Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sequence and transcription mapping of Bacillus subtilis competence genes comB and comA, one of which is related to a family of bacterial regulatory determinants

The complete nucleotide sequences of the comA and comB loci of Bacillus subtilis were determined. The products of these genes are required for the development of competence in B. subtilis and for the expression of late-expressing competence genes. The major 5' termini of both the comA and comB transcripts were determined. The inferred promoters of both comA and comB contained sequences that were similar to those found at the -10 and -35 regions of promoters that are used by sigma A-RNA polymerase, the primary form of this enzyme in vegetative cells. The comB gene was located approximately 3 kilobase pairs upstream of the comA gene and encoded a 409-amino-acid protein with a predicted molecular weight of 46,693. The comA locus contained two open reading frames (ORFs) and comB contained one ORF. The predicted amino acid sequence of the comA ORF1 gene product consisted of 214 amino acids, with an aggregate molecular weight of 24,132. The ORF1 product was required for competence, while ORF2, which was cotranscribed with ORF1 and encoded a predicted protein of 126 amino acids, was not. The predicted protein sequence of the comA ORF1 gene product was found to be similar to that of several members of the effector class of procaryotic signal transducers. The C-terminal portion of the predicted comA sequence contained a possible helix-turn-helix motif, which is characteristic of DNA-binding proteins. comA ORF1 was cloned on a multicopy plasmid and was shown to complement the competence-deficient phenotype caused by the comA124 insertion of Tn917lac. Also, the presence of comA ORF1 in multiple copies interfered with sporulation. Anti-peptide antibodies raised to the predicted product of comA ORF1 reacted strongly with a single protein band of about 24,000 daltons in immunoblots. The possible roles of multiple signal transduction systems in triggering the development of competence are discussed.
Genome-Wide Identification of Francisella tularensis Virulence Determinants

ABSTRACT Francisella tularensis is a gram-negative pathogen that causes life-threatening infections in humans and has potential for use as a biological weapon. The genetic basis of the F. tularensis virulence is poorly understood. This study screened a total of 3,936 transposon mutants of the live vaccine strain for infection in a mouse model of respiratory tularemia by signature-tagged mutagenesis. We identified 341 mutants attenuated for infection in the lungs. The transposon disruptions were mapped to 95 different genes, virtually all of which are also present in the genomes of other F. tularensis strains, including human pathogenic F. tularensis strain Schu S4. A small subset of these attenuated mutants carried insertions in the genes encoding previously known virulence factors, but the majority of the identified genes have not been previously linked to F. tularensis virulence. Among these are genes encoding putative membrane proteins, proteins associated with stress responses, metabolic proteins, transporter proteins, and proteins with unknown functions. Several attenuated mutants contained disruptions in a putative capsule locus which partially resembles the poly-γ-glutamate capsule biosynthesis locus of Bacillus anthracis, the anthrax agent. Deletional mutation analysis confirmed that this locus is essential for F. tularensis virulence.
Variability in estimating shunt from single pulse oximetry measurements

Virtual shunt describes the overall loss of O2 content between the alveolar gas and arterial blood. Clinicians indirectly estimate the magnitude of the virtual shunt by monitoring peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) using non-invasive pulse oximetry. An inherent limitation of this method is the variable precision of pulse oximeters and the non-linear relationship between virtual shunt and SpO2 which is rarely depicted. We propose a model using a combination of basic physiological equations to analyze the estimation of virtual shunt from inspired oxygen (FiO2) and SpO2. The model emphasizes the effect of the non-linearity of the Hb–O2 dissociation curve. Furthermore, it accounts for the variability in SpO2 measurements due to the precision of pulse oximeters. The model was validated with experiments conducted on healthy subjects in a normobaric hypoxia chamber comparing the simultaneous readings from two different commercial pulse oximeters at FiO2 = 21% and 17%. SpO2 probability distributions calculated from the model were estimated. Although a variable bias (1.2–2.1%) in SpO2 between the pulse oximeter brands was observed, the tested pulse oximeters were both within tolerance specified by the manufacturers and matched the probability distributions from the model. The theoretical and experimental findings show that the estimation of virtual shunt is challenging with a single SpO2 measurement using pulse oximeters with tolerances of 2%. Clinical decisions must be based on an appreciation of these limitations.
Delegation with Continuation Values

