Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of cucurbit viruses on field-grown melon and watermelon in the Thrace region of Turkey.

A survey for the detection of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), papaya ringspot virus-W (PRSV-W), squash mosaic virus (SqMV), melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV), cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV), zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and watermelon mosaic virus-2 (WMV-2) was carried out in June and July 2005, covering 17 melon fields and 19 watermelon fields in the Tekirdag, Edirne and Kirklareli provinces of Turkish Thrace. Among all the fields sampled, only one melon field was not virus-infected. In all, 502 melon and watermelon samples were tested for the presence of seven viruses with ELISA tests using polyclonal antisera. Overall, 333 out of 502 samples tested positive for the investigated viruses: 167 out of 235 plant samples in Tekirdag, 103 out of 187 samples in Edirne, and 63 out of 80 samples in Kirklareli were positive. Serological tests showed that six out of the seven tested viruses were present in the Thrace region of Turkey. The following rates of incidence of tested viruses on watermelon were found: ZYMV (45.5%), WMV-2 (34.2%), CMV (19.9%), PRSV-W (2.1%), SqMV (1.8%) and MNSV (0.4%), while the rates of incidence on melon were ZYMV (40.3%), WMV-2 (31.2%), CMV (7.2%), PRSV-W (2.3%), SqMV (0.5%) and MNSV (1.8%). The WMV-2+ZYMV mixed infection type was the most widespread both on melon and on watermelon samples at 16.7% and 11.4%, respectively.
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyltransferase Is Required for the Establishment of Private Virus-Specific CD8+ TCR Repertoires and Facilitates Optimal CTL Responses1

Virus-immune CD8+ TCR repertoires specific for particular peptide-MHC class I complexes may be substantially shared between (public), or unique to, individuals (private). Because public TCRs can show reduced TdT-mediated N-region additions, we analyzed how TdT shapes the heavily public (to DbNP366) and essentially private (to DbPA224) CTL repertoires generated following influenza A virus infection of C57BL/6 (B6, H2b) mice. The DbNP366-specific CTL response was virtually clonal in TdT−/− B6 animals, with one of the three public clonotypes prominent in the wild-type (wt) response consistently dominating the TdT−/− set. Furthermore, this massive narrowing of TCR selection for DbNP366 reduced the magnitude of DbNP366-specific CTL response in the virus-infected lung. Conversely, the DbPA224-specific responses remained comparable in both magnitude and TCR diversity within individual TdT−/− and wt mice. However, the extent of TCR diversity across the total population was significantly reduced, with the consequence that the normally private wt DbPA224-specific repertoire was now substantially public across the TdT−/− mouse population. The key finding is thus that the role of TdT in ensuring enhanced diversity and the selection of private TCR repertoires promotes optimal CD8+ T cell immunity, both within individuals and across the species as a whole.
Fission Yeast rad12+Regulates Cell Cycle Checkpoint Control and Is Homologous to the Bloom’s Syndrome Disease Gene

ABSTRACT The human BLM gene is a member of the Escherichia coli recQ helicase family, which includes the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SGS1 and human WRN genes. Defects inBLM are responsible for the human disease Bloom’s syndrome, which is characterized in part by genomic instability and a high incidence of cancer. Here we describe the cloning ofrad12+, which is the fission yeast homolog ofBLM and is identical to the recently reportedrhq1 + gene. We showed that rad12null cells are sensitive to DNA damage induced by UV light and γ radiation, as well as to the DNA synthesis inhibitor hydroxyurea. Overexpression of the wild-type rad12 + gene also leads to sensitivity to these agents and to defects associated with the loss of the S-phase and G2-phase checkpoint control. We showed genetically and biochemically thatrad12 + acts upstream fromrad9 +, one of the fission yeast G2checkpoint control genes, in regulating exit from the S-phase checkpoint. The physical chromosome segregation defects seen inrad12 null cells combined with the checkpoint regulation defect seen in the rad12 + overproducer implicate rad12 + as a key coupler of chromosomal integrity with cell cycle progression.
Durability of resin bonds to pure titanium.

