Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for fever in the neurologic intensive care unit

Objective: To identify risk factors for fever among patients treated in a neurologic intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: The authors prospectively studied the frequency and causes of fever, defined as a patient’s first temperature ≥101 °F (38.3 °C), among 387 patients consecutively admitted to their NICU. After identifying risk factors for 1) any fever, 2) infectious fever, and 3) unexplained fever using logistic regression, they calculated disease-specific adjusted odds ratios for developing these types of fever among 12 diagnostic groups. Results: Fever occurred in 23% (87/387) of patients. Fifty-two percent of fevers were explained by infection (predominantly pneumonia or bronchitis), and 28% were unexplained despite a complete diagnostic evaluation. NICU length of stay was a risk factor for all three types of fever (all p < 0.004); other risk factors included depressed level of consciousness for any fever (p = 0.005) and infectious fever (p = 0.048), endotracheal intubation for infectious fever (p = 0.01), and intraventricular catheterization for unexplained fever (p = 0.004). Subarachnoid hemorrhage increased the risk of both infectious and unexplained fever, even after adjusting for these risk factors (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Fever occurs in nearly 25% of NICU patients, and is associated with increased length of stay and depressed level of consciousness. Endotracheal intubation is a risk factor for infectious fever, whereas intraventricular catheterization is a risk factor for unexplained fever, which suggests a role for ventricular hemorrhage in the pathogenesis of “central” fever. Subarachnoid hemorrhage increases the risk of developing fever of all types.
Dosage Compensation in Drosophila—a Model for the Coordinate Regulation of Transcription

The sex chromosomes have special significance in the history of genetics. The chromosomal basis of inheritance was firmly established when Calvin Bridges demonstrated that exceptions to Mendel’s laws of segregation were accompanied at the cytological level by exceptional sex chromosome segregation. The morphological differences between X and Y exploited in Bridges’ experiments arose as a consequence of the evolution of the sex chromosomes. Originally a homologous chromosome pair, the degeneration of the Y chromosome has been accompanied by a requirement for increased expression of the single X chromosome in males. Drosophila has been a model for the study of this dosage compensation and has brought key strengths, including classical genetics, the exceptional cytology of polytene chromosomes, and more recently, comprehensive genomics. The impact of these studies goes beyond sex chromosome regulation, providing valuable insights into mechanisms for the establishment and maintenance of chromatin domains, and for the coordinate regulation of transcription.
Stress symptoms and frequency of sexual intercourse among young women.

INTRODUCTION We have previously documented the relationships between stress and depression symptoms and adolescent women's nonuse and misuse of condoms and other contraceptive methods and on their unintended pregnancy rates. AIM Here, we examine relationships between mental health symptoms and another understudied adolescent reproductive health behavior-frequency of sexual intercourse. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Our outcome was weekly sexual intercourse activity. METHODS We used panel data from a longitudinal, population-based cohort study of 992 women ages 18-20. Weekly journals measured sociodemographic, relationship, reproductive, and mental health characteristics, sexual and contraceptive behaviors, and pregnancy history. We examined 27,130 surveys from 952 women during the first study year. Predictors of weekly sexual intercourse were moderate to severe stress (Perceived Stress Scale-4) and depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-5) symptoms measured at baseline. Multilevel, mixed-effects logistic regression models estimated the relationships between stress and depression symptoms and the weekly odds of sexual intercourse while adjusting for covariate fixed effects and random woman effects. RESULTS Nearly a quarter of the sample had moderate to severe stress (23%) and depression (24%) symptoms at baseline. Women reported sexual intercourse in 36% of weeks. Proportions of sexually active weeks were higher among women with stress (43%) and depression (40%) compared with those without symptoms (35% and 35%, respectively; P values<0.001). Controlling for covariates, women with baseline stress symptoms had 1.6 times higher weekly odds of sexual intercourse compared with women without stress (adjusted odds ratio 1.6, confidence interval [1.1, 2.5]; P=0.04). Depression symptoms were not associated with sexual intercourse frequency in adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS Stress symptoms were positively associated with sexual intercourse frequency among these young women. Research and practice efforts are needed to identify effective sexual health promotion and risk-reduction strategies, including contraceptive education and counseling, in the context of mental health symptoms and unintended pregnancy.
Rapid assay for extrachromosomal homologous recombination in monkey cells

