Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and Monitoring of Mycobacterium leprae Transmission in Household Contacts of Patients with Hansen's Disease in Colombia

Leprosy in Colombia is in a stage of post elimination—since 1997, prevalence of the disease is less than 1/10000. However, the incidence of leprosy has remained stable, with 400–500 new cases reported annually, with MB leprosy representing 70% of these case and 10% having grade 2 disability. Thus, leprosy transmission is still occurring, and household contacts (HHCs) of leprosy patients are a population at high risk of contracting and suffering from the effects of the disease during their lifetime. We performed a cross-sectional study with the aim of evaluating leprosy transmission within Family Groups (FGs) from four Colombian departments: Antioquia, Bolívar, Córdoba and Sucre. This study included 159 FGs formed by 543 HHCs; 45 FGs were monitored twice, first in 2003 and again in 2012. Migration, forced displacement by violence, loss of contact with the health center and the lack of an agreement to participate in the second monitoring were the primary reasons not all FGs were tested a second time. In each HHC, a clinical examination was performed, epidemiological data recorded, the bacillary index determined, DNA was isolated for M. leprae detection by nested PCR and IgM anti-phenolic glycolipid-I (PGL-I) titers were inspected. Further, DNA from M. leprae isolates were typed and compared among FGs. Twenty-two (4.1%) of the 543 HHCs had IgM anti-PGL-I positive antibody titers, indicating infection. Nasal swabs (NS) taken from 113 HHCs were tested by RLEP PCR; 18 (16%) were positive for M. leprae DNA and two new leprosy cases were detected among the HHCs. Of the confirmed HHCs with leprosy, it was possible to genotype the bacterial strains from both the index case and their HHCs. We found that the genotype of these two strains agreed at 9 markers, showing the individuals to be infected by the same strain, indicating familiar transmission. HHCs of leprosy patients not only are a high-risk population for M. leprae infection, they can act as M. leprae carriers and therefore serve as sources for transmission and infection. Our results confirm familiar leprosy transmission and suggest that follow-up of HHCs is a good strategy for early diagnosis of leprosy and to monitor its transmission.
Bilingualism and Cognitive Reserve: A Critical Overview and a Plea for Methodological Innovations

The decline of cognitive skills throughout healthy or pathological aging can be slowed down by experiences which foster cognitive reserve (CR). Recently, some studies on Alzheimer's disease have suggested that CR may be enhanced by life-long bilingualism. However, the evidence is inconsistent and largely based on retrospective approaches featuring several methodological weaknesses. Some studies demonstrated at least 4 years of delay in dementia symptoms, while others did not find such an effect. Moreover, various methodological aspects vary from study to study. The present paper addresses contradictory findings, identifies possible lurking variables, and outlines methodological alternatives thereof. First, we characterize possible confounding factors that may have influenced extant results. Our focus is on the criteria to establish bilingualism, differences in sample design, the instruments used to examine cognitive skills, and the role of variables known to modulate life-long cognition. Second, we propose that these limitations could be largely circumvented through experimental approaches. Proficiency in the non-native language can be successfully assessed by combining subjective and objective measures; confounding variables which have been distinctively associated with certain bilingual groups (e.g., alcoholism, sleep disorders) can be targeted through relevant instruments; and cognitive status might be better tapped via robust cognitive screenings and executive batteries. Moreover, future research should incorporate tasks yielding predictable patterns of contrastive performance between bilinguals and monolinguals. Crucially, these include instruments which reveal bilingual disadvantages in vocabulary, null effects in working memory, and advantages in inhibitory control and other executive functions. Finally, paradigms tapping proactive interference (which assess the disruptive effect of long-term memory on newly learned information) could also offer useful data, since this phenomenon seems to be better managed by bilinguals and it becomes conspicuous in early stages of dementia. Such considerations may shed light not just on the relationship between bilingualism and CR, but also on more general mechanisms of cognitive compensation.
Diagnosis of Carrion’s Disease by Direct Blood PCR in Thin Blood Smear Negative Samples

Bartonella bacilliformis is the etiologic agent of Carrion's disease. This disease has two well established phases, the most relevant being the so called Oroya Fever, in which B. bacilliformis infect the erythrocytes resulting in severe anemia and transient immunosuppression, with a high lethality in the absence of adequate antibiotic treatment. The presence of B. bacilliformis was studied in 113 blood samples suspected of Carrion’s disease based on clinical criteria, despite the absence of a positive thin blood smear, by two different PCR techniques (using Bartonella-specific and universal 16S rRNA gene primers), and by bacterial culture. The specific 16S rRNA gene primers revealed the presence of 21 B. bacilliformis and 1 Bartonella elizabethae, while universal primers showed both the presence of 3 coinfections in which a concomitant pathogen was detected plus Bartonella, in addition to the presence of infections by other microorganisms such as Agrobacterium or Bacillus firmus. These data support the need to implement molecular tools to diagnose Carrion’s disease.
Received and perceived support subscales of the Berlin Social Support Scales in women diagnosed with breast cancer attending the breast clinic at Tygerberg hospital: structure and correlates

