Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure et fonctionnement des peuplements benthiques du Bassin d'Arcachon

La macrofaune benthique du domaine subtidal et du domaine intertidal du Bassin d'Arcachon, lagune cotiere atlantique du sud-ouest de la France, a ete etudiee de maniere qualitative et quantitative. Dans un premier temps, les principaux peuplements de macrofaune benthique ont ete identifies et decrits. Les relations entre ces peuplements et les principaux facteurs du milieu ont ete mis en evidence. A partir de ces resultats, une cartographie des peuplements benthiques de la lagune a ete realisee. Dans un deuxieme temps, deux autres composantes du benthos : la meiofaune et la flore bacterienne ont egalement fait l'objet d'une etude quantitative. En se basant sur la structure des biocenoses benthiques et leur distribution dans la lagune, un bilan equilibre des flux trophiques au sein du benthos a ete realise. Deux bilans separes ont ete etablis, l'un concernait le domaine intertidal et l'autre, le domaine subtidal. L'ensemble des resultats obtenus permet d'emettre un certain nombre d'hypotheses sur le fonctionnement de l'ecosysteme.
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae TIF6 Gene Encoding Translation Initiation Factor 6 Is Required for 60S Ribosomal Subunit Biogenesis

ABSTRACT Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6 (eIF6), a monomeric protein of about 26 kDa, can bind to the 60S ribosomal subunit and prevent its association with the 40S ribosomal subunit. InSaccharomyces cerevisiae, eIF6 is encoded by a single-copy essential gene. To understand the function of eIF6 in yeast cells, we constructed a conditional mutant haploid yeast strain in which a functional but a rapidly degradable form of eIF6 fusion protein was synthesized from a repressible GAL10 promoter. Depletion of eIF6 from yeast cells resulted in a selective reduction in the level of 60S ribosomal subunits, causing a stoichiometric imbalance in 60S-to-40S subunit ratio and inhibition of the rate of in vivo protein synthesis. Further analysis indicated that eIF6 is not required for the stability of 60S ribosomal subunits. Rather, eIF6-depleted cells showed defective pre-rRNA processing, resulting in accumulation of 35S pre-rRNA precursor, formation of a 23S aberrant pre-rRNA, decreased 20S pre-rRNA levels, and accumulation of 27SB pre-rRNA. The defect in the processing of 27S pre-rRNA resulted in the reduced formation of mature 25S and 5.8S rRNAs relative to 18S rRNA, which may account for the selective deficit of 60S ribosomal subunits in these cells. Cell fractionation as well as indirect immunofluorescence studies showed that c-Myc or hemagglutinin epitope-tagged eIF6 was distributed throughout the cytoplasm and the nuclei of yeast cells.
Lysosomal responses to different gold forms (nanoparticles, aqueous, bulk) in mussel digestive cells: a trade-off between the toxicity of the capping agent and form, size and exposure concentration

Abstract Gold nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly used in technological materials and consumer products and may have toxicological characteristics distinct from bulk and aqueous gold. The aim of this work was to understand the effects of Au NPs especially, how the form, the size and the coating influence bioaccumulation/biodistribution and toxicity of NPs in mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed for 3 d to concentrations of Au (0.75, 75 and 750 μg Au/l) supplied as Au-Cit NPs (5 and 40 nm; Au5-Cit and Au40-Cit), bulk and aqueous Au (HAu(III)Cl4), and to the capping agent (Na-citrate) in doses used in the formulation of NPs (0.005, 0.5, 5 mg/l). Citrate-stabilised NPs formed stable suspensions of aggregates in seawater (SW) available for mussels. Au accumulation in soft tissues was similar in Au40-Cit and aqueous Au exposed mussels, lower in Au5-Cit and negligible after bulk exposure. Au NPs were identified (X-ray microanalysis) in different compartments of the endolysosomal system in digestive cells, and small size NPs (5 nm) were more accumulated than 40 nm NPs, aqueous and bulk. The degree of lysosomal membrane destabilisation was related with intralysosomal metal accumulation and depended on the form, NP size (Au5-Cit > Au40-Cit > aqueous > bulk) and concentration. Citrate alone provoked extreme reduction in lysosomal membrane stability. Toxicopathic alterations were recorded in digestive gland cells (vacuolisation, swollen RER, connective tissue disruption and cell death) especially in mussels exposed to 40 nm NPs. Deleterious effects resulted from digestive tract obliteration (agglomerates) and digestion malfunction. The toxic effect of Au-Cit NPs was influenced both by NP size, capping agent composition and the dose of capping agent carried by NPs, which was size dependent.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for L5-S1 Disc Herniation: Consideration of the Relation between the Iliac Crest and L5-S1 Disc.

