Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of shaking speed on immobilization of cephalosporin C acylase: Correlation between protein distribution and properties of the immobilized enzymes

During enzyme immobilization, enzyme activity and protein distribution are affected by various factors such as enzyme load, temperature, and pH. In general, two types of protein distribution patterns (heterogeneous or homogeneous) are observed inside a porous carrier, owing to differences in preparation parameters. During the immobilization of a fusion protein (CCApH) of cephalosporin C acylase (CCA) and pHluorin (a pH‐sensitive mutant of green fluorescent protein), different shaking speeds induced obvious differences in protein distribution on an epoxy carrier, LX‐1000EPC. Enzyme immobilization with a homogeneous distribution pattern was observed at a low shaking speed (120 rpm) with an operational stability of 10 batches at 37°C. The operational stability of an immobilisate with heterogeneous protein distribution prepared at a high shaking speed (200 rpm) was six batches. Given the pH‐sensitive characteristics of pHluorin in the fusion protein, the intraparticle pH of CCApH immobilisates during catalysis was monitored using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The microenvironmental pH of the immobilisate with heterogeneous protein distribution sharply decreased by about 2 units; this decrease in the pH may be detrimental to the life‐span of immobilized CCA. Thus, this work demonstrates the good operational stability of pH‐sensitive proton‐forming immobilized enzymes with homogeneous protein distribution.
A field-based quantitative analysis of sublethal effects of air pollution on pollinators

Significance India is the world’s largest fruit producer and second most populous country. Pollinators are therefore important for India’s food security. India also contains 9 of the world’s 10 most polluted cities, but the impact of air pollution on plant and animal systems is largely unknown. We performed a multiyear study in the megacity of Bangalore to correlate the mechanistic effects of air pollution on a major Indian pollinator, the Giant Asian honey bee, Apis dorsata. Wild honey bees and lab-reared Drosophila exposed to air pollution exhibited differences in survival, behavior, heart rate, blood cell count, and/or the expression of genes related to stress, immunity, and metabolism. Our study indicates the urgency for more studies on wild systems to better inform international air quality guidelines. While the impact of air pollution on human health is well studied, mechanistic impacts of air pollution on wild systems, including those providing essential ecosystem services, are largely unknown, but directly impact our health and well-being. India is the world’s largest fruit producer, second most populous country, and contains 9 of the world’s 10 most polluted cities. Here, we sampled Giant Asian honey bees, Apis dorsata, at locations with varying air pollution levels in Bangalore, India. We observed significant correlations between increased respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) deposition and changes in bee survival, flower visitation, heart rate, hemocyte levels, and expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, stress, and immunity. Lab-reared Drosophila melanogaster exposed to these same sites also exhibited similar molecular and physiological differences. Our study offers a quantitative analysis on the current impacts of air pollution on insects, and indicates the urgency for more nonhuman studies to accurately assess the effects of pollution on our natural world.
Managing Tasks across the Work–Life Boundary: Opportunities, Challenges, and Directions

Task management tools allow people to record, track, and manage task-related information across their work and personal contexts. As work contexts have shifted amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become important to understand how these tools are continuing or failing to support peoples’ work-related and personal needs. In this article, we examine and probe practices for managing task-related information across the work–life boundary. We report findings from an online survey deployed to 150 information workers during Summer 2019 (i.e., pre-pandemic) and 70 information workers at the same organization during Summer 2020 (i.e., mid-pandemic). Across both survey cohorts, we characterize these cross-boundary task management practices, exploring the central role that physical and digital tools play in managing task-related information that arises at inopportune times. We conclude with a discussion of the opportunities and challenges for future productivity tools that aid people in managing task-related information across their personal and work contexts.
Energy Metabolism and Nocturnal Hypothermia in Two Tropical Passerine Frugivores, Manacus vitellinus and Pipra mentalis

Oxygen consumption (V̇o2) and body temperature (Tb) were measured in Manacus vitellinus (mean mass, 15.5 g) and Pipra mentalis (mean mass, 12.3 g) on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. The two species had the same mean euthermic nocturnal Tb (37.9 C). During activity Tb sometimes reached 43 C. In both species, nocturnal basal metabolic rate (BMR) (41.69 cm³ O₂/h in M. vitellinus and 34.9 cm³ O₂/h in P. mentalis) was significantly less than predicted on the basis of mass. At night fasted birds frequently, and unfasted birds occasionally, became hypothermic, with Tb ranging between 27 and 36 C. Their Tb always remained several degrees above ambient temperature (Ta). The lowest Tb recorded was 26.8 C at a Ta of 14.6 C. Thermal conductance was the same in euthermic and hypothermic birds. Manakins save substantial amounts of energy by their nocturnal hypothermia. During a 12-h night a 14-g M. vitellinus maintaining a Tb of 27 C in a Ta of 22 C for 10 h would expend 6.4 kJ less than if it maintained its Tb at the mean euthermic nocturnal level. This represents a savings of 58%. The selective pressures that have favored nocturnal hypothermia in manakins have probably operated on other small tropical frugivorous birds. We predict that the main components of the metabolic pattern of manakins will also be found in other small tropical passerines with similar food habits.
MYC Participates in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Sepsis via Promoting Cell Proliferation and Inhibiting Apoptosis

