Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines on the Incidence of Pneumonia in Hospitalized Children after Five Years of Its Introduction in Uruguay

Background Data on the burden of pneumococcal disease and the most frequent serotypes demonstrated that invasive disease and pneumonia were important manifestations affecting children under 5 years of age. Therefore, pneumococcal diseases prevention became a public health priority. Uruguay was the first Latin American country to incorporate PCV7 into its National Immunization Program. The aim of this study is to compare the incidence rates for hospitalized pneumonia in children from the pre PCV introduction period and the following five years of PCVs application in Uruguay. Methods and Findings Population-based surveillance of pneumonia hospitalization rates, in children, less than 14 years of age, had been performed prior pneumococcal vaccination, and continued following PCV7 introduction and PCV13 replacement, using the same methodology. Hospitalized children with pneumonia were enrolled from January 1, 2009 through December 31st, 2012. The study was carried out in an area with a population of 238,002 inhabitants of whom 18, 055 were under five years of age. Patients with acute lower respiratory infections for whom a chest radiograph was performed on admission were eligible. Digitalized radiographs were interpreted by a reference radiologist, using WHO criteria. Pneumonia was confirmed in 2,697 patients, 1,267 with consolidated and 1,430 with non consolidated pneumonia of which incidence decrease, between 2009 and 2012, was 27.3% and 46.4% respectively. 2001–2004 and 2009–2012 comparison showed a significant difference of 20.4% for consolidated pneumonia hospitalizations. A significant incidence decline was recorded among children 6 to 35 months of age. Conclusions An overall significant reduction in pneumonia hospitalizations was observed following the introduction of PCV7 and furthermore following the change to PCV13.
Dynamic in‐situ eutectic formation for topical drug delivery

Objectives The relationship between the solution‐state chemistry of eutectic systems and their transmembrane transport characteristics is difficult to define as these mixtures are sensitive to delivery vehicle‐induced penetration enhancement. Through in‐situ formation of a molten eutectic mixture using highly evaporative sprays this study aimed to gain an understanding of solution‐state thermodynamic and chemical properties of eutectic combinations pertinent to transmembrane transport in the absence of a delivery vehicle.
Rapid consolidation and the human hippocampus: Intracranial recordings confirm surface EEG

Diverse studies demonstrated that although immediately repeated stimuli are better and faster recognized than stimuli repeated after a delay, this comes at the price of less‐efficient long‐term retention. A recent‐evoked potential study using source estimation of high‐resolution scalp EEG indicated that while immediate repetition induced a strikingly different electrical activity than new items in the left‐medial temporal lobe (MTL) after 200–300 ms, delayed repetition did not. In this study, we recorded evoked potentials in two epileptic patients with intracranial depth electrodes in diverse temporal and frontal areas as they performed the same task as in the previous study. We found that immediate repetition induced increase of neural activity specifically in the left MTL between 250 and 400 ms compared to new items and items repeated after a delay. The findings are important in two ways. First, they support our previous conclusion that novel information immediately initiates a consolidation process involving the left‐hippocampal area, which remains vulnerable during active maintenance and increases its effectiveness during off‐line processing. Second, they indicate that source estimation based on high‐resolution scalp EEG correctly localizes the current source of electrical activity in midline structures like the MTL. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interactions of NADP-Reducing Enzymes Across Varying Environmental Conditions: A Model of Biological Complexity

Interactions across biological networks are often quantified under a single set of conditions; however, cellular behaviors are dynamic and interactions can be expected to change in response to molecular context and environment. To determine the consistency of network interactions, we examined the enzyme network responsible for the reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) to NADPH across three different conditions: oxidative stress, starvation, and desiccation. Synthetic, activity-variant alleles were used in Drosophila melanogaster for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6pd), cytosolic isocitrate dehydrogenase (Idh), and cytosolic malic enzyme (Men) along with seven different genetic backgrounds to lend biological relevance to the data. The responses of the NADP-reducing enzymes and two downstream phenotypes (lipid and glycogen concentration) were compared between the control and stress conditions. In general, responses in NADP-reducing enzymes were greater under conditions of oxidative stress, likely due to an increased demand for NADPH. Interactions between the enzymes were altered by environmental stress in directions and magnitudes that are consistent with differential contributions of the different enzymes to the NADPH pool: the contributions of G6PD and IDH seem to be accentuated by oxidative stress, and MEN by starvation. Overall, we find that biological network interactions are strongly influenced by environmental conditions, underscoring the importance of examining networks as dynamic entities.
River networks dampen long‐term hydrological signals of climate change

