Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies on synchronously dividing cultures of Euglena gracilis Klebs (strain Z). I. Attainment and characterization of rhythmic cell division.

Euglena gracilis Klebs (strain Z) was grown synchronously on an aerated, inorganic salt medium at 25°C under a LD: 16, 8 or LD: 14, 10 light-dark cycle (light intensity of 3,500 lux). In either cycle balanced growth occurred with a doubling of cell number every 24 hr. until limiting conditions of light intensity were reached, due to mutual shading, at about 1.0 – 1.5 × 105 cells/ml. An increase of light intensity to 7,000 lux permitted balanced growth to occur to higher cell concentrations, but with no significant change in generation time. With both photofractions, the fission burst during any given cycle began 13–14 hr after the onset of the light period and continued for about 9–11 hour. Synchrony was slightly greater in the LD: 14, 10 cycle with division confined almost entirely to the dark period; this regime was later adopted for metabolic studies. Synchronous cell division was lost in continuous bright light (3,500 or 7,000 lux), continuous darkness, and in some continuous dim light regimes. The addition of certain organic substrates to the medium resulted in a breakdown of synchrony also, and logarithmic growth ensued. The generation time of cells in either continuous bright light, or with ethanol (0.006 M) and a LD cycle was 11–12 hr.
Synergy of very high resolution optical and radar data for object-based olive grove mapping

This study investigates the potential of very high resolution (VHR) optical and radar data for olive grove landscape mapping. VHR data were fed into a four-step processing chain performing an object-based land-use classification. The four steps included (i) image segmentation, (ii) object feature calculation, (iii) object-based classification and (iv) land-use map evaluation. First, the optical (ADS40) and radar (RAMSES SAR and TerraSAR-X) data were applied to the processing chain separately. As supported by two segmentation evaluation measures, the stand purity index (PI) and the potential mapping accuracy (PMA), the optical data thereby led to a significantly better segmentation and a more accurate olive cover map (Kruskal–Wallis test, ). Second, synergy models were developed combining data from the different sensors at different stages of the object-based classification process, namely, (1) during the segmentation step, (2) during the feature calculation step and (3) after the object classification step. The combined use of features from the different sensors resulted in a considerable improvement in mapping accuracy, with correctly classified objects supported by high probabilities. The assessment of feature importance revealed that optical data were most important for successful object-based olive grove mapping; however, features related to object shape and texture of the radar imagery added to its success. Comparison of the object-based synergy model with a pixel-based synergy model indicated a limited classification improvement. This research showed that the integrated use of VHR optical and radar data is appropriate in an object-based classification framework, leading towards more accurate olive grove landscape mapping.
Genome Sequences of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Infantis Strains from Broiler Chicks in Hungary

ABSTRACT Three strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis isolated from healthy broiler chickens from 2012 to 2013 have been sequenced. Comparison of these and previously published S. Infantis genome sequences of broiler origin in 1996 and 2004 will provide new insight into the genome evolution and recent spread of S. Infantis in poultry.
Quantitative Mineral Assessment of Apatite, Calcite/Dolomite, and Phlogopite Powder Mixtures by Using VSWIR Reflectance

Quantitative assessment of mineral powders made from mono/two-mineral blocks sampled from the Siilinjarvi apatite ore deposit is the target of this paper. The blocks were composed of apatite, calcite/dolomite, and phlogopite. The blocks were powdered and mixed into a set of 21 well-documented mixtures. Their visible to short-wave infrared (VSWIR) reflectance spectra were recorded by using the FieldSpecFR Spectrometer. Linear unconstrained unmixing of the spectra resulted in highly biased estimates in spite of the fact that the mean absolute residual error of the unmixing was very small. The bias, which is actually induced by camouflage between mineral classes, could approximately be removed by a polynomial function. This resulted in unbiased estimates for apatite calcite/dolomite and phlogopite. Best results were obtained when the wavelengths were limited to the SWIR area only. This two-part procedure consisting of the linear unmixing and the camouflage correction gives one more aspect to subpixel classification. Training data are given not only for the classes but also for their interaction. In this paper, the mean absolute residual error of the estimated volumetric fractions of apatite, calcite/dolomite, and phlogopite from the spectra was 1.32%, which is smaller than the result in the previous VSWIR studies concerning the assessment of mineral powders. This reflectance method offers a very quick tool for several mineral-related applications.
Oncolytic Vesicular Stomatitis Virus as a Viro-Immunotherapy: Defeating Cancer with a “Hammer” and “Anvil”

