Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Detection of Hepatitis A Virus and Enteroviruses Near the United States-Mexico Border and Correlation with Levels of Fecal Indicator Bacteria

ABSTRACT For decades, untreated sewage flowing northward from Tijuana, Mexico, via the Tijuana River has adversely affected the water quality of the recreational beaches of San Diego, California. We used quantitative reverse transcription-PCR to measure the levels of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and enteroviruses in coastal waters near the United States-Mexico border and compared these levels to those of the conventional fecal indicators, Escherichia coli and enterococci. Over a 2-year period from 2003 to 2005, a total of 20 samples were assayed at two sites during both wet and dry weather: the surfzone at the mouth of the Tijuana River and the surfzone near the pier at Imperial Beach (IB), California (about 2 km north of the mouth of the Tijuana River). HAV and enterovirus were detected in 79 and 93% of the wet-weather samples, respectively. HAV concentrations in these samples ranged from 105 to 30,771 viral particles/liter, and enterovirus levels ranged from 7 to 4,417 viral particles/liter. The concentrations of HAV and enterovirus were below the limit of detection for all dry weather samples collected at IB. Regression analyses showed a significant correlation between the densities of both fecal bacterial indicators and the levels of HAV (R2 > 0.61, P < 0.0001) and enterovirus (R2 > 0.70, P < 0.0001), a finding that supports the use of conventional bacterial indicators to predict the levels of these viruses in recreational marine waters.
The texture of neighborhoods and disability among older adults.

OBJECTIVES To present and test an ecological multidimensional model of neighborhood characteristics and examine its relationship to older disability among older adults. METHOD Indicators of social vulnerability, wealth, violence, storefronts, residential stability, and the presence of physicians, supermarkets, and fast-food establishments for 1,644 of New Jersey's census tracts were derived from sources that include the U.S. Census 2000, Uniform Crime Report for New Jersey, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Marketing and Development, New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety Division of Alcohol Beverage Control, and Health Resources and Services Administration Geospatial Data Warehouse. Confirmatory factor analyses were used to develop and test a measurement model of neighborhood texture. Structural equation modeling examined the relationships between neighborhood characteristics and disability of persons aged 65-69 years. RESULTS Analyses revealed that distinct dimensions of neighborhoods could be modeled with administrative data and that neighborhood contextual (supermarkets, physicians, storefronts, violence) and compositional (social vulnerability, wealth, residential stability) characteristics were related to the prevalence of disability. DISCUSSION The use of multiple indicators of neighborhood with good psychometric qualities is critical for advancing knowledge about the mechanisms by which neighborhood characteristics are associated with the health of older people.
Induction of Thioredoxin Reductase Gene Expression by Peroxynitrite in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Abstract Thioredoxin reductase (TR), a flavoprotein, catalyzes the reduction of oxidized thioredoxin in a NADPHdependent manner, and contains a selenocysteine residue near the Cterminus. TR plays an important role in protecting against oxidative stress and in regulating cell growth and cell death. Constitutive TR expression has been observed in several cell types of the mammalian body, including endothelial cells. The latter are continually exposed to both exogenous and endogenous sources of nitric oxide (NO) and NOderived species. Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are associated with pathological events, contributing to the cell and tissue damage accompanying inflammation, atherogenesis and autoimmune diseases. In this study, we report on the effect of peroxynitrite on TR in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Exposure to the peroxynitrite donor SIN-1 for 1 h resulted in a decrease in TR activity. Interestingly, the activity was completely restored within 24 h. To further examine this mechanism, the expression of TR at the mRNA and protein level was examined. TR mRNA levels were markedly increased by treatment of SIN-1 within 6 h, and TR protein level was also increased after the treatment in HUVECs. These results suggest that the inactivation of TR by peroxynitrite might be involved in the upregulation of the TR gene in HUVECs. Therefore, HUVECs have a unique protective mechanism that allows the maintenance of balance in intracellular redox status via TR induction as an adaptive response to nitrooxidative stress.
Localization of a functional capsule for wireless neuro-endoscopy

In this paper we present a numerical evaluation of a RF localization system to determine the position of a functional radio capsule released in the ventricular system of the brain. The concept is based on an AoA estimation using short UWB pulses. Although first results are quite stimulating, the initial localization accuracy is too poor for practical applications. It has been shown that this is mainly cause by NLoS waves reaching certain reference stations faster than waves travelling along the desired LoS path due to significant higher phase velocities in the cranial bone or the sinus cavities compared to the different types of brain matter.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Links Obesity, Insulin Action, and Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Using cell culture and mouse models, we show that obesity causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This stress in turn leads to suppression of insulin receptor signaling through hyperactivation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and subsequent serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate–1 (IRS-1). Mice deficient in X-box–binding protein–1 (XBP-1), a transcription factor that modulates the ER stress response, develop insulin resistance. These findings demonstrate that ER stress is a central feature of peripheral insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Pharmacologic manipulation of this pathway may offer novel opportunities for treating these common diseases.
Differences in the timing of reproduction between urban and forest European blackbirds (Turdus merula): result of phenotypic flexibility or genetic differences?

