Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Highly Expressed High-Molecular-Weight S-Layer Complex of Pelosinus sp. Strain UFO1 Binds Uranium

ABSTRACT Cell suspensions of Pelosinus sp. strain UFO1 were previously shown, using spectroscopic analysis, to sequester uranium as U(IV) complexed with carboxyl and phosphoryl group ligands on proteins. The goal of our present study was to characterize the proteins involved in uranium binding. Virtually all of the uranium in UFO1 cells was associated with a heterodimeric protein, which was termed the uranium-binding complex (UBC). The UBC was composed of two S-layer domain proteins encoded by UFO1_4202 and UFO1_4203. Samples of UBC purified from the membrane fraction contained 3.3 U atoms/heterodimer, but significant amounts of phosphate were not detected. The UBC had an estimated molecular mass by gel filtration chromatography of 15 MDa, and it was proposed to contain 150 heterodimers (UFO1_4203 and UFO1_4202) and about 500 uranium atoms. The UBC was also the dominant extracellular protein, but when purified from the growth medium, it contained only 0.3 U atoms/heterodimer. The two genes encoding the UBC were among the most highly expressed genes within the UFO1 genome, and their expressions were unchanged by the presence or absence of uranium. Therefore, the UBC appears to be constitutively expressed and is the first line of defense against uranium, including by secretion into the extracellular medium. Although S-layer proteins were previously shown to bind U(VI), here we showed that U(IV) binds to S-layer proteins, we identified the proteins involved, and we quantitated the amount of uranium bound. IMPORTANCE Widespread uranium contamination from industrial sources poses hazards to human health and to the environment. Herein, we identified a highly abundant uranium-binding complex (UBC) from Pelosinus sp. strain UFO1. The complex makes up the primary protein component of the S-layer of strain UFO1 and binds 3.3 atoms of U(IV) per heterodimer. While other bacteria have been shown to bind U(VI) on their S-layer, we demonstrate here an example of U(IV) bound by an S-layer complex. The UBC provides a potential tool for the microbiological sequestration of uranium for the cleaning of contaminated environments.
Correlations of IFN-γ-inducible protein-10 with the risk of chronic hepatitis B and the efficacy of interferon therapy in Asians.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to identify the correlations of IFN-γ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) with the risk of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and the efficacy of interferon therapy in Asians. METHOD Serum IP-10 levels were assayed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in both CHB and control group. CHB group received interferon-α2b treatment to compare the pre-treatment and post-treatment serum IP-10 levels. Relevant studies met predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled into further meta-analysis. Stata 12.0 software was applied for data analysis. RESULT Our case-control study demonstrated that CHB group had evaluated serum IP-10 levels compared with control group (285.7 ± 41.6 pg/mL vs. 79.1 ± 33.8 pg/mL, t = 21.85, P < 0.001. After treatment for 12 weeks, CHB group had remarkably decreased post-treatment serum IP-10 levels than pre-treatment (78.5 ± 20.4 pg/mL vs. 285.7 ± 41.6 pg/mL, t = 33.76, P < 0.001). No significance was observed on post-treatment serum IP-10 levels between CHB and control group (78.5 ± 20.4 pg/mL vs. 78.1 ± 33.8 pg/mL, t = 0.07, P = 0.947). Meta-analysis results demonstrated that serum IP-10 levels in CHB group were obviously higher than healthy controls (SMD = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.55~2.87, P < 0.001). A subgroup based on the HBeAg states revealed that serum IP-10 levels in both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative CHB patients were notably higher than healthy controls (HBeAg-positive: SMD = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.13-2.87, P < 0.001; HBeAg-negative: SMD = 1.34, 95% CI = 0.97-1.72, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Serum IP-10 may be correlated with the risk of CHB and the efficiency of interferon therapy, thus IP-10 may be a good biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of CHB.
Functional treatment in rotator cuff tears: is it safe and effective? A retrospective comparison with surgical treatment.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare rehabilitation protocol and operative treatment in a population of patients with a diagnosis of small to medium rotator cuff tears (≤3 cm), the null hypothesis being that there would been no difference in terms of clinical outcomes and patient's satisfaction between the rehabilitation protocol and the surgical treatment. METHODS Patients with small to medium supraspinatus tears were retrospectively enrolled in this study and divided in 2 groups: arthroscopic repair (group A, 20 patients) and reinstated (group B, 18 patients). At a mean follow-up of 18 months, both groups underwent clinical (Constant, QuickDash, VAS), dynamometric and ultrasonographic evaluation. RESULTS In both groups a significant clinical improvement was registered compared to baseline. However, surgical treatment yielded better results in Constant (p=0.004), Quick-Dash (p=0.0012), VAS (p=0.048) and strength evaluation (p=0.0014). In group A the re-tear rate was 10%, while in group B only 11% of increased tear size was registered. CONCLUSION At a short term follow-up, the surgical treatment of small to medium supraspinatus tears yielded better clinical outcomes compared to the rehabilitation protocol, with better strength outcomes and 10% re-tear rate. Nevertheless, physiotherapy still offers acceptable results and could be a valuable option in patients not undergoing surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.
miR-155 releases the brakes on antitumor T cells

