Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selective Inhibition of a Two-step Egress of Malaria Parasites from the Host Erythrocyte*

Escape from the host erythrocyte by the invasive stage of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is a fundamental step in the pathogenesis of malaria of which little is known. Upon merozoite invasion of the host cell, the parasite becomes enclosed within a parasitophorous vacuole, the compartment in which the parasite undergoes growth followed by asexual division to produce 16–32 daughter merozoites. These daughter cells are released upon parasitophorous vacuole and erythrocyte membrane rupture. To examine the process of merozoite release, we used P. falciparum lines expressing green fluorescent protein-chimeric proteins targeted to the compartments from which merozoites must exit: the parasitophorous vacuole and the host erythrocyte cytosol. This allowed visualization of merozoite release in live parasites. Herein we provide the first evidence in live, untreated cells that merozoite release involves a primary rupture of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane followed by a secondary rupture of the erythrocyte plasma membrane. We have confirmed, with the use of immunoelectron microscopy, that parasitophorous vacuole membrane rupture occurs before erythrocyte plasma membrane rupture in untransfected wild-type parasites. We have also demonstrated selective inhibition of each step in this two-step process of exit using different protease inhibitors, implicating the involvement of distinct proteases in each of these steps. This will facilitate the identification of the parasite and host molecules involved in merozoite release.
Function and Histopathology of a Cell Adhesion Molecule TSLC1 in Cancer

Even less than a decade since the discovery of TSLC1, overwhelming evidence demonstrates that the loss of TSLC1 expression by methylation-mediated epigenetic silencing or LOH is crucially implicated in various processes during tumorigenesis. Here, we summarize TSLC1 function, highlighting the concept that TSLC1 mediates the formation of tumor suppressor network via its multidomain structure and bridges extracellular adhesive activity with intracellular signaling. Next, we focus on the histopathology of TSLC1 in various cancers and the association with clinicopathological characteristics. On the basis of these, we propose that TSLC1 represents a promising biomarker for cancer diagnosis and a potential target for cancer therapy.
Testing the function of reconciliation and third‐party affiliation for aggressors in hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas hamadryas)

In social groups, agonistic conflicts can have different negative consequences. Several post‐conflict interactions have been suggested as post‐conflict management behaviors to mitigate those negative effects. In this study, we investigated the function of two post‐conflict behaviors—reconciliation and aggressor‐initiated third‐party affiliation—on the aggressor's levels of post‐conflict anxiety and aggression in a large colony of hamadryas baboons. We also examined variation in the aggressor's levels of post‐conflict anxiety as a function of relationship quality between the opponents as predicted by the Integrated Hypothesis. We found that after conflicts hamadryas baboon aggressors showed increased rates of anxiety‐related behaviors and that they were also more likely to be involved in renewed aggressive interactions. Although both reconciliation and aggressor‐initiated third‐party affiliation reduced the probability of receiving post‐conflict aggression, only reconciliation reduced the rates of anxiety‐related behaviors, suggesting that the aggressors' post‐conflict anxiety might be owing mainly to the damage that the conflict causes to their relationship with the victim. Furthermore, aggressor's rates of post‐conflict anxiety were higher after conflicts with individuals with whom they had a high‐quality relationship, supporting the idea that levels of post‐conflict anxiety mediate the occurrence of reconciliation depending on the quality of the relationship with former opponent as predicted by the Integrated Hypothesis. Am. J. Primatol. 71:60–69, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of growth inhibition of a human ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line by free monoclonal antibodies and their corresponding antibody-recombinant ricin A chain immunotoxins.

