Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of prosthetic vascular graft infection by technetium-99m-HMPAO-labeled leukocytes.

UNLABELLED The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of 99mTc-HMPAO-labeled leukocyte scans in the diagnosis of prosthetic vascular graft infection. METHODS We performed 75 scans in 61 patients with vascular grafts. Thirty-six patients were evaluated for suspected infection and 25 were control patients. Scintigraphic images were performed at 5 min, 30 min, 3 hr and, occasionally, 24 hr. Persistent increased uptake at 3 hr along the suspected area of the graft was considered evidence of graft infection. RESULTS All 20 infected grafts were detected with 99mTc-HMPAO leukocyte scan. The sensitivity and specificity of the scan in the detection of infected graft were 100%. We also detected two pelvic abscesses, two infected fistulae, two soft-tissue infections, three cases of ischemic colitis, one acute diverticulitis, one infected hematoma, one septic arthritis and one noninfected hematoma. One patient with a superficial groin infection had a negative scan. The eight pseudoaneurysms did not show scintigraphic evidence of graft infection. Correlative CT studies were performed in 12 cases. CONCLUSION Technetium-99m-HMPAO-labeled leukocyte scan is an accurate and valuable diagnostic method for evaluation of suspected prosthetic vascular graft infection.
Consideration of mechanical constraints for an optimal design of ferrite assisted flux-barriers synchronous reluctance machines

This article aims to find an efficient and precise way to take into account mechanical stress constraints during the electromagnetic optimization of a 3-levels flux barriers ferrite assisted synchronous reluctance machines. Beside the wish to obtain the best shape of flux barriers leading to the highest performances, we have to insure the mechanical integrity of the structure especially at high speed functioning. The goal is to design efficient and robust machines able to reach any operating point, on both electromagnetic and mechanical points of view.
Uncertainty in the analysis of tracer kinetics using dynamic contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted MRI

In recent years a number of physiological models have gained prominence in the analysis of dynamic contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted MRI data. However, there remains little evidence to support their use in estimating the absolute values of tissue physiological parameters such as perfusion, capillary permeability, and blood volume. In an attempt to address this issue, data were simulated using a distributed pathway model of tracer kinetics, and three published models were fitted to the resultant concentration‐time curves. Parameter estimates obtained from these fits were compared with the parameters used for the simulations. The results indicate that the use of commonly accepted models leads to systematic overestimation of the transfer constant, Ktrans, and potentially large underestimates of the blood plasma volume fraction, Vp. In summary, proposals for a practical approach to physiological modeling using MRI data are outlined. Magn Reson Med 47:601–606, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic regulation of BDNF and NT‐3 expression during visual system development

Recent studies have proposed roles for neurotrophins in the formation and plasticity of ocular dominance columns as well as in the regulation of dendritic arborization in visual cortex of higher mammals. To assess potential roles for neurotrophins in these processes, we have examined the developmental expression of BDNF and NT‐3 mRNA in the cat's visual system using in situ hybridization. BDNF and NT‐3 mRNAs are dynamically regulated in many CNS structures during embryonic and postnatal development, and both mRNAs undergo striking developmental changes in laminar specificity and levels of expression within primary visual cortex during the critical period for ocular dominance column formation. Within visual cortex, BDNF mRNA is found in neurons in deep cortical layers (5 and 6) prior to eye opening, and in both deep and superficial layers (2 and 3) shortly afterwards. Within layer 4, the target of thalamocortical axons, BDNF mRNA is low initially and rises to high levels by the end of the critical period for ocular dominance column formation. NT‐3 mRNA is first detectable in small stellate neurons at the base of layer 4 (4c) after eye opening, and levels decrease near the end of the critical period. BDNF and NT‐3 mRNAs can be detected in the lateral geniculate nucleus at birth, and levels peak during the critical period. In both structures, BDNF mRNA expression is maintained into adulthood, while NT‐3 is undetectable in the adult. The presence and dynamic regulation of these neurotrophins in visual structures is consistent with suggested roles for both of these neurotrophins in axonal and dendritic remodeling known to accompany the formation of ocular dominance columns. J. Comp. Neurol. 420:1–18, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The prospects for commercial satellite services at Q- and V-band

