Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differentiating the Impact of Social Influence - An Empirical Analysis of Household Adopters

Although widely accepted as critical determinant for an individual’s adoption decision in households social influence is rather be known as the unloved child of technology adoption research. As several IS researchers pointed out the need for more sophisticated methods to assess social influence and a clarification of its role we aim to contribute to existing household adoption research by providing an empirical analysis observing the social influence of different referent groups and secondary sources on the behavioral intention to participate in social networking portals by different adopter groups. Therefore we evaluated survey data of 422 young professionals, 771 professionals and 226 managers with the help of multiregression analysis. We come up with two interesting contributions to existing household adoption research. On the one hand social influence of different referent groups and secondary sources significantly affects the intention of adopter groups with different career status, age and prior experience and on the other hand social influence differs for both source (referent group or secondary source) and sink (adopter group) with varying adopter’s career status.
The Bulge Radial Velocity Assay (BRAVA): II. Complete Sample and Data Release

We present new radial velocity measurements from the Bulge Radial Velocity Assay (BRAVA), a large scale spectroscopic survey of M-type giants in the Galactic bulge/bar region. The sample of ~4500 new radial velocities, mostly in the region -10 deg < l < +10 deg and b ~ -6 deg more than doubles the existent published data set. Our new data extend our rotation curve and velocity dispersion profile to +20 deg, which is ~2.8 kpc from the Galactic Center. The new data confirm the cylindrical rotation observed at -6 deg and -8 deg, and are an excellent fit to the Shen et al. (2010) N-body bar model. We measure the strength of the TiO molecular band as a first step towards a metallicity ranking of the stellar sample, from which we confirm the presence of a vertical abundance gradient. Our survey finds no strong evidence of previously unknown kinematic streams. We also publish our complete catalog of radial velocities, photometry, TiO band strengths, and spectra, which is available at the IRSA archive: this http URL as well as at UCLA: this http URL
Nursing home staffing and quality under the nursing home reform act.

PURPOSE We examine whether the Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA) improved nursing home staffing and quality. DESIGN AND METHODS Data from 5,092 nursing homes were linked across the 1987 Medicare/Medicaid Automated Certification System and the 1993 Online Survey, Certification and Reporting system. A dummy-year model was used to examine the effects of the NHRA on pressure ulcers, physical restraints, and urinary catheters, and a first-difference approach to fixed-effects regression analyses was used to estimate the effects of time-varying staffing on the quality of care. RESULTS Overall, we found a significant increase in nursing home staffing levels from 1987 to 1993. Moreover, after controlling for other facility, resident, market, and state factors, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of residents with pressure ulcers, physical restraints, and urinary catheters following the implementation of the NHRA. Across all facilities, the increase in staffing was not directly related to the improvement in quality over the period of our study, but there was a positive relationship between registered nurse staffing and quality for facilities that were particularly deficient prior to the NHRA. IMPLICATIONS Following the NHRA, quality improvements were found in nursing homes nationwide, and these results suggest that part of this improvement was due to the quality and staffing regulations within the NHRA.
Preventing Student Veteran Attrition: What More Can We Do?

Student veterans face many challenges when transitioning to college. This two-phase study first examined their retention and persistence through the use of archival data at one Midwestern public university. Results indicated a 50% graduation rate, comparable to the national average and above that for nonveterans at the same university. The second, phenomenological study entailed interviewing degree-seeking student veterans about personal, administrative, or academic issues related to college success. Emerging themes included (a) transitioning to civilian life; (b) managing multiple identities; (c) attitudes about civilian peers, faculty, and staff; and (d) medical or psychiatric issues that may interfere with retention or persistence. Interviewees recommended the university might help student veterans succeed by offering a faculty and student orientation on military culture, increasing interdepartmental communication within student affairs’ various offices, and expanding services provided by the campus veteran’s resource center.
Early childbearing and children's achievement and behavior over time.

CONTEXT Compared with children of older women, children of women who had their first birth during their teens have long been believed to be at higher risk for a host of poor health, social and economic outcomes. Recent studies have failed to confirm this belief, but none have taken into account whether children's outcomes or the effects of early childbearing on those outcomes have changed over time. METHODS Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of the Labor Market Experience of Youth and the Panel Study of Income Dynamics are used to separate the influence of changes from the 1960s through the 1990s in children's experiences from the effect of mother's age at first birth. RESULTS Multivariate analyses controlling for social and demographic characteristics show that among children born to women from a particular birth cohort, those whose mothers first gave birth in their teens have significantly lower scores on a set of four achievement tests and significantly higher scores on a behavior-problem index than do children whose mothers delayed childbearing. However, when changes over time in children's outcomes and in the effect of early childbearing on those outcomes are taken into account, children born to women who began childbearing early score significantly worse than those whose mothers delayed their first birth on the behavior-problem index, but on only one achievement test. CONCLUSIONS Comparisons by age at first birth among women born in the same period may misestimate the effects of early motherhood. Whether early childbearing's effects on children are overestimated or underestimated depends on whether test scores are rising or falling. Policymakers should be cautious in making decisions based on studies that do not take time trends into account.
Incremental bias in Finapres estimation of baseline blood pressure levels over time.

