Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus anthracis H9401, an Isolate from a Korean Patient with Anthrax

ABSTRACT Bacillus anthracis H9401 (NCCP 12889) is an isolate from a Korean patient with gastrointestinal anthrax. The whole genome of H9401 was sequenced. It is a circular chromosome containing 5,480 open reading frames (ORFs) and two plasmids, pXO1 containing 202 ORFs and pXO2 containing 110 ORFs. H9401 shows high pathogenicity and genome sequence similarity to Ames Ancestor.
Interethnic variability of CYP2D6 alleles and of predicted and measured metabolic phenotypes across world populations

Introduction: The frequency of CYP2D6 alleles, related to either a lack of or increased enzymatic activity, which may lead to poor metabolism (PM) or ultrarapid metabolism (UM), can vary across ethnic groups and hence across geographic regions. Areas covered: Worldwide original research papers on CYP2D6 allelic frequencies, metabolic phenotype frequencies measured with a probe drug, and/or genotype frequencies that studied > 50 healthy volunteers, were included in analyses to describe the distributions of alleles, phenotypes predicted from genotypes (predicted poor metabolizers [gPMs], predicted ultrarapid metabolizers [gUMs]) and metabolic phenotypes (mPMs, mUMs) across ethnic groups and geographic regions. The analysis included 44,572 individuals studied in 172 original research papers. Expert opinion: As of today, Africa and Asia are under-represented in this area relative to the total number of their inhabitants, so that further studies in these regions are warranted. The CYP2D6*4 allele frequency was higher in Caucasians, CYP2D6*10 in East Asians, CYP2D6*41 and duplication/multiplication of active alleles in Middle Easterns, CYP2D6*17 in Black Africans and CYP2D6*29 in African Americans, than in other ethnic groups. Overall, gPMs and mPMs are more frequent among Caucasians, and gUMs among Middle Easterns and Ethiopians. However, mUMs could not be evaluated because only two studies were found presenting this information. Further studies including mUMs are thus warranted. There is a correspondence between gPMs and mPMs, but the few studies of mUMs meant that their relationship with gUMs could not be demonstrated. Finally, evolutionary aspects of the CYP2D6 allele distribution appear to support the Great Human Expansion model.
Quantitative detection of plasma-generated radicals in liquids by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

In this paper the qualitative and quantitative detection of oxygen radicals in liquids after plasma treatment with an atmospheric pressure argon plasma jet by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy is investigated. Absolute values for ·OH and radical concentration and their net production rate in plasma-treated liquids are determined without the use of additional scavenging chemicals such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) or mannitol (D-MAN). The main oxygen-centred radical generation in PBS was found to originate from the superoxide radical. It is shown that hidden parameters such as the manufacturer of chemical components could have a big influence on the comparability and reproducibility of the results. Finally, the effect of a shielding gas device for the investigated plasma jet with a shielding gas composition of varying oxygen-to-nitrogen ratio on radical generation after plasma treatment of phosphate-buffered saline solution was investigated.
Changes of Chemical Soil Properties through Application of Different Tillage Methods

Summary In the period from 2005 to 2009 the infl uence of diff erent tillage methods and timelines on chemical properties of soil during cultivation of maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max) in crop rotation was researched at testing grounds of Križevci College of Agriculture (N: 460 01’ 12’’; E: 160 34’ 28’’). Almost all researched chemical properties of soil indicated more favourable results with the application of spring and autumn primary tillage with reduced number of secondary tillage interventions. Th e smallest content of total nitrogen and to plant available potassium in soil was in control method of the most intensive tillage and it was determined at the end of the research. Th e worst results regarding humus quantity were observed in control tillage method. Th e applied spring primary soil tillage had unfavourable infl uence on soil reaction. All tillage methods, except the autumn method of primary tillage and secondary tillage with multi-tiller aft er a four year period indicated less plant available phosphorus. From the perspective of sustainable management, the application of tillage methods with reduced number of secondary tillage interventions, achieved more favourable results.
Kinetic Analysis of ATPase Mechanisms

