Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence & phenotypic expression of sopB gene among clinical isolates of Salmonella enterica.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE Salmonella induced enteritis is a complex phenomenon involving a number of pathogenic factors. Type III secretions play a central role in the development of Salmonella induced enteritis. One such Type III secretion protein is Salmonella outer proteinB (SopB). Reports on the prevalence of this gene among different serovars of Salmonella of Indian origin appears to be lacking. The present investigation reports on the prevalence of sopB gene and its phenotypic expression (SopB protein) among different serovars of Salmonella enterica isolated from man and animals. METHODS A total of 50 isolates of S. enterica belonging to 11 serovars isolated from cases of enteric infection in man, birds and animals were tested for the presence of sopB gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using its specific primers. The in vitro phenotypic expression of SopB protein was detected by dot-ELISA using anti-SopB serum. RESULTS All the 50 isolates of S. enterica belonging to 11 were found to carry sopB gene irrespective of their serovars like Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Gallinarum, Choleraesuis, Virchow, etc., and source of isolation. Of these, 41 isolates were found to express sopB gene phenotypically as detected by dot- ELISA using anti-SopB serum. Of the different serovars, all but Gallinarum expressed Sop B protein phenotypically in vitro. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that sopB gene was wildely distributed and conserved among Salmonella irrespective of their serovars and source of isolation. Further work need to be done to study the factors associated with the phenotypic expression of this gene.
Right Ventricular Alterations in Scuba Divers: Findings on Electrocardiography and Echocardiography

Background. Scuba diving imposes uncommon environmental stresses. This study assesses the effects of recreational scuba diving on the electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram and compares them with those of normal controls. Methods. We studied 50 recreational scuba divers and 50 age-matched and sex-matched normal control subjects. Each subject had a medical history, physical examination, resting 12-lead ECG, and transthoracic echocardiogram. Results. Electrocardiographic findings occurring significantly more frequently in scuba divers than in controls were sinus bradycardia, sinus arrhythmia, QRS duration (≥0.10 sec, right axis duration and R ≥ S in V2. The mean right ventricular internal dimension (RVID) was significantly larger in divers than in controls. High-normal RVID (2.0 to 2.3 cm) occurred significantly more regularly in divers than in controls (10 vs 1). Conclusion. Recreational scuba diving produced right ventricular alterations characterized by chamber dilation and electrocardiographic signs of right ventricular hypertrophy, sinus bradycardia, and arrhythmia.
A penalty scheme for academic dishonesty

This work contributes to better understanding of the optimal penalties for the deterrence of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty has recently become one of the most prevalent issues in higher education [1]. In order to address this issue, researches have focused on understanding cheating methods and techniques, determinants, punishment, and consequences. Unlike common descriptive, exploratory or regression-based approaches proposed in the literature, this work proposes a mathematical framework for analyzing the optimal academic dishonesty penalties. Results suggest that expected penalties should be more than the possible gain in grades obtained by committing an offense. Moreover, it shows that increasing penalties are not always optimal for dealing with repeat cheats.
Visual cortical projections and chemoarchitecture of macaque monkey pulvinar

We investigated the patterns of projections from the pulvinar to visual areas V1, V2, V4, and MT, and their relationships to pulvinar subdivisions based on patterns of calbindin (CB) immunostaining and estimates of visual field maps (P1, P2 and P3). Multiple retrograde tracers were placed into V1, V2, V4, and/or MT in 11 adult macaque monkeys. The inferior pulvinar (PI) was subdivided into medial (PIM), posterior (PIP), central medial (PICM), and central lateral (PICL) regions, confirming earlier CB studies. The P1 map includes PICL and the ventromedial portion of the lateral pulvinar (PL), P2 is found in ventrolateral PL, and P3 includes PIP, PIM, and PICM. Projections to areas V1 and V2 were found to be overlapping in P1 and P2, but those from P2 to V2 were denser than those to V1. V2 also received light projections from PICM and, less reliably, from PIM. Neurons projecting to V4 and MT were more abundant than those projecting to V1 and V2. Those projecting to V4 were observed in P1, densely in P2, and also in PICM and PIP of P3. Those projecting to MT were found in P1– P3, with the heaviest projection from P3. Projections from P3 to MT and V4 were mainly interdigitated, with the densest to MT arising from PIM and the densest to V4 arising from PIP and PICM. Because the calbindin‐rich and ‐poor regions of P3 corresponded to differential patterns of cortical connectivity, the results suggest that CB may further delineate functional subdivisions in the pulvinar. J. Comp. Neurol. 419:377–393, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electromagnetic analysis of a wind turbine magnetic gearbox

