Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induction of cell-mediated immunity to Mycobacterium lepraemurium in susceptible mice

A mouse strain (CB6) that is highly susceptible to Mycobacterium lepraemurium was infected with 10(8) bacilli into the hind footpad. These mice developed cell-mediated immunity to M. lepraemurium, as expressed by the development of a granulomatous lesion at the site of inoculation in normal but not in T-lymphocyte-depleted mice, a proliferative response in the paracortical zone of the draining lymph node, delayed-type hypersensitivity to a sonic extract of M. lepraemurium, and immunopotentiation of the delayed hypersensitivity response to sheep erythrocytes. Resistance to a second challenge infection with M. lepraemurium was not demonstrated.
Primordial role of CD34+38− cells in early and late trilineage haemopoietic engraftment after autologous blood cell transplantation

In order to better define which cell subset contained in graft products might be the most predictive of haemopoietic recovery following autologous blood cell transplantation (ABCT), the relationships between the amounts of reinfused mononuclear cells (MNC), CFU‐GM, total CD34+ cells and their CD33 and CD38 subsets, and the successive stages of trilineage engraftment kinetics, were studied in 45 cancer patients, using the Spearman correlation test, a linear regression model and a log‐inverse model. No relationship was found between the infused numbers of MNC, CD33+ and CD33− subsets observed and the numbers of days to reach predetermined absolute neutrophil (ANC), platelet and reticulocyte counts. The infused numbers of CFU‐GM, CD34+ and CD34+38+ cells correlated inconstantly with haemopoietic recovery parameters. The strongest and the most constant correlations were significantly observed between the infused numbers of CD34+38− cells and each trilineage engraftment parameter. The log‐inverse model determined a threshold dose of 0.05 × 106 (= 5 × 104) CD34+38− cells/kg, below which the trilineage engraftment kinetics were significantly slower and unpredictable. Post‐transplant TBI‐conditioning regimens increased the low cell dose‐related delay of engraftment kinetics whereas post‐transplant administration of haemopoietic growth factors (HGF) seemed to abrogate this delay. This would justify clinical use of HGF only in patients transplanted with CD34+38− cell amounts lower than the proposed threshold value. This study suggests that the CD34+38− subpopulation, although essentially participating in late complete haemopoietic recovery, is also composed of committed progenitor cells involved in early trilineage engraftment.
New insights into the role of TFIIB in transcription initiation

The general transcription factor TFIIB plays essential, but as-yet unclear, roles in transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II. We recently found that phosphorylation of TFIIB is required for productive transcription. We discuss the implications of this work for the functions of TFIIB in promoter escape and gene loop formation.
Sexual dysfunction with psychotropic drugs

Sexual dysfunction caused by psychotropic medications has become an increasingly important clinical topic. Only recently have we acknowledged the extent to which many psychotropic medications, especially antidepressants and antipsychotics, cause sexual side effects. Prevalence rates of sexual side effects are extraordinarily difficult to estimate due to a variety of factors, such as the effect of the disorder being treated, comorbid disorders and baseline sexual dysfunction. Among the antidepressants, those with strong serotonergic properties have the highest rate of sexual side effects. Among the antipsychotics, those with greater D2 blockade leading to increased prolactin levels are probably associated with more sexual dysfunction. Treatment approaches have been poorly developed for both antidepressants and antipsychotics. Antidotes for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction include bupropion, buspirone and sildenafil.
Temporary contracts’ transitions: the role of training and institutions

Despite recent reforms, labour market segmentation is still a marked feature of several European countries. This work empirically analyses transitions out of temporary contracts, by means of a discrete duration model, with a particular focus on human capital features, labour market protection and their interaction. Transitions to open-ended contracts with the same or with a new employer are considered separately, as well as transitions to joblessness, based on data for ten European countries taken from the European Community Household Panel. Firm-training significantly increases the likelihood of transitioning to an open-ended contract with the same employer, but not in countries with more segmented labor markets. In these countries, instead, educational attainment and labour market flexibility are more important determinants of transitions to open-ended contracts. Interestingly, in these countries, firm training actually mitigates the positive (and significant) impact of labor market flexibility on the likelihood of transitioning to an openended contract with the same employer. (JEL: E24, J24, J41)
Atypical antipsychotics for people with both schizophrenia and depression.

