Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bacteriophage involvement in group A streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A production

Lysogenic conversion has been suggested as a mechanism of control of group A streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin type A production. Digestion of DNA from two converting bacteriophages, 3GL16 and T12, with a variety of restriction endonucleases yielded identical DNA fragments upon electrophoresis in agarose gels. Several known A toxin-positive strains that did not appear to produce converting phage upon induction were analyzed for toxin and phage DNA. Strains, including NY5, 594, and C203S, were shown by hybridization studies to carry the A toxin gene (speA) adjacent to chromosomally inserted phage fragments, homologous to phage T12 DNA, which may represent defective converting phages. The phage T12 att site mapped adjacent to speA. These data suggest that phage T12 acquired the A toxin gene from the bacterial genome. All streptococcal strains tested that were A toxin negative by Ouchterlony immunodiffusion failed to show any hybridization to speA-specific probes.
Deep Sequential Image Features on Acoustic Scene Classification

For the Acoustic Scene Classification task of the IEEE AASP Challenge on Detection and Classification of Acoustic Scenes and Events (DCASE2017), we propose a novel method to classify 15 different acoustic scenes using deep sequential learning, based on features extracted from Short-Time Fourier Transform and scalogram of the audio scenes using Convolutional Neural Networks. It is the first time to investigate the performance of bump and morse scalograms for acoustic scene classification in an according context. First, segmented audio waves are transformed into a spectrogram and two types of scalograms; then, ‘deep features’ are extracted from these using the pre-trained VGG16 model by probing at the fully connected layer. These representations are then fed into Gated Recurrent Neural Networks for classification separately. Predictions from the three systems are finally combined by a margin sampling value strategy. On the official development set of the challenge, the best accuracy on a four-fold cross-validation setup is 80.9%, which increases by 6.1% when compared with the official baseline (p < .001 by one-tailed z-test).
Timing of SCH 23390 administration influences extinction of conditioned hyperactivity in mice

The precise role of the dopamine subtype-1 (D1) receptor in differentially mediating extinction-related processes (memory retrieval vs. memory reconsolidation) in the conditioned hyperactivity paradigm is unknown. Thus, the present experiments determined the effect of a selective D1 receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, on extinction of conditioned hyperactivity when SCH 23390 was administered immediately after (memory reconsolidation; experiment 1) or before (memory retrieval; experiment 2) extinction sessions. Male, Swiss-Webster mice received subcutaneous injections of methamphetamine (1.0 mg/kg) associated with locomotor activity chambers (paired) or in their home cages (unpaired) during the acquisition phase. Following acquisition, paired and unpaired mice received an intraperitoneal injection of either vehicle (physiological saline) or SCH 23390 (0.0125, 0.025, 0.05 mg/kg) immediately after (experiment 1) or received vehicle or SCH 23390 (0.05 mg/kg) 30 min before (experiment 2), daily extinction sessions. Methamphetamine produced robust conditioned hyperactivity, followed by extinction. Furthermore, SCH 23390 (0.05 mg/kg) blocked expression of conditioned hyperactivity, without nonspecifically impairing locomotor activity, when administered before the extinction session, but did not alter the rate of extinction when administered immediately following the sessions. Taken together, these results suggest that the D1 receptor is involved in memory retrieval, but not memory reconsolidation, processes during extinction of conditioned hyperactivity.
Racial Differences in Same-Race Partnering and the Effects of Sexual Partnership Characteristics on HIV Risk in MSM: A Prospective Sexual Diary Study

