Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Small-quantity, lipid-based nutrient supplements provided to women during pregnancy and 6 mo postpartum and to their infants from 6 mo of age increase the mean attained length of 18-mo-old children in semi-urban Ghana: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Childhood stunting usually begins in utero and continues after birth; therefore, its reduction must involve actions across different stages of early life. Objective: We evaluated the efficacy of small-quantity, lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNSs) provided during pregnancy, lactation, and infancy on attained size by 18 mo of age. Design: In this partially double-blind, individually randomized trial, 1320 women at ≤20 wk of gestation received standard iron and folic acid (IFA group), multiple micronutrients (MMN group), or SQ-LNS (LNS group) daily until delivery, and then placebo, MMNs, or SQ-LNS, respectively, for 6 mo postpartum; infants in the LNS group received SQ-LNS formulated for infants from 6 to 18 mo of age (endline). The primary outcome was child length by 18 mo of age. Results: At endline, data were available for 85% of 1228 infants enrolled; overall mean length and length-for-age z score (LAZ) were 79.3 cm and −0.83, respectively, and 12% of the children were stunted (LAZ <−2). In analysis based on the intended treatment, mean ± SD length and LAZ for the LNS group (79.7 ± 2.9 cm and −0.69 ± 1.01, respectively) were significantly greater than for the IFA (79.1 ± 2.9 cm and −0.87 ± 0.99) and MMN (79.1 ± 2.9 cm and −0.91 ± 1.01) groups (P = 0.006 and P = 0.009, respectively). Differences were also significant for weight and weight-for-age z score but not head or midupper arm circumference, and the prevalence of stunting in the LNS group was 8.9%, compared with 13.7% in the IFA group and 12.9% in the MMN group (P = 0.12). In analysis based on actual supplement provided at enrollment, stunting prevalences were 8.9% compared with 15.1% and 11.5%, respectively (P = 0.045). Conclusion: Provision of SQ-LNSs to women from pregnancy to 6 mo postpartum and to their infants from 6 to 18 mo of age may increase the child’s attained length by age 18 mo in similar settings. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00970866.
FIBRINOGEN PRECIPITATION BY STREPTOCOCCAL M PROTEIN

An active factor in streptococci which precipitated various mammalian plasmas and human and bovine fibrinogens was previously described (1). This fibrinogen-precipitating factor (FPF) was present in crude acid extracts of several strains of Group A streptococci. The identity of FPF and streptococcal M protein was suggested by: (a) absorption of M protein extracts with fibrinogen resulted in loss of precipitation with homologous anti-M antisera; (b) absorption of M extracts with homologous anti-M antisera resulted in loss of precipitation with fibrinogen; and (c) treatment of M extracts with pepsin or trypsin resulted in loss of precipitation with both anti-M antiserum and fibrinogen. The present report describes experiments confirming the identity of FPF and M protein. Precipitates were prepared by reaction of human fibrinogen with a partially purified preparation of streptococcal M protein known to contain FPF. Immunization of rabbits with washed precipitates resulted in bactericidal, mouse protective, and "long-chain" antibodies directed against homologous streptococci, lmmunoelectrophoretic analysis of sera from these rabbits was carried out to determine the presence of other plasma proteins in M fibrinogen (M fib.) precipitates. Finally, a rational stoichiometry of the reaction between M protein and fibrinogen was determined with radioactively labeled reactants.
Differentiation and academic control over policy in Central and Eastern Europe: The case of Romania

This article adds a political perspective to the phenomenon of higher education de-differentiation, by building on Gary Rhoades’ neo-institutionalist account. Diversity is operationalized on a hallmark dimension for Central and Eastern Europe: the public–private divide. Higher education is conceived of as a structured organizational field and its institutionalization in Central and Eastern Europe is surveyed in a comparative approach, focusing on the institutions governing the competition for (tuition paying) students and the normative images of higher education (accreditation, quality assurance, classifications and rankings). Critical junctures are identified in regard to the structuration and re-structuration of higher education in Romania, and the agency of the ministers is traced in relation to their academic background. The article builds on evidence from studies of system-level diversity or differentiation in higher education, the structuration of higher education as an organizational field, and the more recent empirical accounts on the impact of the agency of academics in policy formulation in Central and Eastern Europe (especially those in office as ministers of education).
Heart rate and respiration relationships as a diagnostic tool for late onset sepsis in sick preterm infants

