Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mobile Insertion Cassette Elements Found in Small Non-Transmissible Plasmids in Proteeae May Explain qnrD Mobilization

qnrD is a plasmid mediated quinolone resistance gene from unknown origin, recently described in Enterobacteriaceae. It encodes a pentapeptide repeat protein 36–60% different from the other Qnr (A, B, C, S and VC). Since most qnrD-positive strains were described as strains belonging to Proteus or Providencia genera, we hypothesized that qnrD originated in Proteeae before disseminating to other enterobacterial species. We screened 317 strains of Proteeae for qnrD and its genetic support by PCR. For all the seven qnrD-positive strains (4 Proteus mirabilis, 1 Proteus vulgaris and 2 Providencia rettgeri) the gene was carried onto a small non-transmissible plasmid, contrarily to other qnr genes that are usually carried onto large multi-resistant plasmids. Nucleotide sequences of the qnrD-bearing plasmids were 96% identical. Plasmids contained 3 ORFs apart from qnrD and belonged to an undescribed incompatibility group. Only one plasmid, in P. vulgaris, was slightly different with a 1,568-bp insertion between qnrD and its promoter, leading to absence of quinolone resistance. We sought for similar plasmids in 15 reference strains of Proteeae, but which were tested negative for qnrD, and found a 48% identical plasmid (pVERM) in Providencia vermicola. In order to explain how qnrD could have been inserted into such native plasmid, we sought for gene mobilization structures. qnrD was found to be located within a mobile insertion cassette (mic) element which sequences are similar to one mic also found in pVERM. Our conclusions are that (i) the small non-transmissible qnrD-plasmids described here may result from the recombination between an as-yet-unknown progenitor of qnrD and pVERM, (ii) these plasmids are maintained in Proteeae being a qnrD reservoir (iii) the mic element may explain qnrD mobilization from non-transmissible plasmids to mobilizable or conjugative plasmids from other Enterobacteriaceae, (iv) they can recombined with larger multiresistant plasmids conjugated in Proteeae.
Wireless Networks Appear Poissonian Due to Strong Shadowing

Geographic locations of cellular base stations sometimes can be well fitted with spatial homogeneous Poisson point processes. In this paper, we make a complementary observation. In the presence of the log-normal shadowing of sufficiently high variance, the statistics of the propagation loss of a single user with respect to different network stations are invariant with respect to their geographic positioning, whether regular or not, for a wide class of empirically homogeneous networks. Even in a perfectly hexagonal case they appear as though they were realized in a Poisson network model, i.e., form an inhomogeneous Poisson point process on the positive half-line with a power-law density characterized by the path-loss exponent. At the same time, the conditional distances to the corresponding base stations, given their observed propagation losses, become independent and log-normally distributed, which can be seen as a decoupling between the real and model geometry. The result applies also to the Suzuki (Rayleigh-log-normal) propagation model. We use the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to empirically study the quality of the Poisson approximation and use it to build a linear-regression method for the statistical estimation of the value of the path-loss exponent.
Family‐ versus couple‐initiated marriages in Turkey: Similarities and differences over the family life cycle

The present study aimed to investigate marital relationships of the Urban Turkish family. Questionnaires were given to both members of 430 couples at various stages of the marriage cycle. Information concerning demographic characteristics, spousal feelings, marital functioning, including division of labour and satisfaction with division of labour, decision-making, and conflict; and relationships with social network, including feelings for families of origin and frequency of interaction with families was obtained. Results revealed that in comparison to family-initiated marriages, couple-initiated marriages were more emotionally involving, less enmeshed with families, more egalitarian, and involved fewer conflicts. However, over successive stages of the marital cycle, conflict declined in family-initiated marriages and division of labour became less equalitarian in couple-initiated marriages. No differences between the two types of marriage emerged with respect to decision-making and conflict management style. Wives were reportedly more influential with respect to decisions concerning families and children than their husbands in both types of marriage. Couples at later stages of the marital cycle reported lower emotional involvement and less equalitarian division of labour. Relationships between educational level and various marital measures were also obtained. The results are discussed in relation to the possibly different marital schema entertained by men and women within the modernising context of Turkey and with respect to possibly different effects of modernization on different aspects of marraige.
Volunteerism and the Life Course: Investigating Age-Related Agendas for Action

Combining a life course perspective with recent theorizing on motivationally related agendas for social behavior, this study investigated the purposes, expectations, and outcomes of adult hospice volunteers of varying ages. Specifically, support was found for the hypothesis that younger volunteers tend to be motivated by and to achieve outcomes related to interpersonal relationships, whereas older volunteers tend to be motivated to a greater extent by service or community obligation concerns. Furthermore, in hierarchical regression analyses predicting overall satisfaction, benefits relative to costs, commitment, and changes in self-esteem over 6 months of volunteer service, relationship-related variables demonstrated greater and significant predictive power for younger relative to older volunteers. Service-oriented variables, hypothesized to be more influential in predicting the outcomes of older volunteers, tended to be inconsistently related to these same outcomes. Discussion focuses on the theoretical significance of the findings for contemporary approaches to motivation and research on volunteerism and aging, as well as the practical implications of the results for volunteer recruitment, satisfaction, and retention.
Genre-based Analysis of Social Media Data on Music Listening Behavior: Are Fans of Classical Music Really Averse to Social Media?

