Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microtubule Growth Rates Are Sensitive to Global and Local Changes in Microtubule Plus-End Density

The microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton plays critically important roles in numerous cellular functions in eukaryotes, and it does so across a functionally diverse and morphologically disparate range of cell types [1]. In these roles, MT assemblies must adopt distinct morphologies and physical dimensions to perform specific functions [2-5]. As such, these macromolecular assemblies—as well as the dynamics of the individual MT polymers from which they are made—must scale and change in accordance with cell size and geometry. As first shown by Inoue using polarization microscopy, microtubules assemble to a steady state in mass, leaving enough of their subunits soluble to allow rapid growth and turnover. This suggests some negative feedback that limits the extent of assembly, for example decrease in growth rate, or increase in catastrophe rate, as the soluble subunit pool decreases. Such feedbacks might be global or local. Although these ideas have informed the field for decades, they have not been observed experimentally. Here we describe an experimental system designed to examine these long-standing ideas and determine a role for MT plus-end density in regulating MT growth rates.
Cost-minimization analysis of oral and intravenous administration of linezolid in a public hospital in southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Due to the paucity of cost-minimization studies about linezolid, the aim of this study was to estimate the cost differential between intravenous and oral administration. A retrospective cohort study and costminimization analysis was conducted between August 2009 and August 2013 in a public hospital in southern Brazil. Inpatient records were evaluated for 152 patients who received linezolid intravenously or orally. Over two-thirds of the patients (103, 67.8%) received the antibiotic by the intravenous route only (IV group), and the remainder received the antibiotic both routes sequentially (mixed group). In the IV group, 33 patients (31.7%) were eligible to receive the antibiotic orally. The total cost per patient (mean) after changing from intravenous to oral administration was significantly lower than the real cost paid per patient (mean) (p<0.001). The cost savings associated with switching to oral linezolid administration would be US$14,328.32 over four years. Pharmacoeconomic analyses of linezolid therapy can inform hospitals’ decisions about the rational use of therapeutics and economic resources. Keywords: Administration, Oral. Economics, Pharmaceutical. Administration, Intravenous. Linezolid. RESUMO Analise de custo-minimizacao entre as vias de administracao oral e endovenosa de linezolida em um hospital publico da regiao sul do Brasil Devido a escassez de estudos de custo-minimizacao a cerca da linezolida, o objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a diferenca de custo entre a administracao intravenosa e oral desse antibiotico. Um estudo de coorte retrospectiva e uma analise de custo-minimizacao foram realizados entre agosto de 2009 e agosto de 2013, em um hospital publico do sul do Brasil. Foram avaliados os prontuarios medicos de 152 pacientes que receberam linezolida por via intravenosa e / ou oralmente. Mais de dois tercos dos pacientes (103, 67.8%) receberam o medicamento exclusivamente por via intravenosa (grupo IV), e o restante (grupo misto) recebeu o antibacteriano por via intravenosa e por via oral sequencialmente. No grupo IV, 33 pacientes (31.7%) eram elegiveis para receber o antibiotico por via oral. O custo medio total por paciente apos a troca hipotetica da via de administracao intravenosa para oral foi significativamente mais baixo do que o custo medio real pago por cada tratamento com linezolida (p <0.001). A economia de custos associados com a mudanca para a administracao oral de linezolida seria de US $ 14,328.32 ao longo de quatro anos. A analise farmacoeconomica da terapia com linezolida pode orientar as decisoes dos hospitais quanto ao uso racional de terapeuticas e de recursos economicos. Palavras-chave: Administracao oral. Farmacoeconomia. Administracao intravenosa. Linezolida.
Detection of Invalid Test Scores: The Usefulness of Simple Nonparametric Statistics (Law School Admission Council)

In recent guidelines for fair educational testing it is advised to check the validity of individual test scores through the use of person-fit statistics. For practitioners it is unclear on the basis of the existing literature which statistic to use. An overview of relatively simple existing nonparametric approaches to identify atypical response patterns is provided. A simulation study was conducted to compare the different approaches and on the basis of the literature review and the simulation study guidelines for the use of person-fit approaches are given.
Development of nutrition quotient for Korean preschoolers (NQ-P): Item selection and validation of factor structure

