Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thin tungsten telluride layer preparation by thermal annealing

We report a simple method to prepare a thin Tungsten Telluride (WTe2) flake with accurate thickness control, which allows preparing and studying this two dimensional material conveniently. First, the WTe2 flake, which is relatively thick due to its strong interlayer van der Waals forces, is obtained by a conventional mechanical exfoliation method. Then, the exfoliated flake is annealed at 600 °C under a constant Ar protecting flow. Raman and atomic force spectroscopy characterizations demonstrate that thermal annealing can effectively thin down the WTe2 flake and retain its original lattice structure, though its surface smoothness is slightly deteriorated. Additionally, systematical study indicates that the thinning process strongly depends on the initial thickness of the WTe2 flake before annealing: the thinning rate increases from 0.12 nm min−1 to 0.36 nm min−1 as the initial thickness increases from 10 nm to 45 nm, while the roughness of the final product also increases with the increase of its initial thickness. However, the method fails when it is applied to WTe2 flakes thicker than 100 nm, resulting in uneven or burnt surface, which is possibly caused by big cavities formed by a large amount of defects gathered at the top surface.
New genetic markers for diagnosis of hepatitis C related hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) enhances effective and curative management. New genetic markers with distinct diagnostic ability are required. AIM determine the expression of GPC3, PEG10, SERPINI1, MK and QP-C in the peripheral blood of HCC patients. METHODS 74 HCV patients were recruited and divided into three groups; chronic hepatitis (I), liver cirrhosis (II) and HCC (III). Demographics, laboratory and imaging data were collected. Child score and metastatic work up were completed. The expression of the five candidate genes in the peripheral blood was performed by qRT-PCR assay. RESULTS Groups were gender matched, age in group I was significantly lower than in groups II and III (37.7 vs 50.4 and 55.6, p value <0.005). CHILD score; group II and III A/B/C = (7/5/6) and (20/6/3). AFP was significantly higher in group III than I and II (204 vs 3.9 and 6.9, p < 0.01). In HCC group 69% of the lesions were < 5 cm, and had 1-2 nodules; 14% had metastases. GPC3, PEG10, SERPINI1 and MK mRNA were significantly higher in the HCC group compared to the other groups while QP-C mRNA was higher in chronic hepatitis C group compared to other groups. The gene expression values in HCC patients were independent of the tumor size, AFP levels or extrahepatic metastasis. Combined measurement of the five gene markers showed 100% sensitivity and 33% specificity, 48% PPV and 100% NPV. CONCLUSION GPC3, PEG10, SERPINI1 and MK are genetic markers that can represent a useful tool for detection of HCC.
Revue systématique sur le taux de survie des implants en zircone

Le but de ce travail etait de pouvoir evaluer a la fois les taux de succes et de survie des implants ceramiques en zircone une annee apres leur mise en charge et de juger en fonction de l'evidence scientifique si ceux-ci peuvent etre consideres comme une alternative aux implants en titane. Une recherche electronique dans plusieurs bases de donnees a permis d'identifier 1519 articles initialement. Cependant, seuls 14 d'entre eux ont ete retenus. Apres une annee de fonction, le taux de survie global des implants en zircone une et deux pieces a ete calcule a 92%. L'analyse detaillee des etudes selectionnees a mis en evidence considerable heterogeneite concernant les taux de survie. Il a ete conclu que les implants en zircone pourraient representer une alternative au titane afin de proposer une solution « sans–metal ». Neanmoins, des resultats a long terme sont necessaires afin de justifier leur utilisation.
Vitamin D deficiency in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: association with disease activity and quality of life.

BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of vitamin D deficiency in an IBD cohort. It was hypothesized that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased disease activity and lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study. Harvey-Bradshaw index and ulcerative colitis disease activity index were used to assess disease activity. Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire scores were used to assess HRQOL. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of vitamin D deficiency and its association with disease activity and HRQOL. RESULTS The study included 504 IBD patients (403 Crohn's disease [CD] and 101 ulcerative colitis [UC]) who had a mean disease duration of 15.5 years in CD patients and 10.9 years in UC patients; 49.8% were vitamin D deficient, with 10.9% having severe deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with older age (P = .004) and older age at diagnosis (P = .03). Vitamin D deficiency was associated with lower HRQOL (regression coefficient -2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI], -4.10 to -0.33) in CD but not UC (regression coefficient 0.41, 95% CI, -2.91 to 3.73). Vitamin D deficiency was also associated with increased disease activity in CD (regression coefficient 1.07, 95% CI, 0.43 to 1.71). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D deficiency is common in IBD and is independently associated with lower HRQOL and greater disease activity in CD. There is a need for prospective studies to assess this correlation and examine the impact of vitamin D supplementation on disease course.
Separate Assembly and Transport Domains within the Gag Precursor of Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus

ABSTRACT Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV), the prototypical type D retrovirus, assembles immature capsids within the cytoplasm of the cell prior to plasma membrane interaction. Several mutants of M-PMV Gag have been described which display altered transport, assembly, or both. In this report, we describe the use of an in vitro synthesis and assembly system to distinguish between defects in intracellular transport and the process of assembly itself for two previously describedgag gene mutants. Matrix domain mutant R55W converts the type D morphogenesis of M-PMV particles into type C and has been hypothesized to alter the transport of Gag, redirecting it to the plasma membrane where assembly subsequently occurs. We show here that R55W can assemble in both the in vitro translation-assembly system and within inclusion bodies in bacteria and thus has retained the capacity to assemble in the cytoplasm. This supports the concept that R55 is located within a domain responsible for the transport of Gag to an intracellular site for assembly. In contrast, deletions within the p12 domain of M-PMV Gag had previously been shown to affect the efficiency of particle formation such that under low-level expression conditions, Gag would fail to assemble. We demonstrate here that the efficiency of assembly in the in vitro system mirrors that seen in cells under expression conditions similar to that of an infection. These results argue that the p12 domain of this D-type retrovirus plays a critical role in the membrane-independent assembly of immature capsids.
The Fatty Acid-binding Protein, aP2, Coordinates Macrophage Cholesterol Trafficking and Inflammatory Activity

Fatty acid-binding proteins are cytosolic fatty acid chaperones, and the adipocyte isoform, aP2, plays an important role in obesity and glucose metabolism. Recently, this protein has been detected in macrophages where it strongly contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. Here, we investigated the role of aP2 in macrophage biology and the molecular mechanisms underlying its actions. We demonstrate that aP2-deficient macrophages display defects in cholesterol accumulation and alterations in pro-inflammatory responsiveness. Deficiency of aP2 alters the lipid composition in macrophages and enhances peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ activity, leading to elevated CD36 expression and enhanced uptake of modified low denwsity lipoprotein. The increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ activity in aP2-deficient macrophages is also accompanied by a significant stimulation of the liver X receptor α-ATP-binding cassette transporter A1-mediated cholesterol efflux pathway. In parallel, aP2-deficient macrophages display reduced IκB kinase and NF-κB activity, resulting in suppression of inflammatory function including reduced cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric-oxide synthase expression and impaired production of inflammatory cytokines. Our results demonstrate that aP2 regulates two central molecular pathways to coordinate macrophage cholesterol trafficking and inflammatory activity.
Biomechanical comparison of dynamic condylar screw and locking compression plate fixation in unstable distal femoral fractures: An in vitro study

