Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Pregnancy on Interferon Gamma Release Assay and Tuberculin Skin Test Detection of Latent TB Infection Among HIV-Infected Women in a High Burden Setting

Background: Peripartum immunologic changes may affect latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) diagnostic performance among HIV-infected women. Methods: HIV-infected women were serially tested with tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assay [QuantiFERON TB Gold In-tube (QFT)] in pregnancy and 6 weeks postpartum in Kenya. Prevalence, sensitivity and agreement, and correlates of QFT/TST positivity were assessed. Quantitative QFT mitogen and Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen (Mtb-Ag) responses were compared by peripartum stage. Incidence of test conversion at 6 weeks postpartum was evaluated in baseline TST−/QFT− women. Results: Among 100 HIV-infected women, median age was 26 years, median CD4 was 555 cells per cubic millimeter, and 88% were on antiretrovirals. More women were QFT+ than TST+ in both pregnancy (35.4% vs. 13.5%, P = 0.001) and postpartum (29.6% vs. 14.8%, P < 0.001). Among 18 consistently QFT+ women, 8 (44%) converted from TST− to TST+, with improved test agreement postpartum (56.9%, &kgr; = 0.20 to 82.4%, &kgr; = 0.60). Three initially QFT−/TST− women had test conversion (TST+ and/or QFT+), suggesting new infection (incidence 13.4/100 person-years). Mean QFT mitogen (4.46 vs. 7.64 IU/mL, P < 0.001) and Mtb-Ag (1.03 vs. 1.54 IU/mL, P = 0.03) responses were lower among all women retested in pregnancy vs. postpartum, and specifically among persistently QFT+ women (Mtb-Ag: 3.46 vs. 4.48 IU/mL, P = 0.007). QFT indeterminate rate was higher in pregnancy (16%) compared with postpartum (0%) because of lower mitogen response. Conclusions: QFT identified >2-fold more women with LTBI compared with TST in pregnancy and postpartum. Lower QFT Mtb-Ag and mitogen responses in pregnancy compared with postpartum suggest that pregnancy-associated immunologic changes may influence LTBI test performance.
Neuronal control of experimental colitis occurs via sympathetic intestinal innervation

Vagus nerve stimulation is currently clinically evaluated as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. However, the mechanism by which this therapeutic intervention can have an immune‐regulatory effect in colitis remains unclear. We determined the effect of intestine‐specific vagotomy or intestine‐specific sympathectomy of the superior mesenteric nerve (SMN) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis in mice. Furthermore, we tested the efficacy of therapeutic SMN stimulation to treat DSS‐induced colitis in rats.
Bone Metastases in Patients with Neuroendocrine Neoplasm: Frequency and Clinical, Therapeutic, and Prognostic Relevance

Background: The incidence and prevalence of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are rising. In view of continuously improving imaging techniques, more than half of the patients present with distant metastases at initial diagnosis. An advanced disease stage negatively correlates with the 5-year survival rate. In stage IV disease, bone metastases (BM) are frequent, yet knowledge concerning their clinical or prognostic relevance is rare. This study presents a single-center experience on the frequency and management of BM in patients with gastroenteropancreatic NEN and lung carcinoids. Methods: Between 2000 and June 2015, 327 of 677 patients treated in the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) center in Marburg (Germany) presented with distant metastases (48.3%), including 85 patients (12.6%) with BM. Data of both groups were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Overall survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves and compared by log-rank test. Results: Median age in the BM group was 54.9 years, the small intestine and the pancreas being the most common primaries. 83.5% of the tumors were well and moderately differentiated (G1/G2). Nearly half of the patients with BM were symptomatic and suffered either from pain (42.4%) or had fractures (11.7%). Bisphosphonates were employed in almost two-thirds of the patients, radiation therapy in 25.9%. Overall survival was significantly inferior in patients with BM than in those with other distant metastases (p = 0.01; 49.0 vs. 100.8 months). Conclusion: BM appear to have a significant clinical and prognostic impact. Further studies are needed to evaluate therapeutic approaches directed to the treatment of BM in particular for asymptomatic patients.
Long‐term terrestrial carbon dynamics in the Midwestern United States during 1850–2015: Roles of land use and cover change and agricultural management

