Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variational principles for stochastic soliton dynamics

We develop a variational method of deriving stochastic partial differential equations whose solutions follow the flow of a stochastic vector field. As an example in one spatial dimension, we numerically simulate singular solutions (peakons) of the stochastically perturbed Camassa–Holm (CH) equation derived using this method. These numerical simulations show that peakon soliton solutions of the stochastically perturbed CH equation persist and provide an interesting laboratory for investigating the sensitivity and accuracy of adding stochasticity to finite dimensional solutions of stochastic partial differential equations. In particular, some choices of stochastic perturbations of the peakon dynamics by Wiener noise (canonical Hamiltonian stochastic deformations, CH-SD) allow peakons to interpenetrate and exchange order on the real line in overtaking collisions, although this behaviour does not occur for other choices of stochastic perturbations which preserve the Euler–Poincaré structure of the CH equation (parametric stochastic deformations, P-SD), and it also does not occur for peakon solutions of the unperturbed deterministic CH equation. The discussion raises issues about the science of stochastic deformations of finite-dimensional approximations of evolutionary partial differential equation and the sensitivity of the resulting solutions to the choices made in stochastic modelling.
MRSA-pyomyositis in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia after intensive chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND A case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-pyomyositis in association with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is reported. MRSA-sepsis developed in a 51-year-old Japanese man with AML, during the neutropenic period after high-dose 1-beta-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine (Ara-C). Although the MRSA-sepsis initially improved with arbekacin sulfate (ABK) administration, a high fever recurred with left thigh pain despite recovery of the neutrophil count after ABK was stopped. A computed tomographic (CT) scan showed a low-density area in the left quadriceps femoris muscle, which led to a diagnosis of pyomyositis. MRSA was cultured from the abscess aspirates. The fever and thigh pain disappeared after administration of ABK and minocycline hydrochloride (MINO), and the abscess completely disappeared with the oral administration of levofloxacin (LVFX) for about 3 months. CONCLUSION If an immunocompromised patient complains of fever and muscle pain after intensive chemotherapy, MRSA-pyomyositis should be considered.
Secondary closure of alveolar cleft with resorbable collagen membrane and a combination of intraoral autogenous bone graft and deproteinized anorganic bovine bone

Objects: Secondary alveolar bone grafting is a method that enables an excellent oral rehabilitation of the patients having alveolar cleft. The aim of this work is to report the closure of the alveolar cleft with the use of harvested autogenous bone graft combined with deproteinized anorganic bovine bone (Bio-Oss) under local anesthesia. Settings and Sample Population: Nine patients with age range, 8–11 years were consulted for their unilateral alveolar cleft. Materials and Methods: A combination of symphyseal bone and deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) was placed into the alveolar cleft defect. Clinical and radiographical assessments were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Results: The healing period was uneventful in all cases, and no complications, such as membrane exposure, infection, or harvest site morbidity, were observed. All treated defect sites exhibited excellent bone formation, with an average of 5.45 mm (range, 2–9 mm; standard deviation 1.93 mm) of augmentation achieved overall. Conclusion: The treatment of vertically deficient alveolar ridges with guided bone regeneration using a mixture of autogenous bone and DBBM and resorbable collagen membrane can be considered successful, using this technique in an out-patient office setting.
Ulcerative colitis and clinical course: Results of a 5‐year population‐based follow‐up study (the IBSEN study)

Background: The majority of studies concerning the clinical course and prognosis in ulcerative colitis (UC) are old, retrospective in design, or hospital based. We aimed to identify clinical course and prognosis in a prospective, population‐based follow‐up study Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or possible IBD in southeastern Norway during the period 1990–1994 were followed prospectively for 5 years. The evaluation at 5 years included an interview, clinical examination, laboratory tests, and colonoscopy. Results: Of 843 patients diagnosed with IBD, 454 patients who had definite UC and for whom there were sufficient data for analysis were alive 5 years after inclusion in the study. The frequency of colectomy in this population was 7.5%. Forty‐one percent of the patients were not taking any kind of medication for IBD at 5 years. Of the patients initially diagnosed with proctitis, 28% had progressed during the observation period, 10% to extensive colitis. The majority of the patients (57%) had no intestinal symptoms at 5 years, and only a minority (7%) had symptoms that interfered with everyday activities. Among the patients who underwent colonoscopy at the 5‐year visit, symptoms were frequently reported in patients without macroscopic inflammation (44%). A relapse‐free course was observed in 22% of the patients. A decrease in symptoms during the follow‐up period was the most frequent course taken by the disease and was observed in 59% of the cases. The extent of disease was unrelated to symptoms at 5 years and also to relapse rate and course of disease during the 5‐year period. Conclusions: The disease course and prognosis of UC appears better than previously described in the literature. The frequency of surgery was low, and only a minority of the patients had symptoms that interfered with their everyday activities 5 years after diagnosis.
Francisella Genes Required for Replication in Mosquito Cells

