Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epidemiologic patterns of diarrheal disease in Argentina: estimation of rotavirus disease burden

Background. Information on the burden of diarrheal diseases and rotavirus diarrheal diseases would help define strategies for management and prevention and clarify the potential benefits of candidate vaccines. This report of our study of the epidemiology of rotavirus diseases in Argentina analyzes the burden of rotavirus diarrhea, based on those studies and national statistics of diarrhea-associated medical visits, hospital discharges and deaths. Methods. Information of diarrhea-associated medical visits, hospital discharges and deaths were provided by the Argentine Health Ministry. Estimation of rotavirus disease burden was performed using the percentage of rotavirus identification from previous reports. Results. The incidence of diarrhea-associated medical visits (1999) was 14 times greater for ages 0 to 4 years than for ages of ≥5 years. Diarrhea-associated hospital discharges (0 to 4 years of age) decreased between 1981 and 1995 from 1.3 per 100 to 0.9 per 100 person-years) and diarrheal deaths (<2 years of age) decreased by a factor of 4 between 1985 and 1999 (64.7 per 100 000 to 16.1 per 100 000 person-years). Frequency of diarrheal deaths, hospital discharges and medical visits were highest in some of the northern Argentine provinces (26.2, 14.7 and 5.9 times greater, respectively, than in the lower risk areas of the country). We estimated that 1 in 2 children born in 1995 visited a public hospital, 1 in 12 required hospitalization, 1 in 1599 died of diarrheal diseases before their fifth year of life; 1 in 6, 1 in 35 and 1 in 4169 of those, respectively, died as a result of rotavirus diarrhea before their third year of life. Conclusions. The number of preventable diarrhea-associated and rotavirus-associated hospitalizations and deaths in Argentina is significant. The lack of rotavirus diagnostic capability in Argentine hospitals has resulted in underestimation of the disease burden of this virus. A rotavirus vaccine would have the potential to avoid thousands of hospitalizations and dozens of deaths, especially in the poor high risk Argentine provinces.
Large-scale prediction of long non-coding RNA functions in a coding–non-coding gene co-expression network

Although accumulating evidence has provided insight into the various functions of long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), the exact functions of the majority of such transcripts are still unknown. Here, we report the first computational annotation of lncRNA functions based on public microarray expression profiles. A coding–non-coding gene co-expression (CNC) network was constructed from re-annotated Affymetrix Mouse Genome Array data. Probable functions for altogether 340 lncRNAs were predicted based on topological or other network characteristics, such as module sharing, association with network hubs and combinations of co-expression and genomic adjacency. The functions annotated to the lncRNAs mainly involve organ or tissue development (e.g. neuron, eye and muscle development), cellular transport (e.g. neuronal transport and sodium ion, acid or lipid transport) or metabolic processes (e.g. involving macromolecules, phosphocreatine and tyrosine).
Dairy Consumption and Incidence of Hypertension: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

Observational and clinical studies suggest that dairy intake, particularly low-fat dairy, could have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. We performed a dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies on dairy intake and risk of hypertension in the general population. A systematic literature search for eligible studies was conducted until July 2011, using literature databases and hand search. Study-specific dose-response associations were computed according to the generalized least squares for trend estimation method, and linear and piecewise regression models were created. Random-effects models were performed with summarized dose-response data. We included 9 studies with a sample size of 57 256, a total of 15 367 incident hypertension cases, and a follow-up time between 2 and 15 years. Total dairy (9 studies; range of intake, ≈100–700 g/d), low-fat dairy (6 studies; ≈100–500 g/d), and milk (7 studies; ≈100–500 g/d) were inversely and linearly associated with a lower risk of hypertension. The pooled relative risks per 200 g/d were 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95–0.99) for total dairy, 0.96 (95% CI, 0.93–0.99) for low-fat dairy, and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.94–0.98) for milk. High-fat dairy (6 studies), total fermented dairy (4 studies), yogurt (5 studies), and cheese (8 studies) were not significantly associated with hypertension incidence (pooled relative risks of ≈1). This meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies suggests that low-fat dairy and milk could contribute to the prevention of hypertension, which needs confirmation in randomized controlled trials.
The Relationship between Moss Growth and Treefall Gaps in an Eastern Deciduous Forest