At even the simplest level we can expect an ATPase mechanism to comprise the following four steps: the binding of ATP, the reaction of ATP with water on the enzyme, and the release of the products ADP and P1. So at the outset techniques are needed to investigate these four processes. The range of techniques needed is soon extended once questions are asked about the role of protons and metal ions, the possibility of a multistep hydrolytic process, multistep substrate and product binding processes, and protein–lipid or protein–protein interactions. Since ATPases and ATP synthases are almost universally involved in some form of energy transduction there is a particular need in an ATPase or ATP synthase reaction to evaluate the equilibrium constants of the steps in the mechanism and to investigate the possibility of alternate reaction pathways. The nature of the coupling process by the protein of the chemical reactions of ATP to the other energetic process, be it muscle contraction, active transport, respiration or photosynthesis, is likewise of profound interest. Finally we would like to know as much as possible about the ATPase or ATP synthase mechanism during the period when the various forms of energy transduction are occurring.
Levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and risk of coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis based on 4713 participants

Background Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by competing with L-arginine. As a result, the expression of nitric oxide decreases and endothelial dysfunction occurs. Studies have evaluated the association between the serum ADMA level and risk of coronary artery disease. However, conflicting results have been obtained. Methods Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane databases were searched to identify eligible studies published in English until December 2014. Association was assessed on the basis of weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias was analysed using Begg’s and Egger’s tests. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate result stability. Results A total of 16 case–control studies with 2939 patients and 1774 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled result indicated that patients with coronary artery disease yielded a higher ADMA level than healthy controls (WMD: 0.248, 95% CI: 0.156–0.340; p = 1.16 e–7). Sensitivity analysis suggested that our meta-analysis result was stable. Subgroup analysis found a similar pattern in patients with myocardial infarction (WMD: 0.397, 95% CI: 0.112–0.683; p = 0.0106), stable angina pectoris (WMD: 0.197, 95% CI: 0.031–0.364; p = 0.02) and unstable angina pectoris (WMD: 0.857, 95% CI: 0.293–1.420; p = 0.003). Conclusions Meta-analysis results indicated that an increased ADMA level is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Effects of hypercapnia on membrane potential and intracellular calcium in rat carotid body type I cells.

1. An acid‐induced rise in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of type I cells is thought to play a vital role in pH/PCO2 chemoreception by the carotid body. In this present study we have investigated the cause of this rise in [Ca2+]i in enzymatically isolated, neonatal rat type I cells. 2. The rise in [Ca2+]i induced by a hypercapnic acidosis was inhibited in Ca(2+)‐free media, and by 2 mM Ni2+. Acidosis also increased Mn2+ permeability. The rise in [Ca2+]i is dependent, therefore, upon a Ca2+ influx from the external medium. 3. The acid‐induced rise in [Ca2+]i was attenuated by both nicardipine and methoxyverapamil (D600), suggesting a role for L‐type Ca2+ channels. 4. Acidosis depolarized type I cells and often (approximately 50% of cells) induced action potentials. These effects coincided with a rise in [Ca2+]i. When membrane depolarization was prevented by a voltage clamp, acidosis failed to evoke a rise in [Ca2+]i. The acid‐induced rise in [Ca2+]i is a consequence, therefore, of membrane depolarization. 5. Acidosis decreased the resting membrane conductance of type I cells. The reversal potential of the acid‐sensitive current was about ‐75 mV. 6. A depolarization (30 mM [K+]o)‐induced rise in [Ca2+]i was blocked by either the removal of extracellular Ca2+ or the presence of 2 mM Ni2+, and was also substantially inhibited by nicardipine. Under voltage‐clamp conditions, [Ca2+]i displayed a bell‐shaped dependence on membrane potential. Depolarization raises [Ca2+]i, therefore, through voltage‐operated Ca2+ channels. 7. Caffeine (10 mM) induced only a small rise in [Ca2+]i (< 10% of that induced by 30 mM extracellular K+). Ca(2+)‐induced Ca2+ release is unlikely, therefore, to contribute greatly to the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by depolarization. 8. Although the replacement of extracellular Na+ with N‐methyl‐D‐glucamine (NMG), but not Li+, inhibited the acid‐induced rise in [Ca2+]i, this was due to membrane hyperpolarization and not to the inhibition of Na(+)‐Ca2+ exchange or Na(+)‐dependent action potentials. 9. The removal of extracellular Na+ (NMG substituted) did not have a significant effect upon the resting [Ca2+]i, and only slowed [Ca2+]i recovery slightly following repolarization from 0 to ‐60 mV. Therefore, if present, Na(+)‐Ca2+ exchange plays only a minor role in [Ca2+]i homeostasis. 10. In summary, in the neonatal rat type I cell, hypercapnic acidosis raises [Ca2+]i through membrane depolarization and voltage‐gated Ca2+ entry.
isual search performance in infants associates with later ASD iagnosis

