Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human cutaneous leishmaniasis: interferon‐dependent expression of double‐stranded RNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR) via TLR2

We investigated the type I interferon (IFN‐1)/PKR axis in the outcome of the Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis infection, along with the underlying mechanisms that trigger and sustain this signaling pathway. Reporter assays of cell extracts from RAW‐264.7 macrophages infected with L. (L.) amazonensis or HEK‐293T cells cotransfected with TLR2 and PKR promoter constructions were employed. Primary macrophages of TLR2‐knockout (KO) or IFNR‐KO mice were infected, and the levels of PKR, IFN‐1, and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) transcript levels were investigated and compared. Immunohistochemical analysis of human biopsy lesions was evaluated for IFN‐1 and PKR‐positive cells. Leishmania infection increased the expression of PKR and IFN‐β on induction of PKR‐promoter activity. The observed effects required the engagement of TLR2. TLR2‐KO macrophages expressed low IFN‐β and PKR levels postinfection with a reduced parasite load. We also revealed the requirement of PKR signaling for Leishmania‐induced IFN‐1 expression, responsible for sustaining PKR expression and enhancing infection. Moreover, during infection, SOD1 transcripts increased and were also enhanced when IFN‐1 was added to the cultures. Remarkably, SOD1 expression was abrogated in infected, dominant‐negative PKR‐expressing cells. Finally, lesions of patients with anergic diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis exhibited higher levels of PKR/IFN‐1‐expressing cells compared to those with single cutaneous leishmaniasis. In summary, we demonstrated the mechanisms and relevance of the IFN‐1/PKR axis in the Leishmania infection. —De Carvalho Vivarini, A. , Pereira, R. M. S. , Dias Teixeira, K. L. , Calegari‐Silva, T. C. , Bellio, M. , Laurenti, M. D. , Corbett, C. E. P., de Castro Gomes, C. M. , Soares, R. P., Mendes Silva, A. , Silveira, F. T. , Lopes, U. G. Human cutaneous leishmaniasis: interferon‐dependent expression of double‐stranded RNA‐kinase (PKR) via TLR2. FASEB J. 25, 4162–4173 (2011). www.fasebj. org
A Population-Structured HIV Epidemic in Israel: Roles of Risk and Ethnicity

Background HIV in Israel started with a subtype-B epidemic among men who have sex with men, followed in the 1980s and 1990s by introductions of subtype C from Ethiopia (predominantly acquired by heterosexual transmission) and subtype A from the former Soviet Union (FSU, most often acquired by intravenous drug use). The epidemic matured over the last 15 years without additional large influx of exogenous infections. Between 2005 and 2013 the number of infected men who have sex with men (MSM) increased 2.9-fold, compared to 1.6-fold and 1.3-fold for intravenous drug users (IVDU) and Ethiopian-origin residents. Understanding contemporary spread is essential for effective public health planning. Methods We analyzed demographic and virologic data from 1,427 HIV-infected individuals diagnosed with HIV-I during 1998–2012. HIV phylogenies were reconstructed with maximum-likelihood and Bayesian methods. Results Subtype-B viruses, but not A or C, demonstrated a striking number of large clusters with common ancestors having posterior probability ≥0.95, including some suggesting presence of transmission networks. Transmitted drug resistance was highest in subtype B (13%). MSM represented a frequent risk factor in cross-ethnic transmission, demonstrated by the presence of Israeli-born with non-B virus infections and FSU immigrants with non-A subtypes. Conclusions Reconstructed phylogenetic trees demonstrated substantial grouping in subtype B, but not in non-MSM subtype-A or in subtype-C, reflecting differences in transmission dynamics linked to HIV transmission categories. Cross-ethnic spread occurred through multiple independent introductions, with MSM playing a prevalent role in the transmission of the virus. Such data provide a baseline to track epidemic trends and will be useful in informing and quantifying efforts to reduce HIV transmission.
Saccharomyces boulardii Stimulates Intestinal Immunoglobulin A Immune Response to Clostridium difficileToxin A in Mice

ABSTRACT Saccharomyces boulardii is a nonpathogenic yeast that protects against antibiotic-associated diarrhea and recurrentClostridium difficile colitis. The administration ofC. difficile toxoid A by gavage to S. boulardii-fed BALB/c mice caused a 1.8-fold increase in total small intestinal immunoglobulin A levels (P = 0.003) and a 4.4-fold increase in specific intestinal anti-toxin A levels (P < 0.001). Enhancing host intestinal immune responses may be an important mechanism for S. boulardii-mediated protection against diarrheal illnesses.
Streptococcus mutans Competence-Stimulating Peptide Inhibits Candida albicans Hypha Formation

