Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Genes Encoding the Human Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) Family Potentially Relevant to Autoimmunity

ABSTRACT Objective: To continue our previous investigations, we have extensively investigated the function of the 61, 41, and 35 non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human genes encoding DNASE1, DNASE1L3, and DNASE2, respectively, potentially relevant to autoimmune diseases. Methods: The site-directed mutagenesis was employed to amino acid–substituted constructs corresponding to each SNP. The COS-7 cells were transfected with each vector and DNase activity was assayed by the single radial enzyme diffusion method. By using PolyPhen-2, changes in the DNase function of each non-synonymous SNP were predicted. Genotyping of all the non-synonymous SNPs was performed in 14 different populations including 3 ethnic groups using the polymerase chain reaction followed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: Expression analysis demonstrated these SNPs to be classified into four categories with regard to the effect on DNase activity: SNPs not affecting the activity level, ones reducing it, ones abolishing it, and ones elevating it. In particular, 9, 5, and 4 SNPs producing a loss-of-function variant of the enzymes in DNASE1, DNASE1L3, and DNASE2, respectively, were confirmed. SNPs producing DNase loss of function can be estimated by PolyPhen-2 to be “probably damaging” with a high accuracy of prediction. Almost all of these functional SNPs producing a loss of function or substantially low activity-harboring forms exhibited a mono-allelic distribution in all of the populations. Conclusion: A minor allele of functional SNPs, despite the remarkably low genetic heterogeneity of the SNPs, might be a genetic risk factor for autoimmune diseases.
Molecular Characterization of Avian Paramyxovirus 1 Isolates Collected from Cormorants in Canada from 1995 to 2000

ABSTRACT Sequences encompassing cleavage sites of fusion protein genes were obtained for avian paramyxovirus 1 isolates from cormorants in Canada. All isolates have the virulent cleavage site SRGRRQKR*FVG. They form a distinct cluster within isolates obtained around the world and may represent a novel genotype closely related to genotype V.
An Investigation into some of the Factors Influencing the Desire for Orthodontic Treatment

A sample of 207 patients and their respective parents were surveyed to assess the influence various occlusal anomalies and other factors had had in stimulating a desire for orthodontic treatment. From the results obtained it is thought that more attention should be given to the particular occlusal and aesthetic deviations which are causing concern to the patient: assumptions based purely upon the presenting occlusal condition should be avoided. It was shown that for the majority of patients the provision of orthodontic care was dictated largely by aesthetics but that the general dental practitioner exerted an appreciable influence on patient acceptance of treatment.
Control of Staphylococcal Infection in a Maternity Hospital

Anderson K. F. , and Sheppard, R. A. W. (1959). Lancet, 1, 514. Begg, N. D. , Smellie, E. W. , and Wright, J. (1947). Brit. med. J., 1, 209. Clarke, S. K. R. , Dalgleish, P. G. , Parry, E. W. , and Gillespie, W. A. (1954). Lancet, 2, 211. Elek, S. D. (1959). Staphylococcus Pyogenes and its Relation to Disease, p. 161. Livingstone, Edinburgh and London. Gardner, A. W. , and Pope, K. G. (1960). Med. J. Aust. , 1, 127. Girdlestone, G. R. , and Bourdillon, R. B. (1951). Lancet, 1, 597. King Edward's Hospital Fund for London, November, 1959, Interim Report on the Cleaning and Sterilization of Hospital Blankets, p. 2. Pressley, T. A. (1958). Lancet, 2. 712. Rountree, P. M. (1946). Med. J. Aust. , 1, 539. (1947). Ibid., 1. 427.
Enhanced cellular uptake of Ara‐C via a peptidomimetic prodrug, L‐valyl‐ara‐C in Caco‐2 cells

