Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Device-Associated Infection Rates for Non–Intensive Care Unit Patients

Background. Reference data from intensive care units (ICUs) are not applicable to non-ICU patients because of the differences in device use rates, length of stay, and severity of underlying diseases among the patient populations. In contrast to the huge amount of data available for ICU patients, appropriate surveillance data for non-ICU patients have been missing in Germany. Objective. To establish a new module (“DEVICE-KISS”) of the German Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System for generating stratified reference data for non-ICU wards. Setting. Non-ICU patients from 42 German hospitals. Methods. Monthly patient-days, device-days and nosocomial infections (NIs) (using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions) were counted. Device use rates were calculated, and NI rates were stratified by different medical specialities. Results. From July 2002 through June 2004, among the 77 wards, there were a total of 536,955 patient-days and 74,188 device-days (for CVC-associated primary bloodstream infections, there were 181,401 patient-days and 8,317 central vascular catheter [CVC]-days in 29 wards; for urinary catheter–associated urinary tract infections, there were 445,536 patient-days and 65,871 urinary catheter–days in 65 wards) and 483 NIs (36 bloodstream infections and 447 urinary tract infections). The mean device use rates were 4.6 device-days per 100 patient-days for CVCs (29 wards) and 14.8 device-days per 100 patient-days for urinary catheters (65 wards), respectively. Mean device-associated NI rates were 4.3 infections per 1,000 CVC-days for CVC-associated bloodstream infections and 6.8 infections per 1,000 urinary catheter–days for catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Conclusions DEVICE-KISS allows non-ICUs to recognize an outlier position with regard to NIs by providing well-founded reference data for non-ICU patients.
Remediating High School Students' Misconceptions Concerning Diffusion and Osmosis through Concept Mapping and Conceptual Change Text

This study investigated the effectiveness of combining conceptual change text and concept mapping strategy on students' understanding of diffusion and osmosis. Students' conceptual understanding of diffusion and osmosis was measured using the Diffusion and Osmosis Diagnostic Test developed by Odom and Barrow (1995). The test was administered as pretest and post-test to a total of 44 ninth-grade students in two intact classes of the same high school located in an urban area. The experimental group was a class of 24 students who received concept mapping and conceptual change text instruction. A class of 20 students comprised the control group who received a traditional instruction. Group Assessment of Logical Thinking Test (GALT) and pretest scores were used as covariates in this study. A pretest-post-test control group design utilising the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the favour of the experimental group after treatment. The results indicated that while the average percentage of students in the experimental group holding a scientifically correct view had risen from 22.5% to 54.1%, a gain of 31.6%, the percentage of correct responses of the students in the control group had increased from 19.1% to 38.7%, a gain of 19.6% after treatment.
Comparison of five parameters as risk factors for peri-mucositis.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for the development of clinical signs of peri-implant mucositis and for the presence of periodontal pathogens and to determine a possible correlation between these clinical signs and the presence of periodontal pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 100 patients, a modified Plaque Index (PI), a modified Sulcular Bleeding Index (BOP), and pocket probing depth (PPD) were recorded. Patients with one implant site that scored positive for PI, BOP, and PPD greater than or equal to 5 mm were considered to have peri-implant mucositis. A sample taken at the implant with the deepest pocket was analyzed for periodontal pathogens. Implant surface roughness, smoking, augmentation at the implant site, type of dentition, and radiation therapy were recorded as possible cofactors in the disease process. RESULTS Thirty-one patients showed clinical signs of peri-implant mucositis and, in 25 implant sites, periodontal pathogens were found. Smoking showed a statistically significant correlation with clinical signs of peri-implant mucositis (univariate analysis). For periodontal pathogens at the implant site, the type of dentition was statistically significant. In the multivariate analysis of the clinical signs of peri-implant mucositis, smoking and radiation therapy were significant explanatory variables. Seventy-two percent of the patients showed agreement for finding either clinical signs of peri-implant mucositis and periodontal pathogens or for no clinical signs and no pathogens. The sensitivity for diagnosis of peri-implant mucositis was 45%, and the specificity was 84%. CONCLUSIONS Smoking was the most important risk factor in the formation of peri-implant mucositis. Radiation therapy was an explanatory variable for the occurrence of inflammation. Implant surface roughness, augmentation at the implant site, and type of dentition had little influence on clinical signs of peri-implant mucositis. The type of dentition influences the periodontal microbiota at the implant site.
Different Brain Network Activations Induced by Modulation and Nonmodulation Laser Acupuncture