Some sixteen proposed new satellite systems operating in the Q- (36-46 GHz) and V- (46-56 GHz) bands have been proposed to the FCC by United States companies. Of these, fourteen are intended to provide a global, or nearly-global, service. One is for United States domestic service and one is a package to provide additional store-and-forward capability on an earlier proposed ‘Little LEO’ system. This paper provides a brief description of the fourteen global systems which, for the most part, are designed to exploit the wide band of frequencies available for services such as multimedia distribution and Internet access. Systems are proposed that would use geostationary, medium-earth orbit, low-earth orbit, and Molniya orbit satellites, and in some cases, combinations of two of these orbits. Most of these new systems propose to exploit new technologies such as multiple narrow spot-beam antennas, on-board demodulation and routing of traffic between beams, intersatellite-links and in some cases, the scanning of the beams to continuously illuminate the service area as the satellite flies by. The paper discusses some of the difficulties of fielding systems at these high frequencies arising out of the propagation impairments that can be expected and the high cost of solid-state power devices for user terminals, which will drive up costs. It is concluded that while the large amount of bandwidth (3 GHz) that has been proposed by the FCC for these systems is attractive, few, if any, are likely to be built while spectrum remains available at Ka-band.
Timberland Investment under Both Financial and Biophysical Risk

We extend real options analysis of timberland investments to examine a combination of financial and biophysical risk effects on optimal investment strategies in the southeastern United States. Results show that, despite a slight downward drift in price, expected returns for loblolly pine management fall between entry and exit thresholds, indicating an optimal “hold” strategy. This is explained by an offsetting upward trend in biophysical productivity associated with climate changes across a range of modeled futures. Monte Carlo analysis indicates a small positive difference between entry and exit outcomes consistent with observed rates of expansion in timberland investments in the region. (JEL D81, Q23)
Very high frequency double-ended tuning fork nano-mechanical Fin-FET resonator

We present the very high frequency (VHF) operation of a nano-mechanical double-ended tuning fork resonator (DETF), in which two fin field effect transistors (FinFET) are co-integrated. We benefit from the excellent mixing properties of the FinFET to characterize accurately its fundamental resonance (f0=113 MHz) and quality factor (Q=1300) and compare these results with clamped-clamped (cc-) beam FinFET resonators of similar dimensions. We find the tuning fork design to be superior in terms of Q-factors, transconductance and available on-current.
Glycosylation of Skeletal Calsequestrin

