Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Battacin (Octapeptin B5), a New Cyclic Lipopeptide Antibiotic from Paenibacillus tianmuensis Active against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria

ABSTRACT Hospital-acquired infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria are a significant challenge to patient safety. Numerous clinical isolates resistant to almost all commercially available antibiotics have emerged. Thus, novel antimicrobial agents, specifically those for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, are urgently needed. In the current study, we report the isolation, structure elucidation, and preliminary biological characterization of a new cationic lipopeptide antibiotic, battacin or octapeptin B5, produced from a Paenibacillus tianmuensis soil isolate. Battacin kills bacteria in vitro and has potent activity against Gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug-resistant and extremely drug-resistant clinical isolates. Hospital strains of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the pathogens most sensitive to battacin, with MICs of 2 to 4 μg/ml. The ability of battacin to disrupt the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is comparable to that of polymyxin B, the last-line therapy for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, the capacity of battacin to permeate bacterial plasma membranes is less extensive than that of polymyxin B. The bactericidal kinetics of battacin correlate with the depolarization of the cell membrane, suggesting that battacin kills bacteria by disrupting the cytoplasmic membrane. Other studies indicate that battacin is less acutely toxic than polymyxin B and has potent in vivo biological activity against E. coli. Based on the findings of the current study, battacin may be considered a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
Simulation of Unidirectional Interdigital Transducers in SAW Devices using COMSOL Multiphysics

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices based on Rayleigh wave, shear wave, love wave, acoustic plate mode (APM) wave and flexural plate wave have been explored for sensors, actuators and telecommunication applications. An interdigital transducer (IDT) is a metallic comb-like structure fabricated over piezoelectric substrate. SAWs are generated over the substrate by applying electrical signal to the IDT. A unidirectional IDT (UDT) is a type of IDT where the propagation of SAW is restricted to one direction. In this paper we have modeled a floating electrode unidirectional IDT (FEUDT) using COMSOL Multiphysics. In this simulation YZ lithium niobate is chosen as the substrate with mass less electrodes. The frequency response analysis is performed and admittance of the FEUDT is evaluated. Further the simulation results can be extended to extract coupling of mode (COM) parameters, which are vital in designing SAW devices.
Canine visceral leishmaniasis in northeast Brazil: assessment of serodiagnostic methods.

Domestic dogs are considered to be a major reservoir of Leishmania donovani chagasi in northeast Brazil, and the elimination of infected dogs is an important part of the control program. We assessed 2 serological methods, IFA and ELISA. Of 405 dogs, 8% were positive by IFA obtained from blood collected by drying onto filter paper followed by elution, 17% were positive by IFA performed using sera, and 38% were positive by ELISA on the same sera. Thirty-five dogs, seropositive by 1 or more of the above tests, were killed and touch preparations were made of liver, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Samples were cultured in enriched NNN media. The ELISA recognized all dogs with proven infection; IFA detected 10 of 12. Eleven dogs were positive by touch preparations and 7 by culture. In addition, kDNA hybridization was undertaken with probes to L. donovani chagasi, L. braziliensis ssp. , and L. mexicana amazonensis. Positive results were obtained from tissue in 19 instances, but 10 culture positive specimens were not recognized.
The ontogeny of cross‐sex genetic correlations: an analysis of patterns

The independent evolution of males and females is typically constrained by shared genetic variance. Despite substantial research, we still know little about the evolution of cross‐sex genetic covariance and its standardized measure, the cross‐sex genetic correlation (rMF). In particular, it is unclear if rMF tend to vary with age. We compiled 28 traits for which ontogenetic trends in rMF were documented. Decreases in rMF with age were observed significantly more often than increases and the mean effect size for the relationship between rMF and age was large and negative. This suggests that sexual dimorphism (SD) may typically evolve more readily for phenotypes expressed later in ontogeny and that evolutionary inferences related to the evolution of SD should be limited to the ontogenetic stage at which rMF was estimated. Knowledge about ontogenetic variation in rMF should help improving our understanding of evolutionary patterns related to SD and the resolution of intralocus sexual conflicts.
A Two-Phase Model of Resource Allocation in Visual Working Memory

