Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of a gene (lpt‐3) required for the addition of phosphoethanolamine to the lipopolysaccharide inner core of Neisseria meningitidis and its role in mediating susceptibility to bactericidal killing and opsonophagocytosis

We have identified a gene, lpt‐3, that is required for the addition of phosphoethanolamine to the 3‐position (PEtn‐3) on the β‐chain heptose (HepII) of the inner core lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm). The presence of this PEtn‐3 substituent is characteristic of the LPS of a majority (≈ 70%) of hypervirulent Nm strains, irrespective of capsular serogroup, and is required for the binding of a previously described monoclonal antibody (mAb B5) to a surface‐accessible epitope. All strains of Nm that have PEtn‐3 possess the lpt‐3 gene. In some lpt‐3‐containing strains, the 3‐position on HepII is preferentially substituted by glucose instead of PEtn, the result of lgtG phase variation mediated by slippage of a homopolymeric tract of cytidines. Inactivation of lpt‐3 resulted in loss of PEtn‐3, lack of reactivity with mAb B5 and conferred relative resistance to bactericidal killing and opsonophagocytosis by mAb B5 in vitro. Thus, the identification of lpt‐3 has facilitated rigorous genetic, structural and immunobiological definition of an immunodominant epitope that is a candidate immunogen for inclusion in an LPS‐based vaccine to protect against invasive meningococcal disease.
AFP/beta-HCG secreting CNS germ cell tumors: long-term outcome with respect to initial symptoms and primary tumor resection. Results of the cooperative trial MAKEI 89.

PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to evaluate survival and factors influencing long-term outcome of patients with AFP/beta-HCG secreting (non-seminomatous) central nervous system germ cell tumors (secCNSGCT), who were prospectively collected in the cooperative MAKEI (German: maligne Keimzelltumoren) 89 protocol. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between January 1989 and January 1994, 28 patients with secCNS GCT were registered and treated according to the MAKEI 89 protocol. The protocol recommended, after a clinically or histologically proven diagnosis and cisplatin-based chemotherapy, a resection of residual tumor and craniospinal irradiation (30 Gy) with a tumor boost (20 Gy). RESULTS The estimated (Kaplan-Meier) event-free survival (EFS) of protocol patients is 0.57 +/- 0.09 (n = 28) and the relapse-free survival (RFS) is 0.67 +/- 0.10 (at five and ten years). With respect to long-term survival, the combination of marked neurological symptoms at diagnosis along with primary tumor resection seem to be the main negative prognostic risk factors (Fisher exact test p < 0.05). CNS dissemination at diagnosis can also be considered as a negative risk factor as 3 of 5 patients with primary dissemination died of the disease. CONCLUSION Cisplatin-based three agent chemotherapy followed by resection of the residual tumor and craniospinal irradiation (CSI) with tumor boost is a successful and well-tolerated treatment for secCNSGCTs. The possibility of a clinical diagnosis based on MRI and tumor markers together with the use of modern neurosurgical techniques gives us the chance to postpone or even avoid major surgery. This gives an additional chance to reduce acute morbidity and further decrease late effects.
Temperature effects on the MgATP-induced electron transfer between the nitrogenase proteins from Azotobacter vinelandii.

