Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Edentulism in high poverty rural counties.

PURPOSE To examine the differences in oral health status among residents of high-poverty counties, as compared to residents of other rural or urban counties, specifically on the prevalence of edentulism. METHODS We used the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the 2006 Area Resource File (ARF). All analyses were conducted with SAS and SAS-callable SUDAAN, in order to account for weighting and the complex sample design. FINDINGS Characteristics significantly related to edentulism include: geographic location, gender, race, age, health status, employment, insurance, not having a usual source of care, education, marital status, presence of chronic disease, having an English interview, not deferring care due to cost, income, and dentist saturation within the county. CONCLUSIONS Significant associations between high-poverty rural and other rural counties and edentulism were found, and other socioeconomic and health status indicators remain strong predictors of edentulism.
The implementation of critical pathways in gynecologic oncology in a managed care setting: a cost analysis.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study is to determine whether critical pathways can be implemented at an academic institution to limit cost, without compromising patient satisfaction and quality of care. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients undergoing a hysterectomy with either cervical or endometrial cancer were placed on specific critical pathways consecutively for an 18-month study period. Preoperative teaching was intensified to educate the patient regarding expectations during the postoperative period. All patients were started on early feeding and patients were also placed on separate care pathways addressing pain and deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. Total direct costs and patient satisfaction were obtained throughout the study period. During the year prior to care pathway implementation, patient data and direct costs were obtained for the preintervention group utilized for comparison. Postintervention groups were summarized every 6 months during the study period. RESULTS From January 1997 through June 1998, 63 patients with cervical carcinoma undergoing a radical hysterectomy (DRG 353) and 21 patients with endometrial cancer who underwent a hysterectomy and lymph node sampling (DRG 355) were utilized as the preintervention group. During the 18-month study period (July 1998-December 1999), 42 patients (DRG 353) and 25 patients (DRG 355) were accrued. The average length of stay was reduced from 5.2 (DRG 353) and 4.7 days (DRG 355) prior to implementation of pathways to 3.4 days in both groups. In addition, total direct costs were reduced by 29 (DRG 353) and 32% (DRG 355) after implementation of care pathways. Patient satisfaction data recorded during the study did not demonstrate any change throughout the study period nor were there any higher rates of readmission after implementation of the care pathways. CONCLUSIONS Critical pathways in gynecologic oncology can be implemented in a managed care environment in order to maintain high quality of care, maintain outcomes, and help reduce costs.
Relaxation to quantum equilibrium for Dirac fermions in the de Broglie–Bohm pilot-wave theory

Numerical simulations indicate that the Born rule does not need to be postulated in the de Broglie–Bohm pilot-wave theory, but tends to arise dynamically (relaxation to quantum equilibrium). These simulations were done for a particle in a two-dimensional box whose wave function obeys the non-relativistic Schrödinger equation and is therefore scalar. The chaotic nature of the de Broglie–Bohm trajectories, thanks to the nodes of the wave function which yield to vortices, is crucial for a fast relaxation to quantum equilibrium. For spinors, we typically do not expect any node. However, in the case of the Dirac equation, the de Broglie–Bohm velocity field has vorticity even in the absence of nodes. This observation raises the question of the origin of relaxation to quantum equilibrium for fermions. In this article, we provide numerical evidence to show that Dirac particles also undergo relaxation, by simulating the evolution of various non-equilibrium distributions for two-dimensional systems (the two-dimensional Dirac oscillator and the Dirac particle in a two-dimensional spherical step potential).
Social Isolation and Loneliness: Differences between Older Rural and Urban Manitobans*

