Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Microplate Growth Inhibition Assay for Screening Bacteriocins against Listeria monocytogenes to Differentiate Their Mode-of-Action

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have historically been used in food fermentations to preserve foods and are generally-recognized-as-safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as food ingredients. In addition to lactic acid; some strains also produce bacteriocins that have been proposed for use as food preservatives. In this study we examined the inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes 39-2 by neutralized and non-neutralized bacteriocin preparations (Bac+ preps) produced by Lactobacillus curvatus FS47; Lb. curvatus Beef3; Pediococcus acidilactici Bac3; Lactococcus lactis FLS1; Enterococcus faecium FS56-1; and Enterococcus thailandicus FS92. Activity differences between non-neutralized and neutralized Bac+ preps in agar spot assays could not readily be attributed to acid because a bacteriocin-negative control strain was not inhibitory to Listeria in these assays. When neutralized and non-neutralized Bac+ preps were used in microplate growth inhibition assays against L. monocytogenes 39-2 we observed some differences attributed to acid inhibition. A microplate growth inhibition assay was used to compare inhibitory reactions of wild-type and bacteriocin-resistant variants of L. monocytogenes to differentiate bacteriocins with different modes-of-action (MOA) whereby curvaticins FS47 and Beef3, and pediocin Bac3 were categorized to be in MOA1; enterocins FS92 and FS56-1 in MOA2; and lacticin FLS1 in MOA3. The microplate bacteriocin MOA assay establishes a platform to evaluate the best combination of bacteriocin preparations for use in food applications as biopreservatives against L. monocytogenes.
Causal Models for Learning Technology

New statistical methods allow discovery of causal models from observational data in some circumstances. These models permit both probabilistic and causal inference for models of reasonable size. Many domains can benefit from such methods. Educational research does not easily lend itself to experimental investigation. Research in laboratories is artificial while research in authentic environments is complex and difficult to control. The variables are typically hidden and change over the long term, making them challenging and expensive to investigate experimentally. We present an analysis of causal discovery algorithms and their applicability to educational research and learning technology, an engineered causal model of self-regulated learning (SRL) theory based on the literature, and an evaluation of the potential for discovering such a model from observational data using the new statistical methods.
Search strategy in product innovation process: theory and evidence from the evolution of agrochemical lead discovery process

This paper investigates different problem-solving strategies--herein called 'search strategies'--in the process of product innovation. It takes issue with the basic assumption of current models of the product innovation process (PIP), which unrealistically consider that the actors of product innovation--the product innovators--are all hyper-rational, homogeneous and non-choice-restricted actors. In order to take into account the more realistic view of the product innovators--as bounded rational, heterogeneous and choice-restricted actors--this paper proposes an alternative model of PIP based on cognitive psychology. According to this framework, the options of search strategy available to each product innovator depend on certain 'problem-solving-related' capabilities that he or she is able or not to use. To examine the validity of this theoretical framework, this paper investigates the phenomenon of the evolution of discovery methods in the agrochemical lead discovery process. Data for this investigation have been gathered through chronological product innovation survey of an agrochemical product registration database as well as a patent and publications index database. Results from this investigation seem to confirm the above argument. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.
Leukocyte Recruitment and the Acute Inflammatory Response

Leukocyte recruitment is a hallmark feature of the inflammatory response. This review summarizes the generally accepted paradigm of leukocyte recruitment based on studies using intravital microscopy to visualize the microcirculation. The role of selectins and α4‐integrin in rolling as well as integrin‐mediated adhesion is discussed. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the recruitment cascade within organs differs and therefore the review also attempts to highlight what is and is not known regarding leukocyte recruitment into the brain microvasculature. In the second part of this review, we provide some discussion of mechanisms by which the inflammatory response may be terminated. Particular emphasis on nuclear factor NfκB and how IL10, IL13 and secreted leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) may impact upon the NfκB‐dependent inflammatory response is presented.
Frequency guided bilateral symmetry Gabor Wavelet Network