Most of the recombination assays based on the regeneration of selectable marker genes after transient infection or stable integration of DNA into mammalian cells are time consuming. We have used plasmids containing two truncated but overlapping segments of the neomycin resistance gene to rapidly quantitate and characterize the time course of extrachromosomal homologous recombination of DNA transfected into monkey COS cells. By transiently infecting cells with these recombination substrates, extracting Hirt DNA after 1 to 4 days, and transforming recombination-deficient Escherichia coli, we have shown that recombination between direct repeats occurs at frequencies of 1 to 4%. We have also used Southern blot analysis to directly characterize the recombination of this DNA in COS cells and to demonstrate that double-strand breaks in the region of homology increase recombination frequencies 10- to 50-fold.
Examining Parents' Experiences and Information Needs Regarding Early Identification of Developmental Delays: Qualitative Research to Inform a Public Health Campaign

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the approach and materials of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's “Learn the Signs. Act Early. ” (LTSAE) health education campaign, which aims to improve awareness of developmental milestones and early warning signs of developmental delay among parents of young children. Methods: We conducted 2 phases of qualitative research. Focus groups assessed the campaign's objectives by exploring the experiences of parents with children who have developmental delays or disabilities to determine facilitators of and barriers to identification. In-depth interviews were conducted with parents of typically developing children, who reviewed campaign materials and provided feedback on appropriateness, appeal, and clarity with regard to the campaign's objectives. Results: Phase 1: Parents were typically the first to express concern about their child's development, and most talked with their child's health care provider. Two categories of health care providers emerged: those who proactively asked about a child's development, used tools to facilitate conversations, and made referrals, and those who did not ask about development, told parents to “wait and see,” and did not provide information about services and supports. Few parents knew about special education services before identification. Phase 2: Participants found the campaign materials appealing, but were unclear about how to act early and why acting early was important. Conclusions: Results affirmed LTSAE's evidence-based approach to educating parents about child development. Additional campaign considerations include providing more information about how to act early and why acting early is important and enhancing outreach to providers to help them communicate with concerned parents.
Do All Activities “Weigh” Equally? How Different Physical Activities Differ as Predictors of Weight

In Britain, it is recommended that, to stay healthy, adults should do 150 minutes of moderate‐intensity physical activity every week. The recommendations provided by the U.K. government, however, remain silent in regard to the type of activity that should be done. Using the annual Health Survey for England we compare how different types of physical activities predict a person's weight. In particular, we consider clinically measured body mass index and waist circumference. We document mean slopes emanating from ordinary least squares regressions with these measures as the dependent variables. We show that individuals who walk at a brisk or fast pace are more likely to have a lower weight when compared to individuals doing other activities. Additionally, we highlight that the association between physical activity and weight is stronger for females and individuals over the age of 50. Our overall conclusions are robust to a number of specifications.
Peptide secretion: what do we know?

Understanding factors that regulate peptide release became an issue when the presence and possible role of these compounds as transmitter/modulators in various systems were realized. Many studies measuring the levels of peptides in various tissues and fluids have been performed using radioimmunoassay. However, because these peptides are measured in postmortem tissues, or perfusates that are collected at time intervals that do not approach the time scale used for exocytosis, limited information can be derived from these data. Recently the quantitative use of Northern analysis, RNase protection assays, and in situ hybridization has led to a large literature reporting on changes in peptide mRNA levels as a consequence of a variety of treatments. The assumptions involved in using radioimmunoassay measurements of peptide levels and the various methods used to measure peptide mRNAs are different, but data obtained from experiments using both methods are nonetheless used as an indication of the regulation of peptidergic neurons, and ultimately of peptide release. The mechanisms dedicated to translating cellular input into alterations in secretion have begun to be appreciated at a molecular level. Herein we will discuss the cell biology of regulated secretion and consider some levels in this pathway at which peptide release may be controlled. — Bean, A. J., Zhang, X. , Hökfelt, T. Peptide secretion: what do we know? FASEB J. 8: 630‐638; 1994.
A novel DFNA9 mutation in the vWFA2 domain of COCH alters a conserved cysteine residue and intrachain disulfide bond formation resulting in progressive hearing loss and site‐specific vestibular and central oculomotor dysfunction

