Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Value of Whole-Body Washing With Chlorhexidine for the Eradication of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Background. Whole-body washing with antiseptic solution has been widely used as part of eradication treatment for colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), but evidence for the effectiveness of this measure is limited. Objective. To study the efficacy of whole-body washing with chlorhexidine for the control of MRSA. Design. Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. Setting. University Hospital of Heidelberg and surrounding nursing homes. Patients. MRSA carriers who were not treated concurrently with antibiotics effective against MRSA were eligible for the study. Intervention. Five days of whole-body washing with either 4% chlorhexidine solution (treatment group) or with a placebo solution. All patients received mupirocin nasal ointment and chlorhexidine mouth rinse. The outcome was evaluated 3, 4, 5, 9, and 30 days after treatment with swab samples taken from several body sites. Results. Of 114 patients enrolled in the study (56 in the treatment group and 58 in the placebo group), 11 did not finish treatment (8 from the treatment group and 3 from the placebo group [P = .02]). At baseline, the groups did not differ with regard to age, sex, underlying condition, site of MRSA colonization, or history of MRSA eradication treatment. Eleven patients were MRSA-free 30 days after treatment (4 from the treatment group and 7 from the placebo group [P = .47]). Only groin-area colonization was significantly better eradicated by the use of chlorhexidine. The best predictor for total eradication was a low number of body sites positive for MRSA. Adverse effects were significantly more frequent in the treatment group than in the placebo group (any symptom, 71% vs 33%) but were reversible in most cases. Conclusion. Whole-body washing can reduce skin colonization, but it appears necessary to extend eradication measures to the gastrointestinal tract, wounds, and/or other colonized body sites if complete eradication is the goal. Trial Registration. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00266448.
EVOLUTIONARY STABILITY IN A 400‐MILLION‐YEAR‐OLD HERITABLE FACULTATIVE MUTUALISM

Many eukaryotes interact with heritable endobacteria to satisfy diverse metabolic needs. Some of these interactions are facultative symbioses, in which one partner is not essential to the other. Facultative symbioses are expected to be transitional stages along an evolutionary trajectory toward obligate relationships. We tested this evolutionary theory prediction in Ca. Glomeribacter gigasporarum, nonessential endosymbionts of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomeromycota). We found that heritable facultative mutualisms can be both ancient and evolutionarily stable. We detected significant patterns of codivergence between the partners that we would only expect in obligate associations. Using codiverging partner pairs and the fungal fossil record, we established that the Glomeromycota–Glomeribacter symbiosis is at least 400 million years old. Despite clear signs of codivergence, we determined that the Glomeribacter endobacteria engage in recombination and host switching, which display patterns indicating that the association is not evolving toward reciprocal dependence. We postulate that low frequency of recombination in heritable endosymbionts together with host switching stabilize facultative mutualisms over extended evolutionary times.
Stability modeling of HEV/EV electric drives as a small-scale distributed power system

Stability modeling of Hybrid Electric Vehicle and Electric Vehicle (HEV/EV) electric drives as a small-scale distributed power system is presented. Three fundamental questions in applying the impedance-based stability analysis are broached, those are “Is output/input impedance stability modeling sensitive to 1) input-output boundary location? , 2) power-flow direction? , and 3) voltage-stiff or current-stiff representation? ”. The validity of the answers to these questions presented in this paper is not restricted to vehicle electric drive applications. The stability modeling description is presented with an example of an HEV electric drive (e-drive) system consisting of a dc-dc converter and two three-phase inverters sharing a common dc-bus. It is shown that there is good correlation of the stability analysis results between the presented approach and the time-domain circuit simulations.
A study on optimum design and dynamic behavior of a hydrostatic guideway on rotary machine tool

