Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Management of empyema in children

The incidence of empyema complicating community‐acquired pneumonia is increasing and causes significant childhood morbidity. Pneumococcal infection remains the most common isolated cause in developed countries, with Staphylococcus aureus the predominant pathogen in the developing world. Newer molecular techniques utilizing the polymerase chain reaction have led to an increase in identification of causative bacteria, previously not isolated by conventional culture techniques. This remains an important epidemiological tool, and may help in guiding correct antibiotic use in the future. There are many treatment options, however, and the care a child currently receives is dependent on local practice, which is largely determined by availability of medical personnel and their preferences. Although there are many reported case series comparing treatment options, only two randomized controlled studies exist to guide treatment in children. There is an urgent need for this to be addressed, particularly with the introduction of relatively new surgical techniques such as video‐assisted thorascopic surgery. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2005; 40:148–156. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma arising in bone in children and adolescents is associated with an excellent outcome: a Children's Cancer Group report.

PURPOSE Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) arising in bone is a heterogeneous histologic type of NHL that includes large-cell lymphoma, lymphoblastic lymphoma, and small noncleaved-cell lymphoma. NHL arising in bone is well recognized in adults but is less well characterized and infrequent in children and adolescents. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review of Children's Cancer Group (CCG) studies treating children and adolescents with NHL over a 20-year period (CCG-551, CCG-501, CCG-502, CCG-503, CCG-552, CCG-5911, and CCG-5941) and determined the response and event-free survival (EFS) rates in 31 patients with NHL arising in bone. RESULTS The patients ranged in age from 3 to 17 years (median, 11 years; mean, 11 years), and 64.5% were male. All 31 (100%) patients achieved complete response. For 31 patients with NHL arising in bone, the product-limit estimated 5-year EFS was 83.8% +/- 6.7%. EFS in 17 patients with localized disease (Murphy stages I and II) was 94.1% +/- 5.7%, and EFS in 14 patients with disseminated disease (Murphy stage III) was 70.7% +/- 12.4% (log-rank P =.10). EFS in 17 patients treated with chemotherapy and radiation was 70.1% +/- 11.2%, and EFS in 14 patients treated with chemotherapy without radiation was 100% (P =.03). EFS in 26 patients with histology-directed treatment (LSA2-L2 or ADCOMP for lymphoblastic, other therapy for nonlymphoblastic) was 92.2% +/- 5.3%, and in five patients with nonhistology-directed treatment it was 40.0% +/- 21.9% (P <.001). CONCLUSION NHL arising in bone is a heterogeneous type of NHL that makes up approximately 2.0% of NHL in children and adolescents on CCG studies. Response and survival in this young age group seem superb, with histology-directed treatment protocols without radiation in both localized and disseminated disease.
The status of ‘canonical SVO sentences’ in French: a developmental study of the on-line processing of dislocated sentences

ABSTRACT This on-line study investigates the processing of word order by 30 French children (6;6, 8;6, 10;6) and 10 adults. Its main objective is to show that the privileged status granted to ‘canonical SVO sentences’ is inadequate to account for the on-line processing of pronominal utterances in spoken French. Using a word monitoring task, we showed that word order (NVN vs NNV): (1) is a significant factor in sentences containing no clitic pronoun; (2) stops being significant when sentences contain either one or two clitic pronouns. These results suggest that processing complexity depends upon co-reference (‘linear’, ‘crossed’ or ‘embedding’) assignment constraints rather than upon word order per se. We conclude that, in French, word-order processing always interacts with acceptability considerations provided by cliticization.
Content-based recommender system for an academic social network / Vala Ali Rohani

The rapid growth of Web 2.0 applications, such as blogs and social networks creates rich online information and provides various new sources of knowledge. The situation, however, leads to a great challenge in terms of information overload among social network users. Recommender systems (RSs) alleviate this problem with a technique that suggests relevant information from the abundance of Web data by considering the user’s previous preference. Collaborative and content-based are the recommendation techniques typically used in existing RSs. The content-based method is employed more widely though. Similar to the collaborative, the content-based technique suffers from the cold-start dilemma that is caused by the incapability of RSs to make reliable recommendations in situations when new items or new users are involved. Such issues have an impact on prediction accuracy in existing algorithms, and hence, a better approach is required. In this study, a new algorithm is proposed to represent an enhanced version of content-based recommender systems by utilizing social networking features. In its formulation, the algorithm considers the interests and preferences of users’ friends and faculty mates in addition to users’ own preferences. The algorithm exploits all interests and preferences in a hierarchy tree structure. Since no offline data on Academic Social Networks (ASNs) exists and concerning the advantages of online study benefits, a real runtime environment of ASN called MyExpert was built in order to conduct an online study to assess the four recommender algorithms. Each recommender system algorithm, including the enhanced version of the content-based recommender systems using social networking (ECSN), is later incorporated into MyExpert to propose to members of this online society the most relevant academic items including jobs, news, scholarships and conferences. By using MyExpert, the online study was carried out to collect real feedback from live interactions between iv users and the system. The assessment ran for 14 consecutive weeks from 7th September to 26th December, 2012. MyExpert had 920 members from 10 universities in Malaysia at the time of evaluation. Four metrics, namely precision, recall, fallout, and F1 were employed to measure the prediction accuracy of each algorithm. Although the experiment conducted presented some threats, the results indicated that the ECSN algorithm not only improves the prediction accuracy of recommendations but also resolves the cold start problem in the existing recommender systems algorithms.
Genetic analysis of the cofactor requirement for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat function

