Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Negative control region at the 5' end of murine leukemia virus long terminal repeats

Using in vitro protein binding and in vivo functional studies, we have identified novel regulatory sequences near the 5' end of murine leukemia virus (MuLV) long terminal repeats (LTRs). These sequences are highly conserved in all MuLV LTRs as well as in feline leukemia virus and gibbon ape leukemia virus LTRs. In this upstream conserved region (UCR), gel retardation assays detected two overlapping but distinct binding sites (UCR-U and UCR-L) for nuclear proteins (UCRF-U and UCRF-L). Three lines of evidence suggest a negative regulatory role for the UCR in viral transcription: (i) an inverse correlation was found between MuLV transcripts and nuclear proteins binding the UCR in the spleens of five different mouse strains; (ii) in vivo treatment of NFS mice with lipopolysaccharide resulted in the induction of splenic viral transcripts and the concomitant disappearance of UCR-binding proteins; and (iii) in mouse L cells transfected with an MuLV LTR linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene, cotransfected UCR oligonucleotides increased CAT expression, presumably by competing for inhibitory trans-acting factors.
Does functional strength training of the leg in subacute stroke improve physical performance? A pilot randomized controlled trial

Objective: To examine the effect of functional strength training in subacute stroke. Design: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Setting: Two rehabilitation units. Subjects: Eighteen patients in the subacute phase post stroke, randomly allocated to a functional strength training (intervention) group (n = 8) and a training-as-usual (comparison) group (n = 10). Intervention: The functional strength training group participated in functional progressive strength training of the affected lower extremity. The training-as-usual group had traditional training, excessive muscle power being avoided to prevent associated reactions. All trained 50 minutes five days a week for four weeks. Main measures: Maximum weight-bearing in standing (primary outcome), isometric muscle strength, gait speed and items of Motor Assessment Scale. Results: Maximum weight-bearing on the affected leg improved more in the functional strength training group (mean 17.4% of body weight) than in the training-as-usual group (mean 5.6% of body weight), but taking test data at inclusion into consideration, the difference in change was not statistically significant (P = 0.056). More patients in the functional strength training group (57%) could weight-bear on the affected leg while stepping forward, than in the training-as-usual group (17%). Improvement was clinically significant in 7 of 9 outcome measures in the functional strength training group (effect size ≥0.80, large), but in only 3 of 9 in the training-as-usual group. All patients in the functional strength training group and 70% of the patients in the training-as-usual group rated their overall status as `much' or `very much' improved. Conclusions: This pilot study indicates that functional strength training of lower extremities improves physical performance more than traditional training.
Periodic Artifact Reduction in Fourier Transforms of Full Field Atomic Resolution Images

Abstract The discrete Fourier transform is among the most routine tools used in high-resolution scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM). However, when calculating a Fourier transform, periodic boundary conditions are imposed and sharp discontinuities between the edges of an image cause a cross patterned artifact along the reciprocal space axes. This artifact can interfere with the analysis of reciprocal lattice peaks of an atomic resolution image. Here we demonstrate that the recently developed Periodic Plus Smooth Decomposition technique provides a simple, efficient method for reliable removal of artifacts caused by edge discontinuities. In this method, edge artifacts are reduced by subtracting a smooth background that solves Poisson’s equation with boundary conditions set by the image’s edges. Unlike the traditional windowed Fourier transforms, Periodic Plus Smooth Decomposition maintains sharp reciprocal lattice peaks from the image’s entire field of view.
Evaluation of oxidative stress in pigs affected with classical swine fever.

