Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis and Lysinibacillus sphaericus Spores in Urban Catch Basins after Simultaneous Application against Mosquito Larvae

Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) and Lysinibacillus sphaericus (Lsph) are extensively used in mosquito control programs. These biocides are the active ingredients of a commercial larvicide. Quantitative data on the fate of both Bti and Lsph applied together for the control of mosquitoes in urban drainage structures such as catch basins are lacking. We evaluated the dynamics and persistence of Bti and Lsph spores released through their concomitant application in urban catch basins in southern Switzerland. Detection and quantification of spores over time in water and sludge samples from catch basins were carried out using quantitative real-time PCR targeting both cry4A and cry4B toxin genes for Bti and the binA gene for Lsph. After treatment, Bti and Lsph spores attained concentrations of 3.76 (±0.08) and 4.13 (±0.09) log ml−1 in water, then decreased progressively over time, reaching baseline values. For both Bti and Lsph, spore levels in the order of 105 g−1 were observed in the bottom sludge two days after the treatment and remained constant for the whole test period (275 days). Indigenous Lsph strains were isolated from previously untreated catch basins. A selection of those was genotyped using pulsed field gel electrophoresis of SmaI-digested chromosomal DNA, revealing that a subset of isolates were members of the clonal population of strain 2362. No safety issues related to the use of this biopesticide in the environment have been observed during this study, because no significant increase in the number of spores was seen during the long observation period. The isolation of native Lysinibacillus sphaericus strains belonging to the same clonal population as strain 2362 from catch basins never treated with Lsph-based products indicates that the use of a combination of Bti and Lsph for the control of mosquitoes does not introduce non-indigenous microorganisms in this area.
Effect of Cooperation Level of Group on Punishment for Non-Cooperators: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Sometimes we punish non-cooperators in our society. Such behavior could be derived from aversive emotion for inequity (inequity aversion) to make non-cooperators cooperative. Thus, punishing behavior derived from inequity is believed to be important for maintaining our society. Meanwhile, our daily experiences suggest that the degree of cooperation by the members of society (cooperation level of the group) could change the punishing behavior for non-cooperators even if the inequity were equal. Such effect of the cooperation level of the group cannot be explained by simple inequity aversion. Although punishment-related brain regions have been reported in previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, little is known about such regions affected by the cooperation level of the group. In the present fMRI study, we investigated the effect of the cooperation level of the group on the punishing behavior for non-cooperators and its related brain activations by a paradigm in which the degree of the cooperative state varied from low to high. Punishment-related activations were observed in brain regions such as the anterior insula, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The quantity of punishment in a high cooperation context was greater than in a low cooperation context, and activation in the right DLPFC and ACC in a high cooperation context showed greater activity than in a low cooperation context. This indicates that the cooperation level of the group, as well as aversive emotion for inequity, is the important factor of punishing behavior.
Scattering and dip angle decomposition based on subsurface offset extended wave-equation migration

ABSTRACTAn angle-dependent reflection coefficient is recovered by seismic migration in the angle domain. We have developed a postmigration technique for computing scattering and dip angle common-image gathers (CIGs) from seismic images, extended by the subsurface offset, based on wave-equation migration methods. Our methodology suggests a system of Radon transform operators by introducing local transform relations between the subsurface offset image and the angle-domain components. In addition to the commonly used decomposition of the scattering angle, the methodology associates the wave-equation migration with dip-domain images as well. The same postmigration subsurface offset image is used to decompose scattering and dip angle CIGs individually or to decompose a multiangle CIG by showing simultaneously both angles on the gather’s axis. We show that the dip-angle response of seismic reflections is a spot-like signature, focused at the specular dip of the subsurface reflector. It differs from the well-stu.
High-rate quantization for the Neyman-Pearson detection of Hidden Markov Processes

