fewer of the reactivated memory cells proliferated. At this time, fewer of the reactivated memory cells made IL-2 than primary responding cells, but more made IFNγ. Both these factors affected the low proliferation of the memory cells, because either exogenous IL-2 or inhibition of IFNγ increased the proliferation of the memory cells.
Measuring Drug Court Adherence to the What Works Literature

Quality correctional programming is important, particularly for drug courts. In this article, we chronicle the development of a tool designed to evaluate juvenile and adult drug courts, the Evidence-Based Correctional Program Checklist–Drug Court (CPC-DC). The history of the CPC-DC is traced by exploring research that indicates why program evaluation is important. This article also discusses the development of two predecessor assessment tools designed to measure how closely correctional programs adhere to evidence-based practice, the Correctional Program Assessment Inventory (CPAI) and the Evidence-Based Correctional Program Checklist (CPC). Results are briefly presented on the outcomes of the CPC-DC assessments completed to date by the University of Cincinnati (UC). Finally, recommendations are offered for operating an evidence-based drug court.
Surveillance : Evaluation of Combining Dynamic Venous Pressure and Vascular Access Blood Flow Measurements

Background/Aims: Vascular access thrombosis is one of the most morbid problems encountered by hemodialysis patients. Surveillance protocols utilizing venous pressure (Vp) and vascular access blood flow (VABF) measurements have been employed to preserve vascular access. We undertook a study to evaluate combined dynamic Vp and VABF measurements in the identification of vascular access impairment. We also assessed the effect of preventive repair on thrombosis rates in impaired vascular accesses identified by surveillance. Methods: Eighty-six chronic hemodialysis patients with a functioning vascular access were enrolled into the surveillance protocol. All vascular accesses with greater than 50% of monthly Vp readings 1120 mm Hg or VABF ! 500 ml/min in arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and VABF ! 650 ml/min in arteriovenous grafts (AVGs), or a decrease in VABF 125% compared to the highest previously measured value, were considered positive. Stenosis 150% on fistulography or a thrombotic event were defined as a ‘vascular access impairment episode’ while a stenosis ! 50% or the absence of a thrombotic event was defined as ‘no vascular access impairment episode’. Thrombosis rates and intervention rates were calculated per access year at risk. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the combined surveillance protocol for AVFs were 73.3 and 91%, respectively. In AVGs, they were 68.8 and 87.5%, respectively. The rate of thrombotic events was lower in patients who underwent early repair. The addition of dynamic Vp did not reduce the thrombosis rate any further than surveillance based on VABF alone. Conclusion: Combined monitoring for surveillance of AVFs improved sensitivity but had little benefit in AVGs over VABF monitoring alone. Raising VABF cutoff levels might increase and improve identification of vascular access risk for thrombosis, but at the expense of lower
Temporal changes in optical quality of air-tear film interface at anterior cornea after blink.

PURPOSE To examine temporal changes in the optical quality of the air-tear film interface at the anterior cornea after a blink. METHODS Corneal aberrations were determined in fifteen healthy subjects at 1 second time intervals after a blink, up to a total elapsed time of 15 seconds. Corneal aberrations were obtained from corneal elevation maps measured using a Tomey TMS-2N topographer and custom software. All data were decomposed using Zernike polynomials to yield the root mean square (RMS) wavefront deviations, in micrometers, for two pupil diameters (3 and 7 mm). RESULTS Total wavefront aberration decreased slightly with time in the first few seconds after a blink for both pupil diameters, reaching a minimum after approximately 6 seconds. Thereafter aberrations increased steadily, exceeding the immediate postblink level after approximately 10 seconds. CONCLUSIONS In normal subjects, the contribution of the anterior cornea to the overall ocular aberration remains reasonably stable over the normal interblink interval (approximately 4 seconds) but rises to levels which could perceptibly degrade retinal image quality under circumstances where the interblink interval is increased to exceed 10 seconds, as may occur during the use of visual display screens or when performing difficult tasks.
Two-Way Streets: The Role of Institutions and Technology Policy in Firms’ Corporate Entrepreneurship and Political Strategies

