Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electricity demand forecasting of single residential units

The introduction of demand side Advanced Metering Infrastructures in power distribution grids, allows the collection of huge amount of valuable information about energy usage. Utilities are already exploiting such information through Demand Side Management and Forecasting Algorithms that have been proved to help reducing the overall electricity demand. To push further this “green” trend toward the realization of Smart Grid, we propose to apply the forecasting techniques also to the residential users electricity demand. Exponential smoothing forecasting has been demonstrated to be effective to analyze and to provide trends for higher scale (National or Regional level) of the demand. We tested and moved the approach to residential users and assessed the performance when data have high time variability. Two different datasets have been used and the accuracy of the forecasting has been compared with the performance of the same predictors when national level data are used. Our tests show encouraging results, even if the prediction's accuracy is much lower when dealing with single users and the importance of the pre-filtering of the collected data is fundamental.
Comparison of Enterococcus raffinosus with Enterococcus avium on the basis of penicillin susceptibility, penicillin-binding protein analysis, and high-level aminoglycoside resistance

We reidentified our laboratories' collections of 57 enterococcal isolates previously classified as Enterococcus avium by the API Rapid Strep identification system (Analytab Products, Plainview, N.Y.) with the identification criteria recommended by Facklam and Collins (R. R. Facklam and M. D. Collins, J. Clin. Microbiol. 27: 731-734, 1989). Thirty isolates were identified as true E. avium, 25 isolates were identified as E. raffinosus, and 2 isolates were identified as E. pseudoavium. E. raffinosus could be differentiated from E. avium on the basis of penicillin susceptibility, as follows: MIC for 50% of E. raffinosus isolates tested (MIC50), 32 micrograms/ml; MIC90, 64 micrograms/ml (range, 4 to 64 micrograms/ml); E. avium MIC50, 1 microgram/ml; MIC90, 2 micrograms/ml (range, 0.5 to 2 micrograms/ml). No strains produced detectable beta-lactamase. Penicillin-binding protein (PBP) analysis of all E. raffinosus isolates demonstrated the unique pattern reported previously (M. D. Collins, R. R. Facklam, J. A. E. Farrow, and R. Williamson, FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 57:283-288, 1989); however, a number of newly identified PBPs were noted. Of 25 isolates, 13 had an additional PBP of 77 kDa (designated PBP 6*), while all isolates possessed a 52-kDa PBP (PBP 7) and a 46-kDa PBP (PBP 8). The presence or absence of PBP 6* did not correlate with penicillin susceptibility; however, PBP 7 demonstrated many features suggestive of low penicillin-binding affinity and may represent a possible mechanism for the relative resistance of this species to penicillin, although this hypothesis remains speculative since attempts to develop a penicillin-hypersusceptible E. raffinosus mutant were unsuccessful. E. raffinosus isolates were significantly more likely to exhibit high-level resistance to kanamycin than E. avium strains were (P < 0.001; chi-square); however, no strains demonstrated high-level resistance to gentamicin. No trend toward increasing penicillin resistance was noted among this collection of E. avium and E. raffinosus isolates collected over the past 35 and 14 years, respectively. Relative resistance to penicillin may be a helpful differentiating feature between E. avium and E. raffinosus when assessment of raffinose metabolism is not possible or is indeterminant.
Energy, Density, and Constraints to Species Richness: Ant Assemblages along a Productivity Gradient

Species richness describes the number of species of a given taxon in a given time and space. The energy limitation hypothesis links the species richness of consumer taxa to net primary productivity (NPP) through two relationships: NPP limits a taxon's density, and taxon density limits species richness. We study both relationships with a survey of 15 ground ant assemblages, along a productivity gradient from deserts to rain forests. Ant density (colonies m−2) was a positive, decelerating function of net aboveground productivity (NAP). A stepwise regression suggests that the efficiency with which NAP is converted to ant colonies increases with maximum summer temperature and decreases with precipitation. Ant species richness was a positive decelerating function of density at three spatial scales. This supports the energy limitation hypothesis' assumption that average population densities are higher in environments that are more productive. These two nonlinear functions (NAP‐density and density‐species richness) combine to create, at a variety of scales, positive, decelerating, productivity‐diversity curves for a common, ecologically dominant taxon across the terrestrial productivity gradient. However, variance in the density and diversity explained by NAP decreases with scale, suggesting that energy limitation of diversity predominates at small spatial scales (<1 ha).
MHC Class I-Ly49 Interactions Shape the Ly49 Repertoire on Murine NK Cells1

