Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fermentation of lactose by yeast cells secreting recombinant fungal lactase

Strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae transformed with a yeast multicopy expression vector carrying the cDNA for Aspergillus niger secretory beta-galactosidase under the control of ADH1 promoter and terminator were studied for their fermentation properties on lactose (V. Kumar, S. Ramakrishnan, T. T. Teeri, J. K. C. Knowles, and B. S. Hartley, Biotechnology 10:82-85, 1992). Lactose was hydrolyzed extracellularly into glucose and galactose, and both sugars were utilized simultaneously. Diauxic growth patterns were not observed. However, a typical biphasic growth was observed on a mixture of glucose and galactose under aerobic and anaerobic conditions with transformants of a haploid S. cerevisiae strain, GRF167. Polyploid distiller's yeast (Mauri) transformants were selected simply on the basis of the cloned gene expression on X-Gal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside) plates. Rapid and complete lactose hydrolysis and higher ethanol (0.31 g/g of sugar) and biomass (0.24 g/g of sugar) production were observed with distiller's yeast grown under aerobic conditions. A constant proportion (10%) of the population retained the plasmid throughout the fermentation period (48 h). Nearly theoretical yields of ethanol were obtained under anaerobic conditions on lactose, glucose, galactose, and whey permeate media. However, the rate and the amount of lactose hydrolysis were lower under anaerobic than aerobic conditions. All lactose-grown cells expressed partial galactokinase activity.
Flow cytometric analysis of macaque whole blood for antigen‐specific intracellular cytokine production by T lymphocytes

Abstract: We report here the standardized conditions for stimulation of macaque whole blood samples with various protein or peptide antigens, and production of significant intracellular levels of interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) in CD4+ as well as CD8+ T lymphocytes. We observed significantly higher levels of TNF‐α compared with IFN‐γ in both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes from all the macaque whole blood samples stimulated with staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) as an antigen. Similarly, when whole blood samples from rhesus macaques immunized with an HIV envelope peptide cocktail vaccine were stimulated with either the peptide cocktail or recombinant gp160, we observed production of significant levels of TNF‐α by both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. These results strongly support the utility of the whole blood cytokine flow cytometry methodology for determining antigen‐specific immune responses of macaques in vaccine studies.
Comparison of vinorelbine, ifosfamide and cisplatin (NIP) and etoposide and cisplatin (EP) for treatment of advanced combined small cell lung cancer (cSCLC) patients: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE To compare efficacy and safety profile of vinorelbine, ifosfamide and cisplatin (NIP) with etoposide and cisplatin (EP) in the treatment of advanced combined small cell lung cancer (c-SCLC). METHODS From January 2006 to December 2010, 176 patients with advanced c-SCLC were enrolled. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) and the secondary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS), response rate (RR) and toxicity. RESULTS Overall RR was 30.0% in the NIP and 38.5% in the EP group; there was no significant difference (P=0.236). The PFS in the EP group was little longer than that of NIP group, with 6.5 months for EP and 6.0 months for NIP group, but the difference was statistically non-significant (P=0.163). The median OS and one year survival rates were 10.4 months and 36.3% for NIP group, and 10.8 months and 49.0% for EP respectively, EP showing a survival benefit, although this was not statistically significant. Both groups well tolerated the adverse effects. The incidence of grade I-II leucopenia and alopecia in the NIP group was significantly higher than that of EP group (32.5% vs. 10.4% (P<0.001, 35.0% vs. 12.5%, P<0.001). CONCLUSION the ORR, PFS and OS in NIP were slightly inferior to traditional regimen EP. The toxicity of NIP can be considered tolerable. The usage of three drugs combination in the treatment of mixed SCLC remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the results need to be further confirmed by large, prospective clinical trials.
Earthquake rupture process recreated from a natural fault surface

