Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic aspects of levofloxacin 500 mg once daily during sequential intravenous/oral therapy in patients with lower respiratory tract infections.

Levofloxacin is considered an effective antibiotic in the treatment of community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). A study was carried out on 17 in-patients to assess the pharmacokinetics of a 500 mg once-daily switch intravenous (i.v.)/oral regimen of levofloxacin in the treatment of LRTI patients. Blood samples were collected under steady-state conditions at appropriate intervals. Levofloxacin plasma concentrations were analysed by means of HPLC and pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using the WinNonlin pharmacokinetic software package. A lower clearance of levofloxacin (<2 mL/min/kg), conditioning both a longer elimination half-life (approximately 9 h) and a larger AUC(0-tau) (approximately 80 mg/L x h), was observed for both routes in our patients than in healthy volunteers. These differences may be explained considering that levofloxacin is excreted mainly as unchanged drug by the renal route, and most of our patients (71%) were very elderly subjects whose renal function physiologically declines with age. The almost complete (> or =99%) absolute oral bioavailability suggests that a comparable exposure to the iv regimen may be achieved after oral administration. The overall clinical success rate was 94.1%.
Is intuition associated with ethical decision-making?

The relationship between intuition and ethical decision-making has been researched extensively during the past two decades. This study aimed at exploring empirically observable associations between intuition and the moral intensity of ethical decision-making processes. A scenario-based quantitative approach was used to collect data from 157 practising professional spirit mediums. It was found that only collective universal intuition had a significant positive association with the moral intensity of ethical decision-making processes. Personal experience intuition and collective archetype intuition were not significantly associated with moral intensity. This may explain why previous studies were unable to gauge the effects of intuition on ethical decision-making. The results suggest that a pure mind can improve one’s ability to make decisions. Thus, decision-makers would benefit by being more attuned to their sense of morality.
AIS Electronic Library (AISeL)

In our digital and hyperconnected society, social networking sites such as Facebook or Instagram facilitated information sharing in the Web and it becomes an integral part of many people’s daily life. Consequently, the amount of personal data available online is significantly increasing and concurrently, it is easy to find personal data in the Web. As a result of availability and uncomplicated retrieval of published personal data, creating comprehensive online profiles becomes effortless and also eases the derivation of implicit information for various purposes. Such information forms an online reputation and is used to make a judgment about a person (Farmer & Glass 2010). Although first studies show that individuals perceive their online reputation as important (Komisarjevsky 2012), their endeavor to manage their online reputation is on a low level (Brackenbury & Wong 2012; Madden & Smith 2010) . In order to understand why individuals consider their online reputation as important but do not take action to manage it we conducted a grounded theory based on 22 qualitative interviews with digital natives to reveal the underlying motivation. Thereby, we contribute a new facet to the general understanding of online reputation management, its obstacles, and explanations for the lack of motivation.
Negotiating masculinity: experiences of black gay men

Abstract Sexual orientation continues to be considered a taboo subject (Judge et al, 2008) and when it is discussed, engagements are often fuelled by unsettling stereotypes used to justify discrimination against sexual minority groups. Black gay men are a minority based on their racial identity and sexual orientation, and this study analysed how they perceive gender and masculinity in particular. The research questions examined the role of socialisation and social institutions in shaping ideas pertaining to masculinity through the life-stages of the participants, from boyhood until young adulthood. Masculinity is analysed using contextual tools – which describe sexuality and gender within the South African context – and conceptual tools – which provide theoretical explanations relating to masculinity and sexuality. This paper explores masculinity as a dynamic and contextual social construct, which is learned and performed according to one’s personal experiences and upbringing. The study used qualitative research methods in the form of focus group discussions, supplemented by semi-structured interviews for detailed narratives on the experiences of the participants. The findings revealed the important role that primary socialisation agents play in shaping an individual’s understanding of gender and sexuality. The image of a ‘good black man’ remains entrenched in heteronormative ideals that reinforce homophobic, religious and conservative views. South Africa may have a liberal Constitution but the reality of ‘coming out’ is not without its challenges. These include the need to “pass as straight” in social interactions, religious/cultural humiliation, online bullying and socio-economic marginalisation.
Retinoic Acid Stimulates α-CAMKII Gene Expression in PC12 Cells at a Distinct Transcription Initiation Site

