Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reactivation of tuberculosis and vitamin D deficiency: the contribution of diet and exposure to sunlight

Background: As well as its role in the regulation of calcium metabolism, vitamin D is an immunoregulatory hormone. Epidemiological evidence also suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency and tuberculosis (TB). A study was undertaken to examine serum vitamin D concentrations before treatment in patients with active TB and their contacts from the same ethnic and social background and to investigate the relative contributions of diet and sunlight exposure. Methods: Serum vitamin D concentrations were measured before treatment in 178 patients with active TB and 130 healthy contacts. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its relation to skin colour, month of estimation and TB diagnosis were determined. 35 patients and 35 frequency-matched contacts completed dietary and sun exposure questionnaires to determine the relative contribution of these to serum vitamin D concentrations. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in serum vitamin D concentrations between patients and contacts (20.1 vs 30.8 nmol/l, 95% CI 7.1 to 14.3; p<0.001) and significantly more patients had severely deficient concentrations (<21 nmol/l) than controls (114/178 (64%) vs 40/130 (31%), p<0.001). There was no association between serum concentrations of vitamin D and skin pigmentation. The healthy contacts showed a predictable seasonal pattern, rising to peak concentrations in the summer months, but this response was absent in patients with TB. Dietary intake was the same in both patients with TB and contacts matched for age, sex and skin colour, but patients with TB displayed a stronger correlation between serum vitamin D concentrations and dietary intake (r = 0.42, p = 0.016) than controls (r = 0.13, p>0.1). There was no difference in sunlight exposure between the groups. Conclusions: Patients with active TB have lower serum vitamin D concentrations than contacts from similar ethnic and social backgrounds and with comparable dietary intake and sun exposure, and do not show the expected seasonal variation. These observations indicate that other factors are contributing to vitamin D deficiency in patients with TB and suggest abnormal handling of this vitamin.
Infrared spectroscopic taxonomy for carbonaceous chondrites from speciation of hydrous components

Abstract— Mid‐infrared absorption spectra for all types of carbonaceous chondrites were obtained in this study to establish a versatile method for spectroscopic classification of carbonaceous chondrites. Infrared spectra were measured using a conventional KBr pellet method and diamond press method. Spectra of hydrous carbonaceous chondrites exhibit intense O‐H stretching vibrations. CI chondrites are identifiable by a characteristic sharp absorption band appearing at 3685 cm−1, which is mainly attributable to serpentine. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed the presence of serpentine. However, Yamato (Y‐) 82162 (C1) does not have the band at 3685 cm−1 because of its thermal metamorphism. CM and CR chondrites have an intense absorption band at approximately 3600 cm−1. This absorption tends to appear in CM chondrites more strongly than CR chondrites because the intensity ratios of an OH stretching mode at 3520 cm−1 compared to 3400 cm−1 for CM chondrites are in the range of 0.95–1.04, which is systematically higher than those of CR chondrites (0.86–0.88). Therefore, the two types of chondrites are distinguishable by their respective infrared spectra. The spectrum feature of the Tagish Lake meteorite is attributable to neither CI nor CM chondrites. CO chondrites are characterized by weak and broad absorption at 3400 cm−1. CV chondrites have weak or negligible absorption of water. CK chondrites also have no water‐induced absorption. CH and CB chondrites have a sharp absorption at 3692 cm−1 indicating the presence of chrysotile, which is also supported by observations of X‐ray diffraction and TEM. The combination of spectroscopic classification and the diamond press method allows classification of carbonaceous chondrites of very valuable samples with small quantities. As one example, carbonaceous chondrite clasts in brecciated meteorites were classified using our technique. Infrared spectra for a fragment of carbonaceous clasts (<1 μg) separated from Willard (b) and Tsukuba were measured. The 3685 cm−1 band found in CI chondrites was clearly detected in the clasts, indicating that they are CI‐like clasts.
Independent vector analysis, the Kotz distribution, and performance bounds

