Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Rotavirus and malabsorption. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies of small intestine specimens].

Only 20% of the total of diarrheas in childhood are caused by bacteria . Compared to it, very often the causes for such diseases are viruses, especially rotavirus. The virus - localisation is known to be in enterocytes of the duodenal or jejunal mucosa. So it is probable that a destruction of villous structure linked with diminishing of enzyme activities-especially of lactase--can occur. 53 mucosa specimens were investigated from children by means of fluorescence microscopy. Cryo-cut-slices (8-10 mu) were fixed in acetone and marked with self-prepared rotavirus-hyperimmuneserum (against SA11-virus) and examined using the microscope Fluoval. The distribution of fluorescence along the villi or flat surface was semiquantitatively evaluated. All the investigated children - aged 1-15 years - had been suspected for malabsorption. In 23 of them rotavirus antigen was detected and partly a low activity of disaccharidases, especially of lactase, but also there were simultaneously 7 cases of confirmed coeliac disease in this group. So we conclude: In some patients the rotavirus infection is a complication of malabsorption syndromes; or in other cases it is an asymptomatic accidental finding in the small intestine mucosa.
Decentralized Formation Control of Multi-agent Robot Systems based on Formation Graphs

Formation control is an important issue of motion coordination of Multi-agent Robots Systems. The goal is to coordinate a group of agents to achieve a desired formation pattern. The control strategies are decentralized because every robot does not possess information about the positions and goals of all the other robots. Based on the formation graphs properties and the local potential functions approach, we obtain a formal result about global convergence to the desired pattern for any formation graph. Also, we characterize the topologies of the formation graphs where the centroid of positions remains stationary. Finally, the control approach is extended to the case of unicycle-type robots.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Fluid Dynamics of a Bounded Equilateral Triangular Jet

In the present study, the fluid characteristics of a triangular turbulent jet flow are considered experimentally and numerically. The results of spatially developed three dimensional jet, issued from an equilateral triangular nozzle are presented. The jet is discharged to a bounded domain. The hot-wire anemometry is used for experimental study. A numerical method employing control volume approach with collocated grid arrangement which couples the velocity and pressure fields with SIMPLEC algorithm is introduced to discrete the governing equations of fluid flow. The turbulent stresses are approximated using k-e model. The velocity field is presented using profiles and contours. Comparison of numerical and experimental results shows a good agreement.
THE TREATMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER WITH HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY

It has been proposed that low pressure/ low oxygen concentration hyperbaric treatment can improve the clinical manifestations of autism. Several case series and a randomized trial have all supported this position despite little physiological or biological evidence of a likely mechanism. The available comparative data suggest widespread improvements in physician assessed Clinical Global Impression (CGI) score, parental Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) score and parental Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) scores in several dimensions. There has been considerable controversy about the validity and interpretation of these scores as reported in the randomized trial. Given the nature and epidemiology of this group of conditions, there is a strong case for further trials to be done in this area. Any future trials would need to be well planned, appropriately powered and include several relevant treatment arms. The UHMS highly recommends the inclusion of functional neuroimaging in any future investigations. These clinical efforts should be combined with efforts to elucidate the basic mechanisms by which mild hyperbaric therapy might exert a therapeutic effect. At this time, however, we cannot recommend the routine treatment of ASD with HBO2T.
Change in breast self-examination behavior: Effects of intervention on enhancing self-efficacy

This study evaluated a breast self-examination intervention to increase phase-specific self-efficacy and positive outcome expectancies. The role of social cognitive predictors in the process of behavior change was investigated. Using cluster randomization, participants were assigned to an intervention (n = 244) or to a control (n = 173) group. Controls were measured twice, with 13 weeks between the assessments. Respondents from the intervention group received the intervention before the 1st measurement. The increase in the number of self-examination components was significantly higher in the intervention group than among controls. Women who had never performed self-examinations before the intervention, as well as those who did it irregularly or incompletely, changed their behavior significantly. Results of structural equation modeling for a 2-group model showed that phase-specific self-efficacy was a significant predictor of intention, planning, and behavior change in the intervention group. In the control group, these relations were weaker or remained nonsignificant. Social cognitive variables measured in this study explained 15% of variance of behavior change in the control group and 29% of breast self-examination change in the intervention group.
Semantic Web Publishing using Named Graphs

The Semantic Web consists of many RDF graphs nameable by URIs. This paper extends the syntax and semantics of RDF to cover such Named Graphs. This enables RDF statements that describe graphs, which is beneficial in many Semantic Web application areas. In this paper, we explore the application area of Semantic Web publishing: Named Graphs allow publishers to communicate assertional intent, and to sign their graphs; information consumers can evaluate specific graphs using task-specific trust policies, and act on information from those Named Graphs that they accept. Graphs are trusted depending on: their content; information about the graph; and the task the user is performing. The extension of RDF to Named Graphs provides a formally defined framework to be a foundation for the Semantic Web trust layer.
Multi-muscle FES control of the human arm for interaction tasks—Stabilizing with muscle co-contraction and postural adjustment: A simulation study

