Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Talking About End-of-Life Preferences in Marriage: Applying the Theory of Motivated Information Management

The theory of motivated information management (TMIM) provides one framework to examine information-seeking behaviors, especially in conversations involving sensitive or difficult information such as preferences for end-of-life (EOL) care. The spouse plays a significant role in decision making surrounding EOL care. Consequently, individuals need information about spouses’ EOL preferences in order to ensure carrying out those desires. Our findings support the value of TMIM as a framework to understand factors that influence couples’ EOL care information-seeking behaviors. In support of the theory, we provide factors that influence the initiation or avoidance of EOL conversations between spouses.
Clinical and histologic evaluation of allogeneic bone matrix versus autogenous bone chips associated with titanium-reinforced e-PTFE membrane for vertical ridge augmentation: a prospective pilot study.

PURPOSE To compare clinically and histologically an allogeneic bone matrix to autogenous bone chips in the vertical ridge augmentation technique using titanium-reinforced e-PTFE membranes. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study protocol was designed to include patients with bilateral posterior mandibular partial edentulism. Patients were treated with a split-mouth design approach: each side was randomly assigned to the test group (titanium-reinforced e-PTFE membrane and allogeneic bone matrix) or to the control group (titanium-reinforced e-PTFE membrane and autogenous bone chips). Different clinical parameters including the amount of vertically regenerated bone (DSB) and biologic complications were recorded. Histomorphometric analysis and the bone-implant contact percentage were performed. RESULTS Five female patients were enrolled in the study. Ten edentulous sites were vertically augmented and 25 implants were inserted (13 test group, 12 control group) with a staged approach. In the test group no membrane was exposed. The mean bone regeneration was 4.70 mm (SD 0.48 mm). All 13 implants appeared clinically stable. In the control group, 1 membrane was exposed after 2 months. The mean crestal bone regeneration was 4.10 mm (SD 0.88 mm). All 12 implants were stable at the abutment connection. Nine biopsy specimens from the regenerated areas were evaluated. Vertical bone regeneration was evident in both groups since all the samples demonstrated trabecular bone with different degrees of maturation and mineralization in the regenerated area. CONCLUSION Within the limits of this study based on 5 patients, it appears that the behavior of the allogeneic bone matrix is similar to that of autogenous bone chips when used for vertical ridge augmentation by means of guided bone regeneration techniques. Both grafts demonstrated analogous histologic characteristics. Nevertheless, long-term clinical studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
Fast image retrieval using error diffusion block truncation coding and unsupervised clustering

Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) employing compression technique and unsupervised clustering focus on the faster retrieval of desired images with high amount of accuracy. In this paper color images are indexed using the features extracted from Error Diffusion Block Truncation Coding (EDBTC). A new framework of CBIR with unsupervised clustering is used here in which the amount of time required for comparing the target and query image is significantly reduced. Experimental result shows that the proposed method not only achieves a good quality of image compression but achieves a significant reduction in the amount of time required for image retrieval. The proposed method was able to obtain an average of 4 to 5 sec difference in performance time as compared to the old retrieval method without clustering. The speed of retrieval varies linearly with the number of images in the database i.e. an increase in database images showed significant increase in the system performance.
An analysis of elder abuse rates in Milwaukee County.

INTRODUCTION The elder abuse and neglect burden in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, is substantial, with 3384 reports made from 2006 to 2009. Current prevalence estimates are determined from reported cases only and are likely underestimated. Provider awareness of victim and perpetrator characteristics is necessary to increase recognition and response. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of elder abuse and neglect cases reported to the Milwaukee County Department on Aging (MCDA) from 2006 to 2009 was performed to provide a profile of the county's elder abuse burden by victim, perpetrator, and reporter characteristics. Annual reporting trends were identified using Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS Fifty-eight percent of MCDA reports of abuse were substantiated after investigation. Victims in Milwaukee County tended to be older than 75 (64%), female (64%), and white (62%). Reporting rates to the MCDA were significantly lower in 2009 than 2006. Perpetrators were often adult children (48%) or a spouse (14%). Forty percent of life-threatening cases of self-neglect were due to unfulfilled medical needs. Most reports were made by medical professionals (23%), relatives of the victim (21%), and community agencies (18%). Only 13% of elder abuse victims were placed in nursing homes and assisted living centers; many received services to assist independent living. DISCUSSION Although this study is limited to reported cases only, it provides a valuable profile of pertinent elder abuse characteristics in Milwaukee County. CONCLUSION Characteristics of vulnerable elders, potential abusers, and investigation outcomes are described to inform clinical practice about this important social issue.
Meta-analysis of CSF and MRI biomarkers for detecting preclinical Alzheimer's disease

