Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlation between the Osmotic Second Virial Coefficient and the Solubility of Proteins

A correlation between the osmotic second virial coefficient and the solubility of proteins is derived from classical thermodynamics to support an empirical relation previously found by Wilson and co‐workers ( 1 ). The model is based on the equality of fugacities of the protein in the equilibrium phases, with the details of the model depending on the standard state used. The parameters in this model have been fitted to data for several systems, mainly with lysozyme as the protein. The model is found to describe experimental data, with variations in protein concentration, salt type and concentration, temperature, and pH, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Agreement between the model and the experimental data is very good for protein solubilities up to 30 mg/mL. Above this value the model underpredicts the experimental data, probably as a result of multibody interactions that are not included in the model here. Variations of the model parameters with protein type, temperature, pH, and salt type are discussed.
University of Alberta Base Station Positioning and Relocation in Wireless Sensor Networks by Parisa Dehleh

Base station (BS) positioning is considered an effective method to improve the performance of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). The goal of this dissertation is to minimize total energy consumption and to prolong lifetime of a WSN. First, the idea of the BS positioning in WSNs through our exhaustive search algorithm is evaluated; where it is shown that the BS position has an undeniable effect on the energy efficiency and lifespan of a WSN. Then, a metric‐aware optimal BS positioning and relocation mechanism for WSNs is proposed. This technique locates the BS with respect to the available energy resources and the amount of traffic travelling through the sensor nodes at the time. Moreover, a BS relocation technique is presented in response to the dynamic environment that the sensor nodes operate in. Specifically, two optimization strategies based on the value of the path loss exponent are analyzed as weighted linear or nonlinear least squares minimization problems. Lastly, a distributed algorithm is proposed that can effectively handle the required computation by exploiting the nodes’ cooperation. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed BS positioning and relocation method can significantly improve the lifespan and energy efficiency in WSNs.
A 15q13.3 homozygous microdeletion associated with a severe neurodevelopmental disorder suggests putative functions of the TRPM1, CHRNA7, and other homozygously deleted genes

We identified a novel homozygous 15q13.3 microdeletion in a young boy with a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe visual impairment, hypotonia, profound intellectual disability, and refractory epilepsy. The homozygous deletion of the genes within this deleted region provides a useful insight into the pathogenesis of the observed clinical phenotype. Absence of the Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel, Subfamily M, Member 1 (TRPM1) gene product is proposed as a possible mechanism for the severe visual impairment; absence of CHRNA7 (alpha7‐nicotinic receptor subunit) as a cause of the refractory seizures and severe cognitive impairment; and deletion of MTMR10 and/or MTMR15 (encoding myotubularin related proteins) alone or combined with other homozygously deleted genes as a cause for the congenital hypotonia with areflexia. The distinctive clinical findings in this patient reveal potential functions of the genes within the deleted region. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modular Verification of Data Abstractions with Shared Realizations

Presents a method for the modular specification and verification of data abstractions in which multiple abstract objects share a common realization level data structure. Such shared realizations are an important implementation technique for data abstractions, because they provide for efficient use of memory; i.e., they allow the amount of memory allocated to the realization of an abstract object to be dynamic, so that only the amount of memory needed for its realization is allocated to it at any one time. To be explicit, an example of this kind of data abstraction is given. Although a number of programming languages provide good support for shared realizations, there has been limited research on its specification and verification. An important property of The authors' method is that it allows data abstractions to be dealt with modularly; i.e., each data abstraction can be specified and verified individually. Its abstract specification is made available for use by other program modules, but all of its implementation details are hidden, which simplifies the verification of code that uses the abstraction. The authors have developed semantics for data abstractions and their method of specification, and have used it to prove that their verification method is logically sound and relatively complete in the sense of Cook (1978). The use of shared realizations impacts specification and verification in several related ways. The manipulation of one abstract object may inadvertently produce a side effect on other abstract objects. Without shared realizations, such unwanted side effects can be prevented by scoping rules, but this is not possible with shared realizations. Instead, the absence of such side effects must be explicitly proven by the verification method. This requires the specification language to provide for quantification over the currently active (allocated) instances of an abstract type that is not necessary for the specification of less advanced implementations of data abstractions. >
Monoclonal ImmunoradiometricAssay and Polyclonal Radioimmunoassay Compared for Measuring Neuron-Specific Enolase in Patients with Lung Cancer

