Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a novel fusion protein of IpaB and IpaD of Shigella and its potential

23 Shigellosis is an important disease in the developing world where about 90 million people 24 become infected with Shigella spp. each year. We previously demonstrated that the type three 25 secretion apparatus (T3SA) proteins IpaB and IpaD are protective antigens in the mouse lethal 26 pulmonary model. In order to simplify vaccine formulation and process development, we now 27 evaluate a vaccine design that incorporates both of these previously tested Shigella antigens 28 into a single polypeptide chain. To determine if this fusion protein (DB Fusion) retains the 29 antigenic and protective capacities of IpaB and IpaD, we immunized mice with the DB Fusion 30 and compared the immune response to that elicited by the IpaB/IpaD combination vaccine. 31 Purification of the DB Fusion required co-expression with IpgC, the IpaB chaperone, and after 32 purification it maintained the highly g-helical characteristics of IpaB and IpaD. The DB Fusion 33 also induced comparable immune responses and retained the ability to protect mice against S. 34 flexneri and S. sonnei in the lethal pulmonary challenge. It also offered limited protection against 35 S. dysenteriae challenge. Our results show the feasibility of generating a protective Shigella 36 vaccine comprised of the DB Fusion. 37
Diel vertical migration and cell division of bloom-forming dinoflagellate akashiwo sanguinea in the Ariake Sea, Japan

Diel vertical migration and cellular division processes of Akashiwo sanguinea were investigated in the Ariake Sea in August 2009. The investigation was carried out in the inner part of the Sea for 24 h from 8:00 on 14 August. Water samples were collected every 2 hours, and the temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll fluorescence were monitored hourly. To calculate the in situ growth rate, the duration of the cell division was investigated using incubation experiments in a laboratory. In the Ariake Sea, cells of A. sanguinea were abundant in the subsurface layer in the daytime and at a depth of 4 or 5 m at night. In contrast, cells were mostly absent in the deeper layer in the daytime and in the subsurface layer at night. Downward migration seemed to start at 14:00, indicating that dusk is not the cue for migration. A dense patch was formed at a depth of 5 m from 20:00 to 4:00. The highest frequency of dividing cells was recorded at dusk (18:00) in the Ariake Sea and at light-dark transition (circadian time 14) in the laboratory. The estimated duration of cell division was 1.29 h, and the estimated in situ growth rate was 0.45 d . The present study demonstrated that cells of A. sanguinea actively divided in the deeper layer (3.5 to 5 m) from 18:00. To predict red tide occurrence by vertically migrating species, the migration pattern and the growth rate in the natural environment should be further clarified for each species.
5 - KOG Test Performance on Patients with Schizophrenia, Alcoholism and Depression

Correspondence to: Ivana Križanac Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, Zagreb, Croatia e-mail:ivana.krizanac1@unicath.hr Copyright © 2020 KBCSM, Zagreb e-mail: alcoholism.kbcsm@gmail.com • www.http://apr.kbcsm. hr AbstractCognitive functions are essential for the normal functioning of every individual,and in cases when they are damaged we speak of cognitive deficits. Each psychiatric disorder is specific to the area and extent of cognitive deficits, and their detection is of great importance for differential diagnosis, treatment success, rehabilitation as well as social reintegration of patients. This study compared the performance on the 5-KOG test, ie investigated differences in performance on subtests of short-term and long-term memory, attention and speed of information processing, working memory, verbal fluency, and executive functions, in clinical groups of schizophrenia, alcoholism, and depression. The correlations between the subtests for each clinical group were also analyzed. A total of 86 participants, who were treated at a psychiatric clinic in a hospital in the city of Zagreb during this research, participated in the study, out of which 29 belonged to the schizophrenia group, 28 belonged to depression group and 29 belonged to the clinical group of alcoholism. A 5-KOG triage test was used to assess cognitive function in psychiatric disorders.Results showed no significant difference in the performance on subtests of undelayed and delayed recall, attention and speed of information processing, working memory, verbal fluency, and executive functions, among the studied clinical groups.
THE WESTERN PACIFIC BRACHYURAN HEMIGRAPSUS SANGUINEUS (GRAPSIDAE) IN ITS NEW HABITAT ALONG THE ATLANTIC COAST OF THE UN11ED STATES: REPRODUCTION

