Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interdigitated Color- and Disparity-Selective Columns within Human Visual Cortical Areas V2 and V3

In nonhuman primates (NHPs), secondary visual cortex (V2) is composed of repeating columnar stripes, which are evident in histological variations of cytochrome oxidase (CO) levels. Distinctive “thin” and “thick” stripes of dark CO staining reportedly respond selectively to stimulus variations in color and binocular disparity, respectively. Here, we first tested whether similar color-selective or disparity-selective stripes exist in human V2. If so, available evidence predicts that such stripes should (1) radiate “outward” from the V1–V2 border, (2) interdigitate, (3) differ from each other in both thickness and length, (4) be spaced ∼3.5–4 mm apart (center-to-center), and, perhaps, (5) have segregated functional connections. Second, we tested whether analogous segregated columns exist in a “next-higher” tier area, V3. To answer these questions, we used high-resolution fMRI (1 × 1 × 1 mm3) at high field (7 T), presenting color-selective or disparity-selective stimuli, plus extensive signal averaging across multiple scan sessions and cortical surface-based analysis. All hypotheses were confirmed. V2 stripes and V3 columns were reliably localized in all subjects. The two stripe/column types were largely interdigitated (e.g., nonoverlapping) in both V2 and V3. Color-selective stripes differed from disparity-selective stripes in both width (thickness) and length. Analysis of resting-state functional connections (eyes closed) showed a stronger correlation between functionally alike (compared with functionally unlike) stripes/columns in V2 and V3. These results revealed a fine-scale segregation of color-selective or disparity-selective streams within human areas V2 and V3. Together with prior evidence from NHPs, this suggests that two parallel processing streams extend from visual subcortical regions through V1, V2, and V3. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In current textbooks and reviews, diagrams of cortical visual processing highlight two distinct neural-processing streams within the first and second cortical areas in monkeys. Two major streams consist of segregated cortical columns that are selectively activated by either color or ocular interactions. Because such cortical columns are so small, they were not revealed previously by conventional imaging techniques in humans. Here we demonstrate that such segregated columnar systems exist in humans. We find that, in humans, color versus binocular disparity columns extend one full area further, into the third visual area. Our approach can be extended to reveal and study additional types of columns in human cortex, perhaps including columns underlying more cognitive functions.
Total cell-associated Zn2+ and Cu2+ and proliferative responsiveness of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients on chronic hemodialysis.

We investigated total copper (Cu2+) and zinc (Zn2+) content in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and its impact on proliferative ability of the latter in patients on chronic hemodialysis versus age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Plasma levels of Cu2+ and Zn2+ were significantly lower in dialysis patients compared with the control group (83.6 +/- 7.29 v 95.1 +/- 9.63 microg/dL, P <.03 for Cu2+; 71.1 +/- 7.64 v 89.7+/- 12.55 microg/dL, P <.005 for Zn2+). Basal total PBMC-associated Cu2+ content was significantly higher in uremic patients (19.3 +/- 3.59 v 14.6 +/- 2.72 micromol/mg protein, P <.005). Basal PBMC-associated Zn2+ concentration was also significantly elevated in hemodialysis patients compared with their healthy counterparts (23.9 +/- 5.64 v 10.5 +/- 2.64 micromol/mg protein, P <.005). In addition, we incubated PBMC of the uremic patients versus healthy control PBMC in a Zn2+ free versus Zn2+ enriched medium. After a 72-hour incubation, total cell-associated Zn2+ of both normal and uremic cell populations increased significantly compared with the respective baselines (34.6 +/- 22.49 v 4.3 +/- 1.42 and 20.3 +/- 10.71 v 5.8 +/- 2.22 micromol/mg protein, respectively). However, no statistically significant difference was evident between the 2 groups (34.6 +/- 22.49 v 20 +/- 10.7 micromol/mg protein). Total cell Zn2+ content, on the other hand, was significantly increased in uremic PBMC after 72 hours of incubation in Zn2+ enriched medium compared with the control group (63.3 +/- 26.12 v 18.6 +/- 13.42 micromol/mg protein, P <.005). A significant increase in PBMC proliferation evaluated by 3H-thymidine incorporation was evident in the Zn2+ enriched culture (35,559 +/- 4,136 counts per minute [CPM] v 20,497 +/- 7,263 CPM, P <.005). Cu2+ enrichment of the medium, while resulting in a modest elevation of cell-associated Cu2+, did not produce such a proliferative effect.
Erythropoietin Receptor Expression in Non‐Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: A Question of Antibody Specificity

