Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Inoculated During Anti-Cancer Treatment Period in Elderly Lung Cancer Patients on Community-Acquired Pneumonia Hospitalization

AbstractTo evaluate effectiveness of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) inoculated during defined “vaccination period,” first 6 months post cancer diagnosis (ie, an anti-cancer treatment period), in elderly lung cancer patients on community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) hospitalization incidence.This was a nationwide population-based cohort study of 157 newly diagnosed elderly lung cancer patients receiving PPSV23 during “vaccination period”, and 628 age and sex one-to-one matched controls enrolled in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan between 2007 and 2010. All patients were ≥75 years old and still survival post “vaccination period. ” Incidence density (ID) of all-cause inpatient CAP and cumulative survival risk were analyzed by multivariate Poisson regression and Kaplan–Meier method, respectively.After a 4-year follow-up, IDs of all-cause inpatient CAP for vaccination and control cohorts were 297 and 444 per 1000 PYs, respectively. Less vaccinated patients had CAP incidence density >1 time per PY (12.7% vs 21.2%) than non-vaccinated patients. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, like influenza vaccination, comorbidities, cancer treatment modalities, and socioeconomic status, adjusted inpatient CAP incidence rate in PPSV23 vaccination cohort was 0.74 times lower than control cohort (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.740, P = 0.0339). Two-year cumulative CAP hospitalization rates and overall survival rates were 37.1% vs. 55.4%, and 46.6% vs. 26.2%, respectively, for lung cancer patients with and without PPSV23 (both P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that for elderly lung cancer patients not ever receiving influenza vaccine, PPSV23 still had trend to reduce all-cause inpatient CAP.For elderly lung cancer patients aged ≥75 years, PPSV23 inoculated during anti-cancer treatment period could reduce CAP hospitalizations and improve survival.
Vocalization age as a clinical tool

The Early Vocalization Analyzer (EVA) is a computer program that automatically analyses digitized acoustic recordings of infant vocalizations. Using the landmark detection theory of Stevens et al for the recognition of phonetic features in speech, EVA detects syllables in vocalizations produced by infants. Landmarks are grouped into standard syllable patterns and syllables are grouped into utterances. Statistics derived from these groups and the underlying features are used to derive a "vocalization age" and two specific screening rules that can clinically distinguish infants who may be at risk for later communication or other developmental problems from typically developing infants in the six to fifteen month age range.
Invasive Insects Differ from Non-Invasive in Their Thermal Requirements

We tested whether two basic thermal requirements for insect development, lower developmental thresholds, i.e. temperatures at which development ceases, and sums of effective temperatures, i.e. numbers of day degrees above the lower developmental thresholds necessary to complete development, differ among insect species that proved to be successful invaders in regions outside their native range and those that did not. Focusing on species traits underlying invasiveness that are related to temperature provides insights into the mechanisms of insect invasions. The screening of thermal requirements thus could improve risk-assessment schemes by incorporating these traits in predictions of potentially invasive insect species. We compared 100 pairs of taxonomically-related species originating from the same continent, one invasive and the other not reported as invasive. Invasive species have higher lower developmental thresholds than those never recorded outside their native ranges. Invasive species also have a lower sum of effective temperatures, though not significantly. However, the differences between invasive and non-invasive species in the two physiological measures were significantly inversely correlated. This result suggests that many species are currently prevented from invading by low temperatures in some parts of the world. Those species that will overcome current climatic constraints in regions outside their native distribution due to climate change could become even more serious future invaders than present-day species, due to their potentially faster development.
An investigation into risk factors for bilateral canine cruciate ligament rupture

