Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Animal models of Chagas disease and their translational value to drug development

ABSTRACT Introduction American trypanosomiasis, better known as Chagas disease, is a global public health issue. Current treatments targeting the causative parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, are limited to two old nitroheterocyclic compounds; new, safer drugs are needed. New tools to identify compounds suitable for parasitological cure in humans have emerged through efforts in drug discovery. Areas covered Animal disease models are an integral part of the drug discovery process. There are numerous experimental models of Chagas disease described and in use; rather than going through each of these and their specific features, the authors focus on developments in recent years, in particular the imaging technologies that have dramatically changed the Chagas R&D landscape, and provide a critical view on their value and limitations for moving compounds forward into further development. Expert opinion The application of new technological advances to the field of drug development for Chagas disease has led to the implementation of new and robust/standardized in vivo models that contributed to a better understanding of host/parasite interactions. These new models should also build confidence in their translational value for moving compounds forward into clinical development.
Stability Analysis of the Modified Levenberg–Marquardt Algorithm for the Artificial Neural Network Training

The Levenberg–Marquardt and Newton are two algorithms that use the Hessian for the artificial neural network learning. In this article, we propose a modified Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm for the artificial neural network learning containing the training and testing stages. The modified Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm is based on the Levenberg–Marquardt and Newton algorithms but with the following two differences to assure the error stability and weights boundedness: 1) there is a singularity point in the learning rates of the Levenberg–Marquardt and Newton algorithms, while there is not a singularity point in the learning rate of the modified Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm and 2) the Levenberg–Marquardt and Newton algorithms have three different learning rates, while the modified Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm only has one learning rate. The error stability and weights boundedness of the modified Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm are assured based on the Lyapunov technique. We compare the artificial neural network learning with the modified Levenberg–Marquardt, Levenberg–Marquardt, Newton, and stable gradient algorithms for the learning of the electric and brain signals data set.
The effect of seaweed derived polyphenols on inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo - The SWAFAX study

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently the leading cause of death worldwide. Epidemiological evidence has shown a positive effect of polyphenol intake on CVD risk. Seaweed is a rich source of polyphenolic compounds, which can comprise 5 to 15% of the dried weight. Some studies suggest that the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of seaweed-derived polyphenols may yield highly bioactive components with commercial potential for food and pharma applications. The aim of this randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover design study was to investigate the biological activity of a food grade seaweed polyphenol extract (CEVA, France) in terms of reducing oxidative damage to DNA, modulation of inflammatory responses and reduction on chronic, low level inflammation in vivo. Volunteers were randomised to receive either a capsule containing 100 mg seaweed extract or a matched placebo daily for an 8 week period, with an 8 week washout period between each treatment. Fasting blood and urine samples were taken from each volunteer at 4 time-points during the study, at baseline and completion of the 2 treatment phases. 80 apparently healthy volunteers (42·7 (SD 7·1) years, BMI 30·2(SD 3·9) kg/m) were recruited onto the study for 24 weeks; n= 78 completed both treatment periods. Blood and urine samples were analysed for an array of outcome measures including DNA damage to lymphocytes (Comet assay), intracellular cytokine activity (flow cytometer) (in preparation), C-reactive protein (CRP), triglycerides and isoprostane levels.
A strain of influenza A H9N2 virus repeatedly isolated from human population in China

Objective To understand the subtype of surface proteins (haemagglutinin and neuraminidase) and antigenic character of the isolate of Infuluenza virus, as well as to know its origin.Methods The virus isolation was performed on MDCK cells.The identification and antigenic analysis of the isolate were carried out with HI and NI tests.The serum antibody in population against the isolate was detected with HI and neutralization assays.The individual investigation of the patient from whom the H9N2 virus was isolated was followed.Results The isolate was H9N2 subtype of influenza A virus.It was G9 like strain.Its antigenicity was different from that of H9N2 viruses which were previously found in humans,chickens and pigeons.The HI and neutralization titers to H9N2 virus in convalescent serum of the patient reached 1∶400 and ≥1∶640, respectively. The HI antibody titer 1∶25 to H9N2 virus was also detected in the serum of patient's mother.Conclusion The isolate is H9N2 subtype of influenza A virus and belonges to G9 like strain.The antigenic character of the isolate was different from that of H9N2 viruses found previously in humans,chickens and pigeons.The greatest possibility was that her mother had contacted with birds,especially chickens carrying H9N2 virus,then transmitted to her or she breathed in the air borne with H9N2 virus particles directly.
The Influence of the Yeast and Type of Culture on the Volatile Composition of Wines Fermented Without Sulfur Dioxide

