Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phagocytosis and killing of Candida albicans of polymorphonuclear cells in patients with organ transplant of periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND The easiest defence system carried out by the organism, the inflammatory response, happens with the support of phagocyting cells: the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) or neutrophils are the most important cell line acting as the first defence of the organism against bacterial agents. Previous studies have shown a correlation between a reduction of the immune function and development of periodontal disease. Furthermore, it is well known that transplant patients show a variety of oral lesions as a consequence of their therapy, in particular to immunosuppressive drugs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the phagocytosis and killing functions of PMNL in transplant patients and in patients with periodontal disease in comparison with a group of healthy subjects. METHODS PMNL, were isolated by spontaneous sedimentation from heparinized blood and centrifugation of plasma on density medium. Phagocytosis rate was expressed as the percentage of Candida albicans phagocyted after 20' incubation and phagocyting PMNLs. Intracellular killing was expressed as the percentage of yeast cells killed. RESULTS We did not find a significant decrease of phagocytosis in transplant patients and patients with periodontal disease while these two groups of patients showed a decrease of PMNL killing activity in respect to healthy controls, an effect which was unrelated to the severity of periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that a reduction of killing activity, either spontaneous or drug-induced, would contribute to the development of periodontal disease.
Stimulus Competition in Affective and Relational Learning

Abstract Evaluative learning theory states that affective learning, the acquisition of likes and dislikes, is qualitatively different from relational learning, the learning of predictive relationships among stimuli. Three experiments tested the prediction derived from evaluative learning theory that relational learning, but not affective learning, is affected by stimulus competition by comparing performance during two conditional stimuli, one trained in a superconditioning procedure and the other in a blocking procedure. Ratings of unconditional stimulus expectancy and electrodermal responses indicated stimulus competition in relational learning. Evidence for stimulus competition in affective learning was provided by verbal ratings of conditional stimulus pleasantness and by measures of blink startle modulation. Taken together, the present experiments demonstrate stimulus competition in relational and affective learning, a result inconsistent with evaluative learning theory.
Loop Tiling in the Presence of Exceptions

Exceptions in OO languages provide a convenient mechanism to deal with anomalous situations. However, many of the loop optimization techniques cannot be applied in the presence of conditional throw statements in the body of the loop, owing to possible cross iteration control dependences. Compilers either ignore such throw statements and apply traditional loop optimizations (semantic non-preserving), or conservatively avoid invoking any of these optimizations altogether (inefficient). We define a loop optimization to be xception-safe, if the optimization can be applied even on (possibly) exception throwing loops, in a semantics preserving manner. In this paper, we present a generalized scheme to do exception-safe loop optimizations and present a scheme of optimized exception-safe loop tiling (oESLT), as a specialization thereof. oESLT tiles the input loops, assuming that exceptions will never be thrown. To ensure the semantics preservation (in case an exception is thrown), oESLT generates code to rollback the updates done in the advanced iterations (iterations that the unoptimized code would not have executed, but executed speculatively by the oESLT generated code) and safely-execute the delayed iterations (ones that the unoptimized code would have executed, but not executed by the code generated by oESLT). For the rollback phase to work efficiently, oESLT identifies a minimal number of elements to backup and generates the necessary code. We implement oESLT, along with a naive scheme (nESLT, where we backup every element and do a full rollback and safe-execution in case an exception is thrown), in the Graphite framework of GCC 4.8. To help in this process, we define a new program region called ESCoPs (Extended Static Control Parts) that helps identify loops with multiple exit points and interface with the underlying polyhedral representation. We use the popular PolyBench suite to present a comparative evaluation of nESLT and oESLT against the unoptimized versions.
Vision, Perception, and Attention through the Lens of Microsaccades: Mechanisms and Implications

Microsaccades are small saccades. Neurophysiologically, microsaccades are generated using similar brainstem mechanisms as larger saccades. This suggests that peri-saccadic changes in vision that accompany large saccades might also be expected to accompany microsaccades. In this review, we highlight recent evidence demonstrating this. Microsaccades are not only associated with suppressed visual sensitivity and perception, as in the phenomenon of saccadic suppression, but they are also associated with distorted spatial representations, as in the phenomenon of saccadic compression, and pre-movement response gain enhancement, as in the phenomenon of pre-saccadic attention. Surprisingly, the impacts of peri-microsaccadic changes in vision are far reaching, both in time relative to movement onset as well as spatial extent relative to movement size. Periods of ~100 ms before and ~100 ms after microsaccades exhibit significant changes in neuronal activity and behavior, and this happens at eccentricities much larger than the eccentricities targeted by the microsaccades themselves. Because microsaccades occur during experiments enforcing fixation, these effects create a need to consider the impacts of microsaccades when interpreting a variety of experiments on vision, perception, and cognition using awake, behaving subjects. The clearest example of this idea to date has been on the links between microsaccades and covert visual attention. Recent results have demonstrated that peri-microsaccadic changes in vision play a significant role in both neuronal and behavioral signatures of covert visual attention, so much so that in at least some attentional cueing paradigms, there is very tight synchrony between microsaccades and the emergence of attentional effects. Just like large saccades, microsaccades are genuine motor outputs, and their impacts can be substantial even during perceptual and cognitive experiments not concerned with overt motor generation per se.
Forensic Case Formulation

