Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of macroparasite host-self-infection: a study of the patterns and processes of pinworm (Oxyuridae) aggregation

SUMMARY Objectives. Among parasites, Taylor's power law identifies a tight relationship in aggregation of macroparasite infection intensity with few exceptions; notably, the nematode family Oxyuridae tends to have higher than expected aggregation. Oxyuridae infect a wide range of mammalian hosts and have a unique reproductive strategy that involves conventional horizontal transmission, as well as re-infection of an already infected host. We asked the question, do the unique aspects of pinworm life-history explain an exception to the widely observed patterns of aggregation of parasite populations? Methods. We empirically examined the differences among Oxyuridae (genus: Syphacia) compared with other helminth (genus: Heligmosomoides) parasite aggregations in 2 rodent hosts with similar ecology: the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) from Trento, Italy and the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) from Pennsylvania, USA. To investigate the effects of pinworm life-history characteristics on generating aggregation, we present a stochastic model that explores aggregation under a range of host-self-infection, parasite death, and transmission scenarios. Results. Oxyuridae parasites had consistently greater aggregation compared to other nematodes regardless of host or parasite species identity, and pinworm aggregation exceeded the range of macroparasite aggregation described previously. Conclusions. Our simulations demonstrate that host-self-infection, on its own, is sufficient to generate aggregation values greater than the predicted values.
Looking Back: Effects of TANF and Employment Status on Well-Being

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of employment and government financial aid (Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) program) status upon well being over time among people receiving financial assistance. The ability to view changes over time in this new post-TANF period enhances the knowledge base by providing further understanding of the mental health challenges faced by current TANF recipients and income wage earners no longer dependent on TANF. Contrasts within TANF status and good/bad-paying job status uncovered similarities and differences within this population. Findings demonstrated significantly higher scores on perceived control and happiness for those employed than those who continued to receive TANF. Those with good paying jobs had significantly lower levels of depression than those making less than $1,000.00 per month.
Allergy and the risk of selected digestive and laryngeal neoplasms

The relation between allergy and cancer has been investigated within an integrated series of case–control studies of digestive tract and laryngeal neoplasms conducted in Italy since the early 1990s. These included 598 patients with incident, histologically confirmed cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx, 304 of the oesophagus, 1225 of the colon, 728 of the rectum, 460 of the larynx and 4999 controls, selected among patients admitted to the same network of hospitals as cases for acute, non-neoplastic diseases. Inverse associations with history of allergy were found for all cancer sites examined (odds ratio=0.44 for oral cavity and pharynx, 0.80 for oesophagus, 0.76 for colon, 0.54 for rectum and 0.33 for larynx). The associations were consistent in strata of age and sex, and when subjects with a first diagnosis of allergy 5 or more years before cancer diagnosis or hospital admission were considered. The present study therefore provides further evidence for a possible protective effect of prior history of allergy on cancer risk.
Wound healing activity of honey: A pilot study

Vrana (wound) and its sequels play a major concern in the field of surgery as Vrana Ropana (wound healing) requires uneventful healing. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in physical and morphological properties due to topical application of Madhu (honey) on fresh traumatic wounds or cutaneous wounds. Ten patients of wounds of either sex were randomly selected. Site of the wound, shape, size, floor, and margin were recorded on day 0 and observed on day 7, 15, 20, and till the end of the healing for the progression of granulation, scar type, shape, size, and clinical symptoms. There was significant improvement in the healing process as Madhu possesses antibacterial, wound cleansing, wound healing properties and showed beneficiary effects.
Bootstrapping in a language of thought: A formal model of conceptual change in number word learning

In acquiring number words, children exhibit a qualitative leap in which they transition from understanding a few number words, to possessing a recursive system of interrelated numerical concepts. We present a computational framework for understanding this inductive leap as the consequence of statistical inference over a sufficiently powerful representational system. We provide an implemented model that is powerful enough to learn number word meanings and other related conceptual systems from naturalistic data. The model shows that bootstrapping can be made computationally and philosophically well-founded as a theory of number learning. Our approach demonstrates how learners may combine core cognitive operations to build sophisticated representations during the course of development, and how this process explains observed developmental patterns in number word learning.
- Electronic Supplementary Material-Optimizing surveillance for livestock disease spreading through animal movements

