Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pim1 kinase promotes angiogenesis through phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase at Ser-633.

AIMS Posttranslational modification, such as phosphorylation, plays an essential role in regulating activation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). In the present study, we aim to determine whether eNOS could be phosphorylated and regulated by a novel serine/threonine-protein kinase Pim1 in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). METHODS AND RESULTS Using immunoprecipitation and protein kinase assays, we demonstrated that Pim1 specifically interacts with eNOS, which leads to a marked phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser-633 and increased production of nitric oxide (NO). Intriguingly, in response to VEGF stimulation, eNOS phosphorylation at Ser-633 exhibits two distinct phases: transient phosphorylation occurring between 0 and 60 min and sustained phosphorylation occurring between 2 and 24 h, which are mediated by the protein kinase A (PKA) and Pim1, respectively. Inhibiting Pim1 by either pharmacological inhibitor SMI-4a or the dominant-negative form of Pim1 markedly attenuates VEGF-induced tube formation, while Pim1 overexpression significantly increases EC tube formation and migration in an NO-dependent manner. Importantly, Pim1 expression and eNOS phosphorylation at Ser-633 were substantially decreased in high glucose-treated ECs and in the aorta of db/db diabetic mice. Increased Pim1 expression ameliorates impaired vascular angiogenesis in diabetic mice, as determined by an ex vivo aortic ring assay. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate Pim1 as a novel kinase that is responsible for the phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser-633 and enhances EC sprouting of aortic rings from diabetic mice, suggesting that Pim1 could potentially serve as a novel therapeutic target for revascularization strategies.
Modeling and Simulation of the Failure and Stiffness Degradation of a Graphite Epoxy in a Three Point Bending Test

The use of composite materials with continuous fibers in the aeronautic and aerospace industries requires reliable and precise methods for the prediction of failure. Predicting failure stresses and failure modes in composite laminates is very difficult. The choice between failure criteria is complex, and there is a lack of experimental study to validate the result obtained partly because the biaxial tests are still difficult to perform. This work employs a mixed methodology based on a theoretical and an experimental approach to develop a procedure for the choice and the validation of the failure criterion. The comparison is concerned not only with the macroscopic failure but also with the succession of the failure, the failure mode, and the effect of the geometrical parameters of the test specimen. The most general failure criteria are tested by using two approaches of the stiffness reduction. A finite element code has been elaborated within our laboratory for postfailure treatment. The numerical simulation results are compared with the experimental ones and permit us to make a conclusion on the validity of the failure criteria used.
Survival Determinants in Lung Transplant Patients With Chronic Allograft Dysfunction

Background. Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) remains the leading cause of mortality after lung transplantation. Methods. In this retrospective single-center study, we aimed to identify different phenotypes of and risk factors for mortality after CLAD diagnosis using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard survival regression analysis. Results. CLAD was diagnosed in 71 of 294 patients (24.2%) at 30.9±22.8 months after transplantation. Pulmonary function was obstructive in 51 (71.8%) of the CLAD patients, restrictive in 20 (28.2%) patients, of whom 17 had persistent parenchymal infiltrates on pulmonary computer tomography (CAT) scan. In univariate analysis, previous development of neutrophilic reversible allograft dysfunction (NRAD, P=0.012) and a restrictive pulmonary function (P=0.0024) were associated with a worse survival, whereas there was a strong trend for early development of CLAD and persistent parenchymal infiltrates on CAT scan (P=0.067 and 0.056, respectively). In multivariate analysis, early development of CLAD (P=0.0067), previous development of NRAD (P=0.0016), and a restrictive pulmonary function pattern (P=0.0005) or persistent parenchymal infiltrates on CAT scan (P=0.0043) remained significant. Conclusion. Although most CLAD patients develop an obstructive pulmonary function, 28% develop a restrictive pulmonary function, compatible with the recently defined restrictive allograft syndrome phenotype. Early-onset CLAD, previous development of NRAD, and the development of restrictive allograft syndrome are associated with worse survival after CLAD has been diagnosed.
Stereotactic computed tomographic-guided aspiration and thrombolysis of intracerebral hematoma : protocol and preliminary experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We review preliminary experience with patients harboring intracerebral hematoma (ICH) treated by stereotactic computed tomographic (CT) guided thrombolysis and aspiration and assess procedure feasibility and safety. METHODS Twelve patients with supratentorial ICH >/=25 mL without suspected underlying structural etiology or coagulopathy and an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of >/=5 were treated. A catheter was directed stereotactically or manually into the ICH through a burr hole under CT guidance. Hematoma aspiration was followed by instillation of urokinase (5 000 to 10 000 IU). This was repeated every 6 to 8 hours at bedside, with interval CT imaging, until the ICH volume diminished to <25 mL, less than half of its initial volume, or after a maximum of 10 aspirations/instillations. RESULTS Mean age was 69 years (range 55 to 82 years). Median initial GCS was 12 (range 5 to 14). There were 7 ganglionic and 5 lobar ICH, and baseline hematoma size ranged 29 to 70 mL (mean 46 mL). Final ICH volume ranged from 14 to 51 mL (mean 21 mL), with ICH volume reduction by an average of 57% (range 38% to 70%). One patient (8. 3%) suffered hematoma expansion during the procedure. At 6 months after the procedure, 3 patients (25%) had achieved a good recovery (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] score of 5), 5 patients (42%) were dependent (GOS 3), and 1 (8.3%) remained vegetative (GOS 2). Three patients (25%) died in hospital (1 from cardiac arrhythmia and 2 from respiratory failure). CONCLUSIONS CT-guided thrombolysis and aspiration appears safe and effective in the reduction of ICH volume. Further studies are needed to assess optimal thrombolytic dosage and must include controlled comparisons of mortality, disability outcome, time until convalescence, and cost of care in treated and untreated patients.
Erosive Tooth Wear among 12-Year-Old Schoolchildren: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Montevideo, Uruguay

