Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genotypic Diversity and Characterization of Quinolone Resistant Determinants from Enterobacteriaceae in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Background: Enterobacteriaceae causes many types of infections which are often treated with quinolones and fluoroquinolone (Q/FQ). The resistance mechanisms to Q/FQ are usually associated with mutations in the quinolone resistance determining region which alter the conformation of target amino acid residues within the protein and in the qnr genes. This study aimed at determining the antimicrobial resistant profile of a sample of Enterobacteriaceae from Cameroon and the genetic diversity in quinolone-resistant isolates in view of implementing a better management, treatment, control and prevention of the transmission of these resistant strains. Methods: Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using VITEK 2. The detection of plamid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes was carried out using the conventional PCR method. Sequencing was done using the Applied Biosystem 3500 genetic analyser. DNA fingerprint was obtained using Pulsed-Field Gel electrophoresis. Results: Among 440 Enterobacteriaceae, the most prevalent genera were: Escherichia 178/440 (39.5%); Klebsiella 148/440 (33.6%); Enterobacter 35/440 (8%); Pantoea 28/440 (6.4%); Proteus 14/440 (3.2%) Salmonella 13/440 (3%). Ampicillin resistance showed the highest prevalence with 371/440 (81%) and Imipenem the lowest resistance 9/440 (2.1%). The ciprofloxacin resistance rate was 161/440 (36.6%). The detected plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes were: qnrA, 2/161 (1.2%); qnrB, 31/161 (19.3%); qnrS, 13/161 (8.1%): Aac (6')Ib-cr, 84/161 (52.2%) and qepA, 3/161 (1.9%). There were several mutations in the parC gene of Klebsiella leading to S80D and S80N substitutions. Two pairs of Klebsiella peumoniae strains were phenotypically and genotypically identical with 100% similarity in the dendrogramme. Conclusion: This study showed that quinolone resistance was high. The PMQR genes contributing to this resistance were diverse. This high PMQR indicates that there has been an unknown circulation of these genes in our community. To avoid the rapid dissemination of these PMQR genes continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance should be carried out not only in humans but also in animals to monitor the evolution of these genes.
EFFECTIVENESS OF MAJOR RESISTANCE GENES AND IDENTIFICATION OF NEW SOURCES FOR DISEASE RESISTANCE IN WHEAT

Among the factors which determine yield reliability an important role is played by disease resistance. One of the breeding aims in the Martonvasar institute is to develop wheat varieties with resistance to major diseases. The winter wheat varieties bred in Martonvasar are examined in artificially inoculated nurseries and greenhouses for resistance to economically important pathogens. The effectiveness of designated genes for resistance to powdery mildew and leaf rust has been monitored over a period of several decades. None of the designated major resistance genes examined in greenhouse tests is able to provide complete resistance to powdery mildew; however, a number of leaf rust resistance genes provide full protection against pathogen attack (Lr9, Lr19, Lr24, Lr25, Lr28 and Lr35). In the course of marker-assisted selection, efficient resistance genes (Lr9, Lr24, Lr25 and Lr29) have been incorporated into Martonvasar wheat varieties. The presence of Lr1, Lr10, Lr26, Lr34 and Lr37 in the Martonvasar gene .
Gap-Phase Regeneration of Three Pioneer Tree Species in a Tropical Forest

(1) The gap-phase regeneration behaviour of three pioneer tree species in a Panamanian forest is described. For each species recruitment, mortality and height growth of saplings were recorded during the first 8-9 years of regrowth in thirty natural treefall gaps. The gaps were 20-705 m2 in area. (2) Trema micrantha individuals that survived until years 8-9 were recruited (reached 1 m tall) only in the first year after gap formation. This species grows very fast (up to 7 m year1). After 8-9 years it occurred in only the largest gaps ( > 376 mi2). (3) Cecropia insignis survivors were recruited mostly in the first year after gap formation, but some survived from years 2 and 3. This species did not grow as fast (up to 4 9 m year1) as Trema micrantha. It occurred in the larger gaps (>215 mi2). (4) Miconia argentea survivors were recruited mostly in years 2 and 3, but some survivors were recruited as late as 7 years after gap formation. This species had the slowest growth of the three species studied (up to 2 5 m year-') and colonized gaps from the largest to one of only 102 m2. (5) The gap-phase regeneration behaviour of these species forms a gradient in terms of recruitment, growth, and gap-size requirement. Such dissimilarity could maintain some diversity of gap colonizers, but apparent overlap in regeneration behaviour among these and other pioneer species suggests that chance also promotes their coexistence. Correlates of pioneer species abundance are discussed.
Land Use and Land Cover Change Detection and Prediction in the Kathmandu District of Nepal Using Remote Sensing and GIS

