Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two Cdc2 Kinase Genes with Distinct Functions in Vegetative and Infectious Hyphae in Fusarium graminearum

Eukaryotic cell cycle involves a number of protein kinases important for the onset and progression through mitosis, most of which are well characterized in the budding and fission yeasts and conserved in other fungi. However, unlike the model yeast and filamentous fungi that have a single Cdc2 essential for cell cycle progression, the wheat scab fungus Fusarium graminearum contains two CDC2 orthologs. The cdc2A and cdc2B mutants had no obvious defects in growth rate and conidiation but deletion of both of them is lethal, indicating that these two CDC2 orthologs have redundant functions during vegetative growth and asexual reproduction. However, whereas the cdc2B mutant was normal, the cdc2A mutant was significantly reduced in virulence and rarely produced ascospores. Although deletion of CDC2A had no obvious effect on the formation of penetration branches or hyphopodia, the cdc2A mutant was limited in the differentiation and growth of infectious growth in wheat tissues. Therefore, CDC2A plays stage-specific roles in cell cycle regulation during infectious growth and sexual reproduction. Both CDC2A and CDC2B are constitutively expressed but only CDC2A was up-regulated during plant infection and ascosporogenesis. Localization of Cdc2A- GFP to the nucleus but not Cdc2B-GFP was observed in vegetative hyphae, ascospores, and infectious hyphae. Complementation assays with chimeric fusion constructs showed that both the N- and C-terminal regions of Cdc2A are important for its functions in pathogenesis and ascosporogenesis but only the N-terminal region is important for its subcellular localization. Among the Sordariomycetes, only three Fusarium species closely related to F. graminearum have two CDC2 genes. Furthermore, F. graminearum uniquely has two Aurora kinase genes and one additional putative cyclin gene, and its orthologs of CAK1 and other four essential mitotic kinases in the budding yeast are dispensable for viability. Overall, our data indicate that cell cycle regulation is different between vegetative and infectious hyphae in F. graminearum and Cdc2A, possibly by interacting with a stage-specific cyclin, plays a more important role than Cdc2B during ascosporogenesis and plant infection.
Interleukin-6, nitric oxide, and the clinical and hemodynamic alterations of patients with liver cirrhosis

Objective: Nitric oxide has been proposed as a mediator of hyperdynamic circulation in cirrhosis. Endotoxin and cytokines induce the synthesis of nitric oxide. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between endotoxemia, cytokines, and nitric oxide in patients with cirrhosis, and to correlate these findings with clinical, biochemical, and hemodynamic parameters. Methods: Clinical, biochemical, and hemodynamic parameters were assessed in 66 patients with cirrhosis and 15 controls. Levels of antidiuretic hormone, plasma renin activity, aldosterone, interferon γ, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α, endotoxin, and nitrates-nitrites were determined. Results: Mean arterial pressure was lower and interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α, nitrites-nitrates levels, and endotoxin positivity rates were higher in cirrhotics than in controls (p < 0.005). Mean arterial pressure decreased and interleukin-6 levels increased with worsening of Child score (p < 0.005). Patients with ascites had higher levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and nitrates-nitrites than patients without ascites (p < 0.01). Elevated levels of interleukin-6 were found in patients with encephalopathy grade I, compared with patients without (p < 0.001); this association was independent of the severity of liver disease. In patients with low mean arterial pressure, interleukin-6 levels were higher than in patients with high mean arterial pressure (p= 0.001), whereas tumor necrosis factor α and nitrates-nitrites levels were not different. By multivariate analysis, high interleukin-6 levels showed independent associations with the presence of ascites, encephalopathy, and low mean arterial pressure. Only interleukin-6 levels had significant correlations with Child score, plasma renin activity, serum and urinary sodium, and mean arterial pressure (r ≥ 0.4, p < 0.005). Conclusions: Although the activity of the nitric oxide pathway is increased in patients with cirrhosis and might contribute to the hemodynamic alteration, other factors are involved. Interleukin-6, possibly through nitric oxide-independent mechanisms, also might play a role in the vasodilatation of cirrhosis and the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy.
Therapeutic Angiogenesis: A New Treatment Approach for Ischemic Heart Disease—Part II

Angiogenesis is the biologic process of forming new blood vessels and is being investigated as an innovative therapeutic approach to help manage ischemic heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. Research studies have identified various angiogenic growth factors and progenitor cells that can enhance new blood vessel formation. This is Part II of an article that began publication in the July/August issue of Cardiology in Review. Preclinical investigations in animal models have explored the potential use of growth factors with and without progenitor cells to treat myocardial ischemia. The results of clinical trials with growth factor infusions and gene therapy techniques to enhance growth factor production have shown some promise, but therapeutic angiogenesis remains at an early stage of development.
Labour Reform and Industrial Conflicts Mismanagement in Nigeria

