Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Programmed Lab Experiments for Biochemical Investigation of Quorum‐Sensing Signal Molecules in Rhizospheric Soil Bacteria

Biochemistry courses in the Department of Molecular Biology at the National University of Río Cuarto, Argentina, are designed for undergraduate students in biology, microbiology, chemistry, agronomy, and veterinary medicine. Microbiology students typically have previous coursework in general, analytical, and organic chemistry. Programmed sequences of lab experiments allow these students to investigate biochemical problems whose solution is feasible within the context of their knowledge and experience. We previously designed and reported a programmed lab experiment that familiarizes microbiology students with techniques for detection and characterization of quorum‐sensing (QS) and quorum‐quenching (QQ) signal molecules. Here, we describe a sequence of experiments designed to expand the understanding and capabilities of biochemistry students using techniques for extraction and identification of QS and QQ signal molecules from peanut rhizospheric soil bacteria, including culturing and manipulation of bacteria under sterile conditions. The program provides students with an opportunity to perform useful assays, draw conclusions from their results, and discuss possible extensions of the study. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44:256–262, 2016.
Genetic Demonstration of a Role for Stathmin in Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis, Spinogenesis, and NMDA Receptor-Dependent Memory

Neurogenesis and memory formation are essential features of the dentate gyrus (DG) area of the hippocampus, but to what extent the mechanisms responsible for both processes overlap remains poorly understood. Stathmin protein, whose tubulin-binding and microtubule-destabilizing activity is negatively regulated by its phosphorylation, is prominently expressed in the DG. We show here that stathmin is involved in neurogenesis, spinogenesis, and memory formation in the DG. tTA/tetO-regulated bitransgenic mice, expressing the unphosphorylatable constitutively active Stathmin4A mutant (Stat4A), exhibit impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis and reduced spine density in the DG granule neurons. Although Stat4A mice display deficient NMDA receptor-dependent memory in contextual discrimination learning, which is dependent on hippocampal neurogenesis, their NMDA receptor-independent memory is normal. Confirming NMDA receptor involvement in the memory deficits, Stat4A mutant mice have a decrease in the level of synaptic NMDA receptors and a reduction in learning-dependent CREB-mediated gene transcription. The deficits in neurogenesis, spinogenesis, and memory in Stat4A mice are not present in mice in which tTA/tetO-dependent transgene transcription is blocked by doxycycline through their life. The memory deficits are also rescued within 3 d by intrahippocampal infusion of doxycycline, further indicating a role for stathmin expressed in the DG in contextual memory. Our findings therefore point to stathmin and microtubules as a mechanistic link between neurogenesis, spinogenesis, and NMDA receptor-dependent memory formation in the DG. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In the present study, we aimed to clarify the role of stathmin in neuronal and behavioral functions. We characterized the neurogenic, behavioral, and molecular consequences of the gain-of-function stathmin mutation using a bitransgenic mouse expressing a constitutively active form of stathmin. We found that stathmin plays an important role in adult hippocampal neurogenesis and spinogenesis. In addition, stathmin mutation led to impaired NMDA receptor-dependent and neurogenesis-associated memory and did not affect NMDA receptor-independent memory. Moreover, biochemical analysis suggested that stathmin regulates the synaptic transport of NMDA receptors, which in turn influence CREB-mediated gene transcription machinery. Overall, these data suggest that stathmin is an important molecule for neurogenesis, spinogenesis, and NMDA receptor-dependent learning and memory.
Serum and salivary responses to oral tetravalent reassortant rotavirus vaccine in newborns

