Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tracking serendipitous interactions: how individual cultures shape the office

In many work environments, serendipitous interactions between members of different groups may lead to enhanced productivity, collaboration and knowledge dissemination. Two factors that may have an influence on such interactions are cultural differences between individuals in highly multicultural workplaces, and the layout and physical spaces of the workplace itself. In this work, we investigate how these two factors may facilitate or hinder inter-group interactions in the workplace. We analyze traces collected using wearable electronic badges to capture face-to-face interactions and mobility patterns of employees in a research laboratory in the UK. We observe that those who interact with people of different roles tend to come from collectivist cultures that value relationships and where people tend to be comfortable with social hierarchies, and that some locations in particular are more likely to host serendipitous interactions, knowledge that could be used by organizations to enhance communication and productivity.
Choice of Social Work as a Career: Possible Influences

Little is known about why students choose social work for a career. Certain life events in the family of origin may exert a compelling influence, though other factors are certainly involved. This study examines the influence of selected life events and such factors as prior employment, volunteering, and influential persons via a survey of 415 social work students and a comparison group of 203 nonsocial work students. Social work students were more likely to report problems such as alcoholism and emotional illness within their families of origin and to attribute these experiences to their choice of career.
Spectrophotometric assay for superoxide dismutase based on tetrazolium salt 3'--1--(phenylamino)-carbonyl--3, 4-tetrazolium]-bis(4-methoxy-6-nitro)benzenesulfonic acid hydrate reduction by xanthine-xanthine oxidase.

XTT (3'-{1-[(phenylamino)-carbonyl]-3, 4-tetrazolium}bis(4-methoxy-6-nitro)benzenesulfonic acid hydrate) was reduced to a water-soluble product with an absorbance maximum at about 470 nm by superoxide anion generated by xanthine-xanthine oxidase (XO). The rate of XTT reduction was linearly related to XO activity and the reduction was inhibited by superoxide dismutase (SOD). A perfect inhibition of the reduction of XTT by SOD was achieved, suggesting that XTT does not interact with XO. The present XTT-based assay had a higher sensitivity than a conventional nitroblue tetrazolium-based assay by a factor of 2.5 at pH 10.2. This method was applicable to the SOD assay in the pH range 8.0-10.2.
Ion channels in genetic and acquired forms of epilepsy

Abstract Genetic mutations causing dysfunction of both voltage‐ and ligand‐gated ion channels make a major contribution to the cause of many different types of familial epilepsy. Key mechanisms comprise defective Na+ channels of inhibitory neurons, or GABAA receptors affecting pre‐ or postsynaptic GABAergic inhibition, or a dysfunction of different types of channels at axon initial segments. Many of these ion channel mutations have been modelled in mice, which has largely contributed to the understanding of where and how the ion channel defects lead to neuronal hyperexcitability. Animal models of febrile seizures or mesial temporal epilepsy have shown that dendritic K+ channels, hyperpolarization‐activated cation channels and T‐type Ca2+ channels play important roles in the generation of seizures. For the latter, it has been shown that suppression of their function by pharmacological mechanisms or in knock‐out mice can antagonize epileptogenesis. Defects of ion channel function are also associated with forms of acquired epilepsy. Autoantibodies directed against ion channels or associated proteins, such as K+ channels, LGI1 or NMDA receptors, have been identified in epileptic disorders that can largely be included under the term limbic encephalitis which includes limbic seizures, status epilepticus and psychiatric symptoms. We conclude that ion channels and associated proteins are important players in different types of genetic and acquired epilepsies. Nevertheless, the molecular bases for most common forms of epilepsy are not yet clear, and evidence to be discussed indicates just how much more we need to understand about the complex mechanisms that underlie epileptogenesis.
Pathogenesis of Shigella dysenteriae 1 (Shiga) dysentery.