We propose a bilateral symmetry Gabor Wavelet Network (BSGWN) for face modeling and online tracking. Bilateral symmetry wavelet pairs reduce the computational complexity of the BSGWN optimization and yield robust tracking performance in real world environments. We decompose face image into a set of frequency components. The face model of Gabor wavelets is built on the reconstructed image from corresponding frequency bands of wavelets used. The frequency guidance allows fast and accurate face tracking by removing potential clutters from other frequency bands. We verify the proposed algorithm on real video sequences including various challenging face conditions.
Parallel-FDTD and experimental results of SAR for flat and head phantoms @ 900 MHz

In this work, computational simulations were performed in order to characterize the way electromagnetic radiation interacts with the human head. Average of realistic parameters of bio-materials, such as bones and head liquids, as well as near field radiation parameters of a half-wave dipole are beeing considered in order to achieve results. This way, a software was developed in which Maxwell's equations are numerically solved by using a Beowulf cluster. The solver is based on the finite-difference time-domain method, associated to domain truncation by the uniaxial perfectly mactched layers technique and full-wave solutions have been obtained from the simulation. All averaged SAR values and electric field distributions inside modeled analysed structures have been compared to experimental results obtained in a full setup laboratory with all equipments necessary to perform dosimetric validations of telecomunication devices as shown in IEEE 1528.
A prospective randomized trial comparing stenting to internal mammary artery grafting for proximal, isolated de novo left anterior coronary artery stenosis: the SIMA trial. Stenting vs Internal Mammary Artery.

OBJECTIVE To compare coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in patients with proximal, isolated de novo left anterior descending coronary artery disease and left ventricular ejection fraction of 45%. PATIENTS AND METHODS In the multicenter Stenting vs Internal Mammary Artery (SIMA) study, patients were randomly assigned to PTCA and stent implantation or to CABG (using the internal mammary artery). The primary clinical composite end point was event-free survival, including death, myocardial infarction, and the need for additional revascularization. Secondary end points were functional class, antianginal treatment, and quality of life. Analyses were by intention to treat. RESULTS Of 123 patients who accepted randomization, 59 underwent CABG, and 62 were treated with stent implantation (2 patients were excluded because of protocol violation). At a mean +/- SD follow-up of 2.4+/-0.9 years, a primary end point had occurred in 19 patients (31%) in the stent group and in 4 (7%) in the CABG group (P<.001). This significant difference in clinical outcome is due to a higher incidence of additional revascularization in the stent group, the incidence of death and myocardial infarction being similar (7% vs 7%, respectively; P=.90). The functional class, need for antianginal drug, and quality-of-life assessment showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS Both stent implantation and CABG are safe and highly effective treatments to relieve symptoms in patients with isolated, proximal left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis. Both are associated with a low and comparable incidence of death and myocardial infarction. However, similar to PTCA alone, a percutaneous approach using elective stent placement remains hampered by a higher need for repeated intervention because of restenosis.
PENGARUH TRUST DAN PERCEIVED OF RISK TERHADAP NIAT UNTUK BERTRANSAKSI MENGGUNAKAN E-COMMERCE

