Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Type IV‐pili dependent motility is co‐regulated by PilSR and PilS2R2 two‐component systems via distinct pathways in Myxococcus xanthus

Myxococcus xanthus is an environmental bacterium with two forms of motility. One type, known as social motility, is dependent on extension and retraction of Type‐IV pili (T4P) and production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS). Several signaling systems have been linked to regulation of T4P‐dependent motility. In particular, expression of the pilin subunit pilA requires the PilSR two‐component signaling system (TCS). A second TCS, PilS2R2, encoded within the same locus that encodes PilSR, has also been linked to M. xanthus T4P‐dependent motility. We demonstrate that PilSR and PilS2R2 regulate M. xanthus T4P‐dependent motility through distinct pathways. Consistent with known roles of PilSR, our results indicate that the primary function of PilSR is to regulate expression of pilA. In contrast, PilS2 and PilR2 have little to no affect on PilA protein levels. However, deletion of pilR2 resulted in a reduction of assembled pili, significant decreases in EPS production and loss of T4P‐dependent motility. Furthermore, the pilR2 mutation led to increased production of outer membrane vesicles (OMV). Collectively, we propose that PilS2R2 is required for proper assembly of T4P and regulation of OMV production, and hypothesize that production of these vesicles is related to M. xanthus motility.
A Miniaturized Single-Transducer Implantable Pressure Sensor With Time-Multiplexed Ultrasonic Data and Power Links

A high-precision implantable pressure sensor with ultrasonic power-up and data uplink is presented. The fully packaged implant measures <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1.7 \times 2.3 \times 7.8$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm<sup>3</sup> and includes a custom IC designed in a 180-nm HV BCD process, a pressure transducer, an energy storage capacitor, and a single piezoelectric transducer (piezo). In order to reduce overall dimensions, unique circuit and system design techniques are presented to enable a single time-multiplexed piezo for both power recovery and data uplink transmission. Implant performance is characterized at significant depths, 12 cm in a tissue phantom, offering a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$>13\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> improvement over state of the art in the depth/volume figure of merit, while demonstrating a robust ultrasonic data uplink with better than 10<sup>−5</sup> bit error rate. A transient charging analysis is presented to derive the optimal piezo impedance and charging specifications to maximize overall harvesting efficiency. The IC features a front end with a 10-bit SAR ADC achieving a pressure full-scale range of 800 mmHg with a pressure resolution of 0.78 mmHg, exceeding the requirements for a wide range of in vivo pressure sensing applications. The pressure sampling rate is fully externally controlled, up to 1 ksps, in order to significantly decrease implant energy consumption and to allow for adaptable programming for specific applications.
Inter-vendor reproducibility of left and right ventricular cardiovascular magnetic resonance myocardial feature-tracking

Aim Since cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature-tracking (CMR-FT) has been demonstrated to be of incremental clinical merit we investigated the interchangeability of global left and right ventricular strain parameters between different CMR-FT software solutions. Material and methods CMR-cine images of 10 patients without significant reduction in LVEF and RVEF and 10 patients with a significantly impaired systolic function were analyzed using two different types of FT-software (TomTec, Germany; QStrain, Netherlands). Global longitudinal strains (LV GLS, RV GLS), global left ventricular circumferential (GCS) and radial strains (GRS) were assessed. Differences in intra- and inter-observer variability within and between software types based on single and up to three repeated and subsequently averaged measurements were evaluated. Results Inter-vendor agreement was highest for GCS followed by LV GLS. GRS and RV GLS showed lower inter-vendor agreement. Variability was consistently higher in healthy volunteers as compared to the patient group. Intra-vendor reproducibility was excellent for GCS, LV GLS and RV GLS, but lower for GRS. The impact of repeated measurements was most pronounced for GRS and RV GLS on an intra-vendor level. Conclusion Cardiac pathology has no influence on CMR-FT reproducibility. LV GLS and GCS qualify as the most robust parameters within and between individual software types. Since both parameters can be interchangeably assessed with different software solutions they may enter the clinical arena for optimized diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in various pathologies.
The Radical SAM enzyme NirJ catalyzes the removal of two propionate side chains during heme d1 biosynthesis