The data describing bovines’ displacements are recorded on a daily basis, making it possible to construct different network representations according to different assumptions or aggregating on different time window lengths [1] [2]. In particular, we simulated the spread of an infectious disease on networks aggregated on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly scale. The choice of the aggregating time window length ∆t affects the underlying mobility structure, leading to denser displacement networks for longer time windows, while the time step used in the numerical simulations of the spreading dynamics is kept fixed to 1 day. In this perspective, when the spreading process takes place on the daily dynamical networks, at every time step of the spreading the snapshot of the static network is different, while for a longer aggregating window length the network topology remains unchanged for exactly ∆t time steps. In Figure 2 of the main paper, the unfolding of the spreading for different aggregating time window lengths is followed by plotting the temporal evolution of the number of infected premises for every spreading time step (=1 day). In the following, if not otherwise specified, we present results corresponding to spreading phenomena simulated on networks aggregated on time windows of length ∆t = 1 day, starting at t0 =Jan 1, and with an infectious period μ−1 = 7 days.
Multi-omnidirectional cameras for ambient intelligence

In this paper we describe several indoor scenarios for ambient intelligence settings with a data collection setup that uses two omni-directional cameras, and challenges posed by realistic illumination and occlusion settings. Single-person and multi-person activities are recorded and annotated. We describe baseline and feature-based tracking systems and comparatively analyse tracker performance in this setting. Our results show that omni-directional cameras have great potential for indoor settings.
In Vitro Reconstitution of the Clostridium botulinum Type D Progenitor Toxin*

Clostridium botulinum type D strain 4947 produces two different sizes of progenitor toxins (M and L) as intact forms without proteolytic processing. The M toxin is composed of neurotoxin (NT) and nontoxic-nonhemagglutinin (NTNHA), whereas the L toxin is composed of the M toxin and hemagglutinin (HA) subcomponents (HA-70, HA-17, and HA-33). The HA-70 subcomponent and the HA-33/17 complex were isolated from the L toxin to near homogeneity by chromatography in the presence of denaturing agents. We were able to demonstrate, for the first time, in vitro reconstitution of the L toxin formed by mixing purified M toxin, HA-70, and HA-33/17. The properties of reconstituted and native L toxins are indistinguishable with respect to their gel filtration profiles, native-PAGE profiles, hemagglutination activity, binding activity to erythrocytes, and oral toxicity to mice. M toxin, which contained nicked NTNHA prepared by treatment with trypsin, could no longer be reconstituted to the L toxin with HA subcomponents, whereas the L toxin treated with proteases was not degraded into M toxin and HA subcomponents. We conclude that the M toxin forms first by assembly of NT with NTNHA and is subsequently converted to the L toxin by assembly with HA-70 and HA-33/17.
Application of ICA in Removing Artefacts from the ECG

Routinely recorded electrocardiograms (ECGs) are often corrupted by different types of artefacts and many efforts have been made to enhance their quality by reducing the noise or artefacts. This paper addresses the problem of removing noise and artefacts from ECGs using Independent Component Analysis (ICA). An ICA algorithm is tested on 3−channel ECG recordings taken from human subjects, mostly in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU). Results are presented that show that ICA can detect and remove a variety of noise and artefact sources in these ECGs. One difficulty with the application of ICA is the determination of the order of the independent components. A new technique based on simple statistical parameters is proposed to solve this problem in this application. The developed technique is successfully applied to the ECG data and offers potential for online processing of ECG using ICA.
HNOCS: Modular open-source simulator for Heterogeneous NoCs

We present HNOCS (Heterogeneous Network-on-Chip Simulator), an open-source NoC simulator based on OMNeT++. To the best of our knowledge, HNOCS is the first simulator to support modeling of heterogeneous NoCs with variable link capacities and number of VCs per unidirectional port. The HNOCS simulation platform provides an open-source, modular, scalable, extendible and fully parameterizable framework for modeling NoCs. It includes three types of NoC routers: synchronous, synchronous virtual output queue (VoQ) and asynchronous. HNOCS provides a rich set of statistical measurements at the flit and packet levels: end-to-end latencies, throughput, VC acquisition latencies, transfer latencies, etc. We describe the architecture, structure, available models and the features that make HNOCS suitable for advanced NoC exploration. We also evaluate several case studies which cannot be evaluated with any other exiting NoC simulator.
Multimodal nonlinear imaging of the human cornea.

PURPOSE To evaluate the potential of third-harmonic generation (THG) microscopy combined with second-harmonic generation (SHG) and two-photon excited fluorescence (2PEF) microscopies for visualizing the microstructure of the human cornea and trabecular meshwork based on their intrinsic nonlinear properties. METHODS Fresh human corneal buttons and corneoscleral discs from an eye bank were observed under a multiphoton microscope incorporating a titanium-sapphire laser and an optical parametric oscillator for the excitation, and equipped with detection channels in the forward and backward directions. RESULTS Original contrast mechanisms of THG signals in cornea with physiological relevance were elucidated. THG microscopy with circular incident polarization detected microscopic anisotropy and revealed the stacking and distribution of stromal collagen lamellae. THG imaging with linear incident polarization also revealed cellular and anchoring structures with micrometer resolution. In edematous tissue, a strong THG signal around cells indicated the local presence of water. Additionally, SHG signals reflected the distribution of fibrillar collagen, and 2PEF imaging revealed the elastic component of the trabecular meshwork and the fluorescence of metabolically active cells. CONCLUSIONS The combined imaging modalities of THG, SHG, and 2PEF provide key information about the physiological state and microstructure of the anterior segment over its entire thickness with remarkable contrast and specificity. This imaging method should prove particularly useful for assessing glaucoma and corneal physiopathologies.
A Globally Stable Adaptive Ship Autopilot With Wave FilterUsing Only Yaw Angle

