Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Childhood malnutrition and parasitic helminth interactions.

BACKGROUND There is evidence to support that nutritional deficiency can reduce the body's immune function, thereby decreasing resistance to disease and increasing susceptibility to intestinal parasites. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 693 school-aged children from 5 schistosomiasis-endemic villages in Northern Samar, the Philippines. Data on dietary intake, nutritional status, and intestinal parasitic infection were collected. RESULTS The prevalence of stunting, thinness, and wasting was 49.2%, 27.8%, and 59.7% of all children. The proportion of children infected with Schistosoma japonicum (15.6%, P = .03) and hookworm (22.0%, P = .05) were significantly lower among children who met the recommended energy and nutrient intake (RENI) for total calories. The percentage of children infected with Trichuris trichiura was highest among children who did not meet the RENI for energy (74.1%, P = .04), iron (73.4%, P = .01), thiamine (74.0%, P = .00), and riboflavin (73.3%, P = .01). Susceptibility to having 1 or more parasitic infections was significantly associated with poor intake of energy (P = .04), thiamine (P = .02), and riboflavin (P = .01). The proportion of stunted children was significantly higher among children who did not meet the RENI for energy (68.9%, P = .002), protein (54.0%, P = .004), or niacin (30.8%, P = .02) and for those infected with hookworm (31.8%, P = .0002). After adjusting for potential confounders, protein intake less than the RENI (odds ratio [OR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-2.14), and hookworm infection (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.22-2.55) were the major predictors of stunting. CONCLUSIONS The results support the hypothesis that poor nutrient intake may increase susceptibility to parasitic diseases and together they negatively affect childhood nutritional status.
Ten Years of Surveillance for Invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae during the Era of Antiretroviral Scale-Up and Cotrimoxazole Prophylaxis in Malawi

Objective To document trends in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in a central hospital in Malawi during the period of national scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. Methods Between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2009 almost 100,000 blood cultures and 40,000 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures were obtained from adults and children admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi with suspected severe bacterial infection. Results 4,445 pneumococcal isolates were obtained over the 10 year period. 1,837 were from children: 885 (19.9%) from blood and 952 (21.4%) from CSF. 2,608 were from adults: 1,813 (40.8%) from blood and 795 (17.9%) from CSF. At the start of the surveillance period cotrimoxazole resistance was 73.8% and at the end was 92.6%. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was present in almost one third of isolates and was constant over time. Free ART was introduced in Malawi in 2004. From 2005 onwards there was a decline in invasive pneumococcal infections with a negative correlation between ART scale-up and the decline in IPD (Pearson's correlation r = −0.91; p<0.001). Conclusion During 2004–2009, national ART scale-up in Malawi was associated with a downward trend in IPD at QECH. The introduction of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in HIV-infected groups has not coincided with a further increase in pneumococcal cotrimoxazole or multidrug resistance. These data highlight the importance of surveillance for high disease burden infections such as IPD in the region, which will be vital for monitoring pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction into national immunisation programmes.
Chiapas, the South, and Mexico’s Regional Inequality in the Context of Trade Openness

This paper studies the southern state of Chiapas in the context of Mexico’s regional inequality, and particularly examines the effects of Mexico's trade policy. The paper shows that Chiapas is one of a group of southern states that have consistently performed worse than other states from 1940 to 2000, even during periods when regional inequality has improved. The paper demonstrates that Mexico’s trade policies have affected states differently, depending on their endowments of infrastructure. This partly explains why Chiapas and its neighbors – states with exceptionally low values of infrastructure – consistently performed worse than other states over the entire time period, and particularly poorly in the open trade regime. Finally, the paper argues that these low levels of infrastructure have deep historical roots in the government policies implemented during the 20th century. I conclude that it is unlikely that the south will catch up without policies specifically addressing this infrastructure gap.
Sensitivity of the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to Topographic Effects: A Case Study in High-Density Cypress Forest

Vegetation indices play an important role in monitoring variations in vegetation. The Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) proposed by the MODIS Land Discipline Group and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) are both global-based vegetation indices aimed at providing consistent spatial and temporal information regarding global vegetation. However, many environmental factors such as atmospheric conditions and soil background may produce errors in these indices. The topographic effect is another very important factor, especially when the indices are used in areas of rough terrain. In this paper, we theoretically analyzed differences in the topographic effect on the EVI and the NDVI based on a non-Lambertian model and two airborne-based images acquired from a mountainous area covered by high-density Japanese cypress plantation were used as a case study. The results indicate that the soil adjustment factor “L” in the EVI makes it more sensitive to topographic conditions than is the NDVI. Based on these results, we strongly recommend that the topographic effect should be removed in the reflectance data before the EVI was calculated—as well as from other vegetation indices that similarly include a term without a band ratio format (e.g., the PVI and SAVI)—when these indices are used in the area of rough terrain, where the topographic effect on the vegetation indices having only a band ratio format (e.g., the NDVI) can usually be ignored.
A large-scale empirical study of practitioners' use of object-oriented concepts