Bordet, 1000 Brussels, Belgium (address for correspondence). 1For the European Lung Cancer Working Party. Participating centers and members: Institut Jules Bordet, Bruxelles (J. Klastersky, J. J. Body, J. P. Sculier, P. Van Houtte, P. Mommen, M. Paesmans); C.H. U. de Nante8 (G. Dabouis, N. Donnadieu, H. Lacroix, M. Fiche); Groupe Medical Saint-Remy, Reims (G. Bureau, J. M. Faupin, J. B. Jonet, F. Masure, M. Monteau, P. Birembaut); Hopital de Warquignies, Boussu (P. Libert, M. Riches); H#{244}pital d’Hayange, Hayange (M. C. Berchier); Climque Saint-Luc, Bouge-Namur (M. Mairesse, 0. Van Cutsem); Hopital Civil de Charleroi, Charleroi (J. Thiriaux, J. Lecomte); H#{244}pital Brugmann, Bruxelles (J. Schmerber);I.M. C. des Mutualit#{233}s Socialistes de Tournai (A. Tagnon); C.H. U. Andr#{233} Vesale, Montignies-le-Tilleul (D. Broh#{233}e); and HOpital de la Madeleine, Ath (P. Raves). 3Nonstandard abbreviations: NSE, neuron-specific enolase; SCLC, small-cell lung cancer; NSCLC, non-small-cell lung cancer, and IRMA, immunoradiometric assay. Received June 25, 1991; accepted February 21, 1992. CLIN. CHEM.38/5, 748-751 (1992)
Exploring meso-/microporous composite molecular sieves with core-shell structures.

A series of core-shell-structured composite molecular sieves comprising zeolite single crystals (i.e., ZSM-5) as a core and ordered mesoporous silica as a shell were synthesized by means of a surfactant-directed sol-gel process in basic medium by using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a template and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as silica precursor. Through this coating method, uniform mesoporous silica shells closely grow around the anisotropic zeolite single crystals, the shell thickness of which can easily be tuned in the range of 15-100 nm by changing the ratio of TEOS/zeolite. The obtained composite molecular sieves have compact meso-/micropore junctions that form a hierarchical pore structure from ordered mesopore channels (2.4-3.0 nm in diameter) to zeolite micropores (≈0.51 nm). The short-time kinetic diffusion efficiency of benzene molecules within pristine ZSM-5 (≈7.88×10(-19) m(2) s(-1)) is almost retainable after covering with 75 nm-thick mesoporous silica shells (≈7.25×10(-19) m(2) s(-1)), which reflects the greatly opened junctions between closely connected mesopores (shell) and micropores (core). The core-shell composite shows greatly enhanced adsorption capacity (≈1.35 mmol g(-1)) for large molecules such as 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene relative to that of pristine ZSM-5 (≈0.4 mmol g(-1)) owing to the mesoporous silica shells. When Al species are introduced during the coating process, the core-shell composite molecular sieves demonstrate a graded acidity distribution from weak acidity of mesopores (predominant Lewis acid sites) to accessible strong acidity of zeolite cores (Lewis and Brønsted acid sites). The probe catalytic cracking reaction of n-dodecane shows the superiority of the unique core-shell structure over pristine ZSM-5. Insight into the core-shell composite structure with hierarchical pore and graded acidity distribution show great potential for petroleum catalytic processes.
Analysis of nitrate regulatory protein NarL‐binding sites in the fdnG and narG operon control regions of Escherichia coli K‐12