Abstract Francisella tularensis, a potential bioterrorism agent, is transmitted by arthropod vectors and causes tularemia in many mammals, including humans. Francisella novicida causes disease with similar pathology in mice. We show that F. novicida invades hemocyte-like cells of the Sua1B cell line derived from Anopheles gambiae and replicates vigorously within these cells. We used transposon knockouts of single genes of F. novicida to show that bacterial growth within these insect cells is dependent on virulence factors encoded in a bacterial pathogenicity island that has been linked to replication in mammalian macrophages. The virulence factors MglA, IglA, IglB, IglC, and IglD as well as PdpA and PdpB were necessary for efficient growth in insect cells, but PdpC and PdpD were not required. The Sua1B cell line presents a valuable model to study the interactions between this important pathogen and insect vectors.
Unlocking Ideas at MNC Subsidiaries : A Study on the Acceptance of Subsidiary Initiatives in MNCs

Through an extensive literature review it was concluded that there is a substantial lack of understanding of headquarters’ approval processes of foreign subsidiary initiatives. This study thus adds to the extant research on subsidiary initiatives, which is still a rather unexplored and theoretically fragmented field of study. Research within the subsidiary initiative stream of literature suggests that subsidiaries themselves should take an entrepreneurial stance and come up with “initiatives” to get recognition and leverage their unique capabilities. Accordingly, researchers have argued that subsidiaries should develop and present subsidiary initiatives in order to get their resources and capabilities recognized and leveraged into firm-specific competitive advantage.The purpose of this study was to identify and investigate the underlying conditions behind headquarters’ acceptance or rejection of initiatives originating from MNCs foreign subsidiaries. Within this overall aim we have developed and assessed a new quantitative measurement instrument that identifies important issues related to (1) Headquarter Attention, (2) Headquarter– Subsidiary Relationship, (3) Subsidiary Power and (4) Subsidiary Initiative-Selling.This study contributes to both academia and practice by providing a richer understanding of why some subsidiary initiatives are approved while others rejected. From the findings, we can conclude that, of the conditions examined, the degree of subsidiary power and how the subsidiary frame and present the initiative to headquarters have a significant impact on headquarters acceptance of submitted subsidiary initiatives. Additionally, we have successfully created a measurement instrument and quantified the concept of subsidiary initiative-selling as one identified determinant related to the headquarters’ acceptance of submitted subsidiary initiatives, which has not been done before. Moreover, we have found that there is a correlation between initiative-selling and initiative acceptance by headquarters’, this is yet a contribution in itself.
Unexpectedly low prevalence and unusual characteristics of RLS in Mersin, Turkey

Objective: To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical presentation of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in a Turkish population. Methods: A face-to-face, population-based epidemiologic survey was conducted. Multistep, stratified, cluster, and systematic samplings were used. A total of 3,234 adults were interviewed. Results: Of the 3,234 participants, 103 (3.19%) experienced RLS. This prevalence rate is lower than those of other epidemiologic studies conducted among European and North American populations. RLS was found to be more common among women, cigarette smokers, and individuals residing in high altitudes. The self-reported mental and general health status of patients was worse than in the control subjects. The prevalence of RLS did not differ by age or body mass index. Conclusion: The discrepancy in RLS prevalence studies (including the authors’) suggests that prevalence varies among different races, thus supporting a genetic predisposition.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PVA COMPOSITES WITH CELLULOSE NANOFIBERS OBTAINED BY ULTRASONICATION

Cellulose nanofibers were obtained from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by the action of hydrodynamic forces associated with ultrasound. Nanofibers isolated from MCC by applying different ultrasonication conditions were characterized to elucidate their morpho-structural features by field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering. Several differences were observed regarding the size of the nanofibers obtained in different ultrasonic conditions, but no significant changes in the crystalline structure of cellulose nanofibers were detected. The obtained cellulose fibers were used at low levels (1 to 5 wt.%) as reinforcements in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix. The mechanical and thermal properties of the PVA/cellulose fibers nanocomposites films were determined. The tensile strength and modulus of the PVA film were significantly improved by the addition of cellulose nanofibers. Slightly higher onset degradation temperatures were obtained for PVA composites in comparison to neat PVA, showing an increase of the thermal stability caused by the addition of cellulose fibers.
STLM: A Sidewall TLM Structure for Accurate Extraction of Ultralow Specific Contact Resistivity

