Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Caspase‐3‐dependent phagocyte death during systemic Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection of mice

Growth of Salmonella enterica in mammalian tissues results from continuous spread of bacteria to new host cells. Our previous work indicated that infective S. enterica are liberated from host cells via stochastic necrotic burst independently of intracellular bacterial numbers. Here we report that liver phagocytes can undergo apoptotic caspase‐3‐mediated cell death in vivo, with apoptosis being a rare event, more prevalent in heavily infected cells. The density‐dependent apoptotic cell death is likely to constitute an alternative mechanism of bacterial spread as part of a bet‐hedging strategy, ensuring an ongoing protective intracellular environment in which some bacteria can grow and persist.
Towards the Human Cancer Epigenome: A First Draft of Histone Modifications

The disruption of genomic DNA methylation patterns was the first epigeneticabnormality to be described in human cancer. This imbalance involves thepromoter CpG island hypermethylation of tumor-suppressor genes, causingtranscriptional repression, and global genomic hypomethylation, leading tochromosomal instability and reactivation of endoparasitic sequences. Therelationship between DNA methylation and histone modifications was initiallydescribed in the context of the inactivation of female X chromosomes and of thedemonstration of strong interactions between the DNA methylation machinery andchromatin modifiers. The repression of tumor-suppressor genes by promoterhypermethylation was also found to be associated with a specific histonemodification index. However, this jigsaw was missing a piece: a global view of howthe histone modification landscape was distorted in cancer cells. We have recentlydiscovered this piece of the puzzle, demonstrating that the association betweenDNA methylation and histone modification aberrations in cancer also occurs at theglobal level. In human and mouse tumors, histone H4 undergoes a loss ofmonoacetylated and trimethylated lysines 16 and 20, respectively. Mostimportantly, these alterations occur within the context of the repetitive DNAsequences that also become hypomethylated in transformed cells. The globalalterations of histone acetylation status suggest novel pathways by which histoneacetyltransferases (HATs), histone methyltransferases (HMTs), and histonedeacetylases (HDACs) may play roles as tumor-suppressor genes or oncogenes. Inthis regard, we have shown how the generation of particular fusion proteinsinvolving HATs in leukemias is associated with an erasure of the monoacetylatedlysine 16-H4 marker, whilst the loss of trimethylation at lysine 20-H4 disruptsheterochromatic domains and may reduce the response to DNA damage of cancercells.
Inflammatory cytokines impair endothelium-dependent dilatation in human veins in vivo.

BACKGROUND Endothelial dysfunction occurs in many diseases associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We examined the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines on endothelial function. METHODS AND RESULTS Subjects lay with one hand placed on an angled support. The diameter of a vein was recorded by measuring the linear displacement of a probe placed on the skin overlying the vein when the pressure in a congesting cuff placed around the upper arm was deflated from 40 to 0 mm Hg. A length of the vein was isolated by two wedges. TNF-alpha (1 ng), IL-1beta (1 ng), or IL-6 (100 pg) were instilled for 1 hour, either individually or together. At the end of the hour, the wedges were removed and the vein reconnected with the circulation. Dose-response curves (bradykinin: 2, 4, and 8 pmol/min; arachidonic acid: 0.2, 2, and 20 nmol/min; and glyceryl trinitrate 1, 2, and 4 pmol/min) were constructed before and 1, 6, 24, and 48 hours after instillation. In another study, hydrocortisone (100 mg) was given 2 hours before the study. In a different study, subjects were given oral aspirin (75 mg or 1 g) 2 hours before the study. TNF-alpha and IL-1beta alone but not IL-6 attenuated the dilatation to bradykinin and arachidonic acid; the response was greatest at 1 hour with recovery occurring by 6 hours. Combination of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha prolonged the endothelial dysfunction, resulting in recovery at 24 hours. Hydrocortisone and high-dose aspirin prevented endothelial dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that pro-inflammatory cytokines induce transient and reversible endothelial dysfunction and indicate that cyclooxygenase activity may contribute to the genesis of the effect. If other vessels behave similarly, this may provide further insight into the mechanisms precipitating acute cardiovascular events after inflammatory disorders.
Investigation of Visual Motor Integration Skills in Children With Speech Sound Problems