The temperature dependence of the pre-steady-state MgATP-dependent electron transfer from the MoFe protein to the Fe protein of the nitrogenase from Azotobacter vinelandii has been investigated between 6 degrees C and 31 degrees C by stopped-flow spectrophotometry. Below 14 degrees C, the data are consistent with a model in which interaction of MgATP with nitrogenase is fast and irreversible, and is followed by reversible electron transfer. From the extent and from the rate of the absorbance change, the rate constants for electron transfer from Fe protein to MoFe protein and of the reverse reaction were calculated. The direct rate constant increases with temperature (6-14 degrees C) from about 1 s-1 to about 26 s-1. The rate constant for the reverse reaction was found to be approximately 4 s-1 and invariant with the reaction temperature. Analysis of the data obtained in the temperature range between 6 degrees C and 12 degrees C within the framework of the transition-state theory show that electron transfer from the Fe protein to the MoFe protein occurs via a highly disordered transition state with activation parameters delta H(0) ++ = 289 kJ.mol-1 and delta S(0) ++ = 792 J.K-1.mol-1. The Eyring plot of the stopped-flow data displays an inflection point around 14 degrees C. From the stopped-flow data obtained between 18 degrees and 27 degrees C the activation parameters delta H(0) ++ and delta S(0) ++ for the reduction of the MoFe protein by Fe protein are calculated to be 90 kJ.mol-1 and 99 J.K-1.mol-1 respectively. A second inflection point in the Eyring plot could exist around 28 degrees C.
The Nordic/Baltic Spot Electric Power System Price: Univariate Nonlinear Impulse-Response Analysis

This paper revisits the conditional mean and volatility density characteristics of the system price settled by the Nordic/Baltic spot electric power market (1993–2017). The main aim of this paper is an analysis of the nonlinear impulse-response features (shocks) in the nonstorable commodity market. Initially, we extract all deterministic seasonality and nonstationary trend and scale features from the series. A strictly stationary model reports serial correlation for the mean, and clustering, asymmetry and level effects for the volatility. For the mean, the impulse-response analysis reports linear and symmetric mean reversion for any price movements. For the volatility, small price movements show symmetric and decreasing volatility. In contrast, for larger absolute price movements, the volatility shows a nonlinear increase as well as fast-growing negative asymmetries. The impulse persistence is therefore relatively short. With the entrance of renewables into the energy market, the subperiod 2008–17 reports major systematic changes in the mean, volatility, asymmetry and persistence. In fact, the renewables era has changed the fundamental features of the Nordic/Baltic electricity market.
MONOPOLY VERSUS COMPETITION: SIGNIFICANT TRENDS IN PATENT, ANTI-TRUST, TRADEMARK, AND UNFAIR COMPETITION SUITS

"The records of this Committee prove beyond possibility of successful contradiction that restrictive practices are used by some business organizations not only to destroy competition but to regiment men. On the broad scale, therefore, this Committet recommends the maintenance of free, competitive enterprise by the effective suppression of the restrictive practices which have always been recognized as evil. But generally over the field of industry and finance we must revive and strengthen competition if we wish to preserve and make workable our traditional system of free enterprise. It is generally agreed, for example, that competition must be maintained as the principle of our economy, for everyone seems to acknowledge that the alternative to competition is some form of concentrated government authority which might easily destroy democracy . It will avail us nothing to carry a gigantic defense program to a successful conclusion if in so doing we lose sight of the basic philosophy of our American economy-a competitive system of private capitalism. " '
Optimized switching commutation SVPWM control algorithm for TSDPC drive

The two-stage direct power converter has the following characteristics; bidirectional power flows, controllable input power factor, lower input harmonic current, no bulky DC-link circuit, requirements of many switches, and complexity of switching algorithm. SVPWM control scheme is not easier to be optimized because of control complexity. This paper proposes the optimized switching commutation SVPWM control algorithm which switching loss and THD of input/output powers are taken into consideration. The proposed algorithm can largely reduce switching loss and improve input/output power qualities by rearranging the space vector applied times. The effectiveness is verified through simulation analysis.
Social Policy Experience In Indonesia: Case Study On Unconditional Cash Transfer Program

This Article is intended to the poverty incidence that occurred in Indonesia in 2005 and 2008 as the impact of rising world oil prices that led to the unconditional cash transfer program UCT (Bantuan Langsung Tunai (BLT) i.e Indonesia literate) was launched in Indonesia. BLT program is one program that was launched by the Indonesian government in early 2005 and mid 2008. Unconditional cash transfer program is one of the social policy given to the poor as a way to reduce the impact of rising world oil prices that could affect the purchasing power of the poor in Indonesia. This program circulate the money of approximately US$ 10/month is regarded as an aid that is “giving charity” to the poor in Indonesia. This article also will show some of the BLT program as one of the social policy in Indonesia. The various obstacles encountered during this policy and also some economic and social problems encountered in this program, starting from the problems of counting the poor community, the implementation of the program until the end of this BLT program. This will be a descriptive writing by describing a variety of archival and field data the government and conducted by the author. It is to intended the readers to know how social policy was implemented in Indonesia as an experience.
A Utility Function Explanation of the Empirical Behavior of Income Relative to International Reserves for Selected Economies

