Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Persistent Helicobacter pylori Specific Th17 Responses in Patients with Past H. pylori Infection Are Associated with Elevated Gastric Mucosal IL-1β

Background Ongoing Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection triggers a chronic active gastritis. Eradicating HP reduces gastric inflammation, but does not eliminate it. We sought to characterize this persistent gastritis, and demonstrate the persistence of HP-specific Th17 responses in individuals previously infected with HP but who no longer had evidence of ongoing infection. Methodology/Principal Findings Study subjects were divided into 3 groups 55 individuals had active HP infection (group A), 41 were diagnosed with previous HP infection (group P), and 59 were naïve to HP (group N). Blood and gastric tissue were obtained with written informed consent from all subjects, and immune responses were evaluated using flow cytometry, semi-quantitative real time PCR, immunofluorescent staining, ELISA, and multiplex cytometric bead array for cytokine quantification. Elevated IL-17A responses were observed in patients from group A compared to group N. Interestingly, IL-17A responses remained persistently elevated in the blood and gastric mucosa of individuals from group P, despite the absence of ongoing HP infection. Using purified CD4+ T cells as effectors and antibodies that blocked antigen presentation by MHC Class II, we showed that these persistent IL-17A responses were mediated primarily by HP-specific Th17 cells, rather than other immune cells that have also been described to secrete IL-17A. Gastric mucosal IL-1β levels were also persistently elevated in group P, and neutralisation of IL-1β reduced the HP-specific IL-17A response of purified CD4+ T cells to autologous HP-pulsed antigen presenting cells in vitro, suggesting a functional association between IL-1β and the persistent Th17 response in group P patients. Conclusions/Significance Despite lack of ongoing HP infection, HP-specific Th17 cells persist in the blood and gastric mucosa of individuals with past HP infection. We speculate that this persistent inflammation might contribute to gastric mucosal pathology, for example, persistent increased gastric cancer risk despite eradication of HP.
A Broadly Reactive One-Step SYBR Green I Real-Time RT-PCR Assay for Rapid Detection of Murine Norovirus

A one-step SYBR Green I real-time RT-PCR assay was developed for the detection and quantification of a broad range of murine noroviruses (MNVs). The primer design was based on the multiple sequence alignments of 101 sequences of the open reading frame (ORF)1−ORF2 junction of MNV. The broad reactivity and quantitative capacity of the assay were validated using 7 MNV plasmids. The assay was completed within 1 h, and the reliable detection limit was 10 copies of MNV plasmid or 0.063 median tissue culture infective doses per milliliter of RAW264 cell culture-propagated viruses. The diagnostic performance of the assay was evaluated using 158 mouse fecal samples, 91 of which were confirmed to be positive. The melting curve analysis demonstrated the diversity of MNV in the samples. This is the first report of a broadly reactive one-step SYBR Green I real-time RT-PCR assay for detecting of MNVs. The rapid and sensitive performance of this assay makes it a powerful tool for diagnostic applications.
Unrealistic optimism with regard to drinking during pregnancy among women of childbearing age in a South African community

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is a risk factor in a range of adverse birth outcomes, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and is a major health concern. For this behaviour to change one of the necessary conditions is for women to have an accurate perception of the risks drinking during pregnancy poses. A major obstacle to this is the presence of unrealistic optimism which leads to women believing they are less at risk than others. This study examined a sample of women (N = 129) from a community in the Northern Cape Province in South Africa with a high prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder for signs of unrealistic optimism. A questionnaire about the perception of personal and general risk was administered during a one-on-one interview and responses compared. Neither a Student’s t-test (t(115) = −1.720, p = . 088, 95% confidence interval [−0.180, 0.013]) nor a Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test (z = −1.72, p = .285) showed a significant difference. The perception of risk posed by drinking during pregnancy to others, knowledge of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and the perception of how easy it would be for the participant to quit drinking were significant predictors of the perception of personal risk. Only the perception of personal risk predicted the perception of general risk. There was no evidence that participants believed themselves to be less at risk than their peers when it came to the risks of drinking during pregnancy. Future directions for research into unrealistic optimism and drinking during pregnancy are discussed.
Percolation and Connectivity in AB Random Geometric Graphs

Given two independent Poisson point processes Φ(1), Φ(2) in , the AB Poisson Boolean model is the graph with the points of Φ(1) as vertices and with edges between any pair of points for which the intersection of balls of radius 2r centered at these points contains at least one point of Φ(2). This is a generalization of the AB percolation model on discrete lattices. We show the existence of percolation for all d ≥ 2 and derive bounds for a critical intensity. We also provide a characterization for this critical intensity when d = 2. To study the connectivity problem, we consider independent Poisson point processes of intensities n and τn in the unit cube. The AB random geometric graph is defined as above but with balls of radius r. We derive a weak law result for the largest nearest-neighbor distance and almost-sure asymptotic bounds for the connectivity threshold.
Limiting or liberating? The influence of parliaments on military deployments in multinational settings

