Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Paracoccidioides Species Complex: Ecology, Phylogeny, Sexual Reproduction, and Virulence

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a deep systemic mycosis caused by human fungal pathogens of the Paracoccidioides genus. The disease is geographically restricted to subtropical areas of Latin America (from south of Mexico to north of Argentina) with a high prevalence in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina [1]. The annual incidence rate in Brazil is 10–30 infections per million inhabitants, and the mean mortality rate is 1.4 per million inhabitants per year, making this disease the highest cause of mortality among systemic mycoses [2]. PCM is endemic in rural populations and mainly affects individuals engaged in agricultural activities, who inhale aerosols containing fungal material during manipulation of the soil. Molecular evolutionary studies place the genus Paracoccidioides in the thermodimorphic fungal pathogen clade related to the family Ajellomycetaceae (Ascomycetes), which includes the Blastomyces, Histoplasma, and Emmonsia genera, and with which it shares a common ancestor, Lacazia loboi. PCM can be caused by two species Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii [3]. P. brasiliensis has been considered a single species since its discovery, although several studies including molecular and morphological data support the split of P. brasiliensis into two species [3,4]. P. lutzii is composed of a single monophyletic and recombining population so far found in central, southwest, and north Brazil and Ecuador [3–5]. On the other hand, P. brasiliensis contains a complex of at least four different cryptic species (S1, PS2, PS3 and PS4; Figure 1A [6]). P. brasiliensis S1 represents a monophyletic and recombining population widely distributed in South America and has been associated with the majority of cases of PCM detected up until the present time. Strains belonging to P. brasiliensis S1 have previously been recovered from armadillos, soil, and penguin feces [6]. P. brasiliensis PS2 is a paraphyletic and recombining population identified so far only in Brazil and Venezuela [6]. P. brasiliensis PS3 is comprised of a monophyletic and clonal population that has been recovered in humans and armadillos in endemic regions of Colombia [6]. P. brasiliensis PS4 was recently identified and is composed of a monophyletic population of clinical isolates from Venezuela [5,7]. Besides the typical bicorn cocked hat– and barrel-shaped conidia produced by both species, P. lutzii frequently produces elongated rod-shaped conidia, a characteristic feature that may be used for species identification [3]. Because of the difficulties of conidia production in the laboratory and slight morphological differences among species, molecular identification of Paracoccidioides species has become the most common tool of choice. Several molecular markers have already been applied in population studies of the Pararacoccidioides genus, and for multilocus sequencing typing, gp43, arf, b-tub, and hsp70 loci are the best choices for species delineation [4,6].
Beijing , China EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE DETECTION IN STRUCTURES AND EARLY WARNING

The ability to monitor the health of an instrumented structure, detect damage as it occurs, and issue an early warning during or soon after the earthquake (or some other natural or man made disaster), and before physical inspection is possible, has significant potential benefits in reducing loss of life and injuries, in emergency response, and in recovery following the disaster. The timeliness of such information, even when the damage is obvious or there is no structural damage, is very useful to a building owner, of an important business or a critical facility. To be practically useful, the structural health monitoring systems must be robust when applied to real data, reliable, and sufficiently sensitive and accurate. This paper reviews briefly the current methods, trends and outstanding issues in practical implementation of such systems, with emphasis on a new method based on detecting changes in wave travel times using impulse response functions. This method can be viewed as an intermediate scale method, bridging the gap between the NDT and global vibrational methods. Results are shown as proof of concept studies using data from full scale buildings.
Time-domain estimation of the center frequency and spread of Doppler spectra in diagnostic ultrasound

Two sets of estimators of the center frequency and mean square bandwidth of a Doppler spectrum are analyzed. The first set is based on a linear combination of the complex autocorrelation of the Doppler signal for different lags. It is shown that the argument (phase angle) of the complex autocorrelation function at unit sample lag is a close approximation to the mean Doppler shift, whereas its modulus (magnitude) gives information about the mean square bandwidth of the spectrum. Approximate expressions for the bias and variance of the estimators are derived, valid for long averaging times. The performances of the estimators are compared for signals with rectangular spectra and different signal-to-noise ratios. <<ETX>>
Strategic Intent and E-Business in SMEs: Enablers and Inhibitors

