Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transient reexpression of an embryonic autonomous growth phenotype by adult carotid artery smooth muscle cells after vascular injury

High rates of vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) replication are observed, at least transiently, after injury to the arterial wall and contribute to the formation of a neointima. Neutralizing antibodies designed to inhibit growth of SMC have only been variably successful in inhibiting neointima formation, raising the possibility that neointimal cell proliferation involves unique growth mechanisms. This study examined the possibility that SMC isolated from injured rat carotid arteries would express an autonomous, mitogen‐independent growth phenotype similar to that utilized by embryonic vascular SMC during periods of rapid growth. We found that primary cultures of SMC isolated 7 and 14 days after injury, times at which high in vivo replication rates were observed, demonstrated high intrinsic DNA synthetic rates compared to SMC isolated from uninjured arteries or at 2, 4, 21, and 28 days after injury where in vivo replication rates were far less. Subcultured SMC isolated from 7‐day injured vessels (Neo7 SMC) exhibited a stable, autonomous growth phenotype, did not secrete detectable mitogenic activity, and had decreased α‐actin and myosin expression compared to mitogen‐dependent SMC. Heterokaryons constructed between autonomous Neo7 SMC and mitogen‐dependent SMC exhibited a mitogen‐dependent growth phenotype suggesting that nonautonomous SMC produce factors that actively inhibit autonomous growth. In contrast, heterokaryons constructed between Neo7 SMC and autonomous embryonic SMC retained an autonomous growth phenotype. We examined the expression of known tumor suppressors to determine if any of these factors played a role in inhibiting SMC autonomous growth. p27, p53, pRb, and PTEN were abundantly expressed by Neo7 SMC and e17 SMC under both basal and serum stimulated conditions. The data suggest that the mechanisms driving SMC replication during neointimal formation are self‐driven and self‐regulated, and that at specific times after injury, SMC escape normal growth suppressive mechanisms through the loss of intracellular growth suppressor activity. J. Cell. Physiol. 182:12–23, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Therapeutic efficacy of fleroxacin for eliminating catheter-associated urinary tract infection in a rabbit model.

The efficacy of fleroxacin as therapy for experimentally induced catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) was examined. A rabbit model of CAUTI using a closed urinary catheter drainage system and the mutant strain of Escherichia coli (WE 6933) were used to examine three dosage regimens (30 mg/kg q8h i.v.; 20 mg/kg q8h i.v.; and 10 mg/kg q8h++i.v.) of fleroxacin administered intravenously for 4 days. Quantitative bacterial counts, urinary concentrations of fleroxacin and desmethylferoxacin, histopathologic changes, and electron microscopic evaluation of catheter-associated biofilm and mucosal biofilm were performed. The results indicated that the bacterial biofilm on the urinary catheter could be eliminated by fleroxacin at 30 mg/kg q8h i.v. and 20 mg/kg q8h i.v. Fleroxacin concentrations in urine exceeded the levels necessary to destroy E. coli. Viable bacteria were eliminated with the third regimen (10 mg/kg q8h i.v.), but electron microscopy demonstrated remnants of bacterial biofilm. Histopathologic changes were significantly reduced in all fleroxacin-treated rabbits, and scanning electron microscopy showed deterioration of the bacterial biofilm on the surface of the Foley catheter in treated animals. These data suggest that fleroxacin may be useful for treating catheter-related infections because these therapeutic dosages limited ascending infections of the urethra and bladder, eliminated catheter-associated biofilms, and killed planktonic bacteria in urine.
Multiple Functions as Lipase, Steryl Ester Hydrolase, Phospholipase, and Acyltransferase of Tgl4p from the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae*