The promoter region of the α-subunit of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (α-CaMKII) gene was inserted into a β-galactosidase (β-gal) reporter plasmid, and β-gal activities were examined in neuroblastoma (NB2a) and pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells after transient or stable transfections. The α-CaMKII promoter was 12- to 45-fold more active in NB2a compared with PC12 cells after transient or stable transfections. All-trans retinoic acid (RA) stimulated reporter gene expression at both protein and mRNA levels in transfected PC12 cells. RA increased the level of endogenous α-CaMKII mRNA in untransfected PC12 cells by 4.4-fold. The transcription initiation site(s) (TIS) of the α-CaMKII gene in PC12 cells and rat brain was examined by RNase protection assays (RPA) and reverse transcriptase PCRs. The TIS for the α-CaMKII/β-gal reporter gene in transfected PC12 cells was indistinguishable from the TIS+1 in rat hippocampus. In contrast, the only detectable TIS for the α-CaMKII gene in untransfected PC12 cells was located near the ATG translation start codon, 147 nucleotides 3′ to TIS+1 in hippocampus. This unusual TIS was also the predominant TIS in rat cerebellum. These results suggest that the α-CaMKII promoter may contain sequences that respond directly or indirectly to RA. In addition, the unusual TIS of the α-CaMKII gene in PC12 cells and rat cerebellum may contribute to the very low expression of this gene compared with that in hippocampus.
Factors that affect Returning to graduate school for International and American Adult learners

A growing body of research has identified the motivational factors of adult learners who participate in educational activates. Previous studies have examined domestic adult learners; however, there has been limited research on motivational factors that drive international adult learners to pursue graduate programs in American institutions. This study examined motivational factors that affect both international and American domestic learners to return to graduate school. It also compared differences between these two groups based on gender and motivational factors.
Quiet Sun coronal heating: A statistical model

Recent observations of Krucker & Benz ([CITE]) give strong support to Parker's hypothesis ([CITE]) that small-scale dissipative events make up the main contribution to quiet Sun coronal heating. They also showed that these small-scale events are associated not only with the magnetic network, but also with the cell interiors (Benz & Krucker [CITE]). Taking into account in addition the results of the analysis performed by Priest with co-authors ([CITE]) who demonstrated that the heating is quasi-homogeneous along the arcs, we come to the conclusion that the sources driving these dissipative events are also small-scale sources. Typically they are of the order of or smaller than the linear scale of the events observed, that is <2000 km. To describe statistical properties of quiet Sun corona heating by microflares, nanoflares, and even smaller events, we consider a cellular automata model subject to uniform small-scale driving and dissipation. The model consists of two elements, the magnetic field source supposed to be associated with the small scale hydrodynamic turbulence convected from the photosphere and local dissipation of small scale currents. The dissipation is assumed to be provided by either anomalous resistivity, when the current density exceeds a certain threshold value, or by the magnetic reconnection. The main problem considered is how the statistical characteristics of dissipated energy flow depend upon characteristics of the magnetic field source and on physical mechanism responsible for the magnetic field dissipation. As the threshold value of current is increased, we observe the transition from Gaussian statistics to power-law type. In addition, we find that the dissipation provided by reconnection results in stronger deviations from Gaussian distribution.
Fracture Property of Y-Shaped Cracks of Brittle Materials under Compression

In order to investigate the properties of Y-shaped cracks of brittle materials under compression, compression tests by using square cement mortar specimens with Y-shaped crack were conducted. A true triaxial loading device was applied in the tests, and the major principle stresses or the critical stresses were measured. The results show that as the branch angle θ between the branch crack and the stem crack is 75°, the cracked specimen has the lowest strength. In order to explain the test results, numerical models of Y-shaped cracks by using ABAQUS code were established, and the J-integral method was applied in calculating crack tip stress intensity factor (SIF). The results show that when the branch angle θ increases, the SIF K I of the branch crack increases from negative to positive and the absolute value K II of the branch crack first increases, and as θ is 50°, it is the maximum, and then it decreases. Finally, in order to further investigate the stress distribution around Y-shaped cracks, photoelastic tests were conducted, and the test results generally agree with the compressive test results.
The human uncoupling protein‐3 gene promoter requires myod and is induced by retinoic acid in muscle cells

