Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infection of Primary Human Alveolar Macrophages Alters Staphylococcus aureus Toxin Production and Activity

Pulmonary pathogens encounter numerous insults, including phagocytic cells designed to degrade bacteria, while establishing infection in the human lung. Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile, opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe pneumonia, and methicillin-resistant isolates are of particular concern. ABSTRACT Pulmonary pathogens encounter numerous insults, including phagocytic cells designed to degrade bacteria, while establishing infection in the human lung. Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile, opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe pneumonia, and methicillin-resistant isolates are of particular concern. Recent reports present conflicting data regarding the ability of S. aureus to survive and replicate within macrophages. However, due to use of multiple strains and macrophage sources, making comparisons between reports remains difficult. Here, we established a disease-relevant platform to study innate interactions between S. aureus and human lungs. Human precision-cut lung slices (hPCLS) were subjected to infection by S. aureus LAC (methicillin-resistant) or UAMS-1 (methicillin-sensitive) isolates. Additionally, primary human alveolar macrophages (hAMs) were infected with S. aureus, and antibacterial activity was assessed. Although both S. aureus isolates survived within hAM phagosomes, neither strain replicated efficiently in these cells. S. aureus was prevalent within the epithelial and interstitial regions of hPCLS, with limited numbers present in a subset of hAMs, suggesting that the pathogen may not target phagocytic cells for intracellular growth during natural pulmonary infection. S. aureus-infected hAMs mounted a robust inflammatory response that reflected natural human disease. S. aureus LAC was significantly more cytotoxic to hAMs than UAMS-1, potentially due to isolate-specific virulence factors. The bicomponent toxin Panton-Valentine leukocidin was not produced during intracellular infection, while alpha-hemolysin was produced but was not hemolytic, suggesting that hAMs alter toxin activity. Overall, this study defined a new disease-relevant infection platform to study S. aureus interaction with human lungs and to define virulence factors that incapacitate pulmonary cells.
Legal Knowledge Based Systems JURIX ’ 96 Foundations of legal knowledge systems

The SALOMON project is a contribution to the automatic processing of legal texts. Its aim is to automatically summarise Belgian criminal cases in order to improve access to the large number of existing and future cases. Therefore, techniques are developed for identifying and extracting relevant information from the cases. A broader application of these techniques could considerably simplify the work of the legal profession. A double methodology was used when developing SALOMON: the cases are processed by employing additional knowledge to interpret structural patterns and features on the one hand and by way of occurrence statistics of index terms on the other. As a result, SALOMON performs an initial categorisation and structuring of the cases and subsequently extracts the most relevant text units of the alleged offences and of the opinion of the court. The SALOMON techniques do not themselves solve any legal questions, but they do guide the user effectively towards relevant texts.
Towards an argumentation-based approach to explainable planning

Providing transparency of AI planning systems is crucial for their success in practical applications. In order to create a transparent system, a user must be able to query it for explanations about its outputs. We argue that a key underlying principle for this is the use of causality within a planning model, and that argumentation frameworks provide an intuitive representation of such causality. In this paper, we discuss how argumentation can aid in extracting causalities in plans and models, and how they can create explanations from them.
Optimal Citation Context Window Sizes for Biomedical Retrieval

We investigate the TREC-CDS 2016 test collections as a new resource for citation context and citation-based IR experiments. The collection contains more than 1.25 million biomedical full-text articles in XML. We ﬁnd that a citation index can easily be extracted, and citation contexts easily be identiﬁed. We conduct initial experiments to determine the optimal citation context window size in this domain and collection. Surprisingly We ﬁnd that quite long citation contexts of more than 250 word yield the best performance when combined linearly with the full-text and with moderate weight on the citation contexts.
Efficient single input-output layer spiking neural classifier with time-varying weight model

This paper presents a supervised learning algorithm, namely, the Synaptic Efficacy Function with Meta-neuron based learning algorithm (SEF-M) for a spiking neural network with a time-varying weight model. For a given pattern, SEF-M uses the learning algorithm derived from meta-neuron based learning algorithm to determine the change in weights corresponding to each presynaptic spike times. The changes in weights modulate the amplitude of a Gaussian function centred at the same presynaptic spike times. The sum of amplitude modulated Gaussian functions represents the synaptic efficacy functions (or time-varying weight models). The performance of SEF-M is evaluated against state-of-the-art spiking neural network learning algorithms on 10 benchmark datasets from UCI machine learning repository. Performance studies show superior generalization ability of SEF-M. An ablation study on time-varying weight model is conducted using JAFFE dataset. The results of the ablation study indicate that using a time-varying weight model instead of single weight model improves the classification accuracy by 14%. Thus, it can be inferred that a single input-output layer spiking neural network with time-varying weight model is computationally more efficient than a multi-layer spiking neural network with long-term or short-term weight model.
Random and Coherence Noise Attenuation Complete Sequence for 2-D Land Seismic Data Acquired in Iraq

