Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory PAS Domain Protein (IPAS) Is a Hypoxia-inducible Splicing Variant of the Hypoxia-inducible Factor-3α Locus*

The inhibitory PAS (Per/Arnt/Sim) domain protein, IPAS, functions as a dominant negative regulator of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) by forming complexes with those proteins that fail to bind to hypoxia response elements of target genes. We have previously observed that IPAS is predominantly expressed in mice in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and in corneal epithelium of the eye where it appears to play a role in negative regulation of angiogenesis and maintenance of an avascular phenotype. Sequencing of the mouse IPAS genomic structure revealed that IPAS is a splicing variant of the HIF-3α locus. Thus, in addition to three unique exons (1a, 4a, and 16) IPAS shares three exons (2, 4, and 5) with HIF-3α as well as alternatively spliced variants of exons 3 and 6. In experiments using normal mice and mice exposed to hypoxia (6% O2) for 6 h we observed alternative splicing of the HIF-3α transcript in the heart and lung. The alternatively spliced transcript was only observed under hypoxic conditions, thus defining a novel mechanism of hypoxia-dependent regulation of gene expression. Importantly, this mechanism may establish negative feedback loop regulation of adaptive responses to hypoxia/ischemia in these tissues.
Optimal selection of independent components for event-related brain electrical potential enhancement

A method based on independent component analysis (ICA) is proposed for the enhancement of multi-channel event-related evoked potential (EP). P300-related independent components are selected according to the a priori knowledge of P300 spatio-temporal pattern, and clear P300 peak is reconstructed by back projection of ICA. It is used for P300 detection in P3 speller brain computer interface and for P100 detection in clinical applications. Encouraging performance is obtained by the method. The number of trials needed is reduced, but the estimated EP signal is clearer than that obtained by conventional ensemble averaging. Applied to the dataset IIb of BCI Competition 2003, the algorithm achieved an accuracy of 100% in P300 detection within 5 repetitions.
Epidemiologic Import of Tuberculosis Cases Whose Isolates Have Similar but Not Identical IS6110 Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Patterns

ABSTRACT Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from patients with epidemiologic links frequently demonstrate identical IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns (i.e., RFLP clustering) because they are infected with the same strain. Uncertainty arises with isolates that differ from one another by a few IS6110 hybridizing bands. During the period from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 1999, isolates from 585 tuberculosis (TB) cases were analyzed by RFLP, representing 98.2% of the 596 culture-positive TB cases reported in Arkansas during the study period. Of the 585 cases for which RFLP was available, 419 (71.6%) had an RFLP pattern with more than five copies of IS6110. Of the total 74 clusters, 48 comprised isolates with more than five copies of IS6110 and included 164 cases. Sixty-nine isolates with more than five copies of IS6110 comprising 16 clusters and 60 unique isolates were found to be similar to at least 1 other isolate (differing from it by one or two hybridizing bands). Among the 129 cases whose isolates were similar to other clustered or unique isolates, 16 cases were discovered with epidemiologic links: 14 (15.2%) were among the 92 cases with IS6110 RFLP patterns similar to those in clusters, and 2 (5.2%) were among the 37 unique cases that were similar to another unique case. The isolates from the epidemiologically linked patients shared common spoligotypes; all except one case shared common polymorphic GC-rich sequence (PGRS) patterns. Of the 129 patients whose isolates differed from another by one or two hybridizing IS6110 bands, 101 (78.3%) shared common spoligotypes and 87 (67.4%) shared common PGRS RFLP patterns.
Postsynaptic targets of somatostatin‐containing interneurons in the rat basolateral amygdala

