Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Intestinal Bacteria in Gliadin-Induced Changes in Intestinal Mucosa: Study in Germ-Free Rats

Background and Aims Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the small intestine that is induced by dietary wheat gluten proteins (gliadins) in genetically predisposed individuals. The overgrowth of potentially pathogenic bacteria and infections has been suggested to contribute to CD pathogenesis. We aimed to study the effects of gliadin and various intestinal bacterial strains on mucosal barrier integrity, gliadin translocation, and cytokine production. Methodology/Principal Findings Changes in gut mucosa were assessed in the intestinal loops of inbred Wistar-AVN rats that were reared under germ-free conditions in the presence of various intestinal bacteria (enterobacteria and bifidobacteria isolated from CD patients and healthy children, respectively) and CD-triggering agents (gliadin and IFN-γ) by histology, scanning electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and a rat cytokine antibody array. Adhesion of the bacterial strains to the IEC-6 rat cell line was evaluated in vitro. Gliadin fragments alone or together with the proinflammatory cytokine interferon (IFN)-γ significantly decreased the number of goblet cells in the small intestine; this effect was more pronounced in the presence of Escherichia coli CBL2 and Shigella CBD8. Shigella CBD8 and IFN-γ induced the highest mucin secretion and greatest impairment in tight junctions and, consequently, translocation of gliadin fragments into the lamina propria. Shigella CBD8 and E. coli CBL2 strongly adhered to IEC-6 epithelial cells. The number of goblet cells in small intestine increased by the simultaneous incubation of Bifidobacterium bifidum IATA-ES2 with gliadin, IFN-γ and enterobacteria. B. bifidum IATA-ES2 also enhanced the production of chemotactic factors and inhibitors of metalloproteinases, which can contribute to gut mucosal protection. Conclusions Our results suggest that the composition of the intestinal microbiota affects the permeability of the intestinal mucosa and, consequently, could be involved in the early stages of CD pathogenesis.
Twenty-First Century Populism: The Spectre of Western European Democracy

Introduction: The Sceptre and the Spectre D.Albertazzi & D.McDonnell PART I Populism and Democracy G.Pasquino Politics against Democracy: Party Withdrawal and Populist Breakthrough A.Mastropaolo Populism and the Media G.Mazzoleni PART II Austria: The Structure and Agency of Austrian Populism R.Heinisch Italy: A Country of Many Populisms M.Tarchi Switzerland: Yet another Populist Paradise D.Albertazzi Germany: Right-wing Populist Failures and Left-wing Successes F.Decker Sweden: The Scandinavian Exception J.Rydgren The Netherlands: Populism versus Pillarization P.Lucardie France: The Front National, Ethnonationalism and Populism J.Rydgren Britain: Imperial Legacies, Institutional Constraints and New Political Opportunities S.Fella The Republic of Ireland: The Dog That Hasn't Barked in the Night? D.McDonnell Conclusions: Populism and Twenty-first Century Western European Democracy D.Albertazzi & D.McDonnell
On-chip traffic regulation to reduce coherence protocol cost on a microthreaded many-core architecture with distributed caches

When hardware cache coherence scales to many cores on chip, over saturated traffic of the shared memory system may offset the benefit from massive hardware concurrency. In this article, we investigate the cost of a write-update protocol in terms of on-chip memory network traffic and its adverse effects on the system performance based on a multithreaded many-core architecture with distributed caches. We discuss possible software and hardware solutions to alleviate the network pressure. We find that in the context of massive concurrency, by introducing a write-merging buffer with 0.46% area overhead to each core, applications with good locality and concurrency are boosted up by 18.74% in performance on average. Other applications also benefit from this addition and even achieve a throughput increase of 5.93%. In addition, this improvement indicates that higher levels of concurrency per core can be exploited without impacting performance, thus tolerating latency better and giving higher processor efficiencies compared to other solutions.
EXPLORING COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE GAMES WITH DESIGN SCIENCE: A CITIZEN SCIENCE DESIGN CASE

Citizen science is a form of collective intelligence where members of the public are recruited to contribute to scientific investigations. Citizen science projects often use web-based systems to support collaborative scientific activities, but finding ways to attract participants and confirm the veracity of the data produced by non-scientists are key research questions. We describe a series of web-based tools and games currently under development to support taxonomic classification of organisms in photographs collected by citizen science projects. In the design science tradition, the systems are purpose-built to test hypotheses about participant motivation and techniques for ensuring data quality. Findings from preliminary evaluation and the design process itself are discussed.
Dollarization in Tanzania: empirical evidence and cross-country experience