Finapres finger blood pressure monitoring appears to provide a reliable alternative to intra-arterial blood pressure measurement under many circumstances. However, few studies have focused on the limitations of Finapres assessment. In a previous pilot investigation, we observed that Finapres pressure following mental stressors failed to return to initial resting levels. Our objectives in the present study were to (1) replicate earlier findings, (2) examine whether local changes in the measured finger were responsible for the observed drift, and (3) test a method to facilitate the return of pressure to systemic baseline levels. We studied two groups of healthy subjects who underwent a protocol consisting of two mental stressors preceded and followed by baseline periods. In the control group, the Finapres continuously monitored pressure on a single finger for the entire protocol. The intervention group periodically had the Finapres cuff removed and the measured finger exercised to prevent local changes that might influence Finapres estimation of blood pressure. Comparisons indicated a group x baseline interaction effect for systolic and diastolic pressures (P < .0004 and P < .003, respectively). The group with the exercise intervention showed much greater recover during the final baseline than the control group. Recovery of pressures in the control group but not the intervention group was inversely related to the stress level of blood pressure (r = .86, P < .0002), indicating a relationship between blood pressure rise and the degree of distortion of subsequent baseline values. On the basis of our results, we propose that in prolonged protocols, the measurement finger be exercised to facilitate accurate measurements of finger pressure with the Finapres.
Stat3 Is Required to Maintain the Full Differentiation Potential of Mammary Stem Cells and the Proliferative Potential of Mammary Luminal Progenitors

Stat3 has a defined role in mammary gland where it is a critical mediator of cell death during post-lactational regression. On the other hand, Stat3 is required for the self-renewal of embryonic stem cells and is sufficient for the induction of a naïve pluripotent state in epiblast stem cells. Mammary stem cells (MaSCs) have a high capacity for self-renewal and can grow robustly in transplantation experiments in vivo. However, a role for Stat3 in MaSCs has not been investigated. Here we show that depletion of Stat3 from basal cells results in reduced primary transplantation efficiency and diminishes the potential to generate ductal, but not alveolar, outgrowths. In addition, Stat3 is required for maximal proliferation of luminal progenitors.
Augmentation of the therapeutic activity of lometrexol -(6-R)5,10-dideazatetrahydrofolate- by oral folic acid.

Recent clinical trials with lometrexol [(6R)-5,10-dideazatetrahydrofolate] have revealed a level of toxicity in humans that was not predicted on the basis of previous in vivo preclinical studies. Because standard laboratory animal diets contain high levels of folic acid relative to human folate intake, the toxicity and therapeutic activity of lometrexol was studied in mice under conditions of restricted dietary folate intake. Remarkably, the lethality of this drug increased by three orders of magnitude in mildly folate-deficient mice, mimicking the unexpected toxicity seen in humans. Lometrexol had limited therapeutic activity in folate-deficient mice bearing the C3H mammary adenocarcinoma, compared with the substantial therapeutic index for treatment of this tumor in animals on standard diet. When folic acid was administered p.o. to mice that were mildly folate deficient, antitumor activity was again observed at nontoxic doses of lometrexol, and the range of lometrexol doses that allowed safe therapeutic use of this drug increased at higher dietary folate intake. At a fixed dose of lometrexol, the antitumor effects in animals were dependent on the level of dietary folate and went through a distinct optimum. Excessively high folate intake reversed the antitumor effects of lometrexol. Optimization of the folic acid content in the diet and of the lometrexol dosage are predicted to have substantial impact on the clinical activity of this class of drugs.
Operative treatment of acute complications of diverticular disease: primary or secondary anastomosis after sigmoid resection.

OBJECTIVE To assess the comparative effects of two surgical regimens on the outcome of acute complicated diverticular disease. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Teaching hospital, The Netherlands. SUBJECTS 60 patients who presented with acute complicated diverticular disease. INTERVENTIONS 28 patient were treated by sigmoid resection and a Hartmann operation, and 32 by resection with primary anastomosis and defunctioning stoma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Morbidity and mortality. RESULTS The severity of peritonitis and the amount of faecal contamination were similar in the 2 groups. 12 patients died (7 in the Hartmann group and 5 in the primary anastomosis group). There were 3 radiological leaks with no clinical implications in the primary anastomosis group. 6 patients in the Hartmann group and 5 in the primary anastomosis group required reoperations for intra-abdominal abscess or infection. 7 and 3 patients, respectively, developed dysfunction of their stomas, and 9/21 and 3/27, respectively, required a permanent stoma (p = 0.02, 95% confidence interval of difference 0.07 to 0.56). 3 patients in the Hartmann group developed anastomotic leaks after closure of their stomas, 1 of whom required reoperation but died. No patient developed an anastomotic leak after closure of the stoma in the primary anastomosis group. CONCLUSION Both regimens are accepted treatments for patients with acute complicated diverticular disease, but because of the higher morbidity after the Hartmann procedure we prefer primary anastomosis with covering stoma.
Clinician Perceptions Related to the Use of the CBT-I Coach Mobile App

