Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation of fluoroquinolone-resistant O25b:H4-ST131 Escherichia coli with CTX-M-14 extended-spectrum β-lactamase from UK river water.

OBJECTIVES We analysed water sampled from the River Thames in London for Escherichia coli resistant to oxyimino-cephalosporins and/or fluoroquinolones, particularly seeking isolates with CTX-M extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and members of the clinically important O25b:H4-ST131 lineage. METHODS River water was collected from three urban sites on the River Thames by the City of London Port Health Authority on two occasions 1 week apart. Coliforms and E. coli were identified by the Quanti-Tray™ method. Disc susceptibility tests were performed and MICs were determined for E. coli isolates resistant to either ciprofloxacin or cefpodoxime and genetic relatedness was determined by PFGE and real-time PCR. PCR was used for phylogenetic and plasmid typing, to detect antibiotic resistance genes and to detect ISEcp1 upstream of bla(CTX-M) genes. bla(CTX-M) alleles were identified by sequencing. RESULTS The mean E. coli count, as the most probable number, from the first river samples, taken on a falling tide on 23 March 2010, was 4.7 × 10(4)/100 mL and 30 ciprofloxacin-resistant colonies were isolated. Twenty of the 30 colonies belonged to clone ST131; 10 of these had bla(CTX-M-14) whereas the remaining 10 lacked ESBLs. The ST131 isolates represented two different PFGE types. No ciprofloxacin- or cefpodoxime-resistant E. coli were isolated from the second river sample taken at low tide. CTX-M-15, the most common ESBL in clinical E. coli, was not detected in the river samples. CONCLUSIONS Water from the River Thames in West London is contaminated, perhaps transiently, with antibiotic-resistant E. coli belonging to the clinically important O25b:H4-ST131 lineage.
The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale: has the gold standard become a lead weight?

OBJECTIVE The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale has been the gold standard for the assessment of depression for more than 40 years. Criticism of the instrument has been increasing. The authors review studies published since the last major review of this instrument in 1979 that explicitly examine the psychometric properties of the Hamilton depression scale. The authors' goal is to determine whether continued use of the Hamilton depression scale as a measure of treatment outcome is justified. METHOD MEDLINE was searched for studies published since 1979 that examine psychometric properties of the Hamilton depression scale. Seventy studies were identified and selected, and then grouped into three categories on the basis of the major psychometric properties examined-reliability, item-response characteristics, and validity. RESULTS The Hamilton depression scale's internal reliability is adequate, but many scale items are poor contributors to the measurement of depression severity; others have poor interrater and retest reliability. For many items, the format for response options is not optimal. Content validity is poor; convergent validity and discriminant validity are adequate. The factor structure of the Hamilton depression scale is multidimensional but with poor replication across samples. CONCLUSIONS Evidence suggests that the Hamilton depression scale is psychometrically and conceptually flawed. The breadth and severity of the problems militate against efforts to revise the current instrument. After more than 40 years, it is time to embrace a new gold standard for assessment of depression.
Successful ABO-incompatible kidney transplantations without splenectomy using antigen-specific immunoadsorption and rituximab

Background. Historically, ABO-incompatible kidney transplantations have only been undertaken after splenectomy and unspecific plasmapheresis and with quadruple drug immunosuppression plus B-cell specific drugs. We have evaluated a protocol for ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation without splenectomy using antigen-specific immunoadsorption, rituximab, and a conventional triple-drug immunosuppressive regimen. Methods. The protocol called for a 10-day pretransplant conditioning period starting with one dosage of rituximab and followed by full dose tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone. Antigen-specific immunoadsorption was performed on pretransplant days −6, −5, −4, and −1. After the last session, 0.5 g/kg of intravenous immunoglobulin was administered. Postoperatively, three more apheresis sessions were given every third day. Furthermore, if there was a significant increase in the antibody titers, extra sessions were considered. Results. Four patients have received transplants with this protocol. The donor-recipient blood groups were A2/O, B/O, B/A, and A1/O. The ABO-antibodies were readily removed by the antigen-specific immunoadsorption and were kept at a low level posttransplantation by further adsorptions. There were no side effects, and all patients have normal renal-transplant function. Conclusions. We conclude that after one infusion each of rituximab and intravenous immunoglobulin and antigen-specific immunoadsorption, blood–group-incompatible renal transplantations can be performed with standard immunosuppression and without splenectomy.
Barriers To Online Teaching In Post-Secondary Institutions: Can Policy Changes Fix It?

