Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insertion Site Occupancy by stx2 Bacteriophages Depends on the Locus Availability of the Host Strain Chromosome

ABSTRACT Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an emergent pathogen characterized by the expression of Shiga toxins, which are encoded in the genomes of lambdoid phages. These phages are infectious for other members of the Enterobacteriaceae and establish lysogeny when they integrate into the host chromosome. Five insertion sites, used mainly by these prophages, have been described to date. In the present study, the insertion of stx 2 prophages in these sites was analyzed in 168 STEC strains isolated from cattle. Additionally, insertion sites were determined for stx 2 phages which (i) converted diverse laboratory host strains, (ii) coexisted with another stx 2 prophage, and (iii) infected a recombinant host strain lacking the most commonly used insertion site. Results show that depending on the host strain, phages preferentially use one insertion site. For the most part, yehV is occupied in STEC strains while wrbA is preferentially selected by the same stx phages in E. coli laboratory strains. If this primary insertion site is unavailable, then a secondary insertion site is selected. It can be concluded that insertion site occupancy by stx phages depends on the host strain and on the availability of the preferred locus in the host strain.
Variability in FG Memories Performance After Irradiation

Every time a heavy ion crosses a programmed Floating Gate (FG) in a nonvolatile memory array, it quickly discharges the FG and it produces a number of defects in the tunnel oxide, depending on its linear energy transfer (LET). These defects can build up a multitrap assisted tunneling path which allows electrons stored in the FG to escape it, every time the FG is programmed after irradiation [this phenomenon is called radiation-induced leakage current (RILC)]. We are showing by using retention and gate stress experiments that RILC has peculiar erratic characteristics, similar to those found for stress-induced leakage current (SILC). The erratic behavior is due to changes in the occupation states on defects, resulting in orders-of-magnitude changes in the tiny (Lt1 fA) current responsible for the FG discharge
How to Make $T$-Transitive a Proximity Relation

Three ways to approximate a proximity relation <i>R</i> (i.e., a reflexive and symmetric fuzzy relation) by a <i>T</i> -transitive one where <i>T</i> is a continuous Archimedean <i>t</i>-norm are given. The first one aggregates the transitive closure <i>R</i> <i>macr</i> of <i>R</i> with a (maximal) <i>T</i>-transitive relation <i>B</i> contained in <i>R</i> . The second one computes the closest homotecy of <i>R</i> <i>macr</i> or <i>B</i> to better fit their entries with the ones of <i>R</i>. The third method uses nonlinear programming techniques to obtain the best approximation with respect to the Euclidean distance for <i>T</i> the Lukasiewicz or the product <i>t</i>-norm. The previous methods do not apply for the minimum <i>t</i>-norm. An algorithm to approximate a given proximity relation by a min-transitive relation (a similarity) is given in the last section of the paper.
Neuroprotection for Ischaemic Stroke: Translation from the Bench to the Bedside

Neuroprotection seeks to restrict injury to the brain parenchyma following an ischaemic insult by preventing salvageable neurons from dying. The concept of neuroprotection has shown promise in experimental studies, but has failed to translate into clinical success. Many reasons exist for this including the heterogeneity of human stroke and the lack of methodological agreement between preclinical and clinical studies. Even with the proposed Stroke Therapy Academic Industry Roundtable criteria for preclinical development of neuroprotective agents for stroke, we have still seen limited success in the clinic, an example being NXY-059, which fulfilled nearly all the Stroke Therapy Academic Industry Roundtable criteria. There are currently a number of ongoing trials for neuroprotective strategies including hypothermia and albumin, but the outcome of these approaches remains to be seen. Combination therapies with thrombolysis also need to be fully investigated, as restoration of oxygen and glucose will always be the best therapy to protect against cell death from stroke. There are also a number of promising neuroprotectants in preclinical development including haematopoietic growth factors, and inhibitors of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases, a source of free radical production which is a key step in the pathophysiology of acute ischaemic stroke. For these neuroprotectants to succeed, essential quality standards need to be adhered to; however, these must remain realistic as the evidence that standardization of procedures improves translational success remains absent for stroke.
Stimulation of human and rat alveolar macrophages by urban air particulates: effects on oxidant radical generation and cytokine production.

