Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Force-independent interactions of talin and vinculin govern integrin-mediated mechanotransduction

Talin, vinculin and paxillin are core components of the dynamic link between integrins and actomyosin. Here we study the mechanisms that mediate their activation and association using a mitochondrial-targeting assay, structure-based mutants, and advanced microscopy. As expected, full-length vinculin and talin are auto-inhibited and do not interact with each other in this state. Contrary to previous models that propose a critical role for forces driving talin-vinculin association, our data show that force-independent relief of auto-inhibition is sufficient to mediate their tight interaction. Interestingly, paxillin can bind to both talin and vinculin when either is inactive. Further experiments demonstrate that adhesions containing paxillin and vinculin can form without talin following integrin activation. However, these are largely deficient in exerting traction forces to the matrix. Our observations lead to a model whereby paxillin contributes to talin and vinculin recruitment into nascent adhesions. Activation of the talin-vinculin axis subsequently leads to the engagement with the traction force-machinery and focal adhesion maturation.
Bevacizumab for ocular neovascular diseases: a systematic review

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Many eye diseases involve increased local levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and there are several therapeutic strategies for them. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bevacizumab for treating eye diseases involving increased local levels of VEGF, as the assumed pathophysiological mechanism. DATA SOURCES: The following databases were systematically searched for evidence: PubMed, CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs) and reference lists, without language restrictions. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The primary outcome of interest was visual acuity, irrespective of the evaluation method. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 667 eyes in nine randomized trials were included. Meta-analysis showed that the proportion of patients with age-related macular degeneration who presented improvements from baseline regarding best-corrected visual acuity was higher among those treated with bevacizumab than among those in the photodynamic therapy group (risk ratio, RR, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.31 to 0.78; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The evidence available demonstrates that bevacizumab alone or combined with other treatments is more effective than other options, including photodynamic therapy, focal photocoagulation and triamcinolone. The use of bevacizumab instead of photodynamic therapy could reduce treatment costs by more than 99% and could significantly increase access to treatment. However, long-term studies are still needed in order to reduce uncertainty concerning the safety of this medication for all ocular neovascular diseases in which bevacizumab has the potential to improve visual acuity.
Multi-Information Source Optimization

We consider Bayesian optimization of an expensive-to-evaluate black-box objective function, where we also have access to cheaper approximations of the objective. In general, such approximations arise in applications such as reinforcement learning, engineering, and the natural sciences, and are subject to an inherent, unknown bias. This model discrepancy is caused by an inadequate internal model that deviates from reality and can vary over the domain, making the utilization of these approximations a non-trivial task. We present a novel algorithm that provides a rigorous mathematical treatment of the uncertainties arising from model discrepancies and noisy observations. Its optimization decisions rely on a value of information analysis that extends the Knowledge Gradient factor to the setting of multiple information sources that vary in cost: each sampling decision maximizes the predicted benefit per unit cost. We conduct an experimental evaluation that demonstrates that the method consistently outperforms other state-of-the-art techniques: it finds designs of considerably higher objective value and additionally inflicts less cost in the exploration process.
Vaccination with an Adenoviral Vector That Encodes and Displays a Retroviral Antigen Induces Improved Neutralizing Antibody and CD4+ T-Cell Responses and Confers Enhanced Protection

