Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Left-to-Right Bias in Inhibition of Return Is Due to the Direction of Reading

Previous research has shown a left-to-right bias in the inhibition-of-return effect. This bias was found in a sample of English-speaking participants who read in a predominantly left-to-right manner. The goal of the current study was to examine the role that the direction of text reading plays in this bias. The findings replicated the left-to-right bias with an English sample, but showed the opposite bias in an Arabic sample, who read text from right to left. Thus, the regularity of shifting attention in a particular way during text reading seems to be the cause of the bias observed.
Synthetic Biomimetic Carbonate-Hydroxyapatite Nanocrystals for Enamel Remineralization

New biomimetic carbonate-hydroxyapatite nanocrystals (CHA) have been designed and synthesized in order to obtain a remineralization of the altered enamel surfaces. Synthesized CHA mimic for composition, structure, nano dimension and morphology bone apatite crystals and their chemical-physical properties resemble closely those exhibited by enamel natural apatite. CHA can chemically bound themselves on the surface of natural enamel apatite thanks to their tailored biomimetic characteristics. The remineralization effect induced by CHA represents a real new deposition of carbonate-hydroxyapatite into the eroded enamel surface scratches forming a persistent biomimetic mineral coating, which covers and safeguards the enamel structure. The experimental results point out the possibility to use materials alternative to fluoride compounds which is commonly utilized to contrast the mechanical abrasions and acid attacks. The apatitic synthetic coating is less crystalline than enamel natural apatite, but consists of a new biomimetic apatitic mineral deposition which progressively fills the surface scratches. Therefore the application of biomimetic CHA may be considered an innovative approach to contrast the acid and bacteria attacks.
DejaVu: integrated support for developing interactive camera-based programs

The increasing popularity of interactive camera-based programs highlights the inadequacies of conventional IDEs in developing these programs given their distinctive attributes and workflows. We present DejaVu, an IDE enhancement that eases the development of these programs by enabling programmers to visually and continuously monitor program data in consistency with the frame-based pipeline of computer-vision programs; and to easily record, review, and reprocess temporal data to iteratively improve the processing of non-reproducible camera input. DejaVu was positively received by three experienced programmers of interactive camera-based programs in our preliminary user trial.
Application of multilayer feedforward neural networks to precipitation cell-top altitude estimation

The use of passive 118-GHz O/sub 2/ observations of rain cells for precipitation cell-top altitude estimation is demonstrated using a multilayer feedforward neural network retrieval system. Data was derived from a collection of 118-GHz rain cell observations along with estimates of the cell-top altitude obtained by optical stereoscopy. The observations were made using the millimeter wave temperature sounder (MTS) scanning spectrometer aboard the NASA ER-2 research aircraft during the Genesis of Atlantic Lows Experiment (GALE) and the Cooperative Huntsville Meteorological Experiment (COHMEX), 1986. The neural network estimator applied to MTS spectral differences between clouds and nearby clear air yielded an RMS discrepancy of 1.77 km for a combined cumulus, mature and dissipating cell set and 1.50 km for the cumulus-only set. A slight improvement in RMS discrepancy to 1.48 km was achieved by including additional MTS information on the absolute atmospheric temperature profile. Comparison of these results with a nonlinear statistical estimator shows that superior results can be obtained with the neural network retrieval system. The neural network estimator was then used to create imagery of cell-top altitudes estimated from 118-GHz CAMEX spectral imagery gathered from September through October, 1993. <<ETX>>
Multicomponent Transcriptional Regulation at the Complex Promoter of the Exopolysaccharide I Biosynthetic Operon ofRalstonia solanacearum

ABSTRACT High-level transcription of eps, an operon encoding biosynthesis of an exopolysaccharide virulence factor of the phytopathogen Ralstonia (Pseudomonas)solanacearum, requires the products of at least seven regulatory genes (phcA, phcB, xpsR,vsrA-vsrD, and vsrB-vsrC), which are organized in three converging signal transduction cascades. BecausexpsR and the vsrB-vsrC two-component system are the most downstream cascade components required for activation ofeps, we explored how these components control transcription from the eps promoter (Peps). Deletion and PCR mutagenesis identified an upstream region of Peps (nucleotides −82 to −62) that is critical for transcription activation by VsrB-VsrC and XpsR and also is required for negative control of Peps by the putative eps regulator EpsR. Using PCR mutagenesis we generated the vsrC1 allele that encodes a response regulator that constitutively activates Peps in the absence of its cognate sensor, VsrB. However, activation of Peps by vsrC1 still requiredxpsR. Unexpectedly, the amino acid substitution conferring the constitutive phenotype on VsrC1 is 12 residues from its C terminus, outside the known functional domains of response regulators. Finally, a modified DNase I footprinting method was used to demonstrate specific binding of both VsrC1 and VsrC to the −72 to −62 upstream region of Peps.
A Conditional Scheduling Approach to Designing Real-Time Systems

