Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF THE EFFECT OF ANTIBODY INDUCTION IN SIMULTANEOUS PANCREAS AND KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION: THREE-YEAR RESULTS1

Background. Historically, antibody induction has been used because of the higher immunologic risk of graft loss or rejection observed in simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplantation compared with kidney transplantation alone. This trial was designed to assess the effect of antibody induction in SPK transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids. Induction agents included T-cell–depleting and interleukin-2 receptor antibodies. Methods. A total of 174 SPK transplant recipients were enrolled in a prospective, open-label, multi-center study. They were randomized to induction (n=87) or non-induction (n=87) groups and followed for 3 years. Results. At 3 years, actual patient (94.3% and 89.7%) and pancreas (75.9% and 75.9%) survivals were similar between the induction and non-induction groups, respectively. Actual kidney survival was similar at 1 and 2 years, but at 3 years, it was significantly better in the induction group compared with the non-induction group (92% vs. 81.6%; P =0.04). At 3 years, median serum creatinine and hemoglobin A1C were similar between the induction and non-induction groups (1.35 mg/dL and 1.20 mg/dL, 5.4% and 5.5%, respectively). Three-year cumulative incidence of biopsy-confirmed, treated acute kidney rejection in the induction and non-induction groups was 19.5% and 27.5% (P =0.14), respectively, with odds 4.6 times greater in African Americans regardless of treatment (P =0.004). Significantly higher rates of cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia and CMV syndrome occurred in those receiving T-cell–depleting antibody induction (36.1%) when compared with those receiving anti–interleukin-2 receptor antibodies (2%) and non-induction (8.1%) (P <0.0001). Conclusions. Tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids resulted in excellent safety and efficacy in SPK transplant recipients. Actual 3-year kidney survival was significantly better in the induction group; however, CMV viremia and CMV syndrome rates were significantly higher in the T-cell–depleting antibody group. African Americans demonstrated a significantly greater risk of acute rejection despite antibody induction. Decisions regarding the use of induction therapy must weigh the risk of kidney graft loss or rejection against the risk of infection.
Design Alternatives for Process Group Membership and Multicast

Abstract : Process groups are a natural tool for distributed programming, and are increasingly important in distributed computing environments. However, there is little agreement on the most appropriate semantics for process group membership and group communication. These issues are of special importance in the Isis system, a toolkit for distributed programming (Bir91). Isis supports several styles of process group, and a collection of group communication protocols spanning a range of atomicity and ordering properties. This flexibility makes Isis adaptable to a variety of applications, but is also a source of complexity that limits performance. This paper reports on a new architecture that arose from an effort to simplify Isis process group semantics. Our findings include a refined notion of how the clients of a group should be treated, what the properties of a multicast primitive should be when systems contain large numbers of overlapping groups, and a new construct called the casualty domain. As an illustration, we apply the architecture to the problem of converting processes into fault-tolerant process groups in a manner that is transparent to other processes in the system. A system based on this architecture is now being implemented in collaboration with the Chorus and Mach projects.
DnaK mutants defective in ATPase activity are defective in negative regulation of the heat shock response: expression of mutant DnaK proteins results in filamentation

Site-directed mutagenesis has previously been used to construct Escherichia coli dnaK mutants encoding proteins that are altered at the site of in vitro phosphorylation (J. S. McCarty and G. C. Walker, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:9513-9517, 1991). These mutants are unable to autophosphorylate and are severely defective in ATP hydrolysis. These mutant dnaK genes were placed under the control of the lac promoter and were found not to complement the deficiencies of a delta dnaK mutant in negative regulation of the heat shock response. A decrease in the expression of DnaK and DnaJ below their normal levels at 30 degrees C was found to result in increased expression of GroEL. The implications of these results for DnaK's role in the negative regulation of the heat shock response are discussed. Evidence is also presented indicating the existence of a 70-kDa protein present in a delta dnaK52 mutant that cross-reacts with antibodies raised against DnaK. Derivatives of the dnaK+ E. coli strain MC4100 expressing the mutant DnaK proteins filamented severely at temperatures equal to or greater than 34 degrees C. In the dnaK+ E. coli strain W3110, expression of these mutant proteins caused extreme filamentation even at 30 degrees C. Together with other observations, these results suggest that DnaK may play a direct role in the septation pathway, perhaps via an interaction with FtsZ. Although delta dnaK52 derivatives of strain MC4100 filament extensively, a level of underexpression of DnaK and DnaJ that results in increased expression of the other heat shock proteins did not result in filamentation. The delta dnaK52 allele could be transduced successfully, at temperatures of up to 45 degrees C, into strains carrying a plasmid expressing dnaK+ dnaJ+, although the yield of transductants decreased above 37 degrees C. In contrast, with a strain that did not carry a plasmid expressing dnaK+ dnaJ+, the yield of delta dnaK52 transductants decreased extremely sharply between 39 and 40 degrees C, suggesting that DnaK and DnaJ play one or more roles critical for growth at temperatures of 40 degrees C or greater.
Self-capping RNA catalysts derived from selection-amplification.

