Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reliable Blood Pressure Self-measurement in the Obstetric Waiting Room

Summary Background: Patients often fail to adhere to clinical recommendations when using current blood pressure self-measurement (BPSM) methods and equipment. As existing BPSM equipment is not able to detect non-adherent behavior, this could result in mis-diagnosis and treatment error. To overcome this problem, we suggest introducing an alternative method for achieving reliable BPSM by measuring additional context meta-data for validating patient adherence. To facilitate this, we have developed ValidAid, a context-aware system for determining patient adherence levels during BPSM. Objectives: The aim of this study was to validate this new reliable BPSM method based on ValidAid in the clinical setting. Specifically, we wanted to evaluate ValidAid’s ability to accurately detect and model patient adherence levels during BPSM in the clinic. Methods: The validation was done by asking 41 pregnant diabetic patients scheduled for self-measuring their blood pressure (BP) in the waiting room at an obstetrics department’s outpatient clinic to perform an additional BPSM using ValidAid. We then compared the automatically measured and classified values from ValidAid with our manual observations. Results: We found that a) the pregnant diabetics did not adhere to given instructions when performing BPSM in the waiting room, and that b) the ValidAid system was able to accurately classify patient adherence to the modeled recommendations. Conclusions: A new method for ensuring reliable BPSM based on the ValidAid system was validated. Results indicate that context-aware technology is useful for accurately modeling important aspects of non-adherent patient behavior. This may be used to identify patients in need of additional training, or to design better aids to actively assist the patients during measurements. ValidAid is also applicable to other self-measurement environments including the home setting and outpatient clinics in remote or underserved areas as it is built using telemedicine technology and thus well-suited for remote monitoring and diagnosis.
RNA-TGGE, a Tool for Assessing the Potential for Bioremediation in Impacted Marine Ecosystems

Cultivation-independent genomic approaches have greatly advanced our understanding of the ecology and diversity of microbial communities involved in biodegradation processes. However, much still needs to be resolved in terms of the structure, composition and dynamics of the microbial community in impacted ecosystems. Here we report on the RNA activity of the microbial community during the bioremediation process using RNA Temperature Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (RNA-TGGE). Dendrograms constructed from similarity matching data produced from the TGGE profiles separated a community exhibiting high remediation potential. Overall, increased Shannon Weaver Diversity indices (1–2.4) were observed in the high potential remediation treatment samples. The functionality of the microbial community was compared, with the microbial community showing the greatest organisation also showing the highest levels of hydrocarbon degradation. Subsequent sequencing of excised bands from the microbial community identified the presence of Gammaproteobacteria together with a number of uncultured bacteria. The data shows that RNA TGGE represents a simple, reproducible and effective tool for use in the assessment of a commercial bioremediation event, in terms of monitoring either the natural or augmented hydrocarbon-degrading microbial community.
Retinal optical coherence tomography image enhancement via shrinkage denoising using double-density dual-tree complex wavelet transform

Abstract. Image enhancement of retinal structures, in optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans through denoising, has the potential to aid in the diagnosis of several eye diseases. In this paper, a locally adaptive denoising algorithm using double-density dual-tree complex wavelet transform, a combination of the double-density wavelet transform and the dual-tree complex wavelet transform, is applied to reduce speckle noise in OCT images of the retina. The algorithm overcomes the limitations of commonly used multiple frame averaging technique, namely the limited number of frames that can be recorded due to eye movements, by providing a comparable image quality in significantly less acquisition time equal to an order of magnitude less time compared to the averaging method. In addition, improvements of image quality metrics and 5 dB increase in the signal-to-noise ratio are attained.
Sensor Pattern Noise Matching Based on Reliability Map for Source Camera Identification

Source camera identification using the residual noise pattern left by the sensor, or Sensor Pattern Noise, has received much attention by the digital image forensics community in recent years. One notable issue in this regard is that high-frequency components of an image (textures, edges) can be easily mistaken as being part of the SPN itself, due to the procedure used to extract SPN, which is based on adaptive low-pass filtering. In this paper, a method to cope with this problem is presented, which estimates a SPN reliability map associating a degree of reliability to each pixel, based on the amount of high-frequency content in its neighbourhood. The reliability map is then used to weight SPN pixels during matching. The technique is tested using a data set of images coming from 27 different cameras; results show a notable improvement with respect to standard, non-weighted matching.
Human microbial keratitis in upper Egypt.

