Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The hemoglobin genes of Drosophila

We recently reported the unprecedented occurrence of a hemoglobin gene (glob1) in the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster. Here we investigate the structure and evolution of the glob1 gene in other Drosophila species. We cloned and sequenced glob1 genes and cDNA from D. pseudoobscura and D. virilis, and identified the glob1 gene sequences of D. simulans, D. yakuba, D. erecta, D. ananassae, D. mojavensis and D. grimshawi in the databases. Gene structure (introns in helix positions D7.0 and G7.0), gene synteny and sequence of glob1 are highly conserved, with high ds/dn ratios indicating strong purifying selection. The data suggest an important role of the glob1 protein in Drosophila, which may be the control of oxygen flow from the tracheal system. Furthermore, we identified two additional globin genes (glob2 and glob3) in the Drosophilidae. Although the sequences are highly derived, the amino acids required for heme‐ and oxygen‐binding are conserved. In contrast to other known insect globin, the glob2 and glob3 genes harbour both globin‐typical introns at positions B12.2 and G7.0. Both genes are conserved in various drosophilid species, but only expression of glob2 could be demonstrated by western blotting and RT‐PCR. Phylogenetic analyses show that the clade leading to glob2 and glob3, which are sistergroups, diverged first in the evolution of dipteran globins. glob1 is closely related to the intracellular hemoglobin of the botfly Gasterophilus intestinalis, and the extracellular hemoglobins from the chironomid midges derive from this clade.
Enzymatic and Chemical Cleavage of Fusion Proteins

This unit provides protocols for some commonly used methods of site‐specific cleavage of fusion proteins. The first three protocols describe enzymatic cleavage of proteins using proteases (factor Xa, thrombin, and enterokinase) that display highly restricted specificities, which greatly decrease the likelihood that unwanted secondary cuts will occur. Three additional protocols describe specific cleavage of fusion proteins with chemical reagents (cyanogen bromide, hydroxylamine, and low pH) as an alternative to enzymatic cleavage.
Widespread pressure pain hypersensitivity and ultrasound imaging evaluation of abdominal area after colon cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the presence of widespread pressure pain sensitivity in cancer patients following partial colorectal resection in the abdominal and lower back area and to describe the presence of abnormalities in abdominal and lower back muscle morphology. METHODS Twenty colon cancer survivors (eight females, mean age 56.60 ± 7.76 years) and 20 matched healthy controls (10 females, mean age 54.22 ± 8.12 years) participated. Abdominal and lower back pain was assessed after undergoing surgery using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were bilaterally assessed over the supraumbilical, infraumbilical, and lower back areas and the second metacarpal. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure the depth of the abdominal muscles, the width of the midline abdominal fascia and the width of the lumbar multifidus. RESULTS Ten months after finishing oncological treatments, patients who underwent partial colorectal resection reported significantly higher pain levels in the low-back area (P = 0.003) but not in the abdominal area (P = 0.426) compared with the matched controls. After surgery, the colon patients reported significantly higher BPI-intensity (P < 0.001) and BPI-interference scores (P = 0.009) compared with the matched controls. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant between-groups difference in dominant-side lumbar, supraumbilical and infraumbilical (P ≥ 0.01), and second-metacarpal (P < 0.05) PPT levels. A significant between-groups difference was found by the ANOVA in ultrasound imaging of the depth of the internal oblique muscle (F = 4.887, P = 0.035) but not in the other ultrasound imaging measurements. CONCLUSIONS Ten months after oncology treatment, colon cancer survivors show widespread pressure pain muscle hyperalgesia and reduced depths of dominant-side internal oblique muscles compared with matched controls.
Biologie du développement

