Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Morphological, Biochemical and Biological Studies of Halophilic Streptomyces sp. Isolated from Saltpan Environment

Problem statement: Dermatophytes have developed resistance to the existing antifungal antibiotics. As a part of our continuous search we had isolated, identified and characterized actinomycetes from the halophilic environment having antagonistic activity against the dermatophytes namely Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. Approach: Actinomycetes were isolated from the soil sample collected from the Ennore saltpan region, Chennai, India and screened for antidermatophytic secondary metabolite production by well diffusion method. Four dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum [MTCC 3272], Trichophyton mentagrophytes [MTCC 7687], Microsporum gypseum [MTCC 2819] and Epidermophyton floccosum [MTCC 7880] were used to study its susceptibility to the isolated actinomycetes. Actinomycetes which showed antidermatophytic activity were subjected to cultural characterization with respect to aerial and substrate mycelia color, diffusible and melanin pigment production and the growth of the organisms on different media. Further the micro morphological characteristics such as spore surface ornamentation and spore chain morphology determined by Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) analysis also suggested that the isolates belonged to the genus Streptomyces. The isolates were also tested for utilization of various carbon and nitrogen sources, degradation of complex compounds, sensitivity to antibiotics and inhibitory compounds. Results: All the 3 isolates exhibited different cultural and morphological characteristics. Based on the cultural characters and morphology they were assigned to the genus Streptomyces. The three isolates produced an inhibition zone of 30-31 mm on an average, utilized a wide range of carbon and nitrogen sources, degraded almost all the complex compounds and exhibited a broad spectrum of antibiotic resistance. They were designated as Streptomyces sp. DKDVIT1, Streptomyces sp. DKDVIT2 and Streptomyces sp. , DKDVIT3. Conclusion: The Streptomyces sp. isolated from the Ennore saltpan of Bay of Bengal exhibited potential antidermatophytic activity. The extraction and characterization of secondary metabolites from these Streptomyces may be used as a lead compound/therapeutic agent for dermatophytosis.
Effect of local heating and cooling on cambial activity and cell differentiation in the stem of Norway spruce (Picea abies).

UNLABELLED BACKGROUND AND AIMS The effect of heating and cooling on cambial activity and cell differentiation in part of the stem of Norway spruce (Picea abies) was investigated. METHODS A heating experiment (23-25 degrees C) was carried out in spring, before normal reactivation of the cambium, and cooling (9-11 degrees C) at the height of cambial activity in summer. The cambium, xylem and phloem were investigated by means of light- and transmission electron microscopy and UV-microspectrophotometry in tissues sampled from living trees. KEY RESULTS Localized heating for 10 d initiated cambial divisions on the phloem side and after 20 d also on the xylem side. In a control tree, regular cambial activity started after 30 d. In the heat-treated sample, up to 15 earlywood cells undergoing differentiation were found to be present. The response of the cambium to stem cooling was less pronounced, and no anatomical differences were detected between the control and cool-treated samples after 10 or 20 d. After 30 d, latewood started to form in the sample exposed to cooling. In addition, almost no radially expanding tracheids were observed and the cambium consisted of only five layers of cells. Low temperatures reduced cambial activity, as indicated by the decreased proportion of latewood. On the phloem side, no alterations were observed among cool-treated and non-treated samples. CONCLUSIONS Heating and cooling can influence cambial activity and cell differentiation in Norway spruce. However, at the ultrastructural and topochemical levels, no changes were observed in the pattern of secondary cell-wall formation and lignification or in lignin structure, respectively.
Multi-scale Modeling of Si and C Nanocluster Nucleation During Non-equilibrium Gas Phase Processing

