Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Culture-Independent Analysis of Probiotic Products by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis

ABSTRACT In order to obtain functional and safe probiotic products for human consumption, fast and reliable quality control of these products is crucial. Currently, analysis of most probiotics is still based on culture-dependent methods involving the use of specific isolation media and identification of a limited number of isolates, which makes this approach relatively insensitive, laborious, and time-consuming. In this study, a collection of 10 probiotic products, including four dairy products, one fruit drink, and five freeze-dried products, were subjected to microbial analysis by using a culture-independent approach, and the results were compared with the results of a conventional culture-dependent analysis. The culture-independent approach involved extraction of total bacterial DNA directly from the product, PCR amplification of the V3 region of the 16S ribosomal DNA, and separation of the amplicons on a denaturing gradient gel. Digital capturing and processing of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) band patterns allowed direct identification of the amplicons at the species level. This whole culture-independent approach can be performed in less than 30 h. Compared with culture-dependent analysis, the DGGE approach was found to have a much higher sensitivity for detection of microbial strains in probiotic products in a fast, reliable, and reproducible manner. Unfortunately, as reported in previous studies in which the culture-dependent approach was used, a rather high percentage of probiotic products suffered from incorrect labeling and yielded low bacterial counts, which may decrease their probiotic potential.
Control-on-demand: an efficient approach to router programmability

Control-on-demand is a paradigm for network programmability at the network transport level. Prior work on active and programmable networking at this level either achieves flexibility by inserting significant software in the critical path of forwarding or achieves efficiency by sacrificing functionality and relegating programmability to connection management. In contrast, control-on-demand acts both in the control plane and in the data plane, still without adding software in the critical forwarding path. Rather than applying essential programs to every datagram, our approach is to apply the installed service logic asynchronously from data forwarding. This way we avoid essential processing in the critical forwarding path, applying the (user) installed service logic for service enhancement only. In this paper, we describe control-on-demand and how its service model provides sufficient richness to act in the data path. Set is restrictive enough to avoid the significant performance overhead of other in-data path approaches. The expressiveness of the programmable model is limited to observing and suggesting to the forwarding engine, but is never essential for correct processing, thus significantly reducing security and robustness concerns. Consequently, control-on-demand is efficient enough to make it viable for elementary services. Rather than replacing the interoperability layer, control-on-demand represents an evolution of router (switch) control functionality. As the required modification of router forwarding engines is insignificant, control-on-demand is viable in practice in the near future. These concepts have been prototyped as part of the Pronto Control Platform. In this paper, we describe our IPv6 router prototype implementation and discuss the application of control-on-demand on a number of interesting problems.
Therapy of experimental meningitis due to Salmonella enteritidis

In many areas of the developing world, Salmonella spp. account for greater than 50% of the gram-negative enteric organisms isolated from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The response of Salmonella meningitis to conventional therapy (chloramphenicol and/or ampicillin) is slow, complications arise frequently, and mortality rates of 60 to 80% are common. Two newer agents, ceftriaxone and imipenem, were compared with ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) in the therapy of experimental Salmonella meningitis beginning 14 h after intracisternal inoculation and continued by constant intravenous infusion for 8 h. Drug concentrations in serum and CSF closely approximated those achieved in the sera and CSF of humans receiving standard parenteral regimens. Penetration into purulent CSF [(concentration of drug in CSF/concentration of drug in serum) x 100] ranged from 18 to 41%. The rate of bacterial killing in CSF was significantly (P less than 0.001) more rapid during therapy with ceftriaxone and imipenem than it was during therapy with chloramphenicol or TMP-SMX. Ceftriaxone and imipenem sterilized the CSF of six of seven animals at 8 h, whereas it sterilized the CSF of three of eight animals treated with ampicillin (P = 0.18), one of eight animals treated with chloramphenicol, and none of seven animals treated with TMP-SMX (P less than or equal to 0.01; ceftriaxone or imipenem versus chloramphenicol or TMP-SMX). New beta-lactams, including ceftriaxone and imipenem, appear to be effective therapy against Salmonella spp. in this animal model and deserve further evaluation in humans.
Effects of intravenous fat emulsions on lung function in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome or sepsis