Background Distal femur fractures are difficult to manage and the selection of implant for internal fixation remains controversial. The objective of this study is to establish the relative strength of fixation of a distal femoral locking plate (DFLP) compared with the dynamic condylar screw (DCS) in the distal femur fractures. Materials and Methods Study was conducted on 16 freshly harvested cadaveric distal femoral specimens, eight implanted with DCS and other eight with DFLP. The construct was made unstable by removing a standard sized medial wedge of 1 cm base (gap-osteotomy) beginning 6 cm proximal to the lateral joint line in distal metaphyseal region with the loss of medial buttress. Fatigue test was conducted under load control mode at the frequency of I Hz. Specimens were subjected to cyclic loading of 2 kN, under observation for 50,000 cycles or until failure/cutout, which ever occurred earlier. Results In DFLP group, there was no implant failure and the average number of cycles sustained was 50,000. Six out of eight specimens completed 50,000 cycles and two failed in DCS group. The average number of cycles sustained by DCS was 46150. Though the bone quality as assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry DEXA was comparable in both DFLP and DCS group ( P = 0.06), none failed in DFLP group and subsidence was 1.02 ± 0.34 mm (range: 0.60-1.32 mm), which was significantly 43% lower ( P = 0.006) than subsidence in DCS group (1.82 ± 0.58; range: 1.20-3.08 mm). The average stiffness of DCS group was 52.8 ± 4.2 N/mm, which was significantly lower than average stiffness of locked condylar plate group (71.2 ± 5.1 N/mm) ( P = 0.02). Conclusions DFLP fixation of the distal femur fractures resulted in stronger construct than the DCS fixation in both cyclic loading and ultimate strength in biomechanical testing of a simulated A3 distal femur fracture.
A BK (Slo1) channel journey from molecule to physiology

Calcium and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels are key actors in cell physiology, both in neuronal and non-neuronal cells and tissues. Through negative feedback between intracellular Ca2+ and membrane voltage, BK channels provide a damping mechanism for excitatory signals. Molecular modulation of these channels by alternative splicing, auxiliary subunits and post-translational modifications showed that these channels are subjected to many mechanisms that add diversity to the BK channel α subunit gene. This complexity of interactions modulates BK channel gating, modifying the energetic barrier of voltage sensor domain activation and channel opening. Regions for voltage as well as Ca2+ sensitivity have been identified, and the crystal structure generated by the 2 RCK domains contained in the C-terminal of the channel has been described. The linkage of these channels to many intracellular metabolites and pathways, as well as their modulation by extracellular natural agents, has been found to be relevant in many physiological processes. This review includes the hallmarks of BK channel biophysics and its physiological impact on specific cells and tissues, highlighting its relationship with auxiliary subunit expression.
What resources do Auckland general practitioners use for answering immediate clinical questions and for lifelong learning?

INTRODUCTION General practitioners need to search for evidence to remain up-to-date with knowl edge and to answer clinical questions that arise during consultations. In the past their main sources of information have been via colleagues and books. AIM To determine the resources Auckland GPs use to answer clinical questions and to maintain lifelong learning. METHODS One hundred questionnaires were mailed to Auckland GPs. There were 33 replies (33% response rate). From this sample 10 were chosen at random and all agreed to be interviewed (100% response rate). RESULTS All participants were using Internet resources to obtain answers to clinical questions. Colleagues were also important for answering immediate questions, but not for future requirements. There is possibly less use of paper book resources. The websites were used to obtain knowledge now and for future need, while paper books were only used for answering immediate questions. DISCUSSION The use of websites may be increasing in general practice for both immediate knowledge requirements and for lifelong learning. Colleagues are still a source of answers to immediate clinical questions, but textbooks may be less used. Empiric data are needed to monitor changes in answering clinical questions and the issue of lifelong learning requires more research.
Flagellin/TLR5 signalling activates renal collecting duct cells and facilitates invasion and cellular translocation of uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) colonizing kidneys is the main cause of acute pyelonephritis. TLR5 that senses flagellin was shown to be highly expressed in the bladder and to participate in host defence against flagellated UPEC, although its role in kidneys still remains elusive. Here we show that TLR5 is expressed in renal medullary collecting duct (MCD) cells, which represent a preferential site of UPEC adhesion. Flagellin, like lipopolysaccharide, stimulated the production of the chemoattractant chemokines CXCL1 and CXCL2, and subsequent migration capacity of neutrophils in cultured wild‐type (WT) and Tlr4−/− MCDs, but not in Tlr5−/− MCDs. UPEC can translocate across intact MCD layers without altering tight junctions. Strikingly, the invasion capacity and transcellular translocation of the UPEC strain HT7 were significantly lower in Tlr5−/− than in WT MCDs. The non‐motile HT7ΔfliC mutant lacking flagellin also exhibited much lower translocation capacities than the HT7 isolates. Finally, Tlr5−/− kidneys exhibited less infiltrating neutrophils than WT kidneys one day after the transurethral inoculation of HT7, and greater delayed renal bacterial loads in the day 4 post‐infected Tlr5−/− kidneys. Overall, these findings indicate that the epithelial TLR5 participates to renal antibacterial defence, but paradoxically favours the translocation of UPEC across intact MCD cell layers.
Wellenbewegung an und in einem geschütteten Wellenbrecher - Laborexperimente im Großmaßstab und theoretische Untersuchungen