The basolateral amygdala contains several subpopulations of inhibitory interneurons that can be distinguished on the basis of their content of calcium‐binding proteins or peptides. Although previous studies have shown that interneuronal subpopulations containing parvalbumin (PV) or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) innervate distinct postsynaptic domains of pyramidal cells as well as other interneurons, very little is known about the synaptic outputs of the interneuronal subpopulation that expresses somatostatin (SOM). The present study utilized dual‐labeling immunocytochemical techniques at the light and electron microscopic levels to analyze the innervation of pyramidal cells, PV+ interneurons, and VIP+ interneurons in the anterior basolateral amygdalar nucleus (BLa) by SOM+ axon terminals. Pyramidal cell somata and dendrites were selectively labeled with antibodies to calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMK); previous studies have shown that the vast majority of dendritic spines, whether CAMK+ or not, arise from pyramidal cells. Almost all SOM+ axon terminals formed symmetrical synapses. The main postsynaptic targets of SOM+ terminals were small‐caliber CaMK+ dendrites and dendritic spines, some of which were CaMK+. These SOM+ synapses with dendrites were often in close proximity to asymmetrical (excitatory) synapses to these same structures formed by unlabeled terminals. Few SOM+ terminals formed synapses with CaMK+ pyramidal cell somata or large‐caliber (proximal) dendrites. Likewise, only 15% of SOM+ terminals formed synapses with PV+, VIP+, or SOM+ interneurons. These findings suggest that inhibitory inputs from SOM+ interneurons may interact with excitatory inputs to pyramidal cell distal dendrites in the BLa. These interactions might affect synaptic plasticity related to emotional learning. J. Comp. Neurol. 500:513–529, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chromosome Organization by a Nucleoid-Associated Protein in Live Bacteria

Super-resolution imaging in live Escherichia coli reveals protein clusters that sequester DNA loci and organize the chromosome. Bacterial chromosomes are confined in submicrometer-sized nucleoids. Chromosome organization is facilitated by nucleoid-associated proteins (NAPs), but the mechanisms of action remain elusive. In this work, we used super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, in combination with a chromosome-conformation capture assay, to study the distributions of major NAPs in live Escherichia coli cells. Four NAPs—HU, Fis, IHF, and StpA—were largely scattered throughout the nucleoid. In contrast, H-NS, a global transcriptional silencer, formed two compact clusters per chromosome, driven by oligomerization of DNA-bound H-NS through interactions mediated by the amino-terminal domain of the protein. H-NS sequestered the regulated operons into these clusters and juxtaposed numerous DNA segments broadly distributed throughout the chromosome. Deleting H-NS led to substantial chromosome reorganization. These observations demonstrate that H-NS plays a key role in global chromosome organization in bacteria.
Continuous intrathecal baclofen infusions induced a marked increase of the transcranially evoked silent period in a patient with generalized dystonia

We observed a marked prolongation of the transcranially evoked silent period during continuous intrathecal administration of high doses of the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)B receptor agonist baclofen in a patient with generalized dystonia. Size of motor evoked potentials and central conduction time remained unchanged during intrathecal baclofen administration. The selective prolongation of the silent period during high‐dose continuous intrathecal baclofen therapy supports the notion that GABAB‐ergic intracortical interneurons play a part in the generation of the transcranially evoked silent period. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 21:1209–1212, 1998.
Ultra-Thin Integrated ALD Alumina Electron-transparent Windows for Nanoreactor Applications

Nanocatalysis has received considerable attention in the scientific community due to their superior reactivity compared to their macro-sized counterparts. MEMS nanoreactors allow scientists to view these reactions in-situ. This opens up doors to finally understanding the underlying mechanisms of the nanocatalyst's effectiveness, which may eventually improve our every day lives. This thesis focuses on the viewing port of the device -- the electron-transparent window (ETW) -- and how they can be improved for future generations. From scattering theory, it was determined that the best way to improve the imaging quality of current ETWs was to develop thinner ones. Two questions were then asked: can a thinner ETW be integrated into a nanoreactor process? If so, how will it affect the mechanical strength of the ETW? Aluminum oxide (alumina) was chosen specifically because of its deposition method, atomic layer deposition (ALD). The characteristics and material properties of ALD alumina were assessed and it was determined that they are suitable for ETW applications. Using ALD alumina presented a few challenges in its integration into nanoreactors, especially the use of vapor hydrogen fluoride. ALD alumina ETWs were able to be successfully integrated into a nanoreactor down to 5 nm thick. The 5 nm alumina ETWs are able to withstand a pressure difference at least 0.75 bar, however they were not able to survive inside a TEM as they disintegrated immediately under the electron beam. Alumina ETWs that are 10 nm were able to be imaged in a TEM. These windows were tested in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to showcase the improved electron-transparency. The ultra-thin ALD alumina ETWs can improve the imaging quality of nanoreactors, due to their lower thickness compare to current nanoreactors. The successful release of 5 nm membranes may also be useful for other applications, such as sensors.
A Review of the Empirical Literature on Ethical Decision-Making: 2004-2010

