Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radioimmunoassay for mammalian type C viral reverse transcriptase

Radioimmunological techniques were applied to the analysis of reverse transcriptase of mammalian type C RNA viruses. The polymerase of Rauscher mouse leukemia virus was purified by ion exchange and sequential affinity chromatography. Radioimmunoassays that utilized the viral enzyme as a probe detected as little as 1 ng of purified polymerase. No cross-reactivity could be demonstrated between the reverse transcriptase and other known virus-coded proteins. By comparing the immunological reactivity of the purified enzyme with the reactivity of detergent-disrupted virions, Rauscher mouse leukemia virus was shown to contain the antigenic equivalent of 40 molecules of reverse transcriptase. In a homologous competition immunoassay, the Rauscher viral enzyme demonstrated type-specific antigenic determinants, which distinguish it from other mouse type C viral polymerases. In a broadly reactive interspecies immunoassay, the reverse transcriptases of a number of mammalian type C viruses were cross-reactive, indicating their shared antigenic determinants. Various treatments that inhibit or inactivated DNA polymerase activity had little or no effect on the immunological properties of the enzyme. Thus, radioimmunoassays should be useful in the search for type C viral reverse transcriptase as a marker of subviral expression.
A Differential Role for the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinases in Lipopolysaccharide Signaling

Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) is a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and promotes the activation of macrophages and microglia. Although these cells are highly LPS-responsive, they serve unique tissue-specific functions and exhibit different LPS sensitivities. Accordingly, it was of interest to evaluate whether these biological differences reside in variations within LPS signaling pathways between these two cell types. Because the mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK-1 and ERK-2 have been implicated in the control of many immune responses, we tested the concept that they are a key indicator for differences in cellular LPS sensitivity. We observed that murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and murine BV-2 microglial cells both respond to LPS by exhibiting increased IκBα degradation, enhanced NF-κB DNA binding activity, and elevated nitric oxide and interleukin-1β production. Although LPS potently stimulates ERK activation in RAW 264.7 macrophages, it does not activate ERK-1/-2 in BV-2 microglia. Moreover, antagonism of the MEK/ERK pathway potentiates LPS-stimulated nitric oxide production, suggesting that LPS-stimulated ERK activation can exert inhibitory effects in macrophage-like cells. These data support the idea that ERK activation is not a required function of LPS-mediated signaling events and illustrate that alternative/additional pathways for LPS action exist in these cell types.
Empirical study on the quality of financial accounting information's impact on economic performance

This paper uses the evaluation for listed companies' disclosure level by Shenzhen Stock Exchange as the agency variable of financial accounting information quality, including listed firms in Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2002 to 2006 as our sample, empirically tests the relation between the quality of financial accounting information and economic performance, and the paper also tests if financial accounting information affects economic performance through corporate governance system channel. Empirical results show high-quality financial accounting information does improve economic performance and corporate governance is one of the channels, regardless of Tobin's Q or return on assets or ratio of net operating cash flow to assets as the agency variable of economic performance. But we don't empirically test if there are other channels through which financial accounting information can promote economic performance, this may be one direction We want to research about in future. Therefore higher-quality financial accounting information is of great significance for economic performance.
Intrarenal renin-angiotensin system — important player of the local milieu

The established physiological role of the reninangiotensin system (RAS) is that of a systemic hormonal system whose main purpose is to maintain blood pressure (BP) by facilitating renal sodium absorption and to induce vasoconstriction. Over activity of the system leads to increased sodium retention, vasoconstriction and hypertension. Inhibiting this system with angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blockers (ARBs) lowers BP. However, early on it was acknowledged that hypertensive states exist with low plasma renin activity (PRA) that nonetheless respond to treatment with agents that block the RAS. In studies with these patients the addition of an ACE inhibitor (ACE-I) or ARB results in significant increases in renal blood flow, suggesting the presence of increased Ang II concentration in the kidney, despite low systemic PRA.
Tissue factor expression in neutrophil extracellular traps and neutrophil derived microparticles in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis may promote thromboinflammation and the thrombophilic state associated with the disease

