Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Hepatitis C Virus Infection Contributes to Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a very common infection throughout the world with an estimated 200 million people infected in the world; so determination and prevention of morbidities associated with this infection is of utmost importance. 364,712 individuals who underwent investigation for potential associations between HCV infection and cardiovascular dis-orders in 31 studies have been reviewed in this systematic review. Only 6 out of 31 reviewed studies involving a cumulative population of 81,035 (22.2%) subjects reported a negative association between HCV infection and cardiovascular disorders. There were 2 prospective studies, both in fa-vor of such a relation. Our data suggests that HCV has a significant effect on the development of cardiovascular diseases in the general population, either in the coronary or carotid artery. We suggest prospective cohort stud-ies with more controlled conditions.
Multivariate Skewed Responses : New Semiparametric Regression Model and a Bayesian Recourse

For many real-life studies with skewed multivariate responses, the level of skewness and association structure assumptions are essential for evaluating the covariate effects on the response, and its predictive distribution. We present a novel semiparametric model leading to a theoretically justifiable semiparametric Bayesian analysis of multivariate skewed responses. Similar to multivariate Gaussian densities, this multivariate model is closed under marginalization, and allows a wide class of multivariate associations with meaningful physical interpretations of skewness levels and covariate effects on the marginal density. Compared to existing models, our model enjoys several desirable properties, including scalable Bayesian computing via available software, and assurance of consistent Bayesian estimates of parameters and the nonparametric error density under a set of plausible prior assumptions. We illustrate the practical advantages of our methods over existing parametric alternatives via application to a clinical dataset assessing periodontal disease, and a simulation study.
Information Coding 2018 | LiTH-ISY-EX -18 / 5170-- SE Evalua on of an Appearance-Preserving Mesh Simplifica on Scheme for CET Designer

To decrease the rendering time of a mesh, Level of Detail can be generated by reducing the number of polygons based on some geometrical error. While this works well for most meshes, it is not suitable for meshes with an associated texture atlas. By iteratively collapsing edges based on an extended version of Quadric Error Metric taking both spatial and texture coordinates into account, textured meshes can also be simplified. Results show that constraining edge collapses in the seams of a mesh give poor geometrical appearance when it is reduced to a few polygons. By allowing seam edge collapses and by using a pull-push algorithm to fill areas located outside the seam borders of the texture atlas, the appearance of the mesh is better preserved.
Where do you believe you are going , human ? Toward active intention recognition in unknown environments for joint robot-human search and rescue missions *

Search and rescue missions are particularly dangerous tasks for first responders. Fully automating even the riskiest and earliest phases is still hindered by limited autonomous exploration algorithms. This work proposes a first step toward extending robot use in search and rescue missions by allowing them to anticipate human first responder actions, thus enabling exploration focused on areas more relevant for the responder and thus for the task. The robot controller implements an active intention recognition paradigm to perceive, even under sensory constraints, not only the target position but also the first responders movements which can inform on her intentions: reaching the position where she expects the target to be. This is implemented using an extension of MonteCarlo based planning where reward is extended with an entropy reduction bonus.
Free-surface ﬂows from Kinect: Feasibility and limits

In this work, we investigate the combined use of a Kinect depth sensor and of a stochastic data assimilation method to recover free-surface ﬂows. For this purpose, we ﬁrst show that the Kinect is likely to capture temporal sequences of depth observations of wave-like surfaces with wavelengths and amplitudes sufficiently small to characterise medium/large scale ﬂows. Then, we illustrate the ability of a stochastic data assimilation method to estimate both time-dynamic water surface elevations and velocities from sequences of synthetical depth images having characteristics close to the Kinect ones.
Fabrication and characterization of Au dimer antennas on glass pillars with enhanced plasmonic response

Abstract We report on the fabrication and dark-field spectroscopy characterization of Au dimer nanoantennas placed on top of SiO2 nanopillars. The reported process enables the fabrication of nanopillar dimers with gaps down to 15 nm and heights up to 1 μm. A clear dependence of the plasmonic resonance position on the dimer gap is observed for smaller pillar heights, showing the high uniformity and reproducibility of the process. It is shown how increasing the height of nanopillars significantly affects the recorded elastic scattering spectra from Au nanoantennas. The results are compared to finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and finite-element method (FEM) simulations. Additionally, measured spectra are accompanied by dark-field microscopy images of the dimers, showing the pronounced change in color. Placing nanoantennas on nanopillars with a height comparable to the in-plane dimer dimensions results in an enhancement of the scattering response, which can be understood through reduced interaction of the near-fields with the substrate. When increasing the pillar height further, scattering by the pillars themselves manifests itself as a strong tail at lower wavelengths. Additionally, strong directional scattering is expected as a result of the interface between the nanoantennas and nanopillars, which is taken into account in simulations. For pillars of height close to the plasmonic resonance wavelength, the scattering spectra become more complex due to additional scattering peaks as a result of larger geometrical nonuniformities.
Observational Constraints on Cosmic Reionization

