Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibody-mediated growth of influenza A NWS virus in macrophagelike cell line P388D1

We investigated the internalization and growth of influenza A NWS virus in macrophagelike P388D1 cells. Flow cytometric analysis using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled virus showed that the attachment of normal rabbit serum-exposed virus (NS-V) to neuraminidase (NA)-treated cells was noticeably limited compared with that to untreated cells. However, rabbit antiserum-exposed virus (AS-V) could attach equally well to both cells. Virus coated with Fab prepared from antiviral immunoglobulin G could not attach. These data suggest that the NWS virus can infect P388D1 cells in one of two ways, via viral or via Fc receptors, depending on the presence of antibodies. The NS-V could grow in the untreated cells, but not in the NA-treated cells. The highest growth of AS-V in the NA-treated cells was observed at an antibody concentration showing 50% plaque reduction titer. Growth was exponentially decreased toward the lower and higher dilutions of antibodies. By using three different immunoglobulin G subclasses of monoclonal antibodies against hemagglutinin, it was demonstrated that both Fc receptors I and II could take part in this phenomenon. The presence of 20 mM NH4Cl inhibited the growth of both AS-V and NS-V, suggesting that the intracellular pathways after internalization via Fc or viral receptors are similar. These data indicate that the concentration of antibodies has a critical role on the antibody-mediated growth of influenza virus in macrophages.
Keeping it local: news themes on regional newspaper front pages

Local news is fundamental to the activities of most regional newspapers in Australia. While “local” is a contested term, it has traditionally been used in the Australian regional news media context to refer to issues, events and people occurring or situated within the primary geographical circulation area of a print newspaper. This emphasis on the local extends from what news outlets are reporting to how they report it – and the kinds of understandings they promote about what it means to be part of a regional community. The public-sphere role of such outlets means they are ideally placed to communicate to news audiences ideas about local identity and community. While understandings of community extend beyond geographical considerations, the ongoing emphasis on local news means that geographical location remains at the heart of what regional newspapers do, even at a time when many regional newspapers are becoming less localised because of cost cutting and resource sharing. This paper examines the front pages of a number of Australian regional newspapers over time to explore some of the ideas about regional community and identity that are communicated to news audiences. Introduction While newspapers outside major cities perform a crucial role in the provision of local news and information, they have also traditionally been “an integral part of local life” (Nielsen, 2015, p. 1) and their role within their communities has extended beyond information provision to broader public-sphere functions. As a key facilitator of discussion and interaction across and between individuals and groups within their news audience, and a central element of local communication networks, they have also played an integral role in building and maintaining social capital among their audience (Bowd, 2010) and the broader communities the newspaper serves. In this capacity they both set and respond to local news and information agendas and reflect back to news audiences key messages about regional life. This paper explores some of these messages by examining the front pages of a range of Australian regional newspapers over time. It highlights central themes in the coverage, and considers what these communicate about local community and identity, particularly in relation to notions of social capital. The front pages of each newspaper were selected for analysis because these are the most visible elements of a publication, and
Reliability and validity of arm function assessment with standardized guidelines for the Fugl-Meyer Test, Action Research Arm Test and Box and Block Test: a multicentre study

Objectives: To establish: (1) inter-rater and test–retest reliability of standardized guidelines for the Fugl-Meyer upper limb section, Action Research Arm Test and Box and Block Test in patients with paresis secondary to stroke, multiple sclerosis or traumatic brain injury and (2) correlation between these arm motor scales and more general measures of impairment and activity limitation. Design: Multicentre cohort study. Setting: Three European referral centres for neurorehabilitation. Subjects: Thirty-seven stroke, 14 multiple sclerosis and five traumatic brain injury patients. Main measures: Scores of the Fugl-Meyer Test (arm section), Action Research Arm Test, and Box and Block Test derived from video information. Results: All three motor tests showed very high inter-rater and test–retest reliability (ICC and rho for main variables>0.95). Correlation between the motor scales was very high (rho>0.92). Motor scales correlated moderately highly with the Hemispheric Stroke Scale, a measure of impairment (rho=0.660–0.689), but not with the Modified Barthel Index, a measure of the ability to cope with basic activities of daily living (rho=0.044–0.086). Conclusions: The standardized guidelines assured comparability of test administration and scoring across clinical facilities. The arm motor scales provided information that was not identical to information from the Hemispheric Stroke Scale or the Modified Barthel Index. Address for correspondence: Priv. -Doz. Dr T Platz, Klinik Berlin, Kladower Damm 223, 14089 Berlin, Germany.
Occlusal caries prevention in high and low risk schoolchildren. A clinical trial.

