Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genome Sequencing, Purification, and Biochemical Characterization of a 1 Strongly Fibrinolytic Enzyme from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Jxnuwx-1 isolated 2 from Chinese Traditional Douchi 3

A strongly fibrinolytic enzyme was purified from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 24 Jxnuwx-1, found in Chinese traditional fermented black soya bean (douchi). The 25 molecular mass of the enzyme, estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide 26 gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), was 29 kDa. The optimal pH and temperature for 27 the enzyme were 7.6 and 41°C, respectively. The enzyme was inhibited by 28 phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, soybean trypsin inhibitor, ethylenediaminetetraacetic 29 acid, Fe 3+ , and Fe 2+ . The highest affinity exhibited by the enzyme was towards 30 N-Succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-pNA. These results indicated that it is a subtilisin-like 31 serine metalloprotease. The enzyme degraded both fibrinogen and fibrin, displaying 32 its highest degrading activity towards the A α -chains followed by B β chains and C γ 33 chains. The enzyme was also activated by plasminogen, indicating its ability to 34 degrade fibrinogen and fibrin in two ways: (a) by activating plasminogen conversion 35 into plasmin, or (b) by direct hydrolysis. It degraded thrombin, suggesting that it may 36 act as an anticoagulant to prevent thrombosis. Taken together, our results indicate the 37 potential of this enzyme in controlling cardiovascular disease.
The enigma of helium

Helium was first observed in the sun and subsequently much later on the earth. Starting from the early days of its discovery, helium continues to be entwined with the Indian scientific scenario in more ways than one. The element thus has a special charm and significance to the currently emerging situation where it is applied to solve problems in the exceptionally challenging field of tracing the formation of earthquakes and anticipating its occurrence. The present article delves into some of the broader aspects of the problem through a historical approach. The paper also deals with the statistical analysis of the pre-seismic geochemical (He and 222Rn) anomalies recorded at our existing field site laboratories ahead of some major earthquakes that occurred in and around India. A description of the experimentally recorded geochemical (He, F−, Cl−, SO4−−, and B) and geophysical (temperature, pH, conductivity) characteristics of some thermal springs of north and north-east India is included. A dedicated mass spectrometer analyzed intensities of 3He and 4He in air sample made in our laboratory and implication of the pre-seismic enhancement of 3He/4He ratios measured in thermal spring gases is briefly discussed.
Development of the MAM model of schizophrenia in mice: Sex similarities and differences of hippocampal and prefrontal cortical function

Schizophrenia is a debilitating disorder with complex and unclarified etiological factors. Sex differences have been observed in humans but animal models have only focused on male subjects. In this study, we report the establishment of the neurodevelopmental MAM model of schizophrenia in mice and compare the schizotypic-like characteristics and cognitive function in both sexes. Pregnant mice were injected with 26mg/kg(i.p.) of Methylazoxy-methanol acetate (MAM) or saline (5ml/kg) on gestational day (GD) 16 (MAM-16) or 17 (MAM-17). Behavioral, histological and electrophysiological and mass spectrometry-based comparative proteomic techniques were employed to assess the schizotypic-like characteristics and cognitive function of adult male and female offspring (MAM- or saline-treated). Female MAM-16, but not MAM-17 treated mice exhibited enhanced hyperlocomotion after acute administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801, compared to saline treated mice. Male MAM-16, but not MAM-17 treated mice showed decreased pre-pulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex. Both male and female MAM-16 and MAM-17 treated mice exhibited reduced hippocampal (HPC) size and thinning of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), but only male MAM-16 treated mice showed decreased parvalbumin expression in HPC and PFC. Similarly, both male and female MAM-16 treated mice displayed impaired contextual fear memory, while only male MAM-16 treated mice exhibited deficits in the delayed alternation task. The neurophysiological mechanisms that underlie these cognitive functions were further investigated. Both male and female MAM-16 treated mice had significantly reduced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the HPC CA1 synapses, while only male MAM-16 treated mice exhibited decreased LTP in the PFC. Proteomic analyses of PFC lysates further showed significant MAM- and sex-dependent differences in regulation of protein expression. Our results demonstrate that while both male and female mice, prenatally exposed to MAM on GD16, display several core schizophrenia-like deficits and impairments in the hippocampus, only male MAM-treated mice have PFC-dependent cognitive deficits.
Arlequin (version 3.0): An integrated software package for population genetics data analysis

