Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of viral DNA in amniotic fluid of low-risk pregnancies in the second trimester

Aim: The association between fetal viral infection and adverse pregnancy outcome is well documented. However, the prevalence of common viral pathogens in the amniotic fluid of normal pregnancies is not established. The purpose of this study was to determine this prevalence in asymptomatic patients. Methods: This was a prospective observational study of patients at low risk for viral infection who were referred for second-trimester genetic amniocentesis. In patients with normal fetal anatomy on ultrasound and a normal fetal karyotype, a 2-ml aliquot of amniotic fluid obtained at amniocentesis was analyzed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction for cytomegalovirus (CMV), parvovirus B19, adenovirus, enterovirus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Results: Among 686 patients, advanced maternal age was the most common indication for genetic testing (n = 469, 68.4%), followed by elevated aneuploidy risk on triple screen (n = 164, 23.9%), elevated maternal serum α-fetoprotein (n = 20, 2.9%), previous aneuploidy (n = 16, 2.3%) and family history of inheritable disease (n = 14, 2.1%). Forty-four (6.4%) amniotic fluid samples were positive for viral genome. A single genome was amplified in 41 samples (93%). In three samples, two viral genomes were identified. Adenovirus was most frequently identified (37/44), followed by CMV (5/44), EBV (2/44), enterovirus (2/44) and RSV (1/44). Parvovirus and HSV were not identified. There was a bimodal seasonal variation in prevalence, with the highest prevalence during the summer and late winter. Conclusion: Viral genome is commonly found in amniotic fluid with a sonographically normal fetus, and the prevalence follows a seasonal pattern. The mechanism, significance and effects of this asymptomatic viral presence require further study.
User Identification via Keystroke Characteristics of Typed Names using Neural Networks

Abstract A method for identifying computer users by analysing keystroking patterns with neural networks and a simple geometric distance is presented. A model of each user's normal typing style was created and compared with later typing samples. Preliminary results demonstrate complete exclusion of imposters and a reasonably low false alarm rate when the sample text was limited to the user's name.
Effects of sleep deprivation on respiratory events during sleep in healthy infants.

This study was designed to determine the effects of sleep deprivation on respiratory events during sleep in healthy infants. Ten unsedated full-term infants (1-6 mo) were monitored polygraphically during "afternoon naps" on a control day and on the day after sleep deprivation. Respiratory events, i.e., central apnea, obstructive apnea and hypopnea, and periodic breathing were tabulated. Results for respiratory events were expressed as 1) indexes of the total number of respiratory events and of specific respiratory events per hour of total sleep (TST), "quiet" sleep (QS) and "active" sleep (AS) times; 2) total duration of total and specific respiratory events, expressed as a percentage of TST, QS, and AS times. After sleep deprivation, significant increases were observed for 1) respiratory event (P less than 0.001), central apnea (P less than 0.05), and obstructive respiratory event (P less than 0.01) indexes; 2) respiratory event time as a percentage of TST (P less than 0.002) and as a percentage of AS time (P less than 0.001); 3) obstructive respiratory event time as a percentage of TST (P less than 0.01), QS (P less than 0.05), and AS times (P less than 0.002). The present study shows that short-term sleep deprivation in healthy infants increases the number and timing of respiratory events, especially obstructive events in AS.
Intent Inference-Based Flight-Deck Human-Automation Mode-Confusion Detection

In this paper, a new framework based on intent inference is proposed to detect the flight-deck human-automation mode confusion. Due to the rapid advancement of flight-deck technology, human-automation issues have become a core area of focus in today’s aviation safety. The complexity of the advanced flight deck leads to new safety concerns such as dysfunctional interaction between the human and the automation. To reduce the occurrence of incidents caused by the human-automation issues, it is necessary to detect the undesirable interaction between them in a timely manner. To this end, however, it is required to model the behavior of the human and the automation, as well as the interaction between them, which is a challenging task. In this paper, a hybrid system and a discrete event system are proposed to model the complex behaviors of the automation and the pilot, respectively. An intent inference algorithm is then proposed to infer the intents of the human and the automation using the behavior models and s.
Down-Regulation of CD28 Expression by TNF-α1