Understanding land use and land cover changes has become a necessity in managing and monitoring natural resources and development especially urban planning. Remote sensing and geographical information systems are proven tools for assessing land use and land cover changes that help planners to advance sustainability. Our study used remote sensing and geographical information system to detect and predict land use and land cover changes in one of the world’s most vulnerable and rapidly growing city of Kathmandu in Nepal. We found that over a period of 20 years (from 1990 to 2010), the Kathmandu district has lost 9.28% of its forests, 9.80% of its agricultural land and 77% of its water bodies. Significant amounts of these losses have been absorbed by the expanding urbanized areas, which has gained 52.47% of land. Predictions of land use and land cover change trends for 2030 show worsening trends with forest, agriculture and water bodies to decrease by an additional 14.43%, 16.67% and 25.83%, respectively. The highest gain in 2030 is predicted for urbanized areas at 18.55%. Rapid urbanization—coupled with lack of proper planning and high rural-urban migration—is the key driver of these changes. These changes are associated with loss of ecosystem services which will negatively impact human wellbeing in the city. We recommend city planners to mainstream ecosystem-based adaptation and mitigation into urban plans supported by strong policy and funds.
The first vespiform tineid moth (Lepidoptera: Tineidae)

Abstract Vespitinea gurkharum gen. et sp.n. is described from specimens reared from a bracket‐fungus (Ganoderma ‐ Polyporaceae) from lowland rain‐forest in Brunei. This striking wasp‐like moth is suggested to be a Batesian mimic of species of Vespidae and Pompilidae (Hymenoptera) and the first example of this mimicry type recorded from the Tineoidea. Abdominal, eye and wing‐coupling modifications suggest that it is diurnal and a behavioural mimic. The systematic position of Vespitinea is discussed with reference to biology and adult and larval morphology.
A Globally Optimal Robust Design Method for Complex Systems

The uncertainty of the engineering system increases with the growing complexity of the engineering system; therefore, the tolerance to the uncertainty is essential. In the design phase, the output performance should reach the design criterion, even under large variations of design parameters. The tolerance to design parameter variations may be measured by the size of a solution space in which the output performance is guaranteed to deliver the required performance. In order to decouple dimensions, a maximum solution hyperbox, expressed by intervals with respect to each design parameter, is sought. The proposed approach combines the metaheuristic algorithm with the DIRECT algorithm where the former is used to seek the maximum size of hyperbox, and the latter is used as a checking technique that guarantees the obtained hyperbox is indeed a solution hyperbox. There are three advantages of the proposed approach. First, it is a global search and has a considerable high possibility to produce the globally maximum solution hyperbox. Second, it can be used for both analytically known and black-box performance functions. Third, it guarantees that any point selected within the obtained hyperbox satisfies the performance criterion as long as the performance function is continuous. Furthermore, the proposed approach is illustrated by numerical examples and real examples of complex systems. Results show that the proposed approach outperforms the GHZ and CES-IA methods in the literature.
Construction and Implementation of Computer Aided Design System for Art Graphics

With the rapid development of computer technology, the application of computer has penetrated into various fields, and the application of computer technology in art design has gradually increased. In order to improve the efficiency and overall level of art design, a computer-aided design system of art graphics was designed and developed based on a comprehensive analysis of the needs of art design. This article introduces the construction and implementation of computer-aided design system for art graphics, including system architecture, functional structure, database design, and system function implementation. The function and performance analysis of the system shows that the computer-aided design system based on art graphics can shorten the development cycle of art design works, improve the efficiency of art design work, and facilitate the simulation and inspection of art works. Based on the requirements of art graphic design, the development of computer art graphic aided design system will not only help to improve the efficiency of art design, but also further improve the level of art design. We will conduct in-depth exploration of the development of China and provide theoretical and technical support.
Mycophagy of red-backed voles in Oregon and Washington

