Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of 14C-Labeled Purified Protein Derivative from Various Mycobacteria

Biologically active 14C-labeled purified protein derivative (14C-PPD) has been prepared from the culture filtrates of seven species of mycobacteria, namely Mycobacterium tuberculosis Johnston strain (PPD), M. bovis BCG (PPD-BCG), M. avium (PPD-A), M. kansasii (PPD-Y), M. intracellulare (PPD-B), M. scrofulaceum (PPD-G), and M. fortuitum (PPD-F). These mycobacteria were grown in a culture medium containing a mixture of 14C-labeled amino acids. The yield and specific radioactivity of the PPD, of the nucleic acid, of the bacterial cells, and of the CO2 developed during growth have been determined for each of the seven species of mycobacteria. Although the yields of 14C-PPD antigens differed greatly for the different species of mycobacteria tested, their specific radioactivities were similar. The 14C-PPD antigens have been used as a means to measure their adsorption to glass. When glass ampoules containing dilute solutions (0.001 mg of PPD per ml) of these PPD antigens (PPD, PPD-BCG, PPD-A, PPD-Y, PPD-G, PPD-B, and PPD-F) were stored for 12 months at 5 C, it was found that they all adsorbed equally well to glass surfaces. In fact, regardless of the origin of the PPD, a loss due to adsorption of about 90% occurred during the first month of storage, and thereafter the PPD content remained practically constant for the rest of the duration of the storage period. The addition of 0.0005% Tween 80 to the PPD solutions effectively reduced the adsorption to glass of most PPD antigens. However, adsorption of PPD-BCG was not quite so effectively prevented, even when the Tween 80 concentration was increased from 0.0005 to 0.0005%.
Replication of association between a SCN1A splice variant and febrile seizures

In the present study, we assessed a SCN1A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs3812718, IVS5N+5 G>A), first analyzed by Schlachter et al. We genotyped 164 patients with febrile seizures (FS) [of those 62 adults with focal epilepsy (FEFS+) and 102 children with pure FS (Pure FS)] and 199 matched controls. Moreover, we also tested a third subgroup of 113 patients with focal epilepsy syndromes without a history of FS (FEFS−); they all were Caucasian. Our results, as in the initial study of Schlachter et al., showed an increase in the A‐allele and AA‐genotype frequencies in patients with FS compared to the controls, but these current differences did not reach statistical significance. Subsequently, we pooled our data with previously published Caucasian groups. No statistically significant difference was found for the FEFS−, but analyses for FEFS+ and Pure FS are significantly different compared to controls (p = 8.08 e−6 and p = 3.56 e−4, respectively). Furthermore, pooled patients with FS (FS + FEFS+) tested against those without FS (Controls + FEFS−) showed an even greater statistical significance (p = 4.82 e−8). These results reinforced rs3812718 involvement in FS vulnerability.
Gap junctions and the regulation of cellular functions of stem cells during development and differentiation.

In multicellular organisms, the role of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in the regulation of cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis is becoming increasingly recognized as one of the major cellular functions from the start of the fertilized egg, through normal development of the embryo and fetus, to the sexual maturation of the adult and ultimately to the maintenance of health of the aging adult. Given that the function of this membrane-associated protein channel is to synchronize electrotonic or metabolic functions, differential regulation of function at the transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational levels of a family of highly evolutionarily conserved genes (connexins) needs to be considered. Both inherited mutations and environmental modulation of GJIC could, in principle, affect the function of gap junctions to control cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis, thereby leading to a wide variety of pathologies. We review a few techniques used to characterize the ability of stem and progenitor cells to perform GJIC.
Polyunsaturated fatty acid levels of serum and red blood cells in apparently healthy Japanese subjects living in an urban area.

AIM We assessed levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in serum and red blood cells (RBCs) among groups stratified by generation and its clinical significance in Japanese subjects living in an urban area. METHODS We enrolled 200 apparently healthy Japanese (126 males, mean age: 50.3+/-9.2 years) living in an urban area. Levels of PUFA, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (AA), and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) in serum and RBCs were measured for each generation (G1 <35y, G2 35y-<45y, G3 45y-<55y, G4 55y-<65y, G5>or=65y). RESULTS No significant differences in EPA, DHA, AA, or EPA/AA were observed between males and females. After dividing into generations, stepwise increases in EPA and DHA, but not DGLA or AA, were observed in serum (all p<0.0001). EPA/AA ratios were stepwisely increased in serum (mean: G1:0.26, G2:0.29, G3:0.43, G4:0.58, G5:0.68, p<0.0001) and RBCs (mean: G1:0.10, G2:0.09, G3:0.15, G4:0.20, G5:0.23, p<0.0001). Positive correlations of EPA (r=0.83), DHA (r=0.55), DGLA (r=0.54), AA (r=0.29), and EPA/AA (r=0.91) were demonstrated between serum and RBCs. In addition, a significant positive correlation between EPA/AA ratios and insulin sensitivity as well as a negative correlation between those ratios and insulin resistance were observed in subjects with metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION Low levels of EPA/AA, which were associated with insulin resistance, were demonstrated in young Japanese adults living in an urban area.
GCR1, a transcriptional activator in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, complexes with RAP1 and can function without its DNA binding domain.

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, efficient expression of glycolytic and translational component genes requires two DNA binding proteins, RAP1 (which binds to UASRPG) and GCR1 (which binds to the CT box). We generated deletions in GCR1 to test the validity of several different models for GCR1 function. We report here that the C‐terminal half of GCR1, which includes the domain required for DNA binding to the CT box in vitro, can be removed without affecting GCR1‐dependent transcription of either the glycolytic gene ADH1 or the translational component genes TEF1 and TEF2. We have also identified an activation domain within a segment of the GCR1 protein (the N‐terminal third) that is essential for in vivo function. RAP1 and GCR1 can be co‐immunoprecipitated from whole cell extracts, suggesting that they form a complex in vivo. The data are most consistent with a model in which GCR1 is attracted to DNA through contact with RAP1.
Globalisation, Import Prices and Inflation Dynamics

In this paper we model the role of open-economy effects within a New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC) via the inclusion of intermediate imports in firms' production technology. Using this framework we provide evidence on two questions: first, does the inclusion of import prices help explain post-war inflation dynamics in the United Kingdom , United States and Japan; and second, has the influence of import prices in firms' costs become greater over the more recent period since the mid-1980s. Overall, our results suggest that import prices do help explain movements in inflation; in particular, NKPC models that allow for import prices to enter into firms' costs outperform closed-economy models in sample. However, our results suggest that the influence of import prices has generally remained constant across our sample period, with perhaps only the United Kingdom providing some evidence that import prices have become more important in firms' marginal costs.
Rational Expectations and Durable Goods Pricing

The market for a durable good sold by a monopolist is examined by using both continuous-time and discrete-time versions of the same model. The requirement that buyers' expectations must be fulfilled along the realized path of production is shown to place no restrictions on that path. Even the stronger requirement that buyers' expectations must continue to be fulfilled in the presence of any unexpected, exogenous perturbation to the stock places no restrictions, if expectations are allowed to depend discontinuously on the current stock. However, if expectations must depend continuously on the current stock, there is a unique equilibrium. This equilibrium is stationary, and the seller's strategy is the one described by Coase (1972): to keep the market saturated at all dates. Hence the path for output is the one for a competitive market and profit is zero. Stationary equilibria are then examined using the discrete-time model and it is shown that the path for output is very sensitive to the length of the period. As the period shrinks, the equilibrium approaches the one described above. But as the period grows, the path for output approaches the one chosen by a monopolist renter and profit approaches a maximum.
Sparse canonical correlation analysis from a predictive point of view

Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) describes the associations between two sets of variables by maximizing the correlation between linear combinations of the variables in each dataset. However, in high‐dimensional settings where the number of variables exceeds the sample size or when the variables are highly correlated, traditional CCA is no longer appropriate. This paper proposes a method for sparse CCA. Sparse estimation produces linear combinations of only a subset of variables from each dataset, thereby increasing the interpretability of the canonical variates. We consider the CCA problem from a predictive point of view and recast it into a regression framework. By combining an alternating regression approach together with a lasso penalty, we induce sparsity in the canonical vectors. We compare the performance with other sparse CCA techniques in different simulation settings and illustrate its usefulness on a genomic dataset.
Review of ‘Robustbase’ software for R

summary(objectname) . A complete list of the regression output as well as tuning parameters and algorithms employedin the MM estimation is shown with str (objectname) . Very helpful (robust) regression diagnosticsplots (e.g. Tukey–Anscombe plot, normal Q-Q plot) are generated with plot(objectname) . The manual of ‘robustbase’ is comprehensive and detailed, providing syntax, options andarguments for the commands as well as in providing references for the employed methods. Italso provides both a thematic as well as alphabetic index of the datasets and functions included in‘robustbase’. The manual for a speciﬁc command can be retrieved with ? command . To directly openthe R-Help and search for keywords, type help.start() . Furthermore, the manual gives examplesfor most commands that can be executed by typing example(command) . The package includesmore than 30 datasets, including some of the most prominent example datasets for robust statisticsused in the textbooks of Hampel et al . (1986), Maronna
Potential role of Mycoplasma hominis in interleukin (IL)-17-producing CD4+ T-cell generation via induction of IL-23 secretion by human dendritic cells.

BACKGROUND Mycoplasma hominis, a human urogenital pathogen, is involved in genital and extragenital infections and arthritis, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The interleukin (IL) 23/T helper (Th) 17 axis is associated with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the IL-23 response to M. hominis in human dendritic cells (DCs) and the CD4(+) T-cell differentiation in response to M. hominis-infected DCs. METHODS Human monocyte-derived DCs were cultured with phosphate-buffered saline, lipopolysaccharide, or M. hominis PG21. Cocultures with heterologous T cells were performed. Extracts from M. hominis were separated and incubated with DCs. Isolates from different clinical syndromes were tested. RESULTS M. hominis induced the maturation of human DCs with predominant IL-23 secretion in a Toll-like receptor 2-dependent manner. The in vitro immunomodulatory capacity of M. hominis was contained in a lipoprotein-enriched fraction from the mycoplasma. M. hominis-activated DCs induced IL-17-producing CD4(+) T cells. Interestingly, clinical isolates differed in their ability to promote IL-23 secretion by DCs. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings demonstrate a major role for the IL-23/Th17 axis in the defense against M. hominis and indicate a potential role for these bacteria in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Phenotypic and genotypic features of first biofilm forming nasopharyngeal colonized Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates

Background and Objectives: Designing control and therapeutic policies for antibiotic resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is an important causative agent of several invasive and noninvasive infectious diseases and its carriage rates, has been described as the main target in World Health Organization (WHO). The present study was conducted to determine antibiotic resistance pattern, evaluate biofilm forming ability in S. pneumoniae isolates, and find the genetic relationship between cultured strains. Materials and Methods: Following the isolation and identification of S. pneumoniae strains from nasopharyngeal swabs, the ability of biofilm formation and susceptibility pattern of the isolates were screened using semi-quantitative microplate and disk diffusion procedures. Subsequently, Pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) method was used to determine the clonal diversity of isolates. Results: The pneumococcal colonization rate in this study was found to be 24%. A large number of our isolates had strong biofilm forming ability. However, there was variation in antibiotic resistance patterns of isolates in children who lived in nursery houses. The genetic similarity among the isolates in PFGE varied from 26.5% to 100% in our isolates. This was the first report of biofilm formation of nasopharyngeal colonized S. pneumoniae in Iran. Genetic variations were also noticeable, when the isolates were fingerprinted by PFGE. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed the need for thoughtful use of antimicrobial agents, continued monitoring of pneumococcal resistance patterns, and prevention of the spread of multi-drug resistant clones.
Future identities : changing identities in the UK : the next 10 years. Final project report

Identities: Changing identities in the UK – the next 10 years. The views expressed do not represent policy of any government or organisation. Future Identities: Changing identities in the UK – the next 10 years DR18: Is there evidence that national, and other, identities change as the ethnic composition of the UK changes? If so, how? Are there differences between people from different ethnic groups? And of different ages/ social classes DR18 Is there evidence that national, and other, identities change as the ethnic composition of the UK changes? If so, how? Are there differences between people from different ethnic groups? And of different ages/ social classes
Outcome Following Partial Unilateral Hysterectomy by Standing Flank Approach in Dairy Cattle.

OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical findings, surgical treatment, and long-term outcome of dairy cattle undergoing partial hysterectomy with or without unilateral ovariectomy. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS Dairy cattle (n = 7). METHODS Medical records (June 2007-June 2014) of dairy cattle that had partial hysterectomy with or without ipsilateral ovariectomy were reviewed. Follow-up data were obtained by telephone interviews with owners and referring veterinarians between 6 months and 7 years following discharge. RESULTS Seven dairy cattle met the inclusion criteria. Diagnoses made intra- or postoperatively were ovarian abscess with multiorgan adhesions (4 cows), segmental aplasia of the uterus (2 cows), and uterine lymphosarcoma (1 cow). Partial hysterectomy with or without unilateral ovariectomy was performed without surgical complications by standing flank approach. All cows were successfully discharged from the hospital (short-term prognosis). Five cows became pregnant, and 4 delivered live calves and had a satisfactory productive life without long-term complications. CONCLUSION Partial hysterectomy by standing flank approach should be considered as a viable treatment option for unilateral ovarian or uterine problems in dairy cattle. Cattle undergoing partial hysterectomy with or without ipsilateral ovariectomy are capable of satisfactory reproduction and milk production after surgery with no short- or long-term complications.
Electronic Money: Its Economic, Social, Political, and Environmental Impact