Aging and chronic inflammatory syndromes, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are associated with high frequencies of CD4+CD28null T cells, which are rarely seen in healthy individuals younger than 40 years. Inasmuch as rheumatoid arthritis and aging are also associated with elevated levels of TNF-α, we examined whether this proinflammatory cytokine influences CD28 expression. Incubation of T cell lines and clones as well as Jurkat cells with TNF-α induced a reduction in the levels of cell surface expression of CD28. This effect of TNF-α was reversible; however, continuous culture of CD4+CD28+ T cell clones in TNF-α resulted in the appearance of a CD28null subset. In reporter gene bioassays, TNF-α was found to inhibit the activity of the CD28 minimal promoter. Inactivation of the promoter was accompanied by a marked reduction in DNA-protein complex formation by two DNA sequence motifs corresponding to the transcriptional initiator of the CD28 gene. Indeed, in vitro transcription assays showed that nuclear extracts from TNF-α-treated cells failed to activate transcription of DNA templates under the control of a consensus TATA box and the CD28 initiator sequences. In contrast, similar extracts from unstimulated T cells supported transcription. These results demonstrate that TNF-α directly influences CD28 gene transcription. We propose that the emergence of CD4+CD28null T cells in vivo is facilitated by increased production of TNF-α.
Hypnosis, absorption, and time perception.

Previous research attempting to relate absorption to hypnotic time perception has been inconclusive. The present study provides a more thorough test of the absorption hypothesis by assessing the separate and combined effects of hypnotic responsiveness, hypnotic versus waking context, and involvingness of the stimulus content. Sixty subjects, tested in either a waking or a hypnotic condition, provided retrospective time estimates of two taped story narrations, selected to represent opposite extremes of interest and involvement. Overall, duration estimates were shorter for the involving than for the noninvolving content, and high-responsive subjects tended to give shorter estimates than did low-responsive subjects. However, the only substantial underestimation occurred when the high-responsive subjects listened to the involving tape in the hypnotic context—a finding that supports a general absorption hypothesis. Several alternative explanations for the pattern of results are discussed and new research directions are proposed.
The ultrastructure of cultured "Plasmodium gallinaceum" ookinetes : a comparison of intact stages with forms damaged by extracts from blood fed, susceptible "Aedes aegypti"

The ultrastructure of intact, mature and immature ookinetes of Plasmodium gallinaceum is compared with corresponding stages which have been damaged by Aedes aegypti extracts prepared during blood digestion. The study reveals some new details of ookinete ultrastructure. In particular the composition, development and mode of formation of the pellicle of plasmodial ookinetes is shown to be similar to that of other sporozoans. The pellicle is composed of three membranes, develops in the growing protrusion of the retort-shaped early ookinete and its inner layer is probably formed by fusion of peripheral vesicles. Staining with ruthenium red indicates the presence of a surface coat. Furthermore Golgi-like structures and lysosomes can be observed. After exposure to A. aegypti extracts the parasites exhibit signs of severe cell damage and degeneration, such as disintegration and vacuolization of the cytoplasm. Damage of the plasma membrane is demonstrated by its permeability for ruthenium red. Cell damage is particularly prominent in those cell parts which are not covered by the pellicle and therefore suggests a protective function for this structure.
“Tell Me What Shall Arise”: Conflicting Notions of the Resurrection Body in Fourth- and Fifth-Century Egypt

In the turmoil around the turn of the fifth century, controversy over the legacy of Origen took center stage, and questions regarding the nature of the resurrection were among the main points of contention. What was the nature of the resurrection body? In what sense will post-resurrection life represent a continuation or a break with the present one? How are key scriptural passages, such as 1 Cor 15 to be understood? What is the role of ritual or ascetic practice? This essay shows how, when compared with more well-known players of the controversy, two texts from the Nag Hammadi Codices and writings by the powerful Upper Egyptian abbot Shenoute of Atripe may give us additional insight into how these questions were debated. It is argued that on the level of phrases, terminology, and allusions there is much agreement, while important disagreements regarding how to conceptualize the resurrection leads to distinctly different interpretations of the key biblical texts. And while creeds were introduced to curtail certain interpretations, they also led to new interpretations, as creedal phrases were also redefined and reinterpreted to suit the preferred conceptual models of different interpreters.
Anti‐TNF therapies in rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, sepsis, and myelodysplastic syndromes

