Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human platelet antigen genotyping of platelet donors in southern Brazil

Human platelet antigens (HPA) are immunogenic structures that result from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) leading to single amino acid substitutions. This study sought to determine the allele and genotype frequencies of HPA‐1, HPA‐2, HPA‐3, HPA‐4, HPA‐5 and HPA‐15 in platelet donors from the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, and compare their allele frequencies to those observed in other populations. HPA genotyping was performed by PCR‐SSP method. The study sample comprised 201 platelet donors (167 Caucasians and 34 non‐Caucasians). Allele ‘a’ was that most commonly found for HPA‐1 to 5 in both groups. The HPA‐15ab genotype predominated over homozygous genotypes of this system. Fisher's exact test revealed statistically significant differences for the HPA‐5 system, with a greater prevalence of the HPA‐5b allele in non‐Caucasians. The neighbour‐joining method and principal components analysis revealed genetic proximity between our Caucasian group and European populations. We conclude that the allele frequencies of HPA‐1 to 5 and HPA‐15 found in our Caucasian sample are similar to those reported for European populations. These findings corroborate the ethnic makeup of the population of RS. The higher frequency of the HPA‐5b allele found in the non‐Caucasian group of our sample suggests the possibility of allosensitization in patients who receive platelet transfusions from genetically incompatible donors.
A Protein Encoded by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 1 2-Kilobase Latency-Associated Transcript Is Phosphorylated, Localized to the Nucleus, and Overcomes the Repression of Expression from Exogenous Promoters When Inserted into the Quiescent HSV Genome

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is characterized by its ability to establish a latent infection in sensory neurons, from which it can periodically reactivate. The mechanisms of latency, however, remain unclear. The HSV genome is quiescent during latency except for the expression of the latency-associated transcripts (LATs). Although the exact function of the LATs remains obscure, current evidence suggests they are multifunctional and are involved in both establishment of latency and reactivation from latency. The LATs contain several open reading frames (ORFs). One or more of the functions of the LATs could therefore be protein mediated. We have previously reported that deregulated expression of the largest of the HSV type 1 (HSV-1) LAT ORFs (∼274 amino acids) greatly enhances virus growth in cell types that are normally relatively nonpermissive for HSV replication and also that it complements mutations to the immediate-early (IE) gene ICP0 (S. K. Thomas, G. Gough, D. S. Latchman, and R. S. Coffin, J. Virol. 73:6618-6625, 1999). Here we show that LAT ORF expression overcomes the repression of expression from exogenous promoters introduced into the HSV-1 genome which normally occurs in the absence of IE gene expression. To further explore LAT ORF function, we have generated an epitope-tagged LAT ORF, LATmycHis, which forms punctate structures in the infected-cell nucleus reminiscent of the structures formed by ICP0. These are associated with the appearance of a phosphorylated form of the protein and are formed adjacent to, or around the edges of, viral replication compartments. These results provide further evidence that the HSV-1 LAT ORF protein is biologically functional and that the tightly regulated expression of this protein may be important in the wild-type latency phenotype in vivo.
The Association Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Early Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE:Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is recognized as a definite carcinogen for gastric cancer. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with gastric cancer varies widely among studies and no meta-analysis on the prevalence of H. pylori infection in early gastric cancer (EGC) has been performed. We aimed to review systematically the relationship between H. pylori infection and EGC, and different types of EGC.METHODS:Observational studies reporting raw data on the prevalence of H. pylori infection in EGC and controls, or comparing different types of EGC, conducted in adult populations, and published in the English language were identified through MEDLINE and EMBASE up to June 2006.RESULTS:Of 87 relevant studies, 19 case-control studies met inclusion criteria. Of these, 15 studies compared EGC (N = 2,722) and non-neoplasm controls (N = 13,976) or advanced gastric cancer (AGC) (N = 1,130), 9 studies compared the intestinal-type (I-EGC) and diffuse-type (D-EGC) of EGC, and 2 studies compared the differentiated-type (DF-EGC) and undifferentiated-type (UDF-EGC) of EGC and were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly higher in patients with EGC (87.3%) than in non-neoplasm controls (61.4%) (OR 3.38, 95% CI 2.15–5.33, P < 0.00001). However, significant heterogeneity was seen (P < 0.00001). Four large sample (N ≥ 100) studies (N = 2,060) may result in the heterogeneity, but the conclusion remained unchanged when sensitivity analysis was made with the other 11 homogeneous small sample studies alone, in which the prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly higher in EGC (N = 662) than that in controls (N = 5,898) (87.8% vs 68.6%, P < 0.00001), and the odds ratio (OR 3.28, 95% CI 2.34–4.61) was similar to the large sample studies alone (OR 3.40, 95% CI 1.14–10.12). The prevalence of H. pylori infection in EGC was significantly higher than in AGC (6 studies) (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.75–2.59) and 16-fold higher in patients with DF-EGC than in those with UDF-EGC (OR 16.53, 95% CI 2.64–103.43). No significant difference in the prevalence of H. pylori infection was seen between the patients with I-EGC and D-EGC types (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.26–2.18). CONCLUSIONS:This study indicates that H. pylori infection is strongly associated with early gastric cancer when compared with non-neoplasm controls or advanced gastric cancer. To determine more accurately the effect size of H. pylori in EGC, age-matched normal controls or adjusting for age in the analysis should be considered in H. pylori-related gastric cancer case-control studies.
In Vitro and In Vivo Synergistic Interactions Between the Runx2/Cbfa1 Transcription Factor and Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐2 in Stimulating Osteoblast Differentiation

