Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-Level Heterologous Expression and Secretion in Rapidly Growing Nonpathogenic Mycobacteria of Four Major Mycobacterium tuberculosis Extracellular Proteins Considered To Be Leading Vaccine Candidates and Drug Targets

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the primary etiologic agent of tuberculosis, is the world's leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, and new vaccines and drugs to combat it are urgently needed. The major extracellular proteins of M. tuberculosis, which are released into its phagosome in macrophages, its host cells in humans, are leading candidates for a vaccine and prime targets for new drugs. However, the development of these biologicals has been hampered by the unavailability of large quantities of recombinant extracellular proteins identical to their native counterparts. In this report, we describe the heterologous expression and secretion of four major M. tuberculosis extracellular proteins (the 30-, 32, 16-, and 23.5-kDa proteins--the first, second, third, and eighth most abundant, respectively) in rapidly growing, nonpathogenic mycobacterial species. Multiple attempts to obtain secretion of the proteins by using Escherichia coli- and Bacillus subtilis-based expression systems were unsuccessful, suggesting that high-level expression and secretion of these Mycobacterium-specific proteins require a mycobacterial host. All four recombinant proteins were stably expressed from the cloned genes' own promoters at yields that were 5- to 10-fold higher than those observed for the native proteins. The four proteins were purified to apparent homogeneity from culture filtrates by ammonium sulfate precipitation and ion-exchange and molecular sieve chromatography. The recombinant proteins were indistinguishable from their native counterparts by multiple criteria. First, N-terminal amino acid sequence determination demonstrated that processing of the leader peptides was highly accurate. Second, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed identical migration patterns. Third, mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that differences in mass were < or = 5 Da. A homolog of the M. tuberculosis 30-kDa protein was identified in M. smegmatis by means of DNA analyses and immunoscreening. This is the first time that secretion of recombinant M. tuberculosis extracellular proteins in their native form has been achieved. This study opens the door to mass production of correctly processed and secreted extracellular proteins of M. tuberculosis in a heterologous host and allows ready evaluation of their biologic and immunologic function.
Quadcopter based technology for an emergency healthcare

Several thousands of people die day to day due to the time lag taken by the Ambulance service to reach the accident spot. This happens due to traffic jam, congestion in the city. A prototype of an emergency flying air ambulance or an ambulance drone which can reach the fatal cases faster than a normal ambulance which saves time is designed and it also measures the different health parameters using its measuring devices. When a phone call is given to the emergency number, the emergency operator tracks the location and navigate using global positioning system. The ambulance drone enters the scene in the instant time and real time commands are provided by the operator. The drone consist of a mini patient monitoring system which comprises of variant sensors which can be conveniently attached to the victim body and the important parameters is measured and it is immediately sent to the ambulance as well as to the nearby hospital using global positioning system and ZIGBEE. The particular result helps the paramedics as well as the doctors to evaluate the situation quicker with better diagnostic and therapeutic choices. Therefore, the goal is to develop an all purpose medical toolkit that can be flawn to any crisis situation and it is used to give the actual time situation results to the ambulance and the hospital team so that they will be ready to serve to the needs of the patients. This prototype helps to support the routine ambulance rather than replacing the normal ambulance
An artificial bee colony algorithm for the cardinality-constrained portfolio optimization problems