ObjectiveTo investigate whether rapid or slowly infused intravenous fat emulsions affect the ratio of prostaglandin I2/thromboxane A2 in arterial blood, pulmonary hemodynamics, and gas exchange. DesignProspective, controlled, randomized, crossover study. SettingOperative intensive care unit of a university hospital. PatientsEighteen critically ill patients. Ten patients were stratified with severe sepsis, and eight patients had acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). InterventionsPatients were assigned randomly to receive intravenous fat emulsions (0.4 × resting energy expenditure) over 6 hrs (rapid fat infusion) or 24 hrs (slow fat infusion) along with a routine parenteral nutrition regimen, by using a crossover study design. Measurements and Main Results Systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics as well as gas exchange measurements were recorded via respective indwelling catheters. Arterial thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin-F1&agr; plasma concentrations were obtained by radioimmunoassay, and 6-keto-prostaglandin-F1&agr;/thromboxane B2 ratios (P/T ratios) were calculated. Data were collected immediately before and 6, 12, 18, and 24 hrs after onset of fat infusion. In the ARDS group, P/T ratio increased by rapid fat infusion. Concomitantly, pulmonary shunt fraction, alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference [P(a-a)o2]/Pao2, and cardiac index increased as well, whereas pulmonary vascular resistance and Pao2/Fio2 declined. After slow fat infusion, a decreased P/T ratio was revealed. This was accompanied by decreased pulmonary shunt fraction, lowered P(a-a)o2/Pao2, and increased Pao2/Fio2. Correlations between plasma concentrations of 6-keto-prostaglandin-F1&agr; or thromboxane B2 and measures of respiratory performance could be shown during rapid and slow fat infusion, respectively. In the sepsis group, the P/T ratio remained unchanged at either infusion rate, but pulmonary shunt fraction and P(a-a)o2/Pao2 decreased after rapid fat infusion, whereas Pao2/Fio2 increased. ConclusionPulmonary hemodynamics and gas exchange are related to changes of arterial prostanoid levels in ARDS patients, depending on the rate of fat infusion. In ARDS but not in sepsis patients clear of pulmonary organ failure, a changing balance of prostaglandin I2 and thromboxane A2 may modulate gas exchange, presumably via interference with hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.
Transcriptomic Signatures of Tacaribe Virus-Infected Jamaican Fruit Bats

As reservoir hosts of viruses associated with human disease, little is known about the interactions between bats and viruses. Using Jamaican fruit bats infected with Tacaribe virus (TCRV) as a model, we characterized the gene expression responses to infection in different tissues and identified pathways involved with the response to infection. This report is the most detailed gene discovery work in the species to date and the first to describe immune gene expression responses in bats during a pathogenic viral infection. ABSTRACT Tacaribe virus (TCRV) is a mammalian arenavirus that was first isolated from artibeus bats in the 1950s. Subsequent experimental infection of Jamaican fruit bats (Artibeus jamaicensis) caused a disease similar to that of naturally infected bats. Although substantial attention has focused on bats as reservoir hosts of viruses that cause human disease, little is known about the interactions between bats and their pathogens. We performed a transcriptome-wide study to illuminate the response of Jamaican fruit bats experimentally infected with TCRV. Differential gene expression analysis of multiple tissues revealed global and organ-specific responses associated with innate antiviral responses, including interferon alpha/beta and Toll-like receptor signaling, activation of complement cascades, and cytokine signaling, among others. Genes encoding proteins involved in adaptive immune responses, such as gamma interferon signaling and costimulation of T cells by the CD28 family, were also altered in response to TCRV infection. Immunoglobulin gene expression was also elevated in the spleens of infected bats, including IgG, IgA, and IgE isotypes. These results indicate an active innate and adaptive immune response to TCRV infection occurred but did not prevent fatal disease. This de novo assembly provides a high-throughput data set of the Jamaican fruit bat and its host response to TCRV infection, which remains a valuable tool to understand the molecular signatures involved in antiviral responses in bats. IMPORTANCE As reservoir hosts of viruses associated with human disease, little is known about the interactions between bats and viruses. Using Jamaican fruit bats infected with Tacaribe virus (TCRV) as a model, we characterized the gene expression responses to infection in different tissues and identified pathways involved with the response to infection. This report is the most detailed gene discovery work in the species to date and the first to describe immune gene expression responses in bats during a pathogenic viral infection.
Differential demand response to gasoline taxes and prices in the U.S.

This paper offers new evidence concerning the difference in consumers’ reactions to changes in gasoline taxes relative to changes in gasoline prices. Using microdata from the 2007 to 2009 rounds of the U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey, we estimate a complete system of demand augmented with information on gasoline excise taxes. By relying on a complete system of demand, rather than on single equations, we are able to estimate elasticities that take behavioral responses into account. In addition, we allow gasoline taxes to affect demand in two distinct ways: through relative prices and as policy signals. Elasticities of gasoline demand with respect to gasoline excise taxes and gasoline retail prices are computed and contrasted. A gasoline price increase of 13.2 ¢/gallon, corresponding to a $15/tCO 2 carbon tax, is then considered for simulation. We find that, on average, the reduction in gasoline demand caused by a tax increase is, in the long run, almost ten times as big as that induced by an equal (tax-unrelated) price increase. The same measure of differential demand response is computed both for four U.S. broad regions and by income quintile. We discuss the implications of our findings for the design of energy policies.
Does asset liquidity matter? Evidence from real estate stock markets

