Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Treatment of Mild and Moderate Asthma in Adults.

BACKGROUND Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that usually causes variable airway obstruction. It affects 5-10% of the German population. METHODS This review is based on relevant publications retrieved by a selective search, as well as on national and international guidelines on the treatment of mild and moderate asthma in adults. RESULTS The goal of treatment is to attain optimal asthma control with a minimal risk of exacerbations and mortality, loss of pulmonary function, and drug side effects. This can be achieved with a combination of pharmacotherapy and non-drug treatment including patient education, exercise, smoking cessation, and rehabilitation. Pharmacohterapy is based on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and bronchodilators. It is recommended that mild asthma should be treated only when needed, either with a fixed combination of ICS and formoterol or with short-acting bronchodilators. For moderate asthma, maintenance treatment is recommended, with an inhaled fixed combinations of ICS and long-acting beta-mimetics, possibly supplemented with longacting anticholinergic agents. Allergen immunotherapy, i.e., desensitization treatment, should be considered if the allergic component of asthma is well documented and the patient is not suffering from uncontrolled asthma. Asthma control should be monitored at regular intervals, and the treatment should be adapted accordingly. CONCLUSION The treatment of asthma in adults should be individually tailored, with anti-inflammatory treatment as its main component.
Beyond inhibitory control training: Inactions and actions influence smartphone app use through changes in explicit liking.

Human behavior can be classified into 2 basic categories: execution of responses and withholding responses. This classification is used in go/no-go training, where people respond to some objects and withhold their responses to other objects. Despite its simplicity, there is now substantial evidence that such training is powerful in changing human behavior toward such objects. However, it is poorly understood how simple responses can influence behavior. Contrary to the remarkably tenacious idea that go/no-go training changes behavior by strengthening inhibitory control, we propose that the training changes behavior via changes in explicit liking of objects. In two preregistered experiments, we show that go/no-go training influences explicit liking for smartphone apps (Experiments 1 and 2) and that this liking partially mediates the effect of the training on consequential choices for using these apps 1 day later (Experiment 2). The results highlight the role of evaluations when examining how motor response training influences behavior. This knowledge can inform development of more effective applied motor response training procedures and raises new theoretical questions on the relation between motor responses and affect. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Optimal control for hybrid magnetically suspended flywheel rotor based on state feedback exact linearization model

For a hybrid magnetically suspended flywheel (MSFW) rotor suspended by permanent magnet biased active magnetic bearing (AMB) and passive magnetic bearing (PMB), the dynamic functions are nonlinear and coupling among different degrees of freedom (DOFs). In this article, the nonlinear dynamic functions in two controllable DOFs of the hybrid MSFW rotor are developed based on the equivalent magnetic circuit, and then the nonlinear dynamic function is linearized by using the state feedback exact linearization (SFEL) in order to minimize the coupling in two controllable DOFs. Furthermore, an optimal control based on the SFEL model is designed to reduce displacement runout and coupling among two controllable DOFs of the hybrid MSFW rotor at the rated speed. Finally, the simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of the optimal control based on SFEL model, and the stability of the hybrid MSFW rotor with an impulse-type disturbance is improved.
Helpers Have Little to Laugh About: Group Structure and Vocalisation in the Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae

Laughing Kookaburras Dacelo novaeguineae combine a conspicuous group vocalisation with a social structure in which subordinate helpers assist a dominant breeding pair in raising young. The structural and temporal characteristics of the laugh song in captivity and in the field were related to spatial distribution of group members, to social interactions within and between groups and to group size and territory size. Under all conditions, group songs lasted longer than pair songs and contained a higher proportion of the loudest element, the actual laugh part. Other parameters of song structure did not differ either with group composition or context. Joint songs fell into two categories: those during the day, (usually involving the breeding pair only); and those at the roost during dusk and dawn, usually involving all group members, i.e. the pair plus one to three helpers. Songs without the breeding pair or with only one member of it were rare. The spatial distribution of group members during singing was almost identical to that when not singing, but differed from a random distribution. Songs at the roost amounted to about 60% of all songs produced and shifted with the times of sunrise and sunset. At dusk, song frequency was mainly determined by group size and at dawn mainly by the total number of neighbours. During daytime, singing was usually connected with inter- and intra-group disputes. We conclude that the Kookaburras's laugh song signals aggression and aids in (a) defending a temtory, (b) guarding the mate and (c) establishing and maintaining a dominance hierarchy between breeders and helpers. In this last context (c) helper singing, especially during daytime, indicates a challenge to a breeder's status.
Explaining the implicit negations effect in conditional inference: Experience, probabilities, and contrast sets.