Homeostatic γC cytokines are essential to support the expansion and function of tumor-specific T cells, but their effects are constrained by suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins as well as phosphoinositide and tyrosine-specific phosphatases. The microRNA miR-155 counteracts these inhibitory hurdles to potentiate intracellular cytokine signaling and T cell antitumor immunity.
Method for collecting semen from the ostrich (Struthio camelus) and some of its quantitative and qualitative characteristics

1. Four methods of semen collecting that involved interruption of mating in two breeding ostrich pairs were tested: an artificial vagina was tested without promising results; the funnel method, in which a funnel was placed under the phallus of the tested male immediately after mating allowing semen drips to be collected; the vacuum method, using a turkey semen collector, inserted into the seminal canal; and the tube method, conducted by placing a test tube inside the seminal canal, allowing semen to enter by gravity. 2. For the funnel, vacuum and tube methods, respectively, average semen volume was 0·1 ± 0·02, 1·12 ± 0·22, and 0·58 ± 0·13 ml, sperm concentration was 0·66 ± 0·14, 2·35 ± 0·26, and 2·13 ± 0·27 × 109 cells/ml, and percentage of abnormal cells was 5·82 ± 1·79%, 4·68 ± 1·19%, and 7·09 ± 1·72%. 3. Semen characteristics varied throughout the reproductive season reaching peak concentration in June-July. 4. The vacuum method proved to be the most efficient and was a low stress, restraint-free method for collecting ostrich semen.
Sedation of ventilated patients in intensive care units: relatives' experiences.

AIM This paper is a report of a study undertaken to explore the experiences of being relatives of ventilated and sedated patients in intensive care units. BACKGROUND In the last few years, issues about medically-induced sleep as part of intensive care unit treatment have focused on the appropriate level of medication. There are no studies of the impact of relatives on assessment of sedation levels, but studies of family participation in intensive care units show that relatives see their role as more important for the patient than nurses do. METHOD An explorative, descriptive design was adopted. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight relatives of patients in 2003. The research question was: How do relatives experience having a close family member in a state of serious illness, being treated on a ventilator, and receiving medically induced sedation and pain relief? Kvale's hermeneutical interpretation principles were used for data analysis. RESULTS Relatives interviewed seemed to go through various phases that were specifically connected to the actual situation in the intensive care unit. The main characteristic of these phases was a pattern in which participants gradually became active caregivers for the patient. Relatives wanted to be included in discussions about treatment. CONCLUSION Relatives want to be included as caregivers when patients are under sedation in an intensive care unit. Relatives who know the patient can help evaluate the use of sedation and pain management to assist the nurses in giving the best care and the appropriate level of sedation for a patient.
Traumatic Peripheral Nerve Injuries: Demographic and Electrophysiologic Findings of 802 Patients from a Developing Country

Objective To study a series of patients with traumatic peripheral nerve injury during the past 10 years in Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty/Istanbul/Turkey. Methods The chart review of 802 patients was evaluated and we explored the type(s) and cause(s) of injury, and electromyographic findings. The study included 171 children and 631 adults and we excluded the patients who suffered from injuries due to the Marmara earthquakes that occurred in 1999. Results Injury was most common in the upper extremities in both children (78.36%) and adults (63.54%). The common causes of nerve injury in children were as follows: obstetric lesions (46.78%), iatrogenic lesions (16.95%), traffic accidents (15.7%), and sharp lacerations (12.8%), whereas the commonest cause of nerve injury in adults was due to sharp lacerations (27.57%), followed by iatrogenic lesions (25.67%), and traffic accidents (23.77%). The most commonly injured nerves were the brachial plexus and ulnar nerve in children and adults, respectively. Electromyography demonstrated that complete nerve injury predominated in both groups. Conclusions If preventive measures are taken into consideration satisfactorily, the incidence of disabling peripheral nerve injury may decrease, as such injuries are often treatable.
Comparison of propagation delay in single- and multi-layer graphene nanoribbon interconnects

Multi-layer graphene nanoribbons (MLGNRs) have potentially provided attractive solution over single-layer GNR (SLGNR) interconnects. This research paper presents an equivalent RLC model for GNR interconnects to study the effect of propagation delay. A driver-interconnect-load (DIL) system employing CMOS driver is used to analyze the performance. It has been observed that the overall delay performance is improved by 94.5% for MLGNR as compared to SLGNR.
Cortical grey matter reductions associated with treatment-resistant chronic unipolar depression