BACKGROUND Many people (up to 50%) with schizophrenia also have co-morbid depression. It has been suggested that new atypical antipsychotic drugs are beneficial for people with the two diagnoses. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of atypical antipsychotic drugs on people who have a diagnosis of both schizophrenia and depression. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia's Group Register (to March 2006). We supplemented this by citation searching and personal contact with authors and relevant pharmaceutical companies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials of atypical antipsychotic drugs used specifically for the treatment of people with a diagnosis of both schizophrenia and depression. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We extracted data independently. For homogenous dichotomous data we calculated random effects, relative risk (RR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and, where appropriate, numbers needed to treat (NNT) on an intention-to-treat basis. For continuous data, we calculated weighted mean differences (WMD). MAIN RESULTS We found 878 citations but were only able to include three studies (five reports). One trial found no significant difference between quetiapine and haloperidol for the outcome of 'less than 50% reduction in PANSS score' (n=180, RR 0.91 CI 0.8 to 1.0). Those allocated sulpiride had significantly lower depression scores compared with people given chlorpromazine (1 RCT, n=36, WMD CPRS -0.70 CI -1.2 to -0.2). Again, however, in the quetiapine versus haloperidol comparison, the continuous scoring did not highlight differences (1 RCT, n=180, WMD PANSS depression change -0.57 CI -1.4 to 0.30). When clozapine was compared with any other antipsychotic drug plus an antidepressant or placebo, clozapine constantly scored better on Hamilton scores (1 RCT, n=29, WMD vs antipsychotic + mianserin -5.53 CI -8.23 to -2.8; 1 RCT, n=32, WMD vs antipsychotic + meclobemide -4.35 CI -6.7 to -2.03; 1 RCT, n=33, WMD vs antipsychotic + placebo -6.35 CI -8.6 to -4.1). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There are too few data to guide patients, carers, clinicians or policy makers. Current practice has to be guided by evidence other than that derived from randomised trials and more trials in this important area are indicated.
A chemoattractant for ascidian spermatozoa is a sulfated steroid

Sperm chemotaxis toward eggs before fertilization has been demonstrated in many animals and plants, and several peptides and small organic compounds acting as chemoattractants have been identified. We previously showed that sperm of the ascidians Ciona intestinalis and Ciona savignyi are activated and then attracted toward the egg by a common factor released from the egg. In this study, we purified sperm-activating and -attracting factor (SAAF) from the egg-conditioning medium of C. intestinalis by using several steps of column chromatography. Determination of the molecular structure by NMR and MS/MS analysis revealed that SAAF is a previously uncharacterized sulfated steroid: 3,4,7,26-tetrahydroxycholestane-3,26-disulfate. Furthermore, it was shown that the SAAF of C. savignyi was indistinguishable from that of C. intestinalis in terms of the chromatographic behavior and molecular weight, indicating that the same compound might be responsible for sperm activation and chemotaxis in both the species. Furthermore, we established a method for quantitative analysis of sperm chemotaxis and showed that the chemotactic behavior of Ciona sperm is controlled by the “chemotactic turn” associated with decrease in the concentration of SAAF.
Rechargeable Deep Brain Stimulators in the Management of Paediatric Dystonia: Well Tolerated with a Low Complication Rate