Multilateral contexts often complicate parliaments’ efforts to scrutinise and influence security policy, as parliaments usually work in a national setting. This article explores how the internationalisation of security policy has altered parliamentary constraints on executive decision-making. It focuses on cases where multilateral decision-making is particularly advanced and studies military deployments under the auspices of the European Union’s (EU’s) Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Using the examples of France, the United Kingdom and Germany, the article examines how the policy’s location at the intersection of decision-making on security and EU matters creates new opportunities for member state parliaments to scrutinise it. Yet, as an analysis of three CSDP military operations shows, these opportunities do not always translate into increased scrutiny practice and vary in line with factors such as national troop contributions, distinct political traditions and an operation’s salience.
Laboratory Detection of Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae: Evaluation of Two Screening Agar Plates and Two Confirmation Techniques

ABSTRACT The worldwide prevalence of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase-producing ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) is increasing, making the need for optimized detection techniques more urgent. In this study we investigated the performance of two ESBL-E screening and two ESBL-E confirmation techniques. In accordance with the Dutch national guidelines (www.wip.nl), a collection of 642 highly resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains, as identified by Vitek2, was used to test the performances of two screening techniques (EbSA ESBL agar plate and ChromID ESBL agar plate) and of two confirmation techniques (MIC-strip ESBL and Vitek2 ESBL test panel). The individual test results were compared by using Etest, followed by a combination disk test if Etest results were inconclusive. Among group 1 isolates (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp.) 291 (57.6%) were ESBL-E, versus 65 (47.4%) in group 2 (Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter spp., Morganella morganii, Serratia spp., and Providencia spp.). The sensitivities of all four tests for group 1 were comparable (EbSA, 96.6%; ChromID, 97.3%; MIC-strip, 99.6%; and Vitek2, 95.1%). The specificities of the EbSA and ChromID were the same (93.9%). However, the confirmation techniques produced many inconclusive test results, which reduces the applicability in routine laboratories. Only the two screening agar plates were validated for ESBL testing of group 2 microorganisms. They showed comparable sensitivities; however, the EbSA screening agar plate had a significantly higher specificity (78.6% versus 44.3%). In conclusion the screening agar plates performed better than the two confirmation techniques. The EbSA agar plate had the best overall performance.
Recurrent selection explains parallel evolution of genomic regions of high relative but low absolute differentiation in greenish warblers

Recent technological developments allow investigation of the repeatability of evolution at the genomic level. Such investigation is particularly powerful when applied to a ring species, in which spatial variation represents changes during the evolution of two species from one. We examined genomic variation among three subspecies of the greenish warbler ring species, using genotypes at 13,013,950 nucleotide sites along a new greenish warbler consensus genome assembly. Genomic regions of low within-group variation are remarkably consistent between the three populations. These regions show high relative differentiation but low absolute differentiation between populations. Comparisons with outgroup species show the locations of these peaks of relative differentiation are not well explained by phylogenetically-conserved variation in recombination rates or selection. These patterns are consistent with a model in which selection in an ancestral form has reduced variation at some parts of the genome, and those same regions experience recurrent selection that subsequently reduces variation within each subspecies. The degree of heterogeneity in nucleotide diversity is greater than explained by models background selection, but are consistent with selective sweeps. Given the evidence that greenish warblers have had both population differentiation for a long period of time and periods of gene flow between those populations, we propose that some genomic regions underwent selective sweeps over a broad geographic area followed by within-population selection-induced reductions in variation. An important implication of this “sweep-before-differentiation” model is that genomic regions of high relative differentiation may have moved among populations more recently than other genomic regions.
Optimal resource allocation in multi-hop networks: Contention vs. scheduling

CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance) is actually the most used method in ad-hoc networks for transmitting on a contending medium, even if it shows poor performance in presence of hidden nodes. To increase performance, we propose an algorithm that combines CSMA and TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) approaches. The adopted solution consists of grouping contending nodes in non-interfering subsets and granting a different numbers of time slots to different groups, while using the CSMA to manage medium access among nodes belonging to the same subset. An optimization procedure to assign the time slots to each subset of nodes and to find an equilibrium between contention and scheduling is presented.
Multi-agent control of an isotope separation columns cascade

The control of an isotope separation column is a difficult and challenging task, being a highly nonlinear plant with large time constants and time delays. The control of a cascade of three such columns is more difficult due to the interdependences between the columns. Previous research proved that fractional order PID controllers have been successfully implemented for a single isotope separation column. The present paper addresses the development of a multi-agent system to control the three columns cascade with fractional PD controllers. Each column is controlled using an agent. The agents communicate to exchange information and cooperate to achieve their goals. The simulations are performed using Truetime software and show good results.
Measuring the Creative Process: A Psychometric Examination of Creative Ideation and Grit

