Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of the nematode-trapping fungus Duddingtonia flagrans against infections by Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus species in lambs at pasture

Abstract The efficacy of the nematode-trapping fungus Duddingtonia flagrans against infections by trichostrongyle nematodes in sheep was assessed throughout 6 months. Twenty Ile de France lambs were divided into two groups (control and treated groups), which were kept in separate pastures. Animals of the treated group were fed with D. flagrans twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays). Pellets were prepared with the fungus mycelia in liquid culture medium and contained approximately 20% fungus. They were mixed with the animals' diet at a concentration of 1 g pellet per 10 kg live weight. Faecal egg counts (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), total serum protein and the animals' body weight were determined fortnightly from 7 October 2005 to 24 March 2006. Comparison of such parameters between groups showed no significant differences (P > 0.05), except on 10 February 2006, when the control group presented a higher mean FEC than the treated group (P < 0.05). Feeding sheep with pellets containing D. flagrans had no benefit to the prophylaxis of nematode infections under the experimental conditions used in the present study.
ON MULTI‐CLASS COST‐SENSITIVE LEARNING

Rescaling is possibly the most popular approach to cost‐sensitive learning. This approach works by rebalancing the classes according to their costs, and it can be realized in different ways, for example, re‐weighting or resampling the training examples in proportion to their costs, moving the decision boundaries of classifiers faraway from high‐cost classes in proportion to costs, etc. This approach is very effective in dealing with two‐class problems, yet some studies showed that it is often not so helpful on multi‐class problems. In this article, we try to explore why the rescaling approach is often helpless on multi‐class problems. Our analysis discloses that the rescaling approach works well when the costs are consistent, while directly applying it to multi‐class problems with inconsistent costs may not be a good choice. Based on this recognition, we advocate that before applying the rescaling approach, the consistency of the costs must be examined at first. If the costs are consistent, the rescaling approach can be conducted directly; otherwise it is better to apply rescaling after decomposing the multi‐class problem into a series of two‐class problems. An empirical study involving 20 multi‐class data sets and seven types of cost‐sensitive learners validates our proposal. Moreover, we show that the proposal is also helpful for class‐imbalance learning.
A Quorum-Sensing Signaling System Essential for Genetic Competence in Streptococcus mutans Is Involved in Biofilm Formation

ABSTRACT In a previous study, a quorum-sensing signaling system essential for genetic competence in Streptococcus mutans was identified, characterized, and found to function optimally in biofilms (Li et al., J. Bacteriol. 183:897-908, 2001). Here, we demonstrate that this system also plays a role in the ability of S. mutans to initiate biofilm formation. To test this hypothesis, S. mutans wild-type strain NG8 and its knockout mutants defective in comC, comD, comE, and comX, as well as a comCDE deletion mutant, were assayed for their ability to initiate biofilm formation. The spatial distribution and architecture of the biofilms were examined by scanning electron microscopy and confocal scanning laser microscopy. The results showed that inactivation of any of the individual genes under study resulted in the formation of an abnormal biofilm. The comC mutant, unable to produce or secrete a competence-stimulating peptide (CSP), formed biofilms with altered architecture, whereas the comD and comE mutants, which were defective in sensing and responding to the CSP, formed biofilms with reduced biomass. Exogenous addition of the CSP and complementation with a plasmid containing the wild-type comC gene into the cultures restored the wild-type biofilm architecture of comC mutants but showed no effect on the comD, comE, or comX mutant biofilms. The fact that biofilms formed by comC mutants differed from the comD, comE, and comX mutant biofilms suggested that multiple signal transduction pathways were affected by CSP. Addition of synthetic CSP into the culture medium or introduction of the wild-type comC gene on a shuttle vector into the comCDE deletion mutant partially restored the wild-type biofilm architecture and further supported this idea. We conclude that the quorum-sensing signaling system essential for genetic competence in S. mutans is important for the formation of biofilms by this gram-positive organism.
Blood conservation with tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty: A randomized, double-blind study in 40 primary operations

