Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Promotion of Colonization and Virulence by Cholera Toxin Is Dependent on Neutrophils

ABSTRACT The innate immune response to Vibrio cholerae infection is poorly understood, but this knowledge is critical for the design of safe, effective vaccines. Using an adult mouse intestinal infection model, this study examines the contribution of neutrophils to host immunity, as well as the effect of cholera toxin and other secreted factors on this response. Depletion of neutrophils from mice with anti-Ly6G IA8 monoclonal antibody led to similar survival rates of mice infected with low or moderate doses of toxigenic V. cholerae El Tor O1. At a high dose, neutropenic mice showed increased rates of survival compared to neutrophil-replete animals. Expression of cholera toxin was found to be protective to the neutropenic host, and this phenotype can be replicated by the administration of purified toxin. Neutrophils do not effectively clear colonizing bacteria from the small intestine, nor do they alter induction of early immune-modulating signals. In both neutropenic and neutrophil-replete animals, the local response to infection is characterized by expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 alpha (MIP-2). Overall, these data indicate that the innate immune response to toxigenic V. cholerae infection differs dramatically from the host response to nontoxigenic infection or vaccination, where neutrophils are protective to the host. In the absence of neutrophils, cholera toxin induces immunomodulatory effects that increase host survival. In cholera toxin-producing strains, similar to nontoxigenic infection, accessory toxins are critical to virulence, indicating that cholera toxin and the other secreted toxins modulate the host response by different mechanisms, with both contributing to bacterial persistence and virulence.
The Incidence and Outcome of Perioperative Pulmonary Aspiration in a University Hospital: A 4-Year Retrospective Analysis

We evaluated the current incidence and outcome of perioperative pulmonary aspiration (PPA) in the nonobstetric adult population at a tertiary university medical center. A 4-yr retrospective analysis (January 2001–December 2004) was conducted using both quality improvement data and the hospital-wide medical archive recording system. PPA was defined as either detection of nonrespiratory secretions from the tracheobronchial tree or development of new pulmonary symptoms and/or new abnormalities in chest radiographs within 24 hr postoperatively. Of 99,441 anesthetics, 14 cases had confirmed PPA. Seven of them (50%) occurred in connection with gastroesophageal procedures. All patients had one or more predisposing risk factors for PPA. PPA occurred under general anesthesia in 10 patients and under monitored anesthesia care in 4 patients. In general anesthesia cases, the aspiration was recognized immediately after induction in 5 patients and occurred during changing of the endotracheal tubes in 5. The PPA was detected during the surgical procedures in all the monitored anesthesia care cases. Six patients with confirmed PPA developed pulmonary complications, of which, one died. Ten of 14 (70%) cases of PPA were the result of improper anesthesia technique. The current incidence of PPA is 1 of 7103, with morbidity 1 of 16,573 and mortality 1 of 99,441.
A Novel State Transformation Approach to Tracking of Piecewise Linear Trajectories

In this paper, we propose a novel approach for tracking of piecewise linear trajectories, such as triangular and staircase waveforms. We derive state and input transformations, which result in closed-loop error dynamics driven by a series of impulses. The proposed control structure takes the form of an output-feedback-feedforward system that is straightforward to implement. In contrast to the recently proposed tracking control methods for such trajectories, the closed-loop stability is not affected by the frequency of the desired triangular reference. The method is implemented on a nanopositioner serving as the scanning stage of an atomic force microscope.
Pre-Steady-State Kinetic Analysis of the Incorporation of Anti-HIV Nucleotide Analogs Catalyzed by Human X- and Y-Family DNA Polymerases

ABSTRACT Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are an important class of antiviral drugs used to manage infections by human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS. Unfortunately, these drugs cause unwanted side effects, and the molecular basis of NRTI toxicity is not fully understood. Putative routes of NRTI toxicity include the inhibition of human nuclear and mitochondrial DNA polymerases. A strong correlation between mitochondrial toxicity and NRTI incorporation catalyzed by human mitochondrial DNA polymerase has been established both in vitro and in vivo. However, it remains to be determined whether NRTIs are substrates for the recently discovered human X- and Y-family DNA polymerases, which participate in DNA repair and DNA lesion bypass in vivo. Using pre-steady-state kinetic techniques, we measured the substrate specificity constants for human DNA polymerases β, λ, η, ι, κ, and Rev1 incorporating the active, 5′-phosphorylated forms of tenofovir, lamivudine, emtricitabine, and zidovudine. For the six enzymes, all of the drug analogs were incorporated less efficiently (40- to >110,000-fold) than the corresponding natural nucleotides, usually due to a weaker binding affinity and a slower rate of incorporation for the incoming nucleotide analog. In general, the 5′-triphosphate forms of lamivudine and zidovudine were better substrates than emtricitabine and tenofovir for the six human enzymes, although the substrate specificity profile depended on the DNA polymerase. Our kinetic results suggest NRTI insertion catalyzed by human X- and Y-family DNA polymerases is a potential mechanism of NRTI drug toxicity, and we have established a structure-function relationship for designing improved NRTIs.
Emerging role of dopamine in neovascularization of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma

Dopamine is a catecholamine that acts both as a neurotransmitter and as a hormone, exerting its functions via dopamine (DA) receptors that are present in a broad variety of organs and cells throughout the body. In the circulation, DA is primarily stored in and transported by blood platelets. Recently, the important contribution of DA in the regulation of angiogenesis has been recognized. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that DA inhibits angiogenesis through activation of the DA receptor type 2. Overproduction of catecholamines is the biochemical hallmark of pheochromocytoma (PCC) and paraganglioma (PGL). The increased production of DA has been shown to be an independent predictor of malignancy in these tumors. The precise relationship underlying the association between DA production and PCC and PGL behavior needs further clarification. Herein, we review the biochemical and physiologic aspects of DA with a focus on its relations with VEGF and hypoxia inducible factor related angiogenesis pathways, with special emphasis on DA producing PCC and PGL. —Osinga, T. E. , Links, T. P., Dullaart, R. P. F. , Pacak, K. , van der Horst‐Schrivers, A. N. A. , Kerstens, M. N. , Kema, I. P. Emerging role of dopamine in neovascularization of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. FASEB J. 31, 2226–2240 (2017). www.fasebj. org
The stress response and its modification by regional anaesthesia

TEE on-line assessment of preload Myocardium has a markedly different backscatter compared with blood. Discrimination of the left ventricular endocardial-blood boundancs is possible by using integrated backscatter imagng. Real-ume ABD or ~ousf ic quanf8cafion f d n i q u e compares acousuc informauon with a threshold value in order to discriminate blood from tissue. ABD dcpcnds on hghquality unagcs. Correct gain setting (time gain control. TGC, lateral gun control, LGC) to o b m n hghresoluuon images and correct trackmg of the endocardia1 border is of major concern. for nine-tenths of the stroke volume is denved from a foreshorterung in a vcntncular short-axis. ABD is perfomled in the transgasmc midpaplllary short-uas mew. Changes in the short-axls area l rec t ly reflect changes in preload. After adjustment of the echocardiographic unage a regon ofintercst (ROI) is outlined with a trackball. T h e ROI includes all systohc and d~astohc borders and should include all o f the targeted blood area. Activated ADD displays instantaneous beat-by-beat systolic and ctastohc LV area and ejection fraction area change. The area change and the area change with respect to tlme (dA/dt) are displayed as waves. End-diastolic and end-systolic area (volume), ejection h c a o n area. peak filling rate (PFR), peak ejection rate (PER) and time to peak filling rate (TPFR) are displayed in numerical values.
Characterization of high-level quinolone resistance in Campylobacter jejuni

High-level resistance to quinolones has previously been shown to occur in Campylobacter spp. both in vitro and in patients treated with quinolones. We have selected isolates that are resistant to quinolones by plating cells from a susceptible C. jejuni strain, UA535, on medium containing nalidixic acid at 32 micrograms/ml. Fluctuation analysis indicated that resistance occurred by mutation at a frequency of 5 x 10(-8) per cell plated. Unlike what is observed with other gram-negative organisms, the nalidixic acid-resistant mutants demonstrated high-level cross-resistance (MIC, greater than or equal to 4 micrograms/ml) to newer quinolones, including ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and temafloxacin, yet remained susceptible to coumermycin A1 and several other unrelated antibiotics. Mutants with an identical resistance phenotype could also be selected from UA535 with ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin at a similar frequency. To study the mechanism of quinolone resistance, DNA gyrases were purified from C. jejuni UA535 and two resistant mutants by heparin-agarose and novobiocin-Sepharose chromatography. After the respective enzyme concentrations were adjusted to equivalent units of activity in the DNA supercoiling reaction, the DNA gyrases from the resistant mutants were found to be 100-fold less susceptible than the wild-type enzyme to inhibition by quinolones. Subunit switching experiments with purified A and B subunits from the wild type and one of the quinolone-resistant mutants indicated that an alteration in the A subunit was responsible for resistance. These results show that a single-step mutation can occur in vitro in the gene encoding DNA gyrase in C. jejuni, producing clinically relevant levels of resistance to the newer quinolones.
Person identification using VEP signals and SVM classifiers

