Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of physician self-assessment compared with observed measures of competence: a systematic review.

CONTEXT Core physician activities of lifelong learning, continuing medical education credit, relicensure, specialty recertification, and clinical competence are linked to the abilities of physicians to assess their own learning needs and choose educational activities that meet these needs. OBJECTIVE To determine how accurately physicians self-assess compared with external observations of their competence. DATA SOURCES The electronic databases MEDLINE (1966-July 2006), EMBASE (1980-July 2006), CINAHL (1982-July 2006), PsycINFO (1967-July 2006), the Research and Development Resource Base in CME (1978-July 2006), and proprietary search engines were searched using terms related to self-directed learning, self-assessment, and self-reflection. STUDY SELECTION Studies were included if they compared physicians' self-rated assessments with external observations, used quantifiable and replicable measures, included a study population of at least 50% practicing physicians, residents, or similar health professionals, and were conducted in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Australia, or New Zealand. Studies were excluded if they were comparisons of self-reports, studies of medical students, assessed physician beliefs about patient status, described the development of self-assessment measures, or were self-assessment programs of specialty societies. Studies conducted in the context of an educational or quality improvement intervention were included only if comparative data were obtained before the intervention. DATA EXTRACTION Study population, content area and self-assessment domain of the study, methods used to measure the self-assessment of study participants and those used to measure their competence or performance, existence and use of statistical tests, study outcomes, and explanatory comparative data were extracted. DATA SYNTHESIS The search yielded 725 articles, of which 17 met all inclusion criteria. The studies included a wide range of domains, comparisons, measures, and methodological rigor. Of the 20 comparisons between self- and external assessment, 13 demonstrated little, no, or an inverse relationship and 7 demonstrated positive associations. A number of studies found the worst accuracy in self-assessment among physicians who were the least skilled and those who were the most confident. These results are consistent with those found in other professions. CONCLUSIONS While suboptimal in quality, the preponderance of evidence suggests that physicians have a limited ability to accurately self-assess. The processes currently used to undertake professional development and evaluate competence may need to focus more on external assessment.
Towards a robust framework for the semantic representation of temporal expressions in cultural legacy data

Date and time descriptors play an important role in cultural record keeping. As part of digital access and information retrieval on heritage databases it is becoming increasingly important that date descriptors are not matched as strings but that their semantics are properly understood and interpreted by man and machine alike. This paper describes a prototype system designed to resolve temporal expressions from English language cultural heritage records to ISO 8601 compatible date expressions. The architecture we advocate calls for a two stage resolution with a “semantic layer” between the input and ISO 8601 output. The system is inspired by a similar system for German language records and was tested on real world data from the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin. Results from an evaluation with two senior art and metadata experts from the gallery are reported.
Two New Schemes to Generate Automatic Variable Key (AVK) to achieve the Perfect Security in Insecure Communication Channel

The confidentiality of shared information is an issue of emergent research. Restoring confidentiality brings more complications and difficulties to provide such securities over insecure communication channels. To overcome those difficulties, various mechanisms or encryption techniques have been proposed by many researchers. However, the most common requirement in all such mechanisms is that key should be secured. One solution to tackle this problem is to make the key large enough so that the cipher text only attack like brute force attack, frequency attack and differential frequency attack become infeasible. In light of this, and the practical difficulty for managing such long keys; the key with variable in nature is highly enforced to provide the perfect security in which Automatic Variable Key (AVK) is one of the novel approaches as it has been experimented so far. In this paper, we have proposed two new schemes to generate the AVKs and shown their contributions to provide the security in cryptography by various experiments.
Intake of dietary iron is low in patients with Crohn's disease: a case–control study

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) often experience Fe deficiency (ID) and frequently alter their diet to relieve abdominal symptoms. The present study set out to assess whether patients with CD have dietary habits that lead to low Fe intakes and/or reduced bioavailable Fe compared with control subjects. Patients with asymptomatic CD were matched to controls (n 91/group). Dietary intakes of Fe and contributions from different food groups were compared using a 7 d food diary. Promoters and inhibitors of non-haem Fe absorption were investigated and a recently published algorithm was applied to assess bioavailable Fe. Fewer patients than controls met the reference nutrient intake for Fe (32 % CD patients v. 42 % controls). Overall, patients had significantly lower mean Fe intakes (by 2·3 mg/d) and Fe density (by 0·26 mg/MJ (1·1 mg/1000 kcal)) compared with controls (both P<0·001). Differences were mainly due to a preference among CD patients for low-fibre non-Fe fortified cereals, particularly breakfast cereals. In particular, control subjects had higher Fe intakes than matched CD subjects for men (P<0·001) and women less than 50 years (P=0·03). Intakes of both ascorbic acid (P<0·001) and phytic acid (P<0·01), but not animal tissue (P=1·0), were lower in patients with CD, but these had no overall effect on the predicted percentage of bioavailable Fe. Thus total bioavailable Fe was reduced in patients with CD due to lower intakes (P<0·01). Dietary Fe intakes are low in CD patients, which may contribute to an increased risk of ID and anaemia. Changing dietary advice may compromise perceived symptoms of the disease so the need for Fe supplementation should be carefully considered.
Randomized Controlled Trial on Hemifield Eye Patching and Optokinetic Stimulation in Acute Spatial Neglect

