Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clostridium perfringens beta-toxin forms multimeric transmembrane pores in human endothelial cells.

Beta-toxin is one of the lethal toxins of Clostridium perfringens. It shares sequence homology with the pore-forming alpha-toxin of Staphylococcus aureus and structural homology has been indicated by mutagenesis studies. Human endothelial cells are sensitive to the toxic effect of alpha-toxin and in order to investigate the function of beta-toxin we have looked at the effect of the protein on human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We show that like alpha-toxin beta-toxin induces release of arachidonic acid in a dose dependent manner. In addition we show that both toxins cause leakage of inositol from the cells, consistent with the formation of transmembrane pores. The effect of toxin mutants on endothelial cells correlates with the lethal dose of each mutant in mice. Furthermore, we demonstrate the formation of heat stable toxin multimers in the cell membrane. Multimer formation was not observed on other cell types tested. We conclude that beta-toxin is a cell specific pore-forming toxin, structurally and functionally related to alpha-toxin of Staphylococcus aureus.
Unique carbohydrate–carbohydrate interactions are required for high affinity binding between FcγRIII and antibodies lacking core fucose

Antibody-mediated cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), a key immune effector mechanism, relies on the binding of antigen–antibody complexes to Fcγ receptors expressed on immune cells. Antibodies lacking core fucosylation show a large increase in affinity for FcγRIIIa leading to an improved receptor-mediated effector function. Although afucosylated IgGs exist naturally, a next generation of recombinant therapeutic, glycoenginereed antibodies is currently being developed to exploit this finding. In this study, the crystal structures of a glycosylated Fcγ receptor complexed with either afucosylated or fucosylated Fc were determined allowing a detailed, molecular understanding of the regulatory role of Fc-oligosaccharide core fucosylation in improving ADCC. The structures reveal a unique type of interface consisting of carbohydrate–carbohydrate interactions between glycans of the receptor and the afucosylated Fc. In contrast, in the complex structure with fucosylated Fc, these contacts are weakened or nonexistent, explaining the decreased affinity for the receptor. These findings allow us to understand the higher efficacy of therapeutic antibodies lacking the core fucose and also suggest a unique mechanism by which the immune system can regulate antibody-mediated effector functions.
Chronic alcohol abuse, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and multiple organ dysfunction

ObjectiveTo review the effects of chronic alcohol abuse on the incidence, severity, and pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiple organ dysfunction. Data SourcesA summary of published medical literature from MEDLINE search files and other reviews published concerning chronic alcohol abuse and critical illness. Data SummaryA history of chronic alcohol abuse is associated with an increased incidence and severity of ARDS in critically ill patients. In two separate epidemiologic studies, involving 571 intensive care patients, chronic alcohol abuse was a significant comorbid variable that increased the incidence of ARDS by nearly three-fold and was associated with more severe nonpulmonary organ dysfunction. In addition, nearly 50% of all ARDS patients had a significant history of chronic alcohol abuse, making the association between chronic alcohol abuse and ARDS a common scenario in the intensive care unit. By using animal models of chronic ethanol ingestion, researchers have identified alcohol-mediated alterations in epithelial and endothelial cell function, surfactant synthesis and secretion, alveolar-capillary barrier function, and lung matrix content and composition. More importantly, similar changes have been reported in humans with a history of chronic alcohol abuse. Individuals with a history of chronic alcohol abuse have decreased concentrations of glutathione in the epithelial lining fluid of the lung, which do not significantly increase after 1 wk of abstinence from alcohol. The total protein concentration in the epithelial lining fluid also is increased in these individuals with a history of chronic alcohol abuse compared with healthy controls, suggesting alterations in alveolar-capillary barrier function. ConclusionsChronic alcohol abuse is associated with an increased incidence of ARDS and the severity of multiple organ dysfunction. This research has implications in understanding the diagnosis of, and prognosis for, critically ill patients who are at risk of developing ARDS. It also may lead to the development of novel therapies for those patients at greatest risk of acute lung injury as a consequence of chronic alcohol abuse.
A General Safety Framework for Learning-Based Control in Uncertain Robotic Systems

The proven efficacy of learning-based control schemes strongly motivates their application to robotic systems operating in the physical world. However, guaranteeing correct operation during the learning process is currently an unresolved issue, which is of vital importance in safety-critical systems. We propose a general safety framework based on Hamilton–Jacobi reachability methods that can work in conjunction with an arbitrary learning algorithm. The method exploits approximate knowledge of the system dynamics to guarantee constraint satisfaction while minimally interfering with the learning process. We further introduce a Bayesian mechanism that refines the safety analysis as the system acquires new evidence, reducing initial conservativeness when appropriate while strengthening guarantees through real-time validation. The result is a least-restrictive, safety-preserving control law that intervenes only when the computed safety guarantees require it, or confidence in the computed guarantees decays in light of new observations. We prove theoretical safety guarantees combining probabilistic and worst-case analysis and demonstrate the proposed framework experimentally on a quadrotor vehicle. Even though safety analysis is based on a simple point-mass model, the quadrotor successfully arrives at a suitable controller by policy-gradient reinforcement learning without ever crashing, and safely retracts away from a strong external disturbance introduced during flight.
In Vivo and In Vitro Effects of Some Plant Hormones on Rat Erythrocyte Carbonic Anhydrase and Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Activities

