Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Host-Feeding Patterns of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Relation to Availability of Human and Domestic Animals in Suburban Landscapes of Central North Carolina

Abstract Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) is a major nuisance mosquito and a potential arbovirus vector. The host-feeding patterns of Ae. albopictus were investigated during the 2002 and 2003 mosquito seasons in suburban neighborhoods in Wake County, Raleigh, NC. Hosts of blood-fed Ae. albopictus (n = 1,094) were identified with an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, by using antisera made in New Zealand White rabbits to the sera of animals that would commonly occur in peridomestic habitats. Ae. albopictus fed predominantly on mammalian hosts (83%). Common mammalian hosts included humans (24%), cats (21%), and dogs (14%). However, a notable proportion (7%) of bloodmeals also was taken from avian hosts. Some bloodmeals taken from birds were identified to species by a polymerase chain reaction-heteroduplex assay (PCR-HDA). Ae. albopictus fed predominantly on chickens and a northern cardinal. PCR-HDA failed to produce detectable products for 29 (58%) of 50 bloodmeals for which DNA had been amplified, indicating that these mosquitoes took mixed bloodmeals from avian and nonavian hosts. Ae. albopictus preference for humans, dogs, and cats was determined by calculating host-feeding indices for the three host pairs based on the proportion of host specific blood-fed mosquitoes collected in relation to the number of specific hosts per residence as established by a door-to-door survey conducted in 2003. Estimates of the average amount of time that residents and their pets (cats and dogs) spent out of doors were obtained. Host-feeding indices based only on host abundance indicated that Ae. albopictus was more likely to feed on domestic animals. However, when feeding indices were time-weighted, Ae. albopictus fed preferentially upon humans. Ae. albopictus blood feeding on humans was investigated using a STR/PCR-DNA profiling technique that involved amplification of three short tandem repeats loci. Of 40 human bloodmeals, 32 (80%) were from a single human, whereas eight (20%) were multiple bloodmeals taken from more than one human host. We conclude that the blood-feeding preference of Ae. albopictus for mammals will limit acquisition of arboviruses by this species from infected avian amplification hosts. This feeding preference likely limits the vector potential of Ae. albopictus for North American arboviruses.
Toward Superfluid Deployment of Virtual Functions: Exploiting Mobile Edge Computing for Video Streaming

The Network Function Virtualization (NFV) technologies are fundamental enablers to meet the objectives of 5G networks. In this work, we first introduce the architecture for dynamic deployment and composition of virtual functions proposed by the Superfluidity project. Then we consider a case study based on a typical 5G scenario. In particular, we detail the design and implementation of a Video Streaming service exploiting Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) functionalities. The analysis of the case study provide an assessment on what can be achieved with current technologies and gives a first confirmation of the validity of the proposed approach. Finally, we identify future directions of work towards the realization of a superfluid softwarized network.
Thyroid Hormone Response Element Organization Dictates the Composition of Active Receptor*

Thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine, T3) is known to activate transcription by binding heterodimers of thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs). RXR-TRs bind to T3 response elements (TREs) composed of direct repeats of the sequence AGGTCA spaced by four nucleotides (DR-4). In other TREs, however, the half-sites can be arranged as inverted palindromes and palindromes (Pal). Here we show that TR homodimers and monomers activate transcription from representative TREs with alternate half-site placements. TRβ activates transcription more efficiently than TRα at an inverted palindrome (F2), and this correlates with preferential TRβ homodimer formation at F2 in vitro. Furthermore, reconstruction of TR transcription complexes in yeast indicates that TRβ homodimers are active at F2, whereas RXR-TRs are active at DR-4 and Pal. Finally, analysis of TRβ mutations that block homodimer and/or heterodimer formation reveal TRE-selective requirements for these surfaces in mammalian cells, which suggest that TRβ homodimers are active at F2, RXR-TRs at DR-4, and TR monomers at Pal. TRβ requires higher levels of hormone for activation at F2 than other TREs, and this differential effect is abolished by a dimer surface mutation suggesting that it is related to composition of the TR·TRE complex. We propose that interactions of particular TR oligomers with different elements play unappreciated roles in TRE-selective actions of liganded TRs in vivo.
Public-private partnerships in Colombian education: the equity and quality impications of "Colegios en concesión"

