Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clonal dissemination of Klebsiella pneumoniae ST512 carrying blaKPC‐3 in a hospital in southern Italy

Strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae producing KPC‐carbapenemase have emerged as one of the most important multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative nosocomial pathogens. Here, we report the first isolation and subsequent dissemination of a K. pneumoniae ST512 producing KPC‐3 carbapenemase in a hospital in southern Italy. Isolates were obtained from blood, throat swabs, sputum, catheters, and urine of patients admitted to different hospital wards. Antimicrobial MICs were determined for all isolates by automated systems and confirmed by Etest. Carbapenemase production was confirmed by the modified Hodge test and by a disc synergy test, and carbapenemase genes were investigated by PCR. All isolates were characterized by pulse‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis. Most isolates were multidrug resistant with exception of some isolates intermediately susceptible to gentamicin, tigecycline, and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole. PCR analysis showed that isolates harbored the blaKPC‐3 gene associated with blaTEM and blaSVH. PFGE and MLST showed that all isolates belonged to the same ST512 clone recently described in Israel.
The Distinction between the Rod-and-Frame Illusion and the Rod-and-Frame Test

Errors in vertical settings of a test rod occur when the rod is enclosed in a laterally-tilted square-outline frame. The majority of previous experiments which have investigated this rod-and-frame effect have used a single frame tilt, usually 28°, and have tabulated errors as average unsigned deviations from gravitational vertical. Evidence is presented that, when the illusion is measured by taking algebraic differences between constant (signed) errors made with and without the frame being present, illusions occur in the direction of frame tilt for frame tilts up to about 25° from vertical (repulsion effects) but that directionally opposite illusions (attraction effects) occur for frame tilts between 25° and 45°. At the frame tilts used most frequently in previous studies (25° to 30°) little or no illusion occurs. A distinction is drawn between the rod-and-frame illusion (RFI), which has an angular function similar to the simple tilt illusion and aftereffect, and the rod-and-frame test (RFT), which uses unsigned deviations from vertical as its measure of error and which probably bears little or no relationship to the RFI.
Laboratory and field evaluation of a new personal sampling system for assessing the protection provided by the N95 filtering facepiece respirators against particles.

OBJECTIVES We have recently developed a new personal sampling system for the real-time measurement of the protection provided by respirators against airborne dust and micro-organisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of the new sampling system in both laboratory and field conditions. METHODS The measurements were conducted using the N95 filtering facepiece respirators and the newly developed personal sampling system put on a manikin (laboratory study) or donned by a human subject (laboratory and field studies). Two inhalation flow rates (0 and 40 l min(-1)) in conjunction with the sampling flow rate (10 l min(-1)) were tested in the manikin-based experiments to investigate the effects of the leak location (nose, cheek and chin) and the depth of the sampling probe (0, 5, 10 and 15 mm) within the respirator. The effect of human activity on the protection factor was evaluated using a variety of head movements and breathing patterns when a human subject wore the respirator in a room-size laboratory test chamber. The field study was conducted during corn harvesting with a respirator worn by a human subject on a combine. RESULTS There was no significant difference in the protection factors for different leak locations, or for sampling probe depths, when the inhalation rate was 0 l min(-1). For the inhalation rate of 40 l min(-1), the protection factors for nose leaks were higher than those for chin and cheek leaks. Furthermore, the protection factor was the lowest and showed the least variation when the sampling probe depth was equal to 0 mm (imbedded on the respirator surface). Human subject testing showed that the grimace maneuver decreased the protection factor and changed the original respirator fit. The protection factor during breath holding was lower than that found during inhalation and exhalation. Field results showed greater variation than laboratory results. CONCLUSIONS The newly designed personal sampling system efficiently detected the changes in protection factors in real time. The sampling flow was least affected by the inhalation flow when the sampling probe was imbedded on the respirator surface. Leak location, breathing patterns and exercises did affect the measurement of the protection factors obtained using an N95 filtering facepiece respirator. This can be attributed to the differences in the in-mask airflow dynamics contributed by the leak, filter material, sampling probe and inhalation. In future studies, it would be beneficial if the laboratory data could be integrated with the field database.
Phase II Trial of Docetaxel Therapy in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objectives: We assessed the safety and efficacy of docetaxel, a microtubule inhibitor, in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: HCC patients that were not suitable for local therapy, but who possessed measurable disease, good performance status and adequate organ function were eligible. Docetaxel was administered every 3 weeks at a dose of 100 mg/m2 (or 75 mg/m2 if transaminase levels were between 1.5 and 3.5 times the upper normal limit). Efficacy was assessed radiologically every three cycles of chemotherapy. Results: Fifteen patients were enrolled: 11 males and 4 females; their median age was 64 years (range, 42–72 years). Nine patients had underlying cirrhosis. Four patients had been surgically treated before relapse (liver resection in 3 cases and transplantation in 1), 3 had been treated with arterial chemoembolization and 1 with arterial chemotherapy (doxorubicin). A total of 57 cycles of docetaxel were delivered (median 3, range 1–6). Significant toxicity was observed: mostly grade 3–4 neutropenia and fatigue (6 and 4 patients, respectively). Treatment had to be stopped because of toxicity in 6 patients, all having underlying cirrhosis. An important partial response was obtained in 1 patient, a result that enabled liver transplantation; this patient is still alive after 34 months. Five patients had transient stable disease. Conclusion: When used in this schedule, docetaxel does not appear to be safe and effective enough in patients with advanced HCC and cirrhosis.
18 th ICCRTS : C 2 in Underdeveloped , Degraded and Denied Operational Environments 1 18 th ICCRTS : “ C 2 in Underdeveloped , Degraded and Denied Operational Environments

