Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in Karyotype and Azole Susceptibility of Sequential Bloodstream Isolates from Patients with Candida glabrata Candidemia

ABSTRACT We examined the changes in genotypes and azole susceptibilities among sequential bloodstream isolates of Candida glabrata during the course of fungemia and the relationship of these changes to antifungal therapy. Forty-one isolates were obtained from 15 patients (9 patients who received antifungal therapy and 6 patients who did not) over periods of up to 36 days. The isolates were analyzed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and tested for antifungal susceptibility to fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole. PFGE typing consisted of electrophoretic karyotyping and restriction endonuclease analysis of genomic DNA by use of NotI (REAG-N). The 41 isolates yielded 23 different karyotypes and 11 different REAG-N patterns but only 3 MLST types. The sequential strains from each patient had identical or similar REAG-N patterns. However, they had two or three different karyotypes in 6 (40%) of 15 patients. The isolates from these six patients exhibited the same or similar azole susceptibilities, and five patients did not receive antifungal therapy. Development of acquired azole resistance in sequential isolates was detected for only one patient. For this patient, an isolate of the same genotype obtained after azole therapy showed three- or fourfold increases in the MICs of all three azole antifungals and exhibited increased expression of the CgCDR1 efflux pump. This study shows that karyotypic changes can develop rapidly among sequential bloodstream strains of C. glabrata from the same patient without antifungal therapy. In addition, we confirmed that C. glabrata could acquire azole resistance during the course of fungemia in association with azole therapy.
Optimization approach for clustering datasets with weights

We introduce datasets with weights and suggest using the minimization of some highly nonsmooth functions for clustering of such datasets. Datasets with weights often appear as the result of an approximation of large-scale datasets. We examine such approximations and also consider the application of datasets with weights to examine self-organizing maps. Results of some numerical experiments are presented and discussed.
Systematic review of the use of financial incentives in treatments for obesity and overweight

Nine studies met the criteria for inclusion in this systematic review of randomized controlled trials of treatments for obesity and overweight involving the use of financial incentives, with reported follow‐up of at least 1 year. All included trials were of behavioural obesity treatments. Justification of sample size and blinding procedure were not mentioned in any study. Attrition was well described in three studies and no study was analysed on an intention to treat basis. Participants were mostly women recruited through media advertisements. Mean age ranged from 35.7 to 52.8 years, and mean body mass index from 29.3 to 31.8 kg m−2. Results from meta‐analysis showed no significant effect of use of financial incentives on weight loss or maintenance at 12 months and 18 months. Further sub‐analysis by mode of delivery and amount of incentives although also non‐statistically significant were suggestive of very weak trends in favour of use of amounts greater than 1.2% personal disposable income, rewards for behaviour change rather than for weight, rewards based on group performance rather than for individual performance and rewards delivered by non‐psychologists rather than delivered by psychologists.
Uptake of pharmaceutical and personal care products by soybean plants from soils applied with biosolids and irrigated with contaminated water.

Many pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are commonly found in biosolids and effluents from wastewater treatment plants. Land application of these biosolids and the reclamation of treated wastewater can transfer those PPCPs into the terrestrial and aquatic environments, giving rise to potential accumulation in plants. In this work, a greenhouse experiment was used to study the uptake of three pharmaceuticals (carbamazepine, diphenhydramine, and fluoxetine) and two personal care products (triclosan and triclocarban) by an agriculturally important species, soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. ). Two treatments simulating biosolids application and wastewater irrigation were investigated. After growing for 60 and 110 days, plant tissues and soils were analyzed for target compounds. Carbamazepine, triclosan, and triclocarban were found to be concentrated in root tissues and translocated into above ground parts including beans, whereas accumulation and translocation for diphenhydramine and fluoxetine was limited. The uptake of selected compounds differed by treatment, with biosolids application resulting in higher plant concentrations, likely due to higher loading. However, compounds introduced by irrigation appeared to be more available for uptake and translocation. Degradation is the main mechanism for the dissipation of selected compounds in biosolids applied soils, and the presence of soybean plants had no significant effect on sorption. Data from two different harvests suggest that the uptake from soil to root and translocation from root to leaf may be rate limited for triclosan and triclocarban and metabolism may occur within the plant for carbamazepine.
Onshore and offshore market for Indian rupee: recent evidence on volatility and shock spillover

The article empirically examines the onshor-offshore linkages of the Indian rupee using recently developed multivariate GARCH technique. The empirical results show that the offshore non-deliverable forward market does not have mean spillover impact on onshore spot, forward and futures markets while shocks and volatilities in the non-deliverable forward market influence the onshore markets. A key finding of the study is that the magnitude of volatility spillover from non-deliverable forward to spot market has accentuated after the introduction of currency futures in India. This development could be attributable to large arbitrage between futures and non-deliverable forward market in the more recent period. The finding has critical implications for exchange rate policy and management in the Indian context. There is need for close monitoring of both the onshore and offshore markets.
Role of SODD in Regulation of Tumor Necrosis Factor Responses

