Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative In Vitro Activities of Linezolid, Telithromycin, Clarithromycin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, and Four Conventional Antimycobacterial Drugs against Mycobacterium kansasii

ABSTRACT Mycobacterium kansasii is one of the most pathogenic and frequent nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from humans. Patients with adverse drug reactions, resistant isolates, or suboptimal response require alternative treatment regimens. One hundred forty-eight consecutive clinical isolates of M. kansasii were tested for antimicrobial susceptibilities by the BACTEC 460 system (NCCLS) with two different inoculation protocols, one conventional and one alternative. In the alternative protocol, the inoculum 12B vial was incubated until the growth index was between 250 and 500. Four conventional antimycobacterial drugs (isoniazid, rifampin, streptomycin, and ethambutol) were studied with standard critical concentrations. The in vitro activities of linezolid, telithromycin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin were determined by measuring radiometric MICs. All isolates tested were identified as M. kansasii genotype I and were resistant to isoniazid at a concentration of 0.4 μg/ml. One hundred twenty isolates (81.1%) were inhibited by 1 μg of isoniazid per ml. A high level of resistance to isoniazid (>10 μg/ml) was observed in six isolates (4.1%). Only five strains (3.4%) were resistant to rifampin (>1 μg/ml). All isolates studied were susceptible to streptomycin and ethambutol. The MICs at which 90% of the isolates were inhibited (in micrograms per milliliter) were as follows: linezolid, 1 (range, ≤0.25 to 2); telithromycin, >16 (range, 4 to >16); clarithromycin, 0.5 (range, ≤0.03 to 1); levofloxacin, 0.12 (range, 0.12 to 0.25); and moxifloxacin, 0.06 (range, ≤0.06 to 0.12). The susceptibility testing results with both inoculation protocols showed perfect correlation. In conclusion, all M. kansasii isolates showed decreased susceptibility to isoniazid, but resistance to rifampin was infrequent. Quinolones, especially moxifloxacin, were the most active antimicrobial agents tested, followed by clarithromycin. Linezolid also showed good activity against these microorganisms, but telithromycin's in vitro activity was poor.
IL‐2 is required for the generation of viral‐specific CD4+ Th1 tissue‐resident memory cells and B cells are essential for maintenance in the lung

CD4+ tissue resident cells are an important first line of defense against viral infections in the lungs and are critical for promoting the localization of lung resident CD8+ T cells. However, relatively little is known about the signaling programs required for the development of viral‐specific CD4+ tissue resident cells in the lungs. Recently, it was shown that signaling through the high affinity IL‐2 receptor is required for the differentiation of lung‐resident Th2 memory (Trm) cells in a murine model of airway inflammation. We therefore tested if IL‐2 signaling is also required for the development of viral antigen‐specific CD4+ Th1 cells in the lung after i.n. infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. These studies demonstrate that Th1 CD4+ T cells also require IL‐2 for lung Trm development. Additionally, they show that B cells potently inhibit early Th1 cell lung residency, but are required for the maintenance of a long‐lived population of CD4+ Th1 Trm.
Cooperative quadrotors carrying a suspended load

This work proposes the representation of the high level dynamic modelling of a formation of two quadrotor UAVs cooperatively carrying a suspended load. The two quadrotors are attached to the load by massless and stretchable cables, which can slack and taut during the task accomplishment. The cable is modeled as a high stiffness spring with a damping coefficient, according to the Hooke's law, and its behavior is taken into account in the disturbance estimation. A fictitious repulsion force is also introduced to minimize the risk of a collision between the UAVs during lateral displacements. Finally, to dealt with disturbance rejection caused by the load compensation and the cable tension variations, a nonlinear controller is proposed to guide the UAVs cooperatively during positioning and trajectory-tracking tasks, considering that the movement of the UAVs is restricted to the XZ-plane. Finally, simulated results are presented, in order to validate the proposal.
Investigating the IEEE 802.11ad Standard for Millimeter Wave Automotive Radar

Millimeter wave (mmWave) technology is widely used for automotive radar applications, like adaptive cruise control and obstacle detection. Unlike conventional radar waveforms which are usually propriety, this paper explores the use of a consumer wireless local area network (WLAN) waveform in the 60GHz unlicensed mmWave band for automotive radar applications. In particular, this paper develops a joint framework of long range automotive radar (LRR) and vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V) at 60 GHz by exploiting the special data-aided structure (repeated Golay complimentary sequences) of an IEEE 802.11ad single carrier physical layer (SCPHY) frame. This framework leverages the signal processing algorithms used in the typical WLAN receiver for time and frequency synchronization to perform radar parameter estimation. The initial simulation results show that it is possible to achieve the desired range accuracy of 0.1 m with a very high probability of detection (above 99%) using the preamble of a SCPHY frame. Furthermore, the velocity estimation algorithm achieves the desired accuracy of 0.1 m/s at high SNR using the preamble and pilot words of only a single frame.
An Investigation of the Implicit Endorsement of the Sexual Double Standard Among U.S. Young Adults