Background:Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for more than half of new HIV infections each year, and young black MSM experience the highest incidence rates. Black MSM have not been found to engage in more HIV risk behaviors, and it has been proposed that sexual network factors (racially homophilous networks) and partnership characteristics (influence of older partners and familiarity with partners) may help account for this disparity. Methods:One hundred forty-three ethnically diverse MSM were enrolled in an online prospective diary study of sexual behavior. Participants completed weekly diaries of sexual encounters and associated situational factors for 12 weeks. All analyses were conducted with Hierarchical Linear Modeling software. Results:Black MSM reported significantly less unprotected sex than other groups and were the most racially homophilous group in terms of sexual partnerships. Having older sexual partners and familiarity with partners were both associated with increased odds of sexual risk in black MSM only. A 3-way interaction between participant age, participant race, and sexual partner age revealed a strong association between having older partners and odds of sexual risk for young black MSM, and a strong association between having younger partners and sexual risk for older non-black MSM. Conclusions:Findings expand upon previous theory and cross-sectional research. Results indicate that some of the driving forces behind the disproportionate HIV incidence in black MSM may be the greater likelihood of racially homophilous sexual networks combined with the stronger influence of sexual partner age and familiarity with partners on condom use.
Anti-windup and the preservation of robustness against structured norm-bounded uncertainty

Abstract We consider robustness preserving anti-windup with structured norm-bounded uncertainty. A sufficient condition for the existence of such anti-windup is given, together with an expression for its construction. Existing results in the literature for additive unstructured uncertainty appear as a special case. The so-called IMC (internal model control) anti-windup does not necessarily preserve robustness for the general case.
Duty ratio control of resonant switched capacitor DC-DC converter

Resonant switched capacitor (RSC) converter has the advantage of zero-current switching, however, its output power range is narrow and its voltage conversion ration is predetermined by its topology. In this paper, a new duty ratio control method for RSC converter was presented. In the proposed method, the discharging time was fixed and the charging time was variable. By adjusting the ratio of charging time, good output voltage regulation for large changes in input voltage and/or load values could be obtained. Most of the switching devices were still zero-current switching. The advantage of low switching current and low EMI in RSC converter was still kept in the proposed duty ratio control scheme. A step-down RSC converter was used as an example in this paper. The circuit operation principle and steady-state characteristics were described in detail. A step-down RSC prototype with the proposed method has been implemented and tested; theoretical prediction of its regulation is verified experimentally
Germination of Bacillus anthracis spores within alveolar macrophages

The fatal character of the infection caused by inhalation of Bacillus anthracis spores results from a complex pathogenic cycle involving the synthesis of toxins by the bacterium. We have shown using immunofluorescent staining, confocal scanning laser microscopy and image cytometry analysis that the alveolar macrophage was the primary site of B. anthracis germination in a murine inhalation infection model. Bacillus anthracis germinated inside murine macrophage‐like RAW264.7 cells and murine alveolar macrophages. Germination occurred in vesicles derived from the phagosomal compartment. We have also demonstrated that the toxin genes and their trans‐activator, AtxA, were expressed within the macrophages after germination.
Applications of physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling for the optimization of anti-infective therapies

Introduction: The pharmacokinetic properties of anti-infective drugs are a determinant part of treatment success. Pathogen replication is inhibited if adequate drug levels are achieved in target sites, whereas excessive drug concentrations linked to toxicity are to be avoided. Anti-infective distribution can be predicted by integrating in vitro drug properties and mathematical descriptions of human anatomy in physiologically based pharmacokinetic models. This method reduces the need for animal and human studies and is used increasingly in drug development and simulation of clinical scenario such as, for instance, drug–drug interactions, dose optimization, novel formulations and pharmacokinetics in special populations. Areas covered: We have assessed the relevance of physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling in the anti-infective research field, giving an overview of mechanisms involved in model design and have suggested strategies for future applications of physiologically based pharmacokinetic models. Expert opinion: Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling provides a powerful tool in anti-infective optimization, and there is now no doubt that both industry and regulatory bodies have recognized the importance of this technology. It should be acknowledged, however, that major challenges remain to be addressed and that information detailing disease group physiology and anti-infective pharmacodynamics is required if a personalized medicine approach is to be achieved.
A lean metric acquisition and presentation environment for the assessment of a test process improvement experiment

The introduction of environment simulation to support tests of control software for automatic logistic systems is subject of a process improvement experiment (ESSI-PIE 27519 "PITIS"). To evaluate this method, a lean metric suite has been developed according to the GQM paradigm. In order to be accepted by the programmers, it is kept simple and user-friendly by integrating metric data acquisition into the interface of the version control tool for software modules. Project-wide metric results as well as global comparisons are presented to the developers through dynamically created HTML pages in the company-wide intranet.
Does telephone scheduling assistance increase mammography screening adherence?

