Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Restriction Enzyme–Based Assay to Distinguish Between Avian Hemosporidians

We describe a reliable and relatively inexpensive method for detecting and differentiating between the commonly studied avian blood parasite genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon. The assay takes advantage of a Haemoproteus-specific restriction site identified by sequencing full mitochondrial genomes from two Haemoproteus and three Plasmodium lineages and an adjacent, genus-specific restriction site identified in Leucocytozoon spp. The assay was sensitive to simulated parasitemias of approximately 8 × 10−6 per erythrocyte and was 100% accurate in differentiating between parasite genera isolated from a broad geographical and taxonomic sampling of infected hosts.
Constant-Parameter Voltage-Behind-Reactance Induction Machine Model Including Main Flux Saturation

Interfacing of electrical machine models with ac power networks has a significant impact on numerical accuracy and efficiency in state-variable-based transient simulation programs. This paper continues the recent work in this area by proposing a new explicit constant-parameter voltage-behind-reactance (VBR) induction machine model that includes main flux saturation and allows a direct interface to any external network. The proposed model uses numerical approximations to achieve a decoupled interfacing circuit with constant RL branches that is easy to use in many simulation programs. Computer studies demonstrate that the proposed model provides high numerical accuracy for machines with a diverse range of parameters, even at fairly large integration step sizes.
Cell bodies of origin of reticular projections from the superior colliculus in the cat: An experimental study with the use of horseradish peroxidase as a tracer

By use of the retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), the projection from the superior colliculus (SC) to the brain stem reticular formation (RF) was investigated in the cat. A 0.2–0.5 μl of a 50% suspension of Sigma VI HRP was injected stereotactically in various portions of the pontomedullary RF, and, as a control to the injection to the RF, in the inferior olive or in the spinal cord.
Expression of the P2Y2 receptor in the terminal rectum of fetal rats with anorectal malformation.

OBJECTIVE The expression and distribution of a subtype of purine receptors (P2Y2) in the terminal rectum of fetal rats with anorectal malformations (ARM) were examined to investigate their possible impact on the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS). METHODS Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group (5 rats) and an experimental group (20 rats). The experimental group was treated with ethylene thiourea (ETU). On gestational day 20, the intrauterine fetal rats were collected from both groups of pregnant rats. Sagittal sections of the pelvic perinea were stained with HE. P2Y2 protein and mRNA expression in the terminal recta of the fetal rats in the control group, the ARM group, and the ETU-treated group that exhibited no malformations (the ETU group) were detected by immunohistochemistry, western blot, and qRT-PCR. RESULTS The fetal rats in the control group showed normal position of the anal opening, with no malformation. The incidence of ARM was 89.2% for the fetal rats in the experimental group. The immunohistochemistry results showed that P2Y2 was expressed in the cytoplasm of the cells in the terminal rectum submucosa and myenteric plexus of the fetus rats in the control group, the ETU group, and the ARM group. The average integrated optical density (IOD) value for the ARM group was significantly lower than the IOD value for the control and ETU groups (186.48 ± 23.03 vs. 493.18 ± 19.70; 186.48 ± 23.03 vs. 479.48 ± 41.71, P<0.01), while the IOD value for the ETU group was comparable to the control group IOD (493.18 ± 19.70 vs. 479.48 ± 41.71, P = 0.360). The western blot and qRT-PCR results showed that the P2Y2 protein and mRNA expressions were significantly lower in the terminal rectum of the fetal rats in the ARM group than in the control and ETU groups (0.28 ± 0.08 vs. 0.51 ± 0.10, 0.28 ± 0.08 vs. 0.48 ± 0.12; 48.91 ± 12.17 vs. 98.03 ± 15.68, 48.91 ± 12.17 vs. 92.53 ± 10.43; P<0.01), while the P2Y2 protein and mRNA levels in the control group were comparable to the ETU group (0.51 ± 0.10 vs. 0.48 ± 0.12, P = 0.494; 98.03 ± 15.68 vs. 92.53 ± 10.43, P = 0.058). CONCLUSION P2Y2 may participate in and affect the development of ENS in the terminal rectum of fetal rats with ARM.
Relation between morbidity and current treatment in patients who present with acute asthma to polyclinics.

