Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a multiplex panel for the diagnosis of acute infectious diarrhea in immunocompromised hematologic patients

Introduction Diarrhea is a frequent complication in hematologic patients, being an infectious cause frequently suspected. Rapid and accurate detection of gastrointestinal pathogens is vital in immunocompromised hosts. The aim of this study was to compare routine diagnostic methods versus a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the diagnosis of infectious diarrhea in immunocompromised hematologic patients. Material and methods We conducted a prospective observational study from March 2015 to January 2016 to compare conventional methods for the diagnosis of infectious diarrhea with FIlmArray GI Panel (BioFire-bioMérieux, France). Samples from adult immunocompromised hematologic patients with acute diarrhea were collected. In cases with discordant results, a second multiplex assay was performed (Allplex, Seegene, Korea). The result was considered positive or negative when the same result was obtained by at least two of the methods. Results A total of 95 samples were obtained from 95 patients (median age of 52 years (46–64)). Sixty-one (64%) episodes were hospital-acquired and 34 (36%) were community-acquired diarrhea. Twenty-five (26%) patients had a positive microbiological result, being Clostridium difficile the most frequent pathogen, followed by Campylobacter spp and norovirus. The concordance between FilmArray methods was good (k = 0.79). The FilmArray GI panel showed a sensitivity of 95%, a specificity of 100% for positive results. The time required to obtain results was markedly reduced with the use of multiplex PCR methods. Conclusions Multiplex molecular panels provide a rapid and sensitive tool for the diagnosis of infectious diarrhea, thereby allowing more timely clinical decisions in immunocompromised hematologic patients.
Phytochemical and physiological changes in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal) under soil moisture stress

Ashwagandha, commonly known as the Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera) is an ingredient in many herbal preparations used for healing various ailments. It is cultivated in semi-arid regions of India as rain-fed crop. The response of this crop (cv. JA-134) to progressive soil moisture deficit on growth, physiology and content of phytochemicals was studied. At the end of treatment period, soil water potential (Ψw) decreased to -10.93, -1.15 MPa at 30 cm depth, predawn leaf water potentials were reduced to -0.62 and -0.51 MPa in the severe and moderate stress. Leaf area was reduced by 27.4% and 34.4% in moderate and severe water stress treatment compared to control. Chlorophyll content was reduced by 60% in the severe water stress. Changes in the steroidal alkaloids and lactones that are the major medicinal active principles derived from root extracts of this plant species was also analyzed. A reduction of 52.6% in net photosynthesis was noticed under severe stress. At the end of the treatment period, moderate and severe stress treatments had 0.751 and 0.714 mg g-1 12-deoxywithastramonolide (12-DWS) content in the roots respectively. The content of 12-DWS and withanolide were at 77% and 93% of the control in the moderate and severe stress, respectively, while yield of these compounds were at 65% and 78% of control in mild and severe stress. Thus, preferential partitioning of biomass in roots leads to higher root yield in moderate stress. Higher root yield partially offset the loss of bioactive compounds under soil moisture stress.
A 36μW rail-to-rail-input chopper stabilized amplifier using correlated double sampling

This paper describes a chopper stabilized amplifier, obtained using an input chopper for modulation, an AC coupling for offset rejection and a correlated double sampling structure for demodulation, avoiding ripple spurs. The operational amplifier has a rail-to-rail input stage, with a supply voltage range from 1.8V to 5V. It is characterized by a multipath nested Miller compensation network with double pole-zero cancellation. The circuit achieves a simulated 130dB-dc-gain with a current consumption of 20μA, suitable for low-power application. Equivalent input offset has been evaluated by Montecarlo simulations demonstrating a maximum standard deviation of about 4μV.
Quality of care and survival of haemodialysed patients in western Switzerland.

BACKGROUND Many factors affect survival in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Our aim was to study whether quality of clinical care may affect survival in this population, when adjusted for demographic characteristics and co-morbidities. METHODS We studied survival in 553 patients treated by chronic HD during March 2001 in 21 dialysis facilities in western Switzerland. Indicators of quality of care were established for anaemia control, calcium and phosphate product, serum albumin, pre-dialysis blood pressure (BP), type of vascular access and dialysis adequacy (spKt/V) and their baseline values were related to 3-year survival. The modified Charlson co-morbidity index (including age) and transplantation status were also considered as a predictor of survival. RESULTS Three-year survival was obtained for 96% of the patients; 39% (211/541) of these patients had died. The 3-year survival was 50, 62 and 69%, respectively, in patients who had 0-2, 3 and >or=4 fulfilled indicators of quality of care (test for linear trend, P < 0.001). In a Cox multivariate analysis model, the absence of transplantation, a higher modified Charlson's score, decreased fulfilment of indicators of good clinical care and low pre-dialysis systolic BP were independent predictors of death. CONCLUSION Good clinical care improves survival in HD patients, even after adjustment for availability of transplantation and co-morbidities.
An Improved Technique Based on Firefly Algorithm to Estimate the Parameters of the Photovoltaic Model

