Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generation of a proton motive force by histidine decarboxylation and electrogenic histidine/histamine antiport in Lactobacillus buchneri

Lactobacillus buchneri ST2A vigorously decarboxylates histidine to the biogenic amine histamine, which is excreted into the medium. Cells grown in the presence of histidine generate both a transmembrane pH gradient, inside alkaline, and an electrical potential (delta psi), inside negative, upon addition of histidine. Studies of the mechanism of histidine uptake and histamine excretion in membrane vesicles and proteoliposomes devoid of cytosolic histidine decarboxylase activity demonstrate that histidine uptake, histamine efflux, and histidine/histamine exchange are electrogenic processes. Histidine/histamine exchange is much faster than the unidirectional fluxes of these substrates, is inhibited by an inside-negative delta psi and is stimulated by an inside positive delta psi. These data suggest that the generation of metabolic energy from histidine decarboxylation results from an electrogenic histidine/histamine exchange and indirect proton extrusion due to the combined action of the decarboxylase and carrier-mediated exchange. The abundance of amino acid decarboxylation reactions among bacteria suggests that this mechanism of metabolic energy generation and/or pH regulation is widespread.
Spatial Clustering of Inhibition in Mouse Primary Visual Cortex

Whether mouse visual cortex contains orderly feature maps is debated. The overlapping pattern of geniculocortical (dLGN) inputs with M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-rich patches in layer 1 (L1) suggests a non-random architecture. Here, we found that L1 inputs from the lateral posterior thalamus (LP) avoid patches and target interpatches. Channelrhodopsin-assisted mapping of EPSCs in L2/3 shows that the relative excitation of parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PVs) and pyramidal neurons (PNs) by dLGN, LP and cortical feedback are distinct and depend on whether the neurons reside in clusters aligned with patches or interpatches. Paired recordings from PVs and PNs shows that unitary IPSCs are larger in interpatches than patches. The spatial clustering of inhibition is matched by dense clustering of PV-terminals in interpatches. The results show that the excitation/inhibition balance across V1 is organized into patch and interpatch subnetworks which receive distinct long-range inputs and are specialized for the processing of distinct spatiotemporal features.
8 Regional Disparities and Efficient Transport Policies Stef Proost

This chapter addresses the economics of regional disparities and transport policies in the EuropeanUnion, offering an explanation for the uneven development of regions. We show that recent developments in spatial economics highlight the fact that trade is costly and location still matters. Since the drop in transport costs and the emergence of a knowledge-based economy, the proximity to natural resources has been replaced by new drivers of regional growth that rely on human capital and cognitive skills. Regions with a high market potential – those where demand is high and transport costs low – are likely to attract more firms and pay higher wages, which leads to sizable and lasting regional disparities. As a consequence, investments in interregional transport policies may not deliver their expected effects. In addition, new information and communication devices foster the fragmentation of the supply chain and the decentralization of activities.
Reranking a wide-coverage ccg parser

n -best parse reranking is an important technique for improving the accuracy of statistical parsers. Reranking is not constrained by the dynamic programming required for tractable parsing, so arbitrary features of each parse may be considered. We adapt the reranking features and methodology used by Charniak and Johnson (2005) for the C & C Combinatory Cat-egorial Grammar parser, and develop new features based on the richer formalism. The reranker achieves a labeled dependency F-score of 87.59%, which is a signiﬁcant improvement over prior results.
Biofilm formation and esp gene carriage in enterococci

Aims: To investigate biofilm production and esp carriage in enterococci. Methods: Biofilm production in vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) and vancomycin susceptible enterococci (VSE) was tested on a microtitre plate method, using both brain heart infusion (BHI) broth and human serum as media. Isolates were screened for the esp gene, which has been reported to be essential for biofilm formation in enterococci, by means of the polymerase chain reaction. Results: None of seven VRE and nine of 28 VSE tested formed a biofilm. One initially negative VRE Enterococcus faecium isolate produced a strong biofilm after 21 weeks of dry starvation on a cotton swab. By Fisher’s exact test, there was no significant difference in biofilm formation between VRE and VSE, E faecalis and E faecium, or isolates from different sites. Biofilm formation was independent of possession of the esp gene. One isolate produced a strong biofilm in human serum but only a weak biofilm in BHI, whereas another produced a moderate biofilm in human serum but a weak biofilm in BHI. Conclusions: The acquisition of vancomycin resistance may result in a lower ability to form biofilms, but a larger study using clinical isolates is needed to test this hypothesis. That one initially negative VRE isolate produced a strong biofilm after prolonged dry starvation suggests that biofilm formation may be an adaptive response. The esp gene does not appear to be necessary or sufficient for production of biofilms in enterococci.
Scorpion toxins targeting Kv1.3 channels: insights into immunosuppression

