Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological analysis for recurrence of early gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND Although the prognosis of early gastric cancer (EGC) is considered to be satisfactory, some patients experience disease recurrence after curative resection. This study was aimed at evaluating the recurrence rate, the recurrence patterns and the prognostic factors for recurrence of EGC as well as treatment results after recurrences. METHODS We investigated follow-up records of 1452 EGC patients on whom curative operations were performed at Seoul National University Hospital from 1986 to 1995 with special reference to cancer recurrence. RESULTS Twenty-one patients showed recurrences with a 1.5% 5-year cumulative recurrence rate. Four cases were locoregional recurrences, two were peritoneal recurrences, nine were distant recurrences and six were mixed type recurrences. The 5-year survival rates of T1N0, T1N1, T1N2 and T1N3 were 99.3, 96.8, 72.7 and 0%, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed a significantly high correlation between positive lymph node metastasis and recurrence (P < 0.001). Median survival after recurrence of EGC was 4.3 months. Median survival after recurrence was 5.8 months after chemotherapy and 3.1 months after conservative management (P = 0.69). CONCLUSION Although the recurrence of EGC is very rare in general, EGC with lymph node metastasis has a higher possibility of recurring, especially with >6 positive lymph nodes. Even after curative resection of EGC, patients with EGC with >6 positive lymph nodes should be closely followed and be considered as candidates for adjuvant treatment.
Sliding friction, wear and tribofilm formation of silver films electro-plated on copper alloy sheets

This study is aimed at clarifying the mechanism of wear process for Ag plating through a one-way sliding wear test. The samples of different hardness Ag plating on copper alloys were prepared as coupon and embossment specimens, which simulated terminal contacts. During the sliding test, the contact resistance and the friction coefficient are measured. The surface and cross-section morphologies, roughness, tribo-film formation, and wear volume of the Ag films after wear tests were investigated and the wear mechanism was discussed. As results, the hard Ag plating film (120 Hv) exhibited higher contact resistance comparing to the soft Ag plating film (80 Hv). The soft Ag film delivered a larger wear scar on embossment and wider wear trace on coupon specimens compared to the hard one. The overall wear volume of hard Ag film was less than that of soft Ag film, which can be attributed to the fine crystalline structure of hard Ag. Moreover, the observation of tribofilms formed on the Ag films after wear tests suggested that a mixed-type of adhesive and abrasive wears occurred for both of soft and hard Ag films.
Molecular genetic analysis of Giardia intestinalis isolates at the glutamate dehydrogenase locus

SUMMARY Samples of DNA from a panel of Giardia isolated from humans and animals in Europe and shown previously to consist of 2 major genotypes–‘Polish’ and ‘Belgian’–have been compared with human-derived Australian isolates chosen to represent distinct genotypes (genetic groups I–IV) defined previously by allozymic analysis. Homologous 0·52 kilobase (kb) segments of 2 trophozoite surface protein genes (tsa417 and tsp11, both present in isolates belonging to genetic groups I and II) and a 1·2 kb segment of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) gene were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and examined for restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Of 21 ‘Polish’ isolates that were tested, all yielded tsa417-like and tsp11-like PCR products that are characteristic of genetic groups I or II (15 and 6 isolates respectively) in a distinct assemblage of G. intestinalis from Australia (Assemblage A). Conversely, most of the 19 ‘Belgian’ isolates resembled a second assemblage of genotypes defined in Australia (Assemblage B) which contains genetic groups III and IV. RFLP analysis of gdh amplification products showed also that ‘Polish’ isolates-were equivalent to Australian Assemblage A isolates (this analysis does not distinguish between genetic groups I and II) and that ‘Belgian’ isolates were equivalent to Australian Assemblage B isolates. Comparison of nucleotide sequences determined for a 690 base-pair portion of the gdh PCR products revealed ≥ 99·0% identity between group I and group II (Assemblage A/‘Polish’) genotypes, 88·3–89·7% identity between Assemblage A and Assemblage B genotypes, and ≥ 98·4% identity between various Assemblage B/‘Belgian’ genotypes. The results confirm that the G. duodenalis isolates examined in this study (inclusive of G. intestinalis from humans) can be divided into 2 major genetic clusters: Assemblage A (= ‘Polish’ genotype) containing allozymically defined groups I and II, and Assemblage B (= ‘Belgian’ genotype) containing allozymically defined groups III and IV and other related genotypes.
Identification of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase as a novel target of steroid cell autoantibodies: association of autoantibodies with endocrine autoimmune disease.

