Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cooperative light-induced molecular movements of highly ordered azobenzene self-assembled monolayers

Photochromic systems can convert light energy into mechanical energy, thus they can be used as building blocks for the fabrication of prototypes of molecular devices that are based on the photomechanical effect. Hitherto a controlled photochromic switch on surfaces has been achieved either on isolated chromophores or within assemblies of randomly arranged molecules. Here we show by scanning tunneling microscopy imaging the photochemical switching of a new terminally thiolated azobiphenyl rigid rod molecule. Interestingly, the switching of entire molecular 2D crystalline domains is observed, which is ruled by the interactions between nearest neighbors. This observation of azobenzene-based systems displaying collective switching might be of interest for applications in high-density data storage.
A Newly Identified Member of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily (TR6) Suppresses LIGHT-mediated Apoptosis*

TR6 (decoy receptor 3 (DcR3)) is a new member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family. TR6 mRNA is expressed in lung tissues and colon adenocarcinoma, SW480. In addition, the expression of TR6 mRNA was shown in the endothelial cell line and induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin in Jurkat T leukemia cells. The open reading frame of TR6 encodes 300 amino acids with a 29-residue signal sequence but no transmembrane region. Using histidine-tagged recombinant TR6, we screened soluble forms of TNF-ligand proteins with immunoprecipitation. Here, we demonstrate that TR6 specifically binds two cellular ligands, LIGHT (herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM)-L) and Fas ligand (FasL/CD95L). These bindings were confirmed with HEK 293 EBNA cells transfected with LIGHT cDNA by flow cytometry. TR6 inhibited LIGHT-induced cytotoxicity in HT29 cells. It has been shown that LIGHT triggers apoptosis of various tumor cells including HT29 cells that express both lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) and HVEM/TR2 receptors. Our data suggest that TR6 inhibits the interactions of LIGHT with HVEM/TR2 and LTβR, thereby suppressing LIGHT- mediated HT29 cell death. Thus, TR6 may play a regulatory role for suppressing in FasL- and LIGHT-mediated cell death.
Difficulties in everyday life: Young persons with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders perspectives. A chat-log analysis

This study focuses on the everyday life of young persons with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There are follow-up studies describing ADHD, and ASD in adults, and residual impairments that affect life. Few qualitative studies have been conducted on the subject of their experiences of everyday life, and even fewer are from young persons’ perspectives. This study's aim was to describe how young persons with ADHD and ASD function and how they manage their everyday life based on analyses of Internet-based chat logs. Twelve young persons (7 males and 5 females aged 15–26) diagnosed with ADHD and ASD were included consecutively and offered 8 weeks of Internet-based Support and Coaching (IBSC). Data were collected from 12 chat logs (445 pages of text) produced interactively by the participants and the coaches. Qualitative content analysis was applied. The text was coded and sorted into subthemes and further interpreted into themes. The findings revealed two themes: “fighting against an everyday life lived in vulnerability” with the following subthemes: “difficult things,” “stress and rest,” and “when feelings and thoughts are a concern”; and the theme “struggling to find a life of one's own” with the following subthemes: “decide and carry out,” “making life choices,” and “taking care of oneself. ” Dealing with the problematic situations that everyday encompasses requires personal strength and a desire to find adequate solutions, as well as to discover a role in society. This study, into the provision of support and coaching over the Internet, led to more in-depth knowledge about these young persons’ everyday lives and revealed their ability to use IBSC to express the complexity of everyday life for young persons with ADHD and ASD. The implications of the findings are that using online coaching makes available new opportunities for healthcare professionals to acknowledge these young persons’ problems.
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE Prospective study of dietary patterns and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among US men

