Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vinexin family (SORBS) proteins play different roles in stiffness-sensing and contractile force generation

ABSTRACT Vinexin, c-Cbl associated protein (CAP) and Arg-binding protein 2 (ArgBP2) constitute an adaptor protein family called the vinexin (SORBS) family that is targeted to focal adhesions (FAs). Although numerous studies have focused on each of the SORBS proteins and partially elucidated their involvement in mechanotransduction, a comparative analysis of their function has not been well addressed. Here, we established mouse embryonic fibroblasts that individually expressed SORBS proteins and analysed their functions in an identical cell context. Both vinexin-α and CAP co-localized with vinculin at FAs and promoted the appearance of vinculin-rich FAs, whereas ArgBP2 co-localized with α-actinin at the proximal end of FAs and punctate structures on actin stress fibers (SFs), and induced paxillin-rich FAs. Furthermore, both vinexin-α and CAP contributed to extracellular matrix stiffness-dependent vinculin behaviors, while ArgBP2 stabilized α-actinin on SFs and enhanced intracellular contractile forces. These results demonstrate the differential roles of SORBS proteins in mechanotransduction. Summary: Comparing the functions of vinexin family (SORBS) proteins reveals that vinexin-α and CAP regulate vinculin behavior depending on the stiffness of the extracellular matrix, while ArgBP2 plays a role in generating greater contractile forces.
Equiangular Vectors Approach to Mutually Unbiased Bases

Two orthonormal bases in the d-dimensional Hilbert space are said to be unbiased if the square modulus of the inner product of any vector of one basis with any vector of the other equals 1 d. The presence of a modulus in the problem of finding a set of mutually unbiased bases constitutes a source of complications from the numerical point of view. Therefore, we may ask the question: Is it possible to get rid of the modulus? After a short review of various constructions of mutually unbiased bases in Cd, we show how to transform the problem of finding d + 1 mutually unbiased bases in the d-dimensional space Cd (with a modulus for the inner product) into the one of finding d(d+1) vectors in the d2-dimensional space Cd2 (without a modulus for the inner product). The transformation from Cd to Cd2 corresponds to the passage from equiangular lines to equiangular vectors. The transformation formulas are discussed in the case where d is a prime number.
RodZ, a component of the bacterial core morphogenic apparatus

The molecular basis of bacterial cell morphogenesis remains largely an open question. Here we discover a morphogenic protein, RodZ, which is widely conserved across the bacterial kingdom. In Caulobacter crescentus, RodZ is essential for viability and is involved in all aspects of this organism's complex morphology. Depletion or over-production of RodZ results in grossly misshapen cells with stalk defects. RodZ exhibits a localization pattern during the cell cycle corresponding to sites of active peptidoglycan synthesis. The temporal transition of RodZ between patchy/helical and mid-cell localization mimics and depends on the actin-like MreB cytoskeleton. In Escherichia coli, an organism with a distinct mode of growth and MreB localization dynamics, RodZ follows MreB and retains its crucial role in cell morphogenesis, demonstrating conservation of function. Genomic analysis shows that RodZ represents an ancient function unique to bacteria. Multiple sequence alignment of 143 RodZ sequences from species across bacterial phyla identifies an N-terminal cytoplasmic domain with a helix-turn-helix motif, a transmembrane sequence, and a previously unidentified, conserved periplasmic or extracellular C-terminal domain. Both the N- and C-terminal domains are important for function, with the N-terminal domain containing localization determinants. This study uncovers a key missing player in the cytoskeleton-based growth machinery enabling heritable and defined cellular forms in bacteria.
Evaluation of the Quality of Service Parameters for Routing Protocols in Ad-Hoc Networks

