jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
Integrated assessment of oyster reef ecosystem services: Macrofauna utilization of restored oyster reefs

Field: Environmental Science (Physical Sciences)

Within the Harris Creek Oyster Sanctuary in the Maryland portion of Chesapeake Bay, we evaluated relationships between basic oyster reef characteristics and the abundance and biomass of macrofauna. The eight sites selected for these studies included five restored oyster reef sites and three sites suitable for restoration that had not been restored. These sites encompassed a range of oyster biomass density and were spread throughout the sanctuary area. At each site one month prior to each of four sampling periods, divers filled four wire mesh baskets (0.1m2 surface area x 15 cm depth) with material from the site and embedded them so that the surface was flush with the surrounding substratum. In spring, early summer, late summer and fall of 2015, divers collected baskets and returned them to the laboratory where all macrofauna ≥1 mm were collected from each sample and their identity, abundance and biomass were determined. In addition to the abundance and biomass of oysters, we also assessed the amount of surface as the volume of live oysters along with that of any oyster shells whose surface was at least 50% oxic based on coloration (i.e. black shell was presumed to have been buried below the surface in anoxic conditions).\nPositive relationships were identified for all three reef characteristics and the three major macrofaunal groups examined. In the majority of seasons, the relationship between both biomass and abundance of the hooked mussel, Ischadium recurvum, as a power function of oyster tissue biomass density, oyster abundance per square meter and surface shell volume. The relationship between oyster reef characteristics and the biomass and abundance of the mud crab, Eurypanopeus depressus, and of the naked goby, Gobiosoma bosc, were always positive but were more variable than that for I. recurvum. These data demonstrate that relationships can be found between oyster reef characteristics and macrofauna abundance and biomass. They further demonstrate that, in many cases, simple measures of reef characteristics such as oyster abundance and shell volume can provide predictions of macrofauna abundance and biomass that are comparable to more labor intensive measures such as oyster tissue biomass.
Tension Pull-off and Shear Test Methods to Characterize 3-D Textile Reinforced Bonded Composite Tee-Joints

Field: Engineering (Physical Sciences)

Test methods, data acquisition, and data reduction techniques used to generate design properties for skin-to-spar composite bonded joints that are reinforced using shaped 3-D textiles are presented. These methods represent the culmination of lessons learned after execution of government Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR), Contracted Research and Development (CRAD), and company Independent Research and Development (IRAD) projects. Industry recognition of the poor interlaminar properties of laminated composite materials has limited applications to structures that primarily react to in-plane loads. However, under company IRAD, CRAD, and SBIR-funded Z-fiber programs, revolutionary tension-loaded bonded joints that utilize 3-D woven textile preforms have demonstrated vastly improved strength and damage tolerance capabilities. Characterization of failure modes and the onset of permanent damage for these novel joints are described. Test procedures involving stepped and fatigue type loading have been developed in order to distinguish between ultimate failure loads that are typically reported versus the service load capability of a particular joint. Overviews of the procedures used to conduct two specific types of element tests are presented. The methods are described as (1) tension web pull-off or tee-pull, and (2) horizontal joint shear.
Enantioselective Synthesis of a New Non-Natural Gabosine

Field: Chemistry (Physical Sciences)

The preparation of a new non-natural gabosine is reported, in which the chirality is transferred from the toluene’s biotransformed metabolite (1R,2S)-3-methylcyclohexa-3.5-diene-1,2-diol. Further chemical transformations to introduce additional functionality and chirality to the molecule were also accomplished.
Evaluation the relationship between the antibodies of Helicobacter pylori and Interleukin-6 in patients with gastritis in Kirkuk province

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Background:: Helicobacter pylori is recognized as the most common cause of chronіc gastrіtis, and also an important pathogenic factor in peptic ulcer disease, after colonization and persistant in the mucus layers of the human stomach causes a raised level of pro-inflammatory cytokine such as IL-6. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Kirkuk city from 15th of December 2016 to 15th of June 2017 in Azady teaching hospital in Kirkuk governorate, anti H. pylori IgG level and IL-6 level were estimated by using anti H. pylori IgG ELISA kit and IL-6 ELISA kit. Results: A total of 90 patients the interleukin-6 level and anti H. pylori IgG level in a group of untreated patients against H. pylori infection (225.592 ng/L, 1.338 pg/ml respectively) and in a group of patients who had previously treated against H. pylori infection (102.60 ng/L, 0.350 pg/ml respectively) were significantly higher as compared to those of the control group (55.91 ng/L, 0.250 pg/ml respectively). Conclusion: There were a positive correlation between specific anti H. pylori IgG level and IL-6 level in H. pylori associated with gastric ulcer diseases.
Dynamics of The Universal Test and Treat Strategy in HIV Patients in Nigeria: A Narrative Review of Studies