Das Hauptziel dieser Arbeit ist eine umfassende Beschreibung der Wellenbewegung und Ausbreitung an und in einem geschutteten Wellenbrecher auf der Grundlage grosmasstablicher Modellversuche im Grosen Wellenkanal, Hannover und einfacher theoretischer Modelle. Der Wellenbrecher wurde in funf Bereiche unterteilt. In jedem Bereich wurden die Wasserspiegelauslenkungen und ggf. die Porenwasserdruckoszillationen untersucht. Deren Beschreibung setzt sich zusammen aus einem linearen theoretischen Modell und einem empirischen Ansatz fur die nichtlinearen Einflusse. Daruber hinaus wurden die Unsicherheiten dieser halbempirischen Ansatze und deren Ubertragbarkeit bestimmt. Es wurden lineare theoretische Modelle zur Beschreibung (a) der Wellenbewegung uber rauhen teildurchlassigen Boschungen, (b) der Wellenausbreitung in homogenen, porosen Medien und (c) der gesamten Energiedissipation am und im Bauwerk entwickelt. Die wichtigsten hydraulischen Prozesse, die in den 5 Bereichen des Wellenbrechers untersucht wurden: 1. Vorstrand: lokale Wellenhohen im Nahfeld (Shoaling und Wellenreflexion) 2. auf der Boschung: Wellenbewegung uber der Bauwerksboschung (Wellenauflauf, Wasserspiegelverlauf und Druckverteilung) 3. unter der Boschung: Wechselwirkung zwischen externen und internen Stromungen (Wellenauflauf auf den Boschungsschichten, Wasserspiegelgradienten und internes Wellenbrechen, Druckverteilung und maximale Druckgradienten, Lufteintrag) 4. Kernbereich: Wellenausbreitung im Kern 5. Hafen: Wellentransmission und gesamte Energiedissiaption
LGN plays distinct roles in oral epithelial stratification, filiform papilla morphogenesis and hair follicle development

Oral epithelia protect against constant challenges by bacteria, viruses, toxins and injury while also contributing to the formation of ectodermal appendages such as teeth, salivary glands and lingual papillae. Despite increasing evidence that differentiation pathway genes are frequently mutated in oral cancers, comparatively little is known about the mechanisms that regulate normal oral epithelial development. Here, we characterize oral epithelial stratification and describe multiple distinct functions for the mitotic spindle orientation gene LGN (Gpsm2) in promoting differentiation and tissue patterning in the mouse oral cavity. Similar to its function in epidermis, apically localized LGN directs perpendicular divisions that promote stratification of the palatal, buccogingival and ventral tongue epithelia. Surprisingly, however, in dorsal tongue LGN is predominantly localized basally, circumferentially or bilaterally and promotes planar divisions. Loss of LGN disrupts the organization and morphogenesis of filiform papillae but appears to be dispensable for embryonic hair follicle development. Thus, LGN has crucial tissue-specific functions in patterning surface ectoderm and its appendages by controlling division orientation. Summary: In different regions of the mouse oral epithelium, differential subcellular localization of the spindle orientation protein LGN regulates distinct patterns of cell division.
Short and Long Run Uncertainty

Uncertainty appears to have both a short-run and a long-run component, which we measure using firm and macro implied volatility data from options of 30 days to 10 years duration. We ask what may be driving uncertainty over these different time horizons, finding that oil price volatility is particularly important for short-run uncertainty, policy uncertainty is particularly important for long-run uncertainty, while currency volatility and CEO turnover appear to equally impact short- and long-run uncertainty. Examining a panel of over 4,000 firms from 1996 to 2013 we find that R&D is relatively more sensitive to long-run uncertainty than investment, and in turn investment is relatively more sensitive to long-run uncertainty than hiring. In a simulation model we investigate the channels underlying this pecking-order response to long-run uncertainty, and show that lower depreciation rates and higher adjustment costs lead R&D and investment to be more sensitive to longer-run uncertainty than hiring. Collectively, these results suggest that recent events that have raised long-run policy uncertainty may be particularly damaging to growth by reducing R&D and investment.
Detection of Fifteen Species of Candida in an Automated Blood Culture System