Small firms' use of e-business is limited, and little is known about what drives them to embrace e-business. Using survey data from 354 small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs in the UK West Midlands, this paper investigates e-business use and drivers. It first discusses different growth strategies adopted by SMEs and then reviews Internet adoption in SMEs. Drivers and inhibitors of e-business are identified. Three research questions are derived: Does strategic intent drive e-business adoption, and is it a factor of market position or product innovation? Is this consistent across sectors? How is strategic intent and industry adoption influenced by the enablers and inhibitors of e-business adoption? This research demonstrates that strategic intent influences decisions to invest in e-business. Those SMEs remaining in their existing markets are the least likely to invest, primarily due to the Internet not being seen as necessary for growth. Product innovation rather than market penetration drives e-business, and e-business drivers and inhibitors provide insights into this.
N-[2-({[1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]oxy}methyl)phenyl]-N-methoxyhydrazinecarboxamide

In the title compound, C18H18ClN5O3, the hydrazinecarboxamide N—N—C(O)—N unit is nearly planar [maximum deviation = 0.074 (2) Å] and is inclined at a dihedral angle of 57.43 (7)° with respect to the plane of the attached benzene ring. The chlorophenyl group makes dihedral angles of 19.71 (7) and 34.07 (6)° with the pyrazole and benzene rings, respectively. In the crystal, pairs of N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into inversion dimers that are further linked into chains along the a-axis direction by N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds. In addition, π–π stacking interactions are observed between benzene rings [centroid–centroid distance = 3.680 (1) Å].
Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) and Its Potential for Cultivation in the Pacific Northwest, U.S.: A Review

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a warm season grass with a growing season of 60–100 days. It is a highly nutritious cereal grain used for human consumption, bird seed, and/or ethanol production. Unique characteristics, such as drought and heat tolerance, make proso millet a promising alternative cash crop for the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of the United States. Development of proso millet varieties adapted to dryland farming regions of the PNW could give growers a much-needed option for diversifying their predominantly wheat-based cropping systems. In this review, the agronomic characteristics of proso millet are discussed, with emphasis on growth habits and environmental requirements, place in prevailing crop rotations in the PNW, and nutritional and health benefits. The genetics of proso millet and the genomic resources available for breeding adapted varieties are also discussed. Last, challenges and opportunities of proso millet cultivation in the PNW are explored, including the potential for entering novel and regional markets.
Cancer incidence in pet dogs: findings of the Animal Tumor Registry of Genoa, Italy.

BACKGROUND The occurrence of spontaneous tumors in pet animals has been estimated in a few European and North American veterinary cancer registries with dissimilar methodologies and variable reference populations. OBJECTIVES The Animal Tumor Registry (ATR) of Genoa, Italy, was established in 1985 with the aim of estimating the occurrence of spontaneous tumors in dogs. METHODS Six thousand seven hundred and forty-three tumor biopsy specimens were received from local veterinarians in the Municipality of Genoa between 1985 and 2002. Three thousand and three hundred and three (48.9%) biopsy specimen samples were diagnosed as cancer and were coded according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD-9). RESULTS Mammary cancer was the most frequently diagnosed cancer in female dogs, accounting for 70% of all cancer cases. Incidence of all cancers was 99.3 per 100,000 dog-years (95% CI: 93.6-105.1) in male dogs and 272.1 (95% CI: 260.7-283.6) in female dogs. The highest incidence rates were detected for mammary cancer (IR = 191.8, 95% CI: 182.2-201.4) and for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (IR = 22.9, 95% CI: 19.7-26.5) in bitches and for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (IR = 19.9, 95% CI: 17.4-22.7) and skin cancer (IR = 19.1, 95% CI: 16.6-21.8) in male dogs. All cancer IR increased with age ranging between 23.7 (95% CI: 18.4-30.1) and 763.2 (95% CI: 700.4-830.1) in bitches and between 16.5 (95% CI: 12.8-21.1) and 237.6 (95% CI: 209.1-269.0) in male dogs aged < or =3 years and >9-11 years. CONCLUSION This study summarizes the work done by the ATR of Genoa, Italy, between 1985 and 2002. All cancer incidence was 3 times higher in female than in male dogs, a difference explained by the high rate of mammary cancer observed in bitches. Because a biopsy specimen was required to make a cancer diagnosis, cancer rates for internal organs cancers, such as respiratory and digestive tract cancers may have been underestimated in the study population.
Microfluidic experiments reveal that antifreeze proteins bound to ice crystals suffice to prevent their growth