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper was to identify predictors of social isolation and loneliness for very old rural and urban adults. With data from the 1996 Aging in Manitoba Study (N = 1,868; age range 72–104), separate multiple regression models were constructed for rural and urban sub-samples, using the life space index (LSI) to measure social isolation as one outcome, and a loneliness index created by the authors from a combination of items to measure loneliness as a second outcome. Different factors were found to predict the outcomes for the two sub-samples. The models with isolation as the outcome produced five predictors for the rural sub-sample and three for the urban sub-sample. Only living alone was the same for both groups. The models with loneliness as the outcome produced five predictors for the rural sub-sample and two for the urban sub-sample, again with only one factor in common – four or more chronic illnesses. We conclude that health and social factors are important predictors of social isolation and loneliness, and sensitivity to these factors may improve the experience of older adults. RÉSUMÉ Dans ce mémoire, on a cherché à identifier les prédicteurs de l'isolement social et de la solitude chez les personnes duquatrième âge résidant en milieu rural et urbain. À partir de données tirées de l'étude de 1996 intitulée Aging in Manitoba(N = 1868, plage d'âge 72 à 104 ans), on a établi des modèles de régression multiple portant sur des sous-échantillonsde sujets résidant en milieu rural et urbain et utilisé l'échelle d'interaction sociale (life space index) pour mesurerl'isolement social, d'une part, et une échelle de solitude (loneliness index) créée par les auteures à partir de plusieursitems pour mesurer la solitude, d'autre part. On a découvert que différents facteurs permettaient de prédire les résultatsdes deux sous-échantillons. On a tiré cinq prédicteurs des modèles associés à l'isolement pour le sous-échantillonde sujets résidant en milieu rural et trois prédicteurs pour le sous-échantillon des citadins. Seul le facteur « vivre seul » donnait le même résultat dans les deux groupes. Quant aux modèles liés à la solitude, on a obtenu cinq prédicteurspour le sous-échantillon de sujets résidant en milieu rural et deux prédicteurs pour le sous-échantillon des citadins, lesdeux groupes ayant à nouveau un seul facteur en commun, au moins quatre maladies chroniques. Les auteures ontconclu que les facteurs « santé » et « contacts sociaux » sont d'importants prédicteurs de l'isolement social et de la solitude,et qu'on pourrait améliorer la situation des personnes âgées en prêtant une plus grande attention à ces facteurs.
Effect of N-acetylcysteine administration on homocysteine level, oxidative damage to proteins, and levels of iron (Fe) and Fe-related proteins in lead-exposed workers

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) could be included in protocols designed for the treatment of lead toxicity. Therefore, in this study, we decided to investigate the influence of NAC administration on homocysteine (Hcy) levels, oxidative damage to proteins, and the levels of iron (Fe), transferrin (TRF), and haptoglobin (HPG) in lead (Pb)-exposed workers. The examined population (n = 171) was composed of male employees who worked with Pb. They were randomized into four groups. Workers who were not administered any antioxidants, drugs, vitamins, or dietary supplements were classified as the reference group (n = 49). The remaining three groups consisted of workers who were treated orally with NAC at three different doses (1 × 200, 2 × 200, or 2 × 400 mg) for 12 weeks. After the treatment, blood Pb levels significantly decreased in the groups receiving NAC compared with the reference group. The protein concentration was not affected by NAC administration. In contrast, Hcy levels significantly decreased or showed a strong tendency toward lower values depending on the NAC dose. Levels of the protein carbonyl groups were significantly decreased in all of the groups receiving NAC. Conversely, glutamate dehydrogenase activity was significantly elevated in all of the groups receiving NAC, while the level of protein thiol groups was significantly elevated only in the group receiving 200 mg of NAC. Treatment with NAC did not significantly affect Fe and TRF levels, whereas HPG levels showed a tendency toward lower values. Treatment with NAC normalized the level of Hcy and decreased oxidative stress as measured by the protein carbonyl content; this effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, small doses of NAC elevated the levels of protein thiol groups. Therefore, NAC could be introduced as an alternative therapy for chronic Pb toxicity in humans.
Cellular patterns and metabolic changes during tepal development in Lilium tsingtauense