Noises are common events in seismic reflection data that have very striking features in seismograms, affecting seismic data processing and interpretation. Noise attenuation is an essential phase in seismic processing data, usually resulting in seismic interpretation improvement that enhances the signal to noise ratio. Groundroll presence is the major fashion of significant noise in the land seismic survey. It is a type of coherent noise present in seismograms that appears as linear events, in most cases overlapping the reflections and probably making it challenging to recognize. There are several domains used in noise attenuation, Domain transformations is a complex algorithms standard tool used commonly used during processing of seismic data and imaging processing, So a large number methods have been developed to attenuate these types of noise. In the time-offset domain, the noise wave such as Groundroll and random noises, overlap each other over time; a different domain makes it easier to successfully isolate coherent, random noise and reflection events. Five steps are introduced to attenuate coherent and random noise, these steps are FDNAT, AGORA, RADMX, SCFIL, DDMED as well as Time-Variant band-pass Filter. The results indicate that the different domains can actually reveal features and geological structures that have been masked by the noises present in current data. because encourage significant improvements in the final image quality in 2-D seismic section, so, these filtering techniques possibly give advantage to the interpreter in particularly in structural and stratigraphic interpretation during the work of interpretation, especially in the exploration and characterizing possible traps.
What has become of the refugia hypothesis to explain biological diversity in Amazonia?

Abstract The spatial distribution of biodiversity and related processes is the core of Biogeography. Amazonia is the world's most diverse rainforest and the primary source of diversity to several Neotropical regions. The origins of such diversity continue to be an unresolved question in evolutionary biology. Among many competing hypotheses to explain the evolution of the Amazonian biodiversity, one stands out as the most influential: the refugia hypothesis by Jürgen Haffer. Here, we provide a chronological overview on how the refugia hypothesis evolved over the decades and how the criticism from different fields affected its acceptance. We conclude that the refugia hypothesis alone cannot explain the diversification of the complex Amazonian diversity, and perhaps it was not the most important diversification mechanism. However, the debate provoked by refugia has produced a great amount of knowledge on Amazonian climatic, geological, and evolutionary processes, as well as on species distributions, movements, and history.
P2Y1 Purinergic Receptor Modulate Axon Initial Segment Initial Development

Morphological and functional polarization of neurons depends on the generation and maintenance of the axon initial segment (AIS). This axonal domain maintains axonal properties but is also the place where the action potential (AP) is generated. All these functions require the AIS, a complex structure that is not fully understood. An integrated structure of voltage-gated ion channels, specific cytoskeleton architecture, as well as, scaffold proteins contributes to these functions. Among them, ankyrinG plays a crucial role to maintain ion channels and membrane proteins. However, it is still elusive how the AIS performs its complex structural and functional regulation. Recent studies reveal that AIS is dynamically regulated in molecular composition, length and location in response to neuronal activity. Some mechanisms acting on AIS plasticity have been uncovered recently, including Ca2+, calpain or calmodulin-mediated modulation, as well as post-translational modifications of cytoskeleton proteins and actin-associated proteins. Neurons are able to respond to different kind of physiological and pathological stimuli from development to maturity by adapting their AIS composition, position and length. This raises the question of which are the neuronal receptors that contribute to the modulation of AIS plasticity. Previous studies have shown that purinergic receptor P2X7 activation is detrimental to AIS maintenance. During initial axonal elongation, P2X7 is coordinated with P2Y1, another purinergic receptor that is essential for proper axon elongation. In this study, we focus on the role of P2Y1 receptor on AIS development and maintenance. Our results show that P2Y1 receptor activity and expression are necessary during AIS initial development, while has no role once AIS maturity is achieved. P2Y1 inhibition or suppression results in a decrease in ankyrinG, βIV-spectrin and voltage-gated sodium channels accumulation that can be rescued by actin stabilization or the modulation of actin-binding proteins at the AIS. Moreover, P2X7 or calpain inhibition also rescues ankyrinG decrease. Hence, a dynamic balance of P2Y1 and P2X7 receptors expression and function during AIS assembly and maturation may represent a fine regulatory mechanism in response to physiological or pathological extracellular purines concentration.
Orthostatic Hypotension in Asymptomatic Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background and objective: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a decrease in systolic blood pressure (BP) of 20 mm Hg and in diastolic BP of 10 mm Hg when changing the position from lying to standing. Arterial hypertension (AH), comorbidities and polypharmacy contribute to its development. The aim was to assess the presence of OH and its predictors in asymptomatic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Material and methods: 45 CKD patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD+) were examined for signs of OH and its predictors. The results were compared with the control group of 22 patients with eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD–). Asymptomatic patients without ischemic heart disease and previous stroke were qualified. Total blood count, serum creatinine, eGFR, urea, phosphates, calcium, albumins, parathyroid hormone, uric acid, C reactive protein, N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide, lipid profile, and urine protein to creatinine ratio were assessed. Simultaneously, patients underwent echocardiography. To detect OH, a modified Schellong test was performed. Results: OH was diagnosed in 17 out of 45 CKD+ patients (average age 69.12 ± 13.2) and in 8 out of 22 CKD– patients (average age 60.50 ± 14.99). The CKD+ group demonstrated significant differences on average values of systolic and diastolic BP between OH+ and OH– patients, lower when standing. In the eGFR range of 30–60 mL/min/1.73 m2 correlation was revealed between OH and β-blockers (p = 0.04), in the entire CKD+ group between β-blockers combined with diuretics (p = 0.007) and ACE-I (p = 0.033). Logistic regression test revealed that chronic heart failure (CHF, OR = 15.31), treatment with β-blockers (OR = 13.86) were significant factors influencing the presence of OH. Conclusions: Predictors of OH in CKD may include: CHF, treatment with β-blockers, combined with ACE-I and diuretics.
Behaviour of Ibadan city households towards energy conservation: A discriminant analytical approach