BACKGROUND It has been suggested that resources for asthma intervention should be focused mainly on patients in the community who experience a high burden of disease. These are who patients who have acute exacerbations which require urgent treatment. AIM To assess the morbidity and identify deficiencies in the treatment of patients who present for urgent treatment of acute exacerbations to primary care clinics. PATIENTS Adult patients who received urgent treatment for acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma SETTING 4 primary care polyclinics. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of consecutive patients which related regular preventive treatment to current asthma activity. Poor asthma control was defined as step 2 or higher (American National Asthma Education and Prevention Program, report II, 1997) or > or = 2 emergency room visits in 6 months. RESULTS There were 116 patients of whom 53% were women. The mean (SD) age was 45(15) years and duration of current exacerbation 3 (3) days. The acute symptoms were successfully treated in 93% of patients. Quick relief medication was used regularly in 91% and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in 55%. Oral salbutamol was prescribed in 14% of patients. The asthma was poorly controlled in 54%. In the poorly controlled group 33% were not on regular ICS treatment and 64% were not receiving "add on" medication. CONCLUSIONS Patients treated for acute asthma in primary care clinics: (1) were older and had less acutely severe exacerbations than those who presented to emergency rooms, (2) over half had poorly controlled asthma and (3) a third of patients with poor asthma control were inadequately treated.
Parathyroid hormone responses during spontaneous hypocalcemia and induced hypercalcemia in cows.

Immunoreactive parathyroid hormone, calcium, and magnesium concentrations were measured on plasma samples collected from 19 cows before, during and after parturition. Hypocalcemia associated with parturition was accompanied by a sharp rise in plasma parathyroid hormone concentration to an apparent plateau of maximum concentration which persisted over a calcium concentration range of 8 to 3 mg/100 ml. In cows with severe hypocalcemia, clinical signs were alleviated by intravenous calcium administration which induced hypercalcemia and a rapid decline of plasma parathyroid hormone (t½ of 2 to 4 min) to a basal concentration which approximated the level in the normocalcemic range. The attainment of maximal parathyroid hormone concentration prior to the nadir of hypocalcemia could not be ascribed to an inhibitory effect on parathyroid secretory rate by plasma magnesium which was inversely related to plasma calcium. The sigmoid nature of the relationship between plasma parathyroid hormone and divalent cation (c.
An expose of Zenneck waves and surface plasmon polaritons

In this paper, the distinction between Zenneck waves and surface plasmon polaritons is illustrated. Both are evanescent waves. The surface plasmon needs to be excited by an electron beam which can be effectively generated by a source of electrons or a quasiparticle like an evanescent wave which can tunnel through the medium and thus excite the electrons. This electron wave produces its own electromagnetic wave. Hence, the surface plasmon propagates at the interface between a metal and a dielectric at petahertz frequencies when the conditions are right. The Zenneck waves are produced at the zero of the reflection coefficient of an incident TM wave on an air-dielectric interface whereas the surface wwaves related to the surface plasmons are produced when the reflection coefficient is infinite. For the Zenneck wave, the evanescent transverse field components do not change appreciably with frequency as the Brewster phenomenon occurring at the zero of the TM reflection coefficient is independent of frequency, whereas for a surface plasmon, with an increase of the frequency, the surface wave is more closely coupled to the surface.
Impact of Second Stage Surgery on Bone Remodeling Around New Hybrid Titanium Implants: A Prospective Clinical Study in Humans

