Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Listeria Species And Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles Of HIV / AIDS Patients In Lagos , Nigeria

Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species, as bacterial opportunistic infectious agents in HIV/AIDS patients, are rarely studied prospectively, particularly in developing nations of the world like Nigeria. Furthermore antibiotic susceptibility data of Listeria are scarce, and from the initial observation of Listeria as being generally antibiotic susceptible, its resistance to antibiotic agents has gradually evolved over the years. The incidence and antimicrobial resistance profile of Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species in HIV/AIDS patients in Lagos, Nigeria were therefore investigated. Fecal samples from 326 HIV/AIDS patients and 200 HIV sero-negative gastroenteritis patients (control) of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria, were screened for the presence of 6 different species of Listeria and the antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates were determined by the disc diffusion method of antibiotic susceptibility test. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of Listeria monocytogenes (8.9%) and Listeria species (23.3%) in HIV/AIDS patients compared with the incidence of (1%) and (5.5%) respectively in HIV sero-negative patients (control). This finding agrees with previous ones which have identified immune-suppressive status in HIV/AIDS patients as a risk factor of the disease, listeriosis. The antimicrobial resistance profile of the isolates revealed marked resistance to antibiotics tested in varying degrees. The implication of this in deciding the drug of choice for the treatment of the disease listeriosis, and also the status of Listeria monocytogenes as a vector candidate in HIV/AIDS vaccine research, in view of the emerging resistance of the organism to antibiotics, were discussed. [Akano, S. O; Deji-Agboola, A. M. and Oluwadun A. Listeria Species And Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles Of HIV/AIDS Patients In Lagos, Nigeria. N Y Sci J 2014;7(4):46-52]. (ISSN: 1554-0200). http://www.sciencepub. net/newyork. 9
Stability Study of Alkyl Monolayers Directly Attached to Si ( 111 ) Surface for Solar Cells Application

The effect of surface recombination of the Si can be reduced by the chemical passivation technique. Formation of 1-decene monolayer was directly attached on Si (111) surfaces by using mild thermal hydrosilylation (110 oC, 20 h) in the presence of Lewis acid catalyst which uses hydrogenated (Si-H) surfaces as the precursor. Characterization by XPS and water contact angle reveals that the alkyl monolayers are covalently bonded to silicon and show better stability after exposed to air. Kelvin probe measurements show that there is charge trapping and detrapping mechanism under illumination, even the samples was tested after 21 days. The surface traps and reversible filling of charges occurs in slow rate for the passivating layers on the
CORRELATION OF LOCALLY-BASED PERFORMANCE OF ASPHALTS WITH THEIR PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS. FINAL REPORT

This project was undertaken to study the relationships between the performance of locally available asphalts and their physicochemical properties under Iowa conditions with the ultimate objective of development of a locally and performance-based asphalt specification for durable pavements. Physical and physicochemical tests were performed on three sets of asphalt samples including: (a) twelve samples from local asphalt suppliers and their TFOT residues, (b) six core samples of known service records, and (c) a total of 79 asphalts from 10 pavement projects including original, lab aged and recovered asphalts from field mixes, as well as from lab aged mixes. Tests included standard rheological tests, HP-GPC and TMA. Some specific viscoelastic tests (at 5 deg C) were run on b samples and on some a samples. DSC and X-ray diffraction studies were performed on a and b samples. Furthermore, NMR techniques were applied to some a, b and c samples. Efforts were made to identify physicochemical properties which are correlated to physical properties known to affect field performance. The significant physicochemical parameters were used as a basis for an improved performance-based trial specification for Iowa to ensure more durable pavements.
Characterization of field infectious bursal disease viruses in Zambia: evidence of co-circulation of multiple genotypes with predominance of very virulent strains

ABSTRACT Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly contagious, immunosuppressive disease of chickens and causes substantial economic losses to the poultry industry globally. This study investigated the genetic characteristics and pathological lesions induced by IBD viruses (IBDVs) that were associated with 60 suspected outbreaks in chickens during 2015–2016 in Lusaka Province, Zambia. Nucleotide sequences of VP2 hypervariable region (VP2-HVR) (n = 38) and part of VP1 (n = 37) of Zambian IBDVs were phylogenetically analysed. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP2-HVR and VP1 revealed that most viruses (n = 31 of each genome segment) clustered with the very virulent (vv) strains. The rest of the viruses clustered with the classical strains, with two of the viruses being closely related to attenuated vaccine isolates. Two of the viruses that belonged to the vv genotype had a unique amino acid (aa) substitution Q324L whereas one virus had two unique changes, N280S and E300A in the VP2-HVR aa sequence. Although Zambian strains with a vv genotype possessed virulence marker aa within VP1 at 145T, 146D and 147N, two viruses showed unique substitutions, with one virus having 147T while the other had 147H. Pathologically, it was noted that only viruses with a vv genotype appeared to be associated with inducing pathological lesions in non-lymphoid organs (proventriculus and gizzard). Whilst documenting for the first time the presence of classical virulent IBDVs, this study demonstrates the involvement of multiple genotypes, with predominance of vvIBDVs in the epidemiology of IBD in Zambia.
Colour image dehazing using near-infrared fusion

