Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis epitope-specific interferon-g production in healthy Brazilians reactive and non-reactive to tuberculin skin test

The interferon (IFN)-γ response to peptides can be a useful diagnostic marker of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) latent infection. We identified promiscuous and potentially protective CD4+ T-cell epitopes from the most conserved regions of MTB antigenic proteins by scanning the MTB antigenic proteins GroEL2, phosphate-binding protein 1 precursor and 19 kDa antigen with the TEPITOPE algorithm. Seven peptide sequences predicted to bind to multiple human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR molecules were synthesised and tested with IFN-γ enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 16 Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST)-positive and 16 TST-negative healthy donors. Eighty-eight percent of TST-positive donors responded to at least one of the peptides, compared to 25% of TST-negative donors. Each individual peptide induced IFN-γ production by PBMCs from at least 31% of the TST-positive donors. The magnitude of the response against all peptides was 182 ± 230 x 106 IFN-γ spot forming cells (SFC) among TST-positive donors and 36 ± 62 x 106 SFC among TST-negative donors (p = 0.007). The response to GroEL2 (463-477) was only observed in the TST-positive group. This combination of novel MTB CD4 T-cell epitopes should be tested in a larger cohort of individuals with latent tuberculosis (TB) to evaluate its potential to diagnose latent TB and it may be included in ELISPOT-based IFN-γ assays to identify individuals with this condition.
Continuous fluorescence assessment of organic matter variability on the Bournbrook River, Birmingham, UK

Continuous monitoring of dissolved organic matter (DOM) character and concentration at hourly resolution is rare, despite the importance of analysing organic matter variability at high‐temporal resolution to evaluate river carbon budgeting, river water health by detecting episodic pollution and to determine short‐term variations in chemical and ecological function. The authors report a 2‐week experiment performed on DOM sampled from Bournbrook, Birmingham, UK, an urban river for which spectrophotometric (fluorescence, absorbance), physiochemical (dissolved organic carbon [DOC], electrical conductivity, pH) and isotopic (D/H) parameters have been measured at hourly frequency. Our results show that the river had sub‐daily variations in both organic matter concentration and characteristics. In particular, after relatively high‐magnitude precipitation events, organic carbon concentration increased, with an associated increase in intensity of both humic‐like and tryptophan‐like fluorescence. D/H isotopic ratio demonstrates different hydrological responses to different rainfall events, and organic matter character reflects this difference. Events with precipitation < 2 mm typically yielded isotopically heavy water with relatively hydrophilic DOM and relatively low specific absorbance. Events with precipitation > 2 mm had isotopically lighter water with higher specific absorbance and a decrease in the proportion of microbially derived to humic‐like fluorescence. In our heavily urbanized catchment, we interpret these signals as one where riverine DOM is dominated by storm sewer‐derived ‘old’ organic matter at low‐rainfall amounts and a mixed signal at high‐precipitation amounts where ‘event’ surface runoff‐derived organic matter dominate during storm sewer and combined sewer overflow routed DOM. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rotating electric classical solutions of (2 + 1)D U(1) Einstein–Maxwell–Chern–Simons theory

We study electric stationary radial symmetric classical solutions of the U(1) Einstein–Maxwell–Chern–Simons theory coupled to a gravitational massless scalar field with a cosmological constant in (2 + 1) dimensions. Generic aspects of the theory are discussed at an introductory level. We study solutions for both negative sign (standard) and positive sign (ghost) of the gauge sector concluding that although the expressions for the solutions are the same, the constants as well as the physics change significantly. A rotating electric point particle is found. For the standard sign and specific values of the parameters, corresponding to solutions with positive mass, the singularity is dressed (in the sense that itself constitutes an horizon). The spacetime curvatures can be both positive or negative depending on the dominance of the scalar or topologically massive matter. The Chern–Simons term is responsible for interesting features, besides only allowing for rotating solutions, it imposes restrictive bounds on the cosmological constant Λ such that it belongs to a positive interval and is switched on and off by the topological mass m2. Furthermore, the charge, angular momentum and mass of the particle solution are expressed uniquely as functions of the ratio between the cosmological constant and the topological mass squared x = Λ/m2. The main drawback of our particle solution is that the mass is divergent. Our background is a rotating flat space without angular deficit. We briefly discuss parity and time-inversion violation by the Chern–Simons term which is explicit in the solutions obtained, their angular momentum only depends on the relative sign between the Chern–Simons term and the Maxwell term. Trivial solutions are briefly studied holding non-singular extended configurations.
Immunoelectron microscopic localization of small, acid-soluble spore proteins in sporulating cells of Bacillus subtilis

