Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serological Diagnosis of Lung Cystic Hydatid Disease Using the Synthetic p176 Peptide

ABSTRACT Cystic hydatid disease (CHD) is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Diagnosis is based on imagenological tools (abdominal ultrasound, chest X-rays, or computed tomography [CT] scan). Serological antibody-detecting assays, using diverse native antigens, have been used as a supportive diagnostic tool, but their sensitivities and specificities differ greatly. The use of synthetic peptides as antigens should provide more reliability and allow better assessment and comparison of test formats and case series. The synthetic peptide p176, corresponding to the N-terminal extreme of the subunit of antigen B (AgB8/1), has shown promising performances for diagnosis of CHD. We evaluated the performance of the synthetic peptide p176 for the diagnosis of pulmonary hydatid disease in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) format. Sixty-one serum samples from patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary hydatidosis confirmed by surgery and 128 from healthy volunteers were tested. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the p176 ELISA for lung CHD were 78.69% and 96.88%, respectively. On bivariate analysis, positive serum antibody reactions were associated with the presence of complications and with the number of cysts (single/multiple). Only the presence of persistent complications significantly associated with seropositivity on multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio [OR], 9.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.15 to 42.6; P = 0.003). The p176 ELISA performs well for the diagnosis of lung CHD and adds an easily reproducible diagnostic assay to the existing diagnostic tools.
Validation of a new coma scale: The FOUR score

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) has been widely adopted. Failure to assess the verbal score in intubated patients and the inability to test brainstem reflexes are shortcomings. We devised a new coma score, the FOUR (Full Outline of UnResponsiveness) score. It consists of four components (eye, motor, brainstem, and respiration), and each component has a maximal score of 4. We prospectively studied the FOUR score in 120 intensive care unit patients and compared it with the GCS score using neuroscience nurses, neurology residents, and neurointensivists. We found that the interrater reliability was excellent with the FOUR score (κw = 0.82) and good to excellent for physician rater pairs. The agreement among raters was similar with the GCS (κw = 0.82). Patients with the lowest GCS score could be further distinguished using the FOUR score. We conclude that the agreement among raters was good to excellent. The FOUR score provides greater neurological detail than the GCS, recognizes a locked‐in syndrome, and is superior to the GCS due to the availability of brainstem reflexes, breathing patterns, and the ability to recognize different stages of herniation. The probability of in‐hospital mortality was higher for the lowest total FOUR score when compared with the lowest total GCS score. Ann Neurol 2005;58:585–593
Can a “Standard” Initial Mass Function Explain the Metal Enrichment in Clusters of Galaxies?

It is frequently debated in literature whether a "standard" initial mass function (IMF)—meaning an IMF of the kind usually adopted to explain the chemical evolution in the local solar neighborhood—can account for the observed metal enrichment and iron mass-to-light ratio in clusters of galaxies. We address this problem by means of straightforward estimates that should hold independently of the details of chemical evolution models. It is crucial to compute self-consistently the amount of mass and metals locked-up in stars by accounting for the stellar mass-to-light ratio predicted by a given IMF. It then becomes clear that a "standard" solar neighborhood IMF cannot provide enough metals to account for the observed chemical properties in clusters: clusters of galaxies and the local environment must be characterized by different IMFs. Alternatively, if we require the IMF to be universal, in order to explain clusters such an IMF must be much more efficient in metal production than usually estimated for the solar vicinity. In this case, substantial loss of metals is required from the solar neighborhood and from disk galaxies in general. This "nonstandard" scenario of the local chemical evolution would challenge our present understanding of the Milky Way and of disk galaxy formation.
Content‐boosted matrix factorization techniques for recommender systems

Many businesses are using recommender systems for marketing outreach. Recommendation algorithms can be either based on content or driven by collaborative filtering. We study different ways to incorporate content information directly into the matrix factorization approach of collaborative filtering. These content‐boosted matrix factorization algorithms not only improve recommendation accuracy, but also provide useful insights about the contents, as well as make recommendations more easily interpretable. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2013
Edinburgh Research Explorer Stability of within-host–parasite communities in a wild mammal system

primarily from observational studies, which may be unreliable at detecting interactions. We performed a perturbation experiment in wild mice, by using an anthelminthic to suppress nematodes, and monitored the consequences for other parasite species. Overall, these parasite communities were remarkably stable to perturbation. Only one non-target parasite species responded to deworming, and this response was temporary: we found strong, but short-lived, increases in the abundance of Eimeria protozoa, which share an infection site with the dominant nematode species, suggesting local, dynamic competition. These results, providing a rare and clear experimental demonstration of interactions between helminths and co-infecting parasites in wild vertebrates, constitute an important step towards understanding the wider consequences of similar drug treatments in humans and animals.
Completion of the mixed unit interval graphs hierarchy