Two broad theories of visual working memory (VWM) storage have emerged from current research, a discrete slot-based theory and a continuous resource theory. However, neither the discrete slot-based theory or continuous resource theory clearly stipulates how the mental commodity for VWM (discrete slot or continuous resource) is allocated. Allocation may be based on the number of items via stimulus-driven factors, or it may be based on task demands via voluntary control. Previous studies have obtained conflicting results regarding the automaticity versus controllability of such allocation. In the current study, we propose a two-phase allocation model, in which the mental commodity could be allocated only by stimulus-driven factors in the early consolidation phase. However, when there is sufficient time to complete the early phase, allocation can enter the late consolidation phase, where it can be flexibly and voluntarily controlled according to task demands. In an orientation recall task, we instructed participants to store either fewer items at high-precision or more items at low-precision. In 3 experiments, we systematically manipulated memory set size and exposure duration. We did not find an effect of task demands when the set size was high and exposure duration was short. However, when we either decreased the set size or increased the exposure duration, we found a trade-off between the number and precision of VWM representations. These results can be explained by a two-phase model, which can also account for previous conflicting findings in the literature.
An alternative method for controlling two-output DC-to-DC converters using saturable core inductor

An alternative to the use of a conventional magnetic amplifier in the control of a second output in buck derived DC-to-DC converters is presented. Power semiconductors in the active region are avoided and the second output does not present additional phase shift due to the rest of the core system. These two advantages increase converter efficiency and transient response. The method is based on a double modulation of the switching frequency and duty cycle in the power switch. The switching frequency modulation is, however, relatively small. Keeping the switching frequency almost constant versus input voltage variations and changing slightly versus load variations. <<ETX>>
Beyond ECDSA and RSA: Lattice-based digital signatures on constrained devices

All currently deployed asymmetric cryptography is broken with the advent of powerful quantum computers. We thus have to consider alternative solutions for systems with long-term security requirements (e.g., for long-lasting vehicular and avionic communication infrastructures). In this work we present an efficient implementation of BLISS, a recently proposed, post-quantum secure, and formally analyzed novel lattice-based signature scheme. We show that we can achieve a significant performance of 35.3 and 6 ms for signing and verification, respectively, at a 128-bit security level on an ARM Cortex-M4F microcontroller. This shows that lattice-based cryptography can be efficiently deployed on today's hardware and provides security solutions for many use cases that can even withstand future threats.
Ciliates and the Rare Biosphere: A Review

Here we provide a brief review of the rare biosphere from the perspective of ciliates and other microbial eukaryotes. We trace research on rarity from its lack of much in‐depth focus in morphological and Sanger sequencing projects, to its central importance in analyses using high throughput sequencing strategies. The problem that the rare biosphere is potentially comprised of mostly errors is then discussed in the light of asking community‐comparative, novel‐diversity, and ecosystem‐functioning questions.
Distributed positioning for redundant robotic systems

SUMMARY A new approach to redundant robots is presented. The problem of the multiple solutions of the inverse kinematic is solved by making a special distribution of robot external motions to the redundant number of joint motions. The distribution is made in such a way to separate the smooth transport motion from the relative motion which could be fast and have high acceleration.
Perbandingan Hasil Belajar IPA Peserta Didik yang Menggunakan Model Pembelajaran Kooperatif Tipe Two Stay Two Stray (TS-TS) dengan Tipe Think Pair Share (TPS) Kelas VIII MTs Negeri Gowa

Berdasarkan hasil analisis deskriptif menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata hasil belajar peserta didik dengan model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe TS-TS adalah 12.43 berada pada kategori tinggi dengan persentase 50% sedangkan dengan model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe TPS berada pada kategori tinggi dengan persentase 46,875% serta nilai rata-rata 14.25. Selanjutnya, hasil analisis inferensial menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan yang sinifikan antara hasil belajar IPA peserta didik yang diajar menggunakan model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe TS-TS dan TPS dimana dengan hasil perhitungan nilai t hitung > t tabel (2.6033>1.67) yang berarti H0 ditolak. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian tersebut dapat diketahui bahwa model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe TS-TS dan TPS dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik kelas VIII MTs Negeri Gowa.
Characterizing the Energy Consumption of Software Transactional Memory

The well-known drawbacks imposed by lock-based synchronization have forced researchers to devise new alternatives for concurrent execution, of which transactional memory is a promising one. Extensive research has been carried out on software transaction memory (STM), most of all concentrated on program performance, leaving unattended other metrics of great importance like energy consumption. This letter presents a thorough evaluation of energy consumption in a state-of-the-art STM. We show that energy and performance results do not always follow the same trend and, therefore, it might be appropriate to consider different strategies depending on the focus of the optimization. We also introduce a novel strategy based on dynamic voltage and frequency scaling for contention managers, revealing important energy and energy-delay product improvements in high-contended scenarios. This work is a first study towards a better understanding of the energy consumption behavior of STM systems, and could prompt STM designers to research new optimizations in this area, paving the way for an energy-aware transactional memory.
Optimal Grain Marketing Revisited

