Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of AmpC beta-lactamase expression and sequence in biochemically atypical ceftazidime-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from paediatric patients.

OBJECTIVES To analyse the variation of ampC beta-lactamase gene sequence and expression in biochemically atypical Enterobacteriaceae isolates, and to identify them definitively. METHODS beta-Lactamase gene-containing recombinant plasmids transformed into Escherichia coli were selected using ampicillin. PCR analysis was used to locate specific ampC and 16S rRNA genes, and the amplicons were sequenced. Random amplified polymorphic DNA PCR was used to group isolates and API 20E biochemical profiling was used to identify them putatively. RESULTS Of 50 ceftazidime-resistant clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates, 36 were identified (>95% confidence)-using API 20E test strips-as being organisms known to express inducible class C beta-lactamases (Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Morganella morganii or Hafnia alvei). The rest were biochemically atypical. Of these, isolate I113, putatively identified as E. coli, possesses a chromosomally encoded ampC which differs by 15% from C. freundii OS60 ampC and by >30% from E. coli ampC. A related ampC gene was found in another seven of the atypical isolates. The use of various identification methods, including ampC sequence analysis, revealed that these I113-like ampC-positive isolates represent Citrobacter murliniae and Citrobacter youngae. CONCLUSIONS We report sequences for two new Citrobacter spp. ampC genes, and provide evidence that ampC sequencing is a discriminatory method for identifying atypical Citrobacter spp. isolates.
The Adoption of Software Process Improvement Programs in the English-Speaking Caribbean

Managing and improving the processes used to develop software products is widely accepted as one of the remedies to overcome the problem of poor quality systems being delivered. As a result, the IS community has adopted several software process improvement (SPI) programs. The tenets of these programs are grounded in the belief that a mature development process can increase the likelihood of producing high quality software products with the requisite requirements which should add business value. However, small firms in developing countries like the English-speaking Caribbean (ESC) are not aware nor adopting these SPI programs because they are seen as costly, time consuming and disruptive; hence, not realizing the potential benefits. This study examined the awareness, adoption and benefits of SPI programs in ESC software development firms. The result found that a slight majority (54.5%) of firms in the region are aware of SPI programs, with only 20% of those who are aware using any form of SPI programs in the development of software. These findings reinforces the need for SPI training in the ESC to articulate the compelling need for a change towards the adoption and use of SPI programs in software development.
Performance Measurement and System Dynamics to Support Decision Making in Logistics

Heterogeneity, uncertainty, and non linearity are the main drivers of logistics complexity. Despite the growing attention to this issue, current managerial models still neglect causes and effects of complex behavior. This paper focuses on decision making and provides an approach integrating performance measurement and System Dynamics to understand both the behavior of a logistics process when specific policies are applied and the system structure determining it. A case study analyzing different strategies to increase operational efficiency at a distribution center is detailed. The proposed methodology is a valuable basis for the development of complexity-oriented logistics and supply chain management.
Cloning and sequence analysis of cytadhesin P1 gene from Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Mycoplasma pneumoniae cytadhesin P1 was purified by monoclonal antibody affinity chromatography followed by preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The N-terminal 18-amino-acid sequence of P1 was determined and used to design two synthetic oligonucleotides, a 14-mer corresponding to amino acids 1 to 5 and an 18-mer corresponding to amino acids 7 to 12. These oligonucleotides served as hybridization probes for the identification of the P1 gene by Southern blot analysis of M. pneumoniae DNA. The P1 gene was cloned into plasmid pUC19 and mapped by using appropriate restriction endonucleases. The DNA sequence of the entire P1 gene was determined by subcloning appropriate DNA fragments into bacteriophage M13 and sequencing the DNA by the dideoxy-chain-termination method. The P1 gene contains an open reading frame of 4,881 nucleotides coding for a protein of 1,627 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 176,288. Properties of the amino-terminal sequence suggest that protein P1 may be synthesized as a precursor with subsequent processing to a mature protein of a calculated molecular weight of 169,758. Potential antigenic sites were determined by hydrophilicity plots. A computer search revealed that part of the predicted P1 sequence is homologous to cytoskeletal keratin of mammalian species and human fibrinogen alpha chain precursor. These results demonstrate the uniqueness of P1 as a cytadhesin and virulence determinant.
PD-1 Regulates Self-Reactive CD8+ T Cell Responses to Antigen in Lymph Nodes and Tissues1