This study aimed to investigate the gastrointestinal stability and the cellular uptake characteristics of l‐valyl‐ara‐C, a peptidomimetic prodrug of ara‐C (cytarabine). After the synthesis of l‐valyl‐ara‐C via the incorporation of l‐valine into the N4‐amino group of the cytosine ring in ara‐C, the gastrointestinal stability of l‐valyl‐ara‐C was examined using artificial gastric juice and artificial intestinal fluids. The cellular uptake characteristics of l‐valyl‐ara‐C were also examined in Caco‐2 cells. The disappearance half‐life of l‐valyl‐ara‐C was 2.2 h in artificial gastric juice, while the degradation of l‐valyl‐ara‐C was negligible in artificial intestinal fluid and also in the supernatant above the Caco‐2 cell monolayer during the 2‐h incubation. The cellular accumulation of l‐valyl‐ara‐C was 5‐fold higher than that of ara‐C in Caco‐2 cells. Furthermore, the cellular uptake of l‐valyl‐ara‐C did not increase proportionally to the increase in drug concentration. The cellular accumulation of l‐valyl‐ara‐C was significantly reduced in the presence of uridine, p‐aminohippurate, tetraethylammonium and small dipeptides, while it was not changed in the presence of l‐valine and benzoic acid, suggesting that l‐valyl‐ara‐C could interact with multiple uptake transporters, including peptide transporters, organic anion and cation transporters and nucleoside transporters, but might not interact with amino acid transporters. In conclusion, l‐valyl‐ara‐C could be effective to improve the oral absorption of ara‐C via the carrier‐mediated transport pathway.
Abnormal IL-2 receptor levels in non-pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage.

BACKGROUND Immunological abnormalities have been found in pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. This study compared interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) levels in non-pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage with those found in serum from a non-pregnant group with no such history. METHODS Group 1 comprised 49 non-pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage (at least three consecutive miscarriages). Group 2 comprised 22 non-pregnant women with no history of miscarriage. Serum IL-2R levels were measured in all patients. RESULTS The results obtained showed that although all women were not pregnant at the time of sampling, IL-2R levels were significantly higher in women in Group 1 compared with those in Group 2 (1589 +/- 1289 versus 1082 +/- 823 pg/ml; P < 0.05). Follow-up data were available for 21 women from Group 1. The next pregnancy ended successfully for 14 of these women, while seven miscarried again. The IL-2R levels obtained pre-pregnancy were not significantly different between the two groups (1480 +/- 910 versus 1356 +/- 716 pg/ml). CONCLUSION This study has shown that non-pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage have raised IL-2R levels. These increased pre-pregnancy IL-2R levels did not necessarily predict miscarriage for the next pregnancy.
Addison's disease due to metastatic bronchogenic carcinoma.

The frequency of adrenal involvement in bronchogenic carcinoma has been noted by many observers. In Willis'1series of 500 consecutive cancer necropsies, the most frequent adrenal metastases occurred in bronchogenic carcinoma, the incidence being 44%. In contrast, the incidence of adrenal involvement by all cancers was 9%. Willis1cited five additional series of bronchogenic carcinomas in which the incidence of adrenal metastases varied from 30% to 40%. In most cases, these metastases were bilateral and situated in the medulla. Jaffe2and Koletsky3reported the incidence of adrenal involvement as 40% and 45%, respectively; the glandular type of carcinoma was most often responsible. Koletsky's3series of 100 bronchogenic carcinomas comprised 10% of all cancers found by him at autopsy. At Queens General Hospital, bronchogenic carcinoma is a frequently encountered malignant tumor; it was found in 2.2% of all autopsies (5,030) performed here during the 10-year period
Computed Tomography of Renal Lymphoma with Ultrasound Correlation

The computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound findings in 18 patients (35 kidneys) with non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving the kidneys are presented. Renal involvement was bilateral in 13 patients. The most common presentation was that of multiple intraparenchymal nodules (15 kidneys). Other types of involvement included direct invasion from contiguous retroperitoneal lymph node masses (nine kidneys), solitary renal masses (five kidneys), and diffuse infiltration (two kidneys). On CT most of the lesions were of homogeneous tissue density. Ultrasonographically the renal masses were hypoechoic. We believe that CT is the procedure of choice for the detection and follow-up of renal lymphoma.
Incorporating hacking projects in computer and information security education: an empirical study