Serum and salivary responses of 95 infants to either a standard (4 ± 104 plaque‐forming units (PFU), 47 neonates) or a high dose (4 ± 105 PFU, 48 neonates) of tetravalent reassortant rhesus rotavirus vaccine (administered at 2 days and at 6 weeks of age) were evaluated in a double‐blind clinical trial. Serum and salivary IgA antibodies to the rotavirus group A common antigen were determined by ELISA and radioimmunoassay (RIA). Serum neutralizing antibodies to rhesus rotavirus were determined by fluoreseent foeus reduction assay. No significant differences in responses to the high versus standard dose were noted in serum or saliva. Response was influenced by cord blood antibodies. All infants who were cord blood‐negative for rhesus rotavirus neutralizing antibodies (nine who received the standard dose and 20 who received the higher dose) had serum responses, compared with 42‐70% of those who were cord blood‐positive. The serum response rate recorded for babies with cord blood neutralizing titres > 1000 was 44%. Infants being bottle fed had a higher serum response rate than did babies being breast fed exclusively. If serum and salivary responses were combined, the response rate reached 80% for bottle fed infants. Thus, determination of serum responses alone underestimates vaccine ‘take’ in infants, and more so in highly endetnie areas thati in areas subject only to sporadic outbreaks. However, determination of salivary responses in newborn breastfed infants may be inaccurate, due to possible persistence of antibodies derived frotn colostrum or breast milk.
A Preliminary Examination of Child Well-Being of Physically Abused and Neglected Children Compared to a Normative Pediatric Population

Federal mandates require state child welfare systems to monitor and improve outcomes for children in three areas: safety, permanency, and well-being. Research across separate domains of child well-being indicates maltreated children may experience lower pediatric health–related quality of life (HRQL). This study assessed well-being in maltreated children using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0), a widely used measure of pediatric HRQL. The PedsQL 4.0 was used to assess well-being in a sample of children (N = 129) receiving child welfare services following reports of alleged physical abuse or neglect. We compared total scores and domain scores for this maltreated sample to those of a published normative sample. Within the maltreated sample, we also compared well-being by child and family demographic characteristics. As compared with a normative pediatric population, maltreated children reported significantly lower total, physical, and psychosocial health. We found no significant differences in total and domain scores based on child and parent demographics within the maltreated sample. This preliminary exploration indicates children receiving child welfare services have significantly lower well-being status than the general child population and have considerable deficits in social and emotional functioning. These findings support continued investment in maltreatment prevention and services to improve the well-being of victims of maltreatment.
Using Prescription Patterns in Primary Care to Derive New Quality Indicators for Childhood Community Antibiotic Prescribing

Background: To describe patterns of antibiotic outpatient use in 3 European countries, including 2 new pediatric-specific quality indicators (QIs). Methods: A cohort study was conducted, 2001–2010, using electronic primary care records of 2,196,312 children up to 14 (Pedianet, Italy) or 18 years (The Health Improvement Network, United Kingdom; Integrated Primary Care Information database, The Netherlands) contributing 12,079,620 person-years. Prevalence rates of antibiotic prescribing per year were calculated and antibiotics accounting (drug utilization) for 90% of all antibiotic prescriptions were identified (drug utilization 90% method). The ratio between users of broad to narrow-spectrum penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides (B/N ratio) and 2 pediatric-specific QIs: the proportion of amoxicillin users (amoxicillin index) and the ratio between users of amoxicillin to broad-spectrum penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides (A/B ratio) were determined. Results: The overall annual prevalence of antibiotic prescriptions was 18.0% in the Netherlands, 36.2% in the United Kingdom and 52.0% in Italy. Use was maximal in the first years of life. The number of antibiotics accounting for the drug utilization 90% was comparable. The B/N ratio varied widely from 0.3 to 74.7. The amoxicillin index was highest in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (50–60%), lowest in Italy (30%) and worsened over time in the United Kingdom and Italy. The A/B ratio in 2010 was 0.3 in Italy, 1.7 in the Netherlands and 5.4 in the United Kingdom. Conclusions: The patterns of antibiotic prescribing varied highly with age and country. The pediatric-specific QIs combined with the total prevalence rate of use provide a clear picture of the trends of community childhood antibiotic prescribing, allowing monitoring of the impact of policy interventions.
Tetramerization Is a Conserved Feature of the Virion-Associated Protein in Plant Pararetroviruses

