Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two-Partner Secretion: Combining Efficiency and Simplicity in the Secretion of Large Proteins for Bacteria-Host and Bacteria-Bacteria Interactions

Initially identified in pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, the two-partner secretion (TPS) pathway, also known as Type Vb secretion, mediates the translocation across the outer membrane of large effector proteins involved in interactions between these pathogens and their hosts. More recently, distinct TPS systems have been shown to secrete toxic effector domains that participate in inter-bacterial competition or cooperation. The effects of these systems are based on kin vs. non-kin molecular recognition mediated by specific immunity proteins. With these new toxin-antitoxin systems, the range of TPS effector functions has thus been extended from cytolysis, adhesion, and iron acquisition, to genome maintenance, inter-bacterial killing and inter-bacterial signaling. Basically, a TPS system is made up of two proteins, the secreted TpsA effector protein and its TpsB partner transporter, with possible additional factors such as immunity proteins for protection against cognate toxic effectors. Structural studies have indicated that TpsA proteins mainly form elongated β helices that may be followed by specific functional domains. TpsB proteins belong to the Omp85 superfamily. Open questions remain on the mechanism of protein secretion in the absence of ATP or an electrochemical gradient across the outer membrane. The remarkable dynamics of the TpsB transporters and the progressive folding of their TpsA partners at the bacterial surface in the course of translocation are thought to be key elements driving the secretion process.
MINDFIM: A measure of disability in high-functioning traumatic brain injury outpatients

Primary objective: The study aimed at developing a new valid measure of disability in TBI outpatients. Research design and methods: The Rasch model (Winsteps 3.45 software, 2005) was adopted to achieve a linear measure, unidimensional and reliable. The predictive capacity with respect to return to school or job was also tested (logistic regression, STATA 8.0 software, 2004). Experimental interventions: Either tests of Attention, Memory and Verbal Fluency or the FIM were administered to 160 TBI ambulatory outpatients (52 women, age 14–72, 2–117 months after trauma, 111 cases with coma ≥ 1 week). Fifty of them (31%) had returned to school or job. Main outcomes and results: A new scale called MINDFIM could be successfully developed. It includes three cognitive and four FIM motor items (Grooming, Upper Body Dressing, Bathing and Tub/Shower Transfer). The scale raises the ceiling affecting existing instruments. The summated scores are predictive of return to community (74% correct classification). Conclusions: MINDFIM is valid and useful measure of disability in TBI outpatients.
Epigenetic control of somatostatin and cortistatin expression by β amyloid peptide

β Amyloid, present in senile plaques, has been related largely to neuronal loss in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, how neurons respond to β amyloid insults is still poorly understood. Here we show that β amyloid increases somatostatin and cortistatin gene expression mainly through an increase in histone 3 lysine 4 methylation (H3K4me3), a modification associated with transcriptional activation. Somatostatin and cortistatin partially decreased β amyloid toxicity in primary cortical neurons in culture. Thus we suggest that neurons respond to β amyloid insults by releasing somatostatin and cortistatin, which will act as a protective agent against β amyloid toxicity. Our results suggest a relevant function for both neuropeptides against β amyloid toxicity, providing new insights into Alzheimer's disease. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
OPTIMIZATION OF COAGULATION AND SYNERESIS PROCESSES IN CHEESEMAKING USING A LIGHT BACKSCATTER SENSOR TECHNOLOGY

