Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of ompA, ompB, pyk, nlpD and Cpn0585 genes between normal and interferon-gamma treated cultures of Chlamydia pneumoniae.

A common feature of many chlamydial infections is that they are often asymptomatic and may persist for long periods of time if left untreated. In addition to the well recognized lytic stage of the chlamydial developmental cycle, evidence is now emerging to support a persistent phase in the cycle in which the reticulate bodies are morphologically abnormal, viable but non-infectious and presumably also have altered gene expression patterns. We used an RT-PCR approach to study the differential levels of gene transcription for 14 genes (16SrRNA, ompA, ompB, omcB, 76 kDa, gseA, pmp1, gltX, hsp60, yaeT, pyk, nlpD, Cpn0585, Cpn1046) between normal and IFN-gamma treated Chlamydia pneumoniae cell cultures. Even though the level of morphologically abnormal reticulate bodies in our IFN-gamma treated cultures was low (approximately 10% morphologically discernible, although presumably a larger percentage were in the persistent state but not yet morphologically altered) we identified five genes (ompA, ompB, pyk, nlpD, Cpn0585) that were clearly upregulated when compared to normal cultures. This gene transcript profile may be characteristic of a general stress state in Chlamydia, induced by IFN-gamma treatment in this case, but perhaps more widely induced in other in vitro and in vivo situations.
A Precalculated Point Set for Caching Shading Information

In this short paper, we present a caching scheme for low-frequent shading information. The scheme consists of a precalculated, carefully constructed sparse set of points, the density of which adapts to local shading requirements, which we estimate by calculating the ambient occlusion. This ﬁxed set of points is then used to store shading information. This shading information is calculated once, or updated prior to rendering each frame. Finally, during rendering, the shading information stored in the point set is used to estimate shading for any point in the scene using interpolation. We apply this scheme to render soft shadows and indirect lighting in a real-time ray traced game environment.
Different properties of microsomal UDP-glucuronyltransferase in buffalo rat liver and a clonal strain of rat hepatoma cells derived from the same rat strain.

: Optimal conditions for the synthesis of o-aminophenol and p-nitrophenol glucuronides by a clonal strain of rat hepatoma cells (MH1C1) in culture were established. Properties of glucuronyltransferase (UDP-glucuronate glucuronyltransferase (acceptor unspecific), E. C. 2.4. 1.17) in homogenates of cultured hepatoma cells, subcutaneous tumours derived from these cells in rats, as well as livers of Buffalo rats were studied. In rat liver 83-90 % and 92-95 % of the glucuronyltransferase activity in homogenates to p-nitrophenol and o-aminophenol respectively were latent, the latency being most pronounced in male animals. With homogenates of cultured hepatoma cells, on the other hand, digitonin activated 1.3 and 1.8-fold only with p-nitrophenol and o-aminophenol as acceptors; other potential activators (Triton X-100, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine and diethylnitrosamine) were either without effect or inhibited the enzyme. A 1.5-2-fold higher degree of activation of glucuronyltransferase was found in homogenates of hepatoma tumours derived from the same cells injected subcutaneously into Buffalo rats. The specific activity of fully activated glucuronyltransferase in homogenates of cultured hepatoma cells was, however, 2-6.5-fold higher than that of the fully activated rat liver enzyme. The rate of p-nitrophenol glucuronide synthesis by cultures of hepatoma cells increased up to a concentration of 0.10 mM of the aglycone in the growth medium. At concentrations of 0.3 mM and higher, a peculiar lag period was seen before any glucuronide appeared in the medium. This phenomenon was not seen with o-aminophenol as acceptor and not in broken cell preparations with either substrate. The maximal rate of o-aminophenol glucuronidation in cultures of the hepatoma cells corresponded to that found for homogenates with 0.254. 50 mM UDP-glucuronate added to the incubation mixture. This value is in good agreement with the presumed intracellular levels of UDP-glucuronate in the liver cell in vivo.
NT-proBNP <95 ng/l can exclude pulmonary hypertension on echocardiography at diagnostic workup in patients with interstitial lung disease

Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious complication to interstitial lung disease (ILD) and has a poor prognosis. PH is often diagnosed by screening with echocardiography followed by right heart catheterisation. A previous study has shown that a value of NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) <95 ng/l could be used to rule out PH in patients with ILD. Aim To evaluate this rule-out test for PH in a new cohort of incident patients with ILD. Methods An established database with data from 148 consecutive patients referred from January 2012 to October 2014 was used to identify patients and obtain data from echocardiography, NT-proBNP, diagnosis and lung function. Signs of PH on echocardiography were defined as a tricuspid pressure gradient (TR) ≥40 mmHg, decreased right ventricular systolic function or dilatation. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) of NT-proBNP >95 ng/l for signs of PH on echocardiography were calculated. The study was approved by the Danish Health Authority. Results In 118 patients, data from both echocardiography and measurements of NT-proBNP were available. Eleven of these were screened positive for PH on echocardiography. Sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV of NT-proBNP <95 ng/l for PH were 100, 44, 16 and 100%, respectively. Furthermore, no patients with left heart failure as the cause of dyspnoea were missed using this cut-off value. Conclusion NT-proBNP <95 ng/l precludes a positive echocardiographic screen for PH in ILD patients at referral for diagnostic workup.
Low-dose growth hormone in adult home parenteral nutrition-dependent short bowel syndrome patients: a positive study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Controversy surrounds a 3-week treatment with a high-dose (0.14 mg. kg(-1). day(-1)) growth hormone (GH), glutamine, and high carbohydrate diet in home parenteral nutrition (HPN)-dependent patients with short-bowel syndrome (SBS). This study assessed treatment with low-dose GH in these patients. METHODS Twelve adult HPN-dependent (duration, 7 +/- 1 years; mean +/- SEM) patients with SBS (small-bowel remnant length, 48 +/- 11 cm) who were on an unrestricted hyperphagic diet were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Patients received daily low-dose GH (0.05 mg. kg(-1). day(-1)) and placebo for two 3-week periods separated by a 1-week washout period. Net intestinal absorption of macronutrients was assessed using a duplicate diet; nutritional assessment and blood tests were performed. Data from each group were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS Treatment with GH increased intestinal absorption of energy (15% +/- 5%, P < 0.002), nitrogen (14% +/- 6%, P < 0.04), carbohydrates (10% +/- 4%, P < 0.04), and fat (12% +/- 8%, NS). The increased food absorption represented 37% +/- 16% of total parenteral energy delivery. Body weight (P < 0.003), lean body mass (P < 0.006), D-xylose absorption (P < 0.02), insulin-like growth factor 1 (P < 0.002), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (P < 0.002) increased, whereas uptake of GH binding protein decreased (P < 0.01), without any major adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS Three weeks of low-dose GH significantly improved intestinal absorption in HPN-dependent SBS patients who were on a hyperphagic western diet.
How can dialogue journal writing improve learners' writing performance in the English as a second language context?

This paper compared the effect of two different methods in writing including dialogue journal writing (DJW) and Topic -Based writing (TBW) on the overall writing performance based on categories, content, organization, vocabulary, language use, and mechanics. In this quasi-experimental study, forty intermediate English students at a Malaysian university participated. TBW group (n=20) received conventional writing instruction through which teacher corrected and provided feedback on students’ writing tasks explicitly, while DJW group (n=20) applied dialogue journal writing through which the teacher provided feedback indirectly by rewriting the sentences and handing the students some examples compiled in the handouts. The quantitative research findings suggest that each writing method can be applied by writing instructors to assist their learners on different writing tasks. Implications of the study will be discussed based on the findings reported.
The significance of behavioural learning theory to the development of effective coaching practice.

