Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Food-related Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Development and Validation of a Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND Psychosocial factors surrounding eating and drinking, such as enjoying food, managing restrictions, and maintaining social relationships, remain under-researched in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. This study aimed to develop and validate a food-related quality of life [FR-QoL] questionnaire to systematically measure these issues in the IBD population. METHODS Following semi-structured interviews with 28 IBD patients, 150 potential questionnaire items were generated. These were ranked by 100 IBD patients, and items were removed based on ceiling/floor effects and high inter-item correlations [> 0.7], with 41 items being retained. In total, 323 IBD patients, 100 asthma patients [chronic disease control], and 117 healthy controls completed the FR-QoL questionnaire, alongside generic and disease-specific QoL and food satisfaction questionnaires. Principal components analysis [PCA], construct and discriminant validity, and test-retest reliability were calculated. RESULTS Twelve items were removed following PCA. The reduced questionnaire [FR-QoL-29] explained 63.9% of the variance [Cronbach's α = 0.96]. FR-QoL-29 correlated significantly with generic QoL [r = 0.697], depression [r = -0.519], anxiety [r = -0.531], and food satisfaction [r = 0.701]. The FR-QoL-29 sumscores were significantly lower for IBD (89.5, standard deviation [SD] 28.6) than asthma [125.4, SD 24.1; p < 0.001] and healthy volunteers [123.0, SD 16.5; p<0.001]. Within IBD, worse food-related QoL was found in those with moderate/high disease activity [66.7, SD 22.1] compared with remission/low disease activity [92.5, SD 28.1]. Test-retest reliability was good (intra-class correlation [ICC] = 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.76:0.88). CONCLUSIONS The FR-QoL-29 shows good reliability and validity across a range of IBD characteristics. This easily administered questionnaire is a useful tool in identifying poor food-related QoL and in the future may identify areas for intervention.
Semantically Reinforced Web Services for Wrapping Autonomous Information Resources

1. A weapon for use against a target submarine, said weapon comprising, in combination: an ordnance apparatus effective to operate against a submerged target submarine when delivered to a suspect water area; an airframe severably secured to said ordnance apparatus, said airframe including reaction propulsion means to project said weapon from a launcher and into a ballistic trajectory directed toward said suspect water area; means including a presettable timing device for severing, separating and jettisoning the airframe from said ordnance apparatus at a preselected instant during airflight; deceleration means secured to said ordnance apparatus and operatively associated with said airframe to become effective upon airframe separation and in response to airframe separation; and means for jettisoning said deceleration means upon water entry of said ordnance apparatus.
Deterministic Heavy Hitters with Sublinear Query Time

This paper studies the classic problem of finding heavy hitters in the turnstile streaming model. We give the first deterministic linear sketch that has $O(\epsilon^{-2} \log n \cdot \log^*(\epsilon^{-1}))$ rows and answers queries in sublinear time. The number of rows is only a factor of $\log^*(\epsilon^{-1})$ more than that used by the state-of-the-art algorithm prior to our paper due to Nelson, Nguyen and Woodruff (RANDOM'12). Their algorithm runs in time at least linear in the universe size $n$, which is highly undesirable in streaming applications. Our approach is based on an iterative procedure, where most unrecovered heavy hitters are identified in each iteration. Although this technique has been extensively employed in the related problem of sparse recovery, this is the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that it has been used in the context of $\ell_1$ heavy hitters. Along the way, we also give sublinear time algorithms for the closely related problems of combinatorial group testing and $\ell_1/\ell_1$ compressed sensing, matching the space usage of previous (super-)linear time algorithms.
Reliability Prediction Model for SOA Using Hidden Markov Model