During anaerobic growth, expression of the fdnGHI and narGHJI operons of Escherichia coli is induced by the NarL protein in response to nitrate. The fdnG operon control region contains four NarL‐binding sites (termed NarL heptamers) between positions −70 and −130. The two central NarL heptamers of fdnG are arranged as an inverted repeat and are essential for regulation by NarL. We used mutational analysis of these central heptamers to investigate the precise sequence requirements for NarL‐dependent induction. Mutations were examined for their effects on NarL‐dependent expression in vivo. Substitutions at position 1 of either heptamer had the strongest effect whereas substitutions at position 7 had the weakest effect. For some positions, alterations in both heptamers had a stronger effect than either of the single changes. The 2 bp spacing between these NarL heptamers was also important for normal nitrate induction. The narG operon control region has at least eight NarL heptamers arranged in two groups. Previous work has shown that nucleotide substitutions in two of these heptamers, centred at positions −195 and −89, severely reduce nitrate induction of narG operon expression in vivo and significantly interfere with NarL–DNA interactions in vitro. Substitutions in heptamers −185 and −101 affected narG operon induction only when the concentration of phospho‐NarL was low (during growth in the presence of nitrite). Changes in each of the other four NarL heptamers studied had little or no effect on nitrate or nitrite induction of narG operon expression or on NarL–DNA interactions in vitro
Radiological and cosmetic improvement 2 years after brace weaning—a case report

In the early international literature, up to now only very few cases are reported with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and a significant improvement of Cobb angle after conservative management. In the recent literature the possibility of an improvement of Cobb angle at skeletal maturity after brace treatment is mentioned no more. The application of physiotherapy and braces is widely rejected while the standards of conservative measures differ greatly worldwide. So it seems necessary more than ever to present the possibility of successful conservative measures nowadays. More detailed case reports with long-term follow-up using defined protocols are needed to provide appropriate standards for replication by others. The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the possibility of significant improvement of curvature angle and cosmesis after the application of long-term physiotherapy and brace treatment in a girl with a curve of more than 50° where spontaneous resolving is not usual. A pre-menarchial girl (although being Risser 2) with a Cobb angle of 53° was treated by exercises and curve-specific bracing for more than 3 years. Two years after the start of the weaning period, the Cobb angle was 36° with a marked and stable cosmetic improvement at the age of 18 years. This case report shows that conservative treatment can improve both cosmesis and curvature in immature patients with AIS. The results of such treatment is appreciated by the patients because of the significant reduction of the truncal deformity as documented by surface topography.
Mobile Phones as a Potential Vehicle of Infection in a Hospital Setting

The objective of this article is to investigate the potential role of mobile phones as a reservoir for bacterial colonization and the risk factors for bacterial colonization in a hospital setting. We screened 226 staff members at a regional Australian hospital (146 doctors and 80 medical students) between January 2013 and March 2014. The main outcomes of interest were the types of microorganisms and the amount of contamination of the mobile phones. This study found a high level of bacterial contamination (n = 168/226, 74%) on the mobile phones of staff members in a tertiary hospital, with similar organisms isolated from the staff member's dominant hand and mobile phones. While most of the isolated organisms were normal skin flora, a small percentage were potentially pathogenic (n = 12/226, 5%). Being a junior medical staff was found to be a risk factor for heavy microbial growth (OR 4.00, 95% CI 1.54, 10.37). Only 31% (70/226) of our participants reported cleaning their phones routinely, and only 21% (47/226) reported using alcohol containing wipes on their phones. This study demonstrates that mobile phones are potentially vehicles for pathogenic bacteria in a hospital setting. Only a minority of our participants reported cleaning their phones routinely. Disinfection guidelines utilizing alcohol wipes should be developed and implemented.
M ar 2 01 0 Asymptotics of 4 d spin foam models

We study the asymptotic properties of four-simplex amplitudes for various four-dimensional spin foam models. We investigate the semi-classical limit of the Ooguri, Euclidean and Lorentzian EPRL models using coherent states for the boundary data. For some classes of geometrical boundary data, the asymptotic formulae are given, in all three cases, by simple functions of the Regge action for the four-simplex geometry.
Motor Cortex Stimulation for the Enhancement of Recovery from Stroke: A Prospective, Multicenter Safety Study

