Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BACTERIA AND HETEROTROPHIC NANOPLANKTON IN MARINE AND FRESH WATERS - AN INTER-ECOSYSTEM COMPARISON

Despite differences in the species compositions and absolute abundances of planktonic microorganisms in fresh- and saltwater, there are broad similarities in microbial food webs across systems. Relative abundances of bacteria and nanoplanktonic protozoa (HNAN, primarily heterotrophic flagellates) are similar in marine and freshwater environments, which suggests analogous trophic relationships. Ranges of microbe abundances in marine and fresh waters overlap, and seasonal changes in abundances within an ecosystem are often as great as differences in abundances between freshwater and marine systems of similar productivities. Densities of bacteria and heterotrophic nanoplankton, therefore, are strongly related to the degree of eutrophication, and not salt per se. Data from the literature is compiled to demonstrate a remarkably consistent numerical relationship (ca 1000 bacteria: 1 HNAN) between bacterioplankton and HNAN from the euphotic zones of a variety of marine and freshwater systems. Based on the results of a simple food web model involving bacterial growth, bacterial removal by HNAN, predation on HNAN, and the observed relationships between bacterial and HNAN abundances in natural ecosystems, it is possible to demonstrate that bottom-up control (food supply) is more important in regulating bacterial abundances in oligotrophic environments while top-down control (predation) is more important in eutrophic environments.
High-order small-time local controllability

In this paper we give a survey of the recent progress in the search for both necessary and sufficient conditions for small-time local controllability of affine control systems, and discuss in detail various high-order phenomena – which are some of the obstacles a more complete theory has to overcome – and exhibit the techniques which allow one to show (non-)controllability of individual such systems, thereby proving new conditions, both necessary and sufficient ones.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Efficacy of Maraviroc in Treatment-experienced Pediatric Patients Infected With CCR5-Tropic HIV-1

Background: Maraviroc is a CC-chemokine receptor 5 antagonist approved to treat adults infected with CC-chemokine receptor 5–tropic (R5) HIV-1. Study A4001031 was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of maraviroc in combination with optimized background therapy in treatment-experienced pediatric patients infected with R5 HIV-1 and support registration of maraviroc for pediatric use. Methods: This is an open-label, 2-stage, age-stratified, noncomparative multicenter study. One-hundred and three participants were enrolled into 4 age/formulation cohorts and dosed twice daily. Initial doses were determined by body surface area and optimized background therapy, based on drug interactions with maraviroc in adults. Dose adjustment and pharmacokinetic reevaluation occurred if the average concentrations (Cavg) at Week 2 were <100 ng/mL (Stage 1—dose finding). Results: Data from the Week 48 analysis demonstrated that 49/50 Stage 1 participants rolling over into Stage 2 (safety and efficacy) achieved Cavg ≥100 ng/mL. Doses were identified that achieved similar concentration ranges to those seen in adults. The majority (90/103) received optimized background therapy containing potent cytochrome P450 3A inhibitors. Maraviroc was well tolerated and the safety and efficacy were comparable to those of adults. All cohorts had a mean decrease from baseline in HIV-1 RNA of >1 log10. Increases from baseline in the median CD4+ cell count and percentage were seen for all age groups. Conclusions: The maraviroc dosing strategy resulted in participants achieving the target Cavg, with exposure ranges similar to those observed in adults on approved doses. The safety and efficacy of maraviroc in this pediatric population were comparable to those seen in adults.
New human-specific brain landmark: The depth asymmetry of superior temporal sulcus

Significance In the human brain, from early in development through to adulthood, the superior temporal sulcus is deeper in the right than the left cerebral hemisphere in the area ventral of Heschl’s gyrus. Irrespective of gender, handedness, and language lateralization, and present in several pathologies, this asymmetry is widely shared among the human population. Its appearance early in life suggests strong genetic control over this part of the brain. In contrast, the asymmetry is barely visible in chimpanzees. Thus this asymmetry probably is a key locus to look for variations in gene expression among the primate lineage that have favored the evolution of crucial cognitive abilities sustained by this sulcus in our species, namely communication and social cognition. Identifying potentially unique features of the human cerebral cortex is a first step to understanding how evolution has shaped the brain in our species. By analyzing MR images obtained from 177 humans and 73 chimpanzees, we observed a human-specific asymmetry in the superior temporal sulcus at the heart of the communication regions and which we have named the “superior temporal asymmetrical pit” (STAP). This 45-mm-long segment ventral to Heschl’s gyrus is deeper in the right hemisphere than in the left in 95% of typical human subjects, from infanthood till adulthood, and is present, irrespective of handedness, language lateralization, and sex although it is greater in males than in females. The STAP also is seen in several groups of atypical subjects including persons with situs inversus, autistic spectrum disorder, Turner syndrome, and corpus callosum agenesis. It is explained in part by the larger number of sulcal interruptions in the left than in the right hemisphere. Its early presence in the infants of this study as well as in fetuses and premature infants suggests a strong genetic influence. Because this asymmetry is barely visible in chimpanzees, we recommend the STAP region during midgestation as an important phenotype to investigate asymmetrical variations of gene expression among the primate lineage. This genetic target may provide important insights regarding the evolution of the crucial cognitive abilities sustained by this sulcus in our species, namely communication and social cognition.
Influence on Willingness of Virtual Community's Knowledge Sharing: Based on Social Capital Theory and Habitual Domain

