Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acinetobacter cell biomass, growth stage and phosphorus uptake from activated sludge mixed liquor

Enhanced biological phosphorus removal activated sludge plants often do not remove phosphorus adequately in order to meet legal demands. Currently FeSO 4 is being added to almost all South African nutrient removal activated sludge systems discharging effluents to the sensitive catchments to prevent phosphorus from entering fresh water systems. In order to understand biological phosphorus removal mechanisms in order to optimise the process, the role of growth rate and phosphorus removal in Acinectobacter was investigated. Phosphorus was accumulated in the lag phase of the normal growth cycle. Little or no phosphorus was accumulated in the logarithmic growth phase, instead phosphorus was released at the beginning of logarithmic growth. Further phosphorus accumulation took place in the stationary phase, once active growth had ceased. Cells had a limit to the amount of phosphorus that could be accumulated per cell irrespective of substrate availability. It was therefore concluded, that the number of cells (biomass) in a system and their growth stage were crucial factors governing biological phosphorus removal. Maximum cell numbers should therefore be obtained and logarithmic growth should be prevented in the aerobic zone, in order to optimize biological phosphorus removal from activated sludge.
A Study on Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Following Emergent And Elective Percutaneous Coronary And Peripheral Intervention : Diagnosis Through Biomarkers As Serum Creatinine And Cystatin C

Objective: It was aiming to know the diagnostic efficacy of biomarkers as serum creatinine (SCr) and serum cystatine C (SCysC) to evaluate prognosis of CIN in the hospital-admitted patients among eastern Indians. Methods: 100 patients were selected for primary coronary angioplasty between February2015 – January2016. Out of 100 patients, 95 patients were evaluated for development of CIN and categorized into CIN and non-CIN groups, which was further divided into male, female and combination of them. SCr value was checked on day-1 (baseline), after 24hr (day-2) and 48hr (day-3). SCysC value was also estimated on day-1 (baseline) and after 24hr (day-2). Statistical analyses were done in all groups at P<0.05 level. Results: The prospective study revealed that day-1 SCr values were significantly (P<0.01) higher in combined and male patients but in females no significant difference was observed for the CIN groups compared with nonCIN groups. The significantly increased values were also observed in both combined (P<0.001) and males (P<0.01) for day-2 and 3, when compared between CIN and non-CIN groups. But for female patients only significant difference (P<0.05) was found on day-3 SCr. Another marker, SCysC was also increased without statistical significant values in CIN groups after 24h duration, when compared to day-1. But in non-CIN groups, SCysC was found in decreasing trend with statistically significant (P<0.001, P<0.001 and P<0.05) for all groups in comparison with day-1. For diagnostic accuracy in relation to SCr and SCysC, it was observed that 78.95%, 81.71% and 61.54% for combined, males and females respectively. Conclusion: The novel biomarker SCysC can be suitable diagnostic tool to predict the occurrence at early stage (24hr duration) of CIN. The present results revealed that SCysC was decreased indicating renal function improvement after intravenous fluid therapy.
EFFECTS OF FIRE SIZE AND PATTERN ON EARLY SUCCESSION IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

The Yellowstone fires of 1988 affected >250 000 ha, creating a mosaic of burn severities across the landscape and providing an ideal opportunity to study effects of fire size and pattern on postfire succession. We asked whether vegetation responses differed between small and large burned patches within the fire-created mosaic in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) and evaluated the influence of spatial patterning on the postfire veg- etation. Living vegetation in a small (1 ha), moderate (70-200 ha), and large (500-3600 ha) burned patch at each of three geographic locations was sampled annually from 1990 to 1993. Burn severity and patch size had significant effects on most biotic responses. Severely burned areas had higher cover and density of lodgepole pine seedlings, greater abundance of opportunistic species, and lower richness of vascular plant species than less severely burned areas. Larger burned patches had higher cover of tree seedlings and shrubs, greater densities of lodgepole pine seedlings and opportunistic species, and lower species richness than smaller patches. Herbaceous species present before the fires responded in- dividually to burn severity and patch size; some were more abundant in large patches or severely burned areas, while others were more abundant in small patches or lightly burned areas. To date, dispersal into the burned areas from the surrounding unburned forest has not been an important mechanism for reestablishment of forest species. Most plant cover in burned areas consisted of resprouting survivors during the first 3 yr after the fires. A pulse of seedling establishment in 1991 suggested that local dispersal from these survivors was a dominant mechanism for reestablishment of forest herbs. Succession across much of YNP appeared to be moving toward plant communities similar to those that burned in 1988, primarily because extensive biotic residuals persisted even within very large burned areas. However, forest reestablishment remained questionable in areas of old (>400 yr) forests with low prefire serotiny. Despite significant effects of burn severity and patch size, the most important explanatory variable for most biotic responses was geographic location, particularly as related to broad-scale patterns of serotiny in Pinus contorta. We conclude that the effects of fire size and pattern were important and some may be persistent, but that these landscape-scale effects occurred within an overriding context of broader scale gra- dients.
The milky spots of the peritoneum and pleura: structure, development and pathology