This review summarizes the empirical ethical decision-making studies from 2004 to 2010. A total of 106 articles were identified in top business journals publishing during this period. Tables present the findings by variables. This review is also compared to previous ones to conclude the trends in the recent research and direct future study.
Exercise training utilizing body weight-supported treadmill walking with a young adult with cerebral palsy who was non-ambulatory

Purpose The purpose of this case report is to determine the effects of exercise training using body weight-supported treadmill walking (BWSTW) with an 18-year-old male diagnosed with Cerebral palsy (CP) who was non-ambulatory and not receiving physical therapy. Case description: Outcome measures included the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion, 3-minute walk test and physiological cost index (PCI). BWSTW sessions took place twice a week for 6 weeks with a reduction of approximately 40% of the patient's weight. Results: Over-ground 3-minute walk test distance and PCI were essentially unchanged. BWSTW exercise time increased by 67% with a 43% increase in speed while average working HR decreased by 8%. BWSTW PCI decreased by 26%. PedsQL parent report improved in all domains. PedsQL self-report demonstrated a mild decrease. PEDI showed improvements in self-care and mobility. Discussion: Exercise utilizing BWSTW resulted in a positive training effect for this young adult with CP who was non-ambulatory. Developing effective and efficient protocols for exercise training utilizing BWSTW may aid in the use of this form of exercise and further quantify outcomes. Ensuring that young adults with CP have safe and feasible options to exercise and be physically active on a regular basis is an important role of a physical therapist.
B-type natriuretic peptide and renal function in the diagnosis of heart failure: an analysis from the Breathing Not Properly Multinational Study.

BACKGROUND Both B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and renal function are prognostic indicators of survival in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). However, relationships between BNP, renal function, and heart failure as an emergency diagnosis are unknown. METHODS The Breathing Not Properly Multinational Study was a prospectively designed diagnostic test evaluation study conducted in seven centers. Of 1,586 participants who presented with acute dyspnea, 1,452 patients (91.6%) had both BNP level and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) available. Patients with an eGFR less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 and those on dialysis therapy were excluded. The final diagnosis was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists who were blinded to BNP results. RESULTS The final diagnosis was CHF in 715 patients (49.2%). Raw and log-log transformed correlations between BNP and eGFR values were r = -0.19 and r = -0.17 for those with CHF and r = -0.20 and r = -0.31 for those without CHF (both P < 0.0001 for r not equal 0). Mean BNP levels were 561.6 pg/mL (162.3 fmol/mL), 647.5 pg/mL (187.1 fmol/mL), 745.6 pg/mL (215.5 fmol/mL), and 850.7 pg/mL (245.8 fmol/mL) for those with CHF and 85.4 pg/mL (24.7 fmol/mL), 131.7 pg/mL (38.1 fmol/mL), 297.2 pg/mL (85.9 fmol/mL), and 285.0 pg/mL (82.3 fmol/mL) for those without CHF in eGFR categories of 90 or greater, 89 to 60, 59 to 30, and less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and optimum cut points for BNP were 0.91 and 70.7 pg/mL (20.4 fmol/mL), 0.90 and 104.3 pg/mL (30.1 fmol/mL), 0.81 and 201.2 pg/mL (58.1 fmol/mL), and 0.86 and 225.0 pg/mL (65.0 fmol/mL) for the eGFR categories of 90 or greater, 89 to 60, 59 to 30, and less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. CONCLUSION Renal function correlates weakly with BNP and influences the optimal cut point for BNP, particularly in those with an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.
Psychometrische Überprüfung der deutschsprachigen Adaptation des Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF-4C+) – Ein neues Messinstrument zur Erfassung von Zahnbehandlungsängsten

