Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reservoir Competence of Native North American Birds for the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi

Abstract Reservoir competence for the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, was tested for six species of native North American birds: American robin, gray catbird, brown thrasher, eastern towhee, song sparrow, and northern cardinal. Wild birds collected by mist netting on Fire Island, NY, were held in a field laboratory in cages over water and locally collected larval ticks were placed on the birds, harvested from the water after engorgement, and tested for infection by direct fluorescent-antibody staining after molting to the nymphal stage. American robins were competent reservoirs, infecting 16.1% of larvae applied to wild-caught birds, compared with 0% of control ticks placed on uninfected laboratory mice. Robins that were previously infected in the laboratory by nymphal feeding infected 81.8% of applied larvae. Wild-caught song sparrows infected 4.8% of applied larvae and 21.1% when infected by nymphal feeding. Results suggest moderate levels of reservoir competence for northern cardinals, lower levels for gray catbirds, and little evidence of reservoir competence for eastern towhees or brown thrashers. Lower infection rates in larvae applied to wild-caught birds compared with birds infected in the laboratory suggest that infected birds display temporal variability in infectiousness to larval ticks. Engorged larvae drop from birds abundantly during daylight, so the abundance of these bird species in the peridomestic environment suggests that they might contribute infected ticks to lawns and gardens.
Sand liquefiability assessment by Flat Dilatometer Test (DMT) Évaluation de la susceptibilité à la liquéfaction des sables par l'essai de dilatomètre (DMT)

The aims of this paper are: (1) To summarize the available knowledge on the use of the flat dilatometer test (DMT) for evaluating sand liquefiability. (2) To formulate a new tentative correlation for evaluating the cyclic resistance ratio CRR from the DMT horizontal stress index KD, to be used according to the "simplified procedure" (Seed & Idriss 1971). The proposed CRR-KD correlation combines previous CRR-KD curves with current correlations for evaluating CRR from CPT and SPT, translated using the relative density Dr as intermediate parameter. RÉSUMÉ Les objectifs de cet article sont: (1) Résumer la connaissance disponible sur l'emploi de l'essai de dilatomètre (DMT) pour évaluer la susceptibilité à la liquéfaction des sables. (2) Formuler une nouvelle corrélation préliminaire pour évaluer le rapport de résistance cyclique CRR de l'indice de tension horizontal KD de DMT, pour être utilisé selon la "procédure simplifiée" (Seed & Idriss 1971). La corrélation CRR-KD proposée combine des courbes CRR-KD précédentes avec les corrélations courantes pour évaluer CRR de CPT et de SPT, traduites en utilisant la densité relative Dr comme paramètre intermédiaire.
Judo—The Gentle Way: A Replication of Studies on Martial Arts and Aggression

There have been numerous studies of the effects of traditional martial arts training on aggressiveness, most reporting a decline in aggressiveness with training. The majority of these studies have examined students of karate or taekwondo, disciplines emphasizing strikes and blocks. In contrast, this cross-sectional study examined the effects of traditional judo training on aggressiveness by looking at 51 judo students Furthermore, we incorporate into our analysis two variables generally associated with aggression, age and sex, to control for their effects. Aggressiveness declined as expected across training and ages, but surprisingly sex had no effect in this setting.
Pediatric Return to Sports After Spinal Surgery

Context: Pediatric patients who undergo spinal surgery are frequently involved in sporting activities. Return to play is often an important postoperative concern for the patient and family. Evidence Acquisition: A PubMed search was conducted for articles in the English language on return to play after treatment of pediatric acute disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, and scoliosis from 1980 to 2015. Reference lists were reviewed for additional pertinent articles. We included articles that focused on return to sports after surgical treatment of these conditions in this review. Study Design: Clinical review. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Results: There are no published guidelines, and most of the literature in this area has focused on return to play after spinal injury rather than after spinal surgery. Most children and adolescents have excellent outcomes with minimal pain at 1 year after lumbar discectomy. The majority of surgeons allow return to full activity once pain-free range of motion and strength are regained, typically at 8 to 12 weeks postoperatively. Pediatric patients with spondylolysis have good outcomes after direct pars repair. Satisfactory outcomes have been demonstrated after fusion for low- and high-grade spondylolisthesis. Most surgeons allow return to noncontact sports by 6 months after surgical treatment of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. Return to contact and collision sports is controversial. After posterior spinal fusion for scoliosis, most surgeons allow return to noncontact sports by 3 months and return to contact sports between 6 months and 1 year. Return to collision sports is controversial. Conclusion: There is little evidence to guide practitioners on return to sports after pediatric spinal surgery. Ultimately, the decision to allow any young athlete to resume sports participation after spinal injury or surgery must be individualized.
Effect of Mannan Oligosaccharide on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chicks