This paper investigates the decentralized detection of Hidden Markov Processes using the Neyman-Pearson test. We consider a network formed by a large number of distributed sensors. Sensors' observations are noisy snapshots of a Markov process to be detected. Each (real) observation is quantized on log2(N) bits before being transmitted to a fusion center which makes the final decision. For any false alarm level, it is shown that the miss probability of the Neyman-Pearson test converges to zero exponentially as the number of sensors tends to infinity. The error exponent is provided using recent results on Hidden Markov Models. In order to obtain informative expressions of the error exponent as a function of the quantization rule, we further investigate the case where the number N of quantization levels tends to infinity, following the approach developed in. In this regime, we provide the quantization rule maximizing the error exponent. Illustration of our results is provided in the case of the detection of a Gauss-Markov signal in noise. In terms of error exponent, the proposed quantization rule significantly outperforms the one proposed by for i.i. d. observations.
Influence of Microalloying Elements (Nb, V, Ti) on Yield Strength in Bainitic Steels

In order to study the influence of microalloying elements in bainitic high strength steels, seven steels with different contents of V, Ti, Nb and N were investigated. The steel 35 CrMo 4 (C=0.38; Mn=0.82; Si= 0.25; Cr=0.83; Mo=0.17, all in wt.%) was used as reference steel. CCT diagrams were determined by dilatometric tests at different cooling rates, and the maximum and minimum cooling rates for bainite formation were determined. With regard to tensile tests, the presence of precipitates in the bainitic microstructure contributed to raising their yield strength, as was found by comparing the results for all the steels with the reference steel which did not contain microalloying elements. The yield strength can be predicted by an Orowan expression.
Endothelial deletion of murine Jag1 leads to valve calcification and congenital heart defects associated with Alagille syndrome

The Notch signaling pathway is an important contributor to the development and homeostasis of the cardiovascular system. Not surprisingly, mutations in Notch receptors and ligands have been linked to a variety of hereditary diseases that impact both the heart and the vasculature. In particular, mutations in the gene encoding the human Notch ligand jagged 1 result in a multisystem autosomal dominant disorder called Alagille syndrome, which includes tetralogy of Fallot among its more severe cardiac pathologies. Jagged 1 is expressed throughout the developing embryo, particularly in endothelial cells. Here, we demonstrate that endothelial-specific deletion of Jag1 leads to cardiovascular defects in both embryonic and adult mice that are reminiscent of those in Alagille syndrome. Mutant mice display right ventricular hypertrophy, overriding aorta, ventricular septal defects, coronary vessel abnormalities and valve defects. Examination of mid-gestational embryos revealed that the loss of Jag1, similar to the loss of Notch1, disrupts endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition during endocardial cushion formation. Furthermore, adult mutant mice exhibit cardiac valve calcifications associated with abnormal matrix remodeling and induction of bone morphogenesis. This work shows that the endothelium is responsible for the wide spectrum of cardiac phenotypes displayed in Alagille Syndrome and it demonstrates a crucial role for Jag1 in valve morphogenesis.
Special Issue: Frontiers of Organization Science, Part 1 of 2: Zooming In and Out: Connecting Individuals and Collectivities at the Frontiers of Organizational Network Research

The role of individual action in the enactment of structures of constraint and opportunity has proved to be particularly elusive for network researchers. We propose three frontiers for future network research that zoom back and forth between individual and collective levels of analysis. First, we consider how dilemmas concerning social capital can be reconciled. Actors striving to reap maximal network advantages may benefit or detract from the collective good; investigating these trade-offs, we argue, will advance our understanding of learning and knowledge processes in organizations. Second, we explore identity emergence and change from a social network perspective. Insights about how networks mold and signal identity are a critical foundation for future work on career dynamics and the workplace experiences of members of diverse groups. Third, we consider how individual cognitions about shifting network connections affect, and are affected by, larger social structures. As scholarly interest in status and reputational signaling grows, articulating more clearly the cognitive foundations of organizational networks becomes imperative.
Functional Characterization of Type-B Response Regulators in the Arabidopsis Cytokinin Response1[W][OA]

