Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial mechanism of volatile fatty acids in the intestinal tract of pigs against Escherichia coli.

Summary In in vitro studies using E. coli, a VFA-associated antibacterial effect was demonstrable in the colon contents of pigs. The mean VFA concentration of the colon contents was 96 to 120 mmol/kg; acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid constituted 65, 25, and 10% of total VFA, respectively. In the colon the VFA concentration is controlled by a bioregulatory mechanism and so VFA concentration always remains within a range sufficient for the antibacterial action. The bioregulation of VFA can be altered by depriving the intestinal portion of its blood supply, which results in a rise of VFA concentration, or by fasting the pigs for 3 to 4 days, which leads to a decrease of VFA concentration. The antibacterial effect is caused by the non-dissociated VFA molecules and so this effect is extremely pH-sensitive. In the pig colon, the pH may vary between 5.6 and 7.2, depending on the metabolic status, and may be influenced also by feeding. Antibacterial activity is demonstrable only between pH 5.6 and 6.6; above pH 6.6 the proportion of non-dissociated VFA molecules is so low that the antibacterial effect ceases. Consequently, the antibacterial defence mechanism functioning in the colon is sensitive to all nutritional factors which alter the pH of the colon. Zusammenfassung Antibakterielle Abwehrmechanismen im Darmtrakt von Schweinen gegen Escherichia coli Mit in vitro-Untersuchungen wurde im Coloninhalt von Schweinen ein antibakterieller Effekt gegen E. coli-Bakterien nachgewiesen, der eng mit dem Gehalt an fluchtigen Fettsauren korrelierte. Die mittlere Konzentration an fluchtigen Fettsauren lag im Coloninhalt zwischen 96 und 120 mmol/kg. Essigsaure, Propionsaure und Buttersaure machten je 65%, 25% und 10% des gesamten fluchtigen Fettsauregehaltes aus. Im Colon wird die fluchtige Fettsaurekonzentration durch einen Bioregulationsmechanismus kontrolliert, der gewahrleistet, das die fluchtige Fettsaurekonzentration immer in einem Bereich bleibt, der fur eine antibakterielle Wirkung ausreicht. Diese Bioregulation kann z. B. durch eine Unterbrechung der Blutversorgung im Darm gestort werden, was zu einem Anstieg der fluchtigen Fettsaurekonzentration fuhrt. Eine Abnahme der Fettsaurekonzentration erreicht man dagegen z. B. bei Schweinen durch einen 3- bis 4tagigen Futterentzug. Da die antibakterielle Wirkung der fluchtigen Fettsauren auf nicht spaltbaren Molekulen beruht, ist diese Wirkung extrem pH-empfindlich. Im Schweinecolon schwankt, je nach Stoffwechselstatus und Futterung, der pH-Wert zwischen 5,6 und 7,2. Eine antibakterielle Aktivitat tritt nur bei pH-Werten zwischen 5,6 und 6,6 auf; uber pH 6,6 ist der Anteil der nicht spaltbaren Molekule der fluchtigen Fettsauren so gering, das eine antibakterielle Wirkung nicht mehr nachzuweisen ist. Da uber die Futterung der pH-Wert des Colons beeinflust werden kann, hangt der antibakterielle Abwehrmechanismus des Schweinecolons direkt mit der Futterung zusammen.
Zakaźne zapalenie macicy klaczy - problem, którego nie rozwiązała sztuczna inseminacja

produkcyjnych i kur stad niosek towarowych oraz Hipracox® Broilers, Livacox® T i Paracox®-5 – preparaty dla kurcząt brojlerów. Pomimo wielu lat badań nad kokcydiozą, choroba ta stanowi ciągle istotny problem w przemyśle drobiarskim. Fakt ten sprawia, że należy uznać kokcydiozę za jedną z najważniejszych parazytoz drobiu XX i początku XXI wieku. Jednak dzięki tak urozmaiconej ofercie preparatów służących do immunoprofilaktyki, łatwiejsze stało się kontrolowanie kokcydiozy w wielkotowarowych stadach kur reprodukcyjnych, kur niosek towarowych oraz kurcząt brojlerów.
Effect of Overlapping Price Ranges on Price Perception: Revisiting the Range Theory of Price Perception