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui: (1) terdapat atau tidaknya pengaruh Trust terhadap Niat untuk Bertransaksi menggunakan E-commerce , (2) terdapat atau tidaknya pengaruh Perceived of Risk terhadap Niat untuk Bertransaksi menggunakan E-commerce , dan (3) terdapat atau tidaknya pengaruh Trust dan Perceived of Risk terhadap Niat untuk Bertransaksi menggunakan E-commerce . Penelitian ini termasuk dalam jenis penelitian asosiatif, yang bertujuan untuk untuk mengetahui hubungan dua variabel atau lebih. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah Mahasiswa Fakultas Ekonomi Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan simple random sampling. Berdasarkan hasil perhitungan diketahui jumlah sampel yang digunakan sebanyak 137 mahasiswa. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner yang telah diuji validitas dan reliabilitasnya. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan untuk menjawab hipotesis penelitian ini adalah analisis regresi sederhana dan regresi berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) terdapat pengaruh positif Trust terhadap Niat untuk Bertransaksi menggunakan E-commerce pada Mahasiswa Fakultas Ekonomi Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, hal ini dibuktikan dengan nilai koefisien regresi sebesar 0,534; R 2 sebesar 0,228; dan nilai signifikansi sebesar 0,000<0,05; (2) terdapat pengaruh negatif Perceived of Risk terhadap Niat untuk Bertransaksi menggunakan E-commerce pada Mahasiswa Fakultas Ekonomi Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, hal ini dibuktikan dengan nilai koefisien regresi sebesar -0,667; R 2 sebesar 0,282 dan nilai signifikansi sebesar 0,000<0,05; (3) terdapat pengaruh Trust dan Perceived of Risk terhadap Niat untuk Bertransaksi menggunakan E-commerce pada Mahasiswa Fakultas Ekonomi Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, hal ini dibuktikan dengan nilai R 2 sebesar 0,413; dan nilai signifikansi sebesar 0,000<0,05, dan (4) Besarnya SE dan SR pada variabel Trust sebesar 17,8% dan 43,1%; sedangkan pada variabel Perceived of Risk sebesar 23,5% dan 56,9%. Kata Kunci: Trust , Perceived of Risk , Niat untuk Bertransaksi Menggunakan E-Commerce
Discontinuity Adaptive Non-Local Means With Importance Sampling Unscented Kalman Filter for De-Speckling SAR Images

This paper brings out two extensions/utilities of well-known non-local means filter. Firstly, we propose an improvement to basic non-local means filter (NLMF) by incorporating discontinuity adaptive weights, instead of Gaussian weights for similarity assessment of patches in NLMF. As against the NLMF, discontinuity-adaptive NLMF (DA-NLMF) exhibit better edge and detail preserving capability, while providing very effective de-noising at the homogeneous areas. Secondly, we propose to apply DA-NLMF on recently proposed Importance Sampling Unscented Kalman Filter (ISUKF) [1], which can also be thought of as an elegant post processing technique, in general. Specifically, we propose an efficient method for de-speckling Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery by combining ISUKF and DA-NLMF. In our approach, the DA-NLMF provides an efficient de-speckling as well as feature preservation, when its parameters of its (DA) weighting function are derived from ISUKF results. The performance of these methods is demonstrated on both synthetic and real examples, and the proposed method gives excellent results than the standard speckle filtering methods as well as various advanced methods.
Deterministic Coupon Collection and Better Strong Dispersers

Hashing is one of the main techniques in data processing and algorithm design for very large data sets. While random hash functions satisfy most desirable properties, it is often too expensive to store a fully random hash function. Motivated by this, much attention has been given to designing small families of hash functions suitable for various applications. In this work, we study the question of designing space-efficient hash families H = {h:[U] -> [N]} with the natural property of 'covering': H is said to be covering if any set of Omega(N log N) distinct items from the universe (the "coupon-collector limit") are hashed to cover all N bins by most hash functions in H. We give an explicit covering family H of size poly(N) (which is optimal), so that hash functions in H can be specified efficiently by O(log N) bits. We build covering hash functions by drawing a connection to "dispersers", which are quite well-studied and have a variety of applications themselves. We in fact need strong dispersers and we give new constructions of strong dispersers which may be of independent interest. Specifically, we construct strong dispersers with optimal entropy loss in the high min-entropy, but very small error (poly(n)/2^n for n bit sources) regimes. We also provide a strong disperser construction with constant error but for any min-entropy. Our constructions achieve these by using part of the source to replace seed from previous non-strong constructions in surprising ways. In doing so, we take two of the few constructions of dispersers with parameters better than known extractors and make them strong.
A Novel Model for Development, Organization, and Function of Gonadotropes in Fish Pituitary