We present an approach to designing real-time systems based on dynamically sequencing condition-specific task-execution schedules. A system that dynamically alters its real-time execution component provides flexibility in the face of changing on-line conditions. For domains in which real-time response and safety must be guaranteed at design time, achieving this flexibility requires the introduction of new modeling and analysis tools. We provide; analytical techniques for validating the behavior of a real-time system designed under our conditional scheduling approach. We demonstrate the approach through the detailed design and analysis of a real-time avionics scheduling solution. This solution involves architectural changes to existing avionics system hardware and makes use of predictive models of in-flight dynamics to provide real-time behavior guarantees at design time. The approach described in this paper is an example of the use of a general framework that we have developed for analyzing tradeoffs when designing systems in which an agent with limited computational resources is required to respond in a timely manner to situations arising in a dynamic environment.
Calcium Carbonate Mineralization: Involvement of Extracellular Polymeric Materials Isolated from Calcifying Bacteria

Abstract This study highlights the role of specific outer bacterial structures, such as the glycocalix, in calcium carbonate crystallization in vitro. We describe the formation of calcite crystals by extracellular polymeric materials, such as exopolysaccharides (EPS) and capsular polysaccharides (CPS) isolated from Bacillus firmus and Nocardia calcarea. Organic matrices were isolated from calcifying bacteria grown on synthetic medium—in the presence or absence of calcium ions—and their effect on calcite precipitation was assessed. Scanning electron microscopy observations and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry analysis showed that CPS and EPS fractions were involved in calcium carbonate precipitation, not only serving as nucleation sites but also through a direct role in crystal formation. The utilization of different synthetic media, with and without addition of calcium ions, influenced the biofilm production and protein profile of extracellular polymeric materials. Proteins of CPS fractions with a molecular mass between 25 and 70 kDa were overexpressed when calcium ions were present in the medium. This higher level of protein synthesis could be related to the active process of bioprecipitation.
Progressive accumulation of the abnormal conformer of the prion protein and spongiform encephalopathy in the obex of nonsymptomatic and symptomatic Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) with chronic wasting disease

The purpose of our study was to describe the progressive accumulation of the abnormal conformer of the prion protein (PrPCWD) and spongiform degeneration in a single section of brain stem in Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) with chronic wasting disease (CWD). A section of obex from 85 CWD-positive elk was scored using the presence and abundance of PrPCWD immunoreactivity and spongiform degeneration in 10 nuclear regions and the presence and abundance of PrPCWD in 10 axonal tracts, the subependymal area of the fourth ventricle, and the thin subpial astrocytic layer (glial limitans). Data was placed in a formula to generate an overall obex score. Data suggests that PrPCWD immunoreactivity and spongiform degeneration has a unique and relatively consistent pattern of progression throughout a section of obex. This scoring technique utilizing a single section of obex may prove useful in future work for estimating the presence and abundance of PrPCWD in peripheral tissues and the nervous system in elk with CWD.
Age-Related Decline in Chest Wall Mobility: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Community-Dwelling Elderly Women

Abstract Context: Chest wall mobility is strongly related to respiratory function; however, the effect of aging on chest wall mobility—and the level at which this mobility is most affected—remains unclear. Objective: To investigate age-related differences in chest wall mobility and respiratory function among elderly women in different age groups. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was performed in Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture and Ayabe City in Kyoto Prefecture in Japan. Inclusion criteria were female sex, age 65 years or older, community resident, and ability to ambulate independently, with or without an assistive device. Thoracic excursion at the axillary and xiphoid levels and at the level of the tenth rib was measured with measuring tape. Respiratory function, including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), was assessed by spirometry, and FVC percent predicted (%FVC), FEV1 percent predicted (%FEV1), and FEV1/FVC were calculated. Chest wall mobility and respiratory function were compared among 4 age groups. Results: Of 251 potential participants, 132 met the inclusion criteria. Participants were divided into 4 age groups: group 1, 65 to 69 years; group 2, 70 to 74 years; group 3, 75 to 79 years; and group 4, 80 years or older. Statistically significant differences were found in thoracic excursion at the axillary level between groups 1 and 4 and between groups 2 and 4 when adjusted for height and weight (F4.52, P=.01). In addition, statistically significant differences were found in the FVC and FEV1 values between groups 1 and 3 and between groups 2 and 3 (FVC: F4.97, P=.01; FEV1: F6.17, P=.01). Conclusion: Chest wall mobility at the axillary level and respiratory function decreased with age in community-dwelling women aged 65 years or older. Further longitudinal studies are required to clarify the effects of aging on chest wall mobility and respiratory function.
Does Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract Raise the Bar in Fistula Surgery?

