Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clustering of fibronectin adhesins toward Treponema denticola tips upon contact with immobilized fibronectin

Treponema denticola has been shown to bind to immobilized fibronectin (Fn) by its tips. Yet labeling of cells in suspension with an Fn-gold conjugate to localize the Fn adhesins shows that they are distributed in patches along the entire cell length. Subsequent experiments have shown that the number and proportion of tip-oriented cells increase with time, suggesting that Fn contact stimulates T. denticola to rearrange adhesins toward its tips. To test this hypothesis, T. denticola cells were allowed to migrate in a 2% methylcellulose column toward nitrocellulose filters coated with Fn, laminin, bovine serum albumin, or phosphate-buffered saline. Cells close to and distant from the filters were collected, labeled with Fn-gold probes, and examined by transmission electron microscopy. The number of gold particles on each of 20 cells was counted, dividing each cell into thirds along its length: the end third with the most label (end 1), the middle third, and the end with the least label (end 2). The mean number (+/- standard deviation) of gold probes per third was calculated. Fn-gold probes clustered toward one end of T. denticola cells when in contact with Fn-coated nitrocellulose, with > 55% of probes in end 1. In contrast, no clustering toward T. denticola ends occurred with laminin-, bovine serum albumin, or phosphate-buffered saline-coated filters or in the absence of a filter. Blocking access of the T. denticola cells to the Fn-coated nitrocellulose filter by placing an uncoated filter between them prevented clustering of Fn-gold. Removal of T. denticola cells from direct contact with the Fn-coated filter did not promote redistribution of clustered probes. These data suggest that T. denticola is stimulated to cluster Fn adhesins irreversibly toward its tips when it migrates into contact with immobilized Fn. This might be significant for establishing multiple adhesive interactions with host cells and ligands.
Purified Wnt‐5a increases differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic cells and dishevelled phosphorylation

The Wnt family of lipoproteins regulates several aspects of the development of the nervous system. Recently, we reported that Wnt‐3a enhances the proliferation of midbrain dopaminergic precursors and that Wnt‐5a promotes their differentiation into dopaminergic neurones. Here we report the purification of hemagglutinin‐tagged Wnt‐5a using a three‐step purification method similar to that previously described for Wnt‐3a. Haemagglutinin‐tagged Wnt‐5a was biologically active and induced the differentiation of immature primary midbrain precursors into tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive dopaminergic neurones. Using a substantia nigra‐derived dopaminergic cell line (SN4741), we found that Wnt‐5a, unlike Wnt‐3a, did not promote β‐catenin phosphorylation or stabilization. However, both Wnt‐5a and Wnt‐3a activated dishevelled, as assessed by a phosphorylation‐dependent mobility shift. Moreover, the activity of Wnt‐5a on dishevelled was blocked by pre‐treatment with acyl protein thioesterase‐1, indicating that palmitoylation of Wnt‐5a is necessary for its function. Thus, our results suggest that Wnt‐3a and Wnt‐5a, respectively, activate canonical and non‐canonical Wnt signalling pathways in ventral midbrain dopaminergic cells. Furthermore, we identify dishevelled as a key player in transducing both Wnt canonical and non‐canonical signals in dopaminergic cells.
On the tradeoff of average delay, average service cost, and average utility for single server queues with monotone policies

In this thesis, we study the optimal tradeoff of average delay, average service cost, and average utility for single server queueing models, with and without admission control. The continuous time and discrete time queueing models that we consider are motivated by cross-layer models for noisy point-to-point links, with random packet arrivals. We study the above tradeoff problem for a class of admissible policies, which are monotone and stationary and obtain an asymptotic characterization of the minimum average delay as a function of the average service cost and average utility constraints.
RESULTS OF LIS2T, A MULTICENTER, RANDOMIZED STUDY COMPARING CYCLOSPORINE MICROEMULSION WITH C2 MONITORING AND TACROLIMUS WITH C0 MONITORING IN DE NOVO LIVER TRANSPLANTATION

