Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reassembly of S-layer proteins

Crystalline bacterial cell surface layers (S-layers) represent the outermost cell envelope component in a broad range of bacteria and archaea. They are monomolecular arrays composed of a single protein or glycoprotein species and represent the simplest biological membranes developed during evolution. They are highly porous protein mesh works with unit cell sizes in the range of 3 to 30 nm, and pore sizes of 2 to 8 nm. S-layers are usually 5 to 20 nm thick (in archaea, up to 70 nm). S-layer proteins are one of the most abundant biopolymers on earth. One of their key features, and the focus of this review, is the intrinsic capability of isolated native and recombinant S-layer proteins to form self-assembled mono- or double layers in suspension, at solid supports, the air-water interface, planar lipid films, liposomes, nanocapsules, and nanoparticles. The reassembly is entropy-driven and a fascinating example of matrix assembly following a multistage, non-classical pathway in which the process of S-layer protein folding is directly linked with assembly into extended clusters. Moreover, basic research on the structure, synthesis, genetics, assembly, and function of S-layer proteins laid the foundation for their application in novel approaches in biotechnology, biomimetics, synthetic biology, and nanotechnology.
Studies on adenovirus type 9‐induced mammary fibroadenomas in rats and their malignant transformation

After inoculating newborn W/Fu rats with adenovirus type 9,27 of 27 females developed mammary fibroadenomas with a latency period of 14–25 weeks. No tumors were observed after inoculation with adenovirus type 5 or in males with the type 9 inoculation. After persistence of the tumors for 3–14 months, malignant transformation of the stroma resulted in different types of sarcoma in three rats: fibrosarcoma, round‐cell liposarcoma, osteosarcoma and malignant mes‐enchymoma. In another animal the stroma of a fibroadenoma was highly cellular, suggesting a transition into fibrosarcoma. Malignant transformation of the epithelial component was not observed. Tumor cells contained adenovirus type 9‐specific T‐antigen, and rats with transplanted tumors were immunized to T‐antigen. Mammary fibroadenomas without signs of malignant transformation developed in eight of nine female rats inoculated with adenovirus type 9 at an adult age. Neonatal thymectomy and total body x‐irradiation neither significantly shortened the induction time of adenovirus 9‐induced fibroadenomas nor increased the frequency of malignant transformation in females. One lipoma and one highly differentiated liposarcoma, however, appeared in two male rats. The results provide an example of the progression of a virus‐induced benign tumor into a malignant neoplasm.
Using Latent Class and Latent Transition Analysis to Examine the Transtheoretical Model Staging Algorithm and Sequential Stage Transition in Adolescent Smoking

Data on stage of change was collected between 1997–1999 on 4125 adolescent nonsmokers and smokers from central England who completed two versions of the stage of change algorithm for smoking acquisition and cessation. The fit of the latent variable defined by the spiral of change to adolescents' responses to the staging questions was examined using latent class analysis. Whether a model of sequential transition across stages fitted the observed transitions was tested with latent transition analysis (LTA). There was reasonable support for the staging algorithm but no evidence of sequential stage transition. The research was funded by Cancer Research UK.
p27 Kip1 Accumulation by Inhibition of Proteasome Function Induces Apoptosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells 1

Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis controls intracellular levels of various cell cycle regulatory proteins, and its inhibition has been shown to induce apoptosis in proliferating cells. In the present study, we examined induction of apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells by treatment with specific proteasome inhibitors, carbobenzo-xy- L -leucyl- L -leucyl- L -norvalinal and lactacystin. In all three OSCC cell lines examined, apoptotic changes such as apoptotic body formation and DNA fragmentation were observed at various degrees after 24 h of the carbobenzoxy- L -leucyl- L -leucyl- L -norvalinal or lactacystin treatment. HSC2 cells showed the most prominent apoptotic changes among the cell lines examined and demonstrated the highest level of accumulation of p27 Kip1 protein after the treatment with proteasome inhibitor. Reduced expressions of cyclin D1 and phospho pRb were also observed after the treatment with proteasome inhibitor. Moreover, 12 h of treatment with the proteasome inhibitor inhibited cdk2/cyclin E kinase activity and increased the ratio of the cell cycle population at the G 1 phase. The proteasome inhibitor led to inhibition of cell cycle progression. In addition, activation of CPP32 and reduced expression of Bcl-2 were observed. Because apoptosis induced by the proteasome inhibitor was inhibited by treatment with antisense p27 Kip1 oligonucleotide, accumulation of the p27 Kip1 protein might play an important role in the apoptosis induced by proteasome inhibitor. The present results suggest that inhibition of proteasome function may be used as a possible target of novel therapy for OSCC.
Influence of Mass Media on Body Image and Eating Disordered Attitudes and Behaviors in Females: A Review of Effects and Processes

This article reviews research on the effects of television and magazines on body image and on disordered eating attitudes and behaviors in females. Evidence from different types of studies in the fields of eating disorders, media psychology, health psychology, and mass communication indicates that mass media are an extremely important source of information and reinforcement in relation to the nature of the thin beauty ideal, its importance, and how to attain it. Although considerable research remains to be done, evidence is accumulating that repeated exposure to media and to both direct and indirect (via media's effects on peers, parents, coaches, physicians, etc.) pressures from media to be thin constitute risk factors for body dissatisfaction, concerns over weight and disordered eating behaviors in adolescent girls and young women. To guide further research, as well as the prevention and treatment of disordered eating, we present a figural summary of media effects that integrates moderating and mediating factors such as internalization of the thin beauty ideal, social comparison, and activation of the thinness schema. We argue that risk factor research, prevention, and treatment will benefit from systematic research designed to clarify how the impact of various mass media is shaped by source and receiver/perceiver factors.
Weight Gain and Serum Leptin Levels in Patients on Lithium Treatment

Weight gain is a frequent adverse effect associated with lithium use. Leptin is an adipocyte hormone, regulating food intake and energy balance providing the hypothalamus with information on the amount of body fat. Therefore, we planned to evaluate whether lithium administration was associated with weight gain, and leptin levels. The study consisted of 15 consecutive inpatients with bipolar I disorder according to DSM-III-R. The fasting serum leptin levels were measured. The patients were evaluted at baseline and at the eighth week according to the body mass index, weight, Young Mania Rating (YMRS) and Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM-D) scales, and serum leptin levels. With respect to the leptin levels, a significant difference was observed after lithium treatment. There was a significant positive correlation between the changes in leptin levels and the duration of illness. The change in total YMRS scores correlated with change in leptin levels and that in weight. In conclusion, our result suggest that leptin may be associated with lithium-induced weight gain.
Perceptions of the Functions of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in a College Sample.

BACKGROUND Rates of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) are particularly high on college campuses. Commonly endorsed reasons for NSSI include interpersonal (e.g., seeking support) and intrapersonal (e.g., affect regulation) functions. AIMS This study compared college students with and without a history of NSSI on their views of NSSI functions in order to inform gatekeeper intervention/prevention programs targeting NSSI. METHOD The Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury, which assessed NSSI behavior and functions of NSSI, was completed by 367 college students (73% female, 95% white). RESULTS Ninety-eight participants endorsed lifetime moderate/severe NSSI, 109 endorsed minor NSSI, and 160 denied any history of NSSI. Noninjuring participants' views of NSSI functions were compared with the views held by participants with histories of NSSI. The groups did not differ in their views of the relevance of intrapersonal functions, although noninjuring individuals appeared to stress some interpersonal factors (e.g., influence) slightly more than individuals with a history of NSSI did. CONCLUSION These results suggest that college students generally hold similar perceptions of the functions of NSSI. Our findings suggest intervention/prevention efforts may consider broadening the selection of gatekeepers (e.g., peers with no history of NSSI) in schools and colleges to identify at-risk students and encourage help-seeking behaviors.
The Effect of Testosterone on Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone and plays an important role in men’s health and well-being. Historically, testosterone was believed to adversely affect cardiovascular function. However, contemporary literature has refuted this traditional thinking; testosterone has been suggested to have a protective effect on cardiovascular function through its effects on the vascular system. Data from modern research indicate that hypogonadism is closely related to the development of various cardiovascular risk factors, including hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance. Several studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of testosterone supplementation therapy on reversing symptoms of hypogonadism and improving cardiovascular disease risk profiles. In this review, we perform a critical analysis on the association between testosterone and cardiovascular disease.
The Interval Minimum Load Cutting Problem in the Process of Transmission Network Expansion Planning Considering Uncertainty in Demand

This paper studies the minimum load cutting problem existing in the process of transmission network expansion planning when load is uncertain and expressed in interval number. The interval most minimum load cutting model is established and can be solved to get the maximum value of the minimum load cutting number when load is interval uncertain. The solution can be used to evaluate the safety of the planning schemes under interval uncertainty and guide the new plans' making under interval load. The load values in the optimal solution of this problem have been proved to be at their lower or upper limits. Two different algorithms are proposed to solve this model. One is better in being capable of getting global optimal solution, while the other is better in calculation speed. Both of them are compared with two traditional methods that are generally used to evaluate the system's safety under uncertainty in aspects of precision and speed. This evaluation method is applied to the greedy randomized adaptive search procedure algorithm to solve the transmission expansion planning problem under interval load. The case results show the rightness and validity of the model and algorithms proposed in this paper.
Early Detection of Low Enhanced Pancreatic Parenchyma by Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography Predicts Poor Prognosis of Patients With Acute Pancreatitis

Objectives The usefulness of early severity assessment of acute pancreatitis (AP) by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) was investigated. Methods Data were obtained from a 2007 nationwide survey in Japan. Clinical data of 983 patients with AP were analyzed. All were examined by CECT on the day of admission. Results Early findings of CECT demonstrated that low enhanced pancreatic parenchyma (LEPP) was associated with the incidence of organ failure (OF), multiple OF, and infectious complications as well as mortality (P < 0.0001). Next, patients were further divided into 4 groups according to the CECT findings, which focused on the LEPP and peripancreatic collections (PPCs). The LEPP/PPC (+/+) group was characterized as high morbidity and high mortality. The incidence of OF (28.2%), multiple OF (15.5%), and mortality (11.4%) in patients assigned to the (+/+) group was significantly higher than in those assigned to the other groups. The incidence of infectious complications was significantly higher in patients assigned to the (+/+) group (16.7%), the (+/−) group (9.0%), and the (−/+) group (7.0%) than those assigned to the (−/−) group (1.8%). Conclusions The detection of LEPP and PPC was a useful CECT finding for the early assessment of the severity of AP.
Correlation of nerve ultrasound, electrophysiological, and clinical findings in post Guillain‐Barré syndrome

We aimed to correlate functional disability, electrophysiology, and nerve ultrasound in patients after Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS). Seventy‐five healthy controls and 41 post‐GBS patients (mean 3.4 years, SD ± 2.91 years after onset) underwent clinical, sonographic, and electrophysiological evaluation. Compared to healthy controls, the post‐GBS patients showed: (1) a mean Rasch‐built Overall Disability Scale score of 31.8 (SD ± 11.6), modified Rasch‐built fatigue severity scale score of 15.6 (SD ± 3.2), Medical Research Council sum score of 22 (SD ± 5.6); (2) electrophysiological signs of permanent axonal loss in the majority of the peripheral nerves; (3) sonographical evidence of higher cross‐sectional area values (CSA) of the ulnar (elbow, p < 0.001), radial (spiral groove, p < 0.001), tibial nerve (popliteal fossa, p < 0.001) and brachial plexus (supraclavicular space, p < 0.001). No correlation between sonographic and electrophysiological findings was found. Neither nerve ultrasound nor electrophysiology correlated with muscle strength, overall disability, and fatigue scale. Compared to healthy controls, post‐GBS patients had significant functional disability. Despite significant abnormalities in both electrophysiology and ultrasound compared to healthy controls, neither electrophysiology nor nerve ultrasound correlated with functional disability of these patients.
The R620W polymorphism of the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPN22 is not associated with multiple sclerosis.

We are grateful to the patients with MS and their families, for participating in this study. We also thank V. Carlton, S. Schrodi, and T. White, for helpful comments. This work was funded by National Multiple Sclerosis Society grant RG2901 and National Institutes of Health grant NS46297.
Interaction of droop control structures and its inherent effect on the power transfer limits in multi-terminal VSC-HVDC

Future multi-terminal HVDC systems are expected to utilize dc voltage droop controllers and several control structures have been proposed in literature. This paper proposes a methodology to analyse the impact of various types of droop control structures using small-signal stability analysis considering all possible combinations of droop gains. The different control structures are evaluated by the active power transfer capability as a function of the droop gains, considering various possible stability margins. This reveals the flexibility and robustness against active power flow variations, due to disturbances for all the implementations. A case study analyzing a three terminal HVDC VSC-based grid with eight different kinds of droop control schemes points out that three control structures outperform the remaining ones. Additionally, a multi-vendor case is considered where the most beneficial combinations of control structures has been combined in order to find the best performing combination.
Multiple bubbles in a Hele-Shaw cell.

A new class of exact solutions is reported for an infinite stream of identical groups of bubbles moving with a constant velocity [ital U] in a Hele-Shaw cell when surface tension is neglected. It is suggested that the existence of these solutions might explain some of the complex behavior observed in recent experiments on rising bubbles in a Hele-Shaw cell. Solutions for a finite number of bubbles in a channel are also obtained. In this case, it is shown that solutions with an arbitrary bubble velocity [ital U][gt][ital V], where [ital V] is the fluid velocity at infinity, can in general be obtained from a simple transformation of the solutions for [ital U]=2[ital V].
Increased phasic activity of dopaminergic neurones in the rat ventral tegmental area following pharmacologically elevated levels of endogenous kynurenic acid.

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an antagonist of ionotropic glutamate receptors, preferentially blocking the glycine-site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. In the present electrophysiological study, the firing pattern of dopamine (DA) neurones of rat ventral tegmental area (VTA) was investigated following pharmacologically elevated endogenous levels of KYNA by means of an inhibitor of kynurenine 3-hydroxylase (PNU 156561A). Pre-treatment with PNU 156561A (40 mg kg-1, i.v., 5-9 h) caused a threefold increase in endogenous KYNA in whole brain levels and also evoked a significant increase in firing rate and bursting activity of VTA DA neurones. Administration of D-cycloserine (2-128 mg kg-1, i.v.), a partial agonist at the glycine-site of the NMDA-receptor, was found to reverse the increase in firing rate and bursting activity as induced by elevated concentrations of KYNA. The electrophysiological effects of elevated KYNA levels were in all essential mimicked by administration of the NMDA-receptor antagonist MK 801 (0.05-1.6 mg kg-1, i.v.). Thus, the effects of elevated endogenous brain KYNA observed in the present study are likely to be carried out by NMDA receptor antagonism. In conclusion, this study shows that an increase in endogenous KYNA levels produces significant actions on the tonic afferent control of the firing pattern of VTA DA neurones. Given the psychotomimetic effects of NMDA-receptor antagonists, e.g. phencyclidine and ketamine, the state of hyperactivity of mesocorticolimbic DA system induced by elevated levels of KYNA may represent a pathophysiological condition analogous to that seen in schizophrenic patients.
Modelling collective motion based on the principle of agency: General framework and the case of marching locusts

Collective phenomena are studied in a range of contexts—from controlling locust plagues to efficiently evacuating stadiums—but the central question remains: how can a large number of independent individuals form a seemingly perfectly coordinated whole? Previous attempts to answer this question have reduced the individuals to featureless particles, assumed particular interactions between them and studied the resulting collective dynamics. While this approach has provided useful insights, it cannot guarantee that the assumed individual-level behaviour is accurate, and, moreover, does not address its origin—that is, the question of why individuals would respond in one way or another. We propose a new approach to studying collective behaviour, based on the concept of learning agents: individuals endowed with explicitly modelled sensory capabilities, an internal mechanism for deciding how to respond to the sensory input and rules for modifying these responses based on past experience. This detailed modelling of individuals favours a more natural choice of parameters than in typical swarm models, which minimises the risk of spurious dependences or overfitting. Most notably, learning agents need not be programmed with particular responses, but can instead develop these autonomously, allowing for models with fewer implicit assumptions. We illustrate these points with the example of marching locusts, showing how learning agents can account for the phenomenon of density-dependent alignment. Our results suggest that learning agent-based models are a powerful tool for studying a broader class of problems involving collective behaviour and animal agency in general.
Shock index predicts mortality in geriatric trauma patients: An analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank

BACKGROUND Heart rate and systolic blood pressure are unreliable in geriatric trauma patients. Shock index (SI) (heart rate/systolic blood pressure) is a simple marker of worse outcomes after injury. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of SI in predicting outcomes. We hypothesized that SI predicts mortality in geriatric trauma patients. METHODS We performed a 4-year (2007–2010) retrospective analysis using the National Trauma Data Bank. Patients 65 years or older were included. Transferred patients, patients dead on arrival, missing vitals on presentation, and patients with burns and traumatic brain injury were excluded. A cutoff value of SI greater than or equal to 1 (sensitivity, 81%; specificity, 79%) was used to define hemodynamic instability. The primary outcome measure was mortality. Secondary outcome measures were need for blood transfusion, need for exploratory laparotomy, and development of in-hospital complications. Multiple logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS A total of 485,595 geriatric patients were reviewed, of whom 217,190 were included. The mean (SD) age was 77.7 (7.1) years, 60% were males, median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 14 (range, 3–15), median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 9 (range, 4–18), and mean (SD) SI was 0.58 (0.18). Three percent (n = 6,585) had an SI greater than or equal to 1. Patients with SI greater than or equal to 1 were more likely to require blood product requirement (p = 0.001), require an exploratory laparotomy (p = 0.01), and have in-hospital complications (p = 0.02). The overall mortality rate was 4.1% (n = 8,952). SI greater than or equal to 1 was the strongest predictor for mortality (odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.6–3.3; p = 0.001) in geriatric trauma patients. Systolic blood pressure (p = 0.09) and heart rate (p = 0.2) were not predictive of mortality. CONCLUSION SI is an accurate and specific predictor of morbidity and mortality in geriatric trauma patients. SI is superior to heart rate and systolic blood pressure for predicting mortality in geriatric trauma patients. Geriatric trauma patients with SI greater than or equal to 1 should be transferred to a Level 1 trauma center. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic/epidemiologic study, level III.
Significant Increase in Natural-Killer T Cells in Patients with Tuberculosis Complicated by Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

This study examined the frequency of Vα24+/Vβ11+ natural-killer T (NKT) cells from peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients with or without diabetes mellitus (DM). The clinical grade of TB was significantly higher among diabetic patients. NKT cells from both peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage were significantly increased in diabetic TB patients compared with non-diabetic TB patients. This may be due to the generally higher bacillary burden in diabetic TB patients. NKT cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in TB patients with or without DM were significantly increased, compared with levels in non-TB diabetic patients and healthy controls. The measurement of NKT cells from peripheral blood has the potential to be a reliable, non-invasive, practical diagnostic marker for active TB.