Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metallic Glass Hemispherical Shell Resonators

By utilizing bulk metallic glasses' (BMGs) unique combination of amorphous structure, material properties, and fabrication opportunities, ultrasmooth and symmetric 3-D metallic glass resonators that are complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) post-processing compatible are fabricated. Surface roughness to size ratio fabrication precision in the order of 100 parts per billion is demonstrated with a 3-mm diameter Pt57.5Cu14. 7Ni5.3P22. 5 BMG hemispherical shell with a thickness variation <;100 nm and a surface roughness of <;1 nm Ra. The resonator exhibits a resonant frequency of 13.9440 kHz ± 0.1 Hz with 0.035% frequency mismatch between degenerate N = 2 wineglass modes with a quality factor of 6200. This performance was obtained in the asmolded state without any device tuning or trimming. Another resonator with N = 2 resonant modes at 9.393 and 9.401 kHz, and quality factors of 7800 and 6500 was mounted into an integrated electrode system. Electrical readout by capacitive sensing in both time and frequency domains showed a resonance shift to 9.461 and 9.483 kHz, respectively. The quality factor was reduced to 5400 and 5300, respectively. This investigation demonstrates that BMG resonators may serve as a basis for robust microelectromechanical systems resonator devices with increased performance and low-cost fabrication techniques that exploits the atomic structure, unique softening behavior, strength, formability, and toughness of metallic glasses.
SUSTAINED IMMUNOLOGIC AND VIROLOGIC EFFICACY AFTER FOUR YEARS OF HIGHLY ACTIVE ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTED CHILDREN IN THAILAND

We report the long-term efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 107 antiretroviral-naive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected Thai children. In an intention-to-treat analysis, 70% of the children had undetectable HIV RNA titers after 192 weeks of HAART. The mean CD4 cell percentage increased from 5.3% to 26.6%. HAART is effective for HIV-infected children in this resource-poor setting despite initiation of treatment in the advanced stage of disease.
Complementary practitioners as part of the primary health care team: consulting patterns, patient characteristics and patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND Complementary medicine is increasingly popular with patients and with GPs, although it still remains mainly in the private sector. Few data are available from the private sector about patient-consulting patterns and outcome. OBJECTIVES We aimed to describe detailed consulting patterns, help-seeking behaviour and outcome of care for patients attending a group of private complementary practitioners in a single general practice surgery. METHOD Prospective data on consulting patterns were collected from all 147 new patients attending complementary practitioners over a 12-month period. For the first 30 weeks of this period, additional information on help-seeking behaviour and outcome, as measured by the SF-36 health survey and Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP), was collected by questionnaires from 46 out of the 68 new patients. The same information was collected from a systematic one-in-seven sample of GP patients. RESULTS Patients seen by complementary practitioners did not vary significantly in sex and age from GP patients, except in the low numbers of children. Almost half the patients had been symptomatic for over a year and musculoskeletal disorders accounted for 66% of problems; but there was much variation between the therapies. The average number of visits per patient was three for osteopathy and homeopathy but eight for acupuncture and reflexology. The change in MYMOP scores after four weeks showed a statistically significant improvement in both complementary and GP patients, which was to similar degrees except that the mean change in well-being was significantly greater for complementary patients. CONCLUSION Prospective data collection in single settings adds valuable information to a little-researched area. This study illustrates how individual each complementary therapy is in its patient characteristics, problem category and length of treatment. The particular improvement in well-being with complementary therapy requires confirmation in other studies.
Association of Transcription Factor 4 (TCF4) and Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Receptor Type G (PTPRG) with Corneal Dystrophies in Southern Chinese

Abstract Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy is a common type of posterior CD characterized by the development of gutta in the Descemet membrane. Recently, TCF4 was considered as a major risk gene for European FED cases. However, another recent report has shown that rs613872 was not associated with Singaporean Chinese FEDs. Recent reports indicate the genotypic heterogeneity of FEDs in different ethnic populations. It is thus essential to understand whether these genes affect the occurrence of FEDs and non-Fuchs’ CD in the local population. In the present study, we screened several reported SNPs (rs2286812, rs17595731 and rs613827 in TCF4; rs7640737 and rs2292245 in PTPRG) in FED and non-Fuchs’ patients with corneal dystrophies of southern Chinese.
Using mobile technologies to develop new ways of teaching and learning

