Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combined serotyping and biotyping of Serratia marcescens

The API (Analytab Products, Inc., New York, N.Y.) biotypes of 117 clinical isolates of Serratia marcescens were determined and fell into 13 different patterns. The O and H antigens were determined by tube agglutination, and 27 serotypes were identified. The biotype and serotype appeared to vary indepently. Serotyping and biotyping combined divided these isolates into 56 different types. There was a problem interpreting the end points for inositol fermentation and urease production, which could affect reproducibility of API biotypes. Biotyping is a simple way of screening for possible nosocomial outbreaks of S. marcescens.
Linking Students with Community in Collaborative Governance: A Report on a Service-Learning Class

Collaborative governance is increasingly becoming a topic for scholarly research and practitioner skill development as well as a component of graduate programs in public administration. This article documents a service-learning project in a graduate-level Masters in Public Administration class on cross-sector governance. The article begins with a brief review of literature on university-community relations and, specifically, the civic mission of institutions of higher education and the role of service learning in public administration programs. The teaching case is then introduced, with the full context and detail explained. Lessons are offered for replicating this kind of class. An analysis of the success of the case is offered based on reflection journals written by students throughout the semester.
APPLICATIONS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN BANKING SECTOR

Last few decades witnessed the proliferation of financial reforms, liberalisation and globalisation of Indian conomy coupled with rapid revolution in information technology (IT). The business applications of various tools of IT have bought a paradigm shift in banking sector around the globe. Banking sector is now no more confined to the narrower territory of a particular region, state or a country. Introduction of computerized application has bought a new concept of click banking (popularly known as internet banking or electronic banking). Indian banking industry, the backbone of Indian economy, is the second largest spender to the IT which is surely in the line of current needs for improved efficiency and productivity. The application of IT in banking sector provides enormous benefits to the banks as well as its consumers. But the flip side of this changed financial landscape from brick banks to click banks; the traditional banking risks have also been exacerbated. In this reference, the present study painstakingly attempts to bestow the evolution of computerisation of banking sector in India. It analyses some of the recent IT applications and associated risks with such applications.
EFFICIENT PHYSICS-BASED ROOM-ACOUSTICS MODELING AND AURALIZATION

Author Samuel Siltanen Title Efficient Physics-Based Room-Acoustics Modeling and Auralization The goal of this research is to develop efficient algorithms for physicsbased room acoustics modeling and real-time auralization. Given the room geometry and wall materials, in addition to listener and sound source positions and other properties, the auralization system aims at reproducing the sound as would be heard by the listener in a corresponding physical setup. A secondary goal is to predict the room acoustics parameters reliably. The thesis presents a new algorithm for room acoustics modeling. The acoustic radiance transfer method is an element-based algorithm which models the energy transfer in the room like the acoustic radiosity technique, but is capable of modeling arbitrary local reflections defined as bidirectional reflectance distribution functions. Implementing real-time auralization requires efficient room acoustics modeling. This thesis presents three approaches for improving the speed of the modeling process. First, the room geometry can be reduced. For this purpose an algorithm, based on volumetric decomposition and reconstructions of the surface, is described. The algorithm is capable of simplifying the topology of the model and it is shown that the acoustical properties of the room are sufficiently well preserved with even 80 % reduction rates in typical room models. Second, some of the data required for room acoustics modeling can be precomputed. It is shown that in the beam tracing algorithm a visibility structure called “beam tree” can be precomputed efficiently, allowing even moving sound sources in simple cases. In the acoustic radiance transfer method, effects of the room geometry can be precomputed. Third, the run-time computation can be optimized. The thesis describes two optimization techniques for the beam tracing algorithm which are shown to speed up the process by two orders of magnitude. On the other hand, performing the precomputation for the acoustic radiance transfer method in the frequency domain allows a very efficient implementation of the final phase of the modeling on the graphics processing unit. An interactive auralization system, based on this technique is presented. UDC 534.84, 004.021, 004.92, 004.94
Cytokine Coexpression During Human Th1/Th2 Cell Differentiation: Direct Evidence for Coordinated Expression of Th2 Cytokines1