This is the first multicenter, randomized, open-label study to compare the efficacy and safety of cyclosporine A microemulsion (CsA-ME) (Neoral, Novartis, Basel, Switzerland ) with C2 monitoring versus tacrolimus in de novo liver transplant recipients. Patients were stratified according to hepatitis C virus status and randomized to receive CsA-ME (n= 250) or tacrolimus (n= 245) with steroids, with or without azathioprine. The primary endpoint was the incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) at 3 months. Secondary endpoints included death or graft loss and safety evaluations at 6 months. The incidence of BPAR at 3 months was 26% in the CsA-ME group and 24% in the tacrolimus group (not significant). At 6 months, 89% of patients receiving CsA-ME and 88% of patients receiving tacrolimus were alive with a functioning graft. Among the hepatitis C virus-positive patients, there was no difference in BPAR, but death or graft loss was more frequent in those receiving tacrolimus (15% vs. 6%, P <0.05). Diabetes mellitus (14% vs. 7%, P <0.02) and diarrhea (29% vs. 14%, P <0.001) were significantly more often reported in patients receiving tacrolimus. The incidence of hypertension was similar in both groups. At 6 months, the median total cholesterol was 4.7 mmol/L (2.9–7.4 mmol/L) in the CsA-ME arm versus 4.3 mmol/L (2.5–6.4 mmol/L) in the tacrolimus arm; the median serum creatinine was 106 μmol/L (52–238 μmol/L) in the CsA-ME arm versus 103 μmol/L (44–477 μmol/L) in the tacrolimus arm. Efficacy is equivalent with CsA-ME using C2 monitoring or tacrolimus in liver transplant recipients. The incidence of adverse events is comparable except for a significantly higher incidence of diabetes mellitus and diarrhea in the tacrolimus group. Both agents are effective primary immunosuppressants in liver transplant recipients.
Supraceliac aortic cross‐clamping and declamping. Effects of dopexamine and dopamine on systemic and mesenteric hemodynamics, metabolism and intestinal tonometry in a rat model

Background: The effects of dopexamine and dopamine on mesenteric ischemia during reperfusion following aortic cross‐clamping are not known. We determined intramucosal tonometric PCO2 and PCO2 gap using a rat model of supraceliac aortic cross‐clamping and declamping.
Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of the Spinal Cord: The Influence of Normovolemic Hemodilution and Gradual Reperfusion

Recent studies have suggested that oxygen-derived free radicals play an Important role in ischemia-reperfusion injury of the spinal cord. In other organ systems, reperfusion injury has been reduced by limiting the availability of oxygen in the reperfusion phase. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of normovolemic hemodilution and gradual reperfusion on spinal cord function after aortic cross-clamping in 84 New Zealand White rabbits. All animals underwent 21 min of infrarenal aortic cross-damping in the conscious state by means of a previously placed aortic occlusion device and were randomized to four groups. Group 1 animals were hemodiluted to a mean(s.e.m.) hematocrit of 28(2)% by extracting 25% of the effective blood volume and reinfusing the plasma component after centrifugation concurrently with a volume of normal saline three times that of the discarded red cells. Group 2 animals (controls) were bled similarly but both plasma and red cells were reinfused, resulting in a mean(s.e.m.) hematocrit of 38(2)%. In the next two groups, distal aortic flow was recorded via an implantable Doppler device. After cross-clamping, flow was returned gradually over 45 min in animals of group 3. and abruptly in group 4. Animals were observed for 5 days and neurologic function was graded by an independent observer. Paraplegia at 5 h after clamping occurred in 75% of animals in group 1 versus 32% in group 2 (P< 0.05), and in 33% of group 3 versus 28% in group 4 (not significant). Of those animals showing initial neurologic recovery, delayed-onset paraplegia was seen in 100% in group 1 versus 87% in group 4 (not significant), and in 50% of group 3 versus 92% of group 4 (P< 0.03). The findings that the incidence of delayed-onset paraplegia in rabbits is reduced after gradual reintroduction of blood flow supports the hypothesis that this phenomenon is caused by reperfusion injury. Ischemic spinal cord injury is worsened by normovolemic hemodilution in this model.
Clinical dermatologic education and the diagnostic acumen of medical students and primary care residents

