Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The loading module of mycosubtilin: an adenylation domain with fatty acid selectivity.

We report the cloning and characterization of the loading domain of mycosubtilin A synthetase responsible for the biosynthesis of mycosubtilin, a lipopeptide natural product from Bacillus subtilis. A truncated form of mycA was cloned and overexpressed and found to activate free fatty acids though an acyl−adenylate intermediate and loaded on the adjacent thiolation domain independently of coenzyme A, contradicting the literature proposal that the loading module is a coenzyme A ligase. The activation and loading of free fatty acids was characterized with a combination of traditional biochemical assays and electrospray ionization-Fourier transform mass spectrometry.
‘If you Happen to be the Right age, have the Right Colour, no Disability ... You’re sorted’: Social Audit and Equality Policies for Staff in Scottish Further Education Colleges.

This paper focuses on the implications of adopting social audit approaches in order to implement equality policies in Scottish FE colleges, exploring the tension between surface compliance and deep institutional engagement. It provides a brief overview of the Scottish further education context, before turning to a consideration of social audit and equalities within the sector. The data reported comes from a research study funded by the Scottish Further Education Unit which examined college policies and practices in relation to equalities. The study involved analysis of statistical data, a questionnaire survey of all Scottish colleges and in-depth case studies in five colleges. The paper examines the pros and cons of social audit as a means of achieving institutional changes in the field of equality.
Strategies for improved formulation and delivery of DNA vaccines to veterinary target species

Summary: Interest in DNA immunization of animals continues, despite the fact that immune responses induced by DNA vaccines are generally lower than those elicited by conventional vaccines. In attempts to enhance the immune response to DNA vaccines, individuals have tried a variety of immune modulators, cytokines, and costimulatory molecules, but these only boost immune responses marginally. These results clearly demonstrate that the major challenge to improving DNA‐based vaccines is to improve the transfection efficiency. Gene gun and electroporation can increase transfection and improve immune responses significantly, but these technologies have not yet advanced to the stage of routine use in livestock. Hopefully, transfection efficiency can be increased further in a user‐friendly manner to ensure that the benefits of using DNA vaccines become a reality.
Is fecal occult blood testing more sensitive for left- versus right-sided colorectal neoplasia? A systematic literature review

Owing to its slow development from removable precursor lesions and early cancer stages with good prognosis, screening for colorectal cancer holds potential to reduce both the incidence and mortality of the disease. While sigmoidoscopy only detects left-sided neoplasia, there is accumulating evidence that colonoscopy is also more effective in protecting from neoplasia in the left versus the right colon and rectum. In this context, it is an important question whether the sensitivity of the most common noninvasive screening tool for colorectal cancer, fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), also differs for left- versus right-sided neoplasia. Therefore, we systematically searched the literature for prospective screening studies conducted in average-risk adults that performed FOBT (immunochemical and/or guaiac-based) and colonoscopy among all participants, and reported site-specific sensitivities of FOBT for advanced colorectal neoplasia. Most of the seven included studies showed a higher sensitivity of FOBT for advanced neoplasia in the left versus right colon, but this finding needs to be confirmed since the available literature is scarce and not entirely consistent.
Perlecan and Basement Membrane-Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan (Bamacan) Are Two Basement Membrane Chondroitin/Dermatan Sulfate Proteoglycans in the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm Tumor Matrix (*)

The presence of proteoglycans bearing galactosaminoglycan chains has been reported, but none has been identified previously in the matrix of the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm tumor, which is a source of several basement membrane components. This tumor matrix contains perlecan, a large, low buoyant density heparan sulfate proteoglycan, widespread in many basement membranes and connective tissues. We now identify two distinct proteoglycan species from this tumor source, which are substituted with galactosaminoglycans and which show basement membrane localization by immunohistochemistry. One species is perlecan but, in addition to being present as a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, it is also present as a hybrid molecule, with dermatan sulfate chains. A minor population of perlecan apparently lacks heparan sulfate chains totally, and some of this is substituted with chondroitin sulfate. The second species is immunologically related to basement membrane-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (BM-CSPG) and bears chondroitin sulfate chains. No BM-CSPG was detectable which was substituted with heparan sulfate chains. A combination of immunological and molecular approaches, including cDNA cloning, showed that perlecan and BM-CSPG are distinct in core protein structure. Both are, however, basement membrane components, although there are tissue-specific differences in their distribution.
Aflatoxin M1 and cyclopiazonic acid in fluid milk traded in São Paulo, Brazil