Recently, many researchers have focused on the Ad-Hoc networks especially the routing protocols which include reactive and proactive routing protocols. The ultimate goal of routing protocols is forwarding data packet from the source to the destination. Consequently, several proactive routing protocols, such as routing information protocol (RIP), and reactive routing protocols, such as Dynamic Source Routing (DSR), are based on exploring, maintenance, and recuperating the route path. The likely problem in the Ad-Hoc networks is how to establish the best routing protocol that assures the requirements of the application concerning about some criteria. This work presents the evaluation of RIP and DSR utilizing the QualNet simulation. Furthermore, the achievement of these routing protocols was assessed based on the throughput, average jitter, average end-to-end delay, and energy consumption metrics. This paper demonstrates that the RIP has superior evaluation performance as compared to DSR in two different scenarios (effect of the number of nodes and effect of packet size).
High energy femtosecond fiber laser at 1018 nm and high power Cherenkov radiation generation

Two novel laser systems for ultrafast applications have been designed and built. For the seeding of a high energy cryogenically cooled Yb:YLF laser, a novel 1018 nm fiber laser system is demonstrated. It produces >35 nJ pulse energy and 5 nm spectral bandwidth. A double-cladd amplifier and an appropriate filter to optimize the system for the amplifier seeding application were employed. This is the highest pulse energy with narrow spectrum at 1018 nm. For a photonic analog-to-digital conversion system operating at 1250 nm, a fiber laser system generating 4 W of femtosecond Cherenkov radiation at that wavelength was built. The characteristics of the Cherenkov radiation were well studied. Thesis Supervisor: Franz X. Kartner Title: Adjunct Professor of Electrical Engineering Thesis Supervisor: Erich P. Ippen Title: Elihu Thomson Professor of Electrical Engineering and Professor of Physics, Emeritus
Adaptive appearance learning for human pose estimation

We address the problem of pose estimation in videos. The part detectors play important roles, but traditional template-based detectors (e.g. Histogram of Gradient, HoG) fail at pose estimation due to the high variability in appearance. We present an adaptive representation of appearance and shape for articulated human body. The full representation of human body is based on the flexible mixture-of-parts model. We train a Naive Bayes classifier to obtain a confidence score of estimated pose by the basic mixture model, and based on the confidence we learn an instance-specific appearance model. For between-frame consistency, we design a time-efficient energy function for motion cues instead of complex motion models. We incorporate these models into a framework that allows for efficient inference. Quantitative evaluation of pose estimation conducted on two video datasets demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The conditioning of intervention effects on early adolescent alcohol use by maternal involvement and dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) and serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) genetic variants

Abstract Data drawn from the in-home subsample of the PROSPER intervention dissemination trial were used to investigate the moderation of intervention effects on underage alcohol use by maternal involvement and candidate genes. The primary gene examined was dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4). Variation in this gene and maternal involvement were hypothesized to moderate the influence of intervention status on alcohol use. The PROSPER data used were drawn from 28 communities randomly assigned to intervention or comparison conditions. Participating youth were assessed in five in-home interviews from sixth to ninth grades. A main effect of sixth-grade pretest maternal involvement on ninth-grade alcohol use was found. Neither intervention status nor DRD4 variation was unconditionally linked to ninth-grade drinking. However, moderation analyses revealed a significant three-way interaction among DRD4 status, maternal involvement, and intervention condition. Follow-up analyses revealed that prevention reduced drinking risk, but only for youth with at least one DRD4 seven-repeat allele who reported average or greater pretest levels of maternal involvement. To determine if this conditional pattern was limited to the DRD4 gene, we repeated analyses using the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region site near the serotonin transporter gene. The results for this supplemental analysis revealed a significant three-way interaction similar but not identical to that found for DRD4.
Radiofrequency ablation versus partial nephrectomy for the treatment of clinical stage 1 renal masses: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Background Over the past two decades, the clinical presentation of renal masses has evolved, where the rising incidence of small renal masses (SRMs) and concomitant minimal invasive treatments have led to noteworthy changes in paradigm of kidney cancer. This study was to perform a proportional meta‐analysis of observational studies on perioperative complications and oncological outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods The US National Library of Medicine’s life science database (Medline) and the Web of Science were exhaustly searched before August 1, 2013. Clinical stage 1 SRMs that were treated with PN or RFA were included, and perioperative complications and oncological outcomes of a total of 9 565 patients were analyzed. Results Patients who underwent RFA were significantly older (P <0.001). In the subanalysis of stage T1 tumors, the major complication rate of PN was greater than that of RFA (laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN)/robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN): 7.2%, open partial nephrectomy (OPN): 7.9%, RFA: 3.1%, both P <0.001). Minor complications occurred more frequently after RFA (RFA: 13.8%, LPN/RPN: 7.5%, OPN: 9.5%, both P <0.001). By multivariate analysis, the relative risks for minor complications of RFA, compared with LPN and OPN, were 1.7‐fold and 1.5‐fold greater (both P <0.01), respectively. Patients treated with RFA had a greater local progression rate than those treated by PN (RFA: 4.6%, LPN/RPN: 1.2%, OPN: 1.9%, both P <0.001). By multivariate analysis, the local tumor progression for RFA versus LPN/RPN and OPN were 4.5‐fold and 3.1‐fold greater, respectively (both P <0.001). Conclusions The current data illustrate that both PN and RFA are viable strategies for the treatment of SRMs. Compared with PN, RFA showed a greater risk of local tumor progression but a lower major complication rate, which is considered better for poor candidates. PN is with no doubt the golden treatment for SRMs, and LPN has been widely accepted as the first option for nephron‐sparing surgery by experienced urologists. RFA may be the best option for select patients with significant comorbidity.
A Novel Mutation Involving the Initiation Codon of FGF3 in a Family Described with Complete Inner Ear Agenesis, Microtia and Major Microdontia (LAMM Syndrome)

