Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation, Identification and Degradation Characterization of p-Chlorophenol Degrading Strain

A bacterium(strain ycsd03) capable of growing with p-chlorophenol(p-CP) as sole carbon and energy sources was isolated from rhizosphere soil in phragmites wetland by using the enrichment culture contaminated with p-CP concentration gradient of 20, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 mgldrL-1. Morphology, physio-biochemical characteristics and phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequence indicate that strain ycsd03, which is Gram-positive, facultative aerobic and mobility and the shape of its single cell is pole, clearly belongs to Bacillus licheniformis. The optimal initial p-CP concentration, degradation temperature and pH value for satisfactive degradation were about 120 mgldrL-1, 30degC and pH7.0, for 4d in minimal medium culture fluids at vaccination of 10%. Growth of strain ycsd03 cells was inhibited by p-CP at the concentration up to 200 mgldrL-1. The biodegradation of p-CP by ycsd03 cells had a cutty lag phase at initial concentrations more than 40 mgldrL-1 while no lag phase at concentrations less than 40 mgldrL-1. Results could offer useful information for the application of strain ycsd03 in bioremediation or the control of p-chlorophenol -polluted environment.
Mapping thalamocortical network pathology in temporal lobe epilepsy

Objective: Although experimental work has provided evidence that the thalamus is a crucial relay structure in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), the relation of the thalamus to neocortical pathology remains unclear. To assess thalamocortical network pathology in TLE, we mapped pointwise patterns of thalamic atrophy and statistically related them to neocortical thinning. Methods: We studied cross-sectionally 36 patients with drug-resistant TLE and 19 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects using high-resolution MRI. To localize thalamic pathology, we converted manual labels into surface meshes using the spherical harmonic description and calculated local deformations relative to a template. In addition, we measured cortical thickness by means of the constrained Laplacian anatomic segmentation using proximity algorithm. Results: Compared with control subjects, patients with TLE showed ipsilateral thalamic atrophy that was located along the medial surface, encompassing anterior, medial, and posterior divisions. Unbiased analysis correlating the degree of medial thalamic atrophy with cortical thickness measurements mapped bilateral frontocentral, lateral temporal, and mesiotemporal cortices. These areas overlapped with those of cortical thinning found when patients were compared with control subjects. Thalamic atrophy intensified with a longer duration of epilepsy and was more severe in patients with a history of febrile convulsions. Conclusion: The degree and distribution of thalamic pathology relates to the topography and extent of neocortical atrophy, lending support to the concept that the thalamus is an important hub in the pathologic network of TLE.
Wear patterns of taper connections in retrieved large diameter metal‐on‐metal bearings

Wear of the modular taper between head and shaft has been related to clinical failure resulting from adverse reactions to metallic debris. The problem has become pronounced in large metal‐on‐metal bearings, but the mechanism has not yet been fully understood. We analyzed retrieved components from five patients revised with various diagnoses. Two distinct wear patterns were observed for the head tapers. Three samples demonstrated “asymmetric” wear towards the inner end of the head taper. The other two showed “axisymmetric” radial wear (up to 65 µm) presenting the largest wear volumes (up to 20 mm3). Stem tapers demonstrated relatively little wear, and the fine thread on the stem taper surface was observed to be imprinted on the taper inside of the head. Our findings demonstrate that the cobalt‐chrome head wears preferentially to the titanium stem taper. “asymmetric” wear suggests toggling due to the offset of the joint force vector from the taper. In contrast, samples with “axisymmetric” radial wear and a threaded imprint suggested that corrosion led to head subsidence onto the stem taper with gradual rotation. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1116–1122, 2013
Cultural Background and Infant Survival in Ghana