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) were determined in 48 samples of grade A–C and ultra-high-temperature (UHT)-treated fluid commercial milk from São Paulo, Brazil, from July to December 2004. AFM1 and CPA determinations were carried out by HPLC. Results showed 37 (77.1%) positive samples for AFM1 at levels of 0.011–0.251 µg l–1 milk, which were below the tolerance limit for AFM1 in milk as adopted by Brazilian regulations. Mean levels of AFM1 in grades A–C and UHT milk were 0.060 ± 0.080, 0.056 ± 0.063, 0.064 ± 0.041 and 0.075 ± 0.048 µg l–1, respectively. CPA was detected in two samples (4.2%) of grade A milk at levels of 6.4 and 9.7 µg l–1. This is the first report of the occurrence of CPA in milk in Brazil. It was concluded that the incidence of AFM1 in milk traded in São Paulo is low, but the simultaneous occurrence of CPA, even at low levels, warrants concern about AFM1 in milk and milk products.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Aeromonas sp. Strain 159 Clinical Isolate That Shows Quorum-Sensing Activity

ABSTRACT Aeromonas is a pathogenic organism that is often found to infect humans. Here we report the draft genome of a clinical isolate in Malaysia, Aeromonas sp. strain 159, which shows N-acylhomoserine lactone production. In the draft genome of strain 159, luxI and luxR homologue genes were found to be located at contig 47, and these genes are believed to be important for the quorum-sensing system present in this pathogen.
Oligodendroglioma: an appraisal of recent data pertaining to diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVE This article reviews and summarizes recent data on the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of oligodendroglial tumors. METHODS Histological criteria for optimized diagnosis and grading of oligodendroglial tumors are described and discussed. The therapeutic approaches are analyzed in light of the results of recent series. RESULTS Oligodendroglial tumors may be more common than is generally thought. Perinuclear halo and "chicken-wire" pattern, although considered classic histological features of oligodendrogliomas, are unreliable as sole criteria for diagnosis. Nuclear regularity and roundness and an eccentric rim of eosinophilic cytoplasm lacking obvious cell processes are more constant features. Grading should be accomplished using a composite of radiological and histopathological relevant features. The allelic loss of chromosome arms 1p and 19q might be a marker for both chemosensitivity and longer survival after chemotherapy. Oligodendrogliomas are notably chemosensitive when compared with other gliomas. For aggressive lesions, chemotherapy should be used upfront, after surgery. CONCLUSION Oligodendrogliomas are underdiagnosed. One unfortunate implication is that a large number of patients may be receiving suboptimal care. A simplification in grading of oligodendroglioma to two grades would reduce the confusion surrounding the classification and better define prognosis and response to treatment modalities. A better definition of the so-called mixed tumor should also allow a better classification of these lesions in an intermediate prognostic class between astrocytic and oligodendroglial lesions. Loss of 1p and 19q could be used as a cytogenetic marker in assisting grading. New concepts emerging in the recent literature should help optimize the diagnosis of these lesions and reduce interobserver variability.
Energy balance and weight regulation: genetics versus environment