OF THESIS OPTIMIZATION OF COAGULATION AND SYNERESIS PROCESSES IN CHEESEMAKING USING A LIGHT BACKSCATTER SENSOR TECHNOLOGY Curd syneresis, a critical step in cheesemaking, directly influences the quality of cheese. The syneresis process is empirically controlled in cheese manufacturing plants. A sensor technology for this step would improve process control and enhance cheese quality. A light backscatter sensor with a Large Field of View (LFV) was tested using a central composite design over a broad range of cheese process conditions including milk pH, calcium chloride addition level, milk fat to protein ratio, temperature, and a cutting time factor (β). The research objectives were to determine if the LFV sensor could monitor coagulation and syneresis steps and provide information for predicting pressed curd moisture. Another objective was to optimize cheese yield and quality. The LFV sensor was found to monitor coagulation and syneresis and provide light backscatter information for predicting curd moisture content. A model for relating final curd moisture content with light backscatter response was developed and tested. Models for predicting whey fat losses, pressed curd moisture, and cheese yield were successfully developed (R2>0.75) using the test factors as independent variables. This was the first attempt to develop a technology for controlling pressed curd moisture using a sensor to monitor the syneresis step.
Precipitation and solute distribution in an interrupted-aged Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy

Quantitative analysis of the precipitate species and solute distribution was carried out on Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy 6061 aged to peak hardness using a conventional T6 heat treatment and the so-called T6I6 heat treatments. In this latter, a dwell period at reduced temperature (65°C) is introduced into the T6 ageing cycle (at 177°C or 150°C) which modifies the microstructure and results in the simultaneous improvement of both tensile properties and fracture toughness. Analysis of three-dimensional atom probe data reveals that the superior mechanical properties of the T6I6/177 temper are achieved by a combined effect of a greater consumption of solute atoms by precipitates, an increased number density of fine precipitates and the presence of greater fractions of the effective strengthening precipitates in the final microstructure. Three types of precipitates were found to be characteristic of the peak aged conditions: β′′ precipitates, Guinier–Preston zones and Mg–Si(–Cu) co-clusters. The composition of the strengthening precipitates was found to vary over a wide range for the different heat treatment schedules, corresponding to a variation in the number density of stable nuclei, without any accompanying change in their morphology. All precipitates were found to contain substantial quantities of aluminium. The results also indicate that the strengthening precipitates are preferentially formed from Si-rich nuclei that contain Cu atoms, as opposed to Cu-free nuclei.
Improved performance robustness of DSP-enabled flexible ROADMs free from optical filters and O-E-O conversions

Utilizing Hilbert-pair-based digital filtering, intensity modulation, and passive optical coupling, digital signal processing (DSP) enabled flexible reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs) are reported, which are free from optical filters and optical-electrical-optical (O-E-O) conversions and offer excellent flexibility, color-lessness, gridlessness, contentionlessness, adaptability, and transparency to physical-layer network characteristics. In this paper, the ROADM performance robustness against variations in numerous network design aspects is, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, extensively explored in intensity-modulation- and direct-detection-based optical network nodes. Numerical results show that DSPs not only enable the ROADMs to dynamically and flexibly perform add/drop operations at wavelength, subwavelength, and spectrally overlapped orthogonal subband levels but also considerably improve the ROADM performance robustness against variations in modulation formats, transmission system characteristics/impairments, and terminal equipment configurations.
Opsin Expression in Human Epidermal Skin

Human skin is constantly exposed to solar light containing visible and ultraviolet radiation (UVR), a powerful skin carcinogen. UVR elicits cellular responses in epidermal cells via several mechanisms: direct absorption of short‐wavelength UVR photons by DNA, oxidative damage caused by long‐wavelength UVR, and, as we recently demonstrated, via a retinal‐dependent G protein‐coupled signaling pathway. Because the human epidermis is exposed to a wide range of light wavelengths, we investigated whether opsins, light‐activated receptors that mediate photoreception in the eye, are expressed in epidermal skin to potentially serve as photosensors. Here we show that four opsins—OPN1‐SW, OPN2, OPN3 and OPN5—are expressed in the two major human epidermal cell types, melanocytes and keratinocytes, and the mRNA expression profile of these opsins does not change in response to physiological UVR doses. We detected two OPN3 splice variants present in similar amounts in both cell types and three OPN5 splice isoforms, two of which encode truncated proteins. Notably, OPN2 and OPN3 mRNA were significantly more abundant than other opsins and encoded full‐length proteins. Our results demonstrate that opsins are expressed in epidermal skin cells and suggest that they might initiate light–induced signaling pathways, possibly contributing to UVR phototransduction.
Dental Caries Status, Socio-Economic, Behavioral and Biological Variables among 12-Year-Old Palestinian School Children.

