Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plastidial α-Glucan Phosphorylase Is Not Required for Starch Degradation in Arabidopsis Leaves But Has a Role in the Tolerance of Abiotic Stress1

To study the role of the plastidial α-glucan phosphorylase in starch metabolism in the leaves of Arabidopsis, two independent mutant lines containing T-DNA insertions within the phosphorylase gene were identified. Both insertions eliminate the activity of the plastidial α-glucan phosphorylase. Measurement of other enzymes of starch metabolism reveals only minor changes compared with the wild type. The loss of plastidial α-glucan phosphorylase does not cause a significant change in the total accumulation of starch during the day or its remobilization at night. Starch structure and composition are unaltered. However, mutant plants display lesions on their leaves that are not seen on wild-type plants, and mesophyll cells bordering the lesions accumulate high levels of starch. Lesion formation is abolished by growing plants under 100% humidity in still air, but subsequent transfer to circulating air with lower humidity causes extensive wilting in the mutant leaves. Wilted sectors die, causing large lesions that are bordered by starch-accumulating cells. Similar lesions are caused by the application of acute salt stress to mature plants. We conclude that plastidial phosphorylase is not required for the degradation of starch, but that it plays a role in the capacity of the leaf lamina to endure a transient water deficit.
PTF 12gzk—A RAPIDLY DECLINING, HIGH-VELOCITY TYPE Ic RADIO SUPERNOVA

Only a few cases of Type Ic supernovae (SNe) with high-velocity ejecta (⩾0.2 c) have been discovered and studied. Here, we present our analysis of radio and X-ray observations of the Type Ic SN PTF 12gzk. The radio emission declined less than 10 days after explosion, suggesting SN ejecta expanding at high velocity (∼0.3 c). The radio data also indicate that the density of the circumstellar material (CSM) around the supernova is lower by a factor of ∼10 than the CSM around normal Type Ic SNe. PTF 12gzk may therefore be an intermediate event between a “normal” SN Ic and a gamma-ray-burst–SN-like event. Our observations of this rapidly declining radio SN at a distance of 58 Mpc demonstrates the potential to detect many additional radio SNe, given the new capabilities of the Very Large Array (improved sensitivity and dynamic scheduling), which are currently missed, leading to a biased view of radio SNe Ic. Early optical discovery followed by rapid radio observations would provide a full description of the ejecta velocity distribution and CSM densities around stripped massive star explosions as well as strong clues about the nature of their progenitor stars.
Effect of a controlled release device containing minocycline microspheres on the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A comparative study

Introduction: Adjunctive therapy with locally delivered antimicrobials has resulted in improved clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of locally administered minocycline microspheres (Arestin™) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 sites from 15 patients in the age group of 35-50 years, who had periodontal pockets measuring 5-8 mm and had been diagnosed with chronic periodontitis, were selected for the study. The selected groups were randomly assigned to either the control group (group A) or the treatment/test group (group B). Only scaling and root planing were done at the base line visit for the control sites followed by local application of Arestin™ (1 mg). Clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, and gingival bleeding index were recorded at baseline, day 30, day 90, and day 180 in the selected sites of both the groups. Probing pocket depth also was recorded at baseline, day 90, and day 180 for both the groups. Results: A statistically significant reduction was observed in both groups. Group B showed better results than Group A and these differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: The results of this study clearly indicate that treatment with scaling and root planing plus minocycline microspheres (Arestin™) is more effective and safer than scaling and root planing alone in reducing the signs of chronic periodontitis.
Optimization Techniques for Solving Elliptic Control Problems with Control and State Constraints : Part 1 . Boundary Control

We study optimal control problems for semilinear elliptic equations subject to control and state inequality constraints. In a first part we consider boundary control problems with either Dirichlet or Neumann conditions. By introducing suitable discretization schemes, the control problem is transcribed into a nonlinear programming problem. It is shown that a recently developed interior point method is able to solve these problems even for high discretizations. Several numerical examples with Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions are provided that illustrate the performance of the algorithm for different types of controls including bang-bang and singular controls. The necessary conditions of optimality are checked numerically in the presence of active control and state constraints.
Improved detection of power transformer winding movement by extending the FRA high frequency range