Reliability prediction models for Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based applications have thoroughly discussed system level & component level details. However, significant difference between applications based on service-oriented architecture and traditional distributed application is marshaling of remote web services, nonetheless, reliability of these web services have not been discussed significantly. Recently developed strategies did not discuss how we can establish a mechanism which helps to predict reliability of internal structure of web service that may have involved either in failure or slow response. In this paper, we have specifically focused on the area of predicting reliability parameters like response time & throughput of hidden states that exist in any remote web service. Our proposed model will help end users to predict probability of success or failure of underlying hidden states of web services. Along with reliability it shall further help us to compute probability of scalability of those hidden states.
Evaluation of post-processing strategies for simultaneous pattern recognition based myoelectric prosthetic control

Myoelectric control is a field that has shown great potential when it comes to controlling advanced prosthetic limbs. However, due the reduced accuracy of movement classification during real time operation different post-processing algorithms have been proposed. Recent development extends the myoelectric control concept to allow multiple movements to be controlled simultaneously, but the post-processing algorithms has not yet followed the development. This work examines the effects of using two post-processing algorithms, Majority Vote and Decision-Based Velocity Ramp, together with the simultaneous control approach. Both algorithms are well known in the field of myoelectric control and were both initially suggested for the control of individual movements. This work also studies the errors made by the classifier in a system for simultaneous movement control, and suggests modifications to the two post-processing algorithms based on the findings. Experiments showed that a modified version of the Majority Vote algorithm could produce outputs of the same quality as the system without any post-processing applied, in spite of each prediction being based on half the amount of data. The result suggests that Majority Vote can be used to reduce the computational cost of the outputs, which might be necessary when implementing the control in a real prosthetic device. The Decision-Based Velocity Ramp was found to improve the path efficiency for all types of movements compared to the system without post-processing applied. Movements involving all three available degrees of freedom were however performed slower when the Velocity Ramp was applied, suggesting that further modification of the algorithm is needed. In this work it is concluded that the Majority Vote and the Decision-Based Velocity Ramp algorithms have to be modified in order to function optimally with the simultaneous control approach. The two algorithms has previously been considered as competitors, but this work suggests that they could be used as complements to each other.
Efficient synthesis of 2,4,5-triaryl substituted imidazoles under solvent free conditions at room temperature

A range of 2,4,5-triaryl substituted imidazoles have been synthesized in very good yields under solvent-free conditions by grinding 1,2-diketones, aromatic aldehydes and ammonium acetate in the presence of molecular iodine as catalyst. The short reaction time, cleaner reaction, and easy workup make this protocol practical and economically attractive.
Across the generations.

Feel lonely? What about reading books? Book is one of the greatest friends to accompany while in your lonely time. When you have no friends and activities somewhere and sometimes, reading book can be a great choice. This is not only for spending the time, it will increase the knowledge. Of course the b=benefits to take will relate to what kind of book that you are reading. And now, we will concern you to try reading across the generations as one of the reading material to finish quickly.
A Comparison of Four Gravimetric Fine Particle Sampling Methods