Purpose – The purpose of this paper in this context is to examine the impact of asset liquidity on real estate equity returns, after taking well-documented systematic risk factors into account. Due to their unique characteristics, real estate equities constitute an inherently low degree of underlying asset liquidity. Design/methodology/approach – Following the Fama-French time-series regression approach, the authors extend the conventional asset pricing model by a real estate-specific asset liquidity factor (ALF), using a sample of 244 real estate equities. Findings – The results, based on monthly data for the period 1999-2012, reveal that asset liquidity is a relevant pricing factor which contributes to explaining return variations in real estate equity markets. Accordingly, investors expect a risk premium from listed real estate companies with a low degree of asset liquidity, which is especially the case for companies facing financial constraints and during economic downturns. Furthermore, an investment.
The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on the performance of the Agricultural Sector in Ghana

The impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the economic growth of host economies has attracted significant debate in the literature with empirical evidence being inconclusive. Sectoral analysis was therefore introduced in the literature to understand the heterogenous response of the performance of the various economic sectors to changes in the inflows of FDI as opposed to the impact of the latter on the whole economy. On the sectoral paradigm, very little attention has been given to the agricultural sector which holds the key to food security in the world and poverty reduction in developing economies such as Ghana where the sector employs majority of the active working population. In this respect, our study looked at the impact of FDI on the performance of the agricultural sector in Ghana with data over the period 1980-2013 using Johansen cointegration test. We found that FDI negatively impacts the agricultural sector productivity in the long run but with positive relationship in the short run. We also found that the depreciation of the cedi negatively impacts the growth of the agricultural sector in the long run. Trade openness on the other hand had positive and significant long run impact on the agricultural sector. We recommend that the government harnesses trade relations, stabilizes the local currency and ensures that FDI inflows to agriculture and the entire economy are not harmful to the economy by way of capital and excessive profit repatriations.
Indices for assessment of hemodialysis adequacy: A comparison of different formulae

Of the various indices used in the assessment of dialysis adequacy, fractional urea clearance controlled for volume of distribution “Kt/V” remains the most widely used. Its determination is best performed by formal urea kinetic modeling (UKM), which is laborious and cumbersome, and the computational softwares are largely unavailable, particularly in developing countries. Consequently, different equations have been developed that approximate the formal UKM determination. Of the available formulae, that from second‐generation logarithmic equation have been found to approximate values derived from formal UKM closely. We set out to determine the clinical utility of percent reduction of urea and Kt/V formulae derived from it, using the logarithmic equation as the standard.
The clinical role of IL‐23p19 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: To determine the clinical implications of the over‐expression of synovial and circulating interleukin (IL)‐23p19 and the correlation between IL‐23p19 and other cytokines such as IL‐17, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α, and IL‐1β in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Synovial fluid (SF) and sera of 22 patients with RA were obtained during knee arthrocentesis and stored at −20°C. Tender/swollen joint counts, 100‐mm visual analogue scale (VAS), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP Ab) were measured. Bony erosions were determined by X‐rays. Serum and SF IL‐23p19, IL‐17, TNFα, and IL‐1β concentrations were measured by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The concentration of IL‐23p19 correlated with the concentration of IL‐17 in SF and sera, and with the concentrations of TNFα and IL‐1β in sera. SF IL‐23p19 concentration was higher in patients who had bony erosions than those who had not. However, there was no correlation between IL‐23p19 concentrations and other clinical parameters of RA. Conclusion: Upregulated IL‐23p19 in SF might be involved in joint destruction in RA through interplay with other cytokines such as IL‐17, TNFα, and IL‐1β.
The “do-not-resuscitate” order in palliative surgery: Ethical issues and a review on policy in Hong Kong

Abstract A do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, or “advance directive,” is commonly seen in the cases of palliative patients who express a wish to withhold specific resuscitative therapies in the event of a cardiac arrest. With recent technological advances, there are increasing numbers of palliative patients who undergo surgical interventions to treat their symptoms and discomfort. The decision to suspend DNR orders for palliative surgery is always a matter for debate. The present article describes a case and the ethical issues involved and gives some practical suggestions for those facing similar problems. We also review the latest DNR policy in Hong Kong.
Improved Fourth-Year Medical Student Clinical Decision-Making Performance as a Resuscitation Team Leader After a Simulation-Based Curriculum