Objective This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of MYC proto-oncogene, BHLH Transcription Factor (MYC) gene, on sepsis. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, rat-derived H9C2 cardiomyocyte cells were cultured in vitro, followed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment with different concentration gradients. The cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) assay, enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) assay, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), cell transfection, Western blot and flow cytometry were used to observe the cellular apoptosis and proliferation of cells in both treated LPS groups and normal control group. Results The result of CCK-8 assay showed that silencing MYC inhibited cellular proliferation of sepsis in absence or presence of LPS treatment. ELISA assay showed that the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were decreased in MYC silenced group, but they were increased after LPS treatment. Moreover, Flow cytometry assay showed that MYC silencing contributed to the apoptosis of sepsis cells. Furthermore, the expression of inflammatory factors showed that MYC silencing elevated the expression of inflammation factors. Conclusion MYC might take part in the process of LPS induced sepsis through suppressing apoptosis and inducing cell proliferation. Moreover, MYC might reduce inflammation during the progression of LPS induced sepsis.
The effectiveness and design of informed choice tools for people with severe mental illness: a systematic review

Abstract Background People with severe mental illness (SMI) report difficulty in making health-related decisions. Informed choice tools are designed to guide individuals through a decision-making process. Aims To determine the effectiveness of these tools for people with SMI and to identify what methods and processes may contribute to effectiveness. Method A systematic electronic search was conducted for studies published between 1996 and January 2018. The search was updated in March 2020. Studies of any design reporting the development or evaluation of any informed choice tool for people with SMI were considered. A structured, narrative synthesis was conducted. Results Ten articles describing four tools were identified. Tools were designed to assist with decision-making around bipolar treatment, smoking cessation and disclosure of mental illness in employment situations. Positive changes in decisional conflict, stage of change, knowledge and self-efficacy were reported for two tools, though insufficient data exists for definitive conclusions of effectiveness. Feedback from service users and attention to readability appeared key. Conclusions The evidence base for informed choice tools for people with SMI is limited. Such tools should be developed in stages and include the views of people with SMI at each phase; readability should be considered, and a theoretical framework should be used to facilitate process evaluation.
A novel reduction device for the minimally invasive treatment of femoral shaft fractures.

OBJECTIVE In this study, a new type of reduction device for femoral shaft fractures was developed and designed. The reduction procedure was also standardized and is expected to be useful in clinical practice. METHODS A bone traction retractor that consisted of a special traction needle, a resistant sleeve, a crossbar and an arc-adjusting bar was designed. Forty-eight patients (32 males and 16 females, mean age 33.21±7.03 years old) with femoral shaft fractures treated in our hospital from January 2016 to December 2017 were selected. According to the AO classification, there were 15 patients with type A, 24 patients with type B and 9 patients with type C fractures. All patients were treated with transverse bone traction for closed reduction of femoral shaft fractures and femoral reconstruction with intramedullary nails for final fixation. The injured side, preoperative delay time, reduction and operative times, operative blood loss, drilling frequency, number of open reduction cases, hospitalization days, fracture healing time, postoperative HSS function score and complications were recorded. RESULTS All 48 patients were treated with transverse bone traction using our novel device to obtain reduction. The average time needed for reduction was 19.98±4.66 min. The operating time was 60-100 min, with an average of 78.65±16.81 min, and the average intraoperative blood loss was 131.91±30.22 ml. Open reduction was performed in 8 patients: 1 patient in the experimental group and 7 patients in the control group. The average hospitalization days was 7.78±2.81 days, the fracture healing time was 10 to 15 weeks, with an average of 12.44±2.63 weeks, and the postoperative HSS score was 80-95 points, with an average of 86.52±6.03 points. None of the patients had coxa vara, nonunion, internal fixation failure, infection, nerve injury, limb length discrepancy or other complications. CONCLUSION In this study, the transverse bone traction reduction technique and the design of a proprietary reduction device system were proposed, with high clinical application. The transverse bone traction reduction technique has the advantages of simple operation, reliable reduction and limited intraoperative fluoroscopy in the minimally invasive treatment of femoral shaft fractures.
DIGITAL BANKING AND CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP IN BANKING INDUSTRY IN KENYA