FRA tests in the frequency range up to 10 MHz were investigated using simulations and measurements. It was found that the FRA test was more sensitive to changes in the transformer at frequencies above 1 to 3 MHz than at lower frequencies. However, the effects of the conventional test circuits mask the changes at the higher frequencies. A new test method is proposed that is effective up to at least 10 MHz.
A STEMI Code Protocol Improves Door‐to‐Balloon Time on Weekdays and Weekends

Abstract: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has emerged as the standard of care for the management of ST‐elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI). Only 32% of patients with STEMI receive this procedure within the recommended 90 min for door‐to‐balloon time (DTB). We reviewed all STEMI cases that presented to our institution before and after the implementation of a STEMI Code protocol. Before the STEMI Code protocol, 27.1% of weekday cases and 6.3% of weekend cases were performed within 90 min. After the STEMI Code protocol, there was a threefold increase in the number of patients who received PCI within 90 min (p<.0001). A STEMI Code protocol dramatically improves DTB and equalizes disparities between weekday and weekend care.
FOR USING REMOTELY SENSED IMAGERY TO IDENTIFY GEOLOGICAL LINEAMENTS IN HARD-ROCK TERRAINS : AN APPLICATION FOR GROUNDWATER EXPLORATION IN NICARAGUA

Water wells in hard-rock aquifers are more productive where the well bore intersects fracture networks. Fracture networks are often not readily discernable on the surface. Lineament analysis using remotely sensed satellite imagery has been employed to identify surface expressions of fracturing, and a variety of image-analysis techniques have been successfully applied in “ideal” settings where influences of human development, vegetation, and climatic situations are minimal. There is not a protocol for mapping lineaments in non-ideal settings. A new approach for image-processing/synthesis was developed to identify successful satellite imagery types for lineament analysis in non-ideal terrain. Four satellite sensors (ASTER, Landsat7 ETM+, QuickBird, RADARSAT-1) and a DEM were evaluated for lineament analysis in Boaco, Nicaragua, where the landscape is subject to varied vegetative cover, a plethora of anthropogenic features, and frequent cloud cover. Various digital processing techniques were employed, and lineament interpretations were performed to obtain 12 complementary image products. Interpretations were synthesized to create a raster image of lineament-zone coincidence. A composite lineament interpretation was made using the coincidence raster to restrict lineament observations to areas where multiple interpretations agree. Nine of 11 previously mapped faults were identified from the coincidence raster. An additional 26 lineaments were identified, and the locations of 10 were confirmed by field observation. Interpretations from RADARSAT-1 products were superior to other sensor products, suggesting that quality lineament interpretation in this region requires minimization of anthropogenic features and maximization of topographic structures.
Mechanisms of Resistance for Streptococcus pyogenes in Northern Utah

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to 1) determine the rates of penicillin and erythromycin resistance among Streptococcus pyogenes isolates in northern Utah, and 2) determine the genotype of the erythromycin resistant strains, thereby providing information regarding the mechanism of the resistance. DESIGN: Seven hundred thirty-nine isolates of S. pyogenes were identified on 5% Sheep Blood Agar. Susceptibility to erythromycin and penicillin was performed using Muller-Hinton blood agar. All isolates resistant to erythromycin were then genotyped using PCR primers specific to one of the following: mefA gene, indicating the mechanism of resistance was an efflux pump; ermA gene, in which the mechanism was inducible methylation of the ribosomes; and ermB indicating constitutive methylation of the ribosomes. LOCATION: This study was conducted at Weber State University, in the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences. PATIENT SAMPLES: Samples were collected from 9 clinics ranging from North Ogden to Taylorsville, Utah. All samples were previously tested positive for S. pyogenes by the clinic from where the samples were collected. RESULTS: Of the 739 S. pyogenes isolates tested, 2.4% were resistant to erythromycin with no resistance observed to penicillin. Of the strains that displayed some degree of resistance, the gene frequencies observed were as follows: 48.1% mefA, 26.0% ermA, 3.7% ermB, and 22.2% multiple genes. CONCLUSION: The most common genotype was mefA, indicating that the efflux pump (M phenotype) is the most common mechanism in the surveyed area, followed by ermA, which produces the inducible methylating enzyme. A significant number of isolates was also observed to express both the efflux pump and the constitutive methylating enzyme. ABBREVIATIONS: ATCC = American Type Culture Collection; CLS = clinical laboratory science; CLSI = Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute; IU = international unit; MLSB = macrolide, lincosamide, streptogrammin B; PCR = polymerase chain reaction; SBA= sheep blood agar; WSU = Weber State University.
The EMG gradient as a reflection of metamotivational state.