We present the first results from a survey carried out over the second quarter of 2009 examining how theories in object-oriented design are understood and used by software developers. We collected 3785 responses from software developers world-wide, which we believe is the largest survey of its kind. We targeted the use of encapsulation, class size as measured by number of methods, and depth of a class in the inheritance hierarchy. We found that, while overall practitioners followed advice on encapsulation, there was some variation of adherence to it. For class size and depth there was substantially less agreement with expert advice. In addition, inconsistencies were found within the use and perception of object-oriented concepts within the investigated group of developers. The results of this survey has deep reaching consequences for both practitioners and researchers as they highlight and confirm central issues.
Named Entity Recognition System for Dialectal Arabic

To date, majority of research for Arabic Named Entity Recognition (NER) addresses the task for Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and mainly focuses on the newswire genre. Despite some common characteristics between MSA and Dialectal Arabic (DA), the significant differences between the two language varieties hinder such MSA specific systems from solving NER for Dialectal Arabic. In this paper, we present an NER system for DA specifically focusing on the Egyptian Dialect (EGY). Our system delivers 16% improvement in F1-score over state-of-theart features.
17β-Estradiol Induces Apoptosis in the Developing Rodent Prostate Independently of ERα or ERβ

Estrogens induce both proliferative and antiproliferative responses in the prostate gland. To date, antiproliferative effects of estrogens are generally considered to be due to systemic antiandrogenic actions. However, estrogen action mediated through estrogen receptor (ER) β was recently suggested as another mechanism of induction of apoptosis in the prostate. This study aimed to explore the hypothesis that the antiproliferative effects of estrogen are directly mediated through ERβ using a prostate organ culture system. We previously reported effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) using rat ventral prostate (VP) tissues, and adapted the system for culturing mouse tissues. In both rat and mouse models, estrogen-induced apoptosis was detected that was spatially and regionally localized to the epithelium of the distal tips. Using organ cultures of αER knockout (αERKO) and βERKO prostates, we failed to demonstrate that apoptosis induced by E2 was mediated through either receptor subtype. Activation of ER-selective li.
Phase-Based Treatment of a Complex Severely Mentally Ill Case Involving Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Psychosis Related to Dandy Walker Syndrome

For patients with comorbid complex posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychotic disorder, trauma-focused therapy may be difficult to endure. Phase-based treatment including (a) stabilization, (b) trauma-focused therapy, and (c) integration of personality with recovery of connection appears to be the treatment of choice. Objective: The objective of this article is to describe and evaluate the therapeutic process of a single case from a holistic perspective. Method: We present a case report of a 47-year-old woman treated for severe complex PTSD resulting from repeated sexual and physical abuse in early childhood and moderate psychotic symptoms stemming from Dandy Walker Syndrome with hydrocephalus. Results: The patient was treated with quetiapine (600–1,000 mg) and citalopram (40 mg). Stabilization consisted of intensive psychiatric nursing care in the home and stabilizing group treatment for complex PTSD. After stabilization, the following symptom domains showed improvement: self-regulation, self-esteem, assertiveness, avoidance of social activities, and negative cognitions. However, intrusions and arousal persisted and were therefore subsequently treated with prolonged imaginary exposure that also included narrative writing assignments and a final closing ritual. This intensive multidisciplinary, phase-based approach proved effective: All symptoms of complex PTSD were in full remission. Social integration and recovery were promoted with the reduction of polypharmacy and the provision of social skills training and lifestyle training. Conclusion: The present case shows a phase-based treatment approach with multidisciplinary collaborative care to be effective for the treatment of a case of complex PTSD with comorbid psychotic disorder stemming from severe neurological impairment. Replication of this promising approach is therefore called for.
An analysis of Accounting-based valuation models using Australian IPOs

Comparable firm multiples are often supported as the primary method to be used in valuing Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) despite the existence of more sophisticated models. Empirical research has found relatively weak support for comparable multiples in IPO settings and there are few studies that investigate a range of alternatives to this method. This study aims to contribute to the literature by providing such an analysis of a range of alternative models, and will do so through a value relevance framework. Furthermore, a review of the literature unveils some inconsistency concerning the value relevance of management earnings forecasts frequently provided by IPO firms in disclosure documents. This study will be able to provide some resolution of this inconsistency. Finally, this study seeks to examine several criticisms of the Edwards-Bell-Feltham-Ohlson (EBFO) model’s implementation in an Australian IPO setting.
Patterns of Change in Cognitive Function over Six Months in Adults with Chronic Heart Failure