When conventional methods have become insufficient to handle computationally complicated problems, nature-inspired optimization methods were proposed and widely accepted in recent years. In this work, we investigate the trade-off between risk and return in a cardinality-constrained portfolio optimization problem and applied an artificial bee colony (ABC) method as the solution approach. It would be the first attempt of ABC on this application. The proposed ABC algorithm employs a hybrid encoding that mixes integer and real variables to fulfill the characteristic of the portfolio optimization problem. The generation of solutions involves three groups of bees: employed bees, onlooker and scouts that balance the effects of exploration and exploitation. The study tests the performance of the proposed ABC algorithm on four global stock market indexes provided by the OR-Library. Computational results of ABC are compared with simulated annealing (SA), tabu search (TS), and variable neighborhood search (VNS) methods in the literature. Evidences indicate that ABC performs better in terms of diversity, convergence, and effectiveness among all three test data sets; therefore, ABC demonstrates its potential on portfolio optimization.
Influence of Vertical Soft Tissue Thickness on Crestal Bone Changes Around Implants with Platform Switching: A Comparative Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND Numerous studies have shown the superiority of platform-switched implants in preserving crestal bone as compared with platform-matched implants. However, the influence of initial soft tissue thickness on development of crestal bone loss has not been addressed in previous studies; thus, further research is needed. PURPOSE To evaluate crestal bone levels around platform-switched implants placed in thin and thick mucosal tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty patients (38 male and 42 female, mean age 44 ± 3.34 years) received 80 bone-level implants of 4.1 mm in diameter with platform switching (Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland). Tissue thickness was measured, and cases were distributed to Group 1, with thin soft tissue (2 mm or less, n = 40), and Group 2, with thick tissue (more than 2 mm, n = 40). Implants were placed with a one-stage approach and restored with screw-retained restorations. Radiographic examination was performed after implant placement, 2 months after healing, after restoration, and at 1-year follow-up post-reconstruction. Crestal bone loss was calculated. The Mann-Whitney U-test was applied, and significance was set to p ≤ . 05. RESULTS Implants in Group 1 (thin tissue) showed 0.79 mm of bone loss after 2 months. After 1-year follow-up, bone loss was 1.17 mm. Implants in Group 2 (thick tissue) showed bone loss of 0.17 mm after 2 months of implant placement and 0.21 mm after 1-year follow-up. The differences between groups were significant (p < .001) at both time points. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that platform switching does not prevent crestal bone loss if, at the time of implant placement, mucosal tissue is thin. In thick soft tissue, use of platform-switched implants maintained crestal bone level with minimal remodeling.
Critical residues of Semliki Forest virus RNA capping enzyme involved in methyltransferase and guanylyltransferase-like activities

The Semliki Forest virus (SFV) replicase protein nsP1 has methyltransferase (MT) and guanylyltransferase-like (GT) activities, which are involved in the capping of viral mRNAs. MT catalyzes the transfer of the methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) to position 7 of GTP, and this reaction is followed by GT-catalyzed formation of the covalent complex m7GMP-nsP1. These reactions are virus specific and thus potential targets for inhibitors of virus replication. We have mutated residues of SFV nsP1, which are conserved in related proteins of the large alphavirus-like superfamily. Mutations of D64, D90, R93, C135, C142, and Y249 to alanine destroyed or greatly reduced the MT activity of nsP1. All MT-negative mutants lost also the GT activity, confirming that methylation of GTP is an essential prerequisite for the synthesis of the covalent guanylate complex. Mutation of H38 prevented the GT reaction without destroying MT activity. Conservation of residues essential for both reactions in the alphavirus-like superfamily implies that they use a capping mechanism similar to that for the alphaviruses. Residues D64 and D90 were necessary for AdoMet binding, as measured by UV cross-linking. Secondary structure predictions of nsP1 and other proteins of the superfamily place these residues in positions corresponding to AdoMet-binding sites of cellular methyltransferases, suggesting that they all may be structurally related.
Regulating Global Externalities

The question in which we are interested is how a market inhabited by multiple agents, about whom we are differentially uncertain, and who trade goods the use of which imposes a negative effect on others, is to be ideally regulated. We show that a priori asymmetric uncertainty, when combined with a posteriori observed outcomes, is a rich source of information that can be used to reduce aggregate uncertainty. The observation implies that whereas asymmetric information usually entails a cost on welfare, it can help achieve greater efficiency in regulation.
Design and Implementation of a File Spanning among Multiple OSDs in OASIS File System