Background The aetiology of treatment-resistant major depression is little understood; its apparent intractability may reflect brain abnormality. Method Magnetic resonance images of the brains of 20 subjects with major depression lasting for two years or more were compared with 20 healthy control subjects and 20 other subjects who had completely recovered from depression. Subjects were individually matched for age, gender, years of education and premorbid IQ. Grey matter was segmented from the images, and compared between groups on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Results Subjects with chronic depression showed reduced grey matter density in the left temporal cortex including the hippocampus. There was also a trend for reduction in the right hippocampus. Left hippocampal grey matter density was correlated with measures of verbal memory, supporting the functional significance of the observed magnetic resonance imaging changes. Conclusions Our results potentially challenge the accepted view of depression as a functional and fully reversible illness, implying instead that more permanent brain changes may be associated with chronicity. Confirmatory longitudinal and prospective studies are required to determine whether these differences pre-date the onset of depression or are the result of the chronic illness process or its treatment.
Decision Making with Regard to Antiviral Intervention during an Influenza Pandemic

Background. Antiviral coverage is defined by the proportion of the population that takes antiviral prophylaxis or treatment. High coverage of an antiviral drug has epidemiological and evolutionary repercussions. Antivirals select for drug resistance within the population, and individuals may experience adverse effects. To determine optimal antiviral coverage in the context of an influenza outbreak, we compared 2 perspectives: 1) the individual level (the Nash perspective), and 2) the population level (utilitarian perspective). Methods. We developed an epidemiological game-theoretic model of an influenza pandemic. The data sources were published literature and a national survey. The target population was the US population. The time horizon was 6 months. The perspective was individuals and the population overall. The interventions were antiviral prophylaxis and treatment. The outcome measures were the optimal coverage of antivirals in an influenza pandemic. Results. At current antiviral pricing, the optimal Nash strategy is 0% coverage for prophylaxis and 30% coverage for treatment, whereas the optimal utilitarian strategy is 19% coverage for prophylaxis and 100% coverage for treatment. Subsidizing prophylaxis by $440 and treatment by $85 would bring the Nash and utilitarian strategies into alignment. For both prophylaxis and treatment, the optimal antiviral coverage decreases as pricing of antivirals increases. Our study does not incorporate the possibility of an effective vaccine and lacks probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Our survey also does not completely represent the US population. Because our model assumes a homogeneous population and homogeneous antiviral pricing, it does not incorporate heterogeneity of preference. Conclusions. The optimal antiviral coverage from the population perspective and individual perspectives differs widely for both prophylaxis and treatment strategies. Optimal population and individual strategies for prophylaxis and treatment might be aligned through subsidization.
Specific cleavage of human type III and IV collagens by Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase

Purified Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase cleaved human type III and IV collagens with the formation of specific cleavage products. Furthermore, type I collagen appeared to be slowly cleaved by both P. aeruginosa elastase and alkaline protease. These cleavage fragments from type III and IV collagens were separated from the intact collagen chains by SDS polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis run under reducing conditions, and they were detected by their characteristic Coomassie blue staining pattern. The results of these studies suggest that the pathogenesis of tissue invasion and hemorrhagic tissue necrosis observed in P. aeruginosa infections may be related to the degradation of these collagen types by bacterial extracellular proteases.
Tolerability of memantine in combination with cholinesterase inhibitors in dementia therapy

Memantine, a moderate-affinity, uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has been shown to be effective in dementia, including Alzheimer disease (AD). Therefore, its combination with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) is anticipated. We report a postmarketing surveillance study conducted among German physicians who, during routine clinical practice, treated demented patients with memantine in combination with an AChEI. Most of the 158 surveyed patients (mean age, 74 years) were diagnosed with AD but other dementias were included. Memantine was prescribed at a wide range of daily doses (median, 20 mg/day) and was combined with donepezil for most patients (84%). Combination therapy was well tolerated for nearly all patients (98%) for an average observation period of 4 months at stable doses of both antidementia agents. No serious adverse drug reaction (ADR) was reported. No ADR or change in blood chemistry was experienced by most patients (96% and 81%, respectively); the six reported ADRs resolved without sequelae and without drug discontinuation. Global clinical status of most patients was judged as improved (54%) or stable (39%) over the observation period. These findings particularly suggest that memantine in combination with AChEIs is safe and well tolerated.
An Overview and Tutorial of the Repertory Grid Technique in Information Systems Research