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate oxidative stress in pigs affected with classical swine fever. Oxidative stress in the affected pigs was evaluated by determining various serum biomarkers, namely: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and xanthine oxidase, the mean values of which were 1.50  0.06 μmolL, 11.00  0.07 μmolL, 2.12  0.06μmolL, 3.00  0.07μmolL, 159.00  7.00 kUL, 325.32  10.00 kUL, 10.00  0.06 kUL and 120.00  6.00 mUL, respectively. The levels of vitamins A, C, E and glutathione decreased significantly (p≤0.01) and those of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and xanthine oxidase activities increased significantly (p≤0.01) in affected pigs as compared to those in healthy ones. Among antioxidants, maximum changes were observed in the levels of vitamin C, which showed 2.36 times decrease in diseased animals. Serum glutathione reductase showed a maximum increase of 2.5 times among serum enzymes in diseased animals. Based on the altered status of serum oxidative stress biomarkers it was concluded that the animals affected by swine fever developed oxidative stress. The findings suggest the relevance of periodic assessment of oxidative status in pigs, for healthier management through supplementation of proper antioxidants as supportive treatment in swine fever and in healthy in-contact animals.
Two Phases of Inflammatory Mediator Production Defined by the Study of IRAK2 and IRAK1 Knock-in Mice

The roles of IL-1R–associated kinase (IRAK)2 and IRAK1 in cytokine production were investigated using immune cells from knock-in mice expressing the TNFR-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) binding-defective mutant IRAK2[E525A] or the catalytically inactive IRAK1[D359A] mutant. In bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMDMs), the IRAK2–TRAF6 interaction was required for the late (2–8 h) but not the early phase (0–2 h) of il6 and tnfa mRNA production, and hence for IL-6 and TNF-α secretion by TLR agonists that signal via MyD88. Loss of the IRAK2–TRAF6 interaction had little effect on the MyD88-dependent production of anti-inflammatory molecules produced during the early phase, such as Dual Specificity Phosphatase 1, and a modest effect on IL-10 secretion. The LPS/TLR4-stimulated production of il6 and tnfa mRNA and IL-6 and TNF-α secretion was hardly affected, because the Toll/IL-1R domain–containing adapter-inducing IFN-β (TRIF) signaling pathway was used instead of the IRAK2–TRAF6 interaction to sustain late-phase mRNA production. IRAK1 catalytic activity was not rate limiting for il6, tnfa, or il10 mRNA production or the secretion of these cytokines by BMDMs, but IFN-β mRNA induction by TLR7 and TLR9 agonists was greatly delayed in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) from IRAK1[D359A] mice. In contrast, IFN-β mRNA production was little affected in pDCs from IRAK2[E525A] mice, but subsequent IFN-α mRNA production and IFN-α secretion were reduced. IFN-β and IFN-α production were abolished in pDCs from IRAK1[D359A] × IRAK2[E525A] double knock-in mice. Our results establish that the IRAK2–TRAF6 interaction is rate limiting for the late, but not the early phase of cytokine production in BMDM and pDCs, and that the IRAK2–TRAF6 interaction is needed to sustain IκB-inducing kinase β activity during prolonged activation of the MyD88 signaling.
Diverse Sequence Types of Klebsiella pneumoniae Contribute to the Dissemination of blaNDM-1 in India, Sweden, and the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT Clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae producing NDM-1 carbapenemase from India (n = 22), the United Kingdom (n = 13), and Sweden (n = 4) were subjected to multilocus sequence typing (MLST), automated repetitive sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR), serotyping, virulence gene screening, and plasmid replicon typing. The most frequently detected MLST sequence types (STs) were ST14 (n = 13; all serotype K2), ST11, ST149, ST231, and ST147. The correlation between MLST and automated rep-PCR was excellent. IncA/C was the most frequently detected plasmid replicon type (n = 14). ST14, ST11, and other successful clones may be important for the dissemination of blaNDM-1.
Expression of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis Arabinomannan Antigen In Vitro and In Vivo