An enhanced ability to detect visual targets amongst distractors, known as visual search (VS), has often been documented in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Yet, it is unclear when this behaviour emerges in development and if it is specific to ASD. We followed up infants at high and low familial risk for ASD to investigate how early VS abilities links to later ASD diagnosis, the potential underlying mechanisms of this association and the specificity of superior VS to ASD. Clinical diagnosis of ASD as well as dimensional measures of ASD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety symptoms were ascertained at 3 years. At 9 and 15 months, but not at age 2 years, high-risk children who later met clinical criteria for ASD (HR-ASD) had better VS performance than those without later diagnosis and low-risk
Teachers with LD

The purpose of this study is to examine how 4 teachers with learning disabilities (LD) negotiate multiple, complex, and sometimes contradictory discourses of disabilities in constructing their own understandings of LD. We chose to study teachers with LD because of their unique access to at least 3 different sources of knowledge about LD: (a) professional discourses on disability, (b) mainstream cultural messages about LD, and (c) insights gained from their own life experience. We drew on aspects of critical discourse analysis and narrative inquiry for this investigation. Our findings indicate that participants draw on these discourses and on their teaching experience in various and complex ways to construct meaning about LD. In some instances, participants use the dominant discourses; at other times, they work to subvert these meanings. Yet, paradoxically, whether speaking with or against these meanings, their voices are inescapably engaging with authoritative discourses and cultural scripts surrounding disability.
Does mucosal remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis result in irreversible mucosal disease?

Mucosal remodeling in the sinuses is a recently described phenomenon in which the mucosa undergoes potentially irreversible changes as a result of ongoing underlying inflammatory processes. Research into remodeling that occurs in the bronchial airways in asthmatic patients has led to modification of asthma treatment guidelines. However, remodeling in the sinuses has still not led to changes in current medical or surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis. Upper airway remodeling constitutes a new area of research that poses many unanswered clinical questions and may potentially alter the management of patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis.Laryngoscope, 122:225–229, 2012
Evaluation of a dipstick test for glucose in urine.

As an example of qualitative tests, a dipstick analysis for glucose in urine has been tested for the influence of modifying factors on the test result. Two different types of dipsticks were examined, "Clinistix" and "S-Gluko-test. " Used according to manufacturer's instructions, the latter is more sensitive and selective. By multivariance analysis the following variables were examined: urine samples, inter- and intra-analyst, exposure to light, and dipstick batch. The first three contributed significantly to the total variation in results, inter-specimen variation being the most important. With knowledge of the frequency of testing urines with a given glucose concentration and the probability of the result at that concentration, an expression of the probability of the glucose content of a urine sample can be obtained. Even with the tests of the type examined having a sensitivity and specificity exceeding 95%, 14 of 100 patients suspected of having diabetes mellitus on the basis of a dipstick examination will be found to have a urinary glucose concentration of less than 2 mmol/liter. These figures were found when the prevalence of urines with a glucose concentration exceeding 2 mmol/liter was 17.5%.
Outcome in the real‐world of coronary high‐risk intervention with drug‐eluting stents (ORCHID)—A single‐center study comparing Cypher™ sirolimus‐eluting with Taxus™ paclitaxel‐eluting stents