We analyzed stomach contents from two subspecies of Clethrionomys californicus and three subspecies of C. gapperi from coniferous forests of Oregon and western Washington. Seasonal diets were determined for each subspecies of C. californicus. Major foods eaten were the fruiting bodies of hypogeous ectomycorrhizal fungi, predominantly Gasteromycetes, and fruticose lichens, regardless of season. Fungus consumption partially depended on availability. When fungi became scarce, lichens were substituted. Other foods were important only during winter in Cascade Range. Clethrionomys gapperi from Washington consumed large quantities of conifer seed and green plant parts in midautumn. These materials were a small part of the diets of Oregon red-backed voles in midautumn, but this may relate to localized small seed crops. Dependence on ectomycorrhizal fungi by western red-backed voles probably accounts for the latter's disappearance from deforested sites.
Leaf Litter Depth has only a Small Influence on Ranunculus ficaria (Ranunculaceae) Biomass and Reproduction

Abstract Ranunculus ficaria is an invasive plant species in the northeastern United States, especially in urban riparian habitats. Changes in the frequency and intensity of flooding events in these urban riparian corridors create patches of heavy litter and patches of bare ground. Many plant species either cannot penetrate deep litter, or they are susceptible to freezing temperatures and drying conditions on bare ground. This can result in competitive advantages for invasive species that are adapted to these varying conditions. We conducted a field experiment to test the effects of leaf litter depth on R. ficaria biomass, bulbil production, flower production, and seed production under deep (20 cm) litter, intermediate (10 cm) litter, shallow (5 cm) litter, and bare ground along an urban stream in Louisville, Kentucky. Deep litter and lack of litter decreased plant biomass compared with shallow litter. Bulbil production was not significantly different across treatments. Flower and seed production were only reduced in deep litter. Ranunculus ficaria's ability to maintain production across a large range of litter depths may provide a competitive advantage over plant species not adapted to varying litter depths.
Influence of temperature and temperature shifts on the development of chiton larvae, Mopalia muscosa

Summary Larvae of the mossy chiton, Mopalia muscosa, were reared either at 10–12°C or 16°C throughout larval development, or were reared at one of the two temperatures for about 400 h (17 days) and then transferred to the other temperature for the remainder of larval development. Temperature regime was found to influence developmental rate, maximum duration of planktonic existence and incidence of spontaneous metamorphosis. The effect of temperature on length of larval life may reflect exploitation of a finite nutritional source by these lecithotrophic larvae. More rapid development was correlated with shorter larval life. The effect of temperature on incidence of spontaneous metamorphosis probably does not have a nutritional basis. In 3 of the 4 treatments, at least 80% of the larvae eventually died, although some larvae metamorphosed spontaneously in all of the treatments. Approximately 50% spontaneous metamorphosis was attained in the fourth treatment, in which larvae initially were reared at the coole.
The Relationship between Taste and Primary Structure of “Delicious Peptide” (Lys-Gly-Asp-Glu-Glu-Ser-Leu-Ala) from Beef Soup

“Delicious peptide” was reported to be as delicious as beef soup. The peptide and its fragments were synthesized to study its taste active sites. “Delicious peptide” was found to produce a umami and a sour taste. By preparing several di- or tripeptides composed of basic or acidic amino acids, we found that the taste of “delicious peptide” was produced by an interaction between the basic and the acidic fragments in the peptide.
Structure and expression in Escherichia coil of a cloned rat interferon-α gene

DNA synthesized by in vitro transcription on rat interferon (IFN) mRNA has been cloned and amplified as recombinant DNA. The nucleotide sequence of these rat IFN cDNA clones revealed i. the partial presence of the coding region of the gene and ii all cDNA clones were derived from the same subtype of rat IFN-alpha mRNA. Purified inserted fragments were used as a hybridisation probe against chromosomal "Southern blots" to show that at least twelve rat IFN-alpha-related sequences are present in the genome. A lambda-linked rat gene library was screened with the cDNA probes, resulting in an equivalent number of rat IFN-alpha-related hybrid phages. By use of a 3'-noncoding region as a probe, the chromosomal counterpart of the cDNA clones could be detected and the nucleotide sequence of its coding region has been determined. Expression of the coding region in E. coli yielded biologically active IFN, when tested for in vitro or in vivo antiviral activity.
Impact of Soy Protein Isolates and Specific Fractions on Rancidity Development in a Cooked, Refrigerated Beef System

Adding 0, 8, 16 and 24% soy isolate to a cooked, refrigerated beef system decreased TBA values proportionately. The impact of specific crude soy protein fractions on development of rancidity (TBA values) was investigated. The 7S, 9S and 11S protein fractions, a whole protein isolate produced from the same flakes, and the same commercial soy isolate as used previously were incorporated at the 24% or equivalent level. All additions had significant (P<0.05) antioxidant effect. The commercial isolate and the laboratory-produced whole isolate exhibited the most antioxidant activity. The 7S and the 9S fractions contributed significant (P<0.05) antioxidant activity.
Histologic Heterogeneity of Extirpated Renal Cell Carcinoma Specimens: Implications for Renal Mass Biopsy

Pathologic characteristics of extirpated renal cell carcinoma (RCC) specimens <7 cm were reviewed to get better information on technical nuances of renal mass biopsy (RMB). Specimens were stratified according to tumor stage, nuclear grade, size, histology, presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), necrosis, and sarcomatoid features. When considering pT1 (0–7 cm) tumors, pT1b (4–7 cm) RCC masses were more likely to have necrosis (43% vs 16%, P < 0.001), LVI (6% vs 2%, P = 0.024), high-grade nuclear elements (29% vs 17%, P < 0.001), and sarcomatoid features (2% vs 0%, P = 0.006) compared with pT1a (0–4 cm) tumors. Additionally, pT3a tumors were more highly associated with necrosis (P = 0.005), LVI, sarcomatoid features, and high-grade disease (P for all < 0.001) when compared to pT1 masses. For masses <4 cm, pT3a cancers were more likely to demonstrate necrosis (38% vs 16%, P < 0.001), LVI (22% vs 2%, P < 0.001), high-grade nuclear elements (45% vs 17%, P < 0.001), and sarcomatoid features (12% vs 0%, P < 0.001) compared to pT1a tumors. Similarly, for masses 4–7 cm, pathologic T3a tumors were significantly more likely to have sarcomatoid features (12% vs 2%, P = 0.006) and LVI (22% vs 6%, P = 0.003) compared to pT1b tumors. In summary, pT3a tumors and those RCC masses >4 cm exhibit considerable histologic heterogeneity and may harbor elements that are not easily appreciated with limited renal sampling. Therefore, if RMB is considered for renal masses greater than 4 cm or those that abut sinus fat, a multi-quadrant biopsy approach is necessary to ensure adequate sampling and characterization of the mass.
Heat Stress Evaluation Using Environmental and Biological Monitoring

Scientific and technological advances in ergonomics/human factors have greatly contributed to the health promotion and comfort of workers in different working environments around the world. Nevertheless, the heat stress is one of the damaging factors to be treated in various industries and jobs. This study was conducted to compare environmental and biological markers of effect of heat stress among the workers engaged in one of the southern seaports of Iran. According to designed methodology, in the hottest hours of the day during the hottest month of the year, the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) was evaluated. Also, biological markers of effect including heart rate and body temperature were studied. To determine worker's energy demands, the procedure of ISO 8996 was applied. The results showed that during summer, according to environmental monitoring, all of the workers experienced heat stress higher than recommended ACGIH limits. Although, comparison of obtained results from environmental monitoring versus biological monitoring of effect, showed that only 16.25 of exposed population experienced heat stress according to biological markers measurements. According to questionnaire data, acute heat-induced disorders were reported among 23.5 of exposed workers during the study period. Present finding showed that biological monitoring could be regarded as a low cost and more reliable procedure in evaluation and control of heat stress among exposed population for providing comfortable working environment and promoting quality of working life. It may be concluded that in this study, estimation of heat stress using biological monitoring is closer to reality of heat stress in exposed workers, in comparison with WBGT index in which, all of the exposed workers, are experiencing heat stress. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.
The ‘telegraphic schizophrenic manner’: Psychosis and a (non)sense of time

