Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ISOTOPIC RECONSTRUCTION OF PAST CONTINENTAL ENVIRONMENTS

▪ Abstract Vertebrate fossils and continental sediments provide a rich record of variations in the isotopic composition of surface environments. To interpret these records, a greater understanding of isotopic sources, as well as fractionations associated with animal physiology, soil geochemistry, and diagenesis, has been essential. Tooth enamel and fish otoliths yield subannual records of surface environments, whereas soil minerals may integrate signals over many thousands of years. Carbon isotope variations in fossil vertebrates and soils record changes in the structure of vegetation and the isotope composition and concentration of atmospheric CO2. Oxygen isotope variations may be indirectly related to climate, through reconstruction of the oxygen isotope composition of meteoric water, or directly related to temperature, through application of oxygen isotope paleothermometry to soil minerals or otoliths. In Africa, nitrogen isotope variations show promise as a proxy for rainfall abundance, though the gen.
Sense of coherence and health of community-dwelling older adults in Spain

ABSTRACT Background: In light of the demographic aging trend in Europe, investigation into successful aging is a public health priority. This paper describes the sense of coherence (SOC) of a sample of community-dwelling older adults in Spain and analyzes the relationship between SOC and both health and sociodemographic variables. SOC measures the extent to which an individual conceptualizes the world as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful. Strong SOC may promote good health. Methods: The study followed a cross-sectional design involving a nationally representative sample of 1,106 community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and older in Spain. The sample was collected by geographically based proportional stratified sampling. Results are based on responses to a questionnaire requesting sociodemographic information and including the following validated scales: SOC, Barthel index (BI), functional independence scale (FIS), personal wellbeing index (PWI), EQ-5D dimensions (mobility, personal care, daily activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression), and the depression subscale of the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS-D). A multivariate linear regression model analyzed determinants of SOC. Results: Personal wellbeing (b = −0.32), depression (b = 0.26), and educational level (b = −0.06) were significant determinants of SOC. Lower SOC was associated with problems in all EQ-5D dimensions and moderate/severe disability as measured by the BI. Conclusions: SOC in older adults is related to functional status, mental health status, personal wellbeing, and educational level. Public health initiatives should work to reduce the psychological and physiological impact of aging by focusing on the conditions that facilitate the coping of older adults.
Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against native membrane-bound penicillin-binding protein 1B of Escherichia coli

We prepared monoclonal antibodies against penicillin-binding protein 1B (PBP 1B) of Escherichia coli to study the membrane topology, spatial organization, and enzyme activities of this protein. The majority of the antibodies derived with PBP 1B as the immunogen reacted against the carboxy terminus. To obtain monoclonal antibodies recognizing other epitopes, we used PBP 1B lacking the immunodominant carboxy-terminal 65 amino acids as the immunogen. Eighteen monoclonal antibodies directed against membrane-bound PBP 1B were isolated and characterized. The epitopes recognized by those monoclonal antibodies were located with various truncated forms of PBP 1B. We could distinguish four different epitope areas located on different parts of the molecule. Interestingly, we could not isolate monoclonal antibodies against the amino terminus, although they were specifically selected for. This is attributed to its predicted extreme hydrophilicity and flexibility, which could make the amino terminus very sensitive to proteolytic degradation. All antibodies reacted against native PBP 1B in a dot-blot immunobinding assay. One monoclonal antibody also recognized PBP 1B in a completely sodium dodecyl sulfate-denatured form. This suggests that all the other monoclonal antibodies recognize conformational epitopes. These properties make the monoclonal antibodies suitable tools for further studies.
Genetic aspects of colorectal cancer and its impact on disease management

resUmO Diversos estudos buscam agregar metodos de diagnostico e de terapeutica com o intuito de diminuir a incidencia e a morbimortalidade do câncer colorretal (CCR). Novas tecnologias propostas para esse fim decorrem da analise do DNA fecal, terapias voltadas para alvos moleculares especificos e determinacao de resposta terapeutica e prognostico com a analise genetica. Este estudo procura revisar essas novas conquistas e apresenta-las para que possam ser usadas de forma pratica e objetiva. Palavras-chave: Neoplasias Colorretais/genetica; Neoplasias Colorretais/diagnostico; Neoplasias Colorretais/terapia; Testes Geneticos.
Data-driven reduced-order models via regularised Operator Inference for a single-injector combustion process

