Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Curli, Fibrous Surface Proteins ofEscherichia coli, Interact with Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Molecules

ABSTRACT Curli are thin, coiled fibers expressed on the surface ofEscherichia coli that bind several matrix and plasma proteins such as fibronectin, laminin, plasminogen, tissue plasminogen activator, and H-kininogen. In this work, we examined the interactions between curli-expressing E. coli and human major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) and class II (MHC-II) molecules. Curliated E. coli was found to interact with an MHC-I-expressing lymphoma cell line as shown by scanning electron microscopy, whereas the binding to a mutant variant of this cell line expressing small amounts of MHC-I molecules was significantly lower. Moreover, curli-expressing E. coli bound purified radiolabeled MHC-I but not MHC-II molecules, whereas an isogenic curli-deficient mutant strain showed no affinity for either MHC-I or MHC-II. Purified insoluble curli could also bind125I-labeled MHC-I molecules, and in Western blot experiments the 15-kDa curlin subunit protein bound intact MHC-I molecules as well as β2-microglobulin, the light chain of MHC-I molecules. A direct interaction between monomeric MHC-I molecules and a bacterial surface protein has previously not been reported. The binding of curli to MHC-I molecules, which are present on virtually all cells in higher vertebrates, will provide curliated E. coliwith ample opportunities to interact with a great variety of hosts and host cells. This should facilitate the adaptation of E. coli to different ecological niches, and in human infections the interaction between curli and MHC-I molecules could contribute to adherence and colonization.
PK-4: Complex Plasmas in Space—The Next Generation

PK-4 is an experiment designed to investigate complex plasmas in a combined dc/RF discharge under microgravity conditions on board of the International Space Station. The dc discharge is produced in a glass tube with a length of 35 cm and a diameter of 3 cm. In addition, an RF discharge can be applied by external RF coils. The setup is especially suited for studying the liquid phase of the complex plasmas, e.g., flow phenomena such as turbulence or nozzles, and forces acting on the microparticles. Experiments in the laboratory and in parabolic flights have been used to determine the charge of the microparticles as well as the ion drag force acting on them
PNPLA3 and TNF-α G238A Genetic Polymorphisms in Egyptian Patients with Different Grades of Severity of NAFLD

Introduction: There is growing evidence that genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated the association of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs738409 in PNPLA3 gene and TNF-α G238A polymorphism with the development and severity of NAFLD in an overweight and obese Egyptian population. Material and Methods: 100 overweight and obese patients with NAFLD and 30 control subjects were enrolled. All NAFLD patients underwent a confirmatory biopsy. Laboratory investigations included fasting plasma glucose, kidney and liver function tests, liver enzymes, lipid profile and hepatitis markers. Abdominal ultrasound was performed and all subjects were genotyped for (rs738409) PNPLA3 and (rs361525) TNF-α gene polymorphisms using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The homozygous GG genotype of the PNPLA3 was most frequent among patients with NASH (26%) as compared to borderline NASH (20.5%) and simple steatosis (20%). Higher serum levels of transaminases were observed in NAFLD patients and controls who were carriers of the G allele of rs738409, but this was not statistically significant. Regarding the TNF-α G238A SNP; the frequency of the A allele was significantly higher in NAFLD patients (20%) compared to controls (5%) (p value = 0.006). The highest TNF G allele frequency was observed in the NASH group (88%) and this was statistically significant (p value = 0.009). Conclusion: Our study confirmed the association of the PNPLA3 (rs738409) and TNF-α promoter region G238A polymorphisms with susceptibility to NAFLD and its progression.
Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Analysis of Postoperative Morbidity

