Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tropical Strains of Ralstonia solanacearum Outcompete Race 3 Biovar 2 Strains at Lowland Tropical Temperatures

ABSTRACT Bacterial wilt, caused by members of the heterogenous Ralstonia solanacearum species complex, is an economically important vascular disease affecting many crops. Human activity has widely disseminated R. solanacearum strains, increasing their global agricultural impact. However, tropical highland race 3 biovar 2 (R3bv2) strains do not cause disease in tropical lowlands, even though they are virulent at warm temperatures. We tested the hypothesis that differences in temperature adaptation and competitive fitness explain the uneven geographic distribution of R. solanacearum strains. Using three phylogenetically and ecologically distinct strains, we measured competitive fitness at two temperatures following paired-strain inoculations of their shared host, tomato. Lowland tropical strain GMI1000 was only weakly virulent on tomato under temperate conditions (24°C for day and 19°C for night [24/19°C]), but highland tropical R3bv2 strain UW551 and U.S. warm temperate strain K60 were highly virulent at both 24/19°C and 28°C. Strain K60 was significantly more competitive than both GMI1000 and UW551 in tomato rhizospheres and stems at 28°C, and GMI1000 also outcompeted UW551 at 28°C. The results were reversed at cooler temperatures, at which highland strain UW551 generally outcompeted GMI1000 and K60 in planta. The superior competitive index of UW551 at 24/19°C suggests that adaptation to cool temperatures could explain why only R3bv2 strains threaten highland agriculture. Strains K60 and GMI1000 each produced different bacteriocins that inhibited growth of UW551 in culture. Such interstrain inhibition could explain why R3bv2 strains do not cause disease in tropical lowlands.
Isolation and Identification of Cellulose-Binding Proteins from Sheep Rumen Contents

ABSTRACT To extend our understanding of the mechanisms of plant cell wall degradation in the rumen, cellulose-binding proteins (CBPs) from the contents of a sheep rumen were directly isolated and identified using a metaproteomics approach. The rumen CBPs were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and some CBPs revealed endoglucanase activities toward carboxymethyl cellulose. Using mass spectrometry analyses, four CBPs were identified and annotated as known proteins from the predominant rumen cellulolytic bacterium Fibrobacter succinogenes: tetratricopeptide repeat domain protein, OmpA family protein, fibro-slime domain protein, and cellulose-binding endoglucanase F (EGF). Another CBP was identified as the cellulosomal glycosyl hydrolase family 6 exoglucanase, Cel6A, of Piromyces equi. F. succinogenes cells expressing EGF were found to be major members of the bacterial community on the surface or at the inner surface of hay stems by immunohistochemical analyses using anti-EGF antibody. The finding that four of the five CBPs isolated and identified from sheep rumen contents were from F. succinogenes indicates that F. succinogenes is significantly involved in cellulose degradation in the rumen.
Electroencephalographic Changes after a Marathon at 4300 M of Altitude

Running at altitude is gaining greater popularity but it may expose participants to the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS). The study investigated electroencephalographic (EEG) changes and eventual symptoms suggestive of AMS in 5 well-trained lowland native male runners (average age, 38.2 ? 4.6 years; VO2 peak 61.4 ? 2.7 mL? kg–1? min–1 at sea level; best marathon performance at sea level under 3 hours), who completed a marathon at 4300 m altitude. EEG, percentage of peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (% SpaO2) and heart rate (HR) were recorded during wakefulness at rest (supine position) and in comfort: 1) at sea level; 2) at 3600 m after 32 - 38 hours of acute acclimatization; 3) at 4300 m after 145 - 153 hours of chronic acclimatization; and 4) at 4300 m immediately after a marathon race. Symptoms of AMS were evaluated with the Lake Louise questionnaire before any ECG recording. There was a significant decrease in low-voltage high-frequency activities at rest after acute hypoxic-hypobaric exposure at 3600 m as compared to sea level. After six days of acclimatization at 4300 m there was a significant increase in the power of low-voltage high-frequency activities, particularly beta and gamma, indicating an aroused waking state and an integrated activity across widely distributed cortical regions. An increase in the power of low-voltage high-frequency activities over the entire cortex was observed, particularly after completion of the marathon at 4300 m. The increase in the high-frequency activities was probably due to direct and indirect reflex activation of the forebrain and reticular activating system involved in behavioral and metabolic integration of autonomic control and arousal and due to residual activation of the somatomotor and parietal cortex after the end of the marathon. Lake Louise score always resulted lower than 3, indicating no signs of AMS in all the runners. The results of this study indicate that in well-trained and acclimatized athletes, arousal has a protective role in preventing excessive oxygen deprivation also after an endurance exercise performed at high altitude. The absence of AMS fond in our study bear out that well trained and acclimatized runners, can safely participate in a marathon at high altitude that gives rise to temporary EEG changes without inducing paroxysmal phenomena.
Inhibitory Effect of a High-Molecular-Weight Constituent of Cranberry on Adhesion of Oral Bacteria