UNLABELLED There are currently inadequate data regarding the prevalence of dental caries and its associated variables, among Palestinian children. AIM To determine the current prevalence of dental caries and related variables, among Palestinian children in East Jerusalem. STUDY DESIGN A stratified sample of 286 East Jerusalem Palestinian children was selected, employing randomly chosen sixth grade clusters from three pre-selected socio-economic school groups. Dental caries was recorded according to WHO recommendations. Salivary flow, pH, buffer capacity and microbial parameters, were recorded according to previously employed methodologies. RESULTS The mean level of caries experience, by DMFT, was 1.98 ± 2.05. This level was higher than those found among Israeli children, but lower than several other Middle Eastern countries. In uni-variate analysis, significant associations were revealed between caries and school categories, which indicated lower, middle and higher socio-economic position(SEP), mothers' employment, home densities, dental visits, tooth brushing, Streptococci mutans (SM), Lactobacilli (LB), and saliva pH. CONCLUSION According to a linear logistic regression model, children learning in lower SEP schools, with higher SM levels and more acidic saliva, had a higher chance of experiencing dental caries. These findings should be considered in the planning of services and dental health care programs for Palestinian children.
Ensemble-based DDoS detection and mitigation model

This work-in-progress paper presents an ensemble-based model for detecting and mitigating Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, and its partial implementation. The model utilises network traffic analysis and MIB (Management Information Base) server load analysis features for detecting a wide range of network and application layer DDoS attacks and distinguishing them from Flash Events. The proposed model will be evaluated against realistic synthetic network traffic generated using a software-based traffic generator that we have developed as part of this research. In this paper, we summarise our previous work, highlight the current work being undertaken along with preliminary results obtained and outline the future directions of our work.
Alleviation of constant-light-induced photoreceptor degeneration by adaptation of adult albino rat to bright cyclic light.

PURPOSE To further test the hypothesis that light-adaptation-mediated photoreceptor protection works through inhibition of apoptosis by activation and/or upregulation of neuroprotective molecules. METHODS Albino rats were born and raised in 5-lux cyclic light (12 hours OFF and ON). At 8 weeks of age, animals were adapted to 400-lux cyclic light for different periods. Light damage was induced by exposure to constant light for 1 day at an illumination of 1700 lux. Animals were killed, and their eyes were removed for morphometric and biochemical analysis. TUNEL assay was used to evaluate photoreceptor cell apoptosis and Western blot analyses were used to determine the levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and caspase-3. RESULTS Exposure of dim-reared rats to constant light for 1 day dramatically increased TUNEL-positive cells in the outer nuclear layer. Adaptation to 400-lux bright cyclic light for 4 days significantly reduced TUNEL-positive cells induced by exposure to constant light, which correlated with a significant increase in bFGF expression. Compared with control retinas, caspase-3 levels were not changed by exposure to constant light or after adaptation to 400 lux. There was a significant increase in nNOS level in the constant-light-exposed group, but not in the group adapted to 400-lux bright light before exposure to constant light. CONCLUSIONS The retina of the adult rat can rapidly upregulate neuroprotective mechanisms when switched from dim to bright cyclic light. Identification of the molecules involved in this process may allow rational development of therapeutic approaches to treat retinal degenerative diseases.
A Rational Theory of Mutual Funds' Attention Allocation

The question of whether and how mutual fund managers provide valuable services for their clients motivates one of the largest literatures in finance. One candidate explanation is that funds process information about future asset values and use that information to invest in high‐valued assets. But formal theories are scarce because information choice models with many assets are difficult to solve as well as difficult to test. This paper tackles both problems by developing a new attention allocation model that uses the state of the business cycle to predict information choices, which in turn, predict observable patterns of portfolio investments and returns. The predictions about fund portfolios' covariance with payoff shocks, cross‐fund portfolio and return dispersion, and their excess returns are all supported by the data. These findings offer new evidence that some investment managers have skill and that attention is allocated rationally.
Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in human leukemic T cells

