Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis to Stainless Steel Surface

Adhesion behavior of Staphylococcus epidermidis from its suspension onto stainless steel (SUS304) surface was studied, focusing on the effects of such factors as initial cell concentration of suspension, suspending medium, and roughness of stainless steel sur face. For all cell concentrations tested (10 2 -10 4 CFU/ml), adhesion occurred at low levels within 0.5 h of exposure to the cell suspension, and reached maximum levels in 3 h. The number of adherent cells per surface area was approximately proportional to the cell concentration of the suspension. Significantly higher adhesion was observed for cells suspended in peptone saline than those suspended in physiological saline. Significantly higher adhesion was also obser ved on roughly polished surface (Ra＝1.37μm) than on smoother sur faces (Ra≤0.14μm). Shear force application by whirlpool rinsing removed only 50-82% of the adherent cells. The presence of cells still remaining on the surface indicated that the adhesion of S.
Variation of early reproductive allocation in multi-site genetic trials of Maritime pine and Aleppo pine

Life histories in Mediterranean pines are well known to be closely related to different fire and disturbance regimes. Variation in these factors is also reflected in reproductive strategies at the specific and intraspecific level. Specifically, the onset of reproduction is a crucial stage for any organism because it has profound implications on fitness. In this paper we focused on the intraspecific variation and plasticity in the threshold size for reproduction and reproductive allocation in two Mediterranean pines, assessed at the onset of reproduction, when trade-offs between reproduction and growth are expected to be greater. Replicated common garden provenance and progeny trials of Aleppo pine and Maritime pine were used to estimate genetic parameters for reproduction and vegetative growth, as well as variation in plasticity in reproductive strategies at the intraspecific level. In both species, high variation among populations was found for both threshold size for reproduction and for reproductive allocation. Reproductive allocation was also highly variable within populations and showed moderate to high values of heritability and high coefficients of additive genetic variation. These results indicate a high genetic control of reproductive traits, while high additive genetic variation is maintained, allowing to face selective pressures. Moreover, reproductive strategies although plastic, showed low genotype x environment interaction, and intraspecific variation was highly consistent across trial sites both at the population and the family levels. The former data confirm the strong genetic control of reproductive traits in these species. Finally, the fact that Aleppo pine starts its reproductive phase as female while Maritime pine can start reproducing either as male or female deserves further attention.
Pathway engineering for the production of heterologous aromatic chemicals and their derivatives in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: bioconversion from glucose

Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been extensively engineered for optimising its performance as a microbial cell factory to produce valuable aromatic compounds and their derivatives as bulk and fine chemicals. The production of heterologous aromatic molecules in yeast is achieved via engineering of the aromatic amino acid biosynthetic pathway. This pathway is connected to two pathways of the central carbon metabolism, and is highly regulated at the gene and protein level. These characteristics impose several challenges for tailoring it, and various modifications need to be applied in order to redirect the carbon flux towards the production of the desired compounds. This minireview addresses the metabolic engineering approaches targeting the central carbon metabolism, the shikimate pathway and the tyrosine and phenylalanine biosynthetic pathway of S. cerevisiae for biosynthesis of aromatic chemicals and their derivatives from glucose.
Intellectual Capital and Firm Performance: An Empirical Study of Software Firms in West Africa

This study investigates factors instrumental to the success of software industries of the 3I Nations (India, Ireland and Israel), examines the relations hip between its elements, and studies the performance of software firms in West Africa. The s tudy draws on concepts from multiple theoretical perspectives to develop a model for assessing the r elationship between intellectual capital of softwar e firms and their performance. The developed model was experimentally validated through a field survey of 83 software companies in West Africa using the Partial Least Square method. The survey results show significant relationship between the e lements of intellectual capital and competitive capabilities of firms and between competitive capab ilities and firm performance. Mixed results were found on the moderating effects of management commitment and transformational leadership. The findings provide important implications to research ers, policy makers, software developers and other market players while contributing to knowledge on s trategic management and the strategic importance of intellectual capital.
MtDNA phylogeography and recent intra-island diversification among Canary Island Calathus beetles.

