Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Airway Inflammation and Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Athlete’s Asthma

Purpose Asthma is frequently reported in endurance athletes. The aim of the present study was to assess the long-term airway inflammatory response to endurance exercise in high-level athletes with and without asthma. Methods In a cross-sectional design, 20 asthmatic athletes (10 swimmers and 10 cross-country skiers), 19 athletes without asthma (10 swimmers and 9 cross-country skiers), and 24 healthy nonathletes completed methacholine bronchial challenge, lung function tests, and sputum induction on two separate days. All athletes competed on a national or international level and exercised ≥10 h·wk−1. The nonathletes exercised ⩽5 h·wk−1 and reported no previous lung disease. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) was defined as a methacholine provocation dose causing 20% decrease in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s of ⩽8 &mgr;mol. Results BHR was present in 13 asthmatic athletes (62%), 11 healthy athletes (58%), and 8 healthy nonathletes (32%), and the prevalence differed among groups (P = 0.005). Sputum inflammatory and epithelial cell counts did not differ between groups and were within the normal range. Median (25th to 75th percentiles) sputum interleukin-8 was elevated in both asthmatic (378.4 [167.0–1123.4]) and healthy (340.2 [175.5–892.4]) athletes as compared with healthy nonathletes (216.6 [129.5–314.0], P = 0.02). No correlations were found between provocation dose causing 20% decrease and sputum cell counts. Conclusion Independent of asthma diagnosis, a high occurrence of BHR and an increased sputum interleukin-8 were found in athletes as compared with nonathletes. Airway inflammation or epithelial damage was not related to BHR.
Banks , firms , and jobs ∗

Job disruptions is one of the most visible effects of financial crises and a broad literature shows that credit supply shocks lead to a reduction in employment. We contribute to this literature investigating individual heterogeneity across firms, workers and jobs in the response to a financial shock. We use an extremely rich data set on job contracts in one Italian region, matched with the universe of firms and their lending banks. To isolate the effect of credit supply shocks we build a firm-specific time-varying measure of credit restrictions and we take into account the confounding role of demand and productivity shocks saturating the model with fixed effects. Our findings indicate that a credit supply contraction reduces employment and the effect is economically large. The impact of the credit crunch is concentrated in fixed-term contracts and in services and it is stronger in more leveraged firms, foreign citizens, women and less educated workers. JEL Codes: G01; G21; J23; J63
Dengue in Bali: Clinical characteristics and genetic diversity of circulating dengue viruses

A high number of dengue cases are reported annually in Bali. Despite the endemicity, limited data on dengue is available for Bali localities. Molecular surveillance study was conducted to explore the clinical and virological characteristics of dengue patients in urban Denpasar and rural Gianyar areas in Bali during the peak season in 2015. A total of 205 adult dengue-suspected patients were recruited in a prospective cross-sectional study. Demographic and clinical information were obtained, and dengue screening was performed using NS1 and IgM/IgG ELISAs. Viral RNA was subsequently extracted from patients’ sera for serotyping using conventional RT-PCR and Simplexa Dengue real-time RT-PCR, followed by genotyping with sequencing method. We confirmed 161 patients as having dengue by NS1 and RT-PCR. Among 154 samples successfully serotyped, the DENV-3 was predominant, followed by DENV-1, DENV-2, and DENV-4. Serotype predominance was different between Denpasar and Gianyar. Genotyping results classify DENV-1 isolates into Genotype I and DENV-2 as Cosmopolitan Genotype. The classification grouped isolates into Genotype I and II for DENV-3 and DENV-4, respectively. Clinical parameters showed no relationship between infecting serotypes and severity. We observed the genetic diversity of circulating DENV isolates and their relatedness with historical data and importation to other countries. Our data highlights the role of this tourist destination as a potential source of dengue transmission in the region.
Experiencing a probabilistic approach to clarify and disclose uncertainties when setting occupational exposure limits.

OBJECTIVES Assessment factors (AFs) are commonly used for deriving reference concentrations for chemicals. These factors take into account variabilities as well as uncertainties in the dataset, such as inter-species and intra-species variabilities or exposure duration extrapolation or extrapolation from the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) to the noobserved- adverse-effect level (NOAEL). In a deterministic approach, the value of an AF is the result of a debate among experts and, often a conservative value is used as a default choice. A probabilistic framework to better take into account uncertainties and/or variability when setting occupational exposure limits (OELs) is presented and discussed in this paper. MATERIAL AND METHODS Each AF is considered as a random variable with a probabilistic distribution. A short literature was conducted before setting default distributions ranges and shapes for each AF commonly used. A random sampling, using Monte Carlo techniques, is then used for propagating the identified uncertainties and computing the final OEL distribution. RESULTS Starting from the broad default distributions obtained, experts narrow it to its most likely range, according to the scientific knowledge available for a specific chemical. Introducing distribution rather than single deterministic values allows disclosing and clarifying variability and/or uncertainties inherent to the OEL construction process. CONCLUSIONS This probabilistic approach yields quantitative insight into both the possible range and the relative likelihood of values for model outputs. It thereby provides a better support in decision-making and improves transparency. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(4):475-489.
A Fuzzy Control System for Improving Learning

