Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interaction of two swimming Paramecia

SUMMARY The interaction between two swimming Paramecium caudatum was investigated experimentally. Cell motion was restricted between flat plates, and avoiding and escape reactions were observed, as well as hydrodynamic interactions. The results showed that changes in direction between two swimming cells were induced mainly by hydrodynamic forces and that the biological reaction was a minor factor. Numerical simulations were also performed using a boundary element method. P. caudatum was modelled as a rigid spheroid with surface tangential velocity measured by a particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. Hydrodynamic interactions observed in the experiment agreed well with the numerical simulations, so we can conclude that the present cell model is appropriate for describing the motion of P. caudatum.
Self-Defeating Personality and Memories of Parents' Child-Rearing Behaviour: A Replication

A recent study of correlations of self-defeating personality and memories of parents' child-rearing behaviour has been replicated on a larger sample. Nonclinical volunteers (145 women and 114 men) were administered Schill's Self-defeating Personality Scale and a short version of the EMBU-Egna Minnen Beträffande Uppfostran (own memories of parental education) scale. Replicating previous findings, memories of rejecting or nonsupportive parents were significantly correlated with scores for the Self-defeating Personality Scale for both women (rejecting mother, r = 24; supportive mother, r = –.29; rejecting father, r = .23; supportive father, r = –.36) and men (rejecting mother, r = 40; rejecting father, r = .41; supportive father, r = –.28). Memories of an overinvolved parent were significantly correlated with self-defeating personality scores only among men (mother: r = .41; father: r = .36) as in the original study.
Oral tolerance.

The ability of the mucosal immune system to distinguish between harmful and harmless antigens is essential for mounting protective immune responses and preventing the induction of mucosal pathology yet the basis for this remains unclear. As fed antigen can also exert systemic effects understanding oral tolerance and priming will also have important consequences for therapy and vaccination. Here we will not only review the increasing amount of information about the potential mechanisms of oral tolerance and priming but also attempt to shed some light on how differences in the uptake and handling i.e. 'the journey' of orally administered antigen may promote these mechanisms.
Guest Editor's Introduction: The Essential Tension of Creativity and Rationale in Software Design

Creativity and rationale connote two faces of design that are sometimes viewed as complementary: envisioning new worlds through intuitive strokes of innovation versus analyzing reasons and tradeoffs to guide the development of new artifacts and systems. Because it is frequently the case that different practitioners and researchers, and different design disciplines, prize one or the other more highly, there is not only a contrast, but also a lack of integration between creativity and rationale. Yet looking at the two, it also seems they are indivisible: What would be the point of building and/or using rationale in design if doing so were to result in anything other than greater creativity? And almost analogously, what good would be served by cultivating or purporting creativity that could never be interrogated, understood, or deliberately improved and applied, never be explained or conveyed to colleagues, never be passed on to students? On the other hand, this is most definitely not to say that the only reason for rationale in design is to enhance creativity, or that sources of creativity that cannot be explicitly articulated (put into words) have no value. Rather, it is to say that designers and design researchers should want rationales and rationale practices that enhance creativity, and should want to be able to understand and to explain their use of creativity to students, to clients, to users, and to other stakeholders. It is not hard to state how creativity and rationale could fail to have a mutually facilitative relationship. Rationale can easily become an obsession of documentation and formalization, excessively detailing issues, arguments, and alternatives to an extent or in a manner that no one would ever want to revisit, let alone create in the first place. And indeed, rationale practices are often cited as exemplifying a classic rationalist misunderstanding of what design is about and how it moves forward. Rationale practices that suffocate design by enforcing a tedious documentation burden could appropriately be regarded as undermining possibilities for creativity. But creativity has its challenges as well. It is sometimes characterized as necessarily arcane, inherently ineffable, and slightly (or even primarily) mystical. But this attitude unambitiously conflates the nuance and intellectual rigor required to pose and investigate subtle questions with reluctance to pose questions at all. It makes it a point of definition (or
XRCC4/XLF Interaction Is Variably Required for DNA Repair and Is Not Required for Ligase IV Stimulation

ABSTRACT The classic nonhomologous end-joining (c-NHEJ) pathway is largely responsible for repairing double-strand breaks (DSBs) in mammalian cells. XLF stimulates the XRCC4/DNA ligase IV complex by an unknown mechanism. XLF interacts with XRCC4 to form filaments of alternating XRCC4 and XLF dimers that bridge DNA ends in vitro, providing a mechanism by which XLF might stimulate ligation. Here, we characterize two XLF mutants that do not interact with XRCC4 and cannot form filaments or bridge DNA in vitro. One mutant is fully sufficient in stimulating ligation by XRCC4/Lig4 in vitro; the other is not. This separation-of-function mutant (which must function as an XLF homodimer) fully complements the c-NHEJ deficits of some XLF-deficient cell strains but not others, suggesting a variable requirement for XRCC4/XLF interaction in living cells. To determine whether the lack of XRCC4/XLF interaction (and potential bridging) can be compensated for by other factors, candidate repair factors were disrupted in XLF- or XRCC4-deficient cells. The loss of either ATM or the newly described XRCC4/XLF-like factor, PAXX, accentuates the requirement for XLF. However, in the case of ATM/XLF loss (but not PAXX/XLF loss), this reflects a greater requirement for XRCC4/XLF interaction.
Screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the endemic hospital: what have we learned?