Mosses are a rarely studied component of forest treefall gaps which ought to receive more attention so as to further understand their role in forest ecosystems. The aim of this study was to determine if a) there is a relationship between canopy gaps and moss growth on forest floors, and b) to determine if there is a difference between the effect of canopy gaps on the vertical depth and abundance of acrocarpous and pleurocarpous moss growth types. The study took place during the summer of 2015, in an eastern deciduous forest biome of the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC), located between upper Michigan and Wisconsin. Treefall gaps plots were paired with closed canopy plots along bog border habitats, and were analyzed for gap effect on moss bed depth and abundance.
Slicing techniques for handheld augmented reality

Manipulating slice planes is an important task for exploring volumetric datasets. Since this task is inherently 3D, it is difficult to accomplish with standard 2D input devices. Alternative interaction techniques have been proposed for direct and natural 3D manipulation of slice planes. However, they also require bulky and dedicated hardware, making them inconvenient for everyday work. To address this issue, we adapted two of these techniques for use in a portable and self-contained handheld AR environment. The first is based on a tangible slicing tool, and the other is based on a spatially aware display. In this paper, we describe our design choices and the technical challenges encountered in this implementation. We then present the results, both objective and subjective, from an evaluation of the two slicing techniques. Our study provides new insight into the usability of these techniques in a handheld AR setting.
International Union of Pharmacology. XVIII. Nomenclature of receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIPb) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) are members of a superfamily of structurally related peptide hormones that includes glucagon, glucagon-like peptide, secretin, and growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF). At least three receptors for
Using Ranking and Multiple Linear Regression to Explore the Impact of Social Media Engagement on Student Performance

Investigating learning performance predictors is an important part of the educational process. Active participation or engagement is one such predictor, which has been widely analyzed in traditional learning settings, but less in the emerging social-media based learning environments. This paper explores the relationship between students' active participation on three social media tools (wiki, blog, microblogging tool) and their academic performance, in the context of a project-based learning scenario. Two cohorts, with a total of 119 students, are included in the study. Multiple linear regression is used to build easily interpretable models, which explain the final grade in terms of social media activity. Results indicate that engagement with social media tools is a good predictor of the student performance. More specifically, the models show that several features have an influence on the grade, such as: the frequency of blog posts, the average length of the tweets, the number of wiki page revisions, the average number of revisions for each distinct wiki page, the number of blog comments, the number of wiki file uploads.
[Neurolytic block of the celiac plexus and splanchnic nerves with computed tomography. The experience in 150 cases and an optimization of the technic].

INTRODUCTION CT-guided celiac plexus and splanchnic nerve neurolytic blocks are procedures for pain relief in patients with upper abdominal malignancies. In the last 20 years, the technique has been modified by the introduction of CT guidance providing improved precision and safety. We report our personal experience and provide suggestions for technique optimization. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 1991-1998 we performed 150 celiac plexus and/or splanchnic nerve neurolytic blocks with ethyl alcohol in 144 cancer patients; the procedure was repeated in 6 patients. In 69% of cases the patient had a pancreatic lesion. We prefer an anterior approach with very thin needles (22 Gauge). The sites of alcohol injection (celiac plexus, splanchnic nerves or both) are chosen after evaluation of anatomy by preliminary CT scans, or during the procedure, depending on alcohol (mixed with a contrast agent) spread. RESULTS The mean duration of the procedure ranged 50 min (1991) to 22 min (1998). 48 hours after the block we obtained major pain relief in 79% of cases. After 15 days, 21% of patients had no pain (drugs: none), 29% had mild pain (therapy: non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), 32% had marked pain (therapy: non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and, occasionally, opioids), 18% had severe pain (only opioid therapy). Pain relief was more frequent in splanchnic nerve blocks. DISCUSSION Our experience confirms that neurolytic celiac plexus and/or splanchnic nerve block is a good choice in the treatment of upper abdominal cancer pain. We would also like to add that: 1) celiac plexus block with CT guidance (with the needle tip positioned anterior to aorta) and splanchnic nerve block (with the needle tip positioned posterior to diaphragmatic crura) are no longer two separated techniques, but they can be chosen and combined according to patients needs. 2) All procedures can be performed with anterior approach, in supine position, with a single thin needle, allowing to reach the target without any complication, even after puncturing stomach, liver, bowel, pancreas or aorta. 3) With CT guidance, even splanchnic nerve neurolysis is a low-risk technique, which should be adopted in all cases of insufficient alcohol spread in the celiac plexus. 4) When the operators are skilled and experienced enough, the time required for the block can be significantly decreased to nearly the time required for US-guided or fluoroscopic-guided procedures.
Arabidopsis STN7 Kinase Provides a Link between Short- and Long-Term Photosynthetic Acclimation[W]

