Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of aqueous extract of prismatomeris glabra root on non-spatial memory in rats using object discrimination test

The aqueous extract of Prismatomeris glabra root has been used traditionally in Malaysia by the aborigines and certain rural Malays for its ergogenic effects, to maintain wellness and to enhance physical stamina. It has also been used as an aphrodisiac for generations in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Previous studies have shown that plants with ergogenic effects may also act as a stimulant and impair cognitive function. Therefore, we seek to investigate the effects of P. glabra on non-spatial memory in male Sprague Dawley rats using object recognition test. Trial rats were injected intraperitoneally with an aqueous extract of P. glabra roots at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg for the acute (30 min) and subacute (7 days) studies. Scopolamine (0.3 mg/kg) was used as a positive control only in the acute study meanwhile control rats were injected with saline. The locomotor activity of rats was also determined in the same test. We demonstrated that groups treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg of the extract lost their ability to discriminate the novel from familiar object in choice phase and did not alter the locomotor activity in both studies. Our results also indicated that the deficits in non-spatial working memory occured at these doses were not due to impaired locomotor activity.
Validity problems comparing values across cultures and possible solutions.

The authors argue that commonly used ranking and rating methods of value surveys may have low validity in cross-cultura l value comparisons because participants' reports about values can be affected by factors such as cultural differences in the meaning of particular value terms as well as the possibility that some value judgments are based on social comparison or deprivation rather than on any "direct reading" of personal preferences. Four different value survey methods—ranking, rating, attitude scale, and behavioral scenario methods—were compared. It was found that ranking and rating methods of assessing differences between Chinese and Americans had low convergence with each other and with the criterion of cultural experts' independent judgments. Attitude questions had slight and nonsignificant convergence with the expert judgment criterion. A scenario method of value assessment, however, yielded reasonable criterion validity.
Descriptions of members of the Simulium damnosum complex (Diptera: Simuliidae) from southern Africa, Ethiopia and Tanzania

Abstract This paper presents cytotaxonomic details of five populations of the Simulium damnosum complex from South Africa, Swaziland and Ethiopia. The 'Nkusi SW' and 'Pienaars' forms are newly designated members of the complex from South Africa, but the taxonomic rank of an isolate indistinguishable chromosomally from the 'Nkusi' cytoform remains unclear. From Ethiopia two cytoforms were identified, one of which shares two diagnostic chromosome inversions with the cytoform 'Kisiwani' from Tanzania. The second form belongs to S. kaffaense, and is the suspected local vector of Onchocerca volvulus. In addition, a re-analysis of the cytoform 'Kibwezi' from north–eastern Tanzania provided further insights into its population subdivision, and its genetic and morphological characteristics. Cytotaxonomic similarities between 'Kibwezi', S. mengense and S. pandanophilum, along with their biogeography, indicate a relict status of each of these taxa.
Medical professionalism in the age of online social networking

The rapid emergence and exploding usage of online social networking forums, which are frequented by millions, present clinicians with new ethical and professional challenges. Particularly among a younger generation of physicians and patients, the use of online social networking forums has become widespread. In this article, we discuss ethical challenges facing the patient–doctor relationship as a result of the growing use of online social networking forums. We draw upon one heavily used and highly trafficked forum, Facebook, to illustrate the elements of these online environments and the ethical challenges peculiar to their novel form of exchange. Finally, we present guidelines for clinicians to negotiate responsibly and professionally their possible uses of these social forums.
Toward Information Diffusion Model for Viral Marketing in Business

Current obstacles in the study of social media marketing include dealing with massive data and real-time updates have motivated to contribute solutions that can be adopted for viral marketing. Since information diffusion and social networks are the core of viral marketing, this article aims to investigate the constellation of diffusion methods for viral marketing. Studies on diffusion methods for viral marketing have applied different computational methods, but a systematic investigation of these methods has limited. Most of the literature have focused on achieving objectives such as influence maxi-mization or community detection. Therefore, this article aims to conduct an in-depth review of works related to diffusion for viral marketing. Viral marketing has applied to business-to-consumer transactions but has seen limited adoption in business-to-business transactions. The literature review reveals a lack of new diffusion methods, especially in dynamic and large-scale networks. It also offers insights into applying various mining methods for viral marketing. It discusses some of the challenges, limitations, and future research directions of information diffusion for viral marketing. The article also introduces a viral marketing informa-tion diffusion model. The proposed model attempts to solve the dynamicity and large-scale data of social networks by adopting incremental clustering and a stochastic differential equation for business-to-business transactions.
Acute pancreatitis in Hong Kong

