Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mycetoma: An Update

Mycetoma is a localized chronic, suppurative, and deforming granulomatous infection seen in tropical and subtropical areas. It is a disorder of subcutaneous tissue, skin and bones, mainly of feet, characterized by a triad of localized swelling, underlying sinus tracts, and production of grains or granules. Etiological classification divides it into eumycetoma caused by fungus, and actinomycetoma caused by bacteria. Since the treatment of these two etiologies is entirely different, a definite diagnosis after histopathological and microbiological examination is mandatory, though difficult. Serological test exists but is not so reliable; however, molecular techniques to identify relevant antigens have shown promise. The disease is notoriously difficult to treat. Eumycetoma may be unresponsive to standard antifungal therapy. Actinomycetoma responds to antibiotic therapy, but prolonged treatment is necessary.This review focuses on the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, and treatment of mycetoma.
Neurocognitive determinants of novelty and sensation-seeking in individuals with alcoholism.

AIM Sober alcoholic abusers exhibit personality traits such as novelty-seeking (NS) and sensation-seeking, which overlap to a limited extent. In parallel, they also show impaired executive and decision-making processes. However, little is known about the specific and common cognitive processes associated with NS and sensation-seeking personality traits in detoxified sober alcoholic abusers. METHODS In these present studies, we have investigated the relationships between executive functioning/central executive of working memory (pre-potent response inhibition, manipulation stored in working memory), and decision-making under uncertainty and NS/sensation-seeking traits in such alcoholics. RESULTS Compared with healthy controls (n = 30, mean age = 40.2), and in agreement with previous studies, alcoholics (n = 30, mean age = 40.4) showed higher levels of both NS and sensation-seeking traits. Alcoholics were also disadvantaged with respect to (a) gambling tasks, as reported previously, and (b) a poor ability to manipulate information stored in working memory and inhibit pre-potent responses. Most importantly, regression analyses and mediation analyses measures showed that poor response inhibition and decision-making were associated with high NS behaviour. In addition, impaired decision-making and manipulation of stored information in working memory were associated with a high sensation-seeking trait. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these results support the existence of specific links between cognitive executive functioning, decision-making under uncertainty and NS/sensation-seeking personality traits in individuals with alcoholism.
Estimating Derivatives in Nonseparable Models with Limited Dependent Variables

We present a simple way to estimate the effects of changes in a vector of observable variables X on a limited dependent variable Y when Y is a general nonseparable function of X and unobservables. We treat models in which Y is censored from above or below or potentially from both. The basic idea is to first estimate the derivative of the conditional mean of Y given X at x with respect to x on the uncensored sample without correcting for the effect of changes in x induced on the censored population. We then correct the derivative for the effects of the selection bias. We propose nonparametric and semiparametric estimators for the derivative. As extensions, we discuss the cases of discrete regressors, measurement error in dependent variables, and endogenous regressors in a cross section and panel data context.
Flow-optimized Cooperative Transmission for the Relay Channel

This paper describes an approach for half-duplex cooperative transmission in a classical three-node relay channel. Assuming availability of channel state information at nodes, the approach makes use of this information to optimize distinct flows through the direct link from the source to the destination and the path via the relay, respectively. It is shown that such a design can effectively harness diversity advantage of the relay channel in both high-rate and low-rate scenarios. When the rate requirement is low, the proposed design gives a second-order outage diversity performance approaching that of full-duplex relaying. When the rate requirement becomes asymptotically large, the design still gives a close-to-second-order outage diversity performance. The design also achieves the best diversity-multiplexing tradeoff possible for the relay channel. With optimal long-term power control over the fading relay channel, the proposed design achieves a delay-limited rate performance that is only 3.0dB (5.4dB) worse than the capacity performance of the additive white Gaussian channel in low- (high-) rate scenarios.
Vagabond Shoes Longing to Stray: Why Foreign Firms List in the United States

How do firms that go public decide whether to list on a major stock exchange or locally? Using a unique data set on Israeli IPO? s in the US and Tel Aviv, we show that companies that list in the US are young and overwhelmingly high-tech oriented. We argue that high-quality innovative firms are willing to incur additional costs associated with listing in the US in order to reveal their value and distinguish themselves from firms that issue stock back home. Costs of listing in the US include first day underpricing and relinquishing corporate control.
JUVENILE CRIME, AGGRESSION AND DELINQUENCY AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE

This longitudinal study sought to examine whether sexual abuse is associated with subsequent juvenile offending, aggression and delinquency after controlling for a range of confounding variables. The study group consisted of children with substantiated sexual abuse who presented to hospitals in Sydney, Australia. Nine years after intake, 38 abused young people and 68 non-abused young people were interviewed and assessed. Interviews were also conducted with parents. After adjusting for age, sex, socio-economic status and whether the child was living with biological parents at intake or not, a history of child sexual abuse predicted self-reported criminal behaviour and parents' rating of the young person's aggressiveness. This indicates that child sexual abuse is an independent risk factor for offending and delinquent behaviour.
Long-Term Control of Endemic Hospital-Wide Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): The Impact of Targeted Active Surveillance for MRSA in Patients and Healthcare Workers

Objective. To evaluate the long-term impact of successive interventions on rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization or infection and MRSA bacteremia in an endemic hospital-wide situation. Design. Quasi-experimental, interrupted time-series analysis. The impact of the interventions was analyzed by use of segmented regression. Representative MRSA isolates were typed by use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Setting. A 950-bed teaching hospital in Seville, Spain. Patients. All patients admitted to the hospital during the period from 1995 through 2008. Methods. Three successive interventions were studied: (1) contact precautions, with no active surveillance for MRSA; (2) targeted active surveillance for MRSA in patients and healthcare workers in specific wards, prioritized according to clinical epidemiology data; and (3) targeted active surveillance for MRSA in patients admitted from other medical centers. Results. Neither the preintervention rate of MRSA colonization or infection (0.56 cases per 1,000 patient-days [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.49-0.62 cases per 1,000 patient-days]) nor the slope for the rate of MRSA colonization or infection changed significantly after the first intervention. The rate decreased significantly to 0.28 cases per 1,000 patient-days (95% CI, 0.17-0.40 cases per 1,000 patient-days) after the second intervention and to 0.07 cases per 1,000 patient-days (95% CI, 0.06-0.08 cases per 1,000 patient-days) after the third intervention, and the rate remained at a similar level for 8 years. The MRSA bacteremia rate decreased by 80%, whereas the rate of bacteremia due to methicillin-susceptible S. aureus did not change. Eighty-three percent of the MRSA isolates identified were clonally related. All MRSA isolates obtained from healthcare workers were clonally related to those recovered from patients who were in their care. Conclusion. Our data indicate that long-term control of endemic MRSA is feasible in tertiary care centers. The use of targeted active surveillance for MRSA in patients and healthcare workers in specific wards (identified by means of analysis of clinical epidemiology data) and the use of decolonization were key to the success of the program.
Nursing staff members' intentions to use physical restraints with older people: testing the theory of reasoned action.

AIM OF THE STUDY To examine nursing staff members' attitudes, subjective norms, moral obligations and intentions to use physical restraints, using the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). RATIONALE During the last two decades an extensive body of research has examined nurses' attitudes as one of the main factors affecting the decision to use or not to use physical restraints with older persons. However, no studies have examined empirically the antecedents to nurses' intentions to use physical restraints within a theoretically based framework. METHOD A correlational design was used with 303 nursing staff members from an 800-bed elder care hospital in central Israel. Participants completed a questionnaire including questions based on the TRA as well as socio-demographic and professional characteristics. RESULTS Regression analyses found attitudes, subjective norms and moral considerations to be significantly associated to intention to use physical restraints with older people. The TRA explained 48% of the variance in nurses' intentions. CONCLUSIONS The TRA proved to be a useful framework for examining nurses' intentions to use physical restraints. Nurses' attitudes, beliefs and expectations of significant others should be examined before implementing educational programmes regarding the use of physical restraints.
The water retention properties of a natural unsaturated loess from northern France

The water retention properties of a natural loess from northern France were investigated on intact block samples that were excavated along a high-speed train line (TGV) that experienced stability problems during heavy rain episodes. Suction measurements were made by using the filter paper method and an in-house constructed high-capacity tensiometer (HCT) so as to determine the water retention curve of the loess. The results showed that an alternative approach using a previously wetted filter paper could fruitfully be used with suction values reasonably compatible with the HCT measurements. The water retention curve obtained exhibited a peculiar form, with no hysteresis observed around the natural water content (14·4%) and two hysteresis loops on both the wet and dry sides of the curve. It is hypothesised that this zone with no hysteresis corresponds to the natural variations of the water content under seasonal changes, providing a range of natural suction between 20 and 80 kPa, and it is suggested that this should be checked by in situ measurements. The loess microstructure was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. It appeared that the clay fraction (16%) was not uniformly distributed, with some areas composed of clean grains and a well-graded corresponding intergrain pore population. Conversely, the clay aggregations define a smaller-sized porosity. The calculation of a water retention curve derived from the pore size distribution curve showed that water retention is governed by capillarity in the largest pores between clean grains, whereas clay adsorption becomes dominant in the smallest pores, a zone where the microstructure is sensitive to change in water content.
YPERPARAMETER O PTIMIZATION IN L EARNING S YSTEMS