The significance of motivational statedominance in everyday life and actual motivational state during task performance was investigated in relation to skeletal muscle tension patterns during performance in the continuous preceptual-motor task paradigm. Subjects were recruited to form seriousminded (telic) and playful (paratelic) extreme groups according to their responses to the Telic Dominance Scale (6 subjects in each group). They all performed a continuous perceptual-motor task twice in a neutral context (N1, N2), once with threat of aversive shock at poor performance (T), and once with promise of monetary reward for good performance (R); T and R being balanced around N 2. Measures of tonic (slow) EMG activation were derived from the “passive” forearm, and structured (blind) interview assessed motivational state. It was concluded that motivational state, rather than statedominance, was associated with EMG activation. The telic state was significant to high EMG activation for the N I and T treatments in particular.
Psychophysiological Aspects of Motion Sickness

Motion sickness may occur during travel by sea, automobile, airplane, and space. Susceptibility changes with age and may be influenced by psychological factors. Susceptibility can be reduced in most people by medications that involve histamine or neurotransmitters acetylcholine and noradrenaline, and influence the vestibular system.
Italian risk factor-based screening for gestational diabetes

Abstract There is a debate about whether universal or risk factors-based screening is most appropriate for gestational diabetes diagnosis. The aim of our retrospective study was to compare in our population the universal screening test recommended by the International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) panel and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) versus the selective screening proposed by the United Kingdom National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines (NICE) but modified by the Italian National Institute of Health. From May 2010 to October 2011 all consecutive pregnant women were screened for gestational diabetes according to the IADPSG’s panel criteria, while all the risk factors for each patient were registered. Of the 1015 pregnant women included in the study, 113 (11%) were diagnosed with gestational diabetes and 26 (23%) of them would not have been identified by the selective screening proposed by the Italian National Institute of Health. However, all the risk factors considered by the selective screening revealed a good predictive role except for maternal age ≥35 years (OR: 0.98). In the group without the risk factors considered, it was reported the predictive role for gestational diabetes of prepregnancy BMI and nulliparity. The selective risk factors-based screening proposed by the Italian National Institute of Health has detected 77% of gestational diabetes cases in our population, sparing the oral glucose tolerance test for more than 40% of pregnant women at the same time. More information on the clinical impact of this choice could be obtained by a strict analysis of treatment, perinatal outcome and follow-up of an adequate sample size of “missed” gestational diabetes.
The academic impact of the triological society theses—Mosher and fowler awards: Citations, impact factor, and h‐index

The Triological Society requires thesis submission for full membership. Accepted theses (AT) may be recognized with designations of: Mosher Awards (MA), Fowler Awards (FA), Honorable Mention for Basic Science (HMBS), and Honorable Mention for Clinical Science (HMCS). We sought to determine and compare the scholarly impact of Triological Society theses, their authors, and whether differences exist between AT and those that receive special recognition.
Relevance of CD6-Mediated Interactions in T Cell Activation and Proliferation1

