Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PATTERN OF ACUTE POISONING ADMISSIONS IN THE MEDICAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Poisonings comprise an important health issue and leading cause of hospital admission and mortalities in developing countries. This study aims to evaluate the incidence, drug utilization pattern and cost of intensive care associated with poisonings in a tertiary care center. Participants comprised of acute poisoning admissions to the Medical Intensive Care unit of A J Hospital & Research Center, Mangalore during 6 months period. Data regarding pattern of poisoning, basic demographics and drug utilisation were collected by retrospective review of patient records Prevalence of poisoning was 35.49 cases per 1,000 hospitalizations. Majority of poisoning cases were observed in the age group between 25-44 years (85%). Intentional self-poisoning to Organophosphorous compounds and drug over dosage by sedatives were the most common patterns of poisoning observed. Parameters related to drug utilization exhibited slight variations with the agent consumed. Mortality rate was less probably due to timely medical management. Prevailing treatment protocols require updating on proper guidelines for better management of poisoning. There is need for stringent pesticide regulation laws and counselling and training programs to reduce incidence of poisonings.
Information presentation compatibility in a simple digital control panel design: eye-tracking study

Various designs of typical digital control panels were analyzed experimentally from both the effectiveness and efficiency points of view. Subjects performed information comparison tasks aimed at keeping vehicle velocity at the same level. The experiment involved two versions of speedometers for displaying current and target velocities (clock-face and digital). The stimuli were also differentiated by the target velocity value (20, 50 and 80 km/h) and the correct response type (increase or decrease). Subjects’ performance results along with the eye-tracking data were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed for all 24 experimental conditions.
Combined processing and mutual interpretation of radiometry and fluorimetry from autonomous profiling Bio‐Argo floats: Chlorophyll a retrieval

[1] Eight autonomous profiling floats equipped with miniaturized radiometers and fluorimeters have collected data in Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean offshore zones. They measured in particular 0–400 m vertical profiles of the downward irradiance at three wavelengths (412, 490, and 555 nm) and of the chlorophyll a fluorescence. Such autonomous sensors collect radiometric data regardless of sky conditions and collect essentially uncalibrated fluorescence data. Usual processing and calibration techniques are no longer usable in such remote conditions and have to be adapted. The proposition here is an interwoven processing by which missing parts of irradiance profiles (due to intermittent cloud occurrence) are interpolated by accounting for possible changes in optical properties (detected by the fluorescence signal) and by which the attenuation coefficient for downward irradiance, used as proxy for [Chl a] (the chlorophyll a concentration), allows the fluorescence signal to be calibrated in absolute units (mg m−3). This method is successfully applied to about 600 irradiance and fluorescence profiles. Validation of the results in terms of [Chl a] is made by matchup with satellite (MODIS-A) chlorophyll (24.3% RMSE, N = 358). Validation of the method is obtained by applying it on similar field data acquired from ships, which, in addition to irradiance and fluorescence profiles, include the [Chl a] HPLC determination, used for final verification.
Dendritic cell activation enhances anti-PD-1 mediated immunotherapy against glioblastoma

Introduction The glioblastoma (GBM) immune microenvironment is highly suppressive as it targets and hinders multiple components of the immune system. Checkpoint blockade (CB) is being evaluated for GBM patients. However, biomarker analyses suggest that CB monotherapy may be effective only in a small fraction of GBM patients. We hypothesized that activation of antigen presentation would increase the therapeutic response to PD-1 blockade. Results We show that activating DCs through TLR3 agonists enhances the anti-tumor immune response to CB and increases survival in GBM. Mice treated with TLR3 agonist poly(I:C) and anti-PD-1 demonstrated increased DC activation and increased T cell proliferation in tumor draining lymph nodes. We show that DCs are necessary for the improved anti-tumor immune response. Conclusions This study suggests that augmenting antigen presentation is an effective multimodal immunotherapy strategy that intensifies anti-tumor responses in GBM. Specifically, these data represent an expanded role for TLR3 agonists as adjuvants to CB. Methods Using a preclinical model of GBM, we tested the efficacy of combinatorial immunotherapy with anti-PD-1 and TLR3 agonist, poly(I:C). Characterization of the immune response in tumor infiltrating immune cells and in secondary lymphoid organs was performed. Additionally, dendritic cell (DC) depletion experiments were performed.
Higher Education Funding Frameworks in SADC

