Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Formation of SXT Tandem Arrays and SXT-R391 Hybrids

ABSTRACT SXT is an integrative and conjugative element (ICE) isolated from Vibrio cholerae. This ∼100-kb ICE encodes resistance to multiple antibiotics and integrates site specifically into the chromosome. SXT excises from the chromosome to form a circular but nonreplicative extrachromosomal molecule that is required for its transfer. Here we found that a significant fraction of freshly isolated SXT exconjugants contained tandem SXT arrays. There was heterogeneity in the size of the SXT arrays detected in single exconjugant colonies. Some arrays consisted of more than five SXTs arranged in tandem. These extended arrays were unstable and did not persist during serial passages. The mechanism accounting for the generation of SXT arrays is unknown; however, array formation was not dependent upon recA and appeared to depend on conjugative transfer. While such arrays did not alter the transfer frequency of wild-type SXT, they partially complemented the transfer deficiency of a Δxis SXT mutant, which is ordinarily unable to generate the extrachromosomal intermediate required for SXT transfer. Exconjugants derived from donor strains that harbored tandem arrays of SXT and R391, an SXT-related element, contained functional hybrid elements that arose from recA-independent recombination between the two ICEs. Thus, arrays of SXT-related elements promote the creation of novel ICEs.
Assessment of Osteoporosis at Autopsy: Mechanical Methods Compared to Radiological and Histological Techniques

Osteoporosis is a common problem in the elderly female population and pathological fractures are a frequent complication, but how should the pathologist assess the severity of the disease at autopsy? In this study we have compared subjective, semi-quantitative assessments of rib fracturability, vertebral compressibility, Singh index and histomorphometric methods against a ‘gold standard’ assessment, namely the force required to fracture the femoral neck. We have shown good correlations between rib fracturability, Singh index and the standard chosen. Poor correlation was shown between histomorphometric techniques and the standard. Our findings suggest that gross rib fracturability is a good indicator of osteoporosis in as far as bone fragility is an indicator of the severity of osteoporosis. However as the population under examination was small, further studies in this area are clearly warranted in order to extend these findings.
A model validation approach to texture recognition

A new approach to texture recognition problem is proposed. The approach is based on model validation techniques from robust control theory. The solution to this problem includes modeling textures by uncertain dynamical systems. The modeling method is efficient in terms of computational and memory requirements, and the periodic nature of the result guarantees an infinite synthesizing of texture. The main aspects of the method include system identification and order reduction of marginally stable uncertain discrete-time systems. To demonstrate the results, both static-image textures and video textures are considered.
Broadband planar antenna with a trimmed elliptical element and a ground conductor plane with slits

In this paper, broadband planar antenna with a trimmed elliptical element and a ground conductor with two slits is proposed, in order to improve more a radiation pattern. The trimmed elliptical element and the ground conductor are printed on dielectric substrate, and the two slits in the ground conductor are set to both sides of a feeding point. The characteristics such as return loss and radiation patterns of the proposed antenna are analyzed by using the FDTD method. From these results, it turned out that trimming a tip of elliptical element and adding the two slits into a ground conductor are effective for improvement of radiation pattern. Moreover, these results illustrated that the proposed planar antenna is useful for broadband antenna.
Uptake and efflux of Cd and Zn by the green mussel Perna viridis after metal preexposure.

