Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of Rare Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles by Active and Passive Surveillance Approaches

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance systems are generally not specifically designed to detect emerging resistances and usually focus primarily on resistance to individual drugs. Evaluating the diversity of resistance, using ecological metrics, allows the assessment of sampling protocols with regard to the detection of rare phenotypes, comprising combinations of resistances. Surveillance data of phenotypic AMR of Canadian poultry Salmonella Heidelberg and swine Salmonella Typhimurium var. 5- were used to contrast active (representative isolates derived from healthy animals) and passive (diagnostic isolates) surveillance and assess their suitability for detecting emerging resistance patterns. Although in both datasets the prevalences of resistance to individual antimicrobials were not significantly different between the two surveillance systems, analysis of the diversity of entire resistance phenotypes demonstrated that passive surveillance of diagnostic isolates detected more unique phenotypes. Whilst the most appropriate surveillance method will depend on the relevant objectives, under the conditions of this study, passive surveillance of diagnostic isolates was more effective for the detection of rare and therefore potentially emerging resistance phenotypes.
Using Design of Experiments Methods for Assessing Peak Contact Pressure to Material Properties of Soft Tissue in Human Knee

Contact pressure in the knee joint is a key element in the mechanisms of knee pain and osteoarthritis. Assessing the contact pressure in tibiofemoral joint is a challenging mechanical problem due to uncertainty in material properties. In this study, a sensitivity analysis of tibiofemoral peak contact pressure to the material properties of the soft tissue was carried out through fractional factorial and Box-Behnken designs. The cartilage was modeled as linear elastic material, and in addition to its elastic modulus, interaction effects of soft tissue material properties were added compared to previous research. The results indicated that elastic modulus of the cartilage is the most effective factor. Interaction effects of axial/radial modulus with elastic modulus of cartilage, circumferential and axial/radial moduli of meniscus were other influential factors. Furthermore this study showed how design of experiment methods can help designers to reduce the number of finite element analyses and to better interpret the results.
Biomarkers of Brain Damage: S100B and NSE Concentrations in Cerebrospinal Fluid—A Normative Study

NSE and S100B belong among the so-called structural proteins of the central nervous system (CNS). Lately, this group of structural proteins has been profusely used as specific biomarkers of CNS tissue damage. So far, the majority of the research papers have focused predominantly on the concentrations of these proteins in blood in relation to CNS damage of various origins. Considering the close anatomic and functional relationship between the brain or spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), in case of a CNS injury, a rapid and pronounced increase of the concentrations of structural proteins specifically in CSF takes place. This study inquires into the physiological concentrations of NSE and S100B proteins in CSF, carried out on a sufficiently large group of 601 patients. The detected values can be used for determination of a normal reference range in CSF in a clinical laboratory diagnostics.
Experimental Evidence for a Photon Anticorrelation Effect on a Beam Splitter: A New Light on Single-Photon Interferences

We report on two experiments using an atomic cascade as a light source, and a triggered detection scheme for the second photon of the cascade. The first experiment shows a strong anticorrelation between the triggered detections on both sides of a beam splitter. This result is in contradiction with any classical wave model of light, but in agreement with a quantum description involving single-photon states. The same source and detection scheme were used in a second experiment, where we have observed interferences with a visibility over 98%. During the past fifteen years, nonclassical effects in the statistical properties of light have been extensively studied from a theoretical point of view (l), and some have been experimentally demonstrated (2-71. All are related to second-order coherence properties, via measurements of intensity correlation functions or of statistical moments. However, there has still been no test of the conceptually very simple situation dealing with single- photon states of the light impinging on a beam splitter. In this case, quantum mechanics predicts a perfect anticorrelation for photodetections on both sides of the beam splitter (a single-photon can only be detected once! ), while any description involving classical fields would predict some amount of coincidences. In the first part of this letter, we report on an experiment close to this ideal situation, since we have found a coincidence rate, on both sides of a beam splitter, five times smaller than the classical lower limit. When it comes to single-photon states of light, it is tempting to revisit the famous historical . single-photon interference experiments. (8). One then finds that, in spite of their
Purified Feline and Canine Transferrin Receptors Reveal Complex Interactions with the Capsids of Canine and Feline Parvoviruses That Correspond to Their Host Ranges

