Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Genomic Landscape of Bacillus paranthracis PUMB_17 as a Proficient Phosphatidylcholine-Specific Phospholipase C Producer

Phospholipases find versatile applications across industries, including detergent production, food modification, pharmaceuticals (especially in drug delivery systems), and cell signaling research. In this study, we present a strain of Bacillus paranthracis for the first time, demonstrating significant potential in the production of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC). The investigation thoroughly examines the B. paranthracis PUMB_17 strain, focusing on the activity of PC-PLC and its purification process. Notably, the PUMB_17 strain displays extracellular PC-PLC production with high specific activity during the late exponential growth phase. To unravel the genetic makeup of PUMB_17, we employed nanopore-based whole-genome sequencing and subsequently conducted a detailed genome annotation. The genome comprises a solitary circular chromosome spanning 5,250,970 bp, featuring a guanine–cytosine ratio of 35.49. Additionally, two plasmids of sizes 64,250 bp and 5845 bp were identified. The annotation analysis reveals the presence of 5328 genes, encompassing 5186 protein-coding sequences, and 142 RNA genes, including 39 rRNAs, 103 tRNAs, and 5 ncRNAs. The aim of this study was to make a comprehensive genomic exploration that promises to enhance our understanding of the previously understudied and recently documented capabilities of Bacillus paranthracis and to shed light on a potential use of the strain in the industrial production of PC-PLC.
Outcome from status epilepticus after portosystemic shunt attenuation in 3 dogs treated with propofol and phenobarbital.

OBJECTIVE To describe outcome of treatment with propofol and phenobarbital for status epilepticus (SE) after portosystemic shunt (PSS) attenuation. CASE OR SERIES SUMMARY Three dogs without preceding seizure activity, were diagnosed with a single extrahepatic PSS. Following standard preoperative medical therapy, an ameroid constrictor was placed surgically. Recovery was uneventful until spontaneous SE developed 46-96 hours after surgery. After unsuccessful seizure control with benzodiazepines, dogs were treated with a bolus of propofol followed by a propofol constant rate infusion. Phenobarbital was concurrently administered and supportive care was optimized. All dogs recovered uneventfully over the next 7-9 days. Over the following months phenobarbital was slowly tapered. All dogs have been free from antiepileptic drugs for several months, without recurrence of neurologic signs. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED In this case series, we describe the treatment of 3 dogs with propofol and phenobarbital for refractory SE following attenuation of a single congenital PSS. After weaning of the propofol constant rate infusion, and tapering and discontinuation of phenobarbital over the following months, all dogs experienced a complete recovery. This study provides evidence that use of propofol in combination with phenobarbital may be efficacious for management of SE in dogs after PSS surgery.
Spraying with nano-moringa leaf extract affects growth and yields four maize varieties

A field experiment was carried out in the spring agricultural season of 2023 at Ibn Al-Bitar Vocational Preparatory School in the Al-Husseiniyah area in the Holy Karbala Governorate, to study the effect of spraying nano-moringa leaf extract on the growth characteristics and yield of four maize varieties. The split-block experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main plots included of four concentrations of nano-moringa leaf extract (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg L-1) sprayed every two weeks until physiological maturity. The subplots included four varieties of maize (NadH9055, NadH362, NadH386, and NadH315). The results showed that spraying with nano Moringa leaf extract at a concentration of 400 and 600 mg L-1 caused a significant increase in the number of days up to 50% tasseling, number of days up to 50% silking, leaf area, leaf area index, number of grains per row, weight of 500 grains, and grain yield, which gave averages of (74.08 and 74.08 day), (80.42 and 80.75 day), (4643.42 and 4662.81 cm2), (2.48 and 2.49), (28.02 and 30.15 grains row-1), (117.17 and 117.58 g), (5.06 and 5.41 Mg ha-1). The results also showed the superiority of the NadH9055and NadH362 varieties in the number of days up to 50% tasseling, number of days until 50% silking, and number of grains per row gave averages of (66.33 and 67.00 days), (68.75 and 70.50 days), and (31.02 and 32.31 grains per row-1) compared to the rest of the varieties. As for grain yield, the NadH362 variety excelled with an average of (6.39 Mg ha-1) for the rest of the varieties. While the NadH315 variety outperformed in leaf area, leaf area index, and weight of 500 grains, , it gave averages of (5409.08 cm2), (2.88), and (136.42 g) In light of the results presented, it is clear the importance of spraying nano-moringa leaf extract in improving the growth characteristics of maize, which was reflected positively in increasing the yield of four varieties of maize.
Glacier: Transitive Class Immutability for Java

