Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fluoroquinolone Resistance Mechanism of Clinical Isolates and Selected Mutants of Pasteurella multocida from Bovine Respiratory Disease in China

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), mutation prevention concentrations (MPCs) and contribution of quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) mutations to fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin and orbifloxacin) susceptibility in 23 Pasteurella multocida (Pm) isolates were investigated. Fluoroquinolone-susceptible isolates (MICs ≤0.25 µg/ml, 9 isolates) had no QRDR mutations, and their respective MPCs were low. Fluoroquinolone-intermediate isolates (MICs=0.5 µg/ml, 14 isolates) had QRDR mutations (Asp87 to Asn or Ala84 to Pro in gyrA), and their respective MPCs were high (4–32 µg/ml). First-step mutants (n=5) and laboratory-derived highly resistant fluoroquinolone mutants (n=5) also had QRDR mutations. The MICs of fluoroquinolones for mutant-derived strains were decreased in the presence of efflux inhibitors. The results indicated that the fluoroquinolone resistance of Pm is mainly due to multiple target gene mutations in gyrA and parC and the overexpression of efflux pump genes.
Escala de negociación de alianza terapéutica (ANS-A): evidencias de su validez y confiabilidad

espanolLos instrumentos actuales de Alianza Terapeutica tienden a enfatizar el grado de acuerdo o colaboracion entre el paciente y terapeuta acerca de los objetivos y tareas del proceso terapeutico. Sin embargo, el grado en que el paciente y terapeuta son capaces de negociar desacuerdos sobre las metas y tareas resulta una variable importante para el desarrollo y mantenimiento de la Alianza. El presente estudio presenta la traduccion al espanol y estudio de las propiedades psicometricas de confiabilidad y validez de la Alliance Negotiation Scale (ANS-A). de Doran, Safran, Waizmann, Bolger y Muran (2012), una escala de 12 items auto administrable para el paciente. en poblacion de pacientes argentinos. Se realizo una traduccion cruzada del instrumento y el mismo fue completado por una muestra de 147 pacientes en tratamiento psicoterapeutico en Argentina. El instrumento mostro adecuados niveles de consistencia interna (α = 0,78) y evidencia de validez convergente y discriminante en relacion a otra medida de Alianza como la Escala de Alianza de Trabajo –WAI- (Hatcher y Gillaspy, 2006). La escala mostro, a su vez, validez de constructo presentando una solucion factorial de dos factores igual que la escala en ingles. Este trabajo representa un paso adelante para investigadores y clinicos argentinos para evaluar el vinculo paciente-terapeuta, a la vez que provee informacion para los pasos futuros en la validacion de la version norteamericana. EnglishThe existing measures to assess Therapeutic Alliance tend to focus on the degree of agreement or collaboration between patient and therapist regarding tasks and goals during therapeutic process. However, both theoretical studies and empirical research, suggest that also the way in which the dyad negotiates disagreements about goals and tasks is a fundamental element for alliance development and maintenance. Doran, Safran, Waizmann, Bolger y Muran (2012) have created a 12-item self-reported measure rated by the patient to evaluate this specific construct: The Alliance Negotiation Scale (ANS). This study aims to present the Spanish version of the scale (ANS-A) and the study of its psychometric properties in a population of argentine clients. After a back-translation of the items done by bilingual researchers the instrument was completed by a sample of 147 patients of psychotherapy. The scale showed adequate internal consistency (α = .78) and evidence of convergent and discriminant validity in relationship with the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI, Hatcher y Gillaspy, 2006). The instrument also presented construct validity with a two-factor solution as in the original scale. Currently there are scarce instrument to measure Alliance validated in Argentina. Thus, this study represents a step forward to help Spanish speaking researchers and clinicians to enrich the way in which they evaluate the therapeutic relationship, and also provides valuable information for continuing the validation of this new instrument and a different way to conceptualize therapeutic alliance.
Effects of white roofs on urban temperature in a global climate model

