Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationships between Staphylococcus aureus Genetic Background, Virulence Factors, agr Groups (Alleles), and Human Disease

ABSTRACT The expression of most Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors is controlled by the agr locus, which encodes a two-component signaling pathway whose activating ligand is an agr-encoded autoinducing peptide (AIP). A polymorphism in the amino acid sequence of the AIP and of its corresponding receptor divides S. aureus strains into four major groups. Within a given group, each strain produces a peptide that can activate the agr response in the other member strains, whereas the AIPs belonging to different groups are usually mutually inhibitory. We investigated a possible relationship between agr groups and human S. aureus disease by studying 198 S. aureus strains isolated from 14 asymptomatic carriers, 66 patients with suppurative infection, and 114 patients with acute toxemia. The agr group and the distribution of 24 toxin genes were analyzed by PCR, and the genetic background was determined by means of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis. The isolates were relatively evenly distributed among the four agrgroups, with 61 strains belonging to agr group I, 49 belonging to group II, 43 belonging to group III, and 45 belonging to group IV. Principal coordinate analysis performed on the AFLP distance matrix divided the 198 strains into three main phylogenetic groups, AF1 corresponding to strains of agr group IV, AF2 corresponding to strains of agr groups I and II, and AF3 corresponding to strains of agr group III. This indicated that the agr type was linked to the genetic background. A relationship between genetic background, agr group, and disease type was observed for several toxin-mediated diseases: for instance, agr group IV strains were associated with generalized exfoliative syndromes, and phylogenetic group AF1 strains with bullous impetigo. Among the suppurative infections, endocarditis strains mainly belonged to phylogenetic group AF2 and agr groups I and II. While these results do not show a direct role of the agr type in the type of human disease caused by S. aureus, the agr group may reflect an ancient evolutionary division of S. aureus in terms of this species’ fundamental biology.
Lethal effects of a Mexican Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) strain against Meccus pallidipennis (Stal)

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo 1835) Vuillemin is an effective alternative control agent against some agricultural pests and biological vectors of important diseases such as Chagas disease. In this work we studied an isolate of Beauveria bassiana from of the town of San Antonio Rayón, Puebla, Mexico and its entomopathogenic effects on Meccus pallidipennis (Stal 1872). Phylogenetic analysis using molecular comparison of the ITS and EF1α genes, showed that the resulting cladogram places the BUAP 04 strain with a relationship closer to the AFAO 9-6 strain, within the diversity of the B. bassiana sensu lato group. Although there was the possibility that BUAP 04 strain was a direct descendant of strains used in campaigns of biologic control, molecular study allowed us to recognize that it was a different fungus due to numerous inserts. A strain isolated from a T. dimiata was evaluated for pathogenicity against another triatoma (Meccus pallidipennis) species obtaining an LC50 of 4.16 × 106 spores/mL, confirming that the BUAP 04 strain is virulent for M. pallidipennis and could be a good prospect for formulations to control M. pallidipennis.
Soil pH and exchangeable aluminium in contrasting New Zealand high and hill country soils

Soil acidity and associated aluminium (Al) toxicity severely limit the establishment and growth of legumes in New Zealand high country pastures. A survey of 13 soils differing in location, soil order, parent material and climate, showed soil pH to range from 4.9 to 6.4 and exchangeable Al (0.02M CaCl 2 ) concentrations of <0.5 to 23.3 mg/kg. At all sites and at varying soil pH above the toxicity threshold for sensitive legumes. Brown soils had the overall highest Al concentrations from 0.8 to 23.3 mg/kg, and volcanic soils the lowest from <0.5 to 6.7 mg/kg. The soil and environmental factors other than soil pH that drive variability in soil exchangeable Al require further investigation.
Delayed cord clamping in Nepal-Evidence for implementation

