Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of ribosomal protein S12 in peptide chain elongation: analysis of pleiotropic, streptomycin-resistant mutants of Escherichia coli

Some of the spontaneous streptomycin-resistant mutants of Escherichia coli strain C600 exhibit pleiotropic effects in addition to the antibiotic resistance. These effects include decreased growth rates, reduced levels of certain enzymes, and poor support of bacteriophage growth. One of these mutants, strain SM3, was studied further. We have examined the question of whether the reduced growth rate of the mutant SM3 is related to the reduction in relative amounts of ribosomes or to the reduction in the efficiency of ribosomes in protein synthesis. Measurements of alpha, the differential synthesis rate of ribosomal protein, revealed that the protein synthesis effeciency of ribosomes from the mutant strain SM3 was reduced about twofold relative to that of the parent strain C600. Measurements of the induction lag for beta-galactosidase and of the synthesis time of several different molecular-weight classes of proteins indicated that the mutation resulted in a marked reduction in the peptide chain growth rate. This reduction in the chain growth rate probably accounted for most of the observed reduction in the growth rate of the mutant strain. These experimental results show that the strA gene product, the S12 protein of the 30S subunit, is involved in some aspect of protein chain elongation. Presumably this involvement occurs during the messenger ribonucleic acid-directed binding of transfer ribonucleic acid to the ribosome.
Prevalence of, and factors associated with, musculoskeletal racing injuries of thoroughbreds.

All horses diagnosed by a commission veterinarian of the Kentucky Racing Commission as having sustained a musculoskeletal injury, defined as an obvious change in soundness immediately before, during, or after a race held between Jan 1, 1992 and May 31, 1993 were included in a study to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with racing injuries involving the musculoskeletal system of horses competing at 4 Thoroughbred racetracks in Kentucky. During the 17-month study, there were 35,484 racing starts among 7,649 horses in 3,824 official Kentucky Racing Commission races. During this period, 132 musculoskeletal racing injuries were diagnosed among 117 horses. Twenty-eight injured horses were male, 46 were geldings, and 43 were female. The prevalence of horses with racing injuries per racing start was 0.33% (117/35,484). The injuries of 51 horses were classified as catastrophic, and 66 as noncatastrophic. The prevalence of horses with catastrophic injuries per racing start was 0.14% (51/35,484). The proportion of horses with injuries of the left forelimb, sesamoid, and third metacarpal bone in the catastrophic group was significantly (P < or = 0.05) greater than those of horses in the noncatastrophic group. The proportion of horses with injuries of the superficial digital flexor tendon among those in the catastrophic group was significantly less than that of horses in the noncatastrophic group. The distance of the race was significantly shorter and the number of turns less among horses with catastrophic injuries than among horses with noncatastrophic injuries. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Understanding Hypothetical Bias: An Enhanced Meta‐Analysis

&NA; The presence of hypothetical bias (HB) associated with stated preference methods has garnered frequent attention in the broad literature trying to describe and understand human behavior, often seen in environmental valuation, marketing studies, transportation choices, medical research, and others. This study presents an updated meta‐analysis to explore the source of HB and methods to mitigate it. While previous meta‐analysis on this topic often involves a few dozen articles, this analysis includes 131 studies after reviewing over 500 published and unpublished articles. This enables the inclusion of several important factors that have not been investigated before. These include relatively recent willingness to pay elicitation methods such as choice experiments and the Turnbull lower bound estimator. Newly emerged HB reduction techniques such as consequentiality and certainty follow‐up treatments are also included. For explanatory variables that have been examined in previous studies, this analysis does not always report consistent findings. In particular, holding everything constant and contrary to commonly‐held beliefs, the method of auction does not offer much reduction to HB compared to more conventional methods such as a referendum vote. However, choice experiment, cheap talk, consequentiality and certainty follow‐up all significantly contributed to explaining and mitigating the magnitude of HB. These results help practitioners to understand HB's presence and choose appropriate methods for amelioration. The framework established through this study also enables future analyses targeted at understanding variations built upon one or multiple HB mitigation techniques.
Family communication and teenagers' contraceptive use.

