Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Dog and a “Happy Person” Visit Nursing Home Residents

Recent recognition of the importance of the human-animal bond has led to the proliferation of programs designed to improve the lives of nursing home residents through the use of animals. Because human-human interaction in the nursing home setting is often of an obligatory nature, we wondered if a visit from a nonjudgmental, outgoing, enthusiastic young adult (“a happy person”) could elicit the same positive influence as a visit from a nonjudgmental dog. The purpose of this study was to determine if elderly residents of a midwestern nursing home had a preference for the type of visitor (dog vs. person) when both visits were nonobligatory and nonjudgmental. Behaviors were evaluated to determine if one visitor was more likely to influence prosocial behaviors (moving closer, patting, smiling). Six residents were visited by both the dog and the happy person; 5 of 6 completed the final interview. Residents were equally likely to smile at and move closer to both visitors. Residents were more likelyto pat the dog. Three residents liked both visits equally; 1 preferred the dog, and 1 preferred the happy person. These data suggest that nonobligatoryvisits to nursing home residents from a happy person maybe as beneficial to the resident as visits from a dog.
Understanding the limitations of retrospective analyses of poison center data

Poison centers provide poison prevention and safety information, professional education, and assistance with the diagnosis and treatment of poisoning. These invaluable efforts are linked to medically and legally mandated record keeping, which entails continuous and archived collection of data over time. Surrounded by gigabytes of information regarding exposures to a vast array of known and potential toxins, poison center researchers are understandably motivated to study these data. Additionally, there is a general need to participate in academic endeavors, an altruistic desire to change or improve healthcare, reduce unnecessary healthcare expenditures, and a survival advantage to justifying poison centers as valued participants in the public health arena. These powerful stimuli to analyze readily available poison center records have clearly been facilitated by significant advances in computerization that have occurred over the last few decades. Now, in minutes, with little advanced preparation or financial outlay, any poison center researcher can gather and analyze thousands of records.
Reconstruction of the 3D structure of a building from the 2D drawings of its floors

This article presents our first results in reconstructing the 3D structure of a building using primitives delivered by the analysis of the 2D architectural drawings of its floors. A set of features is extracted from the set of architectural symbols available for each floor. A graph of matching hypotheses between the most pertinent features of two consecutive floors is then constructed. A maximal clique detection algorithm supplies the best set of matches. The geometrical transformation allowing each floor to be aligned with respect to its lower floor is computed from the pairs of matching features. The final 3D model of the building is obtained by heaping the 3D models of the consecutive floors.
Classification of EEG Mental Patterns by Using Two Scalp Electrodes and Mahalanobis Distance-Based Classifiers

Summary Objectives: In this paper, we explored the use of quadratic classifiers based on Mahalanobis distance to detect mental EEG patterns from a reduced set of scalp recording electrodes. Methods: Electrodes are placed in scalp centro-parietal zones (C3, P3, C4 and P4 positions of the international 10-20 system). A Mahalanobis distance classifier based on the use of full covariance matrix was used. Results: The quadratic classifier was able to detect EEG activity related to imagination of movement with an affordable accuracy (97% correct classification, on average) by using only C3 and C4 electrodes. Conclusions: Such a result is interesting for the use of Mahalanobis-based classifiers in the brain computer interface area.
Exponential Improvement in Photon Storage Fidelities Using Subradiance and “Selective Radiance” in Atomic Arrays

