Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional autoregulation of the Salmonella typhimurium phoPQ operon

The Salmonella typhimurium PhoP-PhoQ two-component regulatory system controls the expression of several genes, some of which are necessary for virulence. During a screening for PhoP-regulated genes, we identified the phoPQ operon as a PhoP-activated locus. beta-Galactosidase activity originating from phoPQ-lac transcriptional fusions required the presence of both the transcriptional regulator PhoP and its cognate sensor-kinase PhoQ. At low concentrations, PhoQ stimulated expression of phoPQ-lac transcriptional fusions. However, larger amounts of PhoQ protein without a concomitant increase in PhoP failed to activate phoPQ-lac fusions. Two different transcripts are produced from the phoPQ operon during exponential growth. These transcripts define two promoters: phoPp1, which requires both PhoP and PhoQ for activity and which is environmentally regulated, and phoPp2, which remains active in the absence of PhoP and PhoQ but which is slightly stimulated by these proteins. The pattern of transcriptional autoregulation was also observed at the protein level with anti-PhoP antibodies. In sum, autoregulation of the phoPQ operon provides several levels of control for the PhoP-PhoQ regulon. First, environmental signals would stimulate PhoQ to phosphorylate the PhoP protein that is produced at basal levels from the PhoP-PhoQ-independent promoter. Then, phospho-PhoP would activate transcription of phoPp1, resulting in larger amounts of PhoP and PhoQ and increased expression of PhoP-activated genes. A return to basal levels could be mediated by a posttranscriptional mechanism by which translation of the mRNA produced from phoPp1 is inhibited.
Does gender affect career satisfaction and advancement in gastroenterology? Results of an AGA institute-sponsored survey.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Women comprise 19% of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) membership. We performed a prospective study to determine whether female gastroenterologists were less likely to achieve career advancement and satisfaction. METHODS We administered an online survey to AGA members from 2004-2006. The survey contained questions regarding effects of gender on career advancement, satisfaction with career, promotional policies, and integration of family and career. RESULTS A total of 457 individuals (response rate 9% after 2 major invitations) completed the survey, including 262 (57%) women (20% in private practice, 53% in academic careers, and 27% trainees) and 195 men (23% in private practice, 58% in academic careers, and 19% trainees). The male gastroenterologists were significantly older (P < .005) and in their careers for significantly more years (P = .002). There were no significant differences with respect to marital status, number of children, or number of hours worked between the genders. Men were more likely to achieve the rank of full professor (P = .035), and significantly more women reported that gender affected their career advancement (47% vs 9%; P < .001). Women in academic careers reported less satisfaction with their careers (P = .01) and perceived more difficulty in achieving promotion and tenure. Women were more likely to choose private practice careers because of part-time options (P = .025). Equal numbers of men and women in practice reported difficulty balancing work and family life. CONCLUSIONS Significantly more female than male gastroenterologists perceive that gender has affected their career advancement. Female academic gastroenterologists reported less overall career satisfaction and promotion than male academic gastroenterologists.
Evolution of urban hotel geography – a case study of Belgrade

ABSTRACT This research analyses the changes of hotel geography in Belgrade, from the middle nineteenth century to the present. It confirms the influence that major political and economic factors have on hotel distribution, size, ownership, and rank. Prominent Ashworth and Tunbridge’s Tourist-historic city model is used as the foundation of hotel spatial analysis in Belgrade, which is historically divided into three periods. The statehood development period is characterized by highly centralized hotel locations, mostly dependent on ethnical divisions, trade and early transport development. During the socialist period, in the absence of a market economy and private property, dispersion of hotels was caused almost exclusively by centralized political decisions. The transition period started with a complete political and economic overhaul of Serbia and Belgrade in the 1990s. After this difficult time, the Belgrade hotel industry started to recover, with the geographical factors that represented a re-establishment of market mechanisms and entrepreneur initiatives, as well as a focus on both the historic city and urban periphery.
Postmastectomy radiation and mortality in women with T1-2 node-positive breast cancer.

