Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring Airway Obstruction in Severe Asthma in Children

Lung function is an important tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with asthma at all ages. Airway obstruction is a typical feature of asthma and it can be assessed with several lung function techniques. Spirometry, respiratory resistance and reactance, and lung volumes are available to measure it at different ages and in children. The assessment of a bronchodilator response is always recommended to show the reversibility of the obstruction. Poor lung function is a predictor of poor asthma outcome and a low Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second of expiration percent predicted measured with spirometry, has been shown to be associated with a higher risk of having an exacerbation during the following year independently of the presence of asthma symptoms. In severe asthma lung function assessment is used to distinguish different phenotypes, children with severe asthma have worse airflow limitation prior to administration of a bronchodilator than children with non severe asthma. Airway resistance and reactance are indirect measurements of airway obstruction and they can be measured with the forced oscillation technique, which is feasible also in non-collaborative children. This technique can be more informative in discriminating patients with asthma from healthy controls and is able to indicate a more peripheral involvement of the airways. The role of this technique in severe asthma is still debated. In conclusion lung function is useful in the clinical management of children with severe asthma.
Trading pounds for points: Engagement and weight loss in a mobile health intervention

Objective The objective of this study was to describe participant engagement and examine predictors of weight loss and points earned through the point-based incentive system of the Social Pounds Off Digitally (POD) app. Materials and methods Overweight and obese adults with Android smartphones/tablets (body mass index 25–49.9 kg/m2; N = 24) were recruited for a 3-month weight loss intervention. Participants completed a survey assessing demographics and personality and had their weight measured. Participants received the content of the intervention via podcasts and used the Social POD app to self-monitor diet, physical activity, and weight. The Social POD app contained: tracking features; in-app notifications to track; pre-set goals for tracking; newsfeed for updates on others’ goal attainment; ability to earn and track points for usage (exchanged for study-provided prizes); and a message screen. Analyses examined relationships between percent weight loss, personality characteristics, and total points earned. Results A total of 4843 points were earned (mean = 202 ± 105 points/participant). Most participants earned all three prizes (62.5%), followed by two prizes (21%), no prizes (12.5%), and one prize (4%). Total points earned significantly predicted percent weight loss (B = −0.02, p = .01), and higher conscientiousness significantly predicted greater total points earned (B = 10.27, p = .01), but other personality characteristics assessed did not. Conclusion A mobile app yielded moderately high participant engagement, as demonstrated by points earned. Earning points was significantly associated with percent weight loss, and conscientiousness was significantly associated with total points earned. Future research should examine whether point systems impact health behavior and weight loss when rewards are discontinued. Clinical trial registration number NCT02344836
Multi ‘omics comparison reveals metabolome biochemistry, not microbiome composition or gene expression, corresponds to elevated biogeochemical function in the hyporheic zone

Biogeochemical hotspots are pervasive at terrestrial-aquatic interfaces, particularly within groundwater-surface water mixing zones (hyporheic zones), and they are critical to understanding spatiotemporal variation in biogeochemical cycling. Here, we use multi ‘omic comparisons of hotspots to low-activity sediments to gain mechanistic insight into hyporheic zone organic matter processing. We hypothesized that microbiome structure and function, as described by metagenomics and metaproteomics, would distinguish hotspots from low-activity sediments through a shift towards carbohydrate-utilizing metabolic pathways and elucidate discrete mechanisms governing organic matter processing in each location. We also expected these differences to be reflected in the metabolome, whereby hotspot carbon (C) pools and metabolite transformations therein would be enriched in sugar-associated compounds. In contrast to expectations, we found pronounced phenotypic plasticity in the hyporheic zone microbiome that was denoted by similar microbiome structure, functional potential, and expression across sediments with dissimilar metabolic rates. Instead, diverse nitrogenous metabolites and biochemical transformations characterized hotspots. Metabolomes also corresponded more strongly to aerobic metabolism than bulk C content only (explaining 67% vs. 42% of variation), and bulk C did not improve statistical models based on metabolome composition alone. These results point to organic nitrogen as a significant regulatory factor influencing hyporheic zone organic matter processing. Based on our findings, we propose incorporating knowledge of metabolic pathways associated with different chemical fractions of C pools into ecosystem models will enhance prediction accuracy.
Video Data Modeling Using Sequential Correspondence Hierarchical Dirichlet Processes