Immunohistochemical studies on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue utilizing polyclonal antibodies form the cornerstone of many reports claiming to demonstrate erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) expression in malignant tissue. Recently, Elliott et al. (Blood 2006;107:1892–1895) reported that the antibodies commonly used to detect EPOR expression also detect non‐EPOR proteins, and that their binding to EPOR was severely abrogated by two synthetic peptides based on the sequence of heat shock protein (HSP) 70, HSP70‐2, and HSP70‐5. We have investigated the specificity of the C20 antibody for detecting EPOR expression in non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) utilizing tissue microarrays. A total of 34 cases were available for study. Antibody absorbed with peptide resulted in marked suppression of cytoplasmic staining compared with nonabsorbed antibody. Four tumors that initially showed a membranous pattern of staining retained this pattern with absorbed antibody. Positive membranous immunoreactivity was also observed in 6 of 30 tumors that originally showed a predominantly cytoplasmic pattern of staining. Using the C20 antibody for Western blots, we detected three main bands, at 100, 66, and 59 kDa. Preincubation with either peptide caused abolition of the 66‐kDa band, which contains non‐EPOR sequences including heat shock peptides. These results call into question the significance of previous immunohistochemical studies of EPOR expression in malignancy and emphasize the need for more specific anti‐EPOR antibodies to define the true extent of EPOR expression in neoplastic tissue.
Structure-based Analyses Reveal Distinct Binding Sites for Atg2 and Phosphoinositides in Atg18*

Background: Atg18 plays a critical role in autophagy as a complex with Atg2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate. Results: The structure of the Atg18 paralog was determined, and important residues in Atg18 were identified. Conclusion: Atg18 recognizes Atg2 and membranes using distinct regions. Significance: This study will be a basis for elucidating the function of Atg18 in autophagy. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation system by which cytoplasmic materials are enclosed by an autophagosome and delivered to a lysosome/vacuole. Atg18 plays a critical role in autophagosome formation as a complex with Atg2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns(3)P). However, little is known about the structure of Atg18 and its recognition mode of Atg2 or PtdIns(3)P. Here, we report the crystal structure of Kluyveromyces marxianus Hsv2, an Atg18 paralog, at 2.6 Å resolution. The structure reveals a seven-bladed β-propeller without circular permutation. Mutational analyses of Atg18 based on the K. marxianus Hsv2 structure suggested that Atg18 has two phosphoinositide-binding sites at blades 5 and 6, whereas the Atg2-binding region is located at blade 2. Point mutations in the loops of blade 2 specifically abrogated autophagy without affecting another Atg18 function, the regulation of vacuolar morphology at the vacuolar membrane. This architecture enables Atg18 to form a complex with Atg2 and PtdIns(3)P in parallel, thereby functioning in the formation of autophagosomes at autophagic membranes.
Regulation of Toll-like receptor 4-associated MD-2 in intestinal epithelial cells: a comprehensive analysis

