Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Homology of braid groups and their generalizations

In the paper we give a survey of (co)homologies of braid groups and groups connected with them. Among these groups are pure braid groups and generalized braid groups. We present explicit formulations of some theorems of V. I. Arnold, E. Brieskorn, D. B. Fuks, F. Cohen, V. V. Goryunov and others. The ideas of some proofs are outlined. As an application of (co)homologies of braid groups we study the Thom spectra of these groups. Introduction. The aim of this survey is to give some ideas about (co)homology of braid groups and their generalizations. It is very well known that braids were rigorously defined by E. Artin [Art1] in 1925, although the roots of this notion are seen in the works of A. Hurwitz ([H], 1891) and R. Fricke and F. Klein ([FK], 1897). Jozef Przytycki informed the author that he had seen braids in the notebooks of K. -F. Gauss. In his paper [Art2] E. Artin gives the presentation of the braid group which is very well known now. We will denote here the braid group on n strings by Brn. The group Brn has the generators σi, i = 1, . , n− 1. These generators are subject to the following relations: { σiσj = σjσi if |i− j| > 1, σiσi+1σi = σi+1σiσi+1. The cohomologies of the braid groups were first studied by V. I. Arnold in the work [Arn2], published in 1970. In this paper he discusses the cohomology of the braid groups in a very broad mathematical context and displays connections of this subject with various mathematical fields. He proves three important theorems about H(Brn,Z), namely, the theorems of finiteness, of recurrence and of stabilization (see Theorems 4.1 – 4.3 below). Also he computes the cohomology groups H(Brn,Z) for n ≤ 11 and i ≤ 9. Cohomologies of pure braid groups were also calculated by V. I. Arnold [Arn1]. These papers of V. I. Arnold had a great impact. His study was continued by D. B. Fuks [F1] 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification: Primary 20J05, 20F36, 20F55, 55N22.
Role of prospective screening of blood for invasive aspergillosis by polymerase chain reaction in febrile neutropenic recipients of haematopoietic stem cell transplants and patients with acute leukaemia

Guidelines for the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based assays to aid the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in high‐risk haematology patients have not been formulated. We prospectively evaluated a nested PCR assay to detect Aspergillus in blood during 95 febrile neutropenic episodes, in patients with haematological malignancy and haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. PCR results were correlated with the diagnostic classification of the 2002 European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycosis Study Group. When two‐positive results were used to define an episode as ‘PCR positive’, the sensitivity, specificity, positive‐predictive value and negative predictive value for ‘proven’/‘probable’ IA (n = 13) were 100%, 75·4%, 46·4% and 100%, respectively. Consecutive positive results occurred in 61·5% of these 13 episodes. Overall, PCR positivity preceded standard diagnosis by a mean of 14 d and the median time between positive results was shorter than that in other categories of IA. All 13 episodes occurred in the setting of allogeneic HSCT recipients and acute leukaemia. If ‘eligibility’ for antifungal therapy were based on two‐positive‐PCR tests, use of empiric treatment could have been reduced by up to 37%. The nested PCR assay is a practical screening test for excluding IA. Patients with consecutive positive results or intermittent‐positive results (within 14 d) warrant immediate investigations for IA and the initiation of antifungal therapy.
Parietal bone agenesis with gracile bones and splenic hypoplasia/aplasia: Clinico‐pathologic report and differential diagnosis with review of cranio‐gracile bone syndromes, “osteocraniostenosis” and Kleeblattschädel

The findings in a newborn male with agenesis of parietal bones, gracile long bones, and hypoplasia of the spleen are presented. Although parietal agenesis is unique, the findings are compatible with 18 previously reported cases characterized by cranial hypomineralization, Kleeblatschädel, gracile bones, and splenic aplasia/hypoplasia, the nomenclature for which has been descriptive: gracile bone disorders, “osteocraniostenosis,” “osteocraniosplenic syndrome. ” The term “osteocraniostenosis” may be inappropriate in that craniostenosis has been infrequently reported, a feature also of importance with respect to the pathogenesis of the Kleeblatschädel. The group likely reflects heterogeneous etiology and pathogenesis. Precedent, however, including animal models, justifies consideration of genetic aberrations, in particular, mutations in homeobox genes. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A DNA and RNA-containing cytoplasmic body in Drosophila melanogaster and its relation to flies.

