Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in AE9/AP9-IRENE Version 1.5

This paper describes version 1.5 of the AE9/AP9 family of space radiation climatology models. The most significant update is the inclusion of new data sets that change the flux maps. These new data include measurements from Van Allen Probes, Azur, and the HiLET sensor on the TWINS-2 spacecraft. In recognition of international contributions to the models, we introduce the IRENE nomenclature for International Radiation Environment Near Earth.
Shadowing the Actions of a Predator: Backlit Fluorescent Microscopy Reveals Synchronous Nonbinary Septation of Predatory Bdellovibrio inside Prey and Exit through Discrete Bdelloplast Pores

ABSTRACT The Bdellovibrio are miniature “living antibiotic” predatory bacteria which invade, reseal, and digest other larger Gram-negative bacteria, including pathogens. Nutrients for the replication of Bdellovibrio bacteria come entirely from the digestion of the single invaded bacterium, now called a bdelloplast, which is bound by the original prey outer membrane. Bdellovibrio bacteria are efficient digesters of prey cells, yielding on average 4 to 6 progeny from digestion of a single prey cell of a genome size similar to that of the Bdellovibrio cell itself. The developmental intrabacterial cycle of Bdellovibrio is largely unknown and has never been visualized “live. ” Using the latest motorized xy stage with a very defined z-axis control and engineered periplasmically fluorescent prey allows, for the first time, accurate return and visualization without prey bleaching of developing Bdellovibrio cells using solely the inner resources of a prey cell over several hours. We show that Bdellovibrio bacteria do not follow the familiar pattern of bacterial cell division by binary fission. Instead, they septate synchronously to produce both odd and even numbers of progeny, even when two separate Bdellovibrio cells have invaded and develop within a single prey bacterium, producing two different amounts of progeny. Evolution of this novel septation pattern, allowing odd progeny yields, allows optimal use of the finite prey cell resources to produce maximal replicated, predatory bacteria. When replication is complete, Bdellovibrio cells exit the exhausted prey and are seen leaving via discrete pores rather than by breakdown of the entire outer membrane of the prey.
Shaping ability of progressive versus constant taper instruments in simulated root canals.

AIM To compare the shaping ability of progressive versus constant taper shaft designed instruments in simulated root canals. METHODOLOGY Simulated L- and S-shaped resin canals were prepared by ProTaper (progressive taper) and high elasticity in rotation 642 (Hero 642) (constant taper) instruments (n = 10 canals in each case). The pre- and post-instrumentation images were recorded and assessment of the canal shape was completed with image pro plus 5.0. The width of resin removed was measured at 9 measuring points. Incidence of canal aberrations, instrument fracture, preparation time and change of working length were recorded. In addition, the change of curvature and centring ability were also assessed. The data were analysed statistically using Student's t-test or Fisher's exact-test. RESULTS In both canal types, Hero 642 instruments prepared canals more rapidly (P < 0.01) and maintained working length significantly more accurately than ProTaper instruments (P < 0.05). In canals prepared with Hero 642 instruments, there was less change in curvature. Instrumentation with ProTaper results in transportation towards the outer aspect of the L-shaped curved canals in the apical part and the inner aspect of the S-shaped canals at the curve. Hero 642 instruments had a better centring ability in the apical part of the canal, but resulted in shapes with a poor taper. CONCLUSIONS ProTaper and Hero 642 instruments prepared curved canals rapidly, maintained working length well and were relatively safe without creating perforations and danger zones. In both canal types, Hero 642 instruments maintained the original canal curvature better, and had a better centring ability in curved canals because of its constant taper design. The taper prepared by Hero 642 instruments in the coronal part of the canal was generally poor.
Characterization of a Novel ADP-ribosylation Factor-like Protein (yARL3) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae *

ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) are highly conserved, ∼20-kDa guanine nucleotide-binding proteins that enhance the ADP-ribosyltransferase activity of cholera toxin and have an important role in vesicular transport. Several cDNAs for ARF-like proteins (ARLs) have been cloned from human, Drosophila, rat, and yeast, although the biological function(s) of ARLs is unknown. We have identified a yeast gene (yARL3) encoding a protein that is structurally related (>43% identical) to the mammalian ARF-like protein ARP. Biochemical studies of purified recombinant yARL3 protein revealed properties similar to those of ARF and ARL proteins, including the ability to bind and hydrolyze GTP. Like other ARLs, recombinant yARL3 did not stimulate cholera toxin-catalyzed auto-ADP-ribosylation. Anti-yARL3 antibodies did not cross-react with yARFs or yARL1. yARL3 was not essential for cell viability, but disruption of yARL3 resulted in cold-sensitive cell growth. At the nonpermissive temperature, processing of alkaline phosphatase and carboxypeptidase Y in arl3 mutant was slowed. yARL3 might be required for protein transport from endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi or from Golgi to vacuole at nonpermissive temperatures. On subcellular fractionation, unlike its mammalian homologue ARP, yARL3 was detected in the soluble fraction but not in the plasma membrane. Indirect immunofluorescence analysis revealed that yARL3 when overexpressed was associated in part with the endoplasmic reticulum-nuclear envelope. Thus, the structural and functional characteristics of yARL3 indicate that it may have a unique role(s) in vesicular trafficking.
Nicotine withdrawal suppresses nicotinic modulation of long‐term potentiation induction in the hippocampal CA1 region

We have previously reported that acute and chronic nicotine exposure lower the threshold for long‐term potentiation (LTP) induction in the rat hippocampal CA1 region, and acute application of nicotine in the chronic‐nicotine‐treated hippocampus further reduces the threshold. However, it is unknown how withdrawal from chronic nicotine exposure affects the induction of LTP. Here, we show that, following nicotine withdrawal, the threshold for LTP induction fluctuates before returning to the basal level and acute nicotine is no longer effective in lowering the threshold at 4 days after withdrawal. Chronic nicotine‐induced enhancement of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor responses slowly diminishes and returns to the control level by 8 days of withdrawal. In 4‐day‐withdrawn hippocampi, there is functional up‐regulation of postsynaptic α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on interneurons in the stratum radiatum, whereas the release of γ‐aminobutyric acid from their terminals is reduced. In both control and chronic nicotine‐exposed hippocampi, acute nicotine depresses monosynaptic inhibitory postsynaptic currents recorded in pyramidal cells but has almost no effect at 4 days of withdrawal. The lack of effect is due, at least in part, to the loss of a presynaptic nicotine effect. These withdrawal‐induced changes are accompanied by decreases in normal nicotine‐induced enhancement of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor responses, which may be responsible for the lack of acute nicotine‐mediated facilitation of LTP induction in 4‐day‐withdrawn hippocampi. These withdrawal‐induced changes may contribute to the cellular basis of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and, thus, nicotine dependence.
ISUS/SUNA nitrate measurements in networked ocean observing systems

Sustaining measurements of water quality parameters in sensitive watershed habitats is challenging, particularly during critical periods such as spring blooms, and major run off events. Direct, in situ measurements of nitrate have been difficult to obtain until the development of the ISUS (In Situ Ultraviolet Spectrometer, Johnson & Coletti 2002) and more recently the next generation SUNA (Submersible Ultraviolet Nitrate Analyzer). These chemical-free optical sensors have now been operating in a wide range of challenging environments over the past five years. Performance evaluations of these instruments, lessons learned, and environmental insights obtained will be discussed, as well as results from these sensors under the recent ACT (Alliance for Coastal Technologies) Nutrient Sensor Technology Demonstration Program.
Saliency‐aware Real‐time Volumetric Fusion for Object Reconstruction

