Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa

The mainland region of Africa is Southern Africa because it is considered to be robust with an estimate of around 1700 tree species that are native and a couple 100 more that are alien, but have become accustomed to the natural environment; invading, penetrating and replacing vegetation. One of the main factors which influences and greatly affects forestation and the formation of homogeneous biomes of plant species is acclimatization. This has made it challenging for biological scientists to classify tree and plant species with complete phylogenetic certainty since the ecological habitat is of utmost pertinence when it comes to cataloging forestry. Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa is a practical book that can be enjoyed by any person interested in forestry and the plant sciences in general. Of the 1700 native tree species it illustratively and descriptively highlights a mixture of alien and natural vegetation types of South Africa. Since the book is designed for a non-specialist reader, it provides an easy to use scheme by which vegetative species are grouply identified by specific key characteristics. Each vegetative species is accompanied by a comprehensive colour photograph of itself (including the presence of fruit and/or flower) as well as its genus name (for scientists). Consequently, this allows non-botanists to identify family recognition. The disadvantage of this book though, is that it does not contain a dichotomous key to divide vegetation types into two as in most other field guides because of the incomplete variety of tree species covered due to the dense forestation habitat of Africa. The 536 page book also includes plant usage (medicinal and industrial applications) and an exciting and fairly detailed family description to which each tree species belongs, as well as maps, indicating the centres of plant diversity and endemism in principally regional and local area, and biomes and vegetation regions in South Africa such as, the Forest Biome, Savanna (Bushveld) Biome, Grassland Biome, Nama Karoo Biome, Succulent Karoo Biome, Desert Biome, Fynbos Biome and specialized vegetation. The back cover contains a summarized guide to identify tree groups based on leaf venation and arrangement. A more detailed diagrammatic representation of this diagram is depicted as A, B and C diagrams within the book. Vegetation types forms a beautiful part of our heritage and proper human and environmental influence is important for their durability and hardihood. To explore, identify and learn about forestry species is an exciting venture which Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa provides to readers interested in learning about South African landscapes, heritage and culture.
Highly (100)-oriented metallic LaNiO3 grown by RF magnetron sputtering

This paper discusses preparation and characterizations of LaNiO<inf>3</inf> (LNO) films deposited by RF magnetron sputtering on SiO<inf>2</inf>/Si and Pt/Ti/SiO<inf>2</inf>/Si substrates. Crystallinity and texture were influenced by the sputtering gas pressure and composition (Ar and O<inf>2</inf>), and the growth substrate. LNO films deposited at 6.4 mTorr with an Ar/O<inf>2</inf> flow ratio of 100/15 sccm showed the best (100) texture, and the lowest resistivity of 0.41 mΩ·cm after annealing. As seed layer for Pb(Zr<inf>0.52</inf>Ti<inf>0.48</inf>)O<inf>3</inf> (PZT) growth, LNO passes its texture to the PZT film, in as much as the (110)/(100) texture ratio was the same in both.
Degradation of Cyanophycin by Sedimentibacter hongkongensis Strain KI and Citrobacter amalonaticus Strain G Isolated from an Anaerobic Bacterial Consortium

ABSTRACT Using a combination of various enrichment techniques, the strictly anaerobic, gram-positive, endospore-forming bacterium Sedimentibacter hongkongensis strain KI as revealed by 16S rRNA analysis and the gram-negative enterobacterium Citrobacter amalonaticus strain G as revealed by physiological tests were isolated from an anaerobic cyanophycin (CGP)-degrading bacterial consortium. S. hongkongensis strain KI is the first anaerobic bacterium with the ability to hydrolyze CGP to β-Asp-Arg and β-Asp-Lys dipeptides, as revealed by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. However, these primary accumulated hydrolysis products were only partially used by S. hongkongensis strain KI, and significant growth on CGP did not occur. On the other hand, C. amalonaticus strain G did not degrade CGP but grew on the β-linked iso-dipeptides formed in vitro by enzymatic CGP degradation or in vivo by metabolic activity of S. hongkongensis strain KI. Dipeptide utilization occurred at the highest rate if both strains were used in cocultivation experiments with CGP, indicating that cooperation between different bacteria occurs in anaerobic natural environments for complete CGP turnover. The amino acids obtained from the cleavage of dipeptides were fermented to ethanol, acetic acid, and succinic acid, as revealed by gas chromatographic analysis and by spectrophotometric enzyme assays.
The Mechanical Ventilator: Past, Present, and Future