Arlequin ver 3.0 is a software package integrating several basic and advanced methods for population genetics data analysis, like the computation of standard genetic diversity indices, the estimation of allele and haplotype frequencies, tests of departure from linkage equilibrium, departure from selective neutrality and demographic equilibrium, estimation or parameters from past population expansions, and thorough analyses of population subdivision under the AMOVA framework. Arlequin 3 introduces a completely new graphical interface written in C++, a more robust semantic analysis of input files, and two new methods: a Bayesian estimation of gametic phase from multi-locus genotypes, and an estimation of the parameters of an instantaneous spatial expansion from DNA sequence polymorphism. Arlequin can handle several data types like DNA sequences, microsatellite data, or standard multi-locus genotypes. A Windows version of the software is freely available on http://cmpg.unibe. ch/software/arlequin3.
Spatial and temporal variation of MOPITT CO in Africa and South America: A comparison with SHADOZ ozone and MODIS aerosol

[1] Carbon monoxide (CO) measurements from the Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) experiment are used to explore the correlation between biomass burning and ozone profiles at six tropical stations namely Reunion, Irene, Natal, Ascension, San Cristobal, and Paramaribo. Distinct seasonal patterns of CO at each station indicate the strong influence of African and South American biomass burning. All stations show enhanced CO columns during September–November (SON) corresponding to austral burning. Furthermore, the effects of Sahelian burning can be seen at Natal and Ascension. Similarly, the signature of northern Amazonian fires can be observed at San Cristobal. The CO variations are generally similar to the variations of aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieved contemporaneously from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) at most stations, with notable differences at Irene, San Cristobal, and Paramaribo. Tropospheric ozone from Southern Hemisphere Additional Ozonesonde (SHADOZ) ozonesonde measurements at all stations show elevated levels, corresponding to the CO enhancements in SON months. However, there are several instances of ozone enhancements unaccompanied by any CO increase. This might indicate that sources other than biomass burning such as stratospheric tropospheric exchange (STE) or lightning related NOx may be operative. At San Cristobal, strong CO enhancements during March–April are not accompanied by any significant change in ozone.
Late- versus early-onset geriatric depression in a memory research center

Objective: To contrast early-onset (  60 years) and late-onset (  60 years) depression in geriatric patients by evaluating differences in cognition, vascular comorbidity and sociological risk factors. Both patient groups were compared with normal subjects. Materials and methods: We recruited 76 patients with depressive symptoms (37 late onset and 39 early onset) and 17 normal controls matched by age and educational level. All subjects were assessed using a semistructured neuropsychiatric interview and an extensive neuropsychological battery. Vascular and sociological risk factors were also evaluated. Results: We found a significant variation in performance between depressive patients and normal controls in most cognitive functions, especially memory ( P  0.0001), semantic fluency ( P  0.0001), verbal fluency, and digit-symbol ( P  0.0001). Late-onset depression patients scored lower and exhibited more severe impairment in memory domains than early-onset depression patients ( P  0.05). Cholesterol levels and marital status were significantly ( P  0.05) different between the depressive groups. Both depressed groups (early- and late-onset) were more inactive than controls ( P  0.05; odds ratio: 6.02). Conclusion: Geriatric depression may be a manifestation of brain degeneration, and the initial symptom of a dementia. It is important to consider this in the
A simple semi‐dynamic model of the subduction zone: effects of a moving plate boundary on the small‐scale convection under the island arc

SUMMARY A simple semi-dynamic numerical model of the subduction zone, which incorporates the plate velocity and a moving plate boundary as a priori constraints, has been developed. This model may be useful for studying specific subduction zones where a history of kinematic movements of plates is well constrained. As an application of this model, the effects of a moving plate boundary on the nature of the small-scale convection in the mantle wedge were studied. Under the restriction of given ‘relative’ velocity between two converging plates, the ‘absolute’ velocity of each plate was changed and I found that the characteristics of small-scale convection are not significantly affected by the movement of the plate boundary, at least within the parameter range used in this study. I also found a small systematic change, which may be related to the difference of the heat supply to the mantle wedge, caused by the moving plate boundary. Thus, the model with a fixed ‘continental’ plate and moving ‘oceanic’ plate with a given relative velocity may be sufficient for studying the present subject. This model can be extended into a simple 3D subduction zone model.
STUDIES OF TWO KINDS OF VIRUS PARTICLES WHICH COMPRISE INFLUENZA A2 VIRUS STRAINS

Seven strains of influenza A2 virus were serially passed in the chick embryo, and morphological characteristics of the passages were examined in the electron microscope. With serial passage there was a change from a prominently filamentous appearance in early passages to an almost entirely spherical appearance in later passages. The number of passages required for the conversion to spherical morphology varied with different strains. The filament-sphere variation was found to be independent of the properties which differentiate "+" and "-" influenza A2 virus particles, and both highly filamentous and spherical populations of "+" and of "-" virus particles were obtained. The usefulness of these pairs of independent markers for genetic studies is discussed.
Sampling depth of soil moisture content by radiometric measurement at 21 cm wavelength: some experimental results.

