Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of the carbon pore size and topology on the equilibrium quantum sieving of hydrogen isotopes at zero coverage and finite pressures

Carbonaceous slit-shaped and square-shaped pores efficiently differentiate adsorbed hydrogen isotopes at 77 and 33 K. Extensive path integral Monte Carlo simulations revealed that the square-shaped carbon pores enhanced the selectivity of deuterium over hydrogen in comparison to equivalent slit-shaped carbon pores at zero coverage as well as at finite pressures (i.e. quantum sieving of hydrogen isotopes is pore-topology-dependent). We show that this enhancement of the D2/H2 equilibrium selectivity results from larger localization of hydrogen isotopes in square-shaped pores. The operating pressures for efficient quantum sieving of hydrogen isotopes are strongly dependent on the topology as well as on the size of the carbon pores. However, for both considered carbon pore topologies the highest D2/H2 separation factor is observed at zero-coverage limit. Depending on carbon pore size and topology we predicted monotonic decreasing and non-monotonic shape of the D2/H2 equilibrium selectivity at finite pressures. For both kinds of carbonaceous pores of molecular sizes we predict high compression of hydrogen isotopes at 77 and 33 K (for example, the pore density of compressed hydrogen isotopes at 77 K and 0.25 MPa in a square-shaped carbon pore of size 2.6 Å exceeds 60 mmol cm−3; for comparison, the liquid density of para-H2 at 30 K and 30 MPa is 42 mmol cm−3). Finally, by direct comparison of simulation results with experimental data it is explained why ‘ordinary’ carbonaceous materials are not efficient quantum sieves.
Medication Nonadherence and Substance Abuse in Psychotic Disorders: Impact of Depressive Symptoms and Social Stability

Although studies have consistently shown a strong relationship between medication nonadherence and substance abuse in psychotic disorders, less is understood about the mechanisms underlying this relationship. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the relationship between substance abuse and medication nonadherence in psychosis is mediated by depressive symptoms and social stability. Participants interviewed (N = 528) were adults with schizophrenia and related disorders receiving public mental health services in four US states. Multivariate analyses showed substance abuse, depressive symptoms, and living stability each contributed to medication nonadherence; thus, the relationship between substance abuse and medication adherence in psychotic disorders did not appear to be mediated by the selected variables. Instead, a robust association between depressive symptoms and medication adherence was found, attesting to the utility of assessing for depression when evaluating adherence among people with psychosis. Living instability was common and related to medication nonadherence, too, warranting further investigation.
Accumulation of Triosephosphate Isomerase, with Sequence Homology to β Amyloid Peptides, in Vessel Walls of the Newborn Piglet Hippocampus

We investigated whether β‐amyloid (Aβ)‐like immunoreactivity was seen in the brains of newborn piglets. The immunoreactivity for Aβ(1‐42) and Aβ(1–40) proteins, but not Aβ precursor protein, was present in CD68‐positive perivascular cells of the hippocampus and in parts of the meninges. It was colocalized with immunoreactivity for receptor for advanced glycation end product and tumor necrosis factor‐α. The protein with a molecular mass of 27 kDa, which was recognized by the Aβ antibodies, was identified as triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) with sequence homology to Aβ peptides by N‐terminal amino acid sequencing, mass fingerprint analysis using matrix‐associated laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, and Western blotting. Western blotting assay also revealed that detectable expression of Aβ proteins were not seen in the piglet brains. These findings indicate that TPI with sequence homology to Aβ peptides accumulates in perivascular cells of the microglia/macrophage lineage located around arterial vessels of the newborn piglet hippocampus. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidermal Growth Factor-, Transforming Growth Factor-β-, Retinoic Acid- and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-Regulated Expression of the Novel Protein PTPIP51 in Keratinocytes

