Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intrinsically disordered linkers determine the interplay between phase separation and gelation in multivalent proteins

Many intracellular membraneless bodies appear to form via reversible phase transitions of multivalent proteins. Two relevant types of phase transitions are sol-gel transitions (gelation) and phase separation plus gelation. Gelation refers to the formation of a system spanning molecular network. This can either be enabled by phase separation or it can occur independently. Despite relevance for the formation and selectivity of compositionally distinct protein and RNA assemblies, the determinants of gelation as opposed to phase separation plus gelation remain unclear. Here, we focus on linear multivalent proteins that consist of interaction domains that are connected by disordered linkers. Using results from computer simulations and theoretical analysis we show that the lengths and sequence-specific features of disordered linkers determine the coupling between phase separation and gelation. Thus, the precise nature of phase transitions for linear multivalent proteins should be biologically tunable through genetic encoding of or post-translational modifications to linker sequences.
Synthesis and Design of Superhard Materials

▪ Abstract The synthesis of the two currently used superhard materials, diamond and cubic boron nitride, is briefly described with indications of the factors influencing the quality of the crystals obtained. The physics of hardness is discussed and the importance of covalent bonding and fixed atomic positions in the crystal structure, which determine high hardness values, is outlined. The materials investigated to date are described and new potentially superhard materials are presented. No material that is thermodynamically stable under ambient conditions and composed of light (small) atoms will have a hardness greater than that of diamond. Materials with hardness values similar to that of cubic boron nitride (cBN) can be obtained. However, increasing the capabilities of the high-pressure devices could lead to the production of better quality cBN compacts without binders.
Adaptive output feedback control for cooperative dynamic positioning of multiple offshore vessels

This paper considers cooperative dynamic positioning (CDP) of multiple offshore vessels in the presence of dynamical uncertainties, time-varying ocean disturbances and unmeasured velocity, aimed at collectively holding a relative formation and reaching a reference position. K-filter observers are first designed to estimate the unmeasured velocity information of each vessel, and then observer based CDP controllers are developed with the aid of dynamic surface control (DSC) technique, neural network and iterative learning approach. The formation among vehicles can be guaranteed if the graph induced by the vessels and the reference point contains a spanning tree. It is proved by Lyapunov analysis that the proposed control laws can ensure that all the signals in the closed-loop systems are uniformly ultimately bounded, and tracking errors converge to a small neighborhood of origin.
Genomic regions controlling shape variation in the first upper molar of the house mouse

Numerous loci of large effect have been shown to underlie phenotypic variation between species. However, loci with subtle effects are presumably more frequently involved in microevolutionary processes but have rarely been discovered. We explore the genetic basis of shape variation in the first upper molar of hybrid mice between Mus musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus. We performed the first genome-wide association study for molar shape and used 3D surface morphometrics to quantify subtle variation between individuals. We show that many loci of small effect underlie phenotypic variation, and identify five genomic regions associated with tooth shape; one region contained the gene microphthalmia-associated transcription factor Mitf that has previously been associated with tooth malformations. Using a panel of five mutant laboratory strains, we show the effect of the Mitf gene on tooth shape. This is the first report of a gene causing subtle but consistent variation in tooth shape resembling variation in nature.
Impact of Dental Plaque Biofilms in Periodontal Disease: Management and Future Therapy

Oral cavity represents an ideal environment for the microbial cell growth, persistence, and dental plaque establishment. The presence of different microniches leads to the occurrence of different biofilm communities, formed on teeth surface, above gingival crevice or at subgingival level, on tongue, mucosa and dental prosthetics too. The healthy state is regulated by host immune system and interactions between microbial community members, maintaining the predominance of “good” microorganisms. When the complexity and volume of biofilms from the gingival crevice increase, chronic pathological conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis can occur, predisposing to a wide range of complications. Bacteria growing in biofilms exhibit a different behavior compared with their counterpart, respectively planktonic or free cells. There have been described numerous mechanisms of differences in antibiotic susceptibility of biofilm embedded cells. Resistance to antibiotics, mediated by genetic factors or, phenotypical, due to biofilm formation, called also tolerance, is the most important cause of therapy failure of biofilm-associated infections, including periodontitis; the mechanisms of tolerance are different, the metabolic low rate and cell’s dormancy being the major ones. The recent progress in science and technology has made possible a wide range of novel approaches and advanced therapies, aiming the efficient management of periodontal disease.
On the relationships between synaptic plasticity and generative systems

