Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Channel Formation by Yeast F-ATP Synthase and the Role of Dimerization in the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition*♦

Background: Whether channel formation is a general feature of F-ATP synthase dimers across species is unknown. Results: Yeast F-ATP synthase dimers form Ca2+-dependent channels, and the e and g subunits facilitate pore formation in situ through dimerization. Conclusion: F-ATP synthase dimers form the permeability transition pore of yeast. Significance: Ca2+-dependent channel formation is a conserved feature of F-ATP synthases. Purified F-ATP synthase dimers of yeast mitochondria display Ca2+-dependent channel activity with properties resembling those of the permeability transition pore (PTP) of mammals. After treatment with the Ca2+ ionophore ETH129, which allows electrophoretic Ca2+ uptake, isolated yeast mitochondria undergo inner membrane permeabilization due to PTP opening. Yeast mutant strains ΔTIM11 and ΔATP20 (lacking the e and g F-ATP synthase subunits, respectively, which are necessary for dimer formation) display a striking resistance to PTP opening. These results show that the yeast PTP originates from F-ATP synthase and indicate that dimerization is required for pore formation in situ.
Duration of RT-PCR positivity in severe acute respiratory syndrome

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a highly infectious respiratory infection with a high mortality. The duration of infectivity is unknown. The RT-PCR positivity for SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) was followed in 45 virologically confirmed SARS patients. Serial RT-PCRs for SARS-CoV were performed in the nasopharyngeal aspirate, stool and urine of 45 SARS patients who survived until discharge. All patients had at least one site that was positive for SARS-CoV on presentation. Time to RT-PCR conversion was studied in all patients. There were 15 males (33.3%) and 30 females (66.7%), with a mean±sd age of 40.7±14.7 yrs. The median (range) time of RT-PCR conversion was 30 days (2–81). On discharge from the hospital, 18 (40%) remained RT-PCR positive in at least one site. For patients with positive RT-PCR on discharge, the median (range) time to RT-PCR conversion after discharge was 13 days (2–60). A significant proportion of severe acute respiratory syndrome patients remained RT-PCR positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus for a substantial duration after discharge. The clinical significance is unknown and this finding merits further study. It is prudent to advise patients to adhere to strict personal hygiene on discharge until RT-PCR becomes negative.
Predoctoral implant education in U.S. dental schools.

PURPOSE In 2002, a survey of American dental schools was conducted to determine the curricular structure, teaching philosophies, and materials used in predoctoral implant dentistry courses. MATERIALS AND METHODS The questionnaire was mailed to the predoctoral implant dentistry director/chairperson of 54 U.S. dental schools. Of these, 38 schools returned the completed survey resulting in a response rate of 70%. RESULTS Eighty-four percent of the respondents indicated that an implant dentistry course is part of their school's requirements. Seventy percent indicated that this course is offered by either the Restorative or Prosthodontics Department in the third year of the predoctoral dental curriculum. For 75% of the schools, the duration of the course ranged from 3 to 6 months (mean of 5.5 months), 57% reported offering between 11 and 20 lecture hours (mean of 20.4 hours), and less than half of the schools (41%) have prosthodontists teaching the predoctoral implant dentistry course. In 78% of the schools, a laboratory course is offered in conjunction with the implant course. The majority of the schools (88%) allow predoctoral students to restore implant cases clinically. Seventy-three percent require some of the implant-related laboratory work to be completed by the students and the single-tooth implant restoration is the most popular type of implant restoration for 78% of the schools. CONCLUSIONS Predoctoral implant dentistry educational programs vary from school to school, yet a large percentage of schools agree on certain topics.
Natural Disasters and Agriculture: Individual Risk Preferences towards Flooding