Objective: We present real world experience from a single center registry comparing the 6‐month outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in unselected high‐risk individuals using either sirolimus‐eluting (SES) or paclitaxel‐eluting stents (PES). Methods/Results: We compared clinical outcome at 6 months follow‐up in two cohorts of 156 consecutive patients(total n = 312) who underwent SES (June 2002–Februrary 2003) and PES(march 2003–July 2003) implantation. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Baseline clinical characteristics were well matched. The 6‐month target vessel revascularization (TVR) rates were 1.9% (SES) and 2.6% (PES) and MACE rates were similar in the two groups (SES 4.5% vs. PES 3.2%, P = NS). In the PES group, intervention for multivessel disease, bifurcation lesions and in small vessels was more common, and for in‐stent restenosis less common, reflecting the impact of drug eluting stents on indications for PCI. The incidence of sub‐acute stent thrombosis, related to inadequate antiplatelet therapy in 3 of the 6 cases, was 0.95% with no difference between the two groups. Conclusion: This study confirms the safety and efficacy of SES and PES in unselected high risk patients undergoing PCI. Clinical outcomes of both stents are equivalent at 6 months with low rates of MACE and TVR. These data provide important complementary information to forthcoming randomized studies. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss. , Inc.
Team Cognitive Ability as a Predictor of Team Performance

This manuscript presents two studies of the relationship between team cognitive ability (average Scholastic Aptitude Test score of team members) and team performance (a subjective coach's evaluation and an objective measure using Sagarin's Power Rankings) among NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball teams. Study 1 was conducted following the 1991-92 season whereas Study 2 was conducted during the 1993-94 season. Both studies indicated that team cognitive ability was significantly related to the coach's evaluation but not to the power ranking measure, and that team strategy moderated the relationship between cognitive ability and the coach's evaluation of performance. Cognitive ability moderated the relationship between team strategy and power ranking, but the nature of the interaction was different across the two studies.
A Comparative Study of Topological Properties of Hypercubes and Star Graphs

Undertakes a comparative study of two important interconnection network topologies: the star graph and the hypercube, from the graph theory point of view. Topological properties are derived for the star graph and are compared with the corresponding properties of the hypercube. Among other results, the authors determine necessary and sufficient conditions for shortest path routing and characterize maximum-sized families of parallel paths between any two nodes of the star graph. These parallel paths are proven of minimum length within a small additive constant. They also define greedy and asymptotically balanced spanning trees to support broadcasting and personalized communication on the star graph. These results confirm the already claimed topological superiority of the star graph over the hypercube. >
Ambiguous Agents: The Influence of Consistency of an Artificial Agent’s Social Cues on Emotion Recognition, Recall, and Persuasiveness

ABSTRACT This article explores the relation between consistency of social cues and persuasion by an artificial agent. Including (minimal) social cues in Persuasive Technology (PT) increases the probability that people attribute human-like characteristics to that technology, which in turn can make that technology more persuasive (see, e.g., Nass, Steuer, Tauber, & Reeder, 1993). PT in the social actor role can be equipped with a variety of social cues to create opportunities for applying social influence strategies (for an overview, see Fogg, 2003). However, multiple social cues may not always be perceived as being consistent, which could decrease their perceived human-likeness and their persuasiveness. In the current article, we investigate the relation between consistency of social cues and persuasion by an artificial agent. Findings of two studies show that consistency of social cues increases people’s recognition and recall of artificial agents’ emotional expressions, and make those agents more persuasive. These findings show the importance of the combined meaning of social cues in the design of persuasive artificial agents.
Application of Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) for field detection of the hydrophilic phycotoxins domoic acid and saxitoxin in coastal California