Small, acid-soluble spore proteins SASP-alpha, SASP-beta, and SASP-gamma as well as a SASP-beta-lacZ gene fusion product were found only within the forespore compartment of sporulating Bacillus subtilis cells by using immunoelectron microscopy. The alpha/beta-type SASP were associated almost exclusively with the forespore nucleoid, while SASP-gamma was somewhat excluded from the nucleoid. These different locations of alpha/beta-type and gamma-type small, acid-soluble spore proteins within the forespore are consistent with the different roles for these two types of proteins in spore resistance to UV light.
The efficacy of physiological cost index (PCI) measurement of a subject walking with an Intelligent Prosthesis

The Intelligent Prosthesis may enable lower limb amputees to walk faster than with conventionally damped prostheses and as a result the physical burden involved in walking could be expected to be considerably higher. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not physiological cost index (PCI) is applicable as an indicator for monitoring the amount of exercise load involved in walking with an Intelligent Prosthesis. The method used a treadmill and monitored gas exchange, ventilation and heart rate (HR) in 6 unilateral trans-femoral amputees, ages were between 17 and 34 with an average age of 23.1. The exercise protocol was as follows: for each person speeds at 0.8 times the subject's free level walking speed, 1.0 times, 1.2 times, 1.4 times and for some 1.6 times were applied. In each case the index of correlation between PCI and oxygen uptake in response to walking speed was calculated. A significant correlation was observed between PCI and oxygen uptake in each case, which indicated a close relationship between cardiopulmonary factor and energy consumption while walking. These results suggest that PCI is of use as an indicator for ascertaining the amount of exercise load in walking with an Intelligent Prosthesis.
Interannual variability ofcarbon fluxes at the North Atlantic

The impact ofsea surf ace temperature and wind stress on primary production, export production, and CO2 air–sea exchange at the ESTOC station (291N, 15.51W) north ofthe Canary Islands is the focus ofour investigations. A one-dimensional carbon and nitrogen cycling model was applied for the 10-year period 1987–1996. The simulation results compare well with upper layer observations for 1994–1996. Our simulated deep-water particle fluxes mostly overestimate the originally observed values for 1992–1996. On the other hand, the simulated fluxes underestimate the 230 Th corrected particle fluxes (Scholten et al., Deep Sea Res. 48 (2001) 1413). Identifying the original observations as lower and the corrected values as upper estimate for the particle flux the simulation results falls in the range between these estimates. The large simulated interannual variability ofcarbon fluxes is in apparent contrast to the low interannual variability of the meteorological forcing typical for this subtropical regime. The key to this phenomenon lies in the sensitivity ofthis ecosystem to nutrient supply: depending on the meteorological situation, in different years the mixed-layer depth can or cannot reach the nitracline. r 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Estimation of net carbon sequestration potential with farmland application of bagasse charcoal: life cycle inventory analysis through a pilot sugarcane bagasse carbonisation plant

Enriching soil carbon storage is regarded as a viable option for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the agricultural sector. Carbon sequestration by applying biomass into the soil can be an effective sequestration pathway for agriculture. Biochar, charcoal produced from biomass pyrolysis, is highly stable against microbial decomposition, and applying this to farmland has the potential to mitigate GHG emissions. However, CO2 is emitted throughout the biochar life cycle, including pyrolysis, transportation, and farmland application. Therefore, estimating the net carbon sequestration potential by considering these CO2 emissions is important. To this end, operational data from a pilot sugarcane bagasse carbonisation plant were collected, and the net carbon sequestration potential with farmland application of bagasse charcoal was calculated using inventory data from the pilot plant. The results were as follows: (i) kerosene consumption during the carbonisation process was the greatest contributor to CO2 emissions within the life cycle of applying bagasse charcoal to farmland; (ii) the initial dryness of the feedstock was an important factor in estimating net carbon sequestration potentials; (iii) the CO2 mitigation potential with farmland application of bagasse charcoal on Miyako Island would be 1200–1800 t CO2/year.
General considerations of sampling and assaying in a coarse gold environment

Abstract In many vein-gold systems grade complexity is created by the erratic, localized occurrence of coarse gold. High-grade regions are generally erratic and have little spatial continuity, but they may make a resource or stope block economic. Economic grades are generally contained within discrete ore shoots that are surrounded by barren to low-grade material. The presence of coarse gold makes sampling and assaying of this style of mineralization especially challenging. Comparisons between surface and underground drilling, linear/panel sampling and bulk sampling indicate that drilling and linear/panel samples generally understate bulk-sample grades. Traditional fire assays that use small charges consistently understate the assays that are gained from large charge sizes and from such techniques as screen fire assay and bulk-leachable extractable gold assay. These findings, though not unexpected, demonstrate the importance of bulk sampling in the grade evaluation process for coarse gold-bearing veins. Diamond drilling provides an effective measure of geological continuity, but grade distribution can be assessed reliably only from underground development. In general, it is unlikely that anything above an Inferred Mineral Resource can be estimated from surface drilling alone. Geologically controlled, closely spaced underground development and bulk sampling are likely to be the best way to determine Ore Reserves.
Measured Lateral Response of Mass on Single Pile in Clay