This paper is focused on proving the concept that Visually Evoked Potential (VEP) signals registered during experiments with mental task execution can be used for discrimination of individuals. The viability of the VEP-based person identification was successfully tested for a data base of 13 persons. Among various classifiers tested, Support Vector Machine (SVM) with Radial Basis Function (RBF) exhibits the best performance. Our study revealed that the duration of the VEPs required for a reliable identification is crucial for real time implementation of the proposed biometry paradigm. A post processing procedure is formulated in order to overcome the problem of static classification. Our ultimate goal is not to compete with the conventional biometry (such as fingerprint, iris or palm recognition systems) but to design a VEP -based biometry modality as a supplement (“a second opinion”) in clinical conditions. It could be used to verify a patient's identity in medical records, prior to medical procedures or to detect early in advance abnormal mental states of the patient.
Perceived Influence of Online Social Networks on Academic Performance: A study of Undergraduates in Selected Universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. by

This study investigated the perceived influence of online social networks on undergraduates’ academic performance using data from a descriptive survey of 402 respond ents from Babcock University, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, and Olabisi Onanbanjo University. Questionnaire was used for data collection. 402 copies of the questionnaire were distributed and a total of 282 w ere recovered giving a response rate of 70.15%. Dat a collected were analysed using frequency and percentage counts. Results revealed that majority of the respondents make use of online social networks even though motivation for u se is more for social interaction than academic pur poses. Most of the respondents, however, agreed that the use of online social networks have positive influence on their academic performance. Based on these findings, the study con cluded by recommending, among others, that time spent on online social networks should be devoted more to ac ademic than social activities in order to maximize its education potentials.
Polynomial-time nested loop fusion with full parallelism

Data locality and synchronization overhead are two important factors that affect the performance of applications on multiprocessors. Loop fusion is an effective way of reducing synchronization and improving data locality. Traditional fusion techniques, however either cannot address the case when fusion-preventing dependence exists in nested loops, or cannot achieve good parallelism after fusion. This paper gives a significant improvement by presenting several efficient polynomial-time algorithms to solve these problems. These algorithms combined with the retiming technique allow nested loop fusion in the existence of outmost loop-carried dependence as in the presence of fusion-preventing dependence. Furthermore, the technique is proved to achieve fully parallel execution of the fused loops.
Glutamate Receptors Mediate TTX-Resistant Synchronous Activity in the Rat Hippocampus

4-Aminopyridine (4-AP) is a well known convulsant that enhances the release of both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the CNS. Low concentrations of 4-AP (∼100 μm) readily induce synchronized discharges in the hippocampus that are blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX), suggesting that they require Na+-dependent action potentials in addition to the enhanced release of neurotransmitters. However, in the present study we have found that higher concentrations of 4-AP (1 mm) in combination with 5 mm tetraethylammonium (TEA) induce spontaneous synchronized discharges in rat hippocampal slices that are resistant to blockade by TTX. These synchronous discharges are evident in field potential recordings, which progress from the hilus to CA1 at 0.023 ± 0.002 m/sec and in intracellular recordings from the hilar mossy cells and CA3 pyramidal cells. In some slices exposed to 4-AP and TEA, smaller-amplitude asynchronous responses also were recorded. 4-AP-induced spontaneous discharges are blocked by 20 μm DNQX and by 100 μmCd2+ but are resistant to blockade by either 25 μm bicuculline or 25 μmd-APV. These results suggest that the activation of postsynaptic AMPA receptors is necessary to produce TTX-resistant synchronized discharges. The laminar profile of field potentials recorded in CA3 and CA1 suggests that glutamate is released from axons of CA3 pyramidal cells despite the blockade of fast axonal Na+channels by TTX. Synchronous discharges may result from glutamate released at proximal recurrent collaterals after spontaneous Ca2+ spikes in CA3 pyramidal cells.
Risk factors for recurrence amongst high intermediate risk patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma

Objective To determine risk factors associated with recurrence in patients with high intermediate risk (HIR) endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients with HIR endometrioid adenocarcinoma who underwent hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, with or without pelvic/para-aortic lymphadenectomy at the University of Pennsylvania between 1990 and 2009 was performed. Results A total of 103 women with HIR endometrial cancer were identified. Multivariable analysis revealed that ≥2/3 myometrial invasion (HR, 4.79; p=0.010) and grade 3 disease (HR, 3.04; p=0.045) were independently predictive of distant metastases. The 5-year distant metastases free survival (DMFS) for patients with neither or one of these risk factors was 89%, and the 5-year DMFS for patients with both risk factors was 48% (p<0.001). Conclusion Patients with both grade 3 disease and deep third myometrial invasion have a high risk of distant metastases. Identifying these patients may be important in rationally selecting patients for systemic therapy.
Favourable effect of Eugenol on liver histology in acute cholestasis in rats after bile duct ligation.

