Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infant Group B Streptococcal Disease Incidence and Serotypes Worldwide: Systematic Review and Meta-analyses

Abstract Background Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains a leading cause of neonatal sepsis in high-income contexts, despite declines due to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). Recent evidence suggests higher incidence in Africa, where IAP is rare. We investigated the global incidence of infant invasive GBS disease and the associated serotypes, updating previous estimates. Methods We conducted systematic literature reviews (PubMed/Medline, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature [LILACS], World Health Organization Library Information System [WHOLIS], and Scopus) and sought unpublished data regarding invasive GBS disease in infants aged 0–89 days. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses of incidence, case fatality risk (CFR), and serotype prevalence. Results We identified 135 studies with data on incidence (n = 90), CFR (n = 64), or serotype (n = 45). The pooled incidence of invasive GBS disease in infants was 0.49 per 1000 live births (95% confidence interval [CI], .43–.56), and was highest in Africa (1.12) and lowest in Asia (0.30). Early-onset disease incidence was 0.41 (95% CI, .36–.47); late-onset disease incidence was 0.26 (95% CI, .21–.30). CFR was 8.4% (95% CI, 6.6%–10.2%). Serotype III (61.5%) dominated, with 97% of cases caused by serotypes Ia, Ib, II, III, and V. Conclusions The incidence of infant GBS disease remains high in some regions, particularly Africa. We likely underestimated incidence in some contexts, due to limitations in case ascertainment and specimen collection and processing. Burden in Asia requires further investigation.
Imaging thermal stratigraphy in freshwater lakes using georadar

Thermal stratification exerts significant control over biogeochemical processing in freshwater lakes. Thus, the temporal and spatial distribution of the thermal structure is an important component in understanding lake ecosystems. We present the first reported observations of lake thermal stratification from surface based georadar measurements acquired over two small freshwater lakes. This method is very useful because it can provide rapid acquisition of 2D or 3D lotic stratification.
The Central Nervous System as Target of Bacillus anthracis Toxin Independent Virulence in Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

Infection of the central nervous system is considered a complication of Anthrax and was reported in humans and non-human primates. Previously we have reported that Bacillus anthracis possesses a toxin-independent virulent trait that, like the toxins, is regulated by the major virulence regulator, AtxA, in the presence of pXO2. This toxin-independent lethal trait is exhibited in rabbits and Guinea pigs following significant bacteremia and organ dissemination. Various findings, including meningitis seen in humans and primates, suggested that the CNS is a possible target for this AtxA-mediated activity. In order to penetrate into the brain tissue, the bacteria have to overcome the barriers isolating the CNS from the blood stream. Taking a systematic genetic approach, we compared intracranial (IC) inoculation and IV/SC inoculation for the outcome of the infection in rabbits/GP, respectively. The outstanding difference between the two models is exhibited by the encapsulated strain VollumΔpXO1, which is lethal when injected IC, but asymptomatic when inoculated IV/SC. The findings demonstrate that there is an apparent bottleneck in the ability of mutants to penetrate into the brain. Any mutant carrying either pXO1 or pXO2 will kill the host upon IC injection, but only those carrying AtxA either on pXO1 or in the chromosome in the background of pXO2 can penetrate into the brain following peripheral inoculation. The findings were corroborated by histological examination by H&E staining and immunofluorescence of rabbits' brains following IV and IC inoculations. These findings may have major implications on future research both on B. anthracis pathogenicity and on vaccine development.
Polyarteritis Nodosa in Pregnancy.

