Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intercontinental spread of a highly transmissible clone of Pseudomonas cepacia proved by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis and ribotyping.

T EN YEARS AGO A CANADIAN REPORT DREW ATIENTION TO Pseudomonas cepacia as an emerging pathogen among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients (1). It is now well recognized that P cepacia can be a significant pathogen in some CF patients with respiratory colonization or infection and may be associated with higher morbidity and mortality (2,3). Although nosocomial infections have been reported and are usually attributed to contaminated aqueous and disinfectant solutions, P cepacia is rarely found in environmental clinical settings. This is in marked contrast to the reservoirs of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can include sinks. nebulizing equipment. plastic tubing and other common hospital sites. Available data strongly suggest that the CF patient infected with P cepacia is the major source of infection for other CF patients (4). and there are observations that cross-infection with P cepacia in nosocomial situations occurred in CF patients in both the United States (5,6) and the United Kingdom (7). Additionally, Govan et al (8) recently concluded that social contact between CF patients and an infected person can pose a significant risk of infection. To understand better the routes of transmission for P cepacia, laboratory analysis of pulmonary isolates must encompass typing methods that are sensitive, discriminatory and reproducible. Unfortunately, pheno-
The Ets2 Transcription Factor Inhibits Apoptosis Induced by Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 Deprivation of Macrophages through a Bcl-xL-Dependent Mechanism

ABSTRACT Bcl-xL, a member of the Bcl-2 family, inhibits apoptosis, and its expression is regulated at the transcriptional level, yet nothing is known about the transcription factors specifically activating this promoter. The bcl-xpromoter contains potential Ets binding sites, and we show that the transcription factor, Ets2, first identified by its sequence identity to v-ets of the E26 retrovirus, can transactivate thebcl-x promoter. Transient expression of Ets2 results in the upregulation of Bcl-xL but not of Bcl-xS, an alternatively spliced gene product which induces apoptosis. Ets2 is ubiquitously expressed at low levels in a variety of cell types and tissues but is specifically induced to abundant levels during macrophage differentiation. Since Bcl-xL is also upregulated during macrophage differentiation, we asked whether thebcl-x could be a direct downstream target gene of Ets2 in macrophages. BAC1.2F5 macrophages, which are dependent on macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) for their growth and survival, were used in these studies. We show that CSF-1 stimulation of BAC1.2F5 macrophages results in the upregulation of expression ofets2 and bcl-xL with similar kinetics of induction. In the absence of CSF-1, these macrophages undergo cell death by apoptosis, whereas constitutive expression of Ets2 rescues these cells from cell death, andbcl-xL is upregulated. These results strongly suggest a novel role of Ets2 in affecting apoptosis through its regulation of Bcl-xL transcription.
Heterogeneous Exporters: Quantitative Differences and Qualitative Similarities

We combine two detailed datasets on Colombian manufacturing firms and document several stylized facts on exporter heterogeneity of total factor productivity (TFP) and export-market orientation, refining some previously known facts and unveiling some new others. We first show that the exporter productivity premium is remarkably robust across the methodologies used to recover TFP. We then document that the most productive exporters are those that export (1) a higher share of their total production, (2) to a larger number of countries, (3) to destinations less frequently reached by other exporters, (4) a larger number of products, and (5) with greater frequency and stability. In contrast, (6) the type of destination country or (7) the type of exported product has no significant effect on exporter productivity differences. These facts are robust to alternative definitions and specifications and can provide useful guidelines for policy makers.
Image Segmentation Method Using Thresholds Automatically Determined from Picture Contents

Image segmentation has become an indispensable task in many image and video applications. This work develops an image segmentation method based on the modified edge-following scheme where different thresholds are automatically determined according to areas with varied contents in a picture, thus yielding suitable segmentation results in different areas. First, the iterative threshold selection technique is modified to calculate the initial-point threshold of the whole image or a particular block. Second, the quad-tree decomposition that starts from the whole image employs gray-level gradient characteristics of the currently-processed block to decide further decomposition or not. After the quad-tree decomposition, the initial-point threshold in each decomposed block is adopted to determine initial points. Additionally, the contour threshold is determined based on the histogram of gradients in each decomposed block. Particularly, contour thresholds could eliminate inappropriate contours to increase the accuracy of the search and minimize the required searching time. Finally, the edge-following method is modified and then conducted based on initial points and contour thresholds to find contours precisely and rapidly. By using the Berkeley segmentation data set with realistic images, the proposed method is demonstrated to take the least computational time for achieving fairly good segmentation performance in various image types.
ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGE RESPONSE TO REMOTE ORGAN INJURY