Background Abnormal levels of biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and atrophy of medial temporal lobe (MTL) structures on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are being used increasingly to diagnose early Alzheimer's disease (AD). We evaluated the claim that these biomarkers can detect preclinical AD before behavioural (i.e. memory) symptoms arise. Method We included all relevant longitudinal studies of CSF and MRI biomarkers published between January 2003 and November 2008. Subjects were not demented at baseline but some declined to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or to AD during follow-up. Measures of tau and beta-amyloid in CSF, MTL atrophy on MRI, and performance on delayed memory tasks were extracted from the papers or obtained from the investigators. Results Twenty-one MRI studies and 14 CSF studies were retrieved. The effect sizes of total tau (t-tau), phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and amyloid beta 42 (aβ42) ranged from 0.91 to 1.11. The effect size of MTL atrophy was 0.75. Memory performance had an effect size of 1.06. MTL atrophy and memory impairment tended to increase when assessed closer to the moment of diagnosis, whereas effect sizes of CSF biomarkers tended to increase when assessed longer before the diagnosis. Conclusions Memory impairment is a more accurate predictor of early AD than atrophy of MTL on MRI, whereas CSF abnormalities and memory impairment are about equally predictive. Consequently, the CSF and MRI biomarkers are not very sensitive to preclinical AD. CSF markers remain promising, but studies with long follow-up periods in elderly subjects who are normal at baseline are needed to evaluate this promise.
Characterization of Atypical Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains That Express Typical Localized Adherence in HeLa Cells in the Absence of the Bundle-Forming Pilus

ABSTRACT The characterization of nine atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains expressing localized adherence in HeLa cells in the absence of the bundle-forming pilus revealed a diversity of serotypes, plasmids, and virulence genes. Although the strains lacked known E. coli adhesin genes, the identification of new adhesins could contribute to the characterization of similar enteropathogenic E. coli isolates.
Gender and Leadership in the Public Sector

Traditionally, men have occupied top managerial positions in the public as well as the private sector. In recent decades this tradition has gradually changed. Although slowly and with significant variation between countries and sectors, the share of female top managers has been increasing. This article analyzes whether this demographic change may cause changes in the public service motivation and leadership behavior of public top managers. Is gender significantly related to the public service motivation (PSM) and leadership behavior of public sector top managers? The article presents a short review of theories and empirical research in the relations between gender, public service motivation and leadership behavior. Based on this review, hypotheses are formulated and tested in an empirical analysis of survey data from the Danish local government context. The results indicate that the behavior of female top managers is significantly more task and change oriented and significantly less policy oriented than their male colleagues, while they are motivated significantly less by PSM commitment. These findings, however, cannot be explained by theories based on simple gender stereotypes. Different interpretations of the findings are discussed and some implications are suggested.
Treatment of experimental meconium aspiration syndrome with surfactant lung lavage and conventional vs. asymmetric high‐frequency jet ventilation

Respiratory failure caused by meconium aspiration requires combined strategies. We hypothesized that surfactant lung lavage with asymmetric high‐frequency jet ventilation (AHFJV) can increase the removal of meconium and improve lung function. During conventional ventilation (CV), a suspension of human meconium (25 mg/ml, 4 ml/kg) was instilled into the tracheal tube of anesthetized rabbits to cause respiratory failure. Animals were then divided into four groups: saline lavage + CV (Sal‐CV), surfactant lavage + CV (Surf‐CV), saline lavage + HFJV (Sal‐HFJV), and surfactant lavage + HFJV (Surf‐HFJV). Lung lavage (10 ml/kg in 3 portions) was performed with diluted surfactant (Curosurf, 100 mg of phospholipids/kg) or saline during CV (frequency (f), 30/min; inspiration time (Ti), 50%) or AHFJV (f, 300/min; Ti, 70%). Animals were ventilated for an additional hour with either CV or HFJV (Ti, 50%). Surfactant lavage with both CV and AHFJV removed more meconium than saline lavage. However, the highest removal was found in the Surf‐HFJV group vs. all other groups (P < 0.05). The oxygenation index decreased after surfactant lavage in both groups compared to controls (P < 0.001), and more prominently in the Surf‐CV group. Elimination of CO2 was significantly higher in the Surf‐HFJV group vs. all other groups (P < 0.05). The ventilation efficiency index increased after lavage in both surfactant groups vs. saline controls (P < 0.05). Dynamic lung‐thorax compliance gradually increased, and right‐to‐left pulmonary shunts decreased in both surfactant groups vs. saline controls after lavage (P < 0.05). Combination of surfactant lavage with both CV and AHFJV was beneficial in rabbits with meconium aspiration syndrome. While AHFJV was more effective in the removal of meconium, CV had a more favorable effect on lung function in the postlavage period. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 38:285–291. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genomic introgression mapping of field-derived multiple-anthelmintic resistance in Teladorsagia circumcincta