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a recognised method of treatment for primary and secondary dystonia. The size of non-rechargeable batteries has limited their use in small children. Our severe dystonia patients have required battery replacement every 20–24 months. Objectives: To evaluate reliability, care burden, patients’ satisfaction and complications related to the rechargeable neurostimulator Activa® RC (launched by Medtronic in Europe in autumn 2008). Methods: Complications were recorded prospectively, and a questionnaire on neurostimulator maintenance, care burden and parental satisfaction was applied to all patients with at least 3 months of follow-up. Results: 30 Activa RCs were implanted between December 2008 and June 2010, 25 with a follow-up of 3–17 months (mean 10); the mean patient’s age at surgery was 11.1 years; 22/25 questionnaires were completed. All families achieved good standards of recharging. Caregivers were responsible for recharging in 82% of cases. With higher parameters of stimulation, recharging time was longer than initially recommended by the manufacturer. All but one family would recommend Activa RC to other patients. Transient recharging problems were the most common complication (36% of cases). Infection/skin erosion occurred in 8% of cases, self-resolving early seroma in 20%. Conclusions: Activa was found to offer reliable stimulation with a low rate of significant complications and a suitable treatment option for children with dystonia.
Electric-arc micro-texturing of silicon surfaces for photovoltaic applications

We demonstrate a novel cost-effective surface micro-texturing method using an electric-arc in argon at atmosphere pressure to enhance light trapping in silicon solar cells. The experimental set-up for electric-arc micro-texturing is described. The morphological, optical and electronic properties of micro-textured silicon surfaces have been investigated. The electronic quality of micro-textured surfaces is studied by measuring the surface minority carrier lifetime (τs) to reveal the presence of surface damage, which can be removed by a short chemical etching step. The quality of the electric-arc micro-textured silicon material is recovered as indicated by τs. Silicon solar cells are fabricated on such electric-arc micro-textured and chemically etched surfaces. Initial conversion efficiency of 14.4% is achieved which can be further improved. The effective minority carrier lifetime (τ) of the solar cells is examined by observing the open circuit voltage decay, which shows no degradation of τ when compared to chemically micro-textured control samples.
The role of adenosine receptors on amitriptyline-induced electrophysiological changes on rat atrium

We investigated the role of adenosine receptors in amitriptyline-induced cardiac action potential (AP) changes in isolated rat atria. In the first group, APs were recorded after cumulative addition of amitriptyline (1 μM, 10 μM and 50 μM). In other groups, each atrium was incubated with selective adenosine A1 antagonist (8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), 10−4 M) or selective adenosine A2a receptor antagonist (8-(3-chlorostyryl) caffeine, 10−5 M) before amitriptyline administration. Resting membrane potential, AP amplitude (APA), AP duration at 50% and 80% of repolarization (APD50 and APD80, respectively), and the maximum rise and decay slopes of AP were recorded. Amitriptyline (50 μM) prolonged the APD50 and APD80 (p < 0.001) and the maximum rise slope of AP was reduced by amitriptyline (p < 0.0001). Amitriptyline reduced maximum decay slope of AP only at 50 μM (p < 0.01). DPCPX significantly decreased the 50-μM amitriptyline-induced APD50 and APD80 prolongation (p < 0.001). DPCPX significantly prevented the effects of amitriptyline (1 μM and 50 μM) on maximum rise slope of AP (p < 0.05). DPCPX significantly prevented the amitriptyline-induced (50 μM) reduction in maximum decay slope of AP (p < 0.001). The selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist prevented the electrophysiological effects of amitriptyline on atrial AP. A1 receptor stimulation may be responsible for the cardiovascular toxic effects produced by amitriptyline.
A High Speed Pseudo-Differential OTA with Mobility Compensation Technique in 1-V Power Supply Voltage

This paper presents a high linearity operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) based on pseudo-differential structures. The linearity is improved by mobility compensation techniques as the device size is scaled down to achieve high speed operation. Transconductance tuning could be achieved by a MOS operating in the linear region. The OTA fabricated in the TSMC 0.18-mum CMOS process occupies a small area of 4.5 times 10-3 mm2. The measured third-order inter-modulation (IM3) distortion under 1-V power supply voltage remains below -52 dB up to 50 MHz for a 400 mV pp differential input. The static power consumption is 2.5 mW. Experimental results demonstrate the agreement with theoretical analyses.
Different responses between undoped and N-doped few-layer graphene based photonic devices