We performed a randomized, double-blind study on the effect of tranexamic acid on blood loss and blood transfusions in 40 primary total hip arthroplasties. Tranexamic acid, 10 mg/kg body weight, or placebo, was given intravenously just before the operation. Blood loss during the operation and postoperatively into the drains was recorded, as also were blood hemoglobin concentrations. Ultrasound examination 1 week postoperatively was done to estimate the blood loss due to remaining hematomas. Total (operation + drain) blood loss was 0.76 (95% CI 0.63-0.89) L in the tranexamic acid group as compared to 1.0 (CI 0.81-1.2) L in the placebo group (p = 0.03). The number of blood transfusions during the day of operation was 2 vs. 10 (p = 0.07) and the total number during the hospital stay was 5 vs. 13 (p = 0.2). 1 patient in each group had a pulmonary embolism.
Oxygen Barrier Properties of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Nanocomposite Films

Nanocomposites of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and two different montmorillonite-based organoclays were prepared by a co-rotating twin screw extruder. Dispersion of nanoclays in the polymer matrix was examined by TEM and XRD. Nanocomposites with lower content of organoclay showed exfoliated morphology while by increasing the amount of organoclay the intercalated morphology was more prevalent. Both organoclays had a good intercalation with PET and were uniformly dispersed within the polymer. Oxygen permeability of thin films of nanocomposites showed that the nanocomposites had better oxygen barrier properties than the neat PET. Tensile and impact properties of the nanocomposites also were measured.
Pharmacological Analysis of 5‐Hydroxytryptamine Receptors in Isolated Intracranial and Extracranial Vessels of Cat and Man

In intra- and extracranial arteries from cat and man (under conditions in which dilation was blocked), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) produced a contraction at lower doses than that produced by tryptamine. Methysergide inhibited the S-HT-induced contraction of the extracranial arteries in a competitive manner. In intracranial arteries the inhibition comprised a reduction in slope and maximum of the log dose-response curves. The contractile effects of 5-HT on both types of arteries appear to be mediated by 5-HT receptors, but the receptors have different characteristics in the sense that the mode of antagonism by methysergide was different. The dissociation constant (Kg) and the corresponding pA2 value (8.61 x 10 " M and 8.21, respectively) for the interaction between methysergide and 5-HT in extracranial arteries conform with that reported for other smooth muscle tissues. The dilator response was tested in arteries given an active tonic contraction with prostaglandin F2(1. Both 5-HT and tryptamine produced a dose-dependent dilation, 5-HT being the more potent. Neither methysergide nor LSD antagonized the response in a competitve manner whereas the two /3- receptor antagonists, propranolol and 1-JV-isopropyl-p-nitrophenyl-ethanolamine (INPEA), caused a parallel shift of the log dose-response curves (tested for 5-HT). The mean values for Kg (pA2) in the presence of propranolol were 1.93 x 10* M (8.29) for the intracranial and 1.83 x 10* M (8.50) for the extracranial vessels. Calculated pA, values with INPEA were 8.47 and 7.93, respectively. The mode of inhibition by the β-antagonists suggests that the dilator effect of 5-HT is mediated by a receptor that may be the same as, or closely related to, the adrenergic fireceptor.
Influence of Nuclear Blebs and Micronuclei Status on the Growth Kinetics of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) demands assurance of the quality, safety, and genetic stability. Nuclear blebs (NBs) and Micronuclei (MNs) are considered as biomarkers for cancer and an increase in their numbers is associated with malignancy and other pathologic disorders. However, the status of NBs and MNs in MSCs is not known. Hence we examined the frequency of NBs and MNs in MSCs from umbilical cord (UC‐MSCs) and placenta (PD‐MSCs) and found a difference in the number of NBs and MNs depending on the source of the MSCs. The number of NBs and MNs was always found to be less in UC‐MSCs as compared to PD‐MSCs obtained from the same patient. Furthermore, we observed that the number of NBs was inversely proportional to the proliferation rate of the cells. The cryopreservation of these MSCs over 6 months also led to increase in the number of NBs and MNs thus slowing down their rate of proliferation on revival. MSCs from both the sources exhibiting high NBs and MNs showed longer S phase and G2‐M arrest and increase in senescent cells without altering their CD‐marker profile and differentiation potential. This feature was consistent with the upregulation of cell cycle checkpoint genes (p53, p21, Gadd45, ATM, ATR, chek2, p27, p16, and p10). In conclusion, our data demonstrates for the first time the importance of checking the occurrence of NBs and MNs in MSCs before using them for cellular therapy as a quality control measure to check their genetic stability. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 657–666, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Cucujus tulliae sp. n. – an endemic Mediterranean saproxylic beetle from genus Cucujus Fabricius, 1775 (Coleoptera, Cucujidae), and keys for identification of adults and larvae native to Europe

