Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transition‐state regulators: sentinels of Bacillus subtilis post‐exponential gene expression

When Bacillus subtilis encounters a nutrient‐depleted environment, it expresses a wide variety of genes that encode functions in alternative pathways of metabolism and energy production. Expression of these genes first occurs during the transition from active growth into stationary phase and is controlled by a class of proteins termed transition‐state regulators. In several instances, a given gene is redundantly controlled by two or more of these regulators and many of these regulators control genes in numerous different pathways. The AbrB, Hpr and Sin proteins are the best‐studied examples of these regulatory molecules. Their role is to prevent inappropriate and possibly detrimental functions from being expressed during exponential growth when they are not needed. They serve as elements integrating sporulation with ancillary stationary‐phase phenomena and appear to participate in the timing of early sporulation events and in fine‐tuning the magnitude of gene expression in response to specific environmental conditions.
NPLA: Network Prefix Level Authentication

We present the design and evaluation of NPLA (Network Prefix Level Authentication), a system allowing source addresses to be validated within the network to the granularity of network prefix. Prefix routers use public key cryptography to insert NPLA headers in outgoing packets. En route entities holding the corresponding public key verify the source of a packet. NPLA provides deployment incentives because each upgraded prefix can prevent its address space from being maliciously used by other networks and its traffic is forwarded with high priority. In order to increase the scalability, NPLA does not employ PKI but leverages BGP to distribute public keys. Based on the relative damage reduction analysis, we conclude that NPLA provides more relative benefit than other approaches when they are all partially deployed. In order to decrease the overhead induced by public key cryptography, NPLA uses FPGA based hardware cryptography accelerator which has been proven to achieve several Gbps throughput on average.
STEPS OF THREE-STAGE ESOPHAGECTOMY Stage 1 : Thoracoscopic Esophageal Mobilization

Background: Esophageal cancer is one of the major public health problems worldwide. Different methods of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) have been described, and they represent a safe alternative for the surgical management of esophageal cancer in selected centres with high volume and expertise in them. The procedural goal is to decrease the high overall morbidity of a traditional open esophageal resection.
An Investigation of Work and Unemployment among Psychiatric Clients

Employment and work can have a positive effect on mental health by providing opportunities for skill development, social contact, self-esteem, and income. Unemployment is a source of anxiety, stress, and depression. At the same time work can be a major source of stress by decreasing opportunities for control and autonomy. This article examines the role of work and unemployment and the relationship of work status to other indicators of community adjustment among a sample of 68 psychiatric clients in outpatient treatment. Comparisons are made between clients who are not working or seeking work, those who are unemployed and seeking work, and those who are currently working. Regression analysis is then used to examine the effect of work status on other indicators of community adjustment: psychiatric symptoms, functioning, social integration, stress, and mental hospitalizations. Working clients are more likely to be male and younger and to have had previous work experience. Working is related to higher levels of functioning in the community, while unemployment is positively related to stress. Work status was not related to social integration, indicating that work may be an alternative source of social support and should receive separate attention in assessments of community adjustment and integration.
Permeability changes induced by L‐glutamate in solitary retinal horizontal cells isolated from Carassius auratus.

