Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A PCR Assay To Discriminate Human and Ruminant Feces on the Basis of Host Differences in Bacteroides-Prevotella Genes Encoding 16S rRNA

ABSTRACT Our purpose was to develop a rapid, inexpensive method of diagnosing the source of fecal pollution in water. In previous research, we identified Bacteroides-Prevotella ribosomal DNA (rDNA) PCR markers based on analysis. These markers length heterogeneity PCR and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism distinguish cow from human feces. Here, we recovered 16S rDNA clones from natural waters that were close phylogenetic relatives of the markers. From the sequence data, we designed specific PCR primers that discriminate human and ruminant sources of fecal contamination.
Housing Expenditures and Income Poverty in EU Countries

Previous research has suggested that hidden income arising from home ownership has important consequences for poverty measurement as it tends to favour certain low income groups, especially the elderly, and to have a moderating effect on poverty rates in countries with high levels of home ownership. This article explores both methodological and substantive aspects of this issue using data for 14 EU countries drawn from the European Community Household Panel Survey 1996. Methodologically, in the absence of data needed to estimate hidden income from housing directly, it explores the validity of using a housing expenditures approach to take account of the income effects of housing in a poverty measurement context. Substantively, it examines whether poverty measured in this way in the 14 countries in the data set differs in expected directions from poverty as conventionally measured. The substantive effects are found to be modest overall and to conform only partially to expectations. Certain methodological problems raise a question mark over these findings, such as variation across countries in the degree to which mortgage payments capture the cost of house purchase for home owners. The article concludes that the distributive effects of housing are important for poverty measurement but need to be better understood within each country before attempting cross-country analysis.
Augmentation index is associated with cardiovascular risk

Objectives Augmentation index is a parameter measured by pulse wave analysis (PWA) and is used as a surrogate measure of arterial stiffness. The aim of this study was to assess whether augmentation index is associated with cardiovascular risk, as well as to evaluate whether the determinants of augmentation index are different in patients with cardiovascular disease compared to healthy subjects. Design and methods We related augmentation index to risk scores in 216 subjects with or without a cardiovascular disease. Subjects without cardiovascular disease were classified according to the ‘coronary risk chart’ of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), and those with cardiovascular disease were classified using the SMART (Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease) score and the EPOZ (Epidemiological Prevention study Of Zoetermeer) function. Augmentation index was derived by PWA using carotid applanation tonometry. Augmentation index was also correlated to age, blood pressure, heart rate, smoking history, cholesterol, height, body mass index and gender in subjects categorized as healthy or with cardiovascular disease. Results Augmentation index significantly increased with increasing risk scores (P < 0.0001) and was significantly correlated to cardiovascular risk (ESC: P < 0.0001; SMART: P < 0.0001; EPOZ: P < 0.0001). In subjects with and without cardiovascular disease, augmentation index was correlated with diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, height and gender. Age was found to be significantly correlated with augmentation index only in healthy subjects but not in those with atherosclerotic disease. Conclusions Our findings suggest that augmentation index may be a useful marker of cardiovascular risk. Further studies are required to investigate the relationship between age and augmentation index in subjects with atherosclerotic disease.
Resistive switching in sol-gel derived microscale memristors

This paper describes the synthesis of micro-thick hafnium-oxide (∼ 60 μm) memristors using a low-cost sol-gel drop-coating technique, and emphasizes on key parameters to be considered in the development of the microscale technology. The impact of electrode material on the device I-V electrical behavior is screened with the use of different metals, with different work-functions and oxygen affinities such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti) and palladium (Pd) under a symmetric metal-insulator-metal arrangement. The type of metal contact was found to play a vital role in the switching behavior of the devices, highlighting a potential chemical interplay between the drop-coating solution and the electrode surface during the fabrication process. The effect of the sol-gel drying temperature on the I-V curve characteristics is also investigated with similar devices made at 60 °C and 80 °C. For example, the Roff/Ron ratio of Al/Al-type memristors was found to increase by approximately nine folds when the drying temperature was increased from 60 °C to 80 °C. As depicted from the changes observed in the maximum flowing current within an I-V curve, the drying temperature was generally found to mainly affect the internal resistance of the devices, allowing external control over the Roff/Ron ratio.
Linux 2.4 implementation of Westwood+ TCP with rate-halving: a performance evaluation over the Internet