Rana, N. 2019. Delayed cord clamping in Nepal-Evidence for implementation. Digital Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Medicine 1557. 66 pp. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. ISBN 978-91-513-0611-7. The aims of this thesis were to investigate effects of timing of umbilical cord clamping on newborn health, and on infant outcomes up to 12 months of age in a high-risk population and to explore the context of implementing changed umbilical cord clamping practices in Nepal. A randomised controlled trial with 540 late preterm and term infants born by normal vaginal delivery was set up at a maternity hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. Infants were enrolled in two parallel groups (1:1 ratio), randomised to early (ECC) (≤60 seconds) or delayed cord clamping (DCC) (≥180 seconds). To get a deeper understanding of barriers and enablers for change in clinical practise in relation to cord clamping, a qualitative study with delivery staff was set up. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted at two major delivery hospitals in Kathmandu. Paper I showed that DCC was an effective intervention to reduces anaemia at 8 and 12 months of age in a high-risk population, which may have major positive effects on infants’ health and development. Paper II utilised the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) to assess neurodevelopment in infants at 12 months of age. The result showed DCC was associated with an improvement of the overall neurodevelopment at 12 months of age as compared to infants in the ECC group. Paper III showed that DCC was not associated with an increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia during the first day of life or risk of jaundice within 4 weeks compared with the ECC group. Paper IV demonstrated how a positive attitude towards DCC and a will to rely on research evidence when striving to do good are facilitators of change in clinical practice. However, the participants in the study were hesitant to apply DCC due to lack of national or institutional protocols and formal training. Consequently, they were forced to take informal decisions and rely on alternate sources of information. In conclusion, delaying umbilical cord clamping for 180 seconds is safe and associated with a significantly reduced risk of anaemia at 8 and 12 months which may have neurodevelopmental effects at a later age and is not associated with an increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia during the first days of life or risk of jaundice within 4 weeks of age. In order to change cord clamping practices to comply with evidence and policies health-care staff needs to be better supported by the governance structures of the health system, with clear and approved guidelines made available and coherent training and support.
Artificial Neural Networks Approach for a Multi-Objective Cavitation Optimization Design in a Double-Suction Centrifugal Pump

Double-suction centrifugal pumps are widely used in industrial and agricultural applications since their flow rate is twice that of single-suction pumps with the same impeller diameter. They usually run for longer, which makes them susceptible to cavitation, putting the downstream components at risk. A fast approach to predicting the Net Positive Suction Head required was applied to perform a multi-objective optimization on the double-suction centrifugal pump. An L32 (84) orthogonal array was designed to evaluate 8 geometrical parameters at 4 levels each. A two-layer feedforward neural network and genetic algorithm was applied to solve the multi-objective problem into pareto solutions. The results were validated by numerical simulation and compared to the original design. The suction performance was improved by 7.26%, 3.9%, 4.5% and 3.8% at flow conditions 0.6Qd, 0.8Qd, 1.0Qd and 1.2Qd respectively. The efficiency increased by 1.53% 1.0Qd and 1.1% at 0.8Qd. The streamline on the blade surface was improved and the vapor volume fraction of the optimized impeller was much smaller than that of the original impeller. This study established a fast approach to cavitation optimization and a parametric database for both hub and shroud blade angles for double suction centrifugal pump optimization design.
WASP-54b, WASP-56b and WASP-57b: Three new sub-Jupiter mass planets from SuperWASP ⋆

We present three newly discovered sub-Jupiter mass planets from the SuperWASP survey: WASP-54b is a heavily bloated planet of mass 0.636(-0.024)(+0.025) M-J and radius 1.653(-0.083)(+0.090) R-J. It orbits a F9 star, evolving off the main sequence, every 3.69 days. Our MCMC fit of the system yields a slightly eccentric orbit (e = 0.067(-0.025)(+ 0.033)) for WASP-54b. We investigated further the veracity of our detection of the eccentric orbit for WASP-54b, and we find that it could be real. However, given the brightness of WASP-54 V = 10.42 mag, we encourage observations of a secondary eclipse to draw robust conclusions on both the orbital eccentricity and the thermal structure of the planet. WASP-56b and WASP-57b have masses of 0.571(-0.035)(+ 0.034) M-J and 0.672(-0.046)(+ 0.049) M-J, respectively; and radii of 1.092(-0.033)(+ 0.035) R-J for WASP-56b and 0.916(-0.014)(+0.017) R-J for WASP-57b. They orbit main sequence stars of spectral type G6 every 4.67 and 2.84 days, respectively. WASP-56b and WASP-57b show no radius anomaly and a high density possibly implying a large core of heavy elements; possibly as high as similar to 50 M-circle plus in the case of WASP-57b. However, the composition of the deep interior of exoplanets remains still undetermined. Thus, more exoplanet discoveries such as the ones presented in this paper, are needed to understand and constrain giant planets' physical properties.
Comparison of sonic and ultrasonic activation for removal of calcium hydroxidefrom root canals - A micro-CT study

