Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Allonocardiopsis opalescens gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the suborder Streptosporangineae, from the surface-sterilized fruit of a medicinal plant.

An endophytic actinomycete, designated strain I10A-01259(T), was isolated from a surface-sterilized fruit of Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Maxim. , a medicinal plant, which was collected from a suburb of Beijing, China. Whole-cell hydrolysates of the isolate contained galactose and meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol; the menaquinones consisted mainly of MK-9, MK-11 and MK-12, with a minor amount of MK-10. The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain I10A-01259(T) was most closely related to Nocardiopsis arabia S186(T) (93.2 % sequence similarity), Thermobifida halotolerans YIM 90462(T) (93.0 %) and other strains of genera within the families Nocardiopsaceae and Thermomonosporaceae. On the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain I10A-01259(T) fell within the radius of the suborder Streptosporangineae, in which the strain formed a distinct lineage next to the genera of the families Nocardiopsaceae and Thermomonosporaceae. Based on the data from our polyphasic taxonomic study, a novel genus and species, Allonocardiopsis opalescens gen. nov., sp. nov., are proposed within the suborder Streptosporangineae. The type strain of Allonocardiopsis opalescens is strain I10A-01259(T) ( = CPCC 203428(T) = DSM 45601(T) = KCTC 19844(T)).
Crank–Nicolson finite difference method based on a midpoint upwind scheme on a non-uniform mesh for time-dependent singularly perturbed convection–diffusion equations

A numerical approach is proposed to examine the singularly perturbed time-dependent convection–diffusion equation in one space dimension on a rectangular domain. The solution of the considered problem exhibits a boundary layer on the right side of the domain. We semi-discretize the continuous problem by means of the Crank–Nicolson finite difference method in the temporal direction. The semi-discretization yields a set of ordinary differential equations and the resulting set of ordinary differential equations is discretized by using a midpoint upwind finite difference scheme on a non-uniform mesh of Shishkin type. The resulting finite difference method is shown to be almost second-order accurate in a coarse mesh and almost first-order accurate in a fine mesh in the spatial direction. The accuracy achieved in the temporal direction is almost second order. An extensive amount of analysis has been carried out in order to prove the uniform convergence of the method. Finally we have found that the resulting method is uniformly convergent with respect to the singular perturbation parameter, i.e. ϵ-uniform. Some numerical experiments have been carried out to validate the proposed theoretical results.
Epoxy dermatitis from the non‐working environment

The introduction of epoxy systems in industry about 30 years aigo was soon followed by the discovery of their hazardous dermatological effects. The eczematogenic properties of epoxy compounds were ascribed mainly to the use of hardeners of the aliphatic polyamine type. However, it was later realized that the resin is the main cause of allergic contact dermatitis from epoxy systems. Most epoxy systems are of bisphenol A type. The oligomer of molecular weight 340 is the sensitizer in this type of epoxy resin (Fregert & Thorgeirsson, 1977). Low molecular (average moi. wt < 1,000) resins contain up to 95% of this oligomer and high molecular resins (average moi. wt > 1,000) contain from traces to 10%. Hardened resin is non-allergenic. When hardened at room temperature 5-25% remains unhardened for months. High temperature processes usually give complete hardening. Sensitization to epoxy resin has mainly occurred in working environments. However, frequent unexplained reactions at routine testing suggest sensitization from the non-working environment. These reactions seem to reflect sensitization from two main sources: hobby glues and residues of unhardened resin on coated objects. Sensitization from 'do it yourself paints and from plasticizers in PVC is rare. Many consumers do not know that they have used an epoxy glue, since such a declaration is lacking from the package. Sometimes other family members inadvertently contaminate tables, the wheel of the car or other objects. Not until recently was it realized that certain objects coated with varnishes containing epoxy resin are not completely hardened, despite the fact that the method has been practised for about 25 years. Unhardened epoxy resin oligomer with a molecular weight of 340 has been demonstrated on signboards, capsules of bottles, twist-oflF covers, film cassettes, metal packages and brass door knobs (Fregert et al., 1979; 1980). Epoxy sensitive subjects have shown positive patch test reactions to these objects. Most subjects have probably been sensitized by other sources, e.g. glues, but some have obviously been sensitized from such objects as door knobs themselves. The amounts of unhardened resins is sufficient at least to elicit dermatitis in already sensitized individuals. It is now easy to demonstrate unhardened epoxy oligomers by spot tests and thin layer chromatography (TLC; Fregert & Trulson, 1978). Episodes of dermatitis in certain persons who have been sensitized at work do not clear in spite of a change of work. It is possible that at least some of them maintain the dermatitis by contact with epoxy resin coated objects.
Robust Visual Tracking via Weighted Extreme Learning Machine

In this paper, a model based on weighted extreme learning machine (weighted ELM) is proposed for visual tracking. The weighted ELM considers different class distributions both of the positive and negative classes, where extra weights are utilized in the framework. The proposed model simultaneously trains a certain number of weighted ELMs with different feature blocks. Moreover, the weighted multiple instance learning (weighted MI-L) scheme is utilized in choosing the network with the greatest feature block, which has the most discriminative ability. In addition, a special method of calculating global output weights in weighted ELMs is introduced into the tracking framework. Experimental results on some video clips illustrate the good tracking ability of our tracker in many challenging circumstances.
Congenital heart disease affects local gyrification in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a common genetic condition associated with cognitive and learning impairments. In this study, we applied a three‐dimensional method for quantifying gyrification at thousands of points over the cortical surface to imaging data from 44 children, adolescents, and young adults with 22q11.2DS (17 males, 27 females; mean age 17y 2mo [SD 9y 1mo], range 6–37y), and 53 healthy participants (21 males, 32 females; mean age 15y 4mo [SD 8y 6mo]; range 6–40y). Several clusters of reduced gyrification were observed, further substantiating the pattern of cerebral alterations presented by children with the syndrome. Comparisons within 22q11.2DS demonstrated an effect of congenital heart disease (CHD) on cortical gyrification, with reduced gyrification at the parieto‐temporo‐occipital junction in patients with CHD, as compared with patients without CHD. Reductions in gyrification can resemble mild polymicrogyria, suggesting early abnormal neuronal proliferation or migration and providing support for an effect of hemodynamic factors on brain development in 22q11.2DS. The results also shed light on the pathophysiology of acquired brain injury in other populations with CHD.
Prognostic factors in heat wave related deaths: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Although identifying individuals who are at increased risk of dying during heat waves and instituting protective measures represent an established strategy, the evidence supporting the components of this strategy and their strengths has yet to be evaluated. We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies on risk and protective factors in heat wave-related deaths. METHODS Using the OVID interface, we searched Medline (1966-2006) and CINHAL (1982-2006) databases. The Web sites of the World Health Organization, Institut National de Veille Sanitaire, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were also visited. The search terms included heat wave, heat stroke, heatstroke, sunstroke, and heat stress disorders. Eligible studies were case-control or cohort studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and information on study quality were abstracted by 2 investigators independently. Six case-control studies involving 1065 heat wave-related deaths were identified. RESULTS Being confined to bed (OR, 6.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.5-9.2), not leaving home daily (OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.6-6.9), and being unable to care for oneself (OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.8-4.8) were associated with the highest risk of death during heat waves. Preexisting psychiatric illness (OR, 3.61; 95% CI, 1.3-9.8) tripled the risk of death, followed by cardiovascular (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.3-4.8) and pulmonary (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.2-2.1) illness. Working home air-conditioning (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.1-0.6), visiting cool environments (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.2-0.5), and increasing social contact (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.2-0.8) were strongly associated with better outcomes. Taking extra showers or baths (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.1-1.1) and using fans (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.4-1.1) were associated with a trend toward lower risk of death. CONCLUSION The present study identified several prognostic factors that could help to detect those individuals who are at highest risk during heat waves and to provide a basis for potential risk-reducing interventions in the setting of heat waves.
RAS signalling in the colorectum in health and disease

Abstract RAS proteins act as molecular switches between several homeostatic inputs and signal transduction pathways that regulate important cellular processes including cell growth, differentiation and survival. Activating mutations change the function of normal proto-oncogenic RAS proteins to oncogenic RAS proteins that trigger a wide range of downstream effectors altering expression of transcription factors that together stimulate cell proliferation and modulate apoptosis and differentiation. RAS genes are amongst the most frequently mutated genes in human cancers, in particular KRAS is mutated in 40–50% of colorectal cancers. Mutation of this gene has a significant impact on treatment management and patients’ survival, particularly in relation to anti-EGFR therapy, which is only effective in KRAS wild-type cases. Here, we discuss the regulation of KRAS signalling in the colorectum, some of the post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications that control its activity, the mutations and other DNA alterations that are found in this tumour type and the implications that they have for disease progression and current drug treatments.
Exercise, depletion of antioxidants and antioxidant manipulation

Strenuous physical activity is known to increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), associated with depletion of antioxidant defence. In the present work we evaluated the level of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant components in blood of sportsmen under resting conditions and compared the data obtained with those in age‐ and sex‐matched sedentary controls. A significant increase was noted in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and conjugated dienes while a decrease was observed in ascorbic acid and glutathione levels in sportsmen. α‐Tocopherol was unaltered in plasma of sportsmen as compared to controls. The activity of superoxide dismutase was increased (52 per cent) and glutathione peroxidase was decreased (43 per cent) in the erythrocytes of sportsmen compared to controls. Basal glutathione levels were negatively correlated with conjugated dienes and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) of the subjects. Dietary supplementation with antioxidant vitamins has been shown to be beneficial in combating oxidative stress without enhancing performance while exogenous glutathione was found to influence the endurance capacity of athletes. Such studies demonstrate the critical role played by glutathione and suggest that intervention trials should include a mixture of antioxidants rather than a single antioxidant. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Osteogenic-Conditioned Medium from Human Periosteum-Derived Cells on Osteoclast Differentiation

Stem/progenitor cell-based regenerative medicine using the osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is regarded as a promising approach for the therapeutic treatment of various bone defects. The effects of the osteogenic differentiation of stem/progenitor cells on osteoclast differentiation may have important implications for use in therapy. However, there is little data regarding the expression of osteoclastogenic proteins during osteoblastic differentiation of human periosteum-derived cells (hPDCs) and whether factors expressed during this process can modulate osteoclastogenesis. In the present study, we measured expression of RANKL in hPDCs undergoing osteoblastic differentiation and found that expression of RANKL mRNA was markedly increased in these cells in a time-dependent manner. RANKL protein expression was also significantly enhanced in osteogenic-conditioned media from hPDCs undergoing osteoblastic differentiation. We then isolated and cultured CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from umbilical cord blood (UCB) mononuclear cells (MNCs) and found that these cells were well differentiated into several hematopoietic lineages. Finally, we co-cultured human trabecular bone osteoblasts (hOBs) with CD34+ HSCs and used the conditioned medium, collected from hPDCs during osteoblastic differentiation, to investigate whether factors produced during osteoblast maturation can affect osteoclast differentiation. Specifically, we measured the effect of this osteogenic-conditioned media on expression of osteoclastogenic markers and osteoclast cell number. We found that osteoclastic marker gene expression was highest in co-cultures incubated with the conditioned medium collected from hPDCs with the greatest level of osteogenic maturation. Although further study will be needed to clarify the precise mechanisms that underlie osteogenic-conditioned medium-regulated osteoclastogenesis, our results suggest that the osteogenic maturation of hPDCs could promote osteoclastic potential
Glutathione Fine-Tunes the Innate Immune Response toward Antiviral Pathways in a Macrophage Cell Line Independently of Its Antioxidant Properties

Glutathione (GSH), a major cellular antioxidant, is considered an inhibitor of the inflammatory response involving reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, evidence is largely based on experiments with exogenously added antioxidants/reducing agents or pro-oxidants. We show that depleting macrophages of 99% of GSH does not exacerbate the inflammatory gene expression profile in the RAW264 macrophage cell line or increase expression of inflammatory cytokines in response to the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS); only two small patterns of LPS-induced genes were sensitive to GSH depletion. One group, mapping to innate immunity and antiviral responses (Oas2, Oas3, Mx2, Irf7, Irf9, STAT1, il1b), required GSH for optimal induction. Consequently, GSH depletion prevented the LPS-induced activation of antiviral response and its inhibition of influenza virus infection. LPS induction of a second group of genes (Prdx1, Srxn1, Hmox1, GSH synthase, cysteine transporters), mapping to nrf2 and the oxidative stress response, was increased by GSH depletion. We conclude that the main function of endogenous GSH is not to limit inflammation but to fine-tune the innate immune response to infection.
Effects of plyometric training on jumping performance in junior basketball players.

BACKGROUND Although the plyometric training has proved its efficiency, it remains generally unknown whether a limited amount of plyometric training could improve movements in subjects who already demonstrate high level of performance. METHODS Three different training regimens were performed in order to study effects of plyometric training on elite junior basketball players. While control group (CG) participated only in the regular midseason training activity, another two groups performed a limited amount of plyometric training employing drop jumps from the height of either 50 cm (EG-50) or 100 cm (EG-100). The height of the maximal vertical jump (CMJ), as well as the maximal voluntary force (F) and the rate of force development (RFD) of hip and knee extensors were tested prior to and after the training. RESULTS An increase in CMJ (4.8 and 5.6 cm in EG-50 and EG-100, respectively), as well as in F of hip extensors and RFD of knee extensors was observed in both experimental groups, while no significant changes were recorded in CG. When the pretest scores were used as a covariate, both experimental groups demonstrated higher increase in CMJ and RFD of knee extensors then CG. However, no differences were observed between EG-50 and EG-100. The multiple correlation between four isometric parameters and CMJ revealed R2=0.29. CONCLUSIONS A limited amount of plyometric training could improve jumping performance in elite junior basketball players and this improvement could be partly related with an increase in F of hip extensors and RFD of knee extensors. However, neither of the two initial heights of the applied drop jumps proved to be more effective.
Comparison of the effects of body-weight-supported treadmill training and tilt-table standing on spasticity in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury

Abstract Objective Determine the effects of body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) and tilt-table standing (TTS) on clinically assessed and self-reported spasticity, motor neuron excitability, and related constructs in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Design Random cross-over. Methods Seven individuals with chronic SCI and spasticity performed thrice-weekly BWSTT for 4 weeks and thrice-weekly TTS for 4 weeks, separated by a 4-week wash-out. Clinical (Modified Ashworth Scale, Spinal Cord Assessment Tool for Spinal reflexes) and self-report (Spinal Cord Injury Spasticity Evaluation Tool, Penn Spasm Frequency Scale) assessments of spasticity, quality of life (Quality of Life Index Spinal Cord Injury Version – III), functional mobility (FIM Motor Subscale), plus soleus H-reflex were measured at baseline, after the first training session and within 2 days of completing each training condition. Results In comparison with TTS, a single session of BWSTT had greater beneficial effects for muscle tone (effect size (ES) = 0.69), flexor spasms (ES = 0.57), and the H/M ratio (ES = 0.50). Similarly, flexor spasms (ES = 0.79), clonus (ES = 0.66), and self-reported mobility (ES = 1.27) tended to benefit more from 4 weeks of BWSTT than of TTS. Participation in BWSTT also appeared to be favorable for quality of life (ES = 0.50). In contrast, extensor spasms were reduced to a greater degree with TTS (ES = 0.68 for single session; ES = 1.32 after 4 weeks). Conclusion While both BWSTT and TTS may provide specific benefits with respect to spasticity characteristics, data from this pilot study suggest that BWSTT may result in a broader range of positive outcomes.
A Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm Based on Decision Variable Analyses for Multiobjective Optimization Problems With Large-Scale Variables

State-of-the-art multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) treat all the decision variables as a whole to optimize performance. Inspired by the cooperative coevolution and linkage learning methods in the field of single objective optimization, it is interesting to decompose a difficult high-dimensional problem into a set of simpler and low-dimensional subproblems that are easier to solve. However, with no prior knowledge about the objective function, it is not clear how to decompose the objective function. Moreover, it is difficult to use such a decomposition method to solve multiobjective optimization problems (MOPs) because their objective functions are commonly conflicting with one another. That is to say, changing decision variables will generate incomparable solutions. This paper introduces interdependence variable analysis and control variable analysis to deal with the above two difficulties. Thereby, an MOEA based on decision variable analyses (DVAs) is proposed in this paper. Control variable analysis is used to recognize the conflicts among objective functions. More specifically, which variables affect the diversity of generated solutions and which variables play an important role in the convergence of population. Based on learned variable linkages, interdependence variable analysis decomposes decision variables into a set of low-dimensional subcomponents. The empirical studies show that DVA can improve the solution quality on most difficult MOPs. The code and supplementary material of the proposed algorithm are available at http://web.xidian. edu.cn/fliu/paper.html.
Correlates of Eating Disorder in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Objective: This study aims to investigate: (a) the association of eating disorders with childhood sexual abuse and recent stressful life events; (b) the coexistence of eating disorders and other common psychiatric disorders; and (c) the impact of eating disorders on obesity, medical conditions, and health service utilization. Method: We conducted secondary data analyses based on population-based study, which consists of a nationally representative sample of 2,870 community-dwelling adults aged 50 and above, interviewed in 2006 to 2007. Results and conclusion: The 12-month prevalence of eating disorders was 2.61%. Multivariate analyses revealed that eating disorders were more common among younger age groups, women, and those who reported stressful life events. In addition, eating disorders were significantly related to anxiety disorders, agoraphobia, panic disorder, obesity, and cancer. Discussion: This study supports the notion that eating disorders in older adults are associated with a number of psychosocial, psychiatric, and medical conditions.
Monitoring transfer of recombinant and nonrecombinant plasmids between Lactococcus lactis strains and members of the human gastrointestinal microbiota in vivo– impact of donor cell number and diet

Aims: The generation of data of real relevance to the purported risks of DNA transfer from food‐borne genetically modified microorganisms (GMMOs) using the human biota associated (HBA) rat model. Plasmid transfer between Lactococcus lactis strains and between donor strains and human gut bacteria was monitored.