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, extent, severity, intraoral distribution and risk indicators for erosive tooth wear (ETW) among 12-year-old schoolchildren from Montevideo, Uruguay. A population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted using a representative sample of 1,136 12-year-old schoolchildren attending public and private schools. Parents answered questions on socioeconomic status and general health. Schoolchildren answered questions on dietary and oral hygiene habits. Two calibrated examiners recorded ETW on permanent teeth according to the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) score system. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the association between the predictor variables and the prevalence of ETW (overall and severe ETW). Odds ratios (OR) and the respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. The prevalence of ETW was 52.9%, being mild erosion (BEWE = 1) in the vast majority of cases (48.5%). Severe erosion (BEWE ≥2) was detected in 4.4% of schoolchildren. The overall prevalence of ETW differed significantly between categories of gender and socioeconomic status, but only between gender in the severe ETW analysis. The overall extent of ETW was significantly different between categories of gender, socioeconomic status, and swish before swallow. The extent of severe ETW differed between categories of swish before swallow and brushing frequency. In the logistic regression analysis, no association was found between the studied variables and the overall prevalence of ETW. Males were more likely to have severe ETW than females (OR = 3.22, 95% CI = 1.50-6.89). ETW may be considered a public health problem among 12-year-old-Uruguayan schoolchildren.
A 0.9V 75MHz 2.8mW 4th-order analog filter in CMOS-bulk 28nm technology

In this paper a 75MHz 4th order low-pass analog filter in CMOS-28nm is presented. The filter is composed by the cascade of two Active-RC Rauch biquadratic cells. The hereby proposed design manages a very low Vdd/Vth ratio (<2) for Standard-Process (SP) MOS transistors by means of a dedicated input Common-Mode (CM) feedback circuit (I-CMFB), that operates the OPAMP input differential pair in weak inversion region independently on common mode variations. The single Rauch cell exploits a feed-forward compensated OPAMP, where an improved output CM feedback (O-CMFB) circuit has been adopted reducing this way the parasitic poles of the CM loop, and improving O-CMFB phase margin. The OPAMP has been designed using a folded topology for stable operating point. The design prototype achieves 75MHz–3dB frequency at 2.8mW power consumption from a single 0.9V supply voltage, including also I-CMFB and O-CMFB power. In-band integrated noise is 320uVrms. The filter performs 20dBm and 13dBm IIP3 at 6&11MHz and 50&55&MHz, respectively. Thanks to the very large linearity achieved at edge of the signal pass-band this design has one of the highest Figure-of-Merit for Active-RC filters.
Effect of surface roughness on fatigue performance of additive manufactured Ti–6Al–4V

Additive manufacturing is increasingly considered for production of high quality, metallic, aerospace parts. Despite the high potential of this manufacturing process to reduce weight and lead time, the fundamental understanding of additive manufactured Ti–6Al–4V material is still at an early stage, especially in the area of fatigue and damage tolerance. This paper covers the effects of inherent surface roughness on the fatigue life. In the as built condition, metallic parts have a poor surface texture, which is generally removed in fatigue critical areas. It is shown that the fatigue properties of Ti–6Al–4V samples, produced by direct metal laser sintering and electron beam melting, are dominated by surface roughness effects. A simple model based on an equivalent initial flaw size is formulated.
Misdiagnosis of HIV infection during a South African community-based survey: implications for rapid HIV testing

