Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Helminth-Modified Pulmonary Immune Response Protects Mice from Allergen-Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness1

It has been shown that the presence of certain helminth infections in humans, including schistosomes, may reduce the propensity to develop allergies in infected populations. Using a mouse model of schistosome worm vs worm + egg infection, our objective was to dissect the mechanisms underlying the inverse relationship between helminth infections and allergies. We have demonstrated that conventional Schistosoma mansoni egg-laying male and female worm infection of mice exacerbates airway hyperresponsiveness. In contrast, mice infected with only schistosome male worms, precluding egg production, were protected from OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness. Worm-infected mice developed a novel modified type 2 cytokine response in the lungs, with elevated allergen-specific IL-4 and IL-13 but reduced IL-5, and increased IL-10. Although schistosome worm-only infection is a laboratory model, these data illustrate the complexity of schistosome modulation of host immunity by the worm vs egg stages of this helminth, with the potential of infections to aggravate or suppress allergic pulmonary inflammation. Thus, infection of mice with a human parasitic worm can result in reduced airway inflammation in response to a model allergen.
Distillers Grains

for Dairy Cattle as a PROTEIN and ENERGY SUPPLEMENT Distillers grains are coproducts produced from the fermentation of grains for alcohol. Traditionally, alcohol was produced mainly for the beverage liquor industry, but in the last 25 years its use as an alternative fuel has increased significantly. This increased demand has led to the development of ethanol production plants in North Dakota and the surrounding region. With production increasing, the opportunity exists for using a substantial quantity of distillers grains in dairy rations.
Envelope delta-sigma-modulated voltage-mode class-S PA

This paper reports on a digital transmitter architecture for the 450 MHz band using an envelope delta-sigma modulator realized in CMOS and a voltage-mode class-S PA based on GaN MMICs. The class-S PA is characterized with narrowband single-tone signals and a single-carrier downlink WCDMA signal with a peak-to-average power ratio of 7.5 dB. Using single-tone excitation the PA shows a maximum drain efficiency of 86% and a peak output power of 4.4 W. At 6 dB and 10 dB back-off, 59% and 36% efficiency are achieved, respectively. With the WCDMA input signal a maximum drain efficiency of 64% and an output power of 0.7 W is reached. The ACLR shows values of about -34 dBc (5 MHz) and -38 dBc (10 MHz). This is the first complete voltage-mode class-S PA chain characterized with standard communication signals.
Role of Environmental Confounding in the Association between FKBP5 and First-Episode Psychosis

Background: Failure to account for the etiological diversity that typically occurs in psychiatric cohorts may increase the potential for confounding as a proportion of genetic variance will be specific to exposures that have varying distributions in cases. This study investigated whether minimizing the potential for such confounding strengthened the evidence for a genetic candidate currently unsupported at the genome-wide level. Methods: Two hundred and ninety-one first-episode psychosis cases from South London, UK and 218 unaffected controls were evaluated for a functional polymorphism at the rs1360780 locus in FKBP5. The relationship between FKBP5 and psychosis was modeled using logistic regression. Cannabis use (Cannabis Experiences Questionnaire) and parental separation (Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire) were included as confounders in the analysis. Results: Association at rs1360780 was not detected until the effects of the two environmental factors had been adjusted for in the model (OR = 2.81, 95% CI 1.23–6.43, p = 0.02). A statistical interaction between rs1360780 and parental separation was confirmed by stratified tests (OR = 2.8, p = 0.02 vs. OR = 0.89, p = 0.80). The genetic main effect was directionally consistent with findings in other (stress-related) clinical phenotypes. Moreover, the variation in effect magnitude was explained by the level of power associated with different cannabis constructs used in the model (r = 0.95). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the extent to which genetic variants in FKBP5 can influence susceptibility to psychosis may depend on other etiological factors. This finding requires further validation in large independent cohorts. Potentially this work could have translational implications; the ability to discriminate between genetic etiologies based on a case-by-case understanding of previous environmental exposures would confer an important clinical advantage that would benefit the delivery of personalizable treatment strategies.
' s personal copy Limited participation and consumption-saving puzzles : A simple explanation and the role of insurance $

In this paper, we show that the existence of a large, negative wealth shock and insufficient insurance against such a shock could explain both the limited stock market participation puzzle and the low-consumption–high-savings puzzle. We then conduct an empirical analysis on the relation between household portfolio choices and access to private insurance and various types of government safety nets. The empirical results demonstrate that a lack of insurance against large, negative wealth shocks is positively correlated with lower participation rates and higher saving rates. Overall, the evidence suggests an important role of insurance in household investment and savings decisions. & 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
On Minimal Valid Inequalities for Mixed Integer Conic Programs