We have developed an in vitro differentiation assay in which human naive CD4+ cells are driven toward either the Th1 or Th2 phenotype. We have examined the interrelationships among the expression of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, GM-CSF, and IFN-γ in individual cells using intracellular cytokine staining at various times during the differentiation process. We provide direct evidence that the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, unlike the other cytokines, are regulated by a coordinated mechanism. We also show that IL-10 is expressed by a different subset of cells that is prevalent at early stages of Th2 differentiation, but then diminishes. Additionally we demonstrate that while naive cells can express IL-2 upon activation, they cannot express GM-CSF. Commitment to GM-CSF expression occurs during differentiation in a Th1/Th2 subset-independent manner. Furthermore, we have examined the levels of GATA3, c-Maf, T-bet, and Ets-related molecule during human Th1/Th2 differentiation and suggest that differences in the levels of these critical transcription factors are responsible for commitment toward the Th1 or Th2 lineage.
Monitoring of peri‐operative fluid administration by individualized goal‐directed therapy

Background: In order to avoid peri‐operative hypovolaemia or fluid overload, goal‐directed therapy with individual maximization of flow‐related haemodynamic parameters has been introduced. The objectives of this review are to update research in the area, evaluate the effects on outcome and assess the use of strategies, parameters and monitors for goal‐directed therapy.
Nucleic Acid Binding Properties of the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Nucleocapsid Protein NCp8*

The nucleocapsid protein of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) NCp8 has two copies of conserved sequences (termed zinc fingers, ZF) of 14 amino acids with 4 invariant residues (CCHC) that coordinate Zn(II). Each of its two ZFs has a Trp residue. A significant quenching of NCp8 Trp fluorescence was seen in nucleic acid complexes, suggesting stacking of the indole ring with nucleobases and the simultaneous involvement of both ZFs in the binding process. Both ZFs contribute to the nucleic acid binding free energy of NCp8, albeit in a not additive manner. NCp8 exhibited a base preference analogous to that of NCp7: G ∼ I > T > U > C > A. Alternating base sequences that bind HIV-1 NCp7 in a sequence-specific manner were also bound selectively by NCp8. Specific sequence recognition required at least five bases and the presence of bound Zn(II). The two ZFs account for the net displacement of 3 out of 4 sodium ions upon binding (2 by the first and one by the second finger), and for most (85%) of the hydrophobic stabilization in complex formation. Based on the sequence and functional similarity of SIV NCp8 and HIV-1 NCp7, and using available structural information for free and oligonucleotide bound NCp7, we propose a structural model for NCp8-oligonucleotide complexes.
Dentine-bonded resin composite (Retroplast) for root-end filling: a prospective clinical and radiographic study with a mean follow-up period of 8 years.

AIM To evaluate treatment outcome after using a resin composite (Retroplast, RP) in combination with a dentine-bonding agent (GLUMA) as root-end filling material after 1 year as well as after more than 5 years (final examination). Also, the influence of various pre-, intra- and postoperative factors on the treatment outcome was studied. METHODOLOGY All patients (87) undergoing root-end resection consecutively treated by root-end filling with RP on an incisor, canine, pre-molar, or first molar (87 teeth, 118 roots) were initially enrolled in the study. RP was applied on the entire resected surface that was prepared to a slightly concave shape and after conditioning with EDTA and GLUMA. The treatment outcome involving subjective, clinical and radiographic parameters was evaluated after 1 year and at the final examination. A total of 27 patients (36 roots) were excluded from the study because of unavailability of follow-up (19) and extraction of the operated tooth for reasons other than failed surgery (8). Consequently, 60 patients (82 roots) were included in the final material. The mean follow-up period at the final examination was 8 years (range: 6.5-9 years). RESULTS The radiographic evaluation at the final examination revealed that 77%, 5%, 7% and 11% of the treated roots were characterized by complete, incomplete, uncertain and unsatisfactory healing, respectively. A total of 95% of the roots classified as completely healed at the 1-year control were also completely healed at the final examination. Two roots (5%) showing complete healing at the 1-year control revealed unsatisfactory healing at the final examination because of displaced or lost RP-filling. Moreover, 60% of the roots with uncertain healing at the 1-year control demonstrated complete or incomplete healing at the final examination. The classification according to subjective, clinical and radiographic parameters revealed that 78% of the teeth were characterized by a successful treatment outcome at the final examination. Evaluation of the influence of various pre-, intra- and postoperative factors on the treatment outcome revealed that the radiographic classification at the final examination was exclusively influenced by the radiographic classification at the 1-year control (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The present long-term study indicates that RP can be used for root-end filling with a successful treatment outcome.
Quantifying the Interactive Inhibitory Effect of Heavy Metals on
the Growth and Phosphorus Removal of Pseudomonas taeanensis