Myron M. Levine, Herbert L. DuPont, Samuel B. Formal, Richard B. Hornick, Akio Takeuchi, Eugene J. Gangarosa, Merrill J. Snyder, and Joseph P. Libonati From the Shigella Vaccine Development Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, D.C.; and the Bacterial Diseases Branch, Epidemiology Program, Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia
Endothelial progenitor cell transplantation improves the survival following liver injury in mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Neovascularization, which is vital to the healing of injured tissues, recently has been found to include both angiogenesis, which involves in mature endothelial cells, and vasculogenesis, involving endothelial progenitor cells. The aim of this study was to clarify the possible roles of endothelial progenitor cells during postnatal liver regeneration. METHODS To determine how endothelial progenitor cells participate in liver regeneration, human or mouse endothelial progenitor cells were transplanted into the mice with carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury. Survival rate of the mice in endothelial progenitor cell-transplanted and control groups was calculated. Separately, livers removed temporally from both groups were examined. RESULTS At an early stage, transplanted human endothelial progenitor cells were seen mainly surrounding hepatic central veins where hepatocytes showed extensive necrosis; later, the transplanted cells formed tubular structures. More of these cells were observed along hepatic sinusoids. Transplantation of human or mouse endothelial progenitor cells improved survival of the mice following liver injury (from 28.6% to 85.7%, P < .0005 and from 33.3% to 80.0%, P < .001, respectively), accompanied by greater proliferation of hepatocytes. Human endothelial progenitor cells produced several growth factors, such as hepatocyte growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor, and also elicited endogenous growth factors. CONCLUSIONS Endogenous and exogenous growth factors and direct neovascularization after endothelial progenitor cell transplantation promoted liver regeneration, thus improving survival after liver injury. Transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells could represent a new therapeutic strategy for promoting liver regeneration.
The break remains – Elderly people's experiences of a hip fracture 1 year after discharge

Purpose. To explore experienced long-term consequences of a hip fracture and conceptions of what influences hip fracture recovery among community-living elderly people 1 year after discharge. Method. Fifteen subjects (13 females and 2 males), aged 66–94, were interviewed. The phenomenographic method was used for analysis. Results. Experiences of insecurity and restricted life dominated the interviews. The descriptive categories within experienced consequences of a hip fracture were: (1) isolated life with more restricted activity and fewer social contacts, with the two sub-categories (a) more insecure and afraid and (b) more limited ability to move, (2) disappointed and sad that identity and life have changed and (3) satisfied with the situation or feeling even better than before the fracture. The categories within conceptions of what influences hip fracture recovery were: (4) own mind and actions influence recovery, (5) treatment and actions from others influence recovery and (6) you cannot influence recovery. Conclusion. The findings accentuate that the negative consequences of a hip fracture are substantial and long-lasting. As it strikes mostly elderly people, who may have experienced earlier losses and growing disabilities, a hip fracture could add to the risk of losing important life values. Furthermore, the findings indicate that all health care professionals who meet the patients need to consider the patients’ own experiences and possible fear and not merely focus on the physical injury and disabilities.
Association between alcohol consumption and periodontal disease: the 2008 to 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND A positive association has been reported between alcohol and periodontal disease. Therefore, this study is conducted to assess the relationship between alcohol intake and severity of periodontal disease in a large probability sample of the Korean population using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). METHODS Data from KNHANES, conducted between 2008 and 2010 by the Division of Chronic Disease Surveillance under the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, were used for this study. The presence of periodontal treatment needs according to demographic variables and anthropometric and hematologic characteristics of the participants are presented as means with their standard errors. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations of periodontal treatment needs with the amount of alcohol intake and other variables including smoking and the number of times of toothbrushing per day. RESULTS An association between drinking alcohol and periodontal treatment needs could be seen in men after adjustment for variables. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in males were 1.271 (1.030 to 1.568) for heavy drinkers after controlling for age, smoking, body mass index, exercise, education, income, white blood cell count, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and number of toothbrushing episodes per day (model 3). Adjusted ORs and their 95% CIs in males were 1.569 (1.284 to 1.916) for alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) level ≥20 in model 3. ORs increased with the increase in alcohol consumption levels and AUDIT levels. Statistically significant correlations between drinking and periodontal treatment needs could not be seen in female heavy drinkers or female drinkers with AUDIT levels ≥20. CONCLUSIONS Men with higher alcohol intake were more likely to have a higher prevalence of treatment needs regardless of their age, socioeconomic factors, systemic conditions (including diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome), and number of times of toothbrushing per day in multivariable adjusted models. By contrast, in women, alcohol intake was not independently associated with periodontal treatment needs. Alcohol consumption was discovered to be a potential risk indicator for periodontal treatment needs in men in this study.
Multi-agent framework for spatial load forecasting

