Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural microbiology at the pathogen–host interface

Bacterial pathogens achieve the internalization of a multitude of virulence factors into eukaryotic cells. Some secrete extracellular toxins which bring about their own entry, usually by hijacking cell surface receptors and endocytic pathways. Others possess specialized secretion and translocation systems to directly inject bacterial proteins into the host cytosol. Recent advances in the structural biology of these virulence factors has begun to reveal at the molecular level how these bacterial proteins are delivered and modulate host activities ranging from cytoskeletal structure to cell cycle progression.
Multiplication of Visna Virus in Bovine and Porcine Cell Lines∗

Summary Continuous cell lines derived from embryo bovine trachea (EBTr), pig kidney (PK(15)) and calf kidney (MDBK) were tested for their ability to support the multiplication of visna virus. Visna virus multiplied to a significant degree in EBTr and PK(15) cells and produced distinctive cytopathic changes in EBTr cells, but not in PK(15) cells. Serial passage was successful in EBTr cells, and virus from a late passage was immunologically similar to visna virus propagated in cell cultures prepared from sheep choroid plexus cells. Inoculation of EBTr monolayers with concentrated visna virus at high virus/cell multiplicities resulted in widespread polykaryocyte formation within 6 hr. EBTr cells may furnish a more convenient in vitro system for the study of visna virus than the cell culture systems now in use.
Central Auditory Damage Induced by Solvent Exposure

Different studies have demonstrated that solvents may induce auditory damage. It has been suggested that part of this damage may be localised in central auditory pathways. The present study aimed to investigate possible auditory processing disorders related to solvent exposure. Thirty solvent-exposed workers and 30 gender-, age- and educational level-matched control subjects were selected to participate in the study. To select participants, a questionnaire, otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry and tympanometry were carried out. Filtered speech (FS), random gap detection (RGD) and hearing-in-noise tests (HINT) were conducted in the selected participants. Both groups of workers presented as a mean normal hearing thresholds. However, significant differences between groups were observed for RGD, FS and HINT. It is concluded that a possible auditory processing disorder may be related to solvent exposure.
Kernicterus in an adult

A 43‐year‐old woman was initially seen because of icterus. Clinical investigations revealed severe hepatic damage probably due to non‐A, non‐B hepatitis. She was treated with extracorporeal charcoal‐column perfusion but died two weeks later in a hepatic coma. At autopsy, the brain showed kernicterus with typical discoloration of the hippocampus, the subthalamic nuclei, and the cerebellar dentate nuclei. Kernicterus in an adult is very rare. In this case, extracorporeal charcoalcolumn perfusion treatment led repeatedly to severe depletion of fibrinogen, with extensive hemorrhages. Overload of the already reduced hepative glucuronyl‐transferase capacity resulted in high serum levels of unconjugated bilirubin, an apparent prerequisite for the development of bilirubin encephalopathy.
Re-visualizing Cyberspace: Using Quasi Objects for Spatial Definitions

The definition and visualization of cyberspace are an ambiguity. The creator of cyberspace defined cyberspace properties as being a space and a non-space and to appear as a ‘consensual hallucination’. Most understandings of the Cyberspace tend to begin with a particular physical space centrist viewpoint that applies physical space models and expectations of one space to another (physical space to Cyberspace), with assumptions that presuppose the existence of a universal definition and agreement on the Physical space. This paper contests such a view and the traditional philosophical definition of subject-object space by exploring the potential of Latour’s (1991) quasi objects to provide a different spatial definition. Cyberspace is hypothesized to be a collection of quasi objects, and to have the properties of both a Network and an Actor within the confines of the Actor Network Theory. The purpose of this paper is to propose contradictions to current assumptions and to ignite a debate regarding possible multiple solutions to current dilemmas in the definition of cyberspace.
Sex-specific effects of prenatal stress on neuronal development in the medial prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus

Evidence suggests that maternal stress during gestation in humans and animals can cause emotional and cognitive dysfunction in the offspring. In the present study, we examined neurons of the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex of adult rats exposed to prenatal stress. Using a revised Golgi–Cox staining method, we found decreases in dendritic length and complexity in area CA3 and the dentate gyrus of male rats exposed to prenatal stress compared with the controls, as well as decreased dendritic complexity in the prelimbic cortex. In contrast, we did not detect any changes in dendrites of female rats exposed to prenatal stress. Our results suggest that prenatal stress can induce long-lasting morphological changes in the medial prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus that are sex specific.
Adult cloning in cattle: Potential of nuclei from a permanent cell line and from primary cultures

Nuclear transfer was used to evaluate the developmental potential of nuclei from a spontaneously immortalized bovine mammary gland epithelial cell line (MECL) and from primary cultures of mammary gland cells (PMGC) and ear skin fibroblasts (PESF) established from 3‐year‐old cows. Cell proliferation was investigated by incorporation and detection of 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU). The proportion of cells in S‐phase was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for MECL cells than for PMGC and PESF, both in the presence of serum (90% vs. 28% and 15%) and following serum starvation (27% vs. 6% and 3%). Nuclei from PESF supported the development of reconstructed embryos to the blastocyst stage significantly better than those of PMGC (60% vs. 26%; P < 0.05). Embryos reconstructed with cells from MECL failed to develop to blastocysts. After transfer of embryos derived from PMGC and PESF, respectively, 2/2 and 5/12 recipients were pregnant on day 42. On day 90, the corresponding pregnancy rates were 2/2 and 3/12. One live calf derived from a PMGC was born at day 287 of gestation. Another live PESF‐derived calf was delivered by caesarean section at day 286 of gestation. Our study suggests that nuclei from primary cultures of adult cells can be successfully reprogrammed by nuclear transfer, whereas nuclei from a permanent cell line failed to support the development of nuclear transfer embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 54:264–272, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human face‐only immersion in cold water reduces maximal apnoeic times and stimulates ventilation

In two studies, the cold shock and diving responses were investigated after human face immersion without prior hyperventilation to explore the mechanism(s) accounting for reductions in maximal apnoeic times (ATmax) at low water temperatures. In study 1, ATmax, heart rate (HR) and cutaneous blood cell velocity were measured in 13 non‐apnoea‐trained males during apnoeic face immersion in 0, 10, 20 and 33°C water and room air (AIR). In study 2, six males were measured during non‐apnoeic face immersion in 0, 10 and 33°C water for ventilation ( ), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), HR and oxygen consumption ( ), as well for end‐tidal partial pressures of oxygen ( ) and carbon dioxide ( ). Results indicated that the ATmax of 30.7 s (s.d. 7.1 s) at 0°C (P < 0.001) and 48.2 s (s.d. 16.0 s) at 10°C (P < 0.05) were significantly shorter than that of ∼58 s in AIR or 33°C. During apnoea at 0, 10, 20 and 33°C, both the deceleration of HR (P < 0.05) and peripheral vasoconstriction (P < 0.05), as well as the peak HR at 0°C (P= 0.002) were significantly greater than in AIR. At 0°C in comparison with 33°C, non‐apnoeic face immersions gave peaks in (P= 0.039), RER (P= 0.025), (P= 0.032) and HR (P= 0.011), as well as lower minimum values for (P= 0.033) and HR (P= 0.002). With as the covariate, ANCOVA showed that remained significantly greater (P= 0.003) at lower water temperatures. In conclusion, during face immersion at 10°C and below, there is a non‐metabolic, neurally mediated cold shock‐like response that shortens apnoea, stimulates ventilation and predominates over the oxygen conserving effects of the dive response.
Exome Sequencing Reveals AMER1 as a Frequently Mutated Gene in Colorectal Cancer