La biologie du developpement etudie les phenomenes qui permettent le passage d’un œuf a un organisme adulte. Cette discipline a beaucoup evolue ces dernieres annees avec l'essor des nouvelles techniques d’imagerie in vivo, des « omiques » et des techniques de transgenese. Aux progres technologiques s’ajoutent les avancees importantes en genetique et epigenetique, tout cela permettant d’avoir aujourd’hui une vision beaucoup plus integree des mecanismes fondamentaux de la biologie du developpement.L’objectif de l’ouvrage est de fournir une vision synthetique et moderne de la discipline tout en montrant son lien avec la biologie cellulaire, la genetique, la physiologie et la medecine.Les principaux modeles, historiques ou emergents, sont presentes puis les grandes etapes du developpement sont detaillees en s’appuyant sur les donnees les plus recentes.Un chapitre aborde l’importance de l’apport de la biologie du developpement dans la comprehension de nombreuses pathologies, dont le cancer.
The debye rigorous equivalent of the Maxwell-Garnett mixing rule for effective modeling of carbon suspensions under MW irradiation

This paper responds to the recent needs of the industrial microwave power community for homogenized models of bi-phased mixtures, compatible with the FDTD electromagnetic simulation method. We propose an explicit transformation of the Maxwell-Garnett mixing rule to the Debye relaxation formula. For that purpose, both models are rearranged into rational functions, and the conditions for their equivalence are derived. These explicitly provide the Debye parameters as a function of the polynomial coefficients of the Maxwell-Garnett formula. Computational examples show the accuracy of our approach, its advantages over alternative Debye-approximation methods based on curve-fitting algorithms, and its contribution to the developments of the FDTD modeling for microwave power applications.
Lasers à fibre Brillouin multi-stokes : cohérence et caractérisation en bruit

La diffusion Brillouin est la diffusion inelastique de la lumiere par les ondes acoustiques d'un milieu. Dans une fibre optique, la diffusion Brillouin stimulee (DBS) se manifeste, a partir d'une certaine intensite lumineuse incidente (Pompe), par la generation d'une onde Stokes retrodiffusee dont la frequence est decalee de celle de la Pompe d'une valeur directement proportionnelle a la vitesse de propagation des ondes acoustiques. Le decalage Brillouin presente une grande sensibilite a tous les effets qui peuvent modifier la vitesse de l'onde acoustique. Cette propriete permet d'etudier la composition des fibres et confere a la DBS la potentialite pour la realisation de capteurs a fibres optiques. Le processus de DBS s'accompagne aussi d'un gain pour l'onde Stokes retrodiffusee, puisque presque toute la puissance de l'onde Pompe y est transferee. Il peut donc etre utilise pour la realisation d'amplificateurs et de lasers a fibres optiques. Dans le cadre de ce travail de these, nous avons etudie experimentalement les proprietes statiques et dynamiques du laser a fibre Brillouin (LFB). Dependamment du taux d'amortissement de l'onde acoustique et du taux de pertes de la cavite, le LFB peut etre tres coherent et tres peu bruite, favorisant ainsi son utilisation dans de multiples domaines comme la defense, la metrologie et les telecommunications. Lorsque la Pompe ne fait qu'un tour dans la cavite Brillouin, le LFB etudie presente un bruit de frequence 10 000 fois plus faible que celui du laser de Pompe tout en gardant un bruit d'intensite similaire. Lorsque la Pompe est resonante, il est possible d'obtenir un LFB a multiples ondes Stokes en cascadant l'effet non-lineaire Brillouin dans la fibre optique. Limites par nos bancs de mesures, nous avons mesure un bruit de frequence 1 000 fois plus faible que celui de la Pompe et un bruit d'intensite plus de 100 fois plus faible.
Dynamic link/frequency selection in multi-hop cognitive radio networks for delay sensitive applications

