Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of optrA in the African continent (Tunisia) within a mosaic Enterococcus faecalis plasmid from urban wastewaters

Objectives Oxazolidinone resistance is a serious limitation in the treatment of MDR Enterococcus infections. Plasmid-mediated oxazolidinone resistance has been strongly linked to animals where the use of phenicols might co-select resistance to both antibiotic families. Our goal was to assess the diversity of genes conferring phenicol/oxazolidinone resistance among diverse enterococci and to characterize the optrA genetic environment. Methods Chloramphenicol-resistant isolates (>16 mg/L, n = 245) from different sources (hospitals/healthy humans/wastewaters/animals) in Portugal, Angola and Tunisia (1996-2016) were selected. Phenicol (eight cat variants, fexA, fexB) or phenicol + oxazolidinone [cfr, cfr(B), optrA] resistance genes were searched for by PCR. Susceptibility (disc diffusion/microdilution), filter mating, stability of antibiotic resistance (500 bacterial generations), plasmid typing (S1-PFGE/hybridization), MLST and WGS (Illumina-HiSeq) were performed for optrA-positive isolates. Results Resistance to phenicols (n = 181, 74%) and phenicols + oxazolidinones (n = 2, 1%) was associated with the presence of cat(A-8) (40%, predominant in hospitals and swine), cat(A-7) (29%, predominant in poultry and healthy humans), cat(A-9) (2%), fexB (2%) and fexA + optrA (1%). fexA and optrA genes were co-located in a transferable plasmid (pAF379, 72 918 bp) of two ST86 MDR Tunisian Enterococcus faecalis (wastewaters) carrying several putative virulence genes. MICs of chloramphenicol, linezolid and tedizolid were stably maintained at 64, 4 and 1 mg/L, respectively. The chimeric pAF379 comprised relics of genetic elements from different Gram-positive bacteria and origins (human/porcine). Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, we report the first detection of optrA in an African country (Tunisia) within a transferable mosaic plasmid of different origins. Its identification in isolates from environmental sources is worrisome and alerts for the need of a concerted global surveillance on the occurrence and spread of optrA.
Finite Element Analysis of One Dimensional Bio-Heat Transfer in Human Tissue

Different therapeutic treatment requires precise monitoring of bio-heat transfer of human tissue for preserving the healthy tissues near the skin surface, from burning or freezing during therapeutic application. Bio-heat transfer analysis of thermal medical problems usually has to simultaneously face the transient or spatial heating both on skin surface and in interior of the biological bodies. It is difficult to perform heat transfer analysis on complex shape of biological body by analytical solution. In this research Finite Element Method was used to analyze 1D bio-heat transfer in human tissue. Based upon the Finite Element Method a generalized computer program was developed. Solution obtained by using Finite Element Analysis was compared with analytical solution. Here it was shown that computer based approximate solution is best option to perform heat transfer analysis of complex shape.
Four quadrant torque ripple free operation of BLDC motor by virtual hall signal transitions at phase back EMF ZDPs

In the proposed work, the performance of complete control algorithm for the of Brushless DC motor has been evaluated using the virtual hall sensor transitions at the Zero Difference Points (ZDPs) of phase back EMFs, which are the zero crossing points of line to line back EMFs. The estimated line-to-line back EMF using Unknown Input Observer (UIO) has been directly converted to the hall signals which have transitions at ZDPs. The virtual hall sensor signals obtained from the proposed algorithm is similar to the actual hall signals but the proposed scheme is more sensitive during starting togetherwith speed and torque reversals during braking. Feedforward torque and speed proportional control of phase currents have been implemented. The simulation study has been carried out for the validation. The proposed noise insensitive scheme provides excellent dynamic and steady state ripple free torque performance together with the zero speed starting capability.
Middleware support for the deployment of resource-aware parallel Java components on heterogeneous distributed platforms

This work reports the development of the Concerto platform, which is dedicated to supporting the deployment of resource-aware parallel Java components on heterogeneous distributed platforms, such as pools of workstations in labs or offices. Our work aims at proposing a basic model of a parallel Java component, together with mechanisms and tools for managing the deployment of such a component on a distributed platform. Moreover, we strive to provide components with means to perceive their runtime environment, so they can for example dynamically adapt themselves to changes occurring in this environment. The Concerto platform was designed in order to allow the deployment of parallel components on a distributed platform. It additionally defines and implements an open and extensible framework for distributed resource discovery and monitoring in such an execution environment.
Characterization of the Effect of Pulse Quenching on Single-Event Transients in 65-nm Twin-Well and Triple-Well CMOS Technologies

