Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First Penicillin-Binding Protein Occupancy Patterns of β-Lactams and β-Lactamase Inhibitors in Klebsiella pneumoniae

ABSTRACT Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) are the high-affinity target sites of all β-lactam antibiotics in bacteria. It is well known that each β-lactam covalently binds to and thereby inactivates different PBPs with various affinities. Despite β-lactams serving as the cornerstone of our therapeutic armamentarium against Klebsiella pneumoniae, PBP binding data are missing for this pathogen. We aimed to generate the first PBP binding data on 13 chemically diverse and clinically relevant β-lactams and β-lactamase inhibitors in K. pneumoniae. PBP binding was determined using isolated membrane fractions from K. pneumoniae strains ATCC 43816 and ATCC 13883. Binding reactions were conducted using β-lactam concentrations from 0.0075 to 256 mg/liter (or 128 mg/liter). After β-lactam exposure, unbound PBPs were labeled by Bocillin FL. Binding affinities (50% inhibitory concentrations [IC50]) were reported as the β-lactam concentrations that half-maximally inhibited Bocillin FL binding. PBP occupancy patterns by β-lactams were consistent across both strains. Carbapenems bound to all PBPs, with PBP2 and PBP4 as the highest-affinity targets (IC50, <0.0075 mg/liter). Preferential PBP2 binding was observed by mecillinam (amdinocillin; IC50, <0.0075 mg/liter) and avibactam (IC50, 2 mg/liter). Aztreonam showed high affinity for PBP3 (IC50, 0.06 to 0.12 mg/liter). Ceftazidime bound PBP3 at low concentrations (IC50, 0.06 to 0.25 mg/liter) and PBP1a/b at higher concentrations (4 mg/liter), whereas cefepime bound PBPs 1 to 4 at more even concentrations (IC50, 0.015 to 2 mg/liter). These PBP binding data on a comprehensive set of 13 clinically relevant β-lactams and β-lactamase inhibitors in K. pneumoniae enable, for the first time, the rational design and optimization of double β-lactam and β-lactam–β-lactamase inhibitor combinations.
A 750Mb/s 12pJ/b 6-to-10GHz Digital UWB Transmitter

In this paper, an all-digital, ultra-wideband transmitter in 0.18 mum CMOS is presented. The transmitter realizes impulse radio communication using 6-10 GHz band with extremely low power and low complexity. Bi-phase modulation scheme is employed to generate pulses of 500 ps duration and center frequency of 8 GHz. Measured results show that the transmitter consumes 12 pJ/b to achieve data rate of 750 Mb/s. The generated pulses comply with the FCC spectrum mask. An optional embedded on-chip antenna and a power amplifier operating in 6-10 GHz band are also designed as a future.
Knowledge and attitude about sexually transmitted diseases among youth in Saudi Arabia

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are one of the most serious diseases in the world. Our aim was to explore the knowledge and attitude about STDs among the youth. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 1 to August 13, 2016. Male and female youth between 18 and 25 years were invited to participate in the survey using social media open to all Internet users consisting of questions and statements about STDs, and then the data were analyzed Results: We received 5040 responses to the survey; out of these participants 76.6% were females and 23.4% were males with a mean age 21.5 and most of them were single (85.1%). We noticed that most of the respondents selected the Internet (71.7%) as the main source of their knowledge about STDs followed by school, television, and others, respectively. In spite of, 94.08% knew that human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS is an STD, only 43.61% knew that herpes simplex virus is an STD, and only 31.03% knew that Chlamydia is an STD. A high percent (93.1%) agreed that sexual intercourse transmits STDs. Only 59.6% agreed that condom does not provide complete protection from STDs. To our surprise, only 55% considered themselves capable of protecting themselves against STDs. About 95.8% of the participants agreed that STDs should be taught in schools, while 4.2% disagreed. Conclusion: We noticed a lack of participant's knowledge regarding the types, mode of transmission, and the ways of protections from STDs and their desire to find out information about STDs. Hence, awareness programs about STDs should be started that aim at encouraging youth to follow our religion and culture.
The Standard Model on the Quintic

We describe the general geometrical framework of brane world constructions in orientifolds of type IIA string theory with D6-branes wrapping 3-cycles in a Calabi-Yau 3-fold, and point out their immediate phenomenological relevance. These branes generically intersect in points, and the patterns of intersections govern the chiral fermion spectra and issues of gauge and supersymmetry breaking in the low energy effective gauge theory on their world volume. In particular, we provide an example of an intersecting brane world scenario on the quintic Calabi-Yau with the gauge group and the chiral spectrum of the Standard Model and discuss its properties in some detail. Additionally we explain related technical advancements in the construction of supersymmetric orientifold vacua with intersecting D-branes. Six-dimensional orientifolds of this type generalize the rather limited set of formerly known orbifolds of type I, and the presented techniques provide a short-cut to obtain their spectra. Finally, we comment on lifting configurations of intersecting D6-branes to M-theory on non-compact G_2 manifolds.
Honokiol Eliminates Human Oral Cancer Stem-Like Cells Accompanied with Suppression of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling and Apoptosis Induction

