Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The European LABDEL project and its relevance to the prevention and treatment of allergies

In March 2001, the European Commission funded a 3‐year project (contract no. QLK3‐CT‐2000‐00340) under the fifth Framework Programme to develop and test prototype products based on the oral delivery of vaccine and therapeutic agents using harmless lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The project, best known under its acronym LABDEL (for LAB delivery) also included research on LAB fermentation and technological innovations aimed at enhancing the efficiency of LAB delivery systems ( 1 ). One of the key scientific objectives was to investigate the possibility to prevent or treat a type I allergic disease using mucosal administration of LAB expressing the pollen allergen Bet v 1. The aim of this paper was to describe the background of the project with reference to a limited selection of articles and recent reviews as well as the results and major conclusions arising from this part of the project.
Mitigation of total harmonic distortion of line currents at point of common coupling using active front end converter

A comprehensive discussion and an analysis of a practical and low cost controlling scheme for Active Front End (AFE) based on Space Vector PWM (SVPWM) technique would be presented in the paper to achieve the objective of reducing the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the line current at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) of a utility.
Sequence variation in the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) pigmentation gene and its role in the cryptic coloration of two South American sand lizards

In reptiles, dorsal body darkness often varies with substrate color or temperature environment, and is generally presumed to be an adaptation for crypsis or thermoregulation. However, the genetic basis of pigmentation is poorly known in this group. In this study we analyzed the coding region of the melanocortin-1-receptor (MC1R) gene, and therefore its role underlying the dorsal color variation in two sympatric species of sand lizards (Liolaemus) that inhabit the southeastern coast of South America: L. occipitalis and L. arambarensis. The first is light-colored and occupies aeolic pale sand dunes, while the second is brownish and lives in a darker sandy habitat. We sequenced 630 base pairs of MC1R in both species. In total, 12 nucleotide polymorphisms were observed, and four amino acid replacement sites, but none of them could be associated with a color pattern. Comparative analysis indicated that these taxa are monomorphic for amino acid sites that were previously identified as functionally important in other reptiles. Thus, our results indicate that MC1R is not involved in the pigmentation pattern observed in Liolaemus lizards. Therefore, structural differences in other genes, such as ASIP, or variation in regulatory regions of MC1R may be responsible for this variation. Alternatively, the phenotypic differences observed might be a consequence of non-genetic factors, such as thermoregulatory mechanisms.
A deep domain adaption approach for object recognition using Multiple Model Consistency analysis

Domain adaption tends to transfer knowledge across domains following dissimilar distribution and where target domain has inadequate labelled samples. When knowledge is transferred from abundantly irrelevant sources negative transfer may occur resulting in poor classification of test samples. Deep learning research illustrates the semantic clustering as well as transferability of deep convolutional features for numerous tasks including domain adaption. Traditional clustering based domain adaption approaches are practical to handle negative transfer scenario. This paper presents a scheme that uses graph based consistency analysis of one supervised and another unsupervised model to effectively transfer knowledge using deep features. This approach uses local neighbourhood analysis to classify hard samples that are identified using consistency analysis of models. This method yields encouraging experimental results on benchmark domain adaption dataset compared to a single deep feature based supervised support vector machine classifier, demonstrating effective use of target domain data.
Towards a Theory of Information Flow in the Finitary Process Soup

The Finitary Process Soup is a model of evolutionary self-organization. The elementary particles of this system, -transducers, possess well defined mathematical properties, thus permitting structural analysis on multiple scales. -Transducers are embodiments of communication channels, and their interactions occur via functional composition. We thus explore the notion of information as currency in this system. We characterize -transducers through their roles as channels, measuring their channel capacity. We conclude that transducer composition does can not increase channel capacity. We ask if, and how, channel capacity may be used to understand the roles of transducers in emergent autocatalytic networks, and arrive at the surprising result that population dynamics favors transducers with channel capacity of zero.
High-speed vertical positioning for contact-mode atomic force microscopy

