Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transmission of the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia mayonii in Relation to Duration of Attachment by Nymphal Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae)

Abstract The recently recognized Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia mayonii, has been detected in host-seeking Ixodes scapularis Say ticks and is associated with human disease in the Upper Midwest. Although experimentally shown to be vector competent, studies have been lacking to determine the duration of time from attachment of a single B. mayonii-infected I. scapularis nymph to transmission of spirochetes to a host. If B. mayonii spirochetes were found to be transmitted within the first 24 h after tick attachment, in contrast to Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes (>24 h), then current recommendations for tick checks and prompt tick removal as a way to prevent transmission of Lyme disease spirochetes would need to be amended. We therefore conducted a study to determine the probability of transmission of B. mayonii spirochetes from single infected nymphal I. scapularis ticks to susceptible experimental mouse hosts at three time points postattachment (24, 48, and 72 h) and for a complete feed (>72–96 h). No evidence of infection with or exposure to B. mayonii occurred in mice that were fed upon by a single infected nymph for 24 or 48 h. The probability of transmission by a single infected nymphal tick was 31% after 72 h of attachment and 57% for a complete feed. In addition, due to unintended simultaneous feeding upon some mice by two B. mayonii-infected nymphs, we recorded a single occasion in which feeding for 48 h by two infected nymphs resulted in transmission and viable infection in the mouse. We conclude that the duration of attachment of a single infected nymphal I. scapularis tick required for transmission of B. mayonii appears to be similar to that for B. burgdorferi: transmission is minimal for the first 24 h of attachment, rare up to 48 h, but then increases distinctly by 72 h postattachment.
Drilled Piers Used to Stabilize a Slope in Residual Clays

An unstable slope with a slip surface in residual clay was instrumented with slope inclinometer tubes and piezometers to assist in subsurface characterization and to locate the failure surface. Shear strengths in the residual clays were determined by torsional ring shear tests. Slope stability analyses indicate a slip surface that is generally consistent with surface observations and the instrumentation. Drilled piers socketed into shale bedrock were used to stabilize the slope. Pier displacements and loads for the structural design of the piers were estimated by a finite element analysis using a linear elastic beam-on-elastic-foundation model. The piers were installed in two parallel, staggered rows and inclinometers were installed in one pier and in the slope between piers. Post-construction slope movements and pier deflections were monitored. Numerical analysis was used to calculate the shear forces and moments that develop in the piers, and the results are compared to the predictions used in pier design. The shear forces and bending moments determined from the post-construction monitoring compare favorably with the predictions.
An introduction to the Rasch measurement model: an example using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

OBJECTIVES To demonstrate the use of Rasch analysis by assessing the appropriateness of utilizing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) total score (HADS-14) as a measure of psychological distress. DESIGN Cross-sectional, using Rasch analysis. METHODS The HADS was administered to 296 patients attending an out-patient musculoskeletal rehabilitation program. Rasch analysis was conducted using RUMM2020 software to assess the overall fit of the model, the response scale used, individual item fit, differential item functioning (DIF) and person separation. RESULTS Rasch analysis supported the viability of the HADS-14 as a measure of psychological distress. It showed good person separation, little disordering of the thresholds and no evidence of DIE One anxiety item (item 11) showed some misfit to the model. The residuals patterned into the two subscales (anxiety and depression), but the person estimate derived from these two subscales was not statistically different to that derived from all items taken together, supporting the assumption of unidimensionality. A cut-point of 12 on the HADS-14 identified all cases that were classified as both anxious and depressed on the original individual HADS subscales. CONCLUSIONS The results of Rasch analysis support the use of the HADS-14 as a global measure of psychological distress. The study demonstrates the usefulness of Rasch analysis in assessing the psychometric properties of a scale and suggests that further use of this technique to assess the HADS-14 in other clinical groups is warranted.
Macroeconomics with Financial Frictions: A Survey