The prevalence of obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in many industrialized countries. There is growing evidence that, even if the trigger of this epidemic is found in changes in the environment, genes are interacting with the environment to cause weight gain. Studies of twins reared apart indicate that approximately two-thirds of the variability in BMI is attributed to genetic factors. From prospective studies in Pima Indians we can ascribe 12 % of the variability in BMI to metabolic rate, 5 % to fat oxidation, and another probable 10 % to the level of spontaneous physical activity. These data indicate that at least 40 % of the variability in BMI is related to genetic factors involved in the regulation of food intake and/or volitional activity. This indicates that the most likely successful therapy for obesity may target pathways of the regulation of food intake. Similarly, an environment favouring engagement in physical activity should be promoted.
A multibeam antenna for imaging based on planar lenses

A new multibeam antenna for imaging based on planar lenses working at the frequency of 10 GHz is presented in this communication. Firstly, a new planar lens for a phase-correcting application is designed using an ideal feed, so the feed placed in the focus generates a broadside beam. This lens is used to find the final positions of the different feeds of the network, so the crossover between adjacent beams is at 3dB below the maximum. Moreover, a quasi-yagi antenna is designed to match the behavior of the ideal one used in the initial process. In this case, it is necessary to assure that its behavior is stable when placed within a complex network. Finally, with the results of each of the antennas, the final behavior of the system is analyzed.
Complexity in an unexpected place: Quantities in selected acquisition reports

In this article, the authors have looked at the definition of units in numerous acquisition programs and discovered that the units reported are almost never simple; in some programs, no two units are the same; and almost invariably, the units produced at the end of a long production run are substantially different from the early ones. They have identified three reasons why the units may differ. The first reason is changes over time, generally as system capabilities are improved. The second is due to mixed types, where units that are inherently dissimilar—such as CH-47F and MH-47G helicopters—are produced by the same program and each is called one unit. The final reason why units can differ is reporting accidents. The authors give examples of all three and discuss possible methods of improving the reporting requirement.
Theory of Share Tenancy after 50 Years

Abstract This paper was prepared for "The Theory of Share Tenancy: After 50 Years," a conference organized by The Ronald Coase Center for Property Rights Research at the University of Hong Kong, November 24-26, 2017. The paper first appeared in Chinese as a series of column articles in ifeng.com (凤凰网). The author traces the complex intellectual origins of The Theory of Share Tenancy and an adventurous career that followed.
HPV16 E6 Promotes Breast Cancer Proliferation via Upregulation of COX-2 Expression

Background. Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. It has been indicated that human papillomaviruses 16 (HPV16) might participate in the pathogenesis and development of breast cancer. However, the detected rate of HPV16 varies with region. We will investigate HPV16 E6 expression in North China and explore the effects and mechanism of HPV16 E6 on breast cancer proliferation in this study. Methods. The expressions of HPV16 E6 and COX-2 in paraffin-embedded tissues of the invasive ductal breast cancer were detected by qPCR and IHC. The effects of HPV16 E6 on breast cancer proliferation were determined by function studies. The mechanism of HPV16 E6 in promoting breast cancer proliferation was explored by Western blot and Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay. Results. HPV16 E6 was positive in 28% invasive ductal breast carcinoma in North China; HPV16 E6 promoted breast cancer proliferation. Inhibition of COX-2 by siCOX-2 or Celecoxib attenuated the proliferation of breast cancer cells with HPV16 E6 expression; and the upregulation of COX-2 could be suppressed by the inhibition of NF-κB activity. Conclusion. HPV16 E6 promotes breast cancer proliferation by activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and increase of COX-2 expression. COX-2 will be a potential target for HPV16 E6-associated breast cancer.
Long-Distance Travel in Europe Today: Experiences with a New Survey

The paper discusses the problems of long distance travel surveys, with examples from recent studies, and presents results of a new long distance survey approach to overcome these problems. As part of of the 6th Framework funded KITE project (A Knowledge Base for Intermodal Passenger Travel in Europe), a new survey methodology based mainly on the MEST (Methods for European Surveys of Travel Behavior) and INVERMO (Intermodale Vernetzung) surveys was developed and tested in three different European countries. The method starts with a journey roster of basic items for the long distance journeys undertaken and a stage form for details about the last three long distance journeys. First, a short overview of conventional household travel surveys of long distance travel is given, followed by a description about their main problems and the survey approach which was chosen to overcome these. The second part presents the long distance journey rates from the KITE surveys and presents corrected rates from a homogeneous hazard-model for Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Portugal. These figures are compared with the results of the majority of long distance dedicated surveys.
2-Phase 3-Level ETSM With Mismatch-Free Duty Cycles Achieving 88.6% Peak Efficiency for a 20-MHz LTE RF Power Amplifier