What exactly happens on the rupture surface as an earthquake nucleates, spreads, and stops? We cannot observe this directly, and models depend on assumptions about physical conditions and geometry at depth. We thus measure a natural fault surface and use its 3‐D coordinates to construct a replica at 0.1 m resolution to obviate geometry uncertainty. We can recreate stick‐slip behavior on the resulting finite element model that depends solely on observed fault geometry. We clamp the fault together and apply steady state tectonic stress until seismic slip initiates and terminates. Our recreated M ~ 1 earthquake initiates at contact points where there are steep surface gradients because infinitesimal lateral displacements reduce clamping stress most efficiently there. Unclamping enables accelerating slip to spread across the surface, but the fault soon jams up because its uneven, anisotropic shape begins to juxtapose new high‐relief sticking points. These contacts would ultimately need to be sheared off or strongly deformed before another similar earthquake could occur. Our model shows that an important role is played by fault‐wall geometry, although we do not include effects of varying fluid pressure or exotic rheologies on the fault surfaces. We extrapolate our results to large fault systems using observed self‐similarity properties and suggest that larger ruptures might begin and end in a similar way, although the scale of geometrical variation in fault shape that can arrest a rupture necessarily scales with magnitude. In other words, fault segmentation may be a magnitude‐dependent phenomenon and could vary with each subsequent rupture.
Induced cross‐protection responses against Cr(III) and Fe(III) ions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Stress tolerance of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was examined after exposure to iron and chromium, which are essential minerals in low concentrations but can be toxic if present in high concentrations. Induction of possible cross‐protection responses was performed with the yeast pre‐treatment at the start of cultivation with low concentrations of Fe(III) or Cr(III) ions, which slightly inhibit the growth and the subsequent exposure to sub‐lethal concentrations of Fe(III) or Cr(III) ions in the mid‐exponential phase. No cross‐protection was found if yeasts were pre‐treated with 0.1 mM Cr(III) and subsequent exposure to 2.5 mM Fe(III) ions took place. If pre‐treated with 0.1 mM Fe(III) Saccharomyces cerevisiae conferred protection to subsequent challenges with a sub‐lethal concentration of 2.5 mM Cr(III) ions resulting in higher biomass formation and higher relative cell viability in comparison to cells without pre‐treatment. It is shown for the first time that iron pre‐treatment enhanced yeast condition against chromium related stress via cross‐protection mechanism. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Is there no place like home? Caregivers recall reasons for and experience upon transfer from home hospice to inpatient facilities.

OBJECTIVE To describe caregivers' reasons for transfer from home hospice to inpatient facilities, preferences for site of care and death, and their experiences during these transfers. DESIGN Retrospective qualitative analysis of interviews with caregivers of deceased hospice patients who had undergone transfer. SETTING A university-affiliated community hospice provider. SUBJECTS Caregivers of deceased hospice patients who transferred to an acute care hospital, a freestanding inpatient hospice facility, or a nursing home while enrolled in hospice and died between January 2003 and February 2004. MEASUREMENTS A semistructured interview protocol was developed and used for all interviews. Interviews were coded for reasons for transfer, preferences for site of care and death, and experience upon transfer using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS Patients transferred because of an acute medical event, an uncontrolled symptom, imminent death, or inability to provide needed care safely at home. Although all caregivers expressed a strong preference for care at home, other concerns such as pain and symptom control, safety, and quality and quantity of life became more important with time. We found significant variation in specific preferences regarding care and site of death. Satisfaction with care at the transfer facilities was determined by clarifying goals of care, following treatment preferences, providing personalized care, and the patient's environment. CONCLUSIONS Hospice patients usually transfer to facilities to accomplish goals consistent with good end-of-life care. We can improve their experience by treating patients and their caregivers as unique individuals, exploring and respecting treatment preferences, and creating a pleasant physical environment.
Randomized Clinical Trial of adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin following resection in Stage IB Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Report of Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) Protocol 9633.

