Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linking Molecular Physiology to Ecological Realities*

Although molecular physiology and ecology have drifted apart as a consequence of early separation in the questions posed and techniques used, there is a resurgence of interest in forging links between them. Here we explore the reasons for this renewed interest and provide four examples of how this is happening. Specifically, we examine links between molecular physiology and ecological realities in insect responses to thermal stress, vertebrate responses to anoxia, metabolic fuel use and torpor in mammals, and the recently developed “metabolic theory of ecology. ” Several novel insights are emerging from integrated approaches to these problems that might not have come forward from any single perspective on them. Nonetheless, prospects for linking molecular physiology and ecological realities are likely to remain poor if greater focus is not given to developing these links. Mostly, this is a consequence of the differing approaches and “languages” adopted by these fields. We discuss approaches by which the prospects for synthetic work might be improved.
Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization and association with infections in liver transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND Staphylococcus aureus has emerged as a leading cause of bacterial infections after liver transplantation. However, the role of nasal colonization in the development of S aureus infections has never been explored in liver transplant recipients. The objectives of this study were to determine whether nasal carriage of S aureus was a risk factor for S aureus infections in liver transplant recipients. METHODS Over a 2-year period, 30 consecutive liver transplant recipients were studied. Beginning when the recipients were transplant candidates, nasal cultures were performed at each admission and monthly thereafter until discharge or death. RESULTS Overall, 67% (20/30) of the patients were nasal carriers, 70% of the carriers had methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA), 15% had methicillin-sensitive S aureus, and 15% had both MRSA and methicillin-sensitive S aureus. Infections were significantly associated with the carrier state; 100% (9/9) of the infected patients were carriers as compared with 50% (11/21) of the noninfected patients (P=0.01). All infections were a result of MRSA, and 56% (5/9) of the infections were bacteremia. Median time to the onset of S aureus infections was 16 days after transplant. Pulse field gel electrophoresis (with digestion of S aureus with SmaI restriction enzyme) in seven infected patients demonstrated that the isolates from the anterior nares matched the invasive isolates in all cases. A total of 43% (3/7) of these infected patients shared the same restriction pattern. CONCLUSION MRSA colonization of the anterior nares was a significant predictor of MRSA infections in liver transplant recipients. Infections occurred only in those colonized with MRSA and were a result of the endogenously colonizing S aureus strains in all cases.
The relaxation phenomena of positive charges in thin gate oxide during Fowler-Nordheim tunneling stress

In this study, new relaxation phenomena of positive charges in gate oxide with Fowler-Nordheim (FN) constant current injections have been investigated and characterized. It was found that the magnitudes of applied gate voltage shifts (/spl Delta/V/sub FN/) during FN injections, after positive charges relaxed or discharged, have a logarithmic dependence with the relaxation time for both injection polarities. The results can derive the relationship of transient discharging currents, that flow through the oxides after removal of the stress voltage, with the relaxation time. We have shown that the current has a 1/f dependence for both injection polarities which can be also derived from the tunneling front model. The effects of oxide fields (lower than the necessary voltage for FN tunneling) and wafer temperatures (373 and 423 K) for the relaxation of positive charges are also studied.
Enhancing performances of SSVEP-based brain–computer interfaces via exploiting inter-subject information

Objective. A new training-free framework was proposed for target detection in steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) using joint frequency-phase coding. Approach. The key idea is to transfer SSVEP templates from the existing subjects to a new subject to enhance the detection of SSVEPs. Under this framework, transfer template-based canonical correlation analysis (tt-CCA) methods were developed for single-channel and multi-channel conditions respectively. In addition, an online transfer template-based CCA (ott-CCA) method was proposed to update EEG templates by online adaptation. Main results. The efficiency of the proposed framework was proved with a simulated BCI experiment. Compared with the standard CCA method, tt-CCA obtained an 18.78% increase of accuracy with a data length of 1.5 s. A simulated test of ott-CCA further received an accuracy increase of 2.99%. Significance. The proposed simple yet efficient framework significantly facilitates the use of SSVEP BCIs using joint frequency-phase coding. This study also sheds light on the benefits from exploring and exploiting inter-subject information to the electroencephalogram (EEG)-based BCIs.
Dual coupling of opioid receptor‐like (ORL1) receptors to adenylyl cyclase in the different layers of the rat main olfactory bulb

