Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HIV, infant feeding, and survival: old wine in new bottles, but brimming with promise

A string of new studies most of which have been presented at international meetings and are as yet unpublished have resulted in a gathering momentum of interest in HIV and infant feeding. In rich and some middle-income countries transmission of HIV antenatally and during labour and delivery has been substantially reduced by antiretrovirals and other interventions. Postnatal transmission was prevented by advising against breastfeeding; the alternative was replacement feeding with formula milks as these could be safely prepared were affordable and were culturally acceptable. The discourse on formula feeding or breastfeeding by HIV-positive mothers in developing countries has been mired in confusion or locked in robust disagreement. WHO/UNICEF/UNAIDS guidelines offered a framework for making choices based on socioeconomic conditions and household capability to prepare formula hygienically. The difficulty in the field was to offer an optimum balance of choices between the two types of milk feeding. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the recommendation for those choosing breastfeeding. Recent data from ongoing and completed studies in Africa have suggested that the effects of avoidance of breastfeeding or cessation even at 6 months by HIV-positive mothers can be disastrous. This finding repeats what has been and remains the bedrock of public health policy for infants and children well before the HIV epidemic and recognized through centuries of human experience. The new findings have led to the WHO refining its Guidelines on HIV and Infant Feeding in late 2006. (excerpt)
Statins Upregulate PCSK9, the Gene Encoding the Proprotein Convertase Neural Apoptosis-Regulated Convertase-1 Implicated in Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Objective—Neural apoptosis-regulated convertase (NARC)-1 is the newest member of the proprotein convertase family implicated in the cleavage of a variety of protein precursors. The NARC-1 gene, PCSK9, has been identified recently as the third locus implicated in autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (ADH). The 2 other known genes implicated in ADH encode the low-density lipoprotein receptor and apolipoprotein B. As an approach toward the elucidation of the physiological role(s) of NARC-1, we studied its transcriptional regulation. Methods and Results—Using quantitative RT-PCR, we assessed NARC-1 regulation under conditions known to regulate genes involved in cholesterol metabolism in HepG2 cells and in human primary hepatocytes. We found that NARC-1 expression was strongly induced by statins in a dose-dependent manner and that this induction was efficiently reversed by mevalonate. NARC-1 mRNA level was increased by cholesterol depletion but insensitive to liver X receptor activation. Human, mouse, and rat PCSK9 promoters contain 2 typical conserved motifs for cholesterol regulation: a sterol regulatory element (SRE) and an Sp1 site. Conclusions—PCSK9 regulation is typical of that of the genes implicated in lipoprotein metabolism. In vivo, PCSK9 is probably a target of SRE-binding protein (SREBP)-2.
A New Strategy of Geometrical Biclustering for Microarray Data Analysis

In this paper, we present a new biclustering algorithm to provide the geometrical interpretation of similar microarray gene expression profiles. Different from standard clustering analyses, biclustering methodology can perform simultaneous classification on the row and column dimensions of a data matrix. The main object of the strategy is to reveal the submatrix, in which a subset of genes exhibits a consistent pattern over a subset of conditions. However, the search for such subsets is a computationally complex task. We propose a new algorithm, based on the Hough transform in the column-pair space to perform pattern identification. The algorithm is especially suitable for the biclustering analysis of large-scale microarray data. Our simulation studies show that the method is robust to noise and computationally efficient. Furthermore, we have applied it to a large database of gene expression profiles of multiple human organs and the resulting biclusters show clear biological meanings.
High female mediated gene flow on a continental 1 scale in the polyandrous Kentish Plover Charadrius

31 Gene flow promotes genetic homogeneity of species in time and space. Gene flow can be 32 modulated by sex-biased dispersal which links population genetics to mating systems. 33 We investigated the phylogeography of the widely distributed Kentish plover 34 Charadrius alexandrinus. This small shorebird has a large breeding range spanning 35 from Western Europe to Japan, and exhibits an unusually flexible mating system with 36 high female breeding dispersal. We analyzed genetic structure and gene flow using a 37 427 bp fragment of the mitochondrial (mtDNA) control region, 21 autosomal 38 microsatellite markers and a Z microsatellite marker in 363 unrelated individuals from 39 21 locations. We found no structure or isolation-by-distance over the continental range. 40 However, island populations had low genetic diversity, and were moderately 41 differentiated from mainland locations. Genetic differentiation based on autosomal 42 markers was positively correlated with distance between mainland and each island. 43 Comparisons of uniparentally and biparentally inherited markers were consistent with 44 female-biased gene flow. Maternally inherited mtDNA was less structured whereas the 45 Z-chromosomal marker was more structured than autosomal microsatellites. Adult 46 males were more related than females within genetic clusters. Taken together, our 47 results suggest a prominent role for polyandrous females in maintaining genetic 48 homogeneity across large geographic distances. 49
Awareness and Utilization of Welders’ Personal Protective Eye Devices and Associated Factors

