Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The willingness of orthopaedic trauma patients in Uganda to accept financial loans following injury

Abstract Background: Early access to a monetary loan may mitigate some of the socioeconomic burden associated with surgical treatment and lost wages following injury. The primary objective of this study was to determine the willingness of orthopaedic trauma patients in Uganda to accept a formal financial loan shortly after their time of injury. Methods: A consecutive sample of adult orthopaedic trauma patients admitted to Uganda's national referral hospital was included in the survey. The primary outcome was the self-reported willingness to accept a financial loan. Secondary outcomes included the preferred loan terms, fracture treatment costs, and the factors associated with loan willingness. Results: Of the 40 respondents (mean age, 40 years; 58% male), the median annual income was $582 United States dollars (USD) (range: $0–$6720). Around 50% reported a willingness to accept a loan with any terms. Patients requested loans with a median principal of $500 USD and a median interest rate of 5% with 12 months to pay back. Patients had received loans with a median principal of $142 USD, an interest rate of 10%, and payback of 6 months. These received loans covered a mean of 63% of the treatment costs. Patients with higher median incomes ($857 USD vs $342 USD) were more willing to accept a loan. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a limited interest of orthopaedic trauma patients in Uganda to procure loans through formalized lending. This observed resistance must be overcome in future programs that rely on mechanisms such as conditional cash transfers or microfinancing to improve clinical and socioeconomic outcomes after injury.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Mediates Enhanced Wound Healing Responses and Resistance to Transforming Growth Factor-β1-Driven Myofibroblast Differentiation in Oral Mucosal Fibroblasts

Oral mucosal wounds are characterized by rapid healing with minimal scarring, partly attributable to the “enhanced” wound healing properties of oral mucosal fibroblasts (OMFs). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic growth factor, with potential key roles in accelerating healing and preventing fibrosis. HGF can exist as full-length or truncated (HGF-NK), NK1 and NK2 isoforms. As OMFs display elevated HGF expression compared to dermal fibroblasts (DFs), this study investigated the extent to which HGF mediates the preferential cellular functions of OMFs, and the influence of pro-fibrotic, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) on these responses. Knockdown of HGF expression in OMFs by short-interfering RNA (siHGF) significantly inhibited OMF proliferative and migratory responses. Supplementation with exogenous TGF-β1 also significantly inhibited proliferation and migration, concomitant with significantly down-regulated HGF expression. In addition, knockdown abrogated OMF resistance to TGF-β1-driven myofibroblast differentiation, as evidenced by increased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, F-actin reorganisation, and stress fibre formation. Responses were unaffected in siHGF-transfected DFs. OMFs expressed significantly higher full-length HGF and NK1 levels compared to patient-matched DFs, whilst NK2 expression was similar in both OMFs and DFs. Furthermore, NK2 was preferentially expressed over NK1 in DFs. TGF-β1 supplementation significantly down-regulated full-length HGF and NK1 expression by OMFs, while NK2 was less affected. This study demonstrates the importance of HGF in mediating “enhanced” OMF cellular function. We also propose that full-length HGF and HGF-NK1 convey desirable wound healing properties, whilst fibroblasts preferentially expressing more HGF-NK2 readily undergo TGF-β1-driven differentiation into myofibroblasts.
Assembly processes of waterbird communities across subsidence wetlands in China: A functional and phylogenetic approach

Although assembly processes have been studied in a wide range of taxa, determining assembly rules remains controversial, particularly in assemblages consisted of species with strong dispersal capacities. Moreover, few studies focused on communities in recently human‐created habitats. We tested two prevailing but opposing hypotheses, environmental filtering and limiting similarity, in waterbird communities across subsidence wetlands created by underground coal mining in China, with an aim to better understand assembly processes in communities composed of highly mobile species in human‐dominated landscape.
Lane Change Rates at Freeway Weaving Sites: Trends in HCM6 and from NGSIM Trajectories