Mutations within the COCH gene (encoding the cochlin protein) lead to auditory and vestibular impairment in the DFNA9 disorder. In this study, we describe the genetic mapping of progressive autosomal dominant sensorineural hearing loss first affecting high‐frequency auditory thresholds within a human pedigree to the long arm of chromosome 14 in band q12. A maximal pairwise LOD score of 7.08 was obtained with marker D14S1021. We identified a c.1625G > T mutation in exon 12 of COCH that co‐segregates with auditory dysfunction in the pedigree. The mutation results in a predicted p.C542F substitution at an evolutionarily conserved cysteine residue in the C‐terminus of cochlin. The c.1625G > T transversion in COCH exon 12 represents the first reported mutation outside of the LCCL domain which is encoded by exons 4 and 5. The 542F mutant cochlin is translated and secreted by transfected mammalian cells. Western blot analysis under non‐reducing and reducing conditions suggests that the 542F mutation alters intramolecular cochlin disulfide bond formation. In the vestibular system, a progressive horizontal canal hypofunction and a probable saccular otolith challenge were detected in family members with the c.1625G > T COCH alteration. Abnormal central oculomotor test results in family members with the c.1625G > T COCH alteration imply a possible central nervous system change not previously noted in DFNA9 pedigrees harboring mutations within the LCCL domain. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal terminal configuration for minimizing passengers' waiting time

Irrespective of the friction arrangement for a given terminal size, there will be a geometry that will be optimum with respect to passenger waiting. Quantitative methodology is used to select a suitable terminal configuration with frictions for a pier-type airport terminal. Passenger waiting time at a terminal depends on several factors: service and arrival behavior of service centers, the manner of placing frictions in between service centers, number of gates, the manner of placing frictions (washroom, food cabin, shops, etc.). in between gates, percentage of passengers going through the different frictions, processing time for frictions and gates, number of piers and gate spacing. Probability of passengers' arrival at frictions and passengers' arrival from one friction to another friction, total passenger arrival rate to the piers and arrival rates and service rates of the frictions are considered to place proper frictions in between the gates at the pier. This paper presents a methodology to determine the optimal terminal configuration that minimizes the passengers' delays at gates by placing proper frictions in between gates. The optimum terminal configuration appeared to be the terminal with three piers holding an unequal number of gates.
Predicting optimal response to B-cell depletion with rituximab in multiple sclerosis using CXCL13 index, magnetic resonance imaging and clinical measures

Background B-cell depleting drugs show promise for treating multiple sclerosis. Objective We sought predictors of optimal response to rituximab, a B-cell depleting antibody, to help guide therapy selection. Methods We performed a post hoc study of 30 relapsing multiple sclerosis patients with breakthrough disease while on beta-interferon or glatiramer acetate who were treated with add-on rituximab. Standardized neurologic examinations, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid were obtained before and after rituximab. Tissue biomarkers were measured. Optimal responders were defined as having no evidence of disease activity. Results At baseline, optimal responders with no evidence of disease activity had higher IgG indices (P = 0.041), and higher CXCL13 indices ((cerebrospinal fluid CXCL13/serum CXCL13)/albumin index; P = 0.024), more contrast enhancing lesions (P = 0.002), better 25 foot timed walk (P = 0.001), and Expanded Disability Status Scale (P = 0.002). Rituximab treatment led to reduced cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of tissue destruction: myelin basic protein (P = 0.046), neurofilament light chain (P < 0.001), and of inflammation (CXCL13 index; P = 0.042). Conclusions Multiple sclerosis patients with optimal response to rituximab had higher cerebrospinal fluid IgG and CXCL13 indices, more gadolinium-enhancing lesions, and less disability at baseline. Rituximab treatment led to decreased markers of inflammation and tissue damage. If validated, these results will help identify multiple sclerosis patients who will respond optimally to B-cell depletion.
Automated robot‐assisted surgical skill evaluation: Predictive analytics approach