We study disjunctive conic sets involving a general regular (closed, convex, full dimensional, and pointed) cone (K-script) such as the nonnegative orthant, the Lorentz cone, or the positive semidefinite cone. In a unified framework, we introduce (K-script) -minimal inequalities and show that, under mild assumptions, these inequalities together with the trivial cone-implied inequalities are sufficient to describe the convex hull. We focus on the properties of (K-script) -minimal inequalities by establishing algebraic necessary conditions for an inequality to be (K-script) -minimal. This characterization leads to a broader algebraically defined class of (K-script) -sublinear inequalities. We demonstrate a close connection between (K-script) -sublinear inequalities and the support functions of convex sets with a particular structure. This connection results in practical ways of verifying (K-script) -sublinearity and/or (K-script) -minimality of inequalities.Our study generalizes some of the results from the mixed integer linear case. It is well known that the minimal inequalities for mixed integer linear programs are generated by sublinear (positively homogeneous, subadditive, and convex) functions that are also piecewise linear. Our analysis easily recovers this result. However, in the case of general regular cones other than the nonnegative orthant, our study reveals that such a cut-generating function view, which treats the data associated with each individual variable independently, is far from sufficient.
Data format selection for an I/O-intensive large-scale FDTD

One of the bottle-necks of the large-scale FDTD calculation is the data I/O. Although PFS improves the I/O performance it is not always available. Under the computational environment without PVFS and local disks for each PE, limitation on the number of nodes which can produce the output data improves the scalability. HDF5 is compared with the ASCII format and the binary formats from the perspective of the computational efficiency. It becomes clear that HDF5 is beneficial when more than 24 PEs are used and more than 1 GB of data in ASCII format are produced. The effect of the number of files on the datafile production time as seen in Figure 2 and Figure 3 is under investigation for the presentation in the conference. Since it is difficult to install and maintain scientific format libraries, they are usually not present on wide-access HPC systems. This means high portability of the code using any scientific format is currently not achievable.
Multimodal Residual Learning for Visual QA

Deep neural networks continue to advance the state-of-the-art of image recognition tasks with various methods. However, applications of these methods to multimodality remain limited. We present Multimodal Residual Networks (MRN) for the multimodal residual learning of visual question-answering, which extends the idea of the deep residual learning. Unlike the deep residual learning, MRN effectively learns the joint representation from vision and language information. The main idea is to use element-wise multiplication for the joint residual mappings exploiting the residual learning of the attentional models in recent studies. Various alternative models introduced by multimodality are explored based on our study. We achieve the state-of-the-art results on the Visual QA dataset for both Open-Ended and Multiple-Choice tasks. Moreover, we introduce a novel method to visualize the attention effect of the joint representations for each learning block using back-propagation algorithm, even though the visual features are collapsed without spatial information.
Minichromosomes derived from the B chromosome of maize

Fourteen minichromosomes derived from the B chromosome of maize are described. The centromeric region of the B chromosome contains a specific repetitive DNA element called the B repeat. This sequence was used to determine the transmission frequency of the different types of minichromosomes over several generations via Southern blot analysis at each generation. In general, the minichromosomes have transmission rates below the theoretical 50% frequency of a univalent chromosome. The gross structure of each minichromosome was determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on root tip chromosome spreads. The presence of the B centromeric repeat and of the adjacent heterochromatic knob sequences was determined for each minichromosome. In two cases, the amount of the centromeric knob repeat is increased relative to the progenitor chromosome. Other isolates have reduced or undetectable levels of the knob sequence. Potential uses of the minichromosomes are discussed.
Habitat-mediated size selection in endangered Atlantic salmon fry: selectional restoration assessment

Preservation of adaptive variation is a top priority of many species restoration programs, but most restoration activities are conducted without direct knowledge of selection that might foster or impair adaptation and restoration goals. In this study, we quantified geographic variation in selection on fry size of endangered Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) during the 6‐week period immediately following stocking in the wild. We also used a model selection approach to assess whether habitat variables influence patterns of such selection. We found evidence for significant size‐selection in five out of six selection trials. Interestingly, the strength and pattern of selection varied extensively among sites, and model selection suggested that this variation in phenotypic selection was related to geographic variation in the presence of large woody debris and the slope of the stream gradient. The strong selection differentials we observed should be a concern for endangered salmon restoration, whether they reflect natural processes and an opportunity to maintain adaptation, or an indicator of the potentially deleterious phenotypic consequences of hatchery practices.
Influence of obesity on short- and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