The milky spots (MS), originally described by Ranvier as taches laiteuses, are found on the greater omentum but also in other peritoneal regions, as well as on the pleura and pericardium. They represent aggregations of mesenchymal tissue surrounding blood vessels. These small whitish regions are covered by mesothelium, and within the mesothelial layer are scattered macrophage-like cells. The blood supply of MS is provided by arterioles that give rise to capillary network formed by fenestrated or continuous endothelial cells. Most MS possess also lymphatic vessels, with extremely thin endothelial cells. The most frequent cells in MS are the macrophages, followed by lymphocytes and mast cells. Typically, the macrophages are located in the periphery, while the lymphocytes - in the center of MS. Additional structural elements are plasmocytes, adipocytes, fibroblasts, roundedfibroblast-likecells (undifferentiated mesenchymal cells), as well as collagen, reticular and elastic fibers. The nerve fibers innervating MS are located under the mesothelium and among the free cells. Despite their small size, the MS are a significantorgan, functioning at both normal and pathological conditions. Under inflammatory conditions (peritonitis), MSact as the first line of defense, and dramatically change their number, size and structure. MS are also involved in extramedullary hemopoiesis. They are the first target of intraperitoneal (intrapleural) metastases, and appear an important target in the development of immunotherapeutic strategies against malignant diseases. Biomedical Reviews 2004; 15: 47-66.
Population dynamics of corkscrew sea anemones Bartholomea annulata in the Florida Keys

Corkscrew sea anemones Bartholomea annulata are important ecologically as hubs of a mutualistic network involving cleaner shrimps and client fishes on Caribbean reefs. They also are collected for the ornamental aquarium trade, but little is known about their population dynamics to support conservation management. We quantified variation in population structure among regions of the Florida Keys and levels of human impact within region. The Upper Keys and lowimpact sites supported higher population abundance and proportions of small anemones than the Lower Keys and high-impact sites. At 2 sites where we monitored anemone dynamics every 2 mo for 1 yr, individuals recruited frequently and grew rapidly to maximum body size and then re mained static or shrank. Fewer than half the individuals survived all year, indicating rapid population turnover, with mortality occurring mostly among small individuals or large ones that ap peared to senesce beforehand. Stasis of large individuals (or lack thereof) exerted the most influence on population size. We conclude that in Florida, corkscrew anemones experience relatively high recruitment and survival at sites with low human impact and in the Upper Keys, where summer water temperatures are cooler than in the Lower Keys. Populations are highly dynamic and appear to rely on frequent recruitment, potentially linked to the presence of resident adults at high enough abundances for fertilization of broadcast propagules. The ephemeral nature of these anemones has important implications for the dynamics of their anemoneshrimp symbionts, for reef fishes that utilize them as parasite cleaning stations, and for the conservation management of their populations.
Finding the Planck Length Independent of Newton's Gravitational Constant and the Planck Constant: The Compton Clock Model of Matter

In modern physics, it is assumed that the Planck length is a derived constant from Newton's gravitational constant, the Planck constant and the speed of light, $l_p=\sqrt{\frac{G\hbar}{c^3}}$. This was first discovered by Max Planck in 1899. We suggest a way to find the Planck length independent of any knowledge of Newton's gravitational constant or the Planck constant, but still dependent on the speed of light (directly or indirectly).
Role of Neuropeptides in Pulpal Pathosis-An Overview

Neuropeptides are proteins generated from somatosensory and autonomic nerve fibers after tissue injury. Neuropeptides play an important role in hemodynamic changes and pain mechanisms in the pulp. Neuropeptides also play an active role in orthodontic tooth resorption, restorative procedures involving carious dentin and acid etching. They are responsible for difficult anaesthesia in inflamed teeth. This paper highlights the role of neuropeptides seen in the dental pulp.
Criteria determining behavioural responses to multiple predators by a stream mayfly