The uncoupling protein‐3 (UCP‐3) gene encodes for a mitochondrial protein expressed preferentially in skeletal muscle. UCP‐3 mRNA is expressed in cultured muscle cells (C2C12 or L6E9) only when differentiated, at which stage UCP‐3 is highly induced by all‐trans retinoic acid (RA). Here we report that human UCP‐3 promoter activity is dependent on MyoD and inducible by all trans‐RA. The action of all trans‐RA is increased by co‐transfection with RA receptor (RAR). We have characterized the RA response element that controls the induction by RA in the 5′ noncoding region of the UCP‐3 gene. Deletion and point‐mutation analysis of the hUCP‐3 promoter led us to identify a direct‐repeat element with one base‐pair spacing (DR1) at position −71/−59 responsible for the induction by RA of the activity of the promoter. This DR1 element bound a nuclear protein complex from muscle cells that contain RAR and retinoid X receptor (RXR). In the absence of this element, the promoter became unresponsive to RA, but it was still dependent on MyoD. In conclusion, it has been established that UCP‐3 gene promoter activity is dependent on MyoD, and the first regulatory pathway for UCP‐3 gene promoter regulation has been recognized by identifying RA as a transcriptional activator of the gene.
Comparisons of the radial distributions of core‐collapse supernovae with those of young and old stellar populations★

We present observational constraints on the nature of core-collapse (CC) supernovae (SNe) through an investigation into their radial distributions with respect to those of young and old stellar populations within their host galaxies, as traced by Hα emission and R-band light, respectively. We discuss results and the implications they have on the nature of SN progenitors, for a sample of 177 CC SNe. We find that the radial positions of the overall CC population closely follow the radial distribution of Hα emission, implying that both are excellent tracers of star formation within galaxies. Within this overall distribution, we find that there is a central deficit of SNII which is offset by a central excess of SNIb/c. This implies a strong metallicity dependence on the relative production of the two types, with SNIb/c arising from higher metallicity progenitors than SNII. Separating the SNIb/c into individual classes, we find that a trend emerges in terms of progenitor metallicity going from SNII through SNIb to SNIc, with the latter arising from the highest metallicity progenitors.
Ad-hoc mobility management with randomized database groups

A distributed mobility management scheme using randomized database groups (RDG) is proposed and analyzed for ad-hoc networks. In the proposed scheme, location databases are stored in the network nodes, comprising a virtual backbone within the flat network architecture. Upon location update or call arrival, a mobile's location information is written to or read from, respectively, a group of randomly chosen databases. Compared with a centralized scheme (such as the home location register) with fixed associations, this scheme is more suitable for ad-hoc networks, where the connectivity of the nodes with the rest of the network can be intermittent and sporadic, and the databases are relatively unstable. The expected cost due to call loss and location updates using this scheme is analyzed in the presence of database disconnections. Based on the expected cost, we present the numerical determination and approximation of the optimal total location database number, the optimal database access group size, and the optimal location update frequency, under different network stability, traffic, and mobility conditions. Numerical results show that the RDG scheme provides an robust and efficient approach to ad-hoc mobility management.
Marital Status and Burdensomeness as Risk Factors of Suicide Ideation in Poststroke Patients

Marital Status and Burdensomeness as Risk Factors of Suicide Ideation in Poststroke Patients by Froso Andreou BA, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, 1996 MS, University of District of Columbia, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University May 2018 Abstract Suicide ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide (SISAS) are increased in poststroke patients, yet not everyone who has suffered a stroke is at risk for SISAS. Two risk factors for SISAS, marital status and burdensomeness, may be of particular relevance to poststroke patients. The majority of poststroke patients have a disability that may require help from a family member with basic functions such as dressing and bathing. It was notSuicide ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide (SISAS) are increased in poststroke patients, yet not everyone who has suffered a stroke is at risk for SISAS. Two risk factors for SISAS, marital status and burdensomeness, may be of particular relevance to poststroke patients. The majority of poststroke patients have a disability that may require help from a family member with basic functions such as dressing and bathing. It was not known if being married decreases risk of SISAS for stoke victims as shown in studies with nonpoststroke subjects or increases risk for SISAS due to its influence on feelings of burdensomeness. Guided by the interpersonal psychological theory of suicidal behavior, the purpose of this study was to examine if marital status moderates the association between burdensomeness (measured by disability level) and suicide ideation. A secondary analysis was performed of the Outcome and Assessment Information Set data, which was collected by the National Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A data sample of 1,596,962 records was obtained. This data sample included 5% of the Home Health Outcome Information and Assessment Set for the year 2008. Of those, 8,6381 (5.4%) individuals had suffered a stroke. The results suggested partial support for the hypotheses presented in this study. However, a significant moderation was found. As burdensomeness increased, suicide ideation increased in patients who were married. High levels of burdensomeness increase suicide risk to those who are married. Identifying a vulnerable population can provide potential positive social change by serving as basis for future research regarding program implementation in reducing suicide rates. Marital Status and Burdensomeness as Risk Factors of Suicide Ideation in Poststroke Patients by Froso Andreou B.A. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania 1996 M.S. University of District of Columbia 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology
The Fate of Nitrate in Intertidal Permeable Sediments