LAMM syndrome (OMIM #610706) is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by the association of Michel aplasia, microdontia and malformation of the external ear. Different mutations in FGF3 gene were reported in several families presenting with this syndrome. Clinical features and genetic results observed in a family with LAMM syndrome are reported. The diagnosis of isolated Michel aplasia was initially made in this family composed of two affected children. Microtia and microdontia was recently evidenced in both patients suggesting the diagnosis of LAMM syndrome. New auditory and orodental iconography was performed permitting to describe the patients’ phenotype in depth and to report rare findings of LAMM syndrome. The sequencing of FGF3 gene identified a novel missense mutation (c.2T>G), substituting the first initiator methionine in arginine, in the fibroblast growth factor 3 (FGF3) at the homozygous state in both patients. LAMM syndrome was confirmed and appropriate genetic counseling performed.
The Contribution of Neuromuscular Stimulation in Elucidating Muscle Plasticity Revisited

Studies carried out during the past 45 years on the effects of chronic low-frequency stimulation on skeletal muscle have revealed a multiplicity of adaptive changes of muscle fibres in response to increased activity. As reflected by induced changes in the metabolic properties, protein profiles of the contractile machinery and elements of the Ca2+-regulatory system, all essential components of the muscle fibre undergo pronounced changes in their properties that ultimately lead to their reversible transformation from fast-to-slow phenotype. The chronic low-frequency stimulation experiment thus allows exploring many aspects of the plasticity of mammalian skeletal muscle. Moreover it offers the possibility of elucidating molecular mechanisms that remodel phenotypic properties of a differentiated post-mitotic cell during adaptation to altered functional demands. The understanding of the adaptive potential of muscle can be taken advantage of for repairing muscle damage in various muscle diseases. In addition it can be used to prevent muscle wasting during inactivity and aging. Indeed, pioneering studies are still the sound grounds for the many current applications of Functional Electrical Stimulation and for the related research activities that are still proposed and funded.
The anatomy of the lateral branches of the sacral dorsal rami: implications for radiofrequency ablation.

