Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thoughts on Expertise

Abstract : Research on tasks in knowledge-rich domains including developmental studies , work in artificial intelligence, studies of expert/novice problem solving, and information-processing analyses of aptitude test tasks have provided increased understanding of the nature of expertise. Particularly evident is the finding that structures of organized knowledge enable the cognitive processes characteristic of high levels of competence. This paper briefly reviews this research and lists a set of propositions that summarize conclusions from research as well as broader inferences and speculations. Keywords: Acquisition of expertise, Aptitude test performance, Artificial intelligence, Cognitive skill acquisition, Domain-specific problem acquisition, Expert/novice problem solving, Heuristics, Metacognitive abilities.
Does Mode of Transport Confer a Mortality Benefit in Trauma Patients? Characteristics and Outcomes at an Ontario Lead Trauma Hospital.

OBJECTIVES Evidence-based guidelines regarding the optimal mode of transport for trauma patients from scene to trauma centre are lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between trauma patient outcomes and mode of transport at a single Ontario Level I Trauma Centre, and specifically to investigate if the mode of transport confers a mortality benefit. METHODS A historical, observational cohort study was undertaken to compare rotor-wing and ground transported patients. Captured data included demographics, injury severity, temporal and mortality variables. TRISS-L analysis was performed to examine mortality outcomes. RESULTS 387 rotor-wing transport and 2,759 ground transport patients were analyzed over an 18-year period. Rotor-wing patients were younger, had a higher Injury Severity Score, and had longer prehospital transport times. Mechanism of injury was similarly distributed between groups. After controlling for heterogeneity with TRISS-L analysis, the mortality of rotor-wing patients was found to be lower than predicted mortality, whereas the converse was found with ground patients. CONCLUSION Rotor-wing and ground transported trauma patients represent heterogeneous populations. Accounting for these differences, rotor-wing patients were found to outperform their predicted mortality, whereas ground patients underperformed predictions.
Memory traces in dynamical systems

To perform nontrivial, real-time computations on a sensory input stream, biological systems must retain a short-term memory trace of their recent inputs. It has been proposed that generic high-dimensional dynamical systems could retain a memory trace for past inputs in their current state. This raises important questions about the fundamental limits of such memory traces and the properties required of dynamical systems to achieve these limits. We address these issues by applying Fisher information theory to dynamical systems driven by time-dependent signals corrupted by noise. We introduce the Fisher Memory Curve (FMC) as a measure of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) embedded in the dynamical state relative to the input SNR. The integrated FMC indicates the total memory capacity. We apply this theory to linear neuronal networks and show that the capacity of networks with normal connectivity matrices is exactly 1 and that of any network of N neurons is, at most, N. A nonnormal network achieving this bound is subject to stringent design constraints: It must have a hidden feedforward architecture that superlinearly amplifies its input for a time of order N, and the input connectivity must optimally match this architecture. The memory capacity of networks subject to saturating nonlinearities is further limited, and cannot exceed N. This limit can be realized by feedforward structures with divergent fan out that distributes the signal across neurons, thereby avoiding saturation. We illustrate the generality of the theory by showing that memory in fluid systems can be sustained by transient nonnormal amplification due to convective instability or the onset of turbulence.
The Impact of Executive Function Skills on Writing: A Comparison of Fifth-Grade Students with Learning Disabilities and Students with Typical Development

This study explored the relationship between verbal fluency skills and writing skills in developing writers. There were three research questions addressed: 1) Was there a difference between fifth-grade students who have a learning disability (LD) in written language and fifth-grade students with typical development (TD) on the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS; Delis, Kaplan, & Kramer, 2001) Verbal Fluency Tests (letter fluency, category fluency, category switching number correct, category switching accuracy)? 2) Was there a relationship between scores on the D-KEFS Verbal Fluency Tests and the composite writing score on the State Proficiency Examination Program (SPEP) Fifth-Grade Writing Assessment 3) Do reading level and verbal fluency executive function skills predict the composite writing score on the SPEP Fifth-Grade Writing Assessment? Results showed that students with TD scored higher on the DKEFS Verbal Fluency Tests than students with LD. For students with LD, letter fluency and category switching accuracy tests were significantly correlated with the composite writing score on the SPEP Fifth-Grade Writing Assessment. For students with TD, there were no statistically significant correlations between the D-KEFS tests and the composite writing score on the SPEP Fifth-Grade Writing Assessment. For students with LD, reading and the verbal fluency executive function skills predicted the composite writing score on the SPEP Fifth-Grade Writing Assessment.
Killing of Candida albicans Filaments by Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Is Mediated by sopB Effectors, Parts of a Type III Secretion System

ABSTRACT Although bacterial-fungal interactions shape microbial virulence during polymicrobial infections, only a limited number of studies have evaluated this interaction on a genetic level. We report here that one interaction is mediated by sopB, an effector of a type III secretion system (TTSS) of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. In these studies, we screened 10 TTSS effector-related mutants and determined their role in the killing of C. albicans filaments in vitro during coinfection in planktonic environments. We found that deleting the sopB gene (which encodes inositol phosphatase) was associated with a significant decrease in C. albicans killing at 25°C after 5 days, similar to that caused by the deletion of sipB (which encodes TTSS translocation machinery components). The sopB deletion dramatically influenced the killing of C. albicans filaments. It was associated with repressed filamentation in the Caenorhabditis elegans model of C. albicans-S. Typhimurium coinfection, as well as with biofilm formation by C. albicans. We confirmed that SopB translocated to fungal filaments through SipB during coinfection. Using quantitative real-time PCR assays, we found that the Candida supernatant upregulated the S. Typhimurium genes associated with C. albicans killing (sopB and sipB). Interestingly, the sopB effector negatively regulated the transcription of CDC42, which is involved in fungal viability. Taken together, these results indicate that specific TTSS effectors, including SopB, play a critical role in bacterial-fungal interactions and are important to S. Typhimurium in order to selectively compete with fungal pathogens. These findings highlight a new role for TTSS of S. Typhimurium in the intestinal tract and may further explain the evolution and maintenance of these traits.
An Unusual Case: Salmonella UTI and Orchitis in HIV Patient

Salmonellosis is a major cause of gastroenteritis in the United States; however, nontyphoidal strains of Salmonella have also been known to cause urinary tract infections, usually transmitted via the fecal-urethral route. This can lead to critical illness in those patients with immune deficiencies, especially HIV, cancer patients, and those with diabetes mellitus. However, the spread of the infection from the urinary tract to involve the testicles and epididymis is very rare. Here, we present the first documented case of an immune-compromised young male with a urinary tract infection with orchitoepididymitis.
Evidence that brief self-affirming implementation intentions can reduce work-related anxiety in downsize survivors

Background and Objectives: Workers were recruited from a UK further education college during a period of organizational downsizing. This study assessed the effects of a brief health psychology intervention on work-related stress in downsize survivors. Design and Methods: Sixty-six employees were randomly allocated to one of two conditions: one in which they were asked to create a work-related self-affirming implementation intention (WS-AII) or a control. Feelings of anxiety and depression were measured before and after the intervention or control task and three weeks later. Job satisfaction, self-efficacy, and self-esteem were also measured. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the WS-AII condition and the control. Workers who created WS-AIIs reported an immediate reduction in anxiety. This reduction was also observed in their appraisal of job-related anxiety three weeks later. There were no significant effects of WS-AIIs on depression, job satisfaction, or self-esteem. There was, however, a significant effect on self-efficacy with workers in the WS-AII condition reporting greater self-efficacy. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that the integration of brief health psychology interventions, such as the WS-AII, into existing organizational practice may be of benefit to the well-being of employees.
Trends in the Outpatient Utilization of Antipsychotic Drugs in the City of Zagreb in the Ten-Year Period as a Tool to Assess Drug Prescribing Rationality.

BACKGROUND The aim was to determine distribution and trends in the outpatient utilization of antipsychotics to evaluate the rationality of antipsychotic drug prescribing during the ten year period. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The epidemiological method of descriptive and analytical observation was used. Data on drug utilization from Zagreb Municipal Pharmacy were used to calculate the number of defined daily doses (DDD) and DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day (DDD/TID) using the World Health Organization Anatomical-Therapeutic-Chemical methodology. The ratio of typical versus atypical antipsychotics served as an indicator on assessing the rationality of the utilization. Data on the use of anticholinergics in the treatment of neuroleptic side effects were also included. RESULTS Outpatient utilization of antipsychotics showed a declining pattern from 14.17 in 2001 to 8.42 DDD/TID in 2010. The utilization of atypical antipsychotics increased by 60% (from 3.68 to 5.89 DDD/TID), while the utilization of typical antipsychotics decreased by 76% (from 10.49 to 2.53 DDD/TID). The drugs showing the largest increase were olanzapine (from 1.21 to 2.78 DDD/TID) and quetiapine (from 0 to 0.68 DDD/TID). The typical/atypical antipsychotic ratio changed from 1:0.4 in 2001 to 1:2.3 in 2010. A 2.3-fold decrease was recorded in the utilization of anticholinergics (from 2.05 to 0.91 DDD/TID). CONCLUSIONS Total consumption of neuroleptics significantly decreased. A decrease was also recorded in the utilization of anticholinergics. Study results pointed to two favorable features, i.e. low use of typical antipsychotics and the ratio of typical and atypical antipsychotics. Implementation of the new clinical guidelines for nervous system disorders and updating of the list of reimbursable drugs with the addition of new ones contributed to the observed improvement in the prescribing patterns during the study period. Using the WHO ATC/DDD methodology and rationality indicators in the assessment of trends in the outpatient utilization of psychopharmaceuticals over a ten-year period proved efficient in the evaluation of prescribing rationality.
Agreement between allergen-specific IgE assays and ensuing immunotherapy recommendations from four commercial laboratories in the USA