Control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) still generates controversy among infection control practitioners. Opponents claim that once MRSA becomes endemic in an institution, control efforts are no longer justified. This review examines the usefulness, feasibility and cost-effectiveness of control programmes in acute-care hospitals where eradication of MRSA has either failed or has never been attempted; hence, the pathogen has become endemic. High endemicity is associated with increased hospital-acquired infection rates, increased use of glycopeptides and subsequent risk of emergence of antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, and additional healthcare costs. Thus, MRSA control has many advantages. Indeed, in many institutions the actual benefit of containment efforts was manifested through the resultant decrease in the incidence of hospital-acquired MRSA infections. Successful programmes are based on an early identification of the MRSA reservoir and prompt implementation of contact precautions. The most efficacious strategy to detect occult MRSA carriage is via the screening of high-risk patients on admission to the hospital which has proven to be cost-effective in varied acute-care endemic settings.
Cash-Flow Management Strategies in Small and Medium-Sized Occupational Health Enterprises

Cash-Flow Management Strategies in Small and Medium-Sized Occupational Health Enterprises by Sibongiseni Selby Myeni MBA, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2015 MMed Sci. University of KwaZulu-Natal, 1998 BSc Honours, University of Zululand, 1994 BSc, University of Zululand, 1992 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration
An analysis of the allocation of pertinent risks in the Zambian building sector using Pareto analysis

Abstract In most instances, the construction client allocates risk by selecting the methods for procurement, payment and the contract form. Nevertheless, how favourably the contractor views the risk allocation has a bearing on the project outcome. This research identifies the pertinent risks in the Zambian context and establishes how they are allocated in terms of types of contract clauses used and response mechanisms employed. A mixed-sequential approach was followed, comprising 15 semi-structured interviews, 198 questionnaire-survey respondents and document analysis (eight projects using various standard forms of contract). The respondents comprised of clients, consultants and contractors involved on medium- to- large-scale building projects. Findings show the pertinent risks in the industry were due to shortcomings of the design team and clients’ shirking. Using a Pareto analysis, a pervasive propensity was found for passive risk acceptance and wanton risk transfer by the client. Modifications were found, aimed at negating the clients’ responsibility for risk. The originality of this research lies in its methodological approach and its focus on how risks are allocated. Findings can help practitioners to better allocate risk and promote the achievement of desired project outcomes through careful selection and utilization of mechanisms, allocation of risk and use of contract clauses.
Echinoderm immunity

Echinoderms are exclusively marine animals that, after the chordates, represent the second largest group of deuterostomes. Their diverse species composition and singular ecological niches provide at the same time challenges and rewards when studying the broad range of responses that make up their immune mechanisms. Two types of responses comprise the immune system of echinoderms: a cellular response and a humoral one. Cell-based immunity is carried by the celomocytes, a morphologically heterogeneous population of free roaming cells that are capable of recognizing and neutralizing pathogens. Celomocytes present diverse morphologies and functions, which include phagocytosis, encapsulation, clotting, cytotoxicity, wound healing among others. Humoral immunity is mediated by a wide variety of secreted compounds that can be found in the celomic fluid and play important roles in defense against infection. Compounds such as lectins, agglutinins, perforins, complement and some cytokines make up some of the humoral responses of echinoderms. Recent advances in the field of molecular biology, genomics and transcriptomics have allowed for the discovery of new immune genes and their products. These discoveries have expanded our knowledge of echinoderm immunity and are setting up the stage for future experiments to better understand the evolution of the immune mechanisms of deuterostomes.
FROM BEAVIS TO BEAK COLOR: A SIMULATION STUDY TO EXAMINE HOW MUCH QTL MAPPING CAN REVEAL ABOUT THE GENETIC ARCHITECTURE OF QUANTITATIVE TRAITS