We present a real‐time approach for acquiring 3D objects with high fidelity using hand‐held consumer‐level RGB‐D scanning devices. Existing real‐time reconstruction methods typically do not take the point of interest into account, and thus might fail to produce clean reconstruction results of desired objects due to distracting objects or backgrounds. In addition, any changes in background during scanning, which can often occur in real scenarios, can easily break up the whole reconstruction process. To address these issues, we incorporate visual saliency into a traditional real‐time volumetric fusion pipeline. Salient regions detected from RGB‐D frames suggest user‐intended objects, and by understanding user intentions our approach can put more emphasis on important targets, and meanwhile, eliminate disturbance of non‐important objects. Experimental results on real‐world scans demonstrate that our system is capable of effectively acquiring geometric information of salient objects in cluttered real‐world scenes, even if the backgrounds are changing.
Listeriosis in human pregnancy: a systematic review

Abstract Listeria is commonly found in processed and prepared foods and listeriosis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Preventative measures are well prescribed and monitoring and voluntary recall of contaminated products has resulted in a 44% reduction in the prevalence of perinatal listeriosis in the USA. Pregnant women are at high risk for listeriosis, but symptoms are non-specific and diagnosis is difficult. The intracellular life-cycle of Listeria protects the bacterium from host innate and adaptive immune responses. Antibiotic treatment requires agents able to penetrate, distribute, and remain stable within host cells. Prolonged use of high-dose ampicillin can significantly improve neonatal outcome.
Testosterone gel supplementation for men with refractory depression: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE Testosterone supplementation may produce antidepressant effects in men, but until recently it has required cumbersome parenteral administration. In an 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial, the authors administered a testosterone transdermal gel to men aged 30-65 who had refractory depression and low or borderline testosterone levels. METHOD Of 56 men screened, 24 (42.9%) displayed morning serum total testosterone levels of 350 ng/dl or less (normal range=270-1070). Of these men, 23 entered the study. One responded to an initial 1-week single-blind placebo period, and 22 were subsequently randomly assigned: 12 to 1% testosterone gel, 10 g/day, and 10 to identical-appearing placebo. Each subject continued his existing antidepressant regimen. Ten subjects receiving testosterone and nine receiving placebo completed the 8-week trial. RESULTS The groups were closely matched on baseline demographic and psychiatric measures. Subjects receiving testosterone gel had significantly greater improvement in scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale than subjects receiving placebo. These changes were noted on both the vegetative and affective subscales of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. A significant difference was also found on the Clinical Global Impression severity scale but not the Beck Depression Inventory. One subject assigned to testosterone reported increased difficulty with urination, suggesting an exacerbation of benign prostatic hyperplasia; no other subject reported adverse events apparently attributable to testosterone. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings suggest that testosterone gel may produce antidepressant effects in the large and probably underrecognized population of depressed men with low testosterone levels.
A Placebo-Controlled Surgical Trial of the Treatment of Migraine Headaches

Background: Many of the nearly 30 million Americans suffering with migraine headaches are not helped by standard therapies, a proportion of which can harbor undesirable side effects. The present study demonstrates the efficacy of independent surgical deactivation of three common migraine headache trigger sites through a double-blind, sham surgery, controlled clinical trial. Methods: Seventy-five patients with moderate to severe migraine headache who met International Classification of Headache Disorders II criteria were studied. Trigger sites were identified (frontal, temporal, and occipital), and patients were randomly assigned to receive either actual or sham surgery in their predominant trigger site. Patients completed the Migraine Disability Assessment, Migraine-Specific Quality of Life, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey health questionnaires before treatment and at 1-year follow-up. Results: Of the total group of 75 patients, 15 of 26 in the sham surgery group (57.7 percent) and 41 of 49 in the actual surgery group (83.7 percent) experienced at least 50 percent reduction in migraine headache (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 28 of 49 patients in the actual surgery group (57.1 percent) reported complete elimination of migraine headache, compared with only one of 26 patients in the sham surgery group (3.8 percent) (p < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the actual surgery group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all validated migraine headache measurements at 1 year. These improvements were not dependent on the trigger site. The most common surgical complication was slight hollowing of the temple in the group with temporal migraine headache. Conclusion: This study confirms that surgical deactivation of peripheral migraine headache trigger sites is an effective alternative treatment for patients who suffer from frequent moderate to severe migraine headaches that are difficult to manage with standard protocols.
Sequential reduction of the silicon single-electron transistor structure to atomic scale