PURPOSE To determine the relationship between postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) and mortality in a population-based cohort of women with T1-2 node-positive breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program, we identified 18,038 women with T1-2 node-positive invasive breast cancer who were treated with mastectomy between 1988 and 1995. The relationship between PMRT and mortality was determined using proportional hazards multivariate modeling and propensity score matched case-control analysis. RESULTS Median follow-up was 8.1 years. Only 2,648 women (15%) received PMRT. After adjusting for covariates, PMRT use was not associated with mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.90 to 1.03). However, the interaction term for PMRT use and number of involved regional lymph nodes was significant (P = .002), suggesting that, above a certain threshold of involved nodes, a mortality benefit from PMRT may exist. Adjusted analysis stratified by number of involved nodes revealed that patients with seven or more involved nodes treated with PMRT experienced a significant reduction in all-cause (HR = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.93) and cause-specific mortality (HR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77 to 0.96). Propensity score matched case-control analysis confirmed that PMRT was associated with reduced mortality only in the subset of patients with seven or more involved nodes (HR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.91 for all-cause mortality; and HR = 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.93 for cause-specific mortality). CONCLUSION For women with T1-2 breast cancer, PMRT is associated with a 15% to 20% relative reduction in mortality for patients with seven or more involved regional lymph nodes.
Rosuvastatin – A Highly Effective New 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitor: Review of Clinical Trial Data at 10–40 mg Doses in Dyslipidemic Patients

Rosuvastatin (Crestor®; licensed to AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK from Shionogi, Osaka, Japan) is a new statin with pharmacologic characteristics that translate into selectivity of effect in hepatic cells and enhanced potency in 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibition. It is approved for use at doses of 10–40 mg once daily to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and improve other lipid measures in dyslipidemic patients. In a dose-ranging study in mild/moderate hypercholesterolemia, rosuvastatin reduced LDL cholesterol by 52–63% at 10–40 mg. Rosuvastatin 10 mg reduces LDL cholesterol significantly more than atorvastatin 10 mg, simvastatin 10–40 mg and pravastatin 10–40 mg, and enables significantly more patients to achieve National Cholesterol Education Program and Joint European Societies LDL cholesterol goals compared with each of these statins. Rosuvastatin also produces marked elevations in HDL cholesterol and maintains this effect across the dose range. Rosuvastatin favorably modifies triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and other lipid measures in patients with hypertriglyceridemia or mixed dyslipidemia, including diabetic patients, and may constitute a monotherapy option for many such patients. Rosuvastatin is well tolerated when used alone or in combination, exhibiting a safety profile similar to that of other available statins. Rosuvastatin offers considerable advantages for use in routine clinical practice.
The orphan nuclear hormone receptor ERRβ controls rod photoreceptor survival

Mutation of rod photoreceptor-enriched transcription factors is a major cause of inherited blindness. We identified the orphan nuclear hormone receptor estrogen-related receptor β (ERRβ) as selectively expressed in rod photoreceptors. Overexpression of ERRβ induces expression of rod-specific genes in retinas of wild-type as well as Nrl−/− mice, which lack rod photoreceptors. Mutation of ERRβ results in dysfunction and degeneration of rods, whereas inverse agonists of ERRβ trigger rapid rod degeneration, which is rescued by constitutively active mutants of ERRβ. ERRβ coordinates expression of multiple genes that are rate-limiting regulators of ATP generation and consumption in photoreceptors. Furthermore, enhancing ERRβ activity rescues photoreceptor defects that result from loss of the photoreceptor-specific transcription factor Crx. Our findings demonstrate that ERRβ is a critical regulator of rod photoreceptor function and survival, and suggest that ERRβ agonists may be useful in the treatment of certain retinal dystrophies.
The role of cognate English–Kurdish words in teaching English

Cognate words are considered to be one of the influential teaching tools in applied linguistics and the benefits of using them have been proved by several pieces of research so far. However, in literature, we can see nearly no studies related to the cognate words between English language and Kurdish language. In this study, in order to show the effect of cognate structures in teaching a foreign language, we applied an English vocabulary test including 25 Kurdish–English cognate words and 25 non-cognate words. The study group consisting of two control groups (one Turkish monolingual and one Turkish-Kurdish bilingual group) and one experimental group made up of Kurdish-Turkish bilinguals. The meanings of the words were given to all three groups via slides on smart boards on classroom before the test. However, the study group was given instruction with regards to the cognate structures between English and Kurdish. After application of the test, the results showed that the study group could remember the most of the cognate words, in contrast to the control groups. Accordingly, the results suggest that there is a positive correlation between being aware of cognates and recalling words; thereby confirming the idea that teaching through cognate Kurdish–English cognate words facilitates teaching vocabulary.
Improvement of gait in a stroke patient. A 7-year longitudinal study