ABSTRACT Signaling from tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1 (TNFR1) can elicit potent inflammatory and cytotoxic responses that need to be properly regulated. It was suggested that the silencer of death domains (SODD) protein constitutively associates intracellularly with TNFR1 and inhibits the recruitment of cytoplasmic signaling proteins to TNFR1 to prevent spontaneous aggregation of the cytoplasmic death domains of TNFR1 molecules that are juxtaposed in the absence of ligand stimulation. In this study, we demonstrate that mice lacking SODD produce larger amounts of cytokines in response to in vivo TNF challenge. SODD-deficient macrophages and embryonic fibroblasts also show altered responses to TNF. TNF-induced activation of NF-κB is accelerated in SODD-deficient cells, but TNF-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase activity is slightly repressed. Interestingly, the apoptotic arm of TNF signaling is not hyperresponsive in the SODD-deficient cells. Together, these results suggest that SODD is critical for the regulation of TNF signaling.
Triboelectrification and thermal stability of positive charge on polytetrafluoroethylene electret films

It is known that triboactivation of polymer surfaces does not only lead to electrification, but may also result in mechano-chemical modifications. In the present work, the influence of triboelectrification on the thermal stability of positive charge on subsequently corona-charged PTFE films is investigated. As rubbing materials cotton or low-density polyethylene (LDPE) fibers were employed. LDPE is near to PTFE in the triboelectric series, whereas cotton is on the positive side of the series. As a result of triboelectrification, PTFE films always attained a negative charge the magnitude of which strongly depended on the treatment conditions (time, pressure, etc.). After triboelectrification, the PTFE films were charged in a positive corona discharge. The thermal stability of the electret charge was investigated by means of thermally stimulated surface-potential-decay measurements. It could be shown that the rubbing treatment generally improves the thermal stability of positive charge on the PTFE films. The improvement depends on the rubbing material and on the magnitude of the resulting negative tribocharge.
An Overview of Problematic Gaming

Despite the growth in published studies, there is a lack of consensus regarding whether problematic gaming exists and whether it constitutes an "addiction. " Ultimately, the Substance Use Disorder Work Group recommended that the DSM-5 include a subtype of problematic Internet use (i.e., Internet gaming disorder [IGD]) in Section III ("Emerging Measures and Models") as an area that required further research before possible inclusion in future editions of the manual. This chapter will use the term "problematic gaming" as the umbrella term to describe the phenomenon of problematic video game use. It has both online and offline manifestations. The chapter briefly examines a number of key areas in the study of problematic gaming, including (1) history of problematic gaming research, (2) offline versus online problematic gaming, (3) prevalence of problematic gaming, (4) factors associated with problematic gaming, and (5) the treatment of problematic gaming.
Returns of impressionist, modern and contemporary European painters, 1962-1991

We construct returns and quantity indices for Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary painting over the last thirty years, using the results of public auctions. In particular, we isolate the large swing in prices during the late 1980s; from results on individual artists, we also conclude that the randomness in the behaviour of prices is very limited, once the behaviour of the aggregate market in known.
Codebook for the $PEQUIV File 1984-2005: CNEF Variables with Extended Income Information for the SOEP

The $PEQUV-File is based on the Cross-National Equivalent File (CNEF) with extended income information for the SOEP. This file comprises not only the aggregated income figures provided in the CNEF but also further single income components. The CNEF is a joint effort of researchers and staff affiliated with Cornell University, the DIW Berlin, the University of Essex, and Statistics Canada funded by the National Institute on Aging and by the DIW Berlin.
Diffusing ‘best practice’ in Chinese multinationals: the motivation, facilitation and limitations

With increasing global integration, the diffusion of ‘best practice’ is a critical activity in MNCs, particularly for those from developing countries which have recently joined global markets. Recent research has suggested that ‘reverse diffusion’ is an important approach to the internationalization of management. However, there is little empirical evidence in support of this argument. This paper draws on in-depth case studies of the UK subsidiaries of Chinese MNCs to explore the nature and characteristics of diffusion activities. It confirms that ‘reverse diffusion’ played a positive part in the internationalization process of these companies, although the impact on the home firms is limited. It also found that new forms of management transfer are emerging in these Chinese MNCs. This suggests that the diffusion of ‘best practice’ in MNCs can be varied with different national and organizational characteristics.
Pengaruh Konsumsi, Produksi, Kurs Dollar AS dan PDB Pertanian Terhadap Impor Bawang Putih Indonesia