The aim of this study was to investigate visual motor integration skills in children with speech sound disorders compared with age-matched controls. Sixty-five children aged from 5 to 6½ years old (68% males, 32% females; M age = 5.4, SD = 0.5) participated in the study. Thirty-one of them had speech sound problems, and 34 were children without any problem in their speech. The Ankara Articulation Test for evaluating speech sound skills and the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration with its supplemental tests of Visual Perception and Motor Coordination were used in the study. Visual Motor Integration, Visual Perception, and Motor Coordination scores of children with speech sound disorders were significantly lower than those of controls.
“Hello-Shaped” wideband monopole antennas on paper substrate

In this paper, two monopole antenna structures called by the authors as “Hello 1” and “Hello 2” have been designed based on screen printing technology on the flexible paper substrate of 210-um thickness to cover very wide frequency range focusing on two WLAN bands. The designed antennas have the dimensions of 42 × 28 mm<sup>2</sup> with the return loss of over 20 dB for “Hello 1”, and over 25 dB for “Hello 2” at both frequencies 2.45 GHz and 5.5 GHz. Both antennas have nearly omni-directional radiation patterns at 2.45 GHz while more directive at 5.5 GHz. The total efficiency of the antennas is of 67.3% and 68.9% at 2.45GHz, 65% and 67% at 5.5GHz for “Hello 1” and “Hello 2”, respectively. Two prototypes of each design have been realized and measured to compare with the simulation. As a result, acceptable agreement has been obtained.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Temporomandibular Joint: Morphometric Study of Asymptomatic Volunteers

BackgroundThe aims of this study were to determine the best suited magnetic resonance imaging scanning plane, scanning sequence, and imaging modality for the evaluation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and quantitatively assess the relationship of articular disk position to condyle position. MethodsOne hundred four TMJs in 52 symptom-free heads were examined by magnetic resonance imaging. The best scanning plane, scanning sequence, and scanning parameter were determined according to the imaging time and image quality. Bilateral symmetry of the articular disk and mandibular condyle was measured by using the automatic measurement of 3.0-T GE Excite Signa MR scanner. ResultsFast spin-echo sequence, oblique sagittal imaging plane, and proton density imaging were the best suited scanning sequence, scanning planes, and imaging modality, respectively. The thicknesses of the anterior and posterior bands and for the intermediate zone were not statistically different for both sides. The posterior band of the disk was found to originate in an area adjacent to the 12-o’clock position of the condyle (±5 degrees), whereas the anterior band of the disk originated adjacent to 1-o’clock position (28 ± 6 degrees). The anteroposterior diameter and mediolateral diameter of the condylar processes were not statistically different for both sides. The axial condylar angle between the plane of the greatest mediolateral diameter of the condylar processes and the midsagittal plane were also not statistically different for both sides. ConclusionsThe magnetic resonance images can depict clearly major regional anatomic structures and position in the TMJ, which can be used in the early diagnosis for the TMJ disorder.
Online MTPA Control Strategy for DTC Synchronous-Reluctance-Motor Drives

This paper presents an online procedure for the automatic search of the maximum-torque-per-ampere operating region for a synchronous reluctance motor. The algorithm is based on a signal-injection method with a random-based perturbation pattern applied to a common direct-torque-controlled drive. Among motor parameters, only the stator resistance is required to perform the automatic procedure. Simulations and experimental results are presented in the paper, demonstrating the benefits of the proposed algorithm. The solution is easily extended to any ac drive.
Cytokine mRNA Expression and Proliferative Responses Induced by Pertussis Toxin, Filamentous Hemagglutinin, and Pertactin ofBordetella pertussis in the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Infected and Immunized Schoolchildren and Adults