Psychologists are beginning to uncover the rational basis for many of the biases revealed over the last 50 years in deductive and causal reasoning, judgment, and decision making. In this article, it is argued that a manipulation, experiential learning, shown to be effective in judgment and decision making, may elucidate the rational underpinning of the implicit negation effect in conditional inference. In three experiments, this effect was created and removed by using probabilistically structured contrast sets acquired during a brief learning phase. No other theory of the implicit negations effect predicts these results, which can be modeled using Bayes nets as in causal approaches to category structure. It is also shown how these results relate to a recent development in the psychology of reasoning called "inferentialism. " It is concluded that many of the same cognitive mechanisms that underpin causal reasoning, judgment and decision making may be common to logical reasoning, which may require no special purpose machinery or module. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
In-Vivo Microsystems: A Review

In-vivo sensors yield valuable medical information by measuring directly on the living tissue of a patient. These devices can be surface or implant devices. Electrical activity in the body, from organs or muscles can be measured using surface electrodes. For short term internal devices, catheters are used. These include cardiac catheter (in blood vessels) and bladder catheters. Due to the size and shape of the catheters, silicon devices provided an excellent solution for sensors. Since many cardiac catheters are disposable, the high volume has led to lower prices of the silicon sensors. Many catheters use a single sensor, but silicon offers the opportunity to have multi sensors in a single catheter, while maintaining small size. The cardiac catheter is usually inserted for a maximum of 72 h. Some devices may be used for a short-to-medium period to monitor parameters after an operation or injury (1–4 weeks). Increasingly, sensing, and actuating, devices are being applied to longer term implants for monitoring a range of parameters for chronic conditions. Devices for longer term implantation presented additional challenges due to the harshness of the environment and the stricter regulations for biocompatibility and safety. This paper will examine the three main areas of application for in-vivo devices: surface devices and short/medium-term and long-term implants. The issues of biocompatibility and safety will be discussed.
Streptococcus spp. from bulk-tank milk and milking machine teatcups on small ruminant farms, and factors potentially associated with their isolation

Abstract The objectives of this work were (a) to determine the presence of streptococci in samples from small ruminant dairy farms (bulk-tank milk and, where possible, teatcup swabs), (b) to investigate the potential adverse effects of streptococci on milk quality and (c) to investigate the importance of some husbandry factors for the isolation of streptococci. Bulk-tank milk samples and teatcups swab samples were examined bacteriologically for the presence of streptococci. Somatic cell counting and milk composition measurements were also performed. The husbandry factors present in each farm were assessed for potential associations with the isolation of streptococci. Streptococci were isolated from milk samples from 31.4% of sheep and 17.4% of goat farms and from 4.8% of sheep and 5.9% of goat teatcups. Streptococci were isolated more frequently from the upper part than the lower part of teatcups: 5.0% vs. 1.9%. Most isolates (57.9%) were identified as Streptococcus uberis. Most isolates (68.4%) were slime-producing; slime-production was more frequent among isolates from teatcups (83.3%) than from bulk-tank milk (55.0%). Somatic cell counts and milk composition did not differ between farms in which streptococci were or were not isolated. Machine-milking was associated with the isolation of streptococci from bulk-tank milk samples. The initial stage of the milking period (first two months) was found to be associated with the isolation of streptococci from milking machine teatcups in sheep farms only.
Forecasting outbound student mobility: A machine learning approach

Background A country’s ability to become a prominent knowledge economy is tied closely to its ability to acquire skilled people who can compete internationally while resolving challenges of the future. To equip students with competence that can only by gained by being immersed in a foreign environment, outbound mobility is vital. Methods To analyze outbound student mobility in Taiwan using time series methods, this study aims to propose a hybrid approach FSDESVR which combines feature selection (FS) and support vector regression (SVR) with differential evolution (DE). FS and a DE algorithm were used for selecting reliable input features and determining the optimal initial parameters of SVR, respectively, to achieve high forecast accuracy. Results The proposed approach was examined using a dataset of outbound Taiwanese student mobility to ten countries between 1998 and 2018. Without the requirements of any special conditions for the proprieties of the objective function and constraints, the FSDESVR model retained the advantage of FS, SVR, and DE. A comparison of the FSDESVR model and other forecasting models revealed that FSDESVR provided the lowest mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean square error (RMSE) results for all the analyzed nations. The experimental results indicate that FSDESVR achieved higher forecasting accuracy than the compared models from the literature. Conclusion With the recognition of outbound values, key findings of Taiwanese outbound student mobility, and accurate application of the FSDESVR model, education administration units are exposed to a more in-depth view of future student mobility, which enables the implement of a more accurate education curriculum.
Safety of systemic treatments for Behçet’s syndrome