The novel protein PTPIP51 (protein tyrosine phosphatase-interacting protein 51), which has been found to interact with protein tyrosine phosphatases of the PTP1B/TcPTP subfamily, is expressed in all suprabasal layers of human epidermis. Hence, a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) grown on culture slides was used as a simplified model system to study the influence of hormonal agents on the regulation of PTPIP51 expression. Results were obtained by immunocytochemistry and subsequent statistical analysis. Additionally, immunoblotting was performed to detect the possible occurrence of distinct molecular weight forms as described previously. Subcellular localization of PTPIP51 protein was analyzed by specific staining of cellular organelles. HaCaT cells were subjected to treatment with factors that are crucial for the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes in human epidermis: epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), retinoic acid (RA) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expressed in HaCaT cells was inhibited by PD153035. Only about 35% of untreated HaCaT cells were immunoreactive for the PTPIP51 protein. Whereas cells treated with increasing concentrations of 1,25 (OH)2D3 showed a stepwise numerical increase of PTPIP51-positive cells, treatment with RA did not influence the number of PTPIP51-positive cells except when supraphysiological concentrations were applied. Concentration-dependent increase of cells stained positive for PTPIP51 was also observed when HaCaT cells were subjected to EGF treatment. Additional treatment of these cells with PD153035 led to a slight decrease in the fraction of PTPIP51-positive cells, which was not statistically significant. Immunoblotting results suggest a specific pattern of different molecular weight forms of PTPIP51 being expressed in HaCaT cells. Subcellular analysis revealed an association of the protein with mitochondria in nonconfluent cells, whereas confluent cells lack such correlation. The intracellular distribution of PTPIP51 resembled the localization of its interacting partner TcPTP. Furthermore, PTPIP51 was found to be present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of HaCaT cells. In summary, the results indicate a possible association of PTPIP51 expression with differentiation as well as with apoptosis of keratinocytes.
A tacrolimus-related immunosuppressant with biochemical properties distinct from those of tacrolimus.

BACKGROUND Tacrolimus (FK506) is an immunosuppressive drug 50-100 times more potent than cyclosporine (CsA), the current mainstay of organ transplant rejection therapy. Despite being chemically unrelated, CsA and tacrolimus exert their immunosuppressive effects through the inhibition of calcineurin (CaN), a critical signaling molecule during T-lymphocyte activation. Although numerous clinical studies have proven the therapeutic efficacy of drugs within this class, tacrolimus and CsA also have a strikingly similar profile of unwanted side effects. METHOD Our objective has been to identify a less toxic immunosuppressant through the modification of ascomycin (FK520). Quantitative in vitro immunosuppression and toxicity assays have demonstrated (see the accompanying article, p. 18) that we achieved our goal with L-732,531 (indolyl-ascomycin; indolyl-ASC), a 32-O-(1-hydroxyethylindol-5-yl) ascomycin derivative with an improved therapeutic index relative to tacrolimus. RESULTS We report that the attributes of indolyl-ASC may result from its distinctive biochemical properties. In contrast to tacrolimus, indolyl-ASC binds poorly to FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12), the major cytosolic receptor for tacrolimus and related compounds. However, the stability of the interaction between the FKBP12-indolyl-ASC complex and CaN is much greater than that of the FKBP12-tacrolimus complex. These distinguishing properties of indolyl-ASC result in the potent inhibition of CaN within T lymphocytes but may lower the accumulation of the drug at sites of toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Indolyl-ASC may define those properties needed to increase the therapeutic efficacy of a macrolactam immunoregulant for treating both human autoimmune disease and organ transplant rejection.
Manganese Redistribution by Calcium-stimulated Vesicle Trafficking Bypasses the Need for P-type ATPase Function*