Residual calcium hydroxide in the root canal can affect the quality of the root canal filling. The purpose of the present study was to use microtomography (micro-CT) for evaluating the efficacy of sonic and ultrasonic activation in removing calcium hydroxide. Thirty-two single-rooted mandibular premolars were prepared using a ProTaper next to X3 and were filled with a calcium hydroxide paste. The teeth were divided into two groups (n = 16) and an the initial scan was subsequently performed using micro-CT. Following a seven-day incubation under 100% humidity at 37° C, the calcium hydroxide was cleaned with an irrigation solution that had been activating using either a sonic (EDDYTM, VDW) or an ultrasonic instrument (IrriSave, Acteon Satelec). After cleaning, a second with micro-CT scan was performed for determining the volume of residual calcium hydroxide. The data were reconstructed and analyzed using the NRecon and CTAn software. The ultrasonic group had a lower mean residual volume of calcium hydroxide than the sonic group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.225). Sonic and ultrasonic techniques have the same ability to remove calcium hydroxide from the root canal. Experimental article (J Int Dent Med Res 2019; 12(1): 123-128)
An adaptive subdivision method for surface-fitting from sampled data

A method is developed for surface-fitting from sampled data. Surface-fitting is the process of constructing a compact representation to model the surface of an object based on a fairly large number of given data points. In our case, the data is obtained from a real object using an automatic three-dimensional digitizing system. The method is based on an adaptive subdivision approach, a technique previously used for the design and display of free-form curved surface objects. Our approach begins with a rough approximating surface and progressively refines it in successive steps in regions where the data is poorly approximated. The method has been implemented using a parametric piecewise bicubic Bernstein-Bézier surface possessing G1 geometric continuity. An advantage of this approach is that the refinement is essentially local reducing the computational requirements which permits the processing of large databases. Furthermore, the method is simple in concept, yet realizes efficient data compression. Some experimental results are given which show that the representation constructed by this method is faithful to the original database.
Magnetoresistance Due To Domain Walls In Micron Scale Fe Wires With Stripe Domains

The magnetoresistance (MR) associated with domain boundaries has been investigated in microfabricated bcc Fe (0.65 to 20 /spl mu/m linewidth) wires with controlled stripe domains. Domain configurations have been characterized using MFM. MR measurements as a function of field angle, temperature and domain configuration are used to estimate MR contributions due to resistivity anisotropy and domain walls. Evidence is presented that domain boundaries enhance the conductivity in such microstructures over a broad range of temperatures (1.5 K to 80 K).
On the Coexistence of Money and Higher-Return Assets and its Social Role

This paper adopts mechanism design to tackle the central issue in monetary theory, namely, the coexistence of money and higher-return assets. I describe an economy with pairwise meetings, where fiat money and risk-free capital compete as means of payment. Whenever fiat money has an essential role, any constrained-efficient allocation is such that capital commands a higher rate of return than fiat money.
Implant Materials Generate Different Peri-implant Inflammatory Factors

