Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ig isotype switching in B lymphocytes. The effect of T cell-derived interleukins, cytokines, cholera toxin, and antigen on isotype switch frequency of a cloned B cell lymphoma.

The murine B cell lymphoma CH12.LX, which bears cell surface IgM specific for the phosphatidyl choline epitope of sheep red blood cells, is capable of spontaneous isotype switching in vitro. Switching to IgG3, IgG1, IgG2b, and IgA has been observed and variants expressing those isotypes have been isolated and cloned. We have developed a procedure for precise numerical evaluation of the frequency of switching to the several isotypes to which CH12.LX can switch. We have used a modified Poisson method which can distinguish between treatments which change isotype switch frequency and those which affect, in an isotype-specific fashion, growth or secretion rates of cells which have already switched. In this report we examine the effect of several cytokines, cholera toxin, hydroxyurea, and antigen on the isotype switch frequency of CH12.LX. The strongest effect observed was that of transforming growth factor-beta, which increases switch frequency 40-fold to an absolute switch frequency of 0.04 switch events (from IgM to IgA expression) per cell division. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and cholera toxin also increase the switch frequency of CH12.LX while IL-5, IL-6 (with or without antigen), antigen (SRBC) alone, interferon-gamma, or hydroxyurea have no effect. We have shown that none of the cytokines studied change the relative frequency of switching to the available isotypes, only the absolute frequency of switching. We infer from this that the factors tested do not 'instruct' CH12.LX to switch to a particular isotype, but rather they deliver a 'go' signal to cells committed to switching to IgA at high frequency, rarely to IgG3, IgG1, or IgG2b, and never to IgG2a or IgE.
In vivo micro-CT lung imaging via a computer-controlled intermittent iso-pressure breath hold (IIBH) technique

Respiratory research with mice using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) has been predominantly hindered by the limited resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as a result of respiratory motion artefacts. In this study, we develop a novel technique for capturing the lung microstructure in vivo using micro-CT, through a computer-controlled intermittent iso-pressure breath hold (IIBH), to reduce respiratory motion, increasing resolution and SNR of reconstructed images. We compare four gating techniques, i.e. no gating, late expiratory (LE) gating, late inspiratory (LI) gating and finally intermittent iso-pressure breath hold (IIBH) gating. Quantitatively, we compare several common image analysis methods used to extract valuable physiologic and anatomic information from the respiratory system, and show that the IIBH technique produces the most representative and repeatable results.
Modeling the Heterogeneous Duration of User Interest in Time-Dependent Recommendation: A Hidden Semi-Markov Approach

Recommender systems are widely used for suggesting books, education materials, and products to users by exploring their behaviors. In reality, users’ preferences often change over time, leading to studies on time-dependent recommender systems. However, most existing approaches that deal with time information remain primitive. In this paper, we extend existing methods and propose a hidden semi-Markov model to track the change of users’ interests. Particularly, this model allows for capturing the different durations of user stays in a (latent) interest state, which can better model the heterogeneity of user interests and focuses. We derive an expectation maximization algorithm to estimate the parameters of the framework and predict users’ actions. Experiments on three real-world datasets show that our model significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art time-dependent and static benchmark methods. Further analyses of the experiment results indicate that the performance improvement is related to the heterogeneity of state durations and the drift of user interests in the dataset.
Antibiotics Prophylaxis for Operative Hysteroscopy

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of infectious complications and effect of prophylactic antibiotic administration during operative hysteroscopic procedures. Methods: A multicentric randomized controlled trial was conducted between January 2012 and December 2013. Women (n = 180) affected by endometrial hyperplasia, myomas, or endometrial polyps undergoing operative hysteroscopy were randomized to receive cefazolin 2 g intravenously 30 minutes prior to the procedure (n = 91) and no treatment (n = 89). Results: No statistical difference in terms of postoperative fever (2.4% vs 2.3%, P = .99), endometritis (0% vs 0%), pain (6.0% vs 10.4%, P = .40), cervicitis–vaginitis (0% vs 0%), pelvic abscess (0% vs 0%), pelvic inflammatory disease (0% vs 0%), and bleeding (0% vs 0%) was noticed. No statistical difference in terms of side effects attributable to antibiotic prophylaxis such as allergy (0% vs 4.8%, P = .12), nausea (10.7% vs 17.4%, P = .27), vomiting (3.6% vs 4.6%, P = .99), diarrhea (4.8% vs 5.4%, P = .99), cephalea (9.5% vs 3.5%, P = .13), dizziness (4.8% vs 2.3%, P = .44), and meteorism (5.4% vs 3.4%, P = .99) was noticed. Conclusion: The results of the current study support the recommendation not to prescribe routine antibiotic prophylaxis prior to operative hysteroscopy.
Characteristics of back pain in Polish youth depending on place of residence.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Spinal pain (SP) has become a very common problem in contemporary societies and occurs in adults, youths, and even children. The aim of the study was to determine whether the prevalence and characteristics of SP, as well as the determinants leading to SP in Polish youths, vary depending on the place of residence. The determinants considered were out-of-school physical activity (PA) and physical work (PW), time spent at a computer and TV, and the level of psychosocial development expressed as the level of anxiety-trait. The restricting effect of the experienced SP on everyday functioning of youths was also analysed. MATERIALS AND METHOD A cross-sectional, population-based study comprising 502 village residents (VR) and 1,593 city residents (CR) aged 13-19, residing in 3 random Polish provinces. The tools used were a custom-designed survey and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) filled by students during classes. RESULTS The frequency and localisation of SP, the time and circumstances in which SP episodes occur, as well as the influence of the pain on everyday functioning, are the same in youths living in villages and youths living in cities. Slight differences in the correlation between the prevalence of SP and determinants of SP development related to lifestyle depending on the place of residence were observed. However, in both VR and CR the occurrence of SP is significantly correlated negatively with the level of psychosocial development. CONCLUSIONS At present, the conditions of living in a rural and in an urban environment in Poland pose no specific threat determining the occurrence of SP in youths, and increasing the negative effect of the pain on the functioning of youths.
Polar Opinion Dynamics in Social Networks

