Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Progesterone Suppresses Neisseria gonorrhoeae-Induced Inflammation Through Inhibition of NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway in THP-1 Cells and Murine Models

Asymptomatic/subclinical gonococcal infections in females continue to be prevalent within the general population, thus emerging as a global health problem. However, the reasons for these clinical manifestations are unknown. Our group had previously found out that in females, asymptomatic gonococcal infections correlate with higher serum progesterone (P4) levels and lower IL-1β levels in cervical secretions. We used murine infection model and THP-1 cells to determine whether P4 exerts anti-inflammatory effects on gonococcal infections. In the murine infection model, P4 (1 mg/day) inhibited the inflammatory effects induced by gonococcal infections which led to decreased neutrophil infiltration, reduced polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) numbers, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in vaginal secretions. In addition, P4 down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, associated with lower mRNA levels of pro-IL-1β, repressed caspase-1 activity in genital tissues and THP-1 cells. Moreover, P4 suppressed the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB and attenuated Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae, gonococci or GC)-induced ROS generation. This is consistent with the two signals required for activation of the NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) inflammasome. In conclusion, our result shows that P4 suppresses the gonococci induced-inflammation, especially through the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, and partially explains the pathogenesis of asymptomatic GC infection in women.
Dietary cation-anion difference of Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) as influenced by application of chloride and nitrogen fertilizer

The effectiveness of forages to prevent post-calving hypocalcaemia, when used as a feed source for non-lactating dairy cows, can be predicted by the dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD). Three to four weeks before calving, the ration of non-lactating dairy cows should have a DCAD around −50 mmolc kg−1 DM. In an experiment, swards, based on Timothy (Phleum pratense L.), were used to (i) evaluate the impact of two types (CaCl2 and NH4Cl) and four application rates of chloride fertilizer per season (0, 80, 160 and 240 kg Cl ha−1) in combination with two N application rates (70 and 140 kg N ha−1) on mineral concentrations and DCAD in the herbage, and (ii) determine the economically optimal rate of chloride fertilizer (Clop) for DCAD in herbage. Chloride and N fertilizers were applied in the spring and, after the first harvest in 2003 and 2004 at four locations that differed in K content of their soils. Two harvests were taken during each year. Averaged across N-fertilizer application rates, harvests and locations, the highest rate of chloride fertilizer increased chloride concentration in herbage by 8·5 g kg−1 dry matter (DM) and decreased DCAD in herbage by 190 mmolc kg−1 DM to values as low as −9 mmolc kg−1 DM. Both types of chloride fertilizer had the same effect on chloride concentration and DCAD in herbage and had no effect on DM yield. When no chloride fertilizer was applied on soils with a high content of available K, application of N fertilizer increased DCAD in herbage by 47 mmolc kg−1 DM at both harvests. Herbage DCAD was lower in summer than in spring by 47–121 mmolc kg−1 DM depending on the location. Application of chloride fertilizer can effectively lower the DCAD of Timothy-based herbages; the economically optimal rate of chloride fertilizer in the spring varied from 78 to 123 kg Cl ha−1, depending on soil K and chloride contents and expected DM yield.
Cam and Tappet Lubrication. IV–Radioactive Study of Sulfur in the EP Film

A radioactive tracer, sulfur-35, synthesized into zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate molecules, was used to study the EP film formed on cast iron cams and tappets run in motor oils containing this additive. The sulfur content of static films increased with immersion time and temperature, and the presence of phosphate-coated metal surfaces. The bound sulfur of films formed during dynamic tests increased with running time, load, and with the use of phosphate-coated surfaces. These conditions also influenced the ratio of Zn:P:S contained in both static and dynamic films. Zinc, and particularly phosphorus, in the films increased more rapidly than the sulfur with increased temperature and/or pressure. The dynamic films are not easily worn off by running in nonadditive oil. The mechanism of action of zinc dithiophosphates appears to be related to chemical reactions of additive decomposition products with the metal surfaces to form tightly-bound solid films which reduce damage under extreme pressure conditions. Radioa.
Genetic Identification and Origin of Grapevine Cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.) in Tunisia

Nine nuclear microsatellite (SSR) markers were used to characterize 35 wild grapevines (Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris) prospected from northwestern Tunisia and 64 cultivated accessions (Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera) maintained in the repository of the Arid Land Institute of Medenine (Tunisia). All analyzed SSR loci were polymorphic, revealing 62 distinct genotypes, including 31 cultivated and 31 wild accessions. Some cases of synonymies, color sports, and homonymies were detected as well as matches with previously analyzed Tunisian samples and international cultivars. Chloroplast microsatellite analyses showed that chlorotype A was most abundant in wild samples (65%), whereas chlorotypes C and D were more frequent in cultivated genotypes (45% and 23% respectively). Genotypic analysis showed that both Tunisian wild and cultivated samples maintain high levels of genetic variation and high average posterior probabilities of assignment to their group of origin. This is in agreement with the estimated low gene flow between cultivated and wild forms, revealing that most cultivated accessions do not derive directly from the local wild populations but could correspond to materials introduced from different locations or derived from spontaneous hybridizations among them. However, we could not discard the hypothesis that a few analyzed samples could arise from hybridization events between wild and cultivated grapevines.
Dermatoses in the Elderly: Clinico-Demographic Profile of Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Centre