OBJECTIVE: Functional magnetic resonance imaging and transcranial magnetic stimulation studies suggest that human cortex shows evidence of neuroplasticity. Preclinical studies in rats and monkeys suggest that motor cortical stimulation can enhance plasticity and improve recovery after stroke. This study assesses the safety and preliminary efficacy of targeted subthreshold epidural cortical stimulation delivered concurrently with intensive rehabilitation therapy while using an investigational device in patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke. METHODS: This is a prospective, multicenter, and nonblinded trial randomizing patients to rehabilitation with or without cortical stimulation. Patients aged 20 to 75 years who had had an ischemic stroke at least 4 months previously causing persistent moderate weakness of the arm were included. Functional magnetic resonance imaging localized hand motor function before surgery to place an epidural cortical electrode. Both groups then underwent rehabilitation for 3 weeks after which the electrode was removed. Outcome measures were obtained at baseline, during therapy, and at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postprocedure. RESULTS: Ten patients were randomized; six patients to surgery, four to the control group. No patient deaths, neurological deterioration, or seizures occurred. There were two infections from nonprotocol-related causes. Of the eight patients completing the treatment, the stimulation plus rehabilitation group improved significantly better than controls in the Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer (P = 0.003 overall) and the hand function score of the Stroke Impact Scale (P = 0.001 overall). CONCLUSION: The technique of cortical stimulation to enhance stroke recovery is well tolerated and safe.
Head neck squamous cell carcinoma c‐Met+ cells display cancer stem cell properties and are responsible for cisplatin‐resistance and metastasis

c‐Met, the tyrosine kinase receptor for hepatocyte growth factor, is overexpressed in a variety of tumors in which it plays a central role in malignant transformation. Although c‐Met has also been determined to be a critical signaling molecule in normal stem cell function, the potential role of c‐Met as a single marker for cancer stem cells (CSCs) has not been previously examined. In our study, we reported that human head neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells expressing c‐Met were capable of self‐renewal and of generating tumors that recapitulate the heterogeneity of the parental tumors, and isolation of HNSCC cells using a second marker CD44 could further enhance upon the in‐vivo tumorigenicity. We also reported that c‐Met+ HNSCC cells could readily make spherical colonies in nonadherent culture conditions, in contrast, c‐Met− population did not; these spherical colonies could be passaged multiple times without loss of colony‐forming capability. Furthermore, we showed that c‐Met+ HNSCC cells have increased expression of self‐renewal pathways are spared by cisplatin treatment and are responsible for mediating metastasis. These results indicated that c‐Met could serve as a novel marker for CSCs at least in HNSCC, and the highly chemoresistant and metastatic capabilities of c‐Met+ HNSCC population make them an important cell type to better define and understand their function.
Endogenous IL‐15 might be responsible for early protection by natural killer cells against infection with an avirulent strain of Salmonella choleraesuis in mice

Interleukin (IL)‐15 is a novel cytokine with growth factor activity for T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells (NK cells). We investigated the role of IL‐15 in the host defense against infection with avirulent Salmonella choleraesuis strain 31N‐1 cured of 50‐kb virulent plasmid. IL‐15 was abundantly expressed at transcription and protein levels in macrophages infected with S. choleraesuis 31N‐1. The number of NK cells in the infected sites was increased during the course of infection coincident with IL‐15 production. Anti‐IL‐15 mAb administration inhibited the emergence of NK cells and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) production in serum after infection with S. choleraesuis 31N‐1 and concurrently impaired the clearance of the bacteria. These results suggested that IL‐15 might be responsible for protection against avirulent S. choleraesuis infection at early stage of infection through activation of NK cells in the infected sites. J. Leukoc. Biol. 66: 382–390; 1999.
Pica in the mentally handicapped: a 15-year surgical perspective.

