Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of the exosporium in the environmental distribution of anthrax

To determine the contribution of the exosporium, the outer layer of the Bacillus anthracis spore, to soil attachment. Persistence of spores in soil and their ability to infect animals has been linked to a range of factors which include the presence of organic material and calcium (OMC), pH > 6·0, temperatures above 15·5°C and cycles of local flooding which are thought to transport buried spores to the surface.
MAYER'S TANNIC ACID-FERRIC CHLORIDE STAIN FOR MUCINS

Tannic acid in aqueous solution is bound to mucins in formalin-fixed and formalin-free fixed tissues and its presence can be detected with ferric chloride as a dark gray, blue-black to black complex. This colored compound is readily extracted by acids and some chelating and bleaching agents and is changed to a reddish brown by alkalis. Hydrolysis in 1.2 N hydrochloric acid at 60°C for 4 hr or hot trichloroacetic acid prevents the tannin-iron reaction. Acetyl chloride or bromide is able to inhibit the binding of tannic acid to the mucosubstances and saponification restores the characteristic reaction. Several mechanisms for the attachment of tannic acid to the mucins appear possible.
A Gα subunit controls zoospore motility and virulence in the potato late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans

The heterotrimeric G‐protein pathway is a ubiquitous eukaryotic signalling module that is known to regulate growth and differentiation in many plant pathogens. We previously identified Pigpa1, a gene encoding a G‐protein α subunit from the potato late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans. P. infestans belongs to the class oomycetes, a group of organisms in which signal transduction processes have not yet been studied at the molecular level. To elucidate the function of Pigpa1, PiGPA1‐deficient mutants were obtained by homology‐dependent gene silencing. The Pigpa1‐silenced mutants produced zoospores that turned six to eight times more frequently, causing them to swim only short distances compared with wild type. Attraction to the surface, a phenomenon known as negative geotaxis, was impaired in the mutant zoospores, as well as autoaggregation and chemotaxis towards glutamic and aspartic acid. Zoospore production was reduced by 20–45% in different Pigpa1‐silenced mutants. Transformants expressing constitutively active forms of PiGPA1, containing amino acid substitutions (R177H and Q203L), showed no obvious phenotypic differences from the wild‐type strain. Infection efficiencies on potato leaves ranged from 3% to 14% in the Pigpa1‐silenced mutants, compared with 77% in wild type, showing that virulence is severely impaired. The results prove that PiGPA1 is crucial for zoospore motility and for pathogenicity in an important oomycete plant pathogen.
Fourth-Dimensional Changes in Nasolabial Dimensions following Rotation-Advancement Repair of Unilateral Cleft Lip

Background: Repair of unilateral cleft lip requires three-dimensional craftsmanship and understanding four-dimensional changes. Methods: Ninety-nine children with unilateral complete or incomplete cleft lip were measured by direct anthropometry following rotation-advancement repair (intraoperatively) and again in childhood. Changes in heminasal width, labial height, and labial width were analyzed and compared measures depending on whether the cleft was incomplete/complete or involved left/right side. Results: Average heminasal width (sn–al) was set 1 mm less on the cleft side and measured only 0.7 mm less at 6 years. Labial height (sn–cphi) was slightly greater on the cleft side at repair and matched the noncleft side at follow-up. Vertical dimension (sbal–cphi) was slightly less at operation; the percent change was the same on both sides. Transverse labial width (cphi–ch) was set short on the cleft side and lengthened disproportionately, resulting in less than 1 mm difference at 6 years. All anthropometric dimensions grew less in complete cleft lips compared with incomplete forms; however, only labial height and width were significantly different. There were no disparities in nasolabial growth between left- and right-sided cleft lips. Conclusions: Cleft side alar base drifts laterally and should be positioned slightly more medial and secured to nasalis or periosteum. Growth in labial height lags and, therefore, the repaired side should be equal to or slightly greater than on the normal side, particularly in a complete labial cleft. Transverse labial width grows more on the cleft side; thus, lateral Cupid's bow peak point can be marked closer to the commissure to match the labial height on the noncleft side. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.
Convergence during human vertical saccades: probable causes and perceptual consequences.