Observations have set the first constraints on the epoch of reionization (EoR), corresponding to the formation epoch of the first luminous objects. Studies of GunnPeterson (GP) absorption indicate a rapid increase in the neutral fraction of the intergalactic medium (IGM) from xHI 10 −3 , perhaps up to 0.1, at z ∼ 6, while the large scale polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) implies a significant ionization fraction extending to higher redshifts, z ∼ 11 ± 3. These results, as well as observations of galaxy populations, suggest that reionization is a process that begins as early as z ∼ 14, and ends with the “percolation” phase at z ∼ 6 to 8. Low luminosity star-forming galaxies are likely the dominant sources of reionizing photons. Future low-frequency radio telescopes will make direct measurements of HI 21-cm emission from the neutral IGM during the EoR, and measurements of secondary CMB temperature anisotropy will provide details of the dynamics of the reionized IGM.
Backscattering and extinction properties of various snow particle models are studied for three typical cloud

[1] Backscattering and extinction properties of various snow particle models are studied for three typical cloud radar frequency ranges, namely Ku band, Ka band, and W band, both in terms of their individual scattering properties as well as averaged over size distributions. Models studied include soft spheres, randomly oriented pristine nonspherical particles and complex aggregates, as well as horizontally aligned spheroids. It is shown that the concurrent use of Ku/Ka band and Ka/W band dual wavelength ratios (DWR) allows for a separation of different snow particle habits. It is further shown that triple‐frequency approaches constrain the slope parameter of exponential size distributions more tightly than conventional single DWR approaches can. Uncertainties introduced by unknown mass‐size relations for different snow particle habits remain a challenge when mass‐related quantities are to be derived. Attenuation by snow, especially at W band, is found to potentially alter these results, albeit moderately, without affecting the general conclusions. Sensitivity studies performed with respect to cutoffs in the simulated size distribution highlight potential benefits of including larger particles in future scattering databases.
Genetic specification of recurrent neural networks

Computational Neuro-Genetic Modeling (CNGM) is discussed from the perspective of building Artificial Neural Network architectures starting with substantially pre-defined modules and processes (DNAANNs). This is equivalent to assuming that DNA code in a neuron can ultimately specify function, process and some level of data abstraction beyond the immediate role of genes to produce proteins or to regulate processes, and using that basis as a metaphor for DNA-ANNs. A robust and diverse set of ensembles or modules of DNA-ANNs is sought that is sufficient for a given problem domain, and that generalizes well. The potential advantages that might be derived from highly evolved, fine-grained hybrid genetic/connectionist systems, and some of the implementation challenges that they could present are
A Dietary Supplement in Combination with an Education Plan and a Long-Term Follow-up Significantly Decrease Blood Pressure, Body Weight andBody Fat

A 55 year old obese hypertensive woman with a body fat content of 53.7%, and a BMI of 46.9 kg/m2 was seeking medical treatment at an outpatient obesity clinic in Oslo, Norway. Additionally, she suffered from borderline type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and did not desire bariatric surgery as a treatment for her morbid obesity. Being obese for most of her adult life, over the past decades she unsuccessfully tried a wide variety of over-the-counter diets that might have been in vogue at the time. After she was examined and diagnosed at the clinic, she was advised to follow a three-pronged treatment program consisting of education, close follow-up, and a dietary supplement. After 24 months of treatment with life style changes, she had lost 43 kg and the fat content in the body was reduced by 25.6%, down to 28.1%. In conclusion, the patient successfully returned to a normal body fat percentage for her age and gender with a normal blood pressure and no irregular blood sugar readings which was the goal of the treatment paradigm. In conclusion, a natural dietary supplement in combination with an education plan and a long-term followup can successfully be used to decrease weight and fat mass and decrease cardiovascular risk factors.
Predictors of Clinical Outcome after Intravenous Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke without Large Vessel Occlusion : The Role of Admission Glycemia

Introduction: In the era of mechanical thrombectomy, intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) remains the first choice treatment for ischemic stroke without large vessel occlusion. In literature few studies are available regarding the acute phase treatment of ischemic stroke without large vessel occlusion. The existence of potential predictive factors of clinical improvement after IVT treatment in this subgroup of stroke patients is not well established.
Successful Pregnancy Following Dual Triggering Concept (rhCG + GnRH Agonist) in a Patient Showing Repetitive Inmature Oocytes and Empty Follicle Syndrome: Case Report