Abstract Cucujus tulliae sp. n. is described as a new member of genus Cucujus Fabricius, 1775 (Coleoptera, Cucujidae), which enumerates at present eleven species distributed in Eurasia and northern America. This saproxylic beetle is the first Cucujus species known only from Mediterranean and it is probably endemic to Calabria (Italy). The species was found especially in old–growth mountain forests of high conservation value (i.e. national parks) dominated by Calabrian pine (Pinus laricio calabrica). We hypothesize that Cucujus tulliae sp. n. probably evolved from isolated populations of Cucujus haematodes Erichson, 1845. The species is thus relictual and of high conservation value, corresponding at least to endangered (EN) category with respect to recent IUCN criterion. Cucujus tulliae sp. n. is here compared with two species native to Europe – Cucujus haematodes and Cucujus cinnaberinus (Scopoli, 1763) and with the Caucasian Cucujus haematodes caucasicus Motschulsky, 1845, which is confirmed as a valid subspecies. The male genitalia of this Caucasian form have been examined and illustrated for the first time. A comprehensive key to adults and larvae of European species is provided.
Caveolin-1 in oncogenic transformation, cancer, and metastasis.

Caveolae are 50- to 100-nm omega-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane that function as regulators of signal transduction. Caveolins are a class of oligomeric structural proteins that are both necessary and sufficient for caveolae formation. Interestingly, caveolin-1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of oncogenic cell transformation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Here, we review the available experimental evidence (gleaned from cultured cells, animal models, and human tumor samples) that caveolin-1 (Cav-1) functions as a "tumor and/or metastasis modifier gene. " Genetic evidence from the study of Cav-1(-/-) null mice and human breast cancer mutations [CAV-1 (P132L)] supports the idea that caveolin-1 normally functions as a negative regulator of cell transformation and mammary tumorigenesis. In contrast, caveolin-1 may function as a tumor promoter in prostate cancers. We discuss possible molecular mechanisms to explain these intriguing, seemingly opposing, findings. More specifically, caveolin-1 phosphorylation (at Tyr14 and Ser80) and mutations (P132L) may override or inactivate the growth inhibitory activity of the caveolin-scaffolding domain (residues 82-101).
An analytical model for gas overpressure in slug-driven explosions:insights into Strombolian volcanic eruptions

Strombolian eruptions, common at basaltic volcanoes, are mildly explosive events that are driven by a large bubble of magmatic gas (a slug) rising up the conduit and bursting at the surface. Gas overpressure within the bursting slug governs explosion dynamics and vigor and is the main factor controlling associated acoustic and seismic signals. We present a theoretical investigation of slug overpressure based on magma-static and geometric considerations and develop a set of equations that can be used to calculate the overpressure in a slug when it bursts, slug length at burst, and the depth at which the burst process begins. We find that burst overpressure is controlled by two dimensionless parameters: V', which represents the amount of gas in the slug, and A', which represents the thickness of the film of magma that falls around the rising slug. Burst overpressure increases nonlinearly as V' and A' increase. We consider two eruptive scenarios: (1) the "standard model," in which magma remains confined to the vent during slug expansion, and (2) the " overflow model," in which slug expansion is associated with lava effusion, as occasionally observed in the field. We find that slug overpressure is higher for the overflow model by a factor of 1.2-2.4. Applying our model to typical Strombolian eruptions at Stromboli, we find that the transition from passive degassing to explosive bursting occurs for slugs with volume >24-230 m(3), depending on magma viscosity and conduit diameter, and that at burst, a typical Strombolian slug (with a volume of 100-1000 m(3)) has an internal gas pressure of 1-5 bars and a length of 13-120 m. We compare model predictions with field data from Stromboli for low-energy " puffers," mildly explosive Strombolian eruptions, and the violently explosive 5 April 2003 paroxysm. We find that model predictions are consistent with field observations across this broad spectrum of eruptive styles, suggesting a common slug-driven mechanism; we propose that paroxysms are driven by unusually large slugs (large V').
Distributed Low-Complexity Maximum-Throughput Scheduling for Wireless Backhaul Networks

