Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of Spt4/5 and the search for antitermination complexes in archaea

Spt4/5 and its bacterial homologue NusG are the only known universally conserved RNAP- associated transcription elongation factors. In the hyperthermophilic archaeon Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, Spt5 comprises an N-terminal NGN domain and a C-terminal KOW domain, and is bound at its NGN domain by Spt4. NusG and Spt5 increase the processivity of RNAP by binding to the RNAP clamp via the NGN domain. This maintains the RNAP clamp in a closed conformation, thereby enabling RNAP to remain bound to the template DNA. The NusG KOW domain interacts with ribosomes, thereby coupling transcription to translation. The functions of Spt4/5 in archaea are less well characterised. The work contained within this thesis demonstrates that in the context of M. jannaschii cell extract, Spt4/5 is found in the same fractions as ribosomes and RNAP, and therefore has the potential to couple transcription and translation. Furthermore, data obtained by microscale thermophoresis suggests that the KOW domain of Spt5 interacts with purified ribosomes. Electron paramagnetic resonance was performed on Spt4/5, demonstrating that Spt5 is conformationally flexible, and that the presence of Spt4 restricts its mobility. Limited proteolysis and thermofluor assays support the notion that Spt4 stabilises the Spt5 NGN domain. In E. coli, NusA binds to RNAP as a component of the antitermination complex, along with NusG, NusB, and NusE. This enables RNAP to enter a pause and termination-resistant state. M. jannaschii NusA consists of two KH domains. Mutational analysis identified the contribution of the two KH domains to RNA binding and identified additional residues involved in the interaction. Archaeal NusA does not coelute with RNAP, raising the possibility that archaeal NusA does not have antitermination functions. In summary this thesis argues that Spt4/5 likely couples transcription and translation in archaea and indicates that archaeal NusA binds to RNA via a novel binding site.
Integrated maintenance policies for performance improvement of a multi-unit repairable, one product manufacturing system

Abstract Planned and unplanned downtime emanating from maintenance, production, and operational function adversely affects the performance of manufacturing plants. This paper develops joint maintenance, production and process/operations control policies integrating Opportunistic Maintenance (OM), which takes advantage of external (operational-related downtimes) and internal maintenance opportunities. The study quantifies the effects of maintenance strategies on the plant’s performance, here, the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), which importantly presents insights on maintenance decision support for production facilities facing significant operational-related stoppages. The study integrates both economic and structural dependence and models the influence of alternative maintenance actions of different maintenance policies, on product quality. The developed model is validated by applying to a multi-unit repairable, imperfectly maintained raw meal grinding system of a cement plant. From the simulation modelling results, integration of the opportunistic maintenance approach, complementary to corrective, preventive and condition-based maintenance strategies, show more enhanced equipment performance, as measured through the OEE.
Contrasting patterns of fig wasp communities along Mt. Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea

The fig (Moraceae) and pollinating fig wasp (Agaonidae) mutualism is best known as a model system for the study of coevolution in plant–pollinator interactions and its central role in shaping vertebrate communities in tropical forests. Figs also host myriad antagonistic parasitic fig wasps which impose costs on both partners threatening mutualism stability. Spatiotemporal variation in parasitic wasp abundance is a key factor in mitigating these effects. Because fig wasps are temperature sensitive and likely vary in their ability to traverse environmental gradients, we expect community assemblages and abundance of both pollinating and non‐pollinating fig wasps to respond to changes along an elevational gradient. In the present study, we compare the fig wasp communities and abundance of three fig species growing along the slopes of the Mount Wilhelm altitudinal gradient in Papua New Guinea. We quantified wasps from over 100 male fig trees and calculated seed set for 55 female trees along each of the species’ distribution on the transect. Our results show that the abundance of both pollinating and non‐pollinating fig wasps follow a mid‐elevation peak, consistent with fig species richness found in the same transect. The patterns, however, are different according to the host's species distribution. Seed set remained relatively constant along the gradient for all species with some decrease along higher elevations, potentially affecting connectivity along the gradient. As suggested for insects in general, temperature and habitat diversity appear to play a fundamental role in the species richness and abundance of fig wasps.
Risk factors for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a case-control study in 5 to 12 years old children