The reactions of nucleoside 5’ triphosphates are among the most widespread (and therefore ancient) of the reactions of modern biochemistry. To study RNA enzymes that catalyze an important class of such reactions, we devised a new selection for RNAs that labilize their /3-y phosphates. We select RNAs that circularize in the presence of T4 RNA ligase, a reaction that requires a free 5’ a-phosphate and therefore indicates release of the /3r phosphates present in every transcript. Unexpectedly, free phosphates were found to react readily at the a-phosphate of such RNAs. This was emphasized by further selection for RNAs that self-link to the free triphosphate of UTP-agarose. The most prevalent ribozyme (40% of the final, doubly-selected pool) has been characterized. The uniform product of all such reactions is released pyrophosphate, and the RNA product has the attacking phosphate linked to the 5’ a-phosphate of the catalytic RNA. Thus, reaction with free GDP yields pyrophosphate plus a congener of the eukaryotic message cap (1): ppG + ppp(5’)GRNA ~ ppi + G(5’)ppp(5’)GRNA
What determines the warming commitment after cessation of CO2 emissions?

Previous studies have shown that global mean surface air temperature remains elevated after cessation of CO2 emissions. However, studies differ in whether the temperature continues to increase, slowly decreases, or remains constant after cessation of emissions. An understanding of this committed warming is of importance because it has implication for the estimation of carbon budgets compatible with temperature targets. Here, we investigate the effect of the state of thermal and bio-geochemical equilibration at the time emissions are set to zero on the committed warming as the latter is determined by the balance of these two equilibration processes. We find that the effect of thermal equilibration, expressed as fraction of realized warming, dominates over the bio-geochemical equilibration, expressed as ratio of the airborne fraction to the equilibrium airborne fraction. This leads to a positive warming commitment, and a commitment that declines the later emissions are zeroed along a trajectory of constant atmospheric CO2 concentration. We furthermore show that the scenario prior to zeroed emissions has the strongest effect on the warming commitment, compared to the time of zeroed emissions and the time horizon over which the commitment is calculated.
[Status of 'internet addiction disorder' (IAD) and its risk factors among first-grade junior students in Wuhan].

OBJECTIVE To understand the epidemiological characteristics and influential factors on internet addiction disorder (IAD) among first-grade junior students in Wuhan city. METHODS An anonymous questionnaire survey was carried out on 1219 first-grade junior students through stratified cluster sampling in 4 middle schools in Wuhan city. RESULTS The internet use rate (IUR) of first-grade junior students was 96.43%, with the average of primary surfer age as 8.93 +/- 1.95. The internet addiction tendency (IAT) rate and the IAD rate were 10.87% and 7.71% respectively. The IAT and the IAD detection rates among male students were significantly higher than in female students (chi(2) = 13.04, P < 0.01). By ordinal logistic regression analysis, the relative factors mainly involved 6 aspects in IAD, including sex, poor academic performance, the surfer number of times, the surfer time, the surfer place and the surfer expense. CONCLUSION The prevalence rates of IAT and IAD were quite high in the first-grade junior students in Wuhan. School authorities, teachers and guardians should collaboratively working together to guide the students in using the network correctly, and to carry out effective interventions to reduce the incidence of internet addiction.
Molecular Characterization of Denitrifying Bacteria Isolated from the Anoxic Reactor of a Modified DEPHANOX Plant Performing Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal

Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal (EBPR) under anoxic conditions was achieved using a Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) system based on a modification of the DEPHANOX configuration. Double‐probe Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH) revealed that Polyphosphate Accumulating Organisms (PAOs) comprised 12.3 ± 3.2% of the total bacterial population in the modified DEPHANOX plant. The growing bacterial population on blood agar and Casitone Glycerol Yeast Autolysate agar (CGYA) medium was 16.7 ± 0.9 × 105 and 3.0 ± 0.6 × 105 colony forming units (cfu) mL−1 activated sludge, respectively. A total of 121 bacterial isolates were characterized according to their denitrification ability, with 26 bacterial strains being capable of reducing nitrate to gas. All denitrifying isolates were placed within the α‐, β‐, and γ‐subdivisions of Proteobacteria and the family Flavobacteriaceae. Furthermore, a novel denitrifying bacterium within the genus Pseudomonas was identified. This is the first report on the isolation and molecular characterization of denitrifying bacteria from EBPR sludge using a DEPHANOX‐type plant.
Molecular mechanisms of atrial fibrosis: implications for the clinic