The Asiatic crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus, originally found as a single specimen in a rocky intertidal location in New Jersey in 1988, now has a geographical range in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to North Carolina. In New Jersey, the crab reproduces from late April through September, and laboratory observations revealed that some crabs produce at least 2 broods in a season. Ovigerous females ranged from 12.1-35.8 mm in carapace width (CW), but relatively few females were sufficiently developed to reproduce at the lower end of this range. The abdominal width/CW ratio must be >0.60 for female crabs to be considered mature. Analysis of 300 females >12.0 mm CW revealed that crabs >17.0 mm are likely to be mature. The mean time required for embryo development to hatching of zoeae in the laboratory at 19-20? C was 22.3 ? 1.8 days (range 20-25 days; N = 8). Viable second broods produced in the laboratory did not require a second copulation. The number of embryos in broods of H. sanguineus was positively correlated with CW (N = 50), with some crabs ovipositing >40,000 eggs.
Corrigendum to “Exposure of Salmonella Enteritidis to chlorine or food preservatives increases susceptibility to antibiotics”

Mutants of Salmonella Enteritidis selected following exposure to the sanitizer chlorine or to the preservatives sodium nitrite, sodium benzoate or acetic acid show resistance to multiple antibiotics (tetracycline, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, and ciprofloxacin). Complementation experiments with a functional marR restored antibiotic susceptibility of selected mutants to levels similar to wild-type strains, suggesting that mar mutation was responsible for resistance. The multiple antibiotic resistance (mar) operon is a global regulator controlling intrinsic resistance towards structurally and functionally unrelated antibiotics and other noxious agents. Mutants selected after exposure to an inducing agent maintained elevated antibiotic resistance after serial subculture in media void of the inducing agent. Results highlight the importance of monitoring the use of antimicrobial agents to ensure that concentrations capable of inactivating target pathogens are used.
In vivo digestibility and nutritive value of Atriplex halimus alone and mixed with wheat straw

In vivo digestibility trials were carried out using six young rams fed with Atriplex halimus biomass harvested in summer (A) and in early autumn (B), and with a mixture of mid-autumn Atriplex halimus and wheat straw (5[ratio ]1 ratio on fresh matter basis) (C). Atriplex halimus had a high protein content (139·0, 135·9 and 193·4 g/kg DM in A, B and C respectively), but was rich in sodium chloride, especially in summer (145·9 g/kg DM), limiting its use as feed. The summer forage had a higher organic matter (OM) digestibility coefficient than the autumn forage (0·663 v. 0·530) but lower digestible OM intake (16·8 v. 29·4 g/day per kg BW0·75). In autumn forage, the combination with straw did not influence the digestibility of organic matter, whereas it enhanced DOM intake in comparison with the Atriplex halimus on its own (35·7 v. 29·4 g/day per kg BW0·75).
Osteoarthritis of the Thoracic Spine: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Sex Differences and Degeneration of the Thoracic Spine During the Life Course

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases associated with joint pain and will affect nearly all adults during their life course. There has been extensive research done involving the peripheral joints; however, the spine remains largely understudied, particularly the thoracic spine. Researchers suggest that this is due to the low prevalence of osteoarthritis seen in the thoracic vertebrae (Larsen 2015). However, there is evidence to suggest that osteoarthritis affects the thoracic skeleton extensively, primarily in the lower vertebral region. The aim of this research is to provide a better understanding of the processes that affect the thoracic spine, such as osteoarthritis, age and sex differences, and asymmetry of the thoracic superior and inferior articular facets. INDEX WORDS: Thoracic skeleton, Osteoarthritis, Age differences, Sex differences, Frailty, Asymmetry, Handedness OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE THORACIC SPINE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEX DIFFERENCES AND DEGENERATION OF THE THORACIC SPINE DURING THE LIFE COURSE
Taxonomic Notes on Marine Algae from Malaysia. III. Seven Species of Rhodophyceae

