Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mouse Intestine Selects Nonmotile flhDC Mutants of Escherichia coli MG1655 with Increased Colonizing Ability and Better Utilization of Carbon Sources

ABSTRACT d-Gluconate which is primarily catabolized via the Entner-Doudoroff (ED) pathway, has been implicated as being important for colonization of the streptomycin-treated mouse large intestine by Escherichia coli MG1655, a human commensal strain. In the present study, we report that an MG1655 Δedd mutant defective in the ED pathway grows poorly not only on gluconate as a sole carbon source but on a number of other sugars previously implicated as being important for colonization, including l-fucose, d-gluconate, d-glucuronate, N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, d-mannose, and d-ribose. Furthermore, we show that the mouse intestine selects mutants of MG1655 Δedd and wild-type MG1655 that have improved mouse intestine-colonizing ability and grow 15 to 30% faster on the aforementioned sugars. The mutants of MG1655 Δedd and wild-type MG1655 selected by the intestine are shown to be nonmotile and to have deletions in the flhDC operon, which encodes the master regulator of flagellar biosynthesis. Finally, we show that ΔflhDC mutants of wild-type MG1655 and MG1655 Δedd constructed in the laboratory act identically to those selected by the intestine; i.e., they grow better than their respective parents on sugars as sole carbon sources and are better colonizers of the mouse intestine.
Minimum ethical standards for ICTD/ICT4D research

This document is a proposal for a set of minimum ethical standards to be applied in ICTD/ICT4D Research. It is a response to a call for ethical minimum standards for the interdisciplinary ICTD/ICT4D research community. This documents draws on existing guidelines from different disciplines which were reviewed collectively in a participatory process for their usefulness for our research community. This participatory process included a series of workshops involving researchers, practitioners and students working in the ICTD/ICT4D domain. These #ICTDEthics workshops took place at ICTD 2016 conference, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA,; ICT4D Meetup, London UK, January 2017; ICTDevers workshop, Cape Town, South Africa, April 2017; IFIP Working Group 9.4 Conference, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, May 2017. A draft of these standards has been reviewed on-line and discussed in open workshops at the ICTD 2017 conference in Lahore, Pakistan in November 2017, and the MERLTech conference in London in May 2018. These #ICTDEthics workshops have been facilitated by Andy Dearden and Dorothea Kleine, who also collated responses, and then edited and drafted this final text. This text will be presented for endorsement at the 10th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies and Development in Ahmedabad, India, in January 2019.
Confronting disparities in diabetes care: the clinical effectiveness of redesigning care management for minority patients in rural primary care practices.

CONTEXT Diabetes mellitus and its complications disproportionately affect minority citizens in rural communities, many of whom have limited access to comprehensive diabetes management services. PURPOSE To explore the efficacy of combining care management and interdisciplinary group visits for rural African American patients with diabetes mellitus. METHODS In the intervention practice, an advanced practice nurse visited the practice weekly for 12 months and facilitated diabetes education, patient flow, and management. Patients participated in a 4-session group visit education/support program led by a nurse, a physician, a pharmacist, and a nutritionist. The control patients in a separate practice received usual care. FINDINGS Median hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was not significantly different at baseline in the intervention and control groups but was significantly different at the end of the 12-month follow-up period (P < .05). In the intervention group, median HbA1c at baseline was 8.2 +/- 2.6%, and median HbA1c at an average follow-up of 11.3 months was 7.1 +/- 2.3%, (P < .0001). In the control group, median HbA1c increased from 8.3 +/- 2.0% to 8.6 +/- 2.4% (P < .05) over the same time period. In the intervention group, 61% of patients had a reduction in HbA1c, and the percentage of patients with a HbA1c of less than 7% improved from 32% to 45% (P < 05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that a redesigned care management model that combines nurse-led case management with structured group education visits can be successfully incorporated into rural primary care practices and can significantly improve glycemic control.
Multiple Measures of Carcinoma Extent Versus Perineural Invasion in Prostate Needle Biopsy Tissue in Prediction of Pathologic Stage in a Screening Population