Though immutability has been long-proposed as a way to prevent bugs in software, little is known about how to make immutability support in programming languages effective for software engineers. We designed a new formalism that extends Java to support transitive class immutability, the form of immutability for which there is the strongest empirical support, and implemented that formalism in a tool called Glacier. We applied Glacier successfully to two real-world systems. We also compared Glacier to Java's final in a user study of twenty participants. We found that even after being given instructions on how to express immutability with final, participants who used final were unable to express immutability correctly, whereas almost all participants who used Glacier succeeded. We also asked participants to make specific changes to immutable classes and found that participants who used final all incorrectly mutated immutable state, whereas almost all of the participants who used Glacier succeeded. Glacier represents a promising approach to enforcing immutability in Java and provides a model for enforcement in other languages.
A Kernel-Based Spatio-Temporal Dynamical Model for Nowcasting Weather Radar Reflectivities

A good short-period forecast of heavy rainfall is essential for many meteorological and hydrological applications. Traditional deterministic and stochastic nowcasting methodologies have been inadequate in their characterization of pixelwise rainfall reflectivity propagation, intensity, and uncertainty. The methodology presented herein uses an approach that efficiently parameterizes spatio-temporal dynamic models in terms of integro-difference equations within a hierarchical framework. The approach accounts for the uncertainty in the prediction and provides relevant distributional information concerning the nowcast. An application is presented that shows the effectiveness of the technique and its potential for nowcasting weather radar reflectivities.
EEG phase coherence, pure consciousness, creativity, and TM--Sidhi experiences.

Males (n = 12, M age 25.6 yrs) with clear experiences (CE) of both "pure consciousness" (unbounded inner awareness without thoughts) and the TM--Sidhi techniques (mental procedures derived from Vedic Science to enhance cognitive, perceptual and other abilities) were compared with unclear experience (UE) males (n = 10, M age 25.5 yrs) on creativity (ideational fluency, Torrance, Novel Uses, Verbal) and EEG coherence, a measure of phase stability derived from Fourier series analysis. Multivariate analysis of variance of coherence between four pairs of EEG derivations (F3F4, F3C3, F4C4, C3C4) and a t-test on the creativity variable showed that CE subjects had higher alpha (8--12 Hz) coherence (p = 0.052) and higher creativity (p = 0.011) than UE subjects. Several of the alpha coherence variables were positively correlated with creativity: Bilateral Frontal (F3F4), r = 0.65, p = 0.001; Homolateral Right, r = 0.50, p = 0 . 011; mean of the four alpha variables, r = 0.66, p = 0.001; Dominant Alpha (area of highest alpha coherence for each subject) r = 0.64, p = 0.001. It is concluded that: (1) information processing, at least to the extent measured by ideational fluency, is enhanced in those with clear experiences of pure consciousness and the TM--Sidhi techniques, (2) that EEG coherence is a psychophysiological correlate of this subject variable and (3) that the results may be generalizable to the field of information processing and "peak experiences" described in Humanistic psychology.
Nonlinear control of a satellite power system based on the sliding mode control

This paper considers nonlinear control of a satellite power system. Two different controllers designed for a satellite power system. a first order-sliding mode controller used for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of the photovoltaic (PV) module and a PID-sliding mode controller used for load voltage regulation as well as charges or discharges battery. The stability of the MPPT unit is guaranteed through Lyapunov stability analysis. The proposed controllers are robust to environmental, load and battery voltage variations. To show the effectiveness of the controllers, a nonlinear satellite power system is chosen as a case study. The simulation results verify the merits of the proposed controller.
ENHANCING S45C STEEL FOR THE PRIMARY COMPONENT OF AN AUTOMATIC COUPLER USING QUENCH-TEMPERING TECHNIQUES