Solitary horizontal cells isolated from goldfish retinae are depolarized by L‐glutamate (Glu) (Ishida, Kaneko & Tachibana, 1984), a possible candidate for the transmitter of photoreceptors. The underlying mechanisms were analysed under voltage‐clamp conditions using 'giga‐seal' suction pipettes in the whole‐cell recording configuration. Glu induced an inward current at the resting membrane potential (ca. ‐57 mV). Membrane depolarization decreased the amplitude of Glu‐induced current and reversed its polarity to outward beyond approximately ‐3 mV. Membrane hyperpolarization below the resting potential decreased the amplitude of the Glu‐induced inward current. When a K current through the anomalous rectifier, which is activated by membrane hyperpolarization (Tachibana, 1983), was blocked by Cs ions, this phenomenon disappeared and the Glu‐induced current increased in amplitude with hyperpolarization. Mg ions had no effect on the reduction of the Glu‐induced current at hyperpolarized potentials. It was strongly suggested that Glu produced two types of conductance change; a conductance increase due to an activation of Glu channels and a conductance decrease due to a blockage of the K current through the anomalous rectifier. The latter effect is analysed in detail in the following paper (Kaneko & Tachibana, 1985b). The Glu‐activated channel was permeable to cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Tris and choline ions) with low selectivity, but not to anions. The least effective dose of Glu was less than 10 microM. The relation between the Glu‐induced current and the membrane potential curved upwards near the reversal potential, and this relation was not affected by Mg ions.
Compact Asymmetrical T-Shaped Dielectric Resonator Antenna for Broadband Applications

A compact dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) for broadband applications is proposed. By applying an optimized asymmetrical T-shaped dielectric resonator (DR) and an inverted-trapezoidal patch as a feeding mechanism, an impedance bandwidth of about 75.1%, covering the frequency range from 3.81 to 8.39 GHz, is obtained. The volume of the proposed DRA without ground plane is 0.555 λd3 (λd is the dielectric wavelength at the central operating frequency). Taking a comprehensive consideration of the bandwidth and the size, the proposed DRA can provide maximum bandwidth per unit volume in related conformal patch excited wideband DRA designs. Design details of the proposed antenna and the results of both simulation and experiment are presented and discussed.
Walking Intensity Estimation with a Portable Pedobarography System

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the possibility to find a correlation between the output from a portable pedobarography system and the walking intensity expressed as walking speed. The system uses shoe insoles with force sensing resistors and wireless transmission of the data via Bluetooth. The force-time integral, at the toe-off phase of the step, for the force sensors in the forward part of the right foot was used to measure impulse data for 10 subjects performing walks in three different walking speeds. This data was then corrected by multiplication with the step frequency. This pilot study indicates that the portable pedobarography system output shows a linear relationship with the walking intensity expressed as walking speed on an individual level.
Parallel changes in genetic diversity and species diversity following a natural disturbance

We examined the spatial and temporal variation of species diversity and genetic diversity in a metacommunity comprising 16 species of freshwater gastropods. We monitored species abundance at five localities of the Ain river floodplain in southeastern France, over a period of four years. Using 190 AFLP loci, we monitored the genetic diversity of Radix balthica, one of the most abundant gastropod species of the metacommunity, twice during that period. An exceptionally intense drought occurred during the last two years and differentially affected the study sites. This allowed us to test the effect of natural disturbances on changes in both genetic and species diversity. Overall, local (alpha) diversity declined as reflected by lower values of gene diversity HS and evenness. In parallel, the among‐sites (beta) diversity increased at both the genetic (FST) and species (FSTC) levels. These results suggest that disturbances can lead to similar changes in genetic and community structure through the combined effects of selective and neutral processes.
NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE PATHOANATOMY OF DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA: Angiographic Patterns and Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose: To describe the pathoanatomy of diabetic macular edema in optical coherence tomography and its correlation with fluorescein angiography patterns. Methods: Sixty eyes of 56 patients were analyzed. Diabetic macular edema was classified into typical focal leakage (from microaneurysm), typical diffuse leakage (the capillary plexus), or combined/questionable leakage using fluorescein angiography and retinal thickness profiles. The leakage and pooling patterns in fluorescein angiography were matched to the corresponding optical coherence tomography images and analyzed. Results: Focal leakage shows swelling predominantly in the outer plexiform layer (OPL). Deeply located microaneurysms directly leak into the loose fiber portion of OPL (Henle layer) through the “fluid conductivity barrier” (synaptic portion of OPL). Diffuse leakage caused swelling predominantly in the inner nuclear layer and secondarily in the OPL. The deep capillary plexus is located between the two “fluid barriers” (inner plexiform layer and OPL); thus, diffuse leakage is primarily related with swelling in the inner nuclear layer. In the combined/questionable leakage, partial sections consisting of inner nuclear layer swelling and much larger areas of OPL/outer nuclear layer swelling are noticed. Conclusion: Based on the concept of the fluid conductivity barrier, we revealed a correlation between the intraretinal location of the leakage source and where the fluid accumulated within the retinal layers.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LABOUR MARKET IN THE REGION OF SOUTH BOHEMIA CHARAKTERISTIKA TRHU PRÁCE V JIHO ESKÉM REGIONU