This study is premised on the hypothesis that ethnic specific socio-cultural practices such as dietary taboos and food avoidances on mothers and infants, as well as perceptions of disease aetiology and treatment patterns may be salient to understanding infant mortality differentials in Ghana. To inform policy, the paper explores if there are significant ethnic differences in infant survival, and whether such differences reflect socio-economic disparities or intrinsic factors. Using data from the 1998 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, there was evidence of significant ethnic differences in infant survival at the bivariate level. Using Asante mothers as reference, the risk of death was significantly higher among children whose mothers were Mole-Dagbani, Grussi, Gruma, Dagarti, Fanti and Other Akan. In the multivariate models, however, the higher mortality risks associated with these children significantly attenuated after controlling for the socio-economic and bio-demographic factors except for the Fanti. The findings are discussed with reference to the characteristics and cultural theoretical paradigms.
Validity and Reliability of Clinical Dementia Rating Scale among the Elderly in Iran

Article history: Received: 14 Oct 2011 Accepted: 6 Nov 2011 Available online: 24 Oct 2012 ZJRMS 2012; 14(10): 47-50 Background: The most common cause of dementia among the elderly is Alzheimer’s disease. Given the increasing population of the elderly, achieving a screening tool with high reliability and validity is an essential need for all communities. The main objective of the project was to determine the Persian version of Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (PCDR1). Materials and Methods: Twenty subjects were randomly selected from among 150, 50-70 year old people, who were illiterate and not mentally retarded, residing in the nursing home; and they were given the Persian version of CDR scale (test). After three months, the group was given the test again. Results: The findings showed that from the specialists’ standpoint CDR scale had acceptable validity, and the test validity was achieved 0.05 at the significant level with Cronbach’s alpha and reliability coefficients 73% and 89%, respectively. Conclusion: CDR scale is a reliable instrument for evaluation of clinical dementia rating among the elderly in Iran. It can be used in screening dementia, Alzheimer, and diagnosis of the severity and stages of Alzheimer. Copyright © 2012 Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.
Nitrate Efflux Is an Essential Component of the Cryptogein Signaling Pathway Leading to Defense Responses and Hypersensitive Cell Death in Tobacco Article, publication date, and citation information can be found at www.plantcell.org/cgi/doi/10.1105/tpc.002295.

There is much interest in the transduction pathways by which avirulent pathogens or derived elicitors activate plant defense responses. However, little is known about anion channel functions in this process. The aim of this study was to reveal the contribution of anion channels in the defense response triggered in tobacco by the elicitor cryptogein. Cryptogein induced a fast nitrate (NO3−) efflux that was sensitive to anion channel blockers and regulated by phosphorylation events and Ca2+ influx. Using a pharmacological approach, we provide evidence that NO3− efflux acts upstream of the cryptogein-induced oxidative burst and a 40-kD protein kinase whose activation seems to be controlled by the duration and intensity of anion efflux. Moreover, NO3− efflux inhibitors reduced and delayed the hypersensitive cell death triggered by cryptogein in tobacco plants. This was accompanied by a delay or a complete suppression of the induction of several defense-related genes, including hsr203J, a gene whose expression is correlated strongly with programmed cell death in plants. Our results indicate that anion channels are involved intimately in mediating defense responses and hypersensitive cell death.
Effects of Monosaccharides, Pyruvate, Acetate, and Butyrate on the Developed Tension and ATP Levels of Hypodynamic Isolated Rat Atria 1

Summary The effects of several substrates on the developed tension (DT) of isolated rat atria, made hypodynamic by the removal of glucose, were investigated. The addition of pyruvate, acetate, or butyrate at 5.5 mM, led to a partial recovery of the DT. Nevertheless, when they were incorporated in concentration of 11.0 mM, the recovery of DT was significantly smaller than that obtained with lower concentrations. The addition of 5.5 mM glucose restored the DT completely; whereas higher concentrations (11.0 mM) stimulated the DT above control levels, Mannose, at 5.5 mM, produced only a partial recovery of DT; whereas at a higher concentration (11.0 mM) it was also able to recover the DT completely. Although fructose at both concentrations did not produce a significant recovery of DT, it halted the depression caused by the absence of substrate. The atrial levels of ATP were decreased by the absence of glucose, and recovered by all the substrate studied, independently of their molarities and of the degree of contractile recovery attained. From the present results, it appears that glycolysis plays a fundamental role in the regulation of DT levels; and, furthermore, that the modification of ATP concentration is not the only mechanism by which different substrates can alter the DT of hypodynamic rat atria.
Conservative treatment of a partial Achilles tendon rupture with an intratendinous lesion