The growth of managed care and the inability to access the specialist directly are two major issues confronting the practicing dermatologist. Stern and Nelson ' analyzed data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Study, which is an ongoing, comprehensive assessment of ambulatory medical practice in the USA. They concluded that the role of the dermatologist in caring for skin disease is diminishing. Their analysis also demonstrated a significant increase in the use of nondermatologists for the care of skin disease in patients enrolled in HMOs and PPOs. A study performed by Feldman et al? confirmed these findings, and demonstrated that patients with HMO/prepaid insurance were less likely than patients with commercial indemnity insurance (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) or Medicare to have care of their cutaneous disorders provided by dermatologists. The decline in the utilization of dermatologists for the care of cutaneous diseases can be explained by the increasing presence of managed care organizations. In fact, managed care grew by 32% from 1990 to 1992.2 The primary objective of the managed care organization is to contain costs. Limiting patient access to specialists represents one method to achieve this goal, despite the lack of convincing evidence that this approach is truly more cost effective.3 Primary care providers (PCPs) are increasingly being assigned to the role of "gatekeeper," and many managed care organizations may even provide disincentives for referrals. Acting as gatekeeper, it is the PCP's job to triage patients and to refer only those who require a level of care that the PCP feels he or she cannot provide. The assumption inherent in this system is that PCPs have the expertise to triage, diagnose, and treat patients appropriately. Yet the realities, at least with respect to dermatology, do not seem to support this assumption. ' Most PCPs tend to have little dermatologic training or knowledge, but yet are increasingly being asked to take on the role of expert in the treatment of skin disease.
The Effects of Two Different Arm Positions and Weight Status on Select Kinematic Variables During the Bodyweight Squat

Abstract Glave, AP, Olson, JM, Applegate, DK, and Di Brezzo, R. The effects of two different arm positions and weight status on select kinematic variables during the bodyweight squat. J Strength Cond Res 26(11): 3148–3154, 2012—The bodyweight squat is a common movement and is safe and effective. There are many variations and techniques, but little research has explored alterations of the movement. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 2 arm positions on select kinematic variables during the bodyweight squat. The participants were classified as normal-weight (NW: n = 17, height: 1.67 ± 0.06 m, weight: 61.25 ± 6.90 kg, body mass index [BMI]: 21.92 ± 1.68) or overweight (OW: n = 11, height: 1.68 ± 0.06 m, weight: 88.91 ± 16.86 kg, BMI: 31.64 ± 6.06) according to BMI. The participants completed a bodyweight squat with the arms held at the sides (AP1) followed by a bodyweight squat with the arms held at shoulder level (AP2). Reflective markers were placed on the shoulder, hip, knee, base of the fifth toe, and heel. Data were recorded and analyzed using Peak 9. Trunk and knee flexion was analyzed using separate repeated measures analyses of variance. Overweight participants exhibited reduced knee (OW: 75.56 ± 17.94°; NW: 83.73 ± 13.03°; p < 0.05) and trunk flexion (OW: –78.18 ± 17.72°; NW: –90.65 ± 17.57°; p = 0.05). Holding the arms at shoulder level resulted in greater knee flexion (AP1: 80.81 ± 15.17°; AP2: 86.31 ± 15.21°; p < 0.01). Both weight status and arm position affected the range of motion in the bodyweight squat. Using an arms-up position should be considered, especially for the OW population, to increase the benefits of the bodyweight squat by increasing the range of motion.
Effects of dietary salt on sodium—calcium exchange and ATP-driven calcium pump in arterial smooth muscle of Dahl rats

