Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perceived facilitators and barriers to physical activity for rural youth: an exploratory study using photovoice.

INTRODUCTION Decreasing physical activity levels, particularly among youth, continue to be a prominent health concern in Canada, and youth living in rural areas may encounter unique facilitators and barriers to physical activity. In addition, current research suggests that overweight and obesity rates are higher for youth in some rural areas compared with urban areas. The goal of this study was to identify the perceived facilitators and barriers to physical activity for a selected sample of rural youth at a rural secondary school in south-western Ontario and examine how rural barriers and facilitators affect rural youth physical activity. Current Canadian literature addresses rural youth physical activity in a very limited fashion. Thus, the goal of this research was to provide important insights into physical activity for rural youth. METHOD Nine participants aged 13 to 18 years completed the study using the photovoice methodology and method. Photovoice is a relatively new method for health research that adopts an innovative approach whereby participants use cameras to document their perceived health realities. In photovoice the images and words from the life experiences of participants create the basis for discussion. Participants had 2 weeks to take photographs. After 2 weeks the cameras and logbooks were retrieved, the photographs were developed, and a one-on-one interview was held with each participant. The interviews focused on participants' explanations of their photographs and their relevance to physical activity. RESULTS Analysis of the pictorial, narrative, and logbook data provided by participants revealed 12 themes as facilitators and barriers to physical activity. Some of the themes relate to facilitators (eg early exposure to activities), some to barriers (eg lack of opportunities close to home), and some themes represent both a facilitator and a barrier (eg competitiveness, family support, and peer interests). The findings of this study may assist community stakeholders, school officials, and parents to better support the physical activity needs of rural youth. CONCLUSIONS Physical activity rates continue to decline and to be a major health concern for Canadian youth. Thus, it is becoming increasingly important to understand physical activity from the perspective of rural youth. Implications of this information for rural communities, rural schools, and rural residents are significant. These implications and recommendations may help facilitate increased participation in physical activity for rural youth by providing them, and their families and communities, with enhanced opportunities and resources to engage in physical activity. Further research is clearly indicated.
Back from the Beach but Hanging on the Telephone? English Adolescents' Attitudes and Experiences of Mobile Phones and the Internet

Recently, a number of commentators have suggested that growth in use of the Internet may be slowing, and its impact may have been exaggerated. However, a disproportionate number of the nonusers tend to be those over the age of 50, and the young are most likely to go online eventually. Therefore, the most appropriate people to survey with regard to Internet use are adolescents and young adults who are likely to be the Internet users or nonusers of the future. This survey was conducted to find out more about the activities and opinions of secondary-school aged children who do, and do not, use the Internet. Mobile phone use was also examined in this survey as this has also shown a meteoric rise in adults and more particularly in young people. Generally, the survey revealed that children aged between 11 and 16 years old are quite comfortable with the Internet, use it a moderate amount and for a variety of purposes. However, boys were more likely to use the Internet than girls and sometimes for slightly different purposes. Reasons for not using the Internet generally revolved around a lack of access to equipment. Furthermore, a higher percentage of adolescents have mobile phones than adults and girls are more likely to own a mobile phone than boys. Mobile phones were also used for a variety of purposes, most notably making and receiving calls and text-messaging. The most common reasons for children not owning a mobile phone was because they had no need for one. Finally, a significant positive relationship between the use of emails and text messaging suggests that the mobile phone may supplement some of the previous functions of the Internet.
Identification of Different Binding Sites in the Dendritic Cell-specific Receptor DC-SIGN for Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 3 and HIV-1*

The novel dendritic cell (DC)-specific human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) receptor DC-SIGN plays a key role in the dissemination of HIV-1 by DC. DC-SIGN is thought to capture HIV-1 at mucosal sites of entry, facilitating transport to lymphoid tissues, where DC-SIGN efficiently transmits HIV-1 to T cells. DC-SIGN is also important in the initiation of immune responses by regulating DC-T cell interactions through intercellular adhesion molecule 3 (ICAM-3). We have characterized the mechanism of ligand binding by DC-SIGN and identified the crucial amino acids involved in this process. Strikingly, the HIV-1 gp120 binding site in DC-SIGN is different from that of ICAM-3, consistent with the observation that glycosylation of gp120, in contrast to ICAM-3, is not crucial to the interaction with DC-SIGN. A specific mutation in DC-SIGN abrogated ICAM-3 binding, whereas the HIV-1 gp120 interaction was unaffected. This DC-SIGN mutant captured HIV-1 and infected T cells intrans as efficiently as wild-type DC-SIGN, demonstrating that ICAM-3 binding is not necessary for HIV-1 transmission. This study provides a basis for the design of drugs that inhibit or alter interactions of DC-SIGN with gp120 but not with ICAM-3 or vice versa and that have a therapeutic value in immunological diseases and/or HIV-1 infections.
Optimal Consumption and Portfolio Choices with Risky Housing and Borrowing Constraints

