Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Phase II Trial of Safety, Tolerability and Immunogenicity of V114, a 15-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, Compared With 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Healthy Infants

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Pneumococcal disease remains a public health priority worldwide. This phase 2 study (V114-008; NCT02987972; EudraCT 2016-001117-25) compared safety and immunogenicity of 2 clinical lots of V114 (investigational 15-valent pneumococcal vaccine: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, 19A, 22F*, 23F, 33F*) to 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in healthy infants (*serotypes unique to V114). Methods: Healthy infants 6–12 weeks old were randomized to receive a 4-dose regimen of V114 Lot 1, V114 Lot 2 or PCV13 at 2, 4, 6 and 12–15 months old. Adverse events were evaluated after each dose. Primary immunogenicity endpoint was to demonstrate noninferiority of V114 Lot 1 and V114 Lot 2 relative to PCV13 based on proportion of infants achieving serotype-specific IgG concentration ≥0.35 µg/mL for 13 serotypes shared with PCV13 at 1 month postdose 3 (PD3). Serotype-specific IgG geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) for all 15 V114 serotypes were measured at PD3, predose 4 and 1 month postdose 4 (PD4). Results: Overall, 1044 of 1051 randomized infants received ≥1 dose of vaccine (V114 Lot 1 [n = 350], V114 Lot 2 [n = 347] or PCV13 [n = 347]). Adverse events were generally comparable across groups. At PD3, both V114 lots met noninferiority criteria for all 13 serotypes shared with PCV13. IgG GMCs were comparable among V114 and PCV13 recipients at PD3 and PD4. Serotype 3 responses were higher following receipt of V114 than PCV13. Both V114 lots induced higher GMCs than PCV13 to the 2 unique V114 serotypes. Conclusions: Immunogenicity of both V114 lots was noninferior to PCV13 for all 13 shared serotypes between the 2 vaccines and displayed comparable safety and tolerability profiles to PCV13.
Applications of Immersive VR in Nursing Education

— Regulatory and financial restrictions put a burden on nursing education, thus educators struggle to provide adequate training. Low quality training put patients, practitioners and the devices they use at risk of harm or malfunction. In other fields, simulation-based training (SBT) has shown to be an effective tool. Immersive virtual reality (VR) provides a wide range of learning enhancing aspects. In this paper, we did a survey on the current state of immersive VR with head-mounted displays (HMD) in nursing education and its effects on learning. We searched relevant databases for predefined PICO terms. The results indicate that head-worn immersive VR helps in learning and increases student motivation. We believe that the low amount of identified publications points to a niche in the field and that further research into the effectiveness of HMD-based devices in education is necessary. Furthermore, we found that “VR” is used to relate to anything computer based. However, since it is now predominantly used to describe an immersive experience, a convergence of terminology is required. Future research should be based on bigger samples and more extensive statistical analysis to be able to prove the positive effects of VR in student motivation and learning outcomes.
Metabolic pathways in context: mTOR signalling in the retina and optic nerve ‐ A review

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling network plays a key role in growth and development, autophagy, metabolism, inflammation as well as ageing, and it is therefore important in ocular health and disease. mTOR dysregulation has been identified in a range of conditions, including age‐related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, traumatic optic neuropathy and glaucoma. Experimental modulation of the pathway has contributed to the understanding of these diseases and offers the potential for new avenues of therapy. This review discusses the mTOR pathway and its role in health and in diseases of the retina and optic nerve.
Estimating Abundance of Siberian Roe Deer Using Fecal-DNA Capture-Mark-Recapture in Northeast China