CD6 is a cell surface receptor expressed on immature thymocytes and mature T and B1a lymphocytes. The ultimate function of CD6 has not been deciphered yet, but much evidence supports a role for CD6 in T cell activation and differentiation. In this study, we show that a fraction of CD6 molecules physically associates with the TCR/CD3 complex by coimmunoprecipitation, cocapping, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments. Image analysis of Ag-specific T-APC conjugates demonstrated that CD6 and its ligand, activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (CD166), colocalize with TCR/CD3 at the center of the immunological synapse, the so-called central supramolecular activation cluster. The addition of a soluble rCD6 form significantly reduced the number of mature Ag-specific T-APC conjugates, indicating that CD6 mediates early cell-cell interactions needed for immunological synapse maturation to proceed. This was in agreement with the dose-dependent inhibition of CD3-mediated T cell proliferation induced by soluble rCD6. Taken together, our data illustrate the important role played by the intra- and intercellular molecular interactions mediated by CD6 during T cell activation and proliferation processes.
Indications for episiotomy performance – a cross-sectional survey and review of the literature

Our objective was to assess the reported reasons for episiotomy performance in Israel and to review the relevant professional literature. Using anonymous questionnaires, a survey was conducted among obstetricians and midwives in four northern Israel hospitals, and the accoucheurs were asked to score their agreement with 13 proposed indications for episiotomy. Overall, 84 doctors and 32 midwives completed the questionnaires. 86.1% of the responders reported performing episiotomy in all or most cases of shoulder dystocia, and more than half reported performing it in most cases of vacuum deliveries, fetal macrosomia and advanced perineal tear in previous delivery. Subjective assessment of perineal characteristics constituted a justified reason for episiotomy for 15.8–43.9% of the accoucheurs. In conclusion, there is a wide variation in reported reasons for episiotomy between the obstetricians, and many of these indications are not congruent with international practice guidelines. Uniform protocols and educational programmes are needed to guide episiotomy practice.
Smartphone use during inpatient attending rounds: prevalence, patterns and potential for distraction.

BACKGROUND While there are numerous benefits of smartphone use for physicians, little is known about the negative effects of using these devices in the context of patient care. OBJECTIVE To assess resident and faculty smartphone use during inpatient attending rounds and its potential as a source of distraction during transfer of clinical information. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING University-affiliated public teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS All housestaff and inpatient faculty in the departments of Medicine and Pediatrics. METHODS Participants were asked about smartphone ownership, usage patterns during attending rounds, and whether team members had ever missed important data during rounds due to distraction from smartphones. Attendings were asked whether policies should be established for smartphone use during rounds. RESULTS The overall response rate was 73%. Device ownership was prevalent (89% residents, 98% faculty), as was use of smartphones during inpatient rounds (57% residents, 28% attendings). According to self-reports, smartphones were used during rounds for patient care (85% residents, 48% faculty), reading/responding to personal texts/e-mails (37% residents, 12% faculty), and other non-patient care uses (15% residents, 0% faculty). Nineteen percent of residents and 12% of attendings believed they had missed important information because of distraction from smartphones. Residents and faculty agreed that smartphones "can be a serious distraction during attending rounds," and nearly 80% of faculty believed that smartphone policies should be established. CONCLUSIONS Smartphone use during attending rounds is prevalent and can distract users during important information transfer. Attendings strongly favored the institution of formal policies governing appropriate smartphone use during inpatient rounds.
Immunogenicity of a hybrid Plasmodium falciparum, malaria antigen

SUMMARY A recombinant baculovirus-expressed hybrid protein containing epitopes for the C-terminal fragment of the Plasmodium falciparum precursor to the major merozoite surface antigens (PMMSA) and the tetrapeptide repeats of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) was assessed for its immunogenicity. Murine MHC-II restriction of the antibody response to the CSP repeats was not overcome by the PMMSA component, the response to which showed no restriction. In an adjuvant trial the highest antibody titres in rabbits to both components of the hybrid were obtained using Freund's adjuvant. Lack of a boosting antibody response to the CSP repeats appeared to be linked to the conformation of the PMMSA component. Formulation of the hybrid protein into Iscoms gave antibody titres of only short duration to both components.
What Drug Dealers Tell Us about Their Costs of Doing Business