Background: Elderly population is vulnerable to develop a multitude of dermatological diseases, owing to comorbidities and polypharmacies. Objective: To know the prevalence of dermatological conditions in elderly patients attending outpatient department, determine the pattern and relative frequency of skin diseases, and find the relation with associated comorbidities. Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study on 250 patients, aged ≥60 years. Clinical diagnosis was done, followed by appropriate investigations when required. Descriptive data was analyzed on the parameters of range, mean ± S.D. , frequencies, etc., Continuous variables were analyzed using unpaired t-test/Mann–Whitney U test and categorical data by Fisher's exact test/Chi-square test. Statistical software Medcalc version 10.2. 0.0 for Windows vista was used. P value =0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 250 patients were evaluated, 164 males (65.5%) and 86 females (34.4%). Mean age was 67.87 ± 7.29 years. Commonest disease category was infection (30%), followed by dermatitis (29.6%), papulo-squamous (18.4%), and immunobullous (6.4%). Difference in acute and chronic disease was significant (P = 0.0001). 30% had infections; fungal (50.66%), bacterial (32%), and viral (17.33%). 74 patients had dermatitis (29.6% of study population). Commonest systemic disease was hypertension (23.2%), followed by diabetes mellitus (19.6%). Association of diabetes mellitus was significant (P = 0.0014), more in infective dermatoses (P = 0.0007). All had signs of aging; idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (51.2%), xerosis (45.2%), seborrheic keratosis (42.6%), cherry angioma (33.2%), senile acne (6.6%). Photoaging was noted as wrinkling (98.8%), freckles (35.6%), purpura (10.8%), telangiectasia (5.6%). People involved in outdoor activity had higher Glogau scale (3.01 ± 0.69) compared to those indoors (2.44 ± 0.74), statistically significant difference (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Our study is the first of its kind, in Eastern India, where we evaluated and explored the disease pattern and extent of geriatric dermatoses among patients attending dermatology OPD of a tertiary care hospital.
Quality of life in caregivers of children with developmental delay – A case–control study

BACKGROUND: Caregivers role is crucial in lives of children with developmental delay. Most caregivers have little time for themselves leading to poor social life and quality of life (QOL). Social rehabilitative services among caregivers have improved health of children with developmental delay. We assessed the QOL of caregivers of children with developmental delay and compared with those of normal children. METHODS: Thirty children with developmental delay were selected as cases and thirty normal children as controls. Clinical profile of cases and sociodemographic details of all the participants was assessed. World Health Organization QOL-BREF was used to assess QOL of the caregivers in physical, psychological, social, and environment domains. RESULTS: Fifty percent of cases had severe developmental delay. QOL among caregivers of cases was poor in physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment domains. Mean QOL scores of caregivers of controls were significantly higher than mean QOL scores of caregivers of cases in all four domains. As severity of disability increased there was worsening of QOL observed in all four domains. CONCLUSIONS: QOL of caregivers of children with developmental delay is worse compared to that of controls, and it became worse with increase in the severity of the disability. Hence, there is a need for social support group among the caregivers along with medical rehabilitation.
The relationship between sensory attributes and wine composition for Australian Cabernet Sauvignon wines

Background and Aims: The study explores the diversity in sensory characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Australia and analyses the relationship between sensory attributes and wine composition. Methods and Results: Descriptive sensory analysis was conducted by eighteen panelists who rated the intensity of 16 aroma attributes and four taste attributes. Sensory results indicated that 15 of the 20 sensory attributes assessed were significantly different among the wines assessed. The primary differentiation was between wines that were fruity and those that exhibited vegetal and herbaceous characteristics. A recently developed analytical method (headspace solid-phase microextraction comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry) was used to analyse over 350 volatile compounds in the wines assessed. Other measures of the major non-volatile components including ethanol, phenolics, acids and sugars were also determined. Compositional results were used to predict each sensory attribute using partial least squares regression and showed that each sensory attribute could be well explained by the compositional results. Conclusions: The results of this study further demonstrate that the sensory perception of wine is complex and involves the interaction of both volatile and non-volatile components. The use of a recently developed analytical technique allows the researcher greater capacity to explore complex relationships between wine sensory characteristics and wine composition. Significance of the Study: The study increases the understanding of commercial wine composition and identifies a number of candidate components that are correlated with sensory attributes of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Australia.
THE POTENTIAL FOR DUAL ENERGY X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY TO PREDICT LAMB AGE