Simple Summary Estimation of population abundance or density is necessary for managing deer populations. However, there is no estimation of Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) in the Lesser Xing’an Mountains, northeast China where the density of roe deer is much lower than that of European or North American populations. We used fecal-DNA capture-mark-recapture to estimate the abundance and density in Liangshui National Nature Reserve. We collected 422 fecal pellet groups during two sampling periods in 2016, identified them to be 77 individuals by the DNA microsatellite technique and estimated the abundance of roe deer to be 87 deer (80–112, 95% CI) using the Program CAPTURE. Density was estimated to be 2.9 deer/km2 (2.7–3.7, 95% CI). Our study estimated the roe deer population abundance by a feces-based capture-mark-recapture approach in northeast China, successfully demonstrating the applicability of this feces sampling method in monitoring deer populations in this area. It also contributes to the development of low-density deer population ecology and management. Abstract It is necessary to estimate the population abundance of deer for managing their populations. However, most estimates are from high-density populations inhabiting the forests of North America or Europe; there is currently a lack of necessary knowledge regarding low-density deer populations in different forest habitats. In this article, we used fecal DNA based on the capture-mark-recapture method to estimate the population abundance of Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) in Liangshui National Nature Reserve in the Lesser Xing’an Mountains, northeast China, where the deer population was found to be of a low density by limited studies. We used a robust survey design to collect 422 fecal pellet groups in 2016 and extracted DNA from those samples, generating 265 different genotypes; we thus identified 77 deer individuals based on six microsatellite markers (Roe1, Roe8, Roe9, BM757, MB25 and OarFCB304). With capture and recapture records of these 77 individuals, the abundance of roe deer was estimated to be 87 deer (80–112, 95% CI) using the Program CAPTURE. Using an effective sampling area which resulted from the mean maximum recapture distance (MMRD), we converted the population abundance to a density of 2.9 deer/km2 (2.7–3.7, 95% CI). Our study estimated the roe deer population abundance by a feces-based capture-mark-recapture approach in northeast China, successfully demonstrating the applicability of non-invasive genetic sampling in monitoring populations of deer in this area, which contributes to the development of low-density deer population ecology and management.
Changes in the gene expression of adiponectin and glucose transporter 12 (GLUT12) in lactating and non‐lactating cows

Glucose delivery and uptake by the mammary gland is a rate-limiting step in milk synthesis. Insulin resistance is believed to increase throughout the body following the onset of lactation. To study glucose metabolism in peak-, late-, and non-lactating cows we analyzed the expression of an adipokine, namely, adiponectin, decreased insulin resistance, leptin, and a novel insulin-responsive glucose transporter (GLUT12) in the adipose tissue and mammary gland by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our results demonstrated that the mRNA level of adiponectin in the adipose tissue was greater in non-lactating cows than in peak-lactating cows. In the adipose tissue, there were no significant differences in the abundance of GLUT12 mRNA between the peak-, late-, and non-lactating cows. In contrast, in the mammary gland, the mRNA level of GLUT12 was greater in non-lactating cows than in peak- and late-lactating cows. In the adipose tissue, the mRNA level of leptin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARγ2) was greater in non-lactating cows than in peak-lactating cows. The results of the present study suggest that in lactating cows adiponectin plays an important role in insulin resistance in the adipose tissue; in the mammary gland, GLUT12 expression is believed to be an important factor for insulin-dependent glucose metabolism.
New Rosa (Rosaceae) in California and Oregon

ABSTRACT Two new roses are described from California and adjacent Oregon, with keys to distinguish each from the typical representative of their respective species. Rosa pisocarpa A. Gray subsp. ahartii Ertter & W. H. Lewis differs from typical R. pisocarpa by generally having fewer and larger leaflets, fewer flowers, and sepals that are most commonly eglandular, among other features. It is the characteristic member of the R. blanda Aiton complex in the northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade Range, where existing collections have been variously identified as R. pisocarpa, R. woodsii Lindl. subsp. ultramontana (S. Watson) Roy L. Taylor & MacBryde, R. californica Cham. & Schltdl. , and R. bridgesii Crépin ex Rydb. The rank of subspecies is used to indicate a significant ecogeographic component of the species' range. In contrast, varietal rank is used for a localized expression of R. gymnocarpa Nutt. occurring on open ultramafic substrates in northwestern California and adjacent Oregon, described here as Rosa gymnocarpa var. serpentina Ertter & W. H. Lewis. Diagnostic characters include relatively short stature, fewer and blunter leaflets, and pedicels that are frequently eglandular.
Activation of PPAR&bgr;/&dgr; Induces Endothelial Cell Proliferation and Angiogenesis

