Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Release of lipopolysaccharide from intracellular compartments containing Salmonella typhimurium to vesicles of the host epithelial cell

The biological effects of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on eucaryotic cells have traditionally been characterized following extracellular challenge of LPS on susceptible cells. In this study, we report the capacity of Salmonella typhimurium to release LPS once it is located in the intracellular environment of cultured epithelial cells. LPS is liberated from vacuolar compartments, where intracellular bacteria reside, to vesicles present in the host cell cytosol. The vesicle-associated LPS is detected in infected cells from the time when invading bacteria enter the host cell. Release of LPS is restricted to S. typhimurium-infected cells, with no LPS observed in neighboring uninfected cells, suggesting that dissemination of LPS occurs entirely within the intracellular environment of the infected cell. The amount of LPS present in host vesicles reaches a maximum when intracellular S. typhimurium cells start to proliferate, a time at which the entire host cell cytosol is filled with numerous vesicles containing LPS. All these data support the concept that intracellular bacterial pathogens might signal the host cell from intracellular locations by releasing bioactive bacterial components such as LPS.
The spatial genetic differentiation of the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) populations in West Africa

Abstract The legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata, is an endemic insect pest that causes significant yield loss to the cowpea crop in West Africa. The application of population genetic tools is important in the management of insect pests but such data on M. vitrata is lacking. We applied a set of six microsatellite markers to assess the population structure of M. vitrata collected at five sites from Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria. Observed polymorphisms ranged from one (marker 3393) to eight (marker 32008) alleles per locus. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.0 to 0.8 and 0.0 to 0.6, respectively. Three of the loci in samples from Nigeria and Burkina Faso deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE), whereas no loci deviated significantly in samples from Niger. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 67.3% level of the genetic variation was within individuals compared to 17.3% among populations. A global estimate of FST=0.1 (ENA corrected FST=0.1) was significant (P⩽0.05) and corroborated by pairwise FST values that were significant among all possible comparisons. A significant correlation was predicted between genetic divergence and geographic distance between subpopulations (R2=0.6, P=0.04), and cluster analysis by the program STRUCTURE predicted that co-ancestry of genotypes were indicative of three distinct populations. The spatial genetic variance among M. vitrata in West Africa may be due to limited gene flow, south-north seasonal movement pattern or other reproductive barriers. This information is important for the cultural, chemical and biological control strategies for managing M. vitrata.
Stimulatory effect of fibroblast‐derived prostaglandin E2 on keratinocyte stratification in the skin equivalent

Epidermal–dermal interaction plays important roles in physiological events such as wound healing. In this study, we examined a double paracrine mechanism between keratinocytes and fibroblasts through interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) and an IL‐1‐induced inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) using the skin equivalent. The epidermal layer of the skin equivalent expressed high levels of IL‐1α mRNA (IL1A mRNA) and relatively low levels of IL‐1β mRNA (IL1B mRNA). IL1A mRNA was not detected in fibroblasts. Fibroblasts also expressed low but not negligible levels of IL1B mRNA only in the presence of keratinocytes. Expression of prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2 mRNA (PTGS2 mRNA) and production of PGE2 in three‐dimensionally cultured fibroblasts were noticeably stimulated by co‐culture with keratinocytes, whereas PTGS2 mRNA expression in the epidermal layer was very low. In addition, hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase 15‐(NAD) mRNA was highly expressed in keratinocytes but not in fibroblasts, and exogenous IL‐1β stimulated PTGS2 mRNA expression in the dermal equivalent. The thickness of the epidermal layer and the number of MKI67‐positive keratinocytes in the skin equivalent were decreased by treatment with indomethacin, and the decrease recovered when exogenous PGE2 was added. These results indicate that keratinocytes stimulate their own proliferation through a double paracrine mechanism mediated by IL‐1 and PGE2.
Process or Candidate: The International Community and the Demand for Electoral Integrity

Why do outside powers intervene in other countries’ elections? We distinguish between two types of electoral interventions: interventions in favor of the democratic process and interventions in favor of particular candidates and parties. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, outside powers often simultaneously pursue interventions of both types. Using a formal model of elections with bias, we argue that outside powers will always invest some resources in particular candidates, if they care about the differences in their proposed policies. Spending on the electoral process is driven by liberalism concerns and geopolitical interests. In some cases, liberal powers might decrease their amount of support for the electoral process if this engagement works against their favored candidate. We also consider the case of “election wars. ” These occur when two outside powers simultaneously intervene on different sides of an election. Some of the observable implications of the model are briefly demonstrated using a new and original dataset.
Improved SNR Estimator for QPSK Modulations

A new non-data-aided signal-to-noise ratio estimator for QPSK modulations in additive white Gaussian noise is proposed. It uses a simplified structure to achieve a good performance with less computational complexity. Simulation results show that the new estimator has smaller bias than existing estimators. The small bias and low computational complexity make it useful for practical applications.
Assessment of visual distortions in age-related macular degeneration: emergence of new approaches.

