Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced recombinant factor VII expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells by optimizing signal peptides and fed-batch medium

ABSTRACT Signal peptides play an important role in directing and efficiently transporting secretory proteins to their proper locations in the endoplasmic reticulum of mammalian cells. The aim of this study was to enhance the expression of recombinant coagulation factor VII (rFVII) in CHO cells by optimizing the signal peptides and type of fed-batch culture medium used. Five sub-clones (O2, I3, H3, G2 and M3) with different signal peptide were selected by western blot (WB) analysis and used for suspension culture. We compared rFVII expression levels of 5 sub-clones and found that the highest rFVII expression level was obtained with the IgK signal peptide instead of Ori, the native signal peptide of rFVII. The high protein expression of rFVII with signal peptide IgK was mirrored by a high transcription level during suspension culture. After analyzing culture and feed media, the combination of M4 and F4 media yielded the highest rFVII expression of 20 mg/L during a 10-day suspension culture. After analyzing cell density and cell cycle, CHO cells feeding by F4 had a similar percentage of cells in G0/G1 and a higher cell density compared to F2 and F3. This may be the reason for high rFVII expression in M4+F4. In summary, rFVII expression was successfully enhanced by optimizing the signal peptide and fed-batch medium used in CHO suspension culture. Our data may be used to improve the production of other therapeutic proteins in fed-batch culture.
Reintroducing the Sodium-Iodide Symporter to Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer, is unresponsive to radioiodine therapy. The current study aimed to extend the diagnostic and therapeutic application of radioiodine beyond the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer by targeting the functional sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) to ATC. METHODS The study employed nanoparticle vectors (polyplexes) based on linear polyethylenimine (LPEI), shielded by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and coupled to the synthetic peptide GE11 as an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific ligand in order to target a NIS-expressing plasmid (LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS) to EGFR overexpressing human thyroid carcinoma cell lines. Using ATC xenograft mouse models, transfection efficiency by 123I scintigraphy and potential for systemic radioiodine therapy after systemic polyplex application were evaluated. RESULTS In vitro iodide uptake studies in SW1736 and Hth74 ATC cells, and, for comparison, in more differentiated follicular (FTC-133) and papillary (BCPAP) thyroid carcinoma cells demonstrated high transfection efficiency and EGFR-specificity of LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS that correlated well with EGFR expression levels. After systemic polyplex injection, in vivo 123I gamma camera imaging revealed significant tumor-specific accumulation of radioiodine in an SW1736 and an Hth74 xenograft mouse model. Radioiodine accumulation was found to be higher in SW1736 tumors, reflecting in vitro results, EGFR expression levels, and results from ex vivo analysis of NIS staining. Administration of 131I in LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS-treated SW1736 xenograft mice resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth associated with prolonged survival compared to control animals. CONCLUSIONS The data open the exciting prospect of NIS-mediated radionuclide imaging and therapy of ATC after non-viral reintroduction of the NIS gene. The high tumor specificity after systemic application makes the strategy an attractive alternative for the treatment of highly metastatic ATC.
Speaking in tongues practical evaluation of TLS cipher suites compatibility

The Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol is still the de-facto standard for secure network connections over an insecure medium like the internet. But its flexibility concerning the algorithms used for securing a channel between two parties can also be a weakness, due to the possible agreement on insecure ciphers. In this work we examine an existing white paper (Applied Crypto Hardening) giving recommendations on how to securely configure SSL/TLS connections with regard to the practical feasibility of these recommendations. In addition we propose an additional configuration set with the aim of increasing compatibility as well as security. We also developed a small Cipher Negotiation Crawler (CiNeg) to test TLS-handshakes using given cipher configurations with a supplied list of websites and show its practical usability.
Investigation on End Winding Inductance in Motor Stator Windings