Annotation The aim of this paper is to analyze the current state of the labour market in the region of South Bohemia. The main emphasis is the characteristics of the labour market developments in the last 7 years, focusing on the most prevalent forms of discrimination. Data were obtained through personal interviews with employees MPSV, LFS, CSO, Census and data files provided by them. Whithin the post there were characterized the most problematic districts, the proportion of high-risk groups (women, people ZP, over 55 graduates, long-term unemployed) and detailed characteristic of the age and educational attainment. In conclusion of the article, there are defined specific measures leading to increase employment in South Bohemia.
Nesidioblastosis: The Pathologic Basis of Persistent Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia in Infants: Morphologic and Quantitative Analysis of Seven Cases Based on Specific Immunostaining and Electron Microscopy

Seven surgical specimens of pancreas, obtained at laparotomy from infants suffering from persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, were analyzed by qualitative and quantitative immunocytochemistry and by electron microscopy. In five cases a multifocal ductuloinsular proliferation, in one a focal adenomatosis, and in one a solitary encapsulated nodule (adenoma) were observed. Combinations of the different patterns of proliferation were seen in six cases. Budding off from the ductular epithelium and interposition of endocrine cells between ductular epithelial cells were prominent features common to all cases. An almost fivefold increase of the mean total area occupied by endocrine tissue was found over that of age-matched controls. Four cell types were seen to participate regularly in the proliferation, and their ratios were remarkably constant in all cases, mean figures being 62:21:9:8 per cent for B:A:D:D1 cells, respectively. The ratio of B cells per total endocrine area in nesidioblastosis was very close to that per islet of the controls (62:59 per cent). Since common features were found in all or in the majority of cases, it is suggested that the various patterns of proliferation are merely morphologic variations of the same basic defect. Nesidioblastosis may result from inappropriately controlled development of the endocrine pancreas that is not arrested but carries on beyond birth and during infancy. The application of specific immunocytochemistry as a necessity for full appreciation of the extent of endocrine proliferation is stressed.
Hyperperfusion Syndrome in Small-for-Size Livers

Background: Portal hyperperfusion in small-for-size livers might seriously impair postoperative liver regeneration. Using an experimental model, we investigated splenectomy as a measure to reduce portal blood flow and its impact on postoperative recovery following extended liver resection. Method: Wistar rats underwent partial (90%) hepatectomy with or without splenectomy under temporary inflow occlusion (30 min). In addition to 10-day survival rate, laser Doppler flowmetry of hepatic blood flow and fluorescence microscopic analysis of hepatic microcirculation were performed to assess the effect of splenectomy on initial microvascular reperfusion of liver remnants. Results: While postischemic perfusion failure was comparable between both groups, portal blood flow was significantly reduced after simultaneous splenectomy (3.5 ± 0.4 vs. 5.4 ± 0.4 ml/min). Moreover, red blood cell velocity and volumetric blood flow were reduced in splenectomized animals. These animals experienced lower AST levels (421 ± 36 vs. 574 ± 73 U/l) and a significantly increased survival rate, reaching 6.6 ± 1.3 vs 2.6 ± 0.8 days. Conclusion: Simultaneous splenectomy significantly reduced the risk for postoperative hyperperfusion syndrome in small-for-size livers. Shear-stress-induced liver injury was diminished due to a significant reduction of portal venous blood flow, which positively influenced postoperative regeneration resulting in significantly higher survival.
Intrafamilial Distribution of Mutans Streptococci in Japanese Families and Possibility of Father‐to‐Child Transmission

