Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic and Behavioral Factors Associated with Tuberculosis Diagnostic Delay in Lima, Peru

Abstract. Early detection and diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is a global priority. Prolonged symptom duration before TB diagnosis is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and risk of transmission. We aimed to determine socioeconomic and behavioral factors associated with diagnostic delays among patients with TB. Data were collected from 105 patients with TB using a semi-structured interview guide in Lima, Peru. Factors associated with diagnostic delay were analyzed using negative binomial regression. The median delay from when symptoms commenced and the first positive diagnostic sample in public health facilities was 57 days (interquartile range: 28–126). In multivariable analysis, greater diagnostic delay was independently associated with patient older age, female gender, lower personal income before diagnosis, living with fewer people, and having more visits to professional health facilities before diagnosis (all P < 0.05). Patients who first sought care at a private health facility had more visits overall to professional health facilities before diagnosis than those who first sought care from public or insured employee health facilities and had longer diagnostic delay in analysis adjusted for age and gender. Patients with TB were significantly more likely to first self-medicate than to visit professional health facilities before diagnosis (P = 0.003). Thus, diagnostic delay was prolonged, greatest among older, low-income women, and varied according to the type of care sought by individuals when their symptoms commenced. These findings suggest that TB case-finding initiatives should target vulnerable groups in informal and private health facilities, where many patients with TB first seek health care.
Factors Related to Radiation Exposure during Lumbar Spine Intervention

Fluoroscopy guidance is useful to confirm anatomical landmark and needle location for spine intervention; however, it can lead to radiation exposure in patients, physicians, and medical staff. Physicians who used fluoroscopy should be cognizant of radiation exposure and intend to minimize radiation dose. We retrospectively reviewed three lumbar spine intervention procedures (nerve root block, medial branch block, and facet joint block) at our institution between June and December, 2014. We performed 268 procedures on 220 patients and found significant difference in radiation dose between two groups classified by performing physicians. The physician who controlled the fluoroscopy unit directly used significantly shorter fluoroscopy (6 seconds) that resulted in a smaller radiation dose (dose area product [DAP] 0.59 Gy∙cm2) than the physician supervising the radiographer controlling the fluoroscopy unit (72 seconds, DAP 5.31 Gy∙cm2, P < 0.001). The analysis indicates that the difference in fluoroscopy time depends on whether a physician or a radiographer controls the fluoroscopy unit.
Take a Break: Examining College Students’ Media Multitasking Activities and Motivations During Study- or Work-Related Tasks

A survey (N = 524) examined how frequently college students engage in multitasking with social media, texting/instant messaging (IM), and music while studying/working and what motivates them to multitask with each medium. Four out of five participants multitasked with Facebook and texting/IM, and two out of three multitasked with music. Habit was the strongest motivation for multitasking that positively predicted multitasking frequency. Overall, multitasking with Facebook, texting/IM, and music differed by motivations. Multitasking with music was associated with entertainment and efficiency needs, while multitasking with Facebook/texting/IM was related to satisfying socialization, passing time, and escaping needs.
Nonlinear Viscoelastic Behavior of Glassy Polymers and Its Effect on the Onset of Irreversible Deformation of the Matrix Resin in Continuous Fiber Composites

Predictions of a validated nonlinear viscoelastic model for glassy polymer will be presented for multiaxial deformations, where it will be shown that onset of yield can be described by a strain invariant criterion. Subsequently, the onset of irreversible deformation in off-axis tensile tests of unidirectional laminates of an epoxy-carbon fiber composite will be described using a strain invariant criterion.
On the optimal exercise of swing options in electricity markets

We study the optimal exercise of a swing option in electricity markets. To this end, we set up a model in terms of a stochastic control problem. In this model, the option can be exercised in continuous time and is subject to a total volume constraint. We analyze some fundamental properties of the model and carry out a numerical analysis. Finally, the results are illustrated numerically.
Boomerangs versus Javelins: How Polarization Constrains Communication on Climate Change

ABSTRACT Political communicators work under the assumption that information provision, such as framing, may influence audiences and elicit some desired attitudinal or behavioral shift. However, some political issues, such as climate change, have become polarized along party lines, with partisans seemingly impervious to disconfirming information. On these highly polarized issues, can framing sway partisans to moderate their positions, or are partisans so motivated in their issue stances that framing fails? Using a variety of vignettes, and Republican climate change skepticism as a case, this article reports an experiment of how partisans respond to counter-attitudinal framing on a sharply polarized issue. Results indicate that Republicans are resistant to frames that encourage support of governmental action or personal engagement against climate change. There is strong evidence of motivated skepticism, given widespread backfire (or ‘boomerang’) effects and decreased attitudinal ambivalence following exposure to framing, suggesting that issue polarization may severely constrain attempts at communication.
Land-use/land cover changes and their driving forces around wetlands in Shangri-La County, Yunnan Province, China