ABSTRACT All plant pararetroviruses belong to the Caulimoviridaefamily. This family contains six genera of viruses with different biological, serological, and molecular characteristics. Although some important mechanisms of viral replication and host infection are understood, much remains to be discovered about the many functions of the viral proteins. The focus of this study, the virion-associated protein (VAP), is conserved among all members of the group and contains a coiled-coil structure that has been shown to assemble as a tetramer in the case of cauliflower mosaic virus. We have used the yeast two-hybrid system to characterize self-association of the VAPs of four distinct plant pararetroviruses, each belonging to a different genus ofCaulimoviridae. Chemical cross-linking confirmed that VAPs assemble into tetramers. Tetramerization is thus a common property of these proteins in plant pararetroviruses. The possible implications of this conserved feature for VAP function are discussed.
Hypersensitivity to sound (hyperacusis): a prevalence study conducted via the internet and post: Hipersensibilidad al sonido (hiperacusia): un estudio de prevalencia realizado por internet y por correo

The present study explored the prevalence and descriptive characteristics of hyperacusis, defined as unusual intolerance of ordinary environmental sounds. Two ways of collecting data were used in the study: the first was a postal survey of a random sample, to which 589 responded (59.7% response rate); the second was the internet, and 595 self-recruited individuals responded to a call for participants via a banner on a web page (51.9% response rate). The point prevalence rates of hyperacusis were 9% in the internet group and 8% in the postal group. Exclusion of participants who reported hearing impairment resulted in point prevalence rates of 7.7% (n = 39) and 5.9% (n =28) respectively. The data collection format did not result in any substantial differences. Hyperacusis was associated with concentration difficulties, use of ear protection, avoidance, tension, and sensitivity to light/colours. The present data suggest that hyperacusis is a common problem. Sumario: El presente estudio exploró la prevalencia y las caractcrislicas descriptivas de la hiperacusia, definida como la inlolerancia inusual a los sonidos ordinarios del ambienle. Se utilizaron dos forma para recoger la información en el estudio: la primera fue una encuesta postal de una muestra al azar, a la que respondieron 589 personas (tasa de respuesta del 59.7%); la segunda fue a través de internet y 595 individuos voluntarios respondieron a un llamado a participar por medio de un anuncio en una página web (51.9%) de tasa de respuesta). Las tasas de prevalencia para hiperacusia fueron de 9% en el grupo de internet y 8% en el grupo postal. La exclusión de participantes que reportaron tener una hipoacusia generó una tasa de prevalencia del 7.7%, (n = 39) y del 5.9% (n =28), respectivamente. El formato de recolección de información no mostró ninguna diferencia sustancial. La hiperacusia fue asociada con dificultades de concentración, uso de protectores auditivos, y con sensibilidad, tensión y tendencia a evitar luz y colores. Esta información sugiere que la hiperacusia es un problema frecuente.
Appropriation par un enseignant de physique d'une nouvelle séquence d'enseignement : cas de la mécanique en seconde

Ce travail a pour objectif d'expliciter la pratique professionnelle d'enseignants « experts » lors de l'appropriation d'une sequence d'enseignement issue de la collaboration entre des chercheurs et des enseignants du secondaire. Elle met en avant l'activite de modelisation en physique et l'enseignement centre sur l’eleve. Elle porte sur la partie du programme officiel de la classe de seconde intitulee : « l'univers et son mouvement ». Le cadrage theorique est construit a l’aide des concepts d'activite, d'actions et d'operations issus de la theorie de l'activite de Leontiev et des concepts de contrat et de milieu issus de la didactique des mathematiques. L'analyse porte aussi bien sur l'enseignant quand il est en classe que lorsqu'il est hors de la classe en particulier quand il prepare son enseignement. Il s'agit d'une etude de cas sur un enseignant. Le corpus de donnees est constitue de videos des reunions de preparation en groupe d'enseignants et des seances d'enseignements associees aux documents de preparation personnels. Les analyses realisees nous permettent d'expliciter les parts d'implicites et d'explicites entre la preparation et l'enseignement, tout en montrant l'evolution de la pratique de l'enseignant du point de vue des processus mise en avant par la sequence. L'implicite est relatif a la mise en place et gestion de l'enseignement a des niveaux operatoires, tandis que ce qui est explicite est niveau du savoir en jeu. En termes d'evolution, l'enseignant laisse de plus en plus de place aux points de vues de l'eleves sans prendre en compte les processus de pensees relatifs a l'activite de modelisation.
A proposal of a multi-agent supporting system for network community formation