ABSTRACT Introduction: Recent research has unravelled an increasing list of cardiac conditions and risk factors that may be responsible for the abnormal underlying atrial substrate that predisposes to atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrosis has been demonstrated as the pivotal structural abnormality underpinning conduction disturbances that promote AF in different disease models. Despite the advancement in our discoveries of the molecular mechanisms involved in the profibrotic milieu, targeted therapeutics against atrial fibrosis remain lacking. Areas covered: This review is focused on detailing the key molecular signalling pathways that contribute to atrial fibrosis including: angiotensin II, transforming growth factor (TGF- ß1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and endothelin-1. We also discussed the potential therapeutic options that may be useful in modulating the abnormal atrial substrate. In addition, we examined the new paradigm of AF care in lifestyle and risk factor management that has been shown to arrest and reverse the atrial remodelling process leading to improved AF outcomes. Expert commentary: The future of AF care is likely to require an integrated approach consisting of aggressive risk factor management in addition to the established paradigm of rate and rhythm management and anticoagulation. Translational studies on molecular therapeutics to combat atrial fibrosis is urgently needed.
CMV drives clonal expansion of NKG2C+ NK cells expressing self‐specific KIRs in chronic hepatitis patients

Natural killer (NK) cells are affected by infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) manifested by increased expression of the HLA‐E binding activating receptor NKG2C. We here show that HCMV seropositivity was associated with a profound expansion of NKG2C+CD56dim NK cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Multi‐color flow cytometry revealed that the expanded NKG2C+CD56dim NK cells displayed a highly differentiated phenotype, expressed high amounts of granzyme B and exhibited polyfunctional responses (CD107a, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α) to stimulation with antibody‐coated as well as HLA‐E expressing target cells but not when stimulated with IL‐12/IL‐18. More importantly, NKG2C+CD56dim NK cells had a clonal expression pattern of inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) specific for self‐HLA class I molecules, with predominant usage of KIR2DL2/3. KIR engagement dampened NKG2C‐mediated activation suggesting that such biased expression of self‐specific KIRs may preserve self‐tolerance and limit immune‐pathology during viral infection. Together, these findings shed new light on how the human NK‐cell compartment adjusts to HCMV infection resulting in clonal expansion and differentiation of educated and polyfunctional NK cells.
EMC evaluation of three level NPC converter based on space vector PWM

This paper addresses the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) evaluation of three level neutral point clamped (NPC) converter based on different feasibility of space vector pulse wide modulation (SVPWM). This paper will review of a classical SVPWM technique with various switching sequences of the base space vectors (BSVs) within the range of sampling periods for three level NPC converters. The studies by mathematical modeling of the three level NPC converter and SVPWM technique in the Matlab/Simulink program were carried out. It was established that the increasing of switching sequence of the BSVs within the range of the sampling period can be used for decreasing of total harmonic distortional (THD). The THD diagrams of the various switching sequences of the BSVs within the different range of the sampling periods for the three level NPC converter are presented. The research results can be used to assess the EMC powerful three level NPC active rectifiers or inverters and select switching sequence of the BSVs within the range of the sampling period to minimize the THD voltage and current.
The design of two-way N-section equal split Wilkinson power dividers and the loss analysis

This paper proposes the design of two-way N-section equal split Wilkinson power dividers. 1- to 4-section Wilkinson power dividers using strip-lines are designed and optimized to analyze the trends of VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio), isolations and losses. On the rigorous premise of VSWR≤1.13 and isolation≤-20dB, the bandwidths are respectively 25%, 52%, 93%, and 120%. Especially, according to the comparison, with the increase of the number of isolation resistors, the resistor loss contributes more to the total loss than the dielectric loss and the conductor loss. Based on the analysis, numbers of sections and resistors are supposed to be determined appropriately to satisfy all requirements.
High temperature anode power supply parts and packaging reliability and survivability

The power processing unit (PPU) of a solar electrical propulsion system for in-space propulsion is developed as a high power, temperature, and efficiency, modular, high specific impulse, and non-isolated converter topology unit for future deep space and manned missions. Overall, the High Temperature Boost (HTB) PPU has 87% improvement in PPU specific power/mass and 38% improvement in-space solar electric system mass saving. The objectives of this Phase 1 study are to develop a High Temperature Anode Power Supply 10kW Prototype module with new extreme environment component and packaging technology and determine the component reliability and packaging survivability for at least 50 cycles in the temperature range of -55°C to +160°C. After cycling, the functionality is tested at room temperature and elevated temperature (base plate at 100°C). Selection of high temperature components and advanced packaging techniques enables operation at a higher base plate temperature of 100°C. SiC MOSFETS and diodes were chosen as well as high temperature capacitors designed to operate at 1kV and 2μF at 150°C.
Progression of human cutaneous melanoma is associated with loss of expression of c‐kit proto‐oncogene receptor