The results of dynamic lateral load tests on a cantilevered mass supported by a single 10.75-in. (273-mm) diameter steel pipe pile embedded in stiff, overconsolidated clay are presented. These tests were conducted to provide a basis for evaluation of mathematical models that predict the relatively low-frequency dynamic pile response that is representative of systems in which the primary resonance frequency is controlled by the mass and stiffness of the superstructure. Frequency sweep shear forcing functions were applied at the top of the mass, which simulated a simple structure. The responses of the pile-supported mass, points on the embedded pile, and points in the supporting soil were recorded to determine frequency response functions. Frequency response functions between the applied load and pile cap-mass were then examined to aid in the identification of the pile–soil system parameters which most strongly influence response. The measured pile cap frequency response function peak amplitude was 0.0022 in. /lb (0.0126 mm/N), or about ten times the static flexibility, and the resonance frequency was approximately 2.2 Hz.
Natural history of aortic valve endocarditis in rats

Sterile aortic vegetations were produced in rats by introducing a polyethylene catheter through the right carotid artery. The catheter was either left in place throughout the experiments or removed before bacterial challenge. Bacterial endocarditis was uniformly produced by intravenous injection of 10(7) colony-forming units of Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus intermedius, whether the catheter was left in place or removed. However, in rats with the catheter left in place, bacterial multiplication within the vegetations with both strains was accelerated, and mortality from Staphylococcus aureus infection was increased. Using 10(7) colony-forming units of serum-resistant Escherichia coli as a test microorganism, we found a marked difference in the production of endocarditis depending upon whether the catheter was left in place or removed before injection; only those animals infected with the catheter in place developed infection. From these experiments in rats, it was evident that the presence of a foreign body has a considerable influence on the ability of bacteria to grow within an intravascular vegetation. In addition, a striking difference in the virulence of the three strains studied was established; Staphylococcus aureus was the most, and E. coli the least, pathogenic.
Effective diffusivities within oceanic thermohaline staircases

A scale for the thickness of layers in regular “diffusive”-type thermohaline staircases, derived from dimensional analysis, is found to collapse oceanic data. Combining this scale with laboratory-derived double-diffusive flux laws, we formulate effective diffusivities for salt, heat, and density. The diffusivities depend on the Turner number Rρ, but are independent of the Brunt-Vaisala frequency. For Rρ near 1 the diffusivities for salt and heat are approximately equal (≃10−4 m2 s−1). They decrease roughly as Rρ−4 and Rρ−2, respectively, over the oceanic range 1≤Rρ≤10.
Simulating evolutionary responses of an introgressed insect resistance trait for ecological effect assessment of transgene flow: a model for supporting informed decision-making in environmental risk assessment

Predicting outcomes of transgene flow from arable crops requires a system perspective that considers ecological and evolutionary processes within a landscape context. In Europe, the arable weed Raphanus raphanistrum is a potential hybridization partner of oilseed rape, and the two species are ecologically linked through the common herbivores Meligethes spp. Observations in Switzerland show that high densities of Meligethes beetles maintained by oilseed rape crops can lead to considerable damage on R. raphanistrum. We asked how increased insect resistance in R. raphanistrum – as might be acquired through introgression from transgenic oilseed rape – would affect seed production under natural herbivore pressure. In simulation experiments, plants protected against Meligethes beetles produced about twice as many seeds as unprotected plants. All stages in the development of reproductive structures from buds to pods were negatively affected by the herbivore, with the transition from buds to flowers being the most vulnerable. We conclude that resistance to Meligethes beetles could confer a considerable selective advantage upon R. raphanistrum in regions where oilseed rape is widely grown.
The History of African Gene Flow into Southern Europeans, Levantines, and Jews

Previous genetic studies have suggested a history of sub-Saharan African gene flow into some West Eurasian populations after the initial dispersal out of Africa that occurred at least 45,000 years ago. However, there has been no accurate characterization of the proportion of mixture, or of its date. We analyze genome-wide polymorphism data from about 40 West Eurasian groups to show that almost all Southern Europeans have inherited 1%–3% African ancestry with an average mixture date of around 55 generations ago, consistent with North African gene flow at the end of the Roman Empire and subsequent Arab migrations. Levantine groups harbor 4%–15% African ancestry with an average mixture date of about 32 generations ago, consistent with close political, economic, and cultural links with Egypt in the late middle ages. We also detect 3%–5% sub-Saharan African ancestry in all eight of the diverse Jewish populations that we analyzed. For the Jewish admixture, we obtain an average estimated date of about 72 generations. This may reflect descent of these groups from a common ancestral population that already had some African ancestry prior to the Jewish Diasporas.
Water temperatures during vegetative growth affect cold tolerance at the booting stage of rice under controlled environmental conditions