River networks may dampen local hydrologic signals of climate change through the aggregation of upstream climate portfolio assets. Here we examine this hypothesis using flow and climate trend estimates (1970–2007) at 55 hydrometric gauge stations and across their contributing watersheds' within the Fraser River basin in British Columbia, Canada. Using a null hypothesis framework, we compared our observed attenuation of river flow trends as a function of increasing area and climate trend diversity, with null‐simulated estimates to gauge the likelihood and strength of our observations. We found the Fraser River reduced variability in downstream long‐term discharge by >91%, with >3.1 times the attenuation than would be expected under null simulation. Although the strength of dampening varied seasonally, our findings indicate that large free‐flowing rivers offer a powerful and largely unappreciated process of climate change mitigation. River networks that integrate a diverse climate portfolio can dampen local extremes and offer climate change relief to riverine biota.
Effect of increasing silver content in phosphate-based glasses on biofilms of Streptococcus sanguis.

Silver is a powerful antibacterial ion that may be useful for dealing with localized infections, such as periodontitis. However, the use of silver in this role could be significantly improved by the development of an effective means of delivery. Phosphate-based glasses may provide a means of delivering the ions in a controlled manner. In our study, we have examined the effect of increasing silver content in phosphate-based glasses on biofilms of Streptococcus sanguis. Glasses of nominally the same dissolution rate were doped with silver at 1, 5,10, and 15 mol % and the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) determined after 6 and 24 h in a constant depth film fermenter (CDFF). The 1 mol % silver showed little change between 6 and 24 h. However, only 0.5 log CFUs were present on the glass containing 5 mol % at 6 h, and this reduced to virtually zero at 24 h. Few viable bacteria were found on the 10 mol % glass at both 6 and 24 h. The 15 mol % glass was investigated in this experiment, but no viable counts were detected. In a second set of experiments, glasses with 10 and 15 mol % silver were tested in the CDFF for up to 192 h. For the 10 mol % silver glass, there was approximately 0.8 log CFUs on this glass, which dropped to almost zero at 50 h. This was approximately 1.5-2.0 log reduction in CFUs compared to controls, and this difference was maintained for the first 50 h. After 50 h, there was a slow increase in the CFUs on all samples. However, CFUs on the 10 mol % silver glass were still suppressed up to 192 h compared to the controls. However, both controls also exhibited a decrease in viable counts at 50 h; this may have been due to carryover of silver into the control sample holders. However, this was minimized by the specimen layout in the CDFF and by having gaps between specimen sets. For the 15 mol % silver glass, counts for both this glass and the controls decreased to virtually zero between 24 and 48 h, but the numbers slowly increased up to 170 h, but the number of CFUs was suppressed compared to the 10 mol % glass at the same time point. The decrease seen is clearly the effect of the silver ions; however, the slow increase in CFUs may be accounted for by the biofilms forming thick layers on top of the glass discs inhibiting the release of ions from the glass by forming a "sacrificial layer" through which further ions have to diffuse.
Donor and surgical risk factors for primary graft failure following Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty in Asian eyes

Background Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) has been shown to have superior refractive and visual results compared with penetrating keratoplasty, but higher rates of primary graft failure (PGF). This paper presents donor and surgical risk factors for PGF in DSAEK cases in Asian eyes. Design Retrospective case-control study. Participants All consecutive patients who underwent DSAEK at a tertiary referral teaching hospital from March 2006–December 2008. Methods Donor details analyzed were: age of donor, cause of donor death, death to harvesting time, donor storage time, distribution distance of tissue, preoperative endothelial cell count. Surgical factors analyzed were: donor diameter, donor thickness, and method of donor insertion. These risk factors in cases of PGF were compared with patients with successful DSAEK as the control group. Main outcome measure PGF. Results A total of 124 DSAEK procedures were performed. Six DSAEK procedures (five eyes of five patients; one eye with two failures) resulted in PGF (4.8%). Significant risk factors were found for PGF to include graft insertion using a folding technique (odds ratio [OR], 34.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.75–314.32; P = 0.0017) and a small donor diameter (OR, 39.94; 95% CI, 2.18–732.17; P = 0.013). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that in Asian eyes with shallow anterior chambers, surgical trauma relating to the technique of donor insertion, and the use of a small donor are major risk factors for PGF following DSAEK.
Structural and thermodynamic studies of n-butanol

We have conducted x-ray diffraction, calorimetric and Brillouin-scattering experiments on n-butanol between 77 and 300 K, aiming to explore the physical nature of the so-called ‘glacial state’ previously found in n-butanol as well as in triphenyl phosphite. In addition to our structural and thermodynamic studies of the liquid–glass transition and of the stable crystal state in n-butanol, we have found that the metastable ‘glacial state’ that can be obtained in the temperature range 125–160 K is not a second amorphous state, but rather the result of a frustrated or aborted crystallization process that produces plenty of nanocrystallites embedded in a disordered matrix. The crystalline order of these nanocrystallites of the ‘glacial phase’ is exactly the same as that well observed in the fully ordered stable crystal into which it transforms by heating above 160 K.
NailO: Fingernails as an Input Surface