Cadmium and zinc uptake from the dissolved phase, assimilation efficiency from the dietary phase, efflux rate constants, and body burden as well as clearance rate were measured in the green mussel Perna viridis with or without laboratory preexposure to Cd or Zn. Efflux rate constants and clearance rates were little affected by preexposure to either Cd or Zn. In contrast, the assimilation of Cd increased by 1.2-1.6 in mussels preexposed to Cd (subsequent Cd concentrations 10.2-25.9 microg(-1)) as compared to controls (0.19-0.39 microg g(-1)). This increase corresponded to an elevation in the proportion of Cd associated with the metallothionein-like proteins (MTLPs) in the mussels, suggesting that exposure to Cd and subsequent induction of MTLPs affected Cd accumulation. Exposure to Zn only resulted in elevated body concentrations following 7-d exposure to 250 microg L(-1), although Zn and Cd uptake from the dissolved phase were reduced by 24-47% by exposure to a lower concentration (100 microg L(-1)) for 7 and 21 d. Despite the lack of an increase in body Zn concentration, the subcellular distribution was altered such that the proportion of Zn associated with the metal-rich granules increased. This study indicates the importance of the subcellular distribution of metals in affecting the biokinetics and thus the toxic effects of metals on aquatic animals. Cd preexposure has potential effects on its influx from the dietary phase, e.g., increasing the importance of dietary uptake and further increasing the body burdens. In contrast, preexposure to Zn has a negative effect on Cd and Zn influx from the dissolved phase, suggesting the mechanism of Zn regulation but also potentially reducing Cd uptake and body concentrations over the long-term exposure. Such effects may have implications for biomonitoring studies involving a single species that modifies physiological processes affecting metal uptake (and hence bioavailability). Caution is needed in extrapolating data to species not capable of making such changes, particularly for Cd, which is not regulated and for which the effects of an elevated body burden are most obvious.
Hypothalamopituitary dysfunction following traumatic brain injury and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review.

CONTEXT Neuroendocrine dysfunction following traumatic brain injury and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage may occur with a much higher prevalence than previously suspected. This sequela is a potentially serious but treatable complication of brain injury. OBJECTIVE To review research on hypothalamopituitary dysfunction as an underdiagnosed consequence of traumatic brain injury and subarachnoid hemorrhage, the natural history of this complication, and the potential clinical and public health implications of posttraumatic hypopituitarism. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION The MEDLINE database was searched for articles published between 2000 and 2007 using any combination of the terms traumatic brain injury or subarachnoid hemorrhage with pituitary, hypopituitarism, growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadism, hypocortisolism, hypothyroidism, or diabetes insipidus. The reference lists of articles identified by this search strategy were also searched. All articles reporting original data on endocrine outcomes after traumatic brain injury or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in peer-reviewed journals with regard to prevalence, pathogenesis, risk factors, outcomes, and clinical course were selected. We pooled data and calculated prevalence rates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS We identified 19 studies including 1137 patients. The pooled prevalences of hypopituitarism in the chronic phase after traumatic brain injury and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were 27.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.8%-28.9%) and 47% (95% CI, 37.4%-56.8%), respectively. The pooled prevalence of hypopituitarism was greater in patients with severe compared with those with mild or moderate traumatic brain injury. Early neuroendocrine abnormalities were transient in some patients while, less commonly, hypopituitarism evolved over time in others. Patients with posttraumatic hypopituitarism showed an impaired quality of life and an adverse metabolic profile. CONCLUSION Hypopituitarism is a common complication of both traumatic brain injury and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and might contribute to morbidity and poor recovery after brain injury.
Fecal calprotectin and S100A12 have low utility in prediction of small bowel Crohn's disease detected by wireless capsule endoscopy

