Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
N-acyl homoserine lactone mediated interspecies interactions between A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa

Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are pathogens capable of colonizing the same infection sites and employing N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) based quorum-sensing systems to co-ordinate biofilm formation. Hence, the effect of P. aeruginosa AHLs on biofilm formation by A. baumannii and vice versa were investigated using the biofilm impaired quorum sensing mutants, A. baumannii M2 (abaI::Km) and P. aeruginosa PAO-JP2. Complementing the mutants with heterologous, extracted and pure AHLs increased biofilm mass significantly. The surface area coverage and biovolume also increased significantly as observed by confocal scanning laser microscopy which corroborated scanning electron microscope analysis. Autoinducer synthase gene promoters of A. baumannii, P abaI-lacZ, and P. aeruginosa, P lasI-lacZ, were induced (p < 0.05) by heterologous AHLs. Growth of A. baumannii was not inhibited by pyocyanin of P. aeruginosa which may allow their co-existence and interaction in the clinical setting, thereby affecting the severity of combined infections and therapeutic measures to control them.
Comparison of the effect of neonatal administration of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the female rat.

Summary. Female rats were given a single subcutaneous injection of either 10 or 100 \g=m\g testosterone propionate (TP) or dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP) on Day 1 or 5 of life (Day 1 = day of birth). Both TP and DHTP delayed vaginal opening on Day 1 and advanced vaginal opening on Day 5. Testosterone propionate, but not DHTP, induced constant vaginal cornification and polyfollicular ovaries in the majority of rats. Dihydrotestosterone propionate had no effect on the Receptivity Quotient (lordosis/mount ratio x 100), whereas 100 \g=m\g TP on Day 1 or 5 significantly lowered the Quotient compared to DHTP treatment. Both TP and DHTP were equally potent in preventing ovarian compensatory hypertrophy in unilaterally ovariectomized female rats. In addition, treatment with 200 \g=m\g DHTP daily did not prevent the ovarian weight increase in response to exogenous gonadotrophin. The significance of these observations are discussed with respect to the physiological r\l=o^\le of DHT.
A High-Performance 1.3 KW SMPS with Single Switch Forward Topology

This paper presents a new method of modifying transformer leakage inductance and winding resistance, which are the main parameters in switch mode power supplies (SMPSs) design. The effect of these parasitics in a single-switch-forward SMPS is scrutinized with simulations. Finally, the results of the simulations are applied to the design of a single switch forward SMPS with an output of 1300 watts for which the results are provided. Noteworthy other works have reported output levels of only 150 to 350 watts when applying this topology
Gonadal and Adrenal Androgens Are Potent Regulators of Human Bone Cell Metabolism In Vitro

Androgens stimulate bone formation and play an important role in the maintenance of bone mass. Clinical observations suggest that both gonadal and adrenal androgens contribute to the positive impact of androgenic steroids on bone metabolism. We investigated the mechanism of action of the adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated compound dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) on human osteoblastic cells (HOCs) in vitro. The DHEA‐ and DHEAS‐induced effects were analyzed in parallel with the actions elicited by the gonadal androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). There was no qualitative difference between the effects of gonadal and adrenal androgens on HOC metabolism in vitro. Both were stimulatory as regards cell proliferation and differentiated functions, but the gonadal androgen DHT was significantly more potent than DHEA. The actions of DHT and DHEA on HOC proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) production could be prevented by the androgen receptor antagonist hydroxyflutamide and inhibitory transforming growth factor β antibodies (TGF‐βab), respectively, but were not affected by the presence of the 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) and 5‐α‐reductase (5‐AR) inhibitor 17β‐N,N‐diethylcarbamoyl‐4‐methyl‐4aza‐5α‐androstan‐3‐one (4‐MA). This indicates that DHT and DHEA (1) exert their mitogenic effects by androgen receptor–mediated mechanisms, (2) stimulate ALP production by increased TGF‐β expression, (3) that the action of DHT is not affected by the presence of 4‐MA, and that (4) DHEA does not need to be metabolized by 3βHSD or 5‐AR first to exert its effects on HOCs in vitro.
Biochemistry, 2nd Edition