Flowering plants control energy allocation to their photosystems in response to light quality changes. This includes the phosphorylation and migration of light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) proteins (state transitions or short-term response) as well as long-term alterations in thylakoid composition (long-term response or LTR). Both responses require the thylakoid protein kinase STN7. Here, we show that the signaling pathways triggering state transitions and LTR diverge at, or immediately downstream from, STN7. Both responses require STN7 activity that can be regulated according to the plastoquinone pool redox state. However, LTR signaling does not involve LHCII phosphorylation or any other state transition step. State transitions appear to play a prominent role in flowering plants, and the ability to perform state transitions becomes critical for photosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana mutants that are impaired in thylakoid electron transport but retain a functional LTR. Our data imply that STN7-dependent phosphorylation of an as yet unknown thylakoid protein triggers LTR signaling events, whereby an involvement of the TSP9 protein in the signaling pathway could be excluded. The LTR signaling events then ultimately regulate in chloroplasts the expression of photosynthesis-related genes on the transcript level, whereas expression of nuclear-encoded proteins is regulated at multiple levels, as indicated by transcript and protein profiling in LTR mutants.
An investigation of the spectral and radiometric characteristics of low-cost digital cameras for use in UAV remote sensing

ABSTRACT The foundation of all quantitative remote sensing is based on the ability of sensors to convert energy into digital signals. This process requires an understanding of the radiometric and spectral behaviour of the instrument. This information is rarely available for the consumer-grade digital cameras commonly used in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. This study measured the spectral and radiometric characteristics of consumer-grade digital cameras in laboratory-based experiments. The spectral characteristics showed broad overlapping spectral bands in the visible and near-infrared wavelengths with spectral band widths between 70 and 100 nm. The radiometric response functions were non-linear in nature. The nonlinearity resulted in the inability of reliable spectral reflectance calculations. When compared to the spectral reflectance values computed from an ASD FieldSpec-3, differences were as high as 42% from the true value with average deviations between 23% and 32%. When characterized, the spectral reflectance values compared more favourably to ASD-computed spectral reflectance.
Whole-genome and multisector exome sequencing of primary and post-treatment glioblastoma reveals patterns of tumor evolution

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a prototypical heterogeneous brain tumor refractory to conventional therapy. A small residual population of cells escapes surgery and chemoradiation, resulting in a typically fatal tumor recurrence ∼7 mo after diagnosis. Understanding the molecular architecture of this residual population is critical for the development of successful therapies. We used whole-genome sequencing and whole-exome sequencing of multiple sectors from primary and paired recurrent GBM tumors to reconstruct the genomic profile of residual, therapy resistant tumor initiating cells. We found that genetic alteration of the p53 pathway is a primary molecular event predictive of a high number of subclonal mutations in glioblastoma. The genomic road leading to recurrence is highly idiosyncratic but can be broadly classified into linear recurrences that share extensive genetic similarity with the primary tumor and can be directly traced to one of its specific sectors, and divergent recurrences that share few genetic alterations with the primary tumor and originate from cells that branched off early during tumorigenesis. Our study provides mechanistic insights into how genetic alterations in primary tumors impact the ensuing evolution of tumor cells and the emergence of subclonal heterogeneity.
Localized surface plasmon resonance detection of layered biointeractions on metallic subwavelength nanogratings

Enhanced detection of multiple targets such as self-assembled monolayer (SAM) formation, DNA hybridization, and ethanol ambient changes was explored using localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) excited by metallic surface nanogratings. The sensitivity enhancement depends on the target as well as the nanostructure with a maximum at 242% over a conventional structure when detecting an 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid SAM with an LSPR structure of 200 nm period. The measured enhancement shows smaller target-dependent variance when detecting various layered biointeractions, while structure-dependent variance was much larger. The result suggests the feasibility of the efficient detection of multiple biointeractions at enhanced sensitivity and extends the applicability of a nanostructured LSPR biosensor for diverse biomolecular events.
An Interaction Model for Visualizations Beyond The Desktop