Purpose. To report on the gait improvement obtained in a stroke patient after applying three treatments for spastic equinus varus foot: botulinum toxin injection (BTI), tibial nerve neurotomy (TNN), and orthopaedic surgery (triple arthrodesis), during a 7-year longitudinal follow-up period. Method. A quantified analysis of a stroke patient's gait was performed on a Gaitrite® walking mat before and after applying BTI 3 years, TNN 4 years and orthopaedic surgery 7 years after the stroke. Results. After the three treatments, the spasticity disappeared, the range of ankle motion improved and voluntary command of the tibialis anterior became possible. Upon comparing the gait parameters before treatment and after the three treatments, it was observed that the comfortable gait velocity had increased (from 0.42 m/s to 0.70 m/s), the step length had become more symmetrical (from left 19 cm, right 57 cm to left 50 cm, right 51 cm), the step width had decreased (from 23 cm to 12 cm). In terms of participation, walking barefoot had become possible without a cane, as well as going up and down stairs and walking outdoors on uneven ground without any help. Conclusions. Stroke patients during the chronic phase with a spastic equinovarus deformity can benefit from various commonly used therapeutic interventions. BTI and TNN were found to be efficient but only for a short time. Orthopaedic surgery gave the most long-lasting results. Further studies should be performed on a larger number of patients to determine the most suitable options for treating stroke patients with an equinus varus foot.
Periodontitis in rats induces systemic oxidative stress that is controlled by bone-targeted antiresorptives.

BACKGROUND Periodontitis is a chronic, polymicrobial inflammatory disease that degrades connective tissue and alveolar bone and results in tooth loss. Oxidative stress has been linked to the onset of periodontal tissue breakdown and systemic inflammation, and the success of antiresorptive treatments will rely on how effectively they can ameliorate periodontal disease-induced oxidative stress during oral infection. METHODS Rats were infected with polybacterial inoculum consisting of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia, as an oral lavage every other week for 12 weeks. Daily subcutaneous injections of enoxacin, bis-enoxacin, alendronate, or doxycycline were administered for 6 weeks after 6 weeks of polybacterial infection in rats. The serum levels of oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, were evaluated in each of the infected, treated, and sham-infected rats. RESULTS Rats infected with the periodontal pathogens displayed a five-fold increase in the oxidative stress index compared with controls as a result of increased levels of serum oxidants and decreases in total antioxidant activity. The overall decrease in antioxidant activity occurred despite increases in three important antioxidant enzymes, suggesting an imbalance between antioxidant macromolecules/small molecules production and antioxidant enzyme levels. Surprisingly, the bone-targeted antiresorptives bis-enoxacin and alendronate inhibited increases in oxidative stress caused by periodontitis. Bis-enoxacin, which has both antiresorptive and antibiotic activities, was more effective than alendronate, which acts only as an antiresorptive. CONCLUSION To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that the increased oxidative stress induced by periodontal infection in rats can be ameliorated by bone-targeted antiresorptives.
A double‐blind, comparative, multicentre study comparing paroxetine with fluoxetine in depressed patients

A randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, 6‐week study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and tolerability of once or twice daily administration of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors paroxetine and fluoxetine. After a 1‐week placebo wash‐out, patients suffering from DSM‐III major depression and with a score of 18 or more on the 21‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) received either paroxetine or fluoxetine. The patients were assessed for efficacy using the HRSD, Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression; for tolerability, adverse events were elicited by the use of a non‐leading question and a side effects checklist. The groups of patients were comparable on entry to the study. One hundred patients were recruited into the study, of whom 78 were evaluable for the efficacy analysis. Paroxetine and fluoxetine showed comparable efficacy at the end of the 6‐week treatment period, but a statistically significant difference in the number of responders at week 3 in favour of paroxetine was observed. This could suggest an earlier onset of action with paroxetine. Also, associated anxiety symptoms were significantly reduced on paroxetine compared with fluoxetine at week 3. Patients on paroxetine reported fewer adverse events than those on fluoxetine. The most commonly reported adverse events were nausea and vomiting in both groups.
A Longitudinal Study of Lexical and Grammar Development in Deaf Italian Children Provided With Early Cochlear Implantation