Charter schools are one of the most iconic public-private partnership (PPP) formulas in education. Nonetheless, despite charter school programs having been implemented in some countries for decades and their global diffusion, evidence on their impact in education systems is far from conclusive. This report analyzes the case of the Colegios en Concesion (CEC), a paradigmatic charter school program implemented in Bogota since 1999 to benefi t students from poor areas of the city. By adopting a realist evaluation approach, our research discusses to what extent the assumptions behind the promotion of the CEC program in Colombia are met in real situations, and challenges some of the main conclusions that existing evaluations of this program have reached so far. This study shows that the CEC program has not achieved the expected results: these schools enjoy only of moderate levels of school autonomy; their economic efficiency largely relies on a drastic worsening of teachers’ employment conditions; many CEC schools have strategically selected their students during enrollment processes, though this practice is not allowed by the Education Department; and the pedagogical differentiation that these schools have promoted within the education system has not necessarily translated into substantive academic improvement. In fact, in relation to the latter, we have observed that in terms of learning outcomes, there are not statistically signifi cant differences between CEC and public schools after controlling for school day and the economic status of students. However, we have also seen how CEC schools have had the capacity to generate high levels of loyalty among their more direct users, and both parents and students are deeply engaged and satisfi ed with these schools. Overall, our results raise some challenging questions about the effects, in terms of equity, quality and segregation, of the CEC program in the Colombian education system.
Role of the acid-etch technique in remineralization of caries-like lesions of enamel: a polarized light and scanning electron microscopic study.

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of acid-etching on remineralization of caries-like lesions with calcifying fluids (CF). Caries-like lesions were created in two windows of sound enamel on both buccal and lingual surfaces of human molars. A central longitudinal section was taken from each tooth to serve as control lesions (CL). Each tooth was then sectioned into quarters and each quarter assigned to one of four groups: 1) 1mM Ca CF Remineralized (RC1); 2) 1mM Ca CF Remineralized Etch (RE1); 3) 3mM Ca CF Remineralized (RC3); 4) 3mM Ca CF Remineralized Etch (RE3). Lesions in the etch groups were exposed to 30 percent H3PO4 for 30s prior to CF. Etch and non-etch groups were treated with 1mM or 3mM Ca CFs (prepared from HAP [Ca/P ratio = 1.63], pH 7.0, 0.05mM F-) for ten 60-second periods, interspersed with deionized water rinses. Mean lesion depths were determined using a digitized tablet. Following 1mM Ca CF, mean lesion depths were: 179 microns for CL, 157 microns for RC1 and 118 microns for RE1. Following 3mM Ca CF, mean lesion depths were: 188 microns for CL, 171 microns for RC3 and 143 microns for RE3. SEM topographic features of the remineralized etched lesions consisted of adherent surface coatings with finely globular patterns in the 1mM Ca CF group and densely adherent surface coatings which masked the effects of etching in the 3mM Ca CF group. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Comparison of the GenMark Diagnostics eSensor Respiratory Viral Panel to Real-Time PCR for Detection of Respiratory Viruses in Children