Energy consumption of household sector constitutes major share in the total energy demand of most developing countries. However, much of the current debate on global warming and energy reduction seems to focus more on the industrial and transport sectors. Using discriminant analytical approach, the authors investigated the influence of psychological variables vis-a-vis attitude and perceived behavioural control (PBC) on energy conservation behaviour of Ibadan city residents, Nigeria. Through a household survey, 822 respondents were sampled across the residential neighbourhoods of the city. The study builds a model that contains variables with the most predictive power in discriminating respondents based on their socio-demographic groups. Results indicate that two variables significantly separate the income-groups based on attitudinal readiness to engage in energy conservation, while three variables separate the gender and age groups. In addition, results show that low income group, elderly and females are more willing to adopt energy saving measures.
Oral and Psychological Alterations in Haemophiliac Patients

Haemophiliacs are hereditary coagulopathies whose basic anomaly consists of the quantitative or qualitative alteration of one or more plasma proteins in the coagulation system. The objective of this review is to analyse all risk factors, predispositions and alterations to the oral-maxillofacial district in patients with haemophilia. The broader assessment also includes the psychological aspects that could affect the treatment and maintenance of oral conditions. The study takes into consideration all the works in the literature in the last 10 years. Works that present oral, dental and psychological changes in haemophilia patients have been combined. A total of 16 studies were analysed carefully evaluating and explaining all the alterations and risk factors that this disease provides. The aim of the review is to report all the anomalies reported in the literature for these patients, and to direct and update the clinician in the treatment of haemophilia patients.
Early Blindness Shapes Cortical Representations of Auditory Frequency within Auditory Cortex

Early loss of vision is classically linked to large-scale cross-modal plasticity within occipital cortex. Much less is known about the effects of early blindness on auditory cortex. Here, we examine the effects of early blindness on the cortical representation of auditory frequency within human primary and secondary auditory areas using fMRI. We observe that 4 individuals with early blindness (2 females), and a group of 5 individuals with anophthalmia (1 female), a condition in which both eyes fail to develop, have lower response amplitudes and narrower voxelwise tuning bandwidths compared with a group of typically sighted individuals. These results provide some of the first evidence in human participants for compensatory plasticity within nondeprived sensory areas as a result of sensory loss. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Early blindness has been linked to enhanced perception of the auditory world, including auditory localization and pitch perception. Here we used fMRI to compare neural responses with auditory stimuli within auditory cortex across sighted, early blind, and anophthalmic individuals, in whom both eyes fail to develop. We find more refined frequency tuning in blind subjects, providing some of the first evidence in human subjects for compensation within nondeprived primary sensory areas as a result of blindness early in life.
Cost implications of adverse drug event-related emergency department visits – a multicenter study in South Korea