Information-oriented network society is advancing far beyond our speculation based on the rapid innovations of information and network technologies. Large amount of people become suffering from so-called information barrier When we consider people with informational handicaps, a large gap is opening up between those who can use computers effectively to process information and those who cannot. People interact in the network society through network communities and one of the major issues in the network society is how to bring people together, that is how to form the communities that share similar interests. Active usage of information with the help of personal agents that interact with each other, gather information, and assist the user seems inevitable. Although, users interact through explicit communities, it is more natural and with fewer barriers to form communities as implicit communities using user's profiles and then to introduce users to explicit communities. In this paper, we propose a multi-agent supporting system for implicit community formation and discuss methods to encourage effective information exchanges between community members and to improve the quality of their lives.
Pre-Design and Optimization of three phase homopolar SRM With double statoric winding and double massive rotor

This paper deals with the design of a three phase synchronous reluctant machine. This machine is constituted by two stators and two massive rotors. A homopolar exciting winding is jointly liable for stator. Due to three-dimensional geometry of the machine, the main object of this study is to develop very quick tools of design which allows defining motor performances. This method is based on reluctance network modelling which takes into account the saturation of ferromagnetic parts. The obtained results are widely compared with the ones deduced by finite elements method
Neural Basis of Acquired Amusia and Its Recovery after Stroke

Although acquired amusia is a relatively common disorder after stroke, its precise neuroanatomical basis is still unknown. To evaluate which brain regions form the neural substrate for acquired amusia and its recovery, we performed a voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) and morphometry (VBM) study with 77 human stroke subjects. Structural MRIs were acquired at acute and 6 month poststroke stages. Amusia and aphasia were behaviorally assessed at acute and 3 month poststroke stages using the Scale and Rhythm subtests of the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA) and language tests. VLSM analyses indicated that amusia was associated with a lesion area comprising the superior temporal gyrus, Heschl's gyrus, insula, and striatum in the right hemisphere, clearly different from the lesion pattern associated with aphasia. Parametric analyses of MBEA Pitch and Rhythm scores showed extensive lesion overlap in the right striatum, as well as in the right Heschl's gyrus and superior temporal gyrus. Lesions associated with Rhythm scores extended more superiorly and posterolaterally. VBM analysis of volume changes from the acute to the 6 month stage showed a clear decrease in gray matter volume in the right superior and middle temporal gyri in nonrecovered amusic patients compared with nonamusic patients. This increased atrophy was more evident in anterior temporal areas in rhythm amusia and in posterior temporal and temporoparietal areas in pitch amusia. Overall, the results implicate right temporal and subcortical regions as the crucial neural substrate for acquired amusia and highlight the importance of different temporal lobe regions for the recovery of amusia after stroke. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Lesion studies are essential in uncovering the brain regions causally linked to a given behavior or skill. For music perception ability, previous lesion studies of amusia have been methodologically limited in both spatial accuracy and time domain as well as by small sample sizes, providing coarse and equivocal information about which brain areas underlie amusia. By using longitudinal MRI and behavioral data from a large sample of stroke patients coupled with modern voxel-based analyses methods, we were able provide the first systematic evidence for the causal role of right temporal and striatal areas in music perception. Clinically, these results have important implications for the diagnosis and prognosis of amusia after stroke and for rehabilitation planning.
Transseptal left ventricular endocardial pacing: preliminary experience from a femoral approach with subclavian pull-through.