Because of the oil chamber of the traditional hydrostatic guideway only has one oil outlet, which is easy to concentrate the pressure of the oil chamber at the outlet, leading to non-uniform pressure distribution. Hence, the objective of this study is to design a uniform pressure distribution of hydrostatic guideway. In the design process, the configuration results of the guideway obtained by the analysis of pressure distribution for single chamber and chamber combination. The optimum parameters of each chamber have been determined by using HTGA/Gray approach. This approach will be more robust, stability, and quickly convergent than Taguchi and GA approaches. Furthermore, this study discusses dynamic behavior of the designed guideway and the referenced guideway under external load. Finally, the optimization results clearly indicate that the optimized guideway has better performance than the referenced guideway. And the experimental results are used to verify the feasibility and the practicality of this study.
Conformational transitions using molecular dynamics with minimum biasing

The molecular dynamics algorithm (MD), which simulates intramolecular motions on the subnanosecond timescale, has been modified to allow the investigation of slow conformational transitions that do not necessarily occur spontaneously in MD simulations. The method is designated CONTRA MD (CONformational TRAnsitions by Molecular Dynamics with minimum biasing). The method requires the prior definition of a single conformational variable that is required to vary monotonically from an initial conformation to a final target conformation. The simulation is broken up into a series of short free MD segments, and we determine, after each segment of MD, whether or not the system has evolved toward the final conformation. Those segments that do not move the system in that direction are deleted. Those that do move it toward the final conformation are patched together sequentially to generate a single representative trajectory along the transition pathway. The CONTRA MD method is demonstrated first by application to the simultaneous C2′‐endo to C3′‐endo repucker and anti to syn N‐glycosidic torsion transitions in 2′‐deoxyadenosine and then to the large‐scale bending in phenylalanine transfer RNA. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An Approach to Optimise the Execution of RTM Algorithm in Multicore Machines

The new oil fields discovered in the Gulf of Mexico and in Brazil's southeast coast are located in deep water, which imposes new challenges for sub salt seismic imaging. To produce sufficient accurate imaging of such fields, the compute intensive RTM method is the currently favoured approach, despite its high computational cost. This work evaluates the RTM code in multicore machines and proposes a new version that is more than 2.4 faster than the original. Besides, how the memory hierarchy is utilised has a crucial impact on the performance of the code. This article also presents an innovative approach to calculate efficient block values for a better memory utilisation on multicore archictetures.
Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany Phylogenetic Implications of a Unique 5.8S nrDNA Insertion in Phylogenetic Implications of a Unique 5.8S nrDNA Insertion in Cyperaceae Cyperaceae

The purpose of this study was to assess the phylogenetic utility of a large insertion (3 bp) in the 5.8S gene of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) in Cyperaceae and selected Juncaceae. This was done by reconstructing the character evolution of the insertion on a phylogeny derived from rbc L sequences. Results suggest that the insertion was gained once at the base of Cyperaceae followed by multiple losses in its most-derived taxa. Despite several homoplastic losses (CI ! 0.20), the pattern of insertion loss (RI ! 0.88), and base pair variation within the insertion were useful for deﬁning sedge clades at various taxonomic levels. For example, whereas a loss of the insertion appeared to characterize a major terminal clade within Cyperaceae, both an insertion loss and sequence variation were consistent with infrageneric clades previously discovered in an ITS phylogeny of Eleocharis. The presence/ absence of the insertion also supported previous conclusions based on morphological and molecular data that tribe Scirpeae and Scirpus s.l. are polyphyletic. In the context of our current understanding of Cyperaceae relationships, evolutionary patterns related to this insertion provide additional support for groups deﬁned in prior phylogenetic analyses. The present analysis also suggests that the controversial position of Oxychloe andina (Juncaceae) in previous rbc L analyses, as sister to Cyperaceae (Y12978) or as nested within Cyperaceae (U49222), is due to the fact that Y12978 is a Juncaceae/ Cyperaceae chimera, whereas U49222 is the sequence of a Cyperaceae contaminant. When U49222 is excluded from analyses and the Cyperaceae portion of Y12978 is removed, Juncaceae and Cyperaceae are monophyletic with Oxychloe positioned within a Juncaceae clade of single-ﬂowered genera.
The Italian validation of the Salford-Scott Nursing Values Questionnaire

