Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium-Induced Maturation of Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells

ABSTRACT Murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DC) can phagocytose and process Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium for peptide presentation on major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) and MHC-II molecules. To investigate if a serovar Typhimurium encounter with DC induces maturation and downregulates their ability to present antigens from subsequently encountered bacteria, DC were pulsed with serovar Typhimurium 24 h prior to coincubating withEscherichia coli expressing the model antigen Crl-OVA. Quantitating presentation of OVA epitopes contained within Crl-OVA showed that Salmonella-pulsed DC had a reduced capacity to process Crl-OVA-expressing E. colifor OVA(257-264)/Kb and OVA(265-277)/I-Abpresentation. In addition, time course studies of DC pulsed with Crl-OVA-expressing serovar Typhimurium showed that OVA(257-264)/Kb complexes could stimulate CD8OVA T-hybridoma cells for <24 h following a bacterial pulse, while OVA(265-277)/I-Ab complexes could stimulate OT4H T-hybridoma cells for >24 but <48 h. The phoP-phoQvirulence locus of serovar Typhimurium also influenced the ability of DC to process Crl-OVA-expressing serovar Typhimurium for OVA(265-277)/I-Ab presentation but not for OVA(257-264)/Kb presentation. Furthermore, pulsing of DC with serovar Typhimurium followed by incubation for 24 or 48 h altered surface expression of MHC-I, MHC-II, CD40, CD54, CD80, and CD86, generating a DC population with a uniform, high expression level of these molecules. Finally, neither the serovar TyphimuriumphoP-phoQ locus nor lipopolysaccharides (LPS) containing lipid A modifications purified from phoP mutant strains had a different effect on DC maturation from that of wild-type serovar Typhimurium or purified wild-type LPS. Thus, these data show thatSalmonella or Salmonella LPS induces maturation of DC and that this process is not altered by the Salmonella phoP virulence locus. However, phoP did influence OVA(265-277)/I-Ab presentation by DC infected with Crl-OVA-expressing serovar Typhimurium when quantitated after 2 h of bacterial infection.
Turkey coronavirus is more closely related to avian infectious bronchitis virus than to mammalian coronaviruses: A review

Turkey coronavirus (TCoV) is the cause of an acute highly contagious enteric disease of turkeys. In recent years, TCoV has been increasingly recognized in North America as an important pathogen of young turkeys, resulting in economic loss due to impaired growth and poor feed conversion. While the epidemiology and pathogenesis of TCoV have been extensively studied, TCoV remains one of the least characterized of the known coronaviruses. Avian and mammalian coronaviruses have been subdivided into distinct antigenic/genotypic groups; however, classification of TCoV has been controversial. Previous studies indicated that TCoV was closely related to bovine coronavirus and other group 2 mammalian coronaviruses, but more recent antigenic and genome sequence analyses contradict these findings and, instead, provide evidence that TCoV is closely related to avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Additionally, experimental studies have indicated that the host range of TCoV, once thought to be restricted to turkeys, includes chickens. These studies have raised additional questions regarding the classification of TCoV; particularly, whether IBV and TCoV are taxonomically distinct viruses, or whether TCoV is merely a variant of IBV. Sequence analyses of TCoV have given credence to the idea that TCoV is a variant of IBV, as these studies have shown that TCoV and IBV are very closely related. However, these studies have been limited to only three TCoV strains and relatively small portions of the TCoV genome. TCoV is readily distinguished from IBV based on antigenic and biological differences, and these differences suggest that TCoV should be considered a distinct virus species. Additional studies will be needed to better define the relationship between TCoV and IBV, and to resolve this taxonomic question. Based on our current understanding, it seems prudent to consider TCoV and IBV as distinct virus species that share a close phylogenetic relationship and together comprise group 3 of the coronavirus major antigenic groups.
Magnetic Resonance Manifestations of Hyperreactio Luteinalis

Objective: Hyperreactio luteinalis (HL) is a rare benign physiological ovarian enlargement associated with gestational trophoblastic disease or pregnancy, and may mimic neoplasm. We evaluated magnetic resonance findings of HL to distinguish from neoplasm by using diffusion-weighted imaging with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement. Methods: Magnetic resonance manifestations of 15 cases of HL in 8 women (mean age, 32 years) were retrospectively evaluated. Diffusion-weighted imaging (b = 0 and 800 seconds/mm2) was obtained in 11 cases of HL, and ADC was compared with that in solid portions of 18 ovarian cancers. Results: All cases of HL appeared as multilocular cystic masses with septations mimicking mucinous cystic tumors. Intervening ovarian stroma exhibited hyperintensity on diffusion-weighted imaging. The ADC in ovarian stroma in HL was significantly higher than that in solid portions of ovarian cancers. Conclusion: Ovarian stroma in HL may mimic solid tumorous components in mucinous tumors; however, high ADC reflecting edematous, luteinized stroma may be helpful for the diagnosis of HL.
Protein Kinase A Anchoring Proteins Are Required for Vasopressin-mediated Translocation of Aquaporin-2 into Cell Membranes of Renal Principal Cells*