This study aims to determine how the interaction of Ly49 receptors with MHC class I molecules shapes the development of the Ly49 repertoire. We have examined the percentage of NK cells that expressed Ly49A, Ly49G2, and Ly49D in single and double Ly49A/C-transgenic mice on four different MHC backgrounds, H-2b, H-2d, H-2b/d, and β2-microglobulin−/−. The results show that the total numbers of NK cells were not different among the strains. The prior expression of a Ly49 receptor capable of binding to self MHC class I altered the percentage of NK cells expressing endogenous Ly49A, Ly49G2, and Ly49D even in mice in which no MHC ligand was present for the latter receptors. The NK cells in the Ly49-transgenic mice expressed the same level of endogenous Ly49 receptors as wild-type mice of a similar MHC background. In contrast, the number of NK T cells was reduced in mice in which the Ly49 transgene could bind to a MHC class I molecule. The onset of Ly49 receptor expression on NK cells during ontogeny was not altered in the presence of transgenic Ly49 receptors. These data support a sequential model and argue against a selection model for Ly49 repertoire development on NK cells.
Survival of Salmonellae on and in Tomato Plants from the Time of Inoculation at Flowering and Early Stages of Fruit Development through Fruit Ripening

ABSTRACT The fate of salmonellae applied to tomato plants was investigated. Five Salmonella serotypes were used to inoculate tomato plants before and after fruits set, either by injecting stems with inoculum or brushing flowers with it. Ripe tomato fruits were subjected to microbiological analysis. Peptone wash water, homogenates of stem scar tissues, and homogenates of fruit pulp were serially diluted and plated on bismuth sulfite agar before and after enrichment. Presumptive Salmonella colonies were confirmed by serological tests, PCR assay using HILA2 primers, and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR. Of 30 tomatoes harvested from inoculated plants, 11 (37%) were positive forSalmonella. Of the Salmonella-positive tomatoes, 43 and 40%, respectively, were from plants receiving stem inoculation before and after flower set. Two of eight tomatoes produced from inoculated flowers contained Salmonella. Higher percentages of surface (82%) and stem scar tissue (73%) samples, compared to pulp of Salmonella-positive tomatoes (55%), harbored the pathogen. Of the five serotypes in the inoculum, Montevideo was the most persistent, being isolated from tomatoes 49 days after inoculation, and Poona was the most dominant, being present in 5 of 11 Salmonella-positive tomatoes. Results suggest that Salmonella cells survive in or on tomato fruits from the time of inoculation at flowering through fruit ripening. Tomato stems and flowers are possible sites at whichSalmonella may attach and remain viable during fruit development, thus serving as routes or reservoirs for contaminating ripened fruit.
Iron-Corroding Methanogen Isolated from a Crude-Oil Storage Tank

ABSTRACT Microbiologically influenced corrosion of steel in anaerobic environments has been attributed to hydrogenotrophic microorganisms. A sludge sample collected from the bottom plate of a crude-oil storage tank was used to inoculate a medium containing iron (Fe0) granules, which was then incubated anaerobically at 37°C under an N2-CO2 atmosphere to enrich for microorganisms capable of using iron as the sole source of electrons. A methanogen, designated strain KA1, was isolated from the enrichment culture. An analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain KA1 is a Methanococcus maripaludis strain. Strain KA1 produced methane and oxidized iron much faster than did the type strain of M. maripaludis, strain JJT, which produced methane at a rate expected from the abiotic H2 production rate from iron. Scanning electron micrographs of iron coupons that had been immersed in either a KA1 culture, a JJT culture, or an aseptic medium showed that only coupons from the KA1 culture had corroded substantially, and these were covered with crystalline deposits that consisted mainly of FeCO3.
Effect of touching manner and motion direction of human finger on human tactile recognition

