Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation of rrgA promoter binding proteins in Streptococcus pneumoniae A study of a virulence associated pilus

3 Introduction . 4 Health effects and implications . 4 Virulence . 4 Infection control . 5 Pili in Streptococcus pneumoniae . 5 Scope and context of this project . 7 Aims . 7 Results . 8 Preparing DNA for protein trapping . 8 Preparation of cytoplasmic protein extract. 9 Enriching for proteins binding to target DNA . 9 Preparation of samples for mass spectrometric analysis. 12 Discussion. 14 Immobilisation of rrgA promoter fragments to Dynabeads . 14 Cell lysis. 14 Binding experiments . 15 Future prospects . 16 Materials and methods. 17 Strains and media . 17 Culturing of Streptococcus pneumoniae . 17 Primers . 17 DNA extraction . 17 PCR protocol and program. 18 Protein extraction tests . 18 Protein extraction French press protocol. 20 Protein concentration and quality of extract . 20 Protein-DNA binding reaction . 20 Precipitation of protein eluate . 21 PAGE and gel staining . 21 Binding reaction for mass spectrometry. 21 Sequencing of immobilised fragments . 21 Acknowledgements. 23 References . 24
Emotion, Embodied Mind and the Therapeutic Aspects of Musical Experience in Everyday Life

The capacity for music to function as a force for bio-cognitive organisation is considered in clinical and everyday contexts. Given the deeply embodied nature of such therapeutic responses to music, it is argued that cognitivist approaches may be insufficient to fully explain music’s affective power. Following this, an embodied approach is considered, where the emotional-affective response to music is discussed in terms of primary bodily systems and the innate cross-modal perceptive capacities of the embodied human mind. It is suggested that such an approach may extend the largely cognitivist view taken by much of contemporary music psychology and philosophy of music by pointing the way towards a conception of musical meaning that begins with our most primordial interactions with the world.
Drivers to the Implementation of Risk Management Practices: A Conceptual Framework

The implementation of risk management (RM) practices in past research has shown to be diverse. Although many studies have attempted to explore the drivers to the wide variation of RM implementation, there is sparse conceptual framework which describes the linking between the RM implementation drivers with the implementation of RM practices. Therefore, this study focuses on understanding the influence of RM drivers particularly the corporate governance, compliance to rules and regulations, pressure from external auditors, firm and industry characteristics, internal factors, acknowledgment of RM potential benefits, emergence of new business trends, occurrence of risk events, and vulnerabilities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). To understand the influences of the aforementioned drivers towards the implementation of RM practices, this study proposes a conceptual framework which extends the institutional theory and contingency theory by introducing the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory into the present literature. Finally, this paper outlines the methodology of how an empirical research might be systematically conducted by using the proposed conceptual framework.
Where Performance Measurement and Knowledge Management Meet:Evaluating and Managing Corporate Knowledge

This study develops a conceptual framework for the integration of knowledge management and the performance measurement system focusing on the role of performance measures in the exchange and production of tacit and explicit knowledge. We develop six testable propositions and use data from eighteen subsidiaries to draw insights on the design of the performance measurement system and its relationship with corporate knowledge management. We find that performance measurement systems are currently evolving, and that as knowledge transfers become more explicit, firms are more likely to have a formal performance measurement system that relies primarily on non-financial knowledge metrics.
Sticky wages and rule of thumb consumers

I introduce sticky wages in the model with credit constrained or “rule of thumb” consumers advanced by Gali, Valles and Lopez Salido (2005). I show that wage stickiness i) restores, in contrast with the results in Bilbiie (2005), the Taylor Principle as a necessary condition for equilibrium determinacy; ii) implies that a a rise in consumption in response to an unexpected rise in government spending is not a robust feature of the model. In particular, consumption increses just when the elasticity of marginal disutility of labor supply is low. Results are robust to most of Taylor-type monetary rules used in the literature, including one which responds to wage inflation.
Forest disturbance and natural regeneration in an African rainforest at Korup National Park , Cameroon