This paper presents an analytical approach for the calculation of end winding inductance in motor windings. The method aims to provide a rapid and accurate solution for inclusion in motor and drive design, analysis and simulation programs. In this paper, Laplace's equation is first applied to derive the magnetic vector potential within the end winding region. The flux density is then obtained from the magnetic vector potential. Hence, the inductance can be determined by consideration of the flux linkage. This analytical method is experimentally verified using a specially constructed experimental rig. Comparison with other available methods is also made. It is found that the presented method has a better accuracy than the others based on the experimental results. The experiments also show that the end winding inductance can be increasingly significant as the stack length decreases
Effect of bees-pollinators in buckwheat [Fagopyrum esculentum Moench] crops

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of bee pollination of buckwheat crops on the seed productivity and plant development. Six plots each 4 m2 in size were arranged in a buckwheat field. Four plots in the field were isolated by a net. Nucs with bees were placed in two of the plots (one per plot). Plant productivity, height of plants and number of branches per marked plant were measured. The plants attractive to insects were identified by counting all insects present in blossoms in an area of 100 m in length and 1 m in width. The tests conducted at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture during 1999-2001 showed that bees and other insect pollinators affect not only seed productivity but also development of plants. The plants visited by pollinators were shorter in height than the plants grown in the isolated plots. The insufficiently pollinated plants had 16.8-19.6% more side branches. The length of flowering period of the plants visited by pollinators was 10.0-16.5% shorter. The nectar production of buckwheat depends on the weather conditions rather than on plant density. The tested plants secreted in average 89.8 kg/ha of nectar (from 10.9-160.2 kg/ha), which is 36.1 kg/ha biological sugar. Bees were the main pollinators, they accounted for 81% of all insect-pollinators. The honeybees in wet periods did not fly but bumblebees visited blossoms even in bad weather. The buckwheat plants intensively visited by pollinators produced 21.7-41.4% higher seed yield compared with the seed yield obtained in isolated areas.
Conservative Treatment of Muscle Injuries: From Scientific Evidence to Clinical Practice

The musculoskeletal injuries, both acute and chronic, are very common in sport activities accounting from 10% to 55% of all injuries and often results in prolonged rehabilitation and time out from competition (Garrett, 1996; Croisier et al.,2002). Their treatment is a challenge for all health care professionals, which are involved in the management of rehabilitation and return sporting activities of the athletes. Usually, skeletal muscle injuries are common in professional and amateur athletes. Muscle injuries often occur with over 90% caused by excessive strain or by contusion (Jarvinen et al., 2005) and may result in the inability to train or compete for several weeks and have a high tendency to recur (Verrall et al., 2001; Orchard and Best, 2002). A 5-year study of European soccer players showed that muscle strain repre‐ sented 30% of injuries. Among these, those of quadriceps (32%), hamstring (28%), adductor (19%), and gastrocnemius (12%) were the most common (Volpi et al., 2004).
Design of a temperature-stable RF MEM capacitor

This paper presents a novel temperature-compensated two-state microelectromechanical (MEM) capacitor. The principle to minimize temperature dependence is based on geometrical compensation and can be extended to other devices such as MEM varactors. The compensation structure eliminates the effect of intrinsic and thermal stress on device operation. This leads to a temperature-stable device without compromising the quality factor (Q) or the voltage behavior. The compensation structure increases the robustness of the devices, but does not require any modifications to the process. Measurement results verify that the OFF and ON capacitance change is less than 6% and the pull-in voltage is less than 5% when the temperature is varied from -30 to +70/spl deg/C.
Nuclear migration events throughout development

