Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Author's response to reviews Title:Vancomycin and daptomycin minimum inhibitory concentration distribution and occurrence of heteroresistance among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus blood isolates in Turkey Authors:

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of vancomycin and daptomycin MICs among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) blood isolates, the prevalence of heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (hVISA) and the relationship between hVISA and vancomycin MIC values. Methods: A total of 175 MRSA blood isolates were collected from seven university hospitals in Turkey. All isolates were tested for susceptibility to vancomycin and daptomycin by reference broth microdilution (BMD) and by standard Etest method. BMD test was performed according to CLSI guidelines and Etest was performed according to the instructions of the manufacturer. All isolates were screened for the presence of the hVISA by using macro Etest (MET) and population analysis profile-area under the curve (PAP-AUC) methods. Results: The vancomycin MIC50, MIC90 and MIC ranges were 1, 2, and 0.5-2 μg/ml, respectively, by both of BMD and Etest. The daptomycin MIC50, MIC90 and MIC ranges were 0.5, 1 and 0.125 -1 μg/ml by BMD and 0.25, 0.5 and 0.06-1 μg/ml by Etest, respectively. The vancomycin MIC for 40.6% (71/175) of the MRSA isolates tested was >1 μg/ml by BMD. No vancomycin and daptomycin resistance was found among MRSA isolates. Percent agreement of Etest MICs with BMD MICs within +1 doubling dilution was 100% and 73.1% for vancomycin and daptomycin, respectively. The prevalence of hVISA among MRSA blood isolates was 13.7% (24/175) by PAPAUC method. MET identified only 14 of the hVISA strains (sensitivity, 58.3%), and there were 12 strains identified as hVISA that were not subsequently confirmed by PAP-AUC (specificity, 92.1%). Conclusions: Agreement between BMD and Etest MICs is high both for vancomycin and daptomycin. Daptomycin was found to be highly active against MRSA isolates including hVISA. A considerable number of isolates are determined as hVISA among blood isolates. As it is impractical to use the reference method (PAPAUC) for large numbers of isolates, laboratory methods for rapid and accurate identification of hVISA need to be developed.
Targeting EZH2-mediated methylation of histone 3 inhibits proliferation of pediatric acute monocytic leukemia cells in vitro

ABSTRACT Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyltransferase and a catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that catalyzes the mono-, di-, and tri-methylation of histone H3 at Lys 27 (H3K27me3) to facilitate chromatin-remodeling and gene-silencing functions. Previous reports showed a significant association of EZH2 aberrations in pediatric cancers, such as soft tissue sarcomas and glioblastoma. Recent reports in human subjects and animal models have also suggested a central role of EZH2 in the induction and progression of acute myeloid leukemia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular status of EZH in cell lines derived from distinct pediatric leukemia to assess the efficacy of targeting EZH2 to suppress cancer cell survival and proliferation. Our results showed that EZH2 protein is overexpressed in the pediatric monocytic cell-line THP-1, but not in other leukemia-derived cell lines MV4;11 and SEM. Screening a panel of methyltransferase inhibitors revealed that three inhibitors; GSK126, UNC1999 and EPZ-5687 are the most potent inhibitors that suppressed EZH2 activity selectively on lysine 27 which resulted in increased apoptosis and inhibition of AKT and ERK protein phosphorylation in THP-1 cells. Our data demonstrated a significant increase in apoptosis in cells treated with drug combination (EZH2i and selinexor) compared to EZH2i inhibitors alone. Taken together, our data provide initial evidence that targeting EZH2 is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of subtypes of pediatric AML. Also, combining EZH2 inhibitors with selinexor may increase the treatment efficacy in these patients.
Measurement-Based Quantum Metropolis Algorithm

We construct a measurement-based quantum extension of a rejection-free classical Metropolis algorithm to sample expectation values of observables for quantum Hamiltonians at thermal equilibrium. Observable measurements are incorporated into a thermalizing quantum Markov chain to avoid disturbing it. Our use of Hamiltonian simulation for Gaussian-filtered quantum phase estimation sets a thermalization timescale inversely proportional to temperature. The rejection-free classical algorithm artificially mimics a quantum limitation of indirect access to stationary states of the Hamiltonian.
A Cross-Sectional Overview: The Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Flow Rate of Orthopedic Truama Cases in Kuwait