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of the touching manners and the motion directions of human finger in recognizing fine surface texture. The authors developed a measurement system to present a step-height of 10 to 1000 µm to the finger of the human subject to measure the human tactile sensation capability. The presentation device can control four parameters of the presentation, which are the step-height, the presentation velocity, the presentation angle, and the presentation temperature. Human subjects actively and passively touched and distinguished the step-heights to determine the different thresholds for step-heights. Also they passively touched and distinguished the step-heights with different motion directions of their fingers to determine the difference thresholds. As the results of the psychophysical experiments, it was found that the distinctive sensitivities of human tactile sensation in active-touch and passive-touch manners are different in discriminating between fine step-heights and that the directions of finger motion have little effect on the human tactile recognition of fine step-heights.
Morbidity and mortality of adult patients with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I

Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I (CDAI) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by macrocytic anemia, ineffective erythropoiesis, and secondary hemochromatosis. To better define the natural history of the disease among adult patients, we studied 32 Bedouin patients (median age 34 yr; range 21–60) all carrying the same CDAN1 founder mutation. Follow‐up studies included complete blood count, blood chemistry, abdominal ultrasound, echocardiography, and T2*MRI. Main complications were due to anemia and ineffective erythropoiesis [osteoporosis (8/9, 89%), cholelithiasis (21/30, 70%), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (6/25, 24%)] and iron overload [hypothyroidism (9/24, 38%), and diabetes mellitus (6/32, 19%)]. T2* MRI revealed increased liver iron but no cardiac iron (13/13). Anemia improved in the majority of patients who underwent splenectomy (5/6). Three patients died (9%) at the age of 46–56 due to PAH (1) and sepsis (2). All previously underwent splenectomy. Analyzing both our patients and the 21 patients previously described by Heimpel et al. (Blood 107:334, 2006), we conclude that adults with CDA I suffer significant morbidity and mortality. Careful monitoring of iron overload and prompt iron chelation therapy is mandatory. Due to possible complications and inconsistent response to splenectomy α‐interferon, transfusion therapy or stem cell transplantation should be considered as alternatives to this procedure in severely affected patients.
Neuronal microtubule‐associated proteins in the embryonic avian spinal cord

We have used monoclonal antibodies to study the distribution of three developmentally regulated microtubule‐associated proteins–MAP2, MAP5, and tau–during the morphogenesis of the thoracic spinal cord and peripheral nervous system in the quail. MAP5 is the only one of the three that is present in growing motor neuron processes in the day 3 embryo. The lowmolecular weight form of MAP2, MAP2c, is found in motor neuron cell bodies at embryonic day 3. At later stages MAP2c appears in axons and in glia; it decreases in abundance between embryonic days 5 and 7. High‐molecular weight MAP2 appears in motor neuron cell bodies and spinal cord gray matter at embryonic day 4, and is never encountered in axons. Tau is found in axons, but only at embryonic day 3.5, after they have commenced active extension. The molecular form and patterns of intracellular compartmentalization of each of the microtubule‐associated proteins studied is conserved in mammalian and avian neurons. We conclude that MAP5 may be involved in the active growth of neuronal processes, whereas MAP2 and tau are not, and that high‐molecular weight MAP2 and tau may stabilize dendritic and axonal processes, respectively.
Obesity Increases Blood Pressure, Cerebral Vascular Remodeling, and Severity of Stroke in the Zucker Rat