ABSTRACT Pertussis infection is increasingly recognized in older children and adults, indicating the need of booster immunizations in these age groups. We investigated the induction of pertussis-specific immunity in schoolchildren and adults after booster immunization and natural infection. The expression of mRNA of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, and IL-5 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was assayed by reverse transcription-PCR. The PBMCs of 17 children immunized with one dose of an acellular vaccine containing pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), and pertactin (PRN) significantly proliferated in vitro after stimulation with the vaccine antigens. The PBMCs of seven infected individuals markedly proliferated in the presence of PT and FHA, but the cells of only two of these subjects responded to PRN. At least one of the antigens induced mRNA for IL-4 and/or IL-5 in the cells of 93% of tested vaccinees and patients, and FHA induced IFN-γ mRNA in the cells of two-thirds of them. Expression of mRNA for IFN-γ correlated with the production of the cytokine protein. Anti-FHA immunoglobulin G antibodies significantly correlated with FHA-induced proliferative responses both before and after immunization. These results show that booster immunization with acellular pertussis vaccine induces both antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses in schoolchildren. Further, booster immunization and natural infection seem to induce the expression of mRNA of T-helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 type cytokines in similar manners. This observation supports the use of acellular pertussis vaccines for booster immunizations of older children, adolescents, and adults.
c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase-Mediated Up-regulation of Death Receptor 5 Contributes to Induction of Apoptosis by the Novel Synthetic Triterpenoid Methyl-2-Cyano-3,12-Dioxooleana-1, 9-Dien-28-Oate in Human Lung Cancer Cells

Death receptor (DR) 4 or 5, on binding to its ligand, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), triggers apoptosis via activating the caspase-8–mediated caspase cascade. Certain anticancer drugs up-regulate the expression of these receptors and thereby induce apoptosis or enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In this study, we explored the ability of methyl-2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oate (CDDO-Me) to activate the extrinsic DR-mediated apoptotic pathway in human lung cancer cells. We found that CDDO-Me not only activated caspase-8 but also induced expression of DRs, particularly DR5, in a p53-independent mechanism. Correspondingly, CDDO-Me augmented TRAIL-induced apoptosis in these cells regardless of p53 status as evidenced by enhanced DNA fragmentation and activation of caspase cascades, suggesting that CDDO-Me–induced DRs are functionally active. Moreover, silencing of DR5 expression using small interfering RNA suppressed apoptosis induced by CDDO-Me alone or by combination of CDDO-Me and TRAIL, indicating that DR5 up-regulation is required for induction of apoptosis by CDDO-Me and for enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis by CDDO-Me. CDDO-Me rapidly activated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) before DR up-regulation and caspase-8 activation. Moreover, application of the JNK-specific inhibitor SP600125 blocked CDDO-Me–induced increases in JNK activation, DR up-regulation, caspase-8 activation, and DNA fragmentation. These results show that activation of JNK pathway results in CDDO-Me–induced DR up-regulation, caspase-8 activation, and apoptosis. Collectively, we conclude that CDDO-Me induces apoptosis via the JNK-mediated DR up-regulation in human lung cancer cells.
Measurement of Frequential Properties of an Aneurysm

This paper is concerned with the measurement of the frequential properties of the intracranial aneurysm, which is characterized by a bulge in the intracranial aorta. The aneurysm wall is modeled as a membrane using nonlinear elasticity and a physiologically realistic constitutive model. The aneurysm as a dynamical object under influence of the variable blood pressure is undergo a deformation. Formed deformations can exceed critical values and lead to the aneurysm rupture
Signals transduced through the CD4 molecule interfere with TCR/CD3-mediated ras activation leading to T cell anergy/apoptosis.

It has been previously demonstrated that the occupancy of CD4 molecules by the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 results in marked inhibition of T cell receptor-CD3 complex (TCR/CD3) activation-induced IL-2 secretion. To elucidate the mechanism of inhibitory effects of gp160 on T cell signaling, we have investigated the intracellular biochemical events and biological output in response to anti-CD3 mAb activation of purified peripheral blood CD4+ T cells from healthy donors with and without prior exposure to HIV-1 gp160. Pretreatment with gp160 resulted in marked inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of p59(fyn), PLC-gamma1, ras activation, and TNF-alpha secretion in anti-CD3 mAb activated CD4+ T cells, and a subset of CD4+ cells underwent activation-induced cell death. The data presented here provide insight into the mechanism by which the interaction of HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins with CD4 molecules may alter TCR/CD3-activation-induced signal transduction resulting in anergy and apoptosis with consequent functional deficiency of CD4+ T cells.
Integration of a foreign gene into a native complex does not impair fitness in an experimental model of lateral gene transfer.

