Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study on biofilm-forming properties of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus.

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to observe the formation of biofilm, an important virulence factor, by isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in Pakistan by different conventional methods and through electron microscopy. METHODOLOGY We screened 115 strains of S. aureus isolated from different clinical specimens by tube method (TM), air-liquid interface coverslip assay method, Congo red agar (CRA) method, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS Out of 115 S. aureus isolates, 63 (54.78%) showed biofilm formation by tube method. Biofilm forming bacteria were further categorized as high producers (n = 23, 20%) and moderate producers (n = 40, 34.78%). TM coordinated well with the coverslip assay for strong biofilm-producing strains in 19 (16.5%) isolates. By coverslip method, weak producers were difficult to differentiate from biofilm negative isolates. Screening on CRA showed biofilm formation only in four (3.47%) strains. Scanning electron micrographs showed the biofilm-forming strains of S. aureus arranged in a matrix on the propylene surface and correlated well with the TM. CONCLUSION Biofilm production is a marker of virulence for clinically relevant staphylococcal infections. It can be studied by various methods but screening on CRA is not recommended for investigation of biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus. Electron micrograph images correlate well with the biofilm production as observed by TM.
LLC resonant DC-DC converter for high voltage applications

In this paper, an LLC resonant dc-dc converter is proposed for high voltage applications. Full bridge inverter, LLC resonant tanks, high voltage transformer and full bridge rectifier are comprised in the proposed converter circuit. In operating frequency of proposing converter, output voltage regulation is achieved by narrow varying. The energy trapped in leakage inductance of the transformer and to achieve ZVS feature, LLC resonant circuit is utilized to retrieve. It also increases conversion efficiency. A high voltage transformer is used to step up AC voltage which is then refined by the rectifier. With the equivalent circuit derived by first harmonic approximation (FHA method, input-output response and DC characteristics in frequency domain are obtained. The theoretical equations of the circuit operations are studied in detail to infer. Finally, a design example is implemented out to establish the feasibility of the proposed LLC resonant converter. The simulation results on the essential switching and circuit operation are presented. The robustness of this study is verified by the simulation results of the proposed converter with 300V input and 3.5kV/0.35A output.
Kinesin-1–powered microtubule sliding initiates axonal regeneration in Drosophila cultured neurons

Microtubule sliding drives initial axon regeneration in Drosophila neurons. Axotomy leads to fast calcium influx and subsequent microtubule reorganization. Kinesin-1 heavy chain drives the sliding of antiparallel microtubules to power axonal regrowth, and the JNK pathway promotes axonal regeneration by enhancing microtubule sliding.
Impairment of Timing Behavior after Prolonged Alcohol Consumption in Rats

Prolonged alcohol consumption (5 months) concomitant with adequate nutrition was found to impair the acquisition and performance of timing behavior. Alcohol was administered in the form of a liquid diet containing 35 percent ethanol-derived calories as the only source of fluid and calories. One control group received the identical liquid diet with isocaloric substitution of sucrose for ethanol, and another control group received laboratory chow and water without restriction. Thirty days after ethanol was discontinued in the diet, the alcohol-consuming rats were severely impaired in acquisition and performance of timing behavior as compared to controls.
Advanced molecular techniques in pregnancy research: proteomics and genomics--a workshop report.

Pregnancy research is undergoing a revolution driven by the new methods of proteomics and genomics. We now have the ability to rapidly generate and compare highly complex patterns of gene transcription (cDNAs) and protein expression in cells and tissues. Equally important are new advances in bioinformatics, and the sequencing of the human genome that allow the rapid identification of the cDNAs/proteins that are differentially expressed. Our knowledge of the cDNAs/ proteins that potentially play a role in various stages of placentation has been dramatically increased, as shown from
Initial position estimation for sensorless surface-mounted PMSM with near-zero saliency at standstill

An initial rotor position estimation method for surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) without any position sensor at standstill is presented. Oscillating high-frequency signal is injected to estimate the magnet pole position. The error signal containing with rotor position information is acquired from the q-axis current component in the estimated synchronous reference frame. In order to make rotor polarity be identified more effectively and simply, pulse voltage vectors is injected in the corresponding direction. The validity of the proposed estimation scheme is verified by an 11.7kW surface-mounted PMSM with near-zero saliency. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme achieve acceptable estimation accuracy.
Fire resistance of light gauge steel frame wall systems lined with gypsum plasterboards