In many real-world principal-agent problems, contingent transfers are not possible. This paper shows how to optimally delegate actions to an informed agent when the principal cannot require payments. Instead, they are able to commit to actions in the future that affect both parties’ payoffs. I use these results to study a model of delegating decisions sequentially, and a model of delegation in which the principal can use measures that are costly to both parties. When choices are delegated sequentially, the principal takes advantage of the agent’s superior first period information by limiting the agent’s choices in the second period. When the principal can commit to mutually detrimental measures, I show a case in which the principal uses these measures to incentivize the agent not to take biased actions. I then give general conditions for when the principal does not use this option, and instead simply delegates an interval of choices to the agent. ∗zbreig@ucsd.edu; Department of Economics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0508, San Diego, CA 92093-0508. I would like to thank Joel Sobel, Simone Galperti, and James Andreoni, as well as seminar participants at the UCSD Theory, Behavioral, and Experimental Workshop for useful suggestions. All mistakes are my own.
A Large Maize (Zea mays L.) SNP Genotyping Array: Development and Germplasm Genotyping, and Genetic Mapping to Compare with the B73 Reference Genome

SNP genotyping arrays have been useful for many applications that require a large number of molecular markers such as high-density genetic mapping, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and genomic selection. We report the establishment of a large maize SNP array and its use for diversity analysis and high density linkage mapping. The markers, taken from more than 800,000 SNPs, were selected to be preferentially located in genes and evenly distributed across the genome. The array was tested with a set of maize germplasm including North American and European inbred lines, parent/F1 combinations, and distantly related teosinte material. A total of 49,585 markers, including 33,417 within 17,520 different genes and 16,168 outside genes, were of good quality for genotyping, with an average failure rate of 4% and rates up to 8% in specific germplasm. To demonstrate this array's use in genetic mapping and for the independent validation of the B73 sequence assembly, two intermated maize recombinant inbred line populations – IBM (B73×Mo17) and LHRF (F2×F252) – were genotyped to establish two high density linkage maps with 20,913 and 14,524 markers respectively. 172 mapped markers were absent in the current B73 assembly and their placement can be used for future improvements of the B73 reference sequence. Colinearity of the genetic and physical maps was mostly conserved with some exceptions that suggest errors in the B73 assembly. Five major regions containing non-colinearities were identified on chromosomes 2, 3, 6, 7 and 9, and are supported by both independent genetic maps. Four additional non-colinear regions were found on the LHRF map only; they may be due to a lower density of IBM markers in those regions or to true structural rearrangements between lines. Given the array's high quality, it will be a valuable resource for maize genetics and many aspects of maize breeding.
Parental Divorce and Child Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa : Does Context Matter ?

Parental divorce is known to be associated with poor child health in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the great diversity in social and cultural practices, including marital ones, across the subcontinent likely yields substantial variation in the prevalence of divorce, which in turn could moderate its consequences for children. In this paper, we use Demographic and Health Survey data from 31 African countries to estimate variation in the prevalence of divorce across 290 subnational regions. We find that the prevalence of divorce varies significantly, ranging from less than 1 percent of women in some subnational regions to nearly 20 percent in others. We then estimate a series of multilevel discrete-time hazard models to analyze the association between parental divorce and child mortality, and to test whether the mortality risk associated with divorce varies significantly in subnational regions where divorce is rare compared to those where it is common. We find that children with divorced parents experience significantly amplified mortality risk where divorce is rare, even though their mothers are positively selected on socioeconomic traits. We argue that the stigmatization and discrimination associated with divorce in subnational regions where it is rare, and the lack of social and cultural support, leave divorced mothers and their children particularly vulnerable to poor health outcomes in these settings. Parental Divorce and Child Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa: Does Context Matter? 3
Measuring the useful skills in a training programme

