Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extensive interplasmidic duplications change the virulence phenotype of the relapsing fever agent Borrelia turicatae

The relapsing fever agent Borrelia turicatae has two antigenically distinct serotypes, A and B, which differ in their variable small proteins (Vsps) and in their degree of virulence and neurotropism in mice. Each Vsp gene (vspA or vspB) had an expression‐linked copy that was unique to the serotype expressing it. This was located on one linear plasmid, which was defined by the upstream sequence. The archived copies of vspA and vspB were each located on different linear plasmids that were the same in both serotypes. In this feature, the mechanism of antigenic variation is similar to that of another relapsing fever agent, B. hermsii. However, in other features, the mechanisms of the two organisms differ. The expressed and archived loci for vspA and vspB of B. turicatae were near the centre of linear plasmids instead of near the telomeres. The vspA and vspB expression loci were duplicate copies of their respective silent loci: from the vsp itself to at least 13–14 kb downstream. Despite the extensive interplasmidic duplications and the internal position of the expression locus, the only detectable difference between serotypes A and B was in whether they expressed VspA or VspB.
Image Segmentation Research Based on GA and Improved Otsu Algorithm

In the face of the problem of high complexity of two-dimensional Otsu adaptive threshold algorithm, a new fast and effective Otsu image segmentation algorithm is proposed based on genetic algorithm. This algorithm replaces the segmentation threshold of the traditional two - dimensional Otsu method by finding the threshold of two one-dimensional Otsu method, it reduces the computational complexity of the partition from O (L4) to O (L). In order to ensure the integrity of the segmented object, the algorithm introduces the concept of small dispersion in class, and the automatic optimization of parameters are achieved by genetic algorithm. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the algorithm is not only better than the original two-dimensional Otsu algorithm, but also it has better segmentation effect.
Racial and ethnic disparities in discharge to rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury.

OBJECT Disparities in access to inpatient rehabilitation services after traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been identified, but less well described is the likelihood of discharge to a higher level of rehabilitation for Hispanic or black patients compared with non-Hispanic white patients. The authors investigate racial disparities in discharge destination (inpatient rehabilitation vs skilled nursing facility vs home health vs home) following TBI by using a nationwide database and methods to address racial differences in prehospital characteristics. METHODS Analysis of discharge destination for adults with moderate to severe TBI was performed using National Trauma Data Bank data for the years 2007-2010. The authors performed propensity score weighting followed by ordered logistic regression in their analytical sample and in a subgroup analysis of older adults with Medicare. Likelihood of discharge to a higher level of rehabilitation based on race/ethnicity accounting for prehospital and in-hospital variables was determined. RESULTS The authors identified 299,205 TBI incidents: 232,392 non-Hispanic white, 29,611 Hispanic, and 37,202 black. Propensity weighting resulted in covariate balance among racial groups. Hispanic (adjusted OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.68-0.75) and black (adjusted OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97) populations were less likely to be discharged to a higher level of rehabilitation than were non-Hispanic whites. The subgroup analysis indicated that Hispanic (adjusted OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.71-0.86) and black (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.94) populations were still less likely to receive a higher level of rehabilitation, despite uniform insurance coverage (Medicare). CONCLUSIONS Adult Hispanic and black patients with TBI are significantly less likely to receive intensive rehabilitation than their non-Hispanic white counterparts; notably, this difference persists in the Medicare population (age ≥ 65 years), indicating that uniform insurance coverage alone does not account for the disparity. Given that insurance coverage and a wide range of prehospital characteristics do not eliminate racial disparities in discharge destination, it is crucial that additional unmeasured patient, physician, and institutional factors be explored to eliminate them.
Discrimination Amongst Leishmania by Polymerase Chain Reaction and Hybridization with Small Subunit Ribosomal DNA Derived Oligonucleotides