MICROSCOPIC examination of larval salivary glands and other tissues of individuals of a stock (AA) of Drosophila melanogaster, established from the high chaeta number flies of the stabilizing selection line of GIBSON and THODAY ( 1963), has revealed the presence of cytoplasmic bodies containing DNA (deoxy-ribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). Such bodies have not been found in flies of a stock (BB) established from the low chaeta number flies of the same line. difference distinguishing extreme flies stabilizing selection from the wild stock completely under control of the maternal nuclear genotype. the difference in chaeta numbers was dependent upon a factor in chromosome 2 which has no effect on the chaeta numbers of its possessors, but manifest in progeny of females posses-sing this gene (or genes) have higher chaeta numbers. Removal of this gene (or genes) from lines maintained through resulted in a gradual loss of the high chaeta number effect over a number of generations than in an immediate loss of the effect. that the expression of the high chaeta number effect involved a cytoplasmic intermediate which, following removal of the nuclear gene (or genes) from a female line, was lost at a varying rate over a number of generations. It has been found, how-ever, that production of the high sternopleural chaeta number effect is in no way dependent upon the cytoplasmic bodies found in the high chaeta number flies.
Towards pressure-based feedback for non-stressful tactile notifications

Smartphones, wearables, and other mobile devices often use tactile feedback for notifying users. This feedback type proved to be beneficial since it does not occupy the visual or auditory channel. However, it still can be distracting in other situations such as when users are already stressed. To investigate tactile feedback patterns which do not increase the user's stress level, we developed two wrist-worn prototypes capable of providing tactile feedback (i.e., vibrotactile and pressure-based feedback). Further, we conducted a user-study with 14 participants comparing both feedback types. The results suggest that vibrotactile feedback increases the user's stress level more, compared to pressure-based feedback particularly applied when the user currently has a low stress level. Consequently, we present implications for designing notifications for mobile and wearable devices.
[Laparoscopic colorectal surgery in the era of evidence- based medicine].

MÉTHODE ET RÉSULTATS DE LA REVUE DE LA LITTÉRATURE CARACTÉRISTIQUES GÉNÉRALES DE LA CHIRURGIE COLORECTALE PAR CŒLIOSCOPIE • Courbe d’apprentissage • Avantages potentiels de la chirurgie cœlioscopique LA CHIRURGIE CŒLIOSCOPIQUE DES DIVERTICULITES SIGMOÏDIENNES • Faisabilité • Efficacité • Reproductibilité LA CHIRURGIE CŒLIOSCOPIQUE DES CANCERS COLORECTAUX • Faisabilité • Efficacité • Reproductibilité LA CHIRURGIE CŒLIOSCOPIQUE DES MALADIES INFLAMMATOIRES CHRONIQUES • Chirurgie de la maladie de Crohn • Chirurgie de la rectocolite hémorragique LA CHIRURGIE CŒLIOSCOPIQUE DU PROLAPSUS RECTAL CONCLUSION
Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Colonography at 3.0 Tesla Regarding Diagnostic Accuracy and Image Quality