A multi-agent framework for spatial electric load forecasting, especially suited to simulate the different dynamics involved on distribution systems, is presented. The service zone is divided into several sub-zones, each subzone is considered as an independent agent identified with a corresponding load level, and their relationships with the neighbor zones are represented as development probabilities. With this setting, different kind of agents can be developed to simulate the growth pattern of the loads in distribution systems. This paper presents two different kinds of agents to simulate different situations, presenting some promissory results.
Comparison of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human interleukin-10 gene promoter between rheumatoid arthritis patients and normal subjects in Malaysia

In this study, three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within the promoter of the human interleukin (IL)-10 gene [rs1800896 (position: −1087G > A), rs1800871 (position: −824C > T) and rs1800872 (position: −597C > A)] were investigated in 84 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 95 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Production of IL-10 by peripheral blood lymphocytes from the RA patients and healthy subjects cultured in the presence of Concanavalin A (Con A) was determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results show that the distribution of the IL-10 genotypes did not differ significantly between RA patients and healthy subjects (P > 0.05). However, a significant difference was observed in allele frequencies of −824CT, −824TT, −597CA, and −597AA between the RA patients and healthy volunteers (P = 0.04). The −1087A/−824T/−597A (ATA) haplotype, which comprises all mutant alleles, was associated with lower IL-10 production when compared with the other haplotypes. In contrast, the RA patients who did not display the ATA haplotype produced significantly higher levels of IL-10 when compared with those carrying either one (P = 0.012) or two (P = 0.005) ATA haplotypes. Our findings suggest that there is an association between SNPs in the promoter of the human IL-10 gene and susceptibility to RA.
Incorporating free-surface multiples in Marchenko imaging

Imagine placing a receiver at any location in the Earth and recording the response at that location to sources on the surface. In such a world, we could place receivers around our reservoir to better image the reservoir and understand its properties. Realistically, this is not a feasible approach for understanding the subsurface. Here, we present an alternative and realizable approach to obtaining the response of a buried virtual receiver for sources at the surface. This method is capable of retrieving the Green’s function for a virtual point in the subsurface to the acquisition surface. In our case, a physical receiver is not required at the subsurface point; instead, we require the reflection measurements for sources and receivers at the surface of the Earth and a macro-model (no small-scale details of the model are necessary). We can interpret the retrieved Green’s function as the response to sources at the surface for a virtual receiver in the subsurface. We obtain this Green’s function by solving the Marchenko equation, an integral equation pertinent to inverse scattering problems. Our derivation of the Marchenko equation for the Green’s function retrieval takes into account the free-surface reflections. We decompose the Marchenko equation into upand down-going fields and solve for these fields iteratively. We use these upand down-going fields, which includes the free-surface multiples, to obtain a 2D image of our area of interest, in this case, below a synclinal structure. This imaging is called Marchenko imaging.
Characterization of three loci for homologous gene targeting and transgene expression

Integrative gene transfer is widely used for bioproduction, drug screening, and therapeutic applications but usual viral methods lead to random and multicopy insertions, contribute to unstable transgene expression and can disturb endogenous gene expression. Homologous targeting of an expression cassette using rare‐cutting endonucleases is a potential solution; however the number of studied loci remains limited. Furthermore, the behavior and performance of various types of gene cassettes following gene targeting is poorly defined. Here we have evaluated three loci for gene targeting, including one locus compatible with the proposed Safe Harbor criteria for human translational applications. Using optimized conditions for homologous gene targeting, reporter genes under the control of different promoters were efficiently inserted at each locus in both sense and antisense orientations. Sustainable expression was achieved at all three loci without detectable disturbance of flanking gene expression. However, the promoter, the integration locus and the cassette orientation have a strong impact on transgene expression. Finally, single targeted integrations exhibited greatly improved transgene expression stability versus multicopy or random integration. Taken together, our data suggest a potential set of loci for site‐specific transgene integration, suitable for a variety of biotechnological applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 2225–2235. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of Abelmoschus esculentus mucilage as suspending agent in paracetamol suspension.