In this paper, undoped and N-doped few-layer graphene (FLG) films were synthesized by ambient pressure chemical vapor deposition. The different photoresponse between these two kinds of FLG based photonic devices was discussed. Photoconductive and photovoltaic responses were found respectively in undoped and N-doped FLG based photonic devices. Under IR lamp illumination in vacuum, the resistance changed in undoped FLG based device while photocurrent at zero voltage bias was found in N-doped FLG based device. The photoconductive effect was enhanced as the temperature decreased, on the contrary, the photocurrent was found to decrease as the temperature decreased from room temperature to 78K.
Medicare payment and hospital capital: future policy options.

Prologue: At a time when hospitals are largely consumed by the challenging task of implementing Medicare's prospective payment system (PPS), the Reagan administration is putting the finishing touches on a report to Congress which will recommend how capital payments should be incorporated into the new payment scheme. Congress established a deadline of October 1, 1986, for enacting new hospital capital legislation. In this article, two well-respected economists who are often consulted by the public and private sectors for approaches to complicated policy problems, set out options that Congress will consider when it turns to the hospital capital issue. Until one year ago, Gerard Anderson was a central figure within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in the development of the administrations prospective payment policy. Over the course of his six-year stint at the department, Anderson served four assistant secretaries in a similar technical capacity, thus demonstrating an ability to bridge a br.
Gene-Centric Analysis Identifies Variants Associated With Interleukin-6 Levels and Shared Pathways With Other Inflammation Markers

Background—Inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), a possible risk factor for coronary heart disease, has an estimated heritability of >60%, but to date few genetic variants influencing IL-6 levels are known. Methods and Results—We used the ITMAT-Broad-Care (IBC) HumanCVD disease BeadChip in the Whitehall II study (N=4911) and British Women’s Heart and Health Study (N=3445) to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with circulating IL-6 levels. Twenty-two single-nucleotide polymorphisms from 7 loci (IL6R/TDRD10, HLA-DRB1, BUD13, SEZ6L, IL1RN, TRIB3, and ABO) were associated with IL-6 (P<10–5), although none were associated with the IL6 gene itself. With the exception of TRIB3, all loci have been previously reported in genome-wide association studies for autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. Fourteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the IL6R region in high-linkage disequilibrium (r2>0.9) with a nonsynonymous variant, rs2228145, were also associated with IL-6 and C-reactive protein concentration (P<10–5). An IL-6–specific weighted allele score explained 2% of the variance of log IL-6 levels (P=2.4410–22) in Whitehall II and 1% (P=1.910–8) in British Women’s Heart and Health Studies. Conclusions—Multiple common genetic variants of modest effect influence IL-6 concentration. Several loci contain single-nucleotide polymorphisms, exhibiting overlapping associations with autoimmune and cardiovascular disorders and other circulating biomarkers. Genetic variants associated with IL-6 provide important tools for probing the causal relevance of IL-6 signaling in a range of cardiometabolic diseases.
Service Restoration Following a Major Failure on the Hydro-Québec Power System

Service restoration following a major power failure can occasion voltage problems on weak EHV systems from the point of view of both steady-state and temporary operation. This is due to the use of long EHV transmission links between the production sites and the load centres, which can cause large amounts of reactive power to be generated, and low short-circuit level, leading to low-frequency resonance, further excited by the presence of transformers. This paper describes an approach to service restoration which should speed up the process of restoring service to customers while at the same time limiting the risks of damage to equipment.
Policy Crisis and Political Leadership: Election Law Reform in the States after the 2000 Presidential Election

