Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monitoring the rumen pectinolytic bacteria Treponema saccharophilum using real-time PCR.

Treponema saccharophilum is a pectinolytic bacterium isolated from the bovine rumen. The abundance of this bacterium has not been well determined, reflecting the lack of a reliable and accurate detection method. To develop a rapid method for monitoring T. saccharophilum, we performed pyrosequencing of genomic DNA isolated from rumen microbiota to explore the 16S rRNA gene sequences of T. saccharophilum candidates. Species-specific primers were designed based on fifteen sequences of partial 16S rRNA genes generated through pyrosequencing with 97% or higher similarity with T. saccharophilum DSM2985 along with sequence from type strain. The relative abundance of T. saccharophilum was quantified in both in vitro and in vivo rumen systems with varied pectin-containing forages using real-time PCR. There was a clear association of T. saccharophilum with alfalfa hay, which contains more pectin than Chinese wild rye hay or corn stover. The relative abundance of T. saccharophilum was as high as 0.58% in vivo, comparable with the population density of other common rumen bacteria. It is recognized that T. saccharophilum plays an important role in pectin digestion in the rumen.
Nosocomial urinary tract infection with Serratia marcescens: an epidemiologic study.

Frequent nosocomial urinary tract infection (>105 organisms/ml) with nonpigmented Serratia marcescens was found in patients on the urology ward of a large Veterans Hospital. Serotyping and antibiograms suggested a single endemic strain. Each of 10 patients who became infected in a 27-day prospective study had an indwelling Foley catheter (P < .001) and was receiving one or more antimicrobial agents at the time of infection. Negligible rectal or pharyngeal carriage of Serratia was demonstrated among either patients or hospital personnel, and few environmental sources of Serratia were identified; however, the organism was isolated from the pooled hand rinsings of hospital personnel on four of eight occasions. A catheterized patient's risk of infection was significantly greater (62% vs. 17%, P = .029) if an infected catheterized patient shared the same hospital room. These data suggest that, on this urology ward, S. marcescens is transmitted between catheterized patients by passive carriage on the hands of noncolonized hospital personnel. Heavy usage of antibiotics very probably promotes the selection of Serratia and the predominance of highly resistant strains.
Rapid Identification of Candida glabrata with a New Commercial Test, GLABRATA RTT

ABSTRACT The GLABRATA RTT test (Fumouze Diagnostics, Levallois Perret, France) is based on the ability of Candida glabrata to hydrolyze trehalose but not maltose. It requires an inoculum of only four to six colonies, and the results are available within 20 min. We tested GLABRATA RTT with 330 stock isolates grown in subcultures on four different primary fungal isolation media and obtained a sensitivity of 94 to 98% (depending on the medium used) and a specificity of 97.3 to 98.6%. The false-positive results corresponded to C. tropicalis, C. famata, and C. lusitaniae. GLABRATA RTT thus offers rapid and reliable identification of C. glabrata.
Ecological niche models of invasive seaweeds

Ecological niche models (ENMs) are commonly used to calculate habitat suitability from species’ occurrence and macroecological data. In invasive species biology, ENMs can be applied to anticipate whether invasive species are likely to establish in an area, to identify critical routes and arrival points, to build risk maps and to predict the extent of potential spread following an introduction. Most studies using ENMs focus on terrestrial organisms and applications in the marine realm are still relatively rare. Here, we review some common methods to build ENMs and their application in seaweed invasion biology. We summarize methods and concepts involved in the development of niche models, show examples of how they have been applied in studies on algae and discuss the application of ENMs in invasive algae research and to predict effects of climate change on seaweed distributions.
An Anomaly Detection Approach Based on Isolation Forest Algorithm for Streaming Data Using Sliding Window