Many popular modes of scanning probe microscopy require a vertical feedback system to regulate the tip-sample interaction. Unfortunately the vertical feedback controller imposes a severe limit on the scan-speed of scanning probe microscopes. In this paper, the foremost bandwidth limitation is identified to be the low-frequency mechanical resonances of the scanner. To overcome this limitation, a dual-stage vertical positioner is proposed. In this work, the bandwidth of a contact-mode atomic force microscope is increased from 83 Hz to 2.7 kHz. This improvement allows image quality to be retained with a speed increase of 33 times, or alternatively, feedback error can be reduced by 33 times if scan speed is not increased.
GANP protein encoded on human chromosome 21/mouse chromosome 10 is associated with resistance to mammary tumor development

Human chromosome 21 is known to be associated with the high risk of hematological malignancy but with resistance to breast cancer in the study of Down syndrome. In human cancers, we previously observed the significant alterations of the protein expression encoded by the ganp/MCM3AP gene on human chromosome 21q22.3. Here, we investigated GANP protein alterations in human breast cancer samples (416 cases) at various stages by immunohistochemical analysis. This cohort study clearly showed that expression of GANP is significantly decreased in human breast cancer cases with poor prognosis as an independent risk factor (relapse‐free survival, hazard ratio = 2.37, 95% confidence interval, 1.27–4.42, P = 0.007 [univariate analysis]; hazard ratio = 2.70, 95% confidence interval, 1.42–5.13, P = 0.002 [multivariate analysis]). To investigate whether the altered GANP expression is associated with mammary tumorigenesis, we created mutant mice that were conditionally deficient in the ganp/MCM3AP gene using wap‐cre recombinase transgenic mice. Mammary gland tumors occurred at a very high incidence in female mammary gland‐specific GANP‐deficient mice after severe impairment of mammary gland development during pregnancy. Moreover, tumor development also occurred in female post parous GANP‐heterodeficient mice. GANP has a significant role in the suppression of DNA damage caused by estrogen in human breast cancer cell lines. These results indicated that the GANP protein is associated with breast cancer resistance.
The Use of Propensity Scores as a Matching Strategy

Objectives: This study reports on the concept and method of linear propensity scores used to obtain a comparison group from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth to assess the effects of a longitudinal, structured arts program for Canadian youth (aged 9 to 15 years) from low-income, multicultural communities. Method: This study compares 183 children in a community arts project to 183 children from a national longitudinal survey using propensity score matching. The variables included baseline scores of child-rated conduct problems, indirect aggression, emotional problems, self-esteem, and prosocial behavior and child gender, person most knowledgeable (PMK) education, PMK marital status, household income, and family functioning. Results: Mean score comparison showed that the groups were very similar on all covariates. Conclusions: Propensity score matching offers an alternative to true randomization that is cost-effective and convenient, particularly important for social work research in community-based organizations with a limited budget.
WORKING PAPER No . 16 / 2006 Is There an Exchange Rate Channel in the Forward-Looking Phillips Curve ? A Theoretical and Empirical Investigation

This paper shows how the exchange rate affects the price-setting behavior of monopolistically competitive firms in the sticky price framework that gives rise to a forward-looking Phillips Curve at the aggregate level. The open economy Phillips Curve differs from its closed economy counterpart in that the real exchange rate exerts a direct effect on domestic inflation. The exchange rate channel in the Phillips Curve is pivotal in determining the optimal policy setting in an open economy. On balance, we find only scant empirical evidence for the existence of a direct exchange rate channel in the Phillips Curve in a sample of six OECD countries. Indeed, the forward-looking Phillips Curve does not receive much backing from the data. The use of highly aggregated data may account for the poor fit. * Corresponding author: Department of Economics, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand, Tel: 64-3-364-2519; Fax: 64-3-364-2635 Email address: Alfred.Guender@Canterbury.ac. nz + Department of Economics, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand. JEL Categories: E3, F4
Genetically Defined Inhibitory Neurons in the Mouse Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn: A Possible Source of Rhythmic Inhibition of Motoneurons during Fictive Locomotion

