Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sputum eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness and airway narrowing in young adults with former asthma.

BACKGROUND 30-80% of outgrown asthma subjects develop symptoms again later in life. We investigated inflammation and function of lower airway in adolescents with former asthma. METHODS 326 never-smoking young adults (mean age 24.0 years) were interviewed with special emphasis on history of asthma. Diagnosis of asthma was based on GINA guidelines. Former asthma subjects consisted of ones with a history of physician-diagnosed childhood asthma, who had been free of asthma symptoms without the use of medication for at least 10 years prior to the study. Provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1))(PC(20)) and eosinophil percentage in induced sputum were measured. RESULTS 31 subjects were former asthma subjects (FBA), 11 subjects were current asthma subjects (CBA) and 284 subjects had no history of asthma (non-BA). PC(20) and FEV(1)/FVC ratio were significantly lower in the FBA group than in the non-BA group (P < 0.01). Maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMF) was significantly lower in the FBA group than in the non-BA group (P < 0.05). Sputum eosinophil percentage was significantly increased in the FBA group compared with the non-BA group (P < 0.01). PC(20) was significantly lower in the CBA group than in the FBA and non-BA groups (P < 0.01). FEV(1), FEV(1)/FVC ratio and MMF were significantly lower in the CBA group than in the FBA group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively) and the non-BA group (P < 0.01, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Sputum eosinophils were significantly higher in the CBA group than in the FBA and non-BA groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that subjects with long-term outgrown asthma continue to have airway eosinophilic inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness and airway narrowing.
Cloning and Characterization of GEF-H1, a Microtubule-associated Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor for Rac and Rho GTPases*

The Rho-related small GTPases are critical elements involved in regulation of signal transduction cascades from extracellular stimuli to cell nucleus and cytoskeleton. The Dbl-like guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEF) have been implicated in direct activation of these GTPases. Here we have identified a new member of the Dbl family, GEF-H1, by screening a human HeLa cell cDNA library. GEF-H1 encodes a 100-kDa protein containing the conserved structural array of a Dbl homology domain in tandem with a pleckstrin homology domain and is most closely related to thelfc oncogene, but additionally it contains a unique coiled-coil domain at the carboxyl terminus. Biochemical analysis reveals that GEF-H1 is capable of stimulating guanine nucleotide exchange of Rac and Rho but is inactive toward Cdc42, TC10, or Ras. Moreover, GEF-H1 binds to Rac and Rho proteins in both the GDP- and guanosine 5′-3-O-(thio)triphosphate-bound states without detectable affinity for Cdc42 or Ras. Immunofluorescence reveals that GEF-H1 colocalizes with microtubules through the carboxyl-terminal coiled-coil domain. Overexpression of GEF-H1 in COS-7 cells results in induction of membrane ruffles. These results suggest that GEF-H1 may have a direct role in activation of Rac and/or Rho and in bringing the activated GTPase to specific target sites such as microtubules.
Bronchial Artery Embolization for Hemoptysis

Bronchial artery angiography with embolization has become a mainstay in the treatment of hemoptysis. Major complications are rare and immediate clinical success defined as cessation of hemorrhage ranges in most series from 85% to 100%, although recurrence of hemorrhage ranges from 10% to 33%. Bronchial artery embolization offers a minimally invasive procedure for even the most compromised patient serving as first-line treatment for hemorrhage as well as providing a bridge to more definitive medical or surgical intervention focused upon the etiology of the hemorrhage. The aim of this article is to summarize the etiologies, pathophysiology, and the diagnostic and management strategies of hemoptysis as related to bronchial artery embolization. In addition, the techniques of arteriography and embolization as well as associated procedural outcomes and complications are delineated.
Antifungal steroid saponins from Dioscorea cayenensis.

From the rhizomes of Dioscorea cayenensis Lam. -Holl (Dioscoreaceae), the new 26- O- beta- D-glucopyranosyl-22-methoxy-3 beta,26-dihydroxy-25( R)-furost-5-en-3- O- alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)- alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[ alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)]- beta- D-glucopyranoside ( 1) was isolated together with the known dioscin ( 2) and diosgenin 3- O- alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)- alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[ alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)]- beta- D-glucopyranoside ( 3). Their structures were established on the basis of spectral data. Compound 2 exhibited antifungal activity against the human pathogenic yeasts Candida albicans, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis (MICs of 12.5, 12.5 and 25 micro g/mL, respectively) whereas 3 showed weak activity and 1 was inactive.
A window on the genetics of evolution: MC1R and plumage colouration in birds

Melanins are a ubiquitous component of plumage colouration in birds and serve a wide variety of functions. Although the genetic control of melanism has been studied in chickens and other domestic species, little was known about the molecular genetics of melanin distribution in wild birds until recently. Studies have now revealed that a single locus, the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) locus, is responsible for melanic polymorphisms in at least three unrelated species: the bananaquit, the snow goose and the arctic skua. Results show that melanism was a derived trait and allow other evolutionary inferences about the history of melanism to be made. The role of MC1R in plumage patterning is surprisingly diverse among different species. The conserved molecular basis for the evolution of melanism in birds and several other vertebrates is probably related to low pleiotropic effects at the MC1R.
Supersymmetry and reflective boundary conditions in anti-de Sitter spaces.