ABSTRACT The cell infection processes and host ranges of canine parvovirus (CPV) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) are controlled by their capsid interactions with the transferrin receptors (TfR) on their host cells. Here, we expressed the ectodomains of wild-type and mutant TfR and tested those for binding to purified viral capsids and showed that different naturally variant strains of the viruses were associated with variant interactions with the receptors which likely reflect the optimization of the viral infection processes in the different hosts. While all viruses bound the feline TfR, reflecting their tissue culture host ranges, a naturally variant mutant of CPV (represented by the CPV type-2b strain) that became the dominant virus worldwide in 1979 showed significantly lower levels of binding to the feline TfR. The canine TfR ectodomain did not bind to a detectable level in the in vitro assays, but this appears to reflect the naturally low affinity of that interaction, as only low levels of binding were seen when the receptor was expressed on mammalian cells; however, that was sufficient to allow endocytosis and infection. The apical domain of the canine TfR controls the specific interaction with CPV capsids, as a canine TfR mutant altering a glycosylation site in that domain bound FPV, CPV-2, and CPV-2b capsids efficiently. Enzymatic removal of the N-linked glycans did not allow FPV binding to the canine TfR, suggesting that the protein sequence difference is itself important. The purified feline TfR inhibited FPV and CPV-2 binding and infection of feline cells but not CPV-2b, indicating that the receptor binding may be able to prevent the attachment to the same receptor on cells.
K-SVD and its non-negative variant for dictionary design

In recent years there is a growing interest in the study of sparse representation for signals. Using an overcomplete dictionary that contains prototype signal-atoms, signals are described as sparse linear combinations of these atoms. Recent activity in this field concentrated mainly on the study of pursuit algorithms that decompose signals with respect to a given dictionary. Designing dictionaries to better fit the above model can be done by either selecting pre-specified transforms, or by adapting the dictionary to a set of training signals. Both these techniques have been considered in recent years, however this topic is largely still open. In this paper we address the latter problem of designing dictionaries, and introduce the K-SVD algorithm for this task. We show how this algorithm could be interpreted as a generalization of the K-Means clustering process, and demonstrate its behavior in both synthetic tests and in applications on real data. Finally, we turn to describe its generalization to nonnegative matrix factorization problem that suits signals generated under an additive model with positive atoms. We present a simple and yet efficient variation of the K-SVD that handles such extraction of non-negative dictionaries.
grape-sph chemodynamical simulation of elliptical galaxies — II. Scaling relations and the fundamental plane

We simulate the formation and chemodynamical evolution of 128 elliptical galaxies using a GRAPE-SPH code that includes various physical processes that are associated with the formation of stellar systems: radiative cooling, star formation, feedback from Type II and Ia supernovae and stellar winds, and chemical enrichment. We find that the star formation time-scale controls when and where stars form in the contracting gas cloud, determines the effective radius at given mass, and is constrained by observation to be 10 times longer than the local dynamical time-scale. We succeed in reproducing the observed global scaling relations under our cold dark matter based scenario, e.g. the Faber‐Jackson relation, the Kormendy relation and the fundamental plane. An intrinsic scatter exists along the fundamental plane, and the origin of this scatter lies in differences in merging history. Galaxies that undergo major merger events tend to have larger effective radii and fainter surface brightnesses, which result in larger masses, smaller surface brightnesses and larger mass-to-light ratios. We can also reproduce the observed colour‐magnitude and mass‐metallicity relations, although the scatter is larger than observed. The scatter arises because feedback is not very effective and star formation does not terminate completely in our simulations. ∼25 per cent of accreted baryons are blown away in the simulations, independent of the assumed star formation time-scale and initial mass function. Most heavy elements end up locked into stars in the galaxy. The ejected metal fraction depends only on the star formation time-scale, and is ∼2 per cent even to rapid star formation. Ke yw ords: methods: N-body simulations ‐ galaxies: abundances ‐ galaxies: elliptical and lenticular, cD ‐ galaxies: evolution ‐ galaxies: formation.
Lipids in Health and Disease

Lowering plasma low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), blood pressure, homocysteine, and preventing platelet aggregation using a combination of a statin, three blood pressure lowering drugs such as a thiazide, a β blocker, and an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor each at half standard dose; folic acid; and aspirin-called as polypillwas estimated to reduce cardiovascular events by ~80%. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) and their long-chain metabolites: γ-linolenic acid (GLA), dihomo-GLA (DGLA), arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and other products such as prostaglandins E1 (PGE1), prostacyclin (PGI2), PGI3, lipoxins (LXs), resolvins, protectins including neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) prevent platelet aggregation, lower blood pressure, have anti-arrhythmic action, reduce LDL-C, ameliorate the adverse actions of homocysteine, show anti-inflammatory actions, activate telomerase, and have cytoprotective properties. Thus, EFAs and their metabolites show all the classic actions expected of the "polypill". Unlike the proposed "polypill", EFAs are endogenous molecules present in almost all tissues, have no significant or few side effects, can be taken orally for long periods of time even by pregnant women, lactating mothers, and infants, children, and adults; and have been known to reduce the incidence cardiovascular diseases including stroke. In addition, various EFAs and their long-chain metabolites not only enhance nitric oxide generation but also react with nitric oxide to yield their respective nitroalkene derivatives that produce vascular relaxation, inhibit neutrophil degranulation and superoxide formation, inhibit platelet activation, and possess PPAR-γ ligand activity and release NO, thus prevent platelet aggregation, thrombus formation, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Based on these evidences, I propose that a rational combination of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids and the co-factors that are necessary for their appropriate action/metabolism is as beneficial as that of the combined use of a statin, thiazide, a β blocker, and an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, folic acid, and aspirin. Furthermore, appropriate combination of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids may even show additional benefits in the form of protection from depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and enhances cognitive function; and serve as endogenous anti-inflammatory molecules; and could be administered from childhood for life long. Published: 15 October 2008 Lipids in Health and Disease 2008, 7:37 doi:10.1186/1476-511X-7-37 Received: 30 September 2008 Accepted: 15 October 2008 This article is available from: http://www.lipidworld. com/content/7/1/37 © 2008 Das; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Comparable bone healing capacity of different bone graft matrices in a rabbit segmental defect model