Background Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare disease that occurs predominantly in middle-aged males; its onset during pregnancy is exceptional. Case Report We present a case of PAN with peripartum onset in a patient with a twin pregnancy after ovarian stimulation for primary infertility. The pregnancy outcome was good in terms of the children's health. In the case of the mother, however, the presence of nonspecific signs and symptoms, a noncontributory ovarian biopsy, and mimics of a puerperal infection delayed the diagnosis of PAN. The emergence of a tender subcutaneous nodule on the forearm and its histopathologic findings were diagnostic. Treatment with pulse methylprednisolone and intravenous cyclophosphamide resulted in the patient's prompt recovery. Conclusion We present the case to stress the value of careful physical examination in unveiling the presence of a rare disease.
Bridging Food Webs, Ecosystem Metabolism, and Biogeochemistry Using Ecological Stoichiometry Theory

Although aquatic ecologists and biogeochemists are well aware of the crucial importance of ecosystem functions, i.e., how biota drive biogeochemical processes and vice-versa, linking these fields in conceptual models is still uncommon. Attempts to explain the variability in elemental cycling consequently miss an important biological component and thereby impede a comprehensive understanding of the underlying processes governing energy and matter flow and transformation. The fate of multiple chemical elements in ecosystems is strongly linked by biotic demand and uptake; thus, considering elemental stoichiometry is important for both biogeochemical and ecological research. Nonetheless, assessments of ecological stoichiometry (ES) often focus on the elemental content of biota rather than taking a more holistic view by examining both elemental pools and fluxes (e.g., organismal stoichiometry and ecosystem process rates). ES theory holds the promise to be a unifying concept to link across hierarchical scales of patterns and processes in ecology, but this has not been fully achieved. Therefore, we propose connecting the expertise of aquatic ecologists and biogeochemists with ES theory as a common currency to connect food webs, ecosystem metabolism, and biogeochemistry, as they are inherently concatenated by the transfer of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous through biotic and abiotic nutrient transformation and fluxes. Several new studies exist that demonstrate the connections between food web ecology, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem metabolism. In addition to a general introduction into the topic, this paper presents examples of how these fields can be combined with a focus on ES. In this review, a series of concepts have guided the discussion: (1) changing biogeochemistry affects trophic interactions and ecosystem processes by altering the elemental ratios of key species and assemblages; (2) changing trophic dynamics influences the transformation and fluxes of matter across environmental boundaries; (3) changing ecosystem metabolism will alter the chemical diversity of the non-living environment. Finally, we propose that using ES to link nutrient cycling, trophic dynamics, and ecosystem metabolism would allow for a more holistic understanding of ecosystem functions in a changing environment.
RUNX1 Plays an Important Role in Mediating BMP9-Induced Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Line C3H10T1/2, Murine Multi-Lineage Cells Lines C2C12 and MEFs

As one of the least studied bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), BMP9 is highly capable of promoting osteogenic differentiation. However, the underlying mechanism involved remains largely unknown. Recent studies have demonstrated that RUNX1 (runt-related transcription factor 1) is essential in osteoblast/chondrocyte maturation. In this study, we investigated the function of RUNX1 in BMP9-induced osteogenic of murine mesenchymal stem cell line (C3H10T1/2) and murine multi-lineage cell lines (C2C12 and MEFs). Our data showed that BMP9 promoted the endogenous expression of RUNX1 in C3H10T1/2, C2C12 and MEFs. Moreover, RUNX1 was probably a direct target of BMP9/Smad signaling. BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation was enhanced by overexpression of RUNX1, whereas inhibited by knockdown RUNX1 in C3H10T1/2, C2C12 and MEFs. Further mechanism studies demonstrated that RUNX1 might affect BMP9-induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8, but not the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2.Our results suggest that RUNX1 may be an essential modulator in BMP9- induced osteogenic differentiation of MSCs (Mesenchymal stem cells).
Experimental Investigations on the Residual Strain Behavior of a Rockfill Material Subjected to Dynamic Loading

AbstractA large-scale triaxial testing apparatus was upgraded by incorporating two pressure stabilization techniques so as to suppress the confining pressure fluctuation in dynamic experiments. Then it was used to study the residual strain behavior of a rockfill material subjected to different initial stress states and dynamic loading. It was found that the strain of the material under dynamic loading can be decomposed into a cyclic part and a residual part. In particular, the residual strains increase rapidly during the first few loading cycles. The strain accumulation rate, however, decreases gradually as the number of cycles increases. To simulate the increase of the residual (plastic) strains with the increasing number of loading cycles, a power function and an exponential function, taking into account the initial stress state, the cyclic shear strain amplitude, and the number of loading cycles, were proposed for the plastic shear strain and the plastic volumetric strain, respectively. The way to use .
EFFECT OF GLUE LINE THICKNESS ON SHEAR STRENGTH OF WOODTOWOOD JOINTS

