Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of doripenem versus piperacillin/tazobactam in nosocomial pneumonia: a randomized, open-label, multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE Doripenem is a new carbapenem that has broad-spectrum activity against bacterial pathogens commonly responsible for nosocomial pneumonia (NP). It has several advantages over currently available carbapenems and other classes of drugs used in this indication. This prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter study was designed to establish whether doripenem was noninferior to piperacillin/tazobactam in NP. METHODS Adults (n=448) with signs and symptoms of NP, including non-ventilated patients and those ventilated for <5 days, were stratified by ventilation mode, illness severity (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score), and geographic region and then randomly allocated to treatment with doripenem 500 mg every 8 h by a 1-h intravenous (IV) infusion or piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 g every 6 h by 30-min IV infusion. After receiving IV study drug for at least 72 h, eligible patients could be switched to oral levofloxacin 750 mg once daily. Antibiotic therapy was continued for a total of 7-14 days. The primary endpoint was the clinical cure rate, assessed 7-14 days after treatment completion, in clinically evaluable patients and in the clinical modified intent-to-treat population (cMITT). TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00211003. RESULTS Doripenem was noninferior to piperacillin/tazobactam. Clinical cure rates in clinically evaluable patients (n=253) were 81.3% in the doripenem arm and 79.8% in the piperacillin/tazobactam arm (between-treatment difference: 1.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -9.1 to 12.1%) and in the cMITT population 69.5% and 64.1%, respectively, (between-treatment difference: 5.4%; 95% CI, -4.1 to 14.8%). Baseline resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to piperacillin/tazobactam was 44% and 26.9%, respectively; a doripenem minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) >8 mug/mL occurred in 0% and 7.7%, respectively. Favorable microbiological outcome rates against Gram-negative pathogens were numerically higher with doripenem than with piperacillin/tazobactam, but the difference was not statistically significant. Both study drugs were generally well tolerated, as only 16.1% and 17.6% of patients receiving doripenem and piperacillin/tazobactam, respectively, had a drug-related adverse event. Study limitations included the open-label design, the low rate of monotherapy (adjunctive use of aminoglycoside was required when P. aeruginosa was suspected), and the exclusion of the most critically ill and immunocompromized patients. CONCLUSIONS Doripenem was clinically and microbiologically effective in patents with NP, including those with early-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia, and was therapeutically noninferior to piperacillin/tazobactam.
IT Feature Use over Time and its Impact on Individual Task Performance

Although anecdotal evidence in organizations and research studies suggest that the functional potential of installed IT applications is underutilized and that most users apply just a narrow band of features, there is still little understanding about the nature and implications of change in IT feature use (ITFU) over time. Drawing on technology capability broadening-deepening and IT skill acquisition literatures, this study investigates how IT use—conceptualized at the IT feature level—evolves over time and how it affects continual and distal task performance during the initial usage of an IT application. The results of two longitudinal panel studies of 330 and 314 IT users show that, when users start using an IT application for task accomplishment, ITFU increases nonlinearly over time with diminishing growth rates. At early stages of system use, users predominantly extend their ITFU to become more familiar with the system’s feature potential, while, at later stages, when users have increasingly recognized a match between the requirements of a work task and system features, they focus more heavily on leveraging a stable subset of IT features to benefit from task completion. As such, the magnitude in broadening and deepening capabilities in using IT features decreases over time. Moreover, both studies reveal that growth in ITFU has, in and of itself, significant impacts not only on immediate performance perceptions but also on more delayed, objective task performance. Researchers will benefit from the study results by better understanding the dynamics of individual ITFU and their performance implications. Managers striving to encourage users to expand their IT feature repertoire may use the results to conduct experiencebased feature upgrades or training programs.
Comparison of the guaranteed analysis with the measured nutrient composition of commercial pet foods.

