Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protection by Lactobacillus acidophilus UFV-H2B20 against experimental oral infection with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Ser. Typhimurium in gnotobiotic and conventional mice

The ability of Lactobacillus acidophilus UFV-H2B20 to antagonize Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica ser. Typhimurium and to reduce the pathological consequences for the host was determining using conventional and gnotobiotic animals. Conventional NIH mice received daily by gavage a 0.1 ml suspension containing about 108 cfu L. acidophilus UFV-H2B20 and germfree animals received a single 0.1 ml dose. The gnotobiotic and conventional groups were infected orally with 102 and 105 cfu of S. Typhimurium, respectively, 7 days after the beginning of treatment. Control groups were treated with sterile saline instead of Lactobacillus. Survival data showed a protective effect against the pathogenic bacteria in both conventional and gnotobiotic Lactobacillus-treated mice. L. acidophilus UFV-H2B20 colonized the digestive tract of gnotobiotic mice and the number of viable cells ranged from 109 to 1010 cfu/g of faeces. In both experimental and control gnotobiotic animals, S. Typhimurium became rapidly established at a level ranging from 108 to 1010 cfu/g of faeces and remained at high levels until the animals died or were sacrificed. In conclusion, the previous treatment of mice with L. acidophilus UFV-H2B20 protects the animals against the experimental infection with S. Typhimurium but this protection was not due to the reduction of the pathogenic populations in the intestines.
NOAA/AVHRR sea surface temperature accuracy in the East/Japan Sea

Sea surface temperature (SST) retrieved from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) onboard National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) polar orbiting environmental satellites were validated in the East/Japan Sea (EJS) using surface drifter measurements as ground truths from 2005 to 2010. Overall, the root-mean-square (rms) errors of multichannel SSTs (MCSSTs) and non-linear SSTs (NLSSTs) using global SST coefficients were approximately 0.85°C and 0.80°C, respectively. An analysis of the SST errors (satellite – drifter) revealed a dependence on the amount of atmospheric moisture. In addition, satellite-derived SSTs tended to be related to wind speeds, particularly during the night. The SST errors also demonstrated diurnal variations with relatively higher rms from 0.80°C to 1.00°C during the night than the day, with a small rms of about 0.50°C. Bias also exhibited reasonable diurnal differences, showing small biases during the daytime. Although a satellite zenith angle has been considered in the global SST coefficients, its effect on the SST errors still remained in case of the EJS. Given the diverse use of SST data, the continuous validation and understanding of the characteristic errors of satellite SSTs should be conducted based on extensive in-situ temperature measurements in the global ocean as well as local seas.
Individual Exploration, Sensemaking, and Innovation: A Design for the Discovery of Novel Information

ABSTRACT Discovering novel information can result in the generation of potentially valuable new ideas and can therefore be beneficial to organizations interested in innovation. To be useful, novel information must have a particular relationship to existing organizational knowledge. It must be far enough away to qualify as novel, but it must be close enough that it can be understood and exploited. Therefore, a key challenge for novel-information discovery (NID) is to find concepts that have such relationships to a given starting point or focal concept of interest. Despite the potential benefits, organizations face a number of challenges when discovering novel information on the Web: locating it, understanding its relevance, and making sense of it given the constraints and biases of existing mental models. In this article, we develop an understanding of the challenges of NID and how a tool can support individuals in locating and translating novel information into novel ideas. Using a design science approach, we develop a design theory for NID. A prototype is developed and evaluated. Our findings show that an NID tool performs better than other Web search tools such as Google in terms of the perceived levels of novel information provided and radicalness of the ideas generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
anopy temperature based system effectively schedules and controls center ivot irrigation of cotton

Cotton is a perennial plant with an indeterminate growth pattern that is typically produced like an annual, but requires proper management to effectively produce high yields and good fiber quality in a thermally limited environment like the northern Texas High Plains. In 2007 and 2008, we investigated the effect of irrigation scheduling/control method and amount on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield and water use efficiency. Methods were automatic irrigation scheduling and control of a center pivot system, and manually scheduled irrigation to replenish soil–water to field capacity. Cotton was irrigated with LEPA (low energy, precision application) drag socks in furrow dikes; three blocks were irrigated manually and three were irrigated automatically. Six replicates of the manual and automatic irrigation treatments were included in the randomized block design. Manual irrigations were based on the weekly replenishment of soil–water to field capacity in the top 1.5 m of the soil profile and included a fully irrigated treatment (I100), and treatments receiving 67% (I67) and 33% (I33) of the I100 amount, plus a non-irrigated treatment (I0). Automatic irrigations were triggered using a time temperature threshold (TTT) algorithm, which was designated as the I100 treatment, and treatments receiving 67%, 33%, and 0% of that amount (I67, I33 and I0, respectively). In 2007, overall mean lint yields (102.3 and 101.6 g m−2, manual and automatic, respectively) were not significantly different. Similarly, yields were not significantly different across automatic and manual treatments in the same treatment level, with the exception of the I67 treatment where the manual treatment yields were 11% greater. In 2008, the mean yields were 70% less than those in 2007 for both methods of irrigation (30.3 and 30.9 g m−2, manual and automatic, respectively) due to harsh climatic conditions at emergence and heavy rainfall and cooler temperatures in the month of August. Yields from the automatically irrigated plots in the I100 and I67 treatments, however, were significantly greater than yields from the corresponding manually irrigated plots; though there was no significant difference between yields in the drier treatments (I33 and I0) plots. These results indicate that the TTT algorithm is a promising method for auto-irrigation scheduling of short season cotton in an arid studi region. However, further
Congenital lobar emphysema: Differential diagnosis and therapeutic approach