PURPOSE Despite the increasing prevalence of obesity and gastric diseases, the impact of obesity on short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer still remains unclear. METHODS Sixty-one consecutive obese patients with body mass index (BMI)≥30 kg/m2, who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy, were compared with 76 non-obese patients with BMI<30 kg/m2. Short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed in both groups. RESULTS Obesity was associated with a longer operative time and a greater estimated blood loss. The rate of conversion to open distal gastrectomy was similar between the two groups. There were no 30-day postoperative deaths in either group. There was no significant difference in the overall number or severity of 30-day postoperative complications between the two groups. Regarding long-term survival outcomes, there was no statistical difference in overall (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that BMI did not influence prognosis. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy appears to be a safe and reasonable option for selected obese patients with gastric cancer and results in short- and long-term outcomes similar to those in non-obese patients.
Analysis of gyrA mutations in quinolone‐resistant and ‐susceptible Campylobacter jejuni isolates from retail poultry and human clinical isolates by non‐radioactive single‐strand conformation polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing

Aims: The aims of this study were to characterize the molecular variations in the quinolone resistance‐determining region (QRDR) of gyrA among quinolone‐resistant and ‐susceptible Campylobacter jejuni isolates originating from foods of animal origin and human infections and to evaluate the suitability of the single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method as a screening method for molecular characterization of fluoroquinolone resistance.
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF SARCOCYTIS FUSIFORMIS AND SARCOCYSTIS BUFFALONIS INFECTING WATER BUFFALOES (BUBALUS BUBALIS) FROM EGYPT

Parasites of the genus Sarcocystis have the ability to infect wide range of animals, birds and reptiles. Water buffaloes are intermediate hosts for four Sarcocystis species; S. fusiformis , S. buffalonis , S. levinei and S. dubeyi . There was no previous molecular identification of Sarcocystis spp. parasitizing water buffaloes from Egypt. The current study was established to screen infection rates and apply genetic identification of the macroscopic Sarcocystis spp. infecting Egyptian water buffalos in El-Gharb ia province, Egypt. Sarcocysts of both S. fusiformis and S. buffalonis were grossly examined through meat inspection in sl aughterhouse, followed by histological identification of the dete cted sarcocysts. Finally, molecular identification using PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 18 S rRNA gene was conducted. Comparison of the obtained sequences of the local tested isolates of both S. fusiformis and S. buffalonis with those previously reported for different Sarcocystis species those were recorded in Genbank, revealed t hat all the tested specimens represented both S. fusiformis and S. buffalonis . Moreover, sequence alignments of the partial 18S rRNA gene ascertained the presence of genetic variations revealing the heterogenic nature of the g ene among different strains of the same Sarcocystis species in relation to the geographic distribution .
Coupling X-Ray and optical tomography systems for in vivo examination of small animals

For the purpose of the co-registration of fluorescence optical signal and X-rays measurements, a multimodality tomographer has been developed in our laboratory. Such a system brings the possibility to get, on the same bench, in vivo both anatomical and functional information. Moreover, the information on the morphology of the animal can be used as a regularization factor in order to get the reconstructions of the biodistribution of fluorochromes more accurate and to reduce the computation time. A study on homogeneous phantoms was conducted to evaluate the feasibility, to test the linearity and the reproducibility, and to fix the parameters for the co-registration. More cumbersome phantoms (sacrificed mice) have then been considered and the test experiments were reproduced. Finally, results of a study conducted in vivo on mice bearing tumors in the lungs, tagged with different types of optical probes, are presented.
Inaudible Sound as a Covert Channel in Mobile Devices

Mobile devices can be protected by a variety of information flow control systems. These systems can prevent Trojans from leaking secrets over network connections. As mobile devices become more secure, attackers will begin to use unconventional methods for exfiltrating data. We propose two sound-based covert channels, ultrasonic and isolated sound. Speakers on mobile devices can produce frequencies too high for most humans to hear. This ultrasonic sound can be received by a microphone on the same device or on another device. We implemented an ultrasonic modem for Android and found that it could send signals up to 100 feet away. We also determined that this attack is practical with the transmitter inside of a pocket. Android devices with vibrators can produce short vibrations which create isolated sound. These vibrations can be detected by the accelerometer, but they are not loud enough for humans to hear. If performed while the user is not holding the device, the vibrations will not be noticed. Both covert channels can stealthily bypass many information flow control mechanisms. We propose several simple solutions to these vulnerabilities. In order to guarantee information flow control, sound-based channels must be regulated.
Regional Brain Activation Evoked When Approaching a Virtual Human on a Virtual Walk

