Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of probiotics and prebiotics on the production performance of fattening chickens.

The goal of this research was to investigate the influence of probiotics and prebiotics added into the diet of fattening chickens, as an alternative to antibiotics. Probiotic BioPlus2B (Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtillus) and a prebiotic TechnoMos (Sacharomyces cerevisiae) have been added at the level of 0.1%. The experiment lasted 42 days, whereby two mixtures have been used, starter until 21 days and finishing mixture from 21 to 42 days of life, all the same in regard to protein and energy content, differing only in the presence of probiotic and prebiotic. Chickens were divided into three groups, where the first group consumed mixture free of probiotic or prebiotic and served as a control group. During the trial body weight, daily weight gain, feed consumption and conversion were recorded. Body weight in the control group was 2080.60 grams, while the experimental groups of chickens achieved higher body weight for 7.04% with added probiotic and 2.63% with an addition of prebiotic. Daily weight gain in the control group was 48.52 g. Daily weight gain was higher for 7.19% with an addition of probiotic and 2.72% with an addition of prebiotic. Feed consumption of the control, probiotc and prebiotic group amounted 111.57 g, 111.37 g and 116.06 g respectively. Feed conversion ratio in the control group was 2.30 kg, probiotic group 2.14 and in the prebiotic group of chickens 2.33 kg. Prebiotics in diets for fattening chickens had positive effect on body weight, daily weight gain and feed conversion without statistically justified confirmation (P>0.05). The result of probiotic incorporation into chickens diet resulted in statistically significant ((P<0.05) higher values of body weights and daily weight gains, as well as better feed conversion.
Effects of Prophylactic Antibiotic Therapy With Mezlocillin Plus Sulbactam on the Incidence and Height of Fever After Severe Acute Ischemic Stroke: The Mannheim Infection in Stroke Study (MISS)

Background and Purpose— Fever after stroke is a strong predictor for a negative outcome with infections as the most common cause. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of prophylactic antibiotic therapy on the incidence and height of fever after acute ischemic stroke. Methods— This is a randomized, controlled study of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with ischemic stroke enrolled within 24 hours from clinical onset who presented bedridden (modified Rankin score >3) with no significant infection. Interventions included prophylactic mezlocillin plus sulbactam (3×2 g/1 g for 4 days) or conventional management. Over 10 days, body temperature was continuously monitored, and the presence of infection was daily assessed. Primary end points were incidence and height of fever; secondary end points included rate of infection and clinical outcome. Results— Sixty patients were included (mean, 75 years; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 16). Over the first 3 days, patients in the intervention group showed lower mean body temperatures as well as lower daily peak temperatures (P<0.05). Throughout the observation period, 15 of 30 patients in the intervention group but 27 of 30 patients in the conventionally treated group developed an infection (P<0.05). Mean interval until the diagnosis of infection was 5.1 days in the intervention group and 3.3 days in the control group (P<0.05). Clinical outcome was more favorable in patients with prophylactic therapy (P=0.01). Conclusions— In patients with acute severe stroke, prophylactic administration of mezlocillin plus sulbactam over 4 days decreases body temperature, lowers the rate of infection, and may be associated with a better clinical outcome.
Observations of internal waves with high sampling data of radar altimetry and MODIS images

ABSTRACT The 20 Hz high sampling radar altimetry data and quasi-synchronous satellite images are applied to investigate internal waves in the South China Sea (SCS) and the Sulu Sea. The response characteristics and band sensitivities of radar altimetry data to the modulation of internal waves were analysed. With quasi-synchronous observations, the responses of Sigma0 and significant wave height (SWH) in the Ku band and the C band to the modulation were discussed, respectively. The results demonstrate that for Sigma0, the Ku band is more sensitive, whereas the C band is more sensitive for SWH. The propagation speeds of internal waves in the SCS and the Sulu Sea were calculated with quasi-synchronous observation of radar altimetry high sampling data and MODIS images. The calculated speed of the internal waves is close to the phase speed obtained from the KdV equation. This work indicates that the quantitative parameter of internal waves could be extracted from radar altimetry high sampling data. The altimetry data could serve as an additional data source for the investigation of internal waves.
Backward walking at three levels of treadmill inclination: an electromyographic and kinematic analysis.