ABSTRACT Moving the nucleus to a specific position within the cell is an important event during many cell and developmental processes. Several different molecular mechanisms exist to position nuclei in various cell types. In this Commentary, we review the recent progress made in elucidating mechanisms of nuclear migration in a variety of important developmental models. Genetic approaches to identify mutations that disrupt nuclear migration in yeast, filamentous fungi, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster and plants led to the identification of microtubule motors, as well as Sad1p, UNC-84 (SUN) domain and Klarsicht, ANC-1, Syne homology (KASH) domain proteins (LINC complex) that function to connect nuclei to the cytoskeleton. We focus on how these proteins and various mechanisms move nuclei during vertebrate development, including processes related to wound healing of fibroblasts, fertilization, developing myotubes and the developing central nervous system. We also describe how nuclear migration is involved in cells that migrate through constricted spaces. On the basis of these findings, it is becoming increasingly clear that defects in nuclear positioning are associated with human diseases, syndromes and disorders. Summary: Nuclear migration is a central part of many cell and developmental processes. A surprisingly large number of different molecular mechanisms exist to move nuclei to specific, intracellular locations.
Evaluation of the antifungal susceptibility of Malassezia pachydermatis to clotrimazole, miconazole and thiabendazole using a modified CLSI M27-A3 microdilution method.

BACKGROUND In this study, we evaluated the antifungal susceptibility of Malassezia pachydermatis to clotrimazole (CTZ), miconazole (MCZ), and thiabendazole (TBD), azole derivatives employed in aural formulations labeled for treatment of canine otitis. METHODS The procedure for in vitro testing was based on the indications of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27-A3 microdilution method. A lipid-enriched medium was employed to enhance the yeast growth (Christensen's urea broth, with 0.1% Tween 80 and 0.5% Tween 40 as the lipid sources), while the inoculums size corresponded to approximately 1-5 × 10(5) yeast cells/mL. Microplates were incubated at 37°C and read 48 h after inoculation. Azole MICs inhibiting fungal growth were the lowest drug concentrations that showed an optical density of ≤ 50% of the (drug-free) growth control, as assessed by spectrophotometer (630 nm filter). RESULTS All isolates were inhibited by the three azoles, with different minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Most isolates were inhibited by drug concentrations of 2-8 (CTZ), 1-4 (MCZ), or 16-32 (TBD) μg/mL. These results are partially in agreement with the findings of previous studies, in which substantially higher/lower MICs were occasionally reported. This is likely because of the different methodologies employed. Such discrepancies may not apply to clinical situations, where the compounds are applied topically. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The concept that clinical failure is linked to increased MICs is debatable, because significantly higher concentrations (in most cases at least 1,000 × the MIC) of the antifungals that were included in our study are routinely used in formulated products.
Sequential cytomegalovirus antigenemia monitoring in kidney transplant patients treated with antilymphocyte antibodies

Abstract: Background: Antilymphocyte antibodies (ALA) use is related to disseminated cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease after kidney transplantation. Strict surveillance of CMV infection, preemptive antiviral treatment or concomitant ganciclovir and ALA use are proposed as an attempt to prevent related clinical complications. Our objective was to describe the pattern of CMV infection, based on sequential antigenemia detection, after ALA treatment.
HE6, a two‐subunit heptahelical receptor associated with apical membranes of efferent and epididymal duct epithelia

Human Epididymis‐specific protein 6 [HE6 (GPR64)] is a highly conserved, tissue‐specific seven‐transmembrane receptor of the human epididymis. The rodent counterparts were cloned and 5′‐inverse PCR employed to confirm that the cDNA sequences were full length. Downstream from the highly conserved signal peptide‐coding sequence, the 5′‐regions contained at least six mini‐exons of less than 50 nucleotides. Multiple splice variants involving these mini‐exons were cloned in the human, the majority of which was also found in rodents. Northern blot analysis showed that the tissue distribution of the mRNA was very similar in human and rodents. The human HE6 gene was assigned to the X chromosome in a region, which is syntenic to the mouse. The HE6 sequence predicted a two‐subunit receptor of the LNB‐TM7 subfamily. A membrane preparation and protein solubilization method was adopted to identify the endogenous epididymal proteins. Two sets of peptides were chosen for antibody production, assuming that protein scission had occurred within the conserved GPS‐motif. Western blot analysis revealed abundant two‐subunit proteins in human and rodents, comprising an approximately 180 kDa hydrophilic ectosubunit and a <40 kDa hydrophobic endosubunit. Deglycosylation experiments showed that the large ectosubunits were highly glycosylated, the carbohydrate side chains dramatically increasing the apparent molecular mass. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that both subunits were associated with apical membranes of efferent ductule and proximal epididymal duct epithelia. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 13–26, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blood glucose in anaesthetised children

