Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Action for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Inhibitor RSV604

ABSTRACT Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections in young children and other high-risk populations. RSV nucleoprotein (N) is essential for virus assembly and replication as part of the viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. RSV604 was a putative N inhibitor in phase 2 clinical trials whose molecular mechanism of action (MoA) was not well understood. This study investigated the cell line-dependent potency of RSV604 and demonstrated its direct binding to the N protein in vitro, providing the first evidence of direct target engagement for this class of inhibitors reported to date. The affinity of RSV604 N binding was not affected by RSV604 resistance mutations in the N protein. RSV604 engaged in two different MoAs in HeLa cells, inhibiting both RSV RNA synthesis and the infectivity of released virus. The lack of inhibition of viral RNA synthesis in some cell lines explained the cell-type-dependent potency of the inhibitor. RSV604 did not inhibit viral RNA synthesis in the RSV subgenomic replicon cells or in the cell-free RNP assay, suggesting that it might act prior to viral replication complex formation. RSV604 did not alter N protein localization in the infected cells. Taken together, these results provide new insights leading to an understanding of the MoAs of RSV604 and other similar N inhibitors.
Activation/inactivation of the classical pathway of complement in non‐lesional skin of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background: The link between the lupus band and pathogenesis remains controversial, because immunoglobulins and complement components, including the membrane attack complex, can be found in both lesional and non‐lesional skin of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The expression of proteins that regulate complement has not been previously investigated in the skin of patients with SLE.
A general optimal pixel aspect ratio model for stereo-based 3D reconstruction and visualization

We propose a mathematical model for optimizing pixel aspect ratio for the best 3D estimation in both stereo-based 3D reconstruction and 3D viewing applications. We analyze the 3D reconstruction through a 3D display medium and reduce the whole process to a single stereo system so that a unified model can be applied to both direct reconstruction from stereo images and indirect reconstruction through stereo content presented on a 3D display. We use this unified model to extend our earlier work to a general solution for determining the optimal pixel aspect ratio for both applications. Unlike earlier work, the solution proposed here relates the optimal pixel aspect ratio to the device-specific parameters, rather than the stereo configuration parameters, which makes it more easily applicable in design and manufacture of stereo capture and display devices. In general, our mathematical model and subjective user studies suggest that, for a given total resolution, a finer horizontal discretization with a ratio of about 0.6 leads to a more accurate 3D reconstruction and a better 3D visual experience.
Effects of oxygen concentration and flow rate on cognitive ability and physiological responses in the elderly

The supply of highly concentrated oxygen positively affects cognitive processing in normal young adults. However, there have been few reports on changes in cognitive ability in elderly subjects following highly concentrated oxygen administration. This study investigated changes in cognitive ability, blood oxygen saturation (%), and heart rate (beats/min) in normal elderly subjects at three different levels of oxygen [21% (1 L/min), 93% (1 L/min), and 93% (5 L/min)] administered during a 1-back task. Eight elderly male (75.3 ± 4.3 years old) and 10 female (71.1 ± 3.9 years old) subjects, who were normal in cognitive ability as shown by a score of more than 24 points in the Mini-Mental State Examination-Korea, participated in the experiment. The experiment consisted of an adaptation phase after the start of oxygen administration (3 minutes), a control phase to obtain stable baseline measurements of heart rate and blood oxygen saturation before the task (2 minutes), and a task phase during which the 1-back task was performed (2 minutes). Three levels of oxygen were administered throughout the three phases (7 minutes). Blood oxygen saturation and heart rate were measured during each phase. Our results show that blood oxygen saturation increased, heart rate decreased, and response time in the 1-back task decreased as the concentration and amount of administered oxygen increased. This shows that administration of sufficient oxygen for optimal cognitive functioning increases blood oxygen saturation and decreases heart rate.
Expression of organomercurial lyase in eastern cottonwood enhances organomercury resistance