The Shangri-La County of the Yunnan Province, SW China, is an economically and ecologically important area. This is especially true for Jiantang that is famous for the Napahai, Bitahai and Shudu Lake wetlands. However, continuing development has threatened the wetland ecosystems and the associated biodiversity in these areas. To better document such changes in land use and their effect on the ecosystem, land use was mapped using a time series of satellite images acquired in 1974, 1993, 2000 and 2012. The results of this survey suggest that forest cover first decreased and then increased. The most obvious changes occurred in cultivated and developed land types, each expanding 1.6× and 17.6×, respectively. Population growth, and previous large-scale deforestation, converting cropland to forest and grassland project, and tourism development were the main socio-economic driving forces. It was also apparent that the rapid development of the tourism industry played a key role in the land-use change, especially after 2000. These data suggest that some regulation to the region’s tourism industry and implementation of a sustainable land management policy should be considered to ensure preservation of the Jiantang wetlands.
An Integrated Morphological and Molecular Approach to a New Species Description in the Trypanosomatidae: the Case of Leptomonas podlipaevi n. sp., a Parasite of Boisea rubrolineata (Hemiptera: Rhopalidae)

ABSTRACT. Leptomonas podlipaevi n. sp. , a new trypanosomatid species, is described herein based on light microscopic, ultrastructural, and molecular phylogenetic data. The organism is pleomorphic both in host and culture, with two predominant forms—a typical promastigote with a long flagellum and a shorter promastigote with a small or barely extending flagellum. Several spliced leader RNA repeat sequences obtained from the original cultures and the clonal lines representing two types of cells were all nearly identical. These sequences formed a tight cluster in the neighbor‐joining tree well separated from other trypanosomatid species. Glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase gene sequences were determined for L. podlipaevi and 10 previously described trypanosomatid species. Molecular phylogenetic analysis has demonstrated that the new species is most closely related to Leptomonas seymouri and Leptomonas pyrrhocoris. The analysis has also highlighted the polyphyly of the genus Leptomonas.
Development of TIMP 1 magnetic nanoformulation for regulation of synaptic plasticity in hIV-1 infection

and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/). By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms (https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php). International Journal of Nanomedicine 2016:11 4287–4298 International Journal of Nanomedicine Dovepress
Frameworks for Privacy-Preserving Mobile Crowdsensing Incentive Mechanisms

With the rapid growth of smartphones, mobile crowdsensing emerges as a new paradigm which takes advantage of the pervasive sensor-embedded smartphones to collect data efficiently. Many auction-based incentive mechanisms have been proposed to stimulate smartphone users to participate in the mobile crowdsensing applications and systems. However, none of them has taken into consideration both the bid privacy of smartphone users and the social cost. In this paper, we design two frameworks for privacy-preserving auction-based incentive mechanisms that also achieve approximate social cost minimization. In the former, each user submits a bid for a set of tasks it is willing to perform; in the latter, each user submits a bid for each task in its task set. Both frameworks select users based on platform-defined score functions. As examples, we propose two score functions, linear and log functions, to realize the two frameworks. We rigorously prove that both proposed frameworks achieve computational efficiency, individual rationality, truthfulness, differential privacy, and approximate social cost minimization. In addition, with log score function, the two frameworks are asymptotically optimal in terms of the social cost. Extensive simulations evaluate the performance of the two frameworks and demonstrate that our frameworks achieve bid-privacy preservation although sacrificing social cost.
Variability in 14 C contents of soil organic matter at the plot and regional scale across climatic and geologic gradients

Abstract. Soil organic matter (SOM) forms the largest terrestrial pool of carbon outside of sedimentary rocks. Radiocarbon is a powerful tool for assessing soil organic matter dynamics. However, due to the nature of the measurement, extensive 14C studies of soil systems remain relatively rare. In particular, information on the extent of spatial and temporal variability in 14C contents of soils is limited, yet this information is crucial for establishing the range of baseline properties and for detecting potential modifications to the SOM pool. This study describes a comprehensive approach to explore heterogeneity in bulk SOM 14C in Swiss forest soils that encompass diverse landscapes and climates. We examine spatial variability in soil organic carbon (SOC) 14C, SOC content and C : N ratios over both regional climatic and geologic gradients, on the watershed- and plot-scale and within soil profiles. Results reveal (1) a relatively uniform radiocarbon signal across climatic and geologic gradients in Swiss forest topsoils (0–5 cm, Δ14C = 130 ± 28.6, n = 12 sites), (2) similar radiocarbon trends with soil depth despite dissimilar environmental conditions, and (3) micro-topography dependent, plot-scale variability that is similar in magnitude to regional-scale variability (e.g., Gleysol, 0–5 cm, Δ14C 126 ± 35.2, n = 8 adjacent plots of 10 × 10 m). Statistical analyses have additionally shown that Δ14C signature in the topsoil is not significantly correlated to climatic parameters (precipitation, elevation, primary production) except mean annual temperature at 0–5 cm. These observations have important consequences for SOM carbon stability modelling assumptions, as well as for the understanding of controls on past and current soil carbon dynamics.
Light and Heavy Fractions of Soil Organic Matter in Response to Climate Warming and Increased Precipitation in a Temperate Steppe

