Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of school-based spirometry screening for asthma.

To determine the feasibility and value of spirometry in school-based asthma screening, spirometry testing was coupled with parent questionnaires in a school-based asthma screening project. Children in grades five to eight of the Catholic school system in Rochester, Minn. , performed spirometry with coaching and data acquisition by nurses trained for this activity. Most students completed three tests. For each student, the best test was selected for interpretation. Tests were considered technically unacceptable for screening purposes if the FEV1 was less than 85% and the curve showed evidence of cough, delayed start, poor initial effort, incomplete effort, or non-reproducibility. Students with acceptable tests and FEV1 < 85% as predicted for age, race, and BMI were classified as appropriate for referral for further evaluation of potential asthma. A sensitivity analysis was conducted using different FEV1 thresholds for referral. Children (119, 17.6% of all) with known asthma based on parent-completed questionnaire were not considered for referral. Of the remaining 557 students screened, 535 had technically acceptable tests, and 498 had normal spirometry performance. Using a threshold for referral of FEV1 < 85%, 37 children were candidates for referral for further evaluation of potential asthma. Only four (11%) of these also had questionnaire responses that made them candidates for referral. School-based spirometry screening for asthma is technically feasible but there is little overlap between those who are referral candidates based on spirometry data and those who are referral candidates based on parent-reported symptoms on screening questionnaires. Without further study, spirometry cannot be recommended for school-based asthma screening.
Metabolic Engineering of Lactobacillus helveticus CNRZ32 for Production of Purel-(+)-Lactic Acid

ABSTRACT Expression of d-(−)-lactate dehydrogenase (d-LDH) and l-(+)-LDH genes (ldhDand ldhL, respectively) and production ofd-(−)- and l-(+)-lactic acid were studied inLactobacillus helveticus CNRZ32. In order to develop a host for production of pure l-(+)-isomer of lactic acid, twoldhD-negative L. helveticus CNRZ32 strains were constructed using gene replacement. One of the strains was constructed by deleting the promoter region of the ldhD gene, and the other was constructed by replacing the structural gene ofldhD with an additional copy of the structural gene (ldhL) of l-LDH of the same species. The resulting strains were designated GRL86 and GRL89, respectively. In strain GRL89, the second copy of the ldhL structural gene was expressed under the ldhD promoter. The twod-LDH-negative strains produced onlyl-(+)-lactic acid in an amount equal to the total lactate produced by the wild type. The maximum l-LDH activity was found to be 53 and 93% higher in GRL86 and GRL89, respectively, than in the wild-type strain. Furthermore, process variables forl-(+)-lactic acid production by GRL89 were optimized using statistical experimental design and response surface methodology. The temperature and pH optima were 41°C and pH 5.9. At low pH, when the growth and lactic acid production are uncoupled, strain GRL89 produced approximately 20% more lactic acid than GRL86.
Transcriptional Repression of p53 Promoter by Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein*

Our previous results have suggested that the putative core protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transcriptionally regulates cellular and viral genes, inhibits cisplatin and c-myc-mediated apoptotic cell death under certain conditions, and transforms primary rat embryo fibroblast cells with a cooperative oncogene. Because HCV appears to cause hepatocellular carcinoma, we evaluated the regulatory role of the HCV core protein on p53, a well known tumor suppressor gene, by an in vitro transfection assay. HCV core protein repressed transcriptional activity of the p53 promoter when tested separately in COS7 and HeLa cells. Deletion mutational analysis of the HCV core gene indicated that the regulatory domain involved in the repression of p53 transcriptional activity is located around amino acid residues 80-122 encompassing a putative DNA binding motif and two major phosphorylation sites. Results from this study suggest that the putative core protein may have an important biological role in the promotion of cell growth by repressing p53 transcription, and this appears to be consistent with certain earlier observations about HCV core moving into the nucleus.
High concordance of ALK rearrangement between primary tumor and paired metastatic lymph node in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND Lung cancer has heterogeneous features. It remains unclear whether ALK rearrangement was distributed heterogeneously in tumor from different anatomic sites. To address this issue, we investigate the concordance of ALK rearrangement between primary tumors and paired metastatic lymph nodes in pulmonary adenocarcinoma patients. METHODS From Sep 2013 to May 2014, resectable lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR wildtype and paired metastatic lymph nodes from Tongji University affiliated Shanghai pulmonary hospital were selected into this study. An auto-mated Ventana ALK with clone D5F3 antibody immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detected ALK rearrangement. Discordant cases between IHC and RT-PCR were further validated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). RESULTS A total of 101 patients were enrolled into this study with a median age of 60 years old (range, 35-78 years). ALK rearrangement was found in 20 primary lesions, while in 18 paired metastatic lymph nodes. ALK rearrangement was more frequently happened in younger (P<0.001), Nonsmokers (P=0.012), high-stage disease (P=0.021) and predominantly solid growth pattern (P=0.024). The concordance rate between primary tumor and paired metastatic lymph nodes was 98%. Two patients with ALK rearrangement on primary tumor didn't show ALK gene fusion on paired metastatic lymph nodes. Sixty-eight cases had more than two stations of metastatic lymph nodes. ALK rearrangement in the different station of metastatic lymph nodes of the same patient was consistent. CONCLUSIONS High concordant rate of ALK rearrangement between primary tumors and paired metastatic lymph nodes were found in this study. The authors concluded that specimens from metastatic lesions and primary tumors are equally suitable for detection ALK rearrangement.
BETA3, a novel helix-loop-helix protein, can act as a negative regulator of BETA2 and MyoD-responsive genes

