Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discrete Clusters of Virus-Encoded MicroRNAs Are Associated with Complementary Strands of the Genome and the 7.2-Kilobase Stable Intron in Murine Cytomegalovirus

ABSTRACT The prevalence and importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in viral infection are increasingly relevant. Eleven miRNAs were previously identified in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV); however, miRNA content in murine CMV (MCMV), which serves as an important in vivo model for CMV infection, has not previously been examined. We have cloned and characterized 17 novel miRNAs that originate from at least 12 precursor miRNAs in MCMV and are not homologous to HCMV miRNAs. In parallel, we applied a computational analysis, using a support vector machine approach, to identify potential precursor miRNAs in MCMV. Four of the top 10 predicted precursor sequences were cloned in this study, and the combination of computational and cloning analysis demonstrates that MCMV has the capacity to encode miRNAs clustered throughout the genome. On the basis of drug sensitivity experiments for resolving the kinetic class of expression, we show that the MCMV miRNAs are both early and late gene products. Notably, the MCMV miRNAs occur on complementary strands of the genome in specific regions, a feature which has not previously been observed for viral miRNAs. One cluster of miRNAs occurs in close proximity to the 5′ splice site of the previously identified 7.2-kb stable intron, implying a variety of potential regulatory mechanisms for MCMV miRNAs.
Recombinant Soluble, Multimeric HA and NA Exhibit Distinctive Types of Protection against Pandemic Swine-Origin 2009 A(H1N1) Influenza Virus Infection in Ferrets

ABSTRACT The emergence and subsequent swift and global spread of the swine-origin influenza virus A(H1N1) in 2009 once again emphasizes the strong need for effective vaccines that can be developed rapidly and applied safely. With this aim, we produced soluble, multimeric forms of the 2009 A(H1N1) HA (sHA3) and NA (sNA4) surface glycoproteins using a virus-free mammalian expression system and evaluated their efficacy as vaccines in ferrets. Immunization twice with 3.75-μg doses of these antigens elicited strong antibody responses, which were adjuvant dependent. Interestingly, coadministration of both antigens strongly enhanced the HA-specific but not the NA-specific responses. Distinct patterns of protection were observed upon challenge inoculation with the homologous H1N1 virus. Whereas vaccination with sHA3 dramatically reduced virus replication (e.g., by lowering pulmonary titers by about 5 log10 units), immunization with sNA4 markedly decreased the clinical effects of infection, such as body weight loss and lung pathology. Clearly, optimal protection was achieved by the combination of the two antigens. Our observations demonstrate the great vaccine potential of multimeric HA and NA ectodomains, as these can be easily, rapidly, flexibly, and safely produced in high quantities. In particular, our study underscores the underrated importance of NA in influenza vaccination, which we found to profoundly and specifically contribute to protection by HA. Its inclusion in a vaccine is likely to reduce the HA dose required and to broaden the protective immunity.
The stickiness of Facebook website: a value and culture-based view

There are many online social networks. Compared to the conventional social network websites, Facebook provides not only original social network interaction features, but also more interesting functions, e.g., game-playing. On the other hand, Facebook website is now international, and thus national culture can influence the behaviours of users. Based on past study, trust and three different value constructs, including social value, hedonic value and epistemic value, were adopted in this study to examine their influence on individual's stickiness to use Facebook in Taiwan. Besides, this study also aimed to explore how national culture's construct affects the personal usage behaviours. An empirical survey and partial least squares PLS technology was utilised to test the proposed hypotheses. Finally, based on the results, implications as well as research limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Vascular calcification and arterial stiffness in chronic kidney disease: Implications and management