Oncolytic viruses have gained much attention in recent years, due, not only to their ability to selectively replicate in and lyse tumor cells, but to their potential to stimulate antitumor immune responses directed against the tumor. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a negative-strand RNA virus, is under intense development as an oncolytic virus due to a variety of favorable properties, including its rapid replication kinetics, inherent tumor specificity, and its potential to elicit a broad range of immunomodulatory responses to break immune tolerance in the tumor microenvironment. Based on this powerful platform, a multitude of strategies have been applied to further improve the immune-stimulating potential of VSV and synergize these responses with the direct oncolytic effect. These strategies include: 1. modification of endogenous virus genes to stimulate interferon induction; 2. virus-mediated expression of cytokines or immune-stimulatory molecules to enhance anti-tumor immune responses; 3. vaccination approaches to stimulate adaptive immune responses against a tumor antigen; 4. combination with adoptive immune cell therapy for potentially synergistic therapeutic responses. A summary of these approaches will be presented in this review.
Nerves projecting from the intrinsic cardiac ganglia of the pulmonary veins modulate sinoatrial node pacemaker function.

AIMS Pulmonary vein ganglia (PVG) are targets for atrial fibrillation ablation. However, the functional relevance of PVG to the normal heart rhythm remains unclear. Our aim was to investigate whether PVG can modulate sinoatrial node (SAN) function. METHODS AND RESULTS Forty-nine C57BL and seven Connexin40+/EGFP mice were studied. We used tyrosine-hydroxylase (TH) and choline-acetyltransferase immunofluorescence labelling to characterize adrenergic and cholinergic neural elements. PVG projected postganglionic nerves to the SAN, which entered the SAN as an extensive, mesh-like neural network. PVG neurones were adrenergic, cholinergic, and biphenotypic. Histochemical characterization of two human embryonic hearts showed similarities between mouse and human neuroanatomy: direct neural communications between PVG and SAN. In Langendorff perfused mouse hearts, PVG were stimulated using 200-2000 ms trains of pulses (300 μs, 400 µA, 200 Hz). PVG stimulation caused an initial heart rate (HR) slowing (36 ± 9%) followed by acceleration. PVG stimulation in the presence of propranolol caused HR slowing (43 ± 13%) that was sustained over 20 beats. PVG stimulation with atropine progressively increased HR. Time-course effects were enhanced with 1000 and 2000 ms trains (P < 0.05 vs. 200 ms). In optical mapping, PVG stimulation shifted the origin of SAN discharges. In five paroxysmal AF patients undergoing pulmonary vein ablation, application of radiofrequency energy to the PVG area during sinus rhythm produced a decrease in HR similar to that observed in isolated mouse hearts. CONCLUSION PVG have functional and anatomical biphenotypic characteristics. They can have significant effects on the electrophysiological control of the SAN.
Demoralization or clinical depression? Enhancing understandings of psychological distress in resettled refugees and migrants

The concept of demoralization has always been controversial. Some question its value while others claim its usefulness in explaining non-specific psychological distress. This study used a set of standardised self-report scales including a Demoralisation Scale (DS) to examine the degree of psychological distress among a sample of 100 resettled refugees and migrant people from refugee-like backgrounds residing in Australia and New Zealand. A primary aim of the study was to determine whether demoralisation might offer a more relevant diagnosis than clinical depression for this population. A second aim was to explore whether clinical and non-clinical cohorts demonstrated similar rates of demoralization, and how other factors associated with forced migration and resettlement affected these rates. It was not possible to determine a clear distinction between symptoms of depression and demoralization, however, in cases of minimal or mild depression, it appears the DS may have applicability as a measure of non-specific distress that spans a spectrum from mild disheartenment through to total despondency.
Built Environment and Lower Extremity Physical Performance