Background: Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a rare anomaly of lung development that usually presents in the neonatal period with respirator distress and pulmonary lobar hyperinflation. It is commonly confused with pneumothorax. The aim of the present paper was to review the authors’ experience in order to emphasize the importance of differential diagnosis with pneumothorax.
Carbon isotope ratios in belowground carbon cycle processes

Analyses of carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) in soil organic matter (SOM) and soil respired CO2 provide insights into dynamics of the carbon cycle. δ13C analyses do not provide direct measures of soil CO2 efflux rates but are useful as a constraint in carbon cycle models. In many cases, δ13C analyses allow the identification of components of soil CO2 efflux as well as the relative contribution of soil to overall ecosystem CO2 fluxes. δ13C values provide a unique tool for quantifying historical shifts between C3 and C4 ecosystems over decadal to millennial time scales, which are relevant to climate change and land-use change issues. We identify the need to distinguish between δ13C analyses of SOM and those of soil CO2 efflux in carbon cycle studies, because time lags in the turnover rates of different soil carbon components can result in fluxes and stocks that differ in isotopic composition (disequilibrium effect). We suggest that the frequently observed progressive δ13C enrichment of SOM may be related to a g.
Annales Geophysicae Eregion decameter-scale plasma waves observed by the dual TIGER HF radars

The dual Tasman International Geospace Environment Radar (TIGER) HF radars regularly observe E-region echoes at sub-auroral magnetic latitudes 58–60 S including during geomagnetic storms. We present a statistical analysis of E-region backscatter observed in a period of ∼2 years (late 2004–2006) by the TIGER Bruny Island and Unwin HF radars, with particular emphasis on storm-time backscatter. It is found that the HF echoes normally form a 300-km-wide band at ranges 225–540 km. In the evening sector during geomagnetic storms, however, the HF echoes form a curved band joining to the F-region band at ∼700 km. The curved band lies close to the locations where the geometric aspect angle is zero, implying little to no refraction during geomagnetic storms, which is an opposite result to what has been reported in the past. The echo occurrence, Doppler velocity, and spectral width of the HF echoes are examined in order to determine whether new HF echo types are observed at sub-auroral latitudes, particularly during geomagnetic storms. The datasets of both TIGER radars are found to be dominated by low-velocity echoes. A separate population of storm-time echoes is also identified within the datasets of both radars with most of these echoes showing similar characteristics to the low-velocity echo population. The stormtime backscatter observed by the Bruny Island radar, on the other hand, includes near-range echoes (r<405 km) that exhibit some characteristics of what has been previously termed the High Aspect angle Irregularity Region (HAIR) echoes. We show that these echoes appear to be a storm-time phenomenon and further investigate this population by comparing their Doppler velocity with the simultaneously measured Fand E-region irregularity velocities. It is suggested that the HAIR-like echoes are observed only by HF radars with relatively poor geometric aspect angles when electron density is low and when the electric field is particularly high. Correspondence to: R. A. Makarevich (r.makarevich@latrobe.edu.au)
Penicillin-binding proteins 2b and 2x of Streptococcus pneumoniae are primary resistance determinants for different classes of beta-lactam antibiotics