Light gauge steel frame (LSF) wall systems are increasingly used in residential and commercial buildings as load bearing and non-load bearing elements. Conventionally, the Fire Resistance Levels (FRL) of such building elements are determined using approximate prescriptive methods based on limited standard fire tests. However, recent studies have shown that in some instances real building fire time-temperature curves could be more severe than the standard fire curve, in terms of maximum temperature and rate of temperature rise. This has caused problems for safe evacuation and rescue activities, and in some instances has also lead to the collapse of buildings earlier than the prescribed fire resistance. Therefore a detailed research study into the performance of LSF wall systems under both standard fire and realistic fire conditions was undertaken using full scale fire tests to understand the fire performance of different LSF wall configurations. Both load bearing and non-load bearing full scale fire tests were performed on LSF walls configurations with varying number of plasterboard linings, and stud section sizes. The non-load bearing fire test results were utilized to understand the factors affecting the fire resistance of LSF walls, while load bearing fire test results were used to understand the effects exposure to realistic design fire time-temperature curves. This paper presents the results of full scale experimental study on different wall configurations, highlights the effects of realistic design fire time-temperature curves on wall panels and the factors affecting the fire resistance of LSF walls.
A RTL Testability Analyzer Based on Logical Virtual Prototyping

In this paper, we propose a novel RTL testability analyzer based on logical virtual prototyping. A very fast synthesis engine is utilized to create a gate level hierarchical netlist with generic gates, which we call a logical virtual prototype, in this paper. Subsequently, ATPG and testability analysis are performed on the logical virtual prototype to provide RTL designers with a wealth of information that would allow them: (1) Accurately estimate / predict test coverage. (2) Generate patterns that can be used for gate-level design. (3) Identify hard-to-test design blocks in RTL, which can then be redesigned to improve coverage.
Exploring Relationship Management in Professional Services: A Study of Management Consultancy

This paper examines relationship management within management consultancy. This is an industry that has attracted little attention from researchers into professional services, and represents a significant gap in the marketing literature on relationship management. However, management consultancy is an important context for researching relationships as consultancy assignments tend to be project-based and long term in nature and client-consultant interactions are characterised by complexity; value conflicts; asymmetry of information; complex power balances; and differences in perceptions and expectations between clients and consultants. Using a case study approach, consultants' strategic views of relationships; their policies for managing relationships; the opportunity costs of relationship management policies for consultancy firms; as well as clients' views on loyalty and relationship development, are investigated.
Fibronectin: review of its structure and possible functions.

Soluble fibronectin is a large glycoprotein which is found in blood and other body fluids. Insoluble fibronectin is found in connective tissues and associated with basement membranes. Fibronectin has been known by many other names, including cold-insoluble globulin, a2-surface binding opsonic protein, antigelatin factor, large external transformation-sensitive (LETS) protein, and cell surface protein. In cell culture, fibronectin is secreted into the media of substrate-attached cells and deposited in the extracellular connective tissue matrix. Collagen, a second component of the matrix, binds to fibronectin. Sulfated proteoglycans, heparin, hyaluronic acid, fibrin, gangliosides, and components of eukaryotic cell surfaces and bacterial cell walls also interact with fibronectin. Fibronectin has been detected in very early embryos of species as distant as the chick, the mouse, and the sea urchin. Thus, fibronectin may have an organizing role in the formation ofthe extracellular matrix, may act as an adhesive protein for the orderly growth and positioning of cells, a nd may be an opsonic protein for tissue debris, soluble fibrin, and gram-positive bacteria. In the present review, we attempt to summarize the rapidly expanding literature on fi bronectin, particularly in relation to wound healing and tissue repair. A number of reviews have appeared recently which contain more complete references [1-5].
Determining the mixing of oil and sea water using polarimetric synthetic aperture radar

Knowledge of the characteristics of spilled oil in the ocean is important for cleanup operations, predictions of the impact on wildlife, and studies of the nature of the ocean surface and currents. Herein I discuss a method for evaluating the characteristics of oil in a marine environment using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and present a new, simple classification, called the oil/water mixing index (Mdex), to quickly assess the results. I link the Mdex results to the Bonn Agreement for Oil Appearance Codes (BAOAC) for aerial observers and demonstrate the Mdex on Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle SAR (UAVSAR) data collected June 23, 2010 over the former site of the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) drilling rig. The Mdex map shows a more heterogeneous oil swath than do radar backscatter images and features within the oil are consistent with features present in previously published, near‐coincident optical imagery. The Mdex results indicate that most of the oil near the DWH was mixed with sea water to a minimum depth of a few millimeters, though some areas containing relatively thin films are observed.
Assessment of anti-Salmonella activity of boot dip samples