Improving communication about sex and birth control between parents and their children has often been cited as a means to encourage young people to use contraceptives more effectively. In an attempt to test this hypothesis, we interviewed 290 adolescents at family planning clinics in southeastern Pennsylvania three times in the course of 15 months about their communication with their families and their use of contraceptives. At the time of their first clinic visit, two-fifths of the teenagers said that their mothers knew that they had gone to the clinic; this proportion rose to almost three-fifths six months later and to about three-quarters at the end of 15 months. However, the proportion of teenagers who said that they had discussed sex or birth control with their mothers remained almost the same; the proportion who said that they would never discuss such topics with their mothers also remained fairly constant. The teenagers whose mothers knew of their clinic attendance at the time of their first visit were no more likely to have had extensive conversations with their mothers about sex or contraception than were the teenagers whose mothers found out afterwards. Among a subsample of the mothers of these young women, fewer than one-third said that they had ever discussed their daughters' sexual activity with them. There was only a modest level of correspondence between the mothers' responses and their daughters' replies; for the most part, the mothers thought that they were much more communicative about sex and birth control than their daughters perceived them to be. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
CMOS Image Sensor With Area-Efficient Block-Based Compressive Sensing

We have designed, fabricated, and measured the performance of a linear and area-efficient implementation of the compressive sensing (CS) method in CMOS image sensors. The use of an active pixel sensor (APS) with an integrator and in-pixel current switches are exploited to develop a compact implementation of CS encoding in analog domain. The intrinsic linearity of APS with integrator circuit guarantees the linearity of the CS encoding structure. The CS measurement process is performed for different blocks of the imager separately. This block-based implementation provides individual access to all the pixels from outside the array, resulting in a scalable design with relatively high fill-factor using only two transistors in each pixel. The CS-CMOS image sensor is designed and fabricated in 130-nm technology for 2 × 2, 4 × 4, and 16 × 16 arrays. The linearity of the extracted measurement is confirmed by the experimental results from 2 × 2 and 4 × 4 blocks. In addition, the block readout scheme and the scalability of the design is examined by fabricating a larger array of 4 × 4 blocks.
Phosphorylation of endogenous and TEST-yolk buffer proteins by intact human sperm

Protein kinase activity of intact, motile sperm was assessed by measuring the transfer of the terminal phosphate from [32P]ATP to tricholoroacetic acid (TCA)-precipitable casein. The action of TEST (TES and Tris) yolk buffer (TYB) treatment on phosphorylation of sperm and TYB proteins was studied by detecting labelled phosphoproteins by autoradiography of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Results demonstrate that intact, forward-motile sperm have cell surface protein kinase activities. Although the difference between the kinase activity of freshly ejaculated sperm and sperm incubated in TYB was not significant, the protein phosphorylation during incubation in TYB showed that: (i) specific sperm surface proteins were phosphorylated to different degrees during the course of treatment; (ii) TYB proteins were phosphorylated by sperm during incubation; (iii) solubilised [32P]-labelled surface proteins were similar in molecular weight to TYB-labelled proteins. Taking into account that specific proteins on the human sperm surface undergo phosphorylation during incubation in TYB and that the sperm enzyme also acts specifically on some TYB proteins that become attached to the surface of the sperm, working hypotheses are proposed that suggest some correlation between the preservation of semen in TYB and the phosphorylation of proteins by intact human sperm.
If the permanent deferral were lifted would men who have sex with men want to donate blood, and if so, who would be eligible?

The deferral of men who have sex with men (MSM) from blood donation is controversial worldwide, with national policies varying from no explicit deferral to permanent deferral. This study assesses whether MSM have donated and would be interested in donating if the US exclusion policy were removed and who would be eligible to donate if the policy were modified to a temporary or lower‐risk deferral criterion.
Hirano bodies and related neuronal inclusions

Hirano bodies are bright eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions which have a highly characteristic crystalloid fine structure. They occur preferentially in the neuronal processes of the CA1 area in Amnion's horn in a wide variety of conditions, especially amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and parkinsonism–dementia complex on Guam, Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease and ‘normal’ elderly individuals. Hirano bodies contain epitopes of actin, actin–associated proteins, tau, middle molecular weight neurofilaments subunit and a C–terminal fragment of β‐amyloid precursor protein. In addition to the CA1 area of Amnion's horn, they have also been identified in many other areas of the nervous system in humans and various experimental animals. Although usually observed in neurons. Hirano bodies may also be present in other cell types. It is the consensus that Hirano bodies in the pyramidal layer of CA1 originate largely from an age‐related alteration of the microfilamentous system.
Deltopectoral flap revisited: Role of the extended flap in reconstruction of the head and neck

The extended deltopectoral flap is still the best choice in selected cases. During the period 1987-2004, 34 patients required reconstruction of the head and neck using this flap. Twenty-nine had had one or more failed attempts at microsurgical reconstruction after excision of cancer. Five were treated primarily. The flap was divided at least three weeks after the primary operation. All 34 survived, and there were no donor site complications. Twenty-seven patients had an uncomplicated outcome, but the remaining seven required later closure or skin grafting, usually under local anaesthesia, for complications. The extended deltopectoral flap has been used successfully to provide stable coverage of defects in the head and neck and should remain in the armamentarium of reconstructive microsurgeons.
Directional control–response compatibility of joystick steered shuttle cars