Received: February 9, 2018 Revised: March 1, 2018 Accepted: March 2, 2018 This study was initiated to quantitatively evaluate the effects of five heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ni) on growth and P removal efficiencies of Pseudomonas taeanensis, known as the phosphorus accumulating microorganism. The heavy metals were added individually and with the binary mixture to the batch culturing system of Pseudomonas taeanensis. IC50 and EC50 were used to quantitatively evaluate their effects on the growth and phosphorus removal efficiency of Pseudomonas taeanensis in those treatments. Additionally, additive index value method was used to evaluate the interactive effects of heavy metals for Pseudomonas taeanensis in this study. As those heavy metals were singly added to Pseudomonas taeanensis, the greatest inhibitory effect on its growth and P removal efficiency was observed in Cd, whereas, the smallest effect was found in Ni. As the concentrations of all heavy metals added were gradually increased, its growth and P removal efficiency was correspondingly decreased. Specifically, IC50 of Pseudomonas taeanensis for Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ni were 0.44 mg L-1, 5.12 mg L-1, 7.46 mg L-1, 8.37 mg L-1 and 14.56 mg L-1, respectively. The P removal efficiency of Pseudomonas taeanensis was 81.1%. EC50 values of Pseudomonas taeanensis for Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ni were 0.44 mg L-1, 4.08 mg L-1, 7.17 mg L-1, 8.90 mg L-1 and 11.26 mg L-1, respectively. In the binary treatments of heavy metals, the lowest IC50 and EC50 were found in the Cd + Cu treatment, whereas, the highest IC50 and EC50 were found in the Zn + Pb and Pb + Ni treatments, respectively. Most of the interactive effects for the binary mixture treatments of heavy metals were antagonistic. Based on the results obtained from this study, it appears that they could provide the basic information about the toxic effects of the respective individual and binary treatments of heavy metals on the growth and P removal efficiency of other phosphorus accumulating organisms.
Pleiotropic Effects of Cell Wall Amidase LytA on Streptococcus pneumoniae Sensitivity to the Host Immune Response

ABSTRACT The complement system is a key component of the host immune response for the recognition and clearance of Streptococcus pneumoniae. In this study, we demonstrate that the amidase LytA, the main pneumococcal autolysin, inhibits complement-mediated immunity independently of effects on pneumolysin by a complex process of impaired complement activation, increased binding of complement regulators, and direct degradation of complement C3. The use of human sera depleted of either C1q or factor B confirmed that LytA prevented activation of both the classical and alternative pathways, whereas pneumolysin inhibited only the classical pathway. LytA prevented binding of C1q and the acute-phase protein C-reactive protein to S. pneumoniae, thereby reducing activation of the classical pathway on the bacterial surface. In addition, LytA increased recruitment of the complement downregulators C4BP and factor H to the pneumococcal cell wall and directly cleaved C3b and iC3b to generate degradation products. As a consequence, C3b deposition and phagocytosis increased in the absence of LytA and were markedly enhanced for the lytA ply double mutant, confirming that a combination of LytA and Ply is essential for the establishment of pneumococcal pneumonia and sepsis in a murine model of infection. These data demonstrate that LytA has pleiotropic effects on complement activation, a finding which, in combination with the effects of pneumolysin on complement to assist with pneumococcal complement evasion, confirms a major role of both proteins for the full virulence of the microorganism during septicemia.
Geographically varying associations between personality and life satisfaction in the London metropolitan area