Summary Objectives: To investigate the incidence of bilateral cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture and determine any associated risk factors. Methods: The patient information system and surgical database at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, were searched from March 1998 to March 2007. Patient files were reviewed and data recorded. The risk factors considered included: gender, neuter status, breed, body mass, age and concurrent orthopaedic disease. Results: In total, 511 dogs were identified as having cruciate rupture and included for analysis. Bilateral rupture of the CrCl was present in 38.7% (198/511) of the dogs. The mean (±SD) time that passed until the contra-lateral CrCL ruptured was 57.9 weeks (±54.1 range 3 to 260 weeks). Dogs with bilateral cruciate rupture were younger (mean ± SD 4.3 ± 2.7 years) than dogs with unilateral cruciate rupture (mean ± SD 5.3 ± 2.8 years). In dogs with CrCL rupture, male dogs were more likely to have bilateral rupture than female dogs, overweight dogs were more likely to have bilateral rupture, Golden Retrievers were less likely to have bilateral rupture, and Rottweilers had the highest odds of bilateral rupture. Clinical significance: In dogs with CrCL rupture, this study suggests possible relationships towards the incidence of a bilateral rupture also occurring as more likely in male dogs, young dogs with a mean age of four years (4.3 ± 2.7 years), Rottweiler dogs, and with an average elapsed time between ruptures of 57.9 weeks.
Evaluation of contact activation of citrated equine whole blood during storage and effects of contact activation on results of recalcification-initiated thromboelastometry.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the degree of activation of the contact pathway in citrated equine whole blood over holding times ≤ 30 minutes and assess effects of contact activation on recalcification-initiated thromboelastometry. ANIMALS 11 healthy adult mixed-breed horses. PROCEDURES Blood was collected by atraumatic jugular venipuncture into prewarmed evacuated siliconized glass tubes containing citrate anticoagulant and held at 37°C for ≤ 30 minutes. Thromboelastometry was performed with an in vitro viscoelasticity (thromboelastometry) monitoring system. Factor XII and factor XI procoagulant activities were determined in contemporaneously collected platelet-poor plasma samples by assessing changes in turbidity for 1 hour at approximately 25°C, with clotting times calculated by fitting a line to the steepest segment of the absorbance curve and determining its intersection with baseline. Effect of holding time on thromboelastometry parameters and plasma enzyme activity was evaluated by repeated-measures ANOVA on ranks. Association of procoagulant activities with coagulation time was determined by Spearman rank-order correlation analysis. RESULTS Thromboelastometry parameters (coagulation time, clot formation time, α angle, and maximum clot firmness) reflected significant increases in coagulability during the holding period. Factor XII and factor XI procoagulant activities were significantly increased at 30 minutes, compared with 2 or 10 minutes (indicating contact activation of samples), and had significant negative correlation with coagulation time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Ex vivo activation of the contact system in equine whole blood was evident, suggesting that recalcification of blood in the absence of a trigger is not an acceptable method of assessing the hemostatic system in horses.
Correlated Q-Learning

This paper introduces Correlated-Q (CE-Q) learning, a multiagent Q-learning algorithm based on the correlated equilibrium (CE) solution concept. CE-Q generalizes both Nash-Q and Friend-and-Foe-Q: in general-sum games, the set of correlated equilibria contains the set of Nash equilibria; in constant-sum games, the set of correlated equilibria contains the set of minimax equilibria. This paper describes experiments with four variants of CE-Q, demonstrating empirical convergence to equilibrium policies on a testbed of general-sum Markov games.
In-Orbit Timing Calibration of the Hard X-Ray Detector on Board Suzaku

The hard X-ray detector (HXD) aboard the X-ray satellite Suzaku is designed to have a good timing capability with a 61 � s time resolution. In addition to detailed descriptions of the HXD timing system, results of in-orbit timing calibration and the performance of the HXD are summarized. The relative accuracy of time measurements of the HXD event was confirmed to have an accuracy of 1:9 � 10 � 9 ss � 1 per day, and the absolute timing was confirmed to be accurate to 360 � s or better. The results were achieved mainly through observations of the Crab pulsar, including simultaneous ones with RXTE, INTEGRAL, and Swift.
Detection of Silica-Rich Deposits on Mars

Mineral deposits on the martian surface can elucidate ancient environmental conditions on the planet. Opaline silica deposits (as much as 91 weight percent SiO2) have been found in association with volcanic materials by the Mars rover Spirit. The deposits are present both as light-toned soils and as bedrock. We interpret these materials to have formed under hydrothermal conditions and therefore to be strong indicators of a former aqueous environment. This discovery is important for understanding the past habitability of Mars because hydrothermal environments on Earth support thriving microbial ecosystems.
Cobol in an Object-Oriented World: A Learning Perspective

Although recent Internet, Java, and OO trends threaten Cobol's dominance, industry will continue to need the language and its programmers for development as well as maintenance-especially once OO Cobol becomes an official standard. Thus, Cobol training remains a priority. By leveraging their existing knowledge, Cobol programmers can make a smooth transition to object oriented development and Java programming.
The effect of cooling and preheating on the X-ray properties of clusters of galaxies

We calculate X-ray properties of present-day galaxy clusters from hydrodynamical cosmolog- ical simulations of theCDM cosmology and compare these with recent X-ray observations. Results from three simulations are presented, each of which uses the same initial conditions: Non-radiative, a standard adiabatic, non-radiative model; Radiative, a radiative model that includes radiative cooling of the gas; and Preheating, a preheating model that also includes cooling but in addition impulsively heats the gas prior to cluster formation. At the end of the simulations, the global cooled baryon fractions in the latter two runs are 15 and 0.4 per cent, respectively, which bracket the recent result from the K-band luminosity function. We construct cluster catalogues that consist of over 500 clusters and are complete in mass down to 1.18 × 10 13 h −1 M� . While clusters in the Non-radiative simulation behave in accord with the self-similar picture, those of the other two simulations reproduce key aspects of the observed X-ray properties: namely, the core entropy, temperature-mass and luminosity-temperature relations are all in good agreement with recent observations. This agreement stems primarily from an increase in entropy with respect to the Non-radiative clusters. Although the physics affecting the intracluster medium is very different in the latter two models, the resulting cluster entropy profiles are very similar.
When Mii Is Me

