Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Charge density study of N-acetyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester monohydrate derived from CCD area detector data.

The crystal structure, thermal vibrations and electron density of the peptide N-acetyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester monohydrate, C(13)H(17)NO(4). H(2)O, have been analysed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data collected at 110 K with Mo Kalpha radiation to a resolution of (sinstraight theta/lambda)(max) = 1.1 Å(-1). A CCD area detector was used to collect 98 393 data during one week. A multipolar atom density model was fitted against the 10 189 unique data with I > 2sigma(I) [R(F) = 0.027, wR(F) = 0.020, g.o. f. = 0.65] in order to map the valence electron distribution. These deformation densities compare very well with those obtained from conventional diffractometers equipped with scintillation detectors. This work shows that area detectors permit charge density studies in a more routine way than is possible with conventional diffractometers.
Long-term Effects of Pancreas Transplantation on Diabetic Retinopathy and Incidence and Predictive Risk Factors for Early Worsening

Background Limited data are available regarding the long-term effects of pancreas transplantation on the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and the incidence and associated risk factors for early worsening of DR. Methods Patients who underwent successful pancreas transplantation between January 2007 and October 2015 and were followed for 1 year or longer were consecutively enrolled. Variables regarding demographic, systemic, metabolic, and surgical factors were reviewed for each patient. DR progression was defined as (i) development or aggravation of macular edema requiring intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and/or (ii) progression of DR severity requiring panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) and/or pars planar vitrectomy (PPV). Early worsening was defined as progression within 1 year of posttransplant. Results Three hundred three eyes of 153 patients were included in the analysis. At the pretransplant ocular evaluation, 221 eyes (72.9%) showed advanced DR with history of PRP and/or PPV. During a mean follow-up period of 4.2 years, 62 eyes (20.5%) experienced DR progression, and early worsening was noted in 57 eyes (18.8%). DR with recent PRP within pretransplant 1 year and pancreas transplant alone were significant risk factors for early worsening. Conclusions In 4 of 5 patients who received pancreas transplant, the degree of DR remained stable over time after transplantation. Meanwhile, early worsening of DR could occur in patients at risk, particularly within the first posttransplant year. We suggest that physicians should have a high index of suspicion and carefully monitor for early worsening of DR and timely manage possible ocular deterioration.
Gene expression profiling of astrocytes from hyperammonemic mice reveals altered pathways for water and potassium homeostasis in vivo

Acute hyperammonemia (HA) causes cerebral edema and brain damage in children with urea cycle disorders (UCDs) and in patients in acute liver failure. Chronic HA is associated with developmental delay and mental retardation in children with UCDs, and with neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with chronic liver failure. Astrocytes are a major cellular target of hyperammonemic encephalopathy, and changes occurring in these cells are thought to be causally related to the brain edema of acute HA. To study the effect of HA on astrocytes in vivo, we crossed the Otcspf mouse, a mouse with the X‐linked UCD ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, with the hGFAP‐EGFP mouse, a mouse selectively expressing green fluorescent protein in astrocytes. We used FACS to purify astrocytes from the brains of hyperammonemic and healthy Otcspf/GFAP‐EGFP mice. RNA isolated from these astrocytes was used in microarray expression analyses and qRT‐PCR. When compared with healthy littermates, we observed a significant downregulation of the gap‐junction channel connexin 43 (Cx43) the water channel aquaporin 4 (Aqp4) genes, and the astrocytic inward‐rectifying potassium channel (Kir) genes Kir4.1 and Kir5.1 in hyperammonemic mice. Aqp4, Cx43, and Kir4.1/Kir5.1 are co‐localized to astrocytic end‐feet at the brain vasculature, where they regulate potassium and water transport. Since, NH4+ ions can permeate water and K+‐channels, downregulation of these three channels may be a direct effect of elevated blood ammonia levels. Our results suggest that alterations in astrocyte‐mediated water and potassium homeostasis in brain may be key to the development of the brain edema. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multimodality Therapy in the Treatment of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world, causing more than one million deaths each year. The incidence and mortality rates are highest in the United States and Europe and continue to increase in developing nations. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80 to 85% of all new cases of lung cancer. The majority of patients with NSCLC present with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Although the prognosis of advanced NSCLC is very poor, current chemotherapy combinations have been shown to improve 1-year survival and quality of life for these patients. Approximately one third of patients with NSCLC are diagnosed with locally advanced disease. Although cure rates are modest and variable in locally advanced NSCLC, multimodality therapy (chemotherapy in combination with surgery or radiotherapy) has resulted in statistically significant improvement in 5-year survival when compared with surgery or radiotherapy alone. Patients with early-stage NSCLC have the best long-term survival rates following surgical resection; however, systemic recurrences remain a problem in the majority of these patients. The rationale for treating patients with early-stage NSCLC with combined-modality therapy (chemotherapy and surgery) is compelling, and several randomized trials are currently in progress. Although progress has been slow, when we consider the recent advances in smoking prevention, smoking cessation, staging classification, imaging and diagnostic techniques, screening and therapeutic modalities, and multidisciplinary care, as well as in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of lung cancer, the future, in my opinion, is very promising.
The Effects of Attention on Age-related Relational Memory Deficits: fMRI Evidence from a Novel Attentional Manipulation