A number of epidemiological studies have associated increased cardiopulmonary mortality and hospital admissions with episodes of high particulate air pollution. Inhaled particles, with a mass median aerodynamic diameter <10 microm (PM10) reach the lower respiratory tract where they are phagocytized by alveolar macrophages (AM). Depending on particle composition, exposed AM may produce reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators resulting in vascular permeability changes, airway constriction, tissue injury, and inflammation. In the present study human and rat AM were reacted with a range of environmental particles, including oil fly ash (OFA), diesel dust (DD), and ambient air particles (UAP) collected in four urban centers. AM were tested for a chemiluminescence response induced by the particles as well as IL-6 and TNF production. While OFA in a dose range of 1000-10 microg/2-3 x 10(5) AM caused acute cytotoxicity above 100 microg in both human and rat AM (LDH release at 2 hr), DD and UAP were found to be nontoxic in the same dose range. However, after 20 hr of coincubation, UAP concentrations >167 microg/ml were also cytotoxic. Subcytotoxic concentrations of OFA induced a strong immediate chemiluminescence response by AM. A small but significant chemiluminescence response was induced by two out of three UAP tested, while no chemiluminescence was generated in response to DD. The magnitude of particle-induced chemiluminescence was not predictive of a cytokine response by either human or rat AM. TNF and IL-6 production was strongly induced by UAP over a range of noncytotoxic concentrations of particles. OFA induced only small amounts of TNF in a subset of human AM preparations, but not in rat AM. The AM cytokine response to UAP was partly inhibitable by polymyxin B, but not by the iron chelator deferoxamine, indicating that endotoxins but not transitional iron were cytokine-inducing moieties in the tested UAP preparations.
Reducing Loneliness Among Aging Adults: The Roles of Personal Voice Assistants and Anthropomorphic Interactions

The perception of feeling lonely is an influential factor in determining quality of life among aging adults. As the US Census Bureau projects that the number of Americans ages 65 and older will double by 2060, reducing loneliness is imperative. Personal voice assistants (PVAs) such as Amazon's Echo offer the ease-of-use of voice control with a friendly, helpful artificial intelligence. This study aimed to understand the influence of a PVA on loneliness reduction among adults of advanced ages, i.e., 75+, and explore anthropomorphism as a potential underlying mechanism. Participants (N = 16) ages 75 or older used an Amazon Echo PVA for 8 weeks in an independent living facility in the Midwest. Surveys were used to collect information about perceived loneliness, and PVA interaction data was recorded and analyzed. Participants consistently exceeded the required daily interactions. As hypothesized, after the first 4 weeks of the intervention, aging adults reported significantly lower loneliness (baseline mean = 2.22, SD = 0.42; week 4 mean = 1.99, SD = 0.45, Z = −2.45, and p = 0.01). Four dominant anthropomorphic themes emerged after thematic analysis of the entire 8 weeks' PVA interaction data (Cohen's Kappa = 0.92): (1) greetings (user-initiated, friendly phrases); (2) comments/questions (user-initiated, second-person pronoun), (3) polite interactions (user-initiated, direct-name friendly requests), (4) reaction (user response to Alexa). Relational greetings predicted loneliness reductions in the first 4 weeks and baseline loneliness predicted relational greetings with the PVA during the entire 8 weeks, suggesting that anthropomorphization of PVAs may play a role in mitigating loneliness in aging adults.
Investigation of Economic and Social Effects of the Dairy Cattle Support Project to Regional Economy via Cooperatives: Example of Isparta Province