Heme d1 is a modified tetrapyrrole playing an important role in denitrification by acting as the catalytically essential cofactor in the cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductase of many denitrifying bacteria. In the course of heme d1 biosynthesis, the two propionate side chains on pyrrole rings A and B of the intermediate 12,18‐didecarboxysiroheme are removed from the tetrapyrrole macrocycle. In the final heme d1 molecule, the propionate groups are replaced by two keto functions. Although it was speculated that the Radical S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM) enzyme NirJ might be responsible for the removal of the propionate groups and introduction of the keto functions, this has not been shown experimentally, so far. Here, we demonstrate that NirJ is a Radical SAM enzyme carrying two iron–sulfur clusters. While the N‐terminal [4Fe‐4S] cluster is essential for the initial SAM cleavage reaction, it is not required for substrate binding. NirJ tightly binds its substrate 12,18‐didecarboxysiroheme and, thus, can be purified in complex with the substrate. By using the purified NirJ/substrate complex in an in vitro enzyme activity assay, we show that NirJ indeed catalyzes the removal of the two propionate side chains under simultaneous SAM cleavage. However, under the reaction conditions employed, no keto group formation is observed indicating that an additional cofactor or enzyme is needed for this reaction.
An appraisal of the impact of petroleum hydrocarbons on soil fertility: the Owaza experience

Major fertility indices N, P, K, TOC and TOM contents were examined against the backdrop of physiccochemical conditions of pH, temperature, moisture content and electrical conductivity of soils three months after oil spillage at Owaza in the Niger Delta region of Southern Nigeria. Evidence of severe hydrocarbon contamination was provided by high extractable hydrocarbon content of 3.4 x 10 – 6.8 x 10 mg/kg. High soil acidity (low pH of 4.9 – 5.1), low electrical conductivity as well as high temperature and moisture content, all provided evidence of reduced metabolic activities on the affected site which explains the relatively low TOC/TOM values obtained. These conditions generally imply low soil fertility, which in turn implies low agricultural productivity and reduced source of livelihood in the affected area. Based on the results obtained, contingency/remedial measures should include the application of appropriate and sufficient inorganic NPK fertilizer to restore the carbon to nutrient ratios to the optimum required to stimulate and sustain microbial activity; adjustment of the pH to 6.0 – 6.5 by the addition of calcitic lime; stimulation of indigenous microbial growth by cultivating the soil to distribute the nutrients and lime and appropriate aeration of the treatment zone.
Effects of maternal smoking on offspring reproductive outcomes: an intergenerational study in the North East of Scotland

