Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic transfer of Pseudomonas aeruginosa R factors to plant pathogenic Erwinia species

The R factors RP1, R68 and R91 were freely transmissible to and from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, and various plant pathogenic Erwinia spp. The antibiotic resistance spectrum of R+ Erwinia recipients was similar to those of other bacteria harboring these R factors, but maximum resistance levels differed with each recipient. The sponstaneous elimination of these factors from the Erwinia strains and the ability to transfer multiple antibiotic resistance suggest that these exist as plasmids in these hosts. Several, but not all, RP1-carrying Erwinia strains were sensitive to the RP1 specific phage PRR1. The R factor R18-1 was also transferred from P. aeruginosa to Erwinia spp. R18-1 was unstable in all Erwinia strains. Stable strains were isolated in which R18-1 could not be eliminated by sodium dodecyl sulfate and could not be transferred to other strains.
Application of AgNOR ( Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Regions ) Staining in Distinction of Non Neoplastic and Neoplastic Endometrial Lesions

Study of AgNOR has been identified as a reliable indicator of cell proliferation and in turn, allows a clear distinction between benign, premalignant, and malignant epithelial changes. The aim of this study was to analyze and evaluate the application of AgNOR method as diagnostic tool in non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of endometrium. The study included evaluation of AgNOR staining on a total of 50 cases of endometrial specimens obtained by hysterectomy and dilatation and curettage sent for histopathology. Paraffin blocks of the above selected cases were taken for hematoxylin and eosin, and AgNOR staining. Out of total cases of endometrial specimens studied, sixteen cases were normal proliferative and secretory endometrium served as control. Twenty nine cases were non-neoplastic lesions and five cases were neoplastic. In present study, 8 cases of proliferative phase endometrium showed mean AgNOR count being 2.35 and 8 cases of secretory endometrium showed mean AgNOR count being 1.55 AgNOR/nucleus. In non-neoplastic lesion group, simple hyperplasia, complex hyperplasia and complex hyperplasia with atypia showed mean AgNOR count being 3.41, 3.71 and 4.3 AgNOR/nucleus respectively. In neoplastic lesions benign endometrial polyp showed mean AgNOR count 3.48 AgNOR/ nucleus, whereas cases of endometrial carcinoma showed mean AgNOR count 5.62 AgNOR/nucleus. ANOVA t test was done and all the values were found to be statistically significant (p value< 0.0001). Present study suggests that AgNOR counts are reliable markers of endometrial proliferation and allow a clear distinction between non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of endometrium.
M or M-like protein gene polymorphisms in human group G streptococci

Many group G streptococci (GGS) isolated from infected humans (but not from animal sources) express M or M-like proteins with biological, immunochemical, and genetic features similar to those of group A streptococci (GAS). To further elucidate the recently proposed M-like protein gene (emmL gene) polymorphisms in GGS, Southern blots of genomic DNAs from 38 epidemiologically unrelated GGS strains isolated from human specimens and 12 GGS strains recovered from animal sources were hybridized with oligonucleotide probes designed to specifically detect GAS M class I and M class II M protein (emm) genes. All human-associated GGS strains showed DNA homology to the GAS M class I emm gene probe, whereas no hybridization was found with DNA from any of the animal-associated strains. The emmL genes from all human isolates were amplified by PCR, and the complete sequence of the emmL gene of the Rebecca Lancefield grouping strain D166B was determined. Again, this gene exhibited the structural features typical for emm genes of M class I GAS. The 5' regions of the PCR-amplified emmL genes of the remaining 37 human GGS strains were sequenced. This region showed a sequence diversity similar to that known for GAS emm genes. When strains whose N-terminal emmL gene sequences showed a homology of > 95% were defined as belonging to one genetic type, 30 strains were segregated into six distinct genetic types, whereas the remaining 8 strains each exhibited a unique emmL gene sequence. A high degree of homology between the N-terminal emmL gene segments of six GGS strains and the corresponding regions of either the emm12 or the emm57 gene of GAS was found, suggesting a horizontal gene transfer between strains of these species of beta-hemolytic streptococci. Besides a further understanding of the evolution of GGS emmL genes, the observed emmL gene polymorphisms in GGS could provide the basis for a molecular subspecies delineation of strains and offers the potential of typing GGS for epidemiological purposes.
Investigation of the Content and of the Distribution of Chemical Elements in Human Nails by SRXRF

