Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Multiple-Substrate Utilization by Anthracene-Degrading Mycobacterium frederiksbergense LB501T

ABSTRACT Stable carbon isotope analysis of biomass and analyses of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA), glycolipid fatty acids (GLFA), and mycolic acids were used to characterize mixed-substrate utilization by Mycobacterium frederiksbergense LB501T under various substrate regimens. The distinct 13C contents of anthracene and glucose as representatives of typical hydrophobic pollutants and naturally occurring organic compounds, respectively, were monitored during formation into biomass and used to quantify the relative contributions of the two carbon sources to biomass formation. Moreover, the influence of mixed-substrate utilization on PLFA, GLFA, and mycolic acid profiles and cell surface hydrophobicity was investigated. Results revealed that M. frederiksbergense LB501T degrades anthracene and forms biomass from it even in the presence of more readily available dissolved glucose. The relative ratios of straight-chain saturated PLFA to the corresponding unsaturated PLFA and the total fraction of saturated cyclopropyl-branched PLFA of M. frederiksbergense LB501T depended on the carbon source and the various rates of addition of mixed substrates, whereas no such trend was observed with GLFA. Higher proportions of anthracene in the carbon source mixture led to higher cell surface hydrophobicities and more-hydrophobic mycolic acids, which in turn appeared to be valuable indicators for substrate utilization by M. frederiksbergense LB501T. The capability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-degrading bacteria to utilize readily available substrates besides the poorly available PAHs favors the buildup of PAH-degrading biomass. Feeding of supplementary carbon substrates may therefore promote bioremediation, provided that it sustains the pollutant-degrading population rather than other members of the microbial community.
Asynchronous phase comparator for characterization of devices and PMU calibrator

This paper reports the recent progress in developing and implementation of a new asynchronous digital phase comparator suitable for phase error characterization of voltage ratio devices and calibration of functional elements of PMU calibrators. The phase error of the proposed digital comparator is below 300 nrad at 50 Hz and 100 μrad at 100 kHz with applied voltages ranging between 500 mV and 3 V. The phase error of cables and connectors is 4 μrad at 1 MHz. The system is a relevant tool for phase-frequency characterization of devices employed also for specific wideband power measurements.
Characterization of patients with longstanding idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder

Objective: To evaluate the presence of prodromal markers of Parkinson disease (PD) in patients with longstanding idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (IRBD), a small subgroup of individuals with IRBD with long-term follow-up thought not to be at risk of developing PD. Methods: Demographic, clinical, and neuroimaging markers of PD were evaluated in 20 patients with polysomnographic-confirmed longstanding IRBD and in 32 matched controls. Results: Patients were 16 men and 4 women with mean age of 72.9 ± 8.6 years and mean follow-up from IRBD diagnosis of 12.1 ± 2.6 years. Patients more often had objective smell loss (35% vs 3.4%, p = 0.003), constipation (50% vs 15.6%, p = 0.008), and mild parkinsonian signs (45% vs 18.8%, p = 0.042) than controls. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor score was higher in patients than in controls (5.6 ± 3.5 vs 2.0 ± 2.1, p < 0.0001). Dopamine transporter imaging showed decreased striatal uptake in 82.4% of the patients and transcranial sonography found substantia nigra hyperechogenicity in 35.3%. α-Synuclein aggregates were found in 3 of 6 patients who underwent colon or submandibular gland biopsies. All 20 patients showed clinical, neuroimaging, or histologic markers of PD. Probability of prodromal PD (according to recent Movement Disorders Society research criteria) was higher in patients than in controls (<0.0001), and 45% of patients surpassed 80% probability. Conclusions: Prodromal PD markers are common in individuals with longstanding IRBD, suggesting that they are affected by an underlying neurodegenerative process. This observation may be useful for the design of disease-modifying trials to prevent PD onset in IRBD.
Do the benefits of metal stents justify the costs? A systematic review and meta-analysis of trials comparing endoscopic stents for malignant biliary obstruction