According to the development of the object based storage device (OSD) and networking technologies, some OSD based clustering file systems, for example, the ActiveScale storage cluster of the Panasas Corp. and the Lustre file system of the Cluster File System Corp., are emerging in the marketplace. Typically, these systems connect multiple OSDs on the fast network. When a large number of OSDs are connected as a linear style configuration, a client machine stores a file in its local memory first and then flushes it into an OSD. However, the file stored temporarily in the client's memory may not be completely stored in the selected OSD because the size of the file can be bigger than that of the OSD's available space. In this paper, we propose a detailed algorithm and system structure for solving this problem occurring in the cluster file system using OSDs.
Acquisition of a Face Database for Video Surveillance Research

In this paper we describe a new database of human faces collected using commercially available video surveillance system, which included 6 surveillance cameras, professional video surveillance recording device, professional photographer's camera, and DVCAM digital camera. Our new face database consists of the following: 2990 face images, 130 subjects (130 different persons), 23 images per each subject (15 images taken with 5 surveillance cameras at three different distances; 6 images taken with 2 night-vision surveillance cameras at these three distances: 2 mug shot images taken with professional photographer's camera and night-vision camera). Besides, for each subject we have uncompressed face images at 9 different poses (from -90 degrees to +90 degrees, with the step of 22.5 degrees), and corresponding video sequence with subject's head moving from left to right and from bottom to top. Our new face database, according to our knowledge, is the first video surveillance face database. This database can be successfully used in different face recognition research areas
Chitosan–Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone Hydrogels as Candidate for Islet Immunoisolation: In Vitro Biocompatibility Evaluation

The success of immunoisolation devices for islet transplantation depends on the nature of semipermeable membranes, which permit the crossover of micronutrients, glucose, and insulin and prevent the entry of immunocytes and other transplant rejection mechanisms. In the present study we examined the properties of chitosan–polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) hydrogels for possible application as an immunoisolation device. Hydrogels with two different proportions of chitosan–PVP (M1 1:1 and M2 2:1, v/v) were synthesized by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. Hydrogels were characterized for their hydrophilic nature, protein adsorption, diffusion properties, cytotoxicity, and islet compatibility. Hydrogel membranes were found to be hydrophilic as determined by high octane contact angle value (M1: 142.9 ±0.46; M2: 143.6 + 0.49). Protein adsorption on the hydrogels was found to be low (0.0143 + 0.0027 mg for M1 and 0.0136 ± 0.0049 mg for M2) compared to tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) (0.0434 ± 0.001 mg) and pure chitosan (0.0214 ± 0.0025 mg) control. Hydrogel M1 was tested as a representative for diffusion studies. M1 allowed regulated transport of insulin and did not allow anti-insulin antibodies to pass through. In vitro biocompatibility of M1 and M2 was found to be excellent with no cytotoxic effects on the HeLa cells as determined by MTT and NR assay. Mouse islets cultured on the hydrogel membranes retained their integrity and intact morphology as assessed by image analysis study. Viability of islets cultured on hydrogels was comparable to that of controls (M1: 97%; M2: 90.4%) as assessed by trypan blue dye exclusion test. Islets retained their functionality when cultured on hydrogels, as judged by insulin secretion in response to glucose challenge (16.0 mM). Although in vivo experiments are awaited, the present study provides sufficient documentation to consider chitosan–PVP membranes as potential candidates for immunoisolation of islets.
Controlled Exposure to Diesel Exhaust Causes Increased Nitrite in Exhaled Breath Condensate Among Subjects With Asthma