We examine the optimal dynamic portfolio decisions for investors who acquire housing services from either renting or owning a house. Our results show that when indifferent between owning and renting, investors owning a house hold a lower equity proportion in their net worth (bonds, stocks, and home equity), reflecting the substitution effect, yet hold a higher equity proportion in their liquid portfolios (bonds and stocks), reflecting the diversification effect. Furthermore, following the subopti-mal policy of always renting leads investors to overweigh in stocks, while following the suboptimal policy of always owning a house causes investors to underweigh in stocks. For many investors, a house is the largest and most important asset in their portfolios. The 2001 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) shows that about two-thirds of U.S. households own their primary residences and home value accounts for 55% of a homeowner's total assets, on average. At the same time, approximately 50% of U.S. households hold stocks and/ or stock mutual funds (including holdings in their retirement accounts), and stock investment accounts for less than 12% of household assets. Even for households owning stocks, they account for less than 40% of household assets. Housing differs from other financial assets in that housing serves a dual purpose. It is both a durable consumption good from which the owner derives utility and also an investment vehicle that allows the investor to hold home equity. Further, compared with other financial assets such as bonds and stocks, the housing investment is often highly We would like to thank Dong-Dallas, the 2002 AERUEA annual meetings in Atlanta, and the 2002 Western Finance Association meetings in Park City for helpful comments. We also thank an anonymous referee and Kenneth Singleton (the editor) for very constructive suggestions. We gratefully acknowledge North Carolina Supercomput-ing Center (NCSC) for providing computing resources and Ekaterini Kyriazidou for providing us the GAUSS code used in our empirical analysis. This article was previously criculated under the title ''Optimal Consumption and Portfolio Choices with Risky Housing and Stochastic Labor Income. '' All errors are our own. Address correspondence to:
Body Position, Electrode Level, and Respiration Effects on the Frank Lead Electrocardiogram

Frank lead ECG/VCG changes with deep inspiration, expiration, and body position were investigated in 194 patients, 100 with an old myocardial infarction and the remaining 94 chosen as a representative sample of catheterization laboratory patients with a variety of cardiac conditions. In a subgroup of 144 of the patients, Frank lead records were made both at the fifth and the fourth intercostal space. Diagnostic interpretation was performed using the VA-Pipberger ECG Program.The results indicate that, in general, body position and electrode level influence on mean intervals and orientation angles is negligible. There was a highly significant decrease in the R and Q wave amplitudes in leads X and Z and in the maximum spatial magnitude of QRS when electrodes were shifted from the fifth to the fourth interspace. The most pronounced decrease in ECG/VCG amplitudes took place in deep inspiration while mean orientation angles changed little, with the exception of QRS elevation. However, while mean changes with body position and electrode level were rather small, substantial orientation and magnitude changes took place in many patients. Diagnostic interpretation of the records changed in 12.5% with electrode level change, in 11.9% with the transition of body position, and in 16.8% with deep inspiration. Strict standardization of electrode positions and recording procedure is suggested, particularly when serial comparison of Frank lead records is planned.
Validation of a New Aspergillus Real-Time PCR Assay for Direct Detection of Aspergillus and Azole Resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus on Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid

ABSTRACT Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus is increasingly reported. Here, we describe the validation of the AsperGenius, a new multiplex real-time PCR assay consisting of two multiplex real-time PCRs, one that identifies the clinically relevant Aspergillus species, and one that detects the TR34, L98H, T289A, and Y121F mutations in CYP51A and differentiates susceptible from resistant A. fumigatus strains. The diagnostic performance of the AsperGenius assay was tested on 37 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples from hematology patients and 40 BAL fluid samples from intensive care unit (ICU) patients using a BAL fluid galactomannan level of ≥1.0 or positive culture as the gold standard for detecting the presence of Aspergillus. In the hematology and ICU groups combined, there were 22 BAL fluid samples from patients with invasive aspergillosis (IA) (2 proven, 9 probable, and 11 nonclassifiable). Nineteen of the 22 BAL fluid samples were positive, according to the gold standard. The optimal cycle threshold value for the presence of Aspergillus was <36. Sixteen of the 19 BAL fluid samples had a positive PCR (2 Aspergillus species and 14 A. fumigatus samples). This resulted in a sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 88.9%, 89.3%, 72.7%, and 96.2%, respectively, for the hematology group and 80.0%, 93.3%, 80.0%, and 93.3%, respectively, in the ICU group. The CYP51A real-time PCR confirmed 12 wild-type and 2 resistant strains (1 TR34-L98H and 1 TR46-Y121F-T289A mutant). Voriconazole therapy failed for both patients. The AsperGenius multiplex real-time PCR assay allows for sensitive and fast detection of Aspergillus species directly from BAL fluid samples. More importantly, this assay detects and differentiates wild-type from resistant strains, even if BAL fluid cultures remain negative.
Relationship between Participation in the Webinar and Students' Behaviours and Engagement in Online Learning