AIMS With the arrival of effective treatments for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) there is a need to find improved tests that would allow early detection. Ideally, these tests would allow monitoring of vision by patients themselves from home. The aim of this review is to discuss the available evidence for two recently developed vision tests designed for this purpose: the Preferential Hyperacuity Perimeter (PHP) test and the Radial Shape Discrimination (RSD) test. METHODS Articles that investigated detection of nvAMD were reviewed. The methodology of the clinical evidence, where available, was judged for bias and applicability of the results to the general population using the QUADAS-2 quality assessment tool. RESULTS The PHP test has proved to be good at detecting nvAMD but many studies assessed in this review were biased in the selection of patients, restricting the results to only those patients who can use the test and produce reliable results. On the other hand the RSD test is a simple test, well accepted by elderly patients with AMD. However, clinical studies to determine its value in the detection of early signs of nvAMD are still required. CONCLUSIONS To date, more studies have investigated the utility of the PHP test compared with the RSD test for detection of nvAMD. Both tests show promise but further evidence is needed to determine the real generalisability of the PHP test and the sensitivity of the RSD test.
Electromyographic-force Characteristics in the Assessment of Oral Function

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the utility of EMG-force characteristics as reliable and valid parameters by which to assess oral function. Masseter-muscle activity was recorded during controlled isometric biting exercises performed at various bite openings and force levels on two separate occasions. Measured muscle-activity levels, as well as the EMG-force characteristics of slope and y-intercept, were compared between bite openings and experimental trials. Sensitivity, assessed as the ability to detect statistically significant differences in muscle function due to changes in muscle length, was found to be acceptable for all measurements, except the y-intercept parameter, and during production of minimal forces. Reproducibility, evaluated as the correspondence between values recorded at different experimental sessions, was best for the EMG-force parameter of slope and during production of higher forces. The results from this study support the following conclusions : (1) Substantial variations in muscle function exist between individuals; (2) acceptable reliability and sensitivity of quantitative EMG values can be achieved, especially at higher muscle-activity levels, by rigidly controlling and quantifying functional activities during experimental trials; (3) the slope of an EMG-force curve is a reproducible, quantitative, and functionally sensitive measurement for assessment of muscle function; and (4) the EMG-force y-intercept is not a reliable quantity by which muscle-function characteristics may be studied.
Activation of transcription as a general mechanism of 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin action

We studied the response to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) of mouse hepatoma cells that contain a single, integrated copy of a chimeric gene under the control of a dioxin‐responsive DNA domain, which was originally associated with the cytochrome P450IA1 gene. Our findings indicate that TCDD increases the RNA polymerase II‐catalyzed transcription rate of the chimeric gene and that the transcripts are initiated at the correct promoter. Therefore, the dioxin‐responsive DNA operates as a bona fide transcriptional enhancer. Other studies imply that the Ah receptor mediates the transcriptional response to TCDD. Our results indicate that the Ah receptor‐dependent, dioxin‐responsive enhancer can activate transcription when in a regulatory context and in a chromosomal location different from those of the cytochrome P450IA1 gene. Therefore, in principle, the receptor‐enhancer system represents a mechanism by which numerous genes can respond to aromatic hydrocarbons in the environment.
Data dissemination in urban Vehicular Ad hoc Networks with diverse traffic conditions

Envisioned applications for VANETs will rely extensively on the exchange of broadcast messages to deliver data to vehicles located in a region of interest. Many data dissemination protocols have been proposed in the literature to suppress this need. Surprisingly, most of them were designed to operate exclusively under dense or sparse networks. However, it is reasonable to assume that diverse traffic conditions will coexist in realistic scenarios. Therefore, data dissemination protocols for VANETs should be designed to perceive the traffic condition at hand and adapt accordingly. With this in mind, in this paper we propose HyDiAck, a data dissemination protocol for urban VANETs that relies exclusively on local one-hop neighbor information to deliver messages under dense and sparse networks. In dense scenarios, HyDiAck selects vehicles inside a forwarding zone to rebroadcast messages to further vehicles. Moreover, the protocol employs implicit acknowledgements to guarantee robustness in message delivery under sparse scenarios. When compared to two related protocols - UV-CAST and slotted-1-persistence - simulation results for both Manhattan grid and real city street scenarios show that HyDiAck decreases both the latency to disseminate messages and the network overhead, and also guarantees message delivery to all vehicles in the region of interest.
Role of Civil Society Organizations in Local Governance: Theoretical Approaches and Empirical Challenges in Lithuania