Increasing grain price volatility over the last year has revived the discussion on optimal marketing strategies. Various models of optimal grain marketing have been proposed and simulated in the literature. In this study, an overview of these models is presented and critical aspects are discussed. Optimal strategies are then applied to the wheat market in Germany and Poland. The results show that gains from optimal marketing are rather small and uncertain in the real world, indicating that scientific assistance may be of limited importance when using only publicly available information. However, an understanding of optimization and price-generating processes is likely to improve farmers' decisions – in particular when additional (private) information to improve price forecasts is available.
Comparison of Protein Immunoprecipitation-Multiple Reaction Monitoring with ELISA for Assay of Biomarker Candidates in Plasma

Quantitative analysis of protein biomarkers in plasma is typically done by ELISA, but this method is limited by the availability of high-quality antibodies. An alternative approach is protein immunoprecipitation combined with multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (IP-MRM). We compared IP-MRM to ELISA for the analysis of six colon cancer biomarker candidates (metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), thrombospondin-2 (THBS2), endoglin (ENG), mesothelin (MSLN) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9)) in plasma from colon cancer patients and noncancer controls. Proteins were analyzed by multiplex immunoprecipitation from plasma with the ELISA capture antibodies, further purified by SDS-PAGE, digested and analyzed by stable isotope dilution MRM. IP-MRM provided linear responses (r = 0.978–0.995) between 10 and 640 ng/mL for the target proteins spiked into a “mock plasma” matrix consisting of 60 mg/mL bovine serum albumin. Measurement variation (coefficient of variation at the limit of detection) for IP-MRM assays ranged from 2.3 to 19%, which was similar to variation for ELISAs of the same samples. IP-MRM and ELISA measurements for all target proteins except ENG were highly correlated (r = 0.67–0.97). IP-MRM with high-quality capture antibodies thus provides an effective alternative method to ELISA for protein quantitation in biological fluids.
Detection and Molecular Characterization of Avian Rotaviruses in Broiler Farms in Guilan

Background: Avian rotaviruses are one of the important agents of enteritis in birds and have a worldwide distribution. These viruses have an important role in runting and stunting syndrome in chickens. Objectives: The aim of this study was detection and molecular characterization of avian rotaviruses in broiler farms in Guilan province. Methods: In this study, 100 samples were collected on different farms from the intestines of healthy and diseased broiler chickens and tested by RT-PCR targeting of the NSP4 gene. Sequencing of NSP4 gene has been used for characterization of detected viruses. ResultS: Avian rotaviruses were detected in 46% of samples by RT-PCR. Partial sequencing of seven NSP4 genes and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the viruses belonged to group A avian rotaviruses and were 97.52% to 100% homologous. Sequence identity between viruses with previous chicken rotavirus sequences was 31.68% to 99.5%. In comparison with turkey rotavirus Ty-1 and pigeon rotavirus, the homology was 76.98% to 78.22% and 74.75% to 76.98%, respectively. Evident differences were detected between the rotaviruses studied and human and pig rotaviruses with homologies of 31.19% to 38.86% for pig and 47.77% to 48.02% for human viruses. Conclusions: This study was the first molecular characterization of avian rotaviruses in Iran. Results of this study showed that the group A avian rotaviruses are one of the considerable enteric pathogens in broiler chickens of Guilan province. Further study on the whole genome structure could elucidate the evolutionary process of avian rotaviruses circulating in Iran.
Light and excess manganese . Implications for oxidative stress in common bean

The effect of light intensity on antioxidants, antioxidant enzymes, and chlorophyll content was studied in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) exposed to excess Mn. Leaves of bean genotypes contrasting in Mn tolerance were exposed to two different light intensities and to excess Mn; light was controlled by shading a leaflet with filter paper. After 5 d of Mn treatment ascorbate was depleted by 45% in leaves of the Mn-sensitive genotype ZPV-292 and by 20% in the Mn-tolerant genotype CALIMA. Nonprotein sulfhydryl groups and glutathione reductase were not affected by Mn or light treatment. Ten days of Mn-toxicity stress increased leaf ascorbate peroxidase activity of cv ZPV-292 by 78% in low light and by 235% in high light, and superoxide dismutase activity followed a similar trend. Increases of ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity observed in cv CALIMA were lower than those observed in the susceptible cv ZPV-292. The cv CALIMA had less ascorbate oxidation under excess Mn-toxicity stress. Depletion of ascorbate occurred before the onset of chlorosis in Mn-stressed plants, especially in cv ZPV-292. Lipid peroxidation was not detected in floating leaf discs of mature leaves exposed to excess Mn. Our results suggest that Mn toxicity may be mediated by oxidative stress, and that the tolerant genotype may maintain higher ascorbate levels under stress than the sensitive genotype.
Energy-efficient tracking control of pneumatic cylinders