Triacylglycerol (TAG) hydrolysis, membrane lipid biosynthesis, and lipid turnover are largely interlinked processes. In yeast, TAG is mobilized by three TAG lipases named Tgl3p, Tgl4p, and Tgl5p, which are localized to lipid particles/droplets. These TAG lipases posses a conserved GXSXG motif that is characteristic of hydrolytic enzymes. Here, we demonstrated that the yeast TAG lipase Tgl4p, the functional ortholog of the adipose TAG lipase, ATGL, catalyzes multiple functions in lipid metabolism. An extended domain and motif search analysis revealed that Tgl4p bears not only a lipase consensus domain but also a conserved motif for calcium-independent phospholipase A2. We show that Tgl4p exhibits TAG lipase, steryl ester hydrolase, and phospholipase A2 activities, but surprisingly it also catalyzed the acyl-CoA-dependent acylation of lysophosphatidic acid to phosphatidic acid (PA). Heterologous overexpression of Tgl4p in Pichia pastoris increased total phospholipid and specifically PA synthesis. Moreover, deletion of TGL4 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed an altered pattern of phosphatidylcholine and PA molecular species. Altogether, our data suggest that yeast Tgl4p functions as a hydrolytic enzyme in lipid degradation but also contributes to fatty acid channeling and phospholipid remodeling.
Science education in Australia: time of change

The 21 st century will be characterised by our successes and failures to solve global issues, and solving our global issues will require a higher quality of science education. However, in science education in Australia it is time to decide to change. In the last decade, enrolments in senior secondary science have declined. With only half of the year 12 cohort completing science, the learning of science in the junior years becomes the only place where future generations of Australians will learn about why science matters. It is in the junior years, however where disenchantment with learning science commences. At all levels of secondary science there is evidence that the majority of students do not understand nor see the relevance of science to their future and the future of Australia. The re-emergence of an “inquiry pedagogy” in the Australian National Curriculum in Science aims to re-engage and challenge students. The issue that concepts in science are difficult to teach and learn remains. A “critical pedagogy”, which includes “inquiry” may be more holistic. Whatever the decision on pedagogy, the issue of assessment in science education, which has traditionally been punitive, must be addressed. Science education at the tertiary level raises similar questions about pedagogies of learning, because academics cover content at an accelerated pace. Moreover, academics are under pressure from increased workloads. This is a result of enrolment of a more diverse student body, decreased resources and fierce competition for research funding. The newest development in science education at the tertiary level is the arrival of Massive On-line Open Courses (MOOCs), which has the potential to alter universities and academics. The troubling reality is that science education will not improve at tertiary level until value is placed on education as much as research. Two tertiary discipline networks; Vision and Innovation in Biology Education (VIBEnet) and Collaborative Universities Biomedical Education (CUBEnet) are initiatives of the Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT) in Australia. These networks provide a place for academics to close the gap between research and teaching to so that the academy can benefit from both research and education. There has never been a greater sense of urgency to resolve these issues so science education can contribute to the science of the future.
Una comparación de rendimiento entre bases de datos NoSQL: MongoDB y ArangoDB

En la actualidad, se genera gran cantidad de información y datos, es por esto que aparecen soluciones alternativas a lo ya existente, tal es el caso de las bases de datos no relacionales o NoSQL, dichas bases de datos funcionan mejor ante un gran volumen de datos en comparación con las SQL. Sin embargo, se han publicado varias investigaciones en cuanto al rendimiento de las bases de datos NoSQL, pero no existe mucha información acerca del comportamiento que tienen estos Sistemas Gestores de Bases de Datos (SGBD) con datos geográficos, es por esto que el presente artículo plantea una comparación en cuanto al tiempo de respuesta entre los SGBD MongoDB y ArangoDB. Para realizar esta comparación se realizaron pruebas en dos escenarios de prueba, denominados 100% lectura y 95% lectura–5% escritura. Además, para ambos escenarios se ejecutaron 10 diferentes tamaños de operación. Los resultados obtenidos permiten concluir que, en ambos escenarios estudiados, el SGBD que presentó un mejor desempeño fue el de MongoDB.
Internationalising audit: A study of audit approaches in the netherlands

