Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A New Index for Absolute Comparison of Standalone Photovoltaic Systems Installed at Different Locations

Photovoltaic (PV) system performance assessment is an important issue in determining how much energy is effectively used by PV-load systems. International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61724 establishes the reference yield as the global irradiation in the plane of the PV array. Therefore, the performance ratio obtained is only valid where the PV system is located and does not allow the comparison between the performance of PV systems installed at different locations. Adopting a reference yield that is common to any location on Earth, a new absolute performance ratio (APR) is introduced. It uses the average annual irradiation in an extraterrestrial surface equipped with a Sun-Tracking System. The interest of the new index is demonstrated through a simple example were two identical standalone photovoltaic (SAPV) systems are compared. While the IEC method shows both systems to have similar performance, the APR points out that the cost of the energy produced by one system is half that produced by the other.
Posaconazole efficacy in a murine disseminated infection caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus.

OBJECTIVES We have compared the efficacy of posaconazole and amphotericin B in an experimental murine model of paecilomycosis. METHODS Immunosuppressed mice were treated with posaconazole at 25, 50, 75 or 100 mg/kg/day orally, amphotericin B at 1.5 or 3 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally or liposomal amphotericin B at 5 mg/kg/day intravenously. Treatment began 1 day after infection and continued for 10 days post-infection. Two strains of Paecilomyces lilacinus were tested. RESULTS Posaconazole at 50 mg/kg/day was the only treatment able to significantly reduce fungal loads in the spleens, kidneys and livers of the mice infected by each of the two strains. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that posaconazole may have a clinical role in the treatment of disseminated paecilomycosis.
Birth and adoptive parent anxiety symptoms moderate the link between infant attention control and internalizing problems in toddlerhood

Abstract Attention control plays an important role in the development of internalizing symptoms in children. We explored the degree to which infants' genetic and environmentally based risk moderated the link between attention control and internalizing problems during toddlerhood. These associations were examined within a prospective adoption design, enabling the disentanglement of genetic and environmental risk for internalizing problems. Attention control in adopted infants was observed during periods of distress at age 9 months. Birth parents' anxiety symptoms were used as an index of genetic risk, while adoptive parents' anxiety symptoms were used as an index of environmental risk. Adoptive mothers and fathers reported on children's internalizing problems when children were 18 and 27 months old. Greater attention control in infancy appeared to mitigate genetically based risk for internalizing problems during toddlerhood when children were raised by adoptive parents who were low in anxiety. Findings suggest that for genetically susceptible children who are raised in low-risk environments, attention control may provide a protective factor against developing internalizing problems across early life.
The COMT ( rs 165599 ) gene polymorphism contributes to chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of genetic polymorphisms of catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), apolipoprotein E (APOE), and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the modulation of the chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) in breast cancer patients. Eighty triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and 165 non-triple negative breast cancer (NTNBC) patients were selected, and subjected to a number of neuropsychological tests, including memory questionnaires, before and after chemotherapy. Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including COMT (rs165599, rs4680, rs737865), APOE (rs429358, rs7412), and BDNF (rs6265), were evaluated. The scores of breast cancer patients after chemotherapy were poorer in comparison to those before chemotherapy (t = -5.317, z = -3.372, respectively, P < 0.01), and the scores of TNBC patients were poorer than those of NTNBC patients were after chemotherapy (t = -5.997, z = -5.284, respectively, P < 0.01). Patients with the COMT (rs165599) genotype had a significantly lower chance of developing cognitive decline than the patients with the G/G genotype, and this was linear with the retrospective memory (RM) questionnaires (β = -1.441, CI (95%) = -2.781~-0.101). However, there was no significant difference between the memory scores of APOE (rs429358, rs7412) and BDNF (rs6265) carriers before or after chemotherapy. This study suggests that CICI in TNBC patients was more prominent than that in NTNBC patients after chemotherapy, and the COMT (rs165599) polymorphism was linear to the retrospective memory (RM) questionnaires, and may be a potential genetic marker for increased vulnerability to CICI in TNBC patients.
Cefazolin high-inoculum effect in methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus from South American hospitals.

