Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Scanning Electron and Light Microscopic Structure of Bovine Tactile Hair

Bovine tactile hairs in skin samples from the lateral side of the upper lip were examined using scanning electron and light microscopy. The root of these hairs has a variable length and is surrounded by a large sinus located between the internal and the external dermal sheath. With a prominent thickness, the external dermal sheath forms the external wall of the tactile hair and contains many nerves some of which extend into trabeculae. Trabeculae projecting from the internal dermal sheath and attaching to the external dermal sheath with two or more branches are present in the entire sinus. The trabeculae are interconnected by connective tissue sheets that support the integrity of the trabecular organization. The sinus surfaces as well as trabeculae are lined by endothelia. As a result, the bovine tactile hair is truly a cavernous type of tactile hair with a well organized microscopic anatomy. Thus, the bovine tactile hair most likely plays an important role in relatively immobile and insensitive bovine lips.
Genetic Basis of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy

People with epilepsy are at heightened risk of sudden death compared to the general population. The leading cause of epilepsy-related premature mortality is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Postmortem investigation of people with SUDEP, including histological and toxicological analysis, does not reveal a cause of death, and the mechanisms of SUDEP remain largely unresolved. In this review we present the possible mechanisms underlying SUDEP, including respiratory dysfunction, cardiac arrhythmia and postictal generalized electroencephlogram suppression. Emerging studies in humans and animal models suggest there may be an underlying genetic basis to SUDEP in some cases. We will highlight a mounting body of evidence for the involvement of genetic risk factors in SUDEP, with a particular focus on the role of cardiac arrhythmia genes in SUDEP.
A single dose, placebo controlled study of the fully human anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibody adalimumab (D2E7) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To assess the pharmacokinetics, safety profile, and efficacy of the fully human anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) monoclonal antibody adalimumab (D2E7) in patients with long-standing, active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS This was a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study of single intravenous injections of ascending doses (0.5 to 10 mg/kg) of adalimumab in 5 cohorts of 24 patients each (18 adalimumab and 6 placebo in all cohorts except the 0.5 mg/kg cohort of 17 adalimumab, 7 placebo). A total of 120 patients participated (adalimumab 89, placebo 31). The clinical response was measured by changes in composite scores defined by the criteria of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the American College of Rheumatology. RESULTS Single doses of adalimumab showed a rapid onset of clinical effect (24 hours to 1 week), with peak efficacy at 1 to 2 weeks that was sustained for at least 4 weeks and for as long as 3 months in some patients. EULAR response was seen at least once during the 4 week period after drug injection in 29% of patients in the placebo group as well as in 41%, 78%, 72%, 89%, and 100% in the 0.5, 1, 3, 5, and 10 mg/kg groups, respectively. No dose related increases in adverse events were observed in the adalimumab patients compared with the placebo group. Adalimumab systemic drug exposure (AUC0-( )) increased linearly with an increase in dose. The mean total serum clearance was 0.012 to 0.017 l/h, and the steady-state volume of distribution ranged from 4.7 to 5.5 l. The estimated mean terminal half-life ranged from 10.0 to 13.6 days for the 5 cohorts, with an overall mean half-life of 12 days. CONCLUSION Treatment with the fully human Mab adalimumab was safe and well tolerated when administered as a single intravenous injection at doses up to 10 mg/kg, and was associated with a clinically significant improvement in the signs and symptoms of active RA.
Regulation of Host Hemoglobin Binding by the Staphylococcus aureus Clp Proteolytic System