This study contributes to the understanding of behavioural responses to climate change induced extreme weather events. It suggest a microeconometric method for measuring flooding related risk preferences of affected individuals. The method is outlined using the empirical case of agricultural production in floodplains of the UK over 28 years. A quasi-experimental approach to measure differences in the risk attitudes of farmers located in high flooding risk areas versus farmers located in low flooding risk areas is followed. Changes in flooding risk related behaviour over time is analysed and marginal effects of different individual and disaster related characteristics for this behaviour are investigated. Beside a moments based risk estimation approach the study also applies a dynamic panel estimator. The estimates suggest that the average farmer located in a high flooding risk area is prepared to pay about 6% more of his profit for insuring against the higher risk of flooding compared to farmers in low flooding risk areas. The significance of considering individual risk preferences for an efficient flood policy design is discussed using the example of voluntary agreements for the maintainance of flood defences. Die folgende Studie untersucht individuelle Verhaltensanderungen im Hinblick auf Klima induzierte extreme Wetterereignisse. Es wird eine mikrookonometrische Methode zur Messung Flutungsbedingter Risikopraferenzen vorgeschlagen. Die Methode wird exemplarisch am Fall landwirtschaftlicher Produktion in England fur einen Zeitraum von 28 Jahren aufgezeigt. Es wird ein quasi-experimenteller Ansatz verfolgt um Unterschiede in den Risikopraferenzen von Landwirten in Gebieten mit geringem Flutungsrisiko und solchen in Gebieten mit hohem Flutungsrisiko zu untersuchen. Anderungen in Flutungsrisiko bezogenem Verhalten im Zeitablauf sowie die marginalen Effekte verschiedener Charakteristiken und Faktoren werden beleuchtet. Neben einem ‚moments based‘ Schatzansatz wird ebenso ein dynamischer Panel Schatzer verwandt.
Effects of functional electrical stimulation on gait function and quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis taking dalfampridine.

BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) can adversely affect gait, causing gait slowing, loss of balance, decreased functional mobility, and gait deficits, such as footdrop. Current treatments for gait dysfunction due to MS are pharmacologic, using dalfampridine, or orthotic, using an ankle-foot orthosis. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) to the fibular nerve stimulates active dorsiflexion and provides an alternative treatment for gait dysfunction caused by footdrop. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of FES on gait function and the impact of MS on walking and quality of life for people with MS taking a stable dalfampridine dose. METHODS Participants demonstrating gait slowing and footdrop completed the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) test, 6-Minute Walk (6MW) test, GaitRite Functional Ambulation Profile, 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12), and 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey (SF-36) at screening without FES; the measures were repeated with FES at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. RESULTS Twenty participants (8 men and 12 women) completed this unblinded case series study. The mean age, duration of MS, and time taking dalfampridine were 51.7, 15.8, and 1.4 years, respectively. Changes from screening to baseline and screening to 3 months were analyzed. Significant improvement was noted from screening to baseline for the MSWS-12 (P = .024) and SF-36 Physical Function domain (P = .028) and from screening to 3 months for the T25FW (P = .015), MSWS-12 (P = .003), and SF-36 Physical Function (P = .032) and Role Limitation-Physical Health (P = .012) domains. CONCLUSIONS Improvements above those induced pharmacologically suggest that FES can augment pharmacologic intervention and significantly improve gait function, decrease the impact of MS on walking, and improve quality of life for people with MS.
Assessment of the relationship between functional capacity and right ventricular ultrasound tissue characterization by integrated backscatter in patients with isolated mitral stenosis.

AIM The aim of the present study was to investigate right ventricular (RV) myocardial textural properties in asymptomatic and symptomatic mitral stenosis (MS) patients with normal RV systolic function using integrated backscatter (IBS). METHODS The study included 40 patients with MS of moderate or severe degree. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to NYHA class (asymptomatic group, NYHA class I, symptomatic group, NYHA class II-III). RV pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and IBS analyses were performed in all patients. Isovolumic contraction time (IVCT), systolic wave velocity (S), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), early diastolic wave velocity (E), and late diastolic wave velocity (A) were measured by TDI. IBS amplitude (IB) and cyclic variation (CV) of the RV lateral wall in the parasternal long-axis view were measured by IBS. CV was calculated by subtracting systolic IB from diastolic IB. RESULTS IVRT (54.2 +/- 11.9 ms versus 86.2 +/- 16.2 ms, P < 0.001) and A wave amplitude (10.2 +/- 2.1 cm/s versus 13.6 +/- 1.8 cm/s, P < 0.05) were higher whereas E wave amplitude (11.7 +/- 1.6 cm/s and 10.3 +/- 1.5 cm/s, P < 0.05) and E/A ratio (1.3 +/- 0.3 versus 0.7 +/- 0.1, P < 0.001) were lower in group 2. Symptomatic patients had a lower CV value of RV (9.5 +/- 3.4 dB versus 6.7 +/- 1.9 dB, P = 0.004). There was a positive correlation between CV and E/A (r = 0.964, P < 0.001) CONCLUSION Symptomatic isolated MS patients had RV echo texture changes and diastolic dysfunction in comparison to asymptomatic ones with similar mitral valve areas in the presence of normal RV systolic function. In isolated MS, both pulsed-wave TDI and IBS may aid in the detection of RV diastolic pathology.
A non-ring-like form of the Dam1 complex modulates microtubule dynamics in fission yeast