Objectives: We examined the association between walkability of the built environment and changes in physical performance among women aged 65 or older (n = 1,671, 253 neighborhoods). Method: Street connectivity and street density, markers for neighborhood walkability, were assessed through linkage to secondary data sources. Physical performance was measured with timed-walk and chair-stand tests assessed during follow-up visits about every 2 years for 12 to 14 years. Multilevel models predicted change in physical performance, controlling for age, number of incident comorbidities, self-rated health, and death during follow-up. Results: Overall, physical performance declined during follow-up (p < .001). Neighborhood walkability had no effect on change in physical performance among women who reported not walking at baseline. However, among women who walked, greater neighborhood walkability was associated with a slower decline in dynamic leg strength, indicated by score on chair stand. Discussion: Neighborhood walkability may protect against decline in physical performance.
Influence of prolonged dalteparin treatment on coagulation, fibrinolysis and inflammation in unstable coronary artery disease

Background. Unstable coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multi‐factorial disease involving thrombotic and inflammatory processes. Short‐term low molecular weight (LMW) heparin treatment reduces coagulation activity and clinical events. We investigated the influence of prolonged treatment on coagulation, fibrinolysis and inflammation.
Combining ability, heterosis and inbreeding depression analysis for using CMS lines in long duration Pigeonpea

Evaluation of 26 F1 hybrids were involving two CMS lines and 13 restorers/testers in line × tester fashion, data recorded on ten agronomical characters. The four cross combinations viz., ICPA 2043 × Azad, ICPA 2043 × ICPR 4105, ICPA 2092 × ICPR 3760 and ICPA 2092 × MA 6, exhibited significantly high SCA effects for seed yield and the parents involved having high × high and low × low GCA effects. The four hybrids viz., ICPA 2043 × Asha, ICPA 2092 × Asha, ICPA 2043 × Azad and ICPA 2043 × ICPR 4105 showed good heterosis, MPH, BPH and EH, over commercial variety i.e. MAL 13 as well as inbreeding depression. Further, two hybrids (ICPA 2043 × Azad and ICPA 2043 × Asha) could manage to out yield the check, MAL 13, significantly with the margin of > 20 % and thus may be exploited for heterosis breeding in pigeonpea.
Competitive exclusion by autologous antibodies can prevent broad HIV-1 antibodies from arising

Significance Broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV have recently been discovered, but their highly mutated nature and late emergence in infection make it difficult to infer how they arose. As a step to understanding their development, we investigate antibody–virus coevolution, using a mathematical model. Here we find that broadly neutralizing antibodies in principle may arise earlier and be less mutated, but that competition between broad responses and initial autologous antibody responses delays their emergence. It may be possible to reduce this competition and elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies earlier than previously thought by using a vaccine with diverse viral strains. The past decade has seen the discovery of numerous broad and potent monoclonal antibodies against HIV type 1 (HIV-1). Eliciting these antibodies via vaccination appears to be remarkably difficult, not least because they arise late in infection and are highly mutated relative to germline antibody sequences. Here, using a computational model, we show that broad antibodies could in fact emerge earlier and be less mutated, but that they may be prevented from doing so as a result of competitive exclusion by the autologous antibody response. We further find that this competitive exclusion is weaker in infections founded by multiple distinct strains, with broadly neutralizing antibodies emerging earlier than in infections founded by a single strain. Our computational model simulates coevolving multitype virus and antibody populations. Broadly neutralizing antibodies may therefore be easier for the adaptive immune system to generate than previously thought. If less mutated broad antibodies exist, it may be possible to elicit them with a vaccine containing a mixture of diverse virus strains.
Effects of Pre-or Post-Exercise Low-Level Laser Therapy ( 830 nm ) on Skeletal Muscle Fatigue and Biochemical Markers of Recovery in Humans : Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) before and after exercise on quadriceps muscle performance, and to evaluate the changes in serum lactate and creatine kinase (CK) levels. Methods: The study was randomized, double blind, and placebo controlled. Patients: A sample of 27 healthy volunteers (male soccer players) were divided into three groups: placebo, pre-fatigue laser, and post-fatigue laser. The experiment was performed in two sessions, with a 1 week interval between them. Subjects performed two sessions of stretching followed by blood collection (measurement of lactate and CK) at baseline and after fatigue of the quadriceps by leg extension. LLLT was applied to the femoral quadriceps muscle using an infrared laser device (830 nm), 0.0028 cm beam area, six 60 mW diodes, energy of 0.6 J per diode (total energy to each limb 25.2 J (50.4 J total), energy density 214.28 J/cm, 21.42 W/cm power density, 70 sec per leg. We measured the time to fatigue and number and maximum load (RM) of repetitions tolerated. Number of repetitions and time until fatigue were primary outcomes, secondary outcomes included serum lactate levels (measured before and 5, 10, and 15 min after exercise), and CK levels (measured before and 5 min after exercise). Results: The number of repetitions ( p = 0.8965), RM ( p = 0.9915), and duration of fatigue ( p = 0.8424) were similar among the groups. Post-fatigue laser treatment significantly decreased the serum lactate concentration relative to placebo treatment ( p < 0.01) and also within the group over time (after 5 min vs. after 10 and 15 min, p < 0.05 both). The CK level was lower in the post-fatigue laser group ( p < 0.01). Conclusions: Laser application either before or after fatigue reduced the post-fatigue concentrations of serum lactate and CK. The results were more pronounced in the post-fatigue laser group.
Cerebral and somatic venous oximetry in adults and infants