PURPOSE This study evaluated the bond strength and bond durability of new adhesive systems to pure titanium. MATERIALS AND METHODS Plexiglass tubes filled with composite were bonded to titanium discs. Groups of 24 samples were bonded using six different bonding systems. Subgroups of eight bonded samples were stored in an isotonic artificial saliva solution (37 degrees C) for 1, 30, or 150 days. In addition, the 30- and 150-day samples were thermal cycled for 7,500 or 37,500 cycles between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C, respectively. After these storage conditions, all samples were debonded in tension. RESULTS The bond strength of a conventional bisphenol-A glycidyl methacrylate composite to sandblasted titanium was significantly lower than using chemomechanical bonding systems and decreased slightly during the storage time of 150 days. The additional use of a silane on sandblasted titanium resulted in an insignificant increase in bond strength and decreased over storage time to the same level as on sandblasted-only titanium. Statistically significant higher bond strengths were achieved either with the combination of silica coating and use of a conventional bisphenol-A glycidyl methacrylate composite or with the combination of sandblasting and the use of composites modified with a phosphate monomer. In the latter systems, the bond strengths were only limited by the cohesive strength of the composite resins. A new phosphate monomer containing composite showed a tendency to lose cohesive strength over time (statistically not significant). CONCLUSIONS Using chemomechanical bonding systems, ie, silica-coating systems or modified composites with adhesive monomers, resulted in 2 to 2.5 times increased bond strength to titanium compared with the bond strength of a conventional bisphenol-A glycidyl methacrylate composite. With chemomechanical bonding systems, the resin bond to titanium was durable over 150 days, even after being stored in water and thermal cycled.
Analysis and solution of errors in feedback path of a complex gain baseband predistorter

The complex gain baseband adaptive predistorter is flexible and practical. However, it's quite sensitive to errors in the linearization system. This paper analyzes and simulates the effect of errors in feedback path on linearization performance, and presents the protective considerations in algorithm design to ensure the convergence of the adaptation. The simulation results demonstrate that protection in algorithm can effectively eliminate the effect of errors.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CUCURBIT POWDERY MILDEW IN ROHILKHAND REGION OF UTTAR PRADESH , INDIA

Epidemiology of powdery mildew on cucurbits were studied in Rohilkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Most of the cucurbits were found infected in one or the other localities of the study area which comprised eight districts of Rohilkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. The study area showed the occurrence of and . The knowledge regarding perpetuation of the pathogens and annual recurrence of the disease on cucurbits seems to remain evading in the near future.
Dietary factors and low-grade inflammation in relation to overweight and obesity

Low-grade inflammation is a characteristic of the obese state, and adipose tissue releases many inflammatory mediators. The source of these mediators within adipose tissue is not clear, but infiltrating macrophages seem to be especially important, although adipocytes themselves play a role. Obese people have higher circulating concentrations of many inflammatory markers than lean people do, and these are believed to play a role in causing insulin resistance and other metabolic disturbances. Blood concentrations of inflammatory markers are lowered following weight loss. In the hours following the consumption of a meal, there is an elevation in the concentrations of inflammatory mediators in the bloodstream, which is exaggerated in obese subjects and in type 2 diabetics. Both high-glucose and high-fat meals may induce postprandial inflammation, and this is exaggerated by a high meal content of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and partly ablated by inclusion of certain antioxidants or antioxidant-containing foods within the meal. Healthy eating patterns are associated with lower circulating concentrations of inflammatory markers. Among the components of a healthy diet, whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and fish are all associated with lower inflammation. AGE are associated with enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation. SFA and trans-MUFA are pro-inflammatory, while PUFA, especially long-chain n-3 PUFA, are anti-inflammatory. Hyperglycaemia induces both postprandial and chronic low-grade inflammation. Vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids decrease the circulating concentrations of inflammatory markers. Potential mechanisms are described and research gaps, which limit our understanding of the interaction between diet and postprandial and chronic low-grade inflammation, are identified.
Commentary on “ Asynchronous Preparation of Tonally Fused Intervals in Polyphonic Music ” by