The context in which a product is seen has an impact on the behavior of consumers. Specifically the impact of the context provided by the most and least extreme values, i.e., the range of stimuli presented has been well documented. In the price context, the range theory posits that an individual's evaluation of a product's price depends on the range of prices observed. Prior research on range theory has demonstrated the effect of a single price distribution (by varying the range and frequency of values within the distribution) on consumer product and price evaluations. In this research, we examine a more realistic situation in which a consumer has to evaluate a product's price in the presence of two or more price distributions whose anchors (end points) may overlap. A consumer has to take into account two or more end points simultaneously to make judgments. Based on the tenets of regret theory, we develop 'the overlapping ranges hypotheses' and design a series of experiments to p;rovide empirical evidence. We propose using the 'eye-tracking method' as a tool to illustrate the cognitive process in evaluating the overlapping price ranges. We develop a boundary condition for the 'overlapping ranges hypotheses' and argue that goal-directed behavior will inhibit the consumer from considering multiple ranges simultaneously. Finally, we consider multiple attributes of a product and take into account attribute tradeoffs across price ranges. Across four studies we provide consistent experimental evidence supporting our hypotheses.
Cytokinesis in Eukaryotes

SUMMARY Cytokinesis is the final event of the cell division cycle, and its completion results in irreversible partition of a mother cell into two daughter cells. Cytokinesis was one of the first cell cycle events observed by simple cell biological techniques; however, molecular characterization of cytokinesis has been slowed by its particular resistance to in vitro biochemical approaches. In recent years, the use of genetic model organisms has greatly advanced our molecular understanding of cytokinesis. While the outcome of cytokinesis is conserved in all dividing organisms, the mechanism of division varies across the major eukaryotic kingdoms. Yeasts and animals, for instance, use a contractile ring that ingresses to the cell middle in order to divide, while plant cells build new cell wall outward to the cortex. As would be expected, there is considerable conservation of molecules involved in cytokinesis between yeast and animal cells, while at first glance, plant cells seem quite different. However, in recent years, it has become clear that some aspects of division are conserved between plant, yeast, and animal cells. In this review we discuss the major recent advances in defining cytokinesis, focusing on deciding where to divide, building the division apparatus, and dividing. In addition, we discuss the complex problem of coordinating the division cycle with the nuclear cycle, which has recently become an area of intense research. In conclusion, we discuss how certain cells have utilized cytokinesis to direct development.
Student and faculty performance in clinical simulations with access to a searchable information resource

In this study we explore how students' use of an easily accessible and searchable database affects their performance in clinical simulations. We do this by comparing performance of students with and without database access and compare these to a sample of faculty members. The literature supports the fact that interactive information resources can augment a clinician's problem solving ability in small clinical vignettes. We have taken the INQUIRER bacteriological database, containing detailed information on 63 medically important bacteria in 33 structured fields, and incorporated it into a computer-based clinical simulation. Subjects worked through the case-based clinical simulations with some having access to the INQUIRER information resource. Performance metrics were based on correct determination of the etiologic agent in the simulation and crosstabulated with student access of the information resource; more specifically it was determined whether the student displayed the database record describing the etiologic agent. Chi-square tests show statistical significance for this relationship (chi 2 = 3.922; p = 0.048). Results support the idea that students with database access in a clinical simulation environment can perform at a higher level than their counterparts who lack access to such information, reflecting favorably on the use of information resources in training environments.
On the Design of Active Contours for Medical Image Segmentation

