Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Timing of antibiotics in the management of community‐acquired sepsis: Can a randomised controlled trial of prehospital therapy provide answers?

Significant tension surrounds the application of antibiotics in suspected infection. Guidelines stress the importance of early empirical broad‐spectrum therapy, with select observational data suggesting inferior outcomes when this is delayed. In contrast, microbiological resistance is an ever increasing global problem, with many advocating for a more restricted, culture‐driven approach to antibiotic prescription. Controlled trial data are urgently needed, although many clinicians would find withholding of antibiotic therapy unethical. A trial of prehospital antibiotic administration (by paramedics) in patients with suspected sepsis would therefore provide crucial data, and go a long way to determining whether earlier empirical therapy does actually improve outcomes.
Robust Spacecraft Component Detection in Point Clouds

Automatic component detection of spacecraft can assist in on-orbit operation and space situational awareness. Spacecraft are generally composed of solar panels and cuboidal or cylindrical modules. These components can be simply represented by geometric primitives like plane, cuboid and cylinder. Based on this prior, we propose a robust automatic detection scheme to automatically detect such basic components of spacecraft in three-dimensional (3D) point clouds. In the proposed scheme, cylinders are first detected in the iteration of the energy-based geometric model fitting and cylinder parameter estimation. Then, planes are detected by Hough transform and further described as bounded patches with their minimum bounding rectangles. Finally, the cuboids are detected with pair-wise geometry relations from the detected patches. After successive detection of cylinders, planar patches and cuboids, a mid-level geometry representation of the spacecraft can be delivered. We tested the proposed component detection scheme on spacecraft 3D point clouds synthesized by computer-aided design (CAD) models and those recovered by image-based reconstruction, respectively. Experimental results illustrate that the proposed scheme can detect the basic geometric components effectively and has fine robustness against noise and point distribution density.
Comprehensive Analysis of the MYB-NFIB Gene Fusion in Salivary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: Incidence, Variability, and Clinicopathologic Significance

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of the MYB-NFIB fusion in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), to establish the clinicopathologic significance of the fusion, and to analyze the expression of MYB in ACCs in the context of the MYB-NFIB fusion. Experimental Design: We did an extensive analysis involving 123 cancers of the salivary gland, including primary and metastatic ACCs, and non-ACC salivary carcinomas. MYB-NFIB fusions were identified by reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) and sequencing of the RT-PCR products, and confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. MYB RNA expression was determined by quantitative RT-PCR and protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: The MYB-NFIB fusion was detected in 28% primary and 35% metastatic ACCs, but not in any of the non-ACC salivary carcinomas analyzed. Different exons in both the MYB and NFIB genes were involved in the fusions, resulting in expression of multiple chimeric variants. Notably, MYB was overexpressed in the vast majority of the ACCs, although MYB expression was significantly higher in tumors carrying the MYB-NFIB fusion. The presence of the MYB-NFIB fusion was significantly associated (P = 0.03) with patients older than 50 years of age. No correlation with other clinicopathologic markers, factors, and survival was found. Conclusions: We conclude that the MYB-NFIB fusion characterizes a subset of ACCs and contributes to MYB overexpression. Additional mechanisms may be involved in MYB overexpression in ACCs lacking the MYB-NFIB fusion. These findings suggest that MYB may be a specific novel target for tumor intervention in patients with ACC. Clin Cancer Res; 16(19); 4722–31. ©2010 AACR.
Temporal Fine-Structure Coding and Lateralized Speech Perception in Normal-Hearing and Hearing-Impaired Listeners

This study investigated the relationship between speech perception performance in spatially complex, lateralized listening scenarios and temporal fine-structure (TFS) coding at low frequencies. Young normal-hearing (NH) and two groups of elderly hearing-impaired (HI) listeners with mild or moderate hearing loss above 1.5 kHz participated in the study. Speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were estimated in the presence of either speech-shaped noise, two-, four-, or eight-talker babble played reversed, or a nonreversed two-talker masker. Target audibility was ensured by applying individualized linear gains to the stimuli, which were presented over headphones. The target and masker streams were lateralized to the same or to opposite sides of the head by introducing 0.7-ms interaural time differences between the ears. TFS coding was assessed by measuring frequency discrimination thresholds and interaural phase difference thresholds at 250 Hz. NH listeners had clearly better SRTs than the HI listeners. However, when maskers were spatially separated from the target, the amount of SRT benefit due to binaural unmasking differed only slightly between the groups. Neither the frequency discrimination threshold nor the interaural phase difference threshold tasks showed a correlation with the SRTs or with the amount of masking release due to binaural unmasking, respectively. The results suggest that, although HI listeners with normal hearing thresholds below 1.5 kHz experienced difficulties with speech understanding in spatially complex environments, these limitations were unrelated to TFS coding abilities and were only weakly associated with a reduction in binaural-unmasking benefit for spatially separated competing sources.
A Detection-Theoretic Analysis of Auditory Streaming and Its Relation to Auditory Masking

