Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transition to community-based nursing curriculum: processes and outcomes.

As the health care delivery system evolves, nurse educators must prepare graduates who can meet the comprehensive health needs of communities in a variety of settings. This article describes one college's process of curricular change from a traditional to community-based format. The concepts that guided curriculum development and implementation are presented, along with the outcomes that have resulted from this change. Lessons learned as the curriculum was restructured are described.
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry profiling of the costus plant Saussurea lappa (Decne.) C.B. Clarke root extracts and their anti-bacterial activity

The costus Saussurea lappa is a well-known medicinal plant that has been widely used in the traditional medicines in many Asian countries. Here, we report on the chemistry of the ethanol and water extracts of S. lappa roots using gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis (GC/MS). We further tested their antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram +ve) and Salmonella sp. (Gram –ve) isolates. The GC/MS analysis indicate that the ethanol extract has more compounds (37) than does the aqueous extract (18) with sesquiterpene lactones as the most abundant compounds in both extracts. The results also reveal that the ethanol extract has significant antimicrobial activity against S. aureus isolate and no effect was observed against Salmonella sp isolate. In contrast, weak effects were found in the water extract against S. aureus and no effect against Salmonella sp isolate. Together with the GC/MS analyses, we conclude that the ethanol extract contains active secondary metabolites that may have a specific activity likely in a synergy effects with other metabolites against Gram +ve bacteria (18-20 mm inhibition-zone) but not Gram –ve isolate, indicating a specific mode of action. Therefore, S. lappa might be used as a potential anti-microbial agent against S. aureus and possibly other Gram +ve strains. Nonetheless, further studies are required to get insights into mechanistic basis of actions of these compounds found in the ethanol extracts.
Observers and Luenberger-type observers for 2 D state-space models affected by unknown inputs

In this paper, dead-beat unknown input observers (UIOs) for two-dimensional (2D) state-space models are investigated. Dead-beat UIOs are observers which produce an exact estimate of the original system state trajectory, after a finite number of evolution steps, independently of the system and observer initial conditions and of the inputs and the unknown disturbances that affect the system functioning. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of dead-beat UIOs are provided. Comparisons with Luenberger-type UIOs are also carried on, and the extension of the paper results to the case of asymptotic UIOs with a given rate of convergence is finally discussed. Key-Words:Two-dimensional state-space models, dead-beat unknown input observers, Luenberger-type observers, asymptotic observers.
Computer-aided Detection with Screening Mammography in a University Hospital Setting 1

1 From the Department of Radiology, S092, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Dr, Stanford, CA 94305-5105 (R.L.B., D.M.I.); and Radiology Residency Program, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, Calif (P.B.). Received May 14, 2004; revision requested August 3; revision received September 22; accepted October 22. Address correspondence to R.L. B. (e-mail: rbirdwell@partners.org).
Effects of Bilateral Superior Oblique “Hang-Back” Recession in Treatment of A-pattern Strabismus with Superior Oblique Overaction

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of bilateral hang-back recession of superior oblique (SO) muscles in the treatment of A-pattern strabismus with superior oblique overaction (SOOA). Methods: Thirty-one (31) patients (62 eyes) with A-pattern horizontal deviation and SOOA underwent hang-back recession of SO and retrospective analysis of the surgical amount of hang-back recession of SO, preoperative and postoperative A-pattern, ocular motility, and corrected objective torsion. Patients were evaluated before and 6 to 9 months after surgery. Results: The average A-pattern horizontal deviation was 27.58 ±11.47 prism diopters (PD) before surgery and 3.48 ± 3.70 PD after surgery (n=31, P<0.05). The mean corrected A-pattern was horizontal deviation 24.10 ± 10.32 PD. The average scale of SOOA on a scale of +1 to +4 was +3.05 ± 0.80 before surgery and +0.42 ± 0.50 after surgery in 62 eyes (P<0.05). The mean corrected objective torsion was 4.91°± 4.53°. The surgical amount of SO hang-back recession ranged from 4 to 10 mm (mean: 7.62 ± 1.18 mm), which was related to the preoperative A-pattern and corrected A-pattern. There were no surgical complications. Conclusions: SO hang-back recession is a safe and efficient option for A-pattern caused by SOOA.
IcmR-regulated Membrane Insertion and Efflux by the Legionella pneumophila IcmQ Protein*

