Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A high yield DNA extraction method for medically important Candida species: A comparison of manual versus QIAcube-based automated system

The prognosis of infected individuals with candidemia depends on rapid and precise diagnosis which enables optimising treatment. Three fungal DNA extraction protocols have been compared in this study for medically important Candida species. The quality and quantity of the DNA extracted by physical, chemical and automated protocols was compared using NanoDrop ND-2000 spectrophotometer. It was found that the yield and purity (260/230) ratio of extracted DNA was significantly high in the physical treatment-based protocol as compared to chemical based or automated protocol. Extracted DNA-based real time-polymerase chain reaction showed an analytical sensitivity of 103 cfu/mL. The result of this study suggests physical treatment is the most successful extraction technique compared to other two protocols.
Superconductivity in nonsymmetric epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7-x/PrBa2Cu3O7-x superlattices: The superconducting behavior of Cu-O bilayers.

We have fabricated epitaxial, nonsymmetric {ital M}{times}{ital N} superlattices in which YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{ital x}} (YBCO) layers either {ital M}=1, 2, 3, 4, or 8 {ital c}-axis unit cells thick are separated by insulating PrBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{ital x}} (PrBCO) layers {ital N} unit cells thick ({ital N}=1 to {similar to}16). The zero-resistance transition temperature, {ital T}{sub {ital c}0}, initially decreases rapidly with increasing PrBCO thickness but saturates at {ital T}{sub {ital c}0}{similar to}19 K or {ital T}{sub {ital c}0}{similar to}54 K for 1- and 2-cell-thick YBCO layers, respectively. We conclude that although intercell coupling may enhance {ital T}{sub {ital c}0}, it is necessary for superconductivity of single-cell-thick YBCO layers in PrBCO matrix.
Implementation of Slicing and Fast Failover in 5 G Transport Networks

Software-defined networking is at the root of future 5G transport network design. Among others, it allows for automated network reconfiguration and network slicing support. In this paper we present an OpenFlow-based implementation of a control plane area in the transport network architecture envisioned by the 5G-XHaul project. We analyze the implementation of the slicing mechanism at the network edge. Furthermore, we propose a simple low-overhead fast proactive failover scheme for recovering from single link failures, without the delays and packet drops associated with reaching a remote controller entity.
The effect of postoperative range of motion on functional activities after posterior cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND Range of motion is recognized as an important indicator of the success of a total knee replacement; however, an optimal range of motion has yet to be defined. This study was designed to determine the optimal range of motion for knee function after total knee arthroplasty with a posterior cruciate-retaining prosthesis. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 5556 primary total knee arthroplasties performed with posterior cruciate-retaining prostheses between 1983 and 2003. The relationship between postoperative range of motion and pain, walking ability, stair-climbing ability, and knee function scores was examined at three to five years postoperatively. The relationship between a postoperative flexion contracture or hyperextension and knee function was also examined. RESULTS Patients with 128 degrees to 132 degrees of motion obtained the highest scores for pain, walking, and knee function and the highest Knee Society scores. The outcomes became substantially compromised with motion of <118 degrees . Patients with 133 degrees to 150 degrees of motion had the highest scores for stair-climbing. A postoperative flexion contracture and hyperextension were associated with lower scores for pain, walking, stair-climbing, and knee function. CONCLUSIONS The best functional results following total knee arthroplasty are achieved with 128 degrees to 132 degrees of motion. A postoperative flexion contracture and hyperextension of >or=10 degrees are associated with a poorer outcome except that stair-climbing is improved with more motion.
Component Analysis of a Chinese Factoid Question-Answering System

An analysis is provided for three major components of a simple Chinese Question-Answering system: passage retrieval, entity extraction and candidate selection. The order of least effective component is determined to be: answer selection, retrieval and extraction. In crosslingual QA, deficiencies in question translation not only lead to retrieval loss, but may also have adverse effects at answer selection.
An Active Contour Approach to Extract Feature Regions from Triangular Meshes