The gonadotropins follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are key regulators of the reproductive axis in vertebrates. Despite the high popularity of zebrafish as a model organism for studying reproductive functions, to date no transgenic zebrafish with labeled gonadotropes have been introduced. Using gonadotropin regulatory elements from tilapia, we generated two transgenic zebrafish lines with labeled gonadotropes. The tilapia and zebrafish regulatory sequences were highly divergent but several conserved elements allowed the tilapia promoters to correctly drive the transgenes in zebrafish pituitaries. FSH cells reacted to stimulation with gonadotropin releasing hormone by proliferating and showing increased transgene fluorescence, whereas estrogen exposure caused a decrease in cell number and transgene fluorescence. Transgene fluorescence reflected the expression pattern of the endogenous fshb gene. Ontogenetic expression of the transgenes followed typical patterns, with FSH cells appearing early in development, and LH cells appearing later and increasing dramatically in number with the onset of puberty. Our transgenic lines provide a powerful tool for investigating the development, anatomy, and function of the reproductive axis in lower vertebrates.
Timing-aware ATPG for critical paths with multiple TSVs

Through-Silicon-Vias (TSVs) are the key enablers of 3D integration technology. Therefore, the reliability of 3D-ICs rely on the quality of TSV testing. TSVs are prone to defects that may introduce small delay variations that can cause quality and reliability issues. Moreover, physical and electrical conditions, such as TSV dimensions, coupling and IR-drop, may affect path delay variations and consequently affect the detectability of small delay faults (SDF) induced by defective TSVs. In this work, we study the test quality and pattern effectiveness for SDF induced by TSVs. We quantity test quality using statistical delay quality level (SDQL) metric and test patterns are generated with commercial ATPG tools.
Near-optimal strategies for nonlinear networked control systems using optimistic planning

We consider the scenario where a controller communicates with a general nonlinear plant via a network, and must optimize a performance index. The problem is modeled in discrete time and the admissible control inputs are constrained to belong to a finite set. Exploiting a recent optimistic planning algorithm from the artificial intelligence field, we propose two control strategies that take into account communication constraints induced by the use of the network. Both resulting algorithms have guaranteed near-optimality. In the first strategy, input sequences are transmitted to the plant at a fixed period, and we show bounded computation. In the second strategy, the algorithm decides the next transmission instant according to the last state measurement (leading to a self-triggered policy), working within a fixed computation budget. For this case, we guarantee long transmission intervals. Examples and simulation experiments are provided throughout the paper to illustrate the results.
Leadership for Evidence-Based Practice: Strategic and Functional Behaviors for Institutionalizing EBP