It is frequently presumed that lovers of Classical music are not present in social media. In this paper, we investigate whether this statement can be empirically verified. To this end, we compare two social media platforms --- Last.fm and Twitter --- and perform a study on musical preference of their respective users. We investigate two research hypotheses: (i) Classical music fan are more reluctant to use social media to indicate their listing habits than listeners of other genres and (ii) there are correlations between the use of Last.fm and Twitter to indicate music listening behavior. Both hypotheses are verified and substantial differences could be made out for Twitter users. The results of these investigations will help improve music recommendation systems for listeners with non-mainstream music taste.
Aberrant DNA methylation status of DNA repair genes in breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Dysregulation of homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair has been implicated in breast carcinogenesis and chemosensitivity. Here, we investigated the methylation status of sixteen HR genes and analyzed their association with tumor subtypes and responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Core specimens were obtained before neoadjuvant chemotherapy from sixty cases of primary breast cancer of the following four subgroups: luminal breast cancer (LBC) with pathological complete response (pCR), LBC with stable disease, triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) with pCR and TNBC with poor response. The aberrant DNA methylation status of the following HR related‐genes was analyzed using bisulfite‐pyrosequencing: BRCA1, BRCA2, BARD1, MDC1, RNF8, RNF168, UBC13, ABRA1, PALB2, RAD50, RAD51, RAD51C, MRE11, NBS1, CtIP and ATM. Among the genes analyzed, only the incidence of BRCA1 and RNF8 methylation was significantly higher in TNBC than that in LBC. Whereas the incidence of BRCA1 methylation was tended to be higher in pCR cases than in poor‐response cases in TNBC, that of RNF8 was significantly lower in pCR cases than in poor‐response cases. Our results indicate that the methylation status of HR genes was not generally associated with TNBC subtype or chemosensitivity although hypermethylation of BRCA1 is associated with TNBC subtype and may impact chemosensitivity.
Food preferences in farm animals: why don't they always choose wisely?

While people can express their preferences in abstract form, animals can only demonstrate which food they prefer by which food they eat, or the ratio of intakes of each food, when given a choice. Thus, the food preferences of animals are monitored by their diet selection and there is now a very substantial amount of evidence to support the concept that farm animals, like laboratory animals, are capable of choosing a balanced diet from two (or more) foods, one of which has more, the other less, of an essential nutrient than is required for optimum metabolism. This is to be expected, as an excessive intake of a nutrient incurs penalties arising from its excretion-metabolism which may be as disadvantageous as a mild deficiency of a nutrient. The general background to diet selection is provided by Emmans (1991) and a catalogue of successes is reported by Illius & Gordon (1993) and Forbes (1995). Against this background there are numerous examples of animals that appear not to be making appropriate choices (from the standpoint of the human observer), implying that their food preferences are governed by factors other than, or additional to, nutritional wisdom (ability to combine the foods selected to provide the correct balance of nutrients). Given the general agreement that animals are capable of choosing a balanced diet when given the opportunity, it seems now to be more fruitful to examine cases where food selection appears not to have been optimal, thereby learning more about the limits to diet selection as a strategy for animals and a tool for human keepers of animals. The rest of the present paper explores the possible reasons for these ‘failures’ in order to assess whether such cases can be explained by inappropriate experimental design or whether there are some genuine failures to select adequately. Failure to select optimally could be due to constraints imposed by the animal, by the environment (more particularly the nutritional environment) or to interactions between the two, and we address these in turn.
SemanticPaint

We present a new interactive and online approach to 3D scene understanding. Our system, SemanticPaint, allows users to simultaneously scan their environment whilst interactively segmenting the scene simply by reaching out and touching any desired object or surface. Our system continuously learns from these segmentations, and labels new unseen parts of the environment. Unlike offline systems where capture, labeling, and batch learning often take hours or even days to perform, our approach is fully online. This provides users with continuous live feedback of the recognition during capture, allowing to immediately correct errors in the segmentation and/or learning—a feature that has so far been unavailable to batch and offline methods. This leads to models that are tailored or personalized specifically to the user's environments and object classes of interest, opening up the potential for new applications in augmented reality, interior design, and human/robot navigation. It also provides the ability to capture substantial labeled 3D datasets for training large-scale visual recognition systems.
Worldwide Distribution of the Stylasteridae (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa)*