Backward walking on a treadmill is a common tool for lower extremity rehabilitation in the clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adaptations in the gait cycle produced by walking backward on a treadmill at 0, 5, and 10% inclination. Sixteen healthy adult subjects (14 females, two males), mean age of 23.19 +/- 3.02, participated. Joint positions for hip, knee, and ankle were measured during a complete gait cycle. Values were time matched with average electromyographic (EMG) activity (surface electrode) of the rectus femoris, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and anterior tibialis during each subphase of gait (initial contact, midstance, heel-off, and midswing). Values of joint position and average EMG were compared over the three treadmill conditions. Subjects walked for approximately 1 minute at 4.0 km/h. A simple repeated measures analysis of variance (p < .05) with a Duncan post hoc test was used to analyze for changes. Significant changes occurred in the joint positions of the knee and ankle at initial contact (ankle increased from 9.81 +/- 5.06 degrees to 13.08 +/- 3.68 degrees; knee increased from 30.94 +/- 5.25 degrees to 42.42 +/- 4.08 degrees) as the treadmill was raised from 0 to 10%. Significant changes occurred for average EMG activity for each muscle studied over the three treadmill conditions. The greatest changes occurred in the gastrocnemius at initial contact (increase from 189.76 +/- 44.29% to 293.09 +/- 79.16%) between the 0 and 10% conditions. The results of this investigation confirm that backward walking up an incline may place additional muscular demands on an individual. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Scheduling the I/O of HPC Applications Under Congestion

A significant percentage of the computing capacity of large-scale platforms is wasted because of interferences incurred by multiple applications that access a shared parallel file system concurrently. One solution to handling I/O bursts enlarge-scale HPC systems is to absorb them at an intermediate storage layer consisting of burst buffers. However, our analysis of the Argonne's Mira system shows that burst buffers cannot prevent congestion at all times. Consequently, I/O performances dramatically degraded, showing in some cases a decrease in I/O throughput of 67%. In this paper, we analyze the effects of interference on application I/O bandwidth and propose several scheduling techniques to mitigate congestion. We show through extensive experiments that our global I/O scheduler is able to reduce the effects of congestion, even on systems where burst buffers are used, and can increase the overall system throughput up to 56%. We also show that it outperforms current Mira I/O schedulers.
Successful Conservative Management of Ruptured Ovarian Cysts with Hemoperitoneum in Healthy Women

Study Objective To determine the success rate of the “intended conservative management strategy” of ruptured ovarian cysts with hemoperitoneum and the risk factors for surgical interventions in healthy women of reproductive age. Methods Patients who visited the emergency department with abdominal pain and were diagnosed with a ruptured ovarian cyst with hemoperitoneum between August 2008 and June 2013 were included in this retrospective study. The diagnosis of the ruptured ovarian cysts and hemoperitoneum was based on the clinical symptoms, physical examination and ultrasound and CT imaging. The rate of surgical interventions and the risk factors for surgical intervention were determined. Results A total of 78 women were diagnosed with a ruptured ovarian cyst with hemoperitoneum. Most patients (80.8%, 63/78) were managed conservatively, and 19.2% of the patients (15/78) required a surgical intervention. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the diastolic blood pressure (dBP) (odds ratio [OR] of 0.921 with 95% confidence interval [CI] of 0.855–0.993) and the depth of the total pelvic fluid collection in CT (DTFC_CT) (OR 1.599 with 95% CI 1.092–2.343) were the significant determining factors of surgical intervention after adjustment. The rate of surgical intervention was 6.5% vs. 15.8% vs. 77.8% in the patients with neither dBP≤70 mmHg nor DTFC_CT≥5.6 cm, those with only one of those features, and those with both, respectively. Conclusion Most cases of ruptured ovarian cysts with hemoperitoneum can be managed conservatively. A low diastolic blood pressure and a large amount of hemoperitoneum suggest the need for surgical intervention.
The circular law

The circular law theorem states that the empirical spectral distribution of a n×n random matrix with i.i. d. entries of variance 1/n tends to the uniform law on the unit disc of the complex plane as the dimension n tends to infinity. This phenomenon is the non-Hermitian counterpart of the semi circular limit for Wigner random Hermitian matrices, and the quarter circular limit for Marchenko-Pastur random covariance matrices. In these expository notes, we present a proof in a Gaussian case, due to Silverstein, based on a formula by Ginibre, and a proof of the universal case by revisiting the approach of Tao and Vu, based on the Hermitization of Girko, the logarithmic potential, and the control of the small singular values. We also discuss some related models. These notes constitute an abridged and updated version of the probability survey [BC12], prepared at the occasion of the American Mathematical Society short course on Random Matrices, organized by Van H. Vu for the 2013 AMSMAA Joint Mathematics Meeting held in January 9–13 in San Diego, USA. Section 1 introduces the notion of eigenvalues and singular values and discusses their relationships. Section 2 states the circular law theorem. Section 3 is devoted to the Gaussian model known as the Complex Ginibre Ensemble, for which the law of the spectrum is known and leads to the circular law. Section 4 provides the proof of the circular law theorem in the universal case, using the approach of Tao and Vu based on the Hermitization of Girko and the logarithmic potential. Section 5 gathers finally some few comments on related problems and models. All random variables are defined on a unique common probability space (Ω,A,P). A typical element of Ω is denoted ω. We write a.s. , a.a. , and a.e. for almost surely, Lebesgue almost all, and Lebesgue almost everywhere respectively. 1. Two kinds of spectra The eigenvalues of A ∈ Mn(C) are the roots in C of its characteristic polynomial PA(z) := det(A − zI). We label them λ1(A), . , λn(A) so that |λ1(A)| ≥ · · · ≥ |λn(A)| with growing phases. The spectral radius is |λ1(A)|. The eigenvalues form the algebraic spectrum of A. The singular values of A are defined by
Plant hormone profiling of scion and rootstock incision sites and intra- and inter-family graft junctions in Nicotiana benthamiana