The use of ventilatory assistance can be traced back to biblical times. However, mechanical ventilators, in the form of negative-pressure ventilation, first appeared in the early 1800s. Positive-pressure devices started to become available around 1900 and today's typical intensive care unit (ICU) ventilator did not begin to be developed until the 1940s. From the original 1940s ventilators until today, 4 distinct generations of ICU ventilators have existed, each with features different from that of the previous generation. All of the advancements in ICU ventilator design over these generations provide the basis for speculation on the future. ICU ventilators of the future will be able to integrate electronically with other bedside technology; they will be able to effectively ventilate all patients in all settings, invasively and noninvasively; ventilator management protocols will be incorporated into the basic operation of the ventilator; organized information will be presented instead of rows of unrelated data; alarm systems will be smart; closed-loop control will be present on most aspects of ventilatory support; and decision support will be available. The key term that will be used to identify these future ventilators will be smart!
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Rehabilitation of Spatial Neglect by Prism Adaptation a Peculiar Expansion of Sensorimotor After-effects to Spatial Cognition

Unilateral neglect is a neurological condition responsible for many debilitating effects on everyday life, poor functional recovery, and decreased ability to benefit from treatment. Prism adaptation (PA) to a right lateral displacement of the visual field is classically known to directionally bias visuo-motor and sensory-motor correspondences. One longstanding issue about this visuo-motor plasticity is about its specificity to the exposure condition. In contrast to very poor transfer to unexposed effectors classically described in healthy subjects, therapeutic results obtained in neglect patients suggested that PA can generate unexpected " expansion ". Prism adaptation affects numerous levels of neglect symptomatology, suggesting that its effects somehow expand to unexposed sensory, motor and cognitive systems. The available body of evidence in support for this expansion raises important questions about the mechanisms involved in producing unexpected cognitive effects following a simple and moderate visuo-motor adaptation. We further develop here the idea that prism adaptation expansion to spatial cognition involves a cerebello-cortical network and review support for this model. Building on the basic, therapeutical and pathophysiological knowledge accumulated over the last 15 years, we also provide guidelines for the optimal use of prism adaptation in the clinic. Although further research and clinical trials are required to precisely define the ideal regime for routine applications , the current state of the art allows us to outline practical recommendations for therapeutical use of prisms.
Floyd--hoare logic for quantum programs

Floyd--Hoare logic is a foundation of axiomatic semantics of classical programs, and it provides effective proof techniques for reasoning about correctness of classical programs. To offer similar techniques for quantum program verification and to build a logical foundation of programming methodology for quantum computers, we develop a full-fledged Floyd--Hoare logic for both partial and total correctness of quantum programs. It is proved that this logic is (relatively) complete by exploiting the power of weakest preconditions and weakest liberal preconditions for quantum programs.
Comparison of Intraperitoneal Honey and Sodium Hyaluronate-Carboxymethylcellulose (Seprafilm™) for the Prevention of Postoperative Intra-Abdominal Adhesions