Objectives Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV) is characterised by neutrophil activation. An elevated prevalence of venous thromboembolic events has been reported in AAV. Because of the critical role of neutrophils in inflammation associated thrombosis, we asked whether neutrophil tissue factor (TF) may be implicated in the thrombotic diathesis in AAV. Methods Neutrophils from four patients and sera from 17 patients with ANCA associated vasculitis with active disease and remission were studied. TF expression was assessed by immunoblotting and confocal microscopy. Circulating DNA levels were evaluated. TF expressing microparticles (MPs) were measured by flow cytometry and thrombin–antithrombin complex levels by ELISA. Results Peripheral blood neutrophils from four patients with active disease expressed elevated TF levels and released TF expressing neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and MPs. TF positive NETs were released by neutrophils isolated from the bronchoalveolar lavage and were detected in nasal and renal biopsy specimens. Elevated levels of circulating DNA and TF expressing neutrophil derived MPs were further observed in sera from patients with active disease. Induction of remission attenuated the aforementioned effects. Control neutrophils treated with sera from patients with active disease released TF bearing NETs and MPs which were abolished after IgG depletion. Treatment of control neutrophils with isolated IgG from sera from patients with active disease also resulted in the release of TF bearing NETs. TF implication in MP dependent thrombin generation was demonstrated by antibody neutralisation studies. Conclusions Expression of TF in NETs and neutrophil derived MPs proposes a novel mechanism for the induction of thrombosis and inflammation in active AAV.
The Signal Peptide of a Simple Retrovirus Envelope Functions as a Posttranscriptional Regulator of Viral Gene Expression

ABSTRACT Retroviruses use different strategies to regulate transcription and translation and exploit the cellular machinery involved in these processes. This study shows that the signal peptide of the envelope glycoprotein (Env) of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) plays a major role in posttranscriptional viral gene expression. Expression of the JSRV Env in trans increases viral particle production by mechanisms dependent on (i) its leader sequence, (ii) an intact signal peptide cleavage site, (iii) a cis-acting RNA-responsive element located in the viral genome, (iv) Crm1, and (v) B23. The signal peptide of the JSRV Env (JSE-SP) is 80 amino acid residues in length and contains putative nuclear localization and export signals, in addition to an arginine-rich RNA binding motif. JSE-SP localizes both in the endoplasmic reticulum and in the nucleus, where it colocalizes with nucleolar markers. JSE-SP is a multifunctional protein, as it moderately enhances nuclear export of unspliced viral mRNA and considerably increases viral particle release by favoring a posttranslational step of the replication cycle.
Destination Choice Modeling for Home-Based Recreational Trips: Analysis and Implications for Land Use, Transportation, and Air Quality Planning

Attraction-end choice studies have primarily focused on nonurban recreational trips or nonrecreational urban trips. Relatively little attention has been focused in the literature on urban recreational trips. However, urban recreational trips are contributing increasingly to overall urban travel. Attraction-end choice models for home-based urban recreational trips are examined. A nonlinear-in-parameters multinomial logit model is estimated using the 1996 Dallas–Fort Worth household activity survey. The effects of level-of-service, zonal attribute, trip attribute, and socio-demographic variables on recreational attraction-end choice are examined, and the implications of the results for land use, transportation planning, and air quality analysis are discussed.
When peace breaks out: The 42nd American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Fitts Oration.

T hank you so much Dr. Rozycki for this incredible honor of being the Fitts Orator and for your outstanding leadership as the president of the AAST.When Grace called to ask me to deliver this speech, clearly the greatest honor of my surgical career, I was in fact speechless. Once I recovered from the shock of the invitation, however, an intense anxiety settled in as I wondered what on earth I should talk about. The answer came the very next day in the form of the AAST Trauma Sourcewith a message from the guest editor, Dr. Michael Rotondo:
Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children With Down Syndrome: Population Prevalence and Screening Test Characteristics

Objective: We assessed the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and screening test characteristics in children with Down syndrome. Method: Eligible children born in a defined geographic area between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2003, were recruited through a population-based birth defects registry and community outreach, then screened with the modified checklist for autism in toddlers or social communication questionnaire, as appropriate. Screen-positive children and a random sample of screen-negative children underwent developmental evaluation. Results: We screened 123 children (27.8% of the birth cohort). Mean age was 73.4 months (range, 31–142). Compared to screen-negative children, screen-positive children had similar sociodemographic characteristics but a lower mean developmental quotient (mean difference: 11.0; 95% confidence interval: 4.8–17.3). Weighted prevalences of autistic disorder and total ASD were 6.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.6%–11.6%) and 18.2% (95% CI: 9.7%–26.8%), respectively. The estimated minimum ASD prevalence, accounting for unscreened children, is 5.1% (95% CI: 3.3%–7.4%). ASD prevalence increased with greater cognitive impairment. Screening test sensitivity was 87.5% (95% CI: 66.6%–97.7%); specificity was 49.9% (95% CI: 37.0%–61.4%). Conclusion: The prevalence of ASD among children with Down syndrome aged 2 to 11 years is substantially higher than in the general population. The modified checklist for autism in toddlers and social communication questionnaire were highly sensitive in children with Down syndrome but could result in many false positive tests if universal screening were implemented using current algorithms. Research needs include development of specific ASD screening algorithms and improved diagnostic discrimination in children with Down syndrome. Timely identification of these co-occurring diagnoses is essential so appropriate interventions can be provided.
A Neisseria gonorrhoeae Immunoglobulin A1 Protease Mutant Is Infectious in the Human Challenge Model of Urethral Infection

