Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Impact of Urinary Incontinence, Pain, and Other Comorbidities on Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) For Postpartum Bangladeshi Women

To investigate the incidence and impact of urinary incontinence (UI) and pain on health related quality of life (HRQOL) for postpartum Bangladeshi women. Methods: Prospective, cross sectional, correlational design (n=94) of postpartum Bangladeshi women, ages 18-44, with history of one or more obstetrical deliveries within the last three years. Subjects completed the Bengali version of the SF-36 and IIQ-7. Results: UI incidence was reported at 45% (n=39/86) total, 44% CS (n=18/41), and 47% (n=21/45) for NVD. IIQ-7 scores and UI presence showed strong correlations in both CS (rho=.729, 84, p<.001) and NVD (rho=.874, 84, p<.001). The highest impact of UI was reported in the CS group. One sample t-test reported significant differences for the sample when compared with the age equivalent norms for the SF-36 domain and component scores (p =.05-.001). Sig- nificant differences in HRQOL were reported for women with "pelvic/abdominal pain" and "UI" compared to those without "pain" or without "UI" and strong inverse correlations (rho=.597-.853) were reported for subjects with "pain" on the SF-36 domains (p=.001). The Mixed Birth Mode (MBM) group (n=8) reported UI incidence at 74% (n= 6/8), and pelvic/abdominal pain at 63% (n=5/8). Conclusion: No significant difference was found in UI and HRQOL measures by birth mode. However, pelvic, abdominal pain, and UI impact were found to be significant and inversely correlated to HRQOL. A significant decrease in HRQOL was reported compared to age related norm scores. Future research should address pelvic and abdominal pain and "mixed birth mode" impact on QOL and UI.
Geoadditive Latent Variable Modelling of Child Morbidity and Malnutrition in Nigeria

Investigating the impact of important risk factors and geographical location on child morbidity and malnutrition is of high relevance for developing countries. Previous research has usually carried out separate regression analyses for certain diseases or types of malnutrition, neglecting possible association between them. Based on data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey of 2003, we apply recently developed geoadditive latent variable models, taking cough, fever and diarrhea as well as stunting and underweight as observable indicators for the latent variables morbidity and mortality. This allows to study the common impact of risk factors and geographical location on these latent variables, thereby taking account of association within a joint model. Our analysis identifies socio-economic and public health factors, nonlinear effects of age and other continuous covariates as well as spatial effects jointly influencing morbidity and malnutrition.
Influences of perceived autonomy support on physical activity within the theory of planned behavior

Three studies tested the contribution of perceived autonomy support to the prediction of health-related intentions within the theory of planned behavior. Perceived autonomy support refers to the extent to which individuals perceive that significant others encourage choice and participation in decision-making, provide a meaningful rationale, minimize pressure, and acknowledge the individual's feelings and perspectives. Findings from Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that perceived autonomy support predicted intentions to participate in physical activity behavior directly and indirectly via attitudes. Perceived autonomy support predicted intention even after statistically controlling for the effects from past behavior, descriptive norms, and perceived social support. Study 3 found that persuasive communications influenced perceptions of autonomy support, attitudes, and intentions. Overall, the findings support the incorporation of perceived autonomy support into the theory of planned behavior. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS OF HOPLOCERCID LIZARDS: CODING AND COMBINING MERISTIC, MORPHOMETRIC, AND POLYMORPHIC DATA USING STEP MATRICES

