Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Type 1 diabetes associated and tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies in patients without type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease with confirmed viral infections

Coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes are autoimmune diseases that may share the same initiating environmental factors. In this study, the occurrence of type 1 diabetes associated autoantibodies (GADA and IA‐2A) and tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (TGA) was determined in patients with confirmed viral infections and no signs of type 1 diabetes or coeliac disease. Serum samples from 82 Cuban patients tested positive for PCR and IgG specific to enterovirus (HEV, serotype echovirus 16, 20 samples), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV, 20 samples), cytomegalovirus (CMV, 21 samples), and hepatitis C virus (HCV, 21 samples); and sera from 164 controls negative serologically to EBV, CMV, HCV, and echovirus 16 were enrolled in the study. All subjects were screened for GADA, IA‐2A, and TGA. The prevalence of TGA in patients infected with HEV, EBV, CMV, or HCV was 55% (11/20), 25% (5/20), 9.5% (2/21), and 9.5% (2/21), respectively. GADA and IA‐2A were found in 15% (3/20) and 25% (5/20) of patients infected with HEV. None of the patients infected by EBV, CMV, and HCV had GADA or IA‐2A. All children infected with HEV who were positive for type 1 diabetes‐associated autoantibodies were also TGA‐positive. None of the sera from uninfected subjects were positive for GADA, IA‐2A or TGA. In conclusion, TGA can develop during infection with HEV, EBV, CMV, or HCV, while the emergence of islet cell related autoantibodies is restricted to HEV infections. The findings suggest that HEV may be a shared environmental factor for the development of islet and gut‐related autoimmunity. J. Med. Virol. 84: 1049–1053, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How do research intensive systems emerge in less developed areas? The case of mechatronics in the Italian southern region Apulia

Regional innovation systems (RISs) are increasingly emerging in less developed areas. Based on the case study of the mechatronic cluster in the Italian southern region, Apulia, this paper analyses how institutions have managed to promote the establishment of a RIS in disadvantaged areas. Through a longitudinal analysis over more than half a century, the Apulian case study shows that the creation of this RIS in less developed areas is the result of a dynamic process characterised by a multi-level governance, initially promoted by the central government through a top-down logic, and then integrated by action of local actors through a bottom-up approach. A key role is played by the regionalisation of innovation policies and by the strategic action of regional public institutions to promote the interaction among enterprises and universities. Our analysis highlights that several ingredients should simultaneously occur for a regional innovation policy to be effective. Any regional innovation strategy significantly lacking one of these core pre-conditions and ingredients is risky. Policy-makers should carefully study the opportunities and challenges arising from local contexts before embarking in ambitious place-based innovation strategies.
Bureaucratic Identity and the Shape of Public Policy: A Game Theoretic Analysis

The paper proposes a theoretical framework to explain policy drift, when identity moderates the principle-agent relation between the legislator and the bureaucracy. Our model points to the subtle interaction between different administrative levels of bureaucracy and how this interaction shapes the structure and size of budgetary allocations. Conceptually we enrich the public choice tradition of modeling bureaucracies by insights which fall broadly into the study of organizational behavior.
The Pseudoautosomal Region and Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies in Domestic Species

The pseudoautosomal region (PAR) is a unique and specialized segment on the mammalian sex chromosomes with known functions in male meiosis and fertility. Detailed molecular studies of the region in human and mouse show dramatic differences between the 2 PARs. Recent mapping efforts in horse, dog/cat, cattle/ruminants, pig and alpaca indicate that the PAR also varies in size and gene content between other species. Given that PAR genes escape X inactivation, these differences might critically affect the genetic consequences, such as embryonic survival and postnatal phenotypes of sex chromosome aneuploidies. The aim of this review is to combine the available information about the organization of the PAR in domestic species with the cytogenetic data on sex chromosome aneuploidies. We show that viable XO individuals are relatively frequently found in species with small PARs, such as horses, humans and mice but are rare or absent in species in which the PAR is substantially larger, like in cattle/ruminants, dogs, pigs, and alpacas. No similar correlation can be detected between the PAR size and the X chromosome trisomy in different species. Recent evidence about the likely involvement of PAR genes in placenta formation, early embryonic development and genomic imprinting are presented.
Forty years of solitude: life‐history divergence and behavioural isolation between laboratory lines of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract The study of the early stages of speciation can benefit from examination of differences between populations of known history that have been separated for a short time, such as a few thousands of generations. We asked whether two lines of Drosophila melanogaster that were isolated more than 40 years ago have evolved differences in life‐history characters, or have begun to evolve behavioural or postzygotic isolation. One line, which is resistant to DDT, showed lower egg production and a shorter lifespan than a susceptible line. These differences are not a pleiotropic effect of resistance because they are not attributable to the chromosome that contains the resistance factors. The two lines have begun to become behaviourally isolated. Again, the isolation is not attributable to genes on the chromosome that contains resistance factors. The lines show only prezygotic isolation; there is no evidence of reduced fitness of F1 or F2 hybrids. These lines and others like them, should be excellent subjects for analyses of genetic changes that could lead to speciation.
A channel-dependent algorithm for heart beats detection in ECG recordings

