Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biphasic effects of alcohols on the phase transition of poly(L-lysine) between alpha-helix and beta-sheet conformations.

Poly(L-lysine) exists as a random-coil at neutral pH, an alpha-helix at alkaline pH, and a beta-sheet when the alpha-helix poly(L-lysine) is heated. The present Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) study showed that short-chain alcohols (methanol, ethanol, and 2-propanol) partially transformed alpha-helix poly(L-lysine) to beta-sheet when their concentrations were low. At higher concentrations, however, these alcohols reversed the reaction, and the alcohol-induced beta-sheet was transformed back to alpha-helix structure. The reversal occurred at 1.40 M methanol, 0.96 M ethanol, and 0.55 M 2-propanol. The alcohol effects on the secondary structure were further investigated by circular dichroism (CD) on the thermally induced beta-sheet poly(L-lysine). Methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol, but not 1-butanol, shifted the negative mean-residue ellipticity at 217 nm of the beta-sheet poly(L-lysine) to the positive side at low concentrations of the alcohols and to the negative side at high concentrations. With 1-butanol, only the positive-side shift was observed. The positive-side shift at low concentrations of alcohols indicates enhancement of the hydrophobic interactions among the side chains of the polypeptide in the beta-sheet conformation. The negative-side shift indicates a partial transformation to alpha-helix. The shift from the positive to negative side occurred at 7.1 M methanol, 4.6 M ethanol, and 3.1 M 1-propanol. The alcohol concentrations for the beta-to-alpha transition were higher in the CD study than in the IR study. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
What is new in the cryopreservation of embryos

Embryo cryopreservation represents a pivotal tool for the long-term storage and exchange of valuable genetic resources of livestock and endangered species. The innumerable applications of embryo cryopreservation in human medicine, animal production, as well as in other embryo biotechnologies for research purposes are calling for standardized protocols that can be used in these different fields. This review will provide the reader with a brief outline to “the classics” of embryo cryopreservation procedures in farm animals and with a deeper insight into “the new trends”. Moreover, the cryopreservation effects on the embryo will be revised; from the easily visible cellular damage to the damage at the transcriptomic, proteomic and lipidomic level, and fresh attention will be given to the epigenetic effects of this technology. Finally, we will go through personal considerations to take into account when embryo cryopreservation is used: how to select the best embryos for cryopreservation, the eternal question for how long can we store the cryopreserved embryos, the fact that size and fat matter when it comes to embryo cryopreservation and ultimately, our suggestion about designing cryopreservation protocols “a la carte” attending the needs of each type of embryo.
An analysis of reported discomfort caused by mammographic X-ray amongst attenders at an Australian pilot breast screening program.

The aims of the study were to describe levels of discomfort experienced by women undergoing screening mammography; examine correlates of discomfort experienced and to examine whether the degree of discomfort experienced was perceived as a deterrent for re-screening. The study involved ninety five attenders at the pilot mammography screening program in Melbourne, Victoria. Women completed a questionnaire one or two days after having a screening mammogram. Pain was assessed on a seven point scale. Information was obtained on a number of possible correlates such as breast tenderness, perceptions of the service received and expectations of discomfort. Eighty-eight women were re-interviewed three months later about recall of discomfort and whether this would deter them from future mammography. Results were as follows: Thirty per cent of women reported no discomfort, 60% mild or moderate discomfort and 10% severe discomfort or worse. The degree of discomfort reported was not significantly related to age, breast tenderness in the previous three days, previous symptoms, previous mammographic experience, or outcome of visit. The degree of discomfort was related to retrospectively reported expectation of discomfort (r = .336; p = .001); reported lack of confidence in the staff taking the X-ray (r = .184; p = .039); perceptions of awkwardness (r = .175; p = .049) and unpleasantness (r = .297; p = .002) of the examination position. No woman said discomfort would definitely stop her having another screening mammogram. Three per cent said that it might stop them, while 97% of women said that it would not stop them at all. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pituitary Somatostatin Receptor (sst)1-5 Expression during Rat Development: Age-Dependent Expression of sst21.