Background and Purpose— Right hemisphere stroke patients frequently experience spatial neglect, a severe lack of awareness for contralesional hemispace. Although neglect counts among the strongest predictors for poor functional outcome after stroke, there is no established therapy, particularly not for the acute stage. Methods— In a randomized controlled trial, we compared the combined treatment of hemifield eye patching and repetitive optokinetic stimulation in acute stroke patients with neglect to the spontaneous course. Outcome measures were a neuropsychological test battery for neglect as well as scales of functional independence and clinical impairment. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (day 1), post treatment (day 8), and at 1-month follow-up (day 30). Results— Final analysis included 21 acute right hemisphere stroke patients with neglect (23 enrolled, 2 lost to follow-up) allocated either to the treatment (1 week hemifield eye patching and daily sessions of optokinetic stimulation, n=11) or the control group (no neglect-specific treatment, n=10). At baseline, both groups did not differ in neuropsychological test performance, clinical impairment, or functional disability. At the post treatment session, both groups had improved in all these measures, and results were stable or further improved at follow-up. However, there was no significant difference in this change between the treatment and the control group. Conclusions— An early intervention of combined hemifield eye patching and optokinetic stimulation in acute stroke patients with spatial neglect has no additive effect to the spontaneous remitting course of the disorder. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT01617343.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube – PMMA Interaction

Mechanical performance of nanocomposites is strongly dependent on the interaction properties between the matrix and the reinforcement. Therefore, the aim of this work is to investigate the carbon nanotube – polymer interaction in nanocomposites. With the ever-increasing power of computers, and enormous advantage of parallel computing techniques, molecular dynamics is the favourite technique to simulate various atomic and molecular systems for this application. In order to simulate nanocomposites using molecular dynamics techniques, a stepwise approach was followed. First, a single-walled carbon nanotube was modelled as the reinforcing material. The validity of the model was examined by applying simple tension boundary conditions and comparing the results with the literature. Next, PMMA chains, with different geometries and molecular weights, were modelled employing the chemical potentials extracted from the literature. The last step included the modelling of the nanotubes surrounded by the matrix material and the investigation of the energy minimization for the system. Based on the results, the non-covalent interaction energy between a single-walled carbon nanotube and the PMMA matrix was obtained.
Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization Domain-2 Modulates Specific TLR Pathways for the Induction of Cytokine Release 1

The recognition of peptidoglycan by cells of the innate immune system has been controversial; both TLR2 and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-2 (NOD2) have been implicated in this process. In the present study we demonstrate that although NOD2 is required for recognition of peptidoglycan, this leads to strong synergistic effects on TLR2-mediated production of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Defective IL-10 production in patients with Crohn’s disease bearing loss of function mutations of NOD2 may lead to overwhelming inflammation due to a subsequent Th1 bias. In addition to the potentiation of TLR2 effects, NOD2 is a modulator of signals transmitted through TLR4 and TLR3, but not through TLR5, TLR9, or TLR7. Thus, interaction between NOD2 and specific TLR pathways may represent an important modulatory mechanism of innate immune responses.
Multiscale mobility networks and the spatial spreading of infectious diseases

Among the realistic ingredients to be considered in the computational modeling of infectious diseases, human mobility represents a crucial challenge both on the theoretical side and in view of the limited availability of empirical data. To study the interplay between short-scale commuting flows and long-range airline traffic in shaping the spatiotemporal pattern of a global epidemic we (i) analyze mobility data from 29 countries around the world and find a gravity model able to provide a global description of commuting patterns up to 300 kms and (ii) integrate in a worldwide-structured metapopulation epidemic model a timescale-separation technique for evaluating the force of infection due to multiscale mobility processes in the disease dynamics. Commuting flows are found, on average, to be one order of magnitude larger than airline flows. However, their introduction into the worldwide model shows that the large-scale pattern of the simulated epidemic exhibits only small variations with respect to the baseline case where only airline traffic is considered. The presence of short-range mobility increases, however, the synchronization of subpopulations in close proximity and affects the epidemic behavior at the periphery of the airline transportation infrastructure. The present approach outlines the possibility for the definition of layered computational approaches where different modeling assumptions and granularities can be used consistently in a unifying multiscale framework.
Blinded with science: Trivial graphs and formulas increase ad persuasiveness and belief in product efficacy