Background: Many foods are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms or lung function. Because foods are consumed together and nutrients may interact, dietary patterns are an alternative way of characterising diet. A study was undertaken to assess the relation between dietary patterns and newly diagnosed COPD in men. Methods: Data were collected from a large prospective cohort of US men (Health Professionals Follow-up Study). Using principal component analysis, two dietary patterns were identified: a prudent pattern (high intake of fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grain products) and a Western pattern (high intake of refined grains, cured and red meats, desserts and French fries). Dietary patterns were categorised into quintiles and Cox proportional hazards models were adjusted for age, smoking, pack-years, (pack-years), race/ethnicity, physician visits, US region, body mass index, physical activity, multivitamin use and energy intake. Results: Between 1986 and 1998, 111 self-reported cases of newly diagnosed COPD were identified among 42 917 men. The prudent pattern was inversely associated with the risk of newly diagnosed COPD (RR for highest vs lowest quintile 0.50 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.98), p for trend = 0.02), and the Western pattern was positively associated with the risk of newly diagnosed COPD (RR for highest vs lowest quintile 4.56 (95% CI 1.95 to 10.69), p for trend ,0.001). Conclusions: In men, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish may reduce the risk of COPD whereas a diet rich in refined grains, cured and red meats, desserts and French fries may increase the risk of COPD.
Loss of CD4+ T Cells in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Infected Chimpanzees Is Associated with Increased Lymphocyte Apoptosis

ABSTRACT Supportive evidence that apoptosis contributes to loss of CD4+ lymphocytes in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected humans comes from an apparent lack of abnormal apoptosis in apathogenic lentivirus infections of nonhuman primates, including HIV-1 infection of chimpanzees. Two female chimpanzees were inoculated, one cervically and the other intravenously, with HIV-1 derived from the LAI/LAV-1b strain, which was isolated from a chimpanzee infected with the virus for 8 years. Within 6 weeks of infection, both recipient chimpanzees developed a progressive loss of CD4+ T cells which correlated with persistently high viral burdens and increased levels of CD4+ T-cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Lymph nodes from both animals also revealed evidence of immune hyperactivation. Intermediate levels of T-cell apoptosis in both peripheral blood and lymph nodes were seen in a third chimpanzee that had been infected with the LAI/LAV-1b strain for 9 years; this animal has maintained depressed CD4/CD8 T-cell ratios for the last 3 years. Similar analyses of cells from 4 uninfected animals and 10 other HIV-1-infected chimpanzees without loss of CD4+ cells revealed no difference in levels of apoptosis in these two control groups. These results demonstrate a correlation between immune hyperactivation, T-cell apoptosis, and chronic loss of CD4+ T cells in HIV-1-infected chimpanzees, providing additional evidence that apoptosis is an important factor in T-cell loss in AIDS. Furthermore, the results show that some HIV-1 strains are pathogenic for chimpanzees and that this species is not inherently resistant to HIV-1-induced disease.
Acute bilateral ECT in a depressed patient with a hip-aztreonam-spacer and subsequent maintenance ECT after prosthesis collocation

ABSTRACT Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective treatment for geriatric depression, although its application might be challenging when medical comorbidities exist. The present case reports a 78-year-old man diagnosed with recurrent unipolar major depressive disorder (MDD), who presented with a severe depressive episode with psychotic features (DSM IV). He successfully received a course of bitemporal (BT) ECT with a hip-aztreonam-spacer due to a hip fracture that occurred during hospitalization. This was followed by maintenance ECT (M-ECT) with a recent prosthesis collocation. This particular case illustrates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in geriatric patients with somatic complications receiving ECT.
Preparation and properties of novel silicone-based flexible optical waveguide