The purpose of this investigation is to analyze 20 nails in individuals (and several persons) for the definition of how chemical elements distribute from nail to nail. The aim was to determine whether it will be rightful to take only one nail for the elemental analysis for the diagnostic of human state in future or not? Another purpose of the research is to analyze the elemental content of nails in temporal dynamic (in several persons). Analytical determinations of 20 nails of nine donors (healthy persons), nails of both hands and both feet were carried out. The analysis was performed by SRXRF. Symmetry of the elemental distribution in nails of right and left hands and right and left feet was found. The analysis of the distribution of chemical elements on the total area of a nail (55 points) was performed. The nail cutaway reflects adequately the distribution of several chemical elements over the nail plate area. In this study the elemental concentrations in nails of three donors in a 6-month period was determined. This study found the content of the chemical elements in donors’ nails changes with time, individually.
Socialization and Behavioral Problems of Elementary School Pupils with Developmental Coordination Disorder

The present study examined the role of the developmental coordination disorder in 154 children's socialization and the expression of deviant behaviors in the context of Greek primary education. For assessment of their motor coordination, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children of Henderson and Sugden was used. The peer nomination method (sociogram) was used for the estimation of children's social status, and the expression of deviant behaviors was assessed via Conners' Teacher Questionnaire. Analyses showed that developmental coordination disorder was associated with poor socialization and the expression of deviant behaviors. These findings support the development of educational programs to include children with poor motor coordination.
Did Support for Economic and Political Reforms Increase During the Post‐Communist Transition, and If so, Why?

We study the dynamics of individual support for changes in the economic and political system, using a unique dataset for 12 transition economies over the period 1991–2004. We document that support for transition was initially lower in the CIS countries and that there has been a converging trend in the support for reforms between the CIS and the Baltic and Central and Eastern European countries. We suggest several explanations for the initial divergence and the post‐98 convergence in support for transition between these three groups of countries, and show that economic growth, declining income inequality and improving quality of governance have contributed to increase the support for transition. In addition, we find that increased support for the market economy and democracy in the CIS is accompanied by a larger increase in trust towards the political institutions. Our results also confirm the implications of Aghion et al. ()'s model of a negative correlation between trust and the demand for government regulation.
Domain I of β2-glycoprotein I: its role as an epitope and the potential to be developed as a specific target for the treatment of the antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) represents one of the most common acquired causes of thrombophilia and recurrent miscarriages. The only treatment of proven benefit is anticoagulation, often required at high intensity and life-long duration. This therapy can be associated with side effects such as bleeding and is not always effective. Hence, there remains a need for safer, targeted and ideally more effective therapies. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are pathogenic and promote thrombosis. Independent groups, including our own, have show that the major epitopes that pathogenic aPL targets lie within domain I of the protein β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI). This review focuses on the evidence presented thus far which characterizes the immunodominant epitopes within domain I, demonstrating that the epitope is a conformational one centred around residues R39—G43 and also involving other residues within domain I, such as residues D8 and D9. The hypothesis is proposed that a recombinant domain I molecule, and a recombinant mutant domain I with enhanced aPL binding properties, may be used as an inhibitor of aPL binding and thus inhibit aPL-induced pathogenicity. In vivo proof-of-concept studies within the murine femoral vein injury model are presented supporting this hypothesis, and the rationale as well as potential benefits and problems of employing such an approach to treat APS are discussed.
Clinical Evaluation of an In-House Reverse Transcription-Competitive PCR for Quantitation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 RNA in Plasma

ABSTRACT An in-house reverse transcription (RT)-competitive PCR (RT-cPCR) for the quantitation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA in plasma samples was developed and validated. The procedure involves (i) extraction of RNA with spin columns, (ii) ready-to-use bead-mediated RT, (iii) competitive PCR in a microtiter plate, (iv) agarose gel electrophoresis of the reaction products, and (v) densitometric analysis of the digitized image of the gel. Quadruplicate tests and dilution studies showed that the sensitivity and intertest coefficient of variability of the RT-cPCR are comparable to those of the reference AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR test. The results obtained by the two assays with a panel of 45 clinical samples were in good agreement (mean difference, 0.36 ± 0.25 log units). Analysis of 1,982 clinical samples by the in-house RT-cPCR yielded the typical range of plasma HIV-1 RNA levels with the expected inverse correlation between CD4 counts and HIV-1 RNA titers. In addition, testing of plasma from 36 subjects at weeks 0 and 4 with respect to the time of initiation of protease inhibitor therapy detected a significant decrease in HIV-1 viremia. The mean reduction in the HIV-1 RNA level was 0.914 log unit for those receiving saquinavir (P = 0.0210), 1.584 log units for those receiving indinavir (P = 0.0047), and 1.904 log units for those receiving ritonavir (P < 0.0001). The in-house RT-cPCR assay is simple to develop and perform and allows quantitation of HIV-1 RNA in 100 to 200 samples per operator per week. Since the cost is 1/8 to 1/10 of those of reference commercial assays, this procedure could be conveniently used in medium-scale laboratories.
AN INPUT–OUTPUT ANALYSIS OF TRENDS IN VIRTUAL WATER TRADE AND THE IMPACT ON WATER RESOURCES AND USES IN CHINA