Adoption of digital banking as a platform for banking services has continued to rise globally as consumers become more and more comfortable with using mobile and Internet channels for banking. Banks on the other hand are continuously breaking away from the traditional branch banking by embracing digital banking mainly to cut cost and win the young tech-savvy customers. In Kenya this has been seen with the rise of mobile banking, internet banking and other digital platforms employed by various commercial banks in Kenya. Nevertheless, there’s a gap about how these digitization of banking have affected customer relationship among commercial banks in Kenya. This prompted the research to find out the effects of digital banking on customer relationship in banking industry in Kenya. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the effect of digital banking perceived benefits like convenience of online transactions, decision support systems, online customer care support systems and interactivity on bank-customer relationship in banking industry in Kenya. The research investigated 120 customers randomly selected from 6 commercial banks based in Nairobi with two banks randomly selected from each tier. The 6 banks acted as a sample of the 43 registered commercial banks in Kenya.To achieves this, the study employed the theory of disruptive innovation and Technology Acceptance Model. Semi structured questionnaires will be used to collect data and a descriptive statistics analysis was used to analyze the data. The collected data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics and the results presented using frequency tables, charts and graphs. A linear regression model was also be used to determine the effect that the independent variables has on the dependent variable. From the presented information, conclusions on whether and how these digital banking affects customer relationship among commercial banks in Kenya were be drawn and recommendations made from there. In conclusion it was observed that the commercial banks locally and globally are immensely implementing digital banking to minimize the costs related to the traditional brick and motor banks and also to stay competitive and retain market share in the digital oriented market. The banks are constantly investing in information technologies that aim to put them above their rivals. The bank’s main assets are the customers and therefore these customers are meant to be treated well and a profitable relationship sustained.
Direct Transfer to Angio-Suite Versus Computed Tomography–Transit in Patients Receiving Mechanical Thrombectomy

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background and Purpose: To quantify workflow metrics in patients receiving stroke imaging (noncontrast-enhanced computed tomography [CT] and CT-angiography) in either a computed-tomography scanner suite (CT-Transit [CTT]) or an angio-suite (direct transfer to angio-suite—[DTAS]—using flat-panel CT) before undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Methods: Prospective, single-center investigator initiated randomized controlled trial in a comprehensive stroke center focusing on time from imaging to groin puncture (primary end point) and time from hospital admission to final angiographic result (secondary end point) in patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion after randomization to the CTT or DTAS pathway. Results: The trial was stopped early after the enrollment of n=60 patients (CTT: n=34/60 [56.7 %]; DTAS: n=26/60 [43.3%]) of n=110 planned patients because of a preplanned interim analysis. Time from imaging to groin puncture was shorter in DTAS-patients (in minutes, median [interquartile range]: CTT: 26 [23–32]; DTAS: 19 [15–23]; P value: 0.001). Time from hospital admission to stroke imaging was shorter in patients randomized to DTAS (CTT: 12 (7–18); DTAS: 21 (15–25), P value: 0.007). Time from hospital admission to final angiographic reperfusion was comparable between patient groups (CTT: 78 [58–92], DTAS: 80 [66–118]; P value: 0.067). Conclusions: This trial showed a reduction in time from imaging to groin-puncture when patients are transferred directly to the angiosuite for advanced stroke-imaging compared with imaging in a CT scanner suite. This time saving was outweighed by a longer admission to imaging time and could not translate into a shorter time to final angiographic reperfusion in this trial.
A Hierarchical Hand Gesture Recognition Framework for Sports Referee Training-Based EMG and Accelerometer Sensors

To cultivate professional sports referees, we develop a sports referee training system, which can recognize whether a trainee wearing the Myo armband makes correct judging signals while watching a prerecorded professional game. The system has to correctly recognize a set of gestures related to official referee’s signals (ORSs) and another set of gestures used to intuitively interact with the system. These two gesture sets involve both large motion and subtle motion gestures, and the existing sensor-based methods using handcrafted features do not work well on recognizing all kinds of these gestures. In this work, deep belief networks (DBNs) are utilized to learn more representative features for hand gesture recognition, and selective handcrafted features are combined with the DBN features to achieve more robust recognition results. Moreover, a hierarchical recognition scheme is designed to first recognize the input gesture as a large or subtle motion gesture, and the corresponding classifiers for large motion gestures and subtle motion gestures are further used to obtain the final recognition result. Moreover, the Myo armband consists of eight-channel surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors and an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and these heterogeneous signals can be fused to achieve better recognition accuracy. We take basketball as an example to validate the proposed training system, and the experimental results show that the proposed hierarchical scheme considering DBN features of multimodality data outperforms other methods.
Virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and genetic characteristics of hydrogen sulfide-producing Escherichia coli isolated from swine