PD-1, an inhibitory receptor expressed on activated lymphocytes, regulates tolerance and autoimmunity. We tested the role of PD-1:PD-1 ligand (PD-L) interactions in cross-presentation and the generation and control of CD8+ responses against self-Ag. Ag-naive PD-1−/− OVA-specific OT-I CD8+ T cells exhibited exacerbated responses to cross-presented Ag in mice expressing soluble OVA under the control of the rat insulin promoter (RIP-ovahigh). Following adoptive transfer into RIP-ovahigh recipients, PD-1−/− OT-I T cells expanded in the pancreatic lymph node. In contrast to wild-type OT-I cells, PD-1−/− OT-I T cells secreted IFN-γ and migrated into the pancreas, ultimately causing diabetes. Loss of PD-1 affected CD8+ cells intrinsically, and did not significantly alter the responses of wild-type OT-I T cells adoptively transferred into the same RIP-ovahigh recipient mouse. PD-1:PD-L interactions also limited CD8+ effector cells, and PD-L1 expression on parenchymal tissues protected against effector OT-I T cell attack. Finally, we found that the loss of PD-1 on effector OT-I cells lowers the threshold for Ag recognition in peripheral tissues. These findings indicate two checkpoints where PD-1 attenuates self-reactive T cell responses: presentation of self-Ag to naive self-reactive T cells by dendritic cells in the draining lymph node and reactivation of pathogenic self-reactive T cells in the target organ.
The heterotrimeric G protein Gβ1 interacts with the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1 and modulates G protein–coupled receptor signaling in platelets

Thrombosis is caused by the activation of platelets at the site of ruptured atherosclerotic plaques. This activation involves engagement of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCR) on platelets that promote their aggregation. Although it is known that protein kinases and phosphatases modulate GPCR signaling, how serine/threonine phosphatases integrate with G protein signaling pathways is less understood. Because the subcellular localization and substrate specificity of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1c) is dictated by PP1c-interacting proteins, here we sought to identify new PP1c interactors. GPCRs signal via the canonical heterotrimeric Gα and Gβγ subunits. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we discovered an interaction between PP1cα and the heterotrimeric G protein Gβ1 subunit. Co-immunoprecipitation studies with epitope-tagged PP1c and Gβ1 revealed that Gβ1 interacts with the PP1c α, β, and γ1 isoforms. Purified PP1c bound to recombinant Gβ1-GST protein, and PP1c co-immunoprecipitated with Gβ1 in unstimulated platelets. Thrombin stimulation of platelets induced the dissociation of the PP1c-Gβ1 complex, which correlated with an association of PP1c with phospholipase C β3 (PLCβ3), along with a concomitant dephosphorylation of the inhibitory Ser1105 residue in PLCβ3. siRNA-mediated depletion of GNB1 (encoding Gβ1) in murine megakaryocytes reduced protease-activated receptor 4, activating peptide-induced soluble fibrinogen binding. Thrombin-induced aggregation was decreased in PP1cα−/− murine platelets and in human platelets treated with a small-molecule inhibitor of Gβγ. Finally, disruption of PP1c-Gβ1 complexes with myristoylated Gβ1 peptides containing the PP1c binding site moderately decreased thrombin-induced human platelet aggregation. These findings suggest that Gβ1 protein enlists PP1c to modulate GPCR signaling in platelets.
Entity Disambiguation With Comparable Entity Mining from Comparative type Classification

The automatic extraction of comparative information is an important text mining problem and an area of increasing interest. Comparing substitute option is one of the necessary processes for making decision to take out each day. Though, it is not forever simple task to compare and other alternatives for each and every comparison. To perform this earlier work used a novel method to automatically extract equivalent entities from relative questions that are posted by online for each and every user . But the existing work it becomes difficult task to solve the entity ambiguity problem. To conquer these difficulty proposition numerous disambiguation formula/features and utilize a Markov logic network(MLN) to representation of interweaved constraints. It is one of the major types of entity linking method with genetic material state relating. Proposed MLN which is the combination of first order logic (FOL) and Markov networks with combination of NIL-filtering and entity disambiguation stages. For entity disambiguation problem the representation capture the entity information from background knowledge with familiar entities as well as the constraints while connecting an entity.
A mobility tolerant routing algorithm for vehicular ad hoc networks

This paper presents a vehicular ad hoc network routing protocol with link expiration time (VARP-LET) that uses LET information in the creation of routes. The proposed protocol uses LET information to increase the reliability and stability of the routes. In addition to LET, a route break indicator (RBI) message is used to reduce the packet loss. The effective use of LET and RBI is tested in simulated network environment using NS-2. The simulation results show that VARP-LET protocol increases packet delivery ratio by 20.7% in Manhattan mobility model and by 30% in highway mobility scenario compared to the traditional AODV protocol. It is also shown that the protocol significantly reduces frequent route failure and routing overhead.
Hoarding and Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms

The present study attempts to extend recent research on the relation between hoarding and obsessive-compulsive experiences. In both college student and community samples, hoarding was associated with higher scores on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). The relationship was stronger among the community sample, in which there was a greater range of compulsive symptoms and hoarding behavior. Hoarding was also associated with higher levels of general psychopathology as measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory but not by the Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder subscale from the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II or by a measure of ordinary risk taking. Among a sample of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), 31% reported hoarding obsessions and 26% reported hoarding compulsions on the YBOCS symptom checklist. These frequencies are similar to those found elsewhere and suggest that, although not as frequent as the classical symptoms of OCD, hoarding is a common symptom among OCD patients.
Experimental Model for Comparative Evaluation of Pharmacologically Induced Vasodilation of Arterial Wall Mechanical Properties

&NA; Arterial wall compliance (C) and distensibility coefficient (DC) are key factors of pathologic physiology, especially in arteries less than 2 mm in diameter. The aim of this study was to design an experimental model allowing comparative measurement of C and DC during pharmacologically induced vasodilation on small‐diameter arteries. Both femoral arteries were exposed in eight New Zealand White rabbits. Diameter (d) and systolic/diastolic diameter changes (&dgr;d) were measured simultaneously, and C and DC were calculated before and after topical application of 1 mL of 4% papaverine on the right side and topical application of 1 mL of 1% lidocaine on the left side. Diameter measurements were performed by echo tracking with 20‐MHz implanted microprobes. After papaverine and lidocaine application, respectively, d increased from 1.36 mm to 2.23 mm (P < 0.0001) and from 1.45 mm to 2.4 mm (P < 0.0001), &dgr;d increased from 0.0568 mm to 0.0571 mm (P = 0.34) and from 0.064 mm to 0.077 mm (P < 0.01), C increased from 5.7 × 10‐3 mm/mm Hg to 6 × 10‐3 mm/mm Hg (P < 0.02) and from 6.23 × 10‐3 mm/mm Hg to 8.49 × 10‐3 mm/mm Hg (P < 0.01), and DC decreased from 4.22 × 10‐3 mm Hg‐1 to 2.61 × 10‐3 mm Hg ‐1 (P < 0.0004) and from 4.36 × 10‐3 mm/mm Hg to 3.46 × 10‐3 mm/mm Hg (P < 0.005). Papaverine‐ and lidocaine‐induced changes were significantly different for &dgr;d, C, and DC (P < 0.01). These results suggest that, unlike that with papaverine, lidocaine‐induced vasodilation leads the artery up to the nonlinear part of its pressure/diameter relationship, with decreased distensibility contrasting with increased diameter and compliance. Our experimental model may be useful to compare the effects of different vasoactive drugs at different concentrations on the mechanical properties of the arterial wall.
Will Twitter Make You a Better Investor? A Look at Sentiment, User Reputation and Their Effect on the Stock Market

The use of social networks like Twitter and Facebook has grown exponentially over the last few years. Twitter, which was founded in 2006, had an estimated 200 million users on January 1 2011 with more than 95 million tweets sent per day. With this rapid growth and significant adoption, Twitter has become an important tool for businesses and individuals to communicate and share information. In addition, Twitter has rapidly grown as a medium to share ideas and thoughts on investing decisions. This research builds on prior published research and attempts to determine whether there is correlation between twitter and the stock market by studying sentiment, message volume, price movement and stock volume as well as the affect that a twitter user‟s reputation may have on sentiment and the stock market.
AN ANTERIOR CHAMBER LENTICULAR IMPLANT*

THE introduction of artificial intra-ocular lenses has been proved to be a practical possibility and has gone far to mitigate the disadvantages of aphakia especially in cases of monocular cataract. Intra-ocular acrylic lenses have now been in use for 7 years and there is no doubt that the eye can tolerate pure polymethyl methacrylate for at least this time, for satisfactory cases, once the initial irritation has passed, remain free from inflammation and symptoms or signs of foreign body reaction (H. Ridley, 1952, 1956). The operation, though not in principle difficult, has in practice not always proved straightforward, the two main complications being slow convalescence due to reactionary iritis and late dislocation of the lenticulus. Especial care is necessary to remove all or almost all of the cortical renmants and to avoid any damage to the very thin posterior capsule on which the stability of the lens depends. Surgical failure in either of these respects almost inevitably leads to a distressing result. Extracapsular extraction with insertion of an intra-ocular acrylic lens comprises two operations in one, and any operative error is likely to be heavily penalized. The difficulties of intra-ocular acrylic lens surgery led Strampelli (1954) and later Schreck (1955) and Scharf (1955) to devise simpler techniques and to employ acrylic implants placed in front of the iris. A lens in the anterior chamber is not so ideally situated as one in the natural position, but it has certain advantages. It can be employed after intracapsular extraction since its large diameter prevents posterior dislocation. In extracapsular cases late capsulotomy is simple and differs little from such an operation after plain extracapsular surgery, for there is a space between the back of the lens and the posterior capsule. Two-stage surgery presents no difficulty, since posterior synechiae are of no practical importance and do not impede late insertion of the lens. In most cases a fair estimate of the refraction can be made and, if the manufacturer is given the back vertex power and vertex distance of the aphakic correction, and in monocular cataract the refraction of the other eye, a special anterior chamber lens can be ground to suit the particular case. Finally there is a smaller area of contact between the implant and the iris, and less post-operative iritis is to be expected, especially if the extraction has been intracapsular or if an adequate interval
A 512 Mbit, 1.6 Gbps/pin DDR3 SDRAM prototype with C/sub 10/ minimization and self-calibration techniques