The capacity of perineural invasion by carcinoma in prostate needle biopsy tissue to independently predict pathologic stage in radical prostatectomy tissues remains uncertain. We sought to determine, in a prostate specific antigen-based screening population, the ability of needle biopsy histologic grade, tumor extent, and perineural invasion to independently predict pathologic stage and margin status in the whole prostate gland. Perineural invasion, Gleason grade, percentage Gleason pattern 4/5 carcinoma, and multiple measures of needle biopsy tumor extent, including number of positive cores, percentage of positive cores, total percentage of carcinoma, greatest percentage of carcinoma in a single core, and total carcinoma length in millimeters, were captured for 215 men from a prostate specific antigen-based screening program diagnosed with prostate cancer in a median of six procured needle biopsy cores. Pathologic stage and surgical margin status were evaluated in corresponding completely embedded radical prostatectomy specimens. A logistic regression model was used to relate the endpoints of extraprostatic extension by carcinoma and/or positive margins to needle biopsy tissue findings. In univariate analyses, total percentage of carcinoma (p = 0.003), greatest percentage of carcinoma in a single core (p = 0.004), total tumor length in millimeters (p = 0.009), and fraction of positive cores (p = 0.02) were all significantly associated with extraprostatic (pT3) carcinoma, whereas all five measures of carcinoma extent in needle biopsy tissue were related to positive margins. Correlation coefficient determinations showed that all five measures of needle biopsy carcinoma extent were highly interrelated. In multivariate analyses, total percentage of carcinoma was significantly related to pathologic T stage (p = 0.003) and positive margins (p = 0.0002). In a multivariate model with the radical prostatectomy whole gland endpoint of either pT3 disease or positive margins, fraction of positive cores (p = 0.00001) was the only variable with significant predictive value. Perineural invasion by carcinoma in needle biopsy tissue was detected in 11% of cases. Neither presence nor absence of perineural carcinoma nor number nor percentage of positive nerves related to pathologic stage in univariate or multivariate analyses. Amount of carcinoma in prostate needle biopsy tissue, using multiple measurements but not perineural invasion, is a significant histologic attribute predictive of pathologic stage and margin status for men with prostate specific antigen screening detected prostatic carcinoma. Reporting of several measures of carcinoma extent in needle biopsy tissue is recommended.
Six-port and five-port receivers for UWB and optical communications

Some achievements on multiport direct conversion receivers at microwave and optical frequencies are reported. Several sixport junctions with full UWB band (3.1-10.6 GHz) coverage will be presented and compared which, due to their low imbalances, allow to develop a six-port direct conversion receiver with analog I/Q recovery for the complete UWB band. On the optical side, six-port based receivers have found wide acceptance as coherent receivers for 100Gbit/s communications based in QPSK and higher order modulations. Results will be presented showing six-port and five-port, monolithically integrated coherent receivers. Six-port receivers are based in 90° hybrids with analog I/Q recovery, while five-port receivers are based in 120° couplers with digital I/Q regeneration, which can offer superior hardware compensation capabilities.
Gastro‐entero‐pancreatic hormones in normal pregnancy: response to a protein rich meal

Abstract. The plasma concentrations of gastrin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), gut glucagon‐like‐immunoreactivity (gut GLI), insulin, glucagon, and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) were studied following the ingestion of a protein rich meal in late pregnancy and postpartum in 11 normal women. In pregnancy, the fasting plasma concentrations of glucose (mean ± SEM in pregnancy: 4.1 ± 0.1 mmol1‐1, postpartum: 4.7 ± 0.1 mmol1‐1, p<0.01), gut GLI (25± 3 v. 33± 2 pmol‐eqv 1‐1, P<0.01) and PP (7.9 ± 1.0 v. 13.0± 1.2 pmol 11, P<0.01) were decreased, gastrin and GIP unaltered, and insulin (90± 9 v. 72 ± 5 pmol 11, P<005) and glucagon (17±1 v. 13 ± 1 pmol 1‐1, P<0.01) increased.
Enabling Action Research and Action Learning to Enhance Capacity and Empowerment across SDGs Dimensions and Targets

SDGs as a set of goals designed to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity, peace and security for all, occupy the centre of the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development agreed by United Nations Member States on 25 September 2015. The achievement of SDGs requires knowledge-based actions on all dimensions and targets of the goals. To be effective, knowledge-based actions must be grounded in enhanced capacity, empowerment, and continuous research and learning which in turn require the use of relevant and adequate library and information resources and services as well as information and communication technologies as vital inputs and catalysts. This paper explores how the provision of those knowledge inputs can enable action research and action learning at multiple scales of the learning sub-systems of knowledge systems for SDGs.
MUC5AC hypomethylation is a predictor of microsatellite instability independently of clinical factors associated with colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancers (CRC) with microsatellite instability (MSI) display unique clinicopathologic features including a mucinous pattern with frequent expression of the secreted mucins MUC2 and MUC5AC. The mechanisms responsible for this altered pattern of expression remain largely unknown. We quantified DNA methylation of mucin genes (MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC4) in colonic cancers and examined the association with clinicopathological characteristics and molecular (MSI, KRAS, BRAF, and TP53 mutations) features. A control cohort was used for validation. We detected frequent hypomethylation of MUC2 and MUC5AC in CRC. MUC2 and MUC5AC hypomethylation was associated with MUC2 and MUC5AC protein expression (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively), poor differentiation (p = 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively) and MSI status (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Interestingly, MUC5AC hypomethylation was specific to MSI cancers. Moreover, it was significantly associated with BRAF mutation and CpG island methylator phenotype (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). All these results were confirmed in the control cohort. In the multivariate analysis, MUC5AC hypomethylation was a highly predictive biomarker for MSI cancers. MUC5AC demethylation appears to be a hallmark of MSI in CRC. Determination of MUC5AC methylation status may be useful for understanding and predicting the natural history of CRC.
Performance evaluation of a 60 GHz ULA system for a non stationary source

The millimeter waves band is emerging as a possible solution to the bandwidth problem in wireless communications risen by the demand of wireless access to broadband internet by the users and an exponential increase in the shear number of the users. The present technologies use the currently available bandwidth to its almost theoretical efficiency but with even greater requirements for future wireless communication including 5G the current bandwidth may not be enough. The millimeter waves band has a huge bandwidth available to be used. Millimeter waves has its limitations for use in long range communication due to its higher propagation losses and blockage sensitivity but techniques like spatial multiplexing and beamforming may enable its use for both the long range and short range communications. The 60 GHz portion of the mmWave band not suitable for long range communications due to oxygen absorption is a good option for indoor communications and with the help of beamforming and phased arrays its a viable option for the indoor and short-range wireless communication satisfying the data rates of the future. In this paper we will also evaluate the performance of a Uniform Linear Array (ULA) based beamformed system for a non static source signal.
Adherence to insulin and its association with glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND Good glycaemic control improves outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes, but the extent to which this depends on adherence to insulin treatment is uncertain. AIM To investigate the association between adherence to insulin and glycaemic control in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN Observational records-based study. METHODS We studied all patients with type 2 diabetes who were resident in Tayside, Scotland from 1 January 1995 to 30 September 2001, and who were treated with insulin. Adherence to insulin treatment was measured as the annual number of days of insulin coverage on the recommended dose, calculated from the amount of drug dispensed at community pharmacies and the recommended dose level for each patient. The association between glycaemic control (HbA1c), and adherence was determined, as was the influence of covariates, including age, sex, duration of diabetes and number of injections per day. RESULTS A total of 1099 people were studied: 574 (52%) males and 525 (48%) females, mean +/- SD age 62 +/- 12 years, diabetes duration 10 +/- 7 years. Median time in the study (time for which insulin was dispensed) was 1107 (range 366-2446) days. Insulin prescribed was 58.0 +/- 33.3 IU/day and insulin collected from pharmacies was 53.6 +/- 27.1 IU/day. Mean adherence to insulin was thus 70.6%+/-17.7%. Adherence to insulin (p = 0.0021), BMI (p = 0.0001) and diabetes duration (p = 0.0314) were all significant predictors of HbA1c. DISCUSSION Adherence to insulin appears poor in these type 2 diabetes patients, and there was a significant relationship between adherence and long-term metabolic control.
Interactions between dietary oil treatments and genetic variants modulate fatty acid ethanolamides in plasma and body weight composition

Abstract Fatty acid ethanolamides (FAE), a group of lipid mediators derived from long-chain fatty acids (FA), mediate biological activities including activation of cannabinoid receptors, stimulation of fat oxidation and regulation of satiety. However, how circulating FAE levels are influenced by FA intake in humans remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to investigate the response of six major circulating FAE to various dietary oil treatments in a five-period, cross-over, randomised, double-blind, clinical study in volunteers with abdominal obesity. The treatment oils (60 g/12 552 kJ per d (60 g/3000 kcal per d)) provided for 30 d were as follows: conventional canola oil, high oleic canola oil, high oleic canola oil enriched with DHA, flax/safflower oil blend and corn/safflower oil blend. Two SNP associated with FAE degradation and synthesis were studied. Post-treatment results showed overall that plasma FAE levels were modulated by dietary FA and were positively correlated with corresponding plasma FA levels; minor allele (A) carriers of SNP rs324420 in gene fatty acid amide hydrolase produced higher circulating oleoylethanolamide (OEA) (P=0·0209) and docosahexaenoylethanolamide (DHEA) levels (P=0·0002). In addition, elevated plasma DHEA levels in response to DHA intake tended to be associated with lower plasma OEA levels and an increased gynoid fat mass. In summary, data suggest that the metabolic and physiological responses to dietary FA may be influenced via circulating FAE. Genetic analysis of rs324420 might help identify a sub-population that appears to benefit from increased consumption of DHA and oleic acid.
Clustering Kruger National Park visitors based on interpretation