As an undergraduate in search of a definitive text for my introductory biochemistry courses, I had no choice but to acquire the third edition of this book, since Dr. Stryer was not only an instructor for several of my classes, but his text was also the required text for the most popular biology course! But even if I had not been pressured to acquire the text, I would have sold all my other books in order to get this one alone. I still recall being astounded by the impressive and eclectic range of ideas in the book, which encompasses not only biochemistry but also illustrative thoughts and asides from literature, art, and music. How many biochemistry texts have in their indexes references to Shakespeare, Ecclesiastes, J.S. Bach (unfortunately missing in the newest edition) and Leonardo DaVinci, or pictures of Greek amphorae juxtaposed with molecular models and organic chemistry diagrams? If one ever had the misfortune to be stranded on a deserted island with one book, this would be a fine choice-what is more, the brightly colored red and gold cover would certainly make a useful signal beacon to one's rescuers. The detail, clarity and rigor of writing in this text surpasses that found in any other book I have ever seen, and furthermore, the book is downright entertaining if one pays attention to the interesting anecdotes and metaphors. The new edition has been extensively reorganized and complemented with a series of computer-generated molecular models in order to better demonstrate the nuances of structural biology. Of course, a good amount of information (with accompanying references) has been added to cover the seven years since the last revision. Readers of past editions are sure to find much that is new in all parts of the book; indeed, the organizational scheme has been changed so that most of the material on proteins and on nucleic acids is in self-contained chapters of the book, rather than spread around throughout. One hopes that future efforts will continue on the part of Dr. Stryer until he achieves Tai T'ung's goal of the "perfect book. " Biochemistry, by Donald Voet and Judith Voet, is a comprehensive and detailed text covering the subject of biochemistry with both breadth and depth. The second edition was apparently published in response to advances in this field since the publication of the first edition in 1990. The foreword by Irving Geis presents this …
The Emerging Importance of Type I MADS Box Transcription Factors for Plant Reproduction

Based on their evolutionary origin, MADS box transcription factor genes have been divided into two classes, namely, type I and II. The plant-specific type II MIKC MADS box genes have been most intensively studied and shown to be key regulators of developmental processes, such as meristem identity, flowering time, and fruit and seed development. By contrast, very little is known about type I MADS domain transcription factors, and they have not attracted interest for a long time. A number of recent studies have now indicated a key regulatory role for type I MADS box factors in plant reproduction, in particular in specifying female gametophyte, embryo, and endosperm development. These analyses have also suggested that type I MADS box factors are decisive for setting reproductive boundaries between species.
Socio-Economic and Demographic Factors of Crime in Germany: Evidence from Panel Data of the German States

Our study is based on the traditional Becker-Ehrlich deterrence model, but we analyse the model in the face of currently discussed factors of crime like demographic changes, youth-unemployment and income inequality. We use a panel of the German Laender (states) that allows us to exploit different experiences in densely and sparsely populated areas as well as in East and West Germany. Our results are based on static and dynamic panel econometrics/criminometrics. They confirm the deterrence hypothesis for crime against property. Only weak support can be observed for crime against the person. Economic and demographic factors reveal important and significant influences. Being young and unemployed increases the probability of committing crimes.
A 288-GHz lens-integrated balanced triple-push source in a 65-nm CMOS technology

A 288-GHz lens-integrated high-power source implemented in a 65-nm CMOS technology is presented. The source consists of two free-running triple-push ring oscillators locked out-of phase by magnetic coupling. The oscillators drive a differential on-chip ring antenna, which illuminates a hyper-hemispherical silicon lens through the backside of the die. An on-wafer breakout of the oscillators core achieves a peak output power of -1.5 dBm with a 280-mW DC power consumption. The radiated power of the packaged source is -4.1 dBm, which is the highest reported radiated power of a single CMOS source beyond 200 GHz. The source die including the antenna occupies only 500×650 μm2.
Mechanical sensorless PMSM drive system based on direct torque control in M-T frame synchronized with stator flux-linkage vector