Background: Yeast is a model system for the study of mechanisms governing eukaryotic Golgi-Mn2+ homeostasis. Results: We provide evidence that calcium stimulates ER and late endosome/trans- to cis-Golgi manganese delivery and bypasses the need for Pmr1. Conclusion: Vesicle trafficking promotes organelle-specific ion interchange and cytoplasmic metal detoxification. Significance: Our findings open new perspectives on chemical modifiers of Hailey-Hailey disease. Regulation of intracellular ion homeostasis is essential for eukaryotic cell physiology. An example is provided by loss of ATP2C1 function, which leads to skin ulceration, improper keratinocyte adhesion, and cancer formation in Hailey-Hailey patients. The yeast ATP2C1 orthologue PMR1 codes for a Mn2+/Ca2+ transporter that is crucial for cis-Golgi manganese supply. Here, we present evidence that calcium overcomes the lack of Pmr1 through vesicle trafficking-stimulated manganese delivery and requires the endoplasmic reticulum Mn2+ transporter Spf1 and the late endosome/trans-Golgi Nramp metal transporter Smf2. Smf2 co-localizes with the putative Mn2+ transporter Atx2, and ATX2 overexpression counteracts the beneficial impact of calcium treatment. Our findings suggest that vesicle trafficking promotes organelle-specific ion interchange and cytoplasmic metal detoxification independent of calcineurin signaling or metal transporter re-localization. Our study identifies an alternative mode for cis-Golgi manganese supply in yeast and provides new perspectives for Hailey-Hailey disease treatment.
Anti-influenza virus activities of 4-substituted 2,4-dioxobutanoic acid inhibitors

We previously identified a series of compounds which specifically inhibited the transcription of influenza A and B viruses (J. Tomassini, H. Selnick, M.E. Davies, M.E. Armstrong, J. Baldwin, M. Bourgeois, J. Hastings, D. Hazuda, J. Lewis, W. McClements, G. Ponticello, E. Radzilowski, G. Smith, A. Tebben, and A. Wolfe, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 38:2827-2837, 1994). The compounds, 4-substituted 2,4-dioxobutanoic acids, selectively targeted the cap-dependent endonuclease activity of the transcriptase complex. Additionally, several of these compounds effectively inhibited the replication of influenza virus but not other viruses in cell culture assays. Here, we report on the anti-influenza virus activities of other potent derivatives of the series evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo infectivity assays. These compounds inhibited the replication of influenza virus in yield reduction assays, with 50% inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.18 to 0.71 microM. These 50% inhibitory concentrations were similar to those observed for inhibition of in vitro transcription (0.32 to 0.54 microM). One selected compound also elicited a dose-dependent inhibition of influenza virus replication in mice following an upper respiratory tract challenge. These studies demonstrate the antiviral efficacy of this inhibitor class and thereby establish the utility of influenza virus endonuclease as a chemotherapeutic target.
Mask extraction from manually segmented MIAS mammograms

The first step in computer aided detection (CAD) in mammography relies on accurate image segmentation. Testing of CAD algorithms should include comparison with other proposed methods in order to show how a new method compares with ones presented before. Two most popular mammographic databases, which are publicly available, consist of scanned films. This presents a segmentation challenge in order to achieve the best possible results. The major problem which arises in testing automatic segmentation algorithms is defining the ground truth. In this paper we present a method for automatic extraction of manually segmented breast segmentation masks from MIAS database. The manual segmentation process has been performed by the professional radiologist on printed images, which have later been digitized and breast pectoral muscle masks have been extracted. The extraction process differs for breast mask extraction and for pectoral muscle mask extraction because of different manually drawn segmentation line properties.
Timetable for Upper Eyelid Development in Staged Human Embryos and Fetuses

In this study, we examined the development of the upper eyelids to provide a basic understanding of gross anatomical structures and information relative to mechanisms of congenital anomalies in the upper eyelids. We studied the upper eyelids by external and histological observation in 48 human embryos and in fetuses from 5 to 36 weeks postfertilization. The upper eyelid fold began to develop at Stage 18. Upper and lower eyelids fused from the lateral cantus at Stage 22, and fusion was complete by 9 weeks of development. Mesenchymal condensations forming the orbital part of the orbicularis oculi (OO), tarsal plate, and the eyelashes and their appendages, were first seen at Week 9. Definite muscle structures of the upper eyelid, such as the orbital part of the OO and the levator palpebrae superioris and its aponeurosis, and the Müller's muscle were observed at 12 and 14 weeks, respectively. In addition, orbital septum, arterial arcade and orbital fat pad, and tarsal gland (TG) were apparent at 12, 14, and 18 weeks, respectively. Opening of the palpebral fissure was observed at Week 20. In addition, we defined the directional orientation between the levator aponeurosis and orbital septum and the growth pattern of the TG. Our results will be helpful in understanding the normal development of the upper eyelid and the origins of upper eyelid birth defects. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
UHF near-field tags design based on split ring resonator

