Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photoanodes based on nanostructured WO3 for water splitting.

Anodically grown WO(3) photoelectrodes prepared in an N-methylformamide (NMF) electrolyte have been investigated with the aim of exploring the effects induced by anodization time and water concentration in the electrochemical bath on the properties of the resulting photoanodes. An n-type WO(3) semiconductor is one of the most promising photoanodes for hydrogen production from water splitting and the electrochemical anodization of tungsten allows very good photoelectrodes, which are characterized by a low charge-transfer resistance and an increased spectral response in the visible region, to be obtained. These photoanodes were investigated by a combination of steady state and transient photoelectrochemical techniques and a correlation between photocurrent produced, morphology, and charge transport has been evaluated.
Optimization method based swing-up control and visual validation for rail length-limited parallel-coupled cart-pendulums system

This paper introduces a rail length-limited parallel-coupled cart-pendulums system which is one of the morphs from the inverted pendulum family. A swing-up control strategy based on optimization algorithm (pattern search) instead of manual tuning has been proposed for such kind of system to swing the pendulums up cooperating with the original stabilizing controller. The blockset-view of the system is presented in Matlab/Simulink. For a clearer demonstration of the feasibility of the strategy, a visual validation is implemented through the VRML 2.0 based 3D animation blocks supplied in Simulink. With the use of the optimization tool along with the dynamic simulation results obtained in Matlab/Simulink, proper swing-up signal parameters will be derived for the system. The proposed swing-up strategy is proved effective under the visual demonstration and the diagram analyses about the simulation results.
Effect of Practice on Effector Independence

Abstract The authors' primary purpose in the present experiment was to determine if practice changes the extent to which simple motor sequences are effector independent. Contralateral and ipsilateral effector transfers were assessed in 24 participants after 1 (200 trials) and 4 (800 trials) days of practice. The response sequence became increasingly effector dependent; the response structure and the scaling of force on the effector transfer tests were no better after 4 days of practice than after only 1 day, even though retention performance improved substantially. Those results are consistent with the notion that participants refine their movements over extended practice by exploiting the unique characteristics of the effectors. The additional practice results in a more effective movement when the same effectors are used but is of little value when different effectors are required.
Expression of morphogenic genes in mature ovarian and testicular tissues: Potential stem‐cell niche markers and patterning factors

Morphogens are developmental regulators that modulate different tissue patterning, proliferation, differentiation, or remodeling processes in embryonic and adult tissues. Morphogens may also evoke specific regulatory programs in stem cells. Some of the morphogens involved in these processes have been characterized, while others remain unidentified. A microarray containing 3,557 salmonid cDNAs was used to compare the transcriptomes of rainbow trout precocious ovary at three different stages during second year (June, August, and October) with a reference (June normal ovary) transcriptome. During this study, we detected morphogen transcript hybridizations to salmonid elements and the study was enlarged to investigate these activities in various developmental stages of both ovary and testis. Genes from diverse development regulator families such as Anterior gradient‐2, BMP, Epimorphin, Flightless, Frizzled, Notch, Tiarin, Twisted gastrulation, and Wnt were demonstrated to be expressed in the adult trout gonads. In mice or rats, expression of mammalian bmp‐4, epimorphin, flightless, twisted gastrulation, and GW112 transcripts were localized to cell types isolated from the developed ovary and testis. Comparisons of salmonid and mammalian morphogens at the amino acid residue level show high similarities, suggesting functional conservation. This report provides evidence for local regulation by various morphogens and their potential to control distinct programs of gene expression in the gametes and their accessory cells during gametogenesis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro antiproliferative effect of six Salvia species on human tumor cell lines