Objectives:To assess magnetic resonance (MR)-colonography (MRC) for detection of colorectal lesions using two different T1w three-dimensional (3D)-gradient-recalled echo (GRE)-sequences and integrated parallel data acquisition (iPAT) at a 3.0 Tesla MR-unit. Materials and Methods:In this prospective study, 34 symptomatic patients underwent dark lumen MRC at a 3.0 Tesla unit before conventional colonoscopy (CC). After colon distension with tap water, 2 high-resolution T1w 3D-GRE [3-dimensional fast low angle shot (3D-FLASH), iPAT factor 2 and 3D-volumetric interpolated breathhold examination (VIBE), iPAT 3] sequences were acquired without and after bolus injection of gadolinium. Prospective evaluation of MRC was performed. Image quality of the different sequences was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. The findings of the same day CC served as standard of reference. Results:MRC identified all polyps >5 mm (16 of 16) in size and all carcinomas (4 of 4) correctly. Fifty percent of the small polyps ≤5 mm (4 of 8) were visualized by MRC. Diagnostic quality was excellent in 94% (384 of 408 colonic segments) using the 3D-FLASH and in 92% (376 of 408) for the VIBE. The 3D-FLASH sequence showed a 3-fold increase in signal-to-noise ratio (8 ± 3.3 standard deviation (SD) in lesions without contrast enhancement (CE); 24.3 ± 7.8 SD after CE). For the 3D-VIBE sequence, signal-to-noise ratio doubled in the detected lesions (147 ± 54 SD without and 292 ± 168 SD after CE). Although image quality was ranked lower in the VIBE, the image quality score of both sequences showed no statistical significant difference (&khgr;2 > 0.6). Conclusions:MRC using 3D-GRE-sequences and iPAT is feasible at 3.0 T-systems. The high-resolution 3D-FLASH was slightly preferred over the 3D-VIBE because of better image quality, although both used sequences showed no statistical significant difference.
Trends of beach erosion and shoreline protection in rural Fiji

A study of beach erosion and sea encroachment in the rural South Pacific was undertaken. Two islands of Fiji were chosen as study areas. On the basis of observation and interviews with elderly inhabitants of long-established coastal settlements, the coastal problems and countermeasures which they applied traditionally and recently were evaluated. Beach erosion in most of Fiji became significant only some 40 years ago. The causes of this change are considered to be a combination of human-induced development and global sea-level rise. Though people tried to respond to it mainly by building seawalls, there are many inappropriate elements in design and materials. Suggestions are made to improve coastal protection and to address the threats of predicted future accelerated sea-level rise and climate change.
Transfusions, major bleeding, and prevention of venous thromboembolism with enoxaparin or fondaparinux in thoracic surgery

Summary Enoxaparin 40 mg/day (E) or fondaparinux 2.5 mg/day (F) are recommended to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in medical and surgical patients at risk. Over the two years after switching from E to F in our 35-bed department of pulmonology and thoracic surgery, an increase in the number of transfusions was observed. A retrospective explanatory investigation was undertaken. Hospitalised patients in the two years before and after switching from E to F were compared. The files of all transfused patients were reviewed. A blinded independent committee adjudicated major bleeding events. In the investigated time period, the overall transfusion rate increased from 1.8% of 2,989 patients to 3.1% of 3,085 patients (p=0.002). Mean ages (58.4 vs. 59.1 years), proportions of surgical patients (63.6% vs. 58.4%), cancer patients (72.1% vs. 69.5%), and treated patients (≥1 dose of E or F: 51.8% vs. 52.5%) were similar. The number of medical patients transfused while receiving E or F did not increase significantly (0.9% vs. 1.3%, RR=1.45 [0.66–3.17], p=0.35). The number of surgical patients trans-fused postoperatively while receiving E or F increased significantly (0.7% vs. 1.9% of all surgical patients, relative risk [RR]=2.75 [1.45–5.23], p=0.001), including a significant increase in transfusions for major bleeding (0.2% vs. 0.9%, RR=5.97 [1.74–20.4], p<0.001). A multivariate analysis did not find confounding factors. The incidence of symptomatic postoperative pulmonary embolism remained very low (0.05% vs. 0.17%). In conclusion, in thoracic surgery patients, switch-ing from enoxaparin to fondaparinux to prevent VTE was associated with a significant increase in the risk of postoperative major bleeding. A causal relationship appears plausible.
Orphanhood and childcare patterns in sub-Saharan Africa: an analysis of national surveys from 40 countries

