Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carotid artery calcification and atherosclerosis at the initiation of hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease.

AIMS Vascular calcification and atherosclerosis frequently develop in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although several reports have investigated both carotid artery calcification (CAAC) and carotid atherosclerosis in ESRD patients, the relationship between the two vascular conditions has remained unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CAAC and carotid artery plaque (CAP) in patients with ESRD and to investigate potential factors contributing to the development of CAAC and CAP. MATERIAL AND METHOD This cross-sectional study assessed CAAC and CAP using multidetector computed tomography and high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography, respectively, in 135 patients with ESRD at the start of hemodialysis. The prevalence of CAAC and CAP was examined. The risk factors associated with CAAC and CAP were also evaluated using a logistic regression model. RESULTS CAAC and CAP were found in 71% and 65%, of the patients, respectively. A logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and gender showed that CAAC was significantly associated with age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, serum albumin, calcium-phosphorus product, proteinuria and CAP. In contrast, in the same analysis, CAP was significantly correlated with age, male gender, diabetes, intact parathyroid hormone, proteinuria and CAAC. In the multivariate analysis, CAAC was independently associated with age, hypertension, and calcium-phosphorus product. Male gender was identified as an independent determinant for CAP. Furthermore, CAP remained as an independent risk factor of CAAC (odds ratio (OR): 13.89; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.08-47.29), and CAAC also showed a high OR for having CAP (OR: 11.74; 95% CI: 4.12-33.51). CONCLUSION Both CAAC and CAP were associated with traditional and/or non-traditional risk factors. The risk factors of CAAC were different from those of CAP. CAAC or CAP was identified to be an independent risk factor for each other with a high OR, thus suggesting a strong relationship between carotid calcification and atherosclerosis.
Role of Phosphatidylinositol-3 Kinase in Transcriptional Regulation of TLR-Induced IL-12 and IL-10 by Fcγ Receptor Ligation in Murine Macrophages1

Ligation of FcγR concurrent with LPS stimulation of murine macrophages results in decreased IL-12 and increased IL-10 production. Because PI3K deficiency has been associated with increased IL-12, we hypothesized that PI3K was central to the anti-inflammatory effect of FcγR ligation on TLR-induced IL-12. FcγR ligation of macrophages increased pAKT, a correlate of PI3K activity, above levels induced by TLR4 or TLR2 agonists. This increase was blocked by PI3K inhibitors, wortmannin or LY294002, as was the effect of FcγR ligation on TLR-induced IL-12 and IL-10. LPS-induced binding of NF-κB to the IL-12 p40 promoter NF-κB-binding site was not affected by FcγR ligation at 1 h; however, by 4 h, NF-κB binding was markedly inhibited, confirmed in situ by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis. This effect was wortmannin sensitive. Although TLR-induced IκBα degradation was not affected by FcγR ligation, IκBα accumulated in the nuclei of cells treated with LPS and FcγR ligation for 4 h, and was blocked by PI3K inhibitors. LPS-induced IFN regulatory factor-8/IFN consensus sequence-binding protein mRNA, and an IFN regulatory factor-8-dependent gene, Nos2, were inhibited by concurrent FcγR ligation, and this was also reversed by wortmannin. Thus, FcγR ligation modulates LPS-induced IL-12 via multiple PI3K-sensitive pathways that affect production, accumulation, and binding of key DNA-binding proteins required for IL-12 induction.
Robust Optimization of Static Reserve Planning With Large-Scale Integration of Wind Power: A Game Theoretic Approach

This paper presents a methodology based on game theory for power system static reserve planning with large-scale integration of wind power to ensure the generating capacity adequacy. First, a min-max game model is proposed for decision-making problems with uncertainties. Then, it is applied to the static reserve capacity planning problem. In the proposed model, the system planner (as one player) aims to find the minimum static reserve capacity to meet the total load demand while keeping the system reliability index within a desired value. Nature (as the other player), which determines the wind power output, is modeled as an attacker who wants to worsen the system reliability level due to its uncertainty and inaccurate prediction. Then, a two-stage relaxation algorithm is introduced to solve the min-max game. Finally, the proposed model for static reserve planning is applied to the IEEE Reliability Test System (RTS), and its robustness and high efficiency are demonstrated by comparing it to the traditional expectation method and Monte Carlo method.
RelB Forms Transcriptionally Inactive Complexes with RelA/p65*