The genus Calathus Bonelli comprises 24 species on the Canary Islands. Sequences of 927 and 687 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and II genes, respectively, as well as the intervening tRNA leu gene in 21 of the 24 species, have identified three genetically divergent and unequivocally monophyletic groupings. A phylogeographic analysis is presented for the major monophyletic group comprising all the species of Gran Canaria, La Gomera, and El Hierro, and two Tenerifean species. A distance-based phylogenetic analysis and maximum parsimony analysis have clearly shown that this clade is composed of four distinct lineages. DNA sequence data suggest a recent origin for this clade and that lineages have not evolved at the same rate. Compared with diversification patterns observed in other Coleoptera on the Canary Islands, diversification has been recent relative to the time of colonization within the islands of Gran Canaria and La Gomera. Calathus diversification on La Gomera has been greater than on Gran Canaria. The influences of geological and ecological history are discussed in relation to Calathus diversification.
Sillenite from fuka, okayama prefecture, Japan.

Sillenite from Fuka occurs as cubes up to 5 mm across in a calcite vein cutting gehlenite-spurrite skarn, probably as a primary mineral in a new mode of occurrence to this mineral as well as the first description of its idiomorph. The wet and microprobe analyses gave SiO2 2.22, 1.85; Bi2O3 97.74, 96.48; totals 99.96%, 98.33%, respectively. The average yields the empirical formula Bi24.06Si1. 95O40 (basis O = 40), proving the validity of the ideal formulaBi24Si2O40 advocated after the reference to many synthetic works on Bi24X2O39–40 where X = Fe, Al, Ge, Ti, P, As, and V. The single crystal and X-ray powder works verify the symmetry to be cubic, space group I23, a=10.110(2)A, Z = 1. It is optically isotropic, refractive index >2.50; VHN50=345∼386 kg/mm2, density 9.16 g/cm3 (meas.), 9.18 g/cm3 (calc.).
A map matching approach for train positioning. I. Development and analysis

This paper is devoted to the development of a map matching algorithm for a train positioning system. Due to the nonsteerable truck design associated with rail vehicles, rail track curvatures are reasonably small. Consequently, track signatures, such as curves, are difficult to identify using low-cost sensors. The algorithm proposed in this work takes full advantage of the inherited "one-dimensional" (1-D) train track profile. The core of this algorithm is correlating angular rate extracted from the map database to their corresponding measurements sensed by the yaw gyro and tachometer located on board the vehicle. The sensor fusion required consists of a yaw gyro and any speed sensor or odometer.
Photodynamic Therapy for Patients with Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome

Basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS) presents major challenges to patients and their dermatologic surgeons. The development of numerous basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) beginning in childhood or early adulthood, eventually up to hundreds annually in some patients, can destroy quality of life. We report our experience using a nonscarring modality, photodynamic therapy (PDT), to reduce the incidence of BCCs and to eliminate many existing BCCs in such patients.
The Clinical Utility of a Diagnostic Imaging Algorithm Incorporating Low-Dose Perfusion Scans in the Evaluation of Pregnant Patients With Clinically Suspected Pulmonary Embolism

Purpose of the Report The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of pregnant patients with a clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism and a normal chest radiograph who require further evaluation with perfusion scintigraphy alone compared with both perfusion scintigraphy and computed tomography (CT). Patients and Methods All patients who had a low-dose perfusion lung scan as part of a clinical imaging algorithm to assess for clinically suspected pulmonary embolism in pregnant patients at 3 regional hospitals from September 2009 to February 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The proportion of patients requiring a low-dose perfusion-only lung scan was compared with the proportion requiring further evaluation with both a low-dose perfusion scan and a CT scan to complete the algorithm. Results Seventy-four (74) patients were included. Sixty-one (61/74; 82.4%) patients had a normal low-dose perfusion-only scan and did not require further imaging. Thirteen (13/74; 17.6%) patients demonstrated an abnormal perfusion scan and required further imaging with a CT scan. One patient (1/74; 1.4%) was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. Conclusions Our results suggest that for pregnant patients with a normal chest radiograph, pulmonary embolism can be excluded in 82.4% of patients with a low-dose perfusion scan alone.
Eionea flava sp. nov., isolated from coastal seawater, and emended description of the genus Eionea.

