Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Activities of a New Lipopeptide Antifungal Agent, FK463, against a Variety of Clinically Important Fungi

ABSTRACT The in vitro antifungal activity and spectrum of FK463 were compared with those of amphotericin B, fluconazole, and itraconazole by using a broth microdilution method specified by National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards document M27-A (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, Wayne, Pa., 1997). FK463 exhibited broad-spectrum activity against clinically important pathogens including Candida species (MIC range, ≦0.0039 to 2 μg/ml) and Aspergillus species (MIC range, ≦0.0039 to 0.0313 μg/ml), and its MICs for such fungi were lower than those of the other antifungal agents tested. FK463 was also potently active against azole-resistant Candida albicans as well as azole-susceptible strains, and there was no cross-resistance with azoles. FK463 showed fungicidal activity against C. albicans, i.e., a 99% reduction in viability after a 24-h exposure at concentrations above 0.0156 μg/ml. The minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) assays indicated that FK463 was fungicidal against most isolates of Candida species. In contrast, the MFCs of FK463 for A. fumigatus isolates were much higher than the MICs, indicating that its action is fungistatic against this species. FK463 had no activity against Cryptococcus neoformans,Trichosporon species, or Fusarium solani. Neither the test medium (kind and pH) nor the inoculum size greatly affected the MICs of FK463, while the addition of 4% human serum albumin increased the MICs for Candida species and A. fumigatus more than 32 times. Results from preclinical in vitro evaluations performed thus far indicate that FK463 should be a potent parenteral antifungal agent.
EXPLORING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IMPACT OF THE BLUEGRASS DOUBLE DOLLARS PROGRAM

EXPLORING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IMPACT OF THE BLUEGRASS DOUBLE DOLLARS PROGRAM Food Security is a situation that exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life (FAO, 1996). 17% of Kentuckians are food insecure (Kentucky Department of Agriculture, 2016). This study explored the quality of life (QoL) impact of the Bluegrass Double Dollars (BGDD) program on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants through secondary data analysis. Utilizing the categories of quality of life indicators established by The Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress (CMEPSP) the results from this study concluded that participating in the BGDD program provides some level of quality of life benefits.
Orchestration of three transporters and distinct vascular structures in node for intervascular transfer of silicon in rice

Significance Requirement of mineral elements differs with different organs and tissues; therefore, plants have developed systems for preferentially delivering mineral elements to tissues with high requirement. However, the molecular mechanisms for these systems are poorly understood. We took silicon (Si) as an example and revealed an efficient distribution system occurring in the node of rice, which is a hub for distribution. We found that hyperaccumulation of Si in the husk (more than 10%) is achieved by cooperation of three different Si transporters localized at the different cell layers in the node. Furthermore, mathematical modeling showed that an apoplastic barrier and development of enlarged vascular bundles are also required. Our work revealed a set of players for efficient distribution control in node. Requirement of mineral elements in different plant tissues is not often consistent with their transpiration rate; therefore, plants have developed systems for preferential distribution of mineral elements to the developing tissues with low transpiration. Here we took silicon (Si) as an example and revealed an efficient system for preferential distribution of Si in the node of rice (Oryza sativa). Rice is able to accumulate more than 10% Si of the dry weight in the husk, which is required for protecting the grains from water loss and pathogen infection. However, it has been unknown for a long time how this hyperaccumulation is achieved. We found that three transporters (Lsi2, Lsi3, and Lsi6) located at the node are involved in the intervascular transfer, which is required for the preferential distribution of Si. Lsi2 was polarly localized to the bundle sheath cell layer around the enlarged vascular bundles, which is next to the xylem transfer cell layer where Lsi6 is localized. Lsi3 was located in the parenchyma tissues between enlarged vascular bundles and diffuse vascular bundles. Similar to Lsi6, knockout of Lsi2 and Lsi3 also resulted in decreased distribution of Si to the panicles but increased Si to the flag leaf. Furthermore, we constructed a mathematical model for Si distribution and revealed that in addition to cooperation of three transporters, an apoplastic barrier localized at the bundle sheath cells and development of the enlarged vascular bundles in node are also required for the hyperaccumulation of Si in rice husk.
Boundary Capabilities in MNCs: Knowledge Transformation for Creative Solution Development