ABSTRACT Many previous studies have suggested that various plant hormones play essential roles in the grafting process. In this study, to understand the plant hormones that accumulate in the graft junctions, whether these are supplied from the scion or rootstock, and how these hormones play a role in the grafting process, we performed a hormonome analysis that accumulated in the incision site of the upper plants from the incision as “ungrafted scion” and lower plants from the incision as “ungrafted rootstock” in Nicotiana benthamiana. The results revealed that indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA), which regulate cell division; abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA), which regulate xylem formation; cytokinin (CK), which regulates callus formation, show different accumulation patterns in the incision sites of the ungrafted scion and rootstock. In addition, to try discussing the differences in the degree and speed of each event during the grafting process between intra- and inter-family grafting by determining the concentration and accumulation timing of plant hormones in the graft junctions, we performed hormonome analysis of graft junctions of intra-family grafted plants with N. benthamiana as scion and Solanum lycopersicum as rootstock (Nb/Sl) and inter-family grafted plants with N. benthamiana as scion and Arabidopsis thaliana as rootstock (Nb/At), using the ability of Nicotiana species to graft with many plant species. The results revealed that ABA and CK showed different accumulation timings; IAA, JA, and salicylic acid (SA) showed similar accumulation timings, while different accumulated concentrations in the graft junctions of Nb/Sl and Nb/At. This information is important for understanding the molecular mechanisms of plant hormones in the grafting process and the differences in molecular mechanisms between intra- and inter-family grafting.
Towards genetically optimised responsive negotiation agents

Real-world negotiations are characterised by combinatorially complex negotiation spaces, tough deadlines, bounded agent rationality, very limited information about the opponents, and volatile negotiator preferences. Classical negotiation models fail to address most of these issues. This work illustrates our practical negotiation agents which are empowered by an effective and efficient genetic algorithm to deal with complex, incomplete, and dynamic negotiation spaces arising in real-world applications. Initial experiment demonstrates that our genetically optimised adaptive negotiation agents outperform a theoretically optimal negotiation model when time pressure exists. Our research work opens the door to the development of responsive and adaptive negotiation agents for real-world applications.
Dietary carbohydrates regulate intestinal colonization and dissemination of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Bacterial translocation from the gut microbiota is a source of sepsis in susceptible patients. Previous work suggests that overgrowth of gut pathobionts, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, increases the risk of disseminated infection. Our data from a human dietary intervention study found that in the absence of fiber, K. pneumoniae bloomed during microbiota recovery from antibiotic treatment. We thus hypothesized that dietary nutrients directly support or suppress colonization of this gut pathobiont in the microbiota. Consistent with our human subject study, complex carbohydrates in dietary fiber suppressed colonization of K. pneumoniae and allowed for recovery of competing commensals in mouse modeling. In contrast, through ex-vivo and in vivo modeling, we identify simple carbohydrates as a limiting resource for K. pneumoniae in the gut. As proof of principle, supplementation with lactulose, a non-absorbed simple carbohydrate and an FDA approved therapy, increased colonization of K. pneumoniae. Disruption of the intestinal epithelium led to dissemination of K. pneumoniae into the bloodstream and liver, which was prevented by dietary fiber. Our results show that dietary simple and complex carbohydrates are critical not only in the regulation of pathobiont colonization but also disseminated infection, suggesting that targeted dietary interventions may offer a preventative strategy in high-risk patients.
Abnormalities in Automatic Processing of Illness-Related Stimuli in Self-Rated Alexithymia