Milk is a very important nutrient. Low productivity is a problem of Turkish dairy farming. During recent years, Turkish government has supported cooperatives that assist milk producers and encouraged farmers to become cooperative members. Turkish government established several ways to support specially smallholders. For example Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) provided two to four cows to villagers on a grant or loan basis with a long repayment period at low interest rates by cooperatives. Social Support Project in Rural Areas (SSPRA) is another support program targeting only disadvantaged people, especially poor villager. Both programs have a very strong social support component and similar objectives. But there are minor differences between them in terms of target people, terms and conditions of the credit supplied Isparta province in Mediterranean region of Turkey is one of the supported regions. MARA distributed dairy cows to 1072 farmers through 16 agricultural cooperatives in Isparta province in the context of SSPRA. In this study, economic-social impacts on dairy cattle project implemented through cooperatives were examined in Isparta. Primary data were collected from 12 cooperatives’ president. The data were obtained by personal interview through a questionnaire and to cooperatives and given to farms benefiting from the project in order to reveal the economic and social developments. Finding of the study revealed that project provided new job opportunities and improved quality of livestock. It was found that producers who benefited from the project were more willing to participate in cooperative or other producer organizations. Keywords—Cooperative, Dairy Cattle, Economic Impact, Livestock Support Project, Social Impact. Mevlut Gul is asist. prof. at the Süleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics, 32260 Isparta, Turkey, 0246 2118588, (e-mail: mevlutgul@sdu.edu.tr). Hilal Yılmaz is phD student at the East Mediterranean Research Institute, Karataş yolu Üzeri 17. Km 01321 Yüreğir/Adana, 0322 3340055, (e-mail: htarim01@gmail.com). Goksel Akpinar is asist. prof. at the Akdeniz University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics, 0242 3106554(e-mail: mgoksel@akdeniz.edu.tr). Ayse Karadag Gursoy is MSc student at the Süleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics, 32260 Isparta, Turkey, 0246 2118588, (e-mail: aysekaradaggursoy@gmail.com). Ozge Bayındır is agricultural engineer at the Süleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics, 32260 Isparta, Turkey, 0246 2118588, (e-mail: ozgebyndr@gmail.com).
Guided Internet‐based vs. face‐to‐face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Internet‐delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) has been tested in many research trials, but to a lesser extent directly compared to face‐to‐face delivered cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of trials in which guided ICBT was directly compared to face‐to‐face CBT. Studies on psychiatric and somatic conditions were included. Systematic searches resulted in 13 studies (total N=1053) that met all criteria and were included in the review. There were three studies on social anxiety disorder, three on panic disorder, two on depressive symptoms, two on body dissatisfaction, one on tinnitus, one on male sexual dysfunction, and one on spider phobia. Face‐to‐face CBT was either in the individual format (n=6) or in the group format (n=7). We also assessed quality and risk of bias. Results showed a pooled effect size (Hedges' g) at post‐treatment of −0.01 (95% CI: −0.13 to 0.12), indicating that guided ICBT and face‐to‐face treatment produce equivalent overall effects. Study quality did not affect outcomes. While the overall results indicate equivalence, there are still few studies for each psychiatric and somatic condition and many conditions for which guided ICBT has not been compared to face‐to‐face treatment. Thus, more research is needed to establish equivalence of the two treatment formats.
Molecular Cloning of Three Distinct cDNAs, Each Encoding a Different Adipokinetic Hormone Precursor, of the Migratory Locust, Locusta migratoria

Three distinct cDNAs encoding the preproadipokinetic hormones I, II, and III (prepro-AKH I, II, and III), respectively, of Locusta migratoria have been isolated and sequenced. The three L. migratoria AKH precursors have an overall architecture similar to that of other precursors of the AKH/red pigment-concentrating hormone (RPCH) family identified so far. The AKH I and II precursors of L. migratoria are highly homologous to the Schistocerca gregaria and Schistocerca nitans AKH precursors. Although the L. migratoria AKH III precursor appears to be the least homologous to the Manduca sexta, Drosophila melanogaster, and Carcinus maenas AKH/RPCH precursors, we favor the opinion that the L. migratoria AKH III precursor is evolutionary more related to the M. sexta, D. melanogaster, and C. maenas AKH/RPCH precursors than to the AKH I and II precursors of S. gregaria, S. nitans, or L. migratoria. In situ hybridization showed signals for the different AKH mRNAs to be co-localized in cell bodies of the glandular lobes of the corpora cardiaca. Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of single mRNA species encoding the AKH I precursor (570 bases), AKH II precursor (600 bases), and AKH III precursor (670 bases), respectively. Interestingly, flight activity increased steady-state levels of the AKH I and II mRNAs (2.0 times each) and the AKH III mRNA (4.2 times) in the corpora cardiaca.
Prolactin Inhibition in Lactating Rats Changes Leptin Transfer through the Milk