Concerns have been raised about the HCM6 weaving method’s lack of sensitivity to weaving segment length. This study explores the trends in HCM6 as they relate to lane change estimates and their impact on the segment speed and level of service (LOS). The study also compares HCM6 estimates of lane changes against empirical data from an NGSIM weaving site. Thus, the objectives of this study are twofold: (a) critically investigate the effect of weaving length on lane change and associated speed model estimates in HCM6, and (b) analyze trends in lane changes against congestion levels using detailed NGSIM trajectory data, comparing against HCM6 estimates. For (a) it was found that the lack of sensitivity to weave length is because of the absence of this parameter in the nonweaving lane change and speed models. For (b), a comparison of HCM6 lane change rates with NGSIM, US-101 data confirmed that the HCM6 estimates for weaving vehicles are fully consistent with those at the NGSIM site, controlling for density. In contrast, nonweaving lane change estimates in HCM6 did not deliver the expected trends, with more discretionary lane changes predicted as congestion increased. Finally, analysis of lane change patterns at the NGSIM site revealed a tendency for early merging for freeway to ramp traffic and uniform merging for ramp to freeway traffic over the length of the weave. Interestingly, a speed analysis showed that in most cases, a higher frequency of discretionary lane changes yielded lower travel times for drivers executing them.
Unrolling the Shutter: CNN to Correct Motion Distortions

Row-wise exposure delay present in CMOS cameras is responsible for skew and curvature distortions known as the rolling shutter (RS) effect while imaging under camera motion. Existing RS correction methods resort to using multiple images or tailor scene-specific correction schemes. We propose a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture that automatically learns essential scene features from a single RS image to estimate the row-wise camera motion and undo RS distortions back to the time of first-row exposure. We employ long rectangular kernels to specifically learn the effects produced by the row-wise exposure. Experiments reveal that our proposed architecture performs better than the conventional CNN employing square kernels. Our single-image correction method fares well even operating in a frame-by-frame manner against video-based methods and performs better than scene-specific correction schemes even under challenging situations.
Effect of deposition temperature on the growth mechanism of chemically prepared CZTGeS thin films

The Cu2ZnSnGeS4 (CZTGeS) thin films were deposited by the spray pyrolysis method at different substrate temperatures without further sulfurization. The influence of various deposition temperatures on the surface morphology, microstructure, optical properties, chemical, and phase composition were investigated. The substitution mechanism of Sn/Ge in the crystal lattice of CZTGeS depending on deposition temperatures was studied. It was shown that a variation in substrate temperature has a strong effect on the surface morphology of the films. The X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy (RS) analysis showed that CZTGeS films were polycrystalline with a kesterite‐type single‐phase structure and a preferential orientation of (112). The RS‐mapping analysis showed the distribution of intensities on the surfaces of the films. Optical measurements showed that CZTGeS films are highly absorbing in the visible region, and the optical band gap is shifted from 1.89 to 1.84 eV.
Micro-Computed Tomography Evaluation of the Glenoid Fossa and Mandibular Condyle Bone After Bilateral Vertical Ramus Mandibular Distraction in a Canine Model

The aim of this study was to quantify bone microarchitecture within the glenoid fossa and mandibular condyle following mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Eight 6- to 9-month-old male beagle dogs underwent bilateral vertical mandibular distraction with semiburied distractors (12 days of distraction at 1 mm per day). One unoperated animal served as control. After distraction the animals were divided into two groups (N = 4) and killed after 1 or 2 months of consolidation. Three-dimensional trabecular architecture was analyzed by micro-computed tomography (&mgr;CT). At both sites the overall trends were similar. In the glenoid fossa, there was decreased bone volume, trabecular number, and connectivity density and increased trabecular separation at 1 month and decreased trabecular thickness and increased structure model index compared with the control (P < 0.05). In the mandibular condyle, there was decreased bone volume, trabecular number, and connectivity density at both 1 and 2 months, with decreased trabecular thickness and increased structure model index at 2 months only compared with the control (P < 0.05). The bone became less dense and more rodlike. These bone changes are similar to those seen by the effects of aging or impaired normal function. Thus, in the short term, changes occur in the bone microstructure of the glenoid fossa and mandibular condyle after vertical mandibular ramus distraction in the canine model.
The Secrecy Outage Probability for the  $i$th Closest Legitimate User in Stochastic Networks

