Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sortase A Mediated Bioconjugation of Common Epitopes Decreases Biofilm Formation in Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most notorious pathogens and is frequently associated with nosocomial infections imposing serious risk to immune-compromised patients. This is in part due to its ability to colonize at the surface of indwelling medical devices and biofilm formation. Combating the biofilm formation with antibiotics has its own challenges like higher values of minimum inhibitory concentrations. Here, we describe a new approach to target biofilm formation by Gram positive bacteria. Sortase A is a transpeptidase enzyme which is responsible for tagging of around ∼22 cell surface proteins onto the outer surface. These proteins play a major role in the bacterial virulence. Sortase A recognizes its substrate through LPXTG motif. Here, we use this approach to install the synthetic peptide substrates onS. aureus. Sortase A substrate mimic, 6His-LPETG peptide was synthesized using solid phase peptide chemistry. Incorporation of the peptide on the cell surface was measured using ELISA. Effect of peptide incubation on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm was also studied. 71.1% biofilm inhibition was observed with 100 μM peptide while on silicon coated rubber latex catheter, 45.82% inhibition was observed. The present work demonstrates the inability of surface modified S. aureus to establish biofilm formation thereby presenting a novel method for attenuating its virulence.
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: State-of-the-Art and Clinical Perspective

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a histological pattern of glomerular injury, rather than a single disease, that is caused by diverse clinicopathological entities with different mechanisms of injury with the podocyte as the principal target of lesion, leading to the characteristic sclerotic lesions in parts (i.e., focal) of some (i.e., segmental) glomeruli. The lesion of FSGS has shown an increasing prevalence over the past few decades and is considered the most common glomerular cause leading to ESKD. Primary FSGS, which usually presents with nephrotic syndrome, is thought to be caused by circulating permeability factors that have a main role in podocyte foot process effacement. Secondary forms of FSGS include maladaptive FSGS secondary to glomerular hyperfiltration such as in obesity or in cases of loss in nephron mass, virus-associated FSGS, and drug-associated FSGS that can result in direct podocyte injury. Genetic FSGS is increasingly been recognized and a careful evaluation of patients with atypical primary or secondary FSGS should be performed to exclude genetic causes. Unlike primary FSGS, secondary and genetic forms of FSGS do not respond to immunosuppression and tend not to recur after kidney transplantation. Distinguishing primary FSGS from secondary and genetic causes has a prognostic significance and is crucial for an appropriate management. In this review, we examine the pathogenesis, clinical approach to distinguish between the different causes, and current recommendations in the management of FSGS.
Effects of Supplementary Strength–Power Training on Neuromuscular Performance in Young Female Athletes

This study examined the effects of a short-duration supplementary strength–power training program on neuromuscular performance and sport-specific skills in adolescent athletes. Twenty-three female “Gymnastics for All” athletes, aged 13 ± 2 years, were divided into a training group (TG, n = 12) and a control group (CG, n = 11). Both groups underwent a test battery before and after 10 weeks of intervention. TG completed, in addition to gymnastics training, a supplementary 7–9 min program that included two rounds of strength and power exercises for arms, torso, and legs, executed in a circuit fashion with 1 min rest between rounds, three times per week. Initially, six exercises were performed (15 s work–15 s rest), while the number of exercises was decreased to four and the duration of each exercise was increased to 30 s (30 s rest) after the fifth week. TG improved countermovement jump performance with one leg (11.5% ± 10.4%, p = 0.002) and two legs (8.2% ± 8.8%, p = 0.004), drop jump performance (14.4% ± 12.6%, p = 0.038), single-leg jumping agility (13.6% ± 5.2%, p = 0.001), and sport-specific performance (8.8% ± 7.4%, p = 0.004), but not 10 m sprint performance (2.4% ± 6.6%, p = 0.709). No change was observed in the CG (p = 0.41 to 0.97). The results of this study indicated that this supplementary strength–power program performed for 7–9 min improves neuromuscular and sport-specific performance after 10 weeks of training.
First report of white root disease of Artocarpus nobilis in Sri Lanka caused by Rigidoporus microporus

