Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Raindrop Size Distribution Parameters of Distrometer Data With Different Bin Sizes

A 2D video distrometer (2DVD) provides raindrop size distribution (DSD) at nominal drop diameters that correspond to the mean of the bin sizes. Selection of bin width may influence the shape of DSD. Therefore, we investigated the effect of binning on the DSD parameter estimates. First, we studied the effect of binning by examining their ability to recover known parameters of simulated DSD. Second, real DSD data collected in the equatorial region by 2DVD were analyzed. We compared the DSD parameters calculated from binned DSD with those calculated from a drop-by-drop data basis. Both simulated and real DSDs were binned at 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, and 0.50 mm. In general, the DSD parameters increased with increasing bin width. With very large number of raindrop which should be accompanied by heavy rain, the bias due to bin width selection is small. However, the bias is significant in the opposite case. The average fractional error between a mass-weighted mean diameter (Dm) calculated from DSD and that derived from drop-by-drop data was relatively small for all rainfall rates. A rather high error was observed in the median volume diameter (D0) which may be due to moment method and interpolation error. Finally, using small bin widths (0.20-0.30 mm) may be the best choice because the DSD parameters of these bin widths were very close to those obtained from drop-by-drop data.
Consideration of out-of-home placement among Israeli Jewish and Arab parents of children with disabilities

This article is based on a secondary analysis of a random sample of 512 Israeli parents of children with disabilities (ages 3–17) regarding their consideration of out-of-home placement. Major findings showed that Arab parents reported greater levels of personal and family burden compared to Jewish parents. Despite that fact, Arab parents rarely considered out-of-home placement. In addition, parents whose children utilized more services reported a greater burden of care than those who utilized fewer services. Findings are discussed with respect to future research and policy implications. Dieser Artikel beruht auf einer sekundären Analyse einer randomisierten Stichprobe mit 512 israelischen Eltern von behinderten Kindern im Alter von 3–17 Jahren bzgl. ihres Anspruchs auf einen Heimplatz. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die arabischen Eltern sich im Vergleich mit den jüdischen Eltern über eine größere persönliche und familiäre Belastung beklagten. Trotzdem zogen arabische Eltern nur selten eine Heimunterbringung in Erwägung. Darüber hinaus fühlten sich die Eltern, deren Kinder mehr Einrichtungen in Anspruch nahmen, als Betreuer stärker belastet als die Eltern, deren Kinder weniger Einrichtungen in Anspruch nahmen. Die Ergebnisse sind Gegenstand von Diskussionen über künftige Forschungsprojekte und politische Auswirkungen. Este artículo informa sobre un análisis secundario realizado con una muestra aleatoria de 512 madres y padres israelitas de niños y niñas discapacitados (de entre 3 y 17 años de edad) acerca de la opinión de éstos padres y madres sobre enviar sus hijos e hijas a una institución para su cuidado. Los principales hallazgos mostraron que los padres y madres árabes refirieron niveles más elevados de carga personal y familiar en comparación con los padres y madres judíos. A pesar de ello, los padres y madres árabes rara vez consideraron el internamiento de sus hijos o hijas. Además, los padres y madres cuyos hijos e hijas hicieron mayor uso de los servicios disponibles refirieron una carga mayor en relación con el cuidado de éstos que quienes hicieron menor uso de los servicios. Se discuten los resultados en relación con investigaciones futuras y los alcances de las políticas utilizadas. Cet article se fonde sur une analyse secondaire d'un échantillon aléatoire de 512 patients israéliens infantiles souffrant de handicaps (âge 3–17), concernant leur opinion du placement. Les principaux résultats indiquent que les parents arabes signalent une plus grande de lourdeur perçue au niveau personnel et familial que les parents juifs. En dépit de cette constatation, les parents arabes envisagent rarement le placement. En outre, les parents dont les enfants font plus souvent appel aux services signalent une lourdeur perçue plus importante que les parents qui utilisent moins ces services. Les résultats sont débattus dans le contexte des recherches futures et de la mise en æuvre des politiques.
Near Elimination of Genital Warts in Australia Predicted With Extension of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination to Males