Regarding the dynamic nature of cognitive radio networks and the delay of the central decision algorithms due to collecting necessary information in a multi-hop wireless network, distributed resource allocation algorithms are of crucial importance. In this paper we propose a new distributed resource allocation algorithm that properly selects link/frequency in a multi-hop cognitive radio network for delay sensitive applications. This algorithm, uses the locally collected information from neighboring nodes to make suitable routing decisions regarding the dynamic environment and the behavior of the neighbors. We consider the delay as the routing criterion, consisting the queueing delay and the transmission delay. Based on the gathered information from neighboring nodes, we estimate the path delay of all available links and then select the appropriate link/frequency to send data. Simulation results illustrate that our proposed algorithm outperforms the previously published ones that consider only the transmission delay as the decision criterion.
Endoscopic diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection of upper gastrointestinal tract in solid organ transplant recipients: Hungarian single‐center experience

Abstract: Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is considered to be the major cause of upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in organ transplant recipients. In the diagnosis of GI CMV infection the detection of the virus in the mucosa is essential. The aim of the study was to evaluate the significance of CMV, detected in biopsy specimens from stomach and duodenum of solid organ transplant recipients.
Development of an extremely wear‐resistant ultra high molecular weight polythylene for total hip replacements

Osteolysis induced by ultra high molecular weight polyethylene wear debris is one of the primary factors limiting the lifespan of total hip replacements. Crosslinking polyethylene is known to improve its wear resistance in certain industrial applications, and crosslinked polyethylene acetabular cups have shown improved wear resistance in two clinical studies. In the present study, crosslinked polyethylene cups were produced by two methods. Chemically crosslinked cups were produced by mixing a peroxide with ultra high molecular weight polyethylene powder and then molding the cups directly to shape. Radiation‐crosslinked cups were produced by exposing conventional extruded ultra high molecular weight polyethylene bar stock to gamma radiation at various doses from 3.3 to 100 Mrad (1 Mrad = 10 kGy), remelting the bars to extinguish residual free radicals (i.e., to minimize long‐term oxidation), and then machining the cups by conventional techniques. In hip‐joint simulator tests lasting as long as 5 million cycles, both types of crosslinked cups exhibited dramatically improved resistance to wear. Artificial aging of the cups by heating for 30 days in air at 80°C induced oxidation of the chemically crosslinked cups. However, a chemically crosslinked cup that was aged 2.7 years at room temperature had very little oxidation. Thus, whether substantial oxidation of chemically crosslinked polyethylene would occur at body temperature remains unclear. The radiationcrosslinked remelted cups exhibited excellent resistance to oxidation. Because crosslinking can reduce the ultimate tensile strength, fatigue strength, and elongation to failure of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, the optimal crosslinking dose provides a balance between these physical properties and the wear resistance of the implant and might substantially reduce the incidence of wear‐induced osteolysis with total hip replacements.
The Distinct Influence of Cognitive Busyness and Need for Closure on Cultural Differences in Socially Desirable Responding

Research suggests that cognitive busyness and need for closure have similar effects on a host of consumer phenomena, leading some researchers to treat the two variables as substitutes. We propose that cognitive busyness and need for closure have distinct roots and can have different effects. We examine their distinction in the context of cultural differences in the two types of socially desirable responding--impression management and self-deceptive enhancement. Our findings indicate that high (vs. low) cognitive busyness weakens the relationship between culture and impression management, but not that between culture and self-deceptive enhancement. In contrast, high (vs. low) need for closure strengthens both relationships. The article concludes with a discussion of the theoretical, methodological, and practical implications of these findings.
The Worcester water incident, UK: bias in self reported symptoms to an emergency helpline.

