Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) proteinase 3C inhibits HAV IRES‐dependent translation and cleaves the polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein

Summary. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is still an important issue worldwide. A distinct set of viruses encode proteins that enhance viral cap‐independent translation initiation driven by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and suppress cap‐dependent host translation. Unlike cytolytic picornaviruses, replication of HAV does not cause host cell shut off, and it has been questioned whether HAV proteins interfere with its own and/or host translation. HAV proteins were coexpressed in Huh‐7 cells with reporter genes whose translation was initiated by either cap‐dependent or cap‐independent mechanisms. Among the proteins tested, HAV proteinase 3C suppressed viral IRES‐dependent translation. Furthermore, 3C cleaved the polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein (PTB) whose interaction with the HAV IRES had been demonstrated previously. The combined results suggest that 3C‐mediated cleavage of PTB might be involved in down‐regulation of viral translation to give way to subsequent viral genome replication.
Prediction of Chinese Listed Companies' Credit Risk Based on Mixed Logit Model and Factor Analysis

This paper used mixed logit model to predict credit risk of listed companies in China. In order to reduce the difficulty in dealing with the facts of correlation and multi-dimension of the financial indexes of listed companies and meanwhile to ensure that the data are not lost, we introduced factor analysis to the mixed logit equation and constructed a Factor Analysis Mixed Logit Model. Fifteen factors were extracted from original financial indexes, and four main factors which effect dramatically were selected to substitute the original financial indexes as explanatory variables. The results show that the new approach is reliable, and general prediction accuracy is higher than 80%.
The relation of pulsatile pressure and flow in the pulmonary vascular bed

The flow of blood in the pulmonary artery is pulsatile but it can be analysed, as can systemic arterial flow (McDonald, 1960), by resolving it into two components. These are a steady, or mean, forward flow throughout the cardiac cycle and an oscillatory flow which fluctuates about that mean. The ratio of the mean pressure drop between the pulmonary artery and the left atrium to the mean flow has been extensively studied and is defined as the vascular resistance. By a similar analogy with the electrical terms for alternating current, the relationship between the oscillatory pressure and the oscillatory flow at the origin of the pulmonary trunk may be described in terms of the fluid input impedance. This latter concept has been developed at length in previous reviews (McDonald & Taylor, 1959; McDonald, 1960). The term input impedance can only be precisely applied to a simple harmonic oscillation at a given frequency. Thus, ifthe pressure and flow created by the heart are measured, a Fourier, or harmonic, analysis of both curves is necessary. In the series of experiments reported here we have imposed sinusoidal oscillations, generated by a pump, on to a steady flow in perfused rabbit lungs. While more artificial than the study of flow from the heart, the technique has enabled us to make measurements with greater ease and precision over a more varied range of frequencies. Preliminary communications on these topics have been presented to the Physiological Society; that is, on wave velocity (Caro & McDonald, 1960) and on the input impedance (Bergel, Caro & McDonald, 1960).
In vitro evaluation of the genotoxicity of a naturally occurring crosslinking agent (genipin) for biologic tissue fixation.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate in vitro, using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells, the genotoxicity of genipin, a naturally occurring crosslinking agent. Glutaraldehyde, the most commonly used crosslinking agent for biologic tissue fixation, was employed as a reference chemical. The selected procedures for this evaluation were the micronucleus (MN) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assays with or without the addition of a metabolic activation system (S9 mix). Before starting the genotoxicity assays, the maximum noncytotoxic amounts of glutaraldehyde and genipin were determined using the MTT assay. The results obtained in the MTT assay revealed that the cytotoxicity of genipin was significantly lower than that of glutaraldehyde with or without S9 mix. The frequencies of MN observed in the cases drugged with varying concentrations of glutaraldehyde or genipin were not statistically different from those seen in the negative controls (blank) in the presence or absence of S9 mix. However, it was noted that glutaraldehyde significantly inhibited the cell-cycle progression while the cells drugged with genipin did not result in cell-cycle delay. In the SCE assay, the numbers of SCE per cell observed in the cases drugged with varying concentrations of glutaraldehyde were significantly greater than those found in the negative controls with or without S9 mix. Nevertheless, these numbers were still low compared to the numbers of SCE induced by the strong mutagens used as our positive control substances. This suggests that glutaraldehyde may produce a weakly clastogenic response in CHO-K1 cells. In contrast, the numbers of SCE per cell obtained in the cases drugged with genipin were comparable to those observed in the negative controls in those that were except drugged with the highest dose (50 ppm). This suggests that genipin does not cause clastogenic response in CHO-K1 cells provided its concentration is lower than 50 ppm. In conclusion, as far as cytotoxicity and genotoxicity are concerned, genipin is a promising crosslinking agent for biologic tissue fixation.
No influence of the endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan on basal and indomethacin‐induced reduction of cerebral blood flow in pigs