The coupling of opioid receptor‐like (ORL1) receptors to adenylyl cyclase has been investigated in specific layers of the rat main olfactory bulb. Membranes prepared from the olfactory nerve‐glomerular layer (ON‐G layer), external plexiform layer (EP layer) and granule cell layer (GR layer) displayed specific binding sites for [3H]‐nociceptin/orphanin FQ ([3H]Noc/OFQ). In each layer, the presence of high‐and low‐affinity binding sites, with KD values in the picomolar and nanomolar range, respectively, was detected. The binding of [3H]Noc/OFQ was displaced by unlabelled Noc/OFQ, but not by opioid antagonists. In each layer, Noc/OFQ significantly stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding with nanomolar potencies. In ON‐G layer, Noc/OFQ inhibited basal adenylyl cyclase activity and the enzyme stimulations by corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), Ca2+/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM) and forskolin (FSK). In EP layer, Noc/OFQ inhibited Ca2+/CaM‐and FSK‐stimulated enzyme activities. Conversely, in GR layer the peptide stimulated basal cyclase activity and potentiated the enzyme activation by CRH. The Noc/OFQ stimulation was counteracted by the GDP‐bound form of the α subunit of transducin and was mimicked by transducin βγ subunits. In the same tissue layer, Ca2+/CaM‐and FSK‐stimulated enzyme activities were inhibited. Naloxone failed to antagonize all the actions of Noc/OFQ. Western blot and RT‐PCR analysis revealed the expression of Ca2+‐insensitive and ‐sensitive adenylyl cyclases in the three layers. These results demonstrate that in rat main olfactory bulb ORL1 receptors can differentially affect distinct forms of adenylyl cyclase in a layer specific manner.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Guided Biopsy of Musculoskeletal Lesions Using Open Low-Field Systems

Abstract With the development of open-configuration magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, magnetic resonance–compatible navigational tools, and fast pulse sequences, MRI-guided biopsy of musculoskeletal lesions has evolved into an effective and safe, minimally invasive technique. Magnetic resonance–guided percutaneous biopsy of musculoskeletal lesions is especially suited for lesions that are detectable only with MRI, lesions that require double-angulated needle paths, and for patients in which radiation exposure needs to be avoided. In this article, we review pertinent principles, techniques, and clinical applications of low-field MRI for biopsy procedures in the musculoskeletal system.
Major histocompatibility genes in cyprinid fishes: theory and practice

Summary: The first teleostean MHC sequences were described for carp. Subsequent studies in a number of cyprinid fishes showed that the class I sequences of these fishes are of particular interest. Two distinct lineages (Cyca‐Z and Cyca‐U) are found in the common and ginbuna crucian carp, but only the U lineage is present in zebrafish and other non‐cyprinid species. The presence of the Z lineage is hypothesised to be the result of an allotetraploidisation event. Both phylogenetic analyses and amino acid sequence comparisons suggest that Cyca‐Z sequences are non‐classical class I sequences, probably similar to CD I. The comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of these sequences revealed different phylogenetic histories of the exons encoding the extracellular domains. The MHC genes were studied in laboratory and natural models. The natural model addressed the evolution of MHC genes in a Barbus species flock. Sequence analysis of class I and class II supported the species designation of the morphotypes present in the lake, and as a consequence the trans‐species hypothesis of MHC polymorphism. The laboratory model involves the generation of gynogenetic clones, which can be divergently selected for traits such as high and low antibody response. The role of MHC molecules can be investigated further by producing a panel of isogenic lines.
Effect of whitening agents on dentin bonding.

