Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natural disasters and older US adults with disabilities: implications for evacuation.

We analysed 2003 and 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA to produce estimates of the number of community dwelling people aged 65 years or older with a disability and requiring special equipment. (4) Approximately, 47,840 (31.6 per cent) older adults with a disability and 24,938 (16.6 per cent) older adults requiring the use of special equipment were community dwelling and might require assistance to evacuate or a shelter that could accommodate special equipment. Older adults who need special equipment were likely to be female, unmarried and white, and to rate their health as fair or poor. Personnel who plan and prepare for evacuations and temporary shelter during disasters need baseline information on the number of older adults with a disability or who require special equipment. A surveillance system, such as the BRFSS, gathers information that planners can use to prepare for and to deliver services.
New Candidate Vaccines against Blood-Stage Plasmodium falciparum Malaria: Prime-Boost Immunization Regimens Incorporating Human and Simian Adenoviral Vectors and Poxviral Vectors Expressing an Optimized Antigen Based on Merozoite Surface Protein 1

ABSTRACT Although merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1) is a leading candidate vaccine antigen for blood-stage malaria, its efficacy in clinical trials has been limited in part by antigenic polymorphism and potentially by the inability of protein-in-adjuvant vaccines to induce strong cellular immunity. Here we report the design of novel vectored Plasmodium falciparum vaccines capable of overcoming such limitations. We optimized an antigenic insert comprising the four conserved blocks of MSP-1 fused to tandemly arranged sequences that represent both allelic forms of the dimorphic 42-kDa C-terminal region. Inserts were expressed by adenoviral and poxviral vectors and employed in heterologous prime-boost regimens. Simian adenoviral vectors were used in an effort to circumvent preexisting immunity to human adenoviruses. In preclinical studies these vaccines induced potent cellular immune responses and high-titer antibodies directed against MSP-1. The antibodies induced were found to have growth-inhibitory activity against dimorphic allelic families of P. falciparum. These vectored vaccines should allow assessment in humans of the safety and efficacy of inducing strong cellular as well as cross-strain humoral immunity to P. falciparum MSP-1.
Identifying Vulnerability Markers in Prodromal Patients: A Step in the Right Direction for Schizophrenia Prevention

ABSTRACT Research has shown that many of the long-term deficits that are observable in schizophrenia populations are present prior to the emergence of psychotic symptoms. Recent research suggests schizophrenia has a “prodromal” period, whereby significant changes from premorbid functioning can be observed. Accurate classification of this period could have far-reaching implications for schizophrenia prevention. This article aims to provide an indepth evaluation of the perceived benefits of vulnerability marker research in this unique phase. It is hoped that identification of such markers may improve the predictive potency of prodromal criteria, and perhaps pave the way for future screening and primary prevention strategies.
Diagnosing Dangerous Arrhythmia of Patients by Automatic Detecting of QRS Complexes in ECG

Abstract — In this paper, an automatic detecting algorithm for QRS complex detecting was applied for analyzing ECG recordings and five criteria for dangerous arrh ythmia diagnosing are applied for a protocol type of automatic arrhythmia diagnosing system. The automatic detecting algorithm applied in this paper detected the distribution of QRS complexes in ECG recordings and related information, such as heart rate and RR interval. In this investigation, twenty sampled ECG recordings of patients with different pathologic conditions were collected for off-line analysis. A combinative application of four digital filters for bettering ECG signals and promoting detecting rate for QRS complex was proposed as pre-processing. Both of hardware filters and digital filters were applied to eliminate different types of noises mixed with ECG recordings. Then, an automatic detecting algorithm of QRS complex was applied for verifying the distribution of QRS complex. Finally, the quantitative clinic criteria for diagnosing arrhythmia were programmed in a practical application for automatic arrhythmia diagnosing as a post-processor. The results of diagnoses by automatic dangerous arrhythmia diagnosing were compared with the results of off-line diagnoses by experienced clinic physicians. The results of comparison showed the application of automatic dangerous arrhythmia diagnosis performed a matching rate of 95% compared with an experienced physician’s diagnoses.
A Novel GCPW to Rectangular Waveguide Transition for 60 GHz Applications