Two Artocarpus nobilis trees with symptomatic white root disease patches (Figure 1) were observed in the vicinity of rubber plantations in the Kalutara District (Western Province) of Sri Lanka. The initial foliar symptoms were the development of a slight offgreen colour. Later the leaves turned yellowish brown. At advanced stages, the affected leaves turned brown and eventually fell off resulting in a die-back of the affected branches. On the roots, whitish, profusely branched rhizomorphs were visible. The rhizomorphs were firmly attached to the surface of the roots and later turned pale yellow. Thereafter, the rhizomorphs advanced to the collar region.
Serum amyloid A3 is required for caerulein‐induced acute pancreatitis through induction of RIP3‐dependent necroptosis

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an early and sensitive biomarker of inflammatory diseases, but its role in acute pancreatitis (AP) is still unclear. Here, we used a caerulein‐induced mouse model to investigate the role of SAA in AP and other related inflammatory responses. In our study, we found that the expression of a specific SAA isoform, SAA3, was significantly elevated in a caerulein‐induced AP animal model. In addition, SAA3‐knockout (Saa3−/−) mice showed lower serum levels of amylase and lipase, tissue damage and proinflammatory cytokine production in the pancreas compared with those of wild‐type mice in response to caerulein administration. AP‐associated acute lung injury was also significantly attenuated in Saa3−/− mice. In our in vitro experiments, treatment with cholecystokinin and recombinant SAA3 significantly induced necroptosis and cytokine production. Moreover, we found that the regulatory effect of SAA3 on acinar cell necroptosis was through a receptor‐interacting protein 3 (RIP3)‐dependent manner. Collectively, our findings indicate that SAA3 is required for AP by inducing an RIP3‐dependent necroptosis pathway in acinar cells and is a potential drug target for AP.
Using Cython to Speed up Numerical Python Programs

The present study addresses a series of techniques for speeding up numerical calculations in Python programs. The techniques are evaluated in a benchmark problem involving ﬁnite difference solution of a wave equation. Our aim is to ﬁnd the optimal mix of user-friendly, high-level, and safe programming in Python with more detailed and more error-prone low-level programming in compiled languages. In particular, we present and evaluate Cython, which is a new software tool that combines high-and low-level programming in an attractive way with promising performance. Cython is compared to more well-known tools such as F2PY, Weave, and Instant. With the mentioned tools, Python has a signiﬁcant potential as programming platform in computational mechanics.
Design and Validation of Two InDel Markers for Low Glutelin Content ( Lgc1 ) Gene in Rice ( Oryza sativa L.)

Rice with low glutelin content is quite effective as a kind of functional food for patients with kidney disease. It is of great importance to develop commercial rice varieties of low glutelin content. In recent years, Lgc1 gene, as an excellent genetic resource for rice varieties with low glutelin content, has been given more and more attention by breeders in functional rice breeding. To improve the precision of marker-assisted selection for Lgc1 gene in rice, we designed two pairs of functional markers for Lgc1 gene based on a 3.5 kb deletion fragment between two highly similar glutelin genes GluB4 and GluB5 in two rice mutants. Two InDel markers were designated and named In- Del-Lgc1-A and InDel-Lgc1-B, respectively. These markers were used to analyze 13 rice varieties and the F 2 segregation population derived from the cross of the low glutelin content rice variety W3660 and normal variety Nangjing46. The PCR results showed that according to the band types the homozygous genotype with low glutelin content, the heterozygous genotype, and the homozygous genotype with normal glutelin content could be clearly distinguished, which was completely consistent with the results of the protein analysis. Thus, these two InDel markers could be used to distinguish rice varieties with Lgc1 gene, and can also be used in marker-assisted selection.
Gap‐Crossing Decisions by the Red Squirrel, a Forest‐Dependent Small Mammal