Shuttle cars are an unusual class of vehicle operated in underground coal mines, sometimes in close proximity to pedestrians and steering errors may have very serious consequences. A directional control–response incompatibility has previously been described in shuttle cars which are controlled using a steering wheel oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel. Some other shuttle car operators are seated perpendicular to the direction of travel and steer the car via a seat mounted joystick. A virtual simulation was utilised to determine whether the steering arrangement in these vehicles maintains directional control–response compatibility. Twenty-four participants were randomly assigned to either a condition corresponding to this design (consistent direction), or a condition in which the directional steering response was reversed while driving in-bye (visual field compatible). Significantly less accurate steering performance was exhibited by the consistent direction group during the in-bye trials only. Shuttle cars which provide the joystick steering mechanism described here require operators to accommodate alternating compatible and incompatible directional control–response relationships with each change of car direction. Practitioner Summary: A virtual simulation of an underground coal shuttle car demonstrates that the design incorporates a directional control–response incompatibility when driving the vehicle in one direction. This design increases the probability of operator error, with potential adverse safety and productivity consequences.
The viable but nonculturable state induction and genomic analyses of Lactobacillus casei BM‐LC14617, a beer‐spoilage bacterium

This study aimed to investigate the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state and genomic features of a beer‐spoilage strain, Lactobacillus caseiBM‐LC14617. Induction on the VBNC state of L. casei strain BM‐LC14617 was conducted by both low‐temperature storage and continuous passage in beer, and formation of VBNC state was detected after 196 ± 3.3 days and 32 ± 1.6 subcultures, respectively. Resuscitation of VBNC cells was successfully induced by addition of catalase, and culturable, VBNC, and resuscitated cells shared similar beer‐spoilage capability. Whole genome sequencing was performed, and out of a total of 3,964 predicted genes, several potential VBNC and beer‐spoilage‐associated genes were identified. L. casei is capable of entering into and resuscitating from the VBNC state and possesses beer‐spoilage capability. The genomic characterization yield insightful elucidation of VBNC state for L. casei. This study represents the first evidence on VBNC state induction of L. casei and beer‐spoilage capability of VBNC and resuscitated cells. Also, this is the first genomic characterization of L. casei as a beer‐spoilage bacterium. The current study may aid in further study on L. casei and other beer‐spoilage bacteria, and guide the prevention and control of beer spoilage.
Clinical review 115: effect of thyroxine therapy on serum lipoproteins in patients with mild thyroid failure: a quantitative review of the literature.

The objective of our study was to estimate the expected change in serum lipoprotein concentrations after treatment with T4 in patients with mild thyroid failure (i.e. subclinical hypothyroidism). Our data sources included MEDLINE, between January 1966 and May 1999, and review of references from relevant articles. There were 1,786 published studies identified, 461 abstracts reviewed, 74 articles retrieved, 24 articles evaluated against predetermined entry criteria, and 13 studies systematically reviewed and abstracted. All studies reported serum total cholesterol concentration changes during T4 treatment, 12 reported triglyceride changes, 10 reported high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol changes, and 9 reported low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol changes. There were 247 patients in 13 studies. The mean decrease in the serum total cholesterol concentration was -0.20 mmol/L (-7.9 mg/ dL), with a 95% confidence interval of -0.09 to -0.34. The decline in serum total cholesterol was directly proportional to its baseline concentration. Studies enrolling hypothyroid participants receiving suboptimal T4 doses reported significantly larger decreases in serum total cholesterol after thyroid-stimulating hormone normalization than studies enrolling previously untreated individuals with mild thyroid failure [-0.44 mmol/L (-17 mg/dL) vs. -0.14 mmol/L (-5.6 mg/dL), P = 0.05]. The change in serum LDL cholesterol concentration was -0.26 mmol/L (-10 mg/dL), with a 95% confidence interval of -0.12 to -0.41. Serum HDL and triglyceride concentrations showed no change. These results, although based on fewer than 250 patients, suggest that T4 therapy in individuals with mild thyroid failure lowers mean serum total and LDL cholesterol concentrations. The reduction in serum total cholesterol may be larger in individuals with higher pretreatment cholesterol levels and in hypothyroid individuals taking suboptimal T4 doses. There do not seem to be significant effects of T4 on serum HDL or triglyceride concentrations.
Development and Validation of a Binomial Sequential Sampling Plan for the Greenbug (Homoptera: Aphididae) Infesting Winter Wheat in the Southern Plains