ABSTRACT The outermost layer of Mycobacterium tuberculosiscontains two major polysaccharides, arabinomannan (AM) and glucan (GC). We studied the in vitro and in vivo expression of anM. tuberculosis AM antigen using monoclonal antibody (MAb) 9d8 (2a), an isotype-switched variant of the immunoglobulin G3 (IgG3) MAb 9d8. MAb 9d8 had been previously shown to bind M. tuberculosis AM and the M. tuberculosis surface. Our in vitro experiments showed that MAb 9d8(2a) bound strongly to whole-cell M. tuberculosis Erdman but not to the CDC 1551 strain grown in medium for an extended period. However, AM antigen was detected in the culture supernatant of both strains, and its concentration increased in a time-dependent manner. The detection of AM antigen from both strains was decreased in the presence of Tween 80. In mice infected with M. tuberculosis Erdman, AM antigen accumulated in organ homogenates concomitant to an increase in bacterial organ burden and an increase in IgG and IgM titer to AM. These results (i) indicate that the surface expression of AM during in vitro growth changes with culture age, is strain dependent, and is affected by the presence of Tween 80 in the culture media; (ii) show that AM is produced by bacteria growth in vivo; and (iii) demonstrate that the amount of in vivo-detected AM can be dependent on the number of bacteria in the infected organ.
Interest Groups & Public within a State Legislative Setting

Regretably, systematic inquiry into the power and influence of interest groups is long on theory and short on data. Case studies indeed abound, but precious little information of a quantifiable nature exists indicating the presence or absence of group success. The reasons for such a paucity of data are both clear and understandable, and they need little elaboration here. Suffice it to say that it is (1) difficult to compare interest groups, (2) hard to measure what individual interests want, and (3) nearly impossible to find out if what was originally desired was achieved. It is little wonder that political scientists have taken to evaluating success based on intuitive perceptions of political participants, whether a group's old friends are still listening, or whether or not a very few major issues fall into a group's favor.
Association between prolactin and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. Influence of statistical power.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the statistical power of studies in the medical literature on the relationship between prolactin (PRL) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity. METHODS Published studies that were identified through MEDLINE search, as well as references from these articles, were reviewed. RESULTS We identified 5 articles that sought to establish a relationship between PRL and SLE activity. In 4 of them, the frequency of hyperprolactinemia in SLE (>20 ng/ml) was 2.2-47.2%, and in one article, there was a relationship between PRL and SLE activity. A power analysis of individual studies could be carried out in only 2 of the 5; there were no significant effects; the 2 articles cited differences in the frequency of hyperprolactinemia in patients with and without lupus activity (1.6 and 12.3%, respectively), but because of a low power of the studies (> or =30.8%), it could not be determined whether the differences in the frequency of hyperprolactinemia were significant. On the other hand, joint analysis of 3 articles showed a significant association between hyperprolactinemia and lupus activity. CONCLUSION Published clinical results concerning the relationship between PRL and Jupus activity are contradictory, due in part to the statistical power of the studies. Our analysis of these studies showed that PRL is related to lupus activity, without establishing a formal causal relationship.
Cbl-mediated Ubiquitinylation and Negative Regulation of Vav*

The Cbl ubiquitin ligase has emerged as a negative regulator of receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases. Cbl is known to associate with the proto-oncogene product Vav, a hematopoietic-restricted Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor, but the consequences of this interaction remain to be elucidated. Using immortalized T cell lines from Cbl+/+ and Cbl–/– mice, and transfection analyses in 293T cells, we demonstrate that Vav undergoes Cbl-dependent ubiquitinylation under conditions that promote Cbl and Vav phosphorylation. Interaction with Cbl also induced the loss of phosphorylated Vav. In addition, we show that an activated Vav mutant (Vav-Y174F) is more sensitive to Cbl-dependent ubiquitinylation. We demonstrate that the Cbl-dependent ubiquitinylation of Vav requires Cbl/Vav association through phosphorylated Tyr-700 on Cbl, and also requires an intact Cbl RING finger domain. Finally, using transfection analyses in the Jurkat T cell line, we show that Cbl, but not its ubiquitin ligase mutant, can inhibit Vav-dependent signaling. Thus, our findings strongly support the role of Cbl, via its ubiquitin ligase activity, as a negative regulator of activated Vav.
Capacitor and shunt filter unbalance influence on the electric system harmonic response

This paper studies the harmonic response of an electric power system in the presence of capacitor and shunt filter banks. The consequences in the harmonic resonant behavior of an unbalance in one of the equipment capacitors are analyzed. The obtained analytical results are validated with experimental measurements. The influence on the final results of linear and nonlinear loads is also analyzed with an example.
A Novel Bistable Two-Way Actuated Out-of-Plane Electrothermal Microbridge