A Gram-staining-negative, non-motile, catalase- and oxidase-positive, facultatively aerobic bacterium, designated IMCC1962(T) was isolated from a surface seawater sample from the Yellow Sea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain IMCC1962(T )belonged to the genus Eionea, forming a robust clade with members of the genus, and was most closely related to Eionea nigra (97.3% similarity). DNA-DNA relatedness between strain IMCC1962(T) and Eionea nigra DSM 19752(T) was 21.8-26.3%, which indicated strain IMCC1962(T) represents a novel genomic species of the genus Eionea. The G+C content of the DNA of strain IMCC1962(T) was 48.7 mol%. The major isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone Q-8 and major fatty acids were C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c (43.4%), C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c (19.3%) and C16 : 0 (17.2%). The polar lipids found in strain IMCC1962(T) were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, aminophospholipid, unknown phospholipid, and four unknown polar lipids. Strain IMCC1962(T) and Eionea nigra DSM 19752(T) differed from each other in diverse phenotypic characteristics including motility, colony colour and enzyme activities. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain IMCC1962(T) ( = KACC 17481(T)= NBRC 109703(T)) represents a novel species of the genus Eionea, for which the name Eionea flava sp. nov. is proposed. An emended description of the genus Eionea is also provided.
The relative activity of CXCR3 and CCR5 ligands in T lymphocyte migration: concordant and disparate activities in vitro and in vivo

In chronic inflammatory reactions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, T cells in the inflamed tissue express the chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CCR5, and the chemokine ligands (CCL) of these receptors are present in the inflammatory lesions. However, the contribution of these chemokines to T cell recruitment to sites of inflammation is unclear. In addition, the relative roles of the chemokines that bind CXCR3 (CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11) and CCR5 (CCL3, CCL4, CCL5) in this process are unknown. The in vitro chemotaxis and in vivo migration of antigen‐activated T lymphoblasts and unactivated spleen T cells to chemokines were examined. T lymphoblasts migrated in vitro to CXCR3 ligands with a relative potency of CXCL10 > CXCL11 > CXCL9, but these cells demonstrated much less chemotaxis to the CCR5 ligands. In vivo, T lymphocytes were recruited in large numbers with rapid kinetics to skin sites injected with CXCL10 and CCL5 and less to CCL3, CCL4, CXCL9, and CXCL11. The combination of CCL5 with CXCL10 but not the other chemokines markedly increased recruitment. Coinjection of interferon‐γ, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin‐1α to up‐regulate endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression with CXCL10 or CCL5 induced an additive increase in lymphoblast migration. Thus, CXCR3 ligands are more chemotactic than CCR5 ligands in vitro; however, in vivo, CXCL10 and CCL5 have comparable T cell‐recruiting activities to cutaneous sites and are more potent than the other CXCR3 and CCR5 chemokines. Therefore, in vitro chemotaxis induced by these chemokines is not necessarily predictive of their in vivo lymphocyte‐recruiting activity.
Risk factors for death after sepsis in patients immunosuppressed before the onset of sepsis

