Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Correlation of the CLSI Susceptibility Breakpoint for Piperacillin- Tazobactam against Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella Species

ABSTRACT We assessed infections caused by extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli or Klebsiella spp. treated with piperacillin-tazobactam to determine if the susceptibility breakpoint predicts outcome. Treatment was successful in 10 of 11 nonurinary infections from susceptible strains and in 2 of 6 infections with MICs of >16/4 μg/ml. All six urinary infections responded to treatment regardless of susceptibility.
QUILT: implementing a large-scale cross-language text retrieval system

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Prevalence of Complicated Carotid Atheroma as Detected by Magnetic Resonance Direct Thrombus Imaging in Patients With Suspected Carotid Artery Stenosis and Previous Acute Cerebral Ischemia

Background It is recognized that complicated plaque largely accounts for the morbidity and mortality from atherosclerosis. Ideally, investigation of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients would identify atheromatous plaques independently of stenosis. We have previously shown that a magnetic resonance direct thrombus imaging (MRDTI) technique demonstrates complicated atheroma as high signal within the carotid arterial wall. We used this technique to examine the prevalence of complicated carotid plaque in vivo in the ipsilateral arteries of recently symptomatic patients with suspected carotid artery stenosis and to compare this with their contralateral arteries and with those of healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Methods and Results The carotid arteries of 120 patients with suspected severe carotid artery stenosis and previous acute cerebral ischemia were imaged using MRDTI, as were 28 control arteries. High signal was not seen in any control artery. However, there was a 60% prevalence of high signal, suggestive of complicated plaque in the patients' ipsilateral arteries. The prevalence of high signal was significantly greater in the patients' ipsilateral vessels compared with the contralateral, asymptomatic side (60% versus 36%, χ2 P<0.001), particularly for vessels of only moderate stenosis. Conclusions MRDTI high signal suggestive of complicated plaque is prevalent in the ipsilateral carotid arteries of patients with carotid stenosis and recent cerebral ischemic events. MRDTI has a potential role in identifying “at risk” plaque, studying atherogenesis and the effects of plaque‐modifying strategies. (Circulation. 2003;107:3053‐3058.)
An Evaluation of the Bond-Splitting Action of Ribbed Bars

Bond action of a ribbed reinforcing bar creates forces that tend to split the concrete cover around the bar. In many practical circumstances, bond strength is limited by the resistance of the member section to these bursting forces. This paper reports on research initiated to examine the relationship between bond strength and bursting forces. Test data show the commonly used assumption that bursting force is directly proportional to bond strength to be incorrect, and that a substantial nonsplitting component of bond strength exists. It is also shown that the confinement provided by the tensile strength of concrete cover is less than generally supposed in analyses of bond strength. A unique relationship between bond strength and bursting forces is proposed, which provides a better representation of experimental observations.
How Quickly Do Markets Learn ? Private Information Dissemination in a Natural Experiment

This study takes advantage of a unique episode in which the SEC distributed securities filings to a small group of investors ahead of their public releases. The random delay time provides a rare natural experiment for examining how markets process new private information. It takes minutes – not seconds – for informed traders to incorporate fundamental information into stock prices. The early-informed convey more information into stock prices when the delay before public release is longer. More importantly, the rate at which information is impounded into prices is more correlated with the length of the predicted delay than with the actual delay.
Evidence for the maintenance of motoneurone properties by msucel activity.

1. Electrophysiological properties of soleus motoneurones in adult cats were examined with intracellular electrodes following alterations of activity of the soleus muscle induced by transection of the thoracic spinal cord or by conduction block of the muscle nerve with tetrodotoxin (TTX) cuffs. Attempts were also made to maintain muscle activity by daily stimulation of the maintain muscle activity by daily stimulation of the peripheral nerve. 2. Within 8 days after transection of the thoracic cord, soleus motoneurones showed a significant decrease in the duration of afterhyperpolarization following action potentials. This change in motoneurone properties induced by cord transection was prevented by daily stimulation of the sciatic nerve. 3. Soleus motoneurones showed a significant decrease in the duration of after‐hyperpolarization within 8 days after conduction block of the soleus nerve with TTX. This change in montoneurone properties was prevented by daily stimulation of the nerve peripheral to the TTX cuff but not central to the cuff. 4. The soleus muscle showed a significant decrease in weight relative to body weight within 8 days after transection of the thoracic cord. This decrease in muscle weight following cord transection was prevented by daily stimulation of the sciatic nerve. 5. No fibrillation was detected in the soleus muscle 8 days after conduction block of the soleus nerve with TTX. The maximum twitch tension of the soleus muscle evoked by nerve stimulation showed no significant difference between the two sides treated and untreated with TTX. Fast axoplasmic transport measured with cholinesterase as a marker was not affected by TTX. Thus, there was no sign of functional although morphological abnormalities were found in some nerve fibres. 6. It is concluded that motoneurone properties in an adult depend partly upon some factors associated with activity of the innervated muscles and that such trophic signals are retrogradely carried by the motor axons.
Multi-view depth video coding using depth view synthesis

