Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CDC68, a yeast gene that affects regulation of cell proliferation and transcription, encodes a protein with a highly acidic carboxyl terminus

The cell cycle of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been investigated through the study of conditional cdc mutations that specifically affect cell cycle performance. Cells bearing the cdc68-1 mutation (J. A. Prendergast, L. E. Murray, A. Rowley, D. R. Carruthers, R. A. Singer, and G. C. Johnston, Genetics 124:81-90, 1990) are temperature sensitive for the performance of the G1 regulatory event, START. Here we describe the CDC68 gene and present evidence that the CDC68 gene product functions in transcription. CDC68 encodes a 1,035-amino-acid protein with a highly acidic and serine-rich carboxyl terminus. The abundance of transcripts from several unrelated genes is decreased in cdc68-1 mutant cells after transfer to the restrictive temperature, while at least one transcript, from the HSP82 gene, persists in an aberrant fashion. Thus, the cdc68-1 mutation has both positive and negative effects on gene expression. Our findings complement those of Malone et al. (E. A. Malone, C. D. Clark, A. Chiang, and F. Winston, Mol. Cell. Biol. 11:5710-5717, 1991), who have independently identified the CDC68 gene (as SPT16) as a transcriptional suppressor of delta-insertion mutations. Among transcripts that rapidly become depleted in cdc68-1 mutant cells are those of the G1 cyclin genes CLN1, CLN2, and CLN3/WHI1/DAF1, whose activity has been previously shown to be required for the performance of START. The decreased abundance of cyclin transcripts in cdc68-1 mutant cells, coupled with the suppression of cdc68-1-mediated START arrest by the CLN2-1 hyperactive allele of CLN2, shows that the CDC68 gene affects START through cyclin gene expression.
Association of defective HLA-I expression with antigen processing machinery and their association with clinicopathological characteristics in Kazak patients with esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND It has been confirmed that defective expression of human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) molecules can contribute to the immune evasion of cancer cells in some types of cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of HLA class I antigen and the antigen-processing machinery (APM) components in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and their role in high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and to analyze their association with histopathological characteristics in the Kazak ethnic group. METHODS A total of 50 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded ESCC lesions were collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China. The expression levels of HLA-I antigen and APM components were determined by immunohistochemistry; the HPV DNA were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS A high frequency of down-regulation or loss of expression of HLA and APM components were found in esophageal cancer in Kazak people. HLA-I, TAP1, CNX, LMP7, Erp57, Tapasin and ERAP1 were down-regulated in 68%, 44%, 48%, 40%, 52%, 32% and 20% of ESCC lesions then, respectively. The loss of expression of HLA-I antigen was significantly correlated with part of the APM components and positively correlated with high risk HPV16 infection. TAP1, CNX, LMP7, Erp57 and Tapasin loss were significantly associated with tumor grading, lymph node metastasis and depth of invasion (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that APM component defects are a mechanism underlying HLA-I antigen down-regulation in ESCC lesions, and indicate that the loss expression of HLA-I and APM components will become an important marker of ESCC and analysis of HLA-I and APM component expression can provide useful prognostic information for patients with ESCC from the Kazak ethnic group.
Osteitis Caused by BCG Vaccination

A survey of 26 Czechoslovakian children diagnosed with BCG osteitis during 1981–1986 is presented. Mycobacterial culture was attempted in 19 cases with confirmation of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Mycobacterium bovis strain in nine cases. Symptoms appeared ∼17 months after vaccination; the proximal tibial end, distal femur, and proximal humerus were most affected. Although vaccination has been obligatory since 1953, a different vaccine was introduced in 1980, which led to the diagnosis of BCG osteitis in 1981. The vaccination doses, symptomatology, and methods of treatment are described. The risk of complications and a project for vaccination at later age are discussed.
Hearing Impairment as a Determinant of Function in the Elderly

This clinical, practice‐based study explores the research question: Is there a relationship between hearing loss and functional disturbance in elderly patients? We analyzed the impact of hearing impairment on 153 patients over 65 years of age screened in primary care practice. Functional and psychosocial impairment were measured using the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), a standardized measure for assessing sickness related dysfunction. Hearing level was determined with pure tone audiometry.
A micro helium-discharge photoionization detector for gas sensing