Blood glucose levels were measured immediately after induction of anaesthesia and again intra‐operatively in 26 children fasted overnight for operations in the morning and 28 children fasted from 8.00 a.m. for afternoon surgery. The mean post‐induction glucose concentration of the afternoon surgery group was significantly lower than that of the morning group. However, no child in either group was hypoglycaemic. Anaesthesia and surgery caused significant increases in blood glucose levels. It is concluded that pre‐operative fasting is well tolerated in healthy pre‐school children. regardless of the timing of surgery.
In-depth Investigation of HfAlO Layers as Interpoly Dielectrics of Future Flash Memories

In this work, the authors evaluate the potentialities of HfAlO materials as possible candidates for the interpoly dielectrics of future flash memory devices. HfAlO single-layer and oxide/HfAlO/oxide triple-layer stacks were processed and analyzed in terms of coupling and insulating capabilities. The electron conduction modes in these materials, at different temperatures, were also investigated. Finally, by means of analytical models matched with experimental data, the authors extrapolate the programming characteristics of future flash memory nodes integrating HfAlO as interpoly dielectrics
Breast cancer genetic testing: more than a medical management tool.

BACKGROUND Knowing whether a harmful hereditary mutation exists in BRCA1 and BRCA2 can enable women to make informed decisions regarding surveillance and surgery options to manage risk. Given the attention in the media about BRCA genetic testing, nurses need to revisit how this knowledge may affect a woman's sense of self and the forces that may influence this decision. OBJECTIVES This article aims to understand how complex the decision to undergo genetic testing may be for some women by exploring the impact of genetic knowledge on the self, changes to customary definitions for health and illness, and ethical issues and social forces that may influence genetic testing decisions. METHODS A review of the literature was undertaken to understand how genetic knowledge may alter meanings attached to the breast and how health is defined, and to identify ethical concerns and social forces that may affect a woman's decision to undergo or decline an offer for genetic testing. FINDINGS An understanding and awareness of the potential benefits and harms of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing, as well as the social forces that may influence a woman's decision to undergo or decline an offer for genetic testing and the commitment to remain open to the uniqueness of each woman's situation, may enhance the nurse-patient relationship and result in a decision that is ethically in the best interest of the patient.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions on the Exponential Stability of Positive Hyperbolic Systems

In this paper, a strict linear Lyapunov function is developed in order to investigate the exponential stability of a linear hyperbolic partial differential equation with positive boundary conditions. Based on the method of characteristics, some properties of the positive solutions are derived for the hyperbolic initial boundary value problems. The dissipative boundary condition in terms of linear inequalities is proven to be not only sufficient but also necessary under an extra assumption on the velocities of the hyperbolic systems. An application to control of the freeway traffic modeled by the Aw–Rascle traffic flow equation illustrates and motivates the theoretical results. The boundary control strategies are designed by integrating the on-ramp metering with the mainline speed limit. Finally, the proposed feedback laws are tested under simulation, first in the free-flow case and then in the congestion mode, which show adequate performance to stabilize the local freeway traffic.
Methods and Benefits of Education in Pediatric Asthma