The Tat protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 is a potent transcriptional trans activator of the viral long terminal repeat promoter element. Tat function requires the direct interaction of Tat with a cis-acting viral RNA target sequence termed the trans-activation response (TAR) element and has also been proposed to require at least one cellular cofactor. We have used a genetic approach to attempt to experimentally define the role of the cellular cofactor in Tat function and TAR binding. Our data suggest that neither Tat nor the cellular cofactor binds to TAR alone in vivo and indicate, instead, that the interaction of Tat with its cellular cofactor is a prerequisite for TAR binding. The known species tropism of lentivirus Tat proteins appears to arise from the fact that not only Tat but also the cellular cofactor can markedly influence the RNA sequence specificity of the resultant protein complex. These data also suggest that the Tat cofactor is likely a cellular transcription factor that has been highly conserved during vertebrate evolution. We hypothesize that the primary function of Tat is to redirect this cellular factor to a novel viral RNA target site and to thereby induce activation of viral gene expression.
Comparing Preseason Frontal and Sagittal Plane Plyometric Programs on Vertical Jump Height in High-School Basketball Players

King, JA and Cipriani, DJ. Comparing preseason frontal and sagittal plane plyometric programs on vertical jump height in high-school basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 24(8): 2109-2114, 2010-The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate whether frontal plane (FP) plyometrics, which are defined as plyometrics dominated with a lateral component, would produce similar increases in vertical jump height (VJH) compared to sagittal plane (SP) Plyometrics. Thirty-two junior varsity and varsity high-school basketball players participated in 6 weeks of plyometric training. Players participated in either FP or SP plyometrics for the entire study. Vertical jump height was measured on 3 occasions: preintervention (baseline), at week 3 of preparatory training, and at week 6 of training. Descriptive statistics were calculated for VJH. A 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was used to test the difference in mean vertical jump scores using FP and SP training modalities. Results showed a significant effect over time for vertical jump (p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant time by protocol interaction was noted (p < 0.032). A 1-way ANOVA demonstrated that only the SP group demonstrated improvements over time, in VJH, p < 0.05. The FP group did not improve statistically. The data from this study suggest that FP plyometric training did not have a significant effect on VJH and significant improvement in VJH was seen in subjects participating in SP plyometrics thus reinforcing the specificity principle of training. However, coaches should implement both types of plyometrics because both training modalities can improve power and quickness among basketball players.
A mathematical model of haemopoiesis as exemplified by CD34+ cell mobilization into the peripheral blood

Abstract. A mathematical model for the kinetics of haemopoietic cells, including CD34+ cells, is proposed. This minimal model reflects the known kinetics of haemopoietic progenitor cells, including peripheral blood CD34+ cells, white blood cells and platelets, in the presence of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor. Reproducing known perturbations within this system, subjected to granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor treatment and apheresis of peripheral blood progenitor cells (CD34+ cells) in healthy individuals allows validation of the model. Predictions are made with this model for reducing the length of time with neutropenia after high‐dose chemotherapy. Results based on this model indicate that myelosuppressive treatment together with infusion of CD34+ peripheral blood progenitor cells favours a faster recovery of the haemopoietic system than with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor alone. Additionally, it predicts that infusion of white blood cells and platelets can relieve the symptoms of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, respectively, without drastically hindering the haemopoietic recovery period after high dose chemotherapy.
Name-Valence and Physical Attractiveness in Facebook: Their Compensatory Effects on Friendship Acceptance

ABSTRACT Name-valence and physical attractiveness have been shown to be associated with how people respond toward others, in that people judge and behave more positively toward individuals with positive names and individuals who are physically attractive. The present research examined whether Facebook users are more likely to accept friendship requests from other Facebook users with positive (relative to negative) names and who are physically attractive (relative to being moderately attractive). In fact, both name-valence and physical attractiveness affected friendship acceptance. Moreover, results revealed that name-valence can be compensated by physical attractiveness (and vice versa). Acceptance rates of requests from users with positive names who are moderately attractive, as well as requests from users with negative names who are attractive did not significantly differ from those with positive names who are attractive.
Simple, inexpensive media for mass production of three entomophthoralean fungi.