Species which have settled in urban environments are exposed to different conditions from their wild conspecifics. A previous comparative study of an urban and a forest–living European blackbird population had revealed a three weeks earlier onset of gonadal growth in urban individuals. These physiological adjustments are either the result of genetic differences that have evolved during the urbanization process, or of phenotypic flexibility resulting from the bird's exposure to the different environmental conditions of town or forest. To identify which of these two mechanisms causes the differences in reproductive timing, hand–reared birds originating from the urban and the forest populations were kept in identical conditions. The substantial differences in the timing of reproduction between urban and forest birds known from the field did not persist under laboratory conditions, indicating that temporal differences in reproductive timing between these two populations are mainly a result of phenotypic flexibility. Nevertheless, urban males initiated plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and testicular development earlier than forest males in their first reproductive season. Moreover, plasma LH concentration and follicle size declined earlier in urban females than in forest females, suggesting that genetic differences are also involved and might contribute to the variations in the timing of reproduction in the wild.
GPS and WiFi single ended to differential CRF filters using SiOCH as a de-coupling layer

Two filter applications, GPS and Wi-Fi, using bulk wave coupled resonator filters (BWCRF) are discussed. The device consists of two FBAR resonators stacked one on top of the other and separated by a thin de-coupling layer. We refer to this device as a De-Coupled Stacked Bulk Acoustic Resonator or DSBAR. These devices can be used as stand-alone filters or together with similar devices to create very small filters capable of single-ended to single-ended or single-ended to differential conversion. Also, due to the unique arrangement of the two FBAR one on top of the other, an impedance transformer can be made. Lastly, these devices have a very short “ring-down” time compared to “classic” FBAR filters, important for OFDM applications.
Unlocking the Barley Genome by Chromosomal and Comparative Genomics[W][OA]

Survey sequence and array hybridization data from flow-sorted barley chromosomes were integrated using a comparative genomics model to define an ordered gene map of the barley genome that contains approximately two-thirds of its estimated 32000 genes. The resulting high-resolution framework facilitated a genome-wide structural analysis of the barley genome and a detailed comparative analysis with wheat. We used a novel approach that incorporated chromosome sorting, next-generation sequencing, array hybridization, and systematic exploitation of conserved synteny with model grasses to assign ~86% of the estimated ~32,000 barley (Hordeum vulgare) genes to individual chromosome arms. Using a series of bioinformatically constructed genome zippers that integrate gene indices of rice (Oryza sativa), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and Brachypodium distachyon in a conserved synteny model, we were able to assemble 21,766 barley genes in a putative linear order. We show that the barley (H) genome displays a mosaic of structural similarity to hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) A, B, and D subgenomes and that orthologous genes in different grasses exhibit signatures of positive selection in different lineages. We present an ordered, information-rich scaffold of the barley genome that provides a valuable and robust framework for the development of novel strategies in cereal breeding.
Rapacuronium and the Risk of Bronchospasm in Pediatric Patients

We conducted this study to determine the risk factors for the development of bronchospasm after the administration of rapacuronium and to determine if children with bronchospasm on induction of anesthesia were more likely to have received rapacuronium compared with other muscle relaxants. In a retrospective cohort study, all anesthetic records in which rapacuronium was administered were reviewed to determine which patients developed bronchospasm during induction of anesthesia. Two-hundred-eighty-seven patients were identified, of whom 12 (4.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2%–7.2%) developed bronchospasm during induction of anesthesia. Significant risk factors for the development of bronchospasm with administration of rapacuronium included rapid sequence induction (relative risk [RR], 17.9; 95% CI, 2.9–∞) and prior history of reactive airways disease (RR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.5–14.3). In a case-control study, all cases of bronchospasm during induction of anesthesia in the 5-mo time period that rapacuronium was available for clinical use were identified. Aside from the 12 cases of bronchospasm with rapacuronium, 11 additional cases of bronchospasm were associated with the use of other muscle relaxants. Four controls were randomly selected for each of the 23 cases of bronchospasm. Children with bronchospasm during induction of anesthesia were several times more likely (odds ratio, 10.1; 95% CI, 3.5–28.8) for having received rapacuronium compared with other muscle relaxants.
Exploring the Relationship between Employer Branding and Employee Retention