The paper is focused on the discussion about the role of civil society in local governance and attempts to provide the answers to the questions: who is responsible for and should initiate the partnership between civil society organizations and local government? What are possible partnership models? How are public administrators affected by or do they affect civil society? What are the determinants of active civic participation in local governance? The paper is based on the two-fold approach: 1) general approach to the civil society and government partnership in local democracy; 2) particular approach examining how discussed partnership models work in Lithuania.
Selective endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with a liquid embolic: a single-center experience in 39 patients with 41 aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although embolization with detachable coils is an accepted alternative to surgical clipping, a major long-term problem is aneurysm recanalization due to coil compaction. Liquid embolic agents are a possible alternative as filling material that might decrease the recanalization rate. We evaluated the use of a liquid embolic for endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. METHODS During 1999-2003, 10 patients with 11 small aneurysms (group 1) and 29 patients with 30 large or giant aneurysms (group 2) were treated with a liquid embolic. Of 32 female and seven male patients, 20 had mass effect and two had subarachnoid hemorrhage; 17 were asymptomatic. All aneurysms were judged unsuitable for regular treatment; selective embolization was performed with a liquid embolic alone or with coils and liquid embolic. Stent placement was performed in 15 cases. Clinical and anatomic outcomes were assessed with the Modified Glasgow Outcome Scale and with angiography at 3, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS In group 1, good or excellent outcome and complete occlusion were observed in all patients. In group 2, clinical outcome was good or excellent in 26 patients and fair in one, and death occurred in two patients (one procedure related and one disease related). Technical complications occurred in four patients in group 1 (one permanent neurologic deficit) and in four patients in group 2 (one patient died, two remain hemiparetic, one remains asymptomatic). Follow-up images showed two recanalizations in group 1 and nine in group 2. CONCLUSION Selective embolization with a liquid embolic is useful to treat aneurysms unsuitable for coiling or for patients in whom previous treatment failed. This mostly applies to large and giant aneurysms in which morbidity and mortality rates are better than those associated with surgery, and the recanalization rate is lower than that previously described with coiling.
The Myxococcus xanthus FprA protein causes increased flavin biosynthesis in Escherichia coli

The fprA gene is immediately adjacent to the csgA gene (formerly known as spoC) of Myxococcus xanthus. Whereas the csgA gene has an essential role in cell interactions during the developmental cycle, the function of the fprA gene is unknown. Gene disruption was used to determine what affect a null mutation in this gene has on the phenotype of the cell. A csgA-fprA deletion and an fprA frameshift mutation were constructed in vitro in a cloned copy of this locus and then inserted into the M. xanthus chromosome to create a merodiploid with the wild-type and mutant alleles in tandem. The merodiploid was then allowed to segregate one of the two alleles along with the vector sequences in an effort to replace the wild-type allele with the mutant allele. All of the segregants had the wild-type allele, suggesting that a functional fprA gene is essential for vegetative growth. The fprA gene was placed under control of the lacZ transcriptional and translational signals and overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the new host was examined for any phenotypic changes. A 27-kilodalton protein was observed in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels of total-cell protein as predicted from the DNA sequence of this gene. Overexpression of FprA caused the accumulation of a yellow pigment with spectral and redox properties similar to that of the flavins. The pigment cochromatographed with flavin mononucleotide by Silica Gel G thin-layer chromatography. Approximately two-thirds of the total cellular flavin was associated with soluble protein. The major soluble flavin-associated protein was purified on DEAE-Bio-Gel A and Phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B and by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The amino acid composition of the purified protein was similar to that predicted from the DNA sequence of the FprA fusion protein. Apparently, overproduction of FprA (for flavin-associated protein A) in E. coli resulted in a large increase in flavin biosynthesis. Together, these results suggest that the fprA gene encodes a protein that is associated with flavin mononucleotide and has an essential function in M. xanthus.
Systematic relaxation to relieve postoperative pain.