We study two procedures (reverse-mode and forward-mode) for computing the gradient of the validation error with respect to the hyperparameters of any iterative learning algorithm. These procedures mirror two ways of computing gradients for recurrent neural networks and have different trade-offs in terms of running time and space requirements. The reverse-mode procedure extends previous work by Maclaurin et al. (2015) and offers the opportunity to insert constraints on the hyperparameters in a natural way. The forward-mode procedure is suitable for real-time hyperparameter updates, which may significantly speedup the overall hyperparameter optimization process.
On the existence of optimum cyclic burst-correcting codes

It is shown that for each integer b \geq 1 infinitely many optimum cyclic b -burst-correcting codes exist, i.e., codes whose length n , redundancy r , and burst-correcting capability b , satisfy n = 2^{r-b+1} - 1 . Some optimum codes for b = 3, 4 , and 5 are also studied in detail.
Discovery and Validation of DNA Hypomethylation Biomarkers for Liver Cancer Using HRM-Specific Probes

Poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with late diagnosis necessitates the development of early diagnostic biomarkers. We have previously delineated the landscape of DNA methylation in HCC patients unraveling the importance of promoter hypomethylation in activation of cancer- and metastasis-driving genes. The purpose of the present study was to test the feasibility that genes that are hypomethylated in HCC could serve as candidate diagnostic markers. We use high resolution melting analysis (HRM) as a simple translatable PCR-based method to define methylation states in clinical samples. We tested seven regions selected from the shortlist of genes hypomethylated in HCC and showed that HRM analysis of several of them distinguishes methylation states in liver cancer specimens from normal adjacent liver and chronic hepatitis in the Shanghai area. Such regions were identified within promoters of neuronal membrane glycoprotein M6-B (GPM6B) and melanoma antigen family A12 (MAGEA12) genes. Differences in HRM in the immunoglobulin superfamily Fc receptor (FCRL1) separated invasive tumors from less invasive HCC. The identified biomarkers differentiated HCC from chronic hepatitis in another set of samples from Dhaka. Although the main thrust in DNA methylation diagnostics in cancer is on hypermethylated genes, our study for the first time illustrates the potential use of hypomethylated genes as markers for solid tumors. After further validation in a larger cohort, the identified DNA hypomethylated regions can become important candidate biomarkers for liver cancer diagnosis and prognosis, especially in populations with high risk for HCC development.
Psychosocial, Organizational and Cultural Aspects of Terrorism (Aspects Psychosociaux, Organisationnels et Culturels du Terrorisme)

Abstract : The NATO Human Factors and Medicine Research and Technology Task Group 140, Psychosocial, Organizational and Cultural Aspects of Terrorism Final Report gives a comprehensive look at the issues of terrorism, radicalization, counter radicalization, and deradicalization and addresses resilience to terrorism as well. It examines the role of instigators, ideologues, supporters and operators, and the effects of terrorism on those working to fight it, those who work in high threat security environments and on the general public. Reports regarding Europe, Pakistan, and the Middle East highlight changes in terrorism leadership, groups, strategies, ideologies, recruitment and the use of the Internet. Holistic models of terrorism as well as resilience to terrorism are presented by the group, with research into counter-terrorism efforts within prisons, in communities and efforts to understand the motivations and psychology of terrorists and their victims.
Human tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 suppresses the wound-healing activities of human Tenon’s capsule fibroblasts in vitro

Purpose Human tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2) is a potent inhibitor of plasmin, which activates metalloproteinases involved in extracellular matrix degradation. Its secretion in the extracellular matrix makes TFPI-2 a potential inhibitor of tumor cell invasion. However, no studies have yet evaluated the wound-healing activities of human Tenon’s capsule fibroblasts (hTCFs). The aim of the study is to elucidate the effect of TFPI-2 overexpression on hTCF proliferation and migration, to determine whether TFPI-2 may act as an antiscarring agent in vivo after glaucoma filtration surgery. Methods Plasmid vector pBos-Cite-neo/TFPI-2 was transfected into hTCFs with Lipofectamine 2000. After selection by G418, transfected, non-transfected, and mock-transfected cells were screened for TFPI-2 mRNA and protein by reverse transcription-PCR and western blot analysis respectively. Cell proliferation and viability were determined by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry. Cell migration was studied on restrained collagen gels and with a scratch-wound assay. Results TFPI-2 expression of mRNA and protein was confirmed in transfected cells. The transfected, non-transfected, and mock-transfected cells showed no significant difference in cell proliferation and apoptosis, with TFPI-2 found not to be cytotoxic in hTCFs. Overexpression of TFPI-2 significantly suppressed cell migration three- to four-fold on collagen gel for 2 weeks and in the scratch-wound assay for 2 d (39.27±2.40% versus 16.43±1.10% at 1 d, and 79.0±3.04% versus 30.13±2.1% at 2 d). Conclusions TFPI-2 expression may strongly inhibit the migration ability of hTCFs in vitro, making it a promising candidate for novel therapies to minimize scar development after glaucoma drainage surgery.
Dissociable Contributions of the Human Amygdala and Orbitofrontal Cortex to Incentive Motivation and Goal Selection