ABSTRACT A study was conducted to compare four gravimetric methods of measuring fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations in air: the BGI, Inc. PQ200 Federal Reference Method PM2.5 (FRM) sampler; the Harvard-Marple Impactor (HI); the BGI, Inc. GK2.05 KTL Respirable/Thoracic Cyclone (KTL); and the AirMetrics MiniVol (MiniVol). Pairs of FRM, HI, and KTL samplers and one MiniVol sampler were collocated and 24-hr integrated PM2.5 samples were collected on 21 days from January 6 through April 9, 2000. The mean and standard deviation of PM2.5 levels from the FRM samplers were 13.6 and 6.8 μg/m3, respectively. Significant systematic bias was found between mean concentrations from the FRM and the MiniVol (1.14 μg/m3, p = 0.0007), the HI and the MiniVol (0.85 μg/m3, p = 0.0048), and the KTL and the MiniVol (1.23 μg/m3, p = 0.0078) according to paired t test analyses. Linear regression on all pairwise combinations of the sampler types was used to evaluate measurements made by the samplers. None of the regression intercepts was significantly different from 0, and only two of the regression slopes were significantly different from 1, that for the FRM and the MiniVol [β1 = 0.91, 95% CI (0.83–0.99)] and that for the KTL and the MiniVol [ = 0.88, 95% CI (0.78–0.98)]. Regression R2 terms were 0.96 or greater between all pairs of samplers, and regression root mean square error terms (RMSE) were 1.65 μg/m3 or less. These results suggest that the MiniVol will underestimate measurements made by the FRM, the HI, and the KTL by an amount proportional to PM2.5 concentration. Nonetheless, these results indicate that all of the sampler types are comparable if ~10% variation on the mean levels and on individual measurement levels is considered acceptable and the actual concentration is within the range of this study (5–35 μg/m3).
Are diagnostic criteria for general joint hypermobility and benign joint hypermobility syndrome based on reproducible and valid tests? A review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE In this review we focus on current knowledge of the reliability of tests and diagnostic criteria for generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS). METHODS Currently, The British Society of Rheumatology recommends the Beighton scoring system. With this approach, GJH is judged present when 4 or more of 9 tests are positive. Curiously, only one inter/intrarater reproducibility study is available and it uses a cutoff level of 6, rather than the Beighton-recommended 4 positive tests. RESULTS Using a 6 cut level, intra- and interobserver kappa scores were 0.75 and 0.78, respectively. Beighton scoring recommendations have been correlated with a global joint mobility index as well as with 2 other scoring systems, the Carter and Wilkinson, and the Rotès-Quérol. All illustrate high concurrent validity with one another. For the recently proposed Brighton criteria diagnosing BJHS no reproducibility studies exist. In the latter, the recommendations reflect high nosographic sensitivity and specificity while predictive values for positive test scores are poor. CONCLUSION In general, the reproducibility of the various tests seems to be good, especially when performed by experienced rheumatologists.
An Investigation of Uncertainty due to Stochastically Varying Geometry : An Initial Study

We study hyperbolic problems with uncertain stochastically varying geometries. Our aim is to investigate how the stochastically varying uncertainty in the geometry affects the solution of the partial differential equation in terms of the mean and variance of the solution. The problem considered is the two dimensional advection equation on a general domain, which is transformed using curvilinear coordinates to a unit square. The numerical solution is computed using a high order finite difference formulation on summation-by-parts form with weakly imposed boundary conditions. The statistics of the solution are computed nonintrusively using quadrature rules given by the probability density function of the random variable.We prove that the continuous problem is strongly well-posed and that the semi-discrete problem is strongly stable. Numerical calculations using the method of manufactured solution verify the accuracy of the scheme and the statistical properties of the solution are discussed.
The Spirochete Borrelia crociduraeCauses Erythrocyte Rosetting during Relapsing Fever

ABSTRACT Several species of the genus Borrelia exhibit antigenic variation of variable major proteins on their surface during relapsing fever. We have investigated the African relapsing fever speciesBorrelia crocidurae during infections in mice and compared it with the thoroughly studied North American species Borrelia hermsii. A major difference between the two species is thatB. crocidurae can bind and become completely covered with erythrocytes. In addition, B. crocidurae causes a prolonged spirochetemia which coincides with a delayed appearance of antiborrelial antibodies. We show that the antibody response against an unrelated antigen is not delayed and that antibiotic treatment, which dissociates rosettes and inhibits the spirochetes, also leads to an early antibody response. Taken together, the erythrocyte aggregation and prolonged spirochetemia hint at a new mode of immune evasion where erythrocyte-covered spirochetes may avoid contact with the phagocytic cells and B cells of the immune system, thereby delaying the onset of a specific immune response.
TRuML: A Translator for Rule-Based Modeling Languages

Rule-based modeling languages, such as the Kappa and BioNetGen languages (BNGL), are powerful frameworks for modeling the dynamics of complex biochemical reaction networks. Each language is distributed with a distinct software suite and modelers may wish to take advantage of both toolsets. This paper introduces a practical application called TRuML that translates models written in either Kappa or BNGL into the other language. While similar in many respects, key differences between the two languages makes translation sufficiently complex that automation becomes a useful tool. TRuML accommodates the languages’ complexities and produces a semantically equivalent model in the alternate language of the input model when possible and an approximate model in certain other cases. Here, we discuss a number of these complexities and provide examples of equivalent models in both Kappa and BNGL. CCS CONCEPTS • Applied computing → Systems biology; • Computing methodologies → Simulation languages;
Benefits of using the high-resolution linear radon transform ( HRLRT ) with the multi-channel analysis of surface waves ( MASW ) method

