Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of tetrodotoxin and anhydrotetrodotoxin in Vibrio sp. isolated from the intestines of a xanthid crab, Atergatis floridus.

Vibrio sp. isolated from a xanthid crab, Atergatis floridus, was cultured, and tetrodotoxin (TTX) and anhydroTTX were indicated to be present in several fractions of the cell extract and the culture medium by reverse phase HPLC. The presence of the C9-base in alkaline hydrolyzates of these fractions was confirmed by GC-MS and UV spectrometry. These results showed the production of TTX and anhydroTTX in the Vibrio sp. , thus indicating one of the origins of TTX in nature.
Experimental demonstration of pilot-symbols-aided cycle slip mitigation for QPSK modulation format

A pilot-symbols-aided phase unwrapping is proposed to do cycle-slip mitigations with fourth-power CPE. Experiments for 28 Gbaud SP-QPSK achieve 13 dB ROSNR at 1×10-3 with 1.56% overhead and 2 MHz combined linewidth without differential coding.
Synthesis and secretion of recombinant penicillin G acylase in bacterial L‐forms

L‐form strains of Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli lacking the cell wall represent an alternative prokaryotic cell system for the production of recombinant proteins (KLESSEN et al. 1988, LAPLACE et al. 1988 a, 1989b). We could demonstrate that they are also able to synthesize the enzyme penicillin G acylase (PAC)1). PAC was processed and secreted into the medium by recombinant L‐form strains. The synthesis of PAC was growth‐associated and stably regulated. Expression, secretion, and processing were not temperature‐dependent and occurred at 26 °C, 32 °C and even 37 °C. The expression vector pHC1 carried the pac gene under the control of the lac UV promoter and a kanamycin resistance gene. It could be maintained in L‐form cells, showing low structural as well as segregational instability. The secretion of the biologically active enzyme into the medium indicated that the postranslational processing of the PAC molecule, including the excision of a 54 amino acid spacer peptide between the α and β subunit, is not carried out in the periplasmic space, but occurs at the cytoplasmic membrane or autocatalytically.
A compact broadband quadrature power splitter on LTCC

In this paper a compact broadband quadrature power splitter (QPS) on LTCC and its design procedure are presented. With suitable design of layout and fabricated on LTCC (low temperature cofired ceramic), both the high pass network and parasitic component are considered for bandwidth extension. This will enhance the fractional bandwidth of the phase adjusting network as well as the input matching bandwidth for QPS. The measured results show a phase error of less than +/− 5° and a power imbalance at output port of less than 0.6dB from 2.9∼7.2GHz. The return loss and isolation is better than 10 dB. The size of QPS excluding pad is 7.1mm×6.2mm.
The assessment of patients' health-related quality of life during tuberculosis treatment in Wuhan, China.

OBJECTIVES To validate the SF-36 questionnaire in a Chinese population and to assess the patients' health-related quality of life (HQoL) during tuberculosis (TB) treatment. DESIGN The SF-36 (Chinese version) scores of 102 TB cases before treatment, after the initial phase and at the end of treatment were compared with those of 103 control subjects. RESULTS The SF-36 scores were valid (internal consistency > 0.4) and reliable (Cronchbach's micro > 0.7). Before treatment, all except the role-emotional, social function and mental health scales of the TB patients were lower than those of the controls (P < 0.01); the patients' scores increased significantly during treatment (P < 0.01). In a stepwise regression model, age (P < 0.01, OR 0.95), white blood cell count (P < 0.01, OR 0.92) and number of symptoms (P < 0.05, OR 0.99) were associated with the total SF-36 score. At completion of treatment, sex (P < 0.01, OR 0.25) and haemoglobin (P < 0.05, OR 0.88) remained at the end of the model. CONCLUSION The SF-36 scores of TB patients are low before treatment, indicating a decline in HQoL, with physical scales most affected. However, scores increase over the course of treatment. The Chinese version of SF-36 is a reliable tool for monitoring HQoL throughout TB treatment.
Targeted Correction of an Episomal Gene in Mammalian Cells by a Short DNA Fragment Tethered to a Triplex-forming Oligonucleotide*

Triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) can bind to polypurine/polypyrimidine regions in DNA in a sequence-specific manner and provoke DNA repair. We have coupled a TFO to a short donor fragment of DNA that shares homology to a selected gene as a strategy to mediate gene targeting and correction. In this bifunctional oligonucleotide, the TFO domain is designed to bind the target gene and stimulate repair and recombination, with the donor domain positioned for recombination and information transfer. A series of these tethered donor-TFO (TD-TFO) molecules with donor domains of 40–44 nucleotides and TFO domains in both the purine and pyrimidine triplex motifs were tested for their ability to mediate either gene correction or mutation of a supF reporter gene contained in a SV40 shuttle vector in mammalian cells. In vitro binding assays revealed that the attachment of the donor domain via a flexible linker did not significantly alter the binding affinity of the TFO domain for the polypurine site in the supF target DNA, with equilibrium dissociation constants in the 10−8 m range. Experiments in which the target vector and the linked TD-TFOs were pre-incubated in vitro and co-transfected into cells led to conversion frequencies approaching 1%, 4-fold greater than with the two domains unlinked. When cells that had been previously transfected with the SV40 vector were electroporated with the TD-TFOs, frequencies of base pair-specific gene correction were seen in the range of 0.04%, up to 50-fold over background and at least 3-fold over either domain alone or in unlinked combinations. Sequence conversion by the TD-TFOs was achieved using either single- or double-stranded donor domains and either triplex motif. Substitution of either domain in the TD-TFO with control sequences yielded reagents with diminished activity, as did mixtures of unlinked TFO and donor DNA segments. The boost in activity provided by the attached TFO domain was reduced in cells deficient in the nucleotide excision repair factor XPA but was restored in a subclone of these cells expressing XPA cDNA, suggesting a role for nucleotide excision repair in the pathway of triple helix-stimulated gene conversion. The ability to correct or mutate a specific target site in mammalian cells using the TD-TFO strategy may provide a useful tool for research and possibly for therapeutic applications.
Pharmacotherapy of chronic kidney disease and mineral bone disorder

Introduction: Disturbances of the bone and mineral metabolism are a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD); these disturbances are known as CKD–mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). A better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of CKD-MBD, along with its negative impact on other organs and systems, as well as on survival, has led to a shift in the treatment paradigm of this disorder. The use of phosphate binders changed dramatically over the last decade when noncalcium-containing phosphate binders, such as sevelamer and lanthanum carbonate, became possible alternative treatments to avoid calcium overload. Vitamin D receptor activators, such as paricalcitol and doxercalciferol, with fewer calcemic and phosphatemic effects, have also been introduced to control parathormone production and the interest in native vitamin D supplementation has grown. Furthermore, a new drug class, the calcimimetics, has recently been introduced into the therapeutic arsenal for treating secondary hyperparathyroidism. Areas covered: This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the above pharmacological options to treat CKD-MBD. Expert opinion: The individual-based use of phosphate binders, vitamin D and calcimimetics, separately or in combination, constitute a reasonable approach to treat CKD-MBD. These treatments aim to achieve a rigorous control of phosphorus and parathormone levels, while avoiding calcium overload.
Prise en charge nutritionnelle des nouveau-nés prématurés

Depuis les annees 1980, les avancees medicales et scientifiques ont permis de maintenir en vie des prematures nes au-dessous de 28 semaines de gestation. Le premature est caracterise par une absence de reserves et une immaturite biologique alterant un certain nombre de fonctions immunitaires, physiologiques et metaboliques. En effet, c’est surtout lors du 3 e trimestre de la grossesse que se constituent les reserves fœtales energetiques, en oligo-elements ou en vitamines. La prise en charge nutritionnelle des prematures doit donc etre adaptee a cette immaturite metabolique tout en permettant une croissance optimale. L’alimentation enterale par sonde doit etre debutee rapidement en fonction de la tolerance. Cependant, la nutrition des premiers jours associe le plus souvent une alimentation enterale minime a visee trophique sur le tractus digestif a un complement par nutrition parenterale pour fournir au nouveau-ne les apports recommandes. La nutrition parenterale expose a des complications mecaniques et metaboliques qui lui sont propres, et qui requierent une surveillance clinique et biologique accrue.
Development of a beverage benchtop prototype based on sweet potato peels: optimization of antioxidant activity by a mixture design