To meet the increasing food and biofuel demand, the Midwestern United States has become one of the most intensively human‐disturbed hotspots, characterized by widespread cropland expansion and various management practices. However, the role of human activities in the carbon (C) cycling across managed landscape remains far from certain. In this study, based on state‐ and national census, field experiments, and model simulation, we comprehensively examined long‐term carbon storage change in response to land use and cover change (LUCC) and agricultural management in the Midwest from 1850 to 2015. We also quantified estimation uncertainties related to key parameter values. Model estimation showed LUCC led to a reduction of 1.35 Pg (with a range of 1.3–1.4 Pg) in vegetation C pool of the Midwest, yet agricultural management barely affected vegetation C change. In comparison, LUCC reduced SOC by 4.5 Pg (3.1 to 6.2 Pg), while agricultural management practices increased SOC stock by 0.9 Pg. Moreover, we found 45% of the study area was characterized by continuously decreasing SOC caused by LUCC, and SOC in 13% and 31% of the area was fully and partially recovered, respectively, since 1850. Agricultural management was estimated to increase the area of full recovery and partial recovery by 8.5% and 1.1%. Our results imply that LUCC plays an essential role in regional C balance, and more importantly, sustainable land management can be beneficial for strengthening C sequestration of the agroecosystems in the Midwestern US, which may serve as an important contributor to C sinks in the US.
Suggestive evidence for linkage of ADHD features in bipolar disorder to chromosome 10p14

Higher rates of bipolar disorder amongst the first‐degree relatives of probands with ADHD, and increased rates of ADHD in the relatives of bipolar probands have been reported in many studies. This suggests some commonality in the genetic basis for bipolar disorder and ADHD. We hypothesized that ADHD symptoms in bipolar disorder may access a quantitative subphenotype that is genetically less complex and therefore advantageous for mapping studies. The Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) was used to quantify ADHD features in 57 bipolar families collected for linkage studies. The factor structure of the WURS was first examined, and heritability was estimated. Linkage analysis was then conducted using the WURS total score and factor scores as quantitative traits. Three factors were identified: impulsivity and defiant behavior, mood instability and anxiety, and inattention. The total WURS and factor scores were each significantly heritable ($0.34 < {\rm h}_{\rm r}^2 < 0.49$) in bipolar families. The inattention factor obtained maximum evidence of linkage on chromosome 10p14 (LOD = 3.35, 25 cM). A LOD score of 2.06 for the total WURS score was found on chromosome 12q24 region. Childhood ADHD features in patients with bipolar disorder are heritable and may represent a genetically distinct dimension of illness. 10p14, in particular may contain a locus for inattention in bipolar disorder. Quantitative dimensional phenotypes such as this may be useful for both mapping of genes and understanding the role of genes in bipolar disorder. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental measurement of microwave ablation heating pattern and comparison to computer simulations

Abstract Introduction: For computational models of microwave ablation (MWA), knowledge of the antenna design is necessary, but the proprietary design of clinical applicators is often unknown. We characterised the specific absorption rate (SAR) during MWA experimentally and compared to a multi-physics simulation. Methods: An infrared (IR) camera was used to measure SAR during MWA within a split ex vivo liver model. Perseon Medical’s short-tip (ST) or long-tip (LT) MWA antenna were placed on top of a tissue sample (n = 6), and microwave power (15 W) was applied for 6 min, while intermittently interrupting power. Tissue surface temperature was recorded via IR camera (3.3 fps, 320 × 240 resolution). SAR was calculated intermittently based on temperature slope before and after power interruption. Temperature and SAR data were compared to simulation results. Results: Experimentally measured SAR changed considerably once tissue temperatures exceeded 100 °C, contrary to simulation results. The ablation zone diameters were 1.28 cm and 1.30 ± 0.03 cm (transverse), and 2.10 cm and 2.66 ± −0.22 cm (axial), for simulation and experiment, respectively. The average difference in temperature between the simulation and experiment were 5.6 °C (ST) and 6.2 °C (LT). Dice coefficients for 1000 W/kg SAR iso-contour were 0.74 ± 0.01 (ST) and 0.77 (± 0.03) (LT), suggesting good agreement of SAR contours. Conclusion: We experimentally demonstrated changes in SAR during MWA ablation, which were not present in simulation, suggesting inaccuracies in dielectric properties. The measured SAR may be used in simplified computer simulations to predict tissue temperature when the antenna geometry is unknown.
A Temperature-Dependent SiC MOSFET Modeling Method Based on MATLAB/Simulink

In this paper, a modeling method based on MATLAB/Simulink for a temperature-dependent SiC MOSFET in the entire working region was proposed. Using a supplementary test circuit, the output characteristics of a device in the saturated region were extracted. Based on these characteristics, the model covered the output characteristics of the device in the whole working region. From the output curves, three main parameters essential for modeling were derived. Based on the Si lateral double-diffused MOSFET model, a temperature-dependent static model of SCT20N120 was established by adding a temperature-dependent compensation voltage source to simulate the temperature characteristics of the threshold voltage and a temperature-dependent compensation current source to compensate for the drain current error in the linear region due to the differences in structure and material between Si and SiC. In addition, based on the gate equivalent circuit, the dynamic model of the target device was established. The temperature-dependent static simulation results could simulate the actual measured values well. Furthermore, based on the comparison between the dynamic simulation results involving the device’s turn-ON and turn-OFF process losses and the actual transient state losses derived from a double-pulse test under the conditions of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$V_{\mathrm{ ds}}=300$ </tex-math></inline-formula> V, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$I_{d}=15$ </tex-math></inline-formula> A, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R_{g\_{}exton}=18\,\,\Omega $ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R_{g\_{}extoff}=12\,\,\Omega $ </tex-math></inline-formula> at 200 °C, the maximum error was 6.7%.
Mapping the electrical properties of large-area graphene