In this paper, we report the design, simulation, fabrication, and testing of a novel electrothermally actuated buckled microbridge for out-of-plane actuation. The new structure consists of a bridge supported by two springs and two "legs" at both supporting ends. The bridge and the spring are trilayer structures: low-stress plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor-deposition (PECVD) oxide (2.5 mum), high compressive stress PECVD oxide (1 mum), and phosphorus-doped silicon (2 mum). The "legs" consist only of 2-mum-thick phosphorus-doped silicon. The overall size of the actuator is 1200 mum by 100 mum excluding the contact pads. Analytical expressions used to determine torsional and axial stiffnesses at the supporting ends are derived. Together with bistability criteria developed by Michael and Kwok, the microbridge structure is designed to exhibit a bistable behavior. It is also designed to have a two-way actuation capability. Electrothermal analysis and thermomechanical finite element ANSYS simulations are performed to determine the switching waveforms for the two-way actuation and verify the bistability. Actuation of the fabricated structure from the buckled-up to the buckled-down states required a 7-V voltage pulse for 1 ms across the "legs," followed by a 5-V pulse for 4 ms across the bridge. A 9-V pulse for 0.5 ms only to "legs" enabled the switching of the bridge from the buckled-down to the buckled-up states. An out-of-plane movement of 31 mum is demonstrated for a 1200-mum-long microbridge. Larger movement can be obtained by increasing the microbridge length and the compressive stress of the stressed oxide layer of the bridge.
Compact quasi-optical focusing system for a 94 GHz FMCW radar

In this paper we discuss the design of a portable, low-cost focusing system based on compact dielectric lenses and its suitability for the use in a wide band 94 GHz FMCW Radar for civil safety applications. A Vivaldi antenna transmits the Radar signal directly into a dielectric cone in order to control the aperture angle. By using an additional lens system, the signal can be focused at targets in the range of several meters. Dielectric properties and dispersion of different materials have been investigated at W-band frequencies to optimize the lenses within the systems based on quasi-optical ray tracing models.
Anwendung des V-Modells XT - Stand und Erfahrungen aus der Pilotierungsphase

Das V-Modell XT hat das etablierte V-Modell 97 als verbindlicher Standard zur Durchfuhrung von IT-Projekten der offentlichen Hand abgelost. In diesem Beitrag ziehen wir ein erstes Mal Bilanz uber die aktuell laufenden Pilotprojekte. Wir geben einen kurzen Uberblick uber die Charakteristiken der einzelnen Projekte und deren Umfang. Wir skizzieren die Anpassbarkeit des V-Modell XT anhand der Pilotprojekte und prasentieren ein erstes Feedback der beteiligten Projektpartner. Dabei benennen wir Starken und auch Schwachen, die sich bis jetzt gezeigt haben und prasentieren den weiteren Weg des V-Modell XT.
Helicobacter pylori and Esophageal Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis

We conducted this meta-analysis to examine the association between Helicobacter pylori and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. We searched the PubMed database, the ISI database, and the references of the selected articles. Case-control or nested case-control studies were selected if they used serology or endoscopic methods to detect H. pylori in the stomach and if control subjects were not restricted to upper gastrointestinal tract cancer or peptic ulcer disease patients. A total of 19 studies were used for this analysis. Summary odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using the DerSimonian-Laird method. Q statistics and I2 statistics were calculated to examine heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were conducted by CagA status. For EAC, the summary OR (95% CI) was 0.56 (0.46-0.68). There was little heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 15%). Further analysis showed that colonization with CagA-positive strains was inversely associated with EAC risk (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.28-0.62) but colonization with CagA-negative strains was not (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.76-1.53). For esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the summary OR (95% CI) was 1.10 (0.78-1.55). However, there was substantial heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 73%), with statistically significant associations in both directions. Our results suggest an inverse association between CagA-positive H. pylori colonization and risk of EAC. The prominent decline of H. pylori colonization in the past few decades may be partly responsible for the recent increase in EAC incidence in Western countries.
Cadmium‐induced infertility in male mice

