Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The invasion‐associated type III system of Salmonella typhimurium directs the translocation of Sip proteins into the host cell

The ability of Salmonella typhimurium to interact with host cells is largely dependent on the function of a type III protein‐secretion system encoded at centisome 63 of its chromosome. We have shown here that two targets of this protein‐secretion system, SipB and SipC, are translocated into cultured intestinal Henle‐407 cells. Translocation required the function of the type III secretion apparatus, as an S. typhimurium strain carrying a mutation in invA, which encodes an essential component of this system, failed to translocate the Sip proteins. Null mutations in the genes encoding SipB, SipC or SipD, prevented protein translocation, indicating that these proteins are involved in the translocation process. In contrast, mutations in sipA and sptP, which also encode secreted proteins, did not interfere with the translocation of SipC, indicating that only a subset of targets of the type III secretion system act as translocases. Externally or internally localized bacteria could direct protein translocation into Henle‐407 cells as this process occurred in the presence of cytochalasin D at a concentration that prevented bacterial entry, or in the presence of gentamicin added shortly after bacterial internalization at a concentration that killed extracellular Salmonella. These results indicate that protein translocation into host cells may be a universal function of all type III secretion systems.
Gene Transfer of Prepro-Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Restores Erectile Function in the Aged Rat1

Abstract Erectile dysfunction in the aging male is caused, in part, by inadequate relaxation of the corpora cavernosal smooth musculature. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a peptide neurotrasmitter localized in the corpora cavernosa, is down-regulated in the aging rat penis. We examined the hypothesis that this reduction in CGRP may contribute to decreased cavernosal smooth muscle relaxation. Therefore, we sought to determine whether adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of prepro-CGRP (AdRSVCGRP) could enhance erectile responses in aged rats. We found a significant decrease in CGRP concentrations and in cAMP and cGMP levels in aged rat cavernosal tissue compared to younger rats. Aged rats also had significantly lower erectile function as determined by cavernosal nerve stimulation compared to younger rats. Five days after transfection with AdRSVCGRP, these aged rats had an approximately threefold increase in cavernosal CGRP levels compared to animals transfected with adenoviruses encoding nuclear-targeted β-galactosidase (AdRSVβgal). The AdRSVCGRP-transfected animals also demonstrated an increase in CGRP mRNA and immunohistochemical localization of CGRP in the smooth muscle of the corpora cavernosa. In addition, cAMP levels in the corpora cavernosa were significantly increased, whereas cGMP levels remained unchanged. Adenoviral transduction efficiency of β-galactosidase reporter gene was measured by chemiluminescence and was observed in cavernosal tissue 5 days after transfection with AdRSVβgal. More importantly, 5 days after administration of AdRSVCGRP, a significant increase was observed in the erectile response to cavernosal nerve stimulation in the aged rat, similar to the response observed in younger rats. These data suggest that in vivo adenoviral gene transfer of CGRP can physiologically improve erectile function in the aged rat.
Stochastic Modeling of FinFET Degradation Based on a Resistor Network Embedded Metropolis Monte Carlo Method

This paper presents a comprehensive stochastic simulation approach combining resistor network embedded metropolis Monte Carlo method and the finite-element method for modeling FinFET oxide degradation. The geometrical impact of the 3-D structure is linked with the stochastic model, and the simulation method can evaluate the degradation behavior of FinFET structures accounting for geometrical variations and multiphysics coupling effects. The leakage current, electric field, current density, and temperature distribution are simulated and show good agreement with electrical stress test data. The simulation results also indicate the need for a bimodal clustering model to best describe FinFET degradation and dielectric breakdown lifetime statistics. The proposed simulation methodology is generic enough to be fine-tuned for reliability modeling of other logic and nonvolatile memory devices in the future.
Causes and Macroeconomic Consequences of Time Variations in Wage Indexation

markdownabstractThis dissertation consists of four related papers investigating the causes and consequences of time variations in the degree of wage indexation. Both empirical (structural) estimation and theoretical approaches are adopted in the investigation of the subject. Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 explore the causes while Chapter 3, Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 investigate the consequences. The main findings of this dissertation are as follows. Trend inflation is the most significant variable influencing the level of wage indexation while labour market institutional variables regarding wage (indexation) negotiations explain the variances of wage indexation and of inflation. The possibility of heavy-tailed distributed macroeconomic variables is the main consequence of time variations in wage indexation.
Systemic administration of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells alleviates hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats

Objectives:Mesenchymal stem cells have previously been shown to offer significant therapeutic benefit in ischemic organ injuries. This study aimed at investigating the therapeutic role of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury and the underlying mechanisms. Design:Adult male Fisher rats (n = 30) were equally divided into three groups (group 1: Sham-operated normal controls; group 2: Ischemia-reperfusion injury with intravenous fresh culture medium; group 3: Ischemia-reperfusion injury with intravenous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells). Ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced by occluding the vascular supplies of left lobe liver for 60 minutes followed by reperfusion for 72 hrs. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (1.2 × 106) were administered through tail vein immediately after reperfusion and at 6 hrs and 24 hrs after reperfusion in group 3. All animals were sacrificed 72 hrs after reperfusion. Setting:Animal laboratory at a medical institute. Measurements and Main Results:Histologic features, plasma aspartate aminotransferase, hepatic cytokine profile, oxidative stress, and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling were analyzed. Seventy-two hrs after reperfusion, plasma aspartate aminotransferase, hepatic oxidative stress, messenger RNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-a, transforming growth factor-b, interleukin-1b, interleukin-6, endothelin-1, matrix metalloproteinase-9, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, Bax and caspase-3, protein expression of intercellular adhesion molecule as well as the number of apoptotic nuclei were significantly increased in group 2 compared with group 3, whereas messenger RNA expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, Bcl-2, interleukin-10, protein expressions of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate:quinone oxidoreductase 1, and heme oxygenase-1 were lower in group 2 than group 3. Conclusions:The results showed that systemic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell administration significantly preserved hepatocyte integrity and suppressed inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in a rodent model of hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury. (Crit Care Med 2012; 40:–1290)
The Link between the Process of Change and Coaching in an Organization--A Case Study.

The aim of this article is to highlight the empowerment of coaching in the process of change in an organization using case study a real life change project in an institution. The article hopes to demonstrate the critical importance of coaching during change, for successful change to occur, and any sustaining change requires ongoing coaching as an integral part of the process. The article tries to heed a call on adopting coaching to support organizational learning and change. It also attempts to open further research interests in the link between the process of change and coaching, and the benefits of coaching in change management today.
[Eales disease with neurologic manifestation: differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Report of two cases].

BACKGROUND Eales disease is a condition associating recurrent vitreous and retinal hemorrhage related to retinal periphlebitis. This ophthalmological disease is sometimes associated with central nervous system manifestations. CASE REPORT Two patients with Eales disease of the retina developed a progressively worsening neurological deficit several years later. DISCUSSION Evidence of multifocal anomalies of the white matter initially suggested a possible association of Earles disease with multiple sclerosis. Pathology findings enable formal differentiation of these two entities. Earles disease with neurological manifestations remains an uncommon condition and constitutes a differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
Inkjet-printed RFID-enabled sensors on paper for IoT and “Smart Skin” applications