Numerous studies have documented that older adults (OAs) do not perform as well as young adults (YAs) when task demands require the establishment or retrieval of a novel link between previously unrelated information (relational memory: RM). Nonetheless, the source of this age-related RM deficit remains unspecified. One of the most widely investigated factors is an age-related reduction in attentional resources. To investigate this factor, previous researchers have tested whether dividing YAs' attention during encoding equated their RM performance to that of OAs. However, results from these studies failed to replicate the age-related RM impairment observed in aging. The current study investigated whether a reduction in attentional resources for processing of relational information (i.e., relational attention) underlies age-related RM deficits. Using fMRI, we examined whether the effect of reduced attentional resources for processing of relational information is similar to that observed in aging at both behavioral and neural levels. The behavioral results showed that reduced attentional resources for relational information during encoding equated YAs RM performance to that of OAs. Furthermore, the fMRI results demonstrated that both aging, as well as reductions in relational attention in YAs, significantly reduced activity in brain areas associated with successful RM formation, namely, the ventrolateral and dorsolateral PFC, superior and inferior parietal regions, and left hippocampus. Such converging evidence from behavioral and neuroimaging studies suggests that a reduction in attentional resources for relational information is a critical factor for the RM deficit observed in aging.
A stochastic model of bipolar resistive switching in metal-oxide-based memory

A stochastic model of the resistive switching mechanism in bipolar metal-oxide-based resistive random access memory (RRAM) is presented. The distribution of electron occupation probabilities obtained is in agreement with previous work. In particular, a low occupation region is formed near the cathode. Our simulations of the temperature dependence of the electron occupation probability near the anode and the cathode demonstrate a high robustness of the low occupation region. This result indicates that a decrease of the switching time with increasing temperature cannot be explained only by reduced occupations of the vacancies in the low occupation region, but is related to an increase of the mobility of the oxide ions. A hysteresis cycle of a RRAM simulated with our stochastic model is in good agreement with experimental results.
Self-assembled MmsF proteinosomes control magnetite nanoparticle formation in vitro

Significance Magnetotactic bacteria produce morphologically precise magnetite nanoparticles within organelles termed “magnetosomes. ” Biomineralization proteins tightly regulate crystallization of these nanoparticles. A master protein regulator of particle morphology in vivo, magnetosome membrane specific F (MmsF), has recently been discovered. In this study, we purified MmsF and two homologous proteins from Magnetospirillum magneticum strain AMB-1. MmsF imposes strict control over the formation of magnetite nanoparticles when added to chemical precipitation reactions, whereas the highly similar homologues produce alternative iron oxides with less desirable magnetic properties. Remarkably, these intrinsic membrane proteins with three membrane-spanning regions are water-soluble and self-assemble in vitro into nanoscale “proteinosomes. ” We speculate that self-assembly exists in vivo and might be required for the activity of the protein. Magnetotactic bacteria synthesize highly uniform intracellular magnetite nanoparticles through the action of several key biomineralization proteins. These proteins are present in a unique lipid-bound organelle (the magnetosome) that functions as a nanosized reactor in which the particle is formed. A master regulator protein of nanoparticle formation, magnetosome membrane specific F (MmsF), was recently discovered. This predicted integral membrane protein is essential for controlling the monodispersity of the nanoparticles in Magnetospirillum magneticum strain AMB-1. Two MmsF homologs sharing over 60% sequence identity, but showing no apparent impact on particle formation, were also identified in the same organism. We have cloned, expressed, and used these three purified proteins as additives in synthetic magnetite precipitation reactions. Remarkably, these predominantly α-helical membrane spanning proteins are unusually highly stable and water-soluble because they self-assemble into spherical aggregates with an average diameter of 36 nm. The MmsF assembly appears to be responsible for a profound level of control over particle size and iron oxide (magnetite) homogeneity in chemical precipitation reactions, consistent with its indicated role in vivo. The assemblies of its two homologous proteins produce imprecise various iron oxide materials, which is a striking difference for proteins that are so similar to MmsF both in sequence and hierarchical structure. These findings show MmsF is a significant, previously undiscovered, protein additive for precision magnetite nanoparticle production. Furthermore, the self-assembly of these proteins into discrete, soluble, and functional “proteinosome” structures could lead to advances in fields ranging from membrane protein production to drug delivery applications.
Diagnosis of Elevator Faults with LS-SVM Based on Optimization by K-CV

