Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecology of lactic acid bacteria and coagulase negative cocci in fermented dry sausages manufactured in Italy and other Mediterranean countries: an overview.

Most European fermented dry sausages still follow the traditional procedures in which fermentation and ripening depend on the activities of heterogeneous microbial communities, largely dominated by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) whose contribution primarily relies on the production of organic acids and volatile compounds, and coagulase negative cocci (CNC), which are responsible for colour development and stabilisation, proteolysis, lipolysis, and decomposition of free amino acids and peroxides. This review summarises the studies concerning the structure of these two microbial communities in Mediterranean traditional fermented sausages. Overall a high microbial complexity was highlighted, although several common features emerged: LAB are more numerous than CNC during fermentation and ripening, remaining more stable in the ripened products. Within LAB, facultatively heterofermentative lactobacilli generally prevail and, among them, the two psychrotrophic species Lactobacillus sakei and Lactobacillus curvatus are dominant. Within CNC, Staphylococcus xylosus neatly dominates, except in the Greek and French sausages.
Pitfalls in Estimating Piperaquine Elimination

ABSTRACT By using a sensitive new assay, the terminal elimination half-life of the antimalarial piperaquine in a healthy volunteer was estimated to be 33 days, which is longer than estimated previously. This result illustrates the importance of extended sampling duration and sensitive assay methodologies in characterizing the disposition of slowly eliminated antimalarial drugs.
Research on Concept Clustering of Order Task Ontology based on Modified PART

Clustering is the foundation of establishing the semantic model of order task ontology. The process of concept clustering of order manufacturing task was analyzed to solve the clustering problem. A three-index evaluation method of order task document was proposed to construct the corpus. And then SVD approach was employed to reduce the term-document matrix. On the basis of this, a modified PART clustering algorithm was proposed to reestablish similarity check function by integrating of latent semantic information of ontology concept to improve the clustering accuracy. Finally, the task documents in a building materials equipment enterprise were collected as sample data and the experiment was simulated by matlab. By comparison with ART and PART, the modified PART had better performances in recall and accuracy of concept clustering.
Neural correlates of error detection and error correction: is there a common neuroanatomical substrate?

Successful behaviour requires error detection resulting in remedial actions, such as immediate error correction. The present event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging study in humans examined the neural correlates of error detection and error correction using a speeded modified flankers task. In order to investigate corrective behaviour, participants were randomly divided into two groups. The correction instructed group was asked to correct all encountered errors immediately. The correction not instructed group was unaware that corrective responses were recorded. The intention to correct errors significantly increased the correction rate. Brain activations correlating with error detection were isolated in the rostral cingulate zone and in the pre‐supplementary motor area, supporting their important role in error processing. Error correction activated similar brain regions, suggesting a common neuroanatomical substrate. Additional activations were found in the parietal cortex, representing an interconnected cortical network, which processes somatosensory information of tactile stimuli.
Applying Erikson’s Wisdom to Self-Management Practices of Older Adults

According to Erik Erikson’s theory on the stages of human development, achieving wisdom later in life involves revisiting previous crises and renewing psychosocial accomplishments. However, few studies have used Erikson’s theory as a framework for examining how older adults self-manage physical and mental health changes that commonly occur later in life. This article presents findings from two qualitative studies that demonstrate how older adults apply wisdom in new domains. Specifically, it was found that older adults (1) reasserted autonomy by initiating creative problem solving and (2) applied skills gained from productive activities earlier in life to new health-related problems that arise later in life. These findings highlight the importance of engaging older adults to repurpose their life skills and thus reapply wisdom to new areas of their lives. Implications for practice are discussed.
Islet transplants and impact on secondary diabetic complications: does C-Peptide protect the kidney?