Preventive chemotherapy has long been practiced against nematode parasites of livestock, leading to widespread drug resistance, and is increasingly being adopted for eradication of human parasitic nematodes even though it is similarly likely to lead to drug resistance. Given that the genetic architecture of resistance is poorly understood for any nematode, we have analyzed multidrug resistant Teladorsagia circumcincta, a major parasite of sheep, as a model for analysis of resistance selection. We introgressed a field-derived multiresistant genotype into a partially inbred susceptible genetic background (through repeated backcrossing and drug selection) and performed genome-wide scans in the backcross progeny and drug-selected F2 populations to identify the major genes responsible for the multidrug resistance. We identified variation linking candidate resistance genes to each drug class. Putative mechanisms included target site polymorphism, changes in likely regulatory regions and copy number variation in efflux transporters. This work elucidates the genetic architecture of multiple anthelmintic resistance in a parasitic nematode for the first time and establishes a framework for future studies of anthelmintic resistance in nematode parasites of humans.
Orlistat for the treatment of obesity: rapid review and cost‐effectiveness model

The aim of this study is to clarify the potential benefits, disbenefits and costs of Orlistat for the treatment of obesity. The method was a search for relevant systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials, in Medline, Pre‐Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library, using Orlistat and its synonyms. Identified trials were appraised using a standard appraisal checklist and trial data were extracted for use in cost‐effectiveness modelling. Three large multicentre, randomized placebo controlled trials were included in the rapid review. On average, Orlistat results in obese people losing an additional 3–4% of their initial body weight over diet alone during a 2 year period. There was no strong evidence that this short‐term weight loss would have a longer‐term impact on morbidity and mortality. The cost utility of Orlistat treatment was estimated at around £46 000 per Quality Adjusted Life Year gained (extreme values sensitivity analysis £14 000 to £132 000). This rapid review raises some important questions about the potential value of Orlistat in the treatment of obesity. Further research is needed, not only to clarify the longer‐term impact of Orlistat treatment, but also to uncover the longer‐term impact on mortality and morbidity from short‐term weight loss.
Fruit development and some tree factors affecting it

Summary The rate and duration of apple fruit growth, cell division. and cell expansion, were considered in relation to within-tree factors affecting them. Fruit size at harvest was found to be related to the position of fruit on the spur, seed number, spur size, number of fruits set on the spur, and the date of flowering. The position of fruit on the spur, and spur size, were related to blossom size, but not to the subsequent rate of fruit growth. The rate of growth appeared to be increased by higher seed numbers for the first few weeks after blossom, but there was some evidence that fruit with higher seed numbers had a lower rate of growth in the later stages. The effect of some of these factors on fruit set was also considered
How Much Progress Has Been Made in Corneal Transplantation?

Abstract: To assess the benefits of component lamellar corneal surgery, we investigated the surgical outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for keratoconus and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) for laser iridotomy-induced bullous keratopathy (LI-BK). The results were compared with the surgical outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Seventy-nine eyes with keratoconus treated with DALK and 81 eyes with LI-BK treated with DSAEK were studied, and the graft clarity rate, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density (ECD), and surgical complications were compared with 273 eyes with keratoconus and 98 eyes with LI-BK all treated with PKP. Keratoconus eyes showed excellent visual outcomes with DALK and PKP, but graft survival was higher for PKP (100%, 98.9%, and 96.3% vs. 98.6%, 90.6%, and 86.1%, at 1, 3, and 5 years after surgery, respectively; P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in the ECD up to 1 year after surgery. Greater ECD decline was observed for PKP at 3 and 5 years after surgery. Descemet membrane microperforation was observed in 49 eyes treated with DALK. Postoperative complications in eyes treated with PKP were increased incidence of immunological rejection and secondary glaucoma compared with eyes treated with DALK. LI-BK graft survival rates were excellent in both groups (DSAEK: 89.6% and 86.1%; PKP: 100% and 98.6%, 1- and 2-year rates, respectively; P = 0.17). Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was better in the DSAEK group, and ECD showed a higher rate of decrease with DSAEK than with PKP. DALK and DSAEK considerably improved surgical outcomes in eyes with keratoconus and those with LI-BK, respectively. However, several key areas require further work, including development of safe surgical methods in DALK and prevention of early postoperative ECD loss in DSAEK.
Stat4 Is Expressed in Activated Peripheral Blood Monocytes, Dendritic Cells, and Macrophages at Sites of Th1-Mediated Inflammation1