ABSTRACT Protein turnover is a key process for bacterial survival mediated by intracellular proteases. Proteolytic degradation reduces the levels of unfolded and misfolded peptides that accumulate in the cell during stress conditions. Three intracellular proteases, ClpP, HslV, and FtsH, have been identified in the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Consistent with their crucial role in protein turnover, ClpP, HslV, and FtsH affect a number of cellular processes, including metabolism, stress responses, and virulence. The ClpP protease is believed to be the principal degradation machinery in S. aureus. This study sought to identify the effect of the Clp protease on the iron-regulated surface determinant (Isd) system, which extracts heme-iron from host hemoglobin during infection and is critical to S. aureus pathogenesis. Inactivation of components of the Clp protease alters abundance of several Isd proteins, including the hemoglobin receptor IsdB. Furthermore, the observed changes in IsdB abundance are the result of transcriptional regulation, since transcription of isdB is decreased by clpP or clpX inactivation. In contrast, inactivation of clpC enhances isdB transcription and protein abundance. Loss of clpP or clpX impairs host hemoglobin binding and utilization and results in severe virulence defects in a systemic mouse model of infection. These findings suggest that the Clp proteolytic system is important for regulating nutrient iron acquisition in S. aureus. The Clp protease and Isd complex are widely conserved in bacteria; therefore, these data reveal a novel Clp-dependent regulation pathway that may be present in other bacterial pathogens.
The Differential Use and Effect of Knowledge-Based System Explanations in Novice and Expert Judgement Decisions

Explanation facilities are considered essential in facilitating user interaction with knowledge-based systems (KBS). Research on explanation provision and the impact on KBS users has shown that the domain expertise affects the type of explanations selected by the user and the basis for seeking such explanations. The prior literature has been limited, however, by the use of simulated KBS that generally provide only feedback explanations (i.e., ex post to the recommendation of the KBS being presented to the user). The purpose of this study is to examine the way users with varying levels of expertise use alternative types of KBS explanations and the impact of that use on decision making. A total of 64 partner/ manager-level and 82 senior/staff-level insolvency professionals participated in an experiment involving the use of a fully functioning KBS to complete a complex judgment task. In addition to feedback explanations, the KBS also provided feedforward explanations (i.e., general explanations during user input about the relationships between information cues in the KBS) and included definition type explanations (i.e., declarative-level knowledge). The results show that users were more likely to adhere to recommendations of the KBS when an explanation facility was available. Choice patterns in using explanations indicated that novices used feedforward explanations more than experts did, while experts were more likely than novices to use feedback explanations. Novices also used more declarative knowledge and initial problem solving type explanations, while experts used more procedural knowledge explanations. Finally, use of feedback explanations led to greater adherence to the KBS recommendation by experts-a condition that was even more prevalent as the use of feedback explanations increased. The results have several implications for the design and use of KBS in a professional decision-making environment.
Monolithic integration of lateral field-effect rectifier with normally-off HEMT for GaN-on-Si switch-mode power supply converters

A lateral field-effect rectifier (L-FER) that can be fabricated with normally-off transistor on the same AlGaN/GaN HEMT with the same fabrication process has been demonstrated. The L-FER exhibits low turn-on voltage, low specific on-resistance and high reverse breakdown. A prototype of switch-mode dc-dc boost converter that features monolithically integrated L-FER and normally-off HEMT is demonstrated for the first time using industry-standard GaNon-Si epitaxial wafers to prove the feasibility of GaN power integrated technology.
Structure of a signal transduction regulator, RACK1, from Arabidopsis thaliana

The receptor for activated C‐kinase 1 (RACK1) is a highly conserved WD40 repeat scaffold protein found in a wide range of eukaryotic species from Chlamydymonas to plants and humans. In tissues of higher mammals, RACK1 is ubiquitously expressed and has been implicated in diverse signaling pathways involving neuropathology, cellular stress, protein translation, and developmental processes. RACK1 has established itself as a scaffold protein through physical interaction with a myriad of signaling proteins ranging from kinases, phosphatases, ion channels, membrane receptors, G proteins, IP3 receptor, and with widely conserved structural proteins associated with the ribosome. In the plant Arabidopsis thaliana, RACK1A is implicated in diverse developmental and environmental stress pathways. Despite the functional conservation of RACK1‐mediated protein–protein interaction‐regulated signaling modes, the structural basis of such interactions is largely unknown. Here we present the first crystal structure of a RACK1 protein, RACK1 isoform A from Arabidobsis thaliana, at 2.4 Å resolution, as a C‐terminal fusion of the maltose binding protein. The structure implicates highly conserved surface residues that could play critical roles in protein–protein interactions and reveals the surface location of proposed post‐transcriptionally modified residues. The availability of this structure provides a structural basis for dissecting RACK1‐mediated cellular signaling mechanisms in both plants and animals.
The use of a pneumatic leg brace in soldiers with tibial stress fractures--a randomized clinical trial.