Aim: To compare the effects of dietary salt on sodium-calcium exchange and the ATP-driven calcium pump in arterial smooth muscle between Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) and salt-resistant (DR) rats Methods: Aortic rings freshly excised from 16 DS rats and 16 DR rats on a low- (0.3% or high- (8% ) NaCI diet for 4 weeks were superfused with physiological saline and isometric tension was measured. In the presence of 10(imol/l phentolamine, 10(imol/l verapamil and 5 mmol/l caffeine, relaxation of a Iow-Na + contraction was promoted by external calcium removal Results: On the high-salt diet, the rate of relaxation at 1.2 mmol/l extracellular sodium (calcium extrusion by calcium ATPase) was significantly lower in aortic rings from DS rats than from DR rats. The increase in the rates of relaxation from 1.2 mmol/l to normal (139.2 mmol/l) extracellular sodium (calcium extrusion by sodium-calcium exchange) was significantly greater with the high-salt diet than with the low-salt diet in rings from DR rats, but it was not different between the high- and low-salt diets in DS rats. The rate of increase in tonic tension by reducing extracellular Na+ from normal to 1.2 mmol/l in the presence of verapamil, caffeine and phentolamine (calcium entry by sodium—calcium exchange) was significantly lower in rings from DS rats than in those from DR rats on the high-salt diet Conclusions: These observations suggest that the effects of dietary salt on the sodium—calcium exchange system in arterial smooth muscle differ between DS and DR rats and that calcium extrusion by the calcium pump is decreased in DS rats compared with DR rats. The lack of an increase in sodium—calcium exchange in salt-fed DS rats might lead to an elevation in cellular calcium and contribute to the mechanism of hypertension
Perioperative Mortality for Pancreatectomy: A National Perspective

Objective:To analyze in-hospital mortality after pancreatectomy using a large national database. Summary and Background Data:Pancreatic resections, including pancreaticoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, and total pancreatectomy, remain the only potentially curative interventions for pancreatic cancer. The goal of this study was to define factors affecting outcomes after pancreatectomy for neoplasm. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed using all patients undergoing pancreatic resections for neoplastic disease identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2003. Crude in-hospital mortality was analyzed by χ2. A multivariable model was constructed to adjust for age, sex, hospital teaching status, hospital surgical volume, year of resection, payer status, and selected comorbid conditions. Results:In all, 279,445 patient discharges were identified with a primary diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasm. A total of 39,463 (14%) patients underwent resection during that hospitalization. In-hospital mortality was 5.9% with a significant decrease from 7.8% to 4.6% from 1998 to 2003 by trend analysis (P < 0.0001). Resections done at low (<5 procedures/year)- and medium (5–18/year)-volume centers had higher mortality compared with those at high (>18/year)-volume centers (low-volume odds ratio = 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 2.3–4.; medium-volume, odds ratio = 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–3.0). The proportion of procedures performed at high volume centers increased from 30% to 39% over the 6-year time period (P < 0.0001) by trend test. Conclusions:This large observational study demonstrates an improvement in operative mortality for patients undergoing pancreatectomy for neoplastic disease from 1998 to 2003. In addition, a greater proportion of pancreatectomies were performed at high-volume centers in 2003. The regionalization of pancreatic surgery may have partially contributed to the observed decrease in mortality rates.
Theoretical Modeling for the Interaction of Tin Alloying With N-Type Doping and Tensile Strain for GeSn Lasers

We investigate the interaction of tin alloying with tensile strain and n-type doping for improving the performance of a Ge-based laser for on-chip optical interconnects. Using a modified tight-binding formalism that incorporates the effect of tin alloying on conduction band changes, we calculate how threshold current density and slope efficiency are affected by tin alloying in the presence of tensile strain and n-type doping. Our results show that while there exists a negative interaction between tin alloying and n-type doping, tensile strain can be effectively combined with tin alloying to dramatically improve the Ge gain medium in terms of both reducing the threshold and increasing the expected slope efficiency. Through quantitative modeling, we find that the best design is to include large amounts of both tin alloying and tensile strain but only moderate amounts of n-type doping, if researchers seek to achieve the best possible performance in a Ge-based laser.
A Hermeneutic Study of Pattern Mining as a Knowledge Creation Process: Exploring Multimedia Design Practices

In this paper, we discuss a special case of knowledge creation via pattern mining that was studied using a hermeneutic approach. The reported study explores the nature of knowledge creation by domain practitioners who do not communicate directly. The focus of this paper extends the traditional view of a knowledge creation process beyond organisational boundaries. The proposed knowledge creation framework explains the facilitated process of knowledge creation by its qualification, combination, socialisation, externalisation, internalisation and introspection, thus allowing the transformation of individual experience and knowledge into formalised shareable domain knowledge.
Chromosomal restriction endonuclease analysis and ribotyping of Bacteroides fragilis