All educational institute have to assess their teaching for accrediting. The goal of this measuring is to evaluate that the content of the teachings is suited to the current jobs of our students. The accreditations institutes give the main methods and the regulatory environment, however the establishments are free to choose the operational experiment that leads to validate their educational programme into the regulatory context. To do this, we have assessed to teachings of EBI by using a competency framework (7 items and 30 sub-items). We have implemented a quantitative analysis based on these data and using an indicator based on the European Credits Transfer System. We have shown that our teachings are based on four axes: the scientific skills, interdisciplinary skills of engineering, the ability to work on an international context and the respect for social values. We also identified the areas for improvement of our trainings and its consistent with the future job of our students.
Ka mo‘olelo o Hi‘iakaikapoliopele: ka wahine i ka hikina a ka lā, ka u‘i palekoki uila o Halema‘uma‘u (The Epic Tale of Hi‘iakaikapoliopele: Woman of the Sunrise, Lightningskirted Beauty of Halema‘uma‘u) (review)

Ka mo‘olelo o Hi‘iakaikapoliopele: ka wahine i ka hikina a ka lā, ka u‘i palekoki uila o Halema‘uma‘u (The Epic Tale of Hi‘iakaika­ poliopele: Woman of the Sunrise, Lightning­ skir ted Beauty of Halema‘uma‘u). By Ho‘oulumā‘hiehie. Ed. and trans. Puakea Nogelmeier. Illus. by Solomon Enos. 2 vols. (Honolulu: Awaiaulu Press, 2006. Vol. 1, pp. 522. Vol. 2, pp. 490. Commentary on text and art, illustrations, indexes.)
Evaluation of Preventive Treatments in Low-Density Gypsy Moth Populations Using Pheromone Traps

Abstract Pheromone traps can be used for evaluating the success of treatments that are applied to either eradicate or delay the growth of isolated low-density populations of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.). We developed an index of treatment success, T, that measures the reduction in moth counts in the block treated adjusted by the change in moth counts in the reference area around it. This index was used to analyze the effectiveness of treatments that were conducted as part of the USDA Forest Service Slow-the-Spread of the gypsy moth project from 1993 to 2001. Out of 556 treatments that were applied during this period, 266 (188,064 ha) were selected for the analysis based on several criteria. They included 173 blocks treated with Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) variety kurstaki and 93 blocks treated with racemic disparlure. Analysis using general linear models indicated that disparlure treatments were significantly more effective than B. thuringiensis treatments in reducing moth captures. The frequency of repeated treatments in the same area was higher after B. thuringiensis than after disparlure applications. Treatments were more successful if the pretreatment moth counts outside of the block treated were low compared with moth counts inside the block.
West African Monsoon water cycle: 1. A hybrid water budget data set

This study investigates the West African Monsoon water cycle with the help of a new hybrid water budget data set developed within the framework of the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses. Surface water and energy fluxes are estimated from an ensemble of land surface model simulations forced with elaborate precipitation and radiation products derived from satellite observations, while precipitable water tendencies are estimated from numerical weather prediction analyses. Vertically integrated atmospheric moisture flux convergence is estimated as a residual. This approach provides an advanced, comprehensive atmospheric water budget, including evapotranspiration, rainfall, and atmospheric moisture flux convergence, together with other surface fluxes such as runoff and net radiation. The annual mean and the seasonal cycle of the atmospheric water budget are presented and the couplings between budget terms are discussed for three climatologically distinct latitudinal bands between 6°N and 20°N. West Africa is shown to be alternatively a net source and sink region of atmospheric moisture, depending on the season (a source during the dry season and a sink during the wet season). Several limiting and controlling factors of the regional water cycle are highlighted, suggesting strong sensitivity to atmospheric dynamics and surface radiation. Some insight is also given into the underlying smaller-scale processes. The relationship between evapotranspiration and precipitation is shown to be very different between the Sahel and the regions more to the south and partly controlled by net surface radiation. Strong correlations are found between precipitation and moisture flux convergence over the whole region from daily to interannual time scales. Causality is also established between monthly mean anomalies. Hence, precipitation anomalies are preceded by moisture flux convergence anomalies and followed by moisture flux divergence and evapotranspiration anomalies. The results are discussed in comparison to other studies.
African American Narratives of Captivity and Fugitivity: Developing Post-Slavery Questions for Angela Davis: An Autobiography