Abstract STUDY QUESTION How does exposure to cigarette smoke in utero influence women's reproductive outcomes? SUMMARY ANSWER Women exposed to cigarette smoke in utero were more likely to have a pregnancy and more likely to experience miscarriage. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN Existing epidemiological studies have been inconsistent, but generally suggest a small decrease in fertility of women exposed to cigarette smoke in utero. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This cohort study included all women born prior to 31st December 1972 as recorded in the Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank. Exposure to maternal cigarette smoking in utero was retrieved from their birth records within the database. The primary outcome was any pregnancy occurring in the offspring over the course of their reproductive life. The 12 321 eligible women were followed up for 40 years for any pregnancies and the outcome of those pregnancies recorded in the same database. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Within the cohort, 3836 women were exposed to cigarette smoke and 8485 women were not exposed to cigarette smoke in utero. Generalized estimating equations were used to generate odds ratios (OR) and 95% CIs for all outcomes with adjustment made for all differences between groups at baseline. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The study did not find a link between exposure to cigarette smoke in utero and a decrease in fertility. Women exposed to cigarette smoke in utero were more likely to have a pregnancy than those whose mother did not smoke; adjusted OR = 1.25 (95% CIs: 1.13–1.38). Women exposed to cigarette smoke in utero were also likely to have a pregnancy earlier (adjusted OR for age at first delivery ≤19 years 1.31 [95% CIs: 1.12–1.54)] than those not exposed. Women exposed to cigarette smoke in utero were significantly more likely to have a miscarriage than those not exposed; adjusted OR = 1.16 (95% CIs: 1.01–1.32). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although the cohort in this study was large, there were women for whom exposure data was unavailable. Data on the adult circumstances of women who did not record a pregnancy was unavailable, precluding adjustment for their own smoking status or social class. In addition, women who migrated from the area or chose childlessness voluntarily were not included in the study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Despite the wide-ranging harmful effects of cigarette smoke on foetal reproductive development, the effect at a population level remains uncertain. An increased risk of miscarriage in women exposed to cigarette smoke is a potentially important novel finding, which should be investigated further. This study illustrates the lack of consensus on the reproductive effects of in utero cigarette exposure, compelling continuing study in this important area. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No funding received. No competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
hiPSC‐derived iMSCs: NextGen MSCs as an advanced therapeutically active cell resource for regenerative medicine

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being assessed for ameliorating the severity of graft‐versus‐host disease, autoimmune conditions, musculoskeletal injuries and cardiovascular diseases. While most of these clinical therapeutic applications require substantial cell quantities, the number of MSCs that can be obtained initially from a single donor remains limited. The utility of MSCs derived from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) has been shown in recent pre‐clinical studies. Since adult MSCs have limited capability regarding proliferation, the quantum of bioactive factor secretion and immunomodulation ability may be constrained. Hence, the alternate source of MSCs is being considered to replace the commonly used adult tissue‐derived MSCs. The MSCs have been obtained from various adult and foetal tissues. The hiPSC‐derived MSCs (iMSCs) are transpiring as an attractive source of MSCs because during reprogramming process, cells undergo rejuvination, exhibiting better cellular vitality such as survival, proliferation and differentiations potentials. The autologous iMSCs could be considered as an inexhaustible source of MSCs that could be used to meet the unmet clinical needs. Human‐induced PSC‐derived MSCs are reported to be superior when compared to the adult MSCs regarding cell proliferation, immunomodulation, cytokines profiles, microenvironment modulating exosomes and bioactive paracrine factors secretion. Strategies such as derivation and propagation of iMSCs in chemically defined culture conditions and use of footprint‐free safer reprogramming strategies have contributed towards the development of clinically relevant cell types. In this review, the role of iPSC‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (iMSCs) as an alternate source of therapeutically active MSCs has been described. Additionally, we also describe the role of iMSCs in regenerative medical applications, the necessary strategies, and the regulatory policies that have to be enforced to render iMSC's effectiveness in translational medicine.
Plasma calcium and magnesium concentrations in patients with fractures of long bones treated surgically

Bone fractures, especially when treated surgically, are connected with changes in the homeostasis of the elements of which bone compounds consist, as well as the ones which participate in controlling processes. Such changes influence both the fracture itself and the operative procedure. For successful treatment of broken bones, it can be crucial to bring the homeostasis of bioelements back to the normal state. Thus, the aim of this work has been to determine magnesium and calcium concentrations in plasma from patients with fractures of long bones, and to analyze changes in the examined elements depending on the time after the operative procedure, injury and patient’s age. The research was conducted on the blood of patients: 1) with long bone fractures treated surgically, 2) after a limb amputation because of a fracture or injury, 3) with long bone fractures and with multiorgan injury. With respect to the patients’ age, there were 3 groups: 1) patients aged 18-40 years, 2) patients aged 41-60 years, 3) patients older than 60 years. In the postoperative period, the patients were on a strict postoperative diet, receiving only i.v. 0.9% NaCl and 5% glucose solutions. Blood was taken from patients first directly after admittance to hospital and next on the first, third, fifth and seventh day after an operative procedure. Plasma calcium and magnesium concentrations were determined by the method of emission spectrometry with induction plasma (ICP-OES). The results were worked out statistically. The differences p<0.05 were taken into consideration as statistically significant. The research showed that in the blood plasma from patients with long bone fractures treated surgically, there were noticeable decreases of calcium and magnesium concentra
A model of the effect of strand length and strand thickness on the strength properties of oriented wood composites