Video data mining based on topic models as an emerging technique recently has become a very popular research topic. In this paper, we present a novel topic model named sequential correspondence hierarchical Dirichlet processes (Seq-cHDP) to learn the hidden structure within video data. The Seq-cHDP model can be deemed as an extended hierarchical Dirichlet processes (HDP) model containing two important features: one is the time-dependency mechanism that connects neighboring video frames on the basis of a time dependent Markovian assumption, and the other is the correspondence mechanism that provides a solution for dealing with the multimodal data such as the mixture of visual words and speech words extracted from video files. A cascaded Gibbs sampling method is applied for implementing the inference task of Seq-cHDP. We present a comprehensive evaluation for Seq-cHDP through experimentation and finally demonstrate that Seq-cHDP outperforms other baseline models. key words: bayesian nonparametric methods, multimedia machine learning, hierarchical Dirichlet processes, topic models
With a Little Help From My Boss: The Impact of Workplace Mental Health Training on Leader Behaviors and Employee Resource Utilization

Mental health problems are among the costliest issues facing organizations in the developed world. In response to the mounting burdens surrounding poor employee mental health, many organizations have introduced mental health promotion programs and resources (e.g., employee assistance programs). Despite the rise in available options, very few employees use these resources to their full potential. Using a wait-list control design with random assignment, we evaluate the impact of a leader-focused mental health training on employees’ (N = 82; 51.25% response rate) resource use and leaders’ (N = 37; 56.92% response rate) communication about mental health and mental health resources. Based on other-report data from employees, leaders who received training shared more information about mental health and mental health resources, were more supportive of employees’ mental health issues, and actively encouraged employees to use available resources. Employees whose leaders attended the training also reported increased willingness to seek out and use available resources. For leaders who attend training and complete three waves of data collection, results suggest that a 3-hr mental health training may lead to significant behavioral change up to 3 months posttraining.
Politics of Anxiety, Politics of Hope: Penal Populism and Duterte's Rise to Power

Citizens who support populist leaders are often portrayed in negative terms. They are disparaged for their prejudice and naiveté, some even earning the label “basket of deplorables” from Hillary Clinton. Rodrigo Duterte's supporters were not exempted from such criticism. In the 2016 Philippine presidential race, they were pejoratively labelled Dutertards, which pathologised their fervent and unrelenting support for the controversial candidate. This article interrogates such depictions by examining the logics that underpin Duterte's strong public support. I argue that part of Duterte's appeal hinges on “penal populism,” built on two political logics that reinforce each other: the politics of anxiety and the politics of hope. While the former foregrounds the language of crisis, danger and uncertainty, the latter reclaims democratic agency. The article examines the articulations of these logics among Duterte's supporters based on ethnographic fieldwork in disaster-affected communities where Duterte enjoyed decisive victories.
Meta-Analysis of the Surgical and Rehabilitative Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in Athletes With Femoroacetabular Impingement.

OBJECTIVES Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) poses a threat to athletes' capacity to compete. This review aims to estimate the rate of return to sport after hip arthroscopy for treatment of FAI as well as identify factors that may affect athletes' outcomes. DESIGN Meta-analysis. METHODS Four databases (EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were searched in July 2015 by 2 reviewers. Studies were required to include athletes who were treated with hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI and also report return to sport as an outcome. A validated tool was used for quality assessment and level of agreement between raters was calculated. A meta-analysis for proportions returning to sport was performed on the available data using MedCalc software. Additional outcomes were descriptively analyzed. RESULTS A total of 15 case series involving 823 patients were included in the review, with moderate to high methodological quality. 88.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 83.4%-92.4%] of athletes returned to sport after arthroscopy and 85.3% (95% CI, 77.6%-91.6%) returned to preinjury level. All outcome measures used reported measurable improvements. Complication rates were low. CONCLUSIONS The majority of athletes return to sport after hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI. Severity of intraarticular damage and degree of degenerative changes affect ability to return to sport. Additional validated outcome measures should be used together with return to sport. Future studies should be prospective with longer-term follow-up to provide a higher level of evidence for outcomes.
Perceptions of control legitimacy in information systems development

