Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surveillance for Legionnaires' disease. Risk factors for morbidity and mortality.

BACKGROUND To augment available information about the epidemiology of legionnaires' disease, we analyzed data reported to the passive surveillance system at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga, from 1980 through 1989. METHODS Risk of disease associated with specific demographic characteristics and health conditions was calculated by comparing the surveillance group with the US population. Risk of death was calculated using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS A diagnosis of legionnaires' disease was confirmed on the basis of clinical and laboratory criteria for 3254 patients. Disease rates did not vary by year, but were higher in the northern states and during the summer. Legionella pneumophila, serogroup 1, constituted 71.5% of fully identified isolates. This study confirmed previously identified risk factors for legionnaires' disease. In addition, a markedly elevated risk was identified for persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (rate ratio, 41.9; 95% confidence interval, 12.9, 71.0), or hematologic malignancy (rate ratio, 22.4; 95% confidence interval, 19.0, 25.9). Likelihood of death was increased in patients who were elderly or male; those with hospital-acquired infection, renal disease, malignancy, or immunosuppression; and those from whom L pneumophila, serogroup 6, was isolated. CONCLUSIONS Infection with Legionella remains an important cause of disease and death in the United States. Diagnosis and treatment of legionnaires' disease should be targeted at patients at increased risk for illness and complications due to Legionella infection. Diagnostic tests for legionnaires' disease based on species other than L pneumophila, serogroup 1, should be developed and tested. Recommendations for prevention of legionnaires' disease should be focused on settings where there are persons at greatest risk for illness or serious outcome.
Transnationalization of a Recruitment Regime: Skilled Migration to Japan

Japan, facing demographic decline and challenges of companies and universities to internationalize, has opened its doors to skilled migration. Focussing initially on a two-step student migration model, Japanese companies have now moved to recruiting young graduates from overseas universities, mainly in Asia. We argue that, with the help of brokers, the domestic recruitment regime, a set of particular employment practices, has been transnationalized. Based on interviews with stakeholders and discussing international recruitment fairs as the site of engagement, we present first evidence that the activities of brokers have the potential to change attitudes towards employability among overseas universities and their students. We also find that this development compromises original diversity objectives of Japanese employers and point to a lack of rules of engagement for brokers operating across national borders.
Lipid content and metabolism of human keratinocyte cultures grown at the air‐medium interface

The differentiation of human keratinocytes in most culture systems is incomplete; e.g., lamellar bodies, the characteristic lipid‐delivery organelles of epidermis, are not present. Moreover, their lipid profile does not reflect the distinctive composition found in cornifying epidermis. In contrast, keratinocytes that grow at an air‐medium interface exhibit more complete differentiation. In this study, we compared the elaboration of lamellar bodies, the lipid content, and the lipid metabolism of human keratinocytes, cultured both under standard immersed conditions and after lifting to an air‐medium interface. Whereas submerged cultures neither elaborated lamellar bodies nor displayed a lipid distribution characteristic of cornifying epidermis, lifted cultures displayed advanced cornification, elaborated lamellar bodies which were deposited in intercellular domains, and a lipid profile more typical of cornifying epidermis. Moreover, lipid biosynthesis was 5–10‐fold more active in lifted than in immersed cultures, and was not inhibited by exogenous lipoproteins. These findings are consistent with recent studies that demonstrate both high rates of lipogenesis in differentiating layers of the epidermis as well as autonomy of lipogenesis from the influence of circulating lipoproteins. Thus, the lipid content and metabolism of human keratinocyte cultures, grown at an air‐medium interface, demonstrate features that simulate the epidermis.
Travelling wave fault location on hybrid power lines

Detection and location of faults on power systems have great importance in term of being able to clear faults in a short time and provide more available service to customers. Since sensitive determination of fault location is necessary, it is required to measure the arrival time of the travelling waves accurately and to use corresponding propagation velocity of the cable. However, when a fault location scheme is utilized for this purpose, which uses the velocity of the propagation as a parameter during analysis, changing parameters of the cable over its age, such as relative permittivity, introduce large errors in determination of the fault locations. On the other hand, hybrid systems including cable and overhead lines makes the detection of fault location more difficult. Therefore, in order to have precise fault localization, the successful analysis should not use the velocity of propagation especially for the aged cables. This paper describes the use of wavelet analysis for identifying fault location on power lines without using the velocity of propagation. Extensive simulation work has been done in order to check the effectiveness of the proposed scheme based on wavelet analysis. Different fault scenarios have been utilized on a given power system model. The obtained results indicate that the proposed scheme is effective and able to locate the points of faults with reasonable accuracy. This scheme can also be further used for the travelling wave protection on power systems to provide fast and accurate fault clearance.
Cognitive Effects and Educational Possibilities of Physical Activity in Sustainable Cities

