Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A green and facile approach for the synthesis of water soluble fluorescent carbon dots from banana juice

Green luminescent water soluble oxygenous carbon dots with an average size of 3 nm were synthesized by simply heating banana (Musa acuminata) juice at 150 °C for 4 h without using any surface passivating and oxidizing agent or inorganic salt. The literature was used to propose a possible mechanism for the formation of carbon dots by this approach. The resulting carbon dots exhibited concentration, excitation wavelength and pH dependent luminescent behavior in the visible range. The quantum yield was 8.95 on excitation at a wavelength of 360 nm, using quinine sulfate as the reference. The presence of large amounts of oxygenous functionality was confirmed by FTIR and EDX studies. XRD and TEM illustrated the poor crystalline nature and narrow distribution of these spherical carbon dots. Thus bio-based fluorescent carbon dots with a high yield were reported for the first time through a simple and effective route without using any special apparatus or reagents.
Pharmacokinetic Profile of the Asenapine Transdermal System (HP-3070)

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Abstract Purpose/Background The asenapine transdermal system (HP-3070) is the first antipsychotic patch approved in the United States for treatment of adults with schizophrenia. Methods/Procedures Three phase 1, open-label, randomized studies characterized the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of HP-3070 by assessing its relative bioavailability compared with sublingual asenapine, its single-/multiple-dose PK and dose proportionality, and the effects of application site, ethnicity, and external heat on bioavailability. Two studies were conducted in healthy subjects, and 1 was conducted in adults with schizophrenia. Findings/Results During single HP-3070 administration, asenapine concentrations increased gradually over approximately 12 hours and remained steady until the patch was removed 24 hours after application. Asenapine area under the curve values at HP-3070 3.8 and 7.6 mg/24 hours doses were similar to those for sublingual asenapine 5 and 10 mg twice-daily doses, respectively, whereas peak exposure (maximum observed plasma concentration) was significantly lower. During daily application of HP-3070, steady-state PK was reached within approximately 72 hours after initiating daily dosing and was characterized by peak-to-trough asenapine plasma concentration ratio of approximately 1.5. HP-3070 PK was dose proportional in the dose range studied, not affected by administration site, and similar across the studied ethnic groups. Application of external heat increased the rate of asenapine absorption (time to reach maximum observed plasma concentration) but did not significantly affect peak and total exposure. Implications/Conclusions HP-3070 exhibited a dose-dependent PK profile unaffected by site of administration or ethnicity. HP-3070 showed a predictable absorption profile with limited variability, with an area under the curve similar to that of sublingual asenapine. Based on these PK metrics, HP-3070 steadily delivers asenapine with lower peaks and troughs than sublingual administration of asenapine.
Rapid coating of Ti6Al4V at room temperature with a calcium phosphate solution similar to 10× simulated body fluid

In this paper, we report the utilization of high ionic strength (>1100 mM) calcium phosphate solutions in depositing 20–65-μm-thick, bonelike apatitic calcium phosphate on Ti6Al4V within 2–6 h, at room temperature. The super-strength solution used here multiplied the concentrations of calcium and phosphate ions in human plasma or simulated body fluid (SBF) by a factor of ten. The interesting features of the technique are given in the following. First, the solutions did not contaun any buffering agents, such as Tris or Hepes. Second, during the process, homogeneous formation of calcium phosphate nano-clusters took place. However, their presence did not adversely affect the coating process. Third, other than simple surface treatments to begin with, no other additional intermediate steps were necessary. The only step needed after the preparation of the solution from reagents is the addition of proper amounts of NaHCO3 to rause the pH to 6.5 prior to the coating procedure. Fourth, there is no CO2 bubbling required, and hence, this is a robust process. Fifth, such a procedure led to a significant enhancement of coating rate enabling the formation in as little as 2–6 h. Coating proceeded with a linear rate. Sixth, the adhesion strength (12 ± 2 MPa) of the present coatings was comparable to coatings produced by soaking in 1.5× SBF solutions over a prolonged period of time, typically two to three weeks. Finally, the carbonate content (8 wt%) and Ca/P molar ratio (1.57) qualify the coating as bonelike.
GaInAs/GaAs quantum-well growth assisted by Sb surfactant: Toward 1.3 μm emission