The chapters of this e-book comprise the pedagogical and research endeavours of a team of academics in higher education who worked with mobile learning devices over two years on a project entitled New Technologies: New Pedagogies project: Using mobile technologies to develop new ways of teaching and learning. The project endeavoured to take an innovative approach not only in the creation of new, authentic pedagogies for mobile devices but also in the action learning approach adopted for the professional development of participants. The project involved 15 people including teachers, IT and PD personnel. It was a large and ambitious project that resulted not only in a range of innovative pedagogies, but in the creation of more knowledgeable and confident users of mobile technologies among teachers and students.
Tick Size and Quote Revisions on the NYSE

In this paper, we analyze how tick size affects quote revisions on the NYSE and whether pre-decimalization tick sizes ($1/8 and $1/16) were binding constraints on specialists' spread- and price-quote decisions. We find that the number of quote revisions that involve changes in the spread increased dramatically after the tick-size reduction in 1997. The number of spread-quote revisions is smaller for stocks with lower prices and larger volumes during both the pre and post tick-size change periods. We interpret this result as evidence that the minimum price variation is a binding constraint on absolute spreads even after the tick-size reduction, especially for low-price and/or large-volume stocks. The number of quote revisions that involve changes in the spread (depth) is largest (smallest) during the early hour of trading, suggesting that the minimum price variation is least likely to be the binding constraint on spreads during the early hour of trading. These results suggest that decimalization is likely to further reduce price rigidity and increase price competition. Consistent with this expectation, we find a significant increase in the frequency of spread- and price-quote revisions after decimalization.
Multifocal outbreaks of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to broad-spectrum beta-lactams, including carbapenems

A total of 3,700 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were collected from 17 general hospitals in Japan from 1992 to 1994. Of these isolates, 132 carbapenem-resistant strains were subjected to DNA hybridization analysis with the metallo-beta-lactamase gene (blaIMP)-specific probe. Fifteen strains carrying the metallo-beta-lactamase gene were identified in five hospitals in different geographical areas. Three strains of P. aeruginosa demonstrated high-level imipenem resistance (MIC, > or = 128 micrograms/ml), two strains exhibited low-level imipenem resistance (MIC, < or = 4 micrograms/ml), and the rest of the strains were in between. These results revealed that the acquisition of a metallo-beta-lactamase gene alone does not necessarily confer elevated resistance to carbapenems. In several strains, the metallo-beta-lactamase gene was carried by large plasmids, and carbapenem resistance was transferred from P. aeruginosa to Escherichia coli by electroporation in association with the acquisition of the large plasmid. Southern hybridization analysis and genomic DNA fingerprinting profiles revealed different genetic backgrounds for these 15 isolates, although considerable similarity was observed for the strains isolated from the same hospital. These findings suggest that the metallo-beta-lactamase-producing P. aeruginosa strains are not confined to a unique clonal lineage but proliferated multifocally by plasmid-mediated dissemination of the metallo-beta-lactamase gene in strains of different genetic backgrounds. Thus, further proliferation of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing strains with resistance to various beta-lactams may well be inevitable in the future, which emphasizes the need for early recognition of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing strains, rigorous infection control, and restricted clinical use of broad-spectrum beta-lactams including carbapenems.
Diffusion Approximation of a Scattering Matrix Model of a Semiconductor Superlattice

In this paper we derive a diffusion equation for electron transport in a superlattice. The starting model is a quantum scattering matrix model which relates the phase space density of each superlattice cell to that of the neighboring cells. Then, in the limit of a large number of cells, a diffusion equation for the particle number density in the position-energy space is obtained, which is of the "SHE" (spherical harmonics expansion) type. The diffusion constant retains the memory of the quantum scattering characteristics of the superlattice elementary cell (like, e.g., transmission resonances). An example is treated, for which the diffusion constants are analytically computed.
Luteal phase sertraline treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

OBJECTIVE To test the efficacy of late-luteal phase dosing of sertraline hydrochloride in women with moderate-to-severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This highly prevalent disorder often causes significant psychosocial impairment. DESIGN Double-blind, crossover trial of each 2-menstrual cycle of baseline, sertraline treatment, and placebo. Randomization to sertraline treatment vs placebo occurred after a 2-cycle, drug-free period. SETTING A large outpatient multispecialty clinic in central Texas. PATIENTS Fifty-seven women aged 19 to 49 years with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. INTERVENTIONS Late-luteal phase treatment with sertraline hydrochloride in daily doses of 50 mg (cycle 1) followed by 100 mg (cycle 2) vs placebo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The 22-item calendar of premenstrual experiences was completed daily and constituted the primary outcome measure, consisting of a total score and behavioral and physical factor scores. RESULTS A repeated-measures analysis of variance for crossover designs found a significant beneficial effect from sertraline treatment in improving the calendar of premenstrual experiences total (P < .01), behavioral factor (P < .01), and physical factor (P < .04) scores. Most women improved when taking sertraline, 50 mg, although a dose increase to 100 mg yielded further improvement in approximately 25% of women. Use of sertraline was extremely well tolerated; the only adverse event reported by 10% or more of women was insomnia in 8 (14%) of them. CONCLUSIONS Luteal phase treatment with sertraline was a safe and effective treatment for moderate-to-severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Further controlled studies are needed to confirm the results of this preliminary study.
Ablation of Insulin-Producing Neurons in Flies: Growth and Diabetic Phenotypes