Research on hearing has long been challenged with understanding our exceptional ability to hear out individual sounds in a mixture (the so-called cocktail party problem). Two general approaches to the problem have been taken using sequences of tones as stimuli. The first has focused on our tendency to hear sequences, sufficiently separated in frequency, split into separate cohesive streams (auditory streaming). The second has focused on our ability to detect a change in one sequence, ignoring all others (auditory masking). The two phenomena are clearly related, but that relation has never been evaluated analytically. This article offers a detection-theoretic analysis of the relation between multitone streaming and masking that underscores the expected similarities and differences between these phenomena and the predicted outcome of experiments in each case. The key to establishing this relation is the function linking performance to the information divergence of the tone sequences, DKL (a measure of the statistical separation of their parameters). A strong prediction is that streaming and masking of tones will be a common function of DKL provided that the statistical properties of sequences are symmetric. Results of experiments are reported supporting this prediction.
Are Experienced Hearing Aid Users Faster at Grasping the Meaning of a Sentence Than Inexperienced Users? An Eye-Tracking Study

This study assessed the effects of hearing aid (HA) experience on how quickly a participant can grasp the meaning of an acoustic sentence-in-noise stimulus presented together with two similar pictures that either correctly (target) or incorrectly (competitor) depict the meaning conveyed by the sentence. Using an eye tracker, the time taken by the participant to start fixating the target (the processing time) was measured for two levels of linguistic complexity (low vs. high) and three HA conditions: clinical linear amplification (National Acoustic Laboratories-Revised), single-microphone noise reduction with National Acoustic Laboratories-Revised, and linear amplification ensuring a sensation level of ≥ 15 dB up to at least 4 kHz for the speech material used here. Timed button presses to the target stimuli after the end of the sentences (offline reaction times) were also collected. Groups of experienced (eHA) and inexperienced (iHA) HA users matched in terms of age, hearing loss, and working memory capacity took part (N = 15 each). For the offline reaction times, no effects were found. In contrast, processing times increased with linguistic complexity. Furthermore, for all HA conditions, processing times were longer (poorer) for the iHA group than for the eHA group, despite comparable speech recognition performance. Taken together, these results indicate that processing times are more sensitive to speech processing-related factors than offline reaction times. Furthermore, they support the idea that HA experience positively impacts the ability to process noisy speech quickly, irrespective of the precise gain characteristics.
Non-Coherent Open-Loop MIMO Communications Over Temporally-Correlated Channels

This paper investigates the use of non-coherent communication techniques for open-loop transmission over temporally-correlated Rayleigh-fading MIMO channels. These techniques perform data detection without knowing the instantaneous channel coefficients. Three non-coherent Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) schemes, namely, differential unitary space-time modulation, differential space-time block code, and Grassmannian signaling, are compared with several state-of-the-art training-based coherent schemes. This paper shows that the non-coherent schemes are meaningful alternatives to training-based communication, specially as the number of transmit antennas increases. In particular, for more than two transmit antennas, non-coherent communication provides a clear advantage in medium to high mobility scenarios.
Origins of cheating and loss of symbiosis in wild Bradyrhizobium

Rhizobial bacteria nodulate legume roots and fix nitrogen in exchange for photosynthates. These symbionts are infectiously acquired from the environment and in such cases selection models predict evolutionary spread of uncooperative mutants. Uncooperative rhizobia – including nonfixing and non‐nodulating strains – appear common in agriculture, yet their population biology and origins remain unknown in natural soils. Here, a phylogenetically broad sample of 62 wild‐collected rhizobial isolates was experimentally inoculated onto Lotus strigosus to assess their nodulation ability and effects on host growth. A cheater strain was discovered that proliferated in host tissue while offering no benefit; its fitness was superior to that of beneficial strains. Phylogenetic reconstruction of Bradyrhizobium rDNA and transmissible symbiosis‐island loci suggest that the cheater evolved via symbiotic gene transfer. Many strains were also identified that failed to nodulate L. strigosus, and it appears that nodulation ability on this host has been recurrently lost in the symbiont population. This is the first study to reveal the adaptive nature of rhizobial cheating and to trace the evolutionary origins of uncooperative rhizobial mutants.
Structural organization of membrane‐inserted hexamers formed by Helicobacter pylori VacA toxin

