Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attenuated expression of 70-kDa heat shock protein in WI-38 human fibroblasts during aging in vitro.

We examined the effects of cellular aging on the expression of the heat shock-inducible HSP70 gene in WI-38 diploid human fibroblasts serially passaged in vitro. The senescence of the cells was established by evaluating population doubling level, cell density at confluency, and cell morphology along with the detection of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity (histochemically detectable at pH 6), a reliable marker of aging in low-density cultures. A marked decrease in the synthesis and accumulation of the inducible HSP70 protein was observed in serum-fed late passage cells exposed to a severe heat shock (30 min at 45 degrees C) in comparison to early passage cells. However, the degree of HSF-DNA binding, monitored by gel retardation assay was similar in both early and late passage cells. Similarly, Northern blotting analysis indicated that comparable amounts of inducible HSP70 mRNA were present in the total RNA fraction, in the total polyadenylated RNA fraction, or in the nuclear polyadenylated RNA fraction extracted from both early and late passage cells. In contrast, much less inducible HSP70 mRNA was detected in the total cytoplasmic RNA fraction or in the polyadenylated cytoplasmic RNA fraction of late passage cells. Thus age-related differences in heat-induced HSP70 synthesis and accumulation observed in serum-fed WI-38 cells appeared to result from an impairment in the posttranscriptional processing of the HSP70 mRNA at a level following the polyadenylation step and preceding translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. When HF were serum deprived for 20 h before heat shock, the induction of HSP70 mRNA was less than 30% reduced in early passage cells in comparison to serum-fed cells; however, the level of HSP70 mRNA was markedly (over 80%) decreased in serum-deprived late passage cells. This result indicated that the presence of serum has a strong influence on heat shock-induced HSP70 gene expression in human fibroblasts aging in vitro.
Improved Sigma Filter for Speckle Filtering of SAR Imagery

The Lee sigma filter was developed in 1983 based on the simple concept of two-sigma probability, and it was reasonably effective in speckle filtering. However, deficiencies were discovered in producing biased estimation and in blurring and depressing strong reflected targets. The advancement of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology with high-resolution data of large dimensions demands better and efficient speckle filtering algorithms. In this paper, we extend and improve the Lee sigma filter by eliminating these deficiencies. The bias problem is solved by redefining the sigma range based on the speckle probability density functions. To mitigate the problems of blurring and depressing strong reflective scatterers, a target signature preservation technique is developed. In addition, we incorporate the minimum-mean-square-error estimator for adaptive speckle reduction. Simulated SAR data are used to quantitatively evaluate the characteristics of this improved sigma filter and to validate its effectiveness. The proposed algorithm is applied to spaceborne and airborne SAR data to demonstrate its overall speckle filtering characteristics as compared with other algorithms. This improved sigma filter remains simple in concept and is computationally efficient but without the deficiencies of the original Lee sigma filter.
3-D Formal Resolution of Maxwell Equations for the Computation of the No-Load Flux in an Axial Flux Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Machine

This paper presents a 3-D analytical model of an axial flux permanent-magnet synchronous machine, based on formal resolution of Maxwell equations. This method requires much less computation time than conventional 3-D finite elements, and is therefore suitable for optimization purposes. In a first part, the mathematical procedure used to compute the machine no-load flux is described in detail. This method is 3-D, and then takes into account the radial edge effects of the machine, as well as the curvature effects by a resolution in cylindrical coordinates. Moreover, the originality of this method lies in the fact that it is totally analytical. The obtained results are verified using 3-D finite elements, and compared with simpler analytical models of axial flux machines, taken from the literature. This work puts in evidence the advantages of the proposed model. In particular, it is shown that the radial edge effects are important for a correct estimation of the no-load flux. On the contrary, the curvature effects are a second-order phenomenon.
Relationship between RGS5 expression and differentiation and angiogenesis of gastric carcinoma.