Bone regeneration requires interactions between a number of factors including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), growth factors, and transcriptional regulators such as Runx2/Cbfa1 (Runx2). Because each component may provide a unique contribution to the overall osteogenic response, we hypothesized that bone formation may be enhanced by using combinations of complimentary factors. As an initial test of this concept, interactions between BMP2 and Runx2 were examined using adenovirus‐based expression vectors (AdCMV‐Runx2, AdCMV‐BMP2) in the pluripotent C3H10T1/2 cell line. Cells transduced with AdCMV‐Runx2 strongly expressed osteoblast markers, such as alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, but formed only a weakly mineralized extracellular matrix in vitro, whereas cells transduced with AdCMV‐BMP2 exhibited higher levels of mineralization, but only expressed low levels of Runx2 and osteocalcin mRNA. Significantly, when cells were transduced with optimal titers of both viruses, osteoblast differentiation was stimulated to levels that were 10‐fold greater than those seen with either AdCMV‐Runx2 or AdCMV‐BMP2 alone. To measure in vivo osteogenic activity, virally transduced cells were subcutaneously implanted into immunodeficient mice. Cells transduced with control virus produced only fibrous tissue while those with AdCMV‐Runx2 produced limited amounts of both cartilage and bone. In contrast, cells transduced with either AdCMV‐BMP2 alone or AdCMV‐BMP2 plus AdCMV‐Cbfa1 generated large ossicles containing cartilage, bone, and a marrow cavity. However, ossification in the AdCMV‐BMP2 plus AdCMV‐Cbfa1 group was more extensive in that both mineral content and fractional bone area were greater than that seen in the AdCMV‐BMP2 group. Thus, the increased osteoblast differentiation observed with combined adenovirus treatment in vitro is also manifested by increased bone formation in vivo. These results suggest that Runx2 and BMP2 have distinct, but complementary, roles in osteogenesis and that their combined actions may be necessary for optimal bone formation.
Ultra-wideband (UWB) bandpass filters using multiple-mode resonator

A novel microstrip-line ultra-wideband (UWB) bandpass filter is proposed and implemented using a multiple-mode resonator (MMR), aiming at transmitting the signals in the whole UWB passband of 3.1-10.6GHz. In the design, the first three resonant frequencies of this MMR are properly adjusted to be placed quasiequally within the UWB. Then, the parallel-coupled lines at the two sides are longitudinally stretched so as to raise the frequency-dispersive coupling degree with the coupling peak near the center of the UWB. After optimization of this filter, a good UWB bandpass behavior with five transmission poles is theoretically realized and experimentally confirmed. Within the whole UWB passband, the return loss is found higher than 10dB, and the group delay variation is less than 0.23ns.
Visualizing blood flow patterns using streamlines, arrows, and particle paths