The use of U.S dollar as unit of account, medium of exchange and store of value in Tanzania has raised concerns among policy makers and the general public. This paper attempts to shed some light on the key stylized facts of dollarization in Tanzania and the EAC region. We show that compared to other EAC countries, financial dollarization in Tanzania is high, but steadily declining. We also present some evidence of creeping transaction dollarization particularly in the education sector, apartment rentals in some parts of major cities and a few imported consumer goods such as laptops and pay TV services. An empirical analysis of the determinants of financial dollarization is provided for the period 2001 to 2009. Based on the findings and drawing from the experience of other countries around the world, we propose some policy measures to deal with prevalence of dollarization in the country.
One World Health: Neglected Tropical Diseases in a Flat World

In The World Is Flat and his other landmark books on globalization, journalist, columnist, and author Thomas Friedman eloquently articulates the prospect of a new world order and economy as a consequence of emerging new technologies, business practices, and world events [1]. Heading the list of “flatteners” that have leveled the new economic world are Netscape and the Web, common software platforms from Microsoft and elsewhere, search engines, open access and open sourcing, outsourcing, offshoring, supply chaining and insourcing, and mobile phones and other personal digital devices [1]. At the same time, globalization has also emerged as an important force in revealing the devastating health and economic impact of disease on human populations worldwide [2]. Through open access, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases is helping to increase awareness of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) as the most common infections of the “bottom billion,” i.e., the world's poorest people living on less than US$1 per day in developing countries [3]. By causing adverse effects on child development and learning, pregnancy outcome, and agricultural productivity, the NTDs are emerging as one of the most important group of infections that trap the poorest people living in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Americas in a cycle of poverty and destitution [2],[3]. The NTDs both occur in the setting of poverty and promote poverty [3].
Role of Pannexin-1 hemichannels and purinergic receptors in the pathogenesis of human diseases

In the last decade several groups have determined the key role of hemichannels formed by pannexins or connexins, extracellular ATP and purinergic receptors in physiological and pathological conditions. Our work and the work of others, indicate that the opening of Pannexin-1 hemichannels and activation of purinergic receptors by extracellular ATP is essential for HIV infection, cellular migration, inflammation, atherosclerosis, stroke, and apoptosis. Thus, this review discusses the importance of purinergic receptors, Panx-1 hemichannels and extracellular ATP in the pathogenesis of several human diseases and their potential use to design novel therapeutic approaches.
Designing a multi-purpose capacitive proximity sensing input device

The recent success of Nintendo's Wii and multi-touch input devices like the Apple iPhone clearly shows that people are more willing to accept new input device-technologies based on intuitive forms of interaction. Gesture-based input is thus becoming important and even relevant in specific application scenarios. A sensor type especially suited for natural gesture recognition is the capacitive proximity sensor that allows the detection of objects without any physical contact. In this paper we extend the input device taxonomy by Card et al to include this detector category and allow modeling of devices based on advanced sensor units that involve data processing. We have created a prototype based on this modeling and evaluated its use regarding several application scenarios, where such a device might be useful. The focus of this evaluation was to determine the suitability of the device for different interaction paradigms.
Interventions to Improve the Response of Professionals to Children Exposed to Domestic Violence and Abuse: A Systematic Review

Exposure of children to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a form of child maltreatment with short‐ and long‐term behavioural and mental health impact. Health care professionals are generally uncertain about how to respond to domestic violence and are particularly unclear about best practice with regards to children's exposure and their role in a multiagency response. In this systematic review, we report educational and structural or whole‐system interventions that aim to improve professionals' understanding of, and response to, DVA survivors and their children. We searched 22 bibliographic databases and contacted topic experts for studies reporting quantitative outcomes for any type of intervention aiming to improve professional responses to disclosure of DVA with child involvement. We included interventions for physicians, nurses, social workers and teachers. Twenty‐one studies met the inclusion criteria: three randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 18 pre‐post intervention surveys. There were 18 training and three system‐level interventions. Training interventions generally had positive effects on participants' knowledge, attitudes towards DVA and clinical competence. The results from the RCTs were consistent with the before‐after surveys. Results from system‐level interventions aimed to change organisational practice and inter‐organisational collaboration demonstrates the benefit of coordinating system change in child welfare agencies with primary health care and other organisations. Implications for policy and research are discussed. © 2015 The Authors. Child Abuse Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. ‘We searched 22 bibliographic databases and contacted topic experts’ Key Practitioner Messages We reviewed published evidence on interventions aimed at improving professionals' practice with domestic violence survivors and their children. Training programmes were found to improve participants' knowledge, attitudes and clinical competence up to a year after delivery. Key elements of successful training include interactive discussion, booster sessions and involving specialist domestic violence practitioners. Whole‐system approaches aiming to promote coordination and collaboration across agencies appear promising but require funding and high levels of commitment from partners. ‘Training programmes were found to improve participants' knowledge, attitudes and clinical competence up to a year after delivery’
Ironing out the wrinkles in the rare biosphere through improved OTU clustering