The paper raises theoretical questions for a ‘post-slavery’ approach to African American narratives of captivity and fugitivity out of an engagement with Black Studies perspectives on enslavement, confinement, and flight which theorize the structural position of Blacks as ‘captives,’ ‘fugitives,' and ‘slaves’ in—or rather outside of—U.S. American society. The questions are confronted with close readings of two passages from Angela Davis: An Autobiography .
Influência do enriquecimento ambiental no comportamento de primatas do gênero Ateles em cativeiro

O ambiente de cativeiro influencia o repertorio comportamental dos animais, podendo causar prejuizos a saude dos individuos. Com o objetivo de proporcionar um ambiente adequado para a manutencao e bem-estar em cativeiro, diferentestecnicas de enriquecimento ambiental foram aplicadas a treze macacos-aranha (Ateles spp.) em tres diferentes ambientes de cativeiro, os quais apresentavam composicao vegetal e animal distintas. Foram observados comportamentos individuais e sociais por um periodo de 309 horas, entre 13 de fevereiro e 10 de agosto de 2006, no Zoologico e Passeio Publico de Curitiba, Parana, Brasil. As observacoes foram organizadas em tres fases: controle, experimental (aplicacao das atividades de enriquecimento) e resposta ao enriquecimento, sendo posteriormente analisadas. Diferentes respostas ao enriquecimento indicaram que animais deste genero, quando mantidos em grupo, em um recinto com area proporcional ao numero de individuos e composto por vegetacao arborea, tem maior oportunidade de expressar comportamentos tipicos da especie.
The Muslim brothers and the Palestine question, 1928-1947

Part 1 Propaganda: Egypt, the Muslim Brothers and the Palestine Question to 1936 the Muslim Brothers and the Palestine revolt - 1936-1937 propaganda for Palestine - July 1937-September 1939 differences among the Brothers. Part 2 Military preparations: the secret apparatus and the Egyptian army support systems. Part 3 The beginnings of armed struggle: the Muslim Brothers in Palestine the eve of military action.
Effect of Ultrasonic Vibration on Proliferation and Differentiation of Cells

The effect of mechanical stimulation of vibration on proliferation and differentiation of cells has been studied in vitro. To apply the vibration on the cells, a piezoelectric element was attached on the outside surface of the bottom of the culture plate of six wells. The piezoelectric element was vibrated by sinusoidal alternating voltage at 1.0 MHz generated by a function generator. Five kinds of cells were used in the experiment: C2C12 (mouse myoblast cell), L929 (fibroblast connective tissue of mouse), Hepa1-6 (mouse hepatoma cell), HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells), and Neuro-2a (mouse neural crest-derived cell line). After the incubation for 24 hours, cells were exposed to the ultrasonic vibration intermittently for three days: for thirty minutes per day. At the end of the experiment, the number of cells was counted by colorimetric method with a microplate photometer. In the case of Neuro-2a, the total length of the neurite is calculated at the microscopic image. Cells were exfoliated by the strong vibration. The experimental results show that proliferation and differentiation of cells are accelerated with mild vibration, and that the optimum intensity of vibration depends on the kind of cells.
The Role of Facial Palsy in Staging Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Temporal Bone and External Auditory Canal: A Comparative Survival Analysis