Background A variety of stent designs has been studied for endoscopic stenting of the bile duct in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. Although metal stents are associated with longer patency, their costs are significantly higher than plastic stents. Aims To compare clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness of endoscopic metal and plastic stents for malignant biliary obstruction by a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials in this area. Methods We conducted searches to identify all randomized controlled trials in any language from 1966 to 2006 using electronic databases and hand-searching of conference abstracts. Meta-analysis was performed with RevMan software [Review Manager (RevMan) version 4.2 for Windows. Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2003]. Results Seven randomized controlled trials were identified that met the inclusion criteria, and 724 participants were randomized to either metal or plastic endoscopic stents. No significant difference between the two stent types in terms of technical success, therapeutic success, 30-day mortality or complications was observed. Metal stents were associated with a significantly less relative risk (RR) of stent occlusion at 4 months than plastic stents [RR, 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3, 0.63; P<0.01]. The overall risk of recurrent biliary obstruction was also significantly lower in patients treated with metal stents (RR, 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.39, 0.69; P<0.01). The median incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of metal stents was $1820 per endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography prevented. Conclusion Endoscopic metal stents for malignant biliary obstruction are associated with significantly higher patency rates than plastic stents as early as 4 months after insertion. Metal stents will be cost-effective if the unit cost of additional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies per patient exceeds $1820.
IMPACT OF SOCIAL SKILL AND PROBLEM BEHAVIOR TRAINING PROGRAM ON CHILDREN ATTENDING PRESCHOOL: A SURVAY

In this research the pretest-posttest design with one group was used since the effects of an instructional program carried out for social skills and problem behaviors were measured. 6-year-old 23 children attending the Application Kindergarten in Gazi Education Faculty of Gazi University constitute the population of the research. In this research, Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales (PKBS-2) were used as a data collection tool. To test whether there is any difference in pretraining and post-training about social skills and problem behaviors of the children attended this training an associated sample t test was conducted. Also, to test the retention of the training Freadman test was conducted. A training program to increase the social skills and to reduce problem behaviors of the children attending preschool has been applied in this study. It is determined at the end of the study that the trainig program is effective. In other words, it is seen there is an increase in social skills and a decrease in probelm behaviors of the children. When retention tests are examined,
A market based approach for efficient resource management in an intranet

In this paper a pricing technique for resource management in an intranet environment is given. The price of the services are dynamically determined by the servers of the network, taking into account the general policy of the manager of the network. Both decentralized and centralized control is used to increase the efficiency of the network. An architecture imposing small implementation cost is presented. Implementation issues are discussed and experimental results are given.
Nucleotide sequence of the small double-stranded RNA segment of bacteriophage phi 6: novel mechanism of natural translational control

The lipid-containing bacteriophage phi 6 has a genome composed of three segments of double-stranded RNA. We determined the nucleotide sequence of a cDNA copy of the smallest RNA segment. The coding sequences of the four proteins on this segment were identified. These sequences were clustered. Three of the genes had overlapping initiation-termination codons. All noncoding sequences were at the ends of the molecule. The genes of the small double-stranded RNA segment comprised two translational polarity groups. We propose that the translational coupling is the result of an inability of ribosomes to bind independently to two of the four genes. Translation of these genes occurred when ribosomes were delivered to them by translation of an upstream gene.
A Study of the Cyclic Variations of the Enzyme and the Electrolyte Activity in Uterine and Oviducal Secretions during an Estrous Cycle of the Ewe

— Uterine and oviducal fluids are necessary for capacitation of the spermatozoa and early embryonic development. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of estrous cycle phases (follicular and luteal) on some biological parameters (enzymes, electrolytes and total proteins) in uterine and oviducal secretions of ewes. Oviducal and uterine fluids were collected, diluted and centrifuged. According to our results, concentrations of GPT, G6PDH, total proteins, K and Na were significantly (P <0.05) higher at the luteal phase, however, the levels of aldolase, Mg, Ca and P were significantly (P <0.05) higher at the follicular phase in uterine secretions. While, only oviducal K and Ca were significantly (P<0.05) higher at the follicular phase. Our study revealed the existence of significant cyclic variations for some uterine and oviducal parameters which indicates the effect of ovarian hormones on the components of genital secretions.
Behavior and perceptions of Greek consumers in business related e-communities

This article describes the initial phase of a study where a sample of 72 questionnaires have been distributed to people who identified themselves as Internet users that participate in e-communities for business purposes the data collected where analyzed. The purpose of the research was to investigate the perceptions of online buyers in Greece and study their online behavior when participating in e-communities. Emphasis was given to business related e-communities that raise privacy issue concerns. From the analysis of the data it was concluded that there was no bias regarding sex and professional area. The frequency distributions revealed that most people spend between 50€ and 100€ in online shopping on a quarterly basis and their primary motivation was the convenience offered. Security was considered the most important issue when doing online transactions. Regarding web site personalization the majority of the respondents didn't like the idea of been monitored while shopping online and didn't follow product recommendations made by the visited sites.
Stabilization of a chain of integrators with an unknown delay in the input by adaptive output feedback

In this note, we consider a stabilization problem of a chain of integrators with an unknown delay in the input. We propose an adaptive output feedback control scheme in which the delay-related low-gain parameter is tuned online by utilizing the integral value of the input norm-bound. Thus, a priori knowledge on the delay is not required for controller design
Modeling Influenza Virus Infection: A Roadmap for Influenza Research