Lateral gene transfer (LGT) is a central force in microbial evolution. The observation that genes encoding subunits of complexes exhibit relatively compatible phylogenies, suggesting vertical descent, can be explained by different evolutionary scenarios. On the one hand, the failure of a new gene product to correctly interact with preexisting protein subunits can make its acquisition neutral-a theory termed the "complexity hypothesis. " On the other hand, foreign subunit-encoding genes may reduce the fitness of the new host by disrupting the stoichiometric balance between complex subunits, resulting in purifying selection against gene retention. We previously showed in a model LGT system that overexpression of an orthologous subunit was neutral due to lack of interaction with host subunits. Here, we examine a case where the foreign protein is more similar to its native orthologs, by expressing the RNA polymerase β subunit (RpoB) of Bacillus subtilis in Escherichia coli. The foreign subunit is shown by coimmunoprecipitation to interact with the host subunits, and to form novel, nonspecific interactions. Nevertheless, the host did not incur any fitness disadvantage, as measured by its growth. We conclude that LGT of complex subunits may be neutral even when the transferred subunit can integrate into the host complex and that this neutrality can be a fertile ground for selective forces once the environment changes.
In situ hybridization for Helicobacter pylori in gastric mucosal biopsy specimens: Quantitative evaluation of test performance in comparison with the clotest and thiazine stain

Numerous detection methods for Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) have been developed with varying degrees of purported diagnostic utility. We have developed a rapid nonradioactive in situ hybridization (ISH) method for H. pylori detection in paraffin‐embedded tissue and assessed its relative diagnostic performance by receiver operator characteristics (ROC) in comparison to the thiazine stain and CLOtest. Forty‐five patients undergoing endoscopy had antral biopsies and concomitant CLOtest performed. ISH for H. pylori was done using a 22‐base, biotin‐labeled oligonucleotide probe complementary to a portion of H. pylori 16s rRNA with the following sequence: 5′‐GGACATAGGCTGATCTTAGC‐3′. ISH using this probe was specific for H. pylori with no cross‐reactivity with other bacterial or fungal organisms. Receiver operator characteristic analysis was used to assess the diagnostic performance of ISH and thiazine techniques. ISH and thiazine stains were done on serial sections, reviewed independently, and scored on a graded scale from 1–5 based upon the degree of assurance of H. pylori presence. Diagnostic performance was assessed in “expert” and “nonexpert” pathologist groups with the CLOtest serving as the invariant test for relative test comparison. The ISH test performed slightly better (ROC area 0.9) than the thiazine (ROC area 0.8) in the nonexpert population, but equally well in the “expert” group (ROC area 0.95, 0.95). ISH followed by routine hematoxylin and eosin staining showed detailed mucosal histology with a dramatic visualization of H. pylori along the surface of the foveolar cells with no evidence of lamina propria invasion. In summary, ISH for H. pylori is an excellent test that is specific, easily read, and allows concomitant detailed histologic mucosal examination. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 11:374–379, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Significance of Foreign Language Teaching in European Schools : A Case Study of Foreign Language Politics in Berlin and Oslo

