Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rhizobacter bergeniae sp. nov., isolated from the root of Bergenia scopulosa.

A yellowish-pigmented bacterium, designated strain PLGR-1(T), was isolated from the root of Bergenia scopulosa collected from Taibai Mountain in Shaanxi Province, north-west China, and was subjected to a taxonomic study by using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain PLGR-1(T) were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming and motile with a single polar flagellum. Growth occurred at 7-33 °C (optimum, 25-28 °C), at pH 5.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 6.0-7.0) and with 0-0.5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %). The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) and the major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0 and summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c). The major polyamines were putrescine and 2-hydroxyputrescine and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The DNA G+C content was 69.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain PLGR-1(T) belonged to the class Betaproteobacteria and formed a tight phyletic lineage with members of the genus Rhizobacter. Strain PLGR-1(T) was most closely related to Rhizobacter dauci DSM 11587(T) and Rhizobacter fulvus DSM 19916(T), with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 98.5 and 98.0 %, respectively. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain PLGR-1(T) and the type strains of Rhizobacter dauci and Rhizobacter fulvus were 46.3 and 14.7 %, respectively. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic data, strain PLGR-1(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Rhizobacter, for which the name Rhizobacter bergeniae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PLGR-1(T) ( = CCTCC AB 2013018(T) = KCTC 32299(T) = LMG 27607(T)).
Small molecule targeting Cdc42–intersectin interaction disrupts Golgi organization and suppresses cell motility

Signaling through the Rho family of small GTPases has been intensely investigated for its crucial roles in a wide variety of human diseases. Although RhoA and Rac1 signaling pathways are frequently exploited with the aid of effective small molecule modulators, studies of the Cdc42 subclass have lagged because of a lack of such means. We have applied high-throughput in silico screening and identified compounds that are able to fit into the surface groove of Cdc42, which is critical for guanine nucleotide exchange factor binding. Based on the interaction between Cdc42 and intersectin (ITSN), a specific Cdc42 guanine nucleotide exchange factor, we discovered compounds that rendered ITSN-like interactions in the binding pocket. By using in vitro binding and imaging as well as biochemical and cell-based assays, we demonstrated that ZCL278 has emerged as a selective Cdc42 small molecule modulator that directly binds to Cdc42 and inhibits its functions. In Swiss 3T3 fibroblast cultures, ZCL278 abolished microspike formation and disrupted GM130-docked Golgi structures, two of the most prominent Cdc42-mediated subcellular events. ZCL278 reduces the perinuclear accumulation of active Cdc42 in contrast to NSC23766, a selective Rac inhibitor. ZCL278 suppresses Cdc42-mediated neuronal branching and growth cone dynamics as well as actin-based motility and migration in a metastatic prostate cancer cell line (i.e., PC-3) without disrupting cell viability. Thus, ZCL278 is a small molecule that specifically targets Cdc42–ITSN interaction and inhibits Cdc42-mediated cellular processes, thus providing a powerful tool for research of Cdc42 subclass of Rho GTPases in human pathogenesis, such as those of cancer and neurological disorders.
Plasma myostatin levels are related to the extent of right ventricular dysfunction in exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Objective: To investigate the relationship between plasma myostatin levels and right ventricle (RV) dysfunction (RVD) in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Methods: The study recruited 84 patients with AECOPD. Plasma myostatin was analyzed and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) < 16 mm was used as the main indicator for RVD. Results: Plasma myostatin levels were significantly higher in 47 patients with RVD than 37 ones without (P < 0.005). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that myostatin levels correlated significantly with TAPSE values and RV myocardial performance index (p < 0.001) among the study patients. Conclusion: Plasma myostatin is a potential biomarker for improving diagnosis of RVD in AECOPD.
Novel sulfobutyl ether cyclodextrin gradient leads to highly active liposomal irinotecan formulation

Objectives Liposomal delivery of irinotecan could provide protection against drug hydrolysis, deliver more active lactone form to tumours and prolong irinotecan exposure time. Nevertheless, conventional drug‐loading technologies have typically resulted in undesired drug retention properties. To resolve the problem, a modified gradient loading method was developed and the resulting formulations were evaluated in a systemic manner.
Family Dynamics and Child Abuse and Neglect in Three Finnish Communities

The purpose of this study was to describe family dynamics of Finnish families in which there is abuse or neglect of a child in that family. One adult from 41 families with recognized child abuse/neglect completed the Family Dynamics Measure II (FDM II) consisting of six dimensions of family life, and answered questions about problems, changes and illnesses. Nurses and social workers in community health care and social agencies identified potential subjects in their agencies and collected data. Four of the six dimensions of the FDM II reached statistical significance ( p =. 05) with child age and number of children, education, marital status, and age of respondent. They are: Flexibility vs. rigidity, Stability vs. disorganization, Clear vs. distorted communication, and Role reciprocity vs. role conflict. FDM II is useful in identifying several of the less positive family dynamics dimensions in abuse:neglect families. Conclusions for clinical management cannot be drawn at this time.
Managing Guest as an Asset: a Conceptual Review in the Context of Accommodation Services