To ensure alternation of flexor and extensor muscles during locomotion, the spinal locomotor network provides rhythmic inhibition to motoneurons. The source of this inhibition in mammals is incompletely defined. We have identified a population of GABAergic interneurons located in medial laminae V/VI that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in glutamic acid decarboxylase-65::GFP transgenic mice. Immunohistochemical studies revealed GFP+ terminals in apposition to motoneuronal somata, neurons in Clarke's column, and in laminae V/VI where they apposed GFP+ interneurons, thus forming putative reciprocal connections. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from GFP+ interneurons in spinal cord slices revealed a range of electrophysiological profiles, including sag and postinhibitory rebound potentials. Most neurons fired tonically in response to depolarizing current injection. Calcium transients demonstrated by two-photon excitation microscopy in the hemisected spinal cord were recorded in response to low-threshold dorsal root stimulation, indicating these neurons receive primary afferent input. Following a locomotor task, the number of GFP+ neurons expressing Fos increased, indicating that these neurons are active during locomotion. During fictive locomotion induced in the hemisected spinal cord, two-photon excitation imaging demonstrated rhythmic calcium activity in these interneurons, which correlated with the termination of ventral root bursts. We suggest that these dorsomedial GABAergic interneurons are involved in spinal locomotor networks, and may provide direct rhythmic inhibitory input to motoneurons during locomotion.
Agreement between Maternal Cannabis Use during Pregnancy according to Self-Report and Urinalysis in a Population-Based Cohort: The Generation R Study

Aim: To verify self-reported information on prenatal drug use in urine because reporting in pregnancy is sensitive to stigma and might lead to misclassification. Methods: Using semiquantitative immunochemical analysis, the presence of the urinary metabolite (11-nor-Δ9–tetrahydrocannabinol- 9-carboxylic acid) was compared to self-reported prenatal cannabis use. Sensitivity and specificity for self-report and urinalysis outcomes were calculated and Yule’s Y was used as an agreement measure. Results: Urine samples were available for 3,997 pregnant women. Of these women, 92 reported having used cannabis during pregnancy (2.3%) and 71 had positive urine screens (1.8%). In total 35% of the 92 women with self-reported cannabis use also had a positive urine screen. Positive urines were relatively frequent in women reporting cannabis use before pregnancy only (7.6%) and in women with missing information (2.6%). Sensitivity and specificity of urinalysis compared to self-report were 0.46 and 0.98. Sensitivity and specificity of self-report compared to urinalysis were 0.36 and 0.99. Yule’s Y amounted to 0.77, indicating substantial agreement between the measures. Conclusions: Our findings illustrate the difficulties in obtaining valid information on prenatal cannabis use. To improve the quality of cannabis use data, we suggest a 2-step approach starting with self-report.
urface finishing of intricate metal mould structures by large-area electron beam rradiation

The advancement of polymer moulding tools is increasingly focused on imparting not only form but also surface texture for functionality to the surfaces of parts that are created. Furthermore, the increasing demand for inexpensive and higher quality micro-components means that tools for replication processes must take advantage of advanced manufacturing techniques. Tools created by processes such as microinvestment casting, as in this case, may often suffer from excessive surface roughness, malformed edges and general deformation. This results in higher de-moulding forces and a reduction in fidelity of moulded parts to design intent. In this study, large-area electron beam irradiation (EB) is shown to be an effective technique for improving these metrics. For the first time, large population, high aspect ratio microfeatures are subject to this process and the mechanisms of smoothing and key enhancement phenomena are demonstrated. The possibility of including EB irradiation in an integrated process chain for arriving at net shape is also discussed. Surfaces of protruding features are shown to have surface roughness reduced significantly from 126 to 22 nm Ra value, with bottom substrate also similarly improving from 150 to 27 nm Ra. Bottoms of recessed features are also observed to have much improved surface finishes. ‘Doming’ of tops of column features is also demonstrated, further enhancing form. These features would be far too fragile to be polished by any other mechanical method. n Cop Crow
Quantitative Analysis of mRNA as a Marker for Viability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