A new type of grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW) to rectangular waveguide transition in an LTCC multi-layer structure for 60 GHz applications is proposed in this letter. The GCPW and rectangular waveguide are fully integrated on the same substrate, and the ground wall of the rectangular waveguide is made up of a staggered via fence. The transition is accomplished by inserting a bent short stub. We analyze and prove the novel transition structure by applying an equivalent circuit model. Measured results for a single transition show that the insertion loss is 0.345 dB at 59 GHz and the bandwidth is 6.3 GHz. The proposed transition structure with very low loss at a large bandwidth is very suitable for a SiP of 60 GHz WPAN applications.
Antifeedant activity and effects of terpenoids on detoxication enzymes of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner)

It has been determined the antifeedant activity of a mixture of limonoids 1,7-di-O-acetylhavanensin and 3,7-di-Oacetylhavanensin (F18), isolated from seeds of Trichilia havanensis Jacq. (Meliaceae), and the neo-clerodane diterpene scutecyprol A, isolated from Scutellaria valdiviana (Clos) Epling (Labiatae), on fifth instar larvae of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Choice and no-choice feeding assays, nutritional tests, and post-treatment studies indicated that scutecyprol A acts as an insect feeding deterrent against S. exigua, whereas the antifeedant activity of F18 is likely associated with a toxic mode of action. In addition, it was tested the hypothesis that S. exigua larvae will try to metabolize the compounds that are toxic by the induction of their detoxication systems, whereas no such induction happens for those compounds that are deterrents. The mixture of limonoids F18 significantly increased glutathione S-transferases during the treatment and post-treatment periods, whereas esterases were inhibited during the treatment period. On the contrary, scutecyprol A did not have any significant effect on any of the enzymatic processes. Hence, the metabolic response of S. exigua larvae to the ingestion of the secondary metabolites tested depends on their mode of action. Additional key words: esterases, glutathione S-transferases, limonoids, neo-clerodane diterpenes, nutritional indexes, Scutellaria, Trichilia.
Computer-Assisted Navigation in Total Knee Replacement: Results of an Initial Experience in Thirty-five Patients

The success of total knee replacement surgery depends on several factors, including proper patient selection, appropriate implant design, correct surgical technique, and effective perioperative care. The outcome of total knee replacement surgery is particularly sensitive to variations in surgical technique 1-9. Incorrect positioning or orientation of the implant and improper alignment of the limb can lead to accelerated implant wear and loosening as well as suboptimal functional performance. A number of studies have suggested that alignment errors of >3° are associated with more rapid failure and less satisfactory functional results after total knee arthroplasty 1,10-20. Recent studies have also emphasized that the most common cause for revision total knee replacement is error in surgical technique. Mechanical alignment guides have improved the accuracy with which implants can be inserted. Although mechanical alignment systems are continually being refined, errors in implant and limb alignment continue to occur. It has been estimated that errors in tibial and femoral alignment of >3° occur in at least 10% of total knee arthroplasties, even when performed by experienced surgeons using mechanical alignment systems of modern design. Mechanical alignment systems have fundamental problems that limit their ultimate accuracy. The accuracy of preoperative planning is limited by the errors inherent in standard radiographs. It is difficult to determine accurately, with standard instrumentation, the correct location of crucial alignment landmarks (e.g., the center of the femoral head, the center of the ankle). Moreover, mechanical alignment and sizing devices presume a standardized bone geometry that may not apply to a specific patient. Even the most elaborate mechanical instrumentation systems rely on visual inspection to confirm the accuracy of limb and implant alignment and stability at the conclusion of the total knee replacement procedure. Computer-based alignment systems have been developed to address the …
Novel pharmaceuticals in the treatment of psychosis in Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects 10 million people worldwide. Half will develop psychosis, the majority experiencing hallucinations rather than delusions. Emergence of psychosis increases the likelihood of institutionalization and mortality. Where pharmacological treatment is warranted, options are limited. Most currently licensed atypical antipsychotics are ineffective or worsen motor symptoms in people with PD. This review of provides an overview of the current landscape of treatments and the opportunities in emerging research. Clozapine is the only licensed antipsychotic with proven efficacy, although the associated side effects limit its use. With recent advances in understanding the role of serotonin, rational drug design approaches have delivered a novel pharmacological treatment with recently proven efficacy in clinical trials of people with PD and psychosis. Pimavanserin represents an important addition to treatment.
Magnetic stimulation of the brain in generalized epilepsy: Reversal of cortical hyperexcitability by anticonvulsants