Within the investment theory of creativity (Sternberg & Lubart, 1996), creativity is defined as a 2-part process of buying low by investing in unusual ideas and then selling high by convincing others of the value or usefulness of these new ideas. This process requires both creative ideation and perseverance. The purpose of this research was to examine the psychometric properties of instrumentation proposed to assess the 2 underlying constructs in this definition: the creative ideational behavior required to buy low and the persevering behavior required to sell high. In particular, psychometric properties of a creativity ideation measure, the Runco Ideational Behavior Scale (RIBS Scale: Runco, Plucker, & Lim, 2001) and a perseverance measure, the Grit Scale (Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007) were examined in this study. Two samples of undergraduate students (N = 187; N = 817) completed a survey including these two scales and demographic information. Factor analyses were performed on the RIBS and Grit Scales. The RIBS Scale was found to have a 2-factor structure and 2 proposed new subscales. The Grit Scale’s previously reported 2-factor structure was confirmed.
Factors affecting smartphone dependency among the young in China

ABSTRACT With rapid adoption of smartphones globally, the negative consequences of excessive smartphone use and dependency, especially among the young, has garnered more public attention recently. This study investigated the factors influencing smartphone dependency among the young. Using the Individual Media Dependency (IMD) perspective, this study proposed an extended IMD model to examine the influencing roles of six IMD goals, three psychological traits (self-esteem, leisure boredom, and sensation seeking), and smartphone use on smartphone dependency. A survey based on stratified random sampling was used to collect data from young smartphone users at one main public university in China. Structural equation modeling was then employed to examine the fit of the data to the model. The results identified four smartphone dependency symptoms, i.e. inability to control cravings, escape, feeling anxious, and productivity loss, and revealed the mechanisms between IMD goals, psychological traits, and smartphone dependency. The results showed that different IMD goals had significant impacts on different aspects of smartphone use, while smartphone use did not have a direct effect on smartphone dependency. The study provided important information, as it was among the first few to provide valuable references for both academicians and practitioners concerning smartphone dependency, which is still rarely explored in China.
SOCIOCOGNITIVE ASPECTS OF OBESITY: OVERWEIGHT STEREOTYPES

In addition to the direct consequences for physical health, obesity also reflects the psychological and social conditions of individuals. This review aimed to explore the theme of stereotypes and their relation to obesity and overweight. The research was conducted on the BVS and PubMed databases, and the search strategy was restricted to articles in English and Portuguese, published between2005-2015. The keywords used were "stereotypes", "obesity", "overweight" and their terms in Portuguese. Studies in which the population was not adult, literature reviews, grey literature, conference abstracts, editorials and books were excluded. At the end of the selection process, 27 articles were included in this review. Although fairly treated at international level, the topic is poorly studied in Brazil. The results showed that health practitioners are among the sources of bias, and stereotypes influence negatively the treatment of obesity. The stereotypes most frequently attributed to obese were "lazy", "lack of willpower" and "unattractive". It is concluded that there is a need of reducing stereotypes starting from educational strategies that emphasize the complex etiology of obesity, integrating curricula and clinical training programs.
Investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying metastasis in prostate cancer by gene expression profiling

The present study aimed to screen potential genes associated with metastatic prostate cancer (PCa), in order to improve the understanding of the mechanisms underlying PCa metastasis. The GSE3325 microarray dataset, which was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, consists of seven clinically localized PCa samples, six hormone-refractory metastatic PCa samples and six benign prostate tissue samples. The Linear Models for Microarray Data package was used to identify differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) and a hierarchical cluster analysis for DEGs was performed with the pheatmap package. Furthermore, potential functions for the DEGs were predicted by a functional enrichment analysis. Subsequently, microRNAs (miRNAs) potentially involved in the regulation of PCa metastasis were identified by WebGestalt software, and the miRNA-DEG regulatory network was visualized using Cytoscape. In addition, a pathway enrichment analysis for DEGs in the regulatory network was performed. A total of 306 and 2,073 genes were differentially expressed in the clinically localized PCa and the metastatic PCa groups, respectively, as compared with the benign prostate group, of which 174 were differentially expressed in both groups. A number of the DEGs, including CAMK2D and SH3BP4, were significantly enriched in the cell cycle, and others, such as MAF, were associated with the regulation of cell proliferation. Furthermore, some DEGs (CAMK2D and PCDH17) were observed to be regulated by miR-30, whereas others (ADCY2, MAF, SH3BP4 and PCDH17) were modulated by miR-182. Additionally, ADCY2 and CAMK2D were distinctly enriched in the calcium signaling pathway. The present study identified novel DEGs, including ADCY2, CAMK2D, MAF, SH3BP4 and PCDH17, that may be involved in the metastasis of PCa.
Viability of invertebrate diapausing eggs collected from residual ballast sediment