BACKGROUND Percutaneous transforaminal techniques for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation have markedly evolved. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) for L5-S1 disc herniation is regarded as challenging due to the unique anatomy of the iliac crest, large facet joint, and inclinatory disc space. Among these, the iliac crest is considered a major obstacle. There are no studies regarding the height of the iliac crest and their appropriate procedures in PELD. OBJECTIVES This study discusses PELD for L5-S1 disc herniation and the appropriate approach according to the height of iliac crest. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective evaluation. METHODS 100 consecutive patients underwent PELD via the transforaminal route for L5-S1 disc herniation by a single surgeon. The study was divided into 2 groups: the foraminoplasty group requiring foraminal widening to access the herniated disc and the non-foraminoplasty group treated by conventional posterolateral access. Radiological parameters such as iliac height, the relative position of the iliac crest to the landmarks of the L5-S1 level, iliosacral angle and foraminal height, and disc location were considered. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0 - 10) for back and leg pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, 0 - 100%), and the modified MacNab criteria. RESULTS The overall VAS scores for back and leg pain decreased from 6.0 to 2.3 and from 7.5 to 1.7. The mean ODI (%) improved from 54.0 to 11.6. Using modified MacNab criteria, a good outcome was 92%. Foraminoplasty was required in 19 patients. Iliac crest height was significantly higher in the foraminoplasty group than the non-foraminoplasty group (37.7 mm vs 30.1 mm, P < 0.001). In the foraminoplasty group, the iliac crest is above the mid L5 pedicle on lateral radiography in all cases. There were no significant differences in foraminal height, foraminal width, iliosacral angle, or disc height between the 2 groups. In addition, there were no differences in clinical outcome between the 2 groups. LIMITATIONS This study is a retrospective analysis and simplifies the complexity of the L5-S1 level and iliac bone using two-dimensional radiography. CONCLUSION In high iliac crest cases where the iliac crest is above the mid L5 pedicle in lateral radiography, foraminoplasty may be considered for transforaminal access of L5-S1 disc herniation. Conventional transforaminal access can be utilized with ease in low iliac crest cases where the iliac crest is below the mid-L5 pedicle.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism, cod liver oil and risk of type 1 diabetes

Objective: We have previously described an association between use of cod liver oil (a dietary n‐3 fatty acid supplement) and reduced risk of type 1 diabetes. n‐3 fatty acids are ligands for the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARG), which has recently been implicated in the control of inflammation and possibly autoimmunity. We aimed to estimate the association between the common Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPARG2 and risk of type 1 diabetes, and to test whether there is gene–environment interaction with use of cod liver oil in the first year of life or gene–gene interaction with the established insulin gene (INS) and human leukocyte antigen DQ (HLA‐DQ) genetic susceptibility loci.
INPUT TRACKING FOR STABLE LINEAR SYSTEMS

Abstract In this paper, the input-output behavior of a linear stable system is studied in some detail. Some results are presented to make more precise the folklore statement that outputs follow inputs for stable linear systems. Based on these results, it is also discussed how to choose an output and how to fuse a number of sensor outputs, to best track the input in stationarity.
Functional characterization of T cells in abdominal aortic aneurysms