PURPOSE To evaluate the caries-preventive effect of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement used as occlusal sealant (Vitremer) compared with fluoride varnish (Duraphat) application on occlusal surfaces of permanent first molars (OSPFM) in 6-8 year-old schoolchildren (n=268) at high (HR) and low (LR) caries risk. METHODS The children were followed-up for 24 months after being systematically allocated into six groups as follows: Control Groups HRC and LRC: children receiving oral health education (OHE) every 3 months; Groups HRV and LRV: children receiving OHE plus varnish application biannually; and Groups HRS and LRS: children receiving OHE plus a single sealant application . The baseline and follow-up examinations were performed by the same calibrated dentist under natural light, using CPI probes and mirrors, after toothbrushing and air-drying. The DMFS was used to record dental caries, in addition to the detection of initial lesions (IL). Data analysis was performed with two primary outcome measures: DMF and DMF+ IL on the OSPFM. RESULTS After 24 months, only the HRS group showed statistically lower DMF and DMF+IL increments on OSPFM compared with HRC group. HRV group did not differ from HRC and HRS groups. For LR groups, no statistical difference (P> 0.05) was observed among the treatments.
Calcium fluxes in dorsal forerunner cells antagonize β-catenin and alter left-right patterning

Establishment of the left-right axis is essential for normal organ morphogenesis and function. Ca2+ signaling and cilia function in the zebrafish Kuppfer's Vesicle (KV) have been implicated in laterality. Here we describe an endogenous Ca2+ release event in the region of the KV precursors (dorsal forerunner cells, DFCs), prior to KV and cilia formation. Manipulation of Ca2+ release to disrupt this early flux does not impact early DFC specification, but results in altered DFC migration or cohesion in the tailbud at somite stages. This leads to disruption of KV formation followed by bilateral expression of asymmetrical genes, and randomized organ laterality. We identify β-catenin inhibition as a Ca2+-signaling target and demonstrate that localized loss of Ca2+ within the DFC region or DFC-specific activation ofβ -catenin is sufficient to alter laterality in zebrafish. We identify a previously unknown DFC-like cell population in Xenopus and demonstrate a similar Ca2+-sensitive stage. As in zebrafish, manipulation of Ca2+ release results in ectopic nuclearβ -catenin and altered laterality. Overall, our data support a conserved early Ca2+ requirement in DFC-like cell function in zebrafish and Xenopus.
DNA-LIPOSOME VERSUS ADENOVIRAL MEDIATED GENE TRANSFER OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR&bgr;1 IN VASCULARIZED CARDIAC ALLOGRAFTS: DIFFERENTIAL SENSITIVITY OF CD4+ AND CD8+ T CELLS TO TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR&bgr;11