Th e eff ect of gap-fi lling phenol resorcinol formaldehyde (GPRF) adhesive on the shear strength of wood joints when thick glue lines present was studied. A number of wood-to-wood joints were manufactured using the press-gluing fastening method with various thicknesses of GPRF adhesive. Th e results showed that the shear strength was signifi cantly aff ected by the glue line thickness, so the strength decreased as the glue line thickness increased. Th e strength decreases by 10.52 % at a glue line thickness of 0.25 mm and by 39.48 % at a glue line thickness of 0.48 mm. Th e adhesive may be used for bonding up to 0.25 mm glue line thickness that is 43 % more than the normal glue line thickness (0.18 mm). Th e results indicated that glue line thickness exceeding 0.25 mm may produce inferior bonds. Th e method may be utilized for wood-to-wood joints i.e. I-beams and structural wood panels.
A Comparison of Three Electrophysiological Methods for the Assessment of Disease Status in a Mild Spinal Muscular Atrophy Mouse Model

Objectives There is a need for better, noninvasive quantitative biomarkers for assessing the rate of progression and possible response to therapy in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In this study, we compared three electrophysiological measures: compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, motor unit number estimate (MUNE), and electrical impedance myography (EIM) 50 kHz phase values in a mild mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy, the Smn1c/c mouse. Methods Smn1c/c mice (N = 11) and wild type (WT) animals (−/−, N = 13) were measured on average triweekly until approximately 1 year of age. Measurements included CMAP, EIM, and MUNE of the gastrocnemius muscle as well as weight and front paw grip strength. At the time of sacrifice at one year, additional analyses were performed on the animals including serum survival motor neuron (SMN) protein levels and muscle fiber size. Results Both EIM 50 kHz phase and CMAP showed strong differences between WT and SMA animals (repeated measures 2-way ANOVA, P<0.0001 for both) whereas MUNE did not. Both body weight and EIM showed differences in the trajectory over time (p<0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). At the time of sacrifice at one year, EIM values correlated to motor neuron counts in the spinal cord and SMN levels across both groups of animals (r = 0.41, p = 0.047 and r = 0.57, p = 0.003, respectively), while CMAP did not. Motor neuron number in Smn1c/c mice was not significantly reduced compared to WT animals. Conclusions EIM appears sensitive to muscle status in this mild animal model of SMA. The lack of a reduction in MUNE or motor neuron number but reduced EIM and CMAP values support that much of the pathology in these animals is distal to the cell body, likely at the neuromuscular junction or the muscle itself.
Forced convection heat transfer in a porous channel subjected to oscillating flow

The open-cell metal foam is a porous medium which possesses a true metal skeletal structure. The fully inter-connected pore and ligament structures provide the extreme large fluid-to-solid contact surface area and tortuous coolant flow path inside the metal foam, which could increase dramatically the overall heat transfer rate. The high specific surface area, low density and open-celled nature of a metal foam possesses a combination of properties ideally suited for applications in high heat flux thermal management where conventional materials and products are not adequate. In this research, forced convection in a heated channel filled with open-cell metal foam subjected to oscillating flow has been investigated experimentally and numerically. Aluminium metal foams with different pore densities of 10, 20 and 40 PPI (pores per linear inch) were used as the inserted materials along with air as the fluid phase. The temperature distribution on the substrate surface of the heated wall, velocity of oscillating flow through porous channel and pressure drop across the test section were measured. For oscillating flow, pressure drop and flow velocity increase with the increase of kinetic Reynolds number and dimensionless flow amplitude. The results showed that the hydraulic ligament diameter based kinetic Reynolds number and dimensionless flow amplitude are the critical parameters for the investigation of oscillating flow characteristics in open-cell metal foam. The cycle-averaged temperatures were found to decrease with an increase in the kinetic Reynolds number while the cycle-averaged local empirical equation obtained by Nusselt numbers exhibit the opposite trend. The the experimental study showed that the lengthI ATTENTION: The Singapore Copyright Act applies to the use of this document. Nanyang Technological University Library
Consequences of altered temperature and food conditions for individuals and populations: a Dynamic Energy Budget analysis for Corbicula fluminea in the Rhine

SUMMARY 1. On the basis of simulations at two levels of organisation (individuals and populations), we analysed the impact of altered food and temperature conditions on the Asian clam Corbicula fluminea. In particular, we addressed the role of food and temperature in explaining occasional mass mortalities. 2. A Dynamic Energy Budget Model (DEBM) was used for simulations at the individual level. We calibrated the DEBM successfully using experimental data on growth in length and mass of C. fluminea under four combinations of temperature and food. 3. The calibrated DEBM was used to simulate the annual growth in length and mass and the reproductive success under different environmental scenarios. In general, an increase in temperature and food concentration resulted in larger and heavier clams and a higher per capita rate of reproduction. However, phytoplankton densities in rivers often fluctuate strongly and densities are high only briefly. Under such conditions, our simulations suggest that the temporal interactions of temperature and food concentration are particularly important and can decisively influence annual growth. 4. With regard to occasional mass mortalities, it has been hypothesised that increased temperature might induce an unmet metabolic demand and hence starvation. To test this, we simulated the conditions observed in the Rhine in 2003, when there was a severe heat wave and a mass mortality. For this purpose, we used the calibrated DEBM and, in addition, integrated it into a Physiologically Structured Population Model (PSPM) to account for processes at the population level. 5. Based on these simulations, it seems unlikely that starvation was the main cause of the mass mortality, although not all mechanisms affecting the energy budget are fully understood. However, a prolonged negative energy budget during heat waves can increase the vulnerability of clams to direct effects of high temperatures or additional stressors and might thus be regarded as an important factor indirectly increasing mortality rates.
Rapid Release From Listening Effort Resulting From Semantic Context, and Effects of Spectral Degradation and Cochlear Implants

People with hearing impairment are thought to rely heavily on context to compensate for reduced audibility. Here, we explore the resulting cost of this compensatory behavior, in terms of effort and the efficiency of ongoing predictive language processing. The listening task featured predictable or unpredictable sentences, and participants included people with cochlear implants as well as people with normal hearing who heard full-spectrum/unprocessed or vocoded speech. The crucial metric was the growth of the pupillary response and the reduction of this response for predictable versus unpredictable sentences, which would suggest reduced cognitive load resulting from predictive processing. Semantic context led to rapid reduction of listening effort for people with normal hearing; the reductions were observed well before the offset of the stimuli. Effort reduction was slightly delayed for people with cochlear implants and considerably more delayed for normal-hearing listeners exposed to spectrally degraded noise-vocoded signals; this pattern of results was maintained even when intelligibility was perfect. Results suggest that speed of sentence processing can still be disrupted, and exertion of effort can be elevated, even when intelligibility remains high. We discuss implications for experimental and clinical assessment of speech recognition, in which good performance can arise because of cognitive processes that occur after a stimulus, during a period of silence. Because silent gaps are not common in continuous flowing speech, the cognitive/linguistic restorative processes observed after sentences in such studies might not be available to listeners in everyday conversations, meaning that speech recognition in conventional tests might overestimate sentence-processing capability.
An investigation on fluid flow in fibrous materials via image-based fluid dynamics simulations