Motivated by information-theoretic security, the Poisson model for secure connectivity in stochastic networks has recently received great attention. Although several expressions for secrecy characterization between a typical node and its neighbors were obtained, to the authors' knowledge, there are no exact closed-form expressions for the Rayleigh fading channel. In this letter, a method is proposed for obtaining the closed-form expressions for secrecy outage probability at the ith closest legitimate user for colluding eavesdroppers in the Rayleigh fading channel. Analytical results easily show that the secrecy outage probability exponentially increases with respect to the value of the index i, whereas the secrecy rate requirement must be sacrificed to realize secure connectivity for farther legitimate users. Furthermore, the method is also developed for non-colluding in Rayleigh fading and deterministic channels to better demonstrate the impact of collusion and Rayleigh fading on secure connectivity.
Effects of 4 hand-drying methods for removing bacteria from washed hands: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of 4 different drying methods to remove bacteria from washed hands. SUBJECTS AND METHODS One hundred adult volunteers participated in this randomized prospective study. All bacterial counts were determined using a modified glove-juice sampling procedure. The difference was determined between the amounts of bacteria on hands artificially contaminated with the bacterium Micrococcus luteus before washing with a nonantibacterial soap and after drying by 4 different methods (cloth towels accessed by a rotary dispenser, paper towels from a stack on the hand-washing sink, warm forced air from a mechanical hand-activated dryer, and spontaneous room air evaporation). The results were analyzed using a nonparametric analysis (the Friedman test). By this method, changes in bacterial colony-forming unit values for each drying method were ranked for each subject. RESULTS The results for 99 subjects were evaluable. No statistically significant differences were noted in the numbers of colony-forming units for each drying method (P = .72). CONCLUSION These data demonstrate no statistically significant differences in the efficiency of 4 different hand-drying methods for removing bacteria from washed hands.
Copula-based control charts for monitoring multivariate Poisson processes with application to hepatitis C counts

Abstract In this article, we study attribute control charts for monitoring correlated multivariate Poisson processes that are adequately described by copula models. The work is motivated by the need to study multivariate models for correlated count data with less restrictive assumptions on the correlation structure. We consider copula models that allow for varying levels of correlation between Poisson variables. In particular, we identify which of multivariate elliptical and mixtures of max-infinitely divisible copulas best describes the correlated multivariate Poisson process based on model selection criteria. Our primary objective in this article is to study mainstream attribute monitoring schemes based on this model structure and assess their average run length performance through numerical and simulation procedures.
Multiple routes of hepatitis C virus transmission among injection drug users in Hai Phong, Northern Vietnam

To identify hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission routes among injection drug users in Northern Vietnam, plasma samples were collected from 486 drug users in Hai Phong. Plasma viral RNA was extracted from 323 (66.5%) samples that were positive for anti‐HCV antibodies. Portions of the HCV 5′‐untranslated (5′UTR)‐Core and NS5B genes were amplified by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, sequenced directly, and genotyped in 194 and 195 specimens, respectively. Both regions were genotyped in 137 specimens. In the 5′UTR‐Core region, genotype 6a was predominant (32.5%), followed by genotype 1a (23.7%), genotype 1b (20.6%), and genotype 6e (14.4%). In the NS5B region, genotype 1a was predominant (42.6%), followed by genotype 1b (24.1%), genotype 6a (14.4%), genotype 3b (7.2%), and genotype 6e (5.1%). Of the 137 specimens with both regions genotyped, 23 (16.8%) showed discordant genotyping results between the two regions, suggesting possible recombination and/or dual infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close associations between Hai Phong strains and strains from Southern China: the Yunnan province for genotype 3b; the Guangxi province for genotype 6e; the USA for genotype 1a; and Southern Vietnam for genotypes 1a and 6e. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection rate among HCV‐infected injection drug users was 52.6–55.4% and did not differ significantly by HCV genotype. Most drug users infected with HIV‐1 [98.8% (171/173)] were co‐infected with HCV. These results suggest multiple routes of HCV transmission among injection drug users in Northern Vietnam that may also be HIV transmission routes. J. Med. Virol. 82:1355–1363, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Prediction Market for Macro-Economic Variables