Background: To properly direct nursing training and to improve the professional practice to become more effective, it is important to understand students’ values. Literature review has shown that there have been changes in students’ values in the last 20 years. In contemporary students, a general decrease in altruism has been observed, but also a larger appreciation for honesty toward patients has been declared. The analyzed literature did not find validated tools available in Italian that explore personal and professional values of nursing students. Design of the study: This study was an Italian linguistic and cultural adaptation of a research tool. Purpose: The authors aimed to validate, for the Italian context, the Salford-Scott Nursing Values Questionnaire, enhanced by Johnson to explore the nursing profession’s values. Methods: The Beaton Model was used as well as Valmi’s. These models require five phases, with the goal of producing a pre-final version of the instrument for it to then be administered to a sample of the target and expert population. Ethical considerations: The study was approved by the Council of the Nursing Degree University course of the Modena and Reggio Emilia University, Reggio Emilia site, and the identity of the subjects was protected at every moment of the testing. Results: Face validation was achieved since the clarity percentile for each item was 100%. Content validity was also reached, measured from the content validity index and the scale validity index. The study has confirmed the reliability of the instrument’s internal consistence with a value of Cronbach’s alpha on 0.95 of total of items. The reliability of the test–retest confirms the stability of the instrument in time (r = 0.908; p = 0.01). Conclusion: The study concludes that the instrument is ready to be administered to the target population, a sample group of nursing students.
Axin negatively affects tau phosphorylation by glycogen synthase kinase 3β

Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is an essential protein kinase that regulates numerous functions within the cell. One critically important substrate of GSK3β is the microtubule‐associated protein tau. Phosphorylation of tau by GSK3β decreases tau–microtubule interactions. In addition to phosphorylating tau, GSK3β is a downstream regulator of the wnt signaling pathway, which maintains the levels of β‐catenin. Axin plays a central role in regulating β‐catenin levels by bringing together GSK3β and β‐catenin and facilitating the phosphorylation of β‐catenin, targeting it for ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome. Although axin clearly facilitates the phosphorylation of β‐catenin, its effects on the phosphorylation of other GSK3β substrates are unclear. Therefore in this study the effects of axin on GSK3β‐mediated tau phosphorylation were examined. The results clearly demonstrate that axin is a negative regulator of tau phosphorylation by GSK3β. This negative regulation of GSK3β‐mediated tau phosphorylation is due to the fact that axin efficiently binds GSK3β but not tau and thus sequesters GSK3β away from tau, as an axin mutant that does not bind GSK3β did not inhibit tau phosphorylation by GSK3β. This is the first demonstration that axin negatively affects the phosphorylation of a GSK3β substrate, and provides a novel mechanism by which tau phosphorylation and function can be regulated within the cell.
Dissecting the rootstock control of scion transpiration using model-assisted analyses in grapevine

How rootstocks contribute to the control of scion transpiration under drought is poorly understood. We investigated the role of root characteristics, hydraulic conductance and chemical signals (abscisic acid, ABA) in the response of stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration (E) to drought in Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera) grafted onto drought-sensitive (Vitis riparia) and drought-tolerant (Vitis berlandieri × Vitis rupestris 110R) rootstocks. All combinations showed a concomitant reduction in gs and E, and an increase in xylem sap ABA concentration during the drought cycle. Cabernet Sauvignon grafted onto 110R exhibited higher gs and E under well-watered and moderate water deficit, but all combinations converged as water deficit increased. These results were integrated into three permutations of a whole-plant transpiration model that couples both chemical (i.e., ABA) and hydraulic signals in the modelling of stomatal control. Model comparisons revealed that both hydraulic and chemical signals were important for rootstock-specific stomatal regulation. Moreover, model parameter comparison and sensitivity analysis highlighted two major parameters differentiating the rootstocks: (i) ABA biosynthetic activity and (ii) the hydraulic conductance between the rhizosphere and soil-root interface determined by root system architecture. These differences in root architecture, specifically a higher root length area in 110R, likely explain its higher E and gs observed at low and moderate water deficit.
Effects of ATP on rat renal haemodynamics and excretion: role of sodium intake, nitric oxide and cytochrome P450