The present paper analyzes the mutual relationships between generative and developmental systems (GDS) and synaptic plasticity when evolving plastic artificial neural networks (ANNs) in reward-based scenarios. We first introduce the concept of synaptic Transitive Learning Abilities (sTLA), which reflects how well an evolved plastic ANN can cope with learning scenarios not encountered during the evolution process. We subsequently report results of a set of experiments designed to check that (1) synaptic plasticity can help a GDS to fine-tune synaptic weights and (2) that with the investigated generative encoding (EvoNeuro), only a few learning scenarios are necessary to evolve a general learning system, which can adapt itself to reward-based scenarios not tested during the fitness evaluation.
Mechanisms and disease relevance of neutrophil extracellular trap formation

While the microscopic appearance of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) has fascinated basic researchers since its discovery, the (patho)physiological mechanisms triggering NET release, the disease relevance and clinical translatability of this unconventional cellular mechanism remained poorly understood. Here, we summarize and discuss current concepts of the mechanisms and disease relevance of NET formation.
RomA, A Periplasmic Protein Involved in the Synthesis of the Lipopolysaccharide, Tunes Down the Inflammatory Response Triggered by Brucella

Brucellaceae are stealthy pathogens with the ability to survive and replicate in the host in the context of a strong immune response. This capacity relies on several virulence factors that are able to modulate the immune system and in their structural components that have low proinflammatory activities. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the main component of the outer membrane, is a central virulence factor of Brucella, and it has been well established that it induces a low inflammatory response. We describe here the identification and characterization of a novel periplasmic protein (RomA) conserved in alpha-proteobacteria, which is involved in the homeostasis of the outer membrane. A mutant in this gene showed several phenotypes, such as membrane defects, altered LPS composition, reduced adhesion, and increased virulence and inflammation. We show that RomA is involved in the synthesis of LPS, probably coordinating part of the biosynthetic complex in the periplasm. Its absence alters the normal synthesis of this macromolecule and affects the homeostasis of the outer membrane, resulting in a strain with a hyperinflammatory phenotype. Our results suggest that the proper synthesis of LPS is central to maximize virulence and minimize inflammation.
CHAPTER 9:Magnetic Assembly and Tuning of Colloidal Responsive Photonic Nanostructures

The interest in self‐assembly of magnetically dipolar colloids has been driven both fundamentally and practically. Colloidal dipolar spheres are interesting model systems in condensed‐matter physics as they can self‐assemble into various crystals structures that allow exploration of the phase complexity in a single sample as their interparticle interactions can be conveniently tuned within an experimentally accessible timescale. On the other hand, magnetic assembly of colloidal particles provides an effect route towards the fabrication of functional materials, particularly colloidal responsive photonic nanostructures. In this chapter, we present recent efforts towards magnetic assembly of colloidal responsive photonic nanostructures. We start with the introduction of magnetic interactions experienced by magnetic dipolar particles in suspensions. By controlling the local particle concentration and the interparticle potential, magnetic fields not only induce the self‐assembly of colloidal particles into 1D, 2D and 3D structures, but also cause the phase transitions between different structures. A magnetic field has also been considered as a convenient stimulus to tune the optical properties of photonic structures by affecting the lattice constant d, the orientation θ, or the crystal structures. Thanks to the correlation between the photonic response and the interparticle distance, we also demonstrate that the use of magnetically responsive photonic assemblies for studying fundamental problems about colloidal interactions. By taking advantage of the unique features of the magnetically responsive photonic system, we also highlight several unique practical in structural colour printing, anticounterfeiting devices, humidity sensors, and rewritable paper.
The factors associated with geriatric depression in rural China: stratified by household structure

Abstract Depressive symptoms and empty nest phenomenon of rural elderly people are both important public health issues, which should not be ignored. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and related factors of the empty nest elderly in rural China. We recruited 3182 eligible subjects and gathered data by face-to-face interview. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the related factors of depressive symptoms. The present study showed that the prevalence of depressive symptoms significantly differed between empty nest old adults and non-empty nesters (24.1% vs. 19.0%). The elderly living alone had highest OR of depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms of empty nest elderly was associated with sleep quality, economic status, pain, social support and ADL. While it was associated with gender, economic status, pain and PSMS in non-empty nest group. Number of chronic disease showed significant associations with depressive symptoms in the elderly living alone. Subjective support, support utilization and pain were positively associated with depressive symptoms in the elderly living with spouse. Sleep quality, economic status and ADL were common factors. Depressive symptoms obviously prevail among empty nest elderly than non-empty nesters. It reminded us that complementary social support from family and society is essential.
Big Scholarly Data: A Survey