Legionella pneumophila proliferates within alveolar macrophages as a central property of Legionnaires' disease. Intracellular growth involves formation of a replicative phagosome, which requires the bacterial Dot/Icm system, a multiprotein secretion apparatus that translocates proteins from the bacterium across the macrophage plasma membrane. Two components of this system, IcmR and IcmQ, are proposed to exhibit a chaperone/substrate relationship similar to that observed in other protein translocation systems. We report here that IcmQ inserts into lipid membranes and forms pores that allow the efflux of the dye calcein but not Dextran 3000. Both membrane insertion and pore formation were inhibited by IcmR. Trypsin digestion mapping demonstrated that IcmQ is subdivided into two functional domains. The N-terminal region of IcmQ was necessary and sufficient for insertion into lipid membranes and calcein efflux. The C-terminal domain was necessary for efficient association of the protein with lipid bilayers. IcmR was found to bind to the N-terminal portion of the protein thus providing a mechanism for its ability to inhibit IcmQ pore-forming activity. Localization of IcmQ on the surface of the L. pneumophila shortly after infection as well as its pore-forming capacities suggest a role for IcmQ in forming a channel that leads translocated effectors out of the bacterium.
de novo synthesis of glutathione is a prerequisite for curcumin to inhibit HSC activation

Upon liver injury, quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSC), the most relevant cell type for hepatic fibrogenesis, become active, characterized by enhanced cell growth and over-production of extracellular matrix (ECM). Oxidative stress facilitates HSC activation and the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Glutathione (GSH) is the most important intracellular antioxidant. We previously showed that curcumin, the yellow pigment in curry from turmeric, significantly inhibited HSC activation. The aim of this study is to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. It is hypothesized that curcumin might inhibit HSC activation mainly by its antioxidant capacity. Results from this study demonstrate that curcumin dose1-, and time-dependently attenuates oxidative stress in passaged HSC demonstrated by scavenging reactive oxygen species and reducing lipid peroxidation. Curcumin elevates the level of cellular GSH and induces de novo synthesis of GSH in HSC by stimulating the activity and gene expression of glutamatecysteine ligase (GCL), a key rate-limiting enzyme in GSH synthesis. Depletion of cellular GSH by the inhibition of GCL activity using L-buthioninesulfoximine evidently eliminates the inhibitory effects of curcumin on HSC activation. Taken together, our results demonstrate, for the first time, that the antioxidant property of curcumin mainly results from increasing the level of cellular GSH by inducing the activity and gene expression of GCL in activated HSC in vitro. de novo synthesis of GSH is a prerequisite for curcumin to inhibit HSC activation. These results provide novel insights into the mechanisms of curcumin as an antifibrogenic candidate in the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
Sward lifting in compacted grassland : e ff ects on soil structure , grass rooting and productivity