Aim To investigate abnormalities in automatic information processing related to self- and observer-rated alexithymia, especially with regard to somatization, controlling for confounding variables such as depression and affect. Sample 89 healthy subjects (60% female), aged 19–71 years (M = 32.1). 58 subjects were additionally rated by an observer. Measures Alexithymia (self-rating: TAS-20, observer rating: OAS); automatic information processing (priming task including verbal [illness-related, negative, positive, neutral] and facial [negative, positive, neutral] stimuli); somatoform symptoms (SOMS-7T); confounders: depression (BDI), affect (PANAS). Results Higher self-reported alexithymia scores were associated with lower reaction times for negative (r = .19, p < .10) and positive (r = .26, p < .05) verbal primes when the target was illness-related. Self-reported alexithymia was correlated with number (r = .42, p < .01) and intensity of current somatoform symptoms (r = .36, p < .01), but unrelated to observer-rated alexithymia (r = .11, p = .42). Discussion Results indicate a faster allocation of attentional resources away from task-irrelevant information towards illness-related stimuli in alexithymia. Considering the close relationship between alexithymia and somatization, these findings are compatible with the theoretical view that alexithymics focus strongly on bodily sensations of emotional arousal. A single observer rating (OAS) does not seem to be an adequate alexithymia-measure in community samples.
Evaluation of lumbar transforaminal epidural injections with needle placement and contrast flow patterns: a prospective, descriptive report.

BACKGROUND Transforaminal epidural steroid injection is one of the commonly employed modalities of treatment in managing nerve root pain. However, there have been no controlled prospective evaluations of epidural and nerve root contrast distribution patterns and other aspects of fluoroscopically directed lumbosacral transforaminal epidural steroid injections. OBJECTIVES To evaluate contrast flow patterns and intravascular needle placement of fluoroscopically guided lumbosacral transforaminal epidural injections. DESIGN A prospective, observational study. METHODS A total of 100 consecutive patients undergoing fluoroscopically guided transforaminal epidural steroid injections were evaluated. The contrast flow patterns, ventral or dorsal epidural filling, nerve root filling, C-arm time, and intravascular needle placement were evaluated. RESULTS Ventral epidural filling was seen in 88% of the procedures, in contrast to dorsal filling noted in 9% of the procedures. Nerve root filling was seen in 97% of the procedures. Total intravenous placement of the needle was noted in 22% of the procedures, whereas negative flashback and aspiration was noted in 5% of the procedures. CONCLUSION Lumbosacral transforaminal epidural injections, performed under fluoroscopic visualization, provide excellent nerve root filling and ventral epidural filling patterns. However, unrecognized intravascular needle placement with negative flashback or aspiration was noted in 5% of the procedures.
Intracranial pressure dynamics in patients with acute brain damage: a critical analysis with the aid of a mathematical model

The time pattern of intracranial pressure (ICP) in response to typical clinical tests (i.e., bolus injection and bolus withdrawal of 1 to 4 mL of saline in the craniospinal space) was studied in 18 patients with acute brain damage by means of a mathematical model. The model includes the main biomechanical factors assumed to affect intracranial pressure, particularly cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, intracranial compliance, and cerebral hemodynamics. Best fitting between model simulation curves and clinical tracings was achieved using the Powell minimization algorithm and a least-square criterion function. The simulation results demonstrate that, in most patients, the ICP time pattern cannot be explained merely on the basis of CSF dynamics but also requires consideration of the contribution of cerebral hemodynamics and blood volume alterations. In particular, only in a few patients (about 40% of total) the ICP monotonically returns toward baseline following the clinical maneuver. In most of the examined cases (about 60%), ICP exhibits an anomalous response to the same maneuver, characterized by a delayed increase after bolus injection and a delayed decrease after withdrawal. The model is able to explain these responses, imputing them to active intracranial blood volume changes induced by mechanisms controlling cerebral blood flow. Finally, the role of the main intracranial biomechanical parameters in the genesis of the ICP time pattern is discussed and a comparison with previous theoretical studies performed. <<ETX>>
A Limited Number of Antibody Specificities Mediate Broad and Potent Serum Neutralization in Selected HIV-1 Infected Individuals

A protective vaccine against HIV-1 will likely require the elicitation of a broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) response. Although the development of an immunogen that elicits such antibodies remains elusive, a proportion of HIV-1 infected individuals evolve broadly neutralizing serum responses over time, demonstrating that the human immune system can recognize and generate NAbs to conserved epitopes on the virus. Understanding the specificities that mediate broad neutralization will provide insight into which epitopes should be targeted for immunogen design and aid in the isolation of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies from these donors. Here, we have used a number of new and established technologies to map the bNAb specificities in the sera of 19 donors who exhibit among the most potent cross-clade serum neutralizing activities observed to date. The results suggest that broad and potent serum neutralization arises in most donors through a limited number of specificities (1–2 per donor). The major targets recognized are an epitope defined by the bNAbs PG9 and PG16 that is associated with conserved regions of the V1, V2 and V3 loops, an epitope overlapping the CD4 binding site and possibly the coreceptor binding site, an epitope sensitive to a loss of the glycan at N332 and distinct from that recognized by the bNAb 2G12 and an epitope sensitive to an I165A substitution. In approximately half of the donors, key N-linked glycans were critical for expression of the epitopes recognized by the bNAb specificities in the sera.