The design of the second stage of a 59:1 multi-stage magnetic gearbox for a wind turbine demonstrator is presented. The multi-stage series-connected magnetic gearbox is composed of a 6.45 first stage and 9.14 second stage. A flux-focusing spoke-type rotor typology is used with a unique segmented fully laminated design. The impact of structural design changes is considered with respect to torque density. A new rotor typology is presented that enables the magnetic gearbox to be mechanically assembled first without magnets.
Personnel Flexibility and Red Tape in Public and Nonprofit Organizations: Distinctions due to Institutional and Political Accountability

Academics and journalists have depicted government bureaucracies as particularly subject to administrative constraints, including the infamous red tape and personnel rules that sharply constrain pay, promotion and dismissal and weaken their relations to performance. Research on these topics has often focused on public organizations alone or on comparisons of public and private organizations. The analysis reported here extends this research to include nonprofit organizations. Certain theoretical perspectives would predict sharp differences between public and nonprofit organizations, while others would predict no differences. Using survey data from managerial-level respondents in state government and nonprofit organizations in Georgia and Illinois, this analysis compares perceptions of red tape and personnel rule constraints in public and nonprofit organizations. We investigate whether or not public and nonprofit respondents differ in their perceptions about levels of organizational red tape, and about whether formal rules enable or constrain managers in promoting and rewarding good employees and removing poor performers. The results indicate sharp public and nonprofit differences, with public managers reporting higher perceived organizational red tape and lower levels of personnel flexibility. In addition to public and nonprofit comparisons, the analysis takes into account other factors that might influence public and nonprofit managers’ perceptions of red tape and personnel flexibility in their organizations, including individual motivations to choose the job, the respondent’s state (Georgia or Illinois), and others.
[Relationship between depression and anger in patients with antisocial personality disorder].

OBJECTIVE This study examined the relationship between aggression and depression in male antisocial patients with and without comorbid depression and in normal control subjects. METHOD Seventy-two antisocial patients were evaluated for depression using SCID. The antisocial patients were treatment-seeking soldiers, mostly substance use is recruited from military hospitals. The control group consisted of forty age and sex matched subjects. Twenty of these antisocial patients were diagnosed with depressive disorder (major depression or dysthymia). In order to assess aggression and depression the Beck Depression Inventory and the State-Trait Anger Scale (STAS) were used. RESULTS Antisocial patients with depression and without depression had higher trait anger, anger-in and anger-out scores than the controls. Antisocial patients without comorbid depression had lower scores than the antisocial patients without depression in the anger control subscales of STAS. On the other hand, in this subscale, scores of the antisocial patients with depression did not differ from those of the normal controls. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between BDI scores and trait anger, anger-in and anger-out scores. CONCLUSION The result of our study did not fully support the view of depression which assumes that depressive disorder is related to anger and hostility at least in antisocial patients. According to our results higher anger scores and lower anger control scores were related to being antisocial rather than being depressive and also not only suppressed anger but also outwardly expressed anger were increased in depressive antisocial patients.
Academic and administration personnel's perceptions of organizational climate (Sample of Educational Faculty of F' rat University)

The data attempting to determine the perception regarding the organizational climate of the academic and administrative personnel employed at the Education Faculty have been gathered through the scale that was developed by the researcher. As a result of the research, it is found that the faculty employees have mid level organizational climate perception. While the academic and administrative staffs do have problems in participating in decision making, administrative personnel are having problems in communication matters. It is seen that academic personnel have more positive climate perception than administrative personnel, in the same way women and the old have more positive climate perception than men and the young respectively. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Haemolytic and co‐haemolytic (CAMP‐like) activity in dermatophytes