Macro-economic forecasts are used extensively in industry and government even though the historical accuracy and reliability is disputed. Prediction markets have proven to successfully forecast the outcome of elections, sport events and product sales. In this paper we provide a detailed analysis of forecasts generated from a new prediction market for economic derivatives. The proposed market design is specifically designed to forecast macro-economic variables and differs significantly from previous ones. It solves some of the known problems such as low liquidity and partition-dependence framing effects. By using finance methodology we firstly show that the market is reasonably liquid in order to continuously generate forecasts. Secondly the market forecasts performed well in comparison to the 'Bloomberg'- survey forecasts. Thirdly forecasts generated by the market fulfill the weak-form forecast efficiency implying that forecasts contained all publicly available information.
The Pressure of the Past: Network Imprinting in Intercorporate Communities

This paper extends organizational imprinting theory to networks by examining how the social technology available during the establishment of community-based intercorporate networks continues to influence contemporary network structures despite major changes in the U.S. corporate environment. I examine the 51 largest U.S. community network systems in 1986, the same networks in 2000, and the network activity of the component organizations of those network systems. Results show that even when controlling for many plausible alternative explanations, communities established prior to the advent of air travel technology have preserved locally focused networks, which suggests that this pattern is maintained by emulation of locally legitimate templates of action. This research contributes to work on imprinting by extending it to networks and in theorizing the social mechanisms that result in the persistence of social forms. Furthermore, it contributes to work on directorship networks by suggesting that the way information flows through this network may be geographically contingent.
Scaling of the sampling period in nonlinear system identification

The paper presents a scaling algorithm for system identification, based on a nonlinear black box differential equation model. The model is discretized by an Euler forward numerical integration scheme. A scale factor is applied to the explicitly appearing sampling period, when iterating the discrete time state space model and the corresponding gradient recursion. The result is an exponential scaling of the state components of the model, and a scaling of the estimated parameter vector. The original parameter vector can be explicitly calculated from the scaled parameter vector using a diagonal matrix that is a function only of the scale factor. A new analysis of the effect of scaling on the Hessian, shows how the same diagonal matrix affects its eigenvalue distribution. A simulation study illustrates the beneficial effects on e.g. the condition number that can be obtained with the algorithm.
Differences in Body Fat Distribution Play a Role in the Lower Levels of Elevated Fasting Glucose amongst Ghanaian Migrant Women Compared to Men

Background Despite higher levels of obesity, West African migrant women appear to have lower rates of type 2 diabetes than their male counterparts. We investigated the role of body fat distribution in these differences. Methods Cross-sectional study of Ghanaian migrants (97 men, 115 women) aged 18–60 years in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were measured. Logistic regression was used to explore the association of BMI, waist and hip measurements with elevated fasting glucose (glucose≥5.6 mmol/L). Linear regression was used to study the association of the same parameters with fasting glucose. Results Mean BMI, waist and hip circumferences were higher in women than men while the prevalence of elevated fasting glucose was higher in men than in women, 33% versus 19%. With adjustment for age only, men were non-significantly more likely than women to have an elevated fasting glucose, odds ratio (OR) 1.81, 95% CI: 0.95, 3.46. With correction for BMI, the higher odds among men increased and were statistically significant (OR 2.84, 95% CI: 1.32, 6.10), but with consideration of body fat distribution (by adding both hip and waist in the analysis) differences were no longer significant (OR 1.56 95% CI: 0.66, 3.68). Analysis with fasting glucose as continuous outcome measure showed somewhat similar results. Conclusion Compared to men, the lower rates of elevated fasting glucose observed among Ghanaian women may be partly due to a more favorable body fat distribution, characterized by both hip and waist measurements.
Novel approaches to the pharmacological blockade of gastric acid secretion