Four mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAb) (8C, IgG2a; M2A, IgG2a; M2D, IgG2b; 10B, IgG1) directed against the human ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line HEY were compared for their ability in the free form and as immunotoxins made with recombinant ricin A chain (rRA) to inhibit the growth of HEY cells. For in vitro studies cultured HEY cells were assayed for protein synthesis and plated in agarose to form colonies, and for in vivo studies they were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) into BALB/c nu/nu (nude) mice at a challenge dose (3 X 10(5) cells) which produced carcinomatosis with ascites, leading to death 30 days following injection. In the free form, mAB 8C was the most potent in inhibiting colony formation in the complement (C)-mediated and ADCC (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytoxicity) assays in vitro. This mAb was also the only one capable of prolonging survival of mice, both in tumor cell neutralization, and tumor growth inhibition experiments. The four mAb-rRA immunotoxins were effective in inhibiting protein synthesis in vitro in the presence of 10(-7) M monensin. However, in vivo, only 8C-rRA and M2A-rRA were capable of prolonging survival of mice in tumor growth inhibition experiments. Our results suggest that mAb 8C might be useful in the free form and as an 8C-rRA immunotoxin for i.p. immunotherapy of ovarian cancer.
A New Algorithm for Soil Moisture Retrieval With L-Band Radiometer

A soil moisture retrieval algorithm for bare surface using the L-band radiometer dual-polarization measurements was developed in this study. The newly developed algorithm is based on a simple semi-empirical model, the Hp model. Through analyzing the simulated database of the Advanced Integral Equation Model (AIEM) under SMAP (Soil Moisture Active and Passive) sensor configurations, it was found that the surface roughness can be cancelled out using the relationship between the V and H polarization surface reflectivity. This leads to a new method for estimation of the soil dielectric properties directly from the radiometer measurements. The simulated data and ground radiometer measurements of bare surface obtained from Beltsville Agriculture Research Center (BARC) during 1979-1981 were used for validation. The inversion accuracy with RMSE (root-mean-square error) for simulated data and bare surface experimental data are 0.014 m3 /m3 and 0.036 m3 /m3 , respectively. The soil moisture retrieval in vegetated area was performed using the PALS radiometer measurements at L-band during Soil Moisture Experiments in 2002 (SMEX02). The retrieval error was higher for the SMEX02 data, with overall RMSE of 0.043 m3 /m3 , due to the high vegetation water content. Using SMOS data in Yanco region soil moisture was retrieved and evaluated, the results are encouraging, with the RMSE of 0.043 m3 /m3 and 0.041 m3 /m3 for ascending and descending, respectively. However, the algorithm performed satisfactorily over the all surface cover conditions including bare and vegetated region.
Increased prevalence and clonal dissemination of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the blaIMP-1 gene cassette in Hiroshima.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the dissemination of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-encoding genes among multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates recovered from major hospitals in the Hiroshima region. METHODS During July to December from 2004 to 2006, a surveillance of eight major hospitals in the Hiroshima region identified 387 non-duplicate isolates resistant to imipenem (MIC >or= 16 mg/L). They were screened for resistance to amikacin (MIC >or= 64 mg/L) and ciprofloxacin (MIC >or= 4 mg/L) and MBL-encoding genes. The structure of the variable regions of the integrons was determined using PCR mapping. Clonality was assessed using PFGE and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). RESULTS The frequency of MBL-positive isolates in MDR P. aeruginosa isolates significantly increased from 42.3% in 2004 to 81.4% in 2006. Most of the MBL-positive isolates produced IMP-1 followed by VIM-2. The bla(IMP-1) and bla(VIM-2) genes were present in class 1 integrons. Characterization of the variable regions of the integron showed the presence of six different gene cassette arrays in bla(IMP-1) cassettes and a single array in bla(VIM-2) cassettes. The IMP-1 producers belonged to two clonal lineages using PFGE and MLST analyses and the integron variations correlated well with the clonal complexes. Among them, strains positive for a newly identified In113-derived bla(IMP-1) gene cassette array were most widely distributed in Hiroshima. CONCLUSIONS This study shows a dramatic increase in MBL genes, primarily bla(IMP-1), in MDR P. aeruginosa isolates in Hiroshima during these 3 years. In addition, MDR P. aeruginosa with the newly discovered In113-derived bla(IMP-1) gene cassette array appears to be clonally expanding.
Fibrinogen Denver: a dysfibrinogenemia associated with an abnormal Reptilase time and significant bleeding

Summary. This paper reports a new dysfibrinogenemia with an unusual pattern of laboratory assays. The patient, a 51‐year‐old female with a lifelong moderate bleeding history, was initially diagnosed with von Willebrand disease based on routine coagulation assays and the clinical bleeding presentation. During recent testing as part of a preoperative screen and without any current history of treatment, levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen, VWF activity, and factor VIII activity were all significantly elevated, which was unexpected given her previous diagnosis. Additional testing was performed looking for other heritable causes for her considerable bleeding tendency. Interestingly, the patient had a significantly prolonged Reptilase time, minimally short thrombin time, and an abnormal fibrinogen‐crossed immunoelectrophoresis pattern. Clearly, this patient had a fibrinogen abnormality that had been missed when only routine coagulation screening assays were performed. A brief review of the fibrinogen literature revealed no other dysfibrinogenemias reported with a similar pattern of test results, and thus this defect was designated fibrinogen Denver.
Rgg Influences the Expression of Multiple Regulatory Loci To Coregulate Virulence Factor Expression in Streptococcus pyogenes

ABSTRACT The human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes secretes many proteins to the cell wall and extracellular environment that contribute to virulence. Rgg regulates the expression of several exoproteins including a cysteine protease (SPE B), a nuclease (MF-1), a putative nuclease (MF-3), and autolysin. The functional heterogeneity of Rgg-regulated exoproteins and the lack of a conserved regulatory motif in the promoter regions of the genes suggested that Rgg interacts with additional regulatory networks to influence gene expression. DNA microarrays were used to test this hypothesis by comparing genomewide transcript profiles of S. pyogenes NZ131 and isogenic derivative NZ131 rgg during the exponential phase of growth. Transcripts of known and putative virulence-associated genes were more abundant in the rgg mutant, including emm, scpA, orfX, scl1, hasAB, slo, sagA, ska, speH, grab, mac, mf-1, and mf-3. Increased transcription of emm, scpA, and orfX in the rgg mutant was associated with increased production of the corresponding proteins. Differences in the expression of virulence-associated genes were associated with changes in the expression of several regulatory genes, including mga, sagA, csrRS, and fasBCA. The results show that Rgg influences the expression of multiple regulatory networks to coregulate virulence factor expression in S. pyogenes.
Hypoxia-induced hyperreactivity of pulmonary arteries: role of cyclooxygenase-2, isoprostanes, and thromboxane receptors.

AIMS This study investigates the role of the cyclooxygenase (COX)/prostanoid pathway in chronic hypoxia-induced hyperreactivity of pulmonary arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS Pulmonary arteries were removed from normoxic or hypoxic (0.5 atm for 21 days) mice and studied for protein expression/localization of COX-1, COX-2, and thromboxane A2 (TXA2)-synthase, release of TXA2, prostacyclin (PGI2) and the isoprostane 8-iso-prostaglandin F2alpha (8-iso-PGF2alpha), and vasomotor responses. COX-2 expression was increased in all layers of pulmonary arteries from hypoxic mice. In contrast, COX-1 expression was not significantly modified following chronic hypoxia, whereas TXA2-synthase was decreased. Chronic hypoxia differentially affected prostanoid release from pulmonary arteries: TXA2 secretion was not significantly modified; PGI2 secretion was decreased, whereas 8-iso-PGF2alpha secretion was increased. A selective COX-2 inhibitor decreased 8-iso-PGF2alpha release. Arachidonic acid elicited an endothelium- and COX-1-dependent relaxation in pulmonary arteries from normoxic mice. In contrast, arachidonic acid induced an endothelium-independent contraction in pulmonary arteries from hypoxic mice that was partially reduced by catalase, COX-1, COX-2, or TXA2-synthase inhibitors and was totally abolished by blockade of the thromboxane (TP) receptor. Hyperresponsiveness to phenylephrine (PE) of pulmonary arteries from hypoxic mice was also decreased by COX-2 inhibitors, TP receptor antagonists or catalase, but not by TXA2-synthase inhibitors. Finally, 8-iso-PGF2alpha induced a TP receptor-dependent contraction in pulmonary arteries and markedly potentiated the contractile response to PE. CONCLUSION Chronic hypoxia up-regulates COX-2 expression, increases 8-iso-PGF2alpha release, and shifts arachidonic acid-induced, endothelium-dependent relaxation to an endothelium-independent and TP receptor-dependent contraction in pulmonary arteries. COX-2-dependent production of 8-iso-PGF2alpha, by activating TP receptors, participates in hypoxia-induced hyperreactivity of pulmonary arteries.
The Motivation-Facilitation Model of Sexual Offending

