Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of the repA1 gene of IncFII plasmid NR1 is translationally coupled to expression of an overlapping leader peptide

Examination of a group of mutants of plasmid NR1 that had lost the expression of IncFII plasmid incompatibility (Inc-) revealed a group that had also lost replication proficiency (Rep-). These mutants were obtained from plasmids in which the NR1 replication control region was present in a cointegrate with plasmid pBR322. Whereas the wild-type parental cointegrate plasmid was capable of replicating in a polA host owing to the PolA independence of NR1 replication, the mutants were not able to transform a polA host. Losses of both expression of IncFII plasmid incompatibility and replication proficiency were found to result from the same single base-pair substitution in four independently isolated Inc- Rep- mutants. The mutation inactivates promoter PE for the transcription of RNA-E, a trans-acting repressor of translation of the essential RepA1 replication initiation protein of NR1. Although the loss of RNA-E synthesis had been expected to increase the expression of repA1, the efficiency of translation of repA1 mRNA from these mutants was at least 100-fold lower than that from the wild type, as revealed by repA1-lacZ translational fusions. The PE mutation introduced a stop codon into a 24-amino-acid reading frame that precedes the repA1 gene and terminates just 2 bp downstream from the repA1 start codon. This putative leader peptide was also expressed in a lacZ translational fusion, and its expression was reduced by a factor of 10(4) by the PE mutation. The expression of the leader peptide and the expression of repA1 were regulated by RNA-E. These results suggest that the expression of repA1 is coupled to the translation of the leader peptide and that the repression of repA1 translation by RNA-E may occur via inhibition of the translation of the leader peptide.
Coeliac disease presenting as variceal haemorrhage

A 59 year old woman was referred for investigation of lethargy, ankle oedema, and an elevated alkaline phosphatase. Sixteen years previously her entire jejunum had been resected at another hospital for acute mesenteric vein thrombosis. On investigation, alkaline phosphatase and prothrombin time were raised, and calcium, haemoglobin, and red cell folate were low. She was heterozygous for the prothrombin 20210A gene mutation and table 1 summarises the results of her thrombophilia screen. Activated protein C resistance, antithrombin activity, anticardiolipin antibodies, haemolysis, and paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria screen were normal or negative. …
Experiments on transportation support system using multi-vehicle's formation

This paper considers the transportation support system using multi-vehicle's formation. The objective of our research is to carry the load using four vehicles keeping the formation with information exchange among vehicles. The control law based on a Lyapunov function is proposed based on the virtual structure and the graph Laplacian. In the simulation and experiment, it is shown that four vehicles can reach the reference position by using four wheeled mobile vehicles.
Microsatellite variation in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) shows evidence of genetic differentiation between two British breeding colonies

Eight highly variable microsatellite loci were used to examine the genetic variability and differentiation of grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) at two widely spaced British breeding colonies. Samples were collected from adults and pups on the island of North Rona, off the north‐west coast of Scotland, and on the Isle of May, situated at the mouth of the Firth of Forth on the east coast Highly significant differences in allele frequencies between these two sites were found for all eight loci, indicating considerable genetic differentiation. Thus, although grey seals are known to range over very large areas outside the breeding season, site fidelity of adults and philopatry of pups for these breeding colonies must be sufficiently common to have effects, through genetic drift, at the sub‐population level. Migration rate was estimated using Wrighf's fixation index (FST), Slatkin's private alleles model and the new statistic, RST, which is analogous to (FST) but which takes into account the process of microsatellite mutation. An almost 8‐fold discrepancy between the values we obtained provides cautionary evidence that microsatellite loci may contravene one or more of the assumptions on which these methods are based.
Early intervention for conversion disorder: neurologists and psychiatrists working together