STUDY DESIGN Single blind randomized controlled replication study. OBJECTIVES Evaluate the effect of a pneumatic leg brace on return-to-activity and pain in soldiers with tibial stress fractures. METHODS AND MEASURES Thirty-one subjects diagnosed with tibial stress fractures were randomly assigned to either a brace or control group. Dependent variables included time to pain-free single-leg hopping, visual analog pain scale, and time to a pain-free 1-mile run. Twenty subjects (10 brace, 10 control) completed a detailed functional progression culminating in a 1-mile run. RESULTS There was no difference between groups for time to pain-free hop (p > 0.86; power = 0.43) and time to pain-free 1-mile run (p > 0.24; power = 0.92). Subjects in both groups experienced statistically significant improvements in pain measurements (p < 0.002), but no difference was found between groups (p > 0.93). CONCLUSION The current study demonstrated no added benefit of Aircast leg braces in the treatment of tibial stress fractures in the military training environment.
Sequence Analysis of the Four Plasmid Genes Required To Produce the Circular Peptide Antibiotic Microcin J25

ABSTRACT A 4.8-kb plasmid region carrying the four genes mcjABCDnecessary for production of and immunity to the cyclic peptide antibiotic microcin J25 (MccJ25) has been sequenced. mcjAencodes the primary structure of MccJ25 as a precursor endowed with an N-terminal extension of 37 amino acids. The products ofmcjB and mcjC are thought to be involved in microcin maturation, which implies cleavage of McjA and head-tail linkage of the 21-residue pro-MccJ25. The predicted McjD polypeptide, which is highly similar to several ABC exporters, was found to be required for MccJ25 secretion, thus explaining its ability to confer immunity to MccJ25.
Treatment options for refractory depression.

A significant proportion of patients with depressive disorders do not experience a full response with antidepressant treatment. Fortunately, most eventually remit, even though the time to response may be significantly delayed in many patients. A variety of options exist to deal with these difficult clinical situations. Established strategies include switching to an antidepressant of an alternative class (e.g., tricyclic to a monoamine oxidase inhibitor [MAOI] or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI]), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and augmentation with lithium or thyroid hormone. Promising alternatives include combined serotonin and norepinephrine enhancement strategies (e.g., SSRI plus serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor [NSRI] or higher doses of venlafaxine or fluoxetine), steroid suppression therapy, augmentation with atypical antipsychotics, and psychotherapy.
Successful self‐infusion of activated prothrombin complex concentrate for prophylaxis in a child with a factor VIII inhibitor

Regular self‐infusion of an activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC) has been successfully introduced to a 14‐year‐old boy with hemophilia A. The child was diagnosed as a neonate, and at age 7 years, developed a high titer (127 BU/mL) factor VIII inhibitor coincident with a protracted ankle joint bleeding. From age 7–10 years, he received on‐demand therapy using a prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), PROPLEX‐ST. From age 10–14 years, he received prophylaxis with PROPLEX‐ST, initiated after an intracranial hemorrhage and coincident anamnestic inhibitor response. Throughout 7‐year period of PCC treatment, he experienced recurrent bleeding episodes. Self‐prophylaxis with APCC, FEIBA VH [Anti‐inhibitor Coagulant Complex] (50 U/kg/dose three times per week) using infusion pump was initiated at 14 years of age and has continued for 2 years. There were no bleeding, thrombotic events or other adverse events after initiation of this prophylaxis, and inhibitor levels decreased to 1 BU/mL. His quality of life was improved, particularly with respect to school. Our long observation proposes a well‐disciplined home‐based FEIBA prophylaxis in inhibitor‐positive hemophiliacs. Am. J. Hematol. , 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Targeting HER3 with miR-450b-3p suppresses breast cancer cells proliferation