The objective of the study was to test the heart rate variability (HRV) and the association between RR interval and the spontaneous respiration in a selected population of sick premature infants. Approximated Entropy (ApEn) and Regularity index were computed for RR series while four numerical indexes able to quantify association between signals were compared: (quadratic spectral coherence, linear correlation index, non linear association functions, and synchronization index). From a methodological point of view, both linear and non linear indexes were able to enhance the relationships between the signals. From a clinical point of view, lower relationships values were strongly associated with Sepsis Group while the Non Sepsis Group was characterized by a stronger relationship between RR series and the respiration. These results suggest that the exploration of RR and respiration relationships may help revealing systemic infection in premature newborns.
The effects of landscape fragmentation on pollination dynamics: absence of evidence not evidence of absence

Animal‐mediated pollination is essential for both ecosystem services and conservation of global biodiversity, but a growing body of work reveals that it is negatively affected by anthropogenic disturbance. Landscape‐scale disturbance results in two often inter‐related processes: (1) habitat loss, (2) disruptions of habitat configuration (i.e. fragmentation). Understanding the relative effects of such processes is critical in designing effective management strategies to limit pollination and pollinator decline. We reviewed existing published work from 1989 to 2009 and found that only six of 303 studies considering the influence of landscape context on pollination separated the effects of habitat loss from fragmentation. We provide a synthesis of the current landscape, behavioural, and pollination ecology literature in order to present preliminary multiple working hypotheses explaining how these two landscape processes might independently influence pollination dynamics. Landscape disturbance primarily influences three components of pollination interactions: pollinator density, movement, and plant demography. We argue that effects of habitat loss on each of these components are likely to differ substantially from the effects of fragmentation, which is likely to be more complex and may influence each pollination component in contrasting ways. The interdependency between plants and animals inherent to pollination systems also has the possibility to drive cumulative effects of fragmentation, initiating negative feedback loops between animals and the plants they pollinate. Alternatively, due to their asymmetrical structure, pollination networks may be relatively robust to fragmentation. Despite the potential importance of independent effects of habitat fragmentation, its effects on pollination remain largely untested. We postulate that variation across studies in the effects of ‘fragmentation’ owes much to artifacts of the sampling regimes adopted, particularly (1) incorrectly separating fragmentation from habitat loss, and (2) mis‐matches in spatial scale between landscapes studied and the ecological processes of interest. The field of landscape pollination ecology could be greatly advanced through the consideration and quantification of the matrix, landscape functional connectivity, and pollinator movement behaviour in response to these elements. Studies designed to disentangle the independent effects of habitat loss and fragmentation are essential for gaining insight into landscape‐mediated pollination declines, implementing effective conservation measures, and optimizing ecosystem services in complex landscapes.
Computations for Symbolic Substitutions

We provide a survey of results from symbolic dynamics and algebraic topology relating to Grout, a new user-friendly program developed to calculate combinatorial properties and topological invariants of a large class of symbolic substitutions. We study their subshifts (and related spaces) with an emphasis on examples of computations. We implement a check to verify that no counterexample exists to the so-called "strong coincidence conjecture" for a large number of substitutions on three and four letters.
Research on Multi-Path Routing Based on Load-Balance Algorithm for Ad Hoc Networks

With the increase in size and application of the communication networks, more attention has been paid to the mobile ad hoc networks. The study of multi-path routing protocol is always an important component in the research of ad hoc network. Based on studying deeply in the characteristic of mobile ad hoc networks, analyzing the shortages in multi-path routing protocol, this paper proposes a new kind of routing algorithm based on load-balance. Firstly, algorithm analyzes the queuing model and put forward two formulas to evaluating the partial function and whole function for ad hoc networks. Using the connective matrix and traffic matrix, the usage condition of every link and function index can be calculated. At last, we set the threshold value to limit the excessive usage of links, reduced the possibility of congestion. Simulations and comparisons with some typical route algorithms show our algorithm is robust and effective.
Provably Secure Certificate-based Proxy Signature Schemes

In this paper, we first propose the definition and security model of certificate-based proxy signature (CBPS). We then show that the certificate-based proxy signature scheme presented by Kang, Park and Hahn in CT-RSA 2004 are insecure against key replacement attacks. We further propose two certificate-based proxy signature schemes, which are shown to be existentially unforgeable against adaptive chosen message attacks under the computational Diffie-Hellman assumption in the random oracle model. Compared with the certificate-based proxy signature scheme in CT-RSA 2004, one of our schemes enjoys the same signature length and computation cost, another one requires a little more computation and communication cost.
Interaction of Hydrogen Sulfide with Nitric Oxide in the Cardiovascular System