Intestinal reperfusion (IR)-induced pulmonary edema has been related to endogenous pulmonary thromboxane A2 (TxA2) release. This study examines the hypothesis that alveolar macrophages (aM&phis;s) activated during IR are an important cellular source of TxA2 in this model. Anesthetized Sprague Dawley rats underwent 120 min of intestinal ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion (IR) or sham operation (Sham). aM&phis;s were isolated by bronchoalveolar lavage and incubated in Krebs buffer for 30 min, after which the supernatant was analyzed for TxB2 (metabolite of TxA2) and prostaglandin E2. Other parameters of aM&phis; activation measured included lysosomal enzyme release (β-glucuronidase), superoxide (O2-) release, and procoagulant activity. aM&phis;s from animals sustaining IR generated more than twice as much TxA2 and prostaglandin E2 as did those isolated from controls (p < .05). Other evidence of aM&phis; activation included a nearly 100-fold increase in procoagulant activity, a 7-fold increase in β-glucuronidase release, and a 2.5-fold increase in O2 release over that of controls (p < .05). These data suggest that TxA2 is a major eicosanoid product of aM&phis;s during IR and that aM&phis;s may be an important cellular participant in IR-induced pulmonary microvascular injury, either directly by releasing O2-, lysosomal enzymes, and pro-coagulant factors, or indirectly by generating TxA2.
Development of management accounting in Russia

The aim of the study is to identify the prospects and limitation of further development of management accounting as a science and its distribution in the practice of accounting and analytical work of Russian enterprises of the agrarian sector. As a result, stimulating and bounding factors were identified and classified. The research also identified the most popular tools, methods and forms of management accounting in the condition of Russian reality, as well as the most important competence of specialists in the field of management accounting. The expert survey results were compared with similar, previously conducted, most representative researches both in Russia and abroad. As a result, there were identified hidden reserves for wider dissemination of management accounting in practice of enterprises of agrarian sector of the Russian Federation.
Low‐Temperature‐Induced Golgi Tubules Are Transient Membranes Enriched in Molecules Regulating Intra‐Golgi Transport

The incubation of HeLa cells at 15°C induces the formation of Golgi tubules, which contain glycosylation enzymes but neither cargo nor matrix proteins. We now show by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy that these tubules are enriched in a specific set of SNARE and Rab proteins mediating intra‐Golgi transport (Gos28, GS15 and Rab6) but excluded others involved in endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi trafficking (Sec22, membrin, Rab 1 and Rab2). In vivo experiments using cyan fluorescent protein‐tagged galactosyltransferase showed that most of these tubules are dynamic transient membranes that grow to the cell periphery but then decrease until disappearing into the perinuclear area. Interestingly, in experiments carried out with cells cultured under physiological conditions, Golgi tubules containing Gos28, GS15, Rab6 and glycosylation enzymes and showing in vivo dynamics identical to that detected in low‐temperature‐cultured cells were observed. Together, our results support that low‐temperature‐induced tubules may be representatives of the carriers mediating intra‐Golgi recycling of enzymes.
Spillover Effects of Tax Avoidance on Peers’ Firm Value

This research examines spillover effects of tax avoidance on peers’ firm value using the setting of the European Commission’s state aid investigations of private letter rulings. We assume that news about a firm’s tax avoidance strategies also reveals information about peers’ tax avoidance because investors expect similar firms to use similar strategies. Based on an event study design, we show that news about potential costs of tax avoidance of targeted U.S. multinational firms leads to negative stock price reactions among their peers. Moreover, peers’ investors adjust their evaluations upwards for news in favor of the targeted firms. Consistent with the level of tax avoidance being indicative of having similar strategies, spillover effects are stronger for firms with the highest levels of tax avoidance when examining a broad set of peers. Our findings suggest the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the costs and benefits of tax avoidance.
Asymmetric Brachial Blood Pressure as an Unusual Presentation of Pseudocoarctation of the Aorta with Giant Aortic Arch Aneurysm

Coarctation of the aorta, a cause of secondary hypertension, usually presents with asymmetric blood pressure of the upper and lower extremities. However, pseudocoarctation of the aorta does not have pressure gradient cross the stenotic area, so blood pressure is the same over four extremities. We describe a case of pseudocoarctation of the aorta, which presented unusually as a giant aortic arch aneurysm with asymmetric brachial blood pressure in a 52-year-old male. He was hypertensive and had a history of relatively lower blood pressure in his left arm. A diagnosis of pseudocoarctation of the aorta with giant aortic arch aneurysm was made according to the results of chest X-rays, computed tomography, cardiac echocardiography and catheterization. Under cardiopulmonary bypass, the giant aortic arch aneurysm were resected and replaced with an 18-mm woven graft. Based on a MEDLINE search up to 2007, we believe that this is the first reported case of pseudocoarctation of the aorta presenting with asymmetric brachial blood pressure. Physicians should keep in mind that measurement of blood pressure in the four extremities is necessary in all cases of suspected aortic arch disease with hypertension.
Evolution of sodium channels predates the origin of nervous systems in animals