Two sets of issues provide the rationale for an exploration of higher education funding frameworks in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). First, in Africa in general and in SADC in particular, the analysis of higher education financing issues is critical to enhancing access and equity. Currently access and equity are unacceptably low. Moreover, access is highly inequitable in terms of gender, location and socio-economic status. Higher education financing policies must act to address this twin challenge of access and equity. A second and related issue concerns the relationship between higher education and development. There needs to be a greater recognition on the part of African policy makers of the growing importance of higher education for development in its broadest terms (that is, economic, environmental and social). Recognition of the increasing importance of higher education in developing countries will lead to greater attention being paid to how higher education can and should be financed.
Sevoflurane exerts brain-protective effects against sepsis-associated encephalopathy and memory impairment through caspase 3/9 and Bax/Bcl signaling pathway in a rat model of sepsis

Objective We compared the effects of sevoflurane and isoflurane on systemic inflammation, sepsis-associated encephalopathy, and memory impairment in a rat sepsis model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced polymicrobial peritonitis. Methods Twenty-four rats were assigned to sham, CLP, CLP + sevoflurane, and CLP + isoflurane groups. At 72 hours after CLP, the rats underwent behavior tests. Serum cytokines were evaluated. Brain tissue samples were collected for determination of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase; the wet/dry weight ratio; myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA); apoptotic gene release; and histologic examinations. Results The MPO level, wet/dry weight ratio, and histopathology scores were lower and the Bcl2a1 and Bcl2l2 expressions were upregulated in both the CLP + sevoflurane and CLP + isoflurane groups compared with the CLP group. The interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, MDA, and caspase 3, 8, and 9 levels were lower; the GPX, SOD, Bax, Bcl2, and Bclx levels were higher; and non-associative and aversive memory were improved in the CLP + sevoflurane group compared with the CLP + isoflurane group. Conclusion Sevoflurane decreased apoptosis and oxidative injury and improved memory in this experimental rat model of CLP. Sevoflurane sedation may protect against brain injury and memory impairment in septic patients.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Adsorption onto Graphene: A DFT and AIMD Study

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and ab-initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations were performed to understand graphene and its interaction with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) molecules. The adsorption energy was predicted to increase with the number of aromatic rings in the adsorbates, and linearly correlate with the hydrophobicity of PAHs. Additionally, the analysis of the electronic properties showed that PAHs behave as mild n-dopants and introduce electrons into graphene; but do not remarkably modify the band gap of graphene, indicating that the interaction between PAHs and graphene is physisorption. We have also discovered highly sensitive strain dependence on the adsorption strength of PAHs onto graphene surface. The AIMD simulation indicated that a sensitive and fast adsorption process of PAHs can be achieved by choosing graphene as the adsorbent. These findings are anticipated to shed light on the future development of graphene-based materials with potential applications in the capture and removal of persistent aromatic pollutants.
Guanidinoacetic acid supplementation in broiler chickens fed on corn-soybean diets affects performance in the finisher period and energy metabolites in breast muscle independent of diet nutrient density

ABSTRACT (1) Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is the single immediate endogenous precursor of creatine (Cr). It was hypothesised that dietary GAA would have different effects on performance and energy metabolites in breast muscle depending on the nutrient density (ND) of corn-soybean-based diets. (2) A total of 540 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were allocated to 9 dietary treatments with 6 replicates (10 birds each) in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with three levels of ND (low, 2800; medium, 2950 and high, 3100 kcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg; and with the other nutrients being constant relative to ME) and supplemented with three levels of GAA (0, 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg) in a 42-d feeding trial. (3) In the starter and grower periods, increasing levels of ND improved body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR), with the exception of ADFI in the starter period. GAA supplementation did not affect performance characteristics. All performance indicators responded markedly to increasing ND in the finisher period, whereas the highest GAA level reduced ADFI compared to the unsupplemented control (156 vs. 162 g/d) and concomitantly FCR (1.81 vs. 1.93). No interactive effects were noted for any performance trait. The high ND diet resulted in more breast meat yield on d42, associated with higher fat content and darker colour compared to the other ND levels. The GAA supplementation did not affect carcass and breast traits. At the end of the experiment, Cr was elevated when feeding GAA at 1.2 g/kg (5455 vs. 4338 mg/kg fresh muscle). (4) To conclude, ND had a substantial effect on performance and carcass traits, whereas any effect of GAA was limited to FCR in the finisher period and independent of diet ND level.
Dietary specialization is linked to reduced species durations in North American fossil canids