The intestinal epithelium maintains a state of controlled inflammation despite continuous contact with Gram-negative commensal bacteria and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on its luminal surface. Recognition of LPS by the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4/MD-2 complex results in pro-inflammatory gene expression and cytokine secretion in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). We have shown that IECs express low levels of MD-2 and TLR4 and are poorly responsive to LPS. In this study, we did a comprehensive analysis to understand the immune-mediated and epigenetic mechanisms by which IECs down-regulate MD-2 expression. Expression of MD-2 and TLR4 mRNA was examined in human inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal epithelial cell lines (T84, HT-29, Caco-2). Nuclear factor-κB transcriptional activation was used as a measure of LPS responsiveness. Intestinal epithelial cells in patients with inflammatory bowel disease exhibited increased expression of MD-2 and TLR4 mRNA. Lipopolysaccharide responsiveness in IECs was polarized to the basolateral membrane. Bisulfite sequencing of the MD-2 promoter demonstrated methylation of CpG dinucleotides. Inhibition of methylation by 5-azacytidine and histone de-actylation by trichostatin A, two forms of epigenetic silencing, resulted in increased mRNA expression of MD-2 in IECs. These results demonstrate various molecular mechanisms by which IECs down-regulate MD-2 and, thereby, protect against dysregulated inflammation to commensal bacteria in the intestinal lumen.
A Genetic and Metabolomic Perspective on the Production of Indole-3-Acetic Acid by Pantoea agglomerans and Use of Their Metabolites as Biostimulants in Plant Nurseries

The species Pantoea agglomerans includes strains that are agronomically relevant for their growth-promoting or biocontrol traits. Molecular analysis demonstrated that the IPDC pathway involved in the conversion of tryptophan (Trp) to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is highly conserved among P. agglomerans strains at both gene and protein levels. Results also indicated that the promoter region controlling the inducible expression of ipdC gene differs from the model system Enterobacter cloacae, which is in accordance with the observation that P. agglomerans accumulates higher levels of IAA when cells are collected in the exponential phase of growth. To assess the potential applications of these microorganisms for IAA production, P. agglomerans C1, an efficient auxin-producer strain, was cultivated in 5 L fermenter so as to evaluate the effect of the medium formulation, the physiological state of the cells, and the induction timing on the volumetric productivity. Results demonstrated that higher IAA levels were obtained by using a saline medium amended with yeast extract and saccharose and by providing Trp, which acts both as a precursor and an inducer, to a culture in the exponential phase of growth. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed a significant effect of the carbon source on the exometabolome profile relative to IAA-related compounds and other plant bioactive signaling molecules. The IAA-enriched metabolites secreted in the culture medium by P. agglomerans C1 were used as plant biostimulants to run a series of trials at a large-scale nursery farm. Tests were carried out with in vitro and ex vitro systems following the regular protocols used for large-scale plant tree agamic propagation. Results obtained with 4,540 microcuttings of Prunus rootstock GF/677 and 1,080 plantlets of Corylus avellana L. showed that metabolites from strain C1 improved percentage of rooted-explant, number of adventitious root formation, plant survival, and quality of plant as vigor, with an increase in the leaf area between 17.5 and 42.7% compared to IBA-K (indole-3-butyric acid potassium salt)–treated plants.
Dexmedetomidine-ketamine and propofol-ketamine combinations for anesthesia in spontaneously breathing pediatric patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine-ketamine and propofol-ketamine combinations on hemodynamics, sedation level, and the recovery period in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. DESIGN Prospective, randomized trial. SETTING University hospital. PARTICIPANTS Children (n = 44) undergoing cardiac catheterization. INTERVENTIONS The dexmedetomidine plus ketamine group (group 1, n = 22) received an infusion over 10 minutes of 1 microg/kg of dexmedetomidine and ketamine, 1 mg/kg, as a bolus, for induction. The patients then received an infusion of 0.7 microg/kg/h of dexmedetomidine and 1 mg/kg/h of ketamine for maintenance. The propofol plus ketamine group (group 2, n = 22) received 1 mg/kg of propofol and 1 mg/kg of ketamine for induction. The patients received 100 microg/kg/min of propofol and 1 mg/kg/h of ketamine by infusion for maintenance. Additional doses of ketamine, 1 mg/kg, were administered when a patient showed discomfort in both groups. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Hemodynamic data, respiratory rate, bispectral index, and sedation scores were recorded after induction and every 15 minutes thereafter. The time to reach a Steward recovery score of 6 was recorded. The heart rate in group 1 was significantly lower (average 10-20 beats/min) than group 2 after induction and throughout the procedure. Ketamine consumption in group 1 was significantly more than in group 2 (2.03 mg/kg/h v 1.25 mg/kg/h) for maintenance (p < 0.01). The recovery time was also longer in group 1 than in group 2 (49.54 v 23.16 minutes, respectively; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The dexmedetomidine-ketamine combination was not superior to a propofol-ketamine combination because of insufficient sedation and analgesia and a longer recovery time.
Firms Attributes and Audit Fees in Nigeria Quoted Firms

