Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison between 1-deoxynojirimycin and N-methyl-1-deoxynojirimycin as inhibitors of oligosaccharide processing in intestinal epithelial cells.

The alpha-glucosidase inhibitor N-methyl-1-deoxynojirimycin (MDJN) inhibits the synthesis of N-linked complex oligosaccharides in rat intestinal epithelial cells to the same extent as reported previously for 1-deoxynojirimycin (DJN) [Saunier, Kilker, Tkacz, Quaroni & Herscovics (1982) J. Biol. Chem. 257, 14155-14161]. Analysis of each of the endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H (endo H)-sensitive oligosaccharides separated by h.p.l.c. with yeast glucosidase I, which specifically removes the terminal glucose residue from oligosaccharides containing three glucose residues, and with jack-bean (Canavalia ensiformis) alpha-mannosidase, indicates that both inhibitors cause the accumulation of a mixture of glucosylated oligosaccharides containing one to three glucose residues and seven to nine, and even possibly six, mannose residues. About 70% of the endo H-sensitive oligosaccharides formed in the presence of MDJN contain three glucose residues, compared with only about 20% of the corresponding oligosaccharides of the DJN treated cells. It is concluded that both compounds inhibit the formation of N-linked complex oligosaccharides by interfering with the processing glucosidases. These compounds are valuable in the study of the role of oligosaccharides in glycoproteins.
A Human Activity Recognition System Based on Dynamic Clustering of Skeleton Data

Human activity recognition is an important area in computer vision, with its wide range of applications including ambient assisted living. In this paper, an activity recognition system based on skeleton data extracted from a depth camera is presented. The system makes use of machine learning techniques to classify the actions that are described with a set of a few basic postures. The training phase creates several models related to the number of clustered postures by means of a multiclass Support Vector Machine (SVM), trained with Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO). The classification phase adopts the X-means algorithm to find the optimal number of clusters dynamically. The contribution of the paper is twofold. The first aim is to perform activity recognition employing features based on a small number of informative postures, extracted independently from each activity instance; secondly, it aims to assess the minimum number of frames needed for an adequate classification. The system is evaluated on two publicly available datasets, the Cornell Activity Dataset (CAD-60) and the Telecommunication Systems Team (TST) Fall detection dataset. The number of clusters needed to model each instance ranges from two to four elements. The proposed approach reaches excellent performances using only about 4 s of input data (~100 frames) and outperforms the state of the art when it uses approximately 500 frames on the CAD-60 dataset. The results are promising for the test in real context.
Usage of Running Drills in an Interval Training Program: Implications Related to Biomechanical Parameters of Running

Abstract Azevedo, APS, Mezêncio, B, Valvassori, R, Anjos, FOM, Barbanti, VJ, Amadio, AC, and Serrão, JC. Usage of running drills in an interval training program: Implications related to biomechanical parameters of running. J Strength Cond Res 29(7): 1796–1802, 2015—The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of running drills during an interval training program on biomechanical parameters of running. Thirty recreational runners, divided into 2 groups (control group and experimental group [EG]), were submitted to a 15-week interval training, but only EG performed running drills in the training. The test sessions were accomplished before and after intervention. Spatiotemporal and kinetic variables were analyzed at 2 speeds: maximum (Smax) and comfortable (Scomf). For moment effect, significant increases were observed for Scomf (8.9%) and Smax (10.7%) after training. Variables related to mechanical load were also higher after training for both speeds (LR1: 16.4% and Imp75: 7.8% at Scomf; LR1: 21.4% and Imp75: 8.1% at Smax). For training approach effect, higher value of Imp75 was observed in EG (10.1% at Scomf and 11.9% at Smax, without performance improvements). Also, EG presented higher values of Fy2 (6.7% at Scomf and 6.1% at Smax) and FT (13.3% at Scomf), variables related to the center of mass oscillation. As a conclusion, including running drills in a 15-week interval running training seems not to be an efficient procedure to improve parameters related to mechanical load and performance.
The Triple Challenge for Europe: The Economy, Climate Change, and Governance

Europe is confronted by an intimidating triple challenge—economic stagnation, climate change, and a governance crisis. What is required is a fundamental transformation of the economy to a new, “green” trajectory based on rapidly diminishing emission of greenhouse gases, the authors contend. Much greater emphasis on innovation in all its forms (not just technological) is an answer. Following this path would mean turning Europe into a veritable laboratory for sustainable growth, environmentally as well as socially.
Color View Synthesis for Animated Depth Security X-ray Imaging