SummaryRelease of inorganic mercury pollutants into shallow aquatic environments has resulted in the bacterial production of a more toxic organic mercury species, methylmercury. The bacterial organomercurial lyase (MerB) catalyses the protonolysis of the carbon-mercury bond and releases Hg(II), a less toxic, non-biomagnified form of mercury. Our objective was to engineer eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), a fast-growing tree adapted to growth in riparian environments, with the merB gene to explore its potential for phytoremediation of mercury. We produced multiple eastern cottonwood clones expressing a modified bacterial merB gene, confirmed that the gene was expressed in the transclones and tested the regenerated plants for their ability to tolerate exposure to an organic mercury source, phenylmercuric acetate (PMA), in vitro and in hydroponic culture, compared to wild-type control trees. Transgenic merB plants expressed high levels of MerB protein and showed some evidence of higher resistance to the organic mercury than wild-type plants, producing longer roots under exposure to PMA in vitro, although hydroponic culture results were inconclusive. Our results indicate that in order for merB to be useful in eastern cottonwood trees designed to degrade methylmercury at mercury-contaminated aquatic sites, it will probably need to be combined with other genes such as merA.
MANAGEMENT OF FOOD ALLERGENS IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

Ensuring food safety for people suffering fromvarious intolerances faces serious threats posed by allergenswhich have become a challenge for food manufacturers andmass caterers. These businesses are required to developand implement appropriate programs to manage allergenspresent in their sites. The purpose of this paper was to analyzethe actions taken by food manufacturers with respect tosubstances and products causing allergies or food intolerancesin the context of providing consumers with a safe, properlylabeled product. To achieve the objective of this study, a dataanalysis and synthesis method was employed based on requirementsdefined in obligatory and non-obligatory standardsfor food safety assurance and management in the foodproduction sector. In summary, as regards allergen management,the companies must create appropriate conditions andtake adequate measures (including the analysis of risks due tointentional and adventitious presence of allergens in food, andthe implementation of appropriate preventive actions). Solutionsprovided in the mandatory standards, mainly GHP andHACCP, as well as in non-mandatory standards, such as ISO22000, BRC, IFS and SQF, may be helpful in the managementof substances causing allergies or intolerances.
A Prospective Comparison of Discontinuous Euroficoll and Eurodextran Gradients for Islet Purification

Density gradient separation of islets from exocrine tissue is usually performed with Ficoll. However, this reagent adds significantly to the cost of the isolation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Dextran as a potential low-cost substitute for Ficoll and to evaluate the effects of cold storage of the pancreatic digest prior to purification. Pancreases were procured from mongrel dogs, loaded with collagenase and mechanically dissociated. Washed pancreatic digest was collected and divided into two fractions that were purified using discontinuous gradients on the Cobe 2991 processor using identically prepared EuroFicoll (EF) or EuroDextran (ED) gradients. Alternate groups were suspended in EC and stored on ice, while the other fraction were resuspended in the 1.108-g/mL gradient layer (either EF or ED) and loaded into the COBE. This tissue layer was overlaid with layers of densities 1.096 and 1.037 g/mL and a HBSS cap, and centrifuged for 5 min at 800 × g. Purified islets were collected from the interface between the 1.037 and 1.096 layers and islet recovery, purity, and function were assessed. From a series of eight isolations, 72.9 ± 8.2% (mean ± SEM) of the islets were recovered from the EF purified gradients compared with 62.6 ± 8.3% from ED gradients (p = NS, paired t-test). Gradients of ED that were run following hypothermic storage of the digest in cold EC solution (stored ED) had reduced islet recovery when compared with islet recovery from gradients prepared in EF(stored EF) (51.6 ± 9.6% for ED stored vs. 72.9 ± 11.9 for EF stored, p < 0.05). Islet recovery from EF gradients was equivalent between the stored and nonstored groups. The purity of preparations from the stored ED gradients was also reduced (71.3 ± 4.3%) when compared with islets that were immediately purified after dissociation (82.5 ± 4.8%, p < 0.05). Static glucose stimulation assay showed equivalence between the islets from ED and EF gradients. The stimulation index (SI) was 9.3 ± 0.9 for EF islets compared with 7.9 ± 1.4 for ED islets for digest purified immediately. However, if the digest was hypothermically stored in EC solution, a decrease in functional viability was observed in both the EF and the ED groups (7.7 ± 1.4 and 5.9 ± 0.8, respectively). Out of five alloxan-induced diabetic nude mice transplanted under the kidney capsule with 2000 islets isolated from the nonstored groups, three remained euglycemic >50 days posttrans-plant with either EF or ED islets. These experiments demonstrate effective recovery of equivalent numbers of canine islets using discontinuous gradients of ED or EF immediately following enzymatic digestion. However, following storage of the digest in cold EC solution results in a reduction in both islet recovery and function when gradients of ED are utilized. © 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.
Analyzing the Link Between Job Satisfaction and Performance in Educational Institutions