A natural growth promoter (mannan oligosaccharide (Mos)) was compared with an antibiotic growth promoter (enramycin) on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicks. Mos, derived from the cell wall of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, were added at 1 g kg from 1 to 28 days of age and at 0.5 g kg from 29 to 42 days of age. Enramycin was added at 0.35 g kg to 28 days of age followed by 0.20 g kg to 42 days of age. A diet of no supplement served as a control while another diet was supplemented with both Mos and enramycin. The dietary treatments were fed to four replicates of 15 chicks each. The results indicated that addition of Mos, enramycin or the combination of both did slightly improve (P>0.05) body weight gain during the finishing (29 42 days of age) and the overall experimental period (142 days of age) by about 2% compared to the control diet. Feed conversion ratio at 14 and 28 days were significantly (P<0.05) improved by the addition of Mos, enramycin or the combination of both. The addition of Mos, enramycin, or the combination significantly (P<0.05) reduced the percentage of abdominal fat in the carcass. No significant effects on dressing percentage, liver, heart, gizzard and bursa weight were detected. It is concluded, that Mos might be used as an alternative to growth-promoting enramycin in broiler diets. Key Wards: Mannan oligosaccharide; Enramycin; Performance; Boilers; Carcass
Anti‐Donor HLA Antibody Response After Pancreatic Islet Grafting: Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Impact on Graft Function

Pancreatic islet grafting restores endogenous insulin production in type 1 diabetic patients, but long‐term outcomes remain disappointing as a result of immunological destruction of allogeneic islets. In solid organ transplantation, donor‐specific anti‐HLA antibodies (DSA) are the first cause of organ failure. This retrospective multicentric study aimed at providing in‐depth characterization of DSA response after pancreatic islet grafting, identifying the risk factor for DSA generation and determining the impact of DSA on graft function. Forty‐two pancreatic islet graft recipients from the Groupe Rhin‐Rhône‐Alpes‐Genève pour la Greffe d'Ilots de Langerhans consortium were enrolled. Pre‐ and postgrafting sera were screened for the presence of DSA and their ability to activate complement. Prevalence of DSA was 25% at 3 years postgrafting. The risk of sensitization increased steeply after immunosuppressive drug withdrawal. DSA repertoire diversity correlated with the number of HLA and eplet mismatches. DSA titer was significantly lower from that observed in solid organ transplantation. No detected DSA bound the complement fraction C3d. Finally, in contrast with solid organ transplantation, DSA did not seem to negatively affect pancreatic islet graft survival. This might be due to the low DSA titers, specific features of IgG limiting their ability to activate the complement and/or the lack of allogenic endothelial targets in pancreatic islet grafts.
A Method of Sanitizing Privacy-Sensitive Sequence Pattern Networks Mined From Trajectories Released

Mobility patterns mined from released trajectories can help to allocate resources and provide personalized services, although these also pose a threat to personal location privacy. As the existing sanitization methods cannot deal with the problems of location privacy inference attacks based on privacy-sensitive sequence pattern networks, the authors proposed a method of sanitizing the privacy-sensitive sequence pattern networks mined from trajectories released by identifying and removing influential nodes from the networks. The authors conducted extensive experiments and the results were shown that by adjusting the parameter of the proportional factors, the proposed method can thoroughly sanitize privacy-sensitive sequence pattern networks and achieve the optimal values for security degree and connectivity degree measurements. In addition, the performance of the proposed method was shown to be stable for multiple networks with basically the same privacy-sensitive node ratio and be scalable for batches of networks with different sensitive nodes ratios.
WHAT REALLY MATTERS WHEN CHOOSING A HOTEL? THE CASE OF MIDDLE EAST TOURISTS IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

The purpose of this study is to identify Middle East tourists’ hotel selection attributes in Kuala Lumpur. Hotel selection dimensions identified from previous researches were used to help develop the framework of this descriptive study. Four important hotel attribute variables identified were location, services, cleanliness and facilities. Pilot test was conducted before the questionnaires were distributed to the Middle East tourists staying at the five star hotels within the Kuala Lumpur Golden Triangle area. Data obtained was analyzed using Statistical Packages of Social Science (SPSS) and descriptive analysis was used to determine the most significant Middle East tourists’ hotel selection attributes in Kuala Lumpur. Findings of the study will help hotel operators to understand and serve Middle East tourists better.
Prognostic factors associated with long-term survival for retroperitoneal sarcoma: implications for management.