With successful reversal of chemical diabetes over 30 yr ago in rodents, islet transplantation entered the realm of clinical pos- sibility. (1-4) Early attempts to replicate rodent studies in patients were fraught with difficulty —compounded by poor quality, low yield islet preparations, and ineffective immunosuppression. Introduction of the Ricordi chamber for controlled mechan- ical and enzymatic pancreatic dissociation in 1986 led to major improvements in quality and yield isolation of human islets (5,6). The impact of this new method for islet isolation rapidly bore fruit; within four years, the first clinical successes began to emerge—most remarkable of which was a series of patients with surgical diabetes resulting from abdominal exenteration in which half of the treated subjects were able to maintain insulin independence after islet transplantation (7,8). Introduction of a more consistent collagenase enzyme for pancreatic digestion (Liberase) (9,10), techniques for controlled enzymatic perfu- sion of the pancreatic duct (11), use of a cooled COBE cell apheresis system (12), and less toxic osmotic gradients for rapid islet purification (13,14) transformed methods for islet isolation from art to science, paving the way for more intensive clinical efforts. Development of standardized procedures, strin- gent islet product release criteria, and upgrading of islet isola- tion facilities to meet cGMP standards have recently provided a much improved and ultra-clean islet product for safer im- plantation into patients (15). A series of refinements in peritransplant management intro- duced by the Giessen and Milan groups led to success rates of 50% in patients with type 1 diabetes in these centers (13,16), but overall outcomes in over 450 patients documented in the International Registry remained dismal, with only 8% of pa- tients maintaining insulin independence (17). As islet trans- plantation moved into the new millennium, further refinements in the so-called Edmonton Protocol led to dramatic improve- ments in clinical outcome, with all of the first seven patients treated with steroid-free, sirolimus-based immune suppression, maintaining insulin independence at the time of the initial report (18). Expanded numbers with more prolonged follow-up from the Edmonton group now confirm 1-yr insulin indepen- dence rates of 80% (19) and 3-yr islet graft function rates of close to 90% (based on persistent C-peptide function), and two of the initial three patients remain insulin-free now beyond 4 yr (20). Preliminary results from a nine-center international Im- mune Tolerance Network trial (21) and data accruing from over 250 patients in more than 25 additional active centers further justify the gradual transition of status for islet trans- plantation from research to standard practice of medicine for patients with unstable forms of type 1 diabetes who have failed on intensive insulin therapy.
Direct measurement of the interaction force between immunostimulatory CpG–DNA and TLR9 fusion protein

The specific interaction between human Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9)–ectodomain (ECD)–fusion protein and immunostimulatory CpG–DNA was measured using force spectroscopy. Flexible tethers were used between receptors and surface as well as between DNA and atomic force microscope tip to make efficient recognition studies possible. The molecular recognition forces detected are in the range of 50 to 150 ± 20 pN at the used force‐loading rates, and the molecular interaction probability was much reduced when the receptors were blocked with free CpG–DNA. A linear increase of the unbinding force with the logarithm of the loading rate was found over the range 0.1 to 30 nN/s. This indicates a single potential barrier characterizing the energy landscape and no intermediate state for the unbinding pathway of CpG–DNA from the TLR9–ECD. Two important kinetic parameters for CpG–DNA interaction with TLR9–ECD were determined from the force‐loading rate dependency: an off‐rate of koff = 0.14 ± 0.10 s‐1 and a binding interaction length of xβ = 0.30 ± 0.03 nm, which are consistent with literature values. Various models for the molecular interaction of this innate immune receptor binding to CpG–DNA are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distinguishing Convergence on Phylogenetic Networks

In phylogenetics, the evolutionary history of a group of taxa, for example, groups of species, genera or subspecies, can be modelled using a phylogenetic tree. Alternatively, we can model evolutionary history with a phylogenetic network. On phylogenetic networks, edges that have previously evolved independently from a common ancestor may subsequently converge for a period of time. Examples of processes in biology that are better represented by networks than trees are hybridisation, horizontal gene transfer and recombination. Molecular phylogenetics uses information in biological sequences, for example, sequences of DNA nucleotides, to infer a phylogenetic tree or network. This requires models of character substitution. A group of these models is called the Abelian group-based models. The rate matrices of the Abelian group-based models can be diagonalised in a process often referred to as Hadamard conjugation in the literature. The time dependent probability distributions representing the probabilities of each combination of states across all taxa at any site in the sequence are referred to as phylogenetic tensors. The phylogenetic tensors representing a given tree or network can be expressed in the diagonalised basis that may allow them to be analysed more easily. We look at the diagonalising matrices of various Abelian group-based models in this thesis. We compare the phylogenetic tensors for various trees and networks for two, three and four taxa. If the probability spaces between one tree or network and another are not identical then there will be phylogenetic tensors that could have arisen on one but not the other. We call these two trees or networks distinguishable from each other. We show that for the binary symmetric model there are no two-taxon trees and networks that are distinguishable from each other, however there are three-taxon trees and networks that are distinguishable from each other. We compare the time parameters for the phylogenetic tensors for various taxon label permutations on a given tree or network. If the time parameters on one taxon label permutation in terms of the other taxon label permutation are all non-negative then we say that the two taxon label permutations are not network identifiable from each other. We show that some taxon label permutations are network identifiable from each other. We show that some four-taxon networks do not satisfy the four-point condition, while others do. There are two “structures” of four-taxon rooted trees. One of these structures is defined by the cluster, b,c,d, where the taxa are labelled alphabetically from left to right, starting with a. The network with this structure and convergence between the two taxa with the root as their most recent common ancestor satisfies the four-point condition. The phylogenetic tensors contain polynomial equations that cannot be easily solved for fourtaxon or higher trees or networks. We show how methods from algebraic geometry, such as Grobner bases, can be used to solve the polynomial equations. We show that some four-taxon trees and networks can be distinguished from each other.
Modularity, Combining and Artificial Neural Nets

