Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is the vegetative development of the invasive chlorophycean, Caulerpa taxifolia, favored in sediments with a high content of organic matter?

Abstract We performed an in situ experiment raising the concentration of organic matter in sediment relative to the natural concentration, and quantified biomass development of the invasive alga, Caulerpa taxifolia, and native C. prolifera. Our objective was to determine whether vegetative development of C. taxifolia is favored in sediments with a high content of organic matter. The number of stolon apices and fronds, and the total dry weight of C. taxifolia at the end of the experiment increased relative to initial values in the “natural” sediment, while those in the “organic matter-enriched” sediment did not change. As a result, the vegetative development of C. taxifolia in the “organic matter-enriched” sediment was marginally lower than that in the sediment with natural concentration of organic matter. The contention that the vegetative development of the invasive C. taxifolia is favored in sediments with a high content of organic matter is not sustained. Additionally, we wanted to evaluate whether the presence of an external source of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) would facilitate the survival of Caulerpa taxifolia and C. prolifera under conditions unfavorable for biomass development. To this end we performed two laboratory experiments (one under light-saturated and another under light-limited conditions) where we maintained fragments of C. taxifolia and C. prolifera in the presence of different low molecular weight DOC compounds and assessed the survival of the two species. Mortality of Caulerpa fragments occurred under light-limited conditions only and showed no relationship to the presence of any of the low molecular weight DOC compounds tested. Our results, therefore, do not provide support for the contention that the presence of low molecular weight DOC compounds could contribute to alleviating negative effects associated with light-limited conditions.
RNA-dependent conversion of phosphoserine forms selenocysteine in eukaryotes and archaea

The trace element selenium is found in proteins as selenocysteine (Sec), the 21st amino acid to participate in ribosome-mediated translation. The substrate for ribosomal protein synthesis is selenocysteinyl-tRNASec. Its biosynthesis from seryl-tRNASec has been established for bacteria, but the mechanism of conversion from Ser-tRNASec remained unresolved for archaea and eukarya. Here, we provide evidence for a different route present in these domains of life that requires the tRNASec-dependent conversion of O-phosphoserine (Sep) to Sec. In this two-step pathway, O-phosphoseryl-tRNASec kinase (PSTK) converts Ser-tRNASec to Sep-tRNASec. This misacylated tRNA is the obligatory precursor for a Sep-tRNA:Sec-tRNA synthase (SepSecS); this protein was previously annotated as SLA/LP. The human and archaeal SepSecS genes complement in vivo an Escherichia coli Sec synthase (SelA) deletion strain. Furthermore, purified recombinant SepSecS converts Sep-tRNASec into Sec-tRNASec in vitro in the presence of sodium selenite and purified recombinant E. coli selenophosphate synthetase (SelD). Phylogenetic arguments suggest that Sec decoding was present in the last universal common ancestor. SepSecS and PSTK coevolved with the archaeal and eukaryotic lineages, but the history of PSTK is marked by several horizontal gene transfer events, including transfer to non-Sec-decoding Cyanobacteria and fungi.
THE DISTANCE OF THE FIRST OVERTONE RR LYRAE VARIABLES IN THE MACHO LARGE MAGELLANIC CLOUD DATABASE: A NEW METHOD TO CORRECT FOR THE EFFECTS OF CROWDING

Previous studies have indicated that many of the RR Lyrae variables in the LMC have properties similar to those in the Galactic globular cluster M3. Assuming that the M3 RR Lyrae variables follow the same relationships among period, temperature, amplitude, and Fourier phase parameter ϕ31 as their LMC counterparts, we have used the M3 ϕ31–log P relation to identify the M3-like unevolved first overtone RR Lyrae variables in 16 MACHO fields near the LMC bar. The temperatures of these variables were calculated from the M3 log P–log Teff relation so that the extinction could be derived for each star separately. Since blended stars have lower amplitudes for a given period, the period–amplitude relation should be a useful tool for determining which stars are affected by crowding. We find that the low-amplitude LMC RR1 stars are brighter than the stars that fit the M3 period–amplitude relation and we estimate that at least 40% of the stars are blended. Simulated data for three of the crowded stars illustrate that an unresolved companion with V ∼ 20.5 could account for the observed amplitude and magnitude. We derive a corrected mean apparent magnitude 〈V0〉 = 19.01 ± 0.10 (extinction) ±0.02 (calibration) for the 51 uncrowded unevolved M3-like RR1 variables. Assuming that the unevolved RR1 variables in M3 have a mean absolute magnitude MV = 0.52 ± 0.02 leads to an LMC distance modulus μ = 18.49 ± 0.11.
Case-Finding Effectiveness of Partner Notification and Cluster Investigation for Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV

Objective: To assess the case-finding effectiveness of partner notification(PN) and cluster investigation for sexually transmitted disease (STD)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Study: Literature review and quantitative summary. Results: Since 1975, the median case-finding yield for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia PN reported in the literature is about 1 new case found for every 4 or 5 cases interviewed. The yield from HIV PN is approximately half as large, although there is substantial variability in yield across reports for each disease. Published reports underline the central role provider referral plays in effective PN and case-finding. Successful PN is more likely with index cases who are of majority ethnicity and detected through screening or spontaneous presentation for care with symptoms and with partners with whom index cases have had sexual contact that is recent, frequent, and of long duration. The case-finding yield for HIV PN also is much higher when cases are diagnosed through confidential, rather than anonymous, testing. Cluster investigation and related strategies tend to have lower case-finding yields than PN but can play a very useful case-finding role, especially in settings with high disease incidence. Conclusions: STD/HIV PN and cluster investigation can contribute meaningfully to case finding. More research is needed to strengthen the empiric foundation of PN and related strategies, including the impact they have on disease transmission.
Small molecule SIRT 1 activators for the treatment of aging and age-related diseases

Recent studies in mice have identified single molecules that can delay multiple diseases of aging and extend lifespan. In theory, such molecules could prevent dozens of diseases simultaneously, potentially extending healthy years of life. In this review, we discuss recent advances, controversies, opportunities, and challenges surrounding the development of SIRT1 activators, molecules with the potential to delay aging and age-related diseases. Sirtuins comprise a family of NAD-dependent deacylases that are central to the body’s response to diet and exercise. New studies indicate that both natural and synthetic sirtuin activating compounds (STACs) work via a common allosteric mechanism to stimulate sirtuin activity, thereby conferring broad health benefits in rodents, primates, and possibly humans. The fact that two-thirds of people in the USA who consume multiple dietary supplements consume resveratrol, a SIRT1 activator, underscores the importance of understanding the biochemical mechanism, physiological effects, and safety of STACs.
Regulated Norepinephrine Transporter Interaction with the Neurokinin-1 Receptor Establishes Transporter Subcellular Localization*

Background: Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) activation down-regulates norepinephrine transporter (NET). Results: NET, NK1R, and protein kinase Cα exist in a physical complex and membrane microdomain-specific NET/NK1R/PKCα interaction is coupled to NK1R activation. Conclusion: NET subcellular localization and regulation requires assembly of a much larger macromolecular complex. Significance: How receptor/transporter interaction determines NET subcellular localization is crucial for transport regulation by neurokinin-1. Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) mediates down-regulation of human norepinephrine (NE) transporter (hNET) via protein kinase C (PKC). However, native NET regulation by NK1R and the mechanism by which NK1R targets NET among other potential effectors are unknown. Effect of NK1R activation on native NET regulation and NET/NK1R interaction were studied using rat brain synaptosomes expressing native NET and NK1R as well as human placental trophoblast (HTR) cells coexpressing WT-hNET or NK1R/PKC-resistant hNET-T258A,S259A double mutant (NET-DM) and hNK1R. The selective NK1R agonist, GR73632, and Substance-P (SP) inhibited NE transport and reduced plasma membrane expression of NET and NK1R. Pretreatment with the NK1R antagonist, EMEND (aprepitant) prevented these NK1R-mediated effects. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed that NET forms stable complexes with NK1R. In HTR cells, combined biotinylation and immunoprecipitation studies revealed plasma membrane localization of NET·NK1R complexes. Receptor activation resulted in the internalization of NET·NK1R complexes. Lipid raft and immunoprecipitation analyses revealed the presence of NET·NK1R complexes exclusively in non-raft membrane fractions under basal/unstimulated conditions. However, NK1R activation led to translocation of NET·NK1R complexes to raft-rich membrane fractions. Importantly, PKCα was found in association with raft-localized NET following SP treatment. Similar to WT-NET, PKC-resistant NET-DM was found in association with NK1R exclusively in non-raft fractions. However, SP treatment failed to translocate NET-DM·NK1R complexes from non-raft fractions to raft fractions. Collectively, these results suggest that NK1R forms physical complexes with NET and that the receptor-mediated Thr258 + Ser259 motif-dependent translocation of NET·NK1R complexes into raft-rich microdomains facilitates NET/NK1R interaction with PKCα to coordinate spatially restricted NET regulation.
Scenedesmus quadricauda for Nutrient Removal and Lipid Production in Wastewater

