Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunogenicity in chickens with orally administered recombinant chicken‐borne Lactobacillus saerimneri expressing FimA and OmpC antigen of O78 avian pathogenic Escherichia coli

Purpose. Avian colibacillosis is responsible for economic losses to poultry producers worldwide. To combat this, we aimed to develop an effective oral vaccine for chicken against O78 avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) infection through a Lactobacillus delivery system. Methodology. Eight Lactobacillus strains isolated from the intestines of broiler chickens were evaluated based on their in vitro adherence ability to assess their potential as a delivery vector. Fimbrial subunit A (FimA) and outer‐membrane protein C (OmpC) of APEC with and without fusion to dendritic cell‐targeting peptide (DCpep) and microfold cell‐targeting peptide (Co1) were displayed on the surface of Lactobacillus saerimneri M‐11 and yielded vaccine groups (pPG‐ompC‐fimA/M‐11 and pPG‐ompC‐fimA‐Co1‐DCpep/M‐11, respectively). The colonization of the recombinant strains in vivo was assessed and the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of orally administered recombinant strains in chickens were evaluated. Results. The colonization of the recombinant strains in vivo revealed no significant differences between the recombinant and wild‐type strains. Chickens orally administered with vaccine groups showed significantly higher levels of OmpC/FimA‐specific IgG in serum and mucosal IgA in cecum lavage, nasal lavage and stool compared to the pPG/M‐11 group. After challenge with APEC CVCC1553, better protective efficacy was observed in chickens orally immunized with pPG‐ompC‐fimA/M‐11 and pPG‐ompC‐fimA‐Co1‐DCpep/M‐11, but no significant differences were observed between the two groups. Conclusions. Recombinant chicken‐borne L. saerimneri M‐11 showed good immunogenicity in chickens, suggesting that it may be a promising vaccine candidate against APEC infections. However, the activity of mammalian DCpep and Co1 was not significant in chickens.
First Molecular Characterization of Hypoderma actaeon in Cattle and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in Portugal

Hypoderma spp. larvae cause subcutaneous myiasis in several animal species. The objective of the present investigation was to identify and characterize morphologically and molecularly the larvae of Hypoderma spp. collected from cattle (Bos taurus taurus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the district of Castelo Branco, Portugal. For this purpose, a total of 8 larvae were collected from cattle (n=2) and red deer (n=6). After morphological identification of Hypoderma spp. larvae, molecular characterization was based on PCR-RFLP and mitochondrial CO1 gene sequence analysis. All larvae were morphologically characterized as the third instar larvae (L3) of H. actaeon. Two restriction enzymes were used for molecular identification of the larvae. TaqI restriction enzyme was not able to cut H. actaeon. However, MboII restriction enzyme differentiated Hypoderma species showing 210 and 450 bp bands in H. actaeon. Furthermore, according to the alignment of the mt-CO1 gene sequences of Hypoderma species and to PCR-RFLP findings, all the identified Hypoderma larvae were confirmed as H. actaeon. This is the first report of identification of Hypoderma spp. (Diptera; Oestridae) from cattle and red deer in Portugal, based on morphological and molecular analyses.
Active classifier selection for RGB-D object categorization using a Markov random field ensemble method

In this work, a new ensemble method for the task of category recognition in different environments is presented. The focus is on service robotic perception in an open environment, where the robot’s task is to recognize previously unseen objects of predefined categories, based on training on a public dataset. We propose an ensemble learning approach to be able to flexibly combine complementary sources of information (different state-of-the-art descriptors computed on color and depth images), based on a Markov Random Field (MRF). By exploiting its specific characteristics, the MRF ensemble method can also be executed as a Dynamic Classifier Selection (DCS) system. In the experiments, the committee- and topology-dependent performance boost of our ensemble is shown. Despite reduced computational costs and using less information, our strategy performs on the same level as common ensemble approaches. Finally, the impact of large differences between datasets is analyzed.
Hydroxyapatite‐intertwined hybrid nanofibres for the mineralization of osteoblasts

