Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
West Nile virus surveillance, Brazil, 2008-2010.

BACKGROUND West Nile virus (WNV) is an emergent pathogen that is widely distributed in North and Central America. The recent introduction in South America has focused attention on the spread of WNV across Southern American countries. The transmission network involves mosquitoes, birds, horses and humans. METHODS The serological evaluation of sera from 678 equids and 478 birds was performed using a WNV-specific blocking ELISA, and only the positive results were confirmed by plaque reduction neutralisation tests (PRNTs). Molecular analysis was performed on sera from 992 healthy equids and on 63 macerates of brains from equids that died of encephalitis and had previously tested negative for other pathogens. We also tested swabs from 928 birds. The samples analysed were collected in different biomes of Brazil. RESULTS We identified WNV antibodies by ELISA in thirteen equids and five birds, and PRNT90 confirmed WNV positivity in four equid samples collected in 2009 in an area between the Amazon and the Pantanal. None of the ELISA positive bird samples were confirmed by PRNT90, and all samples tested by RT-PCR were negative. CONCLUSION WNV circulation is confirmed by this large scale survey even in the absence of detection of clinical cases.
Classification-Based Approximate Policy Iteration

Tackling large approximate dynamic programming or reinforcement learning problems requires methods that can exploit regularities of the problem in hand. Most current methods are geared towards exploiting the regularities of either the value function or the policy. We introduce a general classification-based approximate policy iteration (CAPI) framework that can exploit regularities of both. We establish theoretical guarantees for the sample complexity of CAPI-style algorithms, which allow the policy evaluation step to be performed by a wide variety of algorithms, and can handle nonparametric representations of policies. Our bounds on the estimation error of the performance loss are tighter than existing results.
A mass-loss rate determination for ζ Puppis from the quantitative analysis of X-ray emission-line profiles

We fit every emission line in the high-resolution Chandra grating spectrum of ζ Pup with an empirical line profile model that accounts for the effects of Doppler broadening and attenuation by the bulk wind. For each of 16 lines or line complexes that can be reliably measured, we determine a best-fitting fiducial optical depth, τ∗ ≡ κ u M/4πR∗v∞, and place confidence limits on this parameter. These 16 lines include seven that have not previously been reported on in the literature. The extended wavelength range of these lines allows us to infer, for the first time, a clear increase in τ ∗ with line wavelength, as expected from the wavelength increase of bound–free absorption opacity. The small overall values of τ ∗, reflected in the rather modest asymmetry in the line profiles, can moreover all be fitted simultaneously by simply assuming
Impact of Adolescents' Filial Self‐Efficacy on Quality of Family Functioning and Satisfaction

In this prospective study, we tested a structural model in which adolescents' perceived self-efficacy to manage parental relationships affected their satisfaction with family life both directly, and indirectly, through its impact on family practices. Findings based on 380 Italian adolescents showed that perceived filial self-efficacy was linked directly and indirectly to satisfaction with family life, and that these relations held both concurrently and longitudinally. In particular, the greater adolescents perceived their self-efficacy, the more they reported open communication with their parents, the more accepting they were of their parents' monitoring of their own activities outside the home and the less inclined they were to get into escalative discord over disagreements. Regardless of whether perceived filial self-efficacy was placed in the conceptual structure as a contributor to the quality of family interactions or as a partial product of family functioning, it consistently predicted satisfaction with family life.
Altered mTOR signaling and enhanced CYFIP2 expression levels in subjects with fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and autism. The protein (FMRP) encoded by the fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR1), is an RNA‐binding protein linked to translational control. Recently, in the Fmr1 knockout mouse model of FXS, dysregulated translation initiation signaling was observed. To investigate whether an altered signaling was also a feature of subjects with FXS compared to typical developing controls, we isolated total RNA and translational control proteins from lymphocytes of subjects from both groups (38 FXS and 14 TD). Although we did not observe any difference in the expression level of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for translational initiation control proteins isolated from participant with FXS, we found increased phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) substrate, p70 ribosomal subunit 6 kinase1 (S6K1) and of the mTOR regulator, the serine/threonine protein kinase (Akt), in their protein lysates. In addition, we observed increased phosphorylation of the cap binding protein eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) suggesting that protein synthesis is upregulated in FXS. Similar to the findings in lymphocytes, we observed increased phosphorylation of S6K1 in brain tissue from patients with FXS (n = 4) compared to normal age‐matched controls (n = 4). Finally, we detected increased expression of the cytoplasmic FMR1‐interacting protein 2 (CYFIP2), a known FMRP interactor. This data verify and extend previous findings using lymphocytes for studies of neuropsychiatric disorders and provide evidence that misregulation of mTOR signaling observed in the FXS mouse model also occurs in human FXS and may provide useful biomarkers for designing targeted treatments in FXS.
Posting versus Lurking: Communicating in a Multiple Audience Context