Interpretation is considered to be an important educational tool that not only addresses visitors' expectations but also contributes to national parks' conservation purposes. This study segmented the Kruger National Park's visitors based on expected interpretation services and revealed four clusters that differed based on their expected and experienced interpretation services as well as their motivational aspects. This study's distinct contribution is the alternative segmentation approach which revealed the viability of the expected interpretation variable to use for ecotourism segmentation purposes. This study not only assists the Kruger National Park to appropriately address interpretation services but also aids other ecotourism destinations.
When is Lower Inflation less Stable? Evidence from Eight Developing Economies

This paper investigates the relationship between inflation and inflation volatility in eight developing economies. Using monthly data for Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Poland, South Africa, and Turkey, the results show that inflation and its volatility have been positively correlated when inflation exceeds a certain value, but negatively correlated when inflation is below this threshold. The evidence also suggests that inflation volatility is minimized at inflation rates that differ across the countries, ranging from roughly 3% in South Africa to 12% in Turkey, a range which includes both the 3.5% break point predicted by the New Keynesian model of Coibion et al. (2012) and the 4% inflation target recommended by Ball (2013) and Krugman (2013), but not the (formal or informal) 2% inflation target of many central banks. Quando l’inflazione piu bassa e meno stabile? Evidenze da otto economie in via di sviluppo Questo lavoro studia la relazione tra livello di inflazione e volatilita dell’inflazione stessa in otto economie in via di sviluppo. Utilizzando dati mensili per Cile, Cina, India, Indonesia, Corea, Polonia, Sud Africa e Turchia, i risultati dimostrano che l’inflazione e la sua volatilita sono state positivamente correlate quando l’inflazione eccede un certo valore, ma negativamente correlate quando l’inflazione e sotto questa soglia. Inoltre vi sono evidenze che la volatilita dell’inflazione e minima a tassi di inflazione differenti da paese a paese: all’incirca il 3% in Sud Africa, il 12% in Turchia, cioe una gamma che include sia il break point del 3.5% previsto dal nuovo modello Keynesiano di Coibion et al. (2012) che il 4% raccomandato da Ball (2013) e Krugman (2013), ma non il 2%, obbiettivo (formale o informale) di inflazione di molte banche centrali.
Male IDUs who have sex with men in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: are they at greater risk of bloodborne virus infection and harm than those who only have sex with women?

Objectives In the UK, although transmission of HIV among injecting drug user (IDUs) has been limited since the 1980s, IDUs and men who have sex with men (MSM) have higher HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalences than the general population. MSM who are also IDUs (MSM-IDUs) may therefore have a higher risk of infection than male IDUs who only have sex with women. Methods Analysis of data from a national survey of IDUs attending services (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) between 1998 and 2007, which collected demographic and behavioural data and oral fluid samples for HIV and HCV antibody testing. Results Of the 8671 men who reported injecting drugs and having sex during the preceding year, 96% (8354) were men who only had sex with women (MSW). MSM-IDUs and MSW-IDUs had similar age and number of years of injecting. MSM-IDUs had a higher prevalence of HIV (adjusted OR=4.08, 95% CI 1.9 to 8.5) and of HCV (adjusted OR =1.34, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.8) and were about four times (adjusted OR =3.78, 95% CI 2.9 to 4.9) more likely to have unprotected sex with multiple partners. Among those who injected in the 4 weeks prior to participation, the MSM-IDUs had a higher level of needle/syringe sharing (adjusted OR =1.72, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.2). Discussion MSM-IDUs have a fourfold higher risk of HIV; HCV prevalence in MSM-IDUs is a third higher than among MSW-IDUs, suggesting elevated risk from injecting and possibly sexual transmission. These findings emphasise the need for public health interventions specifically targeted at MSM-IDUs.
Simultaneous monitoring of potassium, glucose and lactate during spreading depolarization in the injured human brain – Proof of principle of a novel real-time neurochemical analysis system, continuous online microdialysis

Spreading depolarizations occur spontaneously and frequently in injured human brain. They propagate slowly through injured tissue often cycling around a local area of damage. Tissue recovery after an spreading depolarization requires greatly augmented energy utilisation to normalise ionic gradients from a virtually complete loss of membrane potential. In the injured brain, this is difficult because local blood flow is often low and unreactive. In this study, we use a new variant of microdialysis, continuous on-line microdialysis, to observe the effects of spreading depolarizations on brain metabolism. The neurochemical changes are dynamic and take place on the timescale of the passage of an spreading depolarization past the microdialysis probe. Dialysate potassium levels provide an ionic correlate of cellular depolarization and show a clear transient increase. Dialysate glucose levels reflect a balance between local tissue glucose supply and utilisation. These show a clear transient decrease of variable magnitude and duration. Dialysate lactate levels indicate non-oxidative metabolism of glucose and show a transient increase. Preliminary data suggest that the transient changes recover more slowly after the passage of a sequence of multiple spreading depolarizations giving rise to a decrease in basal dialysate glucose and an increase in basal dialysate potassium and lactate levels.