The effects of cadmium in a concentration similar to that found in Maharloo Lake (Shiraz, Iran) on male reproductive system was studied in adult Balb/c male mice that received 0, 23, and 50 mg/kg of cadmium chloride in 0.5 mL distilled water for 45 days. Sperm count and motility, sperm nuclear maturity and chromatin structure tests were carried out. Testis of each mouse was examined histologically. The treated male mice were mated with females. Prostatic and nonprostatic acid phosphatase activity in blood serum, testis, and prostate, lipid peroxidation and cadmium accumulation in testis, seminal vesicle, and middle 1/3 of the quadericeps femoris muscle were measured. The sperm count, sperm motility, sperm maturity, and the level of testosterone decreased significantly in the high dose adminstered group. Histological studies showed a severe necrosis and atrophy in the testis of high dose group, consequently, there was no successful mating in some groups. The number of newborns and their weights and crown rump lengths reduced. Cadmium accumulation in testis and middle of the quadriceps femoris muscle was significantly higher in animals receiving 50 mg/kg cadmium chloride. Nonprostatic acid phosphatase activity decreased, whereas prostatic acid phosphatase activity increased significantly in serum of animals receiving 50 mg/kg cadmium chloride. Also prostatic acid phosphatase activity decreased significantly in prostate of animals receiving 50 mg/kg cadmium chloride. Lipid peroxidation was significantly higher in testis of animals treated with 50 mg/kg cadmium chloride compared with control group. Cadmium affects male reproductive system activity and can cause infertility in mice as an animal model. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 2010.
Being in the Situation of a Significant Other to a Person With Inoperable Lung Cancer

Little is known about how significant others experience their own situation when a family member becomes seriously ill. To illuminate the meanings of significant others' experiences of their situation after a family member had been diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer, we analyzed narratives from 12 significant others, using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. Findings revealed 4 themes: feeling dislocated in life, being in an altered relationship, being in a struggle, and feeling secure. When reflecting on these findings, we considered the transition theories and works of Ricoeur and Lögstrup. The significant others' experiences indicated a transition process because of the changes brought about by the diagnosis of lung cancer and a struggle to endure and overcome difficulties and distress on the way to regaining a smooth functioning life. Furthermore, the diagnosis of lung cancer had altered the relationship toward the next of kin and meant not only feelings of increased closeness but also loss of intimacy and reciprocity. The significant others suffered in this process of transition, and healthcare professionals, who recognize the World Health Organization's definition of palliative care, may consider the findings of this study useful when reflecting on their care of families.
La innovación en las empresas mexicanas de servicios: un análisis a nivel de sectores, subsectores y ramas económicas

En este estudio se muestran algunos hechos estilizados referentes a las actividades de innovacion desarrolladas en las empresas mexicanas de servicios. Asi se muestran los sectores, subsectores y ramas que innovan mas con base en datos de los Censos Economicos de 2004 y 2009. Los principales hallazgos son los siguientes: 1) Las empresas que mayormente innovan estan en los sectores “Informacion en medios masivos” y “Servicios financieros y de seguros”; 2) las actividades de innovacion han cambiado entre las empresas; y 3) el sector “Servicios educativos” y, en particular, las instituciones de educacion superior han incrementado sus actividades de innovacion. Clasificacion JEL: L80, O31. Abstract In this study, we show some stylized facts regarding the innovation activities developed by Mexican service firms. We show the business sectors, sub sectors and industry groups that mostly innovate with basis on data of the Economic Censuses 2004 and 2009. The main findings are the following: 1) Firms that mostly innovate are in the sectors “Massive media information” and “Financial and insurance services”; 2) innovation activities have changed among firms; and 3) the sector “Education services” and, in particular, higher education institutions have increased their innovation activities.
The fractal structured log-periodical vibrator antennas

The theoretical bases are developed for a method validation of electrodynamic similarity of fractally structured log-periodical dipole antennas. The principle of similarity is formulated by language of the fractional order differential forms applied to the description of the artificial heterogeneous fractally structured medium. At the numerical decision of a methodical problem it revealed strong dependence of log-periodical vibrator characteristics versus scaling size.