BACKGROUND: Abdominal surgery can lead to postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions (PIAAs) with significant morbidity and mortality. This study compares the use of honey with a standard bioresorbable membrane (Seprafilm™) to prevent the formation of PIAAs in rats. METHODS: Thirty rats underwent laparotomy, and PIAAs were induced by scraping the cecum. The animals were divided into three groups, each containing ten rats. Group 1 (control) represented the cecal abrasion group, with no intraperitoneal administration of any substance. Group 2 (honey group) underwent cecal abrasion and intraperitoneal administration of honey. Group 3 (Seprafilm™ group) underwent cecal abrasion and intraperitoneal Seprafilm™ application. RESULTS: Group 1 exhibited higher adhesion scores for adhesions between the abdominal wall and the organs. Groups 2 and 3 had decreased adhesive attachments to the intra-abdominal structures. Compared to group 1, the incidence of adhesion formation was lower in both group 2 (p=0.001) and group 3 (p=0.001). The incidence of fibrosis was also lower in group 2 (p=0.016) and group 3 (p=0.063) compared to group 1. There was no significant difference between the histopathological fibrosis scores for the rats in group 2 and those in group 3 (p= 0.688). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that both honey and Seprafilm™ decrease the incidence of PIAAs in the rat cecal abrasion model. Although the mechanism of action is not clear, intraperitoneal administration of honey reduced PIAAs. The outcome of this study demonstrates that honey is as effective as Seprafilm™ in preventing PIAAs.
Emotion-Color Associations in the Context of the Face

Facial expressions of emotion contain important information that is perceived and used by observers to understand others’ emotional state. While there has been considerable research into perceptions of facial musculature and emotion, less work has been conducted to understand perceptions of facial coloration and emotion. The current research examined emotion-color associations in the context of the face. Across 4 experiments, participants were asked to manipulate the color of face, or shape, stimuli along 2 color axes (i.e., red-green, yellow-blue) for 6 target emotions (i.e., anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise). The results yielded a pattern that is consistent with physiological and psychological models of emotion.
MMP3-Mediated tumor progression is controlled transcriptionally by a novel IRF8-MMP3 interaction

Interferon regulatory factor-8 (IRF8), originally identified as a leukemic tumor suppressor, can also exert anti-neoplastic activities in solid tumors. We previously showed that IRF8-loss enhanced tumor growth, which was accompanied by reduced tumor-cell susceptibility to apoptosis. However, the impact of IRF8 expression on tumor growth could not be explained solely by its effects on regulating apoptotic response. Exploratory gene expression profiling further revealed an inverse relationship between IRF8 and MMP3 expression, implying additional intrinsic mechanisms by which IRF8 modulated neoplastic behavior. Although MMP3 expression was originally linked to tumor initiation, the role of MMP3 beyond this stage has remained unclear. Therefore, we hypothesized that MMP3 governed later stages of disease, including progression to metastasis, and did so through a novel IRF8-MMP3 axis. Altogether, we showed an inverse mechanistic relationship between IRF8 and MMP3 expression in tumor progression. Importantly, the growth advantage due to IRF8-loss was significantly compromised after silencing MMP3 expression. Moreover, MMP3-loss reduced spontaneous lung metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model of mammary carcinoma. MMP3 acted, in part, in a cell-intrinsic manner and served as a direct transcriptional target of IRF8. Thus, we identified a novel role of an IRF8-MMP3 axis in tumor progression, which unveils new therapeutic opportunities.
Mammary gland carcinogenesis by food‐derived heterocyclic amines: Metabolism and additional factors influencing carcinogenesis by 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP)

The heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are a family of mutagenic/carcinogenic compounds found in cooked meats. Several HCAs are mammary gland carcinogens in rats. Of these compounds, 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP) is the major one present in the human diet. This report reviews the studies on rat mammary gland carcinogenesis by HCAs; discusses what is currently known regarding mechanisms of mammary gland carcinogenesis of PhIP, especially the significance of metabolic processing; and further highlights the evidence for the possible role of PhIP in human breast cancer. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 39:165–170, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Twice-weekly transdermal estradiol and vaginal progesterone as continuous combined hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women: a 1-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and endometrial safety of a twice-weekly administration of transdermal estradiol (0.05 mg) systems and vaginal progesterone gel (Crinone [Serono, Rome, Italy] 4%, 45 mg/d) as a continuous combined nonoral hormone replacement therapy regimen. STUDY DESIGN Thirty-five postmenopausal women took part in this 1-year prospective observational trial. The bleeding pattern, blood pressure, weight, endometrial thickness, and endometrial histologic characteristics of the women were monitored. Mean values were compared before and after treatment by paired Student t tests. RESULTS Twenty-six (74.3%) women completed the study and were totally amenorrheic. A total of 350 cycles yielded valuable data. Of these, 287 (82%) cycles were amenorrheic. At month 3, blood pressure and weight decreased significantly. At final assessment, endometrial thickness was significantly greater than baseline (4.6 +/- 0.9 vs 3.6 +/- 0.9 mm; P <.0005), and histologic examination revealed endometrial atrophy in 24 (92.3%) cases and signs of decidualization in 2 cases. CONCLUSION Transdermal estradiol and a twice-weekly administration of the vaginal progesterone gel Crinone constitutes a new, viable hormone replacement therapy regimen. It represents a practical option for a no-bleed treatment, ensuring both high endometrial protection and the inherent safety linked to administrating physiologic hormones nonorally.
Membrane adsorber for endotoxin removal

A superficie de membranas planas de nylon foi modificada utilizando-se bisoxirano como espacador e poli(alcool vinilico) para recobrimento das membranas. O aminoacido histidina foi utilizado como ligante para endotoxinas, visando a sua aplicacao na remocao de endotoxinas a partir de solucoes aquosas. Sao discutidas as etapas de caracterizacao do adsorvedor com membranas, analise do procedimento de despirogenizacao e avaliacao da eficiencia de remocao em modo estatico. A densidade de ligantes nas membranas foi em torno de 7 mg/g membrana (massa seca), permitindo uma remocao de endotoxinas de ate 65%. O desempenho das membranas preparadas com nylon e recobertas com poli(alcool vinilico) contendo histidina como ligante foi superior ao de outros adsorvedores com membranas descritos na literatura. A ausencia de adsorcao de endotoxinas em membranas sem histidina confirma que a remocao das endotoxinas deve-se exclusivamente a presenca do ligante na superficie da membrana. As membranas modificadas mostraram-se bastante estaveis, exibindo um tempo de vida superior a 30 dias.
PII: S0003-4878(00)00082-X

Spreadsheet and short-cut methods have been developed for predicting evaporation rates and evaporation times for spills and constrained baths of chemical mixtures. Steady-state and time-varying predictions of evaporation rates can be made for six-component mixtures, including liquid-phase non-idealities as expressed through the UNIFAC method for activity coefficients. A group-contribution method is also used to estimate vapor-phase diffusion coefficients, which makes the method completely predictive. The predictions are estimates that require professional judgement in their application. One application that the evaporation time calculations suggest is a method for labeling chemical containers that allows one to quickly assess the time for complete evaporation of spills of both pure components and mixtures. The labeling would take the form of an evaporation time that depends on the local environment. For instance, evaporation time depends on indoor or outdoor conditions and the amount of each chemical among other parameters. This labeling would provide rapid information and an opportunity to premeditate a response before a spill occurs. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of British Occupational Hygiene Society
Initial Steps of Colicin E1 Import across the Outer Membrane of Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT Data suggest a two-receptor model for colicin E1 (ColE1) translocation across the outer membrane of Escherichia coli. ColE1 initially binds to the vitamin B12 receptor BtuB and then translocates through the TolC channel-tunnel, presumably in a mostly unfolded state. Here, we studied the early events in the import of ColE1. Using in vivo approaches, we show that ColE1 is cleaved when added to whole cells. This cleavage requires the presence of the receptor BtuB and the protease OmpT, but not that of TolC. Strains expressing OmpT cleaved ColE1 at K84 and K95 in the N-terminal translocation domain, leading to the removal of the TolQA box, which is essential for ColE1's cytotoxicity. Supported by additional in vivo data, this suggests that a function of OmpT is to degrade colicin at the cell surface and thus protect sensitive E. coli cells from infection by E colicins. A genetic strategy for isolating tolC mutations that confer resistance to ColE1, without affecting other TolC functions, is also described. We provide further in vivo evidence of the multistep interaction between TolC and ColE1 by using cross-linking followed by copurification via histidine-tagged TolC. First, secondary binding of ColE1 to TolC is dependent on primary binding to BtuB. Second, alterations to a residue in the TolC channel interfere with the translocation of ColE1 across the TolC pore rather than with the binding of ColE1 to TolC. In contrast, a substitution at a residue exposed on the cell surface abolishes both binding and translocation of ColE1.
Isoform-Specific Regulation of Adenylyl Cyclase Function by Disruption of Membrane Trafficking