7019 Background: The value of adjuvant chemotherapy in resectable lung cancer remains controversial. The International Adjuvant Lung Trial (IALT) reported a modest but statistically significant survival advantage with cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy in stages IA to III NSCLC. On the other hand, Adjuvant Lung Project Italy (ALPI) failed to demonstrate benefit for adjuvant chemotherapy in patients of similar stage. CALGB 9633 was designed to test the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with T2N0M0, stage IB NSCLC. NCCTG and RTOG also participated. METHODS Within 4-8 weeks of resection, patients were randomized to adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 over 3 hours and carboplatin AUC 6, each administered on day one every three weeks for four cycles, or to observation. Eligibility: age >18 years, histologically documented NSCLC, T2 primary lesion, lobectomy or pneumonectomy, absence of tumor in N1 or N2 nodes sampled at surgery or mediastinoscopy. All p-values are two-sided. RESULTS Between 9/15/96 and 11/26/03, 344 patients were randomized. Median follow-up is currently 34 months. Median age was 61 years (range 34-81 years), and 64% were male. Groups were well balanced with regard to age, gender, race, ethnicity, histology, tumor differentiation, and resection type. 80% underwent mediastinoscopy prior to surgery. Lobectomy was performed in 89%. Adjuvant chemotherapy was well tolerated, and there were no chemotherapy-related toxic deaths. Grade III or IV neutropenia occurred in 36%. There have been 36 deaths from any cause among 173 patients in the chemotherapy group compared to 52 deaths among 171 patients in the observation group (HR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.41-0.95, p=0.028). Overall survival at 4 years is 71% (95% CI: 62%-81%) and 59% (95% CI: 50%-69%) in chemotherapy and observation groups, respectively. There was also a significant advantage in failure-free survival favoring the chemotherapy group (HR=0.69; 95% CI: 0.48-0.98; p=0.035). With regard to lung cancer mortality, there have been 19 lung cancer deaths in the chemotherapy group and 34 deaths in the control group (HR=0.51; 95% CI: 0.29-0.89; p=0.018). At 4 years, lung cancer mortality was 15% (95% CI: 8%-21%) and 26% (95% CI: 18%-34%) in chemotherapy and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly reduces all-cause and lung cancer mortality in stage IB NSCLC. This is the first randomized trial to demonstrate significantly improved survival for a carboplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy regimen in a uniform population with NSCLC. [Table: see text].
Gaussian-mixture-model-based cluster analysis of gamma-ray bursts in the BATSE catalog

Clustering is an important tool to describe gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). We analyzed the Final BATSE Catalog using Gaussian-mixture-models-based clustering methods for six variables (durations, peak flux, total fluence and spectral hardness ratios) that contain information on clustering. Our analysis found that the five kinds of GRBs previously found by other authors are only the cut groups of the previously well-known three types (short, long and intermediate in duration). The two short and intermediate duration groups differ mostly in the peak flux. Therefore, the reanalysis of the BATSE data finds similar group structures than previously. Because the brightness distribution is asymmetric and not correlated with durations or hardnesses the Gaussian mixture model cuts the Short and the Intermediate duration groups into two subgroups, the dim ones and the bright ones.
Evaluation of Rickettsia japonica Pathogenesis and Reservoir Potential in Dogs by Experimental Inoculation and Epidemiologic Survey

ABSTRACT Rickettsia japonica pathogenesis and reservoir potential in dogs were evaluated by both experimental inoculation and epidemiologic survey. In the experimental inoculation study, dogs 1 and 2 were pretreated with an immunosuppressive dose of cyclosporine 14 days before inoculation and became ill after exposure to R. japonica. Dogs exhibited clinical signs, including fever, anorexia, depression, and decreased water consumption, between 36 and 96 h after inoculation, but these signs disappeared spontaneously by 5 days after inoculation. Dogs 3 and 4 were not pretreated with cyclosporine, and no clinical signs were detected in them throughout the 14-day observation period. The control dog was clinically normal and had a normal rectal temperature throughout the study period. We attempted to detect rickettsial DNA from peripheral blood and aspiration samples from kidney and spleen by nested PCR, but all samples examined were negative. The control dog lacked detectable titers to R. japonica antigen on day 14, while positive antibodies to R. japonica were detected in all four experimentally infected dogs, with titers of 1:160 to 1:80. In the epidemiologic survey, 24 (1.8%) of the 1,363 dogs examined throughout Japan had antibodies against R. japonica, with titers of 1:40 or more. However, we observed neither clinical signs at the time of sample collection nor nested PCR results indicative of rickettsial infection in these dogs. In conclusion, dogs in Japan can be exposed to R. japonica, and infected dogs with immunosuppressive conditions can temporarily develop clinical symptoms, including fever, anorexia, depression, and decreased water consumption.
Externalizing and internalizing behaviors in ASD