Nanoclusters are manufactured by various techniques, including organic precursor-based synthetic chemistry, aqueous colloidal processing, low temperature thermalization of organorare-earth clusters, metallo-organic pyrolysis, and laser ablation of different materials. All of these synthesis techniques rely upon cluster growth mechanisms, which are controlled by the chemistry of participating species. Chemical techniques are used for producing semiconductor nanocrystals, for example, and are generally accompanied by the formation of unanticipated by products. Furthermore, the chemical sensitivity toward oxidation or reducibility of chemical constituents, plus the necessary care in the choice of anion or cation precursor components, greatly impact control of nanocrystal production. Chemical reaction rates, or limited availability of suitable chemical precursors, can limit the composition, type and size of nanoparticles and nanoparticle-based structures that can be obtained. When hot gas processing is considered as a route to nanocluster manufacturing, additional degrees of freedom become available to control nanoparticle formation Multi-scale Modeling of Si and C Nanocluster Nucleation During Non-equilibrium Gas Phase Processing
Hypoplasia of the bony canal for the cochlear nerve in patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss: initial observations.

PURPOSE To evaluate the length and width of the bony canal of the cochlear nerve in patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) who have "normal" findings at thin-section computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors retrospectively evaluated the length and width of the bony canal for the cochlear nerve in two groups of patients. The first group was composed of 33 patients with profound SNHL and no demonstrable abnormality at thin-section CT. The control group was composed of 50 patients who underwent temporal bone CT for causes unrelated to SNHL. The mean value +/- SD was calculated for both cohorts. Statistical analysis consisted of the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum test with the NPAR1WAY program. RESULTS The length and width of the bony canal for the cochlear nerve were significantly smaller in patients with SNHL than in the control group (P <.05) CONCLUSION The hypoplastic bony canal for the cochlear nerve in patients with SNHL may be indicative of a previously unrecognized embryologic malformation of the cochlear nerve.
Variability in brain and arterial blood temperatures in free-ranging ostriches in their natural habitat

SUMMARY We used implanted miniature data loggers to measure brain (in or near the hypothalamus) and carotid arterial blood temperatures at 5 min intervals in six free-ranging ostriches Struthio camelus in their natural habitat, for a period of up to 14 days. Carotid blood temperature exhibited a large amplitude (3.0–4.6°C) circadian rhythm, and was positively correlated with air temperature. During the day, brain temperature exceeded carotid blood temperature by approx. 0.4°C, but there were episodes when brain temperature was lowered below blood temperature. Selective brain cooling, however, was not present in all ostriches, and was not tightly coupled to the prevailing body temperature. Brain temperature was maintained within narrow daily limits of approx. 2°C, and varied significantly less than blood temperature at short time scales of 5 to 20 min. At night, brain temperature exceeded blood temperature by as much as 3°C. We attribute the elevated brain temperatures to warming of cerebral arterial blood, by reduced heat exchange in the ophthalmic rete or possibly heat gain from cranial structures, before supplying the hypothalamus. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the significance of such variations in brain temperature and the importance of selective brain cooling in free-living birds.
Does Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) Improve Prediction of Bleeding After Cardiac Surgery?