ABSTRACT Background Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) increase health-care resource utilization, including that for emergency department (ED) visits. However, cost analyses of ADRs resulting in ED visits are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the direct medical costs before and after ADR occurrence and analyzed the cost-driving factors. Methods The ADR cases were identified by a retrospective review of medical records of patients who visited the ED of three tertiary hospitals in South Korea from July to December 2014. The direct medical cost was estimated by the difference in costs six months before and after the ED visit. A generalized linear model was used to identify the ADR-associated cost-driving factors. Results The mean cost per ADR increased by 26.1% (±SD = 4.3) during the six-month follow-up compared with that during the six months before the ED visit (p < 0.05). Preventable ADRs accounted for approximately 19.9% of the cost increase among all ADR cases. The regression analysis revealed that ‘ADR-related hospitalization’ was a significant (p < 0.05) factor leading to an increase in the direct medical costs. Conclusion Drug-related ED visits increase the burden on health insurance systems and patients’ out-of-pocket costs, mostly due to the hospitalization costs.
Medical Imaging and Philosophy Challenges , reflections and actions

We live in an age of extraordinary and stunningly rapid advances in medical imaging . Barely more than a century after the discovery of x-rays and radioactivity, we are using medical imaging to explore the human body in health and disease in ways that were unimaginable even 20 years ago . the extensive permeation of imaging into the practice of modern medicine has meant that much of medical practice has become dependent on it, almost like a habit-forming drug . this chapter enumerates the various types of medical imaging technologies currently in widespread usage, highlights the strengths and limitations of these technologies, and hopefully will explain how radiologists and other imaging specialists use such technologies to make diagnoses and thus influence or guide the treatment of patients . It explores the nature of radiological expertise, the process of imaging-based diagnostic decision-making, and raises the need for philosophical understanding in medical imaging today . MedIcal IMagIng and PhIlosoPhy Imaging has a unique place in modern clinical medicine . It is at the intersection of engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, anatomy, medicine, surgery, pharmacology and physiology . after a relatively leisurely start in the first half of the 20th century, today it is advancing and expanding at a breathtaking pace . since the discovery of x-rays by röntgen (röntgen 1895), medical imaging has revolutionized our understanding of the normal human body and the manner in which disease affects its structure, function and physiology . X-ray devices were rapidly developed for clinical application and their use spread across the globe in an unprecedented and extraordinarily rapid fashion . For the first time it was possible to see inside the human body without incising the skin . the field of clinical radiology emerged within 5 years of roentgen’s discovery, and was solely dependent on various uses of x-rays for over 50 years until the advent of newer imaging modalities in the second half of the 20th century . the rapid development and clinical application of several new imaging technologies has, in conjunction with x-rays, transformed medical practice and led to better understanding of normal structure and disease, safer treatment and better survival and outcomes for patients . this has only been possible because of the
Equal size, equal role? Interdependence between the euro area and the United States

This paper investigates whether the degree and the nature of economic and monetary policy interdependence between the United States and the euro area have changed with the advent of EMU. Using real-time data, it addresses this issue from the perspective of financial markets by analysing the effects of monetary policy announcements and macroeconomic news on daily interest rates in the United States and the euro area. First, the paper finds that the interdependence of money markets has increased strongly around EMU. Although spillover effects from the United States to the euro area remain stronger than in the opposite direction, we present evidence that US markets have started reacting also to euro area developments since the onset of EMU. Second, beyond these general linkages, the paper finds that certain macroeconomic news about the US economy have a large and significant effect on euro area money markets, and that these effects have become stronger in recent years. Finally, we show that US macroeconomic news have become good leading indicators for economic developments in the euro area. This indicates that the higher money market interdependence between the United States and the euro area is at least partly explained by the increased real integration of the two economies in recent years. JEL Classification: E43, E52, F42
Combinatorial optimization by simulating adiabatic bifurcations in nonlinear Hamiltonian systems

Nonlinear Hamiltonian systems search optimal solutions exploiting their adiabatic and chaotic evolutions. Combinatorial optimization problems are ubiquitous but difficult to solve. Hardware devices for these problems have recently been developed by various approaches, including quantum computers. Inspired by recently proposed quantum adiabatic optimization using a nonlinear oscillator network, we propose a new optimization algorithm simulating adiabatic evolutions of classical nonlinear Hamiltonian systems exhibiting bifurcation phenomena, which we call simulated bifurcation (SB). SB is based on adiabatic and chaotic (ergodic) evolutions of nonlinear Hamiltonian systems. SB is also suitable for parallel computing because of its simultaneous updating. Implementing SB with a field-programmable gate array, we demonstrate that the SB machine can obtain good approximate solutions of an all-to-all connected 2000-node MAX-CUT problem in 0.5 ms, which is about 10 times faster than a state-of-the-art laser-based machine called a coherent Ising machine. SB will accelerate large-scale combinatorial optimization harnessing digital computer technologies and also offer a new application of computational and mathematical physics.