ABSTRACT The relationship between job satisfaction and organizational performance has been one of the most controversial issues in organizational management. This study examines how job satisfaction affects organizational performance analyzing the panel data collected from educational institutions in Korea. The results demonstrate that teachers’ organizational satisfaction is likely to improve students’ performance in standardized tests, whereas their work satisfaction is negatively related to it. Private school teachers showed higher organizational satisfaction than public school teachers and produced higher students’ test scores. No significant difference in work satisfaction between public and private school teachers was found.
Determinants and Impact of Performance-Related Pay Perception

Performance-related pay (PRP) was introduced in central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) in India with the objective of establishing a performance-oriented culture. PRP is a newly implemented concept in Indian CPSEs. This article attempts to investigate the factors that influence PRP perception in Indian CPSEs and also to study the impact of PRP perception on job satisfaction and employee performance. The study examines the determinants of PRP perception with the help of multiple regression analysis. The study also explores the role of PRP perception as an intervening variable, and the hypotheses are tested using mediation. This study will help policy makers in developing a holistic and integrated compensation plan/system in public sector enterprises and will add to the little existing literature on determinants and impact of PRP perception in public enterprises.
The Competitive Effects of S&P 500 Index Revisions

Firms added to the S&P 500 Index gain a competitive advantage over their non‐S&P 500 industry competitors. They experience positive stock valuation effects at the expense of competitors. The inclusion is associated with both reductions in financial constraints and the cost of equity and increases in capital investment for the newly added firms. When the increase in capital investment is greater, they gain more market share and enjoy better valuation effects. Rivals’ share price responses are negatively related to the announcement effect of the newly added firm. Deletions from the index, however, do not have symmetric effects.
Initial testing (stage 1) of the anti‐microtubule agents cabazitaxel and docetaxel, by the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program

Although microtubule‐destabilizing agents (principally vincristine) are in common use in pediatric oncology, the microtubule‐stabilizing taxanes are uncommonly used to treat childhood cancers. Cabazitaxel has been reported to have activity superior to that of docetaxel in preclinical models of multidrug‐resistant adult cancers, and it was active in patients who had progressed on or after docetaxel. The PPTP conducted a comparison of these two agents against the PPTP in vitro panel and against a limited panel of solid tumor xenografts.
Cooperative Activity of BRG1 and Z-DNA Formation in Chromatin Remodeling

ABSTRACT The mammalian genome contains tens of thousands of CG and TG repeat sequences that have high potential to form the nonclassical left-handed double-helical Z-DNA structure. Previously we showed that activation of the colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) gene by the chromatin remodeling enzyme, BRG1, results in formation of Z-DNA at the TG repeat sequence located within the promoter. In this report, we show that the TG repeats are assembled in a positioned nucleosome in the silent CSF1 promoter and that activation by BRG1 disrupts this nucleosome and results in Z-DNA formation. Active transcription is not required for the formation of Z-DNA but does result in an expanded region of Z-DNA. Formation of sequences by both BRG1 and the Z-DNA is required for effective chromatin remodeling of the CSF1 promoter. We propose the Z-DNA formation induced by BRG1 promotes a transition from a transient and partial remodeling to a more extensive disruption of the canonical nucleosomal structure. The data presented in this report establish that Z-DNA formation is an important mechanism in modulating chromatin structure, in similarity to the activities of ATP-dependent remodelers and posttranslational histone modifications.
Distribution of dendrites of mitral, displaced mitral, tufted, and granule cells in the rabbit olfactory bulb

