Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Persistent Fear Responses in Rhesus Monkeys to the Optical Stimulus of "Looming"

The approach of an object corresponds with a spatiotemporal optical stimulus consisting of a symmetrical expansion of a closed contour in the field of view. The visual equivalent of impending collision was isolated and compared with its sequential inversion. Infant and adult rhesus monkeys manifested persistent avoidance responses to "looming" but not to the inverse. This visual stimulus alone is a strong exciter of avoidance, and the response appears early in life.
vhnf1 and Fgf signals synergize to specify rhombomere identity in the zebrafish hindbrain

Vertebrate hindbrain segmentation is a highly conserved process but the mechanism of rhombomere determination is not well understood. Recent work in the zebrafish has shown a requirement for fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signaling and for the transcription factor variant hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (vhnf1) in specification of rhombomeres 5 and 6 (r5+r6). We show here that vhnf1 functions in two ways to subdivide the zebrafish caudal hindbrain domain (r4-r7) into individual rhombomeres. First, vhnf1 promotes r5+r6 identity through an obligate synergy with Fgf signals to activate valentino and krox20 expression. Second, vhnf1 functions independently of Fgf signals to repress hoxb1a expression. Although vhnf1 is expressed in a broad posterior domain during gastrulation, it promotes the specification of individual rhombomeres. This is achieved in part because vhnf1 gives cellular competence to respond to Fgf signals in a caudal hindbrain-specific manner.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Biofiltration with Two Packing Materials

The treatment of a gas stream containing a mixture of acetone, toluene and trichlorethylene (TCE) was tested in two biofilters packed with compost only (biofilter B1) or a mixture of pozzolan and compost (biofilter B2). The biofilter performance was evaluated at VOCs concentration of 101 mg m−3 of acetone − 210 mg m−3 of toluene − 89 mg m−3 of TCE and air flow of 0.8 m3 h−1. Inocula were provided by the compost native microflora and microbial growth was enhanced by periodically adding an average of 150 ml of a commercial nutrient solution to each biofilter. Pollutant removal efficiencies of 100% (acetone loading of 7-13 g m−3 h−1) and 80% (toluene loading of 17-21 g m−3 h−1) were achieved for acetone and toluene, respectively, in biofilter B1. By comparison, these values were 100% (acetone loading of 6-11 g m−3 h−1) and 90% (toluene loading 16 - 27 g m−3 h−1 and after the complete re-moisturization of the porous medium) in biofilter B2. TCE was not eliminated in either of the biofilters tested. The compost was a good packing material which also provided a suitable microbial flora for the quick decomposition of acetone and toluene, however it was subject to clogging. Mixing this material with pozzolan solved this problem and enabled the biofilter capacity to be maintained over a long period of time.
A multi-factor analysis of kidney graft outcomes at one and five years posttransplantation: 1996 UNOS Update.

1. GENERAL: Here we updated our analysis of the UNOS Kidney Registry for the compound effects of 26 transplantation factors on graft survival within 2 consecutive posttransplantation risk periods. During the early risk period, 83,867 kidney-only recipients were followed through one year, and, in the second (chronic) risk period, 66,358 recipients whose grafts survived beyond one year were followed for 5 years after transplantation. 2. SHORT-TERM EFFECTS: From the analysis, the top (< 2% of assignable variation) factors influencing one-year graft survival rates were ranked as follows: 1) living-related and living-unrelated donor transplants were preferred; 2) some transplant centers had outstanding results; 3) kidneys from stroke victims displayed poor results; 4) recipients with PRA > 80% demonstrated poor survival; 5) patients transplanted before 1991 had poor results; 6) increasing numbers of HLA-ABDR mismatches decreased survival; 7) cold ischemia times beyond 24 hours diminished survival; 8) kidneys from younger and older donors impaired survival; 9) regrafting was detrimental, 10) Asians and Hispanics enjoyed superior results; 11) recipients with restricted activities pretransplantation were at higher risk of early graft failure; and 12) high (> 30 kg/m2) body mass recipients demonstrated lowered rates. 3. LONG-TERM EFFECTS: Fewer net factors influenced graft survival beyond 1 year through 5 years. The following 9 factors, each explaining > 2% of the assignable variation in conditional 5-year graft survival, were ranked and yielded poor results: 1) older (> 65) donors; 2) Black recipients; 3) poor transplant centers; 4) male recipients; 5) kidneys from cadaver or living parental donors; 6) transplantation prior to 1991; 7) stroke donors; 8) non-zero HLA-AB mismatched transplants; and 9) teenage recipients. 4. IMPACT ON KIDNEY ALLOCATION: This UNOS data analysis combined with other recent multi-center studies suggest that the criteria for kidney allocation need contain just 2 components in order to maximize long-term survival-an immunologic factor (avoiding HLA mismatches) and a non-immunologic factor (a senior citizens pool to receive older donor organs).
Assessment of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Changes by Cirrus High-definition Optical Coherence Tomography in Myopia