Observations on experimental models suggest that diffuse cortical hyperexcitability is an important abnormality in the generalized epilepsies. We used the threshold for transcranial magnetic stimulation as an index of motor cortical excitability in 89 neurologically normal control subjects and 56 patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (20 untreated and 36 chronically treated with anticonvulsants). Magnetic stimulation was repeated in 10 patients after valproate monotherapy had been commenced and in 23 control subjects. The threshold intensity was significantly lower in the untreated patients (46 ± 5% [mean ± 95% confidence interval]) than in the control subjects (56 ± 2%). Treated patients had significantly higher thresholds (64 ± 4%) than did untreated patients and control subjects. A significant increase in threshold intensity (8 ± 2%) occurred in patients retested after starting valproate; there was no significant change in retested control subjects (−1 ± 2%). Threshold intensity was positively correlated with plasma valproate levels (rs = 0.37). The findings suggest that cortical excitability is increased in idiopathic generalized epilepsy and is reduced following anticonvulsant treatment. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is of use in examining the pathophysiology of generalized epilepsy. Furthermore, changes in threshold intensity in response to anticonvulsant treatment may prove useful in guiding therapy.
CALT-TH-2017-22 Unifying Relations for Scattering Amplitudes

We derive new amplitudes relations revealing a hidden unity among wide-ranging theories in arbitrary spacetime dimensions. Our results rely on a set of Lorentz invariant differential operators which transmute physical tree-level scattering amplitudes into new ones. By transmuting the amplitudes of gravity coupled to a dilaton and two-form, we generate all the amplitudes of Einstein-Yang-Mills theory, Dirac-Born-Infield theory, special Galileon, nonlinear sigma model, and biadjoint scalar theory. Transmutation also relates amplitudes in string theory and its variants. As a corollary, celebrated aspects of gluon and graviton scattering like color-kinematics duality, the KLT relations, and the CHY construction are inherited traits of the transmuted amplitudes. Transmutation recasts the Adler zero as a trivial consequence of the Weinberg soft theorem and implies new subleading soft theorems for certain scalar theories. e-mail: clifford.cheung@caltech.edu, chshen@caltech.edu, cwen@caltech.edu ar X iv :1 70 5. 03 02 5v 1 [ he pth ] 8 M ay 2 01 7
JFP volume 1 issue 4 Cover and Back matter

The Computer Journal is one of the world's most eminent periodicals in the field of information technology and computer applications. Its coverage is unmatched by any other computing periodical. It includes advanced programming, computer science theory, databases, hardware and logic design and business applications. It also covers the newer disciplines such as parallel computing, object-oriented programming, logic programming and electronic publishing. Papers are always in the mainstream of new developments; their results are significant and far reaching; above all they are readable
Efficiency analysis of power converters for urban wind turbine applications

The use of wind energy in urban contexts, for a number of small power applications, is of greater and greater interest. The urban environment is characterised by multidirectional winds with a wide speed range, therefore it is necessary that the generation system is capable of delivering power in a wide range of operating conditions. For this reason it is of great interest to determine which power converter is more suitable for a small urban wind application. In this paper the power losses of three of the most used power converter topologies are calculated. Also the output power and the efficiency are compared in a wide range of the wind turbine operation including the extreme overspeed range.
Efficient Detection of Carbapenemase Activity in Enterobacteriaceae by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization−Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry in Less Than 30 Minutes