Soil compaction can impair the productivity of permanent grassland. A way to ameliorate compaction in the topsoil (0–30 cm), without destroying the sward, is soil loosening by sward lifting. To explore the potential of this form of non-inversion tillage, we applied this treatment once, either in spring or in autumn, to a moderately compacted grassland on a sandy soil and measured the effects on soil structure, grass rooting and productivity for up to two growing seasons. We also explored whether complementary overseeding with Lolium multiflorum Lam. would extend the duration of soil loosening effects. Our results show that sward lifting improved soil structure and rooting for at least 10–12 months, but did not result in a consistent or lasting increase in herbage yield or nitrogen (N) uptake. Loosening in spring decreased herbage yield (−27%) and N uptake (−16%) in the following growth period, but these decreases were largely compensated for (herbage yield) or more than compensated for (N uptake) by increases in the next three growth periods. The increase in N uptake in the first growing season (+13 kg N ha) was reversed in the second season (−14 kg N ha). Loosening in autumn increased herbage yield (+8%) and N uptake (+15%) in the first growth period (after winter), but not in the four growth periods thereafter. Cumulative yield tended to be higher (+4%), which supports the view that soil loosening should be carried out in autumn rather than in spring. The initial positive effects of loosening on herbage yield and N uptake were explained by a temporary increased soil N mineralization; initial negative effects by mechanical damage to sward and roots. Finally, complementary overseeding did not extend the duration of soil loosening effects; apparently, new root growth from the existing sward was effective enough to stabilize these effects.
Is the Parkinson anxiety scale comparable across raters?

The Parkinson Anxiety Scale is a new scale developed to measure anxiety severity in Parkinson's disease specifically. It consists of three dimensions: persistent anxiety, episodic anxiety, and avoidance behavior. This study aimed to assess the measurement properties of the scale while controlling for the rater (self‐ vs. clinician‐rated) effect. The Parkinson Anxiety Scale was administered to a cross‐sectional multicenter international sample of 362 Parkinson's disease patients. Both patients and clinicians rated the patient's anxiety independently. A many‐facet Rasch model design was applied to estimate and remove the rater effect. The following measurement properties were assessed: fit to the Rasch model, unidimensionality, reliability, differential item functioning, item local independency, interrater reliability (self or clinician), and scale targeting. In addition, test–retest stability, construct validity, precision, and diagnostic properties of the Parkinson Anxiety Scale were also analyzed. A good fit to the Rasch model was obtained for Parkinson Anxiety Scale dimensions A and B, after the removal of one item and rescoring of the response scale for certain items, whereas dimension C showed marginal fit. Self versus clinician rating differences were of small magnitude, with patients reporting higher anxiety levels than clinicians. The linear measure for Parkinson Anxiety Scale dimensions A and B showed good convergent construct with other anxiety measures and good diagnostic properties. Parkinson Anxiety Scale modified dimensions A and B provide valid and reliable measures of anxiety in Parkinson's disease that are comparable across raters. Further studies are needed with dimension C. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
CLINICIAN ' S CORNER Integration of 3-dimensional surgical and orthodontic technologies with orthognathic “ surgery-fi rst ” approach in the management of unilateral condylar hyperplasia

105 Recent innovations in technology and techniques in both surgical and orthodontic fields can be integrated, especially when treating subjects with facial asymmetry. In this article, we present a treatment method consisting of 3dimensional computer-aided surgical and orthodontic planning, which was implemented with the orthognathic surgery-first approach. Virtual surgical planning, fabrication of surgical splints using the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technique, and prediction of final orthodontic occlusion using virtual planning with robotically assisted customized archwires were integrated for this patient. Excellent esthetic and occlusal outcomes were obtained in a short period of 5.5 months. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2015;148:1054-66)
Explaining intranet use with the technology acceptance model

This paper considers the application of the technology acceptance model (TAM) in explaining intranet usage in two organizations. The TAM was originally developed for explaining technology acceptance and has since been successfully applied to a number of technologies. Its suitability for modelling intranet use is considered here. The model is tested in two UK companies from the banking and engineering sectors. Study 1 finds that the TAM may be valuable as a tool for helping with analysing and understanding intranet usage. The second study indicates that its applicability may be variable between intranets and demonstrates that self-report and actual measures of usage are not interchangeable when applying such a model. The findings have implications for previous and current research employing the TAM and for intranet research in general.
Climate change , aridity trend and agricultural sustainability of the Sudano-Sahelian belt of Nigeria

