Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Concordant clonal delineation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by macrorestriction analysis and polymerase chain reaction genome fingerprinting

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of DNA macrorestriction fragments (macrorestriction analysis) allows epidemiologic typing and delineation of genetic relatedness of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by indexing variations in the global chromosome architecture. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-mediated genome fingerprinting can also discriminate MRSA strains by detecting locally variable DNA motifs. To assess the correlation between these methods, 48 epidemic MRSA strains collected from 20 hospitals over a 10-year period were tested in a blind comparison by (i) macrorestriction analysis with SstII or SmaI endonuclease and (ii) PCR fingerprinting with four primer sets aimed at the mecA gene, enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequences, and arbitrary sequences. Isolates were discriminated into 22 macrorestriction patterns and 15 PCR fingerprints. MRSA strains belonging to 12 distinct clones by macrorestriction analysis showed 11 distinct PCR genotypes distinguished by multiple band differences. In contrast, 34 of 37 MRSA strains found to be clonally related by macrorestriction analysis clustered in two highly related PCR genotypes that differed by a single DNA fragment (P < 0.0001). These data demonstrate concordant clonal delineation of epidemic MRSA by macrorestriction analysis and PCR fingerprinting and thereby indicate that the rapid PCR assay may be an efficient epidemiologic typing system.
Changes of carbohydrate tolerance in acromegaly with progress of the disease and in response to treatment.

ABSTRACT This study was planned to investigate the pathogenesis of diabetes in acromegaly. Standard intravenous glucose tolerance tests were done with measurements of blood sugar, plasma insulin, growth hormone and free fatty acids. Sixteen patients were studied, and 10 had more than one glucose tolerance test. Seven of the patients had impaired carbohydrate tolerance, including 2 with symptomatic diabetes. In 6 patients serial tests showed the change that may occur as carbohydrate tolerance deteriorates, and in 5 the response to surgical hypophysectomy was observed. Fasting hyperinsulinism was present in 6, and insulin response to intravenous glucose was increased in 10. The pattern of this response varied—in 10 there was a peak in the first 15 min, in 4 the pattern resembled that of maturity onset diabetes, with a gradual rise of plasma insulin concentration toward a peak at 60 min. In the 2 patients with symptomatic diabetes, there was no response to intravenous glucose although the fasting plasma insu.
Evaluation of the Reanalysis Products for the Monsoon Season Droughts in India

AbstractDrought monitoring in near–real time is essential for management of water resources, irrigation planning, and food security. However, lack of availability of quality real-time observations leads to slow decision making and relatively poor natural resources management, especially during and after severe and prolonged droughts. The global reanalysis products that are available in near–real time could be valuable for drought monitoring and assessment. Three high-resolution reanalysis products—the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA), the Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim), and the NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR)—are examined for their effectiveness in reproducing retrospective droughts during the period 1980–2005. All the selected reanalysis products show biases in the monsoon season precipitation and temperature. MERRA, ERA-Interim, and CFSR showed median bias in the monsoon season precipitation (temperature) of 10% (−0.39°C), 34% (−0.21°C), and.
A Study on Similarity and Relatedness Using Distributional and WordNet-based Approaches

This paper presents and compares WordNet-based and distributional similarity approaches. The strengths and weaknesses of each approach regarding similarity and relatedness tasks are discussed, and a combination is presented. Each of our methods independently provide the best results in their class on the RG and WordSim353 datasets, and a supervised combination of them yields the best published results on all datasets. Finally, we pioneer cross-lingual similarity, showing that our methods are easily adapted for a cross-lingual task with minor losses.
Demography of krill in the Elephant Island area during summer 2001 and its significance for stock recruitment

