Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemistry as a probe of the structures and evolution of massive star-forming regions

We present detailed thermal and gas-phase chemical models for the envelope of the massive star-forming region AFGL 2591. By considering both time- and space-dependent chemistry, these models are used to study both the physical structure proposed by van der Tak et al. (1999, 2000), as well as the chemical evolution of this region. The model predictions are compared with observed abundances and column densities for 29 species. The observational data cover a wide range of physical conditions within the source, but signicantly probe the inner regions where interesting high-temperature chemistry may be occurring. Taking appropriate care when comparing models with both emission and absorption measurements, we nd that the majority of the chemical structure can be well-explained. In particular, we nd that the nitrogen and hydrocarbon chemistry can be signicantly aected by temperature, with the possibility of high-temperature pathways to HCN. While we cannot determine the sulphur reservoir, the observations can be explained by models with the majority of the sulphur in CS in the cold gas, SO2 in the warm gas, and atomic sulphur in the warmest gas. Because the model overpredicts CO2 by a factor of 40, various high-temperature destruction mechanisms are explored, including impulsive heating events. The observed abundances of ions such as HCO + and N2H + and the cold gas-phase production of HCN constrain the cosmic-ray ionization rate to5:6 10 17 s 1 , to within a factor of three. Finally, we nd that the model and observations can simultaneously agree at a reasonable level and often to within a factor of three for 7 10 3 t(yrs) 5 10 4 , with a strong preference for t 3 10 4 yrs since the collapse and formation of the
A trial of alemtuzumab adjunctive therapy in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with minimal conditioning for severe combined immunodeficiency

For infants with SCID the ideal conditioning regimen before allogeneic HCT would omit cytotoxic chemotherapy to minimize short‐ and long‐term complications. We performed a prospective pilot trial with alemtuzumab monotherapy to overcome NK‐cell mediated immunologic barriers to engraftment. We enrolled four patients who received CD34‐selected haploidentical cells, two of whom failed to engraft donor T cells. The two patients who engrafted had delayed T‐cell reconstitution, despite rapid clearance of circulating alemtuzumab. Although well‐tolerated, alemtuzumab failed to overcome immunologic barriers to donor engraftment. Furthermore, alemtuzumab may slow T‐cell development in patients with SCID in the setting of a T‐cell depleted graft.
Delivery time reduction for order-constrained applications using binary network codes

Consider a radio access network wherein a basestation is required to deliver a set of order-constrained messages to a set of users over independent erasure channels. This paper studies the delivery time reduction problem using instantly decodable network coding (IDNC). Motivated by time-critical and order-constrained applications, the delivery time is defined, at each transmission, as the number of undelivered messages. The delivery time minimization problem being computationally intractable, most of the existing literature on IDNC propose suboptimal online solutions. This paper suggests a novel method for solving the problem by introducing the delivery delay as a measure of distance to optimality. An expression characterizing the delivery time using the delivery delay is derived, allowing the approximation of the delivery time minimization problem by an optimization problem involving the delivery delay. The problem is, then, formulated as a maximum weight clique selection problem over the IDNC graph wherein the weight of each vertex reflects its corresponding user and message's delay. Simulation results suggest that the proposed solution achieves lower delivery and completion times as compared to the best-known heuristics for delivery time reduction.
Discrepancies in occupancy and abundance approaches to identifying and protecting habitat for an at‐risk species

Abstract Predicting how environmental factors affect the distribution of species is a fundamental goal of conservation biology. Conservation biologists rely on species distribution and abundance models to identify key habitat characteristics for species. Occupancy modeling is frequently promoted as a practical alternative to use of abundance in identifying habitat quality. While occupancy and abundance are potentially governed by different limiting factors operating at different scales, few studies have directly compared predictive models for these approaches in the same system. We evaluated how much occupancy and abundance are driven by the same environmental factors for a species of conservation concern, the greater short‐horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi). Occupancy was most strongly dictated by precipitation, temperature, and density of ant mounds. While these factors were also in the best‐supported predictive models for lizard abundance, the magnitude of the effects varied, with the sign of the effect changing for temperature and precipitation. These discrepancies show that while occupancy modeling can be an efficient approach for conservation planning, predictors of occupancy probability should not automatically be equated with predictors of population abundance. Understanding the differences in factors that control occupancy versus abundance can help us to identify habitat requirements and mitigate the loss of threatened species.
Multi-Choice Policing in Africa

Multi-Choice Policing in Africa. By Bruce Baker. Uppsala: Nordiska Afrikainstitutet. Pp. 227. euro31/Sek 290 paper. The issues of crime and security are constant concerns for the rich and the poor in Africa. Bruce Baker, professor of African Security at Coventry University, examines ways Africans ensure "communal order, security and peace" by police actions that include "prevention, deterrence, investigation,. and punishment" (p. 5). Noting the importance of effective policing for good governance, democracy, and personal security Baker points out that nowhere in the world, least of all in Africa, is the state capable of meeting all the policing needs. Multi-Choice Policing in Africa surveys the range of methods-formal and informal, legal and illegal, effective and inept, fair and partisan, restrained and brutal-used by African governments, communities, commercial enterprises, ethnic groups, and individuals to provide policing. Surveying policing actions and policies in a wide variety of countries, many where he conducted research, Baker reminds readers of the shortcomings of African policing. In part those shortcomings are a reflection of the over-militarization and over-politicization of policing established during the colonial era and adopted with little modification at independence. In part these shortcomings are a result of modern social, economic, military, and political realities, which foster criminal activity and limit state capacity to combat crime. Impoverished communities and governments, social inequality, youth marginalization, political transitions, structural adjustment programs, rapid urbanization, the easy availability of cheap weapons, and poorly functioning state justice systems are all mentioned as causes for why so many are ill-served by policing in Africa. Poorly equipped, poorly paid, and poorly trained police struggle to cope with the growing challenge of crime and conflict. Unfortunately, at times the police actually become partisans in ethnic or political strife or they sell their services to criminal syndicates. Offering a parsimonious and comprehensive survey of contemporary formal policing, Baker identifies the wide range of policing options used by Africans. In addition to examining government institutions, Baker discusses the plethora of informal policing efforts. These include private security forces organized and funded by businesses and neighborhoods, gangs and vigilantes that both protect and prey upon the people, and ethnic-based bands that alternate between defense and cattle raiding. …
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 4G/5G gene polymorphism and primary open-angle glaucoma

Purpose Alterations of the plasmin system have been suggested to participate in the multifactorial pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The main physiological inhibitor of the plasmin system is plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which leads to decreased degradation of extracellular material. Interestingly, elevated PAI-1 levels in the aqueous humor of patients with POAG have been reported. A common polymorphism within the promoter region (PAI-1 4G/5G) has previously been shown to reduce the gene transcription rate of PAI-1. The purpose of the present study was to investigate a hypothesized association between PAI-1 4G/5G and the presence of POAG in a Caucasian population. Methods The present case-control study comprised 212 unrelated patients with POAG and 212 healthy control subjects, matched for age and sex. Genotyping of PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms was done using polymerase chain reaction. Results Allelic frequencies and genotype distributions of PAI-1 4G/5G did not significantly differ between patients with POAG and control subjects (PAI-1 4G/5G: 29.7% versus 29.7%). Presence of the PAI-1 4G-allele was associated with a nonsignificant odds ratio of 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.74–1.30) for POAG. Conclusions Our data suggest that PAI-1 4G/5G itself is unlikely to be a major risk factor among Caucasian patients with POAG.
First Detection of an Invasive Staphylococcus aureus Strain (D958) with Reduced Susceptibility to Glycopeptides in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Strain D958, a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin, was isolated from a 69-year-old Saudi male patient presenting with severe sepsis immediately after admission. Despite high serum levels of vancomycin, the same S. aureus strain was isolated from five blood culture sets during 1 week. Treatment failure under therapeutic levels of vancomycin prompted us to investigate the resistance profile of this strain in further detail. The MIC values for vancomycin as determined by Etest and microdilution were 3.0 and 2.0 mg/liter, respectively, and remained unchanged during the treatment course. The macro-Etest method showed a MIC of 4 mg/liter. The strain showed liquid vancomycin and lysostaphin MBCs of 2.0 and 5.0 mg/liter, respectively. The isolates were confirmed as heterogeneously vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (hVISA) by vancomycin population analysis profile. The areas under these curves were similar for Mu3 and D958 for vancomycin and teicoplanin (ratio values were 1 and 1.1 for vancomycin and teicoplanin, respectively). Extensive genotyping and molecular characterization demonstrated that the strain harbored a staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec element (SCCmec) type III cassette and was of sequence type ST241, a single-locus variant of the successful multiresistant clone ST239. Microarray results demonstrated that D958 contained numerous resistance determinants (generally plasmid or phage encoded). These results suggest that this strain is constitutively expressing an altered susceptibility to vancomycin. Further studies are warranted to assess the clonal distribution of such strains displaying reduced susceptibility to vancomycin prior to any antimicrobial therapy.
Association of lacunar infarcts with small artery and large artery disease: a comparative study

Objectives – Patients with lacunar infarcts (LI) and ipsilateral large artery disease (LAD) greater than 50% must be classified according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria as strokes of undetermined etiology. The purpose of this study was to compare the vascular risk factors, clinical symptoms, and outcome characteristics of LI associated with LAD with those patients with LI who fulfilled the TOAST criteria of small artery disease (SAD).
Light Intensity and Time of Day Influence Female Acheta Domesticus Phonotaxis

Positive phonotaxis occurs when a female cricket walks toward the source of an auditory stimulus. This study tested the effects of light intensity and time of day on phonotaxis of female Acheta domesticus. First, females were tested at four times of day; second, under three light intensities; and third, under four combinations of light intensity and time of day. Our results show that these two factors combined exert a more pronounced effect on female A. domesticus selectivity than either factor individually, and subsequent research will test these factors against the current neuronal model for SP-selective phonotaxis.
Operationalizing a Theory of Participation in Physically Active Leisure

Abstract This article responds to calls to develop pragmatically relevant theories for studying physically active leisure. Empirical evidence supports a method of operation- alizing a stage-based framework capable of stimulating paradigmatic evolution and building a Theory of Participation (TOP). A staging algorithm using involvement facets is tested on two contextually disparate samples: a single-gender competitive sport of Rugby League participation in Australia and a non-gender specific context of recreational skiing in Greece. Results indicate progressive development of sport involvement can be classified into four stages of awareness, attraction, attachment and allegiance with discrete psychological and behavioral outcomes. Support for the presented hypotheses from both studies and suggestions for future research are offered.
Les facteurs expliquant la confiance du consommateur lors d’un achat sur un site marchand : Une étude exploratoire

Pierre angulaire de toute relation d’échange, la confiance a suscité depuis longtemps l’engouement des chercheurs et des praticiens. Dans le contexte de l’achat sur Internet, la question de la confiance se pose avec plus d’acuité. En effet, les problèmes de fraude auxquels s’ajoute une virtualité totale des échanges découragent plus d’un consommateur à acheter via ce canal. Les vendeurs en ligne gagneraient donc à réfléchir sur les moyens susceptibles d’instaurer la confiance vis-à-vis de leurs sites. L’objectif de cet article est d’identifier, à partir d’une étude qualitative exploratoire, les facteurs déterminant la confiance lors d’un achat en ligne. Ces facteurs sont présentés tel qu’ils sont perçus et appréhendés par les consommateurs .
Complications Related to Metal-on-Metal Articulation in Trapeziometacarpal Joint Total Joint Arthroplasty

Adverse reactions to metal-on-metal (MoM) prostheses are well known from total hip joint resurfacing arthroplasty with elevated serum chrome or cobalt, pain and pseudo tumor formation. It may, however, also be seen after total joint replacement of the trapeziometacarpal joint using MoM articulation, and we present two cases of failure of MoM prostheses due to elevated metal-serum levels in one case and pseudo tumor formation in another case. Furthermore, we suggest a diagnostic algorithm for joint pain after MoM trapeziometacarpal joint replacement based on published experiences from MoM hip prostheses and adverse reactions to metal.
The B-cell response to foot-and-mouth-disease virus in cattle following vaccination and live-virus challenge

Antibodies play a pivotal role against viral infection, and maintenance of protection is dependent on plasma and memory B-cells. Understanding antigen-specific B-cell responses in cattle is essential to inform future vaccine design. We have previously defined T-cell-dependent and -independent B-cell responses in cattle, as a prelude to investigating foot-and-mouth-disease-virus (FMDV)-specific B-cell responses. In this study, we have used an FMDV O-serotype vaccination (O1-Manisa or O SKR) and live-virus challenge (FMDV O SKR) to investigate the homologous and heterologous B-cell response in cattle following both vaccination and live-virus challenge. The FMDV O-serotype vaccines were able to induce a cross-reactive plasma-cell response, specific for both O1-Manisa and O SKR, post-vaccination. Post-FMDV O SKR live-virus challenge, the heterologous O1-Manisa vaccination provided cross-protection against O SKR challenge and cross-reactive O SKR-specific plasma cells were induced. However, vaccination and live-virus challenge were not able to induce a detectable FMDV O-serotype-specific memory B-cell response in any of the cattle. The aim of new FMDV vaccines should be to induce memory responses and increased duration of immunity in cattle.
Faller Classification in Older Adults Using Wearable Sensors Based on Turn and Straight-Walking Accelerometer-Based Features

Faller classification in elderly populations can facilitate preventative care before a fall occurs. A novel wearable-sensor based faller classification method for the elderly was developed using accelerometer-based features from straight walking and turns. Seventy-six older individuals (74.15 ± 7.0 years), categorized as prospective fallers and non-fallers, completed a six-minute walk test with accelerometers attached to their lower legs and pelvis. After segmenting straight and turn sections, cross validation tests were conducted on straight and turn walking features to assess classification performance. The best “classifier model—feature selector” combination used turn data, random forest classifier, and select-5-best feature selector (73.4% accuracy, 60.5% sensitivity, 82.0% specificity, and 0.44 Matthew’s Correlation Coefficient (MCC)). Using only the most frequently occurring features, a feature subset (minimum of anterior-posterior ratio of even/odd harmonics for right shank, standard deviation (SD) of anterior left shank acceleration SD, SD of mean anterior left shank acceleration, maximum of medial-lateral first quartile of Fourier transform (FQFFT) for lower back, maximum of anterior-posterior FQFFT for lower back) achieved better classification results, with 77.3% accuracy, 66.1% sensitivity, 84.7% specificity, and 0.52 MCC score. All classification performance metrics improved when turn data was used for faller classification, compared to straight walking data. Combining turn and straight walking features decreased performance metrics compared to turn features for similar classifier model—feature selector combinations.
Effect of a single dose of malathion on spermatogenesis in mice.

AIM To observe the acute effect of the organophosphorous insecticide malathion on testicular function in mice. METHODS The effects of a single dose of malathion [240 mg/kg (1/12 LD(50))] on plasma acetylcholinesterase (ACE) activity, spermatozoa (epididymal cauda counts and teratozoospermia), testis and plasma testosterone concentration) were evaluated at day 1, 8, 16, 35 and 40 after treatment. RESULTS The sperm count was decreased significantly 24 h after treatment and teratozoospermia was increased at day 35 and 40. The height of the seminiferous epithelium and the diameter of tubular lumen were decreased at day 8. The percentage of tubular blockade was increased between day 8 and 35. A decrease in testosterone plasma level was observed at day 16 after treatment. CONCLUSION Malathion damages male reproduction. The depletion of seminiferous tubules and the increase in teratozoospermia may be a genotoxic damage to the renewing spermatogonia, but the possibility of spermatogenic/spermiogenic disfunction due to a decrease in the plasma testosterone level can not be ruled out.
Gestational Weight Gain and Body Mass Index in Children: Results from Three German Cohort Studies

Introduction Previous studies suggested potential priming effects of gestational weight gain (GWG) on offspring’s body composition in later life. However, consistency of these effects in normal weight, overweight and obese mothers is less clear. Methods We combined the individual data of three German cohorts and assessed associations of total and excessive GWG (as defined by criteria of the Institute of Medicine) with offspring’s mean body mass index (BMI) standard deviation scores (SDS) and overweight at the age of 5–6 years (total: n = 6,254). Quantile regression was used to examine potentially different effects on different parts of the BMI SDS distribution. All models were adjusted for birth weight, maternal age and maternal smoking during pregnancy and stratified by maternal pre-pregnancy weight status. Results In adjusted models, positive associations of total and excessive GWG with mean BMI SDS and overweight were observed only in children of non- overweight mothers. For example, excessive GWG was associated with a mean increase of 0.08 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.15) units of BMI SDS (0.13 (0.02, 0.24) kg/m2 of ‘real’ BMI) in children of normal-weight mothers. The effects of total and excessive GWG on BMI SDS increased for higher- BMI children of normal-weight mothers. Discussion Increased GWG is likely to be associated with overweight in offspring of non-overweight mothers.
Climate‐driven changes on phytoplankton–zooplankton coupling and nutrient availability in high mountain lakes of Southern Europe

SUMMARY 1. The effect of climate variability on phytoplankton and zooplankton dynamics and nutrient availability was studied in two high mountain fishless lakes (La Caldera and Ro ´o Seco) of contrasting morphology, hydrology and dissolved inorganic nitrogen : soluble reactive phosphate (DIN : SRP) ratios during 1986 and after a 10-year-long drought in 1996 and 1997. 2. Thaw was delayed and water temperatures were lower in both lakes in 1996 than in 1986 and 1997. However, the lake-specific DIN : SRP ratio was maintained in the 3 years studied, reflecting its local control. 3. On other hand, the presumptive limiting nutrient in each lake, P in La Caldera and N in Ro ´o Seco, showed higher concentrations in 1996 versus 1986 and 1997. Significant positive correlations between temperature and chlorophyll a were found in both lakes in 1996 but these relationships were negative or not significant in 1986 and 1997. Zooplankton biomass showed lower values in 1996 than in 1986 or 1997. 4. These findings can be explained by a decoupling of the phytoplankton–zooplankton interaction because of a constraint on zooplankton growth by low temperatures in the coldest year studied. This observation furnishes evidence that regional climatic control on the phytoplankton–zooplankton link can modulate the overall demand for nutrients.
Body Burden of Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethene (DDE) and Childhood Pulmonary Function

Longitudinal studies have shown that early life exposure to dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (DDE) can lead to growth reduction during childhood and adolescence. In addition, DDE exposure has been linked to respiratory tract infections and an increased risk of asthma in children. Our aim was to understand the relationships between DDE exposure and pulmonary function in children, and, particularly, whether associations are mediated by the height of the children. We used data from an environmental epidemiologic study conducted in central Germany in children aged 8-10 years. The pulmonary function (forced vital capacity, FVC, and forced expiratory volume in one second, FEV1) were measured in three consecutive years. Blood DDE levels were measured at 8 and 10 years. We used linear mixed models for repeated measurements and path analyses to assess the association between blood levels of DDE and pulmonary function measurements. All models were adjusted for confounders. Linear mixed approaches and modelling concurrent effects showed no significant associations. The path analytical models demonstrated that DDE measured at eight years had significant, inverse, indirect, and total effects on FVC at ten years (n = 328; −0.18 L per μg/L of DDE) and FEV1 (n = 328; −0.17 L per μg/L of DDE), mediated through effects of DDE on height and weight. The DDE burden reduces pulmonary function through its diminishing effects on height and weight in children. Further studies are required to test these associations in other samples, preferably from a region with ongoing, high DDT application.