Zusammenfassung Der von Armfield entwickelte englischsprachige Fragebogen zur komplexen Erfassung von Zahnbehandlungsängsten und Dentalphobien „Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear“ (IDAF-4C+) wurde in deutscher Übertragung hinsichtlich seiner Güte überprüft. Dazu wurde der IDAF-4C+ zusammen mit der „Dental Anxiety Scale“, dem „Dental Fear Survey“ sowie dem „Beck-Angstinventar“ insgesamt 287 Zahnarztpatienten vorgegeben, davon 188 aus einer auf Dentalphobie spezialisierten Angstambulanz. Die in australischen Untersuchungen gefundene gute Reliabilität des IDAF-Basismoduls Zahnbehandlungsangst konnte mit der deutschen Übersetzung etwas übertroffen werden. Die Güte der beiden Zusatzmodule war für das Stimulusmodul noch gut und für das Phobiemodul jedoch zu gering. Hinsichtlich der faktoriellen Validität konnten das Basis- und das Phobiemodul bestätigt werden, das Stimulusmodul jedoch nur teilweise. Mit der deutschsprachigen Übertragung des IDAF-4C+ liegt damit erstmals ein Fragebogen vor, der nicht nur das Ausmaß von Zahnbehandlungsängsten erfasst, sondern darüber hinaus die angstauslösenden Stimuli diagnostiziert und zwischen der Zahnbehandlungsangst und der Dentalphobie differenzieren soll.
Induction of monooxygenase activity in the intestine of spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), a marine teleost, by dietary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

The response of intestinal monooxygenases to dietary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure was evaluated in spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), a marine teleost fish. Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activities were highest in the pyloric caeca and in the proximal half of the intestine. Intestinal microsomes from fish given control diets had very low levels of EROD and AHH activities relative to those in liver. After exposure to a diet containing 10 mg of 3-methylcholanthrene/kg of food, the levels of intestinal EROD and AHH activities increased 36-fold and 17-fold, respectively, such that intestinal monooxygenase activity exceeded that of the liver, which was not induced by this treatment. A significant increase in intestinal monooxygenase activity occurred in fish receiving dietary benzo[a]pyrene (BP) at concentrations as low as 10 micrograms of BP/kg food. A 5-fold increase in intestinal AHH and EROD activities was observed within 3 hr after administration of dietary BP. A plateau in gut monooxygenase activity occurred after approximately 3 days of PAH exposure; these activities decreased to control levels within 3 days after replacing the PAH diet with the control diet. Starvation resulted in disappearance of detectable monooxygenase activity. Monoclonal antibody (MAB 1-12-3) against the major PAH-inducible cytochrome P-450 (P-450E) in the liver of the marine teleost (Stenotomus chrysops) [Park et al. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 249, 399 (1986)] recognized a single protein band in intestinal microsomes, with Mr near 54,000, which we conclude is the spot counterpart to cytochrome P-450E. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
IMS PharmaDeals Review of 2014

M&A and partnering deal values soared in 2014, in what was a record-breaking year for dealmaking in the life sciences sector. After mostly abstaining from acquisitions in 2013, big pharma appetite for M&A increased significantly, despite an overall downturn in deal activity, and the multibillion dollar deal returned to prominence. Creativity in M&A also emerged, as evidenced by the asset swapping between GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Novartis, and speciality pharma consolidation continued apace. On average, licensing upfront payments and deal values increased markedly as compared to 2013 with large pharmaceutical companies willing to pay a sizeable premium for attractive clinical-stage assets in order to compete in key therapeutic areas. For the second year running, AstraZeneca was the most prolific dealmaker with Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Roche following closely behind. Oncology, and the field of immuno-oncology in particular, continued to dominate the dealmaking landscape.
Effects of Acute and Chronic Paleocerebellar Stimulation on Experimental Models of Epilepsy in the Cat: Studies with Enflurane, Pentylenetetrazol, Penicillin, and Chloralose