OBJECTIVES Clinical failures with cefazolin have been described in high-inoculum infections caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) producing type A β-lactamase. We investigated the prevalence of the cefazolin inoculum effect (InE) in MSSA from South American hospitals, since cefazolin is used routinely against MSSA due to concerns about the in vivo efficacy of isoxazolyl penicillins. METHODS MSSA isolates were recovered from bloodstream (n = 296) and osteomyelitis (n = 68) infections in two different multicentre surveillance studies performed in 2001-02 and 2006-08 in South American hospitals. We determined standard-inoculum (10(5)cfu/mL) and high-inoculum (10(7) cfu/mL) cefazolin MICs. PFGE was performed on all isolates that exhibited a cefazolin InE. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and sequencing of part of blaZ were performed on representative isolates. RESULTS The overall prevalence of the cefazolin InE was 36% (131 isolates). A high proportion (50%) of MSSA isolates recovered from osteomyelitis infections exhibited the InE, whereas it was observed in 33% of MSSA recovered from bloodstream infections. Interestingly, Ecuador had the highest prevalence of the InE (45%). Strikingly, 63% of MSSA isolates recovered from osteomyelitis infections in Colombia exhibited the InE. MLST revealed that MSSA isolates exhibiting the InE belonged to diverse genetic backgrounds, including ST5, ST8, ST30 and ST45, which correlated with the prevalent methicillin-resistant S. aureus clones circulating in South America. Types A (66%) and C (31%) were the most prevalent β-lactamases. CONCLUSIONS Our results show a high prevalence of the cefazolin InE associated with type A β-lactamase in MSSA isolates from Colombia and Ecuador, suggesting that treatment of deep-seated infections with cefazolin in those countries may be compromised.
The role of collectives in STI and HIV/AIDS prevention among female sex workers in Karnataka, India

Abstract This paper evaluates the role of female sex worker (FSW) collectives in the state of Karnataka, India, regarding their facilitating effect in increasing knowledge and promoting change towards safer sexual behaviour. In 2002 a state-wide survey of FSWs was administered to a stratified sample of 1,512 women. Following the survey, a collectivization index was developed to measure the degree of involvement of FSWs in collective-related activities. The results indicate that a higher degree of collectivization was associated with increased knowledge and higher reported condom use. Reported condom use was higher with commercial clients than with regular partners or husbands among all women and a gradient was observed in most outcome variables between women with low, medium and high collectivization index scores. Collectivization seems to have a positive impact in increasing knowledge and in empowering FSWs in Karnataka to adopt safer sex practices, particularly with commercial clients. While these results are encouraging, they may be confounded by social desirability, selection and other biases. More longitudinal and qualitative studies are required to better understand the nature of sex worker collectives and the benefits that they can provide.
Selective Inhibition of MAPKK Wis1 in the Stress-activated MAPK Cascade of Schizosaccharomyces pombe by Novel Berberine Derivatives*

Intracellular molecular targets of novel berberine derivatives, HWY 289 and HWY 336, were identified by a screen of a variety of mutants in fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. HWY 289 and HWY 336 completely inhibited the proliferation of wild type as well as various mutant fission yeast cells (minimal inhibitory concentrations were 29.52 μm for HWY 289 and 11.83 μm for HWY 336), but did not affect the proliferation of Wis1 mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) deletion mutants. In addition, HWY 289 with an IC50 value of 7.3 μm or HWY 336 with IC50 of 5.7 μm specifically inhibited in vitro kinase activities of purified Wis1, whereas either compound did not affect the activities of other kinases in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades of fission yeast. These genetic and biochemical results demonstrate the high degree of specificity of HWY 289 and HWY 336 to MAPKK Wis1 and suggest that the cytotoxicity of these compounds is not simply due to the inhibition of Wis1 kinase activity. High salt wash experiments have shown that strong noncovalent binding occurs between Wis1 and either HWY 289 or HWY 336. The preincubation of Wis1 kinase with ATP did not affect the inhibition of Wis1 by HWY 289 and HWY 336, but when Wis1 was preincubated with MBP, a protein substrate, Wis1 kinase activity was no longer inhibited. These observations demonstrate that HWY 289/HWY 336 do inhibit Wis1 kinase, not by binding to the ATP-binding site but by disturbing the binding of substrate to the kinase. Target validation of the complex of HWY 289/HWY 336 and Wis1 kinase will provide important clues for the mechanism of specific cytotoxicity of these compounds in S. pombe. On a broader aspect, it would create an initiative to further modify and develop compounds that selectively inhibit kinases and cause cytotoxicity in various MAPK cascades including those of mammals.
The corticomotor threshold is not dependent on disease duration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

INTRODUCTION : It is suggested that early in ALS the corticomotor threshold (CMT) is low, but increases with increasing duration of the disease. POPULATION AND METHODS : We compared CMT, central conduction time and motor-evoked response/M-wave amplitude in two populations of ALS patients: one with disease duration shorter than 6 months (Group A, 11 patients) and another who had had the disease for more than 24 months (Group B, 14 patients). These two groups were compared with a control group of 30 subjects. In all the ALS patients, abductor digiti minimi (ADM) strength was greater than MRC 3. RESULTS : M-wave amplitude was comparable in the three groups. We found no difference between the three groups in these transcranial magnetic stimulation studies and there was no correlation between disease duration time and CMT. CONCLUSION : We did not confirm a relation between CMT and disease duration. An increased CMT late in the disease progression is associated with greater lower motor neuron loss, and greater corticospinal tract degeneration with dispersion of the descending motor volley.
Do supervisors and independent judges agree on evaluations of therapist adherence and competence in the treatment of cocaine dependence?