High-level resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics in Streptococcus pneumoniae is mediated by successive alterations in essential penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). In the present work, single amino acid changes in S. pneumoniae PBP 2x and PBP 2b that result in reduced affinity for the antibiotic and that confer first-level beta-lactam resistance are defined. Point mutations in the PBP genes were generated by PCR-derived mutagenesis. Those conferring maximal resistance to either cefotaxime (pbp2x) or piperacillin (pbp2b) were obtained after transformation of the susceptible laboratory strain R6 with the PCR-amplified PBP genes and selection on agar with various concentrations of the antibiotic. In the case of PBP 2x, transformants for which the cefotaxime MIC was 0.16 microgram/ml contained the substitution of a Thr for an Ala at position 550 (Thr550-->Ala), close to the PBP homology box Lys547SerGly, a mutation frequently observed in laboratory mutants and in a high-level cefotaxime-resistant clinical isolate as well. After further selection, transformants resisting 0.3 microgram of cefotaxime per ml were obtained; they contained the substitution Gly550 as the result of two mutations in the same codon. In PBP 2b, Thr446-->Ala, adjacent to another homology box Ser443SerAsn, was the mutation selected with piperacillin. This substitution has been described in all clinical isolates with a low-affinity PBP 2b but was distinct from point mutations found in laboratory mutants. Both pbp2b with the single mutation and a mosaic pbp2b of a clinical isolate conferred a twofold increase in piperacillin resistance. Attempts to select PBP 2b variants at higher piperacillin concentrations were unsuccessful. The mutated PBP 2b also markedly reduced the lytic response to piperacillin, suggesting that such a mutation is an important step in resistance development in clinical isolates.
Review of modular power converters solutions for smart transformer in distribution system

While the use of power electronics based Smart Transformer (ST) is becoming a reality in traction applications, and it has been considered as an interesting option for interfacing different transmission systems, the possibility to use it in distribution systems is still considered futuristic. Replacing primary distribution transformers with ST can lead to more flexible handling of the distribution feeders, while replacing secondary distribution transformers can allow decoupling of distribution network. This paper reviews different power converter solutions for the ST focusing on modularity, control and communication needs, to meet high reliability requirements. Five topologies for the ST are considered and compared.
Neural crest tumors: I-123 MIBG imaging in children.

PURPOSE To determine 24- and 48-hour distribution of iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) and to establish an optimized pediatric imaging protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-seven I-123 MIBG scans obtained in 33 children undergoing evaluation for neural crest tumor were reviewed. RESULTS Activity in the salivary glands, myocardium, liver, gut, and bladder was demonstrated on almost all scans. Activity was noted in the neck muscles, thyroid gland, and uninvolved adrenal gland in fewer studies. In 20 studies, abnormal uptake was present in the chest or abdomen at 24 and 48 hours, and lesion identification was improved at 48 hours in 12 studies. Detection of skeletal lesions on 14 scans was similar at 24 and 48 hours. Foci of tumor were first detected at I-123 MIBG imaging in nine studies, and in only two patients was tumor involvement initially missed on I-123 MIBG studies. CONCLUSION Distribution of I-123 MIBG on images in children differs from that in earlier descriptions in adults. Images of the torso at 48 hours after injection are a useful adjunct in detection of lesions.
World Health Organization’s International Radon Project

Following initial in vitro and in vivo studies and important studies of uranium miners, scientists have now completed impressive case-control studies of lung cancer risk from exposure to residential radon. Researchers have pooled these studies, in which all the information from the individual studies was reanalyzed. These pooled analyzes confirm that in the context of residential exposure, radon is now an established risk factor for lung cancer. Many of the initial uncertainties have been reduced, and health risk assessors are now confident that radon may contribute to as much as 10% of the total burden of lung cancer—that is, 2% of all cancers in the population, worldwide. To reduce residential radon lung cancer risk, national authorities must have methods and tools based on solid scientific evidence and sound public health policies. To meet these needs, the World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated the WHO International Radon Project. This three year project, to be implemented during the period 2005–2008, will include (1) a worldwide database on national residential radon levels, radon action levels, regulations, research institutions, and authorities; (2) public health guidance for awareness-raising and mitigation; and (3) an estimation of the global burden of disease (GDB) associated with radon exposure.
Feline immunodeficiency virus pathogenesis and development of a dual-subtype feline-immunodeficiency-virus vaccine.

IntroductionFeline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection is a natural infection of domestic felid populations which results in a chronic and progressive acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [1–3]. FIV was discovered in the autumn of 1986 and reported in 1987 shortly after the discovery of HIV-1 in 19
C-Reactive Protein and Colorectal Cancer Mortality in U.S. Adults

Background: Chronic inflammation has been associated with colorectal cancer. Prediagnostic levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a highly sensitive marker of inflammation, have been weakly associated with increased colorectal cancer incidence, but few data are available examining its relationship with colorectal cancer mortality. Methods: In the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 65% of the 15,924 adult participants had CRP levels ≤0.21 mg/dL. Using this as the reference group, we calculated hazard ratios (HR) for higher CRP categories and colorectal cancer mortality, and compared them with HRs for other mortality causes. Results: Over a median follow-up period of 14.2 years, there were 92 deaths from colorectal cancer. Compared with the reference group, multivariable adjusted HRs for colorectal cancer mortality were 2.66 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.36–5.20] for CRP levels 0.22–0.50 mg/dL; 3.40 (95% CI, 1.48–7.77) for levels 0.51–1.00 mg/dL; and 3.96 (95% CI, 1.64–9.52) for levels >1.00 mg/dL. Estimates for colorectal cancer mortality did not change appreciably after excluding deaths within the first 3 years or by limiting follow-up to 5 or 10 years. Conclusions: In a large representative study of U.S. adults, we observed strong dose–response associations between CRP levels and colorectal cancer mortality. Impact: Further evaluation of CRP may help identify high-risk groups for colorectal cancer screening and those who might benefit most from prophylactic anti-inflammatory therapy. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(8); 1609–18. ©2014 AACR.
Impact of a self‐administration of medications programme on elderly inpatients’ competence to manage medications: a pilot study