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of an early multidisciplinary (neurology and psychiatry) intervention for conversion disorder (CD). Methods Consecutive patients newly diagnosed with CD from 2005 to 2007 were compared to a control group of newly diagnosed CD patients receiving usual care. At 3 years, a questionnaire evaluated self‐rated subjective outcome, symptom severity, SF‐36 scores, employment status and medical care use. Results Data from 12 cases (mean age 25.5 ± 8.2; 9 females) and 11 controls (mean age 34.7 ± 13.5; 10 females) showed that 83% of cases had a good subjective outcome (symptom improved or cured) when only 36% of controls had a good outcome (p < 0.05). Cases significantly improved their SF‐36 scores on subscales involving physical complaints compared to controls. A minority (20%) of cases reduced or ceased professional activity when 70% of controls did (p < 0.001). Only 16% of cases sought further medical advice for the initial symptom when 73% of controls did. Both groups accepted psychiatric referrals (83% of cases and 73% of controls) and found it beneficial. Conclusions Early intervention involving both neurologists and psychiatrists is effective for CD in alleviating physical complaints, reducing sick leave and health care use.
Transfer von Prozessen des Software-Produktlinien Engineering in die Elektrik/Elektronik-Architekturentwicklung von Fahrzeugen

In der Entwicklung von Elektrik/Elektronik-Architekturen in Fahrzeugen gibt es derzeit den starken Trend hin zu dem Einsatz von Modulkomponenten, die innerhalb eines Automobilherstellers modellübergreifend, teilweise sogar herstellerübergreifend eingesetzt werden. Ziel dieses Ansatzes ist die Reduzierung von Komponentenvarianten durch Wiederverwendung bei gleichzeitiger vereinfachter Ableitung von Varianten einer Baureihe. In der SW-Entwicklung stellten sich ähnliche Fragestellungen bei der Wiederverwendung und Variantenbildung von SW-Komponenten, so dass daraus die Prozesse des SW-Produktlinien Engineering entstanden. In diesem Artikel wird analysiert, welche Prozesse für die Wiederverwendung und Variantenbildung in der E/E-Architekturentwicklung übernommen und adaptiert werden können. 1 Stand der Technik – SW-Produktlinien Engineering In der Produktentwicklung verspricht die Idee der Entwicklung einer Basis von gemeinsamen Artefakten und deren Wiederverwendung in davon ableitbaren Varianten eine höhere Effizienz im Entwicklungsaufwand [HP02]. Der SW-Produktlinienansatz ist genau ein solches Konzept, welches eine systematische Wiederverwendung von gemeinsamen SW-Komponenten in mehreren Produktenvarianten ermöglicht. In der Abb.1 ist der Prozess des SW-Produktlinien Engineering gem. [PBL05] dargestellt. In der oberen Hälfte der Abbildung befindet sich der Prozess des Domain Engineering, in der unteren Hälfte der Prozess des Application Engineering. 1 Elektrik/Elektronik wird nachfolgend E/E abgekürzt 2 Fahrzeugmodell eines Automobilherstellers, z.B. Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse. 3 Ergebnis eines Prozesses im Domain oder Application Engineering; umfasst Anforderungen, Architektur, Komponenten oder Tests [PBL05].
Antigen‐receptor induced clonal expansion and deletion of lymphocytes are impaired in mice lacking HS1 protein, a substrate of the antigen‐receptor‐coupled tyrosine kinases.

HS1, an intracellular protein expressed specifically in hematopoietic cells, is rapidly tyrosine phosphorylated after cross‐linking of antigen receptors on B and T lymphocytes, implicating involvement of this molecule in the signal transduction pathways from the antigen receptors as a substrate of membrane‐associated tyrosine kinase(s). The development of lymphoid cells in HS1‐deficient mice, generated through gene targeting, appeared normal. However, antibody production to T‐independent antigen and proliferative responses of splenic B and T cells after cross‐linking of the antigen receptors were impaired in these mutant mice. Furthermore, B cells in the peritoneal cavity of the mutant mice were resistant to multivalent cross‐linking of the antigen receptor, which causes apoptosis of such cells in normal mice. Crossing the HS1‐deficient mice with the mice harboring transgenes encoding alpha and beta chains of T‐cell antigen receptor against a male H‐Y antigen resulted in a progeny that demonstrated a significantly impaired ability of thymic negative selection. These results indicate that HS1 is a novel molecule involved in the antigen‐receptor‐derived signaling pathways and plays important roles not only in clonal expansion, but also in clonal deletion of B and T cells.
Radiologic and Histopathologic Changes after Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Acoustic Schwannoma

Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is a widely used treatment option for acoustic schwannomas, 3 cm in diameter or less. Between May 1990 and February 1998, 102 acoustic tumors in 101 patients were treated with GKRS. There are 77 patients with a follow-up period of more than six months (mean 55, range 7 to 90 months). Seventy (91%) of these tumors have remained unchanged or reduced in volume. After GKRS there was an increase in volume in seven cases. In four the volume increase affected solid tumour. Among these, three patients were in stable condition and are being observed. One of these patients developed brain stem compression symptoms and was operated. In another three cases, cysts with multiple septa developed medial to the tumor and compressed the brain stem and fourth ventricle, thus necessitating post-GKRS surgery. In these three patients, MRI had shown loss of central contrast enhancement followed by its return. Histological findings at surgery before and after GKRS were compared for these four tumours. In spite of the MRI changes, there were no definite histological findings after GKRS which could be attributed to radiation induced changes. The development of cysts occurred after the treatment of larger tumors.
Phase II evaluation of temozolomide and 13-cis-retinoic acid for the treatment of recurrent and progressive malignant glioma: a North American Brain Tumor Consortium study.

PURPOSE Temozolomide (TMZ) and 13-cis-retinoic acid (cRA) have shown activity in prior single-agent trials of recurrent malignant gliomas (MG). This phase II trial evaluated efficacy and toxicity of combination temozolomide and cRA treatment in recurrent MG. PATIENTS AND METHODS Adults with recurrent supratentorial MG for whom surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy failed were eligible. Treatment included oral TMZ 150 or 200 mg/m2/d, days 1 through 5, and cRA 100 mg/m2/d, days 1 to 21, every 28 days. Primary end point was progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS 6); secondary end points included response, survival, and PFS12. RESULTS Eighty-eight eligible patients (glioblastoma multiforme [n = 40]; anaplastic gliomas [n = 48; astrocytoma, 28; oligodendroglioma, 14; mixed glioma, six]) received treatment. PFS 6 was 43% (95% confidence interval [CI], 33% to 54%) and PFS12 was 16% (95% CI, 10% to 26%). Median overall PFS was 19 weeks (95% CI, 16 to 27 weeks), and median overall survival (OS) was 47 weeks (95% CI, 36 to 58 weeks). OS was 46% (95% CI, 36% to 57%) at 52 weeks and 21% (95% CI, 13% to 31%) at 104 weeks. Of 84 assessable patients, there were two (3%) complete responses and eight (12%) partial responses (complete plus partial response, 15%). Among 499 treatment cycles, the most common grade 3/4 events included granulocytopenia (1.8%), thrombocytopenia (1.4%), and hypertriglyceridemia (1.2%). CONCLUSION TMZ and cRA were active, exceeding our 20% thresholds for PFS 6 success, assuming 20% improvement over our previously reported database (glioblastoma multiforme: expected, 30%; observed, 32%; anaplastic glioma: expected, 40%; observed, 50%).
Novel Reassortant Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N8) Virus in Zoos, India

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N8) viruses were detected in waterfowl at 2 zoos in India in October 2016. Both viruses were different 7:1 reassortants of H5N8 viruses isolated in May 2016 from wild birds in the Russian Federation and China, suggesting virus spread during southward winter migration of birds.
Peritoneal dialysis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of mesothelial cells.