ABSTRACT The oral cavity is colonized by microorganisms growing in biofilms in which interspecies interactions take place. Streptococcus mutans grows in biofilms on enamel surfaces and is considered one of the main etiological agents of human dental caries. Candida albicans is also commonly found in the human oral cavity, where it interacts with S. mutans. C. albicans is a polymorphic fungus, and the yeast-to-hypha transition is involved in virulence and biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to investigate interkingdom communication between C. albicans and S. mutans based on the production of secreted molecules. S. mutans UA159 inhibited C. albicans germ tube (GT) formation in cocultures even when physically separated from C. albicans. Only S. mutans spent medium collected in the early exponential phase (4-h-old cultures) inhibited the GT formation of C. albicans. During this phase, S. mutans UA159 produces a quorum-sensing molecule, competence-stimulating peptide (CSP). The role of CSP in inhibiting GT formation was confirmed by using synthetic CSP and a comC deletion strain of S. mutans UA159, which lacks the ability to produce CSP. Other S. mutans strains and other Streptococcus spp. also inhibited GT formation but to different extents, possibly reflecting differences in CSP amino acid sequences among Streptococcus spp. or differences in CSP accumulation in the media. In conclusion, CSP, an S. mutans quorum-sensing molecule secreted during the early stages of growth, inhibits the C. albicans morphological switch.
Navigating Weak Institutions through Foreign Brokers

I study how firms signal their quality and attract foreign investors when they operate in a market characterized by weak enforcement and legal protection. Using a proprietary disclosure dataset, I examine how Chinese firms respond to a market liberalization pilot program. I find that affected firms responded through increasing the number of selective private meetings hosted by major foreign investment banks instead of using public disclosure channels. These firms experienced an increase in foreign institutional holdings after the liberalization’s implementation, and exhibited more stable stock performance and retained foreign investors during a subsequent market crash. Overall, the results are consistent with firms using communication channels certified by reputable foreign investment banks to attract and maintain foreign investment.
Analysis of the Organizational Attitude Towards Human Capital Development: A Study on Commercial Banks in Bangladesh

Purpose – The objective of this research report is to depict the attitude of commercial banks in Bangladesh towards its human capital development. Methodology – This exploratory research is conducted in total of 8 private commercial banks in Bangladesh from which 25 HR managers have been selected as respondents through convenient sampling method. Both the primary and secondary data were used in the study. A structured close ended questionnaire with five point Liker type scale was used for collecting primary data. Findings – The study found that the commercial Banks in Bangladesh have positive attitude towards the human capital investment. Although some organizations are found to consider such investment as risky, yet they are investment oriented to its people because they believe that investment in people is the main source of having sustainable competitive advantage. The findings also suggest that the banks can reduce the risk of investment in people by developing strong employee retention policies as creating long term contracts, offering financial incentives and additional professional opportunities. The study suggests the banks that are more investment oriented on human capital development; they should conduct proper cost-benefit analysis. Implications – The findings of this study will help the banks of Bangladesh to be aware about the importance of investment on human capital development and also see the picture to outcome from the investment on human capital development. Keywords: Commercial banks, Human capital development, Organizational attitude, Investment. DOI : 10.7176/JESD/10-2-02
Effects of a 6-Week Periodized Squat Training Program With or Without Whole-Body Vibration on Jump Height and Power Output Following Acute Vibration Exposure

Lamont, HS, Cramer, JT, Bemben, DA, Shehab, RL, Anderson, MA, and Bemben, MG. Effects of a 6-week periodized squat training program with or without whole-body vibration on jump height and power output following acute vibration exposure. J Strength Cond Res 23(8): 2317-2325, 2009-The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-week, periodized squat training program with (SQTV) or without (SQT) whole-body low-frequency vibration (WBLFV) on acute improvements in jump height and power output over 3 separate testing occasions. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 30 years and were randomized into 1 of 3 groups (CG, or control group, n = 6; SQTV, n = 13; or SQT, n = 11). SQTV and SQT performed Smith machine back squat training twice per week with 3 to 5 sets of 55 90% of the 1-repetition maximum (1RM). The SQTV group also received WBLFV (50 Hz; 2-6-mm amplitude) during the 6-week training period before training (30 seconds, 2-4-mm amplitude) and between sets (3 bouts lasting 10 seconds each). Two 30-cm depth jumps and two 20-kg squat jumps were performed after an acute vibration protocol during weeks 1, 3, and 7. Jump height (cm), peak power (Pmax), peak power per kilogram of body mass (Pmax/kg), and mean power (Pav) were recorded for the depth and squat jumps. Although there were no group by trial interactions, percent change in Pmax for the squat jump was greater (p < 0.01) for the SQTV group than for the SQT group post WBLFV. In addition, the percent change scores for jump height and Pmax/kg for the depth jump were greater (p < 0.05) for SQTV than for SQT following WBLFV exposure. WBLFV during the 6-week squat training program resulted in greater acute improvements in power output and jump height for both jump conditions compared to SQT alone.
Serological signatures of declining exposure following intensification of integrated malaria control in two rural Senegalese communities