ABSTRACT We present a new type of adenoviral vector that both encodes and displays a vaccine antigen on the capsid, thus combining in itself gene-based and protein vaccination; this vector resulted in an improved vaccination outcome in the Friend virus (FV) model. For presentation of the envelope protein gp70 of Friend murine leukemia virus on the adenoviral capsid, gp70 was fused to the adenovirus capsid protein IX. When compared to vaccination with conventional FV Env- and Gag-encoding adenoviral vectors, vaccination with the adenoviral vector that encodes and displays pIX-gp70 combined with an FV Gag-encoding vector resulted in significantly improved protection against systemic FV challenge infection, with highly controlled viral loads in plasma and spleen. This improved protection correlated with improved neutralizing antibody titers and stronger CD4+ T-cell responses. Using a vector that displays gp70 without encoding it, we found that while the antigen display on the capsid alone was sufficient to induce high levels of binding antibodies, in vivo expression was necessary for the induction of neutralizing antibodies. This new type of adenovirus-based vaccine could be a valuable tool for vaccination.
Renal cell carcinoma: the translation of molecular biology into new treatments, new patient outcomes, and nursing implications.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To provide an overview of the current knowledge and treatment options for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). DATA SOURCES Published articles, published abstracts, online databases, and package inserts. DATA SYNTHESIS Researchers have an increased understanding of the genetic and prognostic risk factors associated with RCC. Most patients with this rare type of cancer have or will develop metastasis. Nephrectomy treats localized disease and cytokine therapy was the previous standard for metastatic disease, but newly approved targeted agents, such as sorafenib, temsirolimus, and sunitinib, as well as investigational agents such as bevacizumab, are improving patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the biologic basis of RCC has led to therapies that are transforming the goals for treatment outcomes in patients with metastatic disease and increasing time to progression with manageable side effects. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Counseling patients and managing treatment-related side effects of therapy are critical interventions for healthcare professionals caring for patients with RCC. Evolving treatments for metastatic disease are providing better options for patients and changing disease management.
Detection of dielectric contrast of breast tissues using confocal microwave technique

Confocal microwave technology is explored as a screening tool to detect regions of dielectric contrast of breast tissues. When exposed to microwaves, malignant breast tissues exhibit electrical properties that are significantly different from that of healthy breast tissues. In vitro studies of normal and cancerous breast tissues are performed using a prototype of confocal microwave imaging. Experimentally obtained time domain results are substantiated by finite difference time domain analysis and good agreement is reported. Distance to the region of dielectric contrast is computed accurately using these results.
Transformational professional development: (re)claiming agency and change (in the margins)

ABSTRACT With performativity and evidence-based teaching, the development of action research (AR) by teachers brings tensions and challenges as teachers move outside their comfort zones and question their practice. This article draws on a small-scale research study developed with teachers. It was funded as part of a professional development initiative by a Teaching School Alliance to support partner schools with university support to build teacher-led systematic research into everyday practice. The dataset combined interviews with teachers about their motivations and experiences, field notes from the sessions, the teachers’ final written reports and their evaluation surveys about the project. This article offers a unique perspective on teachers as researchers in a new age of work-based AR with the risk of research by teachers in schools being regarded as part of an uncritical ‘tick box’ performative and celebratory culture. However, the authors argue that teacher research can contribute to a transformational approach to professional development working as an antidote and a source of (re)professionalization based on the outcomes of collaboration, reflection and attention to the singularity of their ‘contexts-for action’ and specific pupils’ needs.
Preliminary clinical experience at 3 T with a 3D T2-weighted sequence compared with multiplanar 2D for evaluation of the female pelvis.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to compare 3D T2-weighted sampling perfection with application-optimized contrast with different flip-angle evolutions (SPACE) with three-plane 2D turbo-spin echo (TSE) sequences for female pelvic imaging at 3 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty women were imaged with 2D TSE and 3D SPACE sequences. Three radiologists independently assessed image quality, diagnostic quality, and artifacts; measured normal anatomic structures; evaluated pathologic abnormalities; and recorded interpretation time. Readers subsequently performed a side-by-side comparison, and their preferences were graded according to overall interpretation, sharpness of lesion edges, motion and other artifacts, uterine and cervical zonal anatomy distinction, identification of adnexal pathologic abnormalities, and distinction between fat and fluid. Quantitative comparison of relative signal intensity and relative tissue contrast was performed. RESULTS The mean acquisition time of 3D SPACE was significantly shorter than that of 2D TSE (6 minutes 35 seconds vs 8 minutes 50 seconds; p < 0.005). Intrareader agreement between interpretations of 2D and 3D sequences was excellent. There were no significant differences among readers in detecting artifacts, normal structures, and pathologic abnormalities or in determining endometrial thickness, image quality, or interpretation time (p > 0.05). Except for distinctions between fat and fluid, the average reader score indicated a slight preference for the 3D sequence. Three-dimensional multiplanar reconstructions were helpful but not considered essential. Relative agreement between readers was moderate (r ≥ 0.4) to strong (r ≥ 0.7). The relative signal intensity was higher for fat and bladder fluid on the 3D sequence than on the 2D sequence (p = 0.014 and p = 0.018, respectively). Relative tissue contrast was higher for the 3D sequence (p < 0.05), with no significant difference in bladder or fat contrast (p = 0.31) but a trend toward more superior contrast on the 2D sequence. CONCLUSION At 3 T, 3D SPACE has similar image quality and diagnostic quality with shorter scan time when compared with 2D TSE but with reduced contrast between fat and fluid.
Reduction of Paraquat-induced Oxidative Stress in Rats by Dietary Soy Peptide