Dermatophytes are some of the most common fungal pathogens in both humans and animals. These fungi release enzymes (e.g., keratinases) that play roles in their pathogenesis. Little is known about their haemolytic and co‐haemolytic (CAMP‐like) activities; however, in bacteria, these components play significant roles in pathogenesis. This study characterised these two factors in 45 dermatophyte strains (representing the genera Arthroderma, Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton) using Columbia agar (CA) supplemented with 5% bovine, ovine and equine erythrocytes. Haemolysis was best observed on CA supplemented with ovine erythrocytes followed by equine and bovine erythrocytes, while CAMP‐like reactions occurred using bovine and ovine but not equine erythrocytes. Haemolytic and CAMP‐like activities were best observed using ovine and bovine erythrocytes in CA in 44 and 38 strains at 7 and 3 days respectively. Most dermatophytes recovered from both symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions had haemolytic and CAMP‐like activities. We suggest that the haemolytic and CAMP‐like activities are not correlated with ecological characteristics, isolation sites or clinical manifestations of dermatophytic fungi. We also believe that this study has the potential to contribute to the existing literature on dermatophytes and dermatophyte pathogenesis.
MiR‐497∼195 Cluster MicroRNAs Regulate Osteoblast Differentiation by Targeting BMP Signaling

MicroRNAs play important roles during cell reprogramming and differentiation. In this study, we identified the miR‐497∼195 cluster, a member of the miR‐15 family, as strongly upregulated with age of postnatal bone development in vivo and late differentiation stages of primary osteoblasts cultured in vitro. Early expression of miR‐195–5p inhibits differentiation and mineralization. Microarray analyses along with quantitative PCR demonstrate that miR‐195–5p alters the gene regulatory network of osteoblast differentiation and impairs the induction of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) responsive genes. Applying reporter gene and Western blot assays, we show that miR‐195–5p interferes with the BMP/Smad‐pathway in a dose‐dependent manner. Systematically comparing the changes in mRNA levels in response to miR‐195–5p overexpression with the changes observed in the natural course of osteoblast differentiation, we demonstrate that microRNAs of the miR‐15 family affect several target genes involved in BMP signaling. Predicted targets including Furin, a protease that cleaves pro‐forms, genes encoding receptors such as Acvr2a, Bmp1a, Dies1, and Tgfbr3, molecules within the cascade like Smad5, transcriptional regulators like Ski and Zfp423 as well as Mapk3 and Smurf1 were validated by quantitative PCR. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that miR‐497∼195 cluster microRNAs act as intracellular antagonists of BMP signaling in bone cells. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Patient Characteristics Associated with Participation in a Practice-Based Study of Depression in Late Life: The Spectrum Study

Objective: An important component of generalizing study results to patients is the extent to which study participants adequately represent individuals targeted for the study. The Spectrum study of depression in older primary care patients was utilized to consider patient characteristics associated with nonparticipation. Method: Interviewers utilized a validated questionnaire to screen adults aged 65 years and older for depression who presented to one of the participating primary care practices in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Screening interviews included information about sociodemographic factors, functioning, health, and attitudes about depression and its treatment in order to compare participants with persons who declined. Results: In all, 2,560 adults aged 65 years and older were screened. Comparison of the characteristics of the patients who were eligible for the study (n = 773) with patients who participated fully in the in-home evaluation (n = 355) found that the study sample included proportionately more persons who: 1) were less than 80 years old; 2) completed high school; and 3) reported two or more visits to the practice site within six months of the interview. Among patients who were depressed, no significant differences were found in the characteristics of those who met study eligibility criteria and those who agreed to participate. Conclusions: Persons over the age of 80 years of age or those with less than a high school education may require tailored strategies for recruitment even when approached by a trained interviewer in a primary care doctor's office.
Morbidity of Appendectomy and Cholecystectomy in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women