How traits influence species persistence is a fundamental question in ecology, evolution and palaeontology. We test the relationship between dietary traits and both species duration and locality coverage over 40 million years in North American canids, a clade with considerable ecomorphological disparity and a dense fossil record. Because ecomorphological generalization—broad resource use—may enable species to withstand disturbance, we predicted that canids of average size and mesocarnivory would exhibit longer durations and wider distributions than specialized larger or smaller species. Second, because locality coverage might reflect dispersal ability and/or survivability in a range of habitats, we predicted that high coverage would correspond with longer durations. We find a nonlinear relationship between species duration and degree of carnivory: species at either end of the carnivory spectrum tend to have shorter durations than mesocarnivores. Locality coverage shows no relationship with size, diet or duration. To test whether generalization (medium size, mesocarnivory) corresponds to an adaptive optimum, we fit trait evolution models to previously generated canid phylogenies. Our analyses identify no single optimum in size or diet. Instead, the primary model of size evolution is a classic Cope's Rule increase over time, while dietary evolution does not conform to a single model.
One-Month Global Longitudinal Strain Identifies Patients Who Will Develop Pacing-Induced Left Ventricular Dysfunction over Time: The Pacing and Ventricular Dysfunction (PAVD) Study

Background Predicting which individuals will have a decline in left ventricular (LV) function after pacemaker implantation remains an important challenge. We investigated whether LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), measured by 2D speckle tracking strain echocardiography, can identify patients at risk of pacing-induced left ventricular dysfunction (PIVD) or pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICMP). Methods Fifty-five patients with atrioventricular block and preserved LV function underwent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation and were followed with serial transthoracic echocardiography for 12 months for the development of PIVD (defined as a reduction in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥5 percentage points at 12 months) or PICMP (reduction in LVEF to <45%). Results At 12 months, 15 (27%) patients developed PIVD; of these, 4 patients developed PICMP. At one month, GLS was significantly lower in the 15 patients who subsequently developed PIVD, compared to those who did not (n = 40) (GLS -12.6 vs. -16.4 respectively; p = 0.022). When patients with PICMP were excluded, one month GLS was significantly reduced compared to baseline whereas LVEF was not. One-month GLS had high predictive accuracy for determining subsequent development of PIVD or PICMP (AUC = 0.80, optimal GLS threshold: <−14.5, sensitivity 82%, specificity 75%); and particularly PICMP (AUC = 0.86, optimal GLS threshold: <−13.5, sensitivity 100%, specificity 71%). Conclusions GLS is a novel predictor of decline in LV systolic function following pacemaker implantation, with the potential to identify patients at risk of PIVD before measurable changes in LVEF are apparent. GLS measured one month after implantation has high predictive accuracy for identifying patients who later develop PIVD or PICMP.
The Neighborhood Hyperlocal

Closure of local newspapers and other community weeklies across the United States has severely affected local news coverage, leading concerned citizens and journalists to start hyperlocal news sites in their neighborhoods. Similar to community weeklies, these sites focus on a small, geographically defined area and are usually created to fill a certain gap in news coverage. Few studies, however, reveal much about these sites especially in the United States, including information about those who work for them and whether they are a harbinger of new forms journalism or simply reflections of traditional media. This study examined the social characteristics of those who work in these sites, their perceptions of journalistic behaviors they follow when working with user-generated content and their attitudes towards user-generated content within the theoretical framework of hierarchy of influences and gatekeeping. Findings reveal that journalistic routines and behaviors of the respondents working in hyperlocal media are similar to those practiced by journalists in mainstream media. Implications and future studies are addressed.
Recent trends in the modeling of cellulose hydrolysis

This work reviews recent trends in the modeling of cellulose hydrolysis, within the perspective of application of kinetic models in a bioreactor engineering framework, including scale-up, design and process optimization. From this point of view, despite the phenomenological insight that mechanistic models can provide, the expectation that more detailed approaches could be a basis for extrapolations to different substrates and/or enzymatic pools is still not fulfilled. The complexity of the lignocellulosic matrix, the different mechanisms of catalytic action, the role of mass transfer limitations and the deviations from ideal mixing are important difficulties for the modeler, which will continue to impose more conservative approaches for scale-up. Nevertheless, the search for more robust models is a very important task, provided that the engineer is aware of their limitations. Data-driven, non-mechanistic models such as artificial neural networks, perhaps in combination with other approaches in the so-called hybrid models, is also a promising alternative.
Clinical characteristics and predictors of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol target achievement in Chinese Han patients with coronary artery disease and either preserved or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction

Objective: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and predictors of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target achievement in Chinese Han patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and either preserved (≥50%) or reduced (<50%) left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: There were 1,016 patients with CAD enrolled, including 693 with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and 323 with stable CAD. The LDL-C target was defined according to the ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias (2011). Patients were stratified into two groups based on their LVEF and LDL-C target attainment and compared to identify differences in their clinical characteristics and achievement of the LDL-C target. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with LDL-C target attainment. Results: Compared to patients with preserved LVEF (n=854), those with reduced LVEF (n=162) had higher age, uric acid, creatinine, cardiac troponin I, and left atrial (LA) and LV diameters (all P<0.05). Furthermore, a higher ratio of patients with reduced LVEF achieved the LDL-C target and had ST-elevation myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes (all P<0.05). When patients were stratified based on their LDL-C target attainment, those without LDL-C target achievement had higher white blood cell and neutrophil granulocyte counts, hemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate , and LVEF; but lower age, uric acid, creatinine, and LA and LV diameters (all P<0.05). Multivariable regression analysis showed that a history of ACS (OR: 2.110, 95% CI: 1.322-3.507, P=0.016) and hemoglobin concentration (OR: 0.781, 95% CI: 0.642-0.910, P=0.033) were independent predictors of LDL-C target attainment. Conclusions: Chinese Han patients with CAD showed differences in their clinical characteristics and LDL-C target attainment depending upon whether their LVEF was preserved or reduced. Furthermore, the independent predictors of achieving the LDL-C target were a history of ACS and hemoglobin concentration.
Optimal Equity Infusions in Interbank Networks

We study optimal equity infusions into a financial network prone to the risk of contagious failures, which may be due to insolvency or to bank runs by short term creditors. Bank runs can be triggered by failures of connected banks. Under complete information on interbank linkages, we show that the problem reduces to a combinatorial optimization problem. Subject to budget constraints, the government chooses the set of minimal cost whose survival induces the maximum network stability. Our results demonstrate that the optimal equity infusion might significantly mitigate failure contagion risk and stabilize the system. In the case of partial information on the network, the controllers' focus swiftly changes from preventing insolvencies to preventing runs by short term creditors.
Determining total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in fruits and flowers of naturally grown

Arbutus andrachne L. is widespread as Mediterranean enclave in the Black Sea Region, while it is found naturally in the Mediterranean and Aegean Region of Turkey. In this study, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were determined in the fruits and flowers of A. andrachne samples obtained from Artvin. The antioxidant activity was analyzed using the DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP methods. In addition, while the total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, the aluminum chloride assay was used to measure the total flavonoid content. According to the results, the flowers of A. andrachne have higher contents in respect to antioxidant activity (104.81±4.75 μmol FeSO4.7H2O/g dry sample), phenolic (43.57±2.85 mg GA/g dry sample) and flavonoid (114.28±1.49 mg Que/g dry sample) than its fruits. It was concluded that the flowers and fruits of A. andrachne are good source of phenolic and antioxidant.
Context Aware Sentiment Analysis

Online service providers want to provide best services to their customers and users. To provide them with high quality of services they rely on the feedback they get from the customers, in the form of reviews. These reviews about their services can be found on the provider’s website or on the online communities like Yelp. For a popular product or service, it is normal that there could be thousands of reviews, with so many reviews to read and understand what customers are feeling, could be a daunting task for the providers. So, researchers are trying to find ways that could automatically process these huge number of customer reviews and provide insight to the providers, about the customers’ opinions or sentiments about their service or product. Moreover, finding just the sentiments of users is not enough, as most of the algorithms do not consider the context of the review. This paper focuses on describing various methods that do the task of finding sentiments based on the context and aspect.
Operational Risk and Risk Management Quality: Evidence from U.S. Bank Holding Companies

This study documents the association between the quality of risk management practices and operational losses at large U.S. financial institutions. Using detailed supervisory data, we find that companies with weak risk management practices experience higher and more volatile operational losses. We also present evidence that the strength of risk management practices prior to the 2008–2009 Financial Crisis has explanatory power over losses during the crisis period. Our analysis provides new evidence of the importance of risk management practices for curtailing risk at financial institutions.