ABSTRACT Numerous assays which use conserved DNA or rRNA sequences as targets for amplification have been described for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. However, these techniques have not been applied successfully to the monitoring of therapeutic efficacy owing to the persistence of amplifiable nucleic acid beyond the point at which smears and cultures become negative. Semiquantitative analysis of rRNA has been used to reduce the time required for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, although growth for up to 5 days in the presence of some drugs is still required to discriminate resistant strains. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether quantitative analysis of M. tuberculosis mRNA could be used to assess bacterial viability and to illustrate the application of this technique to rapid determination of drug susceptibility. Levels of mRNA encoding the 85B protein (α-antigen), IS6110 DNA, and 16S rRNA were compared in parallel cultures of M. tuberculosis that were treated with either no drug, 0.2 μg of isoniazid per ml, or 1 μg of rifampin per ml. Exposure of sensitive strains to isoniazid or rifampin for 24 h reduced the levels of 85B mRNA to <4 and <0.01%, respectively, of those present in control cultures without drug. In contrast, the levels of IS6110 DNA and 16S rRNA did not diminish over the same period. Strains which were resistant to either isoniazid or rifampin demonstrated no reduction in 85B mRNA in the presence of the drug to which they were nonresponsive. Quantitative analysis of 85B mRNA offers a potentially useful tool for the rapid determination of M. tuberculosis drug susceptibility and for the monitoring of therapeutic efficacy.
Treatment of equine degenerative joint disease with autologous peripheral blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells: a case report Een degeneratieve gewrichtsaandoening behandeld met autologe equine mesenchymale stamcellen uit het perifeer bloed

A 5-year-old German Warmblood stallion with chronic lameness, attributable to degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the pastern joint unresponsive to medical treatments, was treated with autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). These MSC were isolated from the peripheral blood (PB) of the patient and injected into the pastern joint, at a concentration of 2.5x10 6 cells, twice with an 8-week interval. The positive response to this stem cell treatment was documented by visual gait evaluation as well as objective pressure plate analyses. This paper is the first to describe the use of autologous PB-derived MSC to treat a horse suffering from chronic DJD. The favorable outcome of this single case may stimulate further research on the use of equine peripheral blood as a source of autologous MSC in equine regenerative medicine. SAMENVATTING Een vijfjarige Duitse warmbloedhengst die chronisch mank was ten gevolge van een degeneratieve aandoening in het kroongewricht en die geen verbetering vertoonde na conservatieve therapieen, werd behandeld met autologe mesenchymale stamcellen (MSC). Deze MSC werden geisoleerd uit het perifeer bloed van de patient en 2,5 miljoen van deze cellen werden in het gewricht geinjecteerd, tweemaal met een interval van acht weken. De positieve evolutie na behandeling werd gedocumenteerd aan de hand van een klinische evaluatie en objectieve drukplaatanalysen. In dit artikel wordt voor de eerste maal het gebruik van perifeer bloed beschreven als bron van MSC voor het behandelen van een degeneratieve gewrichtsaandoening bij een paard.
Visual Attention to Programming and Commercials: The Use of In-home Observations