Objective: Assess the impact of AIDS on prevalence of orphanhood and care patterns. Methods: Descriptive analysis of nationally representative household surveys from 40 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Results: Overall 9% of children under 15 years have lost at least one parent in sub-Saharan Africa. On average one in six households with children are caring for orphans. Orphans more frequently live in households that are female-headed, larger, and have a less favourable dependency ratio. The head of the household is considerably older. Child caring practices differ between countries, and between non-orphans and orphans. Based on the country medians, almost nine out of 10 non-orphans live with their mother and eight out of 10 non-orphans live with their father. Single orphans are less likely to live with their surviving parent: three out of four paternal orphans live with their mother and just over half of maternal orphans live with their father. The (extended) family takes care of over 90% of the double orphans. Orphans are approximately 13% less likely to attend school than non-orphans. Double orphans are most likely to be disadvantaged. Conclusion: The epidemic has caused rapid recent increases in the prevalence of orphanhood. Prevailing childcare patterns have dealt with large numbers of orphans in the past, and to date there is no consistent evidence that this system is not absorbing the increase in orphans on a large scale. Yet, there is some evidence that orphans as a group are especially vulnerable, as they live in households with less favourable demographic characteristics and have lower school attendance.
Pleural hemorrhage in neonates on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: imaging findings.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and range of radiographic and sonographic findings of clinically significant pleural hemorrhage in neonates who have had repair of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia and are being treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for severe respiratory failure due to a combination of pulmonary hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension. Drainage and control of larger pleural hemorrhages and hemorrhagic pleural effusions, which may not be apparent clinically, can be essential to the successful completion of ECMO bypass support. MATERIALS AND METHODS The medical records, chest radiographs, and thoracic sonograms of 32 neonates with repaired congenital diaphragmatic hernia who were being treated with ECMO bypass were reviewed for radiographic and sonographic findings associated with significant pleural hemorrhage, defined as sufficient in amount to be recognizable by bedside imaging. Drainage of these hemorrhages was considered likely to result in improvement in the patient's clinical status and possibly to be essential to the patient's survival. The imaging findings most likely to reflect these large pleural hemorrhages were radiographic evidence of a rapid accumulation of pleural fluid or an atypical shift of mediastinal structures and sonographic demonstration of echogenic fluid in the pleural space. RESULTS Nine patients had 11 episodes of pleural hemorrhage significant enough to produce recognizable radiographic and/or sonographic findings and to effect a change in clinical management. The imaging findings varied with the evolution of the usual thoracic changes after repair of the hernia, severity of pleural hemorrhage, and ability to drain the hemorrhage. Both tension and nontension hemothoraces and hemopneumothoraces were observed on portable chest radiographs before treatment. Atypical shift of mediastinal structures and/or rapid accumulation of pleural space fluid were the radiographic findings most suggestive of significant pleural hemorrhage and occurred in six of the nine patients. Sonography of the thorax confirmed pleural hemorrhage in eight patients and was nondiagnostic owing to overlying bandage material in one patient. CONCLUSION The frequency of significant pleural hemorrhage in neonates with repaired congenital diaphragmatic hernia who were on ECMO bypass support was approximately 30%. The chest radiograph may be the initial indicator of large pleural hemorrhages in these patients. The radiographic findings can vary widely, from partial to complete opacification of the involved hemithorax and with varying degrees of contralateral mediastinal displacement. A shift in position of the ECMO cannulas may be the initial and only radiographic sign of pleural hemorrhage when both lungs are completely opaque and airless. Sonography is helpful in distinguishing hemothorax from pleural effusion. The combined radiographic and sonographic findings can be essential in deciding on appropriate therapeutic intervention.
Synthesis of vibrato singing

Vibrato is an important factor in the production of good quality singing of western classical songs. Vibrato is characterized by a temporal modulation of the singing pitch, as well as of the spectral structure. We are trying to synthesize singing using the large database, selection synthesis scheme. Simple waveform concatenation-modification synthesis can produce unnatural sounding vibrato sounds. A method to synthesize more natural vibrato sounds is described. This method works by ensuring that the phase of the vibrato in the original (source database) unit, used for synthesis, is consistent with the vibrato phase of the synthesized (target) vibrato sound. By doing so, the required modification of the original unit's prosody can be minimized, and the production of the characteristic vibrato spectral modulations can be improved.
The RAD 51 Family Member , RAD 51 L 3 , Is a DNA-stimulated ATPase That Forms a Complex with XRCC 2 *