OBJECTIVE: To use the data from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to estimate major postoperative morbidity after 1) appendectomy in pregnant compared with nonpregnant women; and 2) cholecystectomy in pregnant compared with nonpregnant women. METHODS: We selected a cohort of reproductive-aged women undergoing appendectomy and cholecystectomy between 2005 and 2009 from the data files of the ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Outcomes in pregnant women were compared with those in nonpregnant women. The primary outcome was composite 30-day major postoperative complications. Pregnancy-specific complications were not assessed and thus not addressed. RESULTS: Pregnant and nonpregnant women had similar composite 30-day major morbidity after appendectomy (3.9% [33 of 857] compared with 3.1% [593 of 19,172], P=.212) and cholecystectomy (1.8% [eight of 436] compared with 1.8% [584 of 32,479], P=.954). Pregnant women were more likely to have preoperative systemic infections before each procedure. In logistic regression analysis, pregnancy status was not predictive of increased postoperative morbidity for appendectomy (adjusted odds ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval 0.87–1.82). CONCLUSION: Pregnancy does not increase the occurrence of postoperative maternal morbidity related to appendectomy and cholecystectomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Chronic Inflammation: A Common and Important Factor in the Pathogenesis of Neoplasia

A causal link between chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis is explored by reviewing illustrative examples of specific cancers and causal agents and mechanisms. The causal agents or pathologic conditions include microbial agents, gastroesophageal reflux, chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and specific agents that cause chronic obstructive or diffuse interstitial lung disease. The proportion of total cancer deaths attributable to infectious agents is estimated to be about 20% to 25% in developing countries and 7% to 10% in more industrialized countries. Recurrent or persistent inflammation may induce, promote, or influence susceptibility to carcinogenesis by causing DNA damage, inciting tissue reparative proliferation, and/or creating a stromal “soil” that is enriched with cytokines and growth factors. Future research on the complex cascade of cellular and humoral factors participating in the chronic inflammatory process will further understanding of the pathogenesis of various cancers and potentially provide a rationale for targeted chemopreventive interventions.
Consequences of expressing mutants of the hemochromatosis gene (HFE) into a human neuronal cell line lacking endogenous HFE

HFE mutations have traditionally been associated with the iron overload disorder known as hemochromatosis. Recently, it has become clear that the two most common mutations in the HFE gene, H63D and C282Y, may be genetic modifiers for risk of neurodegenerative disorders and cancer, respectively. We developed human neuroblastoma stable cell lines that express either wild‐type (WT) or mutant HFE to determine the cellular consequences of the mutant forms of HFE. The presence of the C282Y mutation was associated with relatively higher labile iron pool and iron regulatory protein activity than WT or H63D HFE. Targeted gene arrays revealed that the signal transduction pathway was up‐regulated in the C282Y cells. H63D cells had higher levels of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and lower mitochondrial membrane potential, suggesting higher baseline stress. This cell line was also more vulnerable to exposure to oxidative stress agents and more responsive to iron chelation than the C282Y cells. These data demonstrate that the different mutations in the HFE gene have unique effects on the cells and provide insights into how the different mutations may have different clinical consequences. The results also raise multiple novel questions for future study about the function of the HFE protein. —Lee, S. Y. , Patton, S. M. , Henderson, R. J., Connor, J. R. Consequences of expressing mutants of the hemochromatosis gene (HFE) into a human neuronal cell line lacking endogenous HFE. FASEB J. 21, 564–576 (2007)
Application of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to fracture studies of ferritic steels

