Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long‐tailed macaques use human hair as dental floss

Long‐tailed macaques in Lopburi, Thailand, use human hair as if it were dental floss. This eccentric behavior is seen mainly in a large group of macaques that live at the old Buddhist shrine of Prang Sam Yot. Many monkeys of this group take hair and sort a few pieces to make a string and then brush their teeth by pulling it tightly with right and left hands alternatively between their teeth. This habit is not seen in the other localities near Lopburi and is rare even in the surrounding groups. Monkeys in the Prang Sam Yot shrine are worshipped as servants of God and people respect them, even when they ride on their heads. This behavior could be considered a newly occurring cultural behavior, which has become established under very specialized circumstances. Am. J. Primatol. 69:940–944, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Access to justice for migrant workers in South-East Asia

Providing migrant workers with fair access to justice in South-East Asia is a key gap remaining in protecting them from exploitation and abuse. Because of the obstacles that they face to obtaining assistance through official mechanisms, migrants are often highly dependent on informal support, even when the abuses they endure are severe in nature. As a result, the data collected on migrant worker complaints within the region has been very limited to date. This report helps to fill the knowledge gap by analysing data on complainants assisted by Migrant Worker Resource Centres from 2011 to 2015. Over 1,000 cases involving more than 7,000 women and men migrant workers were documented across five countries, establishing the largest regional dataset of migrant worker complaints compiled within South-East Asia. The analysis reveals that progress has been achieved in facilitating access to justice for migrants but that major challenges remain in providing them with fair and responsive remedies.
SIMILAR RENAL ALLOGRAFT FUNCTIONAL SURVIVAL RATES FOR KIDNEYS FROM SIBLING DONORS MATCHED FOR ZERO‐ VERSUS‐ONE HAPLOTYPE WITH THE RECIPIENT

From January 1968 to December 1983, 536 primary renal transplants from siblings donors were performed at a single institution; of the donor-recipient pairs, 246 were matched for two, 205 for one, and 43 for zero HLA haplotypes. Renal allograft functional survival rates at two years were 93%, 75%, and 83% for the 2, 1, and 0-haplotype matched pairs. Corresponding patient survival rates were 95%, 85%, and 93%. The functional survival rate of grafts from the HLA-identical sibling donors was significantly better than the rates in both mismatched donor groups (P=.004), but the difference between the one-haplotype and the zero-haplotype matched pairs was not significant. Most transplant units do not perform transplants between siblings mismatched for both haplotypes because it is assumed that the graft survival rates will be inferior to what can be achieved with a one-haplotype match, and that the outcome will be no better than with cadaveric transplantation. Our results do not support that presumption. Although HLA-identical siblings are the best donors, a sibling should not be excluded as a donor simply because he or she is a complete mismatch. The graft survival rate (83%) is still superior to that achieved with cadaveric transplants (64% at two years, n=618), and is at least as good as that achieved with transplants from siblings matched for one HLA haplotype. The advent of donor-specific blood transfusion has resulted in liberalization of criteria for acceptance of related donors, but the results of our analysis suggest that a liberal policy, at least in regard to haplotype matching, has always been justified—and certainly at this time the recipient with a willing living donor, regardless of match, should not be relegated to receive a cadaver graft (a scarce resource) that could otherwise be transplanted to someone else who does not have a related donor.
The Intraday Market Liquidity of Japanese Government Bond Futures

We investigate the intraday market liquidity of the Japanese government bond (JGB) futures. First, we overview the movement of various market liquidity indicators during the past decade, classifying them into four categories: tightness, depth, resiliency, and volume. Second, using the data under the current trade time, we extract their intraday pattern and the autocorrelation. Third, we find that the announcement of economic indicator has a negative effect on these liquidity indicators while the monetary policy announcement and the surprise of economic indicator have a positive effect on volume indicators. Fourth, we show that the shock persistence in liquidity indicators rises around April 2013, and the increased persistence remains in some liquidity indicators even several months after April 2013.
Universal Tuning System for Series-Resonant Induction Heating Applications

This paper presents a universal tuning system for harmonic operation of series-resonant inverters (SRI), based on a self-oscillating switching method. In the new tuning system, SRI can instantly operate in one of the switching frequency harmonics, e.g., the first, third, or fifth harmonic. Moreover, the new system can utilize pulse density modulation (PDM), phase shift (PS), and power–frequency control methods for each harmonic. Simultaneous combination of PDM and PS control method is also proposed for smoother power regulation. In addition, this paper investigates performance of selected harmonic operation based on phase-locked loop (PLL) circuits. In comparison with the fundamental harmonic operation, PLL circuits suffer from stability problem for the other harmonic operations. The proposed method has been verified using laboratory prototypes with resonant frequencies of 20 up to 75 kHz and output power of about 200 W.
Agile Off-Road Autonomous Driving Using End-to-End Deep Imitation Learning