As chip technologies scale down in size, multiple adjacent logic nodes are often affected by a single high-energy ion strike. The so-called pulse quenching effect, induced by single-event charge sharing collection, has a significant effect on single-event transients (SETs). In this paper, the effect of pulse quenching on SETs is quantitatively characterized in 65-nm twin-well and triple-well CMOS technologies. Two groups of heavy ion experiments on two inverter chains were performed for the characterizations, and the effect of pulse quenching on SETs was quantitatively analyzed in detail.
Analysis of Vascular Development in the hydra Sterol Biosynthetic Mutants of Arabidopsis

Background The control of vascular tissue development in plants is influenced by diverse hormonal signals, but their interactions during this process are not well understood. Wild-type sterol profiles are essential for growth, tissue patterning and signalling processes in plant development, and are required for regulated vascular patterning. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we investigate the roles of sterols in vascular tissue development, through an analysis of the Arabidopsis mutants hydra1 and fackel/hydra2, which are defective in the enzymes sterol isomerase and sterol C-14 reductase respectively. We show that defective vascular patterning in the shoot is associated with ectopic cell divisions. Expression of the auxin-regulated AtHB8 homeobox gene is disrupted in mutant embryos and seedlings, associated with variably incomplete vascular strand formation and duplication of the longitudinal axis. Misexpression of the auxin reporter proIAA2∶GUS and mislocalization of PIN proteins occurs in the mutants. Introduction of the ethylene-insensitive ein2 mutation partially rescues defective cell division, localization of PIN proteins, and vascular strand development. Conclusions The results support a model in which sterols are required for correct auxin and ethylene crosstalk to regulate PIN localization, auxin distribution and AtHB8 expression, necessary for correct vascular development.
Increasing Resistance to Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporins, Fluoroquinolone, and Carbapenem in Gram-Negative Bacilli and the Emergence of Carbapenem Non-Susceptibility in Klebsiella pneumoniae: Analysis of Korean Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (KARMS) Data From 2013 to 2015

Background National surveillance of antimicrobial resistance becomes more important for the control of antimicrobial resistance and determination of treatment guidelines. We analyzed Korean Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (KARMS) data collected from 2013 to 2015. Methods Of the KARMS participants, 16 secondary or tertiary hospitals consecutively reported antimicrobial resistance rates from 2013 to 2015. Data from duplicate isolates and institutions with fewer than 20 isolates were excluded. To determine the long-term trends, previous KARMS data from 2004 to 2012 were also considered. Results The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium from 2013 to 2015 was 66–72% and 29–31%, respectively. The resistance rates of Escherichia coli to cefotaxime and cefepime gradually increased to 35% and 31%, respectively, and fluoroquinolone resistance reached 48% in 2015. The resistance rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae to cefotaxime, cefepime, and carbapenem were 38–41%, 33–41%, and <0.1–2%, respectively, from 2013 to 2015. The carbapenem susceptibility rates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae decreased from 100% and 99.3% in 2011 to 99.0% and 97.0% in 2015, respectively. The resistance rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to carbapenem increased to 35% and the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii increased from 77% in 2013 to 85% in 2015. Conclusions Between 2013 and 2015, the resistance rates of E. coli to third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins increased continuously, while carbapenem-susceptibility gradually decreased, particularly in K. pneumoniae. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii increased significantly; therefore, few treatment options remain for these resistant strains.
Recurrent events analysis for examination of hospitalizations in heart failure: insights from the Enhanced Feedback for Effective Cardiac Treatment (EFFECT) trial

Aims Hospitalizations often occur multiple times during the disease course of a heart failure (HF) patient. However, repeated hospitalizations have not been explored in a fulsome way in this setting. We investigated the association between patient factors and the risk of hospitalization among patients with HF using an extension of the Cox model for the analysis of recurrent events. Methods and results We examined hospitalizations and predictors of readmission among newly discharged patients with HF in the Enhanced Feedback For Effective Cardiac Treatment phase 1 (April 1999-March 2001) study with the Prentice-Williams-Peterson model with total time. Of 8948 individuals discharged alive from hospital, 7562 (84.5%) were hospitalized at least once during 15-year follow-up. More than 31 000 hospitalizations were observed. There was a progressive shortening of the interval length between hospitalization episodes. An increasing number of comorbidities (average 2.3 per patient) was associated to an increasing hazard of being readmitted to hospital. Most patient factors associated with the risk of hospitalization have been previously described in the literature. However, the estimates were smaller in comparison to a traditional analysis based on the Cox model. Conclusion The importance of patient factors for the risk of being admitted to hospital was variable over the course of the disease. Conditions such as diabetes and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease had a sustained association with the rate of hospitalization across all episodes examined. The analysis of recurrent events can explore the longitudinal aspect of HF and the critical issue of hospitalizations in this population.
Gut roundtable meeting paper: selected recent advances in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks number three among the most frequent causes of death from solid tumors worldwide. With obesity and fatty liver diseases as risk factors on the rise, HCC represents an ever increasing challenge. While there is still no curative treatment for most patients numerous novel drugs have been proposed, but most ultimately failed in phase III trials. This manuscript targets therapeutic advances and most burning issues. Expert key point summaries and urgent research agenda are provided regarding risk factors, including microbiota, need for prognostic and predictive biomarkers and the equivocal role of liver biopsy. Therapeutic topics highlighted are locoregional techniques, combination therapies and the potential of immunotherapy. Finally the manuscript provides a critical evaluation of novel targets and strategies for personalized treatment of HCC.
Low complexity block distributed Kalman filtering for interacting systems