This paper proposes a computerized technique aimed at detecting heart beat positions in electrocardiograms (ECGs). The algorithm was implemented by adapting one of the most popular methods (Pan-Tompkins) developed to detect beat positions in ECG records, to be used in different leads of multi-channel ECGs. First, the Pan-Tompkins algorithm was programmed, and next, a lead-dependent version was implemented, adapting thesholds for each of the ECG channels. The original algorithm was tested with the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database, while the performance of the improved technique was tested on the different channels of records from the St. Petersburg Database. For the original Pan-Tompkins algorithm, a sensitivity of Se = 99.81% was obtained, with a positive predictivity (P+) = 99.85%. The F-Score was 0.9587, and the RMS RR Interval Error (RMSRRIE) resulted to be 4,480.46 ms. For the modified algorithm, results yielded an average value for Se = 99.92%, P+ = 99.98%, F-Score = 0.9718, and a mean value of 111.05 ms. for the RMSRRIE. Results indicate that our improved method provides similar better sensitivity and positive predictivity, increased F-Score, and it significantly reduces the temporal error when estimating the positions of QRS complexes (combination of Q, R and S waves representing ventricular depolarization in an ECG signal).
Drivers and Barriers to Clean Cooking: A Systematic Literature Review from a Consumer Behavior Perspective

A lack of access to clean energy and use of traditional cooking systems have severe negative effects on health, especially among women and children, and on the environment. Despite increasing attention toward this topic, few studies have explored the factors influencing consumers’ adoption of improved cooking stoves (ICS). This systematic literature review (n = 81) aims to identify the main drivers and barriers to clean cooking from a consumer perspective. In addition, it aims to define how consumers perceive ICS with respect to traditional stoves. Thematic analysis revealed seven factors that may act as drivers or barriers to ICS adoption: economic factors; socio-demographics; fuel availability; attitude toward technology; awareness of the risks of traditional cookstoves and the benefits of ICS; location; and social and cultural influences. Perceptions focused on four topics: convenience and uses, aesthetics, health-related impacts, and environmental impacts. This review contributes to understanding of consumer behavior with regards to ICS. The findings suggest that availability and affordability of technology are not enough to enhance ICS adoption. Rather, policy makers and managers should approach customers with a less technical and a more personalized approach that takes due consideration of a local context and its social and cultural dynamics.
Mixed logit analysis of trade-off effects between international airline fares and fences: a revenue management perspective

As transportation is essential for tourism development, effectively utilizing its perishable resources has become an important issue. This study aims to analyse the relationship between airline fares and using conditions from the perspective of millennial tourists and taking the Taipei–Tokyo market as an example. The study attempts to show a revenue management practice in the manipulation of homogeneous seat service and give millennial tourists a better understanding of their preferences for ticket choices. We categorize availability of flight, advance booking, ticket validity, and changing conditions as main attributes and develop a stated-preference questionnaire with multiple hypothetical scenarios for respondents to select in the experiment. We effectively collect 390 valid samples for a mixed logit analysis and the results show that all applied attributes are statistically significant. Ticket validity is revealed to be the most important fence with the largest willingness-to-pay value and followed by availability of flight, advanced booking, and changing conditions.
The role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the classification of CT-indeterminate renal lesions

Abstract Objective: Focal renal lesions are common incidental findings on computed tomography (CT). For lesions with a cystic appearance, the Bosniak classification system has enabled an important separation of benign and (potentially) malignant cysts, giving a practical guide for management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as a problem-solving modality for classification of indeterminate renal lesions detected with CT. Materials and methods: In total, 140 consecutive patients with 148 indeterminate renal lesions were examined with ultrasound combined with CEUS (81 men and 59 women with mean age 63.8 years). Results: Altogether, 146 lesions were classified by CEUS in categories according to the Bosniak classification system, or as solid lesions. Mean lesion diameter was 30 mm (range 5–166 mm). Nine lesions were classified as category I, 32 as category II and 59 as category IIF (“non-surgical lesions”). 48 IIF cysts were followed for a minimum of 2 years (mean 4 years and 8 months): three lesions were upgraded to category III (6%) and 45 were stable category. 19 lesions had a more complex cystic appearance: 12 were classified as category III and seven as category IV cysts. 27 lesions were diagnosed as solid, enhancing tumors. In total, 25 patients with lesions of category III, IV and solid (“surgical lesions”) underwent renal surgery, with malignancy diagnosed in 18. Conclusion: In the common setting of indeterminate renal lesions incidentally detected with a CT exam, CEUS has the potential to classify lesions into “non-surgical” and “surgical” categories, providing a platform for urological decision making, while avoiding radiation exposure.
Evaluation of Mapping with a Tele-operated Robot with Video Feedback