The additive increase/multiplicative decrease probing paradigm is at the core of TCP congestion control. To improve the classic Reno/New Reno congestion control algorithms, the recent Westwood+ TCP proposes to substitute the multiplicative decrease phase with an adaptive decrease phase, which takes into account an end-to-end estimate of the available bandwidth obtained by filtering the stream of returning ACKs. This paper aims at evaluating the performance of Westwood+ TCP over the real Internet. For that purpose, a Linux 2.4. 19 implementation of Westwood+ TCP has been developed and compared with an implementation of New Reno. More than 4000 files, with different sizes, have been uploaded via ftp from a host at the Politecnico of Bari (South of Italy) to three remote servers, which are located at Parma (North of Italy), Uppsala University (Sweden) and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA, California). Experimental results indicate that Westwood+ TCP improves the goodput with respect to New Reno TCP over paths with a bandwidth delay product larger than few segments. In particular, goodput improvements up to 40-50% have been measured when transmitting data from Politecnico of Bari to Uppsala or UCLA servers. Currently, Westwood+ TCP support is available in the official Linux kernel. It was included both in the kernel 2.4. x from version 2.4. 26-prel on and in the kernel 2.6. x from version 2.6. 3-rcl on.
Influence of size of regions of interest on the measurement of uptake of 123I-α-methyl tyrosine by brain tumours

SummaryThe aim of this study was to assess the influence of variations in the size of regions of interest (ROIs) on uptake values in brain tumours of L-3-iodine-123-α-methyl tyrosine (IMT). In addition, we attempted to establish the influence of size of ROIs on levels of significance assessing differences in mean IMT uptake between high-grade and low-grade tumours. Relative IMT uptake was determined in 19 patients with brain tumours using a MULTISPECT 3 triple-headed camera. Reconstructed image resolution was 14 mm at FWHM. Ten of the subjects suffered from high-grade gliomas (WHO grade III or IV) and nine from benign brain tumours, including eight patients with low-grade gliomas (WHO grade II). ROIs were defined by selecting those pixels within the tumour that exhibited uptake values above predefined threshold values. Using threshold values of 100, 95, 90, 85 and 80%- of the mean, transaxial ROI size was approximately 0.1, 2.8, 4.3, 6.2 and 8.8 cm2, respectively. Over this range, mean IMT uptake values decreased significantly from 2.4 to 1.9. High-grade tumours exhibited significantly higher IMT uptake than low-grade tumours at each of the threshold values. The corresponding levels of significance calculated using the Mann-Whitney U-test were between 0.01 and 0.02. Although IMT uptake values in brain tumours are significantly dependent on ROI size, levels of significance assessing differences in IMT uptake between high-grade and low-grade tumours are relatively insensitive to variations in this parameter.
Analysis Of The Technical Efficiency Over Time Of West Javanese Rice Farms

The high costs and effectiveness of Indonesia's current mix of policies aimed at maintaining rice self-sufficiency, for example fertiliser and other subsidies, has been questioned. Consequently, attention has turned to developing policies to increase farmers yields through efficiencies, for example as a result of better extension. The main issue investigated in this article is whether existing yields can be significantly improved through increasing the efficiency of individual farmers. Production frontiers are estimated and technical efficiencies/inefficiencies predicted from panel data and for one year at a time. Different results are explained in relation to a number of aspects, especially the rate of adoption of new technologies, and policy actions are recommended. The robustness of the analysis is examined as conclusions obtained from past analyses have often been inconsistent.
An Analysis of Risk and Return Characteristics of Corporate Bankruptcy Using Capital Market Data