Abstract The study uses in-home observations to examine eyes-on-screen times for both program and commercial viewing. Results indicate that viewers are visually oriented to programming 62 percent of the time and to commercials 33 percent of the time. Men are more apt to change channels during the commercial break than are women. Compared with previous studies conducted prior to the development of the multi-channel viewing environment, program eyes-on-screen times have remained stable while commercial eyes-on-screen times have diminished. Moreover, individuals who view programming are significantly more apt to view commercials. It is argued that eyes-on-screen measures may be valuable in determining exposure to advertising.
HSP70‐hom gene single nucleotide (+2763 G/A and +2437 C/T) polymorphisms in sarcoidosis

In the present study, two coding polymorphisms within the heat shock protein 70‐hom gene (HSP70‐hom) were analysed. One hundred and thirty‐eight individuals were studied, including 42 Polish patients with sarcoidosis, 13 of which presented with Löfgren's syndrome (LS), and 94 control subjects. Dimorphisms at positions +2763 (A/G) and +2437 (C/T) of the HSP70‐hom gene were typed using amplification refractory mutation system and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism technique, respectively.
Communication through Advocacy Advertising for Public Health Promotion

This research work is an investigation into the reception of anti-smoking advertisements that make use of "fear appeals". The objective of the research is to bring audience perceptions, interpretations and making sense processes of such advertising campaigns to the limelight. Instead of measuring effects or effectiveness of anti-smoking messages using shocking images, this project has at its basis the assumption of an active audience that interprets, makes sense and decodes media texts in various ways. Research methods used in this study are qualitative by nature. Research findings show that the prospective audience champion the use of anti-smoking advertisements and see the use of fear appeals as a one-way road to drawing the audience's attention, they nevertheless perceive these communication efforts in a highly individualized manner, resisting to advertising techniques of persuasion and showing signs of desensitization towards fear appeals. Findings show that advocacy advertising using fear appeals are always decoded within the wider media context and the identity of smokers themselves often nourished by media representations of smoking, which plays an role in the way the audience gives different interpretations and relates to these messages.
Emotion recognition on the basis of audio signal using Naive Bayes classifier

In this paper we have studied and implemented the classification of audio signal into four basic emotional state. For that we have considered different statistical features of pitch, energy, and ZCR (Zero Crossing Rate) MFCC (Mel frequency cepstral coefficient) from 2000 utterances of the created audio signal database. In that, Pitch feature is extracted by AMDF (average magnitude difference method) and energy is calculated by sum of square absolute value of magnitude spectrum. And MFCC is calculated by taking DCT (Discrete cosine transform) of its energies spectrum by keeping the DCT coefficients 1-14 and discarding the rest. In statistical modeling, regression analysis is a statistical process for calculating approximately the variables. It comprise many techniques for modeling and analyzing several variables. In this paper Naïve Bayes Classifier is used to classify the audio signal into four different emotions. Speech signal is random signal so we have to predict the future sample and Naïve Bayes Classifier is totally probability based classifier so in speech analysis for accurate prediction we are using Naïve Bayes classifier. In the speech signal for recognition of signal classifier require millions of dataset. The advantage of Naïve Bayes classifier is that it recognizes the signal with minimum dataset.
Delusions in patients with very mild, mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease.

PURPOSE To compare the prevalence of delusions in different stages in Taiwanese patients with very mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS A consecutive series of 91 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease visited the dementia clinic in a regional hospital in mid-Taiwan were enrolled in this study. All patients were examined with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), and the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale. RESULTS The prevalence rate of any delusion in very mild, mild and moderate AD was 35.2%. Delusions of other persons are stealing was most common (27.5%), followed by delusions of self is in danger (15.4%), house is not his/her home (5.5%), family plans to abandon him/her (4.4%), spouse is having an affair (2.2%), an unwelcome guest is living in the house (2.2%), media persons are in the house (2.2%), and others aren't who they claim (1.1%). The prevalence rates of delusions is 33% in very mild AD, 30% in mild AD and 48% in moderate AD. AD (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Delusions are common neuropsychiatric symptoms in very early stage as well as in later stages of Taiwanese patients with AD and it deserves the attention that delusions may be characteristic of very mild AD.