The management of knowledge across country units is critical to multinational corporations (MNCs). Building on the argument that boundary spanning leads to the development of creative problem solving outcomes, this study advances the concept of MNC knowledge transformation and examines its relationship with solution creativity. Using questionnaire data on 67 problem solving projects, we find that opportunity formation is an underlying mechanism linking MNC knowledge transformation to the development of creative solutions. These insights contribute to our understanding of boundary spanning in global organizations by substantiating MNC knowledge transformation and elaborating the relationship between boundary spanning and creative solution development. If successful at knowledge transformation, collaborators from across the MNC can construct previously unimagined opportunities for the generation of creative outcomes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Diagnostic Value of Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluation of Metastatic Axillary Lymph Nodes in a Sample of Iranian Women with Breast Cancer

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in assessment of metastases in axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) in a sample of Iranian women with breast cancer. Methods: A total of 50 axillary lymph nodes from 30 female patients with histologically verified breast cancer were assessed by 1.5 T MRI. DWI was implemented at b-values of 50, 400 and 800 s/mm2. Short axis diameter, presence of fatty hilum and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values (min, max and mean) of metastatic and non-metastatic ALNs was compared. Cutoff ADC values to discriminate between benign and malignant axillary lymph nodes were analyzed with receiver coefficient characteristic (ROC) curves. Result: The final histopathological examination revealed 46% (n=23) metastatic and 54% (n=27) non-metastatic ALNs. There was no statistically significant difference in short axis diameter between the two groups (p = 0.537). However there was significantly correlation between loss of fatty hilum and presence of metastases (p < 0.001) and ADC values (0.255 ± 0.19×10-3 mm2/s vs 0.616 ±0.3×10-3 mm2/s (ADC min), 1.088 ± 0.22×10-3 mm2/s vs 1.497 ± 0.24×10-3 mm2/s (ADC max) and 0.824 ± 0.103 ×10-3 mm2/s vs 1.098 ± 0.23 ×10-3 mm2/s (ADC mean)) of metastatic ALNs were significantly lower than those of non-metastatic ALNs (p < 0.001). The optimal mean ADC cut-off value for differentiation between metastatic and non-metastatic ALNs was 0.904×10-3 mm2/s which had a higher specificity (88.9%) and accuracy (91.8%) as compared with ADC min and ADC max. Conclusion: DWI-MRI and ADC values are promising imaging methods which can assess metastatic ALNs in breast cancer with high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.
Consumption and Life Satisfaction: A Micro Panel Data Study

Many studies have estimated the relationship between income and well-being. However, economic theory predicts that well-being derives from consumption, not income. Using newly available US micro-level panel data, we show that consumption has much larger effects on life satisfaction than does income. We find no evidence for life satisfaction satiating in consumption. We also show that spending on conspicuous consumption, such as clothing and vacations, affects life satisfaction more than does spending on non-conspicuous consumption. These results suggest that social comparison may underlie the relationship between consumption and life satisfaction.
Nonoperative Treatment of Tibial Spine Fractures in Children-38 Patients With a Minimum Follow-up of 1 Year