Objective: The present prospective study aimed to more precisely identify the time points of bone changes around hybrid titanium implants up to 30 months of follow-up. Materials and Methods: Twelve hybrid T3 implants (Biomet 3i) were placed in 9 healthy patients with the 2-stage surgical approach. Standardized digital Rx were taken at implant insertion (T0); healing-abutment connection after 3.1 ± 0.2 weeks (TX); loading stage after 7.5 ± 0.6 weeks (T1); after 12 months (T2); and after 30 months (T3) of functional loading. The marginal bone loss was digitally measured. Results: The mean marginal bone loss was 0.76 ± 0.37 mm after 30 months. More than 60% (0.42 ± 0.29 mm) of the bone loss took place at healing-abutment connection (TX–T1). No statistically significant bone loss was found between T1–T2 and T2–T3, after 12 and 30 months, respectively. Approximately 40% of bone loss (0.34 mm) was noted between T1 and T3 (P < 0.05), which corresponds to the loading period. Conclusions: The implant-oral environment connection represents a critical step point in crestal bone loss. The amount of marginal bone loss, measured after 30 months of loading (T1–T3), was much less than that reported in the literature, showing that correct loading has a minor impact on the periimplant bone remodeling as compared to surgical implant reopening.
Nonlocal Problem for Fractional Evolution Equations of Mixed Type with the Measure of Noncompactness

A general class of semilinear fractional evolution equations of mixed type with nonlocal conditions on infinite dimensional Banach spaces is concerned. Under more general conditions, the existence of mild solutions and positive mild solutions is obtained by utilizing a new estimation technique of the measure of noncompactness and a new fixed point theorem with respect to convex-power condensing operator.
Genetic Variability of the Heme Uptake System among Different Strains of the Fish Pathogen Vibrio anguillarum: Identification of a New Heme Receptor

ABSTRACT The ability to utilize heme compounds as iron sources was investigated in Vibrio anguillarum strains belonging to serotypes O1 to O10. All strains, regardless of their serotype or isolation origin could utilize hemin and hemoglobin as sole iron sources. Similarly, all of the isolates could bind hemin and Congo red, and this binding was mediated by cell envelope proteins. PCR and Southern hybridization were used to assay the occurrence of heme transport genes huvABCD, which have been previously described in serotype O1. Of 23 strains studied, two serotype O3 isolates proved negative for all huvABCD genes, whereas nine strains included in serotypes O2, O3, O4, O6, O7, and O10 tested negative for the outer membrane heme receptor gene huvA. A gene coding for a novel outer membrane heme receptor was cloned and characterized in a V. anguillarum serotype O3 strain lacking huvA. The new heme receptor, named HuvS, showed significant similarity to other outer membrane heme receptors described in Vibrionaceae, but little homology (39%) to HuvA. This heme receptor was present in 9 out of 11 of the V. anguillarum strains that tested negative for HuvA. Furthermore, complementation experiments demonstrated that HuvS could substitute for the HuvA function in Escherichia coli and V. anguillarum mutants. The huvS and huvA sequences alignment, as well as the analysis of their respective upstream and downstream DNA sequences, suggest that horizontal transfer and recombination might be responsible for generating this genetic diversity.
Aldose Reductase and Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Are Associated with Epididymosomes and Spermatozoa in the Bovine Epididymis1

Abstract During the epididymal transit, mammalian spermatozoa acquire new surface proteins necessary for male gamete function. We have previously shown that membranous vesicles, called epididymosomes, interact with spermatozoa allowing the transfer of some proteins to sperm surface within the epididymal lumen. The protein composition of those vesicles has been investigated to document the mechanisms of protein transfer from epididymosomes to spermatozoa. Electrophoretic analysis revealed that protein composition is different from the epididymal soluble compartment as well as from similar vesicles present in the semen. Protein association with epididymosome is very strong as revealed by resistance to extraction with detergent. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight as well as immunodetection techniques have been used to identify some proteins associated to epididymosomes and spermatozoa. An aldose reductase known for its 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and the cytokine (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) have been identified. These two proteins have been immunolocalized in principal cells of the epididymal epithelium, a more intense signal being detected in the distal epididymal segment as well as in the vas deferens. Database search revealed that these two proteins are characterized by the lack of a signal peptide. These results are discussed with regard to a possible apocrine mode of secretion of these proteins acquired by spermatozoa during the epididymal transit.
Comparison of operational characteristics for binary tests with clustered data