Abstract A beverage benchtop prototype related to oxidative stress protection was developed based on sweet potato peels phenolics. Formula components were sweet potato peel (Ipomoeas batatas L.) aqueous extract (SPPE), sweet potato leaves water extract (SPLE) and honey solution (HonS). According to linear squares regression (LSR) models, SPLE presented higher additive effect on total phenolic content (TPC), FRAP and DPPH than the other components. All antagonist interactions were not significant. The optimum formula obtained by artificial neural networks (ANN) analysis was 50.0% of SPPE, 21.5% of SPLE and 28.5% of HonS. Predicted responses of TPC, FRAP, DPPH and soluble solids were 309 mg GAE/L, 476 mg TE/L, 1098 mg TE/L and 12.3 °Brix, respectively. Optimization with LSR models was similar to ANN. Beverage prototype results positioned next to commercial vegetable and fruit beverages, thus it has an interesting potential to the market of health and wellness.
Intermediate Filaments at the Junction of Mechanotransduction, Migration, and Development

Mechanically induced signal transduction has an essential role in development. Cells actively transduce and respond to mechanical signals and their internal architecture must manage the associated forces while also being dynamically responsive. With unique assembly-disassembly dynamics and physical properties, cytoplasmic intermediate filaments play an important role in regulating cell shape and mechanical integrity. While this function has been recognized and appreciated for more than 30 years, continually emerging data also demonstrate important roles of intermediate filaments in cell signal transduction. In this review, with a particular focus on keratins and vimentin, the relationship between the physical state of intermediate filaments and their role in mechanotransduction signaling is illustrated through a survey of current literature. Association with adhesion receptors such as cadherins and integrins provides a critical interface through which intermediate filaments are exposed to forces from a cell's environment. As a consequence, these cytoskeletal networks are posttranslationally modified, remodeled and reorganized with direct impacts on local signal transduction events and cell migratory behaviors important to development. We propose that intermediate filaments provide an opportune platform for cells to both cope with mechanical forces and modulate signal transduction.
Exploring Effective Chemical Indicators for Petrochemical Emissions with Network Measurements Coupled with Model Simulations

A large petrochemical complex, dubbed Petro–complex, situated in a rather rural region of Taiwan, was used as a test bed to detect emissions from the Petro–complex to its surroundings. Hourly observations of speciated non–methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) by the photochemical assessment monitoring stations (PAMSs), as well as the total amounts of NMHCs, SO2, and NOx provided by the air quality stations (AQSs), were utilized to find useful petro–emission indication methods. The analytical aspect of NMHCs either as a speciated form or as total amounts was demonstrated through field comparison to illustrate data quality. Using ethyne to offset traffic influence, the ratios of ethene to ethyne (acetylene) (E/A) and propene to ethyne (P/A) were proven to be effective indicators of petro–emissions owing to pronounced emissions of ethene and propene, revealed as tall spikes in PAMS measurements. SO2 and NOx were also explored as petro–emission indicators mainly for stack sources. By coordinating with three–dimensional modeling, SO2 from petro–emissions could be distinguished from other prominent sources, such as coal–fired power plants. An attempt was also made to use SO2 and NOx as indicators of broader petro–emissions with stringent criteria to minimize traffic interference and increase specificity. Similar findings were observed with the three indicators, that is, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) ratios, SO2 and NOx, to identify the southwest area of the Petro–region as the most affected area, as represented by Taisi station (F2). The percent affected time of a year at F2 was 10%–14%, owing to the dominant wind field of northeast monsoonal (NEM) in the region, as compared with other sites in the east and north of 1–5%. Using VOC ratios as petro–emission indicators is more effective than using other gases, owing to the compositional advantage to minimize traffic interference.
Physicians' views on quality of care: a five-country comparison.