This research has examined robot operators' abilities to gain situational awareness while performing tele-operation with video feedback. The research included a user study in which 20 test persons explored and drew a map of a corridor and several rooms, which they had not visited before. Half of the participants did the exploration and mapping using a teleoperated robot (IRobot PackBot) with video feedback but without being able to see or enter the exploration area themselves. The other half fulfilled the task manually by walking through the premises. The two groups were evaluated regarding time consumption and the rendered maps were evaluated concerning error rate and dimensional and logical accuracy. Dimensional accuracy describes the test person's ability to estimate and reproduce dimensions in the map. Logical accuracy refers to missed, added, misinterpreted, reversed and inconsistent objects or shapes in the depiction. The evaluation showed that fulfilling the task with the robot on average took 96% longer time and rendered 44% more errors than doing it without the robot. Robot users overestimated dimensions with an average of 16% while non-robot users made an average overestimation of 1%. Further, the robot users had a 69% larger standard deviation in their dimensional estimations and on average made 23% more logical errors during the test
Health Inequality and Access to Justice: Young People, Mental Health and Legal Issues

This report presents findings from new analysis of English and Welsh Civil and Social Justice Panel Survey (CSJPS) data, of the relationship between mental illness and social disadvantage among young people, with a particular focus on the experience of those facing legal issues. Our findings indicate that while young people, in general, are least likely to experience mental illness those not in education, employment or training (NEETs) are far more likely to do so than other young people, and somewhat more likely than those aged 25 to 59. Our findings also indicate that the experience of social welfare related legal issues (and legal issues in the round) is associated with higher rates of mental illness. Importantly, we found that NEET’s who experience legal issues are associated with particularly high rates of mental illness. ‘Social isolation’ (whether or not young people had an adult aged 25 or over in their household), when looked at in place of NEET status, was also found to be associated with mental illness. However, the likelihood of mental illness among isolated young people was similar to that of 25 to 59 year olds in general. Young isolated NEETs reporting legal issues had the highest incidence of mental illness, though numbers were small. On the basis of model simulation this group was predicted to have 45% mental illness prevalence, rising to 49% when social welfare law related issues were reported. Finally, analysis of change in mental health between waves of the CSJPS indicated that mental health deteriorates as new legal issues emerge. There were some indications that deterioration is particularly severe for disadvantaged young people, though the numbers of respondents was too small to draw conclusions with confidence.
Strategies to Productively Reincorporate the Formerly-Incarcerated into Communities: A Review of the Literature

Two-thirds of those released from prison in the United States will be re-arrested within three years, creating an incarceration cycle that is detrimental to individuals, families, and communities. There is tremendous public interest in ending this cycle, and public policies can help or hinder the reintegration of those released from jail and prison. This review summarizes the rigorous evidence on the effectiveness of programs that aim to improve the reintegration and rehabilitation of the formerly-incarcerated. While there is a need for much more research on this topic, the existing evidence provides some useful guidance for decision-makers. The importance of evaluating existing and new strategies is also discussed.
Coronary microvascular dysfunction and prognosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND Microvascular dysfunction, reflected by an inadequate increase in myocardial blood flow in response to dipyridamole infusion, is a recognized feature of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Its long-term effect on the prognosis is unknown. We prospectively evaluated a cohort of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy after they had undergone quantitative assessment of myocardial blood flow by positron-emission tomography (PET). METHODS Fifty-one patients (New York Heart Association class I or II) were followed for a mean (+/-SD) of 8.1+/-2.1 years after PET. Twelve subjects with atypical chest pain served as controls. Measurement of flow was performed at base line and after the infusion of the coronary vasodilator dipyridamole, with the use of nitrogen-13-labeled ammonia. Patients were then divided into three equal groups with increasing values of myocardial blood flow. RESULTS The response of myocardial blood flow to dipyridamole was severely blunted in the patients, as compared with the controls (1.50+/-0.69 vs. 2.71+/-0.94 ml per minute per gram of tissue, P<0.001). Sixteen patients (31 percent) had an unfavorable outcome (death from cardiovascular causes, progression to New York Heart Association class III or IV, or sustained ventricular arrhythmias requiring the implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator) 2.2 to 9.1 years after PET. Reduced blood flow in response to dipyridamole was strongly associated with an unfavorable outcome. Multivariate analysis showed that among patients in the lowest of the three flow groups the age-adjusted relative hazard of death from cardiovascular causes was 9.6 (P=0.02) and the relative hazard of an unfavorable outcome (a combined end point) was 20.1 (P=0.003), as compared with patients in the two other flow groups. Specifically, all four patients who died from heart failure and three of five who died suddenly were in this subgroup. CONCLUSIONS In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the degree of microvascular dysfunction is a strong, independent predictor of clinical deterioration and death. Severe microvascular dysfunction is often present in patients with mild or no symptoms and may precede clinical deterioration by years.
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AND STRESS IN THE LIGHT OF FISHER'S MODEL