This study investigates the impacts of China's international trade on its water resources and uses between 2002 and 2007. The results show a significant increase in water use efficiency in most sectors, especially the manufacturing sectors. However, the total net virtual water exported increased by about 75%, from 39.0 × 109 m3 to 68.2 × 109 m3. The ratio of net virtual water exports to the total water resources of the country increased from 1.8% to 3.1%. In water-scarce North China, the ratio increased from 3.6% to 5.1%, which indicates a growing water resources pressure. The share of the net virtual water exports in the total water use in China increased from 7% to 12%. The results suggest that China's economic gains from intensifying international trade came with high costs regarding its water resources.
Rapamycin attenuates the expression of cocaine‐induced place preference and behavioral sensitization

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine‐threonine kinase that controls global protein synthesis, in part, by modulating translation initiation, a rate‐limiting step for many mRNAs. Previous studies implicate mTOR in regulating stimulant‐induced sensitization and antidepressive‐like behavior in rodents, as well as drug craving in abstinent heroin addicts. To determine if signaling downstream of mTOR is affected by repeated cocaine administration in reward‐associated brain regions, and if inhibition of mTOR alters cocaine‐induced behavioral plasticity, C57BL/6J mice received four intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of 15 mg/kg cocaine and levels of phosphorylated P70S6 kinase and ribosomal S6 protein—two translational regulators directly downstream of mTOR—were analyzed by immunoblotting across several brain regions. Cocaine place preference and locomotor sensitization were elicited by four pairings of cocaine with a distinct environment and the effects of mTOR inhibition were assessed by pre‐treating the mice with 10 mg/kg rapamycin, 1 hour prior to: (1) each saline/cocaine conditioning session; (2) a post‐conditioning test; or (3) a test for locomotor sensitization conducted at 3 weeks withdrawal. While systemic pre‐treatment with 10 mg/kg rapamycin during conditioning failed to alter the development of a cocaine place preference or locomotor sensitization, pre‐treatment prior to the post‐conditioning test attenuated the expression of the place preference. Additionally, rapamycin pre‐treatment prior to a cocaine challenge 3 weeks post‐conditioning blocked the expression of the sensitized locomotor response. These findings suggest a role for mTOR activity, and perhaps translational control, in the expression of cocaine‐induced place preference and locomotor sensitization.
Acute and chronic ataxic neuropathies with disialosyl antibodies: A continuous clinical spectrum and a common pathophysiological mechanism

Acute ataxic neuropathies with disialosyl antibodies include Fisher syndrome, ataxic Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), and acute sensory ataxic neuropathy. Fisher syndrome and ataxic GBS are more strongly associated with IgG anti‐GQ1b and anti‐GT1a than with anti‐GD1b antibodies, whereas the association is reversed in the case of acute sensory ataxic neuropathy. Chronic ataxic neuropathy with disialosyl antibodies is associated with IgM paraprotein to GD1b and GQ1b, which occasionally reacts with GT1a. The clinical, electrophysiological, and pathological features, along with experimental findings, suggest that acute and chronic ataxic neuropathies with disialosyl antibodies form a continuous clinical and pathophysiological spectrum characterized by a complement‐mediated disruption at the nodal region and are better classified in the new category of nodo‐paranodopathies. Muscle Nerve 49: 629–635, 2014
Beyond the 'indicator industry': use and potential influences of sustainable development indicators in Finland and the EU

In order to assess progress towards sustainability, various indicators and indicator sets have been developed at multiple levels and sectors. Relatively little is known on whether they are actually used and what influences they may have. We examine the use of sustainable development indicators in Finland and across the EU based on document analysis and interviews with indicator developers and expected end–users. The results show that the indicators are used, but their use is largely confined to within what is known as the indicator industry, which comprises actors who are associated with indicator development. Barriers of use and possibilities to generate wider impacts on society are discussed. Possibilities for increasing the direct instrumental use of indicators outside the indicator industry appear less likely and less relevant than possibilities for advancing conceptual or political use. This has important implications on the attempts to enhance the influence of indicators in the industrial ecology and beyond.
Expression of sialosyl‐Tn in intestinal type cancer cells of human gastric cancers