Interest is resurging in the problems relating to the quality of patient care. This paper provides a comparative perspective on this issue from a five-country physician survey conducted in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States in 2000. Physicians in all five countries reported a recent decline in quality of care and concerns with how hospitals address medical errors. Physicians in four countries expressed serious concerns about shortages of medical specialists and inadequate facilities. U.S. physicians reported problems caused by patients' inability to pay for prescription drugs and medical care. Asked about efforts to improve quality of care in the future, physicians indicated support for electronic medical records, electronic prescribing, and initiatives to reduce medical errors.
First record of cestode Mathevotaenia erinacei Meggitt, 1920 from Hedgehog Hemiechinus auritus in Basrah Province, Iraq

The present study was carried out on 35 specimens of long eared hedgehog Hemiechinus auritus Gmelin,1770 in several localities of Abu Al-Khasib district, Basrah province during the period from March to September, 2004.The intestine of hedgehog was removed and examined to searching for helminth parasites. One species of cestode were collected from 4(11.4 %) of examined animals . The isolated cestode was similar to original description of Mathevotaenia erinacei, therefore redescription and Comparison between two measurements were given. The present finding of this cestode represent its first Record in iraq.
Studies on the induction of immunologic unresponsiveness. I. Effects of endotoxin and phytochemagglutinin.

Summary The time course of the inhibition of establishment of immunologic unresponsiveness to human γ-globulin (HGG) in adult mice by endotoxin (ET) has been studied. ET prevents the establishment of unresponsiveness in C57BL/6J and A/J mice only if given up to 2 days after injection of HGG. ET given before or 3 or more days after HGG is ineffective. The effect of ET on induction of unresponsiveness is apparently independent of the granulopectic activity of the reticuloendothelial system (RES), as measured by clearance of colloidal carbon from the circulation, since ET is effective when the activity of the RES is either elevated or depressed. One dose of ET before HGG eliminates the ability of the ET given after HGG to prevent the establishment of immunologic unresponsiveness, although the granulopectic activity of the RES is elevated. The amount of HGG associated with spleen cells is comparably elevated above controls in animals treated with ET before or after HGG. The effect is not the result of complex formation between ET and HGG. Cortisone given at the time of ET does not alter the effect of ET. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) induces an intense proliferation of spleen cells in vivo as measured by incorporation of tritiated thymidine and increase in cell number, but has no effect on the induction of immunologic unresponsiveness. Neither ET nor PHA affect the unresponsive state which has been induced in neonatal life.
Neurotensin-induced modulation of dopamine D2 receptors and their function in rat striatum: Counteraction by a NTR1-like receptor antagonist

The present study investigated the neurotensin (NT) receptor subtype (NTR) involved in the antagonistic neurotensin modulation of striatal dopamine D2 receptors observed in vitro and in vivo. The NT induced increase of the IC50 values of dopamine (DA) competition for [125I]iodosulpiride binding sites was counteracted by the NTR1-like antagonist SR48692 in rat striatal slices. Intrastriatal perfusion of pergolide induced in the awake rat an inhibition of striatal DA release that was antagonized by NT. This action of NT was counteracted by co-perfusion with the NTR1 like antagonist SR48692. These data indicate that there exists in the striatum at the prejunctional level an intramembrane antagonistic NT receptor/DA D2 receptor-receptor interaction where NTR1 like receptor activation reduces the DA D2 autoreceptor function.
La cultura científico-tecnológica de las sociedades de modernidad tardía

En este articulo se presenta la trayectoria de emergencia y formalizacion del campo de investigacion conocido como comprension de la ciencia por el publico, contextualizando su desarrollo atendiendo a los debates sobre la crisis de legitimacion de la ciencia, sobre la emergencia de la consciencia medioambiental a finales de los anos sesenta, y sobre las transformaciones culturales de la modernidad tardia. Se examinan las demandas de voz del publico en las politicas de contenido tecnocientifico y el papel que la familiaridad del publico con la ciencia tiene para la participacion en la formacion de esas politicas. A continuacion, se introduce una tipologia de alfabetizacion cientifica del publico, se especifica el objeto formal de este campo y se aducen algunos de los principales resultados alcanzados. Finalmente, se aboga por un cambio de orientacion del programa de investigacion, consistente en ampliar el foco desde los elementos y problemas de la tradicion de la scientific literacy al del estudio de la cultura cientifica y tecnologica en contextos espacio-temporales concretos. Palabras clave: comprension publica de la ciencia / alfabetizacion cientifica / cultura cientifica y tecnologica / actitudes ante la ciencia.
Loading the Third Harmonic: A Linear and Efficient Post-Matching Doherty PA