Computer simulations facilitate the study of real world phenomena by providing safe, controlled, flexible, and repeatable experimental environments at costs far lower than other options. Both the validity of the simulation model and the scope of its validity determine the degree to which the findings can be generalized and applied to real world situations and problems. In practice, no single model captures all of the important aspects of a phenomena of interest, nor is applicable over a wide set of missions and circumstances. Thus, effectively utilizing a variety of models in a prospective meta-analysis (a set of common hypotheses and controllable variables and comparable metrics) offers the opportunity to improve validity and extend the findings to a broader range of real world situations. NATO SAS-085, a research group exploring C2 Agility and Requisite Maturity, conceived and developed an international meta-analysis approach for studying various aspects related to C2 Agility from multiple simulation-based experiments. This paper presents the methodology they employed which was inspired by the prospective meta-analysis domain. The challenges that arose from differences among these experiments, differences in the ways C2 Approaches were instantiated, and differences in the measures of success and in the conditions they considered are discussed. 18th ICCRTS: C2 in Underdeveloped, Degraded and Denied Operational Environments
Self-Determined Choices and Consequences: The Relationship Between Basic Psychological Needs Satisfactions and Aggression in Late Adolescents

ABSTRACT. This research examined the mediatory role of life purpose and career indecision in the relationship between the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and aggression. Data were collected from high school students (n = 466) and results showed that life purpose and career indecision fully mediated the relationship between basic psychological needs satisfaction and aggression. These findings suggested that unsatisfied basic psychological needs foster late adolescents’ aggression by promoting less clear life purposes and career indecision.
A Comparison of Two Methods of Quality Control of pH, Pco2, and Po2 Measurements

Summary pH, Pco2, and Po2 measurements have been made over a three-week period on General Diagnostics Blood GAS Control Ampoules and on a tonometered buffer system. The latter seems adequate as a precision and accuracy control of pH, Pco2, and Po2 measurements in a single solution. The former seems adequate as a precision control of these measurements, but, on the particular batch provided, mean values need to be determined within the customer's laboratory.
Subcellular distributions of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors in the rat dorsomedial nucleus of the solitary tract at the level of the area postrema

Adenosine A1 and A2A receptors mediate distinct cardiovascular components of defense reactions that are ascribed, in part, to opposing actions within the nucleus tractus solitarius. To assess the cellular sites of relevance to these actions, we examined the light and electron microscopic immunolabeling of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors in the rat dorsomedial nucleus of the solitary tract at the level of the area postrema (dmNTS‐AP), a region crucial for cardiovascular regulation involving vagal baroreceptor afferents. Immunoreactivity for each receptor was independently localized to distinct segments of plasma membranes and endomembranes in somatodendritic, axonal, and glial profiles. The dendritic labeling for each receptor also was detected within and near asymmetric, excitatory‐type synapses. Of all peroxidase labeled profiles exclusive of somata, ∼58% were A1‐ and 39% were A2A‐labeled dendrites. Dendrites and astrocytic glia were the profiles that most often expressed both subtypes of adenosine receptors. The axonal labeling for A2A receptors was seen mainly in unmyelinated axons, whereas the A1 receptors were prominently localized within axon terminals. These terminals often formed single or multisynaptic excitatory‐type junctions or single symmetric synapses on dendrites, a few of which expressed A1 and A2A receptors. These results provide the first ultrastructural evidence that A1 and A2A receptors have distributions conductive to their dual involvement in modulating the output of single neurons and glial function in the dmNTS‐AP, where the predominate presynaptic effects of adenosine are mediated through A1 receptors. Synapse 60:496–509, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of an enolase-related molecule in plasminogen binding to cells.