The appearance of being scientific can increase persuasiveness. Even trivial cues can create such an appearance of a scientific basis. In our studies, including simple elements, such as graphs (Studies 1–2) or a chemical formula (Study 3), increased belief in a medication’s efficacy. This appears to be due to the association of such elements with science, rather than increased comprehensibility, use of visuals, or recall. Belief in science moderates the persuasive effect of graphs, such that people who have a greater belief in science are more affected by the presence of graphs (Study 2). Overall, the studies contribute to past research by demonstrating that even trivial elements can increase public persuasion despite their not truly indicating scientific expertise or objective support.
Mechanism of Sirt1 NAD+-dependent Protein Deacetylase Inhibition by Cysteine S-Nitrosation*

The sirtuin family of proteins catalyze the NAD+-dependent deacylation of acyl-lysine residues. Humans encode seven sirtuins (Sirt1–7), and recent studies have suggested that post-translational modification of Sirt1 by cysteine S-nitrosation correlates with increased acetylation of Sirt1 deacetylase substrates. However, the mechanism of Sirt1 inhibition by S-nitrosation was unknown. Here, we show that Sirt1 is transnitrosated and inhibited by the physiologically relevant nitrosothiol S-nitrosoglutathione. Steady-state kinetic analyses and binding assays were consistent with Sirt1 S-nitrosation inhibiting binding of both the NAD+ and acetyl-lysine substrates. Sirt1 S-nitrosation correlated with Zn2+ release from the conserved sirtuin Zn2+-tetrathiolate and a loss of α-helical structure without overall thermal destabilization of the enzyme. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that Zn2+ loss due to Sirt1 S-nitrosation results in repositioning of the tetrathiolate subdomain away from the rest of the catalytic domain, thereby disrupting the NAD+ and acetyl-lysine-binding sites. Sirt1 S-nitrosation was reversed upon exposure to the thiol-based reducing agents, including physiologically relevant concentrations of the cellular reducing agent glutathione. Reversal of S-nitrosation resulted in full restoration of Sirt1 activity only in the presence of Zn2+, consistent with S-nitrosation of the Zn2+-tetrathiolate as the primary source of Sirt1 inhibition upon S-nitrosoglutathione treatment.
Imaging of brain tumours

Imaging for brain tumours is vital not only for making the initial diagnosis but also guides future management. This chapter describes the two main modalities in computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The most common sequences are described as well as what questions are likely to be answered by brain tumour imaging.
Barrier properties of organic–inorganic hybrid coatings based on polyvinyl alcohol with improved water resistance

A comprehensive study of the gas barrier properties of hybrid organic–inorganic coatings formed by polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and Si-SiO2, obtained via sol–gel technique, was carried out. It has been shown that the oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide transfer rates of barrier polymers such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) and oriented polypropylene can be further reduced, by up to two orders of magnitude, with a thin coating (1–2 μm) of PVOH/Si-SiO2. More notably, it has been observed that the material maintains this feature even after a prolonged contact with water, which is a strong solvent for PVOH. Direct moisture sorption measurements show that silica lowers the water uptake of PVOH and inhibits sorption-induced swelling and plasticization of the polymer. Correlations between the gas transport properties of the hybrid coatings and factors such as the silica content, the type of polymeric substrate, the nature of penetrant and the temperature have been found, providing guidelines for the selection and design of multilayer materials for packaging applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Biomaterial-Associated Infection: Locating the Finish Line in the Race for the Surface

This Review discusses approaches to developing infection-reducing biomaterials that strike a balance between host tissue integration and prevention of microbial attachment. NONE Biomaterial-associated infections occur on both permanent implants and temporary devices for restoration or support of human functions. Despite increasing use of biomaterials in an aging society, comparatively few biomaterials have been designed that effectively reduce the incidence of biomaterial-associated infections. This review provides design guidelines for infection-reducing strategies based on the concept that the fate of biomaterial implants or devices is a competition between host tissue cell integration and bacterial colonization at their surfaces.
Disruption of IL-21 Signaling Affects T Cell-B Cell Interactions and Abrogates Protective Humoral Immunity to Malaria