Coupling links and hooked plates constitute the primary components of automatic couplers in trains, enduring substantial tensile and compressive loads during train connections. This study endeavours to enhance the strength of S45C material through heat treatment techniques. The research commenced with the preparation of JIS S45C tensile test specimens adhering to ASTM E8 standards. The material's chemical composition was validated using an Optical Emission Spectrometer (OES). Six heat treatment variations were employed, including quench oil without tempering (QO), quenching water without tempering (QW), quenching oil tempered at 660°C (QOT660), quenching water tempered at 660°C (QWT660), quenching oil tempered at 550°C (QOT550), quenching water tempered at 550°C (QWT550), alongside untreated conditions (NT) for comparison. The efficacy of heat treatment was evaluated through tensile testing, optical metallographic analysis, and micro-Vickers hardness tests. QO and QW scenarios were excluded from the tensile tests. Results revealed that QWT550 demonstrated the most substantial enhancement in material yield, exhibiting a 115% increase. Moreover, hardness testing indicated superior hardness in QWT550 specimens compared to other tempered variants. The metallographic analysis illustrated the formation of identical and smooth martensitic structures. Overall, the combination of cooling heat treatment and tempering proved sufficient to meet the design requirements of hooked plates and coupling links for automatic couplers.
A trajectory tracking of legged robot using decentralized control with robustness designs

A microprocessor-based decentralized sliding-mode tracking control was applied to a legged robot with two-degree-of-freedom (DOF). Under no external load, a linear discrete-time (LDT) dynamic model for every link was individually achieved by the recursive least-squares (LS) parameter estimation. An output disturbance caused by the interaction and modeling error deteriorated the system performance. In this situation, a minimax optimization of the weighted sensitivity between the output disturbance and switching surface was obtained to attenuate the effect of the output disturbance. Moreover, a suitable selection of the weighted function could reject the output disturbance of known mode. For further improving the system performance, a switching control was designed. Finally, the experiments for the legged robot with (or without) payload was arranged to evaluate the usefulness of the proposed method.
Can the Design of Glove Dispensing Boxes Influence Glove Contamination? Original Citation Can the Design of Glove Dispensing Boxes Influence Glove Contamination?

Users may access full items free of charge; copies of full text items generally can be reproduced, displayed or performed and given to third parties in any format or medium for personal research or study, educational or not­for­profit purposes without prior permission or charge, provided: • The authors, title and full bibliographic details is credited in any copy; • A hyperlink and/or URL is included for the original metadata page; and • The content is not changed in any way. Summary Background: Few studies have explored the microbial contamination of glove boxes in
Antimicrobial Treatment Challenges in the Management of Infective Spondylodiscitis Associated with Hemodialysis: A Comprehensive Review of Literature and Case Series Analysis

Infective spondylodiscitis (ISD), the infection of vertebral bodies and surrounding tissues, is a rare complication with major impact on the long-term survival of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Although the most frequent etiology is staphylococcal, identifying these pathogens in blood cultures and biopsy cultures is often difficult. This paper aims to present suitable antibiotic combinations for the treatment of these patients, which is usually challenging in the case of an unidentified pathogen. We presented the therapies applied for 13 HD patients and 19 patients without chronic kidney disease (CKD), diagnosed with ISD between 2013 and 2023 in Bihor County. The percentage of positive blood cultures was low in both groups (30.78% HD vs. 15.78% non-HD). The average length of antibiotic therapy was 5.15 weeks in HD patients and 6.29 weeks in non-HD patients. The use of Carbapenem alone (e.g., Meropenem) for an average of 19.6 days for patients in HD when the pathogen was not identified has proven to be efficient in most cases, similarly to using Vancomycin and Fluoroquinolone/Cephalosporines in combination. Regarding the non-CKD patients, the use of Clindamycin in various combinations for an average of 30.3 days has proven to be efficient in more than 90% of cases of ISD with a nonidentified pathogen. Within 2 years after ISD was diagnosed, 12 of the 13 HD patients passed away, mainly due to cardiovascular causes. Unfortunately, there are no guidelines in the literature concerning the empiric treatment of ISD in the particular case of HD patients. Upon checking the literature on PubMed and Google Scholar, only 10 studies provided relevant data regarding ISD treatment for HD patients. More data about the treatment and evolution of these patients is needed in order to elaborate a truly relevant metanalysis.
MR imaging evaluation of liver enhancement by Gd-EOB-DTPA in selective and total bile duct obstruction in rats: correlation with serologic, microcholangiographic, and histologic findings.