ABSTRACT The recognition of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) isolates is a major laboratory challenge, and their inappropriate or delayed detection may have negative impacts on patient management and on the implementation of infection control measures. We describe here a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization−time of flight (MALDI-TOF)-based method to detect carbapenemase activity in Enterobacteriaceae. After a 20-min incubation of the isolate with 0.5 mg/ml imipenem at 37°C, supernatants were analyzed by MALDI-TOF in order to identify peaks corresponding to imipenem (300 Da) and an imipenem metabolite (254 Da). A total of 223 strains, 77 CPE (OXA-48 variants, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMI, IMP, and NMC-A) and 146 non-CPE (cephalosporinases, extended-spectrum β-lactamases [ESBLs], and porin defects), were tested and used to calculate a ratio of imipenem hydrolysis: mass spectrometry [MS] ratio = metabolite/(imipenem + metabolite). An MS ratio cutoff was statistically determined to classify strains as carbapenemase producers (MS ratio of ≥0.82). We validated this method first by testing 30 of our 223 isolates (15 CPE and 15 non-CPE) 10 times to calculate an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC of 0.98), showing the excellent repeatability of the method. Second, 43 strains (25 CPE and 18 non-CPE) different from the 223 strains used to calculate the ratio cutoff were used as external controls and blind tested. They yielded sensitivity and specificity of 100%. The total cost per test is <0.10 U.S. dollars (USD). This easy-to-perform assay is time-saving, cost-efficient, and highly reliable and might be used in any routine laboratory, given the availability of mass spectrometry, to detect CPE.
A global model of stress in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

This research sought to analyse stress among mothers and fathers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to determine the relevant variables for its explanation and the possible gender differences. To examine parents' stress, we propose a multidimensional model based on the Double ABCX theoretical model. We argue that the result of stress depends on the following four interrelated factors: the characteristics of the child with ASD (the severity of the disorder and behaviour problems), the social supports, the parents' perception of the situation (evaluate by sense of coherence) and the coping strategies. Fifty-nine set of parents (fifty-nine mothers and fifty-nine fathers) of children diagnosed with ASD participated in the study. The data were analysed using a path analysis through the AMOS 5 Graphic program. We obtained two empirical models of stress: one model for mothers and one for fathers. In both models, the severity of disorder and the behaviour problems had a direct and positive effect on stress. The sense of coherence (SOC) had a mediating role, and social support was relevant only for mothers. Finally, the results offer some guidelines for professionals working with families.
Resistance to adriamycin cytotoxicity among respiratory-deficient mutants in yeast

Saccharomyces cell uptake of Adriamycin and the ensuing cytotoxic response were found to be dependent upon the ionic strength of the medium used for drug treatment. A given concentration of Adriamycin which inhibited growth in complete medium ws found to be significantly cytotoxic when administered in water. Many survivors after Adriamycin treatment in water were found to be respiratory-deficient petite mutants containing mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid mutations. Petite mutants arising after Adriamycin treatment were not induced but selected from the preexisting population of spontaneously derived petite mutants (normal frequency, 2%) due to an increased resistance of these mutants to killing by Adriamycin as compared with normal respiratory-sufficient cells. The responses to Adriamycin in mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid respiratory-deficient mutants (rho-, rho degrees, mit-) with different impaired mitochondrial functions was studied. All were similarly more resistant to killing by Adriamycin than wild-type cells. The common deficiency shared by these mutants, i.e., nonfunctioning electron transport, may play a role in protecting these mutants from Adriamycin cytotoxicity. In addition, normal cells grown on glycerol, requiring aerobic respiration for carbon source utilization were more susceptible to killing by Adriamycin than cells grown on glucose. These studies suggest that a mitochndrial function in yeast may interact with Adriamycin to potentiate a cell cytotoxic mechanism of the drug.
A Submillimeter Package for Microsystems in High-Pressure and High-Salinity Downhole Environments