The present research examines the processes involved in the psychological and behavioral effects of avatar use. We offer and explore a new concept, avatar self-relevance, which potentially moderates avatar use effects and thus may help explain why such effects are augmented by using (compared with viewing) an avatar. Results from an experimental study suggest that avatar self-relevance after avatar use, as reflected by physiological responses to observing (without controlling) the avatar get beaten up, is higher for people who maintain a psychological connection to the avatar, while lower for people for whom the disconnection from the avatar is highly salient, with avatar gender consistency and an avatar-emotion connection contributing to the former and an avatar-body connection contributing to the latter. This research offers a middle ground between self-perception and priming-oriented explanations of the theoretical mechanisms involved in avatar use effects.
Task Cube: A three-dimensional conceptual space of user tasks in visualization design and evaluation

User tasks play a pivotal role in visualization design and evaluation. However, the term ‘task’ is used ambiguously within the visualization community. In this article, we critically analyze the relevant literature and systematically compare definitions of ‘task’ and the usage of related terminology. In doing so, we identify a three-dimensional conceptual space of user tasks in visualization, referred to as the task cube, and the more precise concepts ‘objective’ and ‘action’ for tasks. We illustrate the usage of the task cube’s dimensions in an objective-driven visualization process, in different scenarios of visualization design and evaluation, and for comparing categorizations of abstract tasks. Thus, visualization researchers can better formulate their contributions which helps advance visualization as a whole.
Predicting walking ability following lower limb amputation: a systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE To investigate factors that predict walking with a prosthesis after lower limb amputation. DESIGN Systematic literature review. METHODS A computer-aided literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify studies published up to August 2007 that investigated factors that predicted walking ability after lower limb amputation. RESULTS A total of 57 studies were selected. Predictors of good walking ability following lower limb amputation include cognition, fitness, ability to stand on one leg, independence in activities of daily living and pre-operative mobility. Longer time from surgery to rehabilitation and stump problems are predictors of poor outcome. The impact of the cause of amputation on walking varies between studies. In general, unilateral and distal amputation levels, and younger age were predictive of better walking ability. Sex probably does not have a significant influence on walking ability. CONCLUSION The heterogeneity of methods and outcome measures used in the identified studies make comparison difficult and, in part, explains conflicting conclusions in relation to predictive factors. Further investigation of predictive factors is needed to estimate walking potential more accurately and guide targeting of modifiable factors to optimize outcome after lower limb amputation.
Adjustable sutures: an update

Purpose of review This review discusses outcomes and recent advances in the use of adjustable sutures in strabismus surgery for children and adults. Recent findings Several large studies have compared the success rates of strabismus surgery with adjustable sutures versus nonadjustable sutures by the same surgeon or group of surgeons, and demonstrate a significant increase in the short-term alignment for both children and adults with the use of adjustable sutures. Modifications of adjustable sutures technique that make adjustable sutures a more attractive option, especially for children. Summary Recent studies have shown better short-term success rates when using adjustable sutures versus conventional sutures in strabismus surgery. Improved outcomes combined with increased options in surgical technique may lead more surgeons to use adjustable sutures in both children and adults.
Mobile dictation for healthcare professionals

We demonstrate a mobile dictation application utilizing automatic speech recognition for healthcare professionals. Development was done in close collaboration between human-technology interaction and nursing science researchers and professionals working in the area. Our work was motivated by the need for improvements in getting spoken patient information to the next treatment steps without additional steps. In addition, we wanted to enable truly mobile spoken information entry, i.e., dictation can take place on the spot. In order to study the applicability we conducted a small-scale Wizard-of-Oz evaluation in a real hospital environment with real nurses. Our main focus was to gather subjective expectations and experiences from the actual nurses themselves. The results show true potential for our mobile dictation application and its further development.
Selective Attention to Facial Emotion and Identity in Children With Autism: Evidence for Global Identity and Local Emotion

The present study sought to test the global‐identity and local‐emotion processing hypothesis in face perception by examining emotional interference in face perception in children with high‐functioning autism/Asperger's syndrome. Participants judged either the expression or the identity of faces while identity/expression was either held constant or varied (Garner paradigm). The results revealed that emotional expressions interfered with identity processing in face perception for autism spectrum disorder individuals. Taken together with previous findings, our results suggest that emotion judgment mainly depends on local processing, while identity judgment mainly depends on global processing. Autism Res 2012, 5: 282–285. © 2012 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Millennium Cohort Family Study: a prospective evaluation of the health and well‐being of military service members and their families

