Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tuberculosis of the larynx in a lepromatous patient

Abstract Within the black population of South Africa tuberculosis and leprosy are endemic. There is also a significant incidence of laryngeal carcinoma. A patient who presented in acute respiratory stridor to a rural hospital with limited resources is reported. The differential diagnosis and management is discussed in the light of the available literature.
Use of Dataloggers in Science Learning in Singapore Schools

This paper reports the findings from an online survey administered to 593 science teachers including heads of science departments in 2004. This survey is part of a study initiated in December 2003 to examine the implementation, efficacy and use of dataloggers in Singapore science curricula. Dataloggers were introduced to all Singapore schools during the First Masterplan for IT in Education (1997-2002) to support science learning and experimentation. The aim of the survey is to find out how secondary schools and junior colleges have been supporting and integrating the use of these dataloggers in the teaching and learning of science. The findings from this survey address : • profile of schools and teachers using dataloggers • ways in which dataloggers are used in the science curriculum • teachers' perceptions on whether pupils were able to interpret and analyse graphs • roles of teachers in preparing pupils and guiding them when using dataloggers in set experiments and inquiry based science experiments
Psychiatric assessment of patients with "20th-century disease" ("total allergy syndrome").

"Twentieth-century disease", or "total allergy syndrome", is a condition attributed to hypersensitivity to the environment that may sometimes be seen as so serious that the patient is incapable of living in the modern world. Although the popular media frequently carry stories about it, there is little scientific literature. It is diagnosed by clinical ecologists, who maintain, among other theories, that susceptible individuals experience an overload in assaults by artificial materials in the environment. The patients usually have multiple ill defined symptoms for which no organic cause can be found, but they vigorously resist psychiatric referral, as they attribute their symptoms to allergy. A group of 18 patients who were purportedly suffering from 20th-century disease were referred to a university psychiatric consultation liaison service. They virtually all had a long history of visits to physicians, and their symptoms were characteristic of several well known psychiatric disorders. The case histories and management of three of them are presented. Although this group of patients may have been atypical in that they had more severe psychologic symptoms, the experience indicates that a psychiatric diagnosis ought to be considered. The symptoms of 20th-century disease have much in common with other conditions known to physicians for centuries.
Specific and Individuated Death Reflection Fosters Identity Integration

Identity integration is the process wherein a person assimilates multiple or conflicting identities (e.g., beliefs, values, needs) into a coherent, unified self-concept. Three experiments examined whether contemplating mortality in a specific and individuated manner (i.e., via the death reflection manipulation) facilitated outcomes indicative of identity integration. Participants in the death reflection condition (vs. control conditions) considered positive and negative life experiences as equally important in shaping their current identity (Experiment 1), regarded self-serving values and other-serving values as equally important life principles (Experiment 2), and were equally motivated to pursue growth-oriented and security-oriented needs (Experiment 3). Death reflection motivates individuals to integrate conflicting aspects of their identity into a coherent self-concept. Given that identity integration is associated with higher well-being, the findings have implications for understanding the psychological benefits of existential contemplation.
When You Do Not Have a Computer: Public-Access Computing in Developing Countries

In developing countries, people who do not have computers or the Internet go to public-access computing (PAC) venues such as libraries, telecenters and Internet cafes. What is the nature, scope and impact of the services offered by these PAC venues? Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a mixed-methods investigation of libraries, telecenters and cybercafés in 25 developing countries around the world shows that there is a strong ecosystem of PAC venues in developing countries, and that users are shifting away from libraries in favor of commercially driven Internet cafes that provide good customer service and support to meet their information needs. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of the benefits of using public-access computers indicates that while users enjoy faster and cheaper access to more sources of information, PAC venues appear to be used more for building and maintaining users' social networks, personal relations and entertainment, and less for education, health, e-government or e-commerce activities. We discuss the success factors that emerge in the study, the implications of the choices in public-access venues to use information and communication technologies (ICT) in developing countries and the focus on personal relations as a critical information need for underserved populations.
Síndrome metabólica: relação entre obesidade, resistência insulínica e hipertensão arterial sistêmica nos pequenos animais

A presente revisao objetiva, definir a sindrome metabolica e a acao do tecido adiposo sobre a resistencia insulinica e hipertensao arterial sistemica nos pequenos animais (caes e gatos). A sindrome metabolica, tipica de individuos obesos, e considerada um conjunto de fatores de risco, que predispoe os individuos ao desenvolvimento de resistencia a insulina e hipertensao arterial, podendo levar a quadros endocrinos, como diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e doencas cardiovasculares. E caracterizada por obesidade central, hipertrigliceridemia, hipercolesterolemia, hipertensao arterial sistemica e aumento discreto ou no limite superior da glicemia serica em jejum. Sabe-se que o tecido adiposo funciona como um importante orgao endocrino, secretando fatores que contribuem para o aumento da glicemia, diminuicao da acao da insulina e aumento da pressao arterial no organismo. O tratamento da sindrome baseia-se principalmente na pratica de atividade fisica e dieta. Apesar de ser frequentemente diagnosticada na medicina, ainda ha duvidas sobre sua existencia e mecanismos fisiopatologicos na Medicina Veterinaria, portanto mais estudos na area devem ser realizados. Palavras-chave: caes, colesterol, endocrinopatia, gatos, triglicerides
SYNCHROTRON SELF-COMPTON EMISSION FROM THE CRAB AND OTHER PULSARS