A model has been developed of the mechanism by which stress is transferred between contiguous particle components of oriented strand products such as oriented strandboard and oriented strand lumber. It is postulated that stress is transferred between contiguous strands at an angle to the glueline and that this stress transfer angle reduces strength properties in strand composites as grain angle reduces strength in solid wood as described by the Hankinson equation. Inclusion of the stress transfer angle into a modified Hankinson equation provides a means of assessing the interactive contributions of strand length and thickness and internal bond strength on the strength properties of composite wood products. Experimental results from a 2-ply lap joint study and multilayer high-strength oriented strand products provided good agreement with the modified Hankinson equation, which indicates that it is a useful model of the effect of strand length and thickness in the development of strength properties in composite wood strand products. Significant parameters were the parallel strength of the wood, the perpendicular strength properties of the wood and the glueline, the compressed strand thickness and the value of the experimentally determined exponent n. The initial rate of strength increase with increasing strand length increased with decreasing compressed strand thickness and increasing internal bond. The grain angle in the strands was a significant factor in the contribution of the wood strands to the parallel strength properties of the product.
Association of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency With Quality of Life and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Speech Surgery

Importance Patients with cleft palate and other causes of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) suffer adverse effects on social interactions and communication. Measurement of these patient-reported outcomes is needed to help guide surgical and nonsurgical care. Objectives To further validate the VPI Effects on Life Outcomes (VELO) instrument, measure the change in quality of life (QOL) after speech surgery, and test the association of change in speech with change in QOL. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective descriptive cohort including children and young adults undergoing speech surgery for VPI in a tertiary academic center. Participants completed the validated VELO instrument before and after surgical treatment. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative VELO scores and the perceptual speech assessment of speech intelligibility. The VELO scores are divided into subscale domains. Changes in VELO after surgery were analyzed using linear regression models. VELO scores were analyzed as a function of speech intelligibility adjusting for age and cleft type. The correlation between speech intelligibility rating and VELO scores was estimated using the polyserial correlation. Results Twenty-nine patients (13 males and 16 females) were included. Mean (SD) age was 7.9 (4.1) years (range, 4-20 years). Pharyngeal flap was used in 14 (48%) cases, Furlow palatoplasty in 12 (41%), and sphincter pharyngoplasty in 1 (3%). The mean (SD) preoperative speech intelligibility rating was 1.71 (1.08), which decreased postoperatively to 0.79 (0.93) in 24 patients who completed protocol (P < .01). The VELO scores improved after surgery (P<.001) as did most subscale scores. Caregiver impact did not change after surgery (P = .36). Speech Intelligibility was correlated with preoperative and postoperative total VELO score (P < .01) and to preoperative subscale domains (situational difficulty [VELO-SiD, P = .005] and perception by others [VELO-PO, P = .05]) and postoperative subscale domains (VELO-SiD [P = .03], VELO-PO [P = .003]). Neither the VELO total nor subscale score change after surgery was correlated with change in speech intelligibility. Conclusions and Relevance Speech surgery improves VPI-specific quality of life. We confirmed validation in a population of untreated patients with VPI and included pharyngeal flap surgery, which had not previously been included in validation studies. The VELO instrument provides patient-specific outcomes, which allows a broader understanding of the social, emotional, and physical effects of VPI. Level of Evidence 2.
A Regularly Channeled Lamellar Membrane for Unparalleled Water and Organics Permeation.