We compared the bone healing capacity of three different demineralized bone matrix (DBM) products applied using different carrier molecules (hyaluronic acid [HA] vs. carboxymethylcellulose [CMC]) or bone compositions (cortical bone vs. cortical bone and cancellous bone) in a rabbit segmental defect model. Overall, 15-mm segmental defects in the left and right radiuses were created in 36 New Zealand White rabbits and filled with HA-based demineralized cortical bone matrix (DBX), CMC-based demineralized cortical bone matrix (DB) or CMC-based demineralized cortical bone with cancellous bone (NDDB), and the wound area was evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-implantation. DBX showed significantly lower radiopacity, bone volume fraction, and bone mineral density than DB and NDDB before implantation. However, bone healing score, bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, and residual bone area at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-implantation revealed no significant differences in bone healing capacity. Overall, three DBM products with different carrier molecules or bone compositions showed similar bone healing capacity.
Do Unemployment Benefits Affect Workers ’ Job Search ? Evidence from Establishment Closures in West Germany ∗ Job Market Paper

The effect of unemployment benefits (UB) on the behavior of unemployed individuals has been extensively studied in the literature. In contrast, we still know little about how UB affect the behavior of employed workers. This paper aims at filling this gap, using job-to-job (JTJ) transitions as the main outcome of analysis. The theoretical framework developed in the paper indicates that UB should only affect the behavior of workers who are at risk of job loss. Therefore, I focus the analysis on workers at establishments that subsequently closed down. The data come from administrative records for West Germany. I exploit changes in the rules for the duration of unemployment benefits in the 1980s and 1990s to test the prediction from the model that workers with longer benefits would be less likely to take a new job before their establishments close down. This can be explained because workers entitled to longer benefits have incentives to exert less effort in searching for a new job and also have higher reservation wages. I find that the empirical evidence strongly supports this prediction. In other words, I find that workers entitled to longer benefits are more likely to remain with the establishments until their closure.
Lectin-Like Molecules of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Inhibit Pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella Biofilm Formation

Objectives Increased antibiotic resistance has catalyzed the research on new antibacterial molecules and alternative strategies, such as the application of beneficial bacteria. Since lectin molecules have unique sugar-recognizing capacities, and pathogens are often decorated with sugars that affect their survival and infectivity, we explored whether lectins from the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG have antipathogenic properties. Methods The genome sequence of L. rhamnosus GG was screened for the presence of lectin-like proteins. Two genes, LGG_RS02780 and LGG_RS02750, encoding for polypeptides with an N-terminal conserved L-type lectin domain were detected and designated Llp1 (lectin-like protein 1) and Llp2. The capacity of Llp1 and Llp2 to inhibit biofilm formation of various pathogens was investigated. Sugar specificity was determined by Sepharose beads assays and glycan array screening. Results The isolated lectin domains of Llp1 and Llp2 possess pronounced inhibitory activity against biofilm formation by various pathogens, including clinical Salmonella species and uropathogenic E. coli, with Llp2 being more active than Llp1. In addition, sugar binding assays with Llp1 and Llp2 indicate specificity for complex glycans. Both proteins are also involved in the adhesion capacity of L. rhamnosus GG to gastrointestinal and vaginal epithelial cells. Conclusions Lectins isolated from or expressed by beneficial lactobacilli could be considered promising bio-active ingredients for improved prophylaxis of urogenital and gastrointestinal infections.
The Fundamental Plane of Elliptical Galaxies in Compact Groups