In this paper, two compact tags that using split ring resonator (SRR) structure are proposed for ultra high frequency (UHF) near-field radio frequency identification (RFID) application. The read ranges in water environment that measured by a near-field reader with a −20 dB far gain are 50cm long. The bandwidths are 13 MHz (859 MHz 872 MHz), which cover the Europe standard, and agree well with the simulated results. In addition, the tags have low far-field gain less than −4dBi.
Herpesvirus Seropositivity in Childhood Associates with Decreased Monocyte-Induced NK Cell IFN-γ Production1

EBV infection is inversely associated with IgE sensitization in children, and this association is further enhanced by CMV coinfection. In mice, herpesvirus latency causes systemic innate activation and protection from bacterial coinfection, implying the importance of herpesviruses in skewing immune responses during latent infection. Early control of viral infections depends on IFN-γ release by NK cells, which generally requires the presence of accessory cells. We investigated IFN-γ production by NK cells in PBMCs from children seropositive (SP) for EBV alone, for both EBV and CMV, or seronegative for both viruses. The ability of classical (CD14++CD16−) and proinflammatory (CD14+CD16+) monocytes to induce autologous NK cell IFN-γ was studied by coculture experiments with enriched CD3−CD56+ cells. Transwell experiments were used to evaluate how monocytes interact with NK cells to induce IFN-γ synthesis. SP children had a significantly reduced proportion of IFN-γ+ NK cells and cognate intracellular IFN-γ levels, which was more pronounced in CMV-coinfected subjects. Also, resting PBMCs of SP children displayed lower proportions of proinflammatory monocytes. IFN-γ production by NK cells was dependent on interactions with monocytes, with the proinflammatory subset inducing the highest IFN-γ. Finally, SP children had markedly lower levels of plasma IFN-γ, concurrent with in vitro findings. Herpesvirus infections could be one contributing factor for maturation toward balanced Th1-Th2 responses. Our data indicate that early infection by herpesviruses may affect NK cell and monocyte interactions and thereby also influence the development of allergies.
A comparison of iatrogenic injury studies in Australia and the USA. I: Context, methods, casemix, population, patient and hospital characteristics.

OBJECTIVE To better understand the differences between two iatrogenic injury studies of hospitalized patients in 1992 which used ostensibly similar methods and similar sample sizes, but had quite different findings. The Quality in Australian Health Care Study (QAHCS) reported that 16.6% of admissions were associated with adverse events (AE), whereas the Utah, Colorado Study (UTCOS) reported a rate of 2.9%. SETTING Hospitalized patients in Australia and the USA. DESIGN Investigators from both studies compared methods and characteristics and identified differences. QAHCS data were then analysed using UTCOS methods. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Differences between the studies and the comparative AE rates when these had been accounted for. RESULTS Both studies used a two-stage chart review process (screening nurse review followed by confirmatory physician review) to detect AEs; five important methodological differences were found: (i) QAHCS nurse reviewers referred records that documented any link to a previous admission, whereas UTCOS imposed age-related time constraints; (ii) QAHCS used a lower confidence threshold for defining medical causation; (iii) QAHCS used two physician reviewers, whereas UTCOS used one; (iv) QAHCS counted all AEs associated with an index admission whereas UTCOS counted only those determining the annual incidence; and (v) QAHCS included some types of events not included in UTCOS. When the QAHCS data were analysed using UTCOS methods, the comparative rates became 10.6% and 3.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Five methodological differences accounted for some of the discrepancy between the two studies. Two explanations for the remaining three-fold disparity are that quality of care was worse in Australia and that medical record content and/or reviewer behaviour was different.
Effect of stretch positions on hamstring muscle length, lumbar flexion range of motion, and lumbar curvature in healthy adults