Depth information indicates the distance of an object in the three dimensional (3D) scene from the camera view-point, typically represented by eight bits. Since the depth map is useful in various multimedia applications, such as three dimensional television (3DTV) and free-viewpoint television (FTV), we need to acquire a single or multi-view depth maps and process them effectively. In this paper, we propose a new coding scheme for multi-view depth video data using depth view synthesis. We first apply a 3D warping method to synthesize a virtual depth image for the current view using the multi-view depth information. We also propose a hole filling method to compensate for the holes generated during the depth map synthesis process. Finally, we utilize the synthesized depth map for the current view as an additional reference frame in encoding the current depth map. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves approximately 0.69 dB of PSNR gain on average, compared to JMVM 1.0.
Success in Free and Open Source Software Development : Theory and Measures ‡ Research Section

Information systems success is one of the most widely used dependent variables in information systems (IS) research, but research on free/libre and open source software (FLOSS) often fails to appropriately conceptualize this important concept. In this article, we reconsider what success means within a FLOSS context. We first review existing models of IS success and success variables used in FLOSS research and assess them for their usefulness, practicality and fit to the FLOSS context. Then, drawing on a theoretical model of group effectiveness in the FLOSS development process, as well as an on-line discussion with developers, we present additional concepts that are central to an appropriate understanding of success for FLOSS. In order to examine the practicality and validity of this conceptual scheme, the second half of our article presents an empirical study that demonstrates operationalizations of the chosen measures and assesses their internal validity. We use data from SourceForge to measure the project’s effectiveness in team building, the speed of the project at responding to bug reports and the project’s popularity. We conclude by discussing the implications of this study for our proposed extension of IS success in the context of FLOSS development and highlight future directions for research. Copyright  2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The SAFE study: saline vs. albumin for fluid resuscitation in the critically ill

The administration of intravenous fluids to maintain or increase intravascular volume is a common intervention in the intensive care unit (ICU). There has been an enduring controversy as to the impact of the choice of resuscitation fluid on patients’ outcomes [1–7]. In particular, there are no adequately powered randomized controlled trials examining the impact of resuscitation fluid choice on the survival of critically ill patients. A number of meta-analyses of the available smaller clinical trials have examined the effects of crystalloid vs. colloid solutions and albumin-containing fluids vs. albumin-free fluids on the survival of critically ill patients and in other wider patient populations [1–3,7]. A meta-analysis published by the Cochrane Injuries Group Albumin Reviewers, which included 24 studies involving 1419 patients, suggested that the administration of albumin-containing fluids resulted in a 6% increase in the absolute risk of death when compared to crystalloid solutions [1]. A subsequent metaanalysis which examined the effect of resuscitation using albumin-containing fluid on the risk of death in a wider patient population included 55 trials involving 3504 patients and did not find a significant increase in the risk of death [3]. The conflicting results of such meta-analyses left most clinicians unsure about the impact of their choice of resuscitation fluids on the survival of critically ill patients. To address this uncertainty, we conducted the Saline vs. Albumin Fluid Evaluation (SAFE) Study in 16 ICUs in Australia and New Zealand. We tested the hypothesis that when 4% albumin is compared to 0·9% sodium chloride (normal saline) for intravascular fluid resuscitation in patients in the ICU there is no difference in 28-day all-cause mortality. Methods
Impact of interhospital transfer on outcomes for trauma patients: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that there may be an association between transfer status (direct admission or interhospital transfer) and outcomes in trauma patients. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the current evidence of the association between transfer status and outcomes for patients. METHODS Systematic search of Medline and EMBASE databases to identify eligible control trials or observational studies that examined the impact of transfer status on trauma patient outcomes. Data were extracted on study design, quality, participants, outcomes, and risk estimates reported. Pooled odds ratio based on data from retrieved studies was calculated using a random effect model. RESULTS Thirty-six observational studies were identified. There were no significant differences in length of stay (LOS) between transfer and direct admissions although costs were marginally higher for transferred patients, (relative increase, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.09). We found no significant association between transfer status (transfer vs. direct) and in-hospital mortality (pooled odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-1.25); however, heterogeneity of the studies was high (I2 = 82%). CONCLUSION Available evidence suggests there is no difference in mortality between transfer and direct admissions. However, the significant heterogeneity across studies precludes deriving any definitive conclusions regarding the impact of interhospital transfer on mortality after major trauma. Moreover, most studies excluded patients dying at outlying hospitals, which may underestimate the association of transfer status with mortality. Prospective studies that address the limitations of the current evidence, including use of population-based trauma registries, are warranted to establish whether the process of interhospital transfer to higher level care when compared with direct admission to a trauma center negatively impacts clinical outcomes for trauma patients.
Changes in the epidemiology and prediction of multiple-organ failure after injury

