Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cellulose Synthase-Like CslF Genes Mediate the Synthesis of Cell Wall (1,3;1,4)-ß-d-Glucans

A characteristic feature of grasses and commercially important cereals is the presence of (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucans in their cell walls. We have used comparative genomics to link a major quantitative trait locus for (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucan content in barley grain to a cluster of cellulose synthase–like CslF genes in rice. After insertion of rice CslF genes into Arabidopsis, we detected (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucan in walls of transgenic plants using specific monoclonal antibodies and enzymatic analysis. Because wild-type Arabidopsis does not contain CslF genes or have (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucans in its walls, these experiments provide direct, gain-of-function evidence for the participation of rice CslF genes in (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucan biosynthesis.
Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Nipple–Areola Complex

BACKGROUND Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the nipple–areola complex is uncommon. It has been suggested that BCCs in this region behave more aggressively, with a higher potential for distant spread, than in other anatomical sites. OBJECTIVE To address questions about etiology, behavior, optimal treatment, and prognosis of this entity. METHODS AND MATERIALS A literature search identifying all cases of BCC of the nipple and nipple–areola complex in the English literature from 1893 to 2008. RESULTS Thirty‐four cases of BCC of the nipple, areola, or both were identified, mostly affecting middle‐aged men. The majority of patients were treated with tissue‐sparing surgery. There was a metastatic rate of 9.1%, and one patient died from the disease (3.0%). CONCLUSIONS The optimal treatment of this condition should be local excision, but patients with this condition should be followed up for primary site recurrence and axillary metastasis, because there is greater incidence than with BCC at other anatomical sites. Furthermore, proven axillary metastasis should be surgically treated. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
Bringing Richer Information with Reliability to Automated Traffic Monitoring from the Fusion of Multiple Cameras, Inductive Loops and Road Maps

This paper presents a novel, deterministic framework toextract the traffic state of an intersection with high reliabilityand in real-time. The multiple video cameras and inductiveloops at the intersection are fused on a common planewhich consists of a satellite map. The sensors are registeredfrom a CAD map of the intersection that is aligned on thesatellite map. The cameras are calibrated to provide themapping equations that project the detected vehicle positionsonto the coordinate system of the satellite map. Weuse a night time vehicle detection algorithm to process thecamera frames. The inductive loops confirm or reject thevehicle tracks measured by the cameras, and the fusion ofcamera and loop provides an additional feature : the vehiclelength. A Kalman filter linearly tracks the vehicles alongthe lanes. Over time, this filter reduces the noise presentin the measurements. The advantage of this approach isthat the detected vehicles and their parameters acquire avery high confidence, which brings almost 100% accuracyof the traffic state. An empirical evaluation is performedon a testbed intersection. We show the improvement of thisframework over single sensor frameworks.
Pneumonia in the intensive care unit

ObjectiveTo update the state-of-the-art on pneumonia in adult patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), with special emphasis on new developments in management. MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, using the following keywords: hospital-acquired pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia and healthcare-associated pneumonia, diagnosis, therapy, prevention. ResultsInterventions to prevent pneumonia in the ICU should combine multiple measures targeting the invasive devices, microorganisms, and protection of the patient. Once pneumonia develops, the appropriateness of the initial antibiotic regimen is a vital determinant of outcome. Three questions should be formulated: a) Is the patient at risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus? ; b) Is Acinetobacter baumannii a problem in the institution? ; and c) is the patient at risk of Pseudomonas aeruginosa? Antibiotic therapy should be started immediately and must circumvent pathogen-resistance mechanisms developed after previous antibiotic exposure. Therefore, antibiotic choice should be institution specific and patient oriented. Microbiologic investigation is useful on evaluating the quality of the respiratory sample and permits early modification of the regimen in light of the microbiologic findings. ConclusionA decision tree outlining an approach to the evaluation and management of ventilator-associated pneumonia is provided.
Predicting slitlike ventricles in children on the basis of baseline characteristics at the time of shunt insertion.

