Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In search of the last common ancestor: new findings on wild chimpanzees

Modelling the behaviour of extinct hominins is essential in order to devise useful hypotheses of our species' evolutionary origins for testing in the palaeontological and archaeological records. One approach is to model the last common ancestor (LCA) of living apes and humans, based on current ethological and ecological knowledge of our closest living relations. Such referential modelling is based on rigorous, ongoing field studies of the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) and the bonobo (Pan paniscus). This paper reviews recent findings from nature, focusing on those with direct implications for hominin evolution, e.g. apes, using elementary technology to access basic resources such as food and water, or sheltering in caves or bathing as thermoregulatory adaptations. I give preference to studies that directly address key issues, such as whether stone artefacts are detectible before the Oldowan, based on the percussive technology of hammer and anvil use by living apes. Detailed comparative studies of chimpanzees living in varied habitats, from rainforest to savannah, reveal that some behavioural patterns are universal (e.g. shelter construction), while others show marked (e.g. extractive foraging) or nuanced (e.g. courtship) cross-populational variation. These findings allow us to distinguish between retained, primitive traits of the LCA versus derived ones in the human lineage.
Determination of Quality Chemical Parameters of Honey from Chubut (Argentinean Patagonia)

This study was intended to evaluate the quality chemical parameters of 62 Apis mellifera L. honey samples, from the Province of Chubut, Argentina. Samples were obtained from the three melliferous areas of this province: Andean region, lower Chubut River valley and plains of Senguerr River. The average values obtained for electrical conductivity (0.33 mS cm -1 ) and pH (4.17) indicate that the analyzed honeys came mainly from nectar. Electrical conductivity was higher in honeys from the Andean region than in honeys from the other two regions. Moisture (water content) was low, with an average value of 14.67%. The hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content was very low and ranged between 0.0 and 14.70 mg kg -1 . Moisture, HMF and free acidity values show good maturity and absence of undesirable fermentation in all the samples. Diastase activity had a mean value of 13.50 units on the Gothe scale. Color parameter presented variations between honeys from different areas. The analytical values for the samples from the Andean region, the lower Chubut River valley and the plains of the Senguerr River respectively were: 67.73, 40.33 and 23.26 mm Pfund. Results obtained in this study, indicate that honeys produced in Chubut present excellent quality properties according to international standards.
Iris hyperpigmentation in a Chinese family with ocular albinism and the GPR143 mutation

X‐linked ocular albinism (OA1) is the most common form of ocular albinism. Affected males are characterized by nystagmus, impaired visual acuity, iris hypopigmentation with translucency, fundus hypopigmentation, macular hypoplasia, and normally pigmented skin and hair. However, OA1 has rarely been reported in China. Here, we report on a Chinese family with OA1 and partial deletion of GPR143. An unusual phenotype of iris hyperpigmentation without translucency was observed in the male patient and the carrier mother. There was apparent mosaic pigmentation of the fundus. Our results demonstrate atypical manifestation of OA1 that might enrich our knowledge of phenotypic variation of OA1 among the Chinese population. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Opsonic and Protective Properties of Antibodies Raised to Conjugate Vaccines Targeting Six Staphylococcus aureus Antigens

Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infections for which a vaccine is greatly desired. Antigens found on the S. aureus outer surface include the capsular polysaccharides (CP) of serotype 5 (CP5) or 8 (CP8) and/or a second antigen, a β-(1→6)-polymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (PNAG). Antibodies specific for either CP or PNAG antigens have excellent in vitro opsonic killing activity (OPKA), but when mixed together have potent interference in OPKA and murine protection. To ascertain if this interference could be abrogated by using a synthetic non-acetylated oligosaccharide fragment of PNAG, 9GlcNH2, in place of chemically partially deacetylated PNAG, three conjugate vaccines consisting of 9GlcNH2 conjugated to a non-toxic mutant of alpha-hemolysin (Hla H35L), CP5 conjugated to clumping factor B (ClfB), or CP8 conjugated to iron-surface determinant B (IsdB) were used separately to immunize rabbits. Opsonic antibodies mediating killing of multiple S. aureus strains were elicited for all three vaccines and showed carbohydrate antigen-specific reductions in the tissue bacterial burdens in animal models of S. aureus skin abscesses, pneumonia, and nasal colonization. Carrier-protein specific immunity was also shown to be effective in reducing bacterial levels in infected lungs and in nasal colonization. However, use of synthetic 9GlcNH2 to induce antibody to PNAG did not overcome the interference in OPKA engendered when these were combined with antibody to either CP5 or CP8. Whereas each individual vaccine showed efficacy, combining antisera to CP antigens and PNAG still abrogated individual OPKA activities, indicating difficulty in achieving a multi-valent vaccine targeting both the CP and PNAG antigens.
Total Pancreatectomy With and Without Islet Cell Transplantation for Chronic Pancreatitis: A Series of 85 Consecutive Patients