An attempt has been made in this article to summarize the state‐of‐the‐art clinical experience with the use of anti‐TNF therapies in four diseased states with special emphasis on myelodysplastic syndromes. Given the central role of TNF‐α in initiating and perpetuating the chronic damage produced in the diseased organs by controlling a cascade of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, as well as its acute role in sepsis, theoretically speaking, neutralization of this peptide was a natural therapeutic choice. Results of the initial clinical trials appear encouraging and sometimes dramatic in their efficacy. The mechanism of response however, is interesting in that even when TNF‐α is directly targeted by a monoclonal antibody, the resulting benefits can frequently not be attributed to TNF suppression alone. Rather, it appears that a more general effect on the T‐lymphocytes is also contributing to the responses being seen. This raises the new possibility of combining anti‐cytokine and anti‐T‐cell strategies to treat at least the more chronic diseases such as Crohn's disease and myelodysplastic syndromes. Continued clinical trials testing these strategies are clearly warranted. Microsc. Res. Tech. 50:229–235, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The crenarchaeal DNA damage‐inducible transcription factor B paralogue TFB3 is a general activator of transcription

Transcription initiation factor B (TFB) is conserved in eukaryotes and archaea and has an essential role in the recruitment of RNA polymerase to the promoter and the initiation of transcription. The genome of Sulfolobus solfataricus and related crenarchaea contain three paralogues of the tfb gene. Two of them (tfb1 and tfb2) encode full‐length TFB proteins. The third (tfb3) is significantly shorter than the other two, possessing an N‐terminal Zn ribbon domain but lacking the B‐finger and DNA binding domains. In S. solfataricus and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, tfb3 is one of the most highly upregulated transcripts following exposure to UV irradiation. We demonstrate that S. solfataricus TFB3 binds to the RpoK subunit of RNA polymerase, an interaction dependent on the Zn ribbon motif of TFB3. TFB3 can also interact with the ternary complex of TBP and TFB1 bound to a DNA promoter. TFB3 stimulates transcription in vitro from several promoters in the presence of TFB1 and TBP. These observations are consistent with a model whereby TFB3 activates general transcription in trans, via an interaction with RNA polymerase in the pre‐initiation complex. This could provide a mechanism for the modulation of transcription initiation in response to environmental stresses, such as DNA damage.
Association of functional variations in COMT and GCH1 genes with postherniotomy pain and related impairment

Abstract Persistent postoperative pain is a well-established clinical problem with potential severe personal and socioeconomic implications. The prevalence of persistent pain varies across surgery types. Severe persistent pain and related impairment occur in 5% to 10% of patients after groin hernia repair. The substantial interindividual variability in pain-related phenotypes within each surgery type cannot be explained by environmental factors alone, suggesting that genetic variation may play a role. We investigated the contribution of COMT and GCH1 to persistent postherniotomy pain (PPP)–related functional impairment. Prospective data from 429 Caucasian male patients with hernia were collected. Three COMT and 2 GCH1 tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped and analyzed for association with PPP-related activity impairment at 6 months after herniotomy. Fifty-five (12.8%) patients had moderate-to-severe pain-related activity impairment 6 months postoperatively as measured by Activity Assessment Scale (≥8.3). Patients with the G allele of COMT SNP rs6269 and C allele of COMT SNP rs4633 had less impairment (P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively); in addition, the COMT haplotype GCG was associated with less impairment. For GCH1, the A allele of SNP rs3783641, T allele of rs8007267, and AT haplotype showed a protective effect trend (although nonsignificant; P = 0.08, 0.06, and 0.08, respectively). A prediction model of substantial PPP-related activity impairment, combining COMT and GCH1 SNPs with clinical, psychophysical, and psychological risk factors, had a “good” (0.8 < area under curve < 0.9) discriminatory power. These data suggest that functional variations in COMT and GCH1 combined with clinical factors are predictive of PPP-related impairment after groin herniotomy.
Immunobiological Analysis of TCR Single-Chain Transgenic Mice Reveals New Possibilities for Interaction between CDR3α and an Antigenic Peptide Bound to MHC Class I1