In this article, I describe the motivation-facilitation model of sexual offending, which identifies the traits of paraphilia, high sex drive, and intense mating effort as primary motivations for sexual offenses, as well as trait (e.g., antisocial personality) and state (e.g., intoxication) factors that can facilitate acting on these motivations when opportunities exist. Originally developed to explain contact sexual offending against children, the motivation-facilitation model was subsequently extended as an explanation for child pornography offending and for online solicitations of young adolescents. Here, I argue it has the potential to be expanded to explain other forms of sexual offending, including sexual assaults of adults and noncontact offenses involving exhibitionism or voyeurism. In this review, I critically examine the evidence for and against the model, discuss its limitations, and identify critical gaps for future research.
Design strategy to minimize rise time and silicon area of charge pump with only capacitive loads

An optimized strategy for designing charge pumps having only capacitive loads is presented. The design strategies developed are with minimum rise time and silicon are. The approach allows designers to define the number of stages that minimize silicon area (and minimize rise time) for a given input and output voltage. The approach was analytically developed and validated through simulations and experimental measurements on 0.18 mm EEPROM CMOS technology.
Los Ciclos de Crecimiento en Colombia

Some colombian growth cycle stylized facts are analyzed in this paper. An autoregressive Markov-Switching model is fitted to quarterly real GDP growth (1977Q1-2009Q4). Possible asymmetries in the cycle phases (deepness, steepness and sharpness), U or V shape of cycle, persistence and duration of cycle phases and the response of output to cyclical and idiosyncratic shocks are studied in this document.
Exposure monitoring of graphene nanoplatelets manufacturing workplaces

Abstract Graphenes have emerged as a highly promising, two-dimensional engineered nanomaterial that can possibly substitute carbon nanotubes. They are being explored in numerous R&D and industrial applications in laboratories across the globe, leading to possible human and environmental exposures to them. Yet, there are no published data on graphene exposures in occupational settings and no readily available methods for their detection and quantitation exist. This study investigates for the first time the potential exposure of workers and research personnel to graphenes in two research facilities and evaluates the status of the control measures. One facility manufactures graphene using graphite exfoliation and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), while the other facility grows graphene on a copper plate using CVD, which is then transferred to a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet. Graphene exposures and process emissions were investigated for three tasks – CVD growth, exfoliation, and transfer – using a multi-metric approach, which utilizes several direct reading instruments, integrated sampling, and chemical and morphological analysis. Real-time instruments included a dust monitor, condensation particle counter (CPC), nanoparticle surface area monitor, scanning mobility particle sizer, and an aethalometer. Morphologically, graphenes and other nanostructures released from the work process were investigated using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Graphenes were quantified in airborne respirable samples as elemental carbon via thermo-optical analysis. The mass concentrations of total suspended particulate at Workplaces A and B were very low, and elemental carbon concentrations were mostly below the detection limit, indicating very low exposure to graphene or any other particles. The real-time monitoring, especially the aethalometer, showed a good response to the released black carbon, providing a signature of the graphene released during the opening of the CVD reactor at Workplace A. The TEM observation of the samples obtained from Workplaces A and B showed graphene-like structures and aggregated/agglomerated carbon structures. Taken together, the current findings on common scenarios (exfoliation, CVD growth, and transfer), while not inclusive of all graphene manufacturing processes, indicate very minimal graphene or particle exposure at facilities manufacturing graphenes with good manufacturing practices.
Herbal product use and menopause symptom relief in primary care patients: a MetroNet study.