Climate change aggravates degradation of the sub-humid and dry land ecosystem of the Sudano-Sahelian belt of Nigeria (Long. 30 150 East and Lat. 90 140 North). This has intensified aridity and aggravated plants moisture stress and subsequently decreasing the landscape ecology and bio-productivity of the physical environment in the belt. There is need to identify changes, trend and visualize the extent of aridity in the belt, lack of information on changes that have taken place is evident thus, the need to investigate and map changes that have taken place in the belt to identify sustainable issues for adaptation. This study used derived indicators of eco-climate parameters (19502006); rainfall related-onset dates, cessation dates, Moisture Quality Index, hydrologic growing season (HGS) and Aridity Index (AI). These were summarized; decadal mean determined and ranked using numerical identifiers for the interpretation of the decadal moisture effectiveness across the belt. The point data were transformed to spatial data, surfaces were interpolated, mapped and the area extent of each Moisture Effectiveness zone (MEZ) was used to determine spatio-temporal aridity trend. The result signals rapid advancement of desert condition such that areas of deficient moisture zones grew significantly. Consequently, the eco-climatic and agro-climatic zones we have always known might have been affected and need to be redefined using modern geospatial techniques.
One-class land-cover classification using MaxEnt: the effect of modelling parameterization on classification accuracy

Multiple-class land-cover classification approaches can be inefficient when the main goal is to classify only one or a few classes. Under this scenario one-class classification algorithms could be a more efficient alternative. Currently there are several algorithms that can fulfil this task, with MaxEnt being one of the most promising. However, there is scarce information regarding parametrization for performing land-cover classification using MaxEnt. In this study we aimed to understand how MaxEnt parameterization affects the classification accuracy of four different land-covers (i.e., built-up, irrigated grass, evergreen trees and deciduous trees) in the city of Santiago de Chile. We also evaluated if MaxEnt manual parameterization outperforms classification results obtained when using MaxEnt default parameters setting. To accomplish our objectives, we generated a set of 25,344 classification maps (i.e., 6,336 for each assessed land-cover), which are based on all the potential combination of 12 different classes of features restrictions, four regularization multipliers, four different sample sizes, three training/testing proportions, and 11 thresholds for generating the binary maps. Our results showed that with a good parameterization, MaxEnt can effectively classify different land covers with kappa values ranging from 0.68 for deciduous trees to 0.89 for irrigated grass. However, the accuracy of classification results is highly influenced by the type of land-cover being classified. Simpler models produced good classification outcomes for homogenous land-covers, but not for heterogeneous covers, where complex models provided better outcomes. In general, manual parameterization improves the accuracy of classification results, but this improvement will depend on the threshold used to generate the binary map. In fact, threshold selection showed to be the most relevant factor impacting the accuracy of the four land-cover classification. The number of sampling points for training the model also has a positive effect on classification results. However, this effect followed a logarithmic distribution, showing an improvement of kappa values when increasing the sampling from 40 to 60 points, but showing only a marginal effect if more than 60 sampling points are used. In light of these results, we suggest testing different parametrization and thresholds until satisfactory kappa or other accuracy metrics values are achieved. Our results highlight the huge potential that MaxEnt has a as a tool for one-class classification, but a good understanding of the software settings and model parameterization is needed to obtain reliable results.
Modeling Risk-Taking from Different Measurement Instruments 1