A net sampling survey was carried out for krill in a standard station grid around Elephant Island during 27 January to 4 February 2001. In comparison with recent years the station grid was extended south, where a large proportion of small size classes, one-year-old juvenile krill was found. Results show a spatial separation of the juvenile krill and the spawning stock, Krill density was significantly higher than during the past years (229 krill 1000 m−3 or 13.0 g m−2). The proportional recruitment index for the entire survey area for the 1999/2000 year class was R1 = 0.573, which is among the highest values recorded during the past 20 years. The maturation index (based on the proportion of gravid stages) was G = 0.99, indicating an early initiation of the spawning season. The results indicate a turning point after a succession of years with poor recruitment success and low stock biomass. This is thought to be the first step for a successful spawning event and a later potential recruitment success of the 2000/01 year-class. The spatial extent of the station grid is discussed in the light of a representative coverage of the stock and the estimated recruitment index.
Particle Trapping in Estuarine Tidal Flows

Particle trapping in estuarine turbidity maxima (ETM) is caused primarily by convergent mean and/or tidal fluxes of sediment. The result is an approximately bell-shaped along-channel distribution of vertically integrated, tidal cycle mean suspended sediment concentration. Observations from the Columbia River estuary suggest that (1) strong two-layer or internal along-channel residual and overtide flows are generated by time-varying stratification and (2) correlations between the near-bed velocity and the suspended sediment fields at these frequencies are important in landward transport of sediment. A new spatially and temporally integrated form of the sediment conservation equation has been derived to analyze this trapping process. Time changes in tidally averaged sediment concentration between two estuarine cross sections can be shown to be related to the divergence of the seaward, river flow transport; the divergence of velocity shear-sediment stratification correlations for the mean flow and each tidal constituent; and net erosion or deposition at the bed. Vertically integrated variables other than seaward river transport are absent from this integrated balance. Analysis of sediment fluxes using this balance supports the idea that internal residual and overtide circulations are primarily responsible for the landward sediment transport on the seaward side of ETM found near the upstream limits of salinity intrusion. The balance also shows that attempts to represent fluxes causing trapping of sediment in an ETM as a product of a time-mean, vertically integrated, along-channel gradient and a diffusivity inevitably lead to the appearance of countergradient transport and thus a negative diffusivity on the seaward side of the ETM. This result occurs because the trapping process is inherently nonlinear and at least two-dimensional and because a one-dimensional representation is physically unrealistic.
Design Considerations for Rocking Foundations on Unattached Piles

AbstractBy appropriately reducing the size of the footing, rocking behavior caused by seismic loading can occur about the footing base. Recent research has shown how rocking shallow foundations can result in improved seismic performance of bridges. One concern of rocking systems is the potential for significant settlement accumulation in poor soil conditions. This research explores the effectiveness and practicality of using unattached piles to mitigate settlement while still allowing rocking. Two series of centrifuge tests investigated the performance of individual footing-column-mass structural models in these soil conditions on unattached piles. The lateral load connection between the rocking foundation and piles is an important consideration; a variety of possible shear key configurations capable of transferring lateral and dead loads to the piles while allowing separation associated with rocking are discussed. Unique design issues associated with rocking on unattached piles and methods to address the.
Monitoring cardiac function in intensive care

Systolic cardiac function results from the interaction of four interdependent factors: heart rate, preload, contractility, and afterload. Heart rate can be quantified easily at the bedside, while preload estimation has traditionally relied on invasive pressure measurements, both central venous and pulmonary artery wedge. These have significant clinical limitations; however, adult literature has highlighted the superiority of several novel preload measures. Measurement of contractility and afterload is difficult; thus in clinical practice the bedside assessment of cardiac function is represented by cardiac output. A variety of techniques are now available for cardiac output measurement in the paediatric patient. This review summarises cardiac function and cardiac output measurement in terms of methodology, interpretation, and their contribution to the concepts of oxygen delivery and consumption in the critically ill child.
The Price of a CEO's Rolodex