This study proposes a colour image dehazing method using a near-infrared (NIR) image. Haze is a degradation in colour images caused by light scattering and is dependent on the wavelength of the light and the size of atmospheric particles. According to Rayleigh's law, an NIR image is less scattered than a red-green-blue (RGB) image, and in this study, it is observed that in a small patch of a haze-free image, the high-frequency (HF) components of the RGB and NIR images are similar to each other; in contrast, those in a small patch of a hazy image are different from each other. This study proposes a new dehazing method that fuses the HF components of the RGB and NIR images in a local hazy patch; the HF components in the patch are then used to generate the weight maps used to combine detail layers. The proposed method enhances the detail layer of a hazy RGB image by fusing the detail layers of the RGB and NIR images, while the base layer is restored using an existing single image dehazing method. Experimental results show that the proposed method is qualitatively better than existing methods.
Change in BMI Distribution over a 24‐Year Period and Associated Socioeconomic Gradients: A Quantile Regression Analysis

This study assessed the change in body mass index (BMI) distribution among 18‐ or 19‐year‐olds over 24 years. It also investigated parallel changes in the distribution of birth weight and in the association between birth weight and later risk of overweight and/or obesity. Parental educational variations in the trends and associations were explored.
The social marketing of safety behaviors: a quasi-randomized controlled trial of tractor retrofitting incentives.

OBJECTIVES We assessed the effect of social marketing incentives on dispositions toward retrofitting and retrofitting behavior among farmers whose tractors lacked rollover protective structures. METHODS From 2006 to 2007, we conducted a quasi-randomized controlled trial with 391 farm owners in New York and Pennsylvania surveyed before and after exposure to 1 of 3 tractor retrofitting incentive combinations. These combinations were offered in 3 trial regions; region 1 received rebates; region 2 received rebates, messages, and promotion and was considered the social marketing region; and region 3 received messages and promotion. A fourth region served as a control. RESULTS The social marketing region generated the greatest increases in readiness to retrofit, intentions to retrofit, and message recall. In addition, postintervention stage of change, intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control levels were higher among farmers who had retrofitted tractors. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that a social marketing approach (financial incentives, tailored messages, and promotion) had the greatest influence on message recall, readiness to retrofit tractors, and intentions to retrofit tractors and that behavioral measures were fairly good predictors of tractor retrofitting behaviors.
Quorum Sensing Inhibiting Activity of Streptomyces coelicoflavus Isolated from Soil

Quorum sensing (QS) systems communicate bacterial population and stimulate microbial pathogenesis through signaling molecules. Inhibition of QS signals potentially suppresses microbial infections. Antimicrobial properties of Streptomyces have been extensively studied, however, less is known about quorum sensing inhibitory (QSI) activities of Streptomyces. This study explored the QSI potential of Streptomyces isolated from soil. Sixty-five bacterial isolates were purified from soil samples with morphological characteristics of Streptomyces. The three isolates: S6, S12, and S17, exhibited QSI effect by screening with the reporter, Chromobacterium violaceum. Isolate S17 was identified as Streptomyces coelicoflavus by sequencing of the hypervariable regions (V1–V6) of 16S rRNA and was assigned gene bank number KJ855087. The QSI effect of the cell-free supernatant of isolate S17 was not abolished by proteinase K indicating the non-enzymatic activity of QSI components of S17. Three major compounds were isolated and identified, using spectroscopic techniques (1D, 2D NMR, and Mass spectrometry), as behenic acid (docosanoic acid), borrelidin, and 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid. 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid inhibited QS and related virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 including; elastase, protease, and pyocyanin without affecting Pseudomonas viability. At the molecular level, 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid suppressed the expression of QS genes (lasI, lasR, lasA, lasB, rhlI, rhlR, pqsA, and pqsR). Moreover, QSI activity of S17 was assessed under different growth conditions and ISP2 medium supplemented with glucose 0.4% w/v and adjusted at pH 7, showed the highest QSI action. In conclusion, 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid, one of the major metabolites of Streptomyces isolate S17, inhibited QS and virulence determinants of P. aeruginosa PAO1. The findings of the study open the scope to exploit the in vivo efficacy of this active molecule as anti-pathogenic and anti-virulence of P. aeruginosa.
Branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms in a retrospective series of 190 patients