Abstract The current study examined the agreement between supervisors' and independent judges' evaluations of therapist adherence and competence in three treatments of cocaine dependence: supportive expressive therapy (SE), cognitive therapy CT), and individual drug counseling (IDC). We used data from The National Institute on Drug Abuse Collaborative Cocaine Treatment Study (n = 295). Trained and experienced supervisors and independent judges rated treatment fidelity. At the therapist level of analysis, the agreement between supervisors' and independent judges' ratings was weak for SE competence, CT adherence, and CT competence. Moderate relations were found for IDC adherence and competence. Supervisors consistently rated adherence and competence more positively than judges in CT and IDC. The potential bias in supervisors' ratings is discussed.
Differences between males and females in the Hollander insulin test.

When treating duodenal ulcer by vagotomy surgeons aim at dividing all the vagal secreto-motor fibres to the stomach. In order to assess whether this aim had been achieved, Hollander (1948) developed the insulin test which has proved a valuable clinical method of judging whether the vagi have been divided completely. The criteria by which the acid secretory response of the stomach to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia is interpreted were established on an empirical basis. Apart from Hollander's criteria, other standards have been suggested for the interpretation of the insulin test by Bachrach (1962), Stempien (1962), and Bank, Marks, and Louw (1967). None of these authors suggested that it might be necessary to employ different criteria for men and women. In this communication we report differences between the secretory response to insulin of male and female patients, and apply them to the interpretation of the Hollander test after vagotomy.
Evaluation of the loading of neck and shoulder musculature in overhead pushing and pulling exertions

Despite substantial epidemiological evidence relating overhead exertions with work‐related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) of the neck, effects of such exertions on the loading of neck or cervical spine musculature are not well understood. In this study, the effects of overhead pushing and pulling exertions on the loading of the cervical spine were evaluated using electromyography (EMG) and subjective discomfort ratings. Additionally, the role of gender as well as individual strength on the loading of neck musculature during such exertions was evaluated. Twenty‐four healthy individuals (12 men and 12 women) participated in this study. Each participant performed overhead pushing and pulling exertions, exerting 25%, 50%, and 75% of their respective maximum strengths. Overhead pushing exertions were found to be significantly more strenuous to the neck musculature than were the pulling exertions. Gender had no significant effect on the activities of the neck muscles. Participants with high strength, however, were able to exert more force at comparatively low muscle activation levels. Subjective discomfort ratings were strongly correlated with the EMG data. At various workplaces, avoiding overhead exertions is rather impossible due to material, interface, and site constraints. Based on the results of this study, however, during such exertions, an interchange between directions of force application could prevent sustained loading of the neck muscles, fatigue, and consequently the probability of neck WMSD incidents. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Guidance on the Use of Topical Anesthetics for Naso / Oropharyngeal and Laryngotracheal Procedures

This guidance is based on the best clinical evidence currently available. The recommendations in this document are dynamic, and will be revised as new clinical information becomes available. This guidance is intended to assist practitioners in providing consistent, high quality, cost effective drug therapy. These criteria are not intended to interfere with clinical judgment. The clinician must ultimately decide the course of therapy based on individual patient situations.
Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Oseltamivir for Prophylaxis of Neonates Exposed to Influenza H1N1

Oseltamivir was administered at 1.0 mg/kg b.i. d. to 13 neonates exposed to influenza H1N1. No influenza, neurologic, or laboratory adverse effects occurred. The mean Cmax values for oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate were found to be lower than those reported for children 1 to 5 years old, whereas Tmax values were similar to children 1 to 5 years old. Age and gender were found to significantly affect oseltamivir clearance.
ENDOGENOUS STRYCHNINE: DESCRIPTION OF HYPO- AND HYPERSTRYCHNINERGIC STATE IN RELATION TO NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISEASES

Previous work from our laboratory has demonstrated the presence of endogenous strychnine in the mammalian brain and human serum samples. The present study examines the role of strychnine in neuropsychiatric disorders. Strychnine is synthesized from tryptophan. The blood levels of tyrosine, tryptophan, and strychnine were studied as also RBC membrane Na ´ +;-K ´ +; ATPase activity. It was found that serum tyrosine levels were reduced and that tryptophan levels were elevated in all neuropsychiatric disorders studied with a reduction in RBC Na ´ +;-K ´ +; ATPase activity. Strychnine was present in significant amounts in the serum of patients with epilepsy, Parkinson s disease, and manic depressive psychosis. The presence of strychnine in significant amounts could be related to elevated tryptophan levels, suggesting the synthesis of these alkaloids from tryptophan. Na ´ +;-K ´ +; ATPase inhibition present in most of the disorders could be related to increased depolarizing strychninergic transmission. The role of strychnine in the pathogenesis of these disorders, in the setting of membrane Na ´ +;-K ´ +; ATPase inhibition, is discussed.
Critical thinking as an outcome of a Master's degree in Nursing programme.