Objectives: This study examined 85 consecutive patients undergoing total pancreatectomy (±islet cell transplant), examining pain relief, insulin requirements, and glycemic control postoperatively. Methods: A prospective database of all patients undergoing total pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis was used to record preoperative and postoperative details from 1996 to 2006. Results: There were 3 postoperative deaths (1 islet recipient and 2 nonislet patients). The median number of acute admissions for pain fell from 5 to 2 after pancreatectomy, and the median length of stay from 6.2 days to 3.3 days. At 12 months postoperatively, the number of patients on regular opiate analgesia fell from 90.6% to 40.2% and by 5 years to 15.9%. There was a significant reduction in the patients' visual analogue pain score after surgery from 9.7 to 3.7 (P < 0.001). Five patients were insulin independent at 5 years. Median 24-hour insulin requirements were significantly lower in the islet group (15.5 vs 40 units at 5 years postoperatively; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Total pancreatectomy is effective in reducing pain and dependence on opioid analgesia in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The addition of an islet cell transplant results in a reduction in 24-hour insulin demands, as well as potentially achieving insulin independence.
Differential Intrinsic Enzymatic Activity of Syk and Zap-70 Protein-tyrosine Kinases*

Syk and Zap-70 are related protein-tyrosine kinases implicated in antigen and Fc receptor signaling. While Zap-70 is restricted to T-cells and natural killer cells, Syk accumulates in B-cells, mast cells, platelets, and immature T-cells. In addition, we found that an isoform of Syk (SykB), which carries a 23-amino acid deletion in the “linker” region, is prominently expressed in bone marrow. To better understand the relative impact of Syk, SykB, and Zap-70 on signal transduction, we compared their intrinsic enzymatic properties in transiently transfected COS-1 cells and in hemopoietic cells. Using modified versions of these enzymes bearing a common Myc epitope at the amino terminus, we determined that the ability of Syk and SykB to undergo autophosphorylation and to phosphorylate erythrocyte band 3 in immune complex kinase reactions was at least 100-fold greater than that of Zap-70. Similarly, Syk and SykB, but not Zap-70, caused prominent tyrosine phosphorylation of p120c-cbl in COS-1 cells. A similar pattern of activity was also noted for endogenous Syk and Zap-70 from hemopoietic cells. To understand the structural basis for these characteristics, we also created and analyzed a series of chimeras between Syk and Zap-70. These studies indicated that the catalytic domain of Syk and Zap-70, but not their SH2 domains, linker region or carboxyl-terminal tail, was responsible for their respective activity. Taken together, these data demonstrated that the intrinsic enzymatic activity of Syk and SykB is superior to that of Zap-70 and that such a distinction relates to structural variations in the catalytic domain.
The Infrared Properties of Submillimeter Galaxies: Clues from Ultradeep 70 μm Imaging

We present 70 μm properties of submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) in the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey (GOODS) North field. Out of 30 submillimeter galaxies (S850 > 2 mJy) in the central GOODS-N region, we find two with secure 70 μm detections. These are the first 70 μm detections of SMGs. One of the matched SMGs is at z ~ 0.5, and has S70/S850 and S70/S24 ratios consistent with a cool galaxy. The second SMG (z = 1.2) has infrared-submillimeter colors that indicate it is more actively forming stars. We examine the average 70 μm properties of the SMGs by performing a stacking analysis, which also allows us to estimate that S850 > 2 mJy SMGs contribute 9% ± 3% of the 70 μm background light. The S850/S70 colors of the SMG population as a whole is best fit by cool galaxies, and because of the redshifting effects these constraints are mainly on the lower z subsample. We fit spectral energy distributions (SEDs) to the far-infrared data points of the two detected SMGs and the average low-redshift SMG (zmedian = 1.4). We find that the average low-z SMG has a cooler dust temperature than local ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) of similar luminosity and an SED that is best fit by scaled-up versions of normal spiral galaxies. The average low-z SMG is found to have a typical dust temperature T = 21-33 K and infrared luminosity L8-1000 μm = 8.0 × 1011 L☉. We estimate the AGN contribution to the total infrared luminosity of low-z SMGs is less than 23%.
Source monitoring in a generative task

Following exposure to experimenter-provided examples of space creatures, people tend to conform to the features contained in the examples when creating their own novel space creatures. In three experiments, we manipulated factors known to affect source-monitoring accuracy to determine how these manipulations would influence conformity to experimenter-provided examples. In Experiment 1 we altered people's cognitive agenda by means of the instructions given before the drawing task. In Experiment 2 we examined how time pressure would affect the level of conformity, and in Experiment 3 we manipulated the availability of the creatures during the drawing task by making them available to half the participants. Conformity decreased when extended source-monitoring processes were engaged and increased when these processes were disrupted. The results from the three experiments were consistent with the principles of the source-monitoring framework.
Workers’ understanding of chemical risks: electroplating case study

Background: There is limited research concerning how small companies in particular, respond to health and safety messages. Aims: To understand individuals’ knowledge and beliefs about chemical risks and to compare these with those of experts. Methods: The use of chromic acid in particular, and also other chemicals associated with chrome plating were studied. All chromium plating firms were based in the West Midlands. The methodology involved initial face to face interviews (n = 21) with chromium platers, structured questionnaires (n = 84) to test the prevalence of beliefs identified in the interviews, an expert questionnaire, and a workshop to discuss findings. The responses of platers were compared with those of occupational health and safety experts. Results: Although chromium platers appeared to understand the short term adverse effects of the chemicals to which they are exposed, their understanding of long term, or chronic effects appeared to be incomplete. They had good knowledge of acute effects based primarily on experience. Platers were aware of the hazardous nature of the chemicals with which they work, but did not draw distinction between the terms “hazards” and “risks”. They had difficulties articulating the effects of the chemicals and how exposure might occur; although it is inappropriate to equate this with lack of knowledge. A significant minority of platers displayed deficiencies in understanding key technical terms used in Safety Data Sheets. Conclusions: This study provides a method which can be used to gain some understanding of workers’ knowledge and beliefs about risks that they are exposed to in the workplace. The study also identifies gaps between the platers’ knowledge and beliefs and those of experts. New risk information needs to be designed which addresses the information needs of platers using language that they understand.
Endovascular stenting for extracranial carotid artery aneurysms

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of endovascular stenting for extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAAs) and evaluate the mid-term outcomes.Twelve consecutive symptomatic patients (mean age 43.8 ± 14.9 years; 8 men) with ECAAs who were treated with endovascular stenting between 1997 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical follow-up data including symptoms and neurological events were obtained from outpatient records. Imaging follow-up with duplex ultrasound and/or computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was performed to examine the aneurysm obliteration and patency of the stents at 3, 6, 12 months and yearly thereafter.A total of 5 true aneurysms and 7 pseudoaneurysms were included in our series. Neurological symptoms (n = 5, 41.7%) and a pulsatile neck mass (n = 5, 41.7%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Endovascular stenting procedures were technically successful in all cases; 3 patients received bare stents, and 9 patients received covered stents. No perioperative neurologic or cardiopulmonary complications occurred. Over a period of follow-ups (mean 21.8 ± 25.1 months), all patients were alive and free from neurological or other adverse events. All aneurysms were completely excluded except for 1 patient who was exposed to a residual medium leaking into the aneurysm sac. No reintervention was performed in this specific patient because aneurysm growth or significant clinical symptoms did not occur. Recurrent restenosis assessed by CTA imaging at 12 months occurred in 1 (8.3%) patient in our series. Target lesion revascularization for this hemodynamic restenosis was treated with placement of an additional stent.In our series, endovascular stenting for ECAAs was found to be safe, effective, and proved to have promising mid-term results. Although long-term results need to be further explored, advantages including less procedure-related complications and a shorter recovery time make endovascular stenting an attractive option for ECAAs, especially for the patients who are unfit for traditional open surgery.
Location of the neutral axis in wood beams: A preliminary study

Abstract It is commonly accepted in the analysis of wood beams that the neutral axis coincides with the beam's centroid. However, wood is not an isotropic material, has different elastic properties in the tangential, radial and longitudinal directions, and is non-homogeneous, as it contains characteristics such as knots. Therefore, there is need for an analysis of the neutral axis for anisotropic, non-homogeneous materials, such as wood, to predict deformations and strains. Specifically, digital imaging correlation, a non-contact technique to measure deformation of an object's surface, is used to examine how knots influence neutral axis location. Output from digital imaging correlation software provides a clear image of the location of the neutral axis. The neutral axis in a clear wood beam remains close to the centroidal axis throughout loading, while the location of a knot determines the size of the compression and tension zones as well as the location of the neutral axis.
DELAYED VISUAL MATURATION: OPHTHALMIC AND NEURO‐DEVELOPMENTAL ASPECTS

Delayed visual maturation (DVM) can present as an isolated anomaly (type 1A), but can be compounded by perinatal problems (type 1B), severe neurodevelopmental delay (type 2), or ocular anomalies/nystagmus (type 3), in which group the common feature appears to be nystagmus. The neurodevelopmental and ophthalmic aspects of 26 infants with DVM were studied. Onset of visual improvement, rate of acquisition of normal vision and eventual outcome were studied quantitatively, using an adaptation of the acuity card procedure. Neurodevelopmental assessment was performed after visual improvement. The results support the long‐held clinical impression that if blindness is the presenting feature, neurodevelopmental outlook is excellent. DVM could represent a defect in the extrageniculostriate visual system, and the onset of vision in all types—and the development of nystagmus in type 3—could herald the emergence of geniculostriate function.
Investigation of polymorphisms in the P. falciparum artemisinin resistance marker kelch13 in asymptomatic infections in a rural area of Cameroon