1. When a downward saccade is made between equidistant targets, convergence consistently occurs during the saccade: about 1 deg overconvergence after an 8 deg saccade, with either binocular or monocular viewing, with either far (3 m) or near (30 cm) viewing distance. 2. During binocular viewing, this unnecessary convergence is corrected by divergence movement with a half‐time of about 200 ms. During monocular viewing of far targets, similar post‐saccadic divergence occurs, but for monocularly‐seen near targets, recovery is considerably slower. 3. Vergence changes associated with upward saccades are much smaller and typically more variable among subjects. 4. The up‐down asymmetry of intrasaccadic vergence changes can be accounted for by superposition of two plausible adventitious processes: co‐contraction of the vertical recti, and tension increase (upward saccades) or tension release (downward saccades) in the superior oblique muscles. 5. During the 1000 ms after an upward saccade, constriction of the pupil consistently occurs; it apparently represents a near‐triad response, for which concurrent convergence is masked. Such near‐triad activation during upward gaze would presumably be necessary to counterbalance residual steady‐state torques from the superior oblique muscles. 6. The up‐down asymmetry of intrasaccadic vergence changes also arises when targets require both a vergence change and a vertical shift of gaze, thereby accelerating refixation for the typical natural spatial configuration, in which nearer objects are lower in the visual field. 7. During binocular viewing of equidistant targets, the convergence resulting from downward saccades produces large transient disparities, which can be expected to lead to biased evaluations of relative distances to targets. Several up‐down illusions involving apparent distance may well be due to these disparities, including (a) backward tilt of the apparent vertical and of the vertical horopter, (b) the 'soup‐bowl sky’ illusion, and (c) the ‘diverging sunbeams’ illusion.
DNA Adduct 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine, a Novel Putative Marker of Prognostic Significance in Ovarian Carcinoma

Objectives: Previous studies have suggested the importance of reactive oxygen species in all the steps of carcinogenesis. Antioxidant enzymes are considered as the most specific and efficient way to protect cells from reactive oxygen species. The purpose of the current study was to identify the role of oxidative stress and major antioxidant enzymes in ovarian carcinomas. Methods: The material consisted of 68 invasive ovarian carcinomas which were studied by immunohistochemistry with antibodies to antioxidant enzymes peroxiredoxins (Prxs) I-VI and thioredoxin and oxidative stress markers nitrotyrosine and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Both the intensity and the extent of the stainings were assessed, and the nuclear and cytoplasmic expressions were evaluated separately. Results: The study revealed the hydroxyl radical-derived oxidative stress marker in DNA, 8-OHdG, to be a powerful prognostic factor in ovarian carcinoma (Kaplan-Meier survival log-rank-analysis P = 0.003; risk of death to ovarian carcinoma 2.69; 95% confidence interval 1.35-5.35. 8-OHdG was also associated with poor differentiation (P = 0.053), higher stage (P < 0.001), and non-optimal surgical outcome (P = 0.002). High cytoplasmic Prx IV immunostaining was associated with a better prognosis (P = 0.024), and elevated cytoplasmic expression rates of Prxs V (P = 0.043) and VI (P = 0.032) were associated with a higher stage. Conclusions: To conclude, it appears that hydroxyl radical-derived oxidative stress, but not nitric oxide radical-derived oxidative stress, plays a significant role in ovarian carcinogenesis. Immunohistochemical assessment of 8-OHdG could provide a useful prognostic marker in ovarian cancer.
Adaptive learning based driving episode description on category maps