We propose a very large scale integration compatible, modified transfer length method (TLM) structure, called sidewall TLM, to minimize the effect of spreading resistance and thus improving the resolution of the TLM method. This is achieved by allowing uniform current collection perpendicularly through the sidewall of the contact. We demonstrate statistically significant specific contact resistivity (ρ<sub>c</sub>) extraction of 2×10<sup>-8</sup>Ω cm<sup>2</sup> and 5×10<sup>-9</sup>Ω cm<sup>2</sup> for n-type and p-type NiSi contacts, respectively, on a 300-mm wafer, which are about 50% less than those extracted using the conventional TLM structure. The proposed structure also shows a tighter distribution in the extracted ρ<sub>c</sub> values. The results show the importance of such test structures to accurately extract ultralow ρ<sub>c</sub> values relevant to sub-14-nm technology nodes.
Search for High-Energy Gamma Rays from an X-Ray-selected Blazar Sample

Our understanding of blazars has been greatly increased in recent years by extensive multiwavelength observations, particularly in the radio, X-ray, and gamma-ray regions. Over the past decade the Whipple 10 m telescope has contributed to this with the detection of five BL Lacertae objects at very high gamma-ray energies. The combination of multiwavelength data has shown that blazars follow a well-defined sequence in terms of their broadband spectral properties. Together with providing constraints on emission models, this information has yielded a means by which potential sources of TeV emission may be identified and predictions made as to their possible gamma-ray flux. We have used the Whipple telescope to search for TeV gamma-ray emission from eight objects selected from a list of such candidates. No evidence has been found for very high energy emission from the objects in our sample, and upper limits have been derived for the mean gamma-ray flux above 390 GeV. These flux upper limits are compared with the model predictions, and the implications of our results for future observations are discussed.
How much effort is enough? Unlocking customer fanaticism in services industries

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the antecedents of fanaticism through the lens of attribution theory and “norm of reciprocity”. It is proposed that consumers will reward firms with high perceived effort, including both general and specific effort by increasing their loyalty and becoming a fan of the company. Design/methodology/approach The data are collected in a high-tech services industry, mobile phone services. A paper-based survey using mall intercept technique was employed in this study. The sampling design was a combination of convenience sampling (any adult who happened to be at a given location on a given day and time) and system probability sampling (every fifth adult who passed the data collection point was approached and asked to participate in the study). The final sample size is 600. Findings The antecedents of fanaticism are identified as both firm’s general effort (i.e. service quality and innovativeness) and specific effort (i.e. perceived reciprocity). In addition, perceived regulatory control moderated the relationship between innovativeness, part of firm’s general effort and customer fanaticism. To be more specific, perceived regulatory control increased the effect of perceived innovativeness on fanatical loyalty. Originality/value The introduction of the role of perceived regulatory control in the interactions between firms and customers has not been adopted in previous research and can contribute a new body of knowledge to the current literature. This research has implications for service providers, especially in high-tech industries.
An Analysis of Loan Repayment Plans According to the Bank Customer Profile

It has been demonstrated that there exists a general preference for improvement in loan repayment plans in the way that people prefer decreasing sequences of installments as tested by Hoelzl et al . (2011). Moreover, they also demonstrated that there exists a positive correlation between financial capability and financial literacy when it is given the possibility of having a gain by investing a part of the available money. In these cases, the most financial literate consumers showed a preference for increasing loan plans instead of decreasing ones. In this vein, independently of the level of the borrowers’ risk profile, we suggest that an ad hoc offer should be made to the customers taking into account these two characteristics by distinguishing three different levels for both personal traits: low, medium and high. Thus, we have analyzed the interest rate which makes both the decreasing and the increasing loan plans indifferent when considering that the option to invest part of the money in savings products is given. Moreover, the analysis has been carried out by considering that the loan repaid principal is variable either in arithmetic progression or in geometric progression. Thus, regarding the main repayment plans offered by banks we have analyzed which one fits better to the defined customer’s profile.
Effects of Immobilized rhBMP-2/atelocollagen in vivo and in vitro

The use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein - 2 (rhBMP-2) to induce ectopic bone formation requires a carrier. Atelocollagen, a biomaterial with a porous structure, excellent operational features and biocompatibility, is known to be an effective carrier for rhBMP-2. However, conventionally used lyophilized rhBMP-2/atelocollagen mixture does not necessarily give adequate bone induction effect. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of immobilizing rhBMP-2 to succinylated type I atelocollagen on the cellular activity of ST2 cells and immobilized rhBMP-2/ atelocollagen and non immobilized rhBMP-2/atelocollagen implanted in subcutaneous pockets of Wister rats. Our results revealed that 1) Alkaline phosphatase activity confirmed the effectiveness of rhBMP-2/ succinylated type I atelocollagen immobilization in augmenting cellular activity. 2) Intracellular signaling continued for prolonged period when rhBMP-2 was immobilized to succinylated type I atelocollagen. 3) In rhBMP-2/atelocollagen implants were completely fully with new bone formation and cell proliferation. Whereas, in non immobilized rhBMP-2/atelocollagen implants showed new hard tissue in the periphery of the carrier with only collagen membrane in its center. This study indicated that immobilizing rhBMP-2 is an efficient method to increase bone induction.
Developing and evaluating environmental impact assessment systems for small developing countries