This paper proposes a mechanical sensorless drive system based on direct torque control for permanent magnet synchronous motor. In the proposed system, the whole control system works in a rotating reference frame that is synchronized with the stator flux linkage vector. The armature voltage in the stationary reference frame does not required for the flux estimation. In addition, the proposed system includes maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) and flux-weakening controls for wide-speed-range operation. A novel MTPA model is used for the reference flux calculation. Both simulation and experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed system.
Oxonol dyes as monitors of membrane potential: The effect of viruses and toxins on the plasma membrane potential of animal cells in monolayer culture and in suspension

Optical indicators of the cationic, cyanine and anionic oxonol classes were used to evaluate the plasma membrane potential of animal cells in suspension and in monolayer culture. The optical signals were calibrated by using diffusion potential either of K+ (in the presence of valinomycin) or of H+ (in the presence of carbonyl cyanide p‐trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone; FCCP); both classes of dye gave similar values of plasma membrane potential, in the range −40 to −90 mV for different cell types. Addition of haemolytic Sendai virus or Staphylococcus aureus α‐toxin depolarizes cells and causes them to leak monovalent cations; these effects are antagonized by extracellular Ca2+. Cells infected with vesicular stomatitis or Semliki Forest virus become depolarized during an infectious cycle; infection with other viruses was without affect on plasma membrane potential.
The performance of two automatic servo-ventilation devices in the treatment of central sleep apnea.

INTRODUCTION This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic performance of a new auto Servo Ventilation device (Philips Respironics autoSV Advanced) for the treatment of complex central sleep apnea (CompSA). The features of autoSV Advanced include an automatic expiratory pressure (EPAP) adjustment, an advanced algorithm for distinguishing open versus obstructed airway apnea, a modified auto backup rate which is proportional to subject's baseline breathing rate, and a variable inspiratory support. Our primary aim was to compare the performance of the advanced servo-ventilator (BiPAP autoSV Advanced) with conventional servo-ventilator (BiPAP autoSV) in treating central sleep apnea (CSA). STUDY DESIGN A prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING Five sleep laboratories in the United States. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-seven participants were included. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS All subjects had full night polysomnography (PSG) followed by a second night continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration. All had a central apnea index ≥ 5 per hour of sleep on CPAP. Subjects were randomly assigned to 2 full-night PSGs while treated with either the previously marketed autoSV, or the new autoSV Advanced device. The 2 randomized sleep studies were blindly scored centrally. Across the 4 nights (PSG, CPAP, autoSV, and autoSV Advanced), the mean ± 1 SD apnea hypopnea indices were 53 ± 23, 35 ± 20, 10 ± 10, and 6 ± 6, respectively; indices for CSA were 16 ± 19, 19 ± 18, 3 ± 4, and 0.6 ± 1. AutoSV Advanced was more effective than other modes in correcting sleep related breathing disorders. CONCLUSIONS BiPAP autoSV Advanced was more effective than conventional BiPAP autoSV in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing in patients with CSA.
Development and characterization of novel agar and gelatin injectable hydrogel as filler for peripheral nerve guidance channels