Historically acknowledged as toxic gases, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO) are now recognized as the predominant members of a new family of signaling molecules, “gasotransmitters” in mammals. While H2S is biosynthesized by three constitutively expressed enzymes (CBS, CSE, and 3-MST) from L-cysteine and homocysteine, NO is generated endogenously from L-arginine by the action of various isoforms of NOS. Both gases have been transpired as the key and independent regulators of many physiological functions in mammalian cardiovascular, nervous, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and immune systems. The analogy between these two gasotransmitters is evident not only from their paracrine mode of signaling, but also from the identical and/or shared signaling transduction pathways. With the plethora of research in the pathophysiological role of gasotransmitters in various systems, the existence of interplay between these gases is being widely accepted. Chemical interaction between NO and H2S may generate nitroxyl (HNO), which plays a specific effective role within the cardiovascular system. In this review article, we have attempted to provide current understanding of the individual and interactive roles of H2S and NO signaling in mammalian cardiovascular system, focusing particularly on heart contractility, cardioprotection, vascular tone, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress.
A Novel Tetrodotoxin-sensitive, Voltage-gated Sodium Channel Expressed in Rat and Human Dorsal Root Ganglia*

Dorsal root ganglion neurons express a wide repertoire of sodium channels with different properties. Here, we report the cloning from rat, dorsal root ganglia (DRG), cellular expression, and functional analysis of a novel tetrodotoxin-sensitive peripheral sodium channel (PN), PN1. PN1 mRNA is expressed in many different tissues. Within the rat DRG, both the mRNA and PN1-like immunoreactivity are present in small and large neurons. The abundance of sodium channel mRNAs in rat DRG is rBI > PN1 ≥ PN3 >>> rBIII by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Data from reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and sequence analyses of human DRG and other human tissues suggest that rat PN1 is an ortholog of the human neuroendocrine channel. In Xenopus oocytes, PN1 exhibits kinetics that are similar to rBIIa sodium currents and is inhibited by tetrodotoxin with an IC50 of 4.3 ± 0.92 nm. Unlike rBIIa, the inactivation kinetics of PN1 are not accelerated by the coexpression of the β-subunits.
Comprehensive analysis of bacterial risk factors for the development of Guillain-Barre syndrome after Campylobacter jejuni enteritis.

BACKGROUND Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a postinfectious autoimmune-mediated neuropathy, is a serious complication after Campylobacter jejuni enteritis. METHODS To investigate the bacterial risk factors for developing GBS, genotypes, serotypes, and ganglioside mimics on lipo-oligosaccharide (LOS) were analyzed in C. jejuni strains from Japanese patients. RESULTS Strains from patients with GBS had LOS biosynthesis locus class A more frequently (72/106; 68%) than did strains from patients with enteritis (17/103; 17%). Class A strains predominantly were serotype HS:19 and had the cstII (Thr51) genotype; the latter is responsible for biosynthesis of GM1-like and GD1a-like LOSs. Both anti-GM1 and anti-GD1a monoclonal antibodies regularly bound to class A LOSs, whereas no or either antibody bound to other LOS locus classes. Mass-spectrometric analysis showed that a class A strain carried GD1a-like LOS as well as GM1-like LOS. Logistic regression analysis showed that serotype HS:19 and the class A locus were predictive of the development of GBS. CONCLUSIONS The high frequency of the class A locus in GBS-associated strains, which was recently reported in Europe, provides the first GBS-related C. jejuni characteristic that is common to strains from Asia and Europe. The class A locus and serotype HS:19 seem to be linked to cstII polymorphism, resulting in promotion of both GM1-like and GD1a-like structure synthesis on LOS and, consequently, an increase in the risk of producing antiganglioside autoantibodies and developing GBS.
Combining visual hull and stereovision technique for new 3D reconstruction method

The 3D reconstruction consists to generate a 3D model from information inspired from a real scene. It is a very interesting alternative, because it aims to improve the modeling of 3D environments, in terms of accuracy and design speed, as well as the level of realism. We have proposed a new approach for 3D reconstruction from images, by combining in new way two IBMR [10] (Image Based Rendering and Modeling) methods: The first is the stereovision and the second is the visual hull.
Options for enhancing forest biodiversity across New Zealand's managed landscapes based on ecosystem modelling and spatial design.

In most regions of the world removal of environmental stress facilitates regeneration of native plants and habitats. However, in many of New Zealand’s modified landscapes, exotic species are likely to respond first to any reduction in stress because these fast-growing species are prevalent in local vegetation and dominate seed banks. Given the trend in agriculture towards intensive management on larger units, the indigenous character in New Zealand landscapes is being marginalised and there is the risk that further reduction in visibility of native vegetation may be perpetuated by a growing familiarity and identification with ubiquitous exotic species. Alternative landscapes, based on an understanding of ecosystem processes, need to be explored if biodiversity goals set by international convention and national resource management law are to be achieved. This study provides a set of predictions and pathways, backed by field observations, to underpin a restoration strategy at patch to landscape scales. A forest model, LINKNZ, is employed to simulate species succession under New Zealand conditions. The incorporation of disturbance regimes and species dispersal processes in the model permits a wide range of scenarios to be investigated encompassing indigenous forest development, exotic species interactions with indigenous forest ecosystems, management of mixed introduced-indigenous forests, and landscape dynamics. The results illustrate an approach that identifies potential biosecurity threats and provides additional options for integrating nature and production in New Zealand’s rural and urban landscapes. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Transcriptomics and Metabolite Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanism of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Branch Pathway in Different Senecio cruentus Cultivars