Abstract: Forest‐associated species in fragmented landscapes must traverse potentially inhospitable gaps to move between habitat patches. Although conservation biologists advocate connecting patches with corridors or improving the matrix to make it suitable for movement, little is known about the factors influencing gap‐crossing decisions for most species. We investigated gap crossing by the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) in logged landscapes in southeastern Alaska, where the species avoids microhabitats associated with gaps created by clearcutting. We released individuals across clearcuts and determined the routes they took home with tracking spools and radio telemetry. Of 36 adult red squirrels translocated across six clearcuts, 14 crossed clearcuts to reach home. Squirrels were more likely to cross clearcuts if the detour efficiency (distance to home crossing gap divided by distance of forested detour) was low, indicating an ability to compare distances along alternate routes and travel costs or risks in different habitats. No other landscape metrics, such as gap size or crossing distance, predicted crossing behavior. Red squirrels of low body mass were more likely to cross clearcuts, where the probability of encountering conspecifics is low. Distance predicted route choice for squirrels detouring around clearcuts. Indirect evidence suggests that perceived predation risk, energetic costs, or both are higher in clearcuts. Detour efficiency reportedly influences the gap‐crossing decisions of some forest‐associated birds, but this is the first demonstration of its role in gap‐crossing decisions by a mammal.
Evaluation of Low-Cost/High-Accuracy Indoor Positioning Systems

—Indoor positioning is a challenging research topic. Over the years, many different measurement principles and algorithms have been proposed. Each system has its own advantages and drawbacks, therefore trade-offs have to be made. For example, one generally needs to make a trade-off between cost and accuracy. However, recent developments in sensing technology have led to commercial systems that advertise sub-decimeter positioning accuracy for less than e 1k. In this paper, we benchmark the accuracy of indoor positioning systems by Pozyx labs and Marvelmind robotics, as well as the VIVE tracker by HTC and Aruco Marker tracking in OpenCV. Results show that these systems achieve an average dynamic positioning accuracy of approximately 150 mm, 20 mm, 8 mm and 100 mm, respectively.
The preferences in selecting dietary supplements used in slimming

Abstract Introduction. The interest in weight loss supplements can be noticed in Poland at the moment. It is related to people’s trying to look good as fast as possible. The pharmaceutical market puts an emphasis only on the benefits and majority of the people purchasing the supplements do not regard doctor’s advice as necessary. Therefore, in order to learn about consumers’ awareness about the use of dietary supplements is gaining importance. Aim. The objective of the study was to gain knowledge about choice preferences of dietary supplements used in weight loss, like also to learn about consumer’s awareness about the use of dietary supplements. Material and methods. An anonymous survey was conducted in Mielec in 2015 among 112 women. The questionnaire included questions concerning their knowledge of dietary supplements, the type and amount of consumption, the reasons for using supplements, benefits and health risks of their use. Results. 90.2% of women admitted that they are using or they used dietary supplements in order to reduce weight. Respondents most often derive the information about these preparations from the pharmacist (62.5%), television (46.4%), a doctor (36.6%), radio (30.4%), the Internet (29.5%). 72.4% of female respondents pay attention to the composition of dietary supplement, with the emphasis on the amount of the ingredients (64.3%), its dosage (55.4%), the origin of the ingredients (natural or synthetic) (37.5%). Female respondents prefer dietary supplements either in the form of tablets (83.9%) and capsules (54.7%), as well as in liquid (52.7%). Conclusions. Respondents showed an increased interest in supplements used for weight loss and they usually use it in forms of tablets and capsules. As the role of the Internet increases, it is necessary to educate consumers about ability to search reliable sources of information about dietary supplements used for weight loss.
Nutrient dynamics of a Puerto Rican subtropical dry forest