Although statistical methodology is well‐developed for comparing diagnostic tests in terms of their sensitivity and specificity, comparative inference about predictive values is not. In this paper, we consider the analysis of studies comparing operating characteristics of two diagnostic tests that are measured on all subjects and have test outcomes from multiple sites with varying number of sites among subjects. We have developed a new approach for comparing sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value with simple variance calculation and, in particular, focus on comparing tests using difference of positive and negative predictive values. Simulation studies are conducted to show the performance of our approach. We analyze real data on patients with lung cancer, based on their diagnostic tests, to illustrate the methodology. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resection of rectal GIST using a novel technique: a report of two cases

Rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are uncommon tumours and usually present with large sizes. We present two cases of rectal GIST. Imatinib was used in the setting of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy. Both tumours were resected transanally by the transanal endoscopic operation (TEO) platform. Oncosurgeons are recommended to implement sphincter-sparing surgeries for these cases.
Polymeric ocular hydrogels and ophthalmic inserts for controlled release of timolol maleate

Background: Ophthalmic drug delivery systems are the challenging subject for the researchers because of delicate nature of ocular membrane and preventive barriers leading to less than 1 % of Bioavailability. Reasons for reduced bioavailability are due to rapid pre corneal elimination, tear turnover, lacrimal drainage, blinking and degradation by enzymes. Less bioavailability causes short duration of action and increased frequency of administration. Materials and Methods: Timolol maleate was used as model drug. Dynamic drug release studies were used to study the polymeric hydrogels and ophthalmic inserts. Rheological studies were carried out by Brookfield Viscometer LVDV- II+. Result and Discussion: Viscosity value lies in the range of 4.08 to 31.8 cps. Drug release data was fitted to various kinetic equations such as First order plots, Higuchi plots, Peppa's exponential plots. The results shows fairly linear curve and the slope value of the Peppa's equation is less than 0.5 and hence follows the fickian diffusion. Conclusion: The developed hydrogels and inserts were therapeutically effacious, stable, non irritant and provide a sustained release of drug over 8 hours time period.
Renal Function During an Open-Label Prospective Observational Trial of Sitagliptin in Patients With Diabetes: A Sub-Analysis of the JAMP Study

Background The aim of the study was to determine the effects of sitagliptin on renal function in a diabetic population including patients with normal renal function. Methods We analyzed the association between 12-month, 50 mg/day sitagliptin and renal function in outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and poor blood glucose control in a subset of patients in the larger Januvia Multicenter Prospective Trial in Type 2 Diabetes observational study. Stratified analyses of changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were performed. Factors associated with changes in eGFR at 3 months were examined by multivariate regression analysis. Results Of the 779 patients enrolled, 585 were followed up for 12 months. eGFR decreased significantly from baseline at 3 and 12 months in patients with a baseline eGFR of ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and in those with a baseline eGFR of ≥ 60 to < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Conversely, eGFR tended to increase at 3 and 12 months in patients with a baseline eGFR of ≥ 45 to < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and in those with a baseline eGFR of ≥ 30 to < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2. UACR decreased significantly (-21.6 (-46.8, 7.8)) at 3 months in patients with a baseline UACR of ≥ 30 mg/g Cre. Multivariate regression analysis of factors associated with changes in eGFR at 3 months revealed that higher baseline eGFR and greater decline in UACR were associated with more conspicuous decreases in eGFR. Conclusions In this group of diabetic patients receiving sitagliptin, eGFR declined in patients with high baseline eGFR, but not in those with a low baseline eGFR.
Analysis of artificial multiplexed microwave holograms for beam splitting

Artificial or complex media have attracted much attention lately due to their controllable or reconfigurable properties that allow advanced applications in antenna systems where natural materials may not meet the requirements. A recent example of such structures is artificial microwave volume holograms (AMVHs) (Shaker, J., Electronics Lett., vol.39, p.1701-2, 2003; Zhu, W. et al., Microwave & Optical Tech. Lett., vol.43, no.5, p.390-4, 2004), where planar lattices of metallic disks are printed on dielectric slabs and the latter are cascaded to form a 3D lattice structure. Unlike conventional printed disk media or artificial dielectrics, AMVHs have periodically-varying-size patches at lattice nodes to simulate the effective permittivity modulations required as holograms. With AMVHs, many techniques based on the holographic concept in optics can be migrated into the microwave regime. The paper describes briefly the design of multiplexed AMVHs for electromagnetic beam splitting and combining. The scattering characteristics and beam splitting behavior are analyzed using both the dipole-dynamic-interaction and the coupled-wave theories. One of the potential applications of such devices is in spatial power combiners.
Adenoviral Gene Transfer of Nitric Oxide Synthase Increases Cerebral Blood Flow in Rats