Natural or anthropogenic movement of sediments may be an important vector for the dispersal of invertebrate resting stages between water bodies. Here we record the presence of invertebrate diapausing eggs in residual sediments from transoceanic vessels and explore whether these may pose an invasion risk. Viability of diapausing eggs was explored under light and dark conditions using sediment collected from eleven tanks on nine vessels operating on the Great Lakes. Seventeen cladoceran, copepod, and rotifer taxa were identified. Four of the species hatched have not yet been reported as established in the Great Lakes. Egg viability for individual species varied from 0% to 92%. Exposure to saline water may impact egg viability of some freshwater species. Generally, the proportion of eggs hatched in light and dark treatments did not differ significantly, indicating that light was not required to terminate diapause. As a result, eggs could potentially hatch in dark ballast tanks when immersed in freshwater loaded as ballast during operation on the Great Lakes. Viability of diapausing eggs differed among ballast tanks on a single vessel, indicating that tanks with independent ballast histories have different invasion risks. While additional work is needed to quantify risk, results from this study indicate that vessels entering the Great Lakes with only residual ballast are a potential vector for the introduction of new nonindigenous species during multiport operations.
Capacity analysis for distributed spectrum brokers in heterogeneous networks

In this paper we propose a spectrum broker scheme that uses a distributed algorithm for control and resource allocation in a small cell heterogeneous network. We analyze the performance of the distributed algorithm proposed in terms of capacity. The influence of network parameters as the number of users, the size of the small cells and the number of small cells, on the performance of the algorithm is analyzed in order to determine the conditions where the implementation of a distributed spectrum broker is feasible. We probe that a distributed spectrum broker is feasible of real implementation and its performance is close to the ideal and traditional centralized decision algorithms.
A voice verifier for face/voice based person verification system

A person veriﬁcation system based on voice and facial images has been developed within CSIRO Telecommunications and Industrial Physics, Australia, for use in low-to-medium security systems. It provides a unique ID, which is non-intrusive, fast, and has no need for memorising passwords. A stand-aloneversion of the voice ver-iﬁer has an error rate of less than 8%, while the face veriﬁer has an error rate of less than 5%. By combining the two modules, an error rate of less than 1% is achieved. This paper describes in detail the method and some of the important practical issues in the implementation of the voice veriﬁer. It also addresses the issue of decision making if the two sub-systems produce contradictory results.
Crowdsourcing contest dilemma

Crowdsourcing offers unprecedented potential for solving tasks efficiently by tapping into the skills of large groups of people. A salient feature of crowdsourcing—its openness of entry—makes it vulnerable to malicious behaviour. Such behaviour took place in a number of recent popular crowdsourcing competitions. We provide game-theoretic analysis of a fundamental trade-off between the potential for increased productivity and the possibility of being set back by malicious behaviour. Our results show that in crowdsourcing competitions malicious behaviour is the norm, not the anomaly—a result contrary to the conventional wisdom in the area. Counterintuitively, making the attacks more costly does not deter them but leads to a less desirable outcome. These findings have cautionary implications for the design of crowdsourcing competitions.
Revisiting the light cone of the Gödel universe

The structure of a light cone in the Gödel universe is studied. We derive the intrinsic cone metric, calculate the rotation coefficients of the ray congruence forming the cone, determine local differential invariants up to second order, describe the crossover (keel) singularities and give a first discussion of its focal points. Contrary to many rotation coefficients, some inner differential invariants attain simple finite standard values at focal singularities.
Macdonald Polynomials and Algebraic Integrability

We construct explicitly (nonpolynomial) eigenfunctions of the difference operators by Macdonald in the case t=qk, k∈Z. This leads to a new, more elementary proof of several Macdonald conjectures, proved first by Cherednik. We also establish the algebraic integrability of Macdonald operators at t=qk (k∈Z), generalizing the result of Etingof and Styrkas. Our approach works uniformly for all root systems including the BCn case and related Koornwinder polynomials. Moreover, we apply it for a certain deformation of the An root system where the previously known methods do not work.
Research and design of a self-adaptable slope compensation circuit with simple structure

Based on CMOS process, a self-adaptable slope compensation circuit used in current mode DC-DC converter is proposed. The circuit can produce proper slope compensation along with the variation of input and output signals, and can avoid the improper compensation phenomena. It not only achieves the self-adaptable slope compensation, but also makes the circuit simple, which avoids instable factors caused by the complex circuits. The simulation results show that the accuracy of slope compensation signals can exceed 88%.