One hundred and fifteen cases of keratitis were examined both epidemiologically and microbiologically. Direct microscopic examination and culturing of eye specimens from these cases revealed that keratitis was mostly due to bacteria (50 cases) followed by fungi (30 cases) and mixed fungal and bacterial keratitis (5 cases), while 30 cases were negative for bacteria and fungi. Staphylococcus aureus and other Staphylococcus species were the most dominant etiologic agents of bacterial keratitis. Aspergillus flavus, A. terreus, A. niger, Candida albicans and Cladosporium cladosporioides were common species associated with fungal keratitis. Adults between the ages of 31-70 years (72.2 % of the 115 total number of cases studied) were most susceptible to keratitis as well as in the case for mixed fungal and bacterial keratitis. Males predominated (71.3%) while females made up 28.7% of total number of cases. Many males were farmers, i.e. (40% of the total number of cases). Corneal trauma proved to be the most prevalent risk factor of keratitis and occurred in 63.4 % of the total number of cases). Trauma was reported in 78 % of cases in which 49.6% of these cases were from plant origin. To our knowledge, F. proliferatum, Trichoderma hamatum and Stemphylium botryosum; are recorded for the first time from cases of keratitis.
The Global Joint Distribution of Income and Health

We investigate the evolution of global welfare in two dimensions: income per capita and life expectancy. First, we estimate the marginal distributions of income and life expectancy separately. More importantly, in contrast to previous univariate approaches, we consider income and life expectancy jointly and estimate their bivariate global distribution for 137 countries during 1970 - 2000. We reach several conclusions: the global joint distribution has evolved from a bimodal into a unimodal one, the evolution of the health distribution has preceded that of income, global inequality and poverty has decreased over time and the evolution of the global distribution has been welfare improving. Our decomposition of overall welfare indicates that global inequality would be underestimated if within-country inequality is not taken into account. Moreover, global inequality and poverty would be substantially underestimated if the dependence between the income and health distributions is ignored.
Steps, Choices and Moral Accounting: Observations from a Step-Counting Campaign in the Workplace

Sedentary work is a contributing factor to growing obesity levels worldwide. Research shows that step-counters can offer a way to motivate greater physical mobility. We present an in-situ study of a nation-wide workplace step-counting campaign. Our findings show that in the context of the workplace steps are a socially negotiated quantity and that participation in the campaign has an impact on those who volunteer to participate and those who opt-out. We highlight that specific health promotion initiatives do not operate in a vacuum, but are experienced as one out of many efforts offered to the employees. Using a social ecology lens we illustrate how conceptualizing a step-counting campaign as a health promotion rather than a behavior change effort can have implications for what is construed as success.
The Human Exposure Potential from Propylene Releases to the Environment

A detailed literature search was performed to assess the sources, magnitudes and extent of human inhalation exposure to propylene. Exposure evaluations were performed at both the community and occupational levels for those living or working in different environments. The results revealed a multitude of pyrogenic, biogenic and anthropogenic emission sources. Pyrogenic sources, including biomass burning and fossil fuel combustion, appear to be the primary contributors to atmospheric propylene. Despite a very short atmospheric lifetime, measurable levels could be detected in highly remote locations as a result of biogenic release. The indoor/outdoor ratio for propylene has been shown to range from about 2 to 3 in non-smoking homes, which indicates that residential sources may be the largest contributor to the overall exposure for those not occupationally exposed. In homes where smoking takes place, the levels may be up to thirty times higher than non-smoking residences. Atmospheric levels in most rural regions are typically below 2 ppbv, whereas the values in urban levels are much more variable ranging as high as 10 ppbv. Somewhat elevated propylene exposures may also occur in the workplace; especially for firefighters or refinery plant operators who may encounter levels up to about 10 ppmv.
Do 9-month-old infants expect distinct words to refer to kinds?

In 3 experiments, 9-month-old infants' expectations for what distinct count noun labels refer to were investigated. In Experiment 1, a box was opened to reveal 2 objects inside during familiarization: either 2 identical objects or 2 different objects. Test trials followed the same procedure, except before the box was opened, the contents were described using 2 distinct labels ("I see a wug! I see a dak! ") or the same label twice ("I see a zav! I see a zav! "). Infants who heard a label repeated twice looked longer at 2 different objects versus 2 identical objects, whereas infants who heard 2 distinct labels showed a different pattern of looking. Experiments 2 and 3 presented infants with object pairs that only differed in shape or color, and it was found that infants expected the different-shaped (but not the different-colored) objects to be labeled by distinct count nouns. Because the property of shape is a cue to kind membership and the property of color is not, these results suggest that even at the beginning of word learning, infants may expect distinct labels to refer to distinct kinds of objects.
Is pulling the lever sexy? Deontology as a downstream cue to long-term mate quality