Soil is one of the most important carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools and plays a crucial role in ecosystem C and N cycling. Climate change profoundly affects soil C and N storage via changing C and N inputs and outputs. However, the influences of climate warming and changing precipitation regime on labile and recalcitrant fractions of soil organic C and N remain unclear. Here, we investigated soil labile and recalcitrant C and N under 6 years' treatments of experimental warming and increased precipitation in a temperate steppe in Northern China. We measured soil light fraction C (LFC) and N (LFN), microbial biomass C (MBC) and N (MBN), dissolved organic C (DOC) and heavy fraction C (HFC) and N (HFN). The results showed that increased precipitation significantly stimulated soil LFC and LFN by 16.1% and 18.5%, respectively, and increased LFC∶HFC ratio and LFN∶HFN ratio, suggesting that increased precipitation transferred more soil organic carbon into the quick-decayed carbon pool. Experimental warming reduced soil labile C (LFC, MBC, and DOC). In contrast, soil heavy fraction C and N, and total C and N were not significantly impacted by increased precipitation or warming. Soil labile C significantly correlated with gross ecosystem productivity, ecosystem respiration and soil respiration, but not with soil moisture and temperature, suggesting that biotic processes rather than abiotic factors determine variations in soil labile C. Our results indicate that certain soil carbon fraction is sensitive to climate change in the temperate steppe, which may in turn impact ecosystem carbon fluxes in response and feedback to climate change.
Widefield and total internal reflection fluorescent structured illumination microscopy with scanning galvo mirrors

Abstract. We present an alternative approach to realize structured illumination microscopy (SIM), which is capable for live cell imaging. The prototype utilizes two sets of scanning galvo mirrors, a polarization converter and a piezo-platform to generate a fast shifted, s-polarization interfered and periodic variable illumination patterns. By changing the angle of the scanning galvanometer, we can change the position of the spots at the pupil plane of the objective lens arbitrarily, making it easy to switch between widefield and total internal reflection fluorescent-SIM mode and adapting the penetration depth in the sample. Also, a twofold resolution improvement is achieved in our experiments. The prototype offers more flexibility of pattern period and illumination orientation changing than previous systems.
The effect of canine disimpaction performed with temporary anchorage devices (TADs) before comprehensive orthodontic treatment to avoid root resorption of adjacent teeth

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the movement of impacted canines away from the roots of neighboring teeth before full-mouth bracket placement, performed by means of TADs to decrease undesired side effects on adjacent teeth. Methods: The study sample consisted of 34 palatally impacted canines, being 19 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group. In the experimental group, before placement of brackets, the impacted canine was erupted by means of miniscrews. In the control group, after initiation of comprehensive orthodontics, canine disimpaction was performed by means of a cantilever spring soldered to a palatal bar. At the end of treatment, volume of lateral incisors and canine root resorption were measured and compared by means of a CBCT-derived tridimensional model. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, bleeding on probing (BOP) and gingival index (GI) were recorded. Clinical success rate was also calculated. Results: The volume of root resorption of lateral teeth in the control group was significantly greater than in the experimental group (p < 0.001). At the end of treatment, VAS score, GI and BOP were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Based on our results, it seems that disimpaction of canines and moving them to the arch can be done successfully carried out with minimal side effects by means of skeletal anchorage.
Leptomonas costaricensis sp. n. (Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatidae), a member of the novel phylogenetic group of insect trypanosomatids closely related to the genus Leishmania

A flagellate isolated from the intestinal tract of a reduviid bug Ricolla simillima (Heteroptera) in Costa Rica was found to represent a new trypanosomatid species by the phylogenetic analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA), glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and large subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPOIILS) genes. The phylogenetic position of this trypanosomatid, together with its typical promastigote morphology and the host identity, allowed its classification as a species that belongs to the polyphyletic genus Leptomonas. Interestingly, the new species was revealed as a member of the novel phylogenetic clade representing the closest known relative of Leishmania. With the new species used as an outgroup to root the Leishmania RPOIILS phylogenetic tree, the lineage of the Neotropical species L. enriettii was found to branch off early, and was followed by a deep split between the Old World and the remaining New World species. This tree topology supports the hypothesis that the initial transition to dixenous parasitism in this group pre-dated the continental split and that afterwards the Neotropical and the Old World groups evolved largely independently.
Does Public Service Motivation Matter in Public Higher Education? Testing the Theories of Person–Organization Fit and Organizational Commitment Through a Serial Multiple Mediation Model