This article surveys the macroeconomic implications of financial frictions. Financial frictions lead to persistence and when combined with illiquidity to non-linear amplification effects. Risk is endogenous and liquidity spirals cause financial instability. Increasing margins further restrict leverage and exacerbate downturns. A demand for liquid assets and a role for money emerges. The market outcome is generically not even constrained efficient and the issuance of government debt can lead to a Pareto improvement. While financial institutions can mitigate frictions, they introduce additional fragility and through their erratic money creation harm price stability.
Galantamine Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability Profiles Are Similar in Healthy Caucasian and Japanese Subjects

The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of galantamine in healthy Japanese and Caucasian subjects and assess the safety and tolerability of galantamine in both ethnic groups. Parallel groups of healthy Japanese (n = 13; 6 males and 7females) and Caucasian (n = 12; 6males and 6 females) subjects matched for weight and age received single oral doses of galantamine 4 mg, or galantamine 8 mg, or placebo in a double‐blind, three‐way crossover trial according to a randomized dosing schedule. Concentrations of galantamine and norgalantamine were determined in plasma and urine samples taken up to 48 and 24 hours after dosing, respectively. Safety and tolerability were monitored throughout the trial by recording adverse events, laboratoryr tests, and cardiovascular parameters. The mean plasma concentration‐time profiles of galantamine were very similar after single doses of galantamine (4 and 8 mg), and there was an approximate dose proportionality of galantamine pharmacokinetic parameters in both Caucasian and Japanese ethnic groups. The mean (± SD) pharmacokinetic parameters in the two ethnic groups did not show any clinically relevant differences. The ratios for the area under the plasma‐concentration curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0∞) in Japanese. Caucasian subjects with 4 and 8 mg doses were 103% (90% confidence interval [CI] = 92–116) and 107% (90% CI = 94–121), respectively. Ratios for maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) values were 107% (90% CI= 90–127) and 108% (90% CI =95–123), respectively These ratios and associated 90% CIs were within the 80% to 125% range limit of bioequivalence. Analysis of variance (ANCWA) showed that these ratio values demonstrated no statistically significant difference between the two ethnic groups. There was no overt difference in the adverse event profile in Japanese subjects compared with Caucasian subjects. There were no serious adverse events, and no subjects discontinued from the study because of adverse events. No consistent or clinically relevant pattern of blood chemistry, hematology, or cardiovascular changes was seen. These results suggest that the pharmacokinetic profiles of galantamine after single‐dose administration are not statistically significantly different between Caucasian and Japanese groups. Galantamine was well tolerated. The safety and tolerability of galantamine were very similar in the two ethnic groups.
Genetics and regulation of nitrogen fixation.

The genetics and regulation of N2 fixation has only recently begun to be understood. Breakthroughs from a variety of laboratories have yielded both techniques and ideas that will be useful for understanding genetic and regulatory mechanisms of microbial N2 fixation. Furthermore, the potential for using this knowledge for practical applications of N2 fixation is very great.
Dynamic analysis for laterally loaded piles and dynamic p-y curves

Pile foundations are often subjected to lateral dynamic loading due to forces on the supported structure. In this study, a simple two-dimensional analysis was developed to accurately model the pile response to dynamic loads. The proposed model incorporates the static p-y curve approach (where p is the static soil reaction and y is the pile deflection) and the plane strain assumptions to represent the soil reactions within the frame of a Winkler model. The p-y curves are used to relate pile deflections to the nonlinear soil reactions. Wave propagation and energy dissipation are also accounted for along with discontinuity conditions at the pile-soil interface. The inclusion of damping with the static unit transfer curves results in increased soil resistance, thus producing "dynamic p-y curves. " The dynamic p-y curves are a function of the static p-y curve and velocity of the soil particles at a given depth and frequency of loading. The proposed model was used to analyze the pile response to the lateral Stat.
Induced Abortion and Associated Factors in Health Facilities of Guraghe Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Unsafe abortion is one of the major medical and public health problems in developing countries including Ethiopia. However, there is a lack of up-to-date and reliable information on induced abortion distribution and its determinant factors in the country. This study was intended to assess induced abortion and associated factors in health facilities of Guraghe zone, Southern Ethiopia. Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in eight health facilities in Guraghe zone. Client exit interview was conducted on 400 patients using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with induced abortion. Out of 400 women, 75.5% responded that the current pregnancy that ended in abortion is unwanted. However, only 12.3% of the respondents have admitted interference to the current pregnancy. Having more than four pregnancies (AOR = 4.28, CI: (1.24–14.71)), age of 30–34 years (AOR = 0.15, CI: (0.04–0.55)), primary education (AOR = 0.26, CI: (0.13–0.88)), and wanted pregnancy (AOR = 0.44, CI: (0.14–0.65)) were found to have association with induced abortion. The study revealed high level of induced abortion which is underpinned by high magnitude of unwanted pregnancy. There is requirement for widespread expansion of increased access to high quality family planning service and post-abortion care.
Oxycalcioroméite, Ca2Sb2O6O, from Buca della Vena mine, Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy: a new member of the pyrochlore supergroup