The capacity of the pituitary to suppress hormone secretion in response to somatostatin (SRIF) is markedly age dependent. Immature pituitaries are relatively resistant to SRIF effects, and increasing sensitivity to SRIF with advancing age is believed to cause characteristic developmental changes in pituitary hormone secretion in mammals. However, the cellular mechanism(s) underlying this developmental pattern of response to SRIF are not understood. Because somatostatin receptors (ssts) are critical mediators of SRIF’s actions on target tissues, we investigated the expression of sst1, sst2, sst3, sst4, and sst5 messenger RNA (mRNA) in pituitaries of developing and mature rats. Animals were studied at embryonic day 19.5, and at postnatal days 2, 12, 30, 45, 70, and 1 yr; these ages correspond to major changes in circulating GH levels and pituitary responsiveness to SRIF. Pituitary levels of sst2 mRNA increased strikingly and progressively with advancing age after birth (F = 30.92, P < 0.0001). Compared with.
Fuzzy system for the detection of winding insulation condition and bearing wear in induction motor

In this paper, fuzzy logic method is used to detect two types of incipient faults viz. inter-turn insulation failure and bearing wear in single-phase induction motor. The fuzzy rules are framed depending upon the experimental data for five input parameters viz. motor intake current, rotor speed, winding temperature, bearing temperature and noise. The simulation and experimental results are given to verify the proposed method. Initially the performance is tested with two inputs i.e., motor intake current, and rotor speed, later the remaining three input parameters were added and the performance is tested with five inputs. It is found that the performance with five inputs gives better results.
The unidirectional barbed suture for renorrhaphy during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: Stanford experience.

PURPOSE Using barbed suture represents a novel technical modification in the performance of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy. Our purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this suture for renorrhaphy during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirteen consecutive patients underwent LPN using V-Loc™ 180 (Covidien, Dublin, Ireland) suture, and a nonconsecutive control group of 24 patients, matched according to tumor size and R.E. N.A. L. nephrometry score, underwent LPN using absorbable polyglactin suture. All 37 patients underwent LPN performed by a single surgeon. Perioperative and postoperative indicators of morbidity, estimated blood loss, and warm ischemia time (WIT) were compared between the groups. RESULTS Baseline characteristics including age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, tumor size, laterality, and R.E. N.A. L nephrometry score were identical between the groups. On multivariable analysis, there were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to operative time, estimated blood loss, transfusion rates, rates of surgical complications, and length of hospital stay. However, mean WIT was significantly shorter in the V-Loc group compared with the control group (24.5±5.3 minutes versus 31.9±8.9 minutes, P=.01). CONCLUSIONS The use of V-Loc sutures for renorrhaphy during LPN is safe and feasible and, in our series, significantly reduces WIT. Further studies are needed to corroborate these findings, but these results indicate a promising development in reducing WIT during minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.
Temporary circulatory occlusion to the brain of the hypothermic dog.

The protective effect of hypothermia against brain damage by ischemia has been well demonstrated clinically. Interruption of the circulation for up to nine minutes in open-heart surgery 1 and occlusion of the cerebral circulation for up to eight minutes in neurosurgical procedures * have been successfully accomplished. The clinical use of hypothermia presupposes that the brain takes part in the generalized reduction of tissue metabolism with cooling. That it does so was demonstrated in 1954 by Rosomoff and Holaday, 2 who found a linear fall in cerebral oxygen consumption in the dog as the temperature was lowered from 35 C to 26 C; at 26 C a threefold reduction in oxygen consumption had occurred. It is possible, therefore, that the dog at 26 C tolerates total arrest of blood flow to the brain for a period roughly three times as long as would a normothermic animal. By using graded occlusion
Development of an improved extraction and HPLC method for the measurement of ascorbic acid in cows' milk from processing plants and retail outlets

