Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic Impact of Influenza Vaccination in Preschool Children

Objective. The economic impact of routine vaccination of preschool children with inactivated influenza vaccine was investigated. Design. A decision analysis was performed using data from the literature. Direct and indirect costs of each vaccination strategy were calculated and compared with a strategy of not vaccinating. Setting. Two settings were evaluated: a setting in which vaccination was available during flexible hours and a setting in which vaccination was available only during usual work hours (8:00 am–5:00 pm). Results. Vaccination resulted in a net cost savings in both settings. The net savings per vaccine recipient were $21.28 in the flexible setting and $1.20 in the restricted setting. Although the analysis was performed for the inactivated vaccine, sensitivity analysis showed that the nasal vaccine could also result in a net cost savings depending on the price of the cold-adapted vaccine when it is licensed. Conclusion. Vaccinating preschool children is economically advantageous. Serious consideration should be given to recommending vaccination in this age group.
Studies on passive intermodulation phenomena in printed and layered transmission lines

This paper reports on the recent developments into the investigation of passive intermodulation products (PIMs) in PCB based printed and layered transmission lines. Based on the results of earlier experiments, potential sources of PIM generation are examined, and a new semi-phenomenological model of PIM production mechanisms is discussed. The proposed model assumes non-local nature of PIM sources stochastically distributed along the path of high power microwave transmission. A consistent interpretation of the PIM measurements of printed circuits is proposed and further experiments are discussed.
Portfolio Rebalancing Following the Bank of Japan's Government Bond Purchases: Empirical Analysis Using Data on Bank Loans and Investment Flows

This paper organizes facts and conducts an empirical analysis related to the portfolio rebalancing effect of government bond purchases by the Bank of Japan (BOJ). Our analysis uses data on bank loans and investment flows that are classified by type of entity, primarily taken from the Flow of Funds Accounts Statistics. Following the introduction of Quantitative and Qualitative Monetary Easing (QQE) by the BOJ in April 2013, entities other than the BOJ, as a group, have increased loans and investment in equities, mutual funds, and corporate bonds in Japan, while reducing their holdings of Japanese government bonds. Such portfolio rebalancing is mainly led by domestic banks and nonresidents. Meanwhile, so far, insurance companies, corporate pension funds, and public pensions have not reduced government bond holdings when the BOJ purchased government bonds. In addition to changes in financial and economic conditions, such as the balance sheet conditions of domestic banks and loan demand faced by domestic banks, purchases of government bonds with a longer remaining maturity by the BOJ have played a role in the increase in bank loans observed during the QQE period.
Suppression of cell-mediated immunity after infection with attenuated rubella virus

The effects of attenuated rubella virus infection upon cell-mediated immunity of human volunteers were studied. The volunteers received the vaccine either by nose drops or by the subcutaneous route. Changes in cell-mediated immunity in terms of delayed cutaneous sensitivity to recall antigens, phytohemagglutination stimulation, and spontaneous migration inhibitory factor-like activity were studied at various time periods after infection. Spontaneous migration inhibitory factor-like activity was studied on supernatants of the lymphocytes obtained from the volunteers and incubated for 72 h in the absence of any antigens. A significant proportion of the volunteers showed suppression of one or more parameters of cell-medicated immunity tested by week 2 of infection compared to the control; however, there was no correlation between suppression of the various parameters studied. No difference was noticed in the incidence of cell-mediated immunity suppression between nose drops and subcutaneous route groups.
First Principle-Based Analysis of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube and Silicon Nanowire Junctionless Transistors

Junctionless transistors made of silicon have previously been demonstrated experimentally and by simulations. Junctionless devices do not require fabricating an abrupt source-drain junction, and thus, can be easier to implement in aggressive geometries. In this paper, we explore a similar architecture for aggressively scaled devices with the channel consisting of doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Gate all around field effect transistor (FET) structures are investigated for n- and p- type doping. Current-voltage characteristics and subthreshold characteristics for a CNT-based junctionless FET is compared with a junctionless silicon nanowire FET with comparable dimensions. Despite the higher on-current of the CNT channels, the device characteristics are poorer compared to the silicon devices due to the smaller CNT bandgap.
Influences of acute resistance and aerobic exercises on plasma homocysteine level and lipid profiles

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two different types (aerobic and resistance) of acute exercise on plasma homocysteine level and lipid profiles. Material and methods: 51 students were included. Resistance exercise group (n=20) performed moderate resistance and aerobic exercise group (n=18) performed sub-maximal aerobic exercise for one session. Control group (n=13) did not join any exercise. The plasma homocysteine level and lipid profiles were measured. Results: Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures yielded a significant time by group interaction for homocysteine level. Homocysteine level in aerobic exercise group was statistically different from the control group (p=0.04). We found that the increase for plasma homocysteine level in aerobic exercise group was higher than the percentage of biological variation of the plasma homocysteine (p 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that although the acute moderate aerobic exercise increases plasma homocysteine level the acute resistance exercise does not. Independently from the type of exercise, acute exercises do not considerably change lipid profiles.
On the performance of the zero-forcing receiver operating in the multiuser MIMO system with reduced noise enhancement effect