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine if nonoperative treatment of fractures of the tibial spine (intercondylar eminence) in pediatric patients is the treatment of choice for these injuries. Design/Setting: Retrospective clinical analysis in a single department. Patients: All patients younger than 17 years presenting with a fracture of the intercondylar eminence between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2004 were included in this retrospective study. Patients with ossification of the growth plate (physis) at the time of accident were excluded by protocol. Intervention: Nonoperative treatment with knee aspiration, reduction, and immobilization in a long leg cast. Main Outcome Measurements: History-taking and follow-up examinations were performed using the Cincinnati Knee Score and International Knee Documentation Committee Guidelines of 2000. In addition, a magnetic resonance imaging scan of the injured knee was offered to all patients. SPSS 12.0 and Microsoft Excel 2000 were used for data processing and statistical analysis. Results: Forty-three patients have been included in the study. Twenty-three were female and 20 male. The mean age at trauma was 11.5 years (6-16 years). Only 1 patient required a change of therapy and needed open reduction. Thirty-eight patients were available for follow-up at an interval of 1-7.5 years after trauma (mean 3.5 years). None of the patients reported pain, swelling, disability or giving-way, or was handicapped in their daily life. Of 26 magnetic resonance imaging examinations, we found a missing anterior cruciate ligament in 1 and a partial rupture in another patient. Conclusion: Based on our results, nonoperative management can still be recommended as the primary treatment for tibial spine fractures in children.
Risk management in research and development (R&D) projects: the case of South Australia

A definition of the effective methods of risk management in R&D projects has remained elusive. Similarly, there have been calls to devise effective risk management methods in R&D projects. To develop this area further, the purpose of this study is twofold. First, it validates the veracity of claims about the urgency of introducing effective methods of risk management to R&D projects in South Australia based on nine unstructured interviews with experts. Second, the study presents the outcomes of two case studies that deployed the extended version of the failure mode and effect analysis, namely, the RFMEA method in a South Australian organisation, to investigate how the method can facilitate the identification of effective contingency plans to mitigate high-priority risks. The findings showed that the RFMEA method would be effective for project managers in dealing with risk management issues in R&D projects. The discussions presented will provide guidelines for practitioners in the industry.
Bone morbidity in chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms

Patients with the classical Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms including essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera and primary myelofibrosis often suffer from comorbidities, in particular, cardiovascular diseases and thrombotic events. Apparently, there is also an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures among these patients. However, the true prevalence, mechanisms involved and therapeutic implications are not well described. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about possible associations between bone disease and chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms. Chronic inflammation has been suggested to explain the initiation of clonal development and progression in chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms. Decreased bone mineral density and enhanced fracture risk are well-known manifestations of many chronic systemic inflammatory diseases. As opposed to systemic mastocytosis (SM) where pathogenic mechanisms for bone manifestations probably involve effects of mast cell mediators on bone metabolism, the mechanisms responsible for increased fracture risk in other chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms are not known.
Serotonin transporter knockout mice have a reduced ventilatory response to hypercapnia (predominantly in males) but not to hypoxia

Medullary serotonergic (5‐HT) neurons are implicated in central chemoreception and 5‐HT abnormalities are present in many cases of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Mice with a targeted disruption of the serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) develop in the presence of excess 5‐HT in brain extracellular fluid (ECF). As adults they exhibit reduced 5‐HT neuron activity and 5‐HT1A receptor binding with varying changes in postsynaptic 5‐HT receptor function. They exhibit behavioural phenotypes (anxiety, reduced aggression) but little is known about their control of breathing. We show that conscious adult male and female 5‐HTT knockout mice breathing air at room temperature have a higher resting , breathing frequency and but a normal body temperature and ratio (the ventilatory equivalent) compared to wild‐type (WT) controls. In hypercapnia, there is a reduced ventilatory response (expressed as the ratio) that is much more prominent in males (−68%) than females (−22%). In hypoxia, both males and females exhibit a higher , and body temperature but their ratio is normal. We conclude that 5‐HTT knockout mice have a diminished function of the medullary 5‐HT system, which is manifest most remarkably in a substantial loss of CO2 sensitivity predominantly in males. This finding supports the importance of medullary 5‐HT neurons in central chemoreception. Females either rely less on 5‐HT neurons in chemoreception or adapt more readily to the loss of 5‐HT function. This genetic model allows examination of the role of excess 5‐HT in ECF in the development of the control of breathing and central chemoreception, which may be pertinent to SIDS.
Siriraj stroke score and validation study to distinguish supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage from infarction.