We present a novel active contour-based two-pass approach to extract smooth feature regions from a triangular mesh. In the first pass, an active contour formulated in level-set surfaces is devised to extract feature regions with rough boundaries. In the second pass, the rough boundary curve is smoothed by minimizing internal energy, which is derived from its curvature. The separation of the extraction and smoothing process enables us to extract feature regions with smooth boundaries from a triangular mesh without user's initial model. Furthermore, smooth feature curves can also be obtained by skeletonizing the smooth feature regions. We tested our algorithm on facial models and proved its excellence.
New immunochemical fecal occult blood test with two‐consecutive stool sample testing is a cost‐effective approach for colon cancer screening: Results of a prospective multicenter study in Chinese patients

The purpose of the study is to evaluate a new immunochemical fecal occult blood test method (Hemosure IFOBT), and compare it to the Guaiac‐based chemical method (CFOBT) for colorectal cancer detection. A hypothetical sequential method (SFOBT), in which IFOBT was used only as a confirmatory test for CFOBT, was also evaluated. A total of 324 patients were recruited from 5 major hospitals in Beijing, China. For each patient, 3 consecutive stool samples were collected for simultaneous CFOBT and IFOBT tests, followed by colonoscopic examination. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of the 3 methods (CFOBT, IFOBT and SFOBT) in two settings, with the first 2 consecutive samples versus all 3 samples. Although the sensitivity for the detection of cancer and large (>20 mm) or multiple adenoma was similar for all 3 methods in the three‐sample setting, in the two‐sample setting IFOBT had higher sensitivity than SFOBT for detecting cancer (87.8% vs. 75.5%, respectively, p < 0.05) and large (>20 mm) or multiple adenomas (65.4% vs. 42.3%, respectively, p < 0.05). The IFOBT also had a higher specificity than the CFOBT (89.2% vs. 75.5%, respectively, p < 0.01) in “normal” individuals defined by colonoscopy in the three‐sample setting. Comparing two‐sample setting to the three‐sample setting, both CFOBT and SFOBT showed significant loss of sensitivity for the detection of cancer as well as adenoma, whereas the sensitivity for IFOBT did not change significantly. Overall, IFOBT with two‐sample testing showed compatible sensitivity and specificity to the three‐sample testing, and had a lower relative cost per cancer detected than the three‐sample testing. In conclusion, the new Hemosure IFOBT with two consecutive stool samples appears to be the most cost‐effective approach for colon cancer screening. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Central role of the exchange factor GEF-H1 in TNF-α–induced sequential activation of Rac, ADAM17/TACE, and RhoA in tubular epithelial cells

Tumor necrosis factor-α activates the enzyme TACE/ADAM17 through the guanine nucleotide exchange factor GEF-H1, Rac, and p38, leading to activation of the epidermal growth factor. GEF-H1 mediates hierarchical activation of Rac and RhoA through differential phosphorylation.
Reperfusion after Severe Local Perfusion Deficit Precedes Hemorrhagic Transformation: An MRI Study in Acute Stroke Patients

Background: We applied magnetic resonance imaging to analyze the degree of local diffusion and perfusion abnormalities and the status of reperfusion in regions with subsequent hemorrhagic transformation (HT). Methods: 51 patients with acute ischemic stroke were studied by diffusion- and perfusion-weighted imaging within 3.0 ± 0.8 h, on day 1 and days 5–8. After realignment of the image data sets, the parameter maps of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV), and mean transit time were analyzed in the area of subsequent HT. The degree of local diffusion and perfusion impairment in the HT area was compared with the entire diffusion and perfusion abnormality. Reperfusion status was separately assessed for the entire perfusion abnormality and the HT area. Results: HT was observed in 19/51 patients (37.2%) within 8 days after symptom onset. Areas destined for HT revealed a more severe decrease in ADC (to 70 ± 13%; p < 0.01), CBV (to 31 ± 26%; p < 0.001) and CBF (to 28 ± 19%; p < 0.001) compared to the entire perfusion abnormality. Local reperfusion in the HT area was seen in 18/19 patients. The presence of HT did not coincide with a worse clinical outcome. Discussion: HT is the result of reperfusion in the region with the most severe local perfusion impairment and does not influence the neurological outcome.
First evidence for an LDL‐ and HDL‐associated nitratase activity that denitrates albumin‐bound nitrotyrosine—Physiological consequences