Technology policy influences the incentives and opportunities firms have to innovate and adapt to changing environments and thus has important implications for strategy and entrepreneurship. However, to date, strategy and entrepreneurship scholars have paid insufficient attention to technology policy. We underscore the importance of two dimensions of technology policy: (1) state funding for research and (2) state protection of intellectual property (IP). We then illustrate how interactions between these two dimensions of technology policy influence (1) the corporate entrepreneurship (CE) strategies through which firms innovate and adapt and (2) the political strategies through which they attempt to influence and secure the benefits of technology policy. Given differences in the goals, incentives, capabilities, and relative power among the various players affected by technology policy, our discussion contributes to a more thorough understanding of the dynamic interplay between government institutions and f.
Interplay between PTB and miR-1285 at the p53 3′UTR modulates the levels of p53 and its isoform Δ40p53α

Abstract p53 and its translational isoform Δ40p53 are involved in many important cellular functions like cell cycle, cell proliferation, differentiation and metabolism. Expression of both the isoforms can be regulated at different steps. In this study, we explored the role of 3′UTR in regulating the expression of these two translational isoforms. We report that the trans acting factor, Polypyrimidine Tract Binding protein (PTB), also interacts specifically with 3′UTR of p53 mRNA and positively regulates expression of p53 isoforms. Our results suggest that there is interplay between miRNAs and PTB at the 3′UTR under normal and stress conditions like DNA damage. Interestingly, PTB showed some overlapping binding regions in the p53 3′UTR with miR-1285. In fact, knockdown of miR-1285 as well as expression of p53 3′UTR with mutated miR-1285 binding sites resulted in enhanced association of PTB with the 3′UTR, which provides mechanistic insights of this interplay. Taken together, the results provide a plausible molecular basis of how the interplay between miRNAs and the PTB protein at the 3′UTR can play pivotal role in fine tuning the expression of the two p53 isoforms.
A bayesian method for accelerated magnetic resonance elastography of the liver

Magnetic resonance elastography is a noninvasive tool for quantifying soft tissue stiffness. Magnetic resonance elastography has been adopted as a clinical method for staging liver fibrosis. However, the application of liver magnetic resonance elastography requires multiple lengthy breath‐holds. We propose a new data acquisition and processing method to reduce magnetic resonance elastography scan time.
Validation of a Genu Valgum Model in a Rabbit Hind Limb

Numerous techniques exist to correct pediatric angular deformity by asymmetrically inhibiting physeal growth. Despite decades of surgical experience, little is known about the determinants of success or failure of temporary hemiepiphysiodesis. We lack a basic understanding of tolerances and kinematics of the surgically restrained physis. Furthermore, little is known about the influence of implant design and placement on efficacy of deformity correction and rebound growth. We have undertaken a pilot research study with the goal of producing genu valgum in New Zealand white rabbits. This report comprises our initial experience and observations in performing hemiepiphysiodesis with staples and 2-hole plate techniques. The experimental hypotheses proposed by this article are as follows: (1) a staple or plate applied to the proximal lateral tibial physis of a rabbit hind limb will reliably create a valgus deformity of the knee; (2) the plate or staple will create this deformity without permanently damaging the proximal tibial physis; and (3) provided the implant remains in situ, there will be no difference between the plate and staple constructs with respect to the magnitude or rate of deformity produced. Further studies will aim to use this model to investigate technical issues related to physeal instrumentation.
Multihop V2I Communications: A Feasibility Study, Modeling, and Performance Analysis