Using degenerate PCR cloning we have identified a novel basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, BETA3, from a hamster insulin tumor (HIT) cell cDNA library. Sequence analysis revealed that this factor belongs to the class B bHLH family and has the highest degree of homology with another bHLH transcription factor recently isolated in our laboratory, BETA2 (neuroD) (J. E. Lee, S. M. Hollenberg, L. Snider, D. L. Turner, N. Lipnick, and H. Weintraub, Science 268:836-844, 1995; F. J. Naya, C. M. M. Stellrecht, and M.-J. Tsai, Genes Dev. 8:1009-1019, 1995). BETA2 is a brain- and pancreatic-islet-specific bHLH transcription factor and is largely responsible for the tissue-specific expression of the insulin gene. BETA3 was found to be tissue restricted, with the highest levels of expression in HIT, lung, kidney, and brain cells. Surprisingly, despite the homology between BETA2 and BETA3 and its intact basic region, BETA3 is unable to bind the insulin E box in bandshift analysis as a homodimer or as a heterodimer with the class A bHLH factors E12, E47, or BETA1. Instead, BETA3 inhibited both the E47 homodimer and the E47/BETA2 heterodimer binding to the insulin E box. In addition, BETA3 greatly repressed the BETA2/E47 induction of the insulin enhancer in HIT cells as well as the MyoD/E47 induction of a muscle-specific E box in the myoblast cell line C2C12. In contrast, expression of BETA3 had no significant effect on the GAL4-VP16 transcriptional activity. Immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrates that the mechanism of repression is via direct protein-protein interaction, presumably by heterodimerization between BETA3 and class A bHLH factors.
A novel central nervous system-enriched spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 gene product.

CONTEXT Polyglutamine-mediated neurodegeneration in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) involves specific central nervous system structures despite widespread expression of the mutant ataxin-7 protein. OBJECTIVE To determine whether expression of multiple gene products could contribute to selective neurodegeneration in SCA7. RESULTS We identified a novel SCA7 transcript and protein, both of which are enriched within the central nervous system. An isoform-specific antibody revealed that the novel ataxin-7 variant, in contrast with the previously described protein, localizes to neuronal cytoplasm and not to inclusion bodies present within the tissues of patients with SCA7. CONCLUSIONS In addition to expanding our understanding of SCA7 gene expression, identification of a novel ataxin-7 protein enriched in the central nervous system suggests that expression of multiple polyglutamine-containing proteins may play a role in generating the neurodegenerative patterns characteristic of SCA7 and other polyglutamine expansion diseases.
Public Opinion About Alzheimer Disease Among Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites: Results From a National Survey

Recent research has documented notable differences in knowledge, awareness, and cultural beliefs about Alzheimer disease (AD) among groups defined by race and ethnicity. The present study was conducted to assess racial differences in knowledge and attitudes about AD among a national sample of adults. Data from 1176 adults aged 35 years and over (48.6% White, 25.7% Black, and 25.8% Hispanic) obtained via telephone interview were used in this study. Although some notable group differences defined by race/ethnicity were observed, more similarities in patterns of response were discovered than expected. Black and Hispanic respondents were significantly more likely to believe that AD is a normal part of aging, but were more optimistic about future advances in research than White participants. Compared with White and Black respondents, Hispanics were more likely to report feeling well-prepared for handling a diagnosis of AD in a family member. Overall, the results suggest that misconceptions about AD remain among large segments of the population, that AD remains a source of significant concern, and that continued efforts are needed to educate the public about this disease.
Cervical pedicle screw fixation in traumatic cervical subluxation after laminectomy using the pedicle axis view technique under fluoroscopy

Cervical pedicle screw (CPS) fixation has recently been performed in patients in need of cervical reconstruction. We report the case of a 50-year-old man who was operated for traumatic cervical vertebra subluxation using CPS fixation, in whom laminectomy had been performed in the past. We performed CPS fixation using the pedicle axis view technique under fluoroscopy. The four pedicle screws were accurately inserted within the pedicles without perforating the bone cortex of the pedicles. A navigation system is useful for cervical spine surgery because it enables a surgeon to perform relatively safe and accurate surgery during transpedicular screw fixation. However, attachment of the stereotactic reference arc to the spinous process is impossible, and the application of a navigation system is limited in cases in which laminectomy has been performed in the past. We have been using the pedicle axis view technique under fluoroscopy and have found that if we take care of the entry point accurately, we can safely insert the pedicle screw in cases with fewer landmarks.
Is fair value information relevant to investment decision-making: Evidence from the Australian agricultural sector?