SUMMARY: Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the commonest cause of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vascular calcification (VC), induced by calcium and phosphate excess and uraemia, is a major risk factor and is independently associated with CV events and death. Local and systemic calcium‐regulatory proteins as well as inhibitory extracellular factors are involved in the pathogenesis of VC. In CKD the balance becomes dysregulated leading to differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells into phenotypically distinct osteoblast‐like cells with subsequent ossification of the arterial wall. Associated with imbalances in mineral metabolism, VC has intimate interactions with bone mineralization and enhanced bone resorption. Arterial stiffness represents the functional disturbance of VC, with reduced compliance of large arteries, and predominantly results from greater medial calcification. As with VC, arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of CV mortality and patients with CKD have greater arterial stiffness than the general population resulting in the principal consequences of left ventricular hypertrophy and altered coronary perfusion. Both VC and arterial stiffness can be measured through non‐invasive techniques involving computed tomography, ultrasound, echocardiography, and pulse wave velocity. Management in CKD is difficult but detection, prevention and treatment is crucial to reduce CV mortality. The optimal control of mineral metabolism, especially hyperphosphatemia with non‐calcium based phosphate binders, has been shown to be effective to reduce VC, and attenuation of arterial stiffness, especially with good blood pressure control, can have a favourable effect with regression of left ventricular hypertrophy. The use of bisphosphonates, calcimimetics, vitamin D therapy and newer experimental treatments, as well as nocturnal dialysis, may have potential benefit.
Could the global financial crisis improve the performance of the G7 stocks markets?

ABSTRACT Financial crises are normally associated with negative effects on financial markets. In this article, we investigate whether the most recent global financial crisis (GFC) had any positive impact on the G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States) indices. To conduct the analysis we employ the mean–variance (MV) analysis, CAPM statistics, Hurst exponent, runs test, multiple variation ratio test and stochastic dominance (SD) tests. Our MV and CAPM results conclude that most of the G7 stock indices are significantly less volatile. The results from Hurst exponent, run tests and multiple variation ratio confirm that efficiency improved in the post-GFC period. Finally, our SD results conclude that there is no arbitrage opportunity and the markets are efficient due to the GFC, and, in general, investors prefer investing in the indices after the GFC. Overall, we conclude that the GFC led to markets that are more efficient and mature, confirming that crises can also have positive impacts on stock markets. These findings provide important information for investors and market regulators.
Insecticidal Activities of Abroma Augusta (L.) Chloroform and Methanol Extracts Against Tribolium Castaneum (Herbst) Adults

The chloroform and methanol extracts of the leaves, root wood, stem bark, stem wood and seeds of Abroma augusta (L.) (Ulatkambal) were tested against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) adults through residual film assay. The seed extracts (CHcl 3 and MeOH) were found to offer the highest mortality of the beetles and the LD50 values were 3046.083, 247.9217 and 75.96001 μg/cm 2 and 6598.793, 340.4855 and 113.6461 μg/cm 2 for the (CHCl 3 50 values of 1127.785, 312.5822 and 146.3708 μg/cm 2 and 1689.468, 449.8259 and 134.9692 μg/cm 2 for the (CHCl 3 350 values of 3466.807, 450.3049 and 175.7438 μg/cm 2 and 4654.238, 1010.538 and 333.7202 μg/cm 2 for the(CHCl 3 350 values of 3295.859, 1137.558 and 363.1539 μg/cm 2 and 3717.851, 566.2215 and 230.7044 μg/cm 2 for the (CHCl 3 3A. augusta did not show any activity against the beetles. According to the intensity of activity observed through mortality of the adult beetles the potentiality of the chloroform extracts could be arranged in a descending order of seeds> root wood > leaf> stem bark and for the methanol extracts, seed>root wood > stem bark > leaf. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/jles.v8i0. 20134 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 8: 11-15, 2013
PRIMA-1, a mutant p53 reactivator, restores the sensitivity of TP53 mutant-type thyroid cancer cells to the histone methylation inhibitor 3-Deazaneplanocin A.