This paper present a method to enhance the firefly algorithm by coupling with a local search. The constructed technique is applied to identify the solar parameters model where the method has been proved its ability to obtain the photovoltaic parameters model. Standard firefly algorithm (FA), electromagnetism-like (EM) algorithm, and electromagnetism-like without local (EMW) search algorithm all are compared with the suggested method to test its capability to solve this model.
The rectangular seeds of Domineering

Recently, a methodology has been proposed for boosting the computational intelligence of randomized game-playing programs. We modify this methodology by working on rectangular, rather than square, matrices; and we apply it to the Domineering game. At CIG 2015, We propose a demo in the case of Go. Hence, players on site can contribute to the scientific validation by playing (in a double blind manner) against both the original algorithm and its boosted version.
A comparison of viral immune escape strategies targeting the MHC class I assembly pathway

Summary: Peptide fragments from proteins of intracellular pathogens such as viruses are displayed at the cell surface hy MHC class I molecules thus enabling surveillance by cytotoxic T cells. Peptides are produced in the cytosol by proteasomal degradation and translocated into the endoplasmic reticulum by the peptide transporter TAP Empty MHC dass I molecules associate with TAP prior to their acquisition of peptides, a process which is assisted and controlled by a series of chaperones. The first part of this review summarizes our current knowledge of this assembly pathway and describes recent observations that tapasin functions as an endoplasmic reticulum retention molecule for empty MHC class I molecules. To defeat the presentation of virus‐derived peptides, several DNA viruses have devised strategies to interfere with MHC class I assembly. Although these evasion strategies have evolved independently and differ mechanistically they often target the same step in this pathway. We compare escape mechanisms of different viruses with particular emphasis on the retention of newly synthesized MHC class 1 molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum and the inhibition of peptide transport by viral proteins.
Pseudotemporal Ictal Patterns Compared With Mesial and Neocortical Temporal Ictal Patterns

Purpose: This study analyzes falsely localizing pseudotemporal ictal EEG patterns, to test if it is possible to differentiate them from those in “true” temporal lobe epilepsy. Methods: We retrospectively studied 33 patients who had epilepsy surgery and a favorable outcome (Engel I), belonging to three groups: 10 patients (37 seizures) with pseudotemporal ictal patterns (PT), 12 patients (45 seizures) with mesial temporal epilepsy because of hippocampal sclerosis (HS), and 11 patients (41 seizures) with neocortical temporal epilepsy (NT). Ictal EEGs were analyzed visually according to predetermined criteria and by using a source localization program (BESA5.1). The topographies of interictal discharges were compared among the three groups. Results: Ictal patterns and locations overlapped across all the groups. The initial onset patterns in NT were less likely to localize to one temporal region as compared with the other groups (P < 0.008). Rhythmic temporal theta as later pattern was seen significantly more frequently in HS than in NT (P < 0.001). All seizures in PT spread to the contralateral side compared with 73 of 86 (85%) of “true temporal” seizures (P < 0.05). Source analysis of the ictal discharge and topographic distribution of interictal discharges were not able to separate the three groups. Conclusions: Pseudotemporal ictal patterns are morphologically indistinguishable from true temporal ictal patterns. Although statistically more common in hippocampal sclerosis, rhythmic theta pattern can be seen as a result of propagation from extratemporal sites.
Parliaments and Government Formation: Unpacking Investiture Rules

Under parliamentarism, the executive, typically termed ? the government? , comes from, and remains responsible to, the national parliament. Although government formation has long been recognized as a core function of national parliaments, and despite the prevalence of comparative scholarship on the politics of government formation, surprisingly little research has explored the precise role of parliament in the process of government formation. For instance, exactly what does ? come from? parliament mean in the context of government formation under parliamentarism? The focus of this book is on the parliamentary investiture vote. Investiture consists of a vote in parliament to demonstrate that an already formed or about to be formed government has legislative support. To better understand the degree to which parliamentary rules and procedures impact government formation, the book ? unpacks? the investiture procedure by identifying and categorizing the great variation in investiture rules in various parliaments and examine how investiture procedures operate in practice. The sixteen case studies are complemented with two cross-national chapters. The case studies and quantitative evidence suggest that scholars of comparative politics need to pay greater attention to the more nuanced details of institutional design. Broad institutional design matters, but the details of institutional design may matter even more.
Natural Infections With Pigeon Paramyxovirus Serotype 1: Pathologic Changes in Eurasian Collared-Doves (Streptopelia decaocto) and Rock Pigeons (Columba livia) in the United States