This paper reads Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five and Piercy’s Woman on the Edge of Time as stories of deictic temporal crises. It critically examines the texts, exploring their representations of mental time travel (MTT), and places them into dialectic with health sciences research on autonoesis and episodic memory deficits in people with lived experience of mental health disorders, particularly psychosis or ‘schizophrenia’. The paper uses this dialectic to interrogate how atypical MTT is diagnostically and clinically rendered as pathological, and indicative of psychosis in particular. Similarly, it mines these fictional representations for the insights they might provide in attempting to understand the phenomenological reality of temporal disruptions for people with lived experience of psychosis. The paper moves on to incorporate first-person accounts from people with lived experience, and uses these to refine a Deleuzean static synthesis of time constructed around the traumatic Event and the Dedekind ‘cut’. The paper concludes with some suggestions as to how the literary texts offer possible insights into the experience of people living with ‘psychotic’ temporal disruptions, and in particular how to re-invest their deictic relations to establish functioning fixity and stability of the self in time.
Investigation of the functions of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in mammary carcinoma cells

Abstract Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK today, with incidence rates rising steadily. Prognosis is improving but patients with metastatic disease only have a 15% chance of surviving 5 years beyond prognosis. Therefore, factors influencing the metastatic spread of breast cancer require better understanding. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteases thought to promote metastasis due to their matrix degradation capabilities. MMP-8 however has been discovered to be anti-tumourigenic in many cancers, and anti-metastatic in breast cancer. This occurs through unknown mechanisms, so this work sought to gain further insight into the functional effects of MMP-8. In the literature it has been suggested that MMP-8 is tumour protective through its role in regulating innate immune responses and preventing chronic inflammation. This occurs through activational cleavage of a pro-inflammatory chemokine, Interleukin-8 (IL-8). Using an in vitro over-expression model it is shown in this thesis that MMP-8 reduced 2D random migration and scratch wound closure. It also increased cell adhesion and reduced colony formation and prevented primary tumour growth in mice. These data indicate an anti-tumourigenic role for MMP-8. Biochemically, MMP-8 induced expression of IL-8 in mammary carcinoma cells, and also the expression of a pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, dependent on its catalytic activity. This required NFĸB signalling and IL-6 also required Protease Activated receptor-2. This occurred following transient expression of MMP-8, and also in rare stably transfected clones that expressed MMP-8 long-term. However, wild-type MMP-8 was not tolerated by breast cancer cells and was epigenetically silenced, potentially as a mechanism to overcome growth inhibitory effects exerted by wild-type MMP-8. In these rare “long-term” MMP-8 expressing cells phenotypic alterations occurred, including elevated IL-6 and IL- 8 expression independent of MMP-8, and a self-reinforcing loop between MMP- 8, IL-6 and IL-8. 3 This pathway may contribute to the anti-tumourigenic and metastasis suppressive effects of MMP-8, or it may represent a cellular response to overcome the anti-tumour actions of the protease.
Evaluation of Spring and Winter Wheat Reaction to Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium avenaceum

Winter (37), spring (8) wheat accessions and additionally, 7 double haploid (DH) lines were examined for susceptibility to Fusarium seedling blight after inoculation with F. culmorum and F. avenaceum. Winter accessions exhibited lower susceptibility of about 30% to both pathogens than spring cultivars. Susceptibility of winter cultivars varied from low (22%) to high (97%). Evaluation of the root was found to be more reliable than evaluation of coleoptile necrosis. F. avenaceum infected mostly root and, to a lesser extent, coleoptile and leaves, with about a three times lower disease score of coleoptile against root. F. culmorum caused a 1.5 higher disease score on root than on coleoptile. Susceptibility of DH lines was different from susceptibility of parental forms. Reaction of individual accessions to F. culmorum and F. avenaceum was different.