OBJECTIVES The 2 objectives were: 1) describe the use of a patient navigation process utilized to promote adherence to mammography screening within a primary care practice, and 2) determine the result of the navigation process and estimate the time required to increase mammography screening with this approach in a commercially insured patient population enrolled in a health maintenance organization. STUDY DESIGN An evaluation of a nonrandomized practice improvement intervention. METHODS Women eligible for mammography (n = 298) who did not respond to 2 reminder letters were contacted via telephone by a navigator who offered scheduling assistance for mammography screening. The patient navigator scheduled appointments, documented the number of calls, and confirmed completed mammograms in the electronic health record, as well as estimated the time for calls and chart review. RESULTS Of the 188 participants reached by phone, 112 (59%) scheduled appointments using the patient navigator, 35 (19%) scheduled their own appointments independently prior to the call, and 41 (22%) declined. As a result of the telephone intervention, 78 of the 188 women reached (41%) received a mammogram; also, all 35 women who had independently scheduled a mammogram received one. Chart documentation confirmed that 113 (38%) of the cohort of 298 women completed a mammogram. The estimated time burden for the entire project was 55 hours and 33 minutes, including calling patients, scheduling appointments, and chart review. CONCLUSIONS A patient navigator can increase mammography adherence in a previously nonadherent population by making the screening appointment while the patient is on the phone.
Evaluating the Invariance of the Factor Structure of the EPQ–R–N Among Adolescents

We examined the factor structure of the Neuroticism scale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ–R–N; S. B. G. Eysenck, Eysenck & Barrett, 1985) and its factor invariance across sex and racial/ethnic groups in a sample of 1,979 adolescents. Using confirmatory factor analyses, we compared a hierarchical model to previous models of the EPQ–R–N and to single-factor and 3-factor structures. The hierarchical factor structure in which a general factor coexists with 3 group factors (depression, social concerns, and worry) was superior to alternative models. The general factor accounted for more than 60% of the variance in EPQ–R–N total scores and was invariant across sex and ethnicity. The 3 group factors varied across ethnicity and sex. We discuss the implications of these findings for conceptualization and assessment of neuroticism using the EPQ–R–N.
Ketamine sedation to perform caudal anaesthesia in children in remote locations

Sir, Anaesthesia in austere environments is a real challenge, particularly paediatric anaesthesia. In our experience, intravenous ketamine is the most commonly used technique. Nevertheless, caudal anaesthesia may be an interesting alternative as it provides effective post-operative analgesia, but is technically difficult to perform in awake children. We report an experience of intramuscular ketamine as the sole preand peri-operative sedation agent during subumbilical surgery under caudal anaesthesia in children. This observational study was conducted in November 2006 during a 1-month stay in Chars (north Bangladesh), in an area reachable only by boat or sea-plane (Fig. 1). During this mission, operations were performed in more than 300 patients. The facilities were basic. We had no draw-over vaporizer and the oxygen supply was limited to a size E cylinder and a concentrator. Patient monitoring capabilities included a pulse oximeter, a cardioscope and a manual sphygmomanometer. Twenty-six non-pre-medicated children, ASA class 1, undergoing elective subumbilical surgery, were studied. The types of
Drug-associated hemolytic anemia.