Increasing the albedo of urban surfaces has received attention as a strategy to mitigate urban heat islands. Here, the effects of globally installing white roofs are assessed using an urban canyon model coupled to a global climate model. Averaged over all urban areas, the annual mean heat island decreased by 33%. Urban daily maximum temperature decreased by 0.6°C and daily minimum temperature by 0.3°C. Spatial variability in the heat island response is caused by changes in absorbed solar radiation and specification of roof thermal admittance. At high latitudes in winter, the increase in roof albedo is less effective at reducing the heat island due to low incoming solar radiation, the high albedo of snow intercepted by roofs, and an increase in space heating that compensates for reduced solar heating. Global space heating increased more than air conditioning decreased, suggesting that end‐use energy costs must be considered in evaluating the benefits of white roofs.
Working memory capacity influences cognitive flexibility: Understanding the control dilemma through Stroop

We sought to determine whether Working Memory Capacity (WMC) predicts when an individual will exert or withhold cognitive control when faced with a control dilemma. We employed a high-congruency variation on the Stroop task to maximize conflict between automatic and controlled processing, and manipulated task instructions between participants to emphasize the importance of exerting cognitive control or convey typical speed/accuracy instructions. A 2 (trial type) x 2 (instructions) x 4 (WMC [quartiles]) analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed an interaction, in which instruction manipulations failed to affect the proportion of errors made by low- or mid-span individuals. High spans, however, made a lower proportion of errors when warned of task pitfalls than when not. Regression analyses suggested that, when warned of the pitfalls of relying on automatic processing, WMC and proportion of Stroop errors exhibit a negative, linear relationship. However, when the nature of the need to exert control was not explicit, a curvilinear pattern was observed. Those with high WMC appeared to strategically withhold control, relying instead on automatic processing. This led them to make a higher proportion of Stroop errors. Response latency data suggested that lower-mid-spans were most rigid in their exertion of control, while high spans were especially flexible across instruction conditions. These data suggest a higher WMC allows for increased cognitive efficiency of cognitive control exertion across varied contexts. These
Production of cytotoxic compounds in dedifferentiated cells of Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae)

This study addresses the in vitro culture as an alternative to obtain compounds with cytotoxic activity from the medicinal plant Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae). We determined the presence of cytotoxic compounds in both whole plants and dedifferentiated cells. We evaluated the effect of auxin, cytokinins and light on callus induction in cotyledon explants. We found that the most effective combination to induce callus was the auxin 2,4-D (5 mM) with the cytokinin 6-BAP (2.5 mM), on Murashige-Skoog medium in darkness. We compared the callogenic potential among accessions from different geographic origins, finding that ARR-251107-MFG7 is most prone to form callus. The roots of J. curcas grown in field produced a compound chromatographically similar to the cytotoxic diterpene jatrophone. The profile of compounds extracted from the dedifferentiated cells was similar to that of the whole plant, including a relatively abundant stilbene-like compound. This study contributes to the future establishment of protocols to produce anti-cancer compounds from J. curcas cultivated in vitro.
An adaptive distributed hybrid search scheme for unstructured peer-to-peer networks

We consider a distributed hybrid search scheme for peer-to-peer network in this paper and introduce one link statement function, which is decreasing with the round trip time (RTT) of link. Link statement function is reasonable because they can reflect how well the link worked, for example, overloaded or not. The transition probability function between two nodes is redefined, which depend on not only the association of these two nodes but also the link statement between them. So one node can choose its best neighbor based on the transition probability between them to forward the query message. This algorithm is more robust and adaptive to the dynamic networks.
Evidence that Life History Characteristics of Wild Birds Influence Infection and Exposure to Influenza A Viruses

We report on life history characteristics, temporal, and age-related effects influencing the frequency of occurrence of avian influenza (AI) viruses in four species of migratory geese breeding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska. Emperor geese (Chen canagica), cackling geese (Branta hutchinsii), greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons), and black brant (Branta bernicla), were all tested for active infection of AI viruses upon arrival in early May, during nesting in June, and while molting in July and August, 2006–2010 (n = 14,323). Additionally, prior exposure to AI viruses was assessed via prevalence of antibodies from sera samples collected during late summer in 2009 and 2010. Results suggest that geese are uncommonly infected by low pathogenic AI viruses while in Alaska. The percent of birds actively shedding AI viruses varied annually, and was highest in 2006 and 2010 (1–3%) and lowest in 2007, 2008, and 2009 (<0.70%). Contrary to findings in ducks, the highest incidence of infected birds was in late spring when birds first arrived from staging and wintering areas. Despite low prevalence, most geese were previously exposed to AI viruses, as indicated by high levels of seroprevalence during late summer (47%–96% across species; n = 541). Seroprevalence was >95% for emperor geese, a species that spends part of its life cycle in Asia and is endemic to Alaska and the Bering Sea region, compared to 40–60% for the other three species, whose entire life cycles are within the western hemisphere. Birds <45 days of age showed little past exposure to AI viruses, although antibodies were detected in samples from 5-week old birds in 2009. Seroprevalence of known age black brant revealed that no birds <4 years old had seroconverted, compared to 49% of birds ≥4 years of age.
A robust stopping criterion for agglomerative hierarchical clustering in a speaker diarization system

Agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) is an unsupervised classiﬁcation strategy of merging the closest pair of clusters recursively, and has been widely used in speaker diarization systems to classify speech segments by speaker identity. The most critical part in AHC is how to automatically stop the recursive process at the point when clustering error rate reaches its lowest possible value, for which a BIC-based stopping criterion has been widely used. However, this criterion is not robust to data source variation. In this paper, we examine the criterion to establish the cause for the robustness issue and, based on this, propose an improved stopping criterion. Experimental results based on meeting conversation excerpts randomly chosen from various meeting speech corpora indicate that the proposed criterion is superior to the BIC-based one, showing that clustering error rate is improved on average by 7.28% (absolute) and 34.16% (relative).
Crosstalk avoidance codes for 3D VLSI

In 3D VLSI, through-silicon vias (TSVs) are relatively large, and closely spaced. This results in a situation in which noise on one or more TSVs may deteriorate the delay and signal integrity of neighboring TSVs. In this paper, we first quantify the parasitics in contemporary TSVs, and then come up with a classification of crosstalk sequences as 0C, 1C, … 8C sequences. Next, we present inductive approaches to quantify the exact overhead for 8C, 6C and 4C crosstalk avoidance codes (CACs) for a 3×n mesh arrangement of TSVs. These overheads for different CACs for a 3×n mesh arrangement of TSVs are used to calculate the lower bounds on the corresponding overheads for an n×n mesh arrangements of TSVs. We also discuss an efficient way to implement the coding and decoding (CODEC) circuitry for limiting the maximum crosstalk to 6C. Our experimental results show that for a TSV mesh arrangement driven by inverters implemented in a 22nm technology, the coding based approaches yields improvements which are in line with the theoretical predictions.
HIERARCHICAL WAVE FUNCTIONS AND FRACTIONAL STATISTICS IN FRACTIONAL QUANTUM HALL EFFECT ON THE TORUS

One kind of hierarchical wave functions of Fractional Quantum Hall Effect (FQHE) on the torus are constructed. The multi-component nature of anyon wave functions and the degeneracy of FQHE on the torus are very clearly reflected in this kind of wave functions. We also calculate the braid statistics of the quasiparticles in FQHE on the torus and show they fit the picture of anyons interacting with magnetic field on the torus obtained from braid group analysis.
Postsouveräne Territorialität. Die Europäische Union als supranationaler Raum

Abstract Anhand des Begriffs Postsouverane Territorialitat reflektiert der Beitrag die Verklammerung von territorialem Selbstverstandnis, staatlichen Ordnungsvorstellungen und raumbezogenen Konfliktkonstellationen in der Europaischen Union (EU). Im Mittelpunkt steht die Beobachtung, dass die Interdependenz von garantierter Freizugigkeit im Inneren und einer mittlerweile immer rigideren Abschottung nach Ausen mit einem demokratischen Staatsverstandnis in Konflikt gerat, das diesen territorialen Grundwiderspruch eigentlich uberwinden wollte, ihn aber letztlich auf supranationaler Ebene masstabsgerecht reproduziert. Wahrend die EU einerseits nationalstaatliche Grenzregime, ihre Prinzipien und Praktiken auf die postsouverane Ebene transferiert, widerspricht es andererseits ihrem demokratischen Grundkonsens, die Unterscheidung des Eigenen vom Fremden anhand der fur klassische Nationalstaaten konstitutiven Homogenitatsprinzipen raumlich zu materialisieren. Dieses Dilemma wird in drei Schritten beleuchtet: Zunac.
Diffusion, Use and Impact of the Internet in Hong Kong: A Chain Process Model