The influence of pure, mixed, and sequential cultures of Kloeckera apiculata, Torulaspora delbrueckii , and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the volatile composition of wines obtained without addition of sulfur dioxide was studied. Major volatile, minor volatile, and fatty acid composition were analyzed by using micropacked columns. Application of principal component analysis and cluster analysis to the data showed that differences between flavor compounds are mainly due to the yeasts and the type of culture used for fermentation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae produces the largest amounts of medium chain length carboxylic acids and ethyl esters. It is also shown that the growth of K. apiculata and T. delbrueckii prior to S. cerevisiae gives rise to wines whose volatile compositions are significantly different from those obtained by using only S. cerevisiae .
Estudo endócrino reprodutivo e do comportamento sócio-sexual de sagui-de-tufo-preto (Callithrix penicillata) mantido em cativeiro

A comunicacao do estado reprodutivo nos primatas da familia Callithrichidae, depende principalmente dos comportamentos socio-sexuais como um sistema de sinalizacao primario, uma vez que nestas especies a ovulacao nao e percebida pelos machos. Neste trabalho, os padroes de comportamentos socio-sexuais foram analisados em conjunto com as concentracoes de metabolitos fecais dos esteroides sexuais progesterona (MFP), estradiol (MFE) e testosterona (MFT) em casais cativos de Sagui-de-tufos-pretos (Callithrix penicillata), nas diferentes fases do ciclo ovariano. O grupo estudado era composto por quarto casais adultos, mantidos no Centro de Reabilitacao de Animais Selvagens da prefeitura de Sao Paulo. Os padroes comportamentais foram registrados pelo metodo de amostragem focal por intervalo de tempo a cada 30 segundos, cinco vezes por semana, totalizando 14.400 registros por animal. A mensuracao das concentracoes de metabolitos fecais dos esteroides sexuais foram realizados pelo metodo de enzima imunoensaio (EIE). Os resultados obtidos dessas concentracoes possibilitaram a determinacao endocrina das fases do ciclo ovariano (folicular e luteal) e de suas respectivas duracoes, assim como a determinacao da fase periovulatoria. Foram caracterizados 31 ciclos ovarianos completos, com duracao de 24,3±4,1 dias (media ±DP), sendo que a fase folicular compreendeu 13,04±4,8dias e a fase lutea 11,2±4,2 dias. Os comportamentos socio-sexuais (marcacao por cheiro, cheirar genitalia, catacao e apresentacao sexual) e a variavel "proximidade" mostraram-se significativamente mais prevalentes na fase periovulatoria do que nas demais fases do ciclo. Nao houve alteracao das concentracoes de MFT dos machos ao longo de todo o periodo estudado. A analise conjunta das concentracoes de metabolitos fecais de esteroides sexuais e dos comportamentos socio-sexuais possibilitou um melhor entendimento das relacoes endocrino-comportamentais e reprodutivas de C. penicillata.
EFFECTS OF ISOFLAVONE EXTRACTED FROM ALFALFA ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND IMMUNE FUNCTION IN MICE

Objective To study the effects of isoflavone extracted from Alfalfa on growth perfor-mance and immune function in mice. Method Eighty mice were randomly assigned to four groups which were given ig 0(control), 40(low dosage), 120 (moderate dosage) and 400 mg/kg bw·d (high dosage) alfalfa isoflavone respectively. Results Low dosage of alfalfa isoflavone increased average daily body and stomach weight gain of male mice. Moderate dosage of alfalfa isoflavone increased spleen index, phagocytic percentage of macrophages and phagocytic index. High dosage of alfalfa isoflavone increased thymus index and hemolysin. Conclusion Effects of alfalfa isoflavone on growth performance depends on sex of mice and dosage of isoflavone. 40 mg/kg bw·d of alfalfa isoflavone can improve growth performance of mice and 120mg/kg bw·d of Alfalfa isoflavone can enhance immune function in mice.
Evaluated kinetic and photochemical data for atmospheric chemistry: Volume IV – gas phase reactions of organic halogen species