Research in the field of psycho-oncology in South Africa is increasing, and there is a need for validated measures that assess factors associated with cancer, such as social support. The Berlin Social Support Scales are a battery of instruments that measure various types and functions of social support. The measure was originally developed for use among adult cancer patients, and their partners but has also been used among other clinical populations and healthy adults. We investigated the psychometric properties of the English version of the perceived and received sub-scales, Berlin Social Support Scales. Our sample included South African women (N = 201) who were diagnosed with breast cancer and receiving treatment at a public health care facility. We administered several measures, including a demographic questionnaire, the Berlin Social Support subscales, the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, and The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy to participants. Validity and reliability analyses were conducted. Factor analysis resulted in the retention of 17 items that clustered on two factors, namely received support and perceived support. The 17-item version of the Berlin Social Support Scale demonstrated strong reliability and validity in the sample. The two subscales are quick to administer, easy to interpret, and are a reliable measure of social support among breast cancer patients in South Africa.
Markerless deletions of pil genes in Myxococcus xanthus generated by counterselection with the Bacillus subtilis sacB gene

In-frame deletions of pilA and pilS were constructed in Myxococcus xanthus with a plasmid integration-excision strategy facilitated by sacB. sacB conferred sucrose sensitivity upon its M. xanthus host only when it lay in the same orientation as adjacent M. xanthus genes. Gene orientation also affected the efficiency of sucrose counterselection in the sucrose-sensitive strains. The deltapilA mutant lacked pili and social motility, while the deltapilS mutant showed no defect in either phenotype.
Exploiting interchannel correlations in multichannel compressed sensing ECG systems

Multichannel elctrocardiogram (MECG) signals are correlated both in spatial domain as well as in temporal domain and this correlation is stronger at multiscale levels (Fig. 1). To exploit this correlation in compressed sensing (CS) based ECG tele-monitoring systems, a joint multiscale compressed sensing (JMCS) technique is proposed in this work. CS is a novel signal acquisition/reconstruction paradigm that is proposed for addressing the power efficiency and complexity issues in wireless body area network (WBAN) enabled ECG tele-monitoring systems. Here, JMCS is proposed to apply on jointly sparse subband signals from each channel instead of time domain MECG. Since subband signals at each wavelet scale are more correlated, they share strong common support information and hence posses higher joint sparsity than MECG signals in time domain. Joint acquisition and reconstruction of high frequency subband signals is formulated as a multi-measurement vector (MMV) problem. To exploit the subband dependencies during the joint reconstruction a sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) based algorithm is employed which is known to be very efficient for finding joint sparse solution. Significant performance gain in terms of diagnostic quality of reconstructed MECG is achieved at reduced number of measurements which directly translates into higher compression efficiency of the CS based WBAN systems.
Changing her ways: The number of options and mate-standard strength impact mate choice strategy and satisfaction

Researchers know very little about how people choose mates. To remedy this, the present study examined the influence of number of potential mates and mate-standard strength on single women’s choice satisfaction and strategy use. Single women chose one potential partner from a set of 4, 24, or 64 options presented on a real dating website. Participants adjusted to an increasing number of options by changing their decision-making strategies, such that they relied on noncompensatory, attribute-based strategies as the number of options increased. Across conditions they reported similar levels of satisfaction with the choice process and the person selected. Mate-standard strength qualified some of the results, however, as women with higher mate standards preferred extensive choice, and they tended to prefer compensatory choice strategies and were more satisfied with the option selected when he was selected from among many.
Systematic study of electron localization in an amorphous semiconductor

We investigate the electronic structure of gap and band tail states in amorphous silicon. Starting with two 216-atom models of amorphous silicon with defect concentration close to the experiments, we systematically study the dependence of electron localization on basis set, density functional, and spin polarization using the first-principles density-functional code SIESTA. We briefly compare three different schemes for characterizing localization: information entropy, inverse participation ratio, and spatial variance. Our results show that to accurately describe defected structures within self-consistent density-functional theory, a rich basis set is necessary. Our study revealed that the localization of the wave function associated with the defect states decreases with larger basis sets and there is some enhancement of localization from generalized gradient approximation relative to local-density approximation. Spin localization results obtained via local spin-density approximation (LSDA) calculations are in reasonable agreement with experiment and with previous LSDA calculations on a-Si:H models.
Localized Loss of Ca2+ Homeostasis in Neuronal Dendrites Is a Downstream Consequence of Metabolic Compromise during Extended NMDA Exposures