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has led many countries to carry out a range of restrictions ranging from social distancing rules to full national lockdowns. The main aim of this study was to compare the flow rates of orthopaedic trauma injuries in Kuwait prior to the partial lockdown and during the curfew period. Method: Patient records for 641 isolated traumatic orthopedic injuries were collected pre and post the nationwide enforced partial curfew. The data was collected from the registries of 3 major orthopedic centers in the country. These hospitals cover a total of about 5 million people. Results: Hospitals of Kuwait received 356 patients in March-April of 2019 and 285 in the same months of 2020 during the curfew period. A slight decrease in the flow of orthopedic injuries was noted in the curfew period, but not a statistically significant one. Male to female ratio remained the same for both groups as well as the ratio for age groups. Femur fractures in the 2020 group were slightly higher and spine fractures were slightly lower than they were in 2019. Conclusion: A slight decrease in the number of patients who had orthopedic traumatic injuries was noted during the COVID-19 enforced partial curfew period. The decreased rate however, was not statistically significant.
Computer-Added System Selecting the Sub-Optimal Model of the Control Object

This paper presents a project of a computer - added system that supports the work of autonomous control loops by performing an identification test. The purpose of this test is to automatically create the best possible in terms of the assumed criterion plant model, of which no a priori knowledge is required, and then, on the basis of this model, to adjust the relevant controller or to incorporate it into the structure of the supervised control system. It is not the human being who decides whether a model belongs to a particular category, but the system automatically. When constructing the transfer function models, the analysis of the response shape of the object was carried out, and the Åström - Hågglund method was used to determine their parameters. The paper presents a brief description of the measurements carried out and the dependencies used to calculate the required parameters of various models. Simulation of relay tests was conducted and their results in the form of a table were attached to the article.
Summary of the AOP Molecular Initiating Event

It is well documented and accepted that learning and memory processes rely on physiological functioning of the glutamate receptor N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDAR). Both animal and human studies investigating NMDA itself, experiments with NMDAR antagonists and mutant mice lacking NMDAR subunits strongly support this statement (Rezvani, 2006). Activation of NMDARs results in long-term potentiation (LTP), which is related to increased synaptic strength, plasticity and memory formation in the hippocampus (Johnston et al., 2009). LTP induced by activation of NMDA receptors has been found to be elevated in the developing rodent brain compared to the mature brain, partially due to 'developmental switch' of the NMDAR 2A and 2B subunits (Johnston et al., 2009). Activation of the NMDAR also enhances brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release, which promotes neuronal survival, differentiation and synaptogenesis (Tyler et al., 2002; Johnston et al., 2009). Consequently, the blockage of NMDAR by chemical substances during synaptogenesis disrupts neuronal network formation resulting in the impairment of learning and memory processes (Toscano and Guilarte, 2005). This AOP is relevant to developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). The molecular initiating event (MIE) is described as the binding of antagonist to NMDAR in neurons during synaptogenesis (development) in hippocampus (one of the critical brain structures for learning and memory formation). Chemicals that block NMDAR are known developmental neurotoxicants such as lead (Pb2+), toluene and ethanol. Additionally there are some specific pharmaceuticals such as MK-801, ketamine, dextromethorphan, pethidine, methadone, dextropropoxyphene, tramadol and ketobemidone that are selective antagonists of NMDAR too. Aop:13
Title Hybrid cargo-level tracking system for logistics

In this paper, we propose a hybrid cargo-level tracking system for logistics. We highlight the special system requirements, discuss the design issues and identify the design principles. Then we propose an innovative hybrid system. As far as we know, this is the first system that exploits both infrastructure-based and infrastructure-less positioning schemes for practical cargo-level tracking. Compared with existing systems, the proposed system provides a ubiquitous cargo-level tracking solution with enhanced availability, reliability, and lower total costs.
CHANGES IN SOLAR ACTIVITY DURING THE WOLF MINIMUM—NEW INSIGHTS FROM A HIGH-RESOLUTION 14C RECORD BASED ON DANISH OAK

ABSTRACT We present a new biennial record of radiocarbon (14C) measured in Danish oak. The new record covers the years 1251–1378 CE, thereby spanning the Grand Solar Minimum known as the Wolf Minimum. Two oak samples from every other year were measured at the AMS facility at Aarhus University (Denmark), resulting in an average precision of 1.4‰ for the record. Spectral analysis of the new record revealed two peaks at 27 and 9.1 years, which could indicate the Hale cycle was lengthened and the Schwabe cycle shortened during the Wolf Minimum, but it is also possible that the amplitude of the Schwabe cycle was too small to be accurately identified with the acquired precision of this record. The record was bandpass filtered to investigate the variability of the amplitude in different bands, which showed a dampening of the amplitude during the second half of the Wolf Minimum in bands centered on the Schwabe and the Hale cycle, respectively. A reconstruction of the solar modulation function, Φ, also showed a periodicity of ca. 9 years, and indicated that the Wolf Minimum was preceeded by one cycle of decreased solar activity.
The marriage premium and within-household specialization among same-sex couples : Evidence from the 2013-2015 American Community Survey

This study focuses on uncovering marriage effect on wage income and within-household specialization in same-sex couples. The study shows that in general, married lesbians have about 10.0-11.4% marriage premium on wage income, and married gay men enjoy a premium of about 10.0-10.6%. Furthermore, this study finds out that marriage leads to larger labor supply gaps in terms of employment status, annual working hours, annual working weeks, weekly working hours and annual wage income among same-sex couples, regardless of gender.
Empowering teachers to create augmented reality experiences: the effects on the educational experience

ABSTRACT Well-designed educational Augmented Reality (AR) experiences support collaboration, transferability to the real world, situated, and experiential learning. Nevertheless, envisioning engaging yet effective learning and teaching experiences is a challenge. Most teachers are not technologically ready to create AR experiences and rely upon closed products often regarded as fun activities but whose learning affordances might remain unnoticed and whose integration within the course activities is often shoehorned. End-User Development tools empowering not technical users like teachers to create their own AR experience could contribute to spread the use of this technology in educational settings. In this paper, we analyze whether a EUD AR tool based on mobile technology can have positive effects on the educational experience from a teaching and learning perspective. We performed qualitative and quantitative research in a high school analyzing the tool in a focus group with teachers and assessing its effects on the educational experience by using it in two real classes. Results show that even if using the tool implies an additional workload for teachers, results can be rewarding for both, teachers and students that are skilled enough to use AR as far as it is based on easy, familiar, and affordable devices like mobile devices.
Dropout in Learning Vector Quantization Networks for Regularized Learning and Classification Confidence Estimation

To understand trends in individual responses to medication, one can take a purely data-driven machine learning approach, or alternatively apply pharmacokinetics combined with mixed-eﬀects statistical modelling. To take advantage of the predictive power of machine learning and the explanatory power of pharmacokinetics, a latent variable mixture model for learning clusters of pharmacokinetic models is proposed and demonstrated on a clinical data set. The proposed strategy automatically constructs diﬀerent population models that are not based on prior knowledge or experimental design, but result naturally as mixture component models of the global latent variable mixture model. The parameter of the underlying multi-compartment ordinary diﬀerential equation model are analyzed via identiﬁability analysis on the observable measurements, which reveals the model is structurally locally identiﬁable. Further approximation with a perturbation technique enables eﬃcient training of the proposed probabilistic latent variable mixture clustering technique using Estimation Maximization.
Legislative and Multilateral Bargaining

This review of the theoretical literature on legislative and multilateral bargaining begins with presentation of the seminal Baron-Ferejohn model. The review then encompasses the extensions to bargaining among asymmetric players in terms of bargaining power, voting weights, and time and risk preferences; spatial bargaining; bargaining over a stochastic surplus; bargaining over public goods; legislative bargaining with alternative bargaining protocols in which players make demands, compete for recognition, or make counterproposals; and legislative bargaining with cheap talk communication.
jmbReview Nitrogen Sources Inhibit Biofilm Formation by Xanthomonas oryzae pv . oryzae

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is the causative agent of bacterial blight in rice [1], which is the second most cultivated crop worldwide. Bacterial blight may cause losses of up to 32% of rice yields, depending on the rice cultivar and environmental conditions [2]. The natural habitat of Xoo has not yet been completely defined, but several potential habitats have been suggested [3, 4]. The two primary potential habitats of Xoo are seeds and the natural environment. It has been previously demonstrated that rice seeds may carry live Xoo cells [5]; however, whether Xoo carried by seeds causes bacterial blight is a subject of debate [6, 7]. In the natural environment, Xoo survival depends upon conditions surrounding the cells [8, 9]. Biofilm formation by Xoo is pivotal not only for the survival of the bacteria but also for its persistence in the environment. A biofilm provides a protective niche for bacteria [10, 11]. Surrounded by a biofilm, bacteria change their gene expression and eventually become more resistant to hostile environmental conditions [12, 13]. Xoo is a good biofilm producer [14]; in addition to increased survivability, biofilm formation has been suggested to be involved in Xoo pathogenesis [15, 16]. Xoo enters rice by withdrawing guttation fluid [17, 18] or by traveling through wounds or sheath openings [18]. After reaching the xylem, Xoo propagates [19], activates rice defense systems [20], thickens the secondary wall [21], and increases cationic peroxidase levels [22]. Eventually, the aggregation of cells and their exopolysaccharides form a biofilm that blocks the rice vessels [23, 24]. In rice, Xoo preferentially forms a biofilm in the xylem rather than in the phloem. In order to understand Xoo pathogenesis and its biofilm formation in rice, it is essential to identify the nutritional conditions that promote biofilm formation by Xoo.
Stuttgart Bachelorarbeit Investigating Different Levels of Joining Entity and Relation Classification