BACKGROUND The epidemiology of multiple-organ failure (MOF) after injury has been changing, questioning the validity of previously described prediction models. This study aimed to describe the current epidemiology of MOF. The secondary aim was development of a prediction model that could be used for early identification of patients at risk of MOF. METHODS A 60-month prospective epidemiologic study was undertaken at an Australian Level I trauma center. Data were collected on trauma patients that met inclusion criteria (intensive care unit [ICU] admission; Injury Severity Score [ISS] > 15; age > 18 years, head Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] score < 3; and survival for >48 hours). Demographics, injury severity (ISS), physiologic parameters, MOF status based on the Denver score, and outcome data were prospectively collected. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic modeling were performed; p < 0.05 was considered significant. Data are presented as percentage or mean (SD). RESULTS A total of 140 patients met the inclusion criteria (age, 47 [21] years; ISS, 30 [11]; male, 69%), 21 patients (15%) developed MOF, and MOF associated mortality was 24% versus non-MOF mortality rate of 3%. Patients who developed MOF had longer ICU stays (19 [7] vs. 7 [5], p < 0.01) and had more ventilator days (18 [9] vs. 4 [4], p < 0.01). Prediction models were generated at two time points as follows: admission and 24 hours after injury. At admission, age (>65 years) and admission platelet count (<150 × 109/L) were significant predictors of MOF; at 24 hours after injury, MOF was predicted by age more than 65 years, admission platelet count less than 150 × 109/L, maximum creatinine of greater than 150 × 109/L and minimum bilirubin of greater than 10 × 109/L. Shock parameters and injury severity did not predict MOF. CONCLUSION The incidence of MOF (15%) is lower than reported 15 years ago; MOF remains a major cause of ICU resource use and late mortality after injury. The independent predictors of MOF have fundamentally changed, likely owing to improvements in resuscitation and critical care. Current predictors are universally available at admission and 24 hours. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Epidemiologic/prognostic study, level III.
The effect of encapsulated fennel extracts on the quality of silver carp fillets during refrigerated storage

Abstract The effect of fennel extract on the quality of silver carp (Hypophthalmicthys molitrix) fillets, and the possible efficacy of liposomal encapsulation in the improvement of its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity during chilled storage (4 + 1°C) of the fillets were examined over a period of 15 days. Silver carp fillets were treated with pure fennel extract (0.3% and 0.5% w/v) and liposomal encapsulated fennel extract (0.3% and 0.5% w/v), and their quality changes in terms of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), microbial counts, and sensory properties were investigated. Fennel extract could retard the deterioration of silver carp fillets, as reflected in lower TVB‐N, PV and TBA value. Moreover, the efficacy of fennel extract was improved when it was encapsulated into liposome. Silver carp fillets treated with the encapsulated fennel extract showed the lowest amount of lipid oxidation and microbial deterioration during the storage period compared with the control and pure extract treatments. Sensory evaluation revealed that shelf life of silver carp fillet was longest for samples treated with encapsulated fennel extract at 0.5% (15 days), as compared to the control (6 days) (P < 0.05).
Truthful spectrum auction design for secondary networks