Nanotechnology and inkjet-printed flexible electronics and sensors fabricated on paper, plastic and other polymer substrates are introduced as a sustainable ultra-low-cost solution for the first paradigms of Internet of Things, “Smart Skins” and “Zero-Power” applications. The talk will cover examples from UHF up to the millimetre-wave frequency ranges (mmID's), while it will include the state-of-the-art of fully integrated wireless sensor modules on paper or flexible polymers. We will demonstrate the first ever 2D sensor integration with an RFID tag module on paper, as well as numerous 3D multilayer paper-based and LCP-based RF/Microwave Structures, that could potentially set the foundation for the truly convergent wireless sensor ad-hoc networks of the future with enhanced cognitive intelligence and “zero-power” operability through ambient energy harvesting. Examples from wearable (e.g.biomonitoring) antennas and RF modules will be reported, as well as the first integration of inkjet-printed nanotechnology-based (e.g.CNT, graphene) sensors on paper and organic substrates. The talk will close with a discussion about the challenges for inkjet-printed high-complexity modules as future directions in the area of environmentally-friendly (“green”) RF electronics and “smart house” conformal sensors.
The Marrakesh declaration: a Muslim call for protection of religious minorities or freedom of religion?

In January last year more than 300 Sunni and Shia leaders from all over the world gathered in Marrakesh to formulate a Muslim call for protection of religious minorities. It is the first time in modern history that Muslim leaders have formulated such a clear rejection of religiously legitimated persecution and discrimination within the framework of international human rights. As important and unique as this call for protection of religious minorities’ rights is, Marie Juul Petersen and Osama Arhb Moftah argue that the declaration also has its weaknesses, pointing to four areas of concern.
At the Nexus of Advocacy and Accountability: New Challenges and Strategies for Japanese Development NGOs*

This study explores how Japanese development non-governmental organizations (NGOs) had altered their patterns of advocacy and accountability after changes in political structure that occurred in the 2000s when the Democratic Party of Japan created the two-party system and the Liberal Democratic Party took power again. After the 1990s, a unique feature of development NGOs actively performing advocacy and accountability within the ODA domain, while also eagerly reaching political authorities by forming networks, was found. Behind their efforts were the appearance and expansion of the Democratic Party of Japan through its systematic and political ties. As concluding remarks, the active participation of civil society not only represents the level of internal resources mobilized within the civil society network, but is also an indicator on how supportive the policy space at the bottom is towards civil society.
Uterine estrogen receptors are increased by RU486 in late pregnant rhesus macaques but not after spontaneous labor.

Progesterone withdrawal as a mechanism for parturition in primates is controversial. The progesterone antagonist RU486, given in late pregnancy to rhesus monkeys at a dose of 47 mmol/kg.day (20 mg/kg.day), causes an increase in uterine activity, but not the expected increase in amniotic fluid prostaglandins or cervical dilatation. We, therefore, studied the effect of RU486 on estrogen receptor (ER) localization and concentration in reproductive tract tissues in rhesus monkeys during late gestation and after spontaneous labor at term. Distribution of ER in pregnant uterine tissues was studied by immunocytochemical techniques and quantified by a biochemical assay, both of which employed a monoclonal antibody specific for ER. ER was not present in amnion and chorion by immunocytochemical investigation; however, a significant increase in receptor staining was seen in decidua and myometrium after RU486 treatment compared to that in both pregnant control tissues and parturient tissues. Sucrose gradient assay of nuclear (n) and cytosolic (c) ER revealed a low level of ER (expressed as fmol of estradiol bound/mg of DNA) in pregnant and parturient decidua (pregnant: nER = 7.3 +/- 2.4, cER = 17.1 +/- 6.4; parturient, nER = 7.7 +/- 3.1, cER = 16.4 +/- 8.8) and myometrium (pregnant: nER = 21.7 +/- 4.1, cER = 20.8 +/- 5.3; parturient: nER = 30.0 +/- 2.8, cER = 10.7 +/- 6.7). In contrast, tissues collected from RU486-treated animals contained high levels of ER in decidua (nER = 52.3 +/- 16.8, cER = 240.5 +/- 145.3) and myometrium (nER = 77.0 +/- 19.2; cER = 66.5 +/- 31.6). We conclude that 1) the increase in ER in decidua and myometrium after RU486 treatment is the result of a decrease in the inhibitory action of progesterone on ER and documents the progesterone receptor antagonism by RU486 during induced myometrial contractility in late pregnant rhesus monkeys; 2) the absence of ER from amnion and chorion indicates that the normally observed increase in prostaglandin production by rhesus fetal membranes during labor is not mediated by ER; and 3) the absence of a change in the concentration of ER in decidua and myometrium from pregnant control monkeys and those in spontaneous labor indicates that an increase in ER (and, by inference, a withdrawal of receptor-mediated progesterone inhibition) is not part of the normal events in preparation for parturition in primates.
Chiron: a parallel engine for algebraic scientific workflows