Despite its simplicity, the zero-forcing receiver is known to suffer from noise enhancement to restore the spatially multiplexed data in a point-to-point MIMO system. Nevertheless, in the point-to-multipoint multiuser system, the poor channel avoidance property of the scheduling technique provides a natural way to overcome the drawback of noise enhancement. In this paper, we present an analytical framework to evaluate the performance of the zero-forcing receiver operating in the multiuser MIMO system with scalar feedback scheduling. Using the order statistics technique, we derive closed-form expressions for the achievable throughput of the zero-forcing receiver operating in the multiuser MIMO environment. Our analytical results indicate that the cross-layer cooperation of the simple zero-forcing receiver and scheduling technique can achieve the full capacity of the point-to-point MIMO system.
Knowledge levels of food handlers in Portuguese school canteens and their self-reported behaviour towards food safety

Food safety levels in school food services are an important concern, given that any incident can affect a high number of students. The purpose of this research was to evaluate food handlers' knowledge and self-reported behaviour as regards the safe handling of food in school canteens. The study was conducted in 32 school canteens and included 124 participants. Food handlers displayed a reasonable level of knowledge, particularly regarding personal hygiene and cross-contamination, but fared worse in other areas. The level of knowledge displayed was influenced by age, motivation and training. A high correctness in handlers' self-reported behaviour towards food safety was observed, with a negative trend appearing when workload was increased. Our assessment of prevailing knowledge levels indicates that food professionals need to be made significantly more aware of the importance their actions can have on children's health.
Anonymity in data publishing and distribution

Numerous organizations collect and distribute non-aggregate personal data for a variety of different purposes, including demographic and public health research. In these situations, the data distributor is often faced with a quandary: On one hand, it is important to protect the anonymity and personal information of individuals. One the other hand, it is also important to preserve the utility of the data for research. This thesis presents an extensive study of this problem. We focus primarily on notions of anonymity that are defined with respect to individual identity, or with respect to the value of a sensitive attribute. We propose a variety of techniques that use generalization (also called recoding) to produce a sanitized view, while preserving the utility of the input data. An extensive evaluation indicates that it is possible to distribute high-quality data that respects several meaningful notions of privacy. Further, it is possible to do this efficiently for large data sets.
Keeping Nursing Home Residents Hydrated

The purpose of this research is to ascertain nursing home (NH) staffs’ perspectives of the problem of dehydration in NHs (skilled nursing facilities) and have them identify clinically practical interventions to ensure that NH residents consistently take adequate fluids. Four focus groups with 28 NH staff members in attendance are held in three NHs in metropolitan Los Angeles. The majority of participants are certified nursing assistants; however, licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, and other NH staff also attend the groups. Content analytic techniques are used to analyze the data. Three themes emerge focusing on residents’ reasons for not drinking, signs and symptoms of dehydration, and strategies for improving hydration in NH residents. NH staff members identify the complexity of providing adequate hydration that was influenced by the resident’s relationship with family and NH staff and communication between staff members.
Academic Achievement and Physical Activity: A Meta-analysis