It has been shown that the emotional state of students has an important relationship with learning; for instance, engaged concentration is positively correlated with learning. This paper proposes the Fuzzy Control for Improving Learning (FCIL), the proposed technique induces emotions in the player for supporting the learning process. The fuzzy system analyzes the players' emotional state for controlling the aesthetic content of an educational video game. A total of 13 subjects played a video game designed to practice basic math skills; for each trial, a student plays two times in a row the same game but each time the game was controlled by one of two approaches: FCIL or random. Results show that when the proposed approach is used, participants showed more engagement, i.e., they were in pleasant-high states more frequently. The proposed approach is a promising alternative for improving the learning effectiveness through detection and stimulation of positive emotions.
Once More, With Feeling! Using Creative Affective Metaphors to Express Information Needs

Creative metaphors abound in language because they facilitate communication that is memorable, effective and elastic. Such metaphors allow a speaker to be maximally suggestive while being minimally committed to any single interpretation, so they can both supply and elicit information in a conversation. Yet, though metaphors are often used to articulate affective viewpoints and information needs in everyday language, they are rarely used in information retrieval (IR) queries. IR fails to distinguish between creative and uncreative uses of words, since it typically treats words as literal mentions rather than suggestive allusions. We show here how a computational model of affective comprehension and generation allows IR users to express their information needs with creative metaphors that concisely allude to a dense body of assertions. The key to this approach is a lexicon of stereotypical concepts and their affective properties. We show how such a lexicon is harvested from the open web and from local web n-grams.
Title: Evolutionary thrift: mycobacteria repurpose plasmid diversity during adaptation of type VII secretion systems

Mycobacteria have a distinct secretion system, termed type VII (T7SS), which is encoded by paralogous chromosomal loci (ESX) and associated with pathogenesis, conjugation, and metal homeostasis. Evolution of paralogous gene families is of interest because duplication is an important mechanism by which novel genes evolve, but there are potential conflicts between adaptive forces that stabilize duplications and those that enable evolution of new functions. Our objective was to delineate the adaptive forces underlying diversification of T7SS. Plasmid-borne ESX were described recently, and we found evidence that the initial duplication and divergence of ESX systems occurred on plasmids and was driven by selection for advantageous mutations. Plasmid conjugation has been linked to T7SS and type IV secretion systems (T4SS) in mycobacteria, and we discovered that T7SS and T4SS genes evolved in concert on the plasmids. We hypothesize that differentiation of plasmid ESX helps to prevent conjugation among cells harboring incompatible plasmids. Plasmid ESX appear to have been repurposed following migration to the chromosome, and there is evidence of positive selection driving further differentiation of chromosomal ESX. We hypothesize that ESX loci were initially stabilized on the chromosome by mediating their own transfer. These results emphasize the diverse adaptive paths underlying evolution of novelty, which in this case involved plasmid duplications, selection for advantageous mutations in the mobile and core genomes, migration of the loci between plasmids and chromosomes, and lateral transfer among chromosomes. We discuss further implications for the choice of model organism to study ESX functions in Mycobacterium tuberculosis .
Adaptive behaviour selection for autonomous vehicle through naturalistic speed planning

As autonomous technologies in ground vehicle application begin to mature, there is a greater acceptance that they can eventually exhaust human involvement in the driving activity. There is however still a long way to go before such maturity is seen in autonomous ground vehicles. One of the critical limitations of the existing technology is the inability to navigate complex dynamic traffic scenarios such as non-signalised roundabouts safely, efficiently and while maintaining passenger drive comfort. The navigation at roundabouts has often been considered as either a problem of collision avoidance alone or the problem of efficient driving (reducing congestion). We argue that for any autonomous planning solution to be accepted for replacing the human driver, it has to consider all the three objectives of safety, efficiency and comfort. With human drivers driving these complex and dynamic scenarios for a long time, learning from the human driving has become a promising area of research. In this work, we learn human driver's longitudinal behaviours for driving at a non-signalised roundabout. This knowledge is then used to generate longitudinal behaviour candidate profiles that give the autonomous vehicle different behaviour choices in a dynamic environment. A decision-making algorithm is then employed to tactically select the optimal behaviour candidate based on the existing scenario dynamics. There are two important contributions in this paper, firstly the adaptive longitudinal behaviour candidate generation algorithm and secondly the tactical, risk aware, multi-objective decision-making algorithm. We describe their implementation and compare the autonomous vehicle performance against human driving.
Beyond affordance: tangibles' hybrid nature