Influenza A virus (IAV) infection represents a global threat causing seasonal outbreaks and pandemics. Additionally, secondary bacterial infections, caused mainly by Streptococcus pneumoniae, are one of the main complications and responsible for the enhanced morbidity and mortality associated with IAV infections. In spite of the significant advances in our knowledge of IAV infections, holistic comprehension of the interplay between IAV and the host immune response (IR) remains largely fragmented. During the last decade, mathematical modeling has been instrumental to explain and quantify IAV dynamics. In this paper, we review not only the state of the art of mathematical models of IAV infection but also the methodologies exploited for parameter estimation. We focus on the adaptive IR control of IAV infection and the possible mechanisms that could promote a secondary bacterial coinfection. To exemplify IAV dynamics and identifiability issues, a mathematical model to explain the interactions between adaptive IR and IAV infection is considered. Furthermore, in this paper we propose a roadmap for future influenza research. The development of a mathematical modeling framework with a secondary bacterial coinfection, immunosenescence, host genetic factors and responsiveness to vaccination will be pivotal to advance IAV infection understanding and treatment optimization.
International Journal of Health Geographics Open Access a Multilevel Model for Cardiovascular Disease Prevalence in the Us and Its Application to Micro Area Prevalence Estimates

Background: Estimates of disease prevalence for small areas are increasingly required for the allocation of health funds according to local need. Both individual level and geographic risk factors are likely to be relevant to explaining prevalence variations, and in turn relevant to the procedure for small area prevalence estimation. Prevalence estimates are of particular importance for major chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease.
Developing and validating a self-report assessment tool for software biomechanics.

BACKGROUND There are many effective methods for decreasing the likelihood of repetitive strain injury (RSI) for those who work at a computer in an office environment. This study is focused on the highly repetitive task of interpreting seismic data. The skilled geoscientists who perform this work are very well compensated, and their work is vital to the success of the oil company. However, RSIs are still occurring in situations where effective methods of mitigating injuries have been successfully implemented and this has been occurring very frequently for geoscientists. This suggests that there are other elements contributing to the development of these injuries and one element could be the software interaction design. However, it is difficult for software designers to determine this because most measures associated with muscle activity require expensive data collection methods. OBJECTIVE This paper describes research conducted to determine if survey-based subjective measures might be used to assess the potential for RSI for software programs. METHODS In laboratory and field settings, data were collected using three different survey instruments (NASA-Task Load Index, Latko's Busiest Hand Activity Level Scale, and the Borg CR10 Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale) and conventional measures of muscle activity (sEMG). Correlations between the surveys and muscle activity were then calculated. RESULTS For both the laboratory and the field, people were able to provide reliable self-report information related to their muscle activity. However, the effect sizes were not large. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that self-report tools could be utilized to identify software interaction designs related associated with risks of RSI.
An S18 ribosomal protein gene copy at the Arabidopsis PFL locus affects plant development by its specific expression in meristems.

In Arabidopsis, mutation at PFL causes pointed first leaves, reduced fresh weight and growth retardation. We have cloned the wild‐type PFL gene by T‐DNA tagging, and demonstrate that it complements the mutant phenotype. PFL codes for ribosomal protein S18, based on the high homology with rat S18 and on purification of S18‐equivalent peptides from plant ribosomes. pfl represents the first mutation in eukaryotic S18 proteins or their S13 prokaryotic counterparts, involved in translation initiation. Arabidopsis contains three S18 gene copies dispersed in the genetic map; they are all transcribed and code for completely identical proteins. No transcript is detected from the mutated gene, S18A. The activity of the S18A promoter is restricted to meristems, with a markedly high expression at the embryonic heart stage, and to wounding sites. This means that plants activate an extra copy of this ribosomal protein gene in tissues with cell division activity. We postulate that in meristematic tissues plants use transcriptional control to synthesize extra ribosomes to increase translational efficiency. In analogy with this, an additional, developmentally regulated gene copy might be expected for all ribosomal proteins.
Email from the vineyard