Advances in tissue engineering have enabled the development of bioactive composite materials to generate biomimetic nanofibrous scaffolds for bone replacement therapies. Polymeric biocomposite nanofibrous scaffolds architecturally mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM), delivering tremendous regenerative potential for bone tissue engineering. In the present study, biocompatible poly(l‐lactic acid)‐co‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)–silk fibroin–hydroxyapatite–hyaluronic acid (PLACL–SF–HaP–HA) nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning to mimic the native ECM. The developed nanofibrous scaffolds were characterized in terms of fibre morphology, functional group, hydrophilicity and mechanical strength, using SEM, FTIR, contact angle and tabletop tensile‐tester, respectively. The nanofibrous scaffolds showed a higher level of pore size and increased porosity of up to 95% for the exchange of nutrients and metabolic wastes. The fibre diameters obtained were in the range of around 255 ± 13.4–789 ± 22.41 nm. Osteoblasts cultured on PLACL–SF–HaP–HA showed a significantly (p < 0.001) higher level of proliferation (53%) and increased osteogenic differentiation and mineralization (63%) for the inclusion of bioactive molecules SF–HA. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) data proved that the presence of calcium and phosphorous in PLACL–SF–HaP–HA nanofibrous scaffolds was greater than in the other nanofibrous scaffolds with cultured osteoblasts. The obtained results for functionalized PLACL–SF–HaP–HA nanofibrous scaffolds proved them to be a potential biocomposite for bone tissue engineering. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global spatial analysis of Arabidopsis natural variants implicates 5′UTR splicing of LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL in responses to temperature

Abstract How plants perceive and respond to temperature remains an important question in the plant sciences. Temperature perception and signal transduction may occur through temperature‐sensitive intramolecular folding of primary mRNA transcripts. Recent studies suggested a role for retention of the first intron in the 5′UTR of the clock component LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY) in response to changes in temperature. Here, we identified a set of haplotypes in the LHY 5′UTR, examined their global spatial distribution, and obtained evidence that haplotype can affect temperature‐dependent splicing of LHY transcripts. Correlations of haplotype spatial distributions with global bioclimatic variables and altitude point to associations with annual mean temperature and temperature fluctuation. Relatively rare relict type accessions correlate with lower mean temperature and greater temperature fluctuation and the spatial distribution of other haplotypes may be informative of evolutionary processes driving colonization of ecosystems. We propose that haplotypes may possess distinct 5′UTR pre‐mRNA folding thermodynamics and/or specific biological stabilities based around the binding of trans‐acting RNA splicing factors, a consequence of which is scalable splicing sensitivity of a central clock component that is likely tuned to specific temperature environments.
Anatomical predisposing factors of transmural thermal injury after pulmonary vein isolation

Aims Transmural thermal injury (TTI), such as oesophageal erosion/ulcer and perioesophageal nerve injury leading to gastric hypomotility, is an important complication associated with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, a predictor of TTI concerning anatomical structures surrounding the oesophagus has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, we sought to identify the predisposing factors of TTI after PVI. Methods and results Consecutive 110 patients, who underwent PVI for atrial fibrillation, received oesophagogastroduodenoscopy 2 days later, were investigated. The relationships between TTI and clinical and anatomical parameters were examined. Based on the computed tomography data, we measured the angle of the left atrial (LA) posterior wall to the descending aorta (Ao) (LA-Ao angle), the branching angle of the left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV) to the coronal plane (LIPV angle), and the minimum distance between the LA posterior wall and descending Ao enclosing the oesophagus (LA-Ao distance). Transmural thermal injuries occurred in 21 patients (oesophageal erosion in 5 and gastric hypomotility in 16). Age, gender, body mass index, LA diameter, and LA volume index in echocardiography were not associated with TTI. However, the LIPV angle was larger and the LA-Ao distance was shorter in the TTI (+) group compared to the TTI (-) group. With multivariate logistic regression analysis, the LIPV angle [odds ratio (OR): 2.144, P = 0.0031] and LA-Ao distance (OR: 0.392, P = 0.0229) were independent predictors of TTI. Conclusion The anatomical proximities of the LA posterior wall, LIPV, and descending Ao surrounding the oesophagus are strongly associated with the prevalence of TTI.
Ray-optical negative refraction and pseudoscopic imaging with Dove-prism arrays

A sheet consisting of an array of small, aligned Dove prisms can locally (on the scale of the width of the prisms) invert one component of the ray direction. A sandwich of two such Dove-prism sheets that inverts both transverse components of the ray direction is a ray-optical approximation to the interface between two media with refractive indices +n and –n. We demonstrate the simulated imaging properties of such a Dove-prism-sheet sandwich, including a demonstration of pseudoscopic imaging.
Rubber Accelerators in Medical Examination and Surgical Gloves