We describe the missing class of the hierarchy of mixed unit interval graphs. This class is generated by the intersection graphs of families of unit intervals that are allowed to be closed, open, and left‐closed‐right‐open. (By symmetry, considering closed, open, and right‐closed‐left‐open unit intervals generates the same class.) We show that this class lies strictly between unit interval graphs and mixed unit interval graphs. We give a complete characterization of this new class, as well as quadratic‐time algorithms that recognize graphs from this class and produce a corresponding interval representation if one exists. We also show that the algorithm from Shuchat et al. [8] directly extends to provide a quadratic‐time algorithm to recognize the class of mixed unit interval graphs.
Low Vitamin B6 but Not Homocyst(e)ine Is Associated With Increased Risk of Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack in the Era of Folic Acid Grain Fortification

Background and Purpose— The introduction of cereal grain folic acid fortification in 1998 has reduced homocyst(e)ine (tHcy) concentrations in the US population. We performed a case-control study to determine the risk of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) associated with tHcy and low vitamin status in a postfortification US sample. Methods— Consecutive cases with new ischemic stroke/TIA were compared with matched controls. Fasting tHcy, folate, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP), B12, and MTHFR 677C→T genotype were measured. Results— Mean PLP was significantly lower in cases than controls (39.97 versus 84.1 nmol/L, P <0.0001). After stroke risk factors were controlled for, a strong independent association was present between stroke/TIA and low PLP (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.6; 95% CI, 1.4 to 15.1;P <0.001) but not elevated tHcy (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.4 to 2.1). Conclusions— Low B6 but not tHcy was strongly associated with cerebrovascular disease in this postfortification, folate-replete sample.
Effects of Adenoviral Gene Transduction on the Stemness of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently being evaluated as a cell-based therapy for tissue injury and degenerative diseases. Recently, several methods have been suggested to further enhance the therapeutic functions of MSCs, including genetic modifications with tissue- and/or disease-specific genes. The objective of this study was to examine the efficiency and stability of transduction using an adenoviral vector in human MSCs. Additionally, we aimed to assess the effects of transduction on the proliferation and multipotency of MSCs. The results indicate that MSCs can be transduced by adenoviruses in vitro, but high viral titers are necessary to achieve high efficiency. In addition, transduction at a higher multiplicity of infection (MOI) was associated with attenuated proliferation and senescence-like morphology. Furthermore, transduced MSCs showed a diminished capacity for adipogenic differentiation while retaining their potential to differentiate into osteocytes and chondrocytes. This work could contribute significantly to clinical trials of MSCs modified with therapeutic genes.
Measuring Terrorism

Terrorism will be high on the political agenda for many years to come. Various policies are open to a government fighting terrorism but, in any case, considerable costs are involved. In the competition for political support, the costs and benefits of anti-terrorism policies will be debated. Better information about terrorism and its consequences can improve policy outcome if there is electoral competition. Over the last few years, economic scholars have analysed the effects terrorist acts have on various aspects of the economy. The findings of these impact studies are summarised in this paper. They capture, however, only part of the overall utility losses. Hence, several approaches to value public goods and conceptual issues concerning their application to terrorism are discussed. In particular, the hedonic market approach, the averting behaviour method, the contingent valuation method and vote and popularity functions are reviewed. Further, an exploratory analysis of estimating individuals' utility losses using life satisfaction or happiness data is presented. This paper also discusses a substantially different approach combining measurement and decision-making, namely popular referenda.
Cell attachment and biocompatibility of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) treated with glow-discharge plasma of mixed ammonia and oxygen

The plasma generated from a gas mixture of NH3 plus O2 (NH3 + O2) has been used to impart unique chemical and biological characteristics to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE treated with NH3 + O2 plasma was physiochemically distinct from surfaces treated with plasma of either NH3 or O2 alone, as determined by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The contact angle analysis revealed that the PTFE surfaces became less hydrophobic after plasma treatments. ESCA results indicate the presence of oxygen-containing groups and nitrogen-containing groups at the plasma-treated surfaces. PTFE treated with NH3 + O2 plasma resisted the attachment of platelets and leukocytes in a manner similar to untreated PTFE; however, the attachment of bovine aorta endothelial cells was substantially increased. Once attached, these cells grew to confluency. The increased endothelial cell attachment was higher than that observed following plasma treatment with each gas used separately, which could be attributed to the considerable amount of CF(OR)2-CF2 formed on the NH3 + O2 plasma-treated PTFE surface. At 14 days after subcutaneous implantation in rats, the PTFE wafers treated with NH3 + O2 plasma demonstrated less encapsulation and lower levels of inflammatory cells compared to controls. Collectively, the results suggest that NH3 + O2 plasma treatment imparts a unique character to PTFE and could be useful in certain in vivo applications.
RESEARCH ON RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-CONCEPT AND MENTAL HEALTH OF MEDICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS

Objective:To examine the relationship between medical college students self-concept and mental health,and discuss the way to improve their mental health condition.Methods:The self- concept form (SCT)was adopted to test that of 458 medical undergraduates and the form (SCL-90 ) of the commenting amount with the psychological symptom.Results:The self-concept level of different psychological health level grows was different(t between 2.833 and 4.730,P0.01); Self-concept and psychological health level present positive correlation(correlation coefficient between 0.129 and 0.451,P0.01); An influential one was personal oneself to SCL-90 every factor.Conclusion:To help medical science to give birth to and know oneself objectively at the time of the psychological health education, train the positive self-concept to improve students psychological health level.
Waste chicken feather as reinforcement in cement-bonded composites

This study investigated the use of waste chicken feather (barbs and rachis) as reinforcement in cement-bonded composites. A series of composite boards consisting of various proportions of waste feather, cement, sand, and chemical admixtures were prepared. Mix workability decreased significantly as the proportion by weight of feathers or ground feathers increased from 5% to 20%. Boards containing 5% to 10% fiber and/or ground feather by weight showed comparable strength and dimensional stability to commercial wood fiber-cement composites of similar thickness and density. Stiffness, flexural strength, and dimensional stability of the feather-cement boards decreased as the proportion of feathers was increased above 10%. Higher proportions of feather, however, showed significant reduction in modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR), and increased water absorption and thickness swelling after 24 hours of soaking in water.
Project Proposal : CMPE 202 The Relationship between Reuse Buffer Size and Instruction Reuse

Dynamic instruction reuse uses a buffer to retain candidate instruction sequences. As the size of the reuse buffer increases, the instruction reuse increases as well. certain limit. This paper describes this relationship based on simulations using various buffer sizes. Importance of the Problem Available data from simulations implementing instruction reuse demonstrate significant increases in reuse as the size of the reuse buffer increases. This is shown clearly in the results from all three schemes in which A. Sodani and G. S. Sohi implement dynamic instruction reuse [1]. This data does not, however, show a clear limit to the increase in reused instructions. Since additional reuse may significantly increase execution time, finding an upper bound for reuse is critical for us to determine the possible contribution of this technique to improving execution time. Planned Approach I plan to analyze program traces for local matching instruction sequences. By changing the distance of the search for matching sequences, I can determine the change in frequency of candidate instructions through a given length of the trace. This reuse buffer simulation will implement a simple FIFO replacement policy, and will show the expected reuse under optimal conditions as the size of the reuse cache increases. Other Proposed Solutions Other proposed solutions implement replacement policies that remove sequences when registers are overwritten, or do not simulate larger cache sizes. Removing a sequence from the reuse buffer based on overwritten registers is inferior since a register may be rewritten to its original state or may have the same value written to it by sheer coincidence. The use of the upper limit of 1024 entries is also a poor approach, as this limit gives us little information about the theorectical useful upper limit for the cache size.
Recurrent stroke risk and cerebral microbleed burden in ischemic stroke and TIA

Objective: To determine associations between cerebral microbleed (CMB) burden with recurrent ischemic stroke (IS) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) risk after IS or TIA. Methods: We identified prospective studies of patients with IS or TIA that investigated CMBs and stroke (ICH and IS) risk during ≥3 months follow-up. Authors provided aggregate summary-level data on stroke outcomes, with CMBs categorized according to burden (single, 2–4, and ≥5 CMBs) and distribution. We calculated absolute event rates and pooled risk ratios (RR) using random-effects meta-analysis. Results: We included 5,068 patients from 15 studies. There were 115/1,284 (9.6%) recurrent IS events in patients with CMBs vs 212/3,781 (5.6%) in patients without CMBs (pooled RR 1.8 for CMBs vs no CMBs; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–2.5). There were 49/1,142 (4.3%) ICH events in those with CMBs vs 17/2,912 (0.58%) in those without CMBs (pooled RR 6.3 for CMBs vs no CMBs; 95% CI 3.5–11.4). Increasing CMB burden increased the risk of IS (pooled RR [95% CI] 1.8 [1.0–3.1], 2.4 [1.3–4.4], and 2.7 [1.5–4.9] for 1 CMB, 2–4 CMBs, and ≥5 CMBs, respectively) and ICH (pooled RR [95% CI] 4.6 [1.9–10.7], 5.6 [2.4–13.3], and 14.1 [6.9–29.0] for 1 CMB, 2–4 CMBs, and ≥5 CMBs, respectively). Conclusions: CMBs are associated with increased stroke risk after IS or TIA. With increasing CMB burden (compared to no CMBs), the risk of ICH increases more steeply than that of IS. However, IS absolute event rates remain higher than ICH absolute event rates in all CMB burden categories.
The Halo Occupation Distribution and the Physics of Galaxy Formation