Mutations at the white spotting (w) locus in mice have deleterious effects on germ cells, melanocytes and hematopoietic stem cells. The w locus encodes the c‐kit tyrosine‐kinase receptor whose ligand is the product of the SI locus. Using monoclonal antibodies (MAb(s) ) to the extracellular domain, we have evaluated the expression of c‐kit in normal and transformed melanocytes. This cell lineage synthetizes a receptor with a mw of 145 kDa. The gene product is expressed in epidermal melanocytes and in a fraction of nevocytic and blue nevi. In primary melanomas, loss of the receptor is observed in more invasive lesions. Only 30% of the metastatic lesions express detectable levels of the receptor. These findings demonstrate that the c‐kit product is down‐regulated in melanocytes following malignant transformation. The functional relevance of this modulation remains to be evaluated. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heat, Chloride, and Specific Conductance as Ground Water Tracers near Streams

Commonly measured water quality parameters were compared to heat as tracers of stream water exchange with ground water. Temperature, specific conductance, and chloride were sampled at various frequencies in the stream and adjacent wells over a 2‐year period. Strong seasonal variations in stream water were observed for temperature and specific conductance. In observation wells where the temperature response correlated to stream water, chloride and specific conductance values were similar to stream water values as well, indicating significant stream water exchange with ground water. At sites where ground water temperature fluctuations were negligible, chloride and/or specific conductance values did not correlate to stream water values, indicating that ground water was not significantly influenced by exchange with stream water. Best‐fit simulation modeling was performed at two sites to derive temperature‐based estimates of hydraulic conductivities of the alluvial sediments between the stream and wells. These estimates were used in solute transport simulations for a comparison of measured and simulated values for chloride and specific conductance. Simulation results showed that hydraulic conductivities vary seasonally and annually. This variability was a result of seasonal changes in temperature‐dependent hydraulic conductivity and scouring or clogging of the streambed. Specific conductance fits were good, while chloride data were difficult to fit due to the infrequent (quarterly) stream water chloride measurements during the study period. Combined analyses of temperature, chloride, and specific conductance led to improved quantification of the spatial and temporal variability of stream water exchange with shallow ground water in an alluvial system.
[Physical activity in people aged 15 to 49 living in a particular locality in Bogotá, Colombia, 2004].

OBJECTIVE Identifying the characteristics of practising physical activity in four scenarios (in free-time, at work, type of transport and in the home) as well as the stages of change and barriers against it. METHODS A sample of 460 people aged 15 to 49, residing in Teusaquillo, Bogotá, Colombia, was defined. An internationally-validated survey was applied which included specific instruments for measuring the stages of change and barriers against it. RESULTS Sufficient levels of physical activity were found in 40% to 46% of the population being studied. The residents of this particular area were more active at wok and in the home than during free time and when being transported. Half of the population being surveyed were classified as being in stages prior to action (regarding stages of changing physical activity), whilst the other 50% were regularly active. The most frequently occurring barriers to physical activity were a lack of willpower and lack of time. CONCLUSIONS The characteristics of physical activity could be identified in a specific part of Bogotá; some associated factors were also identified.
Analysis of signaling pathways in 90 cancer cell lines by protein lysate array.

UNLABELLED Multiple signal transduction pathways play a crucial role in cancer development, progression, and response to different therapies. An important issue is whether common signal transduction pathways are ubiquitously altered in all cancer types and some unique pathways are involved in different cancer types. Another important issue is whether and how transduction signaling molecules are heterogeneously expressed and activated in different cancer cells within and between cancer cell types. METHODS To gain insight into these issues, we assembled a protein lysate array with 90 different cell lines of 12 different cell types. Each sample is diluted 2-fold six times, and samples from the dilution series were printed three times on the array. We then measured the expression levels and phosphorylation status of 52 different signaling proteins with specific antibodies and carried out statistical hierarchical clustering analysis. RESULTS The most significant finding based on the cluster analysis was that the cell lines did not group based on tumor types, suggesting that the signaling pathways studied were commonly activated in most of the tumor types cultured in vitro. As expected, related proteins associated with specific signaling pathways clustered together, and analysis of the 30 most differentially expressed proteins revealed the PI3-K signaling pathway was upregulated in several different tumor types and the VEGF-angiogenesis pathway was downregulated in hematopoetic cancers. Another important observation, with clinical implications was that EGFR was the most heterogeneous among all the cell lines. We also observed signaling pathways unique to specific types of cancers such as the inverse relationship between p16ink and Rb, and the EGFR mediated pathway activation characteristic of pancreatic cancers. CONCLUSIONS Using reverse phase lysate array analysis in this study, we were able to determine potential relationships and signaling pathways, both common and unique, to different types of cancer using cell lines in vitro. This data could be utilized for mining information related to an individual cancer of interest and combined with morphological and genomic profiles would help in creating a combination of expression markers and/or functional signaling maps for specific cancer diagnosis and therapy.