BACKGROUND The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a major source of pain in patients with chronic low back pain. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the lateral branches of the dorsal sacral rami that supply the joint is a treatment option gaining considerable attention. However, the position of the lateral branches (commonly targeted with RFA) is variable and the segmental innervation to the SIJ is not well understood. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to clarify the lateral branches' innervation of the SIJ and their specific locations in relation to the dorsal sacral foramina, which are the standard RFA landmark. METHODS Dissections and photography of the L5 to S4 sacral dorsal rami were performed on 12 hemipelves from 9 donated cadaveric specimens. RESULTS There was a broad range of exit points from the dorsal sacral foramina: ranging from 12:00 - 6:00 position on the right side and 6:00 - 12:00 on the left positions. Nine of 12 of the hemipelves showed anastomosing branches from L5 dorsal rami to the S1 lateral plexus. LIMITATIONS The limitations of this study include the use of a posterior approach to the pelvic dissection only, thus discounting any possible nerve contribution to the anterior aspect of the SIJ, as well as the possible destruction of some L5 or sacral dorsal rami branches with the removal of the ligaments and muscles of the low back. CONCLUSION Widespread variability of lateral branch exit points from the dorsal sacral foramen and possible contributions from L5 dorsal rami and superior gluteal nerve were disclosed by the current study. Hence, SIJ RFA treatment approaches need to incorporate techniques which address the diverse SIJ innervation.
QTc Prolongation Measured by Standard 12‐Lead Electrocardiography Is an Independent Risk Factor for Sudden Death Due to Cardiac Arrest

BackgroundQTc prolongation has been implicated as a risk factor for sudden death; however, a controversy exists over its significance. Methods and ResultsIn the Rotterdam QT Project, 6,693 consecutive patients who underwent 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiography were followed up for 2 years; of these, 245 patients died suddenly. A standard 12-lead electrocardiogram and clinical data at the time of 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiography were collected for all patients who died suddenly and for a random sample of 467 patients from the study cohort. In all patients without an intraventric-ular conduction defect (176 patients who died suddenly and 390 patients from the sample), QT interval duration was measured in leads I, II, and III and corrected for heart rate with Bazett's formula (QTc). In patients without evidence of cardiac dysfunction (history of symptoms of pump failure or an ejection fraction < 40%), QTc of more than 440 msec was associated with a 2.3 times higher risk for sudden death compared with a QTc of 440 msec or less (95% confidence interval: 1.4, 3.9). In contrast, in patients with evidence of cardiac dysfunction, the relative risk of QTc prolongation was 1.0 (0.5, 1.9). Adjustment for age, gender, history of myocardial infarction, heart rate, and the use of drugs did not alter these relative risks. ConclusionsThese data indicate that in patients without intraventricular conduction defects and cardiac dysfunction, QTc prolongation measured from the standard electrocardiogram is a risk factor for sudden death independent of age, history of myocardial infarction, heart rate, and drug use. In patients with cardiac dysfunction, QTc duration is not related to the risk for sudden death. (Circulation 1991;83:1888—1894)
Bacterial diarrhoea.

Diarrhoeal disease caused by enteric bacterial pathogens has become less prevalent in industrialized countries, but remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Although better management of acute diarrhoeal episodes has led to more favourable outcomes, persistent diarrhoea remains a problem for which risk factors are being recognized and associated bacterial pathogens identified. Unusual or intractable diarrhoea should alert health workers to the possibility of impaired immune function, which is associated with a range of enteric pathogens and opportunistic infections. Improved microbiological methods have resulted in more frequent detection of pathogens in association with diarrhoea, as well as greater understanding of pathogenesis. Clinical features of diarrhoeal disease and mechanisms involved in pathogenesis are discussed in relation to specific bacterial enteric pathogens.
Detection of Residual Brain Arteriovenous Malformations after Radiosurgery: Diagnostic Accuracy of Contrast-Enhanced Three-Dimensional Time of Flight MR Angiography at 3.0 Tesla