Study Design. An in vitro study examining factors produced by human mesenchymal stem cells on spine implant materials. Objective. The aim of this study was to examine whether the inflammatory microenvironment generated by cells on titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-alloy, TiAlV) surfaces is affected by surface microtexture and whether it differs from that generated on poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK). Summary of Background Data. Histologically, implants fabricated from PEEK have a fibrous connective tissue surface interface whereas Ti-alloy implants demonstrate close approximation with surrounding bone. Ti-alloy surfaces with complex micron/submicron scale roughness promote osteoblastic differentiation and foster a specific cellular environment that favors bone formation whereas PEEK favors fibrous tissue formation. Methods. Human mesenchymal stem cells were cultured on tissue culture polystyrene, PEEK, smooth TiAlV, or macro-/micro-/nano-textured rough TiAlV (mmnTiAlV) disks. Osteoblastic differentiation and secreted inflammatory interleukins were assessed after 7 days. Fold changes in mRNAs for inflammation, necrosis, DNA damage, or apoptosis with respect to tissue culture polystyrene were measured by low-density polymerase chain reaction array. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance, followed by Bonferroni's correction of Student's t-test. Results. Cells on PEEK upregulated mRNAs for chemokine ligand-2, interleukin (IL) 1&bgr;, IL6, IL8, and tumor necrosis factor. Cells grown on the mmnTiAlV had an 8-fold reduction in mRNAs for toll-like receptor-4. Cells grown on mmnTiAlV had reduced levels of proinflammatory interleukins. Cells on PEEK had higher mRNAs for factors strongly associated with cell death/apoptosis, whereas cells on mmnTiAlV exhibited reduced cytokine factor levels. All results were significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion. These results suggest that fibrous tissue around PEEK implants may be due to several factors: reduced osteoblastic differentiation of progenitor cells and production of an inflammatory environment that favors cell death via apoptosis and necrosis. Ti alloy surfaces with complex macro/micro/nanoscale roughness promote osteoblastic differentiation and foster a specific cellular environment that favors bone formation. Level of Evidence: N/A
Effects of phonotactic predictability on sensitivity to phonetic detail

Japanese speakers systematically devoice or delete high vowels [i, u] between two voiceless consonants. Japanese listeners also report perceiving the same high vowels between consonant clusters even in the absence of a vocalic segment. Although perceptual vowel epenthesis has been described primarily as a phonotactic repair strategy, where a phonetically minimal vowel is epenthesized by default, few studies have investigated how the predictability of a vowel in a given context affects the choice of epenthetic vowel. The present study uses a forced-choice labeling task to test how sensitive Japanese listeners are to coarticulatory cues of high vowels [i, u] and non-high vowel [a] in devoicing and non-devoicing contexts. Devoicing contexts were further divided into high-predictability contexts, where the phonotactic distribution strongly favors one of the high vowels, and low-predictability contexts, where both high vowels are allowed, to specifically test for the effects of predictability. Results reveal a strong tendency towards [u] epenthesis as previous studies have found, but the results also reveal a sensitivity to coarticulatory cues that override the default [u] epenthesis, particularly in low-predictability contexts. Previous studies have shown that predictability affects phonetic implementation during production, and this study provides evidence predictability has similar effects during perception.
CEO Narcissism and the Takeover Process: From Private Initiation to Deal Completion

Chief executive officer (CEO) narcissism affects the takeover process. Acquirer shareholders react less favorably to a takeover announcement when the target CEO is more narcissistic. Narcissistic acquiring CEOs negotiate faster. They are also marginally more likely to initiate deals. Acquirer CEO narcissism and target CEO narcissism are associated with a lower probability of deal completion and reduce the likelihood that the target CEO will be employed by the merged firm. Our findings highlight the importance of both acquirer and target CEO psychological characteristics throughout the takeover process.
Glaucoma-Induced Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells Prevented by Hypoxic Preconditioning: A Model of Glaucoma Tolerance