This study examines foreign language politics (FLP) in Europe. The aim was to get insight into the dynamics of the processes in policy-making. Oslo and Berlin were the chosen cases, but it is also argued that their ways of making politics are applicable to other European countries. The data collection took place in Berlin and Oslo using a Critical Discourse Analysis of official documents as well as semi-structured interviews with key respondents. A policy change in Norway is used as a background for a discussion of how shifts in language policies are explained by changing contextual factors. This is in particular related to the strategy document Languages Open Doors and the proposition of making a second foreign language (2FL) compulsory from lower secondary school in Norway. The proposition was reversed due to a change in government. The study is partly based on this event and aims to reach an understanding of what actually happened and why it was reversed. It is suggested that the politics is guided by a variety of interests, such as economic development and competition. Both countries seem to pay attention to economic dimensions. However, it is suggested that Norway focuses more on inclusion than Germany, something that is also reflected in the ideology and the education systems. It may seem that it is more legitimate to argue economically for FLP in Berlin than in Oslo, at least in the public debate.
On Further Reduction of Constraints in “Nonpure Petri Net Supervisors for Optimal Deadlock Control of Flexible Manufacturing Systems”

The above paper proposes a method to design optimal control places with self-loops for flexible manufacturing systems by solving an integer linear programming problem (ILPP) at each iteration. However, some constraints in the ILPP are redundant. This technical correspondence shows that they can be removed without changing the feasible region of the ILPP.
CT volume/density ratio as the marker of ischaemic brain injury

Kurzepa J, Bielewicz J, Czekajska‐Chehab E, Kurzepa J, Bartosik‐Psujek H, Grabarska A, Stelmasiak Z. CT volume/density ratio as the marker of ischaemic brain injury. Acta Neurol Scand: 2011: 123: 310–315. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Hypericum perforatum with Vitex agnus-castus in menopausal symptoms: a randomized, controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a phytotherapeutic intervention comprising a combination of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) and Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste tree/berry) in the management of menopausal symptoms. Design: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel trial was performed over 16 weeks in 100 eligible late-perimenopausal or postmenopausal women experiencing hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms. Herbal combination therapy or placebo tablets were administered twice daily. The primary endpoint was hot flush episodes. Secondary endpoints included Greene Climacteric Scale scores, Hamilton Depression Inventory scores, and Utian Quality of Life Scale scores. Results: Ninety-three women completed the study. Data analysis on an intent-to-treat basis found no significant differences between the two groups for any of the endpoints. Analyses performed at interim data time points revealed no significant differences at week 4, 8, or 12 for daily weighted flushes or scores on the Greene Climacteric Scale or Hamilton Depression Inventory. However, significant improvements across the treatment phase were observed in both the placebo and active treatment groups for these endpoints. No significant change was found for either group on quality of life. Conclusion: The herbal combination of H. perforatum and V. agnus-castus was not found to be superior to placebo for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. The herbal combination was well tolerated with no significant adverse events noted in the short term. Robust findings from quality studies such as this are important for informing the community, healthcare providers, and regulatory authorities.
Exploring Uncertainty and Psychosocial Adjustment After Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation

Background: Sudden cardiac death is a leading cause of death in the Americas and Europe. Although the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has decreased mortality from sudden cardiac death, it may be associated with psychosocial adjustment (PSA) problems and be a source of uncertainty for some recipients. The purpose of this study was to explore uncertainty and PSA among first-time ICD recipients during the first 2 months after hospital discharge. Methods: Ninety-four adult, first-time ICD recipients recruited from 4 New England hospitals were studied at 1 week (S1) and 8 weeks (S2) after hospital discharge using a repeated-measures, correlational survey design. Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale, and a demographic questionnaire were administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlations, repeated-measures analysis of variance, multivariate canonical analysis, multiple regression, hierarchical regression, and 1-way analysis of variance. Results: There was no change in the nature or level of uncertainty over time. Uncertainty at S1 explained a significant amount (39%) of the variance in overall PSA at S2. Psychosocial adjustment domains at S1 explained a large proportion (62%) of the variance in overall PSA at S2. Education, employment status, and functional status were related to uncertainty. Younger recipients, people with a lower functional status, and those with disability had more PSA problems. Time since discharge was not correlated with uncertainty or PSA. Uncertainty was a strong predictor of PSA at both S1 and S2. Conclusions: First-time ICD recipients who have greater uncertainty or less PSA at 1 week after hospital discharge may have more PSA problems during the first 2 months after implant. Age, education, and severity of illness may influence uncertainty and/or PSA. Further research is needed to determine the relationship between uncertainty and PSA over time.