Honokiol, an active compound of Magnolia officinalis, exerted many anticancer effects on various types of cancer cells. We explored its effects on the elimination of cancer stem-like side population (SP) cells in human oral squamous cell carcinoma SAS cells. The sorted SP cells possessed much higher expression of stemness genes, such as ABCG2, ABCC5, EpCAM, OCT-4, CD133, CD44, and β-catenin, and more clonogenicity as compared with the Non-SP cells. After 48 h of treatment, honokiol dose dependently reduced the proportion of SP from 2.53% to 0.09%. Apoptosis of honokiol-treated SP cells was evidenced by increased annexin V staining and cleaved caspase-3 as well as decreased Survivin and Bcl-2. Mechanistically, honokiol inhibited the CD44 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling of SP cells. The Wnt signaling transducers such as β-catenin and TCF-4 were decreased in honokiol-treated SP cells, while the β-catenin degradation promoting kinase GSK-3α/β was increased. Consistently, the protein levels of β-catenin downstream targets such as c-Myc and Cyclin D1 were also downregulated. Furthermore, the β-catenin-related EMT markers such as Slug and Snail were markedly suppressed by honokiol. Our findings indicate honokiol may be able to eliminate oral cancer stem cells through apoptosis induction, suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and inhibition of EMT.
Mass Communications Students’ Motivations

Kuwaiti students intending to major in mass communication face a long process that begins in high school. A survey of students at Kuwait University examined whether the process led to disillusionment of the mass communication field and/or mass communication education. Findings show that all respondents viewed the field of journalism positively. Respondents also viewed journalism education in a positive light. Students majoring or minoring in journalism differed from majors in other disciplines in several ways: They were more likely to be female and younger, and were more likely to agree with statements that mass communication is a good field for women, journalists make a good living, the field is highly respected, and friends would support their decision to major in mass communication. This is a significant finding because it demonstrates that mass communications is considered a safe industry for women even when the role of women in the public sphere does not have many decades of precedent. The results also suggest that the more active the students were in selecting a major, the more positive they felt about mass communications education. Students who had published works or internship experience were more likely to declare a major in mass communications. All students agreed that their education increased their appreciation for the field of mass communications. These findings demonstrate that journalism education can be beneficial even in nations where the media system is not completely free.
Fractionation of carbohydrate and protein content of some forage feeds of ruminants for nutritive evaluation

Aim: To evaluate some forage feeds of ruminants in terms of their carbohydrate (CHO) and protein fractions using Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS). Materials and Methods: Eleven ruminant feeds (six green fodders - maize, oat, sorghum, bajra, cowpea, berseem and five range herbages - para grass, guinea grass, hedge lucerne, setaria grass and hybrid napier) were selected for this study. Each feed was chemically analyzed for proximate principles (dry matter, crude protein [CP], ether extract, organic matter and ash), fiber fractions (neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose), primary CHO fractions (CHO, non-structural CHO, structural CHO and starch) and primary protein fractions (neutral detergent insoluble CP, acid detergent insoluble CP, non-protein nitrogen and soluble protein). The results were fitted to the equations of CNCPS to arrive at various CHO (CA - fast degrading, CB1 - intermediate degrading, CB2 - slow degrading and CC - non-degrading or unavailable) and protein (PA - instantaneously degrading, PB1 - fast degrading, PB2 - intermediate degrading, PB3 - slow degrading and PC - non-degrading or unavailable) fractions of test feeds. Results: Among green fodders, cowpea and berseem had higher CA content while except hedge lucerne all range herbages had lower CA values. CB1 content of all feeds was low but similar. All feeds except cowpea, berseem, and hedge lucerne contained higher CB2 values. Oat among green fodders and hybrid napier among range herbages had lower CC fraction. Feeds such as bajra, cowpea, berseem and the setaria grass contained lower PA fraction. All green fodders had higher PB1 content except maize and cowpea while all range herbages had lower PB1 values except hedge lucerne. Para grass and hybrid napier contained exceptionally low PB2 fraction among all feeds. Low PC contents were reported in oat and berseem fodders. Conclusion: Based on our findings, it was concluded that feeds with similar CP and CHO content varied significantly with respect to their CHO and protein fractions. Due to lower CC fraction, oat and hybrid napier were superior feeds in terms of CHO supply to ruminants. Similarly, among all feeds oat and berseem had a lower PC fraction, thus were considered good sources of protein for ruminants.
Type I Collagen and Strontium-Containing Mesoporous Glass Particles as Hybrid Material for 3D Printing of Bone-Like Materials