A high-molecular-weight nondialysable material (NDM) isolated from cranberry juice at a concentration of 0.6 to 2.5 mg/ml dissociated coaggregates formed by many intergeneric oral bacteria. A lower concentration of NDM was required to inhibit formation of such coaggregates. NDM acted preferentially on pairs of oral bacteria in which one or both members are Gram-negative anaerobes. The high-molecular-weight material from blueberry also inhibited the coaggregation, although its activity was weaker, whereas such materials obtained from other fruits were inactive. Saliva did not interfere with the ability of NDM to inhibit coaggregation. A preliminary clinical trial showed that NDM reduces S. mutans counts in saliva. The antiadhesion activity of cranberry juice has a potential for altering the oral microbial flora resulting in improved oral hygiene.
Steroid modulation of cytokine release and desmosine levels in bilateral total knee replacement: a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND The perioperative inflammatory response as measured by elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been linked to acute respiratory distress syndrome, postoperative confusion, and fever. Because of the extent of surgery,patients undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasty may be at high risk of complications. We had found a significant decrease in IL-6 in patients having bilateral total knee replacement who received two doses of 100 mg of hydrocortisone eight hours apart; however, by twenty-four hours, IL-6 levels were equal to those in the group that received a placebo. In the present study, we investigated whether the administration of three doses would reduce IL-6 levels at twenty-four hours and affect other outcomes such as desmosine level, a marker of lung injury. METHODS After institutional review board approval, a total of thirty-four patients (seventeen patients and seventeen control subjects) were enrolled in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Three doses of intravenous hydrocortisone (100 mg) or placebo were given eight hours apart. Urinary desmosine levels were obtained at baseline and at one and three days postoperatively. The level of IL-6 was measured at baseline and at six, ten, twenty-four, and forty-eight hours postoperatively. Pain scores, presence of fever, and functional outcomes were recorded. RESULTS The level of IL-6 increased in both groups, but was significantly higher in the control group, peaking at twenty-four hours (mean and standard deviation, 623.74 ± 610.35 pg/mL versus 148.13 ± 119.35 pg/mL; p = 0.006). Urinary desmosine levels significantly increased by twenty-four hours in the control group, but remained unchanged in the study group (134.75 ± 67.88 pmol/mg and 79.45 ± 46.30 pmol/mg, respectively; p = 0.006). Pain scores at twenty-four hours were significantly lower in the study group (1.4 ± 0.9 versus 2.4 ± 1.2; p = 0.01) as was the presence of fever (11.8%versus 47.1%; p = 0.03). Range of motion at the knee was significantly greater in the study group (81.6 ± 11.6 versus 70.6 ± 14.0 in the right knee [p = 0.02] and 81.4 ± 11.3 versus 73.4 ± 9.4 in the left knee [p = 0.03]). CONCLUSIONS Hydrocortisone (100 mg) given over three doses, each eight hours apart, decreased and maintained a lower degree of inflammation with bilateral total knee replacement as measured by IL-6 level. Corticosteroids decreased the prevalence of fever, lowered visual analog pain scores, and improved knee motion. The significantly lower values of desmosine in the study group suggest that this treatment may be protective against lung injury.
Complementarities in Mergers and Acquisitions