The effect of a dietary soy protein isolate (SPI), soy peptide (PEP) and the amino acids in soy protein on paraquat (PQ)-induced oxidative stress was investigated in rats. In the first experiment, male Wistar rats were fed on experimental diets containing casein (CAS), SPI and PEP as nitrogen sources with or without 0.025% PQ. The reduced food intake and body weight gain of the rats fed with PQ was mitigated by either the SPI or PEP intake. Both SPI and PEP prevented the elevation of the serum TBARS concentration and tended to prevent the elevation of lung weight induced by PQ. In the second experiment, the rats were fed on diets containing an amino acid mixture resembling casein (CASAA) or soy protein (SPIAA) with or without PQ. The SPIAA intake did not affect the reduction of food intake and body weight gain, nor the elevation of lung weight and TBARS in the serum and liver induced by PQ. These results demonstrate that the intake of either dietary SPI or PEP, but not an amino acid mixture resembling soy protein, had the effect of reducing PQ-induced oxidative stress in rats.
A low-cost, high-efficiency and high-output-power nanofluidic energy harvester

Nanofluidics is attracting great attention lately as a novel energy harvesting strategy. This study presents nanoparticle crystal, which equivalently forms a network of nanochannels, as the functional nanofluidics structure for energy harvesting from concentration gradient by reverse electrodialysis. Ion concentration gradient was applied across a 40×40 μm2 micropore containing self-assembled nanoparticle crystal with particle diameter of 100/210/500 nm to harvest energy from the Gibbs free energy. The maximum single-pore output power was 1.17 + 0.09 nW (power density 2.82±0.22 W m-2), and the maximum efficiency was 42.3 2±1.84% in this work. The present work might be an alternative and promising approach for developing self-powered micro/nanofluidic systems.
Comparison of Bone Metabolic Markers between Maternal and Cord Blood

We studied 41 normal pregnant women and their neonates in order to compare bone metabolism between them. We examined more specific bone formation markers (intact osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and a recently developed and more sensitive bone resorption marker (C-telopeptide of type I collagen; CTX) than previously available in maternal and umbilical cord venous blood taken at delivery. The concentrations of all markers of bone turnover, including CTX, in cord serum were significantly higher than those in maternal serum. There was no significant correlation between maternal and cord serum levels for any marker. These results indicate that fetal bone turnover is markedly enhanced compared with maternal bone turnover and is independent of maternal bone metabolism in late pregnancy.
PECHERIES MARITIMES ARTISANALES TOGOLAISES: ANALYSE DES DEBARQUEMENTS ET DE LA VALEUR COMMERCIALE DES CAPTURES