This study assessed the ability of an online Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) to predict bone mineral content and lamb age. Lambs from two slaughter groups of known age were scanned using DEXA at a commercial abattoir and mineral content of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus of the 12th rib determined. DEXA showed moderate precision to predict lamb age (days) using DEXA R Mean values and pixel standard deviation (R2 0.30, RMSE 41.6). Calcium and phosphorus content could not be predicted using DEXA although magnesium content (mg/g) was predicted, albeit poorly, (R2 0.09, RMSE 0.57). Improving the ability to predict lamb age will provide more reliable inputs to the Meats Standards Australia eating quality assessments, and may be suitable for eating quality assessment of lamb independently of age. Further evaluation of DEXA across a larger age range of lambs is required.
Principals and agents or principals and stewards? Performance management of agencies in Norwegian state administration

This article demonstrates the value of conceptualizing four ideal types when studying ministries’ contract steering of state agencies—relational, double-whammy, performance, and behavioral steering—each defined by its combination of inputand output-oriented steering. In the system under study—Norway—about half of all agencies are subjected to steering with a clear profile; the other half are not. The two profiles often dismissed or overlooked in existing research—relational and doublewhammy steering—are most common. Thus, introducing a contract regime has not meant a clear shift from input to output control, as posited by some. Most agency characteristics under study—size, age, political salience, and tasks—have significant effects on the likelihood that an agency is subjected to one type of steering or another. Still, the analysis suggests that agency-level characteristics constrain ministerial choice about which steering to practice only to a limited extent. Jostein Askim, Karl Hagen Bjurstrøm, and Jonas Kjærvik (Co-authored) Publication status: Published in International Public Management Journal, 2019, 22(3), 470-498.
Thermophysical properties of 22 pure metals in the solid and liquid state - The pulse-heating data collection

The workgroup of subsecond thermophysics in Graz has a long tradition in performing fast pulse- heating experiments on metals and alloys. Thereby, wire-shaped specimens are rapidly heated (10 8 K/s) by a large current-pulse (10 4 A). This method provides thermophysical properties like volume-expansion, enthalpy and electrical resistivity up to the end of the liquid phase. Today, no more experiments on pure metals are to be expected, because almost all elements, which are suitable for pulse-heating so far, have been investigated. The requirements for pulse-heating are: a melting point which is high enough to enable pyrometric temperature measurements and the availability of wire-shaped specimens. These elements are: Co, Cu, Au, Hf, In, Ir, Fe, Pb, Mo, Ni, Nb, Pd, Pt, Re, Rh, Ag, Ta, Ti, W, V, Zn, and Zr. Hence, it is the correct time to present the results in a collected form. We provide data for the above mentioned quantities together with basic information on each material. The uniqueness of this compilation is the high temperature range covered and the homogeneity of the measurement conditions (the same method, the same laboratory, etc.). The latter makes it a good starting point for comparative analyses (e.g. a comparison of all 22 enthalpy traces is in first approximation conform with the rule of Dulong-Petit which states heat capacity - the slope of enthalpy traces - as a function of the number of atoms). The data is useful for input parameters in numerical simulations and it is a major purpose of our ongoing research to provide data for simulations of casting processes for the metal working industry. This work demonstrates some examples of how a data compilation like this can be utilized. Additionally, the latest completive measurement results on Ag, Ni, Ti, and Zr are described.
Preparation and Characterization of Hard and Biocompatible Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPNs) of Gelatin and Polyacrylonitrile

The present paper reports findings on the preparation of full IPNs of gelatin and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). Various compositions of glutaraldehyde‐crosslinked gelatin and N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBA)‐crosslinked PAN were prepared and characterized by IR, DSC, and SEM techniques. The IPNs were also investigated for their water‐sorption behavior and the effect of chemical composition on the extent of water uptake was evaluated. The microhardness of IPNs were determined and studied as a function of chemical architecture of the IPNs. The prepared IPNs were also assessed for in vitro blood compatibility by methods such as protein (BSA) adsorption, blood‐clot formation and percent hemolysis measurements.
Methylxanthine content in hot drinks consumed in the State of Kuwait

