Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum and nasal-wash immunoglobulin G and A antibody response of infants and children to respiratory syncytial virus F and G glycoproteins following primary infection

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with immunoaffinity-purified fusion (F) or attachment (G) glycoprotein was used to measure the serum and secretory immune responses of 18 infants and children, 4 to 21 months of age, who underwent primary infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Most of the 10 older individuals (9 to 21 months of age) developed moderate levels of serum and nasal-wash immunoglobin A (IgA) and IgG F and G antibodies. These individuals developed a moderate level of serum or nasal-wash antibodies that neutralized virus infectivity. One of the eight younger individuals (4 to 8 months of age) failed to develop an F antibody response, while three failed to develop a G antibody response. The most notable difference in the responses of the two age groups involved the titer in convalescent sera of G, F, and neutralizing antibodies which were 8- to 10-fold lower in younger individuals. Most of the younger infants failed to develop a rise in serum or nasal-wash neutralizing antibody. It is possible that the presence of maternally derived antibody in the younger infants suppressed the immune response to RSV infection, and that this accounted, in part, for the low level of postinfection antibody titer in this group. This low level and the irregular response of the infants less than 8 months of age may contribute to the severity of their initial infection and may also be responsible, in part, for their failure to develop effective resistance to subsequent reinfection by RSV.
A MAP Kinase Kinase Interacts with SymRK and Regulates Nodule Organogenesis in Lotus japonicus[C][W]

This work identifies the SIP2 MAP kinase kinase as an interacting partner of the symbiosis receptor kinase SymRK. It shows that SymRK inhibits the kinase activity of SIP2 and establishes that a MAP kinase cascade plays a role in the signaling network leading to nodulation in legumes. The symbiosis receptor kinase, SymRK, is required for root nodule development. A SymRK-interacting protein (SIP2) was found to form protein complex with SymRK in vitro and in planta. The interaction between SymRK and SIP2 is conserved in legumes. The SIP2 gene was expressed in all Lotus japonicus tissues examined. SIP2 represents a typical plant mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) and exhibited autophosphorylation and transphosphorylation activities. Recombinant SIP2 protein could phosphorylate casein and the Arabidopsis thaliana MAP kinase MPK6. SymRK and SIP2 could not use one another as a substrate for phosphorylation. Instead, SymRK acted as an inhibitor of SIP2 kinase when MPK6 was used as a substrate, suggesting that SymRK may serve as a negative regulator of the SIP2 signaling pathway. Knockdown expression of SIP2 via RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in drastic reduction of nodules formed in transgenic hairy roots. A significant portion of SIP2 RNAi hairy roots failed to form a nodule. In these roots, the expression levels of SIP2 and three marker genes for infection thread and nodule primordium formation were downregulated drastically, while the expression of two other MAPKK genes were not altered. These observations demonstrate an essential role of SIP2 in the early symbiosis signaling and nodule organogenesis.
DNA Methylation Events as Markers for Diagnosis and Management of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome

During the onset and progression of hematological malignancies, many changes occur in cellular epigenome, such as hypo- or hypermethylation of CpG islands in promoter regions. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that regulates gene expression and is a key event for tumorigenesis. The continuous search for biomarkers that signal early disease, indicate prognosis, and act as therapeutic targets has led to studies investigating the role of DNA in cancer onset and progression. This review focuses on DNA methylation changes as potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, response to treatment, and early toxicity in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. Here, we report that distinct changes in DNA methylation may alter gene function and drive malignant cellular transformation during several stages of leukemogenesis. Most of these modifications occur at an early stage of disease and may predict myeloid/lymphoid transformation or response to therapy, which justifies its use as a biomarker for disease onset and progression. Methylation patterns, or its dynamic change during treatment, may also be used as markers for patient stratification, disease prognosis, and response to treatment. Further investigations of methylation modifications as therapeutic biomarkers, which may correlate with therapeutic response and/or predict treatment toxicity, are still warranted.
An Analysis of Pricing in the United States Dairy Industry