To address some of the inconsistencies in the literature regarding links between public service motivation (PSM) and individual performance, this study proposes and tests a three-path mediation model in public higher education in which the relationship is mediated by person–organization fit (P-O fit) and organizational commitment (OC) in serial. Based on a sample of 692 faculty at an urban public university, we find that P-O fit and OC as a causal chain mediate the relationship between PSM and organizational citizenship behavior and that this mediated relationship varies depending on the specific context of the performance dimensions. While PSM has positive influence on service through its effect on P-O fit and OC in serial, the results indicate an indirect negative effect on research productivity and no association with teaching. The results regarding both direct and indirect effects further reveal that the directions and significance of the relationships can vary depending on how performance is conceptualized.
Dealloyed PdCu 3 thin fi lm electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

The catalytic activity of electrochemically dealloyed PdCu3 thin films for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic media has been studied by using a rotating disk electrode (RDE). The dealloyed PdCu3 thin films show a w2.0 fold increase in the specific oxygen reduction activity over pure Pd thin films. The structure of electrochemically dealloyed PdCu3 thin films has been investigated at an atomic scale by synchrotronbased anomalous X-ray diffraction (AXRD). AXRD reveals that a Pd enriched surface layer is formed in the dealloyed film and a compressive lattice strain exists in this Pd surface layer. The enhanced catalytic activity of dealloyed PdeCu films for the ORR is primarily due to the compressive strain in the surface layer. We compare the structureecompositionecatalytic activity relationships in dealloyed PdeCu thin films to related results on dealloyed PteCu thin films. These studies show that dealloying and the resulting structure and the ORR activity are dependent on the nature of the noble component of alloy. 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Effects of Kolaviron, the Major Constituent of Garcinia kola, on the Histology of the Hypothalamus, Pituitary, and Testes Using Adult Male Wistar Rats as a Model Organism

This study determined the effects of kolaviron on the histology of organs of the hypothalamic-pi- tuitary-gonadal axis, mainly the hypothalamus, pituitary and testis. The aim was to ascertain if its consumption has deleterious effects on these organs. Thirty six adult Wistar rats divided into six groups of six animals each were used and kolaviron administered at 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight. The results showed that gross cellular depletion and desquamation of cells of testis significantly reduced number of cells in the hypothalamus and pituitary (P < 0.05). It significantly reduced the relative brain weight (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that kolaviron can alter the histology of the axis which may impair its reproductive function.
Dynamics of a Neural Network Composed by two Hopfield Subnetworks Interconnected Unidirectionally

By means of numerical simulations, the dynamical behaviour of a Neural Network composed of two Hopfield Subnetworks interconnected unidirectionally and updated synchronically (at zero temperature T = 0) is studied. These connections are such that each of the N neurons on the first subnet sends information to exclusively one of the N neurons on the second. A set of p patterns, composed by a subpattern for each of the subnets, is stored according to a Hebb-like rule. The recoverability of one particular subpattern by the second subnet is studied as a function of N and the load parameter α = p/N in the case when the first subnetwork has already recovered its corresponding subpattern
Superior Chemotherapeutic Efficacy of Amphotericin B in Tuftsin-bearing Liposomes against Leishmania Donovani Infection in Hamsters

Chemotherapeutic efficacy of the amphotericin B (Amp B), which is the drug of choice for treatment of the leishmanial infections (kala-azar) that become resistant to the conventional chemotherapy using antimonials, has been examined in the Leishmania donovani infected hamsters after encapsulating the drug in tuftsin-free as well as tuftsin-bearing liposomes. The activity was significantly increased (p <0.05) by delivering Amp B in tuftsin-free liposomes. This antileishmanial effect of the liposomized Amp B was further increased (p <0.05) by grafting the natural macrophage-activator tetrapeptide, tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), on the liposome's surface. This could possibly be attributed to both the enhanced drug tolerance after liposomization as well as to the increased uptake of tuftsin-bearing Amp B-laden liposomes by the macrophages. In addition to the increased efficacy, encapsulation of Amp B in the tuftsin-bearing liposomes also enhanced the drug accessibility to areas (e.g. bone marrow) that are otherwise inaccessible to the free drug. These results further demonstrate the usefulness of tuftsin-bearing liposomes as drug vehicles in treatment of the macrophage-based infections that have been reviewed recently (Agrawal, A.K. and Gupta, C.M. (2000). Tuftsin-bearing liposomes in treatment of macrophage-based infections, Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev., 41, 135-146).