Injectable hydrogels are becoming of increasing interest in the field of tissue engineering thanks to their versatile properties and to the possibility of being injected into tissues or devices during surgery. In peripheral nerve tissue engineering, injectable hydrogels having shear‐thinning properties are advantageous as filler of nerve guidance channels (NGCs) to improve the regeneration process. In the present work, gelatin‐based hydrogels were developed and specifically designed for the insertion into the lumen of hollow NGCs through a syringe during surgery. Injectable hydrogels were obtained using an agar–gelatin 20:80 weight ratio, (wt/wt) blend crosslinked by the addition of genipin (A/GL_GP). The physicochemical properties of the A/GL_GP hydrogels were analysed, including their injectability, rheological, swelling and dissolution behaviour, and their mechanical properties under compression. The hydrogel developed showed shear‐thinning properties and was applied as filler of NGCs. The A/GL_GP hydrogel was tested in vitro using different cell lines, among them Schwann cells which have been used because they have an important role in peripheral nerve regeneration. Viability assays demonstrated the lack of cytotoxicity. In vitro experiments showed that the hydrogel is able to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. Two‐ and three‐dimensional migration assays confirmed the capability of the cells to migrate both on the surface and within the internal framework of the hydrogel. These data show that A/GL_GP hydrogel has characteristics that make it a promising scaffold material for tissue engineering and nerve regeneration. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rebelliousness, Effortful Control, and Risky Behavior: Metamotivational and Temperamental Predictors of Risk-Taking in Older Adolescents

Adolescence is frequently regarded as a time of increased vulnerability to engaging in risky behaviors such as binge drinking, unsafe sexual activities, and illicit drug use. The present study examined risk perception and risk-taking behavior in older adolescents from two di erent perspectives, by examining temperamental and metamotivational predictors of likelihood of engaging in risky activities. A sample of 76 undergraduate students aged 17 to 19 years completed a questionnaire package that included the Motivational Style Profile, Rebelliousness Questionnaire, the short form of the Adult Temperament Questionnaire, and the expected risk and expected involvement subscales of the Cognitive Appraisal of Risky Events. Findings indicated that rebelliousness and e ortful control (i.e., ability to appropriately regulate attention and behavior) were strong predictors of expected involvement in risky behaviors, and that proactive rebelliousness was a particularly influential predictor of illicit drug use, risky sexual activities, aggressive and illegal behaviors, and risky academic and work behaviors. In addition, a number of significant correlations between temperamental variables and metamotivational dominance were observed, lending empirical support to reversal theory’s metamotivational constructs and their measurement.
Sequestration of host metabolism by an intracellular pathogen

For intracellular pathogens, residence in a vacuole provides a shelter against cytosolic host defense to the cost of limited access to nutrients. The human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis grows in a glycogen-rich vacuole. How this large polymer accumulates there is unknown. We reveal that host glycogen stores shift to the vacuole through two pathways: bulk uptake from the cytoplasmic pool, and de novo synthesis. We provide evidence that bacterial glycogen metabolism enzymes are secreted into the vacuole lumen through type 3 secretion. Our data bring strong support to the following scenario: bacteria co-opt the host transporter SLC35D2 to import UDP-glucose into the vacuole, where it serves as substrate for de novo glycogen synthesis, through a remarkable adaptation of the bacterial glycogen synthase. Based on these findings we propose that parasitophorous vacuoles not only offer protection but also provide a microorganism-controlled metabolically active compartment essential for redirecting host resources to the pathogens. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.12552. 001
Effectiveness of Pay-for-Performance Incentive Designs on Diabetes Care

Background:Taiwan’s National Health Insurance program implemented a pay-for-performance (P4P) program based on process measures in 2001. In late 2006, the P4P was revised to also include achievement of outcome measures. Objectives:This study examined whether a change in P4P incentive design structure affected diabetes outcomes. Research Design and Method:We used a longitudinal cohort study design using 2 population-based databases. Newly enrolled P4P patients with diabetes in 2002–2003 (phase 1) and 2007–2008 (phase 2) made up the study cohorts. Propensity score matching was used to match comparable cohorts in each phase. In total, 46,286 matched cohorts in phase 1 and 2 were analyzed. Process measures were defined as the provision of tests of glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood pressure, and outcome measures as changes in those values between baseline and last follow-up within 3 years. Patient-level generalized linear regression models were used and patient characteristics, physician characteristics, and health care facility characteristics were adjusted for. Results:Our results indicated that the process measures of HbA1c and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol tests did not differ significantly between the 2 phases. In addition, better improvements were noted in outcome measures for the phase 2 patients (ie, HbA1c level and lipid profiles), whereas nonincentivized intermediate measures (eg, blood pressure) showed no negative unintended consequences. Conclusions:Quality of care tended to be better when both process and targeted outcome measures were combined as quality metrics in the P4P program in Taiwan.
Case mix of home health patients under capitated and fee-for-service payment.