The Dam1 complex is a kinetochore component that couples chromosomes to the dynamic ends of kinetochore microtubules (kMTs). Work in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has shown that the Dam1 complex forms a 16-unit ring encircling and tracking the tip of a MT in vitro, consistent with its cellular function as a coupler. Dam1 also forms smaller, nonring patches in vitro that track the dynamic ends of MTs. However, the identity of Dam1’s functional form in vivo remains unknown. Here we report a comprehensive in vivo characterization of Dam1 in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In addition to their dense localizations on kinetochores and spindle MTs during mitosis, we identify that Dam1 is also localized onto cytoplasmic MTs as discrete spots in interphase, providing the unique opportunity to analyze Dam1 oligomers at the single-particle resolution in live cells. Such analysis shows that each oligomer contains one to five copies of Dam1, and is able to “switch-rail” while moving along MTs, precluding the possibility of a 16-unit encircling structure. Dam1 patches track the plus ends of the shortening, but not the elongating, MTs and retard MT depolymerization. Together with Mal3, the EB1-like MT-interacting protein, cytoplasmic Dam1 plays an important role in maintaining proper cell shape. In mitosis, kinetochore-associated Dam1 appears to facilitate kMT depolymerization. Together, our findings suggest that patches, instead of rings, are the physiologically functional forms of Dam1 in pombe. Our findings help establish the benchmark parameters of the Dam1 coupler and elucidate the mechanism of its functions.
Scheduling of Droop Coefficients for Frequency and Voltage Regulation in Isolated Microgrids

This paper details a procedure based on bifurcation theory to evaluate the impact that droops and primary reserve scheduling have on the microgrid stability. The methodology is based on finding the worst primary reserve share-that is, the share closest to instability-that can be found after rescheduling the droops of selected generating units that support frequency (and voltage) regulation. The solution-which consists of a measure of the distance to instability in a given direction-is found in a multi-parameter space endowed with coordinates corresponding to the droop coefficients. Two stages are proposed to achieve the solution. First, an investigation of the distance to bifurcation is computed in a one-dimensional parameter space in a defined search direction. Then the direction of this search is updated by calculating the normal vector at the found bifurcation point. The procedure is iteratively repeated until the closest bifurcation is found. The proposed approach is analyzed in a 69-bus and 11-generation unit isolated microgrid. It is shown through the analysis of some scenarios how the distances and normal vectors provide valuable insight on the correct scheduling from the stability point of view, giving advice on how the primary reserve should be more reliably scheduled.
The Progression of Inflammation Parallels the Dermal Angiogenesis in a Keratin 14 IL‐4‐Transgenic Model of Atopic Dermatitis