The employment environment, nowadays, is becoming increasingly competitive. In such competitive environment, employer branding is fast emerging as a long-term human resource (HR) strategy to attract and retain talented workforce. The purpose of this article is to determine the antecedents of employer branding from the perspective of current employees. Most studies are dedicated to the examination of employer branding as a talent attraction technique among potential employees. However, the present research examines the impact of employer branding on retention of existing workforce. The research develops a conceptual framework of antecedents and outcomes of employer branding. Using qualitative data from a pilot study of an IT giant, it provides insights as to how the predicted outcomes of employer branding can lead to increased retention among employees. The research also analyzes the role of employer branding in building brand advocates who spread positive word of mouth about the organization. Results of the qualitative interviews show positive relationship between outcomes of employer branding (job satisfaction and psychological contract) and employee retention. In addition, a positive relationship is found between employer branding and organizational commitment which in turn contributes towards development of brand advocacy. Academic and managerial implications are also discussed. The study accentuates the importance of employer branding construct and its potential to alleviate the imminent problem of employee attrition.
Support for association of schizophrenia with genetic variation in the 6p22.3 gene, dysbindin, in sib-pair families with linkage and in an additional sample of triad families.

Genetic variants in a gene on 6p22.3, dysbindin, have been shown recently to be associated with schizophrenia (Straub et al. 2002a). There is no doubt that replication in other independent samples would enhance the significance of this finding considerably. Since the gene is located in the center of the linkage peak on chromosome 6p that we reported earlier, we decided to test six of the most positive DNA polymorphisms in a sib-pair sample and in an independently ascertained sample of triads comprising 203 families, including the families for which we detected linkage on chromosome 6p. Evidence for association was observed in the two samples separately as well as in the combined sample (P=.00068 for SNP rs760761). Multilocus haplotype analysis increased the significance further to . 00002 for a two-locus haplotype and to . 00001 for a three-locus haplotype. Estimation of frequencies for six-locus haplotypes revealed one common haplotype with a frequency of 73.4% in transmitted, and only 57.6% in nontransmitted, parental haplotypes. All other six-locus haplotypes occurring at a frequency of >1% were less often transmitted than nontransmitted. Our results represent a first successful replication of linkage disequilibrium in psychiatric genetics detected in a region with previous evidence of linkage and will encourage the search for causes of schizophrenia by the genetic approach.
New Method for Typing Staphylococcus aureus Strains: Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Analysis of Polymorphism and Genetic Relationships of Clinical Isolates

ABSTRACT The PCR-based methodology applied to multiple-locus variable numbers of tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis was recently shown to be a useful technique for the molecular typing of clinical isolates of several bacterial species. We have adopted this method for the molecular typing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Five staphylococcal VNTR loci (sdr, clfA, clfB, ssp, and spa) were subjected to analysis, and it was shown that the method allows typing of S. aureus strains with the discriminatory power and reproducibility of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis while at the same time being rapid and applicable to analysis of large numbers of isolates.
Hippocampal Responses to Corticosterone and Stress, One of which is the 35,000 Mr Protein, Glycerol Phosphate Dehydrogenase

Previously, the synthesis of a hippocampal 35,000 Mr protein increased in response to glucocorticoid treatment and a variety of stressors. We now show by immunoprecipitation that this cytosolic protein is glycerol 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (E.C.1.1.1.8; GPDH). In addition, four polypeptides encoded by glucocorticoid‐induced mRNAs co‐migrated with hippocampal protein synthetic products on two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gels, including a 35,000 Mr protein of ∼pI 6.3, that had previously been identified as GPDH by hybrid‐selection with a GPDH cDNA clone. The 35,000 Mrin vitro translation product was also immunoprecipitated with the GPDH antibody. Using radiolabeled hippocampal slices and two‐dimensional gel analysis, a 35,000 Mr polypeptide of ∼pI 6.4 increased five‐fold after 30 min of intermittent tail‐shock. This protein was found predominantly in the 20,000×g pellet and did not immunoprecipitate with the GPDH antibody . However, a 35,000 Mr polypeptide was also found in the cytosol as a minor component after stress, which did immunoprecipitate with the GPDH antibody. Therefore, there are at least two shock‐induced 35,000 Mr proteins, one of which is GPDH. These results establish that increases in GPDH mRNA prevalence and protein synthesis occur in response to both glucocorticoids and stress in the adult rat hippocampus. Based on the increased enzyme activity seen in the nervous system in response to glucocorticoids, dietary restriction, and nerve injury, the induction of GPDH may have functional consequences in cellular adaptation to stress.
Mechanism of CRP-mediated cya suppression in Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli strain NCR30 contains a cya lesion and a second-site cya suppressor mutation that lies in the crp gene. NCR30 shows a pleiotropic phenotypic reversion to the wild-type state in expressing many operons that require the cyclic AMP (cAMP)-cAMP receptor protein (CRP) complex for positive control. In vivo beta-galactosidase synthesis in NCR30 was sensitive to glucose-mediated repression, which was relieved not only by cAMP but also by cyclic GMP and cyclic CMP. The CRP isolated from NCR30 differed from the protein isolated from wild-type E. coli in many respects. The mutant protein bound cAMP with four to five times greater affinity than wild-type CRP. Protease digestion studies indicated that native NCR30 CRP exists in the cAMP-CRP complex-like conformation. The protein conferred a degree of cAMP independence on the in vitro synthesis of beta-galactosidase. In addition, the inherent positive control activity of the mutant protein in vitro was enhanced by those nucleotides that stimulate in vivo beta-galactosidase synthesis in NCR30. The results of this study supported the conclusion that the crp allele of NCR30 codes for a protein having altered effector specificity yet capable of promoting positive control over catabolite-sensitive operons in the absence of an effector molecule.
The treatment of the first seizure: The risks