AIM To explore the regulator of G-protein signaling 5 (RGS5) expression in gastric carcinoma and its association with differentiation and microvascular density (MVD). METHODS Expression of RGS5 and CD34 were examined in 76 cases of gastric carcinoma, including 22 cases with lymph node metastasis and 54 cases without lymph node metastasis determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). MVD was assessed using CD34 monoclonal antibody. The presence of RGS5 and CD34 was analyzed by IHC using the Envision technique. RESULTS The RGS5 expression in gastric carcinoma was positively correlated with the differentiation of the tumor (r = 0.345, P < 0.001), but not related with age, gender, tumor size, clinical stage and lymph node metastasis (P > 0.05). The average MVD in the group with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than that in the group without lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). RGS5 expression was negatively correlated with the average MVD (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION RGS5 expression level in gastric carcinoma is associated with the differentiation and MVD of the tumor, and may be used as an important parameter for determining the prognosis of gastric carcinoma patients.
Heterologous expression of biphenyl dioxygenase-encoding genes from a gram-positive broad-spectrum polychlorinated biphenyl degrader and characterization of chlorobiphenyl oxidation by the gene products

The bphA1A2A3A4 gene cluster, encoding a biphenyl dioxygenase from Rhodococcus globerulus P6, a gram-positive microorganism able to degrade a wide spectrum of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), was expressed in Pseudomonas putida, thereby allowing characterization of chlorobiphenyl oxidation by this enzyme. While P6 biphenyl dioxygenase activity was observed in P. putida containing bphA1A2A3A4, no activity was detected in Escherichia coli cells containing the same gene cluster. In E. coli, transcription of genes bphB and bphCl, located downstream of bphA1A2A3A4, was shown to be driven solely by a vector promoter, which indicated that the lack of biphenyl dioxygenase activity was not due to a lack of mRNA synthesis. Radioactive labelling of bph gene products in E. coli implied inefficient translation of the bphA gene cluster or rapid degradation of the gene products. The biosynthesis of functional P6 biphenyl dioxygenase in P. putida cells containing the same plasmid construct that yielded no activity in E. coli emphasizes the importance of the host strain for heterologous expression and shows that synthesis, correct folding, and assembly of a Rhodococcus biphenyl dioxygenase can be achieved in a gram-negative organism. Dioxygenation of six mono- and dichlorinated PCB congeners by P. putida containing the P6 bphA gene cluster indicates the following ring substitution preference for this reaction (from most to least preferred): un-, meta-, para-, and ortho-substitution. No indications were found for dioxygenation of meta/para carbon pairs, or for hydroxylation of chlorinated carbons at any position of a monochlorinated ring, suggesting a strict specificity of this biphenyl dioxygenase for attack at nonhalogenated ortho/meta vicinal carbons. This contrasts the properties of an analogous enzyme from Pseudomonas sp. strain LB400, which can both dioxygenate at meta and para positions and dehalogenate substituted ortho carbons during ortho and meta dioxygenation.
A duality approach for solving bounded linear programming problems with fuzzy variables based on ranking functions and its application in bounded transportation problems

There are several methods, in the literature, for solving fuzzy variable linear programming problems (fuzzy linear programming in which the right-hand-side vectors and decision variables are represented by trapezoidal fuzzy numbers). In this paper, the shortcomings of some existing methods are pointed out and to overcome these shortcomings a new method based on the bounded dual simplex method is proposed to determine the fuzzy optimal solution of that kind of fuzzy variable linear programming problems in which some or all variables are restricted to lie within lower and upper bounds. To illustrate the proposed method, an application example is solved and the obtained results are given. The advantages of the proposed method over existing methods are discussed. Also, one application of this algorithm in solving bounded transportation problems with fuzzy supplies and demands is dealt with. The proposed method is easy to understand and to apply for determining the fuzzy optimal solution of bounded fuzzy variable linear programming problems occurring in real-life situations.
A peptide activator of endogenous tyrosine kinase enhances synaptic currents mediated by NMDA receptors