We present an end-to-end imitation learning system for agile, off-road autonomous driving using only low-cost on-board sensors. By imitating a model predictive controller equipped with advanced sensors, we train a deep neural network control policy to map raw, high-dimensional observations to continuous steering and throttle commands. Compared with recent approaches to similar tasks, our method requires neither state estimation nor on-the-fly planning to navigate the vehicle. Our approach relies on, and experimentally validates, recent imitation learning theory. Empirically, we show that policies trained with online imitation learning overcome well-known challenges related to covariate shift and generalize better than policies trained with batch imitation learning. Built on these insights, our autonomous driving system demonstrates successful high-speed off-road driving, matching the state-of-the-art performance.
The Potential of Treatment Matching for Subgroups of Patients With Chronic Pain: Lumping Versus Splitting

A large and diverse number of treatments have been shown to be effective in reducing pain and other symptoms for a minority but statistically significant number of patients in different chronic pain syndromes. The means by which such different treatments achieve similar outcomes is not well understood. In this paper, the importance of considering patient heterogeneity for those who may be diagnosed with the same medical syndrome is discussed. The author suggests that the lack of satisfactory treatment outcomes for the treatments of chronic pain syndromes may be accounted for by the patient homogeneity myth-the assumption that all patients with the same medical diagnosis are similar on all important variables. The importance of subdividing (splitting) patients into meaningful groups is described. Studies presenting data on the identification of patient subgroups based on psychosocial and behavioral characteristics and the reliability and validity of this approach are presented. Some initial attempts to demonstrate the potential for matching treatments to patient subgroups are described.
Lack of association between the Glu298Asp variant of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene and the risk of coronary artery disease among Taiwanese.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays a key role in atherosclerosis, because its product, nitric oxide, possesses antiatherogenic properties. Recent reports of molecular genetic analysis have suggested that genetic polymorphisms of the eNOS gene may be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) or myocardial infarction (MI). However, some studies have reported discrepant results. The aims of this study were to assess whether any association exists between the Glu298Asp variant of the eNOS gene and the risk of CAD and/or MI among Taiwanese. METHODS The subjects included 218 CAD patients and the same number of age- and sex-matched control subjects from Taiwan. Subjects' DNA was extracted from their blood and genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction mapping using the restriction enzyme MboI. The alleleic and genotypic frequencies were analyzed. RESULTS The frequencies of the eNOS genotypes were similar for CAD patients (GG:GT:TT = 81.7%:17.4%:0.9%) and controls (81.2%:17.4%:1.4%; p = 0.904). No evidence of difference was found in the frequency of the T allele between CAD patients (9.6%) and controls (10.1%; p = 0.822), or between MI patients (7.5%) and controls (p = 0.322). Subjects with the GT or TT genotype did not demonstrate an increased risk of CAD compared with those with a GG genotype (p = 0.89; OR = 0.98; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.76-1.27) in multivariate logistic regression, or when different subgroups of age, sex, or risk factors were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS In the present case-control study, we found no evidence of an association between the Glu298Asp variant of the eNOS gene and CAD/MI among Taiwanese.
Binding of the COOH-terminal Lysine Residue of Streptokinase to Plasmin(ogen) Kringles Enhances Formation of the Streptokinase·Plasmin(ogen) Catalytic Complexes*

Streptokinase (SK) activates human fibrinolysis by inducing non-proteolytic activation of the serine proteinase zymogen, plasminogen (Pg), in the SK·Pg* catalytic complex. SK·Pg* proteolytically activates Pg to plasmin (Pm). SK-induced Pg activation is enhanced by lysine-binding site (LBS) interactions with kringles on Pg and Pm, as evidenced by inhibition of the reactions by the lysine analogue, 6-aminohexanoic acid. Equilibrium binding analysis and [Lys]Pg activation kinetics with wild-type SK, carboxypeptidase B-treated SK, and a COOH-terminal Lys414 deletion mutant (SKΔK414) demonstrated a critical role for Lys414 in the enhancement of [Lys]Pg and [Lys]Pm binding and conformational [Lys]Pg activation. The LBS-independent affinity of SK for [Glu]Pg was unaffected by deletion of Lys414. By contrast, removal of SK Lys414 caused 19- and 14-fold decreases in SK affinity for [Lys]Pg and [Lys]Pm binding in the catalytic mode, respectively. In kinetic studies of the coupled conformational and proteolytic activation of [Lys]Pg, SKΔK414 exhibited a corresponding 17-fold affinity decrease for formation of the SKΔK414·[Lys]Pg* complex. SKΔK414 binding to [Lys]Pg and [Lys]Pm and conformational [Lys]Pg activation were LBS-independent, whereas [Lys]Pg substrate binding and proteolytic [Lys]Pm generation remained LBS-dependent. We conclude that binding of SK Lys414 to [Lys]Pg and [Lys]Pm kringles enhances SK·[Lys]Pg* and SK·[Lys]Pm catalytic complex formation. This interaction is distinct structurally and functionally from LBS-dependent Pg substrate recognition by these complexes.
Hydrogen breath test for diagnosis of lactose malabsorption: the importance of timing and the number of breath samples.