Background Making evidence-based practice (EBP) a reality throughout an organization is a challenging goal in healthcare services. Leadership has been recognized as a critical element in that process. However, little is known about the exact role and function of various levels of leadership in the successful institutionalization of EBP within an organization. Aims To uncover what leaders at different levels and in different roles actually do, and what actions they take to develop, enhance, and sustain EBP as the norm. Methods Qualitative data from a case study regarding institutionalization of EBP in two contrasting cases (Role Model and Beginner hospitals) were systematically analyzed. Data were obtained from multiple interviews of leaders, both formal and informal, and from staff nurse focus groups. A deductive coding schema, based on concepts of functional leadership, was developed for this in-depth analysis. Results Participants’ descriptions reflected a hierarchical array of strategic, functional, and cross-cutting behaviors. Within these macrolevel “themes,” 10 behavioral midlevel themes were identified; for example, Intervening and Role modeling. Each theme is distinctive, yet various themes and their subthemes were interrelated and synergistic. These behaviors and their interrelationships were conceptualized in the framework “Leadership Behaviors Supportive of EBP Institutionalization” (L-EBP). Leaders at multiple levels in the Role Model case, both formal and informal, engaged in most of these behaviors. Linking Evidence to Action Supportive leadership behaviors required for organizational institutionalization of EBP reflect a complex set of interactive, multifaceted EBP-focused actions carried out by leaders from the chief nursing officer to staff nurses. A related framework such as L-EBP may provide concrete guidance needed to underpin the often-noted but abstract finding that leaders should “support” EBP.
Impact of prophylactic immediate posttransplant ganciclovir on development of transplant atherosclerosis: a post hoc analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND Coronary artery disease occurs in an accelerated fashion in the donor heart after heart transplantation (TxCAD), but the cause is poorly understood. The risk of developing TxCAD is increased by cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and decreased by use of calcium blockers. Our group observed that prophylactic administration of ganciclovir early after heart transplantation inhibited CMV illness, and we now propose to determine whether this therapy also prevents TxCAD. METHODS AND RESULTS One hundred forty-nine consecutive patients (131 men and 18 women aged 48+/-13 years) were randomized to receive either ganciclovir or placebo during the initial 28 days after heart transplantation. Immunosuppression consisted of muromonab-CD3 (OKT-3) prophylaxis and maintenance with cyclosporine, prednisone, and azathioprine. Mean follow-up time was 4.7+/-1.3 years. In a post hoc analysis of this trial designed to assess efficacy of ganciclovir for prevention of CMV disease, we compared the actuarial incidence of TxCAD, defined by annual angiography as the presence of any stenosis. Because calcium blockers have been shown to prevent TxCAD, we analyzed the results by stratifying patients according to use of calcium blockers. TxCAD could not be evaluated in 28 patients because of early death or limited follow-up. Among the evaluable patients, actuarial incidence of TxCAD at follow-up (mean, 4.7 years) in ganciclovir-treated patients (n=62) compared with placebo (n=59) was 43+/-8% versus 60+/-10% (P<0.1). By Cox multivariate analysis, independent predictors of TxCAD were donor age >40 years (relative risk, 2.7; CI, 1.3 to 5.5; P<0.01) and no ganciclovir (relative risk, 2.1; CI, 1.1 to 5.3; P=0.04). Stratification on the basis of calcium blocker use revealed differences in TxCAD incidence when ganciclovir and placebo were compared: no calcium blockers (n=53), 32+/-11% (n=28) for ganciclovir versus 62+/-16% (n=25) for placebo (P<0.03); calcium blockers (n=68), 50+/-14% (n=33) for ganciclovir versus 45+/-12% (n=35) for placebo (P=NS). CONCLUSIONS TxCAD incidence appears to be lower in patients treated with ganciclovir who are not treated with calcium blockers. Given the limitations imposed by post hoc analysis, a randomized clinical trial is required to address this issue.
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Acetaminophen for the Reduction of Oxidative Injury in Severe Sepsis: The Acetaminophen for the Reduction of Oxidative Injury in Severe Sepsis Trial*

Objectives:This trial evaluated the efficacy of acetaminophen in reducing oxidative injury, as measured by plasma F2-isoprostanes, in adult patients with severe sepsis and detectable plasma cell-free hemoglobin. Design:Single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial. Setting:Medical ICU in a tertiary, academic medical center. Patients:Critically ill patients 18 years old or older with severe sepsis and detectable plasma cell-free hemoglobin. Interventions:Patients were randomized 1:1 to enteral acetaminophen 1 g every 6 hours for 3 days (n = 18) or placebo (n = 22) with the same dosing schedule and duration. Measurements and Main Results:F2-Isoprostanes on study day 3, the primary outcome, did not differ between acetaminophen (30 pg/mL; interquartile range, 24–41) and placebo (36 pg/mL; interquartile range, 25–80; p = 0.35). However, F2-isoprostanes were significantly reduced on study day 2 in the acetaminophen group (24 pg/mL; interquartile range, 19–36) when compared with placebo (36 pg/mL; interquartile range, 23–55; p = 0.047). Creatinine on study day 3, a secondary outcome, was significantly lower in the acetaminophen group (1.0 mg/dL; interquartile range, 0.6–1.4) when compared with that in the placebo (1.3 mg/dL; interquartile range, 0.83–2.0; p = 0.039). There was no statistically significant difference in hospital mortality (acetaminophen 5.6% vs placebo 18.2%; p = 0.355) or adverse events (aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase > 400; acetaminophen 9.5% vs placebo 4.3%; p = 0.599). Conclusions:In adults with severe sepsis and detectable plasma cell-free hemoglobin, treatment with acetaminophen within 24 hours of ICU admission may reduce oxidative injury and improve renal function. Additional study is needed to confirm these findings and determine the effect of acetaminophen on patient-centered outcomes.