Autoantibodies directed against steroid hormone-producing cells (SCA) detectable by immunofluorescence are typically found in a small proportion of patients with premature ovarian failure (POF) as well as in other endocrine autoimmune diseases. The SCA pattern stains cells in the outer zones of the adrenal cortex, ovary, and testis. To identify the molecular target of SCA, an adrenal complementary DNA expression library was screened using SCA-positive serum, and the steroid enzyme 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD) was identified. Only 1 of 48 (2%) patients with idiopathic POF, not pre-selected for the presence of other autoimmune diseases, had SCA by immunofluorescence, whereas 10 of 48 (21%) had anti-3 beta HSD autoantibodies detectable by immunoblot using recombinant human enzyme compared with 6 of 115 (5%) control subjects (P = 0.002). Absorption of SCA-positive serum with recombinant human 3 beta HSD abolished the immunofluorescence pattern. We also examined the prevalence of anti-3 beta HSD autoantibodies in other endocrine autoimmune diseases. Two of 112 (2%) diabetic patients, but none of the thyroid or Addisonian patients, had SCA by immunofluorescence. Twenty-six (23%) diabetic subjects (P < 0.001 vs. controls), 3 of 18 thyroid patients (P > 0.05 vs. controls), and none of 4 Addisonian patients had anti-3 beta HSD autoantibodies. 3 beta HSD is the first steroid cell autoantigen defined at the molecular level to be associated with idiopathic POF occurring in the absence of other polyglandular diseases. Autoantibodies to 3 beta HSD in patients with other organ-specific autoimmune diseases indicate that the enzyme behaves as a typical target of polyendocrine autoimmunity. Anti-3 beta HSD autoantibodies in patients with POF may provide a marker of those subjects whose ovarian failure is autoimmune in origin and, as recent studies suggest, may be salvageable with glucocorticoid treatment.
Solution Structure and Intermolecular Interactions of the Third Metal-binding Domain of ATP7A, the Menkes Disease Protein*

The third metal-binding domain of the human Menkes protein (MNK3), a copper(I)-transporting ATPase, has been expressed in Escherichia coli and characterized in solution. The solution structure of MNK3, its copper(I)-binding properties, and its interaction with the physiological partner, HAH1, have been studied. MNK3 is the domain most dissimilar in structure from the other domains of the Menkes protein. This is reflected in a significant rearrangement of the last strand of the four-stranded β-sheet when compared with the other known homologous proteins or protein domains. MNK3 is also peculiar with respect to its interaction with the copper(I) ion, as it was found to be a comparatively weak binder. Copper(I) transfer from metal-loaded HAH1 was observed experimentally, but the metal distribution was shifted toward binding by HAH1. This is at variance with what is observed for the other Menkes domains.
Cloning, characterization, and nucleotide sequence analysis of the argH gene from Campylobacter jejuni TGH9011 encoding argininosuccinate lyase