Coastal zones act as a sink for riverine and atmospheric nitrogen inputs and thereby buffer the open ocean from the effects of anthropogenic activity. Recently, microbial activity in sandy permeable sediments has been identified as a dominant source of N-loss in coastal zones, namely through denitrification. Some of the highest coastal denitrification rates measured so far occur within the intertidal permeable sediments of the eutrophied Wadden Sea. Still, denitrification alone can often account for only half of the substantial nitrate (NO3 −) consumption. Therefore, to investigate alternative NO3 − sinks such as dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), intracellular nitrate storage by eukaryotes and isotope equilibration effects we carried out 15NO3 − amendment experiments. By considering all of these sinks in combination, we could quantify the fate of the 15NO3 − added to the sediment. Denitrification was the dominant nitrate sink (50–75%), while DNRA, which recycles N to the environment accounted for 10–20% of NO3 − consumption. Intriguingly, we also observed that between 20 and 40% of 15NO3 − added to the incubations entered an intracellular pool of NO3 − and was subsequently respired when nitrate became limiting. Eukaryotes were responsible for a large proportion of intracellular nitrate storage, and it could be shown through inhibition experiments that at least a third of the stored nitrate was subsequently also respired by eukaryotes. The environmental significance of the intracellular nitrate pool was confirmed by in situ measurements which revealed that intracellular storage can accumulate nitrate at concentrations six fold higher than the surrounding porewater. This intracellular pool is so far not considered when modeling N-loss from intertidal permeable sediments; however it can act as a reservoir for nitrate during low tide. Consequently, nitrate respiration supported by intracellular nitrate storage can add an additional 20% to previous nitrate reduction estimates in intertidal sediments, further increasing their contribution to N-loss.
Improving Efficacy of Peer-Evaluation in Team Project Scenarios

A vast majority of engineering programs now include one or more project courses in the curricular core, in which students work in teams to solve realistic engineering challenges. Although team projects undoubtedly have strong potential for developing critical teaming skills, individual performance in these skill areas is not easily accessible to the instructor; monitoring and documenting the extent to which individual learning actually occurs in team project contexts represents a difficult challenge. In this paper, we describe an effective system we have developed to gain insight into internal team dynamics and individual performance based on an integration of structured task reports and anonymous peer evaluations. Benefits include early detection of internal team difficulties, an effective system for documenting individual contributions in team contexts, and a strong mechanism for differentiating student grades based on individual performance. Despite the minimalist philosophy shaping the evolution of our approach, truly effective use of the system developed requires substantial time investment by the instructor; we close by outlining an online system we are developing to largely automate the team management process. Benefits of automation include real-time feedback to instructor and team members, automated flagging of potential trouble, and automatic documentation of contributions/performance for individual team members.
Huge Congenital Segmental Dilatation of the Sigmoid Colon in a Neonate: A “Rarity to Meet” and a “Challenge to Treat”

Only ten cases of neonatal congenital segmental dilatation (CSD) of the colon have been described so far. We present a full-term female newborn with trisomy 21, ventricular septal defect, and gross abdominal distension. Plain abdominal radiographs revealed a huge cystic lesion occupying the left hemiabdomen. Upon laparotomy on day 4 a CSD of the distal sigmoid and proximal rectum was confirmed and resected. The proximal colon was exteriorized and the distal part closed as a Hartmann pouch. Histology confirmed a huge segmental dilatation of the sigmoid without dysganglionosis or pseudodiverticula, but normal intestinal architecture. After correction of the ventricular septal defect a low rectal end-to-end anastomosis could be performed at an age of 5 months. The postoperative course was uneventful. CSD of the sigmoid colon is extremely “rare to meet” and a “challenge to treat” in the newborn period, but clinical awareness of this entity prompts pediatric surgical success.
Importance Sampling via Variational Optimization

Computing the exact likelihood of data in large Bayesian networks consisting of thousands of vertices is often a difficult task. When these models contain many deterministic conditional probability tables and when the observed values are extremely unlikely even alternative algorithms such as variational methods and stochastic sampling often perform poorly. We present a new importance sampling algorithm for Bayesian networks which is based on variational techniques. We use the updates of the importance function to predict whether the stochastic sampling converged above or below the true likelihood, and change the proposal distribution accordingly. The validity of the method and its contribution to convergence is demonstrated on hard networks of large genetic linkage analysis tasks.