The growth of highly strained GaInAs quantum wells on GaAs is investigated in the presence of Sb. Sb appears as an adequate isoelectronic surfactant: the lateral relaxation of strain is shown to be significantly delayed in comparison with a Sb-free growth. This effect is used to extend the emission wavelength of GaInAs quantum wells. We obtained a 9-nm-thick Ga0.59In0. 41As0.986Sb0. 008 quantum wells with smooth interfaces, emitting at 1.27 μm at room temperature.
Structure of Tetrameric Aqua Ruthenium(IV): an Investigation by Ruthenium K Edge EXAFS

An excellent fit to a symmetric adamantanoid “Ru4O64+” core arrangement 1 (Ru−Oμ, 1.83 A; Ru−OH2, 2.16 A; and Ru−Ru, 3.4 A) has been obtained from a ruthenium K edge EXAFS study on the tetrameric aqua ruthenium(IV) cation in both aqueous 2 M perchloric and nitric acid solution. Mononuclear “ruthenyl” and tetranuclear hydroxo-bridged formulations such as Ru4(OH)124+(aq) can now be unequivocally ruled out as relevant to the core structure.
Ammoxidation of 2-methylpyrazine to 2-cyanopyrazine over Nb–V oxides: marked effect of the Nb/V ratio on the catalytic performance

A series of bulk Nb–V-containing mixed oxide catalysts with varying Nb/V ratios were synthesized and studied by various solid-state characterization methods. Their catalytic performance was evaluated for the gas phase ammoxidation of 2-methylpyrazine (MP) to 2-cyanopyrazine (CP) that has received growing interest in the chemical industry, recently. The catalysts were characterised by BET-SA, XRD, UV-vis DRS, FTIR, XPS, and TEM. The BET surface area decreased continuously with increase in vanadia content. XRD data confirmed the changes in the crystalline phases with altering Nb/V ratios. UV-vis DRS and FTIR spectroscopic results showed the formation of various kinds of V-oxide species in the catalysts with change in V content. An increase in the concentration of vanadium changes the nature of VOx species from isolated vanadia species to polymeric vanadia species and then to crystalline vanadia species. Among all the catalysts, the Nb–V–O catalyst with a Nb/V ratio of 1 exhibited the best performance in the ammoxidation reaction (i.e. X-MP ~100% and selectivity to 2-CP ~70%). Additionally, a very high space–time yield of CP (>440 gCP kgcat−1 h−1) could be successfully achieved. This best catalyst sample revealed two-dimensional polymeric V-oxide species. TEM and SEM showed the formation of a rod-shaped nanoparticle morphology. XPS data revealed that the vanadium is present in two oxidation states (V5+ and V4+) in the fresh catalyst (Nb/V = 1) and only one oxidation state (V5+) in the spent catalyst.
Which Functional Outcomes Can be Measured in Low Back Pain Trials and Therapies?

To provide evidence on a set of potential relevant functional measurements in low back pain, we found 25 potentially meaningful outcomes (like range of motion, dynamic and static balance, strength, and muscle fatigue resistance). This framework may help to select appropriate functional outcomes when planning and conducting trials and therapies. Study Design. Prospective 2-year factor-, cluster-, and reliability-multicenter analysis. Objective. To provide evidence on the uniqueness and usefulness of a set of potential relevant functional outcomes. Summary of Background Data. A very high number of functional outcomes that can be utilized as variables in low back pain (LBP) trials exists. Methods. Participants (n = 1049) with and without current LBP were included. At 7 visits (baseline, 4 wk, 3 mo, 6 mo, 9 mo, 1 yr, and 2 yr), 42 different functional outcomes were assessed. Two exploratory factor analyses (for baseline-values and for changes scores to 3 mo post-baseline) were calculated (maximum likelihood extraction, varimax factor rotation). The strongest factor-loading outcomes were selected for the following hierarchical cluster analyses (average linkage, Euclidean distance measure). For each cluster, time point, and outcome, reliability analyses were subsequently calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of measurements and coefficients of variation. Results. The factor analysis for the cross-sectional values revealed 9 factors with a cumulative variance explanation of 61.7% and 13 unique ones. The change-score factor analysis revealed nine factors with a total variance explanation of 61.8%, seven outcomes were unique. Ten outcomes were important for both cross-sectional and change-score analyses, 11 were most valuable for cross-sectional and four for the change scores. Patients with pain grades 1 to 3 show comparable patterns (cluster 2). Grade 0 (cluster 1) and grade 4 (cluster 3) are unique and cannot be cumulated with other grades. Most biomechanical outcomes were highly reliable and display low measurement errors. Conclusion. We found 25 potentially meaningful functional outcomes in the context of objective functional measurements (such as trunk range of motion, dynamic and static balance, strength, and muscle fatigue resistance) and body characteristics. The present framework may help to select appropriate functional outcomes and rate effects beyond the known core set of outcomes. Level of Evidence: 1
NATURAL HISTORY AND PREDICTORS OF VISION LOSS IN EYES WITH DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA AND GOOD INITIAL VISUAL ACUITY