The significant progress in terms of fabricating large-area graphene films for transparent electrodes, barriers, electronics, telecommunication and other applications has not yet been accompanied by efficient methods for characterizing the electrical properties of large-area graphene. While in the early prototyping as well as research and development phases, electrical test devices created by conventional lithography have provided adequate insights, this approach is becoming increasingly problematic due to complications such as irreversible damage to the original graphene film, contamination, and a high measurement effort per device. In this topical review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the issues that need to be addressed by any large-area characterisation method for electrical key performance indicators, with emphasis on electrical uniformity and on how this can be used to provide a more accurate analysis of the graphene film. We review and compare three different, but complementary approaches that rely either on fixed contacts (dry laser lithography), movable contacts (micro four point probes) and non-contact (terahertz time-domain spectroscopy) between the probe and the graphene film, all of which have been optimized for maximal throughput and accuracy, and minimal damage to the graphene film. Of these three, the main emphasis is on THz time-domain spectroscopy, which is non-destructive, highly accurate and allows both conductivity, carrier density and carrier mobility to be mapped across arbitrarily large areas at rates that by far exceed any other known method. We also detail how the THz conductivity spectra give insights on the scattering mechanisms, and through that, the microstructure of graphene films subject to different growth and transfer processes. The perspectives for upscaling to realistic production environments are discussed.
Transitions between Multiband Oscillatory Patterns Characterize Memory-Guided Perceptual Decisions in Prefrontal Circuits

Neuronal activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) reflects the structure and cognitive demands of memory-guided sensory discrimination tasks. However, we still do not know how neuronal activity articulates in network states involved in perceiving, remembering, and comparing sensory information during such tasks. Oscillations in local field potentials (LFPs) provide fingerprints of such network dynamics. Here, we examined LFPs recorded from LPFC of macaques while they compared the directions or the speeds of two moving random-dot patterns, S1 and S2, separated by a delay. LFP activity in the theta, beta, and gamma bands tracked consecutive components of the task. In response to motion stimuli, LFP theta and gamma power increased, and beta power decreased, but showed only weak motion selectivity. In the delay, LFP beta power modulation anticipated the onset of S2 and encoded the task-relevant S1 feature, suggesting network dynamics associated with memory maintenance. After S2 onset the difference between the current stimulus S2 and the remembered S1 was strongly reflected in broadband LFP activity, with an early sensory-related component proportional to stimulus difference and a later choice-related component reflecting the behavioral decision buildup. Our results demonstrate that individual LFP bands reflect both sensory and cognitive processes engaged independently during different stages of the task. This activation pattern suggests that during elementary cognitive tasks, the prefrontal network transitions dynamically between states and that these transitions are characterized by the conjunction of LFP rhythms rather than by single LFP bands. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurons in the brain communicate through electrical impulses and coordinate this activity in ensembles that pulsate rhythmically, very much like musical instruments in an orchestra. These rhythms change with “brain state,” from sleep to waking, but also signal with different oscillation frequencies rapid changes between sensory and cognitive processing. Here, we studied rhythmic electrical activity in the monkey prefrontal cortex, an area implicated in working memory, decision making, and executive control. Monkeys had to identify and remember a visual motion pattern and compare it to a second pattern. We found orderly transitions between rhythmic activity where the same frequency channels were active in all ongoing prefrontal computations. This supports prefrontal circuit dynamics that transitions rapidly between complex rhythmic patterns during structured cognitive tasks.
Variations in life expectancy in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries – 1985–2010

Aim: We examined the impact of different behavioral factors of health on the variations in the levels and rate of increase in life expectancy in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries between 1985 and 2010. Methods: Using the World Health Organization’s conceptual framework of socio-economic determinants of health, we incorporated Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, World Bank and United Nations data to estimate the impact of these variables on life expectancy for 30 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. We used a random effect model to control the fixed effect of year and each country. Results: Results show that the level of health care spending is the most important factor predicting life expectancy. Other important factors are gross domestic product per capita, labor productivity, years of schooling and percentage of gross domestic product spending allocated for public services. Life expectancy was reduced by smoking and higher daily calorie consumption. Countries that were previously part of the Soviet Union had lower life expectancies. Political factors had only a minor impact on life expectancy. Conclusions: Life expectancy increased an average of 5.1 years in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries between 1985 and 2010, but there was wide variation. Health spending per capita, economic factors and two behavioral factors – smoking and caloric intake – explained most of the variation and suggest where increased policy attention could have the greatest impact on life expectancy. Policymakers who consider our estimates recognize that they may see greater or less impact depending on the characteristics of their nation.
Meddle: middleboxes for increased transparency and control of mobile traffic