McIntosh. A. R. and Peckarsky, B. L. 1999. Criteria determining behavioural responses to multiple predators by a stream mayfly - Oikos 85: 554-564. We investigated prey responses to multiple predators by observing drift and positioning of Buetis bicuudctrus (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) nymphs in the presence of non-feeding brook trout (Salvelinusfontinalis chemical cues) and predatory stoneflies (Megtrrcj,~ signura with glued mouths). In experiments carried out in stream-side channels Baeti. ~ antipredator behaviour differed markedly in response to each predator separately: they drifted away from stoneflies. and reduced exposure and drift levels in the presence of trout odour. When both predator cues were presented together the effect of stoneflies, which were observed more frequently at night. depended on the time of day and was modified by presence of fish odour. During the day Buetis responses to both predators were hierarchical as drift and the number on stone tops was reduced whenever fish odour was present regardless of the presence of stoneflies. At night when stoneflies were foraging, Baetis behaviour reflected a compromise between avoiding both predators, with responses to both predators being intermediate between that characteristic of stonefly avoidance (entering the drift) and that characteristic of fish avoidance (drift avoidance). The switch in antipredator behaviour from 'hierarchy' to 'compromise' between multiple predators reflects changes in the relative risk of predation during the day and night. During the day visually feeding trout present a higher predation risk. but at night when stoneflies are foraging and trout visual systems are less effective. the predation risks become more similar. We found no evidence for 'accumulative' avoidance where the magnitude of avoidance increases in response to the number of predators present. because avoiding stoneflies conflicted with avoiding trout. We predict that predator avoidance will take place in the form of a 'hierarchy' when one predator presents substantially higher predation risk than another; 'compromise' behaviour will be observed when the predation risk presented by two predators is more equivalent, but avoiding one predator conflicts with avoiding another; and 'accumulative' antipredatory responses will be observed only when responses to different predators do not conflict. We emphasise that investigation of the responses of prey to multiple predators is important to our understanding of natural communities. and is likely to reveal details about the mechanisms determining the outcome of interactions involving multiple predators.
Strategic Forecasting in Rank-Order Tournaments: Evidence from Horse-Racing Tipsters

We analyze the forecasting behavior of professional horse-racing tipsters. These tipsters participate in contests that reward the best performers at least in terms of publicity. We find that contests induce tipsters to make untruthful forecasts. In particular, tipsters react to an improvement of their rank in the contest by releasing more original forecasts. Symmetrically, tipsters react to bad performances by making more conservative forecasts. These results have implications for the efficiency of the betting markets.
Corticosteroids for cardiac surgery : a summary of two large randomised trials

The postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome that is associated with cardiac surgery and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass may contribute to postoperative organ dysfunction and complications. Two recent multicentre randomised clinical trials evaluated the prophylactic use of high-dose corticosteroids to suppress the postoperative inflammatory response in a total of 12,001 cardiac surgery patients. The studies were negative on their primary endpoint, and showed a blend of benefit and harm on secondary endpoints. For dexamethasone, its overall pulmonary benefit was probably the most marked effect, which was demonstrable at multiple levels. There also appeared to be an age-dependent effect of corticosteroids with younger patients (<65 years) with a lower risk of mortality and older patients (>80 years) with an increased risk of mortality when receiving steroids. The differential effects of corticosteroids on patient outcomes between the different age groups may be based on a decreasing intensity of the systemic inflammatory response with advancing age. Future studies should be designed to identify those individual patients who are more susceptible to developing an excessive inflammatory response, and who may receive benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment. Steroids in cardiac surgery: an eminence-based routine The postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that is associated with cardiac surgery and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass may contribute to postoperative organ dysfunction and complications. [1-4] In the Netherlands and some other countries, high-dose corticosteroids are often routinely administered during cardiac surgery to reduce inflammatory activation, and thus improve outcomes. The use of high-dose corticosteroid drugs for prophylaxis of postoperative systemic inflammation, however, is a topic of increasing controversy. Over the last decades, the design of cardiopulmonary bypass machines has improved remarkably, with membrane oxygenators instead of bubble oxygenators, centrifugal pumps instead of roller Table 1. Principal outcomes of the DECS and SIRS trial DECS trial SIRS trial Dexamethasone (n=2239) Placebo (n=2255) P Methylprednisolone (n=3755) Placebo (n=3752) P Primary (combined) endpoint 7% 9% 0.07 24% 24% 0.53 Mortality 1% 2% 0.73 4% 5% 0.19 Q-wave myocardial infarction 2% 2% 0.65 Enzymatic myocardial injury 13% 11% <0.01 Stroke 1% 1% 0.71 2% 2% 0.51 Renal failure 1% 2% 0.15 4% 4% 0.21 Respiratory failure 3% 4% 0.02 9% 10% 0.21
Joint tests for zero restrictions on nonnegative regression coefficients

