Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 morphogenesis in T cells by alpha interferon

Some murine retroviruses exhibit altered release of virus when cells are treated with alpha interferon (IFN-alpha), resulting in the accumulation of intracellular virions in cytoplasmic vacuoles. In studies of the inhibitory effect of IFN-alpha (Wellferon) on acute human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection of human T-cell lines, we found that in C3 cells, the 50% effective concentration was 9 U/ml and the 90% effective concentration was 310 U/ml. There was no apparent accumulation of intracellular particles detected by p24 antigen levels or by processing the cells for electron microscopy. Extracellular reverse transcriptase activity and p24 levels decreased in parallel with increasing IFN, whereas the intracellular viral proteins decreased only slightly. By electron microscopy, cells treated with higher concentrations of IFN (512 U/ml) disclosed very few particles budding into extracellular spaces; no intracellular particles could be seen, despite nearly normal levels of intracellular viral protein detected by the p24 antigen assay and correct processing detected by Western blot (immunoblot) analysis. Thus in human immunodeficiency virus-infected cells, the major block produced by IFN-alpha appeared to be late in the viral cycle at the morphogenesis stage of virion production. Chronically infected Jurkat cells treated with IFN appeared to be inhibited in growth rate, as virus production decreased proportionally with cell number.
Assessing the impact of information technology on firm performance using canonical correlation analysis

During the recent years, there have been a lot of researches trying to show the positive or lack of correlation between information technology (IT) and firm performance. Researchers and practitioners everywhere have applied different approaches and criteria to do so. In this paper, the effects of IT usage on 200 Iranian car part suppliers are analysed. Canonical correlation analysis reveals a statistically significant relationship between one set of variables consisting seven indices of IT usage, and the other set of variables consisting three company performance indices. Accordingly, the results show that correlation between company performance and the degree of use of IT in the planning, administration and pecuniary affairs is stronger than the other aspects of IT usage.
Oral Bacteria and Bowel Diseases Mini Review

Oral bacteria are considered to be associated with several systemic diseases. Recently, their association with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and colorectal carcinoma has attracted much attention. In this mini-review, the association of oral bacteria with these diseases is briefly summarized. Fusobacterium nucleatum is known as a periodontopathic bacterium, and it is also associated with inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal carcinoma. Campylobacter concisus, which is found at the site of periodontitis, is associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Streptococcus mutans is a famous cariogenic bacterium, but a highlyvirulent strain of this bacterium is also associated with inflammatory bowel disease. In this way, both periodontopathic bacteria and cariogenic bacteria are associated with bowel diseases. Further epidemiological studies are necessary to reveal the cause and effect relationship between oral bacterial and bowel diseases.
A highly linear frequency ramp generator based on a fractional divider phase-locked-loop

A synthesizer based on a fractional divider concept for generating highly linear analog frequency ramps is presented. Numerical simulations promise a very good precision of such a ramp generator which has been proved by implementing a prototype synthesizer circuit in a FMCW-radar system. The simulations as well as the measurements obtained with the prototype circuit are shown.
Increased prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in Friedreich ataxia

Objectives: We sought to document the prevalence and nature of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in individuals with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) as well as establish the relationship, if any, between SDB and clinical parameters of FRDA. Methods: Eighty-two individuals with FRDA were administered the Epworth Sleepiness Scale on an annual basis for up to 3 years. Individuals were referred for a sleep study if they had an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score >8 or had clinical symptoms suggestive of SDB. Results: From this cohort, 21 individuals underwent a sleep study and 17 were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, giving a minimum prevalence of 21%, which is greater than that found in the general population (3%–7%). Moreover, the presence of obstructive sleep apnea was significantly correlated with the duration of disease and clinical severity of FRDA. Conclusion: It is recommended that individuals with FRDA undergo regular screening for obstructive sleep apnea to identify the need for a sleep study and subsequent treatment if SDB is diagnosed.
A new simulation-based property checking algorithm based on partitioned alternative search space traversal

