Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Clinical Specimens of Patients Suspected of Having Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis by Application of Nested PCR on Five Different Genes

Definitive and rapid diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is challenging since conventional techniques have limitations due to the paucibacillary nature of the disease. To increase the sensitivity of detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in EPTB specimens, we performed a nested PCR assay targeting several genes of MTB on EPTB specimens. A total of 100 clinical specimens from suspected cases of EPTB were processed. Standard staining for acid fast bacilli (AFB) was performed as the preliminary screening test. Extracted DNAs from specimens were subjected to Nested PCR technique for the detection of five different MTB target genes of IS6110, IS1081, hsp65kd, mbp64, and mtp40. On performing AFB staining, only 13% of specimens were positive, of which ascites fluid (33.3%), followed by pleural effusion (30.8%) showed the greatest AFB positivity rate. We demonstrated slight improvement in yields in lymph node which comprised the majority of specimens in this study, by employing PCR targeted to IS6110- and hsp65-genes in comparison to AFB staining. However, the yields in ascites fluid and pleural effusion were not substantially improved by PCR, but those from bone and wound were, as in nested PCR employing either gene, the same positivity rate were obtained for ascites fluid (33.3%), while for pleural effusion specimens only IS1081 based PCR showed identical positivity rate with AFB stain (30.8%). The results for bone and wound specimens, however, demonstrated an improved yield mainly by employing IS1081 gene. Here, we report higher detection rate of EPTB in clinical specimens using five different targeted MTB genes. This nested PCR approach facilitates the comparison and the selection of the most frequently detected genes. Of course this study demonstrated the priority of IS1081 followed by mtp40 and IS6110, among the five tested genes and indicates the effectiveness of any of the three genes in the design of an efficient nested-PCR test that facilitates an early diagnosis of paucibacillary EPTB cases, which are difficult to diagnose with the available standard.
Channel prediction and network coding for smart gateway diversity in terabit satellite networks

This paper explores the network design implications to be taken into account in Smart Gateway Diversity (SGD) satellite systems, where gateway outage events have to be counteracted by efficient handover procedures. In more detail, enabling high data-rate satellite systems in these conditions requires efficient coordination strategies between gateways, upstream routers and Network Control Centre (NCC) to precisely estimate the need of handover and to efficiently manage the satellite resources. To this regard, this paper adopts a simple channel estimation algorithm and applies network coding to cope with packet losses deriving from possible inaccuracies on the prediction of the handover time. The results obtained via simulation confirm the capabilities of network-coding-based approaches and pave the way for further studies in the area of network for SGD satellite systems.
Speech-balloon Shapes Estimation for Emotional Text Communication

The purpose of this study is to visualize speech nuance using speech-balloon shapes in text-based communication. Though speech nuance disappears in a text communication, comic readers can recognize speech nuance from the speech-balloon shape, which expresses nuances, emotions, and intentions. Through the subjective evaluation experiments, we confirmed that the shapes of speech-balloon changed the emotion towards the phrases. In this paper, we focus on the relationships between the linguistic features of speech and speech-balloon shapes, and developed an estimation model for speech-balloon shapes with the linguistic features using Naive Bayes classifier. The effectiveness was confirmed especially in the estimation of ``Explosion'' and ``Wave'' shapes. The proposed method is expected to be used to visually represent a speech nuance that contains emotion in a text-based communication such as chat system and social networking service.
Testing CPU emulators

A CPU emulator is a software that simulates a hardware CPU. Emulators are widely used by computer scientists for various kind of activities (e.g., debugging, profiling, and malware analysis). Although no theoretical limitation prevents to develop an emulator that faithfully emulates a physical CPU, writing a fully featured emulator is a very challenging and error-prone task. Modern CISC architectures have a very rich instruction set, some instructions lack proper specifications, and others may have undefined effects in corner-cases. This paper presents a testing methodology specific for CPU emulators, based on fuzzing. The emulator is "stressed" with specially crafted test-cases, to verify whether the CPU is properly emulated or not. Improper behaviours of the emulator are detected by running the same test-case concurrently on the emulated and on the physical CPUs and by comparing the state of the two after the execution. Differences in the final state testify defects in the code of the emulator. We implemented this methodology in a prototype (codenamed EmuFuzzer), analysed four state-of-the-art IA-32 emulators (QEMU, Valgrind, Pin and BOCHS), and found several defects in each of them, some of which can prevent the proper execution of programs.
Direct stimulation of bone mass by increased GH signalling in the osteoblasts of Socs2−/− mice