N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor currents in cultured cells or expression systems are increased by the addition of purified tyrosine kinases. However, there is no direct demonstration of this effect at NMDA receptors in intact synapses of rat brain slices. Transmitters which might be used to activate tyrosine kinases in situ are unlikely to have a sufficiently selective action to allow a clear interpretation of their effects. Therefore, we used a phosphotyrosine‐containing decapeptide which can be included in recording electrodes to activate postsynaptic src‐family tyrosine kinases. This peptide enhanced NMDA responses in dissociated hippocampal CA1 neurons. These effects were not reproduced by a non‐phosphorylated peptide or a scrambled‐sequence phosphopeptide. The enhancement of NMDA responses was blocked by a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In brain slices the phosphopeptide, but not control peptide, increased NMDA receptor‐mediated synaptic current indicating that endogenous tyrosine kinase can upregulate the response of NMDA receptors at glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus.
Anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry in the assessment of body composition in elderly Finnish women

In this study, the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), skinfold thickness measurement (STM) and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), as a reference method, were compared with each other in the assessment of body composition in elderly (62–72‐year‐old) Finnish women (n=93). BIA had better agreement with DXA in the assessment of fat free mass (FFM, R2=0·70, Sres=2·1) and fat mass (FM, R2=0·93, Sres=2·3) than the STM (FFM, R2=0·62, Sres=2·4; FM, R2=0·89,Sres=2·8). There was quite a large variation in the estimates when different BIA prediction equations were used. The equation developed in this study, FFM (kg)=−128·06 + 1·85 × BMI−0·63 × weight + 1·07 × height − 0·03 × resistance +10·0 × waist–hip ratio, yielded a small and unbiased error (0·5 ± 1·6 kg), with a small residual standard deviation (R2=0·83, Sres=1·6). However, error associated with the estimate of FM was positively related to the degree of FM. BIA(Heitmann) equation yielded unbiased estimates of both FFM and FM (FFM, R2=0·77, Sres=1·8; FM, R2=0·95, Sres=1·9). Both the STM and BIA (manufacturer's equation) resulted in error which was statistically significant and positively correlated with FFM and FM. These results indicate that BIA prediction equations, chosen with care, can improve the performance of equations based upon anthropometric measurements alone in the assessment of body composition in elderly women.
Bordetella pertussis Is an Uncommon Pathogen in Children Hospitalized With Bronchiolitis During the Winter Season

Background: In the United States (U.S.), Bordetella pertussis incidence has increased. Cough and apnea are common findings in pertussis and also in bronchiolitis, the most common cause of hospitalization in U.S. infants. The objective was to determine the prevalence of B. pertussis infection in children hospitalized with bronchiolitis and to describe its clinical course. Methods: Children hospitalized with bronchiolitis and age <2 years were eligible for a prospective, multicenter cohort study during 3 consecutive winter seasons (November–March) from 2007 to 2010. Sixteen sites in 12 states participated using a standardized enrollment protocol. Families were asked the 2010 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pertussis classification questions. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained and tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction for 16 viruses, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and B. pertussis. Results: Two thousand sixty-eight (94%) of 2207 children had 1 or more respiratory pathogens. B. pertussis was identified in 4 children [0.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1–0.5%] with 3 having a viral co-infection. All 4 were younger than 4 months; 2 met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of probable pertussis; and 3 had received at least 1 dose of an acellular pertussis vaccine. During the hospitalization, 2 had paroxysmal cough, 1 required intensive care unit care and the median length of stay was 13 days. Conclusions: Our data support that B. pertussis is an uncommon pathogen in U.S. children hospitalized with bronchiolitis in the winter. Making a diagnosis of pertussis can be challenging because the disease can be atypical and may not meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of probable infection.
CHIRON: An energy-efficient chain-based hierarchical routing protocol in wireless sensor networks