Research into new methods of controlling acid secretion is driven by existing medical needs in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease treatment. Histamine receptor subtype 3 agonists offer one approach for acid inhibition but no agent is yet undergoing clinical testing. Other, as yet unrealised strategies include preventing the fusion of the tubulovesicular elements that contain H+/K+-ATPase with the parietal cell membrane, or blocking channels that recycle K+ in the parietal cell. Of more promise are gastrin (cholecystokinin) receptor antagonists and potassium-competitive acid blockers; examples of both are in clinical development. It is probable that gastrin receptor antagonists would be used adjunctively with proton pump inhibitors, possibly for meal-induced reflux. The potassium-competitive acid blockers have attributes that may facilitate use as monotherapy for the treatment of gastro--oesophageal reflux disease. The early promise of gastrin receptor antagonists and potassium-competitive acid blockers remains to be defined in large-scale trials.
Are Children “Intuitive Theists”?

Separate bodies of research suggest that young children have a broad tendency to reason about natural phenomena in terms of purpose and an orientation toward intention-based accounts of the origins of natural entities. This article explores these results further by drawing together recent findings from various areas of cognitive developmental research to address the following question: Rather than being “artificialists” in Piagetian terms, are children “intuitive theists”—disposed to view natural phenomena as resulting from nonhuman design? A review of research on children's concepts of agency, imaginary companions, and understanding of artifacts suggests that by the time children are around 5 years of age, this description of them may have explanatory value and practical relevance.
Active Chromatin Marks Are Retained on X Chromosomes Lacking Gene or Repeat Silencing Despite XIST/Xist Expression in Somatic Cell Hybrids

Background X-chromosome inactivation occurs early in mammalian development and results in the inactive X chromosome acquiring numerous hallmarks of heterochromatin. While XIST is a key player in the inactivation process, the method of action of this ncRNA is yet to be determined. Methodology/Principal Findings To assess which features of heterochromatin may be directly recruited by the expression and localization of the XIST RNA we have analyzed a mouse/human somatic cell hybrid in which expression of human and mouse XIST/Xist has been induced from the active X by demethylation. Such hybrids had previously been demonstrated to disconnect XIST/Xist expression from gene silencing and we confirm maintenance of X-linked gene expression, even close to the Xist locus, despite the localized expression of mouse Xist. Conclusions/Significance Loss of the active chromatin marks H3 acetylation and H3 lysine 4 methylation was not observed upon XIST/Xist expression, nor was there a gain of DNA methylation; thus these marks of facultative heterochromatin are not solely dependent upon Xist expression. Cot-1 holes, regions of depleted RNA hybridization with a Cot-1 probe, were observed upon Xist expression; however, these were at reduced frequency and intensity in these somatic cells. Domains of human Cot-1 transcription were observed corresponding to the human chromosomes in the somatic cell hybrids. The Cot-1 domain of the X was not reduced with the expression of XIST, which fails to localize to the human X chromosome in a mouse somatic cell background. The human inactive X in a mouse/human hybrid cell also shows delocalized XIST expression and an ongoing Cot-1 domain, despite X-linked gene silencing. These results are consistent with recent reports separating Cot-1 silencing from genic silencing, but also demonstrate repetitive element expression from an otherwise silent X chromosome in these hybrid cells.