Excessive Ca2+ loading is central to most hypotheses of excitotoxic neuronal damage. We examined dendritic Ca2+ signals in single CA1 neurons, injected with fluorescent indicators, after extended exposures to a low concentration of NMDA (5 μm). As shown previously, NMDA produces an initial transient Ca2+ elevation of several micromolar, followed by recovery to submicromolar levels. Then after a delay of ∼20–40 min, a large Ca2+ elevation appears in apical dendrites and propagates to the soma. We show here that this large delayed Ca2+ increase is required for ultimate loss of membrane integrity. However, transient removal of extracellular Ca2+ for varying epochs before and after NMDA exposure does not delay the propagation of these events. In contrast to compound Ca2+ elevations, intracellular Na+ elevations are monophasic and were promptly reversed by the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 [(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate]. MK-801 applied after the transient Ca2+ elevations blocked the delayed propagating Ca2+ increase. Even if applied after the propagating response was visualized, MK-801 restored resting Ca2+ levels. Propagating Ca2+ increases in dendrites were delayed or prevented by (1) reducing extracellular Na+, (2) injecting ATP together with the Ca2+ indicator, or (3) provision of exogenous pyruvate. These results show that extended NMDA exposure initiates degenerative signaling generally in apical dendrites. Although very high Ca2+ levels can report the progression of these responses, Ca2+ itself may not be required for the propagation of degenerative signaling along dendrites. In contrast, metabolic consequences of sustained Na+ elevations may lead to failure of ionic homeostasis in dendrites and precede Ca2+-dependent cellular compromise.
Neural Progenitor Cells Lack Immunogenicity and Resist Destruction as Allografts

Multipotent, self‐renewing stem and progenitor cells isolated from the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) have been shown to survive as allografts following transplantation to sites throughout the neuraxis. However, studies of this type shed little light upon the immunologic properties of the cells themselves, primarily because little is learned about the intrinsic immunogenic properties of a cell when it is grafted into an immune‐privileged site. We have therefore investigated the immunogenic and antigenic properties of CNS progenitor cells by grafting them into a conventional (i.e., non‐immune‐privileged) site, namely, beneath the kidney capsule. Our results indicate that allogeneic CNS progenitor cells survive at least 4 weeks in a conventional site, during which time they neither sensitize their hosts nor express detectable levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or II. These in vivo data are in accord with flow cytometric results showing that CNS progenitor cells do not express MHC class I or class II, either at baseline or upon differentiation in 10% serum. Exposure to interferon gamma, however, reversibly upregulates expression of these key transplantation antigens. Together, these results reveal CNS progenitor cells to possess inherent immune privilege. Since CNS progenitor cell allografts were rejected beneath the kidney capsule following specific sensitization of the host, CNS progenitor cells were able to display alloantigens, albeit not in an immunogenic form.
Spatio-temporal factorization of log data for understanding network events

Understanding the impacts and patterns of network events such as link flaps or hardware errors is crucial for diagnosing network anomalies. In large production networks, analyzing the log messages that record network events has become a challenging task due to the following two reasons. First, the log messages are composed of unstructured text messages generated by vendor-specific rules. Second, network equipment such as routers, switches, and RADIUS severs generate various log messages induced by network events that span across several geographical locations, network layers, protocols, and services. In this paper, we have tackled these obstacles by building two novel techniques: statistical template extraction (STE) and log tensor factorization (LTF). STE leverages a statistical clustering technique to automatically extract primary templates from unstructured log messages. LTF aims to build a statistical model that captures spatial-temporal patterns of log messages. Such spatial-temporal patterns provide useful insights into understanding the impacts and root cause of hidden network events. This paper first formulates our problem in a mathematical way. We then validate our techniques using massive amount of network log messages collected from a large operating network. We also demonstrate several case studies that validate the usefulness of our technique.
Investigation of a local absorption energy criterion for skull impacts through subject‐specific finite element head modelling