The current study investigated the relationships between internalizing and externalizing (I‐E) behaviors and family variables, including both parenting stress and quality of attachment relations, in children aged 8–12 with high‐functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or with typical development. Compared to the group with typical development, children with ASD exhibited significantly greater levels of psychopathology as assessed by the Child Behavior Checklist [Achenbach, 1991], and parents of children with ASD exhibited higher parenting stress as assessed by the Parenting Stress Index [Abidin, 1995]. In a hierarchical multiple regression analysis, parenting stress emerged as the most important predictor of children's I‐E problems. Results are discussed in light of the two groups' similar relationships between parenting stress and child psychopathology.
Common Factors in Major League Baseball Game Attendance

This article applies a panel data model with observed common factors to Major League Baseball (MLB) data from 1904 to 2012 to analyze attendance. In particular, it aims to identify common factors. The empirical results suggest that MLB fan preferences were simple in the early years (1904-1957) with respect to common factors and then became multifaceted in later years (1958-2012), because the number of significant common factors increased from four to seven. Time trends and per capita gross domestic product were significant over the whole sample period, but outcome uncertainties and offensive performance, such as slugging performance, became newly significant common factors influencing attendance in later years. This indicates that fans consider not only their home team’s characteristics but also the characteristics of the away teams; then, in the modern era, it became critical for the league to implement elaborate business measures to promote competitive balance and slugging performance.
XRCC1 genetic polymorphisms and sensitivity to platinum-based drugs in non-small cell lung cancer: an update meta-analysis based on 4708 subjects.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the correlation between genetic polymorphisms in x-ray repair cross complementing group 1 (XRCC1) and sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy drugs in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS Reports published before June 2014 were retrieved from the following databases: China Biology Medicine (CBM), China Academic Journal Full-Text Database (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Full-Text Database (VIP), Wanfang Data, PubMed and Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE). After extracting the data and evaluating the quality, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.2 software. RESULTS A total of 29 studies with 4807 patients were included. Two polymorphisms (Arg399Gln and Arg194Trp) were analyzed. Meta-analysis showed that the efficacy of chemotherapy for patients with the TT genotype [TT vs. CC, OR=1.66, 95% OR=1.66, 95 CI (1.30-2.14)] and the CT genotype [CT vs. CC, OR=1.62, 95% CI (1.35-1.93)] at codon 194 of the XRCC1 gene was significantly higher than that for patients with the CC genotype. The efficacy of chemotherapy for patients with mutant (CT+TT) genotypes was significantly higher than for patients with the wild-type (CC) genotype [TT+CT vs. CC, OR=1.63; 95% CI (1.38-1.92)]. The sensitivity to chemotherapy in patients with the AG genotype at codon 399 of the XRCC1 gene was lower than in patients with the GG genotype [AG vs. GG, OR=0.72, 95% CI (0.55-0.92)] in Chinese population. However, we did not found this association in Caucasus population. CONCLUSION Genetic polymorphisms in the XRCC1 gene are correlated with sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Betulinic acid suppresses NGAL-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in melanoma

Abstract Betulinic acid (BA) exhibits antitumoral activity by blocking proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. However, the impact of BA on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a hallmark of cancer metastasis induced among others by neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), remains unknown. The present study aimed at determining the effect of BA on NGAL-induced EMT. In A375 melanoma cells, BA downregulated mesenchymal markers, increased epithelial markers, and inhibited cytoskeletal reorganization. In addition, BA limited endogenous NGAL production and further suppressed EMT induced by exogenously added NGAL and the corresponding invasive cellular phenotype. In conclusion, BA interferes with EMT-associated changes, a mechanism to antagonize invasive melanoma cells.
PERSONALITY PROCESSES AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES Individual Differences in Fundamental Social Motives