Life in cities has allowed the development of our capabilities since they have the necessary elements to evolve through successive generations. Our survival and well-being depend on social interactions. However, the excessive comforts offered by cities can be counterproductive to our health. This paper aims to identify the cognitive effects derived from the regular practice of physical activity (PA), as well as the opportunities and characteristics present in cities to enhance this activity and the pedagogical implications that can be extracted from it. Sustainable cities must achieve their ecological goals through economic development that meets the present needs without compromising the quality of the future. Reports reveal that the widespread lack of PA is a major risk factor for both physical and mental health. The literature provides more and more evidence of how physical exercise affects the brain and cognition, and informs us of how and when we perform our daily PA. An analysis of the situation reveals the need to plan an urbanism committed to the promotion of PA accompanied by an analysis of the characteristics of urban spaces demanded by citizens and a necessary programming of recreational and educational activities that encourage the practice of physical exercise.
Acute coagulopathy of trauma: mechanism, identification and effect

Purpose of reviewAcute coagulopathy of trauma has only been described relatively recently. Developing early in the postinjury phase, it is associated with increased transfusion requirements and poor outcomes. This review examines the possible initiators, mechanism and clinical importance of acute coagulopathy. Recent findingsAcute coagulopathy of trauma occurs in patients with shock and is characterized by a systemic anticoagulation and hyperfibrinolysis. Dilution, acidemia and consumption of coagulation proteases do not appear to be significant factors at this stage. There is evidence to implicate activation of the protein C pathway in this process. Diagnosis of acute coagulopathy currently relies on laboratory assessment of clotting times. These tests do not fully characterize the coagulopathy and have significant limitations, which reduce their clinical utility. SummaryAcute coagulopathy results in increased transfusion requirements, incidence of organ dysfunction, critical care stay and mortality. Recognition of an early coagulopathic state has implications for the care of shocked patients and the management of massive transfusion. Identification of novel mechanisms for traumatic coagulopathy may lead to new avenues for drug discovery and therapeutic intervention.
Use of hyperspectral imaging technology to develop a diagnostic support system for gastric cancer

Abstract. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a new technology that obtains spectroscopic information and renders it in image form. This study examined the difference in the spectral reflectance (SR) of gastric tumors and normal mucosa recorded with a hyperspectral camera equipped with HSI technology and attempted to determine the specific wavelength that is useful for the diagnosis of gastric cancer. A total of 104 gastric tumors removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection from 96 patients at Yamaguchi University Hospital were recorded using a hyperspectral camera. We determined the optimal wavelength and the cut-off value for differentiating tumors from normal mucosa to establish a diagnostic algorithm. We also attempted to highlight tumors by image processing using the hyperspectral camera’s analysis software. A wavelength of 770 nm and a cut-off value of 1/4 the corrected SR were selected as the respective optimal wavelength and cut-off values. The rates of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the algorithm’s diagnostic capability were 71%, 98%, and 85%, respectively. It was possible to enhance tumors by image processing at the 770-nm wavelength. HSI can be used to measure the SR in gastric tumors and to differentiate between tumorous and normal mucosa.
Assessing subjective memory complaints: a comparison of spontaneous reports and structured questionnaire methods

ABSTRACT Background: Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are a common occurrence for adults, which increase with age, and cause considerable distress. Traditionally SMCs have been assessed by either questionnaires, which ask whether a person has experienced given examples of SMCs, or open-ended questions which elicit spontaneous reports of SMCs. However, little is known about how these methods of assessment might influence reporting of SMCs. Methods: Four hundred and twenty one adults aged 40 years and above were surveyed about SMCs using spontaneous report and questionnaire methods. Results: As expected, spontaneously reported SMCs were fewer in number and rated more distressing overall than SMCs endorsed on a questionnaire. However, comparison of individual SMCs revealed that distress ratings tended to be higher when assessed in a questionnaire than spontaneously reported, which may be due to the context of a questionnaire causing inflated ratings. Participants also reported SMCs which were not well assessed by the questionnaire, including some which were among the most distressing SMCs overall. Conversely, other SMCs were over-sampled by the questionnaire and did not feature in spontaneous reports. Conclusions: Implications for clinical assessment of SMCs are that open-ended questioning might be preferable to initial use of prescriptive questionnaires, in order to elicit SMCs that are most distressing. While use of questionnaires may reveal endorsement of a wider range of SMCs than are spontaneously reported, they can take focus away from, or even fail to assess, those SMCs which cause most subjective distress (and therefore should be the target of interventions).
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: PUBLIC REACTIONS AND STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS

This paper was prepared as part of the Domestic Violence against Women Research Project conducted by JEIWA’s Research and Innovation (R&I) with the support of Department of Women’s Development, Malaysia. The paper seeks to explore the factors that contribute to the public reactions to domestic violence against woman and strategic interventions in increasing public awareness. Violence against women deprives women of their right to fully take part in social and economic life. It causes a myriad of physical and mental health issues. An extensive investigation of related literature and in-depth interview with domestic violence witnesses are employed for this purpose. The key findings of this study found that the culture and tradition, social stigma and lack of knowledge of public’s right have been identified as the factors that hinder the community to response to domestic violence perpetration. The findings from this research could help policy makers, authorized agencies and non-governmental organizational leaders to strategize and adequately craft a suitable and high impact program that suits the target groups' needs and lifestyle.
Neuronal Surface Antibody-Mediated Autoimmune Encephalitis

Abstract In the past few years, many autoimmune encephalitides have been identified, with specific clinical syndromes and associated antibodies against neuronal surface antigens. There is compelling evidence that many of these antibodies are pathogenic and most of these encephalitides are highly responsive to immunotherapies. The clinical spectra of some of these antibody-mediated syndromes, especially those reported in only a few patients, are evolving. Others, such as anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis, are well characterized. Diagnosis involves recognizing the specific syndromes and identifying the antibody in a patient's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or serum. These syndromes are associated with variable abnormalities in CSF, magnetic resonance imaging, and electroencephalography. Treatment is often multidisciplinary and should be focused upon neutralizing the effects of antibodies and eliminating their source. Overlapping disorders have been noted, with some patients having more than one neurologic autoimmune disease. In other patients, viral infections such as herpes simplex virus encephalitis trigger robust antineuronal autoimmune responses.
Does Trade Liberalization Improve Trade Balance in Pakistan?

This article examines the impact of trade liberalization, that is, reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers on trade balance, in Pakistan over the period 1982–2013. The results reveal that reduction of average effective tariff rate improves trade balance in the short run, while lowering of non-tariff barriers deteriorates trade balance in the long run as well as in the short run. The analysis also suggests that depreciation of real effective exchange rate and foreign income causes an improvement in the trade balance, whereas domestic income deteriorates it. The negative association between the reduction in non-tariff barriers and trade balance worsens sustainability of current account of the balance of payments in Pakistan.
Treacher Collins Syndrome: Protocol Management From Birth to Maturity

Background: Management of patients with Treacher Collins syndrome is complicated and involves multiple disciplines working in concert to achieve a common outcome. This article reviews the experience at the Australian Craniofacial Unit and describes the protocol for management. Methods: Fifty patients were treated during the last 30 years. The records of these patients were reviewed to establish what interventions they required and how these fit into a protocol for management. Results: The protocol for management of Treacher Collins syndrome can be divided into 3 epochs. In the first epoch from birth to age 2, airway and feeding problems were the main focus. Four patients required tracheostomy. Of these, 1 died and the others received mandibular distraction. Hearing is evaluated and addressed early. Eleven patients (23%) required repair of a cleft palate. In the second epoch (aged 2-12 y), speech therapy is critical as is a focus on integrating into the education system. During this epoch, reconstruction of the upper face was performed either with bone grafts or with vascularized bone flaps. Both required repeat bone grafts later. In the third epoch (aged 13-18 y), orthognathic surgery was performed. Revision surgery and further bone grafting were performed again at around age 18. Patients reported being generally happy with their appearance and with few exceptions were able to complete education, gain employment, and feel socially accepted. Conclusions: Management of patients with Treacher Collins syndrome should be through a multidisciplinary protocol to achieve good results while minimizing confusion and unnecessary surgery.
Maximum power point tracking for irregular irradiance of a photovoltaic array

This paper investigates different photovoltaic array configurations and there effect on the PV array efficiency, while applying the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for better utilization of the overall system. There are several MPPT and several arrangements of the PV modules inside the array. Among several studied MPPT algorithms for PV panels, the Perturb and Observe (P&O) method is utilized as the simplest and the easiest to be practically implemented. The PV module has been modeled and the MPPT algorithm has been validated by simulation analysis and experimental implementation using microcontroller and power electronics converter. Different arrangements of the PV array were discussed, and a comparison study between the central inverter configuration and the multi-string configuration is conducted. Results obtained showed that the MPPT within multi-string configuration improves the overall utilization of the PV array more than the central inverter configuration.
Phytochemical Compounds from the Crop Byproducts of Tunisian Globe Artichoke Cultivars