Helicobacter pylori colonizes the human stomach and is a potential cause of peptic ulceration or gastric adenocarcinoma. H. pylori secretes a pore‐forming toxin known as vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA). The 88 kDa secreted VacA protein, composed of an N‐terminal p33 domain and a C‐terminal p55 domain, assembles into water‐soluble oligomers. The structural organization of membrane‐bound VacA has not been characterized in any detail and the role(s) of specific VacA domains in membrane binding and insertion are unclear. We show that membrane‐bound VacA organizes into hexameric oligomers. Comparison of the two‐dimensional averages of membrane‐bound and soluble VacA hexamers generated using single particle electron microscopy reveals a structural difference in the central region of the oligomers (corresponding to the p33 domain), suggesting that membrane association triggers a structural change in the p33 domain. Analyses of the isolated p55 domain and VacA variants demonstrate that while the p55 domain can bind membranes, the p33 domain is required for membrane insertion. Surprisingly, neither VacA oligomerization nor the presence of putative transmembrane GXXXG repeats in the p33 domain is required for membrane insertion. These findings provide new insights into the process by which VacA binds and inserts into the lipid bilayer to form membrane channels.
Identifying the Core Components of Emotional Intelligence: Evidence from Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuations during Resting State

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a multi-faceted construct consisting of our ability to perceive, monitor, regulate and use emotions. Despite much attention being paid to the neural substrates of EI, little is known of the spontaneous brain activity associated with EI during resting state. We used resting-state fMRI to investigate the association between the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFFs) and EI in a large sample of young, healthy adults. We found that EI was significantly associated with ALFFs in key nodes of two networks: the social emotional processing network (the fusiform gyrus, right superior orbital frontal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus and left inferior parietal lobule) and the cognitive control network (the bilateral pre-SMA, cerebellum and right precuneus). These findings suggest that the neural correlates of EI involve several brain regions in two crucial networks, which reflect the core components of EI: emotion perception and emotional control.
Effects of Mg17Sr2 Phase on the Bio‐Corrosion Behavior of Mg–Zr–Sr Alloys

The effect of the second phase Mg17Sr2 on the biocorrosion behavior of Mg5ZrxSr (x = 0, 2, 5 wt%) alloys before and after solution treatment was investigated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cathodic polarization and hydrogen evolution were used to evaluate the biocorrosion of Mg5ZrxSr. We found that Mg17Sr2 precipitated on boundary zones and enhanced the galvanic effect, leading to a severer corrosion of the Mg matrix adjacent to Mg17Sr2. The corrosion subsequently spread gradually from the regions adjacent to the Mg17Sr2 to the central Mg matrix. However, a high volume fraction of Mg17Sr2 could also form a continuous network, isolate the Mg matrix and act as a barrier of corrosion.
Cuticular fatty acids of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) inhibit fungal enzymatic activities of pathogenic Conidiobolus coronatus

The entomopathogenic fungus Conidiobolus coronatus produces enzymes that may hydrolyze the cuticle of Galleria mellonella. Of these enzymes, elastase activity was the highest: this figure being 24 times higher than NAGase activity 553 times higher than chitinase activity and 1844 times higher than lipase activity. The present work examines the differences in the hydrolysis of cuticles taken from larvae, pupae and adults (thorax and wings), by C. coronatus enzymes. The cuticles of the larvae and adult thorax were the most susceptible to digestion by proteases and lipases. Moreover, the maximum concentration of free N-glucosamine was in the hydrolysis of G. mellonella thorax. These differences in the digestion of the various types of cuticle may result from differences in their composition. GC-MS analysis of the cuticular fatty acids isolated from pupae of G. mellonella confirmed the presence of C 8:0, C 9:0, C 12:0, C 14:0, C 15:0, C 16:1, C 16:0, C 17:0, C 18:1, C 18:0, with C 16:0 and C 18:0 being present in the highest concentrations. Additional fatty acids were found in extracts from G. mellonella imagines: C 10:0, C 13:0, C 20:0 and C 20:1, with a considerable dominance of C 16:0 and C 18:1. In larvae, C 16:0 and C 18:1 predominated. Statistically significant differences in concentration (p≤0.05) were found between the larvae, pupae and imago for each fatty acid. The qualitative and quantitative differences in the fatty acid composition of G. mellonella cuticle occurring throughout normal development might be responsible for the varied efficiency of fungal enzymes in degrading larval, pupal and adult cuticles.
Microstructural Evolution of X20CrMoV12.1 Steel upon Short-term Creep Rupture Test