The role angiogenesis plays in atopic dermatitis is not well understood. The authors previously demonstrated ultrastructurally dermal microvascular angiogenesis in the IL‐4‐transgenic mouse model of atopic dermatitis. Here, they determine the angiogenic factors involved in dermal microvascular angiogenesis, regulatory function of inflammatory cytokines on the VEGF‐A production, and microvascular permeability in this model. Computer‐assisted photometric analyses for immunofluorescence‐labeled CD31 demonstrated a progressive increase in blood vessel number, diameter, and percent dermal areas occupied by CD31+ vessels as the disease evolves in transgenic mice from before disease onset through early and late skin lesions. Similar findings were documented for VEGR2+ vessels. Quantification of skin angiogenic factor mRNAs showed progressive increase of transcripts of VEGF‐A, but not VEGF‐B, VEGF‐C, or VEGF‐D. ELISA showed a similar increase of VEGF‐A in the serum and skin of transgenic mice. IL‐6 and IFN‐γ stimulated VEGF‐A mRNA production in the skin and in primary keratinocytes of transgenic mice. Other skin angiogenic factors that increased included Ang‐1, Ang‐2, GBP‐1, and VE‐cadherin. Microvascular leakage began in the transgenic mouse skin before disease onset and peaked in the late stage. In conclusion, IL‐6 and IFN‐γ may play important roles in upregulation of VEGF‐A, along with other pro‐angiogenic factors, to induce dermal microvascular angiogenesis.
Random Forests Classification Analysis for the Assessment of Diagnostic Skill

Mechanisms are needed to assess learning in the context of graduate medical education. In general, research in this regard is focused on the individual learner. At the level of the group, learning assessment can also inform practice-based learning and may provide the foundation for whole systems improvement. The authors present the results of a random forests classification analysis of the diagnostic skill of rheumatology trainees as compared with rheumatology attendings. A random forests classification analysis is a novel statistical approach that captures the strength of alignment of thinking between student and teacher. It accomplishes this by providing information about the strength and correlation of multiple variables.
Processo de remoção de endotoxinas de soros hiperimunes : filtração em membranas de afinidade

Apesar das medidas preventivas serem tomadas durante as etapas de producao ou purificacao de soros hiperimunes, esses podem vir a ser contaminados com endotoxinas (ET), um tipo de pirogenio liberado pela parede de bacterias Gram-negativas. Endotoxinas produzem uma reacao febril quando injetado em humanos ou outros mamiferos. , podendo ocasionar a morte em alguns casos. Desta forma, a sua concentracao em solucoes a serem administradas parenteralmente deve ser reduzida a niveis toleraveis pelo organismo. Neste trabalho, para a remocao de ET de soros antiofidicos, utilizou-se o metodo de filatrcao em membranas de afinidade com o aminoacido histidina imobilizado em fibras ocas de alcool poli etileno vinilico (PEV A). Histidina imobilizada neste tipo de suporte apresentou pseudo-bioafinidade por anticorpos (IgG) do soro e ET. Para evitar competicoes entre estas duas moleculas pelo ligante imobilizado, foi avaliada a adsorcao de anticorpos do soro nestas membranas de afinidade a fim de determinar as melhores condicoes nas quais ET pudessem ser removidas sem implicar em adsorcao significativa de anticorpos do soro antiofidico. As condicoes menos favoraveis para a adsorcao de anticorpos ocorreram nas solucoes tamponantes acetato a pH 6,0 e fosfato pH 6,5. Testes foram realizados para determinar qual destas solucoes promoveria uma maior remocao de ET, porem em presenca de tampao acetato, obteve-se uma reducao mais significativa. Encontrada a solucao que favoreceu a remocao deste pirogenio, estudou-se a influencia das variaveis QF/Qr (vazao do filtrado/vazao da alimentacao) e da concentracao inicial de ET na etapa de retencao atraves de um planejamento estatistico experimental. A razao QF/QI nao apresentou efeito significativo na retencao de ET e a quantidade deste pirogenio retida nas membranas aumentou de acordo com a sua concentracao inicial na solucao (quanto maior a concentracao de ET (1000 EU/rnL), maior a quantidade retida por unidade de area de membrana (190 EU/cm2». A remocao media de ET alcancada no processo foi de 92%, sequida de uma recuperacao total de anticorpos em tomo de 90%. Constatou-se tambem que a quantidade maxima de adsorcao das membranas de afinidade nao foi atingida e que para baixas concentracoes de pirogenios, a remocao foi quase total (99%), enquanto que o aumento na concentracao de anticorpos na solucao nao provocou alteracoes na quantidade de ET removida Abstract
Predicting Problematic Internet Use in Men and Women: The Contributions of Psychological Distress, Coping Style, and Body Esteem