ABSTRACT. A method for discriminating among Leishmania is described, based upon small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence differences. The method was to amplify the entire 2.2 kb small subunit rDNA by polymerase chain reaction using conserved primers specific for the 5′ and 3′ termini of the small subunit ribosomal RNA, and then hybridize the product dotted onto nylon membranes with labeled oligonucleotides. The design of the hybridization probes was based upon complete small subunit rDNA sequences from L. amazonensis, L. major and L. guyanensis and partial sequences of L. mexicana, L. braziliensis, L. tropica and L. chagasi. A high degree of sequence similarity (> 99%) among species was found. However, sufficient sequence divergence occurred to permit the design of internal oligonucleotide probes specific for species complexes. This procedure successfully discriminated amongst a wide range of Leishmania isolates. The method detected as few as 10 cultured organisms and detected parasites in tissue samples from experimentally infected animals. Non‐radioactive labeling showed the same specificity and sensitivity as radioactive probes.
Inherited disorders of platelet function: selected updates

The gene variants responsible for the primary genotype of many platelet disorders have now been identified. Next‐generation sequencing technology (NGST), mainly exome sequencing, has highlighted genes responsible for defects in platelet secretion (NBEAL2, gray platelet syndrome), procoagulant activity (STIM1, Stormorken syndrome), and activation pathways (RASGRP2, CalDAG‐GEFI deficiency and integrin dysfunction; PRKACG, cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐dependent protein kinase deficiency). Often disorders of platelet function are associated with a modified platelet production with changes in platelet number and size and can accompany malfunction of other organs or tissues. Most families have private mutations, and gene variants may prevent protein synthesis, abrogate function, or result in aberrant activated proteins. Nevertheless, bleeding severity is difficult to predict by genotype alone suggesting other factors. A major new challenge of NGST is to identify these factors and help improve patient care. This review concentrates on recent developments and is illustrated from personal observations.
Probiotics for the Primary and Secondary Prevention of C. difficile Infections: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

Clostridium difficile infections are a global clinical concern and are one of the leading causes of nosocomial outbreaks. Preventing these infections has benefited from multidisciplinary infection control strategies and new antibiotics, but the problem persists. Probiotics are effective in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and may also be a beneficial strategy for C. difficile infections, but randomized controlled trials are scarce. This meta-analysis pools 21 randomized, controlled trials for primary prevention of C. difficile infections (CDI) and four trials for secondary prevention of C. difficile recurrences and assesses the efficacy of specific probiotic strains. Four probiotics significantly improved primary CDI prevention: (Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus casei DN114001, a mixture of L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, and a mixture of L. acidophilus, L. casei and L. rhamnosus). None of the tested probiotics significantly improved secondary prevention of CDI. More confirmatory randomized trials are needed to establish if probiotics are useful for preventing C. difficile infections.
Integrated implementation of dynamic untyped object‐based operator overloading

Operator overloading, a popular mechanism in the C++ language, is a form of ad hoc polymorphism on operator functions, allowing alternative implementations for different argument types. Classless languages with untyped objects are languages that lack classes and treat all objects as compliant to a common Object type. Languages in this category are flexible, dynamic, and easy‐to‐use, with popular examples being JavaScript, Lua, and ActionScript (the latter being hybrid by also offering classes). This paper presents an integrated implementation of untyped operator overloading which enable users to handle dynamically the full range of operators on objects. The focus is on features not supported by other languages, such as (i) arithmetic and relational operators allowing to separately handle caller lhs and rhs positions; (ii) an assignment operator with an untyped analogy of type casting; (iii) a slot access operator allowing user‐defined policies for editing object slots; and (iv) a function‐call operator to support functors. Operators are treated as first‐class object slots, distinguished by reserved indices that match the respective operator lexemes. All reported techniques have been applied in implementing the operator overloading features of the Delta language. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prospects of GSM technology for academic library services