We examine theoretically and empirically the determinants of the degree of complementarity between bidders and targets in mergers and acquisitions. Our paper extends existing literature, which demonstrates that firms that have stronger complementarities are more likely to become merger partners, by addressing the heterogeneity in bidders’ and targets’ complementarity in observed acquisitions. Our model, which features scarce targets that are gradually discovered by potential bidders, demonstrates that the important determinants of expected merger complementarity are target’s bargaining power, the ease of target’s discovery, growth in bidders’ industry, and the extent of competitive interaction in it. We test the model’s predictions using two separate datasets, which we use to define two types of merger complementarity – based on the similarity between bidder’s and target’s product offerings and, alternatively, based on the overlap in their technologies. Both sets of tests support the model’s predictions and, more generally, indicate that there is wide heterogeneity in the degree of complementarity in mergers and acquisitions, which is systematically related to bidders’, targets’, and industry characteristics.
Bank Directorships and Bidder's Returns in Japanese Takeovers

This study investigated 145 Japanese domestic mergers and tender offers during 1981 to 1998,and found close to zero 3-day abnormal returns for bidders but significantly positive returns in a larger window period.No positive relationship exists between the bank borrowing level and the bidder's cumulative abnormal return.However,when using the bank directorship to measure bank control,the result of study found that bidder's abnormal returns were significantly and adversely associated with bank directorship.The results also suggest that the costs of Japanese bank-firm relations may outnumber benefits due to changes in the macroeconomic and legal environment.
The mediating role of Home Energy Management Systems

This paper reviews research into Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS). These are intermediary products that can visualize, manage, and/or monitor the energy use of other products or whole households. HEMS have lately received increasing attention for their possible role in conserving energy within households. However, an analysis of the problem areas within household energy consumption along with a review of case studies and commercially available HEMS reveals some research gaps.
Control of Adipose Triglyceride Lipase Action by Serine 517 of Perilipin A Globally Regulates Protein Kinase A-stimulated Lipolysis in Adipocytes*

Phosphorylation of the lipid droplet-associated protein perilipin A (Peri A) mediates the actions of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) to stimulate triglyceride hydrolysis (lipolysis) in adipocytes. Studies addressing how Peri A PKA sites regulate adipocyte lipolysis have relied on non-adipocyte cell models, which express neither adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), the rate-limiting enzyme for triglyceride catabolism in mice, nor the “downstream” lipase, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). ATGL and HSL are robustly expressed by adipocytes that we generated from murine embryonic fibroblasts of perilipin knock-out mice. Adenoviral expression of Peri A PKA site mutants in these cells reveals that mutation of serine 517 alone is sufficient to abrogate 95% of PKA (forskolin)-stimulated fatty acid (FA) and glycerol release. Moreover, a “phosphomimetic” (aspartic acid) substitution at serine 517 enhances PKA-stimulated FA release over levels obtained with wild type Peri A. Studies with ATGL-and HSL-directed small hairpin RNAs demonstrate that 1) ATGL activity is required for all PKA-stimulated FA and glycerol release in murine embryonic fibroblast adipocytes and 2) all PKA-stimulated FA release in the absence of HSL activity requires serine 517 phosphorylation. These results provide the first demonstration that Peri A regulates ATGL-dependent lipolysis and identify serine 517 as the Peri A PKA site essential for this regulation. The contributions of other PKA sites to PKA-stimulated lipolysis are manifested only in the presence of phosphorylated or phosphomimetic serine 517. Thus, serine 517 is a novel “master regulator” of PKA-stimulated adipocyte lipolysis.
Neonatal Outcome in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in a Tertiary Neonatal Unit in Sudan