Bone tissue engineering offers an alternative promising solution to treat a large number of bone injuries with special focus on pathological conditions, such as osteoporosis. In this scenario, the bone tissue regeneration may be promoted using bioactive and biomimetic materials able to direct cell response, while the desired scaffold architecture can be tailored by means of 3D printing technologies. In this context, our study aimed to develop a hybrid bioactive material suitable for 3D printing of scaffolds mimicking the natural composition and structure of healthy bone. Type I collagen and strontium-containing mesoporous bioactive glasses were combined to obtain suspensions able to perform a sol-gel transition under physiological conditions. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analyses confirmed the formation of fibrous nanostructures homogeneously embedding inorganic particles, whereas bioactivity studies demonstrated the large calcium phosphate deposition. The high-water content promoted the strontium ion release from the embedded glass particles, potentially enhancing the osteogenic behaviour of the composite. Furthermore, the suspension printability was assessed by means of rheological studies and preliminary extrusion tests, showing shear thinning and fast material recovery upon deposition. In conclusion, the reported results suggest that promising hybrid systems suitable for 3D printing of bioactive scaffolds for bone tissue engineering have been developed.
Autoimmune Gastritis in the Pediatric Age: An Underestimated Condition Report of Two Cases and Review

Background: Diagnosis of pediatric autoimmune gastritis (AIG) in children is important due to poor outcome and risk of malignancy. This condition is often underestimated in the clinico-pathologic diagnostic work-up, leading to delayed time-to-diagnosis. To increase the awareness of this condition in the pediatric population, we present two cases encountered at our institution, discuss their clinical, biological, and histological presentations in relation with evidence from the literature, and propose an algorithm for diagnosis and follow-up of AIG in children. Case presentation: Two patients (12 and 17 years old) presented with iron deficiency anemia and negative family history for autoimmune disorders. In both cases, the final diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis was delayed until pathological examination of endoscopic gastric biopsies showed atrophy of oxyntic glands. Helicobacter pylori search was negative. Follow up biopsies revealed persistent disease. Literature review on this condition shows unclear etiology and poor long term outcome in some patients because of increased risk of malignancy. Conclusions: AIG should be considered in the differential diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in the pediatric population.Standardized clinico-pathologic work-up is mandatory. Endoscopic follow-up should be performed due to the risk of malignancy.
New Component of the Vacuolar Class C-Vps Complex Couples Nucleotide Exchange on the Ypt7 Gtpase to Snare-Dependent Docking and Fusion

The class C subset of vacuolar protein sorting (Vps) proteins (Vps11, Vps18, Vps16 and Vps33) assembles into a vacuole/prevacuole-associated complex. Here we demonstrate that the class C-Vps complex contains two additional proteins, Vps39 and Vps41. The COOH-terminal 148 amino acids of Vps39 direct its association with the class C-Vps complex by binding to Vps11. A previous study has shown that a large protein complex containing Vps39 and Vps41 functions as a downstream effector of the active, GTP-bound form of Ypt7, a rab GTPase required for the fusion of vesicular intermediates with the vacuole (Price, A., D. Seals, W. Wickner, and C. Ungermann. 2000. J. Cell Biol. 148:1231–1238). Here we present data that indicate that this complex also functions to stimulate nucleotide exchange on Ypt7. We show that Vps39 directly binds the GDP-bound and nucleotide-free forms of Ypt7 and that purified Vps39 stimulates nucleotide exchange on Ypt7. We propose that the class C-Vps complex both promotes Vps39-dependent nucleotide exchange on Ypt7 and, based on the work of Price et al., acts as a Ypt7 effector that tethers transport vesicles to the vacuole. Thus, the class C-Vps complex directs multiple reactions during the docking and fusion of vesicles with the vacuole, each of which contributes to the overall specificity and efficiency of this transport process.
Effects of Leadership Styles on Job Satisfaction, Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Commitment and Turnover Intention (Empirical Study of Private Sector Schools' Teachers)

The basic aim of this study was to investigate the effect of transformational and transactional leadership styles on job satisfaction, organizational citizenship behavior, organizational commitment, employees' perceived performance and turnover intentions amongst the private sector schools' teachers of District Charsadda of khyber pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Data were collected from three hundred and fifty six (356) teachers through time tested questionnaire. All variables were measured through adapted items except transformational and transactional leadership which were measured through developed items. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Transformational Leadership showed a significant positive correlation with job satisfaction, organizational commitment, employees' perceived performance and organizational citizenship behavior while it showed a statistically significant negative correlation with employees' turnover intention. Similarly, Transactional Leadership showed a significant positive correlation with job satisfaction, organizational commitment, employees' perceived performance and organizational citizenship behavior while it showed a statistically significant negative correlation with employees' turnover intention. Regression also showed that transformational and transactional leadership styles had significant impact on job satisfaction, organizational commitment, employees' perceived performance and organizational citizenship behavior and turnover intentions of teachers. (Nazim Ali, Shahid Ali, Anjum Ahsan, Wali Rahman, Shahid Jan kakakhel. Effects of Leadership Styles on Job Satisfaction, Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Commitment and Turnover Intention(Empirical Study of Private Sector Schools' Teachers). Life Sci J 2014;11(4s):78-86). (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com . 10
Author ' s personal copy Impaired artificial grammar learning in agrammatism