Purpose: Screening of preschool-age children for nutrition programs to improve dietary intake and behaviors requires cost-effective and easily administered validated assessment tools. The purpose of this study was to develop a parent/ caregiver-administered instrument for measuring diet quality and behaviors of preschoolers as a nutrition quotient for preschoolers (NQ-P). Methods: Development of NQ-P was carried out in three steps: item generation, item reduction, and validation. The 24-h dietary record was selected as the gold standard reference tool. The 38 items of the NQ-P checklist were derived from a systematic literature review, expert in-depth interviews, statistical analysis of the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, and national nutrition policies and recommendations. Self-administered questionnaires were delivered to parents who recorded 24-h dietary intakes of 100 responders aged 3~5 yr. Pearson's correlation was used to measure the level of agreement between questionnaires. Item reduction was performed, and 20 items were selected based on survey results, expert reviews, and priorities of national nutrition policy and recommendations. The 412 nationwide subjects sampled through daycare centers completed the 20-item checklist questionnaire. The construct validity of the NQ-P was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, LISREL. Results: After analyses of exploratory factors, NQ-P items identified three dimensions of diet (balance, moderation, and environment). The three-factor structure accounted for 49.28% of the total variance. Standardized path coefficients were used as weights of the items. The NQ-P and three-factor scores of the subjects were calculated by the obtained weights of the questionnaire items. Conclusion: A food behavior checklist for preschoolers' NQ would be a useful and suitable instrument for evaluating nutrition adequacy and dietary quality of Korean preschoolers.
Assessing the Quality of Cotranscriptional Folding Simulations

Structural changes in RNAs are an important contributor to controlling gene expression not only at the post-transcriptional stage but also during transcription. A subclass of riboswitches and RNA thermometers located in the 5’ region of the primary transcript regulates the downstream functional unit – usually an ORF – through premature termination of transcription. Such elements not only occur naturally but they are also attractive devices in synthetic biology. The possibility to design such riboswitches or RNA thermometers is thus of considerable practical interest. Since these functional RNA elements act already during transcription, it is important to model and understand the dynamics of folding and, in particular, the formation of intermediate structures concurrently with transcription. Cotranscriptional folding simulations are therefore an important step to verify the functionality of design constructs before conducting expensive and labour-intensive wet lab experiments. For RNAs, full-fledged molecular dynamics simulations are far beyond practical reach both because of the size of the molecules and the time scales of interest. Even at the simplified level of secondary structures further approximations are necessary. The BarMap approach is based on representing the secondary structure landscape for each individual transcription step by a coarse-grained representation that only retains a small set of low-energy local minima and the energy barriers between them. The folding dynamics between two transcriptional elongation steps is modeled as a Markov process on this representation. Maps between pairs of consecutive coarse-grained landscapes make it possible to follow the folding process as it changes in response to transcription elongation. In its original implementation, the BarMap software provides a general framework to investigate RNA folding dynamics on temporally changing landscapes. It is, however, difficult to use in particular for specific scenarios such as cotranscriptional folding. To overcome this limitation, we developed the user-friendly BarMap-QA pipeline described in detail in this contribution. It is illustrated here by an elaborate example that emphasizes the careful monitoring of several quality measures. Using an iterative workflow, a reliable and complete kinetics simulation of a synthetic, transcription regulating riboswitch is obtained using minimal computational resources. All programs and scripts used in this contribution are free software and available for download as a source distribution for Linux®, or as a platform-independent Docker® image including support for Apple macOS® and Microsoft Windows®.
Goal-Based Error Estimation for the Multi-Dimensional Diamond Difference and Box Discrete Ordinate (SN) Methods

Abstract Goal-based error estimation due to spatial discretization and adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) has previously been investigated for the one dimensional, diamond difference, discrete ordinate (1-D DD-SN) method for discretizing the Neutron Transport Equation (NTE). This paper investigates the challenges of extending goal-based error estimation to multi-dimensions with supporting evidence provided on 2-D fixed (extraneous) source and Keff eigenvalue (criticality) verification test cases. It was found that extending Hennart’s weighted residual view of the lowest order 1-D DD equations to multi-dimensions gave what has previously been called the box method. This paper shows how the box method can be extended to higher orders. The paper also shows an equivalence between the higher order box methods and the higher order DD methods derived by Hébert et al. Though, less information is retained in the final solution in the latter case. These extensions allow for the definition of dual weighted residual (DWR) error estimators in multi-dimensions for the DD and box methods. However, they are not applied to drive AMR in the multi-dimensional case due to the various challenges explained in this paper.
LET'S TALK AND LET'S GO GLOBAL: ANALYSING STUDENTS' PERCEPTION

This study was conducted to investigate the secondary school students’ perception of the implementation of Let’s Talk Let’s Go Global program, an English communicative program initiated by the Ministry of Education and executed by six Universiti Malaysia Terengganu language instructors. A total of 260 Form Four students from 13 secondary schools participated in the program for a duration of 6 months. A semi-structured interview was performed to determine the students’ perception and opinions about the program. The findings reveal that Let’s Talk and Let’s Go Global program was effective in enhancing the students’ English communications. This paper also proposes some recommendations for improvement in terms of the content, assessment and organization of the program in the future. Field of Research: English communicative program, students’ English communication
Osteoarthritis of knee and factors associated with it in middle aged women in a rural area of central Kerala, India