The objective of this research is to evaluate increasing interaction between the private Exchange spot cheese market and Federal Milk Marketing Orders pricing system during three milk pricing regimes: Minnesota-Wisconsin price series (1960s-1995), Basic Formula Price (1995-1999) and Multiple Component Pricing (2000 – present).
Molecular Epidemiologic Investigation of Polish Avian Pasteurella multocida Strains Isolated from Fowl Cholera Outbreaks Showing Restricted Geographical and Host-Specific Distribution

SUMMARY. Molecular epidemiologic analyses of the 42 clinical isolates of Pasteurella multocida from various avian hosts (geese, ducks, turkeys, and laying hens) in Poland from 2001 to 2011, including a single reference strain, were performed by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR, single primer PCR, and repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP)–PCR. Forty-two isolates were identified as P. multocida (serotype A). The majority of P. multocida strains were obtained from waterfowl clustered within one genotype, and they were not consistent with the genotypes obtained from the turkey strains. Pasteurella multocida showed genetic homogeneity between the host species, especially when isolated on the same farm. Some of the clones also were characteristic to the particular farm. The strains obtained in different regions represent distinct molecular patterns. The present findings demonstrate that some clones of P. multocida are restricted in geographical and host distribution. In addition, this study suggests that ERIC-PCR, single primer PCR, and REP-PCR are suitable techniques for studying the host adaptation of P. multocida and the epidemiology of fowl cholera.
Arsenic Induces NAD(P)H-quinone Oxidoreductase I by Disrupting the Nrf2·Keap1·Cul3 Complex and Recruiting Nrf2·Maf to the Antioxidant Response Element Enhancer*

The ubiquitous toxic metalloid arsenic elicits pleiotropic adverse and adaptive responses in mammalian species. The biological targets of arsenic are largely unknown at present. We analyzed the signaling pathway for induction of detoxification gene NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase (Nqo1) by arsenic. Genetic and biochemical evidence revealed that induction required cap `n' collar basic leucine zipper transcription factor Nrf2 and the antioxidant response element (ARE) of Nqo1. Arsenic stabilized Nrf2 protein, extending the t½ of Nrf2 from 21 to 200 min by inhibiting the Keap1·Cul3-dependent ubiquitination and proteasomal turnover of Nrf2. Arsenic markedly inhibited the ubiquitination of Nrf2 but did not disrupt the Nrf2·Keap1·Cul3 association in the cytoplasm. In the nucleus, arsenic, but not phenolic antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone, dissociated Nrf2 from Keap1 and Cul3 followed by dimerization of Nrf2 with a Maf protein (Maf G/Maf K). Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that Nrf2 and Maf associated with the endogenous Nqo1 ARE enhancer constitutively. Arsenic substantially increased the ARE occupancy by Nrf2 and Maf. In addition, Keap1 was shown to be ubiquitinated in the cytoplasm and deubiquitinated in the nucleus in the presence of arsenic without changing the protein level, implicating nuclear-cytoplasmic recycling of Keap1. Our data reveal that arsenic activates the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway through a distinct mechanism from that by antioxidants and suggest an “on-switch” model of Nqo1 transcription in which the binding of Nrf2·Maf to ARE controls both the basal and inducible expression of Nqo1.
A study of Golgi preparations from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the adult cat

Four cell types are distinguishable in the lateral geniculate nucleus. The largest (class 1) have their dendrites oriented in relation to the plane of the laminae. The dendrites cross laminar borders freely and bear many fine spines. Class 2 cells show less orientation of their dendrites. These dendrites bear clusters of grape‐like appendages close to the branching points and fine spines on their peripheral segments. Only the peripheral segments cross laminar borders. The smallest (class 3) cells have long stalked appendages and give rise to intrinsic axons which ramify close to the perikaryon. Cell classes 1 and 2 occur in laminae A and A1, with class 1 cells mainly concentrated between laminae. Class 3 cells occur in all major laminae. Class 4 cells, with long smooth dendrites oriented parallel to the lamina, lie in lamina B.
The (Epi)genetics of human synovial sarcoma