The alpha isoform of enolase is a candidate plasminogen receptor on U937 monocytoid cells [Miles, L. A. , Dahlberg, C. L. , Plescia, J., Felez, J., Kato, K. & Plow, E. F. (1991) Biochemistry 30, 1682-1691]. In the present study, an enolase-related molecule was detected on the surfaces of peripheral blood monocytes and neutrophils by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. A mRNA transcript encoding a unique membrane form of an enolase-related molecule was not detected by Northern-blotting and primer-extension analyses, consistent with the cell-surface protein being authentic alpha-enolase. Both the alpha and beta isoforms of purified enolase, bound plasminogen with an affinity similar to that of the cell surface. Moreover, immunopurified alpha-enolase enhanced plasminogen activation by tissue plasminogen activator and blocked the binding of plasminogen to alpha 2-antiplasmin, mimicking functions arising from the association of plasminogen with cells. The interaction of the enolase isoforms with plasminogen was dependent upon recognition of the C-terminal lysyl residue of the enolases by the lysine-binding sites of plasminogen, as the interaction was blocked by (a) peptides with C-terminal lysine residues and (b) an antibody to the C-terminal aspect of enolase. A monoclonal antibody was developed, characterized and utilized to quantify the enolase molecules present on the surface of U937 cells. A substantial number of molecules, 1.8 x 10(6)/cell, was present, accounting for approximately 10% of the plasminogen-binding capacity of these cells. These studies clearly establish the role of enolase as a cell-surface plasminogen-binding site with profibrinolytic functions.
Production of UV-light-detectable faeces from house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) after consumption of encapsulated fluorescent pigment in monitoring bait.

BACKGROUND The authors investigated whether fluorescent pigment in thermoset melamine microcapsules incorporated into monitoring baits would be excreted in the faeces of wild house mice in a quantity and intensity that would be detectable by a human observer. RESULTS Experimental mice produced 24-116 UV-visible faecal pellets per 24 h; the mean dry weight was 582 mg. The number and weight of the faeces was independent of mouse sex and weight. The defecation of UV-visible faeces began at 2-3 h, peaked at 5-8 h and was complete at 17 h after bait ingestion. The detectability of the highly fluorescent faecal pellets using a small UV flashlight approached 100%, and no false positives were recorded. CONCLUSION The tested formulation is of significant value for rodent pest monitoring because faeces that are highly visible by UV light are produced for 15 h by mice after ingestion, and their detection is easy and unambiguous.
Boundary of Cat(-1) Coxeter Groups

In this paper, we study the topological properties of the hyperbolic boundaries of CAT(-1) Coxeter groups of virtual cohomological dimension 2. We will show how these properties are related to combinatorial properties of the associated Coxeter graph. More precisely, we investigate the connectedness, the local connectedness and the existence problem of local cut points. In the appendix, in a joint work with Z. Sela, we will construct the JSJ decomposition of the Coxeter groups for which the corresponding Coxeter graphs are complete bipartite graphs.
Antimicrobial Drug Resistance and Plasmid Profiles of Salmonella Isolates from Humans and Foods of Animal Origin in Uganda

Salmonella organisms are among the most common causes of human bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, and food animals are important reservoirs of these bacteria. A further danger lies in the development of drug resistance in these organisms, primarily driven by non-prudent overuse of antiinfectives. The current study compared the plasmid profiles and drug susceptibility patterns of Salmonella isolates from man and foods of animal origin in Uganda. A total of 92 Salmonella isolates (58 from man and 34 from foods of animal origin) were analyzed. Identification was done by using biochemical tests; plasmid profiling by agarose gel electrophoresis while susceptibility testing to tetracycline, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and tetracycline were done by the Kirby Bauer Disc Diffusion method. Among the human isolates, 57/58 (98.3%, 95% CI, 91.8% - 99.9%) were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin compared to 32/34 (94.1%, 95% CI, 81.9% - 91%) of animal-derived isolates. On the other hand, 48/58 (82.7%, 95% CI, 71.4% - 91%) human-derived isolates were resistant to Trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole compared to 29/34(85.3%) of the animal-derived isolates. Fifty four percent (n = 50) of the all the isolates were resistant to at least three antibiotics whereas only 2.2% (n = 2) were susceptible to all the seven drugs tested. Most worrying, however, was the fact that only 45% percent of the isolates were sensitive to all the three drugs (chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin) commonly used in the treatment of salmonellosis in this setting. The risk of ampicillin resistance was three times more likely to occur in animal-derived as compared to human-derived isolates (Odds Ratio = 2.705, 95% CI, 1.3 - 5.8) as was that to nalidixic acid (Odds Ratio = 2.895, 95% CI, 1.17 - 7.2). Plasmid profile analysis showed eight clusters comprising of 68.7% (46/67) of the isolates. In five of the eight clusters, there were both animal and human-derived isolates. Resistant strains of Salmonella are common in this setting and meat/meat products are the commonest source of infection. A majority of the isolates are multi-drug resistant, and there is evidence of cross-species transmission of plasmids, and possibly drug resistance, between animals and humans.
Herpetology of the Zuni Mountains Region, Northwestern New Mexico