Abstract Anomalous behavior detection in many applications is becoming more and more important, such as computer security, sensor network and so on. However, the inherent characteristics of streaming data, such as generated quickly, data infinite, tremendous volume and the phenomenon of concept drift, imply that the anomaly detection in the streaming data is a challenge work. In this paper, using the frame of sliding windows and taking into account the concept drift phenomenon, a novel anomaly detection framework is presented and an adapted streaming data anomaly detection algorithm based on the iForest algorithm, namely iForestASD is proposed. The experiment results performed on four real-world datasets derived from the UCI repository demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can effective to detect anomalous instances for the streaming data.
Computer-Assisted Self Interviewing in Sexual Health Clinics

Background: This review describes the published information on what constitutes the elements of a core sexual history and the use of computer-assisted self interviewing (CASI) within sexually transmitted disease clinics. Methods: We searched OVID Medline from 1990 to February 2010 using the terms “computer assisted interviewing” and “sex,” and to identify published articles on a core sexual history, we used the term “core sexual history. ” Results: Since 1990, 3 published articles used a combination of expert consensus, formal clinician surveys, and the Delphi technique to decide on what questions form a core sexual health history. Sexual health histories from 4 countries mostly ask about the sex of the partners, the number of partners (although the time period varies), the types of sex (oral, anal, and vaginal) and condom use, pregnancy intent, and contraceptive methods. Five published studies in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom compared CASI with in person interviews in sexually transmitted disease clinics. In general, CASI identified higher risk behavior more commonly than clinician interviews, although there were substantial differences between studies. CASI was found to be highly acceptable and individuals felt it allowed more honest reporting. Currently, there are insufficient data to determine whether CASI results in differences in sexually transmitted infection testing, diagnosis, or treatment or if CASI improves the quality of sexual health care or its efficiency. Conclusions: The potential public health advantages of the widespread use of CASI are discussed.
Development and Test of LARP Technological Quadrupole Models of TQC Series

This paper describes the development and test of TQC01b and TQC02E, the second and third models in the TQC series. ANSYS analysis of the mechanical structure, its underlying assumptions, and changes based on experience with TQC01 are presented and discussed. Construction experience, in-process measurements, and modifications to the assembly since TQC01 are described. The test results presented here include magnet strain and quench performance during training of TQC01b and TQC02E.
Heterogeneous integration of an InAs nanowire with energy-efficient CMOS delta-sigma modulator

A nanowire-CMOS heterogeneously integrated circuit is demonstrated. The circuit consists of a voltage divider using series-connected resistors and a delta-sigma modulator (DSM); a single InAs nanowire is used as one of the resistors. Nanowire deposition is carried out by field-assisted self-assembly (FASA) process based on dielectrophoresis. The DSM uses a class-C inverter in its loop filter instead of an opamp to obtain high energy efficiency, and successfully converts the voltage across the nanowire into density-modulated digital pulses. The present result suggests that variations in the nanowire resistance caused, for example, by chemical absorption on the nanowire surface can be sensed and converted into the digital output.
Supervised Autonomy: A Framework for Human-Robot Systems Development

In this paper we present a paradigm for robot control, Supervised Autonomy. Supervised Autonomy is a framework, which facilitates the development of human robot systems. The components which this framework embraces has been devised in a human-oriented manner, to augment users in accomplishing their task. The general concept of our paradigm is to incorporate supervisory control with a qualitative approach for the control of robots. Supervisory control does not rely on human users to perform all the basic functions of perception and action in a system. The approach we have taken shifts all basic autonomous functions to the physical robot agent, integrated with a set of qualitative instructions, in combination with a simple graphical user interface, and together with suitable feedback form the complete framework. Experimental results of applying this framework to the use of a mobile robot teleoperation system are presented. The system we have developed make extensive use of behavior-based control technology, embracing a number of real-time visual behaviours, together with a set of intuitive instructions designed for the navigation of a mobile robot.
Suppressor of Fused (Sufu) Mediates the Effect of Parathyroid Hormone-like Hormone (Pthlh) on Chondrocyte Differentiation in the Growth Plate*