ABSTRACT This paper derives predictive reduced-order models for rocket engine combustion dynamics via Operator Inference, a scientific machine learning approach that blends data-driven learning with physics-based modelling. The non-intrusive nature of the approach enables variable transformations that expose system structure. The specific contribution of this paper is to advance the formulation robustness and algorithmic scalability of the Operator Inference approach. Regularisation is introduced to the formulation to avoid over-fitting. The task of determining an optimal regularisation is posed as an optimisation problem that balances training error and stability of long-time integration dynamics. A scalable algorithm and open-source implementation are presented, then demonstrated for a single-injector rocket combustion example. This example exhibits rich dynamics that are difficult to capture with state-of-the-art reduced models. With appropriate regularisation and an informed selection of learning variables, the reduced-order models exhibit high accuracy in re-predicting the training regime and acceptable accuracy in predicting future dynamics, while achieving close to a million times speedup in computational cost. When compared to a state-of-the-art model reduction method, the Operator Inference models provide the same or better accuracy at approximately one thousandth of the computational cost.
Bootstrapping Neural Processes

Unlike in the traditional statistical modeling for which a user typically hand-specify a prior, Neural Processes (NPs) implicitly define a broad class of stochastic processes with neural networks. Given a data stream, NP learns a stochastic process that best describes the data. While this "data-driven" way of learning stochastic processes has proven to handle various types of data, NPs still rely on an assumption that uncertainty in stochastic processes is modeled by a single latent variable, which potentially limits the flexibility. To this end, we propose the Boostrapping Neural Process (BNP), a novel extension of the NP family using the bootstrap. The bootstrap is a classical data-driven technique for estimating uncertainty, which allows BNP to learn the stochasticity in NPs without assuming a particular form. We demonstrate the efficacy of BNP on various types of data and its robustness in the presence of model-data mismatch.
Binding, oligomerization, and pore formation by streptolysin O in erythrocytes and fibroblast membranes: detection of nonlytic polymers

Streptolysin O (SLO) is a representative of the family of cholesterol-binding cytolysins that form large pores in target cell membranes. Aggregation of the toxin to polymeric structures is required for pore formation. However, it is not known whether, vice versa, polymers may under certain circumstances remain nonfunctional, and whether this might be the cause underlying the relative resistance of certain cells towards toxin action. In the present study, we applied radioiodinated, functionally active SLO to human, rabbit, and mouse erythrocytes and to human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Binding and polymerization were quantified and correlated with membrane damage. At low toxin concentrations, human and rabbit but not mouse erythrocytes were lysed, but binding and polymerization of SLO were essentially identical in all cases. Nonlytic polymers were also detected on human fibroblasts and keratinocytes treated with subcytotoxic concentrations of SLO, and quantitative estimates indicated that nonpermeabilized cells could carry hundreds of polymers on their surface. When applied at low concentrations to fibroblasts, much of the toxin remained in monomer form and was subsequently shed from the cells. This was shown by monitoring the fate of radioiodinated toxin and also by using a sensitive cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that permitted immunological detection of surface-exposed SLO. Thus, relative resistance of cells towards the permeabilizing action of SLO may be due to their ability to tolerate formation of a limited number of SLO polymers and to shedding of nonoligomerized toxin from their surface.
Cattle domestication in the Near East was followed by hybridization with aurochs bulls in Europe

Domesticated cattle were one of the cornerstones of European Neolithisation and are thought to have been introduced to Europe from areas of aurochs domestication in the Near East. This is consistent with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data, where a clear separation exists between modern European cattle and ancient specimens of British aurochsen. However, we show that Y chromosome haplotypes of north European cattle breeds are more similar to haplotypes from ancient specimens of European aurochsen, than to contemporary cattle breeds from southern Europe and the Near East. There is a sharp north–south gradient across Europe among modern cattle breeds in the frequencies of two distinct Y chromosome haplotypes; the northern haplotype is found in 20 out of 21 European aurochsen or early domestic cattle dated 9500–1000 BC. This indicates that local hybridization with male aurochsen has left a paternal imprint on the genetic composition of modern central and north European breeds. Surreptitious mating between aurochs bulls and domestic cows may have been hard to avoid, or may have occurred intentionally to improve the breeding stock. Rather than originating from a few geographical areas only, as indicated by mtDNA, our data suggest that the origin of domestic cattle may be far more complex than previously thought.
Morphological changes of the aortic valve leaflets in non-compliant aortic roots: in-vivo experiments.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY Age-related loss of elasticity of the naturally compliant aortic root disrupts the coordinated function of the valve leaflets. Morphological changes that developed over time in the aortic valve leaflets of non-compliant aortic roots were studied. METHODS Stiffening of the aortic roots was achieved in vivo by applying Super Glue around the sinus of Valsalva in 27 New Zealand White rabbits. In nine animals, glue was applied only partially, and eight untreated rabbits served as controls. Histological evaluation of the aortic valves was performed at 8-11 months after surgery, and included immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy with quantitative tissue assessment. Levels of collagen I, as a main component of fibrosis, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1 and MMP-9 and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), as regulators of fibrosis, were analyzed. The morphological structure of the aortic valve leaflets was studied, and the length, thickness and area of leaflets were measured. RESULTS Leaflects in all groups were found to be composed of a continuous layer of collagen fibers at the mural side, and loose connective tissue containing fibroblasts and few capillaries on the aortic luminal aspect. In stiffened aortic roots, the length and area of the leaflets were increased. The area occupied by collagen was elevated in non-compliant aortic root leaflets, but collagen fluorescence intensity was decreased, indicating less densely packed collagen fibers. Degradation and synthesis of collagen as reflected by MMP-1, MMP-9 and ACE levels was up-regulated. CONCLUSION Loss of compliance in aortic roots leads to elongation of the leaflets which, combined with a decrease in collagen density, may render leaflets more susceptible to mechanical stress. In time, this may promote the development of degenerative changes in the aortic valve.
Multi-frequency electrical impedance tomography of the breast: new clinical results