Background Rubber accelerators play a significant role in glove-related occupational contact dermatitis, especially among health care workers. Currently, there is limited information readily available outlining the accelerators used in specific medical examination and surgical gloves. Objective The aim of this study was to ascertain the accelerators used in medical examination and surgical gloves for major glove manufacturers within the United States. Methods An initial Internet-based search was performed to establish relevant manufacturers and product lines, with subsequent inquiry with each corresponding company regarding accelerators used in each medical and surgical glove line. Results Eleven glove manufacturers were identified and contacted. Responses were obtained from all manufacturers, but because of legal limitations, changes in product lines, or inability to supply necessary data, only 8 companies were able to be included in the final analysis, totaling data for 190 gloves. Carbamates were the most common accelerator, used in 90.5% (172/190) of gloves, whereas thiurams were used in only 11 gloves (5.8%). Eight companies surveyed are now advertising and offering touted accelerator-free gloves. Conclusions Accelerators are used in most examination and surgical gloves; however, manufacturers are now expanding their product offerings to include accelerator-free options.
Transitions Between Circulatory States After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Protocol for an Observational, Prospective Cohort Study

Background The post cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) is responsible for the majority of in-hospital deaths following cardiac arrest (CA). The major elements of PCAS are anoxic brain injury and circulatory failure. Objective This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of circulatory failure and inflammatory responses after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and to identify patterns of circulatory and inflammatory responses, which may predict circulatory deterioration in PCAS. Methods This study is a single-center cohort study of 50 patients who receive intensive care after OHCA. The patients are followed for 5 days where detailed information from circulatory variables, including measurements by pulmonary artery catheters (PACs), is obtained in high resolution. Blood samples for inflammatory and endothelial biomarkers are taken at inclusion and thereafter daily. Every 10 min, the patients will be assessed and categorized in one of three circulatory categories. These categories are based on mean arterial pressure; heart rate; serum lactate concentrations; superior vena cava oxygen saturation; and need for fluid, vasoactive medications, and other interventions. We will analyze predictors of circulatory failure and their relation to inflammatory biomarkers. Results Patient inclusion started in January 2016. Conclusions This study will obtain advanced hemodynamic data with high resolution during the acute phase of PCAS and will analyze the details in circulatory state transitions related to circulatory failure. We aim to identify early predictors of circulatory deterioration and favorable outcome after CA. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02648061; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02648061 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wVASuOla)
Carbon nanotube electronics / Électronique à nanotubes de carbone Multiscale simulation of carbon nanotube devices

In recent years, the understanding and accurate simulation of carbon nanotube-based devices has become very challenging. Conventional simulation tools of microelectronics are necessary to envision the performance and use of nanotube transistors and circuits, but the models need to be refined to properly describe the full complexity of such novel type of devices at the nanoscale. Indeed, many issues such as contact resistance, low dimensional electrostatics and screening effects, as well as nanotube doping or functionalization, demand for more accurate quantum approaches. In this article, we review our recent progress on multiscale simulations which aim at bridging first principles calculations with compact modelling, including the comparison between semi
REINFORCEMENT OF MULTIWALLED CARBON NANOTUBES/NATURAL RUBBER NANOCOMPOSITE PREPARED LATEX TECHNOLOGY

Reinforcement of natural rubber was achieved using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) dispersed with non-ionic, polymeric-based surfactant. MWCNTs were first dispersed in aqueous solution of INUTEC driven by sonication and then mixed with natural rubber latex. From these mixtures MWCNTs with natural rubber were prepared by casting method. The morphology of the reinforced latex films was investigated by FESEM and AFM. When applying adequate preparation conditions, MWCNTs were well dispersed and homogeneously incorporated in the natural rubber matrix. Mechanical and electrical test results showed an increase in the tensile strength and conductivity than to pure natural rubber. The nanocomposites possess the good tensile strength even without extensive purification on the nanomaterials produced and without any pretreatment on the natural rubber used. The approach presented can be adapted to other MWCNTs/polymer latex systems.
Application of Artificial Immune System Algorithms on Healthcare Data

Data mining is one of the most significant ways of extracting the important information from a required set of data. Now-a-days the healthcare systems generate a very large amount of data, which are difficult to analyze through traditional methods. Data mining techniques provide the technology to extract meaningful information from these huge healthcare data for decision making. This paper mainly focuses on the analysis and evaluation of different parameters from large healthcare datasets, using Artificial Immune System (AIS) based classification algorithms, and normal classification algorithms. Five life science based datasets focusing on healthcare are considered for our experiment, to evaluate different parameters, using AIS based and normal classification algorithms. The result of the experiment is analyzed to propose the best classifier among the considered algorithms, based on the factors like accuracy, sensitivity, F-measure and specificity. The proposed classifier can further be used for different decision making purposes in healthcare systems.
Complementarity in False Memory Illusions