Several common elevator malfunctions were diagnosed with a least square support vector machine (LS-SVM). After acquiring vibration signals of various elevator functions, their energy characteristics and time domain indicators were extracted by theoretically analyzing the optimal wavelet packet, in order to construct a feature vector of malfunctions for identifying causes of the malfunctions as input of LS-SVM. Meanwhile, parameters about LS-SVM were optimized by K-fold cross validation (KCV). After diagnosing deviated elevator guide rail, deviated shape of guide shoe, abnormal running of tractor, erroneous rope groove of traction sheave, deviated guide wheel, and tension of wire rope, the results suggested that the LS-SVM based on K-CV optimization was one of effective methods for diagnosing elevator malfunctions.
Self-Organizing Hierarchical Particle Swarm Optimization of Correlation Filters for Object Recognition

Advanced correlation filters are an effective tool for target detection within a particular class. Most correlation filters are derived from a complex filter equation leading to a closed form filter solution. The response of the correlation filter depends upon the selected values of the optimal trade-off (OT) parameters. In this paper, the OT parameters are optimized using particle swarm optimization with respect to two different cost functions. The optimization has been made generic and is applied to each target separately in order to achieve the best possible result for each scenario. The filters obtained using standard particle swarm optimization (PSO) and hierarchal particle swarm optimization algorithms have been compared for various test images with the filter solutions available in the literature. It has been shown that optimization improves the performance of the filters significantly.
The Factor Structure of the Polish-Language Version of the Romantic Beliefs Scale

The aim of the present study was to investigate the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Polish adaptation of Romantic Beliefs Scale (RBS; Sprecher & Metts, 1989). In a sample of 414 Polish university students aged 19-25 (227 females and 187 males), the factor structure of the original English version was confirmed for the four subscales: Love Finds a Way, One and Only, Idealization, and Love at First Sight. The present study provides evidence that the 15-item version of the Polish adaptation of the (RBS) possesses a factor structure and psychometric properties comparable to the English-language version of RBS. It was shown to be a reliable self-report measure for romantic beliefs within a sample of the Polish population. The development of a new Polish measure of romantic beliefs has provided further validation for the RBS, and provided evidence in support of the ideology of romanticism in various populations, and indicated the importance of differentiating between the different types of romantic beliefs.
Application of a Motor Learning Treatment for Speech Sound Disorders in Small Groups

Speech sound treatment in the public schools is often conducted in small groups, but there are minimal data on the efficacy of group treatment. This study evaluated the efficacy of a motor learning-based treatment (Concurrent Treatment) provided to elementary-school students in small groups. Concurrent Treatment incorporates the randomized sequencing of various practice tasks (e.g., words, sentences, or storytelling) and can result in rapid speech sound acquisition during individual treatment settings. Twenty-eight 6- to 9-year-old children participated in a randomized pretest–posttest control group design. The experimental group received Concurrent Treatment, while the control group received treatment (if needed) after the study. Participants in the experimental group acquired their target speech sounds within 40 30-minute sessions in groups of up to four participants (effect size, d = 1.31).
Spectrum and prevalence of FP/TMEM127 gene mutations in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.

CONTEXT Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are genetically heterogeneous neural crest-derived neoplasms. We recently identified germline mutations of the novel transmembrane-encoding gene FP/TMEM127 in familial and sporadic pheochromocytomas consistent with a tumor suppressor effect. OBJECTIVES To examine the prevalence and spectrum of FP/TMEM127 mutations in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas and to test the effect of mutations in vitro. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We sequenced the FP/TMEM127 gene in 990 individuals with pheochromocytomas and/or paragangliomas, including 898 previously unreported cases without mutations in other susceptibility genes from 8 independent worldwide referral centers between January 2009 and June 2010. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based method was developed to screen for large gene deletions in 545 of these samples. Confocal microscopy of 5 transfected mutant proteins was used to determine their subcellular localization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The frequency and type of FP/TMEM127 mutation or deletion was assessed and correlated with clinical variables; the subcellular localization of 5 overexpressed mutants was compared with wild-type FP/TMEM127 protein. RESULTS We identified 19 potentially pathogenic FP/TMEM127 germline mutations in 20 independent families, but no large deletions were detected. All mutation carriers had adrenal tumors, including 7 bilateral (P = 2.7 × 10(-4)) and/or with familial disease (5 of 20 samples; P = .005). The median age at disease onset in the FP/TMEM127 mutation group was similar to that of patients without a mutation (41.5 vs 45 years, respectively; P = .54). The most common presentation was that of a single benign adrenal tumor in patients older than 40 years. Malignancy was seen in 1 mutation carrier (5%). Expression of 5 novel FP/TMEM127 mutations in cell lines revealed diffuse localization of the mutant proteins in contrast with the discrete multiorganelle distribution of wild-type TMEM127. CONCLUSIONS Germline mutations of FP/TMEM127 were associated with pheochromocytoma but not paraganglioma and occurred in an age group frequently excluded from genetic screening algorithms. Disease-associated mutations disrupt intracellular distribution of the FP/TMEM127 protein.
Development and optimization of boswellic acid-loaded proniosomal gel