Through systematic review, in this study, we state that PA, especially curricular PE programs, benefits several aspects of academic achievement and classroom behaviors in youth. CONTEXT: The effect of physical activity (PA) on different areas of academic achievement and classroom behaviors and how different characteristics of PA interventions could modify the effect remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: The objective was twofold: (1) to assess the effect of PA interventions on academic achievement and classroom behaviors in childhood and (2) to determine the characteristics of individuals and PA programs that enhance academic performance. DATA SOURCES: We identified studies from the database inception to October 16, 2016. STUDY SELECTION: We selected intervention studies aimed at examining the effect of exercise on academic achievement and classroom behaviors at developmental age. DATA EXTRACTION: Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size for all primary outcomes (language- and mathematics-related skills, reading, composite score, and time in on-task behavior). Positive values represent a direct relationship between PA programs and academic achievement scores or on-task behaviors. RESULTS: A total of 26 studies (10 205 children, aged from 4 to 13) were included. Pooled effect size (95% confidence interval) estimates were as follows: (1) 0.16 (−0.06 to 0.37) for language-related skills; (2) 0.21 (0.09 to 0.33) for mathematics-related skills; (3) 0.13 (0.02 to 0.24) for reading; (4) 0.26 (0.07 to 0.45) for composite scores; and (5) 0.77 (0.22 to 1.32) for time in on-task behaviors. LIMITATIONS: Limitations included the variety of tools used to measure academic achievement and the limited number of studies that reported the effect of after-school PA interventions. CONCLUSIONS: PA, especially physical education, improves classroom behaviors and benefits several aspects of academic achievement, especially mathematics-related skills, reading, and composite scores in youth.
Automated polyp measurement with CT colonography: preliminary observations in a phantom colon model.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and precision of polyp measurements obtained with an automated tool in a colon phantom containing polyps of multiple sizes, morphologic types, and locations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A colon phantom was scanned at 12, 25, 50, and 100 mA with standard CT colonographic acquisition parameters. Four reviewers using manual 2D methods and an automated polyp measurement tool measured 24 polyps of varying sizes and morphologic types, some at a haustral fold tip and some not at a fold tip. The accuracy (difference from true value) of manual and automated methods was compared across polyp sizes, morphologic types, locations, and doses. Precision (closeness of different measures) was compared for intraobserver and interobserver measurements. RESULTS The accuracy of automated polyp measurement was dependent on morphologic type (p < or = 0.02), size (for three of four reviewers, p < or = 0.05), and location of polyps with respect to haustral folds (two of four reviewers, p < or = 0.01). For two of four reviewers, automated measures were less accurate for 5-mm polyps, flat polyps, and polyps at the tips of folds (p < or = 0.04). Intraobserver precision was high, two automated measurements being within 0.1 mm of each other 82-93% of the time. Interobserver precision values for automated measures were more similar 85% of the time (82/96; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Accuracy of automated polyp measurements depends on polyp size, morphologic type, and location. When using an automated tool, radiologists should visually inspect automated polyp measurements, particularly for small and flat polyps and those located on folds, because manual measurements may be more accurate in this setting. Automated polyp measurements are more precise than manual measurements.
Dynamic properties of the inferior rectus, extensor digitorum longus, diaphragm and soleus muscles of the mouse.

1. Isometric responses to direct stimulation of inferior rectus (IR), extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (SOL) muscles and strips of diaphragm (DIA) muscle of the mouse were obtained. 2. The IR, EDL and DIA were qualitatively ‘fast‐twitch’, while the SOL was ‘slow‐twitch’. The isometric twitch contraction time was for IR, 3.7 ms; EDL, 6.9 ms; DIA, 13.2 ms; SOL, 20.9 ms (at 35 degrees C). Twitch: tetanus ratio for IR was unusually small (0.12) whereas that of DIA was unusually large (0.31). 3. The force‐velocity properties of the muscles were determined and the sarcomere speed of shortening calculated. The intrinsic speeds of shortening of EDL and IR were not significantly different from each other, and were 49.5 and 51.6 micrometers . s‐1 respectively; the value for SOL was 23.1 micrometers . s‐1 and the DIA was intermediate at 39.7 micrometers . s‐1. 4. The time course of the isometric twitch of the IR was about half that of the EDL whereas the force‐velocity properties of these two muscles were almost identical. This is very similar to the situation in the rat. 5. Some of the dynamic properties of the DIA were clearly intermediate between the typical ‘fast‐twitch’ EDL and IR and the typical ‘slow‐twitch’ SOL. This does not agree with the available histochemical evidence which suggests that the mouse diaphragm is a ‘fast‐twitch red’ muscle.
A 30 Year Functional Follow-up of a Neglected Congenital Clubfoot in an Adult: A Case Report

Neglected congenital clubfoot in adults has been described in literature, but is not common to see adult patients with this orthopaedic disorder in developed countries with 30 years of follow-up. We report an asymptomatic case of neglected congenital clubfoot in an adult, who is incidentally seeking treatment for her 18-month-old son with congenital clubfoot. Although the cosmetic appearance is unacceptable, this mother remarkably has no functional limitations and for this reason she refuses any surgical treatment for her foot. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an untreated congenital clubfoot with 30 years follow-up.
Template Dimerization Promotes an Acceptor Invasion-Induced Transfer Mechanism during Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Minus-Strand Synthesis

ABSTRACT The biochemical mechanism of template switching by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase and the role of template dimerization were examined. Homologous donor-acceptor template pairs derived from the HIV-1 untranslated leader region and containing the wild-type and mutant dimerization initiation sequences (DIS) were used to examine the efficiency and distribution of transfers. Inhibiting donor-acceptor interaction was sufficient to reduce transfers in DIS-containing template pairs, indicating that template dimerization, and not the mere presence of the DIS, promotes efficient transfers. Additionally, we show evidence that the overall transfer process spans an extended region of the template and proceeds through a two-step mechanism. Transfer is initiated through an RNase H-facilitated acceptor invasion step, while synthesis continues on the donor template. The invasion then propagates towards the primer terminus by branch migration. Transfer is completed with the translocation of the primer terminus at a site distant from the invasion point. In our system, most invasions initiated before synthesis reached the DIS. However, transfer of the primer terminus predominantly occurred after synthesis through the DIS. The two steps were separated by 60 to 80 nucleotides. Sequence markers revealed the position of primer terminus switch, whereas DNA oligomers designed to block acceptor-cDNA interactions defined sites of invasion. Within the region of homology, certain positions on the template were inherently more favorable for invasion than others. In templates with DIS, the proximity of the acceptor facilitates invasion, thereby enhancing transfer efficiency. Nucleocapsid protein enhanced the overall efficiency of transfers but did not alter the mechanism.
Adsorption of essential micronutrients by carbon nanotubes and the implications for nanotoxicity testing.