Formulation is the process or product of gathering and integrating diverse information to develop a concise account of the nature and etiology of the problems affecting a person's mental health to guide idiographic treatment design and other decision-making. Formulation is a core competency in mental health practice, including forensic mental health; however, there is no agreement concerning the details of how it should be done or how to evaluate it, either generally or more specifically with respect to forensic mental health. The purpose of this paper is to raise specific issues in the practice and evaluation of forensic case formulation, and so enhance the profile of this important area of work. In this paper, we (1) define case formulation and describe its key features, (2) specify criteria for evaluating case formulation, and (3) address challenges in forensic practice, with suggestions for advancing practice through research. We conclude with a proposed research agenda that we hope will encourage and promote activity in this important area.
Seasonal Land Cover Dynamics in Beijing Derived from Landsat 8 Data Using a Spatio-Temporal Contextual Approach

Seasonal dynamic land cover maps could provide useful information to ecosystem, water-resource and climate modelers. However, they are rarely mapped more frequent than annually. Here, we propose an approach to map dynamic land cover types with frequently available satellite data. Landsat 8 data acquired from nine dates over Beijing within a one-year period were used to map seasonal land cover dynamics. A two-step procedure was performed for training sample collection to get better results. Sample sets were interpreted for each acquisition date of Landsat 8 image. We used the random forest classifier to realize the mapping. Nine sets of experiments were designed to incorporate different input features and use of spatial temporal information into the dynamic land cover classification. Land cover maps obtained with single-date data in the optical spectral region were used as benchmarks. Texture, NDVI and thermal infrared bands were added as new features for improvements. A Markov random field (MRF) model was applied to maintain the spatio-temporal consistency. Classifications with all features from all images were performed, and an MRF model was also applied to the results estimated with all features. The best overall accuracies achieved for each date ranged from 75.31% to 85.61%.
“KNOWLEDGE GAP” PHENOMENA

This article examines two rival explanations for knowledge gaps. One explanation relates to transsituational attributes that is, socioeconomic characteristics) while the second focuses upon situation-specific characteristics that is, policy-relevant personal motivations). Four measures of knowledge levels are employed—technical term familiarity, problem articulation, self-assessed level of informedness, and the ability to define key policy concepts. This study uses three SES measures (education, income, and occupational status) and five motivational measures (types of use of water, involvement in water politics, water policy satisfaction, water policy priority, and extremity of environmental attitudes). The results show that situation-specific factors are the more important influences on knowledge levels, casting doubt on theories suggesting that lower SES persons may be permanently relegated to a public affairs knowledge deficit.
Platelet Shape Change Is Mediated by both Calcium-dependent and -independent Signaling Pathways

Platelets undergo shape change upon activation with agonists. During shape change, disc-shaped platelets turn into spiculated spheres with protruding filopodia. When agonist-induced cytosolic Ca2+ increases were prevented using the cytosolic Ca2+ chelator, 5,5′-dimethyl-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (5,5′-dimethyl-BAPTA), platelets still underwent shape change, although the onset was delayed and the initial rate was dramatically decreased. In the absence of cytosolic Ca2+, agonist-stimulated myosin light chain phosphorylation was significantly inhibited. The myosin light chain was maximally phosphorylated at 2 s in control platelets compared with 30 s in 5,5′-dimethyl-BAPTA-treated platelets. ADP, thrombin, or U46619-induced Ca2+-independent platelet shape change was significantly reduced by staurosporine, a nonselective kinase inhibitor, by the selective p160 Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase inhibitor Y-27632, or by HA 1077. Both Y-27632 and HA 1077 reduced peak levels of ADP-induced platelet shape change and myosin light chain phosphorylation in control platelets. In 5,5′-dimethyl-BAPTA-treated platelets, Y-27632 and HA 1077 completely abolished both ADP-induced platelet shape change and myosin light chain phosphorylation. Our results indicate that Ca2+/calmodulin-stimulated myosin light chain kinase and p160 Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase independently contribute to myosin light chain phosphorylation and platelet shape change, through Ca2+-sensitive and Ca2+-insensitive pathways, respectively.
Analysis of Pattern Gain of Compact Directional 16-port Antenna