We evaluate the benefits of the use of the high-resolution linear radon transform (HRLRT) with the multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW) seismic method. Loveand Rayleigh-wave synthetic and real-world seismic data from both active and passive sources were use to compare dispersion-curve imaging and estimations (an essential MASW component) using both conventional and HRLRT approaches. Results show that benefits from using the HRLRT can include better separation between surface-wave modes, the ability to observe dispersion-curve trends in extended frequency ranges, improved lateral resolution from the ability to use shorter receiver spreads, improved vertical resolution (by using more layers, e.g., 20) from multi-mode inversion, wider passive-data frequency-range and higher-resolution dispersion imaging, reduced spatial aliasing noise, etc. In such a manner the HRLRT can be a valuable tools in the application of the MASW method on various seismic data sets.
Canine distemper virus-like infection in a captive African lioness.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly infectious morbillivirus within the paramyxovirus family, a family which also includes measles virus of man, phocine morbillivirus of pinnipeds, rinderpest virus of cloven-hoofed animals, and peste-des-petits-ruminants virus of small ruminants (1). Canine distemper viral infections have been diagnosed in Canidae, Mustelidae, and some species of Procyonidae. Felids have not been unequivocally demonstrated to be susceptible to CDV. Experimental intranasal inoculation of domestic cats produced lesions only in the lymphoid tissue and res-piratory system, possibly because the disease did not run its full course before the cats were euthanized and necropsied (2). Naturally-occurring, CDV-like disease has been reported in a Bengal tiger (3) and a captive Siberian tiger (4) with clinical, serological, and neurological manifestations similar to those occurring in dogs. However, isolation of the virus causing CDV-like disease in felids has not been reported, and the precise relationship of the virus to other morbilliviruses is undefined. This report describes the clinical, patho-logical, and immunohistochemical findings in a case of naturally occurring, CDV-like disease in a captive African lioness.
Efficient 3D Drift - Diffusion simulations of Implant Free Heterostructure Devices

Implant free (IF) heterostructure MOSFETs, considered as possible replacement of Si MOSFETs beyond the 16 nm technology generation, can take advantage of the high mobility in III-V materials to allow operation at very high speed and low power. We present a 3D parallel drift-diffusion device simulator developed to study the intrinsic parameter fluctuations affecting the behaviour of these devices. The parallel performance of the simulator is also analysed. Numerical results show super-linear efficiency on up to 16 processors.
GABA‐ρ receptors: distinctive functions and molecular pharmacology

The homomeric GABA‐ρ ligand‐gated ion channels (also known as GABAC or GABAA‐ρ receptors) are similar to heteromeric GABAA receptors in structure, function and mechanism of action. However, their distinctive pharmacological properties and distribution make them of special interest. This review focuses on GABA‐ρ ion channel structure, ligand selectivity toward ρ receptors over heteromeric GABAA receptor sub‐types and selectivity between different homomeric ρ sub‐type receptors. Several GABA analogues show selectivity at homomeric GABA‐ρ receptors over heteromeric GABAA receptors. More recently, some synthetic ligands have been found to show selectivity at receptors formed from one ρ subtype over others. The unique pharmacological profiles of these agents are discussed in this review. The classical binding site of GABA within the orthosteric site of GABA‐ρ homomeric receptors is discussed in detail regarding the loops and residues that constitute the binding site. The ligand‐residue interactions in this classical binding and those of mutant receptors are discussed. The structure and conformations of GABA are discussed in regard to its flexibility and molecular properties. Although the binding mode of GABA is difficult to predict, several interactions between GABA and the receptor assist in predicting its potential conformation and mode of action. The structure–activity relationships of GABA and structurally key ligands at ρ receptors are described and discussed.
Enhancing E. coli isobutanol tolerance through engineering its global transcription factor cAMP receptor protein (CRP)