This article reports the results of a detailed study into the audit approaches of fifteen audit firms located in the Netherlands. Through using audit firm manuals, questionnaires and other materials the audit approaches were analysed and compared to International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). It was found that the degree of international influence on the audit approaches of the specific firms possesses explanatory value with regard to the level of conformity with the ISAs. Notwithstanding that most specific Dutch elements in audit approaches are disappearing, the remaining elements can be understood in the context of the historical evolution of auditing in the Netherlands.
Volunteering within Initial Teacher Education: Factors that Boost and Block Participation

Voluntary professional experience can be a powerful way for initial teacher education (ITE) students to develop an understanding of schools and their communities. Do ITE students make use of these opportunities? There is little Australian research that explores genuine volunteering that does not “require” students to engage with the community. We conducted an on-line survey with 141 ITE students who were eligible to participate in a volunteer program. What factors reduced volunteering and what factors enhanced it? The results showed that, while students value volunteering and can point to benefits that come from it, most are unable or unwilling to participate. What factors differentiate those students who do volunteer despite the demands of complex, busy lives?
ontribution of Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation to ongestive Heart Failure After Myocardial Infarction

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to define the contribution of ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) to the occurrence of congestive heart failure (CHF) after myocardial infarction (MI). BACKGROUND After MI, CHF is a frequent and serious complication, but its determinants and, particularly, the role of IMR are poorly defined. METHODS We analyzed 173 asymptomatic patients with previous Q-wave MI ( 16 days) with echocardiographic quantitation of IMR (measuring effective regurgitant orifice [ERO] and regurgitant volume). The 102 patients with IMR were matched to 71 patients without IMR for age (71 11 years vs. 68 9 years; p 0.11), gender (76% vs. 82% males; p 0.41), and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) (37 14% vs. 36 11%; p 0.92). RESULTS Five-year rates of CHF and of CHF or cardiac death (CD) were 36 5% and 52 5%, respectively. Independent determinants of CHF were EF, sodium plasma level, and presence and degree of IMR (p 0.0001). Five-year CHF rates were 18 5% without mitral regurgitation (MR), 53 7% with IMR, 46 9% with ERO 1 to 19 mm and 68 12% with ERO 20 mm (all p 0.0001). The adjusted relative risk of CHF was 3.65 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.86 to 7.75) for IMR presence and 4.42 (95% CI 1.9 to 10.5) for ERO 20 mm. The adjusted relative risk of CHF/CD was 2.97 (95% CI 1.77 to 5.16) for IMR presence and 4.4 (95% CI 2.4 to 8.2) for ERO 20 mm. CONCLUSIONS After MI, incidence of CHF and of CHF/CD are high even in patients with no or minimal symptoms at baseline and are higher in patients with IMR. Congestive heart failure is independently determined by larger ERO of IMR. These data suggest that detecting and quantifying IMR is essential for risk stratification after MI. Value of IMR treatment in improving post-MI outcome should be investigated. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2005;45:260–7) ublished by Elsevier Inc. doi:10.1016/j.jacc. 2004.10. 030
Going Native: Incentive, Identity and the Inherent Ethical Problem of In-House Counsel

Corporate legal departments have undergone a significant transformation over the past three decades, growing in size and influence, as well as the scope and complexity of their duties. This trend has highlighted the fact that in-house counsel are, by their very nature, unable to exercise the independent judgment that is the hallmark of the legal profession and a fundamental ethical requirement for all attorneys. This tension is omnipresent in the myriad roles which in-house counsel play as advisor, advocate and gatekeeper.Scholarship examining the independence dilemma for the in-house attorney has generally attributed the problem to one of two broad causes: incentive or identity. First, the structure within which in-house counsel are employed, compensated, assessed and rewarded creates incentives for attorneys to comply with corporate objectives, rather exercise independent legal judgment. Second, through years of working solely within one corporation, in-house counsel develops an identity that is more closely aligned with the organization than with his profession. This results in cognitive biases which impair the attorney’s independent judgment. This article seeks to build on the earlier scholarship, which addressed either the causative influence of incentive or that of identity, by examining the complex interplay between the two and the intractable ethical conflict that results. Concluding that the independence problem of is likely not resolvable under the current corporate legal department model, the article proposes broad reforms that would effectively eliminate the role of in-house counsel by: a) utilizing instead firm attorneys who would be seconded to the company for a finite period of time; and b) creating business legal advisory positions within companies that would not be subject to the same ethical rules as practicing attorneys and would not enjoy the protection of attorney-client privilege in their communications. Such a solution would help to ensure that corporations receive the objective advice they require and that the most fundamental of attorney ethical obligations – that of independence – is preserved.
Numerical Simulation of Paced Electrogram Fractionation: Relating Clinical Observations to Changes in Fibrosis and Action Potential Duration