• Between 1980 and 1986, 101 nondissecting thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) were repaired at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Overall mortality was 15% with a 9.6% mortality for elective repair. Nonfatal complications occurred in 44% of patients and included myocardial infarction in 9%, paraplegia in 5%, and renal failure in 4%. In an attempt to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with TAAA repair, one of our vascular surgical services set up a routine protocol of preoperative evaluation, standardized operative technique, and specific guidelines for perioperative management. Fifty-five of the 101 patients underwent elective repair on this service without the use of shunts or bypass. Mortality was reduced to 1.8% and the rate of myocardial infarction was reduced to 1.8%; none of these patients developed renal failure. However, paraplegia/paraparesis still occurred in 5.4% and pulmonary insufficiency occurred in 29%. Preoperative cardiac evaluation and intraoperative reduction of cardiac afterload are important factors in reducing myocardial infarction and death associated with TAAA repair and should be integrated into the management of these patients. However, preexisting pulmonary and renal disease in some patients may limit the surgeon's ability to reduce rates of some complications. ( Arch Surg 1988;123:871-875)
What triggers causal attributions? The impact of valence and subjective probability.

Various field studies and experimental simulations demonstrated that causal reasoning increases after unexpected as well as after unpleasant events. However, unpleasant events are seen as less likely than pleasant ones in everyday life. Accordingly, the subjective probability of the event and its hedonic quality were naturally confounded in these studies. To isolate the contribution of both determinants, the subjective probability and the valence of an event were independently manipulated in a laboratory experiment. Subjects completed an ostensible ‘professional skills test’ and received either success or failure feedback in relation to a criterion set by the experimenter. The subjective probability of success was varied by informing subjects about the distribution of success and failure in a comparable population (either 23 per cent or 77 per cent were said to meet the criterion). The results indicate a pronounced valence effect: The iniensity of causal reasoning and the number of possible reasons reported for the outcome was greater after negative than after positive feedback, independent of the a priori probability of the outcome. No evidence for an increase in causal explanations after unexpected, as compared to expected, events was obtained. Several mediating processes are discussed.
Risk assessment for healthcare workers after a sentinel case of rabies and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND After a case of rabies, healthcare workers (HCWs) had fear of contagion from the infected patient. Although transmission of rabies to HCWs has never been documented, high-risk exposures theoretically include direct contact of broken skin and/or mucosa with saliva, tears, oropharyngeal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, and neural tissue. Urine/kidney exposure posed a concern, as our patient's renal transplant was identified as the infection source. METHODS Our risk assessment included (1) identification of exposed HCWs; (2) notification of HCWs; (3) risk assessment using a tool from the local health department; (4) supplemental screening for urine/kidney exposure; and (5) postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) when indicated. RESULTS A total of 222 HCWs including diverse hospital staff and medical trainees from university affiliates were evaluated. Risk screening was initiated within 2 hours of rabies confirmation, and 95% of HCWs were assessed within the first 8 days. There were 8 high-risk exposures related to broken skin contact or mucosal splash with the patient's secretions, and 1 person without high-risk contact sought and received PEP outside our hospital. Nine HCWs (4%) received PEP with good tolerance. Due to fear of rabies transmission, additional HCWs without direct patient contact required counseling. There have been no secondary cases after our sentinel rabies patient. CONCLUSIONS Rabies exposure represents a major concern for HCWs and requires rapid, comprehensive risk screening and counseling of staff and timely PEP. Given the lack of human-to-human rabies transmission from our own experience and the literature, a conservative approach seems appropriate for providing PEP to HCWs.
A PBX1 transcriptional network controls dopaminergic neuron development and is impaired in Parkinson's disease

Pre‐B‐cell leukemia homeobox (PBX) transcription factors are known to regulate organogenesis, but their molecular targets and function in midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDAn) as well as their role in neurodegenerative diseases are unknown. Here, we show that PBX1 controls a novel transcriptional network required for mDAn specification and survival, which is sufficient to generate mDAn from human stem cells. Mechanistically, PBX1 plays a dual role in transcription by directly repressing or activating genes, such as Onecut2 to inhibit lateral fates during embryogenesis, Pitx3 to promote mDAn development, and Nfe2l1 to protect from oxidative stress. Notably, PBX1 and NFE2L1 levels are severely reduced in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and decreased NFE2L1 levels increases damage by oxidative stress in human midbrain cells. Thus, our results reveal novel roles for PBX1 and its transcriptional network in mDAn development and PD, opening the door for new therapeutic interventions.
The impact of the AIDS epidemic on older persons

