Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of EscF, a putative needle complex protein, in the type III protein translocation system of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli

Type III secretion systems, designed to deliver effector proteins across the bacterial cell envelope and the plasma membrane of the target eukaryotic cell, are involved in subversion of eukaryotic cell functions in a variety of human, animal and plant pathogens. In enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), several protein substrates for the secretion apparatus were identified, including EspA, EspB and EspD. EspA is a structural protein and the major component of a large transiently expressed filamentous surface organelle that forms a direct link between the bacterium and the host cell, whereas EspD and EspB seem to form the mature translocation pore. Recent studies of the type III secretion systems of Shigella and Salmonella pathogenicity island (SPI)‐1 revealed the existence of a macromolecular complex that spans both bacterial membranes and consists of a basal structure with two upper and two lower rings and a needle‐like projection that extends outwards from the bacterial surface. MxiH (Shigella) and PrgI (Salmonella) are the main components of the needle of the type III secretion complex. A needle‐like complex has not yet been reported in EPEC. In this study, we investigated EscF, a protein sharing sequence similarity with MxiH and PrgI. We report that EscF is required for type III protein secretion and EspA filament assembly. Moreover, we show that EscF binds EspA, suggesting that EspA filaments are an extension of the type III secretion needle complexes in EPEC.
Autofluorescence Imaging of Cystoid Macular Edema in Diabetic Retinopathy

Aim: Our purpose was to assess fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images in patients with diabetic retinopathy and cystoid macular edema (CME) and their correlation with fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings. Methods: Sixty-eight eyes of 34 consecutive patients with diabetic retinopathy were examined with autofluorescence imaging using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope, FA and OCT. The eyes were divided into 2 groups, group 1 with CME and group 2 without. Results: In the 44 eyes of group 1 (65% of the series), we identified 3 patterns of FAF: (1) multicystic increased FA (57%), (2) a single cyst of increased FAF (16%), (3) combined single- and multicystic increased FAF (27%). FA and OCT gave a positive correlation between cystic increased FAF and CME (r = 0.95; p = 0.001). Visual acuity loss was not correlated with the size of the cystic area (p = 0.83), but it was related to significant macular thickening (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy can selectively visualize autofluorescent, multilobulated spaces in eyes with diabetic CME. Even if OCT remains preferable for evaluating macular thickening and cysts, FAF might be another useful easy test to rapidly distinguish this entity noninvasively and with no risk.
The cation‐chloride cotransporter NKCC1 promotes sharp waves in the neonatal rat hippocampus

Earlier studies indicate a crucial role for the interconnected network of intrinsically bursting CA3 pyramidal neurons in the generation of in vivo hippocampal sharp waves (SPWs) and their proposed neonatal in vitro counterparts, the giant depolarizing potentials (GDPs). While mechanisms involving ligand‐ and voltage‐gated channels have received lots of attention in the generation of CA3 network events in the immature hippocampus, the contribution of ion‐transport mechanisms has not been extensively studied. Here, we show that bumetanide, a selective inhibitor of neuronal Cl− uptake mediated by the Na+–K+–2Cl− cotransporter isoform 1 (NKCC1), completely and reversibly blocks SPWs in the neonate (postnatal days 7–9) rat hippocampus in vivo, an action also seen on GDPs in slices (postnatal days 1–8). These findings strengthen the view that GDPs and early SPWs are homologous events. Gramicidin‐perforated patch recordings indicated that NKCC1 accounts for a large (∼10 mV) depolarizing driving force for the GABAA current in the immature CA3 pyramids. Consistent with a reduction in the depolarization mediated by endogenous GABAA‐receptor activation, bumetanide inhibited the spontaneous bursts of individual neonatal CA3 pyramids, but it slightly increased the interneuronal activity as seen in the frequency of spontaneous GABAergic currents. An inhibitory effect of bumetanide was seen on the in vitro population events in the absence of synaptic GABAA receptor‐mediated transmission, provided that a tonic GABAA receptor‐mediated current was present. Our work indicates that NKCC1 expressed in CA3 pyramidal neurons promotes network activity in the developing hippocampus.
Spatiotemporal pattern of type X collagen gene expression and collagen deposition in embryonic chick vertebrae undergoing endochondral ossification