CEOs with large networks earn more than those with small networks. An additional connection to an executive or director outside the firm increases compensation by about $17,000 on average, more so for “important” members such as CEOs of big firms. Pay-for-connectivity is unrelated to several measures of corporate governance, evidence in favor of an efficient contracting explanation for CEO pay.
On the degree growth in some polynomial dynamical systems and nonlinear pseudorandom number generators

In this paper we study a class of dynamical systems generated by iterations of multivariate polynomials and estimate the degree growth of these iterations. We use these estimates to bound exponential sums along the orbits of these dynamical systems and show that they admit much stronger estimates than in the general case and thus can be of use for pseudorandom number generation.
Annual carbon balance of Canada's forests during 1895–1996

This paper reports annual carbon (C) balance of Canada's forests during 1895–1996 estimated using the Integrated Terrestrial Ecosystem C‐budget model (InTEC) [Chen et al. this issue]. During 1895–1910, Canada's forests were small sources of 30±15 Tg C yr−1 due to large disturbances (forest fire, insect‐induced mortality, and harvest) in late nineteenth century. The forests became large sinks of 170±85 Tg C yr−1 during 1930–1970, owing to forest regrowth in previously disturbed areas and growth stimulation by nondisturbance factors such as climate, atmospheric CO2 concentration, and N deposition. In recent decades (1980–1996), Canada's forests have been moderate sinks of 50±25 Tg C yr−1, as a result of a tradeoff between the negative effects of increased disturbances and positive effects of nondisturbance factors. The nondisturbance factors, in order of importance, are (1) atmospheric N deposition (measured by a national monitoring network), (2) net N mineralization and fixation (estimated from temperature and precipitation records), (3) growing season length increase (estimated from spring air temperature records), and (4) CO2 fertilization (estimated from CO2 records using a leaf‐level photosynthesis model). The magnitudes of modeled nondisturbance effects are consistent with simulation results by the Carnegie‐Ames‐Stanford Approach (CASA) and are also in broad agreement with flux measurements above mature forest stands at several locations in Canada. Results for the disturbance effects agree with a previous study [Kurz and Apps, 1996]. The overall C balance from InTEC generally agrees with that derived from tree ring data [Auclair and Bedford, 1997] and from forest inventories. The combination of our result and that of Houghton et al. [1999] for the United States suggests that North America (> 15°N) was probably a C sink of 0.2‐0.5 Pg C yr±−1 during 1980s, much less than that of 1.7 Pg C yr±−1 estimated by Fan et al. [1998] using an atmospheric inversion method.
Redirecting Specificity of T cells Using the Sleeping Beauty System to Express Chimeric Antigen Receptors by Mix-and-Matching of VL and VH Domains Targeting CD123+ Tumors

Adoptive immunotherapy infusing T cells with engineered specificity for CD19 expressed on B- cell malignancies is generating enthusiasm to extend this approach to other hematological malignancies, such as acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). CD123, or interleukin 3 receptor alpha, is overexpressed on most AML and some lymphoid malignancies, such as acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and has been an effective target for T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). The prototypical CAR encodes a VH and VL from one monoclonal antibody (mAb), coupled to a transmembrane domain and one or more cytoplasmic signaling domains. Previous studies showed that treatment of an experimental AML model with CD123-specific CAR T cells was therapeutic, but at the cost of impaired myelopoiesis, highlighting the need for systems to define the antigen threshold for CAR recognition. Here, we show that CARs can be engineered using VH and VL chains derived from different CD123-specific mAbs to generate a panel of CAR+ T cells. While all CARs exhibited specificity to CD123, one VH and VL combination had reduced lysis of normal hematopoietic stem cells. This CAR’s in vivo anti-tumor activity was similar whether signaling occurred via chimeric CD28 or CD137, prolonging survival in both AML and ALL models. Co-expression of inducible caspase 9 eliminated CAR+ T cells. These data help support the use of CD123-specific CARs for treatment of CD123+ hematologic malignancies.
The simulated response of an upper‐ocean density front to local atmospheric forcing