Surgical skill assessment has predominantly been a subjective task. Recently, technological advances such as robot‐assisted surgery have created great opportunities for objective surgical evaluation. In this paper, we introduce a predictive framework for objective skill assessment based on movement trajectory data. Our aim is to build a classification framework to automatically evaluate the performance of surgeons with different levels of expertise.
Temperature Droop Characteristics of Internal Efficiency in  $\hbox{In}_{x}\hbox{Ga}_{1-x}\hbox{N/GaN}$ Quantum Well Light-Emitting Diodes

The temperature droop characteristics of internal efficiency (IE) in InGaN/GaN quantum well (QW) structures were investigated using the multiband effective mass theory. In the case of a relatively small Auger recombination (<; C<sub>A</sub> = 5 × 10<sup>-30</sup> cm<sup>6</sup>s), the QW structure with a smaller In composition (x = 0.1) shows a larger hot/cold factor (IE<sub>T1</sub>/IE<sub>T2</sub>, with T<sub>1</sub> > T<sub>2</sub>) than that with a larger In composition (x = 0.3) because the radiative recombination is dominant and the IE of the former is much larger than that of the latter. The hot/cold factors for QW structures with x = 0.1 and 0.3 are 0.85 and 0.71 at J = 100 A/cm<sup>2</sup>, respectively. On the other hand, in the case of a relatively large Auger recombination (> C<sub>A</sub> = 10<sup>-28</sup> cm<sup>6</sup>s), the hot/cold factor (0.69) of the QW structure with a larger In composition is found to be larger than that (0.62) with a smaller In composition. This is attributed to the fact that the Auger recombination is dominant even for the QW structure with a small In composition and that the difference of the IE between two different temperatures decreases with increasing x.
Who is willing to risk his life for a patient with a potentially fatal, communicable disease during the peak of A/H1N1 pandemic in Israel?

Background: The willingness of healthcare workers to risk their lives for a patient with a potentially fatal, communicable disease is a major concern, especially during a pandemic where the need for adequate staffing is crucial and where the public atmosphere might enhance anxiety and fear of exposure. Objective: To examine the relationships between the willingness of healthcare workers to risk their lives for a patient with a potentially fatal A/H1N1 flu, and knowledge of personal protection against infection, and trust in colleagues, workplace preparedness and the effectiveness of safety measures, during the winter A/H1N1 pandemic in Israel. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to healthcare workers in 21 hospitals in Israel between 26 November 2009 and 10 December 2009 (the peak of the winter A/H1N1 flu outbreak). The questionnaire was completed by 1147 healthcare workers. Results: Willingness to risk one's life for a patient was significantly lower in females, respondents of younger age (18–24 years), administrative staff, and those with a non-academic education, as well as among those with a less knowledge about safety measures and among those with less trust in colleagues, in work place preparedness, and in the effectiveness of safety measures. Conclusions: Willingness to risk one's life for a patient is related to knowledge of safety measures, and trust in colleagues and work place preparedness. Education programs to enhance trust in colleagues, improve work place preparedness, and safety measures are recommended, especially for healthcare workers who are young, inexperienced, female, or administrative staff.
People, Penguins and Petri Dishes: Adapting Object Counting Models to New Visual Domains and Object Types Without Forgetting