ABSTRACT Objective: Clinicians’ perceptions of CBT-I Coach, a patient-facing mobile app for cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), are critical to its adoption and integration into practice. Diffusion of innovations theory emphasizes the influence of perceptions, including the relative advantage to current practice, the compatibility to clinicians’ needs, the complexity, the innovation’s trialability, and observability. This study intended to evaluate the use and perceptions of CBT-I Coach among Veterans Affairs (VA)-trained CBT-I clinicians. Participants and Methods: Clinicians (N = 108) were surveyed about their use, feedback, and perceptions of CBT-I Coach a year after the app became available. Results: Overall perceptions of CBT-I Coach were favorable. Fifty percent of clinicians reported using CBT-I Coach, with 98% intending to continue use. The app was perceived to increase sleep diary completion and homework compliance. Clinicians viewed the app as providing accessibility to helpful tools and improving patient engagement. Of those not using the app, 83% endorsed intention to use it. Reasons for nonuse were lack of patient access to smart phones, not being aware of the app, not having time to learn it, and inability to directly access app data. Those who reported using CBT-I Coach had more favorable perceptions across all constructs (p < .01 – p < .001), except relative advantage, compared to nonusers. Users perceived it as less complex and more compatible with their practice than nonusers. Conclusions: Continued efforts are needed to increase adoption and enhance use of CBT-I Coach, as well as study if reported benefits can be evidenced more directly.
Probing conserved surfaces on PapD

PapD is the periplasmic chaperone required for the assembly of P pili in pyelonephritic strains of Escherichia coli. It consists of two immunoglobulin‐like domains bisected by a subunit binding cleft. PapD is the prototype member of a superfamily of immunoglobulin‐like chaperones that work in concert with their respective ushers to assemble a plethora of adhesive organelles including pilus‐ and non‐pilus‐associated adhesins. Three highly conserved residue clusters have been shown to play critical roles in the structure and function of PapD, as determined by site‐directed mutagenesis. The in vivo stability of the chaperone depended on the formation of a buried salt bridge within the cleft. Residues along the G1 beta strand were required for efficient binding of subunits consistent with the crystal structure of PapD–peptide complexes. Finally, Thr‐53, a residue that is part of a conserved band of residues located on the amino‐terminal domain surface opposite the subunit binding cleft, was also found to be critical for pilus assembly, but mutations at Thr‐53 did not interfere with chaperone–subunit complex formation.
Recombinant Flagellin A Proteins from Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Stricto, B.afzelii, and B. garinii in Serodiagnosis of Lyme Borreliosis

ABSTRACT Genes for flagellin A (FlaA) proteins from European borrelial strains of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii, and B. garinii were cloned and sequenced. An identity of 92 to 93% was observed in theflaA sequences of the different species. Polyhistidine-tagged recombinant FlaA (rFlaA) proteins were produced inEscherichia coli and used as antigens in Western blotting (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In immunoglobulin G (IgG) WB, 71% (10 of 14) of the sera from neuroborreliosis and 86% (12 of 14) of those from Lyme arthritis patients reacted with one to three rFlaAs. In IgG ELISA, 74% (14 of 19) and 79% (15 of 19) of patients with neuroborreliosis and arthritis, respectively, were positive. The immunoreactivity in local European patient sera was stronger against rFlaA from B. garinii and B. afzelii than against rFlaA fromB. burgdorferi sensu stricto. Neither IgG nor IgM ELISA was sensitive in the serodiagnosis of erythema migrans. Serum samples from patients with syphilis and systemic lupus erythematosus showed mild cross-reactivity in IgG tests. Sera from Yersiniaenterocolitica or beta-hemolyticStreptococcus infections showed only occasional responses. With IgM ELISA, 58% (11 of 19) and 37% (7 of 19) of patients with neuroborreliosis and arthritis, respectively, were positive. Cross-reactive antibodies to FlaA, especially in serum samples from patients with rheumatoid factor positivity and Epstein-Barr virus infection, reduced the specificity of IgM serodiagnosis. Therefore, rFlaA seems to have a limited role for IgM serodiagnosis, yet rFlaA might be useful in the IgG serodiagnosis of disseminated Lyme borreliosis.
Evidence against an early signalling role for ceramide in Fas-mediated apoptosis.