Apart from four major catechins present in Camellia sinensis (tea), four major methylxanthines are also present in tea aqueous extract. Caffeine with its structural similarity to uric acid is the predominant methylxanthine in tea and it is known to contribute to hypertension and obesity leading to diabetes. Caffeine intake from tea, soft drinks and candies may be contributing to high level of obesity and diabetes prevalent in Kuwait. There are a variety of hot drinks that are traditional to the culture of Kuwait and their caffeine content has not been established. In this study we have undertaken to establish caffeine content in traditional hot drinks used in Kuwait and have found that Arabic Gahwa, a very popular hot drink in Kuwait, has one of the lowest caffeine content among coffee drinks but its high frequency of consumption may have an additive effect on caffeine intake. Caffeine content of commercial brands and herbal teas used in Kuwait has also been established and found that Rabea black tea had the highest caffeine and theobromine content, while Red label black tea has the lowest caffeine. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to establish methylxanthine content in different tea aqueous extracts. A comparison of caffeine content in various hot drinks is presented.
The Effect of Knowledge Sharing and Transfer of Training on The Performance of Employees

This study aims to determine the effect of knowledge sharing and transfer of training on employee performance Balai Wilayah Sungai Sulawesi IV Southeast Sulawesi Province. This study uses a quantitative approach, the study subjects were overall employee of Balai Wilayah Sungai Sulawesi IV who have been trained in the amount of 80 respondents. The data used is primary data that is through the deployment of questionnaires, which are then analyzed using statistical methods namely multiple linear regression analysis. Based on the results found that the knowledge sharing and transfer of training together have a positive significant effect on employee performance improvement. This means that any increase in by the employees either through knowledge sharing or transfer of training it will impact on employee performance improvement Balai Wilayah Sungai Sulawesi IV Southeast Sulawesi Province.
University of Groningen Long-term clinical outcomes of losartan in patients with Marfan syndrome

Citation for published version (APA): van Andel, M. M. , Indrakusuma, R. , Jalalzadeh, H. , Balm, R. , Timmermans, J., Scholte, A. J., van den Berg, M. P., Zwinderman, A. H. , Mulder, B. J. M. , de Waard, V. , & Groenink, M. (2020). Long-term clinical outcomes of losartan in patients with Marfan syndrome: follow-up of the multicentre randomized controlled COMPARE trial. European Heart Journal, (43), 4181-4187. [ehaa377]. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa377
Genetics and Epigenetics of Nasal Polyposis: a Systematic Review Running title: Genetics and epigenetics of nasal polyposis

review, 408 articles were excluded since they did not fulfill eligibility criteria. Therefore, 179 articles qualified for full text review. Of those, we eliminated 22 studies that did not include any gene variant or polymorphism, 20 articles considered CRS patients as a whole, without differentiating those with and those without nasal polyps, 16 studies were dedicated to other pathologies, i.e. asthma or cystic fibrosis, and merely mentioned nasal polyposis concerning such diseases, and 2 meeting abstracts. A hundred and four articles were evaluated as a result. Out of them, 24 were related to epigenetics, 70 were candidate gene studies, 9 were genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and a SNP array was done in one article. A description of the 80 selected non epigenetic studies is presented in Supplementary Table 1. Epigenetic articles are summarized in Supplementary Table 2. We followed the Cochrane guidelines to assess the risk of bias of the selected studies, using an adapted version of the Rob2 tool to fit the specific nature of the genetic analysis. Since our primary concern for bias referred to the lack of appropriate controls or non-adequate techniques for achieving the intended aim, we responded to questions about intervention or randomization consequently. Thus, studies classified as at high risk were those in which healthy controls were missing or the methodology was not clearly explained in the text.
Comparison of three high resolution real-time spectrometers for microwave ozone profiling instruments

We present a comparison of digital real-time spectrometers used in ground-based radiometry for the profiling of trace gases in the middle-atmosphere. From January to June 2019, we performed parallel observations of the atmospheric ozone transition line at 110.836 GHz with three different spectrometers connected to the same front-end. It allows to compare and characterize the ozone spectra over an extended period of time and covering a wide range of meteorological conditions. We show that the spectra derived from the Acqiris AC240 is systematically biased compared to other state-of-the-art spectrometers. It has a different spectral slope and a negative bias at the line center on the order of 8 percent. The bias evolves with the atmospheric opacity and originates from various sources. Using some simple corrections, we show that the bias from the AC240 can be corrected during data processing which is of high interest for the numerous time series derived from this back-end.
An mm-Wave Scalable PLL-Coupled Array for Phased-Array Applications in 65-nm CMOS

A new two-element phase-locked loop (PLL)-coupled array for the implementation of millimeter-wave (mm-wave) and subterahertz (sub-THz) phased arrays is presented. This architecture avoids using lossy phase shifter to create the required phase shift between the adjacent elements in a phased-array system. The required phase shift is generated by utilizing a dual nested loop PLL. The two PLL loops work together to stabilize the frequency and create the required phase shift. Moreover, it can be scaled simply by adding more unit cells to the architecture. A 112–121-GHz two-element phased array is designed and fabricated in a standard 65-nm CMOS process. It consumes 147-mW power and provides a phase shift of 46.7° ranging from 58.53° to 105.2° at 117 GHz.