Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An overactive bladder symptom and health‐related quality of life short‐form: Validation of the OAB‐q SF

The Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB‐q) has demonstrated robust psychometric properties in continent and incontinent OAB patients. However, there is a need for a short‐form of this instrument for settings where completing the full OAB‐q may be too burdensome. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the validation of the OAB‐q short‐form.
A model of service value co-creation based on a new concept of service fields in service systems

Service value, which gives users satisfaction for provided services, depends on the situation, user characteristics, and user objectives in seeking the service. Vargo proposed Service Dominant Logic (SDL), which determines service value according to "value in use. " This concept illustrates the importance of the relationship between the service itself and its situation. This relationship is analogous to electro-magnetic field theory in physics. We developed the concept of using service fields in service systems to create service value based on an analogy of the electro-magnetic field. By using this concept, the "value in use" mechanism can theoretically be explained. By applying this concept to B to B collaboration, a model of service value co-creation can be formulated. An example of applying the proposed model to B to B collaboration is reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed concept of service fields. This concept can be applied to designing effective service systems.
A negative index metamaterial lens for antenna gain enhancement

In this paper, a transmission type negative refractive index metamaterial surface acting as a planer surface lens is presented. A measured 3 dB transmission band of 2 GHz from 8.55 GHz to 10.55 GHz is obtained. Material property of the proposed meta-surface is extracted by using free space technique. The designed meta-surface is radiation beam conversing in nature. Aperture efficiency of the designed meta-surface is 84.30 %. A high gain antenna is designed by placing the proposed double stacked meta-surface lens over a micostrip patch antenna operating at 10.06 GHz. A gain enhancement of 8.55 dB in H-Plane and 6.20 dB in E-Plane at resonating frequency 10 GHz is obtained. The cross polarization level is improved by 8 dB.
Extração de dados de fontes textuais: uma abordagem para enriquecimento de dados abertos interligados

Na Web de Dados, itens de dados são interconectados e associados a anotações descritivas na forma de vocabulários, tirando vantagem de uma representação em triplas. Neste contexto, documentos e outras fontes textuais podem ser anotados para serem incorporados a este universo como recursos ou servindo também de base para extração de novas triplas. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma abordagem para extração de dados e geração de triplas a partir de textos com estilos específicos visando o enriquecimento de dados abertos interligados, através de sua associação e ligação a bases existentes. A abordagem foi aplicada e avaliada no contexto de um portal com informações sobre o consumo de agrotóxicos no Brasil.
Bifurcation Method for Solving Positive Solutions to a Class of Semilinear Elliptic Equations and Stability Analysis of Solutions

Semilinear elliptic equations are ubiquitous in natural sciences. They give rise to a variety of important phenomena in quantum mechanics, nonlinear optics, astrophysics, etc because they have rich multiple solutions. But the nontrivial solutions of semilinear equations are hard to be solved for the lack of stabilities, such as Lane-Emden equation, Henon equation and Chandrasekhar equation. In this paper, bifurcation method is applied to solving semilinear elliptic equations which are with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions in 2D. Using this method, nontrivial numerical solutions will be computed and visualized in many different domains (such as square, disk, annulus, dumbbell, etc). Keywords—Semilinear elliptic equations; positive solutions; bifurcation method; isotropy subgroups.
Adult sex ratio effects on male survivorship of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera, Drosophilidae)

The behavioral biology has a central role in evolutionary biology mainly because the antagonistic relations that occur in the sexual reproduction. One involves the effect of reproduction on the future life expectation. In this scenario, changes in male operational sex ratio could lead to an increase in mortality due to costs associated with excessive courtship and mating displays. Thus, this work experimentally altered the male sex ratio of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830, to determine its impact on mortality. The results indicated that mortality increases as the sex ratio changes, including modifications in the survivorship curve type and in the curve concavity, measured by entropy.
target SLC 45 A 3 regulate the lipid metabolism of oligodendrocytes and myelin Permalink

Oligodendrocytes generate large amounts of myelin by extension of their cell membranes. Though lipid is the major component of myelin, detailed lipid metabolism in the maintenance of myelin is not understood. We reported previously that miR-32 might be involved in myelin maintenance (Shin et al., 2009). Here we demonstrate a novel role for miR-32 in oligodendrocyte function and development through the regulation of SLC45A3 (solute carrier family 45, member 3) and other downstream targets such as CLDN-11. miR-32 is highly expressed in the myelin-enriched regions of the brain and mature oligodendrocytes, and it promotes myelin protein expression. We found that miR-32 directly regulates the expression of SLC45A3 by binding to the complementary sequence on the 30UTR of cldn11 and slc45a3. As a myelin-enriched putative sugar transporter, SLC45A3 enhances intracellular glucose levels and the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids. Therefore, overexpression of SLC45A3 triggers neutral lipid accumulation. Interestingly, both overexpression and suppression of SLC45A3 reduces myelin protein expression in mature oligodendrocytes and alters oligodendrocyte morphology, indicating that tight regulation of SLC45A3 expression is necessary for the proper maintenance of myelin proteins and structure. Taken together, our data suggest that miR-32 and its downstream target SLC45A3 play important roles in myelin maintenance by modulating glucose and lipid metabolism and myelin protein expression in oligodendrocytes. 2012 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Food and nutrition policy: A biological anthropologist's experiences from an academic platform

Biological anthropologists within academia and in other sectors are increasingly engaged in a variety of problem‐oriented research and in the design, implementation, or evaluation of policies and programs, domestically and abroad. Such work can have distinctive requirements in terms of disciplinary background, professional orientation, and professional development. This article explores these issues through the author's autobiographical account of a career in food and nutrition policy from within an academic nutrition department.
Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Gene Transfer from Animal to Human Enterococci in the Digestive Tract of Gnotobiotic Mice

ABSTRACT It has been proposed that food animals represent the source of glycopeptide resistance genes present in enterococci from humans. We demonstrated the transfer of vanA and of other resistance genes from porcine to human Enterococcus faecium at high frequency in the digestive tract of gnotobiotic mice. Tylosin in the drinking water favored colonization by transconjugants.
Impact of phototherapy on selected lipid metabolism indices and oxidation markers in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

Introduction: Dyslipidaemia occurring concomitantly with psoriasis and proatherogenic serum lipid profile have been observed in multiple studies of middle-aged subjects. Modifications of lipid concentration indices are associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis observed in the course of psoriasis. Aim: To evaluate the impact of phototherapy, taking into consideration its types, on concentrations of selected lipid profile indices, oxidation markers and antioxidant defence of patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Material and methods: The studies included a group of 60 patients with diagnosed psoriasis vulgaris, which for statistical purposes was provisionally divided into three groups of 20 patients each, depending on the type of phototherapy used. All patients underwent 10 therapies using one of three phototherapy methods (UVA, UVB, UVB 311). Results: No significant impact of any of the phototherapy types on concentrations of studied lipid indices was observed. Within the entire study group, phototherapy led to increase of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations, but no intensification of oxidation processes was observed after its completion. Conclusions: On the basis of the obtained results it can be concluded that a treatment cycle consisting of ten UV radiation therapies is safe for patients and it does not increase the risk of atherosclerosis in middle-aged psoriatic patients.
Correlation dimension of the human sleep electroencephalogram

Sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) was analyzed by nonlinear analysis. Polysomnography of a healthy male subject was analyzed and the correlation dimension was calculated. The mean correlation dimensions decreased from stage ‘awake’ to stages 1, 2 and 3, and increased during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. These results were also seen at every sleep cycle. During each sleep cycle the correlation dimensions decreased for slow wave sleep, then increased for REM sleep. The mean correlation dimension of the sleep EEG in the second half of the night was significantly higher than those in the first half of the night. A significant change was seen both during REM sleep as well as in sleep stage 2. Nonlinear analysis may be a useful method in the analysis of the entire sleep electroencephalogram.
Intra-Articular Meniscoid Folds in Thoracic Zygapophysial Joints

Study Design. A descriptive morphologic anatomic study was performed. Objective. The study aimed to investigate intra-articular meniscoids (folds) and cartilage quality in the thoracic zygapophysial joints (ZAJs), and to discuss them in the context of possible causes of thoracic back pain. Summary of Background Data. The clinical relevance of the intra-articular meniscoid structures described in the cervical and lumbar spine is unclear, particularly in relation to ZAJ blockades. Corresponding data for the thoracic joints are not available. Methods. A total of 297 ZAJs between C7 and L1, obtained from 12 human cadavers (7 female, 5 male; mean age 81 years), were studied. The intra-articular folds were described and classified morphologically. The characteristics of the folds and their association with zygapophysial cartilage quality were investigated. Thirteen example folds were studied histologically. Results. In all, 268 intra-articular meniscoid folds were found in 183 joints. Three types were identified: type 1 (90%; mean length 3.1 mm) were thin, solid folds originating from a connective-tissue base, with multiple vessels at the joint capsule, extending between the joint surfaces. Type 2 folds (6%) were soft structures of fat and loose connective tissue including multiple vessels, located in the joint recess and not extending between the joint surfaces. The remaining folds (type 3, 4%) were circumscribed thickenings of the joint capsule. Three folds showed chronic hemorrhage, with dilated vessels at the base, and this was associated with severe cartilage lesions. In 16 folds, the base had direct tissue connection to the fat tissue of the epidural space. Conclusion. This study for the first time systematically classifies intra-articular meniscoid folds in human thoracic ZAJs. These folds may represent an anatomic correlate for thoracic back pain. The chronic hemorrhage observed may be an important factor leading to arthritis.
Tuning a fuzzy controller by particle swarm optimization for an active suspension system

Active suspension systems are crucial to improve vehicle performance and passenger comfort. Fuzzy logic control can cope with suspension system nonlinearities using heuristic knowledge rules, but tuning the control parameters is not straightforward. In this paper, we propose tuning fuzzy scaling factors for active suspension control by particle swarm optimization (PSO). PSO performs an off-line stochastic global search for input and output scaling factors of a PD-type fuzzy controller. The objective function of the PSO algorithm has been defined to minimize sprung mass acceleration, and is evaluated by simulating the transient response to road perturbations. The paper offers a case study based on the quarter car suspension model. Results offer a good performance of chassis acceleration against bumps and road roughness.
Augmentation as a treatment complication of restless legs syndrome: Concept and management

Augmentation constitutes the main complication of long‐term dopaminergic treatment in restless legs syndrome (RLS). Although this condition was first described in 1996, and is characterized by an overall increase in severity of RLS symptoms (including earlier onset of symptoms during the day, faster onset of symptoms when at rest, expansion to the upper limbs and trunk, and shorter duration of the treatment effect), precise diagnostic criteria were not established until 2003. These criteria have recently been updated to form a new definition of augmentation based on multicentric studies. The present article reviews our current knowledge on clinical diagnosis, evaluation, pathophysiology, and treatment recommendations for this condition. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Induction of Tolerance of Vascularized Composite Allografts

Vascularized composite allotransplantation has become established as a clinical specialty since the first successful hand transplant was performed in 1998. Data now available indicate that hand and face transplants offer patients good functional outcomes and significant improvements in quality of life. Despite the debilitating nature of the injuries treated by such transplants, the defects are generally not life threatening, making it difficult for physicians to recommend life-long immunosuppression that can itself have grave consequences. One potential solution to this dilemma is the induction of immunologic tolerance of the tissue transplants because tolerance would eliminate the need for such immunosuppression. Transplant tolerance may also prevent chronic rejection, a significant source of late graft loss after organ transplantation. Induction of mixed hematopoietic chimerism is a robust approach to establishing such transplant tolerance, which recently led to the first clinical application of a tolerance induction protocol for kidney transplantation. In this manuscript, we review the current status of VCA and of research directed toward bringing a tolerance approach to the VCA field. We also discuss the potential clinical significance of these studies and outline the remaining obstacles to introduction of a tolerance induction protocol to clinical practice in hand or face transplantation.
Conversion of waste agricultural biomass into furfural and HMF using AlCl 3 catalyst

Different lignocellulosic biomasses (hazelnut shells, poppy stalks and sunflower stalks) were directly converted to fine chemicals in the presence of 0.02 M AlCl3 catalyst at 180 C for 2 hours in one-step synthesis. Maximum conversion of poppy stalks into HMF and furfural was achieved as 2.21% 10.75%, respectively. HMF productivity was followed by hazelnut shells (%) and sunflower stalks, furfural productivity was followed by sunflower stalks and hazelnut shells. Levulinic and formic acid were also produced. Among the different biomasses maximum levulinic acid (3.37%) and formic acid (1.01%) was converted from hazelnut shells. Keywords—Biomass, furfural, HMF, catayltic conversion
Aerosol Layer Height over Water from O2 A-Band: Mono-Angle Hyperspectral and/or Bi-Spectral Multi-Angle Observations

Success of NASA’s Phytoplankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission 1 depends critically on atmospheric correction to retrieve inherent properties of oceanic waters. 2 Previously unexplored UV wavelengths are the most challenging to correct due to large signals 3 from Rayleigh and aerosol scattering. The dominant Rayleigh component makes it difficult to 4 separate absorption by aerosols or by hydrosols and/or dissolved chemicals. Knowing the height 5 of the aerosol layer greatly helps to break this degeneracy because it controls the Rayleigh portion, 6 but this information has to come from elsewhere. Fortunately, PACE’s imaging spectrometer, Ocean 7 Color Instrument (OCI) covers the oxygen A-band. We adopt a simple analytical radiative transfer 8 (RT) model in order to gain physical insights and to quantify the information content (IC) of OCI 9 spectroscopy. We also use the RT model to determine the IC of a notional multi-angle sensor, for 10 instance, as planned for the Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols (MAIA) mission, with a bi-spectral take 11 on the A-band, in-band and continuum channels. Finally, to investigate synergies between the two 12 approaches, we quantify their combined IC. Both sensors should enable height retrieval but neither, 13 even combined, has enough IC to infer aerosol layer thickness. 14
Scoping the Sharing Economy: Origins, Definitions, Impact and Regulatory Issues

This report selectively draws on the systematic review of a large set of data sources, which is presented elsewhere, and comprises 430 secondary sources (Codagnone, 2016). The report also provides a critical overview of key analytical, empirical, and normative dimensions of the ‘sharing economy’. It reviews both the rhetorical and controversial debates currently surrounding the topics and the available empirical evidence in order to sharpen our understanding of relevant policy and regulatory issues. The broad umbrella term 'sharing economy' is critically assessed and a typology developed that identifies the commercial 'peer to peer' sharing economy as the main focus of both controversies and policy-relevant issues. Empirical evidence of the benefits and costs of the sharing economy and its implications for sustainability and employment is very limited and inconclusive, particularly as regards the European landscape. This critical review, hence, shows that, as yet, there are no unambiguous answers to some of the fundamental questions about the ‘sharing economy’. The available research is too limited and patchy to give us a comprehensive and coherent picture. This report’s main contribution is to clear some of the conceptual and empirical fog around the ‘sharing economy’ and to identify where possible answers might be found in the future. It is suggested that the definition of sharing platforms should focus on P2P activities, as most of the policy concerns are found there. These include regulatory and consumer protection issues resulting from the informal production of services, potentially unfair competition with formal B2C service providers, and questions related to dominance and market power of P2P platform operators as commercial businesses.
Multivariate Analysis of Complex DNA Sequence Electropherograms for High-Throughput Quantitative Analysis of Mixed Microbial Populations

ABSTRACT High-throughput quantification of genetically coherent units (GCUs) is essential for deciphering population dynamics and species interactions within a community of microbes. Current techniques for microbial community analyses are, however, not suitable for this kind of high-throughput application. Here, we demonstrate the use of multivariate statistical analysis of complex DNA sequence electropherograms for the effective and accurate estimation of relative genotype abundance in cell samples from mixed microbial populations. The procedure is no more labor-intensive than standard automated DNA sequencing and provides a very effective means of quantitative data acquisition from experimental microbial communities. We present results with the Campylobacter jejuni strain-specific marker gene gltA, as well as the 16S rRNA gene, which is a universal marker across bacterial assemblages. The statistical models computed for these genes are applied to genetic data from two different experimental settings, namely, a chicken infection model and a multispecies anaerobic fermentation model, demonstrating collection of time series data from model bacterial communities. The method presented here is, however, applicable to any experimental scenario where the interest is quantification of GCUs in genetically heterogeneous DNA samples.
Origin and in situ diversification in Hemidactylus geckos of the Socotra Archipelago

The Socotra Archipelago is an ancient continental fragment of Gondwanan origin and one of the most isolated landforms on Earth and a biodiversity hot spot. Yet, the biogeography and evolutionary history of its endemic fauna still remain largely overlooked. We investigate the origin, tempo and mode of diversification in the Hemidactylus geckos of the Socotra Archipelago. Concatenated and multilocus species coalescent analyses of Hemidactylus from Arabia and North Africa indicate that the Hemidactylus from Socotra do not form a monophyletic group and branch as three independent and well‐supported clades instead. Both the chronogram inferred using the gene tree approach of BEAST and the age‐calibrated multilocus species tree obtained using *BEAST suggest that the origin of Hemidactylus from Socotra may have involved a first vicariance event that occurred in the Early Miocene, followed by two independent transoceanic dispersal events that occurred more recently, during the Pliocene. Within Socotra, we analysed patterns of genetic diversity, the phylogeography and the demographic history in all seven nonintroduced species of Hemidactylus. Results based on two mitochondrial and two nuclear loci from 144 individuals revealed complex patterns of within‐island diversification and high levels of intra‐species genetic divergence. The interplay of both historical and ecological factors seems to have a role in the speciation process of this group of geckos. Interestingly, the case of H. forbesii and H. oxyrhinus, which inhabit the island of Abd al Kuri with an area of 133 km2, may represent one of the most extreme cases of intra‐island speciation in reptiles ever reported.
Surface marker analysis in acute myeloid leukaemia and correlation with FAB classification

Summary. The immunological phenotype of blast cells in 102 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) was analysed with a panel of 20 monoclonal antibodies and the enzyme terminal transferase, and correlated with the FAB classification. Although a partial correlation between these two approaches could be observed, almost every morphological group contained patients from more than one immunological phenotype. The M1 and M5a leukaemias showed the most undifferentiated phenotype, often lacking in specific myelomo‐nocytic antigens. The M3 formed a uniform group defined as My7+, Ia‐, FMC8+, a phenotype which was also observed in two cases of the microgranu‐lar variant. The granulocytic (CDwl5) and monocytic (CDwl4) antibodies crossreacted with some M5b and M2 leukaemias, respectively. Compared with M5a, the M5b leukaemias showed a large increase in the expression of CDw l4 antigen, confirming the validity of the morphological differentiation. Giyco‐phorin‐A was present in four out of five M6 leukaemias. TdT activity was demonstrated in 10% of AML cases, with a higher incidence among the monocytic variants: M4 and M5‐. Eleven AML were considered as unclassifi‐able according to the FAB criteria and in seven of them a megakaryoblastic cell population (GP IIb/IIIa+, GPIb+) was demonstrated; this confirms the need to include the subgroup of megakaryoblastic leukaemias within the AML. Finally, a possible immunological classification for AML is proposed.