This paper describes a submillimeter-scale package intended for microsystem components in high-pressure and high-salinity environments, such as downhole environments in oil wells. The outer dimensions of the package are 0.8 x 0.8 x 0.8 mm3, whereas the interior cavity is 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.45 mm3. The package consists of a stainless steel 17-4 PH metal can and a borosilicate glass lid, and is hermetically sealed by an Au-In bond. The measured bond strength is ≈13 MPa. A component integration strategy is demonstrated: test silicon chips are assembled into a stack using a folded flexible polyimide cable that provides electrical interconnections among the chips. The packages coated with thin-film alumina by atomic layer deposition and Parylene-C survive >48 h in the American Petroleum Institute standard brine (with 8 wt% NaCl and 2 wt% CaCl2 in deionized water) at 80 °C, and subsequently, in 50-MPa (≈7250 psi) hydraulic pressure.
AT2 Receptor Stimulation May Halt Progression of Pheochromocytoma

Abstract: Two patients with pheochromocytoma are described in whom treatment with a high dose of an angiotensin receptor blocker was associated with cessation of tumor growth as assessed by serial CT scanning and plasma norepinephrine estimation. If the association with drug treatment is causal, the mechanism may be through stimulation of the AT2 receptor consequent upon the elevation of plasma angiotensin II levels induced by AT1 receptor blockade. Similar observations in further patients should lead to a placebo‐controlled study in patients with malignant or familial pheochromocytoma, or other tumors found to express the AT2 receptor.
Comparison of transfer ribonucleic acids and aminoacyl synthetases of liver and ascites tumor cells.

Aminoacyl synthetase and transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) fractions were obtained from normal rat liver and from Novikoff ascites tumor cells. The tRNA was precharged with tritium and 14C-labeled arginine, phenylalanine, or valine employing various combinations of the synthetase and tRNA fractions. The labeled aminoacyl tRNA's were resolved employing reversed phase chromatography. The tumor and liver cell patterns for arginyl tRNA were almost identical, while the cell types differed with respect to the phenylalanyl tRNA profile. When liver phenylalanyl tRNA was chromatographed on the reversed phase columns, three distinct peaks were obtained. In contrast, the tumor phenylalanyl tRNA did not exhibit the first peak seen in the liver profile, and the second tumor phenylalanyl tRNA peak was displaced.
Comparison of clinical isolates and in vitro selected mutants reveals that tlyA is not a sensitive genetic marker for capreomycin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to clarify the conflicting data regarding cross-resistance and drug-resistance mechanisms for the cyclic peptide capreomycin and the aminoglycosides amikacin and kanamycin by comparing genotypes and phenotypes of clinical isolates and in vitro selected mutants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHODS The genes rrs and tlyA and the promoter region of eis of 152 M. tuberculosis clinical isolates (including 55 capreomycin resistant) and 44 in vitro selected capreomycin-, amikacin- and kanamycin-resistant mutants were sequenced. In addition, MICs of capreomycin, amikacin and kanamycin on Middlebrook 7H10 were determined. RESULTS The results clearly show major differences in genotypes and cross-resistance patterns to amikacin and kanamycin between the capreomycin-resistant clinical isolates and in vitro selected mutants. tlyA mutations were found almost exclusively among the in vitro selected capreomycin-resistant mutants, while only four were found among the clinical isolates, of which two were capreomycin susceptible. In contrast, 53 of the 55 capreomycin-resistant clinical isolates had a mutation at position 1401 in rrs and were resistant to capreomycin, amikacin and kanamycin. Low-level resistance to kanamycin was correlated to mutations in the promoter region of eis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings are consistent with the belief that a mutation at position 1401 in rrs leads to resistance to capreomycin, amikacin and kanamycin. The data also show that tlyA is not a sensitive genetic marker for capreomycin resistance in clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis, as mutations in this gene are infrequent and not all mutations in tlyA lead to capreomycin resistance.