Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization and strain distribution pattern of the murine Ah receptor specified by the Ahd and Ahb-3 alleles.

Two allelic forms of the Ah receptor have been previously identified by covalent labeling of the hepatic cytosol fractions of inbred strains of mice with the photoaffinity ligand 2-azido-3-[125I] iodo-7,8-dibromodibenzo-p-dioxin and resolution of the labeled protein by denaturing gel electrophoresis: 1) a Mr 95,000 protein encoded by the Ahb-1 allele carried by the C57 and C58 family of mice, and 2) a Mr 104,000 protein encoded by the Ahb-2 allele present in other common inbred strains that are responsive to aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., C3H/He, BALB/cBy, and A). In this report, 125I-photoaffinity labeling is used to characterize two further murine variants and the strains that carry them: 1) the low affinity Ah receptor (Ahd allele) in strains that are nonresponsive to aromatic hydrocarbons and 2) a newly identified, high affinity variant (Ahb-3) found in several strains recently derived from feral mice. The low affinity Ah receptor has been recently characterized by reversible ligand binding by Okey et al. [Mol. Pharmacol. 35:823-830 (1989)], through the inclusion of sodium molybdate in the buffers during tissue preparation and ligand incubation to stabilize the receptor. Examination of the Ah receptor in hepatic cytosol from 18 strains of mice carrying the Ahd allele, by preparation in molybdate and photoaffinity labeling, revealed that all strains express a Mr 104,000 protein. Tissue preparation in 20 mM sodium molybdate and subsequent dilution of the molybdate to approximately 0.5 mM during ligand incubation was found to enhance photoaffinity labeling of the high and low affinity allelic forms of the Ah receptor. A new variant of the receptor (Ahb-3) expressing a Mr 105,000 protein was detected in Mus molossinus, hortulanus, pahari, spretus, and caroli but was absent from the strains of Mus musculus or domesticus that were examined. Allelic variants were also distinguishable by thermolability, i.e., the half-life of specific ligand binding capacity upon incubation at 35 degrees. For the Ahb-1 allele (Mr 95,000) the t 1/2 (thermostability) is 20-30 min, for the Ahb-2 allele (Mr 104,000) the t 1/2 is 3-6 min, and for the Ahb-3 allele (Mr 105,000) the thermolability is intermediate.
Which Kt/V Is the Most Valid for Assessment of Both Long Mild and Short Intensive Hemodialyses?

It is unclear at present which mathematical modeling Kt/Vurea is valid for assessment of both long mild hemodialysis (HD) and short intensive HD, the single-pool modeling Kt/V (Kt/Vsp) based on the pre- and postdialysis serum urea concentrations, double-pool modeling Kt/V (Kt/Vdp) based on the predialysis concentration and the estimated postdialysis equilibrated concentration, or Kt/V calculated on the basis of dialyzer urea clearance, HD session duration and urea distribution volume (Kt/Vdl). Thus, the respective Kt/V during a short intensive HD was compared with its counterpart Kt/V during a long mild HD, where the same amount of urea is removed during both HD treatments. It was found that the Kt/Vsp and Kt/Vdl during short intensive HD were significantly greater than the respective Kt/V during the long mild HD. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the Kt/Vdp between the long mild and short intensive HDs. In conclusion, Kt/Vdp may be more valid for assessment of both long mild and short intensive HDs.
Egypt’s Government Spending Multiplier: Its Size and Determinants