Objective: To determine whether oxidative/nitrosative stress plays a role in the acute effects of diesel exhaust (DE) on subjects with asthma. Methods: In this crossover study, 16 subjects with mild to moderate asthma were exposed to clean filtered air or diluted DE (300 &mgr;g/m3 as PM2.5) for 1 hour with intermittent exercise. Results: Airway hyperreactivity increased 24 hours after exposure to DE compared with clean filtered air (PC20, 14.9 mg/mL vs 19.7 mg/mL; P = 0.012). Nitrite in exhaled breath condensate was elevated immediately after diesel exposure (P = 0.052) and remained elevated 4 and 24 hours after exposure. Conclusions: After exposure to DE, subjects with asthma demonstrated increased airway hyperreactivity and obstruction. Increased nitrite in exhaled breath condensate, in the absence of increased exhaled nitric oxide, suggests a noninflammatory oxidative stress mechanism by which DE affects the lung.
Ability to work and owner satisfaction following surgical repair of common calcanean tendon injuries in working dogs in New Zealand

Abstract AIM: To report the long-term outcome (return to work and owner satisfaction) following surgical treatment of common calcanean tendon (Achilles tendon) injuries in working dogs in New Zealand. METHODS: Ten New Zealand Huntaway or Heading dogs (working Collies) with complete or partial tears of the common calcanean tendon, were treated using locking-loop suturing and casting, with (7) or without (3), a calcaneo-tibial screw. All dogs were actively in work on sheep or cattle farms at the time of injury, and return to work was the desired outcome. Ability to work and owner satisfaction were investigated using a telephone questionnaire at a mean followup interval of 14.6 months. RESULTS: Overall, 7/10 dogs returned to full or substantial levels of work. Post-operative complications occurred in two dogs that did not return to full or substantial levels of work. Moderate persistent lameness (score 3 on a scale of 0–5) was present in 2/7 dogs that returned to full or substantial levels of work, equating to a 71% good-to-excellent functional outcome within this group. Seven owners felt the financial investment in opting for surgical repair was worthwhile. A screw and cast method of rigid immobilisation was thought to be superior to casting alone. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of common calcanean tendon injury in working dogs carries a good prognosis if an appropriate tenorrhaphy technique is used and rigid immobilisation is achieved for 6 weeks. Care must be taken to limit post-operative complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study justifies the use of surgical repair of such injuries in the working dog even when return to work is the only acceptable outcome.
Coronary constriction due to neuropeptide Y: alleviation with cyclooxygenase blockers.

Intra-arterial administration of neuropeptide Y (NPY), a peptide endogenous to sympathetic nerves, increases coronary vascular resistance by 30-40%. To test whether blockade of prostaglandin synthesis altered the severity of the NPY-induced coronary vasoconstriction, dogs (n = 25) were anesthetized and instrumented to record hemodynamic parameters. In control animals (n = 11) paired infusions of NPY (42 nmol/3 min) were given at 0 and 120 min. NPY produced similar increases in coronary resistance by 10 min, 31 +/- 7% (mean +/- SD) with the first dose vs. 32 +/- 12% with the second dose. The increases in resistance were due to an initial decrease in coronary flow (10 +/- 6%) followed by a prolonged increase in aortic pressure (15-20% over 20 min). Each infusion of NPY decreased heart rate (-10 +/- 7%) but did not alter left ventricular dP/dt. The effects of NPY lasted 40-60 min. In a separate group, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (COI), indomethacin (n = 6) or ibuprofen (n = 8), was given 1 h before the second dose of NPY. The increases in coronary resistance were blunted significantly after cyclooxygenase blockade from a predrug value of 36 +/- 13 to 19 +/- 12%. In these treated animals, the decrease (-12 +/- 6%) in coronary blood flow seen with the first dose of NPY was prevented (4 +/- 14%) during the second dose (P less than 0.05). Of the two drugs, ibuprofen appeared to restore coronary flow more than did indomethacin. Neither drug affected the base line or the NPY-elicited changes in aortic pressure, heart rate, dP/dt, or myocardial oxygen demands. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Concomitant psychotropic medication for youths.