BACKGROUND: Coagulopathy and massive bleeding are severe complications of cardiac surgery, particularly in procedures requiring prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). There is huge variability in transfusion practices across hospitals and providers in cross-sectional studies. This variability may indicate unguided decision-making, perhaps attributable to lack of reliable, predictive laboratory testing of coagulopathy to guide transfusion practice. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) measures multiple coagulation parameters and may provide value from its ease of use, rapid results, and measurement of several steps in the coagulation pathway. Yet, the predictive value and utility of ROTEM remains unclear. In this study, we investigated ROTEM's predictive value for chest tube drainage after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Three hundred twenty-one patients undergoing cardiac surgery involving CPB were enrolled. Patient data were obtained from medical records, including chest tube output (CTO) from post-CPB through the first 8 postoperative hours. Perioperative and postoperative blood samples were collected for ROTEM analysis. Three measures of CTO were used as the primary end points for assessing coagulopathy: (i) continuous CTO; (ii) CTO dichotomized at 600 mL (75th percentile); and (iii) CTO dichotomized at 910 mL (90th percentile). Clinical and hematological variables, excluding ROTEM data, that were significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with continuous CTO were included in a stepwise regression model (model 1). An additional model that contained ROTEM variables in addition to the variables from model 1 was created (model 2). Significance in subsequent analyses was declared at P < 0.0167 to account for the 3 CTO end points. Net reclassification index was used to assess overall value of ROTEM data. RESULTS: For continuous CTO, ROTEM variables improved the model's predictive ability (P < 0.0001). For CTO dichotomized at 600 mL (75th percentile), ROTEM did not improve the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) (P = 0.03). Similarly, for CTO dichotomized at 910 mL (90th percentile), ROTEM did not improve the AUC (P = 0.23). Net reclassification index similarly indicated that ROTEM results did not improve overall classification of patients (P = 0.12 for CTO ≥600 mL; P = 0.08 for CTO ≥910 mL). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ROTEM data do not substantially improve a model's ability to predict chest tube drainage, beyond frequently used clinical and laboratory parameters. Although several ROTEM parameters were individually associated with CTO, they did not significantly improve goodness of fit when added to statistical models comprising only clinical and routine laboratory parameters. ROTEM does not seem to improve prediction of chest tube drainage after cardiac surgery involving CPB, although its use in guiding transfusion during cardiac surgery remains to be determined.
Coarse grain lipid–protein molecular interactions and diffusion with MsbA flippase

Coarse‐grained (CG) modeling has proven effective for simulating lipid bilayer dynamics on scales of biological interest. Modeling the dynamics of flexible membrane proteins within the bilayer, on the other hand, poses a considerable challenge due to the complexity of the folding or conformational landscape. In the present work, the multiscale coarse‐graining method is applied to atomistic peptide‐lipid “soup” simulations to develop a general set of CG protein–lipid interaction potentials. The reduced model was constructed to be compatible with recent solvent‐free CG models developed for protein–protein folding and lipid–lipid model bilayer interactions. The utility of the force field was demonstrated by molecular dynamics simulation of the MsbA ABC transporter in a mixed DOPC/DOPE bilayer. An elastic network was parameterized to restrain the MsbA dimer in its open, closed and hydrolysis intermediate conformations and its impact on domain flexibility was examined. Conformational stability enabled long‐time dynamics simulation of MsbA freely diffusing in a 25 nm membrane patch. Three‐dimensional density analysis revealed that a shell of weakly bound “annular lipids” solvate the membrane accessible surface of MsbA and its internal substrate‐binding chamber. The annular lipid binding modes, along with local perturbations in head group structure, are a function of the orientation of grooves formed between transmembrane helices and may influence the alternating access mechanism of substrate entry and translocation. Proteins 2012; © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Localisation of phosphorylated MAP kinase during the transition from meiosis I to meiosis II in pig oocytes

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) has been reported to be involved in oocyte maturation in all animals so far examined. In the present study we investigate the expression and localisation of active phosphorylated MAPKs (p44ERK1/p42ERK2) during maturation of pig oocytes. In immunoblot analysis using anti-p44ERK1 antibody which recognised both active and inactive forms of p44ERK1 and p42ERK2, we confirmed that MAPKs were phosphorylatred around the time of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and the active phosphorylated MAPKs (pMAKs) were maintained until metaphase II, as has been reported. On immunofluorescent confocal microscopy using anti-pMAPK antibody which recognised only phosphorylated forms of MAPKs, pMAPK was localised at the spindle poles in pig mitotic cells. On the other hand, in pig oocytes, no signal was detected during GV stage. After GVBD, the area around condensed chromosomes was preferentially stained at metaphase I although whole cytoplasm was faintly stained. At early anaphase I, the polar regions of the meiotic spindle were prominently stained. However, during the progression of anaphase I and telophase I pMAPK was detected at the mid-zone of the elongated spindle, gradually becoming concentrated at the centre. Finally, at the time of emission of the first polar body, pMAPK was detected as a ring-like structure between the condensed chromosomes and the first polar body, and the staining was maintained even after the metaphase II spindle was formed. The inhibition of MAPK activity with the MAPK kinase inhibitor U0126 during the meiosis I/meiosis II transition suppressed chromosome separation, first polar body emission and formation of the metaphase II spindle. From these results, we propose that the spindle-associated pMAPKs play an important role in the events occurring during the meiosis I/meiosis II transition, such as chromosome separation, spindle elongation and cleavage furrow formation in pig oocytes.
Low density lipoproteins in atherosclerosis.

