Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BIOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF THE CELL GROWTH OF ESCHERICHIA COLI AS STUDIED BY THE METHOD OF SYNCHRONOUS CULTURE

It has been beyond the reach of the conventional culture technique in microbiology to obtain information concerning the dynamic growth mechanism of a single cell of a microorganisin, since the system used for the growth experiments has been, of necessity, with populations composed of cells of varying ages. The synchronous culture technique recently developed by several workers has afforded a clue to understanding the growth mechanism of individual cells of nmicroorganisms. Several papers dealing with metabolic activities of synchronously growing cells have accumulated. Tamiya et al. (1953) investigated the photosynthetic and respiratory activities during the life cycle of Chlorella ellipsoidea. Nucleic acid metabolism of Chlorella (Iwamura, 1955), a mutant strain (B) of Escherichia coli (Barner and Cohen, 1955), and Amoeba proteus (James, 1954) were also investigated by this procedure. Synchronously germinating spores of Aspergillus niger (Yanagita, 1956a) and synchronously budding yeast cells (Ogur et al., 1953) were studied with respect to their nucleic acid metabolism. The unique quantitative cytological studies of Prescott (1955) disclosed a relationship between cytoplasmic and nuclear syntheses in Amoeba proteus. The present investigation aims to obtain a composite picture of biochemical changes occurring during the life span of actively growing E. coli. Changes in respiratory activity, total and protein nitrogen contents, and nucleic acid contents in the growing cell were compared.
Deciphering the products of evolution at the species level: the need for an integrative taxonomy

Progress in molecular techniques together with the incorporation of phylogenetic analyses of DNA into taxonomy have caused an increase in the number of species’ discoveries in groups with morphological characters that are difficult to study or in those containing polytypic species. But some emerged criticisms plead for a taxonomic conservatism grounded either on the requirement of providing evidences of morphological distinctiveness or reproductive barriers to erect new species names. In a case study of taxonomic research on Neotropical frogs, we combine several lines of evidence (morphological characters, prezygotic reproductive isolation and phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA) to test the status of 15 nominal species and to assess the degree of agreement of the different lines of evidence. Our study reveals that morphology alone is not sufficient to uncover all species, as there is no other single line of evidence independently. Full congruence between lines of evidence is restricted to only four out of the 15 species. Five species show congruence of two lines of evidence, whereas the remaining six are supported by only one. The use of divergence in morphological characters seems to be the most conservative approach to delineate species boundaries because it does not allow the identification of some sibling reciprocally monophyletic species differing in their advertisement calls. The separate analysis of differences in advertisement calls (evidence of reproductive isolation) or of phylogenetic data alone also shows limitations, because they do not support some morphological species. Our study shows that only an integrative approach combining all sources of evidence provides the necessary feedback to evaluate the taxonomic status of existing species and to detect putative new ones. Furthermore, the application of integrative taxonomy enables the identification of hypotheses about the existence of species that will probably be rejected or changed, and those that can be expected to persist.
Chromosomal clustering of muscle-expressed genes in C . elegans

Chromosomes are divided into domains of open chromatin, where genes have the potential to be expressed, and domains of closed chromatin where genes are not expressed. Classic examples of open chromatin domains include puffs on polytene chromosomes in Drosophila and extended loops from lampbrush chromosomes. If multiple genes were typically expressed together from a single open chromatin domain, the position of co-expressed genes along the chromosomes would appear clustered. To investigate if co-expressed genes are clustered, we examined the chromosomal positions of the genes expressed in first larval stage (L1) muscle of C. elegans. Here we report that co-expressed genes in C. elegans are clustered in groups of 2-5 along the chromosomes, suggesting that expression from a chromatin domain can extend over several genes. These observations reveal a higher-order organization of the structure of the genome in which the order of genes along the chromosome is correlated with their expression in specific tissues.
An efficient convolution interpolation kernel for digital image scaling

This paper presents an efficient extended linear convolution interpolation method for efficient scaling. The kernel of the extended linear convolution interpolation is built up of first-order polynomial and approximates the ideal sinc-function in interval [-2, 2]. The approach reduces the computational complexity of interpolation and the interpolation quality is compatible to that of bi-cubic convolution interpolations.
Introduction Cortically induced blindness ( CB ) is a form of vision loss caused by damage to the primary visual cortex

