Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Responses to Different Dietary Cereal Types and Xylanase Supplementation in the Intestine of Broiler Chicken

Several studies were carried out to investigate the influence of dietary cereals differing in soluble non starch polysaccharides (NSP) content and a xylanase preparation on selected bacterial parameters in the small intestine of broiler chicken. Compared to a maize diet colony forming units (CFU) of mucosa associated bacteria were higher in a wheat/rye diet, most notably for enterobacteria and enterococci. Xylanase supplementation to the wheat/rye diet generally led to lower CFU, especially in the first week of life. However, xylanase supplementation also displayed higher in vitro growth potentials for enterobacteria and enterococci. Bacterial growth of luminal samples in minimal media supplemented with selected NSP showed that the wheat/rye diet enhanced bacterial capacities to utilize NSP only in ileal samples. The xylanase application generally shifted respective maximum growth to the proximal part of the small intestine. The presence of soluble NSP from wheat or rye in the diet per se did not enhance bacterial NSP hydrolyzing enzyme activities in the small intestine, but xylanase supplementation resulted in higher 1,3-1,4- g - glucanase activity. Compared to a maize diet the activity of bacterial bile salt hydrolases in samples of the small intestine was not increased due to inclusion of wheat/rye or triticale to the diet. However, xylanase supplementation led to a reduction with a corresponding increase of lipase activity. It was concluded that dietary cereals producing high intestinal viscosities lead to increased overall bacterial activity in the small intestine. The supplementation of a xylanase to cereal based diets producing high intestinal viscosity, changes composition and metabolic potential of bacterial populations and may specifically influence fat absorption in young animals.
Similarity and Dissimilarity in the Mode and Mechanism of Action Between Nicorandil and Classical Nitrates: An Overview

Nicorandil, which is structurally a nitrate and also a nicotinamide, differs from classical nitrates such as nitroglycerin and isosorbide dinitrate in the following respects. It dilates preferentially resistive vessels (arterioles); and it produces the increase in potassium conductance in the membranes of cardiac and some vascular smooth muscle cells that is responsible for its negative inotropic and chronotropic and vasodilator effects. Nicorandil has the following characteristics of a nitrate. (a) It is capable of dilating large conductive coronary arteries, although the effect is weaker than that of classical nitrates. (b) It is capable of reducing venous return, although this effect is less pronounced than that of classical nitrates, (c) It produces an increase in intracellular cyclic guanosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) in vascular smooth muscle. The activity of nicorandil to increase the membrane potassium conductance resides in the nicotinamide moiety. However, this activity is greatly enhanced by the presence of the nitrate group at an appropriate distance from the nicotinamide group. The nitrate moiety per se has also its own action. The presence of these two pharmacologically active groups in the molecule appears to cause nicorandil to have rather complex cardiovascular actions.
The use of pre-cannulation local anaesthetic and factors affecting pain perception in the emergency department setting

Study objective—To determine whether the use of subcutaneous local anaesthetic (lignocaine) is associated with a reduction in cannulation pain in the emergency department setting. Methods—Patients over 18 with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 15 and conversational English were allocated into one of three groups: Group 1 were cannulated after routine skin preparation; Group 2 received 1% lignocaine 0.1 ml via a 27 gauge needle and diabetic syringe before cannulation; Group 3 were injected as for Group 2 but saline was substituted for lignocaine. The cannulator and subject were blinded to the ampoule. The pain was measured using a 100 mm visual analogue scale. Setting—A large urban university hospital emergency department. Results—366 patients were recruited and the data on 322 analysed. Those receiving lignocaine before cannulation reported lower pain scores (1.9 cm) than the saline (4.1 cm) or immediate cannulation (3.6 cm) groups, p<0.0001. Other factors such as the experience of cannulator, patient characteristics, the presence of a painful underlying condition and cannula size did not effect pain scores. Conclusion—The use of lignocaine before cannulation reduced cannulation pain in the emergency department setting. Other factors examined did not influence pain perception.
Functional Brain Networks in Schizophrenia: A Review