RelB is an unusual member of the NF-κB transcription factor family that acts as both a transcriptional activator as well as a repressor of NF-κB-dependent gene expression. Although RelB promotes gene expression when it associates with p50/NF-κB1 or p52/NF-κB2, the precise molecular mechanisms through which it represses NF-κB remain unclear. To examine this inhibitory function in more detail, we employed reporter gene assays and found that RelB represses at the level of RelA. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift analysis revealed that in vitro translated RelB impaired the DNA binding activity of RelA and that overexpressed RelB significantly reduced tumor necrosis factor-α-induced RelA activity in murine embryonic fibroblasts. Intriguingly, this inhibitory effect was due to the formation of RelA·RelB heterodimers that were unable to bind to κB sites in vitro strongly suggesting that these newly described NF-κB dimers cannot bind DNA. Expression pattern analysis revealed that RelA·RelB heterodimers appeared at relatively low levels in both lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells. However, the presence of these complexes increased following stimulation with phorbolesters or lipopolysaccharide or by overexpression of constitutively active IKKβ. Functional characterization of RelA·RelB heterodimers in NIH3T3 murine embryonic fibroblasts revealed that they are not regulated by IκB proteins and are located in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that sequestration of RelA in transcriptionally inactive RelA·RelB complexes provides a molecular mechanism that may explain the repressive role of RelB on NF-κB-dependent gene expression.
Ad4BP/SF-1 Regulates Cyclic AMP-induced Transcription from the Proximal Promoter (PII) of the Human Aromatase P450 (CYP19) Gene in the Ovary (*)

Aromatase P450, which is responsible for the metabolism of C steroids to estrogens, is expressed in the pre-ovulatory follicles and corpora lutea of ovulatory women by means of a promoter proximal to the start of translation (PII). To understand how this transcription is controlled by cAMP, we constructed chimeric constructs containing deletion mutations of the proximal promoter 5′-flanking DNA fused to the rabbit β-globin reporter gene. Assay of reporter gene transcription in transfected bovine granulosa and luteal cells revealed that cAMP-stimulated transcription was lost upon deletion from −278 to −100 base pairs, indicating the presence of a functional cAMP-responsive element in this region; however, no classical cAMP-responsive element was found. Mutation of an AGGTCA motif located at −130 base pairs revealed that this element is crucial for cAMP-stimulated reporter gene transcription. When a single copy of this element was placed upstream of a heterologous promoter, it could act as a weak cAMP-response element. Supershift electrophoretic mobility shift assay and UV cross-linking established that Ad4BP/SF-1 binds to this hexameric element. Ad4BP/SF-1 mRNA and protein levels and DNA binding activity are increased in forskolin-treated luteal cells. We conclude that cAMP-stimulated transcription of human aromatase P450 in the ovary is due, at least in part, to increased levels and DNA binding activity of Ad4BP/SF-1.
Internet : Outil du Marketing Relationnel et Outil d'Aide à la Décision Marketing