To determine the dendritic fields, mitral, displaced mitral, middle tufted, and granule cells in the rabbit olfactory bulb were stained by intracellular injection of HRP. The secondary dendrites of mitral cells were distributed mostly in the inner half of the external plexiform layer (EPL). Those of displaced mitral cells extended mainly into the middle and superficial sublayers in the EPL. The secondary dendrites of middle tufted cells weredistributed mostly in the superficial portion of the EPL.
Thermodynamic Data of Fusarium oxysporum Grown on Different Substrates in Gold Mine Wastewater

The necessity for sustainable process development has led to an upsurge in bio-based processes, thereby placing a higher demand on the use of suitable microorganisms. Similarly, thermodynamics is a veritable tool that can predict the behavior of any material under well-defined conditions. Thermodynamic data of Fusarium oxysporum used in the bioremediation of gold mine wastewater, for a process supported with different carbon sources, was investigated. The data were obtained using a Discovery DSC® (TA Instruments, Inc. New Castle, DE, USA) equipped with modulated Differential Scanning Calorimeter (MDSCTM) software. The data revealed minimal differences in the physical properties of the F. oxysporum used, indicating that the utilisation of agro-waste for microbial proliferation in wastewater treatment is as feasible as when refined carbon sources are used. The data will be helpful for the development of environmentally benign process development strategies, especially for environmental engineering applications.
The impact of the minimum wage on income and employment in Mexico

This article analyses the effects of a rise in the minimum wage on wages and employment in Mexico. The source of variation is the equalization in late 2012 of the minimum wage in two areas of the country. Using the National Occupation and Employment Survey (ENOE), econometric analyses are performed of cross-section and individual panel data. The results of the first indicate that, on average, the hourly wage in zone B rose by between 1.6% and 2.6% for workers overall and between 1.8% and 3.3% for wage workers. The panel analysis yields similar results. Although the cross-section analysis does not show an impact in terms of employment, the panel data indicate that the probability of being an informal (formal) worker falls (rises) among those affected by the wage rise policy.
Improvement to functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Methods using Non-rigid Body Image Registration Methods for Correction in the Presence of Susceptibility Artifact Effects

Subject head movement, during the experimental and/or clinical procedure is an inevitable part of the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain mapping methods despite the availability of a large variety of head fixation devices employed in these studies. Thus, image registration is an essential processing step in fMRI. This is due to the fact that there is inevitable movement during the course on an fMRI experiment. An additional challenge is the explicit geometrical deformations associated with MRI. It is known that orientational changes are problematic in MRI in the presence of susceptibility differences especially between bone-tissue and air-tissue interfaces. This paper presents two registration strategies for fMRI registration, one using rigid registration based on maximization of mutual information, and the second is non-rigid registration adapted from Thirion's demons algorithm to demonstrate the importance and impact on fMRI in regions of susceptibility and its dependence on the image registration methodology
The Crazy Ideas You Had: The Impact of a Literacy Course Design, Delivery, and Teacher on Preservice Teachers' Reading Attitudes