This paper outlines the potential significance of behaviourism and its impact on developing effective coaching practice. Its purpose is threefold: firstly, it addresses the issues resonating from the critique of behaviourism, which focuses on its limited understanding and application within the coaching community. This is interesting given the fact that many coaches and coaching manuals use these techniques almost without realising their rootedness within the behaviourist tradition. Secondly, the argument is made that if behaviourism is to be used in an informed and ethical way then an in depth understanding of its theoretical underpinnings and application as a learning theory is essential. To this end the historical development, critique and adaptation of behaviourism is outlined in order to develop this understanding within the wider coaching community. Finally, the argument is put forward that only through adopting an integrated approach to coaching practice development can the coaching discipline move forward upon a sound theoretical base. The areas that will establish this theoretical base are also highlighted in the future research that needs to be undertaken.
Aggression and sociality: conflicting or complementary traits of a successful invader?

Invasion biology research has identified two juxtaposing behavioural traits, aggressiveness and sociality, that may both increase the success of species invasions. Highly aggressive invaders can out-compete native species for resources, while social gregarious invaders can tolerate high conspecific density. In order to tease apart the effects of aggressive versus social tendencies on the success of invasive species, we studied round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), a highly successful invasive fish species now common in the Laurentian Great Lakes. While round goby are well known for being aggressive, much less is known about their tendency to affiliate with conspecifics, in spite of the fact that they thrive in extremely high densities in many of their invaded habitats. We collected round goby from Hamilton Harbour, ON, Canada and conducted three separate experiments to explore group-forming behaviour by measuring preference for conspecifics. We found that round goby have a strong preference to associate with a single conspecific, and that both males and females showed this preference. No overall preference was detected for large versus small groups of conspecifics. Females chose the safety of a shelter over associating with a conspecific but males were equally attracted to conspecifics as shelter. Our results provide new insight into how interactions between aggressive and social behaviours play a role in the rapid spread of invasive round goby.
Protein-disulfide Isomerase-mediated Reduction of Two Disulfide Bonds of HIV Envelope Glycoprotein 120 Occurs Post-CXCR4 Binding and Is Required for Fusion*

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope (Env) glycoprotein (gp) 120 is a highly disulfide-bonded molecule that attaches HIV to the lymphocyte surface receptors CD4 and CXCR4. Conformation changes within gp120 result from binding and trigger HIV/cell fusion. Inhibition of lymphocyte surface-associated protein-disulfide isomerase (PDI) blocks HIV/cell fusion, suggesting that redox changes within Env are required. Using a sensitive assay based on a thiol reagent, we show that (i) the thiol content of gp120, either secreted by mammalian cells or bound to a lymphocyte surface enabling CD4 but not CXCR4 binding, was 0.5–1 pmol SH/pmol gp120 (SH/gp120), whereas that of gp120 after its interaction with a surface enabling both CD4 and CXCR4 binding was raised to 4 SH/gp120; (ii) PDI inhibitors prevented this change; and (iii) gp120 displaying 2 SH/gp120 exhibited CD4 but not CXCR4 binding capacity. In addition, PDI inhibition did not impair gp120 binding to receptors. We conclude that on average two of the nine disulfides of gp120 are reduced during interaction with the lymphocyte surface after CXCR4 binding prior to fusion and that cell surface PDI catalyzes this process. Disulfide bond restructuring within Env may constitute the molecular basis of the post-receptor binding conformational changes that induce fusion competence.
Experimental evaluation on 5G radio access employing multi-user MIMO at 15 GHz band