Background: Calsequestrin serves as a calcium storage/buffer protein in sarcoplasmic reticulum and undergoes a posttranslational modification. Results: The specific site, degree, structure, and effects of glycosylation were determined. Conclusion: The glycosylation prevented premature polymerization of calsequestrin ensuring mobility to the SR. Significance: The glycosylation establishes a functional high capacity calcium binding polymer and allows calsequestrin to be retained in SR. Calsequestrin (CASQ) serves as a major Ca2+ storage/buffer protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). When purified from skeletal muscle, CASQ1 is obtained in its glycosylated form. Here, we have confirmed the specific site and degree of glycosylation of native rabbit CASQ1 and have investigated its effect on critical properties of CASQ by comparison with the non-glycosylated recombinant form. Based on our comparative approach utilizing crystal structures, Ca2+ binding capacities, analytical ultracentrifugation, and light-scattering profiles of the native and recombinant rabbit CASQ1, we propose a novel and dynamic role for glycosylation in CASQ. CASQ undergoes a unique degree of mannose trimming as it is trafficked from the proximal endoplasmic reticulum to the SR. The major glycoform of CASQ (GlcNAc2Man9) found in the proximal endoplasmic reticulum can severely hinder formation of the back-to-back interface, potentially preventing premature Ca2+-dependent polymerization of CASQ and ensuring its continuous mobility to the SR. Only trimmed glycans can stabilize both front-to-front and the back-to-back interfaces of CASQ through extensive hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Therefore, the mature glycoform of CASQ (GlcNAc2Man1–4) within the SR can be retained upon establishing a functional high capacity Ca2+ binding polymer. In addition, based on the high resolution structures, we propose a molecular mechanism for the catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT2) mutation, K206N.
Polaribacter litorisediminis sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated OITF-11T, was isolated from a tidal flat in Oido, an island of South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain OITF-11T grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain OITF-11T belonged to the genus Polaribacter. Strain OITF-11T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 97.4-98.1 % to Polaribacter haliotis RA4-7T, Polaribacter atrinae KACC 17473T, Polaribacter dokdonensis DSW-5T and Polaribacter marinaquae KCTC 42664T, and of 94.1-96.9 % to the type strains of the other Polaribacter species. Strain OITF-11T contained menaquinone MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and C15 : 1ω6c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in strain OITF-11T were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain OITF-11T was 32.2 mol% and its DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of P. haliotis, P. atrinae, P. dokdonensis and P. marinaquae were 14-33 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain OITF-11T is separated from recognized species of the genus Polaribacter. On the basis of the data presented, strain OITF-11T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Polaribacter, for which the name Polaribacter litorisediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is OITF-11T (=KCTC 52500T=NBRC 112457T).
High Accumulation of T Regulatory Cells Prevents the Activation of Immune Responses in Aged Animals1

In our previous in vivo study we demonstrated that young BALB/c mice effectively rejected the BM-185 tumor cells expressing enhanced GFP (EGFP) as a surrogate tumor Ag. In contrast, old BALB/c mice succumbed to the BM-185-EGFP tumors, indicating that there is a deficiency in old animals preventing the rejection of immunogenic tumors. There is cumulative evidence indicating that regulatory T (Treg) cells control the activation of primary and memory T cell responses. However, very little is known about whether there is a relation between Tregs and the lack of immune responses in the aged. We evaluated young and aged animals, and our results demonstrated that there are significantly more CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ and CD8+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs in the spleen and lymph nodes of old animals when compared with the young. Depletion of CD25+ cells with anti-CD25 mAb induces the rejection of BM-185-EGFP cells, restores antitumor T cell cytotoxic activity, and results in the generation of a protective memory response against the BM-185 wild-type tumors in old mice. Furthermore, vaccination with CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide decreases the number of Treg cells in old animals to the same levels as young mice, restoring the primary and memory antitumor immune responses against BM-185-EGFP tumors. Taken together, these results indicate that there is a direct correlation between the expansion of Treg cells and immune deficiency in the old, and that depletion of these cells might be critical for restoring immune responses in aged animals.
Efficient Endocytosis of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Requires a Tyrosine-based Signal*

We previously demonstrated that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is rapidly endocytosed in epithelial cells (Prince, L. S., Workman, R. B., Jr., and Marchase, R. B. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 91, 5192–5196). To determine the structural features of CFTR required for endocytosis, we prepared chimeric molecules consisting of the amino-terminal (residues 2–78) and carboxyl-terminal tail regions (residues 1391–1476) of CFTR, each fused to the transmembrane and extracellular domains of the transferrin receptor. Functional analysis of the CFTR-(2–78) and CFTR-(1391–1476) indicated that both chimeras were rapidly internalized. Deletion of residues 1440–1476 had no effect on chimera internalization. Mutations of potential internalization signals in both cytoplasmic domains reveal that only one mutation inhibits internalization, Y1424A. Using a surface biotinylation reaction, we also examined internalization rates of wild type and mutant CFTRs expressed in COS-7 cells. We found that both wild type and A1440X CFTR were rapidly internalized, whereas the Y1424A CFTR mutant, like the chimeric protein, had ∼40% reduced internalization activity. Deletions in the amino-terminal tail region of CFTR resulted in defective trafficking of CFTR out of the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface, suggesting that an intact amino terminus is critical for biosynthesis. In summary, our results suggest that both tail regions of CFTR are sufficient to promote rapid internalization of a reporter molecule and that tyrosine 1424 is required for efficient CFTR endocytosis.
Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES): where are we going? A bibliometric assessment