OBJECT Slit ventricle syndrome (SVS) is a delayed complication of shunt insertion and occurs only in children with slitlike ventricles after shunt placement. Although SVS appears to be related to early shunt placement, its predisposing factors are largely unknown. METHODS Baseline data in 737 children who had received shunts were obtained from the databases of two previous clinical trials. Ventricular size before shunt placement and at the last routine follow up was measured using the frontooccipital horn ratio (FOHR). Ventricles with an FOHR less than or equal to 0.2 at follow up were classified as slitlike ventricles. A univariate analysis was performed on data obtained in children with more than 1 year of clinical and radiographic follow up to identify risk factors for developing slitlike ventricles. These results were entered into a multivariate analysis to identify independent predictors of slitlike ventricles. Two hundred forty-four children had more than 1 year of clinical and radiographic follow-up data. The 23 patients (9.4%) who developed slitlike ventricles had shunts inserted at a younger age (42 compared with 134 days, p = 0.09) and were more likely to have developed hydrocephalus secondary to infection (37.5%), head injury (25.0%), or aqueductal stenosis (22.2%). Slitlike ventricles were seen in 10.8% of patients with differential-pressure valves, 10.5% of patients with Delta valves, and 3.6% of patients with Orbis-Sigma valves (p = 0.007). Regression analysis supported the role of the valve type in developing slitlike ventricles. CONCLUSIONS Age at shunt insertion and valve type appear to be the modifiable risk factors for developing slitlike ventricles. If the authors of subsequent studies can further validate these conclusions, slow-draining valves and delayed shunt insertion might be used to decrease the incidence of slitlike ventricles and SVS.
To Survive and Thrive under Hypercompetition: An Exploratory Analysis of the Influence of Strategic Purity on Truckload Motor-Carrier Financial Performance

Abstract: Easy access to equipment and low barriers to entry have led to an intensely competitive truckload industry in which carriers possess little power to increase prices consistent with inflation. Yet, the heterogeneous performance among TL carriers indicates that sustained success in such a hypercompetitive industry is possible. Under the strategic purity framework, this research adopts a multimethod approach by first utilizing panel of financial and operational data composed of 828 firm-quarter observations and finds that the relationship between a popular industry metric—the trailer-to-tractor ratio (T2T)—and performance is convex. Empirical results are further explained by interviews with senior executives and industry analysts. This research contributes to theory and practice by first showing that, consistent with the strategic management literature, strategy-driven heterogeneous configuration of common assets may increase performance. Second, we show that strategic purity allows carriers supernormal financial performance, despite the hypercompetitive environment. Third, as the TL industry becomes increasingly conscious of competitive strategies, our study shows that the T2T can be used as a guide for carriers to align their competitive strategy with asset configuration.
Ensifer alkalisoli sp. nov. isolated from root nodules of Sesbania cannabina grown in saline-alkaline soils.

A group of Sesbania cannabina rhizobia belonging to four recA genotypes of a novel group was further characterized in comparison with the related Ensifer species. They showed 98.2 to 99.9 % similarities among themselves and 92.9 to 93.3 % similarities with the most related strain Ensifer sojae CCBAU 05684T in multilocus sequence analysis of recA, atpD and glnII. The genome average nucleotide identity values between representative strain YIC4027T and the type strains of its closely related species were 81.6 to 88.9 %. Identical symbiotic gene (nodA, nodC and nifH) sequences highly similar with those in other Sesbania-nodulating strains (Rhizobium sp. SIN-1, Neorhizobium huautlense S02T, Ensifer saheli ORS609T and Rhizobium sp. IRBG74) were detected. The representative strain YIC4027T could form effective nodules on its original host Sesbaniacannabina, but not on Sophora flavescens, Trifolium repens, Glycine max, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Phaseolus vulgaris or Medicago sativa. The use of lactulose as sole carbon source, possession of C13 : 0 2-OH, C13 : 1 at 12-13, C15 : 1 iso ω9c, C17 : 0 anteiso and C18 : 0 iso and absence of C14 : 0 anteiso, C15 : 0 anteiso and C18 : 0 3-OH in fatty acids distinguished the strain YIC4027T from the type strains of its closely related species. Based on all the analyses mentioned above, we propose a novel species Ensifer alkalisoli sp. nov. and designate YIC4027T (=HAMBI 3655T=LMG 29286T) as the type strain. The genome size of YIC4027T is 5.97 Mbp, comprising 5588 predicted genes, and the DNA G+C content is 62.2 mol%.
Conditional Volatility Nexus between Stock Markets and Macroeconomic Variables: Empirical Evidence of G-7 Countries