Objective: A growing number of studies on deaf children with cochlear implant (CI) document a significant improvement in receptive and expressive language skills after implantation, even if they show language delay when compared with normal-hearing peers. Data on language acquisition in CI Italian children are still scarce and limited to only certain aspects of language. The purpose of this study is to prospectively describe the trajectories of language development in early CI Italian children, with particular attention to the transition from first words to combinatorial speech and to acquisition of complex grammar in a language with rich morphology, such as Italian. Design: Six children, with profound prelingual deafness, provided with CI, between 16 and 24 months of age were prospectively assessed and followed over a mean period of up to 34.8 months postimplant. During follow-up, each child received between four to five individual language evaluations through a combination of indirect procedures (parent reports of early lexical and grammar development) and direct ones (administration of standardized receptive and expressive language tests with Italian norms and collection of spontaneous language samples). Results: In relation to chronological age, the acquisition of expressive vocabulary was delayed. However, considering the duration of hearing experience, most CI participants showed an earlier start and faster growth of expressive rather than receptive vocabulary in comparison with typically developing children. This quite atypical result persisted right up until the end of the follow-up. The acquisition of expressive grammar was delayed relative to chronological age, though all but one CI participant achieved the expected grammar level after approximately 3 years of CI use. In addition, the rate of grammar acquisition was not homogeneous during development, showing two different paces: one comparable with normal hearing in the transition from holophrastic to primitive combinatorial speech and a much slower one to attain more advanced levels of morphosyntactic control. Conclusion: From a rehabilitative viewpoint, our results suggest the importance of implementing rehabilitation in lexical comprehension, even when expressive vocabulary appears to be within normal range. Moreover, assessment of language acquisition in CI Italian children should focus on those grammar aspects that are more vulnerable to early acoustic deprivation (such as free and bound morphology) to ensure enhanced language therapy planning.
Growth Velocity and Plasma Amino Acids in the Newborn

ABSTRACT: Plasma amino acid levels in newborn babies are often measured as part of a screening for inherited metabolic disease, or less commonly as part of a nutritional assessment. We have examined certain factors which affect the levels as measured in low birth weight babies during the first 3 wk of life. As in other studies, plasma amino acid concentrations were shown to fall with increasing gestational and postnatal age, and to reflect to some extent the amino acid composition of the dietary protein. In addition, however, plasma branched-chain amino acids and cystine were found to be inversely related to growth velocity and nitrogen retention. These results could be interpreted to suggest that some low birth weight babies were malnourished. However accompanying anthropometric and clinical data showed that these particular babies were healthy and growing rapidly; they were unlikely to be truly malnourished. Rather we suggest they were experiencing “protein economy” resulting from their high growth rate, and would, therefore, have benefited from increased dietary protein. It seems that growth velocity, as well as maturity and diet, must be considered when interpreting plasma amino acid values in an individual baby. There are two implications for the nutrition of the low birth weight baby. The higher plasma threonine concentrations found in the babies receiving the demineralized whey formula does prompt a word of caution when further increase in the wheyxasein ratio is contemplated. At energy intakes around 130 kcal/kg/day, protein may become a limiting nutrient both in terms of quality and quantity.
High-frequency surface acoustic waves excited on thin-oriented LiNbO/sub 3/ single-crystal layers transferred onto silicon

The need for high-frequency, wide-band filters has instigated many developments based on combining thin piezoelectric films and high acoustic velocity materials (sapphire, diamond-like carbon, silicon, etc.) to ease the manufacture of devices operating above 2 GHz. In the present work, a technological process has been developed to achieve thin-oriented, single-crystal lithium niobate (LiNbO3) layers deposited on (100) silicon wafers for the fabrication of radio-frequency (RF) surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices. The use of such oriented thin films is expected to favor large coupling coefficients together with a good control of the layer properties, enabling one to chose the best combination of layer orientation to optimize the device. A theoretical analysis of the elastic wave assumed to propagate on such a combination of material is first exposed. Technological aspects then are described briefly. Experimental results are presented and compared to the state of art
Scalable co-optimization of morphology and control in embodied machines

Evolution sculpts both the body plans and nervous systems of agents together over time. By contrast, in artificial intelligence and robotics, a robot's body plan is usually designed by hand, and control policies are then optimized for that fixed design. The task of simultaneously co-optimizing the morphology and controller of an embodied robot has remained a challenge. In psychology, the theory of embodied cognition posits that behaviour arises from a close coupling between body plan and sensorimotor control, which suggests why co-optimizing these two subsystems is so difficult: most evolutionary changes to morphology tend to adversely impact sensorimotor control, leading to an overall decrease in behavioural performance. Here, we further examine this hypothesis and demonstrate a technique for ‘morphological innovation protection’, which temporarily reduces selection pressure on recently morphologically changed individuals, thus enabling evolution some time to ‘readapt’ to the new morphology with subsequent control policy mutations. We show the potential for this method to avoid local optima and converge to similar highly fit morphologies across widely varying initial conditions, while sustaining fitness improvements further into optimization. While this technique is admittedly only the first of many steps that must be taken to achieve scalable optimization of embodied machines, we hope that theoretical insight into the cause of evolutionary stagnation in current methods will help to enable the automation of robot design and behavioural training—while simultaneously providing a test bed to investigate the theory of embodied cognition.