This paper examined labour reform and industrial conflicts mismanagement in Nigeria using documentary analysis. Industrial conflicts have not been fully managed in Nigeria due to anomalies in the country‟s conflict management mechanisms. The state power has been used arbitrarily whereas the Nigerian Labour Congress has remained adamant in its struggle for workplace justice. This development derived from decades of antagonism between the Nigerian government and organised labour. The organised labour‟s strikes in resistance against the state have become a popular industrial culture in Nigeria. Thus, efforts made towards ensuring industrial peace remain inadequate as industrial conflicts have been mismanaged. Following the consolidation of state coercive apparatus and amendment of the Nigerian labour law, the organised labour spread its tentacles towards civil society organisations for mass mobilisation and political participation. Reforms and amendments of the labour law coupled with the evolution of labour party marked a new phase in the Nigerian industrial relations. However, the new phase has thrown up challenges and hindrances to effective management of industrial conflicts. The fundamental problem is however not the dearth of structures that could promote industrial peace but lack of transparency and institutional capacity needed for reconciling dissenting voices. This paper calls for a return to normalcy through the reconstruction of extant conflicts management machineries.
Breath holding spells: Point prevalence and associated factors among Turkish children

Breath holding spells (BHS) are known as paroxysmal non‐epileptic disorder. There are two subtypes of BHS: cyanotic and the pallid. BHS have been reported to occur in 0.1–4.6% of children in Western countries. Although it is easy to diagnose in its typical form, the data on prevalence of BHS are insufficient in developing countries.
Interprofessional teamwork and team interventions in chronic care: A systematic review

ABSTRACT To identify key features of teamwork and interventions for enhancing interprofessional teamwork (IPT) in chronic care and to develop a framework for further research, we conducted a systematic literature review of IPT in chronic care for the years 2002–2014. Database searches yielded 3217 abstracts, 21 of which fulfilled inclusion criteria. We identified two more studies on the topic by scanning the reference lists of included articles, which resulted in a final total of 23 included studies. The key features identified in the articles (e.g., team member characteristics, common task, communication, cooperation, coordination, responsibility, participation, staff satisfaction, patient satisfaction, and efficiency) were structured in line with the input–process–output model, and evaluated interventions, such as tools, workshops, and changes in team structure, were added to the model. The most frequently evaluated team interventions were complex intervention programs. All but one of the 14 evaluation studies resulted in enhancement of teamwork and/or staff-related, patient-related, and organization-related outcome criteria. To date, there is no consensus about the main features of IPT and the most effective team interventions in chronic care. However, the findings may be used to standardize the implementation and evaluation of IPT and team interventions in practice and for further research.
Attenuation of pain and inflammation in adjuvant-induced arthritis by the proteasome inhibitor MG132.

OBJECTIVE In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pain and joint destruction are initiated and propagated by the production of proinflammatory mediators. Synthesis of these mediators is regulated by the transcription factor NF-kappaB, which is controlled by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). The present study explored the effects of the proteasome inhibitor MG132 on inflammation, pain, joint destruction, and expression of sensory neuropeptides as markers of neuronal response in a rat model of arthritis. METHODS Arthritis was induced in rats by injection of heat-killed Mycobacterium butyricum. Arthritis severity was scored, and nociception was evaluated by mechanical pressure applied to the hind paw. Joint destruction was assessed by radiologic and histologic analyses. NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity was analyzed by electromobility shift assay, and changes in the expression of the p50 NF-kappaB subunit and the proinflammatory neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Arthritic rats treated with MG132 demonstrated a marked reduction in inflammation, pain, and joint destruction. The elevated DNA-binding activity of the NF-kappaB/p50 homodimer and p50, as well as the neuronal expression of SP and CGRP, observed in the ankle joints of arthritic rats were normalized after treatment with MG132. CONCLUSION In arthritic rats, inhibition of proteasome reduced the severity of arthritis and reversed the pain behavior associated with joint inflammation. These effects may be mediated through the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation and may possibly involve the peripheral nervous system. New generations of nontoxic proteasome inhibitors may represent a novel pharmacotherapy for RA.
Quality of Life and Stigmatization Profile in a Cohort of Vitiligo Patients and Effect of the Use of Camouflage