As a potential disruptive technology electronic-money raises fundamental questions on the role of money, how it should be designed, issued and managed. The 2008 financial crisis created the opportunity and need to rethink the role and design of the financial system. The now Governor of the Bank of England raised the possibility that “Free Banking” and/or decentralised banking could replace Central Banks. Profound changes would result in the power of governments, business and the nature of democracy. Four different historical types of money are considered for rebuilding the financial system with e-money: (i) the monopoly form of synthetic or “fiat” money as decreed by governments that can earn interest (ii), fiat money that does not earn interest but has a usage fee (iii) “Free-money” issued privately with a usage fee and (iv) natural money redeemable into specified goods and/or services with a usage fee. Market forces are identified that would favour the adoption of e-money with a use fee redeemable into units of renewable electricity. These arise from: (a) creating a stable unit of local value negating the need for Central Banks; (b) money no longer a store of value; (c) improved equity by reducing unearned income; (d) reversing financialization with real assets becoming more attractive; (e) facilitating steady state economies with a global unit of account but not of value; (f) promoting sustainability by making finance intensive renewable energy more attractive than burning carbon; (g) facilitating community banking (h) mitigating the social power of money and (i) enriching democracy.
How to develop an in-house real-time quantitative cytomegalovirus polymerase chain reaction: Insights from a cancer centre in Eastern India

Development of a reliable, cost-effective cytomegalovirus quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) is a priority for developing countries. Manufactured kits are expensive, and availability can be inconsistent. Development of an in-house QPCR kit that is reliable and quality assured requires significant effort and initial investment. However, the rewards of such an enterprise are manifold and include an in-depth understanding of molecular reactions, and expertise in the development of further low-cost molecular kits. The experience of an oncology centre in Eastern India has been shared. Hopefully, this would provide a brief roadmap for such an initiative. Staff with adequate understanding of molecular processes are essential along with vital infrastructure for molecular research and development.
More Powerful Portfolio Approaches to Regressing Abnormal Returns on Firm‐Specific Variables for Cross‐Sectional Studies

Ordinary Least Squares regression ignores both heteroscedasticity and cross-correlations of abnormal returns; therefore, tests of regression coefficients are weak and biased. A portfolio ordinary least squares (POLS) regression accounts for correlations and ensures unbiasedness of tests, but does not improve their power. The authors propose portfolio weighted least squares (PWLS) and portfolio constant correlation model (PCCM) regressions to improve the power. Both utilize the heteroscedasticity of abnormal returns in estimating the coefficients; PWLS ignores the correlations, while PCCM uses intra- and inter-industry correlations. Simulation results show that both lead to more powerful tests of regression coefficients than POLS. Copyright 1992 by American Finance Association.
Pion production, pion absorption, and nucleon properties in dense nuclear matter: Relativistic Dirac-Brueckner approach at intermediate and high energies.

Within the relativistic Dirac-Brueckner approach we discuss the properties of highly-energetic nucleons and deltas in dense nuclear matter. The effective NN and N.delta. interactions are constructed in a fully self-consistent way and reproduce all known properties of nuclear matter. We calculate the nucleon self-energy and the density-dependent effective NN and N.delta. cross sections in a nuclear medium. Results show a sizable reduction of the . delta. (pion) production cross section and important changes in the . delta. absorption cross sections.
Sulphonated polystyrene as an optimal substratum for the adhesion and spreading of mesenchymal cells in monovalent and divalent saline solutions

Cell adhesion and spreading were studied on sulphonated polystyrene dishes in serum‐free saline (Mn, Na, Cl, buffer) i.e., without an intervening protein layer. Spreading as a function of surface charge density, SCD, peaked around 2–10 negative charges per square nanometer, corresponding to a monomolecular layer of sulphonate ions. At optimal SCD, macrophages, BHK‐C13 and whole mouse embryo secondary cells all showed considerable spreading, even in monovalent saline–more so than on a conventional tissue‐culture surface. But outside this narrow range of SCD, or on protein‐coated surfaces, the divalent cation was indispensable.
Web Server Software Architectures

Web site scalability depends on several things - workload characteristics, security mechanisms, Web cluster architectures as we discussed previously. Another important item that can affect a site's performance and scalability is the Web server software architecture. We provide a classification of Web server architectures, offer a quantitative analysis of some possible software architectural options, and discuss the importance of software contention on overall response time.