The complete structural gene for argininosuccinate lyase (argH) from Campylobacter jejuni TGH9011 has been cloned into Escherichia coli by complementation of an E. coli argH auxotrophic mutant. The gene has been subcloned for sequencing on a 4.1-kb DNA segment and localized by the complementing activity of deletion mutants. The complete DNA sequence of the C. jejuni argH gene was determined. The transcription start point for argH mRNA was determined by primer extension analysis and found to be within the coding sequence of the upstream gene, identified as the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene (ppc). The argininosuccinate lyase and the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase reading frames overlap by one base, the second example of this phenomenon in C. jejuni chromosomal genes. The enzyme has a deduced subunit molecular weight of 51,831. Recombinant plasmids containing the argH gene generate a 56-kDa protein and a 43-kDa protein in E. coli maxicells. An alternate translation initiation producing a polypeptide with a deduced molecular mass of 42 kDa may account for the smaller protein observed in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The C. jejuni argH gene shows nucleotide homology to both yeast and human argininosuccinate lyase genes, and conserved amino acid domains are evident between the corresponding proteins.
Growth of Campylobacter pylori in liquid media

Until recently, broth cultivation techniques for Campylobacter pylori were unavailable. We developed a method to cultivate bacterial cells within 24 h in liquid media. Cultivation in broth depended on the adequate dispersion of appropriate gases. A static broth at 37 degrees C in a GasPak jar (BBL Microbiology Systems, Cockeysville, Md.) with a CampyPak (BBL) envelope did not support growth after 5 days of incubation. A broth placed in a flask on a Gyrotory water bath shaker (150 rpm; New Brunswick Scientific Co., Inc., Edison, N.J.) fitted with a gassing hood connected to a gas mixture of 10% CO2, 5% O2, and 85% N2 supported good growth. An initial inoculum of 10(5), 10(3) to 10(4), or 10(2) CFU/ml resulted in greater than or equal to 10(8) CFU/ml after incubation for 24, 48, or 72 h, respectively. Under these conditions, the bacteria grew as motile, spiral bacilli rather than the oval and coccal bacilli occasionally reported. Several bases supported good growth when supplemented with serum. For the determination of basal growth conditions, brucella broth base was used. Fetal calf serum (1%) provided maximum growth. Vitox was not necessary for growth and did not augment growth. C. pylori grew over a wide optimal pH range of 5.5 to 8.5.
Integral membrane proteins of the chloroplast envelope: Identification and subcellular localization of new transporters

A two-membrane system, or envelope, surrounds plastids. Because of the integration of chloroplast metabolism within the plant cell, the envelope is the site of many specific transport activities. However, only a few proteins involved in the processes of transport across the chloroplast envelope have been identified already at the molecular level. To discover new envelope transporters, we developed a subcellular proteomic approach, which is aimed to identify the most hydrophobic envelope proteins. This strategy combined the use of highly purified and characterized membrane fractions, extraction of the hydrophobic proteins with organic solvents, SDS/PAGE separation, and tandem mass spectrometry analysis. To process the large amount of MS/MS data, a blast-based program was developed for searching in protein, expressed sequence tag, and genomic plant databases. Among the 54 identified proteins, 27 were new envelope proteins, with most of them bearing multiple α-helical transmembrane regions and being very likely envelope transporters. The present proteomic study also allowed us to identify common features among the known and newly identified putative envelope inner membrane transporters. These features were used to mine the complete Arabidopsis genome and allowed us to establish a virtual plastid envelope integral protein database. Altogether, both proteomic and in silico approaches identified more than 50 candidates for the as yet previously uncharacterized plastid envelope transporters. The predictable function of some of these proteins opens up areas of investigation that may lead to a better understanding of the chloroplast metabolism. The present subcellular proteomic approach is amenable to the analysis of the hydrophobic core of other intracellular membrane systems.
Infant feeding‐related maternity care practices and maternal report of breastfeeding outcomes