We present a new logic-simulation-based algorithm that explores the search space defined by partitioned internal circuit nodes. Two powerful features are proposed to increase the effectiveness during search space exploration and counter-example generation for verifying safety properties. These include: (1) new search space constituted by internal nodes instead of state variables, (2) static learning on multiple nodes to further enlarge the target. These two features are integrated with the following techniques during our simulation: incorporation of a BCP (Boolean constraint propagation) engine for multiple nodes implication and multiple-time-frame GA (genetic algorithm) search. Because only logic simulation is needed in our algorithm, the computational effort is low. Experimental results on large benchmark circuits have shown that this logic-simulation-based verifier achieves significantly better results compared with existing formal verification tools and simulation-based methods.
Time-Domain Analysis of Differential Power Signal to Detect Magnetizing Inrush in Power Transformers

In this paper, a novel power-based algorithm to discriminate between switching and internal fault conditions in power transformers is proposed and evaluated. First, the differential power signal is scrutinized and its intrinsic features during inrush conditions are introduced. Afterwards, a combined time-domain-based waveshape classification technique is proposed. This technique exploits the suggested features and provides two discriminative indices. Based on the values of these indices, inrush power signals are identified after only half a cycle. This method is founded upon some inherent low-frequency features of power waveforms and is independent of the magnitude of differential power. The approach is also unaffected by power system parameters, operating conditions, noise and transformer magnetizing curves. Simplicity of the suggested features and equations describe how the proposed method can help make it a practical solution for the inrush problem. Extensive simulations carried out in PSCAD/EMTDC software validate the merit of this technique for various conditions, such as current-transformer saturation. Furthermore, real-time testing of the proposed method using real fault and inrush signals confirms the possibility of implementing this algorithm for industrial applications.
Neoadjuvant treatment with weekly high-dose 5-fluorouracil as a 24h-infusion, folinic acid and biweekly oxaliplatin in patients with primary resectable liver metastases of colorectal cancer: long-term results of a phase II trial.

BACKGROUND In 2003 Wein et al. published data after a short median follow up (23 months). Here we report on the long-term results. MATERIAL/METHODS The patients (n=20) received a neoadjuvant treatment regimen comprising biweekly 85 mg/m2 oxaliplatin (L-OHP) (2h-infusion, d 1, 15, 29 qd 57) and 500 mg/m2 calcium folinic acid (FA) (1-2h-infusion, d 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36 qd 57) followed by 2600 mg/m2 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) (24h-infusion, d 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36 qd 57). Two cycles of chemotherapy were administered, with a third being added when the treatment was well tolerated. Thereafter, curative resection of the liver metastases was attempted. RESULTS After neoadjuvant therapy, imaging procedures revealed complete remission in 2 patients (10%) and partial remission in 18 patients (90%). Diarrhea (Common Toxicity Criteria toxicity grade 3) was observed in 6 patients (30%) as main symptom of toxicity, followed by vomiting in 3 patients (15%). Higher grade sensomotoric neuropathy did not present. The curative resectability rate (R0) was 80%. In 9 out of 18 patients (50%) undergoing surgical intervention minor postoperative complications occurred. No postoperative mortality was observed. Over a median follow up of 45,5 months the median survival of all patients is 3.0 years and the 5-year overall survival rate is 40%. The 5-year disease-free survival rate is 25%. CONCLUSIONS Neoadjuvant treatment with 5-FU combined with FA and L-OHP proved to be highly effective and well tolerated. Disease-free survival rates and median overall survival rates are promising.
Identification and Characterization of the Human Set1B Histone H3-Lys4 Methyltransferase Complex*