This study was designed to examine the in vitro antiproliferative activity of the methanol crude extracts of six Salvia species: Salvia dominica L. leaves, Salvia lanigera Desf. aerial parts, Salvia menthaefolia Ten. roots, Salvia palaestina Benth. aerial parts, Salvia sclarea L. roots and Salvia spinosa L. aerial parts. Extracts were screened for their possible antitumoral activity by MTT test on nine human cancer cell lines: glioblastoma (DBTRG‐05MG, T98G, U‐87MG), colorectal adenocarcinoma (WiDr and HT‐29), prostate adenocarcinoma (MDA Pca2b), choriocarcinoma (JEG‐3), endometrium adenocarcinoma (HEC‐1A) and B lymphoblast (CIR).
High efficiency prokaryotic expression and purification of a portion of the hepatitis C core protein and analysis of the immune response to recombinant protein in BALB/c mice.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) produces chronic persistent liver infection in 1-2% of the U.S. population and is the leading cause of end stage liver disease in patients presenting for liver transplantation at our center. Efforts to cure persistent HCV infection are frequently unsuccessful, so the development of a HCV vaccine is a high priority. HCV envelope proteins are hypervariable so production of a recombinant surface antigen vaccine such as is available for hepatitis B is not likely to confer widespread, high level protective immunity. As the most highly conserved structural protein in the HCV genome, the core protein is one reasonable target for vaccine production. Presented here are data on the manufacture of recombinant core protein containing partial carboxy terminus deletions in an effort to increase the efficiency of core expression. The maltose binding protein (MBP) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) protein prokaryotic expression systems were used to study two different constructs, expressing the first 140 and 163 amino acids of the core region. Deletion of the 23 amino acids (aa) from aa141-163 led to a marked increase in the efficiency of protein production from < 1 to 3-4 mg/liter for both systems studied. Protein purification was accomplished using affinity chromatography (MBP) or inclusion body isolation (GST) as determined by SDS-PAGE gels and immunotransblot with HCV core protein-specific monoclonal antibody. Finally, the immune response to recombinant protein was assessed in BALB/c mice using a MBP HCV core fusion protein and an ELISA developed using GST HCV core protein as a target. In all mice of this strain, serum anti-HCV core antibody titer increased to 10(-4), two logs above background, following immunization in conjunction with Freund's complete adjuvant. These results represent an encouraging first step toward production of a core protein vaccine. Recombinant core protein is a useful tool to study the immune response to core protein and may be useful to further study the epidemiology and biology of the HCV virus.
Assessing the Drivers of China’s CO2 Emissions Based on PDA

ABSTRACT To explore which factors affect changes in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in China, based on production decomposition analysis (PDA), and data envelope analysis (DEA), this paper decomposes these changes into nine indicators. Then we measure the effects of these factors and analyze the effects at three levels: the nation, the main regions, and individual provinces. The results are as follows. First, since 2012 aggregate CO2 emissions in China have decreased, indicating the success of government efforts. Second, the effects of various factors on CO2 emissions in the eastern, central, and western regions differ significantly, emissions in the western region are high, and the eastern and central regions have the potential reduce their emissions. Third, the dominant contributors to CO2 emissions are economic growth, the structure of energy consumption, carbon emissions technology, and energy consumption efficiency, whereas the other factors are conducive to reductions in CO2 emissions. Based on our research results, we make some policy recommendations on reducing CO2 emissions in China to promote the coordinated and sustainable development of the economy and the environment.
Does stem cell therapy induce myocardial neoangiogenesis? Histological evaluation in an ischemia/reperfusion animal model

Background In an experimental model in the rabbit, a myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury was obtained. Subsequently, the effects of homologous bone marrow stem cell (BMSC) administration were studied. Methods In 21 New Zealand adult rabbits, ischemia/reperfusion damage was induced by temporary occlusion of the anterior descending coronary artery. Homologous BMSCs were isolated, cultured and re-suspended for injection at the level of the ischemic zone. We evaluated the proangiogenetic effect of intramyocardial injections of BMSC at the peri-infarcted area. Histological evaluations were made after 20 days from the surgical procedure. Results In rabbits treated with intramyocardial BMSC administration, we demonstrated histologically capillary neoangiogenesis, without signs of tissue immunological reaction or of generation of new myocardial cells. On the contrary, only minimal neovascular supply was detected in rabbits treated with intravenous administration of BMSC. Only typical signs of ischemic myocardium injury were observed in the control group. Conclusion These observations suggest that the effect of direct BMSC administration in ischemic myocardium could promote a capillary neoangiogenesis, which helps to prevent ischemic myocardial damage.
Assessing the Role of ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR Transcriptional Repressors in Salicylic Acid-Mediated Suppression of Jasmonic Acid-Responsive Genes

Salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) cross-communicate in the plant immune signaling network to finely regulate induced defenses. In Arabidopsis, SA antagonizes many JA-responsive genes, partly by targeting the ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (ERF)-type transcriptional activator ORA59. Members of the ERF transcription factor family typically bind to GCC-box motifs in the promoters of JA- and ethylene-responsive genes, thereby positively or negatively regulating their expression. The GCC-box motif is sufficient for SA-mediated suppression of JA-responsive gene expression. Here, we investigated whether SA-induced ERF-type transcriptional repressors, which may compete with JA-induced ERF-type activators for binding at the GCC-box, play a role in SA/JA antagonism. We selected ERFs that are transcriptionally induced by SA and/or possess an EAR transcriptional repressor motif. Several of the 16 ERFs tested suppressed JA-dependent gene expression, as revealed by enhanced JA-induced PDF1.2 or VSP2 expression levels in the corresponding erf mutants, while others were involved in activation of these genes. However, SA could antagonize JA-induced PDF1.2 or VSP2 in all erf mutants, suggesting that the tested ERF transcriptional repressors are not required for SA/JA cross-talk. Moreover, a mutant in the co-repressor TOPLESS, that showed reduction in repression of JA signaling, still displayed SA-mediated antagonism of PDF1.2 and VSP2. Collectively, these results suggest that SA-regulated ERF transcriptional repressors are not essential for antagonism of JA-responsive gene expression by SA. We further show that de novo SA-induced protein synthesis is required for suppression of JA-induced PDF1.2, pointing to SA-stimulated production of an as yet unknown protein that suppresses JA-induced transcription.
Characterization of cDNAs Encoding the p44 and p35 Subunits of Human Translation Initiation Factor eIF3*

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) is a large multisubunit complex that plays a central role in the initiation of translation. It binds to 40 S ribosomal subunits resulting in dissociation of 80 S ribosomes, stabilizes initiator methionyl-tRNA binding to 40 S subunits, and is required for mRNA binding. eIF3 has an aggregate molecular mass of ∼600 kDa and comprises at least 10 subunits. The cDNAs encoding eight of the subunits have been cloned previously (p170, p116, p110, p66, p48, p47, p40, and p36). Here we report the cloning and characterization of human cDNAs encoding two more subunits of human eIF3, namely eIF3-p44 and eIF3-p35. These proteins are immunoprecipitated by affinity-purified anti-eIF3-p170 antibodies, indicating they are components of the eIF3 complex. Far Western analysis shows that eIF3-p44 interacts strongly and specifically with the eIF3-p170 subunit, and weakly with p116/p110, p66, p40, and itself. eIF3-p44 contains an RNA recognition motif near its C terminus. Northwestern blotting shows that eIF3-p44 binds 18 S rRNA and β-globin mRNA. Possession of cloned cDNAs encoding all 10 subunits of eIF3 provides the tools necessary to elucidate the functions of the individual subunits and the structure of the eIF3 complex.
Recombineering with overlapping single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides: Testing a recombination intermediate