We have developed a model of transforming growth factor (TGF)&bgr;1 gene transfer into mouse vascularized cardiac allografts to study the use of gene transfer as an immunosuppressive therapy in transplantation. Donor hearts were perfused with either DNA-liposome complexes or adenoviral vectors that encode the active form of human TGF&bgr;1. DNA-liposome mediated transfection prolonged allograft survival in approximately two-thirds of transplant recipients, while adenoviral delivery of TGF&bgr;1 was not protective. Protective TGF&bgr;1 gene transfer was associated with reduced Th1 responses and an inhibition of the alloantibody isotype switch. The protective effects of TGF&bgr;1 gene transfer were overridden by exogenous interleukin-12 administration. Interestingly, alloreactive CD4+ and CD8+ cells exhibited distinct sensitivities to TGF&bgr;1 gene transfer: CD4+ Th1 function was abrogated by this modality, although CD8+ Th1 function was not. Transient depletion of recipient CD8+ cells markedly prolonged the survival of grafts transfected with either DNA-liposome complexes or adenoviral vectors. Transgene expression persisted for at least 60 days, and Th1 responses were not detectable until CD8+ T cells repopulated the periphery. However, long-term transfected allografts appeared to exhibit exacerbated fibrosis and neointimal development. These manifestations of chronic rejection were absent in long-term transfected isografts, suggesting that long-term expression of active TGF&bgr;1 alone is not sufficient to induce fibrosis of the grafts. Collectively, these data illustrate the utility of immunosuppressive gene therapy as a treatment for transplantation when combined with additional conditioning regimens. Further, they illustrate that alloreactive CD4+ and CD8+ cells may be differentially influenced by cytokine manipulation strategies.
The Enzymatic Activity of Lysyl Oxidas-like-2 (LOXL2) Is Not Required for LOXL2-induced Inhibition of Keratinocyte Differentiation*

Background: LOXL2 inhibits keratinocyte differentiation. This activity was thought to require LOXL2 enzyme activity. Results: LOXL2 mutants lacking enzyme activity nevertheless inhibit keratinocyte differentiation. The fourth scavenger receptor-cysteine-rich domain of LOXL2 is required for this activity. Conclusion: LOXL2 induces keratinocyte differentiation independently of its enzyme activity. Significance: Our results suggest that LOXL2 may affect diverse biological processes independently of its enzyme activity. Lysyl oxidase-like-2 (LOXL2) induces tumor progression and fibrosis. It also inhibits the differentiation of keratinocytes promoting development of squamous cell carcinomas. Stimulation of HaCaT skin keratinocytes with exogenous LOXL2 or overexpression of LOXL2 in these cells inhibits their differentiation as manifested by inhibition of calcium or vitamin D-induced involucrin expression. The inhibition was abrogated by the LOXL2 function-blocking monoclonal antibody AB0023 as well as by an anti-LOXL2 polyclonal antibody. Surprisingly, a point-mutated form of LOXL2 (LOXL2Y689F) lacking enzymatic activity, as well as a LOXL2 deletion mutant lacking the entire catalytic domain, also inhibited calcium or vitamin D-induced up-regulation of involucrin expression, suggesting that the enzymatic activity of LOXL2 is not required for this activity. This conclusion was supported by experiments that showed that β-aminoproprionitrile, an irreversible competitive inhibitor of the enzymatic activity of all lysyl oxidases, is unable to abolish the LOXL2-induced inhibition of HaCaT cell differentiation. The activity of LOXL2Y689F required the presence of the fourth scavenger receptor-cysteine-rich (SRCR) domain of LOXL2, which is also the binding target of AB0023. Epitope-tagged LOXL2Y689F was internalized at 37 °C by HaCaT cells. The internalization was inhibited by AB0023 and by competition with unlabeled LOXL2, suggesting that these cells may express a LOXL2 receptor. Our results suggest that agents that inhibit the enzymatic activity of LOXL2 may not suffice to inhibit completely the effects of LOXL2 on complex processes that involve altered states of cellular differentiation.
The role of innovation in venture capital: empirical evidence from European Union and EFTA countries

ABSTRACT This article investigates the effects of innovation attempts on the venture capital and investment activity in the cases of the selected European Union plus European Free Trade Agreement countries using annual panel data and by controlling for real income growth and business sophistication. Our findings suggest that innovation has positively significant effects on venture capital in the cases without opt-out countries (United Kingdom and Denmark); however, these effects become negative in the cases with opt-out countries. Policy implications are provided in the conclusion section of this study.
Expression and purification of the BmK M1 neurotoxin from the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch.

