Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rhinovirus infection and healthcare utilisation in prematurely born infants

Our aim was to determine whether rhinovirus (RV) lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in prematurely born infants increase health-related cost of care during infancy. 153 infants born at <36 weeks of gestation were prospectively followed to 1 year. Cost of care was calculated from the National Health Service reference costing scheme and healthcare utilisation determined by examining hospital/general practitioner records. 20 infants developed RV LRTIs (RV group), 17 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) LRTIs (RSV group), 12 both RV and RSV LRTIs (RV/RSV group) and 74 had no LRTI (no LRTI group). Compared with the no LRTI group, the RV/RSV LRTI group had the greatest increase in adjusted mean cost (difference GBP 5769), followed by the RV LRTI group (difference GBP 278) and, finally, the RSV LRTI group (difference GBP 172) (p=0.045). The RV group had more outpatient (p<0.05) and respiratory-related general practitioner (p<0.05) attendances, more wheezed at follow-up (p<0.001) than the no LRTI group and more had respiratory-related outpatient attendances than the RSV LRTI group (p<0.05). We conclude that RV LRTIs were associated with increased health-related cost of care during infancy; our results suggest that the RV group compared with the RSV group suffered greater chronic respiratory morbidity. Rhinovirus LRTIs in prematurely born infants increases health-related cost of care during infancy http://ow.ly/mxyZH
Learning from Entrepreneurial Failure: Emotions, Cognitions, and Actions

Learning from Entrepreneurial Failure provides an important counterweight to the multitude of books that focus on entrepreneurial success. Failure is by far the most common scenario for new ventures and a critical part of the entrepreneurial process is learning from failure and having the motivation to try again. This book examines the various obstacles to learning from failure and explores how they can be overcome. A range of topics are discussed that include why some people have a more negative emotional reaction to failure than others and how these negative emotions can be managed; why some people delay the decision to terminate a poorly performing entrepreneurial venture; anti-failure biases and stigmatism in organizations and society; and the role that the emotional content of narratives plays in the sense-making process. This thought-provoking book will appeal to academic researchers, graduate students and professionals in the fields of entrepreneurship and industrial psychology.
Somatosensory-Motor Adaptation of Orofacial Actions in Posterior Parietal and Ventral Premotor Cortices

Recent studies have provided evidence for sensory-motor adaptive changes and action goal coding of visually guided manual action in premotor and posterior parietal cortices. To extend these results to orofacial actions, devoid of auditory and visual feedback, we used a repetition suppression paradigm while measuring neural activity with functional magnetic resonance imaging during repeated intransitive and silent lip, jaw and tongue movements. In the motor domain, this paradigm refers to decreased activity in specific neural populations due to repeated motor acts and has been proposed to reflect sensory-motor adaptation. Orofacial movements activated a set of largely overlapping, common brain areas forming a core neural network classically involved in orofacial motor control. Crucially, suppressed neural responses during repeated orofacial actions were specifically observed in the left ventral premotor cortex, the intraparietal sulcus, the inferior parietal lobule and the superior parietal lobule. Since no visual and auditory feedback were provided during orofacial actions, these results suggest somatosensory-motor adaptive control of intransitive and silent orofacial actions in these premotor and parietal regions.
Third party observers : Why all the fuss?

Following a brief discussion of the emergence of third party observation as an issue in neuropsychology, this article reviews the social psychological theory of social facilitation. Social facilitation refers to the impact of another person, whether as an observer or a performer of the same activity, on an individual's performance. Both performance enhancements and impairments can be caused by this phenomenon. The article concludes with a review of the empirical studies that have demonstrated that a third party observer significantly impacts an individual's performance on some neuropsychological tests.
Direct observation of a force-induced switch in the anisotropic mechanical unfolding pathway of a protein

Many biological processes generate force, and proteins have evolved to resist and respond to tension along different force axes. Single-molecule force spectroscopy allows for molecular insight into the behavior of proteins under force and the mechanism of protein folding in general. Here, we have used src SH3 to investigate the effect of different pulling axes under the low-force regime afforded by an optical trap. We find that this small cooperatively folded protein shows an anisotropic response to force; the protein is more mechanically resistant to force applied along a longitudinal axis compared to force applied perpendicular to the terminal β strand. In the longitudinal axis, we observe an unusual biphasic behavior revealing a force-induced switch in the unfolding mechanism suggesting the existence of two parallel unfolding pathways. A site-specific variant can selectively affect one of these pathways. Thus, even this simple two-state protein demonstrates a complex mechanical unfolding trajectory, accessing multiple unfolding pathways under the low-force regime of the optical trap; the specific unfolding pathway depends on the perturbation axis and the applied force.
Personality, affect, and organizational change: a qualitative study