The aim of this study is to compare the distinct cerebral activation with continued wave (CW) and 10 Hz-modulated wave (MW) stimulation during low-level laser acupuncture. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies were performed to investigate the possible mechanism during laser acupuncture stimulation at the left foot's yongquan (K1) acupoint. There are 12 healthy right-handed volunteers for each type of laser stimulation (10-Hz-Modulated wave: 8 males and 4 females; continued wave: 9 males and 3 females). The analysis of multisubjects in this experiment was applied by random-effect (RFX) analysis. In CW groups, significant activations were found within the inferior parietal lobule, the primary somatosensory cortex, and the precuneus of left parietal lobe. Medial and superior frontal gyrus of left frontal lobe were also aroused. In MW groups, significant activations were found within the primary motor cortex and middle temporal gyrus of left hemisphere and bilateral cuneus. Placebo stimulation did not show any activation. Most activation areas were involved in the functions of memory, attention, and self-consciousness. The results showed the cerebral hemodynamic responses of two laser acupuncture stimulation modes and implied that its mechanism was not only based upon afferent sensory information processing, but that it also had the hemodynamic property altered during external stimulation.
L2 Learners' Self - Efficacy Beliefs : Interactive Affects and Effects of Three Different Contexts

This study attempt to illustrate the reciprocal relationship of L2 students' self-efficacy beliefs and their corresponding linguistic behaviors in three different English language learning contexts. Data collected in academic ESL writing classes in USA included multiple sources: students' self-efficacy and anxiety perceptions, linguistic performance in discussions, and class observation and interviews. First, the results corroborated the task-specific characteristic of self-efficacy beliefs measured in oral and computer discussions. Then, the cross correlations of self-efficacy measure with anxiety and language quantity measures demonstrated the contextual closeness of the computer discussions to the oral discussions, and the oral discussions to the general learning context. One could thus insist that students interpreted their prior experiences that were identified as similar ones to formulate their self-efficacy for the subsequent tasks. In addition, the computer discussion stood as a new context engendering in students different cognitive and emotional processes than they had typically experienced in most other contexts. According to the qualitative analysis, on the other hand, the students tended to compare their experience acquired in the computer discussions with those in the oral discussions to obtain necessary information as to mastery experiences. Then, vicarious experience and verbal persuasions appeared less influential in the text-based context.
Verapamil protective effect on natural and artificial magnetic field cardiovascular impact

Previously we found an opposite effect of artificial static magnetic field (SMF) and natural geomagnetic field (GMF) on arterial baroreceptors. A 0.35 T SMF increased baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), whereas GMF disturbance decreased BRS. Here, we investigated interrelated impacts on arterial baroreceptors of 0.35 T SMF, generated by Nd2‐Fe14‐B alloy magnets, GMF, and verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocking agent. We measured BRS in rabbits before and after local SMF exposure of sinocarotid baroreceptors or after simultaneous SMF and verapamil application, in conjunction with geomagnetic disturbance during actual experimental run (determined by K‐index) and geomagnetic disturbance over the preceding 24 h of each experiment (Ak‐index). BRS was estimated from peak responses of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate, expressed as percentages of the resting values preceding each pair of pressure (phenylephrine) and depressor drug (nitroprusside) injections. Prior to verapamil and/or SMF application we found a significant positive correlation of K‐index with MAP (t = 2.39, P = .021, n = 44), but negative with BRS (t = −4.60, P = .0003, n = 44), and found a negative correlation of Ak‐index with BRS (t = −2.7, P = 0.01, n = 44). SMF induced an increase in BRS (0.79 ± 0.1 vs. 1.15 ± 0.1 bpm%/mmHg%, initial value vs. SMF exposure, P < .0002, n = 26). Verapamil infusion blocked the SMF and GMF effect on BRS, indicating Ca2+ channels as a possible site of both fields' impact. SMF and GMF probably affect baroreceptor sensory transduction, modulating baroreceptor membranes' Ca2+ channel permeability. Bioelectromagnetics 23:531–541, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A compact multiple bands notched UWB antenna by loading SIR and SRR on the feed line

In this paper, a new compact circular monopole ultrawide band (UWB) antenna with multiple narrow bands notched is proposed, designed and fabricated with a standard printed circuit board (PCB) process, which is implemented by loading a stepped impedance resonator (SIR) and a split ring resonator (SRR) on the feed line. Good agreement between simulations and measurements is achieved, which shows the antenna is a promising candidate for UWB applications.
15 Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Solar Energy Applications