We describe the design of a large-scale wireless sensor network for agriculture monitoring. We have deployed a prototype of 64 sensors to monitor a commercial vineyard. The system provides different software modules ranging from filtering raw data to a centralized and a distributed data storage applications. The used protocols ensure reliable and robust communication and load-balancing energy consumption. A backend server provides a user-friendly graphical interface offering two main functionalities: logging communication messages of the employed protocols for diagnostic purposes and providing end-user support for both on-demand and periodic data requests. We highlight the efficiency of such a network in comparison to the traditionally used solution based on individual weather station by deploying both systems in parallel and comparing their reading results. The results clearly demonstrate that wireless sensor networks provide better geographic coverage and an increased spatial resolution compared to traditional solutions. They also enable precise measurements of soil conditions near the plants themselves, increasing the quality of the information available to the farmer.
Prevalence of G‐TO‐T transversions among K‐ras oncogene mutations in human colorectal tumors in Yugoslavia

Human colorectal carcinoma tissue sampled from 37 patients, routinely graded into Dukes' stages A, B and C and histologically examined for the level of differentiation, were analyzed for the presence of point mutations in the K‐ras oncogene. Seventeen cases out of the 37 analyzed were found to have a mutation in either the 12th or the 13th codon of the K‐ras gene, giving an overall frequency of mutation of 46%. The incidence of mutations in Dukes' stages A, B and C was 33, 46 and 58% respectively. Although the frequency of mutation appears to be similar to that reported for the USA population, the spectrum of point mutations in codons 12 and 13 of the K‐ras gene in the Yugoslav population appears to differ significantly. G‐to‐T trans‐versions make up 77% of all mutations present, with the distribution as follows: 18% at the first base and 59% at the second base of codons 12 and 13. G‐to‐A transitions at the second base is the only other mutation identified, occurring mainly in codon 13 in colorectal tumors of all 3 stages.
Acute childhood leukaemia and environmental exposure to potential sources of benzene and other hydrocarbons; a case-control study

Aim: To analyse the association between potential environmental exposure to hydrocarbons and the risk of acute childhood leukaemia. Methods: A hospital based multicentre case control study, stratified on centre, age, and sex, with 280 leukaemia cases and 285 controls was carried out. Data were collected by a standardised interview of the mothers. Results: No clear association was seen between maternal occupational exposure to hydrocarbons during pregnancy and leukaemia, or between residential traffic density and leukaemia. There was an association between dwellings neighbouring a petrol station or a repair garage during childhood and the risk of childhood leukaemia (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.5 to 10.3), with a duration trend. The association, which appeared particularly strong for acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia (OR 7.7, 95% CI 1.7 to 34.3), was not altered by adjustment for potential confounding factors. Conclusions: Results showed an association between acute childhood leukaemia and dwellings neighbouring auto repair garages and petrol stations, which are benzene emitting sources. These findings could be due to chance, although the strength of the association and the duration trend are arguments for a causal association.
Evolutionary Optimization ofWavelet Feature Sets for Real-Time Pedestrian Classification

Computer vision for object detection often relies on complex classifiers and large feature sets to achieve high detection rates. But when real-time constraints have to be met, for example in driver assistance systems, fast classifiers are required. Here we consider the design of a computationally efficient system for pedestrian detection. We propose an evolutionary algorithm for the optimization of a small set of wavelet features, which can be computed very efficiently. These features serve as input to a linear classifier. The classification performance of the optimized system is on par with recently published results obtained with support vector machines on large feature sets, while the computational time is lower by orders of magnitude.
A meta-analysis assessing all-cause mortality in HIV-exposed uninfected compared with HIV-unexposed uninfected infants and children

Objective:Conduct a meta-analysis examining differential all-cause mortality rates between HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants and children as compared with their HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) counterparts. Design:Meta-analysis summarizing the difference in mortality between HEU and HUU infants and children. Reviewed studies comparing children in the two groups for all-cause mortality, in any setting, from 1994 to 2016 from six databases. Methods:Meta-analyses were done estimating overall mortality comparing the two groups, stratified by duration of follow-up time from birth (0–12, 12–24 and >24 months) and by year enrollment ended in each study: less than 2002 compared with at least 2002, when single-dose nevirapine for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) commenced in low-income and middle-income countries. Results:Included 22 studies, for a total of 29 212 study participants [n = 8840 (30.3%) HEU; n = 20 372 (37.7%) HUU]. Random effects models showed HEU had a more than 70% increased risk of mortality vs. HUU. Stratifying by age showed that HEU vs. HUU had a significant 60–70% increased risk of death at every age strata. There was a significant 70% increase in the risk of mortality between groups before the implementation of PMTCT, which remained after 2002 [risk ratio: 1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14–1.87], when the availability of PMTCT services was widespread, suggesting that prenatal antiretroviral therapy, and healthier mothers, does not fully eliminate this increased risk in mortality. Conclusion:We show a consistent increase risk of mortality for HEU vs. HUU infants and children. Longitudinal research is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms, such as maternal and infant health status and breast feeding practices, which may help explain these differences in mortality.