In this paper, the modular combination of artificial neural nets is considered. A modular approach to combining can be contrasted with an ensemble-based approach in that it implies individual modules, each responsible for some specialist aspect of a task, as opposed to each approximating the same function. It is possible to characterize modular systems in terms of (i) reasons for the task decomposition, (ii) the method for accomplishing the decomposition and (iii) the relationship between the modules. These characteristics are considered in brief outlines of the papers in the issue. Reasons for task decomposition include the exploitation of specialist capabilities of individual nets, performance improvement, and making the system easier to understand and modify. Task decomposition may be either automatic (based on the blind application of a data partitioning algorithm) or explicit (based on prior knowledge of the task or the specialist capabilities of the modules), and the relationship between the modules.
Cell‐Free Protein Synthesis System Prepared from Insect Cells by Freeze‐Thawing

We established a novel cell‐free protein synthesis system derived from Trichoplusia ni (HighFive) insect cells by a simple extraction method. Luciferase and β‐galactosidase were synthesized in this system with active forms. We analyzed and optimized (1) the preparation method of the insect cell extract, (2) the concentration of the reaction components, and (3) the 5′‐untranslated region (5′‐UTR) of mRNA. The extract was prepared by freeze‐thawing insect cells suspended in the extraction buffer. This preparation method was a simple and superior method compared with the conventional method using a Dounce homogenizer. Furthermore, protein synthesis efficiency was improved by the addition of 20% (v/v) glycerol to the extraction buffer. Concentrations of the reaction components were optimized to increase protein synthesis efficiency. Moreover, mRNAs containing 5′‐UTRs derived from baculovirus polyhedrin genes showed high protein synthesis activity. Especially, the leader composition of the Ectropis obliqua nucleopolyhedrovirus polyhedrin gene showed the highest enhancement activity among the six 5′‐UTRs tested. As a result, in a batch reaction approximately 71 μg of luciferase was synthesized per milliliter of reaction volume at 25 °C for 6 h. Moreover, this method for the establishment of a cell‐free system was applied also to Spodoptera frugiperda 21 (Sf21) insect cells. After optimizing the concentrations of the reaction components and the 5′‐UTR of mRNA, approximately 45 μg/mL of luciferase was synthesized in an Sf21 cell‐free system at 25 °C for 3 h. These productivities were sufficient to perform gene expression analyses. Thus, these cell‐free systems may be a useful tool for simple synthesis in post‐genomic studies as a novel protein production method.
Actions : Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey ( HINTS ) Associations of Perceived Risk and Worry with Cancer Health-protective

This study examined the associations of susceptibility, conceptualized as both a cognition (risk) and as affect (worry) and their possible interaction, with cancer screening behaviors. Data for this study were obtained from the 2003 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Hierarchical regression models assessed the ability of risk, worry and their interaction (after controlling for other important variables) to predict cancer-screening behaviors. Results found that risk and worry (but not their interaction) were associated with regular mammography screening and having had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy but with neither FOBT nor PSA screening. The findings suggest that risk and worry are both important in predicting some types of screening behavior and that these variables operate independently.
An analysis of the changes to the mechanical and acoustical properties of paper caused by the damage mechanisms present in the fibre structure

This paper will analyse two of the likely damage mechanisms present in a paper fibre matrix when placed under controlled stress conditions: fibre/fibre bond failure and fibre failure. The failure process associated with each damage mechanism will be presented in detail focusing on the change in mechanical and acoustic properties of the surrounding fibre structure before and after failure. To present this complex process mathematically, geometrically simple fibre arrangements will be chosen based on certain assumptions regarding the structure and strength of paper, to model the damage mechanisms. The fibre structures are then formulated in terms of a hybrid vibro-acoustic model based on a coupled mass/spring system and the pressure wave equation. The model will be presented in detail in the paper. The simulation of the simple fibre structures serves two purposes; it highlights the physical and acoustic differences of each damage mechanism before and after failure, and also shows the differences in the two damage mechanisms when compared with one another. The results of the simulations are given in the form of pressure wave contours, time-frequency graphs and the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) diagrams. The analysis of the results leads to criteria by which the two damage mechanisms can be identified. Using these criteria it was possible to verify the results of the simulations against experimental acoustic data. The models developed in this study are of specific practical interest in the paper-making industry, where acoustic sensors may be used to monitor continuous paper production. The same techniques may be adopted more generally to correlate acoustic signals to damage mechanisms in other fibre-based structures.
Optimal preconditioning for interpolation of missing data in a band-limited sequence