In breast cancer cells, heterodimerization of HER2 and HER3 plays important and dominant roles in the functionality and transformation of HER-mediated pathways, in particular the PI3K/Akt survival pathway. HER3 was considered as a major signaling hub in HER2-amplified cancers. Inhibition of HER3 expression may therefore represent a rational therapeutic approach to breast cancers where HER2/HER3-mediated signaling plays a role in tumorigenesis and progression. miRNAs exerts important roles in regulating gene expressions by binding to and repressing target mRNAs. Here we reported that miRNA-450b-3p inhibits HER3 expression by directly targeting 3′ UTR of HER3 mRNA and represses the downstream signal transductions of HER family. Overexpression of miRNA-450b-3p in SKBR3 cells inhibits cells clonogenic potential and enhances their sensitivity to trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to the HER2 receptor, or doxorubicin through repressing proliferative signal pathways mediated by HER3/HER2/PI3K/AKT. Furthermore, we found that breast cancer patients with tumors that demonstrating upregulated HER3 (>2-fold) and downregulated miR-450b-3p (>2-fold) expressions compared with the paired adjacent non-tumorous tissues showed significantly poorer overall survival (P < 0.05). Our study identified miRNA-450b-3p as a new tumor repressor and also provided some evidences suggesting that downregulation of miR-450b-3p expression with concurrent overexpression of HER3 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for poor overall survival in breast cancer patients.
Maintenance of brain monoamine oxidase B inhibition in smokers after overnight cigarette abstinence.

OBJECTIVE The authors' goal was to replicate a previous finding that smokers have lower brain monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) levels than comparison nonsmoking subjects and to determine if levels recover after overnight cigarette abstinence. METHOD Brain MAO-B levels were measured by means of positron emission tomography in six smokers who were scanned twice: 11.3 hours (baseline) and 10 minutes after smoking one cigarette. RESULTS Average MAO-B levels in smokers in the present study were similar to those found in the previous study and averaged 39% (SD=17) lower than those found in a comparison group of nonsmokers. Brain MAO-B levels did not differ between baseline levels and 10 minutes after smoking. CONCLUSIONS This study reinforces the need to investigate whether MAO-B inhibition may account for some of the behavioral and epidemiological features of smoking.
OVARIAN FOLLICULAR DYNAMICS AND DOMINANCE EFFECT IN SHEEP

Patterns of ovarian follicular development in sheep are characterised by the appearance of antral follicles that grow continuously until they ovulate or become atretic. Throughout reproductive life, different cohorts of follicles are recruited to resume growth and development in an FSH dependent process. The largest follicles in the cohort secrete high levels of inhibin A and oestradiol, causing decreased FSH concentrations. The drop in FSH levels causes the atresia of smaller follicles, whilst a dominant follicle avoids its own regression by shifting its dependence from FSH to LH. However, when LH concentrations remain low, large follicles become critically dependent on FSH without establishing dominance. There is a lack of dominance during the luteal phase of the ovine oestrous cycle, but after luteolysis, when secretion of LH is enhanced by increased secretion of oestradiol from preovulatory follicles, the effect of dominance becomes evident. The mechanism of dominance in sheep is different from that described for cows, in which the dominant follicle inhibits the growth of other follicles in the cohort and avoids the emergence of new follicles. In ewes, the preovulatory follicle inhibits the growth of other follicles present in the ovaries at time of emergence. The recruitment? of follicles, however, is decreased but not inhibited, although their subsequent growth is suppressed. Administration of exogenous FSH in sheep promotes the growth of small follicles to ovulatory sizes, but the presence of a dominant follicle at the start of FSH treatment decreases the number and viability of embryos recovered. This fact could be related to direct inhibitory effects from the dominant follicle at the ovarian level.
Tracking sediment redistribution in a small watershed: implications for agro‐landscape evolution