Deep sequencing of PCR amplicon libraries facilitates the detection of low-abundance populations in environmental DNA surveys of complex microbial communities. At the same time, deep sequencing can lead to overestimates of microbial diversity through the generation of low-frequency, error-prone reads. Even with sequencing error rates below 0.005 per nucleotide position, the common method of generating operational taxonomic units (OTUs) by multiple sequence alignment and complete-linkage clustering significantly increases the number of predicted OTUs and inflates richness estimates. We show that a 2% single-linkage preclustering methodology followed by an average-linkage clustering based on pairwise alignments more accurately predicts expected OTUs in both single and pooled template preparations of known taxonomic composition. This new clustering method can reduce the OTU richness in environmental samples by as much as 30–60% but does not reduce the fraction of OTUs in long-tailed rank abundance curves that defines the rare biosphere.
3D smiling facial expression recognition based on SVM

Using Kinect acquired RGB-D image to obtain a face feature parameters and three-dimensional coordinates of the characteristic parameters, and to select the characteristic parameter Facial by Candide-3 model, and feature extraction and normalization. Smile face expression data collection through Kinect, SVM collected to smiley face data classify and output the result of recognition, and the results compared with two-dimensional image of smiling face expression recognition results. Experimental results show that three-dimensional image of smiling face expression recognition accuracy than the two-dimensional image of smiling face. This research has important significance for the research and application of facial expression recognition technology.
A simple framework for interactive games in CS1

Computer games are widely used in programming assignments to motivate students. Traditionally, these have been text-based games such as hangman, but as Java has become widespread, the use of graphics and graphical games has increased correspondingly. We report on a framework used as scaffolding to help students understand how to design and implement a variety of interactive games. We share our experiences using this framework for assignments over a number of years.
Recovery Point Selection on a Reverse Binary Tree Task Model

An analysis is conducted of the complexity of placing recovery points where the computation is modeled as a reverse binary tree task model. The objective is to minimize the expected computation time of a program in the presence of faults. The method can be extended to an arbitrary reverse tree model. For uniprocessor systems, an optimal placement algorithm is proposed. For multiprocessor systems, a procedure for computing their performance is described. Since no closed form solution is available, an alternative measurement is proposed that has a closed form formula. On the basis of this formula, algorithms are devised for solving the recovery point placement problem. The estimated formula can be extended to include communication delays where the algorithm devised still applies. >
A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Study on the Biomechanical Simulation of Various Structured Dental Implants and Their Surrounding Bone Tissues

Background/Purpose. This three-dimensional finite element study observed the stress distribution characteristics of 12 types of dental implants and their surrounding bone tissues with various structured abutments, implant threads, and healing methods under different amounts of concentrated loading. Materials and Methods. A three-dimensional geometrical model of a dental implant and its surrounding bone tissue was created; the model simulated a screw applied with a preload of 200 N or a torque of 0.2 N·m and a prosthetic crown applied with a vertical or an inclined force of 100 N. The Von Mises stress was evaluated on the 12 types of dental implants and their surrounding bone tissues. Results. Under the same loading force, the stress influence on the implant threads was not significant; however, the stress influence on the cancellous bone was obvious. The stress applied to the abutment, cortical bone, and cancellous bone by the inclined force applied to the crown was larger than the stress applied by the vertical force to the crown, and the abutment stress of the nonsubmerged healing implant system was higher than that of the submerged healing implant system. Conclusion. A dental implant system characterised by a straight abutment, rectangle tooth, and nonsubmerged healing may provide minimum value for the implant-bone interface.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity What Do Parents and Preschool Staff Tell Us about Young Children's Physical Activity: a Qualitative Study

Background: Physical activity and small screen recreation are two modifiable behaviours associated with childhood obesity and the development of chronic health problems. Parents and preschool staff shape behaviour habits in young children. The aims of this qualitative study were to explore the attitudes, values, knowledge and understanding of parents and carers of preschool-age children in relation to physical activity and small screen recreation and to identify influences upon these behaviours.
An automatic matching scheme between 2D digital sketches and 3D template-models for virtual garment design

In order to infer the 3D configuration of an input 2D sketch, this paper introduces an automatic matching scheme to build correspondences between 2D points on digital sketches and 3D vertices on template garments. A skirt model (3D template) is employed to illustrate the whole process. Given the input 2D strokes, uniform quadratic B-splines are used for curve approximation, and a sketch-based interface is introduced. In our approach, point-to-vertex correspondences are proposed, which is constrained by two characters: proximity and continuity. 2D template panels (the orthogonal projection of 3D template models) are generated to connect the 2D sketch points. Based on this initial matching, all corresponding vertices on 3D template models can be found automatically.
Selected Polymorphisms of Base Excision Repair Genes and Pancreatic Cancer Risk in Japanese