In this paper we present a method to stimulate multiple muscles in a human arm to perform interaction tasks, using an implanted Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) neuroprosthesis. The unstable effect arising from interaction tasks is considered, and the arm stability is directly treated as one of the control objectives in the controller design. By exploiting the kinematic and muscular redundancy of the system, we can control the interaction force and the arm's stiffness property simultaneously, thus ensuring the stable execution of interaction tasks. A representative example of such interaction tasks, namely the “pushing with a stick” task, is simulated. It is found that using our proposed controller, as compared to a previously developed feedforward FES controller that does not consider arm stiffness or stability, the stability of the arm is guaranteed while the task of force control is correctly achieved.
Ergodicity and class-ergodicity of balanced asymmetric stochastic chains

Unconditional consensus is the property of a consensus algorithm for multiple agents, to produce consensus irrespective of the particular time or state at which the agent states are initialized. Under a weak condition, so-called balanced asymmetry, on the sequence (An) of stochastic matrices in the agents states update algorithm, it is shown that (i) the set of accumulation points of states as n grows large is finite, (ii) the asymptotic unconditional occurrence of single consensus or multiple consensuses is directly related to the property of absolute infinite flow of this sequence, as introduced by Touri and Nedić. The latter condition must be satisfied on each of the islands of the so-called unbounded interactions graph induced by (An), as defined by Hendrickx et al. The property of balanced asymmetry is satisfied by many of the well known discrete time consensus models studied in the literature.
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulators in cystic fibrosis: current perspectives

Mutations of the CFTR gene cause cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common recessive monogenic disease worldwide. These mutations alter the synthesis, processing, function, or half-life of CFTR, the main chloride channel expressed in the apical membrane of epithelial cells in the airway, intestine, pancreas, and reproductive tract. Lung disease is the most critical manifestation of CF. It is characterized by airway obstruction, infection, and inflammation that lead to fatal tissue destruction. In spite of great advances in early and multidisciplinary medical care, and in our understanding of the pathophysiology, CF is still considerably reducing the life expectancy of patients. This review highlights the current development in pharmacological modulators of CFTR, which aim at rescuing the expression and/or function of mutated CFTR. While only Kalydeco® and Orkambi® are currently available to patients, many other families of CFTR modulators are undergoing preclinical and clinical investigations. Drug repositioning and personalized medicine are particularly detailed in this review as they represent the most promising strategies for restoring CFTR function in CF.
Isolation and characterization of unusual gin mutants.

Site‐specific inversion of the G segment in phage Mu DNA is promoted by two proteins, the DNA invertase Gin and the host factor FIS. Recombination occurs if the recombination sites (IR) are arranged as inverted repeats and a recombinational enhancer sequence is present in cis. Intermolecular reactions as well as deletions between direct repeats of the IRs rarely occur. Making use of a fis‐ mutant of Escherichia coli we have devised a scheme to isolate gin mutants that have a FIS independent phenotype. This mutant phenotype is caused by single amino acid changes at five different positions of gin. The mutant proteins display a whole set of new properties in vivo: they promote inversions, deletions and intermolecular recombination in an enhancer‐ and FIS‐independent manner. The mutants differ in recombination activity. The most active mutant protein was analysed in vitro. The loss of site orientation specificity was accompanied with the ability to recombine even linear substrates. We discuss these results in connection with the role of the enhancer and FIS protein in the wild‐type situation.
Climate change: The next challenge for public mental health?

Abstract Climate change is increasingly recognized as one of the greatest threats to human health of the 21st century, with consequences that mental health professionals are also likely to face. While physical health impacts have been increasingly emphasized in literature and practice, recent scholarly literature indicates that climate change and related weather events and environmental changes can profoundly impact psychological well-being and mental health through both direct and indirect pathways, particularly among those with pre-existing vulnerabilities or those living in ecologically sensitive areas. Although knowledge is still limited about the connections between climate change and mental health, evidence is indicating that impacts may be felt at both the individual and community levels, with mental health outcomes ranging from psychological distress, depression and anxiety, to increased addictions and suicide rates. Drawing on examples from diverse geographical areas, this article highlights some climate-sensitive impacts that may be encountered by mental health professionals. We then suggest potential avenues for public mental health in light of current and projected changes, in order to stimulate thought, debate, and action.
A Class of Transformations that Polarize Symmetric Binary-Input Memoryless Channels