Purpose – Poor telecommunication infrastructure has been generally identified as a hindrance to most library activities in Nigeria. However, with the emergence and spread of wireless technologies, especially the global system of mobile communications (GSM), this paper seeks to consider the implications of this event on library services, with suggestions on the possible applications to academic libraries.Design/methodology/approach – A background study of information and communication technology status past and present in Nigeria was carried out, especially the impact of wireless technologies on the global scale and in the country.Findings – The GSM technologies acceptance and growth rate among the Nigerian populace has serious and great potentials for enhancing the communication and information technology‐related services in libraries and information centers in Nigeria. However, information managers need to fully exploit the opportunities presented by this relatively new phenomenon with a view to providin.
Energy-efficient logic and SRAM design: A case study

This paper discusses energy-efficient design, both for logic and for memories. For datapaths which are controlled by dynamic energy, high energy-efficiency can be obtained by significantly reducing the supply voltage. However, simply lowering VDD does not automatically imply more energy-efficient operation for SRAM memories, as they are dominated by static leakage. This paper identifies which design methodologies can be employed to achieve high energy-efficiency. In particular, a JPEG encoder fabricated in a 40nm CMOS technology is used as a case study to determine the trade-offs, challenges and benefits of energy-efficient design.
Cloning and nucleotide sequence of the inulin fructotransferase (DFA I-producing) gene of Arthrobacter globiformis S14-3.

A gene encoding an inulin fructotransferase (DFA I-producing) [EC 2.4. 1.200] from Arthrobacter globiformis S14-3 was cloned and the nucleotides sequenced, for the first time. The sequence indicated that the native enzyme protein is composed of 392 amino acid residues. The native enzyme is an extracellar enzyme produced in the culture supernatant of A. globiformis S14-3, but the nucleotide sequence of the gene lacks a sequence for signal peptide for secretion. The 1.5-kb DNA fragment encoding the gene was found to produce the active enzyme in the culture supernatant of an E. coli clone, under the control of the lac promoter of pUC119.
Multiple rRNA Variants in a Single Spore of the Microsporidian Nosema bombi

ABSTRACT. To understand the source of the multiple DNA sequence variants of Nosema bombi ribosomal RNA (rRNA) found in a single bumble bee host, we PCR amplified, cloned, and sequenced the partial rRNA gene from 125 clones, which were derived from four out of 46 spores individually isolated from a single host by laser microdissection. At least two rRNA variants, characterized by either (GTTT)2 or (GTTT)3 repeat units within the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, were found per spore in approximately equal proportions, variants which were also found in approximately equal proportions in 55 clones of the two DNA extracts of multiple spores from the same host. Firstly, we demonstrate for the first time that DNA sequences can be obtained from single‐binucleate microsporidia. Secondly, it appears that concerted evolution has not homogenized the sequences of all rRNA copies within a single N. bombi spore or even within a single nucleus. We thereby demonstrate unequivocally that two or more rRNA sequence variants exist per N. bombi spore, and urge caution in the use of multicopy rRNA genes for population genetic and phylogenetic analysis of this and other Microsporidia unless homologous copies can be reliably typed.
Distributed coupling complexity in a weakly coupled oscillatory network with associative properties

We present a novel architecture of an oscillatory neural network capable of performing pattern recognition tasks. Two established strategies for obtaining associative properties in oscillatory networks invoke either a physical, time constant or a global, dynamical all-to-all coupling. Our network distributes the complexity of the coupling between the spatial and the temporal domain. Instead of O(N2)? > physical connections or a global connection with O(N2)? > frequency components, each of the N oscillators receives an individual coupling signal which is composed of N − 1 frequency components. We demonstrate that such a network can be built with analog electronic oscillators and possesses reliable pattern recognition properties. Theoretical analysis shows that the scalability is in fact superior to the dynamic global coupling approach, while its physical complexity is greatly reduced compared to the individual time constant coupling.
Ympäristöasenteisiin perustuva matkailijoiden tyypittelymalli ja matkailijatyyppien yhteys laatutietoisuuteen - Kolin kansallispuiston ympäristömerkkitutkimuksen tuloksia