The impact of the worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic extends well beyond persons with HIV or AIDS. Noninfected family members are especially vulnerable. Much attention is being directed to the plight of AIDS orphans, the children of persons with AIDS, and rightly so.Yet most adults who die of AIDS have parents who survive them and who are often affected by their son’s or daughter’s illness and death in profound and consequential ways. Since adults with AIDS are typically in their 20s and 30s, their parents tend to be in their 50s, 60s and 70s, and they constitute a substantial population of older persons who are very directly impacted by the epidemic.
Short term effects of air pollution on health: a European approach using epidemiologic time series data: the APHEA protocol.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Results from several studies over the past five years have shown that the current levels of pollutants in Europe and North America have adverse short term effects on health. The APHEA project aims to quantifying these in Europe, using standardised methodology. The project protocol and analytical methodology are presented here. DESIGN: Daily time series data were gathered for several air pollutants (sulphur dioxide; particulate matter, measured as total particles or as the particle fraction with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than a certain cut off, or as black smoke; nitrogen dioxide; and ozone) and health outcomes (the total and cause specific number of deaths and emergency hospital admissions). The data included fulfilled the quality criteria set by the APHEA protocol. SETTING: Fifteen European cities from 10 different countries with a total population over 25 million. METHODOLOGY: The APHEA collaborative group decided on a specific methodological procedure to control for confounding effects and evaluate the hypothesis. At the same time there was sufficient flexibility to allow local characteristics to be taken into account. The procedure included modelling of all potential confounding factors (that is, seasonal and long term patterns, meteorological factors, day of the week, holidays, and other unusual events), choosing the "best" air pollution models, and applying diagnostic tools to check the adequacy of the models. The final analysis used autoregressive Poisson models allowing for overdispersion. Effects were reported as relative risks contrasting defined increases in the corresponding pollutant levels. Each participating group applied the analyses to their own data. CONCLUSIONS: This methodology enabled results from many different European settings to be considered collectively. It represented the best available compromise between feasibility, comparability, and local adaptibility when using aggregated time series data not originally collected for the purpose of epidemiological studies.
The thermal model of Fin-FET transistor

This paper shows the thermal analyses of the latest 12 nm FinFET transistors. The simulated structure was based on the chips developed and applied in modern devices designed in Samsung 14 nm Samsung Low Power Early technology. The structure, which is taken into consideration, is the fourfold FinFET transistor including its ambient. In order to simplification of the analysis, the assumption related to the lack of the heat propagation between each of the FinFET cells is used. In the paper, the specification of the analysed chip, the die layers and the material parameters of these dies are pointed. Moreover, the thermal model description is presented. The temperature simulation results using the Finite Difference Method are shown and discussed. The paper is crowned by the conclusions and the brief list of the future research plans.
The tautomeric state of N(4)-hydroxy- and of N(4)-amino-cytosine derivatives.

The tautomeric equilibria of N(4)-hydroxy- and N(4)-amino-1-methylcytosine have been studied by comparing their i.r. , u.v. , and n.m. r. spectra and their dissociation constants with those of methylated derivatives. In water, N(4)-hydroxy-1-methylcytosine is predominantly in the oximino-form, with KTca. 10, whereas the N(4)-amino-compound has KTca. 30 in favour of the hydrazino-form. The possible significance of these results to hydroxylamine and hydrazine mutagenesis is discussed.
Reproducibility of Cerebrospinal Venous Blood Flow and Vessel Anatomy with the Use of Phase Contrast–Vastly Undersampled Isotropic Projection Reconstruction and Contrast-Enhanced MRA