Objective—The role of the nuclear receptor peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-&bgr;/&dgr; in endothelial cells remains unclear. Interestingly, the selective PPAR&bgr;/&dgr; ligand GW501516 is in phase II clinical trials for dyslipidemia. Here, using GW501516, we have assessed the involvement of PPAR&bgr;/&dgr; in endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Methods and Results—Western blot analysis indicated PPAR&bgr;/&dgr; was expressed in primary human umbilical and aortic endothelial cells, and in the endothelial cell line, EAHy926. Treatment with GW501516 increased human endothelial cell proliferation and morphogenesis in cultures in vitro, endothelial cell outgrowth from murine aortic vessels in vitro, and angiogenesis in a murine matrigel plug assay in vivo. GW501516 induced vascular endothelial cell growth factor mRNA and peptide release, as well as adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP), a PPAR&bgr;/&dgr; target gene. GW501516-induced proliferation, morphogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and ADRP were absent in endothelial cells transfected with dominant-negative PPAR&bgr;/&dgr;. Furthermore, treatment of cells with cyclo-VEGFI, a VEGF receptor1/2 antagonist, abolished GW501516-induced endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation. Conclusions—PPAR&bgr;/&dgr; is a novel regulator of endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis through VEGF. The use of GW501516 to treat dyslipidemia may need to be carefully monitored in patients susceptible to angiogenic disorders.
Using null model analysis of species co‐occurrences to deconstruct biodiversity patterns and select indicator species

Aim Using total species richness to characterize biodiversity may mask multiple response patterns of species. We propose a null model analysis of species co‐occurrence‐based classification to identify sets of species that may have similar (within‐groups) and distinct (between groups) response patterns to their environment. The classification should also provide an explicit framework for selecting indicator species with characteristic co‐occurrence patterns to predict overall species richness.
Spatial and temporal variation of apple blossom weevil populations (Col., Curculionidae) with recommendations for sampling

The variance in apple blossom weevil, Anthonomus pomorum L. , populations was studied in two experimental orchards in Hungary. Over a 15 year period there were four peaks in abundance, at three to six year intervals. Blossom infestation was greatest in the six orchard rows closest to a mixed oak forest. Variance in percent blossoms infested was as great between adjacent branches as between branches on opposite sides of the tree. There was greater variance in infestation percent between adjacent trees than between clusters of trees in different parts of the orchard. There was a slight positive correlation (r = 0.18) between blossom density and the percent infested blossoms. A recommended sampling plan of three branches from ten trees would give a precision of ± 3 % infested blossoms with an error of 0.05. Sampling should be in a stratified random pattern with concentration of samples near the orchard edge, especially edges adjacent to forests.
Notes on New Aspidogastrid Species, with a Consideration of the Phylogeny of the Group

1. Cotylaspis sinensis and Lophotaspis orientalis are described as new species of trematodes from the small intestine of the turtle, Amyda tuberculata, from Foochow, Fukien Province, China. 2. Stichocotyle cristata is described as a new species from the spiral valve of the cow-nosed ray, Rhinoptera quadriloba, from Biloxi Bay, Mississippi. 3. A new subgenus, Multicalyx, is created for the species Stichocotyle cristata, while the species S. nephropis appropriately belongs to a new subgenus Stichocotyle. 4. Evidence is provided that aspidogastrid worms are referable neither to the Monogenea nor the Digenea, but belong to an intermediate subclass group, Aspidogastrea, n.n. 5. The genus Stichocotyle has been removed from the family Aspidogastridae Poche, 1907, and placed in a new family, Stichocotylidae.
Isolation, characterization and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of bacteria associated with respiratory tract diseases of pigs