Pigeon paramyxovirus serotype 1 (PPMV-1) is a globally distributed, virulent member of the avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 serogroup that causes mortality in columbiformes and poultry. Following introduction into the United States in the mid-1980s, PPMV-1 rapidly spread causing numerous mortality events in Eurasian collared-doves (Streptopelia decaocto) (ECDOs) and rock pigeons (Columba livia) (ROPIs). The investigators reviewed pathological findings of 70 naturally infected, free-ranging columbiforms from 25 different mortality events in the United States. Immunohistochemistry targeting PPMV-1 nucleoprotein was used to determine the tissue distribution of the virus in a subset of 17 birds from 10 of the studied outbreaks. ECDOs (61 birds) and ROPIs (9 birds) were the only species in which PPMV-1-associated disease was confirmed by viral isolation and presence of histologic lesions. Acute to subacute tubulointerstitial nephritis and necrotizing pancreatitis were the most frequent histologic lesions, with immunolabeling of viral antigen in renal tubular epithelial cells and pancreatic acinar epithelium. Lymphoid depletion of bursa of Fabricius and spleen was common, but the presence of viral antigen in these organs was inconsistent among infected birds. Hepatocellular necrosis was occasionally present with immunolabeling of hypertrophic Kupffer cells, and immunopositive eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were present in hepatocytes of 1 ECDO. Immunopositive lymphocytic choroiditis was present in 1 ECDO, while lymphocytic meningoencephalitis was frequent in ROPIs in absence of immunolabeling. This study demonstrates widespread presence of PPMV-1 antigen in association with histologic lesions, confirming the lethal potential of this virus in these particular bird species.
A High-Efficiency Single-Phase AC/DC Converter With Enabling Window Control and Active Input Bridge

The conventional continuous conduction mode boost converter has been widely used for power factor correction (PFC) applications because of its high input power factor and simplicity, but it suffers from conduction loss in the input rectifier bridge and switching loss due to the high switching frequency. The efficiency decreases significantly under the low input voltage or the light-load work condition. In this paper, a novel enabling window control (EWC) method is introduced to reduce the switching loss, and an active input bridge is used to replace the traditional diode bridge for high efficiency. The proposed EWC method is easy to implement with existing PFC ICs, and only a few additional control components are needed. Moreover, electromagnetic interference noise and driving loss of the main switch can be reduced with the EWC method. Semiconductor devices with competitive price can be used to reach efficiency as high as SiC diode and Cool-MOSFETs. A self-driven circuit is also used for the active bridge. The principle and design of proposed method are presented and the validity of the proposed method is verified by experimental results obtained from a 500-W prototype.
Resisting Dispossession: Indigenous Peoples, the World Bank and the Contested Terrain of Policy

Over the past several decades, prominent international financial institutions (IFIs) have come to be seen as iconic representations of neoliberal globalization associated with a hegemonic definition of development. While the dominant discourse is one that justifies some negative environmental and social outcomes as a logical cost of development, the spotlight on the impacts of development projects in the recent past has led many multilateral development banks to reassess their existing social and environmental policies, or, in some cases, to develop new ones. This article traces the history of the World Banks review and revision of its policy related to Indigenous Peoples as well as its lending for projects related to extractive industries. The goal in using these specific cases is to elucidate some of the political dynamics associated with international development and the role of IFIs. The analysis of recent IFI-based policy reviews is used to draw conclusions about current and near future implications of the policy terrain regarding the World Banks continued emphasis on extractive industries (Bebbington et al 2008: 889) and its more recent involvement in projects associated with climate change mitigation. Using the case of the Banks policy reviews, I analyze the ways in which Indigenous Peoples have engaged in the process of defining the World Banks policy terrain that has more than semantic consequences. While the World Bank has attempted to maintain policies that facilitate accumulation through dispossession (Harvey 2003), Indigenous Peoples have strategically resisted this process by deploying a rights-based discourse (related to land tenure, governance dynamics, and self-determination) that is being codified in other international policy-making processes. Specific examples of interactions between the World Bank and Indigenous Peoples illustrate the tension between discourses of capital accumulation and environmental or social responsibility.
Significance of the tropical fire ant Solenopsis geminata (hymenoptera: formicidae) as part of the natural enemy complex responsible for successful biological control of many tropical irrigated rice pests