A customized computer program (MRIView) is described for visualizing and quantifying complex blood flow patterns in major vessels, using nongated and cardiac‐gated three‐dimensional (3D) velocity data obtained with MR velocity‐encoded phase pulse sequences. Streamlines, arrows, and particle paths (collectively referred to as “paths”) can be computed interactively, using both forward and backward time integration of the velocity field. The program provides interactive cross‐sectional and 3D perspective visualization of the paths, with quantification and statistical analysis of average speed, through‐plane velocity, cross‐sectional area, and flow. Normal flow patterns in the carotid artery, basilar artery tip, ascending aorta, coronary arteries, descending aorta, and renal arteries, as well as abnormal flow patterns in basilar tip aneurysms, have been investigated. The program revealed flow patterns in these regions with features that are well known from Doppler ultrasound and other features that have not been reported previously. The association between specific abnormal flow patterns and development of atherosclerosis suggests that particle paths can be used to assess risk of plaque formation and progression, as well as to evaluate flow dynamics and vascular patency before and after vascular interventions.
The Encarsia flavoscutellum-group key to world species including two new species from China (Hymenoptera, Aphelinidae)

Abstract Two new species of Encarsia flavoscutellum-group, E. baoshana Li & Geng, sp. n. and E. longchuana Li & Geng, sp. n. are described from China, and photomicrographs are provided to illustrate morphological characters of the new species. A key to all six described species of the E. flavoscutellum-group is given.
Neurotoxic catecholamine metabolite in nociceptors contributes to painful peripheral neuropathy

The neurotoxic effects of catecholamine metabolites have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. As some sensory neurons express tyrosine hydroxylase and monoamine oxidase (MAO), we investigated the potential contribution of catecholamine metabolites to neuropathic pain in a model of alcoholic neuropathy. The presence of catecholamines in sensory neurons is supported by capsaicin‐stimulated epinephrine release, an effect enhanced in ethanol‐fed rats. mRNA for enzymes in dorsal root ganglia involved in catecholamine uptake and metabolism, dopamine β‐hydroxylase and MAO‐A, were decreased by neonatal administration of capsaicin. Ethanol‐induced hyperalgesia was attenuated by systemic and local peripheral administration of inhibitors of MAO‐A, reduction of norepinephrine transporter (NET) in sensory neurons and a NET inhibitor. Finally, intradermal injection of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylglycolaldehyde (DOPEGAL), a neurotoxic MAO‐A catecholamine metabolite, produced robust mechanical hyperalgesia. These observations suggest that catecholamines in nociceptors are metabolized to neurotoxic products by MAO‐A, which can cause neuronal dysfunction underlying neuropathic pain.
Methicillin-Resistant, Quinupristin-Dalfopristin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus with Reduced Sensitivity to Glycopeptides