Background: Hh and Pthlh signaling pathways play important roles in regulating growth plate chondrocyte differentiation. Results: Pthlh increases Sufu protein levels, and Sufu is required for the effect of Pthlh on chondrocyte differentiation. Conclusion: Pthlh regulates chondrocyte differentiation and Gli activity in a Sufu-dependent manner. Significance: The interaction between Pthlh, PKA, Sufu, and Gli transcriptional activities explains how Pthlh regulates chondrocyte differentiation. Growth plate chondrocytes undergo a coordinated process of differentiation, regulating long bone growth. Parathyroid hormone-like hormone (Pthlh) inhibits hypertrophic differentiation in the growth plate chondrocytes and reduces Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In mice lacking the Hh mediator Suppressor of fused (Sufu), Pthlh treatment resulted in the up-regulation of Hh activity and an increased number of hypertrophic chondrocytes. Furthermore, Pthlh increased Sufu protein levels, and in chondrocytes lacking Sufu, it was unable to process Hh-regulated Gli transcription factors. Pthlh regulates chondrocyte differentiation and Gli activity in a Sufu-dependent manner, with Sufu acting as a molecular switch in its regulation of differentiation.
Biomarker exposure–response relationships as the basis for rational dose selection: Lessons from a simulation exercise using a selective COX‐2 inhibitor

An exposure–response model was used to characterize the pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic relationship of GW406381, a COX‐2 inhibitor, based on data from ex vivo prostaglandin E2 inhibition collected in a phase 1 study in healthy subjects. The final model was then used to simulate a proof‐of‐concept study and to explore suitable dosing ranges in case of hepatic dysfunction or metabolic induction. Trough concentrations in the range of IC80 to IC95 were used as target therapeutic concentrations. Symptom relief in a subsequent phase 2b study in 400 patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving GW406381 was then analysed to support the design of a phase 3 study in which doses in the range between 10 to 400 mg were explored. The exercise also allowed the evaluation of correlations between the biomarker and clinical end point. A 2‐compartment model described the pharmacokinetics of GW406381, whereas the pharmacodynamics was described by an Imax model. In patients with normal organ function, the predicted median therapeutic dose was between 100 and 150 mg. The time course of symptom relief was fitted by a Weibull model, with an Imax model describing the drug effect. Simulations showed that dose‐response discrimination occurred at doses higher than 150 mg, with predicted 60%–80% target engagement in the dose range of 150–400 mg.
Selective CD28 Antagonist Blunts Memory Immune Responses and Promotes Long-Term Control of Skin Inflammation in Nonhuman Primates

Novel therapies that specifically target activation and expansion of pathogenic immune cell subsets responsible for autoimmune attacks are needed to confer long-term remission. Pathogenic cells in autoimmunity include memory T lymphocytes that are long-lived and present rapid recall effector functions with reduced activation requirements. Whereas the CD28 costimulation pathway predominantly controls priming of naive T cells and hence generation of adaptive memory cells, the roles of CD28 costimulation on established memory T lymphocytes and the recall of memory responses remain controversial. In contrast to CD80/86 antagonists (CTLA4-Ig), selective CD28 antagonists blunt T cell costimulation while sparing CTLA-4 and PD-L1–dependent coinhibitory signals. Using a new selective CD28 antagonist, we showed that Ag-specific reactivation of human memory T lymphocytes was prevented. Selective CD28 blockade controlled both cellular and humoral memory recall in nonhuman primates and induced long-term Ag-specific unresponsiveness in a memory T cell–mediated inflammatory skin model. No modification of memory T lymphocytes subsets or numbers was observed in the periphery, and importantly no significant reactivation of quiescent viruses was noticed. These findings indicate that pathogenic memory T cell responses are controlled by both CD28 and CTLA-4/PD-L1 cosignals in vivo and that selectively targeting CD28 would help to promote remission of autoimmune diseases and control chronic inflammation.
High-Reflectivity Thermally Stable Ultrafast Induced Fiber Bragg Gratings in H$_{2}$ -Loaded SMF-28 Fiber

High-temperature stable high-reflectivity gratings are fabricated in hydrogen-loaded single-mode fiber (SMF-28) using ultrafast 800-nm radiation. An index modulation of ~ 9 x 10-4 and a loss of >15 dB at the Bragg resonance is present after isochronal annealing up to 1000degC followed by 96 h of isothermal annealing.
Effects of allergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa on the severity of rhinovirus 16 cold.