Recent technological advances have increased the overall amount of information available and improved accessibility to that information, while at the same time the costs of publishing information have decreased. These general shifts throughout society are true in education and have caused students to be more demanding and more knowledgeable about alternatives for their education. Combined with demographic trends, political forces, economic factors, the need for lifelong learning, and the changing emphases in teaching and learning, there is a resurgence of interest in distance education both at traditional institutions of higher education and in organizations whose sole mission is distance education (Dede, 1990; Knott, 1992; Lewis and Romiszowski, 1996). Can higher education at "traditional" universities change to meet the new student demands and the intense competition among education providers that distance education brings?
Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression in Macrophages by Diesel Exhaust Particle Chemicals and Quinones via the Antioxidant-Responsive Element1

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) contain organic chemicals that contribute to the adverse health effects of inhaled particulate matter. Because DEP induce oxidative stress in the lung and in macrophages, effective antioxidant defenses are required. One type of defense is through the expression of the antioxidant enzyme, heme oxygenase I (HO-1). HO-1 as well as phase II detoxifying enzymes are induced via antioxidant response elements (ARE) in their promoters of that gene. We show that a crude DEP total extract, aromatic and polar DEP fractions, a benzo(a)pyrene quinone, and a phenolic antioxidant induce HO-1 expression in RAW264.7 cells in an ARE-dependent manner. N-acetyl cysteine and the flavonoid, luteolin, inhibited HO-1 protein expression. We also demonstrate that the same stimuli induce HO-1 mRNA expression in parallel with the activation of the SX2 enhancer of that gene. Mutation of the ARE core, but not the overlapping AP-1 binding sequence, disrupted SX2 activation. Finally, we show that biological agents, such as oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, could also induce HO-1 expression via an ARE-dependent mechanism. Prior induction of HO-1 expression, using cobalt-protoporphyrin, protected RAW264.7 cells against DEP-induced toxicity. Taken together, these data show that HO-1 plays an important role in cytoprotection against redox-active DEP chemicals, including quinones.
Effect of Envelope Proteins on the Mechanical Properties of Influenza Virus*

Background: The lipid and protein contributions to the mechanical properties of the influenza viral envelope are unknown. Results: The influenza viral envelope is 10 times softer than a viral protein-capsid coat but stiffer than a liposome. Conclusion: Membrane-associated proteins contribute to the mechanical stiffness of the viral envelope. Significance: The mechanical properties of the envelope are critical for the viral pH-regulated life cycle. The envelope of the influenza virus undergoes extensive structural change during the viral life cycle. However, it is unknown how lipid and protein components of the viral envelope contribute to its mechanical properties. Using atomic force microscopy, here we show that the lipid envelope of spherical influenza virions is ∼10 times softer (∼0.05 nanonewton nm−1) than a viral protein-capsid coat and sustains deformations of one-third of the virion's diameter. Compared with phosphatidylcholine liposomes, it is twice as stiff, due to membrane-attached protein components. We found that virus indentation resulted in a biphasic force-indentation response. We propose that the first phase, including a stepwise reduction in stiffness at ∼10-nm indentation and ∼100 piconewtons of force, is due to mobilization of membrane proteins by the indenting atomic force microscope tip, consistent with the glycoprotein ectodomains protruding ∼13 nm from the bilayer surface. This phase was obliterated for bromelain-treated virions with the ectodomains removed. Following pH 5 treatment, virions were as soft as pure liposomes, consistent with reinforcing proteins detaching from the lipid bilayer. We propose that the soft, pH-dependent mechanical properties of the envelope are critical for the pH-regulated life cycle and support the persistence of the virus inside and outside the host.
Do Psychological Risk Factors Predict the Presence of Coronary Atherosclerosis?

Objective: To assess how clinical and psychological variables compare in their ability to predict coronary artery calcium (CAC) in a broad spectrum of subjects. Although prior studies reported contradictory findings on the association between psychological risk factors and CAC, psychological risk factors have not yet been compared with concurrent clinical coronary risk factors for their association to CAC measurements. Methods: We performed research CAC scans in three cohorts: 1,111 healthy volunteers; 138 asymptomatic patients; and 600 symptomatic patients. All subjects completed questionnaires designed to assess clinical and psychological coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors, including measurements of depression, hostility, social support, perceived stress, job strain, and optimism. A serum sample was obtained to assess lipid parameters and glucose. All variables were compared for their correlation to CAC scores. Results: We observed a marked lack of association between psychosocial risk factors and CAC scores in each cohort. For symptomatic patients only, there was a modest negative correlation between depression and CAC scores (r = −.19, p < .001). Most CAD risk factors were also not associated with CAC. Once age and gender were considered as multivariable predictors of CAC, neither psychological nor CAD risk factors added to prediction of CAC. Conclusions: Both psychological and clinical risk factors are poorly correlated with concurrent measurements of CAC. Given our findings and previously established associations of these risk factors to cardiac events, further assessment of the relationship between chronicity of these risk factors and coronary atherosclerosis could be of interest. Our findings cast doubt on the use of CAC scanning as a surrogate means for assessing the clinical significance of both concurrently measured psychological and clinical risk factors. CAC = coronary artery calcium; CAD = coronary artery disease; CES-D = Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale; SBP = systolic blood pressure; DBP = diastolic blood pressure; HU = Hounsfield Units; FRS = Framingham Risk Score.
The many faces of HMGB1: molecular structure‐functional activity in inflammation, apoptosis, and chemotaxis