This study assessed commercial welders’ awareness and utilization of personal protective eye devices (PPEDs), and their associations, in Enugu, Nigeria, between January and March, 2011. The participants included 343 males, age 33.9 years ± 10.0 SD years. The participants reported high awareness of welding-associated ocular hazards (99.4%) and PPEDs (75.2%-98.3%), but low PPED possession and utilization rates. Cost and “presumed lack of utility” were the leading barriers to PPED possession; non-utilization was mainly attributed to “user inconvenience” and “presumed lack of protective benefit. ” PPED utilization was significantly associated with lower educational status (p = .030) and electric welding (p < .0001). The underlying causes are amenable to preventive occupational eye health education, enhanced ergonomics and affordability of PPEDs, and legislative enforcement of their use.
Cultural Circuits of Climate Change in U.K. Broadsheet Newspapers, 1985–2003

This article argues for a cultural perspective to be brought to bear on studies of climate change risk perception. Developing the “circuit of culture” model, the article maintains that the producers and consumers of media texts are jointly engaged in dynamic, meaning‐making activities that are context‐specific and that change over time. A critical discourse analysis of climate change based on a database of newspaper reports from three U.K. broadsheet papers over the period 1985–2003 is presented. This empirical study identifies three distinct circuits of climate change—1985–1990, 1991–1996, 1997–2003—which are characterized by different framings of risks associated with climate change. The article concludes that there is evidence of social learning as actors build on their experiences in relation to climate change science and policy making. Two important factors in shaping the U.K.'s broadsheet newspapers' discourse on “dangerous” climate change emerge as the agency of top political figures and the dominant ideological standpoints in different newspapers.
Optimization of Parcticle Size for Hydrolysis of Pine Wood Polysaccharides and Its Impact on Milling Energy

Wood milling is an intensively energy consuming operation that has a significative effect on energy yield of ethanol processes as particle size is an important factor in productivity of saccharification methods. We optimized fiber particle size for a very wide range of treatment conditions (temperature, agitation, and solid loads) for acid hydrolysis in a batch reactor. We also analysed heat and mass transfer effects by calculating the Thiele and Prater modulus at experimental conditions. Multivariate optimization results show that using a length-weighted fiber mean diameter (D L21 ) of 1.21-2.68 mm a better sugar yield, concentration and lower furan production can be achieved. Agitation allowed a simulteous particle size reduction and hydrolysis of polysaccharides. Heat and mass transfer studies suggest that acid diffusion is only important for hemicellulose hydrolysis at very high temperature and that particles are nearly isothermic. These results show that about 30% of the required energy for milling can be saved by using optimal particle size.
Identification and Comparative Quantification of Bio-Active Phthalides in Essential Oils from Si-Wu-Tang, Fo-Shou-San, Radix Angelica and Rhizoma Chuanxiong

Phthalides are important bio-active constituents in Si-Wu-Tang and Fo-Shou-San, two commonly used Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) combined prescriptions mainly derived from Radix Angelica and Rhizoma Chuanxiong. In this paper, the contents of eight phthalides, including Z-ligustilide, E-ligustilide, Z-butylenephthalide, E-butylene-phthalide, 3-butylphthalide, neocnidilide and senkyunolide A were determined or estimated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed GC-MS was a simple, rapid, and high sensitive method for analyzing phthalides in Si-Wu-Tang, Fo-Shou-San, Radix Angelica and Rhizoma Chuanxiong, and the extractable contents of each phthalides including Z-ligustilide, E-ligustilide, Z-butylenephthalide, etc. varied after Radix Angelica, Rhizoma Chuanxiong were combined into a formulation, such as Si-Wu-Tang and Fo-Shou-San. Furthermore, inhibition activity of essential oils from Si-Wu-Tang, Fo-Shou-San, Radix Angelica and Rhizoma Chuanxiong on uterine contraction was tested in an in vitro assay, and the results showed that the activity of the essential oil is higher as the content of the phthalides increase, which demonstrated that phthalides are possibly main active components inhibiting mice uterine contraction in vitro. All of the results suggested that comparative analysis of chemical components and pharmacological activities of each herb and formula is possibly helpful to elucidate the active components in traditional Chinese medicine, and to reveal the compatibility mechanism of TCM formulae.
Fimbriae and adhesive properties in Klebsiella strains.