The energy absorbed by the skull depends on the impacted mass as well as the local bone characteristics expressed by bone density. The interest of this study is to gain insight into the local absorbed energy of an impact by the skull using the finite element method. CT‐scans of each subject are obtained before and after the impact experiment with a 512x512 scanning matrix, slice thickness of 1 mm, slice increment of 0.5 mm and pixel size of 0.449 mm (using a Siemens SOMATOM Sensation‐64 CT scanner). The high quality CT‐scans are segmented in MimicsTM (Materialise) to create a mask of the skull. A 3D object is calculated from the mask and exported to 3‐MaticTM (Materialise), where the mean thickness of the impact site is measured. To calculate the local bone density, Hounsfield Units of each subject are calibrated based on the CT‐scan of the European Spine Phantom with known bone mineral densities. This subject‐specific finite head model is a useful tool to investigate the influence of the subject‐specific geometry of the skull, with emphasis on the thickness and curvature of the skull at lateral side. Results of the FE head model confirm the dependence of the absorbed energy on local geometrical features. Future work will include the development of multiple subject‐specific FE models of the experimental set‐up in Abaqus in order to investigate the influence of the local geometrical characteristics on the energy criterion. Experimental results will be compared to the outcome of the FE head model of the subject, ultimately leading to a fracture criterion based on strain energy density.
Online Probabilistic Extreme Learning Machine for Distribution Modeling of Complex Batch Forging Processes

An effective model of batch forging processes is crucial to ensure the quality conformance control of batch productions. However, obtaining this model has proven difficult due to a variety of the raw forgings produced by manufacturing error, material variation, geometric defects, etc. In this paper, a novel online probabilistic extreme learning machine (ELM) is proposed to model batch forging processes. A probabilistic ELM is first developed to extract the distribution information of the batch forging processes from the data. Due to the highly linear structure of the ELM, the stochastic property of the forging process is easily derived and processed. By using the characteristics of the online ELM, a strategy is then developed to update the distribution model as new forging process data are collected. Finally, case studies on complex batch forging processes demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed online probabilistic ELM.
Memory bias for negative emotional words in recognition memory is driven by effects of category membership

Recognition memory studies often find that emotional items are more likely than neutral items to be labelled as studied. Previous work suggests this bias is driven by increased memory strength/familiarity for emotional items. We explored strength and bias interpretations of this effect with the conjecture that emotional stimuli might seem more familiar because they share features with studied items from the same category. Categorical effects were manipulated in a recognition task by presenting lists with a small, medium or large proportion of emotional words. The liberal memory bias for emotional words was only observed when a medium or large proportion of categorised words were presented in the lists. Similar, though weaker, effects were observed with categorised words that were not emotional (animal names). These results suggest that liberal memory bias for emotional items may be largely driven by effects of category membership.
Demographics of Same-Sex Couple Households with Children

Limited research has looked at the distribution of multiple categories of children under the age of 18 residing in same-sex unmarried and same-sex spousal households. This paper specifically examines the socio-demographic characteristics of same-sex couple households with children, using the 2009 American Community Survey internal data files. We describe the distribution of type of children (biological, step, adopted, non-related, or a combination of types of children) across four household forms: married opposite-sex; unmarried opposite-sex; same-sex unmarried; and same-sex with a spouse. Then, we discuss the characteristics of the households containing each type of children. Our primary results show that a larger percentage of nonrelated children live in unmarried same-sex compared with married opposite-sex households. We also find that same-sex couples with only adopted or only step children have significantly higher incomes than both married and unmarried opposite-sex households.
Chemokines in the gastric mucosa in Helicobacter pylori infection

Background—Although chemokines have been suggested to play an important role in Helicobacter pyloriassociated gastritis, few studies have investigated the role of chemokines other than interleukin 8 (IL-8) in gastric mucosa. Aims—To investigate the expression and production patterns of various chemokines using gastric biopsy specimens. Methods—In 192 patients, expression patterns of C-X-C chemokines (IL-8 and growth regulated α (GROα)) and C-C chemokines (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted (RANTES), monocyte chemotactic and activating factor (MCAF), macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α), and MIP-1β) were examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). cagA gene was identified using PCR. Results—H pylori infection was associated with increased rates of expression of mRNA for IL-8, GROα, RANTES, and MIP-1α and with increased levels of mucosal IL-8 and GROα. IL-8 and GROα levels correlated with the density of H pylori in both the antrum and corpus. The levels of these chemokines correlated with cellular infiltration in the antrum but not the corpus. cagA gene positive H pyloriinfection was associated with increased rates of expression of mRNA for IL-8 and GROα and with increased levels of these chemokines. Conclusion—H pylori infection is associated with increased expression rates and production of C-X-C chemokines (IL-8 and GROα), but not with increased production of C-C chemokines. Although H pylori infection is associated with increased C-X-C chemokines in the antrum and corpus, there is a difference in the inflammatory response between these two areas of the stomach.
Dynamic signatures representation using the minimum jerk principle

In this paper, we propose to use the minimum jerk principle for representing on-line signatures. We briefly describe the minimum jerk model and the automatic procedure we propose for its implementation with signatures. Results on the MCYT-100 signature database are analysed regarding reconstruction error, residual analysis and stability. These results show that, despite its simplicity, the proposed model agrees with previous works on signature modelling and entropy-based signature categorization. Finally, possible applications and future works are suggested.