Summary Objectives: To provide a comprehensive bottom-up categorization of model-based segmentation techniques that allows to select, implement, and apply well-suited active contour models for segmentation of medical images, where major challenges are the high variability in shape and appearance of objects, noise, artifacts, partial occlusions of objects, and the required reliability and correctness of results. Methods: We consider the general purpose of segmentation, the dimension of images, the object representation within the model, image and contour influences, as well as the solution and the parameter selection of the model. Potentials and limits are characterized for all instances in each category providing essential information for the application of active contours to various purposes in medical image processing. Based on prolaps surgery planning, we exemplify the use of the scheme to successfully design robust 3D-segmentation. Results: The construction scheme allows to design robust segmentation methods, which, in particular, should avoid any gaps of dimension. Such gaps result from different image domains and value ranges with respect to the applied model domain and the dimension of relevant subsets for image influences, respectively. Conclusions: A general segmentation procedure with sufficient robustness for medical applications is still missing. It is shown that in almost every category, novel techniques are available to improve the initial snake model, which was introduced in 1987.
Prevalence of clinical autistic traits within a homeless population: barriers to accessing homeless services

ABSTRACT Recent research suggests a high prevalence rate of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) amongst the homeless population. Although, it is well-documented that autistic people experienced many barriers to accessing health services, little is known about their challenges in accessing homeless services. Thus, the present study aimed to measure prevalence of high levels of autistic traits, and to identify barriers that prevent autistic people accessing homeless services. Participants recruited from homeless services (n = 65) completed the Autism Quotient-10 (AQ-10) alongside a questionnaire regarding perceived accessibility of homeless services. Results revealed that 18.5% of participants scored Above the Clinical Threshold of the AQ-10 (ACT-AQ). Moreover, the ACT-AQ group reported that encountering big groups in shared accommodation represent a significant barrier to engaging with homeless services. Further research is needed to identify the full degree of ASC representation and the factors that might prevent autistic homeless people accessing homeless services, and thus overcoming homelessness.
RECURRING DIGITAL FIBROUS TUMOURS OF CHILDHOOD

Summary This paper reviews the clinical and histopathological features of 15 cases of recurring digital fibrous tumours. The sex incidence was approximately equal, the toes were affected almost as often as the fingers, but the thumbs and great toes were spared. Two digits were involved in 4 cases and there were separate tumours in the same digit in a further 2 cases. Bilateral lesions and simultaneous involvement of hand and foot were not seen. The lesions were intradermal, had a characteristic histological pattern and, in all but one case, exhibited intracytoplasmic inclusions. Of 10 patients for whom follow‐up information was available, 9 demonstrated recurring tumours but none exhibited metastases. None of the nodules were left untreated. Nevertheless, conservative surgical correction of digital dysfunction and deformities, rather than radical excision of tumours, probably forms the treatment of choice.
Medulloblastoma: optimizing care with a multidisciplinary approach

Medulloblastoma is a malignant tumor of the cerebellum and the most frequent malignant brain tumor in children. The standard of care consists of maximal resection surgery, followed by craniospinal irradiation and chemotherapy. Such treatment allows long-term survival rates of nearly 70%; however, there are wide disparities among patient outcomes, and in any case, major long-term morbidity is observed with conventional treatment. In the last two decades, the molecular understanding of medulloblastoma has improved drastically, allowing us to revolutionize our understanding of medulloblastoma pathophysiological mechanisms. These advances led to an international consensus in 2010 that defined four prognostic molecular subgroups named after their affected signaling pathways, that is, WNT, SHH, Group 3 and Group 4. The molecular understanding of medulloblastoma is starting to translate through to clinical settings due to the development of targeted therapies. Moreover, recent improvements in radiotherapy modalities and the reconsideration of craniospinal irradiation according to the molecular status hold promise for survival preservation and the reduction of radiation-induced morbidity. This review is an overview of the current knowledge of medulloblastoma through a molecular approach, and therapeutic prospects currently being developed in surgery, radiotherapy and targeted therapies to optimize the treatment of medulloblastoma with a multidisciplinary approach will also be discussed.
Short‐ and long‐term effects of neonatal glucocorticoid therapy: is hydrocortisone an alternative to dexamethasone?