Problematic Internet use (PIU) is becoming a prevalent and serious problem among college students. Rates of PIU are higher in men, which may be due to psychological variables, such as comorbid psychological disorders and beliefs about one's body. We examined the ability of psychological distress, coping style, and body esteem to predict levels of PIU in men and women in a sample of 425 undergraduate students (46.8 percent male; mean age = 19.0, SD = 1.7). For men, phobic anxiety, wishful thinking, and overweight preoccupation were significant predictors of increased PIU. For women, depression, keeping to oneself, and decreased tension reduction were associated with increased PIU. The findings suggest that men and women may have different psychological reasons for excessive Internet use, including different types of psychological distress and coping styles. Unlike women, men may use the Internet because of weight concerns.
Clinical evaluation and management of myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a syndrome of fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness that worsens with use and improves with rest. Eye, facial, oropharyngeal, axial, and limb muscles may be involved in varying combinations and degrees of severity. Its etiology is heterogeneous, divided initially between those rare congenital myasthenic syndromes, which are genetic, and the bulk of MG, which is acquired and autoimmune. The autoimmune conditions are divided in turn between those that possess measurable serum acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies and a smaller group that does not. The latter group includes those MG patients who have serum antibodies to muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). Therapeutic considerations differ for early‐onset MG, late‐onset MG, and MG associated with the presence of a thymoma. Most MG patients can be treated effectively, but there is still a need for more specific immunological approaches. Muscle Nerve 29: 484–505, 2004
Efficiency optimization inject current characteristic of laser diode for wireless power transmission

The high intensity laser power beaming (HILPB) system is one of the most promising system in the field of long-rang wireless power transfer. In HILPB system, the high power laser diode (LD) is employed for its excellent character of high efficiency, high reliability and small size. Normally, LD can operate in two different driving modes: the continuous mode and the pulse mode. The injected current has a direct effect on the electrical-optical conversion efficiency of LD. This paper centers around LD model to investigate the influence of the different driving modes on the efficiency of LD in order to maximize the efficiency of LD, and thus increase the deliver power density of the HILPB system. The efficiencies of LD in the two driving modes are evaluated by means of simulations and experiments. The experimental results are shown to verify the theoretical analysis.
Diagnosis and management of the overlap syndromes of autoimmune hepatitis.

BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis may have cholestatic features that are outside the classical phenotype and that resemble findings in other immune-mediated liver diseases. These cholestatic phenotypes have been designated 'overlap syndromes'. OBJECTIVES To recognize the overlap syndromes in adults and manage them appropriately. METHODS The MEDLINE database was reviewed for published experiences from 1984 to 2013. RESULTS Patients with autoimmune hepatitis may exhibit features of primary biliary cirrhosis (7% to 13%), primary sclerosing cholangitis (6% to 11%) or a cholestatic syndrome without other diagnostic features (5% to 11%). These mixed phenotypes may represent classical autoimmune hepatitis with atypical features, transition states in the evolution of classical cholestatic syndromes, concurrent separate diseases or pathogenically distinct disorders. The 'Paris criteria' have been endorsed for the diagnosis of the overlap syndrome with primary biliary cirrhosis, and treatment with conventional immunosuppressive therapy alone or in combination with low-dose ursodeoxycholic acid can be guided by the serum alkaline phosphatase level. The overlap syndrome with primary sclerosing cholangitis or with cholestasis without diagnostic features is commonly treated with immunosuppressive therapy and ursodeoxycholic acid. Responses are variable and commonly incomplete (20% to 100% improvement) depending on the degree of cholestasis. DISCUSSION The overlap syndromes are clinical descriptions rather than pathological entities, and the dominant component of the disease determines its designation and therapy. Cholestatic findings in autoimmune hepatitis influence the response to immunosuppressive therapy. CONCLUSION The overlap syndromes must be considered in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and cholestatic findings, concurrent inflammatory bowel disease or steroid-refractory disease.