AIM This paper is a report of a study measuring critical thinking ability in graduates on completion of a Master's degree in Nursing. BACKGROUND Nurse education programmes identify the development of critical thinking capabilities as a central outcome for graduates at Master's level. However, despite the centrality of critical thinking to educational curricula, achievement of this outcome has not been evaluated. METHOD A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in Ireland between 2006 and 2007. Critical thinking was measured using the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal tool. The sample consisted of two cohorts: a control cohort (110 students commencing Master's in Nursing programmes) and an outcome cohort (222 students who had a Master's degree in Nursing). The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal scores of the graduate cohort were also compared to previously published norm reference scores in the area of nursing and other higher education professional groups. RESULTS Graduates had statistically significantly higher critical thinking scores than commencing graduates. Graduates from Master's in Nursing programmes also had similar critical thinking scores to nurses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the United States of America. However, scores were lower than those of occupational and academic groups in education and medicine. CONCLUSION Graduates from a Master's degree in Nursing make statistically significant gains in critical thinking scores when compared to students commencing the programme. However, the gains were relatively modest and call into question the effectiveness of pedagogical methods used to facilitate the development of critical thinking at Master's level.
Blood viscosity and platelet function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) have a high incidence of cardiovascular events. We measured whole blood viscosity at high (94.5 s(-1)) and low (0.1 s(-1)) shear rate, hematocrit, fibrinogen, and platelet hemostatic function (PTA-100) at 7-8 p.m. and 7-8 a.m. in 8 controls and 13 patients, once with the established nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) treatment and once without. OSA patients had a higher plasma viscosity (1.37+/-0.11 vs. 1.19+/-0.11 mPa.s in the evening, p<0.05) and fibrinogen (2.61+/-0.49 vs. 2.11+/-0.29 g/l, p<0.05) than controls, without diurnal difference, and similar values with or without NCPAP. Whole blood viscosity and hematocrit were similar in controls and patients before and after a night with or without NCPAP. Platelet activity was significantly higher in the morning than in the evening in controls and patients with or without NCPAP. We conclude that blood viscosity and platelet activity are similar in controls and patients with OSA on a long-term treatment with NCPAP, which is not worsened by a single night without NCPAP. The increase of plasma viscosity and fibrinogen in OSA patients as well as the general increase of platelet aggregation in the morning may contribute to the increased incidence of cardiovascular events.
Perspectives on management education: an exploratory study of UK and Portuguese medical students

Healthcare management is becoming extremely important and large health organizations face increasing demands for leadership and system change. The role of doctors is pivotal but their relationship with management issues and practice has been a matter of long-lasting debate. The aim of this research was to establish opinions of medical students and other medical educational stakeholders on the value and structure of a management and leadership course in medical school. A survey of undergraduate medical students from two medical schools (n = 268) was carried out, and quantitative and qualitative data were analysed and compared with opinions collected from interviews with hospital managers and clinical professors. Portuguese medical students attributed higher relevance to leadership/management education than their UK counterparts. For both groups, such a course would be best: (1) situated in the clinical years, (2) optional and (3) one term/semester long. Main topics desired were ‘Managing people/team management’; ‘National Health Service’; ‘Doctors & Leadership’, ‘Costs/prices and resource management’. In conclusion, leadership/management education is perceived as relevant but its inclusion in the medical curriculum as well as its content needs careful consideration. Education in informatics and knowledge management would also provide a positive contribution to professional development but is scarcely appreciated at present.
Design and Experimental Validation of Liquid Crystal-Based Reconfigurable Reflectarray Elements With Improved Bandwidth in F-Band

A reconfigurable reflectarray which exploits the dielectric anisotropy of liquid crystals (LC) has been designed to operate in the frequency range from 96 to 104 GHz. The unit cells are composed of three unequal length parallel dipoles placed above an LC substrate. The reflectarray has been designed using an accurate model which includes the effects of anisotropy and inhomogeneity. An effective permittivity that accounts for the ‘real effects’ of the LC has also been used to simplify the analysis and design of the unit cells. The geometrical parameters of the cells have been adjusted to simultaneously improve the bandwidth, maximize the tunable phase-range and reduce the sensitivity to the angle of incidence. The performance of the LC based unit cells has been experimentally evaluated by measuring the reflection amplitude and phase of a reflectarray consisting of 52 $\,\times\,$54 identical cells. The good agreement between measurements and simulations validates the analysis and design techniques and demonstrates the capabilities of the proposed reflectarray to provide beam scanning in F band.