Nanotoxicology and nanomedicine make extensive use of in vitro cellular assays that were developed prior to the nanotechnology era. The introduction of nanomaterials to these standard assays causes problems that are currently limiting progress in the field. [1] Nanoparticles are often difficult to disperse;[2] they can interfere with optical measurements through light absorption, and they can interact with dyes used as molecular probes of cellular integrity. [3] In some cases the resulting artifacts can lead to gross misinterpretation of effects on cell viability and cytotoxicity. [4] Because sp2-hybridized carbon materials are near-universal sorbents for organic compounds in aqueous phases, and in light of a recent report of favorable noncovalent interactions between small-aromatic-molecule therapeutic agents and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs),[5] we hypothesize that SWNTs will adsorb a wide variety of small organic solutes from biological media, not limited to indicator dyes or their water-insoluble reduction products.
Severe variable deceleration is associated with intestinal perforation in infants born at 22–27 weeks' gestation

Objective. Intestinal perforation in extremely premature infants is an important cause of death. The aim of the study was to identify fetal heart rate patterns, which were associated with intestinal perforation. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was performed in 92 women who delivered at 22–27 weeks' gestation at a tertiary center in Miyazaki. They delivered 74 singletons, 17 twins and one triplet. Intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring charts of at least 2-h were examined. Intestinal perforation was diagnosed by the clinical manifestations and operative findings. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to compare between intestinal perforation group and non-perforation group. Results. Of the 111 neonates, 17 had intestinal perforation. Severe variable deceleration (p < 0.05), prematurity (p < 0.05), postnatal corticosteroid (p < 0.05), intraventricular hemorrhage of grade III or IV (p < 0.01) and poor survival (p < 0.05) were more frequent in infants with perforation than in the 94 without perforation. Multivariate analysis adjusted for the other risk factors revealed that only severe variable deceleration remained as a risk factor: (odds ratio 3.7; 95% CI 1.1–12.1; p = 0.03). Conclusions. Intrapartum severe variable deceleration is associated with subsequent intestinal perforation in extremely premature infants, suggesting that preventing prolonged periods of these decelerations may prevent intestinal perforation.
Does multiple freezing and thawing cycles of serum affect the detection ofanti-nuclear antibodies and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies byindirect immunofluorescent method?

The aim of this study was to determine whether more than once freezing and thawing of serum affects different patterns of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) as also to determine for how many days can serum samples be reliably refrigerated (2-8oC) for these tests. A total of 20 ANA (6 homogenous, 3 speckled, 3 centromere, 2 nucleolar, 2 cytoplasmic and 4 mixed) and 6 ANCA (3 PR-3 positive cANCA, 2 MPO positive pANCA, one MPO negative pANCA) positive serum samples were evaluated. The ANA and ANCA tests were studied with the indirect immunofluorescent (IIF) method using commercial kits. The effect of freezing and thawing was evaluated by comparing frozen serum samples with fresh samples during 5 freezing and thawing cycles. In addition, we analyzed the effect of storage time in the refrigerator. In none of the ANA positive serum samples, except for one mixed pattern, was negativity found in the HEp-2 and liver cells after the freezing and thawing cycles and the 21 day refrigerated period. In ANCA positive serum samples, positivity similar to initial findings continued in all samples during five cycles in freeze/thaw group and at the end of 21 days, in the refrigerated group. It may be concluded that ANA and ANCA can be reliably analyzed in serum samples with five freezing and thawing cycles and after refrigeration up to 21 days.
Incorporation of Telehealth Resources in Belo Horizonte's SAMU: Qualifying and Improving Care

In Brazil the use of information communication technologies increased considerably in this last few years, but there are still very incipient experiments using telemedicine for pre-hospital care. This article reports the deployment of resources of telehealth on SAMU (Emergency Mobile Assistance Service) of Belo Horizonte and the preliminary results of the project, involving European partners, the Federal University of Minas Gerais School of Medicine and the City of Belo Horizonte Department of Health. It is applied to the Brazilian reality, through the appropriation of good practices existing in Europe and the integration of technology development. We have been using multiparametric monitors, videos of the patient and ultrasound, and 3G technology to enhance transfer of pre-hospital data, from ambulances, to data banks in hospitals, to improve patient care.