We present a study focusing on the nature of compact groups through the study of their elliptical galaxies. We determine velocity dispersions (σ) for 18 bright elliptical galaxies located in the core of Hickson compact groups and a control sample of 12 bright bona fide elliptical galaxies located in the field or very loose groups. Several tests are carried out to avoid sources of systematic effects in σ measurements. We use these velocity dispersions to compare the positions of 11 compact group galaxies in the fundamental plane with those of a large and homogeneous sample of elliptical galaxies. We find that little or no significant difference exists, as far as the fundamental plane is concerned, between elliptical galaxies in compact groups and their counterparts in other environments.
Dense gas in nearby galaxies XV. Hot ammonia in NGC 253, Maffei 2 and IC 342

The detection of NH3 inversion lines up to the ( J; K) = (6; 6) level is reported toward the central regions of the nearby galaxies NGC 253, Maei 2, and IC 342. The observed lines are up to 406 K (for (J; K)= (6; 6)) and 848 K (for the (9; 9) transition) above the ground state and reveal a warm (Tkin = 100:::140 K) molecular component toward all galaxies studied. The tentatively detected ( J; K) = (9; 9) line is evidence for an even warmer (>400 K) component toward IC 342. Toward NGC 253, IC 342 and Maei 2 the global beam averaged NH3 abundances are 1 2 10 8 , while the abundance relative to warm H2 is around 10 7 . The temperatures and NH3 abundances are similar to values found for the Galactic central region. C-shocks produced in cloud-cloud collisions can explain kinetic temperatures and chemical abundances. In the central region of M 82, however, the NH3 emitting gas component is comparatively cool (30 K). It must be dense (to provide sucient NH3 excitation) and well shielded from dissociating photons and comprises only a small fraction of the molecular gas mass in M 82. An important molecular component, which is warm and tenuous and characterized by a low ammonia abundance, can be seen mainly in CO. Photon dominated regions (PDRs) can explain both the high fraction of warm H2 in M 82 and the observed chemical abundances.
Cavitation bubble behavior inside a liquid jet

The growth and collapse of laser-induced vapor cavities inside axisymmetric free-falling liquid water jets have been studied. Bubbles of different size are generated at various distances from the jet axis and the effects on the jet interface are recorded by means of ultrafast cinematography. The configuration is characterized by two dimensionless parameters: the bubble to jet diameter ratio δ and the eccentricity coefficient e defined as the radius of bubble generation divided by the jet radius. For high δ and e, microjets and droplets are ejected from the liquid jet at speeds exceeding 100m∕s. The observed jet fragmentation shows similarities with experiments conducted on a liquid mercury jet hit by a pulsed proton beam, a candidate configuration for future accelerator based facilities.
An Exploration of Social Media in Extreme Events: Rumor Theory and Twitter during the Haiti Earthquake 2010

Due to its rapid speed of information spread, wide user bases, and extreme mobility, Twitter is drawing attention as a potential emergency reporting tool under extreme events. However, at the same time, Twitter is sometimes despised as a citizen based non-professional social medium for propagating misinformation, rumors, and, in extreme case, propaganda. This study explores the working dynamics of rumor mill by analyzing Twitter data of Haiti Earthquake 2010. For this analysis, two key variables of anxiety and informational certainty are employed from rumor theory, and their interactive dynamics are measured by both quantitative and qualitative methods. Our research finds that certain information with credible sources contribute to suppress the level of anxiety in Twitter community, which leads to rumor controlling and high information quality.
A systematic review of risk prediction in adult cardiac surgery: considerations for future model development.

OBJECTIVES Risk prediction in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery remains inaccurate and should be further improved. Therefore, we aimed to identify risk factors that are predictive of mortality, stroke, renal failure and/or length of stay after adult cardiac surgery in contemporary practice. METHODS We searched the Medline database for English-language original contributions from January 2000 to December 2011 to identify preoperative independent risk factors of one of the following outcomes after adult cardiac surgery: death, stroke, renal failure and/or length of stay. Two investigators independently screened the studies. Inclusion criteria were (i) the study described an adult cardiac patient population; (ii) the study was an original contribution; (iii) multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent predictors; (iv) ≥ 1 of the predefined outcomes was analysed; (v) at least one variable was an independent predictor, or a variable was included in a risk model that was developed. RESULTS The search yielded 5768 studies. After the initial title screening, a second screening of the full texts of 1234 studies was performed. Ultimately, 844 studies were included in the systematic review. In these studies, we identified a large number of independent predictors of mortality, stroke, renal failure and length of stay, which could be categorized into variables related to: disease pathology, planned surgical procedure, patient demographics, patient history, patient comorbidities, patient status, blood values, urine values, medication use and gene mutations. Many of these variables are frequently not considered as predictive of outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Risk estimates of mortality, stroke, renal failure and length of stay may be improved by the inclusion of additional (non-traditional) innovative risk factors. Current and future databases should consider collecting these variables.