BACKGROUND During continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, the peritoneum is exposed to bioincompatible dialysis fluids that cause denudation of mesothelial cells and, ultimately, tissue fibrosis and failure of ultrafiltration. However, the mechanism of this process has yet to be elucidated. METHODS Mesothelial cells isolated from effluents in dialysis fluid from patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis were phenotypically characterized by flow cytometry, confocal immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. These cells were compared with mesothelial cells from omentum and treated with various stimuli in vitro to mimic the transdifferentiation observed during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Results were confirmed in vivo by immunohistochemical analysis performed on peritoneal-biopsy specimens. RESULTS Soon after dialysis is initiated, peritoneal mesothelial cells undergo a transition from an epithelial phenotype to a mesenchymal phenotype with a progressive loss of epithelial morphology and a decrease in the expression of cytokeratins and E-cadherin through an induction of the transcriptional repressor snail. Mesothelial cells also acquire a migratory phenotype with the up-regulation of expression of alpha2 integrin. In vitro analyses point to wound repair and profibrotic and inflammatory cytokines as factors that initiate mesothelial transdifferentiation. Immunohistochemical studies of peritoneal-biopsy specimens from patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis demonstrate the expression of the mesothelial markers intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and cytokeratins in fibroblast-like cells entrapped in the stroma, suggesting that these cells stemmed from local conversion of mesothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that mesothelial cells have an active role in the structural and functional alteration of the peritoneum during peritoneal dialysis. The findings suggest potential targets for the design of new dialysis solutions and markers for the monitoring of patients.
Toughening of Poly(lactic acid) and Thermoplastic Cassava Starch Reactive Blends Using Graphene Nanoplatelets

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was reactively blended with thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) and functionalized with commercial graphene (GRH) nanoplatelets in a twin-screw extruder, and films were produced by cast-film extrusion. Reactive compatibilization between PLA and TPCS phases was reached by introducing maleic anhydride and a peroxide radical during the reactive blending extrusion process. Films with improved elongation at break and toughness for neat PLA and PLA-g-TPCS reactive blends were obtained by an addition of GRH nanoplatelets. Toughness of the PLA-g-TPCS-GRH was improved by ~900% and ~500% when compared to neat PLA and PLA-g-TPCS, respectively. Crack bridging was established as the primary mechanism responsible for the improvement in the mechanical properties of PLA and PLA-g-TPCS in the presence of the nanofiller due to the high aspect ratio of GRH. Scanning electron microscopy images showed a non-uniform distribution of GRH nanoplatelets in the matrix. Transmittance of the reactive blend films decreased due to the TPCS phase. Values obtained for the reactive blends showed ~20% transmittance. PLA-GRH and PLA-g-TPCS-GRH showed a reduction of the oxygen permeability coefficient with respect to PLA of around 35% and 50%, respectively. Thermal properties, molecular structure, surface roughness, XRD pattern, electrical resistivity, and color of the films were also evaluated. Biobased and compostable reactive blend films of PLA-g-TPCS compounded with GRH nanoplatelets could be suitable for food packaging and agricultural applications.
An automatic evaluation of phase noise on CMOS ring VCOs

The presence of phase noise in semiconductor devices can disturb the normal operation of analog and RF circuits. This paper presents a methodology to automatically evaluate the effects of phase noise in ring voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs). The methodology is based on SPICE circuit simulations and a mathematical analysis. A CAD tool was implemented and used to evaluate and optimize a four-stage ring VCO to show the effectiveness of the methodology
Crop Germplasm Conservation and Developing Countries