Background: Osteoarthritis is the fourth leading cause of years lived with disability around the world. Prevalence of osteoarthritis is more in females compared to males. Objective of the study is to find out the prevalence of osteoarthritis of knee in middle aged women and factors associated with it. Methods: A cross -sectional study was conducted in ward 16 of Ettumanoor panchayat. A total of 375 women above 40 years were included in the study. The data was collected at their residences using a semi structured interview schedule which include demographic details and various factors associated with osteoarthritis. Weight, height, waist circumference were measured and knee joint examination was done. Data analyzed by SPSS version 19.0. The factors that were found to have a statistical significant relationship with osteoarthritis were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in the study sample was 41.6% (95% CI- 41.6±1.25%). Among them 66.2% have bilateral osteoarthritis of knee joint. The factors that had a significant association with osteoarthritis were increasing age (p value of 0.001(OR=2.47(1.61-3.79), attained menopause or not (p value of 0.001(OR=3.15(1.96-5.06), underwent hysterectomy or not (p value of 0.038) (OR=2(1.02-4.04), family history of osteoarthritis (p value of 0.035 (OR=1.61(1.04-2.61), BMI>30 ( p value of 0.027(OR=1.86 (1.03-3.33), and history of trauma to the knee joint (p value of 0.042 (OR=1.51(0.88-2.59). Conclusions: The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in the study was 41.6% and the factors associated with knee osteoarthritis as per the study were increasing age, attainment of menopause, hysterectomy, family history of osteoarthritis, BMI>30 and history of trauma to the knee joint.
S. Jacinto Ward and the assistance to tuberculosis patients by the Third Venerable Order of St. Francis’ Penance of Coimbra (1908–1944)

The Third Order of Coimbra, founded on January 5, 1659, promoted spiritual and material assistance to its members since early times. The foundation of the hospital (1851) and asylum (1884) guaranteed the assistance to sick and old people. The aim of this paper is to present the ward of the hospital in charge of treating Brothers suffering from tuberculosis. Built under the patronage of sister Maria Jose Augusta Barata da Silva, the S. Jacinto ward, in memory of her son Jacinto Adelino Barata da Silva, a victim of tuberculosis, was inaugurated on the 2nd January, 1909. In the institution´s archive, can be found the Hospital admission applications (1857–1949), the Records of admissions and discharges (1852–1977), and the Patient records (1857–1950), enabling the identification of 23 tuberculosis patients (60.9% men and 39.1% women). With ages ranging from 23 to 74 years old (mean age=48 years), patients were hospitalized between 10 days and 16 years. Men were mostly artisans, and women were predominantly housewives. The data of these patients as well as the hospital diets and applied therapies will be discussed. Detailed information about these patients will be useful in the knowledge of tuberculosis in pre-antibiotic times.
Association of Plasma Lead with Iron Indices and Complete Blood Count among Male Bricklayers in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Background: Analysis of cement dust by various investigators has revealed that its contents include mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb). Few studies done among cement factory workers in Nigeria showed conflicting results in haematological parameters which could not be related to any particular heavy metals. This necessitated the need for this study. Objective: This study aims to relate lead level with iron indices and complete blood count among bricklayers. Methods: Comparative cross sectional study among 45 bricklayers and 45 age and sex matched tailors. Questionnaire was administered to find out occupational practice. Plasma was analyzed for lead by Atomic Absorption spectrometer (AAS) while serum was analyzed for ferittin and iron by ELISA and photometric method respectively. Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and percentage Transferin saturation (%TFS) were derived by calculation while complete Blood Count (CBC) was determined using a Sysmex Kx21 auto-analyser. Results: Eighty seven percent of the bricklayers practice their profession without protective coverings. There was a significant increase in the plasma level of lead (p=.00) but decrease in ferrittin among bricklayers compared with controls (p=.00). Bricklayers with blood lead level above acceptable level (5 µg/dl) had significantly reduced ferittin (p=0.04). Conclusion: In this study showed a relatively lower serum ferritin level among bricklayers which was more pronounced with increasing lead level. This may suggest depletion of iron store with increasing lead level. The use of protective measures such as gloves, facemasks and protective garments when in contact with cement and regular medical checkups to prevent depletion of iron store and its consequences are hereby suggested.
Charles Wickens: The Australian Government’s First Economist