Abstract Scorpion venoms are natural sources of molecules that have, in addition to their toxic function, potential therapeutic applications. In this source the neurotoxins can be found especially those that act on potassium channels. Potassium channels are responsible for maintaining the membrane potential in the excitable cells, especially the voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv), including Kv1.3 channels. These channels (Kv1.3) are expressed by various types of tissues and cells, being part of several physiological processes. However, the major studies of Kv1.3 are performed on T cells due its importance on autoimmune diseases. Scorpion toxins capable of acting on potassium channels (KTx), mainly on Kv1.3 channels, have gained a prominent role for their possible ability to control inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Some of these toxins have already left bench trials and are being evaluated in clinical trials, presenting great therapeutic potential. Thus, scorpion toxins are important natural molecules that should not be overlooked in the treatment of autoimmune and other diseases.
Computer Skills and Internet Use in Adults Aged 50-74 Years: Influence of Hearing Difficulties

Background The use of personal computers (PCs) and the Internet to provide health care information and interventions has increased substantially over the past decade. Yet the effectiveness of such an approach is highly dependent upon whether the target population has both access and the skill set required to use this technology. This is particularly relevant in the delivery of hearing health care because most people with hearing loss are over 50 years (average age for initial hearing aid fitting is 74 years). Although PC skill and Internet use by demographic factors have been examined previously, data do not currently exist that examine the effects of hearing difficulties on PC skill or Internet use in older adults. Objective To explore the effect that hearing difficulty has on PC skill and Internet use in an opportunistic sample of adults aged 50-74 years. Methods Postal questionnaires about hearing difficulty, PC skill, and Internet use (n=3629) were distributed to adults aged 50-74 years through three family physician practices in Nottingham, United Kingdom. A subsample of 84 respondents completed a second detailed questionnaire on confidence in using a keyboard, mouse, and track pad. Summed scores were termed the “PC confidence index. ” The PC confidence index was used to verify the PC skill categories in the postal questionnaire (ie, never used a computer, beginner, and competent). Results The postal questionnaire response rate was 36.78% (1298/3529) and 95.15% (1235/1298) of these contained complete information. There was a significant between-category difference for PC skill by PC confidence index (P<.001), thus verifying the three-category PC skill scale. PC and Internet use was greater in the younger respondents (50-62 years) than in the older respondents (63-74 years). The younger group’s PC and Internet use was 81.0% and 60.9%, respectively; the older group’s PC and Internet use was 54.0% and 29.8%, respectively. Those with slight hearing difficulties in the older group had significantly greater odds of PC use compared to those with no hearing difficulties (odds ratio [OR]=1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-2.30, P=.02). Those with moderate+ hearing difficulties had lower odds of PC use compared with those with no hearing difficulties, both overall (OR=0.58, 95% CI 0.39-0.87, P=.008) and in the younger group (OR=0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.86, P=.008). Similar results were demonstrated for Internet use by age group (older: OR=1.57, 95% CI 0.99-2.47, P=.05; younger: OR=0.32, 95% CI 0.16-0.62, P=.001). Conclusions Hearing health care is of particular relevance to older adults because of the prevalence of age-related hearing loss. Our data show that older adults experiencing slight hearing difficulty have increased odds of greater PC skill and Internet use than those reporting no difficulty. These findings suggest that PC and Internet delivery of hearing screening, information, and intervention is feasible for people between 50-74 years who have hearing loss, but who would not typically present to an audiologist.
Expression of adhesion molecules in allograft renal dysfunction: a distinct diagnostic pattern in rejection and cyclosporine nephrotoxicity.

: We have studied in thirty renal biopsies (from 30 cadaver allograft patients) the expression of both LFA-1 and VLA-4 leukocyte adhesion receptors and their respective ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 endothelial cell ligands, during early allograft dysfunction (24 +/- 5 days after transplantation), reversed either by antirejection therapy (n = 14) or by reduction in CsA dose (n = 16). We have found that the levels of expression of the integrin VLA-4 and the activation signal AIM/CD69 (activation inducer molecule) on interstitial cells were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in rejection than in nephrotoxicity. A main differential expression pattern was observed for VCAM-1, the endothelial cell ligand of VLA-4. Interestingly, a strong staining pattern of the renal vascular endothelium and 35% of tubular epithelium was obtained with anti-VCAM-1 antibody in rejection, as compared with a weak reactivity in endothelium and discrete staining pattern on tubules in nephrotoxicity. On the other hand, we found that the mean percentage of infiltrating cells bearing LFA-1 molecules and the intensity of ICAM-1 (a LFA-1 ligand) expression on endothelium were closely similar in both rejection and CsA nephrotoxicity. Nevertheless, a discrete significant (P < 0.05) "de novo" expression of ICAM-1 was present on tubular cells during rejection. Our results strongly suggest that in rejection the interstitial cell infiltrate seems to be facilitated by the contribution of both LFA-1/ICAM-1 and VLA-4/VCAM-1 cell adhesion mechanisms, and also that VLA-4/VCAM-1 leukocyte interaction does not play a role in cases with CsA nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, the differential expression patterns of VLA-4 and VCAM-1 molecules found between rejection and CsA nephrotoxicity could provide valuable immunohistochemical criteria in the diagnosis of allograft dysfunction.
When should we operate on patients with acute infective endocarditis?