This article, the fourth in the series, presents kinetic and photochemical data sheets evaluated by the IUPAC Subcommittee on Gas Kinetic Data Evaluation for Atmospheric Chemistry. It covers the gas phase and photochemical reactions of organic halogen species, which were last published in 1997, and were updated on the IUPAC website in 2006/07. The article consists of a summary sheet, containing the recommended kinetic parameters for the evaluated reactions, and four appendices containing the data sheets, which provide information upon which the recommendations are made.
Work System Design in Health Care

The system of healthcare delivery across the world is in great need of redesign. The 1999 report by the Institute of Medicine raised the issue of patient safety to the forefront of the public, policy makers, and healthcare leaders (Kohn et al. 1999). Citing data from studies conducted in the United States, the report indicated that between 44,000 and 98,000 American hospital patients were dying from preventable medical errors every year. Other studies, for instance in the United States (Rothschild et al. 2005), Canada (Baker et al. 2004), the United Kingdom (Vincent et al. 2008), and the Netherlands (van den Bemt et al. 2002), have continued to demonstrate the significance and extent of patient safety problems. The World Health Organization has also taken on the issue of patient safety by creating the World Alliance for Patient Safety (http://www.who.int/patientsafety/en/). The World Alliance for Patient Safety has focused its initiatives on surgical safety (see, e.g., the results of an international study looking at the effectiveness of surgical checklists by Haynes et al. [2009]) and hand hygiene. The system of healthcare delivery experiences many other problems, in addition to patient safety. Working conditions for healthcare professionals and workers are often sources of stress, burnout, and dissatisfaction. For instance, the following problematic working conditions of nurses have been highlighted by the IOM (Institute of Medicine Committee on the Work Environment for Nurses and Patient Safety 2004): high demands (e.g., demands for documentation), poorly designed physical space, stressful work schedules, and interruptions and distractions. Improvements in working conditions are also necessary for many other healthcare job categories, as demonstrated, for example, by job dissatisfaction, stress, and burnout experienced by physicians (McMurray et al. 1999; Wetterneck et al. 2002). Poor work conditions can contribute to negative outcomes for healthcare organizations, such as high turnover and injuries (Cohen-Mansfield 1997). Healthcare providers may experience a range of negative feelings and emotions, and suffer from health problems and injuries when their work is not ergonomically designed (Stubbs et al. 1983; Linzer et al. 2000). Patients and their families may be indirectly affected by poor design of the work environment in which care is provided to them (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality 2002; Institute of Medicine Committee on the Work Environment for Nurses and Patient Safety 2004). A recent study shows a clear relationship between work schedules of nurses and patient outcomes, such as pneumonia deaths (Trinkoff et al. 2011). Concerns about the work schedules for medical residents have also been expressed for both patient safety and the safety and well-being 5
Selection in monoculture vs. mixture alters plant metabolic fingerprints

Aims: In grassland biodiversity experiments, positive biodiversity effects on primary productivity increase over time. Recent research has shown that differential selection in monoculture and mixed-species communities leads to the rapid emergence of monoculture and mixture types, adapted to their own biotic community. We used eight plant species selected for 8 years in such a biodiversity experiment to test if monoculture and mixture types differed in metabolic profiles using infrared spectroscopy. Methods: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to assess metabolic fingerprints of leaf samples of 10 individuals of each species from either monocultures or mixtures. The FTIR spectra were analyzed using multivariate procedures to assess (i) whether individuals within species could be correctly assigned to monoculture or mixture history based on the spectra alone and (ii) which parts of the spectra drive the group assignment, i.e. which metabolic groups were subject to differential selection in monocultures vs. mixtures. Important Findings: Plant individuals within each of the eight species could be classified as either from monoculture or mixture selection history based on their FTIR spectra. Different metabolic groups were differentially selected in the different species; some of them may be related to defense of pathogens accumulating more strongly in monocultures than in mixtures. The rapid selection of the monoculture and mixture types within the eight study species could have been due to a sorting-out process based on large initial genetic or epigenetic variation within the species.
The Shine-Dalgarno hybrid during initiation of translation and elongation