Risk-taking researches have presented different forms of construction measurements. First, we aimed at evaluating the evidence of validity of the instruments/methods based on external criteria by contrasting the groups on their gender under the three different risk-taking measures: a domain-specific scale and two decision-making tasks in risky situations (Driving a Car game and card games). After that, we aimed at constructing a risk-taking model from the analysis of the relationship between the instruments/ methods. The 211 participants (121 women; M = 21.60 years old; SD = 2.19; and 91 men; M = 21.46 years old; SD = 2.0) answered the research in a single experimental session with an average duration of 30 min. Individually, the instruments presented criterion validity for contrasting groups. There was no correlation between the scores obtained for the different instruments in the risk-taking model. In conclusion, the data was designed in a three-factor structure indicating the multidimensionality of the risk-taking construct.
To Evaluate the Effect of Probiotic Mouth Rinse on Plaque and Gingivitis among 15-16 Year Old School Children of Mysore City, India-Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Probiotic concept of using beneficial bacteria has recently gained popularity in medical research. New methods such as probiotics has given a new dimension for both general and oral health. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a Probiotic mouthrinse in reducing plaque and gingivitis among schoolchildren aged 15-16 years. Methods: This was a randomized, controlled, double blind clinical trial. 90 subjects granting their parental informed consent and willing to participate completed the trial. The sample was randomized by computer generated table into Group A –0.2% of chlorhexidine mouthrinse, Group B – Probiotic mouthrinse, Group C – Placebo mouthrinse. Products were masked as regards color. Intervention protocol consisted in supervised rinsing of 20 mL/day for 60 seconds twice daily for 14 days. Plaque and gingival indexes were used to assess the efficacy variables, measured at baseline and after intervention by calibrated examiner. Data were statistically
Yield and fruit quality of eggplant as affected by NPK-sources and micronutrient application

Two field experiments were carried out at the experimental station of National Research Centre, in Nobaria (Behira Governorate) Egypt, during the two successive seasons of 2009 and 2010, to study the effect of the interaction between two sources of NPK-fertilizers i.e., Lant Fort (LF) (NPK 19 :19 :19) and Super Veit (SV) (NPK 15 :8 :50) at two levels of nitrogen (100% or 50%) and four levels of spraying with Fe, Mn and Zn (2:1:1 gm/L , 1:2:1 gm/L or 1:1:2, gm/L respectively as compared with spraying with tap water) application on growth, yield and fruits quality of eggplant (Solanum melongena var. esculenta L). Results showed that the vegetative growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves and branches, fresh and dry weight of leaves and/or branches) and fruit yield of eggplant as well as fruit quality and nutritive value were improved by fertilized eggplant with 100% Super Veit (SV) followed by using 100% Lant Fort (LF). However, using 50% Lant Fort (LF) gave the lowest values. All the vegetative growth parameters, total fruit yield as well as fruit quality and elements content were significantly improved by spraying eggplant with micronutrient elements (Fe, Zn and Mn) at 1:2:1 followed by 2:1:1 or 1:1:2, respectively. However, the lowest values were recorded without micronutrient elements spraying.
X-linked Acrogigantism ( X-LAG ) Syndrome : Clinical Profile and Therapeutic Responses

X-linked acro-gigantism (X-LAG) is a new syndrome of pituitary gigantism, caused by microduplications on chromosome Xq26.3, encompassing the gene GPR101, which is highly upregulated in pituitary tumors. We conducted this study to explore the clinical, radiological and hormonal phenotype and responses to therapy in patients with X-LAG syndrome. The study included 18 patients (13 sporadic) with X-LAG and a microduplication in chromosome Xq26.3. All sporadic cases had unique duplications and the inheritance pattern in 2 families was dominant with all Xq26.3 duplication carriers being affected. Patients began to grow rapidly as early as 2–3 months of age (median 12 months). At diagnosis (median delay 27 months), patients had a median height and weight SDS score of >+3.9 SDS. Apart from the increased overall body size, the children had acromegalic symptoms including acral enlargement and facial coarsening. More than a third of cases had increased appetite. Patients had marked hypersecretion of GH/IGF-1 and prolactin, usually due to a pituitary macroadenoma or hyperplasia. Primary neurosurgical control was achieved with extensive anterior pituitary resection but postoperative hypopituitarism was frequent. Control with somatostatin analogs was not readily achieved despite moderate to high somatostatin receptor subtype-2 expression in tumor tissue. Postoperative adjuvant pegvisomant achieved control of IGF-1 all 5 cases in which it was employed. X-LAG is a new infant-onset gigantism syndrome that has a severe clinical phenotype leading to challenging disease management.