State estimation of a distributed system is typically done by processing the measurements of all the subsystems at a central estimator. This is the case because of the availability of several optimal centralized estimation methods. Alternatively, one has to compromise on the accuracy of estimates and run distributed estimators neglecting interactions. A low complexity block distributed Kalman filtering technique is proposed in this manuscript under the name of Approximate Distributed Kalman Filter (ADKF). ADKF distributes estimation while considering interactions, such that the accuracy of estimates is similar to the central estimator yet the computational complexity at each subsystem is significantly lower. The proposed ADKF algorithm is implemented on a continuous stirred tank reactor system, having multiple reactors in series. The simulation results show that the accuracy of estimates obtained from the proposed ADKF algorithm is comparable to the central estimator.
Childhood Maltreatment and Lifetime Suicidal Behaviors Among New Soldiers in the US Army: Results From the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS).

OBJECTIVE Understanding suicide risk is a priority for the US military. We aimed to estimate associations of childhood maltreatment with pre-enlistment suicidal behaviors in new Army soldiers. METHODS Cross-sectional survey data from 38,237 soldiers reporting for basic training from April 2011 through November 2012 were analyzed. Scales assessing retrospectively reported childhood abuse and neglect were derived and subjected to latent class analysis, which yielded 5 profiles: No Maltreatment, Episodic Emotional Maltreatment, Frequent Emotional/Physical Maltreatment, Episodic Emotional/Sexual Abuse, and Frequent Emotional/Physical/Sexual Maltreatment. Discrete-time survival analysis was used to estimate associations of maltreatment profiles with suicidal behaviors (assessed with a modified Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale), adjusting for sociodemographics and mental disorders. RESULTS Nearly 1 in 5 new soldiers was classified as experiencing childhood maltreatment. Relative to No Maltreatment, all multivariate maltreatment profiles were associated (P values < .001) with elevated odds of lifetime suicidal ideation (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] = 3.10-4.93), plan (AORs = 3.75-10.77), attempt (AORs = 3.60-15.95), and onset of plan among those with ideation (AORs = 1.40-3.10). Several profiles also predicted attempts among those with plans (AORs = 2.01-2.47), and Frequent Emotional/Physical/Sexual Maltreatment predicted unplanned attempts among ideators (AOR = 5.32). Adjustment for mental disorders attenuated but did not eliminate these associations. CONCLUSIONS Childhood maltreatment is strongly associated with suicidal behavior among new soldiers, even after adjusting for intervening mental disorders. Among soldiers with lifetime ideation, certain maltreatment profiles are associated with elevated odds of subsequently planning and/or attempting suicide. Focus on childhood maltreatment might reveal avenues for risk reduction among new soldiers.
Measurement based optimal source shaping with a shaping + multiplexing delay constraint