Background Canine allergen-specific IgE assays in the USA are not subjected to an independent laboratory reliability monitoring programme. Hypothesis/Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement of diagnostic results and treatment recommendations of four serum IgE assays commercially available in the USA. Methods Replicate serum samples from 10 atopic dogs were submitted to each of four laboratories for allergen-specific IgE assays (ACTT®, VARL Liquid Gold, ALLERCEPT® and Greer® Aller-g-complete®). The interlaboratory agreement of standard, regional panels and ensuing treatment recommendations were analysed with the kappa statistic (κ) to account for agreement that might occur merely by chance. Six comparisons of pairs of laboratories and overall agreement among laboratories were analysed for ungrouped allergens (as tested) and also with allergens grouped according to reported cross-reactivity and taxonomy. Results The overall chance-corrected agreement of the positive/negative test results for ungrouped and grouped allergens was slight (κ = 0.14 and 0.13, respectively). Subset analysis of the laboratory pair with the highest level of diagnostic agreement (κ = 0.36) found slight agreement (κ = 0.13) for ungrouped plants and fungi, but substantial agreement (κ = 0.71) for ungrouped mites. The overall agreement of the treatment recommendations was slight (κ = 0.11). Altogether, 85.1% of ungrouped allergen treatment recommendations were unique to one laboratory or another. Conclusions and clinical importance Our study indicated that the choice of IgE assay may have a major influence on the positive/negative results and ensuing treatment recommendations.
Temperature Induced Solubility Transitions of Various Poly(2-oxazoline)s in Ethanol-Water Solvent Mixtures

The solution behavior of a series of poly(2-oxazoline)s with different side chains, namely methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, phenyl and benzyl, are reported in ethanol-water solvent mixtures based on turbidimetry investigations. The LCST transitions of poly(2-oxazoline)s with propyl side chains and the UCST transitions of the poly(2-oxazoline)s with more hydrophobic side chains are discussed in relation to the ethanol-water solvent composition and structure. The poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline)s with side chains longer than propyl only dissolved during the first heating run, which is discussed and correlated to the melting transition of the polymers.
Breakdown of the Endothelial Barrier Function in Tumor Cell Transmigration

The ability of tumor cells to metastasize is associated with a poor prognosis for cancer. During the process of metastasis, tumor cells circulating in the blood or lymph vessels can adhere to, and potentially transmigrate through, the endothelium and invade the connective tissue. We studied the effectiveness of the endothelium as a barrier against the invasion of 51 tumor cell lines into a three-dimensional collagen matrix. Only nine tumor cell lines showed attenuated invasion in the presence of an endothelial cell monolayer, whereas 17 cell lines became invasive or showed a significantly increased invasion. Endothelial cells cocultured with invasive tumor cells increased chemokine gene expression of IL-8 and Gro-β. Expression of the IL-8 and Gro-β receptor, CXCR2, was upregulated in invasive tumor cells. Addition of IL-8 or Gro-β increased tumor cell invasiveness by more than twofold. Tumor cell variants selected for high CXCR2 expression were fourfold more invasive in the presence of an endothelial cell layer, whereas CXCR2 siRNA knock-down cells were fivefold less invasive. We demonstrate that Gro-β and IL-8 secreted by endothelial cells, together with CXCR2 receptor expression on invasive tumor cells, contribute to the breakdown of the endothelial barrier by enhancing tumor cell force generation and cytoskeletal remodeling dynamics.
Faecal shedding of parvovirus deoxyribonucleic acid following modified live feline panleucopenia virus vaccination in healthy cats