CONTEXT 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) depletes enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a core component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which is frequently overexpressed in human cancers. DZNep exhibits promising antitumor activity, and its responsiveness in cancer cells is determined by certain genetic factors. OBJECTIVES Our aims were (1) to test the therapeutic potential of DZNep and explore the genetic determinants affecting the DZNep response in thyroid cancer cells and (2) to test the combined therapeutic effect of DZNep and PRIMA-1, a mutant p53 reactivator, in thyroid cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We evaluated the phenotypic effects of DZNep in thyroid cancer cells and examined the effects of DZNep alone or in combination with PRIMA-1 on cell proliferation, the cell cycle, apoptosis, and xenograft tumor growth. RESULTS DZNep induced enhancer of zeste homolog 2 depletion and trimethylated lysine 27 in H3 histone (H3K27me3) mark reduction in all thyroid cancer cells; however, only TP53 wild-type cells exhibited growth inhibition with DZNep treatment. In these cells, DZNep caused p53 protein accumulation through up-regulation of USP10 expression, resulting in activation of the p53 pathway, contributing to inhibition of cell growth. Conversely, TP53 mutant-type cells were resistant to DZNep. Strikingly, the combination of DZNep with PRIMA-1 restored the sensitivity of TP53 mutant-type cells to DZNep. A similar antitumor effect of DZNep and PRIMA-1 alone or in combination was also seen in xenograft tumor models. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrated that DZNep responsiveness was strongly associated with TP53 genomic status in thyroid cancer cells. Reactivation of p53 restored the sensitivity of TP53 mutant-type cells to DZNep. Thus, a combined therapeutic strategy may be effective in treating thyroid cancer cells (or patients) harboring mutant p53.
Global identification of snowcover using SSM/I measurements

Visible satellite sensors have monitored snowcover throughout the Northern Hemisphere for almost thirty years. These sensors can detect snowcover during daylight, cloud-free conditions. The operational procedure developed by NOAA/NESDIS requires an analyst to manually view the images in order to subjectively distinguish between clouds and snowcover. Because this procedure is manually intensive, it is only performed weekly. Since microwave sensors see through nonprecipitating clouds, snowcover can be determined objectively without the intervention of an analyst. Furthermore, microwave sensors can provide daily analysis of snowcover in real-time, which is essential for operational forecast models and regional hydrologic monitoring. Snowcover measurements are obtained from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I), flown aboard the DMSP satellites. A decision tree, containing various filters, is used to separate the scattering signature of snowcover from other scattering signatures. Problem areas are discussed and when possible, a filter is developed to eliminate biases. The finalized decision tree is an objective algorithm to monitor the global distribution of snowcover. Comparisons are made between the SSM/I snowcover product and the NOAA/NESDIS subjectively analyzed weekly product.
cAMP and cGMP in Human Parotid Saliva: Relationships to Taste and Smell Dysfunction, Gender, and Age

Among the chemical moieties present in human parotid saliva, some, such as gustin or carbonic anhydrase VI, have been useful to distinguish patients with taste and smell dysfunction from normal subjects. To continue these studies we compared levels of salivary cAMP and cGMP in patients with taste and smell dysfunction with those in normal subjects. We were also interested in exploring physiological characteristics of salivary cAMP and cGMP including changes with gender and age because previous studies had not clearly defined these issues. To perform these studies parotid saliva was collected from 61 normal volunteers and 253 patients with taste and smell dysfunction. cAMP and cGMP were measured by a spectrophotometric 96 plate ELISA technique; parotid salivary protein and flow rate were also measured. Both cAMP and cGMP were found in saliva of normal subjects and patients in the detection range of the assay used. In patients mean concentrations of both cAMP and cGMP were lower than in normal subjects; for cAMP levels were lower among both men and women patients. cAMP was 7 to 10 times higher than cGMP in both normal subjects and patients. Concentrations of cAMP were consistently higher in normal women than in normal men. cAMP levels were generally lower and cGMP levels were generally higher than in previously reported studies. There was a complex pattern of change for both cAMP and cGMP with age with concentrations increasing to about age 50, then decreasing, then increasing again at age >70 years.
Human Bronchial Epithelium Controls TH2 Responses by TH1-Induced, Nitric Oxide-Mediated STAT5 Dephosphorylation: Implications for the Pathogenesis of Asthma 1