This study was conducted to create driving episodes using machine-learning-based algorithms that address long-term memory (LTM) and topological mapping. This paper presents a novel episodic memory model for driving safety according to traffic scenes. The model incorporates three important features: adaptive resonance theory (ART), which learns time-series features incrementally while maintaining stability and plasticity for time-series data; self-organizing maps (SOMs), which represent input data as a map with topological relations using self-mapping characteristics; and counter propagation networks (CPNs), which label category maps using input features and counter signals. Category maps represent driving episode information that includes driving contexts and facial expressions. The bursting states of respective maps produce LTM, which is created on ART as episodic memory. Evaluation of the experimentally obtained results show the possibility of using recorded driving episodes with image datasets obtained using an event data recorder (EDR) with two cameras. Using category maps, we visualize driving features according to driving scenes on a public road and an expressway.
Acute Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and RPE Responses During Super Slow vs. Traditional Machine Resistance Training Protocols Using Small Muscle Group Exercises

Wickwire, PJ, McLester, JR, Green, JM, and Crews, TR.3 Acute heart rate, blood pressure, and RPE responses during super slow vs. traditional machine resistance training protocols using small muscle group exercises. J Strength Cond Res 23(1): 72-79, 2009-Acute cardiovascular and perceptual responses to Super Slow resistance training (SS) are not well understood. This study compared blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) between SS and traditional machine (TM) protocols. Participants (n = 20) completed three sessions of elbow flexion (EF) and knee extension (KE). Session 1 consisted of determining 1RM for EF and KE and a familiarization trial for the SS technique. Sessions 2 and 3 were counterbalanced, with subjects completing three sets of SS (10 seconds concentric, 5 seconds eccentric per rep, 40% 1RM) and TM (2 seconds concentric, 4 seconds eccentric per rep, 65% 1RM). Paramount resistance training equipment was used for both exercises. Peak HR was recorded for each set, with recovery HR taken between sets after 3 minutes of rest. Blood pressure was taken after 5 minutes of seated rest, after each set, before sets 2 and 3, and at 2 minutes post set 3. Ratings of perceived exertion for active musculature were obtained three times per set. Although systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) responses were not significantly different between SS and TM for EF or KE, SBP (SS and TM combined) was significantly lower during EF and was significantly higher during KE than resting BP. Diastolic BP (SS and TM combined) was not significantly different from resting BP for EF or KE. Peak HR was significantly greater during TM (vs. SS) for EF and KE. Ratings of perceived exertion were also significantly greater during TM for EF and KE. Even though SBP was greater for SS and TM combined during KE, comparing SS and TM revealed minimal differences in BP. This suggests that, when performing small muscle group exercises with lighter weight at a slow speed, either SS or TM would be appropriate for individuals to whom strength training is not contraindicated.
IL‐1β sensitizes intervertebral disc annulus cells to fluid‐induced shear stress

Chronic inflammation and altered mechanical loading are implicated as contributors to intervertebral disc degeneration. Biomechanical and biochemical factors play a role in disc degeneration but have received limited study. Mechanically, intervertebral discs are sheared during bending or twisting of the trunk. Biochemically, IL‐1β, detected in degenerative discs, promotes metalloproteinase expression. We hypothesized that disc cells might respond to shear stress and IL‐1β in a calcium signaling response. We measured the effect of single and combined stimuli on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]ic) and signaling. Cells were isolated from annulus tissue, cultured to quiescence, plated on collagen‐bonded Culture Slips® and incubated with Fura‐2AM. Cells then were incubated in IL‐1β. Cell response to the effects of fluid flow was tested using FlexFlo™, a laminar flow device. Human annulus (hAN) cells responded to laminar fluid flow with a one to three‐fold increase in [Ca2+]ic. IL‐1β alone produced a small, transient stimulation. hAN cells pretreated with IL‐1β responded to shear with a more dramatic and sustained increase in [Ca2+]ic, six to ten‐fold over basal level, when compared to shear then IL‐1β or shear and IL‐1β alone (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). This is the first study documenting synergism of a signaling response to biomechanical and biochemical stimuli in human disc cells. IL‐1β treatment appeared to “sensitize” annulus cells to mechanical load. This increased responsiveness to mechanical load in the face of inflammatory cytokines may imply that the sensitivity of annulus cells to shear increases during inflammation and may affect initiation and progression of disc degeneration. J. Cell. Biochem. 82: 290–298, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
To Believe, To Think, To Know…To Teach? Ethical Deliberation in Teacher-Education