Large‐scale scientific experiments based on computer simulations are typically modeled as scientific workflows, which eases the chaining of different programs. These scientific workflows are defined, executed, and monitored by scientific workflow management systems (SWfMS). As these experiments manage large amounts of data, it becomes critical to execute them in high‐performance computing environments, such as clusters, grids, and clouds. However, few SWfMS provide parallel support. The ones that do so are usually labor‐intensive for workflow developers and have limited primitives to optimize workflow execution. To address these issues, we developed workflow algebra to specify and enable the optimization of parallel execution of scientific workflows. In this paper, we show how the workflow algebra is efficiently implemented in Chiron, an algebraic based parallel scientific workflow engine. Chiron has a unique native distributed provenance mechanism that enables runtime queries in a relational database. We developed two studies to evaluate the performance of our algebraic approach implemented in Chiron; the first study compares Chiron with different approaches, whereas the second one evaluates the scalability of Chiron. By analyzing the results, we conclude that Chiron is efficient in executing scientific workflows, with the benefits of declarative specification and runtime provenance support. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Somatostatin analogue SMS 201–995 (octreotide) as a possible solution to the dumping syndrome after gastrectomy or vagotomy

The dumping syndrome, which may follow partial gastrectomy or truncal vagotomy and drainage, may be refractory to treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the somatostatin analogue. SMS 201‐995 (octreotide), on dumping provoked by hypertonic glucose. Ten patients with symptoms and signs of dumping were studied. After a dumping provocation test with placebo, all patients developed severe symptoms: seven patients had early dumping, two had both early and late dumping and one had late dumping alone. With either 50 or 100 μg SMS 201‐995, the symptoms of early dumping were much reduced in all patients, and those of late dumping were completely abolished. The packed cell volume, pulse and systolic blood pressure changes of early dumping were significantly reduced by SMS 201‐995 and the fall in blood glucose in patients with late dumping was abolished. SMS 201‐995 may be a useful treatment for early and late dumping.
An Accurate and Reproducible Absorptiometric Technique for Determining Bone Mineral Content in Newborn Infants

Summary: At the Bone Mineral Laboratory of the University of Wisconsin a microcomputer-based digital read-out system was designed specifically for determining bone mineral content (BMC) and bone width (BW) in newborn infants with the following features: (1) high accuracy and precision; (2) high reproducibility in vivo; (3) direct read-out of BMC and BW; (4) automatic data calibration; and (5) use of a low activity [125I] source (<50 mCi). BMC and BW were determined on the left radius on a series of 114 newborn infants of all gestational ages and a curve for intrauterine bone mineral content extrapolated from the data. Accuracy of the photon absorptiometric system was assessed by measuring BMC on a series of nine small bone sections (29–212 mg/cm) and confirmed by subsequent ashing of these bone sections (r = 0.99). Short-term precision (weekly, coefficient of variation 1.7%) and long-term precision (monthly, coefficient of variation 2.1%) for measuring BMC were determined by multiple determinations on a four-chambered bone phantom calibrated with the bone sections. Immediate reproducibility (without repositioning the arm) for the 4–6 scans performed for each determination of BMC and BW was good with a mean coefficient of variation of 3.9% for BMC and 3.6% for BW. In 84 infants, repositioning error was determined by repeating the measurement of BMC and BW after repositioning the arm. The correlation coefficients between measurements before and after repositioning the arm were 0.97 for BMC and 0.95 for BW. BMC correlated well with gestational age (r = 0.92), birth weight (r = 0.89) and bone width (r = 0.92). BW also correlated with gestational age (r = 0.84) and birth weight (r = 0.85). A multiple linear regression analysis of BMC versus BW, gestational age, and birth weight was done. The correlation coefficient between the predicted BMC from these variables and measured BMC was 0.95. Photon absorptiometry can be used with high accuracy, precision, and reproducibility in vivo in newborn infants. BMC correlates with gestational age, birth weight, and bone width.
Reverse genetics provides direct evidence for a correlation of hemagglutinin cleavability and virulence of an avian influenza A virus