The suppressor of cytokine signalling (Socs2 −/−)-knockout mouse is characterised by an overgrowth phenotype due to enhanced GH signalling. The objective of this study was to define the Socs2 −/− bone phenotype and determine whether GH promotes bone mass via IGF1-dependent mechanisms. Despite no elevation in systemic IGF1 levels, increased body weight in 4-week-old Socs2 −/− mice following GH treatment was associated with increased cortical bone area (Ct.Ar) (P<0.01). Furthermore, detailed bone analysis of male and female juvenile and adult Socs2 −/− mice revealed an altered cortical and trabecular phenotype consistent with the known anabolic effects of GH. Indeed, male Socs2 −/− mice had increased Ct.Ar (P<0.05) and thickness associated with increased strength. Despite this, there was no elevation in hepatic Igf1 expression, suggesting that the anabolic bone phenotype was the result of increased local GH action. Mechanistic studies showed that in osteoblasts and bone of Socs2 −/− mice, STAT5 phosphorylation was significantly increased in response to GH. Conversely, overexpression of SOCS2 decreased GH-induced STAT5 signalling. Although an increase in Igf1 expression was observed in Socs2 −/− osteoblasts following GH, it was not evident in vivo. Igf1 expression levels were not elevated in response to GH in 4-week-old mice and no alterations in expression was observed in bone samples of 6-week-old Socs2 −/− mice. These studies emphasise the critical role of SOCS2 in controlling the local GH anabolic bone effects. We provide compelling evidence implicating SOCS2 in the regulation of GH osteoblast signalling and ultimately bone accrual, which maybe via mechanisms that are independent of IGF1 production in vivo.
Female Managers and Their Wages in Central Europe

This paper examines the gender gaps in employment and wages among top- and lower-level managerial employees in a recent sample of Czech firms. Unlike the existing analyses of managerial gender pay gaps, we acknowledge the adverse consequences of the low and uneven representation of women for the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition and offer an alternative set of results based on a matching procedure. Only 7% of top-level Czech managers are women and their wages are about 20 percent lower even when compared only to their comparable male colleagues.
Relationship of Halitosis with Gastric Helicobacter Pylori Infection

Objectives: Gastric infection with Helicobacter pylori may be one of the main causes of halitosis. This study was performed to evaluate the relationship of Helicobacter pylori infection with halitosis. Materials and Methods: This case control study was performed on 44 dyspeptic patients with a mean age of 34.29±13.71 years (range 17 to 76 years). The case group included 22 patients with halitosis and no signs of diabetes mellitus, renal or liver failure, upper respiratory tract infection, malignancies, deep carious teeth, severe periodontitis, coated tongue, dry mouth or poor oral hygiene. Control group included 22 patients without halitosis and the same age, sex, systemic and oral conditions as the case group. Halitosis was evaluated using organoleptic test (OLT) and Helicobacter pylori infection was evaluated by Rapid Urease Test (RUT) during endoscopy. The data were statistically analyzed using chi square, Mann Whitney and t-tests. Results: Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 20 (91%) out of 22 halitosis patients, and 7 control subjects (32%) (P<0.001). Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori gastric infection can be a cause of bad breath. Dentists should pay more attention to this infection and refer these patients to internists to prevent further gastrointestinal (GI) complications and probable malignancies.
A Genetic Polymorphism (rs17251221) in the Calcium-Sensing Receptor Gene (CASR) Is Associated with Stone Multiplicity in Calcium Nephrolithiasis

Calcium nephrolithiasis is one of the most common causes of renal stones. While the prevalence of this disease has increased steadily over the last 3 decades, its pathogenesis is still unclear. Previous studies have indicated that a genetic polymorphism (rs17251221) in the calcium-sensing receptor gene (CASR) is associated with the total serum calcium levels. In this study, we collected DNA samples from 480 Taiwanese subjects (189 calcium nephrolithiasis patients and 291 controls) for genotyping the CASR gene. Our results indicated no significant association between the CASR polymorphism (rs17251221) and the susceptibility of calcium nephrolithiasis. However, we found a significant association between rs17251221 and stone multiplicity. The risk of stone multiplicity was higher in patients with the GG+GA genotype than in those with the AA genotype (chi-square test:P = 0.008;odds ratio = 4.79;95% confidence interval, 1.44–15.92;Yates' correction for chi-square test:P = 0.013). In conclusion, our results provide evidence supporting the genetic effects of CASR on the pathogenesis of calcium nephrolithiasis.
The apple never falls far from the tree: siblings and intergenerational transmission among farmers and artisans in the Barcelona area in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries

Abstract This article aims at studying the intergenerational transmission of status within farmers and artisans in the preindustrial area of Barcelona from a siblings’ attainment perspective in a context of impartible inheritance. The data source used are the Marriage License Books from the Barcelona's Diocese compiled in the Barcelona Historical Marriage Database, which for the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries provides a rich and continuous demographic and socioeconomic information through the use of the multilevel regression analysis. Our main findings points out the important family impact on the social fate of children. First-married children were the maximal inheritors of parental statuses in all social groups, especially for farmers and artisans, the former being more linked to ascription than the latter. However, farmers were found to be the group with the highest intergenerational occupational inheritance although artisans were who transmitted at most their social group. This divergent effect is due to the different strategies, or in a way a same strategy, used on non-first-married children to whom, families from the two social groups, when not able to transmit the same parental occupation, preferred to position the offspring in artisans’ careers thanks to a favourable context of a flourishing manufacturing industry at the countryside.
Expression and regulation of osteopontin and connective tissue growth factor transcripts in rat anterior pituitary.

Cell-cell interactions are important regulatory elements in anterior pituitary (AP) physiology. As model systems to study pituitary cell-cell interactions, AP cells kept either as monolayers or as organotypic reaggregate cultures were analyzed by differential display PCR. We identified six cDNA fragments (osteopontin (Opn), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), alpha(v)-integrin, cathepsin H, lysozyme and O-acetyl GD(3) ganglioside synthase) that showed elevated expression in monolayers compared with reaggregate cultures and the AP. The adenohypophyseal mRNA expression of Opn and CTGF, two secreted signaling substances, was studied in more detail. In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed that Opn mRNA expression is restricted to a subpopulation of gonadotropes whereas CTGF hybridization signals could not be ascribed to any known cell type. Opn transcript levels were downregulated in the APs of lactating rats and decreased when rats received s.c. injections of 17beta-estradiol for 5 days. The mRNA expression was higher in male than in female rats and increased after gonadectomy. CTGF transcript levels were higher in male compared with female rats and were increased in pregnant rats and in rats treated for 5 days with triiodothyronine or dexamethasone. These results indicate that Opn and CTGF may be of physiological importance as local communication factors in the AP.
Physical activity patterns of adults with visual impairments

This study examined physical activity (PA) patterns in adults with visual impairments (VI) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form, assessing moderate physical activity (MPA), vigorous physical activity (VPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). A total of 115 individuals (age: 36.1 ± 13.9 years, body mass index [BMI]: 28 ± 6.9 kg/m2) with VI completed the study. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were performed on VI (B1, B2, B3, and B4), collapsed VI (blind [B1] vs VI [B2–B4]), gender, and BMI across PA. A 2 × 4 factor ANOVA examined the impact of gender and BMI on PA. B2 walked more than B1 (p = .021) and walk time was less in B1 (p = .021) than VI. Males accumulated more MPA (p = .002) and MVPA (p = .008), and a greater percentage of males acquired recommended PA (p = .008). Overweight participants acquired more VPA than normal-weight participants (p = .020). A main effect for gender (p = .000) and interaction between gender and BMI (p = .049) were identified with MPA. Differences in PA based on VI may be a result of barriers specific to B1, suggesting the need for education in this population.
Endogeneity, ownership structure and firm performance— Based on the analysis of structural equation model

This paper investigates whether ownership structure has significant effects on firm performance of publicly-listed companies in China, and in what ways if it does. Then we select 1200 listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2007 to 2009 as the research samples, and analysis by structural equation model. The results from our study yield unequivocal evidence for the endogeneity of ownership structure. The estimates of the structural equation model we used give evidences to support the notion that it is a significant positive correlation between ownership structure and firm performance; so as firm size and asset-liability ratio. Moreover, it also shows that more ownership variables should be added in model to enhance the total effect.
Baseband Attacks: Remote Exploitation of Memory Corruptions in Cellular Protocol Stacks

Published attacks against smartphones have concentrated on software running on the application processor. With numerous countermeasures like ASLR, DEP and code signing being deployed by operating system vendors, practical exploitation of memory corruptions on this processor has become a time-consuming endeavor. At the same time, the cellular baseband stack of most smart-phones runs on a separate processor and is significantly less hardened, if at all. In this paper we demonstrate the risk of remotely exploitable memory corruptions in cellular baseband stacks. We analyze two widely deployed baseband stacks and give exemplary cases of memory corruptions that can be leveraged to inject and execute arbitrary code on the baseband processor. The vulnerabilities can be triggered over the air interface using a rogue GSM base station, for instance using OpenBTS together with a USRP software defined radio.
Students’ Experiences of a Voluntary Random Acts of Kindness Health Promotion Project

Objective: To examine students’ experiences of a voluntary random acts of kindness (RAK) project introduced in a large, undergraduate health promotion classroom setting. Participants: 107 university students out of 348 students enrolled in an undergraduate course. Methods: Fifteen weeks following the completion of the project, youth participants completed a 25-item questionnaire that was created for this study and included both closed and open-ended items. The questionnaire was designed to primarily examine participation in the project, its perceived impact on the classroom environment, class cohesion, course participation, and students’ personal wellbeing including stress and confidence. Results: Respondents completed an average of 13 RAKs each and commented on the positive impact on their mental health. 73% reported an increase in their enjoyment of class; 65% indicated that class cohesion improved; 62% felt they learned about themselves; 59.6% reported a reduction in stress; 94.9% reported increased awareness of how their actions impacted others; and 84.1% reported continued, post-course voluntary participation in the project. Conclusion: Students benefited from the intervention in terms of enhancing their sense of belonging, contributing to their community, and improving experiences of stress and negativity. Further research on the utility of RAK projects within youth health promotion in classroom settings is warranted.
Psychosocial adjustment in children with kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE To examine family environment, levels of parenting stress, and child behavior problems in children with one of three kidney diseases compared to healthy children and to examine predictors of psychological distress in the full sample. METHOD Parents of children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency, or kidney transplant (n = 41) were compared to 34 healthy children of similar demographic characteristics. RESULTS Mean scores on family functioning, parenting stress, and child behavior were within normal limits. Family environment variables significantly predicted child behavior and parenting stress for parents of ill and healthy children. Qualitative responses provided insight into developmentally specific stressors and intervention needs in the illness groups. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that long-term survivors of kidney disease function similarly to demographically matched peers and that the family environment may buffer stress caused by illness. Specific concerns raised by parents in the kidney disease groups indicate the need to appropriately assess and intervene with this understudied population.
Role of Rhizomys pruinosus as a natural animal host of Penicillium marneffei in Guangdong, China

Penicillium marneffei, a dimorphic fungus that can cause penicilliosis marneffei, is endemic in Southeast Asia. The only known hosts of P. marneffei are humans and bamboo rats. The aim of our study was to explore the distribution of P. marneffei in bamboo rats, their associated environment and non‐rat‐associated environments. Totally, 270 samples were collected in Guangdong province of China in 2012; the prevalence of P. marneffei was much higher in samples collected from surrounding areas of burrows (8.2%) than in the samples obtained from non‐rat‐associated sites (2%) or artificial farms of bamboo rats (0%). There was no difference in P. marneffei isolated rate from different areas of Guangdong province. The infection is prevalent in all rats, and this fungus could be frequently seen in the rats' lungs. This study confirms that bamboo rat is the ecological niche of P. marneffei and hypothesizes that bamboo rats become infected by inhaling aerosolized conidia originating from environmental sources, rather than by the fecal–oral route or transplacental crossing. According to the result of no detection of P. marneffei in the artificial farm, the activity of bamboo rats might be more relevant to the distribution and dissemination of P. marneffei in natural environment.
In or out? How the perceived morality (vs. competence) of prospective group members affects acceptance and rejection

When is an individual likely to be accepted or rejected by a group? This research investigates responses towards prospective group members depending on how they compare to the group in terms of their perceived morality or competence. Because morality is of particular importance to groups, we hypothesized that the perceived morality of prospective group members has more impact on the group's tendency to accept versus reject them than their competence. Across three experiments, employing self-report, psychophysiological and behavioural measures, results supported this hypothesis: Immoral (vs. incompetent) individuals were perceived as more different from the group and were more likely to be rejected. Additionally, the rejection of prospective group members with perceived inferior morality (but not those with inferior competence) was mediated by the group threat they imply. Inclusion success thus seems to be mainly contingent upon how a group evaluates the individual's morality relative to the group's standards.
Keepin’ It Real: Semi-Supervised Learning with Realistic Tuning

We address two critical issues involved in applying semi-supervised learning (SSL) to a real-world task: parameter tuning and choosing which (if any) SSL algorithm is best suited for the task at hand. To gain a better understanding of these issues, we carry out a medium-scale empirical study comparing supervised learning (SL) to two popular SSL algorithms on eight natural language processing tasks under three performance metrics. We simulate how a practitioner would go about tackling a new problem, including parameter tuning using cross validation (CV). We show that, under such realistic conditions, each of the SSL algorithms can be worse than SL on some datasets. However, we also show that CV can select SL/SSL to achieve "agnostic SSL," whose performance is almost always no worse than SL. While CV is often dismissed as unreliable for SSL due to the small amount of labeled data, we show that it is in fact effective for accuracy even when the labeled dataset size is as small as 10.