Lilium tsingtauense is an endangered bulb plant in China that has curved leaves and orange flowers. Little is known about the opening of the L. tsingtauense flower. In this paper, the blooming process of L. tsingtauense flowers was sampled in five stages according to characteristic tepal morphology. The center of the tepal has an increasing elongation rate compared with the upper and lower parts. Tepal growth from closed buds at the greenish tepal stage (CBS) to the completely opened buds at the horizontal tepal stage is mainly due to cell division, cell elongation, and obvious longitudinal cellular growth. The fructose and glucose levels increased as the flower opened; however, the sucrose levels remained constant. The ultrastructure of different flowering stages implies that starch grains were mainly concentrated in the early flowering stage, and the cell wall was thicker in the fully opened flowers in the unhorizontal tepal stage compared with CBS and the completely opened bud in the reflexed tepal stage. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR showed that cell expansion and hormone-related genes were correlated with flower opening. These results clearly illustrate the patterns of tepal cell expansion and the changes in metabolites during L. tsingtauense flower opening.
Improved double-stranded DNA sequencing using the linear polymerase chain reaction.

One of the problems associated with double-3tranded DNA sequencing is that most of the [5'-3P]-labelied oligonuoleotide primer i3 not extended by the DNA polymerase. Hence, most of the labelled primer is wasted and gels have to be autoradiographed for several days. In the method described in this paper, almost all of the labelled primer is extended by the DNA polymerase and thus a shorter autoradiograph exposure is needed. This method Is a modification of the linear polymerase chain reaction (LPCR) where only one o ligonucleotide 13 present (1). It U363 Taq DNA polymerase and, since polymerisation is at 72°C, results in a low level of sequencing artifacts. Multiple LPCR cycle3 also removes sequencing artifacts. The use of lower than normal dNTP concentrations i3 necessary to achieve
Involvement in environmental causes, does the joint effect between subjective income and the performance of the country matter?

Previous research has shown that richer people are more likely to engage in an environmentalcause. We extend it by considering the joint effect between subjective income and a set of macroeconomicvariables. For doing so, we employ the fifth wave of the World Values Survey (WVS). This study provides clear evidence that even when both factors matter, people´s attitudes cruciallydepend on the interaction effect. Hence, those measures that affect the characteristics of thecountry would also change the disposition to be involved.
The Homogeneity of Spheroidal Populations in Distant Clusters

The small scatter observed for the (U-V) colors of spheroidal galaxies in nearby clusters of galaxies provides a powerful constraint on the history of star formation in dense environments. However, with local data alone, it is not possible to separate models where galaxies assembled synchronously over redshifts 0 < z < 1 from ones where galaxies formed stochastically at much earlier times. Here we attempt to resolve this ambiguity via high-precision rest-frame UV-optical photometry of a large sample of morphologically selected spheroidal galaxies in three z ~ 0.54 clusters that have been observed with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). We demonstrate the robustness of using the HST to conduct the morphological separation of spheroidal and disk galaxies at this redshift and use our new data to repeat the analysis conducted locally at a significant look-back time. We find a small scatter (<0.1 mag rms) for galaxies classed as E's and E/S0's, both internally within each of the three clusters and externally from cluster to cluster. We do not find any trend for the scatter to increase with decreasing luminosity down to L~L*V+3, other than can be accounted for by observational error. Neither is there evidence for a distinction between the scatter observed for galaxies classified as ellipticals and S0. Our result provides a new constraint on the star formation history of cluster spheroidals prior to z ≃ 0.5 confirming and considerably strengthening the earlier conclusions. Most of the star formation in the elliptical galaxies in dense clusters was completed before z ≃ 3 in conventional cosmologies. Although we cannot rule out the continued production of some ellipticals, our results do indicate an era of initial star formation consistent with the population of star-forming galaxies recently detected beyond z ≃ 3.
Low Emittance Transport Studies for the Alignment of the International Linear Collider