BACKGROUND Several studies have shown a reduction in enamel bond strengths when the bonding procedure is carried out immediately after vital bleaching with peroxides. This reduction in bond strengths has become a concern in cosmetic dentistry with the introduction of new "in-office" and "waiting-room" bleaching techniques. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of three bleaching regimens: 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP), 35% carbamide peroxide (CP), and 10% CP, on dentin bond strengths. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and twenty fresh bovine incisors were used in this study. The labial surface of each tooth was ground flat to expose dentin and was subsequently polished with 600-grit wet silicon carbide paper. The remaining dentin thickness was monitored and kept at an average of 2 mm. The teeth were randomly assigned to four bleaching regimens (n = 30): (A) control, no bleaching treatment; (B) 35% HP for 30 minutes; (C) 35% CP for 30 minutes; and (D) 10% CP for 6 hours. For each group, half of the specimens (n = 15) were bonded with Single Bond/Z100 immediately after the bleaching treatment, whereas the other half was bonded after the specimens were stored for 1 week in artificial saliva at 37 degrees C. The specimens were fractured in shear using an Instron machine. RESULTS For the groups bonded immediately after bleaching, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Duncan's post hoc test revealed a statistically significant reduction in bond strengths in a range from 71% to 76%. For the groups bonded at 1 week, one-way ANOVA showed that group B (35% HP for 30 min) resulted in the highest bond strengths, whereas 10% CP resulted in the lowest bond strengths. Student's t-test showed that delayed bonding resulted in a significant increase in bond strengths for groups B (35% HP) and C (35% CP); whereas the group bleached with 10% CP (group D) remained in the same range obtained for immediate bonding. Storage in artificial saliva also affected the control group, reducing its bond strengths to 53% of the original.
Regulation of Human B Cell Activation

The study of human B lymphocyte activation has been the object of increasing interest over the last 5 years. As more information was being gathered on the requirements for and the regulation ofB ce]I activation in experimental animals, it became imperative to determine whether the same principles apply to human B cell activation. Such information would be necessary to define the physiology of immunoglobulin production as well as of specific antibody production in health and disease. The present review intends to summarize some aspects of the current information on human B cell activation and draws heavily on the results of work performed in the author's laboratory. The subject is divided into five parts: 1) Maturation stages of human B cells 2) Methods of measurement of human B cell activation in vitro 3) Activation of human B cells by polyclonal activators (PBA) 4) Activation of human B cells by antigen-specific factors 5) Regulation of human B cell activation in vitro.
Caspofungin Inhibits Rhizopus oryzae 1,3-β-d-Glucan Synthase, Lowers Burden in Brain Measured by Quantitative PCR, and Improves Survival at a Low but Not a High Dose during Murine Disseminated Zygomycosis

ABSTRACT Rhizopus oryzae is the most common cause of zygomycosis, a life-threatening infection that usually occurs in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. Despite standard therapy, the overall rate of mortality from zygomycosis remains >50%, and new strategies for treatment are urgently needed. The activities of caspofungin acetate (CAS) and other echinocandins (antifungal inhibitors of the synthesis of 1,3-β-d-glucan synthase [GS]) against the agents of zygomycosis have remained relatively unexplored, especially in animal models of infection. We found that R. oryzae has both an FKS gene, which in other fungi encodes a subunit of the GS synthesis complex, and CAS-susceptible, membrane-associated GS activity. Low-dose but not high-dose CAS improved the survival of mice with diabetic ketoacidosis infected with a small inoculum but not a large inoculum of R. oryzae. Fungal burden, assessed by a novel quantitative PCR assay, correlated with increasing inocula and progression of disease, particularly later in the infection, when CFU counts did not. CAS decreased the brain burden of R. oryzae when it was given prophylactically but not when therapy was started after infection. These results indicate that CAS has significant but limited activity against R. oryzae in vivo and demonstrates an inverse dose-response effect. The potential for CAS to play a role in combination therapy against zygomycosis merits further investigation.
Value of coliform tests for assessing meat quality.

