Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
‘This wound has spoilt everything’: emotional capital and the experience of surgical site infections

In this article we explore the experience of suffering from a surgical site infection, a common complication of surgery affecting around 5 per cent of surgical patients, via an interview study of 17 patients in the Midlands in the UK. Despite their prevalence, the experience of surgical site infections has received little attention so far. In spite of the impairment resulting from these iatrogenic problems, participants expressed considerable stoicism and we interpret this via the notion of emotional capital. This idea derives from the work of Pierre Bourdieu, Helga Nowotny and Diane Reay and helps us conceptualise the emotional resources accumulated and expended in managing illness and in gaining the most from healthcare services. Participants were frequently at pains not to blame healthcare personnel or hospitals, often discounting the infection's severity, and attributing it to chance, to ‘germs’ or to their own failure to buy and apply wound care products. The participants' stoicism was thus partly afforded by their refusal to blame healthcare institutions or personnel. Where anger was described, this was either defused or expressed on behalf of another person. Emotional capital is associated with deflecting the possibility of complaint and sustaining a deferential and grateful position in relation to the healthcare system.
NOD2/CARD15 gene polymorphisms and Crohn's disease in the Chinese population

Background: Crohn's disease affects people world‐wide, but the incidence in Asia is lower than in Western countries. This difference may be due to genetic and/or environmental factors. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the NOD2/CARD15 gene have been identified to be independently associated with the development of Crohn's disease in Caucasians. Whether these SNPs are involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease in the Chinese population is unknown.
The Rewards to Meeting or Beating Earnings Expectations

The paper studies the manner by which earnings expectations are met, measures the rewards to meeting or beating earnings expectations (MBE) formed just prior to the release of quarterly earnings, and tests alternative explanations for this reward. The evidence supports the claims that the MBE phenomenon has become more widespread in recent years and that the pattern by which MBE is obtained is consistent with both earnings management and expectation management. More importantly, the evidence shows that after controlling for the overall earnings performance in the quarter, firms that manage to meet or beat their earnings expectations enjoy an average quarterly return that is higher by almost 3% than their peers that fail to do so. While investors appear to discount MBE cases that are likely to result from expectation or earnings management, the premium in these cases is still significant. Finally, the results are consistent with an economic explanation for the premium placed on earnings surprises, namely that MBE are informative of the firm's future performance.
Street lighting changes the composition of invertebrate communities

Artificial lighting has been used to illuminate the nocturnal environment for centuries and continues to expand with urbanization and economic development. Yet, the potential ecological impact of the resultant light pollution has only recently emerged as a major cause for concern. While investigations have demonstrated that artificial lighting can influence organism behaviour, reproductive success and survivorship, none have addressed whether it is altering the composition of communities. We show, for the first time, that invertebrate community composition is affected by proximity to street lighting independently of the time of day. Five major invertebrate groups contributed to compositional differences, resulting in an increase in the number of predatory and scavenging individuals in brightly lit communities. Our results indicate that street lighting changes the environment at higher levels of biological organization than previously recognized, raising the potential that it can alter the structure and function of ecosystems.
Approximately List-Decoding Direct Product Codes and Uniform Hardness Amplification

We consider the problem of approximately locally list-decoding direct product codes. For a parameter k, the k-wise direct product encoding of an N-bit message msg is an Nk-length string over the alphabet {0, l}k indexed by k-tuples (i1, . ., ik) isin {1,. , N}k so that the symbol at position (i1, . ., ik) of the codeword is msg(i 1). msg(ik). Such codes arise naturally in the context of hardness amplification of Boolean functions via the direct product lemma (and the closely related Yao 's XOR Lemma), where typically k Lt N (e.g., k = poly log N). We describe an efficient randomized algorithm for approximate local list-decoding of direct product codes. Given access to a word which agrees with the k-wise direct product encoding of some message msg in at least an epsiv fraction of positions, our algorithm outputs a list of poly(l/epsiv) Boolean circuits computing N-bit strings (viewed as truth tables of log N-variable Boolean functions) such that at least one of them agrees with msg in at least 1 - delta fraction of positions, for delta = O(k-0.1), provided that epsiv = Omega(poly(l/k); the running time of the algorithm is polynomial in log N and 1/epsiv. When epsiv > epsivkalpha for a certain constant alpha > 0, we get a randomized approximate list-decoding algorithm that runs in time quasi-polynomial in 1/epsiv (i.e., (1/epsiv)poly log 1epsiv/)By concatenating the k-wise direct product codes with Hadamard codes, we obtain locally list-decodable codes over the binary alphabet, which can be efficiently approximately list-decoded from fewer than frac12 - epsiv fraction of corruptions as long as epsiv = Omega(poly(l/k)). As an immediate application, we get uniform hardness amplification for PNP par, the class of languages reducible to NP through one round of parallel oracle queries: If there is a language in PNP par that cannot be decided by any BPP algorithm on more that 1 $1/nOmega(1) fraction of inputs, then there is another language in PNP par that cannot be decided by any BPP algorithm on more than frac12 + 1/nomega(1) fraction of inputs
Alcoholism and the dopaminergic system: a review