ABSTRACT A novel eSensor respiratory viral panel (eSensor RVP) multiplexed nucleic acid amplification test (GenMark Diagnostics, Inc., Carlsbad, CA) was compared to laboratory-developed real-time PCR assays for the detection of various respiratory viruses. A total of 250 frozen archived pediatric respiratory specimens previously characterized as either negative or positive for one or more viruses by real-time PCR were examined using the eSensor RVP. Overall agreement between the eSensor RVP and corresponding real-time PCR assays for shared analytes was 99.2% (kappa = 0.96 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.94 to 0.98]). The combined positive percent agreement was 95.4% (95% CI, 92.5 to 97.3); the negative percent agreement was 99.7% (95% CI, 99.4 to 99.8). The mean real-time PCR threshold cycle (CT ) value for specimens with discordant results was 39.73 (95% CI, 38.03 to 41.43). Detection of coinfections and correct identification of influenza A virus subtypes were comparable between methods. Of note, the eSensor RVP rhinovirus assay was found to be more sensitive and specific than the corresponding rhinovirus real-time PCR. In contrast, the eSensor RVP adenovirus B, C, and E assays demonstrated some cross-reactivity when tested against known adenovirus serotypes representing groups A through F. The eSensor RVP is robust and relatively easy to perform, it involves a unique biosensor technology for target detection, and its multiplexed design allows for efficient and simultaneous interrogation of a single specimen for multiple viruses. Potential drawbacks include a slower turnaround time and the need to manipulate amplified product during the protocol, increasing the possibility of contamination.
Self-Controlled Feedback Is Effective if It Is Based on the Learner's Performance

The study follows up on the contention that self-controlled feedback schedules benefit learning, because they are more tailored to the performers' needs than externally controlled feedback schedules (Chiviacowsky & Wulf, 2002). Under this assumption, one would expect learning advantages for individuals who decide whether they want to receive feedback after a trial rather than before a trial. Participants practiced a sequential timing task, and all could decide the trials on which they received feedback. One group (“self-after”) decided after every trial whether they wanted to receive feedback for that trial, while another group (“self-before”) made that decision before each trial. The self-after group showed learning benefits on a delayed transfer test (novel absolute timing requirements) with regard to overall timing and relative-timing accuracy. Thus, self-controlled feedback was more effective when the learner could make a decision about receiving feedback after the trial. This seems to support the view that self-controlled feedback benefits learning, because learners can make a decision about feedback based on their performance on a given trial.
Ankylosing spondylitis and risk of ischaemic heart disease: a population-based cohort study

Objective To investigate the incidence and risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI), including the role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared with population controls. Methods All patients with newly diagnosed AS (n=3809) from the British Clinical Practice Research Datalink (1987–2012) were matched with up to seven persons without AS by year of birth, gender and practice (n=26 197). Incidence rate ratios (IRR) and HRs for development of IHD and AMI were calculated. Stepwise analyses were performed adjusting for age, gender, comorbidity and drug use, including NSAIDs. Results At baseline, 4.3% of the patients had IHD and 1.8% had AMI compared with 3.4% and 1.4% of the controls, respectively. After exclusion of pre-existing IHD or AMI, the IRRs were 1.18 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.46) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.65 to 1.27) for IHD and AMI, respectively. Compared with controls, the age-gender adjusted HR for developing IHD was 1.20 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.48), and for AMI 0.91 (95% CI 0.65 to 1.28). In female patients, the risk of developing IHD was increased (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.90), but after adjustment for all possible risk factors only a non-significant trend was found (HR 1.31, 95% CI 0.83 to 2.08). In particular, NSAID use explained this change (HR IHD adjusted for age-gender-NSAID use 1.57, 95% CI 0.99 to 2.48). Conclusions Female patients with AS had an increased age-adjusted risk of developing IHD, but after adjustment for NSAID use only a non-significant trend towards increased risk was found.
Delayed Two-Stage Breast Reconstruction with Implants: The Authors’ Recent Experience