This article discusses the concept of a customer as an asset of business in the accommodation industry. The purpose of this article is to examine the value of guests as a firm asset and to propose a model for managing guests as an asset in the context of accommodation services. A guest is considered an asset due to its role in providing revenue to the accommodation firm. Because of this role, the accommodation guest needs to be managed appropriately. This article argues that guest service evaluation (i.e. service quality, perceived value, and guest satisfaction) and service loyalty are important factors in the development of guest lifetime value. The proposed model of managing guests as an asset consists of marketing instruments, service evaluation, guest loyalty, and financial outcomes provides a comprehensive guide on how accommodation firms can manage the lifetime value of their guests. Finally, as there are limited studies examining this issue, future research should test the proposed model.
Seroprevalence and Spatial Analysis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in the Pantanal Region, Mato Grosso State, Brazil

Introduction: Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonotic disease of public health importance, whose main reservoir is the domestic dog. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and spatial distribution of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL), as well as factors associated with the disease, in the municipality of Barao de Melgaco. Methods: Serum samples from 402 dogs in urban and rural areas were subjected to an immunochromatographic rapid test (DPP, TR DPP® LVC–Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, EIE® LVC–Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ). An epidemiological questionnaire was used to identify factors associated for CVL using a logistic regression model. The presence of spatial autocorrelation was performed using global and local Moran’s indices. Results: Seventeen dogs were reactive to both diagnostic tests, indicating a prevalence rate of 4.2% in the municipality, and a statistically significant association with hyperkeratosis and splenomegaly (P<0.05). Through the global Moran index, a density map was built for show the spatial distribution of CVL cases, showing a positive correlation among all the evaluated areas (I<0.25). Local Moran index was used to create a cluster map, identifying areas with high, low and intermediate priority for control of CVL. Conclusions: The prevalence of CVL in Barao de Melgaco was of 4.2%, being characterized as area with moderate transmission and receptive to the occurrence of human cases. In this study, the use of spatial analysis stood out as a strategic tool in the control of CVL, enabling different action strategies to be applied in each region.
Semi-supervised incremental clustering of categorical data

Résumé. Le clustering semi-supervisé combine l’apprentissage supervisé and non-supervisé pour produire meilleurs clusterings. Dans la phase initiale supervisée de l’algorithme, un échantillon d’apprentissage est produit par selection aléatoire. On suppose que les exemples de l’échantillon d’apprentissage sont étiquetés par un attribut de classe. Puis, un algorithme incrémentiel développé pour les données catégoriques est utilisé pour produire un ensemble de clusters pur (tels que les exemple de chaque cluster ont la même étiquette), qui servent de “seeding clusters” pour la deuxiéme phase non-supervisée de l’algorithme. Dans cette phase, l’algorithme incrémentiel est appliqué aux données non étiquetées. La qualité du clustering est évaluée par l’index de Gini moyen des clusters. Les expériences démontrent que des très bons clusterings peuvent être obtenus avec des petits échantillons d’apprentissage.
"Reconceptualising the Consumer Journey in the Digital Age – An Exploratory Study of the United Kingdom Retail Sector"

This extended conceptual abstract which describes research that is still in progress provides an analysis of the evolving factors that influence buyer behaviour in the vitally important retail sector. The research originated as a consultancy project concerned with buyer behaviour undertaken on behalf of a specialist Pay Per Click advertising agency in a UK university business school/commercial sector collaboration which then evolved into a research project in its own right.
A Novel Slack-Enabling Tendon Drive That Improves Efficiency, Size, and Safety in Soft Wearable Robots

Tendon drives are widely used in robotics. The compliance of the tendon in such drives suits them for soft robots, including soft wearable robots, but several issues impede their use. Generally, the tendon should always maintain tension to prevent derailment from the spool. However, in soft robots, tendon tension induces high friction forces owing to the absence of ball bearings. Because the kinematics of the soft robot is basically nonlinear and changed by the deformation of the structure, the kinematic difference between the soft structure and the spool causes derailment of the tendon. Moreover, continuously maintained tension in soft wearable robots causes safety issues. The linear actuator can be an option. However, the need to increase the length of the linear actuator to accommodate the excursion length of its tendon is a barrier to its use in small-scale applications. To preclude this issue, a slack-enabling actuator that employs a spool is proposed. The space efficiency of the spool enables the mechanism to be small, and a one-way clutch applies unidirectional friction force to the tendon to tighten the tendon around the spool. This paper describes the design concept for the slack-enabling mechanism, its design optimization, and system identification for force control.
Proposing a participatory value-driven approach for the appraisal of multifunctional land use