The present study was undertaken to determine in vivo and in vitro effects of some plant growth regulators on rat erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase (CA) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activities. Both in vivo and in vitro, spermidine and kinetin did not affect enzymatic activities of CA and G6PD, whereas putrescine decreased these activities, and abscisic acid increased them. Since plants use such growth regulators, their effects should be considered on mammals consuming them since they may possess important biological effects.
Ridge Preservation After Tooth Extraction With Buccal Bone Plate Deficiency Using Tunnel Structured β-Tricalcium Phosphate Blocks: A 2-Month Histologic Pilot Study in Beagle Dogs.

BACKGROUND Reduction in alveolar ridge volume is a direct consequence of tooth extraction. Tunnel β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) blocks were manufactured from randomly organized tunnel-shaped β-TCP ceramic. Efficacy of these blocks compared to extraction alone for alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction with buccal bone deficiency was evaluated. METHODS Maxillary first premolars of six beagle dogs were extracted after removing the buccal bone, and bone defects of 4 × 4 × 5 mm (mesio-distal width × bucco-palatal width × depth) were created. Fresh extraction sockets with buccal bone defects were filled with tunnel β-TCP blocks at test sites. Two months after the operation, histologic and histometric evaluations were performed. RESULTS Regarding histologic sections, coronal and middle horizontal widths of the alveolar ridge were significantly greater at test sites (3.2 ± 0.5 and 3.6 ± 0.4 mm, respectively) than at control sites (1.2 ± 0.3 and 2.0 ± 0.6 mm, respectively). The amount of woven bone was significantly greater at test sites (62.4% ± 7.9%) than at control sites (26.8% ± 5.3%), although that of connective tissue and bone marrow was significantly greater at control sites (38.1% ± 6.2% and 16.0% ± 6.9%, respectively) than at test sites (10.7% ± 5.7% and 4.1% ± 2.2%, respectively). Regarding basic multicellular units, no statistically significant difference was found between the test and control sites (0.5% ± 0.1% and 0.6% ± 0.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION Tunnel β-TCP blocks represent an effective bone-graft material for alveolar ridge preservation in fresh extraction sockets with buccal bone defects.
Mechanical loads on the ventilatory muscles. A theoretical analysis.

Two indices of the total mechanical load on the ventilatory muscles, i.e., the work per minute (W.min-1) and the inflation pressure time index (PTI), have been developed to better assess muscle energy demands and fatigue potential. However, the relationship of these two indices to the various individual determinants of load and to muscle energy demands and fatigue potential are not well understood. To investigate these relationships in a theoretical fashion, we first constructed a computer model to quantitate the magnitude and relative effects of changes in the ventilation component of load, i.e., alveolar ventilation demands (VA) and dead space volume (VD), and changes in the respiratory system impedance component of load, i.e., compliance (Crs) and resistance (Raw), on W.min-1 and PTI over a wide, clinically relevant, range of ventilatory conditions. From this analysis, we demonstrated that: (1) high mechanical loads could be developed over a wide range of circumstances (i.e., W.min-1 ranged from 0.29 kg.m.min-1 to 30.55 kg.m.min-1 and PTI ranged from 1.22 to 28.8 cm H2O as ventilation increased from 7 to 39 L.min-1 and impedances worsened from normal to a combined restricted and obstructed pattern); (2) each load determinant (i.e., VA, VD, Crs, and Raw) contributed substantially to these two indices of total mechanical load; (3) although impedance changes had comparable effects on W.min-1 and PTI, ventilation changes, as would be expected, had a greater effect on W.min-1 than on PTI. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pathological and immunohistochemical studies on rare cases of primary extra-genital transmissible venereal tumours in the mammary gland

Transmissible venereal tumours (TVT) are normally seen on the genitalia of both male and female dogs, and at times may be observed on extra-genital sites such as lips, oral mucosa, and peritoneum, or in organs such as the tonsils, eye, liver, spleen, kidney, lung, and musculature. The present communication deals with two rare cases of primary extragenital TVT involving the mammary glands of dogs and their pathology and immuno- histochemistry. The study indicated that apart from routinely used markers such as vimentin, p53, PCNA, Ki-67 and c-myc, the oncogenes Rb and cyclin D1 proved to be novel markers of TVT in dogs. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of extra-genital mammary TVT in canines.
Contrasting Approaches to Preparedness: A Reflection on Two Case Studies