BACKGROUND Presently, breast cancer detection is delayed in Poland and, thus, the only other option for patients is amputation and breast reconstruction (immediate or delayed). Reconstructive methods are based on using the patient's own tissue (pedicled or free myocutaneous flaps) or implants (a tissue expander, which is later exchanged for a prosthesis or an expandable implant). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the aesthetic results of a delayed two-stage breast reconstruction with the use of implants (expander and prosthesis) in patients who have previously undergone cancer-related mastectomy. METHODS From 2006 to 2009, 54 patients (34 to 65 years of age) underwent reconstruction at least one year after their mastectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy; three women also received x-ray therapy. All women underwent a two-stage treatment with a tissue expander, which was later exchanged for a prosthesis. RESULTS Outcomes of the surgery (evaluated by the physician and the patient at least six months after all stages of reconstruction) were found to be very good in 42 patients and good in 12 patients. After amputation and x-ray therapy in two cases, a fistula developed, which necessitated implant removal. CONCLUSIONS After amputation, breast reconstruction with implants (expander and prosthesis) provides good aesthetic results. The method is mildly burdening to the patient and does not cause severe scarring. Symmetrization of the second breast is often recommended; however, the cost is not covered by the national health system. In principle, earlier x-ray therapy disqualifies the application of implants. Dividing reconstruction into two stages (expander and prosthesis) allows for possible correction of prosthesis placement.
Quality of Life for Youth to Elderly: How Value and Happiness Are Perceived in a Case Study of Egypt-Based GIS

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of sociodemographic predictors (age, gender, monthly income, number of dependents, marital status, and level of education) on quality of life through six dimensions (physical health, psychological health, level of independence, social relationships, environment, and spirituality). The research undertakes a survey based on a sample of 1,476 individuals selectively and randomly chosen from cities and villages of the Assiut Governorate during the period between May 2014 and December 2015. Findings show that Dimensions 2, 4, and 6 have a significant influence on quality of life and the predictors of education, place of residence, age, and number of dependents (in the case of urban regions) affect quality of life through each of the three dimensions. Rural people have a better perceived quality of life than urban people. Based on the dimensions, the research shows that residents in the city of Assiut have a better perceived quality of life than residents in neighboring cities.
Calculations of apparent ruminal synthesis and intestinal absorption of biotin in dairy cows as influenced by the extraction method

Abstract Biotin is present in nature either free or as biocytin, which is only degraded under the action of a specific enzyme: biotinidase. This enzyme is not included in analytical assays generally used. A method for sample preparation using biotinidase was developed in our laboratory before analysis by ELISA. Three cows equipped with duodenal and ileal cannulae were used to compare the effects of methods of sample preparation on calculations of apparent ruminal synthesis and intestinal absorption of biotin. There was no apparent ruminal synthesis of biotin, no matter whether free or total biotin was measured (p = 0.84). Results also suggested that rumen microbes cannot utilize nor degrade biocytin present in the feed. Estimates of apparent intestinal absorption were influenced by the sample preparation method (p = 0.002). Analysis of free biotin caused an artefact, suggesting intestinal synthesis of this vitamin; whereas determination of total biotin concentrations showed that absorption was taking place in the small intestine.
Glucose metabolism and proliferation in glia: role of astrocytic gap junctions

Astrocytes play a well‐established role in brain metabolism, being a key element in the capture of energetic compounds from the circulation and in their delivery to active neurons. Their metabolic status is affected in many pathological situations, such as gliomas, which are the most common brain tumors. This proliferative dysfunction is associated with changes in gap junctional communication, a property strongly developed in normal astrocytes studied both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we summarize and discuss the findings that have lead to the identification of a link between gap junctions, glucose uptake, and proliferation. Indeed, the inhibition of gap junctional communication is associated with an increase in glucose uptake due to a rapid change in the localization of both GLUT‐1 and type I hexokinase. This effect persists due to the up‐regulation of GLUT‐1 and type I hexokinase and to the induction of GLUT‐3 and type II hexokinase. In addition, cyclins D1 and D3 have been found to act as sensors of the inhibition of gap junctions and have been proposed to play the role of mediators in the mitogenic effect observed. Conversely, in C6 glioma cells, characterized by a low level of intercellular communication, an increase in gap junctional communication reduces glucose uptake by releasing type I and type II hexokinases from the mitochondria and decreases the exacerbated rate of proliferation due to the up‐regulation of the Cdk inhibitors p21 and p27. Identification of the molecular actors involved in these pathways should allow the determination of potential therapeutic targets that could lead to the testing of alternative strategies to prevent, or at least slow down, the proliferation of glioma cells.
[Efffect of baicalin on antipyresis and influence on cytokine].