In decided contrast to the amount of herpetological information available for other southwestern states, relatively little is known about amphibians and reptiles in New Mexico. Several taxonomic papers have dealt with members of the state herpetofauna, but none have treated local distribution and differentiation in detail. It is the intent of this study, and of others in progress, to describe the amphibians and reptiles of New Mexico by natural regions, with the aim of understanding local variation in morphology, distribution, and life history. Field observations and specimens obtained during portions of the summers of 1951, 1954, and 1955 constituted a prelimiuar}'^ survey of amphibian and reptilian species in northwestern New Mexico. Thereafter, emphasis was placed on the Zuni region as a biogeographic unit. Local studies of ecology and assumed gene flow were made
Impact assessment of plug-in hybrid vehicles on pacific northwest distribution systems

The U.S. electric power infrastructure is a significantly underutilized strategic asset which, with the proper shift in operational paradigms could provide a significant portion of the energy requirements for the existing U.S. light duty vehicle (LDV) fleet. This shift would result in reduced emissions, improved economics for utilities, and a reduced dependence on oil. A previous study has shown that the existing generation and transmission assets of the U.S. electric power infrastructure could feasibly supply the electricity for approximately 70% of the U.S. LDV fleet. In the limitations of the distribution system were not explicitly addressed and are more difficult to quantify because of the large diversity of distribution systems topology, design guidelines and load growth. This paper focuses on the impacts of a high penetration of plug-in electric hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) on the distribution systems. Presented are results specific for the Pacific Northwest.
PET‐Guided Breast Biopsy

Abstract: Molecular imaging, using positron emission tomography (PET), has become an integral step in the evaluation of many patients with malignancy. However, its use in patients with breast cancer has been limited by the lower levels of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in some breast malignancies compared to other cancers, the small size of many breast cancers, and the need for biopsy under PET guidance. High‐resolution breast PET, or positron emission mammography (PEM), with biopsy guidance software, now addresses these issues. We report a prospective, multicenter study designed to test the efficacy and safety of PEM biopsy guidance software in women with FDG‐avid breast lesions worrisome for malignancy. The intervention chosen was vacuum‐assisted core biopsy. Nineteen subjects underwent a total of 24 PEM‐guided biopsies. All lesions were successfully targeted and sampled as determined by post‐biopsy image scan evaluation, specimen imaging, and pathologic concordance. Invasive cancer was identified in 13 of 24 lesions (54%), while four (17%) were high‐risk lesions and three of these were upgraded to malignancy at excision. No serious adverse events occurred and all patients found the procedure to cause only minimal to mild discomfort. High‐resolution PEM‐guided breast biopsy is both safe and effective for the sampling of PET‐depicted breast lesions.
Assay of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.1.1.49) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.1.1.43) in red cells.

Abstract In the assay for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, it is shown that hemolysis with saponin or digitonin gives somewhat higher values than those obtained with hemolysis by water. These hemolytic agents apparently free the enzymes from the stroma while hemolysis in water accomplishes this only to a partial and variable degree. This fact leads to a simplified assay in which washed red cells are pipetted into a saponin solution in the cell of the ultraviolet spectrophotometer and combined reagents (which can be stored frozen) are added. The generation of NADPH, followed at 340 mμ, is linear for several minutes. The stoichiometry of the two reactions has been carefully rechecked, and it is concluded that the only valid measurement of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity is obtained by subtracting the activity with 6PG as substrate from the activity with G6P and 6PG as combined substrate. The second reaction is roughly the speed of the first reaction but varies from individual to individual.