This paper reports a 2cm × 1cm easy-to-micromachine helium discharge photoionization detector (μHeDPID) for use in micro gas chromatography by utilizing a lift-off process. This universal detector consumes a miserly 2.5mW for plasma generation and non-destructively photoionizes analyte compounds, thus avoiding fouling of electrodes. The ionized species is detected by a remote electrode connected to a picoammeter. The detector exhibits at least 350pg and 50ppm detection limit for n-octane in air. Despite the detector simplicity, its efficiency is in par with previously reported destructive plasma detectors which are based on more sophisticated spectrometric analysis.
Design and implement delay-aware QoS scheme for 3GPP LTE/LTE-A networks for mixed traffic flow

There is a growing demand for mobile networks to support high Quality of Service (QoS) for multiple applications in critical single all IP-based infrastructures. In addition, satisfying end-users' Quality of Experience (QoE) is still crucial. For these reasons, the Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has deployed a QoS framework for Long Term Evolution (LTE) based networks. However, the users' emerging demand for high-data rate and bandwidth hungry applications make this target more complicated, especially during network congestion. This pushes Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to think about more-intelligent techniques to manage their wireless network traffic, mainly in the transport layer. In this paper, a new Delay-Aware QoS Scheme (DAQS) for 3GPP LTE-based networks is proposed, implemented and critically evaluated. The proposed scheme uses QCI-DSCP (QoS Class Identifier-Differentiated Services Code Point) mapping in the transport layer along with queuing scheduling algorithms in the LTE backhaul network. The proposed scheme takes fairness between applications into account and so provides different levels of priorities. The scheme does not starve any application service; rather it dynamically associates applications to the appropriate priority level. An extensive simulation using OPNET Modeler Wireless Suite 17.5 based on the 3GPP standard specifications for 20MHz, 5MHz and 1.4MHz LTE bandwidths confirms that guaranteeing the QoS and QoE requirements for heterogeneous applications is possible in LTE networks.
The role of body weight, fat distribution and weight change in ethnic differences in the 9-year incidence of hypertension

Objective: To investigate the role of body composition (body weight, fat distribution and weight change over time) in ethnic differences in the incidence of hypertension in an ethnic Dutch, South Asian Surinamese and African Surinamese background population living in the Netherlands. Methods: We included 361 participants without hypertension at baseline (147 ethnic Dutch, 82 South Asian Surinamese, 132 African Surinamese), aged 35–60 years, in whom anthropometric measurements and blood pressures were measured at baseline and after mean 9 years of follow-up. Data were analysed using logistic regression analyses, with hypertension at follow up as a dependent variable. Results: Body weight, fat distribution and weight gain were positively associated with the risk of developing hypertension; these associations did not statistically significantly differ between ethnic groups [odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence interval (95% CI) per SD: BMI 1.5 (1.2–2.0); waist circumference 1.5 (1.2–1.9); waist to hip ratio (WHR) 1.4 (1.1–1.9), weight gain of 1–2.9 kg/m2 1.8 (0.9–3.8)]. As compared with Dutch, a higher incidence of hypertension was found among South Asian Surinamese [OR 2.6 (1.4–4.8)] and in particular among African Surinamese [OR 3.1 (1.76–5.30)]. Among South Asian Surinamese, adjustment for WHR attenuated the OR the most [OR 1.9 (1.0–3.7)]; among African Surinamese, the strongest effect was observed for adjustment by BMI and WHR simultaneously [OR 2.5 (1.4–4.4)]. Conclusion: The ethnic differences in the incidence of hypertension among a middle-aged group with a Dutch, South Asian Surinamese and African Surinamese background were partly explained by body composition. This suggests that other factors may be involved, including genetic factors or unidentified other determinants.
Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure

OBJECTIVES. Phthalates are man-made chemicals found in personal care and other products. Recent studies suggest that some phthalates can alter human male reproductive development, but sources of infant exposure have not been well characterized. We investigated the relationship between phthalate metabolite concentrations in infant urine and maternal reported use of dermally applied infant care products. METHODS. We measured 9 phthalate metabolites in 163 infants who were born in 2000–2005. An infant was considered to have been exposed to any infant care product that the mother reported using on her infant within 24 hours of urine collection. Results of multiple linear regression analyses are reported as the ratio of metabolite concentrations (with 95% confidence intervals) in exposed and unexposed infants. We standardized concentrations by forming z scores and examined combined exposure to multiple metabolites. RESULTS. In most (81%) infants, ≥7 phthalate metabolites were above the limit of detection. Exposure to lotion was predictive of monoethyl phthalate and monomethyl phthalate concentrations, powder of monoisobutyl phthalate, and shampoo of monomethyl phthalate. Z scores increased with number of products used. Most associations were stronger in younger infants. CONCLUSIONS. Phthalate exposure is widespread and variable in infants. Infant exposure to lotion, powder, and shampoo were significantly associated with increased urinary concentrations of monoethyl phthalate, monomethyl phthalate, and monoisobutyl phthalate, and associations increased with the number of products used. This association was strongest in young infants, who may be more vulnerable to developmental and reproductive toxicity of phthalates given their immature metabolic system capability and increased dosage per unit body surface area.
Comparing MCSA with vibration analysis in order to detect bearing faults — A case study

Condition Monitoring on rotating electrical machines has proven to be economically beneficial in the last decades, especially for industrial production processes. Vibration analysis has already become a reliable and commercial tool to perform condition monitoring or predictive maintenance. Stator current analysis, a newer technology that is still being developed can possibly open new perspectives and opportunities in the world of predictive maintenance. This technology is also known as Motor Current Signature Analysis or MCSA. In this paper the advantages and disadvantages of both technologies are listed and compared from a practical point of view, supplemented with a case study. The case study contains a bearing fault detection in an induction machine driven by a frequency converter. The machine drives a fan with varying torque and speed conditions.
Characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from healthy carrier chickens

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has long been recognized as an important pathogen in human medicine leading to hospital and community-acquired infections. However, it is now also considered a growing problem in veterinary medicine, although causing little or no disease. Although MRSA has already been detected in livestock including poultry, little is known about the epidemiology of MRSA in broiler and layer chickens. We therefore investigated 372 poultry farms in Belgium. We also compared the isolation method recommended by the European Food Safety Authority using two enrichment steps with an isolation method using only one enrichment step. Isolated MRSA was characterized by means of antimicrobial resistance profiling, spa typing, multi-locus sequence typing, and SCCmec typing. MRSA prevalence was 0.8% using the double broth enrichment method, while using the single broth enrichment method it was 1.8%. Five MRSA strains belonged to the livestock-associated (LA) MRSA ST398 (four with spa type t011 and one with t899), and three to the hospital-acquired MRSA ST239 spa type t037. The ST239 strains carried SCCmec type III while those belonging to ST398 carried SCCmec type IV or V. All isolates showed additional resistance to erythromycin and tetracycline apart from the expected resistance to cefoxitin and penicillin. All strains were susceptible to linezolid, mupirocin and vancomycin. In conclusion, a higher sensitivity for the isolation of LA-MRSA was obtained using only one enrichment step. While the typical LA-MRSA ST398 was present at low prevalence in poultry, human-associated strains have also been found.
Evaluation of Six Commercial Point-of-Care Tests for Diagnosis of Acute Dengue Infections: the Need for Combining NS1 Antigen and IgM/IgG Antibody Detection To Achieve Acceptable Levels of Accuracy