The reactions of 171 psychrotrophic coliforms and Aeromonas spp. isolated from meat and the meatworks environment were determined in media used for coliform tests in food. From 22–68% of strains, depending on the medium, gave positive presumptive and confirmed tests at 35°C. As positive reactions in these tests may be due to psychrotrophic and other non-faecal coliforms, and Aeromonas spp. , they have no value as indicators of potentially harmful contamination and it is suggested that these tests should not be applied to fresh meat and meat products.
Effects of detraining on the temporal expression of positive and negative angioregulatory proteins in skeletal muscle of mice

Skeletal muscle capillary regression is associated with elevated thrombospondin‐1 and vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression with detraining. Vascular endothelial growth factor and nucleolin responses to acute exercise are blunted in the triceps surae muscles following exercise training. In the plantaris and soleus muscles, this blunted response persists up to 28 days after cessation of training. Effects of detraining on skeletal muscle microvascular density appears to be similar among skeletal muscle of varying oxidative potential and is poorly associated with expression of matrix metalloproteinases‐2 and ‐9 and endostatin.
Photoreceptor Cell Injury Starts in the Initial Stage of Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada Disease

ABSTRACT Purpose: To demonstrate photoreceptor cell injury in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. Methods: The SD-OCT and FAF tests of 16 patients diagnosed with VKH disease that was followed up from the initial stage to the convalescent stage were reviewed. Results: In the initial stage of VKH disease, there was hyperautofluerescence around the macular edema. In the convalescent stage of VKH disease, loss of photoreceptor and injury of RPE have been detected by OCT scan at the same area, which was corresponded with the abnormalities in FAF. Conclusions: The VKH disease causes photoreceptor injury starting in the initial stage of the disease.
The Spinal Ependymal Layer in Health and Disease

Ependymal cells are epithelial support cells that line the central canal and ventricular cavities of the central nervous system, providing the interface between the cerebrospinal fluid and the parenchyma of the brain and spinal cord. The spinal ependymal layer (SEL) is composed of 3 main cell types: tanycytes, ependymocytes, and cerebrospinal fluid–contacting neurons. A fourth cell type, termed the supraependymal cell, is also occasionally described. Cells of the SEL show restricted proliferative capacity in health but display neural stem cell properties both in vitro and in vivo in various disease states. A growing body of literature is devoted to the regenerative roles of the SEL, particularly in the context of spinal cord injury, where mechanical damage to the spinal cord leads to a significant increase in SEL proliferation. SEL-derived cell progeny migrate to sites of injury within the injured spinal cord parenchyma and contribute primarily to glial scar formation. In additional to their role as endogenous neural stem cells, cells of the SEL may be an important source of cytokines and other cell signaling molecules, such as tumor necrosis factor, heat shock proteins, and various growth factors. The SEL has become of recent interest to neuroscience researchers because of its potential to participate in and respond to diseases affecting the spinal cord (eg, traumatic spinal cord injury) and neurodegenerative disease. The intimate association of the SEL with the cerebrospinal fluid makes intrathecal therapies a viable option, and recent studies highlight the potential promise of treatments that augment SEL responses to disease.
Role of grafting in horticultural plants under stress conditions

The cultivation of grafted plants have gradually increased in the last years. As the use of this technique spread, the aims also expanded until today when grafting serves a spectrum of purposes: (1) to boost plant growth and development; (2) to control wilt caused by pathogens; (3) to reduce viral, fungal and bacterial infection; (4) to strengthen tolerance to thermal or saline stress; (5) to increase nutrient and mineral uptake to the shoot, etc. Throughout this review, we have examined the advantages of grafting plants for current agriculture, these being: resistance to evermore frequent soil diseases; tolerance of low temperatures characteristic of many latitudes of the world where intensive cultivation is economically important; tolerance to the growing problem of salinity from abuse of chemical fertilizers and desertification in many agricultural zones; and enhanced water and inorganic-nutrient uptake. All these advantages provide motivation for grafting in present-day world agriculture.
Hepatic glucose disposition during concomitant portal glucose and amino acid infusions in the dog.