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are a subset of ice-binding proteins that control ice crystal growth. They have potential for the cryopreservation of cells, tissues, and organs, as well as for production and storage of food and protection of crops from frost. However, the detailed mechanism of action of AFPs is still unclear. Specifically, there is controversy regarding reversibility of binding of AFPs to crystal surfaces. The experimentally observed dependence of activity of AFPs on their concentration in solution appears to indicate that the binding is reversible. Here, by a series of experiments in temperature-controlled microfluidic devices, where the medium surrounding ice crystals can be exchanged, we show that the binding of hyperactive Tenebrio molitor AFP to ice crystals is practically irreversible and that surface-bound AFPs are sufficient to inhibit ice crystal growth even in solutions depleted of AFPs. These findings rule out theories of AFP activity relying on the presence of unbound protein molecules.
The Operative Treatment of Isolated Craniofacial Dysostosis (Plagiocephaly): A Comparison of the Unilateral and Bilateral Techniques

Both the safety and efficacy of the treatment of isolated craniofacial dysostosis (plagiocephaly) in infancy have been demonstrated. Opinions remain divided, however, as to the optimal type of procedure to be undertaken. In an attempt to answer this question, we have retrospectively evaluated a study population of 48 children operated on in infancy by either a unilateral or bilateral approach. Results of treatment at a minimal follow-up of 3 years were assessed based on preoperative and postoperative photographs and direct patient examination. Based on this retrospective comparison of the unilateral and bilateral approaches to the treatment of isolated craniofacial dysostosis, we conclude that (1) either approach as specifically outlined will give excellent results in the majority of patients, (2) there is no statistically significant difference in the results obtained by using either procedure, (3) in the majority of instances, less than ideal correction was manifested by contour irregularities evident in the temporal and/or lateral forehead region, and strict attention should be given to these areas in an attempt to further improve results, and (4) in those cases where significant protrusion is observed on the “normal side,” a bilateral approach is preferable.
Stimulation of Kv1.3 Potassium Channels by Death Receptors during Apoptosis in Jurkat T Lymphocytes*