Due to the power restriction of sensor nodes, efficient routing, in wireless sensor networks, is a critical approach to saving node's energy and thus prolonging the network lifetime. Even the chain-based routing is one of significant routing mechanisms, several common flaws, such as data propagation delay and redundant transmission, are associated. In this paper, we propose an energy efficient Chain-Based Hierarchical Routing Protocol, named as CHIRON, to alleviate such deficiencies. Based on the BeamStar concept [9], the main idea of CHIRON is to split the sensing field into a number of smaller areas, so that it can create multiple shorter chains to reduce the data transmission delay and redundant path, and therefore effectively conserve the node energy and prolong the network lifetime. Simulation results show that, in contrast to Enhanced PEGASIS and PEGASIS protocols, the proposed CHIRON can achieve about 15% and 168% improvements on average data propagation delay, 30% and 65% improvements on redundant transmission path, respectively. By these contributions, the network lifetime can also be extended to about 14%∼7% and 50%∼23%, under various small and large simulation areas, respectively.
Nursing interventions that address barriers in the United States that impact neonatal mortality

In 2016, four out of every 1000 babies born in the US died within one month of age. This systematic research review explored nursing interventions that addressed barriers that impact neonatal mortality. The most significant barriers nurses faced in reducing and preventing NM were maternal access to healthcare and education during pregnancy, which can be influenced by maternal age, low socioeconomic status, lack of familial support, poor health literacy, and geographic location. The articles examined included nursing interventions that were evidence-based and addressed barriers relating to NM. Interventions promoting the reduction of NM included education of women’s health and prenatal lifestyle, safe neonatal practices, and education of nursing staff. Subsequently, the majority of the educational interventions was prenatal, so nurses need to fill more public nursing roles to reach the community and assess maternal health education and disparities unique to varying locations and socioeconomic statuses. Nursing education in maternal-newborn care is also imperative to impacting the reduction NM. If nurses are more equipped to better educate patients, it can result in improved neonatal outcomes.
Evaluation of an extremely flatulent patient: Case report and proposed diagnostic and therapeutic approach

We recently encountered a patient with severe flatulence who previously had been subjected to innumerable diagnostic tests and ineffective therapies based on the belief that his rectal gas was produced in the colon. Analysis of three flatus samples demonstrated that nitrogen (N2) was the predominant flatus gas whereas the three gases produced in the gut (CO2, H2 [hydrogen], and CH4 [methane]) comprised <16% of rectal gas. This result plus a series of other diagnostic tests clearly indicated that the patient's flatus was derived almost entirely from swallowed air. Based on this case, the present report summarizes available data on excessive flatulence and suggests a rational approach to the patient complaining of this problem. Particular emphasis is placed upon a sequential strategy consisting of: 1) a count of flatus passages to determine if the subject truly is abnormal (normal: <20 passages/day); 2) an analysis of flatus to determine if the flatus originates from swallowed air (predominantly nitrogen) or intraluminal production (predominantly CO2, H2, and CH4); and 3) treatment based upon the origin of the rectal gas.
Functional evaluation of novel soluble insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II–specific ligand traps based on modified domain 11 of the human IGF2 receptor

Ligands transported by the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II receptor (IGF2R) include IGF-II– and mannose 6-phosphate–modified proteins. Increased extracellular supply of IGF-II, either secondary to loss of the clearance function of IGF2R, loss of IGF binding protein function, or increased IGF2 gene expression, can lead to embryonic overgrowth and cancer promotion. Reduced supply of IGF-II is detrimental to tumor growth, and this suggests that gain of function of IGF-II is a molecular target for human cancer therapy. Domain 11 of IGF2R binds IGF-II with high specificity and affinity. Mutagenesis studies have shown that substitution of glutamic acid for lysine at residue 1554 results in a 6-fold higher affinity for IGF-II (20.5 nmol/L) than native domain 11 (119 nmol/L). Here, we generate a novel high-affinity IGF-II ligand trap by fusion of mutated human 11E1554K to a COOH-terminal human IgG1 Fc domain (11E1554K-Fc). The resulting homodimer has a significantly increased affinity for IGF-II (1.79 nmol/L) when measured by surface plasmon resonance. IGF-II signaling via the IGF-I receptor and the proliferative effect of IGF-II were specifically inhibited by 11E1554K-Fc in both HaCaT and Igf2−/− mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. These data confirm that a novel engineered and soluble IGF2R-11E1554K-Fc protein functions as an IGF-II–specific and high-affinity ligand trap in vitro and that this protein has potential application as an IGF-II antagonist for cancer therapy following in vivo experimental evaluation. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(2):607–17]
A study on taxpayers' awareness and confidence in administering self assessment / Ho Juan Keng ... [et al.]