Loss of the genetic diversity of some of the world's crops has accelerated in recent decades, with many crops becoming increasingly susceptible to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses. A global network of gene banks has therefore been established to provide plant breeders with the genetic resources necessary for developing more resistant crops that will enable farmers to maintain high yields. Most of these gene banks now store the germplasm of only the major crops such as cereals, potatoes, and grain legumes. Cultivated varieties of these crops are conserved as well as wild species that might otherwise become extinct. Tropical cash crops such as bananas and coconuts are also important food crops in many Third World countries, and more effort needs to be made to conserve the germplasm of these crops as well as of other important plants such as plantation crops, medicinal herbs, and fruit and timber trees.
The role of physiological markers of health in the association between demographic factors and periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Age is highly related to oral health status. The higher prevalence of oral disease within subgroups of the population may reflect a tendency towards "early aging" and dysregulation of multiple physiological systems. This study examines whether the association between periodontal disease and demographic factors is mediated by physiological measures of health. MATERIAL AND METHODS Logistic regression was used to examine whether biomarkers and demographic factors, such as socio-economic status (SES) and race/ethnicity, were associated with periodontal disease, and then whether the strength of these relationships could be attributed to associations between demographic variables and physiological measures of systemic health. RESULTS Periodontal disease was associated with measures of SES and race/ethnicity. Furthermore, 1-unit increases in cytomegalovirus (CMV), optical density, C-reactive protein (CRP) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were associated with a 25% [odds ratio (OR) = 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-1.36], 13% (OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.03-1.24) and 19% (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.12-1.27) increased likelihood of periodontal disease, respectively. However, when biomarkers and socio-demographic variables were both included in the model, their associations with periodontal disease were significantly reduced or eliminated. CONCLUSIONS The risk of periodontal disease is higher among black and/or low-income individuals; however, these associations appear to be partly due to the greater probability of elevated levels of CRP, CMV or HbA1c among these groups.
Negotiated Safety Relationships and Sexual Behavior Among a Diverse Sample of HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex With Men

Objective: To examine the prevalence of negotiated safety (NS) in a diverse sample of HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM), characteristics of MSM practicing NS, and adherence to NS. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of San Francisco MSM recruited from venues and community organizations. NS relationships were defined as those in which HIV-negative men were in seroconcordant primary relationships for ≥6 months, had unprotected anal intercourse (UA) together, and had rules prohibiting UA with others. Adherence to NS was determined from self-reported sexual behavior in the prior 3 months. Presence of an agreement with NS partners to disclose rule breaking was also determined. Results: Of 340 HIV-negative participants, 76 (22%) reported a current seroconcordant primary relationship for ≥6 months. Of these 76 men, 38 (50%) had NS relationships, 30 (39%) had no UA with primary partners, and 8 (11%) had UA with primary partners without rules prohibiting UA with others. In multivariate analysis, NS was more common than no UA with primary partners in younger men. Among 38 NS men, 29% violated their NS-defining rule in the prior 3 months, including 18% who reported UA with others, and 18% reported a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the prior year. Only 61% of NS men adhered fully to rules and agreed to disclose rule breaking. Conclusions: Although NS was commonly practiced among HIV-negative men in seroconcordant relationships, some men violated NS-defining rules, placing themselves and potentially their primary partners at risk for HIV infection. Prevention efforts regarding NS should emphasize the importance of agreement adherence, disclosure of rule breaking, and routine STI testing.
Surface thermodynamics of bacterial adhesion

The adhesion of five strains of bacteria, i.e., Staphylococcus aureus (strain 049), Staphylococcus epidermidis (strain 047), Escherichia coli (strains 055 and 2627), and Listeria monocytogenes, to various polymeric surfaces was studied. The design of the experimental protocol was dictated by thermodynamic considerations. From the thermodynamic model for the adhesion of small particles from a suspension onto a solid substratum, it follows that the extent of adhesion is determined by the surface properties of all three phases involved, i.e., the surface tensions of the adhering particles, of the substrate, and of the suspending liquid medium. In essence, adhesion is more extensive to hydrophilic substrata (i.e., substrata of relatively high surface tension) than to hydrophobic substrata, when the surface tension of the bacteria is larger than that of the suspending medium. When the surface tension of the suspending liquid is larger than that of the bacteria, the opposite pattern of behavior prevails. Suspensions of bacteria at a concentration of 10(8) microorganisms per ml were brought into contact with several polymeric surfaces (Teflon, polyethylene, polystyrene, and acetal and sulfonated polystyrene) for 30 min at 20 degrees C. After rinsing, the number of bacteria adhering per unit surface area was determined by image analysis. The surface tension of the suspending medium. Hanks balanced salt solution, was modified through the addition of various amounts of dimethyl sulfoxide. It was found that the number of bacteria adhering per unit surface area correlates well with the thermodynamic predictions and that these data may be used to determine the surface tension of the different bacterial species. The surface tensions of the bacteria obtained in this fashion are in excellent agreement with those obtained by other methods.