Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of Microbial Diversity of Aeromonas Strains on the Basis of Multilocus Sequence Typing, Phenotype, and Presence of Putative Virulence Genes

ABSTRACT The genus Aeromonas has been described as comprising several species associated with the aquatic environment, which represents their principal reservoir. Aeromonas spp. are commonly isolated from diseased and healthy fish, but the involvement of such bacteria in human infection and gastroenteritis has frequently been reported. The primary challenge in establishing an unequivocal link between the Aeromonas genus and pathogenesis in humans is the extremely complicated taxonomy. With the aim of clarifying taxonomic relationships among the strains and phenotypes, a multilocus sequencing approach was developed and applied to characterize 23 type and reference strains of Aeromonas spp. and a collection of 77 field strains isolated from fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. All strains were also screened for putative determinants of virulence by PCR (ast, ahh1, act, asa1, eno, ascV, and aexT) and the production of acylated homoserine lactones (AHLs). In addition, the phenotypic fingerprinting obtained from 29 biochemical tests was submitted to the nonparametric combination (NPC) test methodology to define the statistical differences among the identified genetic clusters. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) achieved precise strain genotyping, and the phylogenetic analysis of concatenated sequences delineated the relationship among the taxa belonging to the genus Aeromonas, providing a powerful tool for outbreak traceability, host range diffusion, and ecological studies. The NPC test showed the feasibility of phenotypic differentiation among the majority of the MLST clusters by using a selection of tests or the entire biochemical fingerprinting. A Web-based MLST sequence database (http://pubmlst.org/aeromonas) specific for the Aeromonas genus was developed and implemented with all the results.
Dynamic response estimation of multilayer ferroelectret-based transducers using lumped-element electromechanical models

In this work, we show that in spite of the anisotropy of the ferroelectret Emfit film and the inhomogeneity of its vibratory behavior, the average frequency response of multilayer transducers in air is fairly well predicted with lumped element models. Transducers prototypes of up to three layers were built using plastic adhesive tapes and characterized by means of interferometric measurements on the uppermost layer surface. Each Emfit layers have been modeled by means of a damped spring-mass system. A good agreement between theory and experimentation was obtained following a constrained parameter identification procedure.
Stochastic properties of ion channel openings and bursts in a membrane patch that contains two channels: evidence concerning the number of channels present when a record containing only single openings is observed

If a single ion channel record is observed in which two ion channels are never simultaneously open, then it is often of interest to know whether the observations indeed arose from the activity of only one ion channel. This question can be answered if it is possible to calculate the distribution of the duration of runs of single openings in a membrane patch that contains two active channels. If the observed run of single openings is much longer than that expected for a patch with two channels it is likely that only one channel was active. An approximate method is presented for calculating the distribution of the duration of runs of single openings in a patch with two active channels; this method has the advantage that it can be calculated from observable quantities, and requires no knowledge of the details of the ion-channel mechanism or its rate constants. The accuracy of this approximation is tested by exact calculations of the properties of runs of single openings, and of single bursts, for two specific mechanisms and a large range of rate constants. The approximation is good in all cases in which openings occur singly, or in closely spaced bursts. If, as is common in practice, openings occur in clusters that are separated by long shut periods, then overlap of clusters from two different channels may be detected, if no double opening is produced, as a period in the middle of a cluster in which the probability of being open doubles. The results derived here can be applied to such a period to test whether it results from the simultaneous activity of two channels, rather than from a change in the properties of a single channel.
Results from the ARTEMIS DISK Global AntifungalSurveillance Study: a 6.5-Year Analysis of Susceptibilitiesof Candida and Other Yeast Species to Fluconazole andVoriconazole by Standardized Disk Diffusion Testing

ABSTRACT Fluconazole in vitro susceptibility test results for 140,767 yeasts were collected from 127 participating investigators in 39 countries from June 1997 through December 2003. Data were collected on 79,343 yeast isolates tested with voriconazole from 2001 through 2003. All investigators tested clinical yeast isolates by the CLSI (formerly NCCLS) M44-A disk diffusion method. Test plates were automatically read and results were recorded with the BIOMIC Vision Image Analysis System. Species, drug, zone diameter, susceptibility category, and quality control results were collected quarterly via e-mail for analysis. Duplicate (the same patient, same species, and same susceptible-resistant biotype profile during any 7-day period) and uncontrolled test results were not analyzed. The 10 most common species of yeasts all showed less resistance to voriconazole than to fluconazole. Candida krusei showed the largest difference, with over 70% resistance to fluconazole and less than 8% to voriconazole. All species of yeasts tested were more susceptible to voriconazole than to fluconazole, assuming proposed interpretive breakpoints of ≥17 mm (susceptible) and≤ 13 mm (resistant) for voriconazole. MICs reported in this study were determined from the zone diameter in millimeters from the continuous agar gradient around each disk, which was calibrated with MICs determined from the standard CLSI M27-A2 broth dilution method by balanced-weight regression analysis. The results from this investigation demonstrate the broad spectrum of the azoles for most of the opportunistic yeast pathogens but also highlight several areas where resistance may be progressing and/or where previously rare species may be“ emerging. ”
A dynamic power allocation and relay selection scheme for energy-harvesting wireless networks