Human synovial sarcomas are aggressive soft tissue tumors with relatively high rates of recurrences and metastases. They display a variable response to common treatment protocols such as radiation and chemotherapy. For the development of novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches, detailed information on the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of these tumors is of imperative importance. Fusion of the SS18 and (one of the) SSX genes is a molecular hallmark of human synovial sarcomas. The SS18 and SSX genes encode nuclear proteins that exhibit opposite transcription regulatory activities, likely through epigenetic mechanisms. The SS18 protein functions as a transcriptional coactivator and interacts directly with members of the epigenetic chromatin remodeling and modification machineries. In contrast, the SSX proteins function as transcriptional corepressors and are associated with several Polycomb group proteins. Since the domains involved in these apparently opposite transcription regulatory activities are retained in the SS18–SSX fusion proteins, we hypothesize that these fusion proteins function as “activator–repressors” of transcription. The implications of this model for human synovial sarcoma development and future treatment are discussed. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Sources of Real Exchange Rate Fluctuations in Pakistan

This study examines the sources of real exchange rate fluctuations in Pakistan and use the SVAR (Structure Vector Autoregressive) technique to analysis the impact of different macroeconomics shocks for fluctuation in real exchange rate of Pak rupee. According to Blanchard and Quah(1999), the recognition of the structural shocks in macroeconomics variables found primarily on long run restrictions. Structural decomposition shows that about sixty percent of the variance in forecasting the real foreign exchange rate at a sphere of four quarter is due to nominal shocks in macroeconomics variables. The finding gives some empirical support to sticky price model (Dornbusch, 1976) of exchange rate.
A new modelling framework for power supply networks with converter based loads and generators - the Harmonic State-Space

This paper presents a new modelling framework, the Harmonic State-Space (HSS). The new framework is intended for stability analysis of electromagnetic or control interactions between interconnected power electronic systems. Existing modelling methods are summarised, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. The HSS provides a framework to accommodate non-linear power electronic circuits that are linearised around a base case operating point in the state-space structure. This approach allows the HSS models to make use of pole-zero plots and bode plots for stability analysis. HSS models of an HVdc converter and a 6-pulse STATCOM are shown as examples.
Listeria monocytogenes, a food-borne pathogen

The gram-positive bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is an ubiquitous, intracellular pathogen which has been implicated within the past decade as the causative organism in several outbreaks of foodborne disease. Listeriosis, with a mortality rate of about 24%, is found mainly among pregnant women, their fetuses, and immunocompromised persons, with symptoms of abortion, neonatal death, septicemia, and meningitis. Epidemiological investigations can make use of strain-typing procedures such as DNA restriction enzyme analysis or electrophoretic enzyme typing. The organism has a multifactorial virulence system, with the thiol-activated hemolysin, listeriolysin O, being identified as playing a crucial role in the organism's ability to multiply within host phagocytic cells and to spread from cell to cell. The organism occurs widely in food, with the highest incidences being found in meat, poultry, and seafood products. Improved methods for detecting and enumerating the organism in foodstuffs are now available, including those based on the use of monoclonal antibodies, DNA probes, or the polymerase chain reaction. As knowledge of the molecular and applied biology of L. monocytogenes increases, progress can be made in the prevention and control of human infection.
Convergence and spillover of house prices in Chinese cities