The loss of intracellular potassium is a pivotal step in the induction of apoptosis but the mechanisms underlying this response are poorly understood. Here we report caspase-dependent stimulation of potassium channels by the Fas receptor in a human Jurkat T cell line. Receptor activation with Fas ligand for 30 min increased the amplitude of voltage-activated potassium currents 2-fold on average. This produces a sustained outward current, ∼10 pA, at physiological membrane potentials during Fas ligand-induced apoptosis. Both basal and Fas ligand-induced currents were blocked completely by toxins that selectively inhibit Kv1.3 potassium channels. Kv1.3 stimulation required the expression of Fas-associated death domain protein and activation of caspase 8, but did not require activation of caspase 3 or protein synthesis. Furthermore, Kv1.3 stimulation by Fas ligand was prevented by chronic stimulation of protein kinase C with 20 nm phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate during Fas ligand treatment, which also blocks apoptosis. Thus, Fas ligand increases Kv1.3 channel activity through the same canonical apoptotic signaling cascade that is required for potassium efflux, cell shrinkage, and apoptosis.
Sexual practices and prevalence of HIV, HTLV-I/II, and Treponema pallidum among clandestine female sex workers in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES A survey was conducted to determine the sexual behavior practices and prevalence of HIV-1, HTLV-I/II, and T. pallidum infections among unlicensed female sex workers (FSWs) in Lima, Peru. GOAL OF THIS STUDY To assess the role of unlicensed FSWs as a potential source of retroviral and T. pallidum infection. STUDY DESIGN Female sex workers from 15 brothels were enrolled. Sera samples were obtained and tested for antibodies to HIV-1, HTLV-I, and Treponema pallidum. RESULTS Of 158 FSWs studied, all were negative for HIV-1, 6 were positive for HTLV-I, and 5 were positive for Treponema pallidum. Of their male clients, 75% used condoms, whereas only 3% reported condom use with their steady partners. When condoms were always used by clients, the history of a sexually transmitted disease was significantly reduced (p < 0.01), and the prevalence of HTLV-I (p < 0.05) and syphilis was lower among these workers. CONCLUSION Data suggested that the low rate of sexually transmitted diseases among FSWs reflected the high rate of condom use by their male clients.
Robust stabilization for arbitrarily switched linear systems with time-varying delays and uncertainties

This paper studies the robust stability and stabilization problems for switched linear discrete-time systems. The parameter uncertainties in the system under consideration are time-varying but norm-bounded, and the time delay is assumed to be time-varying and bounded, which covers the constant and mode-dependent constant delays as special cases. First, sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the stability of the uncertain system. Then, a control law is designed so that the resulting closed-loop system is stable for all admissible uncertainties. A linear matrix inequality (LMIs) approach, together with a cone complementary linearization algorithm, is proposed to solve the above problems. A numerical example is given to show the potential applicability of the obtained theoretic results.
Loss of activity in the secreted form of Escherichia coli haemolysin caused by an rfaP lesion in core lipopolysaccharide assembly

A transposon mutant of Escherichia coli 5K was isolated which reduced 10‐ to 50‐fold the secreted extracellular haemolytic activity of cells carrying the complete hlyCABD operon while leaving unaffected the intracellular haemolytic activity and the levels of intracellular and extracellular haemolysin protein, HlyA. The transposon insertion was identified within the rfaP gene (required for attachment of phosphate‐containing substituents to the lipopolysaccharide inner core), and extracellular haemolytic activity was restored in trans by the intact rfaP gene. The toss in cytolytic activity of the secreted HlyA protein was not related to the HlyC‐directed acylation of the protoxin. Activity of the secreted toxin was restored by chaotropic agents and during rate‐zonal centrifugation the mutant‐secreted HlyA migrated as a larger species than the wild type. The results indicate that the rfaP mutation affects the aggregation behaviour of the active toxin during or following the signal peptide‐independent secretion process.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Sex and sex hormones affect the CNS and the immune system differentially, and thus a sexual dimorphism may be anticipated across arenas in multiple sclerosis (MS). Information from the past few decades has elucidated the impact of sex on broad aspects of MS, such as susceptibility, disease course, and radiologic phenotypes. Specific concerns regarding family planning and managing reproductive issues influenced by MS are likely to arise, given the typical age of onset during reproductive years. Thus, information regarding reproductive health in male and female patients with MS can potentiate the role of the neurologist in the management of these important aspects of clinical care. Note: Text referenced in the Quintessentials Preferred Responses, which appear later in this issue, is indicated in yellow shading throughout this article.
A meta-analysis and meta-regression of serial reaction time task performance in Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE This article reports findings of a meta-analysis and meta-regression summarizing research on implicit sequence learning in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), as measured by the Serial Reaction Time (SRT) task. METHOD Following a systematic search of the literature, we analyzed a total of 27 studies, representing data from 505 participants with PD and 460 neurologically intact control participants. RESULTS Overall, the meta-analysis indicated significantly (p < .001) worse sequence learning by the PD group than the control group. The average weighted effect size was found to be . 531 (95% CI [.332, .470]), which is a medium effect size. However, moderate to high levels of heterogeneity (differences) were found between study effect sizes (I(2) = 58%). Meta-regression analysis suggested that presentation of the SRT task under dual task conditions coupled with PD severity or characteristics of the sequence might affect study effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS The meta-analysis provides clear support that learning in procedural memory (procedural learning), which underlies implicit sequence learning in the SRT task, is impaired in PD.
Counter-forensics of median filtering