A generalization of Ar\i kan's polar code construction using transformations of the form $G^{\otimes n}$ where $G$ is an $\ell \times \ell$ matrix is considered. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for these transformations to ensure channel polarization. It is shown that a large class of such transformations polarize symmetric binary-input memoryless channels.
Biomimetics as a Design Methodology - Possibilities and Challenges

Biomimetics ? or bionik as it is called in parts of Europe ? offer a number of promising opportunities and challenges for the designer. The paper investigates how biomimetics as a design methodology is used in engineering design by looking at examples of biological searches and highlight the possibilities and challenges. Biomimetics for engineering design is explored through an experiment involving 12 design engineering students. For 7 selected problem areas they searched biology literature available at a university library and identified a number of biological solutions. Central solution principles were formulated and used for designing technical items that could be used to solve the initial problems. Experiences are that biomimetic design can be made successfully using commonly available biological literature and internet resources and that designers without detailed biological knowledge can perform biomimetic design at a conceptual level. However often more detailed understanding of the biological and in particular the biochemical phenomena is required. This could be achieved through collaboration with biologists.
Occult hepatitis B demonstrated by anti-HBc and HBV DNA in HIV-positive patients.

BACKGROUND In patients who are hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA-positive, but HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) -negative, the infection is referred to as occult hepatitis B infection (OBI). Occult HBV infection is harmful when other liver diseases are present, and can aggravate liver damage in in patients with chronic liver diseases. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection the suppression of viral replication by the immune system might be inactivated, and classical HBV infection in OBI patients may occur. Health care professionals should be aware of OBI in HIV patients. The routine test for HBV infection in Iran is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the HBV surface antigen (ELISA HBsAg); therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of OBI in Iranian HIV patients. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012 on sera from all the known and accessible HIV patients in Jahrom and Fassa, two cities in southern Iran. All samples were tested for the HBsAg, HBV core antibody (HBcAb). All the results were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS Of the 91 patients, seven (7.7%) were HBsAg-positive and forty-five (49.5%) were HBcAb-positive. In patients with negative HBsAg (84 patients), 39 (46.4%) were HBcAb positive and 53 (63%) were positive for HBV DNA. CONCLUSION The prevalence of HBV infection is relatively high in HIV patients, and more accurate tests than those presently in use should be used for diagnosis.
Anticoagulation for Mechanical Heart Valves: Will Oral Factor Xa Inhibitors Be Effective?

The global burden of valvular heart disease, which currently affects more than 100 million people, is growing with the aging population.1 Severe valvular heart disease is associated with major morbidity and mortality and often necessitates surgical valve replacement with a mechanical or a tissue valve. If the risk of surgery is prohibitive, transcathether valve replacement is another option.2 See accompanying article on page 942 Although mechanical heart valves (MHV) are more durable than tissue valves, they are more thrombogenic. Consequently, patients with MHV require long-term anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists, such as warfarin.2,3 Although effective, warfarin has well-known limitations, including multiple drug and food interactions, and the challenges of coagulation monitoring and maintaining the international normalized ratio within the therapeutic range. Indeed, variability in the international normalized ratio is a major independent predictor of reduced survival in patients with MHV.4 Consequently, there is a need for effective anticoagulants for MHV patients with better pharmacological profiles than warfarin. Direct oral anticoagulants have replaced warfarin for many indications.5 These agents include dabigatran, which inhibits thrombin, and rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban, which inhibit factor Xa. Despite the proven efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants in the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, and in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism, the unfavorable results of the RE-ALIGN (Randomized, Phase II Study to Evaluate the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Oral Dabigatran Etexilate in Patients after Heart Valve Replacement) trial prompted the FDA to issue black-box warnings against the use …
DPSK Error Correction using Multi-Bit Detection for Enhanced Sensitivity and Compensation of Impairments

We demonstrate a novel, multiple-bit DPSK detection scheme, capable of correcting isolated bit errors using simple logic gates, without an increase in the transmission rate. Simulations predict a 0.4 dB back-back gain, 0.85 dB in the presence of 1 radian of nonlinear phase noise, and further increased gains in the presence of receiver impairments. A 2 dB OSNR gain is realized experimentally at a BER of le-3 using this error correction scheme.
Identification of the NF-κB activating protein-like locus as a risk locus for rheumatoid arthritis

Objective To fine-map the NF-κB activating protein-like (NKAPL) locus identified in a prior genome-wide study as a possible rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk locus and thereby delineate additional variants with stronger and/or independent disease association. Methods Genotypes for 101 SNPs across the NKAPL locus on chromosome 6p22.1 were obtained on 1368 Canadian RA cases and 1471 controls. Single marker associations were examined using logistic regression and the most strongly associated NKAPL locus SNPs then typed in another Canadian and a US-based RA case/control cohort. Results Fine-mapping analyses identified six NKAPL locus variants in a single haplotype block showing association with p≤5.6×10−8 in the combined Canadian cohort. Among these SNPs, rs35656932 in the zinc finger 193 gene and rs13208096 in the NKAPL gene remained significant after conditional logistic regression, contributed independently to risk for disease, and were replicated in the US cohort (Pcomb=4.24×10−10 and 2.44×10−9, respectively). These associations remained significant after conditioning on SNPs tagging the HLA-shared epitope (SE) DRB1*0401 allele and were significantly stronger in the HLA-SE negative versus positive subgroup, with a significant negative interaction apparent between HLA-DRB1 SE and NKAPL risk alleles. Conclusions By illuminating additional NKAPL variants with highly significant effects on risk that are distinct from, but interactive with those arising from the HLA-DRB1 locus, our data conclusively identify NKAPL as an RA susceptibility locus.
11ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, brain atrophy and cognitive decline

Excess cortisol levels are linked with brain atrophy and cognitive decline in older people. 11ßhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ß-HSD1) potently amplifies intracellular glucocorticoid action by converting inert cortisone to active cortisol, but any causal importance in brain ageing is unexplored. We tested the hypotheses that higher systemic 11ß-HSD1 activity predicts brain atrophy and cognitive decline in older men. In a longitudinal study of 41 men (65-70y at baseline) we measured baseline systemic 11ß-HSD1 activity, the urinary 5alphaand 5beta-tetrahydrocortisol to tetrahydrocortisone ratio (THFs/THE), and assessed change in brain atrophy, white matter lesions and cognitive function over six years. Baseline THFs/THE correlated negatively with baseline hippocampal volumes (left: r=-0.37; right: r=-0.34; p<0.05) and positively with ventricular volumes (r=0.43, p=0.006) and periventricular white matter lesions (rho=0.31, p=0.047). Importantly, baseline THFs/THE but not cortisol predicted increase in ventricular volumes (r=0.33, p=0.037) and decline in processing speed (r=-0.55, p=0.0002) over six years. The predictive link between systemic 11β-HSD1 activity and progressive brain atrophy and cognitive decline suggests 11β-HSD1 inhibition as a plausible therapy for brain ageing.
Vancouver Welcomes You! Minimalist Location Metonymy Resolution

Named entities are frequently used in a metonymic manner. They serve as references to related entities such as people and organisations. Accurate identification and interpretation of metonymy can be directly beneficial to various NLP applications, such as Named Entity Recognition and Geographical Parsing. Until now, metonymy resolution (MR) methods mainly relied on parsers, taggers, dictionaries, external word lists and other handcrafted lexical resources. We show how a minimalist neural approach combined with a novel predicate window method can achieve competitive results on the SemEval 2007 task on Metonymy Resolution. Additionally, we contribute with a new Wikipedia-based MR dataset called RelocaR, which is tailored towards locations as well as improving previous deficiencies in annotation guidelines.
Behavior in electric fields of smart hydrogels with potential application as bio-inspired actuators

This study investigated the possibility of using hydrogels as artificial muscle. Hydrogels fully swollen in a 0.9 wt% aqueous NaCl solution were inserted between a pair of platinum electrodes and an electric field was applied. The PAAc/PV SA copolymer hydrogels exhibited electrically induced contraction with concomitant deformation. The contractile behavior increased with increasing time and intensity of the electrical stimulus. These deformations were sensitive to the electric field and hydrogels, when placed in an electrochemical cell, may allow the electrical activation of artificial muscle. These results highlight the potential of developing an electrically activated hydrogel for use as artificial muscle and muscle actuators.
Service Providers of the Sharing Economy

Many "sharing economy" platforms, such as Uber and Airbnb, have become increasingly popular, providing consumers with more choices and suppliers a chance to make profit. They, however, have also brought about emerging issues regarding regulation, tax obligation, and impact on urban environment, and have generated heated debates from various interest groups. Empirical studies regarding these issues are limited, partly due to the unavailability of relevant data. Here we aim to understand service providers of the sharing economy, investigating who joins and who benefits, using the Airbnb market in the United States as a case study. We link more than 211 thousand Airbnb listings owned by 188 thousand hosts with demographic, socio-economic status (SES), housing, and tourism characteristics. We show that income and education are consistently the two most influential factors that are linked to the joining of Airbnb, regardless of the form of participation or year. Areas with lower median household income, or higher fraction of residents who have Bachelor's and higher degrees, tend to have more hosts. However, when considering the performance of listings, as measured by number of newly received reviews, we find that income has a positive effect for entire-home listings; listings located in areas with higher median household income tend to have more new reviews. Our findings demonstrate empirically that the disadvantage of SES-disadvantaged areas and the advantage of SES-advantaged areas may be present in the sharing economy.