BACKGROUND Eugenol an essential oil found in clove was previously shown to have some anti-inflammatory properties. It also was shown to be linked to hepatoprotective effect. In this regard, we aimed to reveal the effect of eugenol on cholestatic liver disease. METHOD Cholestatic liver disease model was established in 20 rats via bile duct ligation. Eugenol was administered and cytokine levels and liver histology after sacrifice were evaluated. RESULTS Biliary ductular proliferation and neutropil infiltration were lower in eugenol-administered rats. CONCLUSION Eugenol has a promising effect on liver histology in cholestatic liver disease (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 16).
Spiral scanning of atomic force microscope for faster imaging

An atomic force microscope (AFM) is an extremely versatile investigative tool in the field of nanotechnology, the performance of which is significantly influenced by its conventional zig-zag raster pattern scanning method. In this paper, we consider the use of a spiral scanning method with an improved model predictive control (MPC) scheme for its faster scanning. The proposed MPC controller reduces the phase error between the input and output sinusoids and provides better tracking of the reference signal. Also, a notch filter is designed and included in the feedback loop with the plant to suppress vibrations of the piezoelectric tube scanner (PTS) at the resonant frequency. Consequently, the proposed controller achieves a higher closed-loop bandwidth and significant damping of the resonant mode of the AFM's PTS. Experimental results show that, by using the proposed method, the AFM's scanning speed is significantly increased to up to 180 Hz and produces improved image quality.
Hardware security threats and potential countermeasures in emerging 3D ICs

New hardware security threats are identified in emerging three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuits (ICs) and potential counter-measures are introduced. Trigger and payload mechanisms for future 3D hardware Trojans are predicted. Furthermore, a novel, network-on-chip based 3D obfuscation method is proposed to block the direct communication between two commercial dies in a 3D structure, thus thwarting reverse engineering attacks on the vertical dimension. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively obfuscates the cross-plane communication by increasing the reverse engineering time by approximately 5× as compared to using direct through silicon via (TSV) connections. The proposed method consumes approximately one fifth the area and power of a typical network-on-chip designed in a 65 nm technology, exhibiting limited overhead.
Coping Styles in Healthy Individuals at Risk of Affective Disorder

Coping styles may influence the perceived life stress experienced by an individual and, therefore, also be critical in the development of affective disorders. This study examined whether familial risk of affective disorder is associated with the use of maladaptive coping styles, in healthy individuals. One hundred twelve high-risk and 78 low-risk individuals were identified through nation-wide registers and invited to participate in an extensive psychiatric evaluation including the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations. The high-risk individuals used more Emotion-oriented (p = 0.001) and Avoidance coping (p = 0.04) than individuals not at risk. Adjusted for gender, age, years of education, and recent stressful life events the high-risk individuals used more emotion-oriented coping (p = 0.03). In conclusion, maladaptive coping style may represent a trait marker for mood disorder improving maladaptive coping styles may be a target for selective prevention focusing on subgroups at high risk of developing an affective disorder.
Agent-Based Mobile Event Notification System

In recent years, the noticeable move towards using mobile devices (mobile phones and PDAs) and wireless technologies has made information available in the context of "anytime, anywhere using any mobile device" experience. Delivering information to mobile devices needs some sort of communication means such as Push, Pull, or mixed (Push and Pull) technologies to deliver any chunk of information (events, ads, advisory tips, learning materials, etc.). Events are the most important pieces of information that should be delivered timely wherever the user is. Agent-based technology offers autonomous, flexible, adaptable, and reliable way of delivering events to any device, anywhere, and on time. Publish/subscribe communication model is the basic infrastructure for event-based communication. In this paper, we define the need to mobilize the event notification process in educational environment and the possible categories of event notifications that students can receive from their educational institution. This paper also proposes a framework for agent-based mobile event notification system. The proposed framework is derived from the concept of push–based publish/subscribe communication model but taking advantage from software agents to serve in the mobile environment. Finally, the paper provides a detailed analysis for the proposed system.