Despite the fact that Knowledge Sharing (KS) is very important, we found only little discussion about the reasons why people have the willingness to share knowledge at such platform even though there is no immediate benefit to the persons who contribute knowledge in it. The aim of this study is to develop an integrative understanding of the factors that support or inhibit individuals’ knowledge sharing intentions in virtual communities and to find whether habit would generate people’s willingness to be involved. We apply Social Capital Theory (SCT), and we also add two dimensions for discussion: member incentive and habitual domain (HD). This research assembles the questionnaire from individuals who have experienced knowledge sharing in virtual communities, and applies survey and Structural Equation Model (SEM) to analyze the results from the questionnaires. Finally, results confirm that individuals are willing to share knowledge in virtual communities: (1) if they consider reciprocity, centrality, and have longer tenure in their field, and enjoy helping. (2) if they have the habit of sharing knowledge. This study is useful for the developers of virtual communities to insight into knowledge sharing in cyberspace. Keywords—Habitual Domains, Knowledge Sharing, Social Capital Theory, Virtual Community.
Sequential induction of three recombination directionality factors directs assembly of tripartite integrative and conjugative elements

Tripartite integrative and conjugative elements (ICE3) are a novel form of ICE that exist as three separate DNA regions integrated within the genomes of Mesorhizobium spp. Prior to conjugative transfer the three ICE3 regions of M. ciceri WSM1271 ICEMcSym1271 combine and excise to form a single circular element. This assembly requires three coordinated recombination events involving three site-specific recombinases IntS, IntG and IntM. Here, we demonstrate that three excisionases–or recombination directionality factors—RdfS, RdfG and RdfM are required for ICE3 excision. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that expression of ICE3 transfer and conjugation genes was induced by quorum sensing. Quorum sensing activated expression of rdfS, and in turn RdfS stimulated transcription of both rdfG and rdfM. Therefore, RdfS acts as a “master controller” of ICE3 assembly and excision. The dependence of all three excisive reactions on RdfS ensures that ICE3 excision occurs via a stepwise sequence of recombination events that avoids splitting the chromosome into a non-viable configuration. These discoveries expose a surprisingly simple control system guiding molecular assembly of these novel and complex mobile genetic elements and highlight the diverse and critical functions of excisionase proteins in control of horizontal gene transfer.
Endogenous modulators in the regulation of ion transporting enzymes: structure, function, interactions, recent advancements and future perspectives

A prerequisite for life is the ability to uphold electro-chemical imbalance across biomembranes. Ion trans- porting enzymes, known as specific pumps, are re-sponsible for the transport of various ions across cell membranes to sustain the same. In all eukaryotes, the plasma membrane potential and secondary transport systems are maintained by the activity of P-type ion transporting enzymes, commonly known as ATPase membrane pumps. Malfunction of pumps leads to various cell disorders and subsequently diseases like cardiac problems, renal malfunctionings, diabetes, cataract, even cancer. Activities/functions of these pumps are regulated either by exogenous agents or by endogenous substances like proteins, peptides, hormones, etc., which are collectively known as mo- dulators. Some of these endogenous modulators may be useful for developing drugs depending on the na-ture of regulation. For more than last two decades, researchers across the globe are exploring the me- chanism of action of different endogenous modulators on these ion transporting enzymes with the aim of developing target-specific drugs. In this review, we have discussed recent advances in our understanding of ATPase pumps, e.g., Ca2+-, Na+, K+-, Ca2+, Mg2+-, H+, K+-ATPases, with the emphasis on their functional regulation by a number of endogenous modulators, and the implications of development of some of these modulators as potential drugs.
Surface enhanced Raman scattering with gold nanoparticles: effect of particle shape