Background: The mechanism behind indomethacin‐induced cerebral vasoconstriction is incompletely understood. We tested the hypothesis that the mixed endothelin‐1 receptor antagonist bosentan would modify or prevent indomethacin‐induced reduction of CBF in the anaesthetized pig. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of bosentan on resting CBF and CMRO2.
Reproducible magnetic features of high-Tc superconductors in weak fields.

The microwave absorption spectrum of the high-${T}_{c}$ granular superconductor ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ measured in a weak magnetic field with small modulation exhibits reproducible oscillations as a function of external field. We have modeled the high-${T}_{c}$ ceramics as a network of superconducting wires weakly coupled at randomly placed nodes. Quantum network simulations of the behavior of this system in a magnetic field reveal strong similarities between the computed magnetoconductance, magnetization, and susceptibility and the experimentally observed microwave absorption spectrum.
A Three Terminal Ring Interferometer Logic Gate

Abstract: We propose a carbon‐based logic gate where AND, OR, and XOR logic operations are available. It consists of a carbon nanotube (CNT) ring coupled to three external CNT‐leads, two of them used as input channels, and the third as the output channel. The total transmission for two inputs displays characteristic interference effects. The constructive interference leads to total transmission significantly larger than that for a single input and validates AND gates, whereas the destructive interference corresponds to XOR gates. For OR gates a negligible interference between the transmittance of each single inputs is needed.
The issue of measuring microalbuminuria

The excretion of small amounts of albumin in the urine (microalbuminuria (MA)) has long been known as a risk factor for the development of renal failure in patients with diabetes [1] as well as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the general population [2]. Furthermore, WHO defines MA as one of the components of the metabolic syndrome [3]. The detection and follow-up of MA takes place in primary health care, therefore measurements of this parameter should be easy, reliable and reproducible. In this issue of SJCLI, Kallner & Estonius report that measurements with a device that presents urinary albumin on a concentration scale may be more reliable than measurements that present albumin creatinine ratios (ACRs) on an ordinal scale [4]. Twenty-four-hour urinary sampling, which has been considered the gold standard for measurement of urinary albumin excretion, has now generally been discouraged because of considerable preanalytical interand intra-individual variation [5]. Instead, measurement of albumin concentration in the morning urine is recommended, and the urinary creatinine concentration is measured to correct for dilution [5]. Kallner & Estonius have pointed out that although urinary creatinine measurements are suitable to correct for urinary albumin dilution due to water intake, the ratio introduces a problem in that people have different muscle mass. The ARC will be higher in cachectic persons or in women with low muscle mass, and vice versa in well-trained persons with well-developed muscle mass. It is, on the other hand, important to distinguish between the diagnosis and the follow-up of MA. Screening for MA will usually take place in general practice with a convenient method. According to current guidelines, other causes of MA must be excluded, such as urinary tract infection, other kidney diseases, strenuous exercise, recent high-protein intake or congestive heart failure. Before the diagnosis of MA is established, the analysis should be repeated and confirmed on another two occasions at least one month apart over the next 6 months. When MA is suspected, diagnostic measurements for MA should also be run with the best possible methods in a central lab. This is important, since once a person is acknowledged to have MA, both lifestyle and pharmaceutical interventions are waiting
Investigation for a Smart Power and self-protected device under ESD stress through geometry and design considerations for automotive applications