Despite empirical support for the sexual double standard (SDS, in which women are judged more harshly than men for engaging in sexual behavior), recent research has demonstrated inconsistencies, perhaps stemming from biased responding in the self-report measures that are commonly used. As a result, researchers are encouraged to adopt innovative methodological procedures to assess the SDS. Thus, the current study investigated the implicit endorsement of the SDS among 147 young adults (71 men, 76 women) using the Implicit Association Test (IAT) and a limited-awareness gender priming procedure. According to our results, young adults endorsed an implicit preference for sexual stimuli (as compared to neutral stimuli) after receiving a male prime in comparison to a female prime, evidence of an implicit SDS. These results indicate that traditional gendered expectations still exist, in which women are judged more harshly than men for engaging in comparable sexual behavior. Implications and recommendations are outlined for clinicians and researchers working to promote gender equality related to one’s sexuality.
Modeling the lifetime costs of insulin glargine and insulin detemir in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients in Canada: a meta-analysis and a cost-minimization analysis

Abstract Background: Two basal insulin analogues, insulin glargine once daily and insulin detemir once or twice daily, are marketed in Canada. Objective: To estimate the long-term costs of insulin glargine once daily (QD) versus insulin detemir once or twice daily (QD or BID) for type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus from a Canadian provincial government’s perspective. Methods: A cost-minimization analysis comparing insulin glargine (IGlarg) to insulin detemir (IDet) was conducted using a validated computer simulation model, the CORE Diabetes Model. Lifetime direct medical costs including costs of insulin treatment and diabetes complications were projected. T1DM and T2DM patients’ daily insulin dose (T1DM: IGlarg QD 26.2 IU; IDet BID 33.6 IU; T2DM: IGlarg QD 47.2 IU; IDet QD 65.7 IU or IDet BID 80.4 IU) was derived from a meta-analysis of randomized trials. All patients were assumed to stay on the same treatment for life. Costs were discounted at 5% per annum and reported in 2010 Canadian Dollars. Results: The meta-analysis showed T1DM and T2DM patients had similar HbA1c change from baseline when receiving IGlarg compared to IDet (T1DM: 0.002%-points; p = 0.97; T2DM: −0.05%-points; p = 0.28). Treatment of T1DM patients with IGlarg versus IDet BID resulted in lifetime cost savings of $4231 per patient. Treatment of T2DM patients with IGlarg resulted in lifetime cost savings of $4659 per patient versus IDet QD and cost savings of $8709 per patient versus IDet BID. Conclusions: Similar HbA1c change from baseline can be achieved with a lower IGlarg than IDet dose. From the perspective of a Canadian provincial government, treatment of T1DM and T2DM patients with IGlarg instead of IDet can generate long-term cost savings. Main limitations include trial data were derived from multi-country studies rather than the Canadian population and self-monitoring blood glucose costs were not included.
European Society of Contact Dermatitis guideline for diagnostic patch testing – recommendations on best practice

The present guideline summarizes all aspects of patch testing for the diagnosis of contact allergy in patients suspected of suffering, or having been suffering, from allergic contact dermatitis or other delayed‐type hypersensitivity skin and mucosal conditions. Sections with brief descriptions and discussions of different pertinent topics are followed by a highlighted short practical recommendation. Topics comprise, after an introduction with important definitions, materials, technique, modifications of epicutaneous testing, individual factors influencing the patch test outcome or necessitating special considerations, children, patients with occupational contact dermatitis and drug eruptions as special groups, patch testing of materials brought in by the patient, adverse effects of patch testing, and the final evaluation and patient counselling based on this judgement. Finally, short reference is made to aspects of (continuing) medical education and to electronic collection of data for epidemiological surveillance.
GI-90400-2008 R-1-Thrombin mediates the extra-intestinal thrombosis associated with experimental colitis

Recent evidence implicating tissue factor and the protein C pathway in the hypercoagulable state associated with intestinal inflammation suggests that thrombin is likely to contribute to this response. The objective of this study was to assess the role of thrombin in the extra-intestinal thrombosis associated with experimental colitis. Thrombus formation was quantified in microvessels of the cremaster muscle in mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced colonic inflammation. The light/dye endothelial injury model was used to elicit thrombus formation in DSS colitic mice treated with either hirudin, heparin, or GI-90400-2008R 3 antithrombin III. The initiation and propagation/stabilization phases of thrombus formation were quantified using the time of onset of the thrombus and time to blood flow cessation, respectively. Thrombus formation was accelerated in arterioles of DSS colitic mice, as exhibited by significant reductions in the time of thrombus initiation and propagation/stabilization. Colitic mice treated with hirudin, heparin, or antithrombin III did not exhibit a significant change in the time of onset of the thrombus, compared to untreated colitic mice. However, all three anti-thrombin agents largely prevented the DSS-induced reduction in the time to flow cessation following light/dye injury, with hirudin offering complete protection. These findings indicate that thrombin plays a major role in the extra-intestinal thrombus formation associated with experimental colitis. Thrombin appears to contribute to the propagation/stabilization, rather than initiation, phase of the colitis-associated thrombogenesis at the distant vascular site. The results support the therapeutic use of anti-thrombin agents for reducing the risk of thromboembolism in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Adaptive – Fuzzy Logic Power Filter for Nonlinear Systems