Summary An improved extraction (2.5% HPO3, 5 mm dithiothreitol) and HPLC quantification methodology using a C–18 column at 35 °C and 0.1 m acetic acid (98%) and acetonitrile (2%) mobile phase was developed to quantify total ascorbic acid (AA) in commercial whole/semi-skim/skim raw/pasteurised/UHT milk packaged in opaque bags, transparent plastic, cardboard and Tetra Brik™. AA content ranged from 0.21 to 10 and from 3.4 to 16 mg L−1 in milk from retail outlets and processing plants, respectively, and was higher in organic milk. For same processor/lot samples, pasteurised milk showed higher AA content than UHT milk. This was not true for retail outlets samples. AA content was similar for whole/semi-skim and semi-skim/skim milk, but not for whole/skim comparisons. Among UHT samples, the AA content trend was whole<semi-skim<skim and lower for UHT milk in opaque plastic and Tetra Brik™ container. After 14 days at 4 °C in the dark, AA losses ranged 35–83% depending on milk type and preservation method with a higher AA retention in unopened containers.
Choline transport activity in Staphylococcus aureus induced by osmotic stress and low phosphate concentrations

Uptake of [14C]choline upon hyperosmotic stress of exponential-phase Staphylococcus aureus cultures in a complex medium occurred after a delay of 2.5 to 3.5 h. This uptake could be prevented by chloramphenicol, suggesting that it occurred via an inducible transport system. Radioactivity from [14C]choline was accumulated as [14C]glycine betaine. However, neither choline nor glycine betaine could act as the major carbon and energy source for the organism, suggesting that choline was not metabolized beyond glycine betaine. Assay of choline transport activity in cells grown under different conditions in defined media revealed that osmotic stress was mainly responsible for the induction, but choline gave a further increase in induction. The system was not induced in anaerobically grown cells. Choline transport activity was repressed by glycine betaine and proline betaine, suggesting that these compounds are corepressors. Choline transport activity was not induced in cells osmotically stressed by 1 M potassium phosphate or 0.5 M sodium phosphate, but was induced in cells grown in low-phosphate medium in the absence of osmotic stress. This suggests that there is a connection between the phosphate and osmotic stress regulons. Choline transport was energy and Na+ dependent and had a Km of 46 microM and a maximum rate of transport (Vmax) of 54 nmol/min/mg (dry weight). The results of competition studies suggested that N-methyl and an alcohol group or aldehyde groups at the ends of the molecule were important in its recognition by the system. Glycine betaine was not a highly effective competitor, suggesting that its transport system and the choline transport system were distinct from each other. Choline transport was highly susceptible to a variety of inhibitors, which may be related to the greater dependence on respiratory metabolism of cells grown in the presence of high NaC1 concentrations.
β-TCP versus Autologous Bone for Repair of Alveolar Clefts in a Goat Model

Objective The aim of this study in goats was to test the hypothesis that a novel synthetic bone substitute beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) can work as well as autologous bone harvested from the iliac crest for grafting and repair of alveolar clefts. Design Ten adult Dutch milk goats (Capra hircus) were used in a split-mouth study design. Main outcome measures Volumetric histologic assessment of new bone formation and radiographic measurement of orthodontic movement of teeth in a formerly created alveolar cleft. Conclusions The synthetic bone substitute β-TCP was shown to result in bone healing similar to that of iliac crest bone. The surgical, orthodontic, and histologic results now warrant the testing of β-TCP in the human cleft situation.
The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory: Factor Structure and Invariance in a Sample of Breast Cancer Patients and in a Non-Clinical Sample