Lamellar membranes show exceptional molecular permeation properties of key importance for many applications. However, their design and development need the construction of regular and straight interlayer channels and the establishment of corresponding transport rate equation. The fabrication of a uniformly lamellar membrane is reported using double-layered Ti3 C2 Tx MXenes as rigid building blocks. This membrane possesses ordered and straight 2 nm channels formed via a direct self-stacking, in contrast to the conventional irregular ones from flexible sheets. Such channels permit precise molecular rejection and unparalleled molecular permeation. The permeance of water and organics by this membrane reached 2300 and 5000 L m-2 h-1 bar-1 , respectively. The molecular transfer mechanism in confined nanochannels, and the corresponding model equation are established, paving a way to nanoscale design of highly efficient channeled membranes for transport and separation applications.
Construction of a ceRNA network reveals potential lncRNA biomarkers in rectal adenocarcinoma

Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) render the functions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) more complicated during cancer processes. Potential lncRNA biomarkers and their roles as ceRNAs have not been clearly described for rectal adenocarcinoma (READ). In the present study, we extracted data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) including data from 167 tumor samples and 10 adjacent non-tumor samples. A total of 202 lncRNAs, 190 microRNAs (miRNAs) and 1,530 mRNAs were identified as READ-specific RNAs [log2(fold-change)>2, FDR<0.01]. The Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes and the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were analysed for 1,530 specific mRNAs. Among 202 READ-specific lncRNAs, 7 lncRNAs were identified as being associated with overall survival of READ patients. Then, a ceRNA network was constructed with 34 key lncRNAs, 25 miRNAs and 65 mRNAs. A total of 7 lncRNAs from the network were revealed to be linked to clinical features. The results of qRT-PCR ascertained that our analysis was credible. Overall, this research provides a novel perspective from which to study the lncRNA-related ceRNA network in READ and assists in the identification of new potential biomarkers to be used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.
Ferroelectric Characteristics of Bi4-xErxTi3O12 Ceramics

The electrical properties of Er2O3-doped bismuth titanate,Bi4-xErxTi3O12 (BET) ceramics prepared by a conventional electroceramic technique were investigated. XRD analyses revealed Bi-layered perovskite structure in all samples. SEM micrographs showed randomly oriented and plate-like morphology. For the samples with x=0.4 and 1.0 P-E hysteresis loops were characterized by large leakage current, whereas for the samples with x=0.6 and 0.8 P-E hysteresis loops were the saturated and undistorted hysteresis loops. The remanent polarization ( Pr ) and coercive field (Ec) of the BET ceramic with x=0.8 were above 20μC/cm2 and 65KV/cm , respectively.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress epigenetics is related to adiposity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance

ABSTRACT Unresolved ER stress is involved in the onset and progression of several obesity-related metabolic disorders, including dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Different epigenetic modifications may regulate ER stress response and consequently disease risks. These epigenetic phenomena encompass DNA and histone methylation patterns in ER stress genes and downstream signaling molecules, as well as microRNA expression. Our results suggest potential associations of methylation signatures at ER regulatory genes in white blood cells with an abdominal/central obesity marker (waist circumference), dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Interestingly, most of these genes were implicated in ER stress, as revealed by pathway enrichment analysis. Together, these findings add knowledge into the current understanding of relationships between obesity and accompanying complications with epigenetics and ER stress. Here, we comment about the implication of ER stress in central/abdominal adiposity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, with an emphasis on the role that epigenetics may play on these pathological processes.
Algorithmic design methodologies and design porting of wireline transceiver IC building blocks between technology nodes

This paper presents an analysis of sub-2.5-V topologies and design methodologies for SiGe BiCMOS and sub-90nm CMOS building blocks to be used in the next generation of 40-100 Gb/s wireline transceivers. Examples of optimal designs for 40-80Gb/s broadband low-noise input comparators, low-voltage high-speed MOS- and BiCMOS CML logic gates, 30-100 GHz low-noise oscillators, and 40/80 GHz output drivers with wave shape control are provided.