As an agricultural country, Indonesia has great potentials in the agricultural sector. But nowadays,the problem occurred in the agricultural sector is quite disturbing indonesian's economic. The increasing of horticultural products import, showed as if horticultural products could not compete. Based on data from BPS, horticultural commoditiy imported highest is garlic. This research intended to determine the influence of consumption, production, U.S. dollar exchange rate and the GDP of agriculture to the import of garlic in Indonesia. Besides that, this research also aimed to determine the variables that most affected the import of garlic, which used linear regression analysis. The results showed that consumption, production, U.S. dollar exchange rate and the GDP of agricilture effected simutaniosly and significant to the import of garlic. Then partially, consumption and the GDP of agriculture has significant and positive effect to the import of garlic. Production and the U.S. dollar exchange rate had no significant effect and the variables that most affected to the import of garlic in indonesia is GPD of agriculture.
Treatment of Lentigo Maligna with Imiquimod Cream: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up Study of 10 Patients

BACKGROUND The first choice of treatment for lentigo maligna (LM) is excision. Initial studies of treatment with imiquimod 5% cream have shown promising results with excellent cosmetic outcome, but the follow‐up duration in these studies was short. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the results of treatment of patients with LM with imiquimod in routine clinical practice with long‐term follow‐up. METHODS We prospectively followed 10 patients with LM who were treated with imiquimod 5% cream between 2004 and 2007 with a median follow‐up of 31 months (range 11–56 months). Histological clearance was assessed in all patients using post‐treatment biopsies. RESULTS Complete clinical clearance was achieved in nine of 10 patients after treatment with imiquimod. During follow‐up, three clinical and histological recurrences were observed at 9, 10, and 27 months after treatment cessation. In a fourth patient, histological recurrence without clinical signs was demonstrated 17 months after treatment. Five of 10 patients are in sustained clinical remission. CONCLUSIONS Imiquimod appears to be an effective treatment for a subset of patients with LM. We recommend long‐term follow‐up and taking multiple post‐treatment biopsies, even in the absence of a clinical recurrence. This case series emphasizes the need for finding an optimal treatment regimen. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
A novel algorithm and strategy for transmission line fault signals processing

In power systems, high voltage transmission lines and distribution lines link generating plants to end users. It is becoming necessary to use digital relays for transmission line protection. When faults occur in power transmission lines, quickly returning the transmission line to normal operation depends on whether the digital relay algorithm can identify correctly the fundamental phasor for fault location. In this work, a novel algorithm and strategy are applied to compute the fundamental phasor from fault signals. This strategy emphasizes in-time rather than real-time computation for fault location, and since the length of sampled fault signal data is limited by the trip of breaker, these data can be reused to obtain precise fundamental phasor. Computational results for real measurement data verify the performance of the proposed algorithm and strategy.
Lean Six Sigma and Innovation – an exploratory study among UK organisations

Although research has been carried out linking Total Quality Management and Innovation, it was found that there is a dearth of literature exploring the relationship between Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and Innovation. The purpose of this paper is to explore the link between LSS and Process/Product/Service Innovation. A number of interviews were carried out with 10 UK-based companies to explore how LSS and Process/Product/Service Innovation are linked. The interviewees (Six Sigma Black Belts and Master Black Belts) were carefully chosen to ensure that sound and valid conclusions could be derived from the investigation. Due to constraints of limited time, the number of people who participated in the study was relatively small. However, the authors argue that this study can provide a good foundation to various researchers and practitioners to further explore the nature of the relationship between one of the most popular business process improvement methodologies (LSS) and Process/Product/Service Innovation. Based on the interviews of 10 companies in the UK engaging with LSS initiatives, the authors found that LSS is commonly viewed as fostering Process/Product/Service Innovation, Incremental Innovation, or Innovation Capability. The authors also identify seven features specific to LSS that are likely to have significant influence on the above types of Innovation.
Genetic parameter estimates for serum insulin-like growth factor I concentration and performance traits in Angus beef cattle.

Data for this study were obtained from an experiment involving divergent selection for blood serum IGF-I concentration in beef cattle. Multiple trait derivative-free REML procedures were used to obtain genetic parameter estimates for IGF-I concentration at d 28, 42, and 56 of the postweaning period and for mean IGF-I concentration, as well as for weights and gains. Included in the analysis were 1,563 animals in the A-1 matrix, 731 of which had valid records for mean IGF-I concentration. Direct heritabilities (hd2) were . 42 +/- . 13, . 53 +/- . 15, . 71 +/- . 16, and . 48 +/- . 13 for IGF-I at d 28, 42, and 56 of the postweaning period and for mean IGF-I, respectively. Heritability of maternal genetic effects (hm2) ranged from . 02 to . 12, whereas the proportion of the total variance due to the maternal permanent environmental effect (c2) was essentially zero for all measures of IGF-I. Genetic correlations of IGF-I with weaning and postweaning weights and with postweaning weight gain ranged from -. 21 to -. 54 and averaged -. 38. The environmental correlation between IGF-I and performance traits varied from . 10 to . 35 and averaged . 22. Phenotypic correlations of IGF-I concentrations with weaning weight and postweaning weights and gains ranged from -. 01 to . 12 and averaged . 04. Estimates of hd2 indicate that it should be possible to change IGF-I concentration in beef cattle via selection. Negative genetic correlations imply that, if the goal is to make genetic improvement in weaning weights, postweaning weights and (or) postweaning gain in beef cattle, selection should be for decreased postweaning serum IGF-I concentration.
Neuropsychosocial Features of Very Mild Alzheimer’s Disease (CDR 0.5) and Progression to Dementia in a Community: The Tajiri Project