AIMS Coronary sinus (CS) lead placement for transvenous cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) even combined with transseptal left ventricular (LV) endocardial implantation from a superior approach still does not have 100% success rate. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a femoral transseptal endocardial LV approach pacing in patients in whom a transvenous CS or a transseptal LV endocardial implantation with a superior approach had failed. We report our first experience with LV endocardial lead placement for CRT with a femoral transseptal technique followed by intravascular pull-through to the pectoral location. METHODS AND RESULTS In 11 patients, 10 males (61.5 ± 9.5 years) with failed CS implant (four patients) or repeated CS lead malfunction (seven patients), a 4.1 French active fixation lead was implanted endocardially in the left ventricle employing a femoral approach using an 8F transseptal sheath combined with a hooked 6F catheter. After successful implantation, the lead was pulled through from the femoral insertion site to the pectoral device location. The LV endocardial implantation was successfully performed in all patients. Stimulation threshold was 0.62 ± 0.33 V, lead impedance 825 ± 127 Ω, and R wave 12.8 ± 8.3 mV. Threshold and lead impedance were stable during follow-up, which varied from 1 to 6 months. No dislodgements were observed and there were no thrombo-embolic events during follow-up. CONCLUSION This technique for LV endocardial lead implantation is an alternative for failed CS and superior transseptal attempts using standard techniques and equipment. It is also applicable for pacing sites that are more easily reached from a femoral approach.
Long-term efficacy and safety outcomes after unrestricted use of drug-eluting stents in patients with acute coronary syndrome: mortality and major bleeding in a single-center registry.

BACKGROUND Recent randomized clinical trials have reported favorable clinical outcomes after the use of drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the long-term efficacy and safety outcomes, bleeding outcome in particular, after DES implantation in ACS patients have not been thoroughly evaluated in a real-world population. METHODS AND RESULTS We evaluated long-term clinical outcomes in 565 consecutive ACS patients who underwent DES implantation in an emergency setting between 2004 and 2011 (ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction [STEMI]: n=269, non-STEMI/unstable angina pectoris: n=296). Mean clinical follow-up period in this study was 4.6±2.0 years. The cumulative incidence of all-cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis and target-lesion revascularization was 6.9%, 4.0%, 2.2%, 1.3% and 8.4% at 1 year, and 19.6%, 6.7%, 5.6%, 3.0% and 13.9% at 5 years, respectively. The cumulative 5-year incidence of major bleeding events was 8.4% (n=42). Fatal bleeding events, however, occurred in only 4 patients, even including 2 patients who required resuscitation upon arrival at the hospital. Of the 42 patients with major bleeding events, 39 were taking dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) at the time of bleeding. CONCLUSIONS DES implantation provided favorable long-term clinical outcomes with an acceptably low incidence of fatal bleeding in a real-world population of ACS patients. However, prolonged DAPT seems to be associated with major bleeding after DES implantation.
A new framework with Similarity Reasoning and monotone fuzzy rule relabeling for Fuzzy Inference Systems

A complete and monotonically-ordered fuzzy rule base is necessary to maintain the monotonicity property of a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). In this paper, a new monotone fuzzy rule relabeling technique to relabel a non-monotone fuzzy rule base provided by domain experts is proposed. Even though the Genetic Algorithm (GA)-based monotone fuzzy rule relabeling technique has been investigated in our previous work [7], the optimality of the approach could not be guaranteed. The new fuzzy rule relabeling technique adopts a simple brute force search, and it can produce an optimal result. We also formulate a new two-stage framework that encompasses a GA-based rule selection scheme, the optimization based-Similarity Reasoning (SR) scheme, and the proposed monotone fuzzy rule relabeling technique for preserving the monotonicity property of the FIS model. Applicability of the two-stage framework to a real world problem, i.e., failure mode and effect analysis, is further demonstrated. The results clearly demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed framework.