We demonstrate the synthesis of intermediary views within a sequence of color encoded, materials discriminating, X-ray images that exhibit animated depth in a visual display. During the image acquisition process, the requirement for a linear X-ray detector array is replaced by synthetic image. Scale Invariant Feature Transform, SIFT, in combination with material segmented morphing is employed to produce synthetic imagery. A quantitative analysis of the feature matching performance of the SIFT is presented along with a comparative study of the synthetic imagery. We show that the total number of matches produced by SIFT reduces as the angular separation between the generating views increases. This effect is accompanied by an increase in the total number of synthetic pixel errors. The trends observed are obtained from 15 different luggage items. This programme of research is in collaboration with the UK Home Office and the US Dept. of Homeland Security. Keywords—X-ray, kinetic depth, view synthesis, KDE
An examination of hybridization between the cattail species Typha latifolia and Typha angustifolia using random amplified polymorphic DNA and chloroplast DNA markers

Typha glauca represents a significant portion of the biomass of the wetlands surrounding the Great Lakes, USA. It is generally accepted to be a form of hybrid between T. latifolia and T. angustifolia, which itself appears to be an exotic introduction from Europe. Based on morphological and isozyme data, conflicting theories have been proposed for the hybrid nature of T. glauca: it has been described as a hybrid swarm, a distinct hybrid species and an F1 hybrid. Therefore, we developed random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and chloroplast DNA markers, specific to the parental species, to assess hybrids. Ten RAPD primers gave 17 fragments specific to T. angustifolia and 13 fragments specific to T. latifolia. All of the interspecific hybrids contained each of the species‐specific markers, indicating an F1 hybrid status. Furthermore, all hybrids tested contained the T. angustifolia chloroplast haplotype, which is consistent with differential interspecific crossing success found previously. Additional confirmation of an F1 hybrid status was gained by examining seedlings from T. glauca. These progeny were expected to be advanced‐generation hybrids, as opposed to the F1 hybrid parent. Analysis of the seedlings revealed segregating marker patterns consistent with patterns observed in experimental advanced‐generation hybrids, although these advanced hybrids do not appear to be a significant part of mature stands. Our data do not provide support for extensive gene flow between T. latifolia and T. angustifolia. However, our results suggest that hybridization between the native and introduced Typha species has impacted the native population through the spread of the F1 hybrid, T. glauca.
The Key Role of Corneocytes in Pityrosporoses

Pityrosporoses encompass various Malassezia-driven conditions. Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are members of this family of disorders. Their precise pathomechanisms have not been completely elucidated so far. This review focuses on the role of corneocytes in these disorders. Malassezia yeasts are not evenly distributed at the surface of the stratum corneum. Rather, they are clumped on some corneocytes while other corneocytes in their vicinity are almost free of these microorganisms. The corneocytes heavily coated by yeasts suggest a cell-related defect in the mechanisms controlling the skin biocene including the natural antimicrobial peptides and nitric oxide. Most environmental factors influencing pityrosporoses indeed affect the natural human defenses against certain microorganisms. We frame as a hypothesis that the primary defect in some Malassezia-driven disorders resides in the corneocytes and their precursor keratinocytes.
Comparison of ultrasound and electrodiagnostic testing for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: study using a validated clinical tool as the reference standard.

BACKGROUND Ultrasound examination is both accurate and cost-effective for the confirmation of a clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Previous studies have shown electrodiagnostic testing and ultrasound to be similar with regard to sensitivity and specificity. The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound and electrodiagnostic testing by using a validated clinical diagnostic tool as the reference standard. METHODS All consecutive patients referred to an upper-extremity practice for electrodiagnostic testing for any reason over a three-month period were recruited to participate in this study. All patients were evaluated with the use of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 6 (CTS-6) clinical diagnostic tool, and a score of ≥12 was considered positive for carpal tunnel syndrome. A positive finding on ultrasound was considered to be a cross-sectional area of the median nerve, measured just proximal to the level of the pisiform, of ≥10 mm(2). A positive finding on electrodiagnostic testing was a distal motor latency of ≥4.2 ms and/or a distal sensory latency of ≥3.2 ms. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated for ultrasound and electrodiagnostic testing with use of the CTS-6 as the reference standard. RESULTS With use of the CTS-6 as the reference standard, ultrasound had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 90% in our series of eighty-five patients. Electrodiagnostic testing had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 80%. The positive predictive value of ultrasound was 94% compared with 89% for electrodiagnostic testing. The negative predictive value of ultrasound was 82% compared with 80% for electrodiagnostic testing. Ultrasound was accurate in seventy-six (89%) of the eighty-five cases whereas electrodiagnostic testing was accurate in seventy-three (86%) of the eighty-five cases (p = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS While ultrasound will not replace electrodiagnostic testing in complicated or unclear cases, in a select group of patients with a positive CTS-6, ultrasound can be used to confirm the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome with better specificity and equal sensitivity as compared with those of electrodiagnostic testing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Actual and Preferred Work Schedules and Scheduling Control as Determinants of Job-Related Attitudes.