Most of the empirical research in this area has used accounting data, comparing the ability of various financial ratios to predict corporate failure. ' Typically, the time series behavior of various financial ratios for a sample of failed firms is compared with that of a control group of nonfailed firms. It seems safe to say that the various empirical models that have used financial ratios have been successful in discriminating between failing and nonfailing firms several years before bankruptcy actually occurred. Regardless of the success of the accounting ratio models, they really have little or no definitive theoretical foundation. Instead, the financial ratios are simply utilized in various statistical procedures until they do, in fact, work. Perhaps because of this success, market-derived data have received little attention in studies of corporate bankruptcy.2 However, market data can provide a satisfying
On the BER and spectral efficiency performances of coded QAM configurations that map non-coded bits

This paper evaluates the bit-error rate and spectral efficiency performance provided by the convolutional coded Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) configurations whose global rates are modified mainly by changing the numbers of code and non-coded bits mapped on a QAM symbol. The Bit Error Rate (BER) performance provided are compared to the ones of the convolutional coded modulations which map only code bits and have the same configuration rates, aiming to show that coded configurations mapping non-coded bits as well, ensure a target BER value at smaller values of the Signal/Noise Ratio (SNR) than the ones mapping only code bits The paper also presents an approximate method to compute the BER of the configurations mapping both code and non-coded bits, which is validated by computer simulations and is shown to provide good accuracy in the range of BER values of practical interest.
Hierarchical temporal memory implementation on FPGA using LFSR based spatial pooler address space generator

Hierarchical temporal memory (HTM) is the model of the neocortex functionality, developed by Numenta, Inc. The level of implementation does cover only the subset of actual neocortex layers functionality, but, however, is sufficient to be useful in different domain areas e.g. for a novelty or anomaly detection. Numenta provides their implementation of the HTM for commercial or research purposes as a software solution. The purpose of this work is to investigate the feasibility of implementing the HTM algorithm partly or entirely on FPGA, providing the suitable building block for the resource limited cyber physical systems. The uniqueness of the provided solution is based on resource efficient Linear Feedback Shift Registers (LFSR) as connection address generators, as well as using a simple serial interface for inter-column communication.
Analysis of an Autoregulatory Loop Controlling ToxT, Cholera Toxin, and Toxin-Coregulated Pilus Production inVibrio cholerae

ABSTRACT Coordinate expression of many virulence genes in the human pathogenVibrio cholerae is controlled by the ToxR, TcpP, and ToxT proteins. These proteins function in a regulatory cascade in which ToxR and TcpP, two inner membrane proteins, are required to activatetoxT and ToxT is the direct activator of virulence gene expression. ToxT-activated genes include those whose products are required for the biogenesis of cholera toxin (CTX) and the toxin-coregulated pilus, the major subunit of which is TcpA. This work examined control of toxT transcription. We tested a model whereby activation of toxT by ToxR and TcpP is required to prime an autoregulatory loop in which ToxT-dependent transcription of the tcpA promoter reads through a proposed terminator between the tcpF and toxT genes to result in continued ToxT production. Primer extension analysis of RNA from wild-type classical strain O395 showed that there are two products encoding toxT, one of which is longer than the other by 105 bp. Deletion of the toxT promoter (toxTΔpro) resulted in the abolishment oftoxT transcription, as predicted. Deletion of thetcpA promoter (tcpAΔpro) had no effect on subsequent detection of the smaller toxT primer extension product, but the larger toxT product was not detected, indicating that this product may be the result of transcription from the tcpA promoter and not of initiation directly upstream of toxT. Neither mutant strain produced detectable TcpA, but the CTX levels of the strains were different. ThetoxTΔpro strain produced little detectable CTX, while the tcpAΔpro strain produced CTX levels intermediate between those of the wild-type andtoxTΔpro strains. Dependence oftoxT transcription on TcpP and TcpH was confirmed by analyzing RNAs from strains carrying deletions in the genes encoding these regulators. The tcpP defect resulted in undetectabletoxT transcription, whereas the tcpH mutation led to a diminishing of toxT RNA but not complete abolishment. Taken together, these results suggest thattoxT transcription is dependent on two different promoters; one is directly upstream and is activated in part by TcpP and TcpH, and the other is much further upstream and is activated by ToxT.
Evaluation of venous occlusion plethysmograph.