Combining multiple functions allows public and private stakeholders to achieve the synergy of integrating various resources in the project. To achieve the intended synergy of multi-functionality, it is important to identify combinations of functions that help to balance conflicting objectives, and bridge different interests in the project. In this paper, we focus on understanding the role of project interdependences, tradeoffs and divergent objectives in the definition and selection of functions of two multifunctional projects located in the Netherlands. Our findings reflect how functional and organizational interdependences, as well as the realization of mutual objectives, strongly influence the tradeoffs that stakeholders make when defining and selecting functions. We consider that the appraisal of multifunctional projects could benefit from methods that allow to (1) incorporate the stakeholder values and objectives early in the process to guide the definition of combinations of functions and to identify mutual project objectives, (2) provide an understanding of trade-offs among project choices, and (3) create awareness about stakeholder preferences.
The Impact of Being a Public Organization on the Public's Perceptions of the Florida Forest Service's Brand

The purpose of this study was to address how being a public organization affected the public’s perceptions of the Florida Forest Service’s brand. Focus groups were conducted at different sites across the state with rural and urban residents. The major findings were that the public expected the brand of a public organization to be financially responsible (e.g., justify the purpose of the organization, avoid duplication between public organizations, communicating with the public without wasting money, and generating revenue), provide something valuable to individuals or the public at large (e.g., protecting forests, control through regulations, and aid, such as providing information), and to operate with integrity (e.g., being financially responsibly, communicating clearly with the public, and the organization being fair in balancing public and private interests). This research addresses a gap in research regarding the branding of public organizations. Because the study is limited by being a qualitative study addressing one organization in one state, future research should be conducted to address the transferability of the findings to other settings. This research furthers efforts to foster relationships between public organizations and members of the public by providing guidance for the improvement of the brands of public organizations. In the face of increased scrutiny of and competition between public organizations, the findings of this study can be used to help improve the public’s perceptions of public organizations.
Diffraction Theory and Visual Hyperacuity*

&NA; The implications of the diffraction theory of light are examined as they relate to visual acuity and hyperacuity. Two incoherent point sources of light give rise to a double‐peaked light distribution whose trough is 26% below the adjoining peaks when the sources are separated by the Rayleigh limit of resolution, but the dip has vanished when the separation is 80% of the Rayleigh limit. Diffraction theory, however, places no restriction on the precision with which any single source can be localized. No paradox is therefore involved in having a point‐spread function with half‐width one minute of arc and, at the same time, a localization threshold of a few seconds of arc, although the need for a sophisticated processing mechanism to achieve such low hyperacuity thresholds is emphasized.
Comparison of the Local Tolerability to 5 Long-acting Drug Nanosuspensions with Different Stabilizing Excipients, Following a Single Intramuscular Administration in the Rat

To investigate the effects of common nanosuspension-stabilizing excipients on the nature and temporal evolution of histopathological changes at intramuscular (i.m.) administration sites, 5 groups of 39 male rats per group received a single injection of 1 of the 5 analogous crystalline drug nanosuspensions containing 200 mg/ml of an antiviral compound with particle sizes of ±200 nm and identical vehicle compositions, except for the type of nanosuspension stabilizer. The investigated stabilizers were poloxamer 338, poloxamer 407, d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1,000-succinate (TPGS), polysorbate 80, and polysorbate 80 combined with egg phosphatidylglycerol. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed progressive inflammatory changes at the i.m. administration sites and the draining lymph nodes that differed according to the time point of sacrifice and the type of stabilizer. Although the overall time course of inflammatory changes was similar across the groups, differences in the nature, severity, and timing of the inflammatory response were observed between animals injected with poloxamer- or TPGS-containing nanosuspensions and those injected with formulations containing polysorbate 80. A more severe and prolonged active inflammatory phase, the presence of multinucleate giant cells, prolonged macrophage infiltration of the formulation depot, and more persistent histiocytic infiltrates in the lymph nodes were observed in the polysorbate 80–containing nanosuspension groups. Such vehicle-mediated effects could influence the overall tolerability profile of long-acting nanosuspensions.
Severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and the Prognosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Objectives: We retrospectively analyzed whether the severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affected disease-specific survival in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients after surgical resection. Methods: We enrolled 210 NSCLC patients who underwent curative surgery between 2009 and 2011. Classification of COPD severity was based on guidelines of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Results: A total of 55 patients were diagnosed with COPD. The 5-year disease-specific survival of patients with COPD was not different compared with that of patients without COPD. Among the COPD patients, 40 were classified as GOLD 1, 13 as GOLD 2, and 2 as GOLD 3. Although the number of patients with GOLD 2 - 3 was small, the 5-year disease-specific survival of patients with GOLD 2 - 3 was significantly poorer. We found the prognostic significance of GOLD 2 - 3 in univariate analysis, but failed to find this in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: There is a possibility that the severity of COPD might be useful to predict the prognosis of NSCLC patients. Further studies with large study population are needed.
Space-time turbo codes with full antenna diversity