Incorporating hacking projects in information security education is controversial. However, several studies discussed the benefits of including offensive exercises (e.g., hacking) in information security courses. In this paper, we present our experiment in incorporating hacking projects in the laboratory exercises for an undergraduate-level Computer and Information Security (CIS) course at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Saudi Arabia. We conducted a survey to measure the effectiveness of incorporating hacking projects from the students' perspective. We also questioned the ethical aspects of these projects. The results strongly suggest that hacking projects have helped the students better understanding computer and information security principles. Furthermore, the majority of the students stated that they do not intend to misuse the learned skills, mainly for religious and ethical reasons. We also present the precautions that we took to avoid legal or ethical consequences that may be connected with these activities.
An osteoclastic protein‐tyrosine phosphatase is a potential positive regulator of the c‐Src protein‐tyrosine kinase activity: A mediator of osteoclast activity

This study tested the hypothesis that an osteoclastic protein‐tyrosine phosphatase, PTP‐oc, enhances osteoclast activity through c‐Src activation. The effects of several resorption activators and inhibitors on PTP‐oc expression, resorption activity, and c‐Src activation were determined in rabbit osteoclasts. PTP‐oc expression was assayed with immunoblots and semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR. Osteoclastic activity was determined by the resorption pit assay; and c‐Src activation was monitored by P‐tyr527 (PY527) dephosphorylation, and in vitro kinase assay. Treatment of osteoclasts with PTH, PGE2, 1,25(OH)2D3, IL‐1, but not RANKL or IL‐6, significantly stimulated resorption activity, increased PTP‐oc mRNA and protein levels, and reduced c‐Src PY527 level with corresponding activation of c‐Src protein‐tyrosine kinase activity. The PTP‐oc antisense phosphorothioated oligo treatment blocked the basal and IL‐1α‐mediated, but not RANKL‐mediated, resorption activity of isolated osteoclasts. The antisense oligo treatment also significantly reduced the average depth of resorption pits created by rabbit osteoclasts under basal conditions. Calcitonin and alendondrate, significantly reduced resorption activity and PTP‐oc expression, and increased c‐Src PY527 with corresponding reduction in its PTK activity. The cellular PTP‐oc protein level correlated with the resorption activity. Among the various signaling proteins co‐immunoprecipitated with PTP‐oc, the resorption effectors caused corresponding changes in the tyrosyl phosphorylation level of only c‐Src. The GST–PTP‐oc fusion protein dephosphorylated PY‐527‐containing c‐Src peptide in time‐ and dose‐dependent manner in vitro. In summary, (1) PTP‐oc is regulated in part at transcriptional level, (2) upregulation of PTP‐oc in osteoclasts led to c‐Src activation, and (3) PY527 of c‐Src may be a cellular substrate of PTP‐oc. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that PTP‐oc is a positive regulator of c‐Src in osteoclasts. J. Cell. Biochem. 97: 940–955, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Joint kinetics in rearfoot versus forefoot running: implications of switching technique.

PURPOSE To better understand the mechanical factors differentiating forefoot and rearfoot strike (RFS) running, as well as the mechanical consequences of switching techniques, we assessed lower limb joint kinetics in habitual and imposed techniques in both groups. METHODS All participants performed both RFS and forefoot strike (FFS) techniques on an instrumented treadmill at 4.5 m·s while force and kinematic data were collected. RESULTS Total (sum of ankle, knee, and hip) lower limb work and average power did not differ between habitual RFS and FFS runners. However, moments, negative work and negative instantaneous and average power during stance were greater at the knee in RFS and at the ankle in FFS techniques. When habitual RFS runners switched to an imposed FFS, they were able to replicate the sagittal plane mechanics of a habitual FFS; however, the ankle internal rotation moment was increased by 33%, whereas the knee abduction moments were not reduced, remaining 48.5% higher than a habitual FFS. In addition, total positive and negative lower limb average power was increased by 17% and 9%, respectively. When habitual FFS runners switched to an imposed RFS, they were able to match the mechanics of habitual RFS runners with the exception of knee abduction moments, which remained 38% lower than a habitual RFS and, surprisingly, a reduction of total lower limb positive average power of 10.5%. CONCLUSIONS There appears to be no clear overall mechanical advantage of a habitual FFS or RFS. Switching techniques may have different injury implications given the altered distribution in loading between joints but should be weighed against the overall effects on limb mechanics; adopting an imposed RFS may prove the most beneficial given the absence of any clear mechanical performance decrements.
The first “lost year” of Mediterranean sea turtles: dispersal patterns indicate subregional management units for conservation