The Rad51 protein in eukaryotic cells is a structural and functional homolog of Escherichia coli RecA with a role in DNA repair and genetic recombination. Several proteins showing sequence similarity to Rad51 have previously been identified in both yeast and human cells. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two of these proteins, Rad55p and Rad57p, form a heterodimer that can stimulate Rad51-mediated DNA strand exchange. Here, we report the purification of one of the representatives of the RAD51 family in human cells. We demonstrate that the purified RAD51L3 protein possesses single-stranded DNA binding activity and DNA-stimulated ATPase activity, consistent with the presence of “Walker box” motifs in the deduced RAD51L3 sequence. We have identified a protein complex in human cells containing RAD51L3 and a second RAD51 family member, XRCC2. By using purified proteins, we demonstrate that the interaction between RAD51L3 and XRCC2 is direct. Given the requirements for XRCC2 in genetic recombination and protection against DNA-damaging agents, we suggest that the complex of RAD51L3 and XRCC2 is likely to be important for these functions in human cells.
Excitation of rat colonic afferent fibres by 5‐HT3 receptors

The gastrointestinal tract contains most of the body's 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and releases large amounts after meals or exposure to toxins. Increased 5‐HT release occurs in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and their peak plasma 5‐HT levels correlate with pain episodes. 5‐HT3 receptor antagonists reduce symptoms of IBS clinically, but their site of action is unclear and the potential for other therapeutic targets is unexplored. Here we investigated effects of 5‐HT on sensory afferents from the colon and the expression of 5‐HT3 receptors on their cell bodies in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Distal colon, inferior mesenteric ganglion and the lumbar splanchnic nerve bundle (LSN) were placed in a specialized organ bath. Eighty‐six single fibres were recorded from the LSN. Three classes of primary afferents were found: 70 high‐threshold serosal afferents, four low‐threshold muscular afferents and 12 mucosal afferents. Afferent cell bodies were retrogradely labelled from the distal colon to the lumbar DRG, where they were processed for 5‐HT3 receptor‐like immunoreactivity. Fifty‐six percent of colonic afferents responded to 5‐HT (between 10−6 and 10−3 M) and 30 % responded to the selective 5‐HT3 agonist, 2‐methyl‐5‐HT (between 10−6 and 10−2 M). Responses to 2‐methyl‐5‐HT were blocked by the 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist alosetron (2 × 10−7 M), whereas responses to 5‐HT were only partly inhibited. Twenty‐six percent of L1 DRG cell bodies retrogradely labelled from the colon displayed 5‐HT3 receptor‐like immunoreactivity. We conclude that colonic sensory neurones expressing 5‐HT3 receptors also functionally express the receptors at their peripheral endings. Our data reveal actions of 5‐HT on colonic afferent endings via both 5‐HT3 and non‐5‐HT3 receptors.
Tsunami lung: a necrotising pneumonia in survivors of the Asian tsunami

Such managerial mayhem is orchestrated to let doctors “know who is boss and that Big Brother is watching them. ” Dalrymple argues that the UK government has long since lost the trust of the people and postulates that: “If it cannot improve its own reputation . it can at least destroy that of the medical profession by undermining the basis of the popular trust placed in it, for the government wants no autonomous professions with which it can be unfavourably compared. ”
Multicomponent reactive transport in multicontinuum media

Multicomponent reactive transport in aquifers is a highly complex process, owing to a combination of variability in the processes involved and the inherent heterogeneity of nature. To date, the most common approach is to model reactive transport by incorporating reaction terms into advection‐dispersion equations (ADEs). Over the last several years, a large body of literature has emerged criticizing the validity of the ADE for transport in real media, and alternative models have been presented. One such approach is that of multirate mass transfer (MRMT). In this work, we propose a model that introduces reactive terms into the MRMT governing equations for conservative species. This model conceptualizes the medium as a multiple continuum of one mobile region and multiple immobile regions, which are related by kinetic mass transfer processes. Reactants in both the mobile and immobile regions are assumed to always be in chemical equilibrium. However, the combination of local dispersion in the mobile region and the various mass transfer rates induce a global chemical nonequilibrium. Assuming this model properly accounts for transport of reactive species, we derive explicit expressions for the reaction rates in the mobile and immobile regions, and we study the impact of mass transfer on reactive transport. Within this framework, we observe that the resulting reaction rates can be very different from those that arise in a system governed by an ADE‐type equation.