SUMMARY: Stylasterids show a pronounced insular distribution pattern, being found primarily off small (less than 36,000 km-) oceanic islands, atolls, and archipelagos, and on seamounts and submarine ridges. Although lowered salinity and increased sedimentation may exclude stylasterids from the coasts of larger continental land masses, it is more likely that the availability of hard substrate and the low nutrient levels associated with steep sided oceanic islands favor the establishment of stylasterids. Azooxanthellate Scleractinia, another calcified cnidarian taxon, have a broader distribution than stylasterids because they are assumed to be better competitors: having a greater dispersal ability, better sediment-shedding ability, and the ability of some to live on soft substrates.
Effect of intravenous hyoscine-N-butyl bromide on active phase of labor progress: a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial

Abstract Introduction: Appropriate cervical dilatation and effacement are essential for the progression of labor. With the active management of labor, number of cesarean deliveries reduces and the duration of labor shortens. Cervical dilatation can be facilitated by mechanical, pharmacological and non-pharmacologic methods. Cervix is richly supplied by autonomic nerves, which may play a role in the dilatation of cervix. Hyoscine-N-butylbromide (HBB) is a muscarinic antagonist and acts as a cervical spasmolytic agent. After intravenous administration it is rapidly distributed into the tissues. We aimed to study the effects and safety of a single dose 20 mg HBB injection during the active phase of labor in both primi- and multigravid women. Materials and method: A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial, with healthy primigravid and multigravid women in spontaneous labor at term was considered in this study. Once the active phase of labor was achieved, either a single dose of 20 mg (1 mL) of HBB or placebo (1 mL saline) was given intravenously. Results: The mean duration of the first stage of labor was 191.1 ± 43.06 min in the primigravid patients of the HBB group, while it was 248.2 ± 66.1 min in the placebo group, a statistically significant difference of 57 min (p < 0.001). The mean duration of the first stage of labor was 170.1 ± 50.8 min in the multigravid patients of the HBB group, while it was 224.06 ± 53.7 min in the placebo group (difference of 54 min, p < 0.001). The mean duration of the first stage of labor was significantly different both for multigravida and primigravid patients. There was no significant change in the times for the second and third stages of labor. There were no significant differences in terms of APGAR scores noted at 1 and 5 min, prepartum and postpartum hemoglobin levels and birth weight. No adverse maternal and fetal effects were observed in both HBB and placebo groups. Conclusion: A single dose of 20 mg intravenous HBB is effective and safe in shortening the duration of the first stage of labor without any adverse effects on fetus and mother.
Blood metal ion testing is an effective screening tool to identify poorly performing metal-on-metal bearing surfaces

Objectives The aims of this piece of work were to: 1) record the background concentrations of blood chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) concentrations in a large group of subjects; 2) to compare blood/serum Cr and Co concentrations with retrieved metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacings; 3) to examine the distribution of Co and Cr in the serum and whole blood of patients with MoM hip arthroplasties; and 4) to further understand the partitioning of metal ions between the serum and whole blood fractions. Methods A total of 3042 blood samples donated to the local transfusion centre were analysed to record Co and Cr concentrations. Also, 91 hip resurfacing devices from patients who had given pre-revision blood/serum samples for metal ion analysis underwent volumetric wear assessment using a coordinate measuring machine. Linear regression analysis was carried out and receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to assess the reliability of metal ions to identify abnormally wearing implants. The relationship between serum and whole blood concentrations of Cr and Co in 1048 patients was analysed using Bland-Altman charts. This relationship was further investigated in an in vitro study during which human blood was spiked with trivalent and hexavalent Cr, the serum then separated and the fractions analysed. Results Only one patient in the transfusion group was found to have a blood Co > 2 µg/l. Blood/Serum Cr and Co concentrations were reliable indicators of abnormal wear. Blood Co appeared to be the most useful clinical test, with a concentration of 4.5 µg/l showing sensitivity and specificity for the detection of abnormal wear of 94% and 95%, respectively. Generated metal ions tended to fill the serum compartment preferentially in vivo and this was replicated in the in vitro study when blood was spiked with trivalent Cr and bivalent Co. Conclusions Blood/serum metal ion concentrations are reliable indicators of abnormal wear processes. Important differences exist however between elements and the blood fraction under study. Future guidelines must take these differences into account.
Insights into Embryo Defenses of the Invasive Apple Snail Pomacea canaliculata: Egg Mass Ingestion Affects Rat Intestine Morphology and Growth