Significance Recent studies in geographical psychology have demonstrated regional variations in personality—people with similar personality traits are more likely to be found in some regions than others. What is the psychological significance of such spatial clustering? Our study was motivated by the person–environment hypothesis, which postulates that the match between people’s personality and neighborhood characteristics is important for people’s life satisfaction. The results showed that personality traits were differently related to life satisfaction in different postal districts of London metropolitan area, and these varying associations were related to specific neighborhood characteristics, such as population density and ethnic heterogeneity. These findings demonstrate how individuals with different personality dispositions derive life satisfaction from different aspects of their social and physical environments. Residential location is thought to influence people’s well-being, but different individuals may value residential areas differently. We examined how life satisfaction and personality traits are geographically distributed within the UK London metropolitan area, and how the strength of associations between personality traits and life satisfaction vary by residential location (i.e., personality–neighborhood interactions). Residential area was recorded at the level of postal districts (216 districts, n = 56,019 participants). Results indicated that the strength of associations between personality traits and life satisfaction depended on neighborhood characteristics. Higher openness to experience was more positively associated with life satisfaction in postal districts characterized by higher average openness to experience, population density, and ethnic diversity. Higher agreeableness and conscientiousness were more strongly associated with life satisfaction in postal districts with lower overall levels of life satisfaction. The associations of extraversion and emotional stability were not modified by neighborhood characteristics. These findings suggest that people’s life satisfaction depends, in part, on the interaction between individual personality and particular features of the places they live.
Association of TGF-beta1 polymorphisms with chronic renal disease.

BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) plays an important role in tissue fibrosis and has been found to participate in cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to evaluate the association of TGF-beta1 polymorphisms with chronic renal disease (CRD), and its progression to dialysis in a retrospective longitudinal study of an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) cohort. METHODS The Arg/Pro (codon 25) and Leu/Pro (codon 10) polymorphisms were genotyped in 104 ESRD patients aged 64 +/- 14 yrs (mean +/- SD), 62 males, and in 104 matched controls. RESULTS The genotype distribution of Leu10Pro and Arg25Pro polymorphisms was different between patients and controls: Leu/Leu, Leu/Pro, Pro/Pro: 0.35, 0.50, 0.15 vs. 0.30, 0.24, 0.46 (p=0.001) and Arg/Arg, Arg/Pro, Pro/Pro: 0.79, 0.21, 0 vs. 0.87, 0.10, 0.03 (p=0.019). Similarly, haplotypes constructed with the combination of both polymorphisms were different among groups. There were no differences in CRD progression rate among genotypes. Codon 10 Leu allele was associated with the presence of clinical CVD in the ESRD patients (Leu/Leu, Leu/Pro, Pro/Pro: with CVD 0.49, 0.49, 0.02 vs. without CVD 0.27, 0.51, 0.22 (p=0.01). Combined polymorphism haplotypes were also significantly different between ESRD patients with and without CVD. This association was independent from other risk factors. CONCLUSIONS TGF-beta1 polymorphisms are associated with ESRD, particularly in patients with associated clinical CVD, and could be useful as genetic markers of CRD and higher cardiovascular risk.
Stereoscopic Viewing and Reported Perceived Immersion and Symptoms

Purpose. Stereoscopic 3D displays heighten perceived immersion but elevate viewing symptoms for some viewers. The present study measured prevalence and magnitude of perceived immersion and viewing symptoms in stereoscopic viewing, and related them to viewer's characteristics and viewing position. Methods. Two hundred three teens and adults viewed a movie in 2D or 3D while sitting at different angles and distances. Their prior viewing symptoms, as well as visual and physical discomfort immediately before and after viewing, were measured with questionnaires. They were also asked to report their perceived immersion after the viewing. Results. Twelve percent and twenty-one percent of 2D and stereoscopic 3D participants reported increases of measured symptoms during and/or after viewing. Stereoscopic 3D viewing incurred greater and more frequent perception of blurred vision, double vision, dizziness, disorientation, and nausea than 2D viewing. Reported ocular and physical symptoms were negatively correlated to perceived immersion in 3D viewing. Older viewers (age 46 years or older) reported greater ocular, visual, and motion sickness symptoms in 2D viewing, and younger viewers (age 24–34 years) reported greater visual and motion sickness symptoms in 3D viewing. Sitting in an oblique position attenuated perceived immersion but also reduced motion symptoms in 3D viewing. Prior viewing symptoms in 2D tasks also predicted ocular and physical symptoms in 2D but less so in 3D viewing. Conclusions. Stereoscopic 3D viewing provides greater immersion, but it can also lead to heightened visual and motion sickness symptoms. Viewers with prior symptoms in viewing TV and computer screen are not more likely to have increased ocular and physical symptoms in 3D viewing. Young viewers incurred higher immersion but also greater visual and motion sickness symptoms in 3D viewing; both will be reduced if a farther distance and a wider viewing angle are adopted.
INDUSTRY NEED FOR AB ENGLISH LANGUAGE PRACTICUM TRAINEES

This paper looks into the industry need for AB English Language Practicum trainees, which in a way is seen to be an indicator of the need for future AB English graduates. Language Practicum (LP) refers to the On-the-Job Training (OJT) for Bachelor of Arts in English of the College of Arts and Letters, Bicol University. More practically, the study enumerates job descriptions in the market fit for trainees and lists down competency requirements from them. It used as checklist job descriptions/titles identified in Hermosa, et al.’s (2014) as top job descriptions available in the market for Language Practicum trainees. The study is anchored on the questions-oriented model of evaluation, or more appropriately quasi-evaluation. It began with questions to give evidence on the worth and merit of the Language Practicum and its continued place in the AB English curriculum. For its findings, the five top jobs handled by the trainees include those of: administrative officer, information officer, customer service representative, clerk and technical/speech writer. By their ranks, the competency requirements are: collaboration and teamwork; critical thinking, problem solving; life and career; ICT literacy; communication; information literacy; personal and social responsibility; citizenship/civic literacy; creativity and innovation; and environmental awareness. It is therefore concluded that AB English students are better suited for work related to specific communication purpose, that of sharing information within a business or organization. The recommendations are, that: (a) AB English curriculum be geared more to core competencies related to the business world, particularly on corporate/organizational communication; (b) Language Practicum insists that sponsoring organizations train students to hone these competencies more, and not solely to provide extra manpower to do menial tasks which are part of the job description. Keywords: Language Practicum, On-the-Job Training (OJT), Industry-academe, AB English
Haak-Saheem, Washika and Darwish, Tamer K and Al-Nasser, Amjad D. (2016). HRM and Knowledge Transfer: A Micro Analysis in a Middle Eastern Emerging Market

This is a study surrounding the interplay between Human Resource Management (HRM) and knowledge transfer within an emerging institutional petro-state. It seeks to link HRM and knowledge transfer through individual-level mechanisms in response to the recent calls for more research on micro-foundations. Our findings provide empirical evidence for the HRM-related factors influencing knowledge exchange in a sample of 815 employees in the national context of the UAE. We found that individual-level perceptions and extrinsic motivation have a positive impact on knowledge exchange; however, we found evidence to suggest only an indirect effect of individual perceptions of organisational commitment to knowledge exchange, via individual intrinsic motivation and social interaction. Unlike some existing accounts from the Western world, individual perceptions of organisational commitment to knowledge sharing had no direct positive impact on knowledge exchange – an issue that may be ascribed to the distinct institutional setting of the UAE. This paper adds to the existing literature on HRM and knowledge exchange by bringing to bear new evidence from a Middle Eastern emerging market setting – an area thus far relatively neglected in the literature.