A graduate level Flex Mode course “Introduction to Computers in Education” using online learning concept, which includes the discourse environment and the webinars, was investigated in the current study. Twenty one students enrolled in the course in fall 2010. Since the design of this course is new and in its experimental stage, this study explored how webinar participation predicts students’ behaviours and engagement in online learning, and the experiences and perspectives of students who take this course. Data retrieved from the course database show that webinar participation correlated significantly with the engagement construct (about reading and writing online). Results from the questionnaire suggest that students were satisfied with both the webinar and online discussion components of the course. Interview findings indicate that students credit the webinar with helping them feel more connected to their classmates. Implications for the design of online learning program will be discussed. %%%%MAST
Challenges to support automated random testing for dynamically typed languages

Automated random testing is a proven way to identify bugs and precondition violations, and this even in well tested libraries. In the context of statically typed languages, current automated random testing tools heavily take advantage of static method declaration (argument types, thrown exceptions) to constrain input domains while testing and to identify errors. For such reason, automated random testing has not been investigated in the context of dynamically typed languages. In this paper we present the key challenges that have to be addressed to support automated testing in dynamic languages.
Costs of locomotion in polar bears: when do the costs outweigh the benefits of chasing down terrestrial prey?

Trade-offs between locomotory costs and foraging gains are key to predator–prey interactions. As climate change forces polar bears to spend more time ashore, their prey base and these trade-offs may be altered. We show that polar bears can profitably capture seasonally available land-based prey, such as geese, over a range of pursuit speeds.
A New Visual Trap for Rhagoletis cerasi (L.) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi (L.) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the most important pest of sweet cherries in Europe. The aim of our experiments was to develop a new, cost-efficient, lead chromate-free and more eco-friendly trap for monitoring and mass trapping of R. cerasi. Five different-colored yellow panels and three different trap shapes were compared to a standard Rebell® amarillo trap in three experimental orchards in 2012. Trap color F, with a strong increase in reflectance at 500–550 nm and a secondary peak in the UV-region at 300–400 nm, captured significantly more flies than the standard Rebell® amarillo trap. Yellow traps with increased reflectance in the blue region (400–500 nm) were least attractive. Trap shape was of minor importance, as long as the object was three-dimensional and visible from all directions. Based on economic and practical considerations, a cylinder-shaped trap “UFA-Samen Kirschenfliegenfalle” was developed for commercial use and is currently under on-farm evaluation.
Impact of Viral Infections on Hematopoiesis: From Beneficial to Detrimental Effects on Bone Marrow Output

The ability of the bone marrow (BM) to generate copious amounts of blood cells required on a daily basis depends on a highly orchestrated process of proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). This process can be rapidly adapted under stress conditions, such as infections, to meet the specific cellular needs of the immune response and the ensuing physiological changes. This requires a tight regulation in order to prevent either hematopoietic failure or transformation. Although adaptation to bacterial infections or systemic inflammation has been studied and reviewed in depth, specific alterations of hematopoiesis to viral infections have received less attention so far. Viruses constantly pose a significant health risk and demand an adequate, balanced response from our immune system, which also affects the BM. In fact, both the virus itself and the ensuing immune response can have a tremendous impact on the hematopoietic process. On one hand, this can be beneficial: it helps to boost the cellular response of the body to resolve the viral infection. But on the other hand, when the virus and the resulting antiviral response persist, the inflammatory feedback to the hematopoietic system will become chronic, which can be detrimental for a balanced BM output. Chronic viral infections frequently have clinical manifestations at the level of blood cell formation, and we summarize which viruses can lead to BM pathologies, like aplastic anemia, pancytopenia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, lymphoproliferative disorders, and malignancies. Regarding the underlying mechanisms, we address specific effects of acute and chronic viral infections on blood cell production. As such, we distinguish four different levels in which this can occur: (1) direct viral infection of HSPCs, (2) viral recognition by HSPCs, (3) indirect effects on HSPCs by inflammatory mediators, and (4) the role of the BM microenvironment on hematopoiesis upon virus infection. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview on how viral infections can affect the formation of new blood cells, aiming to advance our understanding of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms to improve the treatment of BM failure in patients.
Advances in Switched-Mode Power Conversion Part II

A number of important practical extensions to the basic ¿uk converter are presented. They include dc isolation, multiple-output power sources, and a physical realization of the sought for hypothetical dc-to-dc transformer, a device which converts from pure dc (no voltage or current ripple) at one terminal, to pure dc (at a different voltage) at the other terminal. The application of the circuit in a highly efficient amplifier for the servo control of a dc motor or other loads is also presented.
Elucidating the short term loss behavior of a DMAP process in random early detection queue with background DBMAP