Interleukin-21 signaling is important for germinal center B-cell responses, isotype switching and generation of memory B cells. However, a role for IL-21 in antibody-mediated protection against pathogens has not been demonstrated. Here we show that IL-21 is produced by T follicular helper cells and co-expressed with IFN-γ during an erythrocytic-stage malaria infection of Plasmodium chabaudi in mice. Mice deficient either in IL-21 or the IL-21 receptor fail to resolve the chronic phase of P. chabaudi infection and P. yoelii infection resulting in sustained high parasitemias, and are not immune to re-infection. This is associated with abrogated P. chabaudi-specific IgG responses, including memory B cells. Mixed bone marrow chimeric mice, with T cells carrying a targeted disruption of the Il21 gene, or B cells with a targeted disruption of the Il21r gene, demonstrate that IL-21 from T cells signaling through the IL-21 receptor on B cells is necessary to control chronic P. chabaudi infection. Our data uncover a mechanism by which CD4+ T cells and B cells control parasitemia during chronic erythrocytic-stage malaria through a single gene, Il21, and demonstrate the importance of this cytokine in the control of pathogens by humoral immune responses. These data are highly pertinent for designing malaria vaccines requiring long-lasting protective B-cell responses.
Development of X-Y Servo Pneumatic-Piezoelectric Hybrid Actuators for Position Control with High Response, Large Stroke and Nanometer Accuracy

This study aims to develop a X-Y dual-axial intelligent servo pneumatic-piezoelectric hybrid actuator for position control with high response, large stroke (250 mm, 200 mm) and nanometer accuracy (20 nm). In each axis, the rodless pneumatic actuator serves to position in coarse stroke and the piezoelectric actuator compensates in fine stroke. Thus, the overall control systems of the single axis become a dual-input single-output (DISO) system. Although the rodless pneumatic actuator has relatively larger friction force, it has the advantage of mechanism for multi-axial development. Thus, the X-Y dual-axial positioning system is developed based on the servo pneumatic-piezoelectric hybrid actuator. In addition, the decoupling self-organizing fuzzy sliding mode control is developed as the intelligent control strategies. Finally, the proposed novel intelligent X-Y dual-axial servo pneumatic-piezoelectric hybrid actuators are implemented and verified experimentally.
Tissue-Specific Effects of Aldose Reductase Inhibition on Fluorescence and Cross-Linking of Extracellular Matrix in Chronic Galactosemia: Relationship to Pentosidine Cross-Links

Chronic experimental hyperglycemia mediated by galactose has been shown to induce browning and cross-linking of rat tail tendon collagen that could be duplicated in vitro by nonenzymatic galactosylation. To investigate the nature of these changes, Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on a 33% galactose diet without and with sorbinil for 6 and 12 mo. Collagen-linked fluorescence and pentosidine cross-links increased with age and galactosemia in tail tendons (P < 0.001) and skin but were essentially unresponsive to aldose reductase inhibition (ARI). In contrast, tendon breaking time in urea, a likely parameter of cross-linking, was markedly improved (P < 0.001) by ARI. Fluorescence that was inhibited by sorbinil treatment was increased in pepsin and proteinase K digest of aortic tissue from galactosemic rats (P < 0.001), but impaired enzymatic digestibility was not observed. Systolic blood pressure as potential consequence of aortic stiffening was not increased in galactosemia. These data suggest that fluorescence in skin and tendon might be in part due to advanced glycosylation and pentosidine formation because these were not decreased by ARI. However, they also suggest that nonfluorescent cross-links may also be forming because, in contrast to fluorescence, tail tendon breaking time was partly corrected by ARI. Thus, it appears that extracellular matrix changes in chronic galactosemia are complex, being partly attributable to advanced glycosylation and partly to polyol-pathway activation.
Nonlinear observability of the Centralized Multi-vehicle SLAM problem

This paper investigates the Centralized Multi-vehicle Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (CMSLAM) problem in the context of the nonlinear observability. Theory is first developed for the nonlinear observability of CMSLAM using the relatively simple unicycle vehicle model, which gives rise to a CMSLAM problem in control affine form. Conditions required for nonlinear observability of CMSLAM when estimating 1. One landmark and 2. More than one landmark are detailed. The theory developed is then extended for more practical car-like vehicle models. CMSLAM simulations and experiments are demonstrated showing the effects of nonlinear observability.
Community‐Based Targeting and Initial Local Conditions: Evidence from Indonesia’s IDT Program

Community‐based selection of social program recipients has the potential to benefit from local knowledge about individuals in need. However, this information advantage might be offset by local elite capture and administrative incompetency. Using data from Indonesia’s antipoverty program, Inpres Desa Terttingal (IDT), this article investigates which preprogram conditions are associated with community‐based targeting outcomes. Results show that wealthier and more unequal villages constantly target better. The findings for inequality suggest that, under certain political and program contexts, any possible influence of local elites might be overwhelmed by the ease of identification of the poor. Evidence is also found that villages with young, educated heads initially exhibit better targeting. However, they lose this advantage as the program design limits the continued monitoring of benefit allocations by the village heads.