Aim: To compare short‐term effects and neurodevelopmental outcome of neonatal glucocorticoid therapy between two centres. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in two centres using a tapering course of either 5 to 1 mgkg−1 hydrocortisone (HC; 22 d) or 0.5 to 0.1 mg kg−1 dexamethasone (DEX; 21 d). In both centres glucocorticoid‐treated infants and control patients were matched for gestational age, birthweight, severity of infant respiratory distress syndrome and periventricular‐intraventricular haemorrhage. The following short‐term glucocorticoid‐induced effects were investigated in 25 HC‐treated and 25 control patients in centre A, and in 23 DEX‐treated and 23 control patients in centre B: oxygen dependency (inspiratory oxygen fraction), arterial pressure, blood glucose and urea concentrations, weight gain and head circumference before, during and after therapy (in treated infants), or at an interval comparable to treated infants (in control infants). Neurological outcome, psychomotor development and school performance at 5–7 y of age was evaluated in all groups. Results: HC and DEX were equally potent in reducing oxygen dependency. Mean arterial pressure as well as blood glucose and urea concentrations were significantly increased during DEX, but not during HC treatment. Weight gain stopped during DEX therapy, but not during HC. Head circumference in both treatment groups was decreased after therapy compared with controls. Neonatally DEX ‐treated children needed special school education significantly more often (p < 0.01) than controls at 5–7 y of age. No differences between neonatally HC‐treated children and controls on neurodevelopmental outcome were found at 5–7 y of age.
Molecular Mapping of Flowering Time Major Genes and QTLs in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Flowering time is an important trait for adaptation and productivity of chickpea in the arid and the semi-arid environments. This study was conducted for molecular mapping of genes/quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling flowering time in chickpea using F2 populations derived from four crosses (ICCV 96029 × CDC Frontier, ICC 5810 × CDC Frontier, BGD 132 × CDC Frontier and ICC 16641 × CDC Frontier). Genetic studies revealed monogenic control of flowering time in the crosses ICCV 96029 × CDC Frontier, BGD 132 × CDC Frontier and ICC 16641 × CDC Frontier, while digenic control with complementary gene action in ICC 5810 × CDC Frontier. The intraspecific genetic maps developed from these crosses consisted 75, 75, 68 and 67 markers spanning 248.8 cM, 331.4 cM, 311.1 cM and 385.1 cM, respectively. A consensus map spanning 363.8 cM with 109 loci was constructed by integrating four genetic maps. Major QTLs corresponding to flowering time genes efl-1 from ICCV 96029, efl-3 from BGD 132 and efl-4 from ICC 16641 were mapped on CaLG04, CaLG08 and CaLG06, respectively. The QTLs and linked markers identified in this study can be used in marker-assisted breeding for developing early maturing chickpea.
Challenging Official Propaganda? Public Opinion Leaders on Sina Weibo*

Abstract This article examines the prominence of various user categories as opinion leaders, defined as initiators, agenda setters or disseminators, in 29 corruption cases exposed on Sina Weibo. It finds that ordinary citizens made up the largest category of initiators but that their power of opinion leadership was limited as they had to rely on media organizations to spread news about the cases. News organizations and online media were the main opinion leaders. Government and Party bodies initiated a fair number of cases and, despite not being strong agenda setters or disseminators, were able to dominate public opinion owing to the fact that news organizations and online media mainly published official announcements about the cases. Media organizations also played a secondary role as the voice of the people. While individuals from some other user categories were able to become prominent opinion leaders, news workers are likely to be the most promising user category to challenge official propaganda. 摘要 本文研究中国社交媒体新浪微博上揭发的二十九宗官员贪污事件, 探讨什么类型用户在其中担当舆论领袖(指讯息发起人、议程设定人或讯息发布者)。 结果显示一般民众是讯息发起人中的最大类别, 但其引领舆论的能力有限, 须依靠传媒机构才能扩大公众对事件的关注。 新闻机构和网上媒体是最主要的舆论领袖。 政府和党机关虽然并非主要议程设定或发布者, 但仍揭发一定数量的个案, 并且由于新闻机构和网上媒体经常引述官方公布, 令政府和党机关的讯息能间接主导舆论。 新闻机构也同时反映民众的声音, 新闻工作者亦属其他类别人仕中最有机会成为出众的舆论领袖, 并借此挑战官方宣传的主导
Race, Wealth and Charter Schools