Five out of 11 related transcription factors were found to mediate the cytokinin response based on complementation analysis of a cytokinin-signaling mutant. Cytokinins play critical roles in plant growth and development, with the transcriptional response to cytokinin being mediated by the type-B response regulators. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), type-B response regulators (ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATORS [ARRs]) form three subfamilies based on phylogenic analysis, with subfamily 1 having seven members and subfamilies 2 and 3 each having two members. Cytokinin responses are predominantly mediated by subfamily 1 members, with cytokinin-mediated effects on root growth and root meristem size correlating with type-B ARR expression levels. To determine which type-B ARRs can functionally substitute for the subfamily 1 members ARR1 or ARR12, we expressed different type-B ARRs from the ARR1 promoter and assayed their ability to rescue arr1 arr12 double mutant phenotypes. ARR1, as well as a subset of other subfamily 1 type-B ARRs, restore the cytokinin sensitivity to arr1 arr12. Expression of ARR10 from the ARR1 promoter results in cytokinin hypersensitivity and enhances shoot regeneration from callus tissue, correlating with enhanced stability of the ARR10 protein compared with the ARR1 protein. Examination of transfer DNA insertion mutants in subfamilies 2 and 3 revealed little effect on several well-characterized cytokinin responses. However, a member of subfamily 2, ARR21, restores cytokinin sensitivity to arr1 arr12 roots when expressed from the ARR1 promoter, indicating functional conservation of this divergent family member. Our results indicate that the type-B ARRs have diverged in function, such that some, but not all, can complement the arr1 arr12 mutant. In addition, our results indicate that type-B ARR expression profiles in the plant, along with posttranscriptional regulation, play significant roles in modulating their contribution to cytokinin signaling.
Comparative study of Porta SCC, udder check and dramanisk tests effectiveness on subclinical mastitis detection in Rwanda

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Musanze district, Busogo, Gataraga and Cyuve sectors with aim to compare the efficient of three on farm tests (Porta SCC, Udder Check and Dramanisk) in the subclinical mastitis detection. Six farms were randomly selected and a total of 30 lactating cows free of signs of mastitis were examined using those three on farm tests. Descriptive statistics, SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 16 analysis were computed to determine mastitis prevalence and correlation between the results of three on farm tests. The results showed that the prevalence was of 70%, 60% and 56.7% for Porta SCC, Dramanisk and Udder checks respectively. In addition sensitivity and specificity of each test found was (76.2%, 77.8%), (58.3%, 88.9%), (61.5%, 94.2%) for Porta SCC, Dramiński and udder check respectively, while the correlation between Porta SCC and udder check was 0.602 which is significant at ( p < 0.01), and there was no significant correlation between Dramiński and other tests. Therefore, we can conclude that cow-side tests that employ SCC (Porta SCC) for mastitis diagnosis are more accurate than Dramiński which measure EC and udder check read LDH enzymes level in milk sample. The test properties of the Porta SCC and its capability and rapidity to provide accurate results rationalize its utilization as an alternative for the laboratory based cell counter in evaluating milk samples from herds in rural areas under field conditions and help fast decision making in dairy management.
An examination of surface epithelium structures of the embryo across the genus Poeciliopsis (Poeciliidae)