Voltage-dependent sodium channels are believed to have evolved from calcium channels at the origin of the nervous system. A search of the genome of a single-celled choanoflagellate (the sister group of animals) identified a gene that is homologous to animal sodium channels and has a putative ion selectivity filter intermediate between calcium and sodium channels. Searches of a wide variety of animal genomes, including representatives of each basal lineage, revealed that similar homologs were retained in most lineages. One of these, the Placozoa, does not possess a nervous system. We cloned and sequenced the full choanoflagellate channel and parts of two placozoan channels from mRNA, showing that they are expressed. Phylogenetic analysis clusters the genes for these channels with other known sodium channels. From this phylogeny we infer ancestral states of the ion selectivity filter and show that this state has been retained in the choanoflagellate and placozoan channels. We also identify key gene duplications and losses and show convergent amino acid replacements at important points along the animal lineage.
Peonidin Inhibits Phorbol‐Ester–Induced COX‐2 Expression and Transformation in JB6 P+ Cells by Blocking Phosphorylation of ERK‐1 and ‐2

Abstract: Abnormal upregulation of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) has been frequently observed in various types of transformed and cancerous cells. Numerous anti‐inflammatory agents have been shown to exert chemopreventive effects by targeting COX‐2, a rate‐limiting enzyme involved in the inflammatory process. Anthocyanins are naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds that endow various fruits, vegetables, and plants with intense colors. Peonidin is another representative anthocyanidin, but its chemopreventive potential has not been fully described. This article investigated the effect of peonidin on 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA)‐induced COX‐2 expression and transformation in JB6 P+ mouse epidermal cells (JB6 P+ cells). Treatment of JB6 P+ cells with peonidin inhibited TPA‐induced COX‐2 expression, and also decreased TPA‐induced neoplastic transformation and blocked TPA‐induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs) in the cells. The inhibition of the signaling mechanism regulating the activation of ERKs strongly suggests that peonidin exhibits chemopreventive as well as anti‐inflammatory activities.
A Hybrid Approach for Supply Chain Analysis: An Application of Network and Cluster Analysis

This study presents a quantitative method for investigating the network characteristics of supply chain management with the help of methodologies derived from the network analysis, which offers many techniques and indicators through measuring the links among nodes to demonstrate the structural patterns of connected systems. More precisely, this investigation derives the structural configuration of each function component within the supply chain by measuring the indicators of network analysis, including degree centrality, closeness centrality, betweenness centrality and PageRank centrality. This study empirically tests an example of supply chain taken from 22 functional organizations based on supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model. The results suggest the proposed method provides an appropriate understanding of each function organization in the supply chain model based on the structural characteristics relating to its network position on informational, material and functional flows. A number of recommendations are made regarding the role of importance be to understand based on the results of the network analysis.
Dynamic network partition via Bayesian connectivity bi-partition change point model

Dynamic functional interaction has received much attention recently in the field of neuroimaging. Past studies reveal that the dynamics of functional interactions only exists in part of brain. In this paper, a novel Bayesian inference model is developed to bi-partition the brain regions into dynamic/stable sub networks and to simultaneously segment the temporal sequence of dynamic network into several states based on the interaction dynamics among regions. The accuracy of the model has been verified by synthesized data. Also, the model has been applied to a working-memory task-based fMRI dataset and interesting results on both dynamic network and change points were obtained.
Evaluation of Algorithm for the Fall and Fall Direction Detection during Bike Riding

This study represents research on falls while riding bicycles. We present an algorithm that detects the occurrence and direction of falls during bicycle riding through the use of a sensor module installed on the helmet. The sensor module is equipped with a tri-axial accelerometer, tri-axial gyroscope, and tri-axial magnetometer to record acceleration and tilt signals. We determine the threshold of the algorithm for fall detection based on experiments of riding over speed bumps and performing warm-up exercise motions prior to riding a bicycle. The algorithm we developed achieved 98% accuracy in fall detection and 98.5% accuracy in detection of fall direction. This study performed simulations indoors for the sake of subjects’ safety; however, we expect to produce the research in an environment more similar to reallife situations. In future, it is also possible that the developed system will be applied to an emergency reporting system for bicycle falls.
Enhancing business students’ skills through a cross-curricular activity