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has been used in the recent past for a number of clinical applications. In this work we present recent tomographic and spectroscopic findings for breast imaging from clinical exams completed at Dartmouth. The results presented here are based on 18 normal and 24 abnormal subjects. The participants were classified as normal or abnormal using the American College of Radiology (ACR) indexing system for mammograms. The EIT data were collected for ten discrete frequencies in the range 10 kHz–1 MHz using a single array of 16 electrodes. The finite element method was used to reconstruct the images. The images were examined visually and were compared with mammograms. The results were also analyzed based on zonal averages of property values and breast tissue radiodensities. Statistical analysis showed a significance difference between the mean conductivity and permittivity values of normal and abnormal subjects for various zones defined on the reconstructed images. Tissues with high radiodensity also had increased conductivity and permittivity.
Bacterial communities on food court tables and cleaning equipment in a shopping mall

SUMMARY The food court at a shopping mall is a potential transfer point for pathogenic microbes, but to date, this environment has not been the subject of detailed molecular microbiological study. We used a combination of culture-based and culture-independent approaches to investigate the types and numbers of bacteria present on food court tables, and on a food court cleaning cloth. Bacteria were found at 102–105 c.f. u. /m2 on food court tables and 1010 c.f. u. /m2 on the cleaning cloth. Tag-pyrosequencing of amplified 16S rRNA genes revealed that the dominant bacterial types on the cleaning cloth were genera known to include pathogenic species (Stenotrophomonas, Aeromonas), and that these genera were also evident at lower levels on table surfaces, suggesting possible cross-contamination. The evidence suggests a public health threat is posed by bacteria in the food court, and that this may be due to cross-contamination between cleaning equipment and table surfaces.
Inverted metallicity gradients in two Virgo cluster star-forming dwarf galaxies: evidence of recent merging?

We present integral field spectroscopy observations of two star-forming dwarf galaxies in the Virgo cluster (VCC135 and VCC324) obtained with PMAS/PPak at the Calar Alto 3.5 meter telescope. We derive metallicity maps using the N2 empirical calibrator. The galaxies show positive gas metallicity gradients, contrarily to what is usually found in other dwarfs or in spiral galaxies. We measure gradient slopes of 0.20 $\pm$ 0.06 and 0.15 $\pm$ 0.03 dex/$R_e$ for VCC135 and VCC324, respectively. Such a trend has been only observed in few, very isolated galaxies, or at higher redshifts ($z >$ 1). It is thought to be associated with accretion of metal-poor gas from the intergalactic medium, a mechanism that would be less likely to occur in a high-density environment like Virgo. We combine emission line observations with deep optical images to investigate the origin of the peculiar metallicity gradient. The presence of weak underlying substructures in both galaxies and the analysis of morphological diagnostics and of ionised gas kinematics suggest that the inflow of metal-poor gas to the central regions of the dwarfs may be related to a recent merging event with a gas-rich companion.
Safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of neratinib (HKI-272) in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors: a Phase 1 dose-escalation study.