OBJECTIVES The four study objectives were to determine (1) the prevalence of use of four herbal product types promoted to reduce menopause symptoms (phytoestrogens, St. John's wort, Ginkgo biloba, and ginseng) among primary care patients approaching or in menopause, (2) the extent to which women who use these types of herbal products report menopause-related symptoms compared with herbal product nonusers, (3) the frequency of reported symptom reduction after use, and (4) if use was disclosed to their physicians. METHODS A cross-section of ethnically diverse women 40-55 years of age (35.5% African American, 60.2% Caucasian) who were recruited from eight primary care centers in Michigan to complete a self-report survey. The questionnaire included demographic items, health history, recent use of four herbal product types purported to relieve menopause symptoms and perception of symptom improvement, and interest in additional herbal product information. RESULTS Of 397 women, 24.9% reported taking, in the previous 6 months, at least one of the four study herbs. Herbal product use did not vary by patient demographics or health characteristics. Herbal product users reported more menopause symptoms than nonusers, and 68% of the users said that the herbs improved their symptoms; 56.4% said that their physician was aware of their herbal product use. CONCLUSIONS Primary care patients experiencing common menopausal symptoms are likely to use herbal products that are purported to provide menopause symptom relief, and many believe that these products improve their menopausal symptoms. Healthcare providers should be aware of patient's positive attitude, use patterns, and lack of disclosure of use of herbal medicines. Inquiry of herbal product use is another way for physicians to learn about patient self-medication of bothersome symptoms.
Differences in iron and manganese concentration may confound the measurement of myelin from R1 and R2 relaxation rates in studies of dysmyelination

A model of dysmyelination, the Long Evans Shaker (les) rat, was used to study the contribution of myelin to MR tissue properties in white matter. A large region of white matter was identified in the deep cerebellum and was used for measurements of the MR relaxation rate constants, R1 = 1/T1 and R2 = 1/T2, at 7 T. In this study, R1 of the les deep cerebellar white matter was found to be 0.55 ± 0.08 s –1 and R2 was found to be 15 ± 1 s–1, revealing significantly lower R1 and R2 in les white matter relative to wild‐type (wt: R1 = 0.69 ± 0.05 s–1 and R2 = 18 ± 1 s–1). These deviated from the expected ΔR1 and ΔR2 values, given a complete lack of myelin in the les white matter, derived from the literature using values of myelin relaxivity, and we suspect that metals could play a significant role. The absolute concentrations of the paramagnetic transition metals iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) were measured by a micro‐synchrotron radiation X‐ray fluorescence (μSRXRF) technique, with significantly greater Fe and Mn in les white matter than in wt (in units of μg [metal]/g [wet weight tissue]: les: Fe concentration,19 ± 1; Mn concentration, 0.71 ± 0.04; wt: Fe concentration,10 ± 1; Mn concentration, 0.47 ± 0.04). These changes in Fe and Mn could explain the deviations in R1 and R2 from the expected values in white matter. Although it was found that the influence of myelin still dominates R1 and R2 in wt rats, there were non‐negligible changes in the contribution of the metals to relaxation. Although there are already problems with the estimation of myelin from R1 and R2 changes in disease models with pathology that also affects the relaxation rate constants, this study points to a specific pitfall in the estimation of changes in myelin in diseases or models with disrupted concentrations of paramagnetic transition metals. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Normalization Policy of the Fed and Conflicting US Economic Data

The data-based monetary policy of the Federal Reserve System, the US Central Bank, results from a two-day meeting held by the members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) eight times a year. The principal decision regards the target federal funds rate upon which monetary policy is set to work. This paper examines the status of the US economy as a ground based on which the Fed has already taken the “liftoff” step in the normalization process of its balance sheet. Following the FOMC decision at the December meeting of 2014, the Fed commenced its “liftoff” process by raising the federal funds rate range of 0.5 0.75 from 0.00 0.5 in December 2015. The decision was, primarily, backed by the expectation of the continual fall in the unemployment rate. However, the data-based approach can sometimes be misleading. The numbers in data can be partial in revealing the economic facts due to its method of calculation. As a result, the given data may portray a different picture of the state of the economy. Following an evidence-based approach, this paper intends to overhaul a host of current economic data on economic growth and the labor market to retrace the debates on the Fed’s normalization policy.