Introduction: We describe the overall accuracy and performance of a serial rapid HIV testing algorithm used in community‐based HIV testing in the context of a population‐based household survey conducted in two sub‐districts of uMgungundlovu district, KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa, against reference fourth‐generation HIV‐1/2 antibody and p24 antigen combination immunoassays. We discuss implications of the findings on rapid HIV testing programmes.
Brittle behavior of ductile metals during stress-corrosion cracking

Abstract The transgranular stress-corrosion cracking of ductile alloys (and at least one pure metal) leads to a fracture appearance characteristic of cleavage. The experimental and theoretical background of this form of metal failure is reviewed. The discontinuous nature of crack growth in α-brass and copper is demonstrated using a combination of acoustic and electrochemical measurements. Short-range cleavage of ductile metals is shown to be theoretically possible provided the thin surface film which is responsible for crack initiation has the appropriate properties. The important parameters determining the effectiveness of films in initiating cleavage include the film-substrate misfit, the strength of the bonding across the film-substrate interface, the film thickness and the film ductility. Suitable combinations of these parameters which can lead to micro cleavage are determined by the state of coherency of the interface and the fracture toughness of the substrate. For example, if a ductile de-alloyed l.
Communication Behavior of a Distributed Operating System

We present measurements of the communication behavior of a prototype distributed operating system, Solaris MC. We employ three server workloads to drive our study: a build of the Solaris source tree, a synthetic web server, and a parallel database. Our measurements reveal a number of facts, which have implications on design of Solaris MC, the prototype implementation of Solaris MC, and the design of a message layer. We ﬁnd that message trafﬁc is centered around nodes that house disks, a potential bottleneck. A ﬁle system that striped data across the cluster wouldavoid such a problem. Most messages are medium sized, in the range of 68 to 256 bytes, indicating that message-layer support for such messages is crucial. Further, messages are structured as a chain of two to three buffers, perhaps suggesting the need for a gather interface to avoid additional buffer allocation and memory copies. Finally, request-response time is quite high, due to overhead of the current message layer; this fact is perhaps most indicative of the prototype status of the system. In any case, a low-overhead message layer would substantially improve overall performance.
Effects of aberration in crawling wave sonoelastography

Quantitative sonoelastography, through the formation of crawling waves, allows the estimation of elastic parameters in tissues using pulsed wave Doppler techniques. However, this technique's performance may be compromised by aberration effects during in vivo applications. In this study, an experimental evaluation of the effects of aberration when estimating shear wave speed from homogeneous phantoms was performed. The evaluations were performed using a commercial ultrasound scanner and gelatin-agar aberration layers of 33.26 ns, 62 ns and 116.73 ns RMS strength, and 2.00 mm, 3.40 mm and 6.70 mm of correlation length, respectively. The estimated speed values were obtained as a function of the vibration frequency for both the non-aberrated and aberrated cases. The estimated mean shear wave speed values in the presence of aberration showed only a 3% variation from those obtained in the non-aberrated cases. These experimental results suggest that crawling wave sonoelastography is not significantly affected by aberration effects in conditions typically observed in applications such as abdominal and breast imaging.
Populus balsamifera Extract and Its Active Component Salicortin Reduce Obesity and Attenuate Insulin Resistance in a Diet-Induced Obese Mouse Model

Populus balsamifera L. (BP) is a medicinal plant stemming from the traditional pharmacopoeia of the Cree of Eeyou Istchee (CEI—Northern Quebec). In vitro screening studies revealed that it strongly inhibited adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, suggesting potential antiobesity activity. Salicortin was identified, through bioassay-guided fractionation, as the active component responsible for BP's activity. The present study aimed to assess the potential of BP and salicortin at reducing obesity and features of the metabolic syndrome, in diet-induced obese C57Bl/6 mice. Mice were subjected to high fat diet (HFD) for sixteen weeks, with BP (125 or 250 mg/kg) or salicortin (12.5 mg/kg) introduced in the HFD for the last eight of the sixteen weeks. BP and salicortin effectively reduced whole body and retroperitoneal fat pad weights, as well as hepatic triglyceride accumulation. Glycemia, insulinemia, leptin, and adiponectin levels were also improved. This was accompanied by a small yet significant reduction in food intake in animals treated with BP. BP and salicortin (slightly) also modulated key components in signaling pathways involved with glucose regulation and lipid oxidation in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. These results confirm the validity of the CEI pharmacopoeia as alternative and complementary antiobesity and antidiabetic therapies.
Long-term results for pentostatin and cladribine treatment of hairy cell leukemia