ABSTRACT Of 3,052 Staphylococcus aureus strains collected by the European SENTRY surveillance study, 35 were found to be nonsusceptible to quinupristin-dalfopristin (MIC of ≥2 mg/liter). These isolates originated from four hospitals in France and one in Spain. In isolates from two Parisian hospitals exhibiting the sameSmaI macrorestriction pattern, streptogramin resistance was based on vatA and vgbA. One isolate from a hospital in Lyon and 22 from a hospital in Lille were of thevatB vgaB streptogramin A resistance genotype and possessed ermA and/or ermC. As deduced from the loss of either streptogramin A or streptogramin B resistance determinants in particular isolates, resistance to quinupristin-dalfopristin requires mechanisms conferring resistance to both compounds. The SmaI macrorestriction patterns of strains from hospitals in Lille and Lyon were different; however, similarity analysis suggested a relatedness of 20 methicillin-resistantS. aureus strains from the Lille hospital, a finding confirmed by PCR typing based on three different genomic polymorphisms. These groups of isolates were found to be hetero-glycopeptide-intermediate susceptible S. aureus. Information about the failure of glycopeptide chemotherapy has not been available.
Comparison of 2 weight-loss diets of different protein content on bone health: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND It has been hypothesized that hip-fracture rates are higher in developed than in developing countries because high-protein (HP) Western diets induce metabolic acidosis and hypercalciuria. Confounders include interactions between dietary protein and calcium, sodium, and potassium. OBJECTIVE We determined whether an HP or a high-normal-protein (HNP) weight-loss diet caused greater loss in bone mineral density (BMD) over 24 mo. DESIGN The Weight Loss, Protein and Bone Density Study was conducted from 2008 to 2011 in 323 overweight [body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)) >27] postmenopausal women, with a total hip BMD t score less than -2.0. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive an isocaloric calcium-replete HP (≥90 g protein/d) or HNP (<80 g protein/d) weight-loss diet, with the aim of a difference of 20 g protein/d. A total of 186 subjects (90 subjects in the HP group, 96 subjects in the HNP group) completed 12 mo, and 137 subjects (69 subjects in the HP group, 68 subjects in the HNP group) completed 24 mo. RESULTS Biomarkers confirmed a difference in protein intake of 16 and 13.1 g at 12 and 24 mo, respectively. Mean (±SE) weight loss was equal; HP subjects lost 7.9 ± 0.9 kg and HNP subjects lost 8.9 ± 0.9 kg at 24 mo. Subjects lost 1-2% BMD annually at lumbar spine vertebrae 2-4, the forearm, the femoral neck, and hip. ANCOVA showed no effect of the HP or HNP diet (P > 0.05 for diet and diet-time interactions). A diet-by-time analysis showed that the HNP diet increased C-terminal telopeptide and osteocalcin (P ≤ 0.001 for each) despite hypercalciuria (P = 0.029). CONCLUSION High dietary protein intake during weight loss has no clinically significant effect on bone density but slows bone turnover. This trial was registered at the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.anzctr.org.au) as ACTRN12608000229370.
Virtual communities of practice for non-native K-12 Spanish educators as professional development

ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . iv DEDICATION . v LIST OF TABLES . xii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS . xiii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . xiv CHAPTER I – INTRODUCTION . 1 Overview . 1 Statement of the Problem . 2 Problem Statement . 5 Purpose of Study . 6 Research Questions . 11 Research Question 1 . 11 Research Question 2 . 11 Research Question 3 . 11 Research Question 4 . 11 Significance and Justification . 12 Delimitations and Assumptions . 15 Definition of Terms. 17 viii Summary . 21 CHAPTER II – REVIEW OF LITERATURE . 23 Introduction . 23 Theoretical Framework . 24 Professional Organizations for World Language Educators . 26 The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) . 27 Mississippi Foreign Language Association (MSFLA) . 28 The Current State of Professional Development . 33 Professional Learning Communities . 40 Virtual Community of Practice . 44 Summary . 49 CHAPTER III –METHODOLOGY . 52 Introduction . 52 Research Question 1 . 52 Research Question 2 . 52 Research Question 3 . 52 Research Question 4 . 52 Research Design. 54 Research Setting. 55 Participants . 60 ix Research Instruments . 62 Rubrics . 62 Procedures for Conducting the Study . 64 Data Analysis Procedures . 72 Summary . 73 CHAPTER IV – DATA ANALYSIS . 75 Introduction . 75 Demographics . 75 Statistical Analysis . 78 Answers to Research Questions . 86 Additional Findings . 91 Summary . 92 CHAPTER V – DISCUSSION . 95 Introduction . 95 Summary of Study . 96 Conclusions and Discussions . 97 Does a virtual community of practice increase non-native Spanish teachers’ overall written production? 98 Does a virtual community of practice increase non-native Spanish teachers’ overall speaking interaction? 99 x Does a virtual community of practice increase non-native Spanish teachers’ overall listening comprehension? 100 Does the language in which the virtual community of practice is conducted make a difference in the outcome? 101 Technology conclusions. 103 Personal development conclusions . 104 Implications and Recommendations . 107 Limitations . 111 Future Research . 113 APPENDIX A – VCoP Consent Form . 115 APPENDIX B – VCoP Opening Page . 117 APPENDIX C Letter to the MSFLA . 118 APPENDIX D – Letter to the IWLA . 119 APPENDIX E – Letter from the MSFLA . 120 APPENDIX F – Letter from the IWLA . 121 APPENDIX G – Institutional Review Board . 122 APPENDIX H – Letter to the MDE . 123 APPENDIX I – Letter from the MDE. 124 APPENDIX J – Permission to Use Rubrics . 125 APPENDIX K – Scoring Rubric for Writing Assignments . 126 xi APPENDIX L – Scoring Rubric for Speaking Assignments . 127 APPENDIX M – VCoP Participants’ Survey . 128 APPENDIX N – Invitation Letter from the IWLA . 130 REFERENCES . 131
Vaccination of cattle against the Boophilus microplus using a mucin‐like membrane glycoprotein