Oligomerization plays an important role in endoplasmic reticulum processing and membrane insertion (and ultimately in regulation of function) of a number of transmembrane spanning proteins. Furthermore, it is known that adenylyl cyclases (ACs), critical regulators of cellular functions, associate into higher order (dimeric) forms. However, the importance of these higher order aggregates in regulating adenylyl cyclase activity or trafficking to the cell membrane is unclear. Therefore, we examined the potential role of oligomerization in the membrane trafficking of adenylyl cyclase. For this purpose, the ability of full-length adenylyl cyclase and various truncation mutants to self-assemble and to be targeted to the cell membrane was assessed. A truncation mutant comprised of the initial six transmembrane spanning domains and half of the C1 catalytic domain coimmunoprecipitated with full-length AC VI. Using both biotinylation assays and assessment of enzyme distribution using sucrose density gradients, we demonstrate that expression of this mutant in human embryonic kidney 293 cells impaired the ability of AC VI to traffic to the plasma membrane. Furthermore, mutant expression resulted in a significant reduction in adenylyl cyclase activity. The decrease in AC VI membrane expression was not caused by alterations in enzyme transcription. The effect of the mutant was specific for the AC V and VI isoforms and expression of the transmembrane M1 domain but not the C1a domain was required for the mutant to affect adenylyl cyclase activity. In aggregate, these data suggest that alterations in the ability of adenylyl cyclases to form higher order forms regulate both enzyme trafficking and enzyme activity.
HDLassociated PAF‐AH reduces endothelial adhesiveness in apoE−/− mice

Macrophage infiltration into the subendothelial space at lesion prone sites is the primary event in atherogenesis. Inhibition of macrophage homing might therefore prevent atherosclerosis. Since HDL levels are inversely correlated with cardiovascular risk, their effect on macrophage homing was assessed in apoE‐deficient (apoE−/−) mice. Overexpression of human apolipoprotein AI in apoE−/− mice increased HDL levels 3‐fold and reduced macrophage accumulation in an established assay of leukocyte homing to aortic root endothelium 3.2‐fold (P< 0.005). This was due to reduced in vivo βVLDL oxidation, reduced βVLDL triggered endothelial cytosolic Ca2+ signaling through PAF‐like bioactivity, lower ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expression, and diminished ex vivo leukocyte adhesion. Adenoviral gene transfer of human PAF‐acetylhydrolase (PAF‐AH) in apoE−/− mice increased PAF‐AH activity 1.5‐fold (P<0.001), reduced β VLDL‐induced ex vivo macrophage adhesion 3.5‐fold (P<0.01), and reduced in vivo macrophage homing 2.6‐fold (P<0.02). These inhibitory effects were observed in the absence of increased HDL cholesterol levels. In conclusion, HDL reduces macrophage homing to endothelium by reducing oxidative stress via its associated PAF‐AH activity. This protective mechanism is independent of the function of HDL as cholesterol acceptor. Modulation of lipoprotein oxidation by PAF‐AH may prevent leukocyte recruitment to the vessel wall, a key feature in atherogenesis. —Theilmeier, G. , De Geest, B. , Van Veldhoven, P. P., Stengel, D. , Michiels, C. , Lox, M. , Landeloos, M. , Chapman, M. J., Ninio, E. , Collen, D. , Himpens, B. , Holvoet, P. HDL‐associated PAF‐AH reduces endothelial adhesiveness in apoE−/− mice. FASEB J. 14, 2032–2039 (2000)