The gene encoding a neurotoxin (BmK M1) from the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae at a high level with the alcohol dehydrogenase promoter. SDS-PAGE of the culture confirmed expression and showed secretion into medium from yeast. Recombinant BmK M1 was purified rapidly and efficiently by ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography to homogeneity, produced a single band on tricine-SDS-PAGE, and processed the homologous N-terminus. Amino acid analysis and N-terminal sequencing demonstrated that the recombinant toxin was processed correctly from the alpha-mating factor leader sequence and was chemically identical to the native form. The expressed recombinant BmK M1 was toxic for mice, which indicated that it was biologically active. Quantitative estimation showed that recombinant BmK M1 had an LD(50) similar to that of the native toxin.
Potentiation of motilin‐induced contraction by nitric oxide synthase inhibition in the isolated chicken gastrointestinal tract

The present experiments were designed to determine whether or not endogenous nitric oxide (NO) modifies the contractile response to chicken motilin (ch‐MT) in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (proventriculus and small intestine) of the chicken. ch‐MT (1 nmol L−1–1 μmol L−1) caused contractions of longitudinal muscle strips of the proventriculus through both myogenic and neurogenic (mostly cholinergic) mechanisms. On the other hand, ch‐MT (0.1 nmol L−1–100 nmol L−1) contracted the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) only through a myogenic mechanism. L‐Nitroarginine methylester (L‐NAME) potentiated, and L‐arginine inhibited, the ch‐MT‐ induced contraction without affecting the responsiveness of acetylcholine (ACh) or 5‐hydroxytryptamine in the proventriculus. Electrical field stimulation (EFS)‐ and 1,1‐dimethyl‐4‐phenylpiperazinium (DMPP)‐ induced contractions were also potentiated by L‐NAME. The potentiation by L‐NAME was prevented by L‐arginine but not by D‐arginine. However, in the presence of atropine or tetrodotoxin, neither L‐NAME nor L‐arginine modified the responses to ch‐MT and DMPP. In contrast to the proventriculus, L‐NAME and L‐arginine were both ineffective in modifying the ch‐MT‐induced contraction in the small intestine. These results indicate that NO synthase inhibition potentiates the contractile response of ch‐MT, EFS and DMPP in the chicken proventriculus through reduction of endogenous NO‐mediated presynaptic inhibition on neural ACh release. However, NOS inhibition did not modify the myogenic (direct) action of ch‐MT in gastric and intestinal smooth muscles of the chicken.
The Impact of ICT on Health Promotion: A Randomized Experiment with Diabetic Patients

This paper summarizes a randomized experiment to study the effects of an Internet-based intervention on type 2 diabetes patients in Montevideo, Uruguay. A specially designed website and electronic social network allowed participants to navigate freely, download materials, and interact with other diabetics and specialists. No significant impact was found on participants' knowledge, behavior, or health outcomes. Only a minority of patients logged on to the website, and most were only reached by email and mobile text (SMS). Patients' gender, marital status, and education influenced their participation on the website.
A mobile application of American sign language translation via image processing algorithms

Due to the relative lack of pervasive sign language usage within our society, deaf and other verbally-challenged people tend to face difficulty in communicating on a daily basis. Our study thus aims to provide research into a sign language translator applied on the smartphone platform, due to its portability and ease of use. In this paper, a novel framework comprising established image processing techniques is proposed to recognise images of several sign language gestures. More specifically, we initially implement Canny edge detection and seeded region growing to segment the hand gesture from its background. Feature points are then extracted with Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF) algorithm, whose features are derived through Bag of Features (BoF). Support Vector Machine (SVM) is subsequently applied to classify our gesture image dataset; where the trained dataset is used to recognize future sign language gesture inputs. The proposed framework has been successfully implemented on smartphone platforms, and experimental results show that it is able to recognize and translate 16 different American Sign Language gestures with an overall accuracy of 97.13%.
Maintaining order in a linked list