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) exhibit features of a chronic inflammatory disorder. The functional attributes of the T cells in AAA tissue are unclear, with little quantitative or functional data. Using a novel, non‐enzymatic method to isolate viable cells from AAA tissue, functional properties of AAA T cells were investigated for the first time. Composition and phenotype of AAA T cells was determined by flow cytometry and verified by immunohistochemistry. Tissue mononuclear cells (MNCs) were cultured in the presence of T‐cell mitogens, and cell cycle analysis and cytokine production assessed. Typical cell yield was 4·5 × 106 cells per gram of AAA tissue. The majority (58·1 ± 5·3%) of haematopoietic (CD45+) cells recovered were CD3+ T cells, B cells comprised 41·1 ± 5·7%, natural killer cells 7·3 ± 2·5%, and macrophages 2%. Freshly isolated T cells were in resting (G1) state, with 25% expressing the activation‐associated cell surface antigens major histocompatibility complex II and CD25. When stimulated in vitro, a significant proportion entered S and G2 phase of the cell cycle, up‐regulated CD25, and secreted tumour necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐5 and IL‐6. Despite patient differences, the composition of the AAA inflammatory infiltrate was remarkably consistent, and when re‐stimulated ex‐vivo T cells produced a stereotypical cytokine response, consistent with the hypothesis that AAA T cells can promote tissue inflammation by secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, and in addition provide signals for B‐cell help.
Factors affecting the use and perceived benefit of ITE and BTE hearing aids

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate factors that might affect hearing aid use, satisfaction and perceived benefit. A further aim was to look at which variables affect the choice of hearing aid, in particular, an in-the-ear (ITE) versus a behind-the-ear (BTE) device. Twenty-nine elderly hearing-impaired people with a mild-to-moderate hearing loss were fitted with both an ITE and a BTE hearing aid with similar electroacoustic performance. Both hearing aids were linear with output compression limiting and were fitted in a randomized order. After wearing each device for a six-week period, subjects were asked to select the hearing aid they preferred. Variables significantly related to hearing aid choice, use and perceived benefit included ease of management, accuracy with which the NAL-R insertion gain target was achieved, earmould comfort and the type of hearing aid the client preferred initially.
Evaluation of the effects of age and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction on corneal sensitivity in horses.

OBJECTIVE To determine effects of age and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) on corneal sensitivity in horses. ANIMALS 20 adult horses allocated into 3 groups (PPID group, old [> 15 years old] horses with PPID [n = 5]; old group, old [> 15 years old] horses without PPID [9]; and young group, young [≤ 10 years old] horses without PPID [6]). All horses with PPID had hirsutism and abnormal fat deposition or laminitis; none of the old or young horses had hirsutism, abnormal fat deposition, or laminitis. PROCEDURES A Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer was used to measure the corneal touch threshold (CTT) in both eyes of each horse. The nylon monofilament was applied at a maximum length of 60 mm to the central region of the cornea and length was decreased by 5-mm increments until a consistent blink response was elicited. Tear production was assessed in all eyes via the Shirmer tear test (STT). RESULTS Mean ± SD CTT was significantly greater for young horses (47.50 ± 4.52 mm) than for horses in the old (28.06 ± 5.72 mm) and PPID (21.5 ± 3.37 mm) groups. Old horses had significantly higher CTT values than did horses with PPID. The STT values were within the reference range for all groups and did not differ significantly among groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Corneal sensitivity decreased with both age and PPID. Because decreased corneal sensitivity is associated with impaired wound healing, increasing age and PPID may increase the risk for nonhealing or recurrent corneal ulcers in horses.
Agent-based modelling of the UK short term electricity market: Effects of intermittent wind power

This work focuses on modelling the electricity trading and market mechanism currently in place in the UK, using an agent-based approach and a learning strategy for the agents to update their bidding rules. The ongoing consultations by the Department of Energy and Climate Change on the possible models for a capacity mechanism reflect the unavoidable shift towards low-carbon and more intermittent sources of generation. One of the issues of concern is the way the system operator adapts the balancing mechanism to run in a more efficient and economical way. Here we present an agent-based model comprising two interconnected parts: a representation of the power exchange and a model of the balancing mechanism along with the settlement system. In order to assess the influence of different types of generation on the system balancing prices, we model the generating units based on the size and type of fuel involved. The agent-based model incorporates the operating decisions and control mechanisms of the system operator, and the functions of various trading entities such as generators and suppliers participating within this market. Based on this model, we report investigations into the effect of high penetrations of distributed intermittent generation in influencing the energy balancing prices.
Antifibrinolytic agents reduce tissue plasminogen activator‐mediated neuronal toxicity in vitro