1During the incident the health authority free phone emergency helpline received 106 complaints of symptoms attributed to consumption of contaminated water. These complaints were important as they alerted the emergency incident team to the possibility of illness being associated with the chemical contamination, gave an early indication of the possible severity of illness, and also provisionally identified a register of cases. However, identification of cases from those presenting to medical services or prompted from media interest during an infectious disease or chemical incident may result in a biased selection of the most severely aVected or anxious. 23 Bias associated with self reported symptoms to an emergency helpline has not been previously reported. To investigate this possibility, we undertook a retrospective cohort study of complaints of symptoms to the helpline.
OF CAPSULAR POLYSACCHARIDE PRODUCTION IN BACTERIA

Bacterial polysaccharides are usually associated with the outer surface of the bacterium. They can form an amorphous layer of extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) surrounding the cell that may be further organized into a distinct structure termed a capsule. Additional polysaccharide molecules such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or lipooligosaccharide (LOS) may also decorate the cell surface. Polysaccharide capsules may mediate a number of biological processes, including invasive infections of human beings. Discussed here are the genetics and biochemistry of selected bacterial capsular polysaccharides and the basis of capsule diversity but not the genetics and biochemistry of LPS biosynthesis (for reviews see 100, 140).
Relationship of provider characteristics to outcomes, process, and costs of care for community-acquired pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES The authors describe the relation of provider characteristics to processes, costs, and outcomes of medical care for elderly patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia. METHODS Using Medicare claims data, Medicare beneficiaries discharged from Pennsylvania hospitals during 1990 with community-acquired pneumonia were identified. Claims data were used to ascertain mortality, readmissions, use of procedures and physician consultations, and the costs of care. The relationship of these measures to provider characteristics was analyzed using regression techniques to adjust for patient characteristics, including comorbidity and microbial etiology. RESULTS Among 22,294 pneumonia episodes studied, 30-day mortality was 17.0%. After adjusting for patient characteristics, 30-day mortality and readmission rates were unrelated to hospital teaching status or urban location or to physician specialty. Use of procedures and physician consultations was more common and costs were 11% higher among patients discharged from teaching hospitals compared with nonteaching hospitals. Similarly, costs were 15% higher at urban hospitals compared with rural hospitals. General internists and medical subspecialists used more procedures and had higher costs than family practitioners. CONCLUSIONS Processes and costs of care for community-acquired pneumonia varied by provider characteristics, but neither mortality nor readmission rates did. These differences cannot be explained by clinical variables in the database. Further studies should determine whether less costly patterns of care for pneumonia, and perhaps other conditions, could replace more costly ones without compromising patient outcomes.
Pathogenesis of Contact Lens-Associated Microbial Keratitis

Sight-threatening microbial keratitis associated with contact lens wear remains a serious concern for patients, eye-care practitioners, and the contact lens industry. Several decades of research and some major advances in lens and solution technology have not resulted in a decline in disease incidence. Here, we offer a perspective on the complex pathogenesis of microbial keratitis, the factors that have prevented a better understanding of this disease, and new approaches being used to tackle this important clinical problem.
Biomedical research. NIH to phase out most chimp research.

Chimpanzees are not necessary for almost all biomedical research, NIH Director Francis Collins said last week in announcing the agency9s plan to retire all but 50 of the 360 animals it has available for research. Few, if any, invasive experiments will remain. Eight noninvasive behavioral and genomics studies can continue, NIH said, but only if the chimpanzees are kept in appropriate conditions, such as in groups of at least seven animals, in large outdoor spaces, and with room to climb. The decision comes after years of debate. Explaining the decision, Collins said that chimpanzees share 98% of our DNA, and "they deserve special respect. " Reducing their use in research is "scientifically sound and the right thing to do. "
Jeux de mots

 Anagrammes ARC  . (moyen de transport) LIMA  . (pays africain) LOUPE  . (volaille) MAGIE  . (illustration)  Contrepèteries La vie des mots  . Une tâche sur la voiture  . Admirez ce gain de place  .  Calembours Voici l’endroit des six ifs  . Un peu d’Eire, ça fait Dublin  . Demandez nos exquis mots  .  Tautogrammes C’est une phrase dont tous les mots commencent par la même lettre. Lis l’exemple puis inventes-en une. Marie mange ma mousse mentholée merveilleuse.
Sensorimotor neuropathy resembling CIDP in patients receiving FK506