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency hypothesis raises interest in cerebrospinal venous blood flow imaging, which is more complex and less established than in arteries. For accurate assessment of venous flow in chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency diagnosis and research, we must account for physiologic changes in flow patterns. This study examines day-to-day flow variability in cerebrospinal veins by use of 4D MR flow and contrast-enhanced MRA under typical, uncontrolled conditions in healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were scanned in a test-retest fashion by use of a 4D flow MR imaging technique and contrast-enhanced MRA. Flow parameters obtained from phase contrast-vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction and contrast-enhanced MRA scoring measurements in the head, neck, and chest veins were analyzed for internal consistency and interscan reproducibility. RESULTS: Internal consistency was satisfied at the torcular herophili, with an input-output difference of 2.2%. Percentages of variations in flow were 20.3%, internal jugular vein; 20.4%, azygos vein; 6.8%, transverse sinus; and 5.1%, common carotid artery. Retrograde flow was found in the lower internal jugular vein (4.8%) and azygos vein (7.2%). Contrast-enhanced MRA interscan κ values for the internal jugular vein (left: 0.474, right: 0.366) and azygos vein (−0.053) showed poor interscan agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Phase contrast–vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction blood flow measurements are reliable and highly reproducible in intracranial veins and in the common carotid artery but not in veins of the neck (internal jugular vein) and chest (azygos vein) because of normal physiologic variation. Retrograde flow normally may be observed in the lower internal jugular vein and azygos vein. Low interrater agreement in contrast-enhanced MRA scans was observed. These findings have important implications for imaging diagnosis and experimental research of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency.
Molecular Circadian Oscillators: An Alternative Hypothesis

Results from experiments in different organisms have shown that elements of input pathways can themselves be under circadian control and that outputs might feed back into the oscillator. In addition, it has become clear that there might be redundancies in the generation of circadian rhythmicity, even within single cells. In view of these results, it is worth reevaluating our current working hypotheses about the pacemaker's molecular mechanisms and the involvement of single autoregulatory genes. On one hand, redundancies in the generation of circadian rhythmicity might make the approach of defining a discrete circadian oscillator with the help of single gene mutations extremely difficult. On the other hand, many examples show that components of signal transduction pathways can indeed be encoded by single genes. The authors have constructed a model placing an autoregulatory gene and its products on an input pathway feeding into a separate oscillator. The behavior of this model can explain the majority of results of molecular circadian biology published to date. In addition, it shows that different qualities of the circadian system might be associated with different cellular functions that can exist independently and, only if put together, will lead to the known circadian phenotype.
Spectral Radiance Estimates of Leaf Area and Leaf Phytomass of Small Grains and Native Vegetation

Similarities and/or dissimilarities in radiance characteristics were studied among barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oats (Avena fatua L.), spring and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and shortgrass prairie vegetation. The site was a Williams loam soil (fine-loamy mixed, Typic Argiborolls) near Sidney, Montana. Radiances were measured with a truck-mounted radiometer. The radiometer was equipped with four wavelength bands: 0.45 to 0.52, 0.52 to 0.60, 0.63 to 0.69, and 0.76 to 0.90 , ¿m. Airborne scanner measurements were made at an altitude of 600 m four times during the season under clear sky conditions. The airborne scanner was equipped with the same four bands as the truck-mounted radiometer plus the following: 1.00 to 1.30, 1.55 to 1.75, 2.08 to 2.35, and 10.4 to 12.5 ¿m. Comparisons using individual wave bands, the near IR/red ((0.76 to 0.90 ¿m)/(0.63 to 0.69 ¿m)) ratio and the normalized difference vegetation index (ND=(IR-red)/(IR+red)) showed that only only during limited times during the growing season were some of the small grains distinguishable from one another and from native rangeland vegetation. There was a common relation for all small grains between leaf area index and green leaf phytomass and between leaf area index or green leaf phytomass and the IR/red ratio.
Association of stellate mammographic pattern with survival in small invasive breast tumors.