This letter presents a 2-phase 3-level (2P3L) envelope tracking supply modulator (ETSM) for a long-term evolution 20 MHz (LTE20) radio frequency power amplifier as a solution for the ET system. This 2P3L ETSM that is composed of only switching converters achieves high efficiency, fast transient response, and a small output current ripple. To properly operate the proposed 2P3L ETSM, 4 pulse width modulatiop (PWM) signals with a 90° phase shift from each PWM signal are required without any mismatch between duty cycles. To remove the mismatch, a time-division multiplexing comparator and a duty-cycle calibrator are proposed. Thanks to the proposed techniques, the proposed ETSM fabricated in 0.18-μm CMOS achieved the highest peak dynamic efficiency of 88.6% with an LTE20 signal, which is superior to the state-of-the-art systems.
Psychosocial benefits of a novel mindfulness intervention versus standard support in distressed women with breast cancer

It is well documented that stress is associated with negative health outcomes in cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a novel mindfulness intervention called mindfulness‐based art therapy (MBAT) versus standard educational support, on indices of stress and quality of life in breast cancer patients with high stress levels.
Design of metamaterial based wide angle impedance matching layers for active phased arrays

This paper presents the design methodology and realization of an artificially engineered anisotropic metamaterial to improve the scanning performances of active phased arrays. The optimization procedure and the design of the structures are discussed. The proposed structures show an improvement of the array performances up to 70°. Different designs are presented taking into account the performance requirements and manufacture constraints.
The effect of supplementation of calcium, vitamin D, boron, and increased fluoride intake on bone mechanical properties and metabolic hormones in rat

Evidence indicates that optimal nutrition plays a role in bone formation and maintenance. Besides major components of mineralization such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, other nutrients like boron and fluoride have beneficial role, too. In this study, 34 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control diet, fluoride, fluoride + boron, fluoride + calcium + vitamin D, and flouride + boron + calcium + vitamin D. Boron equal to 1.23 mg, calcium and vitamin D equal to 210 mg + 55 IU and fluoride equal to 0.7 mg/rat/day was added to their drinking water for 8 weeks. Plasma blood samples and bones were collected. Findings are evidence that fluoride + boron intake revealed significant positive effects on bone mechanical properties and bone metabolic hormones. These findings suggest that combined intake of these two elements has beneficial effects on bone stiffness and breaking strength comparing to even calcium + vitamin D supplementation. This evidence dealing with health problems related to bone and skeletal system in humans should justify further investigation of the role of boron and fluoride with other elements in relation to bone.
Salbutamol and treadmill performance in non-atopic athletes.

Salbutamol and treadmill performance in non-atopic athletes. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. , Vol. 15, No. 6, pp. 520-522, 1983. Nineteen aerobic, non-atopic, athletes (10 females, 9 males) were studied in a double-blind fashion to determine the effect of a therapeutic dosage of salbutamol on pulmonary function, oxygen consumption (VO2max), heart rate (HR), and anaerobic threshold (AT). A placebo and salbutamol (in aerosol form) were administered in a dosage of two puffs four times per day. Forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1.0, and mid-maximal expiratory flow were assessed prior to a maximal treadmill run, and at 5, 10, and 15 min of recovery. Resting and maximal HR, VO2max, AT, and VE were determined prior to and immediately after the 1-wk experimental period. Pre-test results showed no evidence of airway obstruction in any athlete. There was no significant change in any pulmonary function variable as a result of salbutamol administration. Maximal oxygen consumption showed a slight, nonsignificant (P greater than 0.05) decrease in both the salbutamol and placebo groups. There was also a similar nonsignificant decrease in pulmonary function in both groups. Resting and maximal HR and AT were unchanged. These results indicate that therapeutic administration of a selective beta-2 agonist does not affect pulmonary function or performance-related variables in non-atopic elite athletes.
Eradication of oesophageal varices recurring after portal non‐decompressive surgery by injection sclerotherapy