Abstract The tropical fire ant Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius) often nests very abundantly in the earthen banks (bunds) around irrigated rice fields in the tropics. Where some farmers habitually drain fields to the mud for about 3–4 days, the ants can quickly spread up to about 20 m into the fields where they collect food, including pest prey such as the eggs and young of the apple snail Pomacea caniculata (Lamarck) and insects such as lepidopterous larvae and hoppers, notably Nilaparvata lugens (Stäl) the brown planthopper (Bph) and green leafhoppers Nephotettix spp. Even in drained fields, the activity of S. geminata is restricted by rainfall in the wet season. The relatively few ant workers that forage characteristically into drained fields and on to the transplanted clumps of rice plants (hills) kill the normally few immigrant Bph adults but are initially slower acting than other species of the natural enemy complex. However, larger populations of Bph are fiercely attacked and effectively controlled by rapidly recruited ant workers; whereas, in the absence of the ant, the other natural enemies are inadequate. In normal circumstances, there is no ant recruitment in response to initially small populations of immigrant Bph and no evidence of incompatibility between ant foragers and other natural enemies such as spiders. However, when many ants are quickly and aggressively recruited to attack large populations of Bph, they temporarily displace some spiders from infested hills. It is concluded that, in suitable weather conditions and even when insecticides kill natural enemies within the rice field, periodic drainage that enables S. geminata to join the predator complex is valuable for ant-based control of pests such as snails and Lepidoptera, and especially against relatively large populations of Bph. Drainage practices to benefit ants are fully compatible with recent research, which shows that periodic drainage combats problems of ‘yield decline’ in intensively irrigated tropical rice and is also needed in South East Asia to make better use of seriously declining water supplies for irrigation.
Ultra-Low Power Hybrid TFET-MOSFET Topologies for Standard Logic Cells with Improved Comprehensive Performance

Tunnel FET (TFET) is recognized to be one of the most promising candidates for ultra-low power applications due to its ultra-low off current and high compatibility with CMOS process. However, different from the typical features of MOSFET, some electrical characteristics of TFETs caused by asymmetric device structure and special conduction mechanism may make conventional topologies of circuits no longer applicable. In this paper, it is found that the TFETs stacking will result in severe current degradation behavior, which makes traditional topologies of logic gates may be not applicable. To solve this problem, a set of novel hybrid TFET-MOSFET topologies for standard logic cells are proposed. The proposed designs achieve more than 2 times lower hardware cost and intrinsic delay, and realize up to 4 times lower area-power-delay product (APDP) than that of conventional TFET-based logic circuits. Moreover, the proposed topologies can achieve almost 2 orders of magnitude lower power and up to 34 times lower APDP than that of conventional MOSFET-based logic circuits. The proposed standard logic cells show great superiority for power-constraint applications.
Is it going to be SIN?

Insertional mutagenesis resulting in a leukaemia‐like lymphoproliferative disease, as observed in the X‐SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency) clinical trial using a γ‐retroviral vector that transferred a functional copy of the defective gene into hematopoietic precursor cells of affected children, sparked a debate about a ban on conventional γ‐retroviral vectors. This commentary summarizes the relevant data on this topic and concludes that there is no preclinical or clinical evidence as yet that SIN vectors, which self‐inactivate the retroviral long terminal repeats (LTRs), will indeed show an improved safety profile. Conventional murine leukaemia virus (MLV) vectors can thus be used further in clinical gene therapy trials but require a thorough case‐by‐case risk‐benefit analysis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reproducibility of the Retinal Vascular Response to Flicker Light in Asians

Purpose: Dilation of retinal vessels in response to diffuse luminance flicker may reflect endothelial function. Although this has previously been shown to be reproducible in whites, there have been no similar data in Asians. We assess the reproducibility of repeated measurements of this response in Asians. Material and Methods: Healthy Asians (n = 33) with normal vision and no history of glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cataract, or retinal arterial/venous occlusion participated in this study. Repeated measures from the same subjects were taken 30–60 min apart using the Dynamic Vessel Analyser (DVA, IMEDOS, Jena, Germany). Modification was made to the shape of the light source for Asian participants. Correlations of the first and second measures were assessed using Pearson correlation (R2), and agreement between the two measures was shown using Bland–Altman plots. Results: After modification to the shape of the light source, almost perfect correlation was found between the 1st and 2nd measurements of baseline arteriolar (R2 = 0.95) and venular diameters (R2 = 0.98) of arteriolar maximum dilation (R2 = 0.85). Substantially high correlation between the 1st and 2nd measurements of venular maximum dilation was found (R2 = 0.80). Conclusions: Measurements of the dilation response of retinal vessels to diffuse luminance flicker an Asian sample using the DVA show high reproducibility for repeated measures over a short period of time. Such measurements may allow non-invasive quantification of endothelial function to study its association with systemic and ocular diseases.
Experience with Massive Open Online Courses in Slovakia

The online form of education has recently become very popular worldwide. Academic leaders in many countries have identified this form as a key for long-term development of educational institutions. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC), intended for the general public have become a phenomenon. MOOCs are offered by universities worldwide. The School of Management / City University of Seattle started as the first institution to offer online education in Slovakia more than nine years ago. In the months of July and August 2013 the School of Management / City University of Seattle offered free courses to the public, again as the first school in the country. The methodology of this form of education will be discussed, comparing our experience with foreign studies and – based on empirical research – effective methods of teaching online courses in an environment of open online courses for the public will be identified.