The recent extensions of independent component analysis (ICA) to exploit source dependence across multiple datasets, termed independent vector analysis (IVA), have thus far only considered two multivariate source distribution models: the Gaussian and a second-order uncorrelated Laplacian distribution. In this paper, we introduce the use of the Kotz distribution family as a more flexible source distribution model which exploits both second and higher-order statistics. The Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB) for IVA performance prediction is shown to be analogous to the bound for blind source separation (BSS). Lastly, we provide an analytic expression for the CRLB when the sources follow the multivariate power exponential (MPE) subclass of distributions within the Kotz family.
Sympathoinhibition by atorvastatin in hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND Experimental animal data suggest that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) might reduce enhanced sympathetic activity, a hallmark of hypertensive patients. This hypothesis was tested for the first time in patients with primary hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS Using a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over design, a proof-of-principle trial was performed in 13 patients with mild to moderate primary hypertension, who were randomly assigned to a regimen of atorvastatin (80mg/day) for 3 weeks, followed by placebo for 3 weeks or to a regimen of placebo for 3 weeks, followed by atorvastatin (80mg/day) for 3 weeks. Microneurography was used at the end of each treatment period to measure sympathetic nervous system activity (muscle sympathetic nerve activity: MSNA). Heart rate variability (HRV) and plasma norepinephrine concentrations were also measured. Additionally, effects on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were assessed by 24-h ambulatory BP measurement. Atorvastatin reduced postganglionic MSNA (atorvastatin 35.0±2.0 vs placebo: 39.2±1.5 bursts/min, P=0.008) and heart frequency corrected MSNA (atorvastatin: 58.5±2.0 vs placebo: 64.7±3.0 bursts/100 beats, P=0.02). Atorvastatin had no significant effect on plasma norepinephrine levels, HRV, BP or HR. CONCLUSIONS In patients with mild to moderate hypertension, atorvastatin reduces postganglionic MSNA, which supports the hypothesis that HMG-CoA reductase plays a role in sympathetic nervous system activity.
Gradual removals in cellular PCS with constrained power control and noise

In this paper we study themobile removal problem in a cellular PCS network where transmitter powers are constrained and controlled by a Distributed Constrained Power Control (DCPC) algorithm. Receivers are subject to non-negligible noise, and the DCPC attempts to bring each receiver's CIR above a given target. To evaluate feasibility and computational complexity, we assume a paradigm where radio bandwidth is scarce and inter-base station connection is fast. We show that finding the optimal removal set is an NP-Complete problem, giving rise for heuristic algorithms. We study and compare among three classes of transmitter removal algorithms. Two classes consist of algorithms which are invoked only when reaching a stable power vector under DCPC. The third class consist of algorithms which combine transmitter removals with power control. These areOne-by-one Removals, Multiple Removals, andPower Control with Removals Combined. In the class of power control with removals combined, we also consider a distributed algorithm which uses the same local information as DCPC does. All removal algorithms are compared with respect to their outage probabilities and their time to converge to a stable state. Comparisons are made in a hexagonal macro-cellular system, and in two metropolitan micro-cellular systems. ThePower Control with Removals Combined algorithm emerges as practically the best approach with respect to both criteria.
Beyond cost function masking: RPCA-based non-linear registration in the context of VLSM