The results of injection sclerotherapy for oesophageal varices which recurred after portal non‐decompressive surgery were analysed retrospectively to evaluate its efficacy. We treated 60 consecutive patients with portal hypertension; 19 were treated on an emergency basis, seven electively and 34 on a prophylactic basis. All acute bleeding was controlled with one session of sclerotherapy using a transparent overtube. After eradication by sclerotherapy, no bleeding episodes occurred and there was no recurrence of the varices, except in three uncompliant patients, during a mean follow‐up period of 33·1 months. Bleeding from a gastric ulcer and gastritis occurred in one patient each. Oesophageal stenosis occurred in nine (15 per cent) patients and gastric varices developed in two (3 per cent) patients. Twelve patients died, Jive from liver failure and six with hepatoma, but there was no bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. The overall 4‐year survival rate was 80 per cent. We recommend the use of sclerotherapy as the primary treatment for recurrent oesophageal varices.
Vestibular neuritis: recurrence and incidence of secondary benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Conclusions: Recurrence of vestibular neuritis (VN) is a rare event in long-term follow-up. The incidence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in VN patients represents a quite common outcome. To our knowledge, this study represents the only long-term longitudinal study on recurrence of VN and incidence of secondary BPPV in VN. Objectives: To study a large number of VN patients longitudinally to identify the recurrence rate of VN and incidence of BPPV, other peripheral vestibular disorders, sudden hearing loss or Bell’s palsy. Methods: This prospective cohort study assessed a VN patient-based clinic population. All patients received a complete bedside clinical examination and caloric irrigation. Results: Long-term (range 4–6 years, mean 4.9 years) longitudinal follow-up examination of 51 VN patients demonstrated a low recurrence rate (1/51 patients, 2.0%). With recurrence, VN affected the same ear after 6 months and caused less severe symptoms. BPPV appears to be more frequent (5/51 patients, 9.8%) in VN patients than in the general population, consistently affecting the posterior canal of the same ear. BPPV occurrence after VN predominantly affects VN patients who did not fully recover from the disease. Moreover, BPPV after VN appears to be more difficult to treat than idiopathic BPPV.
Cancer statistics for Hispanics/Latinos, 2015

Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanics/Latinos, who represent the largest racial/ethnic minority group in the United States, accounting for 17.4% (55.4 million/318 million) of the total US population in 2014. Every 3 years, the American Cancer Society reports on cancer statistics for Hispanics based on incidence data from the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries and mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Among Hispanics in 2015, there will be an estimated 125,900 new cancer cases diagnosed and 37,800 cancer deaths. For all cancers combined, Hispanics have 20% lower incidence rates and 30% lower death rates compared with non‐Hispanic whites (NHWs); however, death rates are slightly higher among Hispanics during adolescence (aged 15‐19 years). Hispanic cancer rates vary by country of origin and are generally lowest in Mexicans, with the exception of infection‐associated cancers. Liver cancer incidence rates in Hispanic men, which are twice those in NHW men, doubled from 1992 to 2012; however, rates in men aged younger than 50 years declined by 43% since 2003, perhaps a bellwether of future trends for this highly fatal cancer. Variations in cancer risk between Hispanics and NHWs, as well as between subpopulations, are driven by differences in exposure to cancer‐causing infectious agents, rates of screening, and lifestyle patterns. Strategies for reducing cancer risk in Hispanic populations include increasing the uptake of preventive services (eg, screening and vaccination) and targeted interventions to reduce obesity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. CA Cancer J Clin 2015;65:457–480. © 2015 American Cancer Society.