Named entities, such as persons or locations, are crucial bearers of information within an unstructured text. Recognition and classification of these (named) entities is an essential part of information extraction. Relation classification, the process of categorizing semantic relations between two entities within a text, is another task closely linked to named entities. Those two tasks – entity and relation classification – have been commonly treated as a pipeline of two separate models. While this separation simplifies the problem, it also disregards underlying dependencies and connections between the two subtasks. As a consequence, merging both subtasks into one joint model for entity and relation classification is the next logical step. A thorough investigation and comparison of different levels of joining the two tasks is the goal of this thesis. This thesis will accomplish the objective by defining different levels of joint entity and relation classification and developing (implementing and evaluating) and analyzing machine learning models for each level. The levels which will be investigated are: • (L1) a pipeline of independent models for entity classification and relation classification • (L2) using the entity class predictions as features for relation classification • (L3) global features for both entity and relation classification • (L4) explicit utilization of a single joint model for entity and relation classification The best results are achieved using the model for level 3 with an F1 score of 0.830 for entity classification and an F1 score of 0.52 for relation classification.
How Biased Are We ? Automated Detection of Gendered Language

Detecting the different ways in which gender bias is encoded in language is an important and challenging task, however, it currently requires a manual description of how gendered language is expressed. Apart from requiring considerable effort for each language/domain/author, such an analysis does not provide a quantifiable measure of this bias, nor is it identified at the sentential level. Based on the intuition that gendered language is indicative of the gender of its mentions, we automatically annotate data to train a classifier to predict the gender of any mention from its context. Such a classifier is then used on unseen text to predict the gender of its mentions, the confidence of which indicates the level of bias in the text. We present preliminary implementation and results in this abstract.
CONSTRUCT VALIDITY IN PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS1

Validation of psychological tests has not yet been adequately conceptualized, as the APA Committee on Test Standards learned when it undertook (1950-54) to specify what qualities should be investigated before a test is published. In order to make coherent recommendations the Committee found it necessary to distinguish four types of validity, established by different types of research and requiring different interpretation. The chief innovation in the Committee’s report was the term construct validity. This idea was first formulated by a subcommittee (Meehl and R. C. Challman) studying how proposed recommendations would apply to projective techniques, and later modified and clarified by the entire committee (Bordin, Challman, Conrad, Humphreys, Meehl, and Super). The statements agreed upon by the committee (and by committees of two other associations) were published in the “Technical Recommendations” (APA Committee on Test Standards, 1954). The present interpretation of construct validity is not “official” and deals with some areas where the Committee would probably not be unanimous. The present writers are solely responsible for this attempt to explain the concept and elaborate its implications. Identification of construct validity was not an isolated development. Writers on validity during the preceding decade had shown a great deal of dissatisfaction with conventional notions of validity, and introduced new terms and ideas, but the resulting aggregation of types of validity seems only to have stirred the muddy waters. Portions of the distinctions we shall discuss are implicit in Jenkins’ paper, “Validity for what? ” (1946), Gulliksen’s “Intrinsic validity” (1950), Goodenough’s distinction between tests as “signs” and “samples” (1950), Cronbach’s separation of “logical” and “empirical” validity (1949), Guilford’s “factorial validity” (1946), and Mosier’s papers on “face validity” and “validity generalization” (1947, 1951). Helen Peak (1953) comes close to an explicit statement of construct validity as we shall present it.
Cyclic MOG 35-55 ameliorates clinical and neuropathological features of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

a Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, B’ Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece. b Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras 26500, Greece c Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras 26500, Greece d Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany e Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, VIC 3030 Australia f Eldrug, Patras Science Park, Patras, Greece.