A sample of 219 primary stomach cancers, 143 advanced cancers and 76 early cancers were examined for mucin histochemical staining (the paradoxical concanavalin A method, the galactose oxidase‐Schiff [GOS] reaction, and the sialidase‐GOS reaction) and immunohistochemical reactivity (pepsinogen [Pg] I, Pg II, SH‐9 and TKH‐2). Gastric cancer cells were clearly classified according to mucin histochemistry into a gastric type, including mucus neck cell, pyloric gland cell and surface mucus cell types, and an intestinal type, including goblet‐cell, and intestinal absorptive cell types. TKH‐2 monoclonal antibody, which recognizes the mucin‐associated sialosyl‐Tn antigen, reacted with the mucin of goblet cells in both the normal small intestine and in the intestinal metaplasia of the stomach. Sixty‐five of 106 (61%) differentiated adenocarcinomas and 76 of 113 (67%) undifferentiated adenocarcinomas had over 10% of their cancer cells positive for TKH‐2. The TKH‐2‐positive cancers were primarily classified as a goblet‐cell type by mucin‐histochemical staining and the other immunohistochemical staining methods. Therefore, it is concluded that sialosyl‐Tn is an excellent marker of small intestinal mucins and is indicative of a small intestinal type of differentiation in two‐thirds of gastric cancers.
THE SIZE OF HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTION: METHODOLOGICAL PROBLEMS AND ESTIMATES FOR THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY IN THE PERIOD 1964 TO 19801

Household production as well as other informal economic activities have received scant attention in economic science. In the last decade the view has been taken that there has been a big shift from formal to informal production. In order to examine this trend this article presents estimates for the size of household production for the Federal Republic of Germany which are based on time‐budget data collected from 1964 to 1980. To show the sensitivity of the results two different estimating methods the Opportunity Cost Method and the Market Cost Method, are used. Since productivity growth took place not only in the formal economy but also in household production, estimates will be presented which take productivity growth explicitly into account. The article concludes with a comparison of estimates for other countries.
Spiral antenna with adaptive radiation pattern under electronic control

Variations are introduced in the current flow of the outer circumference of the spiral antenna by applying short circuits at different points on this section of the antenna. Both one-point and two-point short-circuits are considered. It is shown that the direction of the antenna beam is a function of the position of the short-circuit(s), with the gain staying uniform within /spl plusmn/1 dB and VSWR changing within acceptable limits. The antenna can be used in applications requiring adaptive beam direction. Limitations of the technique to control the beam direction are also addressed.
Is Peritraumatic Dissociation a Risk Factor for PTSD?

ABSTRACT In the literature, peritraumatic dissociation is frequently considered to be a risk factor for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In the last few years, a large number of studies have investigated the connections between PTSD and peritraumatic dissociation. A meta-analysis was conducted, including 35 empirical studies that discuss the connections between peritraumatic dissociation and PTSD. Meta-analysis makes it possible to undertake a systematic integration of findings produced by primary studies of this kind to date. The average effect size was r = 0.36, indicating a significant positive correlation between the two dimensions. In this article, the authors make a distinction between correlate and risk factor. Therefore, subgroup analyses of quasi-prospective and retrospective studies were undertaken with a view to establishing whether peritraumatic dissociation represents a risk factor for the development of PTSD following a traumatic event. The average effect size in the quasi-prospective studies was r = 0.34, which was significant. From a methodological viewpoint, the results show that peritraumatic dissociation is a moderate risk factor for PTSD. Nonetheless, the conceptualization of peritraumatic dissociation in the framework of psychotraumatic stress syndromes–is it a predictor, a symptom, or something else entirely? –needs to be addressed by future research.
Optimal Enhancement and Lifetime of Software Systems: A Control Theoretic Analysis

We develop an optimal control model to maximize the net value provided by a software system over its useful life. The model determines the initial number of features in the system, the level of dynamic enhancement effort, and the lifetime of the system. The various factors affecting these optimal choices are systems characteristics (e.g., complexity, age, quality), user learning, and process maturity. We also consider that there is a time lag between the addition of a feature and the realization of its benefit to users. The basic model is extended to consider the decision of replacing the existing system by a new one.
16 Advances in the Pharmacotherapy of Bipolar Affective Disorder

Bipolar affective disorder is a chronic, relapsing and remitting mental illness with lifetime risk between 0.5 and 1.6% worldwide (Weissman et al. 1996). This prevalence increases to 5.5% for bipolar spectrum disorders comprising bipolar I, bipolar II and other subtypes (Reegeer et al. 2004). Bipolar disorder is a significant source of distress, disability, and loss of life through suicide (Woods 2000). It causes significant psychological and socioeconomic burden both to the patients and their carers. It remains as the sixth leading cause of disability among neuropsychiatric disorders in the world (WHO 1996). Almost 80% of the costs of bipolar disorder are indirect and only 5% is spent on drugs and another 15% on hospital charges (Dardennes et al 2006). If bipolar disorder is not treated adequately, relapses will occur more frequently with longer duration of episodes, decreased intervals between episodes and increased number of hospitalisation. In this chapter we review the recent advances in the pharmacotherapy of bipolar affective disorder, the management of which is constantly evolving due to better understanding of its pathophysiology and introduction of new drug treatments.