Few studies have focused on sepsis in patients with pre-existing immunosuppression. Since the numbers and the incidence of sepsis are increasing, sepsis in immunosuppressed patients will increase in importance. We studied the epidemiology of sepsis and risk factors for 28-d mortality in patients immunosuppressed prior to the onset of sepsis using data from the Academic Medical Center Consortium's (AMCC) prospective observational cohort study of sepsis. We compared characteristics of immunosuppressed (n =412) and immunocompetent (n =754) patients. Immunosuppressed patients were younger and more likely to have underlying liver or lung disease, and nosocomial infection or bloodstream infection of unknown source when presenting with sepsis. They were also more likely to die within 28 d compared to immunocompetent patients (adjusted relative risk 1.62, 95% CI 1.38 – 1.91). Septic shock, hypothermia, cancer and invasive fungal infections were associated with increased mortality in immunosuppressed patients. Black race and the presence of rigors were independent predictors of survival in immunosuppressed patients. We conclude that sepsis among patients immunosuppressed prior to the onset of sepsis was associated with higher mortality than in immunocompetent patients. As the numbers of immunosuppressed patients continue to grow, more studies on the epidemiology of sepsis in this group will become increasingly important.
Effect of Maturity and Geographical Region on Anthocyanin Content of Sour Cherries (Prunus cerasus var. marasca)

Summary The influence of different stages of maturity on the anthocyanin content and colour parameters in three sour cherry Marasca ecotypes grown in two Dalmatian geographical regions has been studied. Anthocyanins were determined by HPLC-UV/VIS PDA analysis and the colour of fruit flesh and skin was measured by tristimulus colourimeter (CIELAB system). The major anthocyanins in all ecotypes at all stages of maturity were cyanidin 3-glucosylrutinoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside, whereas pelargonidin glycosides were determined in lower concentrations. During ripening, anthocyanins did not change uniformly, but in most ecotypes they were determined in higher concentrations at the last stage of maturity (3.18 to 19.75 g per kg of dry matter). The formation of dark red, almost black colour in ripe Marasca cherries decreased redness (a*), brightness (L*) and colour intensity (C*). The results of two-way ANOVA test indicated that the growing region significantly influenced the accumulation of individual anthocyanins and L* value during ripening, while ecotype and the interaction between the growing region and the ecotype significantly affected total anthocyanin content of sour cherry.
Triple-negative Breast Carcinoma in African American and Caucasian Women: Clinicopathology, Immunomarkers, and Outcome

Purpose:Breast cancers are often classified on the presence/absence of hormone receptors, and growth factor oncogenes (estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2). Triple-negative breast cancers, negative for these markers, do not benefit from targeted therapy. We compared clinicopathologic parameters and immunohistochemical markers of prognostic and/or predictive significance, and outcome between African American and Caucasian triple-negative breast cancer patients. Methods:Invasive triple-negative breast cancers from African American (n=94) and Caucasian (n=68) patients were studied. Clinicopathologic features (age, tumor size, grade, lymph node status, angiolymphatic invasion, visceral metastases) and survival (overall and progression free) were compared. Marker expression (CK5, CK7, CK8, CK14, CK18, CK19, vimentin, CD44, c-Kit, epidermal growth factor receptor, p-cadherin, p53, p63, topoisomerase II, androgen receptor, Ki-67) was assessed in tissue microarrays. Results:Significant differences between African American and Caucasian women were observed for mean age and tumor size. African Americans had a trend toward greater lymph node involvement than Caucasians. The following markers were found in significantly different frequencies between the 2 groups: CK5, CK8, CK19, c-Kit, androgen receptor, and high Ki-67. African Americans show shorter overall and progression-free survival. Other clinicopathologic parameters, markers, and outcome were present at similar frequencies. Discussion:African American triple-negative breast cancers were more aggressive, occurring at a younger age, being larger, with higher proliferation, patients more frequently dying of disease, and with a trend toward positive lymph node status. Heterogeneity of marker expression suggests variation in the genetics of breast carcinomas in different races.
Effect of premedication guidelines and leukoreduction on the rate of febrile nonhaemolytic platelet transfusion reactions