Four numerical experiments with different atmospheric forcing are considered to investigate a variety of transient responses of an upper-ocean density front similar to the Maltese front (south of Sicily) in an embedded mixed layer—ocean circulation model. Of particular interest is a case that simulates forcing observed by O. M. Johannessen (unpublished report, 1975): in May 1971, measurements of the Maltese front were being taken in calm weather, and then the wind suddenly increased to 10–15 m s−1 down the front. For this forcing the model result is consistent with the observations predicting steepening of the frontal interface, spreading of the surface isopycnals, and very little horizontal displacement of the surface front. However, the model predicts too much mixed-layer deepening and fails to predict the observed strengthening of the along-front flow. Three additional experiments are considered to assess the effects of a change in the wind direction and the inclusion of a surface buoyancy flux. The inclusion of a diurnal surface buoyancy flux produces a very different response from the simulations with no buoyancy flux: when the surface buoyancy flux is negative, the mixed layer reforms at a shallow depth, resulting in much higher adverting velocities and subsequently larger displacements of the surface front. The negative buoyancy flux can effectively protect the subsurface structure with a shallow, stable surface layer; it also decouples the deeper frontal processes from the surface mixed-layer processes.
Neural correlates of emotion–cognition interactions: A review of evidence from brain imaging investigations

Complex dynamic behaviour involves reciprocal influences between emotion and cognition. On the one hand, emotion is a “double-edged sword” that may affect various aspects of our cognition and behaviour, by enhancing or hindering them and exerting both transient and long-term influences. On the other hand, emotion processing is also susceptible to cognitive influences, typically exerted in the form of emotion regulation. Noteworthy, both of these reciprocal influences are subjective to individual differences that may affect the way we perceive, experience, and eventually remember emotional experiences, or respond to emotionally challenging situations. Understanding these relationships is critical, as unbalanced emotion–cognition interactions may lead to devastating effects, such as those observed in mood and anxiety disorders. The present review analyses the reciprocal relationships between emotion and cognition, based on evidence derived from brain imaging investigations focusing on three main topics: (1) the impact of emotion on cognition, (2) the impact of cognition on emotion, and (3) the role of individual differences in emotion–cognition interactions. This evidence will be discussed in the context of identifying aspects that are fundamental to understanding the mechanisms underlying emotion–cognition interactions in healthy functioning, and to understanding changes associated with affective disorders.
Competences pour innover et cooperations technologiques - Une analyse multivariee de l'industrie francaise

[fre] L'objet de cet article est d'examiner s'il existe, au-dela du lien bien connu entre innovation et competence, un lien entre le noyau des competences internes de l'entreprise et sa participation a des relations de cooperation technologique. Afin de tester ce lien, nous mobilisons une base de donnees issue de l'enquete sur les « competences pour innover » realisee par le SESSI en 1997. Une analyse multivariee de la variance nous permet de montrer que le noyau de competences internes (articulation des interactions internes, competences technologiques, maitrise de l'environnement) discrimine entre les entreprises participant a des collaborations technologiques et celles qui ne s'engagent pas dans de telles relations. Les competences sont alors d'une part indispensables pour les collaborations technologiques, et sont d'autre part le produit de ces relations de cooperation. [eng] The purpose of this article is to examine whether there exists, beyond the link well-known between innovation and competence, a link between the core internal competences of the company and its participation in technological cooperative agreements. In order to test this link, we mobilize a database coming from the « competences to innovate » survey realized by the SESSI in 1997. A multivariate analysis of variance enables us to show that the core internal competences (managing internal interactions, technological competences, and environment control) discriminate between the companies taking part in technological cooperative agreements and those which do not enter into such relations. Competences are on the one hand required for technological collaborations and on the other hand the result of those relationships.
Resistant starch modifies gut microflora and microbial metabolism in human flora‐associated rats inoculated with faeces from Italian and UK donors