Scenedesmus quadricauda, a local freshwater microalga, was used to treat primary settled and filtrate wastewater and to produce algal lipid. For the primary settled wastewater, the maximum biomass concentrations of acclimated and unacclimated microalgae were 0.995 g/L and 0.940 g/L, respectively. Over 90% orthophosphate and 95% ammonia nitrogen in the acclimated and unacclimated cultures, respectively, were removed after five days. The lipid contents of the microalgae were higher than 13% in all cultures. The highest growth rate occurred in the 25% filtrate culture. Over 80% phosphate was removed under the 25% and 50% filtrate cultures within six days, while over 90% ammonia nitrogen was removed within five days under both conditions. The lipid content was the highest (18.1%) under the 50% filtrate condition. C16:0, C18:2n6, and C18:3n3 were dominant fatty acids. In conclusion, S. quadricauda is a viable candidate for wastewater treatment and lipid production.
Association between Salt Intake and Albuminuria in Normotensive and Hypertensive Individuals

Background. There is a little published data regarding the association between salt intake and albuminuria as an important alarm for progression of cardiovascular and renal dysfunction. We aimed to assess this relationship to emphasize the major role of restricting salt intake to minimize albuminuria and prevent these life-threatening events. Methods. The study population comprised 820 individuals. Participants were assigned to groups as follows: normal albuminuria, slight albuminuria, and clinical albuminuria. Daily salt intake was assessed on the basis of 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, since urinary sodium excretion largely equals sodium intake. Results. In normotensive participants, the mean level of urine albumin was higher in those who had higher amounts of salt intake with a significantly upward trend (the mean urinary albumin level in low-salt-diet group, in medium-salt-intake group, and in high-salt-intake group was 42.70 ± 36.42, 46.89 ± 38.91, and 53.38 ± 48.23, resp., (P = 0.017)). There was a significant positive correlation between 24-hour urinary sodium secretion and the level of urine albumin (beta = 0.130, P < 0.001). The amount of salt intake was significantly associated with urine albumin concentration (beta = 3.969, SE = 1.671, P = 0.018). Conclusion. High salt intake was shown to be associated with higher level of microalbuminuria even adjusted for potential underlying risk factors.
Elastic Moduli and Internal Friction of Low Carbon and Stainless Steels as a Function of Temperature

Elastic (Young, shear and bulk moduli, Poisson's ratio and Lame parameter), longitudinal and transverse internal friction values for low carbon steel and stainless steel were simultaneously measured over a temperature range 300-1500 K, by an ultrasonic pulse sing-around method. These elastic moduli decrease and Poisson's ratio increases with increasing temperature, suggesting activation of shear mode in a high temperature region. Longitudinal and transverse internal frictions are sensitive to recrystalization, and to α(ferritic)/γ(austenitic) phase transition and solution of precipitated carbide phases into the austenitic matrix, respectively. A relaxation peak with an apparent activation energy of 0.97 eV was observed at around 610 K for the carbon steel.
Role of Synbiotics in the Treatment of Childhood Constipation: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial

Objective Constipation is a common problem in children. There is some clinical evidence for the role of probiotics and prebiotics in the treatment of constipated children. This is the first study on the therapeutic effect of synbiotics (combination of probiotics and prebiotic) in treatment of childhood constipation. Methods In a double-blind randomized placebo controlled study 102 children aged 4–12 years with functional constipation were assessed according to Rome III criteria for 4 weeks. They were divided into 3 groups: Group A, received 1.5 ml/kg/day oral liquid paraffin plus placebo, group B, 1 sachet synbiotic per day plus placebo and group C, 1.5 ml/kg/day oral liquid paraffin plus 1 sachet synbiotic per day. Frequency of bowel movements (BMs), stool consistency, number of fecal incontinence episodes, abdominal pain, painful defecation per week, success of treatment and side effects were determined in each group before and after treatment. Findings The frequency of BMs per week increased in all groups (P<0.001), but it differed between groups and was higher in group C (P=0.03). Stool consistency increased and number of fecal incontinence episodes, abdominal pain and painful defecation per week decreased in all groups similarly and there was statistically no difference between them. No side effects were reported in group B; the main side effect in group A and C was seepage of oil (P<0.001). Treatment success was similar in all groups without any significant difference between them (P=0.6). Conclusion This study showed that synbiotics have positive effects on symptoms of childhood constipation without any side effects.
A Generalization of the Parallel Error Correcting Codes

This paper generalizes parallel error correcting codes proposed by Alshwede et al. over a type of multiple access channels called a parallel channel. The generalized parallel error correcting codes can handle with more errors compared with the original ones. We show construction methods of independent and non-independent parallel error correcting code and decoding methods. We derive some bounds about the size of respective parallel error correcting code
Accuracy of bedside glucose measurement from three glucometers in critically ill patients*

Objective:Implementation of strict glucose control in most intensive care units has resulted in increased use of point-of-care glucose devices in the intensive care unit. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of point-of-care testing glucose meters among critically ill patients under intensive insulin treatment. Design:Prospective observational study. Patients:Intensive care unit and non-intensive care unit patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Measurements:A glucose oxidase method was used to validate the point-of-care testing devices. Three different point-of-care testing devices, Accu-Chek Sensor (Roche Diagnostics), Precision (Abbott Diagnostics), and HemoCue were tested. Glucose measurements were performed in duplicate by an experienced technician under standardized conditions in the hospital's laboratory, using arterial (intensive care unit patients) and arterial or venous (non-intensive care unit patients) heparinized whole blood samples. Main Results:A strong correlation was found between the glucose oxidase method and the Accu-Chek device (r2 = .9596, p < 0.001). Mean absolute difference between the glucose oxidase and Accu-Chek was −0.32 mmol/L (95% confidence interval −0.84 to 1.48 mmol/L). Using the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) criteria, 27 of 197 samples (13.7%) were inaccurate. In all samples that failed to meet the ISO criteria, glucose values measured by the Accu-Chek device were higher compared with the glucose oxidase method. In another set of experiments among intensive care unit patients, strong positive correlations were also found between the other point-of-care testing devices and the glucose oxidase method. However, paired samples from Accu-Chek, HemoCue, and Precision failed the ISO criteria in 9 of 82 (11.0%), 4 of 82 (4.9%), and 11 of 82 (13.4%) of cases, respectively. In non-intensive care unit patients paired samples from Accu-Chek, HemoCue, and Precision failed the ISO criteria in 3 of 120 (2.5%), 11 of 120 (9.2%), and 16 of 120 (13.3%) cases, respectively. Conclusions:Under standardized conditions, glucose results from three point-of-care testing devices were inaccurate in both intensive care unit and non-intensive care unit patients. Among intensive care unit patients, inaccurate glucose readings were most frequently falsely elevated, resulting in misinterpretation of high glucose values with subsequent inappropriate insulin administration or masking of true hypoglycemia.
Active Negative Pressure Peritoneal Therapy After Abbreviated Laparotomy