The Achilles tendon is a common site of acute and oversuse injuries in runners. A case is described here in which the diagnosis of a post‐traumatic intratendinous lesion was based on clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and where conservative treatment was given. After a 6 months follow‐up, symptoms as well as the MRI verified that intra‐tendinous structural abnormalities had disappeared. This case report demonstrates that conservative treatment may be sufficient to cure Achilles injury with severe structural changes inside the tendon.
Algorithms Analysis in Adjusting the SVM Parameters: An Approach in the Prediction of Protein Function

ABSTRACT Support Vector Machine (SVM) is a supervised learning algorithm widely used in data classification problems. However, the quality of the solution is related to the chosen kernel function, and the adjustment of its parameters. In the present study we compare a genetic algorithm (GA), a particle swarm optimization(PSO), and the grid-search in setting the parameters and C of SVM. After running some experimental tests based on the prediction of protein function, it is concluded that all algorithms are suitable to set the SVM parameters efficiently, yet grid-search runs up to 6 times faster than GA and 30 times faster than PSO.
Cervical Cancer and Screening Test (PAP Test): Knowledge and Beliefs of Egyptian Women

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, and the seventh overall, with an estimated 528,000 new cases in 2012. In Egypt the incidence of cervical cancer is 866 per year where mortality rate is 373 per year. The current study aims to determine women’s beliefs and knowledge towards cervical cancer and Pap smear. The study was conducted at the outpatient obstetrics clinics of two hospitals namely El- Mainshawy health insurance Hospital, and El – Aiada El- Shamela at Tanta governorate. The study subjects comprised 1000 women attending the above mentioned settings two tools were used: An interview assessment sheet and the Health Believe Model (HBM). Results of the current study illustrated that Out of the 1,000 women interviewed, (68.0%) could know the definition of cervical cancer and related to a virus as its causative agent. About 95% of the women did not have an idea of the risk factors for cervical cancer, the knowledge about Pap test is quite poor, only 13.3% identify Pap smear test while 86.7% had no idea at all. In terms of the perceived benefits of Pap test, about 50.3% of the participants believed that Pap tests are the best way to detect cervical cancer, 42.9% believed that cervical cancer can be cured easily if detected early, and 62% disagree that a Pap test is important for save their health. The present study concluded that inefficient utilization of cervical cancer and its screening test would be affected by poor knowledge and negative beliefs related to cervical cancer screening in women. It was recommended that development of effective intervention programs strategies for Egyptian women and identify those women who are most at risk for cervical cancer and would benefit from intervention programs to increase cervical cancer screening rates.
Can small quantum systems learn

We examine the question of whether quantum mechanics places limitations on the ability of small quantum devices to learn. We specifically examine the question in the context of Bayesian inference, wherein the prior and posterior distributions are encoded in the quantum state vector. We conclude based on lower bounds from Grover's search that an efficient blackbox method for updating the distribution is impossible. We then address this by providing a new adaptive form of approximate quantum Bayesian inference that is polynomially faster than its classical analogue and tractable if the quantum system is augmented with classical memory or if the low-order moments of the distribution are protected using a repetition code. This work suggests that there may be a connection between fault tolerance and the capacity of a quantum system to learn from its surroundings.
Disposition kinetics of two oral forms of quinidine