OBJECTIVE To compare guaranteed and measured concentrations of nutrients in commercial pet foods. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SAMPLE POPULATION Annual inspection reports of pet food analyses from 5 states. PROCEDURES Guaranteed and measured concentrations of crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), crude fiber (CFb), moisture, and ash in pet foods were compared. The concentration difference for each nutrient was compared among types of food, target species, target life stages, manufacturers, and laboratories. RESULTS The guaranteed and measured concentrations of nutrients were significantly different. For all foods, mean concentration differences were as follows: CP, 1.5%; CF, 1.0%; CFb, -0.7%; moisture, -4.0%; and ash, -0.5%. Crude protein difference for treats was significantly larger than differences for dry and canned foods. Crude fat difference for dry foods was significantly less than differences for canned foods and treats. Crude fiber and moisture differences for canned foods were significantly less than the corresponding differences for dry foods and treats. Only CFb differences differed among target species, life stages, manufacturers, or laboratories. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Addition of 1.5% and 1% to the guaranteed minimums for CP and CF, respectively; subtraction of 0.7%, 4%, and 0.5% from the guaranteed maximums for CFb, moisture, and ash, respectively; and addition of 0.23 kcal/g to the as-fed metabolizable energy value calculated by use of modified Atwater factors from guaranteed analyses provides a more accurate estimate of the nutrient and metabolizable energy content of commercial pet foods. Nevertheless, the actual composition of a food should be determined whenever possible.
Heterogeneity in Classes: Cooperative Problem-Solving Activities through Cooperative Learning

Teachers, from primary schools to college, experience challenges regarding both increased class sizes and a greater diversity of students having a broad spectrum of abilities, interests, needs, and goals. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of cooperative learning through Cooperative Problem-Solving (CPS) activities on homogenous and heterogeneous grouping in an engineering course. As a mixed method design, the study utilized both quantitative and qualitative data. The participants, 47 engineering students selected conveniently, were enrolled in a communication systems course. The analysis of the quantitative data indicated that no significant ifference (p= .791) exists between the ways in which the students in homogenous and the students in heterogeneous group understand communication systems. In order to reveal the perceptions of students regarding the implementation, they were interviewed at the end of the semester. The qualitative data obtained from these interviews suggests that students prefer heterogeneous to homogenous grouping. The findings also imply that further research should concentrate on heterogeneous grouping strategies and more detailed qualitative data in order to reveal what kind of patterns emerge from students’ interactions in different groupings.
A new asynchronous hybrid mechanism for video on demand

We propose a new video on demand strategy that is based on combining two popular approaches, viz., broadcasting and patching. The goal is to maximize the use of broadcasting to effectively share network bandwidth, while patching is used to make up for the apparent lack of time-dependence between user requests. Our strategy matches the performance of a similar strategy reported in the literature recently. Unlike its counterpart, our strategy possesses the property of asynchronicity, which is very crucial in realizing the feasibility of its implementation. We show that our strategy renders itself naturally to meeting the rather difficult requirements of VCR-like functions (pause, rewind, forward etc.). We also identify the significance of an important threshold parameter in satisfying requests at peak loads by accordingly compromising on latency. An analytical model for the VoD system is presented, which is used to thoroughly analyze the performance of the proposed strategy.
Male chronic pelvic pain: An update

Introduction: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome collectively referred to as urologic CPPS (UCPPS) is defined by the absence of identifiable bacterial infection as a cause for the chronic pain and urinary symptoms. Methods: A PubMed search of all recent relevant articles using the keywords/phrases: CPPS, CPPS, and male pelvic pain, was conducted. Results: CPPS has a high worldwide prevalence and its negative impact on quality of life compares with or exceeds common chronic morbidities. Triggers include certain comestibles as well as psychosocial factors that promote catastrophizing and illness focused behavior. Several validated tools are currently available to help diagnose and direct targeted therapy. Treatment should begin with the most simple and least invasive based on the presenting clinical phenotype. Conclusions: Although no gold-standard treatment exists, a multidisciplinary approach with multimodal therapy gives the UCPPS patient the best chance of symptom relief.
Towards a Well-diversified Risk Measure: A DARE Approach

The objective of this paper is to provide a complete framework to aggregate dif- ferent quantile and expectile models for reaching more diversified VaR and ES measures limiting the model risk. Following Taylor (2008a and 2008b) and Gourieroux and Jasiak (2008), we present hereafter a new strategy which pro- vides estimations for both Value-at-Risk (VaR) and Expected Shortfall (ES). This approach involves the aggregation of quantile and expectile models and the use of Asymmetric Least Squares (ALS) regression, which corresponds to the least squares analogue of quantile regression. We also introduce a new class of models for the conditional VaR and ES modelling: Dynamic AutoRegressive Expectiles (DARE). Then, we first briefly present the main literature about VaR and ES estimations, and we then explain how expectiles can be used to estimate the VaR and ES in order to introduce the DARE approach. We finally present recent tests used to compare these different models (Candelon et al., 2008), also applied to the DARE Approach.
Intrapatient Variability of Efavirenz Concentrations as a Predictor of Virologic Response to Antiretroviral Therapy