In this chapter, we wish to summarise our recent work on promoting and developing ethical deliberation in teacher-education (TE). We first provide some background to our personal interest in the role that ethics and moral philosophy can potentially play in TE, before briefly summarising the philosophical and theoretical frameworks through which we have approached the topic. Next, we outline the various research methods and trials that we employed in exploring, first, the demand for, and, second, the most effective ways of promoting and developing ethical deliberation in TE. Finally, we highlight and reflect upon the difficulties that we experienced in employing the (almost default) methods of role-play and dialectic, and recommend the consideration of what we call meta-discussion as a valuable tool for developing ethical deliberation.
Erythropoietin Induces the Tyrosine Phosphorylation of Insulin Receptor Substrate-2

In this report, we demonstrate that insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) is phosphorylated on tyrosine following treatment of UT-7 cells with erythropoietin. We have investigated the expression of IRS-1 and IRS-2 in several cell lines with erythroid and/or megakaryocytic features, and we observed that IRS-2 was expressed in all cell lines tested. In contrast, we did not detect the expression of IRS-1 in these cells. In response to erythropoietin, IRS-2 was immediately phosphorylated on tyrosine, with maximal phosphorylation between 1 and 5 min. Tyrosine-phosphorylated IRS-2 was associated with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and with a 140-kDa protein that comigrated with the phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatase, SHIP. Moreover, IRS-2 was constitutively associated with the erythropoietin receptor. We did not observe the association of IRS-2 with JAK2, Grb2, or PTP1D. Using BaF3 cells transfected with mutated erythropoietin receptors, we demonstrate that neither the tyrosine residues of the intracellular domain nor the last 109 amino acids of the erythropoietin receptor are required for erythropoietin-induced IRS-2 tyrosine phosphorylation. Altogether, our results indicate that erythropoietin-induced IRS-2 tyrosine phosphorylation could account for the previously reported activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase mediated by erythropoietin receptors mutated in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-binding site (Damen, J., Cutler, R. L., Jiao, H., Yi, T., and Krystal, G. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 23402–23406; Gobert, S. , Porteu, F. , Pallu, S. , Muller, O. , Sabbah, M. , Dusanter-Fourt, I. , Courtois, G. , Lacombe, C. , Gisselbrecht, S. , and Mayeux, P. (1995)Blood 86, 598–606).
Invasive Fungal Infections in Low‐Risk Liver Transplant Recipients: A Multi‐Center Prospective Observational Study

Prevention of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients utilizing postoperative systemic antifungal prophylaxis, typically with fluconazole, is justified among those at high risk for IFI. Use of postoperative antifungal prophylaxis for low‐risk OLT recipients is widely practiced but not universally accepted nor supported by data. We conducted a prospective observational study among 200 OLT recipients who were at low risk for IFI and did not receive postoperative antifungal prophylaxis. Patients were considered low risk if they had ≤1 of the following conditions: choledochojejunostomy anastomosis; retransplantation; intra‐operative administration of ≥units of 40 blood products or return to the operating room for intra‐abdominal bleeding; return to the operating room for anastomotic leak or vascular insufficiency; preoperative serum creatinine of ≥2 mg/dL; and perioperative Candida colonization. Patients were followed 100 d post‐transplantation for evidence of IFI. Of 193 eligible patients, 7 (4%) developed an IFI. Three (2%) IFIs were due to Candida spp. and potentially preventable by standard fluconazole prophylaxis. Three patients developed invasive aspergillosis; one developed late onset disseminated cryptococcosis. Liver transplant recipients at low risk for IFI can be identified utilizing pre‐determined criteria, and post‐transplantation antifungal prophylaxis can be routinely withheld in these patients.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 gene polymorphism and its serum level have an impact on anthropometric and biochemical risk factors of metabolic syndrome in Indian population

Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), encoded by gene CCL‐2 (Chemokine C‐C motif 2), is the ligand of chemokine receptor CCR‐2. Concurrent clinical alteration in several metabolic aspects, including central obesity, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension, is clinically characterized as metabolic syndrome (MetS). Role of MCP‐1 in each of these aspects has been established in vitro and in animal studies as well. We here report genetic association of −2518 A>G MCP‐1 (rs 1024611) gene polymorphism and level of MCP‐1 with MetS in North Indian subjects. We analysed (n = 386, controls and n = 384, MetS subjects) for MCP‐1 gene polymorphism using PCR‐RFLP, its serum level using ELISA, anthropometric (body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, waist–hip ratio and blood pressure) and biochemical (serum lipids, plasma glucose and insulin levels) variables in a genetic association study. The body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist–hip ratio, blood pressure, serum lipids, insulin and fasting plasma glucose level were significantly high in MetS subjects. Regression analysis showed significant correlation of body mass index, waist and hip circumference, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR with MetS. MCP‐1 allele and genotype were significantly associated with MetS. Serum MCP‐1 level was high in overall cases. In conclusions, the MCP‐1 2518A>G (rs 1024611) polymorphism has significant impact on risk of MetS, and MCP‐1 level correlates with anthropometric and biochemical risk factors of MetS.
The Role of Telemedicine in Wound Care: A Review and Analysis of a Database of 5,795 Patients from a Mobile Wound-Healing Center in Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Background: Telemedicine in wound care is an evolving method of information technology and telecommunication designed to provide health care at a distance. Given the visual nature of wound care, telemedicine has many potential applications within this field. The authors will review the current status of wound care and telemedicine. Methods: A comprehensive literature review of articles published on telemedicine in wound care was performed. Articles were selected for their relevance to wound healing and then reviewed for their discussion on the potential applications, benefits, and limitations to telemedicine in wound care. The CICAT network data were reviewed including 5,794 patients between January 2005 and October 2015. Clinical efficacy and medicoeconomic results were analyzed. Results: Current literature suggests a myriad of potential benefits of telemedicine in wound care, often citing increased access to professional expertise in remote and rural settings, as well as cost savings. The CICAT wound network in France analyzed wounds, which were principally pressure ulcers (44%), leg ulcers (24%), and diabetic foot ulcers (8%). Results demonstrated 75% of wounds improved or healed, a 72% reduction in the number of hospitalizations, and 56% reduction in ambulance transfers to wound healing centers. Conclusions: There is an increasing demand for assistance from professionals not specialized in wound healing, facing complex wounds. The goal is to enable the spread of expertise beyond major medical centers. Several limitations and barriers to the application of telemedicine in all settings are evident, including over diagnosis, dependence on a functional telecommunication system, and various legal aspects. The CICAT network in France provides an example of a how telemedicine may be of benefit in wound care, although it is important to note that in other countries, such as the United States, legal constraints and credentialing concerns may make telemedicine extremely complicated.
Acoustic signal processing via neural network towards motion capture systems

The aim of this article is to outline possibilitie s of sound and its physical properties during shooting o f moving objects. Attention was devoted to the specific loca ti n of a fixed point in the space and time. We present two p roposed methods that are based on neural networks. We also proposed appropriate topologies of the systems that depend o the required accuracy, acoustic properties and selected sound technologies. At first, we identified a distance be tween an active transmitter and a receiver on the basis of s ound pulses transmitted from transmitters in the defined domain . After that a neural network uses obtained distances between tr ansmitters and a receiver as its inputs to determine an actual position of the receiver in space. We developed two models, whi ch outcomes are compared in conclusion.