BACKGROUND Unrelieved pain after surgery can lead to complications, prolonged hospital stay, and delayed recovery. Because of side effects from opioids and differences in response, it is important to use non-pharmacological methods in addition to analgesics to decrease patient discomfort and anxiety. AIMS We examined the effects of a systematic method of relaxing the body on the sensory and affective components of postoperative pain, anxiety, and opioid intake after initial ambulation. DESIGN A randomized controlled trial with relaxation and control groups was used. METHOD The convenience sample of 102 adults underwent abdominal surgery at a large hospital in Thailand. Systematic relaxation was used for 15 minutes during recovery from the first ambulation after surgery. Pain was measured with 100 mm Visual Analogue Sensation and Distress of Pain Scales before and after the intervention. State anxiety was measured before surgery and after the intervention; opioid intake was recorded 6 hours later. RESULTS The relaxation group had less post-test sensation and distress of pain (26 and 25 mm less, respectively) than the control group (P = 0.001). Relaxation did not result in significantly less anxiety or 6-hour opioid intake. However, group differences in state anxiety were in the expected direction and fewer participants in the relaxation group requested opioids. Nearly all reported that systematic relaxation reduced their pain and increased their sense of control. CONCLUSION Substantial reductions in the sensation and distress of pain were found when postoperative patients used systematic relaxation. Although tested in Thailand, we recommend that nurses in other countries try systematic relaxation with postoperative patients, in addition to analgesic medication, measuring pain scores and asking about cultural acceptance.
Electrical Stimulation Accelerates Motor Functional Recovery in the Rat Model of 15-mm Sciatic Nerve Gap Bridged by Scaffolds With Longitudinally Oriented Microchannels

Background. Electrical stimulation (ES) can enhance the regenerative capacity of axotomized motor and sensory neurons. However, the impact of ES on axonal regeneration and functional recovery has not been investigated in an animal model of a lengthy peripheral nerve defect. Objective. To determine whether ES accelerates axonal regeneration and functional recovery of a 15-mm sciatic nerve defect in rats. Methods. A 15-mm excision of the sciatic nerve was bridged with a chitosan scaffold with longitudinally or randomly oriented pores or with autologous grafting of the segment. In half of the animals with chitosan grafts, the proximal nerve stump was electrically stimulated for 1 hour at 20 Hz immediately after the nerve repair with the scaffolds. Axonal regeneration was investigated by retrograde labeling and morphometric analysis. The rate of motor functional recovery was evaluated by electrical nerve stimulation, behavioral tests of stepping, and histological appearance of the target muscles. Results. Axonal regeneration and motor functional recovery were improved by ES in animals that received longitudinal pore grafts as compared with others. The maximal number of axons that regenerated across the longitudinal graft was achieved 2 to 4 weeks earlier in rats with ES. In addition, the latency of compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs), the peak amplitude of CMAPs, and nerve conduction velocity were improved by ES. Stepping indices were better, with less atrophy of target muscle in ES rats managed with longitudinal pores. Conclusion. Brief ES may accelerate axonal regeneration and motor recovery after focal peripheral nerve transection when repaired with optimally tissue-engineered grafts.
Spectroscopic analysis of lens recombinant betaB2- and gammaC-crystallin.

PURPOSE To compare the spectroscopic and unfolding properties of human lens [beta]B2- and [gamma]C-crystallin with those of [alpha]A-crystallin. METHODS Human lens [beta]B2- and [gamma]C-crystallin were cloned and measured spectroscopically. The unfolding curves in response to guanidine HCl (GdnHCl) and heat were also obtained by measuring Trp fluorescence emission intensity or emission maximum wavelength with increasing perturbation. RESULTS Very similar spectroscopic and unfolding properties were seen with [beta]B2- and [gamma]C-crystallin, but both demonstrated great differences compared with [alpha]A-crystallin. Unlike [alpha]A-crystallin, [beta]B2- and [gamma]C-crystallin showed very little binding to Bis-ANS (4,4'-dianilino-1,1'-binaphthalene-5,5'-disulfonic acid), a hydrophobic fluorescence probe. Both [beta]B2- and [gamma]C-crystallin were more resistant than [alpha]A-crystallin to GdnHCl-induced unfolding, but [alpha]A-crystallin was more resistant than [beta]B2- and [gamma]C-crystallin to heat induced unfolding. CONCLUSIONS It was observed that [beta]B2- and [gamma]C-crystallin showed more similar spectroscopic and unfolding properties with each other than each of them showed with [alpha]A-crystallin.
Organizational Attention to Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Social Performance: The Moderating Effects of Corporate Governance

Many studies have explored the antecedents of corporate social performance (CSP), such as institutional forces and stakeholder pressures. However, few studies examine CSP from a socio‐cognitive perspective. To address this research void, this study adopts an attention‐based approach to examine the relationship between managers' attention to social issues and CSP. More important, this study reports that this relationship will be moderated by governance mechanisms that constrain managerial discretion. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms, this study provides empirical support for these arguments. Therefore, our study adds new insights to the literature addressing CSP from a socio‐cognitive perspective and speaks to the structural features, both inside and outside organizations, that guide managers' attention.