JAGANATHAN, SUDHAKAR. An Investigation on Fluid Flow in Fibrous Materials via ImageBased Fluid Dynamics Simulations. (Under the direction of Dr. Hooman Vahedi Tafreshi and Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi.). While there are a large number of analytical studies dedicated to developing permeability equations for a 2-D and 3-D models of fibrous disordered structures, there are only few numerical work that compares these models with real counterparts. For the first time, we present a series of numerical simulations performed on real fibrous media obtained via Digital Volumetric Imaging technique. An efficient procedure is presented for reconstructing 3-D images from the 2-D images of real fibrous media and processing them (meshing them) for performing fluid flow simulations. Permeability values obtained from these simulations are compared with those obtained from analytical equations given in the literature. We also present two scale modeling technique to predict macro scale permeability of fibrous structures. Second part of this thesis deals with unsaturated flow through the fibrous media. We start our study by computing the pore size distribution of typical hydroentangled nonwoven materials and present a theoretical model for their geometric pore size distributions based on Poisson line network model of the fibrous media. We also study connectivity of the pore space in fibrous media by computing and comparing the accessible and allowed pore volumes in the form of access function graphs. We also present a novel image-based technique to study the changes in the pore size distribution of a fibrous material exposed to compressive load. A combined microand macroscale modeling is presented to simulate the fluid infiltration in fibrous media. The Richards’ equation of two-phase flow in porous media is used here to model the fluid absorption in un-saturated fibrous thin sheets. The required consecutive equations, relative permeability and capillary pressure as functions of medium’s saturation, are obtained via microscale modeling and long column experiment, respectively. The Richards’ equation together with the above consecutive correlations is simultaneously solved for fibrous media inclined with different angles. To validate our simulations, we compared our numerical results with those of our long column experiment and observed good agreement. An Investigation on Fluid Flow in Fibrous Materials via ImageBased Fluid Dynamics Simulations by Sudhakar Jaganathan A dissertation submitted to the Graduate Faculty of North Carolina State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Fiber and Polymer Science Raleigh, North Carolina 2008
Effect of light and temperature on seed germination in Tibouchina mutabilis (Vell.) Cogn. (Melastomataceae)

The effect of light and temperature on Tibouchina mutabilis seed germination was analyzed by isothermic incubations in the range of 10 to 40 °C, with 5 °C intervals under both continuous white light (32.85 µmolm-2s-1) and darkness and alternating temperatures (15-20; 15-25; 15-30; 15-35; 20-25; 20-30; 20-35; 25-30; 25-35 and 30-35 °C) under both photoperiod of 12 hours and continuous darkness. The seeds of T. mutabilis need light to trigger the germination and no germination was observed in darkness. The range of optimum temperatures for germination was between 25 to 30 °C and the 20-25 °C alternating temperatures. These results indicate that T. mutabilis behaves as a pioneer species and daily alternating temperatures did not change the light sensitivity of seeds.
Exploring men’s pregnancy-planning behaviour and fertility knowledge:a survey among fathers in Sweden

Abstract Introduction: Research about pregnancy-planning behaviour mostly focuses on women, even though pregnancy planning usually also concerns men. The purpose of this study was to investigate how men plan for family, and to measure their fertility knowledge after having become fathers. Material and methods: Data were collected in 2014 as part of a Swedish longitudinal pregnancy-planning study. Men were recruited through their female partner one year after childbirth. Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire about pregnancy planning, lifestyles, and fertility. Results: Of the 796 participants, 646 (81%) stated that the pregnancy had been very or fairly planned, and 17% (n = 128) had made a lifestyle adjustment before pregnancy to improve health and fertility. The most common adjustments were to reduce/quit the consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, or snuff, and to exercise more. First-time fathers and those who had used assisted reproductive technology to become pregnant were more likely to have made an adjustment. Fertility knowledge varied greatly. Men with university education had better fertility knowledge than men without university education. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that there is variation in how men plan and prepare for pregnancy. Most men did not adjust their lifestyle to improve health and fertility, while some made several changes. Both pregnancy-planning behaviour and fertility knowledge seem to be related to level of education and mode of conception. To gain deeper understanding of behaviour and underlying factors, more research is needed.