A comprehensive study is given for reflective boudary conditions in supersymmetric models both in two- and four-dimensional anti--de Sitter spaces. This is done for conformally invariant actions by noting an analogy with the problem of finding reflective boundary conditions in Minkowski spaces with plane boundaries which admit the Poincare supersymmetry.
Effect of Weather on Ips typographus (Coleoptera Curculionidae) Phenology, Voltinism, and Associated Spruce Mortality in the Southeastern Alps

ABSTRACT Summer drought associated with high temperatures recorded in the last few years has given rise to outbreaks of bark beetles developing in weakened host trees. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible weather effect on the biology of and damage caused by Ips typographus L. in the southeastern Alps. The study was carried out recording temperature (1962–2007), precipitation (1922–2007), and the damage caused by I. typographus (1993–2007). In addition, data from pheromone-baited traps (1996–2005) provided information on the main periods of flight activity of I. typographus. From 1922 to 2007, precipitation during March-July has decreased ≈200 mm (-22%), whereas since 1962–2007, mean temperatures during March-July increased ≈2°C (+13%). Damage caused by I. typographus was inversely correlated with March-July precipitation from the previous year but not correlated with temperature. Increases in spring temperature did not affect the development timing of the first generation, but only changed its onset. Earlier swarming of both over-wintering beetles and first-generation offspring (≈20 d sooner over 10 yr), and the early start of the second generation permitted more complete development of the second brood. Voltinism in this species is discussed in relation to thermal and photoperiodic thresholds, indicating that the occurrence of a third generation is limited by the summer photoperiod rather than by temperature. In conclusion, results suggest that spring drought increases damage caused by I. typographus in the following year, whereas warmer spring affects insect phenology.
Selection and drift influence genetic differentiation of insular Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) on Newfoundland and Cape Breton Island

Abstract Island populations have long been important for understanding the dynamics and mechanisms of evolution in natural systems. While genetic drift is often strong on islands due to founder events and population bottlenecks, the strength of selection can also be strong enough to counteract the effects of drift. Here, we used several analyses to identify the roles of genetic drift and selection on genetic differentiation and diversity of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) across eastern Canada, including the islands of Cape Breton and Newfoundland. Specifically, we assessed whether we could identify a genetic component to the observed morphological differentiation that has been reported across insular and mainland lynx. We used a dinucleotide repeat within the promoter region of a functional gene that has been linked to mammalian body size, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1). We found high genetic differentiation at neutral molecular markers but convergence of allele frequencies at the IGF‐1 locus. Thus, we showed that while genetic drift has influenced the observed genetic structure of lynx at neutral molecular markers, natural selection has also played a role in the observed patterns of genetic diversity at the IGF‐1 locus of insular lynx.
Object Touch by a Humanoid Robot Avatar Induces Haptic Sensation in the Real Hand

Humanoid robot embodiment is a recently developed form of mediated embodiment. In 2 studies, we report and quantify a new haptic (touch) illusion during embodiment of a humanoid robot. Around 60% of the users in our studies reported haptic sensations in their real hand when they observed their robot avatar touching a curtain with its hand. Critically, our study shows for the first time that users can experience haptic sensations from a nonanthropomorphic embodied limb/agent with visual feedback alone (i.e. no haptic feedback provided). The results have important implications for the understanding of the cognitive processes governing mediated embodiment and the design of avatar scenarios.
Did continuous femoral and sciatic nerve block obscure the diagnosis or delay the treatment of acute lower leg compartment syndrome? A case report.

OBJECTIVE We report a case of acute lower extremity compartment syndrome that was diagnosed despite continuous regional analgesia with 0.2% ropivacaine via femoral and sciatic nerve catheters. SETTING Academic tertiary care center. STUDY DESIGN Report of a clinical case. SUMMARY A 15-year-old boy with adolescent Blount's disease underwent elective distal femur and proximal tibia osteotomy with external fixation and stabilization of his right leg. The patient's anesthetic and analgesic management included general anesthesia with adjunctive regional anesthesia via continuous femoral and sciatic nerve blocks with 0.2% ropivacaine-each block initially infused at 10 mL per hour. On the first postoperative day, the patient reported no pain (0/10 on the visual analog scale, where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain imaginable). However, on the second postoperative day, the patient reported severe pain despite effective blocks and oral opioid analgesic modalities. Compartment syndrome was diagnosed and treated with decompressive fasciotomy; tissue loss resulted. CONCLUSION Despite concerns of masking pain that may be secondary to compartment syndrome, this case demonstrates that compartment syndrome can be diagnosed in the presence of effective regional anesthesia. Careful clinical evaluation coupled with a high index of suspicion is essential in the timely diagnosis and effective treatment of compartment syndrome.
Presentation of Leishmania donovani promastigotes occurs via a brefeldin A‐sensitive pathway