A 1.5 V, 512 Mbit DDR3 synchronous DRAM prototype with 1.6 Gbps/pin was designed in 80nm technology. Output drivers are merged with ODT and are armed with SCR type ESD protection, rendering C/sub 10/ minimization for the enhanced signal integrity in point-to-2points interfacing. Hybrid latency control scheme is proposed to achieve higher bandwidth as well as to efficiently turn DLL on and off. Temperature readout and per-bank-refresh is also implemented.
Exploration into Banks’ Herding on Industrial Loans in Taiwan

The study extends Sias’s (2004) method of analysing institutional investors’ inter-temporal herding in securities to examine whether the herding effect among banks in industrial lending exists in Taiwan, determine the reasons for herding among these banks, and examine whether their herding behavior differs across bullish and bearish periods and bank types. The study results demonstrate that the cascades among banks in Taiwan primarily result from their herding and that habit loans are not the primary factor in banks’ herding behaviors. Because banks are more likely to engage in herding behavior in lending to large-capitalization industries, their behaviors may stem from investigative herding. Moreover, our results show that banks’ cascades result primarily from their herding, which does not differ across bullish and bearish periods. Meanwhile, their herding behaviors are more significant for middle- and large-capitalization industries in bullish periods. The study also finds that private banks are more likely to follow the same type of bank classification, whereas public banks are more likely to follow a different type. Commercial banks are more likely to follow the same type of bank class, whereas SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) banks are more likely to follow a different type. This finding is consistent with reputation herding by commercial banks in Taiwan. Next, the study finds that banks outside the Taiwanese financial holding system are more likely to engage in a different type of herding, which may be evidence of characteristic herding among banks outside the financial holding system that follow those within the financial holding system. Finally, larger banks are more likely to follow banks of the same type, whereas smaller banks are more likely to follow different types of banks.
Reversible turbines are more popular compared to other forms of turbomachinery in the new generation of RPHES

The unsteady flow field in a reversible pump-turbine is investigated during the continuous load rejection using a 3D computational fluid dynamic analysis. Numerical calculations are carried out using the detached eddy simulation (DES) turbulence model and a new approach involving automatic mesh motion. In this way, the instability of the flow field is analyzed by continuously changing the guide vane openings from the best efficiency point (BEP). Unsteady flow characteristics are described by post-processing signals for several monitoring points including mass flow, torque, head and pressure in the frequency and time-frequency domains. The formation of vortices of different scales is observed from the origin to further enlargement and stabilization; the effect of the rotating structures on the flow passage is analyzed, and the influence of unsteady flow development on the performance of the turbine is investigated. Finally, the evolution during the period of load rejection is characterized in order to determine the hydrodynamic conditions causing the vibrations in the machine.
Contraction-Induced Injury to Single Permeabilized Muscle Fibers from Normal and Congenitally-Clefted Goat Palates

Objective: Levator veli palatini muscles from normal palates of adult humans and goats are predominantly slow oxidative (type 1) fibers. However, 85% of levator veli palatini fibers from cleft palates of adult goats are physiologically fast (type 2). This fiber composition difference between cleft and normal palates may have implications in palatal function. For limb muscles, type 2 muscle fibers are more susceptible to lengthening contraction-induced injury than are type 1 fibers. We tested the hypothesis that, compared with single permeabilized levator veli palatini muscle fibers from normal palates of adult goats, those from cleft palates are more susceptible to lengthening contraction-induced injury. Interventions: Congenital cleft palates were the result of chemically-induced decreased movement of the fetal head and tongue causing obstruction of palatal closure. Each muscle fiber was maximally activated and lengthened. Outcome Measures: Fiber type was determined by contractile properties and gel electrophoresis. Susceptibility to injury was assessed by measuring the decrease in maximum force following the lengthening contraction, expressed as a percentage of the initial force. Results: Compared with fibers from normal palates that were all type 1 and had force deficits of 23 ± 1%, fibers from cleft palates were all type 2 and sustained twofold greater deficits, 40 ± 1% (p = .001). Conclusion: Levator veli palatini muscles from cleft palates of goats contain predominantly type 2 fibers that are highly susceptible to lengthening contraction-induced injury. This finding may have implications regarding palatal function and the incidence of velopharyngeal incompetence.