The purpose of this study was to investigate the intrafamilial distribution of mutans streptococci in Japanese families using chromosomal DNA fingerprinting with three endonucleases; EcoRI, HindIII and HaeIII. The analysis of 1,908 isolates cultured from the dental plaque of 76 subjects from 20 families (20 married couples and 36 of their children) resulted in the identification of 144 genotypes containing 114 strains of Streptococcus mutans (serotype c, 66.7%; e, 12.5%) and 30 strains of S. sobrinus (d, 13.2%; g, 7.6%). A mean of 1.89 genotypes (from one to four) was harbored in individual subjects, and a mean of 4.10 genotypes from two to seven was harbored in individual families. Among the 70 genotypes found in the children, 36 (51.4%) were in agreement with their mothers and 22 (31.4%) were in agreement with their fathers. The other genotypes (18.6%) did not correspond with the parents. Homologous strains between parents were found in only two couples. This result showed that fathers or others as well as mothers can be sources of transmission. Further, the serotype d, e and g strains showed significantly higher probabilities of transmission than serotype c.
Vaccinia Virus G9 Protein Is an Essential Component of the Poxvirus Entry-Fusion Complex

ABSTRACT The vaccinia virus G9R gene (VACWR087) encodes a protein of 340 amino acids with the following structural features that are conserved in all poxviruses: a site for N-terminal myristoylation, 14 cysteines, and a C-terminal transmembrane domain. Previous studies showed that G9 is one of eight proteins associated in a putative entry-fusion complex. Our attempt to isolate a mutant without the G9R gene was unsuccessful, suggesting that it is essential for virus replication. To further investigate its role, we constructed a recombinant vaccinia virus in which G9R is regulated by addition of an inducer. Induced G9 protein was associated with mature infectious virions and could be labeled with a membrane-impermeant biotinylation reagent, indicating surface exposure. Omission of inducer reduced the infectious-virus yield by about 1.5 logs; nevertheless, all stages of virus morphogenesis appeared normal and extracellular virions were present on the cell surface. Purified virions assembled without inducer had a specific infectivity of less than 5% of the normal level and a comparably small amount of G9, whereas their overall polypeptide composition, including other components of the entry-fusion complex, was similar to that of virions made in the presence of inducer or of wild-type virions. G9-deficient virions bound to cells, but penetration of cores into the cytoplasm and early viral RNA synthesis were barely detected, and cell-cell fusion was not triggered by low pH. Of the identified components of the multiprotein complex, G9 is the sixth that has been shown to be required for entry and membrane fusion.
Knowledge and attitude towards suicide among medical students in Japan: Preliminary study

Abstract Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Suicides numbered 32 863 in 1998 and have exceeded 30 000 in every subsequent year. Education of those involved in general and psychosocial patient care can contribute greatly to suicide prevention. The authors administered a brief knowledge and attitude assessment questionnaire concerning suicide to students in their first, third, and fifth years at a Japanese medical school. Participants numbered 160 (94 men with a mean age of 21.8 years, SD = 3.01, and 66 women with a mean age of 21.2 years, SD = 2.64); 59 first year, 52 third year, and 49 in their fifth year. The questionnaire consists of eight multiple‐choice questions asking knowledge of suicide and one open‐ended question asking attitude. In the knowledge part, only about half of the items were answered correctly (mean score was 4.21, SD = 1.28). A significant difference was observed in prevalence of attitudes as categorical variables between student years (P = 0.001). Sympathetic comments increased along with student years, while critical comments decreased. Given the frequent and interventional opportunities of primary‐care medical contacts, poor understanding of suicide from the medical viewpoint was of concern. Moreover, judgmental attitudes were common, especially in earlier school years. Better informed, more understanding physicians and other health professionals could contribute greatly to prevention.
Targeting the folate receptor: diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to personalize cancer treatments.