Abstract Six species of marine red algae are reported from Malaysia for the first time and their characteristic features are described: one species of the Halymeniaceae (Cryptonemiales), Cryptonemia crenulata (J. Agardh) J. Agardh; two species of the Solieriaceae (Gigartinales), Solieria anastomosa P. Gabrielson et Kraft and Kappaphycus cottonii (Weber-van Bosse) Doty ex P. Silva; three species of the Gracilariaceae (Gracilariales), Gracilaria multifurcata Børgesen, Gracilaria tenuistipitata Chang et Xia and Gracilariopsis bailiniae Zhang et Xia. Furthermore, spermatangial plants of Gracilaria firma Chang et Xia that confirm its presence in Malaysian waters are reported.
PII: S0191-8869(99)00219-6

The use of structural equation modeling in personality research has been increasing steadily over the past few decades. In evaluating the adequacy of a particular model researchers are often interested in evaluating not only the overall ®t of the model, but also which of the proposed parameters are signi®cant. Researchers who apply unrestricted post hoc model modi®cations, or who evaluate the signi®cance of individual parameters without adopting some form of type I error control, risk capitalizing on chance. A Monte Carlo study was used to demonstrate the eectiveness of simple Bonferroni-type procedures for controlling the rate of type I errors when multiple parameters are evaluated in the structural portion of a theoretical model. 7 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Import Exposure and Unionization in the United States∗

We study how import competition affects union membership in the United States, adapting identification strategies from recent work on imports from China. Within manufacturing, union workers are slightly more affected than non-union ones, inducing modest declines in unionization. At the same time, total manufacturing declines are greatest among Right-to-Work states. We provide evidence that firms in Right-to-Work states tend to specialize in lower-quality products, making them more susceptible to competition with Chinese goods. However, while reducing unionization within manufacturing, import competition causes a robust increase in unionization outside of manufacturing, more than offsetting within-manufacturing declines. This appears to be driven by family members of would-be manufacturing workers shifting to higher-wage jobs: for less-educated women, the highest paying opportunities are often in healthcare and education, which are disproportionately unionized. Altogether, we calculate that the decline in US union density would have been 36% larger without Chinese imports. Version 1.0. COMMENTS WELCOME.
Efeito da temperatura ambiente e do sistema de criação sobre as exigências de energia metabolizável para mantença de aves reprodutoras pesadas

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the temperature and rearing system on the apparent metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance (MEm) for broiler breeder hens. In the experiment 1, MEm was determined with birds in cages. One hundred-ninety-two birds were housed in climatic chambers at 13, 21 and 30oC. The birds were assigned to four treatments with four replications of four birds each. The treatments were: ad libitum intake, 70, 50 and 30% of ad libitum intake. Comparative slaughter technique was used to determine the retained energy (RE). Maintenance metabolizable energy requirements (MEm) and efficiency of energy utilization (k) were determined by the ME intake (MEI) and retained energy (RE) ratio. In the experiment 2, the MEm was determined with birds on the floor. Ninety-six birds were allotted to three temperatures (13, 21 e 30oC) with four replication of eight birds each. The comparative slaughter technique was used to determined the RE and MEm requirements was determined by: EMm=EMI-(RE/k). The MEm requirements for birds in cages were 111.2, 91.5 and 88.5kcal/kg0.75/day and for birds on floor 130.8, 112.9 and 111.0kcal/kg0.75/day at 13, 21 and 30oC, respectively. Birds raised on floor had MEm higher 21.8% than those in cages, probably due to the energy expenditure for physical activity.
Importance of Energy Costs in Central Place Foraging by Hummingbirds

