Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of antimicrobial treatment for acute otitis media on carriage dynamics of penicillin-susceptible and penicillin–non-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae: secondary analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background Concerns that antimicrobial treatment may foster selection and transmission of resistant bacterial lineages have led to conflicting guidelines for clinical management of common non-severe infections. However, the impact of antimicrobial treatment on colonization dynamics is poorly understood. We used data from a previously-conducted trial of amoxicillin-clavulanate therapy for acute otitis media (AOM) to understand how antimicrobial treatment impacts the acquisition and clearance of Streptococcus pneumoniae lineages with varying susceptibility to penicillin. Methods and findings We measured impacts of antimicrobial treatment on nasopharyngeal carriage of penicillin-susceptible S. pneumoniae (PSSP) and penicillin–non-susceptible S. pneumoniae (PNSP) lineages at end-of-treatment and 15d, 30d, and 60d after treatment in a previously-conducted randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Analyses were not specified in the original protocol. Among children 6-35 months of age with stringently-defined AOM, 162 were assigned amoxicillin-clavulanate, and 160 were assigned placebo. Children who did not show clinical improvement received open-label antimicrobial rescue treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanate irrespective of the randomized treatment assignment, to which both patients and physicians were blinded. The intention-to-treat populations of the intervention and placebo arms thus received care resembling immediate antimicrobial therapy and watchful waiting, respectively. Immediate amoxicillin-clavulanate reduced PSSP carriage prevalence by 88% (95%CI: 76-96%) at end-of-treatment and by 27% (–3-49%) after 60d, but did not measurably alter PNSP carriage prevalence throughout follow-up. By end-of-treatment, 7% of children who carried PSSP at enrollment remained colonized in the amoxicillin-clavulanate arm, compared to 61% of PSSP carriers who received placebo; differences in carriage prevalence persisted at least 60d after treatment among children who carried PSSP at enrollment. Among children not carrying pneumococci at enrollment, amoxicillin-clavulanate reduced PSSP acquisition by >80% over 15d. Among children who carried PNSP at enrollment, no differences in carriage prevalence of S. pneumoniae, PSSP, or PNSP were detected at follow-up visits. Conclusions In a setting with low PNSP prevalence, antimicrobial therapy for AOM conferred a selective impact on colonizing S. pneumoniae by accelerating clearance, and delaying acquisition, of penicillin-susceptible lineages. Absolute risk of carrying PNSP was unaffected by treatment (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00299455; Funding: NIH/NIGMS).
ADULT SALMON AND STEELHEAD PASSAGE TIMES THROUGH HYDROSYSTEM AND RIVERINE ENVIRONMENTS OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN, 1996-2002

We assessed upstream migration rates of more than 12,000 radio-tagged adult spring–summer and fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead (O. mykiss) past Columbia and Snake river dams, reservoirs and longer hydrosystem reaches that included multiple dams and reservoirs. Passage rates were also calculated for 1,800 spring–summer Chinook salmon as they passed through 12 unimpounded reaches and tributaries. Most radio-tagged fish from all runs passed mainstem Columbia and Snake River dams in less than two days. Migration behavior in reservoirs and through multiple dam/reservoir reaches varied substantially within and between years and between species. Within years, spring– summer Chinook salmon migrated more rapidly as water temperature and date of migration increased; between years, spring–summer Chinook salmon migrated quickly in low-discharge years and slowly in high-discharge years. Steelhead migrations slowed dramatically when summer water temperatures peaked within each year then increased as rivers cooled in fall. Mean summer temperatures explained more between-year variation in steelhead passage rates than did differences in discharge. Fall Chinook salmon also slowed migration through the mainstem Columbia River during warm water periods. Protracted passage times within the hydrosystem were most likely for fish from all runs that fell back over and reascended dams, and for steelhead that sought thermal refugia by straying temporarily into coldwater tributaries. In tributaries and unimpounded reaches, migration date explained the most variance in spring–summer Chinook salmon migration rates while river discharge, migration year and migration reach were secondary. Both within and between years, spring–summer Chinook salmon migrated more rapidly as migration date increased and more slowly when discharge was high.
Anthropometric and Physiological Predictors of Soccer Skills in Youth Soccer Players