We examined the spatio‐temporal pattern of type X collagen mRNA and its protein in the embryonic chick vertebrae undergoing ossification by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Hypertrophic chondrocytes, producing type X collagen, were developed as islands of cells in a few vertebral body segments of stage 36 embryos. These cells were increased in number at stages 37 and 38 and they expressed high levels of type X collagen mRNA and deposited its protein in the matrix. Blood vessels entered from the perichondrium at stage 37 and invaded deeply into hypertrophic cartilage at stage 38. As the vertebrae grew further at stage 40, the leading front of active hypertrophic chondrocytes with high levels of type X mRNA shifted from the midvertebral perivascular area towards intervertebral borders, while the perivascular area retained a number of inactive hypertrophic chondrocytes with low levels of type X mRNA. Type X collagen was found in large amounts throughout the matrix areas containing both active and inactive hypertrophic chondrocytes. Calcium was detected by von Kossa's technique in hypertrophic cartilage matrix in a small amount at stage 37, in parts of the matrix with type X collagen deposition in succeeding stages, and finally in almost the entire area of type X collagen deposition at stage 45. The vertebral segments of stage 45 embryos also showed a clearly reversed pattern of expression between type X collagen mRNA and types II and IX collagen mRNAs. The results demonstrate that the production of type X collagen by hypertrophic chondrocytes precedes both vascular invasion and mineralization of the matrix, suggesting that hypertrophic chondrocytes have an important role in regulating these events.
The impact of the gradual release of responsibility on graduate teacher education candidates' self-efficacy with iPads

THE IMPACT OF THE GRADUAL RELEASE OF RESPONSIBILITY ON GRADUATE TEACHER EDUCATION CANDIDATES’ SELF-EFFICACY WITH IPADS Wendy L. Loewenstein, Ed.D. University of Nebraska, 2014 Advisor: Dr. Kay A. Keiser Keeping up with technological innovations is a challenge for educational intuitions as they strive to prepare students to be competitive in a future workforce. This is an overwhelming task for educational leaders that extends beyond which technological device to purchase. This study examines the barriers to iPad integration in education and how the gradual release of responsibility method of instruction can be used to increase participants’ self-efficacy with iPads. The participants (N = 41) were teacher education graduate candidates enrolled in a Children’s Literature course in which they were provided access to iPads. Survey results revealed that candidates’ efficacy prior to the course was relatively high at above the midpoint on the 5-point likert scale with 5 being the highest score (M = 3.51, SD = 0.86). Even with a fairly high efficacy with iPads at the beginning of the study, the post-test espoused efficacy showed significant growth (M = 4.27, SD = 0.53).
Neuroimaging of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND)

Purpose of reviewHIV enters the brain after initial infection, and with time can lead to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Although the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy has reduced the more severe forms of HAND, milder forms are still highly prevalent. The ‘gold standard’ for HAND diagnosis remains detailed neuropsychological performance testing but additional biomarkers (including neuroimaging) may assist in early detection of HAND. Recent findingsWe review the application of recently developed noninvasive MRI and PET techniques in HIV+ individuals. In particular, magnetic resonance spectroscopy may be more sensitive than conventional MRI alone in detecting HIV associated changes. Diffusion tensor imaging has become increasingly popular for assessing changes in white matter structural integrity due to HIV. Both functional MRI and PET have been limitedly performed but could provide keys for characterizing neuropathophysiologic changes due to HIV. SummaryIt is hoped that continued progress will allow novel neuroimaging methods to be included in future HAND management guidelines.
Transient scoliosis in a child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