I tested predictions from three models of central place foraging (CPF) in two field experiments with Calliope Hummingbirds (Stellula calliope). The models were based on different "currencies," or optimization criteria: (a) maximization of net rate of energy intake while foraging and traveling between a central place and feeding areas; (b) mini- mization of proportion of total time spent foraging and traveling; (c) maximization of energetic efficiency while foraging and traveling. All three models differ from most CPF models in that I assumed that gross rate of energy intake while foraging in a patch remained constant. Net rate of energy intake decreased with time spent foraging because the cost of hovering flight increased during foraging bouts due to the accumulating mass of ingested nectar. In a dual choice experiment repeated with the same male in two years, I offered a choice between a "fast-weak" feeder that provided a fast instantaneous energy intake rate but low sucrose concentration (low energy/mass ratio), and a "slow-rich" feeder with slow instan- taneous intake rate and high concentration (high energy/mass ratio). As predicted by all three models, the male preferred the fast-weak feeder when the feeders were near his central place, and he increased his relative use of the slow-rich feeder when they were farther away. In another experiment in which I offered only one type of feeder at a time, males increased meal size with travel distance from their perches to feeders, and took larger, heavier meals from fast-weak than from slow-rich feeders. Both of these results were predicted by the time minimization and efficiency maximization models, but not the rate maximization model. Females who were incubating or feeding young did not change meal size significantly with travel distance from their nests to feeders. This qualitative result was predicted by the rate maximization model but not the time minimization and efficiency maximization models. Females took larger, heavier meals from slow-rich than from fast- weak feeders, and this was not predicted by any of the models. Mean meal sizes of both males and females were smaller than predicted by any of the models at all travel distances.
The distribution of salmonids in upland streams in relation to depth and gradient

The distribution of various age classes of salmon and trout was assessed in upland streams by electrofishing. Water depths and site gradients were measured and correlated to fish densities. The fry of both species were significantly more abundant in shallow water; up to 75·3% of salmon fry and 72·2% of trout fry were captured in sites of mean depth < 20 cm. Older trout were found mainly in the deeper areas, with a maximum of 7·4% captured in sites < 20 cm mean depth. Yearling fish were found in all the depth-ranges sampled, but with a tendency for higher numbers in mid-range depths. There were similar correlations in the abundance of each age class with the actual areas of shallow, mid-range and deep water habitat available within sites. Correlations of fish density with gradient indicated that trout were limited in their distribution to areas of lower flow, whereas salmon were not. Since depth and gradient were significantly negatively correlated, there was an apparent preference of trout for slightly deeper habitats than the equivalent year classes of salmon. The observed habitat segregation is discussed in terms of competition and selection.
Normalized biomass size spectra in high Antarctic macrobenthic communities: linking trophic position and body size

Normalized biomass size spectra (NBSS) and the stable nitrogen isotopic composition of food webs were analyzed to determine the inter-specific relationships between trophic level (measured as δ15N) and body size in macrobenthic communities living on the continental shelf of the southeastern Weddell Sea (SEWS). We found that the relationship between trophic level and body size for the whole macrobenthic community was not significant (r2 = 0.08, p > 0.05), probably associated with biomass accumulated in the larger body size fractions, which are represented particularly by suspension feeders such as sponges and tunicates. We used an alternative method of studying trophic structure of the aquatic communities based on the distribution of residuals of the NBSS. Here we demonstrate how residual distribution exhibited dome-like patterns, which may offer an additional quantitative tool for studying the relationship between trophic level and body size. These domes of biomass represent trophic positions derived from relationships between the body size distribution of the predators in one trophic position and their prey in another. We found 4 well defined domes of biomass, which appear when large benthic species are abundant, especially favored in an environment with high organic matter flux. A significant positive relationship (r2 = 0.59, p < 0.05) between the trophic level and residuals derived from NBSS suggests that these domes might be considered as functional groups comprising organisms from different trophic levels. We suggest that dome-like patterns in the biomass size spectra can provide a robust framework for conceptualizing and statistically modeling trophic levels of macrobenthic communities.
County-level factors influence the trajectory of Covid-19 incidence