In the systemic circulation, LDL occurs in the form of a weakly nitrated LDL‐albumin complex (LAC). The question here is whether LAC (or HDL) is able to denitrate the albumin‐bound 3‐NO2‐tyrosine (3NT). Nitrated albumin was incubated in the presence of lipoprotein fraction (LPF) to be tested, with or without Ca2+. After precipitation and centrifugation, supernatants (SNs) and protein pellets (PP) were collected. HCl proteolysis was carried out with deuterated 3NT as an internal standard, and amino acids were derivatized for GC‐MS analysis, whereas SNs were used for NO2−/NO3−‐fluorimetric assays. A loss of 3NT, higher with albumin‐low LDL than with albumin‐rich LDL or HDL, was found in PP only in the presence of Ca2+. γ‐Tocopherol loading of LPF inhibited 3NT loss. 3NT loss was found for the first time to be stoichiometrically equivalent to NO3−, proving that the 3NT loss must be ascribed to a 3NT‐denitrating nitratase activity. 3NT loss and NO3− production that clearly cannot be attributed to PON‐1 were impaired by D‐penicillamine and phenylacetate, inhibitor, and substrate of PON‐1, respectively, leading to speculate on the active site. Finally, nitratase activity and albumin contribute to beneficially convert peroxynitrite (ONOO−) into nonbioactive NO3−. But, in inflammatory conditions, xanthine oxidoreductase is expressed leading to detrimentally reduce O2 and NO3− into O2•− and NO• that may interact, reconstituting the ONOO− pool. The real consequence of nitratase activity and the physiological significance of nitration/denitration processes remain to be explored. © 2007 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(1): 73–78, 2008
Multi-Objective Robust Control Considering Uncertainties for Damping Oscillations

This paper deals with the robust control problem for damping power system low-frequency oscillations considering the uncertainties. In the process of designing the damp controller, uncertain parameters are introduced into perturbation matrix, meanwhile, both the H∞ disturbance depression and the optimal H2 performances of the closed-loop control system are satisfied simultaneously for all allowable uncertainties. To solve the proposed multi-objective optimization problem, linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) are deduced based on the LMI optimization technology to obtain the output feedback controller. Simulation results of 4-machine-11-bus IEEE test system show that the proposed method is effective and robust.
The Electrical Aftermath: Brain Signals of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Filtered Through a Clinical Lens

This review aims to identify patterns of electrical signals identified using electroencephalography (EEG) linked to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and symptom dimensions. We filter EEG findings through a clinical lens, evaluating nuances in findings according to study criteria and participant characteristics. Within the EEG frequency domain, greater right than left parietal asymmetry in alpha band power is the most promising marker of PTSD symptoms and is linked to exaggerated physiological arousal that may impair filtering of environmental distractors. The most consistent findings within the EEG time domain focused on event related potentials (ERPs) include: 1) exaggerated frontocentral responses (contingent negative variation, mismatch negativity, and P3a amplitudes) to task-irrelevant distractors, and 2) attenuated parietal responses (P3b amplitudes) to task-relevant target stimuli. These findings suggest that some individuals with PTSD suffer from attention dysregulation, which could contribute to problems concentrating on daily tasks and goals in lieu of threatening distractors. Future research investigating the utility of alpha asymmetry and frontoparietal ERPs as diagnostic and predictive biomarkers or intervention targets are recommended.
Collagen‐induced arthritis in C57BL/6 (H‐2b) mice: new insights into an important disease model of rheumatoid arthritis

Collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) is a widely used model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and has been important for understanding autoimmunity. CIA is purportedly restricted to mice bearing the MHC class II H‐2q or H‐2r haplotypes. In this study, we re‐examined established concepts regarding susceptibility to CIA. We found mice derived from the C57BL/6 (B6) (H‐2b) background can develop CIA with high incidence (60–70%), and sustained severity by using an immunization procedure modified for optimum response in DBA/1 (D1) (H‐2q) mice. Clinically and histologically the B6 disease resembles that of D1 mice and is dependent on immunization with type II collagen, as well as on B and CD4+ T cells. In contrast, 129/Sv mice, which share H‐2b, are resistant to CIA. We conclude that susceptibility to CIA may reflect immunization conditions and/or important contributions from non‐MHC genes, revealed by different immunization protocols. A practical outcome is that CIA can be directly applied to gene knockout mice generated from B6 embryonic stem cells without need for backcross onto the D1 background. This model may lead to improved understanding of autoimmunity in CIA and RA and may provide a platform for analysis of the contribution of non‐MHC genes to CIA.
Translation of a Yeast Mitochondrial tRNA Synthetase Initiated at Redundant non-AUG Codons*

Although initiation of translation at non-AUG codons occurs occasionally in prokaryotes and higher eukaryotes, it has not been reported in yeast until very recently. Evidence presented here shows that redundant ACG codons are recognized as alternative translation start sites for ALA1, the only gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae coding for alanyl-tRNA synthetase. ALA1 is shown to be a bifunctional gene that provides both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial activities. Unlike most bifunctional genes that contain alternative in-frame AUG initiators, there is only one AUG codon, designated AUG1, close to the 5′-end of the ALA1 open reading frame. Transcriptional mapping identified three overlapping transcripts, with 5′-ends at positions 54, 105, and 117 nucleotides upstream of AUG1, respectively. Site-specific mutagenesis demonstrated that the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial functions of ALA1 are provided by two protein isoforms with distinct amino termini; that is, a short cytoplasmic form initiated at AUG1 and a longer mitochondrial isoform initiated at two upstream in-frame ACG codons, i.e. ACG–25 and ACG–24. These two ACG codons function redundantly in initiation of translation. Either codon can function in the absence of the other. The short transcript appears to serve as the template for the cytoplasmic form, whereas the longer transcripts are likely to code for both isoforms via alternative initiation. Because yeast ribosomes in general cannot efficiently recognize a non-AUG initiator, this unique feature of redundancy of non-AUG initiators in a single mRNA may in itself represent a novel paradigm for translation initiation from poor initiators.
System security requirements analysis with answer set programming

The need for early consideration of security during system design and development cannot be over-emphasized, since this allows security features to be properly integrated into the system rather than added as patches later on. A necessary pre-requisite is the elicitation and analysis of the security requirements prior to system design. Existing methods for the security requirements phase, such as attack trees and misuse case analysis, use manual means for analysis, with which it is difficult to validate and analyse system properties exhaustively. We present a computational solution to this problem using an institutional (also called normative) specification to capture the requirements in the InstAL action language, which in turn is implemented in answer set programming (a kind of logic programming language). The result of solving the answer set program with respect to a set of events is a set of traces that capture the evolution of the model over time (as defined by the occurrence of events). Verification is achieved by querying the traces for specific system properties. Using a simple scenario, we show how any state of the system can be verified with respect to the events that brought about that state.We also demonstrate how the same traces enable: (i) identification of possible times and causes of security breaches and (ii) establishment of possible consequences of security violations.
Pigmented basal cell carcinoma mimicking a malignant lentigo melanoma in black female patient

A case of pigmented basocellular carcinoma clinically mimicking a malignant lentigo melanoma in the temporal region of a black female patient is reported. Basal cell carcinoma rarely occurs in black patients.When present, however, it is the second most common malignant skin neoplasia, and is usually pigmented.When the face is affected in such patients, it is difficult to differentiate between malignant lentigo melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Dermatoscopy is a very helpful diagnostic tool in these cases.
Whipple'i tõbi: ülevaade haigusest ja haigusjuht

Whipple’i tobi on harva esinev multisusteemne bakteriaalne infektsioon, mille tekitajaks on grampositiivne bakter Tropheryma whippelii. Artiklis on antud ulevaade Whipple’i tovest ning kirjeldatud haigusjuhtu TU Kliinikumi sisekliiniku endokrinoloogia-gastroenteroloogia osakonnas. Eesti Arst 2004; 83 (11): 750–755
Governing the complexity: Solid waste services in the metropolitan area of Barcelona