OBJECTIVEDepletion of nitric oxide may play a role in the development of vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Replenishment of nitric oxide might be a useful treatment for vasospasm. Using rats, we performed intracisternal injections of replication-defective adenovirus containing the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene and determined the localization of and effect on cerebral blood flow of transgene expression. METHODSRats underwent baseline measurement of cortical cerebral blood flow using laser Doppler flowmetry. Replication-defective adenovirus containing the Escherichia coli LacZ gene (Ad327&bgr;-Gal, n = 2/time point) or the bovine eNOS gene (AdCD8-NOS, n = 4/time point) or physiological saline solution was injected into the cisterna magna. Cerebral blood flow was measured 1, 2, 4, 7, or 14 days later, and the animals were killed. Expression of &bgr;-galactosidase activity from the LacZ gene was examined by histochemical staining and that of eNOS was examined by polymerase chain reaction assays of messenger ribonucleic acid. Brains were histopathologically examined for inflammation. RESULTS&bgr;-Galactosidase activity was observed throughout the leptomeninges and in some cells in the adventitia of small subarachnoid blood vessels in the Ad327&bgr;-Gal-injected rats. Messenger ribonucleic acid for eNOS was detected in the leptomeninges and brainstem 1 and 2 days after injection of AdCD8-NOS. Rats injected with Ad327&bgr;-Gal or physiological saline solution exhibited decreased cerebral blood flow beginning 2 days after virus injection and lasting up to 14 days after injection. Rats injected with AdCD8-NOS developed significant transient increases in cerebral blood flow 2 days after virus injection, followed by slight decreases in blood flow. There was inflammation in the subarachnoid space of all animals; the inflammation was qualitatively worse in animals injected with Ad327&bgr;-Gal, compared with rats injected with AdCD8-NOS or saline solution. CONCLUSIONIntracisternal injection of replication-defective adenovirus containing the eNOS gene can transiently increase cerebral blood flow.
Synergistic interactions of a potyvirus and a phloem-limited crinivirus in sweet potato plants.

When infecting alone, Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV, genus Potyvirus) and Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV, genus Crinivirus) cause no or only mild symptoms (slight stunting and purpling), respectively, in the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. ). In the SPFMV-resistant cv. Tanzania, SPFMV is also present at extremely low titers, though plants are systemically infected. However, infection with both viruses results in the development of sweet potato virus disease (SPVD) characterized by severe symptoms in leaves and stunting of the plants. Data from this study showed that SPCSV remains confined to phloem and at a similar or slightly lower titer in the SPVD-affected plants, whereas the amounts of SPFMV RNA and CP antigen increase 600-fold. SPFMV was not confined to phloem, and the movement from the inoculated leaf to the upper leaves occurred at a similar rate, regardless of whether or not the plants were infected with SPCSV. Hence, resistance to SPFMV in cv. Tanzania was not based on restricted virus movement, neither did SPCSV significantly enhance the phloem loading or unloading of SPFMV. It is also noteworthy that SPVD is an unusual synergistic interaction in that the potyvirus component is not the cause of synergism but is the beneficiary. It is hypothesized that SPCSV is able to enhance the multiplication of SPFMV in tissues other than where it occurs itself, perhaps by interfering with systemic phloem-dependent signaling required in a resistance mechanism directed against SPFMV.
STREAM: the stanford stream data manager (demonstration description)

STREAM is a general-purpose relational Data Stream Management System (DSMS). STREAM supports a declarative query language and flexible query execution plans. It is designed to cope with high data rates and large numbers of continuous queries through careful resource allocation and use, and by degrading gracefully to approximate answers as necessary. A description of language design, algorithms, system design, and implementation as of late 2002 can be found in [3]. The demonstration focuses on two aspects: