Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nutrition guidance by primary-care physicians: perceived barriers and low involvement.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the activities of general practitioners (GPs) in nutritional matters and the factors that influence their attitudes, knowledge and behaviour, especially perceived barriers. DESIGN Postal questionnaires (result of focus group discussions and in-depth interviews) were sent to a nationwide random sample of GPs in the Netherlands. SUBJECTS 1000 GPs, in practice for between 5 and 15 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The identification of GPs' perceived barriers to nutritional guidance of their patients, their nutritional attitudes and behaviours. RESULTS Net response rate was 64% (633/990). GPs perceived smoking to be the greatest health hazard, followed by dietary pattern and genome. 70% expressed considerable interest in the role of nutrition in health. In daily practice nutrition plays a minor role in the work of the GP. 28% of GPs gave daily nutrition information to about 10% of their patients and 48% to about 5% of their patients. It is found that GPs do perceive strong barriers of being involved in nutrition issues during their practice. The most important barriers expressed were: not being trained in nutrition, lack of time to address nutrition issues and the perception that patients lack motivation to change lifestyle and/or dietary patterns. CONCLUSIONS The involvement of GPs in nutritional matters is very low. The fact that lack of training is considered as the most important barrier is, however, unexpected. This finding offers possibilities for improvement in which in-service courses and inter-active distant-learning programmes on nutrition for GPs should get special attention.
Color Transfer by Region Exploration and Navigation

SUMMARY Color transfer is a simple process to change a color tone in one image (source) to look like another image (target). In transferring colors between images, there are several issues needed to be considered including partial color transfer, trial-and-error, and multiple target color transfer. Our approach enables users to transfer colors partially and locally by letting users select their regions of interest from image segmentation. Since there are many ways that we can transfer colors from a set of target regions to a set of source regions, we introduce the region exploration and navigation approach where users can choose their preferred color tones to transfer one region at a time and gradually customize towards their desired results. The preferred color tones sometimes can come from more than one image; therefore our method is extended to allow users to select their preferred color tones from multiple images. Our experimental results have shown the ﬂexibility of our approach to generate reasonable segmented regions of interest and to enable users to explore the possible results more conveniently.
The expression pattern of the ITIM‐bearing lectin CLECSF6 in neutrophils suggests a key role in the control of inflammation

In our study of the modulation of the expression of inflammation‐related genes in neutrophils, we have found a gene called CLECSF6 (C‐type lectin superfamily 6). CLECSF6 expresses two mRNA species at low levels in resting neutrophils. Here, we describe for the first time the sequence of the short mRNA version. It lacks amino acids that are likely to affect the functionality of its protein product. GM‐CSF, IL‐3, IL‐4, and IL‐13 caused an accumulation of the short CLECSF6 mRNA in neutrophils. The surface expression of the CLECSF6 protein was reduced by TNF‐α, IL‐1α, LPS, and Matrigel®. CLECSF6 bears the immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibition motif (ITIM) involved in signal transduction resulting in the inhibition of leukocyte activation. We propose that some neutrophil activators modulate the expression of CLECSF6 at the mRNA (GM‐CSF, IL‐3, IL‐4, and IL‐13) or protein (TNF‐α, IL‐1α, LPS, and Matrigel®) levels in ways that block ITIM‐based transduction of anti‐inflammatory signals and therefore promote inflammation.
Consumer benefits of labels and bans on genetically modified food - An empirical analysis using Choice Experiments

Applying an experiment on the choice of consumer goods, we show that Swedish consumers do not regard genetically modified (GM) food as being equivalent to conventional food. A central argument by proponents of GM is that the end products are identical to those where GM has not been used. That respondents in our survey disagree with this argument is supported by two observations. First, a positive significant WTP is found for a mandatory labeling policy. This result confirms previous observations that GM food can be a credence good causing a market failure. Second, consumers are also willing to pay a significantly higher product price to ensure a total ban on the use of GM in animal fodder. Even if scientists and politicians argue that most of today’s GM food is indistinguishable from GM-free food,consumers disagree. ´
Premature Thelarche–Natural History and Sex Hormone Secretion in 68 Girls

ABSTRACT. Data obtained during long‐term follow‐up of 68 girls with premature thelarche were analysed. In 85 % onset was before the age of 2 years, in 30.8 % being present at birth. In 44.1 % there was a regression after 32/12±28/12 12years (SD). Basal levels of plasma FSH and response to LH‐RH were significantly higher than prepubertal controls (1.93± 1.56 vs. 0.8±0.1 mU/ml and peaks 12.3±5.4 vs. 7.9±1.0 mU/ml respectively; p<0.001). Twenty‐seven of 52 patients tested had increased plasma estradiol and in 27 of 40 patients tested, urocytograms or vaginal smear showed estrogenization. Basal levels of LH and response to LH‐RH were prepubertal. The girls with premature thelarche were significantly taller than normal controls of the same age (p<0.001). These results suggest that premature thelarche is an incomplete form of precocious sexual development probably due to derangement in the maturation of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐gonadal axis which results in a higher than normal secretion of FSH, as well as a defect in the peripheral sensitivity to the sex hormones.
Influence of zwitterionic SAMs on protein adsorption and the attachment of algal cells

Zwitterionic polymers are non-fouling materials with immense potential for a range of biological applications. Here, we describe the resistance of zwitterionic self-assembled monolayers prepared from different solution ratios of positively and negatively charged thiols towards the adhesion of proteins, zoospores of the green alga Ulva linza, and cells of the unicellular alga Navicula perminuta. While mixed zwitterionic surfaces with a high hydrophilic nature significantly reduced the adhesion strength of the two algae, the positively and negatively charged components were far less effective.
Rhizobium nodM and nodN genes are common nod genes: nodM encodes functions for efficiency of nod signal production and bacteroid maturation

Earlier, we showed that Rhizobium meliloti nodM codes for glucosamine synthase and that nodM and nodN mutants produce strongly reduced root hair deformation activity and display delayed nodulation of Medicago sativa (Baev et al., Mol. Gen. Genet. 228:113-124, 1991). Here, we demonstrate that nodM and nodN genes from Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae restore the root hair deformation activity of exudates of the corresponding R. meliloti mutant strains. Partial restoration of the nodulation phenotypes of these two strains was also observed. In nodulation assays, galactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine could substitute for glucosamine in the suppression of the R. meliloti nodM mutation, although N-acetylglucosamine was less efficient. We observed that in nodules induced by nodM mutants, the bacteroids did not show complete development or were deteriorated, resulting in decreased nitrogen fixation and, consequently, lower dry weights of the plants. This mutant phenotype could also be suppressed by exogenously supplied glucosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, and galactosamine and to a lesser extent by glucosamine-6-phosphate, indicating that the nodM mutant bacteroids are limited for glucosamine. In addition, by using derivatives of the wild type and a nodM mutant in which the nod genes are expressed at a high constitutive level, it was shown that the nodM mutant produces significantly fewer Nod factors than the wild-type strain but that their chemical structures are unchanged. However, the relative amounts of analogs of the cognate Nod signals were elevated, and this may explain the observed host range effects of the nodM mutation. Our data indicate that both the nodM and nodN genes of the two species have common functions and confirm that NodM is a glucosamine synthase with the biochemical role of providing sufficient amounts of the sugar moiety for the synthesis of the glucosamine oligosaccharide signal molecules.
System description of a stepped frequency CW radar for humanitarian demining

A multiple frequency stepped frequency continuous wave radar for detecting flush buried and surface laid antipersonnel landmines was designed and built. The system covers a frequency band from 400 MHz up to 4845 MHz. The range resolution is 3.4 cm and the maximum unambiguous range is 4.3 m. The antenna configuration is a bistatic one with two Archimedean spirals with opposite sense of rotation. The instrumented dynamic range is 40-50 dB per frequency channel. After synthesis of the range profile the dynamic range is significantly higher. The system parameters are aimed at imaging algorithms exploiting the phase evolution over the antenna footprint in particular. One example of the results achieved with and without synthetic aperture radar processing is presented.
Graph Convolutional Matrix Completion

We consider matrix completion for recommender systems from the point of view of link prediction on graphs. Interaction data such as movie ratings can be represented by a bipartite user-item graph with labeled edges denoting observed ratings. Building on recent progress in deep learning on graph-structured data, we propose a graph auto-encoder framework based on differentiable message passing on the bipartite interaction graph. Our model shows competitive performance on standard collaborative filtering benchmarks. In settings where complimentary feature information or structured data such as a social network is available, our framework outperforms recent state-of-the-art methods.
"Caveolated cells" characterized by deep surface invaginations and abundant filaments in mouse gastro-intestinal epithelia.

Light and electron microscope examination of gastro-intestinal epithelia in the adult mouse revealed the widespread presence of a cell type characterized by deep surface invaginations or “caveolae” and, accordingly, called “caveolated cell. ” The caveolated cells are scattered within the epithelia of stomach, small and large intestine; they have a narrow apex bordering the lumen and a wide base in contact with the basement membrane. In the light microscope, they display microvilli longer than in nearby cells; the cytoplasm is usually pale and contains an apical group of parallel fibrils, next to which are minute light spaces which may correspond to the caveolae. In the electron microscope, each fibril is found to be composed of a bundle of straight filaments, extending from the core of a microvillus down into the deeper portion of the supranuclear region; microtubules are often associated with these filaments. Filaments of a different type are arranged in bundles which go from desmosome to desmosome around the apical region of the cell. The caveolae are long and tortuous channels opening at the cell surface between the microvilli and extending deep into the cytoplasm. From the walls of caveolae, polyp-like structures project into the lumen. The heads of the polyps are believed to be released into this lumen where they appear as small spheres. These in turn may come out of the caveolae to appear between and next to the microvilli. Caveolated cells are not numerous, e.g., they make up less than 1% of the epithelial cells in the crypts of descending colon. They may be found in the intestinal crypts among poorly differentiated cells, and at the surface of stomach and intestine among fully differentiated cells. They appear to undergo renewal, but since they have not been seen in mitosis, they probably arise from the differentiation of some other epithelial cells.
Adherence to 5-alpha reductase inhibitor therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia: clinical and economic outcomes.

OBJECTIVE Our goal was to quantify relationships between adherence to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), the risk of acute urinary retention (AUR) and prostate surgery, and medical costs related to patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS Claims recorded over a period of 6.5 years in a nationwide managed care database were analyzed. We conducted time-to-event multivariate analysis to evaluate relationships between adherence (medication possession ratio [MPR] thresholds of 70% or higher, 75% or higher, and 80% or higher), persistence (length of therapy), and the risk of AUR and surgery. We compared mean monthly BPH-related medical costs in patients with MPRs at or above thresholds and those with MPRs below thresholds and determined changes in BPH-related costs associated with 30-day increments of therapy. RESULTS In AUR analyses (N = 17,293), meeting or exceeding MPR thresholds was associated with a reduced likelihood of AUR for 70% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.380), 75% (HR, 0.613), and 80% (HR, 0.519) (P < 0.05 for all). In prostate surgery analyses (N = 17,739), the likelihood of surgery was reduced with MPR thresholds of 70% or above (HR, 0.294), 75% or above (HR, 0.542), and 80% or above (HR, 0.436) (P < 0.05 for all). A longer duration of therapy was associated with a reduced likelihood of AUR (HR, 0.860) and surgery (HR, 0.884) (P < 0.05 for both). In both populations, adherence and persistence were also associated with significantly decreased BPH-related medical costs. CONCLUSION In patients with BPH who received 5-ARI therapy, greater adherence and persistence were associated with significantly reduced risks of AUR and prostate surgery and with significantly lower medical costs. Maximizing adherence may enable patients to realize the potential long-term benefits of 5ARIs.
Bagging, Boosting, and bloating in Genetic Programming

We present an extension of GP (Genetic Programming) by means of resampling techniques, i.e., Bagging and Boosting. These methods both manipulate the training data in order to improve the learning algorithm. In theory they can significantly reduce the error of any weak learning algorithm by repeatedly running it. This paper extends GP by dividing a whole population into a set of sub-populations, each of which is evolvable by using the Bagging and Boosting methods. The effectiveness of our approach is shown by experiments. The performance is discussed by the comparison with the traditional GP in view of the bloating effect.
Modified Granada Agar Medium for the detection of group B Streptococcus carriage in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVES To improve the detection rate of group B streptococci (GBS) in pregnant women, aiming at the prevention of early-onset septicemia in the newborn. METHODS The yield from culturing two sites, vaginal and anorectal, on a Modified Granada Medium (MGM) was compared with our standard approach of culturing a vaginal swab on blood agar (BA). RESULTS Samples were processed from 430 consecutive pregnant women. GBS was isolated from the vagina in 11.6% with BA, and in 13.7% with MGM. In 17.0% of anorectal samples, GBS was identified with MGM. The combination of both sites and media had a yield of 20.0%. MGM identified all but six (2%) of 310 GBS strains after aerobic incubation, with use of a cover slide, and missed only three strains (1%) after anaerobic incubation. CONCLUSIONS Separate culture of vaginal and anorectal samples using the same MGM agar plate resulted in an increase in detection rate for GBS of 76% as compared to BA alone. The technique is simple and results are available after overnight incubation. MGM was confirmed as a specific medium for the identification of GBS, with a sensitivity of 98-99%.
Rivals or partners? Evidence from Europe's international private equity deals

Cross-border private equity deals have increased substantially in recent years. This study looks at the issue of how European investors view their local counterparts in the portfolio companies? home countries. If they regard them as rivals, they will target countries that lack a private equity industry. If they view them as (potential) partners, however, they will prefer investing in countries with a mature private equity industry. We test these two contradictory hypotheses by using a unique cross-border country dataset on international investments of European private equity investors. We find that European investors predominantly invest in countries with more mature private equity industries. The presence of local private equity investors also determines how European investors exploit differences in growth rates between the target country and their home country : European private equity investors respond more strongly to given growth differentials if investments can be syndicated with an experienced local investor. In our reading, these findings are in line with the partnership hypothesis.
Functional rs20417 SNP (–765G>C) of Cyclooxygenase-2 Gene Does Not Predict the Risk of Recurrence of Ischemic Events in Coronary Patients: Results of a 7-Year Prospective Study