ABSTRACT Introduction To evaluate the relationship between retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measured by Cirrus high-definition (HD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the axial length and refractive error of the eye. Materials and methods A total of 100 eyes of 100 healthy subjects (age 20-34 years with M/F ratio of 57/43), comprising 50 eyes with emmetropia [spherical equivalent (SE) 0 D], 25 eyes with moderate myopia (SE between -4 D and -8 D), and 25 eyes with high myopia (SE between -8 D and -12 D) were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Average and mean clock hour RNFL thicknesses were measured by cirrus HD-OCT and compared between the three groups. Associations between RNFL measurements and axial length and SE were evaluated by linear regression analysis. Results The average RNFL measurements were significantly lower in high myopia (78.68 +/- 5.67) and moderate myopia (83.76 +/- 3.44) group compared with emmetropia group (91.26 +/- 2.99), also in the superior and inferior mean clock hours. Significant correlations were evident between RNFL measurements and the SE and axial length. The average RNFL thickness decreased with increasing axial length (r = -0.8115) and negative refractive power (r = 0.8397). Myopia also affected the RNFL thickness distribution. As the axial length increased and the SE decreased, the thickness of the superior, inferior, and nasal peripapillary RNFL decreased. Conclusion The axial length/refractive error of the eye affected the average RNFL thickness and the RNFL thickness distribution. Analysis of RNFL thickness in the evaluation of glaucoma should always be interpreted with reference to the refractive status. When interpreting the RNFL thickness of highly myopic patients by OCT, careful attention must be given to the inherently thinner RNFL to avoid a false diagnosis of glaucoma. How to cite this article Singh D, Mishra SK, Agarwal E, Sharma R, Bhartiya S, Dada T. Assessment of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Changes by Cirrus High-definition Optical Coherence Tomography in Myopia. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(2):52-57.
Aberrant Methylation of p14ARF Gene Correlates with Poor Survival in Osteosarcoma

We studied the methylation status of the CpG promoter regions of the p16INK4A and p14ARF genes, mutations of four exons of the CDKN2A gene, and expressions of their corresponding proteins. Thirty-two frozen osteosarcoma tissues were used for methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis. Immunohistochemical staining for p16INK4A and p14ARF proteins was done. The histologic and clinical data were analyzed to find their prognostic implications. The promoter of p16INK4A gene was methylated in 16%, and p14ARF in 47%. Poor survival was related to methylation of p14ARF. The methylation of p14ARF correlated with down-regulation of its protein expression. The methylation of p14ARF showed the highest hazard ratio by multivariate survival analysis. Our data suggest methylation of the CDKN2A gene is the main mechanism of its protein repression. For the p14ARF gene, methylation of the promoter region was related to repression of p14ARF protein and poor prognosis.Level of Evidence: Prognostic study, Level II (retrospective study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Heterozygous Beta Thalassemia in Parents of Children with Beta Thalassemia Major

Background: Beta thalassemia is the most common single gene disorder causing a major genetic health problem in the world. Beta thalassemia is common in Pakistan. This study was conducted to find out the pattern of transmission of beta thalassemia in the affected families. Material and Methods: One hundred families having children with beta thalassemia major were analyzed at Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan, for detection of beta thalassaemia trait. Screening was performed in both maternal and paternal parents and grandparents. Results: Four hundred and fifteen (69.2%) cases of heterozygous beta thalassaemia were detected in the survey of 100 families (600 subjects), having beta thalassaemia major children. Altered red cell morphology such as hypochromia, microcytosis and aniso-poikilocytosis were seen in all these cases. Haemoglobin A2 level ranged 4.0-6.9%, MCV of less than 77 fl and MCH of less than 26.4 pg were found in all the subjects with beta thalassaemia trait. The frequency of consanguineous marriages in parents was first cousin 72%, second cousin 5%, distant cousin 4% and un-related 19%. Conclusion: Consanguinity was found to be present in most of the parents of patients with beta thalassaemia major. This can be minimized by health education, nation-wide screening and provision of genetic counseling to the affected families.
White beans provide more bioavailable iron than red beans: studies in poultry (Gallus gallus) and an in vitro digestion/Caco-2 model.