Aim: Adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP) affects intrarenal vascular tone and tubular transport via P2 receptors; however, the actual role of the system in regulation of renal perfusion and excretion remains unclear and is the subject of this whole‐kidney study.
Neighborhood food environment and obesity in community-dwelling older adults: individual and neighborhood effects.

OBJECTIVES We tested hypotheses about the relationship between neighborhood-level food sources and obesity, controlling for individual-level characteristics. METHODS Data (collected November 2006-April 2008) derived from a random-digit-dial sample of 5688 community-dwelling adults aged 50 to 74 years residing in 1644 census tracts in New Jersey. Using multilevel structural equation models, we created latent constructs representing density of fast-food establishments and storefronts (convenience stores, bars and pubs, grocery stores) and an observed indicator for supermarkets at the neighborhood level, simultaneously modeling obesity and demographic characteristics (age, gender, race, education, household income) at the individual level. RESULTS When we controlled for individual-level age, gender, race, education, and household income, densities of fast-food establishments and storefronts were positively associated with obesity. Supermarkets were not associated with obesity. CONCLUSIONS Because people living in neighborhoods with a higher density of fast food and storefronts are more likely to be obese, these neighborhoods may be optimal sites for interventions.
First-principles calculations of helium and neon desorption from cavities in silicon

Combining density functional theory, the nudged elastic band technique, and the ultradense fluid model, we investigated the desorption process of He and Ne in silicon. Our results show that the internal surfaces of gas-filled bubbles are not a limiting factor during desorption experiments, since the surface reconstruction opens diffusion paths easier than in the bulk. We show that the vibrational contribution to the energy of helium in the bulk has to be considered in order to determine realistic pressures in the bubbles, when comparing experiments and simulations. At the maximum of desorption, an average pressure of 1–2 GPa is computed.
The Westmead Head Injury Project. Physical and social outcomes following severe head injury.

This study reports the physical outcomes of 181 survivors of severe head injury [Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) 8 or less] following aggressive head injury management which included early triage, evacuation and resuscitation, the use of ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit and intracranial pressure (ICP) measurement and control. At the conclusion of the study period of 2 years after the head injury, 71% had achieved a Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) of 1, 17% GOS 2, 10% GOS 3 and 2% GOS 4. Physical recovery continued during the 2 years. Locomotor independence was achieved in 93% despite a motor disorder in 59%. About 90% were considered independent for basic life functions, e.g. feeding, bathing, dressing or toileting. Speech disorders were present in 19%. A return to an occupation, either a job or studies, at or below the pre-morbid level was achieved in 68%. Most patients were cared for at home by family or relatives. The majority of patients make a reasonable physical recovery following severe head injury with independence in locomotion and basic life skills. It was our impression that the neuropsychological sequelae of cognitive and behavioural disorders were a major impediment to re-assimilation into society.
ILP model and effective genetic algorithm for routing and spectrum allocation in elastic optical networks

This paper proposes an integer linear programming (ILP) formulation and an effective heuristic based on genetic algorithm (GA) for static routing and spectrum allocation (RSA) problem in spectrum-sliced elastic optical path network (SLICE). The RSA problem belongs to the class of problems called NP-Hard, and then approaches to achieve optimal solutions are limited to solve only small instances. For real networks optimal methods cannot give a solution in viable time, hence heuristic approaches are required. Then, we propose an ILP model and Genetic Algorithm (GA) to optimize the RSA problem in SLICE network. In spite of scalability problem an integer linear programming (ILP) formulation is presented, with the goal of attaining optima solutions for small networks and ascertaining our heuristic's efficiency. In addition, it is presented a detailed analysis for GA's parameters.
Mechanism for nicotine and DMPP on the isolated rat atria-vagus nerve preparation.