Voxel-based lesion symptom mapping (VLSM) allows studying the relationship between stroke location and clinical outcome. The core idea of VLSM is to map all patient cases into a common atlas space and then apply statistical tests on a voxel level comparing outcome measures of patients with a lesion in the voxel to those without lesion. A major limitation of VLSM is that it requires a previous lesion segmentation, which is mostly performed manually, for masked subject-to-atlas registration as well as for the VLSM analysis. The aim of this work is to evaluate the feasibility of a recently introduced robust PCA (RPCA)-based iterative non-linear registration framework that potentially overcomes this limitation by generating the lesion segmentation on the fly. In addition, we propose and evaluate a rapid variant of this framework (successively tightened low rank-condition RPCA, stl-RPCA). Based on 29 follow-up FLAIR datasets of patients with ischemic stroke, the lesion segmentation capabilities and subject-to-atlas transformation properties of the RPCA methods are evaluated and compared to non-linear registration with and without cost function masking. Results reveal that the proposed method is capable of segmenting the lesions with an average Dice coefficient of 63%. Similar to nonlinear registration with cost function masking, the RPCA-based registration frameworks significantly decrease confounding effects of pathologies on subject-to-atlas transformation properties. Overall, the RPCA frameworks lead to promising results and could considerably enhance VLSM analyses.
The impact of benzodiazepines on occurrence of pneumonia and mortality from pneumonia: a nested case-control and survival analysis in a population-based cohort

We read with interest the recent study done by Obiora et al 1 about the incidence and mortality with pneumonia for benzodiazepine users verses non-benzodiazepine users. We were interested to see whether these results would be generalisable to the Taiwanese population, therefore, we used the National Health Insurance Database of 22 million (2002) population in order to investigate the association of benzodiazepines and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We selected window size …
Assessing the Poverty and Vulnerability Impact of Micro-Credit in Bangladesh : A case study of BRAC

1 I would like to thank the Consultative Group to Assist the Poorest (CGAP) for commissioning this paper as background material for the WDR 2000/01. Most of this work was carried out while working in BRAC's Research and Evaluation Division and as a doctoral student at Sussex. I am grateful for comments received from Mushtaque Chowdhury (LSE) on earlier versions of this work. I would like to thank the BRAC-ICDDR,B Matlab project in Bangladesh for use of their data.
Study on Multi-Target Tracking Based on Particle Filter Algorithm

Particle filter is a probability estimation method based on Bayesian framework and it has unique advantage to describe the target tracking non-linear and non-Gaussian. In this study, firstly, analyses the particle degeneracy and sample impoverishment in particle filter multi-target tracking algorithm and secondly, it applies Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method to improve re-sampling process and enhance performance of particle filter algorithm.
Radiative smoothing in zenith‐scattered skylight transmitted through optically thick clouds to the ground

A ground‐based photometer was used to monitor the temporal variation of the zenith‐scattered skylight radiance (at λ=752 nm) with a temporal resolution of 2 Hz. In detail, eight data sets for different optically thick (τc ≥1/(1−g) with τc being the cloud's optical thickness and g the asymmetry factor for Mie scattering) cloud covers were analyzed with standard spectral methods. A general feature of all cloudy sky radiance power spectra is the presence of a remarkable scale break occurring at spatial scales that approximately correspond to the vertical cloud extension. This finding is consistent with theoretical estimates by Marshak et al. [1995] and Davis et al. [1997b] based on radiative smoothing by photon diffusion in vertically extended, optically thick and homogeneous clouds.
PBDDR: Probe-Based Deadlock Detection and Recovery Strategy for Component-Based Systems

Correctness is a critical requirement for software systems and one of the key factors in correctness is that the system be deadlock-free. In this paper, we present a Probe-Based Deadlock Detection and Recovery (PBDDR) strategy for Component-based System (CBS) which brings four contributions. First, we define a formal semantic model by using Communicating Sequential Processes (CSP) to abstract interaction behavior for statically analyzing deadlock. Second, we propose a Deadlock Detection Algorithm (DDA) to find deadlock loops in a CBS. Third, we consider two qualities of concern, Timeliness (i.e., response time) and DLC (i.e., How many deadlock loops that a component involved in). Then we give a Deadlock Recovery Algorithm (DRA) to evaluate and replace the component to solve the deadlock problem based on above quality concerns. Finally, we implement our approach using the Arch Studio tool. Experimental results show that our approach has reasonable performance.
Rigorous Computation of a Radially Symmetric Localized Solution in a Ginzburg-Landau Problem