Over the past 25 years we have collected data at our institution from 242 patients with hairy cell leukemia (HCL), treated with pentostatin (n = 188) or cladribine (n = 54), with a median follow-up of 16 years. From this we have been able to conclude that there is no significant difference in outcome between the two agents either at first or subsequent lines of therapy. Overall, the complete response (CR) rate is 81% and the median disease-free survival (DFS) is 16 years. After relapse or non-response patients can be successfully retreated with pentostatin or cladribine achieving a lower rate of CRs with each line of therapy, although these remain equally durable. Complete response and pretreatment counts of hemoglobin >10 g/dL together with platelets >100 × 109/L are associated with the longest DFS. Importantly, for patients achieving a CR the DFS is five times as long as for those achieving a partial response (PR). Patients still in CR at 5 years have only a 25% risk of relapse by 15 years. Outcomes for patients with recurrent disease have improved with the addition of rituximab to either purine analog. Overall, only eight patients have died of HCL-related causes. Patients with HCL who achieve a CR can expect a normal lifespan.
Mechanical ventilation guided by esophageal pressure in acute lung injury.

BACKGROUND Survival of patients with acute lung injury or the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been improved by ventilation with small tidal volumes and the use of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP); however, the optimal level of PEEP has been difficult to determine. In this pilot study, we estimated transpulmonary pressure with the use of esophageal balloon catheters. We reasoned that the use of pleural-pressure measurements, despite the technical limitations to the accuracy of such measurements, would enable us to find a PEEP value that could maintain oxygenation while preventing lung injury due to repeated alveolar collapse or overdistention. METHODS We randomly assigned patients with acute lung injury or ARDS to undergo mechanical ventilation with PEEP adjusted according to measurements of esophageal pressure (the esophageal-pressure-guided group) or according to the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Network standard-of-care recommendations (the control group). The primary end point was improvement in oxygenation. The secondary end points included respiratory-system compliance and patient outcomes. RESULTS The study reached its stopping criterion and was terminated after 61 patients had been enrolled. The ratio of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen at 72 hours was 88 mm Hg higher in the esophageal-pressure-guided group than in the control group (95% confidence interval, 78.1 to 98.3; P=0.002). This effect was persistent over the entire follow-up time (at 24, 48, and 72 hours; P=0.001 by repeated-measures analysis of variance). Respiratory-system compliance was also significantly better at 24, 48, and 72 hours in the esophageal-pressure-guided group (P=0.01 by repeated-measures analysis of variance). CONCLUSIONS As compared with the current standard of care, a ventilator strategy using esophageal pressures to estimate the transpulmonary pressure significantly improves oxygenation and compliance. Multicenter clinical trials are needed to determine whether this approach should be widely adopted. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00127491.)
Compensation by the E 138 K Mutation in HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase for Deficits in Viral Replication Capacity and Enzyme Processivity Associated with the M 184 I / V Mutations

Compensation by the E138K Mutation in HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase for Deficits in Viral Replication Capacity and Enzyme Processivity Associated with the M184I/V Mutations Hong-Tao Xu, Eugene L. Asahchop, Maureen Oliveira, Peter K. Quashie, Yudong Quan, Bluma G. Brenner, and Mark A. Wainberg* McGill University AIDS Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
BIDS apps: Improving ease of use, accessibility, and reproducibility of neuroimaging data analysis methods

The rate of progress in human neurosciences is limited by the inability to easily apply a wide range of analysis methods to the plethora of different datasets acquired in labs around the world. In this work, we introduce a framework for creating, testing, versioning and archiving portable applications for analyzing neuroimaging data organized and described in compliance with the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS). The portability of these applications (BIDS Apps) is achieved by using container technologies that encapsulate all binary and other dependencies in one convenient package. BIDS Apps run on all three major operating systems with no need for complex setup and configuration and thanks to the comprehensiveness richness of the BIDS standard they require little manual user input. Previous containerized data processing solutions were limited to single user environments and not compatible with most multi-tenant High Performance Computing systems. BIDS Apps overcome this limitation by taking advantage of the Singularity container technology. As a proof of concept, this work is accompanied by 22 ready to use BIDS Apps, packaging a diverse set of commonly used neuroimaging algorithms. Author Summary Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive way to measure human brain structure and activity that has been used for over 25 years. There are thousands MRI studies performed every year generating a substantial amount of data. At the same time, many new data analysis methods are being developed every year. The potential of using new analysis methods on the variety of existing and newly acquired data is hindered by difficulties in software deployment and lack of support for standardized input data. Here we propose to use container technology to make deployment of a wide range of data analysis techniques easy. In addition, we adapt the existing data analysis tools to interface with data organized in a standardized way. We hope that this approach will enable researchers to access a wider range of methods when analyzing their data which will lead to accelerated progress in human neuroscience.