Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lack of aldose 1-epimerase in Hypocrea jecorina (anamorph Trichoderma reesei): A key to cellulase gene expression on lactose

The heterodisaccharide lactose (1,4-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-d-glucose) induces cellulase formation in the ascomycete Hypocrea jecorina (= Trichoderma reesei). Lactose assimilation is slow, and the assimilation of its β-d-galactose moiety depends mainly on the operation of a recently described reductive pathway and depends less on the Leloir pathway, which accepts only α-d-galactose. We therefore reasoned whether galactomutarotase [aldose 1-epimerase (AEP)] activity might limit lactose assimilation and thus influence cellulase formation. We identified three putative AEP-encoding genes (aep1, aep2, aep3) in H. jecorina, of which two encoded intracellular protein (AEP1 and AEP2) and one encoded an extracellular protein (AEP3). Although all three were transcribed, only the aep3 transcript was detected on lactose. However, no mutarotase activity was detected in the mycelia, their cell walls, or the extracellular medium during growth on lactose. Therefore, the effect of galactomutarotase activity on lactose assimilation was studied with H. jecorina strains expressing the C-terminal galactose mutarotase part of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Gal10. These strains showed increased growth on lactose in a gene copy number-dependent manner, although their formation of extracellular β-galactosidase activity and transcription of the genes encoding the first steps in the Leloir and the reductive pathway was similar to the parental strain QM9414. Cellulase gene transcription on lactose dramatically decreased in these strains, but remained unaffected during growth on cellulose. Our data show that cellulase induction in H. jecorina by lactose requires the β-anomer of d-galactose and reveal the lack of mutarotase activity during growth on lactose as an important key for cellulase formation on this sugar.
The Brownian continuum random tree as the unique solution to a fixed point equation

© 2015, University of Washington. All rights reserved. In this note, we provide a new characterization of Aldous’ Brownian continuum random tree as the unique fixed point of a certain natural operation on continuum trees (which gives rise to a recursive distributional equation). We also show that this fixed point is attractive.
Marginal Structural Models for Comparing Alternative Treatment Strategies in Ophthalmology using Observational Data

Treatment of many conditions in ophthalmology involves an extended sequence of decisions over a period of time. For example, in managing glaucoma, a target intraocular pressure (IOP) may be selected, and a topical eye drop prescribed, after which the IOP is reassessed. If the IOP goal is not met using the one eye drop, another may be prescribed, and so on1. Failure to adequately control the IOP initially may lead to worsening of glaucoma as manifested by increased optic disk cupping and/or visual field loss, after which the target pressure may be revised further downward, and additional interventions considered. At each visit, a decision is made about whether or not to start a new treatment, or whether to stop an existing treatment. The goal of a clinician contemplating a series of decisions should be to choose the best available decision at each time or the best available strategy over time. Evaluation and comparison of such strategies using observational or non-experimental data is more difficult than the evaluation of simple one-time decisions or treatments, because of the complexities of characterizing the joint effects of a sequence of treatment decisions over time and adjusting for time-varying confounders in these settings.
Assessment of quality performance measures for primary percutaneous coronary intervention: A report from a tertiary referral centre in Switzerland

Aims: The present study aimed to document a local pattern of care in consecutive patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in a tertiary centre in Switzerland. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the University Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland. A total of 389 consecutive patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI between 2009 and 2010 were studied. The audit focused on 14 items derived from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association 2008 quality performance measures position paper on STEMI management. These indicators all corresponded to a class 1 recommendation at the time of the study period. Results: All patients received aspirin and anticoagulation within 24 hours after admission. Only 31.3% of patients received beta-blocking agents within 24 hours of admission. Left ventricular function was evaluated in 89.2% of cases and referral for cardiac rehabilitation was achieved in 78.5% of eligible patients. Patients subsequently transferred to another facility for further inpatient care had significantly less evaluation of left ventricular function (82.0% vs. 97.5%, P<0.0001). Global adherence to all performance measures was significantly higher among younger patients (45.9% vs. 31.4%, P<0.0075). Conclusions: The present study, which provides a snapshot on quality performance between 2009 and 2010 in a referral centre for primary percutaneous coronary intervention, demonstrates a suboptimal application of the global guidelines on STEMI management. This observation is mainly driven by a low prescription of beta-blocking agents, a class IA indication at that time. This observation should be put in perspective to current practice.
The Continental stove-tile fragments from St Mary Graces, London, in their British and European context