The antidiuretic hormone arginine-vasopressin (AVP) regulates water reabsorption in renal collecting duct principal cells by inducing a cAMP-dependent translocation of water channels (aquaporin-2, AQP-2) from intracellular vesicles into the apical cell membranes. In subcellular fractions from primary cultured rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells, enriched for intracellular AQP-2-bearing vesicles, catalytic protein kinase A (PKA) subunits and several protein kinase A anchoring proteins (AKAPs) were detected. In nonstimulated IMCD cells the majority of AQP-2 staining was detected intracellularly but became mainly localized within the cell membrane after stimulation with AVP or forskolin. Quantitative analysis revealed that preincubation of the cells with the synthetic peptide S-Ht31, which prevents the binding between AKAPs and regulatory subunits of PKA, strongly inhibited AQP-2 translocation in response to forskolin. Preincubation of the cells with the PKA inhibitor H89 prior to forskolin stimulation abolished AQP-2 translocation. In contrast to H89, S-Ht31 did not affect the catalytic activity of PKA. These data demonstrate that not only the activity of PKA, but also its tethering to subcellular compartments, are prerequisites for cAMP-dependent AQP-2 translocation.
The impacts of energy prices on industrial foreign investment location: evidence from global firm level data

This paper analyzes the role of energy prices in firms’ investment location decisions in the manufacturing sector. Building on the application of discrete choice theory to the firm location problem, we specify a conditional logit model linking bilateral foreign direct investment (FDI activity to relative energy prices. We then empirically test this link using a global dataset of M&A deals in the manufacturing sector covering 41 countries between 1995 and 2014, using econometric techniques adapted from the estimation of gravity models. The results suggest that upon deciding to invest, firms are attracted to regions that have lower energy prices. However, counterfactual simulations reveal that unilateral implementation of a $50/tCO2 carbon tax by various coalitions of countries is expected to have limited negative impact on the attractiveness of economies to foreign industrial investments. Hence, our results support the pollution haven effect, but find the magnitude is limited and could be addressed with targeted measures in the most energy intensive sectors.
Implementation of DSM strategies at the Kopanang Mine

This paper describes the implementation of Demand Side Management (DSM) strategies at AngloGold’s Kopanang Mine, for a period of three months during 2001. Since the unit price of electricity was very high during certain hours of the day, it was endeavoured to save costs by scheduling the operation of specific high power drawing equipment, (such as the clear water pumps and bulk air coolers), to operate mainly outside of peak hours. This objective was achieved by modelling and calculating a daily optimum operation schedule, which was supplied daily to the mine. As a result, an amount of R335 000 in electricity costs was saved during this period. It was also demonstrated that an additional R273 000 could have been saved if the supplied schedules had been complied with consistently.
Extracting context from environmental audio

When notifying the user about an appointment, message arrival, or other timely event, the wearable should not blindly sound an alarm (visual or auditory). Integration with the user requires the wearable to be aware of the user's situational context. Is the user in a conversation? On the phone or with someone nearby? Who? Is the user driving in his car, walking down the street, or sitting at his desk? We have developed a system that allows us to infer environmental context by audio classification. It was designed using a statistical/pattern recognition framework called Hidden Markov Models (HMM) that allow us to recognize classes of sounds given enough examples from each class.
A simple and efficient hybrid maximum power point tracking method for PV systems under partially shaded condition

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is considered as an important strategy to increase the power output from photovoltaic (PV) systems. The presence of multiple maximum power points (MPPs) under partially shaded conditions (PSC) means that traditional MPPT algorithms, such as perturb and observe (P&O) and incremental conductance (IncCond), are unable to effectively track the global MPP. Other existing MPPT methods are either too complex or need additional equipment. In this paper, we propose a simple and efficient hybrid MPPT algorithm for PV systems working under PSC. It combines the advantages of P&O (or IncCond) and artificial neural network (ANN)-based MPPT methods, and features a relatively lower cost, fast response, and simple structure. In this hybrid MPPT, the ANN is used to initially categorize the power based on the irradiance pattern. Based on the classified category, an initial reference duty ratio is determined. Subsequently, a conventional MPPT algorithm (such as P&O or IncCond) is used to search near the global MPP. Finally, the system is able to accurately determine the global MPP which consequently increases the power output from the PV array. The effectiveness of the proposed hybrid MPPT, under various shading patterns, is verified using both simulations and an experimental setup.
The impacts of light rail on residential property values in a non-zoning city: A new test on the Houston METRORail transit line