OBJECTIVE To study the antipyretic effect of baicalin in inhibiting yeast-induced fever in rats and the influence on inflammatory cytokine, then explore the possible mechanism of baicalin in inhibiting yeast-induced fever in rats. METHODS Rat modles of pyrexia were established by subcutaneous injection of yeast (2 g x kg(-1)); the rats of were divided into the normal control, model, baicalin high, medium and low-dose group and the effect of baicalin on the changes of the rats' temperature were observed. Dual antibody ELISA method was used to test the changes of IL-6, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha contents in in serum , hypothalamus and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Then analyze the correlation between the inhibition ratio of temperature heighten on three different dose of baicalin and the inhibition ratio of the contents heighten on IL-6, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. RESULT The high dose of baicalin significantly inhibited the yeast-induced fever of rats, and decresesed IL-6, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha contents in serum, hypothalamus and CSF. The inhibition ratio of temperature heighten of baicalin had direct correlation with the inhibition ratio of the heighten on IL-1beta content in serum, hypothalamus and CSF (r = 0.873, P < 0.05), also dose TNF-alpha (r = 0.862, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Baicalin may have obvious antipyretic effect by decreasing the increasing contents of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in rats.
Sleep-induced periodic breathing and apnea: a theoretical study.

To elucidate the mechanisms that lead to sleep-disordered breathing, we have developed a mathematical model that allows for dynamic interactions among the chemical control of respiration, changes in sleep-waking state, and changes in upper airway patency. The increase in steady-state arterial PCO2 accompanying sleep is shown to be inversely related to the ventilatory response to CO2. Chemical control of respiration becomes less stable during the light stage of sleep, despite a reduction in chemoresponsiveness, due to a concomitant increase in "plant gain" (i.e., responsiveness of blood gases to ventilatory changes). The withdrawal of the "wakefulness drive" during sleep onset represents a strong perturbation to respiratory control: higher magnitudes and rates of withdrawal of this drive favor instability. These results may account for the higher incidence of periodic breathing observed during light sleep and sleep onset. Periodic ventilation can also result from repetitive alternations between sleep onset and arousal. The potential for instability is further compounded if the possibility of upper airway occlusion is also included. In systems with high controller gains, instability is mediated primarily through chemoreflex overcompensation. However, in systems with depressed chemoresponsiveness, rapid sleep onset and large blood gas fluctuations trigger repetitive episodes of arousal and hyperpnea alternating with apneas that may or may not be obstructive. Between these extremes, more complex patterns can arise from the interaction between chemoreflex-mediated oscillations of shorter-cycle-duration (approximately 36 s) and longer-wavelength (approximately 60-80 s) state-driven oscillations.
Social Factors as Modifiers of Hurricane Irene Evacuation Behavior in Beaufort County, NC

Encouraging residents in high-risk areas to evacuate before a hurricane makes landfall is one of the few ways to reduce hurricane-related morbidity and mortality. However, demographic factors associated with evacuation in at-risk groups have not been consistent across studies. To determine if social factors (social control, social cohesion, and social capital) modified the relationship between demographic groups and failure to evacuate from Hurricane Irene, the authors conducted a cross-sectional stratified two-stage cluster sample among residents of Beaufort County, NC. Of 226 attempted rapid response interviews, 205 were completed (response rate = 90.7%). Data were analyzed using generalized linear modeling, which produced crude risk differences to estimate the association between failure to evacuate from Hurricane Irene and a number of demographic and social factors; effect measure modification (EMM) was assessed on the additive scale through stratified analyses of key social factors. There were no significant associations between demographic or social factors and evacuation in the bivariate analysis. However, EMM was present for households with high social capital or social cohesion among special needs residents, those over age 65, males, and non-whites. In Beaufort County, NC, future hazard mitigation plans should include evacuation messages tailored for households with high social capital or social cohesion.