Objective Although three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D TOF-MRA) is used frequently as a follow-up tool to assess the response of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) after radiosurgery, the diagnostic accuracy of 3D TOF-MRA is not well known. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced 3D TOF-MRA at 3.0 Tesla for the detection of residual AVMs. Materials and Methods This study included 32 AVMs from 32 patients who had been treated with radiosurgery (males/females: 21/11; average patient age, 33.1 years). The time interval between radiosurgery and MRA was an average of 35.3 months (range, 12-88 months). Three-dimensional TOF-MRA was obtained at a magnetic field strength of 3.0 Tesla after infusion of contrast media, with a measured voxel size of 0.40 × 0.80 × 1.4 (0.45) mm3 and a reconstructed voxel size of 0.27 × 0.27 × 0.70 (0.05) mm3 after zero-filling. X-ray angiography was performed as the reference of standard within six months after MRA (an average of two months). To determine the presence of a residual AVM, the source images of 3D TOF-MRA were independently reviewed, focusing on the presence of abnormally hyperintense fine tangled or tubular structures with continuity as seen on consecutive slices by two observers blinded to the X-ray angiography results. Results A residual AVM was identified in 10 patients (10 of 32, 31%) on X-ray angiography. The inter-observer agreement for MRA was excellent (κ= 0.813). For the detection of a residual AVM after radiosurgery as determined by observer 1 and observer 2, the source images of MRA had an overall sensitivity of 100%/90% (10 of 10, 9 of 10), specificity of 68%/68% (15 of 22, 15 of 22), positive predictive value of 59%/56% (10 of 17, 9 of 16), negative predictive value of 100%/94% (15 of 15, 15 of 16) and diagnostic accuracy of 78%/75% (25 of 32, 24 of 32), respectively. Conclusion The sensitivity of contrast-enhanced 3D TOF-MRA at 3.0 Tesla is high but the specificity is not sufficient for the detection of a residual AVM after radiosurgery.
Event-related potentials (ERPs) and hemodynamic (functional near-infrared spectroscopy, fNIRS) as measures of schizophrenia deficits in emotional behavior

Recent research evidences supported the significant role of multimethodological neuroscientific approach for the diagnosis and the rehabilitative intervention in schizophrenia. Indeed both electrophysiological and neuroimaging measures in integration each other appear able to furnish a deep overview of the cognitive and affective behavior in schizophrenia patients (SPs). The aim of the present review is focused on the emotional dysfunctional response taking into account the multimeasures for emotional behavior, i.e., the event-related potentials (ERPs) and the hemodynamic profile functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). These measures may be considered as predictive measures of the SPs’ deficits in emotional behavior. The integration between ERP and fNIRS may support both the prefrontal cortical localization anomaly and the attentional bias toward some specific emotional conditions (mainly negative).
HFE genotype, parenchymal iron accumulation, and liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Mutations in the hemochromatosis gene (HFE) (C282Y and H63D) lead to parenchymal iron accumulation, hemochromatosis, and liver damage. We investigated whether these factors also contribute to the progression of fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS We studied clinical, histologic (liver biopsy samples for hepatocellular iron accumulation), serologic (iron and enzyme levels), and genetic (HFE genotype) data from 587 patients from Italy with NAFLD and 184 control subjects. RESULTS Iron accumulation predominantly in hepatocyes was associated with a 1.7-fold higher risk of a fibrosis stage greater than 1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-2.3), compared with the absence of siderosis (after adjustment for age, body mass index, glucose tolerance status, and alanine aminotransferase level). Nonparenchymal/mixed siderosis was not associated with moderate/severe fibrosis (odds ratio, 0.72; 95% CI: 0.50-1.01). Hepatocellular siderosis was more prevalent in patients with HFE mutations than in those without; approximately one third of patients with HFE mutations had parenchymal iron accumulation (range, 29.8%-35.7%, depending on HFE genotype). Predominantly hepatocellular iron accumulation occurred in 52.7% of cases of patients with HFE mutations. There was no significant association between either the presence of HFE mutations or specific HFE genotypes and the severity of liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Iron deposition predominantly in hepatocyes is associated with more severe liver damage in patients with NAFLD. However, HFE mutations cannot be used to identify patients with hepatocellular iron accumulation.