The impacts of rail transit system on residential property values have been examined for many metropolitan areas in the U.S. But there are few studies on the effects of light rail in a non-zoning city. As the rail transit in the largest non-zoning city, Houston’s light rail transit line, or the so-called METRORail, has not received much attention from the planning research society since it opened to the public in 2004. A previous study by the author utilized 2007 household data to analyze the impacts of Houston’s METRORail line and found the net effects of the rail transit line change significantly at different distances from the rail stations. One limitation of that study was that the physical environment and neighborhood characteristics of the station areas may not have had notable changes over a relatively short time span, i.e., three years after the opening of the light rail. This study employs 2010 InfoUSA household data to re-examine the effects of Houston’s METRORail line. Similar to the previous studies, the author adopts a traditional ordinary linear regression (OLS) to investigate the contribution of a set of variables representing the physical, neighborhood, and accessibility characteristics of properties, and also employs a multi-level regression model (MLR) to examine the hierarchical structures of spatial data explicitly. In addition, this study tests the spatial autocorrelation in the modeling process and analyzes its effects on the results. The modeling results suggest that the METRORail line has had significant net positive effects on residential property values. The MLS model captures the difference of these effects with more spatial details. The spatial regression model improves model fit, but spatial autocorrelation is not completely eliminated.
Effects of terms of trade and its volatility on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

This paper investigated the effect of terms of trade and its volatility on economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. The study employed dynamic panel data models of difference and system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), which could account for biases associated with endogeneity of explanatory variables and problems induced by, unobserved country-specific characteristics. The study used both net barter terms of trade and income terms of trade as a measure of terms of trade for the analysis of the entire data for this paper. Using data from 1985 to 2014, the study found that the improvement in both net barter terms of trade and income terms of trade is growth-enhancing, whereas its deterioration is growth-retarding. As the majority of the sample countries are primary commodity exporters, their terms of trade shows deterioration through time and this adversely affects economic growth. Furthermore, the result proved that volatility of net barter terms of trade and income terms of trade has a negative and significant effect on economic growth. Finally, the use of alternative data set contributed to the result being robust.
Genome-Wide Survey of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 Reveals a Role for the Glyoxylate Pathway and Extracellular Proteases in the Utilization of Mucin

ABSTRACT Chronic airway infections by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa are a major cause of mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Although this bacterium has been extensively studied for its virulence determinants, biofilm growth, and immune evasion mechanisms, comparatively little is known about the nutrient sources that sustain its growth in vivo. Respiratory mucins represent a potentially abundant bioavailable nutrient source, although we have recently shown that canonical pathogens inefficiently use these host glycoproteins as a growth substrate. However, given that P. aeruginosa, particularly in its biofilm mode of growth, is thought to grow slowly in vivo, the inefficient use of mucin glycoproteins may be relevant to its persistence within the CF airways. To this end, we used whole-genome fitness analysis, combining transposon mutagenesis with high-throughput sequencing, to identify genetic determinants required for P. aeruginosa growth using intact purified mucins as a sole carbon source. Our analysis reveals a biphasic growth phenotype, during which the glyoxylate pathway and amino acid biosynthetic machinery are required for mucin utilization. Secondary analyses confirmed the simultaneous liberation and consumption of acetate during mucin degradation and revealed a central role for the extracellular proteases LasB and AprA. Together, these studies describe a molecular basis for mucin-based nutrient acquisition by P. aeruginosa and reveal a host-pathogen dynamic that may contribute to its persistence within the CF airways.
Techniques for preventing hypotension during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.

BACKGROUND Maternal hypotension, the most frequent complication of spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section, can be associated with severe nausea or vomiting which can pose serious risks to the mother (unconsciousness, pulmonary aspiration) and baby (hypoxia, acidosis and neurological injury). OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of prophylactic interventions for hypotension following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (November 2005). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing interventions to prevent hypotension with placebo or alternative treatment in women having spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Three review authors independently assessed eligibility and methodological quality of studies, and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS We included 75 trials (a total of 4624 women). Crystalloids were more effective than no fluids (relative risk (RR) 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60 to 1.00; one trial, 140 women, sequential analysis) and colloids were more effective than crystalloids (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.89; 11 trials, 698 women) in preventing hypotension following spinal anaesthesia at caesarean section. No differences were detected for different doses, rates or methods of administering colloids or crystalloids. Ephedrine was significantly more effective than control (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.78; seven trials, 470 women) or crystalloid (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.96; four trials, 293 women) in preventing hypotension. No significant differences in hypotension were seen between ephedrine and phenylephrine (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.37 to 2.44; three trials, 97 women) and phenylephrine was more effective than controls (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.45; two trials, 110 women). High rates or doses of ephedrine may increase hypertension and tachycardia incidence. Lower limb compression was more effective than control (no leg compression) (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.90; seven trials, 399 women) in preventing hypotension, although different methods of compression appeared to vary in their effectiveness. No other comparisons between different physical methods such as position were shown to be effective, but these trials were often small and thus underpowered to detect true effects should they exist. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS While interventions such as colloids, ephedrine, phenylephrine or lower leg compression can reduce the incidence of hypotension, none have been shown to eliminate the need to treat maternal hypotension during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section. No conclusions can be drawn regarding rare adverse effects due to the relatively small numbers of women studied.
Combating inappropriate use of medicines

