jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
Molecular Consequences of Genetic Variations in the Glutathione Peroxidase 1 Selenoenzyme

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

Abstract Accumulating data have implicated the selenium-containing cytosolic glutathione peroxidase, GPx-1, as a determinant of cancer risk and a mediator of the chemopreventive properties of selenium. Genetic variants of GPx-1 have been shown to be associated with cancer risk for several types of malignancies. To investigate the relationship between GPx-1 enzyme activity and genotype, we measured GPx-1 enzyme activity and protein levels in human lymphocytes as a function of the presence of two common variations: a leucine/proline polymorphism at codon 198 and a variable number of alanine-repeat codons. Differences in GPx activity among these cell lines, as well as in the response to the low-level supplementation of the media with selenium, indicated that factors other than just genotype are significant in determining activity. To restrict the study to genotypic effects, human MCF-7 cells were engineered to exclusively express allelic variants representing a combination of either a codon 198 leucine or proline and either 5 or 7 alanine-repeat codons following transfection of GPx-1 expression constructs. Transfectants were selected and analyzed for GPx-1 enzyme activity and protein levels. GPx-1 with 5 alanines and a leucine at codon 198 showed a significantly higher induction when cells were incubated with selenium and showed a distinct pattern of thermal denaturation as compared with GPx-1 encoded by the other examined alleles. The collective data obtained using both lymphocytes and MCF-7 indicate that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors cooperate to ultimately determine the levels of this enzyme available to protect cells against DNA damage and mutagenesis. [Cancer Res 2009;69(20):8183–90]
The frequency and antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of extended spectrum -lactamase (ESBLs) producing gram negative bacilli isolated from urine in a tertiary care hospital of Pakistan

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in humans, both in the community and the hospital settings. An extensive use of β -lactam antibiotics in hospitals and community has created major resistance problem leading to increased morbidity, mortality and health-care costs. Local knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibilities of these organisms is important for implementation of effective hospital anti-infective policies. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of ESBL producers along with their antimicrobial sensitivity pattern in the urinary isolates of Gram negative bacilli. The study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Army Medical College, looking after an 1100 bedded tertiary care hospital from December 2009 to November 2010. A total of 826 clinical isolates of Gram negative bacilli were recovered from the routine clinical samples of urine from the inpatient and outpatient departments of the hospital. Three hundred and sixty four (364) ESBL producers were identified from these isolates. Escherichia coli was the most frequent ESBL producer in this group followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter spp. Carbapenems were found to be the most effective drug followed by Amikacin and Nitrofurantoin. The high prevalence of ESBL producers in the urinary isolates in our study warrants the need for judicious use of antibiotics to control the spread of antibiotic resistance in these bacteria. Key words: Urinary isolates, gram negative bacilli, ESBL, antibiotic resistance.
Ubuntu: Applying a Southern Theoretical Paradigm to Counter Youth Radicalization

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

Abstract As societal and community institutions, schools operate within certain worldviews. These worldviews impact the aims and objectives of schooling and therefore influence the culture of the school and classroom, not to mention the content of the curriculum and teacher practices. In this paper I consider the “traditional” African worldview of Ubuntu as a framework or a foundation for schooling and education to combat the alienation and discrimination faced by many students in the schools in Western countries which are pushing neo-liberal objectives but that lead them to violence and increasingly, to radicalization. I look at the recent phenomenon of radicalization that makes societies and nations unsafe, and some of the push and pull factors that are increasingly attracting some students in the contemporary world to extremist actions. While the threat of Islamic terrorism seems to have subsided, the threats from extreme right-wing nationalist and alt-right groups is increasing at a fast pace (Ghosh et al, 2016a; Eger and Valdex, 2014; Fadel, 2019; Jones, 2018). I contrast the concept of Ubuntu with Western values of humanism and analyze the core values of the Ubuntu worldview in pedagogical practices. I conclude that present punitive measures are ineffective in preventing radicalization which poses a security threat to all nations, but that schooling has an important role to play in combating this phenomenon through a worldview that is not only humanistic but different in its very understanding of what a human being is and therefore, in preventing schools from alienating individuals and groups.
Focus on terahertz plasmonics

Field: Physics and Astronomy (Physical Sciences)

Plasmonics is one of the growing fields in modern photonics that has garnered increasing interest over \nthe last few years. In this focus issue, the specific challenges concerning terahertz plasmonics have \nbeen addressed and most recent advances in this specific field have been highlighted. The articles \ndemonstrate the diversity and the opportunities of this rich field by covering a variety of topics ranging \nfrom the propagation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on artificially structures surfaces, 2D \nmanipulation of surface plasmons and SPPs, plasmonic focusing, plasmonic high-Q resonators for \nsensing applications, plasmonically enhanced terahertz antennas to terahertz field manipulation by \nuse of plasmonic structures. The articles substantiate the impact of plasmonics and its great innovative \npotential for terahertz technology.
Mucuna pruriens and Other Rotational Crops for Control of Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis in Vegetables in Polytunnels in Martinique