Background The spread of the invasive snail Pomacea canaliculata is expanding the rat lungworm disease beyond its native range. Their toxic eggs have virtually no predators and unusual defenses including a neurotoxic lectin and a proteinase inhibitor, presumably advertised by a warning coloration. We explored the effect of egg perivitellin fluid (PVF) ingestion on the rat small intestine morphology and physiology. Methodology/Principal Findings Through a combination of biochemical, histochemical, histopathological, scanning electron microscopy, cell culture and feeding experiments, we analyzed intestinal morphology, growth rate, hemaglutinating activity, cytotoxicity and cell proliferation after oral administration of PVF to rats. PVF adversely affects small intestine metabolism and morphology and consequently the standard growth rate, presumably by lectin-like proteins, as suggested by PVF hemaglutinating activity and its cytotoxic effect on Caco-2 cell culture. Short-term effects of ingested PVF were studied in growing rats. PVF-supplemented diet induced the appearance of shorter and wider villi as well as fused villi. This was associated with changes in glycoconjugate expression, increased cell proliferation at crypt base, and hypertrophic mucosal growth. This resulted in a decreased absorptive surface after 3 days of treatment and a diminished rat growth rate that reverted to normal after the fourth day of treatment. Longer exposure to PVF induced a time-dependent lengthening of the small intestine while switching to a control diet restored intestine length and morphology after 4 days. Conclusions/Significance Ingestion of PVF rapidly limits the ability of potential predators to absorb nutrients by inducing large, reversible changes in intestinal morphology and growth rate. The occurrence of toxins that affect intestinal morphology and absorption is a strategy against predation not recognized among animals before. Remarkably, this defense is rather similar to the toxic effect of plant antipredator strategies. This defense mechanism may explain the near absence of predators of apple snail eggs.
Corneal sensitivity and aqueous tear production in dogs undergoing evisceration with intraocular prosthesis placement.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether there is an association between evisceration with intraocular prosthesis placement via a dorsal scleral approach and decreased corneal sensitivity or aqueous tear production in dogs. DESIGN Prospective study. PROCEDURE Twenty-one dogs scheduled to undergo unilateral evisceration with intraocular prosthesis, and with a normal normotensive contralateral eye, based on slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy and applanation tonometry, were included in the study. Central corneal sensitivity was measured with a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer prior to (week 0) and 2, 7, 14 and 28 weeks following surgery. Other pre- and postoperative data collected were Schirmer's tear test (STT I), Schirmer's tear test with topical anesthesia (STT II), corneal fluorescein retention, and intraocular pressure (IOP; postoperative control eye only). Axial globe length was determined for both eyes. Scleral incision length in the surgery eye was also recorded. RESULTS Corneal sensitivity was significantly lower in eyes undergoing evisceration with intraocular prosthesis than in control eyes both preoperatively and postoperatively at all time points. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative corneal sensitivity within the two groups. There was no significant difference in STT I or STT II-values between control eyes and surgery eyes preoperatively. There was a significant difference between preoperative and 2-week postoperative STT I in the surgery eye. There was a significant difference between the preoperative and 28-week postoperative STT II in the surgery eye. The 28-week postoperative STT I-values differed significantly between control and surgery eyes. Corneal sensitivity tended to decrease with increased degree of buphthalmos or with increased scleral incision length, although neither relationship was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Eyes that have sustained chronically elevated intraocular pressure had decreased axial corneal sensitivity compared to normal eyes, which persisted even after intraocular pressure was reduced. The presence of buphthalmos appeared to be a factor in globes developing decreased corneal sensitivity. Evisceration via a dorsal scleral incision did not result in a significant further reduction in axial corneal sensitivity. A mild reduction in aqueous tear production occurred over time in globes following evisceration with intraocular prosthesis.
Some consequences of de-individuation in a group

“A group phenomenon which we have called de-individuation has been described and defined as a state of affairs in a group where members do not pay attention to other individuals qua individuals, and, correspondingly, the members do not feel they are being singled out by others. ” The theory was advanced that this results in a reduction of inner restraints in the members and that, consequently, the members will be more free to indulge in behavior from which they are usually restrained. It was further hypothesized that this is satisfying and its occurrence would tend to increase the attractiveness of the group. The data from the study tend to confirm the theory. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)
Personal Knowledge: Towards a post-critical philosophy

Three years ago, I read Michael Polanyi's contribution—as a philosopher—to a symposium entitled Scientific Outlook: Its Sickness and Cure . In a brilliant, penetrating, and delightfully humorous criticism of R. W. Gerard's 1 biological contribution, he unerringly diagnosed the sickness of medicine: The fact that a so learned, ingenious and imaginative survey of living beings should deal so perfunctorily with some of the most important questions concerning them shows a fundamental deficiency of human thinking. If a rat laps up a solution of saccharine, the rational explanation of this lies in the act that the solution tastes sweet and that the rat likes that. The tasting and liking are facts that physics and chemistry as known today cannot explain. Nothing is relevant to biology, even at the lowest level of life, unless it bears on the achievements of living beings. and distinctions unknown to physics and chemistry. The current idea of