Identifying highly frequented areas is a priority for sea turtle conservation, and the distribution of young individuals in open waters represents a major knowledge gap due to methodological biases. The drift of hatchlings from 38 loggerhead Caretta caretta and 10 green Chelonia mydas turtle nesting sites in the Mediterranean was simulated for the first 6 mo of life, with simulations repeated for 5 different years (2001 through 2005). Results indicate that hatchlings from the Levantine and south-central Mediterranean sites are mainly retained in the same areas of origin, while those from the Ionian area mainly disperse to the Ionian, Adriatic and southcentral Mediterranean areas. Combining hatchling dispersal with existing empirical information on juveniles and adults, a general distribution model among nesting sites, and oceanic and neritic foraging grounds for Mediterranean sea turtles is proposed. The Levantine zone may be particularly key for the conservation of the Mediterranean populations of both species, since it may host the highest concentration of individuals. Subregional management units identified by dispersal patterns may facilitate turtle conservation through a relatively small-scale international approach. In-water studies in specific zones are identified as a research priority for improving current knowledge and informing conservation plans.
An operator extension of the parallelogram law and related norm inequalities

We establish a general operator parallelogram law concerning a characterization of inner product spaces, get an operator extension of Bohr's inequality and present several norm inequalities. More precisely, let ${\mathfrak A}$ be a $C^*$-algebra, $T$ be a locally compact Hausdorff space equipped with a Radon measure $\mu$ and let $(A_t)_{t\in T}$ be a continuous field of operators in ${\mathfrak A}$ such that the function $t \mapsto A_t$ is norm continuous on $T$ and the function $t \mapsto \|A_t\|$ is integrable. If $\alpha: T \times T \to \mathbb{C}$ is a measurable function such that $\bar{\alpha(t,s)}\alpha(s,t)=1$ for all $t, s \in T$, then we show that \begin{align*} \int_T\int_T&\left|\alpha(t,s) A_t-\alpha(s,t) A_s\right|^2d\mu(t)d\mu(s)+\int_T\int_T\left|\alpha(t,s) B_t-\alpha(s,t) B_s\right|^2d\mu(t)d\mu(s) \nonumber &= 2\int_T\int_T\left|\alpha(t,s) A_t-\alpha(s,t) B_s\right|^2d\mu(t)d\mu(s) - 2\left|\int_T(A_t-B_t)d\mu(t)\right|^2\,. \end{align*}
Fermi-level pinning at the polysilicon/metal oxide interface-Part I

We report here that Fermi pinning at the polysilicon/metal oxide interface causes high threshold voltages in MOSFET devices. Results indicate that pinning occurs due to the interfacial Si-Hf and Si-O-Al bonds for HfO/sub 2/ and Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, respectively. Oxygen vacancies at polysilicon/HfO/sub 2/ interfaces also lead to Fermi pinning. We show that this fundamental characteristic affects the observed polysilicon depletion. In Part I, the theoretical background is reviewed and the impact of the different gate stack regions are separated out by investigating the relative threshold voltage shifts of devices with Hf-based dielectrics. The effects of the interfacial bonding are examined in Part II.
Four Conserved Cysteine Residues of the Hepatitis B Virus Polymerase Are Critical for RNA Pregenome Encapsidation