Introduction: Serine proteases and their inhibitors play an important role in physiological homeostasis including neuronal activity, hemostasis, and wound healing. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is involved in normal neuronal plasticity and memory formation but can also be neurotoxic. We hypothesized that the serine protease inhibitor aprotinin confers neuronal protection by inhibiting tPA activity.
Seismic signal analysis using multi-scale/multi-resolution transformations

Fast Fourier Transforms have been used since the early 1960s as a method of processing signals. Since the 1990s wavelet transformation has also been routinely used as method for signal processing. Their limitations include the inability to detect contours, curves and directional information of a signal. In the past few years, new approaches such as multi-scale and multi-resolution transformations have become more prevalent as methods to extrapolate information from signals and images. With roots in the Fourier transform and wavelet, multi-scale/multi-resolution transformations have recently given rise to even more advanced methods such as the bandelet, contourlet, ridgelet, and curvelet. [24] Additionally, advancements have been made to the standard wavelets to improve their analytical capabilities, resulting in methods such as the dual-tree discrete wavelet transformation and the dual density discrete wavelet transformation. Many studies have developed and validate algorithms for the wavelet multi-scale analysis but other types of transformations have not been as thoroughly studied. We propose a novel method of seismic signal analysis using the more advanced wavelet transformations to identify and extrapolate seismic information. The proposed analysis method makes the Double Density Dual Tree Discrete Wavelet Transform (D3WT) a viable alternative to the Discrete Wavelength Transform (DWT) and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) during seismic signal processing, as well as paving the way for other multiscale transforms. [26] Further, the outcome can then be statistically analyzed for use in applications such as earthquake prediction. The initial results indicate that other transformation methods yield a better prediction than the DWT and FFT.
FliZ Acts as a Repressor of the ydiV Gene, Which Encodes an Anti-FlhD4C2 Factor of the Flagellar Regulon in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

ABSTRACT YdiV acts as an anti-FlhD4C2 factor, which negatively regulates the class 2 flagellar operons in poor medium in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. On the other hand, one of the class 2 flagellar genes, fliZ, encodes a positive regulator of the class 2 operons. In this study, we found that the FliZ-dependent activation of class 2 operon expression was more profound in poor medium than in rich medium and not observed in the ydiV mutant background. Transcription of the ydiV gene was shown to increase in the fliZ mutant. Purified FliZ protein was shown in vitro to bind to the promoter region of the nlpC gene, which is located just upstream of the ydiV gene, and to repress its transcription. These results indicate that FliZ is a repressor of the nlpC-ydiV operon and activates the class 2 operons by repressing ydiV expression. Therefore, the fliZ and ydiV genes form a regulatory loop.
Transmission expansion under uncertainty in the Chilean System via Minmax Regret with GA

Transmission planning has been broadly studied through the development of minimum cost models, adapting to the forecasts of generator and consumer requirements. This research considers that a single planner determines the transmission system expansion, while the generation expansion is decided by different independent market agents, and generation supply becomes an uncertainty, hampering the planner's decision making. Under this context, the planner's and the generation market agents' individual decisions are in a constant struggle because the planner does not decide installing a line unless there is certainty that a power station will be installed, and vice versa. The methodology proposed develops a dynamic expansion model that minimizes the maximum regret, allowing the definition of a robust transmission system expansion. In addition, a heuristic tool is used through genetic algorithms to provide the planner with a ranking of the best configurations. The tool proposed will be useful for the planner, allowing to decide considering the uncertainty of the decisions of the generation market agents.
Inconsistencies in the differential diagnosis of open bite.