The role of mutations in evolution depends upon the distribution of their effects on fitness. This distribution is likely to depend on the environment. Indeed genotype‐by‐environment interactions are key for the process of local adaptation and ecological specialization. An important trait in bacterial evolution is antibiotic resistance, which presents a clear case of change in the direction of selection between environments with and without antibiotics. Here, we study the distribution of fitness effects of mutations, conferring antibiotic resistance to Escherichia coli, in benign and stressful environments without drugs. We interpret the distributions in the light of a fitness landscape model that assumes a single fitness peak. We find that mutation effects (s) are well described by a shifted gamma distribution, with a shift parameter that reflects the distance to the fitness peak and varies across environments. Consistent with the theoretical predictions of Fisher's geometrical model, with a Gaussian relationship between phenotype and fitness, we find that the main effect of stress is to increase the variance in s. Our findings are in agreement with the results of a recent meta‐analysis, which suggest that a simple fitness landscape model may capture the variation of mutation effects across species and environments.
A Bio-Inspired Approach to Infer Functional Rules and Aesthetic Goals from Music Genre Styles

Computational Intelligence in Arts is a recent area of research. There is a growing interest in the application of these techniques in fields such as style recognition. Several works have been proposed for the recognition of styles for performers in which the improvisation often plays an important role. However, most of music genres, as classical music, are based on written music often composed according to specific rules. In this complex context, the style is the result of aesthetic goals, i.e. experience and preferences of the main composers in such a genre, and functional rules, i.e., the rules used to compose music according such a style. We propose a new approach for both recognition and automatic composition of music genre styles, which exploits a machine learning recognizer based on one-class support vector machines and neural networks, and a splicing composer. To assess the effectiveness of our system we performed several tests using a large corpus of 4-voice Bach's music. About the recognition, we show that our classifier is able to achieve an accuracy of 96.2%. With regard to the composition, we measured the capability of our system to capture both aesthetic goals, by collecting subjective perceptions from domain experts, and functional rules by computing the average percentage of classical forbidden exceptions that occur in the compositions produced.
Effects of rebreathing conditions and body size on normal human lung tissue volume.

To evaluate the consequences of breathing pattern variations inherent to lung disease on the rebreathing measurement of lung tissue volume (Vt), we carried out a study of ten normal human subjects in whom we assessed the effects of changes in rebreathing volume (Vreb), additional deadspace volume (AVD), respiratory rate (RR), and body height. Vt and alveolar volume (VA) were determined from the end-tidal concentrations of acetylene and helium. We performed Vt measurements using different combinations of Vreb (20, 30 and 50% of predicted vital capacity), of AVD (0, 100, and 200 ml) and of RR (10, 25, and 40 br.min-1). Only slow RR (10 br.min-1) resulted in a higher Vt (p less than 0.001). An increase in Vreb induced an increase in VA but not in Vt. VA and Vt were positively correlated with the height of the subjects. We conclude that, in normal subjects, Vt increases: 1) with the height of subjects; and 2) when the respiratory rate is low. Interpretation of Vt results must take into account these two variables.
Synaptic Vesicle Recycling: Genetic and Cell Biological Studies

Abstract We review mainly the work from our research group here. Our focus has been on the use of genetic methods to delineate the mechanisms of synaptic vesicle recycling and cellular trafficking. Acute temperature-sensitive paralytic mutants have been of particular value in this approach. We have primarily used screens for suppressor and enhancer mutations to identify genetic loci coding for proteins that interact with Dynamin in Drosophila. In addition, we have used reverse genetic approaches to investigate few other candidate molecules that may play a role in synaptic vesicle endocytosis. We have in particular discussed at some length the role of endocytic accessory proteins Stoned and Eps15 in vesicle recycling.