The dependence of the Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) by gold nanoparticles on their shape is examined using the organic dye, rhodamine 6G (R6G) as probe molecule. SERS has been explored extensively for applications in sensing and imaging, but the design and optimisation of efficient substrates is still challenging. In order to understand and optimise the SERS process in nanoparticles, gold nanospheres and their aggregates, nanotriangles, and nanostars of similar dimensions were synthesised and characterised according to their average size, zeta potential and UV/visible absorption. SERS from R6G was negligible for unaggregated nanospheres at 532 nm, close to the maximum of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at 560 nm. Upon aggregation of the nanospheres, the SPR shifts to ∼660 nm, attributable to local surface plasmon “hotspots” between the spheres, and the SERS signal of R6G is significantly increased, at 785 nm. In monodisperse gold nanotriangles, the SPR is located at ∼800 nm, and significant SERS of R6G is observed using 785 nm as source, as is the case for gold nanostars, which exhibit a double SPR with maxima at ∼600 nm and ∼785 nm, attributable to the core sphere and vertices of the structures, respectively. In suspensions of equal nanoparticle and dye concentration, the SERS effect increases as nanospheres < nanosphere aggregates < nanotriangles < nanostars, clearly indicating that control over the number of local field hotspots can optimise the SERS efficiency. Notably, it is demonstrated that the SERS intensity per nanoparticle scales with the magnitude of the SPR absorbance at the excitation wavelength (785 nm), providing a clear guide to optimisation of the process experimentally.
Estimation of Soil-Water Characteristic Curves in Multiple-Cycles Using Membrane and TDR System

The objective of this study is to estimate multiple-cycles of the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) using an innovative volumetric pressure plate extractor (VPPE), which is incorporated with a membrane and time domain reflectometry (TDR). The pressure cell includes the membrane to reduce the experimental time and the TDR probe to automatically estimate the volumetric water content. For the estimation of SWCC using the VPPE system, four specimens with different grain size and void ratio are prepared. The volumetric water contents of the specimens according to the matric suction are measured by the burette system and are estimated in the TDR system during five cycles of SWCC tests. The volumetric water contents estimated by the TDR system are almost identical to those determined by the burette system. The experimental time significantly decreases with the new VPPE. The hysteresis in the SWCC is largest in the first cycle and is nearly identical after 1.5 cycles. As the initial void ratio decreases, the air entry value increases. This study suggests that the new VPPE may effectively estimate multiple-cycles of the SWCC of unsaturated soils.
Simulation of phytoplankton distribution and variation in the Bering-Chukchi Sea using a 3-D physical-biological model

A three-dimensional physical-biological model has been used to simulate seasonal phytoplankton variations in the Bering and Chukchi Seas with a focus on understanding the physical and biogeochemical mechanisms involved in the formation of the Bering Sea Green Belt (GB) and the Subsurface Chlorophyll Maxima (SCM). Model results suggest that the horizontal distribution of the GB is controlled by a combination of light, temperature, and nutrients. Model results indicated that the SCM, frequently seen below the thermocline, exists because of a rich supply of nutrients and sufficient light. The seasonal onset of phytoplankton blooms is controlled by different factors at different locations in the Bering-Chukchi Sea. In the off-shelf central region of the Bering Sea, phytoplankton blooms are regulated by available light. On the Bering Sea shelf, sea ice through its influence on light and temperature plays a key role in the formation of blooms, whereas in the Chukchi Sea, bloom formation is largely controlled by ambient seawater temperatures. A numerical experiment conducted as part of this study revealed that plankton sinking is important for simulating the vertical distribution of phytoplankton and the seasonal formation of the SCM. An additional numerical experiment revealed that sea ice algae account for 14.3–36.9% of total phytoplankton production during the melting season, and it cannot be ignored when evaluating primary productivity in the Arctic Ocean.
Effects of leisure-time and occupational physical activities on 20-year incidence of acute myocardial infarction: mediation and interaction.

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to disentangle the interplay between occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in affecting cardiovascular health by examining: (i) interactions between OPA and LTPA and their combined effect on 20-year incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and (ii) the effect of OPA on AMI that is mediated through LTPA. METHODS We analyzed data on 1891 men, aged 42-60 years at baseline, from the prospective Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. OPA was measured as relative aerobic strain (RAS), accounting for workers' cardiorespiratory fitness. Averaged 12-month LTPA and potential confounders were assessed by questionnaires. Analyses were stratified by the presence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) at baseline. RESULTS We found potential multiplicative, but not additive, interactions between OPA and LTPA among men with IHD. The multivariable Cox model, adjusted for age, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, psychosocial job factors, and participation in an unrelated drug trial, showed that high OPA positively predicted AMI at low LTPA levels for both men with and without IHD: hazard ratio (HR) 1.27 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.96-1.68] and HR 1.59 (95% CI 0.99-1.68), respectively. The combination of high OPA and low LTPA constituted the group associated with the highest risk for AMI, irrespective of IHD status. LTPA was not independently predictive of AMI and did not mediate the impact of OPA on AMI. CONCLUSIONS LTPA interacted with OPA on the multiplicative scale only. LTPA did not mediate the effect of OPA on AMI.
Effect of environmental conditions on juvenile recruitment of alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) in fresh water: a coastwide perspective