This paper presents indoor and outdoor experimental results on the achievable throughput for downlink 8-by-16 multi user (MU)-multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) using 2 sets of user equipment (UE) and carrier aggregation with 8 component carriers in various measurement areas for 5G radio access. In the presence of four centralized antenna units, the throughput performance is evaluated using the implemented 5G testbed for MU-MIMO operation. The experimental results show that the peak system throughput of 18.6 Gbps and 25.9 Gbps are achieved in indoor and outdoor environments. Furthermore, we confirm that to avoid interference a vertical angle exceeding 18 deg. or a horizontal angle exceeding 10.7 deg. is required between UEs to achieve the throughput of 12 Gbps for a UE when employing MU-MIMO in an outdoor open space.
Usage of spatial information for selection of co-located devices

Use of spatial information to support discovery of interaction opportunities has been widely demonstrated. In this paper, we focus on the use of spatial interfaces for identification and selection of devices a mobile user encounters in their immediate environment. We contribute an experimental evaluation of two spatial interface conditions in comparison with a non-spatial condition. The two spatial interface conditions are a device list ordered by distance and an iconic map of devices as seen from the user's perspective and the non-spatial condition is an alphabetical list. Our results show an overall user preference for the iconic map over the spatial and alphabetical list. However, there was no clear preference for the spatial interfaces over the non-spatial condition with respect to user satisfaction and mental load.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease comorbidities

Purpose of review Classic descriptions of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) centered on its impact on respiratory function. It is currently recognized that comorbidities contribute to the severity of symptoms and COPD progression. Understanding COPD-comorbidities associations could provide innovative treatment strategies and identify new mechanistic pathways to be targeted. Recent findings Some comorbidities are clustered with specific COPD phenotypes. There are stronger associations between airway-predominant disease and cardio-metabolic comorbidities, whereas in emphysema-predominant COPD sarcopenia and osteoporosis are frequent. These patterns suggest different inflammatory pathways acting by COPD phenotype. Osteoporosis is a major concern in COPD, particularly among men. Although &bgr;-blockers use for cardiac indications in COPD remains low, recent evidence suggests that this medication group could decrease COPD exacerbations. Gastroesophageal reflux is consistently associated with poor COPD outcomes, but mechanisms and impact of treatment are still unclear. Nontraditional comorbid conditions, such as cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression have significant impact in COPD outcomes. Summary Clinicians should screen their COPD patients for the presence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, sleep apnea, and sarcopenia, comorbidities for which specific treatments are available and associated with better COPD outcomes. The impact of interventions to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, anxiety and depression is still to be defined.
Online Social Networking and Older Internet Users: A UK Perspective

Globally, broadband and internet availability within households has made ICT an essential part of everyday life. Consequently, this has led to novel social computing practices and collaboration tools such as Web 2.0 Online Social Networks (OSNs). However, this growth of OSNs is far less prevalent amongst older internet users. Therefore, the aim of this research-in-progress paper is to develop a conceptual framework based on leading Information Systems (IS) theories to identify and explain older individuals’ adoption and usage patterns and behavior toward OSNs. Future directions, limitations and conclusions are also provided within this paper. Contributions to academia are viewed to be a framework that allows an understanding of OSN adoption, use and diffusion patterns. As OSN use impacts all internet users, industry will benefit from a theoretically formed framework that can be used to assist online collaboration providers to include older internet users in the existing widespread OSN phenomenon.
Classification of the Lexicon of Modern Polish According to the Structure of Consonant Clusters

The aim of the project this paper reports on is to identify and analyze the correlation between Polish consonant clusters and the semantic categories of the words that contain a given cluster. The material studied is a large corpus of Polish newspaper text. A common characteristic of sets of words is whether or not they contain an identical consonant cluster, which is understood here as a contiguous string of consonants not interrupted by a vowel. The aim of the study is to find other common characteristics of the words, that is the identification and analysis of a correlation between the cluster and the semantic categories that the words containing the cluster belong to. The semantic categories considered in the model pertain to the following properties of the words featuring a common cluster: derivation, part of speech, inflection, and morphotactics.
REACTIVE SPECIES MEDIATED INJURY OF HUMAN LUNG EPITHELIAL CELLS AFTER HYPOXIA-REOXYGENATION