This chapter reflects on ongoing research in SMEs in the manufacturing and service sectors. It contrasts different approaches to the issue of preparedness from an organizational and social perspective, in two cases where new enterprise-wide business processes were implemented and integrated in different settings. In both cases, the emergence of new systems presented a huge challenge to companies hard-pressed to marshal the resources to mount effective change and implementation projects on this scale. The cases presented enable a comparison of different strategies used, one firm responding to organic growth, and the other to rapid industry-driven change. The chapter focuses not on the implementations per se, but instead on the issue of preparedness for change. The chapter concludes by drawing out general lessons concerning how to support and maintain organizational preparedness for enterprise wide change in different industry settings.
Molecular Diagnosis in a Case of Disseminated Adiaspiromycosis due to

* Corresponding author: Dr. Marie Machouart, Service de Parasitologie et de Mycologie, Hôpitaux de Brabois, CHU de Nancy, 11 allée du Morvan, 54511 Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France. Phone: 00-33-3-83-15-43-97 / fax: 00-33-3-83-15-43-86 E-mail: m.machouart@chu-nancy.fr Copyright © 2009, American Society for Microbiology and/or the Listed Authors/Institutions. All Rights Reserved. J. Clin. Microbiol. doi:10.1128/JCM.01885-08 JCM Accepts, published online ahead of print on 25 February 2009
Alternative Techniques for the Treatment of Colon Carcinoma Metastases in the Liver: Current Status in The Netherlands

Background : Review of current treatment modalities for liver metastases resulting from colorectal cancer. Methods : Literature review. Results: An increasing number of techniques are available for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases. When it is not possible to use the current gold standard, radical surgical resection, many patients can be treated with alternative techniques. Chemotherapy in its present form must be considered as purely palliative, perhaps with the exclusion of isolated liver perfusion; however, this therapy should still be considered as experimental. Most other possible treatments focus on local destruction of the metastases. This can be achieved using either immuno-guided techniques (tumor antibodies which carry a local active agent), direct local application of a toxic agent (injection) or thermo therapy, which has been applied in patients on a large scale. Thermo therapy involves either localized heating, by means of laser photocoagulation or radiofrequency or microwave ablation, or localized freezing using cryo probes. Conclusions : Local destruction of liver metastases, especially by means of thermo therapy, is feasible and safe. Currently, cryotherapy is most frequently used in patients. New treatment modalities, such as radiofrequency ablation, are very promising but their true clinical value should be determined in a randomized clinical trial.
Aflatoxins contamination in Pakistani brown rice: a comparison of TLC, HPLC, LC–MS/MS and ELISA techniques

Abstract Advancement in the field of analytical food-chemistry has explored various experimental techniques for aflatoxins (AFs) quantification. The present study was aimed to compare four different techniques; thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the analysis of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1) and G2 (AFG2) in brown rice (n = 120) being collected from Karachi, Pakistan. All the four assays provide precised, accurate and comparable results. However, some differences were observed. For instance, TLC, HPLC and LC–MS/MS methodologies offered the advantage of the quantification of individual toxins in contrast to ELISA technique. The contamination ranges of AFB1/AFB2 as determined by TLC, HPLC and LC–MS/MS were 1.18–9.97/0.59–1.52, 0.16–10.54/0.26–1.35 and 0.11–10.88/0.38–1.48 µg/kg, respectively. However, AFG1 and AFG2 were not detected in any tested samples. Furthermore, owing to low-detection limit and sensitivity, HPLC and LC–MS/MS methodologies have identified greater number of contaminated samples in comparison to TLC and ELISA techniques. The overall average results of total AFs as provided by HPLC (3.79 µg/kg) and LC–MS/MS (3.89 µg/kg) were found higher in comparison to TLC (3.68 µg/kg) and ELISA (3.70 µg/kg). On the basis of achieved results, it was concluded that TLC, HPLC, LC–MS/MS and ELISA techniques are valuable tool for the quantification of AFs in cereals and grains. Furthermore, HPLC and LC–MS/MS techniques offer an added advantage for the detection of AFs in diminutive levels.
Sunglint observations over land from ground and airborne L‐band radiometer data

This study quantifies the effects of Sun reflection over land surfaces on radiometric measurements at L‐band. The impact of the reflected Sun on radiometric measurements over a grass field and over an agricultural area reached 25 K and 17 K respectively. A model that predicts the impact of Sun reflection over land is developed and tested for two different radiometer configurations and spatial resolutions.
A silicon diode based detector for radiation measurement in high altitude natural environment

We report neutron beams and stratospheric balloon flights for which we developed a silicon detector. The results from different neutron beams are shown to be in good agreement with simulation performed with the MC-ORACLE code. The stratospheric balloon flights used to obtain data on the atmospheric radiation environment shows that experimental results are dependant to the altitude variations.
National and Community Market Contributions of Wilderness