We introduce a low-complexity distributed slotted MAC protocol that can support all feasible arrival rates in a wireless backhaul network (WBN). For arbitrary wireless networks, such a maximum throughput protocol has been notoriously hard to realize because even if global topology information is available, the problem of computing the optimal link transmission set at each slot is NP-complete. For the logical tree structures induced by WBN traffic matrices, we first introduce a centralized algorithm that solves the optimal scheduling problem in a number of steps at most linear in the number of nodes in the network. This is achieved by discovering and exploiting a novel set of graph-theoretical properties of WBN contention graph. Guided by the centralized algorithm, we design a distributed protocol where, at the beginning of each slot, nodes coordinate and incrementally compute the optimal link transmission set. We then introduce an algorithm to compute the minimum number of steps to complete this computation, thus minimizing the per-slot overhead. Using both analysis and simulations, we show that in practice our protocol yields low overhead when implemented over existing wireless technologies and significantly outperforms existing suboptimal distributed slotted scheduling mechanisms.
Relationship of ocular biometry and retinal vascular caliber in preschoolers.

PURPOSE To systematically examine the association between ocular biometry and retinal vascular caliber in Singapore Chinese preschoolers aged 48 to 72 months. METHODS A total of 469 Singapore Chinese children aged 48 to 72 months were recruited through the Strabismus, Amblyopia and Refractive Error Study in Singaporean Chinese Preschoolers (STARS) from 2006 to 2008. According to standardized protocols, cycloplegic autorefraction, ocular biometry measurements, and retinal photography were performed. Retinal vascular caliber was measured quantitatively and was summarized as the central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE), respectively. Ocular magnification was corrected by using the Bengtsson formula. RESULTS The mean retinal arteriolar and venular calibers were 156.08 μm and 219.55 μm in boys, and 161.96 μm and 224.25 μm in girls, respectively. In multiple linear regression adjusted for age, sex, father's education, parental myopia history, mean arterial blood pressure, body mass index, and spherical equivalent, each 1.0 mm increase in axial length was associated with a 3.52 μm decrease in retinal arteriolar caliber (P = 0.023) and a 5.55 μm decrease in retinal venular caliber (P = 0.008). Each 1.00 mm increase in corneal curvature was associated with a 13.79 μm decrease (P = 0.004) in retinal venular caliber. CONCLUSIONS In very young children aged 48 to 72 months, narrower retinal arteriolar and venular caliber was associated with elongated axial length. Narrower retinal venular caliber was associated with larger corneal curvature. This suggests that the major structural correlate of myopia might have an effect on retinal microvasculature from early childhood.
Adolescent Callous-Unemotional Traits and Parental Knowledge as Predictors of Unprotected Sex Among Youth