The purpose of this paper is to explore an economy-wide utility model to explain the empirical behavior of national income relative to international reserves for selected economies. The empirical behavior is taken as the observed optimal outcome from a macroeconomic general equilibrium model which is not specified here but presumed to exist based on the general literature covering the topic. The model uses an economy-wide preference (utility) function as its objective function of two variables, national income and international reserves. The empirical data consist of the ratio of income to reserves for a selected number of mature and developing economies over the time period 1970 to 2011. For mature economies, the ratio is trending upwards, while for the developing economies, the ratio is trending downwards. It is this phenomenon that we attempt to explain in terms of the relative strength of the utilities for income versus reserves. The policy implications are discussed briefly within the context of the existing literature on international reserves. JEL classification: C61; F3; F4
COPD SIG: Poster Session 1

Expiratory fl ow limitation (EFL) during tidal breathing is associated with chronic exertional dyspnoea in COPD. Respiratory system reactance (Xrs) measured by the forced oscillation technique (FOT) can be used to detect EFL with 100% sensitivity and 100% specifi city against gold standard measures (Dellaca et al. ERJ 2004). The validation study used a 5 Hz monofrequency oscillation signal. It is unknown whether multifrequency signals are comparable to 5 Hz in detecting EFL. Aim To determine if FOT multifrequency signals of 6, 11, 19 Hz and 5, 11, 19 Hz are comparable to 5 Hz in the detection of EFL in COPD patients. Methods 25 subjects with greater than 10 pack years smoking history and a clinical history of COPD underwent FOT during 60 seconds of tidal breathing, using 5 Hz, 5, 11, 19 Hz, and 6, 11, 19 Hz oscillation signals in random order. The difference between mean inspiratory and expiratory respiratory system reactance (ΔXrs) was calculated. Subjects had EFL if the mean ΔXrs was ≥2.8 cm H2O.s. l at 5 Hz. Results Mean FEV1% predicted was 76 (range: 31–125) 7 subjects had EFL on 5 Hz, and of these 6 subjects had EFL on 5, 11, 19 Hz, and 6 subjects had EFL on 6, 11, 19 Hz. Five subjects had EFL on all 3 frequencies tested. Both multifrequency signals had sensitivity 85% and specifi city of 94% compared to 5 Hz. There was no signifi cant difference in ΔXrs between the three oscillation signals (ANOVA p = 0.18). Conclusions There was a high degree of concordance between the three oscillation signals used to assess EFL in this study. This study supports the use of multifrequency oscillation signals for the detection of EFL. Support S Mahadev – Asthma Foundation NSW stipend. Confl ict of Interest No. TP-003
National evaluation of healthcare provider attitudes toward organ donation after cardiac death*