This study investigated the effect of disturbance on the biodiversity of a tropical rainforest. Gap sizes, their distribution and the causal factors were evaluated in the 50 ha Korup Forest Dynamics Plot (KFDP). The regeneration of species was evaluated in the gaps of KFDP, Isangele roadside gaps and its adjoining closed forest. It was observed that gaps make up to 0.1% of the KFDP, and their distribution was clumped. The rocky and higher elevation had the highest number of gaps while the lowest part of the plot had the least. Out of the 303 gaps found in KFDP, 41.3% of these were as a result of tree snapping and the species Oubanguia alata was highly affected, while dead standing caused the least number of gaps (0.7%). Wind throw gaps had the largest sizes (143.88 m 2 ) and the tree species Protomegabaria stapfiana was highly affected by this causal factor. Simpson diversity index of plant species at Isangele roadside was high (0.96) when compared to Isangele closed forest (0.92) and KFDP gaps (0.66) plots. Sørensen’s similarity index of the Isangele road and closed forest was 0.88. Forest gaps may contribute to the maintenance of high species diversity which is significant in forest ecosystem management.
Bone and adipose tissue – more and more interdependence

Wspolnym prekursorem osteoblastow i adipocytow w szpiku kostnym są mezenchymalne komorki progenitorowe. Wplyw roznorakich czynnikow warunkuje ich roznicowanie sie w kierunku jednej z tych linii, co moze miec znaczenie dla poźniejszych zmian patologicznych ukladu kostnego. Liczne dowody z badan eksperymentalnych i klinicznych przemawiają takze za wzajemnymi wielorakimi zaleznościami miedzy szkieletem a tkanką tluszczową. Liczne produkty adipocytow – leptyna, adiponektyna i inne – w sposob pośredni lub bezpośredni wplywają na zachodzące nieustannie procesy kościotworzenia i resorpcji kostnej. Wiedza na ich temat weryfikuje nasze poglądy na temat otylości, osteoporozy i zlaman niskoenergetycznych. Wiadomo takze, ze remodeling kostny, proces wymagający energii, jest w duzym stopniu zalezny od insuliny, a tkanka kostna wytwarza osteokalcyne – hormon, ktorego rola daleko wykracza poza wyznaczanie ram obrotu kostnego. Coraz wiecej faktow przemawia za endokrynną funkcją szkieletu.
Improvement of tribotechnological properties of oil-based cutting fluids by adding dry lubricants

Having taken an oil component of cutting fluids used when machining difficult-to-machine materials, authors have searched for an additive which would have improved both tribotechnological properties and the cooling effect. Tribotechnological characteristics of widely used friction modifiers, such as graphite, molybdenum disulfide and serpentine, are analyzed. It has been show that the use of montmorillonite, a mineral that is widespread in nature, as an additive improves tribotechnological characteristics and scuffing load capacity of oil-based cutting fluids in general.
N-3 PUFAs and neuroinflammatory processes in cognitive disorders

With the ageing population and increased cases of neurodegenerative diseases, there is a crucial need for the development of new nutritional approaches to prevent and delay the onset of cognitive decline. Neuroinflammatory processes contribute to neuronal damage that underpins neurodegenerative disorders. Growing evidence sheds light on the use of dietary n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to improve cognitive performances and reduce the neuroinflammatory responses occurring with age and neurodegenerative pathologies. This review will summarise the most recent information related to the impact and mechanisms underlying the neuroinflammatory processes in cognitive disorders. We will also discuss the mechanisms underlying n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids effect on neuroinflammation and memory decline.
Model for the Volume-Area-Depth Relations of Midfield Ponds using LiDAR