The cyanidin (Cy), pelargonidin (Pg), and delphinidin (Dp) pathways are the three major branching anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways that regulate flavonoid metabolic flux and are responsible for red, orange, and blue flower colors, respectively. Different species have evolved to develop multiple regulation mechanisms that form the branched pathways. In the current study, five Senecio cruentus cultivars with different colors were investigated. We found that the white and yellow cultivars do not accumulate anthocyanin and that the blue, pink, and carmine cultivars mainly accumulate Dp, Pg, and Cy in differing densities. Subsequent transcriptome analysis determined that there were 43 unigenes encoding anthocyanin biosynthesis genes in the blue cultivar. We also combined chemical and transcriptomic analyses to investigate the major metabolic pathways that are related to the observed differences in flower pigmentation in the series of S. cruentus. The results showed that mutations of the ScbHLH17 and ScCHI1/2 coding regions abolish anthocyanin formation in the white and the yellow cultivars; the competition of the ScF3′H1, ScF3′5′H, and ScDFR1/2 genes for naringenin determines the differences in branching metabolic flux of the Cy, Dp, and Pg pathways. Our findings provide new insights into the regulation of anthocyanin branching and also supplement gene resources (including ScF3′5 ′H, ScF3′H, and ScDFRs) for flower color modification of ornamentals.
A Thread of One's Own

This paper demonstrates an architecture for suspending and resuming methods in Java using a restricted form of continuation passing style (CPS) transformation. It describes Kilim 1 , a toolkit to portably weave threads of control called Fibers, through Java code. The chief contributions of this paper are the set of design choices made for both space and time efficiency in getting one-shot continuations to work on the JVM (in some cases, 60x faster than competing approaches) and to address some tough issues traditionally passed over by others, such as handling of local subroutines and constructors. We are able to support hundreds of thousands of threads of control with switching times of the order of 3 to 4 μs on a low-powered laptop with Sun's JVM.
An Automated Decision-Making Approach for Assortment of Wind Turbines - A Case Study of Turbines in the Range of 500 KW to 750 KW

Wind energy has emerged as an important field of study in today's era. A fundamental aspect of this study is the efficient design of wind farms. This design process considers a number of conflicting design criteria. Therefore, a solution is desired that provides the best balance between all design criteria. In this paper, an automated decision-making approach based fuzzy logic is proposed to address the multi-criteria aspects of the problem under consideration. This problem requires finding the optimum balance between two important design criteria, namely, hub height and rated output percentage. By utilizing the Unified And-Or (UAO) fuzzy aggregation operator, a mechanism is developed to achieve the best tradeoff between the two design criteria. The proposed approach is applied to data collected from a real location. Results reveal the effectiveness of the proposed approach in addressing the issue of finding the optimal combination values for the hub height and rated output percentage.
Consumer Confidence : Investment , Financing , and Firm Performance

We find capital expenditures, merger activity, and net financing all increase with aggregate CEO and consumer confidence. However, while CEO confidence positively predicts future return on assets, consumer confidence is negatively related to ROA and sales growth as well as future forecast revisions and earnings surprises. Our findings suggest that irrationality manifests primarily on the investor side, with more rational/better informed managers using times of high consumer confidence to empire build. Corroborating this view, we find that a negative relation between consumer confidence and insider purchases by CEOs.
A Representation of Dependence Spaces and Some Basic Algorithms

We give a simple representation of dependence spaces and a new characterization of the reducts of an arbitrary subset of a dependence space by the means of closure systems. We present an algorithm for finding the reducts of any given subset of a dependence space. The algorithm is based on a notion of difference function which connects the reduction problem to the general problem of identifying the set of all minimal vectors of values satisfying a positive (i.e., isotone) Boolean function.
Sensor Robot Planning in Incomplete Environment

Aiming at the former formalized methods of robot planning should give the environment state, can not obtain the new knowledge of the environment. In order to improve the reason ability for obtaining new knowledge of the environment state, the actions in the process of planning such as external action and sensing action are formalized. A formalized reasoning method—CPNI (Colored Petri Net for Planning in incomplete environment) based on two kinds of actions is proposed, and the reasoning rule as Fluent Calculus in incomplete environment is applied. Robot planning experiment is modeled and simulated by using the tool CPNTools and the result shows the state knowledge of the door and the action sequence to reach the goal can be generated automatically in the CPNI net system.