HMGB1 is a ubiquitous nuclear protein present in almost all cell types. In addition to its intracellular functions, HMGB1 can be extracellularly released, where it mediates activation of innate immune responses, including chemotaxis and cytokine release. HMGB1 contains three conserved redox‐sensitive cysteines (C23, C45, and C106); modification of these cysteines determines the bioactivity of extracellular HMGB1. Firstly, the cytokine‐stimulating activity of HMGB1 requires C23 and C45 to be in a disulfide linkage, at the same time that C106 must remain in its reduced form as a thiol. This distinctive molecular conformation enables HMGB1 to bind and signal via the TLR4/MD‐2 complex to induce cytokine release in macrophages. Secondly, for HMGB1 to act as a chemotactic mediator, all three cysteines must be in the reduced form. This all‐thiol HMGB1 exerts its chemotactic activity to initiate inflammation by forming a heterocomplex with CXCL12; that complex binds exclusively to CXCR4 to initiate chemotaxis. Thirdly, binding of the HMGB1 to CXCR4 or to TLR4 is completely prevented by all‐cysteine oxidation. Also, the initial post‐translational redox modifications of HMGB1 are reversible processes, enabling HMGB1 to shift from acting as a chemotactic factor to acting as a cytokine and vice versa. Lastly, post‐translational acetylation of key lysine residues within NLSs of HMGB1 affects HMGB1 to promote inflammation; hyperacetylation of HMGB1 shifts its equilibrium from a predominant nuclear location toward a cytosolic and subsequent extracellular presence. Hence, post‐translational modifications of HMGB1 determine its role in inflammation and immunity.
Characterization of paracellular and aqueous penetration routes in cornea, conjunctiva, and sclera.

PURPOSE To characterize quantitatively the paracellular permeation routes in rabbit cornea, conjunctiva, and sclera using polyethylene glycol (PEG) oligomers. METHODS Corneal, conjunctival, and scleral tissues from New Zealand white rabbits were tested individually in a modified two-chamber Ussing apparatus with the mixture of PEGs with mean molecular weights 200, 400, 600, and 1000 in glutathione bicarbonated Ringer's solution buffer on the donor side of the chamber. The samples and standards were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography-thermospray mass spectrometry method. The pore sizes and the pore densities of the corneal and conjunctival epithelia were calculated using an effusion-like approach. RESULTS The conjunctival and scleral tissues were 15 to 25 times more permeable than the cornea and the molecular size affected the conjunctival permeability less than that of the cornea. The palpebral and bulbar conjunctivas had equal permeabilities. The scleral permeability was approximately half of that in the conjunctiva and approximately 10 times more than in the cornea. The conjunctival epithelia had 2 times larger pores and 16 times higher pore density than the cornea. The total paracellular space in the conjunctiva was estimated to be 230 times greater than that in the cornea. CONCLUSIONS The conjunctival epithelium, due to its higher membrane permeability and larger absorptive and intercellular space surface areas, is the most viable route for ocular delivery of peptides and oligonucleotides.
Long-Term Athlete Development Canada: Attempting System Change and Multi-Agency Cooperation

This text provides a synopsis, as well as some greater detail, concerning the "Canadian Sport for Life" project Long-Term Athlete Development Canada (LTAD) initiated in 2004. The genesis of the project may be found in the Canadian Sport Policy released in 2002 by Sport Canada, the sport participation and performance agency within the Canadian Heritage Ministry of the Canadian Government. The project has grown from relatively humble beginnings to become a system-wide movement and catalyst for change that encompasses not only sport participation and excellence, but also aspects to do with education, health, and general recreation. Additionally, it involves all age groups (cradle to grave). Although the project was initiated on behalf of performance sport, it is a clear example of how sport can influence and interact with many facets of a society. In Canada, LTAD clearly is tied to a philosophy that spans a broad narrative from healthy active lives to elite sport performance.
Atomistic simulation of stone-wales defect position in armchair graphene nanoribbon field-effect transistor