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relation between stock market volatility and macroeconomic fundamentals for G-7 countries using monthly data over the period from July 1985 to June 2015. Design/methodology/approach - The empirical methodology is based on two steps: in the first step, the authors obtain the conditional volatilities of stock market returns and macroeconomic variables through the GARCH family of models. The authors also incorporate the impact of early 2000s dotcom and the global financial crises. In the second step, the authors estimate multivariate vector autoregressive model to analyze the dynamic relation between stock markets return and macroeconomic variables. Findings - The overall results for G-7 countries indicate a weak volatility transmission from macroeconomic factors to stock market volatility at individual level but the collective impact of volatility transmission is highly significant. Although, the results of block exogeneity indicate a bidirectional causality except UK, but the causal linkage is quite weak from stock market to macroeconomic variables. Moreover, the local financial variables excluding interest rate are closely integrated, and the volatility of industrial production growth and oil price are identified as the most significant macroeconomic factors that could possibly influence the directions of stock markets. Originality/value - This research establishes the nature of the links between stock market and macroeconomic volatility. Research to date has been unable to satisfactorily establish the empirical nature of such links. The authors believe this paper begins to do this.
Immediate placement of implants into infected sites: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND Immediate implant placement of dental implants into fresh extraction sockets was shown to be a predictable and successful procedure when proper protocols were followed. Placement into infected sites has been considered a relative contraindication. However, data from animal research, human case reports and case series, and prospective studies showed similar success rates for implants placed into infected sites compared to implants placed in non-infected or pristine sites. The focus questions addressed in this review are: Does the presence of infection compromise the osseointegration of immediate placement of implants? Does the presence of infection compromise immediately placed implant success? What protocols have been used to address the infection prior to immediate implant placement? METHODS A systematic search of MEDLINE/PubMed articles published from 1982 up to and including November 2009 was independently performed by two investigators (JAW and CIE). The search strategy used combinations of the following terms: dental implants, immediate, immediately, extraction, infection, infected, and pathology. The search included data from animal and human studies. The selection criteria excluded animal studies that did not include a pristine control group and human case reports and case series with <1 year of follow-up. All prospective human studies were included. Studies were limited to those published in the English language, and review article data were excluded. RESULTS The search strategy initially yielded 417 references. After screening the abstracts for those related to the focus questions, 12 publications qualified for inclusion. The majority of studies examined sites with chronic periapical infection; however, the classification of infection was often vague and not categorized to be related to the outcome. The data from animal studies demonstrated high levels of implant survival, although conflicting data showed that the bone-to-implant contact may be impaired. Human studies showed high levels of implant survival consistent with therapy in non-infected sites, but evidence was limited to a small number of studies and patients. Thorough debridement and the use of systemic antibiotics were employed in all studies. CONCLUSIONS Evidence suggests implants can be placed into sites with periapical and periodontal infections. The sites must be thoroughly debrided prior to placement. Guided bone regeneration is usually performed to fill the bone-implant gap and/or socket deficiencies. Although controversial, systemic antibiotics should be used until further controlled trials prove otherwise.
Comparative analysis of population structure across environments and geographical scales at major histocompatibility complex and microsatellite loci in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Evidence of selection acting on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes has been illustrated with the analysis of their nucleotide sequences and allele frequency distribution. Comparing the patterns of population differentiation at neutral markers and MHC genes in the wild may provide further insights about the relative role of selection and neutrality in shaping their diversity. In this study, we combine both methods to assess the role of selection on a MHC gene in Atlantic salmon. We compare variation at a MHC class II B locus and microsatellites among 14 samples from seven different rivers and seven subpopulations within a single river system covering a variety of habitats and different geographical scales. We show that diversifying selection is acting on the sites involved in antigen presentation and that balancing selection maintains a high level of polymorphism within populations. Despite important differences in habitat type, the comparison of the population structure at MHC and microsatellites on large geographical scales reveals a correlation between patterns of differentiation, indicating that drift and migration have been more important than selection in shaping population differentiation at the MHC locus. In contrast, strong discrepancies between patterns of population differentiation at the two types of markers provides support for the role of selection in shaping population structure within rivers. Together, these results confirm that natural selection is influencing MHC gene diversity in wild Atlantic salmon although neutral forces may also be important in their evolution.
A comparative study of leadership skill requirements across sales, human resource and finance functions

The purposed of this quantitative study was to identify whether leadership skill requirements to perform one’s job effectively varies by job function. This research focuses on leadership skill rather than other leadership constructs such as leadership traits because leadership skills can be developed and improved upon. Past research in this area has identified that leadership skill requirements vary by level within an organization (executive, middle management, lower management) but nothing exists examining by job function (Mumford, Campion, & Morgeson, 2007). In this research, the job functions examined were sales, human resources, and finance, and 146 interviews were completed. The results showed that certain softer leadership skills (listening and critical thinking) were more important leadership skills across all 3 functions. The findings also suggest that leadership skill requirements were not the same for the 3 job functions. Sales professionals required more interpersonal skill than their finance counterparts.
How to prepare a systematic review of economic evaluations for informing evidence-based healthcare decisions: a five-step approach (part 1/3)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Systematic reviews of economic evaluations are useful for synthesizing economic evidence about health interventions and for informing evidence-based decisions. Areas covered: As there is no detailed description of the methods for performing a systematic review of economic evidence, this paper aims to provide an overview of state-of-the-art methodology. This is laid out in a 5-step approach, as follows: step 1) initiating a systematic review; step 2) identifying (full) economic evaluations; step 3) data extraction, risk of bias and transferability assessment; step 4) reporting results; step 5) discussion and interpretation of findings. Expert commentary: The paper aims to help inexperienced reviewers and clinical practice guideline developers, but also to be a resource for experts in the field who want to check on current methodological developments.
Gafchromic EBT2 film dosimetry in reflection mode with a novel plan-based calibration method.