Low density lipoproteins (LDL) have long been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. Perhaps the most convincing evidence that these lipoproteins are causative factors in this disease is the genetic disorder, familial hypercholesterolemia, in which homozygous patients develop massive LDL concentrations and frequently die within the second decade of life from complications of coronary artery atherosclerosis (1). The reasons for the atherogenicity of LDL are incompletely understood. In epidemiologic studies, the concentration of LDL cholesterol in plasma has been shown to be highly correlated to the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) (2). Hence, factors that regulate LDL concentration through formation and catabolism are undoubtedly important in determining atherogenicity associated with LDL. Indeed, the massive LDL concentration that results from the absence of the LDL receptor in familial hypercholesterolemia is a graphic illustration of how a lack of control of LDL catabolism can lead to increased LDL concentrations and, subsequently, to premature complications of atherosclerosis (3). In addition, much new information has been developed about the heterogeneity in composition and character of plasma LDL particles. It now is apparent that many forms of LDL exist within and among individuals and it seems possible that some forms are more atherogenic than others. The purpose of this review will be to examine several aspects of low density lipoproteins that may be contributory to the development of CHD. We will review the information about LDL heterogeneity and how this may relate to the development of atherosclerosis. Since LDL concentration is also important in atherosclerosis, we will also review information about LDL formation and catabolism. Nonhuman primate models of experimental atherosclerosis have been extensively studied in this laboratory, so we will include, where appropriate, the lessons learned from these experimental models. Diet-induced elevations of the average size and concentration of LDL have been shown to be highly correlated to the extent of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries of nonhuman primates (4). It seems clear that the low density lipoproteins are important in initiation andlor exacerbation of coronary artery atherosclerosis in the experimental primate model as well as in man. For prevention and treatment of CHD, it will be important to learn what factors cause elevated LDL concentrations and which properties of LDL lead directly to the atherogenicity of these lipoproteins.
Analysis of the Temperature Changes in the Aburrá Valley between 1995 and 2015 and Modeling Based on Urban, Meteorological and Energetic Parameters

There is a perception among the inhabitants of the Aburra Valley Region, that this heavily populated region, which is situated in the Andean mountains of Colombia, has been suffering large temperature elevations in the last years, especially in the last decade. To give perspective about this issue, the authors have gone through the available information about temperature changes in three meteorological stations in the region and have correlated it with a set of variables of urban, climatic, and energetic nature, with the intention of developing an approximate model to understand the temperature changes. Changes in the mean temperature, based on the linear correlation of the data were estimated on 0.47 °C for the 20 years between 1995 and 2015; the study showed that 60% of change was found to be related to local human activities and 40% was attributed to the impact of global warming. For the local influences some practical mitigation actions are proposed, related to better energy management and paying more attention to the temperature changes through improvements in the number and capability of sampling stations in the urban air and in the river, which serve as clear indicators of the changes and the effect of any mitigation measures.
Mast cells in psoriatic skin are strongly positive for interferon‐gamma