In the fruit fly Drosophila, four insulin genes are coexpressed in small clusters of cells [insulin-producing cells (IPCs)] in the brain. Here, we show that ablation of these IPCs causes developmental delay, growth retardation, and elevated carbohydrate levels in larval hemolymph. All of the defects were reversed by ectopic expression of a Drosophila insulin transgene. On the basis of these functional data and the observation that IPCs release insulin into the circulatory system, we conclude that brain IPCs are the main systemic supply of insulin during larval growth. We propose that IPCs and pancreatic islet β cells are functionally analogous and may have evolved from a common ancestral insulin-producing neuron. Interestingly, the phenotype of flies lacking IPCs includes certain features of diabetes mellitus.
Teaching Medical Error Disclosure to Residents Using Patient-Centered Simulation Training

Purpose To determine whether a standardized patient encounter and self-guided tutorial would improve first-year residents’ self-efficacy for disclosing medical errors. Method In 2011, 55 first-year residents participated in a simulation in which they disclosed an error to a standardized patient playing the part of a family member. Residents completed the simulation twice, four weeks apart, and completed presession knowledge and self-efficacy (based on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education [ACGME] core competencies) assessments and repeated the self-efficacy assessment after the sessions. Residents reviewed the videos of their encounters either alone (self-debrief) or with a faculty observer (faculty debrief). Between sessions, they completed a self-paced learning tutorial. Two external faculty also rated the residents’ performances using videos of the encounters. Results Residents’ self-efficacy significantly increased from a Session 1 pretest mean (standard deviation) score of 119.6 (26.6) to a Session 2 posttest score of 150.3 (24.9) for all ACGME competencies (P < .001, Cohen's d = 1.19). The external reviewers’ ratings provided additional, objective support for residents’ improvement on questions assessing ACGME competencies (P = .001). Comparisons of the self-efficacy of residents in the self-debrief versus faculty debrief groups yielded no significant differences on any ACGME competencies. Conclusions Timely, explicit, and empathetic disclosure of medical errors to patients and family is essential to maintaining trust and is an important part of patient-centered medical care. This intervention easily could be replicated in other settings and is applicable to many members of the health care team, not just to residents.
Perception of Risk of Contracting HIV From Spouses Among Married Women In A Peri-Urban Community Of South West Nigeria

Perception of risk of contracting HIV from spouses was assessed among 390 married women selected from workplaces and households in Omi-Adio, a peri-urban Nigerian community. A pre-tested questionnaire containing a 14-point knowledge scale and focus group discussion guide were used to collect data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square and ANOVA while the qualitative data analysis was by themes. Mean age of respondents was 30.2±2.9 years, 67.2% were in monogamous unions. Mean knowledge score was 7.3±2.9 and was significantly influenced by age and level of education (p<0.05). Unprotected sex was perceived as the major route of infection (96.9%), 95.0% believed that women could get HIV from their spouses and 10.0% of these perceived themselves to be at personal risk. Perceived risk factors for HIV infection from spouses included polygyny (77.2%) and infidelity (51.5%). Main preventive measures identified were mutual faithfulness (82.0%), use of condom (8.5%) and traditional methods (6.7%). FGD respondents proffered satisfying one’s spouse sexually so he doesn’t indulge in extra-marital affairs and providing one’s spouse with condoms as strategies for preventing HIV infection. Culturally sensitive health promotion programmes targeting couples aimed at increasing knowledge and uptake of effective preventive measures to reduce women’s vulnerability are advocated.
Movement Aftereffects Contingent on Binocular Disparity

Five subjects adapted for 30 min to a textured disc lying in front of the fixation point with 0·1 deg(1) crossed disparity, which rotated clockwise at 4 rev/min, alternating with a disc behind the fixation point, with 0·1 deg of arc uncrossed disparity, which rotated anticlockwise. A stationary test field then appeared to rotate anticlockwise when it lay in front of the fixation point, and clockwise when it lay behind. Conversely, a test field in the plane of fixation briefly appeared to lie a few millimetres behind the fixation plane when it rotated clockwise, and in front when it rotated anticlockwise. The movement aftereffect contingent on disparity reappeared each time the test disparity was reversed, but the total duration of each successive aftereffect in the series decreased exponentially with elapsed time. Movement aftereffects contingent on disparity were very much stronger than those contingent on colour and won out over them when disparity was pitted against colour.
[Neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia: psychometric aspects of the Dutch Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI)].