This paper deals with a detailed study of the ESD capability of self-protected LDMOS used for automotive applications. Failure mechanisms of LDMOS devices during an ESD-HBM discharge are investigated in terms of device size and geometry. Various physical and chemical failure analyses and EMMI measurements are correlated with simulation results. The understanding of the physical mechanisms impacting the ESD capability allows providing practical design guidelines and significant improvement in the ESD robustness of self protected LDMOS.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Background Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) consists of a preoccupation with an ‘imagined’ defect in appearance which causes significant distress or impairment in functioning. There has been little previous research into BDD. This study replicates a survey from the USA in a UK population and evaluates specific measures of BDD. Method Cross-sectional interview survey of 50 patients who satisfied DSM–IV criteria for BDD as their primary disorder. Results The average age at onset was late adolescence and a large proportion of patients were either single or divorced. Three-quarters of the sample were female. There was a high degree of comorbidity with the most common additional Axis I diagnosis being either a mood disorder (26%), social phobia (16%) or obsessive–compulsive disorder (6%). Twenty-four per cent had made a suicide attempt in the past. Personality disorders were present in 72% of patients, the most common being paranoid, avoidant and obsessive–compulsive. Conclusions BDD patients had a high associated comorbidity and previous suicide attempts. BDD is a chronic handicapping disorder and patients are not being adequately identified or treated by health professionals.
Business Process Management in Transition Economies: Current Research Landscape and Future Opportunities

Business Process Management (BPM) is an approach of improving organizational performance by managing and optimizing business processes. While BPM is extremely popular in mature economies, reports are scarce about its use in transition economies, which are countries in the process of moving from a centrally planned economic system to a market-driven system. To assess the current research landscape on BPM in transition economies, we conduct a systematic literature review and use the six core elements of BPM framework for the analysis of 29 papers. Our review confirms the early stage of research on BPM in transition economies; two factors, People and Culture, are hardly examined. Furthermore, we propose to extend the six core elements of BPM framework by adding two key factors: External Environment and Ownership of Organization. The resulting eight core elements of BPM framework provides a robust theoretical foundation while pointing to multiple avenues for future research.
Experimental Analysis of In-Channel Interference Effects on the Performance of a DVB-T System

Digital-video-broadcasting-terrestrial (DVB-T) systems affected by in-channel interference are dealt with here. Attention is mainly paid to the experimental assessment of the video quality perceived by the end user when only in-channel interference degrades the transmission path. To this aim, a number of experiments are conducted through a proper testbed, which enlists a flexible DVB-T broadcasting platform. To confer reliability and generality to the research activity, different configurations of the transmission platform parameters are arranged; moreover, common types of interference are taken into account. Due to a proper cross-layer measurement approach, valuable relations involving values that physical and modulation quantities and application-level metrics assume at the same time are deduced. The ultimate goal is to derive helpful information and hints for designers and technicians that are to be applied to efficiently optimize the performance of a DVB-T system whenever in-channel interference is of major concern.
Isolation of developmentally regulated genes in Drosophila melanogaster

We used a molecular approach to search for maternally expressed genes in Drosophila melanogaster. The relative merits of differential and competition screens were analyzed in a series of reconstruction experiments using either purified phage plaques or derivative DNA sequences. In the course of this study, we isolated 5 clones whose RNA level varies during early embryogenesis. Three gastrula differential clones, b4, b8 and d3, are present in numerous copies in the genome; clone b4 hybridizes with the copia‐like B104 repetitive sequence described by Scherr et al. [29]. We also isolated 2 maternally‐expressed genes, not previously identified in either classical genetic or similarly molecular‐based screens. These clones, b11 and d6, map at cytogenetic positions 98F and 4F respectively, on the polytene chromosome map.
Sleep Habits And Chronotype Effects On Academic And Cognitive Performance İn Spanish Adolescents: A Review