Published studies of the relationships between personality, affect, and organizational change have been overwhelmingly quantitative, while clinical and psychodynamic approaches have seldom dealt with the context of organizational change. We used semistructured interviews to explore the “middle ground”, by researching how participants in change believed aspects of their personalities contributed to their responses, particularly on an affective level. We found that traits such as openness to experience, resilience, pragmatism, change self-efficacy, and locus of control influenced participants' perceptions of how they reacted to organizational change. The findings point to the important role that qualitative research into personality can play in improving understanding of emotional responses to organizational change.
Electroviscous Effects in Low Reynolds Number Flow through a Microfluidic Contraction with Rectangular Cross-Section

The electrokinetic flow resistance (electroviscous effect) is predicted for steady state, pressure-driven liquid flow at low Reynolds number in a microfluidic contraction of rectangular cross-section. Calculations of the three dimensional flow are performed in parallel using a finite volume numerical method. The channel walls are assumed to carry a uniform charge density and the liquid is taken to be a symmetric 1:1 electrolyte. Predictions are presented for a single set of flow and electrokinetic parameters. It is shown that the magnitude of the streaming potential gradient and the charge density of counter-ions in the liquid is greater than that in corresponding two-dimensional slit-like contraction geometry. The apparent viscosity is found to be very close to the value for a rectangular channel of uniform cross-section at the chosen Reynolds number (Re = 0.1). It is speculated that the apparent viscosity for the contraction geometry will increase as the Reynolds number is reduced.
Mismatched Decoding: Finite-Length Bounds, Error Exponents and Approximations

This paper considers the problem of channel coding with a given (possibly suboptimal) decoding rule. Finite-length upper and lower bounds on the random-coding error probability for a general codeword distribution are given. These bounds are applied to three random-coding ensembles: i.i. d. , constant-composition, and cost-constrained. Ensembletight error exponents are presented for each ensemble, and achievable second-order coding rates are given. Connections are drawn between the ensembles under both maximum likelihood decoding and mismatched decoding. In particular, it is shown that the error exponents and second-order rates of the constant-composition ensemble can be achieved using cost-constrained coding with at most two cost functions. Finally, saddlepoint approximations of the randomcoding bounds are given. These are demonstrated to be more accurate than the approximations obtained from the error exponents and second-order coding rates, while having a similar computational complexity.
Sectoral Restructuring and Labor Mobility: A Comparative Look at the Czech Republic

Labor mobility is crucial for an efficient allocation of resources and the transition economies are often viewed as suffering from inadequate reallocation of labor. Using quarterly micro data for the 1994-1998 period, we provide a comparative analysis of the extent and determinants of labor mobility in the Czech Republic. We show there has been significant movement into the finance, trade, and tourism sectors and out of the agricultural and industrial sectors. Over half of the people who change jobs have changed sector of employment, and this restructuring has been carried out relatively efficiently in that it occurred with lower incidence and duration of unemployment than in the other transition economies. The demographic characteristics of different patterns of mobility are similar across these transition economies: we identify younger people in general and single men as individuals who more likely to change jobs or become unemployed. The more educated are experiencing more job stability and are more likely to be hired if unemployed or out of the labor force. Finally, we find in the Czech Republic, the flows between employment and unemployment are very responsive to demand conditions. Hence, we conclude that the Czech labor market is demonstrating flexibility and efficiency in the transition.
Feasibility studies of time-like proton electromagnetic form factors at PANDA at FAIR

The results of simulations for future measurements of electromagnetic form factors at \PANDA (FAIR) within the PandaRoot software framework are reported. The statistical precision at which the proton form factors can be determined is estimated. The signal channel $\bar p p \to e^+ e^-$ is studied on the basis of two different but consistent procedures. The suppression of the main background channel, i.e. the $\bar p p \to \pi^+ \pi^-$, is studied. Furthermore, the background versus signal efficiency, statistic and systematic uncertainties on the extracted proton form factors are evaluated using to the two different procedures. The results are consistent with those of a previous simulation study using an older, simplified framework. However, a slightly better precision is achieved in the PandaRoot study in a large range of momentum transfer, assuming the nominal beam condition and detector performances.
Real-time change detection for countering improvised explosive devices

We explore an automatic real-time change detection system to assist military personnel during transport and surveillance, by detection changes in the environment with respect to a previous operation. Such changes may indicate the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which can then be bypassed. While driving, images of the scenes are acquired by the camera and stored with their GPS positions. At the same time, the best matching reference image (from a previous patrol) is retrieved and registered to the live image. Next a change mask is generated by differencing the reference and live image, followed by an adaptive thresholding technique. Post-processing steps such as Markov Random Fields, local texture comparisons and change tracking, further improve time- and space-consistency of changes and suppress noise. The resulting changes are visualized as an overlay on the live video content. The system has been extensively tested on 28 videos, containing over 10,000 manually annotated objects. The system is capable of detecting small test objects of 10 cm3 at a range of 40 meters. Although the system shows an acceptable performance in multiple cases, the performance degrades under certain circumstances for which extensions are discussed.
Liquid Assets in Banks: Theory and Practice