Abstract The current study revisited the traditional dichotomy of part-time versus full-time employment and examined its efficacy in predicting job-related attitudes reflecting well-being (job satisfaction and organizational commitment) and emotional withdrawal (burnout and the intention to quit the workplace). In addition, we tested the impact of a continuous measure of actual work schedule as well as the psychological constructs (preferred work schedule and scheduling control) over these attitudes. Participants were 153 nurses in an Israeli hospital who had either full-time or part-time positions. Results showed that both the dichotomous and continuous measures of actual work schedule failed to explain any of the study criteria. Conversely, preferred work schedule and, especially, scheduling control were significant determinants of work attitudes. Implications for continued research are outlined.
Effects of skilled nursing facility structure and process factors on medication errors during nursing home admission

Background: Older adults are at greatest risk of medication errors during the transition period of the first 7 days after admission and readmission to a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate structure- and process-related factors that contribute to medication errors and harm during transition periods at a SNF. Methodology/Approach: Data for medication errors and potential medication errors during the 7-day transition period for residents entering North Carolina SNFs were from the Medication Error Quality Initiative—Individual Error database from October 2006 to September 2007. The impact of SNF structure and process measures on the number of reported medication errors and harm from errors were examined using bivariate and multivariate model methods. Findings: A total of 138 SNFs reported 581 transition period medication errors; 73 (12.6%) caused harm. Chain affiliation was associated with a reduction in the volume of errors during the transition period. One third of all reported transition errors occurred during the medication administration phase of the medication use process, where dose omissions were the most common type of error; however, dose omissions caused harm less often than wrong-dose errors did. Prescribing errors were much less common than administration errors but were much more likely to cause harm. Practice Implications: Both structure and process measures of quality were related to the volume of medication errors.However, process quality measures may play a more important role in predicting harm from errors during the transition of a resident into an SNF. Medication errors during transition could be reduced by improving both prescribing processes and transcription and documentation of orders.
Cancer coverage in North American publications targeting seniors.

BACKGROUND Print media are widely used for disseminating cancer information to seniors. It is important that older adults receive accurate and understandable cancer information since age is the major risk factor for most common cancers. METHODS This study evaluated the volume and scope of cancer coverage in mass circulating print media that specifically target seniors. Eight English-language seniors' publications (551 issues) were assessed for cancer coverage. RESULTS Between 1990 and 2000, 226 cancer articles were identified. Significant differences in the inclusion of mobilizing information by cancer site were found, with the highest percentage found in articles about breast cancer (67%). The SMOG test indicated a mean readability score of grade 12.47. CONCLUSIONS. The findings suggest the need for lower article readability levels and inclusion of more mobilizing information in cancer articles targeting seniors.
Histamine Receptor H1 and Dermatopontin: New Downstream Targets of the Vitamin D Receptor

In this study, we used multipotential MSCs and microarray assays to follow the changing patterns of gene expression as MSCs were differentiated to osteoblasts. We analyzed co‐expressed gene groups to identify new targets for known transcription factor VDR during differentiation. The roles of two genes (histamine receptor H1 and dermatopontin) as downstream targets for the VDR were confirmed by gel electromotility shift, siRNA inhibition, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.
Increased toxicity to invertebrates associated with a mixture of atrazine and organophosphate insecticides

This study examined the joint toxicity of atrazine and three organophosphate (OP) insecticides (chlorpyrifos, methyl parathion, and diazinon) exposed to Hyalella azteca and Musca domestica. A factorial design was used to evaluate the toxicity of binary mixtures in which the lethal concentration/lethal dose (LC1/LD1, LC5/LD5, LC15/LD15, and LC50/LD50) of each OP was combined with atrazine concentrations of 0, 10, 40, 80, and 200 μg/L for H. azteca and 0, 200, and 2,000 ng/mg for M. domestica. Atrazine concentrations (>40 μg/L) in combination with each OP caused a significant increase in toxicity to H. azteca compared with the OPs dosed individually. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity also was examined for the individual OPs with and without atrazine treatment. Atrazine in combination with each of the OPs resulted in a significant decrease in AChE activity compared with the OPs dosed individually. In addition, H. azteca that were pretreated with atrazine (>40 μg/L) were much more sensitive to the OP insecticides compared with H. azteca that were not pretreated with atrazine before being tested. Topical exposure to atrazine concentrations did not significantly increase OP toxicity to M. domestica. The results of this study indicate the potential for increased toxicity in organisms exposed to environmental mixtures.
Cross-National Patterns of Intergenerational Continuities in Childbearing in Developed Countries