ABSTRACT Introduction Treatment of Behçet’s syndrome (BS) is aimed at controlling all symptoms of such a complex disorder, ensuring a good quality of life and preventing life-threatening complications. A better understanding of the pathogenic role of different chemokines has improved our knowledge of BS and elicited a more specific use of therapies currently available, minimizing the burden of potential side-effects related to treatment. Areas covered This work aims to provide a detailed overview of the safety profile for current therapies available in the treatment of BS, focusing on the main side-effects, toxicity and contraindications. Expert opinion The greatest experience in the management of BS has been achieved with the employment of monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor antibodies which have been advocated for BS refractory manifestations. Moreover, interleukin-1 inhibitors have proven to be effective as well as safe, despite escalation of their dosage, especially to manage the most severe and difficult-to-treat ocular manifestations. However, general treatment of BS patients remains awkward as protean clinical features may respond differently to the same treatment or even worsen. Therefore, patients’ safety for therapies used in BS promotes the implementation of precision medicine, which could help targeting accurately the pathogenetic mechanisms concealed behind specific clinical phenotypes.
Finger Force Matching and Verbal Reports: Testing Predictions of the Iso-Perceptual Manifold Concept

Abstract We used force matching and verbal reports of finger force to explore a prediction of the iso-perceptual manifold concept, which assumes that stable percepts are associated with a manifold in the afferent-efferent space. Young subjects produced various force magnitudes with the index finger, middle finger, or both fingers together. Further, they reported the force level using a verbal scale and by matching the force with fingers of the contralateral hand. Force matching, but not verbal reports, showed larger variable errors for individual fingers in the two-finger task compared to the single-finger tasks. We discuss possible differences in afferent and efferent contributions to force perception at low and high forces based on the idea of motor control with referent coordinates for the effectors. The differences between the force matching and verbal reports are possibly related to neural circuitry differences between perceiving without action and perceiving-to-act.
Age-Related Differences in Perceived Exertion While Walking and Running Near the Preferred Transition Speed.

PURPOSE To investigate whether youth and adults can perceive differences in exertion between walking and running at speeds near the preferred transition speed (PTS) and if there are age-related differences in these perceptions. METHODS A total of 49 youth (10-12 y, n = 21; 13-14 y, n = 10; 15-17 y, n = 18) and 13 adults (19-29 y) completed a walk-to-run transition protocol to determine PTS and peak oxygen uptake. The participants walked and ran on a treadmill at 5 speeds (PTS-0.28 m·s-1, PTS-0.14 m·s-1, PTS, PTS+0.14 m·s-1, PTS+0.28 m·s-1) and rated perceived exertion using the OMNI Perceived Exertion (OMNI-RPE) scale. Oxygen consumption was measured during the walk-to-run transition protocol to obtain the relative intensity (percentage of peak oxygen uptake) at PTS. OMNI-RPE scores at all speeds and percentage of peak oxygen uptake at PTS were compared between age groups. RESULTS The 10- to 12-year-olds transitioned at a higher percentage of peak oxygen uptake than adults (64.54 [10.18] vs 52.22 [11.40], respectively; P = .035). The 10- to 14-year-olds generally reported higher OMNI-RPE scores than the 15- to 17-year-olds and adults (P < .050). In addition, the 10- to 14-year-olds failed to distinguish differences in OMNI-RPE between walking and running at PTS and PTS+0.14 m·s-1. CONCLUSIONS Children aged 10-14 years are less able to distinguish whether walking or running requires less effort at speeds near the PTS compared with adults. The inability to judge which gait mode is less demanding could hinder the ability to minimize locomotive demands.
Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Pain Intensity and Functional Disability in Patients with Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background This systematic review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) training on back pain intensity and functional disability in people with low back pain (LBP). Methods Totally, five electronic databases, including PubMed/Medline (NLM), Scopus, Google Scholar, PEDro, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials were searched up to October 31, 2018. Clinical trials with a concurrent comparison group (s) that compared the effectiveness of PNF training with any other physical therapy intervention were selected. Publication language was restricted to English language articles. Methodologic quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. The measures of continuous variables were summarized as Hedges's g. Results In total, 20 eligible trials were identified with 965 LBP patients. A large effect size (standardized mean difference [SMD]=-2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.23 to -1.05) and significant effect were observed favoring the use of PNF training to alleviate back pain intensity in patients with LBP. Moreover, large effect size and the significant result were also determined for the effect of PNF training on functional disability improvement (SMD=-2.68, 95% CI=-3.36 to -2.00) in population with LBP. A qualitative synthesis of results indicated that PNF training can significantly improve sagittal spine ROM. Statistical heterogeneity analysis showed that there was considerable statistical heterogeneity among the selected trials for the primary outcomes (I2 ≥ 86.6%). Conclusion There is a low quality of evidence and weak strength of recommendation that PNF training has positive effects on back pain and disability in LBP people. Further high-quality randomized clinical trials regarding long-term effects of PNF training versus validated control intervention in a clinical setting is recommendable.
A Comprehensive Gender-related Secretome of Plasmodium berghei Sexual Stages