OBJECTIVE To review the general surgical management of mentally handicapped persons with pica. DESIGN A study of hospital records and a review of the current literature. SETTING A community hospital. PATIENTS Thirty-five patients from a large institution for the mentally handicapped were treated for well-documented pica on 56 occasions at the Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital between 1976 and 1991. INTERVENTIONS Endoscopy and laparotomy for the removal of foreign bodies or to close perforations. RESULTS Fourteen (25%) cases of pica were managed by observation only, but 42 (75%) cases required surgical intervention. There were 34 laparotomies. The complication rate was 30% and the death rate 11%. CONCLUSIONS Pica is a serious health risk for mentally handicapped patients. Diagnosis and postoperative care can be difficult. Pica should be suspected in mentally handicapped patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Anterior disc excision with interbody fusion in cervical spondylotic myelopathy and rizopathy.

URGICAL removal of ruptured cervical discs that protrude posterolaterally has usually been handled by partial laminectomy and foraminotomy, which provide a satisfactory nerve root decompression2 ,1~ In central cervical disc protrusion, the posterior approach may result in damage to the spinal cord during the manipulation necessary for removal of the protruded disc. The results of this type of decompression in cases of cervical spondylosis with severe neurological deficit have been very unfavorable, with a high incidence of postoperative morbidity. Since the disc protrusion or the bony ridge is located anteriorly in the spinal canal, the anterior approach developed by Smith and Robinson 2~ and by Cloward 6 seems more mechanically and anatomically sound;not only is the intervertebral disc removed, but bony stabilization is also achieved. However, the results published during the last few years are very contradictory and vary from 100% improvement 11 to 65%. r This variance has prompted us to review our series of 59 patients with cervical spondylosis admitted to the Neurosurgical Department of Karolinska Hospital during the last 7 years and operated on by the technique developed by Cloward?
KSHV/HHV8-negative Effusion-based Lymphoma, a Distinct Entity Associated With Fluid Overload States

Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV8)-positive effusion-based lymphomas have been termed primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) in the WHO Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues. Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)/HHV8-negative effusion-based lymphomas (KSHV/HHV8-negative EBLs) resembling PELs have been reported in the literature and in many cases have been (mis)classified as PEL-like lymphomas. Herein, we present a series of cases and a review of KSHV/HHV8-negative EBLs. This lymphoma, although cytomorphologically resembling PEL, is a distinct entity with characteristic clinical and pathologic features. Patients are older, generally human immunodeficiency virus negative and not immunosuppressed, frequently hepatitis C positive compared with the population baseline, and often have an underlying medical condition leading to fluid overload. The lymphoma cells express pan-B-cell antigens in 86.7%, and CD20 is expressed in 71.1% of the cases. The lymphoma is often of germinal center B or mixed germinal center B/activated B-cell signature with the Hans classifier, and Epstein-Barr virus is positive in nearly 30% of cases. Rare T-cell lymphomas were also reported. Clinical outcomes and response to therapy, including isolated aspiration, are relatively favorable compared with cases of PEL. We suggest that HHV8-negative effusion-based lymphoma is a distinct entity associated with fluid overload states.
Time to Spread Your Wings: A Review of the Avian Ancient DNA Field

Ancient DNA (aDNA) has the ability to inform the evolutionary history of both extant and extinct taxa; however, the use of aDNA in the study of avian evolution is lacking in comparison to other vertebrates, despite birds being one of the most species-rich vertebrate classes. Here, we review the field of “avian ancient DNA” by summarising the past three decades of literature on this topic. Most studies over this time have used avian aDNA to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships and clarify taxonomy based on the sequencing of a few mitochondrial loci, but recent studies are moving toward using a comparative genomics approach to address developmental and functional questions. Applying aDNA analysis with more practical outcomes in mind (such as managing conservation) is another increasingly popular trend among studies that utilise avian aDNA, but the majority of these have yet to influence management policy. We find that while there have been advances in extracting aDNA from a variety of avian substrates including eggshell, feathers, and coprolites, there is a bias in the temporal focus; the majority of the ca. 150 studies reviewed here obtained aDNA from late Holocene (100–1000 yBP) material, with few studies investigating Pleistocene-aged material. In addition, we identify and discuss several other issues within the field that require future attention. With more than one quarter of Holocene bird extinctions occurring in the last several hundred years, it is more important than ever to understand the mechanisms driving the evolution and extinction of bird species through the use of aDNA.