The entomophthoralean fungi Batkoa sp. , Furia sp. and Neozygites floridana have been suggested for biocontrol of insect pests: the first two for control of spittlebug pests of pasture and sugarcane, and the third for mites of agricultural importance. To develop these agents as biopesticides and bioacaricides, it is important to have available culture media that maximize production at low cost. The research reported here evaluates, in different combinations and concentrations, the effect of four complex sources of nitrogen on production of mycelium or hyphal bodies in liquid media of all three species. Yeast extract allowed the highest production of Batkoa sp. , with a concentration of 0.5% being the most suitable for vegetative (mycelial) growth. The combination of 0.33% each of yeast extract + beef extract + skim milk allowed the highest production of Furia sp. Mycelium. The combination of yeast extract + skim milk (0.5% of each) allowed the second highest production of Furia sp. , and was the most suitable for mass production due to the lower cost. The combination of 1 %each of yeast extract + peptone + skim milk was the most suitable for production of N. floridana hyphal bodies.
Foundations of disjunctive logic programming

Part 1 Introduction and background: motivation historical background. Part 2 Definitions and terminology: first-order theory - syntax first order theory - semantics logic programs - syntax logic programs - semantics - models and interpretations substitutions and unifiers fixpoint theory. Part 3 Declarative semantics: logical consequences model theory fixpoint theory comparison of definite and disjunctive logic programs. Part 4 Proof theory: query type and correct answers SLI resolution and SLD resolution soundness of SLI resolution completeness of SLI resolution computation rule comparison of SLD and SLI resolution. Part 5 Negation: generalized closed world assumption procedural interpretation for the GCWA non-herbrand models and the GCWA constructive answers. Part 6 Weak negation: weak generalized closed world assumption finite failure semantics fixpoint characterization completion theory procedural interpretation. Part 7 Normal logic programs: normal disjunctive logic programs the generalized disjunctive well-founded semantics stationary semantics comparison of semantics normal logic programs. Part 8 Proof theory - normal programs: SLIS resolution soundness of SLIS resolution completeness of SLIS resolution. Part 9 Disjunctive deductive databases: disjunctive deductive databases queries and answers incremental evaluation of hierarchical DDDB's model trees - a data structure for sets of minimal models incremental computation on model trees computing answers on trees meaningless models and denials. Part 10 Applications: view updates combining deductive databases.
Hydrogen Reduction in MEP Niobium Studied by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS)

Niobium, as pure metal and alloying element, is used in a variety of applications, among them in nuclear industries. Niobium is incorporated into nuclear fission reactors due to its enormous strength and low density. Surface finishing of niobium is often performed in electrochemical polishing processes in view of improving its smoothness, corrosion resistance and its surface cleanability. However, the presently used electropolishing process (EP) is intrinsically linked to the subsurface hydrogenation of niobium, which measurably degrades its properties. This is why the annealing operation is used to remove hydrogen from electropolished niobium that is a costly and time-consuming process. The traditional electrolyte consisting of a mixture of 96% H2SO4/49% HF acids by volume in a 9:1 ratio has been substituted for the new one, being a mixture of 70% methanesulfonic acid with 49% hydrofluoric acid by volume in a 3:1 ratio. Moreover, the additional imposition of a magnetic field during the electropolishing process (MEP) further increases hydrogen removal, when compared to the hydrogen content achieved by the electropolishing process alone. The aim of the study is to reveal a methodic approach and showing decreasing hydrogenation of niobium samples after consecutive steps of electrochemical polishing. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was used to measure the hydrogen content in the surface layer of as-received AR niobium and in the samples after EP and MEP processes.
Infrared thermal imaging for detection of peripheral vascular disorders

Body temperature is a very useful parameter for diagnosing diseases. There is a definite correlation between body temperature and diseases. We have used Infrared Thermography to study noninvasive diagnosis of peripheral vascular diseases. Temperature gradients are observed in the affected regions of patients with vascular disorders, which indicate abnormal blood flow in the affected region. Thermal imaging results are well correlated with the clinical findings. Certain areas on the affected limbs show increased temperature profiles, probably due to inflammation and underlying venous flow changes. In general the temperature contrast in the affected regions is about 0.7 to 1° C above the normal regions, due to sluggish blood circulation. The results suggest that the thermal imaging technique is an effective technique for detecting small temperature changes in the human body due to vascular disorders.
The alkane oxidation system of Pseudomonas oleovorans: induction of the alk genes in Escherichia coli W3110(pGEc47) affects membrane biogenesis and results in overexpression of alkane hydroxylase in a distinct cytoplasmic membrane subtraction