Some excipients are currently available for the formulation of Pharmaceutical suspensions. The purpose of this study is to search for a cheap and effective natural excipient that can be used as an effective alternative for the formulation of pharmaceutical suspensions. The mucilage from the pods of Abelmoschus esculentus was subjected to preformulation study for evaluation of its safety and suitability for use as suspending agent. The mucilage extracted is devoid of toxicity. Suspensions of paracetamol were prepared and compared with different concentrations (1%, 2%, 3% and 4% w/v) of Abelmoschus esculentus mucilage, sodium CMC and tragacanth gum. Their sedimentation profile, redispersibility, degree of flocculation and rheolgical behavior were compared. The mucilage was found to be a superior suspending agent than tragacanth and is comparable to sodium CMC. Studies indicate that the mucilage of Abelmoschus esculentus may be used as a pharmaceutical adjuvant and as a suspending agent at 4%w/v, depending on its suspending ability and the stability of the resulting suspension.
Adherence-adjusted estimates of benefits and harms from treatment with amoxicillin for LRTI: secondary analysis of a 12-country randomised placebo-controlled trial using randomisation-based efficacy estimators

Objectives Estimate the efficacy of amoxicillin for acute uncomplicated lower-respiratory-tract infection (LRTI) in primary care and demonstrate the use of randomisation-based efficacy estimators. Design Secondary analysis of a two-arm individually-randomised placebo-controlled trial. Setting Primary care practices in 12 European countries. Participants Patients aged 18 or older consulting with an acute LRTI in whom pneumonia was not suspected by the clinician. Interventions Amoxicillin (two 500 mg tablets three times a day for 7 days) or matched placebo. Main outcome measures Clinician-rated symptom severity between days 2–4; new/worsening symptoms and presence of side effects at 4-weeks. Adherence was captured using self-report and tablet counts. Results 2061 participants were randomised to the amoxicillin or placebo group. On average, 88% of the prescribed amoxicillin was taken. The original analysis demonstrated small increases in both benefits and harms from amoxicillin. Minor improvements in the benefits of amoxicillin were observed when an adjustments for adherence were made (mean difference in symptom severity −0.08, 95% CI −0.17 to 0.01, OR for new/worsening symptoms 0.81, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.98) as well as minor increases in harms (OR for side effects 1.32, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.57). Conclusions Adherence to amoxicillin was high, and the findings from the original analysis were robust to non-adherence. Participants consulting to primary care with an acute uncomplicated LRTI can on average expect minor improvements in outcome from taking amoxicillin. However, they are also at an increased risk of experiencing side effects. Trial registration numbers Eudract-CT 2007-001586-15 and ISRCTN52261229. The trial was registered at EudraCT in 2007 due to an administrative misunderstanding that EudraCT was a suitable registry—which it was not in 2007, but has become since. On discovery of this error, the trial was also registered at ISRCTN (January 2009). Trial procedures did not change between the two registrations.
(131)I and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

OBJECTIVE Radioiodine ((131)I) used to obtain euthyroidism in thyrotoxic patients is suspected of having a worsening or provoking effect on thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), an autoimmune disease closely related to Graves' disease. DESIGN This review summarises the existing literature and describes risk factors influencing the course of TAO including thyroid function, cigarette smoking and treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism (especially (131)I therapy). CONCLUSION It is recommended that patients who may be at a greater risk of worsening ophthalmopathy are considered when choosing the modality of therapy of hyperthyroidism and also in deciding whether prophylactic systemic glucocorticoid treatment is indicated.
Culture-Independent Identification of Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis in Ovine Tissues: Comparison with Bacterial Culture and Histopathological Lesions

Johne’s disease is a chronic debilitating enteropathy of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Current abattoir surveillance programs detect disease via examination of gross lesions and confirmation by histopathological and/or tissue culture, which is time-consuming and has relatively low sensitivity. This study aimed to investigate whether a high-throughput quantitative PCR (qPCR) test is a viable alternative for tissue testing. Intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes were sourced from sheep experimentally infected with MAP and the DNA extracted using a protocol developed for tissues, comprised enzymatic digestion of the tissue homogenate, chemical and mechanical lysis, and magnetic bead-based DNA purification. The extracted DNA was tested by adapting a previously validated qPCR for fecal samples, and the results were compared with culture and histopathology results of the corresponding tissues. The MAP tissue qPCR confirmed infection in the majority of sheep with gross lesions on postmortem (37/38). Likewise, almost all tissue culture (61/64) or histopathology (52/58) positives were detected with good to moderate agreement (Cohen’s kappa statistic) and no significant difference to the reference tests (McNemar’s Chi-square test). Higher MAP DNA quantities corresponded to animals with more severe histopathology (odds ratio: 1.82; 95% confidence interval: 1.60, 2.07). Culture-independent strain typing on tissue DNA was successfully performed. This MAP tissue qPCR method had a sensitivity equivalent to the reference tests and is thus a viable replacement for gross- and histopathological examination of tissue samples in abattoirs. In addition, the test could be validated for testing tissue samples intended for human consumption.