Matkailijat vaikuttavat suuresti matkailualueeseen ja nain ollen myos matkailun kestavyyteen alueella. Matkailijat tulee ottaa huomioon niin aluetta kehitettaessa kuin palveluja suunniteltaessa. Ymparistotietoisuus matkailijoiden keskuudessa on kasvanut, ja matkailijat osaavat myos vaatia laatua. Tama matkailijoiden ”vihertyminen” vaikuttaa matkailijoiden toiveisiin ja valintoihin ennen matkaa ja matkan aikana. Kestavaan matkailuun perustuvien palvelujen kautta voidaan vastata kysyntaan ja lisata matkailijoiden tietoisuutta kestavaan kehitykseen ja kestavaan matkailuun liittyvista periaatteista. Matkailijoita on yleensa ajateltu vain ongelmana ja negatiivisten (ymparisto)vaikutusten aiheuttajina, mutta toisaalta matkailijoilla on suuret mahdollisuudet vaikuttaa matkailun kehittymiseen, ja he voivat osaltaan edistaa kestavan kehityksen periaatteiden huomiointia matkailukehityksessa. Matkailijat voivat vaikuttaa paatoksillaan, minne matkustavat, mita tuotteita ostavat ja mita palveluita kayttavat. Luontokohteisiin matkustaville luonto ja ymparisto ovat tarkeassa roolissa, ja matkailijat huomioivat ympariston valinnoissaan yha useammin.
Toxic and signaling effects of photochemically or chemically generated singlet oxygen in biological systems.

Singlet oxygen, generated photochemically or chemically, has damaging effects on biomolecules and exerts genotoxic, virucidal and cytotoxic effects. This is of relevance for biological systems because singlet oxygen can be produced photochemically as a result of the irradiation of endogenous or exogenously applied photosensitizers with visible or ultraviolet light, or in dark reactions, e.g. by stimulated phagocytes during the so-called oxidative burst. In addition, there is increasing evidence that singlet oxygen has pronounced effects on cellular signaling events leading to the induced expression of a variety of proteins. A novel observation is the activation of transcription factor AP-2 and cellular signaling cascades comprising the activation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinases (JNK/SAPK) and the NF-kappaB system.
The relation between morbidity and cognitive performance in a normal aging population.

BACKGROUND Factors related to physical health have been implicated in both normal and pathological aging of cognitive abilities. To substantiate this notion, we studied existing morbidity, as diagnosed by the general practitioner according to well-defined criteria, as a potential predictor of cognitive test performance. METHODS A sample of 1360 individuals, aged 24-81 years and living in the community, was stratified for age, sex, and general ability. Active and total morbidity in this group were classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care. Neurocognitive tests were used to assess the domains of verbal memory, sensorimotor speed, and cognitive flexibility. RESULTS Multiple regression analyses with adjustment for age, sex, and educational level showed both insulin-dependent and noninsulin-dependent diabetes to be negatively associated with all cognitive measures. More specific negative associations were found for chronic bronchitis (performance speed) and presbyacusia (memory). Single or aggregated cardiovascular morbidity (including hypertension) was unrelated to test performance. CONCLUSIONS Existing morbidity as a whole contributes only modestly (up to 3.5%) to total variance in cognitive function. However, some specific, relatively common diseases of the elderly, such as diabetes and chronic bronchitis, may aggravate the age-related decline in cognitive ability.
Serous Tumors Involving Extra-abdominal/Extra-pelvic Sites After the Diagnosis of an Ovarian Serous Neoplasm of Low Malignant Potential