Iron-biofortification of crops is a strategy that alleviates iron deficiency. The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an attractive candidate for biofortification. However, beans are high in polyphenols that may inhibit iron absorption. In vitro studies have shown that iron bioavailability from white beans is higher than that from colored beans. In this study, our objective was to determine if white beans contain more bioavailable iron than red beans and to determine if the in vitro observations of bean-iron bioavailability would be evident in an in vivo feeding trial. We compared iron bioavailability between diets containing either white (Matterhorn) or red (Merlot) beans, which differ in polyphenol content. One-week-old chicks (Gallus gallus) were divided into four groups: 1. "WB": 40% white-bean diet; 2. "RB" :40% red-bean diet; 3. "WB+Fe": 40% white-bean diet; 4. "RB+Fe": 40% red-bean diet (51, 47, 179, and 175 ppm iron, respectively). Diets 1 and 2 had no supplemental iron; whereas 125 µg/g iron was added to diets 3 and 4. For 8 weeks, hemoglobin, feed consumption, and body weights were measured. Divalent metal transporter 1 (iron-uptake-transporter), duodenal-cytochrome-B (iron reductase), and ferroportin (iron-exporter) expressions were higher (p<0.05), villus-surface-area (tissue iron-deficiency adaptation) was greater in the "RB" group vs. other groups. Cecal microflora was similar between treatments. Hemoglobin, body-hemoglobin iron, and body weights were lower in the "RB" group vs. other groups (p<0.05). In vitro analysis showed lower ferritin formation (less bioavailable iron) in cells exposed to the "RB" diet. We conclude that the in vivo results support the in vitro observations; i. e. , white beans contain more bioavailable iron than red beans.
Türkçe Deyimlerde Dil Farkındalığı ve İşlevsel Dil Kullanımı

Bu calismada, Turk halk edebiyati kulturunun anonim urunlerinden biri olan deyimler, ana dili egitimi cercevesinde, dil farkindaligi ve islevsel dil kullanimi yonunden analiz edilmistir. Calismanin giris bolumunde, deyimler hakkinda kuramsal bir bilgi zemini olusturulduktan sonra calismanin temel kavramlari olan dil farkindaligi ve islevsel dil kullanimi hakkinda bilgi verilmistir. Calismanin birinci bolumunde, deyimlerin temel dil becerileri acisindan analizleri yer almaktadir. Bu baglamda konusma, dinleme, yazma ve okuma kavramlariyla ilgili olan sozler, literatur tarama yontemiyle 4 ayri kaynaktan ayri ayri derlenmis; yuzey yapi acisindan benzer olanlar elenmistir. Bu eleme sonucunda, sadece dil ogretiminde tanimlanan temel dil becerileriyle ilgili olan 526 adet deyim tespit edilmistir. Ardindan, dille ilgili olan deyimler konusma, dinleme, okuma ve yazma ogrenme alanlarina gore ayri ayri tasnif edilmis ve bu tasnifler cercevesinde analizleri yapilmistir. Analizler sonucunda elde edilen veriler tablolastirilip yorumlanmistir. Calismanin sonucunda dille ilgili oldugu tespit edilen 526 adet deyimin %80.42’sinin (423 adet) konusmayla, %10.84’unun (57 adet) dinlemeyle, %7.22’sinin (38 adet) yazmayla ve %1.52’sinin (8 adet) okumayla ilgili oldugu tespit edilmistir. Bu deyimlerin onemli bir bolumunde dilin davranis yonuyle ilgili bilimsel terminolojiye yansimamis durumlarin ayrintili bir sekilde terimlestirildigi gorulmustur. Deyimler, dilin davranis yonuyle ilgili ayrintili durumlari sozlu ve yazili dilde terimlestirme ozelligine sahiptir. Bu orneklerin ozellikle sozlu dilde agirlikli olarak kullanilmasi bireyin islevsel dil kullanma becerisini gelistirmesi bakimindan son derece onemlidir.
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Srb8-Srb11 Complex Functions with the SAGA Complex during Gal4-Activated Transcription