Behavioral and psychological symptoms are highly prevalent in dementia. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory was constructed to measure these symptoms. Data from three studies are presented concerning psychometric aspects of the NPI Dutch version. The NPI was compared to the Revised Memory and Behavioral Problems Checklist (RMBPC) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). In the three selected patient samples prevalence of behavioral or psychological symptoms was as high as 90%. Interrater agreement (n = 19) was very high (kappa > .90). Factor analysis (n = 199) supports NPI construct validity. The NPI items correlated reasonably high (R = .35 - .60) with the relevant RMBPC subscales (n = 24). Although some NPI items did, the NPI total score was not significantly related to the MMSE. The NPI Dutch version can be scored objectively and it is a valid rating scale for measuring a wide range of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Absolute or total lymphocyte count as a marker for the CD4 T lymphocyte criterion for initiating antiretroviral therapy.

We analysed simultaneous CD4, absolute (ALC) and total (TLC) lymphocyte counts of 2057 patients. ALC of 1750 cells/μl or less optimized sensitivity and specificity for predicting CD4 cell counts less than 350 cells/pl. ALC sensitivity/ specificity tended to be higher for blacks, patients under 50 years old, and patients with higher plasma HIV-RNA values. TLC values slightly higher than ALC provided virtually identical results. ALC or TLC may be helpful in deciding when to initiate antiretroviral therapy in resource-poor settings.
Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs Co-Administration Aggravates the Testicular Toxicity of Ethanol in Rats

Alcohol is well documented to affect male fertility. The association between alcohol use disorders and tuberculosis has long been known and well described. Taking into account that both alcohol and anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATD) could have negative impacts on male gonads, an increase in adverse effects is probable. The study aimed to determine combine effects of long-term alcohol consumption and ATD administration on male rat testes CYP2E1 mRNA and protein expression, DNA fragmentation, spermatogenesis parameters, as well as on male reproductive capacity and antenatal development of its posterity. Wistar albino male rats were divided into three groups: I – control (intact animals), II – chronic alcoholism (15% ethanol selfadministration during 150 days): IIIchronic alcoholism + ATD (ethambutol, isoniazid, rifampin and pyrazinamide) administration. ombined effects of chronic alcoholism and ATD led to changes in testicular CYP2E1 mRNA and protein expression, as well as in DNA fragmentation processes. These abnormalities were more expressed in alcoholic with ATD co-administration group as compared with alcoholic group. The revealed disorders at levels of testicular genome and proteome caused negative implications on spermatogenic epithelium quantitative and qualitative parameters, sperm count, male fertility, and postimplantational surviving of its offspring. Thus the ATD administration modulated the impact of long-term alcohol consumption on spermatogenesis and aggravated paternal-mediated negative effects on posterity.
Initial end‐tidal CO2 is markedly elevated during cardiopulmonary resuscitation after asphyxial cardiac arrest

Objectives To compare the initial end-tidal CO2 (PetCO2) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in asphyxial versus ventricular fibrillatory cardiac arrest. Design A cohort study. Setting University research laboratory. Subjects Forty domestic piglets. Interventions Asphyxial cardiac arrest was produced by clamping the endotracheal tube in 20 piglets and was continued for 10 minutes after loss of aortic pulsations occurred. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced by applying 60 Hz of alternating current via a pacing wire to the myocardium of the other 20 piglets, and continued for a 15-minute downtime. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was then provided to each group for two minutes, followed by standard advanced cardiac life support protocols. Measurements and main results All piglets were instrumented for continuous monitoring of PetCO2, electrocardiogram, central venous pressure, and aortic pressure, PetCO2 of the first breath of CPR was 91 ± 20 mmHg in the asphyxial group versus 34 ± 14 mmHg in the VF group (P < 0.001). The asphyxial group continued to exhibit significantly greater PetCO2 for the first five breaths of resuscitation, after which there were no differences. The coronary perfusion pressures during the first breaths of CPR did not differ between the two groups. High initial PetCO2 did not correlate with return of spontaneous circulation. Conclusions End-tidal CO2 during the first five breaths of CPR is much higher after an asphyxial cardiac arrest than VF. In each case, the initial PetCO2 appears to reflect alveolar CO2 prior to CPR. After one minute of CPR, PetCO2 is useful in monitoring the effectiveness of CPR.