The introduction of pathogens from the external environment into poultry houses via the boots of farm workers and visitors presents a significant risk. The use of boot dips containing disinfectant to help prevent this from happening is common practice, but the effectiveness of these boot dips as a preventive measure can vary. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-Salmonella activity of boot dips that are being used on poultry farms. Boot dip samples were collected from commercial laying hen farms in the UK and tested within 24 hours of receipt at the laboratory to assess their anti-Salmonella activity. All boot dip samples were tested against a field strain of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis using three test models: pure culture, paper disc surface matrix and yeast suspension model. Of the 112 boot dip samples tested 83.6% were effective against Salmonella in pure culture, 37.3% in paper disc surface matrix and 44.5% in yeast suspension model. Numerous factors may influence the efficacy of the disinfectants. Disinfectants used in the dips may not always be fully active against surface or organic matter contamination; they may be inaccurately measured or diluted to a concentration other than that specified or recommended; dips may not be changed regularly or may have been exposed to rain and other environmental elements. This study showed that boot dips in use on poultry farms are frequently ineffective.
LMMSE Channel Estimation for OFDM Systems with Low Number of Distributed Pilots

In linear minimum mean-square error (LMMSE) channel estimation for multicarrier transmission, how to estimate the needed channel correlation function remains a problem for systems with small number of pilots operating in time- varying channels. We consider approximating the channel power- delay profile by a shape characterized fully by the mean delay and the root-mean-square (RMS) delay spread. We present a novel, simple way to estimate these parameters in systems with distributed pilots. The ensuing channel estimation method is also applicable to multi-access communication. As a practical example, we also specialize the proposed technique to Mobile WiMAX signals and investigate the resulting performance. I. INTRODUCTION
Impact of Stewardship on Inhaled Nitric Oxide Utilization in a Neonatal ICU.

OBJECTIVES Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) remains the "gold standard" therapy for hypoxemic respiratory failure in newborns. Despite good quality evidence to guide iNO use in this population, we observed considerable practice variation, particularly in timing and rate of weaning. To promote evidence-based practice, we launched an iNO stewardship program in April 2013. Our objective was to determine whether iNO stewardship led to changes in iNO utilization and weaning. METHODS We conducted a quality improvement project in an outborn quaternary NICU, targeting improved iNO guideline compliance. We compared patterns of iNO utilization between 2 cohorts: prestewardship (April 2011-March 2013; retrospective data collection) and poststewardship (April 2013-March 2015; prospective data collection). RESULTS Eighty-seven neonates received 88 courses of iNO in the 2 years prestewardship, and 64 neonates received 64 courses of iNO in the 2 years poststewardship. There were no significant differences (P > .05) in patient demographics, in the proportion of patients receiving iNO "off-label," in proportion initiated at the referring hospital, or in outcomes (death or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). There were significant (P < .05) reductions in median total hours on iNO per patient (47 vs 20; P < .001), in iNO hours per patient from maximum dose to initial wean (28 vs 9; P < .01), and in hours from initial wean to discontinuation (14 vs 8; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The introduction of iNO stewardship was associated with improved adherence to evidence-based guidelines and an overall reduction in total and per-patient iNO use.
Integration of Opinion Mining into customer analysis model

This research proposes a multi-dimensional model for Opinion Mining, which integrates customers' characteristics and their opinions about products (or services). Customer opinions are valuable for companies to deliver right products or services to their customers. This research presents a comprehensive framework to evaluate opinions' orientation based on products' hierarchy attributes. It also provides an alternative way to obtain opinion summaries for different groups of customers and different categories of produces.
Content validity of the Sheehan Irritability Scale in patients with major depressive disorder

The Sheehan Irritability Scale (SIS) measures the frequency, severity, and impairment associated with irritability in psychiatric patients. The content validity of the SIS in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) has not been evaluated. A cross-sectional, qualitative research study was conducted to assess the content validity of the SIS among patients with MDD. One-on-one interviews were conducted, starting with open-ended questions to evaluate the consistency of the SIS content with patient experiences of irritability. Participants then completed the SIS and cognitive interviews around the comprehension of the SIS content (instructions, items, response options). Participants included 24 patients diagnosed with MDD who had an inadequate response to an antidepressant treatment. The sample was: 50.4 mean years, 66.7% female, and 91.7% white racial background. All concepts on the SIS were spontaneously mentioned by at least one participant, and when probed about the symptoms, the majority of participants (66.7–100%) reported the concepts being part of their experience. The majority of participants (70.8–100%) understood the SIS instructions, items, and response scales. This study provides evidence of content validity of the SIS in patients diagnosed with MDD, supporting the use as a measure of irritability in patients with depression.
A nonlinear trimmed moving averaging-based system with its application to real-time QRS beat classification