BACKGROUND The hydrogen breath test (H(2)BT) is the most widely used procedure in the diagnostic workup of lactose malabsorption and lactose intolerance. AIM To establish whether a simplified two- or three-sample test may reduce time, costs and staff resources without reducing the sensitivity of the procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data from 1,112 patients (292 men, 820 women) with a positive 4 h, nine-sample H(2)BT were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were stratified according to the degree of lactose malabsorption, the occurrence and type of symptoms. Loss of sensitivity in the procedure was evaluated taking into account two-sample tests (0 min and 120 min or 0 min and 210 min) or three-sample tests (0 min, 120 min and 180 min or 0 min, 120 min and 210 min). RESULTS Using a two-sample test (0 min and 120 min or 0 min and 210 min) the false-negative rate was 33.4% and 22.7%, respectively. With a three-sample test (0 min, 120 min and 180 min or 0 min, 120 min or 210 min), lactose malabsorption was diagnosed in 91.2% (1,014 of 1,112) patients and in 96.1% (1,068 of 1,112) patients, respectively. Of 594 patients with abdominal symptoms, 158 (26.6%) and 73 (12.2%) would have false-negative results with 0 min and 120 min or 0 min and 210 min two-sample tests, respectively. The three-sample tests, 0 min, 120 min and 180 min or 0 min, 120 min and 210 min, have a false-negative rate of 5.9% and 2.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS A three-sample H(2)BT is time- and cost-sparing without significant loss of sensitivity for the diagnosis both of lactose malabsorption and lactose intolerance.
Taxonomic scale-dependence of habitat niche partitioning and biotic neighbourhood on survival of tropical tree seedlings

In order to differentiate between mechanisms of species coexistence, we examined the relative importance of local biotic neighbourhood, abiotic habitat factors and species differences as factors influencing the survival of 2330 spatially mapped tropical tree seedlings of 15 species of Myristicaceae in two separate analyses in which individuals were identified first to species and then to genus. Using likelihood methods, we selected the most parsimonious candidate models as predictors of 3 year seedling survival in both sets of analyses. We found evidence for differential effects of abiotic niche and neighbourhood processes on individual survival between analyses at the genus and species levels. Niche partitioning (defined as an interaction of taxonomic identity and abiotic neighbourhood) was significant in analyses at the genus level, but did not differentiate among species in models of individual seedling survival. By contrast, conspecific and congeneric seedling and adult density were retained in the minimum adequate models of seedling survival at species and genus levels, respectively. We conclude that abiotic niche effects express differences in seedling survival among genera but not among species, and that, within genera, community and/or local variation in adult and seedling abundance drives variation in seedling survival. These data suggest that different mechanisms of coexistence among tropical tree taxa may function at different taxonomic or phylogenetic scales. This perspective helps to reconcile perceived differences of importance in the various non-mutually exclusive mechanisms of species coexistence in hyper-diverse tropical forests.
Is suction drainage an effective means of preventing hematoma in thyroid surgery? A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of suction drainage in preventing postoperative hematoma formation in thyroid surgery. METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis using only randomized controlled trials in which the incidence of post-thyroidectomy hematoma was compared directly in patients with and without suction drains (eight studies since 1980; N = 944). The odds ratio (OR) with respective confidence intervals (CIs) using the fixed effects model was reported. We used an OR < 1.0 as being in favour of treatment (ie, the use of suction drains). RESULTS In our meta-analysis, there was no statistically significant difference between the rates of post-thyroidectomy hematoma whether or not suction drains were used when the results were combined using a fixed effects model (OR 1.04, 95% CI-1.93), with p = . 90. In this comparison, a fixed effects model was used rather than a random effects model because there was no statistically significant heterogeneity (chi2 = 6.26, p = .28). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the use of suction drains in thyroid surgery to prevent postoperative hematoma is not evidence based.
Uninentional Injuries Among Children: An Observational Study in a Basic Health Unit in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

Unintentional injuries are one of the most important public health problems in childhood that result in great medical costs, economic loss and serious consequences. Objective: the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and some characteristics of unintentional injuries with children that are registered in childcare program in a Basic Health Unit in the city of Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. A cross-sectional study carried out in a Basic Health Unit in the city of Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, using interviews with parents or caregivers of children aged minor of 10 years, conducted after medical appointment and that contained questions related to the injury. As for the injury event the original question was: "the child suffered some kind of unintentional in the last 15 days? " Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and differences between the genders were analyzed with the chi-squared test using the statistical program EPIINFO. The level of significance was set to p 0,05). Regarding the care received by children, only 29 (9.9%) needed medical care. Even with all efforts to prevent nonintentional injuries, males, the domestic environment and falls still persist among the children in this study, demonstrating the importance to keep the topic in evidence considering that early infancy is a critical period for preventive strategies.
Pediatric Hypertension: Provider Perspectives