Background The National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Program for females delivering the quadrivalent vaccine Gardasil has been included in the National Immunisation Program in Australia since 2007. Sentinel surveillance data show that genital wart incidence has been steadily declining since then. The objective of this study was to estimate the additional impact on genital warts as a result of male vaccination, which was approved by the Australian government in 2012 and commenced in 2013. Methods We use a mathematical model of HPV transmission in the Australian heterosexual population to predict the impact of male vaccination on the incidence of genital warts. Results Our model produced results that are consistent with the actual observed decline in genital warts and predicted a much lower incidence, approaching elimination, in coming decades with the introduction of male vaccination. Conclusions Results from our model indicate that the planned extension of the National HPV Vaccination Program to males will lead to the near elimination of genital warts in both the female and male heterosexual populations in Australia.
Angiotensin I to angiotensin II conversion in the human forearm and leg. Effect of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism.

OBJECTIVE The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism accounts for part of the variation in ACE concentration; subjects with one or two D alleles have approximately 25 and 50% higher ACE levels, respectively, than subjects with two I alleles. Data from studies on the pressor effects of angiotensin (Ang) I in DD compared with II subjects are inconsistent, because enhanced conversion in DD subjects may have been masked by a decreased responsiveness to Ang II. Here we quantify ACE genotype-related Ang I to Ang II conversion in the human forearm and leg using non-pressor 125I-Ang I infusions. DESIGN AND METHODS Infusions were given to 12 women and 17 men (age 24-67 years) who were undergoing renal vein sampling followed by renal angiography for diagnostic purposes. 125I-Ang I was infused for 20 min into the right antecubital vein, and blood samples for the measurement of 125I-labelled and endogenous Ang I and Ang II were taken from the aorta, the left antecubital vein and a femoral vein under steady-state conditions. Genotype frequencies were determined by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Fractional conversion (i.e. the percentage of arterially delivered 125I-Ang I that is converted to 125I-Ang II) in the forearm (38+/-4, 30+/-3 and 31+/-6% in 8 II, 16 ID and 5 DD subjects, respectively; mean +/- SEM) and leg (52+/-4, 48+/-3 and 42+/-5%) was similar in all three groups. In addition, no genotype-related differences in plasma Ang II/I ratio (a measure of ACE activity) were observed at the three sampling sites. CONCLUSIONS Regional Ang I to Ang II conversion does not parallel the previously described D allele-related differences in ACE concentration, suggesting that effects other than enhanced conversion may underlie the reported associations between the D allele and various cardiovascular diseases.
Perceived value of eHealth among people living with multimorbidity: a qualitative study

Background The prevalence of multimorbidity is increasing, creating challenges for patients, healthcare professionals, and healthcare systems. Given that chronic disease management increasingly involves eHealth, it is useful to assess its perceived value among people with multimorbidity. Objective To explore challenges related to multimorbidity and patients’ perspectives on eHealth. Design Ten semi-structured interviews with adults, living with multimorbidity in Copenhagen, Denmark. Interviews focused on patient-experienced challenges, from challenges related to self-management to challenges experienced in the healthcare sector, as well as perceptions of eHealth. During interviews, participants were presented with pictures of different eHealth technologies. Data analysis followed the systematic text condensation approach. Results Participants experienced challenges in their daily lives, e.g. when practicing self-management activities, when navigating the healthcare sector, and when interacting with healthcare professionals. Patient-perceived value of eHealth varied, depending on their burden of illness and treatment: those with a greater burden had more positive perceptions of eHealth, and expressed more intention to use it. Participants with less complex disease patterns and less burdensome treatment regimens were more likely to perceive eHealth as something worthless and undesirable. Participants stressed that eHealth should only be introduced as an optional supplement. Conclusions eHealth can potentially address some patient-experienced challenges related to multimorbidity by promoting self-management, patient-centeredness, and access. However, patients’ needs and preferences vary and eHealth cannot substitute the personal interaction between patient and healthcare professionals. Our findings point to the importance of patient assessment and stratification to ensure appropriate use of eHealth.
Outcome of Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) cepacia colonisation in children with cystic fibrosis following a hospital outbreak.

BACKGROUND--While there are reports on the outcome in adults and teenagers with cystic fibrosis of colonisation with Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) cepacia, there is little information in children. METHODS--In December 1991 only one of 115 children with cystic fibrosis attending a paediatric centre was colonised with B cepacia. Over the next 12 months there was a rapid increase with 23 (20%) becoming colonised; eighteen (79%) of these became colonised in hospital at a time that overlapped with the admission of a B cepacia positive child. Three different bacteriocin types were isolated, with one type (S22/PO) being present in 17 (74%) patients. The outcome for children who became colonised with B cepacia was compared with that in 33 children who continued to be colonised with Pseudomonas aeruginosa alone. RESULTS--Children colonised with B cepacia were older and more poorly nourished than those colonised with P aeruginosa, but did not have poorer pulmonary function. After colonisation, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) deteriorated between consecutive annual tests, with the average deterioration being greater in those with higher initial levels. Five children with B cepacia died from respiratory failure although none showed a fulminant deterioration. Introduction of segregation measures within hospital led to a dramatic decrease in the number of newly colonised patients. CONCLUSIONS--This study provides further evidence for person-to-person spread of B cepacia and confirms the effectiveness of simple isolation measures in interrupting spread. Colonisation with B cepacia and P aeruginosa in children is associated with a more rapid decline in lung function and a significantly increased mortality compared with cases colonised with P aeruginosa alone.
Blood management in total hip replacement: an analysis of factors associated with allogenic blood transfusion

The aim of this study was to audit the blood transfusion practice throughout the Epworth Healthcare Hospitals for patients undergoing primary total hip replacement (THR). We determined if blood‐saving techniques were having an impact on the risk of allogenic blood transfusion and which patients were at risk of receiving allogenic blood transfusion.
Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults

Thirty‐seven adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia were treated with a protocol called HEAV'D including Adriamycin, Vincristine, l‐Asparaginase, Cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone. The complete remission rate was 70 per cent. The median duration of remission was more than 30 months. Patients with initial leukocyte count below 20 000/mmc experienced a longer remission (median not reached) than patients with a leukocyte count above 20 000/mmc (median 10 months).
Feasibility of long-term cerebral and peripheral regional tissue oxygen saturation measurements

The aim of this study was to analyse the feasibility of long-term measurements of cerebral (crSO2) and peripheral (prSO2) regional tissue oxygen saturation on the first day of life by determining the amount of artefacts and their influence on rSO2. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurements were performed fronto-parietal left (crSO2) and on the right forearm (prSO2). Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) was measured by pulse oximetry on the right wrist. Three criteria (C) were defined to identify artefacts (C1: missing values, C2: rSO2 jumping >15%, C3: rSO2 ≥ SpO2). The number of artefacts as a percentage of measurement time and mean rSO2 was calculated after the introduction of each criterion. Measurements were performed in 40 neonates. The number of artefacts in crSO2 measurements was similar after introduction of C1 (7.37 ± 4.64%) and after introduction of all criteria (8.89 ± 4.59%). The number of artefacts in prSO2 measurements after introduction of C1 was 10.83 ± 4.21%, and after introduction of all criteria significantly higher with 17.78 ± 4.27%. After introduction of C1, further criteria did not significantly change rSO2: crSO2 (78.6 ± 1.3% versus 78.5 ± 1.2%) and prSO2 (83.7 ± 0.9% versus 83.5 ± 0.9%). In conclusion, long-term NIRS measurements of crSO2 and prSO2 are feasible, since most artefacts are due to missing values and therefore easy to recognize.
A Peptide Inhibitor of Cytomegalovirus Infection from Human Hemofiltrate

ABSTRACT Naturally occurring substances with antimicrobial activity can serve as a starting point for the rational design of new drugs to treat infectious diseases. Here, we screened a library of peptides derived from human hemofiltrate for inhibitory effects on human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. We isolated a previously unknown derivative of the neutrophil-activating peptide 2, which we termed CYVIP, for CMV-inhibiting peptide. The peptide blocked infection with human and mouse CMV as well as with herpes simplex virus type 1 in different cell types. We found that CYVIP interferes with virus attachment to the cell surface, and structure-activity relationship studies revealed that positively charged lysine and arginine residues of CYVIP are essential for its inhibitory activity. The N-terminal 29 amino acids of the peptide were sufficient for inhibition, and substitution with an acidic residue further improved its activity. The target structure of CYVIP on the cell surface seems to be the sulfate residues of heparan sulfate proteoglycans, which are known to serve as herpesvirus attachment receptors. Our data suggest that O-sulfation of heparan sulfate is required for binding of CYVIP, and furthermore, that the initial interaction of CMV particles with cells takes place preferentially via 6-O-linked sulfate groups. These findings about CYVIP's mode of action lay the basis for further development of antivirals interfering with attachment of CMV to cells, a crucial step of the infection cycle.
Women exhibit a greater age-related increase in proximal aortic stiffness than men

Background Large artery mechanical properties are a major determinant of pulse pressure and cardiovascular outcome. Sex differences in these properties may underlie the variation in cardiovascular risk profile between men and women, in relation to age. Objective To investigate sex differences in the age-related stiffening of large arteries. Design Cross-sectional. Methods One hundred and twenty healthy men and women were recruited and divided equally into tertiles by age: young (mean ± SD, 23 ± 5 years), middle-age (47 ± 3 years) and older (62 ± 7 years). Lipids, mean arterial pressure and heart rate were matched within each tertile. Carotid tonometry and Doppler velocimetry were used to measure indices of large artery stiffness. Results There was no sex difference in systemic arterial compliance (SAC) in the young group (mean ± SEM, 0.61 ± 0.05 arbitrary compliance units (ACU) in women compared with 0.67 ± 0.04 ACU in men), but in the older population women had lower SAC than men (0.27 ± 0.03 ACU compared with 0.57 ± 0.04 ACU respectively;P < 0.001). Measures independent of aortic geometry (distensibility index and aortic impedance) indicated that stiffness was lower in young women than in men (P < 0.05), but the reverse was true in the older population (P < 0.01). This paralleled the brachial and carotid pulse pressures, which were lower in young (P < 0.01) and higher in older women compared with those in men (P < 0.05). Follicle stimulating hormone concentrations correlated strongly (r values 0.39–0.65) with all indices of central, but not peripheral, arterial function, whereas concentrations of luteinizing hormone, progesterone and oestradiol correlated less strongly. Conclusions In men and women matched for mean pressures, the age-related stiffening of large arteries is more pronounced in women, which is consistent with changes in female hormonal status.
Maternal food consumption and foetal growth in Merino sheep.

The intake of a pelleted diet offered ad libitum to pregnant Merino ewes between the 90th and 140th days of pregnancy was influenced by their previous nutritional history and degree of body fatness. Marked compensatory intake occurred in previously ill-fed ewes whereas the intake of well-fed fat ewes carrying single foetuses declined slightly as pregnancy proceeded. The body weights of single foetuses after 90 and 140 days of gestation were affected to a small extent by the level of maternal feed intake in early and late pregnancy. Male foetuses were significantly heavier than females at 90 days.
Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in a selected South Indian population--the Chennai Urban Population Study.

OBJECTIVE Hypertension is a major public health problem in developing countries. There is however very little population based data particularly in South India. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors in an urban South Indian population at Chennai. METHODS The Chennai Urban Population Study (CUPS) is an epidemiological study involving two residential areas in Chennai in South India. Of the total of 1399 eligible subjects (age > or = 20 years), 1262 (90.2%) participated in the study. All the study subjects underwent a glucose tolerance test (GTT) and were categorized as having normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes mellitus (DM). Subjects were classified as hypertensive using the criteria, systolic blood pressure (SBP) > or = 140 mm Hg, and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) > or = 90 mm Hg and/or treatment with anti-hypertensive drugs. Twelve-lead resting electrocardiography (ECG) was performed in 1175 individuals and peripheral Doppler studies were done in 50% of the individuals (n=631). RESULTS The overall crude prevalence of hypertension (HTN) in this population is 21.1% (n=266) while the age standardized prevalence is 17.0%. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the HTN group compared to the non-hypertensive individuals. The prevalence of diabetes (p < 0.001), obesity (p < 0.001), CAD (p = 0.001) and PVD (p = 0.0055) was higher among the hypertensive compared to normotensive group. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed HTN to be significantly associated with age (p < 0.001), body mass index (p < 0.001) and glucose intolerance (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION The prevalence of hypertension appears to be high in this urban South Indian population and this calls for urgent steps for its prevention and control.
The Role of Healthcare Informatics Competencies (HICs) and IT Capabilities for Service Innovation in Paramedicine

Paramedic services in the developed world face several problems, often manifesting in unavailability of ambulances, and other negative effects. Paramedic services are innovating with new service delivery models and technologies, yet the evidence that guides paramedic services in these processes is lacking. The purpose of this paper is to determine how paramedic services innovate, and how that innovation is influenced by technology in particular. This research integrates the Dynamic Capabilities, IT Capabilities and Health Informatics Competencies approaches in a multilevel model to understand this issue in a sample of Canadian paramedic services (n=43). The results suggest that paramedics with higher competencies related to identifying areas for technology understanding and application contribute to the ability of a paramedic service to respond to environmental changes. The relationship between IT and paramedic leadership, and the business expertise of the information technology staff also have an impact on the ability to change.
Biological and biochemical characterization of L-type-like bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) detected in Japanese black beef cattle

A case of L-type-like atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy was detected in 14-year-old Japanese black beef cattle (BSE/JP24). To clarify the biological and biochemical properties of the prion in BSE/JP24, we performed a transmission study with wild-type mice and bovinized transgenic mice (TgBoPrP). The BSE/JP24 prion was transmitted to TgBoPrP mice with the incubation period of 199.7 ± 3.4 days, which was shorter than that of classical BSE (C-BSE) (223.5 ± 13.5 days). Further, C-BSE was transmitted to wild-type mice with the incubation period of about 409 days, whereas BSE/JP24 prion inoculated mice showed no clinical signs up to 649 days. Severe vacuolation and a widespread and uniform distribution of PrPSc were pathologically observed in the brain of BSE/JP24 prion affected TgBoPrP mice. The molecular weight and glycoform ratio of PrPSc in BSE/JP24 were different from those in C-BSE, and PrPSc in BSE/JP24 exhibited weaker proteinase K resistance than that in C-BSE. These findings revealed that the BSE/JP24 prion has distinct biological and biochemical properties reported for that of C-BSE. Interestingly, a shorter incubation period was observed at the subsequent passage of the BSE/JP24 prion to TgBoPrP mice (152.2 ± 3.1 days). This result implies that BSE/JP24 prion has newly emerged and showed the possibility that L-type BSE prion might be classified into multiple strains.
Why envy outperforms

Four studies tested the hypothesis that the emotion of benign envy, but not the emotions of admiration or malicious envy, motivates people to improve themselves. Studies 1 to 3 found that only benign envy was related to the motivation to study more (Study 1) and to actual performance on the Remote Associates Task (which measures intelligence and creativity; Studies 2 and 3). Study 4 found that an upward social comparison triggered benign envy and subsequent better performance only when people thought self-improvement was attainable. When participants thought self-improvement was hard, an upward social comparison led to more admiration and no motivation to do better. Implications of these findings for theories of social emotions such as envy, social comparisons, and for understanding the influence of role models are discussed.