Abstract In most European countries, local governments must provide waste collection, transportation and treatment services. However, the form of production for delivering the service chosen by local governments differs from one city to another. The decision on how to provide the service has usually been approached in a simple way, by either public or private production. However, solid waste services are becoming increasingly complex, and governing this complexity has become a challenge for governments and practitioners. Here we discuss the case of the metropolitan area of Barcelona, where a new and ad hoc intergovernmental agency has been created to manage the complexity. Since this metropolitan area includes a huge geographical agglomeration around Barcelona, this becomes a complex management system that makes this case study of great interest.
Ca2+ permeability of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors from rat dorsal root ganglion neurones

Ca2+ entry through neuronal nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) modulates many biological processes in nervous tissue. In order to study the functional role of nAChRs in peripheral sensory signalling, we measured their Ca2+ permeability in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones, and analysed the effects of nAChR‐mediated Ca2+ influx on the function of the vanilloid receptor TRPV1. The fractional Ca2+ current (Pf, i.e. the percentage of current carried by Ca2+ ions) flowing through nAChR channels was measured by Ca2+ imaging fluorescence microscopy in combination with the patch‐clamp technique. Functional nAChRs were expressed in a subset of adult DRG neurones (about 24% of the cells), typically with small to medium size as measured by their capacitance (40 ± 3 pF). In most cells, ACh evoked slowly desensitizing currents, insensitive to methyllycaconitine (MLA, 10 nm), a potent antagonist of homomeric nAChRs. Fast decaying currents, probably mediated by α7*‐nAChRs (i.e. native α7‐containing nAChRs), were observed in 15% of ACh‐responsive cells, in which slowly decaying currents, mediated by heteromeric nAChRs, were simultaneously present. The nAChRs of adult DRG neurones exhibited a Pf value of 2.2 ± 0.6% in the presence of MLA and 1.9 ± 0.6% (P > 0.1) in the absence of MLA, indicating that homomeric MLA‐sensitive nAChRs do not contribute to Ca2+ entry into adult DRG neurones. Conversely, 10% of neonatal DRG neurones showed ACh‐evoked currents completely blocked by MLA. In these neurones, nAChRs showed a larger Pf value (9.5 ± 1.5%), indicating the expression of bona fide α7*‐nAChRs. Finally, we report that Ca2+ influx through nAChRs in adult DRG neurones negatively modulated the TRPV1‐mediated responses, representing a possible mechanism underlying the analgesic properties of nicotinic agonists on sensory neurones.
Design and analysis of a high directivity directional coupler using synthetic coupled lines in CMOS technology

This paper presents the design and analysis of a high directivity directional coupler using synthetic coupled lines in 0.18-µm CMOS technology. Multi-conductor synthetic lines are used to increase coupling and miniaturize the circuit. The coupler is composed of two interwound spirals. The design is based on coupled-line models. Although the structure is perfect point-symmetric, the trends of directivity and difference of propagation constants are inconsistent with the symmetric coupled-line model due to non-uniformity. By applying a more general asymmetric coupled-line model, the circuit appears to be slightly asymmetric. The peak of directivity and the location of equal c- and π-mode propagation constants coincide. That is, the interwound spirals can be modeled more accurately as asymmetric coupled lines than symmetric ones in the design of high directivity directional couplers. The 24GHz coupler measures 100µm x 200µm (0.008λ0 × 0.016λ0) in chip area without pads. Maximum directivity achieves 28.5dB from simulation and 24.9dB from measurement.
Measuring Emotional Intelligence

The purposes of this study were (a) to develop a measure of emotional intelligence, the Emotional Intelligence Inventory and (b) to find the underlying dimensions of the inventory by testing 111 high school students at a bilingual college preparatory school. The inventory has 45 items. After excluding the four weakest items, the reliability coefficient α was . 83. Subsequently, 319 junior and senior high school students at the same school were administered the 41 items. The reliability coefficient was . 81. A maximum likelihood factor analysis with a varimax rotation yielded four factors of empathy, utilization of feelings, handling relationships, and self-control. Psychometric properties were sound, and the revised Emotional Intelligence Inventory can be recommended for use in the investigation of emotional intelligence.