BACKGROUND: The ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure has been reported to have high cure rates, with minimal impairment of continence. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rates and functional outcome after the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure. DESIGN: This study was performed as a retrospective review. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, University of Minnesota and at affiliated hospitals in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, between March 2007 and September 2011. PATIENTS: Ninety-three patients with transsphincteric cryptoglandular anal fistula were included. INTERVENTIONS: Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Failure was defined as persistent or recurrent drainage, air leakage from a patent external opening, or intersphincteric incision or reoperation for recurrent fistula. Success was defined as healing of the external fistula opening and intersphincteric incision. Patients were followed up with a questionnaire to assess the recurrence rate and the Wexner incontinence score. RESULTS: The median follow-up time for was 19 months (range, 4–55). Thirty patients (32%) had a history of previous surgery for their fistula. The success rate of fistula healing was 40% after the first ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure. When including patients with repeat ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract and subsequent intersphincteric fistulotomy after ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract repair, the success rates were 47% and 57%. Patients with successful fistula closure reported a mean Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence score of 1.0 (SD 2.3). No predictor for successful fistula closure was found. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design, limited accuracy of diagnosing fistula failure, and lack of baseline continence were limitations of this study. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure for transsphincteric fistulas has a significant risk for failure but good functional outcome in patients with no recurrence.
Inuit Elderly: A Systematic Review of Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

Over the last century, Inuit have experienced rapid social changes that have greatly impacted their way of life, health, and intergenerational traditions. Although there is a growing body of research concerning Inuit youth, relatively little is known about elderly Inuit. In an effort to bridge this knowledge gap, a systematic review of peer-reviewed journal articles was conducted. This review identified a dearth of research on older Inuit, and highlighted limitations in service provision to this primarily rural and isolated population. Implications for policy and practice and recommendations for future research are also discussed.
Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Maize Yield Water Constraints under Climate Change in Spain

Many studies have analyzed the impact of climate change on crop productivity, but comparing the performance of water management systems has rarely been explored. Because water supply and crop demand in agro-systems may be affected by global climate change in shaping the spatial patterns of agricultural production, we should evaluate how and where irrigation practices are effective in mitigating climate change effects. Here we have constructed simple, general models, based on biological mechanisms and a theoretical framework, which could be useful in explaining and predicting crop productivity dynamics. We have studied maize in irrigated and rain-fed systems at a provincial scale, from 1996 to 2009 in Spain, one of the most prominent “hot-spots” in future climate change projections. Our new approach allowed us to: (1) evaluate new structural properties such as the stability of crop yield dynamics, (2) detect nonlinear responses to climate change (thresholds and discontinuities), challenging the usual linear way of thinking, and (3) examine spatial patterns of yield losses due to water constraints and identify clusters of provinces that have been negatively affected by warming. We have reduced the uncertainty associated with climate change impacts on maize productivity by improving the understanding of the relative contributions of individual factors and providing a better spatial comprehension of the key processes. We have identified water stress and water management systems as being key causes of the yield gap, and detected vulnerable regions where efforts in research and policy should be prioritized in order to increase maize productivity.
Mutations in Residues Involved in Zinc Binding in the Catalytic Site of Escherichia coli Threonyl-tRNA Synthetase Confer a Dominant Lethal Phenotype

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli threonyl-tRNA synthetase is a homodimeric protein that acts as both an enzyme and a regulator of gene expression: the protein aminoacylates tRNAThr isoacceptors and binds to its own mRNA, inhibiting its translation. The enzyme contains a zinc atom in its active site, which is essential for the recognition of threonine. Mutations in any of the three amino acids forming the zinc-binding site inactivate the enzyme and have a dominant negative effect on growth if the corresponding genes are placed on a multicopy plasmid. We show here that this particular property is not due to the formation of inactive heterodimers, the titration of tRNAThr by an inactive enzyme, or its misaminoacylation but is, rather, due to the regulatory function of threonyl-tRNA synthetase. Overproduction of the inactive enzyme represses the expression of the wild-type chromosomal copy of the gene to an extent incompatible with bacterial growth.
A Comparative Study of Knowledge and Attitude Regarding HIV/AIDS among Male and Female Adolescents of Urban Slums of Agra -