ABSTRACT The distribution of the nutrients N, P and K in soil and vegetation and their mobility through litterfall and decomposition in mature and successional stands of a subtropical dry forest were studied in Guánica, Puerto Rico. Soils of the Guánica forest have high total amounts of N (9100 kg/ha), P (1820 kg/ha), and K (7460 kg/ha). However, high extractable Ca (>4000 mg/g) and pH (> 7–8) may explain why only 1.3 and 25% of the total P and K, respectively, were extractable. Total ecosystem storage of N, P and K was 10,300, 1900 and 7700 kg/ha, respectively, of which vegetation stored only 10, 2 and 3%, respectively. Litterfall returned 26, 18 and 180% per year of the N, P and K stored in the ground litter compartment. Trees retranslocated about 30 and 65% of the N and P required to satisfy aboveground net primary production and immobilized P in dead roots. Slow leaf decomposition (7.3 yr for 95% decomposition) released K faster than mass, P as fast as mass, and ash and N slower than mass. The use efficiency of P by litterfall was high compared with other tropical forests, while that of N and K was similar to other tropical and temperate forests. Cutting and regrowth of vegetation resulted in differences in the nutrient concentration in litterfall and nutrient use efficiency of successional vegetation. EXTRACTO Se estudió la distributión de los nutrientes N, P y K en suelos y vegetación y su mobilidad en la caída y descomposición de hojarasca en rodales maduros y sucesionales del bosque subtropical seco en Guánica, Puerto Rico. Los suelos almacenan altas cantidades de N (9100 kg/ha), P (1820 kg/ha), y K (7460). Altas cantidades de Ca extractable (> 4000 mg/g) y alto pH (> 7–8) explican porqué solamente el 1.3 y 25% del total de P y K, respectivamente eran extractables. El almacenaje total de N, P y K en el ecosistema fue 10,300, 1900 y 7700 kg/ha, respectivamente, del cual la vegetación almacenaba el 10, 2 y 3%, respectivamente. La caída de hojarasca retornó el 26, 18 y 180%/año del N, P y K almacenado en la hojarasca del bosque. Los arboles retranslocaron alrededor del 30 y 65% del N y P requerido para satisfacer la producción primaria neta sobre tierra e inmobilizaron el P en las raíces muertas. La descomposición lenta de hojas (7.3 años para el 95% de la descomposición liberó K más rápidamente que masa, P tan rápidamente como masa y ceniza y N más lentamente que masa. La eficiencia de uso de P por la caída de hojarasca fue alta al compararse con otros bosques tropicales, mientras que de N y K fue similar a la de otros bosques tropicales y templados. La tala y recrecimiento de vegetación resultó en diferencias en la concentratión de nutrientes en la hojarasca y en la eficiencia de uso de nutrientes de la vegetación sucesional.
Does Corporate Headquarters Location Matter for Firm Capital Structure

This paper studies the impact of corporate headquarters location on capital structure policies. We show that firms exhibit conformity in their financing policies to those of geographically proximate firms, and that the location of corporate headquarters helps explain the cross-sectional variation of capital structure in the United States. The location effect is robust to local credit market conditions and to state laws on corporate takeover and payout restrictions. The results suggest that non-economic factors, such as local culture and social interactions among corporate executives, play a significant role in influencing corporate financial policies of firms headquartered in the same metropolitan area.
Academic advisory boards' contributions to education and learning: Lessons from entrepreneurship centers

Advisory boards of academic centers represent an under-researched, yet unique and influential, contributor to student learning and education. We search for systematic variations among 31 academic advisory boards of entrepreneurship centers based on differences in their effort and attention. Cluster and discriminant analyses reveal that, in terms of effort, boards tend to be either a hands-off ceremonial type or more hands-on and engaged. We also find systematic differences in how boards allocate their attention, based on whether the business school has a research or teaching orientation. We further find that boards' effort and attention affect directors' preferences of the content and approach of entrepreneurship programs, gauging student learning, obstacles to board contributions, and the relative emphasis on the skills students are taught. Our article provides a foundation for a research agenda that considers the unique and influential role that advisory boards can play in enhancing student learning and education.
An Assessment of Driver Drowsiness, Distraction, and Performance in a Naturalistic Setting