The effects of nicotine and DMPP were studied in isolated rat atria preparations with vagus nerves intact. The influence of nicotine, DMPP, atropine, bretylium, hemicholinium (HC-3) with vagal stimulation, hexamethonium, and reserpine on the responses to administration of nicotine and DMPP also were studied. Inhibition followed by stimulation of atrial rate and force of contraction was found when either nicotine or DMPP was added to the bath. The inhibitory phase of the response to nicotine was blocked by pretreatment with nicotine, atropine, bretylium or HC-3 with vagal stimulation. The stimulant phase was blocked by bretylium or HC-3 with vagal stimulation and was blocked and reversed to inhibition by hexamethonium. The inhibitory phase of the response to DMPP also was blocked by pretreatment with nicotine, atropine, bretylium, HC-3 with vagal stimulation or hexamethonium. The stimulant phase, however, was not blocked by hexamethonium or HC-3 with vagal stimulation, but was greatly reduced by bretylium. Bretylium alone produced a prominent positive inotropic effect, but the chronotropic response was negative. It did inhibit the response to vagal stimulation in this preparation, as did HC-3 when the vagus nerves were stimulated every 3 minutes. When the nerves were not stimulated previously, no inhibitory effect was observed, even when bretylium was present in the bath for 60 minutes. Reserpine pretreatment greatly reduced the positive effects of DMPP and bretylium but not that of nicotine. Possible mechanisms concerning the action of nicotine and DMPP are discussed in the light of the effects of the pharmacologic blocking agents used.
Serological detection of Helicobacter pylori by a flow microsphere immunofluorescence assay

A flow cytometric immunofluorescence assay (FMIA) for the detection of immunoglobulin G antibodies to Helicobacter pylori was developed. A multicomponent antigen was prepared and used to coat carboxylated polystyrene microspheres for reaction with patient sera followed by fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled goat anti-human immunoglobulin G. The reacted microspheres were collected with a flow cytometer, and fluorescence was quantitated relative to the cutoff value provided by pooled sera from patients in whom H. pylori could not be demonstrated by culture or histology. Serum samples from 28 H. pylori-positive patients and 27 H. pylori-negative patients were tested by FMIA. Additionally, an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) employing the same antigen preparation and a commercially available ELISA were used to assay the patient population. Both the FMIA and in-house ELISA were 100% sensitive and 89% specific with positive and negative predictive values of 90 and 100% and no equivocal results. The commercial ELISA was 96% sensitive and 89% specific with positive and negative predictive values of 90 and 96% and five equivocal results. FMIA provides a rapid, inexpensive, and easily performed means for serodiagnosis of H. pylori.
Signal strength ratio based handoff algorithms for cellular networks

In this paper, we propose signal strength ratio (SSR) based handoff algorithms for cellular networks. Conventional handoff algorithms use averaging method to minimize fluctuations of received signal strength at a mobile station (MS). The algorithm provides good performance under dynamic propagation environment and provides very less delay as averaging of signal strength is not done. Performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with a handover algorithm based on combined relative and absolute signal strength measurements (CSS).
Neurodevelopmental outcome of HIV‐exposed but uninfected infants in the Mother and Infants Health Study, Cape Town, South Africa

To compare neurodevelopmental outcomes of HIV‐exposed uninfected (HEU) and HIV‐unexposed uninfected (HUU) infants in a peri‐urban South African population. HEU infants living in Africa face unique biological and environmental risks, but uncertainty remains regarding their neurodevelopmental outcome. This is partly due to lack of well‐matched HUU comparison groups needed to adjust for confounding factors.