Objectives: The role for facial palsy in the Pittsburgh staging system for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the external auditory canal (EAC) is unclear. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of published studies to determine the impact of facial palsy on survival outcomes. Data Sources: A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, Cochrane, clinicaltrials.gov, and the National Guideline Clearinghouse databases was supplemented by hand searching. Study Selection: Articles selected for final analysis had individual subject data on staging and/or facial nerve function, outcome, and follow-up period. Data Extraction: Data extracted included demographics, type and stage of cancer, survival, and facial nerve status. Data Synthesis: Of 3,046 citations identified by a systematic literature search, 21 case series including 348 subjects with SCC of the EAC met criteria for analysis. The overall and disease-specific survival for subjects with facial palsy were significantly worse than subjects without facial palsy, regardless of stage (p = 0.006 and p = 0.002, respectively). The overall survival outcome for subjects with facial palsy was significantly worse than subjects with stage PITT-2000 T3-designated cancer (p = 0.027) and demonstrated no statistically significant difference from stage PITT-2000 T4-designated cancer (p = 0.897). Conclusion: This pooled-data survival analysis for SCC of the EAC demonstrates that facial nerve involvement is associated with a poor outcome and that the survival outcomes for subjects with facial palsy more closely parallel the survival curves of advanced stage T4 disease. Disease with facial palsy should be classified as stage T4, in accordance with the PITT-2000 system.
The left temporal pole is important for retrieving words for unique concrete entities

Background: The neuroanatomical basis of lexical retrieval has been studied intensively. The current review focuses on the special case of proper nouns. Aims: This article reviews a programme of research that has used both lesion‐deficit and functional‐imaging (PET) approaches to investigate the neuroanatomical basis for lexical retrieval of proper nouns. In lesion‐deficit studies we found that damage to the left temporal polar (TP) region leads to reliable and specific impairments in naming famous persons (e.g., “George Clooney”) and famous landmarks (e.g., “Golden Gate Bridge”). In functional‐imaging studies we found that when participants name famous persons and landmarks they produce specific activation (increases in regional cerebral blood flow) in the left TP region. Main Contribution: These findings converge with lesion and functional‐imaging data from other laboratories to support the idea that the left TP region is important for the retrieval of names for unique concrete entities, persons and landmarks being typical examples of such categories of entities. Conclusions: We have interpreted these results within a theoretical framework which suggests that left TP contains convergence regions that operate as intermediaries between conceptual knowledge retrieval and lexical retrieval for classes of unique concrete entities.
Design and implementation of integration architecture of ISO 11073 DIM with FHIR resources using CoAP

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an extension and expansion of the Internet which is extensively deployed in the healthcare field. With the proliferation of Personal Health Devices (PHDs), there is a significant incompatibility issue where devices use special data transfer protocols and can only communicate with special healthcare providers from the same manufacturer, thus interoperability and network energy consumption features become important issues. In this paper, we design and implement an integration architecture of ISO 11073 DIM with FHIR resources using CoAP to exchange health information between personal health devices and healthcare providers for solving communication consumption issues and standardization issues. We design and implement an ISO/IEEE 11073 translator gateway for device standardization and an ISO/IEEE 11073/FHIR translator gateway for Electronic Health Record (EHR) standardization. In addition, we use CoAP as data transfer protocol. An android application that is developed acts as a health manager for healthcare consumers. We used SpO2 as personal health device to measure and deliver the health data to test this architecture.
The Management of Unwanted Pregnancy Among Women in Nairobi, Kenya

ABSTRACT. Objectives: This study probed both the meanings women ascribe to their unwanted pregnancies and the drivers of their choices in relation to the management of such pregnancies. Methods: Cross-sectional qualitative in-depth individual interviews were conducted with 80 women and girls in Nairobi, Kenya. Results: Gender, livelihoods, morality, marital status, and male partners exerted extensively complex and multidimensional influence on women's management of their unintentional pregnancies. For instance, although gender norms were frequently invoked to justify terminating unwanted pregnancies, they also regularly provided strong motivations for carrying such pregnancies to term. Conclusions: Urgently needed are programs and policies that support women to avoid unwanted pregnancies and help them respond safely and pragmatically to such pregnancies when they occur.