Interest in the repertory grid technique has been growing in the IS field. This article seeks to inform the reader on the proper use and application of the technique in IS research. The methodology has unique advantages that make it suitable for many research settings. In this tutorial, we describe the technique, its theoretical underpinnings, and how it may be used by IS researchers. We conclude by detailing many IS research opportunities that exist in respect to the repertory grid technique.
A Simple Algorithm of Superpixel Segmentation With Boundary Constraint

As one of the most popular image oversegmentations, superpixel has been commonly used as supporting regions for primitives to reduce computations in various computer vision tasks. In this paper, we propose a novel superpixel segmentation approach based on a distance function that is designed to balance among boundary adherence, intensity homogeneity, and compactness (COM) characteristics of the resulting superpixels. Given an expected number of superpixels, our method begins with initializing the superpixel seed positions to obtain the initial labels of pixels. Then, we optimize the superpixels iteratively based on the defined distance measurement. We update the positions and intensities of superpixel seeds based on the three-sigma rule. The experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm is more effective and accurate than previous superpixel methods and achieves a comparable tradeoff between superpixel COM and adherence to object boundaries.
Short‐term ceftriaxone therapy for treatment of severe non‐typhoidal Salmonella enterocolitis

Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a short‐course ceftriaxone therapy in the treatment of paediatric patients with severe non‐typhoidal Salmonella enterocolitis. Methods: During a 1 y period, all paediatric patients who were suspected having Salmonella enterocolitis by the presentation of bloody and/or mucoid diarrhoea with or without fever were eligible for the study. Patients with either negative stool cultures or bacteraemia were excluded. Severe enterocolitis was defined as a bloody and/or mucoid diarrhoea associated with high fever persisting for longer than 48 h and signs of moderate or severe dehydration. The patients with severe enterocolitis were assigned to treatment with ceftriaxone (50 mg kg−1 d−1) for 3–5 d, while the rest were given supportive treatment only. Before treatment all study patients received blood testing for white blood cell (WBC) count, C‐reactive protein (CRP) level and blood culture. The duration of the fevers was recorded. Patients were followed up after clinical recovery for the possibility of relapse. Results: Seventy‐three patients with culture‐confirmed Salmonella enterocolitis without bacteraemia were analysed. The duration of fever was longer in severe cases who were treated with ceftriaxone than those who were not. However, rapid defervescene was found after short‐course ceftriaxone therapy in those patients with severe enterocolitis. CRP was significantly higher in severe cases. There was no significant difference in the WBC count between the two groups of patients. No relapse was found in these patients.
Bidirectional axial transmission can improve accuracy and precision of ultrasonic velocity measurement in cortical bone: a validation on test materials

The axial transmission technique uses a linear arrangement of ultrasonic emitters and receivers placed on a same side of a cortical bone site in contact with the skin, involving ultrasonic propagation along the axis of bone. The velocity of the waves radiated from bone has been shown to reflect bone status. The thickness and composition of soft tissue may vary along the length of the bone, between different skeletal sites, or between subjects. Hence, accurate estimates of velocity require first to eliminate the effect of the overlying soft tissue that is traversed by the ultrasound wave. To correct for such bias without measuring soft tissue properties, we designed new ultrasonic probes in the 1-2 MHz frequency range. It is based on propagation along the bone surface in two opposite directions from two sources placed on both sides of a unique group of receivers. The aim is to obtain an unbiased estimate of the velocity without any intermediate calculation of soft tissue properties, such as thickness variation or velocity. Validation tests were performed on academic material such as Perspex or aluminium. We found that head wave velocity values could be biased by more than 10% for inclination of a few degrees between the test specimen surface and the probe. On test materials, the compensation procedure implemented in our probe led to a relative precision error on velocity measurement lower than 0.2 to 0.3%. These results suggest that the correction procedure allows measuring in vivo velocities independently of soft tissue properties.
Doping- and size-dependent suppression of tunneling in carbon nanotubes

We study the effect of doping in the suppression of tunneling observed in multi-walled nanotubes, incorporating as well the influence of the finite dimensions of the system. A scaling approach allows us to encompass the different values of the critical exponent a measured for the tunneling density of states in carbon nanotubes. We predict that further reduction of a should be observed in multi-walled nanotubes with a sizable amount of doping. In the case of nanotubes with a very large radius, we find a pronounced crossover between a high-energy regime with persistent quasiparticles and a low-energy regime with the properties of a one-dimensional conductor.
Design aspects of 3D integration of MEMS-based systems

Due to high integration density the influence of manufacturing technologies on the system behavior has to be considered in the design process of 3D systems. Therefore, information from different physical domains has to be provided to designers. The variety of structures and physical effects requires efficient modeling approaches and simulation algorithms. In the following a modular approach which covers detailed analysis with PDE solvers and more abstract behavioral modeling is described.