Stat4 is a key transcription factor involved in promoting cell-mediated immunity, whose expression in mature cells has been reported to be restricted to T and NK cells. We demonstrate here, however, that Stat4 expression is not restricted to lymphoid cells. In their basal state, monocytes do not express Stat4. Upon activation, however, IFN-γ- and LPS-treated monocytes and dendritic cells express high levels of Stat4. Monocyte-expressed Stat4 in humans is phosphorylated in response to IFN-α, but not IL-12. In contrast, the Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, specifically down-regulate Stat4 expression in activated monocytes, while having little effect on Stat6 expression. Moreover, macrophages in synovial tissue obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis express Stat4 in vivo, suggesting a potential role in a prototypical Th1-mediated human disease. IFN-α-induced Stat4 activation in human monocytes represents a previously unrecognized signaling pathway at sites of Th1 inflammation.
Acute and chronic regulation of atrial natriuretic peptide in human pregnancy: a longitudinal study

Objective To determine whether the increase in extracellular fluid volume (ECFV) that occurs during pregnancy alters: (1) the baseline regulation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP); or (2) the ANP response to intravascular volume expansion with either haemaccel or hypertonic saline. Design A group of normal pregnant subjects was studied longitudinally on three occasions, commencing before 16 weeks of gestation. They were compared with a group of age-matched non-pregnant women. Dietary sodium intake and posture were carefully controlled. Methods Plasma volume and total ECFV were determined by tracer dilution methods, using Evans Blue and 20% mannitol, respectively. Plasma ANP and aldosterone concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results Plasma ANP did not increase during pregnancy despite increases in both plasma and total ECFV. The plasma ANP response to acute intravenous volume expansion in later pregnancy appears to be more sensitive than either in early pregnancy or in non-pregnant subjects. The initial ANP response to infusions of haemaccel during pregnancy was greater than the ANP response to saline. Conclusions During a normal pregnancy, plasma ANP is maintained in the normal non-pregnant range, despite an increase in plasma volume when the effects of dietary sodium intake and posture are carefully accounted for. The ANP response to intravenous volume expansion is enhanced in late pregnancy. The greater ANP response to haemaccel infusions during pregnancy suggests that an increase in atrial stretch mediates the secretion of ANP following intravenous volume expansion.
Microwave imaging of perfect electrically conducting cylinder by micro-genetic algorithm

In this paper, we successfully demonstrate the use of a micro-genetic algorithm (m-GA) to the problems of microwave image reconstruction for perfect electrically conducting cylinders, even when there is only a limited number of measured data available. We have also presented the comparison between the performance of conventional GA and m-GA, and the result shows that m-GA converges much faster than the conventional GA.
THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

Insert name of Country and am of or over the age of 21 years. 2. That I have been granted Tanzania citizenship/by *registration/naturalization on condition that I renounce my *citizenship/nationality of 3. I hereby renounce so far as it lies within my power my status as a *citizen/national of and any claim I have to the protection of that country. Signature of Applicant Insert name of Country
A General Theory for Asynchronous Speech Encryption Techniques

Speech encryption techniques have always been very important for military communications, but most useful techniques require perfect synchronization between the transmitter and the receiver. This not only complicates the implementation, but makes the transmission very sensitive to channel conditions because slight synchronization error might completely break the transmission. Two special techniques were proposed recently in which the synchronization becomes completely unnecessary. This improves the feasibility and reliability tremendously. In this paper, a general theory for such "asynchronous speech encryption techniques" is developed in detail, starting by defining the asynchronous approach and model and ending with a general solution. It will be found that the two techniques proposed earlier become two special cases of the general solution here.
Clinical implications of measurement of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide concentration in dogs with spontaneous heart disease.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether measurement of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentration could be used to identify heart disease in dogs and to assess disease severity in affected dogs. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS 37 healthy dogs and 78 dogs with heart disease. PROCEDURES Dogs were divided into 5 groups on the basis of plasma ANP concentration: healthy, ANP-1 (< 50 pg/mL; n = 19), ANP-2 (50 to 100 pg/mL; 24), ANP-3 (101 to 200 pg/mL; 20), and ANP-4 (> 200 pg/mL; 15). All dogs underwent physical examination, echocardiography, thoracic radiography, and blood sampling before treatment. RESULTS Compared with healthy dogs, dogs with increased plasma ANP concentration had significant concomitant increases in heart rate, cardiothoracic ratio, vertebral heart score, fractional shortening, ratio of left atrial-to-aortic root diameter, and mitral early diastolic flow (E wave) velocity and a significant decrease in relative wall thickness. Use of plasma ANP concentration > 25 pg/mL to identify dogs with heart disease (International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council class > I) had a sensitivity of 91.0% and specificity of 94.7%. Use of plasma ANP concentration > 100 pg/mL to identify dogs with International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council class IIIb heart disease had a sensitivity of 81.0% and specificity of 81.1 %. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results may provide reference values for plasma ANP concentration in dogs and suggest that plasma ANP concentration may help to distinguish dogs with cardiac disease from clinically normal dogs. Measurement of plasma ANP concentration may be a useful marker for predicting the severity of heart disease in dogs.