Mises en perspective, mes recherches contribuent principalement au developpement de methodes et mesures ainsi qu'au developpement des theories dans le domaine du comportement du consommateur : 7 - Developpement de methodes : il s'agit de construire de nouvelles methodes permettant de mieux servir la mise en oeuvre de la demarche marketing. La partie theorique d'un tel travail met en avant les limites des methodes existantes et propose un nouveau paradigme de recherche pouvant ameliorer les methodes existantes. La phase empirique du travail teste, compare et valide la superiorite de la nouvelle methode. - Developpement des theories : il s'agit d'approfondir la reflexion theorique afin de proposer de nouvelles hypotheses qui seront a leur tour soumises a une ou plusieurs validations empiriques. Les champs de nos recherches L'innovation et le degre « d'innovativite » d'une entreprise sont depuis longtemps consideres comme des indicateurs-clef de la valeur a long terme d'une entreprise (Cooper, 1990). Pourtant une etude recente de la PDMA aux Etats Unis montre que plus de 60% des nouveaux produits lances sont des echecs ou n'atteignent pas les objectifs qui leur etaient initialement assignes. Dans la meme lignee, les travaux de Wind (1982) au debut des annees 80, avec l'entreprise General Foods, montrent que sur une periode de 10 ans, plus de 600 idees de produits nouveaux furent systematiquement etudiees et evaluees pour a peine generer une trentaine de succes commerciaux. Pour assurer la perennite de l'entreprise, il est donc fondamental de disposer « d'un flux continu et programme de produits nouveaux aux differents stades de developpement, d'evaluation, de lancement et de retrait du marche » (Choffray et Dorey, 1983). Ce constat est plus vrai que jamais, quelles que soient les industries, et s'est accelere avec le developpement de l'Internet. - Le processus de developpement et de lancement de nouveaux produits est le premier champ de nos recherches. Ces dernieres annees ont ete marquees par un developpement important de l'Internet. Parfois qualifie de « media cannibale » (Denjean, 2006), Internet poursuit son developpement sans ralentissement notable et provoque un grand nombre d'interrogations, de remises en question, et d'emergence de nouveaux modeles ou de nouveaux paradigmes touchant les strategies et les actions marketing des entreprises. - Le marketing « interactif » constitue le deuxieme champ de nos recherches.
Counselor and Clinical Supervisor Perceptions of OASAS Tobacco-Free Regulation Implementation Extensiveness, Perceived Accountability, and Use of Resources

Abstract New York State required substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs to be 100% tobacco-free in 2008. The current study examined counselor (N = 364) and clinical supervisor (N = 98) perceptions of how extensively the tobacco-free regulation was implemented in their treatment programs, perceived accountability for implementing the regulation, and use of OASAS-provided resources to aid implementation one year after the regulation went into effect. Results showed that compared to counselors, supervisors perceive greater implementation extensiveness and report using more resources, yet they perceive lower accountability. In addition, whereas perceived accountability is significantly and positively associated with implementation extensiveness perceptions for counselors, the relationship is negative for supervisors. The association between use of resources and implementation extensiveness perceptions is significant and positive for both counselors and supervisors. We conclude that implementation experiences differ between counselors and clinical supervisors, suggesting the importance of tailoring interventions to promote tobacco-free policies in SUD treatment programs.
BFS Algorithm for Voltage-Constrained Meshed DC Traction Networks With Nonsmooth Voltage-Dependent Loads and Generators

In this paper, a new procedure based on a backward/forward sweep (BFS) algorithm for solving power flows in weakly meshed dc traction networks is presented. The proposed technique is able to consider the trains as nonlinear and nonsmooth (nondifferentiable) voltage-dependent loads or generators. This feature permits the inclusion of the trains' overcurrent protection and the squeeze control. With the use of the mentioned controls, the conventional power flow problem becomes a voltage constrained power flow problem, and the interaction between the trains and the network can be accurately modeled. However, the train control induces a highly nonsmooth voltage-dependent load characteristic, causing convergence problems in most of the derivative-based algorithms. The proposed algorithm is faster, more robust, and more stable than the derivative-based ones. In addition, the authors present all of the formulation in a compact matrix-based form by means of the graph theory application and the node incidence matrix.
Application of arylsulphonyl side-chain protected arginines in solid-phase peptide synthesis based on 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl amino protecting strategy.