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

HIV and AIDS infection are major public health problems in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV is spread through contact with certain body fluids from a person with HIV, such body fluids include; blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. HIV attacks and destroys the CD4 cells
Is Political Science Meant for Every Tom, Dick, or Harriet? The Role of First Names and Middle Initials as Predictors of Academic Success

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

Abstract We take advantage of the data set compiled by Masuoka et al. (2007, PS: Political Science and Politics 40 (1): 361–66) on lifetime citation counts of political science faculty at PhD granting institutions in the United States to look for “lucky names,” that is, names parents can give babies that predispose them toward scholarly success in political science. Seeking to test an hypothesis offered by Wuffle (1972, PS: Political Science and Politics (Summer): 290), we also briefly look at the importance of middle initials for citation success in political science.
Regulation of the expression of BDNF and its receptors in the developing nervous system

Field: Neuroscience (Life Sciences)

BDNF binds to two transmembrane receptors: trkB, which is a tyrosine kinase essential for signalling, and p75, which is a common neurotrophin receptor whose role is contoversial. To determine the relationship between BDNF synthesis, BDNF receptor expression, and neuronal responsiveness, the expression of BDNF, trkB, and p75 mRNAs were studied for different populations of sensory neurons whose axons reach their targets and become dependent on BDNF for survival at different times. BDNF mRNA was expressed in the peripheral and central targets of these neurons prior to the arrival of sensory axons. The onset of BDNF responsiveness was preceded by the expression of first p75 mRNA then trkB mRNA, and neurons that start responding to BDNF early were the first to express trkB mRNA. BDNF upregulated trkB mRNA expression just shortly before the onset of BDNF dependence. BDNF is expressed not only in sensory neuron targets but in some of these neurons themselves. To determine whether BDNF is synthesized in NGF-dependent or BDNF-dependent neurons, BDNF mRNA expression was studied in purified populations of cranial sensory neurons that depend on either NGF or BDNF for survival. During the period of neuronal death, BDNF mRNA expression was highest in NGF-dependent cutaneous sensory neurons, lower in BDNF-dependent cutaneous sensory neurons, and undetectable in BDNF-dependent proprioceptive neurons. In coculture, NGF-dependent neurons promoted the survival of BDNF-dependent neurons by the production and release of BDNF, implying a paracrine role for BDNF during the period of naturally occurring neuronal death. To determine if the level of p75 expression in sensory neurons is related to the particular neurotrophin they require for survival, p75 mRNA levels were measured in purified populations of cranial sensory neurons. No clear relationship between the level of p75 mRNA expression and neuron type was observed. Studies of the regulation of p75 mRNA expression in sympathetic neuroblasts revealed that retinoic acid increased and membrane depolarization using KCl decreased the levels of p75 mRNA.
Evaluation of autologous composite colo-peritoneal grafts in the repair of experimental urinary bladder defects in dogs

Field: Veterinary (Health Sciences)

Background: Urinary bladder (UB) defects are most often associated with embryologic development and pelvic trauma. The cause of the defects could be congenital abnormalities or various aetiologies connected with modern life, including road traffic accidents, assault (gunshot injuries) and occupational hazards (neoplasia). industrial, and criminal activities. Medical treatment for these defects is mostly limited thereby necessitating surgical intervention. This study was aimed at finding alternative reconstruction tissue for restoring bladder storage and voiding capability.Materials and Methods: The surgical procedure was aseptically performed under general anesthesia. The dorsal aspect of the urinary bladder served as the recipient site, while sero-muscular colonic pedicle flap of the descending colon along with free peritoneal sheath formed a composite tissue (donor), colo-peritoneal pedicle graft. The surgical procedure included preparation of the colonic pedicle flap, preparation of free peritoneal flap, formation of composite colo-peritoneal graft, preparation of urinary bladder graft bed, and colo-peritoneo-cystoplasty. The dogs were evaluated in the post-operative period by physical examination, urinalysis, and cystography within the duration of 14 weeks.Results: Cystographic evaluations performed on the 2nd, 10th, and 14th weeks post surgery revealed gradual transition of the urinary bladder architecture at the point of graft with clear delineation and minimal blurring at initial assessment, which gradually disappeared later. Complications observed were straining and constipation, which responded positively following appropriate interventions. Post surgical urinalysis showed transient changes in specific gravity and urine pH values, but returned to pre surgical level after day 18 post surgery. Post surgical proteinuria was observed for the first 7 days, but disappeared on day 12. Hematuria occurred within the first 16 days post surgery.Conclusion: It was concluded that autologous composite colo-peritoneal tissue graft was successfully formed and effectively used in the repair of urinary bladder defects in the dogs. This surgical management intervention could be evaluated in human subjects with similar urinary bladder defects.
Can menopause be considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Following the menopause, women develop coronary artery disease at the same rate as men. The best documented change observed in the risk factors linked to ovarian exhaustion is an alteration in lipid composition. More recent studies, however, suggest that the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality after menopause cannot be fully explained by changes in plasma lipoproteins, and support the concept that ovarian hormone deprivation has a widespread impact on the cardiovascular system, with a direct harmful effect on vessel-wall physiology. After the menopause, subjects free from cardiovascular diseases show vascular hyperactivity and a poor vasodilator reserve; the rate of increase in the incidence of arterial hypertension in women is higher than that observed among males of the same age; altogether, cardiovascular diseases become the number one cause of death among women. A large number of mechanistic studies have shown that estrogens, through either direct or genomic-dependent activities, produce beneficial effects on the factors controlling blood flow and plaque formation. Nevertheless, results from recent randomized clinical trials are challenging the belief that postmenopausal hormone therapy protects against coronary artery disease.
Highly luminescent surface-passivated ZnS:Mn nanoparticles by a simple one-step synthesis