Hoplocercidae is a small (10 species, 3 genera), poorly known but pivotal family of Central and South American iguanian lizards that has never been the subject of a focused phylogenetic study or systematic revision. We undertake the first rigorous phylogenetic analysis of hoplocercid lizards. We also use our analysis to demonstrate how meristic, morphometric, and polymorphic morphological characters can be coded and combined for phylogenetic analyses using step matrices, which allow continuous variation to be treated as continuous. Parsimony analysis of 46 informative external and skeletal characters (17 qualitative and fixed, 19 qualitative and polymorphic, 8 meristic, and 2 morphometric) yields very different topologies, depending on how the meristic characters are scaled (weighted). Use of between-state scaling yields a phylogeny in which Hoplocercus is at the base of the hoplocercid tree, and Morunasaurus is paraphyletic with respect to a monophyletic Enyalioides. Scaling between characters produces a tree in which Enyalioides is paraphyletic with respect to a clade containing Morunasaurus and Hoplocercus, and Morunasaurus is paraphyletic with respect to Hoplocercus. We also propose a third, “mixed” approach to scaling, which we marginally prefer over the other two methods. This method yields a tree in which Hoplocercus and a monophyletic Morunasaurus make up the sister group to a monophyletic Enyalioides. We discuss the implications of these results for hoplocercid biogeography and evolutionary ecology, tropical speciation, and the phylogenetic analysis of morphological data.
Expression and clinical implication of Beclin1, HMGB1, p62, survivin, BRCA1 and ERCC1 in epithelial ovarian tumor tissues.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study is to investigate the differential expression of Beclin1, HMGB1, p62, survivin, ERCC1 and BRCA1 protein in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and to evaluate the relationship between autophagy and platinum resistance of EOC patients during platinum-based chemotherapy with the protein expression. PATIENTS AND METHODS Expression of Beclin1, HMGB1, p62, survivin, ERCC1 and BRCA1 were detected with immunohistochemistry in 60 patients, including 39 with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), 13 benign epithelial ovarian tumor tissue (BET) and 8 borderline ovarian tumor tissue. RESULTS Beclin, p62 and ERCC1 expression was significantly higher in the EOC than the BET (p<0.05). No statistical significance was detected with HMGB1 or survivin expression among BET, borderline tumor and EOC (p>0.05). BRCA1 expression was lower in EOC than BET (p<0.05). The expression of Beclin, p62 and survivin significantly correlated with FIGO stage (p<0.05), while the expression of HMGB1 correlated with pathological type. For platinum-sensitive EOC patients, positive expression of Beclin1 and BRCA1 was lower, and positive P62 expression was higher than in platinum-resistant patients (p<0.05). BRCA1 expression was negatively correlated with Beclin1 and p62 expression (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of expression of beclin1 may suppress autophagy to enhance the efficiency of platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. HMGB1, survivin and p62 are implicated in the development of ovarian cancer. ERCC1 might be a potential predictive marker for neoadjuvant treatment in the early stage of ovarian cancer, and BRCA1, Beclin1 and p62 as a biomarker to predict platinum resistance and prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer.
The Arabidopsis Vacuolar Sorting Receptor1 Is Required for Osmotic Stress-Induced Abscisic Acid Biosynthesis1[OPEN]

A vacuolar receptor is required for osmotic stress regulation of abscisic acid biosynthesis by maintaining intracellular pH homeostasis. Osmotic stress activates the biosynthesis of the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) through a pathway that is rate limited by the carotenoid cleavage enzyme 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED). To understand the signal transduction mechanism underlying the activation of ABA biosynthesis, we performed a forward genetic screen to isolate mutants defective in osmotic stress regulation of the NCED3 gene. Here, we identified the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Vacuolar Sorting Receptor1 (VSR1) as a unique regulator of ABA biosynthesis. The vsr1 mutant not only shows increased sensitivity to osmotic stress, but also is defective in the feedback regulation of ABA biosynthesis by ABA. Further analysis revealed that vacuolar trafficking mediated by VSR1 is required for osmotic stress-responsive ABA biosynthesis and osmotic stress tolerance. Moreover, under osmotic stress conditions, the membrane potential, calcium flux, and vacuolar pH changes in the vsr1 mutant differ from those in the wild type. Given that manipulation of the intracellular pH is sufficient to modulate the expression of ABA biosynthesis genes, including NCED3, and ABA accumulation, we propose that intracellular pH changes caused by osmotic stress may play a signaling role in regulating ABA biosynthesis and that this regulation is dependent on functional VSR1.
A New Method for Analyzing Data From Visual Artwork

ABSTRACT This article presents a novel data analytic approach to collect detailed information from visual artworks. This new method provides researchers with a framework to compare, analyze, and review in a systematic way large quantities of data from visual productions. Drawing on principles of art historical criticism, our research team devised a comprehensive coding scheme that captures both technical and content attributes. The coding scheme is configured to record specific, fundamental features for each artwork, providing an instrument for collecting data and cross-examining codes to reveal content in a unique and unbiased manner. For example, detailed data collected through individual codes can reveal clear patterns in the artistic treatment of composition and medium, providing evidence that the method could be adapted and applied for use in a variety of settings. To illustrate the method, this article presents examples from an empirical research study that was conducted at Harvard University's Project Zero. In this study, the coding scheme was applied to 414 pieces of artwork published in a teen art and literary magazine between 1990 and 2011. The coding scheme is defined and applied to 2 sample artworks, allowing readers to understand how this method can be used to record nuanced information about each work. Applying this analytic approach to visual art created in museums and informal learning settings can yield insights into artworks, their creators, and nuanced changes in creative production over time.
Pediatric Audiology Report: Assessment and Revision of an Audiology Report Written to Parents of Children With Hearing Impairment.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to evaluate a typical pediatric diagnostic audiology report to establish its readability and comprehensibility for parents and, second, to revise the report to improve its readability, as well as the comprehension, sense of self-efficacy, and positive opinions of parent readers. METHOD In Experiment 1, a mock audiology report was evaluated via a readability analysis and semistructured interviews with 5 parents. In Experiment 2, the report was revised using best practice guidelines and parental recommendations from Experiment 1. The revision was verified by randomly assigning 32 new parent participants to read either the revised or unrevised report before their comprehension, self-efficacy, and opinions were assessed. RESULTS In Experiment 1, results confirmed that the report was difficult to read and understand. In Experiment 2, parents who read the revised report had significantly greater comprehension, self-efficacy, and opinion ratings than those who read the unrevised report. In addition, the readability of the revised report was markedly improved compared with the unrevised report. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that pediatric diagnostic audiology reports can be revised to adhere to best practice guidelines and yield improved readability, in addition to improving the comprehension, sense of self-efficacy, and positive opinions of parents of children with hearing impairment.
Using suture and locking anatomical bridging plate to fix comminuted mid-shaft clavicle fractures with intramedullary nail assistance in reduction.