An 8 year old girl was admitted to hospital complaining of arthralgia in a few large joints. According to the clinical course and serological tests, a diagnosis of a polyarticular type of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis was made. About 6 weeks after the onset, scoliosis was observed. The curvature regressed spontaneously over the following 6 months.
Rapamycin Reverses Splenomegaly and Inhibits Tumor Development in a Transgenic Model of Epstein-Barr Virus–Related Burkitt's Lymphoma

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and latency has been associated with malignancies, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt's lymphoma. EBV encoded latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) is expressed in most EBV-associated malignancies and as such provides a therapeutic target. Burkitt's lymphoma is a hematopoietic cancer associated with the translocation of c-MYC to one of the immunoglobulin gene promoters leading to abnormally high expression of MYC and development of lymphoma. Our laboratory has developed a murine model of EBV-associated Burkitt's lymphoma by crossing LMP2A transgenic mice with MYC transgenic mice. Since LMP2A has been shown to activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, we tested the therapeutic efficacy of mTOR inhibitor rapamycin on the tumors and splenomegaly in these double transgenic mice (Tg6/λ-MYC). We found that rapamycin reversed splenomegaly in Tg6/λ-MYC mice prior to tumor formation by targeting B cells. In a tumor transfer model, we also found that rapamycin significantly decreased tumor growth, splenomegaly, and metastasis of tumor cells in the bone marrow of tumor recipients. Our data show that rapamycin may be a valuable candidate for the development of a treatment modality for EBV-positive lymphomas, such as Burkitt's lymphoma, and more importantly, provides a basis to develop inhibitors that specifically target viral gene function in tumor cells that depend on LMP2A signaling for survival and/or growth. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(4); 679–86. ©2011 AACR.
Semi-supervised Fisher vector network

In this work we explore how the architecture proposed in [8], which expresses the processing steps of the classical Fisher vector pipeline approaches, i.e. dimensionality reduction by principal component analysis (PCA) projection, Gaussian mixture model (GMM) and Fisher vector descriptor extraction as network layers, can be modified into a hybrid network that combines the benefits of both unsupervised and supervised training methods, resulting in a model that learns a semi-supervised Fisher vector descriptor of the input data. We evaluate the proposed model at image classification and action recognition problems and show how the model's classification performance improves as the amount of unlabeled data increases during training.
Advanced Materials for Energy Storage

As this MRS Bulletin issue on “Advanced Materials for Energy Storage” was being finalized, the North American continent suffered one of its warmest summers ever recorded. The past two to three years have also been the warmest on record, August 1999 being the 21st consecutive month with above-average temperatures. Such deviations could be quite natural. Indeed, these temperature increases can be explained in part by increased solar activity. Yet, burning of fossil fuels and other human factors are considered likely contributors. Whether from human activities or cosmic effects, for human survival, technological solutions may be needed to keep the global temperature within tolerable margins. In a parallel development, the price of oil on the New York market has nearly doubled since the beginning of 1999. This current increase is directly related to self-controls imposed by the oil-producing countries. The price will probably not climb to excessive values, mainly because the oil-producing countries do not want other nations to develop competitive alternative technologies. However, these increases in oil prices could have devastating effects on the general economy, and again, the future is unpredictable. This situation poses an interesting dilemma for the scientific community. Scientists are trained to base conclusions on facts and respond with appropriate engineering solutions. Yet the extrapolation of global climate change is far from conclusive; the economies of nations can be volatile and often are determined by politics as opposed to science; and the needs of individual nations are varied and continue to evolve based on their local resources, economies, and environmental regulations.
MECHANISMS OF INTRAVITREAL TOXICITY OF INDOCYANINE GREEN DYE: Implications for Chromovitrectomy