We previously identified a mammalian Set1A complex analogous to the yeast Set1/COMPASS histone H3-Lys4 methyltransferase complex (Lee, J.-H., and Skalnik, D. G. (2005) J. Biol. Chem. 280, 41725–41731). Data base analysis indicates that human Set1A protein shares 39% identity with an uncharacterized SET domain protein, KIAA1076, hereafter denoted Set1B. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry reveal that Set1B associates with a ∼450 kDa complex that contains all five non-catalytic components of the Set1A complex, including CFP1, Rbbp5, Ash2, Wdr5, and Wdr82. These data reveal two human protein complexes that differ only in the identity of the catalytic histone methyltransferase. In vitro assays demonstrate that the Set1B complex is a histone methyltransferase that produces trimethylated histone H3 at Lys4. Both Set1A and Set1B are widely expressed. Inducible expression of the carboxyl terminus of either Set1A or Set1B decreases steady-state levels of both endogenous Set1A and Set1B protein, but does not alter the expression of the non-catalytic components of the Set1 complexes. A 123-amino acid fragment upstream of the Set1A SET domain is necessary for interaction with CFP1, Ash2, Rbbp5, and Wdr5. This protein domain is also required to mediate feedback inhibition of Set1A and Set1B expression, which is a consequence of reduced Set1A and Set1B stability when not associated with the methyltransferase complex. Confocal microscopy reveals that Set1A and Set1B each localize to a largely non-overlapping set of euchromatic nuclear speckles, suggesting that Set1A and Set1B each bind to a unique set of target genes and thus make non-redundant contributions to the epigenetic control of chromatin structure and gene expression.
Establishing a Digital Leadership Barometer for Small and Medium Enterprises (Sme)

In this paper we explain our project of establishing a barometer to capture the actual state of digital leadership in small and medium enterprises (SME) in Switzerland. Drawing on leadership and digitalization literature, we define an ontological frame of leadership that is adequate to consider the social characteristics of digitalization (e.g., enhanced team cooperation). Subsequently, four central categories that constitute digital leadership are derived theoretically: Collaborative, social and integer, inspiring and open, resilience fostering and digital meta-competences. Each of the categories consists of different sub-ordinated aspects that serve as bases for the formulation of the concrete items of the barometer’s questionnaire. Methodologically, the theoretically derived categories and aspects are subjected to a Delphi study, which can be described as a multi-staged questioning of experts. By integrating the view of experts, the aspects can be validated. This is necessary because digital leadership is quite a new phenomenon. At the current stage of the project, preparatory work for the Delphi study is underway. Two Delphi stages of asking around 60 experts to modify, complete and rate the proposed aspects are planned. Based on the Delphi study, the next methodological step is to formulate the definitive items for the barometer’s questionnaire. Its electronic distribution is done in cooperation with SME-associations in Switzerland. To enable longitudinal comparisons, annual executions of the barometer over five years are planned. Whether the theoretical and methodological approaches proposed are appropriate to establish the barometer for digital leadership will be discussed.
A cytotoxic factor in cholera toxin.

Abstract Preparations of cholera toxin prevented HeLa cells from spreading on a plastic surface. The toxic factor was heat labile. The toxin was filtered through Sephadex G25 and the cytotoxic component appeared to enter the resin, and cytotoxic fractions sensitized sheep cells to antitoxic serum. These fractions were then run on a G50 column and amino acid analysis suggested the presence in active fractions of a peptide containing 11 amino acids.
CRTC1-MAML2 gene fusion in G-CSF-secreting mucoepidermoid carcinoma: an indicator of favourable prognosis?

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is histologically characterised as low-, intermediate-, and high-grade [1]. Low-grade tumours rarely transform into high-grade tumours (dedifferentiation) [2, 3] and the latter very rarely produce granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) [4, 5]. MEC harbours a characteristic t(11;19)(q21;p13) translocation; this rearrangement results from the fusion between exon 1 of the gene for CRTC1 (cyclic AMP/cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein-regulated transcription [. ]
Average Modeling and Performance Analysis of Voltage Sensorless Active Supercapacitor Balancer With Peak Current Protection