We present NailO, a nail-mounted gestural input surface. Using capacitive sensing on printed electrodes, the interface can distinguish on-nail finger swipe gestures with high accuracy (>92%). NailO works in real-time: we miniaturized the system to fit on the fingernail, while wirelessly transmitting the sensor data to a mobile phone or PC. NailO allows one-handed and always-available input, while being unobtrusive and discrete. Inspired by commercial nail stickers, the device blends into the user's body, is customizable, fashionable and even removable. We show example applications of using the device as a remote controller when hands are busy and using the system to increase the input space of mobile phones.
Managing Internal Control: Designing a Wiki-based Information System for Continuous Process Assurance

The assessment of a client’s internal control environment is a recognized and crucial part of financial statements auditing. Appropriate tools and techniques are required in order to enable the auditor to understand the organizational environment and to evaluate the compliance of controls along accounting-relevant processes. This researchin-progress paper provides initial research findings in the area of continuous assurance in terms of collecting requirements for the support of process auditing, and the extension of core functionalities of an existing prototype. This prototype is realized as a web application combining complete wiki functionality with a modeling component, and enables the automated synchronization between workflow procedures and business process models. This empowers the auditor to monitor and assess changes of client’s business environment and internal control constantly. In conclusion, the paper introduces future work encompassing the strengthening of analysis and design as well as evaluation by implementing the prototype in multiple organizations.
Polyphenols-Enrichment of Vienna Sausages Using Microcapsules Containing Acidic Aqueous Extract of Boletus edulis Mushrooms

Polyphenols are ubiquitous by-products in many plant foods. Their intake has been linked to health benefits like the reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. These bioactive compounds can be successfully extracted from Boletus edulis mushrooms with acidic water. However, such extract could influence the sensory or textural properties of the product to be enriched; this inconvenience can be avoided by microencapsulating it using spray drying. In this study, the Vienna sausages were reformulated by replacing 2% of the cured meat with microcapsules containing an acidic aqueous extract of Boletus edulis mushrooms and by replacing ice flakes, an ingredient that represents 22.9% of the manufacturing recipe, with ice cubes from the same extract aiming to obtain a polyphenol enriched product. The results showed a higher content of polyphenols in sausages with extract (VSe; 568.92 μg/g) and microcapsules (VSm; 523.03 μg/g) than in the control ones (455.41 μg/g), with significant differences for 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, and 1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose. However, because of the oxidative stress caused to the microcapsules by the extract’s spray drying, VSm had the highest oxidation state. PV and TBARS levels varied with storage time in all formulations, but given the short period tested, they were well below the allowed/recommended limit. The extract, as such, negatively affected the appearance, odor, and taste of Vienna sausages. The microcapsules, instead, determined an increase in their acceptance rate among consumers; they also prevented moisture loss and color changes during storage. In conclusion, microcapsules are more suitable for use as a polyphenol enrichment ingredient in Vienna sausages than the extract.
K-Rep system overview

The K-Rep system was built to explore the utility of a KL-One style knowledge representation in the development of expert systems. Beginning in about 1985, our activity in expert systems has been centered on the FAME (FinAncial Marketing Expertise) system[4]. FAME attempts to provide support to an IBM marketing representative in the financing decisions involved in the acquisition of large mainframe computer systems. Based on our experience in building a feasibility demonstration of FAME using a rule based approach, we concluded that the rule based technology would not easily scale up. Thus we abandoned the rule based approach in favor of organizing the system as a set of problem solvers around a common conceptual core. Since diverse problem solvers would be utilized in FAME, it was thought desireable that the conceptual core have a well-defined, enforceable semantics. These considerations led us to the KL-One[3] style knowledge representation.
Three-dimensional kinematics of the equine interphalangeal joints: articular impact of asymmetric bearing.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of asymmetric placement of the foot on the three-dimensional motions of the interphalangeal joints. Four isolated forelimbs were used. Trihedrons, made of three axes fitted with reflective markers, were screwed into each phalanx. They allowed to establish a local frame associated with each bone and thus to define the spatial orientation of the phalanges. The limbs were then placed under a power press, and subjected to compression with gradually increasing force (from 500 to 6 000 N). The procedure was performed in neutral position and with the lateral or medial part of the foot raised by a 12 degrees wedge. Flexion, collateromotion (passive abduction/adduction) and axial rotation of the interphalangeal joints were measured using a cardan angle decomposition according to the principle of the "Joint Coordinate System" described by Grood and Suntay. Raising the lateral or medial part of the hoof induced collateromotion (about 5.6 degrees +/- 0.8) and axial rotation (about 6.5 degrees +/- 0.5) of the distal interphalangeal joint. The proximal interphalangeal joint underwent axial rotation (about 4.7 degrees +/- 0.5 at 6 000 N) and slight collateromotion. Both interphalangeal joints underwent collateromotion in the direction of the raised part of the foot (i.e., narrowing of the articular space on the side of the wedge), whereas axial rotation occurred in the direction opposite to the raised part of the foot. These results confirm the functional importance of interphalangeal joint movements outside the sagittal plane. In particular they demonstrate the involvement of the proximal interphalangeal joint in the digital balance. These data are helpful for the identification of biomechanical factors that may predispose to interphalangeal joint injury. Also the data may be of use for the rational decision making with respect to exercise management and corrective shoeing of the lame horse.
Studies on the rust Prospodium tuberculatum, a new classical biological control agent released against the invasive alien weed Lantana camara in Australia. 1. Life-cycle and infection parameters