OBJECTIVE To examine inconsistencies in the differential diagnosis of open bite. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using visual judgments, a total of 77 anterior open-bite cases in the postpubertal growth period were grouped as either morphogenetic, functional, or combination. The same sample was also grouped as either hyperdivergent, normodivergent, or hypodivergent using mandibular-plane angle and conventional cephalometry. Kappa analysis was used to test the agreement between the 2 methods of evaluation, and chi2 tests were used to analyze the distribution of cephalometrically grouped hyperdivergent, normodivergent, and hypodivergent cases among the visually assessed morphogenetic, functional and combination groups and vice versa. A kappa score of 0.343 indicated a weak agreement between visual judgment and cephalometric methods of evaluation (P < .001). RESULTS Despite the expectation that cases evaluated as hyperdivergent using cephalometry would be visually evaluated as morphogenetic, more than half of the cases assessed as hyperdivergent were in fact classified as functional. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the inadequacy of relying solely on cephalometric evaluation to classify open bite.
DNA barcoding cannot reliably identify species of the blowfly genus Protocalliphora (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

In DNA barcoding, a short standardized DNA sequence is used to assign unknown individuals to species and aid in the discovery of new species. A fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 is emerging as the standard barcode region for animals. However, patterns of mitochondrial variability can be confounded by the spread of maternally transmitted bacteria that cosegregate with mitochondria. Here, we investigated the performance of barcoding in a sample comprising 12 species of the blow fly genus Protocalliphora, known to be infected with the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia. We found that the barcoding approach showed very limited success: assignment of unknown individuals to species is impossible for 60% of the species, while using the technique to identify new species would underestimate the species number in the genus by 75%. This very low success of the barcoding approach is due to the non-monophyly of many of the species at the mitochondrial level. We even observed individuals from four different species with identical barcodes, which is, to our knowledge, the most extensive case of mtDNA haplotype sharing yet described. The pattern of Wolbachia infection strongly suggests that the lack of within-species monophyly results from introgressive hybridization associated with Wolbachia infection. Given that Wolbachia is known to infect between 15 and 75% of insect species, we conclude that identification at the species level based on mitochondrial sequence might not be possible for many insects. However, given that Wolbachia-associated mtDNA introgression is probably limited to very closely related species, identification at the genus level should remain possible.
The Army Air Forces in World War II. Volume One, Plans and Early Operations January 1939 to August 1942.

General Smith attempts in this book a summarization of military doctrine based on historic experience and the present position of the United States. The author maintains that despite the necessity for improvisation and elasticity in the application of military concepts, there are four basic doctrines which in combination insure a firm foundation for our national defense. General Smith feels that the recognition of these principles is now being evidenced by the executive branch of our government and that the military are at long last being accorded proper recognition. The beok is favorable to the Air Force point of view and is informative as an explanation and defense of that position.
Development and Validation of a Discriminative Quality of Life Questionnaire for Osteoporosis (The OPTQoL)

We report the development and validation of an osteoporosis‐targeted quality of life questionnaire to measure the impact of the disease in the general population. From multiple focus groups with women with osteoporosis, healthy women at risk for osteoporosis, spouses and relatives of women with osteoporosis, and health care providers, we identified over 300 potential items related to the disease. A lengthy questionnaire incorporated these items and was administered to a second large study cohort of 222 women with clinical osteoporosis (history of fracture, significant height loss, and/or kyphosis); 101 women with known low bone mineral density levels that would categorize them as osteoporotic but who had not yet shown obvious physical manifestations of the disease; and 142 women with other conditions (such as arthritis, cancer, depression) expected to also have an impact on quality of life. Final items from among the original 300 were chosen for their demonstrated relationship with osteoporosis as measured by clinical manifestations and low bone density and with quality of life measured by a standard generic questionnaire, the SF‐36. The final questionnaire contains 26 scored items in three domains—physical activity, adaptations, and fears—and six nonscored questions relating to osteoporotic changes and diagnosis. This instrument is unique among osteoporosis‐targeted questionnaires in that it attempts to measure the total impact of the disease on quality of life within a population at a single point in time.