ABSTRACT Six assays were evaluated in this study to determine their suitability for the diagnosis of acute dengue infection using samples from 259 Sri Lankan patients with acute fevers (99 confirmed dengue cases and 160 patients with other confirmed acute febrile illnesses): (i) the Merlin dengue fever IgG & IgM combo device (Merlin), (ii) the Standard Diagnostics Dengue Duo nonstructural 1 (NS1) antigen and IgG/IgM combo device (Standard Diagnostics, South Korea), (iii) the Biosynex Immunoquick dengue fever IgG and IgM (Biosynex, France) assay, (iv) the Bio-Rad NS1 antigen strip (Bio-Rad, France), (v) the Panbio Dengue Duo IgG/IgM Cassette (Inverness, Australia), and (vi) the Panbio dengue NS1 antigen strip (Inverness, Australia). The median number of days of fever prior to admission sample collection was 5 days (interquartile range, 3 to 7 days). Sensitivity and specificity of the NS1 antigen tests ranged from 49 to 59% and from 93 to 99%, respectively, and sensitivity and sensitivity of the IgM antibody test ranged from 71 to 80% and from 46 to 90%, respectively. Combining the NS1 antigen and IgM antibody results from the Standard Diagnostics Dengue Duo test gave the best compromise of sensitivity and specificity (93% and 89%, respectively) and provided the best sensitivity in patients presenting at different times after fever onset. The Merlin IgM/IgG antibody tests correctly classified 64% and 86% of the primary and secondary dengue infection cases, respectively, and the Standard Diagnostics IgM/IgG antibody tests correctly classified 71% and 83% of the primary and secondary dengue infection cases, respectively. This study provides strong evidence of the value of combining dengue antigen- and antibody-based test results in the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) format for the acute diagnosis of dengue.
Bonding of Ag-alloy wire in LED packages

The LED lighting market has grown rapidly in recent years. Silver (Ag) and silver-rich alloy wire are drawing more and more attention in the LED industry because of its better thermal and electrical conductivity, much lower price as well as higher reflectance rate. Being considered as a potential alternative to Au wire in LED packages, the bonding capability of Ag-alloy wire on a LED device was evaluated in this study. The performance of Ag-alloy FAB with and without a cover gas was first studied. Using the bonding results of Au wire as the benchmark, investigation of the bonding capability and reliability of the Ag-alloy wire with and without cover gas was also carried out. Generally, Ag-alloy wire delivers better performance when bonding with a cover gas. During bonding of Ag-alloy wire without a cover gas, degradation of FAB repeatability, ball uniformity and bonding strength were observed. However, for low-end LED devices, bonding of Ag-alloy wire without a cover gas is a possible compromise for more cost savings.
INFLUENCE OF CELLULAR TRANSPORT ON THE INTERACTION OF AMINO ACIDS WITH γ‐AMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA)‐RECEPTORS IN THE ISOLATED OLFACTORY CORTEX OF THE GUINEA‐PIG

1 Freshly cut guinea‐pig olfactory cortex slices contained 2.2 mmol γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)/kg tissue weight. This declined during in vitro incubation at 25°C in the absence of exogenous GABA, but increased to 6.95 mmol/kg after 1.5 h incubation in 1 mm GABA. 2 Uptake of [3H]‐GABA (1 μm) was inhibited by 1 mm (±)‐nipecotic acid (−83%), β‐amino‐n‐butyric acid (BABA) (−59%), l‐2,4‐diaminobutyric acid (DABA) (−63%), (±)cis‐3‐aminocyclohexane carboxylic acid (ACHC) (−53%), and 3‐aminopropanesulphonic acid (3‐APS) (−26%), but was increased by β‐alanine (BALA) (+23%). 3 Autoradiographs showed steep concentration gradients of radioactivity across slices incubated for short periods in [3H]‐GABA. 4 Efflux of [3H]‐GABA from pre‐loaded slices was accelerated strongly by nipecotic acid, BABA, DABA and ACHC but weakly or not all by BALA or 3‐APS. 5 Nipecotic acid (1 mm) potentiated the surface‐depolarization of the slice produced by GABA but not that produced by 3‐APS. 6 The depolarizing actions of DABA, BABA, nipecotic acid and ACHC, but not that of 3‐APS or BALA, were potentiated when the endogenous GABA content of slices was raised. 7 It is concluded that: (a) the depolarizing action of exogenous GABA is limited by cellular uptake; (b) surface‐depolarizations produced by nipecotic acid, DABA, BABA and ACHC may be mediated by the release of GABA; and (c) neuronal, rather than glial, transport systems are responsible for these effects.
Clarifying criteria for cognitive signs and symptoms for eating disorders in DSM-V.