BACKGROUND Despite the strong association of asthma exacerbations with rhinovirus (RV) infection, inoculation of asthmatic subjects with RV only causes small changes in lower airway function, suggesting that RV infection is not itself sufficient to provoke asthma exacerbations. OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to test whether allergic inflammation increases the airway response to RV infection. METHODS We compared the severity of RV type 16-induced colds in 2 groups of 10 subjects with allergic rhinitis. One group received 3 nasal challenges with allergen and the other received challenges with placebo over the week before nasal inoculation with RV type 16 (4000 tissue culture infective dose 50% per subject). Subjects kept symptom diaries and were assessed with spirometry, methacholine challenge, nasal lavage, and sputum induction on days 2, 4, 7, 10, 15, and 30 after inoculation. RESULTS The 2 groups developed equal rates of infection (90%), similar cold symptoms (Jackson score median [interquartile range], 11 [6-33] vs 20.5 [6-42] for allergen and placebo groups respectively, P =.54), and similar changes in cellular profile and in IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations in nasal lavage fluid and induced sputum after RV inoculation. The incubation period was significantly longer in the allergen group (2.5 [1-5.5] vs 1 [1-1] day, P =.03) and the duration of cold symptoms was shorter (5 [4-7] vs 8.5 [6-10] days, P =.008). We also found an inverse correlation between the percent of eosinophils in nasal lavage fluid before inoculation and the severity of cold symptoms (r = -0.58, P =. 008). CONCLUSION In subjects with allergic rhinitis, augmented nasal allergic inflammation before inoculation with RV type 16 does not worsen the severity of cold symptoms but delays their onset and shortens their duration.
Upper limb tracking using depth information for rehabilitative tangible tabletop systems

The motor impairments that affect the upper limb, such as those following an acquired brain injury, are particularly disabling, since this body segment is involved in the majority of the activities of daily living. Virtual reality systems have been reported to stimulate the clinical effectiveness of the rehabilitative strategies, providing intensive and repetitive exercises in a motivating and controllable environment. The tracking of the upper limb movements in the real world is a challenging task that has traditionally involved different tracking systems. The use of depth sensors can provide a non-invasive solution that can be integrated in tabletop systems.
Affect Recognition through Facebook for Effective Group Profiling Towards Personalized Instruction

Social networks are progressively being considered as an intense thought for learning. Particularly in the research area of Intelligent Tutoring Systems, they can create intuitive, versatile and customized e-learning systems which can advance the learning process by revealing the capacities and shortcomings of every learner and by customizing the correspondence by group profiling. In this paper, the primary idea is the affect recognition as an estimation of the group profiling process, given that the fact of knowing how individuals feel about specific points can be viewed as imperative for the improvement of the tutoring process. As a testbed for our research, we have built up a prototype system for recognizing the emotions of Facebook users. Users’ emotions can be neutral, positive or negative. A feeling is frequently presented in unpretentious or complex ways in a status. On top of that, data assembled from Facebook regularly contain a considerable measure of noise. Indeed, the task of automatic affect recognition in online texts turns out to be more troublesome. Thus, a probabilistic approach of Rocchio classifier is utilized so that the learning process is assisted. Conclusively, the conducted experiments confirmed the usefulness of the described approach.
Asymmetrical Write-assist for single-ended SRAM operation