Two experiments examined public and private responding in a multiple-audience context-a context in which members have varying opinions. I propose and find that posters (those communicating their experience to others) are influenced only by another's negative opinion because it triggers such social concerns as appearing indiscriminate. Consequently, they adjust their public attitudes downward. Self-presentational concerns appear to cause this negativity bias: lurkers (those not posting their opinion) were less affected by another's negative opinion. Furthermore, posters presented more than one side when publicly explaining their attitudes. These effects persisted despite posters' favorable product experiences and commitment to these attitudes. (c) 2005 by JOURNAL OF CONSUMER RESEARCH, Inc.
Integrating real-time analysis with the dendritic cell algorithm through segmentation

As an immune inspired algorithm, the Dendritic Cell Algorithm (DCA) has been applied to a range of problems, particularly in the area of intrusion detection. Ideally, the intrusion detection should be performed in real-time, in order to continuously detect misuses, as soon as they occur. Consequently, the analysis process performed by an intrusion detection system must operate in real-time or near-to real-time. The analysis process of the DCA is currently performed offline, therefore to improve the algorithm's performance we suggest the development of a real-time analysis component. The initial step of the development is to apply segmentation to the DCA. This involves segmenting the current output of the DCA into slices and performing the analysis in various ways. Two segmentation approaches are introduced and tested in this paper, namely antigen based segmentation (ABS) and time based segmentation (TBS). The results of the corresponding experiments suggest that applying segmentation produces different and significantly better results in some cases, when compared to the standard DCA without segmentation. Therefore, we conclude that the segmentation is applicable to the DCA for the purpose of real-time analysis.
Management of developmental speech and language disorders. Part 2: acquired conditions

Many children who present with these acquired impairments of communication have a clear preceding event such as an acquired brain injury from a road traffic accident. Children often respond differently in this situation to adult presentations. They may have a period of mutism when the prognosis might look poor and yet they subsequently make rapid progress and recover speech. They have greater potential for neural plasticity and language recovery, although they often have persisting difficulties in oral and written language. Alternatively, there may be a presentation with a paroxysmal event such as a seizure or a period of depressed consciousness, and the unusual behaviour that may accompany dysphasia and dysarthria may be misinterpreted in the child, whereas for the adult with the more common ‘stroke-like’ presentation, it would be immediately considered. Rarely the aphasia/dysphasia may itself be the paroxysmal event where actually recognising that the child's disrupted communication is the basis of any observed behaviours can be the greater challenge.
A Core Compact Model for Multiple-Gate Junctionless FETs

A core model for multiple-gate junctionless FETs (Mug-JL-FETs) is proposed. The derived charge model is obtained via assumptions of simple potential profile for different types of Mug-JL-FETs. It was found that the linear potential approach is not accurate enough for a double-gate (DG) JL-FET, whereas it was reasonably precise for a DG inversion-mode FET. This discrepancy arises from their different operating mechanisms. Thus, the parabolic potential assumption, which is intuitively close to an actual potential profile in the Mug-FETs, was applied. As a consequence, two different formulas of the charge model in terms of depletion charges, gate capacitance, and capacitance inside the channel were found: one for a tetragonal shape of a cross-sectional channel based on a Cartesian coordinate and the other for a circular shape of a cross-sectional channel based on a cylindrical coordinate. Moreover, the proposed approach was applied for a realistically shaped channel, which is close to elliptic geometry, with a circular profile at the top and bottom parts of the channel and a rectangular profile at the center part of the channel. By applying the decoupling method reported previously, a drain current model, which is extended from the above-mentioned charge model, was also obtained.
Artificial Neural Networks Approach to Time Series Forecasting for Electricity Consumption in Gaza Strip

This paper introduces two robust forecasting models for efficient forecasting, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) approach and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models. ANNs approach to univariate time series forecasting and relevant theoretical results are briefly discussed. To choose the best training algorithm for the ANN model, several experimental simulations with different training algorithms are made. We compare ANNs approach with ARIMA model on real data for electricity consumption in Gaza Strip. The main finding is that, comparison of performance between the two proposed models reveals that ANNs outperform and preferable in selecting the most appropriate forecasting model over the ARIMA model. Keywords: Forecasting, Box-Jenkins methodology, Neural Networks, Multilayer Perceptrons.
The Efficacy of Trimodal Chemoradiotherapy with Cisplatin as a Bladder-Preserving Strategy for the Treatment of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