OBJECTIVES--To develop a simple, reliable, and safe diagnostic tool for acute stroke syndromes in a setting where computerised brain scanning was not readily available and to validate its accuracy with regard to pathological types of stroke. DESIGN--13 clinical variables that potentially might differentiate supratentorial cerebral haemorrhage from infarction were recorded and tested by multivariate analysis in a prospective study of 174 patients with acute stroke. In developing the Siriraj stroke score stepwise discriminant analysis of the variables was followed by a linear discriminant equation to differentiate between supratentorial haemorrhage and infarction. The score obtained was validated against scores in 206 other patients with stroke, computerised brain scans being used for definitive diagnosis. SETTING--Siriraj Hospital Medical School, Mahidol University, Bangkok. SUBJECTS--Prospective study: 174 consecutive patients with acute supratentorial stroke syndrome (not subarachnoid haemorrhage) admitted to Siriraj Hospital during 1984-5; validation study: 206 patients admitted to Siriraj Hospital or another hospital for supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage or infarction. RESULTS--The Siriraj stroke score was developed and calculated as (2.5 x level of consciousness) + (2 x vomiting) + (2 x headache) + (0.1 x diastolic blood pressure) - (3 x atheroma markers) - 12. A score above 1 indicates supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage, while a score below -1 indicates infarction. The score between 1 and -1 represents an equivocal result needing a computerised brain scan or probability curve to verify the diagnosis. In the validation study of the Siriraj stroke score the diagnostic sensitivities of the score for cerebral haemorrhage and cerebral infarction were 89.3% and 93.2% respectively, with an overall predictive accuracy of 90.3%. CONCLUSION--The Siriraj stroke score is widely accepted and applied in hospitals throughout Thailand as a simple and reliable bedside method for diagnosing acute stroke.
Phylogeography and conservation of impala and greater kudu

The phylogeography of the bush habituated African bovid species impala (Aepyceros melampus) and greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is investigated using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers. Combined analysis of individual lineages, relationships and population genetics suggest a colonization process from Southern Africa toward Eastern regions in the greater kudu. Results are less clear for the impala, although remaining consistent with a similar pattern of historical dispersion. The study reveals a similar pattern, that is a marked divergence of lineages from South‐western Africa relative to other regions. This pattern is opposed to previously published findings in other African bovid species. In the impala, the genetically isolated region is consistent with morphology because it is recognized as the subspecies A. m. petersi, the black‐faced impala. In contrast, the similar split of South‐western mitochondrial lineages was not expected in the greater kudu on the basis of morphology. Both species show a significant population genetic differentiation. Beyond their phylogeographical value, our results should raise conservation concerns about South‐western populations of both species. The black‐faced impala is categorized as vulnerable and our data show indications of hybridization with common impala A. m. melampus. The previously unrecognized genetic status of the South‐western kudus could also imply conservation regulations.
Impact of sociodemographic features of mothers on breastfeeding in Croatia: questionnaire study.

AIM To determine sociodemographic features that describe mothers who are likely to wean their babies earlier then is recommended and whether the rates of breast-fed children in Croatia had improved since 1996. METHODS A sample of 500 mothers was selected from the population of women who had delivered 2 to 12 months before the interview. The sample was stratified according to the region, urbanization, and child's age. The questionnaire was designed to give a sociodemographic profile of the mother and to describe child's present nutritional habits, duration and reasons for breast-feeding, and reasons for weaning. Chi-square test was used to estimate statistical differences of two qualitative variables. ANOVA test was used for multiple group comparisons. RESULTS There were significantly more breast-feeding mothers among older than among younger women (46.3% vs 31.7%; p=0.041). Significantly greater proportion of women with higher educational level breast-fed, as compared with less educated women (53.8% vs 31.3%, p=0.002). Percentage of non-smokers among breast-feeding mothers was significantly higher than that of smokers (45.0% vs 25.7%, p=0.001). After the age of 3 months, 30.7% of children were still breast-fed, and only 11.0% after 6 months of age. With regard to the nutritional habits in the first year of life, 40.0% of all children were fed with cow's milk. Supplementary feeding was started by 29.2% of respondents before the end of the third month. CONCLUSION Older, better educated, and non-smoking mothers in Croatia breast-fed at a higher rate then young, less educated, and smoking mothers. Older mothers also weaned their children significantly later than the young ones. Percentage of children fed with cow's milk during the first year of life is disturbingly high and introduction of solids into child's nutrition is earlier than recommended.
Excitatory synaptic interactions between CA3 neurones in the guinea‐pig hippocampus.