A phage λ-based recombination system, Red, can be used for high-efficiency mutagenesis, repair, and engineering of chromosomal or episomal DNA in vivo in Escherichia coli. When long linear double-stranded DNA with short flanking homologies to their targets are used for the recombination, the λ Exo, Beta, and Gam proteins are required. The current model is: (i) Gam inhibits the host RecBCD activity, thereby protecting the DNA substrate for recombination; (ii) Exo degrades from each DNA end in a 5′ → 3′ direction, creating double-stranded DNA with 3′ single-stranded DNA tails; and (iii) Beta binds these 3′ overhangs to protect and anneal them to complementary sequences. We have tested this model for Red recombination by using electroporation to introduce overlapping, complementary oligonucleotides that when annealed in vivo approximate the recombination intermediate that Exo should create. Using this technique we found Exo-independent recombination. Surprisingly, a similarly constructed substrate with 5′ overhangs recombined more efficiently. This 5′ overhang recombination required both Exo and Beta for high levels of recombination and the two oligonucleotides need to overlap by only 6 bp on their 3′ ends. Results indicate that Exo may load Beta onto the 3′ overhang it produces. In addition, multiple overlapping oligonucleotides were successfully used to generate recombinants in vivo, a technique that could prove useful for many genetic engineering procedures.
Uptake and caseload of intensive care unit liaison nurse services in Australia.

BACKGROUND Intensive care unit liaison nurses (ICULNs) represent a new clinical service role in the Australian health care system. These nurses aim to improve patient outcomes by providing a specialised support service to ward staff caring for acutely ill patients. As this role is relatively new, it is not known how many hospitals employ ICULNs or what the demand for their services is. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify the number of hospitals in the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses ICULN special interest group that report having an ICULN service, to document the timing of their introduction, and to assess changes in caseload since introduction. DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a retrospective observational study of the changes in ICULN operating hours and monthly patient reviews, and the timing of implementation of the services in Australian hospitals. We also assessed aspects of the ethics submission and approval process. RESULTS Seventeen Australian hospitals submitted data. Before 2004, there were only two ICULN services. The number of services dramatically increased between 2004 and 2007. In 14 sites, monthly patient reviews increased by a median of 54.3%. After adjustment for staff hours, 10 hospitals reported an increase in monthly patient reviews (median increase, 48.8%). Between 1999 and 2011, the 17 services performed 123 236 patient reviews, including 73 022 ICU discharges (59.3%), 26 800 during or after rapid response team review (21.7%), and 23 414 de-novo referrals from ward staff (19.0%). CONCLUSION The demand for ICULN services has increased in most hospitals since the role was adopted, although this varies considerably. The majority of patients are reviewed after ICU discharge. Further research is needed to define the scope of practice of the role and its impact on patient outcome, particularly in patients after ICU discharge.
Nature-based Tourism or Mass Tourism in Nature? Segmentation of Mountain Protected Area Visitors Using Self-Organizing Maps (SOM)

Mountain protected areas play a fundamental role in the conservation of natural environment and at the same time provide the population with social benefits such as offering space for leisure and recreation. Understanding motivations and behavior of protected area visitors is crucial to effectively manage vulnerable areas. Our objective was to identify the profiles of visitors to a heavily used tourist destination—Kasprowy Wierch within the Tatra National Park (Poland), using the self-organizing maps (SOM) analytical method. In order to explore the socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of the visitors a total sample of 2488 respondents were interviewed on site. Self-organizing map analysis is based on cerebral processes for managing and storing information in order to classify subjects and/or find relationships among variables. As a result, four heterogeneous tourist profiles were identified. Interestingly, two of these groups (Cluster 1 and Cluster 3), which were found to be the most challenging groups for management purposes, visited the national park for reasons other than its natural attractions. Especially, one sub-segment of Cluster 3 was mainly motivated by the possibility to use a cable car, admiring views and stayed within close proximity of the upper cable car station. Less than a half of visitors to Kasprowy Wierch (42%) were seeking a nature experience during their trip (Cluster 2 and Cluster 4). The results bring a new point of view in the discussion on visitor management within Kasprowy Wierch region, in particular by overlapping presented visitor segmentation with trip types and/or purchased cable car tickets. Within international context, we highlight the SOM technique as a valuable tool in profiling of tourists and underline the problem of the existence of mass tourism destinations within protected areas.
Mechanisms of proteasome inhibitor PS-341-induced G(2)-M-phase arrest and apoptosis in human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines.