The effect of sucrose and resistant starch (‘CrystaLean’– a retrograded, amylose starch) on human gut microflora and associated parameters was studied in human flora‐associated (HFA) rats, colonized with microfloras from UK or Italian subjects, to determine whether such floras were affected differently by dietary carbohydrates. Consumption of the resistant starch diet resulted in significant changes in four of the seven main groups of bacteria enumerated. In both the UK and Italian flora‐associated rats, numbers of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were increased 10–100‐fold, and there was a concomitant decrease in enterobacteria when compared with sucrose‐fed rats. The induced changes in caecal microflora of both HFA rat groups were reflected in changes in bacterial enzyme activities and caecal ammonia concentration. Although it had little effect on caecal short‐chain fatty acid concentration, CrystaLean markedly increased the proportion of n‐butyric acid in both rat groups and was associated with a significant increase in cell proliferation in the proximal colon of the Italian flora‐associated rats. CrystaLean appeared to play a protective role in the colon environment, lowering caecal ammonia concentration, caecal pH and β‐glucuronidase activity.
Precharge-Free, Low-Power Content-Addressable Memory

Content-addressable memory (CAM) is the hardware for parallel lookup/search. The parallel search scheme promises a high-speed search operation but at the cost of high power consumption. Parallel NOR- and NAND-type matchline (ML) CAMs are suitable for high-search-speed and low-power-consumption applications, respectively. The NOR-type ML CAM requires high power, and therefore, the reduction of its power consumption is the subject of many reported designs. Here, we report and explore the short-circuit (SC) current during the precharge phase of the NOR-type ML. Also proposed here is a novel precharge-free CAM. The proposed CAM is free of the drawbacks of the charge sharing in the NAND and the SC current in the NOR-type CAM. Postlayout simulations performed with a 45-nm technology node revealed a significant reduction in the energy metric: 93% and 77% lesser than NOR- and NAND-type CAMs, respectively. The Monte Carlo simulation for 500 runs was performed to ensure the robustness of the proposed precharge-free CAM.
The Effects of Berberis vulgaris Fruit Extract on Serum Lipoproteins, apoB, apoA-I, Homocysteine, Glycemic Control and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Type 2 diabetes is a well-known endocrine and metabolic disorder which has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and represents a serious public health concern. Hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia are two major abnormalities which are major cardiovascular risk factors. Berberine is a major alkaloid in Berberis vulgaris fruit extract (BVFE) which have important role in regulation of serum glucose and fat metabolism in-vivo and in-vitro but its role in type 2 diabetes have not been extensively examined. The aim of this study was the effect of BVFE on serum lipoproteins, apoB, apoA-I, homocysteine, glycemic control and total antioxidant capacity in type 2 diabetic patients. In a double-blind randomised clinical trial, 31 diabetic patients were randomly assigned to 3 g/d BVFE or placebo for 3 months. Serum glucose, lipoproteins, apoB, apoA-I, insulin, homocysteine and HbA1c were measured at the baseline and also at the end of the 3rd month. At the beginning and end of 1st, 2nd and 3rd months, a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire about each patients was completed. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16. There were significant decreases in serum TG, TC, LDL-c, apo B, glucose, and insulin and also a significant increase in TAC at the end of the study in BVFE group compared to the control group (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.01 and p = 0.0001 respectively). There were significant differences in serum TG (p = 0.0001), TC (p = 0.001), LDL-c (p = 0.001), apoB (p = 0.001), glucose (p = 0.002), insulin (p = 0.01), TAC (p = 0.005), and insulin resistance (p = 0.01) between the two groups at the end of the study; but homocysteine, HbA1c and HDL-c showed no significant changes between the two groups at the end of study. The intake of 3 g/d BVFE for 3 months may have benefical effects on lipoproteins, apoproteins, glycemic control and TAC in type 2 diabetic patients.