Alcohol as well as other substances of abuse are reinforcing substances which manifest their effects through activation of the mesolimbic dopaminergic reward pathways of the brain. In animal genetic models of alcoholism, reduced dopamine levels and D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) numbers have been found in the brains of alcohol‐preferring animals. Dopamine receptor agonists reduce alcohol consumption, whereas antagonists, in general, show the opposite effect. Moreover, quantitative trait loci studies in animals suggest the DRD2 gene and the region proximate to this locus is a chromosomal “hot spot” for alcohol‐related behaviors. Human studies provide additional support for connection between alcohol dependence and CNS dopaminergic function. In endocrinological studies, using dopamine receptor agonists, reduced dopaminergic activity has been found in more severe and more genetic types of alcoholics. Brain imaging studies are similarly revealing a diminished dopaminergic tone in alcoholics. Treatment of alcoholics with dopamine receptor agonists shows reduced alcohol consumption and improvements in other outcome measures. Molecular genetic studies in humans have identified an association of the Al allele of the DRD2 gene with alcoholism. Moreover, a diminished central dopaminergic function has been found in DRD2 A1 allele subjects using pharmacological, electrophysiological and neuropsychological studies. Further, treatment of alcoholics with a dopamine receptor agonist showed more salutary effects on alcoholics who carry than those who do not carry the DRD2 A1 allele. The A1 allele has also been associated with substance use disorders other than alcoholism, including and cocaine and nicotine dependence and polysubstance abuse. The emerging evidence suggests that the DRD2 is a reinforcement or reward gene. It could represent one of the most prominent single‐gene determinants of susceptibility to severe substance abuse. However, the environment and other genes, when combined, still play the larger role.
Knockdown of col22a1 gene in zebrafish induces a muscular dystrophy by disruption of the myotendinous junction

The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is the major site of force transfer in skeletal muscle, and defects in its structure correlate with a subset of muscular dystrophies. Col22a1 encodes the MTJ component collagen XXII, the function of which remains unknown. Here, we have cloned and characterized the zebrafish col22a1 gene and conducted morpholino-based loss-of-function studies in developing embryos. We showed that col22a1 transcripts localize at muscle ends when the MTJ forms and that COLXXII protein integrates the junctional extracellular matrix. Knockdown of COLXXII expression resulted in muscular dystrophy-like phenotype, including swimming impairment, curvature of embryo trunk/tail, strong reduction of twitch-contraction amplitude and contraction-induced muscle fiber detachment, and provoked significant activation of the survival factor Akt. Electron microscopy and immunofluorescence studies revealed that absence of COLXXII caused a strong reduction of MTJ folds and defects in myoseptal structure. These defects resulted in reduced contractile force and susceptibility of junctional extracellular matrix to rupture when subjected to repeated mechanical stress. Co-injection of sub-phenotypic doses of morpholinos against col22a1 and genes of the major muscle linkage systems showed a synergistic gene interaction between col22a1 and itga7 (α7β1 integrin) that was not observed with dag1 (dystroglycan). Finally, pertinent to a conserved role in humans, the dystrophic phenotype was rescued by microinjection of recombinant human COLXXII. Our findings indicate that COLXXII contributes to the stabilization of myotendinous junctions and strengthens skeletal muscle attachments during contractile activity.
Classifying mobile eye tracking data with hidden Markov models

Naturalistic eye movement behavior has been measured in a variety of scenarios [15] and eye movement patterns appear indicative of task demands [16]. However, systematic task classification of eye movement data is a relatively recent development [1,3,7]. Additionally, prior work has focused on classification of eye movements while viewing 2D screen based imagery. In the current study, eye movements from eight participants were recorded with a mobile eye tracker. Participants performed five everyday tasks: Making a sandwich, transcribing a document, walking in an office and a city street, and playing catch with a flying disc [14]. Using only saccadic direction and amplitude time series data, we trained a hidden Markov model for each task and classified unlabeled data by calculating the probability that each model could generate the observed sequence. We present accuracy and time to recognize results, demonstrating better than chance performance.
Simulation of the 2003 Foss Barge - Point Wells Oil Spill: A Comparison between BLOSOM and GNOME Oil Spill Models

The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Energy Technology Laboratory’s (NETL’s) Blowout and Spill Occurrence Model (BLOSOM), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) General NOAA Operational Modeling Environment (GNOME) are compared. Increasingly complex simulations are used to assess similarities and differences between the two models’ components. The simulations presented here are forced by ocean currents from a Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) implementation that has excellent skill in representing tidal motion, and with observed wind data that compensates for a coarse vertical ocean model resolution. The comprehensive comparison between GNOME and BLOSOM presented here, should aid modelers in interpreting their results. Beyond many similarities, aspects where both models are distinct are highlighted. Some suggestions for improvement are included, e.g., the inclusion of temporal interpolation of the forcing fields (BLOSOM) or the inclusion of a deflection angle option when parameterizing wind-driven processes (GNOME). Overall, GNOME and BLOSOM perform similarly, and are found to be complementary oil spill models. This paper also sheds light on what drove the historical Point Wells spill, and serves the additional purpose of being a learning resource for those interested in oil spill modeling. The increasingly complex approach used for the comparison is also used, in parallel, to illustrate the approach an oil spill modeler would typically follow when trying to hindcast or forecast an oil spill, including detailed technical information on basic aspects, like choosing a computational time step. We discuss our successful hindcast of the 2003 Point Wells oil spill that, to our knowledge, had remained unexplained. The oil spill models’ solutions are compared to the historical Point Wells’ oil trajectory, in time and space, as determined from overflight information. Our hindcast broadly replicates the correct locations at the correct times, using accurate tide and wind forcing. While the choice of wind coefficient we use is unconventional, a simplified analytic model supported by observations, suggests that it is justified under this study’s circumstances. We highlight some of the key oceanographic findings as they may relate to other oil spills, and to the regional oceanography of the Salish Sea, including recommendations for future studies.
Using Information Theory to Evaluate Directional Precipitation Interactions Over the West Sahel Region in Observations and Models

Water availability has historically been one of the most significant threats to African regional social and economic well‐being. Over the Sahel region, a megadrought during the 1960s and 1970s induced by an abrupt and substantial rainfall reduction caused widespread famine and death. The postdrought recovery, which is still ongoing, has been characterized by gradual increases in rainfall, but with dramatic fluctuations. The large negative human impacts, slow recovery, and variability raise important questions of why and how rainfall dynamics evolve and interact with other components of the regional climate system. Here we provide an observational assessment of rainfall interactions mechanisms (informed by directional transfer of information entropy) that regulate Sahel rainfall. We quantitatively demonstrate that (1) sea surface temperature over the Gulf of Guinea controls moisture advection and transport to the West Sahel region and (2) strong bidirectional interactions exist between local vegetation dynamics and rainfall patterns. Then we assess the directional interaction patterns from nine state‐of‐the‐art Earth System Models (ESMs). We find that most ESMs are able to represent either the unidirectional control of sea surface temperature on precipitation or the bidirectional interaction between vegetation and precipitation. However, none of the ESMs represents both interactive patterns. The GFDL and IPSL‐CM5A‐LR models successfully reproduced observed patterns over ~50% of the West Sahel region but were not accurate in reproducing observed precipitation regional trends or interannual variation. We propose that the directional information transfer is a powerful mechanistic benchmark to assess model fidelity at the process level.
Representation of Synoptic‐Scale Rossby Wave Packets and Blocking in the S2S Prediction Project Database

Rossby wave packets (RWPs) are one of the dominating midlatitude atmospheric phenomena. A realistic representation of RWPs is essential for a skillful prediction of the day‐to‐day weather and its extremes. Using an objective RWP tracking technique, this study verifies the representation of RWPs for all models in the Subseasonal to Seasonal (S2S) Prediction Project Database. Consistent with reanalyses, the reforecasts show one RWP every 4 days. The three models with the coarsest grid spacing tend to overestimate the propagation distance due to a negative RWP decay frequency bias over the Atlantic‐European sector. A verification of atmospheric blocking suggests that this bias is related to a negative blocking frequency bias in the same region. The biases are reduced in models with finer grid spacing. However, that this bias reduction is not only dependent on the grid spacing highlights the effect of the different representation of key physical processes on RWPs and blocking.
Low emotional response to traumatic footage is associated with an absence of analogue flashbacks: An individual participant data meta-analysis of 16 trauma film paradigm experiments

Most people will experience or witness a traumatic event. A common occurrence after trauma is the experience of involuntary emotional memories of the traumatic event, herewith “flashbacks”. Some individuals, however, report no flashbacks. Prospective work investigating psychological factors associated with an absence of flashbacks is lacking. We performed an individual participant data meta-analysis on 16 experiments (n = 458) using the trauma film paradigm to investigate the association of emotional response to traumatic film footage and commonly collected baseline characteristics (trait anxiety, current depression, trauma history) with an absence of analogue flashbacks. An absence of analogue flashbacks was associated with low emotional response to the traumatic film footage and, to a lesser extent, low trait anxiety and low current depression levels. Trauma history and recognition memory for the film were not significantly associated with an absence of analogue flashbacks. Understanding why some individuals report an absence of flashbacks may aid preventative treatments against flashback development.
Efficacy of calcium channel blockers as maintenance therapy for asthma.