Hong Kong appears to be a dream venue for the Internet as a mass medium: There are a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, a population with both financial resources and bilingual (Chinese and English) abilities, and a legal environment in which there is virtually no government regulation of content. However, recent experience with the slow adoption of other new media in Hong Kong, including cable TV and interactive TV, has sounded a cautionary note about the potential use and impact of the Internet in this technologically sophisticated city. Based on a telephone survey of 1,000 adult residents, this paper examines the adoption, use, and social impact of the Internet in Hong Kong using a chain process model that was initially developed by Dutton, Rogers, and Jun (1987) for research on home computing. The results show that Internet adoption is affected by a full range of factors, including one's personal characteristics, socioeconomic status, socio-cultural settings, and perceived compatibility of the Internet. On the other hand, Internet use is primarily affected by socioeconomic status and perceived compatibility. The study also found that both adoption and use of the Internet have observable impact on leisure activities and concerns for privacy and other Internet-related negative consequences. However, these effects are not overarching but rather confined to specific attitudes and behavior.
A New Human NHERF1 Mutation Decreases Renal Phosphate Transporter NPT2a Expression by a PTH-Independent Mechanism

Background The sodium-hydrogen exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) binds to the main renal phosphate transporter NPT2a and to the parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor. We have recently identified mutations in NHERF1 that decrease renal phosphate reabsorption by increasing PTH-induced cAMP production in the renal proximal tubule. Methods We compared relevant parameters of phosphate homeostasis in a patient with a previously undescribed mutation in NHERF1 and in control subjects. We expressed the mutant NHERF1 protein in Xenopus Oocytes and in cultured cells to study its effects on phosphate transport and PTH-induced cAMP production. Results We identified in a patient with inappropriate renal phosphate reabsorption a previously unidentified mutation (E68A) located in the PDZ1 domain of NHERF1.We report the consequences of this mutation on NHERF1 function. E68A mutation did not modify cAMP production in the patient. PTH-induced cAMP synthesis and PKC activity were not altered by E68A mutation in renal cells in culture. In contrast to wild-type NHERF1, expression of the E68A mutant in Xenopus oocytes and in human cells failed to increase phosphate transport. Pull down experiments showed that E68A mutant did not interact with NPT2a, which robustly interacted with wild type NHERF1 and previously identified mutants. Biotinylation studies revealed that E68A mutant was unable to increase cell surface expression of NPT2a. Conclusions Our results indicate that the PDZ1 domain is critical for NHERF1- NPT2a interaction in humans and for the control of NPT2a expression at the plasma membrane. Thus we have identified a new mechanism of renal phosphate loss and shown that different mutations in NHERF1 can alter renal phosphate reabsorption via distinct mechanisms.
Tamoxifen and Antidepressant Drug Interaction Among a Cohort of 16 887 Breast Cancer Survivors

Background: Controversy persists about whether certain antidepressants reduce tamoxifen’s effectiveness on lowering breast cancer recurrence. We investigated whether taking tamoxifen and antidepressants (in particular, paroxetine) concomitantly is associated with an increased risk of recurrence or contralateral breast cancer. Methods: We examined 16 887 breast cancer survivors (TNM stages 0–II) diagnosed between 1996 and 2007 and treated with tamoxifen in two California health plans. Women were followed-up through December 31, 2009, for subsequent breast cancer. The main exposure was the percent of days of overlap when both tamoxifen and an antidepressant (paroxetine, fluoxetine, other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclics, and other classes) were used. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable Cox regression models with time-varying medication variables. Results: Of the 16 887 women, half (n = 8099) used antidepressants and 2946 women developed subsequent breast cancer during the 14-year study period. We did not find a statistically significant increased risk of subsequent breast cancer in women who concurrently used paroxetine and tamoxifen. For 25%, 50%, and 75% increases in percent overlap days between paroxetine and tamoxifen, hazard ratios were 1.06 (95% CI = 0.98 to 1.14, P = .09), 1.13 (95% CI = 0.98 to 1.30, P = .09), and 1.20 (95% CI = 0.97 to 1.49, P = .09), respectively, in the first year of tamoxifen treatment but were not statistically significant. Hazard ratios decreased to 0.94 (95% CI = 0.81 to 1.10, P = .46), 0.89 (95% CI = 0.66 to 1.20, P = .46), and 0.85 (95% CI = 0.54 to 1.32, P = .46) by the fifth year (all non-statistically significantly). Absolute subsequent breast cancer rates were similar among women who used paroxetine concomitantly with tamoxifen vs tamoxifen-only users. For the other antidepressants, we again found no such associations.
Brief cognitive assessment for patients with cerebral small vessel disease