PURPOSE To investigate the behavior and potential application of the hepatobiliary magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast agent gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl (EOB)-diethylene-triamine-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) in cholestasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rat models of selective biliary obstruction (SBO) (n = 20) and total biliary obstruction (TBO) (n = 14) were used. Serial Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR images were obtained, and the findings were correlated with serologic, microcholangiographic, and histologic findings. RESULTS In SBO rats, statistically significantly prolonged enhancement of ligated lobes occurred during the acute phase (P < .01) but was absent during the chronic phase owing to bile collateral vessels. In TBO rats, statistically significantly lower liver enhancement (P < .01) was observed as long as the obstruction persisted, until collateral bile ducts developed. CONCLUSION The distinction between obstructed and unobstructed liver on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR images suggests a novel application for visualizing cholestasis.
The Urgency Of Understanding And Practicing Pancasila Values As The State Foundation For The Young Generation

This study aims to determine the urgency of understanding and practicing Pancasila values as the basis of the state for the younger generation and to find out how to improve them. This research is qualified as a normative legal research using the approach of legislation, facts and analysis and legal concepts. The analysis technique uses descriptive, evaluation and argumentation techniques. The results obtained that the urgency of understanding and practicing the values of Pancasila as the basis of the state is very important because the younger generation is very vulnerable to the entry of values that are contrary to Pancasila. The number of cases among the younger generation that reflects the existence of radicalism, individualism, and taking actions that are contrary to the values of Pancasila. Efforts that can be made to improve understanding and practice of Pancasila values as the basis of the state in the younger generation can be carried out starting from the simplest instilling the values and implementing Pancasila values in the family environment, and then at the education level by including subjects about Pancasila and can also be done by socializing the planting of Pancasila values through social media.
Involvement of RhoA/Rho Kinase Pathway in Myogenic Tone in the Rabbit Facial Vein

Myogenic tone (MT), a fundamental stretch-sensitive vasoconstrictor property of resistance arteries and veins, is a key determinant of local blood flow regulation. We evaluated the pathways involved in MT development. The role of the RhoA/Rho kinase, p38 MAP kinase, and HSP27 in MT was investigated in the rabbit facial vein (RFV), previously shown to possess MT at a pressure level equivalent to 20 mm Hg. Venous MT is poorly understood, although venous diseases affect a large proportion of the population. Stretched RFV are characterized by a temperature-sensitive MT, which is normal at 39°C but fails to develop at 33°C. This allows for the discrimination of the pathways involved in MT from the multiple pathways activated by stretch. Isolated RFV segments were mounted in organ baths and stretched. Temperature was then set at 33°C or 39°C. MT was associated to the translocation of RhoA to the plasma membrane and the Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632 decreased stretch-induced MT by 93.1±4.9%. MT was also associated to an increase in p38 (131.0±12.5% at 39°C versus 100% at 33°C) and HSP27 phosphorylation (196.1±13.3% versus 100%), and the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580 decreased MT by 36.5±8.1%. (39°C, compared with RFV stretched at 33°C). Finally, phosphorylation of p38 was blocked by Y27632 and HSP27 phosphorylation was inhibited by SB203580 and Y27632. Thus, MT and the associated p38 and HSP27 phosphorylation seem to depend on RhoA/Rho kinase activation in stretch RFV.
BibA: a novel immunogenic bacterial adhesin contributing to group B Streptococcus survival in human blood