PURPOSE Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas are rare tumors. Studies characterizing long-term follow-up and patterns of recurrence are limited. The purpose of this analysis is to identify patterns of recurrence and prognostic factors associated with long-term survival after resection of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas. METHODS Between July 1, 1982, and June 30, 1990, 198 adult patients were identified from our prospective soft tissue sarcoma database carrying the diagnosis of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma who were eligible for > or = 5 years of follow-up. Of these, 48 patients (25%) were documented to be alive > or = 5 years from the time of operation. Statistical analysis was by log-rank or Wilcoxon test for univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was by the Cox model. RESULTS The recurrence rate during the follow-up period was approximately 5% per year from the time of initial operation. Of the patients who were disease-free for > or = 5 years from initial surgery, 40% recurred by 10 years. Radiation therapy was the only factor significant (P = .02) for a reduction in the risk of local recurrence. Age < or = 50 years and high-grade tumors were significant factors (P = .003 and .009, respectively) for an increased risk of distant metastasis. Incomplete gross resection was the only factor significant for an increased risk of tumor mortality (P = .003). CONCLUSION Complete surgical resection at the time of primary presentation is likely to afford the best chance for long-term survival. With long-term follow-up, it is clear that recurrence will continue to occur, and a 5-year disease-free interval is not a cure. Patients with an incomplete initial resection, age less than 50 years, and high-grade tumors are candidates for investigational adjuvant therapy.
Does organisational culture affect dysfunctional behaviour in information system security

Information system (IS) security incidents occur, in part, because employees undermine security policy. While existing studies suggest organisational culture influences employee behaviour in ways that can comprise IS security, examining organisational culture as a single component, or investigating only one dimension of culture, can put the discipline at harm. This is because organisational culture is a conjugation of multifaceted collective beliefs that materialises in actions and artefacts. Investigating organisational culture at only its higher order level can mask dimensional effects of culture at its lower order factors. This study provides additional insight into the body of knowledge in IS security by examining organisational culture at its higher order and at its dimensions in order to investigate how these dimensions play their roles in the realm of IS security noncompliance and intentional violations.
GENERAL AND SPECIFIC COMBINING ABILITY STUDIES OF SELECTED TROPICAL WHITE MAIZE INBRED LINES FOR YIELD AND YIELD RELATED TRAITS

In Ghana: low yield of maize 1.7 t ha has been reported. Thus, use inbred lines with good combining ability for yield and yield-contributing characters to form excellent combinations is crucial. Thus, the present study was designed to estimate the combining ability effects of tropical white maize inbred lines for yield and yield-contributing traits. A line x tester mating design involving sixteen white maize inbred lines as females and two testers as males generated thirty-two single crosses. These hybrids plus three checks were evaluated using a 5 x 7 alpha lattice design replicated twice at the University of Ghana, WACCI research farm during 2015/-16 offseason using drip irrigation. Analysis of variance revealed that genotype mean squares were highly significant (P < 0.001) for days to 50% an thesis and silking, plant and ear height, plant aspect, ear length, number of kernel rows ear, number of kernels row and yield. Similarly, mean squares of genotypes were significant (p < 0.05) for ear rots, an thesissilking interval, husk cover and maize streak virus disease. Line x tester revealed both additive and non-additive gene action played important role in the inheritance of all the traits indicating that both progeny selection and heterosis breeding will be valuable for future breeding programme using these inbred lines. However, the ratio of general combining ability (GCA) variance to specific combining ability (SCA) variance was less than unity, indicating the prevalence of non-additive gene action in the inheritance of all the parameters studied except for days to 50% anthesis and anthesis-silking interval
Diversity of bananas ( Musa spp . ) in Madura Island , East Java : exploration and inventory

Banana exploration study has been conducted in Madura Island covering areas of Bangkalan, Sampang, Pamekasan and Sumenep Districts. This paper presents the results of survey, inventory and diversity of bananas in Madura Island including its habitat aspects, agronomic practices and diseases problems. Results showed that banana plants are widely distributed in Madura Island, it grows wild in coastal line, road sides and river banks, or cultivated mostly by small scale farmers in backyards, drylands, intercropped with annual and/or perennial crops. It’s mostly cultivated subsistently with less consideration to cultivation practices for home consumption or for local markets. Major diseases such as bunchy top and wilts have largely spread to the areas, with highest occurrences and intensities in Bangkalan and Pamekasan Districts. Spreads of leaf late blight disease were found sporadically in all areas; with Pamekasan District has the lowest disease intensity. About 37 recognizable banana cultivars with local Madurese names were known with any possible synonymies within the cultivars. It comprises of 15 dessert bananas, 17 cooking bananas and 5 dual purposess bananas. From this exploration, about 21 living banana specimens consist of 83 suckers were collected from the sites to be ex-situ conserved in Purwodadi Botanic Garden, Pasuruan.
Deoxycholic acid (DCA) confers an intestinal phenotype on esophageal squamous epithelium via induction of the stemness-associated reprogramming factors OCT4 and SOX2