Risky sexual behavior among adolescents is common and results in many negative consequences. The present study investigated longitudinal predictors of adolescents’ likelihood of engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse. Parental knowledge, or the extent to which parents know about their children’s activities, whereabouts, and friendships, is a robust predictor of youth risk behavior, including risky sexual behavior. However, parenting practices are typically less potent as predictors of subsequent behavior among youth with high levels of callous-unemotional (CU) traits. We conducted three logistic regression models, each of which examined parental knowledge in a different way (through child report, parent report, and a discrepancy score), allowing us to examine parental knowledge, CU traits, and their interaction as predictors of adolescents’ subsequent engagement in sex without a condom. Results indicated that adolescents who perceived their parents to possess greater knowledge were less likely to engage in unprotected sex. Higher parent report of parental knowledge was also related to decreased likelihood of engaging in unprotected sex, but only for adolescents with high levels of CU traits. In addition, greater discrepancy between parent and adolescent reports of parental knowledge was related to increased likelihood of engaging in unprotected sex, but only for adolescents with low levels of CU traits. Results highlight the importance of considering both parent and adolescent perceptions of parental knowledge and have important implications for prevention and intervention efforts.
Adolescent binge drinking alters adult brain neurotransmitter gene expression, behavior, brain regional volumes, and neurochemistry in mice.

BACKGROUND Binge drinking is common in human adolescents. The adolescent brain is undergoing structural maturation and has a unique sensitivity to alcohol neurotoxicity. Therefore, adolescent binge ethanol may have long-term effects on the adult brain that alter brain structure and behaviors that are relevant to alcohol-use disorders. METHODS To determine whether adolescent ethanol (AE) binge drinking alters the adult brain, male C57BL/6 mice were treated with either water or ethanol during adolescence (5 g/kg/d, i.g., postnatal days P28 to P37) and assessed during adulthood (P60 to P88). An array of neurotransmitter-specific genes, behavioral tests (i.e., reversal learning, prepulse inhibition, and open field), and postmortem brain structure using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and immunohistochemistry, were employed to assess persistent alterations in adult brain. RESULTS At P38, 24 hours after AE binge, many neurotransmitter genes, particularly cholinergic and dopaminergic, were reduced by ethanol treatment. Interestingly, dopamine receptor type 4 mRNA was reduced and confirmed using immunohistochemistry. Normal control maturation (P38 to P88) resulted in decreased neurotransmitter mRNA, e.g., an average decrease of 56%. Following AE treatment, adults showed greater gene expression reductions than controls, averaging 73%. Adult spatial learning assessed in the Morris water maze was not changed by AE treatment, but reversal learning experiments revealed deficits. Assessment of adult brain region volumes using MRI indicated that the olfactory bulb and basal forebrain were smaller in adults following AE. Immunohistochemical analyses found reduced basal forebrain area and fewer basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent binge ethanol treatment reduces adult neurotransmitter gene expression, particularly cholinergic genes, reduces basal forebrain and olfactory bulb volumes, and causes a reduction in the density of basal forebrain acetylcholine neurons. Loss of cholinergic neurons and forebrain structure could underlie adult reversal learning deficits following adolescent binge drinking.
Automatic Composition of Transition-based Semantic Web Services with Messaging

In this paper we present Colombo, a framework in which web services are characterized in terms of (i) the atomic processes (i.e., operations) they can perform; (ii) their impact on the "real world" (modeled as a relational database); (iii) their transition-based behavior; and (iv) the messages they can send and receive (from/to other web services and "human" clients). As such, Colombo combines key elements from the standards and research literature on (semantic) web services. Using Colombo, we study the problem of automatic service composition (synthesis) and devise a sound, complete and terminating algorithm for building a composite service. Specifically, the paper develops (i) a technique for handling the data, which ranges over an infinite domain, in a finite, symbolic way, and (ii) a technique to automatically synthesize composite web services, based on Propositional Dynamic Logic.
Long-term Equity and Operating Performances following Straight and Convertible Debt Issuance in the U.S. *

This paper shows that long-term equity and operating performances that follow straight and convertible debt issuance in the U.S. are different, just as are announcement-period market reactions, supporting the notion that market investors initially underreact to a selective event of convertible debt issuance. Cross-sectional tests reveal that firms issuing convertible debt often suffer stock underperformance partly because of their deteriorating fundamentals subsequently to the issuance. Even when each convertible bond directly matches with a straight bond that has a similar offering date and issuer and bond characteristics, convertible debt issuers still significantly under-perform straight debt issuers, supporting that what matters for long-term equity and operating performances is the type of debt offering.