The effect of concomitant intraportal infusion of glucose and gluconeogenic amino acids (AA) on net hepatic glucose uptake (NHGU) and glycogen synthesis was examined in 42-h-fasted dogs. After a basal period, there was a 240-min experimental period during which somatostatin was infused continuously into a peripheral vein and insulin and glucagon (at 3-fold basal and basal rates, respectively) and glucose (18.3 mumol.kg-1.min-1) were infused intraportally. One group (PoAA, n = 7) received an AA mixture intraportally at 7.6 mumol.kg-1.min-1, whereas the other group (NoAA, n = 6) did not receive AA. Arterial blood glucose concentrations and hepatic glucose loads were the same in the two groups. NHGU averaged 4.8 +/- 2.0 (PoAA) and 9.4 +/- 2.0 (NoAA) mumol.kg-1.min-1 (P < 0.05), and tracer-determined hepatic glucose uptake was 4.6 +/- 1.6 (PoAA) and 10.0 +/- 1.7 (NoAA) mumol.kg-1.min-1 (P < 0.05). AA data for PoAA and NoAA, respectively, were as follows: arterial blood concentrations, 1,578 +/- 133 vs. 1,147 +/- 86 microM (P < 0.01); hepatic loads, 56 +/- 3 vs. 32 +/- 4 mumol.kg-1.min-1 (P < 0.01); and net hepatic uptakes, 14.1 +/- 1.4 vs. 5.6 +/- 0.4 mumol.kg-1.min-1 (P < 0.01). The rate of net hepatic glycogen synthesis was 7.5 +/- 1.9 (PoAA) vs. 10.7 +/- 2.3 (NoAA) mumol.kg-1.min-1 (P = 0.1). In a net sense, intraportal gluconeogenic amino acid delivery directed glucose carbon away from the liver. Despite this, net hepatic carbon uptake was equivalent in the presence and absence of amino acid infusion.
High-Mobility Ge p- and n-MOSFETs With 0.7-nm EOT Using  $\hbox{HfO}_{2}/\hbox{Al}_{2}\hbox{O}_{3}/\hbox{GeO}_{x}/\hbox{Ge}$ Gate Stacks Fabricated by Plasma Postoxidation

An ultrathin equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) HfO<sub>2</sub>/Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/Ge gate stack has been fabricated by combining the plasma postoxidation method with a 0.2-nm-thick Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> layer between HfO<sub>2</sub> and Ge for suppressing HfO<sub>2</sub>-GeO<i>x</i> intermixing, resulting in a low-interface-state-density (<i>D</i><sub>it</sub>) GeO<i>x</i>/Ge metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) interface. The EOT of these gate stacks has been scaled down to 0.7-0.8 nm with maintaining the <i>D</i><sub>it</sub> in 10<sup>11</sup> cm<sup>-2</sup>·eV<sup>-1</sup> level. The p- and n-channel MOS field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) (p- and n-MOSFETs) using this gate stack have been fabricated on (100) Ge substrates and exhibit high hole and electron mobilities. It is found that the Ge p- and n-MOSFETs exhibit peak hole mobilities of 596 and 546 cm<sup>2</sup>/V·s and peak electron mobilities of 754 and 689 cm<sup>2</sup>/V·s at EOTs of 0.82 and 0.76 nm, respectively, which are the record-high reports so far for Ge MOSFETs in subnanometer EOT range because of the sufficiently passivated Ge MOS interfaces in present HfO<sub>2</sub>/Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/GeO<i>x</i>/Ge gate stacks.
The Experience Of Living With Parkinson's Disease

&NA; This Phenomenological Study Examined The Experience Of Living With Parkinson's Disease. Data Were Collected From Six Individuals During Open‐ended Interviews Conducted In Subjects' Homes. Interviews Were Tape Recorded, Transcribed Verbatim And Then Subjected To Content Analysis. Four Themes Emerged From Data Analysis. The Experience Of Living With Parkinson's Disease Involved Impact Of The Disease, Dealing With The Disease, Maintaining Independence And Normality, And Effort. Impact Of The Disease Involved Personal Losses Of Mobility And Social Activity. The Perceived Loss Of Independence And Normality Resulted In A Changed Self‐concept. Dealing With The Disease Involved Specific Strategies And Resources Such As Health And Social Support. The Goal Which Kept Subjects Going Was To Maintain Independence And Normality. The Overriding Theme Was Effort; Effort Was Involved In Every Aspect Of Life With Parkinson's Disease. Implications For Nursing Practice And Research Are Discussed.