The borderline condition between normal aging and dementia should be detected to predict further deterioration. The authors cross-sectionally analyzed neuropsychological data, memory complaints, and social activities for communitydwelling older adults. The rate of decline from Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) 0.5 to dementia during a 3-year interval was also analyzed. Short-term memory rather than long-term memory was found to be sensitive in distinguishing those with CDR 0 from those with CDR 0.5. Relatives’ observations of memory decline rather than subjective memory complaints were significantly different. Participants with CDR 0.5 reported fewer problems with social activities than did their relatives. Ten of the 29 CDR 0.5 participants (34.5%) showed cognitive decline, the decliners showing lower scores on short-term memory and orientation at the baseline condition. The neuropsychological data showed CDR 0.5 to be similar to very mild Alzheimer’s disease. It would be better if subjective complaints were excluded from the criteria of the borderline condition.
The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study: a randomized trial determines that topical ocular hypotensive medication delays or prevents the onset of primary open-angle glaucoma.

BACKGROUND Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and worldwide. Three to 6 million people in the United States are at increased risk for developing POAG because of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), or ocular hypertension. There is no consensus on the efficacy of medical treatment in delaying or preventing the onset of POAG in individuals with elevated IOP. Therefore, we designed a randomized clinical trial, the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study. OBJECTIVE To determine the safety and efficacy of topical ocular hypotensive medication in delaying or preventing the onset of POAG. METHODS A total of 1636 participants with no evidence of glaucomatous damage, aged 40 to 80 years, and with an IOP between 24 mm Hg and 32 mm Hg in one eye and between 21 mm Hg and 32 mm Hg in the other eye were randomized to either observation or treatment with commercially available topical ocular hypotensive medication. The goal in the medication group was to reduce the IOP by 20% or more and to reach an IOP of 24 mm Hg or less. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the development of reproducible visual field abnormality or reproducible optic disc deterioration attributed to POAG. Abnormalities were determined by masked certified readers at the reading centers, and attribution to POAG was decided by the masked Endpoint Committee. RESULTS During the course of the study, the mean +/- SD reduction in IOP in the medication group was 22.5% +/- 9.9%. The IOP declined by 4.0% +/- 11.6% in the observation group. At 60 months, the cumulative probability of developing POAG was 4.4% in the medication group and 9.5% in the observation group (hazard ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.59; P<.0001). There was little evidence of increased systemic or ocular risk associated with ocular hypotensive medication. CONCLUSIONS Topical ocular hypotensive medication was effective in delaying or preventing the onset of POAG in individuals with elevated IOP. Although this does not imply that all patients with borderline or elevated IOP should receive medication, clinicians should consider initiating treatment for individuals with ocular hypertension who are at moderate or high risk for developing POAG.
The insertion loss of coplanar waveguide structure on PMNT thin films

This paper presents a continuation of an investigation into the behavior of lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate, Pb(Mg0.33Nb0.67)0.65Ti0. 35O3) (PMNT) thin film at high frequency through electromagnetic (EM) simulation. The purpose of this paper is to improve the electrical characteristics. The electrical characteristics were analyzed on CPW built on PMNT thin films. In this study, we focus on the insertion loss (IL), one of the most important parameters of electrical characterization. The IL is the value of S21, the bigger of the S21, the better of the performance. The effect of the parameters on IL is invested in three aspects, including whether there is a layer of Au on top Pt; the varying of the dielectric constant (k) of PMNT, which is increased because of the improvement of fabrication process; the varying of substrate, which including high resistance Si, low resistance Si and Silicon on Insulator (SOI). The results show that the IL of the case with a layer of Au is bigger than without; the higher of the dielectric constant of ferroelectric material, the bigger of the IL in a specific range; the IL of the structure with SOI as substrate is bigger than others. According to the results of the final analysis, a structure with bigger IL will be found and the accuracy of characterization will be improved. The achievement of this study will be extended from the structure to other common structures and as a guidance for other researches in some aspects. At the same time, these results show the viability of using PMNT as a new ferroelectric material for monolithic microwave integrated circuits.