The study was conducted to isolate the aerobic bacterial pathogens associated with respiratory diseases of pigs. The bacteria isolated from the pigs affected with respiratory diseases were Pasteurella multocida, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus suis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Micrococcus spp. All the isolates of P. multocida were found sensitive to chloramphenicol, chlortetracycline, ciprofloxacin, doxycillin, enrofloxacin and gentamicin whereas isolates were resistant to cephalexin, penicillin G and sulphadiazine. The isolates of Staphylococcus aureus showed highest sensitivity to amikacin, chloramphenicol and gentamicin and lowest sensitivity to penicillin, sulphadizine and tetracycline. Isolates of Streptococcus suis showed higher sensitivities to amikacin, enrofloxacin, gentamicin and penicillin and resistance to ceftriaxone, cephalexin, terracycline and sulphadizine. All the isolates of Bacillus subtilis were sensitive to majority of the antimicrobials tested in the study and Micrococcus species were highly sensitive to amikacin, chlortetracycline, enrofloxacin and gentamicin.
An investigation of the importance of the ATM protein in the endothelium and its role in the signalling pathways of NO production

II Opsomming: . IV Acknowledgements . VI List of Figures: . XIII List of Tables: . XVII Abbreviations . XVIII Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.1. The metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis: risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) development . 3 1.1.1. The metabolic syndrome . 3 1.1.2. Type 2 diabetes mellitus . 4 1.1.2.1. Activation of the PI3-K pathway in an insulin dependent manner . 6 1.1.2.2. Glucose uptake . 6 1.1.2.3. Insulin insensitivity . 9 1.1. 3. Atherosclerosis development . 10 1.2. The importance of the endothelium in vascular health . 13 Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za
Feminization in common terns (Sterna hirunda) : relationship to persistent organic contaminants

Abstract : The possibility of contaminant related endocrine disruption in common terns from Bird Island, Massachusetts was suggested by the presence of ovarian cortical tissue (ovotestes) in male tern embryos. Our objectives were to document the presence of ovotestes in common terns from Bird Island and Nauset, a reference site, and to examine the relationship between environmental contaminants and ovotestes development. Total PCBs and bioassay-derived dioxin equivalents were significantly higher in Bird Island tern embryo yolk sacs than those from Nauset, but were highly variable at both sites. The percentage of male tern embryos with ovotestes at Bird Island (78%) and Nauset (60%) was high and not significantly different.
A Phylogenetic Investigation of Botrychium s. s. (Ophioglossaceae): Evidence from Three Plastid DNA Sequence Datasets

Abstract Phylogenetic relationships among 23 species of Botrychium s. s. were investigated using sequence data from three plastid DNA regions: rbcL, trnLUAA -trnFGAA intergenic spacer, and rpL16 intron. Individual and combined maximum parsimony and a combined maximum likelihood analysis showed strong support for the monophyly of Botrychium s. s. , and all analyses identified three main, well-supported clades. However, within those three clades all analyses did not produce identical tree topologies. The Lanceolatum clade contained the diploid B. lanceolatum and seven polyploids, the Lunaria clade contained the diploids B. lunaria and B. crenulatum, and the Simplex-Campestre clade contained 13 species distributed across five subclades. Relationships among the five subclades were not resolved in either of the combined analyses. The Simplex subclade contained four diploids (B. simplex, B. montanum, B. mormo, and B. pumicola), the Pallidum subclade contained the diploid B. pallidum and the tetraploid B. gallicomontanum, the Minganense subclade contained three tetraploids (B. minganense, B. paradoxum, and B. × watertonense), the Ascendens subclade contained the tetraploid B. ascendens, and the Campestre subclade contained the diploids B. campestre and B. lineare and the tetraploid B. spathulatum. Multiple accessions of five species revealed cpDNA sequence variation within four species, and potential species or population-specific substitutions were identified for some taxa.
Determination of ash values of some medicinal plants of genus sesbania of marathwada region in maharashtra