To obtain direct evidence for a relationship between hemagglutinin (HA) cleavability and the virulence of avian influenza A viruses, we generated a series of HA cleavage mutants from a virulent virus, A/turkey/Ontario/7732/66 (H5N9), by reverse genetics. A transfectant virus containing the wild-type HA with R-R-R-K-K-R at the cleavage site, which was readily cleaved by endogenous proteases in chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF), was highly virulent in intramuscularly or intranasally/orally inoculated chickens. By contrast, a mutant containing the HA with an avirulent-like sequence (R-E-T-R) at the cleavage site, which was not cleaved by the proteases in CEF, was avirulent in chickens, indicating that a genetic alteration confined to the HA cleavage site can affect cleavability and virulence. Mutant viruses with HA cleavage site sequences of T-R-R-K-K-R or T-T-R-K-K-R were as virulent as viruses with the wild-type HA, whereas a mutant with a two-amino-acid deletion but retention of four consecutive basic residues (R-K-K-R) was as avirulent as a virus with the avirulent-type HA. Interestingly, although a mutant containing an HA with R-R-R-K-T-R, which has reduced cleavability in CEF, was as virulent as viruses with high HA cleavability when given intramuscularly, it was less virulent when given intranasally/orally. We conclude that the degree of HA cleavability in CEF predicts the virulence of avian influenza viruses.
Frequent Myocardial Lesions in Shwachman's Syndrome

A total of 16 children with Shwachman's syndrome were studied over a period of 17 years. Eight cases were detected in autopsy at 6 to 15 months; all had died of cardiac failure due to myocardial lesions. The left ventricles showed necrosis of myofibres in large areas and the pancreas was atrophic and replaced by adipose tissue. The other eight patients included two siblings of deceased cases. Only one of these showed transient cardiac failure and no significant nutritional deficiences were found. They had steatorrhoea due to failure of the exocrine pancreas and either constant (6 cases) or cyclic (2 cases) neutropenia. The steatorrhoea improved with age. Pyogenic infections, mainly otitis media were frequent during the first three years of life. Measurements of humoral and cell‐mediated immunity were normal, but in addition to low numbers of neutrophils, the neutrophilic chemotaxis was depressed in all seven patients tested. Skin lesions, hepatic inflammation, and growth tended to improve with age. The family data of the patients is consistent with an autosomal recessive trait inheritance
Determination of carbonyls using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization.

A liquid chromatographic method for the determination of aldehydes and ketones based on mass spectrometric detection is described. Recently developed modular derivatizing agents are employed for analysis. These hydrazine reagents, e.g. 4-dimethylamino-6-(4-methoxy-1-naphthyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2-hydrazine (DMNTH), react with the carbonyl compounds with the formation of the respective hydrazones, which are separated by HPLC-MS with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in the positive mode. Electrospray ionization may also be used for analysis. Particular focus is directed on various calibration approaches, including external calibration with standard solutions and internal calibration with a hydrazone standard of cyclobutanone, an aldehyde not likely to occur in real samples. A second approach for internal calibration is based on the 13C2-labelled acetaldehyde hydrazone standard. Different calibration approaches may then be used for the analysis of real samples. Limits of detection range from 2 x 10(-8) to 5 x 10(-8) mol L-1 for a series of hydrazones, including hydrazones of saturated aldehydes with alkyl chain lengths from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, and hydrazones of selected unsaturated and aromatic aldehydes as well as ketone hydrazones.