BACKGROUND Evidence-based maternity practices and policies can improve breastfeeding duration and exclusivity. Maternity facilities report practices through the Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey, but individual outcomes, such as breastfeeding duration and exclusivity, are not collected. METHODS mPINC data on maternity care practices for 2009 were linked to data from the 2009 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), which collects information on mothers' behaviors and experiences around pregnancy. We calculated total mPINC scores (range 0-100). PRAMS data on any and exclusive breastfeeding at 8 weeks were examined by total mPINC score quartile. RESULTS Of 15 715 women in our sample, 53.7% were breastfeeding any at 8 weeks, and 29.3% were breastfeeding exclusively. They gave birth at 1016 facilities that had a mean total mPINC score of 65/100 (range 19-99). Care dimension subscores ranged from 41 for facility discharge care to 81 for breastfeeding assistance. In multivariable analysis adjusting for covariates, a positive relationship was found between total mPINC score quartile and both any breastfeeding (quartile 2: odds ratio [OR] 1.40 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.08-1.83], quartile 3: OR 1.50 [95% CI 1.15-1.96], quartile 4: OR 2.12 [95% CI 1.61-2.78] vs quartile 1) and exclusive breastfeeding (quartile 3: OR 1.41 [95% CI 1.04-1.90], quartile 4: OR 1.89 [95% CI 1.41-2.55] vs quartile 1) at 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that evidence-based maternity care practices and policies are associated with better breastfeeding outcomes. Maternity facilities may evaluate their practices and policies to ensure they are helping mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Relationship between microtubule‐binding repeats and morphology of neurofibrillary tangle in Alzheimer's disease

Objective – The present study was performed to compare the distributions of three‐repeat (3R) and four‐repeat (4R) neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) with those of pretangles (p‐NFT), intracellular NFT (i‐NFT), and extracellular NFT (e‐NFT) in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease brains.
Edge Collapse-Based Dehazing Algorithm for Visibility Restoration in Real Scenes

Haze removal is an important image restoration technology that aims to remove annoying haze particles from images. However, the efficacies of traditional dehazing methods are easily hindered by insufficient estimation of haze thickness, and thus cannot effectively provide satisfactory haze removal results. In this paper, we propose an edge collapse-based dehazing algorithm by which to dynamically repair the transmission map and, thereby, achieve satisfactory visibility restoration. Experimental results using qualitative and quantitative evaluations demonstrate that the haze removal ability of the proposed edge collapse-based dehazing method is significantly superior to those of other state-of-the-art methods.
Comparing simulation modelling and measurement results of polarization/depolarization current analysis on various underground cable insulation systems

Continuous application of high voltages in an underground cable can cause slow deterioration of its insulation system. Electronic charges can be generated within the medium of the material and this can lead to permanent change of its dielectric properties to withstand high electrical stresses. The long-term degradation of underground cable insulation plays an important role in its eventual breakdown event. One of the ways to assess the insulation condition of an underground cable is by measuring its polarization and depolarization currents (PDC). This technique has been widely used in assessing the performance of transformer insulation system, but can also be used to monitor the degradation within a cable to some extent. The paper aims to describe thoroughly the principle mechanism of PDC and how it can be used to monitor the condition of cable insulation. A simulation model has been developed based on theoretical conjectures of PDC in an ideal cable. The simulation results were then compared with PDC experimental measurements using new unused cables. In addition to this, simulated PDC currents for cables that are subjected to various degrees of degradation were also analyzed in order to deduce severity categorization for replacement exercise of in-service cables. By comparing the simulated data with the experimental results, it is hoped that a clearer understanding on the PDC mechanisms within underground cable insulation can be achieved.
Macroscopic and histopathological alterations of foot pads of laying hens kept in small group housing systems and furnished cages