Objective: To determine the impact of simulation-based instruction on student performance in the role of emergency department resuscitation team leader. Methods: A randomized, single-blinded, controlled study using an intention to treat analysis. Eighty-three fourth-year medical students enrolled in an emergency medicine clerkship were randomly allocated to two groups differing only by instructional format. Each student individually completed an initial simulation case, followed by a standardized curriculum of eight cases in either group simulation or case-based group discussion format before a second individual simulation case. A remote coinvestigator measured eight objective performance end points using digital recordings of all individual simulation cases. McNemar &khgr;2, Pearson correlation, repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance, and follow-up analysis of variance were used for statistical evaluation. Results: Sixty-eight students (82%) completed both initial and follow-up individual simulations. Eight students were lost from the simulation group and seven from the discussion group. The mean postintervention case performance was significantly better for the students allocated to simulation instruction compared with the group discussion students for four outcomes including a decrease in mean time to (1) order an intravenous line; (2) initiate cardiac monitoring; (3) order initial laboratory tests; and (4) initiate blood pressure monitoring. Paired comparisons of each student’s initial and follow-up simulations demonstrated significant improvement in the same four areas, in mean time to order an abdominal radiograph and in obtaining an allergy history. Conclusions: A single simulation-based teaching session significantly improved student performance as a team leader. Additional simulation sessions provided further improvement compared with instruction provided in case-based group discussion format.
Robust video editing detection using Scalable Color and Color Layout Descriptors

Nowadays, recorded videos from surveillance cameras are important evidence for legal investigation in the field of forensic science. Videos may be modified to deviate contents by a person involves in a crime. In this paper, a video editing detection based on Scalable Color Descriptor (SCD) and Color Layout Descriptor (CLD) is proposed. The detection method is composed of two components: (1) generating video identifier and signature and (2) video verification. The experimental results show that applying SCD and CLD to design the detection method outperforms the other descriptors in terms of false acceptance rate and false rejection rate. It is concluded that our method accurately classifies whether or not an incoming video is forged.
Functional analysis of 12 ORFs from Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome II

Twelve different ORFs have been deleted from the right arm of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome II; namely YBR193c, YBR194w, YBR197c, YBR198c, YBR201w, YBR203w, YBR207w, YBR209w, YBR210w, YBR211c, YBR217w and YBR228w. Tetrad analysis of heterozygous deletant strains revealed that YBR193c, YBR198c and YBR211c are essential genes for vegetative growth. No effects were detected in any of the haploid deletion mutants for the rest of the ORFs with respect to growth, gross morphology or mating. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The copper regulon of the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans H99

Cryptococcus neoformans is a human fungal pathogen that is the causative agent of cryptococcosis and fatal meningitis in immuno‐compromised hosts. Recent studies suggest that copper (Cu) acquisition plays an important role in C. neoformans virulence, as mutants that lack Cuf1, which activates the Ctr4 high affinity Cu importer, are hypo‐virulent in mouse models. To understand the constellation of Cu‐responsive genes in C. neoformans and how their expression might contribute to virulence, we determined the transcript profile of C. neoformans in response to elevated Cu or Cu deficiency. We identified two metallothionein genes (CMT1 and CMT2), encoding cysteine‐rich Cu binding and detoxifying proteins, whose expression is dramatically elevated in response to excess Cu. We identified a new C. neoformans Cu transporter, CnCtr1, that is induced by Cu deficiency and is distinct from CnCtr4 and which shows significant phylogenetic relationship to Ctr1 from other fungi. Surprisingly, in contrast to other fungi, we found that induction of both CnCTR1 and CnCTR4 expression under Cu limitation, and CMT1 and CMT2 in response to Cu excess, are dependent on the CnCuf1 Cu metalloregulatory transcription factor. These studies set the stage for the evaluation of the specific Cuf1 target genes required for virulence in C. neoformans.
Analytical Study of Some Selected Classification Algorithms in WEKA Using Real Crime Data

Data mining in the field of computer science is an answered prayer to the demand of this digital age. It is used to unravel hidden information from large volumes of data usually kept in data repositories to help improve management decision making. Classification is an essential task in data mining which is used to predict unknown class labels. It has been applied in the classification of different types of data. There are different techniques that can be applied in building a classification model. In this study the performance of these techniques such as J48 which is a type of decision tree classifier, Naive Bayesian is a classifier that applies probability functions and ZeroR is a rule induction classifier are used. These classifiers are tested using real crime data collected from Nigeria Prisons Service. The metrics used to measure the performance of each classifier include accuracy, time, True Positive Rate (TP) Rate, False Positive (FP) Rate, Kappa Statistic, Precision and Recall. The study showed that the J48 classifier has the highest accuracy compared to other two classifiers in consideration. Choosing the right classifier for data mining task will help increase the mining accuracy.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Vaccinal Newcastle Disease Virus Strain Isolated from an Owl (Rhinoptynx clamator)

ABSTRACT A Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was isolated in chicken embryonated eggs after detection by real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RRT-PCR) from a captive owl swab. The complete genome sequence of APMV-1/Rhinoptynx clamator/Brazil/22516/2009 (APMV-1, avian paramyxovirus type 1) was obtained using Illumina sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome classified the isolate within NDV class II genotype II.