We have analysed the restriction fragment length patterns of chromosomal DNA and of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes in order to investigate the clonal distribution within Bacteroides fragilis isolates. Eighteen blood culture isolates from 18 patients and 4 faecal isolates from 4 subjects were examined. Chromosomal restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) was performed by separating BamHI‐gener‐ated DNA fragments using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Ribotyping was accomplished by hybridizing EcoRI‐treated genomic DNA subjected to conventional REA on agarose to a radio‐labelled probe obtained from 16+23S rRNA of E. coli. All 22 isolates could be differentiated by their REA patterns with a varying percentage of similar fragments. Analysis of the rRNA gene patterns displayed heterogeneity, and revealed 14 ribotypes among the 18 blood culture isolates and 3 among the 4 faecal isolates. The predominant ribotype among the clinical isolates was also shared by one faecal isolate. The results suggest that no particular clones are predominantly responsible for systemic infection.
Association Between Anthropometry and Upper-Body Strength Qualities With Sprint Paddling Performance in Competitive Wave Surfers

Abstract Sheppard, JM, McNamara, P, Osborne, M, Andrews, M, Oliveira Borges, T, Walshe, P, and Chapman, DW. Association between anthropometry and upper-body strength qualities with sprint paddling performance in competitive wave surfers. J Strength Cond Res 26(12): 3345–3348, 2012—This study aimed to evaluate the potential association with anthropometry and upper-body pulling strength with sprint kinematics of competitive surfers. Ten competitive male surfers (23.9 ± 6.8 years, 177.0 ± 6.5 cm, 72.2 ± 2.4 kg) were assessed for stature, mass, arm span, ∑ 7 site skinfold thickness, pronated pull-up strength, and sprint paddling performance from a stationary start to 15 m. Pearson correlation analysis, and independent t-tests were used to compare potential differences between the slower and faster group of sprint paddlers. Strong associations were found between relative (total kilograms lifted per athlete mass) upper-body pulling strength and sprint paddling time to 5, 10, and 15 m, and peak sprint paddling velocity (r = 0.94, 0.93, 0.88, 0.66, respectively, p < 0.05) and relative upper-body pulling strength was found to be superior (p < 0.05) in the faster group, with large effect (d = 1.88). The results of this study demonstrate a strong association between relative upper-body pulling strength and sprint paddling ability in surfers. Strength and conditioning coaches working with competitive surfers should implement strength training with surfers, including an emphasis on developing relative strength, because this may have a strong influence on sprint paddling performance.
Excessive bone resorption in human plasmacytomas: direct induction by tumour cells in vivo

Summary. We studied the bone resorption (BR) in 82 patients with overt plasmacytomas (PCT) by histomorpho‐metry. All the solitary PCT and 90% of overt PCT in complete remission lacked excessive BR. In contrast, 73% of the 68 patients with active overt PCT had an excessive BR. This excessive BR was highly related to the presence of tumour cells within the bone sample. Indeed, 92% of patients with active PCT and tumour cells within the biopsy had an excessive BR. On the other hand, 70% of patients with active PCT but lacking tumour cells within the biopsy had normal BR.
Preoperative portal vein embolization with a mixture of gelatin sponge and iodized oil: efficacy and safety

Purpose: To evaluate whether portal vein embolization (PVE) using a mixture of gelatin sponge (GS) pieces and iodized oil is safe and effective in inducing hypertrophy of the future liver remnants (FLR). Material and Methods: PVE was performed in 14 patients (eight male and six female, mean age 65 years, range 35–81 years) diagnosed with malignant liver tumor before surgery, whose FLR volumes were judged too small to allow for safe resection. Liver volume change, biochemical data change, complications related to PVE, and postoperative complications were retrospectively evaluated. Results: PVE was successful in all patients, and there were no procedural complications. Absolute FLR volume and FLR/total liver volume (TLV) ratio increased by 102 cm3 and 8% (mean values), respectively. Planned hepatectomies were cancelled in three patients due to extrahepatic metastasis or bile duct infection. Five of the 11 patients (45%) who underwent hepatectomies had major postoperative complications. However, complications due to hepatic failure were not seen. In 10 patients, except one whose outcome was fatal outcome, the mean hospitalization days with and without major complications were 73 and 33 days, respectively. Conclusion: PVE using a mixture of GS and iodized oil seems to be effective and safe in inducing hypertrophy of the FLR.