Graphene continues to fascinate the research community due to its excellent physical and electrical properties. In this study, the electronic and transport characteristics of armchair graphene nanoribbon (AGNR) with a Stone-Wales (SW) defect is investigated. The SW defects are located at three different locations on the AGNR device; underneath the metal gate, near the drain and near the source. The band structures, density of states and transmission spectra are analyzed. The current-voltage characteristics are then extracted and the performance of pristine AGNR and AGNR incorporated with the SW defects is analyzed. From the simulation, it is found that the SW defect alters the electronic and transport properties of the AGNR. Remarkably, the SW defect increases the amount of energy bandgap, while decreasing the drain current. Most notable, the drain current of AGNR FET with SW defect near its source had decreased by almost 60 % compared to the perfect AGNR FET, while the defect at the center caused the drain current to decrease by only 4.13 %. The outcome of this study suggests that defects present on AGNR are not unreasonable and may be useful to enhance the transport properties of AGNR FET. The position of SW defect on the AGNR conducting channel plays an important role to enhance the electrical characteristics of the AGNR FET.
A Non-negative Symmetric Encoder-Decoder Approach for Community Detection

Community detection or graph clustering is crucial to understanding the structure of complex networks and extracting relevant knowledge from networked data. Latent factor model, e.g., non-negative matrix factorization and mixed membership block model, is one of the most successful methods for community detection. Latent factor models for community detection aim to find a distributed and generally low-dimensional representation, or coding, that captures the structural regularity of network and reflects the community membership of nodes. Existing latent factor models are mainly based on reconstructing a network from the representation of its nodes, namely network decoder, while constraining the representation to have certain desirable properties. These methods, however, lack an encoder that transforms nodes into their representation. Consequently, they fail to give a clear explanation about the meaning of a community and suffer from undesired computational problems. In this paper, we propose a non-negative symmetric encoder-decoder approach for community detection. By explicitly integrating a decoder and an encoder into a unified loss function, the proposed approach achieves better performance over state-of-the-art latent factor models for community detection task. Moreover, different from existing methods that explicitly impose the sparsity constraint on the representation of nodes, the proposed approach implicitly achieves the sparsity of node representation through its symmetric and non-negative properties, making the optimization much easier than competing methods based on sparse matrix factorization.
Determinants of Profitability of Banking Industry in Pakistan

Purpose: The relationship between bank profitability and bank-specific and macroeconomic factors has important implications for a host of public policy questions. In the current study, balanced panel data on all scheduled banks over a period of 2006 to 2017 has been used to provide novel estimates of bank profit and its influential factors. Research Methodology: Further this study modeled the structure-conduct-performance hypothesis (SCP); it reflects the setting of prices that are less favorable to consumers (lower deposit rates, higher loan rates) in more concentrated markets as a result of competitive imperfections in these markets and lead supernormal profits The results of the current study have been obtained by using regression analysis and unit root analysis which deals with stationary and non-stationary of time series data. Results: The results of the current study are significant and supported by the previous literature. In bank-specific characteristics, lagged bank profitability, capital ratio, and size found to have a positive relationship with bank profits while Loans have a negative and significant relationship with bank profits deposits have a positive and insignificant relationship with banks profitability. In macroeconomic factors such as inflation, corporate tax rate, negative and insignificant relation has been found. Originality/Value: This study implies that the profitability of banks can be enhanced by increasing the capitalization of banks. Endeavors should be made by banks in order to increase and maintain the retained earnings and reserves Keywords: Profitability, Return on Assets, Macroeconomic, Bank-specific, Corporate tax
Performance analysis of conventional and emerging interconnects for low power applications using CMOS and CNFET

High resistivity of copper interconnect is bringing on expansive defer and power utilization in the Integrated Circuit at global interconnect length. In this paper we have analyzed the performance of Copper and Carbon Nanotube (CNT) interconnects. CMOS and CNFET device technology is incorporated with Copper (Cu), Single-walled CNT (SWCNT), Multi-Walled CNT (MWCNT), and Mixed CNT Bundle (MCB) interconnect to calculate the propagation delay and Power Delay Product (PDP) of circuit at 32nm technology node. Simulation is done using Driver Interconnect Load (DIL) system in HSPICE. We have found that utilizing CNFET driver, for Intermediate level interconnects, MCB shows 5.5× and 12.9× reduction in propagation delay over copper and SWCNT. Likewise for Global level, Reduction in propagation delay is by 6.6× and 11.1× of MCB over Cu and SWCNT interconnect respectively. Utilizing CNFET driver, copper shows 5.8×, MWCNT shows 9.8× and MCB shows 8× reduction in PDP at local (1µm) interconnect level when compared with copper, MWCNT and MCB interconnects incorporated to CMOS driver. From the simulation results we can conclude that if we utilize CMOS technology, SWCNT is well appropriate for local level interconnect whereas MWCNT and MCB are best reasonable for intermediate and global interconnect however if we utilize CNFET driver, MCB and MWCNT are appropriate for all level of interconnects compared to copper interconnect technology.