Using the patch-clamp technique, we have identified two types of Ca(2+)- activated K+ (K(Ca)) channels in the human leukemic T cell line. Jurkat. Substances that elevate the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), such as ionomycin or the mitogenic lectin phytohemagglutinin (PHA), as well as whole-cell dialysis with pipette solutions containing elevated [Ca2+]i, activate a voltage-independent K+ conductance. Unlike the voltage-gated (type n) K+ channels in these cells, the majority of K(Ca) channels are insensitive to block by charybdotoxin (CTX) or 4- aminopyridine (4-AP), but are highly sensitive to block by apamin (Kd less than 1 nM). Channel activity is strongly dependent on [Ca2+]i, suggesting that multiple Ca2+ binding sites may be involved in channel opening. The Ca2+ concentration at which half of the channels are activated is 400 nM. These channels show little voltage dependence over a potential range of -100 to 0 mV and have a unitary conductance of 4-7 pS in symmetrical 170 mM K+. In the presence of 10 nM apamin, a less prevalent type of K(Ca) channel with a unitary conductance of 40-60 pS can be observed. These larger-conductance channels are sensitive to block by CTX. Pharmacological blockade of K(Ca) channels and voltage- gated type n channels inhibits oscillatory Ca2+ signaling triggered by PHA. These results suggest that K(Ca) channels play a supporting role during T cell activation by sustaining dynamic patterns of Ca2+ signaling.
Robust Restoration Decision-Making Model for Distribution Networks Based on Information Gap Decision Theory

Service restoration is important in distribution networks following an outage. During the restoration process, the system operating conditions will fluctuate, including variation of the load demand and the output from distributed generators (DGs). These variations are hard to be predicted and the load demands are roughly estimated because of absence of real-time measurements, which can significantly affect the restoration strategy. In this paper, we report a robust restoration decision-making model based on information gap decision theory, which takes into account the uncertainty in the load and output of the DGs. For a given bounded uncertain set of parameters, the solutions can ensure feasibility and that an objective does not fall below a given threshold. We describe the implementation of a robust optimization algorithm based on a mixed integer quadratic constraint programming restoration model, the objective of which is to restore maximal outage loads. Numerical tests on a modified Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) 69-node distribution network are discussed to demonstrate the performance of the model.
Wicking and drying properties of conventional ring- and vortex-spun cotton yarns and fabrics

This study investigated the vertical wicking, water absorption and drying properties of vortex- and ring-spun combed cotton yarns and knitted fabrics comparatively. The yarns were produced in three different counts as 30 Ne, 40 Ne and 50 Ne. The experimental results revealed that vortex-spun yarns had lower yarn and fabric wicking and water absorption values than ring-spun yarns. In addition, it was observed that yarn type did not have a significant impact on the drying time of the fabrics.
Effects of Shift and Night Work in the Offshore Petroleum Industry: A Systematic Review

Shift and night work are associated with several negative outcomes. The aim of this study was to make a systematic review of all studies which examine effects of shift and night work in the offshore petroleum industry, to synthesize the knowledge of how shift work offshore may affect the workers. Searches for studies concerning effects on health, sleep, adaptation, safety, working conditions, family- and social life and turnover were conducted via the databases Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO and PubMed. Search was also conducted through inspection of reference lists of relevant literature. We identified studies describing effects of shift work in terms of sleep, adaptation and re-adaptation of circadian rhythms, health outcomes, safety and accidents, family and social life, and work perceptions. Twenty-nine studies were included. In conclusion, the longitudinal studies were generally consistent in showing that adaptation to night work was complete within one to two weeks of work, while re-adaptation to a daytime schedule was slower. Shift workers reported more sleep problems than day workers. The data regarding mental and physical health, family and social life, and accidents yielded inconsistent results, and were insufficient as a base for drawing general conclusions. More research in the field is warranted.
Predictors of Increased Physical Activity in the Active for Life Program