This paper summarizes theoretical findings on the determinants of liquid assets held by banks. The findings are summarized in a series of predictions, some of which are tested using a panel data set on Mexican banks. Surprisingly, we find that banks with relatively more demand deposits have relatively less liquid assets, in contrast with the theoretical prediction. We further exploit a period characterized by a prolonged aggregate liquidity shock on the Mexican banking system to shed light on the question: are there banks that rely more than others on liquid assets to meet their liquidity needs? We find that only small banks seem to rely on liquid assets to meet severe liquidity shocks.
Modulation of Phosphodiesterase6 Turnoff during Background Illumination in Mouse Rod Photoreceptors

In rod photoreceptors of wild-type mice, background light produces an acceleration of the decay of responses to brief flashes, accompanied by a decrease in the rate-limiting time constant for response decay. In rods in which phosphodiesterase γ (PDEγ) lacks one of its sites of phosphorylation (T35A rods), both the waveform of response decay and the rate-limiting time constant are nearly unaffected by backgrounds. These effects are not the result of the removal of the phosphorylation site per se, because rods lacking both of the phosphorylation sites of PDEγ (T22A/T35A rods) adapt to light in a nearly normal manner. Because PDEγ is one of the proteins of the GTPase activating protein (GAP) complex, our experiments argue for a novel mechanism of photoreceptor light adaptation produced by modulation of GAP-dependent hydrolysis of transducin α GTP. In PDEγ T35A rods, a change in the conformation of the PDEγ subunit may hinder or mask this mechanism, which in mammals appears to be primarily responsible for the quickening of the temporal resolution of the rod response in backgrounds. Modulation of PDE turnoff also helps to prevent premature saturation of the rod in bright backgrounds, thus making an important contribution to light adaptation. Our experiments provide evidence for modulation of GAP protein-dependent response turnoff, which may also play a role in controlling signal duration at hormone receptors and synapses in the CNS.
Presence of Anti-Microbial Antibodies in Liver Cirrhosis – A Tell-Tale Sign of Compromised Immunity?

Background Bacterial translocation plays important role in the complications of liver cirrhosis. Antibody formation against various microbial antigens is common in Crohn's disease and considered to be caused by sustained exposure to gut microflora constituents. We hypothesized that anti-microbial antibodies are present in patients with liver cirrhosis and may be associated with the development of bacterial infections. Methodology/Principal Findings Sera of 676 patients with various chronic liver diseases (autoimmune diseases:266, viral hepatitis C:124, and liver cirrhosis of different etiology:286) and 100 controls were assayed for antibodies to Saccharomyces cerevisiae(ASCA) and to antigens derived from two intestinal bacterial isolates (one gram positive, one gram negative, neither is Escherichia coli). In patients with liver cirrhosis, we also prospectively recorded the development of severe episodes of bacterial infection. ASCA and anti-OMP Plus™ antibodies were present in 38.5% and 62.6% of patients with cirrhosis and in 16% and 20% of controls, respectively (p<0.001). Occurrence of these antibodies was more frequent in cases of advanced cirrhosis (according to Child-Pugh and MELD score; p<0.001) or in the presence of ascites (p<0.001). During the median follow-up of 425 days, 81 patients (28.3%) presented with severe bacterial infections. Anti-microbial antibody titers (p = 0.003), as well as multiple seroreactivity (p = 0.036), was associated with infectious events. In logistic regression analysis, the presence of ascites (OR:1.62, 95%CI:1.16–2.25), co-morbidities (OR:2.22, 95%CI:1.27–3.86), and ASCA positivity (OR:1.59, 95%CI:1.07–2.36) were independent risk factors for severe infections. A shorter time period until the first infection was associated with the presence of ASCA (p = 0.03) and multiple seropositivity (p = 0.037) by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and with Child-Pugh stage (p = 0.018, OR:1.85) and co-morbidities (p<0.001, OR:2.02) by Cox-regression analysis. Conclusions/Significance The present study suggests that systemic reactivity to microbial components reflects compromised mucosal immunity in patients with liver cirrhosis, further supporting the possible role of bacterial translocation in the formation of anti-microbial antibodies.
Set Up to Fail: Explaining When Women-Led Businesses Are More Likely to Fail