Escherichia (E.) coli is commensal bacteria found in the intestine; however, some pathogenic strains cause diseases in animals and humans. Although E. coli does not typically produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S), H2S-producing strains of E. coli have been identified worldwide. The relationship between virulence and H2S production has not yet been determined. Therefore, characteristics of H2S-producing isolates obtained from swine feces were evaluated including antibiotic resistance patterns, virulence gene expression, and genetic relatedness. Rates of antibiotic resistance of the H2S- producing E. coli varied according to antibiotic. Only the EAST1 gene was detected as a virulence gene in five H2S-producing E. coli strains. Genes conferring H2S production were not transmissible although the sseA gene encoding 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase was detected in all H2S-producing E. coli strains. Sequences of the sseA gene motif CGSVTA around Cys238 were also identical in all H2S- producing E. coli strains. Diverse genetic relatedness among the isolates was observed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis. These results suggested that H2S-producing E. coli strains were not derived from a specific clone and H2S production in E. coli is not associated with virulence genes.
The occurrence and persistence of nuclear polyhedrosis virus in fluctuating populations of tent caterpillars

ABSTRACT To determine the dynamics of infection by nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) in western and forest tentTo determine the dynamics of infection by nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) in western and forest tent caterpillars, Malacosoma californicum pluviale (Dyar) and Malacosoma disstria (Hbn), I developed and tested a DNA dotblot hybridization assay for this system. The level of infection detected by the dot-blot assay was similar to that based on rearing field-collected tent caterpillars in the laboratory until viral death. Results based on testing crude caterpillar homogenates were the same as those in which DNA was extracted with phenol-chloroform. Experimental infection of second and third instar caterpillars showed that viral infection could be detected in 46% of the caterpillars two days after infection and 80 to 90% by four to five days post-infection. I monitored the levels of viral infection in six populations of forest tent caterpillars in Prince George, British Columbia. I found that high host density populations tended to have higher levels of virus than low density populations, but exceptions occurred. Virus persisted in populations through low density and the population with the highest level of virus in the peak density year collapsed following decline.
Immuno-informatics-based identification of novel potential B cell and T cell epitopes to fight Zika virus infections.

BACKGROUND Globally, the recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil, Asia Pacific, and other countries highlighted the unmet medical needs. Currently, there are neither effective vaccines nor therapeutics available to prevent or treat ZIKV infection. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to design an epitope-based vaccine for ZIKV using an in silico approach to predict and analyze B- and T-cell epitopes. METHODS The prediction of the most antigenic epitopes has targeted the capsid and the envelope proteins as well as nonstructural proteins NS5 and NS3 using immune-informatics tools PROTPARAM, CFSSP, PSIPRED, and Vaxijen v2.0. B and T-cell epitopes were predicted using ABCpred, IEDB, TepiTool, and their toxicity were evaluated using ToxinPred. The 3-dimensional epitope structures were generated by PEP-FOLD. Energy minimization was performed using Swiss-Pdb Viewer, and molecular docking was conducted using PatchDock and FireDock server. RESULTS As a result, we predicted 307 epitopes of MHCI (major histocompatibility complex class I) and 102 epitopes of MHCII (major histocompatibility complex class II). Based on immunogenicity and antigenicity scores, we identified the four most antigenic MHC I epitopes: MVLAILAFLR (HLA-A*68 :01), ETLHGTVTV (HLA-A*68 :02), DENHPYRTW (HLA-B*44 :02),QEGVFHTMW (HLA-B*44 :03) and TASGRVIEEW (HLA-B*58:01), and MHC II epitopes: IIKKFKKDLAAMLRI (HLA-DRB3*02 :02), ENSKMMLELDPPFGD (HLA-DRB3*01:01), HAETWFFDENHPYRT (HLA-DRB3*01:01), TDGVYRVMTRRLLGS (HLA-DRB1*11 :01), and DGCWYGMEIRPRKEP (HLA-DRB5*01:01). CONCLUSION This study provides novel potential B cell and T cell epitopes to fight Zika virus infections and may prompt further development of vaccines against ZIKV and other emerging infectious diseases. However, further investigations for protective immune response by in vitro and in vivo studies to ratify the immunogenicity, safety of the predicted structure, and ultimately the vaccine properties to prevent ZIKV infections are warranted.
Progress in the pretreatment and analysis of N-nitrosamines: an update since 2010

Abstract As highly toxic substances, N-nitrosamines (NAs) have been proved to cause carcinogenesis and mutagenesis in humans. Therefore, to carefully monitor safety and preserve human health, the development of rapid, accurate, and high-sensitivity determination methods of NAs is of substantial importance. This review provides a current-status comprehensive summary of the pretreatment and determination methods of NAs in various samples since 2010. Common pretreatment methods that have been used to extract and purify targets include solid-phase extraction, liquid-liquid extraction and various microextraction methods, such as solid-phase microextraction and liquid-phase microextraction, among others. Determination methods include liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography and electrochemical methods, among others. In addition, we discuss and compare the advantages and disadvantages of various pretreatment and analytical methods and examine the prospects in this area. Graphical Abstract