Fiscal policy has a potentially significant role in generating real income and stimulating aggregate demand. But under what circumstances does it actually succeed in boosting economic activity? This research paper seeks to explore two questions: (1) To what extent has government spending been ‘effective’ in stimulating aggregate demand in Egypt? And (2) how did the economic policy mix contribute to the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of fiscal policy in Egypt? These questions come at an important juncture, as Egypt is embarking on a program supported by an International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended-Fund Facility; the cornerstones of which are: Expenditure restructuring and fiscal consolidation, exchange rate liberalization, and structural reforms to boost growth and reduce unemployment. In this paper, we focus on the period (FY2005—FY2016), for which quarterly data on fiscal indicators are available. We analytically and empirically assess the relationship between government spending and real GDP growth, in light of the following factors: The state of the business cycle, the degree of accommodation of monetary policy to changes in fiscal policy, the real exchange rate, and the degree of capital and trade openness. These factors have been identified in the literature as key determinants of the size of the fiscal multiplier.
The importance of fragmented QRS complexes in prediction of myocardial infarction and reperfusion parameters in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVES The QRS complex fragmentations (fQRS) frequently seen on admission electrocardiograms (ECGs) with narrow or wide QRS complex are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The causative relationship between fQRS and cardiac fibrosis is known, but the relation of fragmented QRS before and after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) with myocardial infarction and reperfusion parameters has not been studied until now. STUDY DESIGN The study included 184 consecutive patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent p-PCI. Presence or absence of fQRS on pre- and post-PCI ECGs and its change following PCI were investigated. In addition, independent predictors of fQRS were also investigated. Patients with significant organic valve disease and patients having any QRS morphology with QRS duration ? 120 ms as well as patients with permanent pacemakers were excluded from the study. RESULTS Patients with fQRS on admission ECG had higher leukocyte counts (p=0.001), higher CK-MB (p=0.001) and troponin levels (p=0.005), increased pain to balloon time (p=0.004), higher Killip score (p<0.001), prolonged QRS time (p<0.001), higher Gensini score (p<0.001) and more frequent Q waves on ECG (p<0.001) in comparison to patients with non-fragmented QRS. In addition, these patients usually had an infarction of anterior territory related to a lesion in proximal LAD and wider jeopardized myocardium (p<0.001). fQRS was significantly related to infarction and myocardial reperfusion parameters before and after p-PCI. In the setting of STEMI, absence of fQRS on admission ECG predicted increased ST resolution, higher reduction in QRS duration, and better myocardial reperfusion. CONCLUSION FQRS may be useful in identifying patients at higher cardiac risk with larger areas of ischemic jeopardized or necrotic myocardium.
Multipolarization-Reconfigurable Circular Patch Antenna With L-Shaped Probes

This letter introduces a multipolarization-reconfigurable circular patch antenna with eight L-shaped probes. By adopting the L-probe feeding structure, the reported circular patch antenna is compact, simple, and low-profile. It has switchable 0°, +45°, 90°, and –45° linear polarizations and is able to mitigate the polarization mismatch problem in complex wireless channels. This polarization reconfigurability is realized by controlling a set of p-i-n diodes via a switchable feeding network. Measured results show that the antenna has excellent electrical performance for all operating states. The overlapping impedance bandwidth (when the reflection coefficient ≤ –10 dB) is 17.6%, from 2.325 to 2.775 GHz, which covers both the WLAN and ISM bands. The gain is very stable across the entire bandwidth with a 6.1-dBi peak value, and the cross-polarization levels are low. Moreover, good cardioid-shaped radiation patterns are attained.
Effect of incorporation of cidofovir into DNA by human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase on DNA elongation