For the presentation of Leishmania promastigotes to polyclonal CD4+ T cells, a processing period within activated macrophages of 3–4 h is required. Presentation can be inhibited by both chloroquine and brefeldin A (BFA), the latter implicating a requirement for newly synthesized MHC class II molecules. This inhibition is both reversible and specific, in that BFA did not inhibit mixed lymphocyte reaction stimulation by these infected macrophages. Immunogold labeling demonstrated that class II was associated with the parasite‐containing phagolysosome. The level of class II was not significantly altered in BFA‐treated cells in the time period studied, suggesting that antigen may exist the phagolysosome and interact with class II in another cellular compartment.
Demonstration of Cord Formation by Rough Mycobacterium abscessus Variants: Implications for the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

ABSTRACT In low-income countries some infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria are misdiagnosed as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. In most of these settings the observation of microscopic cords is the only technique used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the laboratory. In this article we definitively demonstrate that Mycobacterium abscessus, an emerging pulmonary pathogen, also forms microscopic cords.
Anemone toxin (ATX II)‐induced increase in persistent sodium current: effects on the firing properties of rat neocortical pyramidal neurones

1 The experiments were performed on sensorimotor cortex using current‐clamp intracellular recordings in layer V pyramidal neurones and whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recordings in dissociated pyramidal neurones. The intracellularly recorded neurones were classified on the basis of their firing characteristics as intrinsically bursting (IB) and regular spiking (RS). The RS neurones were further subdivided into adapting (RSAD) or non‐adapting (RSNA), depending on the presence or absence of spike frequency adaptation. Since burst firing in neocortical pyramidal neurones has previously been suggested to depend on the persistent fraction of Na+ current (INa,p), pharmacological manipulations with drugs affecting INa inactivation have been employed. 2 ATX II, a toxin derived from Anemonia sulcata, selectively inhibited INa fast inactivation in dissociated neurones. In current‐clamp experiments on neocortical slices, ATX II enhanced the naturally occurring burst firing in IB neurones and revealed the ability of RSNA neurones to discharge in bursts, whereas in RSAD neurones it increased firing frequency, without inducing burst discharges. During the ATX II effect, in all the three neuronal subclasses, episodes of a metastable condition occurred, characterized by long‐lasting depolarizing shifts, triggered by action potentials, which were attributed to a peak in the toxin‐induced inhibition of INa inactivation. The ATX II effect on IB and RSNA neurones was compared with that induced by veratridine and iodoacetamide. Veratridine induced a small increase in the INa and a large shift to the left in the voltage dependence of INa activation. Accordingly, its major effect on firing characteristics was the induction of prolonged tonic discharges, associated with burst facilitation less pronounced than that induced by ATX II. The alkylating agent iodoacetamide was able to induce a selective small increase in the INa,p, with a similar but less pronounced effect than ATX II on firing behaviour. 3 The present results show that pharmacological manipulations capable of slowing down INa inactivation significantly enhance burst behaviour in IB neurones and promote burst firing in otherwise non‐bursting RSNA neurones. We suggest that IB and, to a lesser extent, RSNA neurones are endowed with a relatively large fraction of INa,p which, in physiological conditions, is sufficient to sustain bursting in IB but not in RSNA neurones.
The isolation and identification of some adrenocorticosteroids released by rat adrenal tissue incubated in vitro.

A lipid extract of the pooled preincubation media of incubated rat adrenal sections or of rat adrenal tissue homogcnates incubated in vitro was chromatographcd on paper chromatograms. Four distinct zones absorbing ultraviolet light were isolated when the chromatograms were run in the toluene-propylene glycol system. These zones were designated as X1, aldosterone, X2 and corticosterone. Aldosterone as the 21-monoacetate and free corticosteronc were isolated in the crystalline state and identified by infrared spectroscopy and other criteria. The two compounds, X1 and X2, were not identified although X2 was crystallized and several of its physical and chemical characteristics noted. One of these was its ability to react with the sulfuric acid phenylhydrazine reagent to yield a chromogen absorbing light at 400–410 mµ. The importance of X2 was discussed from the point of view of its possible physiological significance.
Differential control over drug-seeking behavior by drug-associated conditioned reinforcers and discriminative stimuli predictive of drug availability.