By a differential quantitative proteomic approach, we identified proteins released by Plasmodium gametocytes from a transgenic line defective in male gametogenesis and its parental line, when activated to form gametes. Gender specificity of gametocyte egress-secretome was defined by a comparative analysis of proteins quantified in the two lines. Candidate proteins selected for validation confirmed the predicted gender-specificity and showed that these secreted proteins localize to different types of vesicles, suggesting that emergence from the host cell involves a tightly coordinated secretory apparatus. Graphical Abstract Highlights Quantitative analysis of Plasmodium sexual stage egress secretome. Activated gametocytes release gender-related proteins. Gametocyte egress process involves different types of vesicles. Plasmodium, the malaria parasite, undergoes a complex life cycle alternating between a vertebrate host and a mosquito vector of the genus Anopheles. In red blood cells of the vertebrate host, Plasmodium multiplies asexually or differentiates into gamete precursors, the male and female gametocytes, responsible for parasite transmission. Sexual stage maturation occurs in the midgut of the mosquito vector, where male and female gametes egress from the host erythrocytes to fuse and form a zygote. Gamete egress entails the successive rupture of two membranes surrounding the parasite, the parasitophorous vacuole membrane and the erythrocyte plasma membrane. In this study, we used the rodent model parasite Plasmodium berghei to design a label-free quantitative proteomic approach aimed at identifying gender-related proteins differentially released/secreted by purified mature gametocytes when activated to form gametes. We compared the abundance of molecules secreted by wild type gametocytes of both genders with that of a transgenic line defective in male gamete maturation and egress. This enabled us to provide a comprehensive data set of egress-related molecules and their gender specificity. Using specific antibodies, we validated eleven candidate molecules, predicted as either gender-specific or common to both male and female gametocytes. All of them localize to punctuate, vesicle-like structures that relocate to cell periphery upon activation, but only three of them localize to the gametocyte-specific secretory vesicles named osmiophilic bodies. Our results confirm that the egress process involves a tightly coordinated secretory apparatus that includes different types of vesicles and may put the basis for functional studies aimed at designing novel transmission-blocking molecules.
Seasonal Changes in the Home Range and the Size of Harem Groups of Misaki Horses

1979年1月から1981年12月までの3年間,御崎馬のharem group (1頭の種雄馬と数頭の成雌馬及びその子馬から構成された群)の行動圏と群の大きさの季節的変化について,放牧地の植生との関連で調査した. 繁殖シーズンには,全てのharem groupは,ノシバ,チガヤ,ハマヌゲなどの馬の嗜好する草が豊富に繁茂する草地で生活した. この時期にはほとんど全ての成雌馬はその子馬とともに,それぞれ特定のharem groupに加わるので,群の大きさは年間を通じて最も大きくなった. しかし9月以降草地の生産量が減少し始めると,大部分のharem groupは相互に結びつきの強い馬同志の小さな群に分れて草地を離れ,冬の主な採食草樹であるススキ,チガヤ,ホシダ,ツワブキなどの雑草やタヅノキ,アカメガシワ,クロガネモチなどの木の葉を求めて15年以下の杉林内や海岸沿いの雑草地内のそれぞれ固有の冬の行動圏に移動し,そこで冬を過した. harem groupの行動圏は相互に重複しており,特に繁殖シーズンには多数のharem groupが同じ草地を共有した. 調査期間を通じで,特定の群が特定の区域を占有するいわゆるなわばり行動は認められなかった.
Blood deprivation and heat stress increase mortality in bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) exposed to insect pathogenic fungi or desiccant dust

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) have returned as a nuisance pest in the last 20 years. Different bed bug control measures in combination have not been thoroughly studied, although induction of multiple stressors may improve extermination. The effects of heat stress only, heat stress followed by exposure to insect pathogenic fungi, and heat stress followed by exposure to desiccant dust on starved and blood‐fed bed bugs were investigated. Five days at 22 °C (control), 32 °C, 34 °C, or 36 °C (heat stress) did not cause mortality in adults. However, their starved first instar nymphs produced after heat stress suffered mortalities of 33%, 56% and 100%, respectively. Exposure to insect pathogenic fungi after heat stress increased the mortality of adults and their progeny compared to exposure to fungi without heat stress. The beneficial effects of heat stress were not observed in blood‐fed bed bugs. Desiccant dust killed all nymphs within 2 days and all adults within 3 days regardless of previous heat stress, but survival time was prolonged by access to blood. This study highlights the advantage of combining different methods in pest management, and points to heat stress combined with blood deprivation as possible management elements to increase the control success.