Cidofovir (CDV) (HPMPC) has potent in vitro and in vivo activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), CDV diphosphate (CDVpp), the putative antiviral metabolite of CDV, is an inhibitor and an alternate substrate of HCMV DNA polymerase. CDV is incorporated with the correct complementation to dGMP in the template, and the incorporated CDV at the primer end is not excised by the 3'-to-5' exonuclease activity of HCMV DNA polymerase. The incorporation of a CDV molecule causes a decrease in the rate of DNA elongation for the addition of the second natural nucleotide from the singly incorporated CDV molecule. The reduction in the rate of DNA (36-mer) synthesis from an 18-mer by one incorporated CDV is 31% that of the control. However, the fidelity of HCMV DNA polymerase is maintained for the addition of the nucleotides following a single incorporated CDV molecule. The rate of DNA synthesis by HCMV DNA polymerase is drastically decreased after the incorporation of two consecutive CDV molecules; the incorporation of a third consecutive CDV molecule is not detectable. Incorporation of two CDV molecules separated by either one or two deoxynucleoside monophosphates (dAMP, dGMP, or dTMP) also drastically decreases the rate of DNA chain elongation by HCMV DNA polymerase. The rate of DNA synthesis decreases by 90% when a template which contains one internally incorporated CDV molecule is used. The inhibition by CDVpp of DNA synthesis by HCMV DNA polymerase and the inability of HCMV DNA polymerase to excise incorporated CDV from DNA may account for the potent and long-lasting anti-CMV activity of CDV.
The role of oxidative stress in citreoviridin‐induced DNA damage in human liver‐derived HepG2 cells

We hypothesize that citreoviridin (CIT) induces DNA damage in human liver‐derived HepG2 cells through an oxidative stress mechanism and that N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) protects against CIT‐induced DNA damage in HepG2 cells. CIT‐induced DNA damage in HepG2 cells was evaluated by alkaline single‐cell gel electrophoresis assay. To elucidate the genotoxicity mechanisms, the level of oxidative DNA damage was tested by immunoperoxidase staining for 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG); the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were examined; mitochondrial membrane potential and lysosomal membranes' permeability were detected; furthermore, protective effects of NAC on CIT‐induced ROS formation and CIT‐induced DNA damage were evaluated in HepG2 cells. A significant dose‐dependent increment in DNA migration was observed at tested concentrations (2.50–10.00 µM) of CIT. The levels of ROS, 8‐OHdG formation were increased by CIT, and significant depletion of GSH in HepG2 cells was induced by CIT. Destabilization of lysosome and mitochondria was also observed in cells treated with CIT. In addition, NAC significantly decreased CIT‐induced ROS formation and CIT‐induced DNA damage in HepG2 cells. The data indicate that CIT induces DNA damage in HepG2 cells, most likely through oxidative stress mechanisms; that NAC protects against DNA damage induced by CIT in HepG2 cells; and that depolarization of mitochondria and lysosomal protease leakage may play a role in CIT‐induced DNA damage in HepG2 cells. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 530–537, 2015.
Genome accessibility is widely preserved and locally modulated during mitosis

Mitosis entails global alterations to chromosome structure and nuclear architecture, concomitant with transient silencing of transcription. How cells transmit transcriptional states through mitosis remains incompletely understood. While many nuclear factors dissociate from mitotic chromosomes, the observation that certain nuclear factors and chromatin features remain associated with individual loci during mitosis originated the hypothesis that such mitotically retained molecular signatures could provide transcriptional memory through mitosis. To understand the role of chromatin structure in mitotic memory, we performed the first genome-wide comparison of DNase I sensitivity of chromatin in mitosis and interphase, using a murine erythroblast model. Despite chromosome condensation during mitosis visible by microscopy, the landscape of chromatin accessibility at the macromolecular level is largely unaltered. However, mitotic chromatin accessibility is locally dynamic, with individual loci maintaining none, some, or all of their interphase accessibility. Mitotic reduction in accessibility occurs primarily within narrow, highly DNase hypersensitive sites that frequently coincide with transcription factor binding sites, whereas broader domains of moderate accessibility tend to be more stable. In mitosis, proximal promoters generally maintain their accessibility more strongly, whereas distal regulatory elements tend to lose accessibility. Large domains of DNA hypomethylation mark a subset of promoters that retain accessibility during mitosis and across many cell types in interphase. Erythroid transcription factor GATA1 exerts site-specific changes in interphase accessibility that are most pronounced at distal regulatory elements, but has little influence on mitotic accessibility. We conclude that features of open chromatin are remarkably stable through mitosis, but are modulated at the level of individual genes and regulatory elements.
Inhibition of Sulfide Generation in a Reclaimed Wastewater Pipe by Nitrate Dosage and Denitrification Kinetics