In eyes with untreated diabetic macular edema and good baseline best-corrected visual acuity, older age and worse diabetic retinopathy severity are associated with greater risk of vision loss. Patients with these risk factors should be monitored closely for prompt treatment when vision loss occurs. Purpose: To identify clinical and anatomic factor–associated vision loss in eyes with treatment-naïve diabetic macular edema and good initial visual acuity. Methods: Retrospective cohort study after long-term history of eyes with untreated center-involving diabetic macular edema and baseline visual acuity ≥ 20/25 seen at the University of California, Davis Eye Center between March 2007 and March 2018. We collected characteristics including diabetes type, hemoglobin A1c, presence of visual symptoms, visual acuity, and diabetic retinopathy severity; and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography biomarkers including central subfield thickness, intraretinal cyst size, intraretinal hyperreflective foci, disorganization of retinal inner layers, and outer layer disruptions to determine factors associated with vision loss as defined by DRCR Protocol V as threshold for initiating aflibercept therapy. Results: Fifty-six eyes (48 patients) with untreated diabetic macular edema and mean baseline visual acuity of logMAR 0.05 ± 0.05 (Snellen 20/22) were followed for an average of 5.1 ± 3.3 years, with a median time to vision loss of 465 days (15 months). Older age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04/year, P = 0.0195) and eyes with severe NPDR (HR 3.0, P = 0.0353) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (HR 7.7, P = 0.0008) had a higher risk of a vision loss event. None of the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography biomarkers were associated with vision loss except central subfield thickness (HR 0.98, P = 0.0470) and cyst diameter (HR 1.0, P = 0.0094). Conclusion: In eyes with diabetic macular edema and good initial vision, those with older age and worse diabetic retinopathy severity should be monitored closely for prompt treatment initiation when vision loss occurs.
Fractal chemical kinetics: Simulations and experiments

We relate the effective order X of the elementary binary reaction, A+A→ products, on a fractal, to the spectral dimension. For ds<2: X=1+2/ds. We regain the calsssical value (X=2) for the cubic lattice but get X=3 for the linear lattice. Supercomputer simulations (transient and steady state) and exciton fusion experiments are in quantitative agreement with the above. For percolating clusters X=2.5 and for the Sierpinski gasket X=2.45. Relevance to heterogeneous kinetics is discussed.
Manganese triggers phosphorylation-mediated endocytosis of the Arabidopsis metal transporter NRAMP1.