This study examined the firms’ characteristics and audit fees in Nigeria. The justification arose from the fact that, auditing profession has come under increased scrutiny over the years about the growing amount of fees paid by audit client and the contributing impact of such fees on auditor independence and the need to investigate the firms’ factors that affect audit fees in Nigeria. The study employed a employed time series and cross-session data (panel data) of firms listed at the Nigeria Stock Exchange and data used was gathered from secondary source (annual financial statement) of firms quoted at the Nigeria Stock Exchange from 2013-2017. A sample size of eighty-nine (89) firms was used through the aid of Yaro, (1964) formula for sample size determination. And the statistical tool used in the study was Panel Least Square Regression with the aid of Eview 7.0 and SPSS 20. The study found that, auditor type, client’s firm size, client’s complexity, client’s firm risk and audit committee independence have significant effect on audit fees, while firm’s profitability has no effect on audit fees. The study recommended that, further academic researchers should employ more corporate governance variables on audit fees and period covered should fall between six to seven years for the purpose of analyzing the data. Similarly, future researchers in relation to this study should equally cover a period of six to seven years using the same panel least square or any other related statistical tool.
The use of protective gloves by medical personnel

IntroductionTo minimize the risk of cross-infection between the patient and the medical staff, it is necessary to use individual protective measures such as gloves. According to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), protective gloves should always be used upon contact with blood, mucosa, injured skin or other potentially infectious material.Materials and MethodsThe aim of the study was to evaluate, through quasi-observation, the use of protective gloves by medical staff according to the guidelines issued by the CDC and WHO. The results were subject to statistical analysis (p < 0.05). ResultsDuring 1544 hours of observations, 3498 situations were recorded in which wearing protective gloves is demanded from the medical staff. The overall percentage of the observance of using gloves was 50%. The use of gloves depended significantly on the type of ward, profession, performed activity, number of situations that require wearing gloves during the observation unit and the real workload. During the entire study, as many as 718 contacts with patients were observed in which the same gloves were used several times.ConclusionWearing disposable protective gloves by the medical staff is insufficient.
Electron contamination in clinical high energy photon beams.

The electron contamination in photon beams has been investigated by means of contaminating lepton depth doses and dose profiles in different geometries with two 20 MV beams. Different components of this contamination have been investigated separately by systematically adding contamination to a "clean" reference field. At 20 MV, the air generated electrons were found to be almost negligible compared to the electrons originating from the accelerator head when measurements were performed in standard fields at SSDs between 80 and 120 cm. The total electron part of the depth dose curve was then almost the same, i.e., independent of SSD, when the collimator opening was held fixed. However, when different accessories such as a shaping block and different attenuating plates were located in the beam path below the collimators, a large SSD dependence of the electron contamination was noticed. A comparison was also made between two machines, one equipped with a multileaf collimator, with similar beam qualities at 20 MV. These measurements indicate that the interior view of the treatment head seen by the detector (mainly the flattening filter, monitor chamber, or other electron generating material) influences the magnitude of the electron contamination. When the collimator opening is decreased the electron contamination will also decrease as parts of the electron source will be shielded by the collimator blocks.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Nonagenarians: A Decades‐Long Experience in a Single Center