Objective:Organ donation after cardiac death will save lives by increasing the number of transplantable organs. But many healthcare providers are reluctant to participate when the withdrawal of intensive care leads to organ donation. Prior surveys indicate ethical concerns as a barrier to the practice of organ donation after cardiac death, but the specific issues that characterize these concerns are unknown. We thus aimed to identify what barriers healthcare providers perceive. Design:We conducted a qualitative analysis of focus group transcripts to identify issues of broad importance. Setting:Healthcare setting. Participants:Participants included 141 healthcare providers representing critical care and perioperative nurses, transplant surgeons, medical examiners, organ procurement personnel, neurosurgeons, and neurologists. Interventions:Collection and analysis of information regarding healthcare providers’ attitudes and beliefs. Measurements and Main Results:All focus groups agreed that increased organ availability is a benefit but questioned the quality of organs recovered. Study participants identified a lack of standards for patient prognostication and cardiopulmonary death and a failure to prevent a conflict between patient and donor interests as obstacles to acceptance of organ donation after cardiac death. They questioned the practices and motives of colleagues who participate in organ donation after cardiac death, apprehensive that real or perceived impropriety would affect public perception. Conclusions:Healthcare providers are uncomfortable at the clinical juncture where end-of-life care and organ donation interface. Our findings are consistent with theories that care providers are hesitant to perform medical tasks that they consider to be outside the focus of their practice, especially when there is potential conflict of interest. This conflict appears to impose moral distress on healthcare providers and limits acceptance of organ donation after cardiac death. Future research is warranted to examine the effect of standardized procedures on reducing moral distress. The hypothesis generated by this qualitative study is that use of neutral third parties to broach the subject of organ donation may improve acceptance of organ donation after cardiac death.
Wavelength-dependent Properties of Photodynamic Therapy Using Hypericin in vitro and in an Animal Model¶

Abstract Wavelength effects in photodynamic therapy (PDT) with hypericin (HY) were examined in a C26 colon carcinoma model both in vitro and in vivo. Irradiation of HY-sensitized cells in vitro with either 550 or 590 nm caused the loss of cell viability in a drug- and light-dose–dependent manner. The calculated ratio of HY-based PDT (HY-PDT) efficiencies at these two wavelengths was found to correlate with the numerical ratio of absorbed photons at each wavelength. In vivo irradiation of C26-derived tumors, 6 h after intraperitoneal administration of HY (5 mg/kg), caused extensive vascular damage and tumor necrosis. The depth of tumor necrosis (d) was more pronounced at 590 than at 550 nm and increased when the light dose was raised from 60 to 120 J/cm2. The maximal depths of tumor necrosis (at 120 J/cm2) were 7.5 ± 1.5 mm at 550 nm and 9.9 ± 0.8 mm at 590 nm. Both values are rather high in view of the limited penetration of green-yellow light into the tissue. Moreover, the depth ratio, d590/d550 = 1.3 (P < 0.001), is smaller than expected considering the 2.2-fold lower HY absorbance and the 1.7-fold lower tissue penetration of radiation at 550 than at 590 nm. This finding indicates that in vivo the depth at which HY-PDT elicits tumor necrosis is not only determined by photophysical considerations (light penetration, number of absorbed photons) but is also influenced significantly by other mechanisms such as vascular effects. Therefore, despite the relatively short-wavelength peaks of absorption, our observations suggest that HY is an effective photodynamic agent that can be useful in the treatment of tumors with depths in the range of 1 cm.
Combined Vitamin C and E Supplementation During Pregnancy For Preeclampsia Prevention: A Systematic Review

The effect of combined vitamin C and E supplementation during pregnancy on the prevention of preeclampsia and major adverse infant outcomes has been reviewed. We searched MEDLINE and the Central Library of Controlled Trials of the Cochrane Library through August 2006 for relevant clinical trials. Interstudy heterogeneity was evaluated using the &khgr;2 statistic (Q statistic) test. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a fixed or random-effects model as appropriate. Four trials that collectively randomized 4680 pregnant women to either the combination of vitamin C and vitamin E or placebo were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences between the vitamin and placebo groups in the risk of preeclampsia, 11% versus 11.4%, RR 0.97 (95% CI 0.82–1.13), fetal or neonatal loss, 2.6% versus 2.3%, RR 1.10 (95% CI 0.78–1.57), or small for gestational age (SGA) infant, 20.6% versus 20%, RR 0.94 (95% CI 0.74–1.19). Although there was a higher risk for preterm birth in the vitamin group, 19.5% versus 18%, RR 1.07 (95% CI 0.96–1.20), this finding was not significant. Combined vitamin C and E supplementation during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of preeclampsia, fetal or neonatal loss, small for gestational age infant, or preterm birth. Such supplementation should be discouraged unless solid supporting data from randomized trials become available. Target Audience: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians Learning Objectives: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to recall that many methods have been used to prevent preeclampsia, state that increased oxidative stress has been postulated and many trials have used antioxidants to prevent the disease, and explain that MEDLINE analysis of the literature questions the use of vitamin C and E supplements.
The deubiquitinase A20 in immunopathology of autoimmune diseases