AbstractDuring excavations by the Museum of London on the site of St Mary Graces, London, a quantity of stove-tile fragments were found in the Dissolution and later deposits. Three fabric types are present, one tin-glazed and two lead-glazed, with sufficient fragments of each type to permit a hypothetical reconstruction of an entire stove. In all a minimum of twenty-five tiles is represented. Due to the international importance of these finds, they are discussed here in advance of the final excavation report, both within the context of the site itself, and in the wider social and art-historical context of the European tile-stove tradition. The tile fragments are also discussed with regard to their dating and origin, the conclusions drawn being backed up by scientific analyses which show that the tin-glazed tiles are almost certainly from the Netherlands; as such they form a hitherto unrecognized element of the early tin-glazed wares produced in the Low Countries. The lead-glazed tiles could also have been.
Evidence for a biphasic apoptotic pathway induced by melatonin in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells

Abstract: Previous investigations demonstrated that melatonin exerts an oncostatic action on estrogen‐responsive breast cancer, both in vitro and in vivo. Nevertheless, the pro‐apoptotic effect of melatonin is still a matter of debate. An experimental study was undertaken to focus on melatonin‐related apoptosis and to identify the apoptotic pathways involved. Whole cell‐count, flow‐cytometry analysis and proteins involved in apoptotic pathways [p53, p73, murine double minute 2 (MDM2), caspases‐9,‐7,‐6, cleaved‐poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), Bcl‐2, Bax and apoptotic inducing factor (AIF)] were investigated in human MCF‐7 breast cancer cells treated with physiological (1 nM) concentration of melatonin. Melatonin exerts a significant growth‐inhibitory effect on MCF‐7 cells, becoming evident after 72 hr and thereafter increasing linearly up to 144 hr. In this model, the growth‐inhibition is transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)‐dependent and it might be reversed by adding an anti‐TGFβ1 antibody. Melatonin induces a significant rise in apoptotic rate, at both 24 and 96 hr. The anti‐TGFβ1 antibody almost completely suppresses melatonin‐related late apoptosis; however, early apoptosis is unaffected. Early programmed cell death is associated with a significant increase in the p53/MDM2 ratio and in AIF release, without modifications in caspase activity or cleaved‐PARP levels. Activated caspases‐9 and ‐7 and cleaved‐PARP increased significantly at 96 hr, concomitantly with a down‐regulation of the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio. These data suggest that two distinct apoptotic processes are triggered by melatonin in MCF‐7 cells: an early, TGFβ1 and caspase‐independent response, and a late apoptotic TGFβ1‐dependent process in which activated‐caspase‐7 is likely to be the terminal effector.
Examinee abilities and task difficulty in task-based second language performance assessment

This article summarizes findings from investigations into the development and use of a prototype English language task-based performance test. Data included performances by 90 examinees on 13 complex and skills-integrativetasks, a priori estimations of examinee proficiency differences, a priori estimations of task difficulty based on cognitive processing demands, performance ratings according to task-specific as well as holistic scales and criteria, and examinee self-ratings. Findings indicated that the task-based test could inform intended inferences about examinees’ abilities to accomplish specific tasks as well as inferences about examinees’ likely abilities with a domain of tasks. Although a relationship between task difficulty estimates and examinee performances was observed, these estimates were not found to provide a trustworthy basis for inferring examinees’ likely abilities with other tasks. These findings, as well as study limitations, are further discussed in light of the intended uses for performance assessment within language education, and recommendations are made for needed research into the interaction between task features, cognitive processing and language performance.
Statistical Vs Rule Based Machine Translation; A Case Study on Indian Language Perspective

In this paper we present our work on a case study between Statistical Machien Transaltion (SMT) and Rule-Based Machine Translation (RBMT) systems on English-Indian langugae and Indian to Indian langugae perspective. Main objective of our study is to make a five way performance compariosn; such as, a) SMT and RBMT b) SMT on English-Indian langugae c) RBMT on English-Indian langugae d) SMT on Indian to Indian langugae perspective e) RBMT on Indian to Indian langugae perspective. Through a detailed analysis we describe the Rule Based and the Statistical Machine Translation system developments and its evaluations. Through a detailed error analysis, we point out the relative strengths and weaknesses of both systems. The observations based on our study are: a) SMT systems outperforms RBMT b) In the case of SMT, English to Indian language MT systmes performs better than Indian to English langugae MT systems c) In the case of RBMT, English to Indian langugae MT systems perofrms better than Indian to Englsih Language MT systems d) SMT systems performs better for Indian to Indian language MT systems compared to RBMT. Effectively, we shall see that even with a small amount of training corpus a statistical machine translation system has many advantages for high quality domain specific machine translation over that of a rule-based counterpart.
Molecular Analysis of Brazilian Infectious Bronchitis Field Isolates by Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, and Partial Sequencing of the N Gene