In this paper, average modeling and analysis of a dual-supercapacitor bank, actively balanced by a bidirectional buck-boost converter, is presented. In such a system, natural balancing is achieved when the converter is operated in open loop with 50% duty cycle, eliminating the need for measuring the voltage of each storage device. Nevertheless, excessive currents arise even for slight voltage misbalance because of the highly underdamped nature of the system. In order to remedy this drawback, bidirectional pulse-by-pulse inductor current limitation is introduced, which is equivalent to adding a peak-current-mode-like control loop to the system. Since the duty cycle never exceeds 50%, compensation ramp is not required to maintain stability. On the other hand, while the uncontrolled system dynamics is linear, introducing the current limit mechanism turns the closed-loop dynamics into a nonlinear one, burdening the analysis task and thus calling for suitable average model to perform fast simulations for system analysis. Therefore, dynamical equations of the system are developed in order to derive the switching-cycle-averaged model and reveal the tradeoff between current limit level, balancing time and efficiency for the worst case of imbalance. Simulations and experiments support the presented findings.
Bonded Molar Tubes: A Survey of their use by Specialist Orthodontists

Objective To investigate the use of bonded molar tubes (BMTs) by specialist orthodontists. Design Prospective postal questionnaire. Setting Ireland. Participants Registered members of the Orthodontic Society of Ireland. Method A questionnaire was posted to registered members of the Orthodontic Society of Ireland. It investigated demographics, pattern of use, reasons for use and techniques for placement of BMTs. Results A 74% response rate was obtained. In more than 80% of cases, BMTs were used on first and second permanent molars by 52% and 33% of orthodontists respectively. BMT usage was adopted by 97% of respondents in the previous decade. Direct bonding was used by all for BMT placement. Etch times for molars, compared to other teeth, increased from 15 to 30 seconds by 51% of orthodontists. Of the respondents, 97% used light-cured adhesives and 17% used self-etching primers. Molar tube holders were preferred by 54% for placement. Only with a history of epilepsy, were bands preferred to BMTs. BMTs were regarded as more cost-effective than molar bands by 66% of responding clinicians. Conclusions Specialist orthodontists preferred BMTs to bands on first permenent molars. Direct bonding was favoured using a 30-second etch, a light-cured primer and adhesive with specialized molar tube holders. BMTs were perceived to be more cost-effective than molar bands.
An Augmented Reality Approach to Integrate Practical Activities in E-Learning Systems

In the past, the term E-learning was mentioned to any learning method that used electronic machine for the distribution. With the evolution and the apparition of the internet, the term e learning has been evolved and referred to the online courses. There are a lot of platform which serves to distribute and manage the learning content. In some domain learners need to use some equipment and useful product for purpose completing the image built in the theoretical part by the practical activity part. However, most of those platforms suffer from a lack in tools that offer practical activities for learners. Using videos, virtual laboratories or distance control of real equipment as solutions to solve this lack were proposed but still limited. The mixed reality as new technology promised to create a virtual environment where the learner is an actor and can interact with the virtual objects. This article present an approach for developing integrated E-learning systems, helping to carry out the practical work by establishing a virtual laboratory that all tools and products can be manipulated by learners and teachers like in real practical activity, based on an augmented reality system.
Expression of Stromal-Derived Factor-1 Is Decreased by IL-1 and TNF and in Dermal Wound Healing1

Stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a CXC chemokine that is believed to be constitutively expressed by stromal cells of numerous tissues. In this report, we demonstrate that dermal fibroblasts and vessels of noninflamed tissues express SDF-1. Unexpectedly, we found that expression of SDF-1 is regulated by inflammation. Expression of SDF-1 by primary cultures of human gingival fibroblasts is potently inhibited by activated macrophages via secretion of IL-1α and TNF-α. Levels of SDF-1 mRNA also decrease in acutely inflamed mouse dermal wounds. We propose that SDF-1 functions as a homeostatic regulator of tissue remodeling, whose expression stabilizes existing dermal architecture.
Association of coronary disease with segment-specific intimal-medial thickening of the extracranial carotid artery.

BACKGROUND Several investigators have evaluated relations between risk factors and intimal-medial thickness (IMT) of the extracranial carotid arteries and between IMT and clinical cardiovascular disease. Different indexes of IMT have been used as referents. We compared the strength of association of various IMT measurements with coronary artery disease as measured at coronary angiography. METHODS AND RESULTS We quantified the mean of the IMT for 12 sites of the extracranial carotid arteries (common carotid, bifurcation, internal carotid, near and far walls, and left and right sides [mean aggregate]) as well as for various combinations of sites (eg, segment-specific means, far walls only, maximum of any site) in 270 patients with or free of coronary artery disease. Models including age and all the indexes of IMT identified the mean aggregate as the only variable independently associated with the status of coronary atherosclerosis for the group as a whole. Next most strongly correlated was the mean common plus bifurcation. When classification algorithms were tested for ability to correctly classify case patients and control subjects, the mean bifurcation, mean common plus bifurcation, and mean aggregate were most strongly related to case-control status; however, the predictive power of the mean common was also strong. CONCLUSIONS These data support use of the mean aggregate extracranial carotid IMT for correlation with the status of coronary atherosclerosis; however, the data also support use of the mean common plus bifurcation, since there is little increase in predictive power of the mean aggregate over this index. Use of the common carotid alone is also justifiable and may be preferable for certain analyses.
Fatty Acid-induced Insulin Resistance in L6 Myotubes Is Prevented by Inhibition of Activation and Nuclear Localization of Nuclear Factor κB*

Recent studies have implicated inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK) in mediating fatty acid (FA)-induced insulin resistance. How IKK causes these effects is unknown. The present study addressed the role of nuclear factor κB (NFκB), the distal target of IKK activity, in FA-induced insulin resistance in L6 myotubes, an in vitro skeletal muscle model. A 6-h exposure of myotubes to the saturated FA palmitate reduced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by ∼30%, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase and protein kinase B phosphorylation by ∼40%, and stimulated inhibitor of κBα degradation and the nuclear translocation of NFκB. On the other hand, the Ω-3 polyunsaturated FA linolenate neither induced insulin resistance nor promoted nuclear localization of NFκB. Supporting the hypothesis that IKK acts through NFκB to cause insulin resistance, the IKK inhibitors acetylsalicylate and parthenolide prevented FA-induced reductions in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and NFκB nuclear translocation. Most importantly, NFκB SN50, a cell-permeable peptide that inhibits NFκB nuclear translocation downstream of IKK, was sufficient to prevent palmitate-induced reductions in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Acetylsalicylate, but not NFκB SN50, prevented FA effects on phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase activity and protein kinase B phosphorylation. We conclude that FAs induce insulin resistance and activates NFκB in L6 cells. Furthermore, inhibition of NFκB activation, indirectly by preventing IKK activation or directly by inhibiting NFκB nuclear translocation, prevents the detrimental effects of palmitate on the metabolic actions of insulin in L6 myotubes.
Infrastructures of the Imagination: Community Design for Speculative Urban Technologies

Recent speculative and critical design practices may critique the dominant socio-cultural assumptions of technologies, but often lack diversity and participatory input outside the privileged realm of academic and professional designers. This paper investigates the process and potential of designing speculative futures with local communities, in order to collectively imagine technology that serves a common good and reinforces local identity. This study reflects on the "Sankofa City" project, a three-month community-university collaboration based in a historically black neighborhood in South Los Angeles. The project utilized design fiction scenario videos and collages to present provocative design concepts to local stakeholder meetings and the general public. This paper analyzes the methodology and outcomes of co-designing emerging technologies (such as augmented reality and self-driving cars) in order to establish "infrastructures of the imagination" for long-term strategies and alternative cultural models of innovation.
A CMOS band-gap voltage reference with low offset

A CMOS band-gap voltage reference with the characteristics of low offset and low supply voltage is presented in this paper. In order to reduce the effect of offset of operational amplifier, two feedback loops are introduced, so as to the factor of ¿VBE is maximized meanwhile the factor of offset could be minimized. The area of layout is 1.5×1.3 mm2 with a 0.5 um CMOS process. Post-simulation results show that the temperature coefficients of output is 9 ppm/°C over the range from -50°C to 85°C, and PSRR of the circuit at low frequency is -90 dB.