The seasonal variation of total ash, water soluble ash and water insoluble ash have been investigated leaves , wood and bark of Sesbania grandiflora, Sesbania bispinosa and Sesbania cannabina, which are medicinally important. Comparative account of total ash, water soluble ash and water insoluble ash content of bark of Sesbania grandiflora showed high level of total ash (range 11.80 to 12.10 %) and low level of total ash of leaves of Sesbania cannabina ( range 5.05 to 5.35 % ) . The water soluble ash showed higher level of wood of Sesbania grandiflora (range 4.30 to 4.80 % ) and lower in leaves of Sesbania cannabina (range 1.5 to 2.05 %),Comparative account of water insoluble ash of bark of Sesbania grandiflora showed higher (range 7.20 to 7.35 % ) and lower in the leaves of Sesbania bispinosa (range 2.9 to 3.1 % ).
Nesting Biology and the Nest Architecture of Lithurgus (Lithurgus) collaris Smith (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) on Iriomote Island, Southwestern Subtropical Archipelago, Japan

Abstract The nests of Lithurgus collaris were found in dead branches of Hibiscus tiliaceus (L.) (Malvaceae). Mean entrance diameter of the nests was 8.5±1.2 mm (n = 9). The mean tube length and diameter were 65.7±39.6 mm (n = 41, range 7–141) and 7.4±0.7 mm (n = 41), respectively. The main entrance was larger than the gallery entrance. Mean number of galleries per nest was 4.6±3.1 (n = 9). A completed nest was always sealed with wood dust, which was not seen in a new nest. The mean pollen lump length was 21±5.5 mm (n = 9). Larval fecal pellets were thread-like and often extended (5–9 mm) from the abdominal tip. The mean length and width of cocoons were 12.7±0.8 mm and 6.5±0.4 mm, respectively (n = 7). Adults appeared to forage pollen in the first half of the day and nectar during the latter half of the day.
Access, School Choice, and Independent Black Institutions

This theoretical piece explores the potential affect of school choice on independent Black institutions (IBIs). The article struggles with and engages the following question: Do charter schools and school vouchers preserve, expand, or impair IBIs? The analysis is mostly situated in the historical context and developments of IBIs and the schooling of African Americans in general to demystify and inform topical conclusions and prospective outcomes with respect to these institutions. It is concluded that access, in the form of universal education in the South, was a factor in the deterioration of IBIs during the latter part of the 19th century. Similarly, access in the form of school desegregation efforts caused the end of quasi-IBIs and cost many African American educators their jobs. Thus, we must consider that access, in the form of school-choice programs, poses some threat to the future of IBIs.
Differences in the allocation patterns between liana and shrub Hydrangea species

Allometric analysis of four Hydrangea species (Hydrangea petiolaris, Hydrangea paniculata, Hydrangea macrophylla var. megacarpa and Hydrangea hirta) was conducted to test the hypothesis that the liana species (H. petiolaris) invests more in leaves and reproductive organs than the shrub species. We calculated the allocation ratios of leaves, supporting tissues (trunks and roots) and reproductive organs. Hydrangea petiolaris differed markedly from the three shrubs in terms of trunk and root allocations, while leaf allocation was not statistically different. The C/F ratios (the ratios of the dry weights of non-photosynthetic organs to photosynthetic ones) of the four species ranged from 9 to 12, and were not statistically different. These results did not support the hypothesis. The biomass of H. petiolaris was up to 100-fold greater than the biomass of the three shrubs. The growth form of H. petiolaris would minimize allocation to supporting tissue and produce a large biomass. The biomass of reproductive organs of H. petiolaris was up to 700-fold greater than the biomass of the three shrubs. This advantage might, therefore, serve as a driving force for the evolution of lianas.
Induction of sporocarp development in vitro in the mosquito fern, Azolla rubra R. Br.

Azolla rubra R. Br. (Azollaceae: Pteridophyta), a popular biofertilizer applied in inundated paddy fields propagate usually through vegetative fragmentation only. Induction of sporocarp development, callus, and indirect organogenesis were accomplished. Influence of various factors such as agar, light, phosaphate, sucrose and pH on in vitro growth of A. rubra were also studied. Half strength MS medium with 2.26 µM 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 6.6 µM 6-Benzyl Amino Purine was found best for callus induction. The callus transferred onto medium having 6.6 µM BA underwent indirect organogenesis. Shoot tips cultured in light on medium having 2.26 µM 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 6.6 µM 6-Benzyl Amino Purine with 0.8% agar and 3 % sucrose at pH 5.8 was found best for induction of callus.