Conditioned stimuli (CSs) can control behavior either by activating responses when presented noncontingently or through their ability to maintain responding when presented contingently, that is, as conditioned reinforcers. In the present study, the extent to which drug-seeking behavior could be subject to these different types of stimulus control was studied by presenting to rats CSs that were either paired with each drug infusion or presented as discriminative stimuli (DSs) signaling the availability of drug. It was found that stimuli paired with either cocaine or heroin infusions increased drug seeking when presented contingent on responding, but not when presented noncontingently. By contrast, DSs that signaled cocaine availability increased drug seeking when presented either noncontingently or contingently. These results suggest that drug-seeking behavior can be influenced differentially by CSs and that conditioned reinforcers are especially important for maintaining prolonged sequences of drug-seeking behavior.
Grid-Based Fuzzy Processing for Parallel Learning the Document Similarities

Document co-clustering methods allow to efficiently capture high-order similarities between objects described by rows and columns of a data matrix. In Alouane et al. (2013), a method for simultaneous computation of similarity matrices between objects (documents or sentences) and between descriptors (sentences or words), each one being built on the other one, according to a fuzzy triadic model based on the three-partite graph. Because of the development of the Web and the high availability of storage spaces, documents become more accessible. This makes the fuzzy computing very expensive. In the present case, the development of fuzzification algorithms of fuzzification requires the integration of a deployment platform with the required processing power. The choice of a grid architecture seems to be an appropriate answer to our needs since it allows us to distribute the processing over all the machines of the platform, thus creating the illusion of a virtual computer able to solve important computing problems which require very long run times in a single machine environment. The authors propose to enhance similarity by upstream and downstream parallel processing. The first deploys the fuzzy linear model in a Grid environment. The second deals with multi-view datasets while introducing different architectures by using several instances of a fuzzy triadic similarity algorithm.
Backpropagation and Bach's 5th cello suite (Sarabande)

Summary form only given, as follows. An attempt is described to model the note-to-note tonal transitions in the music of J.S. Bach with a two-layer neural set. The learning phase employs the standard backpropagation algorithm, along with several minor modifications to improve performance. In the simulation or 'composition' phase, where the goal is the production of a new piece of music possessing Bach-like qualities, a mixture of net realizations is proposed as a means of avoiding trivial cycling. <<ETX>>
An Energy-Efficient Algorithm Integrated with Target Tracking and Mobile Sensor Navigation

: The main function of wireless sensors is to capture the location of targets, may be for message passing or for locating enemies as in military, by monitoring the physical surrounding. If the target’s maneuver is not known a priori, the task becomes difficult. In this paper, this problem is tackled by the measuring mobile target signal’s time of arrival(TOA). The network contains a mobile sensor, moving target, number of anchor nodes and a sensor controller that acts as a repository for storing location information. A min-max approximation scheme is used to estimate tracking location along with semi-definite programming (SDP) relaxation. A cubic strategy is applied to the mobile sensor navigation. Furthermore, an energy-efficient localization algorithm, called as probabilistic trap coverage protocol is included within each node configurations so as to improve the performance gain, throughput and hence minimize the energy consumption. Thereby, it enhances navigation control by minimizing the number of active sensors and attempts to achieve energy balance. Here performance analysis is done theoretically.
Spoilt for choice: When user-system relationship becomes one-to-many

Traditionally, a user would only use one system for a particular task, defining a one-toone user-system relationship. However, the advances in technology are changing this fundamental premise. An emerging trend is the notion of one-to-many, where a user has a choice of multiple systems to complete the same task. This phenomenon purports to alter the current status quo of potentially many of the individual and group level theories, especially those on how users accept a system. The study engages in analytic induction. Therein, it employs the dual process theory to observe the acceptance journey of users, when they are presented with a choice of systems to complete the same task. The study identifies the importance of the emotional and rational facets of the dual process theory, while introducing compliance as a possible third facet. Finally, the study introduces ‘complete agnosticism’ as a novel notion that explains how one-to-many user-system relationships are facilitated. Sedigeh Moghavvemi University of Malaya Jalan Universiti, 50603 KL, Malaysia sedigheh@um.edu. my Shailesh Palekar Queensland University of Technology 2 George Street, Brisbane, Australia s.palekar@qut.edu. au
Cell Surface Enzyme Attachment Is Mediated by Family 37 Carbohydrate-Binding Modules, Unique to Ruminococcus albus

ABSTRACT The rumen bacterium Ruminococcus albus binds to and degrades crystalline cellulosic substrates via a unique cellulose degradation system. A unique family of carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM37), located at the C terminus of different glycoside hydrolases, appears to be responsible both for anchoring these enzymes to the bacterial cell surface and for substrate binding.