The incidence of cortically induced blindness is increasing as our population ages. The major cause of cortically induced blindness is stroke affecting the primary visual cortex. While the impact of this form of vision loss is devastating to quality of life, the development of principled, effective rehabilitation strategies for this condition lags far behind those used to treat motor stroke victims. Here we summarize recent developments in the still emerging field of visual restitution therapy, and compare the relative effectiveness of different approaches. We also draw insights into the properties of recovered vision, its limitations and likely neural substrates. We hope that these insights will guide future research and bring us closer to the goal of providing much-needed rehabilitation solutions for this patient population.
The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Glucose Metabolism and Lipid Profiles in Patients with Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to summarize the effect of vitamin D supplementation on glucose homeostasis parameters and lipid profiles in gestational diabetes (GDM) patients. We conducted an electronic systematic search of MEDLINE, and 4 other research databases from inception to August 2016, in addition to performing hand searches and consulting with experts in the field. The index of heterogeneity between studies was determined using Cochran (Q) and I-squared tests. Given the existing heterogeneity between studies, a fix or random effect model was performed to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD) for each variable by using inverse variance method and Cohen statistics. Six randomized clinical trials (187 subjects and 184 controls) were included. The results showed that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) [SMD −0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI), −1.14 to −0.18], homeostatic model assessment-B cell function (HOMA-B) (SMD −0.52; 95% CI, −0.79 to −0.25), LDL-cholesterol levels (SMD −0.33; 95% CI, −0.58 to −0.07), and significantly increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (SMD 0.73; 95% CI, 0.26 to 1.20). We found no beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, HbA1c, total-, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides concentrations. In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation may lead to an improvement in HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and LDL-cholesterol levels, but did not affect FPG, insulin, HbA1c, triglycerides, total- and HDL-cholesterol levels; however, vitamin D supplementation increased HOMA-B.
Social status influences responses to unfamiliar conspecifics in a cooperatively breeding fish

In group living animals, individuals may visit other groups. The costs and benefits of such visits for the members of a group will depend on the attributes and intentions of the visitor, and the social status of responding group members. Using wild groups of the cooperatively breeding cichlid fish ( Neolamprologus pulcher ), we compared group member responses to unfamiliar ‘visiting’ conspecifics in control groups and in experimentally manipulated groups from which a subordinate the same size and sex as the visitor was removed. High-ranking fish were less aggressive towards visitors in removal groups than in control groups; low-ranking subordinates were more aggressive in the removal treatment. High-ranking females and subordinates the same size and sex as the visitor responded most aggressively toward the visitor in control groups. These results suggest that visitors are perceived as potential group joiners, and that such visits impose different costs and benefits on current group members.
An Information Theory Analysis of Visual Complexity and Dissimilarity

The subjective complexity of a computer-generated bitmap image can be measured by magnitude estimation scaling, and its objective complexity can be measured by its compressed file size. There is a high correlation between these measures of subjective and objective complexity over a large set of marine electronic chart and radar images. The subjective dissimilarity of a pair of bitmap images can be predicted from subjective and objective measures of the complexity of each image, and from the subjective and objective complexity of the image produced by overlaying the two simple images. In addition, the subjective complexity of the image produced by overlaying two simple images can be predicted from the subjective complexity of the simple images and the subjective dissimilarity of the image pair. The results of the experiments that generated these complexity and dissimilarity judgments are consistent with a theory, outlined here, that treats objective and subjective measures of image complexity and dissimilarity as vectors in Euclidean space.
Leopard population and home range estimates in north‐central Namibia

Protected areas are commonly assumed to (and most do)harbour higher densities of wildlife than adjacent, human-modiﬁed landscapes (Woodroffe & Ginsberg, 1998; Melville& Bothma, 2006; Gaston et al., 2008; Newmark, 2008;Kiner et al., 2009). In north-central Namibia, farmersbelieved that leopard (Panthera pardus) densities weregrowing on farmland areas adjacent to Waterberg PlateauPark and that the Park was a source population for leop-ards venturing beyond park boundaries during the night tofeed on the livestock in the farmlands (Stein, 2008). Leopard densities elsewhere have been correlated withungulate abundance (Stander et al., 1997; Marker D Henschel & Ray,2003; Silver et al., 2004; Jackson et al., 2006) combinedwith home range sizes estimated from telemetry data.
Anticoagulant-Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage in the Era of Reversal Agents.

In patients taking oral anticoagulants (OACs), the annual rate of intracranial hemorrhage is 0.3% to 0.6%. Of these bleeds, 46% to 86% are intracerebral; 13% to 45% are subdural, and 1% to 8% are subarachnoidal.1,2 With 30- to 90-day mortality rates of 40% to 65%, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has the worst prognosis. When we published a review on OAC-associated ICH in 2006, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), such as warfarin, were the only available OAC.3 Since then, the options have expanded to include 4 direct OACs (DOACs; Table I in the online-only Data Supplement): dabigatran, which inhibits thrombin, and rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban, which inhibit factor Xa. For long-term use, the DOACs are licensed for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and for treatment of venous thromboembolism. Their approval was based on randomized controlled trials that compared them with warfarin for stroke prevention in >71 000 patients with nonvalvular AF4 and with VKAs in >27 000 patients with venous thromboembolism.5–8 These trials revealed that the DOACs were at least as effective as VKAs but were associated with less bleeding, particularly less ICH.9 With similar efficacy, better safety, and greater convenience compared with VKAs, most current guidelines recommend DOACs over VKAs for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and for treatment of venous thromboembolism. It is not surprising, therefore, that prescriptions for DOACs have overtaken those for VKAs in some countries.10 Despite the rapid uptake of the DOACs, however, at least 40% of patients continue to receive VKAs.10 Focusing on ICH in patients receiving OAC, this article (1) reviews the currently available evidence on reversal of DOACs and VKAs, (2) provides recommendations about reversal, and (3) identifies the remaining questions on ICH management. The annual rate of ICH ranges from 0.3% to …
Effects of nitrogen deposition and empirical nitrogen critical loads for ecoregions of the United States

Human activity in the last century has led to a significant increase in nitrogen (N) emissions and atmospheric deposition. This N deposition has reached a level that has caused or is likely to cause alterations to the structure and function of many ecosystems across the United States. One approach for quantifying the deposition of pollution that would be harmful to ecosystems is the determination of critical loads. A critical load is defined as the input of a pollutant below which no detrimental ecological effects occur over the long-term according to present knowledge. The objectives of this project were to synthesize current research relating atmospheric N deposition to effects on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in the United States, and to estimate associated empirical N critical loads. The receptors considered included freshwater diatoms, mycorrhizal fungi, lichens, bryophytes, herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees. Ecosystem impacts included: (1) biogeochemical responses and (2) individual species, population, and community responses. Biogeochemical responses included increased N mineralization and nitrification (and N availability for plant and microbial uptake), increased gaseous N losses (ammonia volatilization, nitric and nitrous oxide from nitrification and denitrification), and increased N leaching. Individual species, population, and community responses included increased tissue N, physiological and nutrient imbalances, increased growth, altered root : shoot ratios, increased susceptibility to secondary stresses, altered fire regime, shifts in competitive interactions and community composition, changes in species richness and other measures of biodiversity, and increases in invasive species.
Update on somatomedin.

Robinson, I.C. A.F. and Clark, R.G. (National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, UK). Growth promoting activity of IGF-I in the rat. Acta Paediatr Scand [Suppl] 347: 93, 1988. According to the original somatomedin hypothesis, GH promotes growth by generating ‘somatomedins’ or insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in the liver. The advent of large amounts of IGF-I produced by recombinant DNA technology has now allowed testing of this hypothesis, by comparing the growth promoting activity of IGF-I and GH in three animal models of growth deficiency. When injected or infused subcutaneously, or infused intravenously, IGF-I is a weak growth promoter in the hypophysectomized rat compared with GH, even when infused in combination with small amounts of GH. Growth arrest in the diabetic rat was corrected by insulin infusion which also restored GH secretion. lnsulin or IGF-I caused a large initial weight gain in diabetic rats, accompanied by a partial correction of food and water balance, even in the presence of persistent hyperglycaemia. A new mutant GH deficient dwarf rat grows in response to both GH and IGF-I infusions, but these agents elicit different patterns of organ growth. For the same overall body growth, GH was more effective in stimulating bone growth, whereas IGF-I stimulated renal and splenic growth. This new dwarf rat may prove useful for the study of the relative growth promoting effects of IGF-I and GH in more detail in future.
Electron transport through supported biomembranes at the nanoscale by conductive atomic force microscopy

We present a reliable methodology to perform electron transport measurements at the nanoscale on supported biomembranes by conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM). It allows measurement of both (a) non-destructive conductive maps and (b) force controlled current–voltage characteristics in wide voltage bias range in a reproducible way. Tests experiments were performed on purple membrane monolayers, a two-dimensional (2D) crystal lattice of the transmembrane protein bacteriorhodopsin. Non-destructive conductive images show uniform conductivity of the membrane with isolated nanometric conduction defects. Current–voltage characteristics under different compression conditions show non-resonant tunneling electron transport properties, with two different conduction regimes as a function of the applied bias, in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. This methodology opens the possibility for a detailed study of electron transport properties of supported biological membranes, and of soft materials in general.
Alterations in respiratory control during 8 h of isocapnic and poikilocapnic hypoxia in humans.