In the last twenty years, charter schools have been portrayed as a potential solution to educational achievement gaps in the United States. Even though charter schools are public institutions, they exercise significant control over what is taught and how it is taught. This educational flexibility not only distinguishes charters from traditional public schools. It also creates considerable variation among charters themselves. Using an original data set on charter school characteristics, this paper examines the advertised educational mission statements charter schools in California and assesses whether their programmatic variation correlates with the race and wealth of their student bodies. Using multiple regression analysis and GIS mapping software, this study finds that the racial and socioeconomic makeup of charter schools in California varies considerably as do their school mission statements. In addition, certain charter school programs correlate with specific racial and socioeconomic categories. The study has implications for understanding how social groups sort themselves based on educational preferences and for estimating the ability of market-based plans to reform America’s schools and close educational achievement gaps between student groups.
Sputum processing for evaluation of inflammatory mediators

Neutrophil‐dominated inflammation is prominent in the cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic bronchitis (CB) airways. We assessed the degree of airway inflammation by measuring the sputum concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐8, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). We determined the relationship among the concentrations of these mediators and investigated methodological problems that may be responsible for reported variability in measurements. Sputa obtained from 31 patients were solubilized with phosphate‐buffered saline, dithiothreitol (DTT) (0.1% or 1%), or dornase alfa (0.2 mg/mL). The sputum concentration of IL‐8 and MPO was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and DNA was measured using microfluorimetry.
Increased activity of MMP‐2 in hypertensive obese children is associated with hypoadiponectinemia

To compare the circulating levels of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 and the MMP‐2/TIMP‐2 ratio in control, obese, and obese hypertensive children and adolescents and to assess whether hypoadiponectinemia is associated with MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 levels and MMP‐2/TIMP‐2 ratios.
Digital WPI Major Qualifying Projects ( All Years ) Major Qualifying Projects October 2007 GPU Optimization of an Existing Free-Viewpoint Video System

With the advances in quality and affordability of video cameras, people's lives are being recorded more than ever. However, video cameras have the distinct disadvantage of only capturing a two-dimensional image. This means that a lot of information about a particular scene is lost due to occlusion and a lack of depth information. However, when video is recorded from multiple viewpoints, it is possible to regain this lost information and use it to construct a more complete model of the scene being recorded. By using this model to interpolate between the known viewpoints, it is possible to reconstruct the scene from a variety of angles. This was the goal of the project developed at Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) in Kyoto, Japan. The concept of the project was to capture the actions of hospital staff in order to better understand what happens in a medical environment so that such knowledge could help to prevent medical errors and improve patient care. While the Cinematized Reality system succeeded to generate a good model of the captured scene and render the scene from any arbitrary angle, the processing time required to render each frame totaled nearly a full minute. In order to improve the performance, some of the processing steps for each frame were moved from the CPU to the graphics processing unit (GPU). While the GPU performs many of the same kinds of operations as the CPU, it is designed to operate in a manner better suited to a traditional graphics pipeline. While this offers a number of challenges in designing programs to work on a GPU, it offers the potential for great performance benefits for certain types of programs. This paper presents the state of the system prior to optimization, the techniques used to implement the GPU-optimized version of the Cinematized Reality system, and the performance benefit gained. Despite requiring several significant changes to the system to adapt it for GPU processing, Cinematized Reality proved to be well suited to GPU computation, resulting in certain parts of the system running over 100 times faster.