Sulfide generation should be avoided during wastewater transportation. The efficiency of nitrate dosing for the inhibition of sulfide generation was evaluated during reclaimed wastewater transport with two nitrate doses, 2.5 and 5 mg/L nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N). A calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2] solution was injected at the beginning of the 61‐km‐long gravity pipe, which is part of the Reclaimed Wastewater Reuse System of South Tenerife (Spain). During transportation, after dissolved oxygen depletion, a denitrification process took place. With the 5 mg/L NO3‐N dose, nitrate was not completely removed at the end of the pipe, whereas with 2.5 mg/L NO3‐N, a complete denitrification was achieved. Sulfide generation was completely inhibited with the 5 mg/L dose. However, with 2.5 mg/L, sulfide generation was not completely inhibited but delayed and minimized to a great extent. Denitrification was stoichiometrically limited by the availability in biodegradable matter. An empirical equation enables one to predict the nitrate concentration.
Approach to stationary two‐dimensional pattern: Influence of focusing time and Immobiline/carrier ampholytes concentrations

Horizontal two‐dimensional (2‐D) electrophoresis with immobilized pH gradients (IPG) in the first dimension for buffer soluble proteins and for complex proteins solubilized in the presence of Nonidet P‐40 (Görg et al., Electrophoresis 1987, 8, 45–51), has been extended to analyze basic proteins of yeast cells focused under non‐equilibrium and equilibrium conditions. Transient state isoelectric focusing (IEF) in IPG gels revealed sample smearing and background staining, displaying horizontal streaks in the resultant 2‐D patterns. Inclusion of 0.5 % carrier ampholytes (CA) to the IPG gel (IPG‐CA), resulted in the formation of many sharp protein bands after transient state IEF with resultant distinct spots in the 2‐D patterns; however, resolution was poor and the gel contained heavy background staining. With prolonged focusing time, background staining disappeared and there was less difference in the final steady state IEF patterns obtained with IPG and IPG‐CA. Reduction of the Immobiline concentration to one third the manufacturer's recommended amount did not improve IEF resolution with respect to streaking and background staining under either transient state or equilibrium conditions. In general, spot intensities were less on 2‐D gels using diluted IPG gels than with “standard” IPG gels. Optimization of 2‐D electrophoresis with IPGs in the first dimension was strongly related to IEF conditions. The use of IPG gels focused to equilibrium should not only improve inter‐gel reproducibility and resolution but also the quality of the final 2‐D patterns with respect to background staining and horizontal streaking.
Duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) particles produced by transient expression of DHBV DNA in a human hepatoma cell line are infectious in vitro

Transfection of the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HuH7 with a plasmid containing a tandem copy of the duck hepatitis B virus DNA sequence resulted in transient replication of the virus. Viral particles secreted by transfected HuH7 cells exhibited physical properties similar to those of serum-derived duck hepatitis B virus and were infectious in primary duck hepatocyte cultures.
Repair of Large Sliding Inguinal Hernias