The alkane hydroxylase system of Pseudomonas oleovorans, which catalyses the initial oxidation of aliphatic substrates, is encoded by three genes. One of the gene products, the alkane hydroxyiase AlkB, is an integral cytoplasmic membrane protein. Induction leads to the synthesis of 1.5–2% AlkB relative to the total cell protein, both in P. oleovorans and in recombinant Escherichia coli DH1. We present a study on the Induction and localization of the alkane hydroxylase in E. coli W3110, which appears to be an interesting host strain because it permits expression levels of AlkB of up to 10–15% of the total cell protein. This expression level had negative effects on cell growth. The phospholipid content of such cells was about threefold higher than that of wild‐type W3110. Freeze‐fracture electron microscopy showed that induction of the alk genes led to the appearance of membrane vesicles in the cytoplasm; these occurred much more frequently in cells expressing alkB than in the negative control, which contained all of the alk genes except for alkB. Isolation and separation of the membranes of cells expressing alkB by density gradient centrifugation showed the customary cytoplasmic and outer membranes, as well as a low‐density membrane fraction. This additional fraction was highly enriched in AlkB, as shown both by SDS‐PAGE and enzyme activity measurements. A typical cytoplasmic membrane protein, NADH oxidase, was absent from the low‐density membrane fraction, alkB expression in W3110 changed the composition of the phospholipid headgroup in the membrane, as well as the fatty acid composition of the membrane. The major changes occurred in the unsaturated fatty acids: C16:1 and C18:1 increased at the expense of C17:0cyc and C19:0cyc*
Beneficial hemodynamic effects of bosentan, a mixed ETA and ETB receptor antagonist, in portal hypertensive rats

In patients with cirrhosis, the plasma level of endothelin, a potent vasoconstrictor peptide, is elevated, and endothelin plays a role in increased intrahepatic vascular resistance. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic effects of bosentan, a mixed ETA and ETB endothelin receptor antagonist in three models of portal hypertension. In all groups of rats, endothelin (2 μg/kg intravenously) administration significantly increased intrahepatic vascular resistance. In rats with secondary biliary cirrhosis, bosentan (30 mg/kg) significantly reduced portal pressure from 14.6 ± 1.2 to 12.1 ± 0.6 mm Hg, while portal blood flow and cardiac output increased by 45% and 57%, respectively. Thus, hepatocollateral vascular resistance decreased significantly from 177 ± 19 to 101 ± 9 dyn · s · cm−5 × 10−3. Similar results were observed in rats with CCl4‐induced cirrhosis. In isolated perfused cirrhotic rat livers, bosentan (1 to 100 μmol/L) had no significant effect on hepatic vascular resistance. In portal vein–stenosed rats, bosentan administration significantly decreased portal pressure from 13.1 ± 0.6 to 11.4 ± 0.5 mm Hg by reducing portosystemic vascular resistance, because bosentan had no effect on vascular resistance of normal rat liver. In conclusion, bosentan administration decreased portal pressure in vivo by reducing hepatocollateral vascular resistance in rats with cirrhosis. Thus, mixed endothelin receptor antagonists might be a new approach in the pharmacological treatment of portal hypertension.
Antimicrobial activities of various fractions of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour. Fen Ke) seed extract

Abstract The antimicrobial activities of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour. Fen ke) seed extracts were investigated using a disc diffusion method and also determining the minimal inhibitory concentration. The DL-P01-SI01 fraction showed that the strongest activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus at MIC 64 μg/mL, which was found to be due to the phenolic compounds. The HPLC analysis showed that the major phenolic compounds are gallic acid, corilagin, ethyl gallate and ellagic acid.
Imaging specific cellular glycan structures using glycosyltransferases via click chemistry

Heparan sulfate (HS) is a polysaccharide fundamentally important for biologically activities. T/Tn antigens are universal carbohydrate cancer markers. Here, we report the specific imaging of these carbohydrates using a mesenchymal stem cell line and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The staining specificities were demonstrated by comparing imaging of different glycans and validated by either removal of target glycans, which results in loss of signal, or installation of target glycans, which results in gain of signal. As controls, representative key glycans including O-GlcNAc, lactosaminyl glycans and hyaluronan were also imaged. HS staining revealed novel architectural features of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of HUVEC cells. Results from T/Tn antigen staining suggest that O-GalNAcylation is a rate-limiting step for O-glycan synthesis. Overall, these highly specific approaches for HS and T/Tn antigen imaging should greatly facilitate the detection and functional characterization of these biologically important glycans.