The NATURAL RESISTANCE ASSOCIATED MACROPHAGE PROTEIN 1 (NRAMP1) transporter guarantees survival of the plant to Mn deficiency by mediating Mn entry into root cells. Unlike other high-affinity metal transporters, NRAMP1 is only slightly regulated at the transcriptional level. We show here that adequate Mn content in tissues is safeguarded through a tight control of the amount of NRAMP1 present at the surface of root cells. Depending on Mn availability, an NRAMP1-GFP fusion protein cycles dynamically between the plasma membrane (PM) and endosomal compartments. This involves a clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway since disrupting the latter in auxilin-overexpressor lines prevents NRAMP1 internalization. Mutation of the phosphorylated serine residues 20, 22 and 24 in the cytosol-exposed N-terminus of NRAMP1 alters its membrane distribution. Indeed, a phosphodead mutation stabilizes NRAMP1 at the PM regardless of the Mn regime and dramatically reduces plant tolerance to Mn toxicity. Conversely a phosphomimetic mutant is constitutively internalized into endosomes. Together these data establish that phosphorylation of NRAMP1 is the trigger for its Mn-induced endocytosis and represents the main level of regulation of this transporter. Furthermore, the extent of Mn toxicity observed when interrupting NRAMP1 membrane cycling undermines the dogma in which Mn is only marginally toxic to plants.
Use of Suture Tapes Versus Conventional Sutures for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repairs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Various suture materials are available for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. More recently, suture tapes have become popular as they are perceived to be easier to use with less soft tissue irritation. However, little is known about their biomechanical and clinical properties compared with conventional sutures in rotator cuff repairs. Purpose: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on whether suture tapes are biomechanically superior to conventional sutures in arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs and whether this translates to superior functional outcomes and a lower incidence of retears. Study Design: Meta-analysis. Methods: The Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, PubMed, Medline, and Embase were used to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria with the following search terms: (rotator cuff repair OR arthroscopic rotator cuff repair) AND (“tape” OR “wire” OR “cord” OR “suture”). Data pertaining to certain biomechanical properties (contact area, contact pressure, gap formation, load to failure, and stiffness), retears, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were extracted. The pooled outcome data were analyzed by random- and fixed-effects models. Results: After abstract and full-text screening, 7 biomechanical and 6 clinical studies were included. All biomechanical studies were on animals, with 91 suture tapes and 91 conventional sutures compared. Suture tapes had higher contact pressure (mean difference [MD], 0.04 MPa; 95% CI, 0.01-0.08; P = .02), higher load to failure (MD, 52.62 N; 95% CI, 27.34-77.90; P < .0001), greater stiffness (MD, 4.47 N/mm; 95% CI, 0.57-8.38; P = .02), and smaller gap formation (MD, −0.30 mm; 95% CI, −0.45 to −0.15; P < .0001) compared with conventional sutures. From the clinical analysis of the 681 rotator cuff repairs treated with a suture tape (n = 380) or conventional suture (n = 301), there were no differences in retear rates between the groups (16% vs 20% suture tape and wire, respectively; P = .26) at a mean of 11.2 months. Qualitatively, there were no differences in PROMs between the groups at a mean of 36.8 months. Conclusion: Although biomechanically superior, suture tapes showed similar retear rates and postoperative function to conventional sutures. However, higher-quality clinical studies are required to investigate whether there are no true differences.
A Salmonella type III effector, PipA, works in a different manner than the PipA family effectors GogA and GtgA

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) plays a critical role in the host defense against microbial pathogens. Many pathogens modulate NF-κB signaling to establish infection in their host. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) possesses two type III secretion systems (T3SS-1 and T3SS-2) and directly injects many effector proteins into host cells. It has been reported that some effectors block NF-κB signaling, but the molecular mechanism of the inactivation of NF-κB signaling in S. Typhimurium is poorly understood. Here, we identified seven type III effectors—GogA, GtgA, PipA, SseK1, SseK2, SseK3, and SteE—that inhibited NF-κB activation in HeLa cells stimulated with TNF-α. We also determined that only GogA and GtgA are involved in regulation of the activation of NF-κB in HeLa cells infected with S. Typhimurium. GogA, GtgA, and PipA are highly homologous to one another and have the consensus zinc metalloprotease HEXXH motif. Our experiments demonstrated that GogA, GtgA, and PipA each directly cleaved NF-κB p65, whereas GogA and GtgA, but not PipA, inhibited the NF-κB activation in HeLa cells infected with S. Typhimurium. Further, expressions of the gogA or gtgA gene were induced under the SPI-1-and SPI-2-inducing conditions, but expression of the pipA gene was induced only under the SPI-2-inducing condition. We also showed that PipA was secreted into RAW264.7 cells through T3SS-2. Finally, we indicated that PipA elicits bacterial dissemination in the systemic stage of infection of S. Typhimurium via a T3SS-1-independent mechanism. Collectively, our results suggest that PipA, GogA and GtgA contribute to S. Typhimurium pathogenesis in different ways.
A Human Dectin-2 Deficiency Associated With Invasive Aspergillosis

Abstract Immunocompromised patients are highly susceptible to invasive aspergillosis. Herein, we identified a homozygous deletion mutation (507 del C) resulting in a frameshift (N170I) and early stop codon in the fungal binding Dectin-2 receptor, in an immunocompromised patient. The mutated form of Dectin-2 was weakly expressed, did not form clusters at/near the cell surface and was functionally defective. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from this patient were unable to mount a cytokine (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 6) response to Aspergillus fumigatus, and this first identified Dectin-2–deficient patient died of complications of invasive aspergillosis.
Functional Analysis of Phenazine Biosynthesis Genes in Burkholderia spp.