We present a new representation for linked lists. This representation allows one to efficiently insert objects into the list and to quickly determine the order of list elements. The basic data structure, called an indexed 2-3 tree, allows one to do n inserts in O(nlogn) steps and to determine order in constant time. We speed up the algorithm by dividing the data structure up into log*n layers. The improved algorithm does n insertions and comparisons in O(nlog*n) steps. The paper concludes with two applications: determining ancestor relationships in a growing tree and maintaining a tree structured environment (context tree).
Clinical characteristics at implants with a history of progressive bone loss.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical characteristics at implants with a history of progressive bone loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighty-two out of 184 previously identified subjects with a history of progressive bone loss volunteered for the study. Clinical assessments of plaque, bleeding on probing (BoP), probing pocket depth (PPD), suppuration following probing (Pus), presence of calculus on implants surfaces (Calc) and 'recession' i.e. the mucosal margin in level with or apical of the fixture/abutment junction were performed at the mesial, distal, buccal and lingual aspects of each implant and without removing the bridge constructions. RESULTS It was demonstrated that the frequencies of BoP, Pus, 'recession' and PPD > or = 6 mm were higher at implants with than without 'progressive' bone loss. In addition, smokers had larger numbers of affected implants than non-smokers, and the proportion of affected implants that exhibited Pus and PPD > or = 6 mm was higher in smokers than in non-smokers. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the findings of Pus, 'recession' and PPD > or = 6 mm at an implant in a smoking subject had a 69% accuracy in identifying the history of progressive bone loss. CONCLUSION The results from this study demonstrate an association between clinical signs of pathology and bone loss at implants. It is recommended to include clinical assessments in the evaluation of implant therapy.
Protein Profile of Human Perilymph: In Search of Markers for the Diagnosis of Perilymph Fistula and other Inner Ear Disease

Recent developments in high-resolution two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, combined with amino acid sequencing and computer-assisted image analysis, have allowed separation of approximately 100 proteins and identification and quantitation of some 30 proteins in human perilymph. The majority of proteins were found to be present in perilymph at levels in basic agreement with the total protein gradient between perilymph and plasma (1:35). However, several striking differences were observed: (1) β2-transferrin, known to be absent from normal plasma but present in cerebrospinal fluid, was detected in perilymph at a concentration roughly equal to that in cerebrospinal fluid; and (2) two high-density lipoprotein-associated apolipoproteins—apo D (formerly PLS:33) and apo J or NA1 and NA2 (formerly PSL:29/30), the latter showing identity with 5P40/40, or cytolysis inhibitor—were found to be present at concentrations 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher when examined in terms of total protein and to be comparable with or higher than plasma levels when examined in terms of absolute concentrations. The functional significance of the extremely high levels of the two apolipoproteins is not known at this time. An attempt was made to use β2-transferrin, as well as apo D and apo J (NA1/NA2), as markers for the diagnosis of perilymph fistula, one of the most controversial and challenging problems for the otologist today. It was determined that the technique is indeed applicable when relatively pure fistula samples are analyzed. Limitations and potential improvements of the technique are discussed. In addition, the potential usefulness of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in other pathologic conditions of the inner ear is discussed briefly.
The C‐terminus of eRF1 defines a functionally important domain for translation termination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Translation termination in eukaryotes is mediated by two release factors, eRF1 and eRF3, which interact to form a heterodimer that mediates termination at all three stop codons. By C‐terminal deletion analysis of eRF1 from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we show that the extreme C‐terminus of this 437‐amino‐acid protein defines a functionally important domain for translation termination. A strain encoding eRF1 lacking the C‐terminal 32 amino acids is not viable, whereas deletion of the C‐terminal 19 amino acids is viable but shows a termination defect in vivo causing an enhancement of nonsense suppression. Using a combination of two‐hybrid analysis and in vitro binding studies, we demonstrate that deletions encompassing the C‐terminus of eRF1 cause a significant reduction in eRF3 binding to eRF1. All of the C‐terminally truncated eRF1 still bind the ribosome, suggesting that the C‐terminus does not constitute a ribosome‐binding domain and eRF1 does not need to form a stable complex with eRF3 in order to bind the ribosome. These data, together with previously published data, suggest that the region between amino acids 411 and 418 of yeast eRF1 defines an essential functional domain that is part of the major site of interaction with eRF3. However, a stable eRF1:eRF3 complex does not have to be formed to maintain viability or efficient translation termination. Alignment of the seven known eukaryotic eRF1 sequences indicates that a highly conserved motif, GFGGIGG/A is present within the region of the C‐terminus, although our deletion studies suggest that it is sequences C‐terminal to this region that are functionally important.