Increased levels of NO in exhaled air in association with increased NO synthetase (NOS)2 expression in bronchial epithelial are hallmark features of asthma. It has been suggested that NO contributes to asthma pathogenesis by selective down-regulation of TH1 responses. We demonstrate, however, that NO can reversibly limit in vitro expansion of both human TH1 and TH2 CD4+ T cells. Mechanistically, NO induces cGMP-mediated reversible STAT5 dephosphorylation and therefore interferes with the IL-2R activation cascade. Human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) up-regulate NOS2 after stimulation with IFN-γ secreted by TH1 CD4+ T cells and release NO, which inhibits both TH1 and TH2 cell proliferation. This reversible T cell growth arrest depends on NO because T cell proliferation is completely restored after in vitro blocking of NOS2 on HBEC. HBEC thus drive the effector end of a TH1-controlled feedback loop, which protects airway mucosal tissues at the potential lesional site in asthma from overwhelming CD4+ TH2 (and potentially TH1) responses following allergen exposure. Variations in the efficiency of this feedback loop provides a plausible mechanism to explain why only a subset of atopics sensitized to ubiquitous aeroallergens progress to expression of clinically relevant levels of airways inflammation.
Natural Expectations and Macroeconomic Fluctuations.

A large body of empirical evidence suggests that beliefs systematically deviate from perfect rationality. Much of the evidence implies that economic agents tend to form forecasts that are excessively influenced by recent changes. We present a parsimonious quasi-rational model that we call natural expectations, which falls between rational expectations and (naive) intuitive expectations. (Intuitive expectations are formed by running growth regressions with a limited number of right-hand-side variables, and this leads to excessively extrapolative beliefs in certain classes of environments). Natural expectations overstate the long-run persistence of economic shocks. In other words, agents with natural expectations turn out to form beliefs that don't sufficiently account for the fact that good times (or bad times) won't last forever. We embed natural expectations in a simple dynamic macroeconomic model and compare the simulated properties of the model to the available empirical evidence. The model's predictions match many patterns observed in macroeconomic and financial time series, such as high volatility of asset prices, predictable up-and-down cycles in equity returns, and a negative relationship between current consumption growth and future equity returns.
Respiratory Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumours 1 (DMBT1) levels increase during lung maturation and infection

Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumours 1 (DMBT1) is a secreted scavenger receptor cysteine‐rich protein that binds and aggregates various bacteria and viruses in vitro. Studies in adults have shown that DMBT1 is expressed mainly by mucosal epithelia and glands, in particular within the respiratory tract, and plays a role in innate immune defence. We hypothesized that respiratory DMBT1 levels may be influenced by various developmental and clinical factors such as maturity, age and bacterial infection. DMBT1 levels were studied in 205 tracheal aspirate samples of 82 ventilated preterm and full‐term infants by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Possible effects of various clinical parameters were tested by multiple regression analysis. DMBT1 levels increased significantly with lung maturity (P < 0·0001 for both gestational and postnatal age) and in small‐for‐gestational‐age infants (P = 0·0179). An increase of respiratory DMBT1 levels was detected in neonatal infections (P < 0·0001). These results were supported by Western blotting. Immunohistochemical analyses of archived newborn lung sections (n = 17) demonstrated high concentrations of DMBT1 in lungs of neonates with bacterial infections. Our data show that preterm infants are able to up‐regulate DMBT1 in infection as an unspecific immune reaction.
A New and Extended Case for Lunar (and Solar) Astronomy at the Newark Earthworks

Abstract The Middle Woodland period Newark Earthworks in Newark, Ohio, are the largest known set of connected, geometrical earthworks ever constructed. An analysis of available evidence (survey, topographical, statistical, and archaeological) shows that the geometry of this Hopewell complex and its relation to the surrounding terrain can be understood in terms of astronomical alignments to the Sun and Moon. The geometrical structure of the site is consistently aligned with extremes in the 18.6-year cycle of lunar standstills. An understanding of the topographical context is presented by identifying four hilltops connected by lunar standstill alignments to long linear features of the Earthworks and connected to each other by alignments to the Sun at the solstices. The number and accuracy of the alignments together with Monte Carlo studies showing the low likelihood of chance producing such results suggest that Newark was aligned with unprecedented accuracy both to regional topographical features and astronomical phenomena.
A Compact Branch-Line Coupler Using Substrate Integrated Suspended Line Technology

A novel compact branch-line coupler using substrate integrated suspended line (SISL) technology is proposed in this letter. In order to reduce the size of conventional branch-line coupler, we propose a novel slow wave structure, which is composed of high-low impedance lines cascaded in meander line configuration, and a 62% size reduction has been achieved. Moreover, fabricated by using standard printed circuit board process, the proposed compact SISL branch-line coupler has advantages of self-packaging, low cost and light weight.
Risk Profile of Hepatitis E Virus from Pigs or Pork in Canada