FK506 is an important immunosuppressant that has shown great promise in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Approximately 5% of patients receiving FK506 develop major central nervous system toxicity, but the peripheral nerves are usually spared During 1990–1991, some 1000 patients received liver transplants under FK506 immunosuppression. Of these, 3 patients developed severe multifocal demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy 2–10 weeks after initiation of FK506 therapy. Improvement followed plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), suggesting an immune‐mediated cases. Although autoimmune neuropathy has been previously reported in immunedeficient states such as Hodgkin's disease and AIDS, it is not an expected complication of immunosuppresissive therapy. However, other have shown that this phenomeno can be produced in rats with cyclosporine A (CsA), whose effects on T‐cell subsets are similar to those seen with FK506. These T‐cell subset changes may have precipitated this dysimmune neuropathy in our patients. © 1994 John & Sons, Inc.
Bengali Sign language to text conversion using artificial neural network and support vector machine

This paper presents a novel system that converts Bengali Sign language to text using an optimum system comprising of artificial neural networks and support vector machine (SVM). Microsoft Kinect is used to take the input, which is the hand sign performed in front of the camera. The captured hand sign is eventually recognized, after joint and wrist detection and by assessing the contours. Contour feature is extracted and is run through a SVM for classification of the sign. The contour finding algorithm utilizes the convex hull method, and the features extracted after detection is passed through the support vector model for recognition. To validate the performance of the proposed model, a dataset that consists of both male and female hand gesture images is utilized. Experimental results demonstrate 84.11% classification accuracy for our tested dataset.
Outcome of probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A single-center prospective study in 45 patients

Background Diagnosis of pre-malignant and malignant lesions in the bile duct and the pancreas is sometimes cumbersome. This applies in particular to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN) and bile duct strictures in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Aims To evaluate in a prospective cohort study the sensitivity and specificity of probe-based confocal laser microscopy (pCLE) during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Methods We performed pCLE together with mother-baby endoscopy (SpyGlass) during 50 ERCP sessions in 45 patients. The Miami and Paris criteria were applied. Clinical diagnosis via imaging was compared to pCLE and the final pathological diagnosis from surgically-resected, biopsy, or cytology specimens. Patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Results We were able to perform pCLE in all patients. Prior to endoscopy, the diagnosis was benign in 23 patients and undetermined (suspicious) in 16 patients, while six patients had an unequivocal diagnosis of malignancy. Sensitivity was 91% and specificity 52%. The positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) was 82% and 100%, respectively. Apart from mild post-ERCP pancreatitis in two patients, no complications occurred. Conclusions Our study showed that pCLE is a safe, expert endoscopic method with high technical feasibility, high sensitivity and high NPV. It provided diagnostic information that can be helpful for decisions on patient management, especially in the case of IPMN and unclear pancreatic lesions, in individuals whom are at increased risk for pancreatic cancer.
Ampliación del rango de operación de plantas no lineales usando algoritmos de control difuso basados en el modelo TSK-LMI

El presente trabajo de investigacion propone el diseno de un algoritmo de control difuso Takagi-Sugeno-Kang, basado en inecuaciones matriciales lineales y tecnicas de optimizacion convexa, para la ampliacion del rango de operacion de un sistema no lineal. Esto es estabilizar el sistema y dar seguimiento de la referencia para un intervalo del punto de operacion elegido arbitrariamente pero cuidando de las limitaciones reales de la planta. El algoritmo de control consiste en un compensador (matriz de ganancia y estimador) difuso ademas del diseno de un sistema de seguimiento tipo 1 para sistemas sin integrador, en este caso se trabajara con un sistema de levitacion magnetica, haciendo uso de un esquema extendido difuso. El esquema de control se diseno de tal manera que garantice la estabilidad y el desempeno deseado del sistema en lazo cerrado. Este sistema se implemento y evaluo en Matlab y Simulink, ademas del uso de la Toolbox Yalmip para Matlab.