Results of a simulation of synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) emission from a rotation-powered pulsar are presented. The radiating particles are assumed to be both accelerated primary electrons and a spectrum of electron–positron pairs produced in cascades near the polar cap. They follow trajectories in a slot gap using 3D force-free magnetic field geometry, gaining pitch angles through resonant cyclotron absorption of radio photons, radiating and scattering synchrotron emission at high altitudes out to and beyond the light cylinder. Full angular dependence of the synchrotron photon density is simulated in the scattering and all processes are treated in the inertial observer frame. Spectra for the Crab and Vela pulsars as well as two energetic millisecond pulsars, B1821–24 and B1937+21, are simulated using this model. The simulation of the Crab pulsar radiation can reproduce both the flux level and the shape of the observed optical to hard X-ray emission assuming a pair multiplicity of M + = 3 × 10 5 ? > , as well as the very-high-energy emission above 50 GeV detected by MAGIC and VERITAS, with both the synchrotron and SSC components reflecting the shape of the pair spectrum. Simulations of Vela, B1821−24, and B1937+21, for M + ? > up to 105, do not produce pair SSC emission that is detectable by current telescopes, indicating that only Crab-like pulsars produce significant SSC components. The pair synchrotron emission matches the observed X-ray spectrum of the millisecond pulsars, and the predicted peak of this emission at 1–10 MeV would be detectable with planned Compton telescopes.
Effect of Nutrients and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities from Microcystis aeruginosa

Microcystis aeruginosa is a major primary producer and a common toxic cyanobacterium, playing an important role in the aquatic environment (Chen et al., 2016). Microcystis aeruginosa is commonly observed in highly eutrophic lakes (Watanabe and Oishi, 1985). In recent years, surface cyanobacterial bloom occurred frequently in most large shallow lakes in China, such as Lake Taihu (Zhang et al., 2009), Lake Dianchi (Shen et al., 2004) and Lake Chaohu (Liu, 2007), especially in summer, resulting from eutrophication caused by human activities. There are many studies on the factors that lead to water bloom and close relation between water bloom and concentration of nutrients, particularly phosphorus level was reported (Hecky and Kilham, 1988). Some researches indicated that the decline of cyanobacterial bloom was accompanied with the decrease in dissolved phosphorus (Chen et al., 2005).
On the naturalization of Fregean senses 1 Sobre a naturalização dos sentidos fregeanos

In several works that start from the seminal text Language, Thought, and Other Biological Categories, Ruth Millikan has presented her well know teleosemantic approach to philosophy of mind and philosophy of language. Millikan presents her theory of linguistic signs as a theory which, unlike other semantic theories, is able to more adequately solve problems such as that which is called “Freges’s puzzle”. Millikan considers that the Fregean modes of presentation are inconsistent with a representational theory of mind. In this paper, the relevance of Millikan’s objections to Frege is evaluated and the scope of these objections is discussed in the context of her own conception. We conclude that Millikan’s analysis of Fregean semantics relies on false assumptions and, in consequence, her doctrine is weakened.
In silico investigation of black tea components on α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase

Black tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and traditionally known for its antidiabetic and antiobese property. However, the underlying mechanisms of these properties are not studied widely. In this work, we hypothesize that the reason could be because of the inhibition of gut enzymes by the tea derived phytochemicals. Molecular docking was used to explore the efficacy of tea components to inhibit the key enzymes related with Type II diabetes and obesity; α-glucosidase, α-amylase and lipase. Autodock4.2 molecular docking software that applies Lamarckian Genetic Algorithm was used. The ligand structures were retrieved from PubChem and KNApSAcK-3D database. PreADMET web server was used for Toxicity and ADME predictions. Based on this analysis, it has been found that 8-c-ascorbyl-(-)-epigallocatechin, rutin and orientin could be the putative molecules for amelioration of post-prandial hyperglycaemia whereas 8-c-ascorbyl-(-)-epigallocatechin, 8-c-ascorbyl epigallocatechin 3-o-gallate and schaftoside could be used to reduce fat absorption in obese persons. It can be concluded that these phytochemicals or their derivatives can be used for further in-vitro and in-vivo studies to design valuable drugs.
Two Complexes of Spindle Checkpoint Proteins Containing Cdc20 and Mad2 Assemble during Mitosis Independently of the Kinetochore in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT Favored models of spindle checkpoint signaling propose that two inhibitory complexes (Mad2-Cdc20 and Mad2-Mad3-Bub3-Cdc20) must be assembled at kinetochores in order to inhibit mitosis. We have directly tested this model in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The proteins Mad2, Mad3, Bub3, Cdc20, and Cdc27 in yeast were quantified, and there are sufficient amounts to form stoichiometric inhibitors of Cdc20 and the anaphase-promoting complex. Mad2 is present in two separate complexes in cells arrested in mitosis with nocodazole. There is a small amount of Mad2-Mad3-Bub3-Cdc20 and a much larger amount of a complex that contains Mad2-Cdc20. We use conditional mutants to show that both Mad2 and Mad3 are essential for establishment and maintenance of the spindle checkpoint. Both spindle checkpoint complexes containing Mad2 form in mitosis, not in response to checkpoint activation. The kinetochore is not required to form either complex. We propose that the conversion of Mad1-Mad2 to Cdc20-Mad2, a key step in generating inhibitory checkpoint complexes, is limited to mitosis by the availability of Cdc20 and is kinetochore independent.
Truffle brûlé: an efficient fungal life strategy.

The terms 'brûlé' and 'burnt' are used to describe vegetation-devoid areas of the ground around a range of woody plants interacting with certain truffle species. Increasing interest is currently focused on a systematic search for and study of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by truffles in the course of their life cycle. These metabolites are now recognized as biochemicals with an important impact on burnt formation. Based on current molecular approaches, Tuber melanosporum is emerging as an aggressive colonizer of the brûlé, dominant in competition with indigenous brûlé-associated organisms, suppressing their richness and biodiversity. There is compelling evidence that mycelia, mycorrhizae, and fruiting bodies of brûlé-forming truffles have evolved diffusible metabolites for their survival, typically characterized as having harmful effects on weeds, impairing seed germination, altering root morphogenesis and plant hormonal balance, or inhibiting the native rhizospheric microflora regularly associated with the brûlé. These effects can be widely interpreted as allelopathic phenomena, and the brûlé may thus be regarded as a promising opportunity to study truffle allelopathy. Considering the outstanding success of the genome analysis in T. melanosporum, we are facing a very difficult task to proceed from the molecular to the ecological level.
Diesel Exhaust Particle-Treated Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Upregulate Jagged-1 and OX40 Ligand in Myeloid Dendritic Cells via Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin

Ambient particulate matter, including diesel exhaust particles (DEP), promotes the development of allergic disorders. DEP increase oxidative stress and influence human bronchial epithelial cell (HBEC)–dendritic cell interactions via cytokines, including thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). Upregulation of TSLP results in Th2 responses. Using primary culture HBEC and human myeloid dendritic cell (mDC) cocultures, we show in this study that DEP upregulation of Th2 responses occurred via HBEC-dependent mechanisms that resulted from oxidative stress. Moreover, DEP-treated HBEC and ambient particulate matter-treated HBEC upregulated OX40 ligand (OX40L) and the Notch ligand Jagged-1 mRNA and expression on mDC. Upregulation of OX40L as well as Jagged-1 on mDC required HBEC and did not occur in the presence of N-acetylcysteine. Furthermore, OX40L and Jagged-1 upregulation was inhibited when HBEC expression of TSLP was silenced. Thus, DEP treatment of HBEC targeted two distinct pathways in mDC that were downstream of TSLP expression. Upregulation of OX40L and Jagged-1 by mDC resulted in mDC-driven Th2 responses. These studies expand our understanding of the mechanism by which ambient pollutants alter mucosal immunity and promote disorders such as asthma.
TEL–AML1 fusion gene frequency in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Brazil

We analysed 67 samples from Brazilian children of diverse ethnic origins with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) for the presence of the TEL–AML1 fusion gene transcripts using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). All 12 positive cases (20% of the 60 B‐cell precursor ALL) had common (CD10+) ALL with a mean age of 4 years (range 1–10 years). We conclude that the frequency, age, distribution and clinical features of the TEL–AML1 fusion gene‐positive ALL is similar in the diverse ethnic backgrounds of the Brazilian children to that in other countries with predominantly white Caucasian or oriental ethnicity. Apparent exceptions to this generality are discussed.
Air Network Design for Express Shipment Service

Express shipment service requires that shipments be picked up and delivered within specified time intervals e.g., 24 hours, 48 hours or 3-5 days. In this paper, we describe the express shipment service design problem faced by a carrier and present a model and column generation approach for its solution. Our approach can find near optimal air service designs for a fixed aircraft fleet or for a fleet of unspecified size and make-up. In the latter case, the service design, fleet size and fleet composition are determined simultaneously. We have implemented our solution procedure, and a large carrier is using it to plan their air service operations and to evaluate various operating scenarios. The results indicate that service designs are generated that allow for improved service with a reduction in annual operating costs measuring in the millions of dollars.
Somatic and germline mutations of the TSH receptor gene in thyroid diseases.