Mobile networks are the most popular, fastest growing and least understood systems in today’s Internet ecosystem. Despite a large collection of privacy, policy and performance issues in mobile networks, users and researchers are faced with few options to characterize and address them. In this poster we present Meddle, a framework aimed at enhancing transparency in mobile networks and providing a platform that enables users (and researchers) control mobile traffic.
Response of renal tubular cells to differential types and doses of calcium oxalate crystals: Integrative proteome network analysis and functional investigations

We have previously identified changes in the cellular proteome of renal tubular cells induced by low‐dose (100 μg/mL) and high‐dose (1000 μg/mL) calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and dihydrate (COD) crystals. However, the functional significance of such expression data remained unclear. In this study, we performed comparative analyses and functional investigations of four proteomic datasets to define potential mechanisms by which renal tubular cells responded to differential crystal types and doses. The data showed that high‐dose induced greater changes than low‐dose, whereas COM induced more changes than COD. Luciferin–luciferase ATP assay revealed increased intracellular ATP level by high‐dose of both COM and COD. OxyBlot assay and Western blotting showed accumulated intracellular oxidized proteins but decreased ubiquitinated proteins by high‐dose of both crystals. Flow cytometric analysis of cell death showed that high‐dose of both crystals, particularly COM, significantly increased cell death. Also, crystal adhesion assay showed higher degree of cell–crystal adhesion in high‐dose and COM when compared to low‐dose and COD, respectively. Finally, pretreatment of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate revealed a protective effect on COM/COD crystals‐induced oxidative stress and cell‐crystal adhesion. Collectively, these data may provide a better understanding of cellular responses of renal tubular cells to COM/COD crystals in kidney stone disease.
An Investigation of a C-MIST Index to Measure Functional Needs for Disaster Risk and Its Spatial Distribution in Florida Counties

In the absence of a single composite measure to assess, rank, and test disability and functional needs in the context of disaster, this study undertook an interdisciplinary approach to develop a composite index based on C-MIST theory. An examination into how well the CMIST index represents the multidimensional nature of disability and functional needs was conducted, as well as illustrating any gaps in the underlying dimensionalities of current social vulnerability indices. First, an index was constructed in accordance with the C-MIST theory for sixty-seven counties in the State of Florida, using an additive aggregation model. Second, the underlying data structure and measure validity were examined at the sub-component level of the C-MIST index, using Cronbach’s coefficient alpha (C-alpha) and using exploratory factor analysis to determine the dimensionality of the sub-components. Third, the results were spatially compared with a calculated functional needs prevalence rate. Results were also compared at the index sub-component level and against another index, SoVI, in order to explore possible relationships and trends. Results indicated the C-MIST Index appeared initially to be unidimensional and a consistent and valid instrument for assessing functional needs in Florida with a high C-alpha of 0.997. However, when reviewing factor analysis and results from the functional needs prevalence rate comparison, dimensionality of underlying data structure requires further research and testing at both sub-component and individual indicator levels.
The influence of d-band structure on stacking-fault energy

Abstract The variation of stacking-fault energy across the alloy systems, Cu-Ni, Cu-Pd and Ag-Pd respectively has been estimated by a texture method based on the dependence of cross-slip on the stacking-fault energy. The variations with composition have been correlated with known changes in the electronic specific heats and magnetic susceptibilities of these alloys. It is concluded that the presence of empty d-states in these alloys results in a large increase in the stacking-fault energy.
Facial analysis in the wild with LSTM networks

The promise of computer vision systems to efficiently and accurately recognize faces and facial variations in naturally occurring circumstances still remains elusive. In this paper we present two separate systems for face analysis, both of which use Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) Networks: unconstrained video-based face verification (FaceVideoModel) and spontaneous facial expression recognition (ExpModel). Since LSTM models have influential ability to capture sequential patterns, our results prove such LSTM models have significant advantages over other proposed models in the state-of-the-art for facial analysis in the wild. On the recently introduced Youtube Faces database our FaceModel achieves an accuracy of 98.70% for face verification with a value of 99.94% for the Area Under Curve (AUC) and 1.2% Equal Error Rate (EER) which is the best performance on this database compared to other recently proposed methods. Experimental results achieved through the proposed ExpModel on the challenging FER2013 dataset, including the CK+ database, also demonstrate the effectiveness of our deep model for facial expression recognition.