Earlier work has shown that the association between the fertility of parents and the fertility of children has become stronger over time in some societies. This article updates and broadens the geographic coverage to assess the magnitude of intergenerational continuities in childbearing in developed and middle-income societies using data for 46 populations from 28 developed countries drawn from a number of recent large-scale survey programs. Robust positive intergenerational fertility correlations are found across these countries into the most recent period, and although there is no indication that the strength of the relationship is declining, the increasing trend does not appear to be continuing.
Copeptin decrease from admission to discharge has favorable prognostic value for 90-day events in patients admitted with dyspnea

Abstract Background: With patients referred to emergency departments (EDs) for acute dyspnea, emergency physicians should consider all possible diagnoses and assess patients’ risk stratification. Copeptin has been shown to have prognostic power for subsequent events, such as death and rehospitalization in patients admitted for dyspnea. The aim of this study was to investigate prognostic role of copeptin variations during hospitalization in patients admitted for dyspnea. Methods: We conducted a prospective, multicentric, observational study in acute dyspneic patients in three ED centers in Italy. Clinical data and copeptin assessments were performed at admission, and at discharge. A 90-day follow-up was performed. Results: A total of 336 patients were enrolled, and on the basis of final diagnosis distinguished into two groups: acute heart failure and no acute heart failure. Compared to a control group, in all studied population copeptin values at admission resulted in a significantly (p<0.001) higher median (maximum–minimum): 31 (0–905) versus 8 (0–13) pmol/L. Median copeptin value at admission was 42 (0–905) pmol/L in acute heart failure patients and 20 (0–887) pmol/L in no acute heart failure, respectively (p<0.001). In all studied patients and in each group copeptin at admission and discharge showed significant predictive value for 90-day events (p<0.001). Furthermore, in all patients population and in both groups Δ copeptin values from admission to discharge also showed significant predictive value for 90-day events (p<0.001). Conclusions: In patients admitted for acute dyspnea, admission, discharge and Δ copeptin variations have significant prognostic value from subsequent 90-day death and rehospitalization.
Characterization and Lethality of Endotoxic Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of Salmonellae

Salmonellae Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) could be extracted from different serovars in amounts varying from 1.5% to 5% of bacterial weight. No clear influence of motility on the amount of extracted LPS was detected. These LPS were studied by Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and all of them gave one major band representing the core antigen with a molecular weight varying from 4 to 12 while some of them showed extra minor bands. The LD50 of different LPS preparations varied from 150 to 300 µg. The highest value was obtained by motile and non-motile Salmonella Dublin (300 µg each). Sensitization of mice at time of LPS injection by galactosamine resulted in the exaggeration of lethality induced by LPS preparation for up to 300 times. Keywords: Lipopolysaccharide – LPS – Salmonella– SDS-PAGE – electrophoresis
Observations of streamer formation in sprites

Sprites have been recorded at 10,000 fps with 50 μs image exposure time. At this time resolution it is possible to resolve the temporal development of streamer tips. The recordings show that sprites start with a streamer head forming at an altitude near 80 km. The streamer head moves rapidly downwards while brightening, and ∼300 μs after streamer passage longer lasting emissions ensues. This is essentially the C‐sprite. In some events upward moving streamer heads are also observed, in which case we have a carrot‐sprite. The streamer speeds vary between 106 and 107 m/s. Both positive and negative accelerations, of magnitude 105 – 1010 m/s2, were observed. Upward streamers, when present, always start later and from a lower altitude than downward streamers, and they start from existing structure in the sprite.
Integrated proteome and metabolite analysis of the de‐etiolation process in plastids from rice (Oryza sativa L.)

We have analyzed the dynamics of the rice etioplast membrane proteome during the early phase of de‐etiolation using iTRAQ‐based relative protein quantification. Several hundred plastid proteins were identified from enriched membranes, including 36 putative transporters. Hierarchical clustering revealed the coordinated light induction of thylakoid membrane proteins with proteins involved in translation and fatty acid metabolism. No other functional category of identified proteins showed a similarly consistent light induction, and no consistent changes were observed for the identified transporters. This suggests that the etioplast metabolism is already primed to accommodate the metabolic changes that occur during the onset of photosynthesis. This hypothesis was further tested in metabolite profiling experiments. Here, the changes upon illumination are mostly restricted to a decrease in the concentration of some amino acids and an increase in the concentrations of aspartic acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, and succinic acid. These changes are consistent with a rapid activation of photosynthesis and subsequent rapid production of storage carbohydrates and proteins. The information at the proteome level and the parallel measurements of metabolite accumulation both support the view that only minor metabolic network reconstruction and modification of enzyme levels occurs during the first 4 h of etioplast to chloroplast differentiation.