ABSTRACT Barrett's esophagus (BE) is essentially a metaplasia in which the normal stratified squamous epithelium is replaced by columnar epithelium. This study focuses on the involvement of OCT4 and SOX2, 2 key cell-reprogramming factors, in the deoxycholic acid (DCA)-induced expression of the intestinal hallmarks Cdx2 and MUC2 using both in vivo and in vitro models. Up-regulated expression of OCT4 and down-regulated expression of SOX2 were observed in BE compared with normal esophagus and esophagitis. Consistent with the data in vivo, DCA induced time-dependent expression of OCT4 at both the mRNA and protein levels and decreased nuclear expression of SOX2 in Het-1A cells. Down-regulation of OCT4 expression by siRNA abrogated DCA-induced expression of Cdx2 and MUC2, whereas siRNA against SOX2 significantly upregulated the expression of both Cdx2 and MUC2. Our data indicate that both OCT4 and SOX2 play important roles in the development of BE triggered by bile acid reflux.
Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: a review

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired disorder of the hematopoietic stem cell that makes blood cells more sensitive to the action of complement. Patients experience intravascular hemolysis, smooth muscle dystonia, renal failure, arterial and pulmonary hypertension, recurrent infectious diseases and an increased risk of notably dreadful thrombotic complications. The diagnosis is made by flow cytometry. Efforts have been recently performed to improve the sensitivity and the standardization of this technique. PNH is frequently associated with aplastic anemia or low‐risk myelodysplasia and may be asymptomatic. Management of the classical form of PNH has been dramatically revolutionized by the development of eculizumab, which brings benefits in terms of hemolysis, quality of life, renal function, thrombotic risk, and life expectancy. Prophylaxis and treatment of arterial and venous thrombosis currently remain a challenge in PNH.
An Early Response to Environmental Stress Involves Regulation of OmpX and OmpF, Two Enterobacterial Outer Membrane Pore-Forming Proteins

ABSTRACT Bacterial adaptation to external stresses and toxic compounds is a key step in the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains that are a serious threat to human health. Although some of the proteins and regulators involved in antibiotic resistance mechanisms have been described, no information is available to date concerning the early bacterial response to external stresses. Here we report that the expression of ompX, encoding an outer membrane protein, is increased during early exposure to drugs or environmental stresses. At the same time, the level of ompF porin expression is noticeably affected. Because of the role of these proteins in membrane permeability, these data suggest that OmpF and OmpX are involved in the control of the penetration of antibiotics such as β-lactams and fluoroquinolones through the enterobacterial outer membrane. Consequently, the early control of ompX and ompF induced by external stresses may represent a preliminary response to antibiotics, thus triggering the initial bacterial line of defense against antibiotherapy.
Role of Innovation in the Development of New Products for Improving Organizational Performance

The innovation has emerged as crucial tool for the modern corporations in order to sustain its competitive advantage in today’s highly competitive, volatile and globalized markets. The purpose of this review is to discuss the critical role of innovation in the overall improvement in the organizational growth and performance. It specifically focuses on the new product development as an important innovative factor for success. Through a richer explanation and empirical assessment, the study contributes to generate clarity and better understanding of how new product development responds positively to the organizational performance.
The effect of competence, motivation and organizational culture on employee performance: the mediating role of organizational commitment

The purpose of this study to analyze the effect of competence, motivation and organizational culture on organizational commitment and employee performance. The research was conducted at the Institute of Education and Training of South Sulawesi province with a population of 513 employees and based on Slovin formulation; sample set as many as 224 employees. Research hypothesis was tested by using Structural Equation Models (Analysis of Moment Structures, AMOS version 18). The study found that the competence and organizational culture has a positive and significant effect on organizational commitment. Work motivation has a negative and insignificant effect on organizational commitment. Competence, organizational culture and organizational commitment have a positive and significant effect on employee performance. Work motivation has a negative and insignificant effect on employee performance. Organizational commitment as a mediating variable in explaining the effect of work motivation on employees performance, whereas in, explains the effect of competency and organizational culture on performance, organizational commitment is not proven