Interviews with low-level drug dealers in New York City reveal that the monetary costs of distributing drugs are modest. Hence, the proportion of sales revenue retained by these sellers is a meaningful indicator of their earnings. There are four distinct types of sellers, with systematic differences across types in the proportion of sales revenue retained. Entrepreneurs who own the drugs they sell retain the largest share (about 50 percent). Independent consignment sellers retain less (about 25 percent). Consignment sellers who operate within fixed selling locations or “spots” retain still less (10 percent), and the sellers who were paid hourly to sell from spots retained the smallest proportion (3 percent). These differences might explain variation in reports of sellers' earnings and may have significant implications for the relative ability of enforcement against spots and enforcement against sellers operating outside of spots to drive up drug prices and suppress drug use.
Validation of the BCIS‐1 Myocardial Jeopardy score using cardiac magnetic resonance perfusion imaging

The recently described angiographic BCIS‐1 Myocardial Jeopardy Score (BCIS‐JS) provides a semi‐quantitative estimate of the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD). It is simple to use and applicable to all patients including those with bypass grafts. Our objective was to validate the BCIS‐JS by evaluating its correlation with myocardial ischaemic burden and its accuracy at predicting a prognostic ischaemic threshold. Seventy‐five patients with angina and known or suspected CAD referred for coronary angiography prospectively underwent high‐resolution CMR perfusion imaging. There was good correlation between the BCIS‐JS and myocardial ischaemic burden: r = 0·75, P<0·0001. Area under the ROC curve for BCIS‐JS to detect ≥12% myocardial ischaemic burden was 0·87 (95% CI 0·78–0·96). BCIS‐JS ≥6 predicted ≥12% myocardial ischaemic burden with a sensitivity of 68% and a specificity of 91%. The BCIS‐JS correlates well with myocardial ischaemic burden. A BCIS‐JS ≥6 predicts the prognostically important ischaemic threshold of 12% with high specificity. These findings demonstrate that the BCIS‐JS has functional relevance and support its utility for classification of CAD burden in clinical trials and in clinical practice.
Spectroscopy of the ground, first and second excited torsional states of acetaldehyde from 0.05 to 1.6 THz

We performed a new study of acetaldehyde spectrum in a broad frequency range from 0.05 to 1.6 THz. In the framework of the rho axis method a fit within experimental error was obtained for the rotational transitions with J≤66 and Ka≤22 of the vt = 0,1,2 states of acetaldehyde. Our results give an opportunity to produce reliable predictions of the acetaldehyde spectrum in the working frequency range of Herschel and ALMA missions.
DIABETIC PAPILLOPATHY IN TYPE II DIABETIC PATIENTS

Purpose To evaluate the patient characteristics and fundus findings of patients with type II diabetes presenting with diabetic papillopathy. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 3,235 patients with diabetes followed in their institution since 1986 and identified the patients with unilateral or bilateral transient disk swelling and without significant deterioration of best-corrected visual acuity. The authors investigated patient demographics, symptoms, fundus findings, ancillary test results, and clinical course of those patients. Results Twenty-four eyes of 16 patients with type II diabetes mellitus met the criteria. Patients had a mean age of 57.1 (±8.8) years and had diabetes mellitus of long duration (mean 10.0 ± 8.6 years). Approximately half of the patients had poor metabolic control. Disk swelling was bilateral in 8 (50%) patients and resolved in an average of 7.8 ± 3.7 months. A total of 13 (54%) eyes had nonproliferative and 2 (8%) eyes had proliferative diabetic retinopathy at presentation. In 4 (17%) eyes retinopathy progression into the proliferative stage occurred and panretinal photocoagulation was performed. Conclusions Diabetic papillopathy may be found in older patients with type II diabetes. Nonproliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy as well as macular edema may also be associated with this disorder.