ABSTRACT Many mucosal pathogens, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, produce proteases that cleave immunoglobulin A (IgA), the predominant immunoglobulin class produced at mucosal surfaces. While considerable circumstantial evidence suggests that IgA1 protease contributes to gonococcal virulence, there is no direct evidence that N. gonorrhoeae requires IgA1 protease activity to infect a human host. We constructed a N. gonorrhoeae iga mutant without introducing new antibiotic resistance markers into the final mutant strain and used human experimental infection to test the ability of the mutant to colonize the male urethra and to cause gonococcal urethritis. Four of the five male volunteers inoculated with the Iga− mutant became infected. In every respect—clinical signs and symptoms, incubation period between inoculation and infection, and the proportion of volunteers infected—the outcome of human experimental infection with FA1090iga was indistinguishable from that previously reported for a variant of parent strain FA1090 matching the mutant in expression of Opa proteins, lipooligosaccharide, and pilin. These results indicate that N. gonorrhoeae does not require IgA1 protease production to cause experimental urethritis in males.
Complex event processing with geospatial support for monitoring and controlling compliance with environmental regulations

In a context of e-government, there are usually regulatory compliance requirements that the supporting systems should enforce. To this end, an appropriate processing of data coming from different sources is required, which presents an important challenge given the large volume of data that e-government systems handle. This volume of data is also increased with data coming from autonomous sensors (e.g. reporting carbon emission in protected areas) and from citizens providing information (e.g. illegal dumping) in a voluntary way. Complex Event Processing (CEP) technologies allow processing large amount of event data and detecting patterns from them. However, they do not provide support for geographic information which is essential for monitoring and controlling regulations which apply to specific geographical areas. This paper proposes a geospatial extension for CEP that allows monitoring environmental factors considering the geographic location of the processed data.
Does personalisation affect trust in online advice

This report describes an experimental investigation of two factors which are believed to influence users trust and willingness to engage in online commerce. The factors are: (a) reputation (a factor related to brand), and (b) personalisation. One hundred and seven users were logged on to a mock travel insurance website and asked to fill in insurance forms online, to make a decision as to whether or not they wanted to purchase insurance and then to answer a follow-up questionnaire. Behavioural and subjective measures of trust in the site were taken. Personalisation was shown to favourably influence user judgments about the site, although not to direcly influence trust.
An intelligent videomonitoring system for fall detection at home: perceptions of elderly people

We explored the perception and receptivity of elderly people regarding the introduction of an intelligent videomonitoring system (IVS) at home. Using a mixed methods design, 25 elderly people with a history of falls completed a structured interview (two questionnaires). In the year preceding the interview, 72% of the participants fell as many as seven times. Open-ended questions (qualitative data) were used to supplement the quantitative data. A content analysis (qualitative data) and a descriptive analysis (quantitative data) were carried out. The participants were 84% favourable or partially favourable to technologies which ensured home security and 96% favourable or partially favourable to the IVS. About half (48%) said that they would use it. The other participants did not wish to use it unless they had been left to live alone or if their health condition worsened. Thus the living conditions of the elderly appear to influence their perception and receptivity regarding the acceptance and use of an IVS.
Plant mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles - tapping theunexploited sources

To meet the increasing demands for commercial nanoparticles new eco-friendly “green” methods of synthesis are being discovered. Plant mediated synthesis of nanoparticles offers single step, easy extracellular synthesis of nanoparticles. Bryophytes show simple organization of the plant body and abundant during rainy season. They are easy to harvest and easy to make an extract. In this study, the plant extract was prepared in water and ethanol and treated with different concentrations of silver nitrate to obtain nanoparticles. The synthesis of nanoparticles was confirmed by change in colour from pale green to reddish brown. Further, a peak between 400nm to 440nm was obtained on UV-Vis spectrometer which confirmed the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. Presence of silver nanoparticles was observed after carrying out SE microscopy with EDS that gave a strong silver signal. Silver nanoparticles also showed antibacterial activity against four disease causing microorganisms.
An in vivo study of phosphorus and glucose metabolism in Alzheimer's disease using magnetic resonance spectroscopy and PET.