Inflow and outflow, occlusion and perfusion pressures, and pressure in a small vein in the paw were measured simultaneously with the plethysmogram on the amputated forepaws of dogs. Venous tamponade was complete for a period of time dependent on the height of occlusion pressure and the magnitude of arterial flow. Paw venous pressure rose rapidly to 'effective occlusion pressure,' at which time blood began to escape beneath the occlusion cuff. Arterial flow began to decline immediately after occlusion. Two occlusion artifacts were observed. The first was an abrupt deflection that could be easily avoided on the plethysmogram, and the second was a slower rise that could be detected only when inflow was interrupted prior to occlusion. The plethysmographically measured flow was not significantly different from inflow measured with the electromagnetic flowmeter because of a balance between the positive error due to artifact and the negative error due to the effect of occlusion on inflow. Submitted on September 22, 1960
Changes in the Rate of Diagnosis of Major Depression in Adolescents Following Routine Use of a Depression Rating Scale

Objective: Because major depression in adolescents often goes undiagnosed, it is useful to establish whether clinicians’ rates of making this diagnosis in a specialist adolescent mental health service change when a self-rating depression scale is routinely administered. Method: A retrospective, naturalistic study examining the rate of diagnosis of major depression in a mental health service between 1993 and 1997. The intervention was the administration of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) prior to initial assessment from September 1995 onwards. The proportion of clinical diagnoses of DSM-III-R or DSM-IV major depression was the outcome measure. Age, gender, ratings of depression and other confounding variables were used to control for changes in patient population over time. Results: One thousand three hundred and ten adolescents aged 12 to 17 years assessed between 1993 and 1997 were included. After taking into account potential confounders, diagnosis of major depression was 2.8 times (95% confidence interval 1.8, 4.3) as likely when the CES-D was in use. Increase was more marked when adolescents were more disturbed overall. There was no evidence suggesting this was due to changes in diagnostic practices or in the patient population. Conclusion: Availability to clinicians of a self-rating depression scale completed prior to assessment was associated with an increase in the frequency of diagnosis of depression in a specialist mental health service for adolescents.
Stress induced Salmonella Typhimurium re-excretion by pigs is associated with cortisol induced increased intracellular proliferation in porcine macrophages

Infections of pigs with Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhimurium (Salmonella Typhimurium) often result in the development of carriers that intermittently excrete Salmonella in very low numbers. During periods of stress, such as transport to the slaughter house, recrudescence of Salmonella may occur. The mechanism of stress related re-excretion of Salmonella by pigs is poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of the presented study was to determine the role of the stress hormone cortisol on Salmonella re-excretion by pigs. First, an in vivo infection model was optimized to reproduce stress induced re-excretion of Salmonella Typhimurium by pigs. We showed that a 24 hour feed withdrawal increases the Salmonella Typhimurium load in pigs, which is correlated with increased cortisol blood levels. A second in vivo trial, showed that the stress related re-excretion of Salmonella Typhimurium in pigs can be induced by intramuscular injection of dexamethasone, a synthetic member of the glucocorticoids, at a concentration (2 mg/kg) that does not cause immunosuppression of the pig (Flaming et al., 1994). Furthermore we demonstrated that cortisol promotes intracellular proliferation of Salmonella Typhimurium in porcine alveolar macrophages, but not in intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2), at a concentration (1 µM) that did not exert a notable effect on porcine cell viability. Whether this increased intracellular proliferation is triggered by cortisol-induced changes in the host cell or by direct interaction of the bacterium with cortisol, was investigated via microarray analysis. This pointed out that cortisol (1 µM) does not cause any significant changes in the gene expression of Salmonella Typhimurium, which implies that the enhanced survival of the bacteria is probably caused by an indirect effect through the cell. These results highlight the role of cortisol in the re-excretion of Salmonella Typhimurium by pigs and they provide new evidence for the role of microbial endocrinology in host-pathogen interactions. Reference: Flaming, K.P., Gogg, B.L. , Roth, F. , Roth, J.A. 1994. Pigs are relatively resistant to dexamethasone induced immunosuppression 4, 218-225.
Estimating the Fractional Order of Integration of Yields in the Brazilian Fixed Income Market