ABSTRACT The issue of house price convergence in 34 Chinese cities is investigated. We augmented the convergence model with contemporaneous spatial dependence in house prices and found that price convergence and positive spatial spillover are both present. We explicitly addressed the endogeneity problem by introducing a Bayesian instrumental variable setup, which was estimated with particle filtering techniques. From a growth poles perspective, the empirical evidence indicates that the spread effect in regional house prices outweighs the backwash effect. The identified positive spatial spillover has two effects on the growth of house prices in Chinese cities. First, the spillover elevates the trajectories of the steady-state growth paths of house prices. Second, the spillover narrows the gaps between the growth paths of house prices in neighbouring cities. Shocks to the socio-economic variables of a city generate their own effects on domestic house prices that dominate the effects arising from cross-city price feedbacks, thus mitigating the prospect of level convergence. Our findings also suggest a collaborating role between time and spatial dependence parameters. The identification of inter-city spillover, which is a conditioning factor for regional house price convergence, offers implications to policies that are most likely to be effective in reducing regional disparity.
Vulnerable Brains: Research Ethics and Neurosurgical Patients

The vulnerability of patients receiving significantly innovative neurosurgical procedures, either as research or as non-standard therapy, presents particularly potent challenges for those attempting to substantially advance clinical Neurosurgical practice in the most ethically and efficacious manner. This beginning formulation has built into it several important notions about research participation, balancing values, and clinical advancement in the context of neurological illness. For the time being, allow vulnerability to act as a placeholder for circumstances or states of being wherein the established checks and balances of power and interest are no longer sufficient in promoting the just treatment of persons. Further, the phrase to substantially advance Neurosurgical practice encompasses radical innovation as well as significant research into new procedures. Finally, few of these explorations involve true randomized placebo controlled trials, but rather they enroll patients rightfully hoping for some benefit by means of undergoing the procedure. When a neurosurgeon asks me, as an ethicist, to meet with a patient who has medically refractory disease and no good standard therapy options remaining, he is asking for help concerning whether to offer, as a last chance, an unproven therapy as either innovation or research.
Antiviral effects of Glycyrrhiza species

Historical sources for the use of Glycyrrhiza species include ancient manuscripts from China, India and Greece. They all mention its use for symptoms of viral respiratory tract infections and hepatitis. Randomized controlled trials confirmed that the Glycyrrhiza glabra derived compound glycyrrhizin and its derivatives reduced hepatocellular damage in chronic hepatitis B and C. In hepatitis C virus‐induced cirrhosis the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma was reduced. Animal studies demonstrated a reduction of mortality and viral activity in herpes simplex virus encephalitis and influenza A virus pneumonia. In vitro studies revealed antiviral activity against HIV‐1, SARS related coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, arboviruses, vaccinia virus and vesicular stomatitis virus.
Aminoglycoside Dosing: A Randomized Prospective Study

Although clinical benefits for aminoglycoside dosing services have been suggested, this has not been clearly documented in a prospective fashion. Therefore, we randomly assigned patients to be dosed (1) by their physician (Physician dosing method), (2) by predicting an initial dosage (Predictive dosing method), or (3) by calculating an initial dosing regimen by measuring the pharmacokinetics for the individual patients after a loading dose (Individual dosing method). The patients' clinical response and nephrotoxicity were then evaluated. The individual dosing method resulted in erratic aminoglycoside levels, necessitating its elimination from the study. This group was not included in the final analysis. Of the 164 patients entering the study, 41 had a documented gram-negative infection, received aminoglycosides for more than 2 days, and had serum aminoglycoside levels measured. The predictive dosing method in these 41 patients produced statistically significant higher peak and lower trough levels, but there was no difference in the incidence of nephrotoxicity or clinical response. The 95% confidence intervals precluded any major clinical benefit in these patients with documented gram-negative infections. We question the previous findings of increased efficacy and decreased nephrotoxicity with the use of an aminoglycoside dosing service and suggest that larger studies be done.
Power Allocation in Nonselfish Symbiotic Cognitive Relaying with Partial Channel State Information