Among the most exciting parts of the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S) 2017 International Microwave Symposium (IMS2017) was the "High-Efficiency Power Amplifier" Student Design Competition (SDC) sponsored by Technical Coordinating Committee MTT-5. This competition focuses on RF power amplifiers (PAs) having both high efficiency and linearity. Competitors are required to design, construct, and measure a high-efficiency PA with a specified linearity at a frequency of their choice between 1 and 10 GHz. The winner is determined by a figure of merit (FOM), with other requirements [1] that must also be satisfied:
Glucose-insulin-potassium solution and hypoglycemia.

To the Editor. — Glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) solution was originally introduced as a possible means of preservation of the ischemic myocardium. 1 In this institution GIK solution has been used preoperatively for 12 hours in adult patients undergoing coronary-artery-bypass graft procedures to protect the ischemic myocardium before and during the institution of cardiopulmonary bypass. In recent months we have begun use of the membrane oxygenator and have used crystaloid pump prime (lactated Ringer's solution to albumin in the ratio 1 liter to 25 g) instead of the partial blood prime that had been used with the bubble oxygenator. When the patient arrived in the operating room, the administration of GIK solution was discontinued. Intravenous fluid administration was continued with 1 liter of 5% dextrose in 0.2 normal saline, followed by lactated Ringer's solution until cardiopulmonary bypass began. We obtained blood glucose levels before starting the bypass and at one-half hour after bypass
Genetically engineeredbifidobacterium as a drug delivery system for systemic therapy of metastatic breast cancer patients

A fundamental obstacle in systemic therapy for metastatic breast cancer patients is specific targeting of therapy directly to a solid tumor. Hypoxic or necrotic regions are characteristic of solid tumors in many murine and human tumors, including the majority of primary tumors of the breast. A strain of anaerobic bacteria such asBifidobacterium orClostridium selectively localizes to and proliferates in solid tumors after systemic application. Another approach uses attenuatedSalmonella strains that need tumor-specific nutrients to selectively proliferate and is a potential gene delivery system. We constructed a plasmid, pBLESl00-S-eCD, which included the cytosine deaminase gene. TransfectedBifidobacterium longum produced cytosine deaminase in the hypoxic tumor. Enzyme/pro-drug therapy was confirmed to be effective for systemic administration.
Putting insulin glargine and malignancies into perspective.

INTRODUCTION “ . while society expects due diligence in the detection of serious drug side-effects, claims of harm not backed by adequate evidence can provoke unnecessary alarms and anxieties, and seriously interfere with good medical practice. ” Pocock and Smeeth [1]. Patients with type 2 diabetes have been shown to have a higher risk for cancer. The excess risk compared with nondiabetic matched individuals is 30% for colon cancer, 50% for pancreatic cancer, and 20% for postmenopausal breast cancer [2–4]. These are, however, also associated with obesity, making the causal relationship complex. Further to this, pharmacotherapy for the treatment of diabetes has been shown to be associated with greater cancer mortality, with metformin being neutral and sulfonylureas (hazard ratio [HR], 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1–1.6) and insulin (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.5–2.4) showing higher mortality [5]. Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin analog that is identical to human insulin except at position 21 of the Achain (Asp3 Gly) and two additional terminal Arg in the B-chain. It was developed in response to a clinical demand for prolonged stable action and, most of all, a lower risk for hypoglycemia. These advanced properties have led to its widespread use as basal insulin in clinical practice. It is, however, unknown whether or not insulin glargine and human insulin are different with respect to mitogenicity. They have so far only been compared in in vitro studies showing that insulin glargine had greater receptor affinity and mitogenic potency [6], but in vivo metabolism of insulin glargine at the injection site and in the circulation suggest low mitogenic potency [7].