With the rapid growth of digital publishing, harvesting, managing, and analyzing scholarly information have become increasingly challenging. The term Big Scholarly Data is coined for the rapidly growing scholarly data, which contains information including millions of authors, papers, citations, figures, tables, as well as scholarly networks and digital libraries. Nowadays, various scholarly data can be easily accessed and powerful data analysis technologies are being developed, which enable us to look into science itself with a new perspective. In this paper, we examine the background and state of the art of big scholarly data. We first introduce the background of scholarly data management and relevant technologies. Second, we review data analysis methods, such as statistical analysis, social network analysis, and content analysis for dealing with big scholarly data. Finally, we look into representative research issues in this area, including scientific impact evaluation, academic recommendation, and expert finding. For each issue, the background, main challenges, and latest research are covered. These discussions aim to provide a comprehensive review of this emerging area. This survey paper concludes with a discussion of open issues and promising future directions.
Anisotropy of Photocatalytic Properties in Nanostructured Photocatalysts

Energy band engineering and the nature of surface/interface of a semiconductor play a significant role in searching high efficiency photocatalysts. Actually, the active facets, morphology controlling, especially the exposed facets modulation of photocatalysts during preparation are very desirable. In order to achieve high photocatalytic performance, intrinsic mechanism of such anisotropic properties should be fully considered. In this review, we mainly emphasis on the latest research developments of several extensively investigated photocatalysts and their anisotropic photocatalytic properties, as well as the correlation between effective masses anisotropy and photocatalytic properties. It will be helpful to understand the photocatalytic mechanism and promote rational development of photocatalyst for wide applications.
Human visfatin expression: relationship to insulin sensitivity, intramyocellular lipids, and inflammation.

CONTEXT Visfatin (VF) is a recently described adipokine preferentially secreted by visceral adipose tissue (VAT) with insulin mimetic properties. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the association of VF with insulin sensitivity, intramyocellular lipids (IMCL), and inflammation in humans. DESIGN AND PATIENTS VF mRNA was examined in paired samples of VAT and abdominal sc adipose tissue (SAT) obtained from subjects undergoing surgery. Plasma VF and VF mRNA was also examined in SAT and muscle tissue, obtained by biopsy from well-characterized subjects with normal or impaired glucose tolerance, with a wide range in body mass index (BMI) and insulin sensitivity (S(I)). SETTING The study was conducted at a University Hospital and General Clinical Research Center. INTERVENTION S(I) was measured, and fat and muscle biopsies were performed. In impaired glucose tolerance subjects, these procedures were performed before and after treatment with pioglitazone or metformin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We measured the relationship between VF and obesity, S(I), adipose tissue inflammation, IMCL, and response to insulin sensitizers. RESULTS No significant difference in VF mRNA was seen between SAT and VAT depots. VAT VF mRNA associated positively with BMI, whereas SAT VF mRNA decreased with BMI. SAT VF correlated positively with S(I), and the association of SAT VF mRNA with S(I) was independent of BMI. IMCL and markers of inflammation (adipose CD68 and plasma TNFalpha) were negatively associated with SAT VF. Impaired glucose tolerance subjects treated with pioglitazone showed no change in SAT VF mRNA despite a significant increase in S(I). Plasma VF and muscle VF mRNA did not correlate with BMI or S(I) or IMCL, and there was no change in muscle VF with either pioglitazone or metformin treatments. CONCLUSION SAT VF is highly expressed in lean, more insulin-sensitive subjects and is attenuated in subjects with high IMCL, low S(I), and high levels of inflammatory markers. VAT VF and SAT VF are regulated oppositely with BMI.
Student perspectives on using egocentric video recorded by smart glasses to assess communicative and clinical skills with standardised patients