Obesity is a risk factor for stroke, but the mechanisms by which obesity increases stroke risk are unknown. Because microvascular architecture contributes to the outcome of stroke, we hypothesized that middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) from obese Zucker rats (OZRs) undergo inward remodeling and develop increased myogenic tone compared with those in lean Zucker rats (LZRs). We further hypothesized that OZRs have an increased infarct after cerebral ischemia and that changes in vascular structure and function correlate with the development of hypertension in OZRs. Blood pressure was measured by telemetry in LZRs and OZRs from 6 to 17 weeks of age. Vessel structure and function were assessed in isolated MCAs. Stroke damage was assessed after ischemia was induced for 60 minutes followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Although mean arterial pressure was similar between young rats (6 to 8 weeks old), mean arterial pressure was higher in adult (14 to 17 weeks old) OZRs than in LZRs. MCAs from OZRs had a smaller lumen diameter and increased myogenic vasoconstriction compared with those from LZRs. After ischemia, infarction was 58% larger in OZRs than in LZRs. Before the development of hypertension, MCA myogenic reactivity and lumen diameter, as well as infarct size, were similar between young LZRs and OZRs. Our results indicate that the MCAs of OZRs undergo structural remodeling and that these rats have greater cerebral injury after cerebral ischemia. These cerebrovascular changes correlate with the development of hypertension and suggest that the increased blood pressure may be the major determinant for stroke risk in obese individuals.
A Molecular Clutch between the Actin Flow and N-Cadherin Adhesions Drives Growth Cone Migration

The adhesion molecule N-cadherin plays important roles in the development of the nervous system, in particular by stimulating axon outgrowth, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are mostly unknown. One possibility, the so-called “molecular clutch” model, could involve a direct mechanical linkage between N-cadherin adhesion at the membrane and intracellular actin-based motility within neuronal growth cones. Using live imaging of primary rat hippocampal neurons plated on N-cadherin-coated substrates and optical trapping of N-cadherin-coated microspheres, we demonstrate here a strong correlation between growth cone velocity and the mechanical coupling between ligand-bound N-cadherin receptors and the retrograde actin flow. This relationship holds by varying ligand density and expressing mutated N-cadherin receptors or small interfering RNAs to perturb binding to catenins. By restraining microsphere motion using optical tweezers or a microneedle, we further show slippage of cadherin–cytoskeleton bonds at low forces, and, at higher forces, local actin accumulation, which strengthens nascent N-cadherin contacts. Together, these data support a direct transmission of actin-based traction forces to N-cadherin adhesions, through catenin partners, driving growth cone advance and neurite extension.
Use of Biochemical Markers in Acute Coronary Syndromes. IFCC Scientific Division, Committee on Standardization of Markers of Cardiac Damage

Abstract This paper presents evidence and suggestions from the IFCC Committee on “Standardization of Markers of Cardiac Damage” (C-SMCD) on the use of biochemical markers for the triage diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes. There is general agreement that both ‘early’ and ‘definitive’ biochemical markers of myocardial damage are necessary and that these assays must be available with a turnaround time of 1 h or less. Currently, myoglobin is the marker that most effectively fits the role as an ‘early’ marker, whereas ‘definitive’ markers are cardiac troponins. Since the sensitivity of the initial electrocardiogram is only 50 % for detecting myocardial infarction, the use of biochemical markers may significantly contribute to the early diagnosis and become relevant when the electrocardiogram is not diagnostic. In addition, new sensitive biochemical markers, particularly the cardiac troponins, are presently the best to detect the presence of minor myocardial cell damage. With regard to this, two decision limits are probably needed for the optimal use of troponins: a low abnormal value suggesting the presence of myocardial damage and a higher value suggesting the diagnosis of myocardial infarction according to traditionally used criteria. Properly designed studies should be performed to establish limits for each commercially available troponin assay. Finally, it is recognized that there is no need for the use of any biochemical marker when the clinical diagnosis is unequivocal, other than for diagnosing reinfarction, estimating the infarct size, and monitoring thrombolytic therapy.
Induction of DNA-lesions in Freshly Isolated Rat Hepatocytes by Different Genotoxins and Their Reduction by Lignin Given Either as a Dietary Component or in In Vitro Conditions