Introduction Targeting of evidence-based programs can be improved by knowing who benefits least and most. We examined pretest predictors of increased physical activity among participants enrolled in Active for Life. Methods Participants (N = 1,963) from 9 community-based organizations took part in a 6-month telephone-based or a 20-week group-based behavioral physical activity program and completed a pretest survey; 1,335 participants returned posttest surveys. Interactions tested whether increases in physical activity differed over time, according to baseline characteristics. Results In the telephone-based program, participants who were younger and less active at pretest and those who had higher pretest social support showed greater intervention effects. In the group-based program, younger participants, those less active at pretest, women, Hispanics/Latinos, heavier participants, and those who reported more health conditions and osteoporosis showed greater intervention effects. Conclusion Participant response to the 2 programs varied by age, baseline activity level, and other factors. For 6 of the 8 variables associated with differential outcomes, the least active group improved the most, which suggests that the programs worked especially well for participants most in need. Participants who were older than 75 years (both groups) and those who reported lower physical activity social support (in the telephone-based program) on entry did not respond as well and may require alternative or more intensive intervention strategies.
[Health providers' knowledge on transfusion-transmitted viral hepatitis].

OBJECTIVE Training health providers is a strategy for improving health care quality that need to be technically correct and comply with the conceptual universe of the trainees. A pilot study was carried out to explore the consistency of knowledge on blood transmission of viral hepatitis among primary care providers. METHODS A non-identified questionnaire was applied to 190 providers attending a public health training program in 2003 and 2004. Answers were compared according to two groups: physicians, nurses and dentists (115 subjects) and other health providers (66 subjects). Frequencies of correct and incorrect answers were compared through Chi-square test (chi2). Nine respondents did not inform their occupation. RESULTS The study population mainly comprised women (80%) aged 20 to 60 years from Northeastern (27.4%), Southeastern (35.3%), and Midwestern (37.3%) regions. Blood transfusion was associated with hepatitis B and C for 57.5% of the respondents; hemophilia was associated with hepatitis B and C for 55.7% of the respondents, while 74% considered to be incorrect the statement: "viral hepatitis cannot be transmitted through blood" and 16.4% considered it correct. The number of correct answers regarding blood transfusion was greater in the group of physicians, nurses and dentists than other providers (chi2=1.2; p=0.2741). CONCLUSIONS These findings were compared with current data on viral hepatitis transmission and the consistency of the answers concerning different risk factors was evaluated. These providers' knowledge on blood transmission of these conditions shows inconsistencies that may jeopardize the effectiveness of prevention and control programs.
Intranasal Administration of an Inactivated Yersinia pestis Vaccine with Interleukin-12 Generates Protective Immunity against Pneumonic Plague

ABSTRACT Inhalation of Yersinia pestis causes pneumonic plague, which rapidly progresses to death. A previously licensed killed whole-cell vaccine is presently unavailable due to its reactogenicity and inconclusive evidence of efficacy. The present study now shows that vaccination intranasally (i.n.) with inactivated Y. pestis CO92 (iYp) adjuvanted with interleukin-12 (IL-12) followed by an i.n. challenge with a lethal dose of Y. pestis CO92 prevented bacterial colonization and protected 100% of mice from pneumonic plague. Survival of the vaccinated mice correlated with levels of systemic and lung antibodies, reduced pulmonary pathology and proinflammatory cytokines, and the presence of lung lymphoid cell aggregates. Protection against pneumonic plague was partially dependent upon Fc receptors and could be transferred to naïve mice with immune mouse serum. On the other hand, protection was not dependent upon complement, and following vaccination, depletion of CD4 and/or CD8 T cells before challenge did not affect survival. In summary, the results demonstrate the safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of i.n. administered iYp plus IL-12 in a mouse model of pneumonic plague.