A LTHOUGH the human red cell contains protective mechanisms for the maintenance of membrane and hemoglobin integrity a variety of drugs and chemicals can alter these components and cause early destruction. Drug-induced hemolytic anemias may occur in one of the following ways: i) immunologic-the drug induces serologically identifiable changes in the susceptible individual that may or may not require the continuing presence of the drug for appropriate diagnosis; 2) metabolic -genetically determined abnormalities in red cell metabolism may predispose the cell to irreversible injury by "oxidant" drugs; and 3) hemoglobin instability-certain amino-acid substitutions in the a or /3 chain or abnormal tetrameric species are associated with chronic hemolytic anemia which may be greatly exaggerated in the presence of drugs.
Characterization of a major polymorphic tandem repeat in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its potential use in the epidemiology of Mycobacterium kansasii and Mycobacterium gordonae

In this study, the occurrence of repeated DNA sequences in the chromosome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was investigated systematically. By screening a M. tuberculosis lambda gt-11 gene library with labeled total chromosomal DNA, five strongly hybridizing recombinants were selected, and these contained DNA sequences that were present in multiple copies in the chromosome of M. tuberculosis. These recombinants all contained repeated sequences belonging to a single family of repetitive DNA, which shares homology with a previously described repeated sequence present in recombinant pPH7301. Sequences analysis of pPH7301 showed the presence of a 10-bp sequence that was tandemly repeated and invariably separated by 5-bp unique spacer sequences. Southern blot analysis revealed that the majority of the repeated DNA in M. tuberculosis is composed of this family of repetitive DNA. Because the 10-bp repeats are slightly heterogeneous in sequence, we designated this DNA as a major polymorphic tandem repeat, MPTR. The presence of this repeated sequence in various other mycobacterial species was investigated. Among the MPTR-containing mycobacterial species the chromosomal location of the repetitive DNA is highly variable. The potential use of this polymorphism in the epidemiology of mycobacterioses is discussed.
Determinant in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 for Efficient Replication under Cytokine-Induced CD4+ T-Helper 1 (Th1)- and Th2-Type Conditions

ABSTRACT Cytokines are potent stimuli for CD4+-T-cell differentiation. Among them, interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-4 induce naive CD4+ T cells to become T-helper 1 (Th1) or Th2 cells, respectively. In this study we found that macrophage-tropic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains replicated more efficiently in IL-12-induced Th1-type cultures derived from normal CD4+ T cells than did T-cell-line-tropic (T-tropic) strains. In contrast, T-tropic strains preferentially infected IL-4-induced Th2-type cultures derived from the same donor CD4+ T cells. Additional studies using chimeric viruses demonstrated that the V3 region of HIV-1 gp120 was the principal determinant for efficiency of replication. Cell fusion analysis showed that cells expressing envelope protein from a T-tropic strain effectively fused with IL-4-induced Th2-type culture cells. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the level of CCR5 expression was higher on IL-12-induced Th1-type culture cells, whereas CXCR4 was highly expressed on IL-4-induced Th2-type culture cells, although a low level of CXCR4 expression was observed on IL-12-induced Th1-type culture cells. These results indicate that HIV-1 isolates exhibit differences in the ability to infect CD4+-T-cell subsets such as Th1 or Th2 cells and that this difference may partly correlate with the expression of particular chemokine receptors on these cells. The findings suggest that immunological conditions are one of the factors responsible for inducing selection of HIV-1 strains.
Developments in oncological positron emission tomography/computed tomography assessment.

Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) using 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) has become a standard tool for staging and therapy monitoring in oncology. Qualitative assessment of tracer uptake has become the basis for important therapy decisions such as whether to continue or abandon radiotherapy after effective chemotherapy in advanced Hodgkin lymphoma (1,2). The tools for this PET interpretation have to be reproducible and standardized, to ensure adequate treatment for all patients (2,3). In contrast to some lymphatic malignancies, cure rates are generally lower in most advanced solid tumors. If responses to a specific treatment occur, they can easily be detected by quantitative analyses, which are more sensitive than visual criteria. Therefore, quantitative PET analyses have been introduced in solid tumor PET studies and several PET parameters have been proposed as a supplement to visual analyses to measure the patient’s response to a specific treatment (4).
ANTHROPOMETRIC AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RUNNERS