Background: Few studies have paid attention to the effects of treatment interventions on the psychosocial consequences of vitiligo. Objectives: To quantify and analyse the psychosocial benefit of the use of camouflage in vitiligo patients. Patients and Methods: 78 vitiligo patients completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and an adapted stigmatization questionnaire, and 62 of them completed the DLQI after at least a 1-month use of camouflage. Results: The initial mean overall DLQI score (n = 78) is 6.9 (SD 5.6). The mean global stigmatization score is 38%. Disease extent and disease severity are strong predictors of the DLQI (p < 0.0001). Vitiligo on the face/head/neck substantially affects the DLQI, independently of degree of involvement. The mean DLQI score before and after use of camouflage (n = 62) is 7.3 (SD 5.6) and 5.9 (SD 5.2; p = 0.006). Mainly the high-scoring items ‘feelings of embarrassment and self consciousness’ and ‘choice of clothing’ improve. Predictors of improvement are higher DLQI scores (p = 0.0005) and higher total severity scores (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Camouflage can be recommended, particularly in patients with higher DLQI scores or self-assessed disease severity. Patients with minor involvement of the face benefit from camouflage.
Current Limiting Characteristics of Transformer Type Superconducting Fault Current Limiter With Shunt Impedance and Inductive Load

The superconducting fault current limiters have been expected as a possible type of power apparatus to reduce the fault current in the power system. The transformer type superconducting fault current limiter, which consists of a series transformer and a superconducting current limiting device, is one type of the superconducting fault current limiter. In this paper, the influences of the load power factor on the current limiting characteristics are analyzed. The analyses are carried out based on per unit system, and the differences of the current limiting characteristics caused by different shunt impedances (inductive and resistive shunt) are also discussed. The transient performance considering the magnetic saturation is also analyzed, and it is turned out that the inductive shunt is more effective to reduce the peak of the transmission line fault current. The experimental results obtained by using a 5 kVA-class experimental fault current limiter are shown to justify the analyses.
Characterization of hepatitis C virus replication in cloned cells obtained from a human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-infected cell line, MT-2

We recently found that a human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-infected cell line, MT-2, could support the replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) (N. Kato, T. Nakazawa, T. Mizutani, and K. Shimotohno, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 206:863-869, 1995). In order to develop a culture system in which HCV replicates more efficiently, we examined the efficiency of HCV replication in cloned MT-2 cell lines by the limiting dilution method. Consequently, we obtained five clones in which intracellular positive-stranded HCV RNA could be detected until at least 21 days postinoculation (p.i.), as opposed to 15 days p.i. in uncloned MT-2 cells. MT-2C, one of the five clones which supported HCV replication up to 30 days p.i. , was used for further characterization of HCV replication. Semiquantitative analysis of HCV by PCR revealed that RNA synthesis in infected cells increased after inoculation, reached a maximum level at 4 days p.i. , and maintained this level until at least 11 days p.i. The 5' untranslated region of negative-stranded HCV RNA was also detected in the infected cells by two different methods with strand specificity. These results suggest that HCV replicated and multiplied in the MT-2C cells. HCV-infected MT-2C cells that were treated with antibiotics, such as G418 and hygromycin B, sustained HCV RNA for a longer period than did untreated cells. We demonstrated inhibitory effects on HCV replication by an antisense oligonucleotide complementary to the HCV core encoding region and by interferon-alpha. Furthermore, cell-free viral transmission was demonstrated by this culture system. These results suggest that our cell culture system will be useful for studying the mechanism of HCV replication, for screening antiviral agents, and for developing HCV vaccines.
A framework for assessing the dependability of supercomputers via automated log analysis

Catello Di Martino, Domenico Cotroneo,Zbigniew Kalbarczyk, Ravishankar K. Iyer (1) Dipartimento di Informatica e Sistemistica, Universita’ d i Napoli Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125 Napoli, Italy ph: +39 081 7683812, fax : +39 0817683816 (2) Center for Reliable and High Performance Computing, Uni versity of Illinois at Urbana Champaign 1307 W. Main St., 61801 Urbana, IL, USA ph: {catello.dimartino, cotroneo }@unina.it,{kalbar, rkiyer}@uiuc.edu
Speech based Emotion Recognition based on hierarchical decision tree with SVM, BLG and SVR classifiers

Emotion Recognition is increasingly becoming an important part of computer vision and robotics. There has been a lot of research and development around this field in the recent times. It is imperative to design emotion recognition systems for real time situations having a considerable rate of accuracy which can find its application in telecommunications, security, etc. This paper discusses a novel design/approach based on a hierarchical decision tree for the GMM means supervector based feature set and using various classifiers viz. SVM, BLG and SVR, to improve the performance of the existing emotion recognition systems. These approaches have been studied on Emo-DB, a German language emotional speech database, yielding about 83% recognition results for closed set based speaker-independent recognition for the optimized method. These results are similar to the results achieved by existing studies on emotion recognition using GMM means supervectors.
Candidates for inclusion in a universal antiretroviral regimen: tenofovir alafenamide