OBJECTIVES To study phosphorus and glucose metabolism in whole-brain slices of otherwise healthy patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) and healthy controls. DESIGN We used proton nuclear magnetic resonance imaging phosphorus spectroscopy and positron emission tomography to study in vivo brain phosphorus and glucose metabolism. PATIENTS Whole-brain slice phosphorus metabolism was studied in nine drug free patients with mild to moderately severe dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) and in eight age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Mean ages (+/- SD) of the patients and controls were 60 +/- 10 years and 64 +/- 16 years, respectively. Positron emission tomography was used to study cerebral glucose metabolism in seven of the patients with DAT and seven of the healthy controls. RESULTS Patients with DAT had significant brain glucose hypometabolism compared with controls, but there was no significant group difference in any phosphorus metabolite concentration or ratio in the same volume of brain tissue. Also, within patients with DAT there was no correlation between any phosphorus metabolite concentration or ratio and either severity of dementia or glucose metabolism. CONCLUSIONS We suggest glucose metabolism is reduced early in DAT (reflecting decreased basal synaptic functioning) and is unrelated to a rate limitation in glucose delivery, abnormal glucose metabolism, or abnormal coupling between oxidation and phosphorylation. Normal or near-normal levels of phosphorus metabolites are maintained in mild, moderate, and severe DAT. Therefore, altered high-energy phosphate levels are not a consequence of reduced glucose metabolism in DAT, and do not play a major role in the pathophysiology of the disorder, at least in whole-brain sections.
Calcium channel beta subunits differentially regulate the inhibition of N-type channels by individual Gbeta isoforms.

The direct inhibition of N- and P/Q-type calcium channels by G protein betagamma subunits is considered a key mechanism for regulating presynaptic calcium levels. We have recently reported that a number of features associated with this G protein inhibition are dependent on the G protein beta subunit isoform (Arnot, M. I., Stotz, S. C., Jarvis, S. E., Zamponi, G. W. (2000) J. Physiol. (Lond.) 527, 203-212; Cooper, C. B. , Arnot, M. I. , Feng, Z. -P., Jarvis, S. E. , Hamid, J., Zamponi, G. W. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 40777-40781). Here, we have examined the abilities of different types of ancillary calcium channel beta subunits to modulate the inhibition of alpha(1B) N-type calcium channels by the five known different Gbeta subunit subtypes. Our data reveal that the degree of inhibition by a particular Gbeta subunit is strongly dependent on the specific calcium channel beta subunit, with N-type channels containing the beta(4) subunit being less susceptible to Gbetagamma-induced inhibition. The calcium channel beta(2a) subunit uniquely slows the kinetics of recovery from G protein inhibition, in addition to mediating a dramatic enhancement of the G protein-induced kinetic slowing. For Gbeta(3)-mediated inhibition, the latter effect is reduced following site-directed mutagenesis of two palmitoylation sites in the beta(2a) N-terminal region, suggesting that the unique membrane tethering of this subunit serves to modulate G protein inhibition of N-type calcium channels. Taken together, our data suggest that the nature of the calcium channel beta subunit present is an important determinant of G protein inhibition of N-type channels, thereby providing a possible mechanism by which the cellular/subcellular expression pattern of the four calcium channel beta subunits may regulate the G protein sensitivity of N-type channels expressed at different loci throughout the brain and possibly within a neuron.
Hydrogen atom in a strong magnetic field: Semiclassical quantization using classical adiabatic invariance.

The method of adiabatic switching (AS) is applied to the problem of a hydrogen atom in a strong magnetic field, i.e., the quadratic Zeeman effect (QZE). The QZE is one of the simplest realistic physical problems exhibiting classical chaos which presents conceptual and computational obstacles to the implementation of many semiclassical quantization methods, while the highly nonseparable nature of the problem makes exact quantum treatments problematic. The AS method is straightforward, mainly involving integration of Hamilton's equations of motion, and in addition, unlike most other trajectory-based semiclassical methods, works even in mildly chaotic volumes of classical phase space. In AS, a zeroth-order classical torus is quantized and then the perturbation is switched on adiabatically using a time-dependent or time-independent switching function which is incorporated into the Hamiltonian. A central problem in AS is the choice of the most appropriate zeroth-order tori. Based on a comprehensive study of the classical dynamics of the QZE it is shown that the best zeroth-order tori for AS are those obtained by quantizing the zeroth-order Hamiltonian (i.e., the hydrogen atom) and simultaneously an adiabatic invariant found by Solov'ev. AS is performed for a wide variety of magnetic fields and energies including states lying in mildlymore » chaotic regions of phase space where Solov'ev's invariant is no longer conserved. Results are generally in excellent agreement with exact quantum results, and additionally the method is self-diagnostic, yielding large standard deviations in energies should it begin to fail. However, AS is seen to break down in the strongly chaotic regions of phase space where the quantum levels display multiple avoided crossings (strongly n-mixing regime). « less
Women's Vibrator Use in Sexual Partnerships: Results From a Nationally Representative Survey in the United States

Little is known about women's use of vibrators within sexual partnerships. Data were collected from a population-based, cross-sectional survey of 2056 women aged 18–60 years in the United States. Partnered vibrator use was common among heterosexual-, lesbian-, and bisexual-identified women. Most vibrator users indicated comfort using them with a partner and vibrator use was related to positive sexual function as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). In addition, partner knowledge and perceived liking of vibrator use was a significant predictor of sexual satisfaction for heterosexual women (p < .01). Clinical and research implications are discussed.