Asthma is the most common chronic condition among young people within the USA. This review discusses pediatric asthma education and provides evidence-based recommendations for reducing the burden of asthma on health care. Within schools there is robust evidence to suggest that peer-to-peer schemes are very effective in complementing the support provided by school nurses. We report our experience using medical students in an education program. In the hospital environment, the postexacerbation period is a key educative window for both children and parents. Home education should be reserved for those children most severely affected. We believe that the strongest evidence supports a multidisciplinary approach in both school and hospital environments. The burden of asthma is greatest in the lowest socioeconomic classes and this should be reflected in the allocation of resources and asthma education; there is little evidence to suggest that this group is currently being specifically targeted. Telemedicine can facilitate personalized yet automated education including treatment plans and self-monitoring of lung function. With proven success in reducing asthma symptoms and improving quality of life, it offers an opportunity to access populations previously hard to reach. Future research needs to make direct comparisons between different forms of education. This will help justify funding decisions in this crucial area of preventative medicine.
Subcutaneous pre-anaesthetic medication with acepromazine-buprenorphine is effective as and less painful than the intramuscular route.

OBJECTIVES To compare reaction to injection, sedation and propofol induction dose in dogs receiving acepromazine-buprenorphine pre-anaesthetic medication by the intramuscular or subcutaneous routes. METHODS Fifty-two client owned dogs of American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I or II anaesthetised for diagnostic imaging. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive acepromazine 0.03 mg/kg and buprenorphine 0.02 mg/kg either intramuscular or subcutaneous. Reaction to injection was scored. Sedation was compared before and one hour after pre-anaesthetic medication. Propofol was administered in 1 mg/kg incremental injections until tracheal intubation was achieved. Total propofol dose was recorded. RESULTS Reaction to injection was significantly greater (P=0.009) in the intramuscular group compared to the subcutaneous group. Sedation scores were not significantly different (P=0.523) between the intramuscular and the subcutaneous group. There was no statistically significant difference in propofol dose for induction (P=0.7). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Acepromazine-buprenorphine pre-anaesthetic medication provides a similar degree of sedation whether administered by the intramuscular or subcutaneous route. The intramuscular route is more painful compared to the subcutaneous route.
Fluoxetine Attenuates Chronic Methamphetamine‐induced Pulmonary Arterial Remodelling: Possible Involvement of Serotonin Transporter and Serotonin 1B Receptor

Epidemiological data have shown that methamphetamine (MA) abuse significantly increases the risk of developing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). To investigate whether MA could induce PAH and its possible mechanism, rats were exposed daily to MA for 5 weeks in the absence or presence of fluoxetine. The results showed that the pulmonary arterial pressure was not significantly increased, but the pulmonary arterial remodelling was markedly developed in the MA exposure group. The protein expressions of the serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) and 5‐HT1B receptor were increased in the lungs and in the pulmonary arteries of MA‐treated rats. Fluoxetine attenuated the pulmonary arterial remodelling and down‐regulated the protein expression of 5‐HTT and 5‐HT1B receptor in pulmonary arteries of MA‐treated rats. These findings suggest that fluoxetine has a novel potential suppressive effect on the chronic MA‐induced pulmonary vascular remodelling and also suggest that 5‐HTT and 5‐HT1B receptor may be involved as part of its mechanism.
House fly (Musca domestica) as a transport vector of Cryptosporidium parvum.

Synanthropic filth flies are a likely vehicle of transmission of human cryptosporidiosis. A polymerase chain reaction assay specific for the 18S rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium parvum Tyzzer, 1912 and C. wrairi Vetterling, Jervis, Merrill et Sprinz, 1971 was used for the direct detection of Cryptosporidium DNA in Musca domestica L. flies captured in two towns in Aragon (Spain). Six hundred flies were clustered in groups of ten and processed. An amplification product of the expected size (422 base pairs) was detected in 11 of the 60 groups (18%). Cryptosporidium parvum is an enteric coccidian parasite of mammals, including humans; it is frequently detected in young livestock. In humans, cryptosporidiosis is recognised as a common cause of acute transient diarrhoea. Transmission of oocysts excreted from infected hosts occurs either by direct host-to-host contact or indirectly by contaminated water or food; other indirect transmission mechanisms (for example arthropods) have not been sufficiently studied. Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts have been detected in flies, both