For decades, scientists have studied opinion formation in social networks, where information travels via word of mouth. The particularly interesting case is when polar opinions—Democrats versus Republicans or iOS versus Android—compete in the network. The central problem is to design and analyze a model that captures how polar opinions evolve in the real world. In this paper, we propose a general nonlinear model of polar opinion dynamics, rooted in several theories of sociology and social psychology. The model's key distinguishing trait is that unlike in the existing linear models, such as DeGroot and Friedkin–Johnsen models, an individual's susceptibility to persuasion is a function of his or her current opinion. For example, a person holding a neutral opinion may be rather malleable, while “extremists” may be strongly committed to their current beliefs. We also study three specializations of our general model, whose susceptibility functions correspond to different sociopsychological theories. We provide a comprehensive theoretical analysis of our nonlinear models’ behavior using several tools from nonsmooth analysis of dynamical systems. To study convergence, we use nonsmooth max–min Lyapunov functions together with the generalized Invariance Principle. For our general model, we derive a general sufficient condition for the convergence to consensus. For the specialized models, we provide a full theoretical analysis of their convergence—whether to consensus or disagreement. Our results are rather general and easily apply to the analysis of other nonlinear models defined over directed networks, with Lyapunov functions constructed out of convex components.
Lipopolysaccharide in cells infected by Chlamydia trachomatis.

In view of the controversy concerning the expression of chlamydial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the eukaryotic host cell, the presence of this molecule was examined in three cell types which were experimentally infected with Chlamydia trachomatis serotype E. LPS was detected in the McCoy cell line, human endometrial epithelium and human amniotic epithelium with two monoclonal antibodies. The appearance and distribution of LPS at the host cell surface during the chlamydial developmental cycle and its transmission to neighbouring cells were examined by immunofluorescence microscopy after air drying of the host cells. LPS distribution was not uniform; it was first observed on regions of the cell surface in close proximity to the chlamydial endosome (inclusion). Soon after, the antigen was also detected at points of contact with neighbouring uninfected cells. Immunofluorescent plaques of host cells contaminated with LPS were thus formed in the vicinity of infected cells. These plaques increased in size over 2 d before becoming smaller as host cell lysis occurred. The major outer-membrane protein (MOMP) was not visualized on the host cell surface after air drying. No cell-surface LPS antigen was observed in live cells or those fixed in formaldehyde without air drying. Conventional methanol fixation and immunolocalization of LPS and MOMP in parallel infected cultures stained these antigens within inclusions in the expected fashion. Radio-immunoassays were used to quantify LPS in confluent McCoy cell monolayers during the chlamydial developmental cycle. Cell-surface-associated and inclusion-associated LPS, measured by direct binding of 125I-labelled anti-LPS monoclonal antibodies to air-dried or methanol-fixed monolayers respectively, increased for up to 3 d then declined. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Noradrenergic depletion increases inflammatory responses in brain: effects on IκB and HSP70 expression