Most on-line (i.e., not stored) variable bit rate sources would find it difficult to a priori declare the traffic parameters required by a connection admission control strategy. There is thus the problem of measurement-based on-line estimation of source parameters. In this paper we address the problem of selection of source parameters based on minimising a buffer-bandwidth cost function in the network, for a specified delay QoS violation probability. We consider the shaping delay plus first-hop multiplexing delay; this is adequate, for example, for n statistically identical packet voice sources being multiplexed at a PBX, or in approaches where the end-to-end delay bound is broken into per-hop delay bounds. Our approach yields a leaky bucket rate parameter /spl rho//sup */, and the sum of the shaper buffer and leaky bucket depth (B/sub s/+/spl sigma/). We show that, for a fluid source model, for a linear buffer-bandwidth cost function, and for lossless multiplexing, a sustainable rate parameter of /spl rho//sup */ and burst parameter of 0 yields the minimum cost. We propose and study a stochastic approximation algorithm for on-line estimation of /spl rho//sup */. We then use buffer-bandwidth cost considerations to arrive at an optimal leaky bucket depth /spl sigma//sup */>0 for lossy multiplexing of several statistically identical sources. The computation of /spl sigma//sup */ must be done at the network node. We show, by an example, the improvement in cost that is possible by lossy multiplexing and a positive /spl sigma//sup */.
Psychometrics of the Short Form 36 Health Survey Version 2 (SF-36v2) and the Quality of Life Scale for Drug Addicts (QOL-DAv2.0) in Chinese Mainland Patients with Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Objective To test psychometrics of the Short Form 36 Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2) and the Quality of Life Scale for Drug Addicts (QOL-DAv2.0) in Chinese mainland patients with methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Methods A total of 1,212 patients were recruited from two MMT clinics in Xi’an, China. Reliability was estimated with Cronbach’s α and intra-class correlation (ICC). Convergent and discriminant validity was assessed using multitrait-multimethod correlation matrix. Sensitivity was measured with ANOVA and relative efficiency. Responsiveness was evaluated by pre-post paired-samples t-test and standardized response mean based on the patients’ health status changes following 6-month period. Results Cronbach’s α of the SF-36v2 physical and mental summary components were 0.80 and 0.86 (eight scales range 0.73–0.92) and the QOL-DAv2.0 was 0.96 (four scales range: 0.80–0.93). ICC of the SF-36v2 two components were 0.86 and 0.85 (eight scales range: 0.72–0.87) and the QOL-DAv2.0 was 0.94 (four scales range: 0.88–0.92). Convergent validity was lower between the two instruments (γ <0.70) while discriminant validity was acceptable within each instrument. Sensitivity was satisfied in self-evaluated health status (both instruments) and average daily methadone dose (SF-36v2 physical functioning and vitality scales; QOL-DAv2.0 except psychology scale). Responsiveness was acceptable in the improved health status change (SF-36v2 except vitality scale; QOL-DAv2.0 except psychology and symptoms scales) and deteriorated health status change (SF-36v2 except vitality, social functioning and mental health scales; QOL-DAv2.0 except society scale). Conclusions The SF-36v2 and the QOL-DAv2.0 are valid tools and can be used independently or complementary according to different emphases of health-related quality of life evaluation in patients with MMT.
Packet separation in random access channels via approximate sparse recovery

In various wireless applications, a receiver picks up data packets from multiple users where the packets share a common preamble, but otherwise carry different payloads, are not in temporal sync and are frequency shifted due to Doppler effect and oscillator imperfections. We pose the problem of identifying the number of interfering packets and extracting the payloads as one of finding a sparse representation in a redundant dictionary. However, because of large size of the dictionary due to unknown packet payloads, direct application of conventional recovery methods does not lead to computationally tractable estimation schemes. To overcome this issue, we propose Orthogonal Matching Pursuit with Approximate Atoms (OMP-AA) algorithm aimed to facilitate identification of packet collisions and payload extraction. The simulation study shows that the proposed method performs well compared to an oracle estimator which has perfect knowledge of the packet parameters.
An Expedient Evaluation Method for Warp Deformation Behavior of Laminated Beam Consisting of Viscoelastic Materials in Cooling Process

This paper is intended as a proposal for a simplified evaluation equation that simply predicts the warp deformation behavior arising when the thermal load was given to a viscoelastic laminated beam consisting of epoxy resin and FR‑4 substrate. The validity of the equation was verified by comparing its solution with the exact solution based on linear viscoelastic theory and the experimental values. The proposed simplified evaluation equation is composed of the glass transition temperature the rubber transition temperature the elastic modulus and the linear thermal expansion coefficient of the component material. In this study it was clarified that the warp deformation behavior of the viscoelastic laminated beam could be simply predicted by using the proposed simplified evaluation equation where the elastic modulus is divided into three regions such as glassy state leathery state and rubbery state.
Risk of Nontargeted Infectious Disease Hospitalizations Among US Children Following Inactivated and Live Vaccines, 2005–2014

Background Recent studies have shown that some vaccines have beneficial effects that cannot be explained solely by the prevention of their respective targeted disease(s). Methods We used the MarketScan US Commercial Claims Databases for 2005 to 2014 to assess the risk of hospital admission for nontargeted infectious (NTI) diseases in children aged 16 through 24 months according to the last vaccine type (live and/or inactivated). We included children continuously enrolled within a month of birth through 15 months who received at least 3 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine by the end of 15 months of age. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs), stratifying by birthdate to control for age, year, and seasonality and adjusting for sex, chronic diseases, prior hospitalizations, number of outpatient visits, region of residence, urban/rural area of domicile, prematurity, low birth weight, and mother's age. Results 311663 children were included. In adjusted analyses, risk of hospitalization for NTI from ages 16 through 24 months was reduced for those who received live vaccine alone compared with inactivated alone or concurrent live and inactivated vaccines (HR, 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43, 0.57 and HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67, 0.91, respectively) and for those who received live and inactivated vaccines concurrently compared with inactivated-only (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.58, 0.70). Conclusions We found lower risk of NTI disease hospitalizations from age 16 through 24 months among children whose last vaccine received was live compared with inactivated vaccine, as well as concurrent receipt compared with inactivated vaccine.