We present an interaction model for beyond-desktop visualizations that combines the visualization reference model with the instrumental interaction paradigm. Beyond-desktop visualizations involve a wide range of emerging technologies such as wall-sized displays, 3D and shape-changing displays, touch and tangible input, and physical information visualizations. While these technologies allow for new forms of interaction, they are often studied in isolation. New conceptual models are needed to build a coherent picture of what has been done and what is possible. We describe a modified pipeline model where raw data is processed into a visualization and then rendered into the physical world. Users can explore or change data by directly manipulating visualizations or through the use of instruments. Interactions can also take place in the physical world outside the visualization system, such as when using locomotion to inspect a large scale visualization. Through case studies we illustrate how this model can be used to describe both conventional and unconventional interactive visualization systems, and compare different design alternatives.
An Empirical Model of Imperfect Dynamic Competition and Application to Hydroelectricity Storage

The Nordic power market presents a unique opportunity for testing the nature and degree of market power in storage behavior due to preciseness of data on market fundamentals determining hydro resource use. We develop an explicit model of dynamic imperfect competition mapping the primitive distributions to market outcomes as a function of the market structure. We estimate the market structure that best explains the main behavioral patterns in pricing, storage, and production in years 2000-05. Exceptional events in the data allow us to identify a pattern for market power. We simulate the expected effiency loss from the pattern and limited scope for social losses. Market power however increases expected reservoir and price levels, and also implies an increase in price risk.
Gestational hypertrophy of the breast

A 22-year-old woman, parity 1, 24 weeks pregnant, presented with massive diffuse enlargement of both breasts, since, second trimester. Her earlier pregnancy was uneventful. Multiple ulcerations as a result of pressure necrosis were also present for the last 3–4 months (figure 1). Her breasts were normal on ultrasonography with no evidence of cancer. Fine-needle aspiration revealed hyperplasia of the mammary glands with foci of increased fat and connective tissue. The patient was managed conservatively with antibiotics and dressings and she improved. The ulcerations and the huge size were …
Phase Lead of the Bed Shear Stress to the Free Stream Velocity of Asymmetric Waves at High Reynolds Number

The phase lead of the bed shear stress to the free stream velocity of water waves is of significant importance for sediment transport in coastal areas (Nielsen and David, 2003; Dohmen-Janssen et. al., 2002). In case of linear or sinusoidal water waves, the phase lead is exactly 45° in laminar flow regime, and approximately 10° or so in fully turbulent flow regime (Jensen, et. al., 1989). However, water waves in coastal areas are generally nonlinear or asymmetric, exhibiting asymmetric velocity profiles with different amplitudes of crest and trough, or/and different acceleration and deceleration periods in half a wave cycle (Tanaka, 1998). The phase lead of the bed shear stress to the free stream velocity of these nonlinear or asymmetric water waves is not understood. To reveal the phase lead, we have proposed to use an infinite immersed horizontal plate oscillating non-harmonically in its own plane in a quiescent water to simulate asymmetric wave boundary layers, and have established a large eddy simulation model to manifest the flow characteristics of asymmetric wave boundary layers. We have verified the model by analytical velocity profiles and bed shear stresses of laminar flow under cnoidal waves, experimental results of intermittent turbulent flow under asymmetric waves, and experimental results of fully turbulent flow under sinusoidal waves. We further investigate the behavior of the bed shear stress under cnoidal waves and forth-leaning waves. Particular attention is drawn to the phase lead of the bed shear stress to the free stream velocity at high Reynolds number never studied. The results show that the behavior of the bed shear stress is very much different from that of linear waves. The peak phase lead (the phase lead of the maximum shear stress over the maximum value of the free-stream velocity) and the trough phase lead (the phase lead of the minimum shear stress over the minimum value of the free-stream velocity) are different. We have revealed the dependences of the peak and trough phase leads on the asymmetric degree and the velocity-leaning index.
The Corporate Governance of Benedictine Abbeys: What can Stock Corporations Learn from Monasteries?

Purpose – This paper aims to analyse the governance structure of monasteries to gain new insights and apply them to solve agency problems of modern corporations. In an historic analysis of crises and closures it asks, if Benedictine monasteries were and are capable of solving agency problems. The analysis shows that monasteries established basic governance instruments very early and therefore were able to survive for centuries.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a dataset of all Benedictine abbeys that ever existed in Bavaria, Baden‐Wurttemberg, and German‐speaking Switzerland to determine their lifespan and the reasons for closures. The governance mechanisms are analyzed in detail. Finally, it draws conclusions relevant to the modern corporation. The theoretical foundations are based upon principal agency theory, psychological economics, as well as embeddedness theory.Findings – The monasteries that are examined show an average lifetime of almost 500 years and only a quarter of them dissolved as.