Background Although several reports have described a possible association between DNA repair genes and pancreatic cancer (PC) in smokers, this association has not been fully evaluated in an Asian population. We assessed the impact of genetic polymorphisms in the base excision repair (BER) pathway on PC risk among Japanese. Methods This case-control study compared the frequency of 5 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of BER genes, namely rs1052133 in OGG1, rs1799782 and rs25487 in XRCC1, rs1130409 in APE1, and rs1136410 in PARP1. SNPs were investigated using the TaqMan assay in 185 PC cases and 1465 controls. Associations of PC risk with genetic polymorphisms and gene–environment interaction were examined with an unconditional logistic regression model. Exposure to risk factors was assessed from the results of a self-administered questionnaire. We also performed haplotype-based analysis. Results We observed that the minor allele of rs25487 in XRCC1 was significantly associated with PC risk in the per-allele model (odds ratio = 1.29, CI = 1.01–1.65; trend P = 0.043). Haplotype analysis of XRCC1 also showed a statistically significant association with PC risk. No statistically significant interaction between XRCC1 polymorphisms and smoking status was seen. Conclusions Our findings suggest that XRCC1 polymorphisms affect PC risk in Japanese.
THE TREADING-ON-TARSUS REFLEX IN STICK INSECTS: PHASE-DEPENDENCE AND MODIFICATIONS OF THE MOTOR OUTPUT DURING WALKING

In stick insects walking forwards or backwards, a treading-on-tarsus (TOT) reflex of the middle leg could be elicited by mechanical stimulation of the ipsilateral front leg tarsus. The probability of eliciting a TOT reflex in the middle leg depended on the phase of the stimulus within the middle leg9s step cycle and on the position of the middle leg relative to its normal anterior and posterior extreme positions. During a TOT reflex the functional swing muscle (protractor coxae in forward walks and retractor coxae in backward walks) was inhibited while the functional stance muscle was activated. This suggests that the step generator of the middle leg contains two hierarchical levels: the higher level would determine the timing of swing and stance independent of walking direction; the lower one would drive the appropriate muscle groups for swing and stance depending on which programme - forward or backward walking - was running. The stimulus information from the front leg necessary to elicit a TOT reflex was observed only the ipsilateral connective. In terms of the model, this information would have to be processed according to the actual state of the higher level of the step generator. Movement and position of the front leg and tarsal contact of the middle leg were not relevant for the TOT reflex of the middle leg. Steps with a TOT reflex were significantly prolonged, and compensation for this disturbance of walking coordination was made within the next step.
The Chronicle of the Czechs

"The Chronicle of the Czechs" by Cosmas of Prague (d. 1125) is a masterwork of medieval historical writing, deeply erudite, consciously researched, and narrated in high rhetorical style. Regarded as the foundational narrative of Czech history, it is the source of the oldest stories about the land, people, and rulers of Bohemia and Moravia. Lisa Wolverton provides the first annotated English translation of this eminently enjoyable and teachable work. The first of the three books of the Chronicle describes the earliest people to arrive in Bohemia, the first rulers and the origins of the Premyslid dynasty, the founding of Prague, and the early phases of Christianization. Book Two covers the period from 1037 to 1092, the age of Duke Bretislav I and his five contentious sons. Book III treats events contemporary with the author's writing, a time of great political upheaval, both internally and in relation to neighboring Germans, Poles, and Hungarians. Preeminently concerned with rulers and political life, the chronicle is striking for its narrative brilliance, vivid characters and scenes, dramatic dialogues, evocative soliloquies, and deep classical and Biblical erudition. In composing it, Cosmas sought to define the Czechs as a nation through history, compel them to think about their political culture, and urge reform, justice, and responsibility. The oldest history of a Slavic people written by a Slav, the work rivals any medieval chronicle in its verve, accessibility, and insight into the very nature of political power. "The Chronicle of the Czechs" will be indispensable for medieval specialists wanting to extend their reach into Eastern Europe, as well as for college instructors in search of a lively and insightful text on medieval political life generally.
Cost-Effectiveness of Universal Prophylaxis in Pregnancy with Prior Group B Streptococci Colonization

Objective. To estimate the costs and outcomes of rescreening for group B streptococci (GBS) compared to universal treatment of term women with history of GBS colonization in a previous pregnancy. Study Design. A decision analysis model was used to compare costs and outcomes. Total cost included the costs of screening, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP), treatment for maternal anaphylaxis and death, evaluation of well infants whose mothers received IAP, and total costs for treatment of term neonatal early onset GBS sepsis. Results. When compared to screening and treating, universal treatment results in more women treated per GBS case prevented (155 versus 67) and prevents more cases of early onset GBS (1732 versus 1700) and neonatal deaths (52 versus 51) at a lower cost per case prevented ($8 805 versus $12 710). Conclusion. Universal treatment of term pregnancies with a history of previous GBS colonization is more cost-effective than the strategy of screening and treating based on positive culture results.