Abstract Molecular analysis of 15 Brazilian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) isolates, obtained from clinical outbreaks of the disease in chickens (broilers or layers) in the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil) between 1972 and 1989, is reported. Using the N protein gene as target, IBVs were analyzed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RT-PCR/RFLP) with the restriction enzymes AvaII, HphI, Sau96I, and Tsp509I and cDNA sequencing. Results obtained from those isolates were compared to 19 sequences available in GenBank. N gene RFLP profiles, cDNA sequences, and predicted amino acid composition were used for the construction of dendrograms. Brazilian isolates were grouped into one distinct group. Identity of predicted N protein amino acid composition varied from 45% (between isolates G and 208) up to 99% (PM1 and PM2), and, when compared to the other IBVs, the amino acid identity was from 42% (Q3/88 and G) up to 97% (D41 and PM1). The great genetic diversity was shown to occur before the official use of vaccination in Brazil and has remained thereafter.
Deportation Experiences of Women Who Inject Drugs in Tijuana, Mexico

Deportation from the United States for drug offenses is common, yet the consequences of deportation for women drug users are poorly documented. In 2008, in Tijuana, Mexico, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study of migration, deportation, and drug abuse by interviewing 12 Mexican injection-drug-using women reporting U.S. deportation. Women reported heavy drug use before and after deportation, but greater financial instability and physical danger following deportation than when in the United States. We identified an unmet need for health and social services among deported drug-using women, including HIV prevention, drug treatment, physical and mental health services, and vocational training. Binational coordination is needed to help deported women resettle in Mexico.
Histological differences between laser-assisted and suction-assisted lipoplasty aspirates - a comparative study.

INTRODUCTION The authors aimed to assess the histological differences between the traditional suction-assisted lipoplasty (SAL) and the more recently developed laser-assisted lipoplasty (LAL) aspirates, in a 20-case comparative study. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between March of 2011 and March of 2012, we operated on 20 healthy female patients seeking body contouring procedures of the abdomen, flanks and outer thighs, all having good to moderate skin tone and moderate to heavy adipose deposits and no previous treatment of the interested areas. After initial aspiration of a 100 mL sample of fat tissue through the SAL technique, we applied the LAL protocol, using a Lipolite device with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, again sampling the aspirate for histological study. RESULTS The analyzed samples revealed significant histological difference between the two aspirates: the adipose tissue architecture, after conducting the LAL procedure, appeared to be disrupted, consisting of deformed and ruptured fat cells surrounded by coagulation-modified collagen, small lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate, coagulated small blood vessel and intact nerves. In contrast, the cytological patterns of the adipose tissue after using the SAL technique resembled normal fat tissue structure. CONCLUSIONS Our study succeeded in demonstrating significant histological differences between SAL and LAL aspirates, many of which could explain certain disparities between the clinical outcomes of the two procedures.
Polynomial time solvable fault detection problems

A class of combinational circuits, called the (k,K)-circuits is presented, and a polynomial-time algorithm to detect any single or multiple stuckfault in such circuits is introduced. The (k,K)-circuits are a generalization of H. Fujiwara's (1988) K-bounded circuits. The fault detection problem is formulated as an energy minimization problem using the bidirectional neural net model proposed earlier. A minimizing point of the energy function corresponds to a test. A polynomial-time algorithm is presented here to solve the single and multiple fault-detection problem for the (k,K)-circuits by recursively eliminating variables in the energy function. <<ETX>>
Posición prono en síndrome de distress respiratorio agudo

Prone position in acute respiratory distress syndrome. P. Pelosi, L. Brazzi, L. Gattinoni. #ERS Journals Ltd 2002. ABSTRACT: In the last few years prone positioning has been used increasingly in the treatment of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and this manoeuvre is now considered a simple and safe method to improve oxygenation. However, the physiological mechanisms causing respiratory function improvement as well as the real clinical benefit are not yet fully understood. The aim of this review is to discuss the physiological and clinical effects of prone positioning in patients with ARDS. The main physiological aims of prone positioning are: 1) to improve oxygenation; 2) to improve respiratory mechanics; 3) to homogenise the pleural pressure gradient, the alveolar inflation and the ventilation distribution; 4) to increase lung volume and reduce the amount of atelectatic regions; 5) to facilitate the drainage of secretions; and 6) to reduce ventilator-associated lung injury. According to the available data, the authors conclude that: 1) oxygenation improves iny70-80% of patients with early acute respiratory distress syndrome; 2) the beneficial effects of oxygenation reduce after 1 week of mechanical ventilation; 3) the aetiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome may markedly affect the response to prone positioning; 4) extreme care is necessary when the manoeuvre is performed; 5) pressure sores are frequent and related to the number of pronations; 6) the supports used to prone and during positioning are different and nonstandardised among centres; and 7) intensive care unit and hospital stay and mortality still remain high despite prone positioning. Eur Respir J 2002; 20: 1017-1028.
The Role of Oxidants and Antioxidants in Generalized Vitiligo