Background The genetic variability of the artemisinin resistance (AR) molecular marker kelch13 (k13) has been extensively investigated in Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites from symptomatic infections in South East (SE) Asia where AR is highly prevalent, as well as in Africa where evidence of AR has emerged only recently. However, molecular surveillance and risk of transmission of AR also require monitoring asymptomatic infection. Here, molecular analyses were used to investigate polymorphisms in k13 and their potential for transmission in asymptomatic adults in Bolifamba, Cameroon in Central Africa. Methods Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we amplified and sequenced the full length of k13 from P. falciparum infections detected in the blood of 33 asymptomatic adults (age: 18-55 years-old) collected in a cross-sectional study from July 2008 to October 2009. Risk of increased transmission was assessed by quantifying gametocytes by qPCR. Quantitative ELISA was used to detect plasma levels of PfHRP2 to establish total parasite burdens associated with asymptomatic infection. Results Out of 33 isolates tested, 14 (42.4%) presented at least one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in k13. Five non-synonymous SNPs were detected (K189T/N, N217H, R393K and E433K). None were located in the ß-propeller domain, where AR mutations have been detected in both SE Asian and, more recently, African parasites. K189T/N and N217H have been previously reported in African strains, but R393K and E433K are new polymorphisms. Gametocytes were detected in 24.2% of infections, without significant association with detected k13 polymorphisms. Notably, polymorphisms outside of the ß-propeller domain detected in k13 were associated with a significant increase of PfHRP2 plasma levels but not circulating parasite levels detected by qPCR. Conclusions This study provides the baseline prevalence of k13 polymorphisms in asymptomatic infection for molecular surveillance in tracking AR. Unexpectedly, it also suggests association of k13 polymorphisms outside of the ß-propeller domain with total P. falciparum burden in asymptomatic infection, that needs to be validated in future studies.
Spatiotemporal coordination of rod and cone photoreceptor differentiation in goldfish retina

In this study, we have compared spatial and temporal aspects of development of new rods and cones in the adult goldfish by using a combination of bromodeoxyuridine immunocytochemistry and opsin in situ hybridization to determine the intervals between terminal mitosis (cell “birth”) and expression of opsin mRNA for each photoreceptor cell type. The goldfish opsins include rod opsin and four different cone opsins: red, green, blue, and ultraviolet. In a cohort of photoreceptors born at the same time, rods expressed opsin mRNA within 3 days of cell birth, while expression of cone opsin mRNA required at least 7 days. This temporal discrepancy in differentiation, coupled with a discordance in the site of cell genesis of rods and cones, allowed opsin expression to commence in both cell types in approximately the same retinal location. Commitment to the generic cone phenotype occurred within approximately 6 days throughout the cone cohort, as indicated by expression of interphotoreceptor retinoid‐binding protein (IRBP) mRNA, but expression of a specific spectral phenotype was delayed until rods differentiated nearby. Onset of expression of cone opsin mRNA followed a phenotype‐specific sequence: red, then green, then blue, and finally ultraviolet; in situ hybridization with two opsin probes confirmed that individual photoreceptors expressed only one type of opsin as they differentiated. This stepwise process of cone differentiation is consistent with the hypothesis that cell‐cell interactions among developing photoreceptors may coordinate selection of specific photoreceptor phenotypes. J. Comp. Neurol. 382:272‐284, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Image quality in wearers of a centre distance concentric design bifocal contact lens

The optical performance of eyes wearing bifocal concentric contact lens was studied using the double‐pass technique. Retinal image quality was measured for four subjects wearing CIBA Bisoft contact lenses presenting the central zone for correcting distance vision. Lenses with two different central optic zone diameter (COZD), 3.2 and 3.8 mm, were studied and the influence of pupil diameter and viewing distance were analysed. Results show that the best optical performance is obtained for far vision conditions when no lens is worn even if the pupil coverage by the COZD is complete. For near vision conditions, the optical performance when the lens is worn is, in general, better than when no lens is worn. When the lens is worn the best optical performance corresponds to a pupil diameter of 3 mm and far vision conditions. For this pupil diameter, variations in the situations analysed can be explained by changes in the percentage of pupil coverage corresponding to the far or the near vision zone of the lens. For a pupil diameter of 5 mm, the retinal image quality is more similar in all situations studied and pupil coverage alone cannot explain the results obtained and the influence of other parameters related to the design or contact lens fitting characteristics must be considered.