In the preceding companion paper (L. S. G. E. Howard and P.A. Robbins, J. Appl. Physiol. 78: 1092-1097, 1995), we showed that ventilation rises during 8 h of isocapnic hypoxia. In the present study we report the changes that occur in the ventilatory response to acute hypoxia (AHVR) over 8 h of both isocapnic and poikilocapnic hypoxia. Ten subjects completed the study. Each was seated inside a chamber in which the inspired gas could be controlled so as to maintain the desired end-tidal gases (sampled via nasal catheter) constant. Three 8-h protocols were compared: 1) isocapnic hypoxia, at an end-tidal PO2 of 55 Torr with the end-tidal PCO2 held at the subject's resting value; 2) poikilocapnic hypoxia, at the same end-tidal PO2; and 3) control, where the inspired gas was air. AHVR was measured before and at 20 min and 4 and 8 h after the start of the experiment. A sequence of hypoxic square waves and sawtooth inputs was imposed by an end-tidal forcing system, with the subject breathing through a mouthpiece. End-tidal PCO2 was held constant at 1-1.5 Torr above resting. Values for hypoxic sensitivity (Gp; 1.min-1.%-1) and hypoxia-independent ventilation (Vc; l/min) were calculated for each test of AHVR. Both Gp and Vc increased significantly during both hypoxic exposures in relation to control (P < 0.001, analysis of variance). Over the 8-h period, increases in Gp were 87% in isocapnic hypoxia and 44% in poikilocapnic hypoxia, and increases in Vc were 89% in isocapnic hypoxia and 84% in poikilocapnic hypoxia. There were no significant differences between the isocapnic and poikilocapnic exposures. We conclude that Gp and Vc rise mainly as result of hypoxia per se and not the associated alkalosis.
AN ATTENTION-VALUE MODEL OF MUSEUM VISITORS

In their recently published textbook on cognitive psychology, Ashcraft and Radvansky (2010) described attention as “one of cognitive psychology’s most important topics and one of our oldest puzzles. ” Whether we examine human attention in the context of driving an automobile, completing a workplace task, or engaging in educational and recreational activities, the importance of attention processes should not be understated. Talking on a cellular phone or texting while driving an automobile can have a disastrous impact on safe driving. Workplace accidents and errors are often attributed to a lack of focused attention on the task. Failing to pay attention to a lecturer in a school classroom may result in a failing grade. And, in museums, distractions that prevent attending to relevant materials leave the visitor unsatisfied and the goals of the museum unfulfilled.
Lifestyle change and mobility in obese adults with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus often have limitations in mobility that increase with age. An intensive lifestyle intervention that produces weight loss and improves fitness could slow the loss of mobility in such patients. METHODS We randomly assigned 5145 overweight or obese adults between the ages of 45 and 74 years with type 2 diabetes to either an intensive lifestyle intervention or a diabetes support-and-education program; 5016 participants contributed data. We used hidden Markov models to characterize disability states and mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression to estimate the probability of functional decline. The primary outcome was self-reported limitation in mobility, with annual assessments for 4 years. RESULTS At year 4, among 2514 adults in the lifestyle-intervention group, 517 (20.6%) had severe disability and 969 (38.5%) had good mobility; the numbers among 2502 participants in the support group were 656 (26.2%) and 798 (31.9%), respectively. The lifestyle-intervention group had a relative reduction of 48% in the risk of loss of mobility, as compared with the support group (odds ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.44 to 0.63; P<0.001). Both weight loss and improved fitness (as assessed on treadmill testing) were significant mediators of this effect (P<0.001 for both variables). Adverse events that were related to the lifestyle intervention included a slightly higher frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms at year 1. CONCLUSIONS Weight loss and improved fitness slowed the decline in mobility in overweight adults with type 2 diabetes. (Funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00017953.).