In viviparous, teleost fish, with postfertilization maternal nutrient provisioning, embryonic structures that facilitate maternal‐fetal nutrient transfer are predicted to be present. For the family Poeciliidae, only a handful of morphological studies have explored these embryonic specializations. Here, we present a comparative morphological study in the viviparous poeciliid genus, Poeciliopsis. Using microscopy techniques, we examine the embryonic surface epidermis of Poeciliopsis species that vary in their level of postfertilization maternal nutrient provisioning and placentation across two phylogenetic clades and three independent evolutionary origins of placentation. We focus on surface features of the embryo that may facilitate maternal‐fetal nutrient transfer. Specifically, we studied cell apical‐surface morphology associated with the superficial epithelium that covers the body and sac (yolk and pericardial) of embryos at different developmental stages. Scanning electron microscopy revealed common surface epithelial cells across species, including pavement cells with apical‐surface microridges or microvilli and presumed ionocytes and/or mucus‐secreting cells. For three species, in the mid‐stage embryos, the surface of the body and sac were covered in microvillus epithelium. The remaining species did not display microvillus epithelium at any of the stages examined. Instead, their epithelium of the body and sac were composed of cells with apical‐surface microridges. For all species, in the late stage embryos, the surface of the body proper was composed of apical‐surface microridges in a “fingerprint‐like arrangement. ” Despite the differences in the surface epithelium of embryos across Poeciliopsis species and embryonic developmental stages, this variation was not associated with the level of postfertilization maternal nutrient provisioning. We discuss these results in light of previous morphological studies of matrotrophic, teleost fish, phylogenetic relationships of Poeciliopsis species, and our earlier comparative microscopy work on the maternal tissue of the Poeciliopsis placenta.
Divergent evolution of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes in recent influenza A:H3N2 viruses isolated in Canada

Limited information is available concerning the molecular drift of the influenza neuraminidase (NA) genes. We report on the genetic variability of the NA gene from 31 influenza A:H3N2 viruses isolated in the Province of Québec (Canada) during the last three flu seasons (1997–2000). Amino acid substitutions within the NA protein were observed at rates of 1.01% and 0.45% between strains of the 1997–1998 and 1998–1999 seasons and between those of the 1998–1999 and 1999–2000 seasons, respectively. In most strains (28/31), amino acid changes occurred within at least one of four codons (197, 339, 370, and 401) previously implicated as antigenic sites. The 8 functional and 10 framework residues that compose the catalytic site of the NA enzyme were completely conserved over the study period. All isolates contained the seven conserved asparagine‐linked glycosylation sites found in the NA of the progenitor A/Hong Kong/8/68 strain. In addition, most strains (30/31) had an eighth potential glycosylation site at position 329, whereas a ninth one was found at position 93 in 16 strains. The NA of all strains in this study was related to that of the vaccine strain A/Beijing/353/89, whereas the HA genes of these strains were related to the A/Beijing/32/92 vaccine strain. Thus, it appears that recent influenza strains continue to evolve from a reassortant produced during the cocirculation of the two above variants. Interestingly, some strains whose HA genes were closely related showed significant differences in their NA genes and conversely. This study confirms the importance of analyzing both the NA and the HA genes to assess the evolution of recent influenza epidemic strains. J. Med. Virol. 67:589–595, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MATERNAL MORTALITY THAT OCCURRED FROM 1 JANUARY TO 31 DECEMBER 2013 AT MAJOR ADMITTING HEALTH FACILITIES IN MIDLANDS PROVINCE, ZIMBABWE