Oxidative stress may be induced by increasing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other free radicals. The generation of ROS is known to be associated with a decrease in antioxidant levels. In the present study, the role of oxidative stress was assessed in the pathogenesis of generalized vitiligo. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and glutathione (GSH) levels in erythrocytes and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were investigated in 24 patients with generalized vitiligo and 20 healthy controls. Our results indicated that significantly increased levels of erythrocyte SOD, serum MDA, and NO were associated with a marked reduction of erythrocyte GSH‐Px and GSH activities in patients with generalized vitiligo (p<0.05). Our observations suggest that the presence of an imbalance in the oxidant‐antioxidant system might play a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Our results further support the concept that free radical‐mediated damage may be the initial pathogenic event in melanocyte degeneration in generalized vitiligo.
Palogordo: La prehistoria de Santander en los Andes Orientales

Dentro del marco del proyecto de investigaciones arqueologicas en el area Guane, realizado a partir de 1980 por Arturo Vargas Escobar y Gilberto Cadavid Camargo, se localizo el sitio arqueologico de Palogordo en la ve red a de El Espinal, municipio de Villanueva, departamento de Santander hacia finales de 1981. Las excavaciones se efectuaron en dos temporadas en los meses de abril (Palogord o 1) y julio-agosto (Palogordo 11 y III) en 1982. El sitio esta localizado sobre una terraza aluvial dentro del gran canon del rio Chicamocha, muy cerca de la confluencia de este con el Suarez, a una al tura aproximad a de 1.080 m sobre el nivel del mar, en las siguientes coordenadas aproximadas: longitud 730 13' oeste.
Simple Crack Models Explain Deformation Induced by Subduction Zone Megathrust Earthquakes

Following the 2010 Maule and 2011 Tohoku earthquakes, many studies have examined the relation between megathrust earthquakes and subsequent deformation. Here, we apply simple models based on mode II shear cracks, including approximated effects of the free surface to study induced deformation during coseismic and early postseismic stages. We distinguish between buried and surface ruptures represented by a full‐crack and a half‐crack model, respectively. We adopt an analogy‐based approach to interpret the half‐crack model from well‐known results of the full‐crack model, which is also validated by our numerical simulations. With transferable knowledge between the two models, we provide easy ways to understand (1) the contrasting deformation patterns in the frontal wedge of the overriding plate between buried ruptures and surface ruptures, (2) the correlation between triggered outer‐rise normal faulting and surface ruptures, and (3) the similar deformation patterns for both buried and surface ruptures toward the down‐dip end, with a preference for normal faulting in the overriding plate and for reverse faulting in the subducting plate. These model outcomes are consistent with several recent observations on aftershocks and veins in a paleoaccretionary wedge. We further investigate some important transient features during rupture propagation which show that a transition from compressional to extensional deformation in the frontal wedge of the overriding plate is possible even during a single rupture event. Our work provides alternative views for understanding various aspects of subduction zone megathrust earthquakes and raises the issue of important transient features that were typically ignored in previous studies.
Syphilis treatment in the presence of HIV: the debate goes on

Purpose of review Benzathine Penicillin G has been used to treat syphilis for over 50 years; however, the precise regimen of penicillin for treatment of syphilis in HIV-positive individuals remains a hot topic of debate. Although international guidelines recommend the same treatment for syphilis, regardless of HIV status, there are inconsistencies in prescribing practices among clinicians. Recent findings Two previous systematic reviews have found limited evidence for enhanced treatment of syphilis in the presence of HIV. However, a growing body of literature indicates that the rate of asymptomatic neurosyphilis may be higher in HIV, and that syphilis infection is associated with poorer long-term neurocognitive outcomes. A number of retrospective studies propose that serological response may be slower, or serological failure may be higher, among HIV-positive individuals, but these studies are limited by high loss to follow-up, high reinfection rates and a focus on serological rather than clinical response. Beyond penicillin, some evidence suggests equivalence of macrolides, cephalosporins and doxycycline, although macrolide resistance is an increasing concern. Summary Until a prospective, randomized study is conducted, inconsistency with treatment will continue. We offer a pragmatic approach to recognizing patients who may require further investigation or neuropenetrative antibiotic treatment.