Here we present an original CMOS compatible fabrication method of a single-electron transistor structure with extremely small islands, formed by solitary phosphorus dopants in the silicon nanobridge. Its key feature is the controllable size reduction of the nanobridge in sequential cycles of low energy isotropic reactive ion etching that results in a decreased number of active charge centers (dopants) in the nanobridge from hundreds to a single one. Electron transport through the individual phosphorous dopants in the silicon lattice was studied. The final transistor structure demonstrates a Coulomb blockade voltage of ∼30 mV and nanobridge size estimated as 15 × 20 × 20 nm 3 . Analysis of current stability diagrams shows that electron transport in samples after the final etching stage had a single-electron nature and was carried through three phosphorus atoms. The fabrication method of the demonstrated structure allows it to be modified further by various impurities in additional etching and implantation cycles.
Causality in EU macroeconomic variables

ABSTRACT This article investigates the interdependence of macroeconomics, financial and other variables for European Union countries using a multivariate vector autoregressive (VAR) approach for quarterly data. The VAR analysis is applied to all bivariate cases, and the best fitted models are selected in order to conduct Granger causality testing and impulse response functions. Contrary to the existing literature, this study reveals evidence of a unilateral direction between several cases and ambiguous results regarding Impulse response functions analysis.
The prognostic role of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in ST-elevation myocardial infarction after primary angioplasty

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been reported as a common finding in patients with acute myocardial infarction but data on its prognostic role are still controversial. Methods: The present investigation was aimed at assessing the impact of COPD at short and long terms in 818 consecutive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction all submitted to percutaneous coronary intervention. Results: Patients with COPD were older (p < 0.001) and more frequently smokers (p = 0.019). They showed a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; p = 0.004) and a higher incidence of a more advanced coronary artery disease (p = 0.004). Patients with COPD showed higher values of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (p = 0.004), uric acid (p = 0.005), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.002), fibrinogen (p = 0.004), and C-reactive protein positivity (p = 0.017). Kaplan−Meier survival curve documented a significantly worse outcome in COPD patients. When age was taken into account, COPD patients aged <75 years showed a significantly worse outcome at follow up when compared to non-COPD patients aged <75 years. At multivariate analysis, the following variables were independent predictors for death at follow up: age, eGFR, COPD, and discharge left ventricular ejection fraction. Conclusions: In our series, while the presence of COPD was not significantly associated with an increased early mortality, COPD is an independent predictor of long-term mortality. In particular, long-term survival was significantly poorer in COPD patients <75 years in respect to non-COPD patients with the same age. Our data strongly suggest that age should be taken into account in the risk stratification of COPD patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
What Do PE Investors Seek From Syndication Partners? Evidence From the Infrastructure Sector

This article presents an analysis of Private Equity (PE) syndication in infrastructure projects. Previous studies on syndication have been largely in developed countries, with few studies synthesizing the findings of research to support decisions at a sector level. The sample for this study was 358 worldwide deals with PE investments in energy, transport, and water and utilities sectors. First, we identify differences between infrastructure deals that have PE syndication with those that do not. Second, we analyze the drivers of PE syndication. Third, we understand the extent of PE syndication. Our findings indicated that PE syndication was driven by the need for local knowledge—which was critical due to the site-specific nature of infrastructure assets, translating into syndication with local partners. As round number increased, diversity of experience took precedence over level of experience, indicating that PE firms syndicated with other PE firms to achieve a varied set of skills.
Comparison of cyclic fatigue life of nickel-titanium files: an examination using high-speed camera