In attempting to find a spectrally and power efficient channel code which is able to exploit maximum diversity from a wireless channel whenever available, we investigate the possibility of constructing a full antenna diversity space-time turbo code. As a result, both three-antenna and two-antenna (punctured) constructions are shown to be possible and very easy to find. To check the decodability and performance of the proposed codes, we derive non-binary soft-decoding algorithms. The performance of these codes are then simulated and compared with two existing space-time convolutional codes (one has minimum worst-case symbol-error probability; the other has maximal minimum free distance) having similar decoding complexity. As the simulation results show, the proposed space-time turbo codes give similar or slightly better performance than the convolutional codes under extremely slow fading. When fading is fast, the better distance spectra of the turbo codes help seize the temporal diversity. Thus, the performance advantage of the turbo codes becomes evident. In particular, 10/sup -5/ bit-error rate and 10/sup -3/ frame-error rate can be achieved at less than 6-dB E/sub b//N/sub 0/ with 1 b/s/Hz and binary phase-shift keying modulation. The practical issue of obtaining the critical channel state information (CSI) is also considered by applying an iteratively filtered pilot symbol-assisted modulation technique. The penalty when the CSI is not given a priori is about 2-3 dB.
Does Imagined Exposure to the Consequences of Not Ritualising Enhance Live Exposure for OCD? a Controlled Study

Background This study tested whether adding imagined exposure to live exposure would increase the concordance between behavioural and subjective improvement in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Method 46 OCD out-patients were randomly allocated to 9 weekly sessions of either combined live + imagined exposure/ritual prevention (Exi, n = 23), or only live exposure/ritual prevention (Ex, n = 23). Patients were asked to do 90 min of daily self-exposure at home (corresponding to Exi or Ex). Measures were: (A) behavioural; (B) subjective; (C) clinical global impression (CGI). Results After 9 weeks of treatment, improvement was greater on behavioural than subjective measures (similar for the Exi and Ex groups). At 20 weeks (3-month follow-up) each group had improved slightly more on subjective measures and slightly less on behavioural ones. Two subjective measures improved less during Exi than Ex, but this difference disappeared at follow-up. The greater difference between behavioural and subjective improvement scores in Exi than in Ex did not relate to clinical outcome at the end of treatment or follow-up. Conclusions Compared to live exposure alone, combined imagined plus live exposure did not enhance behavioural/subjective concordance.
Bias in Self-Perceptions and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Adjustment During Early Adolescence: A Prospective Investigation

We investigated bias in self-perceptions of competence (relative to parent ratings) for family, school, and peer domains as predictors of adjustment problems among 139 young adolescents over a 1-year period using a prospective design. Regressions examined measures of bias at Time 1 (T1) as predictors of ratings of internalizing and externalizing problems at Time 2 (T2), controlling for T1 adjustment ratings. For the family domain, curvilinear trends were found. Follow-up analyses revealed that for this domain both negative bias (self-perceptions less favorable than parent ratings) and positive bias (self-perceptions more favorable than parent ratings) predicted greater internalizing and externalizing problems as rated by youth, parents, and teachers. For the peer domain, higher scores on the measure of bias predicted greater internalizing and externalizing problems as rated by teachers. These findings are consistent with the view that accuracy in self-perceptions of competence can have important implications across multiple domains of development.
Nonlinear Microwave Characterization of CVD Grown Graphene

Linear and nonlinear microwave properties of chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown graphene are characterized by incorporating a coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission-line test structure. The intrinsic linear transport properties (S-parameters) of the graphene sample are measured and extracted via a deembedding procedure and then fitted with an equivalent circuit model up to 10 GHz. A statistical uncertainty analysis based on multiple measurements is implemented to estimate the error of the extracted graphene linear parameters as well. Nonlinear properties (second- and third-order harmonics as a function of fundamental input power) of the sample are also measured with a fundamental input signal of 1 GHz. Clear harmonics generated from graphene are observed, while no obvious fundamental power saturation is seen. The measured nonlinearity is applied in a graphene patch antenna case study to understand its influence on potential applications in terms of third-order intermodulation levels.