AIMS Previous bronchoprovocation studies indicate that nifedipine attenuates airway responsiveness to several stimuli whereas diltiazem has no effect. The aim of this study was to determine whether such studies predict the efficacy of calcium channel blockers as maintenance therapy for persistent asthma. METHODS Twenty-one otherwise healthy adults with persistent asthma, mean age 25 years, completed treatment with maximum tolerated doses of placebo (P), nifedipine (N), and diltiazem (D) in a double-blind, randomized, three-treatment, three-period, crossover manner, each for 4 weeks. Frequency and severity of asthmatic symptoms were recorded twice daily, as well as peak expiratory flow and frequency of 'prn' use of inhaled terbutaline. Blood pressure, heart rate, P-R interval of the ECG and spirometry were measured biweekly. At the end of each treatment, airway responsiveness to exercise was measured. RESULTS The mean (s.e. mean)% of days with wheeze was 69plus minus7% during P, 75plus minus6% during N and 72plus minus6% during D (P=0.7). FEV1 was 79plus minus2% of predicted during P, 81plus minus2% during N and 79plus minus2% during D (P=0.6). The decrease in FEV1 after exercise was 32plus minus4% during P, 32plus minus5% during N and 27plus minus4% during D (P=0.5). Heart rate was elevated during N (P=0.0002) whereas P-R interval was prolonged during D (P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Maintenance therapy with calcium channel blockers, at doses that produce cardiovascular effects, do not suppress the signs and symptoms of persistent asthma. Previous bronchoprovocation studies did not predict these results.
Change in Mononuclear Leukocyte Responsiveness in Midpregnancy and Subsequent Preterm Birth

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the associations of change in immune response with preterm delivery, omega-3 supplementation, and fish diet. METHODS: This was an ancillary study to a randomized trial of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for the prevention of recurrent preterm birth. In vitro maternal peripheral blood mononuclear leukocyte production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10, and the proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-&agr;, in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, was measured at 16–22 weeks of gestation (baseline) and again at 25–28 weeks of gestation (follow-up) among women with prior spontaneous preterm birth. Changes in concentrations from baseline to follow-up ([INCREMENT]) were compared separately among groups defined by gestational age category at delivery, fish diet history, and omega-3 compared with placebo treatment assignment with Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: Interleukin-10 [INCREMENT] differed by gestational age category among 292 women with paired assays. Concentrations increased less in women delivering between 35 and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation (48.9 pg/mL) compared with women delivering at term (159.3 pg/mL) and decreased by 65.2 pg/mL in women delivering before 35 weeks of gestation (P=.01). Tumor necrosis factor-&agr; &Dgr; also differed by gestational age category among 319 women, but the pattern was inconsistent. Those delivering between 35 and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation exhibited decreased concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-&agr; at follow-up compared with baseline (−356.0 pg/mL); concentrations increased among women delivering before 35 weeks of gestation and those delivering at term, 132.1 and 86.9 pg/mL (P=.03). Interleukin-10 &Dgr; and tumor necrosis factor-&agr; &Dgr; were unaffected by either omega-3 supplementation or fish diet. CONCLUSION: Recurrent preterm birth was associated with decreased peripheral blood mononuclear leukocyte production of interleukin-10 in response to a stimulus during the second trimester. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials. gov, NCT00135902. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Ursolic Acid Inhibits Na+/K+-ATPase Activity and Prevents TNF-α-Induced Gene Expression by Blocking Amino Acid Transport and Cellular Protein Synthesis

Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, induce the expression of a wide variety of genes, including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Ursolic acid (3β-hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid) was identified to inhibit the cell-surface ICAM-1 expression induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines in human lung carcinoma A549 cells. Ursolic acid was found to inhibit the TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 protein expression almost completely, whereas the TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 mRNA expression and NF-κB signaling pathway were decreased only partially by ursolic acid. In line with these findings, ursolic acid prevented cellular protein synthesis as well as amino acid uptake, but did not obviously affect nucleoside uptake and the subsequent DNA/RNA syntheses. This inhibitory profile of ursolic acid was similar to that of the Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor, ouabain, but not the translation inhibitor, cycloheximide. Consistent with this notion, ursolic acid was found to inhibit the catalytic activity of Na+/K+-ATPase. Thus, our present study reveals a novel molecular mechanism in which ursolic acid inhibits Na+/K+-ATPase activity and prevents the TNF-α-induced gene expression by blocking amino acid transport and cellular protein synthesis.