An antigen, BMA7, which induced partial immunity against tick infestation has been isolated from Boophilus microplus using two different protein fractionation protocols, accompanied by vaccination and parasite challenge trials. The antigen is a 63 kDa glycoprotein isolated from semi‐engorged adult female ticks. Though significant, the induced immunity is less striking than that previously reported for antigen Bm86 from the same parasite. However, co‐vaccination with Bm86 and BMA7 can enhance immunity over that seen with a commercial vaccine based on Bm86 alone. Limited peptide sequence information shows significant variation in the BMA7 protein occurs. The antigen has approximately 36 kDa of glycosylation, in both N‐linked and O‐linked oligosaccharides. There is evidence that both polypeptide and oligosaccharide are antigenic, but the chemical nature of the protective antigenic sites is not clear. There is little or no immunological response to the antigen during natural infestation with parasites, suggesting the antigen is ‘concealed’ and protective immunity dependent on artificial vaccination. The antigen has some similarities with the vertebrate mucins. It is widely distributed in tick tissues and membrane bound but its function is currently unknown.
Accuracy limits in the determination of absolute optical properties using time-resolved NIR spectroscopy

We assess typical systematic experimental errors involved in a time-resolved measurement as applied to NIR diffuse optical spectroscopy and investigate their effect on the quantification accuracy of the absorption and the reduced scattering coefficient. We demonstrate that common systematic experimental uncertainties may lead to quantification errors of 10% or more, even when excellent signal to noise ratio conditions exist and accurate photon propagation models are employed. We further demonstrate that the accuracy of the calculation depends nonlinearly on the optical properties of the medium measured. High scattering and low absorbing media can be quantified more accurately than media with low scattering or high absorption using measurements of the same signal to noise ratio. We further discuss curve-shape fitting schemes that aid in improving the quantification accuracy in the presence of experimental errors. Finally, we identify uncertainties that set quantification accuracy limits and we find temporal resolution as the ultimate limiting factor in the quantification accuracy achieved. Our findings suggest that temporal resolution of the order of 10 ps is necessary for quantifying the absorption and reduced scattering coefficient of diffuse media with accuracy better than 5% using curve fitting methods. In that sense this analysis can be used in time-resolved system design and in predicting the expected errors given the technology selected for time-resolved measurements.
Computational and experimental investigation of runner for gravitational water vortex power plant

The gravitational water vortex power plant (GWVPP) is a new type of low head turbine system in which a channel and basin structure is used to form a vortex, where the rotational energy from the water can be extracted through a runner. This study is focused on the optimization of the runner to improve the efficiency of the GWVPP. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis is carried out on three different runner designs with straight, twisted and curved blade profiles. ANSYS CFX was used to analyze the fluid flow through the channel, basin, turbine hub and blade, and results were used to evaluate the efficiency of each of the runner designs. The CFD analysis showed curved blade profile to be the most efficient profile, with a peak efficiency of 82%, compared to 46% for the straight blade runner and 63% for the twisted blade version. An experimental test of the turbine system was carried out to validate the runner analysis, in a scale version of the GWVPP. The testing showed that the runner behaved as predicted from the CFD analysis, and had a peak efficiency point of 71% at 0.5m head.