Abstract Context: Boswellic acids (BAs) are isolated from oleo gum of Boswellia serrata and are mainly used as potential anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, and antitumor agents. Pharmacokinetic investigations of BAs uncover its poor bioavailability through digestive system thus creates a need for improved therapeutic responses which can possibly be achieved by developing formulations through novel delivery system. Objective: Present study was conducted to design topical BA-loaded proniosomal gel for the management of inflammatory disorders with enhanced bioavailability. Materials and methods: Nonionic surfactant vesicles were prepared using the coacervation phase separation method. A central composite design was employed to statistically optimize formulation variables using Design-Expert software. Three independent variables were evaluated: amount of surfactant (X1), amount of soya lecithin (X2), and amount of cholesterol (X3). The encapsulation efficiency percentage (Y1) and particle size (Y2) were selected as dependent variables. Results and discussion: The optimum formulation (F10) displayed spherical bi-layered vesicles under transmission electron microscopy with optimum particle size of 707.9 nm and high entrapment efficiency as 98.52%. In vitro skin permeation study demonstrated the most sustained release of 84.83 ± 0.153 mg/cm2 in 24 h. Anti-inflammatory activity of the gel showed a significant (p < 0.001) higher percentage inhibition as compared to the marketed gel at the same dose. Conclusion: The present study exhibited that BA-loaded proniosomal gel was better in terms of absorption, bioavailability, and release kinetics.
Is the OSCE a feasible tool to assess competencies in undergraduate medical education?

Background: The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) was introduced by Harden et al. (1975) trying to answer the problems regarding the assessment of clinical competencies. Despite increasingly widespread use of OSCEs, debate continues with arguments as ‘why using such a demanding format if other methods are available? ’ Aim: To review and synthesize evidence on technical and economic feasibility of OSCE in undergraduate medical studies. Methods: Best Evidence Medical Education methodology was applied by two independent coders to 1083 studies identified by literature search from 1975 until the end of 2008. Key findings: The OSCE is a feasible approach to the assessment of clinical competence for use in different cultural and geographical contexts; to assess a wide range of learning outcomes; in different specialties and disciplines; for formative and summative purposes; to assess students a curriculum or an educational intervention; in the different phases of education including the early and later years of the undergraduate curriculum; and in different health care professions. Conclusion: Despite being an expensive test format, evidence suggests that the use of OSCE produces reliable results. The study also suggests that one reason for the wide-scale adoption of the OSCE and the feasibility of its use in different contexts and situations is its inherent flexibility in terms of the number of students that can be assessed, the number of examiners included, the type of patients represented and the format of the examination itself, including the length of the examination, the number and duration of stations.
RESEARCH: "Religious Conversion and Perceived Childhood Attachment: A Meta-Analysis"

In this article we review previous work on religious conversions, relate this work to attachment system dynamics, and present a meta-analysis of results from 11 cross-national questionnaire studies (N = 1465) that have investigated links between religious conversions and perceived childhood attachment history with parents. Two general hypotheses derived from attachment theory were tested. Based on the compensation hypothesis, it was predicted that sudden religious conversions would be associated on average with insecure, rather than secure, attachment histories. Based on the 2-level correspondence hypothesis, it was predicted that nonsudden conversions and gradual religious changes would be associated with a secure attachment history. Both predictions were supported in the meta-analyses, with small to medium effect sizes. It was concluded that attachment theory is a valuable framework for integrating previous findings and guiding future research on religious conversions, but that several methodological improvements should be made in future research.
Time Crawls When You’re Not Having Fun

All people have to complete dull tasks, but individuals who feel entitled may be more inclined to perceive them as a waste of their “precious” time, resulting in the perception that time drags. This hypothesis was confirmed in three studies. In Study 1, participants with higher trait entitlement (controlling for related variables) thought dull tasks took longer to complete; no link was found for fun tasks. In Study 2, participants exposed to entitled messages thought taking a dull survey was a greater waste of time and took longer to complete. In Study 3, participants subliminally exposed to entitled words thought dull tasks were less interesting, thought they took longer to complete, and walked away faster when leaving the laboratory. Like most resources, time is a resource valued more by entitled individuals. A time–entitlement link provides novel insight into mechanisms underlying self-focus and prosocial dynamics.