We present a rigorous numerical method for proving the existence of a localized radially symmetric solution for a Ginzburg--Landau-type equation. This has a direct application to the problem of finding spots in the Swift--Hohenberg equation. The method is more generally applicable to finding radially symmetric solutions of stationary PDEs on the entire space. One can rewrite such a problem in the form of a singular ODE. We transform this ODE into a finite domain and use a Green's function approach to formulate an appropriate integral equation. We then construct a mapping whose fixed points coincide with solutions to the ODE, and we show via computer-aided analytic estimates that the mapping is contracting on a small neighborhood of a numerically determined approximate solution.
Modulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis by Early Life Stress Exposure

Exposure to stress during critical periods in development can have severe long-term consequences, increasing overall risk on psychopathology. One of the key stress response systems mediating these long-term effects of stress is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; a cascade of central and peripheral events resulting in the release of corticosteroids from the adrenal glands. Activation of the HPA-axis affects brain functioning to ensure a proper behavioral response to the stressor, but stress-induced (mal)adaptation of the HPA-axis' functional maturation may provide a mechanistic basis for the altered stress susceptibility later in life. Development of the HPA-axis and the brain regions involved in its regulation starts prenatally and continues after birth, and is protected by several mechanisms preventing corticosteroid over-exposure to the maturing brain. Nevertheless, early life stress (ELS) exposure has been reported to have numerous consequences on HPA-axis function in adulthood, affecting both its basal and stress-induced activity. According to the match/mismatch theory, encountering ELS prepares an organism for similar (“matching”) adversities during adulthood, while a mismatching environment results in an increased susceptibility to psychopathology, indicating that ELS can exert either beneficial or disadvantageous effects depending on the environmental context. Here, we review studies investigating the mechanistic underpinnings of the ELS-induced alterations in the structural and functional development of the HPA-axis and its key external regulators (amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex). The effects of ELS appear highly dependent on the developmental time window affected, the sex of the offspring, and the developmental stage at which effects are assessed. Albeit by distinct mechanisms, ELS induced by prenatal stressors, maternal separation, or the limited nesting model inducing fragmented maternal care, typically results in HPA-axis hyper-reactivity in adulthood, as also found in major depression. This hyper-activity is related to increased corticotrophin-releasing hormone signaling and impaired glucocorticoid receptor-mediated negative feedback. In contrast, initial evidence for HPA-axis hypo-reactivity is observed for early social deprivation, potentially reflecting the abnormal HPA-axis function as observed in post-traumatic stress disorder, and future studies should investigate its neural/neuroendocrine foundation in further detail. Interestingly, experiencing additional (chronic) stress in adulthood seems to normalize these alterations in HPA-axis function, supporting the match/mismatch theory.
Beta-Endorphin 1–31 Biotransformation and cAMP Modulation in Inflammation

A large body of evidence now exists for the immune cell expression, production, and the release of beta-endorphin (BE 1–31) within inflamed tissue. The inflammatory milieu is characterised by increased acidity, temperature and metabolic activity. Within these harsh conditions BE 1–31 is even more susceptible to increased enzymatic degradation over that of plasma or other non-injured tissue. To elucidate the biotransformation pathways of BE 1–31 and provide an insight to the impact of inflamed tissue environments, BE 1–31 and three of its major N-terminal fragments (BE 1–11, BE 1–13 and BE 1–17) were incubated in inflamed tissue homogenates at pH 5.5 for 2 hrs. In addition, the potency of BE 1–31 and five main N – terminal fragments (BE 1–9, BE 1–11, BE 1–13, BE 1–17, BE 1–20) was assessed at mu-opioid receptors (MOR), delta-opioid receptors (DOR), and kappa-opioid receptors (KOR). Opioid receptor potency was investigated by examining the modulation of forskolin induced cAMP accumulation. The majority of the N-terminal fragment of BE 1–31 had similar efficacy to BE 1–31 at MOR. The shortest of the major N-terminal fragments (BE 1–9), had partial agonist activity at MOR but possessed the highest potency of all tested peptides at DOR. There was limited effect for BE 1–31 and the biotransformed peptides at KOR. Major N-terminal fragments produced within inflamed tissue have increased presence within inflamed tissue over that of the parent molecule BE 1–31 and may therefore contribute to BE 1–31 efficacy within disease states that involve inflammation.
Human Pregnane X Receptor Agonism by Ginkgo biloba Extract: Assessment of the Role of Individual Ginkgolides