A consensus conference has recommended close observation of branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD‐IPMNs) smaller than 30 mm, without symptoms or mural nodules. This study investigated whether these recommendations could be validated in a single‐centre experience of BD‐IPMNs.
An excitatory GABA loop operating in vivo

While it has been proposed that the conventional inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA can be excitatory in the mammalian brain, much remains to be learned concerning the circumstances and the cellular mechanisms governing potential excitatory GABA action. Using a combination of optogenetics and two-photon calcium imaging in vivo, we find that activation of chloride-permeable GABAA receptors in parallel fibers (PFs) of the cerebellar molecular layer of adult mice causes parallel fiber excitation. Stimulation of PFs at submaximal stimulus intensities leads to GABA release from molecular layer interneurons (MLIs), thus creating a positive feedback loop that enhances excitation near the center of an activated PF bundle. Our results imply that elevated chloride concentration can occur in specific intracellular compartments of mature mammalian neurons and suggest an excitatory role for GABAA receptors in the cerebellar cortex of adult mice.
Migration and Dispersal of New Zealand Gannets

SummaryA total of 3,999 Gannet chicks was banded at Plateau station, Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay, and Horuhoru station, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, between 1951 and 1957. Up to March 31, 1957, recoveries totalling 207 were made. These recoveries include 26 chicks which had not left the gannetry, 146 birds recovered outside the gannetry, and 35 live sub-adult birds caught on their return to Plateau gannetry.The sources of recoveries and the conditions of birds recovered are described. The percentage of recovery for the whole period was 3·1 per cent (3·3 per cent from Plateau and 2·3 per cent from Horuhoru). The distribution of recoveries throughout the year shows two periods of increased mortality; one affecting first year birds within the first few months of their independent life and associated with the crossing of the Tasman Sea; another peak occurring in late spring and summer and comprising 1 to 2 years-old birds.It was found that full-fledged chicks leave the gannetry at the age of 15½ weeks. The ini.
The rocky road to prosocial behavior at work: The role of positivity and organizational socialization in preventing interpersonal strain

Among relevant consequences of organizational socialization, a key factor is the promotion of organizational citizenship behaviors toward individuals (i.e. OCBI). However, the relation between organizational socialization and OCBI has received little attention. This study tests the validity of a moderated mediation model in which we examine the mediating effect of a decreased interpersonal strain on the relationship between organizational socialization and OCBI, and the moderation role of a positive personal resource in reducing interpersonal strain when an unsuccessful socialization subsists. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 765 new recruits of the Guardia di Finanza–a military Police Force reporting to the Italian Minister of Economy. Findings confirm our hypothesis that interpersonal strain mediates the relationship between organizational socialization and OCBI. The index of moderated mediation results significant, showing that this effect exists at different levels of positivity. Theoretical and practical implications for promoting pro-organizational behaviors are discussed.
Efficient self-calibration of frequency-dependent I/Q-imbalance in direct-conversion OFDM transceivers

For communication systems with direct-conversion architecture, I/Q-imbalance can be a crucial performance limiting effect. Furthermore, as the datarates of the wireless communication systems increase, larger transmission bandwidths (BW) and high-order modulated waveforms are applied. As a result, the systems are sensitive to frequency dependent I/Q-imbalance and the corresponding calibration is more challenging. Fortunately, efficient signal equalization is possible with OFDM, which is a widespread technique for broadband high datarate systems. Moreover, OFDM transceivers may have symmetrical transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) structures, typically in ad-hoc networks like WLAN. In this case, efficient and separate I/Q-imbalance parameter estimation in the Tx and the Rx is possible. Based on the considerations above, a new pilot-based self-calibration scheme is presented in this paper, which requires relatively low hardware overhead and signal processing complexity. Its effectiveness was verified by numerical simulations.
Gas-phase fragmentation of 1-adamantylbisimidazolium salts and their complexes with cucurbit[7]uril studied using selectively 2 H-labeled guest molecules.