Malnutrition during lactation reduces milk production and changes pup's leptin serum levels. To test prolactin role in this nutritional state, we evaluated whether prolactin suppression during lactation changes serum leptin in dams, its transfer through the milk, and pup's serum leptin. Lactating rats were treated with bromocryptine (1 mg/twice a day, s.c.) or saline three days before sacrifice (days 2-4 or days 19-21). Food intake and body weight were measured until sacrifice (4th and 21st day). Serum prolactin and leptin were determined by radioimmunoassay. Bromocryptine injected dams had lower serum prolactin and milk production as expected. The mothers presented lower food ingestion (day 21: -25%), lower body weight (day 4: -12%; day 21: -10%), higher serum leptin (day 4: +68%), lower milk leptin on the 4th day (11 times) and higher (8 times) on the 21st day. The offspring of bromocryptine-treated mothers presented lower body weight in both periods of lactation and lower serum leptin on the 4th day (-40%) and higher on the 21st day (+37%) of lactation. We suggest that prolactin, through its effect on leptin secretion into the milk, may play an important role in signalizing maternal nutritional status to the pups.
Inhibitory effects of commonly used herbal extracts on UGT1A1 enzyme activity

Commonly used herbal supplements were screened for their potential to inhibit UGT1A1 activity using human liver microsomes. Extracts screened included ginseng, echinacea, black cohosh, milk thistle, garlic, valerian, saw palmetto, and green tea epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Estradiol-3-O-glucuronide (E-3-G) formation was used as the index of UGT1A1 activity. All herbal extracts except garlic showed inhibition of UGT1A1 activity at one or more of the three concentrations tested. A volume per dose index (VDI) was calculated to estimate the volume in which the daily dose should be diluted to obtain an IC50-equivalent concentration. EGCG, echinacea, saw palmetto, and milk thistle had VDI values >2.0 L per dose unit, suggesting a higher potential for interaction. Inhibition curves were constructed for EGCG, echinacea, saw palmetto, and milk thistle. IC50 values were (mean ± SE) 7.8 ± 0.9, 211.7 ± 43.5, 55.2 ± 9.2, and 30.4 ± 6.9 µg/ml for EGCG, echinacea, saw palmetto, and milk thistle extracts, respectively. Based on our findings, inhibition of UGT1A1 by milk thistle and EGCG and to a lesser extent by echinacea and saw palmetto is plausible, particularly in the intestine where higher extract concentrations are anticipated. Further clinical studies are warranted.
Comprehensive Investigation of Die Shift in Compression Molding Process for 12 Inch Fan-Out Wafer Level Packaging

Die shift is a critical issue in compression molding process for fan-out wafer level packaging (FOWLP). A comprehensive investigation has been performed using the developed multi-step simulation scheme to capture the die shift variation during the process. Several experimental tests were performed on 12 inch wafer to validate the simulation results. Both the thermal -- mechanical (TM) effect and the mold compound fluid flow (FF) effect are considered in the multi-physics simulation model. The expansion and contraction varies along with 5 major steps in the compression molding process. The influences of materials, dimensions and process on the die shift caused by TM and FF effect are analyzed and compared. Two shift compensation methodologies, constant and dynamic pre-shift, have been conducted and evaluated for performance improvement. By optimizing multiple factors, the maximum die shift of ±5μm has been achieved based on the multi-steps simulation analysis. The results and conclusions obtained are expected to aid the molding process of FOWLP.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor drives neutrophil accumulation by facilitating IL‐1β production in a murine model of acute gout