The abundance of alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) has declined throughout their range, and there are increasing concerns about their conservation status. Because of their diadromous life history, variability in rates of survival in fresh water can affect overall recruitment. The objective of our study was to assess how river temperature and flow influence young of the year (YOY) river herring recruitment in the Northeast US. Observations of adult and juvenile fish in five rivers were used to construct spawner–YOY recruits models; these rivers were chosen because of the length of the time series (>15 years) and the paired observations of spawners and juveniles. An environmentally explicit stock–recruitment model explained a substantial fraction (41% to 80%) of the variance in YOY abundance, depending on river system. Our approach allowed for a preliminary discussion of potential mechanisms, which need to be further substantiated by focused field and laboratory studies.
Identification of Lactobacillus strains at the species level using FTIR spectroscopy and artificial neural networks

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and artificial neural networks were used to identify bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus at the species level. A previously developed method for measuring FTIR spectra, and a strategy for their analysis provided the basis for selecting the FTIR spectra of the tested bacteria, and for creating a spectral library, as described elsewhere [Dziuba et al., 2007b]. In our previous study [Dziuba el al., 2007b] we demonstrated that the FTIR spectral characteristics of Lactobacillus strains based exclusively on the differentiation index D, calculated from the Pearson's correlation coefficient, and cluster analysis are not sufficient to describe the relationships between FTIR spectra and bacteria as molecular systems in a way that would permit their proper identification. Thus, research was launched in which the spectra collected in the above library were used for developing artificial neural networks. The practical value of these networks was verified based on the results of identification of 17 bacterial strains of known taxonomy as well as 7 strains isolated from dairy products and identified on the basis of their taxonomy and biochemical tests. The application of artificial neural networks, i.e. the most advanced chemometric method, to analysis of FTIR spectra enabled correct identification of 93% of bacterial strains of the genus Lactobacillus.
Developing and Trialling an Independent, Scalable and Repeatable IT-benchmarking Procedure for Healthcare Organisations

Summary Background: Continuous improvements of IT-performance in healthcare organisations require actionable performance indicators, regularly conducted, independent measurements and meaningful and scalable reference groups. Existing IT-benchmarking initiatives have focussed on the development of reliable and valid indicators, but less on the questions about how to implement an environment for conducting easily repeatable and scalable IT-benchmarks. Objectives: This study aims at developing and trialling a procedure that meets the afore-mentioned requirements. Methods: We chose a well established, regularly conducted (inter-) national IT-survey of healthcare organisations (IT-Report Health-care) as the environment and offered the participants of the 2011 survey (CIOs of hospitals) to enter a benchmark. The 61 structural and functional performance indicators cov -ered among others the implementation status and integration of IT-systems and functions, global user satisfaction and the resources of the IT-department. Healthcare organisations were grouped by size and ownership. The benchmark results were made available electronically and feedback on the use of these results was requested after several months. Results: Fifty-nine hospitals participated in the benchmarking. Reference groups consisted of up to 141 members depending on the number of beds (size) and the ownership (public vs. private). A total of 122 charts showing single indicator frequency views were sent to each participant. The evaluation showed that 94.1% of the CIOs who participated in the evaluation considered this benchmarking beneficial and reported that they would enter again. Based on the feedback of the participants we developed two additional views that provide a more consolidated picture. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that establishing an independent, easily repeatable and scalable IT-benchmarking procedure is possible and was deemed desirable. Based on these encouraging results a new benchmarking round which includes process indicators is currently conducted.
Automatic UAV Landing with Ground Target Maintained in the Field of View

In this paper, a key feature for UAV visual servoing in automatic landing is investigated: the possibility to add an output constraint to a given control law, namely that a ground target point be maintained inside the camera ﬁeld of view (FoV). This method has been recently developed, and the present study represents an application of this method, which can be applied to any nonlinear system. First, a control law for UAV automatic landing is proposed. Then, the output constraint method is presented. Later, the method is applied to the UAV landing case. Finally, simulation results conﬁrm the effectiveness of the approach. The approach thus solves a key element of any visual servoing problem: the possibility to maintain a given object inside the camera ﬁeld of view.