The International Linear Collider (ILC) will be a new 33 km long 500 GeV center of mass linear accelerator that will collide electron and positron bunches together at unprecedented luminosity. Critical to preserving the very high luminosity is a very small transverse beam size (or emittance). This requires an alignment precision within microns of the accelerator components along the entire length of the linac. Since site survey can only align components to hundreds of microns at the most, more sophisticated alignment methods are required that rely on the accelerated beam as the diagnostic tool. Essential to these Beam-Based Alignment techniques is precise measurement of the beam position along the length of the linac using Beam Position Monitors (BPMs). The main purpose of our studies has been to determine the BPM resolution required to adequately maintain the beam emittance. To reach this objective, we performed computer simulations of the acceleration of an electron bunch through the linac, which enabled us to test, compare and improve the effectiveness of three alignment algorithms.
Does stage of change predict improved intimate partner violence outcomes following an emergency department intervention?

OBJECTIVES The objective was to assess the effect of an emergency department (ED)-based computer screening and referral intervention on the safety-seeking behaviors of female intimate partner violence (IPV) victims at differing stages of change. The study also aimed to determine which personal and behavioral characteristics were associated with a positive change in safety-seeking behavior. The hypothesis was that women who were in contemplation or action stages of change would be more likely to endorse safety behaviors during follow-up. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of female IPV victims at three urban EDs, using a computer kiosk to deliver targeted education about IPV to provide referrals to local resources. All noncritically ill adult English-speaking women triaged to the ED waiting room during study hours were eligible to participate. Women were screened for IPV using the validated Universal Violence Prevention Screening Protocol (UVPSP), and all IPV-positive women further responded to validated questionnaires for alcohol and drug abuse, depression, and IPV severity. The women were assigned a baseline stage of change using the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) scale for readiness to change their IPV behaviors. Study participants were contacted at 1 week and 3 months to assess a variety of predetermined safety behaviors to prevent further IPV during that period. Descriptive analyses were performed to determine if stage of change at enrollment and a variety of specific sociodemographic characteristics were associated with taking protective action during follow-up. RESULTS A total of 1,474 women were screened for IPV; 154 (10.4%) disclosed IPV and completed the full survey. Approximately half (47.4%) of the IPV victims were in the precontemplation stage of change, and 50.0% were in the contemplation stage. A total of 110 women returned at 1 week of follow-up (71.4%), and 63 (40.9%) women returned for the 3-month follow-up. Fifty-five percent of those who returned at 1 week and 73% of those who returned at 3 months took protective action against further IPV. Stage of change at enrollment was not significantly associated with taking protective action during follow-up. There was no association between demographic characteristics and taking protective action at 1 week or 3 months. CONCLUSIONS Emergency department-based kiosk screening and health information delivery is a feasible method of health information dissemination for women experiencing IPV and was associated with a high proportion of study participants taking protective action. Stage of change was not associated with actual IPV protective measures.
Adverse Drug Reactions: A Review of Relevant Factors

We examined some of the factors that contribute to the development of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and analyzed postmarketing ADR reports for 22 drugs. The role of metabolic‐based drug‐drug interaction in the development of ADRs can not be overstated. Assessment of the postmarketing ADR data for 22 drugs revealed that drugs with high potential for eliciting clinically significant ADRs are usually detected and either withdrawn from the market or placed on restricted use within the first year or two of marketing. Postmarketing data could be a useful tool for understanding the ADR profile of drugs if reporting can be adequately monitored and verified. It is hoped that early evaluation of the clinically meaningful factors such as metabolism, pharmacogenetics, and effect of physiologic and pathophysiologic states on the clinical effect of a drug during drug development would significantly reduce the incidence and severity of post‐marketing ADRs.
Effects of learning style and student background on self-assessment and course performance