The role and importance of pigs and pork as sources of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been debated in Canada and abroad for over 20 years. To further investigate this question, we compiled data to populate a risk profile for HEV in pigs or pork in Canada. We organized the risk profile (RP) using the headings prescribed for a foodborne microbial risk assessment and used research synthesis methods and inputs wherever possible in populating the fields of this RP. A scoping review of potential public health risks of HEV, and two Canadian field surveys sampling finisher pigs, and retail pork chops and pork livers, provided inputs to inform this RP. We calculated summary estimates of prevalence using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis 3 software, employing the method of moments. Overall, we found the incidence of sporadic locally acquired hepatitis E in Canada, compiled from peer-reviewed literature or from diagnosis at the National Microbiology Laboratory to be low relative to other non-endemic countries. In contrast, we found the prevalence of detection of HEV RNA in pigs and retail pork livers, to be comparable to that reported in the USA and Europe. We drafted risk categories (high/medium/low) for acquiring clinical hepatitis E from exposure to pigs or pork in Canada and hypothesize that the proportion of the Canadian population at high risk from either exposure is relatively small.
Hydrogen Sorption in Erbium Borohydride Composite Mixtures with LiBH4 and/or LiH

Rare earth (RE) metal borohydrides have recently been receiving attention as possible hydrogen storage materials and solid-state Li-ion conductors. In this paper, the decomposition and reabsorption of Er(BH4)3 in composite mixtures with LiBH4 and/or LiH were investigated. The composite of 3LiBH4 + Er(BH4)3 + 3LiH has a theoretical hydrogen storage capacity of 9 wt %, nevertheless, only 6 wt % hydrogen are accessible due to the formation of thermally stable LiH. Hydrogen sorption measurements in a Sieverts-type apparatus revealed that during three desorption-absorption cycles of 3LiBH4 + Er(BH4)3 + 3LiH, the composite desorbed 4.2, 3.7 and 3.5 wt % H for the first, second and third cycle, respectively, and thus showed good rehydrogenation behavior. In situ synchrotron radiation powder X-ray diffraction (SR-PXD) after ball milling of Er(BH4)3 + 6LiH resulted in the formation of LiBH4, revealing that metathesis reactions occurred during milling in these systems. Impedance spectroscopy of absorbed Er(BH4)3 + 6LiH showed an exceptional high hysteresis of 40–60 K for the transition between the high and low temperature phases of LiBH4, indicating that the high temperature phase of LiBH4 is stabilized in the composite.
Host-gene control of type-C RNA tumor virus expression and tumorigenesis in inbred mice.

We analyzed the relationship of genetic factors determining the expression of endogenous type-C RNA tumor viruses and other host-gene markers to tumorigenesis. A hybridization experiment was performed with mice of strains AKR/J and C57L, the first filial (F(1)) generation hybrids, the second filial (F(2)) generation hybrids, and the backcrosses to the two parental strains. The results demonstrated a highly significant and predictable association between the expression of complete infectious virus or the viral group-specific (gs) antigen in spleens of young mice and tumorigenesis later in life. Most of the tumors were thymic leukemia and reticulum sarcoma, but other mesenchymal, as well as epithelial, tumors were also observed. Tumors occurred preferentially in gs-antigen- or virus-positive mice of all crosses; in the C57L-backcross and F(2) mice segregating for gs-antigen and virus expression, a few gs-antigen-negative mice developed reticulum cell sarcomas. At the time of their occurrence, the mice were all gs-antigen-positive, and most had virus as well.A minor effect of the major histocompatibility locus, H-2, on leukemogenesis was found in the F(2) mice. Several tumor types were also found that we have never observed in the two parental strains. Our data provide the most direct biological evidence in favor of the viral oncogene theory. Thus, from the presence or absence of expression in early life of splenic gs antigen or virus, we can predict whether or not a tumor is likely to develop later in life. These findings suggest that the genome of endogenous type-C RNA viruses is the major determinant for tumorigenesis although they provide no clues about the factors responsible for the various histological types.