BACKGROUND During conventional plate fixation of comminuted midshaft fracture of the clavicle, wedge-shaped fragments often need to be fixed with lag screws. A new procedure, which included intramedullary K-wire assistance in reduction, binding fragments by suture, and eventually bridging plate fixation, was compared with conventional techniques. HYPOTHESIS This new procedure is more effective than the conventional techniques, and the fixation of free fragments using lag screws is not necessary. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective study of 60 patients from August 2008 to March 2013 with comminuted midshaft clavicular fractures with wedge-shaped fragments. Seventeen patients were treated with conventional plate fixation, and the wedge-shaped fragments were fixed using lag screws (LSPF). Another 43 patients were treated with the new procedure, including intramedullary K-wire assistance in reduction, binding of wedge-shaped fragments by suture, and bridging plate fixation (KSB). Patients were followed for an average of 13 months and radiographs were used to observe fracture healing. Shoulder function was assessed using the Constant Score System (CSS). RESULTS There was no significant difference in bone healing time and shoulder function between the two study groups. The operating time for KSB was significantly shorter than conventional LSPF (P=0.014). Fractures healed in 14.9±5.59 weeks for the conventional LSPF group and in 13.6±3.59 weeks for the KSB group. One patient treated with conventional LSPF had implant failure and underwent a second operation. CONCLUSIONS KSB is a simple and effective procedure for comminuted midshaft clavicular fractures. The wedge-shaped fragments in comminuted midshaft clavicular fractures do not always need to be fixed by lag screws and the new procedure described is an effective treatment alternative. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.
Statistical analysis of microbiological diagnostic tests

No study in medical science is complete without application of the statistical principles. Incorrect application of statistical tests causes incorrect interpretation of the study results obtained through hard work. Yet statistics remains one of the most neglected and loathed areas, probably due to the lack of understanding of the basic principles. In microbiology, rapid progress is being made in the field of diagnostic test, and a huge number of studies being conducted are related to the evaluation of these tests. Therefore, a good knowledge of statistical principles will aid a microbiologist to plan, conduct and interpret the result. The initial part of this review discusses the study designs, types of variables, principles of sampling, calculation of sample size, types of errors and power of the study. Subsequently, description of the performance characteristics of a diagnostic test, receiver operator characteristic curve and tests of significance are explained. Lack of a perfect gold standard test against which our test is being compared can hamper the study results; thus, it becomes essential to apply the remedial measures described here. Rapid computerisation has made statistical calculations much simpler, obviating the need for the routine researcher to rote learn the derivations and apply the complex formulae. Thus, greater focus has been laid on developing an understanding of principles. Finally, it should be kept in mind that a diagnostic test may show exemplary statistical results, yet it may not be useful in the routine laboratory or in the field; thus, its operational characteristics are as important as the statistical results.
Study on large area photomultipliers with super bialkali photocathode

The quantum efficiency of standard bialkali photocathode is currently limited to around 25% at the spectral peak. Many photomultipliers manufactures have recently developed large area photomultipliers with new super bialkali photocathode which improves quantum efficiency up to 35%. In this paper the characterization of large area photomultipliers with super bialkali photocathode produced by Hamamatsu is reported, to compare their performances to those measured on standard bialkali R7081 PMTs with the same mechanical design. Time and charge characteristics, fraction of spurious pulses and dark count, uniformity and ageing effects were measured in order to define whether the new kind of photocathode could introduce some secondary effects.
Relationships among socioeconomic status, stress induced changes in cortisol, and blood pressure in african american males