This paper presents evidence that yields on the Brazilian fixed income market are fractionally integrated, and compares the period before and after the implementation of the Inflation Targeting (IT) regime. The paper employs the commonly used GPH estimator and recently developed wavelets-based estimator of long memory. Empirical results suggest that interest rates are fractionally integrated and that interest rate spreads are fractionally integrated, with a higher order of integration in the period after the implementation of the IT regime. These results have important implications for the development of macroeconomic models for the Brazilian economy and for long-term forecasting. Furthermore, they imply that shocks to interest rates are long-lived.
Internal logic of intellectual capital: a biological approach

Purpose – The aim of the present paper is to shed new light on the interactions among capitals in a model of measurement and management of intellectual capital using the theoretical lens of complexity theory. In particular, attempts to contribute to the exploration of the power of biological metaphors in the study of intellectual capital.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology adopted in the present paper is case study research. Cases are especially suitable to answering “how” and “why” questions and are well‐suited to generating and building theory in an area where little data or theory exists. Presents the case study of Caja Madrid, a Spanish savings bank in Spain.Findings – A new framework of analysis is proposed that may help organizations to better picture and understand dynamics of interaction between capitals and elements by defining relationships which explain the creation of wealth through intangibles.Originality/value – Suggests that complexity theory has the potential to shed new light on.
THE ROLE OF INFORMATION SHARING IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: THE SECURESCM APPROACH

Information sharing plays a role of paramount importance in modern supply chain environments. In fact, the elements that compose the chain need to share information about sensitive aspects of their business in order to build more accurate and profitable supply plans. In this paper, we describe how the increasing of information released increases the overall economic results of the whole chain, and how this information can be protected, exploiting secure computation techniques, to reduce the risk of data disclosure and prevent quasi-altruistic or selfish behaviors without interfering with the chain's normal operation, and in particular with the minimization of the cost function.
110-GHz monolithic resonant-tunneling-diode trigger circuit

The design and fabrication of a novel resonant tunneling diode (RTD) structure to be used in a monolithically integrated trigger circuit are reported. The structure has been designed to have high peak current densities with relatively low resonant voltages. These devices have been monolithically integrated with resistors to build a high-frequency trigger circuit. Experiments demonstrated triggering performance up to 110 GHz with subpicosecond timing jitter. <<ETX>>
Trade-Revealed TFP

We introduce a novel methodology to measure the relative TFP of the tradeable sector across countries, based on the relationship between trade and TFP in the model of Eaton and Kortum (2002). The logic of our approach is to measure TFP not from its "primitive" (the production function) but from its observed implications. In particular, we estimate TFPs as the productivities that best fit data on trade, production, and wages. Applying this methodology to a sample of 19 OECD countries, we estimate the TFP of each country's manufacturing sector from 1985 to 2002. Our measures are easy to compute and, with respect to the standard development-accounting approach, are no longer mere residuals. Nor do they yield common "anomalies", such as the higher TFP of Italy relative to the US.