Purpose Existing studies of information systems development (ISD) control commonly examine controller-centric considerations, such as the antecedents and performance impacts of control mode choices. In contrast, little is known about the controllee-centric factors that may influence the effectiveness of control activities. Drawing on institutional theory, the purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of control legitimacy to the ISD literature – a concept that past organizational research has linked to outcomes such as employee commitment and performance. Specifically, the authors explore how different dimensions of control activities (mode, degree, style) relate to controllee perceptions of control legitimacy in terms of justice, autonomy, group identification, and competence development. Design/methodology/approach Interviews were conducted with 20 practitioners across three companies. A structured data coding approach was employed and analysis was conducted within and across each case study. Findings The authors find that the control degree and control style can help explain control legitimacy perceptions better than control modes alone. For example, the results suggest that formal controls enacted in a bilateral style correspond with higher perceptions of justice and autonomy, when compared to formal controls enacted in a unilateral style. Originality/value The study results imply that ISD managers should be increasingly mindful of enacting controls in a way that is perceived to be legitimate by subordinates, thereby potentially enhancing both staff well-being and ISD performance.
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 15-mediated glycocalyx shedding contributes to vascular leakage during inflammation

Abstract Aims Endothelial hyperpermeability exacerbates multiple organ damage during inflammation or infection. The endothelial glycocalyx, a protective matrix covering the luminal surface of endothelial cells (ECs), undergoes enzymatic shedding during inflammation, contributing to barrier hyperpermeability. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 15 (ADAM15) is a sheddase capable of cleaving the ectodomains of membrane-bound molecules. Herein, we tested whether and how ADAM15 is involved in glycocalyx shedding and vascular leakage during sepsis. Methods and results Dextran-150kD exclusion assay revealed lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly reduced glycocalyx thickness in mouse cremaster microvessels. Consistently, shedding products of glycocalyx constituents, including CD44 ectodomain, were detected with an increased plasma level after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis. The direct effects of CD44 ectodomain on endothelial barrier function were evaluated, which revealed CD44 ectodomain dose-dependently reduced transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) and caused cell–cell adherens junction disorganization. Furthermore, we examined the role of ADAM15 in CD44 cleavage and glycocalyx shedding. An in vitro cleavage assay coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry confirmed ADAM15 cleaved CD44 at His235-Thr236 bond. In ECs with ADAM15 knockdown, LPS-induced CD44 cleavage and TER reduction were greatly attenuated, whereas, ADAM15 overexpression exacerbated CD44 cleavage and TER response to LPS. Consistently, ADAM15 knockout in mice attenuated CLP-induced increase in plasma CD44. Intravital and electron microscopic images revealed ADAM15 deficiency prevented LPS-induced glycocalyx injury in cremaster and pulmonary microvasculatures. Functionally, ADAM15−/− mice with better-preserved glycocalyx exhibited resistance to LPS-induced vascular leakage, as evidenced by reduced albumin extravasation in pulmonary and mesenteric vessels. Importantly, in intact, functionally vital human lungs, perfusion of LPS induced a significant up-regulation of ADAM15, accompanied by elevated CD44 in the effluent and increased vascular permeability to albumin. Conclusion Together, our data support the critical role of ADAM15 in mediating vascular barrier dysfunction during inflammation. Its mechanisms of action involve CD44 shedding and endothelial glycocalyx injury.
The Pendulum of Dynamic Interactions

In this paper, we present evidence to show that the dynamics of rigid solid bodies is not a closed discipline, particularly in the field of rotational dynamics. From the observation of bodies with intrinsic rotation in our universe, our research group proposes new dynamic hypotheses that explain the behaviour observed when these bodies are subject to new simultaneous non-coaxial rotations. A new gyroscopic conical pendulum was designed for this purpose. Experimental tests initially conducted with this new gyroscopic conical pendulum were repeated for their recording on video, which accompanied this paper for better understanding thereof. These experimental tests positively confirm the new Theory of Dynamic Interactions, and its dynamic laws, which help us to understand the behaviour of this pendulum and, in general, that of the baryonic mass when it is subject to non-coaxial simultaneous rotations. It thus provides a better understanding of the nature and the dynamic behaviour of our universe.
Comparison of electrode position between round window and cochleostomy inserting approaches among young children: a cone-beam computed tomography study