The halo occupation distribution (HOD) describes the bias between galaxies and dark matter by specifying (1) the probability P(N|M) that a halo of virial mass M contains N galaxies of a particular class and (2) the relative spatial and velocity distributions of galaxies and dark matter within halos. We calculate and compare the HODs predicted by a smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulation of a ΛCDM cosmological model (cold dark matter with a cosmological constant) and by a semianalytic galaxy formation model applied to the same cosmology. Although the two methods predict different galaxy mass functions, their HOD predictions for samples of the same space density agree remarkably well. In a sample defined by a baryonic mass threshold, the mean occupation function ⟨N⟩M exhibits a sharp cutoff at low halo masses, a slowly rising plateau in which ⟨N⟩ climbs from 1 to 2 over nearly a decade in halo mass, and a more steeply rising high-occupancy regime at high halo mass. In the low-occupancy regime, the factorial moments ⟨N(N - 1)⟩ and ⟨N(N - 1)(N - 2)⟩ are well below the values of ⟨N⟩2 and ⟨N⟩3 expected for Poisson statistics, with important consequences for the small-scale behavior of the two- and three-point correlation functions. The HOD depends strongly on galaxy age, with high-mass halos populated mainly by old galaxies and low-mass halos by young galaxies. The distribution of galaxies within SPH halos supports the assumptions usually made in semianalytic calculations: the most massive galaxy lies close to the halo center and moves near the halo's mean velocity, while the remaining, satellite galaxies have the same radial profile and velocity dispersion as the dark matter. The mean occupation at fixed halo mass in the SPH simulation is independent of the halo's larger scale environment, supporting both the merger tree approach of the semianalytic method and the claim that the HOD provides a complete statistical characterization of galaxy bias. We discuss the connections between the predicted HODs and the galaxy formation physics incorporated in the SPH and semianalytic approaches. These predictions offer useful guidance to theoretical models of galaxy clustering, and they will be tested empirically by ongoing analyses of galaxy redshift surveys. By applying the HODs to a large-volume N-body simulation, we show that both methods predict slight departures from a power-law galaxy correlation function, similar to features detected in recent observational analyses.
A Theory of Stability in Many-to-Many Matching Markets

We develop a theory of stability in many-to-many matching markets. We give conditions under which the setwise-stable set, a core-like concept, is nonempty and can be approached through an algorithm. The usual core may be empty. The setwise-stable set coincides with the pairwise-stable set and with the predictions of a non-cooperative bargaining model. The setwise-stable set possesses the conflict/coincidence of interest properties from many-to-one, and one-to-one models. The theory parallels the standard theory of stability for many-to-one, and one-to-one, models. We provide results for a number of core-like solutions, besides the setwise-stable set.
Sexuality after stroke: an exploration of current professional approaches, barriers to providing support and future directions

ABSTRACT Purpose Sexual difficulties post-stroke are common, yet frequently neglected within rehabilitation. This study aimed to explore the process by which healthcare professionals approach and work with the topic of sexuality within stroke rehabilitation. Method Ten participants were recruited from 5 community and inpatient multi-disciplinary stroke rehabilitation teams. Semi-structured interviews were carried out and data were analysed using grounded theory methodology. Results The authors developed a theoretical model of how professionals engage with sexual concerns. Professionals’ own personal level of comfort with the topic of sexuality interacted with a series of barriers to limit opportunities for engagement. These barriers included factors relating to the context and workplace environment of stroke rehabilitation, professionals’ perceptions that they did not have adequate skills in this area and unhelpful attitudes towards stroke survivors and sexuality. Although the majority of participants rarely engaged with sexual issues, they adopted both direct and indirect strategies for engaging with their service users’ sexual concerns. Concerns were usually addressed through the provision of information and supportive conversations. Conclusions The findings suggest that sexuality is not a legitimised topic within stroke rehabilitation, and current work practises limit professionals’ abilities to address service-users’ concerns. Implications for developing effective training and staff support are discussed. Implications for rehabilitation Professionals working within stroke rehabilitation rarely directly bring up sexuality with patients, but an indirect method of approaching the topic is more common. Addressing sexual concerns often does not require expertise. Training should show professionals how to use transferable knowledge to address sexual issues and also enhance communication skills. Sexuality should be incorporated within local stroke policy and procedures, to support professionals in addressing the concerns of their patients and motivate them to act.