The inflammatory responses in many cell types are reduced by noradrenaline (NA) binding to β‐adrenergic receptors. We previously demonstrated that cortical inflammatory responses to aggregated amyloid beta (Aβ) are increased if NA levels were first depleted by lesioning locus ceruleus (LC) noradrenergic neurons, which replicates the loss of LC occurring in Alzheimer's disease. To examine the molecular basis for increased responses, we used the selective neurotoxin DSP4 to lesion the LC, and then examined levels of putative anti‐inflammatory molecules. Inflammatory responses were achieved by injection of aggregated Aβ1–42 peptide and IL‐1β into frontal cortex, which induced neuronal inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and microglial IL‐1β expression. DSP4‐treatment reduced basal levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) inhibitory IκB proteins, and of heat shock protein (HSP)70. Inflammatory responses were prevented by co‐injection (ibuprofen or ciglitzaone) or oral administration (pioglitazone) of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists. Treatment with PPARγ agonists restored IκBα, IκBβ, and HSP70 levels to values equal or above those observed in control animals, and reduced activation of cortical NF‐κB. These results suggest that noradrenergic depletion reduces levels of anti‐inflammatory molecules which normally limit cortical responses to Aβ, and that PPARγ agonists can reverse that effect. These findings suggest one mechanism by which PPARγ agonists could provide benefit in neurological diseases having an inflammatory component.
Case-based learning: An instructional model to incorporate information security topcis in multidiciplinary courses at the University of Nicosia

The field of information security (IS) has long been characterized by the challenge of approaching it in a systematic manner as it constantly evolves. Academic institutions offer specialized courses on security, however it is important to have students exposed to the basic security practices regardless of their field of interest. Thus the topic of IS as such is could be, in part, integrated into various multidisciplinary courses, where educators must find a common learning ground to motivate and encourage students, coming from different specializations, to: recognize relationships between concepts of IS comprehended, underline the structure of what is being learned and to show their understanding. The authors in this paper initially present an overview of the case-based learning theory, and proceed with focusing on the lecture's teaching/learning development and delivery material for the undergraduate course MIS 151-Business Software Applications at the University of Nicosia. The results of this case study will offer indications on how to design a case based learning environment in the area of IS or any other course that could be taught through cases.
Low cost and processor efficient facial recognition system

The objective of this research project is to develop a system with a webcam and efficiently detect faces of persons preciously loaded in the database. This project aims towards the use of facial recognition using mundane processors and hence the system is optimized and reviews the grand challenges that are faced for developing such a system and a literary survey that has provided a crucial insight in the developing of the system. Viola Jones Algorithm has been utilized to detect a face within a picture and ECOC for training to fit multi class models into categories or code-words. With the algorithm and the code as suggested in this paper, results are projected towards various lighting conditions of front profile of faces. Under normal lighting conditions a very high detection rate of has been obtained. Under partial exposure a lower detection rate has been obtained and at overexposed conditions detection rate similar to normal lighting conditions has been obtained. The rejection rate is however, cent percent in all three conditions mentioned. There is ample scope for implementing recognition techniques.
Listening to Student Voices

In the context of a demand for higher graduation rates of students from low socio-economic backgrounds and the regions, this study examined the factors impacting on retention and motivation of teacher education students. The focus group data from a mixed method study provided an opportunity for students to articulate their perceptions of the barriers to success. The issues raised included the importance of support from family, peers and academics; the pivotal impact of contact with the profession; the stressful challenge of juggling paid work and cost of study pressures; and the challenge of adjusting to academic language culture and expectations.
Toward In-System Monitoring of OpenCL-Based Designs on FPGA

This paper presents a new in-system circuit for monitoring and profiling OpenCL-based designs on FPGA. This circuit opens the door for improved monitoring of OpenCL-based FPGA accelerators. The monitoring approach allows designers to identify unexpected performance bottlenecks such as pipeline stalls and initiation interval in OpenCL loops. The proposed monitor enhances observability into OpenCL-based accelerators by capturing high-level hardware events and timing information at FPGA-clock accuracy. Any event or variable in an OpenCL kernel can be observed by instantiating monitor circuits specified in OpenCL. To our knowledge, it is the first FPGA clock-cycle accurate monitor that can select not only the variables, but also the data inputs to be monitored in such variables. To validate the proposed in-system monitoring circuit, the Arria10 FPGA and Intel SDK were used for the OpenCL tool-chain. The reported results show that the presented monitoring circuit introduces a frequency degradation that remains small for 8 tested monitors instances. These monitors use 2.3 times fewer logic resources than previously reported OpenCL monitors.
The Gathering Crisis in Federal Deposit Insurance

The system of federal deposit insurance adopted during the 1930s has become increasingly costly and unreliable. This timely study warns bankers, regulators, politicians, and taxpayers that no matter how well the deposit-insurance system may have run in the past it is headed for an expensive bureaucratic breakdown. It forcefully argues that unless market discipline can be reintroduced, this breakdown threatens to take depository institutions into de facto nationalization. Reversing these trends, it points out, requires redesigning the deposit insurance system to curtail the subsidizing of risk taking by deposit institutions, a practice that has resulted in widespread insolvency among financial institutions. The Gathering Crisis in Federal Deposit Insurance provides more than a warning. It shows that the current system is unfair and has transformed the federal government into the chief supplier of equity funds to depository institutions. And it observes that whenever the financial environment is changing rapidly, the existing system of deposit insurance subsidizes risk-taking in ways that impose a huge, but largely unrecognized burden on the general taxpayer and conservatively managed financial institutions. In one way or another, the taxpayer is going to be called upon to make good the financially staggering amount of the system's guarantees. The book provides a comprehensive discussion of FDIC and FSLIC policies and procedures, describes the variety of risks facing deposit institutions and their implications for the insurance system, explains the perverse risk-bearing incentives inherent in the current deposit insurance system, documents the extent of actual insolvency at insured institutions, and proposes a framework for reform.
Atitudes de estudantes de enfermagem relacionadas ao comportamento suicida