Purpose: Somatic mutations occur at early stages of adenoma and accumulate throughout colorectal cancer progression. The aim of this study was to characterize the mutational landscape of stage II tumors and to search for novel recurrent mutations likely implicated in colorectal cancer tumorigenesis. Experimental Design: The exomic DNA of 42 stage II, microsatellite-stable colon tumors and their paired mucosae were sequenced. Other molecular data available in the discovery dataset [gene expression, methylation, and copy number variations (CNV)] were used to further characterize these tumors. Additional datasets comprising 553 colorectal cancer samples were used to validate the discovered mutations. Results: As a result, 4,886 somatic single-nucleotide variants (SNV) were found. Almost all SNVs were private changes, with few mutations shared by more than one tumor, thus revealing tumor-specific mutational landscapes. Nevertheless, these diverse mutations converged into common cellular pathways, such as cell cycle or apoptosis. Among this mutational heterogeneity, variants resulting in early stop codons in the AMER1 (also known as FAM123B or WTX) gene emerged as recurrent mutations in colorectal cancer. Losses of AMER1 by other mechanisms apart from mutations such as methylation and copy number aberrations were also found. Tumors lacking this tumor suppressor gene exhibited a mesenchymal phenotype characterized by inhibition of the canonical Wnt pathway. Conclusions: In silico and experimental validation in independent datasets confirmed the existence of functional mutations in AMER1 in approximately 10% of analyzed colorectal cancer tumors. Moreover, these tumors exhibited a characteristic phenotype. Clin Cancer Res; 21(20); 4709–18. ©2015 AACR.
Was bewegt den DAX

Regelmasige Veroffentlichungen makrookonomischer Kennzahlen, die von den Erwartungen der Marktteilnehmer abweichen, wirken sich in rund zwei Drittel der Falle sofort auf den deutschen Aktienmarkt aus. Vor allem Daten zu Investitionen, Zahlen uber die realwirtschaftlichen Aktivitaten oder Ergebnisse von Wirtschaftsumfragen bewegen die Borse.
Allergoprints in Horse Allergic Children

In order to determine the allergenic activity of five purified horse allergens, 22 children allergic to horses according to history, skin test, and leukocyte histamine release were evaluated. Washed leukocytes from all patients were tested for allergen‐induced histamine release utilizing four epidermal horse allergens (Ags 6, 9, 11, and 15) and horse serum albumin. Crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis was carried out with a standardized horse dander extract and serum from each patient.
Transforming growth factor-beta 2 enhances the osteoinductive activity of a bovine bone-derived fraction containing bone morphogenetic protein-2 and 3.

We previously identified a novel glycoprotein in an osteoinductive fraction from bovine bone (Bentz et al.: Amino acid sequence of bovine osteoinductive factor. J. Biol. Chem. 265: 5024-5029, 1990). We now find that this fraction also contained small amounts of bone morphogenetic protein-2 and 3 (BMP-2 + 3) previously identified by others (see Wozney, J.M.: Bone morphogenetic proteins. Prog. Growth Factor Res. 1: 267-280, 1990). Separation of BMP-2 + 3 from the glycoprotein was achieved with a modified reversed phase-high pressure liquid chromatographic procedure. When assayed in the rat subcutis using a collagen-ceramic carrier, the osteoinductive activity was found in the subfraction containing BMP-2 + 3. This activity was potentiated and the ratio of cartilage to bone was increased by transforming growth factor-beta 2. The glycoprotein, originally called osteoinductive factor, has been renamed osteoglycin. In its precursor form, osteoglycin is a member of the leucine-rich family of proteins showing the characteristic 24-residue internal homology. Its biological function is unknown.
Evaluation of the immune status in vivo by the 2,4-dinitro-1-chlorobenzene contact allergy time (DNCB-CAT).

The time interval from starting continuous application of 2,4-dinitro-1-chlorobenzene (DNCB) epicutaneously until the appearance of an allergic contact reaction, i.e. 'contact allergy time' (CAT), was determined. In 34 patients initially 2.0% DNCB ointment was administered for 2 days, then 0.05% DNCB ointment was applied daily (group I). In 39 patients only the 0.05% DNCB preparation was used (group II). The median of DNCB-CAT was 11.2 +/- 0.8 days in group I and 22.3 +/- 3.7 days in group II (p less than 0.01). In patients older than 55 years DNCB-CAT was significantly longer than in younger patients. The medians of DNCB-CAT did not differ in male and female patients. In contrast to the conventional DNCB-sensitization procedures, the CAT method allows one to measure induction and elicitation phase quantitatively.
Structural modification of eucalypt pulp lignin in a totally chlorine-free bleaching sequence including a laccase-mediator stage