Background: Cerebral small vessel disease is a common cause of cognitive impairment and vascular dementia. The cognitive deficit differs from that in Alzheimer’s disease, with greater executive/attentional dysfunction and relatively intact episodic memory. Objective: To develop brief assessment tools that are better adapted to the neuropsychological profile of cerebral small vessel disease. Methods: 32 subjects with ischaemic leukoaraiosis (history of lacunar stroke and leukoaraiosis on MRI), aged 50 to 84 years, and 17 age and education matched controls had a brief executive assessment, which took 20 minutes to administer, and a wide range of additional tests. The ability of the brief executive assessment to discriminate between groups—both individually and in combination—was evaluated and compared with that of the whole battery. Results: The brief executive assessment provided good sensitivity and specificity for identifying subjects with ischaemic leukoaraiosis (sensitivity 88%, specificity 88%, using the optimal combination of scores). The best individual tests were trail making and digit symbol, which were both far more sensitive than the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). The ability to discriminate between groups was maintained in subjects with MMSE >27 and across the whole age range. The brief executive assessment performed well compared with the whole battery, with additional tests accounting for only a further 12% of between-group variance. Conclusions: The brief executive assessment was sensitive to deficits found in ischaemic leukoaraiosis and discriminated them from the cognitive effects of healthy aging. The assessment has potential for bedside use and as a cognitive end point for clinical trials.
Reconsidering the expectancy disconfirmation model. Three experimental replications

ABSTRACT The expectancy disconfirmation model (EDM) posits that disconfirmation (the difference between expectations and perceived performance) affects citizen satisfaction. Van Ryzin experimentally manipulated expectations and performance and found a direct effect of performance, but no disconfirmation. We performed: an exact replication; a conceptual replication with extreme manipulations; a conceptual replication that reversed the order of a performance and expectations manipulation. Study 1 and 2 reproduced original findings. In contrast, study 3 indicates that expectation cues are retrospectively used to anchor prior experiences of performance. As the rational assumptions underlying the EDM are increasingly challenged, we need a better understanding of how cognitive biases shape citizen satisfaction.
High Serum Levels of Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (pro BNP) Identify Cardioembolic Origin in Undetermined Stroke

Background: Stroke subtype diagnosis leads to specific therapies to reduce recurrences. Because nearly one third of patients remain with unknown etiology after a complete screening workup, we aim to investigate whether molecular markers of myocardial damage were associated with cardioembolic stroke and if they were useful to reclassify strokes of undetermined etiology. Methods: We included 262 patients with first ischemic stroke within the first 12 hours. Stroke subtype was evaluated by TOAST criteria. Stroke of undetermined origin were reclassified into likely atherothrombotic or likely cardioembolic according to a predefined non-validated algorithm. Blood samples were obtained on admission to determine serum levels of molecular markers (pro-BNP, pro-ANP and CK-MB) of myocardial damage. Results: Patients with cardioembolic infarct showed higher levels of pro-BNP, pro-ANP and CK-MB. Pro-BNP > 360 pg/mL was independently associated with cardioembolic stroke (OR: 28.51, CI95%: 5.90–136.75, p < 0.0001). Stroke etiology was undetermined in 82 patients (31%); 34 were reclassified as likely cardioembolic, 22 as likely atherothrombotic, and 26 remained as undetermined. Pro-BNP > 360 pg/mL was the only factor independently associated with likely cardioembolic stroke. Conclusions: Pro-BNP levels higher than 360 pg/mL are associated with cardioembolic stroke and may be useful to reclassify undetermined strokes as of cardioembolic origin.