A central goal within quantum optics is to realize efficient, controlled interactions between photons and atomic media. A fundamental limit in nearly all applications based on such systems arises from spontaneous emission, in which photons are absorbed by atoms and then rescattered into undesired channels. In typical theoretical treatments of atomic ensembles, it is assumed that this rescattering occurs independently, and at a rate given by a single isolated atom, which in turn gives rise to standard limits of fidelity in applications such as quantum memories for light or photonic quantum gates. However, this assumption can in fact be dramatically violated. In particular, it has long been known that spontaneous emission of a collective atomic excitation can be significantly suppressed through strong interference in emission between atoms. While this concept of “subradiance” is not new, thus far the techniques to exploit the effect have not been well understood. In this work, we provide a comprehensive treatment of this problem. First, we show that in ordered atomic arrays in free space, subradiant states acquire an elegant interpretation in terms of optical modes that are guided by the array, which only emit due to scattering from the ends of the finite system. We also go beyond the typically studied regime of a single atomic excitation and elucidate the properties of subradiant states in the many-excitation limit. Finally, we introduce the new concept of “selective radiance. ” Whereas subradiant states experience a reduced coupling to all optical modes, selectively radiant states are tailored to simultaneously radiate efficiently into a desired channel while scattering into undesired channels is suppressed, thus enabling an enhanced atom-light interface. We show that these states naturally appear in chains of atoms coupled to nanophotonic structures, and we analyze the performance of photon storage exploiting such states. We find numerically that selectively radiant states allow for a photon storage error that scales exponentially better with the number of atoms than previously known bounds.
Aggressive immunosuppressant reduction and long-term rejection risk in renal transplant recipients with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is a rare but lethal complication in renal transplant recipients. Dose reduction of immunosuppressive agents in such situations is recommended, but its quantity and safety are unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS From January 2001 to January 2011, twenty of one thousand forty-six renal transplant recipients in a single center developed Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, which was diagnosed by the Giemsa and Gomori methenamine silver stains from a specimen of bronchoalveolar lavage. RESULTS We found that timing of the first immunosuppressant reduction of the Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia survivor (mean, 1.4 days after admission) was significantly earlier than that of the deceased patient (mean, 5.1 days after admission). Logistic regression analysis indicated that for those whose immunosuppressants were reduced more aggressively (either 1 of the immunosuppressants was reduced by more than 50% within 2 days of hospitalization) were significantly more likely to survive (mortality risk, OR, 0.074 [95% CI, 0.01-0.84]; P = .035). In addition, none of the survivors developed acute rejection or allograft necrosis during a mean follow-up of 2 years. CONCLUSIONS Dosage reduction of immunosuppressive agents in renal transplant recipients with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia should be prompt and sufficient. Aggressive immuno-suppressant dosage reduction is safe in such circumstance and is associated with minimal risk of in-hospital and long-term acute allograft rejection.
Genetic Vaccination against Coccidioides immitis: Comparison of Vaccine Efficacy of Recombinant Antigen 2 and Antigen 2 cDNA

ABSTRACT Previous studies from our laboratory established that C-ASWS, an alkali-soluble, water-soluble extract from cell walls ofCoccidioides immitis, protects mice against lethal challenge with this fungus. The C-ASWS extract contains a glycosylated protein, designated antigen 2 (Ag2), and a polysaccharide antigen. We recently cloned Ag2 cDNA and showed that the recombinant fusion protein elicited strong delayed-type hypersensitivity responses in immunized mice. This investigation was undertaken to determine if the recombinant Ag2 protein, expressed as an Ag2-glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein, or Ag2 cDNA would protect mice against lethal challenge with C. immitis. The recombinant Ag2-GST protein protected BALB/c mice against intraperitoneal challenge with 250 arthroconidia, as assessed by a decrease in fungal CFU in tissues. The Ag2-GST-immunized mice did not show, however, an increased survival during a 30-day period postinfection. By contrast, immunization of mice with Ag2 cDNA ligated into the pVR1012 plasmid engendered protection against intraperitoneal challenge with 2,500 arthroconidia and against pulmonary challenge with 50 arthroconidia. Vaccine efficacy paralleled the development of delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to C. immitis antigen. Whereas mice vaccinated with the recombinant Ag2-GST protein did not mount footpad hypersensitivity to C-ASWS or the recombinant Ag2-GST protein, mice vaccinated with the pVR1012-Ag2 construct mounted a strong footpad hypersensitivity and their spleen cells secreted gamma interferon upon in vitro stimulation with the Ag2-containing C-ASWS extract. This is the first investigation to show that genetic immunization can protect against lethal challenge withC. immitis.
Chronic selective endothelin A receptor antagonism reduces serum uric acid in hypertensive chronic kidney disease.

To the Editor: Epidemiological studies report a relationship between serum uric acid concentrations (sUA) and a wide variety of cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, pre-eclampsia, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). 1 Indeed, sUA is considered by some to be an independent risk factor for both cardiovascular disease2,3 and CKD.4 Others have noted that an elevated sUA predicts the development of hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and CKD.1 Importantly, emerging clinical data show that lowering sUA has both cardiovascular and renal benefits.5–7 Endothelin (ET) 1 is the most potent endogenous vasoconstrictor produced within the vasculature. It is implicated in both the development and progression of CKD.8 Its effects are mediated via 2 receptors, the ET-A (ETA) and ET-B (ETB) receptors, with the major pathological effects being ETA receptor mediated.8 We have shown recently that chronic selective ETA receptor antagonism reduces proteinuria, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness in patients with nondiabetic, hypertensive, proteinuric CKD,9 effects that are potentially renoprotective. The current data show the effects of sitaxsentan and placebo on sUA in this same cohort of CKD …
Vibrant Soundbridge implantation via the third window in two Chinese patients with severe bilateral congenital aural atresia