Introduction: In Midlands Province, Zimbabwe during the period 1 January to 30 September 2013, 43 (80%) maternal mortality had occurred in health facilities raising questions on the quality and timeliness of care rendered to maternity cases when they arrive at health facilities. Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2013 to determine institutional factors associated with maternal mortality that occurred in nine major admitting health facilities from 1st January to 31st December 2013. Data was collected using self administered questionnaires on knowledge and skills from 65 HCWs, interview guide on availability of life saving interventions from 18 managers and checklist on 38 maternal mortality cases. Results: Sixteen (25%) health care workers (HCWs) were trained in Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC). Only 13(20%) were able to perform vacuum extraction delivery and 57% can perform manual removal of placenta and Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA). Incomplete documentation, inadequate investigations and monitoring, delays in getting appropriate care and transportation, lack of blood and blood products, not following guidelines, inappropriate attitudes and lack of follow up of HIV clients were identified as gaps in the care rendered to maternal mortality cases before death. Unavailability and inadequacy of life saving interventions was identified. Discussion: With these major findings, reduced number of skilled HCWs to perform life saving procedures, substandard quality of care and unavailability and inadequate life saving interventions at the nine major admitting health facilities were associated with maternal mortality that occurred from 1st January to 31st December 2013 in Midlands Province. Scaling up of EmOC training, follow up sessions on EmOC trained HCWs, upgrading of major health facilities to offer all life saving interventions and ensure availability of adequate resources is recommended so as to reduce maternal with the aim of achieving Millennium Development Goal five. *Corresponding Author: Auxilia Chideme-Munodawafa, Faculty of Health Sciences, Africa University, PO Box 1320, Mutare, Zimbabwe; Email: chidemea@africau.edu Citation: Chideme-Munodawafa, A. , et al. Institutional Factors Associated with Maternal Mortality that Occurred from 1st January to 31st December 2013 at Major Admitting Health Facilities in Midlands Province, Zimbabwe. (2017) J Gynecol Neonatal Biol 3(2): 18. J Gynecol Neonatal Biol | Volume 3: Issue 2 www.ommegaonline. org
Reducing Start-Up Costs for New Firms: The Double Dividend on the Labor Market

Starting a firm with expansive potential is an option for educated and high-skilled workers. This option serves as an insurance against unemployment caused by labor market frictions and hence increases the incentives for education. We show within a matching model that reducing the start-up costs for new firms results in higher take-up rates of education. It also leads, through a thick-market externality, to higher rates of job creation for high-skilled labor as well as average match productivity. We provide empirical evidence to support our argument.
Study of Dynamic eICIC in a Realistic Urban Deployment

In this paper, we investigate the operation of eICIC in a realistic deployment based on site specific data from a dense urban European capital area. Rather than the classical semi-static and common network-wide configuration, the importance of having highly dynamic and distributed mechanisms that are able to adapt to local environment conditions is revealed. We propose a promising opportunistic cell association algorithm and a generalized method for fast muting adaptation. The performance results show that the traditional semi-static eICIC configuration leads to modest gains in realistic deployments, whereas the set of proposed fast dynamic eICIC algorithms leads to capacity gains on the order of 35-120% depending on the local environment characteristics. In the analysis of the performance results for the site specific use case, it is furthermore highlighted how those deviate from typical findings from 3GPP standardized HetNet scenarios.
Mapping dynamics of deforestation and forest degradation in tropical forests using radar satellite data

Mapping anthropogenic forest disturbances has largely been focused on distinct delineations of events of deforestation using optical satellite images. In the tropics, frequent cloud cover and the challenge of quantifying forest degradation remain problematic. In this study, we detect processes of deforestation, forest degradation and successional dynamics, using long-wavelength radar (L-band from ALOS PALSAR) backscatter. We present a detection algorithm that allows for repeated disturbances on the same land, and identifies areas with slow- and fast-recovering changes in backscatter in close spatial and temporal proximity. In the study area in Madre de Dios, Peru, 2.3% of land was found to be disturbed over three years, with a false positive rate of 0.3% of area. A low, but significant, detection rate of degradation from sparse and small-scale selective logging was achieved. Disturbances were most common along the tri-national Interoceanic Highway, as well as in mining areas and areas under no land use allocation. A continuous spatial gradient of disturbance was observed, highlighting artefacts arising from imposing discrete boundaries on deforestation events. The magnitude of initial radar backscatter, and backscatter decrease, suggested that large-scale deforestation was likely in areas with initially low biomass, either naturally or since already under anthropogenic use. Further, backscatter increases following disturbance suggested that radar can be used to characterize successional disturbance dynamics, such as biomass accumulation in lands post-abandonment. The presented radar-based detection algorithm is spatially and temporally scalable, and can support monitoring degradation and deforestation in tropical rainforests with the use of products from ALOS-2 and the future SAOCOM and BIOMASS missions.