In this paper, a dynamic power allocation and relay selection scheme is developed to improve the outage performance of a wireless relaying network with multiple energy-harvesting relays. Firstly an optimization problem is formulated to minimize the overall outage probability under the constraint of energy limitations due to energy harvesting. Further the problem is approximated and then simplified into a geometric programming problem, based on which the simple power allocation and its corresponding best-relay selection scheme is developed. Simulation results verify the outage performance gain of the developed scheme.
Microinjection of the SH2 domain of the 85-kilodalton subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibits insulin-induced DNA synthesis and c-fos expression

We have investigated the functional role of the SH2 domain of the 85-kDa subunit (p85) of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the insulin signal transduction pathway. Microinjection of a bacterial fusion protein containing the N-terminal SH2 domain of p85 inhibited insulin- and other growth factor-induced DNA synthesis by 90% and c-fos protein expression by 80% in insulin-responsive rat fibroblasts. The specificity of the fusion protein was examined by in vitro precipitation experiments, which showed that the SH2 domain of p85 can independently associate with both insulin receptor substrate 1 and the insulin receptor itself in the absence of detectable binding to other phosphoproteins. The microinjection results were confirmed through the use of an affinity-purified antibody directed against p85, which gave the same phenotype. Additional studies were carried out in another cell line expressing mutant insulin receptors which lack the cytoplasmic tyrosine residues with which p85 interacts. Microinjection of the SH2 domain fusion protein also inhibited insulin signaling in these cells, suggesting that association of p85 with insulin receptor substrate 1 is a key element in insulin-mediated cell cycle progression. In addition, coinjection of purified p21ras protein with the p85 fusion protein or the antibody restored DNA synthesis, suggesting that ras function is either downstream or independent of p85 SH2 domain interaction.
Serum concentrations of transforming growth factor-beta 1 in patients with benign and malignant prostatic diseases.

INTRODUCTION Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is found to be most markedly elevated in prostate cancer tissue. We determined the concentration of serum TGF-beta 1 in patients with cancer of the prostate (CaP), and correlated them to tumour stage and serum PSA. METHODS Serum TFG-beta 1 levels and serum PSA levels were determined in 80 patients with untreated CaP (Group I: pT1-3pNoMo: n = 58; Group II: T1-3pN + Mo: n = 6; Group III: T1-4NxM+: n = 16). Patients with histologically confirmed BPH (n = 50) served as controls. RESULTS Median TGF-beta 1 levels were not different in CaP- and in BPH-patients (32.86 ng/ml and 35.15 ng/ml respectively; p > 0.05). Furthermore there was no increase in TGF-beta 1 concentrations with advancing tumour stage (Group I: 32.86 ng/ml; Group II: 34.3 ng/ml; Group III: 33.44 (ng/ml; p > 0.05). No correlation with PSA levels could be established (Spearman r = -0.19; p = 0.05). CONCLUSION TGF-beta 1 was found to be non-discriminative between BPH and CaP. Furthermore no TGF-beta 1 increase could be observed with advancing tumour stage in patients with CaP.
Tolvaptan: a vasopressin antagonist for the management of euvolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia

Tolvaptan is a new vasopressin antagonist developed for the treatment of hypervolemic or euvolemic hyponatremia. It has greater affinity for the V2 receptor than native vasopressin or any other vasopressin antagonist. Blockade of the V2 receptor induces solute-free water excretion without affecting normal electrolyte excretion. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tolvaptan are suitable for once-daily dosing. Throughout all phases of clinical studies, it was shown to be safe for short- and long-term use. Tolvaptan effectively increases serum sodium levels in patients with heart failure, cirrhosis and syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. In patients hospitalized owing to heart failure, tolvaptan decreased bodyweight, increased urine output and improved dyspnea compared with placebo. However, tolvaptan has not proven to be beneficial for the long-term management of heart failure. Currently, tolvaptan is the only oral agent in its class available in the USA and Europe.
The positive inotropic effect of epinephrine on skeletal muscle: A brief review