Positive canine parvovirus (CPV) faecal test results have been reported in dogs after modified live virus (MLV) vaccination. Thus, the aim was to investigate feline panleucopenia virus (FPV) shedding in recently vaccinated, adult, clinically healthy cats and to assess related factors. Forty cats were vaccinated with an FPV MLV vaccine. Faeces of cats were tested for presence of parvovirus DNA on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 by quantitative real-time PCR; DNA-positive samples were subjected to partial VP2 gene sequencing. Virus isolation was performed whenever sufficient amounts of faeces were available. Serum antibody titres were measured by haemagglutination inhibition on days 0, 7 and 28. Overall, 30.0 per cent (12/40; 95% CI 18.0 to 45.6) of cats shed parvovirus DNA. Sequencing revealed FPV vaccine virus DNA in three cats, FPV field virus DNA in four cats and CPV field virus DNA in one cat. Shedding was significantly associated with lack of prevaccination antibody titres (40) (P=0.016; OR: 6.44; 95% CI 1.44 to 28.89) and with postvaccination titre increases (fourfold) (P=0.029; OR: 5.00; 95% CI 1.17 to 21.39). Shedding of field or vaccine virus DNA seems to be common in healthy cats which can be a concern in shelters and catteries. Diagnostic tools should be developed to facilitate differentiation of vaccine and field virus shedding.
Edinburgh Research Explorer Association of selected SNP with carcass and taste panel assessed meat quality traits in a commercial population of Aberdeen Angus-sired beef cattle

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), previously associated with meat and milk quality traits in cattle, in a population of 443 commercial Aberdeen Angus-cross beef cattle. The eight SNP, which were located within five genes: μ -calpain ( CAPN1 ), calpastatin ( CAST ), leptin ( LEP ), growth hormone receptor ( GHR ) and acylCoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 ( DGAT1 ), are included in various commercial tests for tenderness, fatness, carcass composition and milk yield/quality. Methods: A total of 27 traits were examined, 19 relating to carcass quality, such as carcass weight and fatness, one mechanical measure of tenderness, and the remaining seven were sensory traits, such as flavour and tenderness, assessed by a taste panel. Results: An SNP in the CAPN1 gene, CAPN316 , was significantly associated with tenderness measured by both the tenderometer and the taste panel as well as the weight of the hindquarter, where animals inheriting the CC genotype had more tender meat and heavier hindquarters. An SNP in the leptin gene, UASMS2 , significantly affected overall liking, where animals with the TT genotype were assigned higher scores by the panellists. The SNP in the GHR gene was significantly associated with odour, where animals inheriting the AA genotype produced steaks with an intense odour when compared with the other genotypes. Finally, the SNP in the DGAT1 gene was associated with sirloin weight after maturation and fat depth surrounding the sirloin, with animals inheriting the AA genotype having heavier sirloins and more fat. Conclusion: The results of this study confirm some previously documented associations. Furthermore, novel associations have been identified which, following validation in other populations, could be incorporated into breeding programmes to improve meat quality.
Application of the Tightness Continuum Measure to Chinese Information Retrieval

Most word segmentation methods employed in Chinese Information Retrieval systems are based on a static dictionary or a model trained against a manually segmented corpus. These general segmentation approaches may not be optimal because they disregard information within semantic units. We propose a novel method for improving word-based Chinese IR, which performs segmentation according to the tightness of phrases. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of our method, we employ a new test collection of 203 queries, which include a broad distribution of phrases with different tightness values. The results of our experiments indicate that our method improves IR performance as compared with a general word segmentation approach. The experiments also demonstrate the need for the development of better evaluation corpora.
The Japanese pressure ulcer surveillance study: a retrospective cohort study to determine prevalence of pressure ulcers in Japanese hospitals.

UNLABELLED ﻿﻿﻿﻿Aim. To evaluate the governmental regulation system introduced in October 2002 by investigating the prevalence of pressure ulcers (PUs) and to investigate the relationship between the change in prevalence and the structure and system within hospitals. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used 2582 randomly sampled hospitals in Japan. Questionnaires were mailed to each type of hospital, including university hospitals, acute hospitals, acute and long-term (mixed care) hospitals, long-term care hospitals, and psychiatric hospitals. Prevalence and severity of pressure ulcers over 4 consecutive periods (1 month before the introduction of regulation, immediately after the introduction, 6 months later, and 1 year later) and related factors for the improved prevalence were assessed. RESULTS The overall prevalence before the regulation was 4.26%, which decreased to 4.18% immediately after regulation, and to 3.95% and 3.64% 6 months and 1 year later, respectively. The overall proportion of Stage III and IV pressure ulcers acquired after admission was 23.9% and 10.9%, respectively, before introduction of regulation, and gradually decreased to 18.8% and 8.1%, respectively, after 1 year. The related factor for improved PU prevalence was sufficient distribution of alternating air mattresses (odds ratio = 2.259, 95% CI; 1.091-4.679, P = 0.028). CONCLUSION The governmental regulation had a clinically important effect on the decrease in PU prevalence. The regulation focused on the structure of hospitals was confirmed to influence the outcome of hospital care quality.