Background: The development in the last decade of noninvasive, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) analysis of tissue hemoglobin saturation in vivo has provided a new and dramatic tool for the management of hemodynamics, allowing early detection and correction of imbalances in oxygen delivery to the brain and vital organs. Description: The theory and validation of NIRS and its clinical use are reviewed. Studies are cited documenting tissue penetration and response to various physiologic and pharmacologic mechanisms resulting in changes in oxygen delivery and blood flow to the organs and brain as reflected in the regional hemoglobin oxygen saturation (rSO2). The accuracy of rSO2 readings and the clinical use of NIRS in cardiac surgery and intensive care in adults, children and infants are discussed. Conclusions: Clinical studies have demonstrated that NIRS can improve outcome and enhance patient management, avoiding postoperative morbidities and potentially preventing catastrophic outcomes.
Correlation between ex Vivo Receptor Occupancy and Wake-Promoting Activity of Selective H3 Receptor Antagonists

The histamine H3 receptor (H3R) modulates the release of neurotransmitters that are involved in vigilance, cognition, and sleep-wake regulation. H3R antagonism has been proposed as a novel approach to the treatment of cognitive and attention deficit as well as sleep disorders. It is apparent that H3R antagonists produce pharmacological effects in preclinical animal models across a wide dose range. Several H3R antagonists were reported to be effective at producing cognitive enhancing effects at low doses, while producing robust wake enhancement at higher doses. To better understand the effect of H3R antagonists across a broad dose range, an ex vivo receptor binding assay has been used to estimate the degree of H3R occupancy in vivo. The H3R antagonists ciproxifan, thioperamide, GSK189254 (6-[(3-cyclobutyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepin-7-yl)oxy]-N-methyl-3-pyridinecarboxamide hydrochloride), and ABT-239 ([4-(2-{2-[(2R)-2-methylpyrrolidinyl]ethyl}-benzofuran-5-yl)benzonitrile) produced wake-promoting activity in vivo and a dose-dependent inhibition of H3R binding ex vivo. For ciproxifan, thioperamide, and GSK189254, a relatively low level of cumulative wake activity was linearly correlated with up to 80% of the receptor occupancy. In contrast, an abrupt break from linearity and a robust increase of waking activity was observed at doses that produce greater than 80% occupancy. Our results suggest a relatively small increase of waking activity at low levels of receptor occupancy that may be consistent with reported enhancement of attention and cognitive function. Robust waking activity at higher levels of H3R occupancy may be mechanistically different from activities at low levels of H3R occupancy.
Impact on alcohol-related mortality of a rapid rise in the density of private liquor outlets in British Columbia: a local area multi-level analysis.