Article History: Received 23.06. 2016 Received in revised form 07.11. 2016 Accepted 10.10. 2016 Available online 25.11. 2016 The increasing interest in the way in which morningness-eveningness affects psychological functioning is remarkable in recent years. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that time of day preferences and sleep habits have an influence on cognitive and school performance and adolescent's health. Our research team has been analysing the role of chronotype, sleep length and sleep irregularity in academic and cognitive performance among high school Spanish students aged 12-16. All students were tested in a naturalistic setting, at school, throughout their school day, which started in the early morning (8:00-8:30 H) and finished in the late morning/early afternoon (13:5514:15 H). The aim of this article is to review and summarise our research examining the relationship between chronotype, sleep habits, and academic and cognitive performance among pre-adolescents and adolescents. We also analyzed the effects of morningness-eveningness on health and anxiety as they might be considered potential negative factors with an indirect effect on academic performance.
Laryngeal Chemoreflex: Anatomic and Physiologic Study by use of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve in the Piglet

The laryngeal chemoreflex (LCR) was investigated in 21 piglets (ages 6 to 80 days old) with the use of physiologic and histologic techniques. The central projection of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) was determined in 14 animals by use of horseradish peroxidase-wheat germ agglutinin. Ipsilateral labeling of the solitary tract nucleus was seen. The caudal extent of the labeling varied with age. Sensory labeling of the nucleus ambiguus was present bilaterally in three younger animals and unilaterally in older piglets. Bilateral labeling of the nucleus dorsomedialis was seen in all ages. Apneic and cardiovascular response to water stimulation of laryngeal mucosa and the laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) were examined in 16 piglets. Blunting of the apneic and cardiovascular response was seen after sacrifice of a single SLN. Hypoxia did not significantly affect the LAR or apnea duration in animals with only one intact SLN. A contralateral LAR was found in younger animals. Relevance to the LCR is also discussed.
Smart campus energy management system: advantages, architectures, and the impact of using cloud computing

A Microgrid is a subset of smart grid, a small-scale electrical system powered with renewable energy resources that can operate either in a connected or a disconnected mode to/from the main grid. Given that universities are very important electricity consumers, using an academic Microgrid will solve many problems regarding energy usage[1]. The purpose of this paper, is to describe Microgrid components with an emphasis on energy management (EMS). Given its vital role, the paper presents different architectures of an EMS and discusses how cloud computing can be incorporated to the Microgrid architecture to improve the EMS efficiency. The paper concludes with presenting results of EMS data collection using Kaa IoT platform.
A Functional Interaction between Dorsal and Components of the Smt3 Conjugation Machinery*

To identify proteins that regulate the function of Dorsal, a Drosophila Rel family transcription factor, we employed a yeast two-hybrid screen to search for genes encoding Dorsal-interacting proteins. Six genes were identified, including two that encode previously known Dorsal-interacting proteins (Twist and Cactus), three that encode novel proteins, and one that encodesDrosophila Ubc9 (DmUbc9), a protein thought to conjugate the ubiquitin-like polypeptide Smt3 to protein substrates. We have found that DmUbc9 binds and conjugates Drosophila Smt3 (DmSmt3) to Dorsal. In cultured cells, DmUbc9 was found to relieve inhibition of Dorsal nuclear uptake by Cactus, allowing Dorsal to enter the nucleus and activate transcription. The effect of DmUbc9 on Dorsal activity was potentiated by the overexpression of DmSmt3. We have also identified a DmSmt3-activating enzyme, DmSAE1/DmSAE2 and found that it further potentiates Dorsal-mediated activation.
Human thyroid in the population exposed to high environmental pollution by organochlorinated pollutants for several decades.