This study evaluated the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in inflammation caused by monosodium urate crystals. The concentration of macrophage migration inhibitory factor was increased in synovial fluid of patients with acute gout, and there was a positive correlation between intra‐articular macrophage migration inhibitory factor and IL‐1β concentrations. In mice, the injection of monosodium urate crystals into the knee joint increased the levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in macrophages and in inflamed tissue. The injection of recombinant macrophage migration inhibitory factor into the joint of mice reproduced the inflammatory response observed in acute gout, including histologic changes, the recruitment of neutrophils, and increased levels of IL‐1β and CXCL1. Importantly, the accumulation of neutrophils and the amount IL‐1β in the joints were reduced in macrophage migration inhibitory factor‐deficient mice when injected with monosodium urate crystals. We observed a similar effect when we blocked macrophage migration inhibitory factor with (S,R)‐3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4,5‐dihydro‐5‐isoxazole acetic acid or anti‐macrophage migration inhibitory factor. In addition, the blockade of IL‐1R and CXCR2 reduced recombinant macrophage migration inhibitory factor‐induced neutrophil recruitment. Mechanistically, recombinant macrophage migration inhibitory factor is important for the synthesis of il1β mRNA in vivo and in isolated macrophages. Altogether, macrophage migration inhibitory factor promotes neutrophil accumulation and is important for IL‐1β production, which are 2 crucial events contributing to the pathogenesis of acute gout.
Combining LDL-C and HDL-C to predict survival in late life: The InChianti study

Background While the relationship between total cholesterol (TC) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) progressively weakens with aging, several studies have shown that low TC is associated with increased mortality in older individuals. However, the possible additive/synergic contribution of the two most important cholesterol rich fractions (LDL-C and HDL-C) to mortality risk has not been previously investigated. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between baseline LDL-C and HDL-C, both separately and combined, and 9-years mortality in a sample of community dwelling older individuals from the InCHIANTI study. Methods and findings 1044 individuals over 64 years were included. CVD and cancer mortality were defined by ICD-9 codes 390–459 and 140–239, respectively. LDL-C <130 mg/dL (3.36 mmol/L) was defined as “optimal/near optimal”. Low HDL-C was defined as <40/50 mg/dL (1.03/1.29 mmol/L) in males/females, respectively. Nine-years mortality risk was calculated by multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. We found that, compared to subjects with high LDL-C and normal HDL-C (reference group), total mortality was significantly increased in subjects with optimal/near optimal LDL-C and low HDL-C (H.R.:1.58; 95%CI:1.11–2.25). As regards the specific cause of death, CVD mortality was not affected by LDL-C/HDL-C levels, while cancer mortality was significantly increased in all subjects with optimal/near optimal LDL-C (with normal HDL-C: H.R.: 2.49; with low HDL-C: H.R.: 4.52). Results were unchanged after exclusion of the first three years of follow-up, and of subjects with low TC (<160 g/dL—4.13 mmol/L). Conclusions Our findings suggest that, in community dwelling older individuals, the combined presence of optimal/near optimal LDL-C and low HDL-C represents a marker of increased future mortality.
Family Involvement Following Institutionalization: Modeling Nursing Home Visits Over Time

Gerontological research has emphasized family members' continued involvement in the lives of loved ones following institutionalization. However, many of these studies are cross-sectional in design and do not ascertain how family members' visits change over time. The present study utilized a growth curve analysis to examine preplacement and postplacement predictors of nursing home visits over a two-year period among a sample of 65 caregivers of dementia patients. Intraindividual patterns of change suggested considerable heterogeneity in family visits. Several variables were also significantly predictive (p < .05) of change in nursing home visits. Spousal caregivers were more likely to report increased visits. Care recipients with greater cognitive impairment following institutionalization experienced increased visits. Caregivers who perceived respect and support from their social network following institutionalization also reported increased visits over the two-year study period. Caregivers who engaged in socially restorative activities after institutionalization reported decreases in visits. The findings provide a more refined understanding of the long-term involvement process following institutionalization.