This study tested the hypothesis that hypoxia exposure predisposed lung epithelial cells to reactive oxygen species-(ROS) mediated cellular injury. Human lung carcinoma cells (ATCC line H441) having epithelial characteristics (including lamellar bodies, surfactant protein [SP]-A, and SP-B) were cultured in air (air/5% CO 2) or hypoxia (< 1% O 2 /5% CO 2) for 0 to 24 hours before imposition of oxidant stress. Cellular manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity (units/mg protein) decreased significantly after 24 hours of hypoxia. In normoxic culture after hypoxia, the cells produced increased ROS, detected as dichlorofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence and H 2 O 2 accumulation in medium. Antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (N-Ac) and ebselen inhibited increased DCF fluorescence after hypoxia. To test their ability to tolerate oxidant stress, some cells were incubated with antimycin A (100 μ M) and trifluorocarbonylcyanide phenylhydrazone (10 μ M) (anti A + FCCP), a mitochondrial complex III inhibitor and respiratory chain uncoupler, which together increase mitochondrial superoxide (O 2 -) and H 2 O 2 production. Lung epithelial cells preexposed to hypoxia released more lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) than normoxic controls in response to increased O 2 - production. Increased LDH release from hypoxia-preexposed cells treated with anti A + FCCP was inhibited by 1 mM N-Ac. Rotenone and myxothiazole increased DCF oxidation more in hypoxic than in normoxic cells, suggesting that mitochondrial electron transport complex I may have been altered by hypoxia preexposure.
Preparation and Growth Mechanism of Gold Nanorods (NRs) Using Seed-Mediated Growth Method

A method is used for preparing gold NRs with aspect ratios ranging from 1.5 to 10 for which the surface plasmon absorption maxima are between 600 and 1300 nm. This method has been adapted from a previously published seed-mediated growth method (Jana et al. Adv. Mater. 2001, 13, 1389). The disadvantages and limitations of the earlier method (i.e., formation of noncylindrical NRs, φ-shaped particles, and formation of a large fraction of spherical particles) have been overcome by use of a hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-capped seed instead of a citrate-capped one. In a single-component surfactant system, the silver content of the growth solution was used to grow NRs to a desired length. This results in reproducible formation of NRs with aspect ratios ranging from 1.5 to 4.5. To grow longer NRs with aspect ratios ranging from 4.6 to 10, a binary surfactant mixture composed of benzyldimethylhexadecylammoniumchloride (BDAC) and CTAB was used. NRs are grown in this mixture either by aging or by additio.
An analysis of fixation probability of a mutant on a class of weighted networks under neutral selection

Recently, evolutionary dynamics on structured population has attracted an increasing attention in various fields. This paper aims at investigating the fixation probability of a mutant under random drift on a class of weighted networks. In particular, we have attained the analytical solutions of fixation probability of mutants on the weighted networks with three different updating rules, including link dynamics, Moran process, and voter model. It should be especially pointed out that the above analytical solutions can be used to further understand and control the evolution processes. Numerical simulations are also given to validate the above analytical solutions.
Infectious-mononucleosis-like disease with negative heterophil agglutination test. Clinical features in relation to Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus antibodies.

Patients with clinical and hematologic signs of infectious mononucleosis (IM) but with a negative heterophil-agglutination test are common. The question has been raised whether cases of this type should be classified as IM. Many clinicians employ the diagnosis, however, even when the heterophil-agglutination test is negative, provided the clinical picture is compatible with IM. This controversy cannot be settled until methods become available for establishing the specific etiologic diagnosis of every case. Recently, a member of the herpes virus group has been strongly implicated as the cause of IM. This virus is now referred to as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) after the EB-lines of cells cultured from Burkitt's lymphoma in which the virus was first observed by electron microscopy [1]. Prospective studies have shown that EBV antibodies are lacking in sera taken before development of heterophil-antibody-positive (HA+) IM but are