Abstract The contribution of Charles Wickens to Australian economics has been overlooked for too long. As well as his distinguished service as Commonwealth Statistician, and high reputation as an actuary, he was a key economic adviser to government for many years. He was effectively the first Australian government economist. He was the man to whom other public servants turned with economic problems. Along with Douglas Copland, he had a major role in the establishment of the Economic Society. He was a major contributor to its journal, the Economic Record. He challenged the then economic orthodoxy, giving proto-Keynesian advice on responding to the great depression, which influenced the plan developed by Ted Theodore. He chaired the committee of Australian economists which produced a globally significant report on tariffs. He did pioneering work on estimating a national balance sheet for Australia and in other areas of economics. He should be better remembered.
Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling

Human beings are wired for stories. Throughout our existence, stories have been an integral part of our meaning making, and informational transportation. Stories are embedded in our biology. We do not just tell stories and hear stories, we experience stories emotionally and cognitively, and we feel stories physically in the body. Stories have been used in every aspect of human life, and have always been part of language teaching as well. Researches have shown that narrative films and readings help to develop empathy, perspective taking, understanding ourselves and others and increase literacy. TPRS is a fun and effective method in teaching foreign languages in a classroom setting. It takes advantage of the power of story in comprehensible input-oriented method. This paper describes what is TPRS and how it works.
On the reaction mechanism for selective catalytic reduction of NOx by NH3 over Cu-zeolites

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are major pollutants from combustion processes, being corrosive and hazardous to human health. The main technology for exhaust aftertreatment of NOx emitted from diesel engines is selective catalytic reduction with ammonia as reducing agent (NH3-SCR). Among a range of catalysts for NH3-SCR, copper-exchanged zeolites are efficient with high activity and selectivity combined with good hydrothermal stability. Zeolites are crystalline microporous aluminosilicates constructed by corner-sharing SiO4 and AlO4 tetrahedra. Replacement of a four-valent Si by a three-valent Al gives the framework a negative charge, which is compensated by a cation. The cation in the case of copper exchanged zeolites is Cu(I) or Cu(II). In this thesis, the reaction mechanism for NH3-SCR over copper-exchanged zeolites with CHA framework (Cu-CHA) has been studied through density functional theory in combination with ab initio thermodynamics and molecular dynamics. Firstly, the character of the active site for NH3-SCR over Cu-CHA under typical reaction conditions has been investigated. It is found that the Cu(I)-ion is preferably solvated by two NH3 ligands forming a linear Cu(NH3)2+ complex under low-temperature operating conditions. The storage of NH3 in the Cu(NH3)2+ complex is consistent with measured features from NH$_3$ temperature-programmed desorption. Moreover, the linear Cu(NH3)2+ complex is found to be important for solid-state ion exchange of Cu(I) into zeolites, which is one strategy for zeolite functionalization. Secondly, a complete reaction mechanism for low-temperature NH3-SCR over Cu-CHA has been explored. The reaction is found to proceed in a redox manner via alternating Cu(I) and Cu(II) oxidation states. A pair of Cu(NH3)2+ complexes is found to be required for O2 activation in similarity to O2 activation in homogeneous catalysis. The potential energy surface for O2 dissociation is found to depend strongly on the choice of the exchange-correlation functional. The PBE+U approach together with van der Waals corrections is found to provide a reasonable, simultaneous accuracy of the different bonds in the system. Based on the fact that Cu(I) is solvated and the need of complex pairs for O2 activation, two possible reaction cycles for low-temperature NH3-SCR are proposed. The reaction is suggested to proceed in a multi-site fashion over both copper-sites and Bronsted acid sites. The proposed mechanism highlights the similarities between low-temperature NH3-SCR over Cu-CHA and homogeneous liquid-phase catalytic reactions and provides a solid basis for future improvements of Cu-exchanged zeolites for NH3-SCR.
The impact of artificial intelligence and employee service quality on customer satisfaction and loyalty

ABSTRACT The study discusses artificial intelligence (AI) – powered applications as a commercial service with a focus on the hotel industry. This research is approached from the customers’ perspective and examines how AI and employee service quality influence customer satisfaction and loyalty. The study was conducted in multiple hotels in Portugal and focused on departure guests who had experienced both AI and employee services associated with the surveyed hotels. The results show that both AI and employee service quality explain significant variances in overall service quality assessment as well as customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, only certain service quality dimensions made unique variances in the outcomes of interest. When regressing both AI and employee service quality in the same equation, AI becomes negative and insignificant. This study contributes to the AI and customer loyalty research. The findings of this study have financial implications for hotels and provide insights into optimal resource allocation.