Abstract The new mineral species oxycalcioroméite, Ca2Sb25+O6O, has been discovered at the Buca della Vena mine, Stazzema, Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy. It occurs as euhedral octahedra, up to 0.1 mm in size, embedded in dolostone lenses in the baryte + pyrite + iron oxides ore. Associated minerals are calcite, cinnabar, derbylite, dolomite, hematite, ‘mica’, pyrite, sphalerite and ‘tourmaline’. Oxycalcioroméite is reddish-brown in colour and transparent. It is isotropic, with ncalc = 1.950. Electron microprobe analysis gave (wt.%; n = 6) Sb2O5 63.73, TiO2 3.53, SnO2 0.28, Sb2O3 10.93, V2O3 0.68, Al2O3 0.28, PbO 0.68, FeO 5.52, MnO 0.13, CaO 13.68, Na2O 0.83, F 1.20, O = F - 0.51, total 100.96. No H2O, above the detection limit, was indicated by either infrared or micro-Raman spectroscopies. The empirical formula, based on 2 cations at the B site, is (Ca1.073Fe0.3382+Sb 0.3303+Na0.118Pb0.013Mn0.008)∑=1.880(Sb1.7345+Ti0.194V0.040Al0.024Sn0.008)∑=2.000(O6.682F0.278)∑6.960. The crystal structure study gives a cubic unit cell, space group Fd3̅m, with a 10.3042(7) Å, V 1094.06(13) Å3, Z = 8. The five strongest X-ray powder diffraction lines are [d (Å)I (visually estimated)(hkl)]: 3.105(m)(311); 2.977(s)(222); 2.576(m)(400); 1.824(ms)(440); and 1.556(ms)(622). The crystal structure of oxycalcioroméite has been solved by X-ray single-crystal study on the basis of 114 observed reflections, with a final R1 = 0.0114. It agrees with the general features of the members of the pyrochlore supergroup.
Breastfeeding status at age 3 months is associated with adiposity and cardiometabolic markers at age 4 years in Mexican children.

BACKGROUND The effect of breastfeeding (BF) on cardiometabolic risk factors is not well characterized. OBJECTIVE The objective was to assess the association of BF status at 3 mo and duration with adiposity and cardiometabolic markers at 4 y. METHODS We studied 727 children with prospectively collected BF information and anthropometric measurements at 4 y, of whom 524 provided a nonfasting blood sample. BF status at 3 mo was classified as exclusive or predominant (EBF-PreBF), partial (PaBF), or nonbreastfeeding (NBF). Total duration of any BF was classified as <3 mo, 3- 6 mo, >6 to 12 mo, and >12 mo. We modeled associations of BF with body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)), serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), and insulin at 4 y. RESULTS Children who were NBF or PaBF at 3 mo had higher BMI [0.46 (95% CI: 0.16, 0.76) and 0.31 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.54), respectively] than the EBF-PreBF group (P < 0.01). NBF children had higher total cholesterol (8.02 mg/dL; 95% CI: 1.39, 14.64; P = 0.02) than children who were EBF-PreBF. LDL cholesterol (5.04 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.72, 10.81) and TGs (12% change; 95% CI: -0.01, 0.24) showed similar patterns. An inverse association between EBF-PreBF and insulin, mediated through abdominal circumference, was documented (P < 0.05). Children breastfed <3 mo had higher BMI (0.44; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.77) at 4 y than children breastfed for >12 mo. CONCLUSION EBF and PreBF at 3 mo were associated with lower adiposity and serum total cholesterol in children at 4 y. In addition, BF >12 mo was associated with lower adiposity. These data confirm the importance of exclusive BF and prolonged BF for later cardiometabolic health.
Phosphorylation of Ser640 in Muscle Glycogen Synthase by DYRK Family Protein Kinases*