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping is frequently used in evolutionary studies to understand the genetic architecture of continuously varying traits. The majority of studies have been conducted in specially created crosses, in which genetic differences between parental lines are identified by linkage analysis. Detecting QTL segregating within populations is more problematic, especially in wild populations, because these populations typically have complicated and unbalanced multigenerational pedigrees. However, QTL mapping can still be conducted in such populations using a variance components mixed model approach, and the advent of appropriate statistical frameworks and better genotyping methods mean that the approach is gaining popularity. In this study it is shown that all studies described to date report evidence of QTL of major effect on trait variation, but that these findings are probably caused by inflated estimates of QTL effect sizes due to the Beavis effect. Using simulations I show that even the most powerful studies conducted to date are likely to give misleading descriptions of the genetic architecture of a trait. I show that an interpretation of a mapping study of beak color in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), that suggested genetic variation was determined by a small number of loci of large effect, which are possibly maintained by antagonistic pleiotropy, is likely to be incorrect. More generally, recommendations are made to how QTL mapping can be combined with other approaches to provide more accurate descriptions of a trait's genetic architecture.
Detection and Correction of Merotelic Kinetochore Orientation by Aurora B and its Partners

Merotelic kinetochore orientation is a kinetochore-microtubule mis-attachment in which a single kinetochore binds microtubules to both spindle poles, rather than just one. Merotelic attachments occur frequently in early mitosis and can induce anaphase lagging chromosomes and aneuploidy if not corrected before anaphase onset. Merotelic kinetochore orientation does not interfere with chromosome alignment at the metaphase plate and does not activate the mitotic spindle checkpoint. However, a correction mechanism for merotelic attachment reduces the number of merotelic kinetochores entering anaphase, thus preventing chromosome mis-segregation. Result from many different studies support the idea that Aurora B kinase plays a critical role in this merotelic correction mechanism by phosphorylating key substrates at the kinetochore and promoting turnover of kinetochore microtubules. In addition, recent studies are starting to identify the possible ‘sensors’ of the system that would be able to detect the mis-attachment and communicate this to Aurora B. Here, I review these studies and discuss a model for how merotelic kinetochore orientation could be detected and corrected before anaphase onset.
Postoperative N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level in coronary artery bypass surgery with ventricular dysfunction after perioperative glucose-insulin-potassium treatment.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to clarify the efficacy of perioperative glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) infusion on preoperative and postoperative N-terminal (NT)-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations in patients with a low ejection fraction undergoing isolated on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. DESIGN A double-blind, randomized, controlled study. SETTING Modarres Hospital, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. PATIENTS Sixty-six patients with a low ejection fraction who required coronary artery surgery were selected. INTERVENTION Patients were allocated to a GIK (n = 36) or a control (n = 30) group. The GIK group received GIK solution (500 mL of dextrose in water (DW) 10% + 40 U of regular insulin + 40 mEq of KCl, and 2 g of MgSO(4)) at a rate of 1 mL/kg/h for 10 hours preoperatively and until the removal of the aortic cross-clamp. The control group received half saline solution as placebo with an equivalent infusion rate during the same interval. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Serum NT-proBNP levels were measured before starting the GIK, at the time of anesthesia induction, and 24 hours after surgery. The primary outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative NT-proBNP level. The amount of elevation in postoperative NT-proBNP concentrations was less prominent in the GIK group than in the control group (2,601 ± 1,799 pg/mL v 4,732 ± 4,127 pg/mL; p = 0.02). The patients in the GIK group were extubated sooner (495 ± 92 minutes) than the control group (774 ± 224 minutes; p = 0.002). The overall extubation time was 606 ± 177 minutes. Delayed requirement for mechanical ventilation was significantly more in the controls compared with the GIK group (45.8% v 13.9%, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS GIK is of value in the reduction of post-cardiac surgery NT-proBNP elevation. Thus, its infusion should have a protective effect in patients with low ejection fraction undergoing CABG surgery. Further studies may prove GIK infusion benefits in high-risk CABG surgery patients optimize outcome.
Statewide Hospital-Based Stroke Services in North Carolina: Changes Over 10 Years

Background and Purpose— Statewide assessments of stroke prevention and treatment services were performed in North Carolina in 1998 and 2003. The 2003 survey found certain technologies, but not stroke-related programs, were more widely available. The survey was repeated in 2008 to determine whether there was an interval change in accessibility. Methods— A 2-page questionnaire was sent to each North Carolina hospital. Results were compared with the 1998 and 2003 surveys. Results— Complete responses were obtained from each of the state's emergent stroke care hospitals. The proportions providing CT angiography and diffusion-weighted MRI increased between each period (each P<0.05); the use of care maps and intravenous tissue plasminogen activator protocols increased between 2003 and 2008 but not between 1998 and 2003. There were no changes in availability of MRI, MR angiography, catheter angiography, carotid ultrasound, transcranial Doppler, transthoracic echocardiography, or in the proportions of hospitals having a stroke unit, having a neurologist or neurointerventionalist readily available, or providing stroke-related public education (each P>0.05). The proportions of hospitals having a group of “basic” stroke capabilities did not change (18%, 21%, and 20%, respectively, P>0.05). In 2008, 41% of North Carolina's population resided in a county with at least 1 Primary Stroke Center and an additional 40% in a county using telemedicine or having a transfer plan for patients with acute stroke. Conclusions— The availability of certain diagnostic tests, but not specialty staff or stroke units, increased in North Carolina hospitals between 1998 and 2008. Although there was no change in stroke-related hospital-based organizational features between 1998 and 2003, there were improvements between 2003 and 2008, possibly reflecting programs aimed at developing stroke care systems.
Planktosalinus lacus gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from a salt lake.