Hypertensive disorder in pregnancy remains an important cause of fetal / maternal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the different types of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and to find out the associated neonatal morbidity and mortality. This was a prospective study, conducted in Soba University Hospital, Sudan. Sixty nine babies were included in the study. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS); Chi square test was used to determine the association between diagnosis and other variables. The prevalence of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy was 2.17%. Thirty six (52%) babies were preterm, the rate of small for gestational age was higher in pre eclampsia (53%) compared to other hypertensive groups. There was significant correlation between the birth weight and type of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy (P= 0.01). Six babies (8.6%) had birth asphyxia. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 14 babies (20%). 26 (38%) babies developed sepsis and the mortality rate was 6%. In conclusion hypertensive disorder of pregnancy remains an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Secretion of GOB Metallo-β-Lactamase in Escherichia coli Depends Strictly on the Cooperation between the Cytoplasmic DnaK Chaperone System and the Sec Machinery: Completion of Folding and Zn(II) Ion Acquisition Occur in the Bacterial Periplasm

ABSTRACT Metallo-β-lactamases (MβLs) are zinc-dependent enzymes produced by many clinically relevant gram-negative pathogens that can hydrolyze most β-lactam antibiotics. MβLs are synthesized in the bacterial cytoplasm as precursors and are secreted into the periplasm. Here, we report that the biogenesis process of the recently characterized MβL GOB-18 demands cooperation between a main chaperone system of the bacterial cytoplasm, DnaK, and the Sec secretion machinery. Using the expression of the complete gob-18 gene from the gram-negative opportunistic pathogen Elizabethkingia meningoseptica in Escherichia coli as a model system, we found that the precursor of this metalloenzyme is secreted by the Sec pathway and reduces cell susceptibility to different β-lactam antibiotics. Moreover, acting with different J proteins such as cytoplasmic DnaJ and membrane-associated DjlA as cochaperones, DnaK plays an essential role in the cytoplasmic transit of the GOB-18 precursor to the Sec translocon. Our studies also revealed a less relevant role, that of assisting in GOB-18 secretion, for trigger factor, while no significant functions were found for other main cytoplasmic chaperones such as SecB or GroEL/ES. The overall findings indicate that the biogenesis of GOB-18 involves cytoplasmic interaction of the precursor protein mainly with DnaK, secretion by the Sec system, and final folding and incorporation of Zn(II) ions into the bacterial periplasm.
Changes in the Demand for Skilled Labor within U.S. Manufacturing Industries: Evidence from the Annual Survey of Manufacturing

This paper investigates the shift in demand towards skilled labor in U.S. manufacturing. Between 1979 and 1989. employment of production workers in manufacturing dropped by 2.2 mil1ion or 15 percent while employment of non-production workers rose by 3 percent. A decomposition of changing employment patterns in each of 450 industries reveals that the defense buildup and trade deficits can account for only a small part of the shift in demand towards non-production workers. We conclude that production labor-saving technological change is the most likely explanation for the shift in demand towards non-production workers since the shift is mostly due to changes in labor demand within industries rather than reallocation of employment towards industries with higher shares of skilled labor. Strong correlations between within-industry skil1 upgrading and both increased investment in computers on the one hand and increased investment in R&D on the other provide further evidence for production labor saving technological change.
Trading constraints and the investment value of real estate investment trusts : an empirical examination