Abstract Objective. Data on fecal calprotectin and S100A12 in predicting wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) findings in suspicion of Crohn's disease (CD) are scarce. Our aim was to study the role of calprotectin and S100A12 in predicting inflammatory lesions of small bowel in patients undergoing WCE. Material and methods. 84 patients undergoing WCE (77 for suspicion of CD and 7 CD patients for evaluation of disease extent) were prospectively recruited. WCE findings were scored. Patients provided a stool sample for measurements of biomarkers. Patients underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ileocolonoscopy before WCE. Results. WCE was abnormal in 35 (42%) of 84 patients: 14 patients with CD, 8 with NSAID enteropathies, 8 with angioectasias, 4 with polyps or tumors, and 1 with ischemic stricture. Median calprotectin concentration in the study population was 22 μg/g (range 2–342) and S100A12 concentration 0.048 μg/g (range 0.003–1.215). Fecal calprotectin was significantly higher in CD patients (median 91, range 2–312) compared with those with normal WCE or other abnormalities (p = 0.008), whereas fecal S100A12 (0.087 μg/g, range 0.008–0.896) did not differ between the groups (p = 0.166). In detecting inflammatory small bowel lesions, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for fecal calprotectin (cutoff 50 μg/g) were 59%, 71%, 42%, and 83%, and for S100A12 (cutoff 0.06 μg/g) these were 59%, 66%, 38%, and 82%. Conclusions. In predicting small bowel inflammatory changes, fecal biomarkers calprotectin and S100A12 have moderate specificity, but low sensitivity. Neither fecal calprotectin nor S100A12 can be used for screening or excluding small bowel CD.
Orchestration of software-defined security services

We present a service-oriented approach to security orchestration for software-defined infrastructure. This approach adopts software-defined security principles. It abstracts security controls as security services, and interprets assets' security policies as service requirements. This approach supports security management and orchestration at an abstract level and shields them from the underlying infrastructure and its dynamic changes. The orchestration approach described in this paper helps enforce consistent security policies across heterogeneous cloud environments and simplifies security management tasks for network administrators. We present a prototype that implements a service-oriented approach to software-defined security and discuss several practical use cases for this approach.
Analysis of WLAN to UMTS Handover

Generally, in UMTS-WLAN overlay networks, when a UE moves from UMTS to WLAN, it can make a choice of handover to WLAN on its own initiative and break off the UMTS connection after finishing the initial WLAN access operations such as an association, a subscriber authentication, etc. Therefore, the UE can seamlessly switch to the new access system and the handover delay is not significant problem. However, when the handover is happened from WLAN to UMTS, the UE is apt to lose the WLAN signal without warning because it can suddenly stray from the WLAN coverage. As the UE cannot communicate with any systems until it accesses to a UMTS system or another WLAN system, the current session in use may be abruptly terminated if the handover is too delayed and hence the handover delay has a great effect on the seamless mobility. This paper represents a UMTS-WLAN overlay network model and describes our developed UMTS-WLAN handover testbed. We show the test results and the analysis of handover delay happened during handover from WLAN to UMTS.
Trafficking of the HIV Coreceptor CXCR4

The G protein-coupled chemokine receptor CXCR4 serves as the primary coreceptor for entry of T-cell tropic human immunodeficiency virus. CXCR4 undergoes tonic internalization as well as internalization in response to stimulation with phorbol esters and ligand (SDF-1α). We investigated the trafficking of this receptor, and we attempted to define the residues of CXCR4 that were critical for receptor internalization. In both COS-1 and HEK-293 cells transiently overexpressing CXCR4, SDF-1α and phorbol esters (PMA) promoted rapid internalization of cell surface receptors as assessed by both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence analysis. Expression of GRK2 and/or arrestins promoted modest additional CXCR4 internalization in response to both PMA and SDF. Both PMA- and SDF-mediated CXCR4 internalization was inhibited by coexpression of dominant negative mutants of dynamin-1 and arrestin-3. Arrestin was also recruited to the plasma membrane and appeared to colocalize with internalized receptors in response to SDF but not PMA. We then evaluated the ability of CXCR4 receptors containing mutations of serines and threonines, as well as a dileucine motif, within the C-terminal tail to be internalized and phosphorylated in response to either PMA or SDF-1α. This analysis showed that multiple residues within the CXCR4 C-terminal tail appear to mediate both PMA- and SDF-1α-mediated receptor internalization. The ability of coexpressed GRK2 and arrestins to promote internalization of the CXCR4 mutants revealed distinct differences between respective mutants and suggested that the integrity of the dileucine motif (Ile-328 and Leu-329) and serines 324, 325, 338, and 339 are critical for receptor internalization.
Empirical Consequences of Direction Choice in Technical Efficiency Analysis