Platelet transfusion reactions were prospectively studied in haematology/oncology patients at five university teaching hospitals over three consecutive summers. The initial summer study provided baseline information on the use of premedications and the rate of platelet transfusion reactions (fever, chills, rigors and hives). Most (73%) platelet recipients were premedicated and 30% (95% CI 28–33%) of transfusions were complicated by reactions. The second study followed implementation of guidelines for premedicating platelet transfusions. Despite a marked reduction in premedication (50%), there was little change in the platelet transfusion reaction rate, 26% (95% CI 24–29%), or the type of reactions. The third study followed implementation of prestorage platelet leukoreduction while maintaining the premedication guidelines. The reaction rate decreased to 19% (95% CI 17–22%). For nonleukoreduced platelets, there was a statistically significant association between the platelet age and reaction rate (P = 0.04). For leukoreduced platelets, there was no statistically significant association between platelet age and reaction rate (P = 0.5). Plasma reduction of nonleukoreduced platelet products also reduced the reaction rate. These prospective studies document a high rate of platelet transfusion reactions in haematology/oncology patients and indicate premedication use can be reduced without increasing the reaction rate. Prestorage leukoreduction and/or plasma reduction of platelet products reduces but does not eliminate febrile nonhemolytic platelet transfusion reactions.
Numerical Computation of Underground Inundation in Multiple Layers Using the Adaptive Transfer Method

Extreme rainfall causes surface runoff to flow towards lowlands and subterranean facilities, such as subway stations and buildings with underground spaces in densely packed urban areas. These facilities and areas are therefore vulnerable to catastrophic submergence. However, flood modeling of underground space has not yet been adequately studied because there are difficulties in reproducing the associated multiple horizontal layers connected with staircases or elevators. This study proposes a convenient approach to simulate underground inundation when two layers are connected. The main facet of this approach is to compute the flow flux passing through staircases in an upper layer and to transfer the equivalent quantity to a lower layer. This is defined as the ‘adaptive transfer method’. This method overcomes the limitations of 2D modeling by introducing layers connecting concepts to prevent large variations in mesh sizes caused by complicated underlying obstacles or local details. Consequently, this study aims to contribute to the numerical analysis of flow in inundated underground spaces with multiple floors.
Behavioral Correlates in the Happy Puppet Syndrome: a Characteristic Profile?

Nine children with the ‘happy puppet’ syndrome are presented here and 19 previously reported cases are reviewed. A characteristic psychological profile is suggested by the children's ‘unfocused’ activities and inconsistent responsiveness to their surroundings. Behavioral characteristics are atypical for mental age and do not appear to represent unusual seizure equivalents. Recognition of such non‐adaptive behavior may be of importance n selecting specific treatment and management techniques to modify the characteristics of this syndrome at an early age.
Cognition, emotion and the cerebellum.

The traditional teaching that the cerebellum is purely a motor control device no longer appears valid, if, indeed, ever it was. There is increasing recognition that the cerebellum contributes to cognitive processing and emotional control in addition to its role in motor coordination. Anatomical and physiological studies reveal that there is a primary sensorimotor region of the cerebellum in the anterior lobe, and a secondary sensorimotor region in the medial aspect of the posterior lobe. In contrast, cerebral association areas that subserve higher order behaviour are linked preferentially with the lateral hemispheres of the cerebellar posterior lobe—in feedforward loops via the nuclei of the basis pontis, and in feedback loops from deep cerebellar nuclei via the thalamus. There are also reciprocal connections between the cerebellum and hypothalamus. These pathways facilitate cerebellar incorporation into the distributed neural circuits governing intellect, emotion and autonomic function in addition to sensorimotor control. The clinical relevance of these observations is found in anecdotal observations of cognitive and psychiatric manifestations of cerebellar lesions, and in the description of the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome (CCAS) in patients with lesions confined to the cerebellum (Schmahmann and Sherman, 1998). The CCAS has subsequently been observed in adults and children with stroke, tumour, cerebellar degeneration, superficial siderosis, cerebellar hypoplasia and agenesis, and children born very preterm who have disproportionately small cerebella. These neurobehavioural deficits may occur in the absence of the …