BACKGROUND In cancer therapy, molecularly targeted agents have the potential to maximize antitumor efficacy while minimizing treatment-related toxicity. However, these agents may only be effective in specific tumor subtypes with defined genomic profiles. This emphasizes the importance of developing personalized cancer therapeutic strategies (i.e. through the use of companion diagnostic tests) to appropriately select and treat patients who are likely to benefit from specific targeted therapies, thus leading to improvements in clinical and safety outcomes. A potential biological target is the folate receptor (FR), which has been shown to be overexpressed on the surface of many cancers, including tumors of the lungs and ovaries. DESIGN We carried out a literature search to identify how the FR can be a potential target for selected tumors, and how the FR expression can be exploited by targeted therapies. RESULTS The two main therapeutic strategies for targeting the FR are based on the use of: (i) an anti-FR antibody (e.g. farletuzumab) and (ii) folate conjugates of folate-targeted chemotherapies and companion radiodiagnostic imaging agents (e.g. vintafolide and (99m)technetium-etarfolatide). Both of these strategies are being assessed in phase III trials. CONCLUSIONS The important role that the FR plays in cancer development and progression has led to the development of FR-targeted therapeutic approaches. To date, the promising data observed in phase II clinical trials have not been confirmed in phase III studies. Accordingly, there is a need for further research in the refinement of patient selection and identification of new therapeutic combinations. In particular, the development of these targeted therapies requires reliable methods to be developed to detect FR-positive tumors in order to help select patients who may benefit from treatment.
Effects of liraglutide, a human glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue, on body weight, body fat area and body fat-related markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of six-month liraglutide treatment on body weight, visceral and subcutaneous fat and related markers in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS A total of 59 patients with type 2 diabetes were treated with liraglutide (0.3 mg/day for ≥1 week and then 0.6 mg/day for ≥1 week, gradually increasing the dose to 0.9 mg/day) for six months. Changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, the fasting blood glucose level, visceral and subcutaneous fat areas, hepatic and renal CT values and the associated markers proinsulin, adiponectin and pentraxin (PTX) 3 were measured. RESULTS The study included one treatment-naïve patient, 10 patients who were switched from oral antidiabetic drugs and 35 patients who were switched from insulin therapy. At six months after treatment, the preprandial blood glucose levels were higher (148.8±40.5 mg/dL) than the baseline values (130.8±36.7, p<0.05); however, body weight, BMI and abdominal circumference were lower, and the liver/kidney CT ratio improved significantly from 1.64±0.44 at baseline to 1.78±0.42. An analysis of the patients who were not pretreated with insulin resistance ameliorators showed that six months of liraglutide treatment significantly decreased the subcutaneous but not visceral fat areas, significantly decreased the serum adiponectin levels and significantly increased the serum PTX3 levels. CONCLUSION In addition to its glucose-lowering effects, liraglutide exhibits weight loss promotion actions, reducing subcutaneous fat areas in particular. The weight and total fat area reduction properties of liraglutide are likely to be beneficial when this medication is used in combination with other oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin.
Calibration for split capacitor DAC in SAR ADC

The nonlinearity of split capacitor DAC (CDAC) in SAR ADC is mainly caused by the mismatch and parasitic effect of the bridge capacitor. A tunable capacitor array for compensation can be a solution. This paper first analyzes the nonlinearity of the split capacitor structure, and then proves that the linear tuning method results in linearity improvements and finally, an improved tunable structure is proposed by calculating the minimal step which keeps the tuning error within 0.5LSB. The new implementation achieves smaller area and less power consumption during the calibration, while maintaining the same circuit complexity. Behavioral Simulations based on a 5b-5b split DAC show that the proposed calibration further improves SNDR and SFDR by 2.2dB and 1.6dB, respectively compared with the prototype of compensation capacitor array.