This paper describes the experience of a cross-curricular activity that combines mathematical knowledge with several soft skills, namely the use of new technologies, teamwork and critical thinking. Two different subjects are involved, Mathematics 2 and Information Systems, both part of the Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Administration, taught at Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. 42 students participated in this pilot activity during the second semester of the academic year 2015/2016. Results indicate that students considered the activity useful and that it helped improve their knowledge on information systems and the fundamental concepts covered in Mathematics. Data gathered also reveal that students positively valued the idea of applying concepts of one subject into other subjects. As for the development of soft skills, students converge in that the activity helped them developing interpersonal skills and being more critical with one’s work.
Serum IGFBP2 and MSLN as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND Identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers is a research priority for the improved management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) and mesothelin (MSLN) have shown potential as serum biomarkers in other cancers, but have not been adequately studied in PDAC. METHODS Serum IGFBP2 and MSLN levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a cohort of 84 PDAC patients, 84 healthy control subjects and 40 chronic pancreatitis (ChPT) patients. Regression models related IGFBP2 and MSLN levels to diagnosis, gender, age, stage and survival. RESULTS IGFPB2 and MSLN serum levels were diagnostic for PDAC in age-adjusted models (P = 0.032 and P = 0.002, respectively) when compared with ChPT and healthy control samples. At a 95% specificity threshold, the sensitivity for IGFBP2 was 22% and the sensitivity for MSLN was 17%. Neither protein approached the diagnostic accuracy of CA 19-9. However, IGFBP2 or MSLN or both correctly identified 18 of the 28 samples misidentified by CA 19-9. In age-adjusted models, neither serum IGFBP2 (P = 0.36) nor MSLN (P = 0.29) were significant predictors of survival. DISCUSSION Serum IGFBP2 and MSLN are weak diagnostic classifiers individually, but may be useful in a diagnostic biomarker panel.
Cardiac autonomic profile in different sports disciplines during all-day activity.

AIM Physical training and sport activity have a beneficial effect on cardiac autonomic activity. However, the exact impact of different types of sports disciplines on cardiac autonomic function is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiac autonomic profile in different sports discplines and to determine their impact on cardiac autonomic function by using heart rate variability (HRV), a noninvasive electrocardiographic (ECG) analysis of the sympatho-vagal balance. METHODS Temporal and spectral HRV parameters determined from 24-hour continuous ECG monitoring were studied in 40 subjects, including 12 endurance athletes, 14 hockey players and 14 untrained male volunteers (control group). Each participant had to wear a Holter recorder during 24 hours and to continue his everyday activities. All HRV parameters were compared between the 3 study groups. RESULTS All heart rate values were lower and all parasympathetic-related time domain indices, including root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and pNN50 (NN50 count divided by the total number of all NN intervals), were higher in both athletes groups as compared with controls (P<0.05). However, standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN) values, which determine global HRV, were significantly higher only in endurance athletes (P<0.05). Furthermore, the power spectral components low frequency (LF), a mixture of both autonomic inputs, and HF (high frequency), a marker of vagal modulation, were significantly higher with a resulting lower LF/HF ratio in both athletes groups as compared to controls (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Both endurance and team playing athletic activity induce during all-day a high parasympathetic tone (higher RMSSD, pNN50 and HF, and lower LF/HF ratio). However, only endurance athletic activity has a particularly high global HRV (higher SDNN), indicating thereby that this type sports discipline may have a more substantially favorable effect on the cardiac autonomic profile.
Innovation with Market Concentration and Consumer Income in Dynamic Markets

Our study examines the disruptive innovations that arrive from outside of the industry through computational analyses that connect innovation rate to market concentration and consumer income in a dynamic setting. The findings show that a market of fewer incumbents (higher concentration) generates less innovations due to the reduced innovation premium and shortened length of incumbency; however, the equilibrium innovation rate increases in the market share of the top firm, due to enhanced innovation premium. We also find that more high-income consumers stimulate innovation. Lastly, higher consumer welfare and aggregate welfare are found in a more innovative market in the long term.
Is it possible to detect the presence of adenovirus in conjunctiva before the onset of conjunctivitis?

Purpose: It is widely accepted that patients with adenoviral conjunctivitis are contagious approximately as long as 14 days after the onset. However, there is controversy about whether patients with adenoviral conjunctivitis are contagious during the incubation period. We investigated the potential of the eye as a source for spreading infection during the incubation period by analysing the presence of adenovirus (Ad) in contralateral eyes before onset in patients with bilateral adenoviral conjunctivitis using the immunochromatography (IC) test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).