Despite major accounting standards boards worldwide continuing to use fair value extensively, academic evidence on the relevance of fair value accounting has focused on financial assets. This study breaks new ground to provide the first empirical evidence for the agricultural sector on the relevance of fair value accounting. It examines the forecasting power of the fair value of biological assets for future operating cash flows. Using all agribusinesses listed in Australia, where fair value accounting was first implemented in the agricultural sector, we find that fair value of biological assets does not provide incremental forecasting power for future operating cash flows, whether market-determined prices or managerially estimated value is used. The findings of this study provide empirical support for the call by Elad and Herbohn in 2011 for the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to revisit the implementation of fair value accounting in the agricultural sector. JEL Classification: G14, G38, M41, Q18
60GHz wideband Yagi-Uda antenna integrated on 2.5D through silicon interposer

This paper proposes a 60 GHz wideband Yagi-Uda antenna for 2.5 Through Silicon Interposer (TSI) platform. The integrated antenna comprises two parts: a wideband Marchand balun and a differential Yagi-Uda antenna. Marchand balun transfers the balanced signals to un-balanced ones, and subsequently used to feed the differential Yagi-Uda antenna. To achieve wideband, the discussed Marchand balun is realized with the strong broadside coupling between metal layers based on redistributed layer (RDL) technology. Its insertion loss is 3.8 dB, and 15 dB return loss band is from 52 GHz to 74.3 GHz. Phase deviation is consistent and 1-20 from the ideal differential outputs. The proposed Yagi-Uda antenna constitutes a half-wavelength dipole as the antenna exciter; the ground plane of rear feeding network is inherently used as inductive reflector. In the front side, a 0.68-wavelength open-circuited stub functions not only as a capacitive director, but also introduces one more resonant mode to widen the antenna operating bandwidth. Lastly, impedance matching from exciter dipole and 100 Ω Marchand balun is realized by the co-planar strip (CPS) line. As a result, a wideband Yagi-Uda antenna on TSI platform with peak 4.7 dBi endfire radiation is successfully achieved, and its fractional bandwidth is 26.0% from 54 GHz to 70.2 GHz.
Changes in plasma gonadotrophins, testosterone, prolactin, thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentrations in male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of a heavy body weight line during photo-induced testicular growth and regression

1. Simultaneous changes of cloacal gland area (CGA) and plasma luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), prolactin (PRL), thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) during photo-induced testicular growth and regression were measured in commercially bred Japanese quail from a heavy body weight line. 2. Somatically mature male Japanese quail were transferred from short days (light:dark 8L:16D) at 10°C, to long days (16L:8D) at 20°C; and sexually mature male Japanese quail were transferred from long to short days. All variables were measured at transfer and every 5 d thereafter for 35 d. 3. Transfer from short to long days caused significant increases in LH, FSH, T and testis weight (TW) after 5 d, and in CGA after 10 d. T3 decreased after 5 d, whereas T4 increased significantly after 25 long days and PRL did not undergo any consistent change. The testicular growth rate was k = 0·1146. 4. Transferring quail from long to short days caused significant decreases in LH and FSH after 5 d, and decreases in T, TW and CGA after 10 d. T4 decreased after 5 d whilst T3 increased significantly by day 15. PRL decreased significantly after 10 d then rose before declining again. The testicular regression rate was k = 0·0582. 5. The rates of photo-induced testicular development and regression in a strain of large Japanese quail did not differ from rates reported for other strains of quail. CGA was a better indicator of TW than plasma T concentrations during growth and regression. The role of PRL in photo-induced reproductive cycles in male Japanese quail remains to be determined. 6. The photoperiod-induced changes in gonad size and hormone concentrations, together provide valuable information that can be used in future studies of the endocrinology and neuroendocrinology of photoperiodism in birds.
Functional expression and cellular localization of a green fluorescent protein-tagged proline transporter in Aspergillus nidulans.