Chronic and acute administration of epinephrine or related sympathomimetic agents are typically prescribed for the treatment of clinical disorders such as hypotension, anaphylactic and allergic reactions, and bronchial asthma. In addition to its effects on these infirmaties and on carbohydrate metabolism, epinephrine also exerts a positive inotropic effect on fast‐contracting skeletal muscle in a variety of animal species. At present, the precise mechanisms responsible for the inotropic effect are not known. This communication reviews the positive inotropic effects of epinephrine on fastcontracting skeletal muscle and discusses possible mechanisms which might mediate this phenomenon. Epinephrine potentiates muscle twitches via the second messenger, cAMP, secondary to hormone binding to membrane‐bound beta‐receptors. Cyclic AMP then acts to increase carbohydrate metabolism, alter sodium/potassium exchange, phosphorylate myosin isozymes, and/or alter intracellular calcium exchange. Based on theoretical grounds, the first three mechanisms can be excluded. Therefore, it is tentatively hypothesized that the effect is due to cAMP‐enhanced calcium exchange within the muscle fiber and/or to increased influx of extracellular calcium. This notion is consistent with the mechanism of the positive inotropic effects of epinephrine on cardiac tissue. If this hypothesis is correct, it would also suggest a role, at least under some conditions, for extracellular calcium in the process of skeletal muscle excitation–contraction coupling.
Co-Development of Professional Practice at a Professional Development School through Instructional Rounds and Lesson Study

This chapter examines the co-development of professional practices for both clinical faculty and teacher candidates at a Professional Development School through instructional rounds and lesson study. In particular, the authors highlight the nature of the transformative partnership of a collaborative network composed of two university teacher educators, a school-based site facilitator, and clinical faculty who co-designed and implemented a clinical model to enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics methods for elementary teacher candidates and faculty. The model of instructional rounds (City, Elmore, Fiarman, & Teitel, 2009) and lesson study (Lewis, 2002; Lewis, Perry, & Murata, 2006; Fernandez & Yoshida, 2004) were used in an elementary mathematics methods course at a Professional Development School to support teacher candidates in becoming reflective practitioners alongside clinical faculty. The chapter explores the following research questions: (1) In what ways did the targeted Instructional Rounds and Lesson Study impact the development of teacher candidates and clinical faculty’s professional practice? (2) How does the co-development model for professional development enhance the transformative partnership at the Professional Development School? Jennifer M. Suh George Mason University, USA Lesley A. King George Mason University, USA Andrea Weiss George Mason University, USA
Linking virtue to representational faithfulness in making judgments in a principles-based environment

This chapter explores the link between virtue and representational faithfulness in making judgments in a principles-based environment. The motivation for the chapter is the impending adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the United States and its principles-based approach to accounting. Even in a rules-based system, there are principles that provide a foundation for making decisions about the selection and implementation of accounting standards, financial statement presentation, estimates, and the sufficiency of evidence. A model is presented that reflects these judgments informed by virtue considerations that support substance over form decisions and a true and fair view. Implications for accounting education are discussed including the readiness of faculty to incorporate IFRS into the curriculum.
Indian Stock market and Aggregate macroeconomic variables: Time Series Analysis

This study investigates the impact of macroeconomic variables on the behaviour of Indian Stock market. Monthly data about six macro economic variables such as BSE Sensex, Call Money rate, Exchange rate between Indian Rupees and US dollar, Foreign Institutional Investment, Industrial productivity, money supply and whole sale price index over the period 2006:04 to 2013:07 has been taken for study. Descriptive Statistics, Pearson's correlation matrix, Unit root test and Granger Causality tests have been applied to test the relationship between stock market and the above mentioned macroeconomic variables. The analysis reveals that Indian stock market is positively whole sale price index, money supply and industrial productivity. The exchange rate and inflow of foreign institutional investment are found to be insignificant to Indian Stock market. In the Granger Causality sense, whole sale price index and industrial productivity influence the stock market to a great extent.
Dimension of the Country of Origin Effect in the Perception of Medical Services in EU Countries– an International Comparison