Sliding inguinal hernias are often unexpected intraoperative findings, and repair of which can be technically challenging. A number of repair techniques have been described. The author modified a technique based on an approach described by Bevan. The purpose of our study is to describe this modified Bevan technique for repair of sliding inguinal hernias and report its efficacy in a series of patients. We retrospectively reviewed all patients with open inguinal hernia repairs performed by a single surgeon from August 2007 to April 2013 for sliding indirect hernias using the modified Bevan technique. Patient records were reviewed for demographics, hernia characteristics, complications, admission status, length of stay, and complications. There were 25 patients eligible for our review (male = 25, mean age = 49 years). All sliding hernias were indirect, none were bilateral, and two were incarcerated. The sliding component involved the bladder and perivesical fat (n = 12), sigmoid colon (n = 10), and the cecum and appendix (n = 3). Eighteen patients were treated as outpatients; seven patients were admitted with a mean stay of 2.2 days. Complications included intra-operative bleeding (n = 1), subcutaneous wound hematoma (n = 1), scrotal seroma (n = 1), transient orchialgia (n = 1), and ileus (n = 1). All patients were seen postoperatively for short-term follow-up with no hernia recurrences. Thirteen patients were available for long-term follow-up (mean = 13.6 months); all had no hernia recurrences. The modification of Bevan's technique for repair of large sliding hernias worked well in our series.
Clinical Performance of the New Gore Septal Occluder in Patent Foramen Ovale Closure: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND Several progressively refined percutaneous devices for patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure have been recently developed. We describe our single-center experience with the new Gore septal occluder (GSO). METHODS Between January 2012 and May 2013, all consecutive patients with a PFO and previous cerebral thromboembolic events underwent percutaneous closure with the GSO system. Device implantation was performed under local anesthesia with combined fluoroscopic and intracardiac echographic monitoring. Follow-up schedule was: transthoracic echo at day 1 and day 30, as well as transcranial Doppler at 6 months and 12 months, all with clinical concomitant evaluation. RESULTS Twenty-two patients (11 males and 11 females) with a mean age of 51.2 ± 13.9 years (range, 40-74 years) had PFO closure. At baseline, 4 and 18 subjects had medium-grade and large-grade right to left permanent shunt, respectively; isolated PFO was present in 13 patients and PFO with atrial septal aneurysm was present in 9 patients. Device placement was successful in all patients. Median procedural and fluoroscopic times were 40.5 minutes (range, 22-92 minutes) and 6.5 minutes (range, 3-16 minutes), respectively. Clinical and instrumental follow-up data were obtained at 12 months in 22 patients (100%). A low-grade (<5 microbubbles) permanent residual shunt was registered in 5 patients at 6 months and in 2 patients (during Valsalva only) at 12-month follow-up. Functional PFO occlusion was thus obtained in all patients. CONCLUSION This single-center initial experience suggests that the GSO is a safe and effective closure device, straightforward to implant with quick deployment and minimal imaging, and suitable for a range of atrial septal anatomies. Incidence and entity of residual shunts at follow-up were consistent with functional PFO occlusion in all patients.
Pesticide residue monitoring in marketed fresh vegetables and fruits in central Taiwan (1999-2004) and an introduction to the HACCP system

The objectives of this study are: (1) to collect and analyze the data of pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits in central Taiwan; (2) to compare the statistics of pesticide residues data in vegetables and fruits in 4 regions of Taiwan; and (3) to introduce the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system to industries and growers of vegetables and fruits for improving the safety of agricultural products. The 1999 samples of vegetables and fruits were collected from supermarkets and traditional markets by 6 local bureau of health in central Taiwan (1999-2004) and analyzed for the presence of 70~79 pesticide residues using multiresidue analysis methods (MRMs). The detection limits of these methods ranged from 0.03 to 0.4 ppm. For central Taiwan (1999-2004), pesticide residues were either absent or compliant with the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) in 99.8% of the samples. Only 4 samples contained a pesticide residue that exceeded the MRL (0.2%, 4 of 1999). In whole Taiwan (1997-2003), pesticide residues were detected in 13.9% of the 9955 samples and 1.2% were violative. To decrease the health risk to human and environment from exposure to pesticides, the government samples and analyzes agricultural products for pesticide residues to enforce the limits set by Department of Health every year. Risk assessment and HACCP have some overlapping components; both HACCP and risk assessment are encompassed in risk analysis. HACCP is a preventative system and will provide a high level of food safety assurance. However, effective HACCP requires the consideration of all hazards, i.e. chemical (food additives, heavy metal contamination, pesticide residues, and animal drug residues), microbiological and physical hazards. HACCP principles have been incorporated into food safety legislation in Taiwan and worldwide.