What effect do political leaders have on policy adoption in response to a crisis? The vote-counting crisis in the presidential election in Florida in 2000 forced policymakers in all 50 states to re-examine their own election laws and procedures. Some state leaders acted as entrepreneurs, seizing the opportunity to advance major reform, while others sought only modest or no substantive change. We test the impact of political leadership on policy adoption in a crisis situation by constructing a leadership variable from content analysis of news coverage in the states. We find that the activities of elected or appointed policymakers, particularly the states' chief elections officials (CEOs), had a decisive effect on the extent of election reforms adopted by the states. Five other factors also affected the adoption of election reforms: political culture, the ideology of a state's electorate, recommendations by statewide commissions, legislative term limits, and the interaction between the winner's margin of victory in the 2000 presidential election and the state's residual vote rate.
The VG/GA strain of Newcastle disease virus: mucosal immunity, protection against lethal challenge and molecular analysis

The Villegas–Glisson/University of Georgia (VG/GA) strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolated from the intestine of healthy turkeys has been proposed to replicate in the respiratory and intestinal tract of chickens. In the present study, the virus distribution, the mucosal and systemic immune response, the efficacy against lethal challenge and the full genome sequence of the VG/GA strain were compared with the La Sota strain of NDV. The VG/GA strain was detected at different time points in the respiratory and intestinal tract of chickens with a preferential tropism for the latter. Both the VG/GA and La Sota strains induced NDV-specific immunoglobulin A (IgA) at the upper respiratory tract. IgA levels were higher in the trachea for the La Sota strain, while they were higher in the bile and intestine for the VG/GA strain. Positive correlation between virus distribution of the viruses and IgA production was observed. Despite the presence of the maternal antibodies in broilers, early vaccination with the VG/GA strain afforded 95% to 100% protection against lethal challenge, equivalent to the protection conferred by the La Sota strain. Full genome sequence analysis classified the VG/GA strain within class II, genotype II viruses, which also include most of the respirotropic vaccine strains. Differences with the La Sota strain at the nucleotide and amino acid levels that may explain the differential phenotype of the VG/GA were observed; however, verification of the significance of those changes is required. Taken together, these results validate field observations on the efficacy of VG/GA vaccination and demonstrated the unique characteristics of the strain.
Acute Cytotoxic Effects of Photoimmunotherapy Assessed by 18F-FDG PET

We have recently developed a cancer-specific therapy, photoimmunotherapy, which uses an antibody-IR700 (phototoxic phthalocyanine dye) conjugate to bind to the cell membrane and near-infrared light to induce immediate and highly specific tumor killing in vivo. For monitoring the acute cytotoxic effects of photoimmunotherapy before the tumor begins to shrink, we used 18F-FDG PET before and after this intervention in mice. Methods: Photoimmunotherapy was performed by binding panitumumab (anti-HER1)-IR700 to HER1-positive tumor cells (A431), followed by near-infrared light irradiation in vitro and in vivo. The uptake of 18F-FDG in the tumor after photoimmunotherapy was evaluated in cellular uptake studies and PET imaging studies. Serial histologic analyses were conducted after photoimmunotherapy. Results: The in vitro cellular uptake of 18F-FDG was reduced as the dose of light increased, and at high light dose (2 J/cm2) the uptake was reduced by more than 99% within 1 h after photoimmunotherapy. In vivo 18F-FDG PET imaging showed that the accumulation of radioactivity in the treated tumors decreased 76% at 75 min after photoimmunotherapy and did not change for 24 h. In contrast, no significant changes were demonstrated in nontreated tumors. None of tumors changed size within 24 h after photoimmunotherapy, although diffuse necrosis was observed in photoimmunotherapy-treated tumors. Conclusion: Immediate cytotoxic effects induced by photoimmunotherapy were clearly detected by decreased glucose uptake using 18F-FDG PET even before changes in tumor size became evident. 18F-FDG allows the clinical assessment of the therapeutic effects of photoimmunotherapy earlier than anatomic methods that rely on tumor size.