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has become a major technique for studying cognitive function and its disruption in mental illness, including schizophrenia. The major proportion of imaging studies focused primarily upon identifying regions which hemodynamic response amplitudes covary with particular stimuli and differentiate between patient and control groups. In addition to such amplitude based comparisons, one can estimate temporal correlations and compute maps of functional connectivity between regions which include the variance associated with event-related responses as well as intrinsic fluctuations of hemodynamic activity. Functional connectivity maps can be computed by correlating all voxels with a seed region when a spatial prior is available. An alternative are multivariate decompositions such as independent component analysis (ICA) which extract multiple components, each of which is a spatially distinct map of voxels with a common time course. Recent work has shown that these networks are pervasive in relaxed resting and during task performance and hence provide robust measures of intact and disturbed brain activity. This in turn bears the prospect of yielding biomarkers for schizophrenia, which can be described both in terms of disrupted local processing as well as altered global connectivity between large-scale networks. In this review we will summarize functional connectivity measures with a focus upon work with ICA and discuss the meaning of intrinsic fluctuations. In addition, examples of how brain networks have been used for classification of disease will be shown. We present work with functional network connectivity, an approach that enables the evaluation of the interplay between multiple networks and how they are affected in disease. We conclude by discussing new variants of ICA for extracting maximally group discriminative networks from data. In summary, it is clear that identification of brain networks and their inter-relationships with fMRI has great potential to improve our understanding of schizophrenia.
Deep Generative Models of Urban Mobility

Locational data generated by mobile devices present an opportunity to substantially simplify methodologies and reduce analysis latencies in transportation planning applications. In this paper, we describe a modeling framework that supports most common transportation planning tasks, delivering actionable solutions at a fraction of time and cost as compared to the state of practice. e framework builds up on cell phone data processing and activitybased inferences of travel purposes with an Input-Output Hidden Markov Model (IO-HMM), followed by a Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) network that learns travelers’ mobility sequences. It combines the desired interpretability due to the parametric specication of an IO-HMM with exibility and predictive power of deep neural models. We describe our target use case for the synthesized activity chains: delivering decision support and transportation scenario evaluation to practitioners. We outline domain-driven operational objectives and verify that our framework meets these criteria by illustrating its usability in typical transportation demand planning applications. It is currently being deployed for testing by a major network carrier serving millions of users in the San Francisco Bay Area.
HISTORICAL CO2 GROWTH ENHANCEMENT DECLINES WITH AGE IN QUERCUS AND PINUS

Despite experimental evidence showing that elevated C02 levels increase growth in most plants, the isolation of a signal consistent with anthropogenically caused increases in atmospheric C02 from the dendrochronological record has shown mixed results. Our extensive sets of tree ring data from the Ozark Mountains in Missouri showed that since 1850, Quercus velutina Lam. , Quercus cocc? nea Muench. , and Pinus echinata Mill, trees increased in stem growth coincidently with increases in atmospheric C02. Those long-term increases in radial growth appear unrelated to historical disturbance levels for the region, to long-term changes in relevant climatic variables, or to productivity of sites sampled for the purpose of creating a time sequence of tree ring growth. It is still unclear what the potential role of nitrogen deposition might have been for tree growth. We cross-dated a large number of increment cores and aligned the ring width data by pith date for accurate age constant assessments of growth over the past 150 years. Thus, we circumvented changes in growth trend associated with differences in physiological functioning during development, as well as the need for statistical detrending that removes an unknown degree of long-term environmental signal, the so called segment length curse that applies to standard dendrochronological investigations. When the positive relationship between C02 and ring width was examined at different ages, an ontogenetic decline in the rate of growth stimulation was found. Specifically, both the pooled Quercus spp. and P. echinata were characterized by a negative exponential pattern of response over a developmental sequence through age 50. Further knowledge of an intrinsic decline in C02 sensitivity with tree age or size such as this may be important for increased accuracy in estimating terrestrial carbon stocks across successional landscapes.
Scale effects on headwater catchment runoff timing, flow sources, and groundwater‐streamflow relations

The effects of catchment size and landscape organization on runoff generation are poorly understood. Little research has integrated hillslope and riparian runoff investigation across catchments of different sizes to decipher first‐order controls on runoff generation. We investigated the role of catchment sizes on riparian and hillslope dynamics based on hydrometric and tracer data observed at five scales ranging from trenched hillslope sections (55–285 m2) to a 280‐ha catchment at Maimai on the west coast of the South Island, New Zealand. The highly organized landscape is comprised of similar headwater catchments, regular geology, steep highly dissected topography, relatively consistent soil depths, and topographically controlled shallow through flow. We found a strong correlation between riparian zone groundwater levels and runoff for the headwaters, whereas the water tables in the valley bottom of the larger catchments were uncorrelated to runoff for 14 months of record. While there was no clear relationship between catchment size and new water contribution to runoff in the two storms analyzed in detail, lag times of tracer responses increased systematically with catchment size. The combination of hydrometric and tracer data allowed assessment of the runoff contributions from different parts of the landscape. Runoff was generated consistently in headwater riparian zones. This agreed also with the observed variations of tracer (18O and silica) responses for the different catchments. During wetter antecedent conditions or during larger events (>30 mm under dry antecedent conditions) hillslope and valley bottom floodplains did contribute to event runoff directly. We propose that analysis of landscape‐scale organization and the distribution of dominant landscape features provide a structure for investigation of runoff production and solute transport, especially as catchment‐scale increases from headwaters to the mesoscale.
Fiscal Policy and MPC Heterogeneity