Glycogen synthase, a key enzyme in the regulation of glycogen synthesis by insulin, is controlled by multisite phosphorylation. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) phosphorylates four serine residues in the COOH terminus of glycogen synthase. Phosphorylation of one of these residues, Ser640 (site 3a), causes strong inactivation of glycogen synthase. In previous work, we demonstrated in cell models that site 3a can be phosphorylated by an as yet unidentified protein kinase (3a-kinase) distinct from GSK-3. In the present study, we purified the 3a-kinase from rabbit skeletal muscle and identified one constituent polypeptide as HAN11, a WD40 domain protein with unknown function. Another polypeptide was identified as DYRK1A, a member of the dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylated and regulated protein kinase (DYRK) family. Two isoforms of DYRK, DYRK1A and DYRK1B, co-immunoprecipitate with HAN11 when coexpressed in COS cells indicating that the proteins interact in mammalian cells. Co-expression of DYRK1A, DYRK1B, or DYRK2 with a series of glycogen synthase mutants with Ser/Ala substitutions at the phosphorylation sites in COS cells revealed that protein kinases cause phosphorylation of site 3a in glycogen synthase. To confirm that DYRKs directly phosphorylate glycogen synthase, recombinant DYRK1A, DYRK2, and glycogen synthase were produced in bacterial cells. In the presence of Mg-ATP, both DYRKs inactivated glycogen synthase by more than 10-fold. The inactivation correlated with phosphorylation of site 3a in glycogen synthase. These results indicate that protein kinase(s) from the DYRK family may be involved in a new mechanism for the regulation of glycogen synthesis.
Large-eddy simulations of a turbulent mixing layer using the stretched-vortex subgrid model

This paper reports results from a large–eddy simulation of a temporal mixing layer using the stretched–vortex subgrid stress and mixing models. The simulation achieves a Reynolds number of about 2×107 when based on the momentum thickness. Linear growth of the momentum thickness and collapse of the mean velocity and scalar concentration profiles suggest that the flow is self–similar. Considerable variability is, however, observed in the Reynolds stress and integrated kinetic–energy dissipation rate.
Investigating the Antigen Specificity of Multiple Sclerosis Central Nervous System-Derived Immunoglobulins

The central nervous system (CNS) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is the site where disease pathology is evident. Damaged CNS tissue is commonly associated with immune cell infiltration. This infiltrate often includes B cells that are found in multiple locations throughout the CNS, including the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), parenchyma, and the meninges, frequently forming tertiary lymphoid structures in the latter. Several groups, including our own, have shown that B cells from distinct locations within the MS CNS are clonally related and display the characteristics of an antigen-driven response. However, the antigen(s) driving this response have yet to be conclusively defined. To explore the antigen specificity of the MS B cell response, we produced recombinant human immunoglobulin (rIgG) from a series of expanded B cell clones that we isolated from the CNS tissue of six MS brains. The specificity of these MS-derived rIgG and control rIgG derived from non-MS tissues was then examined using multiple methodologies that included testing individual candidate antigens, screening with high-throughput antigen arrays and evaluating binding to CNS-derived cell lines. We report that while several MS-derived rIgG recognized particular antigens, including neurofilament light and a protocadherin isoform, none were unique to MS, as non-MS-derived rIgG used as controls invariably displayed similar binding specificities. We conclude that while MS CNS resident B cells display the characteristics of an antigen-driven B cell response, the antigen(s) driving this response remain at large.
Relationship between Neural Responses and Visual Grouping in the Monkey Parietal Cortex