Abstract Deubiquitination-mediated regulation is important for homeostatic NF-κB activation. Aberrant NF-κB activation associated with various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders is linked with defects in the deubiquitinase A20. A20 is an important anti-inflammatory molecule that is induced by multiple signals and has numerous targets. Polymorphisms within the A20 locus or its altered expression are thought to contribute in development of autoimmune disorders. Further various studies in mice models underscore the biological importance of A20 in prevention of inflammatory conditions. Dysregulated A20 is also been suggested as a link between prolonged inflammation and cancer by preliminary reports. This review summarizes the existing understanding and focuses on the new developments in the field of A20 biology. These developments highlight the importance of A20 in pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders and its scope as therapeutics and a biomarker.
Studying Heuristic‐Systematic Processing of Risk Communication

Using a model of risk information seeking and processing developed by Griffin, Dunwoody, and Neuwirth (1999) , this study looks at predictors of the processing strategies that people apply to health risk information. Specifically, this article focuses on one relationship within the model—the relationship between perceived amount of information needed to deal with a risk and heuristic‐systematic processing. Perceived amount of information needed refers to the gap between one's understanding of a risk and the level of understanding that one needs in order to make a decision about that risk. Building on the work of Chaiken (cf. 1980), the Griffin et al. model predicts—and finds—that the larger the gap, the more likely one will process information systematically. The study employs a novel measure of information processing in a survey setting by sending actual information to participants and then asking them how they attended to it; the researchers evaluate this strategy. Finally, the researchers discuss how these findings might help agencies and practitioners create more effective risk messages.
The relation between titanium taper corrosion and cobalt-chromium bearing wear in large-head metal-on-metal total hip prostheses: a retrieval study.

BACKGROUND Revision of hip implants due to adverse tissue reactions to metal debris has been associated with wear and corrosion of the metal-on-metal bearing articulation and the modular taper interface. Bearing articulation wear is increased in conditions of poor lubrication, which can also lead to high friction moments that may cause corrosion at the taper interface. This suggests that wear of the bearing and increased corrosion of the taper interface should occur simultaneously, which was investigated in this study. METHODS Forty-three large-diameter cobalt-chromium bearings of the same design, implanted with a titanium stem using a titanium adapter, were retrieved at revision at a single center. Retrievals were grouped according to visual inspection of the female taper surface of the adapter into slight and severe corrosion groups. Volume change of bearing and taper surfaces was assessed using a coordinate measurement machine. Serum ion concentrations were determined for forty-three patients, whereas tissue metal concentration was measured for twelve patients. RESULTS Severe taper corrosion was observed in 30% of the retrievals. Corrosion was observed either as material deposition or wear. The overall bearing wear rate was significantly higher in the group with severe taper corrosion than in the group with slight corrosion (7.2 ± 9.0 mm(3)/yr versus 3.1 ± 6.8 mm(3)/yr, respectively; p = 0.023) as were the serum cobalt (40.5 ± 44.9 μg/L versus 15.2 ± 23.9 μg/L, respectively; p = 0.024) and chromium ion concentrations (32.7 ± 32.7 μg/L versus 12.0 ± 15.1 μg/L, respectively; p = 0.019). Serum metal ion concentrations were more consistent indicators of wear than tissue metal concentrations. CONCLUSIONS The increased bearing articulation wear and serum metal ion concentrations in cases with taper interface corrosion support the hypothesis that increased friction in the joint articulation is one of the factors responsible for simultaneous articulation and taper damage. However, independent taper or bearing damage was also observed, suggesting that other factors are involved in the process.