A stable minimum phase transfer function from rudder angle to yaw angle is used to design a globally stable adaptive ship autopilot. 1st-order wave disturbances in yaw are ltered by applying a notch lter. Integral action is introduced by using a reference model technique. Global stability is proven for the total system which include the yaw rate observer, the parameter update law, the feedback controller, the notch lter and the integral part of the controller. The simulation results showed that the performance is excellent, even with no a priori knowledge of the ship parameters.
Indri at TREC 2004: Terabyte Track

This paper provides an overview of experiments carried out at the TREC 2004 Terabyte Track using the Indri search engine. Indri is an efficient, effective distributed search engine. Like INQUERY, it is based on the inference network framework and supports structured queries, but unlike INQUERY, it uses language modeling probabilities within the network which allows for added flexibility. We describe our approaches to the Terabyte Track, all of which involved automatically constructing structured queries from the title portions of the TREC topics. Our methods use term proximity information and HTML document structure. In addition, a number of optimization procedures for efficient query processing are explained.
Beware of Simple Conclusions: The Case for Content Generality of Creativity

Several recent empirical and theoretical examinations of creativity have concluded that creativity is content specific (i.e., creativity within certain content areas is independent of creativity in other content areas). Indeed, the idea that creativity may even be task specific enjoys considerable research support. Most of this research and theory, however, suffers from conceptual, methodological, or logical oversights. The debate about the content general or specific nature of creativity is far from settled, and more comprehensive research programs are necessary if progress is to be made in this area.
Effect of a High Protein Weight Loss Diet on Weight, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, and Cardiovascular Risk among Overweight and Obese Women: A Parallel Clinical Trial

Studies regarding the effects of high protein (HP) diets on cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors have reported contradictory results. We aimed to determine the effects of an HP diet on CVD risk factors and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) among overweight and obese women. In this randomized controlled trial, we recruited 60 overweight and obese women, aged 20–65, into an HP or energy-restricted control diet for three months (protein, carbohydrate, and fat: 25%, 45%, and 30% versus 15%, 55%, and 30%, resp.). Total protein was divided between animal and plant sources in a 1 : 1 ratio, and animal sources were distributed equally between meats and dairy products. Fasting blood samples, hs-CRP, lipid profile, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements were assessed using standard guidelines. Percent change was significantly different between the two diet groups for weight (standard protein (SP): −3.90 ± 0.26 versus HP: −6.10 ± 0.34%; P < 0.0001, resp. ) and waist circumference (SP: −3.03 ± 0.21 versus HP: −5.06 ± 0.28%; P < 0.0001, resp.). Percent change of fasting blood glucose (FBG) substantially decreased in the control group compared to the HP group (−9.13 ± 0.67 versus −4.93 ± 1.4%; P = 0.01, resp.). Total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased both in the HP and in the control diet groups (P = 0.06, P = 0.07, and P = 0.09, resp.); however, the results were marginally significant. Serum levels of hs-CRP were reduced both in the control (−0.08 ± 0.11%, P = 0.06) and in the high protein groups (−0.04 ± 0.09%, P = 0.06). The energy-restricted HP diet resulted in more beneficial effects on weight loss and reduction of waist circumference. CVD risk factors may improve with HP diets among overweight and obese women. When using isoenergetic weight loss diets, total cholesterol, hs-CRP, and SBP were marginally significantly reduced, independent of dietary protein content. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01763528.
A News‐Utility Theory for Inattention and Delegation in Portfolio Choice

Recent evidence suggests that investors are inattentive to their portfolios and hire expensive portfolio managers. This paper develops a life‐cycle portfolio‐choice model in which the investor experiences loss‐averse utility over news and can ignore his portfolio. In such a model, the investor prefers to ignore and not rebalance his portfolio most of the time because he dislikes bad news more than he likes good news such that expected news causes a first‐order decrease in utility. Consequently, the investor has a first‐order willingness to pay a portfolio manager who rebalances actively on his behalf. Moreover, the investor can diversify over time and his consumption aligns with predictions of mental accounting. I structurally estimate the preference parameters by matching stock shares and stock‐market non‐participation over the life cycle. My parameter estimates are in line with the literature, generate reasonable intervals of inattention, and simultaneously explain consumption and wealth accumulation over the life cycle. Here, it matters that news utility preserves first‐order risk aversion even in the presence of stochastic labor income, which also causes stock shares to rise in wealth.
From Marine Venoms to Drugs: Efficiently Supported by a Combination of Transcriptomics and Proteomics