UV curable novel silicone polymers, Nano-Hybrid Silicone (NHS), having high thermal stability, low-shrinkage and high transparency were developed. The optical waveguide could be fabricated by direct UV exposed patterning method, since photolithograph using NHS could be available. Two kinds of NHS for optical waveguide were developed, one is for optical waveguide on Si substrate and the other is for film optical waveguide. The optical losses of these waveguides measured by cut-back method at 850 nm were significantly low, and indicated 0.05 dB/cm (Si substrate waveguide) and less than 0.1 dB/cm (film waveguide) respectively. Heat durable tests of these waveguides were carried out for surface packaging technologies under lead free solder melting temperature, and no significant changes of optical loss were observed. Especially with the waveguide on Si substrate, the optical loss increase was less than 0.02 dB/cm without changing of shape after the heat resistance test at 270 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes. UV durable tests of these waveguide were also carried out for the adhesion using UV curable resin on electric board. No change was observed with optical waveguide capability after UV exposure (10 J/cm2 at 365 nm). Furthermore, value movement of optical loss was small at preliminary tests of heat-cycling and reliability under the high temperature and humidity condition according to Telcordia specification. Due to their various processes durability, the waveguides made with novel silicone-based material are expected to be suitable for practical uses.
Perspectives Perspectives Perspectives Perspectives Perspectives a Dynamic Transmission Model for Predicting Trends in Helicobacter Pylori and Associated Diseases in the United States

Helicobacter pylori, a common human bacterial pathogen (1), causes peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer, and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Current U.S. guidelines from the National Institutes of Health recommend antimicrobial treatment only for H. pylori patients with peptic ulcer disease (2). Because asymptomatic infection is very common, treatment of all asymptomatic persons would be expensive and might promote antibiotic resistance. Prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against H. pylori are being developed (3,4); however, if vaccines are to be cost-effective, companies must take into account the changing epidemiology of H. pylori and related diseases. Knowledge of these trends can also allow health agencies to predict resource allocations needed for these diseases. In industrialized countries, H. pylori incidence has been decreasing in successive generations, without any targeted intervention (5-7). Quantifying the benefits of intervention in reducing disease incidence or cost requires an analytical model that estimates the natural course of H. pylori and associated diseases. The model could then estimate the decrease in H. pylori incidence that would result from an intervention strategy, relative to the natural course of infection. We present an analytical framework to model H. pylori transmission dynamics and its subsequent disease progression. Our goal is to estimate future trends of H. pylori and associated diseases in the United States based solely on its natural history (i.e., without intervention). Methods Model Description and Epidemiologic Assumptions Our analysis is based on a dynamic compartmental model, a technique in which the population is divided into compartments and mathematical equations describe the transfer of persons from one compartment to another (8). In this technique, the incidence of H. pylori infection To assess the benefits of intervention programs against Helicobacter pylori infection, we estimated the baseline curves of its incidence and prevalence. We developed a mathematical (compartmental) model of the intrinsic dynamics of H. pylori, which represents the natural history of infection and disease progression. Our model divided the population according to age, infection status, and clinical state. Case-patients were followed from birth to death. A proportion of the population acquired H. pylori infection and became ill with gastritis, duodenal ulcer, chronic atrophic gastritis, or gastric cancer. We simulated the change in transmissibility consistent with the incidence of gastric cancer and duodenal ulcer over time, as well as current H. pylori prevalence. In the United States, transmissibility of H. pylori has decreased to values so low that, should this trend continue, the organism …
Rational torsion in elliptic curves and the cuspidal subgroup

Let $A$ be an elliptic curve over $\Q$ of square free conductor $N$. We prove that if $A$ has a rational torsion point of prime order $r$ such that $r$ does not divide $6N$, then $r$ divides the order of the cuspidal subgroup of $J_0(N)$.
Resistance to Endotoxic Shock in Endothelial Nitric-oxide Synthase (eNOS) Knock-out Mice