Objetivo: investigar, entre estudiantes del último año de enfermería, las actitudes relacionadas al comportamiento suicida y factores asociados. Método: estudio transversal con 111 estudiantes de enfermería, de una institución de enseñanza brasileña. Los datos fueron recogidos en 2017 con un cuestionario sociodemográfico autoaplicado y con el Cuestionario de Actitudes Frente al Comportamiento Suicida; los datos fueron analizados por medio de la estadística descriptiva, con pruebas de comparación de medias y correlación. Resultados: la mayoría de los estudiantes de enfermería tuvo contacto con alguien que tenía comportamiento suicida, pero no tuvo exposición educacional relacionada al asunto. Las actitudes más negativas fueron asociadas a: sexo femenino, no leer materiales sobre prevención del suicidio y menor autopercepción de competencia profesional. Los pensamientos suicidas a lo largo de la vida fueron asociados al contacto con alguien con comportamiento suicida y a actitudes menos moralistas y/o de condenación. Conclusión: son necesarias nuevas investigaciones e intervenciones para la calificación académica y prevención del comportamiento suicida.
Straight Segmental versus Bifurcation Grafts for Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The decision of two surgical teams to repair an infrarenal aneurysm with a straight or bifurcation graft in 94 patients was investigated. Nine patients had an emergency operation and the two who died within 30 days of surgery (mortality rate 2%) had a ruptured aneurysm. Of 88 patients with follow-up data of at least 1 year (mean 3.5 years), 46 received bifurcation grafts and 42 tube grafts. The mean transverse diameter of the aneurysm on ultrasonography was 6.5 cm for straight and 6.1 cm for bifurcation grafts. The mean duration of operation was longer for bifurcation than straight grafts (4.2 versus 3.3h, P< 0.05) and intraoperative blood loss greater for the former (2292 versus 1350 ml, P < 0.05). The incidences of late complications for the two grafts were not different. The only secondary aneurysm repair was a staged procedure on a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. No postoperative iliac aneurysms were detected by routine physical examination and pelvic ultrasonography in patients receiving straight grafts. Even though there was no preselection of patients by disease status, one surgical team relying on preoperative arteriography successfully replaced 28 of 39 aneurysms (72%) with tube grafts while the other team using primarily intraoperative assessment placed straight grafts in only 14 of 49 patients (29%). In conclusion, straight grafts can be implanted in approximately two-thirds of patients undergoing aortic aneurysm repair with significantly less operating time and blood loss and without increase in the incidence of late iliac occlusion or dilatation. Preoperative arteriography and computed tomography facilitate this decision by identifying occlusive disease or iliac dilatation.
A prediction model for advanced colorectal neoplasia in an asymptomatic screening population

Background An electronic medical record (EMR) database of a large unselected population who received screening colonoscopies may minimize sampling error and represent real-world estimates of risk for screening target lesions of advanced colorectal neoplasia (CRN). Our aim was to develop and validate a prediction model for assessing the probability of advanced CRN using a clinical data warehouse. Methods A total of 49,450 screenees underwent their first colonoscopy as part of a health check-up from 2002 to 2012 at Samsung Medical Center, and the dataset was constructed by means of natural language processing from the computerized EMR system. The screenees were randomized into training and validation sets. The prediction model was developed using logistic regression. The model performance was validated and compared with existing models using area under receiver operating curve (AUC) analysis. Results In the training set, age, gender, smoking duration, drinking frequency, and aspirin use were identified as independent predictors for advanced CRN (adjusted P < .01). The developed model had good discrimination (AUC = 0.726) and was internally validated (AUC = 0.713). The high-risk group had a 3.7-fold increased risk of advanced CRN compared to the low-risk group (1.1% vs. 4.0%, P < .001). The discrimination performance of the present model for high-risk patients with advanced CRN was better than that of the Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening score (AUC = 0.678, P < .001) and Schroy’s CAN index (AUC = 0.672, P < .001). Conclusion The present 5-item risk model can be calculated readily using a simple questionnaire and can identify the low- and high-risk groups of advanced CRN at the first screening colonoscopy. This model may increase colorectal cancer risk awareness and assist healthcare providers in encouraging the high-risk group to undergo a colonoscopy.