The potential of marine natural products to become new drugs is vast; however, research is still in its infancy. The chemical and biological diversity of marine toxins is immeasurable and as such an extraordinary resource for the discovery of new drugs. With the rapid development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), it has been much easier and faster to identify more toxins and predict their functions with bioinformatics pipelines, which pave the way for novel drug developments. Here we provide an overview of related bioinformatics pipelines that have been supported by a combination of transcriptomics and proteomics for identification and function prediction of novel marine toxins.
Mutual Restraint in Tree Swallows: A Test of the TIT FOR TAT Model of Reciprocity

The TIT FOR TAT model of reciprocity, which is based on a successful program for the game known as the Prisoner's Dilemma, was experimentally tested on a population oftree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Parent and nonbreeding tree swallows have conflicts of interests that resemble those in the Prisoner's Dilemma. TIT FOR TAT predicts restraint of conflict before a competitor's act of defection, retaliation after defection, and a resumption of restraint following retaliation. After a simulated act of defection by nonbreeders, parents behaved as predicted by the model.
The vaporization enthalpies of 2- and 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine, 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine by correlation-gas chromatography.

The vaporization enthalpies of a series of heterocyclic compounds some suspected of showing evidence of a higher degree of self-association in comparison to many other nitrogen heterocycles have been measured both by correlation gas chromatography (CGC) and for comparison by transpiration. The compounds share some structural similarities. They include 2- and 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine, 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3. 0]non-5-ene, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4. 0]undec-7-ene, 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine. The vaporization enthalpies of the first three of the compounds are well reproduced by a standard series of reference compounds, mainly pyridine derivatives. The latter two compounds and 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine exhibit vaporization enthalpies approximately 7 kJ·mol(-1) larger. Their values are reproduced by using standards previously shown to exhibit stronger but similar self-association properties. The crystal structure of 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine has been determined in an effort to understand the nature of the self-association. The molecule crystallizes in planar stacks slightly offset with a stacking distance of 3.24 Å.
Advances in the understanding of dyskeratosis congenita

Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a rare inherited syndrome exhibiting marked clinical and genetic heterogeneity. It is characterised by mucocutaneous abnormalities, bone marrow failure and a predisposition to cancer. Bone marrow failure is the principal cause of premature mortality. Studies over the last 10 years have demonstrated that DC is principally a disease of defective telomere maintenance. All DC patients have very short telomeres and the genetically characterised cases of DC have mutations in six genes which either encode components of the telomerase complex (DKC1, TERC, TERT, NOP10, NHP2) or shelterin (TINF2); these are important in the elongation and protection of the telomeric end, respectively. These advances have led to the recognition of cryptic forms of DC, such as presentations with aplastic anaemia and myelodysplasia. They have also increased our understanding of normal haematopoiesis and provided new insights to the aetiology of some cases of aplastic anaemia and related haematological disorders.
Robust tensor factorization using R1 norm

Over the years, many tensor based algorithms, e.g. two dimensional principle component analysis (2DPCA), two dimensional singular value decomposition (2DSVD), high order SVD, have been proposed for the study of high dimensional data in a large variety of computer vision applications. An intrinsic limitation of previous tensor reduction methods is the sensitivity to the presence of outliers, because they minimize the sum of squares errors (L2 norm). In this paper, we propose a novel robust tensor factorization method using R1 norm for error accumulation function using robust covariance matrices, allowing the method to be efficiently implemented instead of resorting to quadratic programming software packages as in other L1 norm approaches. Experimental results on face representation and reconstruction show that our new robust tensor factorization method can effectively handle outliers compared to previous tensor based PCA methods.
Progressivism Never Died—It Just Moved Outside: What Can Experiential Educators Learn from the Past?

The origin of outdoor and experiential education in the United States-the use of out-of-classroom settings and activities based on student interests and concerns to achieve educational objectives-is difficult to pinpoint exactly. However, “. many educators recognize the year 1930 as the beginning of the modern concept of resident outdoor education. ” (Hammerman, 1980, p. xi) To be sure, field trips and excursions to learn about nature and society occurred before that date, but the terminology was differentnature study, camping, or camping education. In the early years, the development of outdoor and experiential education accompanied the spread Of the Progressive Education Movement. guiding tenets. A third purpose is to demonstrate that modern research by cognitive psychologists has verified some of the earlier learning theory advocated by progressive educators. These brain-based principles appear to be similar to and compatible with the philosophical underpinnings of progressivism.