Up to now, conventional compact antennas have been designed to acquire as much gain as an ideal 6-port polarimetric antenna can obtain. It was recently shown that an achievable number of degrees of freedom (DOF) can be increased regardless of given antenna space. Here, we propose a compact directional 16-port antenna, with a size of about (0.5λ)3 and a radiation frequency of 2 GHz, which allows more than a six-DOF gain to be achieved using pattern gain. We analyze the far field of the proposed 16-port antenna using spherical vector-wave modes and show that the ergodic capacity of the proposed 16-port antenna is close to that of an ideal 16-port antenna.
Motor Activity in Adult Patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective Hyperactivity is a core symptom of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but limited information is available on analysis of activity patterns in this disorder. The aim of the study was to analyze motor activity during daily living in adult patients with ADHD. Methods Patients (n=76) from the private psychiatric practice of two of the authors were recruited, and were compared to patients with other psychiatric disorders and to normal controls. Actigraphs were used to record motor activity for six days, with one minute intervals, and data were analysed using linear and non-linear mathematical methods. Results For short recording periods (300 minutes) the activity levels of ADHD patients do not differ from normal controls, but the autocorrelation (lag 1) is lower and Fourier analysis shows higher power in the high frequency range, corresponding to the period from 2-8 min. During recordings for six days there are no significant differences between ADHD patients and the control groups. The combined and inattentive subgroups differ only in the six days recordings. The Fourier analyses show that the combined type has lower power in the high frequency range, corresponding to the period from 4-8 hours, and in the analysis of rhythms the intra-daily variability is lower, compared to the inattentive type. Conclusion Adult ADHD patients do not show evidence of hyperactivity, but have levels of activity similar to normal controls. However, on several measures ADHD patients display altered activity patterns, indicating that the regulation of motor activity in this disorder is different from controls.
A comparison of older and younger women's attitudes towards apparel and media

Although a large proportion of the population is ageing, youth still commands a high value in our society. This study was designed to compare older and younger women's attitudes towards apparel and media. Apparel advertising has evolved from selling a product to selling an image. Various forms of media play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards apparel. Two hundred and twentynine women are surveyed about their attitudes concerning apparel and media. A reliability analysis of the instrument was conducted. A discriminant analysis indicated that, of the 56 items on the apparel and media scales, seven items significantly discriminated between the two groups. There were few differences between age groups, which suggested that women of all ages hold similar attitudes towards apparel and media. However, older women were more tolerant of social appearance errors and more concerned with comfort versus fashion. Older women also seemed to recognise the magnitude and penetration of media in the apparel arena more than younger women, and were less satisfied with apparel currently available. Results have implications for apparel manufacturers and retailers, as well as advertising executives.
MODELING COST OF TREATMENT WITH NEW TOPICAL TREATMENTS FOR GLAUCOMA

Several new topical agents have been introduced recently and it can be expected that the treatment of glaucoma will change, depending on how effectively these agents control intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP is considered the major risk factor in the development of glaucomatous damage. In order to estimate the impact of these new agents on the cost of treating glaucoma, a simulation model was created to estimate the cost of treating patients with a recent diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension in different countries. The Markov model is based on retrospective chart reviews in different countries and calculates only cost, not outcome. Results are presented for France and the United Kingdom, where current treatment appeared to be comparable. Average one-year costs per patient with current treatment were FF2,389 (US $389) and £380 (US $627), respectively. Costs with the new treatments were lower than with current therapy.
Do Satisfied Employees Make Customers Satisfied ? : an investigation into the relationship between service employee job satisfaction and customer perceived service quality

The relationship of employee job satisfaction with customer service quality evaluation and customer loyalty is studied. A study of the UK financial services industry finds that, contrary to previous research, employee job satisfaction does not affect customers’ perceptions of service quality; but there is a relationship between job satisfaction and one measure of customer loyalty repurchase intention. Managers aiming to improve employee satisfaction should reduce the negative consequences of the two main role stressors of role ambiguity and role conflict.
Acute Oral Toxicity and Brine Shrimp Lethality of Elaeis guineensis Jacq., (Oil Palm Leaf) Methanol Extract