Purpose: Indocyanine green (ICG) dye was shown to improve the visualization of preretinal tissues during chromovitrectomy. However, controversy arose regarding the safety of intravitreal ICG application, because worse functional outcomes and a higher incidence of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) changes and visual field defects were reported. The mechanisms of ICG-related toxicity and their relevance for chromovitrectomy are reviewed. Methods: A literature search was performed from 1998 through 2005 for relevant information related to the mechanisms of intravitreal ICG toxicity. Animal and clinical data on intravitreal ICG-related toxicity were collected to clarify the mechanisms of the risk of intravitreal ICG injection. Results: Over 80 controversial in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo animal investigations as well as clinical reports on intravitreal ICG staining were found in the literature. The main postulated mechanisms of intravitreal ICG-related toxicity were as follows: biochemical direct injury to the ganglion cells/neuroretinal cells, RPE cells, and superficial retinal vessels; apoptosis and gene expression alterations to either RPE cells or neuroretinal cells; osmolarity effect of ICG solution on the vitreoretinal interface; light-induced injury; and mechanical cleavage effect to the internal limiting membrane/inner retina. Whereas the exact mechanism of intravitreal ICG-related damage remains yet to be determined, most animal experiments proposed that ICG dye has a dose-dependent toxic effect on retinal tissue. This hypothesis was supported by clinical data, because better functional outcomes were obtained when low dye concentrations and short incubation times were reported. Conclusions: Much evidence supports that ICG dye has a dose-dependent toxic effect on the retina. Therefore, the following recommendations to minimize toxic effects on the retina are proposed: dye injection in concentrations as low as possible; avoidance of repeated ICG injections onto bare retina; dye injection far from the macular hole to prevent direct dye contact with the RPE; short incubation time of ICG in the vitreous cavity to diminish the concentration in contact with the retinal tissue; and the light pipe kept far from the retina throughout the whole surgical procedure.
Economics crises and the nationalization of politics

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Structure optimization of trench-isolated SiGe HBTs for simultaneous improvements in thermal and electrical performances

The current level in the modern high-speed SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) continues to increase for operation speed enhancement, but the resultant self-heating and elevated junction temperature emerge as a growing concern for device reliability as well as performance. To address such thermal issues, the optimization of SiGe HBT structures to achieve simultaneous improvements in thermal and electrical performance is carried out in this study. As a foundation for the study, an R/sub th/ measurement method and a geometry-based fast analytic thermal model were first developed for trench-isolated SiGe HBTs. Based on the method and model, a set of device design points for lowered R/sub th/ without compromising the RF performance have been successfully proposed and experimentally verified on IBM's 200-GHz SiGe HBTs. The details of the proposed structures and acquired results will be described in detail in the paper. The results obtained in this study shed a light on the possibility of the simultaneous optimization of thermal and electrical performance of SiGe HBTs.
Acid soluble and insoluble glycogen in human skeletal muscle.

Quantitative biochemical analysis of glycogen was performed with and without perchloric acid pretreatment on biopsy specimens of varying glycogen content, obtained at rest and immediately after exercise after different diets. If analysis was carried out after perchloric acid pretreatment, as is commonly done, lower values were obtained than without such pretreatment. This could be explained by the existence of glycogen in forms of greater and lesser solubility. Evidence for this was obtained by quantitative analysis of glycogen in the perchloric acid extract. The acid soluble form in the extract constituted a greater fraction of total glycogen at supra-normal than at low concentrations. This might also explain why supra-normal levels of glycogen cannot be detected by histochemical methods. The existence of soluble and insoluble glycogen may also be of physiological importance, e.g. by interacting differently with enzymes of glycogen metabolism.
Systematic Study of the Effects of Modulation p-Doping on 1.3-$\mu{\hbox {m}}$ Quantum-Dot Lasers