The PrnB protein is a highly specific proline transporter that belongs to an amino acid transporter family conserved in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In this work, we detected and analyzed the cellular localization of PrnB in vivo by means of green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions. Several prnB-gfp gene fusions, driven by prnB native promoter sequences, were constructed and targeted to the genomic locus of a prnB null mutant. Chimeric proteins containing GFP fused to the C terminus of PrnB through a linker of two, four, or eight amino acids, with low potential to form secondary structure elements, were shown to be functional in vivo. A two-linker fusion results in partial complementation at both 25 and 37 degrees C. A four-linker fusion affords almost full complementation at 25 degrees C but partial complementation at 37 degrees C, whereas the eight-linker fusion results in partial complementation at both temperatures but in no GFP fluorescence. These results show that the number of linker amino acids is critical for the correct expression and/or translocation of PrnB-GFP fused proteins to the plasma membrane and for the fluorescence of the GFP. The expression of the four-linker PrnB-GFP transporter was detected and analyzed in vivo by both conventional fluorescence and confocal laser microscopy. This chimeric protein is localized in the plasma membrane, secondarily in large vacuoles found in the swollen conidial end of the germlings, and in other small intracellular structures observed as fluorescent granules. A strong correlation between known patterns of PrnB expression and intensity of PrnB-GFP fluorescence was observed. This work also demonstrates that the GFP fusion technology is a unique tool with which to study the expression and cellular localization of low-abundance transmembrane transporters expressed from their native promoters.
Complete Methods Set for Scalable Ion Trap Quantum Information Processing

Hi Fi Quantum Computing In quantum information processing, one goal is to control the entangled states of objects such that they can interact during logical operations but otherwise have minimal interactions with their environment. In one scheme for quantum computing, ions are trapped within and physically moved by electric fields. One drawback is that the entangled states can be sensitive to stray magnetic fields. Home et al. (p. 1227, published online 6 August 2009) show that coupling of the ions (in this case, 9Be+) with a second ion (24Mg+) can create states that are relatively insensitive to magnetic fields and also allows for recooling of the ions during operation. This approach can minimize the loss of fidelity that occurs during ion transport. Coupling of different ions creates states that are insensitive to stray magnetic fields and more robust for quantum computing. Large-scale quantum information processors must be able to transport and maintain quantum information and repeatedly perform logical operations. Here, we show a combination of all of the fundamental elements required to perform scalable quantum computing through the use of qubits stored in the internal states of trapped atomic ions. We quantified the repeatability of a multiple-qubit operation and observed no loss of performance despite qubit transport over macroscopic distances. Key to these results is the use of different pairs of 9Be+ hyperfine states for robust qubit storage, readout, and gates, and simultaneous trapping of 24Mg+ “re-cooling” ions along with the qubit ions.
A Parallel Computing Technique for Complete Modular Eigenspace Feature Extraction of Hyperspectral Images

In this paper, we present a parallel computing technique for the feature extraction of hyperspectral images. The approach is based on the complete modular eigenspace (CME) scheme, which was designed to extract the simplest and most efficient feature modules by a newly defined multi-dimensional correlation matrix to optimize the modular eigenspace for high- dimensional datasets. The CME feature extraction scheme improves the performance of feature extraction by modifying the correlation coefficient operations. The proposed parallel CME (PCME) scheme is introduced to reduce the computational load of CME feature extraction using the parallel computing technique. It is implemented by parallel virtual machine (PVM) to solve the huge matrix problems of CME feature extraction. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by applying to hyperspectral images of MODIS/ASTER (MASTER) airborne simulator during the Pacrim II project. The experiments demonstrate the proposed PCME approach is an effective scheme not only for the feature extraction but also for the band selection of high-dimensional datasets. It can improve the precision of hyperspectral image classification compared to conventional multispectral classification schemes.
HIV-Associated Central Nervous System Tuberculosis

Abstract Central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB) represents one of the most devastating manifestations of TB. HIV dramatically increases the risk of TB disease, including CNS TB. Early recognition and treatment of CNS TB, and TB meningitis in particular, is of critical importance to reducing disability and death associated with CNS TB. The diagnosis and treatment of HIV-associated CNS TB presents particular challenges for clinicians due to the increased risk of other CNS infections and malignancies, atypical cerebrospinal fluid characteristics, drug-drug interactions, timing of antiretroviral therapy and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, and the increased risk of poor clinical outcomes in HIV-infected compared with HIV-uninfected CNS TB patients. The authors review recent updates and highlight challenges specific to CNS TB in the HIV-infected patient.
AN EM ALGORITHM FOR RICIAN FMRI ACTIVATION DETECTION

In functional magnetic resonance imaging (IMRI), most of studies to detect activations in brain are using magnitude time courses which in fact obey Rice distribution. When signal to noise ratio (SNR) of a time course is high, it is known that the Gaussian approximation of Rice distribution works well. However, SNRs are not known before data analysis and imaging with high spatial resolution which decreases SNRs is increasingly required in functional studies. In this paper, we suggest a method to build up an activation map based on Rician distributed modeling via expectation maximization (EM) algorithm. This Rician-EM allows simple iterations and very easy interpretations related to an existing approach. We perform simulations to compare the developed technique with an existing approach.