OBJECTIVE This study reviewed the clinical research and practice literature relating to the prevalence and patterns of concomitant psychotropic medication given to youths with emotional and behavioral disorders. METHOD A MEDLINE search from 1996 through spring 2002, including a review of references from relevant published articles and reports, was undertaken to identify available information on concomitant psychotropic medication for youths. RESULTS The data supporting concomitant psychotropic medication for youths are almost exclusively based on case reports and small-scale, nonblind assessments. In the mid-1990s, over 20% of outpatient youths treated in community mental health centers and over 40% of youths treated in inpatient psychiatric facilities were given concomitant psychotropic medication. The rate has since increased. Psychiatrists more than primary care physicians prescribe concomitant psychotropic medication, and they show great variability in their prescribing habits. Youths with aggressive behavior, male gender, severe emotional illness, and disabling social maladjustment are most likely to receive concomitant psychotropic medication. CONCLUSIONS Substantive systematic evidence is needed to clarify this increasingly common, inadequately researched child psychopharmacologic practice.
Activity Profile and Between-Match Variation in Elite Male Field Hockey

Abstract Sunderland, CD and Edwards, PL. Activity profile and between-match variation in elite male field hockey. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 758–764, 2017—This study aimed to (a) provide a position-specific activity profile for elite male hockey players, (b) determine if the activity profile was altered by the introduction of the “self-pass” rule, and (c) provide information relating to match-to-match variability in elite male field hockey. The activity of 28 elite male field hockey players was analyzed over 2 seasons totaling 395 player-match analyses using Global Positioning Satellite technology. Total distance, high-speed running (>15.5 km·h−1), sprinting (>20 km·h−1), and mean speed were recorded. Players were categorized into 4 positions: fullback (FB), halfback (HB), midfield (M), and forward (F). Data were analyzed using a 2-way analysis of variance (season, position) and between-match coefficients of variation (CV). The time played differs with position (FB: 65.5 ± 5.3, HB: 49.5 ± 11.5, M: 45.9 ± 7.1, F: 39.5 ± 5.4 minutes; p < 0.0005) and thus affected the activity profile. Total distance covered was greater for fullbacks (FB: 8,001 ± 447, HB: 6,435 ± 1,399, M: 6,415 ± 908, F: 5,844 ± 762 m, p < 0.001), and mean speed and percentage time spent high-speed running and sprinting were greater for forwards than all other positions (HSR: FB: 6.8 ± 1.0, HB: 8.8 ± 1.3, M: 10.7 ± 1.2, F: 13.5 ± 1.8%, p < 0.001). The activity profile did not differ with the introduction of the self-pass. Match-to-match variability (CV) ranged from 5.0% to 22.0% for total and sprint distance, respectively. This is the first study to present an activity profile of elite men's field hockey and its associated variability and demonstrates that each position is unique, and therefore, training and recovery should be position specific.
Parenteral fish oil monotherapy in the management of patients with parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease.

OBJECTIVES To update knowledge on the management of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) and to review the clinical data on the use of parenteral fish oil for reversal of PNALD. DATA SOURCES A literature review was conducted by searching the MEDLINE database (May 1, 2009) using the keywords parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease, fish oil, omega-3, Omegaven, and lipid emulsion. STUDY SELECTION All articles reporting clinical cases with the use of parenteral fish oil for management of PNALD. DATA EXTRACTION Three reviewers independently analyzed the epidemiological, clinical, and treatment data of the articles. DATA SYNTHESIS Six case reports (10 patients) and 2 cohort studies (12 and 18 patients) were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS Fish oil-derived emulsions have been demonstrated to reverse preexisting PNALD and to prevent and treat essential fatty acid deficiency. Its ability to prevent PNALD is currently under investigation. Although the mechanism has yet to be fully understood, the advantages of fish oil-based lipid emulsions over soybean oil-based lipid emulsions seen to date suggest that fish oil-based emulsions would be better suited for use in long-term parenteral nutrition.