Conflict of Interest: The editor in chief has reviewed the conflict of interest checklist provided by the authors and has determined that the authors have no financial or any other kind of personal conflicts with this paper. Author’s Contributions: AF, ARB: Study concept and design, analysis and interpretation of data, preparation of manuscript. AG, FDN: Acquisition of data, preparation of manuscript. Sponsor’s Role: None.
Reduced Expression of METTL3 Promotes Metastasis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by m6A Methylation-Mediated COL3A1 Up-Regulation

The abnormal m6A modification caused by m6A modulators is a common feature of various tumors; however, little is known about which m6A modulator plays the most important role in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In this study, when analyzing the influence of m6A modulators (METTL3, METTL14, WTAP, FTO, and ALKBH5) on the prognosis of breast cancer, especially in TNBC using several on-line databases, methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) was found to have low expression in breast cancer, and was closely associated with short-distance-metastasis-free survival in TNBC. Further investigation showed that knockdown of METTL3 could enhance the ability of migration, invasion, and adhesion by decreasing m6A level in TNBC cell lines. Collagen type III alpha 1 chain (COL3A1) was identified and verified as a target gene of METTL3. METTL3 could down-regulate the expression of COL3A1 by increasing its m6A methylation, ultimately inhibiting the metastasis of TNBC cells. Finally, with immunohistochemistry staining in breast cancer tissues, it was proved that METTL3 expression was negatively correlated with COL3A1 in TNBC, but not in non-TNBC. This study demonstrated the potential mechanism of m6A modification in metastasis and provided potential targets for treatment in TNBC.
The Impact of Goal Setting on Employee Effectiveness to Improve Organisation Effectiveness: Empirical Study of a High-Tech Company in Singapore

This paper presents the results of a business research project conducted by the researchers in XYZ (Singapore) Pte Ltd, which is a Hi-Tech semiconductor test systems and equipment company in Singapore. The research question is: “Does goal setting have an impact on employee effectiveness and ultimately improves organisation effectiveness? ” The researcher developed a conceptual model on goal setting and its relationship with employee effectiveness and organisation effectiveness. Three hypotheses formulated for this study were tested for its validity and reliability through a qualitative research. The literature search and review provided sufficient evidences to support the three hypotheses and its linkages. Consequently, an empirical study was carried out in XYZ Singapore to test the three hypotheses. Justifications are provided for the study methodology adopted as well as in relation to theoretical and empirical significance of the study. Relevant ethical issues in the data collection are also highlighted. The findings of this empirical research suggested that the three hypotheses tested are valid and reliable and are evident in their organisation. There was unanimous concurrence amongst the research interview participants that goal setting has a role to play in the relationship depicted in the conceptual model and that it has an impact on employee effectiveness and ultimately improves organisation effectiveness.
Identification of Races of Selected Isolates of Uromyces appendiculatus from Minas Gerais (Brazil) Based on the new international classification system

ABSTRACT Twelve single-pustule isolates of Uromyces appendiculatus, the etiological agent of common bean rust, were collected in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and classified according to the new international differential series and the binary nomenclature system proposed during the 3 rd Bean Rust Workshop. These isolates have been used to select rust-resistant genotypes in a bean breeding program conducted by our group. The twelve isolates were classified into seven different physiological races: 21-3, 29-3, 53-3, 53-19, 61-3, 63-3 and 63-19. Races 61-3 and 63-3 were the most frequent in the area. They were represented by five and two isolates, respectively. The other races were represented by just one isolate. This is the first time the new international classification procedure has been used for U. appendiculatus physiological races in Brazil. The general adoption of this system will facilitate information exchange, allowing the cooperative use of the results obtained by different research groups throughout the world. The differential cultivars Mexico 309, Mexico 235 and PI 181996 showed resistance to all of the isolates that were characterized. It is suggested that these cultivars should be preferentially used as sources for resistance to rust in breeding programs targeting development lines adapted to the state of Minas Gerais.