Median filtering is a well-known non linear denoising filter often used as an harmless post-processing, sometimes also employed to affect the reliability of some forensic techniques. In this work, we present a novel counter-forensic method able to conceal the characteristic traces left by median filtering. By exploiting the knowledge of features used in existing median filtering detectors, we are able to remove the characteristic footprints via suitable random pixel modification, while keeping the quality of the counter-attacked image high. Experimental results show that the proposed method is very effective, computationally efficient and competitive with other state-of-the-art techniques.
Institutional Bias and the Degree Class System

Over the last decade the proportion of students in higher education obtaining aggregate marks over 60 per cent has steadily increased. Whilst standards of learning and teaching may have improved due to the existence of quality assurance agencies and the efforts of individual higher education institutions a significant factor remains that could also have influenced this rise. The degree of autonomy allowed to individual higher education institutions regarding the systems in place to decide on the degree class awarded to a student can significantly alter the cohort degree class profile. Most institutions operate an aggregate mean marking system tied to algorithms designed to reward borderline students who have performed well across all of their modules. These algorithms vary between institutions and their effect on a cohort of 120 geography students has been investigated using the classification systems operated by 10 geography departments in England. The results indicate that a significant number of students receive higher degree classes that they would under the strict aggregate mean rules. More significantly, there is evidence that award levels vary between institutions as a result of the variety of algorithms that exist. In several instances over 10 per cent of students received elevated degree class awards with an inter-institutional variation of several per cent. These discrepancies are significant enough to warrant a review of the present system with a view to introducing operational standards across the university sector.
Trust, Gullibility, and Social Intelligence

A series of experiments conducted in Japan by Yamagishi and his associates are presented, all consistently showing that high trusters (as measured with a general trust scale) are more sensitive than low trusters to information potentially revealing lack of trustworthiness in others and judge other people’s choice in a one-shot prisoner’s dilemma more accurately. Based on these findings, a new theoretical twist is introduced to the ‘‘emancipation theory of trust’’ originally proposed by Yamagishi & Yamagishi (1994), that emphasizes the relationexpansion role of trust in addition to the traditionally noticed relationfortification role of trust. When opportunity cost for staying in a commitment relation is generally high, it is more advantageous not to stay in secure and stable commitment relations but to explore opportunities that lie outside, and yet such social exploration involves the risk of being exploited by untrustworthy people. It is thus a more gainful strategy to invest ‘‘cognitive resources’’ in the nurturing of ‘‘social intelligence’’ needed to detect signals of untrustworthiness. General trust may be conceived as a by-product of the development of such social intelligence. Those who have invested in the development of social intelligence can afford to maintain a high level of general trust, whereas those who have not are encouraged to assume that ‘‘everyone is a thief’’ and to refrain from pursuing potentially lucrative but risky outside opportunities.
An evaluation of the internal quality of business applications: does size matter?

This study summarizes results of a study of the internal, structural quality of 288 business applications comprising 108 million lines of code collected from 75 companies in 8 industry segments. These applications were submitted to a static analysis that evaluates quality within and across application components that may be coded in different languages. The analysis consists of evaluating the application against a repository of over 900 rules of good architectural and coding practice. Results are presented for measures of security, performance, and changeability. The effect of size on quality is evaluated, and the ability of modularity to reduce the impact of size is suggested by the results.