A series of 311 Chinese patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, over a 10‐year period is reviewed. Biliary tract disease was associated with pancreatitis in 52.4 per cent of patients and 77.9 per cent of them had stones, mud or parasites in the common bile duct. Fever and jaundice were present in 55 per cent and 41.2 per cent of patients respectively. Because of the prevalence of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis among the indigenous population, emergency operation, with the aim of common duct decompression, was conducted in 54.3 per cent of patients during the acute episode, with a mortality rate of 14.8 per cent. Five of 142 patients (3.5 per cent) died whilst on conservative treatment and all 5 had haemorrhagic pancreatitis. The overall mortality rate was 9.6 per cent. Exploration of the common bile duct, which was carried out in 57.4 per cent of patients in the acute phase, was not associated with a higher mortality than when laparotomy alone was performed, and 19 patients had sphincteroplasty without any death. Subtotal pancreatectomy was performed in 2 patients with haemorrhagic pancreatitis with 1 death.
Whorfian Effects in Color Perception: Deep or Shallow?

This paper discusses, from the point of view of the philosophy of psychology, recent behavioral and brain studies showing effects of the diversity of language vocabulary on color perception. I examine the alternative between two different interpretations of these so-called whorfian effects, namely habitual or deep whorfianism, and shallow whorfianism. I argue that at the moment the evidence underdetermines both interpretations and the question is open. I also clarify that shallow whorfianism is not a synonym for ‘trivial whorfianism’, as some authors have suggested, but rather makes a case for the online and situated nature of human cognition.
Designing sociotechnical systems with cognitive work analysis: putting theory back into practice

Cognitive work analysis (CWA) is a framework of methods for analysing complex sociotechnical systems. However, the translation from the outputs of CWA to design is not straightforward. Sociotechnical systems theory provides values and principles for the design of sociotechnical systems which may offer a theoretically consistent basis for a design approach for use with CWA. This article explores the extent to which CWA and sociotechnical systems theory offer complementary perspectives and presents an abstraction hierarchy (AH), based on a review of literature, that describes an ‘optimal’ CWA and sociotechnical systems theory design system. The optimal AH is used to assess the extent to which current CWA-based design practices, uncovered through a survey of CWA practitioners, aligns with sociotechnical systems theory. Recommendations for a design approach that would support the integration of CWA and sociotechnical systems theory design values and principles are also derived. Practitioner Summary: Cognitive work analysis (CWA) is commonly used by ergonomics practitioners for evaluating complex systems and informing the development of design improvements. Despite this, translation from analysis to design is not straightforward. Building upon synergies between CWA and sociotechnical systems design principles, recommendations for a design toolkit are specified.
Early levels of HIV-1 DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells are predictive of disease progression independently of HIV-1 RNA levels and CD4+ T cell counts.

BACKGROUND The objective of this work was to assess the role of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reservoirs in the risk of disease progression, by studying the relationship between HIV DNA level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and progression toward acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). METHODS HIV-1 DNA levels in PBMCs were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction for 383 patients enrolled in the SEROCO Cohort Study who had experienced seroconversion and had been followed up for >8 years. We compared the predictive values of HIV DNA level, HIV RNA level, and CD4+ cell count. RESULTS Between 6 and 24 months after seroconversion, HIV DNA level was a major predictor of progression to AIDS independently of HIV RNA level and CD4+ T cell count (adjusted relative risk [RR] for a 1-log(10) increase, 3.20 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.70-6.00]). HIV DNA level was also a major predictor of disease progression during the first 6 months after seroconversion (adjusted RR, 4.16 [95% CI, 1.70-10.21]), when HIV RNA level and CD4+ T cell count were less predictive. Thus, a combination of these 3 markers provides the best estimate of the risk of disease progression for each patient. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that HIV DNA level could be a useful additional marker in clinical practice and could aid in helping to define the best time to initiate treatment for each patient.
Modelling Longitudinal and Spatially Correlated Data : Methods , Applications , and Future Directions

The asymptotic properties of four estimators for nonlinear mixed-e¤ects models are investigated: maximum likelihood estimator (MLE), an estimator based on the . rst-order approximation to the expectation function (Vonesh and Carter (1992)), the two-stage, and the Lindstrom-Bates (1990) estimators. Two asymptotic situations are considered: (i) when N ! 1 and ni is . nite, (ii) N ! 1 and minni ! 1; where N is the number of individuals and ni is the number of observations on the ith individual. For a simple one-parameter balanced exponential model only the MLE is consistent when the numbers of observations per individuals, fnig are . nite. The estimator based on the . rst-order approximation is always inconsistent, i.e., has a systematic bias. The asymptotic bias for the other three estimators is evaluated when N ! 1 and ni = const. When N ! 1 and minni ! 1; the MLE, Lindstrom-Bates and two-stage estimators are equivalent. The bias for the two-stage estimator based on a second order approximation is evaluated in general nonlinear mixed-e¤ects model, and a bias-corrected version of this estimator is proposed.
Interventions to improve the timeliness of emergency care.