We have investigated whether the increases in ceramide levels that occur during apoptosis in SKW 6.4 cells induced by anti-Fas antibody depend on the activation of caspases. Using cells prelabelled to equilibrium with [14C]acetate, it was shown that the amount of ceramide approximately doubled after 24 h incubation with anti-Fas, but the time course of ceramide changes was slower than that of anti-Fas-induced cell death. Complete inhibition of the effects of anti-Fas on cell death and on ceramide production was observed when the caspase inhibitor N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-(O-methyl)fluoromethane (zVAD.fmk) was added together with anti-Fas, but N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Phe-Ala-fluoromethane (a structurally similar cathepsin B inhibitor) had no effect. Treatment of cells with the Ca2+-ionophore A23187 also doubled ceramide levels, but in this case the effect was complete within 2 h, was not blocked by zVAD.fmk and was not associated with increases in nuclear fragmentation. These results suggest that ceramide is not an upstream messenger in Fas-mediated apoptosis and may instead be produced as a consequence of processes downstream of the activation of caspases and increases in cytosolic calcium concentration.
Which Procedural Parts of the IEP Process Are the Most Judicially Vulnerable?

To provide a missing piece to the legal foundation of professional development and practice for the individualized education program (IEP) process, the authors report the results of a comprehensive systematic analysis of court decisions specific to IEP-related procedural violations after the 2004 amendments of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. Research questions focused on the frequency and outcomes of alleged procedural violations in the following categories: (a) IEP components, (b) IEP team, (c) parent participation, and (d) IEP development. Procedural violations in the parent participation category were the most frequently adjudicated; the outcomes ratio in court averaged approximately 3:1 in favor of school districts for cases across all four categories. Implications for practice include reconsideration of current policies and practices to whatever extent that they were based on case law rather than proactive priorities, per the lack of differentiation in prevailing publications and presentations in special education.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Streptococcus mutans Isolated from Patients with Endocarditis

Forty-one strains of Streptococcus mutans (34 from blood specimens from patients with endocarditis and 7 from stock cultures) were tested for susceptibility to penicillin, ampicillin, methicillin, erythromycin, cephalothin, vancomycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, gentamicin, streptomycin, and kanamycin. Minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were determined by a broth microdilution procedure. Most of the strains were very susceptible to ampicillin, penicillin, and erythromycin, with most strains having minimal inhibitory concentrations of 0.08 μg/ml or less. Most of the strains were also susceptible to cephalothin, methicillin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and vancomycin. Gentamicin was the most effective aminoglycoside. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are similar to those of other viridans streptococci. S. mutans strains have proven to be difficult for some microbiologists to identify. But when organisms suggesting S. mutans are isolated from patients with endocarditis, they should be at least identified as nonenterococcal streptococci so that appropriate therapy can be initiated.
An update on the safety of long-acting β-agonists in asthma patients using inhaled corticosteroids

Importance of the field: Pooled trial data have shown that long-acting β-agonists increase the risk for asthma hospitalizations and deaths by two to fourfold compared with placebo. Until recently, it was unclear whether concomitant inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) could eliminate this risk. Areas covered in this review: This review summarizes the available data on the safety of long-acting β-agonist use in asthma, with and without concomitant ICSs. The results from an updated meta-analysis are presented, with data through December 2008. What the reader will gain: In pooled trial data, catastrophic asthma events (defined as asthma-related intubation or death) were increased fourfold for concomitant treatment with long-acting β-agonists and ICSs compared with corticosteroids alone (odds ratio 3.7; 95% CI 1.4 – 9.6). It is estimated that the addition of long-acting β-agonists to ICS therapy is associated with an absolute increase of one catastrophic event per 1500 patient-years. Take home message: When the available trial data are pooled together, it is clear that long-acting β-agonists significantly increase the risk for asthma-related intubations and deaths, even when used in a controlled fashion with concomitant ICSs. Clinical guidelines should readdress the role long-acting β-agonists have in the management of asthma.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus in Two Institutions Caring for Mentally Handicapped Adults

Hepatitis B virus infection is common in institutions caring for the mentally handicapped. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus share routes of transmission but the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in this population is unknown. We have tested 101 patients from two institutions in South-East England caring for adults with mental handicap for the presence of hepatitis C antibody, hepatitis B core antibody, and if necessary hepatitis B surface antigen. None tested positive for hepatitis C antibody, but 43 had hepatitis B core antibody of whom 14 were chronic carriers positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. Unlike hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus infection appears to be uncommon in UK institutions.
Competency-Based Education in Three Pilot Programs: Examining Implementation and Outcomes

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