Abstract From 1997 to 1999, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), intensity (number per tiller) was estimated on 115 occasions from hard red winter wheat fields located throughout the major wheat growing regions of Oklahoma. A total of 32 and 83 fields was sampled during the fall and spring, respectively. The parameters of linear regressions relating the mean number of greenbugs per tiller (m) and the proportion of infested tillers (PT) differed significantly between fall and spring infestations. The PT - m linear model provided a good fit for data on S. graminum for fall and spring infestations at tally thresholds of 0, 1, 2, and 3. A tally threshold (T) represents the number of greenbugs present on a tiller before the tiller is classified as infested by >T greenbugs. A regression model with a tally threshold of 2 was the most precise for classifying S. graminum populations during fall growth of winter wheat because it explained a greater amount of the variation in the PT - m relationship (97%) than models with other tally thresholds. A separate spring model with a tally threshold of 1 was the most precise for classifying S. graminum populations during spring growth of winter wheat. Sequential sampling stop lines based on sequential probability ratio tests were calculated for economic thresholds of 3 or 6 greenbugs per tiller for fall infestations and 6 or 9 greenbugs per tiller for spring infestations. With the newly developed parameters, the average sample number required to classify greenbug populations near economic thresholds (as above or below the economic threshold) varied from 69 to 207. We expect that the sampling plans for greenbugs in winter wheat developed during this study will be efficient and useful tools for consultants and producers in the southern plains.
CAGRA: Optimal parameter setting and rendering method for occlusion-capable automultiscopic three-dimensional display

We have developed a novel automultiscopic display, CAGRA (Computer-Aided Graphical Real-world Avatar), which can provide full parallax both horizontally and vertically without imposing any other additional equipment such as goggles on users. CAGRA adopts two axes of rotation so that it can distribute reflected light all around. In our previous work, it was proved that the display can present a black and white image of a 3D object at 1Hz with both horizontal and vertical parallax. Here, we discuss two important problems that remain unsolved in our previous work: optimal parameter setting and the rendering method. As for finding optimal parameters, the relationship among the rotation speed of two axes and the diffusion angle of the holographic diffuser is discussed. The rendering method was implemented so that accurate view is presented in spite of the unique mechanical structure of CAGRA. Furthermore, the synchronization mechanism between projection of images and rotation of the mirror, which was also a remaining problem, is also implemented. Findings obtained through solving these problems clarify the characteristics of this novel display system, CAGRA, and lead to its further development.
Bacterial isolation with on-site inoculation of ascites fluid into hemoculture bottle in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

OBJECTIVE To compare the on-site bacterial inoculation of ascites fluid into hemoculture bottle with routine method in the patients who were preliminary diagnosed of SBP. MATERIAL AND METHOD A retrospective analysis of case records during January-December 2001. RESULTS A total of 673 specimens from 325 patients were retrieved from the data records at the Department of Microbiology, Siriraj Hospital in 2001. The neutrocytic ascites were found in 163 specimens (94 patients). The routine method and on-site inoculation into the hemoculture bottle were employed in 107 and 56 specimens respectively. Culture-positive neutrocytic ascites was found in the routine method 16 (14.9%) specimens and in the on-site inoculation 26 (46.4%) specimens (p < 0.0001). Among these samples, the two methods were simultaneously performed in 42 specimens of which 18 paired specimens were eligible for analysis. Positive culture was found in 2 samples in which the routine method and in an additional 5 samples in which on-site inoculation into hemoculture bottle method. Using Kappa analysis (e score = 0.328, 95% CI = -0.172 to 0.829) that can be interpreted the on-site inoculation method had a higher yield than the routine technique. Moreover, 21 cases also had their blood and ascites samples simultaneously collected and cultured. 4 of ten (19%) and 5 of eleven (23.8%) cases were found in the routine and on-site and direct inoculation groups respectively. These finding suggested that the severity of infection in among two groups were similar and unlikely to be the cause of the difference of the positive isolation rate in both groups. CONCLUSION The on-site and direct inoculation of ascites into hemoculture bottle method had a significantly higher isolation rate than routine method (i.e. 46.4% versus 14.9% p < 0.0001) either with separated or paired samples of ascites.
Effective bullwhip metrics for multi-echelon distribution systems under order batching policies with cyclic demand

A large number of problems in a distribution supply chain require that decisions are made in the presence of the bullwhip effect phenomenon. The impact of the order batching policies on the bullwhip effect is analysed in this paper, when cycle demand on a multi-echelon supply chain operating is considered. While investigating which bullwhip effect metrics are more adequate to measure the bullwhip effect in these type of systems, the optimal reordering plan that minimises the operation costs of the overall system is calculated. A Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model is developed that takes into account an inventory and distribution system formed by multiple warehouses and retailers with lateral transshipments. The bullwhip effect is measured through four metrics: the echelon average inventory; the echelon inventory variance ratio; the echelon average order; and the echelon order rate variance ratio. As conclusion the inventory metrics suggest that (i) using batching policy reduces instability; (ii) batching may reduce in general order variance if using larger batches and (iii) cycle demand length has no major impact in the bullwhip effect. A motivational example and a real word case study are used and tested.