Purpose of review Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is a standard first-line therapy for HIV. Recently, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), a different prodrug for the same active moiety, has been approved. In this review, we have conducted a meta-analysis comparing efficacy and safety data for TDF and TAF, to inform a discussion of which drug would be best for a proposed ‘universal antiretroviral (ARV) regimen’. Recent findings We identified 10 randomized controlled trials comparing TDF with TAF (6969 patients, 8043 patient-years of follow-up). Meta-analysis found no difference in treatment efficacy, resistance, or adverse events. There were significant differences favouring TAF in bone mineral density measures and renal function measures, but no significant difference in bone fracture events or discontinuations because of bone toxicity or renal toxicity. TAF arms showed higher lipid levels, and were associated with a slightly greater risk of being started on lipid-lowering therapy. Summary TAF has lesser detrimental effects on renal and bone markers, but no difference in adverse events. Data are unavailable for TAF safety in pregnancy, tuberculosis coinfection, and low CD4+ count. Data for these groups, and an affordable price, will be required before it can be recommended as part of a ‘universal ARV regimen’.
Quantification of upper extremity function and range of motion in children with cerebral palsy

This study evaluated the hypothesis that upper extremity function and range of motion can be quantified reliably in children with cerebral palsy (CP) in a busy clinical setting. The specific aim was to determine the inter‐ and intrarater reliability of a modified House Functional Classification (MHC) system to evaluate upper extremity function and a standardized instrument to document upper extremity range of motion (Upper Extremity Rating Scale [UERS]). Sixty‐five children with CP (43 males, 22 females, mean age 9y 2mo, SD 4y 1mo) with spasticity involving the upper extremity (quadriplegia n=22; hemiplegia n=36; diplegia n=7; Gross Motor Functional Classification System Levels I n=41, II n=6, III n=3, IV n=5, V n=10) were evaluated independently by occupational therapists and orthopedic surgeons using both instruments at several visits. Inter‐ and intrarater reliability were determined for both instruments by calculating measures of agreement (weighted kappa values and intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs]). Interrater agreement (ICC=0.94) and intrarater agreement (ICC=0.96) on the MHC were good to excellent. Similarly, inter‐rater agreement (kappa 0.66–0.81) and intrarater agreement (kappa 0.64–0.88) on the UERS was either good or excellent. The MHC and the UERS provide standardized, reliable, reproducible, and efficient instruments that can be used by occupational therapists and orthopedic surgeons to evaluate the upper extremities of children with CP.
Role of the Influenza Virus M1 Protein in Nuclear Export of Viral Ribonucleoproteins

ABSTRACT The protein kinase inhibitor H7 blocks influenza virus replication, inhibits production of the matrix protein (M1), and leads to a retention of the viral ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs) in the nucleus at late times of infection (K. Martin and A. Helenius, Cell 67:117–130, 1991). We show here that production of assembled vRNPs occurs normally in H7-treated cells, and we have used H7 as a biochemical tool to trap vRNPs in the nucleus. When H7 was removed from the cells, vRNP export was specifically induced in a CHO cell line stably expressing recombinant M1. Similarly, fusion of cells expressing recombinant M1 from a Semliki Forest virus vector allowed nuclear export of vRNPs. However, export was not rescued when H7 was present in the cells, implying an additional role for phosphorylation in this process. The viral NS2 protein was undetectable in these systems. We conclude that influenza virus M1 is required to induce vRNP nuclear export but that cellular phosphorylation is an additional factor.
Exploiting Parallelism in Optical Network Systems: A Case Study of Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC) in Ethernet-over-Optical Networks

As parallelism becomes critically important in the semiconductor technology, high-performance computing, and cloud applications, parallel network systems will increasingly follow suit. Today, parallelism is an essential architectural feature of 40/100/400 Gigabit Ethernet standards, whereby high speed Ethernet systems are equipped with multiple parallel network interfaces. This creates new network topology abstractions and new technology requirements: instead of a single high capacity network link, multiple Ethernet end-points and interfaces need to be considered together with multiple links in form of discrete parallel paths. This new paradigm is enabling implementations of various new features to improve overall system performance. In this paper, we analyze the performance of parallel network systems with network coding. In particular, by using random LNC (RLNC), - a code without the need for decoding, we can make use of the fact that we have codes that are both distributed (removing the need for coordination or optimization of resources) and composable (without the need to exchange code information), leading to a fully stateless operation. We propose a novel theoretical modeling framework, including derivation of the upper and lower bounds as well as an expected value of the differential delay of parallel paths, and the resulting queue size at the receiver. The results show a great promise of network system parallelism in combination with RLNC: with a proper set of design parameters, the differential delay and the buffer size at the Ethernet receiver can be reduced significantly, while the cross-layer design and routing can be greatly simplified.