Abstract The thickness of soil layer, through which moisture can be directly estimated by means of a microwave radiometer, has been investigated experimentally on a test area in Central Italy by means of airborne sensors. Aircraft remote sensing data, collected on agricultural bare and vegetated fields during the growth stage of vegetation (May-July 1988), have shown that L band microwave emission is correlated to the average moisture of the first 20 cm of soil under the surface. However, correlation between moisture at difference depths makes the identification of the actual sampling depth difficult.
Adaptation and resilience in families of individuals with down syndrome living in Ireland

Background: Down syndrome is a genetic condition that affects people of all races, nationalities and socioeconomic status. The incidence of Down syndrome in Ireland is estimated to be 1 in 546, with approximately 7,000 people with Down syndrome living in Ireland. While some families of individuals with Down syndrome may find it difficult to adapt, other families adapt successfully and some even thrive. The aim of this study, which is guided by the Resiliency Model of Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation was to examine linkages between family demands, family appraisal, family resources, family problemsolving communication and family adaptation in families of individuals with Down syndrome living in Ireland. Methods: Ninety-five parents (79 mothers, 16 fathers) of children with Down syndrome aged between 1 and 30 years completed six selfreport measures designed to assess key dimensions of the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation. Results: This study found that families of children with Down syndrome can adapt and become resilient. Factors found to positively influence this process include family hardiness and affirming family communication. Factors that negatively influenced this process were incendiary family communication and view of the condition impact. Conclusion: Families of children with Down syndrome have the potential to lead full and productive lives and positively adapt to their child’s diagnosis. Early recognition of the difficulties being experienced by families and the provision of interventions that target and foster positive resiliency traits such as affirmative communication and the development of overall family hardiness are key to adaptation.
Exposure in vivo versus pain-contingent physical therapy in complex regional pain syndrome type I

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of exposure in vivo (EXP, a cognitive-behavioral treatment targeting pain-related fear) in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I (CRPS-I), as compared to pain-contingent physical therapy (PPT). Methods: Data from a randomized controlled trial were used to compare the cost-effectiveness of EXP versus PPT from a societal perspective. Intervention costs, other healthcare costs, costs to patient and family, and productivity losses were included. The main outcomes were changes in the SF-36 physical component scale and quality-adjusted life-years. Changes were followed until 6 months after treatment. Uncertainty was estimated using nonparametric bootstrap analysis, cost-effectiveness acceptability curves and cost-effectiveness planes. Sensitivity analyses were performed to check robustness of findings. Results: Forty-six patients were randomized and thirty-eight completed the study. Over 6 months, EXP resulted in greater improvement in physical health-related quality of life and quality-adjusted life-years than PPT. Despite higher initial treatment costs, EXP showed a tendency to reduce all costs compared with PPT; healthcare costs were significantly reduced. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness planes were in favor of EXP. Sensitivity analyses, for different program costs and complete cases only, confirmed robustness of these findings. Conclusions: EXP, a cognitive-behavioral treatment, seems more cost-effective than PPT in CRPS patients with pain-related fear. The initial higher costs for EXP are offset by a long-term reduction of costs for healthcare use, and a tendency to lower work absenteeism and reduced societal costs. Due to low sample sizes, replication of findings is required to confirm results.
Halomonas salipaludis sp. nov., isolated from the saline-alkali wetland soil

Strain WRN001T, a Gram–staining–negative, strictly aerobic, non–motile bacterium was isolated from the natural saline-alkali wetland soil of Binhai new district, Tianjin, China (38°46′N, 117°13′E). Cells of strain WRN001T were 0.3-0.5 µm in width and 1.5-2.5 µm in length, and the growth occurred optimally at 33-37 °C, pH 7.5-8.0, and in the presence of 8-10% (w/v) NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolate could be affiliated to the genus Halomonas, and the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of strain WRN001T to its closest relative Halomonas qiaohouensis YIM QH88T was 97.47%. The size of the genome as presented here was 5,475,884 bp with a G+C content of 63.8 mol %. The major respiratory quinone of strainWRN001T was Q-9, and the dominant fatty acids were summed feature 8, summed feature 3, C10:0, C12:0, C12:0 3-OH, C16:0, and C17:0 cyclo. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phophatidylcholine (PC), two phospholipids (PL), aminolipid (AL), and three unidentified lipids (L). These data mentioned above combined with the low DDH values between strain WRN001T and the close relative, Halomonas alkalitolerans 1513T (42.20%) and base on comparisons with currently available genomes, the highest average nucleotide identity (ANIm) value was 91.39% to Halomonas alkalitolerans 1513T (GenBank accession No. GCA_001971685.1). Therefore, we propose a novel species in the genus Halomonas to accommodate this novel isolate: Halomonas salipaludis sp. nov. (type strain WRN001T = KCTC 52853T = ACCC 19974T).
ATR-based camouflage effectiveness evaluation of MUSTAFA targets