We investigated the necessity of biological motion for activation of the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) in circumstances in which the rapid approach of the observer to a virtual human induced the observer to make inferences about the characters intentions. Using a virtual reality environment, subjects experienced themselves walking towards a complex scene composed of animate and/or inanimate objects. During person trials, the scene contained a virtual human either making a simple gesture such as scratching his face (Study 1) or standing completely still (Study 2). During object trials, the scenes contained items such as furniture, a face portrait, and a clock, but not the virtual human. Using functional MRI to measure brain activity, we demonstrated strong activity in the pSTS while the observer approached the social scene, but only when the virtual human was making gestures. This result emphasizes the importance of biological motion in inferring the intentions of others.
Interactive Realistic Simulation of Wireless Networks

Ray tracing is the core technology that enables the physically correct simulation of light transport. Much progress has been made to increase the efficiency of the basic algorithm and it lends itself to simulations outside the domain of computer graphics. We explore current ray tracing technology to simulate wireless networks at interactive rates. Other than in classic computer graphics diffraction contributes important parts of the solution, but is difficult to capture. We present a ray tracing based algorithm that outperforms state of the art simulation technology by far, as verified by a real-world experiment.
Costs of autism spectrum disorders in the United Kingdom and the United States.

IMPORTANCE The economic effect of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) on individuals with the disorder, their families, and society as a whole is poorly understood and has not been updated in light of recent findings. OBJECTIVE To update estimates of age-specific, direct, indirect, and lifetime societal economic costs, including new findings on indirect costs, such as individual and parental productivity costs, associated with ASDs. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A literature review was conducted of US and UK studies on individuals with ASDs and their families in October 2013 using the following keywords: age, autism spectrum disorder, prevalence, accommodation, special education, productivity loss, employment, costs, and economics. Current data on prevalence, level of functioning, and place of residence were combined with mean annual costs of services and support, opportunity costs, and productivity losses of individuals with ASDs with or without intellectual disability. EXPOSURE Presence of ASDs. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Mean annual medical, nonmedical, and indirect economic costs and lifetime costs were measured for individuals with ASDs separately for individuals with and without intellectual disability in the United States and the United Kingdom. RESULTS The cost of supporting an individual with an ASD and intellectual disability during his or her lifespan was $2.4 million in the United States and £1.5 million (US $2.2 million) in the United Kingdom. The cost of supporting an individual with an ASD without intellectual disability was $1.4 million in the United States and £0.92 million (US $1.4 million) in the United Kingdom. The largest cost components for children were special education services and parental productivity loss. During adulthood, residential care or supportive living accommodation and individual productivity loss contributed the highest costs. Medical costs were much higher for adults than for children. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The substantial direct and indirect economic effect of ASDs emphasizes the need to continue to search for effective interventions that make best use of scarce societal resources. The distribution of economic effect across many different service systems raises questions about coordination of services and sectors. The enormous effect on families also warrants policy attention.
The Health Promoting Schools Framework: Known Unknowns and an Agenda for Future Research

The World Health Organization’s Health Promoting Schools (HPS) framework is a whole-school approach to promoting health that recognizes the intrinsic relationship between health and education. Our recent Cochrane systematic review found HPS interventions produced improvements in a number of student health outcomes. Here we reflect on what this review was not able to tell us: in other words, what evidence is missing with regard to the HPS approach. Few HPS interventions engage with schools’ “core business” by examining impacts on educational outcomes. Current evidence is dominated by obesity interventions, with most studies conducted with children rather than adolescents. Evidence is lacking for outcomes such as mental or sexual health, substance use, and violence. Activities to engage families and communities are currently weak and unlikely to prompt behavioral change. The HPS approach is largely absent in low-income settings, despite its potential in meeting children’s basic health needs. Intervention theories are insufficiently complex, often ignoring upstream determinants of health. Few studies provide evidence on intervention sustainability or cost-effectiveness, nor in-depth contextual or process data. We set out an agenda for future school health promotion research, considering implications for key stakeholders, namely, national governments, research funders, academics, and schools.