This study evaluates a new taxonomy-based self-assessment scale, and examines factors that affect assessment accuracy and course performance. The scale is based on Bloom's Revised Taxonomy and is evaluated by comparing students' self-assessment results with course performance in a programming course. Correlation has been used to reveal possible connections between student information and both self-assessment and course performance. The results show that students can place their knowledge along the taxonomy-based scale quite well and the scale seems to fit engineering students' learning style. Advanced students assess themselves more accurately than novices. The results also show that reflective students were better in programming than active. The scale used in this study gives a more objective picture of students' knowledge than general scales and with modifications it can be used in other classes than programming.
A computational study of mucociliary transport in healthy and diseased environments

Abstract Mucociliary clearance is the primary defense mechanism that protects the airways from inhaled toxicants and infectious agents. The fluid medium is spatially non-homogenous, consisting of a viscoelastic mucus layer on top of a nearly-viscous periciliary layer surrounding the motile cilia. In healthy environments, the thickness of the periciliary layer is comparable to the cilia length. Perturbations to this system are directly linked to infection and disease. Clinical evidence links the periciliary layer depletion to reduced rates of mucus clearance. Here, we develop a computational model to systematically study the effects of the viscoelastic properties and thickness of the mucus layer on the system’s performance. We find that, compared to a control case with no mucus, a healthy mucus layer enhances the cilia performance: it improves flow transport at an energetic advantage to the cilia. In contrast, when the periciliary layer is depleted, mucus hinders transport and stiffer mucus leads to a substantial decrease in transport efficiency. This decrease in transport is accompanied by an increase in the cilia internal forces and power needed to complete the cilia beating cycle. We conclude by commenting on the relevance of these findings to understanding mucociliary transport in healthy and diseased environments.
Robust Antitumor Effects of Combined Anti–CD4-Depleting Antibody and Anti–PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Antibody Treatment in Mice

Ueha, Yokochi, Ishiwata, and colleagues show in three mouse tumor models that CD4 depletion led to tumor-specific CTL proliferation in the draining lymph node and increased tumor infiltration of PD-1+CD8+ T cells; it also synergized with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade to suppress tumor growth and prolong survival. Depletion of CD4+ cells in tumor-bearing mice has strong antitumor effects. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects and the therapeutic benefits of CD4+ cell depletion relative to other immunotherapies have not been fully evaluated. Here, we investigated the antitumor effects of an anti–CD4-depleting mAb as a monotherapy or in combination with immune checkpoint mAbs. In B16F10, Colon 26, or Lewis lung carcinoma subcutaneous tumor models, administration of the anti-CD4 mAb alone had strong antitumor effects that were superior to those elicited by CD25+ Treg depletion or other immune checkpoint mAbs, and which were completely reversed by CD8+ cell depletion. CD4+ cell depletion led to the proliferation of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells in the draining lymph node and increased infiltration of PD-1+CD8+ T cells into the tumor, with a shift toward type I immunity within the tumor. Combination treatment with the anti-CD4 mAb and immune checkpoint mAbs, particularly anti–PD-1 or anti–PD-L1 mAbs, synergistically suppressed tumor growth and greatly prolonged survival. To our knowledge, this work represents the first report of robust synergy between anti-CD4 and anti–PD-1 or anti–PD-L1 mAb therapies. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(6); 631–40. ©2015 AACR.
The Impact of Adolescents' Classroom and Neighborhood Ethnic Diversity on Same‐ and Cross‐Ethnic Friendships Within Classrooms

This study examines how classroom and neighborhood ethnic diversity affect adolescents' tendency to form same- versus cross-ethnic friendships when they enter middle school. Hypotheses are derived from exposure, conflict, and constrict theory. Hypotheses are tested among 911 middle school students (43 classrooms, nine schools) in the Netherlands. Multilevel (p2) social network analyses show that students were more likely to engage in same-ethnic rather than cross-ethnic friendships. In line with conflict theory, greater classroom and neighborhood diversity were related to stronger tendencies to choose same-ethnic rather than cross-ethnic friends, among both ethnic majority and minority students. Diversity did not hamper reciprocity, as students in more ethnically diverse classrooms were even more likely to reciprocate friendships.