In this paper we propose a technique to adapt a convolutional neural network (CNN) based object counter to additional visual domains and object types while still preserving the original counting function. Domain-specific normalisation and scaling operators are trained to allow the model to adjust to the statistical distributions of the various visual domains. The developed adaptation technique is used to produce a singular patch-based counting regressor capable of counting various object types including people, vehicles, cell nuclei and wildlife. As part of this study a challenging new cell counting dataset in the context of tissue culture and patient diagnosis is constructed. This new collection, referred to as the Dublin Cell Counting (DCC) dataset, is the first of its kind to be made available to the wider computer vision community. State-of-the-art object counting performance is achieved in both the Shanghaitech (parts A and B) and Penguins datasets while competitive performance is observed on the TRANCOS and Modified Bone Marrow (MBM) datasets, all using a shared counting model.
Effects of pentoxifylline and alprostadil on ocular hemodynamics in healthy humans.

PURPOSE Alprostadil, a prostaglandin (PG)E(1) analogue and pentoxifylline, an alkylxanthine derivate, have been shown to exert vasodilatory effects in several vascular beds. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of PGE(1) and pentoxifylline on the ocular circulation. METHODS A placebo-controlled, double-masked, three-way, crossover study was performed in 15 healthy male subjects. Subjects received pentoxifylline (300 mg), PGE(1) (alprostadil 60 mug), or placebo intravenously over 2 hours on three trial days. Choroidal red blood cell flow was assessed with laser Doppler flowmetry and pulsatile choroidal blood flow with laser interferometric measurement of fundus pulsation amplitude (FPA). Retinal blood cell flow was calculated based on the measurements of maximum erythrocyte velocity in a retinal vein assessed with bidirectional laser Doppler velocimetry, and diameter measurements of retinal vessels were obtained with a retinal vessel analyzer. RESULTS Pentoxifylline increased FPA by 15.4% +/- 1.1% (P < 0.001 versus placebo and baseline). Alprostadil tended to increase FPA, but this effect did not reach the level of significance (P = 0.07 versus placebo). Choroidal blood flow as measured with laser Doppler flowmetry tended to increase during pentoxifylline and PGE(1) infusion by 8.9% +/- 2.9% (P = 0.062) and 4.5% +/- 6.2% (P = 0.29), respectively, but none of these effects was significant. The drugs under study had no effect on mean red blood cell velocity in retinal veins, on retinal vessel diameters, intraocular pressure, blood pressure, or pulse rate. CONCLUSIONS PGE(1) did not alter the parameters of retinal or choroidal circulation in healthy subjects. Pentoxifylline increased FPA, but did not change choroidal blood flow as measured with laser Doppler flowmetry and did not affect retinal blood flow parameters. Accordingly, neither pentoxifylline nor PGE(1) appears to be suitable to improve ocular blood flow in healthy subjects. Whether long-term treatment with alprostadil would improve choroidal blood flow in patients with vascular disease remains to be established.
Stress experienced by mothers of Malaysian children with mental retardation.

OBJECTIVE To compare parenting stress among Malaysian mothers of children with mental retardation and a control group, and to determine factors associated with stress. METHODOLOGY Seventy-five mothers of children with mental retardation aged 4-12 years and 75 controls (those without disabilities who attended the walk-in paediatric clinic) participated in the Parenting Stress Index (PSI). Intelligence quotient (IQ) and Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) scores, together with sociodemographic data, were entered into a multiple stepwise regression analysis, using the PSI as the criterion. RESULTS Mothers of children with mental retardation scored significantly higher than control subjects in both the child-related domain (difference between means 26.1, 95% confidence interval 19.6-32.5) and parent-related domain (difference between means 15.0, 95% confidence interval 7.9-22.1) of the PSI. The total child behaviour scores from the CBCL (P < 0.01), IQ scores (P < 0. 01) and sibship size (P < 0.01) were associated with child-related domain scores. For the parent-related domain, CBCL (P < 0.01) and IQ scores (P = 0.01) remained important factors but Chinese ethnicity (P < 0.01) and maternal unemployment (P < 0.01) were also significant predictors of stress. CONCLUSION A large proportion of mothers of children with mental retardation experienced substantial parenting stress, especially Chinese and unemployed mothers, and this warrants appropriate intervention.