Study purpose. This study aimed at investigating the anthropometric and physiological characteristics that affect soccer skills in advanced-level youth soccer players. Materials and methods. Ninety advanced youth male soccer players from the U-18 division 1 soccer club were enrolled to participate in this study. The participants were classified into three different positions: defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The anthropometric profiles (height, weight, and body fat) and physiological variables (Y-balance test, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, running-based anaerobic sprint test, sit-up test, countermovement jump test, drop jump test, arrowhead agility test, and 40-m sprint test) were assessed. Soccer-specific skills were measured using the Loughborough soccer passing and shooting protocol. Results. The multiple regression analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between physical factors and the Loughborough soccer passing ability (R2 = 0.291, F(15, 74) = 2.200, p = 0.015). The results indicated that the relative maximum power displayed the strongest association with passing ability, followed by sit-up, countermovement jump without and with arm swing, and fatigue index. Concerning the shooting performance, the predictors accounted for 21.8% of the variance, with sit-up being the sole significant predictor among other factors. Conclusions. Our findings underscore the significance of relative maximum power, fatigue tolerance, muscular power, and core strength as valuable predictors for enhancing passing ability. In addition, abdominal strength emerged as a crucial indicator of shooting performance. Soccer coaches could use the essential information described in this study for talent identification purposes.
Mineralogical Investigation of Mg‐Sulfate at the Canaima Drill Site, Gale Crater, Mars

For the first time on Mars, the crystalline magnesium‐sulfate mineral starkeyite (MgSO4‧4H2O) was definitively identified using the CheMin X‐ray diffraction instrument at Gale crater. At the Canaima drill site, starkeyite along with amorphous MgSO4‧nH2O are among the “polyhydrated Mg‐sulfates” interpreted in orbital reflectance spectra. Mg‐sulfates are good climate indicators as they are very responsive to changes in temperature and relative humidity. We hypothesize that, through evaporation, Mg‐sulfates formed at the end of brine evolution when ion concentrations became saturated and precipitated on the surface or near sub‐surface as either epsomite or meridianiite. These minerals were subsequently dehydrated later to starkeyite and amorphous MgSO4‧nH2O in response to a drier Mars. At Canaima, starkeyite is stable and would form during the warmer Mars summers. Due to very slow kinetics at the low Mars winter temperatures, starkeyite and amorphous MgSO4‧nH2O would be resistant to recrystallize to more hydrous forms and thus likely persist year‐round. During the course of analyses, starkeyite transforms into amorphous MgSO4‧nH2O inside the rover body due to the elevated temperature and greatly reduced relative humidity compared to the martian surface at the Canaima drill site. It is possible that crystalline sulfate minerals existed in earlier samples measured by CheMin but altered inside the rover before they could be analyzed. Starkeyite is most likely prevalent in the subsurface, whereas both starkeyite and amorphous MgSO4‧nH2O are likely present on the surface as starkeyite could partially transform into amorphous MgSO4‧nH2O due to direct solar heating.
Grade 3 teachers’ understanding of the implemented mathematics curriculum content

This pragmatic action research explores Grade 3 teachers’ understanding of the implemented mathematics curriculum content. Exploring teachers’ understanding of the mathematics curriculum content is required because understanding of content determines how teachers teach, the resources they use, and how teachers assess. It should be noted that, over time, curriculum reforms take place; and these reforms impact not only on teachers’ knowledge, expertise, or motivation, but also on their understanding. Understanding, as synthesised by the researcher, is a planned, prescribed system of presenting one’s thoughts and expertise regarding a particular subject; in this case, mathematics. In exploring this phenomenon, six Grade 3 teachers from Nkangala District in Mpumalanga were purposefully sampled to be part of this study. Data was generated through two phases of reflective activities, observations, interviews, and a focus-group discussion. To answer the two research questions of this study, the generated data was analysed guided by the natural identity framework themes. Findings revealed that teachers’ understanding of the implemented mathematics curriculum content is mostly informed by a combination of their need to comply with the prescripts of policy and higher authority, common understanding to appease their societal needs, and individual understanding based on their experiences and beliefs. The study drew the conclusion that, for teachers to embrace the three propositions of understanding and identities, teachers’ natural understanding identity should be promoted. This identity is underpinned by reflective practice and adaptation to what works in their day-to-day practice as teachers.
Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Research Department Staff Report 343 Modeling Inventories over the Business Cycle *