Most taxpayers know the differences between the Official Assessment System (GAS) and the Self Assessment System (SAS) and that for individual taxpayers; the GAS has been replaced by the SAS effective from 2004. Although most taxpayers agreed that both the taxpayers and the tax officers should be knowledgeable in assessing tax liabilities, however they felt that the IRB should be responsible for conducting the assessment as taxpayers are not confident in filling their assessments correctly. They lack confidence in understanding the tax laws and public rulings, and in keeping up to date with the frequent changes to the tax laws. Under the GAS, more taxpayers file their own tax returns as compared to under the SAS. Taxpayers are not confident that the tax authority would advise them regarding unintentionally committed errors, nor would the tax authority treat the community as honest taxpayers. They feel the laws that give IRB six years to review an assessment but only 30 days for the taxpayers to appeal against an assessment as unreasonable.
Organisational trust as a prerequisite for whistleblowing

The purpose of this article is to provide a conceptual framework for trust as a prerequisite for whistleblowing in public sector organisations. A review of existing literature determines that organisational trust should be developed to ensure that whistleblowers can disclose perceived wrongdoing in a protected environment that is characterised by openness, honesty, integrity and trust. Lewicki and Bunker's three-stage framework focusing on the development of organisational trust utilised in this article is an example of how trust can be developed in a public sector organisation. Without organisational trust, whistleblowing might not take place within the organisation as the whistleblower might decide either to remain silent or to blow the whistle outside the organisation.
Dental plaque removal efficacy of a battery powered and manual toothbrush

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare the plaque removal effectiveness of a battery powered and manual toothbrush on plaque removal. Materials and Methods. 60 patients were attended in this study. These patients were divided into two groups, using rotary or manual toothbrush twice a day. Plaque was scored after brushing at the baseline of the study and three months later, using Patient Hygiene Performance (PHP) at the sites of the following teeth: the maxillary right first molar on the disto-buccal area (1), the maxillary right central incisor on the disto-buccal area (2), the maxillary left first molar on the mesio-buccal area (3), the mandibular left first molar on the disto-buccal area (4), the mandibular left central incisor on the disto-buccal area (5) and the mandibular right first molar on the mesio-buccal area (6). These six sites were chosen as the representative status of the oral condition. Statistical analysis was performed by Paired samples t-test and Independent samples t-test. Results. Both toothbrushes mean differences between baseline and post-brushing plaque scores decreased. Battery powered toothbrush decreased the plaque index in first, second and sixth sites more than the manual toothbrush. Conclusions. Crest SpinBrush plaque removal was more efficient on the recorded teeth of the right side of the oral cavity in comparison to manual toothbrush.
South Africa in the Australian Mirror: Per Capita Real GDP in the Cape Colony, Natal, Victoria, and New South Wales, 1861–1909

This article compares the real GDP per capita of the Cape Colony and Natal between 1861 and 1909 with that of Australia's two most developed colonies, Victoria and New South Wales. Estimates of European and non‐European GDP per capita for both South African colonies are also provided. Together, this information allows for the first time an evaluation of the growth performance of these important parts of the South African economy in the colonial era. The article concludes that South African performance in this period was stronger than often assumed and that by the beginning of the twentieth century European South Africans, now more fully integrated into a British World economy, operated at a level of GDP per capita that matched and in some places may have exceeded that of Australians. Non‐European South Africans, however, did not share in these same advances.