The application of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to fracture studies has provided a new method for investigating the crystallography of fracture surfaces. The crystallographic indices of cleavage planes can be measured both directly from the fracture surface and indirectly from metallographic sections perpendicular to the plane of the adjoining fracture surfaces. The results of direct individual cleavage facet plane orientation measurements are presented for carbon–manganese (C–Mn) and low‐alloy Mn–Mo–Ni (similar to ASTM A553 type‐B). Pressure vessel steel weld metals, obtained from fracture surfaces of Charpy impact test specimens fractured at various test temperatures and for an ultra‐low carbon steel (Fe–0.002C–0.058P) fractured at –196 °C by impact. In addition to the direct measurement from the fracture surface, cleavage facet orientation measurements for the ultra‐low carbon steel were complemented by the results obtained from the metallographic sections. Fractographic observations revealed that cleavage fracture is accommodated by a microvoid coalescence fracture micromechanism, which was induced by decohesion of second phase particles (inclusions). The correlation between the direct and indirect methodologies shows that the cleavage facet planes are dominated by the {001} plane orientations, and indicated that even when information concerning the full five degrees of freedom is inaccessible, the cleavage facet plane could still be determined. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of direct orientation measurements from the fracture surface and indirectly by a destructive sectioning technique are discussed.
PENGARUH DOSIS PUPUK ORGANIK DAN BOBOT ABU VULKAN KELUD TERHADAP HASIL KANGKUNG DARAT (Ipomea reptans L.Poir) PADA TANAH REGOSOL

Tanaman kangkung darat merupakan tanaman mudah hidup pada sembarang jenis tanah. Namun untuk mempertahankan keberadaan dan mengembangkannya diperlukan suatu penelitian berkait dengan pemupukan, baik berupa pupuk organik maupun bahan penyubur lainnya seperti abu vulkan.Penelitian ini dilakukan pada tanah regosol menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan analisis ragam yang dilanjutkan uji jarak berganda Duncan (DMRT) taraf 5% dan 1% dihasilkan : 1) kombinasi perlakuan bobot abu vulkan 0.5 kg/polybag dengan dosis pupuk organik 0 – 0.5 kg/polybag maupun kombinasi perlakuan bobot abu vulkan 0 kg/polybag, 0.5 kg/polybag, dan 1.5 kg/polybag memberikan pertumbuhan kangkung darat lebih baik daripada kombinasi perlakuan bobot abu vulkan 0 kg/polybag dengan perlakuan semua dosis pupuk organik; 2) namun selanjutnya setelah dosis pupuk organik ditingkatkan 0.5 hingga 1.5 kg/polybag justru tidak meningkatkan hasil secara nyata.Kata kunci: kangkung darat, pupuk organik, bobot abu vulkan.
[Viral pathogens of acute lower respiratory tract infection in hospitalized children from East Guangdong of China].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the viral pathogens of acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) in hospitalized children from East Guangdong Province of China and the relationship of the pathogens with age and seasons. METHODS The nasopharyngeal aspirates samples obtained from 345 hospitalized children with ALRTI were investigated for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human bocavirus (HBoV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), influenza virus types A and B, rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus types 1 and 3 and adenovirus by PCR. RESULTS Viral pathogens were detected in 178 patients (51.6%). RSV was the most frequent (19.3%). Novel viruses hMPV (3.2%) and HBoV (3.2%) were found. A highest detection rate (61.9%) of virus was found between January to March. The infants aged 1 to 6 months showed a higher detection rate (71.3%) of virus than the other age groups. The detection rate of viral pathogens was 72.6% in children with bronchiolitis, followed by asthmatic bronchitis (70.0%) and bronchial pneumonia (44.6%). CONCLUSIONS RSV remained the leading viral pathogens in children with ALRTI in East Guangdong of China. Novel viruses HBoV and hMPV were also important pathogens. The detection rate of viral pathogens was associated with seasonal changes and age. Different respiratory infectious diseases had different viral detection rates, with highest detection rate in bronchiolitis cases.
Carrier‐bound nonallergenic Der p 2 peptides induce IgG antibodies blocking allergen‐induced basophil activation in allergic patients

More than 90% of house dust mite‐allergic patients are sensitized to the major Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen, Der p 2. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize an allergy vaccine based on carrier‐bound Der p 2 peptides, which should allow reducing IgE‐ and T‐cell‐mediated side‐effects during specific immunotherapy (SIT).