Field: Materials Science (Physical Sciences)

Highly luminescent surface-passivated ZnS:Mn nanoparticles were synthesized straightforwardly by a simple liquid-solid-solution method. Compared to the pristine Mn-doped zinc sulfide nanocrystals (quantum efficiency: ∼19%), the Li-added ZnS:Mn exhibited significantly enhanced luminescence properties (quantum efficiency: ∼43%). The surface passivation was investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and by the change in the radiative/nonradiative recombination rates. The photoluminescence enhancement is due to the formation of an effective passivation layer induced by lithium, and consequent suppression of the nonradiative recombination transitions.
Inhibition of murine retrovirus-induced immunodeficiency disease by dideoxycytidine and dideoxycytidine 5'-triphosphate.

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (Life Sciences)

The antiretroviral activity of many nucleoside analogues depends not only on their ability to inhibit the virus reverse transcriptase but also on the specific cellular pools of natural deoxynucleosides and on the level of the enzymes responsible for their phosphorylation. In an attempt to overcome these limitations, we have tested the efficacy of the oral administration of 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (DDC) and the administration of its phosphorylated derivative, 2',3'-dideoxycytidine 5'-triphosphate (DDCTP) encapsulated into autologous red blood cells in a murine retrovirus-induced immunodeficiency model of AIDS (MAIDS). The results obtained showed that both single treatments are quite effective in preventing the typical signs of MAIDS. Combined treatment with both oral DDC and encapsulated DDCTP yields an additive response in some, but not all the parameters investigated. Furthermore, animals receiving the simultaneous administration of DDC and DDCTP show a reduction of animal body weight, a persistent high concentration of IgM, and a high titer of anti-LP-BM5 gag immunoglobulins. Thus, the administration of the same drug in different molecular forms and/or with different delivery systems should be carefully evaluated in preclinical animal models because of the unpredictability of the effects of these treatments from the conclusion drawn by studies on single treatment.
Trypanosoma cruzi: susceptibility to chemotherapy with benznidazole of clones isolated from the highly resistant Colombian strain

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (Life Sciences)

The present investigation was performed to evaluate the susceptibility of seven clones isolated from the highly resistant Colombian strains, prototype of Biodeme Type III. Seven clones previously obtained, showed a phenotypic homogeneity and high similarity with the parental strain. Eight groups of 30 mice were inoculated with one of seven clones or the parental strain; 20 were treated with benznidazole (100mg/kg/day) and 10 were untreated controls. Cure evaluations were done by parasitological and serological tests and PCR. Cure rates varied from 0% (null) to 16.7%. Correlation between positivity of parasitological and serological tests with positive PCR reached 37%. The results demonstrated the high resistance of the clones, suggesting the predominance of a highly resistant principal clone in this strain. The findings apparently indicate that the possibility of cure is minimal for patients infected with this biodeme; a fact that could affect the control of Chagas' disease through treatment of chronically infected people.
Nutritional, physicochemical, antimicrobial and DPPH free radical scavenging potential of the biotech and conventional hybrids of seeds and seed oils from Gossypium hirsutum L.