A prevalent assumption behind interface approaches that employ physical means of interaction is that this leverages users' prior knowledge from the real world. This paper scrutinizes the assumption that this knowledge can be seamlessly transferred to computer-augmented situations. TEI needs design strategies that acknowledge the hybrid nature of our systems. A change of focus is advocated: from support of intuitive use to the design of seamful mappings and the support of reflection and learning to enable appropriation and a better understanding of the systems we use.
Crystallographic study of self-organization in the solid state including quasi-aromatic pseudo-ring stacking interactions in 1-benzoyl-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)thiourea and 1-benzoyl-3-(2-hydroxypropyl)thiourea.

1-Benzoylthioureas contain both carbonyl and thiocarbonyl functional groups and are of interest for their biological activity, metal coordination ability and involvement in hydrogen-bond formation. Two novel 1-benzoylthiourea derivatives, namely 1-benzoyl-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)thiourea, C16H16N2O3S, (I), and 1-benzoyl-3-(2-hydroxypropyl)thiourea, C11H14N2O2S, (II), have been synthesized and characterized. Compound (I) crystallizes in the space group P-1, while (II) crystallizes in the space group P21/c. In both structures, intramolecular N-H.O hydrogen bonding is present. The resulting six-membered pseudo-rings are quasi-aromatic and, in each case, interact with phenyl rings via stacking-type interactions. C-H.O, C-H.S and C-H. π interactions are also present. In (I), there is one molecule in the asymmetric unit. Pairs of molecules are connected via two intermolecular N-H.S hydrogen bonds, forming centrosymmetric dimers. In (II), there are two symmetry-independent molecules that differ mainly in the relative orientations of the phenyl rings with respect to the thiourea cores. Additional strong hydrogen-bond donor and acceptor -OH groups participate in the formation of intermolecular N-H.O and O-H.S hydrogen bonds that join molecules into chains extending in the [001] direction.
Solution based synthesis of Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticles and thin films for solar cell application

·······························································································································i Acknowledgements···········································································································iv Table of
Rabbit model of subchondral bone bruise and the treatment potential of calcitonin.

BACKGROUND This study characterized a novel rabbit model of subchondral bone bruise and investigated the intervening effect of calcitonin. METHODS Bone bruise was implemented via controlled free-fall counterpoise on the medial tibial subchondral bone of 5-month-old New Zealand rabbits, with 3, 2.5, or 2 Joules of energy. Subsequent subchondral bone bruise was characterized via magnetic resonance imaging, micro computed tomography, and histology. Calcitonin was administered for 3 weeks, and the changes in subchondral bone were characterized. RESULTS The severity of subchondral bone bruise lesions correlated with the energy applied. The lesions involved trabecular separation and reduced trabecular number, with bone marrow edema and trabecular micro-fracture. With calcitonin treatment, subchondral bone marrow edema subsided and trabecular ultrastructure repaired. CONCLUSION Free fall counterpoise is a promising method to establish a subchondral bone bruise model in rabbits. Calcitonin injection is a potential treatment for subchondral bone bruise lesions.
Resin transfer molding (RTM) in polymer matrix composites

Abstract: The resin transfer molding (RTM) process was adopted for composite manufacturing for high volume production net shape structural parts using low viscosity thermoset resins and continuous fibers. This chapter discusses how to overcome the challenges of RTM, which has led to many variations that have sprung over the last two decades to fill a niche need. The part quality manufactured using RTM varies due to the effects of inherent variations in the materials and process parameters. The following important issues that manifest themselves either during fiber preforming or mold filling stages of RTM have been identified and discussed: racetracking channels, deformation of fiber structure during draping, macrovoid formation, microvoid formation, transverse flow in the thickness direction and dual scale fiber structure in a preform. One can address and overcome them with process modeling, control and automation as discussed in this chapter.
Three-dimensional Structure of CaV3.1

Calcium entry through voltage-gated calcium channels has widespread cellular effects upon a host of physiological processes including neuronal excitability, muscle excitation-contraction coupling, and secretion. Using single particle analysis methods, we have determined the first three-dimensional structure, at 23 Å resolution, for a member of the low voltage-activated voltage-gated calcium channel family, CaV3.1, a T-type channel. CaV3.1 has dimensions of ∼115 × 85 × 95 Å, composed of two distinct segments. The cytoplasmic densities form a vestibule below the transmembrane domain with the C terminus, unambiguously identified by the presence of a His tag being ∼65 Å long and curling around the base of the structure. The cytoplasmic assembly has a large exposed surface area that may serve as a signaling hub with the C terminus acting as a “fishing rod” to bind regulatory proteins. We have also determined a three-dimensional structure, at a resolution of 25 Å, for the monomeric form of the cardiac L-type voltage-gated calcium (high voltage-activated) channel with accessory proteins β and α2δ bound to the ion channel polypeptide CaV1.2. Comparison with the skeletal muscle isoform finds a good match particularly with respect to the conformation, size, and shape of the domain identified as that formed by α2. Furthermore, modeling of the CaV3.1 structure (analogous to CaV1.2 at these resolutions) into the heteromeric L-type voltage-gated calcium channel complex volume reveals multiple interaction sites for β-CaV1.2 binding and for the first time identifies the size and organization of the α2δ polypeptides.
A new micro swim-up procedure for sperm preparation in ICSI treatments: preliminary microbiological testing