Few investigators have studied cognition over time in adults with heart failure (HF). A battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to 279 adults with chronic systolic or diastolic HF at baseline, three and six months. Growth mixture modeling (GMM) was used to model the measure anticipated to be most sensitive, the digit symbol substitution task (DSST). We describe how and why the DSST patterns change over time. Other measures of cognition were examined to identify consistency with the DSST patterns. The sample was predominantly male (63.2%), Caucasian (62.7%), mean age 62 years. The best fit GMM revealed two trajectories of DSST scores: Average processing speed group (40.5%) and Below Average processing speed (59.9%). Neither group changed significantly over the six month study. Other measures of cognition were consistent with the DSST patterns. Factors significantly associated with increased odds of being in the Below Average processing speed group included older age, male gender, Non-Caucasian race, less education, higher ejection fraction, high comorbid burden, excessive daytime sleepiness, and higher BMI. As some of the factors related to cognitive impairment are modifiable, research is needed to identify interventions to preserve and improve cognition in these patients.
Alterations in AP-1 and AP-1 Regulatory Genes during HPV-Induced Carcinogenesis

Background: Previous studies demonstrated a functional involvement of the AP-1 transcription factor in HPV-induced cervical carcinogenesis. Here, we aimed to obtain further insight in expression alterations of AP-1 family members during HPV-mediated transformation and their relationship to potential regulatory (Notch1, Net) and target (CADM1) genes. Methods: mRNA expression levels of c-Jun, JunB, junD, c-Fos, FosB, Fra-1, Fra-2, Notch1, Net and CADM1 were determined by quantitative RT-PCR in primary keratinocytes (n=5), early (n=4) and late (n=4) passages of non-tumorigenic HPV-immortalized keratinocytes and in tumorigenic cervical cancer cell lines (n=7). In a subset of cell lines protein expression and AP-1 complex composition was determined. Results: Starting in immortal stages c-Fos, Fra-2 and JunB expression became up regulated towards tumorigenicity, whereas Fra-1, c-Jun, Notch1, Net and CADM1 became down regulated. The onset of deregulated expression varied amongst the AP-1 members and was not directly related to altered Notch1, Net or CADM1 expression. Nevertheless, a shift in AP-1 complex composition from Fra-1/c-Jun to c-Fos/c-Jun heterodimers was only observed in tumorigenic cells. Conclusion: HPV-mediated transformation is associated with altered AP-1, Notch1, Net and CADM1 transcription. Whereas the onset of deregulated expression of various AP-1 family members became already manifest during the immortal state, a shift in AP-1 complex composition appeared a rather late event associated with tumorigenicity.
Coherent and incoherent crosstalk in WDM optical networks

The impact of coherent and incoherent crosstalk on an optical signal passing through optical cross-connect nodes (OXC's) in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical networks is studied, and the analytical expressions are given. Such crosstalk will be generated when the optical propagation delay differences of optical paths in an OXC do not exceed the coherent time of the lasers. While causing fluctuation of signal power, coherent crosstalk may cause noise or not, depending on the relationship between the optical propagation delay differences and the time duration of one bit of the signal. Incoherent crosstalk may cause very high noise power, because it can be a coherent combination of crosstalk contributions. The statistical impact of all crosstalk contributions on signal is studied by simulation, and the concept of quantile is proposed to relax the crosstalk specification requirement for components. The crosstalk specification requirements are then obtained for components used in WDM optical networks with different scales.
Running Highly-Coupled Parallel Applications in a Computational Grid

InteGrade is an object-oriented grid middleware infrastructure whose goal is to leverage existing computational resources in organizations. Rather than relying on dedicated hardware such as reserved clusters, InteGrade fo- cuses on using user desktops, machines in instructional laboratories, shared workstations, as well as dedicated clusters. In this paper, we describe the recently added support for the execution of parallel applications on top of InteGrade. Using these new capabilities, it is possible to distribute a single application over a collection of InteGrade nodes distributed across local- and wide-area networks. The paper describes the implementation of the middleware supporting BSP parallel applications.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Freezing of Gait in Patients After Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate spatiotemporal characteristics with gait variability in patients with freezing of gait (FOG) after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI). Eleven patients showing FOG after HIBI and 15 normal controls were consecutively enrolled. We performed gait analysis using a computerized gait system (VICON MX-T10 Motion Analysis System) and compared spatiotemporal characteristics and gait variability in both groups. Additionally, we performed correlation analysis to identify the gait parameters associated with severity of freezing, which we measured based on unified Parkinson disease Rating Scale subscore.Spatiotemporal characteristic of FOG patients showed increased stance time and double support phase and decreased swing time, single support phase, stride length, step length, and gait velocity compared with normal controls (P < 0.05). Besides baseline spatiotemporal characteristics, step time asymmetry and step length asymmetry were significantly increased in HIBI patients with FOG (P < 0.05). The coefficient of variation, which reflects the variability of each parameter, demonstrated increased cadence, stride time, swing time, single support phase, stride length, step length, and gait velocity variability in HIBI patients with FOG compared with normal controls (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis between FOG severity and spatiotemporal parameters revealed gait velocity, step length, and single support phase to be spatiotemporal parameters related to FOG severity (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that bilateral gait coordination deterioration plays a considerable role for pathophysiology of FOG in HIBI patients. Additional studies with a larger number of subjects are needed to further investigate the neural mechanism of FOG after HIBI.
De novo design of a synthetic riboswitch that regulates transcription termination