After ovarian stimulation some oocytes collected for IVF cycles are arrest at the GV o MI stage at the time of retrieval despite controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and a correct administration of hCG. However, it is unusual to have a complete failure of oocyte maturation after COS, especially in presence of normally growing follicles. Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a condition of uncertain etiology in which no oocytes are retrieved from apparently normally growing ovarian follicles with normal estradiol levels after ovarian stimulation for assisted reproductive techniques. In genuine EFS, dysfunction of the folliculogenesis seems to be the most plausible etiology. We report a case of primary infertility in which four consecutive IVF attempts yielded immature oocytes or EFS. Finally, at a fifth attempt the use of hCGr + GnRHa (dual triggering) for final follicular maturation resulted in a successful live birth. doi: http://dx.doi. org/10.4021/jmc1055w
The Wearer, the Device, and Its Use: Advances in Understanding the Social Acceptability of Wearables

The WEAR Scale was used to collect data on the social acceptability of three wearable devices from 1,387 participants from the US Midwest and Silicon Valley. The most notable result was that a head-worn “medical device” was rated as more socially acceptable (d=0.78) than the same device described as a “brain fitness tool,” which was the opposite of what was hypothesized. Also, as hypothesized, Silicon Valley participants found the wearables more socially acceptable than Midwestern U.S. participants. The Scale and these results enable industry to better predict the human factors affecting social acceptability of wearables throughout development and before market release.
THE IMPACT OF SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS ON HPA AXIS FUNCTIONALITY IN DEPRESSION

Depression is one of the most prevalent risks to human productivity and life worldwide, decreasing life expectancies by up to 7-10 years. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a primary role in stress response through the regulated secretion of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol. Diseases of cortisol dysregulation such as Cushing’s syndrome (hypercortisolemia) and Addison’s Disease (hypocortisolemia) are both associated with depression. Based on this we, and others, have hypothesized that mutations in the genes for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), the closely related mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), and regulatory proteins associated with cortisol or GR function may contribute to depression in the absence of hyperor hypo-cortisolemia. Our study investigated the genotypic frequency in the clinical population of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect GR and MR sensitivity to cortisol binding. Buccal swab DNA samples were acquired from patients clinically diagnosed with depression and from a random population. Extracted DNA was analyzed utilizing multiple allele-specific polymerase chain reactions to determine genotypic frequency of SNPs associated with hypersensitivity or resistance to cortisol. In addition, patients completed measures of depression (BDI) and anxiety (STAI-T, STAI-S). While there was no significant difference between genotypes for BDI measures, patients carrying a TthIII mutant allele for the GR had significantly higher scores on the STAI-T inventory. Further understanding the role of geneotypic variation in cortisol function could lead to more specific and targeted therapies for depression with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
Azzam reacquisition skill grading scale and its use in cerebral palsied children

Background: The goal of this work was to show the efficacy of gradual hand skills progression training evaluated by Azzam hand skills progression scale in reacquisition of hand dexterity in hemiplegic C.P. children. Method: Group A (object manipulation with levels progression plus regular physiotherapy program), and group B (regular physiotherapy program only). Azzam reacquisition skill grading scale for detecting the intention level of hand skill progression to be the base of treatment. Modified Ashworth scale for detecting the reduction of spasticity and handheld dynamometer for detecting hand grip strength. This measurement was taken before initial treatment and after 3 months of treatment. Results: Measurement scores were available on the 30 hemiplegic C.P. children shared in the study. The mean value of the study group had an expressive improvement at (post-treatment) (p˂0.05) The variance between pre and post-treatment results was significant in the study group in all variables. By comparison of both groups in hand dexterity at post-treatment, there was an expressive improvement (p<.05). By comparison of all hemiplegic C.P. children in modified Ashworth scale variable at post-treatment, there was an expressive decrease in spasticity (p<.05). By comparison of all hemiplegic C.P. children in hand grip strength at posttreatment, there was an expressive improvement (p<.05). According to the outcomes of this study, it can be terminated that the combined effect of object manipulation with levels progression via Azzam reacquisition skill grading scale plus regular physiotherapy program can be recommended in improvement hand dexterity in hemiplegic C.P. children. Keyword: hand dexterityhand skills progressionhemiplegic C.P. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Date of Submission: 09-04-2018 Date of acceptance: 25-04-2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Biophysical characterization of 21.5-kDa myelin basic protein (MBP) and the effects of zinc on its structure

Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) is a highly abundant protein in central nervous system (CNS) myelin that has a critical role in its proper formation and functioning. The 21.5-kDa isoform of MBP has been shown to be selectively imported into the nucleus of myelin-producing cells, oligodendrocytes, and may be involved in signaling pathways that affect the formation and recovery of CNS myelin. The first step in understanding potential nuclear binding partners of 21.5-kDa MBP is to characterize the structure of the protein. In this study, circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to analyze the structure of 21.5-kDa rmMBP (recombinant murine MBP) in vitro in the presence and absence of Zn2+, an abundant trace metal in CNS myelin that has been suggested to affect MBP structure. Fluorescence spectroscopy with a probe for hydrophobic protein regions showed that Zn2+ may affect the conformation of 21.5-kDa MBP in aqueous solution. Keywords: myelin basic protein (MBP); intrinsically-disordered protein; circular dichroism; fluoresence spectroscopy
Mechanisms of international influence on domestic elite sport policy

In the analysis of sport policy the permeability of domestic policy processes and the significance of non-domestic policy influences is increasingly acknowledged. There is also a growing awareness of the role of domestic institutional arrangements in mediating influences external to the domestic policy system. Taking the interaction between non-domestic influences and domestic policy processes as its starting point the article evaluates, in relation to elite sport, the variety of mechanisms that have been identified as linking the domestic and non-domestic policy spheres. It is argued that the mechanisms vary in relation to the locus of initiative, the basis of engagement, the key relationships and the nature of power relationships. It is also argued that in many countries in relation to elite sport policy there is a dual process in operation of domestically initiated policy learning and non-domestically initiated policy harmonisation through policy regimes.
Succession of Wood-inhabiting Fungal Communities Diversity and Species Interactions During the Decomposition of Norway Spruce

Dead wood constitutes an important substrate for biodiversity in boreal forests. As the wood decays, fungal communities develop and species associations are formed. Species interactions are thought to affect community development, but the mycelial dynamics within fungal communities are poorly understood. In this thesis the diversity and temporal dynamics within fungal communities in Norway spruce logs are studied. In particular, patterns of diversity and mechanisms during community assembly are investigated. 454 sequencing is applied to study the less well-known fungal diversity and fine-scale mycelial distribution patterns in decaying logs. The influence of priority effects during community assembly is studied using time-series data from re-inventoried logs. The importance of wood-modification by a primary species and competition is examined in species interaction laboratory experiments. 454 sequencing revealed species-rich fungal communities with diverse ecological roles. Wood-decaying basidiomycetes was found to be the most abundant ecological group, and saprotrophic, mycorrhizal and parasitic fungi were regularly detected. Mycobiont partners of lichens were isolated from interior parts of logs. Fine-scale distribution within logs revealed that resource utilization reflects the life histories of fungal taxa. More decayed samples hosted a higher number of taxa, particularly ascomycetes, whereas wood-decaying basidiomycetes were found in less decayed wood. Priority effects in terms of different mortality factors of trees and the presence of primary decay species were found to affect the subsequent community composition. A species-specific response to primary decay and antagonistic interactions significantly affected decay rate and growth. It is concluded that priority effects are more important in early stages of community development while species more frequent in middle stages of decomposition relies more upon competitive abilities.
Segmentation of WorldClim dataset reveals new insight into spatial variability of global climate

We applied a segmentation algorithm to a high resolution global grid of climatic variables (WorldClim dataset) to delineate Earth’s land surface into spatial climate units (SCUs) having levels of climate inhomogenity tightly controlled by algorithm’s merging threshold parameter. The result is an accurate global map of spatial variability of climate. Interestingly, this variability varies greatly with geographical location. Using resultant segmentation we show that some climatic zones in the widely-used Köppen–Geiger classification (KGC) are climatically homogeneous while other are not, underscoring a qualitative character of the KGC. We attribute this result to a non-linear relationship between changes in vegetation types (on which the KGC is based) and changes in values of climatic variables. We also demonstrate the utility of climate segmentation for mapping specific climate types using the island of Great Britain as an example.
Isolated dwarf galaxies: from cuspy to flat dark matter density profiles and metalicity gradients

The chemodynamical evolution of spherical multi-component self-gravitating models for isolated dwarf galaxies is studied. We compared their evolution with and without feedback effects from star formation processes. We found that initially cuspy dark matter profiles flatten with time without any special tuning conditions as a result of star formation. Thus the seemingly flattened profiles found in many dwarfs do not contradict the cuspy profiles predicted by cosmological models. We also calculated the chemical evolution of stars and gas, to permit comparisons with observational data.