This paper examines the effects of using input- and output-oriented measures of technical inefficiency (direction choice) on the estimated technology, its characteristics and efficiency rankings. If one assumes that the technology is known (as is done in theory) then this issue is trivial. Since the technology is rarely known, and both the technology and inefficiency are to be estimated simultaneously, the choice of direction is very important from an empirical point of view. Using a sample of dairy farms, we show that the estimated characteristics of the technology and efficiency rankings of farms depend on the choice of direction.
Angiotensin II and Atrial Natriuretic Peptide in the Cow Oviductal Contraction In Vitro: Direct Effect and Local Secretion of Prostaglandins, Endothelin-1, and Angiotensin II

Abstract Angiotensin II (Ang II) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) may be involved in local regulation of the oviductal contraction during the estrous cycle. Thus, the in vitro effects of Ang II and ANP on the secretion and contraction of bovine oviduct during the follicular, postovulatory, and luteal phases were investigated. An in vitro microdialysis system (MDS) was utilized to determine the intraluminal release of prostaglandins (PGs), Ang II, and endothelin-1 (ET-1) from the bovine oviducts as well as to observe the effect of Ang II and ANP on the local secretion of these substances. The basal release of PGs, ET-1, and Ang II was higher (P < 0.05) during the follicular and postovulatory phases than during the luteal phase. Stimulation by infusion of Ang II (10−6 M) or ANP (10−7 M) into the MDS was carried out for 4 h between 4 and 8 h of incubation. In the oviducts from the follicular and postovulatory phases, the infusion of ANP increased the release of Ang II, but not of ET-1. Infusion of Ang II stimulated the release of ET-1. Both Ang II and ANP increased PGE2 and PGF2α release. In the contraction study, direct administration of Ang II (10−7 M) or ANP (10−8 M) into the medium during the follicular and postovulatory phases increased the amplitude of oviductal contraction. In contrast, these substances did not show any effect in the contraction and secretion of oviducts from cows during the midluteal phase. These results indicate that during the periovulatory period, Ang II and ANP stimulate the contractile amplitude of the oviduct in vitro. In addition to their direct action on oviductal contraction, Ang II may activate oviductal secretion of ET-1 and PGs. Likewise, ANP stimulates oviductal secretion of PGs and Ang II. Hence, the overall results suggest the existence of a functional endothelin-angiotensin-ANP system in the bovine oviduct during the periovulatory period, which may regulate the oviductal contraction to ensure maximum efficiency of gamete/embryo transport through the oviduct.
Mode transfer architecture and cross layer design for connection aware applications in wireless communication systems

In this paper, we propose a mode transfer architecture and cross layer design for connection aware applications in wireless communication systems. System architecture design and implementation are considered, and practical design examples are given based on existing wireless systems. To evaluate the proposed method, the performance of the network before and after mode transfer is compared. An unequal error protection (UEP) scheme for video frame transmission is also introduced to illustrate and evaluate the possible gain for video streaming with cross layer design.
Role of T-bet in Commitment of TH1 Cells Before IL-12-Dependent Selection

How cytokines control differentiation of helper T (TH) cells is controversial. We show that T-bet, without apparent assistance from interleukin 12 (IL-12)/STAT4, specifies TH1 effector fate by targeting chromatin remodeling to individual interferon-γ (IFN-γ) alleles and by inducing IL-12 receptor β2 expression. Subsequently, it appears that IL-12/STAT4 serves two essential functions in the development of TH1 cells: as growth signal, inducing survival and cell division; and as trans-activator, prolonging IFN-γ synthesis through a genetic interaction with the coactivator, CREB-binding protein. These results suggest that a cytokine does not simply induce THfate choice but instead may act as an essential secondary stimulus that mediates selective survival of a lineage.
The significance of FDG uptake in bilateral thyroid glands