In typical wireless networks, multihop communication is a method used to establish connectivity between distant nodes. Adapting this technique to vehicular networks requires bypassing several challenging constraints imposed by the nature of vehicular environments (e.g., high mobility and speeds and repetitive link disruptions). This paper revolves around establishing a multihop connectivity path between an isolated source vehicle <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$S$</tex-math></inline-formula> and a faraway gateway roadside unit (RSU) <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$D$</tex-math></inline-formula> through cooperative vehicles serving as intermediate relays. A stochastic model is formulated for the purpose of deriving an expression for the probability of the existence of a connectivity path between <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$S$</tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$D$</tex-math></inline-formula>. Then, the dynamic changes in the network topology are carefully examined to present a tight upper bound for the average end-to-end packet delivery delay. Finally, taking into account the inherent contention-based nature of the employed IEEE 802.11<bold><italic>p</italic></bold> medium access control (MAC) protocol, together with several other limiting factors such as relay unavailability and hidden terminals, the per-hop and the end-to-end throughput expressions are presented. Extensive simulations are conducted for the purpose of validating the proposed model and examining the system's performance.
Inequality within Philippine Provinces: Determinants and Validity of the Kuznets Curve

Several studies evaluating the determinants of growth and poverty have been conducted, but there is limited literature on inequality determinants, in particular inequality of income distribution within Philippine provinces. Using a five-year panel data of 73 provinces, this study tests the validity of the Kuznets curve and evaluates the determinants of intraprovince inequality using Gini coefficient. The results show that the inverted U-shaped Kuznets curve is observed and that human and physical capitals are significant in decreasing both income and consumption inequality. There is lower inequality among agricultural households compared to non-agricultural households. However, agricultural households have lower average income. Policy interventions should prioritize human capital investment, address the poor income performance of agricultural households, and focus on more pro-poor growth policies.
Isolation of an Anaplasma sp. Organism from White-Tailed Deer by Tick Cell Culture

ABSTRACT We used tick cell culture to isolate a bacterium previously referred to as the “white-tailed deer (WTD) agent” from two captive fawns inoculated with blood from wild WTD (Odocoileus virginianus). Buffy coat cells were added to ISE6 tick cell cultures and incubated at 34°C, and 8 days later, Anaplasma-like inclusions were demonstrated in Giemsa-stained culture samples. The microbes became established and could be continuously passaged in tick cells. The identity of a culture isolate designated WTD76 was verified as the WTD agent by using specific PCR primers and by DNA sequencing. Comparison with sequences available in GenBank indicated that the isolate was most closely related first to Anaplasma platys and second to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, supporting its placement in the genus Anaplasma. Transmission electron microscopy of this Anaplasma sp. organism in tick cell cultures revealed large inclusions filled with pleomorphic and rod-shaped bacteria. Tick cells infected with the Anaplasma sp. organism were used to successfully infect a naive deer, thereby proving the infectivity of the isolate for deer.
ATP‐gated cation channels (P2X purinoceptors) in trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus neurons of the rat.

1. We have investigated whether receptors for ATP exist on neurones of the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus (MNV) of the rat using whole‐cell and outside‐out patch‐clamp recording in coronal brainstem slices. 2. With whole‐cell recording, the batch application of ATP, adenosine 5'‐O‐[3‐thiotriphosphate] (ATP gamma S) and alpha,beta methylene adenosine triphosphate (alpha beta meATP) caused concentration‐dependent inward currents in all cells tested (holding potential, ‐62 mV), with EC50 values of 437, 15 and 254 microM, respectively. All three agonist‐evoked currents developed rapidly (rise time, approximately 10‐25 s), desensitized slowly (over approximately 20‐50 s), cross‐desensitized with each other, were associated with an increase in membrane conductance and were attenuated by the application of suramin (30 microM). 3. The inward current evoked by ATP decreased as the membrane potential was made less negative and had a zero current potential of +1.0 +/‐ 3.7 mV. The current‐voltage relationship showed marked inward rectification. 4. Brief flickery single‐channel openings could be resolved in response to ATP (3 microM) in outside‐out membrane patches. Unitary current at ‐82 mV was ‐1.81 +/‐ 0.2 pA, which corresponds to a unitary conductance of 22 pS. 5. We conclude that proprioceptive MNV neurones contain ATP‐gated cation channels. Such P2X purinoceptors may be involved in the processing of proprioceptive information, thus suggesting a potentially important physiological role of ATP.