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. This randomized trial observed a survival difference between patients randomized to the ABThera versus Barker's vacuum pack after abbreviated laparotomy. As this difference did not seem to be mediated by improved peritoneal fluid drainage, fascial closure rates, or markers of systemic inflammation, it should be confirmed by a multicenter trial.
Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance rates in commercially insured patients with noncirrhotic chronic hepatitis B

American association for the study of liver diseases (AASLD) and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) guidelines recommend biannual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening for noncirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis B infection (HBV), yet there are no data estimating surveillance rates or factors associated with surveillance. We performed a retrospective cohort study of US patients using the Truven Health Analytics databases from 2006 to 2010 and identified patients with noncirrhotic chronic HBV. Surveillance patterns were characterized using categorical and continuous outcomes, with the continuous measure of the proportion of time ‘up to date’ with surveillance (PUTDS), with the 6‐month interval following each ultrasound categorized as ‘up to date’. During a median follow‐up of 26.0 (IQR: 16.2–40.0) months among 4576 noncirrhotic patients with chronic HBV (median age: 44 years, IQR: 36–52), only 306 (6.7%) had complete surveillance (one ultrasound every 6‐month interval), 2727 (59.6%) incomplete (≥1 ultrasound) and 1543 (33.7%) none. The mean PUTDS was 0.34 ± 0.29, and the median was 0.32 (IQR: 0.03–0.52). In multinomial logistic regression models, patients diagnosed by a nongastroenterologist were significantly less likely to have complete surveillance (P < 0.001), as were those coinfected with HBV/HIV (P < 0.001). In linear regression models, nongastroenterologist provider, health insurance subtype, HBV/HIV coinfection, rural status and metabolic syndrome were independently associated with decreased surveillance. Patients with HIV had an absolute decrease in the PUTDS of 0.24, while patients in less populated rural areas had an absolute decrease of 0.10. HCC surveillance rates in noncirrhotic patients with chronic HBV in the United States are poor and lower than reported rates of HCC surveillance in cirrhotic patients.
Improvement of covalent immobilization procedure of β‐galactosidase from Kluyveromyces lactis for galactooligosaccharides production: Modeling and kinetic study

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are prebiotics produced from lactose through an enzymatic reaction. Employing an immobilized enzyme may result in cost reductions; however, the changes in its kinetics due to immobilization has not been studied. This study experimentally determined the optimal reaction conditions for the production of GOS from lactose by β‐galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) from Kluyveromyces lactis covalently immobilized to a polysiloxane‐polyvinyl alcohol (POS‐PVA) polymer activated with glutaraldehyde (GA), and to study the transgalactosylation kinetics. Yield immobilization was 99 ± 1.1% with 78.5 ± 2.4% enzyme activity recovery. An experimental design 24 with 1 center point and 2 replicates was used. Factors were lactose [L], enzyme concentration [E], pH and temperature (T). Response variables were glucose and galactose as monosaccharides [G1], residual lactose [Lac]r and GOS as disaccharides [G2] and trisaccharides [G3]. Best conditions were pH 7.1, 40 °C, 270 gL−1 initial lactose concentration and 6 U mL−1 enzyme concentration, obtaining 25.46 ± 0.01 gL−1 yield of trisaccharides. Although below the HPLC‐IR detection limit, tetrasaccharides were also identified after 115 min of reaction. The immobilization protocol was then optimized by diminishing total reactant volumes : support ratio, resulting in improved enzyme activity synthesizing 43.53 ± 0.02 gL−1 of trisaccharides and 13.79 ± 0.21 gL−1 of tetrasaccharides, and after four cycles remaining relative activity was 94%. A reaction mechanism was proposed through which a mathematical model was developed and rate constants were estimated, considering a pseudo steady‐state hypothesis for two concomitant reactions, and from this simplified analysis, the reaction yield could eventually be improved. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 33:1568–1578, 2017