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

Two experiments were conducted in 1994 in Martinique to compare the efficacy of short-term rotations on the population decline of Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis associated with vegetables and various plants. Tomato, weeds, Tagetes erecta, Mucuna pruriens cv. utilis or Brachiaria decumbens were grown, or soil was left in clean fallow, for a three-month period just before planting a crop of lettuce. For M. incognita, the greatest population decline was observed after M. pruriens and T erecta (87% for both crops), while R. reniformis declined most after M. pruriens (86%). The leguminous forage plant, M. pruriens exhibited the best vegetative growth, soil coverage and weed competivity. The use of M. pruriens cv. utilis as a rotation crop may provide a practical and environmentally safe means for growers to suppress population densities of both M. incognita and R. reniformis prior to the cultivation of susceptible short-term vegetable crops.
THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY IN LILLE

Field: Engineering (Physical Sciences)

THE AUTHOR OUTLINES THE MAIN TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE LILLE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY WITHOUT DETAILING THE ECONOMIC STUDIES WHICH LED TO ITS DEFINITION IN 1977. FOUR MAIN CHARACTERISTICS ARE STRESSED: SMALL CLEARANCE (2,05 M WIDE AND 3,25 M HIGH), LIGHTWEIGHT SYSTEM (LIGHT-WEIGHT ALLOY FOR THE EQUIPMENT AND ELIMINATION OF BOGIES), PNEUMATIC-TYRED VEHICLE (SILENCE AND GOOD ADHESION), AUTOMATIC DRIVE.
Study on the Reflective Principle and Long-Term Skid Resistance of a Sustainable Hydrophobic Hot-Melt Marking Paint

Field: Engineering (Physical Sciences)

Road marking is very important for driving safety and reducing the accident rate as a basic component of highway construction. However, traditional road marking paints are prone to be worn after short-term application and have poor durability and reflective performance. To address these problems, the marking paint was modified using the organic polymer material polytetrafluoroethylene to create a durable hydrophobic hot-melt marking paint. The factors affecting the reflective performance of marking lines are analyzed, and artificial accelerated abrasion tests were carried out to analyze the skid resistance and marking retroreflection coefficient of hydrophobic coatings. Results show that the texture of the glass beads and the quality of the coating plays a major role in the reflective performance of the marking line. The friction coefficient value of the modified marking paint is 4.62% higher than that of the traditional hot-melt marking paint. The retroreflection performance of the marking paint with 4% hydrophobic material is 8.45% higher than the initial value of the retroreflection coefficient of the traditional hot-melt marking paints. This sustainable hydrophobic hot-melt marking paint is safer and more durable than traditional pavement marking paints, which may save follow-up maintenance resources and cost from the sustainable aspect.
Vaccination and mucosal responses to Helicobacter pylori infection.

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

H. pylori infection persists for life if not treated, and is responsible for major morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Preventative immunization, once thought to be impossible, is now considered by many to be the only practical approach to large‐scale elimination of the bacterium from susceptible populations. High rates of protection have been achieved in the H. felis mouse model, utilizing antigens ranging from whole cells to purified recombinant proteins selected on the basis of their role in pathogenicity. Immunization has also been shown to cure established infection. H. pylori mouse models have been developed and may become the model of choice. Urease remains the favourite antigen but combinations will most likely be required. A priority is to define alternate muscosal adjuvants, as some used in the animal models may be too toxic for use in humans. Also, there is a need to understand the basis of immunization. Why does the natural immune response to H. pylori fail while the artificially stimulated response succeeds? The first important steps towards a vaccine have been made but, given safety issues and regulatory requirements, it may be 5‐8 years before the final product becomes available. Over these years antimicrobial resistance is likely to be an increasing problem in the treatment of H. pylori infections. Thus, when the vaccine comes, the time will be ripe for the completely new approach of therapeutic immunization.
Effect of Magnetic Field and Slip Conditions on Flow in a Rotating Porous Channel With Viscous Dissipation

Field: Engineering (Physical Sciences)