Recent control scale-up has reduced malaria in many areas but new tools are needed to monitor further progress, including indicators of decreasing exposure to parasite infection. Although serology is considered a promising approach in this regard, the serological impact of control interventions has been so far studied using indirect quantification of exposure. Cohort surveys concomitantly recording entomological and malariometric indices have been conducted in two Senegalese settings where supervised control intensification implemented in 2006 shifted malaria from historically holoendemic in Dielmo and mesoendemic in Ndiop to hypoendemic in both settings by 2013. We analyse here serological signatures of declining transmission using archived blood samples. Responses against ten pre-erythrocytic and erythrocytic antigens from Plasmodium falciparum and P. malariae alongside an Anopheles gambiae salivary gland antigen were analysed. Cross-sectional surveys conducted before (2002) and after (2013) control intensification showed a major impact of control intensification in both settings. The age-associated prevalence, magnitude and breadth of the IgG responses to all antigens were village-specific in 2002. In 2013, remarkably similar patterns were observed in both villages, with marginal responses against all parasite antigens in the 0-5y children and reduced responses in all previously seropositive age groups. Waning of humoral responses of individuals who were immune at the time of control intensification was studied from 2006 to 2013 using yearly samplings. Longitudinal data were analysed using the Cochran-Armittage trend test and an age-related reversible catalytic conversion model. This showed that the antigen-specific antibody declines were more rapid in older children than adults. There was a strong association of antibody decline with the declining entomological inoculation rate. We thus identified serological markers of declining exposure to malaria parasites that should help future monitoring of progress towards malaria elimination.
Environmental efficiency analysis of Thai rice farming

The overarching objective of this research is to provide insight into how Thailand can sustainably intensify its rice production. To achieve this aim, this research develops an innovative approach for measuring agricultural environmental efficiency, which is called “the directional nutrient surplus efficiency measure”, which takes place within the theoretical context of directional distance function. Thus, the study determines optimal rice output and the combinations of inputs used for rice production that will minimise the nutrient surplus. This is done using cross-sectional secondary data from 1,112 rice farms which were divided into 9 categories for observation for the crop year 2008/09. In order to estimate the technical efficiency of the 9 observed groups of Thai rice farmers, the directional distance function was used, with different directions of improvement towards the production possibility frontier. The results indicate that measuring technical efficiency is robust in the context of the model choice for the technically efficient farms, implying that different TE measurements (i.e. different directional vectors) do not change the status of the technically efficient farms in the observation. 70%, 26%, 55%, 55%, 64%, 40%, 46%, 78%, and 34% of the total observations of jasmine rice North, jasmine rice Northeast, jasmine rice Central, non-jasmine rice North, non-jasmine rice Northeast, non-jasmine rice Central, nonjasmine rice South, glutinous rice North, and glutinous rice Northeast, respectively, produce on the PPF. The results also indicate that Thai rice farmers have average TE scores ranging from 84.1% to 99%, depending on which directional vector is chosen. Directional nutrient surplus efficiency measures with the directional vectors towards the nitrogen and phosphorus surplus minimum points were applied to measure the nitrogen and phosphorus surplus efficiency of Thai rice farming systems. The results indicate that the amount of NS discharged into the environment by the observed Thai rice farmers averages from 20.1 to 50.7 kg/ha, and the PS discharged into the environment averages from 11.0 to 28.7 kg/ha. The best practice farms of the 9 observed groups, according to this study, can earn higher profits by using fewer inputs, especially inputs detrimental to the environment like nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers, than the average farms in their respective groups; this also results in lower amounts of NS and PS being discharged into the environment, compared to the average farms in their respective groups. Thus, the environmental problems caused by Thai rice farming systems can be solved by adopting the methods of the best practice farms, and imposing policies for environmental taxation and site-specific soil nutrients testing.
Determinants of unintended pregnancy among women in Ecuador

This study examined determinants of unintended pregnancy in Ecuador. Data were obtained from 4534 recently pregnant women in the 1994 Demographic and Maternal-Child Health Survey. The sample is representative of the highland and coast regions. About 21% reported the recent pregnancy as unwanted; 18% reported it as mistimed. Weighted multivariate logistic regression revealed that residence was strongly associated with pregnancy intention. Rural women were 37% less likely than women from Quito or Guayaquil to have had an unwanted pregnancy. Rural women were 29% less likely than metropolitan women to have a mistimed pregnancy. Women from nonmetropolitan urban areas were 30% less likely than Quito and Guayaquil residents to have an unwanted pregnancy and 23% less likely to have a mistimed pregnancy. Women from the Sierra highland region were at very high risk of unintended pregnancy. Other high risk factors were parity and prior contraceptive use. Risk was lowered by rural residence high income and older age. Women with primary school were more likely to have a mistimed rather than a planned pregnancy. Women with no education were more likely to have an unwanted pregnancy. Experience with using a modern method was independently associated with the risk of unintended pregnancy.
Sp1 transcription factor is required for in vitro basal and Tat-activated transcription from the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat

Sp1-DNA binding sites have been reported to be essential for basal and Tat-activated transcription of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat (LTR). The role of the Sp1 transcription factor itself in regulation of the retroviral LTR, however, has not been clearly defined. It is now known, for instance, that the Sp1-DNA binding sites function also as thyroid hormone receptor response elements (V. Desay-Yajnik and H. H. Samuels, Mol. Cell. Biol. 13:5057-5069, 1993). In this report, we present data that demonstrate a strict requirement for Sp1 for both basal transcription and Tat-mediated trans activation of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 LTR in vitro.
Enhancement of mechanical performance of striated muscle by stretch during contraction

CONTENTS PAGE Introduction 539 The experimental data 540 Force enhancement during and after stretch 540 Component 1: velocity-dependent force enhancement during stretch 541 Component 2: a force component recruited by a critical sarcomere extension (not increased by further extension), which decays with time 542 Component 3: residual force enhancement after stretch of contracting muscle 544 Structural explanations of force enhancement by active stretch: connectin and nebulin 546 X-ray diffraction studies 546 Energetic considerations: heat production and ATP consumption 547 Simulation of force enhancement by active stretch by muscle models 547 Conclusion 550 References 550
Capping and receptor‐mediated endocytosis of cell‐bound verotoxin (shiga‐like toxin) 1: Chemical identification of an amino acid in the B subunit necessary for efficient receptor glycolipid binding and cellular internalization

The glycolipid globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) is the plasma membrane receptor that mediates the internalization of verotoxin (VT1) into susceptible cells by capping and receptor‐mediated endocytosis (RME). Internalization of fluorescein isothiocyanate‐conjugated holotoxin into Daudi lymphoma cells was found to be slower than the pentameric receptor binding B subunit alone, suggesting that the A subunit may interact with the membrane to compromise the lateral mobility of the receptor bound B subunit. 3‐D reconstruction of fluorescent images by confocal microscopy confirmed the complete internalization of holotoxin. VT1 internalization and cytotoxicity was inhibited by monodansyl cadavarine, which supports a role for clathrin coated pits in the RME of VT1. Biotinylation of the B subunit (in contrast to fluorescein labelling) was found to prevent toxin internalization. This effect correlated with reduced binding of Gb3 and reduced cytotoxicity in vitro. By cleavage of the B subunit at the single tryptophan residue, the reduced Gb3 binding and lack of cellular internalization was shown to be due to the biotinylation of lysine 53 in the VT1 B subunit. This residue was not labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate in the native protein. This conclusion was confirmed by the finding that biotinylation of VT2c (which contains lys 53) prevented glycolipid receptor binding, whereas biotinylation of VT2e (in which lys 53 is substituted by ile) had no effect. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DPFFs: C2MOS Direct Path Flip-Flops for Process-Resilient Ultradynamic Voltage Scaling

We propose two master-slave flip-flops (FFs) that utilize the clocked CMOS () technique with an internal direct connection along the main signal propagation path between the master and slave latches and adopt an adaptive body bias technique to improve circuit robustness. structure improves the setup margin and robustness while providing full compatibility with the standard cell characterization flow. Further, the direct path shortens the logic depth and thus speeds up signal propagation, which can be optimized for less power and smaller area. Measurements from test circuits fabricated in 130 nm technology show that the proposed FF operates down to 60 mV, consuming 24.7 pW while improving the propagation delay, dynamic power, and leakage by 22%, 9%, and 13%, respectively, compared with conventional FFs at the iso-output-load condition. The proposed FFs are integrated into an FIR filter which successfully operates all the way down to 85 mV.
Early Childhood Development in Latin America and the Caribbean

There is considerable evidence that young children in many developing countries suffer from profound deficits in nutrition, health, fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development, and socio-emotional development. Early childhood development (ECD) outcomes are important markers of the welfare of children. In addition, the deleterious effects of poor outcomes in early childhood can be long-lasting, affecting school attainment, employment, wages, criminality, and measures of social integration of adults. This paper considers the theoretical case to be made for investments in early childhood, selectively reviews the literature on the impact of ECD programs in the United States, discusses the evidence from Latin America and the Caribbean, and makes suggestions for future research. The focus is on the relation between outcomes in early childhood and measures of household socioeconomic status, child health, and parenting practices, as well as on the impact of specific policies and programs. The knowledge base on early childhood outcomes is still thin in Latin America and the Caribbean. There are therefore very high returns to comparative descriptive analysis in the region, as well as to careful evaluations of the impact of various programs.