ABSTRACT Wilderness attracts tourists and generates visitor spending in proximate communities as people enjoy Wilderness for outdoor recreation. Wilderness also attracts amenity migrants and out-of-region investments into surrounding regional economies. To investigate the amount and types of employment and income generated by Wilderness visitation, we conducted an economic contribution analysis of aggregate national visitor expenditures. The U.S. Forest Service National Visitor Use and Monitoring (NVUM) economic spending profiles were used to construct types and amounts of Wilderness visitor spending and were applied to an estimated 9.9 million annual visitors across federal agencies. IMPLAN modeling software was used to estimate total effects and multipliers for output, employment, income, and value added. Results show that some $500 million is annually spent in communities adjacent to Wilderness, generating a direct effect of 5,700 jobs and a total output effect over $700 million across numerous industries ($2012 including indirect and induced effects).
Short interpregnancy interval and gastroschisis risk in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study.

BACKGROUND The micronutrient depletion hypothesis proposes that consecutive pregnancies spaced too closely may leave insufficient time for maternal micronutrient replenishment. Short interpregnancy intervals (IPI) have been associated with an increased risk for several adverse pregnancy outcomes, but an association with gastroschisis risk has not been previously explored. METHODS Within a population-based, case-control study, we evaluated the association between IPI length and gastroschisis risk using multivariable logistic regression models to estimate gastroschisis odds ratios for IPI <12 months and 12 to 17 months relative to those 18 to 23 months. We further evaluated the association between IPI and gastroschisis risk stratified by maternal age, periconceptional multivitamin use, preceding pregnancy outcome, study center region, and season of conception to explore whether observed associations were compatible with the hypothesis of maternal micronutrient depletion. RESULTS For women with IPI <12 months, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 1.7 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-2.5). The magnitude of the observed effect did not differ among strata of maternal age or periconceptional multivitamin use. However, the association was more pronounced after a miscarriage or termination (aOR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1-5.6) and among women who resided in northern study areas (aOR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3-5.9). The higher risk observed with short IPI among women in northern study areas was attenuated for spring/summer conceptions. CONCLUSION Short IPI was associated with an increased risk for gastroschisis, particularly among women whose preceding pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage or termination and among those who resided in northern study areas with winter/fall conception.
A Review of Class Based Test Case Generation Techniques

One of the important phases in software development is testing, due to advancement in software development in recent years, testing has also grabbed great attention and various testing techniques have been devised in order to test the software. Researchers are rapidly moving towards model based testing due to its advantages. UML class diagram has been used alone or with some hybrid approaches in order to achieve concentrated level of test case generation. However, before progression towards new approaches, there is a need to analyze and synthesize existing evidence based techniques in the area of software test case generation. In this paper, we have discussed various approaches that exercises class diagram to support their test case generation activities. Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted to collect related papers to examine the relevant research. The outcome of this study shows analysis of class based test case generation techniques. In the end, we elaborated the usage and significance of class diagram in generating test cases with the help of evidences and propose thinkable direction and practices for further research.
Transgenic approaches to improve the nutritional quality of plant proteins

SummaryPlant proteins, when used as dietary protein, are generally incomplete in nutrition due to their deficiency in several essential amino acids, for example, lysine and tryptophan in cereals and methionine and cysteine in legumes. Attempts to breed crops with increased levels of lysine and methionine have been less than satisfactory. Modern biotechnology offers alternative approaches for rectifying this nutrition deficiency. In the past decade, several transgenic strategies aimed at modifying the amino acid composition of plant proteins and enhancing the content of specific essential amino acid(s) for nutrition improvement have been developed and tested. These include synthetic proteins, modification of protein sequences, over-expression of heterologous or homologous proteins, and metabolic engineering of the free essential amino acid pool and protein sink. The progress and potential of these approaches and studies are reviewed. As plant proteins are the primary source of all dietary protein consumed by humans and animals and are inexpensive to produce in comparison with meat, improving their quality will make a significant contribution to our future food needs. The research and development in this area of interest is making promising progress towards this endeavor.
Bacterial meningitis--a view of the past 90 years.

The history of community-acquired bacterial meningitis arguably represents the best example of the salutary effect of the introduction of antimicrobial agents. Before the use of specific antiserums, the outlook for patients with bacterial meningitis was dismal (see Figure). In the 1920s, 77 of 78 children at Boston Children's Hospital who had Haemophilus influenzae meningitis died. The prognosis for untreated pneumococcal meningitis was equally bleak: of 300 patients, all died. In the first decade of the 20th century, untreated meningococcal meningitis was associated with a mortality rate of 75 to 80 percent. In 1913, Simon Flexner was the first to report .