We first address the problem of power allocation at cognitive users (CUs) to maximize the throughput of a nonselfish symbiotic cognitive radio scheme, in which the CUs may assist the data transmission of primary users (PUs) via nonorthogonal amplify-and-forward (AF) cognitive relaying and obtain an incentive time for their own data transmission in a nonselfish manner. Then, an optimal power allocation algorithm is proposed based on the full channel state information (CSI) among PUs, CUs, and base station (BS). In order to reduce the feedback overhead, another power allocation algorithm is devised based only on the partial CSI, that is, the CSI of BS-PU and the CSI of BS-CUs. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared with the optimal power allocation algorithm, the power allocation algorithm with only the partial CSI can achieve a similar performance with a smaller channel feedback overhead.
Decision-Case Mix Model for Analyzing Variation in Cesarean Rates

This article contributes a decision-case mix model for analyzing variation in c-section rates. Like recent contributions to the literature, the model systematically takes into account the effect of case mix. Going beyond past research, the model highlights differences in physician decision making in response to obstetric factors. Distinguishing the effects of physician decision making and case mix is important in understanding why c-section rates vary and in developing programs to effect change in physician behavior. The model was applied to a sample of deliveries at a hospital where physicians exhibited considerable variation in their c-section rates. Comparing groups with a low versus high rate, the authors’ general conclusion is that the difference in physician decision tendencies (to perform a c-section), in response to specific obstetric factors, is at least as important as case mix in explaining variation in c-section rates. The exact effects of decision making versus case mix depend on how the model application defines the obstetric condition of interest and on the weighting of deliveries by their estimated “risk of Cesarean. ” The general conclusion is supported by an additional analysis that uses the model’s elements to predict individual physicians’ annual c-section rates.
Change in optic nerve head topography in healthy volunteers: an 11-year follow-up

Aim To study longitudinal changes in optic nerve head (ONH) topography in healthy volunteers. Methods One eye each of 36 healthy volunteers was prospectively followed for 11 (7–13) years with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph I (HRT I). All eyes had normal visual fields, non-glaucomatous ONHs, no defects on red-free nerve fibre layer photographs and intraocular pressure (IOP) <22 mm Hg. During the follow-up, no eye developed glaucoma; visual fields remained normal, and no longitudinal changes appeared in nerve fibre layers assessed from red-free photographs or ONHs assessed from stereophotographs. The median baseline and follow-up IOPs were comparable (15 mm Hg, range 10–20 mm Hg; and 16 mm Hg; range 10 to 22 mm Hg, respectively; p=0.38). Images were re-evaluated with HRT III and ONHs graded as normal, borderline or glaucomatous with the Moorfield Regression Analysis (MRA). Results Significant changes in HRT parameters indicating increased ONH cupping were detected in cup area (p=0.013), cup-to disc area ratio (p=0.015), rim area (p=0.015), mean cup depth (p=0.006) and cup shape measure (p<0.001). With the MRA classification, nine eyes (9/31, 29%) had changed for the worse in the global or any of the sector classifications. Conclusion Age-dependent changes occur in ONH topography detectable with the HRT.
Redox‐sensitive transcriptional control by a thiol/disulphide switch in the global regulator, Spx

The Spx protein is indispensable for survival of Bacillus subtilis under disulphide stress. Its interaction with the α‐subunit of RNA polymerase is required for transcriptional induction of genes that function in thiol homeostasis, such as thioredoxin (trxA) and thioredoxin reductase (trxB). The N‐terminal end of Spx contains a Cys–X–X–Cys (CXXC) motif, which is a likely target for redox‐sensitive control. We show here that Spx directly activates trxA and ‐B transcription by interacting with the RNA polymerase α‐subunit, but it does so only under an oxidized condition. The transcriptional activation by Spx requires formation of an intramolecular disulphide bond between two cysteine residues that reside in the CXXC motif. The mechanism of Spx‐dependent transcriptional activation is unique in that it does not involve initial Spx–DNA interaction.