ABSTRACT The Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAGA (Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase) complex functions as a coactivator during Gal4-activated transcription. A functional interaction between the SAGA component Spt3 and TATA-binding protein (TBP) is important for TBP binding at Gal4-activated promoters. To better understand the role of SAGA and other factors in Gal4-activated transcription, we selected for suppressors that bypass the requirement for SAGA. We obtained eight complementation groups and identified the genes corresponding to three of the groups as NHP10, HDA1, and SRB9. In contrast to the srb9 suppressor mutation that we identified, an srb9Δ mutation causes a strong defect in Gal4-activated transcription. Our studies have focused on this requirement for Srb9. Srb9 is part of the Srb8-Srb11 complex, associated with the Mediator coactivator. Srb8-Srb11 contains the Srb10 kinase, whose activity is important for GAL1 transcription. Our data suggest that Srb8-Srb11, including Srb10 kinase activity, is directly involved in Gal4 activation. By chromatin immunoprecipitation studies, Srb9 is present at the GAL1 promoter upon induction and facilitates the recruitment or stable association of TBP. Furthermore, the association of Srb9 with the GAL1 upstream activation sequence requires SAGA and specifically Spt3. Finally, Srb9 association also requires TBP. These results suggest that Srb8-Srb11 associates with the GAL1 promoter subsequent to SAGA binding, and that the binding of TBP and Srb8-Srb11 is interdependent.
Next-generation sequencing approaches for the diagnosis of skeletal muscle disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies is transforming the practice of medical genetics and revolutionizing the approach to heterogeneous hereditary conditions, including skeletal muscle disorders. Here, we review the different NGS approaches described in the literature so far for the characterization of myopathic patients and the results obtained from the implementation of such approaches in a clinical setting. RECENT FINDINGS The overall diagnostic rate of NGS strategies for patients affected by skeletal muscle disorders is higher than the success rate obtained using the traditional gene-by-gene approach. Moreover, many recent articles have been expanding the clinical phenotypes associated with already known disease genes. SUMMARY NGS applications will soon be the first-tier test for skeletal muscle disorders. They will improve the diagnosis in myopathic patients, promoting their inclusion into novel therapeutic trials. At the same time, they will improve our knowledge about the molecular mechanisms causing skeletal muscle disorders, favoring the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
Nonlocal Shape Optimization via Interactions of Attractive and Repulsive Potentials

We consider a class of nonlocal shape optimization problems for sets of fixed mass where the energy functional is given by an attractive/repulsive interaction potential in power-law form. We find that the existence of minimizers of this shape optimization problem depends crucially on the value of the mass. Our results include existence theorems for large mass and nonexistence theorems for small mass in the class where the attractive part of the potential is quadratic. In particular, for the case where the repulsion is given by the Newtonian potential, we prove that there is a critical value for the mass, above which balls are the unique minimizers, and below which minimizers fail to exist. The proofs rely on a relaxation of the variational problem to bounded densities, and recent progress on nonlocal obstacle problems.
Embutido tipo salsicha utilizando carne mecanicamente separada de tilápia: uma alternativa para o aproveitamento de resíduo da filetagem