What is known and objectives: Changes to medication regimens and failure to involve patients in management of their medications whilst in hospital may result in medication errors or non‐adherence at home after discharge. Self‐administration of medications programmes (SAMP) have been used to address this issue. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a SAMP on elderly hospital inpatients’ competence to manage medications and their medication adherence behaviours.
Physiological and Proteomic Investigations to Study the Response of Tomato Graft Unions under Temperature Stress

Background Grafting is an established practice for asexual propagation in horticultural and agricultural crops. The study on graft unions has become of interest for horticulturists using proteomic and genomic techniques to observe transfer of genetic material and signal transduction pathways from root to shoot and shoot to root. Another reason to study the graft unions was potentially to observe resistance against abiotic stresses. Using physiological and proteomic analyses, we investigated graft unions (rootstock and scions) of tomato genotypes exposed to standard-normal (23/23 and 25/18°C day/night) and high-low temperatures (30/15°C day/night). Results Graft unions had varied responses to the diverse temperatures. High-low temperature, but not standard-normal temperature, induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the form of H2O2 and O2-1 in rootstock and scions. However, the expression of many cell protection molecules was also induced, including antioxidant enzymes and their immunoblots, which also show an increase in their activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The graft interfaces thus actively defend against stress by modifying their physiological and proteomic responses to establish a new cellular homeostasis. As a result, many proteins for cellular defense were regulated in graft unions under diverse temperature, in addition to the regulation of photosynthetic proteins, ion binding/transport proteins, and protein synthesis. Moreover, biomass, hardness, and vascular transport activity were evaluated to investigate the basic connectivity between rootstock and scions. Conclusions Our study provides physiological evidence of the grafted plants’ response to diverse temperature. Most notably, our study provides novel insight into the mechanisms used to adapt the diverse temperature in graft unions (rootstock/scion).
Uniform distance and error probability properties of TCM schemes

The authors derive a set of conditions that are sufficient for the uniform distance and uniform error probability properties of trellis-coded modulation (TCM) schemes. These results can be extended to encompass transmission over a (not necessarily Gaussian) memoryless channel, where the metric used for detection may not be maximum-likelihood. In particular, the results hold for channels with phase offset or independent, amplitude-only fading. Examples are included to illustrate the applicability of the results. <<ETX>>
Nanodielectrics: A “universal” panacea for solving all electrical insulation problems?

This text summarizes the keynote presentation that is based on the full-length paper of the same title. Dr. Fréchette's oral presentation should not be seen as a summary of the “Brainstorm paper” but a glance at some major accomplishments, hinrances and still remaining questions relative to nanodielectrics. Are nanodielectrics a “universal” panacea<sup>∗</sup>? The answer to that question is no — but they've got a lot of potential!
Sarcosine and other metabolites along the choline oxidation pathway in relation to prostate cancer—A large nested case–control study within the JANUS cohort in Norway

Methyl group donors and intermediates of one‐carbon metabolism affect DNA synthesis and DNA methylation, and may thereby affect prostate carcinogenesis. Choline, the precursor of betaine, and the one‐carbon metabolite sarcosine have been associated with increased prostate cancer risk. Within JANUS, a prospective cohort in Norway (n = 317,000) with baseline serum samples, we conducted a nested case–control study among 3,000 prostate cancer cases and 3,000 controls. Using conditional logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for prostate cancer risk were estimated according to quintiles of circulating betaine, dimethylglycine (DMG), sarcosine, glycine and serine. High sarcosine and glycine concentrations were associated with reduced prostate cancer risk of borderline significance (sarcosine: highest vs. lowest quintile OR = 0.86, CI = 0.72–1.01, ptrend = 0.03; glycine: OR = 0.83, CI = 0.70–1.00, ptrend = 0.07). Serum betaine, DMG and serine were not associated with prostate cancer risk. However, individuals with a high glycine/serine ratio were at decreased prostate cancer risk (OR = 0.74, CI = 0.69–0.85, ptrend < 0.001). This population‐based study suggested that men with high serum sarcosine or glycine concentrations have modestly reduced prostate cancer risk. Ratios of metabolites reflecting one‐carbon balance may be associated with prostate cancer risk, as demonstrated for the glycine/serine ratio, and should be explored in future studies.