Ginkgo biloba extract activates pregnane X receptor (PXR), but how this occurs is not known. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism of PXR activation by the extract and the role of five individual terpene trilactones in the activation. In a cell-based reporter gene assay, G. biloba extract activated human PXR (hPXR), and at a concentration present in the extract, ginkgolide A, but not ginkgolide B, ginkgolide C, ginkgolide J, or bilobalide was partially responsible for the increase in hPXR activity of the extract. Likewise, in cultured human hepatocytes, only ginkgolide A contributed to the increase in hPXR target gene expression (CYP3A4 mRNA and CYP3A-mediated testosterone 6β-hydroxylation). The extract, but none of the terpene trilactones, bound to hPXR ligand-binding domain, as analyzed by a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer competitive binding assay. Only the extract and ginkgolide A recruited steroid receptor coactivator-1, as determined by a mammalian two-hybrid assay. Compared with hPXR, rat PXR (rPXR) was activated to a lesser extent by G. biloba extract. Similar to hPXR, only ginkgolide A contributed to rPXR activation by the extract. In contrast to the effect of G. biloba extract on PXR function, it did not affect hPXR expression. Overall, the main conclusions are that G. biloba extract is an hPXR agonist, and among the five terpene trilactones investigated, only ginkgolide A contributes to the actions of the extract. Our findings provide insights into the biological and chemical mechanisms of hPXR activation by G. biloba extract.
Phosphate retention in an agricultural stream using experimental additions of phosphate

In‐stream experiments involving additions of phosphate were conducted to determine the soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) retention potential of a perennial first‐order stream that drains a 2·7 km2 agricultural catchment in southern Ontario. SRP retention was determined in relation to highly elevated SRP concentrations under low flow conditions. Point source treatments of phosphate were added to three reaches of this stream during two time periods when baseline SRP concentrations were notably different (early summer and early autumn). The reaches selected varied with respect to streambed shape and gradient, direction of groundwater flow, and channel vegetation type and density. One of the three experimental stream reaches was dredged between the two sampling periods, so that all vegetation and the top 25 cm of sediments were removed.
New palynological data on the age of the Kiltorcan Flora of Co. Kilkenny, Ireland

The age of the fossil flora found in the Kiltorcan Formation of Co. Kilkenny has been disputed for many years, with no datable miospore assemblage ever being extracted from the plant beds due to the preservation. New exposure on Kiltorcan Hill, and experimentation with palynological techniques has allowed the extraction of two miospore assemblages. The palynological data studied shows that the strata on Kiltorcan Hill straddles the Devonian/Carboniferous Boundary; A Devonian LE Miospore Biozone assemblage has been examined from a plant bed with Cyclostigma kiltorkense whilst a Carboniferous VI Miospore Biozone date was determined for a plant bed with Lepidodendropsis sp. , and? Rhacophyton. The topmost occurrence of Cyclostigma kiltorkense is unknown but it is certainly very near to the Devonian/ Carboniferous Boundary. The use of Cyclostigma kiltorkense as an index fossil for the uppermost Devonian is therefore not precluded.
Where is the information in speech? (and to what extent can it be modelled in synthesis?)

Di erent kinds of speech information are meaningfully used in human communication. This paper attempts to show how they can be modelled in speech synthesis and suggests that many conventional synthesis methods may fail to take into account the subtleties of human speech variation. It argues that modelling of voice quality should be the next main goal for speech synthesis technology, and proposes that evaluations of synthesis technology should aim to include a Turing component, which measures the ability of each system to perform on a range of human-speech features.