Elaeis guineensis (Arecaceae) is widely used in West African traditional medicine for treating various ailments. An evaluation on the toxicity of extracts of this plant is crucial to support the therapeutic claims. The acute oral toxicity and brine shrimp lethality of a methanolic extract of this plant was tested. Oral administration of crude extract at the highest dose of 5,000 mg/kg resulted in no mortalities or evidence of adverse effects, implying that E. guineensis is nontoxic. Normal behavioral pattern, clinical signs and histology of vital organs confirm this evidence. The E. guineensis extracts screened for toxicity against brine shrimp had 50% lethal concentration (LC50) values of more than 1.0 mg/mL (9.00 and 3.87 mg/mL, at 6 and 24 h, respectively), confirming that the extract was not toxic. Maximum mortalities occurred at 100 mg/mL concentration while the least mortalities happened to be at 0.195 mg/mL concentration. The results of both tests confirm that E. guineensis is nontoxic and hence safe for commercial utilization.
Leave-one-out Procedure in the Validation of Elimination Rate Constant Analysis

Abstract Many registration agencies and other organizations define how to calculate the elimination rate constant (kel) value. No validation procedures have been introduced to verify the correct selection of the concentration-time (C–T) points used for the kel calculation. The purpose of this paper is to discover whether kel analysis can be subjected to the condensed validation procedure and what acceptance criteria should be adopted for such a procedure. For the analysis, data collected during bioequivalence studies of 4 drugs were selected, including 2 highly lipophilic drugs (itraconazole, atorvastatin) and 2 weakly lipophilic drugs (trimetazidine, perindopril). Pharmacokinetic calculations were performed with the use of WinNonlin Professional v 5.3. Internal validation of the kel analysis using leave-one-out cross-validation was performed. The present analysis proves that the C–T selection process for the kel calculations cannot be automated. In each of the analysed data series there were such C–T sequences that did not meet even one of the validation criteria. This paper proposes 3 validation criteria which need to be met in order to confirm the optimal selection of C–T data to calculate kel: Q 2≥0.6, R2≥ 0.85, Q 2–R2<0.3, were Q 2 – squared cross-validated correlation coefficient, R2 – coefficient of determination). Application of the validation procedure for the kel analysis under discussion proves the accuracy of the calculations, even if repeated kel analysis is based on a different sequence of points in the elimination phase.
XXS

The eXtensible Markup Language (XML) is acknowledged as the de facto standard for semistructured data representation and data exchange on the Web and many other scenarios. A well-known shortcoming of XML is its verbosity, which increases manipulation, transmission, and processing costs. Various structure-blind and structure-conscious compression techniques can be applied to XML, and some are even access-friendly, meaning that the documents can be efficiently accessed in compressed form. Direct access is necessary to implement the query languages XPath and XQuery, which are the standard ones to exploit the expressiveness of XML. While a good deal of theoretical and practical proposals exist to solve XPath/XQuery operations on XML, only a few ones are well integrated with a compression format that supports the required access operations on the XML data. In this work we go one step further and design a compression format for XML collections that boosts the performance of XPath queries on the data. This is done by designing compressed representations of the XML data that support some complex operations apart from just accessing the data, and those are exploited to solve key components of the XPath queries. Our system, called XXS, is aimed at XML collections containing natural language text, which are compressed to within 35%--50% of their original size while supporting a large subset of XPath operations in time competitive with, and many times outperforming, the best state-of-the-art systems that work on uncompressed representations.
Motor neurons and the generation of spinal motor neuron diversity

Motor neurons (MNs) are neuronal cells located in the central nervous system (CNS) controlling a variety of downstream targets. This function infers the existence of MN subtypes matching the identity of the targets they innervate. To illustrate the mechanism involved in the generation of cellular diversity and the acquisition of specific identity, this review will focus on spinal MNs (SpMNs) that have been the core of significant work and discoveries during the last decades. SpMNs are responsible for the contraction of effector muscles in the periphery. Humans possess more than 500 different skeletal muscles capable to work in a precise time and space coordination to generate complex movements such as walking or grasping. To ensure such refined coordination, SpMNs must retain the identity of the muscle they innervate. Within the last two decades, scientists around the world have produced considerable efforts to elucidate several critical steps of SpMNs differentiation. During development, SpMNs emerge from dividing progenitor cells located in the medial portion of the ventral neural tube. MN identities are established by patterning cues working in cooperation with intrinsic sets of transcription factors. As the embryo develop, MNs further differentiate in a stepwise manner to form compact anatomical groups termed pools connecting to a unique muscle target. MN pools are not homogeneous and comprise subtypes according to the muscle fibers they innervate. This article aims to provide a global view of MN classification as well as an up-to-date review of the molecular mechanisms involved in the generation of SpMN diversity. Remaining conundrums will be discussed since a complete understanding of those mechanisms constitutes the foundation required for the elaboration of prospective MN regeneration therapies.