Small midfield ponds have important functions in the hydrology and ecology of hummocky areas of Poland. Because of their sensitivity to meteorological conditions, their number and hydroperiod are altered as a result of climate changes and agriculture pressure. Accurate estimation of the pond area and storage capacities requires upto-date high-resolution elevation data. In this paper, we developed 0.2 m and 1.0 m bare-earth DEMs from LiDAR data and compared them with DEMs obtained from old bathymetric maps. Then, we calculated A-h and V-h relations and compared them with the relations derived from simplified models describing the pond shape. The analyses showed that LiDAR data are also useful for detecting changes in the ponds morphometry.
Methods for eradication of the biofilms formed by opportunistic pathogens using novel techniques – A review

Abstract The inconvenient environmental conditions force microorganisms to colonize either abiotic surfaces or animal and plant tissues and, therefore, form more resistant structures – biofilms. The phenomenon of microbial adherence, opportunistic pathogens in particular, is of a great concern. Colonization of medical devices and biofilm formation on their surface, may lead to severe infections mainly in humans with impaired immune system. Although, current research consider various methods for prevention of microbial biofilms formation, still, once a biofilm is formed, its elimination is almost impossible. This study focuses on the overview of novel methods applied for eradication of mature opportunistic pathogens' biofilms. Among various techniques the following: cold plasma, electric field, ultrasounds, ozonated water treatment, phagotherapy, matrix targeting enzymes, bacteriocins, synthetic chemicals and natural origin compounds used for biofilm matrix disruption were briefly described.
Analysis of knowledge tacitness in the transfer of food and beverage practices: Evidence from new chain hotels

Knowledge is a valuable resource that can provide a firm competitive advantages. Food and beverage practices require the existence of knowledge to effectively perform the activities in this key department for many hotels. When hotel firms grow by integrating new hotels in the organizational structure, managers usually want to transfer the knowledge underlying the key practices. However, the transfer is affected by the level of knowledge tacitness, since this characteristic is considered to render the transfer more difficult. With data from 93 new chain hotels where FB the preferred method for F&B customer service is training courses, lectures and seminars. Moreover, the tacitness of knowledge about F&B customer service negatively affects the knowledge transfer process in several success dimensions.
Anaerobic co-digestion of waste wafers from confectionery production with sewage sludge.

Food waste (FW) is generated in high volumes and is a serious threat to the environment if utilized improperly or left without control. Conventional methods of FW disposal include combustion, landfi lling, aerobic composting, partial recycling, and other ones. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is the most environmentally friendly of all the methods as it is benefi cial to the populace, and food waste is a suitable material for biogas
Cryo-electron Microscopy Reconstruction and Stability Studies of the Wild Type and the R432A Variant of Adeno-associated Virus Type 2 Reveal that Capsid Structural Stability Is a Major Factor in Genome Packaging

ABSTRACT The adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are promising therapeutic gene delivery vectors and better understanding of their capsid assembly and genome packaging mechanism is needed for improved vector production. Empty AAV capsids assemble in the nucleus prior to genome packaging by virally encoded Rep proteins. To elucidate the capsid determinants of this process, structural differences between wild-type (wt) AAV2 and a packaging deficient variant, AAV2-R432A, were examined using cryo-electron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction both at an ∼5.0-Å resolution (medium) and also at 3.8- and 3.7-Å resolutions (high), respectively. The high resolution structures showed that removal of the arginine side chain in AAV2-R432A eliminated hydrogen bonding interactions, resulting in altered intramolecular and intermolecular interactions propagated from under the 3-fold axis toward the 5-fold channel. Consistent with these observations, differential scanning calorimetry showed an ∼10°C decrease in thermal stability for AAV2-R432A compared to wt-AAV2. In addition, the medium resolution structures revealed differences in the juxtaposition of the less ordered, N-terminal region of their capsid proteins, VP1/2/3. A structural rearrangement in AAV2-R432A repositioned the βA strand region under the icosahedral 2-fold axis rather than antiparallel to the βB strand, eliminating many intramolecular interactions. Thus, a single amino acid substitution can significantly alter the AAV capsid integrity to the extent of reducing its stability and possibly rendering it unable to tolerate the stress of genome packaging. Furthermore, the data show that the 2-, 3-, and 5-fold regions of the capsid contributed to producing the packaging defect and highlight a tight connection between the entire capsid in maintaining packaging efficiency. IMPORTANCE The mechanism of AAV genome packaging is still poorly understood, particularly with respect to the capsid determinants of the required capsid-Rep interaction. Understanding this mechanism may aid in the improvement of AAV packaging efficiency, which is currently ∼1:10 (10%) genome packaged to empty capsid in vector preparations. This report identifies regions of the AAV capsid that play roles in genome packaging and that may be important for Rep recognition. It also demonstrates the need to maintain capsid stability for the success of this process. This information is important for efforts to improve AAV genome packaging and will also inform the engineering of AAV capsid variants for improved tropism, specific tissue targeting, and host antibody escape by defining amino acids that cannot be altered without detriment to infectious vector production.
Fish Collagen Promotes the Expression of Genes Related to Osteoblastic Activity