iv Dedication . vi Inscription . vii List of Tables . xi List of Figures . xii Chapter I: Introduction . 1 Genesis of the Study . 1 Background of the Study . 3 Theoretical Background . 4 Purpose of the Study . 7 Research Questions . 8 Significance of the Study . 8 Definition of Terms . 10 Assumptions . 15 Delimitations and Limitations . 15 Summary . 17 Chapter II: Review of the Literature . 18 Social Aspects of Education and Literacy: Theoretical Background . 18 Attitudes, Motivation, and Modeling . 28 To Read or Not to Read? The Aliteracy Question . 32 Aliteracy and Attitude . 39 Reading Choice and Motivation . 42 The Attitude and Achievement Connection . 46 Teachers as Readers . 50 Recursive Reading Attitudes and Teacher Education . 52 Technology and Teacher Preparation . 58 Summary . 70 Chapter III: Methodology . 72 Overview of the Study . 72 Participants . 74 Instrumentation . 77 QuantitativeThe Adult Survey of Reading Attitudes (ASRA) . 77 QualitativeReading Autobiographies and Final Reflections . 78
A New Form of Democratic Oversight in the EU: The Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group for Europol

Abstract In 2017, a new Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group (JPSG) was created to enable members of the national parliaments of the EU and the European Parliament to exercise joint oversight of the EU agency for police cooperation (Europol). This paper chronicles and explains the lengthy legal and political process leading up to the first meeting of the Europol JPSG in October 2017, and the establishment of its Rules of Procedure at its second meeting in March 2018. In addition, the Europol JPSG is compared to the three EU inter-parliamentary conferences (IPCs) which meet twice-yearly to discuss EU affairs, foreign policy and economic governance. While there are many similarities, the JPSG differs from these others in that it has an explicit mandate to scrutinize, and the target of its scrutiny is a specific EU agency rather than a whole policy field. The JPSG is also distinctive in a number of key respects, including a stronger legal basis, more restrictive membership and participation rules, greater continuity of membership, stronger access to EU officials and documents, a seat on the Europol Management Board and an explicit right to ask oral and written questions. Taken together, these attributes indicate that the JPSG is designed to be an oversight body, rather than merely a discussion forum. Finally, the paper considers the likely future UK role in relation to the Europol JPSG after Brexit.
Organic food consumption during pregnancy is associated with different consumer profiles, food patterns and intake: the KOALA Birth Cohort Study

Abstract Objective To find out how the consumption of organic food during pregnancy is associated with consumer characteristics, dietary patterns and macro- and micronutrient intakes. Design Cross-sectional description of consumer characteristics, dietary patterns and macro- and micronutrient intakes associated with consumption of organic food during pregnancy. Setting Healthy, pregnant women recruited to a prospective cohort study at midwives’ practices in the southern part of the Netherlands; to enrich the study with participants adhering to alternative lifestyles, pregnant women were recruited through various specific channels. Subjects Participants who filled in questionnaires on food frequency in gestational week 34 (n 2786). Participant groups were defined based on the share of organic products within various food types. Results Consumers of organic food more often adhere to specific lifestyle rules, such as vegetarianism or anthroposophy, than do participants who consume conventional food only (reference group). Consumption of organic food is associated with food patterns comprising more products of vegetable origin (soya/vegetarian products, vegetables, cereal products, bread, fruits, and legumes) and fewer animal products (milk and meat), sugar and potatoes than consumed in conventional diets. These differences translate into distinct intakes of macro- and micronutrients, including higher retinol, carotene, tocopherol and folate intakes, lower intakes of vitamin D and B12 and specific types of trans-fatty acids in the organic groups. These differences are seen even in groups with low consumption of organic food. Conclusions Various consumer characteristics, specific dietary patterns and types of food intake are associated with the consumption of organic food during pregnancy.
Cross-Boundary Leadership: A Framework for Understanding Leadership Preparation.

Through the conceptual framework of Cross-boundary leadership, this case study examines the influence of EDLE 6633 School/Community Collaboration, a doctoral course at Oklahoma State University, on course completer's capacity to effectively facilitate and sustain collaborative partnerships between schools and communities. Findings suggest that the course prepared educational leaders to lead from the perspectives of shared influence and shared responsibility; however, evidence also suggests modification to the existing course to more fully meet education goals.