Background and aims Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder known by a pattern of diminished sustained attention and increased impulsivity or hyperactivity. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with ADHD. Methods This case-control study included 297 ADHD children aged 5–12 years admitted to Tehran Institute of Psychiatry, Iran (2012–2013). They were compared with 297 non-ADHD (as controls matched to cases 1:1) who were of the same age (±1 years) selected from outpatients in general pediatric medical centers in Tehran. ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD-RS-IV)-Home Version was used to confirm ADHD. Data were analyzed using conditional binary logistic regression. Results Mean±SD age were 8.18±3.11 and 8.11±2.9 years in the case and control groups, respectively (P=0.61). Mean±SD birth weight (BW) was higher in ADHD patients compared with the controls (3245.09±0.66 vs 3026.56±0.45 gr, P=0.045). The results showed that odds of ADHD in children with high BW (>3500g) was 3.36 (1.96–5.78) times the odds of ADHD in normal BW children (2500–3500g) controlling for other risk factors. ADHD risk in low BW children (<2500 g) was not statistically different compared with normal BW children [OR:1.74 (0.7–3.7)]. Experience of neonatal disease, fewer offspring, lower level of mothers’ education, and preterm delivery were also risk factors for higher odds of ADHD. Conclusion Based on our sample, preterm birth, neonatal disease, high BW, lower level of mother’s education, and fewer offspring were ADHD risk factors.
Bacillus subtilis-associated abdominal catastrophe in a Japanese patient with peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis

Abstract Abdominal catastrophe in patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a condition in which visceral injury may cause leakage of enteric microorganisms into the peritoneal cavity, resulting in peritonitis. A 50-year-old Japanese male, who had been on PD for 5 years, was diagnosed with PD-related peritonitis. The initial peritoneal fluid culture detected Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis. Antibiotic treatment was immediately initiated. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a pelvic abscess and ileus without mechanical obstruction. We consulted with surgeons regarding surgical intervention. Since mechanical obstruction or perforation was not detected in the initial abdominal CT, abscess drainage was recommended. However, the fever recurred. Abdominal CT performed for the seventh time identified a fistula between the sigmoid colon and pelvic cavity. Surgical removal of the colon was performed. Herein, we elucidate a very rare case of Bacillus subtilis-associated abdominal catastrophe and discuss the clinically important aspects of it.
Soil nitrogen availability in some arctic ecosystems in northwest Alaska: Responses to temperature and moisture

AbstractWe explored patterns in soil nitrogen (N) availability in five ecosystems in the Noatak National Preserve in northwestern Alaska, and the potential response of N availability to changes in soil moisture and temperature. Nitrogen availability appeared to be highest in an ecosystem dominated by Alnus crispa (Ait.) Pursh, and lowest in ecosystems dominated by willows or by cotton grass tussocks. All soils responded strongly to changes in moisture; repeated watering during 30-day incubations raised net N mineralization rates by 1.5 to 3.0 fold. Net N mineralization at 12°C was 5 to 10 fold greater than at 5°C. The responses of net mineralization rates derived from strong effects of treatments on both microbial mineralization (release) of N, and microbial immobilization (uptake) of N. For example, incubation of soils from the alder site at 12°C slightly increased gross mineralization of N, more than doubled microbial immobilization of N, reduced gross nitrate production by more than 80%, and more than .
Adaptation to intermittent hypoxia prevents rarefaction of the brain vascular net in rats with experimental Alzheimer's disease

Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have reduced cerebral vascular density (VD), which impairs blood flow to neurons and may contribute to progression of AD. Earlier we showed that prior adaptation to intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (AH, simulated altitude 4,000 m; 4 h daily, 14 days) prevented memory loss and degeneration of cortical neurons in rats with experimental AD (EAD). Now we tested if AH might prevent EAD‐induced vascular rarefaction in rats with bilateral injection of beta‐amyloid peptide fragment (25–35) into n. basalis magnocellularis. Brain blood vessels were stained by transcardiac injection of Indian ink. 10‐μm brain sections were stained with cresyl violet, and blood vessels were counted. In EAD rats, VD was significantly decreased in hippocampus (13.3±0.9 vs 17.8±1.0 in field of view, FOV, p<0.03) and in cortex (17.3±1.5 vs 22.3±1.3 in FOV, p<0.03). AH increased VD in hippocampus to 27.0±3.5 in FOV (p=0.01) and in cortex to 26.0±1.1 in FOV (p<0.03). In EAD+AD rats, VD did not differ significantly from control rats in the hippocampus (18.0±1.3 vs 17.8±1.0 in FOV, p>0.60) and the cortex (24.2±1.6 vs 22.3±1.3 in FOV, p>0.20). AH may stimulate angiogenesis through hypoxia inducible factor‐1α‐mediated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor.
Predictors of improvement following early exercises rehabilitation program for patients undergoing open lumbar discectomy