A new, multi‐tracer method is used to track erosion, translocation, and redeposition of sediment in a small watershed, thus allowing for the ﬁrst time a complete, spatially distributed, sediment balance to be made as a function of landscape position. A 0·68 ha watershed near Coshocton, Ohio, USA was divided into six morphological units, each tagged with one of six rare earth element oxides. Sediment translocation was evaluated by collecting run‐off and by spatially sampling the soil surface. Average measured erosion rate was 6·1 t ha−1, but varied between 40·4 t ha−1 loss from the lower channels to 24·1 t ha−1 gain on the toeslope. With this technique it was possible for the ﬁrst time to itemize the sediment budget for landscape elements into three components: (1) the soil from the element that left the watershed with run‐off; (2) soil from the element that was redeposited on lower positions, with the spatial distribution of that deposition; and (3) soil originating from the upper positions and deposited on the element, with quantiﬁcation of relative source areas. The results are incongruous with the current morphology of the watershed, suggesting that diffusion‐type erosion must also play a major role in deﬁning the evolution of this landscape. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
National survey of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in the haemodialysis population of the UK population.

BACKGROUND Heparin-induced thrombocytopoenia (HIT) type II is an antibody-mediated, drug-induced thrombocytopenia which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Several case reports and small series have described the occurrence of HIT type II in the haemodialysis population and the challenges associated with it. Some of these reports raise the possibility of a recent increase in prevalence of this condition. But to date, there has never been a large study to estimate the prevalence, demography or treatment options for this syndrome in the haemodialysis population. METHODS The renal units in the UK were surveyed to establish the prevalence of HIT type II syndrome in the haemodialysis population. Demographic data for haemodialysis patients with HIT type II syndrome were gathered and current treatments assessed. RESULTS Fifty responses from the 81 UK renal units surveyed were received. The combined population for these units was 13 682 patients on dialysis of whom 10 564 were on maintenance haemodialysis. The prevalence and incidence of HIT type II syndrome in the UK haemodialysis population were 0.26 and 0.32 per 100 patients, respectively. The mean age of the patients with HIT type II syndrome was 62 years (range 22-86), 52% were females and 92% were Caucasians. Only 17% of patients have had complications of HIT syndrome. Thirty-six percent of renal units use danaparoid as anticoagulant of choice for patients on haemodialysis with HIT type II syndrome. CONCLUSION This is the largest survey of HIT type II in the haemodialysis population to date. The prevalence is considerably lower (0.26 per 100 patients) than previous estimates, with only a minority of patients developing complications of the condition. Haemodialysis patients with HIT type II in the UK are predominantly treated with danaparoid.
KEAP1 has a sweet spot: A new connection between intracellular glycosylation and redox stress signaling in cancer cells

ABSTRACT The KEAP1/NRF2 pathway is a master regulator of the redox stress response and is dysregulated in numerous human tumors. We discovered that NRF2 signaling is controlled by the site-specific glycosylation of KEAP1, revealing a potentially broad link among nutrient sensing, proteostasis and stress resistance in both normal and cancer cells.
Special Education in South Korea

The development and current status of special education in South Korea are described and contrasted to that of the United States. South Korean special education was initiated in the 1890s by U.S. missionaries. Later, Japanese influence was considerable, especially on its regular educational programs. Special programs are available for five classifications of disabilities. Its major national special education legislation contains numerous provisions similar to P.L. 94-142. However, various conditions may impede the further development of services, including a high teacher-pupil ratio, the reliance on self-contained programs, negative attitudes toward people with disabilities, and lack of advocacy groups. Further initiatives require considerable research and policy debate among South Koreans.