We evaluate two leading models of aggregate fluctutations with inventories in general equilibrium: the (S,s) model and the stockout avoidance model. Each is judged by its ability to explain the observed magnitude of inventories in the U.S. economy, alongside other empirical regularities such as the procyclicality of inventory investment and its positive correlation with sales. We find that the (S,s) model is far more consistent with the behavior of aggregate inventories in the postwar U.S. when aggregate fluctuations arise from technology, rather than preference, shocks. The converse holds for the stockout avoidance model. The (S,s) model performs well with respect to the inventory facts and other business cycle regularities. By contrast, the essential risk motive in the stockout avoidance model is insufficient to generate inventory holdings near the data without destroying the model's performance elsewhere, suggesting a fundamental problem in using reduced-form inventory models with stocks rationalized by this motive. * We thank George Hall, Bob King and session participants at the 2004 ASSA and Midwest Macro meetings for their comments. Thomas thanks the National Science Foundation for research support under grant #0318163, and the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia or Minneapolis, or the Federal Reserve System.
Sezawa Mode Enhancement of SAW Resonators on GaN-on-insulator by Optimizing the Metal Thickness and its Application to RF Filters

We present a 700-MHz single-mode SAW resonator on the unreleased GaN-on-sapphire platform. Contrary to the fact about conventional Rayleigh-mode SAW resonators, we observe an optimum metal thickness for our Sezawa-mode-based resonator and obtain a maximum Q factor of 471. In addition, a 700-MHz band-pass filter (BPF) consisting of four proposed SAW resonators is designed and simulated. An insertion loss of 5.2dB, side-band suppression of 22.8dB, relative 3-dB bandwidth of 0.23%, and a size of 0.018$\lambda_{RF}^{2}$ are obtained.
Ocular manifestations in COVID-19 infections: a case series

Introduction: The prevalence of ocular abnormalities of COVID-19 is different according to different reports. However, currently available evidence on the presence of this virus in ocular secretions and its association with conjunctivitis is not well established. Objective: To reveal the ocular features among COVID-19 patients and to describe them with the findings of clinical data, inflammatory markers, and respiratory support therapy. Methods: Ocular symptoms were evaluated and recorded in 494 COV19 patients through questionnaire-style interviews, and an ophthalmologic examination. Data including age, sex, disease severity, and nasopharyngeal swab results were collected. Laboratory test values were reviewed. Patients with COVID-19 infections were classified into severe cases and mild cases. Results: The prevalence of ocular features was (2.83%). The most common features were conjunctival hyperaemia, epiphora, and foreign body sensation with itching. Patients with ocular manifestations on CPAP support therapy had higher rates of itching, lower rates of foreign body sensation. No differences were found in the levels of inflammatory marker. Meanwhile, patients used respiratory-aid therapy revealed higher values of white blood cells, platelet counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, ferritin, and lactate dehydrogenase. Discussion: Ocular involvement in COVID-19 and possibility of disease transmission through ocular tissues and secretions, has been registered in some reports, with a prevalence of 2–32%. The external and internal ocular parts are involved. Conclusion: Ocular features are not infrequent in COVID-19 patients.
Cannabis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Scoping Review Evaluating the Benefits, Risks, and Future Research Directions

Rheumatoid diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia, are characterized by progressive inflammation in the musculoskeletal system, predominantly affecting the joints and leading to cartilage and bone damage. The resulting pain and ongoing degradation of the musculoskeletal system contribute to reduced physical activity, ultimately impacting quality of life and imposing a substantial socioeconomic burden. Unfortunately, current therapeutics have limited efficacy in slowing disease progression and managing pain. Thus, the development of novel and alternative therapies is imperative. Cannabinoids possess beneficial properties as potential treatments for rheumatoid diseases due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Preclinical studies have demonstrated promising results in halting disease progression and relieving pain. However, there is a scarcity of patient clinical studies, and the available data show mixed results. Consequently, there are currently no established clinical recommendations regarding the utilization of cannabis for treating rheumatoid diseases. In this review, we aim to explore the concept of cannabis use for rheumatoid diseases, including potential adverse effects. We will provide an overview of the data obtained from preclinical and clinical trials and from retrospective studies on the efficacy and safety of cannabis in the treatment of rheumatoid diseases.
Impact of the Subprime Crisis on Bank Ratings: The Effect of the Hardening of Rating Policies and Worsening of Solvency