The inverse relation between socioeconomic status (SES) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has been posited to be partially due to exaggerated cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) to stress. Stress elicits hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation (e.g., increased cortisol secretion), which may contribute to subsequent blood pressure (BP) elevation. Univariate associations among SES, cortisol secretion, and aggregated change scores to stressors (i.e., video game and forehead cold) for systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were assessed in a sample of 24 African American males (M age = 18.8, ± 2.7 years). Circadian variability of cortisol level was taken into account by partialling out collection time. Family SES was inversely related to initial cortisol level (partial r = -.46, p < .03). Neighborhood SES was inversely related to DBP reactivity (r = -.41, p < .05). The change in cortisol level during the stressor protocol was related to SBP reactivity (partial r = .44, p < .05). These results suggest that SES may be linked to CVD via BP and cortisol reactivity to stress, but prospective studies are needed to clarify whether such is the case.
Effect of loading condition on the traction coefficient between shoes and artificial turf surfaces

ASTM F2333 is a test method for quantifying traction characteristics between an athletic shoe and a sports surface. This standard calls for normal loads of 500—3000N to be applied between a footform and a playing surface. To assess the effect of varying the normal load on the traction coefficients between cleated athletic shoes and artificial turf surfaces, a new testing device was developed and used to collect traction data. Four different models of cleated athletic shoes were tested on FieldTurf™ at normal loads ranging from 222N to 1776N. Static, dynamic, and peak traction coefficient values were calculated for each condition. There was a significant difference in the slope of the load versus traction coefficient curve for loads below and above 888N for all three variables measured. No significant differences in traction characteristics were found between shoes for loads below 888N. Significant differences between the shoes were seen with loads above 888N. However, buckling and potential permanent damage to the turf surface were seen at loads of 1776N. The results suggest that traction data obtained on FieldTurf at loads below one body weight are not sensitive to different shoe designs. Therefore, the measurement of traction between cleated shoes and FieldTurf should be conducted at a load of at least 888N, which is, in part, consistent with the default normal load of 1000N, in ASTM F2333. However, a normal force of 3000N defined in the standard for studying stopping may not be feasible without permanently damaging the turf surface.
Household Transmission of Clostridium difficile to Family Members and Domestic Pets

OBJECTIVE To determine the risk of Clostridium difficile transmission from index cases with C. difficile infection (CDI) to their household contacts and domestic pets. DESIGN A prospective study from April 2011 to June 2013. SETTING Patients with CDI from Canadian tertiary care centers. PARTICIPANTS Patients with CDI, their household human contacts, and pets. METHODS Epidemiologic information and stool or rectal swabs were collected from participants at enrollment and monthly for up to 4 months. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed on C. difficile isolates. Probable transmission was defined as the conversion of a C. difficile culture–negative contact to C. difficile culture–positive contact with a PFGE pattern indistinguishable or closely related to the index case. Possible transmission was defined as a contact with a positive C. difficile culture at baseline with a strain indistinguishable or closely related to the index case. RESULTS A total of 51 patients with CDI participated in this study; 67 human contacts and 15 pet contacts were included. Overall, 9 human contacts (13.4%) were C. difficile culture positive; 1 contact (1.5%) developed CDI; and 8 contacts were asymptomatic. Of 67 human contacts, probable transmission occurred in 1 human contact (1.5%) and possible transmission occurred in 5 human contacts (7.5%). Of 15 pet contacts, probable transmission occurred in 3 (20%) and possible transmission occurred in 1 (6.7%). CONCLUSIONS There was a high proportion of C. difficile culture positivity at 13.4% among human contacts and asymptomatic carriage of domestic pets reached 26.7%. These results suggest that household transmission of C. difficile may be a source of community-associated cases. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1–7
Surface potential of chalcopyrite films measured by KPFM

Atomic force microscopy is widely used to characterize the surface topography of a variety of samples. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) additionally allows determining images of the surface potential with nanometer resolution. The KPFM technique will be introduced and studies on surfaces of chalcopyrite semiconductors for solar cell absorbers will be presented. It is shown that operation in ultra‐high vacuum (UHV) is required to obtain meaningful work function values. Different methods for obtaining UHV‐clean surfaces are presented and KPFM studies on these are compared. Surfaces where prepared by in‐vacuum deposition, inert‐gas transfer, in‐vacuum decapping of a protective Se‐cap and a peel‐off method. Finally, a sputter‐annealing cycle also allows to obtain well‐suited surfaces for KPFM studies. Employing KPFM, variations in the local surface potential at grain boundaries of polycrystalline CuGaSe2 films were observed. A potential drop indicates the presence of charged defects at grain boundaries. Furthermore, different electronic activity was found for different grain boundaries, as concluded from studies under illumination. Using laterally resolved surface photovoltage, a Cu2–x Se impurity phase could be observed in CuGaSe2. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)