The expression of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) and subsequent “high-output” nitric oxide (NO) production underlies the systemic hypotension, inadequate tissue perfusion, and organ failure associated with septic shock. Therefore, modulators of iNOS expression and activity, both endogenous and exogenous, are important in determining the magnitude and time course of this condition. We have shown previously that NO from the constitutive endothelial NOS (eNOS) is necessary to obtain maximal iNOS expression and activity following exposure of murine macrophages to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Thus, eNOS represents an important regulator of iNOS expression in vitro. Herein, we validate this hypothesis in vivo using a murine model of sepsis. A temporal reduction in iNOS expression and activity was observed in LPS-treated eNOS knock-out (KO) mice as compared with wild-type animals; this was reflected in a more stable hemodynamic profile in eNOS KO mice during endotoxaemia. Furthermore, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, LPS leads to the activation of eNOS through phosphoinositide 3-kinase- and Akt/protein kinase B-dependent enzyme phosphorylation. These data indicate that the pathogenesis of sepsis is characterized by an initial eNOS activation, with the resultant NO acting as a co-stimulus for the expression of iNOS, and therefore highlight a novel pro-inflammatory role for eNOS.
Sporulation during Growth in a Gut Isolate of Bacillus subtilis

ABSTRACT Sporulation by Bacillus subtilis is a cell density-dependent response to nutrient deprivation. Central to the decision of entering sporulation is a phosphorelay, through which sensor kinases promote phosphorylation of Spo0A. The phosphorelay integrates both positive and negative signals, ensuring that sporulation, a time- and energy-consuming process that may bring an ecological cost, is only triggered should other adaptations fail. Here we report that a gastrointestinal isolate of B. subtilis sporulates with high efficiency during growth, bypassing the cell density, nutritional, and other signals that normally make sporulation a post-exponential-phase response. Sporulation during growth occurs because Spo0A is more active per cell and in a higher fraction of the population than in a laboratory strain. This in turn, is primarily caused by the absence from the gut strain of the genes rapE and rapK, coding for two aspartyl phosphatases that negatively modulate the flow of phosphoryl groups to Spo0A. We show, in line with recent results, that activation of Spo0A through the phosphorelay is the limiting step for sporulation initiation in the gut strain. Our results further suggest that the phosphorelay is tuned to favor sporulation during growth in gastrointestinal B. subtilis isolates, presumably as a form of survival and/or propagation in the gut environment.
A Joint Model of Orthography and Morphological Segmentation

We present a model of morphological segmentation that jointly learns to segment and restore orthographic changes, e.g., funniest7! fun-y-est. We term this form of analysis canonical segmentation and contrast it with the traditional surface segmentation, which segments a surface form into a sequence of substrings, e.g., funniest7! funn-i-est. We derive an importance sampling algorithm for approximate inference in the model and report experimental results on English, German and Indonesian.
Theranostic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Biodegrade after Pro-Survival Drug Delivery and Ultrasound/Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Stem Cells

Increasing cell survival in stem cell therapy is an important challenge for the field of regenerative medicine. Here, we report theranostic mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can increase cell survival through both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. First, the nanoparticle offers ultrasound and MRI signal to guide implantation into the peri-infarct zone and away from the most necrotic tissue. Second, the nanoparticle serves as a slow release reservoir of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)—a protein shown to increase cell survival. Mesenchymal stem cells labeled with these nanoparticles had detection limits near 9000 cells with no cytotoxicity at the 250 µg/mL concentration required for labeling. We also studied the degradation of the nanoparticles and showed that they clear from cells in approximately 3 weeks. The presence of IGF increased cell survival up to 40% (p<0.05) versus unlabeled cells under in vitro serum-free culture conditions.
Seasonality of Human Leptospirosis in Reunion Island (Indian Ocean) and Its Association with Meteorological Data