1. Foot pad health was determined macroscopically and histologically in two trials with Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL, white layer strain) and Lohmann Brown (LB) laying hens kept in a small group housing system (40 and 60 hens) and two types of furnished cages (10 and 20 hens). 2. A total of 864 foot pads (648 LSL and 216 LB) were examined macroscopically and classified according to severity of pathological alterations; of these, 180 metatarsal pads and 180 toe pads were also examined histologically for hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, elongation of rete folds, development of secondary papillae, erosion, ulceration, cellular infiltration and bacterial colonisation of the epidermal surface. 3. As for the macroscopic examinations, pathological alterations of foot pads were found in 86·1% of the hens, while 57·4% of the birds examined showed mild hyperkeratosis. Macroscopically moderate hyperkeratosis and/or superficial lesions of the epithelium were detected in 21% of the laying hens examined. Severe hyperkeratosis and/or deep epithelial lesions and/or mild swelling of the foot pads were found in 5·9% of the hens, and very severe hyperkeratosis and/or deep and large epithelial lesions and/or moderate or high-grade swelling of foot pads were found in 1·9%. 4. The histopathological examinations showed that the macroscopically determined thickening of the epidermis was due not only to hyperkeratosis, but also often to acanthosis. In addition, perivascular infiltrations of lymphocytes were also detected. Furthermore, the degree of hyperkeratosis in metatarsal pads was shown to correlate with the other histopathological traits except for ulceration, and the degree of hyperkeratosis in toe pads was related to the development of secondary papillae and cellular infiltration with lymphocytes. 5. The results of the macroscopic and histological examinations showed that the use of perches and the grasping of wire floor may have resulted in a permanent increased mechanical compression load leading to proliferative hyperkeratosis.
A modern tool for classical plant growth analysis.

We present an all-inclusive software tool for dealing with the essential core of mathematical and statistical calculations in plant growth analysis. The tool calculates up to six of the most fundamental growth parameters according to a purely 'classical' approach across one harvest-interval. All of the estimates carry standard errors and 95 % confidence limits. The tool is written in Microsoft Excel 2000 and is available free of charge for use in teaching and research from www.aob. oupjournals.org article supplementary data.
In Vivo Binding of the Salivary Glycoprotein EP-GP (Identical to GCDFP-15) to Oral and Non-Oral Bacteria Detection and Identification of EP-GP Binding Species

Extra Parotid Glycoprotein (EP-GP) is a glycoprotein isolated from human saliva, having homologues in several other body fluids. The biological role of EP-GP and its homologues is unknown. Recently, EP-GP was shown to bind in vitro to the bacterium Streptococcus salivarius HB. In contrast, no binding to a number of other oral microorganisms could be demonstrated. In the present study we have determined whether binding of EP-GP to bacteria occurs in vivo in saliva and in other EP-GP containing body fluids. Therefore the presence of EP-GP on bacteria in vivo was determined by analyzing oral, skin and ear floras by confocal fluoresence microscopy using specific antibodies. About 12% of the in vivo oral flora had EP-GP present on their surface, while approximately 5% of the bacteria from ear canal or skin was positive for EP-GP. IgA was detected on approximately 65% of the salivary bacteria, whereas the high-molecular weight mucin (MG1) and cystatin C were not detectable on any oral bacterium. Using a replica-plate assay, a number of EP-GP binding strains in saliva were isolated and identified as Gemella haemolysans, Gemella morbillorium, Streptococcus acidominimus, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus parasanguis. Bacteria from the ear canal and skin bacteria were identified as Staphylococcus hominis. It is concluded that EP-GP is selectively bound in vivo to several oral and non-oral bacterial species.
Essays on Credit Risk and Credit Derivatives

This paper estimates the time-series behavior of credit risk premia in the market for Credit Default Swaps for the period 2001 to 2006. A structural model is used to back out objective default probabilities. The results indicate that risk premia might be incorrectly estimated, when expected losses are based on a historical equity volatility measure as opposed to implied volatility. This e¤ect is largest following the peak in credit spreads and risk premia in the second half of 2002. Secondly, when default probabilities are based on implied volatility, the risk premia tend to be countercyclical in the sense that the risk premium is high when expected losses are high. Finally, using linear regressions, I nd that augmenting the set of variables predicted by structural models with equity-implied credit risk premia signi cantly increases the explanatory power. This echoes the results found in Elkamhi & Ericsson (2007) and suggests the need for time varying risk premia in structural models. 1I thank MarkIt for access to credit default swap data. I am grateful to David Lando and Jesper Rangvid for useful comments. All remaining errors are my own.