Effects of acute and chronic paleocerebellar stimulation were evaluated in four experimental models of epilepsy in 24 adult cats chronically implanted with bilaterally symmetric parasagittal electrocorticographic electrodes and anterior lobe cerebellar stimulation electrodes. Pentylenetetrazol was given intraveneously in 50‐mg increments or 4% enflurane was inspired until grand mal seizures occurred spontaneously or were triggered by photic or auditory stimuli. Alpha‐chloralose, 50 mg/kg, was injected intraperitoneally to produce a model of stimulus‐sensitive myoclonus and sodium penicillin G, 350,000 units/kg, was injected intramuscularly to produce a model of petit mal epilepsy. One‐ to 250‐Hz electrical stimulation of paleocerebellar cortical surfaces was performed with constant‐voltage or constant‐current stimulators at threshold and suprathreshold intensities with average intensities of 8 V and 2.5 mA, respectively. Acute or chronic, threshold or suprathreshold paleocerebellar stimulation did not predictably alter the electrographic or clinical manifestations in any of these four models.
Allele‐specific transcriptional activity of the variable number of tandem repeats in 5′ region of the DRD4 gene is stimulus specific in human neuronal cells

The dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene includes several variable number of tandem repeat loci that have been suggested to modulate DRD4 gene expression patterns. Previous studies showed differential basal activity of the two most common variants of a tandem repeat (120 bp per repeat unit) located in the 5′ region adjacent to the DRD4 promoter in human cell lines. In this communication, we further characterized the ability of this polymorphic repeat to elicit tissue‐, allele‐ and stimuli‐specific transcriptional activity in vitro. The short and long variants of the DRD4 5′ tandem repeat were cloned into a luciferase reporter gene construct containing the SV40 promoter. The luciferase constructs were cotransfected with expression vectors of two ubiquitously expressed human transcription factors (TFs), CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF) and upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2), into human cell lines and primary cultures of neonate rat cortex and luciferase activity measured. Overexpression with these TFs resulted in differential cell‐ and allele‐specific transcriptional activities of the luciferase constructs. The results of our experiments show that variants of this tandem repeat in the 5′ promoter of the DRD4 gene will direct differential reporter gene transcriptional activity in a cell‐type‐specific manner dependent on the signal pathways activated.
QUAD-BAND MULTILAYER SIW FILTER WITH HIGH SELECTIVITY AND CONTROLLABLE BANDWIDTHS

This work presents an approach for the design of a quad-band substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) bandpass filter based on multilayer process. TE101/TE102/TE103/TE104 modes are used to characterize the four passbands, respectively. Firstly, the locations and band ratios of the passbands are chosen based on the effective width-length of the SIW resonator and its ratio. Then, vertical couplings of the modes and source-load are designed on the middle metal layers between the dielectric layers, which provides a relatively independent bandwidth tuning and high selectivity. To demonstrate the proposed design method, a quad-band SIW bandpass filter is fabricated and measured. Experimental results agree well with the simulated counterpart. The proposed quad-band SIW filter presents good selectivity and compact size.
The American Bureaucrat: A History of a Sheep in Wolves' Clothing

For most of American history the terms "bureaucrat" and "bureaucracy" have been used in popular discourse as epithets, when they have been used at all. Although both terms have achieved a certain amount of academic credibility in American social science over the last 30 or 40 years, it is an acceptance which is grudging. That is true, in many respects, even in the worlds of political science and public administration where the influence of European theory since the end of World War II has brought about a broader understanding of comparative administrative practices. Nonetheless, in the sophisticated professions that now constitute the complex fields of journalism and political commentary the terms are part of a political language that has evolved in American political life. They evoke negative images. Even when they appear in debates that are ostensibly about deregulation and the role of the state in the life of the citizen, they are in fact expressions of an American suspicion of government that goes back to our national origins. Americans believed that power was essentially corrupting long before Lord Acton articulated the idea for them; and "bureaucracy" is a term that can easily be used to describe the inherent corruption of power.