With a persistent trend of increasing emergency department (ED) volumes every year, services are intensifying. Thus, improving the timeliness of delivering emergency care should be a primary focus, both from an operational and from a research perspective. Much has been published on factors associated with delays in emergency care, and the next phase in this area of research will focus on exploring interventions to improve the timeliness of care. On June 1, 2011, Academic Emergency Medicine held a consensus conference titled "Interventions to Assure Quality in the Emergency Department. " This article summarizes the findings of the breakout session that investigated interventions to improve the timeliness of emergency care. This article will explore the background on the concept of timeliness of emergency care, the current state of interventions that have been implemented to improve timeliness, and specific questions as a framework for a future research agenda.
Metformin restores the mitochondrial network and reverses mitochondrial dysfunction in Down syndrome cells

Alterations in mitochondrial activity and morphology have been demonstrated in human cells and tissues from individuals with Down syndrome (DS), as well as in DS mouse models. An impaired activity of the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α/PPARGC1A due to the overexpression of chromosome 21 genes, such as NRIP1/RIP140, has emerged as an underlying cause of mitochondrial dysfunction in DS. We tested the hypothesis that the activation of the PGC-1α pathway might indeed reverse this mitochondrial dysfunction. To this end, we investigated the effects of metformin, a PGC-1α-activating drug, on mitochondrial morphology and function in DS foetal fibroblasts. Metformin induced both the expression of PGC-1α and an augmentation of its activity, as demonstrated by the increased expression of target genes, strongly promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, metformin enhanced oxygen consumption, ATP production, and overall mitochondrial activity. Most interestingly, this treatment reversed the fragmentation of mitochondria observed in DS and induced the formation of a mitochondrial network with a branched and elongated tubular morphology. Concomitantly, cristae remodelling occurred and the alterations observed by electron microscopy were significantly reduced. We finally demonstrated that the expression of genes of the fission/fusion machinery, namely OPA1 and MFN2, was reduced in trisomic cells and increased by metformin treatment. These results indicate that metformin promotes the formation of a mitochondrial network and corrects the mitochondrial dysfunction in DS cells. We speculate that alterations in the mitochondrial dynamics can be relevant in the pathogenesis of DS and that metformin can efficiently counteract these alterations, thus exerting protective effects against DS-associated pathologies.
Daptomycin Use in a Neonate: Serum Level Monitoring and Outcome

We present a case of successfully treated persistent bacteremia due to Gram-positive bacteria with daptomycin in a preterm neonate. Daptomycin was given at higher doses (6 mg/kg/dose) and shorter intervals (every 12 hours) than those recommended for adults with no adverse events. Peak and trough serum concentrations of daptomycin were 27.3 and 11.6 μg/mL [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] at day 4 as well as 22.9 and 7.9 μg/mL [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED]at day 11 after initiation of treatment, respectively.
Long interspersed nucleotide element‐1 hypomethylation in folate‐deficient mouse embryonic stem cells

Folate is thought to contribute to health and development by methylation regulation. Long interspersed nucleotide element‐1 (LINE‐1), which is regulated by methylation modification, plays an important role in sculpting the structure and function of genomes. Some studies have shown that folate concentration is related to LINE‐1 methylation. However, the direct association between LINE‐1 methylation and folate deficiency remains unclear. To explore whether folate deficiency directly induced LINE‐1 hypomethylation and to analyze the relationship between folate concentration and the LINE‐1 methylation level, mouse ESCs were treated with various concentrations of folate which was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay, and the homocysteine content was detected by ELISA. LINE‐1 methylation was examined by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry at various time points. Concurrently, cell proliferation and differentiation were observed. The result showed that the intracellular folate decreases under folate‐deficient condition, conversely, homocysteine content increased gradually and there was a negatively correlated between them. Folate insufficiency induced LINE‐1 hypomethylation at the lowest levels in folate‐free group and moderate in folate‐deficient group, compared with that in the folate‐normal group at day 18. Moreover, LINE‐1 methylation level was positively correlated with folate content, and negatively correlated with homocysteine content. At corresponding time points, proliferation and differentiation of mouse ESCs showed no alteration in all groups. Our data indicated that folate deficiency affected the homeostasis of folate‐mediated one‐carbon metabolism, leading to reduced LINE‐1 methylation in mouse ESCs. This study provides preliminary evidence of folate deficiency affecting early embryonic development. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1549–1558, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photic Resetting of the Human Circadian Pacemaker in the Absence of Conscious Vision