The involvement of extra-abdominal/extra-pelvic sites by serous tumors after the diagnosis of an ovarian serous neoplasm of low malignant potential is extremely rare. In this study we present the clinicopathologic features of 12 such cases seen at our institution during a period of 19 years (1980–1999). The patients' age ranged from 19 to 50 years (mean 33 years). By FIGO staging the original ovarian tumors were distributed as follows: stage I, 4; stage II, 2; stage III, 5; unknown stage, 1. All patients were treated surgically. Ten patients also received adjuvant therapy (radiotherapy, 2; chemotherapy and radiotherapy, 4; chemotherapy, 3; intraperitoneal 32 P, 1). The interval between the diagnosis of the ovarian neoplasm and the subsequent tumor involving an extra-abdominal/extra-pelvic site ranged from 4 to 240 months (mean 124 months). Sites of extra-abdominal/extra-pelvic involvement and the number of cases were as follows: left neck lymph nodes (LNs), 4; left and right neck LNs, 1; pleura, 2; lung, 1; mediastinum, 1; chest wall, 1; axillary and chest LNs, 1; and vertebral body, 1. Eight patients were treated with chemotherapy, 1 with radiotherapy, 2 with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and 1 with surgery alone. Follow-up ranging from 5 months to 18 years was available in 11 patients. Six patients died of disease and 5 patients were alive with no evidence of disease. In this small series of cases, no definitive clinical or pathologic feature related to the occurrence of extra-abdominal/extra-pelvic serous tumors was found. Based on the LN involvement and the endosalpingiosis seen in some cases, these tumors might develop from circulating neoplastic serous cells or from areas of endosalpingiosis involving extra-abdominal/extra-pelvic sites.
Effect of Stabilization Exercise on Lumbar Multifidus Muscle Thickness in patients with non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Objectives: In a single blinded randomized controlled study, we investigated the effect of stabilization exercise on lumbar multifidus muscle thickness in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Low Back Pain is highly prevalent and results in considerable level of disability. Many causes have been associated with weakness or injury of the soft tissues in the lumbar area. Methods: A total of 122 individuals (44 males, 78 females) with non-specific chronic low back pain participated in this study. They were assigned to four different groups. Group 1 received stabilization exercise only. In addition to stabilization exercise, groups 2 and 3 received Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and massage therapy respectively and group 4 was the control group who received drug therapy only. Participants went through this protocol twice weekly for 8 consecutive weeks. Measurement of muscle thickness using Ultrasound scanning machine was done at baseline and end of 8th week. Analysis of variance was used to determine significant difference at p<0.05. Results: There was an increase in the Lumbar Multifidus muscle thickness at L4-L5 lumbar vertebra postintervention assessment with more increment in group 2 with a mean and standard deviation of 3.28 ± 0.47, within the three groups except the control. Discussion: The study established that stabilization exercise alone and in combination with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and massage is effective in increasing the thickness of Lumbar Multifidus muscle in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain .
Clinical and Immunologic Aspects of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in recipients after solid organ transplantation (SOT). Widespread and prolonged use of antiviral drugs has changed the natural course of CMV disease by delaying its onset and causing drug resistance. CMV induces a strong cellular immune response, even in immunosuppressed patients, and has developed strategies to evade this immune surveillance. This review summarizes challenges in managing CMV infection in transplant recipients and highlights current insights in the cellular immune response against CMV.
Lubrication of animal joints. I. The arthrotripsometer.

The arthrotripsometer is an apparatus for sensing and recording the instantaneous frictional properties and deformations of articular cartilage in vitro under conditions simulating human locomotion. The frictional force measurements would have been straightforward were it not that the center of rotation of the twenty-one canine ankles studied varied throughout each oscillation. Folding of the friction-force curves about the end points of oscillation served to determine the instantaneous center of rotation and coefficient of friction. The center of rotation was determined as the mid-point between the two curves in the central portion of travel and extrapolated to the trailing end of each oscillation. At the start of each half cycle of oscillation, there occurred an abrupt transition and then a slower buildup of the coefficient of friction. These end effects are attributed to both shearing and small compressive deformations (plowing) of the articular cartilage. The plowing component of sliding friction decreased with increasing speed. The coefficient of friction decreased with increasing load. The friction was much lower in joints than in metallic or rubber bearings. When immersed in physiological saline solution, the mean sliding coefficient of friction of the ankles was . 0124 (fifty-seven tests); whereas, bovine synovial fluid reduced this value by an additional 54 per cent to µ = . 0057 (nineteen tests). The recovery of articular cartilage from compressive deformation was much quicker when the joint was oscillated than when it was stationary.