Like all cells, neurons adapt to stress by transient alterations in phenotype, an epigenetic response that forms the basis for preconditioning against acute ischemic injury in the central nervous system. We recently showed that a modified repetitive hypoxic preconditioning (RHP) regimen significantly extends the window of ischemic tolerance to acute retinal ischemic injury from days to months. The present study was undertaken to determine if this uniquely protracted neuroprotective phenotype would also confer resistance to glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Retinal ganglion cell death at somatic and axonal levels was assessed after both 3 and 10 wks of sustained intraocular hypertension in an adult mouse model of inducible, open-angle glaucoma, with or without RHP before intraocular pressure elevation. Loss of brn3-positive ganglion cell soma after 3 wks of experimental glaucoma, along with increases in several apoptotic endpoints, were all significantly and robustly attenuated in mice subjected to RHP Soma protection by RHP was also confirmed after 10 wks of intraocular hypertension by brn3 and SMI32 immunostaining. In addition, quantification of axon density in the postlaminar optic nerve documented robust preservation in RHP-treated mice, and neurofilament immunostaining also revealed preconditioning-induced improvements in axon integrity/survival in both retina and optic nerve after 10 wks of experimental glaucoma. This uniquely protracted period of phenotypic change, established in retinal ganglion cells by the activation of latent antiapoptotic, prosurvival mechanisms at both somatic and axonal levels, reflects a novel form of inducible neuronal plasticity that may provide innovative therapeutic targets for preventing and treating glaucoma and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Identification and Quantification of Dimethylamylamine in Geranium by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A sensitive and reliable method of liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS/ MS) was developed and validated for determining 1,3-dimethylamylamine (1,3-DMAA) and 1,4-dimethylamylamine (1,4-DMAA) in geranium plants (Pelargonium graveolens). The sample was extracted with 0.5 M HCl and purified by liquid-liquid partition with hexane. The parameters for reverse-phase (C18) LC and positive ESI/MS/MS were optimized. The matrix effect, specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy and reproducibility of the method were determined and evaluated. The method was linear over a range of 0.10–10.00 ng/mL examined, with R2 of 0.99 for both 1,3-DMAA and 1,4-DMAA. The recoveries from spiked concentrations between 5.00–40.00 ng/g were 85.1%–104.9% for 1,3-DMAA, with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.9%–11.0%, and 82.9%–101.8% for 1,4-DMAA, with RSD of 3.2%–11.7%. The instrument detection limit was 1–2 pg for both DMAAs. The quantification limit was estimated to be 1–2 ng/g for the plant sample. This method was successfully applied to the quantitative determination of 1,3- and 1,4-DMAA in both geranium plant and geranium oil.
GRB 010921: Strong Limits on an Underlying Supernova from the Hubble Space Telescope

GRB 010921 was the first HETE-2 gamma-ray burst (GRB) to be localized via its afterglow emission. The low redshift of the host galaxy, z = 0.451, prompted us to undertake intensive multicolor observations with the Hubble Space Telescope with the goal of searching for an underlying supernova (SN) component. We do not detect any coincident SN to a limit 1.33 mag fainter than SN 1998bw at 99.7% confidence, making this one of the most sensitive searches for an underlying SN. Analysis of the afterglow data allows us to infer that the GRB was situated behind a net extinction (Milky Way and the host galaxy) of AV ~ 1.8 mag in the observer frame. Thus, had it not been for such heavy extinction, our data would have allowed us to probe for an underlying SN with brightness approaching those of more typical Type Ib/c SNe.
Considering an organizational level approach to hybrid leadership development

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Oil and Grease as a Water Quality Index Parameter for the Conservation of Marine Biota

Water quality indexes are a tool used to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of a water body according to its use. The present study proposes the inclusion of oil and grease (OG) as a new water quality index (ICAMPFF-GA) parameter for the preservation of marine biota in tropical areas, since it is a typical pollutant found and measured in water bodies, causing damage to the aquatic environment. The normalized curve for OG was defined based on the percentage of surviving microorganism under a lethal concentration exposure of OG. The ICAMPFF-GA suitability was evaluated by its application to analyze marine water quality in the area of the sea outfall in the city of Cartagena, Colombia and comparing the trends of the outfall flow and the rainfall for 2017. Physical chemical data analyzed for the year 2017 shows that OG varies from 0.0 to 3.8 mg/L. The results show that the water quality index increases when rainfall and flow values increase for the rainy season. The ICAMPFF-GA can be a tool to evaluate the water quality of marine waters affected by the discharge of waters with oil and grease.