RATIONALE Bisimidazolium salts (BIMs) represent an interesting family of ditopic ligands that are used in the construction of supramolecular systems with hosts based on cyclodextrins or cucurbit[n]urils. Understanding the fragmentation mechanism of individual BIMs and how this mechanism changes after complexation with cucurbit[n]urils can bring new insight into the intrinsic host-guest relationship, thereby allowing utilization of mass spectrometry to describe binding behavior. METHODS Selectively 2 H-labeled bisimidazolium salts were prepared and fully characterized by spectroscopic methods. All MSn experiments were conducted in the positive-ion mode using an electrospray ionization (ESI) ion-trap mass spectrometer. The structures of the proposed fragments were supported by theoretical optimizations performed at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of density functional theory (DFT) using the Spartan'14 program. RESULTS Using selectively deuterium-labeled isotopologues of two adamantylated bisimidazolium salts and DFT calculations, we describe the fragmentation pathways of bisimidazolium salts. The release of two important adamantane moieties, [C11 H17 ]+ and C11 H16 , from M2+ was determined, although the former was strongly preferred. In contrast, when M2+ was complexed with CB7, the neutral loss of the C11 H16 fragment was favored. The fragmentation pattern strongly depended on the steric hindrance of the M2+ guest against slippage of the CB7 unit over the guest molecular axle. CONCLUSIONS The structures of two adamantane-based fragments and the mechanisms of their formation were rationalized. Two distinct geometric arrangements for the adamantane cage inside the CB7 cavity were hypothesized to explain the differences in the fragmentation patterns for guests with minimal, moderate, and high steric hindrance. This finding brings new insight into the understanding of intrinsic behavior of the adamantane-based guests inside the CB7 cavity.
Traumatic dental injuries—Prevalence and severity among 16‐year‐old pupils in western Norway

BACKGROUND/AIMS Published data on prevalence and severity of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in Norway are limited. The aims of this study were to assess prevalence, distribution and severity of TDI in the permanent dentition of 16-year-old pupils in western Norway. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective longitudinal study, including historical clinical data, was conducted among 16-year-old high school pupils in the County of Hordaland, western Norway. First-grade pupils attending high school, born in 1997, were invited to participate (n = 5184). Consent was given to access their dental records in the Public Dental Health Service in Hordaland, where information regarding TDI (diagnosis and treatment) and radiographs was interpreted. Only TDIs to anterior teeth were recorded (canine to canine in the maxilla and mandible) and classified using a modified version of the WHO's classification. RESULTS A total of 2055 participants were included (response rate 40%). TDI prevalence was 16.4% (338 pupils), with the maxillary central incisors most affected (64.7%). A total of 637 teeth were involved. Boys were more prone to injury than girls (P < 0.05). Severity of TDI was divided into 3 groups (mild, moderate and severe), with the following distribution: 563 mild (88.4%), 39 moderate (6.1%) and 35 severe (5.5%). Peak age for TDI was 8-10 years (50.9%). CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of TDI among Norwegian adolescents was moderate. Milder injuries were more frequent than moderate and severe injuries. Age and gender were risk factors with regard to TDI. Seasonal influence on the occurrence of TDI was not statistically significant.
Buckling and Pull-In Instability of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Probes Near Graphite Sheets Using Power Series and Padé Approximants

In this paper, integration of the power series method and the Pade approximants (PS-Pade) is utilized to study buckling and pull-in instability of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) cantilevers in the vicinity of graphite sheets due to intermolecular forces. A hybrid nano-scale continuum model based on the Lennard–Jones potential is used to simulate the Van der Waals forces and evaluate the buckling of MWCNT. A closed form power series, based on the symbolic power series polynomials, is utilized to obtain a series solution for the governing boundary value differential equation of the nanotube. In order to handle the boundary conditions and increasing the accuracy of solution, the symbolic power series are transformed into Pade approximants. The governing differential equation is also solved numerically using the finite difference method. The PS-Pade results are compared with the numerical results and other methods reported in literature. The results obtained by using the PS-Pade approach correspond very well with the numerical results. Furthermore, the detachment length and the minimum gap between MWCNT and the graphite plane as important parameters of engineering designs are computed. It is found that for a fixed gap, the detachment length of a MWCNT can be increased with the increase of the radius, wall thickness and the effective Young modulus of the MWCNT.
The Functions of Serine 687 Phosphorylation of Human DNA Polymerase η in UV Damage Tolerance*

DNA polymerase η (polη) is a Y-family translesion synthesis polymerase that plays a key role in the cellular tolerance toward UV irradiation-induced DNA damage. Here, we identified, for the first time, the phosphorylation of serine 687 (Ser687), which is located in the highly conserved nuclear localization signal (NLS) region of human polη and is mediated by cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). We also showed that this phosphorylation is stimulated in human cells upon UV light exposure and results in diminished interaction of polη with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the phosphorylation of Ser687 in polη confers cellular protection from UV irradiation and increases the efficiency in replication across a site-specifically incorporated cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer in human cells. Based on these results, we proposed a mechanistic model where Ser687 phosphorylation functions in the reverse polymerase switching step of translesion synthesis: The phosphorylation brings negative charges to the NLS of polη, which facilitates its departure from PCNA, thereby resetting the replication fork for highly accurate and processive DNA replication. Thus, our study, together with previous findings, supported that the posttranslational modifications of NLS of polη played a dual role in polymerase switching, where Lys682 deubiquitination promotes the recruitment of polη to PCNA immediately prior to lesion bypass and Ser687 phosphorylation stimulates its departure from the replication fork immediately after lesion bypass.