The interaction between TCRs and peptides presented by MHC molecules determines the specificity of the T cell-mediated immune response. To elucidate the biologically important structural features of this interaction, we generated TCR β-chain transgenic mice using a TCR derived from a T cell clone specific for the immunodominant peptide of vesicular stomatitis virus (RGYVYQGL, VSV8) presented by H-2Kb. We immunized these mice with VSV8 or analogs substituted at TCR contact residues (positions 1, 4, and 6) and analyzed the CDR3α sequences of the elicited T cells. In VSV8-specific CTLs, we observed a highly conserved residue at position 93 of CDR3α and preferred Jα usage, indicating that multiple residues of CDR3α are critical for recognition of the peptide. Certain substitutions at peptide position 4 induced changes at position 93 and in Jα usage, suggesting a potential interaction between CDR3α and position 4. Cross-reactivity data revealed the foremost importance of the Jα region in determining Ag specificity. Surprisingly, substitution at position 6 of VSV8 to a negatively charged residue induced a change at position 93 of CDR3α to a positively charged residue, suggesting that CDR3α may interact with position 6 in certain circumstances. Analogous interactions between the TCR α-chain and residues in the C-terminal half of the peptide have not yet been revealed by the limited number of TCR/peptide-MHC crystal structures reported to date. The transgenic mouse approach allows hundreds of TCR/peptide-MHC interactions to be examined comparatively easily, thus permitting a wide-ranging analysis of the possibilities for Ag recognition in vivo.
Electrical properties of individual CoPt/Pt multilayer nanowires characterized by in situ SEM nanomanipulators

Here we report for the first time accurate and comprehensive measurements of electrical properties of individual CoPt/Pt multilayer nanowires both with periodic and non-periodic layer structures. A remarkably high failure current density of 1.69 × 1012 A m − 2 for the periodic MNW and a similar 1.76 × 1012 A m − 2 for the non-homogeneous MNW has been measured. The resistance of both types of multilayer nanowire structures are well fitted by a series resistance model, determining the separate resistance contribution of the component layers and magnetic/nonmagnetic interfaces for a single multilayer nanowire. The field-dependent interface resistance of both samples is calculated, 13.2 Ω for periodic layer structures and 4.84 Ω for non-periodic layer structures. The clear physical picture of the resistance distribution within individual multilayer nanowires is then determined. The accurate electrical testing of magnetic multilayer nanowires provides basic and necessary electrical parameters for their usage as building blocks or interconnects in nanoelectronics and nanosensors.
Biological effects from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell tower base stations and other antenna arrays

The siting of cellular phone base stations and other cellular infrastructure such as roof-mounted antenna arrays, especially in residential neighborhoods, is a contentious subject in land-use regulation. Local resistance from nearby residents and landowners is often based on fears of adverse health effects despite reassurances from telecommunications service providers that international exposure standards will be followed. Both anecdotal reports and some epidemiology studies have found headaches, skin rashes, sleep disturbances, depression, decreased libido, increased rates of suicide, concentration problems, dizziness, memory changes, increased risk of cancer, tremors, and other neurophysiological effects in populations near base stations. The objective of this paper is to review the existing studies of people living or working near cellular infrastructure and other pertinent studies that could apply to long-term, low-level radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposures. While specific epidemiological research.
Functional Significance of Metastasis-inducing S100A4(Mts1) in Tumor-Stroma Interplay*