The limited isobutanol tolerance of Escherichia coli is a major drawback during fermentative isobutanol production. Different from classical strain engineering approaches, this work was initiated to improve E. coli isobutanol tolerance from its transcriptional level by engineering its global transcription factor cAMP receptor protein (CRP). Random mutagenesis libraries were generated by error‐prone PCR of crp, and the libraries were subjected to isobutanol stress for selection. Variant IB2 (S179P, H199R) was isolated and exhibited much better growth (0.18 h−1) than the control (0.05 h−1) in 1.2% (v/v) isobutanol (9.6 g/L). Genome‐wide DNA microarray analysis revealed that 58 and 308 genes in IB2 had differential expression (>2‐fold, p < 0.05) in the absence and presence of 1% (v/v) isobutanol, respectively. When challenged with isobutanol, genes related to acid resistance (gadABCE, hdeABD), nitrate reduction (narUZYWV), flagella and fimbrial activity (lfhA, yehB, ycgR, fimCDF), and sulfate reduction and transportation (cysIJH, cysC, cysN) were the major functional groups that were up‐regulated, whereas most of the down‐regulated genes were enzyme (tnaA) and transporters (proVWX, manXYZ). As demonstrated by single‐gene knockout experiments, gadX, nirB, rhaS, hdeB, and ybaS were found associated with strain isobutanol resistance. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in IB2 was only half of that of the control when facing stress, indicating that IB2 can withstand toxic isobutanol much better than the control. Biotechnol. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 700–708. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emergence of a New Multidrug-Resistant Serotype X Variant in an Epidemic Clone of Shigella flexneri

ABSTRACT Shigella spp. are the causative agent of shigellosis with S higella flexneri serotype 2a being the most prevalent in developing countries. Epidemiological surveillance in China found that a new serotype of S. flexneri appeared in 2001 and replaced serotype 2a in 2003 as the most prevalent serotype in Henan Province. The new serotype also became the dominant serotype in 7 of the 10 other provinces under surveillance in China by 2007. The serotype was identified as a variant of serotype X. It differs from serotype X by agglutination to the monovalent anti-IV type antiserum and the group antigen-specific monoclonal antibody MASF IV-I. Genome sequencing of a serotype X variant isolate, 2002017, showed that it acquired a Shigella serotype conversion island, also as an SfX bacteriophage, containing gtr genes for type X-specific glucosylation. Multilocus sequence typing of 15 genes from 37 serotype X variant isolates and 69 isolates of eight other serotypes, 1a, 2a, 2b, 3a, 4a, 5b, X, and Y, found that all belong to a new sequence type (ST), ST91. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed 154 pulse types with 655 S. flexneri isolates analyzed and identified 57 serotype switching events. The data suggest that S. flexneri epidemics in China have been caused by a single epidemic clone, ST91, with frequent serotype switching to evade infection-induced immunity to serotypes to which the population was exposed previously. The clone has also acquired resistance to multiple antibiotics. These findings underscore the challenges to the current vaccine development and control strategies for shigellosis.
Interstitial Laser Therapy of Breast Fibroadenomas With 6 and 8 Year Follow‐Up

Abstract: Fibroadenomas are non‐cancerous breast tumors commonly seen in teenagers but also found in women at the time of first mammogram. They have distinct physical findings and imaging features but the definitive diagnosis is made by ultrasound or stereotactic guided needle biopsy. Treatment options are observation or surgical removal. Recently, removal by ultrasound‐guided technique has been reported. Alternatively, the tumor may be ablated within the breast by cold (cryotherapy) or by heat (laser, radiofrequency, focused ultrasound and microwave). In this paper the laser treatment in two patients, one with bilateral fibroadenomas, with 6 and 8 year follow‐up is presented.