In this paper, a real-time QRS beat classification system based on a nonlinear trimmed moving average filter is presented. This nonlinear system aims to identify abnormal beats of ventricular origin. The proposed beat classifier is designed to work in parallel with a real-time QRS detector, allowing the task of beat diagnosis to be performed immediately after a QRS complex is detected. Algorithm performance was evaluated against the ECG recordings drawn from the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. Numerical results demonstrated that a beat classification rate of over 99.5% can be achieved by the algorithm.
How Much Cash is at Risk? Evidence from U.S. Non-Financial Firms

Risk management techniques first developed by, and for, banks are now being adopted by non-financial corporations. However, while firms are already engaged in activities intended to develop their risk management practices, they often do not possess risk measures focused on key corporate financial results such as earnings or cash flow. The main contribution of this paper is to develop a cash flow-based risk measure conditional on specific company-level factors. With U.S. firm-level data, we present evidence that Cash Flow-at-Risk and Expected shortfall differ across main non-financial industries. Our results call for renewed attention to the role that VaR-type measures for cash flow can play in empirical studies dedicated to corporate risk analysis, and with respect to corporate-level risk management purposes.
Bayesian random threshold estimation in a Cox proportional hazards cure model

In this paper, we develop a Bayesian approach to estimate a Cox proportional hazards model that allows a threshold in the regression coefficient, when some fraction of subjects are not susceptible to the event of interest. A data augmentation scheme with latent binary cure indicators is adopted to simplify the Markov chain Monte Carlo implementation. Given the binary cure indicators, the Cox cure model reduces to a standard Cox model and a logistic regression model. Furthermore, the threshold detection problem reverts to a threshold problem in a regular Cox model. The baseline cumulative hazard for the Cox model is formulated non‐parametrically using counting processes with a gamma process prior. Simulation studies demonstrate that the method provides accurate point and interval estimates. Application to a data set of oropharynx cancer patients suggests a significant threshold in age at diagnosis such that the effect of gender on disease‐specific survival changes after the threshold. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Third Wave Of Virtual Work.

In three major waves of change over the past 30 years, employers and workers have converged on new arrangements for getting knowledge work done. First, home computers and e-mail spawned an army of freelancers, offering both workers and employers new flexibility. Next, mobile technology and global teamwork gave the same kind of work-anywhere, work-anytime flexibility to full-time employees, without asking them to forsake career progress and development within their companies. Now, in a third wave, new ways of providing community and shared space are curing a side effect of virtualization- worker isolation-and driving increased collaboration. The authors write that to make the most of this third wave of change, employers should rethink the compact they forge with workers. Five fundamental aspects of knowledge work require fresh thinking: the value of the relationship with a larger enterprise; the settings in which work is done; the organization of workflows and how individual contributors add value; the technologies used to support higher achievement; and the degree to which employment arrangements are tailored to individuals. The three waves of transformation surge forward at differing velocities across sectors and geographies and mix together in societies. Understanding how your business participates in each wave will help you make wise decisions about technology, work models, talent sources, and people practices.
A Distinct Pathway for Polar Exocytosis in Plant Cell Wall Formation1[OPEN]

A distinct Golgi-derived polar exocytosis pathway occurs in Nicotiana tabacum for pectin methylesterase 1 and contributes to cell wall and cell plate formation during cytokinesis. Post-Golgi protein sorting and trafficking to the plasma membrane (PM) is generally believed to occur via the trans-Golgi network (TGN). In this study using Nicotiana tabacum pectin methylesterase (NtPPME1) as a marker, we have identified a TGN-independent polar exocytosis pathway that mediates cell wall formation during cell expansion and cytokinesis. Confocal immunofluorescence and immunogold electron microscopy studies demonstrated that Golgi-derived secretory vesicles (GDSVs) labeled by NtPPME1-GFP are distinct from those organelles belonging to the conventional post-Golgi exocytosis pathway. In addition, pharmaceutical treatments, superresolution imaging, and dynamic studies suggest that NtPPME1 follows a polar exocytic process from Golgi-GDSV-PM/cell plate (CP), which is distinct from the conventional Golgi-TGN-PM/CP secretion pathway. Further studies show that ROP1 regulates this specific polar exocytic pathway. Taken together, we have demonstrated an alternative TGN-independent Golgi-to-PM polar exocytic route, which mediates secretion of NtPPME1 for cell wall formation during cell expansion and cytokinesis and is ROP1-dependent.