One of the main problems still hampering solid-phase peptide synthesis using orthogonal protection strategies based on the 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl amino protecting group is the difficult removal of currently used arginine arylsulphonyl guanidino protecting groups. Poor acid liability of 4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethylbenzenesulphonyl-protected arginine has led to the popularity of the newer 2,2,5,7,8- pentamethylchroman-6-sulphonyl guanidino protecting group. This group was initially believed to have liability to trifluoroacetic acid, the reagent commonly used to simultaneously deprotect peptides and detach them from the synthesis resin, comparable to tert. -butyl and trityl type protecting groups used for the protection of other peptide side-chain functionalities. In a comparison of three established cleavage/deprotection mixtures we have shown that this is not always the case, particularly in multiple arginine peptides. We have found that only hard-acid deprotection with trimethylsilyl bromide reliably removed both arylsulphonyl guanidino protecting groups from a variety of arginine-containing peptides.
Comparative and collaborative evaluation of standardization of antifungal susceptibility testing for filamentous fungi

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the interlaboratory agreement of broth dilution susceptibility methods for five species of conidium-forming (size range, 2 to 7 microns) filamentous fungi. The methods used included both macro- and microdilution methods that were adaptations of the proposed reference method of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards for yeasts (m27-P). The MICs of amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, and ketoconazole were determined in six centers by both macro- and microdilution tests for 25 isolates of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Pseudallescheria boydii, Rhizopus arrhizus, and Sporothrix schenckii. All isolates produced clearly detectable growth within 1 to 4 days at 35 degrees C in the RPMI 1640 medium. Colony counts of 0.4 x 10(6) to 3.3 x 10(6) CFU/ml (mean, 1.4 x 10(6) CFU/ml) were demonstrated in 90% of the 148 inoculum preparations. Overall, good intralaboratory agreement was demonstrated with amphotericin B, fluconazole, and ketoconazole MICs (90 to 97%). The agreement was lower with itraconazole MICs (59 to 79% median). Interlaboratory reproducibility demonstrated similar results: 90 to 100% agreement with amphotericin B, fluconazole, miconazole, and ketoconazole MICs and 59 to 91% with itraconazole MICs. Among the species tested, the MICs for S. schenckii showed the highest variability. The results of the study imply that it may be possible to develop a reference method for antifungal susceptibility testing of filamentous fungi.
Involvement of 3′,5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐dependent protein kinase in regulation of Fos expression and tyrosine hydroxylase levels during morphine withdrawal in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and medulla oblongata catecholaminergic cell groups

Morphine withdrawal stimulates the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenocortical axis activity by activation of nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS)/ventrolateral medulla (VLM) noradrenergic pathways innervating the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). We investigated whether cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) plays a role in this process by estimating changes in PKA immunoreactivity and the influence of inhibition of PKA on Fos protein expression and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity levels in the PVN and NTS/VLM during morphine withdrawal. Dependence on morphine was induced by a 7‐day s.c. implantation of morphine pellets. Morphine withdrawal was precipitated on day 8 by an injection of naloxone (5 mg/kg s.c.). When opioid withdrawal was precipitated, an increase in PKA immunoreactivity levels was observed 90 min after naloxone administration in the PVN and NTS/VLM areas. Morphine withdrawal induced expression of Fos in the PVN and NTS/VLM, indicating an activation of neurones in those nuclei. TH immunoreactivity in NTS/VLM was increased 90 min after induction of morphine withdrawal, whereas there was a decrease in TH levels in the PVN at the same time point. When the selective PKA inhibitor HA‐1004 was infused it greatly diminished the Fos expression observed in morphine‐withdrawn rats. Furthermore, the changes in TH immunoreactivity were significantly modified by infusion of HA‐1004. The present findings suggest that an up‐regulated PKA‐dependent transduction pathway might contribute to the activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenocortical axis in response to morphine withdrawal.
Effects analysis of misalignments on dynamic characteristics test for permanent magnet synchronous motor

Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) has been widely used in industrial fields. In order to get the performance of PMSM, test of the machine must be executed. More and more applications have started pay attention to the dynamic performance of PMSM. During the dynamic characteristics test of PMSM, the accuracy of the test results affected by misalignments which could affect the useful life of measuring device, and even destroyed the test equipment. In this paper it use the dynamics simulation software to study the characteristics of torque ripple which generated by the misalignments in the dynamic test of the PMSM. It could be provide the basis for separating the toque ripple caused by the misalignments. Simulation results show that with the presence of a parallel misalignment in shafting, the transmitted torque value of parallel misalignment part will be superimposed a sinusoidal torque component. The frequency of the superimposed sinusoidal amount is equal to the frequency of shaft rotational. The amplitude is proportional to the amount of parallel misalignment. The initial phase has relationship with the location of misalignment amount. All of them have nothing do with the value of transmitted torque. Finally, the experimental result verified the accuracy of simulation results.
Response to Early Treatment Evaluated with 18F-FDG PET and PERCIST 1.0 Predicts Survival in Patients with Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumors Treated with a Monoclonal Antibody to the Insulinlike Growth Factor 1 Receptor

The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic and predictive value of early quantitative 18F-FDG PET to monitor therapy with an antibody to the insulinlike growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R antibody) in patients with Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT). Methods: 18F-FDG PET images at baseline and approximately 9 d after initiation of IGF-1R antibody therapy in 115 patients with refractory or relapsed ESFT were prospectively obtained as part of the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration trial. Responses were centrally evaluated by PERCIST 1.0 in 93 patients. The 9-d PET responses were correlated to overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and clinical benefit after 6 wk of therapy based on clinical observation and CT response by World Health Organization anatomic criteria. Results: The median OS was 8.1 mo (95% confidence interval, 6.4–10.0 mo). When PERCIST was used, patients with progressive metabolic disease showed shorter OS (median, 4.7 mo) than patients without progression (median, 10.0 mo; P = 0.001). Progressive metabolic disease on day-9 PET was associated with a significantly higher risk of death (hazard ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–5.5). Changes in 18F-FDG uptake after 9 d of therapy had an area under the curve of receiver-operating characteristic of 0.71 to predict 1-y OS. The area under the curve was 0.63 to predict progression at 3 mo and 0.79 to predict clinical benefit after 6 wk of therapy. Conclusion: Treatment response by quantitative 18F-FDG PET assessed by PERCIST 1.0 as early as 9 d into IGF-1R antibody therapy in patients with ESFT can predict the OS, PFS, and clinical response to therapy.
Targeting Multidrug Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis HtrA2 with Identical Chemical Entities of Fluoroquinolones

Tuberculosis is a highly communicable and chronic respiratory disease caused by pathogenic bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The drug - resistant species of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are tough to cure due to its resistant activity toward potential drugs. Available inhibitors of tuberculosis include few antimicrobial fluoroquinolone agents like ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and moxifloxacin to treat resistant Mycobacterium strains. Literature study elucidates that macromolecular target namely, HtrA2 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis play a dual role of protease and chaperone. These two activities are dependent on temperature, with low temperatures promoting the chaperone function and high temperatures promoting serine protease activity. Under normal physiological conditions HtrA2 acts as a quality control factor and promotes cell survival. In the present investigation, we screened fluoroquinolone such as ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin and ofloxacin and their analogues based on better Docking score, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion screening and Lipinski's rule of 5, to find out their efficiency on resistant strain through in silico study. From the results observed, the analogues are suggested to be potent inhibitors of HtrA2 with sufficient scope for further exploration.
"Seeing What Frames Our Seeing": Seeking Histories on Early Black Female Boxers

Grounded in a deconstructionist approach, this article identifies ideological elements in historical work on women’s boxing, including my own. First, I examine the sources, practices, and evidence that have constituted historical facts on women’s boxing. Then, employing some of the tactics of a deconstructive historian, I examine and critique the erasure of black female combatants from boxing history through an examination of various written sources about pugilism. To rectify this longstanding silence and exclusion, I provide a brief account of some black female boxers from the late nineteenth to mid twentieth centuries. This paper draws from mainstream and African-American newspapers, U.S. boxing periodicals, and a sample of scholarly and popular literature on the history of boxing.