INTRODUCTION This exploratory study evaluated student perceptions of their ability to self- and peer assess (i) interpersonal communication skills and (ii) clinical procedures (a head and neck examination) during standardised patient (SP) interactions recorded by Google Glass compared to a static camera. METHODS Students compared the Google Glass and static camera recordings using an instrument consisting of 20 Likert-type items and four open- and closed-text items. The Likert-type items asked students to rate how effectively they could assess specific aspects of interpersonal communication and a head and neck examination in these two different types of recordings. The interpersonal communication items included verbal, paraverbal and non-verbal subscales. The open- and closed-text items asked students to report on more globally the differences between the two types of recordings. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted for all survey items. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted to determine qualitative emergent themes from the open-text questions. RESULTS Students found the Glass videos more effective for assessing verbal (t22 = 2.091, P = 0.048) and paraverbal communication skills (t22 = 3.304, P = 0.003), whilst they reported that the static camera video was more effective for assessing non-verbal communication skills (t22 = -2.132, P = 0.044). Four principle themes emerged from the students' open-text responses comparing Glass to static camera recordings for self- and peer assessment: (1) first-person perspective, (2) assessment of non-verbal communication, (3) audiovisual experience and (4) student operation of Glass. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that students perceive that Google Glass is a valuable tool for facilitating self- and peer assessment of SP examinations because of students' perceived ability to emphasise and illustrate communicative and clinical activities from a first-person perspective.
Detection and classification of thyroid follicular lesions based on nuclear structure from histopathology images

Follicular lesions of the thyroid are traditionally difficult and tedious challenges in diagnostic surgical pathology in part due to lack of obvious discriminatory cytological and microarchitectural features. We describe a computerized method to detect and classify follicular adenoma of the thyroid, follicular carcinoma of the thyroid, and normal thyroid based on the nuclear chromatin distribution from digital images of tissue obtained by routine histological methods. Our method is based on determining whether a set of nuclei, obtained from histological images using automated image segmentation, is most similar to sets of nuclei obtained from normal or diseased tissues. This comparison is performed utilizing numerical features, a support vector machine, and a simple voting strategy. We also describe novel methods to identify unique and defining chromatin patterns pertaining to each class. Unlike previous attempts in detecting and classifying these thyroid lesions using computational imaging, our results show that our method can automatically classify the data pertaining to 10 different human cases with 100% accuracy after blind cross validation using at most 43 nuclei randomly selected from each patient. We conclude that nuclear structure alone contains enough information to automatically classify the normal thyroid, follicular carcinoma, and follicular adenoma, as long as groups of nuclei (instead of individual ones) are used. We also conclude that the distribution of nuclear size and chromatin concentration (how tightly packed it is) seem to be discriminating features between nuclei of follicular adenoma, follicular carcinoma, and normal thyroid. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
The Role of Acupuncture in Pain Management

Acupuncture is one of the most significant components of the healthcare system in China for more than 3,000 years. Over the last a few decades, acupuncture has garnered increasing popularity and scrutiny in Western nations. It was reported that office visits for alternative therapy were two times as many as the visits to primary care physicians in a nationwide survey in 1998. The total out-of-pocket expenditures relating to alternative therapies in 1997 were comparable to that for all US physician services, which was conservatively estimated at $27 billion [1]. This number has further increased to $33.9 billion in next 10 years [123]. Consistent with the ever-growing demand for acupuncture, an important component of complementary/ alternative medicine, FDA classified acupuncture needles as medical equipment, subject to the same strict standards for medical needles, syringes and surgical scalpels in 1996 [2]. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) organized a Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture in 1997, which recognized that acupuncture has been extensively practiced by medical physicians, dentists, non-MD acupuncturists, and other practitioners. One of the reasons for patients seeking acupuncture treatment is the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs and commonly accepted medical procedures [3].
Current Status and Future Perspective of Stenting for Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease: A Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) by conducting a meta-analysis. Two independent observers searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies up to 31 December 2016. A meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3. Three studies involving 581 cases were included. The meta-analysis indicated that any stroke (RR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.80–5.42), ischemic stroke (RR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.19–3.89), and intracranial hemorrhage (RR = 14.71; 95% CI: 1.96–110.48) within 30 days in medical therapy alone were lower compared with PTAS plus medical therapy, but there were no significant differences in any stroke and ischemic stroke beyond 30 days between the two groups. There were also no significant differences in any death and myocardial infarction between the two groups. This meta-analysis demonstrated that, compared with medical therapy alone, PTAS for ICAD had a high risk of complication, but most complications in PTAS group occurred within 30 days after the operation, and beyond 30 days the PTAS was not inferior compared with medical therapy alone. Further studies are needed to reduce the periprocedural complications and reappraise the PTAS.