The risks associated with prescribing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in a person who had a single unprovoked seizure fall into three domains: (1) the risk that treatment will not be effective in preventing seizure relapse, and the consequences thereof; (2) the risks of a person's life being affected by the psychological, social, and legal aspects of receiving treatment for a seizure disorder; (3) the health risks associated with intake of antiepileptic medication. This article with focus on the latter, addressing in particular concerns related to adverse drug effects. Serious or life‐threatening adverse reactions are very uncommon in people started on AEDs, although some (e.g., teratogenic effects) can be a major concern in specific patient groups. Nonserious adverse reactions leading to withdrawal of treatment are relatively common, although in most cases these are reversible following removal of the offending agent. Adverse effects associated with prolonged treatment and not leading to drug withdrawal are an important concern, because such effects are often under‐recognized and may affect significantly quality of life. Additional risks relate to the occurrence of drug–drug interactions. In all cases, risks can be minimized by careful selection of the AED to be used (with particular consideration of individual characteristics which contraindicate a specific AED, or predispose to specific adverse effects), gradual dose titration, choice of an appropriate target dose and, most important of all, careful monitoring of clinical response.
Persistent Cryptococcus neoformansPulmonary Infection in the Rat Is Associated with Intracellular Parasitism, Decreased Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression, and Altered Antibody Responsiveness to Cryptococcal Polysaccharide

ABSTRACT Fungal pathogens are notorious for causing chronic and latent infections, but the mechanism by which they evade the immune response is poorly understood. A major limitation in the study of chronic fungal infection has been the lack of suitable animal models where the infection is controlled and yet persists. Pulmonary Cryptococcus neoformans infection in rats results in a diffuse pneumonitis that resolves without dissemination or scarring except for the persistence of interstitial and subpleural granulomas that harbor viable cryptococci inside macrophages and epithelioid cells. Infected rats are asymptomatic but remain infected for as long as 18 months after inoculation with C. neoformans. Containment of infection is associated with granuloma formation that can be partially abrogated by glucocorticoid administration. Using this model, we identified several features associated with persistent infection in the rat lung, including (i) localization of C. neoformans to discrete, well-organized granulomas; (ii) intracellular persistence ofC. neoformans within macrophages and epithelioid cells; (iii) reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by granulomas harboring C. neoformans; and (iv) reduced antibody responses to cryptococcal polysaccharide. The results show that maintenance of persistent infection is associated with downregulation of both cellular and humoral immune responses.
Advances in High-Resolution Microscale Impedance Sensors

Sensors based on impedance transduction have been well consolidated in the industry for decades. Today, the downscaling of the size of sensing elements to micrometric and submicrometric dimensions is enabled by the diffusion of lithographic processes and fostered by the convergence of complementary disciplines such as microelectronics, photonics, biology, electrochemistry, and material science, all focusing on energy and information manipulation at the micro- and nanoscale. Although such a miniaturization trend is pivotal in supporting the pervasiveness of sensors (in the context of mass deployment paradigms such as smart city, home and body monitoring networks, and Internet of Things), it also presents new challenges for the detection electronics, reaching the zeptoFarad domain. In this tutorial review, a selection of examples is illustrated with the purpose of distilling key indications and guidelines for the design of high-resolution impedance readout circuits and sensors. The applications span from biological cells to inertial and ultrasonic MEMS sensors, environmental monitoring, and integrated photonics.