Globally, it is possible that less than half of all patients are treated in compliance with guidelines and more than half of all patients fail to take their medicines as prescribed or dispensed. Such inappropriate use is wasteful of resources and causes patient harm in terms of lack of satisfactory outcome, serious adverse events and increased antimicrobial resistance. Combating inappropriate use of medicines involves four major steps: measuring the use of medicines; identifying the determinants of inappropriate use; developing, implementing and evaluating the impact of interventions to improve the use of medicines while taking into account the factors underlying inappropriate use; and working towards an enabling policy framework that encourages appropriate use. Global evidence on how to effectively combat inappropriate use of medicines is discussed herein, with reference to the aforementioned four steps. Most interventions undertaken to combat inappropriate use of medicines have been educational in nature, have had a relatively small impact and have not taken into account the determinants of behavior. A combination of interventions, involving managerial as well as educational components, appears to be more effective than a single intervention. Less than half of countries have a policy framework that actively encourages appropriate use of medicines. Since health systems are varied and complex, a nationally coordinated package of interventions and policies, contextualized to each country, will be needed to have any substantial impact on medicine use. There is now increasing global awareness of the need to strengthen health systems, to have national coordination to combat inappropriate use of medicines and to have coordination of international aid to developing countries in order to ensure it contributes to combating inappropriate use of medicines. The opportunities this presents for combating inappropriate use of medicines are discussed in this article.
An approach to control interference in multi-carrier mobile Communication systems

Resource scheduling strategies are needed to achieve high data rates and to provide good quality of service to all the users in a system. The effect of interference on the mobile communication system performance is addressed in this paper. A new resource scheduling strategy called Modified Load Matrix is proposed to control the interference in turn to increase throughput in a multi-carrier based mobile communication systems. The strategy is simulated in a 4G LTE scenario and simulation results show that there is a significant increase in aggregate throughput when compared with the benchmark schedulers.
Expression and Glucocorticoid Regulation of Surfactant Protein C in Human Fetal Lung

The hydrophobic surfactant protein C (SP-C) is known to modulate the biophysical properties of surfactant phospholipid. Although SP-C mRNA has been demonstrated in human fetal lung, there is limited information regarding developmental expression and processing of proSP-C protein. Two epitopespecific human proSP-C antisera, anti-hCPROSP-C(His59-Ser72) and anti-hCTERMSP-C (Gly162-Gly175), were generated to complement previously produced anti-NPROSP-C(Met10-Gln23) for the study of proSP-C expression in human fetal lung. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry detected expression of proSP-C protein by 12-16 wk of gestation. ProSP-C immunoreactivity of preculture lung, limited to expression of proSP-C21 in airway epithelial cells, was markedly enhanced by culture of lung explants in dexamethasone. To examine synthesis of proSP-C, homogenates from explants were labeled with35 S-Met/Cys for 0.5-4 h. Immunoprecipitation with anti-NPROSP-C detected 35S-proSP-C21 by 30 min and, after 2 h of labeling, there was a 15-fold increase in 35S-proSP-C21 in dexamethasone-treated lungs versus controls. Synthesis of proSP-C21 was followed by the appearance of a 24-kD form and smaller processing intermediates including 6-10-kD forms. Posttranslational processing of proSP-C21 was not observed in control explants. SP-C6-10 were not recognized by either anti-CPROSP-C or anti-hCTERMSP-C. These results indicate that low level expression of proSP-C protein first occurs in epithelial cells early in the second trimester and that expression can be enhanced by dexamethasone. Initial posttranslational processing of human proSP-C involves modification of proSP-C21 to SP-C24 and subsequent proteolysis of C-terminal propeptide domains. We speculate that absence of low Mr intermediates in unstimulated second trimester fetal lung tissue reflects developmental and glucocorticoid dependent regulation of proSP-C21 synthesis and posttranslational processing.