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

This comparative study investigated the differences in the proximate and mineral composition of seed and fatty acid profiles, physiochemical, antimicrobial properties, and antioxidant characteristics of seed oils of FH-942 (NBt) and MNH-886 (Bt) of Gossypium Hirsutum (upland cotton).Proximate analysis of seeds of both the hybrids showed ash content (7.74% conventional & 6.69% BT), crude fat (14.4% conventional & 12.2% BT), crude protein (29.9% conventional & 28.49% BT) and organic compounds like alkaloids of the conventional hybrid being comparatively better than the biotech hybrid.The carbohydrates and crude fiber of the Bt variety were on the higher side.The Bt genotype had comparatively higher content of calcium, copper and manganese.The physical properties of the crude oil showed density (g/ml) 1.046 & 1.119, specific gravity 0.981 & 1.043, and refractive index 1.467 & 1.468 for conventional and biotech variety respectively.Chemical properties of the crude oils indicated iodine value (conventional 101.2, BT 95.2g of I2/100g of oil), Saponification value (conventional 189.28,BT 175.30mg of KOH/g oil) of the conventional hybrid was better than the biotech hybrid.Fatty acid composition from both genotypes showed insignificant variations except for linoleic acid and linolenic acid being significantly higher in MNH-886.Crude oil of both the hybrids showed lower antibacterial activity against streptomycin and good antifungal potential.Oils of both the hybrids also showed good antioxidant potential in DPPH free radical scavenging indicating greater potentials of both varieties to be used as an edible oil & in the manufacturing of various industrial products.
The Effects of a Warm-up on Acute Hip Joint Flexibility Using a Modified PNF Stretching Technique.

Field: Health Professions (Health Sciences)

This study was conducted in order to determine the effects of various types of warm-up on performance of the slow-reversal-hold-relax modified Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) flexibility maneuver. The subjects for this study (N=54) were active, injuryfree females who were randomly assigned to stationary cycling, whirlpool, or control groups. Each group participated in its assigned treatment for 20 minutes and did not perform any stretching exercises before or during their warm-up. Acute flexibility data were collected for hip flexion with the use of a Leighton Flexometer following the treatment condition. Hip range of motion (ROM) did not differ between the groups performing a warm-up and the control group; therefore, a warm-up had no effect on hip ROM when using a modified PNF technique.
Axl is a key regulator of intestinal γδ T‐cell homeostasis

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

Gut‐homing γδ T cells are induced by chemokines and cell adhesion molecules and play a critical role in homeostasis and mucosal immunity; however, little is known regarding their upstream regulators. We investigated the role of Axl as a specific regulator of chemokines and cell adhesion molecule in the distribution of intestinal γδ T cells. The population of γδ T‐cell receptor‐positive cells including Vγ1 and Vγ7 subsets was remarkably increased in the intraepithelial lymphocytes of Axl mice compared with those of wild‐type (WT) mice. An increased number of migrated γδ T cells were observed in the coculture with intraepithelial cells from Axl –/– mice. The mRNA expression level of chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand (CCL) 25 was specifically higher in the small intestine of Axl –/– mice than in WT mice. In adoptive transfer, the migration of both thymic and extrathymic γδ T cells was increased in Axl –/– mice. The activation of Axl signaling down‐regulated CCL25 expression via ERK signaling pathway and reduced the population of γδ T cells. Systemic dissemination was suppressed in Axl –/– mice infected with Salmonella typhimurium. Thus, our findings suggest that Axl plays a critical role in regulating the migration of γδ T cells for the maintenance of homeostasis and bacterial resistance.—Kim, S.‐M., Park, M., Yee, S.‐M., Ji, K.‐Y., Lee, E.‐H., Nguyen, T.‐V., Nguyen, T. H.‐L., Jang, J., Kim, E.‐M., Choi, H.‐R., Yun, C.‐H., Kang, H.‐S. Axl is a key regulator of intestinal γδ T‐cell homeostasis. FASEB J. 33, 13386–13397 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Investigating the organisational impacts of quality improvement: a protocol for a realist evaluation of improvement approaches drawing on the Resource Based View of the Firm

Field: Health Professions (Health Sciences)

Introduction Little is understood about the role of quality improvement in enabling health organisations to survive and thrive in the contemporary context of financial and economic challenges. We will draw on the theoretical foundations of the ‘Resource Based View of the Firm’ (RBV) to develop insights into why health organisations engage in improvement work, how impacts are conceptualised, and ‘what works’ in delivering these impacts. Specifically, RBV theorises that the mix and use of resources across different organisations may explain differences in performance. Whether improvement work influences these resources is unclear. Methods and analysis Case study research will be conducted across health organisations participating in four approaches to improvement, including: a national improvement programme; a multiorganisational partnership around implementation; an organisational strategy for quality improvement; and a coproduction project designed to enhance the experience of a clinical service from the perspective of patients. Data will comprise in-depth interviews with key informants, observation of key events and documents; analysed within and then across cases. Adopting a realist perspective, the core tenets of RBV will be evaluated as a programme theory, focusing on the interplay between organisational conditions and behavioural or resource responses that are reported through engagement in improvement. Ethics and dissemination The study has been approved by Bangor University Ethics Committee. The investigation will not judge the relative merits of different approaches to healthcare quality improvement. Rather, we will develop unique insights into the organisational consequences, and dependencies of quality improvement, providing an opportunity to add to the explanatory potential of RBV in this and other contexts. In addition to scientific and lay reports of the study findings, research outputs will include a framework for constructing the economic impacts of quality improvement and practical guidance for health service managers that maximises the impacts of investment in quality improvement.