Opportunistic wireless channel access by non-licensed users has emerged as a promising solution for addressing the bandwidth scarcity challenge. Auctions represent a natural mechanism for allocating the spectrum, generating an economic incentive for the licensed user to relinquish channels. A severe limitation of existing spectrum auction designs lies in the over-simplifying assumption that every non-licensed user is a single-node or single-link secondary user. While such an assumption makes the auction design easier, it does not capture practical scenarios where users have multihop routing demands. For the first time in the literature, we propose to model non-licensed users as secondary networks (SNs), each of which comprises of a multihop network with end-to-end routing demands. We aim to design truthful auctions for allocating channels to SNs in a coordinated fashion that maximizes social welfare of the system. We use simple examples to show that such auctions among SNs differ drastically from simple auctions among single-hop users, and previous solutions suffer severely from local, per-hop decision making. We first design a simple, heuristic auction that takes inter-SN interference into consideration, and is truthful. We then design a randomized auction based on primal-dual linear optimization, with a proven performance guarantee for approaching optimal social welfare. A key technique in our solution is to decompose a linear program (LP) solution for channel assignment into a set of integer program (IP) solutions, then applying a pair of tailored primal and dual LPs for computing probabilities of choosing each IP solution. We prove the truthfulness and performance bound of our solution, and verify its effectiveness through simulation studies.
A bacterial conjugation machinery recruited for pathogenesis

Type IV secretion systems (T4SS) are multicomponent transporters of Gram‐negative bacteria adapted to functions as diverse as DNA transfer in bacterial conjugation or the delivery of effector proteins into eukaryotic target cells in pathogenesis. The generally modest sequence conservation between T4SS may reflect their evolutionary distance and/or functional divergence. Here, we show that the establishment of intraerythrocytic parasitism by Bartonella tribocorum requires a putative T4SS, which shares an unprecedented level of sequence identity with the Trw conjugation machinery of the broad‐host‐range antibiotic resistance plasmid R388 (up to 80% amino acid identity for individual T4SS components). The highly conserved T4SS loci are collinear except for the presence of numerous tandem gene duplications in B. tribocorum, which mostly encode variant forms of presumed surface‐exposed pilus subunits. Conservation is not only structural, but also functional: R388 mutated in either trwD or trwH encoding essential T4SS components could be trans‐complemented for conjugation by the homologues of the B. tribocorum system. Conservation also includes the transcription regulatory circuit: both T4SS loci encode a highly homologous and interchangeable KorA/KorB repressor system that negatively regulates the expression of all T4SS components. This striking example of adaptive evolution reveals the capacity of T4SS to assume dedicated functions in either DNA transfer or pathogenesis over rather short evolutionary distance and implies a novel role for the conjugation systems of widespread broad‐host‐range plasmids in the evolution of bacterial pathogens.
The neural representation of nouns and verbs: PET studies.

Neuropsychological studies of patients with selective deficits for nouns or verbs have been taken as evidence for the neural specialization of different word classes. Noun deficits are associated with lesions in anterior temporal regions while verb deficits arise from left inferior frontal lesions. However, neuroimaging studies do not unequivocally support this account, with only some studies supporting claims for regional specialization. We carried out two PET studies to determine whether there is any regional specialization for the processing of nouns and verbs. One study used the lexical decision task and the other used a more semantically demanding task, i.e. semantic categorization. We found robust activation of a semantic network extending from left inferior frontal cortex into the inferior temporal lobe, but no differences as a function of word class. We interpret these data within the framework of cognitive accounts in which conceptual knowledge is represented within a non-differentiated distributed system.
The Role of Donor Bone Marrow Infusions in Withdrawal of Immunosuppression in Adult Liver Allotransplantation

We investigated the role of donor bone marrow cell (DBMC) infusions in immunosuppression withdrawal in adult liver transplantation. Patients enrolled were at least 3 years post‐transplantation, with stable graft function. Forty‐five (study group: G1) received DBMC, and 59 (control group: G2) did not. Immunosuppression was reduced by one third upon enrollment, by another third the second year of the study and was completely withdrawn the third year.