OBJECTIVE We tested whether the stellate mammographic pattern of presentation of small breast tumors is a better indicator of survival than other patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with primary invasive breast cancer diagnosed in 1993-1997 were grouped according to the size of the lesion: 0.1-0.9 cm and 1.0-1.4 cm. Each tumor was placed in one of five mammographic prognostic categories: stellate without calcifications; circular without calcifications; and calcifications with or without tumor mass in a casting, crushed-stone, or other (powdery, punctuate, or round) pattern. To assess reproducibility, a second radiologist gave an independent interpretation in the first 109 cases. Descriptive data were stratified by tumor size, and tests of association were done with an extension of Fisher's exact test. Odds ratios and confidence intervals were computed. Weighted log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare breast cancer survival in the stellate group compared with the other groups. RESULTS Two hundred one consecutive patients with a median follow-up period of 7.4 years were identified. There were nine breast cancer deaths. The stellate morphologic pattern was most common (91 [45.3%] of 201 cases), yet there was only one breast cancer death in this group (survival rate, 98.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 96.7-100%). In the group of stellate lesions smaller than 1.0 cm, 67.6% (25/37) of the tumors were well-differentiated without lymph node metastasis (30 [96.8%] of 31 cases), and there were no deaths. In the group of stellate lesions measuring 1.0-1.4 cm, 66.7% (36/54) of the tumors were well-differentiated with a 19.6% risk of lymph node metastasis, one death, and a survival rate of 98.1% (52/53; 95% CI, 94.4-100%). Circular tumors accounted for 29.9% (60/201) of tumors and 55.6% (5/9) of breast cancer deaths. Casting and crushed-stone microcalcifications were associated with 33.3% (3/9) of disease-specific deaths. A weighted kappa value of 0.89 (CI, 0.83-0.94) indicated very high agreement of pattern assignment. CONCLUSION Stellate tumors had a significantly better survival prognosis than tumors with other patterns even though there were no differences in treatment. By recognizing these small malignant lesions, trained radiologists may be able to identify tumors that pose negligible risk of breast cancer death.
Population pharmacokinetics of amphotericin B in children with malignant diseases.

AIMS To construct a population pharmacokinetic model for the antifungal agent, amphotericin B (AmB), in children with malignant diseases. METHODS A two compartment population pharmacokinetic model for AmB was developed using concentration-time data from 57 children aged between 9 months and 16 years who had received 1 mg kg(-1) day(-1) doses in either dextrose (doseform=1) or lipid emulsion (doseform=2). P-Pharm (version 1.5) was used to estimate the basic population parameters, to identify covariates with significant relationships with the pharmacokinetic parameters and to construct a Covariate model. The predictive performance of the Covariate model was assessed in an independent group of 26 children (the validation group). RESULTS The Covariate model had population mean estimates for clearance (CL), volume of distribution into the central compartment (V) and the distributional rate constants (k12 and k21) of 0.88 l h(-1), 9.97 l, 0.27 h(-1) and 0.16 h(-1), respectively, and the intersubject variability of these parameters was 19%, 49%, 55% and 48%, respectively. The following covariate relationships were identified: CL (l h(-1)) = 0.053 + 0.0456 weight (0.75) (kg) + 0.242 doseform and V (l) = 7.11 + 0.107 weight (kg). Our Covariate model provided unbiased and precise predictions of AmB concentrations in the validation group of children: the mean prediction error was 0.0089 mg l(-1) (95% confidence interval: -0.0075, 0.0252 mg l(-1)) and the root mean square prediction error was 0.1245 mg l(-1) (95% confidence interval: 0.1131, 0.1349 mg l(-1)). CONCLUSIONS A valid population pharmacokinetic model for AmB has been developed and may now be used in conjunction with AmB toxicity and efficacy data to develop dosing guidelines for safe and effective AmB therapy in children with malignancy.