Riboswitches are regulatory RNA elements typically located in the 5′-untranslated region of certain mRNAs and control gene expression at the level of transcription or translation. These elements consist of a sensor and an adjacent actuator domain. The sensor usually is an aptamer that specifically interacts with a ligand. The actuator contains an intrinsic terminator or a ribosomal binding site for transcriptional or translational regulation, respectively. Ligand binding leads to structural rearrangements of the riboswitch and to presentation or masking of these regulatory elements. Based on this modular organization, riboswitches are an ideal target for constructing synthetic regulatory systems for gene expression. Although riboswitches for translational control have been designed successfully, attempts to construct synthetic elements regulating transcription have failed so far. Here, we present an in silico pipeline for the rational design of synthetic riboswitches that regulate gene expression at the transcriptional level. Using the well-characterized theophylline aptamer as sensor, we designed the actuator part as RNA sequences that can fold into functional intrinsic terminator structures. In the biochemical characterization, several of the designed constructs show ligand-dependent control of gene expression in Escherichia coli, demonstrating that it is possible to engineer riboswitches not only for translational but also for transcriptional regulation.
The research and implementation of super-resolution reconstruction for multi-frame blurring images

In this paper, we design a super-resolution restoration system for multi-frame blurring images. There are two modules in this system, namely that motion estimation and reconstruction of super-resolution. Firstly, the motion parameters are estimated by a frequency algorithm; then a high-resolution image is reconstructed from low-resolution images based on the motion parameters by four different super-resolution reconstruction methods. The experimental results show that the restoration effect of POCS is better than the two restoration effects obtained by IBP method and the one presented in reference [9]. The bi-cubic interpolation method can get the best restoration effect based on the same motion estimation method under the condition that all low-resolution images have same blurring reason and noise feature. It can be known that bi-cubic interpolation reconstruction method is suitable than the other three methods for multi-frame images with same blurring reason and noise.
Quartz-Containing Ceramic Dusts: In vitro screening of the cytotoxic, genotoxic and pro-inflammatory potential of 5 factory samples

Inhalation of some respirable crystalline silica (MMAD RF>TG>Ti>BR>TC>Al2O3. DNA-damage was maximal for BR and TI followed by DQ12>TG>TC>RF>Al2O3. All dusts induced PGE2-liberation (DQ12>BR>TC>TG>Ti>RF>Al2O3) at 50μg/cm2 (4h), but TNF-a mRNA (10μg/cm2, 24h) was only increased by DQ12, TG (quartz-dependently), and TC. In conclusion, these in vitro tests were an adequate approach to screen the toxic potential of quartz-containing ceramic dusts, but the quartz-content was too low to differentiate the various quartz-varieties.
Proliferative activity of murine mammary epithelium as affected by dietary fat and calcium.

Dietary fat and calcium have been found to affect significantly the proliferative status of the mammary glands. Female mice (3-week-old C57BL/6J) were given either a low or high corn oil diet (3 or 30% by weight). One, 2, or 4 weeks after the dietary intervention the animals were given injections of [3H]thymidine and/or colchicine; 2 h later their thoracic mammary glands were removed and processed for histology and autoradiography. Animals on the high corn oil diet had an increased labeling index of both terminal ducts and mature ducts compared to the control group at each time (i.e., 10.1 +/- 2.1 versus 4.8 +/- 0.9% at 2 weeks). This effect of a high corn oil diet was evident on the mammary glands of animals at various ages. Animals on a high beef tallow diet also had a high labeling index. This effect of a high fat diet appeared to be reduced by dietary calcium. The labeling index for terminal ducts of animals on high corn oil diet decreased from 14.1 +/- 3.8, 11.9 +/- 3.4 to 8.5 +/- 1.8 and high beef tallow from 13.6 +/- 3.6, 11.4 +/- 0.7 to 9.5 +/- 1.3 for calcium levels of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0%, respectively. Mitotic indices followed the same trend. These studies demonstrate that a high fat diet affects the proliferative status in the mouse mammary glands in a short period of time and that this effect can be reduced by dietary calcium.