Motivation has long been recognized as an important component of how people both differ from, and are similar to, each other. The current research applies the biologically grounded fundamental social motives framework, which assumes that human motivational systems are functionally shaped to manage the major costs and benefits of social life, to understand individual differences in social motives. Using the Fundamental Social Motives Inventory, we explore the relations among the different fundamental social motives of Self-Protection, Disease Avoidance, Affiliation, Status, Mate Seeking, Mate Retention, and Kin Care; the relationships of the fundamental social motives to other individual difference and personality measures including the Big Five personality traits; the extent to which fundamental social motives are linked to recent life experiences; and the extent to which life history variables (e.g., age, sex, childhood environment) predict individual differences in the fundamental social motives. Results suggest that the fundamental social motives are a powerful lens through which to examine individual differences: They are grounded in theory, have explanatory value beyond that of the Big Five personality traits, and vary meaningfully with a number of life history variables. A fundamental social motives approach provides a generative framework for considering the meaning and implications of individual differences in social motivation.
Diversity of rotavirus serotypes in Mexican infants with gastroenteritis

One hundred thirty-two stool specimens from infants with rotavirus gastroenteritis hospitalized in two Mexican cities (Mexico City and Mérida) were examined by serotype- and subgroup-specific enzyme immunoassays. Among them, 38 (29%) were serotype 1, 15 (11%) were serotype 2, 13 (10%) were serotype 3, 22 (17%) were serotype 4, none was serotype 5 or 6, and 44 (33%) could not be serotyped. By subgrouping, 121 specimens were characterized as follows: 24 (18%) were subgroup 1, 97 (74%) were subgroup 2, and none had both subgroup specificities. While serotype 1 rotavirus predominated in the Mexico City area for 4 consecutive years (1984 to 1987), serotype 4 predominated in Mérida during the single epidemic season studied (1985). These data demonstrate that all four primary human rotavirus serotypes circulated in Mexico, with serotype 1 being the most prevalent. The seroneutralization responses of 14 of the 22 patients infected with serotype 4 strains had been previously studied. Of these 14 infants, 11 appeared to have primary infections, as indicated by absence of neutralizing antibodies in the acute-phase sera and their young age (8 months on average) at the time of illness. Seven patients seroresponded to serotypes 1 and 4; two seroresponded to serotypes 1, 3, and 4; three seroresponded to serotype 1; and two had low-level seroresponses to serotype 3 or 4. These data indicate that heterotypic neutralizing antibody responses occur frequently following infection with serotype 4 rotaviruses.
Angiopoietin‐2 in experimental colitis

Background: The pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes leukocyte infiltration, blood and lymphatic remodeling, weight loss and protein enteropathy. The roles of angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) in initiating gut inflammation, leukocyte infiltration and angiogenesis are not well understood. Methods: Disease activity index, histopathological scoring, myeloperoxidase assay, immunohistochemistry and sodium dodecyl sulphate‐ polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic methods were employed in the present study to addess the roles of Ang‐2 in experimental colitis. Results: Several important differences were seen in the development of experimental IBD in Ang‐2−/− mice. Although weight change and disease activity differ only slightly in WT and Ang‐2−/− + DSS treated mice, leukocyte infiltration, inflammation and blood and lymphatic vessel density is significantly attenuated compared to WT + DSS mice. Gut capillary fragility and water export (stool blood and form) appear significantly earlier in Ang‐2−/− + DSS mice vs. WT. Colon lengths were also significantly reduced in Ang‐2−/− and gut histopathology was less severe in Ang‐2−/− compared to WT + DSS. Lastly, the decrease in serum protein content in WT + DSS was less severe in Ang‐2−/− + DSS, thus protein losing enteropathy (PLE) a feature of IBD is relieved by Ang‐2−/−. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that in DSS colitis, Ang‐2 mediates inflammatory hemangiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and neutrophil infiltration to reduce some, but not all clinical features of IBD. The implications for Ang‐2 manipulation in the development of IBD and other inflammatory diseases and treatments involving Ang‐2 are discussed. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009)