The neotropical rust fungus Prospodium tuberculatum was released in Australia in 2001 for the classical biological control of the invasive alienweed Lantana camara, following a risk assessment that included studies on its life-cycle, infection parameters and host range. This paper reports on the first two research areas. This rust is recorded as autoecious and microcyclic (urediniospores and teliospores only) in the literature, but the role of the teliospores had not been demonstrated. Extensive field surveys reported here found the rust to cycle solely through urediniospores on L. camara throughout most of its native range. However, at the high altitude extremes of its range, the rust has retained its ability to over-winter as teliospores. Attempts to clarify the function of the basidiospores and the conditions necessary to induce teliospore formation were unsuccessful under controlled conditions. A hypothesised connection between P. tuberculatum and Aecidium lantanae was rejected after DNAanalysis. Investigations on spore storage showed that teliospores and urediniospores can survive for extended periods in liquid nitrogen. Glasshousebased studies demonstrated that the urediniospores have wide temperature tolerance (10–25°C) for infection of L. camara, with an optimum near to 20°C. The minimum dew period requirement for plant infection was 9 h with the optimum close to 15 h.
A New Method to Objectively Classify Extratropical Cyclones for Climate Studies: Testing in the Southwest Pacific Region

Extratropical cyclones can vary widely in their configuration during cyclogenesis, development mechanisms, spatial and temporal characteristics, and impacts. An automated method to classify extratropical cyclones identified in ERA-Interim data from 1979 to 2010 in the Australia and New Zealand region has been developed. The technique uses K-means clustering on two upper-tropospheric flow fields at the time of cyclogenesis and identifies four distinct clusters. Composites of these clusters are investigated, along with their life cycles and their spatial and temporal variability. The four clusters are similar to a previous manual classification. Cluster 1 develops in the equatorward entrance region of the subtropical jet, clusters 2 and 4 develop in the poleward exit region of the subtropical jet but with different relative positions of the upper-level trough and jet streak, and cluster 3 resembles secondary cyclogenesis on a preexisting front far poleward of the subtropical jet. The clusters have different impacts in terms of their precipitation (cluster 1 has the highest average precipitation), different seasonal cycles, and different preferred genesis locations. Features of the composite cyclones resemble extratropical cyclones from other regions, indicating the utility of the method over larger regions. The method has been developed to be easily applied to climate model output in order to evaluate the ability of models to represent the full range of observed extratropical cyclones.
On the Stability of Greedy Polling Systems with General Service Policies

We consider a polling system with a finite number of stations fed by compound Poisson arrival streams of customers asking for service. A server travels through the system. Upon arrival at a nonempty station i, say, with x > 0 waiting customers, the server tries to serve there a random number B of customers if the queue length has not reached a random level C < x before the server has completed the B services. The random variable B may also take the value ∞ so that the server has to provide service as long as the queue length has reached size C. The distribution Hi, x of the air (B, C) may depend on i and x while the service time distribution is allowed to depend on i. The station to be visited next is chosen among some neighbors according to a greedy policy. That is to say that the server always tries to walk to the fullest station in his well-defined neighborhood. Under appropriate independence assumptions two conditions are established that are sufficient for stability and sufficient for instability. Some examples will illustrate the relevance of our results.
Overlay TCP: Ending End-to-End Transport for Higher Throughput

Recently, overlay routing has emerged as a promising approach to mitigating many problems with Internet routing, such as improving the reliability of Internet paths as well as the throughput via multiple paths. We advocate that as overlay routing is gaining wider acceptance, it is time to investigate TCP performance on top of overlay routing, in particular, the potential of overlay routing for improving the end-to-end TCP throughput. We propose a general-purpose application-level protocol extension to TCP, called Overlay TCP (oTCP), that improves TCP throughput by splitting a TCP connection with a large RTT into pipelined TCP sub-connections with small RTTs via overlay routing.