Abstract Background: As the two most commonly used approaches for cochlear implants (CIs), the round-window insertion (RWI) and cochleostomy are still controversial about which approach is optimal. The lack of visual observation methods makes it difficult to compare the electrode position between them. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the electrode position between RWI and cochleostomy approaches for CI among young children. Materials and methods: Twenty-four patients (16 male, 8 female) accepting CI and temporal cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan post-operation in our hospital from January 2016 to July 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Operative notes and images were used to identify the surgical technique. Mainly depending on the round-window exposure, 15 cochleae were performed with RWI and 11 performed with cochleostomy. Results: Mean age, 2.4 (range 0.8–7) years. The CBCT images showed that all the electrode arrays were located in scala tympani. There were no significantly statistical differences in the distance between electrode contacts and modiolus (EMI), intracochlear insertion length and the angle of electrode arrays at the insertion site of the cochlea. Conclusions and significance: Both approaches could insert electrodes into scala tympani satisfactorily. As electrodes and cochlear structures could be clearly visualized, CBCT can be applied to assess the electrode position reliably.
The feasibility of delivering constraint-induced language therapy via the Internet

Objective This study is designed to determine the feasibility of the provision of an evidenced-based aphasia therapy, constraint-induced language therapy, via telerehabilitation. It describes the computer software that was developed specifically for the delivery of constraint-induced language therapy in the online environment and presents two case studies. Methods Two participants with chronic aphasia were assessed before and after a two-week intensive treatment block of constraint-induced language therapy delivered via Web-based videoconferencing. The group-based, dual card request game utilized in face-to-face constraint-induced language therapy was transformed into an innovative and user-friendly Web-based game – Internet constraint-induced language therapy (iCILT). Participants accessed iCILT via the Internet from their own home every weekday for two weeks. Language and quality of life measures were administered pre- and post-therapy in order to detect treatment effects. Participant satisfaction information was also recorded. Results Online delivery of iCILT was technically feasible and participant satisfaction was high with a number of benefits associated with telerehabilitation identified by participants. Post-treatment performance for language functioning and communication-related quality of life was variable for each participant, however improvements in naming were noted. Conclusions Constraint-induced language therapy delivered via telerehabilitation may be a feasible alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy for people with chronic aphasia.
Distinct phenotype of kidney stone formers with renal phosphate leak

Background Hypercalciuria is the most frequent metabolic disorder encountered in kidney stone formers (SF). Reduced renal phosphate reabsorption (i.e. renal phosphate leak) was proposed to be a driver of hypercalciuria in calcium SF. However, the phenotype of SF with renal phosphate leak remains poorly defined and the association of renal phosphate leak with stone history, stone composition and bone mineral density (BMD) has not been studied. Methods To fill these knowledge gaps, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis in a cohort of 555 idiopathic calcareous SF. The ratio of tubular maximum reabsorption of phosphate to glomerular filtration rate (TmP/GFR) was used to evaluate renal phosphate transport. Results Multivariable regression analyses revealed a negative association of parathyroid hormone (PTH), a positive association of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) but no association of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) with TmP/GFR. SF with low TmP/GFR had their first stone event at a younger age and were more likely to have a positive family history of kidney stones. In addition, urinary calcium excretion and prevalence of brushite stones were significantly higher in SF with low TmP/GFR. However, BMD, measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, was not associated with TmP/GFR in SF. Conclusions Renal phosphate handling has a strong heritable component in SF and correlates with PTH, 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D, but not with FGF23 levels. Furthermore, a low TmP/GFR (i.e. a renal phosphate leak) is associated with higher urinary calcium excretion and an increased prevalence of brushite stones.
Facebook users' loneliness based on different types of interpersonal relationships: Links to grandiosity and envy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate: first, the effects of a user’s grandiosity on the loneliness of another user on Facebook who detected it in terms of his/her well-being status; second, the mediational role of envy between grandiosity and loneliness; and, third, whether different effects are given on narcissism, envy, and loneliness depending on social or para-social relationships on Facebook. Design/methodology/approach This study’s focus is to investigate how observing others’ grandiose behaviors impact on individuals’ feeling of loneliness. The authors propose that this relationship is mediated by the feeling of envy. The authors further postulate that social relationships that participants may have with other Facebook users would play a key role in feeling different types of envy (i.e. malicious vs benign). Therefore, the current study employed a 2 (levels of grandiosity: high vs low) × 2 (social relationship: para-social vs social) between-subjects design. Findings The authors found that one’s grandiosity as reflected on Facebook significantly affects other users’ loneliness through malicious envy. However, no moderated mediation via envy (either benign or malicious) was found within the social relationship group. Originality/value Social comparison generated by the use of Facebook was found to have an effect on the user’s loneliness through the mediation of envy. In particular, the possibility that such effects could be triggered in para-social relationships was identified.