Excitatory synaptic interactions between CA3 neurones in slices from guinea‐pig hippocampus were examined. Recurrent excitatory post‐synaptic potentials (e.p.s.p.s) were evoked by action potentials in a single presynaptic neurone or by the antidromic activation of part of the CA3 pyramidal cell population. The peak amplitude of unitary e.p.s.p.s was 1‐2 mV at potentials between ‐64 and ‐70 mV. Their time to peak was 7‐12 ms and the initial phase of their decay was slower than that of a somatically injected voltage pulse. Recurrent e.p.s.p.s were often followed by a small (0.3 mV) hyperpolarization, or undershoot. Recurrent e.p.s.p.s were compared with e.p.s.p.s evoked by stimulating mossy fibres, which terminate proximally on apical dendrites of CA3 pyramidal cells. They were of slower time course and reversed at a more positive potential than mossy fibre e.p.s.p.s. Some synaptic terminals made by recurrent axon collaterals apparently terminate at distant locations on apical dendrites. The decay of both recurrent e.p.s.p.s and dendritic voltage pulses was prolonged by membrane depolarization within a 10‐15 mV subthreshold potential range. Voltage‐dependent inward currents activated by the synaptic depolarization may contribute to the slow initial decay of these synaptic events. The undershoot did not occur when transmission of a unitary e.p.s.p. failed and was of slower time course than the hyperpolarization due to an inhibitory post‐synaptic potential (i.p.s.p.). It was suppressed by intracellular application of K+ channel blockers and probably reflects an intrinsic outward current activated as a consequence of the synaptic depolarization. Considerable temporal summation of synaptic potentials occurred when recurrent synapses were activated twice at an interval of 5‐10 ms, typical of the spontaneous burst firing pattern of CA3 neurones. The mean facilitation of a second e.p.s.p. at this interval was about 0.6. The efficacy of a third and subsequent e.p.s.p.s at similar interval was reduced. Presynaptic bursts of three to five action potentials evoked summed e.p.s.p.s of amplitude 2‐4 mV, with time to peak 20‐40 ms and decaying phase of similar duration. Their rising phase was relatively smooth and summed events were succeeded by an undershoot. Presynaptic bursts could cause a post‐synaptic neurone to discharge.
Surface Signaling in Ferric Citrate Transport Gene Induction: Interaction of the FecA, FecR, and FecI Regulatory Proteins

ABSTRACT In Escherichia coli, transcription of the ferric citrate transport genes fecABCDE is controlled by a novel signal transduction mechanism that starts at the cell surface. Binding of ferric citrate to the outer membrane protein FecA initiates a signal that is transmitted by FecR across the cytoplasmic membrane into the cytoplasm where FecI, the sigma factor, is activated. Interaction between the signaling proteins was demonstrated by utilizing two methods. In in vitro binding assays, FecR that was His tagged at the N terminus [(His)10-FecR] and bound to a Ni-nitrilotriacetic acid agarose column was able to retain FecA, and FecR that was His tagged at the C terminus [FecR-(His)6] retained FecI on the column. An N-terminally truncated, induction-negative but transport-active FecA protein did not bind to (His)10-FecR. The in vivo assay involved the determination of the FecA, FecR, and FecI interacting domains with the bacterial two-hybrid Lex-based system. FecA1–79 interacts with FecR101–317 and FecR1–85 interacts with FecI1–173. These data clearly support a model that proposes interaction of the periplasmic N terminus of FecA with the periplasmic C-terminal portion of FecR and interaction of the cytoplasmic N terminus of FecR with FecI, which results in FecI activation.