This paper categorizes and reviews different approaches to environmental impact assessment (EIA) system evaluation. It then describes the application of Wood's (1995) ‘ideal’ EIA system evaluation criteria to the Republic of Maldives. Few of the criteria are actually met. Is the Maldivian EIA system therefore fundamentally flawed or deficient? Field observations suggest that this is not so and, while many improvements can be made, the system is quite locally appropriate. It is concluded that there are a number of factors contributing to the positive development of the Maldavian EIA system, and these should be added on to Wood's list as supplementary criteria appropriate to small developing countries.
Reversal of the phenotype by K-rasval12 silencing mediated by adenovirus-delivered siRNA in human pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1.

AIM To investigate the in vitro antitumor effect of adenovirus-mediated small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) on pancreatic cancer and the associated mechanism. METHODS A 63-nucleotide (nt) oligonucleotide encoding K-ras(val12) and specific siRNA were introduced into pSilencer 3.1-H1, then the H1-RNA promoter and siRNA coding insert were subcloned into pAdTrack to get plasmid pAdTrackH1-K-ras(val12). After homologous recombination in bacteria and transfections of such plasmids into a mammalian packaging cell line 293, siRNA expressing adenovirus AdH1-K-ras(val12) was obtained. Stable suppression of K-ras(val12) was detected by Northern blot and Western blot. Apoptosis in Panc-1 cells was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS We obtained adenovirus AdH1-K-ras(val12) carrying the pSilencer 3.1-H1 cassette, which could mediate gene silencing. Through siRNA targeted K-ras(val12), the oncogenic phenotype of cancer cells was reversed. Flow cytometry showed that apoptotic index of Panc-1 cells was significantly higher in the AdH1-K-ras(val12)-treatment group (18.70% at 72 h post-infection, 49.55% at 96 h post-infection) compared to the control groups (3.47%, 3.98% at 72 and 96 h post-infection of AdH1-empty, respectively; 4.21%, 3.78% at 72 and 96 h post-infection of AdH1-p53, respectively) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that adenoviral vectors can be used to mediate RNA interference (RNAi) to induce persistent loss of functional phenotypes. In gene therapy, the selective down-regulation of only the mutant version of a gene allows for highly specific effects on tumor cells, while leaving the normal cells untouched. In addition, the apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1 can be induced after AdH1-K-ras(val12) infection. This kind of adenovirus based on RNAi might be a promising vector for cancer therapy.
Material and layout strategy for ferrite embedded LTCC inductors

The integration of inductors in LTCC technology with new ferrite material for the VHF and UHF frequency range is investigated. The complex interdependencies of ferrite material properties and inductor layout choices are elucidated and new material as well as inductor optimization strategies are derived. Two basic relations for the ferrite permeability are deduced that show the possible range of ferrite properties for the VHF and UHF frequency range. With the model of a fully or partially ferrite embedded stripline, the choice of ferrite material and layer thickness is clarified. A step-by-step optimization strategy for inductor design in a LTCC process with ferrites summarizes the results.
Isolation, Identification, and Evaluation of Novel Probiotic Strains Isolated from Feces of Breast-Fed Infants.

OBJECTIVE To isolate, identify, and evaluate the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the feces of breast-fed infants. MATERIAL AND METHOD The probiotic tests included investigation of hemolysis activity, survival in simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions (acid and bile salt tolerance), susceptibility to antibiotics, and ability to inhibit selected bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella enterica subsp enterica serovar Typhimurium). The bacterial species identification was performed by both carbohydrate utilization and partial 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. RESULTS Five of fifty LAB isolates (UBU-03, UBU-06, UBU-09, UBU-34, and UBU-37) showed good probiotic properties. These five isolates showed non-hemolysis type (gamma-hemolysis), susceptibility to all antibiotics tested except for vancomycin, ability to survive in the simulated gastrointestinal conditions of both acid and bile salt solution, and ability to inhibit growth of E. coli O157: H7 and V. cholerae. Bacterial species identification revealed that all five isolates were firmly identified as Lactobacillus rhamnosus species. CONCLUSION The L. rhamnosus strains that were isolated and characterized in this study could be considered as probiotic strains, and then used for further probiotic characterization in human cell cultures or animal models.