Ocular light exposure patterns are the primary stimuli for entraining the human circadian system to the local 24-h day. Many totally blind persons cannot use these stimuli and, therefore, have circadian rhythms that are not entrained. However, a few otherwise totally blind persons retain the ability to suppress plasma melatonin concentrations after ocular light exposure, probably using a neural pathway that includes the site of the human circadian pacemaker, suggesting that light information is reaching this site. To test definitively whether ocular light exposure could affect the circadian pacemaker of some blind persons and whether melatonin suppression in response to bright light correlates with light-induced phase shifts of the circadian system, the authors performed experiments with 5 totally blind volunteers using a protocol known to induce phase shifts of the circadian pacemaker in sighted individuals. In the 2 blind individuals who maintained light-induced melatonin suppression, the circadian system was shifted by appropriately timed bright-light stimuli. These data demonstrate that light can affect the circadian pacemaker of some totally blind individuals— either by altering the phase of the circadian pacemaker or by affecting its amplitude. They are consistent with data from animal studies demonstrating that there are different neural pathways and retinal cells that relay photic information to the brain: one for conscious light perception and the other for non-image-forming functions.
Listeria monocytogenes isolations in Alberta 1951-1970.

The case records and the annual reports of Veterinary Services Division of the two Alberta Department of Agriculture diagnostic laboratories located at Edmonton and Lethbridge respectively were surveyed. The diagnosis of listeric infection was based on the listed clinical signs, gross pathology, histopathological findings and isolation of Listeria monocytogenes from submitted material. A submission consisted of one or more birds or animals or portions from one or more birds or animals.
Encystment and excystment of the paramphistomid trematode Zygocotyle lunata

Abstract This study reports further observations on encystment and excystment of the paramphistomid trematode Zygocotyle lunata. Of numerous substrates tested in the laboratory for cercarial encystment, i.e. plastic and glass dishes, Styrofoam™, aluminium foil, snail shells, and cheesecloth, all but cheesecloth allowed for 100% encystment within 4 h of cercarial release at 28°C. Numerous physical and chemical factors were tested to kill cysts, and their capacity to do so was determined by the subsequent inability of cysts to excyst within a chemical excystment medium. Vinegar, Italian salad dressing, soy sauce and 10% solutions of sucrose, acetic acid and sodium chloride were the most detrimental. Freezing, boiling and storage of cysts for more than 2 years also killed them. Several marinades such as lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and various concentrations of potassium permanganate, did not kill the majority of cysts tested. Since Z. lunata is a potential foodborne trematode for humans and animals, it is important to determine suitable ways to control or kill these cysts.
Au-decorated graphene-carbon nanotube hybrid thin film for sub-100 ohm/sq transparent conductive electrodes

High transparency and low sheet resistance flexible conductive electrode is of great interest to research communities working on applications such as solar cells and light emitting diodes. For this purpose, Au-decorated graphene-single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) thin films are developed and characterized in this work. Initially, the SWCNT is spin-coated on a Cu foil. It is then placed in thermal chemical vapor deposition machine for graphene synthesis. The film is then transferred onto an appropriate substrate. Immersion in AuCl3 decorates the film with Au nanoparticles. Optical and electrical characterizations show that the film retains the high graphene transmittance of ∼95% and exhibits a much lower sheet resistance of ∼100 ohm/sq, respectively. Figure of merit is then defined and it shows that the hybrid film is at par with indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent conductive electrode (TCE). This suggests that the hybrid film could be applied as TCE and potentially be used in flexible applications.
Acute normovolemic hemodilution should replace the preoperative donation of autologous blood as a method of autologous‐blood procurement

cute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) is a technique that comprises the removal of whole blood from a patient along with the restoration A of circulating blood volume with acellular fluid shortly before an anticipated significant surgical blood loss. Blood is collected in standard blood bank bags containing citrate anticoagulant. We utilize a tilt-rocker with an automatic cutoff via volume sensors, so that operating room personnel, including anesthesia technologists and circulating nurses, can assist the anesthesiologist with ANH while performing other duties.The blood can then be then stored at room temperature for up to 8 hours, or at 4°C for up to 24 hours under routine conditions. Blood is returned to the patient in the operating room after major blood loss has ceased, or sooner if indicated. Simultaneous infusions of crystalloid (3 mL lactated Ringer’s so1ution:l mL blood withdrawn) or colloid (dextrans, starches, gelatin, albumin) in a ratio of 1 mL of colloid to 1 mL of blood withdrawn have been recommended. Subsequent intraoperative fluid management is based on the usual surgical requirements. Blood units are returned in the reverse order of collection.The first unit collected, and therefore the last unit transfused, has the highest hematocrit (Hct) and concentration of coagulation factors and platelets. Blood units collected via ANH are the only source of “fresh” autologous blood. The benefit of hemodilution has been recognized to be the reduction of red cell (RBC) losses when whole blood is shed perioperatively at lower Hcts after ANH is completed. ’ Mathematical modeling has suggested that severe hemodilution to preoperative Hcts of less than 20 percent, ac-