ABSTRACT This study examines the steady flow of an electrically conducting fluid through a rotating porous channel bounded by stationary, impermeable horizontal plates at constant temperature. The primary aim is to explore the combined effects of a magnetic field, wall slip conditions, and viscous dissipation. The channel rotates at a constant angular velocity, with slip conditions applied at the walls. A pressure gradient drives the primary flow, while rotation generates the secondary flow. Analytical solutions for velocity profiles and volumetric flow rates are obtained, and the temperature distribution is calculated using MATLAB's “bvp4c” function. The research offers novel insights into the behavior of primary and secondary flow velocities under different Hartmann and Taylor numbers, emphasizing the impact of slip conditions. Additionally, the influence of the Eckert number on temperature is analyzed in conjunction with these parameters. These findings contribute valuable theoretical perspectives for enhancing cooling systems in rotating machinery using conductive fluids in porous channels. This study opens avenues for future research to investigate unsteady flow conditions and the effects of variable magnetic fields and rotational speeds on fluid behavior in rotating porous channels.
Digital signal processing applied to radar sensors operated in active defense systems

Field: Engineering (Physical Sciences)

The active defense (AD) is deemed a very promising way how to protect military vehicles, especially in contemporary fight against terrorism in the Third world countries. Cheap and easily accessible hand-held cumulative missiles (e.g. RPG-7) are able to penetrate up to 300 mm of the hard-hardness armour (HHA). Thus light transport military vehicles equipped typically with less than 10 mm thick armours, used frequently e.g. in Afganistan are very vulnerable. The AD systems are based on radar sensors that detect approaching missiles and activate a suitable counter-measure able to destroy the threatening missile. The article describes the microwave curtain, which is one of the radar sensors applicable in AD systems, and signal-processing methods used for generation of ignition signals from its output signals. Practical results obtained at army shooting range are also presented.
Assessing the Technical Efficiency of Rice Producers in the Parsa District of Nepal

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

Rice is one of the primary staple foods in Nepal, and there has been a notable increase in the production of this crop over the past ten years. Nonetheless, there appears to be a growing tendency to import rice. The plain region (Terai) of Nepal produces more than two-thirds of the country’s total rice output, with the highest productivity found in Madhesh Province. However, because of the limited knowledge regarding the technical aspects of rice production, commercial rice growers are facing challenges in using resources to produce output as effectively as possible. There is a pressing need to maximize production based on a limited number of inputs. Thus, this study aimed to examine the technical efficiency of rice farmers and the factors affecting technical inefficiency in the Parsa district of Nepal. This study area is the major domain of the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP), which supports farmers with necessary agricultural inputs, infrastructure development, and innovative practices. Data were collected from 215 rice farmers using multistage purposive sampling and were subjected to a Cobb–Douglas stochastic frontier production function. The results showed that rice producers had a technical efficiency of 0.862. Age and off-farm activities were found to significantly influence the technical efficiency of rice farmers. The technical efficiency of rice producers could be enhanced using a project approach, such as the PMAMP. It is important for the government to implement innovations and technologies in farms with the participation of older farmers because their ability to adapt to novel techniques and technologies is better than that of young farmers. Youth generally prefer off-farm employment opportunities, so domestic investment in agriculture should be promoted to make this sector more appealing. Further, policies and programs focusing on pooling small rice fields and subsidizing the price of tractors will help improve the yield of rice.
A Novel Primary Porcine Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Model with Preserved Properties

Field: Neuroscience (Life Sciences)

To establish an ethical, reliable, and expandable retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell model with maintained RPE properties compatible with multifarious assays. RPE cells from abattoir-obtained porcine eyes were cultured under various conditions. Morphology, RPE cell-specific protein markers (RPE-65, CRALBP), and the tight junction marker ZO-1 were analyzed by phase-contrast microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and western blot, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was determined to assess barrier function. The porcine RPE cells (pRPE) were best established using TrypLE Express, 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplemented high-glucose media, and subculturing at semi-confluency. The pRPE cells maintained epithelioid morphology with ZO-1 positive tight junctions at the cell-to-cell borders, the ability to establish proper barrier function (TEERmax: 346/375 Ω⋅cm2 at passage I/passage VI), and expressed CRALBP and RPE-65 for several passages. The RPE characteristics decreased and disappeared with transdifferentiation. This work describes, for the first time, a pRPE cell model that exhibits preserved RPE properties for several passages on cell culture plastic plates. Though RPE characteristics were maintained for at least 6 passages, the reduced CRALBP and RPE-65 with passaging emphasize that lower passage cells are advantageous to utilize, and that morphology, barrier function, and ZO-1 localization cannot be solely employed as a quality measure of RPE identity. Pigs are phylogenetically similar to humans, including similar physiology, anatomy and immune system. Therefore, porcine RPE cells constitute a relevant model system for studying human eye diseases, such as AMD.
Hemorragias digestivas altas graves