We tested the effect of water temperature (Tw) during vegetative growth on the cold tolerance of rice under fully controlled environmental conditions. We grew seedlings of the rice cultivar ‘Hayayuki’ in a growth chamber, and at the four-leaf stage exposed some of the seedlings to Tw of 18°C (low Tw treatment) for 14 days, and the rest to Tw of 23°C (control). At the booting stage, plants were subjected to low air temperature (12°C for 4 or 5 days) in another growth chamber to induce spikelet sterility. Palea length, which is an indicator of the pollen developmental stage, increased linearly with increasing auricle distance, and there was no difference in this relationship between treatments. Spikelet sterility was significantly higher in plants exposed to low Tw during vegetative growth. These results suggest that Tw during vegetative growth affects the degree of physiological cold tolerance of rice during the booting stage.
Simulation of El Niño-Southern Oscillation-like Variability in a Global AOGCM and its Response to CO2 Increase

Abstract A 75-year integration of a coupled atmosphere–ocean model is examined for tropical interannual variability. The atmospheric model has interactive cloud and a seasonal cycle. The fluxes of heat and salinity into the ocean component of the model are flux corrected. The model has tropical variability that is qualitatively similar to that of the observed El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The maximum amplitude of the model Nino3 signal is approximately half that observed and the modeled ENSO timescale is greater than that observed. In the first 50 years of the integration the model has eight warm events. Each event is one of two types: one characterized by a standing SST anomaly in the central and eastern Pacific and the other by a westward propagating sea surface temperature anomaly. The majority of the model warm events are of the first type. The first type of event is triggered by the eastward propagation of Kelvin waves across the Pacific, and the second by westward propagation of warm temperat.
Positive Effect of Lower Body Compression Garments on Subsequent 40-kM Cycling Time Trial Performance

de Glanville, KM and Hamlin, MJ. Positive effect of lower body compression garments on subsequent 40-km cycling time trial performance. J Strength Cond Res 26(2): 480–486, 2012—This study aimed to investigate the effect of wearing graduated compression garments during recovery on subsequent 40-km time trial performance. In a randomized single-blind crossover experiment, 14 trained multisport male athletes (mean ± SD: age 33.8 ± 6.8 years, 40-km time 66:11 ± 2:10 minutes:seconds) were given a graduated full-leg-length compressive garment (76% Meryl Elastane, 24% Lycra) or a similar-looking noncompressive placebo garment (92% Polyester, 8% Spandex) to wear continuously for 24 hours after performing an initial 40-km time trial in their normal cycling attire. After the 24-hour recovery period, the compression (or placebo) garments were removed, and a second 40-km time trial was then completed to gauge the effect of each garment on subsequent performance. One week later, the groups were reversed and testing procedures repeated. The participant's hydration status, nutritional intake, and training were similar before each set of trials. Performance time in the second time trial was substantially improved with compression compared with placebo garments (1.2 ± 0.4%, mean ± 90% confidence interval). This improvement resulted in a substantially higher average power output after wearing the compression garment compared with that after wearing the placebo garment (3.3 ± 1.1%). Differences in oxygen cost and rating of perceived exertion between groups were trivial or unclear. The wearing of graduated compressive garments during recovery is likely to be worthwhile and unlikely to be harmful for well-trained endurance athletes.
Exosomes promote restoration after an experimental animal model of intracerebral hemorrhage

Exosomes are gaining importance because they show great promise in therapeutic applications for several diseases. Particularly in stroke, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy work as paracrine effectors responsible for promoting neurovascular remodeling and functional recovery. Adult male rats were subjected to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) by intrastriatal injection of collagenase type IV; 24 h after surgery, MSC-derived exosomes were administered through the tail vein. The rats were euthanized at 7 or 28 days after treatment. Functional evaluation, lesion size, fiber tract integrity, axonal sprouting and white matter repair markers, biodistribution of exosomes and secretome proteomics were analyzed. DiI-labeled exosomes were found in the brains of the ICH-treated group and in the liver, lung and spleen. Animals receiving treatment with exosomes showed significantly better results in terms of functional recovery, lesion size, fiber tract integrity, axonal sprouting and white matter repair markers compared with the control group 28 days after stroke. Proteomics analysis of the exosomes identified more than 2000 proteins that could be implicated in brain repair function. In conclusion, white matter integrity was partly restored by exosome administration mediated by molecular repair factors. Exosomes as a treatment could be a heterogeneous process by nature and presents many factors that can influence brain plasticity in an adaptable and versatile manner.