Infective endocarditis (IE) has become a ‘surgical disease’ during the last decade since approximately half of all patients are currently operated on during the active phase of the disease (early surgery). w1,w2 Recent changes in the epidemiological profile of the disease could explain this trend, with an increase in complicated situations owing to a greater incidence of more virulent organisms and intracardiac material infections.1 2 w3 Moreover, the development of surgical techniques and publications of large studies demonstrating the beneficial effect of surgery in complicated endocarditisw4–6 have encouraged physicians to offer surgical treatment to an increasing number of patients. Cardiac surgery is essential when severe valvular damage occurs, because, in those situations, antibiotics are not sufficient to prevent acute heart failure, (cerebral) embolic events, and septic shock—the three deadliest complications of IE. Therefore, after diagnosis, immediate risk stratification is of crucial importance to determine whether early cardiac surgery is required. Thus, the predictors of the worst outcome under medical treatment and the factors associated with a high operative risk must be quickly identified. In the new 2009 guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the indications of early cardiac surgery have been clearly defined.w7 Moreover, for the first time, these guidelines have proposed an optimal timing of surgery in each clinical situation. This article discusses the prognosis assessment, the role, indications and timing of cardiac surgery during acute valvular IE. IE remains among the deadliest infectious diseases. In-hospital mortality varies from 9.6–26%3–5 w1 w8 w9 and 1 year mortality from 20.6–37%. 1 w9 Acute heart failure and cerebral embolism are the first two causes of death during IE. Thus, the main objective of our management is to avoid these two serious complications. At admission, the immediate assessment of prognosis should be performed to identify those patients …
The Medical use of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) and Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) as Natural Sedatives: Insight into their Interactions with GABA Transmission

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) have been consumed by humans since Antiquity, usually as herbal tea and brewing, for their sedative and relaxing capacities. These properties are associated with empirical observations of the effects of these plants on the body. But since the advent of phytotherapy as alternative medicine, it appeared on the market alcoholic extracts or essential oils, for which the same indications are claimed. It is therefore necessary to clarify or define the mechanisms of action of their various constituents to explain their effectiveness. We review here the current knowledge about the pharmacological properties – particularly the molecular targets – of the bioactive compounds of lemon balm and valerian. In this way, the activities of lemon balm and valerian, empirically observed throughout the body, can be explained and objectified at the molecular and cellular levels thanks to the mode of action of their molecular contents (terpenoids and phenolic derivatives). Our interest is to scientifically explain the pharmacological effects of these two plants in traditional medicine.
Analysis of Antimicrobial Activity of Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei-1 Isolated from Regional Yogurt

Lactic acid bacteria are very significant to human health due to the production of some antimicrobial substances and ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria. In this study, Lactobacillus strains were isolated from yogurts of Khulna region, Bangladesh and identified as Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei-1. The antimicrobial activity of cell free supernatant was tested against both gram positive and gram negative pathogenic bacteria and found to be sensitive. The supernatant exhibited tolerance to extreme pH and was heat stable as well as sensitive to proteolytic treatment. The latter property could be attributed to a bacteriocin like inhibitory substance (BLIS) secreted from L. paracasei ssp. paracasei-1. In addition, the isolate showed good survival in presence of a number of bile salts indicating its potential application as probiotic supplement.
Grain size distribution effects on phosphate sorption by fluvial sediment: implications for modelling sediment-phosphate transport

Abstract A sensitivity analysis was performed on a sediment-phosphate transport model by determining the phosphate sorption characteristics of separated size fractions and prepared size distributions of fine-grained (< 64 μm) river sediment typically transported in two southern Ontario streams. The Langmuir equation was used to quantify phosphate release from the sediment. Results of the study indicated that Langmuir coefficients determined separately for individual grain size fractions can be used to model sediment-phosphate interactions. Under laboratory conditions, output from the model provided conservative estimates of phosphate release/uptake from grain size distributions of sediment in fluvial systems. The study provides phosphate release data for use in models that estimate sediment-P losses from watersheds.
Intermittency of glassy relaxation and the emergence of a non-equilibrium spontaneous measure in the aging regime