ABSTRACT Intrapatient variability of drug concentrations over time has not been evaluated as a predictor of drug response but may provide information on the onset and maintenance of response and a patient's adherence to therapy. Our objective was to develop a pharmacologically based measure of intrapatient variability of concentrations and investigate its association with a patient's response to antiretroviral therapy. Efavirenz concentrations were obtained for 50 children enrolled in Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group study 382, a concentration-controlled trial of efavirenz plus nelfinavir and at least one nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Efavirenz pharmacokinetic parameters were determined from 24-h concentration-time profiles at weeks 2 and 6 and used to predict trough concentrations obtained during 1 year of therapy. A concentration predictability score, defined as the fraction of measured trough concentrations that fell within a ±50% range of the predicted concentration, was used to place subjects into high and low concentration predictability groups. Relationships between this score and human immunodeficiency virus RNA levels in plasma were investigated. Eight of 33 children (24%) in the high-predictability group experienced viral rebound, compared with 9 of 17 children (53%) in the low-predictability group (P = 0.042). Children with low predictability scores exhibited a significantly shorter time to their first viral rebounds and were significantly more likely to experience viral rebound; the latter finding persisted after adjustment for baseline viral load and efavirenz exposure at week 6. This novel method for the quantitation of intrapatient concentration variability was independently predictive of virologic rebound. This measure may allow interventions to minimize therapeutic failure and is applicable to other drugs.
Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 modulation of chondrogenic differentiation in vitro involves gap junction‐mediated intercellular communication

Undifferentiated mesenchymal cells in the limb bud integrate a complex array of local and systemic signals during the process of cell condensation and chondrogenic differentiation. To address the relationship between bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling and gap junction‐mediated intercellular communication, we examined the effects of BMP‐2 and a gap junction blocker 18 alpha glycyrrhetinic acid (18α‐GCA) on mesenchymal cell condensation and chondrogenic differentiation in an in vitro chondrogenic model. We find that connexin43 protein expression significantly correlates with early mesenchymal cellular condensation and chondrogenesis in high‐density limb bud cell culture. The level of connexin43 mRNA is maximally upregulated 48 h after treatment with recombinant human BMP‐2 with corresponding changes in protein expression. Inhibition of gap junction‐mediated intercellular communication with 2.5 μM 18α‐GCA decreases chondrogenic differentiation by 50% at 96 h without effects on housekeeping genes. Exposure to 18α‐GCA for only the first 24–48 h after plating does not affect condensation or later chondrogenic differentiation suggesting that gap junction‐mediated intercellular communication is not critical for the initial phase of condensation but is important for the onset of differentiation. 18α‐GCA can also block the chondrogenic effects of BMP‐2 without effects on cell number or connexin43 expression. These observations demonstrate 18α‐GCA‐sensitive regulation of intercellular communication in limb mesenchymal cells undergoing chondrogenic differentiation and suggest that BMP‐2 induced chondrogenic differentiation may be mediated in part through the modulation of connexin43 expression and gap junction‐mediated intercellular communication. J. Cell. Physiol. 193: 233–243, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microfinancing for Poverty Reduction: An Empirical Study of Rural Areas of Tehsil Gujrat-Pakistan

Micro finance has achieved an everlasting fame in all over the world by producing considerable evidence of poverty eradication. It provides financial services to those people, who have low incomes, minimal assets and don’t have collateral to borrow a credit from commercial banks. The aim of the microfinance is to remove poverty by empowering poor and the unbanked with a little amount of credit. Present study is conducted to find out the impact of micro credit by Punjab Rural Support Programme (PRSP) in the rural areas of Tehsile Gujrat. A sample of 316 borrowers was randomly selected. Sample unit was the borrower who had completely repaid all the loan installments one month before from the day of survey. Survey technique was used and face to face interviews were conducted to collect the relevant information. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the characteristics of the borrowers while for econometric analysis, Multiple Linear Regression Model (MLRM) was used to know the impact of micro credit. The results of econometric analysis show that 1% increase in credit will bring 79% increase in the income of the borrowers. Education has also positive impact on income of the beneficiaries. MLRM analysis shows that increase in 1 year/ (1 level) of education will increase in income by 26.8% of the borrowers while family size is found insignificant. The study not only reveals the impact of micro financing but also gives some suggestions/policy implications for the betterment of micro credit schemes. Keywords: Multiple linear regression model (MLRM), Micro financing, Poverty, Punjab rural support Programme (PRSP).
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COMPANY CHARACTERISTICS AND STOCK RETURN OF COMPANIES LISTED IN NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE

The major objective for all listed companies is to work towards maximizing shareholders wealth. To achieve this, companies continuously make optimal decision to continuously increase capital gain and expected return. Company performance can be influenced by various specific company characteristics. Even though company characteristics have influence on stock returns of listed companies there are empirical disparities on how stock return responds to changes in company characteristics. The main objective of this research was to establish the relationship between company characteristics and stock return of companies listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange. Specifically, the study sought the relationship between size effect, value effect, profitability, investment strategy and stock return among listed companies in Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study was based on agency theory, signalling hypothesis, efficient market hypothesis and stakeholder’s theory. Correlation research design was adopted in the study. Census approach of 53 listed companies from December 2011 to December 2016 was adopted. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis were used to analyse the data. Results of the study revealed positive and significant relationship between value effect, size effect, profitability, investment strategy and stock return on companies listed in Nairobi securities exchange. There is need for efficient utilization of company resources so as to minimize agency and monitoring costs among other company costs to ultimately maximize and increase shareholders wealth. Key Words: size, value, profitability, investment strategy, stock return
Critical competences for industrial renewal in Denmark and Finland

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Urban Forestry at a Crossroads: Development of an Emerging Profession

ACADEMIC) While the practice of managing trees in and near human settlements has been around for most of human history, urban forestry has only been organizing as a discrete profession since the mid-1960s. As a relatively new profession, urban forestry lacks much of the structure and organization seen in other professions. This study will contrast urban forestry against other professions to identify strategies for improving recruitment into urban forestry, collaboration with other professions, and career opportunities. Civil engineers, landscape architects, and urban planners (the allied professions) work together to plan and manage the urban environment, but urban foresters report difficulties integrating into or collaborating with this group diminishing their ability to influence urban forest management decisions. Allied professionals were surveyed on their usage of professional support mechanisms (e.g., certification) and their perception of professionalism in urban forestry. We found they are heavily invested in processes and functions that support practitioners and regulate their professions via certification, and the adoption of similar mechanisms by urban forestry would likely facilitate improved social capital. Enrollment in urban forestry degree programs is too low and diversity of practitioners is unrepresentative of the urban areas served. Over 1,000 life and natural science-oriented college students at 18 U.S. universities were surveyed on their perceptions of urban forestry as a career. Aside from the wealthiest students displaying lower interest in urban forestry than others, we found no demographic characteristics (i.e., race, gender, socio-economic status, residential setting growing up) that would preclude urban forestry from recruiting a greater diversity of students. Poor awareness of urban forestry seems to be the greatest obstacle to improved recruitment outcomes. Regularly probing the career opportunities of a profession for weaknesses and deficiencies is a tool of self-improvement commonly seen in other professions. We analyzed 151 job postings to assess typical salary, job duties, and requirements of education and certifications. We also interviewed 17 successful candidates to those positions to compare reality against written postings. A dearth of entry-level positions is likely deterring potential recruits. Employers were not posting 40% of the duties urban foresters were performing. Experience as an arborist was accepted in lieu of education as an urban forester in about half of positions, though a degree was required to reach the highest paying jobs.
Reduction of Volume Integrals to Nonsingular Surface Integrals for Matrix Elements of Tensor and Vector Green Functions of Maxwell Equations

A procedure for the evaluation of matrix elements of tensor and vector Green functions with linear basis functions appearing in volumetric integral equations in electromagnetics is presented. The procedure reduces six-dimensional volumetric integrals with singular integrands to four-dimensional surface integrals with nonsingular integrands-hence, it offers simplicity and accuracy achieved at low computational cost.
A cluster of measles cases in Denmark following importation, January and February 2008.

Five cases of measles were reported to the Department of Epidemiology in Denmark between mid-January and early February, 2008. The cluster involved four adults aged between 23 and 39 years and an infant. All cases resided in the greater Copenhagen area. Three cases were unvaccinated, one was vaccinated with two doses, and in one case the vaccination status is not yet known.