Objectives: The –765G>C variation (rs20417 SNP) in the promoter of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene has been demonstrated to lower COX-2 enzyme activity in the vasculature, thus affecting atherosclerotic plaque growth and stability. Therefore, this genetic variant may be a candidate influencing the residual risk. Methods: In 285 coronary patients the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), defined as a composite of cardiovascular deaths, non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke, unstable angina and revascularization procedures, was monitored for a median of 7.8 years. The genotypes were obtained in 231 patients (81%) by PCR amplification and FAU I digestion. Results: 89 MACEs (38.5%) were recorded during the follow-up in genotyped patients. Their incidence was not different in patients with GC or CC when compared with those with GG genotype (46.2 vs. 35.5% respectively; p = 0.14). Kaplan-Meyer analysis did not demonstrate any influence of COX-2 genotypes on the event-free survival time (log-rank p = 0.55). After controlling for confounders, the –765G>C carrier status was not associated with significant variation in the risk of MACE or its individual components. Conclusions: These results suggest that the functional G–765C variant in the COX-2 gene is not a significant predictor of the recurrence of ischemic events in coronary patients.
Sex differences in the effort indicators during cardiopulmonary resuscitation manoeuvres on manikins

The aims of this study were to examine sex differences in college students while they performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a manikin for 20 min in (a) objective and subjective effort indicators and (b) to analyse the influence of potential confounders (age, BMI and cardiorespiratory fitness) on these sex differences. Sixty-three participants were recruited. Participants performed 20 min of CPR on a manikin. During the CPR trial, percentages of maximal heart rate levels were higher in women than in men (P<0.05) and perceived exertion increased significantly in both sexes over time (P=0.05); furthermore, at the last two time points analysed, women scored higher than men (P<0.05). However, these sex differences disappeared when controlling for age, BMI and cardiorespiratory fitness. In conclusion, indicators of exertion during CPR are higher in women than in men, but these sex differences are because of BMI and differences in physical fitness conditions.
Fallacy and argumentational vice

If good argument is virtuous, then fallacies are vicious. Yet fallacies cannot just be identified with vices, since vices are dispositional properties of agents whereas fallacies are types of argument. Rather, if the normativity of good argumentation is explicable in terms of virtues, we should expect the wrongness of fallacies to be explicable in terms of vices. This approach is defended through case studies of several fallacies, with particular emphasis on the ad hominem.
A Numerical Study of Cloud Clusters and a Meso-α-Scale Low Associated with a Meiyu Front

In order to understand cloud clusters and a meso-α-scale low, which were observed on the China Continent on 29 June 1998, numerical experiments are performed with a model which intends to resolve mesoscale organized convection, the effects of cumulus convection being incorporated as the subgrid-scale. The horizontal grid size is taken to be about 5 km for the fine grid area of the triply-nested grid model. The initial time for the numerical experiments is 00 UTC 29 June. Global analysis data (GANAL) of JMA is used as an initial condition, but two numerical experiments are performed, without and with slight reduction of low-level relative humidity of GANAL data. Results from numerical experiments indicate that in both cases, convective clouds are formed in a banded form, and a front that can be called a Meiyu front is also produced. On this front, a meso-α-scale low is also formed. The positions of the mesoscale lows predicted at 24 hours after the initial time in both cases, are almost the same. These are roughly in agreement with the position from GANAL data. Significant differences are found in the evolution stage for a period of 24 hours. In the original case, strong convective activity creates a mesoscale low at an earlier time (12 hours), and it is probably somewhat too intense compared with that observed. On the contrary, in the less humid case, three mesoscale convective systems and vortices (or closed isobars) are found at 12 hours. The easternmost vortex develops, and it becomes a mesoscale low at 18 hours. Discussions in this paper are made with an emphasis on the relation among latent instability, mesoscale convective systems, vortices, a mesoscale low and a Meiyu front. One of the significant features of the present case is that convective activity takes a banded form in a relatively large area of latent instability, and a Meiyu front is produced and intensified for the given initial conditions. As expected, latent instability becomes weaker, owing to convective activities. Eventually a latently stable area appears first around and just to the north of the convective area, and it expands northward. It is important to remark that the latently stable area to the north of the Meiyu front in the later stages is created by convective activities (not by synoptic-scale motions). In an area to the south of the front, latent instability becomes weaker gradually. However, continual rainfalls are maintained in the trailing portion of the mesoscale low till 00 UTC 30 June. This is in agreement with the observations. The relative importance of the effects of subgrid-scale cumulus convection and the grid-resolved condensation is also discussed. The importance of the latter increases with time; it contributes particularly to the development of the mesoscale low.