Deontological and utilitarian moral decisions have unique communicative functions within the context of group living. Deontology more strongly communicates prosocial intentions, fostering greater perceptions of trust and desirability in general affiliative contexts. This general trustworthiness may extend to perceptions of fidelity in romantic relationships, leading to perceptions of deontological persons as better long-term mates, relative to utilitarians. In two studies, participants indicated desirability of both deontologists and utilitarians in long-term mating (LTM) and short-term mating contexts. In Study 1 (n = 102), women perceived a deontological man as more interested in long-term bonds, more desirable for LTM, and less prone to infidelity, relative to a utilitarian man. However, utilitarian men were undesirable as short-term mates. Study 2 (n = 112) had both men and women rate opposite-sex targets’ desirability after learning of their moral decisions in a trolley problem. We replicated women’s preference for deontological men as long-term mates. Interestingly, both men and women reporting personal deontological motives were particularly sensitive to deontology communicating long-term desirability and fidelity, which could be a product of the general affiliative signal from deontology. Thus, one’s moral basis for decision-making, particularly deontologically motivated moral decisions, may communicate traits valuable in LTM contexts.
Brain abscess: surgical experiences of 162 cases

Aim: Brain abscess still poses a public health challenge in spite of the advent of modern neurosurgical techniques and antibiotics. Here, we present our surgical experiences and ultimate outcome in the management of brain abscess. Methods: Totally, 162 patients with proved brain abscess who underwent surgical treatment were included in this study. The prospectively recorded data of surgical management of brain abscess and the ultimate outcome (by Glasgow outcome scale) were studied retrospectively. Results: Total number of cases was 162, of which 113 were acute pyogenic abscess while 49 were chronic abscess. Among the chronic abscess, 29 were chronic pyogenic abscess, 14 were tubercular, 3 aspergillus, and 3 abscesses were in malignant brain metastases. In acute cases, common clinical features were headache, fever, vomiting, focal deficit and seizure. In chronic abscesses, common clinical features were mild to moderate headache and progressive focal deficit. Seventy-three (45.06%) patients had adjacent localized sinus, middle ear or cranial infection. The common predisposing factors included postneurosurgery, postpenetrating injury to brain, chronic suppurative otitis media, and congenital heart disease, infective endocarditis, sinusitis and sub optimum immuno-status. Frontal lobe involved in 30.2% cases, temporal lobe is next to involved. Single time burr hole aspiration in 111 (68.5%) cases, two or more times burr hole aspiration were done in 34 (21%) cases. Pus culture was negative in 129 (79.62%) cases. Total number of death was 22 (13.58%) cases. Complete resolution of abscess with complete recovery of preoperative neuro-deficit was seen in 80.86% cases and recovery with major neuro-deficit was observed in 5.55% cases. There is a significant association between Glasgow coma scale (GCS) on admission and mortality in brain abscess. Conclusion: In most of the cases, pus culture did not yield growth of any causative organism. Mortality was not directly related to surgical intervention, but GCS on admission has a significant association with mortality. Early diagnosis, optimum follow-up and timely surgical interventions are the keys in the proper management of brain abscess.
Reliability and stability of adult attachment patterns

A basic premise of attachment theory is that internal models of attachment remain relatively stable across the life span. We examined stability and change in adult attachment representations over 8 months in a sample of young adults (N = 144; Mean age = 24.5 years). Attachment patterns were assessed by categorical and continuous ratings across three methods-self-report ratings, expert ratings based on semi-structured interviews, and reports of romantic partners-and showed moderate stability. Interview ratings tended to show higher stability than self-report ratings. Changes in attachment ratings (across methods) were not consistently related to life events that had occurred in the intervening 8 months. The relationship between reliability and stability was discussed, and where the “true” stability could be estimated independent of unreliability, it was found to be very high (r’s ranging from .72 to .96). The results highlight the importance of using multiple indicators in assessing adult attachment and using continuous rather than categorical ratings in the assessment
Algorithm 1 Curiosity-driven Optimization

The principle of artificial curiosity directs active exploration towards the most informative or most interesting data. We show its usefulness for global black box optimization when data point evaluations are expensive. Gaussian process regression is used to model the fitness function based on all available observations so far. For each candidate point this model estimates expected fitness reduction, and yields a novel closed-form expression of expected information gain. A new type of Pareto-front algorithm continually pushes the boundary of candidates not dominated by any other known data according to both criteria, using multi-objective evolutionary search. This makes the exploration-exploitation trade-off explicit, and permits maximally informed data selection. We illustrate the robustness of our approach in a number of experimental scenarios.
Guidelines on eosinophilic esophagitis: evidence-based statements and recommendations for diagnosis and management in children and adults