Theories of incentive motivation attempt to capture the way in which objects and events in the world can acquire high motivational value and drive behavior, even in the absence of a clear biological need. In addition, for an individual to select the most appropriate goal, the incentive values of competing desirable objects need to be defined and compared. The present study examined the neural substrates by which appetitive incentive value influences prospective goal selection, using positron emission tomographic neuroimaging in humans. Sated subjects were shown a series of restaurant menus that varied in incentive value, specifically tailored for each individual, and in half the trials, were asked to make a selection from the menu. The amygdala was activated by high-incentive menus regardless of whether a choice was required. Indeed, activity in this region varied as a function of individual subjective ratings of incentive value. In contrast, distinct regions of the orbitofrontal cortex were recruited both during incentive judgments and goal selection. Activity in the medial orbital cortex showed a greater response to high-incentive menus and when making a choice, with the latter activity also correlating with subjective ratings of difficulty. Lateral orbitofrontal activity was observed selectively when participants had to suppress responses to alternative desirable items to select their most preferred. Taken together, these data highlight the differential contribution of the amygdala and regions within the orbitofrontal cortex in a neural system underlying the selection of goals based on the prospective incentive value of stimuli, over and above homeostatic influences.
3-D semivectorial analysis to calculate facet reflectivities of semiconductor optical waveguides based on the bi-directional method of line BPM (MoL-BPM)

Direct three-dimensional (3-D) calculation of the facet reflectivities to the air of semiconductor strip-loaded and buried optical waveguides is reported. The analytical procedure is based on the semivectorial bi-directional method of line BPM (MoL-BPM). The results indicate that widely utilized two-dimensional (2-D) analytical methods cannot be applied to semiconductor waveguides that have cores with small aspect ratios, and that strip-loaded and buried optical waveguides behave very differently as regards their ridge and core widths. The radiation losses at facet reflections are also clarified.
Postglacial recolonization and cpDNA variation of silver birch, Betula pendula

Chloroplast PCR‐RFLP markers were used to reconstruct the history of the silver birch, Betula pendula Roth, in Europe since the last glacial maximum (LGM). In birch, fossil pollen maps do not reveal a clear chronological sequence of postglacial spread. If anything, the pollen record suggests that most of Europe was recolonized by birches as early as 10 000 bp, probably from populations that remained close to the ice sheets during the LGM. The geographical distribution of haplotypes supports a scenario of early colonization. Two of the 13 haplotypes that were observed are common, representing 35% and 49% of the total sample, respectively. Although one of the common haplotypes is predominant in the NW and the other in the SE, both are present throughout most of the investigated geographical area. Rare haplotypes are geographically restricted. The distribution of the haplotypes reveals five genetic boundaries between groups of haplotypes and allows us to infer patterns of postglacial recolonization. Europe was re‐occupied by two main waves of recolonization: one eastern and one western, with origins at intermediate latitudes. Populations in the Iberian Peninsula and in Italy did not take part in the postglacial recolonization of Europe.
An Electronic Nose for Reliable Measurement and Correct Classification of Beverages

This paper reports the design of an electronic nose (E-nose) prototype for reliable measurement and correct classification of beverages. The prototype was developed and fabricated in the laboratory using commercially available metal oxide gas sensors and a temperature sensor. The repeatability, reproducibility and discriminative ability of the developed E-nose prototype were tested on odors emanating from different beverages such as blackcurrant juice, mango juice and orange juice, respectively. Repeated measurements of three beverages showed very high correlation (r > 0.97) between the same beverages to verify the repeatability. The prototype also produced highly correlated patterns (r > 0.97) in the measurement of beverages using different sensor batches to verify its reproducibility. The E-nose prototype also possessed good discriminative ability whereby it was able to produce different patterns for different beverages, different milk heat treatments (ultra high temperature, pasteurization) and fresh and spoiled milks. The discriminative ability of the E-nose was evaluated using Principal Component Analysis and a Multi Layer Perception Neural Network, with both methods showing good classification results.