Tilapia type I atelocollagen (TAC) is a strong candidate for clinical application as its biological scaffold due to a high degeneration temperature and biologically safe properties. The aim of this study was to confirm the biological effects of TAC in vitro on osteoblastic cells, simulating its clinical application. The proliferation and differentiation of typical preosteoblasts, MC3T3-E1 cells, were investigated using a microarray analysis, staining assay for mineralization, and real-time PCR analysis of the expression of mineralization-related genes. The mRNA expression of 10 genes involved in proliferation and differentiation increased after 3-day culture on an TAC gel, with an average balanced score ratio exceeding 1.5 compared to the control. After two weeks of culture, all three experimental groups showed stronger alkaline phosphatase staining than after one week. The genes expression of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and bone sialoprotein increased under the experimental conditions. The gene expression of osteopontin did not increase, and no statistical differences were noted among the three experimental groups. The present and previous findings suggest that TAC is not only a suitable alternative to collagen products originating from mammals but also a novel biomaterial with cell differentiation ability for regenerative medicine.
The Effect of Regular Physical Activities on the Visceral Fat in Diabetic Patients in Iran- Review

besity and its complications, particularly insulin resistance and diabetes, has become a worldwide epidemic. Obesity is accompanied by an increase in insulin resistance and hyperglycemia and induces several basic and generalized complications in all physiological systems. Ordinarily, adipocytes in both subcutaneous and visceral depots become hypertrophic under these circumstances and their secretory pattern alters. There is evidence suggesting that the adipose tissue plays an important role in insulin resistance by irregular production and secretion of a number of messenger molecules including the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) , RBP4, leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, coumarin, omentin-1 and resistin (1). In the past, it was believed that the adipose tissue does not induce any effects and merely stores triglycerides, however, today, it O 1. PhD Candidate Department of Exercise physiology, Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran. 2. Associate Professor Department of Exercise physiology, Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran. 3. Professor Department of Exercise physiology, Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.
Water Content in the Mantle Transition Zone Beneath the North Pacific Derived from the Electrical Conductivity Anomaly

Fukao et al. (2004) inverted semi-global electromagnetic network data for threedimensional electrical conductivity structure in the mantle transition zone beneath the north Pacific. In this paper we interpret the electrical conductivity structure in terms of the water distribution in the mantle transition zone, using partial derivatives determined by laboratory experiments on mantle materials. Fukao et al. (2004) explained both electrical conductivity and seismic P-wave velocity anomalies with thermal anomalies because of the overall coincidence of high electrical conductivity with low seismic velocity. However, a significant discrepancy is found beneath the Mariana islands where the seismic tomography would indicate little temperature anomaly, while electromagnetic tomography implies high temperatures. Despite limitations and differences in spatial resolution, this result indicates that this particular feature may not be explained by only a thermal effect. Taking into consideration that this region is well populated by subducted slabs, we further assume that this discrepancy is caused by water dehydrated from those slabs. Under this assumption, by combining the Nernst-Einstein relationship (e.g. Karato, 1990) and the recent result of laboratory measurements of hydrogen diffusivity in wadsleyite (Hae et al., 2006), the water content anomaly was estimated from the electrical conductivity anomalies. We find that the mantle transition zone beneath Mariana islands could contain about 0.3 weight % water.
The Content in Bioactive Compounds of Different Brewers' Spent Grain Aqueous Extracts