Visual grouping through the binding of multiple discrete elements is an important component of object perception, and neurological studies have shown that the posterior parietal cortex plays a vital role in that process. To study the neural mechanisms underlying visual grouping, we recorded neuronal activity from the lateral bank of the intraparietal sulcus (L-IPS) of monkeys while they performed a task that required them to discriminate among rapidly presented visual patterns composed of five black or white dots arranged in a cross. The monkeys had to detect the patterns in which dots with the same contrast were arranged either horizontally or vertically (target). Visual grouping was necessary for detection of the target, and we surmised that if L-IPS neurons are involved in visual grouping, they may selectively respond to the grouped objects. In addition, we manipulated the monkeys' attention to the grouping of the elements. We found that many L-IPS neurons showed selectivity for the orientation of the target stimuli, and that selectivity was enhanced by the top-down attention. Moreover, the selectivity correlated with behavioral performance. These results provide the first physiological evidence that L-IPS neurons make a crucial contribution to visual grouping by combining visual and attentional signals so as to bind discrete visual elements together.
Large eddy simulation modelling of combustion for propulsion applications

Predictive modelling of turbulent combustion is important for the development of air-breathing engines, internal combustion engines, furnaces and for power generation. Significant advances in modelling non-reactive turbulent flows are now possible with the development of large eddy simulation (LES), in which the large energetic scales of the flow are resolved on the grid while modelling the effects of the small scales. Here, we discuss the use of combustion LES in predictive modelling of propulsion applications such as gas turbine, ramjet and scramjet engines. The LES models used are described in some detail and are validated against laboratory data—of which results from two cases are presented. These validated LES models are then applied to an annular multi-burner gas turbine combustor and a simplified scramjet combustor, for which some additional experimental data are available. For these cases, good agreement with the available reference data is obtained, and the LES predictions are used to elucidate the flow physics in such devices to further enhance our knowledge of these propulsion systems. Particular attention is focused on the influence of the combustion chemistry, turbulence–chemistry interaction, self-ignition, flame holding burner-to-burner interactions and combustion oscillations.
Gauge transformations in quantum mechanics and the unification of nonlinear Schrödinger equations

Beginning with ordinary quantum mechanics for spinless particles, together with the hypothesis that all experimental measurements consist of positional measurements at different times, we characterize directly a class of nonlinear quantum theories physically equivalent to linear quantum mechanics through nonlinear gauge transformations. We show that under two physically motivated assumptions, these transformations are uniquely determined: they are exactly the group of time-dependent, nonlinear gauge transformations introduced previously for a family of nonlinear Schrodinger equations. The general equation in this family, including terms considered by Kostin, by Bialynicki-Birula and Mycielski, and by Doebner and Goldin, with time-dependent coefficients, can be obtained from the linear Schrodinger equation through gauge transformation and a subsequent process we call gauge generalization. We thus unify, on fundamental grounds, a rather diverse set of nonlinear time evolutions in quantum mechanics.
Oral mucosal lesions: findings from the Australian National Survey of Adult Oral Health.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) and factors associated with these has not previously been reported in the Australian population. This study aimed to report on the prevalence of OMLs in Australian adults and to evaluate their association with socio-demographic factors. METHODS This study utilized data from the Australian National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004-06, which employs a multi-stage, stratified random sample selection procedure. Information on socio-demographics, smoking and presence of OMLs were collected using telephone interview, self-reported questionnaires and comprehensive oral examination. A multivariate regression model was generated to estimate effect of factors on the prevalence of non-ulcerated OMLs. RESULTS A total of 3551 dentate adult Australians had complete data for this analysis. Over 20% of study participants presented with an OML on the day of examination. The prevalence of suspected malignancy was less than 1% and over 17% for non-ulcerated OMLs. Prevalence of non-ulcerated OMLs was associated with age, gender, residential location, household income and smoking. CONCLUSIONS The study reported that epidemiological survey can provide useful information on OMLs. Certain population groups had a higher risk of having the condition. Preventing smoking uptake and smoking cessation can reduce the prevalence of OMLs in the population.