Pneumatic actuators have been widely used in industry for over a hundred years. However, it is well-known that pneumatic actuators have very poor energy efficiency. Also, it is difficult to achieve accurate positioning due to the inherent nonlinearity caused by air compressibility. This paper presents recent work in developing an energy-efficient tracking control strategy for pneumatic cylinders. The pneumatic system is initially transformed into a linear system description using the nonlinear input/output feedback linearization method. Then energy efficient velocity profile is derived based on optimal control theory. A servo/tracking controller is then designed to drive the system to follow the derived new energy efficiency velocity profile. The simulation study indicates that energy consumption can be reduced by 3–5%.
Mutagenesis computer experiments in pentameric ligand-gated ion channels: the role of simulation tools with different resolution

Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) are an important class of widely expressed membrane neuroreceptors, which play a crucial role in fast synaptic communications and are involved in several neurological conditions. They are activated by the binding of neurotransmitters, which trigger the transmission of an electrical signal via facilitated ion flux. They can also be activated, inhibited or modulated by a number of drugs. Mutagenesis electrophysiology experiments, with natural or unnatural amino acids, have provided a large body of functional data that, together with emerging structural information from X-ray spectroscopy and cryo-electron microscopy, are helping unravel the complex working mechanisms of these neuroreceptors. Computer simulations are complementing these mutagenesis experiments, with insights at various levels of accuracy and resolution. Here, we review how a selection of computational tools, including first principles methods, classical molecular dynamics and enhanced sampling techniques, are contributing to construct a picture of how pLGICs function and can be pharmacologically targeted to treat the disorders they are responsible for.
Prevalence and Determinants of Cognitive Impairment among Rural Elderly Population of Aligarh

Introduction: Increase in life expectancy has resulted in increased proportion of elderly population. Elderly with Cognitive impairment have increased risk for progression to dementia and increased likelihood of contracting Alzheimer’s disease than the general population. Objectives: To study the prevalence of cognitive impairment in elderly population & to determine the various socio- demographic factors associated with the cognitive impairment. Material & Methods: Community based cross- sectional study was done at field practice area of Rural Health Training Centre, JN Medical College, AMU, Aligarh by using systematic random sampling with PPS among 225 rural elderly individuals. Assessment of cognitive impairment was done using Mini Mental State Examination (Hindi version). Data was entered & analyzed using SPSS 20. Chi- Square test was used. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence of cognitive impairment was found to be 16%. Significant relationship of the prevalence of cognitive impairment was observed with the age, gender, literacy status, & marital status. Conclusion: Approx. one- sixth of the elderly had cognitive impairment significantly related to various socio-demographic factors. Therefore, priority based care should be given to the vulnerable population by strengthening of the service available & creating awareness to utilize the services.
Energy aware colocation of workload in data centers

There exists an interference due to colocating applications which depends on the applications' workload types, degrades the performance and affects the energy consumption of applications. We hypothesize the interference energy consumption and model it as “interference coefficient” and use it to develop an application-aware colocation management policy to colocate the applications in data centers. Including the interference effect in simulations using synthetic workload in the colocation management policy results energy savings of up to 8%.
Effect of sensor directionality on photoacoustic imaging: a study using the k-wave toolbox

Most image reconstruction algorithms for biomedical photoacoustic tomography make the assumption that the optically-generated ultrasonic waves are recorded by pressure detectors with an omni-directional response. In other words, the detectors are assumed to sample the pressure field exactly at a point. In practice this is rarely the case as real detectors have a finite size and often respond not purely to pressure changes but to some combination of acoustic pressure and pressure gradient (or other derivatives). This can make them less sensitive to pressure waves at some angles. The effect of this sensor directionality on photoacoustic tomography was considered here for the case of time-reversal image reconstruction. The ultrasound simulation toolbox k-Wave was used to perform the study.
Unobtrusively controlling and linking information and services in smart environments

Our living and work spaces are becoming ever more enriched with all kinds of electronic devices. Many of these are too small to provide the possibility to control or monitor them. Ambient intelligence is integrating many such devices in what are called smart environments to form a network of interweaved sensors, data displays and everyday devices. We present a method to intuitively issue control over smart objects in such an environment, to display data that smart objects provide and to manage the flow of information between objects in a smart environment. This is achieved by using touch-enabled mobile phones as readily available multi-purpose devices which are used to overlay real objects with virtual controls. We evaluated the system with a first qualitative user study.
Pseudonectrins A–D, heptaketides from an endophytic fungus Nectria pseudotrichia

Four new heptaketides, pseudonectrins A–D (1–4), and four known compounds (5–8) were isolated from cultures of an endophytic fungus Nectria pseudotrichia. Their structures were elucidated primarily by NMR experiments. The absolute configurations of 1–3 and 4 were assigned by electronic circular dichroism calculations and the modified Mosher method, respectively. Compound 1–3 showed moderate cytotoxicity, with IC50 values of 11.6–41.2 μM.