ABSTRACT Candidemia was simulated with 15 Candida spp. by using an automated blood culture system. Candida growth was detected in 479/648 (74%) bottles: 211/216 (98%) aerobic bottles, 58/216 (27%) anaerobic bottles, and 210/216 (97%) mycology bottles. Only the growth of Candida lipolytica failed to be detected in all media.
Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Warm-up on Submaximal Rowing Performance

Abstract Arend, M, Mäestu, J, Kivastik, J, Rämson, R, and Jürimäe, J. Effect of inspiratory muscle warm-up on submaximal rowing performance. J Strength Cond Res 29(1): 213–218, 2015—Performing inspiratory muscle warm-up might increase exercise performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of inspiratory muscle warm-up to submaximal rowing performance and to find if there is an effect on lactic acid accumulation and breathing parameters. Ten competitive male rowers aged between 19 and 27 years (age, 23.1 ± 3.8 years; height, 188.1 ± 6.3 cm; body mass, 85.6 ± 6.6 kg) were tested 3 times. During the first visit, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) assessment and the incremental rowing test were performed to measure maximal oxygen consumption and maximal aerobic power (Pamax). A submaximal intensity (90% Pamax) rowing test was performed twice with the standard rowing warm-up as test 1 and with the standard rowing warm-up and specific inspiratory muscle warm-up as test 2. During the 2 experimental tests, distance, duration, heart rate, breathing frequency, ventilation, peak oxygen consumption, and blood lactate concentration were measured. The only value that showed a significant difference between the test 1 and test 2 was breathing frequency (52.2 ± 6.8 vs. 53.1 ± 6.8, respectively). Heart rate and ventilation showed a tendency to decrease and increase, respectively, after the inspiratory muscle warm-up (p < 0.1). Despite some changes in respiratory parameters, the use of 40% MIP intensity warm-up is not suggested if the mean intensity of the competition is at submaximal level (at approximately 90% maximal oxygen consumption). In conclusion, the warm-up protocol of the respiratory muscles used in this study does not have a significant influence on submaximal endurance performance in highly trained male rowers.
Platelet-active drugs : the relationships among dose, effectiveness, and side effects.

This article discusses platelet active drugs as part of the Seventh American College of Chest Physicians Conference on Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy: Evidence-Based Guidelines. New data on antiplatelet agents include the following: (1) the role of aspirin in primary prevention has been the subject of recommendations based on the assessment of cardiovascular risk; (2) an increasing number of reports suggest a substantial interindividual variability in the response to antiplatelet agents, and various phenomena of "resistance" to the antiplatelet effects of aspirin and clopidogrel; (3) the benefit/risk profile of currently available glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists is substantially uncertain for patients with acute coronary syndromes who are not routinely scheduled for early revascularization; (4) there is an expanding role for the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel in the long-term management of high-risk patients; and (5) the cardiovascular effects of selective and nonselective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors have been the subject of increasing attention.
Molecular response of gastric epithelial cells to Helicobacter pylori‐induced cell damage

Infection with the Gram‐negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori leads to different clinical and pathological outcomes in humans, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and adenocarcinoma of the stomach. H. pylori‐induced damage to gastric mucosal cells is controlled by bacterial virulence factors encoded by genes of the cag pathogenicity island, which trigger the inflammatory response of the host through the activation of nuclear factor κB‐dependent gene transcription. Also, H. pylori infection impairs the processes of gastric mucosal healing through inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor‐dependent signal transduction pathways and induction of apoptosis. H. pylori infection may influence the progression from chronic gastritis to gastric adenocarcinoma by stimulating cell proliferation and growth factor expression, inhibiting apoptosis and increasing the DNA mutation rate of infected gastric mucosa.