Many human mental activities such as writing computer programs, doing mathematics, engaging in commonsense reasoning, understanding language, and even driving an automobile are said to demand “intelligence”. Over the past few decades, several computer systems have been built that can perform tasks such as these. Specifically, there are computer systems that can diagnose diseases, plan the synthesis of complex organic chemical compounds, solve differential equations in symbolic form, analyze electronic circuits, understand limited amounts of human speech and natural language text, or write small computer programs to meet formal specifications. We might say that such systems possess some degree of artificial intelligence. Most of the work on building these kinds of systems has taken place in the field called Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Nilsson, 1980). Most AI programs are quite complex objects and mastering their complexity is a major research goal. A comprehensive study of the problems that exist in AI programs requires a precise formalization so that detailed analyses can be carried out so as satisfactory solutions can be obtained (Bourbakis, 1992). The main objectives of AI research are (Akerkar, 2005): • Understand human cognition • Cost-effective automation replaces humans in intelligent tasks. • Cost-effective intelligent amplification builds systems to help humans think better, and faster. • Superhuman intelligence builds programs to exceed human intelligence. • General problem-solving solves a broad range of problems. • Coherent discourse communicates with people using natural language. • Autonomy has intelligent systems acting on own initiative. • Training of the system should be able to gather own data. • Store information and know how to retrieve it. The aim of this chapter is to introduce briefly the various AI techniques and to present various applications in solar energy applications. Solar energy applications include the
STUDENT MOTIVATION IN ASIAN COUNTRIES AND ITS IMPACT ON ACADEMIC SUCCESS FOR SECOND LANGUAGE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Curriculum consolidation has resulted in a generic western style business degree course in multiple Asian countries. The performance of second language students on these courses varies considerably and this paper undertakes to develop an understanding of the student motivation and how this impacts on performance. Educational motivation is historically divided into performance and mastery roots; whilst this approach identifies macro motivational issues it lacks sufficient sensitivity to identify multi-layered intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Through the application of a range of well-developed motivational measurements, to students in four Asian countries, a deeper appreciation of cultural and socio economic variations indicates linkages with academic performance.
Disentangling Extrinsic from Intrinsic Factors in Disease Dynamics: A Nonlinear Time Series Approach with an Application to Cholera

Alternative explanations for disease and other population cycles typically include extrinsic environmental drivers, such as climate variability, and intrinsic nonlinear dynamics resulting from feedbacks within the system, such as species interactions and density dependence. Because these different factors can interact in nonlinear systems and can give rise to oscillations whose frequencies differ from those of extrinsic drivers, it is difficult to identify their respective contributions from temporal population patterns. In the case of disease, immunity is an important intrinsic factor. However, for many diseases, such as cholera, for which immunity is temporary, the duration and decay pattern of immunity is not well known. We present a nonlinear time series model with two related objectives: the reconstruction of immunity patterns from data on cases and population sizes and the identification of the respective roles of extrinsic and intrinsic factors in the dynamics. Extrinsic factors here include both seasonality and long‐term changes or interannual variability in forcing. Results with simulated data show that this semiparametric method successfully recovers the decay of immunity and identifies the origin of interannual variability. An application to historical cholera data indicates that temporary immunity can be long‐lasting and decays in approximately 9 yr. Extrinsic forcing of transmissibility is identified to have a strong seasonal component along with a long‐term decrease. Furthermore, noise appears to sustain the multiple frequencies in the long‐term dynamics. Similar semiparametric models should apply to population data other than for disease.
TRAIL/DR5 Signaling Promotes Macrophage Foam Cell Formation by Modulating Scavenger Receptor Expression

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL/Apo2L) has been shown to have protective effects against atherosclerosis. However, whether TRAIL has any effects on expression of macrophage scavenger receptors and lipid uptake has not yet been studied. Macrophage lines RAW264.7 and THP-1, and mouse primary peritoneal macrophages, were cultured in vitro and treated with recombinant human TRAIL. Real-time PCR and western blot were performed to measure mRNA and protein expressions. Foam cell formation was assessed by internalization of acetylated and oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Apoptosis was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling. We found that TRAIL treatment increased expression of scavenger receptor (SR)-AI and SR-BI in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and this effect was accompanied by increased foam cell formation. These effects of TRAIL were abolished by a TRAIL neutralizing antibody or in DR5 receptor-deficient macrophages. The increased LDL uptake by TRAIL was blocked by SR-AI gene silencing or the SR-AI inhibitor poly(I:C), while SR-BI blockade with BLT-1 had no effect. TRAIL-induced SR-AI expression was blocked by the inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, but not by inhibitors of ERK1/2 or JNK. TRAIL also induced apoptosis in macrophages. In contrast to macrophages, TRAIL showed little effects on SR expression or apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that TRAIL promotes macrophage lipid uptake via SR-AI upregulation through activation of the p38 pathway.
Do We Really Need Multiple-Item Measures in Service Research?