PURPOSE PS-341 is a novel dipeptide boronic acid proteasome inhibitor with in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity that induces mechanisms of apoptosis by unknown mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines were used to investigate effects PS-341 on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and the induction of apoptosis. RESULTS PS-341 was 38-360-fold more cytotoxic against H460 cells when compared with the proteasome inhibitors MG-132 and PSI. Differential PS-341 cytotoxic effects were found with respect to P53 function: H322 cells (p53 mutant) were 6-fold less sensitive as compared with H460 cells (p53 wild type); and H358 cells (p53 null) were 1.6-fold more sensitive as compared with H460 cells (p53 wild type). A concentration- and time-dependent cell cycle blockade at G(2)-M phase was seen for H460 cells without any direct effects on microtubule polymerization or depolymerization. PS-341 exposure in H460 cells led to stabilization of p53, induction of p21(cip/waf-1) and MDM2 expression, an increase in cyclin B and cyclin A, and the activation of cyclin B and cyclin A kinases. MDM2 induction was found only in H460 cells, whereas in H322 and H358 cells, G(2)-M-phase arrest, p21(cip/waf-1) induction, and an increase in cyclin B1 were found. The commitment of G(2)-M-phase cells to apoptosis was verified by the activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in drug-free medium. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the PS-341-induced G(2)-M-phase arrest may be associated with the inhibition of degradation of cell cycle regulators and that the up-regulation of p21(cip/waf-1) expression may be via p53-dependent and/or -independent pathways. The resulting disturbance of cell cycle progression leads either to growth inhibition or to the initiation of apoptotic pathways.
HIV Drug Resistance Testing by High-Multiplex “Wide” Sequencing on the MiSeq Instrument

ABSTRACT Limited access to HIV drug resistance testing in low- and middle-income countries impedes clinical decision-making at the individual patient level. An efficient protocol to address this issue must be established to minimize negative therapeutic outcomes for HIV-1-infected individuals in such settings. This is an observational study to ascertain the potential of newer genomic sequencing platforms, such as the Illumina MiSeq instrument, to provide accurate HIV drug resistance genotypes for hundreds of samples simultaneously. Plasma samples were collected from Canadian patients during routine drug resistance testing (n = 759) and from a Ugandan study cohort (n = 349). Amplicons spanning HIV reverse transcriptase codons 90 to 234 were sequenced with both MiSeq sequencing and conventional Sanger sequencing methods. Sequences were evaluated for nucleotide concordance between methods, using coverage and mixture parameters for quality control. Consensus sequences were also analyzed for disparities in the identification of drug resistance mutations. Sanger and MiSeq sequencing was successful for 881 samples (80%) and 892 samples (81%), respectively, with 832 samples having results from both methods. Most failures were for samples with viral loads of <3.0 log10 HIV RNA copies/ml. Overall, 99.3% nucleotide concordance between methods was observed. MiSeq sequencing achieved 97.4% sensitivity and 99.3% specificity in detecting resistance mutations identified by Sanger sequencing. Findings suggest that the Illumina MiSeq platform can yield high-quality data with a high-multiplex “wide” sequencing approach. This strategy can be used for multiple HIV subtypes, demonstrating the potential for widespread individual testing and annual population surveillance in resource-limited settings.
KH902 suppresses high glucose‐induced migration and sprouting of human retinal endothelial cells by blocking VEGF and PIGF

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) are upregulated in many ocular neovascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR). KH902 is a recombinant fusion protein with its binding ligand taken from the domains of VEGF receptor‐1 (VEGFR‐1) and VEGF receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) and can bind all VEGF‐A isoforms and PlGF. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of anti‐angiogenic effects of KH902.