Background Leptospirosis is a disease which occurs worldwide but particularly affects tropical areas. Transmission of the disease is dependent on its excretion by reservoir animals and the presence of moist environment which allows the survival of the bacteria. Methods and Findings A retrospective study was undertaken to describe seasonal patterns of human leptospirosis cases reported by the Centre National de Références des Leptospiroses (CNRL, Pasteur Institute, Paris) between 1998 and 2008, to determine if there was an association between the occurrence of diagnosed cases and rainfall, temperature and global solar radiation (GSR). Meteorological data were recorded in the town of Saint-Benoît (Météo France “Beaufonds-Miria” station), located on the windward (East) coast. Time-series analysis was used to identify the variables that best described and predicted the occurrence of cases of leptospirosis on the island. Six hundred and thirteen cases were reported during the 11-year study period, and 359 cases (58.56%) were diagnosed between February and May. A significant correlation was identified between the number of cases in a given month and the associated cumulated rainfall as well as the mean monthly temperature recorded 2 months prior to diagnosis (r = 0.28 and r = 0.23 respectively). The predictive model includes the number of cases of leptospirosis recorded 1 month prior to diagnosis (b = 0.193), the cumulated monthly rainfall recorded 2 months prior to diagnosis (b = 0.145), the average monthly temperature recorded 0 month prior to diagnosis (b = 3.836), and the average monthly GSR recorded 0 month prior to diagnosis (b = −1.293). Conclusions Leptospirosis has a seasonal distribution in Reunion Island. Meteorological data can be used to predict the occurrence of the disease and our statistical model can help to implement seasonal prevention measures.
mpact of DEM source and resolution on topographic seismic amplification

The impact of topographic attributes on the uneven distribution of seismic response and associated devastation has frequently been observed and documented during seismic events, but has rarely been investigated at a regional scale. Existing numerical and experimental techniques applied to explore the impact of topographic attributes in the aggravation of seismic response, have been limited to isolated and/or synthetic hills and ridges. Predicting the realistic regional impact of topographic seismic response is strongly dependent on the resolution and accuracy of regional topographic information. This study evaluates the topographic attributes and seismic parameters computed from multi-resolution and source DEMs, to investigate the impact of data source and resolution on the derived topographic seismic response. Methodologies are developed to readily derive the spatial distribution of relevant topographic attributes and seismic parameters, utilizing the multi-resolution and source DEMs. The impact of DEM 30 source and resolution on slope gradient, relative height of terrain and shear wave velocity (VS ) are addressed. It is observed that, even though, relatively coarse resolution DEMs underestimate the critical sites of steep slope gradient and the lower V30 S zones, this has limited impact on the derived normalized topographic aggravation factor. The free and easily accessible DEMs provide an opportunity for reasonable prediction of topographic seismic response, especially in near-real time. The slope gradient is observed to be the most sensitive topographic attribute to amplified seismic response, followed by the relative
Intracutaneous Distributions of Fluconazole, Itraconazole, and Griseofulvin in Guinea Pigs and Binding to Human Stratum Corneum

ABSTRACT We have compared the distribution of fluconazole (FLC) with that of itraconazole (ITC) and griseofulvin (GRF) in the abdominal skin tissues after a single oral dose was administered to guinea pigs. The FLC concentrations in the stratum corneum reached a peak at 2 h after administration and were similar to those of ITC and higher than those of GRF in spite of the administration of a lower dose. GRF was eliminated from the stratum corneum faster than FLC and ITC. The FLC concentrations were also remarkably higher than those of ITC and GRF in the epidermis-cutis but lower in the subcutaneous fatty tissue. The distribution characteristics of each drug result from differences in their physicochemical properties. Following the administration of multiple doses, the FLC concentrations in the stratum corneum were highest in the abdominal skin tissues; those at 24 h after each administration increased gradually and were maintained at a level more than 10 times higher than that of the plasma concentrations. The FLC concentrations in the planta pedis stratum corneum and in the nail showed good dose proportionality and obvious accumulation and were 60 and 40 times as high as that in plasma on day 14. The extent of binding of FLC to human corneous keratin in vitro was about 10%, which is lower than those of ITC (94 to 97%) and GRF (36 to 38%). FLC, unlike ITC, therefore, is presumed to exist in the stratum corneum at high concentrations in an active nonbinding form. These excellent intracutaneous pharmacokinetic properties of FLC probably account in large part for the in vivo efficacy of FLC.