Hamstring stretching is a common practice in physical therapy to change not only hamstring muscle length (HML), but also lumbar flexion range of motion (LROM) or lumbar curvature (LC). Yet limited published research compares the effectiveness of two commonly used hamstring stretch positions, sitting and standing. The purposes of this study were to determine the effect of (1) stretch position on HML; and 2) HML on LROM and LC. Thirty-six participants (M=44.8 years, SD=17.1) with short HML (i.e., with shortness for men ≥45° and for women ≥24° of active knee flexion with 90° hip flexion) were measured for HML, LROM, and LC; randomly allocated to one of three groups: (1) hamstring stretching in sitting (SI); (2) standing (ST); or (3) no stretching (control); and remeasured after 4 weeks. Participants in the stretching groups performed two 30-second static stretches 4 days per week for 4 weeks. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) showed significance between the stretching groups and nonstretching group for HML only. Nonsignificance was shown for HML between the stretch positions (i.e., SI–active knee extension (AKE) and ST-AKE), indicating that both were equally effective for increasing HML. However, there was no change in LROM or in LC even though HML increased.
A Literature Review of Intensive Insulin Therapy and Mortality in Critically Ill Patients

Background: Since Van den Berghe et al published their study on tight glucose control in 2001, intensive insulin therapy (IIT) has been increasingly used for critically ill patients worldwide. However, recent studies reported a significantly increased risk of hypoglycemia without a significant reduction in mortality. Objective: The purpose of this article was to evaluate the effect of IIT with a target glucose of 110 mg/dL or less on mortality in adult critically ill patients and to determine whether it is appropriate to generalize IIT for all critically ill patients. Methods: Ovid, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases were searched for studies that compared "conventional" vs "intensive" insulin therapy in adult critically ill patients. Results: Eleven articles were included for this review. There was no significant difference in intensive care unit mortality between tight glucose control group and conventional glucose control group in 5 of 6 studies. Only 1 study showed a significant difference in hospital mortality between the 2 groups. Seven studies showed a significant increase in the incidence of hypoglycemia. Conclusions: Intensive insulin therapy was not associated with significant reduction in mortality in adult critically ill patients but was related to a significant increase in the incidence of hypoglycemia. Therefore, it is inappropriate to generalize IIT for all critically ill patients, even though it significantly improved blood glucose control.
Obstrucción de la vía aérea en asmáticos asociada al uso de aerosol para el cabello

Background: Acute exposure to hair spray has been described to induce airway obstruction, especially in asthmatic subjects, but the effect on airway function caused by a chronic exposure is unknown. Methods: Spirometries were performed in 40 patients with established diagnosis of mild to moderate asthma and regular exposure to hair
Evaluation of binaural functions in bilateral cochlear implant users

Binaural abilities are difficult to assess, yet important to understand, in the course of rehabilitating bilateral cochlear implantees. One purpose of this research was to develop a binaural assessment methodology using direct electrical input to the cochlear implant, ‘‘direct connect assessment’’, pre-processed by appropriate headrelated transfer functions (HRTFs) to simulate the binaural cues for spatial release from masking and sound localization. A second purpose was to create and evaluate new, modified rules for adaptively measuring the speech reception threshold in noise with the Hearing In Noise Test (HINT) for use with cochlear implant subjects. A third purpose was to develop a new sound localization protocol whose difficulty is adjusted to the sound localization ability of the individual cochlear implant subject. These new protocols were combined with the direct connect method and evaluated in acoustic hearing subjects and cochlear implant subjects. HINT thresholds and sound localization scores measured in the sound field and with the direct connect method did not differ significantly and were highly correlated in both groups. Measures of spatial release from masking, head shadow effects, binaural squelch, and binaural summation derived from the thresholds also were comparable for both methods. The alternative adaptive rules for HINT were found to measure different points on the same performance-intensity function. These rules allowed all cochlear implant subjects in the study to be tested adaptively and their thresholds to be compared to norms. Sound localization was measured successfully in all subjects with a sector localization protocol whose difficulty is to be adjusted to the localization ability of the subject. This protocol reduced by one-third to one-half the time required to complete the assessment of the localization ability.