By the analysis of the recently sequenced genomes of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) we have identified a novel immunogenic adhesin with anti‐phagocytic activity, named BibA. The bibA gene is present in 100% of the 24 GBS strains analysed. BibA‐specific IgG were found in human sera from normal healthy donors. The putative protein product is a polypeptide of 630 amino acids containing a helix‐rich N‐terminal domain, a proline‐rich region and a canonical LPXTG cell wall‐anchoring domain. BibA is expressed on the surface of several GBS strains, but is also recovered in GBS culture supernatants. BibA specifically binds to human C4‐binding protein, a regulator of the classic complement pathway. Deletion of the bibA gene severely reduced the capacity of GBS to survive in human blood and to resist opsonophagocytic killing by human neutrophils. In addition, BibA expression increased the virulence of GBS in a mouse infection model. The role of BibA in GBS adhesion was demonstrated by the impaired ability of a bibA knockout mutant strain to adhere to both human cervical and lung epithelial cells. Furthermore, we calculated that recombinant BibA bound to human epithelial cells of distinct origin with an affinity constant of ∼10−8 M for cervical epithelial cells. Hence BibA is a novel multifunctional protein involved in both resistance to phagocytic killing and adhesion to host cells. The identification of this potential new virulence factor represents an important step in the development of strategies to combat GBS‐associated infections.
Alkalistable xylanase production by alkalitolerant Paenibacillus montaniterrae RMV1 isolated from red mud

The alkalitolerant and xylanolytic bacterial strain (RMV1) isolated from red mud pond was identified as Paenibacillus montaniterrae based on both biochemical and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The RMV1 bacterial isolate produced alkalistable and thermostable endoxylanase active over a broad range of pH (4.0–11.0) and temperature (20–100 °C), with optima at 50 °C and pH 9.0 with a T1/2 of 6.7 hours at 50 °C. This is the first report on the isolation of P. montaniterrae from bauxite residue with quite a high xylanase producing ability.
I Feel You: The Design and Evaluation of a Domotic Affect-Sensitive Spoken Conversational Agent

We describe the work on infusion of emotion into a limited-task autonomous spoken conversational agent situated in the domestic environment, using a need-inspired task-independent emotion model (NEMO). In order to demonstrate the generation of affect through the use of the model, we describe the work of integrating it with a natural-language mixed-initiative HiFi-control spoken conversational agent (SCA). NEMO and the host system communicate externally, removing the need for the Dialog Manager to be modified, as is done in most existing dialog systems, in order to be adaptive. The first part of the paper concerns the integration between NEMO and the host agent. The second part summarizes the work on automatic affect prediction, namely, frustration and contentment, from dialog features, a non-conventional source, in the attempt of moving towards a more user-centric approach. The final part reports the evaluation results obtained from a user study, in which both versions of the agent (non-adaptive and emotionally-adaptive) were compared. The results provide substantial evidences with respect to the benefits of adding emotion in a spoken conversational agent, especially in mitigating users' frustrations and, ultimately, improving their satisfaction.
Regional Control of Chromatin Organization by Noncoding roX RNAs and the NURF Remodeling Complex in Drosophila melanogaster

Dosage compensation in Drosophila is mediated by a histone-modifying complex that upregulates transcription of genes on the single male X chromosome. The male-specific lethal (MSL) complex contains at least five proteins and two noncoding roX (RNA on X) RNAs. The mechanism by which the MSL complex targets the X chromosome is not understood. Here we use a sensitized system to examine the function of roX genes on the X chromosome. In mutants that lack the NURF nucleosome remodeling complex, the male polytene X chromosome is severely distorted, appearing decondensed. This aberrant morphology is dependent on the MSL complex. Strikingly, roX mutations suppress the Nurf mutant phenotype regionally on the male X chromosome. Furthermore, a roX transgene induces disruption of local flanking autosomal chromatin in Nurf mutants. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potent capability of roX genes to organize large chromatin domains in cis, on the X chromosome. In addition to interacting functions at the level of chromosome morphology, we also find that NURF complex and MSL proteins have opposing effects on roX RNA transcription. Together, these results demonstrate the importance of a local balance between modifying activities that promote and antagonize chromatin compaction within defined chromatin domains in higher organisms.