Pediatric hypertension is a risk for adult cardiovascular disease, making early detection important. The prevalence of pediatric essential hypertension is rising due to the increased prevalence of obesity. Though guidelines for screening, diagnosis, evaluation, and management are available, there are barriers to accurate diagnosis of pediatric hypertension, including lack of knowledge and complexity of blood pressure standards. We aimed to gain insights into reasons for low rates of diagnosis and treatment from primary care providers. As part of a multisite randomized controlled trial, we interviewed 8 providers in a community health center network. We used a grounded theoretical approach to analyze transcripts. Providers reflected on numerous barriers to diagnosis, management, and follow-up; recommendations for educational content; and how community health center systems can be improved. Findings informed development of a multifaceted intervention. Despite lack of training on essential hypertension, providers were comfortable recommending lifestyle changes to promote healthier weight and reduced blood pressure.
Form and function of negation in early developmental Cantonese

This study investigated the interface of form and function in the acquisition of negation in Cantonese-speaking children. The data, from the Hong Kong Cantonese Child Language Corpus, were longitudinal spontaneous samples of eight children aged 1;5 to 3;8. The main issues of the study were the sequence of emergence of negative markers mou5, m4 and mei6 and the acquisition trend of 11 semantic categories of negation in children's expressive language. The acquisition trend of the semantic categories matched Bloom's (1970, 1991a) finding that Non-existence preceded Rejection and Denial.
Derivation, characterization and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells: comparing serum-containing versus serum-free media and evidence of germ cell differentiation.

BACKGROUND This study was designed to establish human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines, to identify the differences when maintained in serum-containing versus serum-free medium and to test their potential of in vitro differentiation. METHODS Procedures including immunosurgery were performed on 11 donated human blastocysts to establish hESC lines. The cell lines were characterized and maintained using either serum-free or serum-containing media to compare their morphology, Oct-4 expression, apoptosis and growth speed. Differentiation of these lines was evaluated by the morphology and the expression of genes belonging to the three embryonic germ layers and the germ cell lineage. RESULTS Three hESC lines were established, and they grew at similar speed in both media (serum-containing or serum-free), but hESC cultured in serum-containing medium yielded significantly higher percentages of morphologically good colonies and cells expressing Oct-4. These cell lines differentiated spontaneously in vitro into cells expressing markers belonging to all three embryonic germ layers and germ cell markers, including c-Kit, STELLA, VASA and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), in directly adherent culture. CONCLUSIONS Three hESC lines with Taiwanese ancestry have been established, and they retain the in vitro differentiation potential with or without embryoid body (EB) formation. The data support that hESC may be capable of differentiation into germ cells although further confirmation is needed. It is also suggested that strategies such as stepwise adaptation will be needed before implementing a serum-free culture condition for hESC lines that have previously been derived in a medium containing serum.
The outcome of surgical management of type A aortic dissection

Background Type A aortic dissection is a serious and fatal condition. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the outcome following repair of ascending aortic dissection in a contemporary cohort of 108 patients with a mean age of 59.5 ± 13.8 years, who were treated between 2006 and 2011. Most patients were male (70, 65%). Results Circulatory arrest with a mean duration of 22 ± 16 min was performed in 42 (38.9%) patients. Perioperative mortality was 15.7% (n = 17). Univariate analysis showed that cardiopulmonary bypass time (p = 0.0006), age >60 years (p = 0.028), cardiogenic shock at presentation (p = 0.02), New York Heart Association class II–IV (p = 0.038), hemopericardium (p = 0.0035), and preoperative cerebrovascular accident (p = 0.02) were predictors of mortality. Multivariate analysis indicated that age >60 years (odds ratio 7.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.52–38.96, p = 0.0136), preoperative cerebrovascular accident (odds ratio 25.2, 95% confidence interval: 2.45–258.9, p = 0.0066), hemopericardium (odds ratio 41.6, 95% confidence interval: 5.38–320.7, p = 0.0003), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (odds ratio 1.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.32–2.57, p = 0.0003) were independent predictors of perioperative mortality. The 1- and 4-year survival was 80% ± 3.8% and 69% ± 5.7%, respectively. Age >60 years (hazard ratio 3.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–7.9, p = 0.0064) was the only independent predictor of long-term mortality. Conclusion Our results identify the major risk factors for perioperative and long-term mortality. Age is an independent risk factor for mortality.