In his most recent contribution to an important and well-framed series of papers on auditory grouping and the perception of polyphonic music, David Huron seeks further evidence for his working hypothesis that J.S. Bach controls the employment of perfect consonances by desynchronizing their onsets, thereby inhibiting the perceptual fusion of polyphonic voices. However the more novel contribution of the present study would seem to be its demonstration that Bach also regulates the employment of dissonant tones by consistently desynchronizing their onsets. This finding provides the first concrete evidence for Wright and Bregman’s otherwise untested hypothesis that the control and salience of dissonance in polyphonic music are closely related to principles of auditory stream segregation (Wright, 1986; Wright & Bregman, 1987). Submitted 2008 March 10; accepted 2008 April 24.
Shikonin inhibits thyroid cancer cell growth and invasiveness through targeting major signaling pathways.

CONTEXT Shikonin, which is an active naphthoquinone isolated from traditional Chinese herbal medicine Zi Cao, has been recently developed to use as an antitumor agent in colorectal cancer, melanoma, leukemia, breast cancer, and hepatocellular cancer. However, its antitumor effect in thyroid cancer remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to test the therapeutic potential of shikonin for thyroid cancer and explore the mechanisms underlying antitumor effects of shikonin. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We examined the effects of shikonin on proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and xenograft tumor growth in thyroid cancer cells and the effect of shikonin on proliferation of primary thyroid cancer cells. RESULTS Shikonin inhibited thyroid cancer cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner and induced cell cycle arrest. Moreover, shikonin induced cell apoptosis through reactive oxygen species-mediated DNA damage and activation of the p53 signaling pathway. Our data also showed that shikonin dramatically inhibited thyroid cancer cell migration and invasion by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and downregulating expression of Slug and MMP-2, -9, and -14. Further elucidation of the mechanisms involved revealed that shikonin markedly repressed the phosphorylation of Erk and Akt and activated the p16/Retinoblastoma protein (Rb) pathway in thyroid cancer cells. Growth of xenograft tumors derived from the thyroid cancer cell line FTC133 in nude mice was significantly inhibited by shikonin. Importantly, we did not find the effect of shikonin on liver function in mice. CONCLUSION We for the first time demonstrated that shikonin is a potentially effective antitumor agent for thyroid cancers.
Biodegradation of Isopropanol by a Solvent-Tolerant Paracoccus denitrificans Strain

The biodegradation of high concentration isopropanol (2-propanol, IPA) at 16 g/L was investigated by a solvent-tolerant strain of bacteria identified as Paracoccus denitrificans for the first time by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. The strain P. denitrificans GH3 was able to utilize the high concentration of IPA as the sole carbon source within a minimal salts medium with a cell density of 1.5 × 108 cells/mL. The optimal conditions were found as follows: initial pH 7.0, incubation temperature 30°C, with IPA concentration 8 g/L. Under the optimal conditions, strain GH3 utilized 90.3% of IPA in 7 days. Acetone, the major intermediate of aerobic IPA biodegradation, was also monitored as an indicator of microbial IPA utilization. Both IPA and acetone were completely removed from the medium following 216 hr and 240 hr, respectively. The growth of strain GH3 on IPA as a sole carbon and energy source was well described by the Andrews model with a maximum growth rate (μ max ) = 0.0277/hr, a saturation constant (K S ) = 0.7333 g/L, and an inhibition concentration (Ki) = 8.9887 g/L. Paracoccus denitrificans GH3 is considered to be well used in degrading IPA in wastewater.
Lead and cadmium levels in cattle muscle and edible tissues collected from a slaughter slab in Nigeria