AimTo evaluate the significance of bilateral fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the thyroid glands. MethodsBilateral thyroid FDG uptake, defined as visualization of thyroid glands, was found in 66 (3.4%) of 1925 subjects who underwent our FDG PET cancer-screening program. Additionally, 16 of the 41 patients with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism (GDH) and six of the 20 subjects with Graves' disease and euthyroidism (GDE), who had FDG uptake in thyroid glands, were enrolled in this study. ResultsAmong the 66 subjects, 22 were normal variant, 39 subjects had chronic thyroiditis (35 subjects presented with diffuse goitre and four with multinodular goitre), and five subjects had multinodular goitre (MNG) without chronic thyroiditis. Fourteen of 22 (63.6%) of the subjects with the normal variant had a visual uptake intensity less than that of the liver, while 30 of 39 (76.9%) of the subjects with chronic thyroiditis and 14 of 22 (63.6%) of the subjects with Graves' disease had visual uptake intensity greater than or equal to liver uptake. Two of the five subjects with MNG with focally intense uptake were proven to have thyroid carcinoma. Bilateral loser uptake in thyroids associated with thymus and symmetrical skeletal muscle uptake were found in GDH. The standard uptake value (SUV) (mean±SD) in subjects with chronic thyroiditis (2.76±1.24) were higher, while those with GDH (1.59±0.36) were lower than that of the normal variant (1.99±0.63). Subjects with hypothyroidism (3.04±1.39) had higher SUV levels than those subjects with euthyroidism (2.44±1.11). In addition, patients with GDH had lower levels than those with GDE (2.0±0.38). Conclusion(1) Bilateral thyroidal uptake of FDG can be found in normal variants and subjects with various thyroid disorders, showing varieties of uptake patterns. (2) Diffuse intense uptake and higher SUV levels are a clue to a diagnosis of chronic thyroiditis, especially for those with hypothyroidism. (3) Focally intense uptake suggests the possibility of a thyroid carcinoma. (4) Sparse uptake associated with the thymus and symmetrical skeletal muscle uptake and lower SUV level raise the possibility of Graves' disease with hyperthyroidism.
A unified approach to validation, reliability, and education study design for surgical technical skills training.

OBJECTIVE To present modern educational psychology theory and apply these concepts to validity and reliability of surgical skills training and assessment. DESIGN In a series of cross-disciplinary meetings, we applied a unified approach of behavioral science principles and theory to medical technical skills education given the recent advances in the theories in the field of behavioral psychology and statistics. CONCLUSIONS While validation of the individual simulation tools is important, it is only one piece of a multimodal curriculum that in and of itself deserves examination and study. We propose concurrent validation throughout the design of simulation-based curriculum rather than once it is complete. We embrace the concept that validity and curriculum development are interdependent, ongoing processes that are never truly complete. Individual predictive, construct, content, and face validity aspects should not be considered separately but as interdependent and complementary toward an end application. Such an approach could help guide our acceptance and appropriate application of these exciting new training and assessment tools for technical skills training in medicine.
Selection and Reversion of Azamethiphos-Resistance in a Field Population of the Housefly Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), and the Underlying Biochemical Mechanisms

Abstract The organophosphorus insecticide, azamethiphos, is widely usedthroughout the world to control the housefly, Muscadomestica (L.). Since its commercial introduction to Denmark in1983 for this purpose, we have monitored the toxicity of azamethiphosto housefly populations at livestock farms throughout the country andcarried out regular field studies. The findings of our field studies,which have revealed a strong potential for resistance development, havebeen born out by regular surveys showing that resistance has increasedin recent years. Through the analysis of a field derived laboratorystrain, we have implicated oxidative and hydrolytic mechanisms togetherwith altered acetylcholinesterase in this resistance. Our field andlaboratory studies have also indicated that resistance is relativelyunstable, and can revert in the absence of selection. The implicationsof our findings for the continued efficacy of azamethiphos arediscussed.