In this paper, asymmetrical Write-assist cell virtual ground biasing and positive feedback sensing keeper schemes are proposed to improve the Read Static Noise Margin (RSNM), Write Margin (WM), and operation speed of a single-ended Read/Write 8T SRAM cell. A 4Kbit SRAM implemented in 90nm CMOS technology achieves 1uW/bit average power consumption at 6MHz, Vmin of 410mV at 6MHz, and 234MHz maximum operation frequency at 600mV.
Research and implementation of outage analysis key technology based on information integration of power distribution and utilization

Based on multi-source data modeling and information integration of power distribution and utilization, outage analysis key technology under different time dimensions is studied. Implementation of several key techniques are also elaborated including consumer outage event alarm and reason analysis, consumer outage statistic and impact access, real-time consumer power recover analysis, consumer power reliability analysis and consumer outage simulation analysis. The study indicates that instant and correct outage information and recover information of consumers can be provided while power dispatching of distribution and utilization can be supported by outage analysis results published based on the unified model and information integration for power distribution and utilization.
Treatment of dementia with neurotransmission modulation

The prevalence of dementia is growing in developed countries where elderly patients are increasing in numbers. Neurotransmission modulation is one approach to the treatment of dementia. Cholinergic precursors, anticholinesterases, nicotine receptor agonists and muscarinic M2 receptor antagonists are agents that enhance cholinergic neurotransmission and that depend on having some intact cholinergic innervation to be effective in the treatment of dementia. The cholinergic precursor choline alfoscerate may be emerging as a potential useful drug in the treatment of dementia, with few adverse effects. Of the anticholinesterases, donepezil, in addition to having a similar efficacy to tacrine in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD), appears to have major advantages; its use is associated with lower drop-out rates in clinical trials, a lower incidence of cholinergic-like side effects and no liver toxicity. Rivastigmine is efficacious in the treatment in dementia with Lewy bodies, a condition in which the other anticholinesterases have not been tested extensively to date. Galantamine is an anticholinesterase and also acts as an allosteric potentiating modulator at nicotinic receptors to increase the release of acetylcholine. Pooled data from clinical trials of patients with mild-to-moderate AD suggest that the benefits and safety profile of galantamine are similar to those of the anticholinesterases. Selective nicotine receptor agonists are being developed that enhance cognitive performance without influencing autonomic and skeletal muscle function, but these have not yet entered clinical trial for dementia. Unlike the cholinergic enhancers, the M1 receptor agonists do not depend upon intact cholinergic nerves but on intact M1 receptors for their action, which are mainly preserved in AD and dementia with Lewy bodies. The M1 receptor-selective agonists developed to date have shown limited efficacy in clinical trials and have a high incidence of side effects. A major recent advancement in the treatment of dementia is memantine, a non-competitive antagonist at NMDA receptors. Memantine is beneficial in the treatment of severe and moderate-to-severe AD and may also be of some benefit in the treatment of mild-to-moderate vascular dementia. Drugs that modulate 5-HT, somatostatin and noradrenergic neurotransmission are also being considered for the treatment of dementia.
Renal cell carcinoma

The overall incidence of renal cell carcinoma is rising, for reasons not fully explained by increased abdominal imaging. Risk factors associated with renal cell carcinoma include hypertension, smoking, increased body mass index, and diet. There is an inverse association of renal cell carcinoma risk with consumption of a variety of carotenes. In addition, increased red meat intake has been associated with increased risk. Partial nephrectomy may be as effective as radical nephrectomy as treatment for localized disease, and radiosurgery may be as effective as surgical resection in the management of brain metastases. Immunotherapy remains the mainstay for systemic treatment, with response rates between 5% and 20%. Survival in renal cell carcinoma is related to pathologic stage, nuclear grade, microscopic vascular invasion, DNA content, nuclear morphometry, and histologic pattern. In addition, patients with deletion (8p)/–8, +12, and +20 appear to have a worse prognosis.