Introduction: Paced electrogram fractionation analysis (PEFA) may identify a re‐entrant substrate in patients at risk of ventricular fibrillation (VF) by detecting prolonged, fractionated ventricular electrograms (“fractionation”) in response to premature extrastimuli. Numerical simulations of action potential (AP) propagation through human myocardium following such premature stimulation were performed to study the relationship between electrogram fractionation, fibrosis, and changes in AP currents.
Role of Src Kinases in Mobilization of Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Decay-Accelerating Factor by Dr Fimbria-Positive Adhering Bacteria

ABSTRACT Afa/Dr fimbriae constitute the major virulence factor of diffusely adhering Escherichia coli (Afa/Dr DAEC). After recognizing membrane-bound signaling receptors, they trigger cell responses. One of these receptors is the human decay-accelerating factor (hDAF). It has previously been reported that the binding of Afa/Dr fimbriae to hDAF quickly induces recruitment of hDAF around adhering bacteria. The aim of our study is to analyze the role of Src kinases in the Dr fimbria-induced recruitment of hDAF. Using biochemical methods and confocal microscopy followed by 3-dimensional (3D) analysis, we have shown that the activation and cell membrane targeting of Src kinases are necessary for the recruitment and organization of hDAF around adhering bacteria. We identified c-Src to be the specific kinase involved in this process. Using a set of Src-green fluorescent protein mutants, we showed that the catalytic activity and the Src homology 2 (SH2) and SH3 domains of the Src kinases are necessary for Dr fimbria-induced hDAF mobilization to occur. In addition, using mutated Dr fimbriae and a set of mutated hDAFs in which each of the complement control protein (CCP) domains had successively been deleted, we found that the aspartic acids at position 54 in the Dr fimbriae and in CCP domain 4 of hDAF played pivotal roles in the mobilization of the Src kinases and hDAF, respectively.
Ethnopolitical Rebellion: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the 1980s with Risk Assessments for the 1990s

Theory: A synthetic theoretical model built on both deprivation and resource mobilization arguments is constructed to explain ethnopolitical rebellion for the 1 980s and to provide risk assessments for the early 1990s. Hypotheses: We hypothesize that ethnopolitical groups which produce residuals well below the regression line will likely exhibit rebellious behavior in the early 1990s. Methods: We use a three stage least squares estimator, analyze the coefficients and their standard errors, and also examine the residuals. Results: We find broad support for the theoretical synthesis, but focus attention on the risk assessments. In addition to identifying ethnopolitical groups that did resort to greater violence in the early 1 990s, the theoretical model helps us explain why a number of groups that the analysis suggested would rebel in the early 1 990s have not in fact done so.
Proteomics Approach Identifies Factors Associated With the Response to Low‐Density Lipoprotein Apheresis Therapy in Patients With Steroid‐Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome

Low‐density lipoprotein apheresis (LDL‐A) has been shown to reduce proteinuria in a subgroup of nephrotic syndrome patients refractory to immunosuppressive therapy. Factors influencing the efficacy of LDL‐A in nephrotic syndrome are completely unknown. Using a proteomics approach, we aimed to identify biological markers that predict the response to LDL‐A in patients with steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Identification of plasma proteins bound to the dextran‐sulfate column at the first session of LDL‐A was determined by mass spectrometry. To investigate biological factors associated with the response to LDL‐A, we compared profiles of column‐bound proteins between responders (defined by more than 50% reduction of proteinuria after the treatment) and non‐responders by 2‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) coupled to mass spectrometry in seven patients with SRNS. Evaluation of proteins adsorbed to LDL‐A column in patients with SRNS revealed the identity of 62 proteins, which included apolipoproteins, complement components, and serum amyloid P‐component (SAP). Comparative analysis of the column‐bound proteins between responders and non‐responders by 2‐DE demonstrated that apolipoprotein E (APOE) and SAP levels were increased in non‐responders as compared with responders. These results were confirmed by western blotting. Moreover, serum levels of APOE and SAP were significantly higher in the non‐responder group than in the responder group by ELISA. Our data provide comprehensive analysis of proteins adsorbed by LDL‐A in SRNS, and demonstrate that the serum levels of APOE and SAP may be used to predict the response to LDL‐A in these patients.
Viruses, Bacterioplankton, and Phytoplankton in the Southeastern Gulf of Mexico: Distribution and Contribution to Oceanic DNA Pools

Little is known concerning the factors which might control the distribution of viral abundance in oceanic environments and the relationship of viruses to the oceanic DNA pool. We have measured the distribution of viruses, bacterioplankton and phytoplankton in the subtropical southeastern Gulf of Mexico and related these parameters to the distribution of DNA (dissolved and particulate) in these waters. Viral direct counts were 4.6 to 27 X 106ml-' in Tampa Bay (Florida, USA), 3.8 to 8.5 X 105 ml-' in all oceanic euphotic zone samples and 1.4 to 4.7 X 104 ml-' in deep (200 to 2500 m) waters, and were highly correlated with chlorophyll a concentrations (r = 0.97), particulate DNA (r = 0.96) and bacterial direct counts (BDC, r = 0.94). A vertical profile indicated a subsurface euphotic zone maximum in viral direct counts that corresponded with maxima for particulate and dissolved DNA, and picocyanobacterial direct counts. For all stations, the vertical distribution of viruses most closely followed the distribution of particulate DNA. Bacterioplankton made the largest contnbution ( z 50 %) to the particulate (> 0.2 pm) DNA pool while phytoplankton averaged 8 %. A predictive model for particulate DNA was determined to be: Particulate DNA (pg 1-') = 4.94 X 10-"BDC I ' ) + 2.31 [chlorophyll a (pg I-')] + 2.77. DNA in viral particles was estimated to comprise only ca 4 % of the dissolved DNA pool. These results suggest that the distribution of viruses is tightly coupled to the distribution of microbial biomass in subtropical oceanic water column environments. Viruses may be instrumental in the production of dissolved DNA, but themselves are not a significant component of the dissolved DNA.
Laparoscopic gastrointestinal anastomoses using knotless barbed absorbable sutures are safe and reproducible: a single-center experience with 242 patients.

OBJECTIVE Intracorporeal reconstruction of the digestive tract is technically challenging. The V-Loc 180 wound closure device (Covidien) is a self-anchoring unidirectional barbed suture that obviates the need for knot tying. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the use of the novel suture in gastrointestinal enterotomy closure. METHODS The subjects comprised patients with malignant disease who were scheduled to undergo laparoscopic gastrectomy with curative intent. The barbed suture was used to close the entry hole for the linear stapler during intracorporeal reconstruction following laparoscopic gastric resection. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who developed anastomotic leakage at the site where the barbed suture was applied. RESULTS Between July 2012 and March 2015, 242 patients were enrolled. Of 362 anastomoses, the enterotomy hole at 256 sites was closed using the barbed suture. These 256 sites consisted of 95 gastroduodenostomies, 25 gastrogastrostomies, 13 gastrojejunostomies, 90 jejunojejunostomies, 17 esophagojejunostomies and 16 primary closures of the stomach following local gastric resection. There were no anastomosis-related complications, conversion to usual sutures, mechanical closure of the entry hole and reoperation due to adhesive obstructions or mortality over a median follow-up period of 17.8 months. CONCLUSIONS The use of the unidirectional barbed absorbable suture for gastrointestinal closure is safe and effective in laparoscopic gastrectomy.