A industria do pescado representa um amplo potencial de crescimento, pois seus descartes podem ser transformados em produtos com aproveitamento mercadologico. Uma alternativa tecnologica para o melhor aproveitamento da parte comestivel do pescado e a carne mecanicamente separada (CMS), que pode ser utilizada como materia-prima em uma gama de produtos. Contudo, existem poucos relatos sobre a sua utilizacao na elaboracao de embutidos. Diante deste quadro, objetivou-se com este estudo desenvolver e caracterizar os embutidos carneos cozidos tipo salsicha, elaborados com inclusao crescente de CMS. Alem de verificar qual a formulacao mais aceita e definir sua vida util, com base nas analises laboratoriais. Na primeira etapa foram desenvolvidas diferentes formulacoes de salsichas com 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% de CMS. Avaliouse o valor nutricional, os aspectos fisico-quimicos e fisicos, e a qualidade microbiologica e sensorial de cada formulacao. A ultima etapa do estudo constituiu na analise da vida util da melhor formulacao por um periodo de 60 dias de armazenamento sob congelamento a temperatura de -10°C. Em termos tecnologicos e nutricionais a utilizacao de CMS de tilapia, na producao de salsichas, nao depreciou a qualidade do produto final. Verificou-se que, em geral, todas as salsichas desenvolvidas atenderam aos requisitos estabelecidos pela legislacao, referente aos embutidos carneos cozidos. Os resultados apontam que todas as amostras de salsichas atenderam aos padroes microbiologicos estabelecidos, indicando que todo o processo foi conduzido em condicoes higienicas. Em relacao a analise sensorial, constatou-se que os consumidores revelaram um maior indice de aceitabilidade pela formulacao que apresentou equilibrio entre a adicao de CMS e file de tilapia (50%). Por ter se destacado entre as demais, no que diz respeito a todos os parâmetros analisados, a formulacao elaborada com 50% de CMS foi selecionada para a etapa de verificacao da vida util. Verificou-se que o tempo de armazenamento exerceu influencia significativa nas caracteristicas quimicas, fisicas, e no aspecto fisicoquimico do produto final. Contudo, a qualidade nutricional e microbiologica da salsicha de tilapia foi mantida dentro do estabelecido pela legislacao brasileira vigente. A aceitacao do produto nao foi comprometida, uma vez que a qualidade sensorial da salsicha continuou sendo aprovada pelos consumidores. Diante dos resultados apresentados, pode-se garantir a vida util do embutido carneo tipo salsicha contendo 50% de CMS de tilapia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), em 60 dias. A elaboracao deste produto vem a ser uma alternativa viavel para o aproveitamento de residuos dessa especie de pescado tilapia do Nilo.
A New Stand-Alone Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Device: Biomechanical Comparison with Established Fixation Techniques

Study Design. Established lumbar fixation methods were assessed biomechanically, and a comparison was made with a new stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody cage device incorporating integrated anterior fixation. Objectives. To compare the stability of a new stand-alone anterior implant (Test-device) with established fixation methods to assess its suitability for clinical use. Our hypothesis being that the Test-device would provide stability comparable to that provided by an anterior cage when supplemented with posterior pedicle screw fixation. Summary of Background Data. It is accepted that the use of rigid pedicle screw instrumentation increases the chance of achieving a solid fusion, but its use may be associated with a significant increase in postoperative morbidity caused by disruption of the posterior musculature. It is also evident that this increased fusion rate is generally not associated with increased clinical success. This dilemma has led to a search for a solution and to the development of the Test-device anterior lumbar interbody device. Methods. The kinematic properties of either the L3–L4 or L4–L5 lumbar motion segment of 8 cadaveric lumbar spines have been tested using the following sequence of fixation: intact, Test-device, Test-device and translaminar facet screws (TS), Cage and TS, Cage and Universal Spine System (USS), and Cage and small stature USS. Results. All fixation techniques except the cage and TS decreased (P < 0.05) range of motion (ROM), neutral zone (NZ), and elastic zone (EZ), and increased (P < 0.05) stiffness in comparison to the intact motion segment in all test modes. There was a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the ROM, NZ, and EZ, and decrease in the stiffness of the cage and TS group in comparison to all other stabilizationtechniques in flexion and rotation. There was no significant difference in the ROM, NZ, EZ, and stiffness between the Test-device and cage and USS groups in flexion, extension, and bending. The Test-device resulted in a significantly lower EZ (P < 0.05) and a significantly higher stiffness (P < 0.05) in rotation than all other fixation methods. Conclusions. The Test-device alone provided similar and the Test-device and TS higher stability than the pedicle screw constructs evaluated. These results support progression to clinical trials using the Test-device as a stand-alone implant.
Differences between nerve terminal impulses of polymodal nociceptors and cold sensory receptors of the guinea‐pig cornea

Extracellular recording techniques were used to study nerve terminal impulses (NTIs) recorded from single polymodal nociceptors and cold‐sensitive receptors in guinea‐pig cornea isolated in vitro. The amplitude and time course of NTIs recorded from polymodal nociceptors was different from those of cold‐sensitive receptors. Bath application of tetrodotoxin (1 μm) changed the time course of spontaneous NTIs recorded from both polymodal and cold‐sensitive receptors. Bath application of lignocaine (lidocaine; 1–5 mm) abolished all electrical activity. Local application of lignocaine (2.5 and 20 mm) through the recording electrode changed the time course of the NTIs recorded from polymodal nociceptors but not that of NTIs recorded from cold‐sensitive nerve endings. It is concluded that action potentials propagate actively in the sensory nerve endings of polymodal nociceptors. In contrast, cold‐sensitive receptor nerve endings appear to be passively invaded from a point more proximal in the axon where the action potential can fail or be initiated.