Increasingly, marketing academics advocate the use of multiple-item measures. However, use of multiple-item measures is costly, especially for service researchers. This article investigates the incremental information of each additional item in a multiple-item scale. By applying a framework derived from the forecasting literature on correlated experts, the authors show that, even with very modest error term correlations between items, the incremental information from each additional item is extremely small. This study’s “information” (as opposed to “reliability”) approach indicates that even the second or third item contributes little to the information obtained from the first item. Furthermore, the authors present evidence that added items actually aggravate respondent behavior, inflating across-item error term correlation and undermining respondent reliability. Researchers may want to consider the issue of item information in addition to reliability. This article discusses ways in which researchers can construct scales that maximize the amount of information scale items offer without compromising measurement reliability.
Distinguishing PTSD, Complex PTSD, and Borderline Personality Disorder: A latent class analysis

Background There has been debate regarding whether Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Complex PTSD) is distinct from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) when the latter is comorbid with PTSD. Objective To determine whether the patterns of symptoms endorsed by women seeking treatment for childhood abuse form classes that are consistent with diagnostic criteria for PTSD, Complex PTSD, and BPD. Method A latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted on an archival dataset of 280 women with histories of childhood abuse assessed for enrollment in a clinical trial for PTSD. Results The LCA revealed four distinct classes of individuals: a Low Symptom class characterized by low endorsements on all symptoms; a PTSD class characterized by elevated symptoms of PTSD but low endorsement of symptoms that define the Complex PTSD and BPD diagnoses; a Complex PTSD class characterized by elevated symptoms of PTSD and self-organization symptoms that defined the Complex PTSD diagnosis but low on the symptoms of BPD; and a BPD class characterized by symptoms of BPD. Four BPD symptoms were found to greatly increase the odds of being in the BPD compared to the Complex PTSD class: frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, unstable sense of self, unstable and intense interpersonal relationships, and impulsiveness. Conclusions Findings supported the construct validity of Complex PTSD as distinguishable from BPD. Key symptoms that distinguished between the disorders were identified, which may aid in differential diagnosis and treatment planning.
NMR dispersion investigations of enzymatically degraded bovine articular cartilage

Cross‐relaxation of protons with 14N nuclei in proteins enhances relaxivity in the quadrupolar dip range of typically 2–3 MHz Larmor frequency. The magnitude of these dips was suggested as a means of assessing the degeneracy of articular cartilage during osteoarthritis (OA). However, so far only proteoglycans have been considered whereas collagen nitrogen was neglected. This study addresses the relative importance of glycosaminoglycans (GAG), collagen, and water content for the cross‐relaxation effect.
Solving the frame problem

Why is the frame problem? describing the non-effects of actions introducing the situation calculus frame axioms towards a solution making frame axioms more compact criteria for a solution to the frame problem elaboration tolerance non-monotonic solutions the common sense law of inertia monotonic versus non-monotonic solutions explanations, qualifications and narrative philosophical reflections. Logical foundations: the language of predicate calculus the semantics of predicate calculus many-sorted predicate calculus second-order predicate calculus the ontology and language os situation calculus situation calculus formulae situations and the result function the limitations of the situation calculus default reasoning circumscription more complicated circumscription policies. Towards a non-monotonic solution: formalising the common sense law of inertia an example that works the Hanks-McDermott problem variations on Hanks and McDermott theme differences in situation calculus style the importance of the Hanks-Mcdermott problem. Chronological minisation: the Yale shooting scenario in Default Logic generating extensions in Default Logic the directionality of time formalising chronological minimisation the Yale shooting scenario the stolen car scenario improving chronological minimisation. Casual minimisation: eliminating spontaneous change the Yale shooting scenarios the principles of separation and directionality actions with context-dependent effects causal minimisation and explanation ramifications and casual minimisation. Introducing state-based minimisation: varying the result adding an existence-of-situations axiom the need for domain closure axioms a universal existence-of situation axiom. Generalising state-based minimisation: logical prerequisites first-order formalisations applying state-based minimisation state-based minimisation and explanation a second-order existence-of-situation axiom general theorems about state-based minimisation. Tailor-made techniques: explanation closure axioms ramifications and explanation closure automatically derived frame axioms successor state axioms the language A. Narratives in the situation calculus: the need for narratives arboreality and existence-of-situations associating a time with each actual situation two theorems of circumscription two separation theorems for narratives associating a situation with each time point comparing the approaches. (Part contents).