OBJECTIVE We compare case mix of Medicare home health patients under HMO and FFS payment. STUDY DESIGN A pseudo-experimental design was employed to study case mix using three types of Medicare-certified home health agencies (HHAs): HMO-owned agencies, pure FFS agencies that admit few Medicare HMO patients (less than 5 percent of admissions are Medicare HMO patients), and mixed (or contractual) agencies that admit at least 15 Medicare FFS patients and 15 Medicare HMO patients per month. SAMPLES OF PROVIDERS AND PATIENTS: Random samples of Medicare-aged patients (> or = 65 years) were selected at admission between June 1989 and November 1991 from the 38 study HHAs. Sample sizes by agency type were: 308 patients from 9 HMO-owned agencies; 529 patients from 15 pure FFS agencies; and 381 HMO patients and 414 FFS patients from 14 contractual agencies. DATA Primary longitudinal data were prospectively collected at admission for all patients on health status indicators, demographics, admission source, and home environment. MEASURES The most important case-mix measures were functional and physiologic indicators of health status, including (instrumental) activities of daily living ([I]ADLs). Selected indicators of demographic variables, prior location, living situation, characteristics of informal caregivers, mental/behavioral factors, and resource needs were also used. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS (a) The case mix of Medicare FFS patients compared with Medicare HMO patients was more intense in terms of impairments in ADLs, IADLs, and various physiologic conditions. Pressure ulcers as well as neurological and orthopedic impairments requiring rehabilitation care were also more prevalent among FFS patients. (b) Relative to HMO patients admitted to contractual agencies, HMO patients admitted to HMO-owned agencies were moderately more dependent in ADLs and IADLs. However, only 62 percent of HMO patients admitted to HMO-owned agencies, in contrast to 77 percent of HMO patients admitted to contractual agencies, had been hospitalized during the 30 days prior to home health admission. (c) In all, the case mix of patients receiving care from HMO-owned agencies is more heterogeneous than the case mix of HMO patients receiving care from contractual agencies. CONCLUSIONS The case-mix (and selected utilization) findings indicate that HMOs use home health care differently than does the FFS sector. The greater diversity of case mix for HMO-owned agencies and the narrower or less diverse case mix that characterizes HMO patients receiving home care on a contractual basis point to the likelihood of cost differences among the two types of HMO patients and FFS patients, and raise the question of possible outcome differences.
A PDE‐based head visualization method with CT data

In this paper, we extend the use of the partial differential equation (PDE) method to head visualization with computed tomography (CT) data and show how the two primary medical visualization means, surface reconstruction, and volume rendering can be integrated into one single framework through PDEs. Our scheme first performs head segmentation from CT slices using a variational approach, the output of which can be readily used for extraction of a small set of PDE boundary conditions. With the extracted boundary conditions, head surface reconstruction is then executed. Because only a few slices are used, our method can perform head surface reconstruction more efficiently in both computational time and storage cost than the widely used marching cubes algorithm. By elaborately introducing a third parameter w to the PDE method, a solid head can be created, based on which the head volume is subsequently rendered with 3D texture mapping. Instead of designing a transfer function, we associate the alpha value of texels of the 3D texture with the PDE parameter w through a linear transform. This association enables the production of a visually translucent head volume. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the developed head visualization method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.