La connaissance scientifique de la pression des pecheries artisanales sur les ressources marines togolaises s’avere necessaire a toute action de gestion des peches. La presente etude aborde le sujet par l’analyse des captures et leur valeur commerciale. L’objectif est de determiner les especes marines d’importance commerciale de ces pecheries. Methodologie: La collecte et le traitement des donnees sur les indicateurs tels que l’effort de peche, la CPUE et les prix de vente au debarquement s’effectue suivant un plan d’echantillonnage base sur le programme informatique denomme "Approche des regles et techniques pour le suivi statistique des peches (Artfish)"de la FAO. Les donnees sur le mareyage et la commercialisation des produits de peche transformes sont collectees aupres des acteurs de la filiere halieutique et analysees a l’aide de l’ACP et de l’AFC. Resultats: Les pecheries togolaises, avec 8240 pecheurs marins artisans, 7 types d’engins et un effort moyen annuel de 40946 jours/pirogue, produisent 19627 tonnes d’une valeur brute au debarquement de 5,314 milliards de f CFA. La part des captures de la senne tournante (ST) est de 83,18% ; la senne de plage (SP) de 7,16% ; des 4 types de filets maillants de 9,20% et la ligne de 0,46%. Les proportions des captures des principales especes varient de 31,26% a 1,03%. Les E. encrasicolus y contribuent pour 31,26% ; S. aurita 16,54% et B. auritus pour 5,56%. La part de la valeur commerciale au debarquement est pour les captures de l’E. Encrasicolus de 16,02% et les S. aurita de 8,97%. La plus forte valeur commerciale des produits transformes revient a S. aurita avec 6375fCFA. kgˉ¹ et a E. encrasicolus 4125 fCFA. kgˉ¹ soit au moins 1,3 fois superieure a celle des poissons demersaux de "luxe". Conclusion et application: Les pecheries de la ST et, dans une moindre mesure, de la SP exerceraient plus de pressions sur les especes exploitees. Les E. encrasicolus et S. aurita seraient les especes d’importance commerciale pouvant servir d’especes "point d’entree" a l’amenagement des pecheries. Aussi, la connaissance des interactions bioecologiques des especes exploitees s’avere-t-il necessaire afin d’apprecier le role trophique de chacune d’elles. Mots cles : Pecheries maritimes artisanales, commercialisation, Togo.
Carotid Artery Stenting May Be Losing the Battle against Carotid Endarterectomy for the Management of Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis, But the Jury Is Still Out

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has emerged as a potential alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for the management of carotid artery stenosis. The purpose of this article is to provide an evaluation and critical overview of the trials comparing the early and later results of CAS with CEA for symptomatic carotid stenosis. The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, PubMed/Medline, and EMBASE databases were searched up to February 1, 2009, to identify trials comparing the long-term outcomes of CAS with CEA. The MeSH terms used were “carotid artery stenting,” “carotid endarterectomy,” “symptomatic carotid artery stenosis,” “treatment,” “clinical trial,” “randomized,” and “long-term results,” in various combinations. One single-center and three multicenter randomized studies reporting their long-term results from the comparison of CAS with CEA for symptomatic carotid stenosis were identified. All four studies independently reached the conclusion that CAS may not provide results equivalent to those of CEA for the management of symptomatic carotid stenosis. A higher incidence of recurrent stenosis and peri- and postprocedural events accounted for the inferior results reported for CAS compared with CEA. Current data from randomized studies indicate that CAS provides inferior long-term results compared with CEA for the management of symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. However, it can be argued that all of these trials were performed when both CAS equipment and CAS operators had not evolved to their current status. Given that current equipment and mature experience are required for CAS before comparing it with the current “gold standard” procedure (CEA), the results of soon-to-be reported trials (Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy vs Stenting Trial [CREST], International Carotid Stenting Study [ICSS], or others) may alter the current impression that CAS is inferior to CEA for the treatment of symptomatic carotid stenosis.
Effective design, configuration, and use of digital CCTV