For some years, the DRM illusion has been the most widely studied form of false memory. The consensus theoretical interpretation is that the illusion is a reality reversal, in which certain new words (critical distractors) are remembered as though they are old list words rather than as what they are—new words that are similar to old ones. This reality-reversal interpretation is supported by compelling lines of evidence, but prior experiments are limited by the fact that their memory tests only asked whether test items were old. We removed that limitation by also asking whether test items were new-similar. This more comprehensive methodology revealed that list words and critical distractors are remembered quite differently. Memory for list words is compensatory: They are remembered as old at high rates and remembered as new-similar at very low rates. In contrast, memory for critical distractors is complementary: They are remembered as both old and new-similar at high rates, which means that the DRM procedure induces a complementarity illusion rather than a reality reversal. The conjoint recognition model explains complementarity as a function of three retrieval processes (semantic familiarity, target recollection, and context recollection), and it predicts that complementarity can be driven up or down by varying the mix of those processes. Our experiments generated data on that prediction and introduced a convenient statistic, the complementarity ratio, which measures (a) the level of complementarity in memory performance and (b) whether its direction is reality-consistent or reality-reversed.
Tubular Bridges for Bronchial Epithelial Cell Migration and Communication

Background Biological processes from embryogenesis to tumorigenesis rely on the coordinated coalescence of cells and synchronized cell-to-cell communication. Intercellular signaling enables cell masses to communicate through endocrine pathways at a distance or by direct contact over shorter dimensions. Cellular bridges, the longest direct connections between cells, facilitate transfer of cellular signals and components over hundreds of microns in vitro and in vivo. Methodology/Principal Findings Using various cellular imaging techniques on human tissue cultures, we identified two types of tubular, bronchial epithelial (EP) connections, up to a millimeter in length, designated EP bridges. Structurally distinct from other cellular connections, the first type of EP bridge may mediate transport of cellular material between cells, while the second type of EP bridge is functionally distinct from all other cellular connections by mediating migration of epithelial cells between EP masses. Morphological and biochemical interactions with other cell types differentially regulated the nuclear factor-κB and cyclooxygenase inflammatory pathways, resulting in increased levels of inflammatory molecules that impeded EP bridge formation. Pharmacologic inhibition of these inflammatory pathways caused increased morphological and mobility changes stimulating the biogenesis of EP bridges, in part through the upregulation of reactive oxygen species pathways. Conclusions/Significance EP bridge formation appears to be a normal response of EP physiology in vitro, which is differentially inhibited by inflammatory cellular pathways depending upon the morphological and biochemical interactions between EP cells and other cell types. These tubular EP conduits may represent an ultra long-range form of direct intercellular communication and a completely new mechanism of tissue-mediated cell migration.
Hybrid approach for detection of dental caries based on the methods FCM and level sets

This paper presents a new technique for detection of dental caries that is a bacterial disease that destroys the tooth structure. In our approach, we have achieved a new segmentation method that combines the advantages of fuzzy C mean algorithm and level set method. The results obtained by the FCM algorithm will be used by Level sets algorithm to reduce the influence of the noise effect on the working of each of these algorithms, to facilitate level sets manipulation and to lead to more robust segmentation. The sensitivity and specificity confirm the effectiveness of proposed method for caries detection.
Establishment of plasmid vector and allelic exchange mutagenesis systems in a mycobacterial strain that is able to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon

Abstract Plasmid vector and allelic exchange mutagenesis systems were established for the genetic analysis of a phenanthrene-degrading mycobacterial strain, Mycobacterium sp. EPa45. Successful application of these systems revealed the necessity of the EPa45 phdI gene for the degradation of 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoate, which has been proposed to be an intermediate product in the degradation pathway of phenanthrene.
Prognostic Significance of Blood Transfusion in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients without Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether blood transfusions affect overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A total of 181 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: 68 patients in the transfused group and 113 patients in the nontransfused group. Statistical analyses showed that there were significant differences in ECOG scoring, Ig isotype, platelet (Plt) counts, hemoglobin (Hb) level, serum creatinine (Scr) level, and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) level between the two groups. Univariate analyses showed that higher International Staging System staging, Plt counts < 100 × 109/L, Scr level ≥ 177 μmol/L, serum β2-MG ≥ 5.5 μmol/L, serum calcium (Ca) ≥ 2.75 mmol/L, and thalidomide use were associated with both OS and PFS in MM patients. Age ≥ 60 was associated with OS and Ig isotype was associated with PFS in MM patients. Moreover, blood transfusion was associated with PFS but not OS in MM patients. Multivariate analyses showed that blood transfusion was not an independent factor for PFS in MM patients. Our preliminary results suggested that newly diagnosed MM patients may benefit from a liberal blood transfusion strategy, since blood transfusion is not an independent impact factor for survival.