We use responses to survey questions in the 2010 Italian Survey of Household Income and Wealth that ask consumers how much of an unexpected transitory income change they would consume. The marginal propensity to consume (MPC) is 48 percent on average. We also find substantial heterogeneity in the distribution, as households with low cash-on-hand exhibit a much higher MPC than affluent households, which is in agreement with models with precautionary savings, where income risk plays an important role. The results have important implications for predicting household responses to tax reforms and redistributive policies.
Percutaneous Cannulation for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation by Intensivists: A Retrospective Single-Institution Case Series*

Objective: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation provides support for patients with severe acute cardiopulmonary failure, allowing the application of lung or myocardial rest in anticipation of organ recovery, or as a bridge to long-term support. Advances in technology have improved the safety and ease of application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Percutaneous cannulation is one of these advances and is now preferred over surgical cannulation in most cases. Percutaneous cannulation is increasingly performed by intensivists, cardiologists, interventional radiologists, and related specialties. The objective of this study is to review the experience of percutaneous cannulation by intensivists at a single institution. Design: A retrospective review of 100 subjects undergoing percutaneous cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Setting: Adult ICUs and PICUs at a tertiary academic medical institution. Patients: Critically ill neonatal, pediatric, and adult subjects with severe respiratory and/or cardiac failure undergoing percutaneous cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Modes of support included venoarterial, venovenous, venovenoarterial, and arteriovenous. Interventions Percutaneous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Measurements and Main Results: Case reports submitted to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization and hospital records of the subjects were retrospectively reviewed. Subject demographics, type of support, cannulation configuration, types of cannulas, use of imaging modalities, and complications were recorded and summarized. One hundred ninety cannulations with cannula sizes from size 12 to 31F were performed by four intensivists in 100 subjects. Twenty-three were arterial (12–16F) and 167 were venous (12–31F). Preinsertion ultrasound was performed in 93 subjects (93%), fluoroscopic guidance in 79 subjects (85% of nonarteriovenous subjects), and ultrasound-guided insertion was performed in 65 subjects (65%). Two major complications occurred, each associated with mortality. Cannulation was successful in all other subjects (98% of subjects and 99% of cannulations). There were no cases of cannula-related bloodstream infection. Conclusions: Percutaneous cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation by intensivists can be performed with a high rate of success and a low rate of complications when accompanied by imaging support.
Critical Theory and Disability: A Phenomenological Approach

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 2: THE BODY CHAPTER 3: DISABILITY ASSESSMENT CHAPTER 4: PERSONAL ASSISTANCE CHAPTER 5: DISCRIMINATION CHAPTER 6: MEDIA REPRESENTATIONS OF INACCESSIBILITY CHAPTER 7: SEXUALITY 257 CHAPTER 8: THE UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES CHAPTER 9: CONCLUSIONS BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX
The First Isoenzymatic Characterizations of the Leishmania Strains Responsible for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Area of Annaba (Eastern Algeria)

The epidemiological situation of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the region of Annaba (North Eastern Algeria) is explored for the first time. During a clinical survey carried out in the Annaba Hospital between 2004 and 2008, the parasi- tological study of lesions has revealed 259 positive cases (43.31%). Isoenzymatic identification of 16 strains isolated showed the presence of three Leishmania species and four zymodemes. The hypothesis of the presence of L. infantum is confirmed with two zymodemes, MON-1 and MON-24. The unexpected presence of L. major MON-25 certifies the sub- stantial extension of this zoonotic form to the North. The isolation of L.killicki, whose presence was unsuspected, reiter- ated the interest of eco-epidemiological analysis of households affected by the disease. Moreover, it is a new zymodeme never isolated so far, the MON-306.
A Visit to the Information Mall: Web Searching Behavior of High School Students