Objective This study aimed to assess the levels of microbial contamination in semen samples before and after the micro swim-up (MSU) procedure in intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The new method is an upgrade to the classic wash swim-up procedure. Methods Semen analysis and microbiological tests were carried out before and after the MSU procedure. A total of twenty semen samples were analyzed. Results Pathogens were observed in semen samples only before MSU and never after ICSI. Microbiological tests revealed a large prevalence of gram-positive cocci [Staphylococcus spp. (n=16, 80%) and viridans streptococci (n=10, 50%)]. The results of this study indicate that direct MSU in ICSI improved the ICSI workflow. Conclusion The new workflow is faster and more affordable, and is likely to prevent infection problems that could arise from the normal microbial flora of the semen.
A Counter Medication Classifier Using Machine Learning and Computer Vision Techniques

Self-medication and self-prescription are common practices that can be observed in many countries around the world, from the most advanced in terms of medical services in Europe to the less ones as in South America or Africa. Self-medication is defined as the consumption of one or more drugs without the advice of a physician. Many studies in Mexico reveal the type of medications that are consumed as well the social groups that normally use this practice. The consequences for this can range from a mild allergic reaction to death. On the other hand, it is easy to buy drugs without a prescription in pharmacies or supermarkets, but consumers do not always know which one to choose, neither the ingredients nor side effects they can cause. Here we present a classifier model for counter medication based on computer vision and machine learning techniques. We collected 150 images from 11 different counter medications. The classifier was tested with 43 new images, and obtained 90.7% of accuracy, 93% of precision, 91% of recall and 91% of F1-score.
Childhood Psychopathic Personality and Callous–Unemotional Traits in the Prediction of Conduct Problems

This study analyzed data from a prospective longitudinal study of Swedish preschoolers to examine whether psychopathic traits and concurrent conduct problems predict future conduct problems (CP) across 1- and 2-year follow-ups into early childhood. We tested the predictive ability of psychopathic traits while controlling for concurrent CP, and also by combining psychopathic traits with concurrent CP. A community sample of 1,867 preschoolers (47% girls) ages 3 to 5 years at baseline was recruited from a Swedish medium-sized municipality. Results from multivariate regression analyses showed that psychopathic traits alone (without co-occurring CP) did not consistently predict continuing childhood CP, but did so, among both boys and girls, in combination with concurrent conduct problems. It is important to note that, the combination of concurrent CP and the entire psychopathic personality, that is, a 3-dimensional psychopathic construct, was a stronger predictor of continuing childhood CP than the combination of concurrent CP and Callous–Unemotional (CU) traits among boys but not among girls.
A Model for Generating Random Networks with Clustering Coefficient Corresponding to Real-World Network Graphs

In this paper, we propose that when a random network graph model that prefers to close two-hop chains and transform them to triangles as part of link formation. We hypothesize that such a model would generate random network graphs with high clustering coefficients and a larger variation in node degree, compared to that of the well-known Erdos-Renyi (ER) model. We refer to the proposed model as two-hop neighbor preference (THNP)-model that prefers to pair a node with any of its two-hop neighbors rather than to an arbitrary node. The probability of link formation is still governed by the formulation used to generate links in the ER model. We observe the THNP-model to generate random network graphs wherein the clustering coefficient of a node decreases with increase in node degree (resembling closely to several of the realworld network graphs), and the graphs still exhibit a Poisson-style distribution for the node degree and path length.
Novel palmprint representations for palmprint recognition

In this paper, we propose a novel palmprint recognition algorithm. Firstly, the palmprint images are represented by the anisotropic filter. The filters are built on Gaussian functions along one direction, and on second derivative of Gaussian functions in the orthogonal direction. Also, this choice is motivated by the optimal joint spatial and frequency localization of the Gaussian kernel. Therefore,they can better approximate the edge or line of palmprint images. A palmprint image is processed with a bank of anisotropic filters at different scales and rotations for robust palmprint features extraction. Once these features are extracted, subspace analysis is then applied to the feature vectors for dimension reduction as well as class separability. Experimental results on a public palmprint database show that the accuracy could be improved by the proposed novel representations, compared with Gabor.