Under physiological circumstances, thyrotropin (TSH) is the primary hormone that controls thyroid function and growth. TSH acts by binding to its receptor at the basolateral membrane of thyroid follicular cells. The TSH receptor is a member of the large family of G protein-coupled receptors, which share a similar structural pattern: seven transmembrane segments connected by three extra and three intracellular loops. Together with the receptors for other glycoprotein hormones LH/CG and FSH, the TSH receptor has a long aminoterminal domain that has been shown to encode the specificity for hormone recognition and binding. The G protein-coupled receptors share a common mode of intracellular signalling: They control the on/off state of a variety of trimeric G proteins (G{alpha}{beta}{gamma}) by stimulating the exchange of GDP for GTP on the {alpha} subunit (G{alpha}). The result is that G{alpha} or G{beta}{gamma}, after dissociation of the trimer, will interact with downstream effectors of the receptor. In the case of the TSH receptor, the main G protein involved is Gs, which activates adenylyl cyclase via Gs{alpha}. In some species, including man, the TSH receptor is also capable of activating phospholipase C (via Gq), thus stimulating the production of diacylglycerol and inositolphosphate (IP{sub 3}). However, higher concentrationsmore » of TSH are required to activate phospholipase C, compared with adenylyl cyclase. As a consequence, the main second messenger of TSH effects on the human thyroid is cyclic AMP. The present review will summarize recent findings identifying mutations of the TSH receptor gene as a cause for thyroid diseases. 59 refs., 4 figs.« less
Longitudinal Profiles of Semantic Impairment for Living and Nonliving Concepts in Dementia of Alzheimer's Type

Two types of theoretical account have been proposed to explain the phenomenon of category-specific impairment in tests of semantic memory: One stresses the importance of different cortical regions to the representation of living and nonliving categories, while the other emphasize the importance of statistical relationships among features of concepts belonging to these two broad semantic domains. Theories of the latter kind predict that the direction of a domain advantage will be determined in large part by the overall damage to the semantic system, and that the profiles of patients with progressive impairments of semantic memory are likely to include a point at which an advantage for one domain changes to an advantage for the other. The present series of three studies employed semantic test data from two separate cohorts of patients with probable dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT) to look for evidence of such a crossover. In the first study, longitudinal test scores from a cohort of 58 patients were examined to confirm the presence of progressive semantic deterioration in this group. In the second study, Kaplan-Meier survival curves based on serial naming responses and plotted separately for items belonging to living and nonliving domains indicated that the representations of living concepts (as measured by naming) deteriorated at a consistently and significantly faster rate than those of nonliving concepts. A third study, carried out to look in detail at the performance of mildly affected patients, employed an additional cross-sectional cohort of 20 patients with mild DAT and utilized a graded naming assessment. This study also revealed no evidence for a crossover in the advantage of one domain over the other as a function of disease severity. Taken together with the model of anatomical progression in DAT based on the work of Braak and Braak (1991), these findings are interpreted as evidence for the importance of regional cerebral anatomy to the genesis of semantic domain effects in DAT.
Lightness and brightness over spatial illumination gradients.

We extended our studies of lightness and brightness in complex scenes to cathode-ray-tube simulations of an array of 35 gray reflective patches under spatially varying illuminants. There were three illuminance profiles, an abrupt step, a linear gradient, and a simulation of side illumination, with nine steepnesses of each. In half the sessions observers adjusted a test patch at one end of the illumination gradient in order to match the lightness of a standard patch at the other end of the gradient. In the remaining sessions they matched the brightness of the test patch to that of the standard. For all three illuminance profiles the lightnesses of the patches matched when they had approximately the same simulated reflectance; i.e., there was excellent lightness constancy even though the illuminance gradients were clearly visible.
Librarians' familiarity with and attitudes toward podcast technology

New media have influenced library services and as a result, librarians always have tried to learn, use and even teach how to use such technologies. A combination of Web, and personal media players and mobile phones has resulted in useful technologies including podcasting web sites and facilities. Unlike other media, podcasts have been paid less attention to as library materials. This research investigated librarians' familiarity with podcasting and their attitudes about such tools as a library service. The results indicate little knowledge and experience of Iranian librarians with podcasting tools and as a result their attitudes about those technologies is also vague. Also, it is demonstrated that unlike the importance of podcasts, there is currently little use of them in public libraries in Iran. Welldesigned instructions of the librarians can improve the current state of podcasts as a media in libraries.