An international multisensor measurement campaign called "MUSTAFA" yielded many infrared image sequences of differently camouflaged targets. The image sequences were acquired by a helicopter sensor platform approaching the targets. The effectiveness of the various camouflage methods still has to be evaluated. Apart from observer experiments, FGAN/FOM and IITB pursue an ATR (Automatic Target Recognition) -based method for the automatic evaluation of the camouflage variants. The ATR approach consists basically of the detection component of an ATR for reconnaissance purposes in forward-looking infrared image sequences (FLIR). Given some flight and sensor parameters the algorithm can report detection hypothesizes together with a measure of confidence and the detection range for each hypothesis. Proceeding on the assumption that better camouflage yields late automatic detection of the corresponding target in approaching image sequences, the detection range output of the algorithm could be an additional criteria for camouflage evaluation. The paper presents some aspects of the reconnaissance detection algorithm, detection ranges for exemplary image sequences of the MUSTAFA data set, and future options: e.g. real-time operation in the sensor platform during the measurement campaign.
Efficacy of memory rehabilitation therapy: A meta-analysis of TBI and stroke cognitive rehabilitation literature

Abstract Objective: To examine the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation strategies specifically designed to improve memory after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke vs. memory improvement with the passage of time. Design and methods: A meta-analysis was performed on 26 studies of memory retraining and recovery that were published between the years of 1985 and 2013. Effect sizes (ESs) from each study were calculated and converted to Pearson’s r and then analysed to assess the overall effect size and the relationship among the ESs, patient demographics and treatment interventions. Results: Results indicated a significant average ES (r = 0.51) in the treatment intervention conditions, as well as a significant average ES (r = 0.31) in the control conditions, in which participants did not receive any treatment. The largest ESs occurred in studies of stroke patients and studies concerning working memory rehabilitation. Conclusions: Results showed that memory rehabilitation was an effective therapeutic intervention, especially for stroke patients and for working memory as a treatment domain. However, the results also indicated that significant memory improvement occurred spontaneously over time.
Image orientation detection with integrated human perception cues (or which way is up)

In this paper, we propose a set of human perceptual cues used jointly to automatically detect image orientation. The cues used are: orientation of faces, position of the sky, brighter regions, and textured objects, and symmetry. We combine these cues in a Bayesian framework, and the photo acquiring model has been considered carefully as the prior knowledge of the image orientation. Results on more than a thousand different images provide a compelling argument that our approach is a viable one.
Geochemical Mass-Balance and Oxygen-Isotope Constraints on Silcrete Formation and Its Paleoclimatic Implications in Southern Australia

ABSTRACT Two geographically distinct silcrete associations are present in southern Australia, inland and eastern; these were sampled in central South Australia and central Victoria, respectively. At each site, both silicified and immediately adjacent unsilicified parent material were collected. Analytical data from these pairs were used to construct isocons, assuming Zr immobility, and to calculate the volume change and amount of silica introduced during silicification. These results, together with whole-rock oxygen-isotope compositions, were used to determine the 18O of the introduced silica. The results show that the eastern silcretes in central Victoria are probably linked genetically to the associated basalts, weathering of which supplied the introduced silica. This conclusion is based on the close spatial connection between the two, as well as the substantial amount of introduced silica in the silcretes (greater than in the inland silcretes), resulting in volume increases in some eastern silcretes. Oxygen isotopic calculations for the silcretes indicate that the silica precipitated from groundwaters at temperatures slightly higher than present conditions. Silcrete formation apparently occurred during the Miocene and Pliocene (basalts in Victoria younger than Pliocene lack associated silcrete) and may reflect the much wetter climate in southeastern Australia at that time. The inland silcretes of central South Australia can be divided into pedogenic (the most common) and groundwater varieties. The pedogenic silcretes, which show typical soil features like columnar and nodular textures, contain moderate amounts of introduced silica that precipitated by evaporation from saline groundwaters. For the groundwater silcretes, which have massive textures and formed at or close to the water table, insufficient data are available to determine the mode of formation. The inland pedogenic silcretes have probably been forming from the Eocene-Miocene to the present, implying that conditions of seasonally high evaporation have occurred in central Australia during this time period. Thus silcrete formation depends on a complex interplay between climate and silica supply, and it is impossible to generalize that the presence of silcrete is indicative of a particular climate. Likewise, the elemental composition of silcretes, particularly Ti content, is not necessarily of climatic significance. Nevertheless, detailed geochemical and oxygen isotopic studies of a silcrete and its parent material can elucidate the mechanisms of silcrete formation, and if evaporation is indicated as a major factor in silcrete formation, then the climate at the time was likely to have been at least seasonally arid.