Contamination levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in muscles, liver and kidney of 50 randomly selected, freshly slaughtered cattle in Ogun State, Nigeria were assessed using an official procedure and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results showed that Pb and Cd were present in all of the tested samples. Mean Pb concentrations were 0.721 ± 0.180 mg kg−1, 0.809 ± 0.220 mg kg−1 and 0.908 ± 0.422 mg kg−1 in muscle, liver and kidney tissues, respectively. Mean Cd concentrations were 0.157 ± 0.049 mg kg−1, 0.172 ± 0.071 mg kg−1 and 0.197 ± 0.070 mg kg−1 in muscle, liver and kidney tissues, respectively. Pb and Cd levels in muscle versus kidney tissues and also in liver versus kidney samples were significantly different (p < 0.05). Mean Pb concentrations in all tested tissues were significantly higher than the International Standards while the mean Cd concentrations in liver and kidney samples were within the limits of these standards.
Osmium Isotope Heterogeneity in the Constituent Phases of Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalts

Radiogenic isotope variations in mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) are commonly attributed to compositional variations in Earth's upper mantle. For the rheniumosmium isotope system, constituent MORB phases are shown to possess exceptionally high Re/Os (parent/daughter) ratios, consequently radiogenic 187Os is produced from the decay of 187Re over short periods of time. Thus, in the absence of precise age constraints, Os isotope variations cannot be unambiguously attributed to their source, although Re–Os isotope data for constituent minerals can yield crystallization ages, details of equilibration, and initial Os isotope values that relate directly to the mantle source.
Chronic airflow obstruction.

Chronic airflow obstruction (CAO) affects at least half a million people (Royal College of Physicians, 1981) in this country and will continue to be a major cause of morbidity and early death for many years to come. Even if cigarette smoking stopped today its legacy in CAO would continue beyond the end of the century. While acute respiratory infections, respiratory failure, cor pulmonale and death are the most dramatic manifestations, the major impact of the condition is in causing long-term disability through breathlessness. A man with severe CAO often has a grossly impaired quality of life for many years before he ever consults a doctor and eventually becomes virtually immobile and housebound. The breathlessness and immobility of CAO is the result of a complex interaction of many factors. Airflow limitation on exercise reduces the maximum ventilation that can be achieved and is central to the sensation of breathlessness. However, cardiovascular function, the performance of skeletal muscle, (respiratory and non-respiratory), mood, personality and motivation all modify the sensation and also contribute independently to disability. This article sets out to explore some of the factors involved in the breathlessness of CAO and how they may point the way to future treatments. The sensation of breathlessness itself and the mechanisms involved have been well reviewed in the past (Howell, 1966; Guz, 1977) and are beyond the scope of this article.
The male excess in sudden infant deaths

The peak age at which sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) occurs corresponds to the developmental period in which infants are dependent on their innate responses to infection. There is a growing body of evidence indicating that dysregulation of inflammatory responses might contribute to the physiological changes leading to these sudden deaths. This study examined the effects of three important risk factors for SIDS on inflammatory responses: cigarette smoke, virus infection and male sex. Cytokine responses of peripheral monocytic blood cells of healthy, non-smoking males and females to endotoxin were measured. Surrogates for virus infection or cigarette smoke were assessed using IFN-γ or water-soluble cigarette smoke extract (CSE). For most conditions, cells from males had lower pro-inflammatory cytokine responses than those of females. An opposite trend was observed for IL-10. Significantly lower levels of some cytokines were noted for cells from male donors exposed to CSE. In females, there were significant correlations between testosterone levels and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but none for males. Testosterone levels in females correspond to those among male infants in the age range at greatest risk of SIDS. The effects of the testosterone surge in male infants need to be examined in relation to changes in cortisol levels that occur during the same period of infant development.
Autonomy and Self-efficacy as Influencing Factors in Nurses' Behavioral Intention to Disinfect Needleless Intravenous Systems

The purpose of this study was to examine associations among nurses' behavioral intention to disinfect needleless connectors, autonomy, self-efficacy, attitudes, beliefs, perceived control, and social norms. A convenience sample (N = 171) of registered nurses participated in a cross-sectional study to examine factors related to “scrubbing the hub. ” While experienced nurses reported greater autonomy and self-efficacy, recent graduates were more likely to consistently use optimal disinfection techniques. Since practice is most influenced by peers, programs should be aimed at educational pedagogy aligning preceptor practice with empirically derived guidelines. Fostering exchange of ideas in a multigenerational work force may facilitate adherence to best practices.
Dioxin/polychlorinated biphenyl body burden, diabetes and endometriosis: findings in a population-based study in Belgium

Dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants widely distributed in the food chain, which is the main source of human exposure. Their effects on human health at background exposure levels are still poorly understood. Recent epidemiological evidence suggests a possible association between these pollutants and diabetes. We report here the results of a population-based study in Belgium on 257 (142 women and 115 men) environmentally exposed subjects, including 10 cases of endometriosis and nine cases of diabetes. Seventeen 2,3,7,8-polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs or dioxins), four coplanar PCBs (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry [IUPAC] nos 77, 81, 126 and 169) and 12 PCB markers (IUPAC nos 3, 8, 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180, 194, 206 and 209) were quantified in serum fat from fasting blood samples in order to estimate the body burden of these pollutants. Whilst no difference was found between women with endometriosis and their controls, diabetic patients had significantly increased serum levels of dioxins, coplanar PCBs and the 12 PCB markers. After adjustment for age and other covariates, serum total toxic equivalent activity (sum of PCDD/Fs and coplanar PCBs) and 12 PCB marker concentrations in diabetics were 62% (p=0.0005) and 39% (p=0.0067) higher, respectively, than in controls. The risk of diabetes was significantly increased in subjects in the top decile for adjusted concentrations of dioxins (odds ratio 5.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–21.7), coplanar PCBs (odds ratio 13.3, 95% CI 3.31–53.2) or 12 PCB markers (odds ratio 7.6, 95% CI 1.58–36.3). These findings warrant further studies to assess the significance of the associations between diabetes and environmental exposure to polychlorinated pollutants.
Emergent User Roles of a Digital Workplace: A Network Analysis Based on Trace Data

Communication and collaboration software for knowledge workers are introduced with high expectations, especially in knowledge-intense industries. While advantages of such tools are well documented in theory, many initiatives have yet to achieve the desired outcomes in practice. Research has dealt with roles in the digital workplace and found that one-size-fits-all solutions are not suitable. However, for a lack of real-world data the matter is still not sufficiently understood. To close this gap, we conduct a sequential mixed method study. We perform an exploratory analysis based on trace data within a service organization and reconstruct its social structure. Through a cluster analysis, eight distinct emergent user roles are identified. Additionally, we analyze covariates of cluster membership, such as organizational hierarchy, through statistical testing. Lastly, semistructured interviews help to explain our findings qualitatively. We contribute to research and practice by deepening the understanding of heterogeneous user behavior in a digital workplace.
Degradation of nucleic acid derivatives by rumen bacteria in vitro

1. Purine or pyrimidine bases, nucleosides or nucleotides were incubated, in vitro, with whole rumen contents, or with a cell-free filtrate prepared from rumen contents of calves fed on diets of flaked maize and hay. 2. During incubations with whole rumen contents, all derivatives bearing a side amino group were deaminated to varying extents. 3. All nucleotides and nucleosides were rapidly degraded to the parent base or its desamino counterpart. 4. Evidence suggests that guanosine was degraded to guanine before deamination occurred whereas deamination preceded ribosidic cleavage for adenosine. 5. Xanthine, uracil, hypoxanthine and thymine resisted further degradation to varying degrees. 6. Little or no breakdown was observed when any derivative was incubated, in vitro, with cell-free preparations.
The cartridge size and stapler selection alter the risk of pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy with stapler use : a retrospective cohort study

ancreatic fistula (PF) formation remains an unsolved complication after distal pancreatectomy (DP), occurring at a rate of 7% to 50% in recent studies. Although several surgical techniques for closure of the remnant pancreas after DP have been used to reduce the risk of PF, the ideal method remains controversial and undetermined. Among currently available techniques, hand-sewn closure and stapler closure of the remnant pancreas are most commonly performed, and many studies have compared the advantages of these two procedures. Some studies showed that the incidence of PF was lower after stapler closures than after hand-sewn closures. In contrast, other studies found no significant difference in the incidence of PF between these two methods. Two meta-analyses comparing stapler vs. hand-sewn Original Contribution Kitasato Med J 2017; 47: 17-25