This article analyzes Web searching behavior for homework assignments of high school students through field observations in class and at the terminal with students thinking aloud, and through interviews with various participants, including the teacher and librarian. Students performed focused searching and progressed through a search swiftly and flexibly. They used landmarks and assumed that one can always start a new search and ask for help. They were satisfied with their searches and the results, but impatient with slow response. The students enjoyed searching the Web because it had a variety of formats, it showed pictures, it covered a multitude of subjects and it provided easy access to information. Difficulties and problems students encountered emphasize the need for training to all involved, and for a system design that is based on user seeking and searching behavior.
Utilization Patterns and Diagnostic Yield of 3421 Consecutive Multidetector Row Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiograms in a Busy Emergency Department

Objective: To compare examination volume and diagnostic yield of computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy for detection of suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) in emergency department patients. Methods: Every CTPA and V/Q scan result for emergency department patients between October 2001 and September 2005 were reviewed. Patients with prior PE and follow-up examinations were excluded. Results: A total of 3421 CTPA examinations and 198 V/Q scans met inclusion criteria. Average CTPA examinations completed per month increased 227%, from 33.4 to 109.2 for the first and last 24-month periods, respectively. Ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy volume decreased 80% (from 6.9 to 1.4 per month). Total diagnoses of PE per month increased 89% from 4.0 to 7.5, whereas the percentage of positive CTPA examinations dropped from 9.8% to 6.8%. Conclusions: Availability of CT in the emergency department and lower physician thresholds for test utilization have increased the use of CT pulmonary angiography and increased detection of PE.
Deterioration of the Provox silicone tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis: microbial aspects and structural changes.

Device life of tracheoesophageal voice prostheses is limited due to deterioration of the polymers. A group of 55 postlaryngectomy patients fitted with a Provox voice prosthesis have been studied prospectively during 6 months. Thirty-seven prostheses were replaced due to a dysfunctional valve mechanism. Although colonization with Candida species was highly associated with destruction of the silicone material, other upper respiratory tract commensals, e.g. Staphylococcus aureus, were also demonstrated. Electron microscopy of the contaminated devices showed colonization and disruption of the silicone material by penetrating yeast hyphae. During the study a remarkable increase of intratracheal phonatory pressures was assessed with progressive colonization of the prostheses.
Quadratic Stability and Singular SISO Switching Systems

In this note, we consider the problem of determining necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a common quadratic Lyapunov function for a pair of stable linear time-invariant systems whose system matrices are of the form A, A-ghT, and where one of the matrices is singular. A necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of such a function is given in terms of the spectrum of the product A(A-ghT) . The technical note also contains a spectral characterization of strictly positive real transfer functions which are strictly proper. Examples are presented to illustrate our results.
La fibromialgia en hombres y mujeres: comparación de los principales síntomas clínicos

Fibromyalgia in men and women: Comparison of the main clinical symptoms. The prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in males is much lower than in women. Thus, current knowledge about the syndrome has been developed from research with women. The aim of the present study is to analyze whether FM manifestations differ as a function of sex. Two clinical groups with FM (21 males and 21 women) and a control group of healthy men (n= 21) participated in the study. Several aspects of pain, sleep, fatigue, psychopathology, emotional distress and functional impact of FM were evaluated with an algometer and questionnaires. The clinical groups showed a significantly greater impairment than the control group in all the self-report measures. However, the FM patients only showed significant differences in the sensibility threshold to the pain, which was lower in the women. In addition, the best predictor of the experience of pain in males was sleep quality, and in the women, catastrofying pain. Our results suggest that the most effective therapeutic strategies to control pain may be different for men and women.
Effects of recombinant gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor on in vitro interactions of human mononuclear phagocytes with Coccidioides immitis

Human peripheral blood monocytes readily phagocytized Coccidioides immitis endospores (2 to 5 microns) in vitro. Within 24 to 30 h at 37 degrees C, the phagocytized endospores started developing into immature spherules. However, when the monocytes were incubated with recombinant human gamma interferon (rIFN-gamma) or recombinant human tumor necrosis factor alpha (rTNF-alpha) and then infected, fewer endospores developed into spherules. Treatment with rIFN-gamma or rTNF-alpha activated the fungicidal capabilities of the monocytes as evidenced by the significant reduction in CFU that could be recovered from rIFN-gamma- or rTNF-alpha-activated monocytes compared with nontreated controls.