This study focuses on the property-derived cash flows that a REIT investor earns. We observe that, in the short run, REIT investors are only exposed to the income cash flows of a REIT's underlying portfolio and not to its property price fluctuations. Specifically, investors miss out on the component of appreciation returns not contained in income. Chapter 3 observes this phenomenon and argues, without proof, that this is due to the trading restrictions that REITs face in order to operate tax free, which impose minimum holding periods on properties in REITs' portfolios. Chapters 4 and 5 show that the trading-restrictions explanation is indeed the reason for this phenomenon. Specifically, chapter 4 tests how REITs with different firm characteristics are differently affected by the trading constraints. Firstly, we test for size effects and find that medium-sized and large firms offer investors better exposure to short-term fluctuations in property appreciation than small firms. This supports the trading restrictions hypothesis, as large firms are less affected by these. Secondly, we test for the effects of the degree of diversification in a REIT's portfolio and find that, while investing in a REIT which is diversified by property type gives an investor better exposure to appreciation cash flows, investing in one whose portfolio is merely geographically diversified does not. Finally, we test whether UPREITs give an investor better exposure to property appreciation cash flows and find strongly that this is so. Since the partnership that holds the property in an UPREIT is not subject to selling constraints, we find our hypothesis strongly supported. Chapter 5 analyzes holding periods and selling decisions. We firstly simulate a possible filter-based market timing strategy which significantly outperforms a simple buy-and-hold strategy, and demonstrate to what extent holding periods shorter than what is allowed are required. We then analyze actual holding periods of properties in REITs' portfolios and model the decision to hold a property beyond four years, finding strong evidence that there is an incentive to do so in a rising market. This gives strong support to the trading-restrictions explanation.
The Impact of Risk on the Decision to Exercise an ESO

This paper examines the impact of firms’ risk on executives’ decisions to exercise their executive stock options (ESOs). As the proportion of executives’ remuneration linked to the value of their firm (and therefore shareholder wealth) has increased, so the extent to which these executives hold undiversified personal portfolios has also increased. This lack of personal diversification gives executives a strong incentive to exercise early. It has been shown that this incentive can be sufficiently strong to outweigh the beliefs an executive may have regarding the firm’s valuation. I hypothesise that as the risk of a firm increases, so an ESO exercise is less likely to be induced by an executive’s private information. Consistent with the need to diversify, I find that it is only exercises in low risk firms that precede significantly negative abnormal returns.
Does personality matter?: the impact of the big five on the migrant and gender wage gaps

"We investigate whether the Big Five Personality Dimensions contribute to explaining gender and migrant wage gaps by using a linked employer-employee dataset. We expand the scarce literature concerning personality traits and gender wage gaps in Germany and we provide first evidence for the relationship between the Big Five and the migrant wage gap. Our results reveal that the genders differ in their average personality traits, as do migrants and natives. Further, we find significant associations between the Big Five and wages. The magnitude of this relationship varies across the gender and the migratory status. The results of Oaxaca-Blinder wage decompositions suggest that the Big Five significantly contribute to explaining gender and migrant wage gaps. " (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))
Comparison of Unilateral versus Bilateral Pedicle Screw Fixation in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Single Level Lumbar Degenerative Diseases and Review of Literature.

AIM There are some recognized treatment modalities in the literature for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases,which cause pain and avoidance of daily life activities for the patients.The most widely accepted algorithm in the literature is medical treatment,physical therapy and minimally invasive pain-relieving therapies,if necessary,followed by surgical interventions.The common procedure used in neurosurgery practice is the decompression of neural elements followed by fusion.It is reported in the literature that unilateral pedicle fixation and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion(TLIF) procedure have many advantages compared to bilateral pedicle screw implementation(PSF). We examined the clinical and radiological follow-up and results of our patients undergoing fusion procedure by unilateral versus bilateral pedicle screw fixation along with TLIF. MATERIAL AND METHODS 54 patients were included in the study.33 patients were operated with bilateral PSF and TLIF and 21 had unilateral PSF and TLIF.The patients were evaluated preoperatively,on the postoperative 15th day,6th and 12th month, and at the time of last examination (38 months in average for all patients) using Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI). Fusion rates were examined with direct X-ray films with flexion-extension dynamic views and 3D CT scan. RESULTS Operation times are shorter and blood loss is less in the unilateral PSF group.Fusion rates are similar in both groups with no statistical significance.For both groups significant clinical improvement was observed in the preoperative and postoperative scores. CONCLUSION Unilateral PSF along with TLIF procedure is an effective option in selected patients.We need prospective randomized studies with higher number of patients and longer follow-up periods for more reliable results.