Background and aims : Low back pain is mostly due to disc herniation and has a burden upon economy and social aspects of life. Failure to improve after open lumbar discectomy is frustrating. Therefore, identifying predictors of improvement is of great clinical benefit. Aims: This research was conducted to evaluate whether an early exercises rehabilitation program using educational booklet would provide benefit to patients following open lumbar discectomy and determine potential factors of improvement. Patients and methods : Design: Single blind randomized controlled trial. Eighty-eight patients scheduled for open lumbar discectomy from January 2017 to January 2019 at Assiut and Ain Shams Universities hospitals in Egypt were randomly assigned to two groups. Control group (n = 44) received routine postoperative instructions while intervention group (n = 44) received routine instructions in addition to early exercises rehabilitation program and were also provided with a specifically designed educational booklet. Patients were followed up after six months using Oswestry disability index. Results : There was significant improvement among intervention group as compared to control group in several domains of Oswestry disability index (walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, travelling and sexual and social life). Better pre-operative Oswestry disability index score and early application of exercises rehabilitation program using an educational booklet predicted better postoperative Oswestry disability index score after six months. Conclusion : Application of an early exercise rehabilitation program and providing patients with a specifically designed educational booklet would be helpful for patients following open lumbar discectomy. Clinical Relevance: Early exercises rehabilitation program can be used by nursing staff as a reference in management of patients following open lumbar discectomy.
Incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in National Law

Incorporation is amongst the legislative measures of implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (crc) recommended by the Committee on the Rights of the Child. This article will discuss incorporation of the crc in national law. It will show how incorporation is understood in different contexts, and highlight possible tensions between child rights and international law discourse and analysis. It begins by reviewing literature on incorporation of human rights treaties before discussing how incorporation is conceptualised in the context of the crc. The focus then shifts to a review of studies that provide insights into how incorporation and legal integration of the crc impact on how children’s rights are treated in national legal systems. While primarily a commentary on the available literature, the authors reflect on the significance of incorporation and how this is understood for academic and legal analysis, and what the evidence tells us about its contribution to the realisation of children’s rights.
Handbook of molecular chaperones : roles, structures and mechanisms

Preface Molecular Chaperones of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Type III Secretion Chaperones: A Molecular Toolkit for all Occasions Advances in Heat Shock Proteomics: Towards a Better Understanding of the Physiology & Pathophysiology of Molecular Chaperones System Specific Chaperones for Membrane Redox Enzyme Maturation in Bacteria Role of Molecular Biology in Molecular Imaging Yeast Protein Aggregates, Containing Chaperones & Glucose Metabolism Enzymes Structure & Multiple Functions of Cyclophilin 40: A Divergent Loop Cyclophilin Free-Living Protists as a Model for Studying Heat Shock Proteins in the Cell Quality Control in the Secretory Pathway Structure, Properties & Multiple Functions of Human Small Heat Shock Protein HspB8 (Hsp22, H11 Protein Kinase or E2IG1) Small Stress Proteins & their Therapeutic Potential The eukaryotic chaperonin CCT (TRiC): Structure, Mechanisms of Action & Substrate Diversity The role of molecular chaperones in plant stress response Chaperone Activity of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins Fluorescence Study on Aggregation of a-Crystallin & Insulin The Induction of Hepatic Heat Shock Protein 27 & 70 by an Anti-Hepatitis Drug-Bicyclol & its Role in Protection against Liver Injury Plant Heat Shock Proteins as Molecular Chaperones in Normal & Stress Conditions Different Mechanisms Responsible for Stress Resistance Operate in the Same Insect Order Bi-Directional Hsp Response in Homeothermic Livestock The Chaperonin Containing T-complex Polypeptide: Do Monomeric Subunits Have Discrete Individual Functions? Evidence for In Vivo Phosphorylation of Hsp26 from Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Index.
Chiral Dualism as an Instrument of Hierarchical Structure Formation in Molecular Biology

The origin of chiral asymmetry in biology has attracted the attention of the research community throughout the years. In this paper we discuss the role of chirality and chirality sign alternation (L–D–L–D in proteins and D–L–D–L in DNA) in promoting self-organization in biology, starting at the level of single molecules and continuing to the level of supramolecular assemblies. In addition, we also discuss chiral assemblies in solutions of homochiral organic molecules. Sign-alternating chiral hierarchies created by proteins and nucleic acids are suggested to create the structural basis for the existence of selected mechanical degrees of freedom required for conformational dynamics in enzymes and macromolecular machines.
A Systematic Review of Field Experiments in Public Administration