Introduction Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is one of the most prevalent esophageal diseases and the leading cause of dysphagia and food impaction in children and young adults. This underlines the importance of optimizing diagnosys and treatment of the condition, especially after the increasing amount of knowledge on EoE recently published. Therefore, the UEG, EAACI ESPGHAN, and EUREOS deemed it necessary to update the current guidelines regarding conceptual and epidemiological aspects, diagnosis, and treatment of EoE. Methods General methodology according to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used in order to comply with current standards of evidence assessment in formulation of recommendations. An extensive literature search was conducted up to August 2015 and periodically updated. The working group consisted of gastroenterologists, allergists, pediatricians, otolaryngologists, pathologists, and epidemiologists. Systematic evidence-based reviews were performed based upon relevant clinical questions with respect to patient-important outcomes. Results The guidelines include updated concept of EoE, evaluated information on disease epidemiology, risk factors, associated conditions, and natural history of EoE in children and adults. Diagnostic conditions and criteria, the yield of diagnostic and disease monitoring procedures, and evidence-based statements and recommendation on the utility of the several treatment options for patients EoE are provided. Recommendations on how to choose and implement treatment and long-term management are provided based on expert opinion and best clinical practice. Conclusion Evidence-based recommendations for EoE diagnosis, treatment modalities, and patients’ follow up are proposed in the guideline.
Four plant Dicers mediate viral small RNA biogenesis and DNA virus induced silencing

Like other eukaryotes, plants use DICER-LIKE (DCL) proteins as the central enzymes of RNA silencing, which regulates gene expression and mediates defense against viruses. But why do plants like Arabidopsis express four DCLs, a diversity unmatched by other kingdoms? Here we show that two nuclear DNA viruses (geminivirus CaLCuV and pararetrovirus CaMV) and a cytoplasmic RNA tobamovirus ORMV are differentially targeted by subsets of DCLs. DNA virus-derived small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) of specific size classes (21, 22 and 24 nt) are produced by all four DCLs, including DCL1, known to process microRNA precursors. Specifically, DCL1 generates 21 nt siRNAs from the CaMV leader region. In contrast, RNA virus infection is mainly affected by DCL4. While the four DCLs are partially redundant for CaLCuV-induced mRNA degradation, DCL4 in conjunction with RDR6 and HEN1 specifically facilitates extensive virus-induced silencing in new growth. Additionally, we show that CaMV infection impairs processing of endogenous RDR6-derived double-stranded RNA, while ORMV prevents HEN1-mediated methylation of small RNA duplexes, suggesting two novel viral strategies of silencing suppression. Our work highlights the complexity of virus interaction with host silencing pathways and suggests that DCL multiplicity helps mediate plant responses to diverse viral infections.
Atorvastatin reduces thrombin generation and expression of tissue factor, P-selectin and GPIIIa on platelet-derived microparticles in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease

Summary We investigated the effects of statin treatment on platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) and thrombin generation in atherothrombotic disease. Nineteen patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease were randomised to eight weeks of treatment with atorvastatin or placebo in a cross-over fashion. Expression of GPIIIa (CD61), P-selectin (CD62P), tissue factor (TF, CD142) and phosphatidylserine (PS; annexin-V or lactadherin binding) was assessed on PMPs. Thrombin generation in vivo was assessed by measurement of prothrombin fragment 1+2 in plasma (F1+2) and ex vivo by using the calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT). During atorvastatin treatment, expression of TF, P-selectin and GPIIIa was significantly reduced vs. placebo (p<0.001 for all). No effect on annexin-V or lactadherin binding was seen. Thrombin generation was significantly reduced during atorvastatin as assessed by both the CAT assay (p<0.001) and by measurements of F1+2 (p<0.01). Subsequent in vitro experiments showed that when TF on microparticles (MPs) was blocked by antibodies, the initiation of thrombin generation was slightly but significantly delayed. Blocking PS on MPs using annexin-V or lactadherin resulted in almost complete inhibition of thrombin generation. In conclusion, atorvastatin reduces thrombin generation and expression of TF, GPIIIa and P-selectin on PMPs in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Microparticle-bound TF slightly enhances initiation of thrombin generation whereas negatively charged surfaces provided by MPs or lipoproteins could reinforce thrombin generation. Statins may inhibit initiation of thrombin generation partly through a microparticle dependent mechanism but the main effect is probably through reduction of lipoprotein levels.
Colloquium: Aligning molecules with strong laser pulses

We review the theoretical and experimental status of intense laser alignment---a field at the interface between intense laser physics and chemical dynamics with potential applications ranging from high harmonic generation and nanoscale processing to stereodynamics and control of chemical reactions. After placing the intense laser approach in context with other alignment techniques, we proceed with a discussion of the physics underlying this technique and a description of methods of observing it in the laboratory. The roles played by the laser frequency, the pulse duration, and the system temperature are illustrated numerically and experimentally. Alignment is extended to three-dimensional orientational control, a method of hindering the rotation about all three axes of polyatomic molecules. We conclude with a discussion of potential applications of intense laser alignment.