The influence of the country? s images on consumer attitudes has been defined as the country of origin (COO) effect. So far, the research in that field in services has been relatively scarce, and the analysis of expert literature indicated that the question of the COO effect in medical services has been discussed only in one article.The aim of the paper is to provide the answers to the following questions: 1) do the COO dimensions apply to the assessment of medical services? ; 2) what is the significance of the particular dimensions in these services? ; 3) does the significance of the particular dimensions depend on consumers? origin? Four dimensions have been introduced: innovativeness, diversity, quality, prestige. Study has been carried out in three European countries (Germany, Lithuania and Poland) and the survey sample consists of 264 respondents. The data have been collected with the use of a questionnaire form developed by the authors. Their statistical processing has been provided with the use of a t test and the analysis of variance with repeated measurement.The analysis confirms very high significance of the COO dimensions in medical services, and the fact that the significance is of differentiated nature. The research indicates that Quality and Innovativeness are the most important dimensions as regards medical services. Diversity and Prestige are significantly less important. The differentiation pertaining to the significance of dimensions indirectly indicates that medical services are affected by the COO effect. The analysis indicates that the COO dimensions as well as consumers? origin affect the assessment of the importance pertaining to a particular dimension, however the pattern of dimension preference is similar in all three countries. The results of the research may be applied in economic practice: in marketing operations of service providers and in operations of institutions which deal with shaping the image of their country and its positioning in the international environment.
Differential expression of glutamate receptor subtypes in human brainstem sites involved in perinatal hypoxia‐ischemia

This study delineates the development of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) and non‐NMDA receptor binding in the human brainstem, particularly as it relates to issues of the trophic effects of glutamate, the glutamate‐mediated ventilatory response to hypoxia, and regional excitotoxic vulnerability to perinatal hypoxia‐ischemia. We used tissue autoradiography to map the development of binding to NMDA, α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐proprionate (AMPA), and kainate receptors in brainstem sites involved in the glutamate ventilatory response to hypoxia, as well as recognized sites vulnerable to perinatal hypoxia‐ischemia. NMDA receptor/channel binding was virtually undetectable in all regions of the human fetal brainstem at midgestation, an unexpected finding given the trophic role for NMDA receptors in early central nervous system maturation in experimental animals. In contrast, non‐NMDA (AMPA and kainate) receptor binding was markedly elevated in multiple nuclei at midgestation. Although NMDA binding increased between midgestation and early infancy to moderately high adult levels, AMPA binding dramatically fell over the same time period to low adult levels. High levels of kainate binding did not change significantly between midgestation and infancy, except for an elevation in the infant compared with fetal inferior olive; after infancy, kainate binding decreased to negligible adult levels. Our data further suggest a differential development of components of the NMDA receptor/channel complex. This baseline information is critical in considering glutaminergic mechanisms in human brainstem development, physiology, and pathology. J. Comp. Neurol. 427:196–208, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular dynamics simulations of alcohol dehydrogenase with a four‐ or five‐coordinate catalytic zinc ion

A detailed parameterization is presented of a zinc ion with one histidine and two cysteinate ligands, together with one or two water, hydroxide, aldehyde, alcohol, or alkoxide ligands. The parameterization is tailored for the active site of alcohol dehydrogenase and is obtained entirely from quantum chemical computations. The force‐field reproduces excellently the geometry of quantum chemically optimized zinc complexes as well as the crystallographic geometry of the active site of alcohol dehydrogenase and small organic structures. The parameterization is used in molecular dynamics simulations and molecular mechanical energy minimizations of alcohol dehydrogenase with a four‐ or five‐coordinate catalytic zinc ion. The active‐site zinc ion seems to prefer four‐coordination over five‐coordination by at least 36 kJ/mol. The only stable binding site of a fifth ligand at the active‐site zinc ion is opposite to the normal substrate site, in a narrow cavity behind the zinc ion. Only molecules of the size of water or smaller may occupy this site. There are large fluctuations in the geometry of the zinc coordination sphere. A four‐coordinate water molecule alternates frequently (every 7 ps) between the substrate site and the fifth binding site and even two five coordinate water molecules may interchange ligation sites without prior dissociation. Ligand exchange at the zinc ion probably proceeds by a dissociative mechanism. The results show that it is essential to allow for bond stretching degrees of freedom in molecular dynamics simulations to get a correct description of the dynamics of the metal coordination sphere; bond length constraints may restrict the accessible part of the phase space and therefore lead to qualitatively erroneous results. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Grey image enlargement with edge enhancement

In a previous paper, we presented an image enlargement approach based on the grey polynomial interpolation (GPI) (Hsieh et al., 2007). In this paper, we propose an edge enhancement scheme to improve the enlarged image by the GPI. The proposed approach is called GPI/EE (GPI with edge enhancement). Basically, the edge enhancement consists of two stages. First, the edge in the enlarged image is enhanced by Laplacian filter. This doing relieves the blur in the enlarged image. Next, the zigzag edge in the image after Stage 1 is solved by smoothing neighborhood pixels around edges which are located by Canny edge detector. Examples are provided to justify the GPI/EE approach. Simulation results indicate that the enlargement image obtained by GPI/EE has better visual quality than that by GPI in the given examples.