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

In a retrospective analysis the authors present series of 49 patients admitted into the lntensive Care Unit of the Pasteur Hospital, during the years 1994 through 1998, suffering from High Digestive Hemorrhages. Average age exceeded 60 years.Overa/ mortality of the seies was 30. 6% and if dividedinto goups of surgica/ and non surgical patients was40% and 24.1% respective/.
Evaluation of a Refrigerated Barge-on-ship System and Loading Patterns for Postharvest Quality of Exported Texas Grapefruit1

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

Abstract The performance of a prototype refrigerated barge-on-ship system and arrival condition of grapefruit were evaluated. No differences were observed between boxes stacked in register or stacked on pallets except significantly more bruising in palletized fruit. Weight loss of the fruit was minimal. Pulp temperatures in both register and pallet stacks reached the optimum transit temperature of 10°C within 72 hours after the refrigeration system began operating. Humidity levels remained constant at 95% once optimum pulp temperatures were reached. Quality of the grapefruit was considered excellent upon arrival. No significant differences in arrival quality of the fruit, except bruising, could be found between shipping the fruit on pallets or stacking in register.
[Quantitative study on the effect of osthole on proximal tibiae in ovariectomized (OVX) rats].

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (Life Sciences)

Thirty-one 3-month-old Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, basal control (group 1, killed at the begining), aging control (group 2), ovariectomized (OVX, group 3), OVX with nilestriol treatment group (group 4) and OVX with osthole treatment group (group 5). Group 2 and group 3 ig with water 5 ml.kg-1 and group 5 ig with osthole 6.7 mg.kg-1, all once a day for 6 d; group 4 ig with nilestriol 1 mg.kg-1, once a week. After 12 weeks, all rats were killed. The proximal tibiae of rats were processed to undecalcified sections at 20 microns thickness for histomorphometric analysis. OVX was shown to reduce markedly the trabecular bone mass (%Tb. Ar-59%) due to increase of bone turnover with the result that bone resorption exceeded bone formation, as compared with aging controls. In contrast, treatment of OVX rats with Osthole and nilestriol increased significantly the trabecular area (increased 68% and 27.1% compared with that of OVX respectively). Our results indicate that osthole and nilestriol treatment provides protection against osteoporosis in OVX rats. The protective mechanism of osthole and nilestriol involves supression of bone turnover, but the effects of osthole is lower than that of nilestriol (trabecular area decreased 55% more in osthole group than that with nilestriol treatment). Our finding may provide theoretical evidence for the clinical use of osthole or nilestriol for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.
Hasan Olalı: pioneer of tourism education and research in Turkey

Field: Business, Management and Accounting (Social Sciences)

The Republic of Turkey and its founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, aiming to reach the level of modern civilizations starting with the nation's establishment in 1923, made significant changes in public administration beginning in the 1930s. Professor Hasan Olali is one of those individuals sent to France for postgraduate studies. While teaching at a Business College in Izmir, a city in Western Turkey, Olali was dispatched to France to conduct postgraduate studies on tourism. A significant contribution Olali made to the field of tourism and hospitality management was his publications. Olali also played a significant role in the opening of the Department of Tourism Management at Ege University (1968). This department was the first in Turkey to develop and train university-level personnel for the tourism industry. Olali was a distinguished scholar, author, supervisor, consultant and director, who made a very direct and personal contribution to the development of tourism literature in Turkey between 1960 and 1990.
Oleogel: definition, possible applications and further developments Webinar, 20th October 2021

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

Oleogelation is defined as the process able to convert a liquid oil into an anhydrous, viscoelastic self-standing material called oleogel [1]. In recent years, this topic has attracted an increasing interest and the research in this area is progressively growing. Different food applications have been proposed for oleo-gels. The most promising one is their use as fat substitute to obtain healthier foods with reduced content of sat/trans fatty acids. Currently, the fat substitution is highly demanded due to the health issues associ-ated with the consumption of lipids rich in saturated/trans fatty acids, such as animal fats (e.g. butter and lard), tropical oils (e.g. palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil), margarine and shortenings containing them. As extensively demonstrated, their excessive intake is closely related to the increase of the risk of incidence of many non-communicable diseases (e.g., coronary heart disease, Type II diabetes, obesity, stroke, metabolic syndrome and other cholesterol maladies) [2]. To complicate this matter, concerns over sustainability severely limit the use of some fats. This is the case of palm oil and other tropical oils, whose increased production has led to deforestation throughout the world’s tropical regions with consequent environmental issues [3]. Oleogels and oleogelation methodologies were the topics of the webinar organized by the Società Italiana per lo Studio delle Sostanze Grasse (SISSG) on the 20th of October 2021. The contents of the webinar are here briefly summarized.