ABSTRACT Hepadnaviruses replicate via reverse transcription of an RNA template, the pregenomic RNA (pgRNA). Although hepadnaviral polymerase (Pol) and retroviral reverse transcriptase are distantly related, some of their features are distinct. In particular, Pol contains two additional N-terminal subdomains, the terminal protein and spacer subdomains. Since much of the spacer subdomain can be deleted without detrimental effects to hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, this subdomain was previously thought to serve only as a spacer that links the terminal protein and reverse transcriptase subdomains. Unexpectedly, we found that the C terminus of the spacer subdomain is indispensable for the encapsidation of pgRNA. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis revealed that four conserved cysteine residues, three at the C terminus of the spacer subdomain and one at the N terminus of the reverse transcriptase subdomain, are critical for encapsidation. The inability of the mutant Pol proteins to incorporate into nucleocapsid particles, together with other evidence, argued that the four conserved cysteine residues are critical for RNA binding. One implication is that these four cysteine residues might form a putative zinc finger motif. Based on these findings, we speculate that the RNA binding activity of HBV Pol may be mediated by this newly identified putative zinc finger motif.
Factors Related to Physical Activity Adherence in Women: Review and Suggestions for Future Research

ABSTRACT Approximately 50 percent of individuals who start an exercise program withdraw within 6 months. Thus, many individuals withdraw before health benefits have been realized. This is a disconcerting statistic considering the well known benefits of physical activity for decreasing risk of hypokinetic diseases and improving quality of life. The literature has suggested a plethora of factors to increase the number of individuals who initiate a physical activity program. However, little is known about the factors that keep women exercising–otherwise known as exercise adherence. The purpose of this paper is to: (a) systematically review the quantitative literature to discern the major factors contributing to adherence to physical activity in women and men and make recommendations for specific gender-based considerations that are important when designing PA interventions for women, and (b) suggest areas of future research related to increasing adherence to physical activity in women. Key factors reviewed in this paper may be useful in developing efficacious physical activity programs for women.
Bystander effect induced changes in apoptosis related proteins and terminal differentiation in in vitro murine bladder cultures

Purpose: Radiation-induced bystander effects are now an established phenomenon seen in numerous cell and tissue culture models. The aim of this investigation was to examine the bystander signal and response in a multicellular primary tissue culture system in vitro. Methods and materials: Murine bladder samples were explanted and directly exposed to gamma radiation, or treated with irradiated tissue conditioned medium (ITCM) generated from the directly irradiated cultures. Results: Results indicated that there was a strong bystander signal produced by the tissue that caused both dose-dependent and -independent changes in the ITCM treated tissue. Significantly increased B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) expression was noted after treatment with 0.5Gy and 5Gy ITCM (approximately 80%), while dose-dependent changes were observed in c-myelocytomatosis (cMyc) (39.48% at 0.5 Gy ITCM, 81.28% at 5 Gy ITCM) and the terminal differentiation marker uroplakin III (17.88% at 0.5 Gy). Nuclear fragmentation was also significantly increased at both doses of ITCM. Conclusion: These data suggest that the bystander signal produced in a multicellular environment induces complex changes in the ITCM-treated culture, and that these changes are reflective of a coordinated response to maintain integrity throughout the tissue.
The effect of smoke inhalation on lung function and airway responsiveness in wildland fire fighters.

The current study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of smoke on forced expiratory volumes and airway responsiveness in wildland fire fighters during a season of active fire fighting. Sixty-three seasonal and full-time wildland fire fighters from five U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USDAFS) Hotshot crews in Northern California and Montana completed questionnaires, spirometry, and methacholine challenge testing before and after an active season of fire fighting in 1989. There were significant mean individual declines of 0.09, 0.15, and 0.44 L/s in postseason values of FVC, FEV1, and FEF25-75, respectively, compared with preseason values. There were no consistent significant relationships between mean individual declines of the spirometric parameters and the covariates: sex, smoking history, history of asthma or allergies, years as a fire fighter, upper/lower respiratory symptoms, or membership in a particular Hotshot crew. There was a statistically significant increase in airway responsiveness when comparing preseason methacholine dose-response slopes (DRS) with postseason dose-response slopes (p = 0.02). The increase in airway responsiveness appeared to be greatest in fire fighters with a history of lower respiratory symptoms or asthma, but it was not related to smoking history. These data suggest that wildland fire fighting is associated with decreases in lung function and increases in airway responsiveness independent of a history of cigarette smoking. Our findings are consistent with the results of previous studies of municipal fire fighters.