Introduction: Open radical cystectomy (ORC) is currently the standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) without metastasis, while many patients with MIBC are not always appropriate candidates due to multiple comorbidities. To evaluate the bladder-preservation strategy, we compared the results with those obtained by ORC. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 50 patients with MIBC treated by trimodal chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin (CDDP-radiation [CDDP-R]). Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) was performed before treatment to confirm pathological stage ≥T2. Extensive TURBT was performed after chemoradiotherapy to evaluate the pathological response to treatment. We compared the survival outcomes of our CDDP-R with those of ORC (retrospective cohort, n = 205) by propensity score matching analysis. Results: The 2- and 5-year progression-free survival, bladder-intact survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival (OS) rates after treatment were 70.8 and 63.9%, 64.0 and 49.8%, 86.7 and 71.8%, and 84.3 and 64.8%, respectively. The 2- and 5-year OS rates after CDDP-R were 90.5 and 74.3%, respectively, and those after ORC were 71.8 and 59.9%, respectively, indicating a significant survival advantage conferred by CDDP-R over ORC (p < 0.05, HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.94). Conclusions: In selected patients, CDDP-R for MIBC may provide comparative oncological outcomes as ORC.
A linear wavelet filter for parametric imaging with dynamic PET

Describes a new filter for parametric images obtained from dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) studies. The filter is based on the wavelet transform following the heuristics of a previously published method that are here developed into a rigorous theoretical framework. It is shown that the space-time problem of modeling a dynamic PET sequence reduces to the classical one of estimation of a normal multivariate vector of independent wavelet coefficients that, under least-squares risk, can be solved by straightforward application of well established theory. From the study of the distribution of wavelet coefficients of PET images, it is inferred that a James-Stein linear estimator is more suitable for the problem than traditional nonlinear procedures that are incorporated in standard wavelet filters. This is confirmed by the superior performance of the James-Stein filter in simulation studies compared to a state-of-the-art nonlinear wavelet filter and a nonstationary filter selected from literature. Finally, the formal framework is interpreted for the practitioner's point of view and advantages and limitations of the method are discussed.
Cancer incidence in North West Algeria (Mascara) 2000-2010: results from a population-based cancer registry

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide accounting for 7.4 million deaths. Cancer has become a major public health concern in Algeria. The aim of the present study was to estimate cancer incidence in Mascara Province based on the population-based cancer registry. We analyzed data from the cancer registry of Mascara covering all cancer cases diagnosed by all methods and included in the registry from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2010. The results are presented as incidence rates of cases by site, sex, age, and crude rate. Age-standardized rates per 100,000 person-years (ASRs) were calculated, using the direct method of standardization to the world population. A total of 1875 cases of invasive cancer were recorded. The mean age of diagnosis for all cancers was 52.66 ± 0.5 in men and 59.18 ± 0.6 in women. The ASR for all cancers in females was 27.8 per 100,000, and that for males was 23.6 per 100,000. The most important finding of the present study was the high incidence of liver cancer among males and females in Mascara. Among females, breast cancer was the most frequently reported followed by Cervix uteri, liver and colon. The most frequent cancer types in males were lung, colon, esophagus and stomach and liver. Cancer incidence in Mascara province was lower than that reported in other national and regional registries. Findings of the present study revealed high incidence of liver cancer in the province, the highest in Algeria, suggesting high prevalence of risk factors.
CrossNets : A New Approach to Complex Learning

—We propose a novel neural network structure called CrossNets, which considers architectures on directed acyclic graphs. This structure builds on previous generalizations of feed forward models, such as ResNets, by allowing for all forward cross connections between layers (both adjacent and non-adjacent). The addition of cross connections among the network increases information ﬂow across the whole network, leading to better training and testing performances. The superior performance of the network is tested against four benchmark datasets: MNIST, CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, and SVHN. We conclude with a proof of convergence for Crossnets to a local minimum for error, where weights for connections are chosen through backpropagation with momentum.
Mental health research priorities in low- and middle-income countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean

Background Studies suggest a paucity of and lack of prioritisation in mental health research from low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries. Aims To investigate research priorities in mental health among researchers and other stakeholders in LAMI countries. Method We used a two-stage design that included identification, through literature searches and snowball technique, of researchers and stakeholders in 114 countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean; and a mail survey on priorities in research. Results The study identified broad agreement between researchers and stakeholders and across regions regarding research priorities. Epidemiology (burden and risk factors), health systems and social science ranked highest for type of research. Depression/anxiety, substance use disorders and psychoses; and children and adolescents, women, and people exposed to violence/trauma were prioritised among the disorders and population groups respectively. Important criteria for prioritising research were burden of disease, social justice, and availability of funds. Stakeholder groups differed in the importance they gave to the personal interest of researchers as a criterion for prioritising research. Researchers' and stakeholders' priorities were consistent with burden of disease estimates, however suicide was underprioritised compared with its burden. Researchers' and stakeholders' priorities were also largely congruent with the researchers' projects. Conclusions The results of this first ever conducted survey of researchers and stakeholders regarding research priorities in mental health suggest that it should be possible to develop consensus at regional and international levels regarding the research agenda that is necessary to support health system objectives in LAMI countries.
Effects of Dietary Yogurt on the Healthy Human Gastrointestinal (GI) Microbiome

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract performs key functions that regulate the relationship between the host and the microbiota. Research has shown numerous benefits of probiotic intake in the modulation of immune responses and human metabolic processes. However, unfavorable attention has been paid to temporal changes of the microbial composition and diversity of the GI tract. This study aimed to investigate the effects of yogurt consumption on the GI microbiome bacteria community composition, structure and diversity during and after a short-term period (42 days). We used a multi-approach combining classical fingerprinting techniques (T-RFLPs), Sanger analyses and Illumina MiSeq 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to elucidate bacterial communities and Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria populations within healthy adults that consume high doses of yogurt daily. Results indicated that overall GI microbial community and diversity was method-dependent, yet we found individual specific changes in bacterial composition and structure in healthy subjects that consumed high doses of yogurt throughout the study.
Regulation of the human TRAIL gene

TRAIL is a member of the TNF superfamily that induces tumor-selective cell death by engaging the pro-apoptotic death receptors DR4 and DR5. The antitumor potential of the TRAIL pathway has been targeted by several therapeutic approaches including recombinant TRAIL and TRAIL-receptor agonist antibodies among others. Interest in sensitizing tumor cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis has driven investigations of TRAIL-receptor gene regulation, though regulation of the TRAIL gene has been less studied. Physiologically, TRAIL serves as a pro-apoptotic effector molecule in the immune surveillance of cancer that is conditionally expressed by immune cells upon stimulation via an interferon-response element that was identified in early studies of the TRAIL gene promoter. Here, we map the TRAIL gene promoter and review studies of TRAIL gene regulation that involve several modalities of gene regulation including transcription factors, epigenetics, single-nucleotide polymorphisms and functionally distinct isoforms.
Direct-acting antiviral therapies for hepatitis C genotype 1 infection: a multiple treatment comparison meta-analysis

Background: New direct-acting antiviral agents for hepatitis C genotype 1 infection, boceprevir and telaprevir, offer enhanced sustained virologic response (SVR) among both treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients. Aim: To determine the relative efficacy of the new direct-acting antiviral agents by applying a multiple treatment comparison meta-analysis. Design: We included published Phase II and III randomized controlled trials evaluating head-to-head comparisons between boceprevir, telaprevir, peg-interferon alpha-2a with ribavirin and peg-interferon alpha-2b with ribavirin in hepatitis C genotype 1 patients. We applied Bayesian multiple treatment comparison meta-analysis. Results: We included data from four boceprevir, three telaprevir and six peg-interferon alpha-2a plus ribavirin vs. peg-interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin randomized controlled trials. Both boceprevir and telaprevir offer statistically superior outcomes for SVR, relapse and discontinuation due to adverse events than either peg-interferons among both treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients. Among treatment-naïve patients, clinical outcomes were similar for boceprevir and telaprevir, for SVR [odds ratio (OR) 0.90, 95% credible interval (95% CrI) 0.41–1.91] and for relapse (OR 1.09, 95% CrI 0.19–4.84). Similarly, among treatment-experienced patients, clinical outcomes were similar for boceprevir and telaprevir and for SVR (OR 1.45, 95% CrI 0.70–3.08) and for relapse (OR 0.35, 95% CrI 0.13–1.02). For treatment-naïve patients receiving standard-duration therapy, telaprevir yielded lower rates of anemia and neutropenia, but higher rates of rash and pruritus. For treatment-experience patients, all adverse event rates were higher with telaprevir. Discussion: Boceprevir and telaprevir exhibit similar effects among hepatitis C genotype 1 treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients.