Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Droplet Digital PCR-Based Detection of Clarithromycin Resistance in Helicobacter pylori Isolates Reveals Frequent Heteroresistance

Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori causes peptic ulcers and stomach cancer in a subset of infected individuals. While standard eradication therapy includes multiple antibiotics, treatment failure due to resistance is an increasing clinical problem. ABSTRACT Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori causes peptic ulcers and stomach cancer in a subset of infected individuals. While standard eradication therapy includes multiple antibiotics, treatment failure due to resistance is an increasing clinical problem. Accurate assessment of H. pylori antimicrobial resistance has been limited by slow growth and sampling of few isolates per subject. We established a method to simultaneously quantify H. pylori clarithromycin-resistant (mutant) and -susceptible (wild-type) 23S rRNA gene alleles in both stomach and stool samples using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). In 49 subjects, we assessed the performance of these assays alongside clarithromycin MIC testing of up to 16 H. pylori isolates per subject and included both cancer (25 subjects) and noncancer (24 subjects) cases. Gastric ddPCR and H. pylori culture showed agreement with urea breath test (UBT) detection of infection in 94% and 88% of subjects, respectively, while stool ddPCR showed agreement with UBT in 92% of subjects. Based on MIC testing of 43 culture-positive cases, 20 subjects had only susceptible isolates, 14 had a mix of susceptible and resistant isolates, and 9 had only resistant isolates. ddPCR of gastric samples indicated that 21 subjects had only wild-type alleles, 13 had a mixed genotype, and 9 had only mutant alleles. Stool ddPCR detected mutant alleles in four subjects for which mutant alleles were not detected by stomach ddPCR, and no resistant isolates were cultured. Our results indicate that ddPCR detects H. pylori clarithromycin resistance-associated genotypes, especially in the context of heteroresistance.
Idiopathic Colitis in Rhesus Macaques Is Associated With Dysbiosis, Abundant Enterochromaffin Cells and Altered T-Cell Cytokine Expression

Idiopathic chronic diarrhea (ICD) is a common ailment affecting captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). ICD cases are characterized by diarrhea in the absence of commonly identified diarrheal pathogens and multiple recurrences even after supportive therapy. Histologically, the disease is characterized by lymphoplasmacytic colitis. We identified 35 rhesus macaques euthanized for ICD during a 7-month period and described demographic, clinical, histologic, and immunologic commonalities. We found a trend of historic Campylobacter spp. and trichomonad infections. Furthermore, rhesus macaques with ICD demonstrated loss of normal colonic adherent bacterium, identified in this study as Helicobacter macacae; increased abundance of Pentatrichomonas hominis; and increased frequency of colonic serotonin-positive enterochromaffin cells. Interestingly, colonic and ileal T-helper cells of animals with ICD manifested decreased capacity for expression of certain cytokines, in particular interleukin (IL)–4 and IL-13. These data further describe a common ailment and suggest new avenues to identify complex interactions involved in the etiology of recurring diarrhea in young rhesus macaques.
Extraction and Determination of Phenolic Compounds in the Berries of Sorbus americana Marsh and Lonicera oblongifolia ( Goldie )

Phenolic compound content in Sorbus americana Marsh and Lonicera oblongifolia (Goldie) Hook berries was determined for the first time. An improved solid-liquid microextraction (SLME) method combining with highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-diode array detector (DAD)-mass spectrometry (MS) has been developed to determine the phenolic compounds present in these berries, reducing the amount of sample, reagents, and time consumed. The major phenolic compound identified and quantified was 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3CQA) in both berries. To a lesser extent, 5-Ocaffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) and quercetin-3-O-glucoside (QG) were also determined. The existence of these phenolic compounds and the great abundance of these fruits in the northeast of North America make S. americana Marsh and L. oblongifolia Hook berries a new and excellent source of natural phenolic compounds (antioxidants), which can be very useful in biotechnological exploitation.
Teaching how to teach computational thinking

Computational Thinking is argued to be an essential skill for the workforce of the 21st century. As a skill, Computational Thinking should be taught in all schools, employing computational ideas integrated into other disciplines. Up until now, questions about how Computational Thinking can be effectively taught have been underexplored preventing efforts to cross the large gap between early adopters and the early majority, conceptualized as the Computer Science Education chasm. A promising strategy to cross the chasm is underway in Switzerland. Switzerland recently introduced a national curriculum, called Lehrplan 21, mandating Computer Science Education. This mandate requires the Computer Science education of elementary and middle school students. In 2017, the School of Education of Northwestern Switzerland (PH FHNW), introduced a mandatory pre-service teacher Computer Science Education course, to satisfy this mandate. All the PH FHNW students who study to become elementary school teachers must pass this two-semester course. The first part of this course was taught for the first time in fall of 2017. This paper presents the philosophy of this course and an initial analysis of both qualitative data capturing the students’ perceptions of Computational Thinking and quantitative data describing shifts in students’ skills and attitudes as effect sizes. The data suggest that it is possible to teach a basic understanding of programming to non-self-selected pre-service elementary school teachers.
Commercially available compression garments or electrical stimulation do not enhance recovery following a sprint competition in elite cross-country skiers

Abstract This study investigated whether commercially available compression garments (COMP) exerting a moderate level of pressure and/or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) accelerate recovery following a cross-country sprint skiing competition compared with a control group (CON) consisting of active recovery only. Twenty-one senior (12 males, 9 females) and 11 junior (6 males, 5 females) Swedish national team skiers performed an outdoor sprint skiing competition involving four sprints lasting ∼3–4 min. Before the competition, skiers were matched by sex and skiing level (senior versus junior) and randomly assigned to COMP (n = 11), NMES (n = 11) or CON (n = 10). Creatine kinase (CK), urea, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and perceived muscle pain were measured before and 8, 20, 44 and 68 h after competition. Neither COMP nor NMES promoted the recovery of blood biomarkers, CMJ or perceived pain post-competition compared with CON (all P > .05). When grouping all 32 participants, urea and perceived muscle pain increased from baseline, peaking at 8 h (standardised mean difference (SMD), [95% confidence intervals (CIs)]): 2.8 [2.3, 3.2]) and 44 h (odds ratio [95% CI]: 3.3 [2.1, 5.1]) post-competition, respectively. Additionally, CMJ was lower than baseline 44 and 68 h post-competition in both males and females (P < .05). CK increased from baseline in males, peaking at 44 h (SMD: 1.4 [−0.4, 0.9]), but was decreased in females at 20 h post-competition (SMD: −0.8 [−1.4, −0.2]). In conclusion, cross-country sprint skiing induced symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage peaking 8–44 h post-competition. However, neither COMP nor NMES promoted physiological or perceptual recovery compared with CON.
Pixel-Level Reconstruction and Classification for Noisy Handwritten Bangla Characters

Classification techniques for images of handwritten characters are susceptible to noise. Quadtrees can be an efficient representation for learning from sparse features. In this paper, we improve the effectiveness of probabilistic quadtrees by using a pixel level classifier to extract the character pixels and remove noise from handwritten character images. The pixel level denoiser (a deep belief network) uses the map responses obtained from a pretrained CNN as features for reconstructing the characters eliminating noise. We experimentally demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach by reconstructing and classifying a noisy version of handwritten Bangla Numeral and Basic Character datasets.
An Educational Resource StAtE of thE ARt PAPER on SARcoidoSiS provided by the thoracic Society of Australia and new Zealand

1 Summary Statement . 2 Introduction . 3 Definition and Purpose . 3 History of Sarcoidosis . 3 Epidemiology . 4 Advances in the Aetiology and Pathogenesis of Sarcoidosis . 5 Pathology . 12 Clinical Presentation and Organ Involvement . 13 Diagnosis . 21 Natural History . 25 Management of Sarcoidosis . 28 Future Directions. 32 Table 1 . 33 Table 2 . 34 Table 3 . 35 Diagram . 36 Table 4 . 37 References . 38
The Role of Cognitive Insight , Hope , Self-Stigma , and Symptomatology in Predicting Treatment Engagement in Individuals Diagnosed with Serious Mental Illnesses

Adherence to and engagement with treatment is a complex and multifaceted issue encountered throughout many medical and helping professions, particularly in the fields of psychology and psychiatry. Adherence to treatment/service engagement is especially an issue in the treatment of serious mental illnesses; studies have shown that up to 80% of individuals do not adhere to their treatment (Tait et al., 2003). This study investigated if cognitive insight, as measured by the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale ([BCIS] Beck et al., 2004), and clinical insight are related to the recovery concepts of hope and self-stigma as well as symptomatology in predicting treatment adherence/service engagement in a sample of individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness. The sample consisted of volunteers under treatment in outpatient facilities utilizing the Assertive Community Treatment model. Data was collected from 35 participants from two different ACT team treatment sites. Initial T-tests showed that there was a significant difference between the sex of participants t(33) = 2.276, p = . 029 and treatment site of participants t(33) = -2.453, p = . 020 in regard to scores on the dependent variable measure, a self-designed service engagement scale. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted in order to test whether the independent variables of cognitive insight as measured by the Self-Reflectiveness and SelfCertainty subscales of the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale, i.e., clinical insight, hope, four factors of self-stigma (aware, agree, apply, and hurts self), and symptomatology, could significantly predict the dependent variable of service engagement/adherence. Model 1 of the regression (site and sex) was found to be significant (p = .011), but model 2 (predictor variables) was found not to be significant (p = .122). Scores from the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale Self-Reflectiveness subscale were positively correlated at the . 01 level of significance with scores on the Insight Scale (r = .544), providing further evidence of the construct validity of the BCISR. No
Morphological studies on the third eyelid and its related structures in the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The objective of the study was to characterize the macro- and microscopic features of the third eyelid, also called the nictitating mem- brane, and associated structures in the one-humped camel. The texture, length, thickness, and width of the normal third eyelid were studied in adult camels of both sexes. The results showed that the third eyelid of the camel was formed of a relatively large semilunar fold of conjunctiva that extended up to 3 cm from the medial canthus of the eye, over the anterior surface of the globe. Histological examination revealed that the third eyelid of the camel was formed of glandular and lymphoid tissues that were enveloped by fibrous connective tissue and supported by a cartilaginous plate. Both the bulbar and palpebral surfaces of the third eyelid were covered with stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium. Many goblet cells were interspersed among the epithelial cells that covered the bulbar surface, especially near the base of the third eyelid. The stroma underneath the epithelium was composed of fibrous connective tissue that was infiltrated with different types of leukocytes and that surrounded glandular tissue and lymphoid nodules. The cartilage that supported the third eyelid was of the elastic type and formed of two parts. A T- shaped segment of cartilage existed within the membrane of the third eyelid and a root-shaped appendix was embedded within the gland of the third eyelid. The gland of the third eyelid was also examined and it was found to be a tubuloalveolar mucous gland.
Is Consumer Self-Confidence Intervenes the Relationship between Shopping Motives and Search for Dress Information?

The main purpose of this study is to examine the relative influence of utilitarian, recreational, and socialization motives on Jordanian young consumers search for dress information using self-confidence as an intervention variable. Based on a random sampling technique, the self-administered questionnaire was used to solicit the responses of graduate and undergraduate college students ranging in age from 18 to 24 years. The principal component analysis using varimax rotation method and confirmatory factor analysis were used to validate the research model. Multiple regression analysis using Structural Equation Modeling and bootstrapping analyzes in AMOS 7 were used to examine the direct and indirect influences of shopping motives whilst the Independent-Sample T test and One-Way ANOVA techniques were conducted to measure the variability of model’s variables across subjects’ gender and an annual income. Principally, results indicate that the unique contribution of the total influence on consumer self-confidence is associated with utilitarian motives while the recreational motives scored the highest total impacts on searching for dress information. The consumer self-confidence and recreational motives have positively scored the highest direct influences on searching for dress information while the highest intervening influence is connected with utilitarian motives. However, this study enriches the existing literature with new findings related to consumers’ motives within the context of collectivist culture. In terms of marketing implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research were also discussed.
Identifying Cognitive Assistance with Mobile Electroencephalography

Manual assembly at production is a mentally demanding task. With rapid prototyping and smaller production lot sizes, this results in frequent changes of assembly instructions that have to be memorized by workers. Assistive systems compensate this increase in mental workload by providing "just-in-time" assembly instructions through in-situ projections. The implementation of such systems and their benefits to reducing mental workload have previously been justified with self-perceived ratings. However, there is no evidence by objective measures if mental workload is reduced by in-situ assistance. In our work, we showcase electroencephalography (EEG) as a complementary evaluation tool to assess cognitive workload placed by two different assistive systems in an assembly task, namely paper instructions and in-situ projections. We identified the individual EEG bandwidth that varied with changes in working memory load. We show, that changes in the EEG bandwidth are found between paper instructions and in-situ projections, indicating that they reduce working memory compared to paper instructions. Our work contributes by demonstrating how design claims of cognitive demand can be validated. Moreover, it directly evaluates the use of assistive systems for delivering context-aware information. We analyze the characteristics of EEG as real-time assessment for cognitive workload to provide insights regarding the mental demand placed by assistive systems.
Attitudes towards Internationalism through the Lens of Cognitive Effort, Global Mindset, and Cultural Intelligence

In the current study we examine attitudes towards internationalism through the lens of a specific set of constructs necessary in defining an effective global leader. One hundred fifty-nine undergraduates responded to items measuring need for cognition, cultural intelligence, and a set of items measuring the correlates of global mindset. In addition, they provided their attitudes on items measuring internationalism. A series of linear regression analyses revealed cultural intelligence, need for cognition and traveling abroad predicted students’ preference for working full-time in a foreign country. In addition, underclassmen were more likely to endorse the notion that the US culture is superior to other cultures compared to upperclassmen. Results support the importance of exposure to a diverse curriculum in shaping undergraduate students’ global mindset.
Hierarchical Control of Multiterminal DC Grids for Large-Scale Renewable Energy Integration

In this paper, a hierarchical control framework is proposed for multiterminal dc (MTDC) grids with large-scale renewable power generations. In the primary control, dc voltage droop control is adopted for the multiple voltage source converters (VSCs) connected to ac main grids. A novel optimal control strategy with enhanced flexibility and compatibility has been developed in the secondary control, which can simultaneously address issues including dc grid loss minimization, power sharing accuracy among droop-based VSCs, and influence of possible power disturbances during the optimization intervals on dc voltages security. After thorough theoretical analysis and study on an tested five-terminal dc grid, a cosimulation platform based on PSCAD/EMTDC and MATLAB has been setup to verify the proposed hierarchical control, with the dynamics of main circuits of MTDC dc grid and primary controllers simulated in PSCAD, and the novel secondary optimal control strategy implemented in MATLAB.
Prenatal Care and Hypertensive Gestational Syndromes: A Systematic Review

Abstract Objective Evaluate the influence of prenatal care on the occurrence of gestational hypertension. Methods The Web of Science, Scopus, Pubmed, Cochrane and ClinicalTrials electronic databases were searched for articles published between January 1st, 2012 and December 31st, 2016. No language restrictions were imposed. The following keywords were used: prenatal care, medical assistance, prenatal education, pregnancy-induced hypertension. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist was employed. Two hundred and forty articles were identified during the initial search, but only seven met the inclusion criteria. This systematic review is registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO; #CRD42017064103). Results The seven studies had a low risk of bias, with methodological quality scores ranging from six to eight points. Five studies found a positive relationship between prenatal care and pregnancy-induced hypertension, whereas two studies found no significant association between the two variables. The divergence among the studies may have been due to the type of healthcare service at which the study was conducted and the sample size. Conclusion Although the studies analyzed differed with regard to methodological aspects, the findings demonstrate the importance of prenatal care during the gestational period as a prevention and health promotion measure.
Temporary Migration and Skill Upgrading: Evidence from Mexican Migrants

This paper explores the extent to which temporary Mexican migrants upgrade their skills while working in the United States. The vast majority of the migration that we observe is undertaken without documents. In contrast to Lacuesta (2006), we find that labor market performance in Mexico is positively related to one’s accumulated migration experience in the United States. Self-selection of high-skilled individuals into migration does not drive this result. We also investigate the possible mechanisms by which migration experience might improve earnings in Mexico. We find support for the notion that migration experience improves labor market outcomes by improving occupation specific skills rather than by inducing higher rates of occupational mobility or entrepreneurship.
Lichen Sclerosus Accompanied by Urethral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study From a Urethral Referral Center

To evaluate the characteristics of lichen sclerosus (LS) accompanied by urethral squamous cell carcinoma (USCC) and to raise urologists’ awareness about the early management of LS, a retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of 18 male genital LS accompanied by USCC patients who were referred to Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital between June 2000 and August 2014. All of the patients had a long-term history of LS, urethral strictures, and urethral dilatation. Seven patients are with distal (glanular or penile) USCC, 10 patients with proximal USCC, and one with entire USCC. The most common presentation, except for LS and urethral strictures, was periurethral abscess, followed by extraurethral mass, pelvic pain, urethrocutaneous fistula, hematuria, and bloody urethral discharge. All had primary surgical excision that was adapted to tumor location and extension. All of the USCC were positive for P53 and Ki-67. P16 was positive in four cases of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated USCC and negative in 14 cases of HPV-independent USCC. Patients with distal USCC had a significant longer survival time than proximal USCC (p < .05). LS should be treated early to prevent the disease progression. LS probably has some associations with USCC. Distal USCC has a relatively better prognosis than proximal USCC.
A Decision-Making Auction Algorithm for Demand Response in Microgrids

Distributed energy resources installed in the residential areas enable energy consumers to participate in the demand response of distribution systems. In the literature, the algorithms used for the decision-making process of an energy consumer are often centralized and require a dedicated communication link with the power utility. In this paper, a novel decision-making algorithm known as the auction decision process has been proposed. It helps energy consumers to independently meet the demand response in a decentralized manner. The resultant demand response operates in a distributed manner, where the limited information is transmitted among the neighboring consumers using the short-range ZigBee communication. This minimizes the required initial bulk investment for a power utility compared to using a centralized communication system. The data privacy is also improved when compared to the centralized approach. For this work, finding a path with the least transmission loss is selected as the desired constraint for the decision-making process of the demand response. The proposed method has been demonstrated using the IEEE 33 bus systems.