Abstract Conclusion: In patients with undeveloped vestibular/oval windows and inaccessible round windows, Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) implantation performed by placing the transducer into a reconstructed window on the inner tympanum wall demonstrated significant improvement in hearing and verbal communication ability. Objective: To report our surgical experience with new placement of the VSB in pediatric patients with undeveloped vestibular windows, inaccessible round windows, and severe bilateral congenital aural atresia (CAA). Methods: In two patients with bilateral CAA selected for middle ear implantation, CT scans revealed severe middle ear malformation including inaccessible round windows, absence of vestibular/oval windows, and abnormal facial nerve anatomy. The transducer of the VSB was implanted into a ‘window' drilled at the inner tympanum wall in both patients. Results: The surgery was successful. Pure-tone air conduction thresholds across the frequencies of 0.25–8 Hz were improved by 35 dB (preoperation, 69.2 dB; postactivation, 34 dB) in patient 1 and 46.6 dB (preoperation, 75.8 dB; postactivation, 24.2 dB) in patient 2. Normal hearing thresholds were achieved in the range of 1–8 kHz in both patients. A sentence recognition rate of up to 100% (65 dB SPL in a quiet room) was attained by both patients after surgery and VSB activation at 3 months postoperatively.
Evolution of college students' AIDS-related behavioral responses, attitudes, knowledge, and fear.

Data were collected (a) to document extant levels of AIDS-risk behavior, AIDS-preventive behavior, AIDS-knowledge, and attitudes toward prevention among college students, (b) to assess the evolution from 1986 to 1988 of college students' behavioral and attitudinal responses to the AIDS epidemic, and (c) to document changes over time in college students' knowledge about AIDS. Although students' current levels of AIDS-knowledge were found to be relatively high, and their attitudes toward prevention were in the neutral range, actual preventive behavior was low, and unsafe sexual practices were high. Concerning changes in these dimensions across time, data using comparable samples of undergraduates in 1986, 1987, and 1988 indicated that there were substantial increases in knowledge about AIDS, in the favorability of attitudes toward certain "safer-sex" behaviors (e.g., discussing "safer sex"), and in the utilization of relevant informational resources. Students' perceptions of others' vulnerability to AIDS (but not their own vulnerability), had also increased. However, at the same time, students reported a decrease in the safety of their sexual behaviors. Numbers of sexual partners, likelihood of being in an intimate (sexual) relationship, and unsafe sexual practices have all increased since 1986. Finally, evidence suggested that alcohol may play a significant role in students' AIDS-risk behavior.
Keeping the Bowel Regular: The Emerging Role of Treg as a Therapeutic Target in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract:The understanding of the intricate mechanisms by which gut immune cells interact with each other and the intestinal flora is constantly developing. The mucosal immune system must retain the ability to mount a prompt response to intestinal pathogens while maintaining tolerance for commensal organisms. Effector T lymphocytes drive inflammation, whereas their actions are counteracted by populations of regulatory T cells (Treg), which act as an endogenous suppressor of mucosal inflammation. There is growing evidence that a loss of this delicate counterbalance is important in the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we review studies highlighting alterations in Treg in the pathogenesis of IBD. Observations of dynamic changes in Treg activity with successful IBD treatment have highlighted their functional importance and potential to also serve as a biomarker of disease activity and to predict response to therapy. Furthermore, we explore the potential for adoptive transfer of Treg as part of IBD treatment.
Autologous fibroblasts to treat deep and complicated leg ulcers in diabetic patients

Large complicated leg ulcers, not responsive to standard therapy, after surgical debridement and under parenteral specific antibiosis, must be occlusively covered to improve wound healing. In 10 diabetic patients with deep (Wagner degree 3), large, and Staphylococcus aureus (n=7) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=5)‐infected leg (n=1), or foot (n=9) ulcers, we have applied, as a coverage, meshes of in vitro expanded autologous fibroblasts. Complete ulcer healing was observed in seven patients after 8, 12, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 weeks from the first graft application ( Figures 2 and 3 ). Two patients had >70% wound healing at 20 and 28 weeks after the first treatment. One patient, previously submitted to a bypass vascular procedure, died of acute myocardial infarction 16 weeks after the first fibroblast autograft application and with a healing wound evenly filled with granulation tissue. In our opinion, the application of autologous in vitro expanded fibroblasts is a satisfactory therapeutic option to treat large leg ulcers and is particularly indicated in patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases on steroid treatment.
THE WILD TURKEY AS A HOST FOR Heterakis gallinarum AND Histomonas meleagridis

Freshly embryonated eggs of Heterakis gallinarum gathered from naturally infected domestic turkeys and chickens developed the first 4 weeks essentially as well in young wild turkeys as in domestic poults, but then became progressively retarded and failed in most birds to result in females with fertile eggs. There was no significant difference in the prevalence or progress of infections with Histomonas meleagridis in the two kinds of turkeys, both of which differed from chickens only in that the latter had neither liver involvement nor mortality. In a second test, heterakids hatched from eggs stored 5-6 months at 4 C (comparable to overwintering) sustained very heavy losses in all birds, with greatly accelerated liberations of H. meleagridis. Few worms reached maturity and still fewer produced fertile eggs. In turkeys, and especially in wild turkeys, replacement of infective stages was so poor, that these birds were of no importance in contaminating the soil.
Efficient determiniation of multilayer relaxation in the Pt(210) stepped and densely kinked surface.

The multilayer relaxation of the Pt(210) stepped and kinked surface is analyzed by low-energy-electron diffraction. This is the first application of the new real-space multiple-scattering theory of LEED, designed specifically for such open surfaces where conventional theories fail. Combined with an automated tensor LEED method, it efficiently detects nonalternating atomic relaxations which are oriented primarily perpendicular to the surface. These relaxations are in qualitative agreement with new embedded-atom-method results.
Spectroscopic, Kinetic Studies of Polyaniline-Flyash Composite

Polyaniline-fly ash (PANI-FA) composites were prepared by oxidative polymerization of aniline with fly ash in presence of ammonium persulphate (APS). The PANI-FA composites were prepared with different concentrations of fly ash to aniline ratio. The composites, so prepared, were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermal stability was studied by TGA and total weight loss of PANI, FA and PANI-FA composites having FA composition of 0.02%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0% were found to be 82%, 39%, 67% 65%, 62% and 61%, respectively. The UV-vis spectroscopy of the PANI-FA polymeric composite shows absorption maxima at 315 and 350 nm (due to π-π* transition of the benzenoid rings), and 578-712 nm (due to charge transfer excitations of the quinoid structure), which are characteristic of emeraldine base. FTIR spectra of the PANI-FA composite is similar to that of pure polyaniline (PANI) but with the bands for C = N, C = C and C-N shifted to lower wave numbers, i.e., 1585, 1494, 1327 and 1113 cm −1 due to strong interaction of Fe2O3 and PANI matrix. SEM shows the complexation of metal oxide with emaraldine base of PANI, significantly changing the aggregate state of polymeric molecular chain.
Seeing beyond the Target: Environmental Context Affects Distance Perception

It is commonly assumed that perceived distance in full-cue, ecologically valid environments is redundantly specified and approximately veridical. However, recent research has called this assumption into question by demonstrating that distance perception varies in different types of environments even under full-cue viewing conditions. We report five experiments that demonstrate an effect of environmental context on perceived distance. We measured perceived distance in two types of environments (indoors and outdoors) with two types of measures (perceptual matching and blindwalking). We found effects of environmental context for both egocentric and exocentric distances. Across conditions, within individual experiments, all viewer-to-target depth-related variables were kept constant. The differences in perceived distance must therefore be explained by variations in the space beyond the target.
E-books usage by agricultural, engineering and social science students in selected universities of Pakistan: An empirical assessment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the usage patterns of e-books among the students of social, agricultural, and engineering sciences; demonstrate how e-books are used by students for various purposes; explore the main reasons for using e-books; and uncover the major issues being encountered by students while using e-books in Pakistani Universities. Design/methodology/approach During May to July 2014, a convenient sample technique was adopted, and a close-ended questionnaire was used as a survey tool for 300 graduates (BSc honor) and postgraduate (masters and MS) students in the age group of 21-60 years. In this study, the respondents’ gender, age, educational level and major disciplines were individual contextual variables. The data collection process was successfully completed with a 100 per cent response rate. SPSS-19 was utilized for testing the reliability of the instrument, as well as descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test). Findings The results show that the adoption of e-books has reached a level where they have become an integral component of academic library services. The results of this study verify the previous findings that the students are relying on e-book adoption for various academic and research purposes. Comparatively, male students, postgraduate students and those between the ages of 21 and 40 years are more frequently e-book users. In addition, the percentage of e-book readership among engineering students on a “daily basis” is greater than the students of agricultural and social sciences. They prefer reading e-books because of the following reasons: to support research endeavors and improve academic performance; and the e-format is quick to read and easy to manage. Insufficient e-contents, lack of personal computers and the variety of e-book formats are the major constraints in the effective utilization of e-books for learning, education and research needs. The study has concluded that e-books have a key role in the set-up of academic libraries and information resources in Pakistan, though further development of e-book readership capabilities and building of e-book collections are required to support users’ needs, and a parallel investigation into their most effective usage is also required. Originality/value This empirical research is a first and unique study that systematically and quantitatively compares the relationship between respondents’ e-books usage with their individual contextual variables in the perspective of academic libraries in Pakistan.