In the last decade by-products of food and beverage processing have attracted much attention due to their functionality and potential as food ingredients. Brewersâ€™ spent grain is the major by-product of the brewing industry representing a valuable source of bioactive ingredients. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of extraction time and temperature on the efficiency of water as solvent for the extraction of bioactive compounds from brewersâ€™ spent grain (BSG). In terms of extraction efficiency, the results from polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity, showed that the best extraction parameters for aqueous extracts are 90â°C and 60 minutes. In comparison with the control, the best extraction method generated 87% of the phenolics and 43.46% of the flavonoids obtained by a methanol extraction. The preliminary results for the aqueous extracts showed that water can be used as extraction solvent, but a higher extraction time and temperature are needed in order to have a content in bioactive compounds similar to that of methanolic extracts. The obtained values for polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity, emphasize the importance and the opportunities of the reuse of thisÂ agro-industrial waste.
Influence of HR Practices on Autonomy and Control in Selected Upstream Multinational Oil Companies in Nigeria

This study addressed the complexities in decision-making on personnel policies and practices in the Multinational companies. The purpose was to examine the influence of human resource practices on outcome of autonomy and control in the selected Upstream Multinational oil companies in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted a field survey research method with validated and tested reliable instruments, the questionnaire and the interview. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability test of all variables indicated (.876) above the recommended (0.7) cut off point of high reliability statistics. A Random Sampling Technique was adopted for selection of 5 (25.4%) of 22 companies in the Upstream Multinational oil sector as sample population while a total of 300 randomly selected research subjects represented respondents of the present study. The Chi-Square (X 2 ) Test, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and the Regression Analysis were statistical tools used with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to test hypotheses. Findings revealed among others that influence of staff resourcing is more on outcome of autonomy and control in the subsidiaries; that when the influence of staff resourcing increases or is extensively established at the headquarters, it’s influence on outcome of autonomy and control also increases in the subsidiaries; that there is a significant direct relationship between outcome of autonomy and control and HR practice(s) which implies that when autonomy increases as a result of a corresponding increase in extensively established HR practice(s), employees gain more satisfaction on the job whereas, when control increases as a result of a corresponding increase in control strategies in HR practices, employees gain less satisfaction on the job. It was however concluded among others that a new policy redirection that is people- oriented be adopted to ensure more employee autonomy and less control in the Upstream MNC subsidiaries in Nigeria. Key Words: Influence, Autonomy, Control, Human Resource Practices, Upstream Multinational, Strategic International Human Resource Management, Nigeria.
Effects of breeder nutrition and management, and incubation on broiler leg health

T he majority of interventions to reduce the prevalence of poultry leg issues have been done at farm level. Nevertheless, developmental disorders of the poultry locomotion system could start during embryo development. Several locomotion problems are observed at hatch or days later at the farms; however, very little research has been done or attention been placed on factors at hatchery and breeder levels where these problems may initiate. Breeder nutrition and management play key roles on egg traits that may affect progeny embryo development. The objective of this presentation is to discuss some nutritional and management factors for the breeders, and incubation conditions that can affect early development of the whole locomotion system and the voluntary physical activity of broilers. Possible negative effects are finally observed on increased prevalence of leg problems and reduced bone strength in broiler flocks.