The safe and successful development of NOTES has the potential to create a paradigm shift in minimally invasive surgery. However, anecdotal diagnostic and therapeutic NOTES procedures, many of which were strictly performed in an investigative fashion, have taught us that continued, focused translational research is imperative to address myriad, and as yet unaddressed, technical issue. This study analyses the NOTES‐related research in the medical literature over the last 5 years in an attempt to identify trends and/or progress towards its meaningful use. It shows that NOTES is still in a developmental stage and much work is still needed to refine techniques, verify safety and document efficacy. Since the first description of the concept of NOTES, >2000 clinical cases, irrespective of specialty, have been reported. NOTES remains a field of intense clinical and experimental research in various surgical specialties.
The Stronger Impact of National Culture over Organizational Culture on Supply Chain Operations

The proponents of national culture have a strong belief that national culture has an impact on the performance of a firm. They also believe that national culture influences team work and the ability to innovate. They consider the impact of national culture on behavior and relationships to be longer lasting than cultural influences that tend to diminish as a company changes. On the other hand, the supporters of organizational culture have a strong conviction that well-defined and widely used organizational practices throughout the organization will help an organization become excellent and capable of achieving high levels of performance. Both the partisans of organizational culture and the supporters of national culture have their own reasons as to why each side is more impactful when compared to the other. This paper attempts to answer which side has a stronger impact by reviewing the literature on the effect of national culture or organizational culture on the supply chain operations of MNCs in Japan and the US. It appears that national culture is more impactful than organizational culture when it comes to supply chain operations.BAHASA INDONESIA ABSTRAK: Para pendukung budaya nasional memiliki keyakinan kuat bahwa budaya nasional berdampak pada kinerja perusahaan, mereka juga percaya bahwa budaya nasional mempengaruhi kerja tim, kemampuan untuk berinovasi dan mereka mempertimbangkan dampak budaya nasional terhadap perilaku, hubungan yang berkelanjutan setidaknya itu akan bertahan lebih lama dibandingkan dengan pengaruh budaya organisasi yang cenderung berkurang seiring perubahan perusahaan. Di sisi lain, para pendukung budaya organisasi memiliki keyakinan yang kuat bahwa melalui praktik organisasi yang didefinisikan dengan baik dan banyak digunakan di seluruh organisasi akan membantu organisasi untuk menjadi organisasi yang sangat baik yang mampu mencapai kinerja organisasi yang sangat baik. Baik pendukung budaya organisasi maupun pendukung budaya nasional memiliki alasan sendiri mengapa masing-masing pihak lebih berdampak dibandingkan dengan pihak lain. Makalah ini mencoba untuk menjawab sisi mana yang memang memiliki dampak yang lebih kuat dengan meninjau beberapa literatur tentang pengaruh budaya nasional atau budaya organisasi pada operasi rantai pasokan MNC di Jepang dan AS. Tampaknya budaya nasional lebih berdampak dibandingkan dengan budaya organisasi ketika datang ke operasi rantai pasokan.
A Diguanylate Cyclase Acts as a Cell Division Inhibitor in a Two-Step Response to Reductive and Envelope Stresses