Drawing on role congruity theory, we examine whether and when women-led ventures are more likely to fail than men-led ventures. We investigate the relationship between the gender of the leading entrepreneur and business failure and three important moderators of this relationship: whether the leadership assignment is consistent with merit, whether the venture operates in a female-dominated industry, and whether the venture is operated by a spousal team. Drawing on a unique, nationally representative data set of entrepreneurial firms sampled from the U.S. population in 2005 and followed yearly until 2011, we demonstrate that female entrepreneurs’ businesses are more likely to fail than those of their male counterparts. Regarding the moderating effects, our results show that female entrepreneurs’ businesses are more likely to fail when their merit-based competence is inferior to that of their cofounders. However, in the same scenario, male entrepreneurs are still able to lead their businesses successfully. We also find that women entrepreneurs’ disadvantages in leading new businesses are amplified in contexts that many have expected to be supportive of women, including in industries dominated by women and within spousal teams. Together, our results suggest that women’s disadvantages in leading their businesses may be perpetuated by gender beliefs that discount women’s leadership. Based on our findings, we discuss our contributions to theory and practice, and we offer implications for future research.
Corticosteroids and Redox Potential Modulate Spontaneous Contractions in Isolated Rat Ventricular Cardiomyocytes

The mineralocorticoid receptor has been implicated in the development of several cardiac pathologies and could participate in the high incidence of lethal ventricular arrhythmias associated with hyperaldosteronism. We have observed previously that aldosterone markedly increases in vitro the rate of spontaneous contractions of isolated neonate rat ventricular myocytes, a putative proarrhythmogenic condition if occurring in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the effect of glucocorticoids, the involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor, and the modulation of their action by redox agents. Aldosterone and glucocorticoids exerted in vitro a similar, concentration-dependent chronotropic action on cardiomyocytes, which was mediated by both the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors. However, the relative contribution of each receptor was different for each agonist, at each concentration. Angiotensin II induced a similar response that was entirely dependent on the activity of the glucocorticoid receptor. Corticosteroid action was modulated by the redox state of the cells, with oxidation increasing the response while reducing conditions partially preventing it. When only the mineralocorticoid receptor was functionally present in the cells, oxidation was necessary to reveal glucocorticoid action, but no obvious competition with mineralocorticoids was observed when both agonists where simultaneously present. In conclusion, corticosteroids exert a strong chronotropic action in ventricular cardiomyocytes, mediated by both the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors and modulated by the redox state of the cell. This phenomenon is believed to be because of cell electric remodeling and could contribute in vivo to the deleterious consequence of inappropriate receptor activation, leading to increased susceptibility of patients to arrhythmias.
Hemodiafiltration Improves Plasma 25-Hepcidin Levels: A Prospective, Randomized, Blinded, Cross-Over Study Comparing Hemodialysis and Hemodiafiltration

Background/Aims: Data from studies comparing the effect of hemodiafiltration (HDF) and conventional hemodialysis (HD) on clinically important outcomes are insufficient to support superiority of HDF. None of these studies has been participant-blinded. Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized, and patient-blinded cross-over study. Twenty patients on chronic HD received either HD for 2 months followed by post-dilution HDF for 2 months or in opposite order. A range of clinical parameters, as well as markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and iron metabolism was measured. Results: The two treatments were similar with respect to dialysis-related complications, quality of life, and the biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Compared to HD, 25-hepcidin and β2-microglobulin were 38 and 32%, respectively, lower after 60 days of HDF (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). The consumption of ESA (erythropoietin-stimulating agent) and LMWH (low-molecular-weight heparin) was significantly higher with HDF. Conclusion: In short term, HDF is not superior to HD regarding dialysis-related complications. The higher ESA consumption observed with HDF can be explained by blood clotting in tubing and dialyzers, as more anticoagulation was needed with post-dilution HDF. In a longer perspective, lowering serum hepcidin levels may improve pathological iron homeostasis.
DocChat: An Information Retrieval Approach for Chatbot Engines Using Unstructured Documents

Most current chatbot engines are designed to reply to user utterances based on existing utterance-response (or Q-R) 1 pairs. In this paper, we present DocChat, a novel information retrieval approach for chat-bot engines that can leverage unstructured documents, instead of Q-R pairs, to respond to utterances. A learning to rank model with features designed at different levels of granularity is proposed to measure the relevance between utterances and responses directly. We evaluate our proposed approach in both English and Chinese: (i) For English, we evaluate Doc-Chat on WikiQA and QASent, two answer sentence selection tasks, and compare it with state-of-the-art methods. Reasonable improvements and good adaptability are observed. (ii) For Chinese, we compare DocChat with XiaoIce 2 , a famous chitchat engine in China, and side-by-side evaluation shows that DocChat is a perfect complement for chatbot engines using Q-R pairs as main source of responses.