There are relatively few studies on the disposition properties of quinidine. We have studied in 10 normal subjects conventional quinidine sulfate and a slow‐release quinidine bisulfate. Single and repetitive doses were given; blood and urine concentrations were measured by the method of Cramer and Isaakson.5 After a single dose of two tablets of quinidine sulfate (400 mg), the average peak concentration was 2.13 ± 0.22 μg/ml (±SEM); following two tablets of the slow‐release form, the average peak concentration was 1.17 ± 0.12 μg/ml. T‐max was approximately 2 hr with quinidine sulfate and 4 hr with quinidine bisulfate. One fourth of both forms of the drug was recovered in the urine. Total body clearance was 0.36 L/kg hr and renal clearance was 117 ± 22 mllmin for both. With multiple dosing the serum quinidine concentration was higher than these predicted from the results of the single‐dose study. Based on the mean estimates of quinidine half‐life of 6 hr, a rapid method for achieving steady‐state levels of quinidine would be to give an initial dose twice that of the maintenance dose. With the slow‐release product if an equivalent dose was given every 12 hr, the mean steady‐state quinidine serum concentration would be approximately the same.
Annotating Italian Social Media Texts in Universal Dependencies

Social media texts have been widely used in recent years for various tasks related to sentiment analysis and opinion mining; nevertheless, they still feature a wide range of linguistic phenomena that have proved to be particularly challenging for automatic processing, especially for syntactic parsing. In this paper, we describe a recently started project for the development of PoSTWITA-UD, a novel Italian Twitter treebank in Universal Dependencies. In particular, the paper focuses on its development steps, and on the challenges such work entails, both for automatic systems and human annotators, by discussing the errors produced, by parsers in particular, and the guidelines we adopted for manual revision of annotated tweets. Such guidelines aim to bring to the reader’s attention the most critical cases (in themselves, but also in a UD perspective) encountered so far and stemming from the speciﬁc characteristics of the texts we are dealing with.
THE IMPACT OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL MONITORING MEASURES ON FIRM’S DIVIDEND PAYOUT: EVIDENCE FROM SELECTED MALAYSIAN PUBLIC LISTED COMPANIES

This paper examines the impact on dividend payouts of internal and external monitoring measures instituted by companies to improve their corporate governance structures. The study involves 120 selected Malaysian listed companies over a four-year period from 1996 to 1999. This period encompassed the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis which affected most countries in the Southeast Asian region including Malaysia. Due to the combination of cross-sectional and time-series data, panel data regression techniques were used to analyse performance of the firms using both fixed effects and random effects models. Using dividend payout as the dependent variable, it was established that the size of firm, gearing ratio (borrowing) and the proportion of non-executive directors on a company board significantly influenced the dividend payout of firms. The impact of size on dividend payout of firms followed a quadratic fashion with payout increasing with the size of the firm up to the optimal size of around 11,321 million ringgit, in terms of turnover. Beyond that, firm’s dividend payout declined with increasing size. The study also found that company borrowing had a negative effect on dividend payout. Finally, increasing the proportion of non-executive directors in a firm could lead to a decrease in dividend payout.
Apical Spore Phagocytosis Is Not a Significant Route of Infection of Differentiated Enterocytes by Encephalitozoon intestinalis

ABSTRACT Encephalitozoon intestinalis is a microsporidian species that infects the intestinal mucosal epithelium, primarily in immunodeficient individuals. The present study employed undifferentiated and differentiated human colonic carcinoma cell lines to determine if this parasite species infected polarized epithelial cells by spore phagocytosis or by impalement with the deployed spore polar tube. Apical surface spore attachment differed between cell lines such that SW480>HT-29>Caco-2>HCT-8, with attachment being greater to undifferentiated Caco-2 cells than differentiated cells and greater to partially differentiated HCT-8 cells than differentiated HCT-8 cells. Attachment was inhibited by chondroitin sulfate A, suggesting that it was mediated by host cell sulfated glycoaminoglycans. Infection rates 3 days postinfection paralleled spore attachment in the various cell lines. The undifferentiated cell line SW480 and undifferentiated Caco-2 and HCT-8 cells exhibited modest spore phagocytosis while the more differentiated cell line HT29 and differentiated Caco-2 and HCT-8 cells did not. All cell lines were impaled by the polar tubes of germinating spores. When normalized to the number of spores attached to the apical membrane, such impalement was greatest in the more differentiated Caco-2 and HCT-8 cells. The host cell apical surface influenced parasite spore germination, as in populations of large undifferentiated Caco-2 cells to which >3 spores had attached, the frequency distribution of the percentages of spores germinated per cell was bimodal, indicating that the surface of some cells favored germination, while others did not. This study suggests that phagocytosis is not a biologically significant mode of infection in differentiated intestinal epithelial cells.
Validity of a Brief Computerized Cognitive Screening Test in Dementia

Background: While preliminary evidence supports the criterion validity of the CogState computerized brief battery in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer disease (AD), definitive validation studies examining a wider range of dementia-related disorders relative to conventional neuropsychological techniques are necessary. Methods: Participants satisfying clinical consensus criteria for dementia (AD, n = 37; frontotemporal dementia, n = 7; and dementia with Lewy bodies, n = 5), MCI (n = 16), and the healthy controls (n = 22) were administered a battery of brief neuropsychological and select computerized (CogState) cognitive tests. The battery, administered through the University of Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, included measures of processing speed, attention, working memory, and learning. Results: CogState and standard neuropsychological task scores were significantly lower for dementia participants than that of the nondementia groups (P < .05), with a single CogState test distinguishing control from MCI participants, but minimal differentiation existing between dementias using the CogState. Correlations were modest between conventional and computerized test scores, covering matching domains and mostly reflecting the multidimensional nature of cognitive paradigms. Conclusions: Results support the clinical validity of this brief computerized screening battery when used in established dementias, but not to differentiate between various dementias, and suggest that the select CogState battery’s effectiveness in identifying MCI from controls was not as strong as identifying specific dementias.
A Small-Scale Anatomic Model for Testicular Radiation Dosimetry for Radionuclides Localized in the Human Testes

The testis is a radiosensitive tissue. It contains a large number of lobules, which in turn are composed of convoluted seminiferous tubules. The epithelium inside each tubule consists of a complex mosaic of supporting cells and germ cells of different sizes and degrees of maturation. These cells are known to have diverse sensitivity to radiation, those with the highest sensitivity being the spermatogonia, which form part of the basal cell layer, and those with the lowest sensitivity being the mature sperm cells closest to the lumen of the tubule. For many years, the internal dosimetry community has discussed the need for improvements to bring about more detailed, cell-level testicular dosimetry. This paper presents a small-scale dosimetry model for calculation of S factors for several different source–target configurations within the testicular tissue. Methods: A model of the testis was designed in which the lobules were approximated by a cross-section of seminiferous tubules arranged in a hexagonal pattern, with interstitial tissue between them. The seminiferous tubules were divided into concentric layers representing spermatogenic development in the seminiferous epithelium. S factors were calculated for electrons, photons, α-particles, and for 18F, 90Y, 99mTc, 111In, 125I, 131I, 177Lu, and 211At using Monte Carlo simulations. Results: For electrons with low energies the range was small, compared with the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, resulting in high energy deposition close to the source, whereas for higher electron energies more uniform energy deposition was seen, as expected. The same trend was seen for low-energy photons, whose mean free paths are small, compared with the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, resulting in high energy deposition close to the source, whereas for higher photon energies the location of the activity in the testis is less important. Conclusion: The model presented in this paper is a simplification of the organized chaos that constitutes the structure of the actual testis. However, it provides a relevant, small-scale anatomic model to help us understand the significance of the heterogeneity of radioactivity in this important radiosensitive tissue.