ABSTRACT Cell division arrest is a universal checkpoint in response to environmental assaults that generate cellular stress. In bacteria, the cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) signaling network is one of several signal transduction systems that regulate key processes in response to extra-/intracellular stimuli. Here, we find that the diguanylate cyclase YfiN acts as a bifunctional protein that produces c-di-GMP in response to reductive stress and then dynamically relocates to the division site to arrest cell division in response to envelope stress in Escherichia coli. YfiN localizes to the Z ring by interacting with early division proteins and stalls cell division by preventing the initiation of septal peptidoglycan synthesis. These studies reveal a new role for a diguanylate cyclase in responding to environmental change, as well as a novel mechanism for arresting cell division. IMPORTANCE While the major role of c-di-GMP signaling is to control the decision to move freely or settle in a biofilm, recent studies show a broader range of output functions for c-di-GMP signaling. This work reports an unexpected second role for YfiN, a conserved diguanylate cyclase in Gram-negative bacteria, known to contribute to persistence in the host. We find that YfiN acts as a cell division inhibitor in response to envelope stress. Unlike known cell division inhibitors, the interaction of YfiN with cell division proteins retains the Z ring at the midcell but prevents septal invagination. The new function of YfiN not only emphasizes the versatility of c-di-GMP signaling but describes a novel mechanism for a cell division checkpoint. While the major role of c-di-GMP signaling is to control the decision to move freely or settle in a biofilm, recent studies show a broader range of output functions for c-di-GMP signaling. This work reports an unexpected second role for YfiN, a conserved diguanylate cyclase in Gram-negative bacteria, known to contribute to persistence in the host. We find that YfiN acts as a cell division inhibitor in response to envelope stress. Unlike known cell division inhibitors, the interaction of YfiN with cell division proteins retains the Z ring at the midcell but prevents septal invagination. The new function of YfiN not only emphasizes the versatility of c-di-GMP signaling but describes a novel mechanism for a cell division checkpoint.
Ice Hockey Injuries in Finland

In this prospective study of ice hockey injuries in Fin land we have investigated the incidence of injury at two playing levels and the causal factors, mechanisms, types, and consequences of the injuries. Seven Finn ish ice hockey teams were observed during the 1988 to 1989 season. There were a total of 189 injuries. There were 134 injuries in 4 teams of the highest level, the Finnish National League, and 55 injuries in 3 teams of the second highest level, Division I. The incidence of injuries during games was 66 per 1000 player-game hours in the National League and 36 per 1000 player- game hours in Division I. As for severity, 10 (5%) injuries were classified as major. Of all injuries, 15 (8%) were fractures and 34 (18%) were to the head or face. The most severe injuries were tears of a knee ligament or fractures of an upper extremity. Ongoing surveil lance and an exact reporting system are needed for establishing the trends in the number and severity of the injuries.
Multivesicular Bodies Mature from the Trans-Golgi Network/Early Endosome in Arabidopsis[W]

This work examines the origin and fate of multivesicular bodies (MVBs)/late endosomes, tracing their formation back to the trans-Golgi network (TGN)/early endosome and showing that their maturation into MVBs requires V-ATPase activity and ESCRT for the formation of the intraluminal vesicles and annexins for the release of MVBs from the TGN as transport carriers that fuse with the vacuole. The plant trans-Golgi network/early endosome (TGN/EE) is a major hub for secretory and endocytic trafficking with complex molecular mechanisms controlling sorting and transport of cargo. Vacuolar transport from the TGN/EE to multivesicular bodies/late endosomes (MVBs/LEs) is assumed to occur via clathrin-coated vesicles, although direct proof for their participation is missing. Here, we present evidence that post-TGN transport toward lytic vacuoles occurs independently of clathrin and that MVBs/LEs are derived from the TGN/EE through maturation. We show that the V-ATPase inhibitor concanamycin A significantly reduces the number of MVBs and causes TGN and MVB markers to colocalize in Arabidopsis thaliana roots. Ultrastructural analysis reveals the formation of MVBs from the TGN/EE and their fusion with the vacuole. The localization of the ESCRT components VPS28, VPS22, and VPS2 at the TGN/EE and MVBs/LEs indicates that the formation of intraluminal vesicles starts already at the TGN/EE. Accordingly, a dominant-negative mutant of VPS2 causes TGN and MVB markers to colocalize and blocks vacuolar transport. RNA interference–mediated knockdown of the annexin ANNAT3 also yields the same phenotype. Together, these data indicate that MVBs originate from the TGN/EE in a process that requires the action of ESCRT for the formation of intraluminal vesicles and annexins for the final step of releasing MVBs as a transport carrier to the vacuole.