This report documents the results of a study to characterize episodes of driver drowsiness and to assess the impact of drowsiness on driving performance. This data mining effort performed additional analyses on the data collected in an earlier Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) study of the effects of fatigue on drivers in local/short haul operations. The primary objectives of the study were to investigate drowsiness as a naturally occurring phenomenon by identifying and characterizing episodes of drowsiness that occurred during every period of driving and to determine the operational or driving-environment factors associated with drowsy driving. A total of 2,745 drowsy events were identified in approximately 900 total hours of naturalistic driving video data. Higher levels of drowsiness were found to be associated with younger and less experienced drivers. In addition, a strong and consistent relationship was found between drowsiness and time of day. Drowsy driving events were twice as likely to occur between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., as compared to baseline, or non-drowsy driving, and approximately 30 percent of all observed instances of drowsiness occurred within the first hour of the work shift. Some interesting insights about the relationship between driver fatigue or drowsiness and driver distraction and inattention are provided. This study presents an analytical framework for quantitatively assessing driver fatigue and drowsiness as a function of driver characteristics and the driving environment.
The calicioid lichens and fungi of the Acadian Forest Ecoregion of northeastern North America, I. New species and range extensions

Abstract Three new species, Chaenotheca erkahomattiorum, Chaenothecopsis dibbleandersoniarum and C. marcineae are described from Maine, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Quebec, in the Acadian Forest Ecoregion of northeastern North America. In addition, Calicium pinastri and Chaenothecopsis amurensis are reported for the first time in North America, and Calicium adaequatum, Chaenothecopsis asperopoda, C. tsugae, C. ussuriensis, Sclerophora amabilis and S. farinacea are reported as new to eastern North America. Keys for identifying white-pruinose and epruinose species of Chaenotheca in North America, and the species of Chaenothecopsis in the Acadian Forest Ecoregion are also included.
Complexity Boundaries for Generalized Guarded Existential Rules

In this report, we establish complexities of the conjunctive query entailment problem for classes of existential rules (also called Tuple-Generating Dependencies or Datalog+/- rules). Our contribution is twofold. First, we introduce the class of \emph{greedy bounded treewidth sets} \emph{(gbts)} of rules, which covers guarded rules, and their known generalizations, namely (weakly) frontier-guarded rules. We provide a generic algorithm for query entailment with \emph{gbts}, which is worst-case optimal for combined complexity with bounded predicate arity, as well as for data complexity. Secondly, we classify several \emph{gbts} classes, whose complexity was unknown, namely frontier-one, frontier-guarded and weakly frontier-guarded rules, with respect to combined complexity (with both unbounded and bounded predicate arity) and data complexity.
Control Approach to Enhance the Performance of a Current-Fed Switched Inverter

Current-fed switched inverter (CFSI), a derivative of Z-source inverter, has the advantages of lower component count, single-stage conversion, high gain, and inherent shoot-through protection. But due to the limitation of modulation index, CFSI is forced to operate at higher dc-link voltage. As a result, voltage stress across the switches and capacitors increases. To mitigate this problem, a new pulsewidth modulation (PWM) technique is proposed. With the proposed scheme, CFSI can be operated at a lower dc-link voltage by increasing the modulation index. But operating at lower dc-link voltage increases peak-to-peak ripple in the inductor current and leads to condition of early discontinuous conduction mode. Therefore, this paper also implemented a variable duty cycle (VDC) scheme, which reduces the peak-to-peak ripple in the input inductor current and increases the continuous conduction mode (CCM) operating range of CFSI. The proposed PWM scheme along with VDC scheme is validated for CFSI, which helps to: 1) reduce the voltage stress form 280 to 180 V; 2) reduce the input current ripple from 53.33% to 15.15%; 3) enlarge CCM range from 56% to 82%; and 4) improve the efficiency by 3.5%.
Decision support problem formulation for structural concept design of ship structures

The paper presents the structural synthesis environment for the formulation of the Decision Support Problem (DSP) in the concept design phase. The DSP for ship structures is based upon coordinated multi-criteria structural optimization and generation of the Pareto frontier. Underlying mathematical models, analysis/synthesis modules and the OCTOPUS software implementation are elaborated. Application of the developed design environment for concept design of the tank-car carrier is used as practical example.