It is estimated that there are five million CCTV cameras in use today. CCTV is used by a wide range of organisations and for an increasing number of purposes. Despite this, there has been little research to establish whether these systems are fit for purpose. This thesis takes a socio-technical approach to determine whether CCTV is effective, and if not, how it could be made more effective. Humancomputer interaction (HCI) knowledge and methods have been applied to improve this understanding and what is needed to make CCTV effective; this was achieved in an extensive field study and two experiments. In Study 1, contextual inquiry was used to identify the security goals, tasks, technology and factors which affected operator performance and the causes at 14 security control rooms. The findings revealed a number of factors which interfered with task performance, such as: poor camera positioning, ineffective workstation setups, difficulty in locating scenes, and the use of low-quality CCTV recordings. The impact of different levels of video quality on identification and detection performance was assessed in two experiments using a task-focused methodology. In Study 2, 80 participants identified 64 face images taken from four spatially compressed video conditions (32, 52, 72, and 92 Kbps). At a bit rate quality of 52 Kbps (MPEG-4), the number of faces correctly identified reached significance. In Study 3, 80 participants each detected 32 events from four frame rate CCTV video conditions (1, 5, 8, and 12 fps). Below 8 frames per second, correct detections and task confidence ratings decreased significantly. These field and empirical research findings are presented in a framework using a typical CCTV deployment scenario, which has been validated through an expert review. The contributions and limitations of this thesis are reviewed, and suggestions for how the framework should be further developed are provided.
SELF-EFFICACY BELIEFS, MOTIVATION, AND ACHIEVEMENT IN WRITING: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

The purpose of this article is to examine the contribution made by the self-efficacy component of A. Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory to the study of writing in academic settings. A brief overview of Bandura's social cognitive theory and of self-efficacy is first provided, followed by a description of the manner in which writing self-efficacy beliefs are typically operationalized and assessed. This is followed by a synthesis of research findings that address the relationship between writing self-efficacy, other motivation constructs related to writing, and writing outcomes in academic settings. These findings demonstrate that students' confidence in their writing capabilities influence their writing motivation as well as various writing outcomes in school. Academic implications and strategies that may help guide future research are offered.
Discordant Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome in identical twins – a case report and implications for reproduction in MRKH women

Abstract Infertility has previously been considered as an inevitable consequence of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. With modern assisted reproductive technology (ART) techniques becoming increasingly accessible, MRKH women have the opportunity for their own genetic offspring. The availability of such technology, however, increases the importance of understanding the aetiology of this complex condition. The literature debating the relevance of genetic versus post-zygotic events in the aetiology of MRKH syndrome is reviewed in the context of this report of monozygotic twins discordant for MRKH syndrome. Chinese abstract 不孕不育曾被认为是先天性子宫阴道缺如（MRKH）综合征的必然结局。 随着现代辅助生殖技术（ART）日渐成熟，MRKH综合征妇女有机会繁育自己的后代。 然而，这种技术的实用性也引起了对于该病复杂病因的重视。 文献中关于MRKH综合征遗传与合子后事件相关病因学的报道存在争议，而本文也对单卵双胎中非协调性先天性子宫阴道缺如（MRKH）综合征的个案进行了报道。
Identification of LPS-binding peptide fragment of MD-2, a toll-receptor accessory protein.

Members of the toll-like receptor family are crucial in recognition of microbial pathogens as part of innate immune response. MD-2, an accessory protein to TLR4, present on the extracellular side of the membrane is needed to initiate the signal transduction. We have identified a 15 amino acid region of human MD-2 that contains several features of other lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding proteins and peptides. In vitro LPS neutralization by this peptide was observed and confirmed by 2D transferred NOESY NMR experiments. NMR experiments have also shown binding of the MD-2 peptide to lipoteichoic acid (LTA) but not to peptidoglycan. Furthermore this peptide inhibited growth of gram-negative and to a lower extent of some gram-positive bacteria. Our results indicate that this region of MD-2 might be responsible for binding of LPS and confirms the role of MD-2 as an accessory protein in LPS signaling bestowing the Toll receptors their specificity.