It was unknown whether a synthetic Shine-Dalgarno (SD) oligonucleotide labelled with P at its 5'-end ([P]oct) would be able to reach the anti-SD sequence of 16S rRNA at the early stages of translation only or during elongation. To verify this, [P]oct was incubated with 30S ribosomal subunits (RSUs), 70S ribosomes and polysomes, separately, while the SD/anti-SD binding was checked in them through sucrose gradients. The anti-SD sequence resulted highly available in 30S RSUs and sufficiently available in ribosomes. In both 30S RSUs and ribosomes, the addition of a model 002 mRNA in equimolar proportions displaced [P]oct for about 50 %. However, in ribosomes the presence of initiation factors (IFs) and fMet-tRNA influence neither the binding of [P]oct nor the competition coming from mRNA. In polysomes, [P]oct was unable to hybridize the anti-SD sequence, in agreement with the hypothesis that mRNA and 16S rRNA are involved in the SD/anti-SD interaction also during elongation.
Searching for the Holy Grail of scientific hydrology: Q t =( S, R, Δt ) A as closure

Abstract. Representative Elementary Watershed concepts provide a useful scale-independent framework for the representation of hydrological processes. The balance equations that underlie the concepts, however, require the definition of boundary flux closures that should be expected to be scale dependent. The relationship between internal state variables of an REW element and the boundary fluxes will be nonlinear, hysteretic and scale-dependent and may depend on the extremes of the heterogeneities within the REW. Because of the nonlinearities involved, simple averaging of local scale flux relationships are unlikely to produce an adequate decription of the closure problem at the REW scale. Hysteresis in the dynamic response is demonstrated for some small experimental catchments and it is suggested that at least some of this hysteresis can be represented by the use of simple transfer functions. The search for appropriate closure schemes is the second most important problem in hydrology of the 21st Century (the most important is providing the techniques to measure integrated fluxes and storages at useful scales). The closure problem is a scientific Holy Grail: worth searching for even if a general solution might ultimate prove impossible to find.
Lectures on the Combinatorics of Free Probability

Part I. Basic Concepts: 1. Non-commutative probability spaces and distributions 2. A case study of non-normal distribution 3. C*-probability spaces 4. Non-commutative joint distributions 5. Definition and basic properties of free independence 6. Free product of *-probability spaces 7. Free product of C*-probability spaces Part II. Cumulants: 8. Motivation: free central limit theorem 9. Basic combinatorics I: non-crossing partitions 10. Basic Combinatorics II: Mobius inversion 11. Free cumulants: definition and basic properties 12. Sums of free random variables 13. More about limit theorems and infinitely divisible distributions 14. Products of free random variables 15. R-diagonal elements Part III. Transforms and Models: 16. The R-transform 17. The operation of boxed convolution 18. More on the 1-dimensional boxed convolution 19. The free commutator 20. R-cyclic matrices 21. The full Fock space model for the R-transform 22. Gaussian Random Matrices 23. Unitary Random Matrices Notes and Comments Bibliography Index.
α-PbO2-type nanophase of TiO2 from coesite-bearing eclogite in the Dabie Mountains, China—Comment

Our efforts to introduce defects in rutile by conventional mechanical grinding as used for TEM study did not produce any defects or twinning. Experimental SAED patterns of rutile with intercalated alpha-PbO2-type TiO2 lamellae are consistent with those expected from calculated patterns. The values and precision of lattice parameters of alpha-PbO2-type TiO2 derived from such SAED patterns are also consistent with crystal data from X-ray diffraction studies.
Quantum programming languages: survey and bibliography

The field of quantum programming languages is developing rapidly and there is a surprisingly large literature. Research in this area includes the design of programming languages for quantum computing, the application of established semantic and logical techniques to the foundations of quantum mechanics, and the design of compilers for quantum programming languages. This article justifies the study of quantum programming languages, presents the basics of quantum computing, surveys the literature in quantum programming languages, and indicates directions for future research.
Successive impacts of different temperatures on the growth,development and reproduction of Cyrtorhinus lividipennis over three generations