SUMMARY: Fimbriae were found in 125 of 154 non-motile Klebsiella strains examined by electron-microscope in serial aerobic broth cultures. Fimbriate strains occurred in each of the capsule serotypes 1–72 and mostly showed the biochemical reactions of saprophytic Klebsiella aerogenes. The fimbriae were clearly distinguishable from the capsules and occurred also in non-capsulate mutants. Most fimbriate strains showed evidence of varying reversibly between a fimbriate and a non-fimbriate phase. The proportion of bacilli with fimbriae was greatest in broth cultures and was decreased, though never eliminated, by serial cultivation on nutrient agar. All 29 permanently non-fimbriate strains belonged to serotypes 1–6 and showed biochemical reactions common in pathogenic K. pneumoniae, K. ozaenae and K. rhino-scleromatis strains (anaerogenic, methyl-red positive, non-citrate utilizing or non-lactose fermenting). They differed from the fimbriate strains in growing less abundantly and usually in failing to form a pellicle on broth. All the fimbriate strains, but none of the non-fimbriate, showed one or other or both of two kinds of adhesive property: one attributed to an ‘MS adhesin’, susceptible to inhibition by D-mannose and associated with a thick variety of fimbriae; the other due to an ‘MR adhesin’, resistant to mannose and associated with thinner fimbriae. Bacilli with MS adhesin rapidly adhered to red blood cells of the guinea-pig and other animals, except the ox, to leucocytes and to intestinal epithelial cells, including those of ox, to Candida albicans cells, to the mycelium of Aspergillus niger and other moulds, and to plant root-hairs. Bacilli with only the MR adhesin did not adhere to untreated red cells, leucocytes or ‘smooth’ yeasts, but adhered rapidly to ox and other red cells treated with tannic acid, red-cell stromata heated at 70° or 100°, fungus mycelium and plant root-hairs. Bacilli of many fimbriate strains and one non-capsulate non-fimbriate strain adhered to glass and cellulose.
PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTIONS OF GROUND CORN AND DDGS FROM DRY GRIND PROCESSING

Ethanol production has increased in the past decade as a result of growth in the dry grind industry. In the dry grind process, the first step is grinding of corn. The particle size of the resulting ground corn can affect the fermentation process and the particle size of dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS), a coproduct of dry grind processing. Few data are available that characterize particle size distributions of ground corn or DDGS. The objective was to determine particle size distributions of ground corn and DDGS. Samples of ground corn and DDGS were obtained from nine dry grind plants; particle size distribution, geometric mean diameter (dgw) and geometric standard deviation (Sgw) were determined. The dgw of ground corn and of DDGS were not different among processing plants. The overall mean dgw of ground corn was not different from that of DDGS. Most of the ground corn (80 g/100 g) and DDGS (70 g/100 g) were recovered in the three largest particle size categories. The particle size distributions of ground corn were not correlated (r < 0.35) to particle size distributions of DDGS.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis responds to daylight‐activated photodynamic therapy: proof of concept for a novel self‐administered therapeutic modality

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in Israel, with hundreds of new cases reported in recent years. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is highly effective for treatment of CL, but requires equipment available only at specialized centres. Daylight‐activated PDT (DA‐PDT) abolishes the need for artificial light sources and allows the patient to administer the treatment with no professional assistance.
Dropout rates of massive open online courses : behavioural patterns

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have received wide publicity and many institutions have invested considerable effort in developing, promoting and delivering such courses. However, there are still many unresolved questions relating to MOOCs and their effectiveness. One of the major recurring issues raised in both academic literature and the popular press is the consistently high dropout rate of MOOC learners. Although many thousands of participants enrolled on these courses, the completion rate for most courses is below 13%. This paper investigates MOOC attrition from several different perspectives. Firstly, we review existing literature relating to MOOC dropout rates, bringing together existing findings on completion rates and analyses of specific courses which identify factors that correlate to likelihood of dropout. We provide a meta-analysis of the basic figures on overall dropout rates previously collected to identify relationships between course factors and dropout rates. In addition, the literature is reviewed from a qualitative perspective drawing together perspectives on reasons for dropout and methods suggested for resolving or reducing the dropout rate. Secondly, using themes emerging from the initial investigation, we provide a preliminary analysis of data gathered from a Computing MOOC run by the University of Warwick, UK and presented using a Moodle platform. Different aspects of students’ demographic data are examined to see if relationships to persistence exist. An important feature of this course is that it has been run in two different parallel modes (“traditional” MOOC mode with peer support, and “supported” mode with real time, tutored programming labs). This allows direct comparison between the dropout figures for the two different modes. Qualitative information from student evaluations is also considered. Finally, we discuss our findings relating MOOC dropout rates, considering what factors are within the control of a MOOC provider and suggesting the most promising avenues for improvement. Our results indicate that many participants who may be classed as dropouts (for example, because they do not complete the necessary components to gain a certificate) are still participating in the course in their own preferred way (either at a slower pace or with selective engagement). This suggests that the structure of “a course” may not be helpful to all participants and supporting different patterns of engagement and presentation of material may be beneficial.
Static code analysis in multi-threaded environments

Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Preface The notion that software might contain errors dates back to the famous annotations of Lady Ada Lovelace to the description of the Analytical Engine designed by Charles Babbage[36] where she states: " Granted that the actual mechanism [of the Analytic Engine] is unerring in its processes, the cards may give it wrong orders. This is unquestionably the case; but there is much less chance of error, and likewise far less expenditure of time and labour, where operations only, and the distribution of these operations, have to be made out, than where explicit numerical results are to be attained. " Despite Lady Lovelace's assessment, errors in software (i.e. today's equivalent of cards that give wrong orders) have become a predominant concern in software development and software engineering. Nowadays, the vast majority of software engineers and hackers alike believes that all sufficiently complex software has bugs. Solutions that have been proposed to uncover bugs reach from testing on the one hand to rigorous formal proofs of correctness on the other hand. In this work we follow an intermediate approach that tries to use sound and conservative static code analysis techniques to avoid certain classes of bugs without having to conduct a full blown formal proof of correctness. The methods developed in this work are tailored to concurrent systems where global data is shared between all threads. While this requirement is not strictly necessary for the soundness of the analysis we shall see that it greatly increases the accuracy. In this context accuracy refers to the likelihood that a problem reported by the analysis is caused by an actual bug in the software and not by an inadequacy of the analysis methods. The usefulness of the methods presented will be supported by several case studies conducted on real life software systems of significant size. Nevertheless, I am convinced that in software engineering there is no Holy Grail that software can gain eternal bug free life from. As a corollary this Holy Grail cannot be expected to be found in this work. Thus, readers are encouraged to use the methods described in this work to supplement but not to replace existing bug prevention and software quality techniques. 1 2 Acknowledgments This work has been developed at the Institute of Applied Information Processing at the University of Ulm. I would like to express …
Robust Beamforming Design in MISO Interference Channels With RVQ Limited Feedback

This paper proposes robust beamforming designs for a multiple-input-single-output (MISO) interference channel (IC). Considering the random vector quantization (RVQ) feedback mechanism, we first derive the closed-form expression for the mean-squared-error (MSE) metric by averaging over the noise, the quantization error, and the channel amplitude. With the derived MSE result, we devise the robust beamformer by minimizing total MSEs and by minimizing the maximum per-user MSE. Since the optimizations of both designs are not convex, we first propose an iterative method to find out the solutions for the minimum total MSE criterion, where the transmitter beamforming vectors and the receiver decoding scalars are iteratively obtained. For the other design criterion, we propose an exhaustive search that can transfer the design problem into a feasible search problem. With the same design criterion, we propose another iterative method to find out the solutions, where the decoding scalars and the beamforming vectors are iteratively derived by minimizing MSE and second-order cone programming (SOCP), respectively. The simulation results verify the robustness of both designs when the quantization error exists.
Non – Isothermal Crystallization Crystallization of Polymers

Abstract The kinetics of non-isothermal crystallization, taking into account both formation and growth of nuclei, is formulated in terms of rate equations. Depending on whether Avrami's or Tobin's models of impingement are applied, sets of, respectively, (m + 1) and (m + 2) first-order differential equations are obtained, where m is the number of spatial dimensions of growth. The number of rate equations reduces to one if the activation of nuclei is much faster than their growth. Avrami's well-known formula is re-obtained from isothermal limiting cases.
A novel PHINES flash memory cell with low power program/erase, small pitch, two-bits-per-cell for data storage applications

A novel programming by hot-hole injection nitride electron storage (PHINES) Flash memory technology is developed. The memory bit size of 0.046 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ is fabricated based on 0.13-/spl mu/m technology. PHINES cell uses a nitride trapping storage cell structure. Fowler-Nordheim (FN) injection is performed to raise V/sub t/ in erase while programming is done by lowering a local V/sub t/ through band-to-band tunneling-induced hot hole (BTBT HH) injection. Two-bits-per-cell feasibility, low-power and high-speed program/erase, good endurance and data retentivity make it a promising candidate for Flash EEPROM technology in gigabit era applications.
From Deformations to Parts: Motion-based Segmentation of 3D Objects

We develop a method for discovering the parts of an articulated object from aligned meshes of the object in various three-dimensional poses. We adapt the distance dependent Chinese restaurant process (ddCRP) to allow nonparametric discovery of a potentially unbounded number of parts, while simultaneously guaranteeing a spatially connected segmentation. To allow analysis of datasets in which object instances have varying 3D shapes, we model part variability across poses via affine transformations. By placing a matrix normal-inverse-Wishart prior on these affine transformations, we develop a ddCRP Gibbs sampler which tractably marginalizes over transformation uncertainty. Analyzing a dataset of humans captured in dozens of poses, we infer parts which provide quantitatively better deformation predictions than conventional clustering methods.