Abstract: The aim of our investigation was to verify the protective effect of lignin on DNA in rat hepatocytes damaged by 3 different genotoxins attacking DNA in a different manner. Hydrogen peroxide was used for induction of direct single strand breaks of DNA, visible light-excited methylene blue for induction of oxidized DNA lesions and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane for induction of alkali-labile DNA lesions. Hepatocytes were pre-treated with lignin either immediately after isolation, i.e., in in vitro conditions, or the hepatocytes were isolated from rats fed a lignin enriched diet for 21 days (ex vivo conditions). The protective effect of lignin applied to hepatocytes by the first or by the second approach was tested on the level of DNA using classical and modified single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE). We found that lignin applied by each way significantly reduced the level of direct DNA strand breaks induced by H 2 O 2 , alkali-labile sites of DNA induced by DBCP as well as oxidative DNA lesions induced by visible light-excited methylene blue. These results confirm that lignin represents a very important micronutrient in our vegetable food, protecting DNA against damaging effects of different genotoxicants.
Effects of inhalation injury on airway blood flow and edema formation.

We measured airway blood flow in unanesthetized sheep under control conditions and after lung injury induced by inhalation of cotton smoke. Blood flows in trachea, carina, main stem bronchi, intraparenchymal bronchi, and whole lung were measured by injection of radioactive microspheres. In 10 control sheep mean blood flow (+/- SD) was trachea, 17.2 +/- 10.5; main stem bronchi, 17.5 +/- 7.6; and whole lung (parenchyma inclusive of all small intraparenchymal airways), 20.5 +/- 11.9 ml.min-1/100 gm tissue weight. After injury, measurements were made 8 to 30 hours after smoke inhalation when respiratory distress was evident by arterial oxygen tensions of less than 60 mm Hg. Inhalation injury had little effect on cardiac output or blood flow to peripheral tissue. However, after inhalation injury airway blood flow (n = 6) was increased nine times in trachea, eight times in main stem bronchi, twelve times in intraparenchymal bronchi, and two times in whole lung. The increased airway blood flow resulted from a selective vasodilation of the airway vasculature because arterial driving pressures were unchanged by inhalation injury. Other investigators have shown that the microvascular permeability of the bronchial circulation is remarkably sensitive to inflammation, and the present experiments suggest that a selective vasodilation of the airway vasculature is another aspect of the airway response to inflammation. Increased airway blood flow through a leaky microvasculature may increase capillary filtrate from the bronchial circulation and contribute to the pulmonary edema of inhalation injury.
Characterization of two antigenically related integral membrane proteins of the guinea pig sperm periacrosomal plasma membrane

The periacrosomal plasma membrane of mammalian spermatozoa functions both in recognition and in binding of the egg's zona pellucida and in the acrosome reaction. This study characterizes two antigenically related proteins with molecular weights of 35 kD (PM35) and 52 kD (PM52) of the guinea pig sperm periacrosomal plasma membrane. Polyclonal antisera were prepared against electrophoretically purified PM35 or PM52. Each antiserum recognized both the 35‐kD and 52‐kD polypeptides on Western blots, indicating that they are structurally related. This conclusion was supported by peptide mapping experiments demonstrating comparably sized fragments of both PM35 and PM52. Both PM35 and PM52 behave as integral membrane proteins during phase‐separation analysis with Triton X‐114. Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry and differential fractionation of sperm membranes established that both PM35 and PM52 are exclusively localized to the periacrosomal plasma membrane. Three different antisera were used for ultrastructural studies, and each specifically bound the cytoplasmic but not the extracellular membrane surface. The electrophoretic mobilities of the PM35 and PM52 polypeptides were unchanged during sperm maturation and during the ionophore‐induced acrosome reaction. The localization of PM35 and PM52 suggests a potential role for these integral plasma membrane proteins in signal transduction or membrane fusion events of the acrosome reaction. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.