Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chromosome Replication and the Division Cycle of Escherichia coli B/r

The average amount of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) per cell was measured in steady-state cultures of Escherichia coli B/r grown at 37 C in glucose-limited chemostats or in batch cultures in the exponential growth phase as maintained with one of several carbon sources. Within experimental errors, DNA content was dependent only on growth rate and independent of the type of culture, the carbon source, or the addition of growth factors. The amount of DNA per cell increased continuously with growth rate over the range of 0.02 to 3 divisions per hour. The data over the entire range of growth rates are in agreement with a constant time for a single replication point to traverse the entire genome, 47 min, and with cell division following 25 min after termination of replication. The measured amount of DNA per genome was 4.2 × 10−15 g (or 2.5 × 109 daltons).
A basic study on the effect of voltage stress on a water droplet on a silicone rubber surface

Observations and analyses have been conducted on the behavior of water droplets deposited on the surface of polymer insulators. As an index to characterize the repellency of water droplets on the polymer surface, the contact angle was measured for different situations. Experiments were conducted to see the behavior of water droplets of different volumes and their size distribution on silicone rubber. Electric field strength calculation was performed to analyze the effect on water droplets. Finally, effects of the Maxwell stress and the Coulomb's force were compared, to conclude that, even if there is some true charge on the water droplet, the Maxwell stress is predominant.
Genetic Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii Revealed Highly Diverse Genotypes for Isolates from Newborns with Congenital Toxoplasmosis in Southeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Recent studies of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from animals in Brazil have revealed high genetic diversity. Many of these isolates are virulent to mice. It is speculated that these isolates may also be virulent to humans. However, there is very limited data regarding T. gondii strains from human infection. Therefore, it is not clear whether there is any association between parasite genotypes and disease phenotypes. In this study, a total of 27 T. gondii strains were isolated from humans with congenital toxoplasmosis in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The genetic variability was assessed by restricted fragment length polymorphism in 11 loci (SAG1, 5′ plus 3′ SAG2, alternative [alt.] SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico). Genetic analysis of 24 strains revealed 14 different genotypes, including 7 previously identified from animals and 7 new types. The widespread genotype BrII accounted for 29% (7/24) of the isolates and was the dominant genotype involved in this study. This is the first report of genotyping of T. gondii isolates obtained from blood samples from newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis. Genotypic characterization of these isolates suggests high genetic diversity of T. gondii in this human population in Brazil. Future studies are needed to determine the source of contamination of this human population.
Postural stability in subjects with whiplash injury symptoms: results of a pilot study

Abstract Conclusions: Posturographic tests can be used to assess and confirm the body’s imbalance in subjects with whiplash injury. Further studies with larger cohorts are necessary to confirm this pilot study. Objectives: To verify through a posturographic exam the qualitative and quantitative alterations of postural stability in subjects with previous cervical trauma in comparison with healthy subjects. Methods: A total of 42 subjects were analysed for the study; 22 as the control group (NM) and 20 (WM) with a positive anamnesis of whiplash injury from 3 to 12 month from diagnosis through a force platform. Centre of pressure (CoP) movements of the two groups with their eyes open and closed were recorded. Results: During the closed eye test, the subjects with cervical injuries displayed a significant increase in the anterior-posterior oscillation velocity (p < 0.05) compared with the control group, with a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of the ratio between the shifting length (SL) of CoP on the polygon support and the total envelope area (EA, mm2) of CoP movements in the polygon support (SL/EA-ratio, mm–1).
In-the-Canal Versus Behind-the-Ear Microphones Improve Spatial Discrimination on the Side of the Head in Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users

Objective: To test whether in-the-canal (ITC) microphones have an impact on spatial discrimination and speech perception by taking advantage of auricular cues. Study Design: Experimental clinical study. Setting: Audiologic laboratory in a tertiary referral center. Patients: Seven bilateral adult cochlear implant (CI) users were selected from the institution's database. Intervention: The adaptive German Oldenburg sentence test and minimum audible angle measurements were performed binaurally with experimental ITC and behind-the-ear (BTE) microphones. Main Outcome Measures: Spatial discrimination and speech perception scores assessed for each microphone position. Results: Spatial discrimination on the side of the head was superior using ITC compared with BTE microphone positions; the differences on the side of the first CI were statistically significant (mean minimum audible angle ± standard deviation, 28.4 ± 7.61 degrees versus 34.1 ± 14.4 degrees; p = 0.031). Speech perception scores with ITC versus BTE microphone positions also were improved, although the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: ITC microphones could help to improve CI performance in the future.
Recombinant variant of ciliary neurotrophic factor for weight loss in obese adults: a randomized, dose-ranging study.

CONTEXT Obese individuals tend to resist the weight-regulating effects of exogenously administered leptin. A genetically engineered recombinant human variant ciliary neurotrophic factor (rhvCNTF) that signals through leptinlike pathways in the hypothalamus has been shown to bypass leptin resistance in animal models of obesity. OBJECTIVE To identify a safe and well-tolerated dose of rhvCNTF that causes weight loss in obese adults. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Twelve-week, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, dose-ranging, multicenter clinical trial conducted at 2 university obesity clinics and at 5 independent clinical research clinics from March 2000 to August 2001, and including 173 nondiabetic obese adults, 82.6% of whom were women, with a mean (SD) body mass index of 41.1 (4.1). INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomly assigned to receive daily for 12 weeks subcutaneous injections of placebo (n = 32) or 0.3 microg/kg (n = 32), 1.0 microg/kg (n = 38), or 2.0 microg/kg (n = 33) of rhvCNTF. Another group received 1.0 microg/kg for 8 weeks and placebo for 4 weeks (n = 38), but they were not included in the primary analysis. All participants received instructions for a reduced-calorie diet (World Health Organization formula minus 500 kcal/d). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Change in weight during the 12-week double-blind treatment period and proportion of patients who achieved a weight loss of at least 5%. RESULTS Of the 173 randomized patients, 123 (71%) completed the double-blind dosing period. Mean (SEM) changes in kilograms from baseline body weights were 0.1 (0.6) for placebo and -1.5 (0.6) for the 0.3, -4.1 (0.6) for the 1.0, and -3.4 (0.7) for the 2.0 microg/kg of rhvCNTF dosage groups (P<.001, test for trend). Two patients (8.7%) in the placebo and 2 (8.3%) in the 0.3- microg/kg, 8 (29.6%) in the 1.0- microg/kg, and 5 (26%) in the 2.0- microg/kg treatment groups achieved a weight loss of at least 5%. Recombinant human variant CNTF was generally well tolerated although adverse events occurred in 75% of patients receiving placebo and 78% to 93% of patients receiving rhvCNTF, in a dose-related fashion, with mild injection site reactions as the most frequently reported adverse event. CONCLUSIONS In this initial, dose-ranging, 12-week study, treatment with rhvCNTF resulted in more weight loss than placebo. These preliminary findings require confirmation in large prospective clinical trials.
On the analysis of direct adaptive fuzzy controllers

The control problem of using adaptive fuzzy controllers for nonlinear unstable systems is reported. In this study, how the parameter matrix P required in the Lyapunov equation for guaranteeing the system stability can affect the system performance is discussed. It can be found that even though the Lyapunov synthesis approach has already proven that the system is asymptotically stable, the parameter matrix P still needs to be selected appropriately besides the symmetric positive definite property. In our simulations, it can also be found that this kind of controller does not converge to a fixed controller, but adaptively adjusts its parameters according to the errors. As a consequence, when the considered system has a sensory noise, the system may gradually become unstable. Ways of restraining such an unbounded phenomenon are proposed in the paper.
Risk of Avulsion of the Achilles Tendon After Partial Excision for Treatment of Insertional Tendonitis and Haglund's Deformity: A Biomechanical Study

Surgical treatment of posterior heel pain caused by insertional (calcific) Achilles tendonitis or retrocalcaneal bursitis includes resection of diseased tendon or exostectomy. Currently, no guidelines exist to determine how much tendon may be excised without risking rupture of the Achilles tendon. Anatomic dissections revealed the average height of the insertion measured 19.8 mm (range, 13–25 mm). Average width at the proximal aspect of the insertion measured 23.8 mm (range, 17–30 mm) and distally measured 31.2 (range, 25–38 mm). To assess the risk of avulsion, the tendon insertion was partially released in 25% increments of its measured height or width by one of the four methods: (1) from superior to inferior, (2) from the central portion outward, (3) from medial to lateral, and (4) from lateral to medial. Repeated cyclic loading of body weight × 3 was applied, and, if the tendon remained intact, the next 25% increment was released. This process was repeated until failure occurred. Failure occurred in all specimens by an oblique intratendonous separation or shear between the intact portion remaining on the calcaneus and the resected fibers remaining in the clamp. Fibers inserting into the bone did not avulse. Superior-to-inferior resection was found to be superior to the other three methods with eight of nine specimens remaining intact after 75% resection. We therefore conclude that superior-to-inferior offers the greatest margin of safety when performing partial resections of the Achilles insertion, and as much as 50% of the tendon may be resected safely.
Interactive Chord Visualization for Metaproteomics

Metaproteomics is an analytic approach to research microorganisms that live in complex microbial communities. A key aspect of understanding microbial communities is to link the functions of proteins identified by metaproteomics to their taxonomy. In this paper we demonstrate the interactive chord visualization as a powerful tool to explore such data. To evaluate the tools efficacy, we use the relation data between functions and taxonomies from a large metaproteomics experiment. We evaluated the work flow in comparison to previous methods of data analysis and showed that interactive exploration of data using the chord diagram is significantly faster in four of five tasks. Therefore, the chord visualization improves the user's ability to discover complex biological relationships.
Preservation of frozen yeast cells by trehalose.

Two different methods commonly used to preserve intact yeast cells-freezing and freeze-drying-were compared. Different yeast cells submitted to these treatments were stored for 28 days and cell viability assessed during this period. Intact yeast cells showed to be less tolerant to freeze-drying than to freezing. The rate of survival for both treatments could be enhanced by exogenous trehalose (10%) added during freezing and freeze-drying treatments or by a combination of two procedures: a pre-exposure of cells to 40 degrees C for 60 min and addition of trehalose. A maximum survival level of 71.5 +/- 6.3% after freezing could be achieved at the end of a storage period of 28 days, whereas only 25.0 +/- 1.4% showed the ability to tolerate freeze-drying treatment, if both low-temperature treatments were preceded by a heat exposure and addition of trehalose to yeast cells. Increased survival ability was also obtained when the pre-exposure treatment of yeast cells was performed at 10 degrees C for 3 h and trehalose was added: these treatments enhanced cell survival following freezing from 20.5 +/- 7. 7% to 60.0 +/- 3.5%. Although both mild cold and heat shock treatments could enhance cell tolerance to low temperature, only the heat treatment was able to increase the accumulation of intracellular trehalose whereas, during cold shock exposure, the intracellular amount of trehalose remained unaltered. Intracellular trehalose levels seemed not to be the only factor contributing to cell tolerance against freezing and freeze-drying treatments; however, the protection that this sugar confers to cells can be exerted only if it is to be found on both sides of the plasma membrane.
Redistribution of monocarboxylate transporter 2 on the surface of astrocytes in the human epileptogenic hippocampus

Emerging evidence points to monocarboxylates as key players in the pathophysiology of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with hippocampal sclerosis (mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, MTLE). Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) 1 and 2, which are abundantly present on brain endothelial cells and perivascular astrocyte endfeet, respectively, facilitate the transport of monocarboxylates and protons across cell membranes. Recently, we reported that the density of MCT1 protein is reduced on endothelial cells and increased on astrocyte plasma membranes in the hippocampal formation in patients with MTLE and in several animal models of the disorder. Because the perivascular astrocyte endfeet comprise an important part of the neurovascular unit, we now assessed the distribution of the MCT2 in hippocampal formations in TLE patients with (MTLE) or without hippocampal sclerosis (non‐MTLE). Light microscopic immunohistochemistry revealed significantly less perivascular MCT2 immunoreactivity in the hippocampal formation in MTLE (n = 6) than in non‐MTLE (n = 6) patients, and to a lesser degree in non‐MTLE than in nonepilepsy patients (n = 4). Immunogold electron microscopy indicated that the loss of MCT2 protein occurred on perivascular astrocyte endfeet. Interestingly, the loss of MCT2 on astrocyte endfeet in MTLE (n = 3) was accompanied by an upregulation of the protein on astrocyte membranes facing synapses in the neuropil, when compared with non‐MTLE (n = 3). We propose that the altered distribution of MCT1 and MCT2 in TLE (especially MTLE) limits the flux of monocarboxylates across the blood–brain barrier and enhances the exchange of monocarboxylates within the brain parenchyma. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modulation of Liver Microsomal Monooxygenase System by Dietary n-6/n-3 Ratios in Rat Hepatocarcinogenesis

This study was designed to determine the effects of dietary n-3/n-6 fatty acid ratios on preneoplastic foci and the microsomal monooxygenase system in rat hepatocarcinogenesis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed four kinds of diets containing 15% (wt/wt) fat with different n-6/n-3 ratios: low ratio (≥1.0) with tuna oil, low ratio (≥1.0) with perilla oil, moderate ratio (≤4.0), and high ratio (≤10.0). Hepatocarcinogenesis was induced by diethylnitrosamine and partial hepatectomy. The moderate ratio diet decreased significantly the area and number of placental glutathione S-transferase-positive foci compared with the high ratio diet and low ratio diet with perilla oil. The fatty acid composition of microsomal membrane varied extensively, reflecting the dietary n-6/n-3 ratios. Liver microsomal lipid peroxidation was significantly decreased in the group fed the low ratio diet with tuna oil compared with the moderate and high ratio groups. Glucose-6-phosphatase activity, which reflects membrane stability, was significantly higher in the low ratio groups than in the high ratio group. The monooxygenase activities were increased significantly in the moderate ratio group compared with the high ratio group. These results suggest that a moderate n-6/n-3 ratio (≤4.0) may be the most effective in decreasing preneoplastic foci by elevating the monooxygenase activities and n-3 fatty acids in fish oil may have a protective effect by lowering the lipid peroxidation and stabilizing the microsomal membrane during rat hepatocarcinogenesis.
The Androgen Receptor Represses Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling through Interaction with Smad3*

In the prostate, androgens negatively regulate the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) ligands and receptors and Smad activation through unknown mechanisms. We show that androgens (dihydrotestosterone and R1881) down-regulate TGF-β1-induced expression of TGF-β1, c-Fos, and Egr-1 in the human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line, LNCaP. Moreover, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibits TGF-β1 activation of three TGF-β1-responsive promoter constructs, 3TP-luciferase, AP-1-luciferase, and SBE4BV-luciferase, in LNCaP cells either with or without enforced expression of TGF-β receptors (TβRI and TβRII). Similarly, DHT inhibits the activation of Smad-binding element (SBE)4BV-luciferase by either constitutively activated TβRI (T204D) or constitutively activated Smad3 (S3*). Activation of SBE4BV-luciferase by S3* in the NRP-154 prostatic cell line, which is androgen receptor (AR)-negative but highly responsive to TGF-β1, is blocked by co-transfection with either full-length AR or AR missing the DNA binding domain. Immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assays show that AR directly associates with Smad3 but not Smad2 or Smad4. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicate that the AR ligand binding domain directly inhibits the association of Smad3 to the Smad-binding element. In conclusion, our data demonstrate for the first time that ligand-bound AR inhibits TGF-β transcriptional responses through selectively repressing the binding of Smad3 to SBE.
Biomechanics of swimming in developing larval fish

ABSTRACT Most larvae of bony fish are able to swim almost immediately after hatching. Their locomotory system supports several vital functions: fish larvae make fast manoeuvres to escape from predators, aim accurately during suction feeding and may migrate towards suitable future habitats. Owing to their small size and low swimming speed, larval fish operate in the intermediate hydrodynamic regime, which connects the viscous and inertial flow regimes. They experience relatively strong viscous effects at low swimming speeds, and relatively strong inertial effects at their highest speeds. As the larvae grow and increase swimming speed, a shift occurs towards the inertial flow regime. To compensate for size-related limitations on swimming speed, fish larvae exploit high tail beat frequencies at their highest speeds, made possible by their low body inertia and fast neuromuscular system. The shifts in flow regime and body inertia lead to changing functional demands on the locomotory system during larval growth. To reach the reproductive adult stage, the developing larvae need to adjust to and perform the functions necessary for survival. Just after hatching, many fish larvae rely on yolk and need to develop their feeding systems before the yolk is exhausted. Furthermore, the larvae need to develop and continuously adjust their sensory, neural and muscular systems to catch prey and avoid predation. This Review discusses the hydrodynamics of swimming in the intermediate flow regime, the changing functional demands on the locomotory system of the growing and developing larval fish, and the solutions that have evolved to accommodate these demands. Summary: This Review discusses the solutions that developing larval fish have evolved to the challenges of swimming in the intermediate Reynolds number regime.
SSSD-Based Mobile Positioning: On the Accuracy Improvement Issues in Distance and Location Estimations

The stationary signal-strength-difference (SSSD)-based positioning technique has been proposed as a cost-effective, low-complexity solution. The positioning accuracy with this technique, however, is limited, as a result of the large error in the distance. In this paper, we contribute a simple and efficient method for the accuracy improvement issues in the distance. Starting from the concept of the global positioning system (GPS) pseudorange (PD) equation, a complete set of distance difference (DD) is formulated. In addition, we then correct the error in the distance by going in the set of DD, based on the least-squares (LS) sense. The theoretical model is established and verified via experimental data gathered in an urban environment. Results clearly show that the proposed method performs well when encountering a large error in the distance. On top of this, we investigate the accuracy improvement issues in the location estimation and propose an iterative LS algorithm by using the corrected distances. The positioning accuracy is studied based on the analysis of different location errors, and the effect of geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) is also investigated. The improvement of the positioning accuracy is clearly demonstrated through the experimental data collected at 55 different test points with 25 133 samples, which is outstanding.
Influence of iron on modulation of the antioxidant system in rat brains exposed to lead

The objective of this study was to evaluate markers of oxidative stress in the brains of rats exposed to lead acetate (Pb(C2H3O2)2), either associated or not associated with ferrous sulfate (FeSO4). A total of 36 weaning rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into 6 groups of six animals and exposed to lead acetate for six weeks. In the control group (control), the animals received deionized water. The Pb260 and Pb260 + Fe received 260 µM lead acetate, and the Pb1050 and Pb1050 + Fe received 1050 µM lead acetate. The Pb260 + Fe and Pb1050 + Fe were supplemented with 20 mg of ferrous sulfate/Kg body weight every 2 days. Group Fe received deionized water and ferrous sulfate. The rat brains were collected to analyze the enzymatic activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (TBARS), and total antioxidant substance (TAS) (DPPH• technique). The activity of SOD and GPx in the experimental groups decreased compared to the control, together with the concentration of GSH (p < 0.05). For CAT analysis, SOD tended to increase in concentration in the experimental groups without a concomitant exposure to FeSO4, whereas GPx showed a slight tendency to increase in activity compared to the control. For TAS‐DPPH•, there was a decrease in the experimental groups (p < 0.05). According to the results, SOD, GPx, and GSH were affected by lead acetate and exposure to ferrous sulfate changed this dynamic. However, further studies are needed to verify whether ferrous sulfate acts as a protectant against the toxic effects of lead. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 813–822, 2017.