SUMMARY Three tests for zero restrictions on regression coefficients that are known to be nonnegative are considered: the classical F test, the likelihood ratio test, and a one-sided t test in a particular direction. Critical values for the likelihood ratio test are given for the cases of two and three restrictions, and the power function is calculated for the case of two restrictions. The analysis is conducted in terms of a characterization of the clas all similar tests for the problem, of which each of the above tests is a member. The likelihood ratio test emerges as the preferred test.
Strategies for increasing fixation probabilities of recessive mutations

Summary Fixation probabilities and mean times to fixation of new mutant alleles in an isogenic population having an effect on a quantitative trait under truncation selection were computed using stochastic simulation. A variety of population structures and breeding systems were studied in order to find an optimal design for maximizing the fixation probability for recessive genes without impairing that for non-recessives or delaying times to fixation. Circular mating or cycles with repeated generations of close inbreeding alternating with combination of the families proved to be very inefficient. The most successful scheme found, considering fixation probabilities and times to fixation jointly, was to practise individual selection and mate full sibs whenever possible, otherwise mate at random. The benefit was directly proportional to the number of full-sib matings performed, which, in turn, almost exclusively depended on the number of selected individuals with very little effect of selection intensity or magnitude of gene effects. Fixation rates could be well approximated by diffusion methods. When selection was practised in only one sex and, therefore, the proportion of full-sib matings could be varied from zero to one, maximizing the amount of full-sib mating was found to maximize fixation probability, at least for single mutants.
A Preliminary Cephalopod Baraminology Study Based on the Analysis of Mitochondrial Genomes and Morphological Characteristics

Cephalopods are variable and very interesting animals, including octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, and nautiluses. They are deemed to be the most intelligent invertebrate group known to taxonomy. Cephalopods are underrepresented in both genome sequencing projects as well as baraminology studies. However, mitochondrial genome sequences for 47 cephalopod species as well as morphological character data sets are available for this group of invertebrate animals, two of which were used in this study. Using sequence alignment and clustering methods on whole mitochondrial genome sequences five putative baramins were discovered—octopuses, squids I and II, cuttlefish, and nautiluses. However, even though analyzing the mitochondrial genome may have its advantages, the mitochondrial genome is only less than 0.01% of the nuclear genome, and does not contain enough information to draw final conclusions. The results from the genome analysis study were augmented with the analysis of two morphological character sets which, when combined cover 72 cephalopod species, even fossil taxa which represent the palaeobaramin. In total, 106 species were studied by at least one method. The first morphological analysis suggests that Decapods and Octopods each form a single holobaramin, whereas the second morphological analysis suggests that nautiluses form a separate, third holobaramin within the class Cephalopoda. These results are interesting; however, it would still be useful to further analyze cephalopod baramins in order to get a fully clear picture of the baraminic relationships within this class of invertebrate species. ISSN: 1937-9056 Copyright © 2018 Answers in Genesis, Inc. All content is owned by Answers in Genesis (“AiG”) unless otherwise indicated. AiG consents to unlimited copying and distribution of print copies of Answers Research Journal articles for non-commercial, non-sale purposes only, provided the following conditions are met: the author of the article is clearly identified; Answers in Genesis is acknowledged as the copyright owner; Answers Research Journal and its website, www.answersresearchjournal. org, are acknowledged as the publication source; and the integrity of the work is not compromised in any way. For website and other electronic distribution and publication, AiG consents to republication of article abstracts with direct links to the full papers on the ARJ website. All rights reserved. For more information write to: Answers in Genesis, PO Box 510, Hebron, KY 41048, Attn: Editor, Answers Research Journal. The views expressed are those of the writer(s) and not necessarily those of the Answers Research Journal Editor or of Answers in Genesis.
Early Experiences in Hardiness Development

Personality hardiness has emerged in research as an important buffer in the stress—illness relationship. Little, however, is known about the antecedents in early experience. Based on conceptualizations in existential psychology and research on the resilient child, the present study tested hypotheses implicating stresses, compensatory family standards and self-perception, and parental stimulation as formative influences for hardiness in adulthood. Responses to life review interview questions given by managers previously selected to be low or high in hardiness were coded blind for the early experience variables hypothesized. The study demonstrated adequate interscorer agreement on early experience coding. Correlation and regression analyses demonstrated the expected prevalence of compensatory family standards and self-perceptions in highversus lowhardiness participants but failed to show any differences regarding stresses and parental stimulations. Discussion of these results centers on the developmental importance of compensatory effort.