With new cases of Covid-19 surging in the United States, we need to better understand how the spread of novel coronavirus varies across all segments of the population. We use hierarchical exponential growth curve modeling techniques to examine whether community social and economic characteristics uniquely influence the incidence of Covid-19 cases in the urban built environment. We show that, as of May 3, 2020, confirmed coronavirus infections are concentrated along demographic and socioeconomic lines in New York City and surrounding areas, the epicenter of the Covid-19 pandemic in the United States. Furthermore, we see evidence that, after the onset of the pandemic, timely enactment of physical distancing measures such as school closures is imperative in order to limit the extent of the coronavirus spread in the population. Public health authorities must impose nonpharmaceutical measures early on in the pandemic and consider community-level factors that associate with a greater risk of viral transmission.
Soil P in a forested seabird colony : inventories, parent material contributions, and N:P stoichiometry

Guano from breeding seabirds provides a large external source of nutrients to the soils of breeding colonies. However, little is known of guano P retention relative to N or the relative importance of guano and soil parent material as P sources. Soil profile N and P inventories (0–0.60 m, n = 4; 0–0.36 m, n = 1) and guano N and P concentrations were measured at a Westland petrel colony, and the parent material contributions of P were calculated using Ca, Al, Fe, Ti, and Zr as reference elements. Median inventories (0–0.60 m) were 1.49 kg N/m2 and 332 × 10–3 kg P/m2, the N result being similar to that from a seabird colony on peat soil where N retention was very low. Calculated parent material contributions were smallest (32–66% of soil P) when based on Ca and largest (47–102% of soil P) when based on Zr. Contributions were similar for Al, Fe, and Ti; Al (41–87% soil P) was selected for subsequent calculations. Regardless of the reference element, parent material therefore contributed a large part of soil P. Phosphorus in excess of parent material supply (Pexcess) was significantly correlated with soil C, implying that guano P is held primarily in organic form. The median soil N : P molar ratios were 9.6 : 1 based on total P and 11.2 : 1 based on Pexcess, compared with ratios for Westland petrel guano of 4.1 : 1 (when birds were consuming fisheries waste) and 16.4 : 1 (when fisheries waste was replaced by fish). The similarity between soil and guano N : P ratios implies that both N and P are lost from soil at similar rates, although volatilisation of N would enrich soil drainage water in P. Calculations using guano deposition rates from the literature yielded P residence times of 4–15 years (Pexcess) and 11–41 years (total P), consistent with a highly dynamic soil system.
A 40-Year Record of Tree Establishment Following Chaining and Prescribed Fire Treatments in Singleleaf Pinyon (Pinus monophylla) and Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) Woodlands

Abstract Chaining and prescribed fire treatments have been widely applied throughout pinyon–juniper woodlands of the western United States in an effort to reduce tree cover and stimulate understory growth. Our objective was to quantify effects of treatment on woodland recovery rate and structure and the relative dominance of the two major tree species in our Great Basin study area, singleleaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla Torr. & Frém.) and Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma [Torr.] Little). We resampled plots after a 40-yr interval to evaluate species-specific differences in tree survivorship and establishment from posttreatment age structures. Tree age data were collected in 2008 within four chained sites in eastern Nevada, treated in 1958, 1962, 1968, and 1969 and originally sampled in 1971. The same data were collected at five prescribed burn sites treated in 1975 and originally sampled in 1976. All chained sites had greater juniper survival than pinyon survival immediately following treatment. Chained sites with higher tree survival also had the greatest amount of new tree establishment. During the interval between treatment and the 2008 sampling, approximately four more trees per hectare per year established following chaining than following fire. Postfire tree establishment only occurred for the initial 15 yr and was dominated by juniper. Establishment after chaining was dominated by juniper for the first 15 yr but by pinyon for 15–40 yr following treatment. Results support an earlier successional role for juniper than for pinyon, which is more dependent upon favorable microsites and facilitation from nurse shrubs. Repeated chaining at short intervals, or prescribed burning at infrequent intervals, will likely favor juniper dominance. Chaining at infrequent intervals (> 20–40 yr) will likely result in regained dominance of pinyon. Chaining treatments can be rapidly recolonized by trees and have the potential to create or amplify landscape-level shifts in tree species composition.