Abstract Structural modification of eucalypt pulp lignin was investigated in a totally chlorine-free (TCF) bleaching sequence including a laccase-mediator stage. This stage was applied after two oxygen delignification stages, and was followed by an alkaline peroxide stage. After two oxygen delignification stages, two more stages with a laccase mediator and alkaline peroxide were applied. The residual lignins were enzymatically isolated from the different pulps and analyzed by spectroscopic techniques and analytical pyrolysis. The latter revealed high amounts of syringyl units (>70%) in the lignins. 13C-1H heteronuclear single quantum correlation (HSQC) NMR indicated high amounts of β-O-4′ inter-unit linkages (>75% side-chains). Changes in lignin composition and inter-unit linkages were demonstrated in the course of the bleaching sequence. Moreover, oxidative modification of the major syringyl units was shown by C2,6-H2,6 HSQC correlations and by the presence of oxidized pyrolysis markers in pyrograms. The existence of both Cα keto and carboxyl groups in the residual lignin, together with normal (Cα-hydroxylated) units, was revealed by heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) between aromatic H2,6 and side-chain carbons. These Cα-oxidized structures represent nearly 60% of total units in the lignin isolated from the enzymatically treated pulp. Analysis of residual lignin after the final peroxide stage compared with a simple alkaline treatment revealed that most of the oxidatively altered lignin was removed by the alkali used in the peroxide stage. Thus, the kappa number decreased and the final residual lignin was more structurally related to that found before the oxidative stages, although it contained less resinols and more carboxyl group-bearing units. However, the action of peroxide is necessary to attain the high brightness required (>90% ISO).
Galectin-1: a link between tumor hypoxia and tumor immune privilege.

PURPOSE To identify a 15-KDa novel hypoxia-induced secreted protein in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and to determine its role in malignant progression. METHODS We used surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) and tandem MS to identify a novel hypoxia-induced secreted protein in FaDu cells. We used immunoblots, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay to confirm the hypoxic induction of this secreted protein as galectin-1 in cell lines and xenografts. We stained tumor tissues from 101 HNSCC patients for galectin-1, CA IX (carbonic anhydrase IX, a hypoxia marker) and CD3 (a T-cell marker). Expression of these markers was correlated to each other and to treatment outcomes. RESULTS SELDI-TOF studies yielded a hypoxia-induced peak at 15 kDa that proved to be galectin-1 by MS analysis. Immunoblots and PCR studies confirmed increased galectin-1 expression by hypoxia in several cancer cell lines. Plasma levels of galectin-1 were higher in tumor-bearing severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice breathing 10% O2 compared with mice breathing room air. In HNSCC patients, there was a significant correlation between galectin-1 and CA IX staining (P = .01) and a strong inverse correlation between galectin-1 and CD3 staining (P = .01). Expression of galectin-1 and CD3 were significant predictors for overall survival on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION Galectin-1 is a novel hypoxia-regulated protein and a prognostic marker in HNSCC. This study presents a new mechanism on how hypoxia can affect the malignant progression and therapeutic response of solid tumors by regulating the secretion of proteins that modulate immune privilege.
Development of a business plan for an international co-operative digital library - The European Library (TEL)

The European Library (TEL) project aims to give digital access to the combined resources of the national libraries of Europe, operating under the auspices of the Conference of European National Librarians (CENL). A preparatory project, part funded by the European Union, ran from January 2001 until January 2004. Because of the diverse nature and missions of the participating libraries, developing a coherent business plan was a significant challenge. It appears that business planning for digital libraries, with some exceptions, is not hitherto well documented. This paper describes the research process carried out, the harmonisation of business objectives leading to the final business plan and some observations on the process.
A soybean seed urease-null produces urease in cell culture.