Causal implication of S100A4 in inducing metastases was convincingly shown previously. However, the mechanisms that associate S100A4 with tumor progression are not well understood. S100A4 protein, as a typical member of the S100 family, exhibits dual, intracellular and extracellular, functions. This work is focused on the extracellular function of S100A4, in particular its involvement in tumor-stroma interplay in VMR (mouse adenocarcinoma cell line) tumor cells, which exhibit stroma-dependent metastatic phenotype. We demonstrated the reciprocal influence of tumor and stroma cells where tumor cells stimulate S100A4 secretion from fibroblasts in culture. In turn, extracellular S100A4 modifies the cytoskeleton and focal adhesions and triggers several other events in tumor cells. We found stabilization of the tumor suppressor protein p53 and modulation of its function. In particular, extracellular S100A4 down-regulates the pro-apoptotic bax and the angiogenesis inhibitor thrombospondin-1 genes. For the first time, we demonstrate here that the S100A4 protein added to the extracellular space strongly stimulates proteolytic activity of VMR cells. This activity most probably is associated with matrix metalloproteinases and, in particular, with matrix metalloproteinase-13. Finally, the application of the recombinant S100A4 protein confers stroma-independent metastatic phenotype on VMR tumor cells. In conclusion, our results indicate that metastasis-inducing S100A4 protein plays a pivotal role in the tumor-stroma environment. S100A4 released either by tumor or stroma cells triggers pro-metastatic cascades in tumor cells.
Blockade by SB203580 of Cyp1a1 Induction by 2,3,7,8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin, and the Possible Mechanism: Possible Involvement of the p38 Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase Pathway in Shuttling of Ah Receptor Overexpressed in COS‐7 Cells

Abstract: A transiently overexpressed aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) became translocated into the nucleus of COS‐7 cells without treatment with any ligand, such as 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin. This spontaneous AhR translocation into the nucleus was reduced by pretreatment of the recipient cells with the p38 mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor SB203580. Immunofluorescent microscopic analysis revealed that SB203580 treatment increased the fluorescence intensity of AhR within the cytoplasm. An analogue compound, SB202474, which does not inhibit p38 MAP kinase, did not reduce AhR translocation into the nucleus. Moreover, a reporter gene assay showed that the AhR spontaneously translocated into the nucleus activated reporter gene transcription and that SB203580 suppressed its transcriptional activity. From these data we conclude that the p38 MAP kinase pathway is involved in determining AhR cellular localization in COS‐7 cells overexpressing AhR.
Cell invasion of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis by invasin and YadA requires protein kinase C, phospholipase C‐γ1 and Akt kinase

The outer membrane proteins YadA and invasin of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis promote invasion into mammalian cells through β1‐integrins and trigger the production of interleukin (IL)‐8. FAK, c‐Src and the PI3 kinase were previously found to be important for both YadA‐ and invasin‐promoted uptake. Here, we demonstrate that two different downstream effectors of PI3 kinase, Akt and phospholipase Cγ1 are required for efficient cell invasion. Inhibition of Akt or phospholipase C‐γ (PLC‐γ)1 by pharmaceutical agents as well as reduced expression of the isoforms Akt1 and Akt2, and of PLC‐γ1 by RNA interference decreased entry of YadA‐ and Inv‐expressing bacteria significantly. In addition, we report that the conventional protein kinases C (PKC)α and ‐β, positioned downstream of PLC‐γ1, are activated upon Inv‐ or YadA‐promoted cell entry. They colocalize with intracellular bacteria and their depletion by siRNA treatment also resulted in a strong reduction of cell entry. In contrast, neither Akt nor PLC‐γ1, and the PKCs are essential for YadA‐ and Inv‐mediated IL‐8 synthesis and release. We conclude that YadA and invasin of Y. pseudotuberculosis both trigger similar signal transduction pathways during integrin‐mediated phagocytosis into epithelial cells, which lead to the activation of Akt, PLC‐γ1, PKCα and ‐β downstream of PI3 kinase, separate from the MAPK‐dependent pathway that triggers IL‐8 production.