Cyrtorhinus lividipennis is a key predator of the major rice pest the brown planthopper( BPH),Nilaparvata lugens. Biological control of BPH by C. lividipennis could be much more effective and feasible by improving the techniques of artificial breeding and field-releasing. In this study,the successive effects of different temperatures( 19℃,23℃,27℃and 31℃) on the growth,development and reproduction of C. lividipennis were determined over three generations in the laboratory. The results showed that the female nymph duration was significantly shortened and the number of offspring decreased as generations developed at 19℃,the female adult longevity was shortened and the number of offspring reduced at 31℃; However,no obvious change on nymphal survival rate,female nymphal duration,female fresh weight,adult longevity and fecundity was found at other tested temperatures. Our results indicated the development and reproduction of C. lividipennis could be suppressed at 19℃ and 31℃,which could provide a theoretical basis for artificial breeding and field-releasing of C. lividipennis.
Preparing Quality Educators for English Language Learners : Research, Policy, and Practice

Contents: D. Christian, Foreword. K. Tellez, H.C. Waxman, Preparing Quality Teachers for English Language Learners: An Overview of the Critical Issues. L. Minaya-Rowe, Training Teachers Through Their Students' First Language. E.E. Garcia, T. Stritikus, Proposition 227 in California: Issues for the Preparation of Quality Teachers for Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Students. S.L. Knight, D.L. Wiseman, Lessons Learned From a Research Synthesis on the Effects of Teachers' Professional Development on Culturally-Diverse Students. P. Gandara, J. Maxwell-Jolly, Critical Issues in Developing the Teacher Corps for English Learners. M. Calderon, Quality Instruction in Reading for English Language Learners. A. Reyes, Reculturing Principals as Leaders for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity. E.F. Suttmiller, M.L. Gonzalez, Successful School Leadership for English Language Learners. H.C. Waxman, K. Tellez, H.J. Walberg, Future Directions for Improving Teacher Quality for English Language Leaners.
Frequency of Giardia lamblia among children in Dohuk, northern Iraq.

Out of 1261 stool specimens collected from children in Dohuk city, northern Iraq, the preva- lence of Giardia lamblia infection was 38.5%. The highest rate of infection was in orphan care centres (48.1%) and the lowest in the paediatric hospital (31.3%). The age group 10-12 years had the highest rate (81.2%) and 7-9 years the lowest (22.9%); boys had a higher rate than girls. Some infected sam- ples (70/486) showed double or triple infections and G. lamblia was combined with Hymenolepis nana, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba histolytica and Iodamoeba buetschlii.
Biophysical Methods for the Elucidation of the S-Layer Proteins/Metal Interaction

Surface-layers (S-layers) are macromolecular paracrystalline arrays of proteins or glycoproteins that can self -assemble into 2-dimensionalsemi-permeable meshworks to overlaythe cell surface of many bacteria and archaea. They usually assemble into lattices with oblique, square or hexagonal symmetryand serve as an interface between the bacterial cell and the environment . Isolated S -layers can recrystallize into two
Expression Analysis of Genes Which Related to Sex Determination of Zebrafish

The expression level of genes (cyp19a,cyp19b,gata4,dmrt1 and wt1) which related to sex determination was profiled during different stages of embryogenesis of zebrafish(64-cell,256 ～ 512-cell,sphere,30% epiboly,50%-epiboly,75%-epiboly,bud,10 ～ 15-somites,prim-10-20,pec-fin,early larva,and 7,10,12,14,16,18,20,22,24,26,28,30 dpf (day-post-fertilization)) using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR.The results indicated that the expression level of cyp19a gene and cyp19b gene at 28dpf and 30dpf stage were significantly higher than other stages.The expression level of gata 4 gene was higher in gastrula-bud stage than other stages.The dmrt 1 gene was most expressed in 30%-epiboly stage.The wt1 gene was most expressed in 10 ～ 15 somites stage.