In this sudy we present the anthropometric and morphological characteristics of 46 national level track-andfield athletes. 20 morphological body measures were taken on a sample of 15 sprinters (S), 13 endurance sprinters (S4), 9 middle-distance runners (MD) and 9 long-distance runners (LD). Body fat percentage, body mass index and body constitution type were also calculated. Canonical discriminative analysis showed significant difference between the athletes of various running events, for the measures of body volume and body fat, and no significant difference in the variables of longitudinal and transversal dimensions of the skeleton. ANOVA and Student t-test for independent samples showed statistically significantly higher thigh and lower leg circumference in sprinters, as well as greater upper arm skinfold in middle-distance runners. The mesomorphic component is a dominant characteristic of body constitution of the runners in all events, whereas the ectomorphic component is the least marked.
Temperature sex determination , incubation duration , and hatchling sexual dimorphism in the Española Giant Tortoise ( Chelonoidis hoodensis ) of the Galápagos Islands

—Sex determination (SD) mode is documented in only 26% of turtle species; temperature dependent sex determination (TSD) is common but not ubiquitous. SD mode is documented for only five tortoise species; all of these have TSD with the Ia pattern. Temperature dependent sex determination was reported in Galápagos tortoises (Chelonoidis nigra complex) in 1991 based solely on a personal communication. Here we report TSD pattern, incubation duration, and hatchling sexual dimorphism in the Española Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis hoodensis) of the Galápagos Islands based on experiments conducted in 1986‒87. We found strong evidence for Type Ia TSD, a pivotal incubation temperature of 28.3 °C, and a range for transition temperatures of 25.2‒31.4 °C. We also found longer incubation durations for male than for female hatchlings, and describe a new method for sex identification for hatchling tortoises. These results have important implications for incubation of eggs for head-starting captive breeding, especially for conservation purposes, and for interpretation of data from natural nests. We caution against the assumption that all C. nigra complex species have similar pivotal or transitional temperature ranges, and encourage evaluation of more species in this group. Resumen. —El modo de determinación sexual (DS) solamente se ha documentado para el 26% de las especies de tortugas; la determinación del sexo por la temperatura (DST) en las tortugas es común pero no es generalizada. Se conoce el modo SD solamente para cinco especies de tortugas; todas ellas tienen el modo de DST. Se reportó en 1991 la determinación TSD para las tortugas de Galápagos (complejo Chelonoidis nigra), sobre la base de una comunicación personal. En este trabajo reportamos el patrón de DST, la duración de la incubación y el dimorfismo sexual a la eclosión en Chelonoidis hoodensis (la Tortuga Gigante de Española de las Islas Galápagos), sobre la base de experimentos realizados entre 1986‒87. Nosotros encontramos firme evidencia para el DST tipo Ia, una temperatura pivotal de incubación de 28.3 °C y un rango de temperaturas transicionales de 25.2‒31.4 °C. También detectamos que los períodos de incubación hasta la eclosión de tortugas machos fueron más prolongados en comparación con las hembras. Estos resultados tienen implicaciones ventajosas e importantes para la incubación de los huevos y para la interpretación de datos tomados de nidos naturales. Sugerimos evitar el inferir que todas las especies del complejo C. nigra tengan rangos de temperaturas transicionales similares y sugerimos la evaluación de más especies dentro de este grupo.
Performance analysis of relay-aided heterogeneous networks with interference cancellation

We investigate the downlink performance of relay-aided heterogeneous networks (HetNet). An interference cancellation scheme employed at macro base stations is first proposed based on the cancellation of cross-tier interference from the macro base station to small cell users. Then, we derive the expressions of the probability density function (PDF) and cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the received SINRs of both macro and small cell users, and provide the closed-form average bit error rate (BER) and outage probability of the system. Through the derivation and simulation, we show the overall performance improvement of HetNet with interference cancellation in mathematical expression. The numerical results closely follow our analysis.