In this paper, we propose optimal methods for preconditioning an ill-conditioned linear system of equations, obtained when interpolating missing data in a band-limited sequence. The optimal preconditioning weights are obtained by solving an eigenvalue optimization problem via semidefinite programming. The so-obtained optimal weights are compared with a commonly used set of heuristic weights in terms of the condition numbers of resulting systems, with and without the knowledge of noise.
The effect of Macrocheles muscaedomesticae and M. subbadius (Acarina: Macrochelidae) phoresy on the dispersal of Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae)

In south-central Ontario, the stable flies disperse from their overwintering farms and re-establish populations at neighbouring dairy and beef farms each spring. Two species of phoretic macrochelid mites commonly found on stable flies are Macrocheles muscaedomesticae and M. subbadius . We tested the hypothesis that mite phoresy affects the dispersal of their stable fly phorionts. At a beef farm we found a higher proportion of parous stable flies with mite scars than expected, based on the proportion of nulliparous females carrying mites. These results were consistent with our hypothesis, indicating that stable flies without mites may be emigrating more than flies carrying mites. We further tested our hypothesis by comparing the mite load on dispersing stable flies sampled with a vehicle-mounted truck trap to the mite load on resident stable flies sampled from three dairy farms and one beef farm (May to October, 2001). Significantly, no stable flies caught in the truck trap were carrying mites, compared to the seasonal means of 10% and 5% of female and male stable flies with mites at the four farms. This effect of mite phoresy on stable fly populations is discussed.
Amino-terminal sequence of glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2

Glycoprotein D (gD) of herpes simplex virus is a structural component of the virion envelope which stimulates production of high titers of herpes simplex virus type-common neutralizing antibody. We carried out automated N-terminal amino acid sequencing studies on radiolabeled preparations of gD-1 (gD of herpes simplex virus type 1) and gD-2 (gD of herpes simplex virus type 2). Although some differences were noted, particularly in the methionine and alanine profiles for gD-1 and gD-2, the amino acid sequence of a number of the first 30 residues of the amino terminus of gD-1 and gD-2 appears to be quite similar. For both proteins, the first residue is a lysine. When we compared our sequence data for gD-1 with those predicted by nucleic acid sequencing, the two sequences could be aligned (with one exception) starting at residue 26 (lysine) of the predicted sequence. Thus, the first 25 amino acids of the predicted sequence are absent from the polypeptides isolated from infected cells.
Case Report: Bronchoesophageal Fistula in Mixed Breed Dog

A 10-year-old, male neutered, 10 kg, mixed poodle was presented with a 4-month history of non-productive cough. The dog was firstly diagnosed pneumonia at the left caudal lung lobe. However, the treatment with systemic antibiotics, mucolytics and bronchodilators did not improve his clinical signs. Moreover, the regurgitation with foamy content was developed. The esophagoscopy and contrast radiography with barium sulfate solution were performed for the definite diagnosis. The bronchoesophageal fistula with secondary pneumonia at the left caudal lung lobe was diagnosed. The specific treatment for the bronchoesophageal fistula was performed by the surgical correction via thoracotomy.
A Bernstein-like operator for a mixed algebraic-trigonometric space

Bernstein-like operators are useful to measure the approximation properties of a vector space of functions. Especially important for measuring the degree of approximation and describing these approximations are their spectral properties. A property usually required for these approximation spaces is that there exists a normalized totally positive basis because it allows us to provide shape preserving representations. The normalized B-basis of a space has optimal shape preserving properties. We present the normalized B-basis of the space T̄1/2 generated by 1, t, cos t, sin t, cos(t/2), sin(t/2), computed using the techniques in the paper [2]. The spectral properties of the Bernstein-like operator associated to this space are discussed and indicate how close is the curve to its control polygon. The third greatest eigenvalue gives a rough idea of the approximation power of the space. For the classical Bernstein operator, the third eigenvalue is λ2 = 0.8 and for the space T̄1/2 we find λ2 ≈ 0.7842. In contrast to the classical Bernstein operator, whose corresponding Greville abscissae are strictly increasing, we find coincident abscissae in this case, leading to an example of a Bernstein-like operator which is not a bijection from the space to itself.