Although the production of phenazines in Burkholderia was first reported almost 70 years ago, the role these metabolites play in the biology of these economically important microorganisms remains poorly understood. Our results revealed that the phenazine biosynthetic pathway in Burkholderia has a complex evolutionary history, which likely involved horizontal gene transfers among several distantly related groups of organisms. ABSTRACT Burkholderia encompasses a group of ubiquitous Gram-negative bacteria that includes numerous saprophytes as well as species that cause infections in animals, immunocompromised patients, and plants. Some species of Burkholderia produce colored, redox-active secondary metabolites called phenazines. Phenazines contribute to competitiveness, biofilm formation, and virulence in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but knowledge of their diversity, biosynthesis, and biological functions in Burkholderia is lacking. In this study, we screened publicly accessible genome sequence databases and identified phenazine biosynthesis genes in multiple strains of the Burkholderia cepacia complex, some isolates of the B. pseudomallei clade, and the plant pathogen B. glumae. We then focused on B. lata ATCC 17760 to reveal the organization and function of genes involved in the production of dimethyl 4,9-dihydroxy-1,6-phenazinedicarboxylate. Using a combination of isogenic mutants and plasmids carrying different segments of the phz locus, we characterized three novel genes involved in the modification of the phenazine tricycle. Our functional studies revealed a connection between the presence and amount of phenazines and the dynamics of biofilm growth in flow cell and static experimental systems but at the same time failed to link the production of phenazines with the capacity of Burkholderia to kill fruit flies and rot onions. IMPORTANCE Although the production of phenazines in Burkholderia was first reported almost 70 years ago, the role these metabolites play in the biology of these economically important microorganisms remains poorly understood. Our results revealed that the phenazine biosynthetic pathway in Burkholderia has a complex evolutionary history, which likely involved horizontal gene transfers among several distantly related groups of organisms. The contribution of phenazines to the formation of biofilms suggests that Burkholderia, like fluorescent pseudomonads, may benefit from the unique redox-cycling properties of these versatile secondary metabolites.
Distinct Roles of Microtubules and Actin Filaments in Defining Dendritic Architecture

Neuronal morphology underlies circuit connectivity and signal integration, thus profoundly affecting nervous system function. Although microtubules and F-actin have long been recognized as key determinants of dendritic morphology, their precise and distinct roles are yet to be fully elucidated. The lack of arbor-wide cytoskeletal information registered with neuromorphological measurements has so far limited direct observations of the interrelations between microtubules, F-actin and arbor architecture. Here we pair live confocal imaging of fluorescently labeled dendritic arborization (da) neurons in the fruit fly larva with our recently developed multi-signal neural tracing technique. We discovered that dendritic arbor length is highly dependent on local microtubule quantity, whereas local F-actin enrichment is associated with dendritic branching. Earlier computer simulations used quantifiable morphological features both as model parameters (e.g. branch thickness) and emergent properties (e.g. tree asymmetry). Multi-signal reconstructions allowed us to computationally simulate arbor structure solely constrained by experimentally measured, local subcellular distributions of microtubules and F-actin. The generative model yielded synthetic trees with morphological and molecular patterns statistically indistinguishable from those of real da neurons, demonstrating that these two investigated cytoskeletal components are sufficient to define dendritic architecture. The analysis and modeling outcomes hold true for the simplest (Class I) and the most complex (Class IV) da neuron subclasses. Moreover, local increases in the quantity of stable microtubules in Class IV neurons via Formin3 overexpression further strengthens the correlation between local microtubule quantity and dendritic arbor length as predicted by the model and reproduced in simulations. SUPPORT: NIH R01 NS39600 and NS086082 and BICCN U01 MH114829.