Background: India estimates third highest number of HIV infections in the world, with about 2.4 million people currently living with HIV/AIDS. Adolescents often face a significant barrier to get the information, education and services required. Discussing reproductive and sexual matter freely is still a taboo in our society. The study was conducted to find out the awareness about HIV/AIDS among adolescents of Agra city.
Use of Newer Antiretroviral Agents, Darunavir and Etravirine with or without Raltegravir, in Pregnancy: A Report of two Cases

Background Although antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy is associated with significant reductions in the risk of vertical transmission of HIV, attainment of this outcome in highly treatment-experienced pregnant women might be complicated by the lack of active drugs available to assemble a potent regimen. The recent licensing and availability of darunavir, etravirine and raltegravir has broadened management options available for highly treatment-experienced patients. However, data on their safety and efficacy in preventing vertical transmission are limited. Methods A retrospective chart review of two cases describing obstetrical, infant and treatment outcomes associated with the use of regimens that include darunavir and etravirine with or without raltegravir during pregnancy was conducted. Results We document two cases of pregnant HIV-positive women treated with antiretroviral therapy including darunavir, etravirine and raltegravir. Vertical transmission was averted and no congenital anomalies were observed. Conclusions In the absence of human development toxicity data for these agents, these cases provide preliminary anecdotal data on their safety during pregnancy. Although the outcomes of these cases are reassuring, additional studies and registries are required to establish the safety and efficacy of these agents during pregnancy.
Bottom-up Transfer in Example-based Machine Translation

This paper describes the transfer component of a syntax-based Example-based Machine Translation system. The source sentence parse tree is matched in a bottom-up fashion with the source language side of a parallel example treebank, which results in a target forest which is sent to the target language generation component. The results on a 500 sentences test set are compared with a top-down approach to transfer of the same system, with the bottom-up approach yielding much better results.
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF TRICHOMONADS FROM FECES OF DOGS WITH DIARRHEA

Trichomonads are occasionally observed in the feces of dogs with diarrhea. On the basis of superficial morphological appearance, these infections have been attributed to opportunistic overgrowth of the commensal, Pentatrichomonas hominis. However, molecular characterization of canine trichomonads has never been reported. This study was performed to determine, by means of rRNA gene sequence analysis, the identity of trichomonads observed in feces from dogs with diarrhea. Total DNA was isolated from fecal samples obtained from a 3-mo-old mixed breed dog and litter of German Shepherd puppies having profuse liquid diarrhea containing numerous trichomonads. Total DNA was subject to PCR amplification of partial 18S rRNA gene or 5.8S, ITS1, ITS2, and partial 18S and 28S rRNA genes using species-specific and universal primers, respectively. Products of 642 and 1864 base-pair length were amplified and cloned. On the basis of rRNA gene sequence, the trichomonads observed in the single dog and the litter of puppies shared 100% identity with Tritrichomonas foetus and P. hominis, respectively. The present study is the first to establish the molecular identity of trichomonads infecting dogs with diarrhea. These studies validate the longstanding assumption that canine trichomoniasis may be attributed to P. hominis. Importantly, these studies additionally recognize that canine trichomoniasis may also be caused by infection with T. foetus.
Beneficial effects of melatonin on serum nitric oxide, homocysteine, and ADMA levels in fructose-fed rats

Abstract Context: Melatonin, a pineal hormone and a potent antioxidant, has important roles in metabolic regulation. Objective: This study investigated serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), homocysteine (Hcy), nitric oxide (NO) levels, known to be reliable markers of cardiovascular diseases, and determined possible protective effects of melatonin in fructose-fed rats. Materials and methods: Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, fructose, melatonin, and fructose plus melatonin. Metabolic syndrome was induced in rats by 20% (w/v) fructose solution in tap water, and melatonin was administered at the dose of 20 mg/kg bw per day by oral gavage. After 8 weeks, serum lipids, glucose, insulin, ADMA, Hcy, and NOx (the stable end products of NO) levels were quantified. Results: Fructose administration caused a statistically significant increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP), serum insulin, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)–cholesterol levels compared with the control group and the metabolic syndrome model was successfully demonstrated. In comparison with the control group, fructose caused a significant increase in serum ADMA, Hcy, and NOx levels. Melatonin counteracted the changes in SBP, serum ADMA, and Hcy levels found in rats both alone and administered with fructose. Discussion and conclusion: These results show that high fructose consumption leads to elevated SBP, atherogenic lipid profile, increased serum ADMA, and Hcy levels and melatonin treatment has beneficial effects on these biochemical parameters in rats. Melatonin might be beneficial for the prevention and/or treatment of the cardiovascular complications of metabolic syndrome not only by reducing the well-known risk factors of the disease but also by diminishing blood ADMA and Hcy levels.