We consider heat exchange processes between non-equilibrium aging systems (in their activated regime) and the thermal bath in contact. We discuss a scenario where two different heat exchange processes concur in the overall heat dissipation: a stimulated fast process determined by the temperature of the bath and a spontaneous intermittent process determined by the fact that the system has been prepared in a non-equilibrium state. The latter is described by a probability distribution function (PDF) that has an exponential tail of width given by a parameter λ, and satisfies a fluctuation theorem (FT) governed by that parameter. The value of λ is proportional to the so-called effective temperature, thereby providing a practical way to experimentally measure it by analyzing the PDF of intermittent events.
Thermal transport of nanoporous gallium nitride for photonic applications

Recently, nanoporous (NP) GaN has emerged as a promising photonic material in the III-N family. Due to its attractive properties, such as its large refractive index contrast and perfect lattice matching with GaN, as well as its good electrical conductivity, photonic components and devices involving NP GaN have been successfully demonstrated. However, further development of high-performance NP GaN based electrically injected devices, such as vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and edge emitting lasers, requires efficient heat dissipation. Therefore, in this paper, we study thermal conductivity (TC) of NP GaN, especially when incorporated into a practical distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) in a VCSEL device. Through an effective medium model, we study the theoretical effect of NP GaN morphological properties over its TC. We then experimentally measure the TC of NP GaN, with different porosities and pore wall thicknesses, which shows a high agreement with the theoretical model. We also fabricate actual NP GaN DBRs and study the large tunability and interdependence among their TC (1–24 W/m K), refractive index (0.1–1.0), and electrical conductivity (100–2000 S/m) compared to other conventional DBRs. Finally, we perform a finite-element simulation of the heat dissipation within NP GaN-VCSELs, revealing their superior thermal dissipation compared to dielectric DBR based VCSELs. In this regard, this study lays the foundation for nanoscale thermal engineering of NP GaN optoelectronic and photonic devices and paves the way for their successful commercialization.Recently, nanoporous (NP) GaN has emerged as a promising photonic material in the III-N family. Due to its attractive properties, such as its large refractive index contrast and perfect lattice matching with GaN, as well as its good electrical conductivity, photonic components and devices involving NP GaN have been successfully demonstrated. However, further development of high-performance NP GaN based electrically injected devices, such as vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and edge emitting lasers, requires efficient heat dissipation. Therefore, in this paper, we study thermal conductivity (TC) of NP GaN, especially when incorporated into a practical distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) in a VCSEL device. Through an effective medium model, we study the theoretical effect of NP GaN morphological properties over its TC. We then experimentally measure the TC of NP GaN, with different porosities and pore wall thicknesses, which shows a high agreement with the theoretical model. We also fabricate .
Immunological and physiological changes associated with induced positive and negative mood.

&NA; Functional and phenotypic immunological parameters were examined before, at the end of, and 20 minutes after the induction of positive and negative mood states, varied for arousal level, and a neutral state. The subjects were 14 male actors who experienced each condition on a different day. Compared with a neutral condition, all mood states affected several immune parameters (e.g., natural killer cell percentage and activity and percentage of suppressor/cytotoxic T cells), regardless of the valence or arousal level of the mood induced. The only immune variable differentially sensitive to positive and negative mood states was the proliferative response to the mitogen phytohemagglutinin; the response increased after positive moods and decreased after negative moods. Analysis of covariance for repeated measures indicated that heart rate, alone or in combination with physical activity and cortisol levels, had an impact on mood effects for most of the immune parameters investigated.
The Potential Role of Dietary Xanthophylls in Cataract and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The carotenoid xanthophylls, lutein and zeaxanthin, accumulate in the eye lens and macular region of the retina. Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in the macula are greater than those found in plasma and other tissues. A relationship between macular pigment optical density, a marker of lutein and zeaxanthin concentration in the macula, and lens optical density, an antecedent of cataractous changes, has been suggested. The xanthophylls may act to protect the eye from ultraviolet phototoxicity via quenching reactive oxygen species and/or other mechanisms. Some observational studies have shown that generous intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin, particularly from certain xanthophyll-rich foods like spinach, broccoli and eggs, are associated with a significant reduction in the risk for cataract (up to 20%) and for age-related macular degeneration (up to 40%). While the pathophysiology of cataract and age-related macular degeneration is complex and contains both environmental and genetic components, research studies suggest dietary factors including antioxidant vitamins and xanthophylls may contribute to a reduction in the risk of these degenerative eye diseases. Further research is necessary to confirm these observations.