OBJECTIVE To study possible effects of long-time exposure of chemical factory employees and population of surrounding polluted area to polychlorinated biphenyls and pesticides on the thyroid volume and function as compared to the population from the area of background pollution. METHODS A total of 461 adults consisting of 239 men and 222 women was examined and divided into four groups according to their permanent domicile as related to the level of environmental pollution, e.g. SR (area of background pollution, n = 207), SI (slightly polluted area, n = 59), MI (polluted city of Michalovce, n = 94) and CH (employees of chemical factory subjected to high PCB exposure, n = 101), combined first three groups being also called LPA (less polluted areas, n = 360). Thyroid volume (ThV) and echogenicity were measured by real time sonography. The level of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and pesticides (hexachlorbenzene--HCB, DDE (2,2'-2-bis(4-chlorobiphenyl)- 1,1-dichloroethylene), p,p'-DDT (2,2'-bis(4-chlorophenyl)- 1,1,1-trichloroethane) and alpha-, beta- and gamma-hexachlorcyclohexane--HCH) was estimated by congener specific analysis using HP 5890 gas chromatograph with a 63Ni electron capture detector. Serum levels of thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) were measured by specific sensitive immunoassays. RESULTS The association of very high PCB level (e.g. 7300 +/- 871 ng/g lipid; mean +/- S.E.) with increased ThV (e.g. 16.3 +/- 0.73 ml) in CH has been found, the values being significantly higher than these of 360 subjects in LPA (e.g. 2045 +/- 147 ng/g, p < 0.001 for PCB and 14.0 +/- 0.32 ml, p < 0.001 for ThV). In 23 subjects from CH with PCB level > 10000 ng/g the ThV was 18.7 +/- 2.32 ml, while that in 251 subjects from LPA with PCB level of < 2000 ng/g was 13.8 +/- 0.35 ml (p < 0.05). In addition, ThV as well as PCB levels were strikingly increasing with age. In parallel with PCB levels, also the levels of other organochlorines estimated (namely these of DDE) were increasing. Although the participation of these substances in the development of adverse effects cannot yet be defined, it cannot be excluded. The association of increased levels of episodic congener PCB 101 with increased ThV appeared to be more pronounced than that of stable congeners PCB 153 and 180. Finally, significant increase in the frequency of thyroid hypoechogenicity by ultrasound, ThV > 20.0 ml and thyroperoxidase antibodies in CH area was observed as compared to LPA. CONCLUSIONS Several associations of high PCB and pesticides level with characteristics of thyroid disorders (e.g. increased thyroid volume, frequency of hypoechogenicity and frequency of positive thyroperoxidase antibodies level in blood) were observed in the area with heavy industrial pollution by PCB.
ATP-bioluminescence assay as an alternative for hygiene-monitoring procedures of stainless steel milk contact surfaces

A tecnica do ATP-bioluminescencia avaliou os procedimentos de higienizacao de superficies em aco inoxidavel dos tanques de transporte de leite cru, de estocagem de leite cru resfriado, de equilibrio de um pasteurizador, de estocagem de leite pasteurizado e para embalagem de leite pasteurizado e, ainda, a superficie interna de uma centrifuga de leite quanto a determinacao de Unidades Relativas de Luz (URL) e da contagem de mesofilos aerobios (UFC.cm-2). Nao houve diferenca significativa (p>0.05) na medida de URL nas superficies antes e depois do procedimento de higienizacao. Tambem, nao houve diferenca significativa (p>0.05) no numero de UFC.cm-2 nas superficies antes da higienizacao. No entanto, contagens bacterianas diferentes foram constatadas apos este procedimento. As superficies da centrifuga e dos tanques de leite resfriado e para embalagem de leite apresentaram as maiores contagens apos a higienizacao, atingindo 2,21, 2,18, e 1,21 log10, respectivamente. Os resultados mostram que nao ha concordância entre os metodos na classificacao das condicoes higienicas das superficies, indicando que nao ha relacao direta entre RLU e UFC.cm-2. A tecnica do ATP-bioluminescencia indicou que 100% das superficies estavam em condicoes higienicas inadequadas, enquanto a contagem bacteriana indicou apenas 50% de acordo com as recomendacoes da APHA e 33% de acordo com OMS. Variacoes elevadas nas medidas de URL sugerem a necessidade de se realizar mais de uma analise na mesma superficie. A tecnica do ATP-bioluminescencia nao deve simplesmente substituir os testes microbiologicos mas ser usada para se obter informacoes complementares para avaliar as condicoes higienicas das superficies para o processamento de leite.