Objectives To determine the actual revolutions per minute (rpm) values and compare the cyclic fatigue life of Reciproc (RPC, VDW GmbH), WaveOne (WO, Dentsply Maillefer), and TF Adaptive (TFA, Axis/SybronEndo) nickel-titanium (NiTi) file systems using high-speed camera. Materials and Methods Twenty RPC R25 (25/0.08), 20 WO Primary (25/0.08), and 20 TFA ML 1 (25/0.08) files were employed in the present study. The cyclic fatigue tests were performed using a dynamic cyclic fatigue testing device, which has an artificial stainless steel canal with a 60° angle of curvature and a 5-mm radius of curvature. The files were divided into 3 groups (group 1, RPC R25 [RPC]; group 2, WO Primary [WO]; group 3, TF Adaptive ML 1 [TFA]). All the instruments were rotated until fracture during the cyclic fatigue test and slow-motion videos were captured using high-speed camera. The number of cycles to failure (NCF) was calculated. The data were analyzed statistically using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Results The slow-motion videos were indicated that rpm values of the RPC, WO, and TFA groups were 180, 210, and 425, respectively. RPC (3,464.45 ± 487.58) and WO (3,257.63 ± 556.39) groups had significantly longer cyclic fatigue life compared with TFA (1,634.46 ± 300.03) group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean length of the fractured fragments. Conclusions Within the limitation of the present study, RPC and WO NiTi files showed significantly longer cyclic fatigue life than TFA NiTi file.
Lipopolysaccharide and hemorrhagic shock cause systemic inflammation by different mechanisms

BACKGROUND Hemorrhagic shock (HS) and sepsis are common after trauma. These trauma patients often need ventilatory support. The resulting hyperinflammatory state can cause neutrophil-mediated complications such as adult respiratory distress syndrome. An important underlying mechanism is polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) priming by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs, caused by, e.g., HS and ventilation) and by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs, e.g., lipopolysaccharide [LPS] in sepsis). The aim of this study was to compare the inflammatory response induced by DAMPs (liberated during HS) and PAMPs (LPS challenge) under conditions of high-volume ventilation. METHODS Twenty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized for mechanical ventilation (MV) alone (9 rats; positive end-expiratory pressure, 5 cm H2O; pressure control, +20 cm H2O; FIO2, 0.33), MV + HS (9 rats; hemorrhage, 30% volume loss) or MV + LPS (9 rats, LPS, 5mg/kg intravenously administered). Five rats were used as controls. Total PMN count and differentials were determined. In addition, the expression of activation markers (CD62L and CD11b) on blood-derived PMNs was measured by flow cytometry. Pulmonary inflammatory response was measured by PMN counts in bronchoalveolar fluid. The presence of neutrophils in the lung was determined by total myeloperoxidase. Results are expressed as means ± SEM; p ⩽ 0.05 is considered statistically significant. RESULTS All treated rats had more neutrophils in the blood and bronchoalveolar fluid compared with the controls. Myeloperoxidase was significantly higher in all groups compared with controls. MV and MV + HS rats had more blood neutrophils with CD62Lbright/CD11bdim phenotypes, whereas MV + LPS rats showed more CD62Ldim/CD11bbright neutrophils, indicative for activated cells. CONCLUSION All ventilated rats showed a systemic inflammatory response. The responses to HS and MV were very similar, suggesting a common pathway of DAMP-associated inflammation. In marked contrast, LPS showed a different neutrophil phenotype (CD62Ldim/CD11bbright), suggesting a different inflammatory response. It is concluded that shock induced by DAMPs and PAMPs have different underlying mechanisms.
Breathhold multiecho fast spin‐echo pulse sequence for accurate R2 measurement in the heart and liver

Measurement of proton transverse relaxation rates (R2) is a generally useful means for quantitative characterization of pathological changes in tissue with a variety of clinical applications. The most widely used R2 measurement method is the Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill (CPMG) pulse sequence but its relatively long scan time requires respiratory gating for chest or body MRI, rendering this approach impractical for comprehensive assessment within a clinically‐acceptable examination time. The purpose of our study was to develop a breathhold multiecho fast spin‐echo (FSE) sequence for accurate measurement of R2 in the liver and heart. Phantom experiments and studies of subjects in vivo were performed to compare the FSE data with the corresponding even‐echo CPMG data. For pooled data, the R2 measurements were strongly correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.99) and in excellent agreement (mean difference [CPMG – FSE] = 0.10 s–1; 95% limits of agreement were 1.98 and –1.78 s–1) between the two pulse sequences. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.