The effects of modulation p-doping on 1.3-mum InGaAs-InAs quantum-dot (QD) lasers are systematically investigated using a series of wafers with doping levels from 0 to 18 acceptors per QD. Various characterization techniques for both laser diodes and surface-emitting light-emitting diode structures are employed. We report: 1) how the level of modulation p-doping alters the length dependant laser characteristics (in turn providing insight on various key parameters); 2) the effect of modulation p-doping on the temperature dependence of a number of factors and its role in obtaining an infinite T0; 3) how increasing concentrations of modulation p-doping affects the saturated gain, differential gain, and gain profile of the lasers; and finally, 4) the effect modulation p-doping has on the small signal modulation properties of 1.3-mum QD lasers. In each of these areas, the role of modulation p-doping is established and critically discussed.
The evaluation of flap growth and long‐term results of pediatric mandible reconstructions using free fibular flaps

Currently, the free fibular flap is well accepted as the first choice for mandibular reconstruction. Achieving functional results in pediatric patients requires a different approach than that employed for mature patients. Because the pediatric craniofacial skeleton continues to grow, reconstruction is more challenging, and the long‐term results can be different from those of adult patients. In this study, we sought to measure flap growth objectively in our series. Ten pediatric patients who underwent reconstruction with free fibular flaps were retrospectively reviewed. Flap growth was evaluated by comparing the intraoperative photographs with photographs of the control panoramic mandibular radiographs taken using photo‐anthropometric techniques. The measurements were converted to proportionality indices (PI), and these indices were compared. Subsequent complications and functional results were also evaluated. The mean patient age was 11.8 years, and the mean follow up was 57.7 months. The mean preoperative PI value was 10.74 ± 2.47. The mean postoperative PI value was 12.52 ± 2.34. The mean difference between the preoperative and postoperative PI values was −1.78±0.53. These photo‐anthropometric data clearly illustrated the growth of the fibular flaps (P = 0.001). None of these patients exhibited nonunion of the fractures; however, one patient experienced a delayed union, one had chronic temporomandibular joint pain, and one had chronic temporomandibular joint luxation. In two patients, the inter‐incisive measurements were below the third percentile, and two additional patients had grade 2 eating abilities, which can be regarded as poor. All of the patients had symmetric mandibular contours. Free fibular flaps continue to grow in pediatric patients. This flap is a “workhorse” flap in children because it adapts to the craniofacial skeleton via its ability to grow, and this ability results in subsequent good cosmetic and functional results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:253–261, 2015.
Improving the diagnostic accuracy of the Mini‐Mental State Examination

Introduction– We determined the diagnostic accuracy of the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) for dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) in an outpatient geriatric referral center in Switzerland. Material & methods– DAT patients and elderly controls were assigned to two groups: a validation sample (70 DAT patients; 50 controls) and a cross‐validation sample (133 DAT patients; 43 controls). A Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was generated to derive the optimal MMSE cut‐off score in the validation sample. Results ‐ The optimal MMSE cut‐off was < 26/30 (sensitivity of 74%, specificity of 100%). Adjustments for age and education were necessary. The cross‐validation confirmed these findings. Conclusion– In a clinical setting the MMSE cut‐off should be increased to < 26/30. A thorough neurobehavioral assessment is still necessary for a complete evaluation.
Characterization of optically stimulated luminescence dosemeters to measure organ doses in diagnostic radiology.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of an optically stimulated luminescence dosemeter (OSLD) for use in diagnostic radiology and to apply the OSLD in measuring the organ doses by panoramic radiography. METHODS The dose linearity, energy dependency and angular dependency of aluminium oxide-based OSLDs were examined using an X-ray generator to simulate various exposure settings in diagnostic radiology. The organ doses were then measured by inserting the dosemeters into an anthropomorphic phantom while using three panoramic machines. RESULTS The dosemeters demonstrated consistent dose linearity (coefficient of variation<1.5%) and no significant energy dependency (coefficient of variation<1.5%) under the applied exposure conditions. They also exhibited negligible angular dependency (≤ 10%). The organ doses of the X-ray as a result of panoramic imaging by three machines were calculated using the dosemeters. CONCLUSION OSLDs can be utilized to measure the organ doses in diagnostic radiology. The availability of these dosemeters in strip form proves to be reliably advantageous.