Itachi, a soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) variety with 0.2% normal seed urease activity, was recovered from a screen of 6,000 entries in the United States Department of Agriculture soybean germplasm collection. No urease antigen in Itachi seed extracts was detected by double diffusion or by rocket immunoelectrophoresis. Native gels stained for protein or ureolytic activity revealed no detectable urease holoenzyme. An anti-urease antibody affinity column was used to remove all detectable urease activity and antigen from ;wild type' (cv. Prize) seed extracts. Affinity column effluent and nonchromatographed Itachi extracts both lack a species which comigrates with purified urease subunits in sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gels. Inability to detect urease antigen or urease protein suggests that during development of Itachi seeds there is no synthesis of urease protein or that, at most, its synthesis is 0.2% of wild type (Prize). No urease activity or only traces of urease activity were detected in cotyledons of developing or germinating Itachi seeds. In contrast, callus cultures induced from cotyledon, shoot tip, root, or root tip tissues of Itachi seedlings exhibited ureolytic activity equivalent to that of Prize cultures. Shoot tip cultures of both Prize and Itachi grew with urea as sole nitrogen source. Most or all of the ureolytic activity in crude extracts of Prize and Itachi suspension culture cells is seed-like urease in thermal stability, recognition by antibodies to the seed enzyme, hydroxyurea sensitivity, and nickel requirement for synthesis. It has been reported previously (Polacco, Havir 1979 J Biol Chem 254: 1707-1715; Polacco, Sparks, Jr, Havir 1979 Genet Eng 1: 241-259) that partially purified cell culture urease is identical to seed urease by immunological and electrophoretic criteria. These results suggest that urease is under different developmental controls in the seed and in cell culture.In both Prize and Itachi cultures, utilization of the ureide allantoin, unlike that of urea, is not dependent on nickel. This suggests that ureide catabolism does not require urease.
Elevated p53 expression in benign meningiomas protects against recurrence and may be indicative of senescence

Prediction of recurrence after resection of benign meningiomas represents a significant clinical problem. A prospective study commenced in 1984 aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of abnormal karyotype and tumour recurrence in meningiomas. Expression of key cell cycle regulators p53, p21, mdm2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were studied by immunohistochemistry in 85 tumours for which follow‐up data was available. It was found that most tumours expressed p53, p21 and PCNA, with significant correlations between expression of p53 and both p21 and PCNA. As PCNA fulfils a multifunctional role its expression may be an unreliable indicator of proliferation in benign tumours. The degree of tumour excision remains the best prognostic indicator while p53 is the main predictor of abnormal karyotype. Karyotype is not however, related to prognosis. Incompletely excised tumours which expressed high levels of p53 and p21 did not recur. It is suggested that this is indicative of a fully functional p53‐mediated DNA damage response mechanism. Rather than contributing to tumour progression, p53 is fulfilling its role as guardian of the genome in benign meningiomas. This study shows that induction of senescence may be an important tumour suppressor mechanism in benign tumours.
Urinary incontinence in Canada. National survey of family physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

OBJECTIVE To determine current knowledge, attitudes, and management of urinary incontinence among family physicians in Canada. DESIGN Cross-sectional mailed survey. SETTING Family physicians in Canada. PARTICIPANTS A random sample of 1500 members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-assessed knowledge, self-reported attitudes, and rating of various tests and treatments in the investigation and management of incontinence. RESULTS The overall unadjusted response rate was 43.3% (650/1500). Although most respondents reported that urinary incontinence was common in their practices, less than half (46.0%, 284/617) indicated that they clearly understood incontinence and just 37.9% (232/612) had an organized plan for incontinence problems. Only 35.0% (214/612) of respondents felt very comfortable dealing with incontinence. Physical examination, urodynamic studies, urinalysis, and testing blood sugar levels were all considered important investigations by more than 90% of respondents. CONCLUSION There are wide variations in knowledge, attitudes, practices, and comfort level among family physicians dealing with urinary incontinence.
Three-Phase Electronic Ballast With Current-Equalization Function

This paper proposes a three-phase electronic ballast with current-equalization function. By properly designing the resonant tank and the values of the resonant inductance and resonant capacitance, the current difference between lamps can be significantly reduced. Hence, current-equalization can be achieved by means of impedance-matching. Without an additional current-equalization circuit, the cost of the proposed circuit is reduced due to fewer components. The analysis and design of the proposed circuit will be presented in this paper. Finally, the proposed three-phase electronic ballast with current-equalization function will be implemented to validate and demonstrate the performance and feasibility of the proposed circuit