The need to understand the impact of war on military families has never been greater than during the past decade, with more than three million military spouses and children affected by deployments to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Understanding the impact of the recent conflicts on families is a national priority, however, most studies have examined spouses and children individually, rather than concurrently as families. The Department of Defense (DoD) has recently initiated the largest study of military families in US military history (the Millennium Cohort Family Study), which includes dyads of military service members and their spouses (n > 10,000). This study includes US military families across the globe with planned follow‐up for 21+ years to evaluate the impact of military experiences on families, including both during and after military service time. This review provides a comprehensive description of this landmark study including details on the research objectives, methodology, survey instrument, ancillary data sets, and analytic plans. The Millennium Cohort Family Study offers a unique opportunity to define the challenges that military families experience, and to advance the understanding of protective and vulnerability factors for designing training and treatment programs that will benefit military families today and into the future. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioral and Cardiovascular Responses to Frustration During Simulated Driving Tasks in Young Adults With and Without Attention Disorder Symptoms

Objective: The present study examined the role of negative emotions on driving performance in relation to ADHD, by comparing young adults scoring high on measures of ADHD (n = 20) with a control group (n = 22). Method: The authors used cardiorespiratory physiological measures, simulated driving behavior, and self-report to examine how participants with high and low ADHD symptoms responded to frustration and to determine how frustration affected simulated driving performance. Results: Groups did not differ in operational driving skills, but participants with high ADHD symptoms reported more frustration and exhibited more impairment at the tactical level of driving performance than the controls. There was significant suppression of respiratory sinus arrhythmia from resting baseline during tasks, but it did not differ between groups during driving. Conclusion: This article proposes that remedial driver training for ADHD populations should focus more on the control of negative emotions rather than on attention or fundamental driving skills. (J. of Att. Dis. 2012; 16(6) 478-490)
Gestational Age, Birthweight for Gestational Age, and Childhood Hospitalisations for Asthma and Other Wheezing Disorders.

BACKGROUND Preterm birth, early term birth, and low birthweight are associated with childhood wheezing disorders in developed Western settings, but observed associations could be confounded by socio-economic position. This study aims to clarify such associations in a developed non-Western setting with a different confounding structure. METHODS Using Cox regression, we examined the adjusted associations of gestational age and birthweight for gestational age with time to first public hospital admission for asthma, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Version Clinical Modification 466, 490, and 493) from 9 days to 12 years in a population-representative birth cohort of 8327 Chinese children in Hong Kong, a developed setting with less clear social patterning of prematurity or birthweight. Analyses were adjusted for infant and parental characteristics and socio-economic position. RESULTS Children born late preterm (34 to <37 weeks) had higher risk of hospitalisation for asthma and other wheezing disorders [hazard ratio (HR) 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48, 2.67] than children born full term (39 to <41 weeks). Early term births (37 to <39 weeks) had HR 1.01 (95% CI 0.84, 1.22), late term births (41 to <42 weeks) had HR 0.77 (95% 0.59, 1.01), and post-term births (≥42 weeks) had HR 0.56 (95% CI 0.32, 0.98). Large for gestational age was associated with lower risk of hospitalisation (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.57, 0.99). CONCLUSION The association of preterm birth with childhood wheezing could be biologically mediated. We cannot rule out an association for early term births.
Myoglobin Induces Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression through c-Src Kinase-Activator Protein-1/Nuclear Factor-ĸB Pathways

Background/Aims: It is not clear whether a sublethal dose of myoglobin induces some pathophysiological changes in tubular cells, potentially affecting tubular injury or tubular regeneration. We investigated the effect of a low dose of myoglobin on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression and elucidated the underlying signaling pathways. We further examined the effect of losartan and simvastatin on myoglobin-induced VCAM-1 expression and the signaling pathways. Methods: Activation of nuclear factor (NF)-ĸB and activator protein (AP)-1 was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Phosphorylation of protein kinases was examined by Western blot analysis. VCAM-1 mRNA and protein were measured by Northern blot analysis and cell ELISA. Results: A sublethal dose of myoglobin (100 µg/ml) induced VCAM-1 expression via activation of AP-1 and NF-ĸB, which was mediated through activation of c-Src kinase, followed by mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38, ERK 1/2, JNK-1) and the IĸB kinase – IĸB-α. Inhibitors of protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase, antioxidants and intracellular calcium chelator suppressed myoglobin-induced activation of c-Src kinase. Losartan and simvastatin suppressed myoglobin-induced VCAM-1 expression via inhibition of c-Src kinase. Conclusion: VCAM-1 expression via c-Src kinase-AP-1/NF-ĸB pathways might be one of the possible mechanisms linking myoglobin to tubular injury. Losartan and simvastatin might be beneficial in attenuating myoglobin-induced tubular injury.