OBJECTIVE Neratinib (HKI-272), a potent, irreversible, small-molecule, orally administered, pan-ErbB inhibitor that blocks signal transduction via inhibition of three epidermal growth factor receptors [ErbB1, ErbB2 (Her2) and ErbB4], is being developed for the treatment of solid tumors, including breast cancer. This Phase 1 dose-escalation study assessed the safety, tolerability, maximum-tolerated dose, antitumor activity and pharmacokinetics of neratinib in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS Patients received neratinib 80, 160, 240 or 320 mg orally; each patient enrolled in only one dose cohort. Patients received a single dose in week 1, followed by daily continuous doses. Blood samples collected were on days 1 and 21 for pharmacokinetic analyses. RESULTS Twenty-one patients were enrolled (3 breast cancer; 17 colorectal cancer; 1 gastric cancer). Neratinib-related adverse events (all grades) included diarrhea (20 patients), fatigue (14 patients), nausea and abdominal pain (9 patients each) and anorexia (8 patients). Grade ≥3 neratinib-related adverse events in two or more patients were diarrhea and anorexia (two patients each). Dose-limiting toxicities were diarrhea and anorexia (two patients, 320 mg dose). The maximum-tolerated dose and recommended dose was neratinib 240 mg once daily. Of 21 evaluable patients, 2 with breast cancer had partial response, 3 had stable disease ≥24 weeks, 7 had stable disease ≥16 weeks and 9 had progressive disease. Pharmacokinetic analyses indicated that neratinib exposures increased with dose. CONCLUSIONS The safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic profiles of neratinib are consistent with those reported for non-Japanese patients and warrant further investigation of neratinib in Japanese patients with solid tumors.
Speaker Recognition System Based on the Baseband Correlation Score Reliability Fusion

Emotion mismatch between training and testing will cause system performance decline sharply which is emotional speaker recognition. It is an important idea to solve this problem according to the emotion normalization of test speech. This method proceeds from analysis of the differences between every kind of emotional speech and neutral speech. Besides, it takes the baseband mismatch of emotional changes as the main line. At the same time, it gives the corresponding algorithm according to four technical points which are emotional expansion, emotional shield, emotional normalization and score compensation. Compared with the traditional GMM-UBM method, the recognition rate in MASC corpus and EPST corpus was increased by 3.80% and 8.81% respectively.
Human metapneumovirus infection in the United States: clinical manifestations associated with a newly emerging respiratory infection in children.

OBJECTIVE Respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recently, a newly identified human respiratory virus, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), was reported by investigators in the Netherlands. We sought to determine whether hMPV was circulating in our community and to determine the clinical features associated with hMPV infection. METHODS Respiratory specimens from children who were younger than 5 years and had a negative result for respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A and B, parainfluenza viruses 1 to 3, and adenovirus by direct fluorescent antibody test were screened for hMPV by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Samples were collected from October 30, 2001, to February 28, 2002. RESULTS Of the 296 patients screened, 19 (6.4%) had evidence of hMPV infection. hMPV was identified in patients with either upper or lower respiratory tract infection or both. Clinical manifestations included wheezing, hypoxia, and abnormal findings on chest radiographs (eg, focal infiltrates, peribronchial cuffing). Nosocomial infection occurred in at least 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS hMPV is circulating in the United States and is associated with respiratory tract disease in patients with respiratory illnesses not caused by respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, parainfluenza viruses, and adenovirus. Additional studies are required to define the epidemiology and the extent of disease in the general population caused by hMPV.
Prognostic Value of Myocardial Perfusion Imaging with a Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride SPECT Camera in Patients Suspected of Having Coronary Artery Disease

The prognostic value of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with the cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) SPECT camera is not well established. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the prognostic value of MPI performed with a CZT SPECT camera in a large cohort of patients suspected of having coronary artery disease. Methods: Consecutive symptomatic stable patients (n = 4,057) without a history of coronary artery disease underwent CZT SPECT MPI. During a median follow-up of 2.4 y (25th–75th percentile, 1.7–3.4), patients were monitored for primary (nonfatal myocardial infarction and cardiac mortality) and secondary outcomes (late revascularization [>90 d after scanning] and primary outcome). Results: Patients with normal perfusion demonstrated low annual event rates (primary outcome, 0.2%; secondary outcome, 0.6%). Annual event rates increased with the extent of abnormality of myocardial perfusion. In patients with small ischemic perfusion defects, annual event rates were 0.7% and 2.8% for the primary and secondary outcome, respectively. In patients with moderate or large ischemic perfusion defects, these event rates were 1.2% and 4.3%, respectively. After multivariate analysis, the risk for events was significantly associated with the extent of ischemia (hazard ratio for small ischemic defects: 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9–5.9 and 4.6, 95% CI, 2.8–7.6, for primary and secondary outcomes, respectively; hazard ratio for moderate or large ischemic defects: 4.0, 95% CI, 1.5–10.5 and 12.1, 95% CI, 7.2–20.2, for primary and secondary outcomes, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings show that MPI acquired with a CZT SPECT camera provides excellent prognostic information, with low event rates in patients with normal myocardial perfusion. In patients with abnormal SPECT MPI, the extent of abnormality is independently associated with an increased risk of events.