The phytochemical composition in two Tunisian globe artichoke cultivars (bracts, leaves, and floral stems) was evaluated in the plant byproducts. The results indicated that the bracts contain the highest levels of total phenols, o‐diphenols, and flavonoids, whereas tannins seem to be more abundant in the leaves. Bracts from the ‘Violet d'Hyères’ cultivar possessed more total phenols (160.8 mg/g DW), flavonoids (64.9 mg/g DW), and anthocyanins (15.3 μg/g DW) than the ‘Blanc d'Oran’ bracts (134.5 mg/g DW, 51.2 mg/g DW, and 8.3 μg/g DW, resp.). Sixty‐four volatile compounds were identified in the headspace of globe artichoke material, particularly in the bracts. The volatile profile showed that sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and non‐terpene derivatives were the main volatiles emitted by the bracts in both cultivars. These results suggest that globe artichoke byproducts might represent a potential source of natural compounds, which could be used as nutraceuticals or as ingredients in the design of functional foods.
Beware of multiple traumas in PTSD assessment: the role of reactivation mechanism in intrusive and hyper-arousal symptoms

Objectives: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major public health problem defined by three symptom clusters: intrusion thoughts, avoidance mechanisms and hyper-arousal. Several authors have emphasized, that some or all of these symptoms related to a past traumatic experience could be reactivated, even after long asymptomatic periods. This study investigates the role of an additional trauma in the reactivation of a childhood trauma among a group of former hidden children (n = 65), the Jewish youths who spent World War II in various hideaway shelters in Nazi-occupied Europe. They were compared with a control group. Method: The presence or absence of an additional trauma in adulthood was assessed and PTSD symptoms were measured by using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. Results: An additional trauma reactivates PTSD symptoms of intrusion thoughts and, marginally, symptoms of hyper-arousal. At the opposite, symptoms of avoidance were not reactivated. Conclusion: Our results confirm the role of an additional trauma in the reactivation of traumatic memories, related to an earlier trauma, in later life. Clinical and theoretical implications are discussed and perspectives are proposed.
The Construction of Arabidopsis Expressed Sequence Tag Assemblies (A New Resource to Facilitate Gene Identification)

The generation of large numbers of partial cDNA sequences, or expressed sequence tags (ESTs), has provided a method with which to sample a large number of genes from an organism. More than 25,000 Arabidopsis thaliana ESTs have been deposited in public databases, producing the largest collection of ESTs for any plant species. We describe here the application of a method of reducing redundancy and increasing information content in this collection by grouping overlapping ESTs representing the same gene into a “contig” or assembly. The increased information content of these assemblies allows more putative identifications to be assigned based on the results of similarity searches with nucleotide and protein data-bases. The results of this analysis indicate that sequence information is available for approximately 12,600 nonoverlapping ESTs from Arabidopsis. Comparison of the assemblies with 953 Arabidopsis coding sequences indicates that up to 57% of all Arabidopsis genes are represented by an EST. Clustering analysis of these sequences suggests that between 300 and 700 gene families are represented by between 700 and 2000 sequences in the EST database. A database of the assembled sequences, their putative identifications, and cellular roles is available through the World Wide Web.
Sport policy in Flanders (Belgium)

ABSTRACT This article reviews the state of play and the evolution of sport policy in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium. The organisation of sports is influenced by the political structure of the Belgian state. To explain the distinctive politics and to provide insight into the context in which sport policy, and in particular Sport for All policy, is situated, the constitution of Belgium and its regions is discussed. After an overview of the history and the development of sport policy, the organisation of sports and the main actors in the landscape of sports in Flanders are analysed. Apart from the public sector, the role of both the not-for-profit and commercial sectors is also dealt with. To conclude, evolutions in Flemish sport policy and the related challenges are discussed.
Novel one-pot synthesis and characterization of bioactive thiol-silicate nanoparticles for biocatalytic and biosensor applications

A novel one-pot neutral synthesis using bioinspired polymers to fabricate thiol-nanoparticles is presented. The thiol-particles may be directly tethered to metal surfaces such as gold, allowing the production of self-assembled nanostructured biocatalytic or biosensor surfaces. This one-pot method has also been used to entrap enzymes within the thiol-nanoparticles; it is apparent that once enzyme entrapment is carried out a bimodal distribution of particles is formed, with particles of one mode being very similar in size to thiol-nanoparticles without enzyme entrapped, and particles of the other mode being much larger in size. To this end, efforts have been made to separate the two modes of particles for the sample containing enzyme and it has been observed that the larger mode thiol-nanoparticles do indeed contain significant amounts of enzyme in comparison to the smaller mode ones. As the enzyme-containing thiol-nanoparticles can now be isolated, this means that there are many future possibilities for the use of thiol-particles containing enzyme, as they may be used in a wide range of processes and devices which require catalytic functionalized surfaces, such as biosensors and biocatalytic reactors.