Recent publications have identified the analysis of phycotoxins in sentinel shellfish as a problematic tool for environmental monitoring purposes. Domoic acid (DA), a neurotoxin produced by some species of the diatom Pseudo‐nitzschia, can remain undetected in sentinel shellfish stocks during toxic blooms and subsequent marine bird and mammal mass mortality events. Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) has previously been described for monitoring of lipophilic toxins, whereas resin‐based sampling methods are routinely employed for many other environmental contaminants. Here, we evaluate the applicability of SPATT for monitoring the hydrophilic phycotoxin DA and demonstrate that the same field sampling methods can be used for the detection of saxitoxins. We present laboratory‐based adsorption profiles characterizing the performance of SPATT with four resin types: (1) HP20, (2) SP700, (3) SP207, and (4) SP207SS. We present results from 17 mo of approximately weekly SPATT deployments in Monterey Bay, California (USA); this period included two significant toxigenic Pseudo‐nitzschia bloom events as well as low‐level saxitoxin events. SPATT signaled the presence of DA 3 and 7 weeks before the recognition of bloom conditions by traditional monitoring techniques (7 and 8 weeks before shellfish toxicity). Under ambient (non‐bloom) conditions, all resins detected DA when its presence was not apparent from traditional monitoring, highlighting the ubiquity of low level or transient toxin events in the environment. This study is the first to evaluate SPATT deployments in U.S. waters, and the first to demonstrate the applicability of SPATT toward detection of hydrophilic phycotoxins in the field.
Vegetative Growth Responses of Pinot gris (Vitis vinifera L.) Grapevines to Infestation by Potato Leafhoppers (Empoasca fabae Harris)

The potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae Harris) can be a damaging pest of vineyards throughout eastern North America, causing leaf curling and yellowing in sensitive cultivars. To determine the relationship between infestations by this insect and vine growth and resource allocation, potted and fruitless Pinot gris (Vitis vinifera L.) grapevines grafted to rootstock 1103 Paulsen (V. berlandieri Planch. x V. rupestris Scheele) were infested for 7 days with 0.0 to 4.5 potato leafhopper (E. fabae) nymphs per leaf. Shoot growth, leaf growth, and infestation symptoms of the leaves were quantified before and after the infestation period, and biomass of vegetative vine structures was measured at the end of the experiment. Leaf symptoms of cupping and discoloration were positively correlated with infestation severity, while shoot and leaf growth declined with increasing leafhopper density. Root mass at the end of the experiment was lower in vines with higher infestation levels. Analysis of these results enabled damage symptom and leaf growth thresholds to be determined at between 0.5 and 1.0 E. fabae per leaf. However, recovery of vines after infestation was observed in leaf and shoot growth parameters, and vine biomass was reduced only when E. fabae densities exceeded 3.0 nymphs per leaf. This study reveals the negative effect of low densities of E. fabae on a sensitive grape cultivar and suggests that vines can recover from low infestation levels during the postinfestation period.
Sodium-dependent chloride transport in basolateral membrane vesicles isolated from rabbit proximal tubule.

The mechanisms for Cl transport across basolateral membrane vesicles (BLMV) isolated from rabbit renal cortex were examined by using the Cl-sensitive fluorescent indicator 6-methoxy-N-(3-sulfopropyl)quinolinium (SPQ). The transporters studied included Cl/base exchange, Cl/base/Na cotransport, K/Cl cotransport, and Cl conductance. Initial rates of chloride influx (JCl) were determined from the measured time course of SPQ fluorescence in BLMV following inwardly directed gradients of Cl and gradients of other ions and/or pH. For a 50 mM inwardly directed Cl gradient in BLMV which were voltage and pH clamped (7.0) using K/valinomycin and nigericin, JCl was 0.80 +/- 0.14 nmol S-1 (mg of vesicle protein)-1 (mean +/- SD, n = 8 separate preparations). In the absence of Na and CO2/HCO3 in voltage-clamped BLMV, JCl increased 56% +/- 5% in response to a 1.9 pH unit inwardly directed H gradient; the increase was further enhanced by 40% +/- 3% in the presence of CO2/HCO3 and inhibited 30% +/- 8% by 100 microM dihydro-4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid. Na gradients did not increase JCl in the absence of CO2/HCO3; however, an outwardly directed Na gradient in the presence of CO2/HCO3 increased JCl by 31% +/- 8% with a Na KD of 7 +/- 2 mM. These results indicate the presence of Cl/OH and Cl/HCO3 exchange, and Cl/HCO3 exchange trans-stimulated by Na. There was no significant effect of K gradients in the presence or absence of valinomycin, suggesting lack of significant K/Cl cotransport and Cl conductance under experimental conditions. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)