Abstract The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) is frequently used to assess positive changes following a traumatic event. The aim of the study is to examine the factor structure and the latent mean invariance of PTGI. A sample of 205 (M age = 54.3, SD = 10.1) women diagnosed with breast cancer and 456 (M age = 34.9, SD = 12.5) adults who had experienced a range of adverse life events were recruited to complete the PTGI and a socio-demographic questionnaire. We use Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to test the factor-structure and multi-sample CFA to examine the invariance of the PTGI between the two groups. The goodness of fit for the five-factor model is satisfactory for breast cancer sample (χ2(175) = 396.265; CFI = . 884; NIF = . 813; RMSEA [90% CI] = . 079 [. 068, . 089]), and good for non-clinical sample (χ2(172) = 574.329; CFI = . 931; NIF = . 905; RMSEA [90% CI] = . 072 [. 065, . 078]). The results of multi-sample CFA show that the model fit indices of the unconstrained model are equal but the model that uses constrained factor loadings is not invariant across groups. The findings provide support for the original five-factor structure and for the multidimensional nature of posttraumatic growth (PTG). Regarding invariance between both samples, the factor structure of PTGI and other parameters (i.e., factor loadings, variances, and co-variances) are not invariant across the sample of breast cancer patients and the non-clinical sample.
Feature Extraction from Whole-Sky Ground-Based Images for Cloud-Type Recognition

Several features that can be extracted from digital images of the sky and that can be useful for cloud-type classification of such images are presented. Some features are statistical measurements of image texture, some are based on the Fourier transform of the image and, finally, others are computed from the image where cloudy pixels are distinguished from clear-sky pixels. The use of the most suitable features in an automatic classification algorithm is also shown and discussed. Both the features and the classifier are developed over images taken by two different camera devices, namely, a total sky imager (TSI) and a whole sky imager (WSC), which are placed in two different areas of the world (Toowoomba, Australia; and Girona, Spain, respectively). The performance of the classifier is assessed by comparing its image classification with an a priori classification carried out by visual inspection of more than 200 images from each camera. The index of agreement is 76% when five different sky conditions are considered: clear, low cumuliform clouds, stratiform clouds (overcast), cirriform clouds, and mottled clouds (altocumulus, cirrocumulus). Discussion on the future directions of this research is also presented, regarding both the use of other features and the use of other classification techniques.
Late Presenters in New HIV Diagnoses from An Italian Cohort of HIV-Infected Patients: Prevalence and Clinical Outcome

Background To study the prevalence, predictors and outcome of late HIV diagnosis in the Icona cohort, according to the new European consensus definition of late diagnosis. Methods In this observational cohort study we investigated patients diagnosed with HIV over 3 months preceding enrolment who were defined as diagnosed late if they presented with AIDS or a CD4+ T-cell count ≤350/mm3 (European consensus definition). We estimated the prevalence of late diagnosis, identified factors associated with being diagnosed late and looked at the prognostic value of the European consensus definition of late presentation to predict subsequent clinical progression (new AIDS events or death). Results In total, 1,438/2,276 patients (63%) were defined as diagnosed late using the new European Consensus definition. Of these, 387 (16%) were AIDS-presenters. Predictors of being diagnosed late were older age, non-Italian origin, high HIV RNA and unemployment (versus retirement). A total of 293 patients showed clinical progression (3 events/100 person-years of follow-up, 95% CI: 2.7–3.4). Presenting late was strongly associated with a >5-fold increased risk of disease progression. Conclusions In our observational setting with free access to care, more than 60% of new HIV diagnoses occurred below the recommended threshold for initiating anti-retroviral treatment. Presenting late for care was associated with a high risk of clinical progression.
Breast cancer complicated by pleural effusion: Patient characteristics and results of surgical management

To evaluate the efficiency of pleurodesis (PD) in the management of symptomatic malignant pleural effusion (PE) in breast cancer, we reviewed 46 patients undergoing 49 PDs. When radiotherapy was part of the initial treatment, 41% of PEs were ipsilateral to the primary, if not, 85% of PEs were ipsilateral (P < 0.0075). Six percent of patients presented dyspneic with exertion, 32% during daily routine; 61% at rest. All except 1 were improved after PD; 74% had no dyspnea, 23% had exertional dyspnea. PD relieved chest pain in 4 and cough in 5 patients. With 31 Talc/Iodine PDs, 2 mortalities and 2 minor complications occurred. Of 17 tetracycline PDs, 1 was complicated by bronchopleural fistula and 1 failed. 1 Mustine PD was uncomplicated. Survival at 6, 12, and 24 months was 58%, 40%, and 13%, respectively. Primary local radiotherapy may prevent ipsilateral PE. Talc/Iodine and tetracycline PD reliably provide relief from the distressing symptoms of malignant PE. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Learning from Collective Intelligence : Weakly-Supervised Feature Learning Using Largely Social Images and Tags