A Gram-staining-negative bacterium, strain X14M-14T, was isolated from a salt lake (Lake Xiaochaidan) in Qaidam basin, Qinghai Province, China. Its taxonomic position was determined by using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain X14M-14T were non-spore-forming, non-motile rods. Strain X14M-14T was strictly heterotrophic and aerobic, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain X14M-14T belonged to the family Flavobacteriaceae and formed a distinct lineage that was independent of the most closely related genera: Aequorivita (16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, 91.8-93.1 %) and Salinimicrobium (91.5-92.4 %). Strain X14M-14T contained MK-6 as the major respiratory quinone, and phosphatidylethanolamine and two unknown lipids as the major polar lipids. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The presence of iso-C15 : 1 G as a predominant fatty acid could distinguish this strain clearly from the most closely related genera in the family Flavobacteriaceae. The DNA G+C content was 36.6 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain X14M-14T represents a novel genus and species of the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Planktosalinus lacus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is X14M-14T ( = CGMCC 1.12924T = KCTC 42675T).
Brain activation during autobiographical relationship episode narratives: A core conflictual relationship theme approach

Abstract The authors combined the core conflictual relationship theme (CCRT) method and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify brain regions involved in recall of autobiographical relationship episodes, a key process in psychotherapy. Relationship narratives were obtained from healthy subjects and scored for CCRT relationship themes and emotion. Autobiographical personal and nonautobiographical control narratives were presented in a block-design fMRI experiment. Personal versus control narratives showed activations in anterior cingulate, precuneus, inferior and middle frontal gyri, and inferior parietal lobule. These are regions involved in autobiographical memory, theory of mind, self-referential processing, and emotion. In an exploratory analysis, higher CCRT scores correlated with increased brain activation in the left hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, and middle occipital gyrus. This suggests that brain systems subserving memory processes are more active when recalling relationship episodes with greater CCRT content.
Baseline water quality of municipal ponds and metal removal ability of Typha latifolia L. from sewage and industrial wastewaters

ABSTRACT Municipal effluent of three rural settings of Islamabad was assessed for physicochemical and microbiological parameters by collecting wastewater from inlet and center of ponds. Results showed that water quality was comparatively better at the center as Typha latifolia plants were growing toward the center of ponds. In another study, the wastewater treatment ability of T. latifolia was investigated by growing them in industrial and municipal effluent under greenhouse conditions. Water and plant samples were collected periodically (3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st day after transplanting) for the measurement of Pb, Cu, and Cd concentrations. A decrease in heavy metal concentration of both effluents was observed as the experiment progressed and metal removal percentages ranged between 81% and 96%. Complementary the increase in metal concentration in plant tissues was observed over experimental period. Among plant tissues, metal concentration of Pb was highest i.e. 362 mg kg−1 in roots and 313 mg kg−1 in shoots at end of experiment. Pb, Cu, and Cd concentrations were higher in roots than shoots and hence translocation factors were less than 1.0. Metal removal efficiency was better from industrial wastewater and was in order of Pb > Cu > Cd. T. latifolia can be used for remediation of heavy metal-polluted wastewater.
Reproducing Polynomial ( Singularity ) Particle Methods and Adaptive Meshless Methods for 2-Dim Elliptic Boundary Value Problems by

Oh et al ([28]) introduced the reproducing polynomial particle (RPP) shape functions that are piecewise polynomial and satisfy the Kronecker delta property. In this paper, we introduce RPPM (Reproducing Polynomial Particle Methods) that is the Galerkin approximation method associated with the use of the RPP approximation space. Planting particles in the computation domain in a patchwise uniform manner, we also introduce patchwise RPPM. Furthermore, constructing partition of unity functions with flat-top adaptively, we introduce adaptive patchwise RPPM and compare it with RSPM (Reproducing Singularity Particle Methods) that is the Galerkin approximation method associated with the use of reproducing singularity particle (RSP) shape functions.