OBJECTIVE This article reviews literature relevant to challenges in clinical ascertainment of cognitively-based diagnostic criteria of anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) to examine whether revision might enhance their clinical utility. METHOD We performed a systematic literature search to identify publications relevant to clinical evaluation of cognitive symptoms of AN and BN. RESULTS The literature supports several reasons that individuals with an eating disorder may not endorse cognitive symptoms, despite their presence. These include limited insight, minimization, or denial, as well as intentional concealment related to perceived stigma, social desirability, or investment in maintaining behavioral symptoms. We also identified reasons that the word "refusal" in AN criterion A may render its application problematic. DISCUSSION We conclude that specific guidance for ascertainment of cognitive signs for AN and BN in the absence of patient disclosure or endorsement, longitudinal evaluation, and/or collateral data may improve clinical utility of these diagnostic criteria.
[Reversal effect of aloe emodin liposomes on cisplatin resistance line A549/DDP human lung adenocarcinoma cells].

OBJECTIVE To determine the reversal effect of aloe emodin liposomes (AE-L) on cisplatin resistance human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549/DDP. METHOD The un-cytotoxic and cytotoxic concentration of AE-L, and un-cytotoxic concentration of E-L were determined by MTT. The sensitivity of cisplatin were determined by MTT assay in above 3 groups. The intracellular concentration of cisplatin was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULT The maximum non-toxic concentration group of AE-L (2.0 mg x L(-1)) increased the sensitivity of cisplatin in A549/DDP, decreased IC50 of cisplatin in A549/DDP from 16.81 mg x L(-1) to 5.86 mg x L(-1), and the hyp-cytotoxic concentration (7.0 mg x L(-1) ) group's IC50 decreased to 4.34 mg x L(-1); AE-L groups significantly increased intracellular concentration of cisplatin in A549/DDP cells. CONCLUSION The results showed that aloe emodin can reverse multidrug resistance (MDR) of A549/DDP cells and the mechanism might be associated with the increase of intracellular concentration of cisplatin.
[Multifocal electroretinogram and age-related macular degeneration].

PURPOSE To assess the value of multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) in clinical evaluation of the response of patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV), secondary to age-related macular degeneration, to photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS We designed a prospective non-comparative case series and enrolled 23 eyes of 22 patients with predominantly classic CNV. The initial evaluation included clinical examination with measurement of visual acuity (Colenbrander), biomicroscopic evaluation (BMC), retinography, fluorescein angiography (FA), Humphrey 24-2 visual field examination and mfERG. All patients were treated with PDT. Clinical follow-up was performed two and six months after treatment with visual acuity evaluation, BMC, visual field assessment and mfERG. FA was repeated after an interval of between four and six months in all patients. RESULTS Visual acuity remained stable or improved in all patients included in the study. Visual field examination gave erratic and unreliable results because of patients' unstable fixation. N1 and P1 wave peak amplitudes in the central rings did not change significantly after treatment but they improved in rings 3 (p=0.000), 4 and 5 (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS Multifocal ERG is a useful tool for the clinical follow-up of CNV. It offers interesting non-subjective data of retinal sensitivity of patients with macular diseases treated with PDT. In addition we obtained a central retinal sensitivity map where we were able to evaluate the extent and depth of retinal damage.
Obsessive‐compulsive disorder in children: The role of nurse practitioners

Purpose: To review the characteristics of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) in children, differential diagnoses, screening and assessment tools, interventions, and outcomes. The role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in caring for children with OCD and the need for more research are discussed. Data sources: Review of published literature on the topic. Conclusions: OCD is now recognized as a common psychiatric disorder that may go unrecognized during childhood, leading to interference with a child's development and daily functioning. Early identification and treatment of OCD are crucial for a child's psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Implications for practice: NPs familiar with OCD in children can identify patients and make informed judgments about assessment, treatment, and referral.