AIMS To study relationships between rates of alcohol-related deaths and (i) the density of liquor outlets and (ii) the proportion of liquor stores owned privately in British Columbia (BC) during a period of rapid increase in private stores. DESIGN Multi-level regression analyses assessed the relationship between population rates of private liquor stores and alcohol-related mortality after adjusting for potential confounding. SETTING The 89 local health areas of BC, Canada across a 6-year period from 2003 to 2008, for a longitudinal sample with n = 534. MEASUREMENTS Population rates of liquor store density, alcohol-related death and socio-economic variables obtained from government sources. FINDINGS The total number of liquor stores per 1000 residents was associated significantly and positively with population rates of alcohol-related death (P < 0.01). A conservative estimate is that rates of alcohol-related death increased by 3.25% for each 20% increase in private store density. The percentage of liquor stores in private ownership was also associated independently with local rates of alcohol-related death after controlling for overall liquor store density (P < 0.05). Alternative models confirmed significant relationships between changes in private store density and mortality over time. CONCLUSIONS The rapidly rising densities of private liquor stores in British Columbia from 2003 to 2008 was associated with a significant local-area increase in rates of alcohol-related death.
Semileptonic meson decays in the quark model: An update.

The authors present the predictions of ISGW2, an update of the ISGW quark model for semileptonic meson decays. The updated model incorporates a number of features which should make it more reliable, including the constraints imposed by Heavy Quark Symmetry, hyperfine distortions of wave-functions, and form factors with more realistic high recoil behaviors.
Silk Fibroin/Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose Blended Films for Biotechnological Applications

The potential of silk protein is increased because of its importance as natural biopolymer for biotechnological and biomedical applications. The main disadvantage of silk fibroin films is their high brittleness. Thus, we studied blends of fibroin with other polymers to improve the film properties. Considering the possible applications of films in biomedical applications, we used a natural and biodegradable polymer as the second component. This study reports the fabrication and characterization of mulberry silk protein fibroin and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) blended films as potential substrates for in vitro cell culture. The blended films are investigated of their chemical interactions, morphologies, thermal, mechanical properties in addition to its swelling properties and biocompatibility. The addition of NaCMC improves the elasticity of fibroin films and its thermal properties. The change of morphology, swelling behavior and increase of surface roughness of the films were also observed in the blended films. The films become insoluble on alcohol treatment and are stable for longer duration in hydrolytic medium. The blended films are cytocompatible and supported adhesion and growth of mouse fibroblast cells. The results suggest that NaCMC blended silk fibroin films are found to be potential substratum for supporting cell adhesion and proliferation.
Exposure to biological maternal sounds improves cardiorespiratory regulation in extremely preterm infants

Objective: Preterm infants experience frequent cardiorespiratory events (CREs) including multiple episodes of apnea and bradycardia per day. This physiological instability is due to their immature autonomic nervous system and limited capacity for self-regulation. This study examined whether systematic exposure to maternal sounds can reduce the frequency of CREs in NICU infants. Methods: Fourteen preterm infants (26–32 weeks gestation) served as their own controls as we measured the frequency of adverse CREs during exposure to either Maternal Sound Stimulation (MSS) or Routine Hospital Sounds (RHS). MSS consisted of maternal voice and heartbeat sounds recorded individually for each infant. MSS was provided four times per 24-h period via a micro audio system installed in the infant’s bed. Frequency of adverse CREs was determined based on monitor data and bedside documentation. Results: There was an overall decreasing trend in CREs with age. Lower frequency of CREs was observed during exposure to MSS versus RHS. This effect was significantly evident in infants ≥33 weeks gestation (p = 0.03), suggesting an effective therapeutic window for MSS when the infant’s auditory brain development is most intact. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence for short-term improvements in the physiological stability of NICU infants using MSS. Future studies are needed to investigate the potential of this non-pharmacological approach and its clinical relevance to the treatment of apnea of prematurity.