Ghassemi-Armaki During service or creep test, the main degradation mechanisms has been found to be; i) the formation and growth of Laves phase in various grain In this work, microstructural and hardness evolution of the X20 steel upon short-term creep test (550 o C to 650 o C, 180 o C to 60 MPa) was studied by using scanning electron microscope, electron backscattered diffraction, and transmission electron microscope, microhardness tester. After creep rupture, gauge and grip part of the specimens were microstructurally analyzed. Creep at the 650 o C/60 MPa resulted in a rupture at 1,460 hours with growth of lath width from 1.31 to 2.87 μ m and a grain growth with a more equiaxed feature. There is a close relationship between Microhardness and lath width. The formation and coarsening of Laves phase, which was observed up to 600 o C of creep temperature, was accelerated by the applied stress. Slight coarsening of the M 23 C 6 was observed in the 550 o C and 600 o C crept or aged specimens. The coarsening of M 23 C 6 depended on the temperature, where specimens crept at 650 o C showed higher growth rate. The microstructural evolution of X20 after short-term creep test was extensively discussed in relation to the long-term creep/aging test reported in literatures.
Exploring the "planning fallacy": Why people underestimate their task completion times.

This study tested 3 main hypotheses concerning people's predictions of task completion times: (a) People underestimate their own but not others' completion times, (b) people focus on plan-based scenarios rather than on relevant past experiences while generating their predictions, and (c) people's attributions diminish the relevance of past experiences. Results supported each hypothesis. Ss' predictions of their completion times were too optimistic for a variety of academic and nonacademic tasks. Think-aloud procedures revealed that Ss focused primarily on future scenarios when predicting their completion times. In Study 4, the optimistic bias was eliminated for Ss instructed to connect relevant past experiences with their predictions. In Studies 3 and 4, Ss attributed their past prediction failures to relatively external, transient, and specific factors. In Study 5, observer Ss overestimated others' completion times and made greater use of relevant past experiences.
Implementation of a Nurse-Driven Protocol to Prevent Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections

This article describes a quality improvement project to decrease catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) at an academic medical center. A criteria-based, nurse-driven protocol for discontinuation of indwelling catheters and use of bladder ultrasonography in conjunction with intermittent catheterizations was the foundation for change. The CAUTI rate, the number of CAUTIs, cost of medications and supplies associated with treating CAUTIs, catheter duration, and intensive care unit length of stay decreased after protocol implementation.
Effect of mineral fertilization on yield of maize cultivars differing in maturity scale

Field experiments were conducted in 2005-2007 at the Brody Experimental Station (52 °26' N; 16 °17' E) of the University of Life Sciences in Poznawith the following factors: 1) cultivars with different FAO number: 210, 240 and 260; 2) fertilization with K, Mg and Na: 0 (control), 150 kg K·ha -1 , 150 kg K + 16.3 kg Mg·ha -1 , 150 kg K + 16.3 kg Mg + 13.5 kg Na·ha -1 ; 3) Zn application: 0 (control), 1.5 kg Zn·ha -1 after sowing and 1.5 kg Zn·ha -1 at the 3-4 leaf stage. It was found that the grain yield depended more on the course of weather conditions than did plant residues yield. Maize response to potassium fertilization depended on the vegetation season. In the year favorable for the establishment of a high maize yield, simultaneous K and Mg fertilization at rates 150 and 16.3 kg·ha -1 induced a significant grain yield increase. The influence of zinc fertilization on grain yield depended both on the vegetative period and cultivar. Early maturing cultivars responded positively to Zn and the optimal date for Zn foliar application was the 3-4 leaf stage. Maize response to sodium supplementation was not detected.
Effectively Selecting a Target Population for a Future Comparative Study

When comparing a new treatment with a control in a randomized clinical study, the treatment effect is generally assessed by evaluating a summary measure over a specific study population. The success of the trial heavily depends on the choice of such a population. In this article, we show a systematic, effective way to identify a promising population, for which the new treatment is expected to have a desired benefit, using the data from a current study involving similar comparator treatments. Specifically, using the existing data, we first create a parametric scoring system as a function of multiple baseline covariates to estimate subject-specific treatment differences. Based on this scoring system, we specify a desired level of treatment difference and obtain a subgroup of patients, defined as those whose estimated scores exceed this threshold. An empirically calibrated threshold-specific treatment difference curve across a range of score values is constructed. The subpopulation of patients satisfying any given level of treatment benefit can then be identified accordingly. To avoid bias due to overoptimism, we use a cross-training-evaluation method for implementing the above two-step procedure. We then show how to select the best scoring system among all competing models. Furthermore, for cases in which only a single prespecified working model is involved, inference procedures are proposed for the average treatment difference over a range of score values using the entire dataset and are justified theoretically and numerically. Finally, the proposals are illustrated with the data from two clinical trials in treating HIV and cardiovascular diseases. Note that if we are not interested in designing a new study for comparing similar treatments, the new procedure can also be quite useful for the management of future patients, so that treatment may be targeted toward those who would receive nontrivial benefits to compensate for the risk or cost of the new treatment. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.