PURPOSE A dosimetric system formed by Gafchromic EBT2 radiochromic film and Epson Expression 10000XL flatbed scanner was commissioned for dosimetry. In this paper, several open questions concerning the commissioning of radiochromic films for dosimetry were addressed: (a) is it possible to employ this dosimetric system in reflection mode; (b) if so, can the methods used in transmission mode also be used in reflection mode; (c) is it possible to obtain accurate absolute dose measurements with Gafchromic EBT2 films; (d) which calibration method should be followed; (e) which calibration models should be used; and (f) does three-color channel dosimetry offer a significant improvement over single channel dosimetry. The purpose of this paper is to help clarify these questions. METHODS In this study, films were scanned in reflection mode, the effect of surrounding film was evaluated and the feasibility of EBT2 film dosimetry in reflection mode was studied. EBT2's response homogeneity has been reported to lead to excessive dose uncertainties. To overcome this problem, a new plan-based calibration method was implemented. Plan-based calibration can use every pixel and each of the three color channels of the scanned film to obtain the parameters of the calibration model. A model selection analysis was conducted to select lateral correction and sensitometric curve models. The commonly used calibration with fragments was compared with red-channel plan-based calibration and with three-channel plan-based calibration. RESULTS No effect of surrounding film was found in this study. The film response inhomogeneity in EBT2 films was found to be important not only due to differences in the fog but also due to differences in sensitivity. The best results for lateral corrections were obtained using absolute corrections independent of the dose. With respect to the sensitometric curves, an empirical polynomial fit of order 4 was found to obtain results equivalent to a gamma-distributed single hit model based on physical assumptions. Three-channel dosimetry was found to be substantially superior to red-channel dosimetry. CONCLUSIONS Reflection mode with Gafchromic EBT2 radiochromic film was found to be a viable alternative to transmission mode. The same methods that are used in transmission mode can be followed in reflection mode. A novel plan-based method was developed for calibration and multichannel dosimetry. This novel method offers increased robustness against film response inhomogeneities and reduces considerably the time required for calibration.
A randomized phase II study of combination, alternating and sequential regimens of doxorubicin and docetaxel as first-line chemotherapy for women with metastatic breast cancer.

BACKGROUND This randomized phase II study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of doxorubicin and docetaxel (DOC) administered either as a combination, an alternating or a sequential regimen in women with metastatic breast cancer. Secondary objectives included overall response, time to progression, survival and safety. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with breast cancer (n=123) were randomized to receive doxorubicin and DOC either in combination (60 mg/m2 of each drug), or by alternated or sequential schedule (100 mg/m2 DOC and 75 mg/m2 doxorubicin) every 3 weeks for a maximum of eight cycles as first chemotherapy for stage IV disease. A second randomization allocated patients from each arm to receive prophylactic oral ciprofloxacin or no therapy to prevent febrile neutropenia. RESULTS Patients received a median of eight cycles. In an intention-to-treat analysis, the overall response was 63%, 52% and 61% in the combination, alternating and sequential schedules, respectively. Corresponding rates of complete response were 15%, 14% and 11%. Grade 4 neutropenia was common in all arms (81%) and, together with febrile neutropenia, was significantly more frequent with the combination. Prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin did not reduce the incidence of febrile neutropenia or infection. Other frequent non-hematological adverse events included alopecia, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis and asthenia. Congestive heart failure only occurred in the combination arm (10%). CONCLUSION All three schedules are feasible and endowed of good therapeutic activity. In view of the more pronounced toxicity and the risk of cardiac events because of the higher exposure to doxorubicin, the combination should be least favored when treating women with metastatic breast cancer. Prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin was ineffective and is not recommended.
Focal Cerebral Lesions Found by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Cryptogenic Nonrefractory Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients

Summary: Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was studied in patients with mild‐to‐moderate temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), well controlled by pharmacotherapy, and with normal computed tomographic (CT) scans. Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities were found in 19 patients; of these, nine had abnormalities in temporomesial regions and four in temporobasal regions. Six patients had white matter MRI lesions of nonspecific significance. The temporomesial MRI lesions were compatible with sclerosis of Ammonis cornu. Patients with this MRI finding had more severe and longer lasting TLE than those without MRI abnormalities. The temporobasal lesions were interpreted as potentially developing brain lesions. Correlation between EEG and MRI findings was good. We conclude that MRI is more useful than CT for diagnosis of patients with mild‐to‐moderate TLE.