The increased number and early activation of cutaneous mast cells is a typical feature of psoriatic inflammation. Interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) is believed to be one of the important mediators in the cytokine cascade of psoriasis. Human mast cells have been previously reported to release various cytokines upon stimulation including interleukin (IL) ‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐13 and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha. Here we report that human mast cells synthesize also IFN‐γ at mRNA and protein level and that the number of IFN‐γ producing mast cells is significantly increased in the psoriatic skin. IFN‐γ immunoreactivity in mast cells was demonstrated by staining non‐lesional and lesional skin sections from 21 patients with psoriasis. Ten patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and five healthy persons served as control groups. The percentage (mean ± SD) of IFN‐γ + mast cells in lesional compared with non‐lesional psoriatic skin was 67 ± 18% vs. 44 ± 17% (P < 0.0001, paired t‐test), respectively, but only 9 ± 6% vs. 10 ± 7% in corresponding skin samples of AD. In the skin of healthy controls, only 12 ± 12% of the mast cells were IFN‐γ +. Using immunoelectron microscopy, we confirmed the ultrastructural localization of IFN‐γ within the granules of mast cells in psoriatic skin. In addition, stimulation of a human mast cell line HMC‐1 with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) (100 nmol/L) for periods of 2–24 h induced expression of IFN‐γ mRNA, which peaked at 24 h. When HMC‐1 cells were stimulated with PMA (100 nmol/L) for periods of 0–3 days, the cells released IFN‐γ protein, peaking on day 1. These results provide further evidence for the important role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
POLYOC: Photogrammetric Measurements of Buildings and Architectural Models via Multi-View Steoreovision

We present a new method to derive a reliable 3D description of buildings and architectural models based on stereo vision using multiple camera views. This multi-view stereo technique has been successfully applied to many objects and has proved to be more reliable and more accurate than the well known binocular and even trinocular stereo techniques. The method has the following attractive features: (-) Flexibility: Arbitrary positions of an arbitrary amount of different camera views are allowed. (-) Automatic Calibration of each camera view is obtained by a simple procedure. (-) Reliable Stereo Analysis: The matching of corresponding image features of different images relies on a basic paradigm of Hypothesis Prediction and Validation. (-) Knowledge Base: Heuristics can be applied to correct the object reconstruction. (-) CAD-lnterface: The 3D description of the reconstructed object can automatically transferred via DXF to a CAD-system. (-) Low Costs: No special and expensive technical equipment like a laser or an UV rangefinder is necessary. A camera, a PC with CAD-system and a digitizing device like a digitizing tablet with a pointing pen are sufficient.
Immune reactions associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) occasionally coexists with cerebral vasculitis. An immune system may influence deposition or degradation of the amyloid in cerebral blood vessels. The purpose of this study was to elucidate immune reactions associated with CAA. METHODS In 11 elderly patients with sporadic CAA, 2 patients with Icelandic familial CAA, and 2 patients with CAA and granulomatous angiitis, the cerebrovascular amyloid proteins and infiltrating inflammatory cells were analyzed immunohistochemically. RESULTS In both sporadic CAA (beta-protein amyloid angiopathy) and Icelandic familial CAA (cystatin C amyloid angiopathy), leptomeningeal and cortical vessels were associated with an increase or activation of monocyte/macrophage lineage cells. In the cases of CAA with granulomatous angiitis, the vascular amyloid was of beta-protein and associated with infiltration of many monocyte/macrophage lineage cells, which included multinucleated giant cells containing the amyloid in the cytoplasm as well as T cells composed of CD4+ and CD8+ subsets. Amyloid P component, which was reported to be a common component of amyloid deposits and to prevent phagocytic proteolysis of amyloid fibrils of beta-protein, was negative for the vascular amyloid in a case of CAA with granulomatous angiitis but positive in the others. CONCLUSIONS In both the beta-protein and cystatin C amyloid angiopathies, cerebrovascular amyloid deposition was associated with an increase or activation of monocyte/macrophage lineage cells. Prominent reactions of monocyte/macrophage lineage cells admixed with CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (granulomatous angiitis) were occasionally associated with beta-protein angiopathy. In some of these cases, the absence of amyloid P component might be related to pathogenesis of the granulomatous reaction.