The progress in multimedia applications is largely due to the advances of feature representations for visual content. For example, over the past decades, we have witnessed the evolution of visual features from hand-engineered interest points to the prevailing deep learning features that free us to focus on designing algorithms and end applications. In order to learn strong features, we need a large-scale and high-quality dataset. At this point, ImageNet [Russakovsky et al. 2015] with millions of human-labeled images across thousands of semantic categories has offered us a reliable incubator to develop features. However, this dataset is built by Web images with different collection policy (e.g., for object recognition) and hence it lags behind the fast evolving semantic and visual diversities in real-world scenarios. For example, different emerging
Modeling performance of elite cyclists

Both coaches and cyclists nowadays determine the training schedules for important races based on experience and gut-feeling. Data are available for the evaluation of training schedules, but a sound scientific method of accomplishing this does not yet exist. The biggest hurdle in developing such a method for cycling is the absence of an objective performance metric. This report uses the data of six cyclists in order to introduce and analyze a new performance metric: the cycled critical power. Subsequently, this metric is used to fit the parameters of the Fitness-Fatigue model; a model that is successfully applied in other sports to model the performance of an athlete. Several training attributes are included in the analysis, such as duration, intensity, and load; with which the performance of the cyclists is modeled. The model, applied to the data, leads to correlations for the six cyclists with R2-values within the range of 0.13−0.56. Compared to other scientific research, this range indicates that the Fitness-Fatigue model could be a valuable tool for elite cyclists and coaches when constructing their training schedules, but further research into the performance metric and the application of the Fitness-Fatigue model is still required.
Secondary metabolism of theophylline biotransformation products in man--route of formation of 1-methyluric acid.

The route of formation of 1-methyluric acid (1MU) from theophylline has been investigated by i.v. administration of 1-methylxanthine (1MX) before and after allopurinol treatment and of 1,3-dimethyluric acid (1,3DMU) to healthy male volunteers. 1,3DMU was recovered unchanged in urine and was not demethylated to 1MU. By contrast after administration of 1MX the major part of the dose was recovered as 1MU. After allopurinol this was reversed with most of the 1MX dose being excreted unchanged and only a minor amount as 1MU. The results show that 1MU derived from theophylline is formed by an initial 3-demethylation to 1MX and then a rapid xanthine oxidase mediated 8-oxidation. No 1MU is formed by 3-demethylation of 1,3DMU.
Effect of colistin exposure on calcium homeostasis and mitochondria functions in chick cortex neurons

Abstract The study investigated the effect of colistin exposure on calcium homeostasis and mitochondria functions in neurons. We used an in vitro drug model to induce neurotoxicity that closely mimic the in vivo condition by exposing primary cultures of chick cortex neurons to different concentrations of 0, 0.83, 4.15 and 8.3 μg/mL colistin. The cell activity was determined by methods of MTT and lactate dehydrogenase release at 24 h post-beginning. The membrane potential (ΔΨm) and ultrastructure of mitochondrial were assessed. The calcium ion concentration within neurons ([Ca2+]i) was detected using the Fura3/AM as the probe and expression level of intracellular calmodulin (CaM) mRNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that, in the 4.15 and 8.3 μg/mL colistin groups, the functions of mitochondria altered, the ΔΨm was significantly decreased and the mitochondrial cristae was swollen and even vacuolar degeneration in mitochondria occurred. Moreover, the expression level of colistin could decrease CaM mRNA, and increase free calcium concentration. The present work revealed that colistin-induced mitochondria dysfunction and calcium homeostasis disequilibrium, providing new insight into the toxicological mechanism of colistin in neurons.