espanolEste documento de trabajo se centra en el estudio del impacto de la crisis subprime sobre los ratings emitidos por las agencias de calificacion en la valoracion de la solvencia de las entidades bancarias. Tras constatar un significativo empeoramiento de los ratings tras la crisis, este documento se plantea como hipotesis la posibilidad de que este empeoramiento no es debido exclusivamente a un deterioro de la solvencia de los bancos, sino tambien a un cambio en el comportamiento de las agencias de calificacion. El trabajo disena una metodologia que separa el cambio observado de los ratings en dos componentes multiplicativos: uno asociado al propio deterioro de la solvencia de las entidades bancarias y otro asociado al cambio en los criterios de valoracion de las agencias. La metodologia se aplica al analisis del sistema bancario espanol durante el periodo 2000-2009. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la rebaja observada en los ratings (13%) no se justifica totalmente (65%) por el deterioro en la solvencia de las entidades bancarias, sino que ademas (35%) se debe al endurecimiento de los criterios de valoracion adoptados por las agencias. Este resultado evidencia el caracter prociclico de los ratings. EnglishThis working paper studies the impact of the subprime crisis on the ratings issued by the rating agencies in evaluating the solvency of banks. After ascertaining a significant worsening of ratings after the crisis, the paper hypothesizes the possibility that this worsening is not due exclusively to deterioration in the banks’ credit quality, but also to a change in the behavior of the rating agencies. The study designs a methodology to separate the observed change in ratings into two multiplicative components: one associated with the deterioration of the banks’ solvency itself and another associated with the change in the agencies’ valuation criteria. The methodology is applied to the Spanish Banking System during the period 2000-2009. The results obtained show that the observed ratings cuts (13%) are explained (65%) by the deterioration in the solvency of the banks, but also (35%) by the hardening of the valuation criteria adopted by the agencies. This shows the procyclical character of ratings.
Contribution of critical thinking, science process skills towards learning outcomes based on gender

The purpose of this study is to ascertain importance of scientific reasoning and process abilities to students’ learning outcomes based on gender differences. This type of research uses the kind of correlation research. This research was carried out for one semester a sample of 104 students studying biology in senior high schools in Sumbawa, Indonesia, with a total of 55 female and 49 male students. In this study, multiple-choice examinations were used to assess the students’ science process skills as well as their critical thinking abilities and learning outcomes. The findings the results of the multiple regression analysis demonstrate that the scientific method and critical thinking abilities are strongly correlated effectively children learn, depending on the gender difference. The importance of critical thinking abilities’ positive effects on learning outcomes of the female students was 81.60% and towards the learning results of the male students was 59.1. The usefulness of the science process skill in terms of practical contribution variable towards the learning results of the female students was 4.5%, and the male students were 20.6%. This means that the average simultaneous is classified as high. However, science process skills’ contribution to learning results is relatively low. The research finding shows that the science process skills have a low effective contribution towards students’ learning results based on gender differences, needs to be a serious concern. That is, implementing the appropriate learning models to enhance the development of science process abilities.
Formation of trace element biogeochemical anomalies in surface soils: the role of biota

ABSTRACT Understanding the mechanisms by which soil geochemical anomalies form is extremely relevant to exploration for buried mineral deposits. Most mechanisms proposed in the geological literature are based on abiotic processes such as physical transport, hydrodynamic dispersion, or immobilization along chemical (e.g. redox) gradients. However, trace elements could also become locally enriched in soils above ore bodies as a result of the activity of plants and soil organisms. In this work, we review literature on trace element cycling in arid and semi-arid terrestrial ecosystems, and develop a conceptual model of trace element biogeochemical cycling. This model incorporates the biogeochemical fluxes of elements expected to affect the formation of soil anomalies through biological means. A simplified mass-balance calculation, based on the conceptual model, was used to evaluate the likelihood of forming soil anomalies solely through plant uptake. The existence of soil geochemical anomalies depends on the balance between ecosystem net primary productivity and trace element losses through soil erosion and leaching. The calculation predicts that accumulation in soils should be favoured for more bioavailable elements, since the plant:soil concentration ratio affects the relative sizes of uptake and erosion fluxes. We suggest that soil geochemical anomalies are transient geological features, forming and dispersing as a result of the relative sizes of the accumulative and loss fluxes. Due to the complexity of trace element biogeochemical cycles, the simple mass-balance approach that we used is insufficient to account for the interaction between fluxes. This work provides the groundwork for a more complex model of trace element biogeochemical cycling that would include rate expressions and simulate the balance between multiple interacting fluxes.