It is often assumed that language is supported by domain-specific neural mechanisms, in part based on neuropsychological data from aphasia. If, however, language relies on domain-general mechanisms, it would be expected that deficits in non-linguistic cognitive processing should co-occur with aphasia. In this paper, we report a study of sequential learning by agrammatic aphasic patients and control participants matched for age, socioeconomic status and non-verbal intelligence. Participants were first exposed to strings derived from an artificial grammar after which they were asked to classify a set of new strings, some of which were generated by the same grammar whereas others were not. Although both groups of participants performed well in the training phase of the experiment, only the control participants were able to classify novel test items better than chance. The results show that breakdown of language in agrammatic aphasia is associated with an impairment in artificial grammar learning, indicating damage to domain-general neural mechanisms subserving both language and sequential learning. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
CSMA Using the Bethe Approximation: Scheduling and Utility Maximization

Carrier sense multiple access (CSMA), which resolves contentions over wireless networks in a fully distributed fashion, has recently gained a lot of attentions since it has been proved that appropriate control of CSMA parameters guarantees optimality in terms of stability (i.e., scheduling) and system-wide utility (i.e., scheduling and congestion control). Most CSMA-based algorithms rely on the popular Markov chain Monte Carlo technique, which enables one to find optimal CSMA parameters through iterative loops of simulation-and-update. However, such a simulation-based approach often becomes a major cause of exponentially slow convergence, being poorly adaptive to flow/topology changes. In this paper, we develop distributed iterative algorithms which produce approximate solutions with convergence in polynomial time for both stability and utility maximization problems. In particular, for the stability problem, the proposed distributed algorithm requires, somewhat surprisingly, only one iteration among links. Our approach is motivated by the Bethe approximation (introduced by Yedidia, Freeman, and Weiss) allowing us to express approximate solutions via a certain nonlinear system with polynomial size. Our polynomial convergence guarantee comes from directly solving the nonlinear system in a distributed manner, rather than multiple simulation-and-update loops in existing algorithms. We provide numerical results to show that the algorithm produces highly accurate solutions and converges much faster than the prior ones.
A preprocessing method for underdetermined convolutive blind source separation using single-source confidence measure

The mixing matrix estimation in conventional underdetermined convolutive blind source separation (UCBSS) algorithms assume that the source signals are W-disjoint in the time-frequency (TF) domain. This assumption requires that each TF point of the received mixtures is a single-source point (SSP), which may not always be true. In this work, we propose a preprocessing technique to estimate the single-source confidence (SSC) of each TF point. Only those TF points with a high SSC value are then used by existing algorithms to obtain a more accurate estimate of the mixing matrix with reduced computational complexity. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed preprocessing method can improve the performance of the existing UCBSS algorithms.
Family Policy, Women's Employment, and Below-Replacement Fertility in Developed Countries: A Hierarchical Bayesian Approach

Author(s): Hilgeman, Christin; Butts, Carter T. | Abstract: In this paper, we examine the relationship between individual attributes, aggregate female labor force participation, and family policies, (e.g., child care and family leave) on fertility in developed countries using a hierarchical Bayesian model. Data from the European Values Survey, the World Values Survey, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development are employed in this analysis. Results indicate that women’s full-time employment and country-level employment rates decreases expected fertility. However, childcare services mitigate the decline in fertility, possibly by reducing labor force exit among women with young children. These effects persist when controlling for individual-level predictors, including marital status, educational attainment, and individual labor force participation. Some cross-national variation in individual-level effects is observed, but the qualitative behavior of these predictors is broadly similar across developed nations.
Symmetric subgroups of rational groups of hermitian type

A rational group of hermitian type is an algebraic group over the rational numbers whose symmetric space is a hermitian symmetric space. We assume such a group $G$ to be given, which we assume is isotropic. Then, for any rational parabolic $P$ in the group $G$, we find a reductive rational subgroup $N$ closely related with $P$ by a relation we call incidence. This has implications to the geometry of arithmetic quotients of the symmetric space by arithmetic subgroups of $G$, in the sense that $N$ defines a subvariety on such an arithmetic quotient which has special behaviour at the cusp corresponding to the parabolic with which $N$ is incident.