In this paper, Harmonic distortion, lower efficiency and poor power factor caused by nonlinear loads can be compensated and improved by applying Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC)(Takagi-Sugeno (TS)-type) to a three-phase Shunt Active Power Filter (SAPF). Unlike conventional controllers like Proportional-Integral (PI) controller, discussed in many papers, FLCs cover a wider range of operating conditions and does not require any mathematical model of the system. This controller is used to generate the desired reference current and maintains the dc-side capacitor voltage of the inverter nearly constant. Further, in this paper, the hysteresis current control mode of operation is implemented as a pulse widthmodulation technique for switching signal generation. Practical design considerations will be presented using MATLAB/SIMULINK showing that the dynamic behavior of the FLC (TS) is better than the conventional (PI) controller as it has a strong robustness to changes in load and other system parameters.
Factors affecting Effective Strategy Implementation in a Service Industry: A Study of Electricity Distribution Companies in the Sultanate of Oman

Successful strategy implementation is a key for any organization’s survival. Many organizations could not sustain their competitive advantages, despite having a robust strategy formulation process, because they lack the processes in implementing the strategies. Considering the higher failure rates in implementation of strategies, more attention should be given by executives to implementing the strategy. Several reasons are frequently offered for the failure of implementing strategy. While this field of research attracted significant research interests and subsequently added quality theories and models in the western world, this topic has not attracted much attention in the Middle East region. Hence, this study investigated the strategy implementation processes followed in a service industry in the Sultanate of Oman. The study proposed seven factors that affect implementation strategy. The results demonstrate that leadership is by far the most important factor influencing successful implementation strategy in the service sector.
A Sandwich Nanostructure of Gold Nanoparticle Coated Reduced Graphene Oxide for Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided Photothermal Therapy in the Second NIR Window

We explore a sandwich-type gold nanoparticle coated reduced graphene oxide (rGO-AuNP) as an effective nanotheranostic platform for the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window photoacoustic (PA) imaging-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) in ovarian cancer. The PEG was loaded onto the AuNPs surface to increase the stability of nanostructure. The forming rGO-AuNPs- PEG revealed very strong SERS signal, NIR-II PA signal and high photothermal efficiency against tumor upon 1,061 nm laser irradiation. The prominent performance was attributed to the plasmonic coupling of AuNPs, and the enhanced response of rGO and the plasmonic AuNP. Thus, our study demonstrates that the rGO-AuNP nanocomposite could promise to be a potential photothermal agent and pave the way for the diagnosis and therapy of ovarian cancer in the future.
Nutrient-Scavenging Stress Response in an Escherichia coli Strain Lacking the Phosphoenolpyruvate:Carbohydrate Phosphotransferase System, as Explored by Gene Expression Profile Analysis

The physiological role of the phosphoenolpyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) has been studied in Escherichia coli. It has been shown that it directly or indirectly regulates the activity of most catabolic genes involved in carbohydrate transport. Accordingly, strains lacking PTS have pleiotropic phenotypes and are impaired in their capacity to grow on glucose and other PTS sugars. We have previously reported the characterization of a mutant harboring a pts operon deletion (PB11) which, as expected, showed a severe reduction of its growth capacity when incubated on glucose as carbon source, as compared to that of the isogenic wild-type strain. These observations corroborate that PTS is the main determinant of the capacity to grow on glucose and confirm the existence of other systems that allow glucose utilization although at a reduced level. To explore the physiological state and the metabolic pathways involved in glucose utilization in a pts– background, we analyzed the global transcriptional response of the PB11 mutant when growing in minimal medium with glucose as carbon source. Genome-wide transcriptional analysis using microarrays revealed that, under this condition, expression of several genes related to carbon transport and metabolism was upregulated, as well as that of genes encoding transporters for certain nucleotides, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur sources. In addition, upregulation of rpoS and several genes transcribed by this sigma subunit was detected. These results indicate that the reduced capacity of glucose utilization present in the PB11 strain induces a general nutrient-scavenging response and this behavior is not dependent on a functional PTS. This condition is responsible of the utilization of secondary carbon sources in the presence of glucose.
IN CELL CYCLE CONTROL AND CANCER