Given the increasing prominent role of multimedia applications in Internet-based services, elucidating the per-stream short term loss behavior of multimedia traffic in the routers is of priority concern. This work attempts to model both tagged multimedia and background traffic by a discrete-time Markovian arrival process (DMAP) and discrete-time batch Markovian arrival process (DBMAP), respectively. A queuing model is developed for a router with a random early detection (RED) mechanism with both tagged multimedia and background traffic. The queuing model of the router with RED scheme is modeled as DMAP+DBMAP/D/1/K. The short-term characteristics of per-stream multimedia packet drop are then examined through means of conditional statistics with respect to congested and non-congested periods that occur in an alternating manner. Such performance measures refer to the quality of service provided by the router for a particular multimedia traffic stream in the presence of background traffic.
An Alternative Structure Model for the Polypentapeptide in Elastin

Abstract Polypentapeptides (GVGVP)n which are designed in analogy to the connective tissue protein elastin are reported to transform various kinds of energy into mechanical work by the so-called ⊿Tt-mechanism in cross-linked macroscopic polypentapeptide (PPP) films. In the literature, the responsible element of conformation in such polypeptides is described as a β- spiral and the ⊿Tt effect is explained as a sudden change of macroconformation of single polypeptide molecules from an extended but not regular state below a transition temperature Tt to the β-spiral above Tt. We examined the secondary structure of the linear PPPC(GVGVP)6 in solution with DSC, CD, UV absorption, FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. The results suggest that the β-spiral is not present in the conformational structure of the PPP molecules. The antiparallel β-sheet is proposed to be the basic regular part of conformation because it agrees with all spectroscopic data. As a consequence, the elasticity of natural elastin must be considered from a new perspective.
Endoscopic perforation of the colon: lessons from a 10-year study

OBJECTIVES:To assess the incidence, clinical features, and management of endoscopic colon perforations in a large number of patients at a major medical teaching center.METHODS:A retrospective review of medical records of all patients with colon perforations from endoscopy over a 10-yr period.RESULTS:A total of 10,486 colonoscopies were performed over a 10-yr period. There were 20 (0.19%) perforations and two (0.019%) deaths related to colonoscopy and two perforations with no deaths in 49,501 sigmoidoscopies (0.004%). The majority of perforations (65%) occurred in the sigmoid colon. The mean age of the patients was 72 yr (range, 48–87 yr). Multivariate analysis using gender and age showed that female gender was an independent predictor of a higher risk of perforation (p < 0.05). Electrocautery injury (36%) and mechanical injury (32%) from the tip and shaft of the endoscope were the major causes for perforation. Most patients (91%) presented within 48 h of endoscopy. Nine patients (47%) required a surgical resection with primary anastomosis; seven (37%) required a simple closure. The average hospital length of stay was 7.7 ± 2.8 days. Although trainee endoscopists were involved in only 20% of the colonoscopies performed, eight (40%) perforations occurred while the training fellow was involved in the case. However, this increased risk of perforation with a training fellow was not statistically significant (p= 0.625). CONCLUSIONS:Colonoscopy can result in significant morbidity and carries a small risk of death. Sigmoidoscopy has lower risk. The following situations may represent increased risk to colonoscopy patients: unusual difficulty in traversing the sigmoid colon; difficult examinations in female patients, and difficult examinations performed by trainee physicians.
Effect of Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 on Overweight and Obese Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Background Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 is a type of probiotic strain isolated from human breast milk. A study was reported regarding the fact that BNR17 was an inhibitor of obesity and diabetic activities in the human body through previous animal experiments. This study was furthered to investigate the effect of BNR17, a probiotic strain isolated from human breast milk, on obese and overweight adults. Methods Sixty-two obese volunteers aged 19 to 60 with body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m2 and fasting blood sugar ≥ 100 mg/dL participated in a placebo controlled, randomized, and double-blind trial. For 12 weeks, 57 participants were given either placebo or BNR17 and were tested by measuring body fat, body weight, various biochemical parameters, vital signs, and computed tomography at the start of the study and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. The subjects assumed usual daily activities without having to make behavioral or dietary modifications during the course of the study. Results At the 12th week, a slight reduction in body weight was noted in the BNR17 group, but there were no significant weight changes between groups. Decrease of waist and hip circumferences in the BNR17 group was more pronounced than those in the placebo group. The two groups had no special or severe adverse reactions. Conclusion Despite there being no change in behavior or diet, administration of only the supplement of BNR17 reduced weight and waist and hip circumference. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups. These findings warrant a subsequent longer-term prospective clinical investigation with a large population.