Field experiments have become popular in public administration. By allowing for the identification of causal effects in realistic settings, field experiments may become central in several research agendas of relevance to the field. Conducting field experiments is difficult and problems often occur along the way. However, researchers new to the method have few resources in public administration to consider the problems that arise when conducting field experiments. This systematic review identifies 42 field experiments in public administration and serves as an introduction to field experiments in public administration. The article discusses how field experiments developed over time and highlights trends in field experimentation in public administration. It then discusses issues to consider when designing field experiments. Among these are costs, practicality, ethics, and validity. Finally, the authors suggest a future research agenda for public administration field experiments.
Ocular Dectection of SARS-CoV-2 in 114 Cases of COVID-19 Pneumonia in Wuhan, China: An Observational Study

Background: An outbreak of infectious 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia is taking place in China. Meanwhile, the extra-respiratory transmissible routes of SARS-CoV-2 remianed unclear which raised special concern from ophthalmologist. We conducted an observational study to investigate the possible transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through the ocular conjunctival pathway. Methods: One hundred fourteen patients with COVID-19 pneumonia from four different inpatient wards were assigned to receive the conjunctival swabs and nasopharyngeal swabs test by trained healthcare worker wearing protective equipments. The laboratory detection of SARS-CoV-2 was performed on the collected samples by real-time RT-PCR. Findings: Of the 114 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, the mean age was 61.4 (SD 16.7) years, 76 (67%) were older than 60 years, and 62 (54%) were male. Regarding the epidemiological history, 20 (18%) once contacted with dignosed COVID-19 pneumonia patients, and only 3 (less than 3%) have ever been exposured to Huanan sea food market or relevant environment. The most common symptoms include fever (91%), cough (52%), diarrhoea (26%) and shortness of breath (25%). However, no abvious ocular symptoms were documented or noticed. 90 patients (79%) were identified as positive in the nasopharyngeal swabs test. Conjunctival swabs samples from all 114 patients revealed negative for nucleic acid detection of SARS-CoV-2. Interpretation: No SARS-CoV-2 could be detected by RT-PCR in conjunctival swabs samples of COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Through our observational study, no ocular complications or sign of ocular transmissible routes were reported. Funding Statement: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Tongji hospital scientific foundation Declaration of Interests: All authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The Ethic Committee of Tongji Hospital has approved the study and assigned informed consent was obtained from patients.
Relationship between serum insulin and point-of-admission blood glucose of ill neonates at a tertiary health facility in Nigeria

Introduction Optimal glucose metabolism is important in neonatal survival especially in the first days of life. Insulin play a significant role in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis. This study set out to determine the serum insulin levels of ill neonates as related to their point-of-admission blood glucose estimation at the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, Nigeria. Methods Three hundred babies took part in the study. Blood glucose and serum insulin levels were assayed at admission using Accu-Chek Active glucometer(R) and Accu-Ɔ-Bind ELISA Microwells(R) respectively. Hyperglycaemia was defined as blood glucose ≥7mmol/L and hypoglycaemia as blood glucose <2.2mmol/L. Results The median (IQR) age of the babies was 10.0 (0.5 - 70.0) hours with male to female ratio of 1.5:1. Seventy-four (24.7%) were preterms and 35 (11.7%) were small-for-gestational age. The mean (SD) blood glucose level of the babies was 4.1(2.1) mmol/L with a range of 0.6-13.4mmol/L. Hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia were observed in 18(6.0%) and 40(13.3%) babies respectively. The median (IQR) serum insulin level was 9.8(3.0-35.3) μIU/ml. There was weak positive correlation between serum insulin and blood glucose levels of the babies (r = 0.197, p = 0.001). Birth asphyxia was associated with lower serum insulin, while probable sepsis with relatively higher levels. Conclusion Serum insulin level increases with increasing blood glucose in ill Nigerian babies at presentation to the hospital. Babies with asphyxia and sepsis particularly tend to have abnormal serum insulin at admission. Hyperinsulinaemia in ill babies may connote a compensatory mechanism to normalise abnormal blood glucose rather than playing significant role in its aetio-pathogenesis.
Mathematics, Science and Social Science teachers’ acceptance of online teacher professional development: Does internet accessibility matter?

In Indonesia, teacher professional development has been enhanced through the teacher certification program that requires them to take online courses. However, Indonesian teachers’ acceptance toward online teacher professional course has not been revealed. This study aimed to identify teachers’ perception of the online course according to internet accessibility. It employed a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional survey model. With total population sampling technique, 257 mathematics, science social science teachers participated in the survey. The survey instrument was developed based on the technology acceptance model, which include online learning self-efficacy, subjective norm, system accessibility, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, and behavioral intention to use. The questioners were distributed and responded through online questionnaire. Data were analyzed quantitatively, and the result shows that the participants have a positive perception on the online course. In addition, their perceptions were influenced by internet accessibility. This finding indicates that the policymaker needs to pay attention to internet accessibility at schools.