E2F transcription factors regulate the expression of a number of genes important in cell proliferation, particularly those involved in progression through G1 and into the S-phase of the cell cycle. The activity of E2F factors is regulated through association with the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (Rb) and the other pocket proteins, p107 and p130. Binding of Rb, p107 or p130 converts E2F factors from transcriptional activators to transcriptional repressors. The interplay among G1 cyclins (D-type cyclins and cyclin E), cyclin-dependent kinases (cdk4, 6, and 2), cdk inhibitors, and protein phosphatases determines the phosphorylation state of the pocket proteins which in turn regulates the ability of the pocket proteins to complex with E2F. E2F activity is further regulated through direct interactions with other factors, such cyclin A, Sp1, p53 and the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Deregulated expression of E2F family member genes has been shown to induce both inappropriate S phase entry and apoptosis. An important role for E2F in the development of cancer is suggested by the finding that in most human neoplasias, genetic or epigenetic alterations occur that ultimately result in the deregulation of E2F-dependent transcription. This review will highlight recent findings on the specific roles of the individual E2F species in regulating transcription, proliferation and apoptosis, and discuss the growing link between E2F and cancer.
Financial management: case study of Gweru women entrepreneurs

Small to Medium Enterprise sector world over have been the driving force behind economic development. Women entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe has stood the test of time, however, the majority of these women driven enterprises have showed marginal growth signs. Given the absence of growth amongst women entrepreneurs, research aimed to consider financial management strategies by women entrepreneurs. The study identifies challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in managing business finances. Furthermore, financial management challenges (lack of financial management training, need to cater for family needs, lack of confidence in financial management skills) faced by women entrepreneurs were identified as well as the financial management skills need to be developed and or improved amongst women entrepreneurs to enhance business growth. The research concludes that, entrepreneurs should be aware that enterprise survival and growth are futile without appropriate financial management and should seek proper training and investment management to effectively utilise financial resources.
Sustainability: What the Entrepreneurship Educators Think.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the understanding and presence of sustainability within entrepreneurship education. The extant literature on sustainability within the entrepreneurship discipline remains extremely limited. Previously, sustainability within an entrepreneurship context has related to economic viability as opposed to sustainability in its broadest sense. This study explores, through a survey of entrepreneurship educators, three key research questions, namely, how entrepreneurship educators believe that entrepreneurs can contribute to solving sustainability problems. Second, to what extent education about sustainability is integrated within existing entrepreneurship curricula. Finally, what considerations are being made to include sustainability within future programmes. Design/methodology/approach – This study represented part of a larger university project exploring the associations between the sustainability and entrepreneurship disciplines. This part of the study involve.
Preoperative planning for endovascular aortic repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms: feasibility of nonenhanced MR angiography versus contrast-enhanced CT angiography.

PURPOSE To compare vascular measurements to determine stent types and configurations for abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) by comparing results of contrast material-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) angiography and nonenhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study was institutional review board approved, and all patients provided written informed consent. Fifty patients (45 men and five women; mean age, 76.0 years) admitted for elective abdominal EVAR underwent preoperative abdominal CT angiography (triplanar reformatted images; section thickness of 1-3 mm) and nonenhanced MR angiography (triplanar two-dimensional single-shot turbo field-echo images; section thickness of 6 mm). Two observers independently completed standard measurement and device selection forms for endovascular stent planning for CT and MR angiography. Pearson and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate intermodality and interobserver differences. RESULTS No significant difference was found in aortic neck diameter (observer 1: CT, 18.5 mm; MR, 19.0 mm; P = .43) (observer 2: CT, 19.6 mm; MR, 19.3 mm; P = .59), aortic neck diameter 15 mm distal to the lowest renal artery (observer 1: CT, 19.2 mm; MR, 19.2 mm; P = .38) (observer 2: CT, 19.6 mm; MR, 19.6 mm; P = .91), aortic neck length (observer 1: CT, 43.6 mm; MR, 43.6 mm; P = .85) (observer 2: CT, 44.4 mm; MR, 44.0 mm; P = .93), or other key vascular measurements (P = .23-.99) for preoperative planning. These included aneurysm diameter, lowest renal artery to aortic bifurcation length, aortic bifurcation diameter, common iliac artery diameters, external iliac artery diameters, length between orifices of lower renal and internal iliac arteries, and iliac artery sealing length. CT and MR angiography measurements showed very strong correlation (r = 0.92-0.99). Intraclass correlation coefficients between observers ranged from 0.90 to 0.98. Stent types and configurations determined with CT measurements remained unaltered when reassessed with MR measurements. CONCLUSION Measurements obtained with nonenhanced MR angiography appear equally accurate to those of CT angiography in the preoperative planning of abdominal EVAR.