Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diabetes Training for Community Health Workers.

BACKGROUND A 2.5-month diabetes education training for community health workers (CHWs) was developed, implemented, and evaluated. METHODS Training methods used included case studies, role-playing, and lectures. Exams were used throughout the training for its evaluation. Teaching was delivered by different ways: a one day American Diabetes Association (ADA) course; a five day Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP); Conversation Maps; and a series of seven National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) diabetes education booklets. RESULTS Qualitative and quantitative evaluative methods were used during and after the training. The CHWs' diabetes knowledge was evaluated by a pre- and post-test Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ). The post-test was conducted one week after completing the training. The findings showed that the diabetes knowledge of the CHWs increased. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes competencies and evaluative tools need to be developed specific for CHWs as a way to standardize all CHW diabetes trainings.
Light-induced autofluorescence spectroscopy for tissue diagnosis of GI lesions.

BACKGROUND The present article describes light-induced autofluorescence spectroscopy using violet-blue excitation light for endoscopic in vivo measurements in the upper GI tract. The spectra of normal mucosa, cancer, and dysplastic lesions of the esophagus and stomach are presented and compared. METHODS Over 120 spectra were obtained in 11 patients of normal mucosa and malignant lesions in the esophagus and stomach during routine endoscopy. A special light source capable of delivering either white or violet-blue light was used for the excitation of tissue auto-fluorescence via the endoscope. Endogenous fluorescence spectra emitted by the tissue were collected with a fiberoptic probe and analyzed with a spectrograph. After spectrographic measurements biopsies were taken for definitive classification of histopathologic status. RESULTS As compared with normal mucosa, (pre) cancerous lesions were associated with special changes in the emitted fluorescence spectra. The spectrographic records were influenced by the intensity of the illumination and on the position of the probe (distance and angle). CONCLUSION Fluorescence spectroscopy with a slightly modified conventional light source might be useful for the endoscopic detection of dysplasia and early-stage carcinoma in the upper GI tract. Prospective trials need to determine the sensitivity and specificity of this new method.
Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci from whiptails of the genus Aspidoscelis (Teiidae: Squamata) and related cnemidophorine lizards

We describe polymerase chain reaction primers and amplification conditions for 13 microsatellite DNA loci isolated from two bisexual species of whiptail lizards Aspidoscelis costata huico and Aspidoscelis inornata. Primers were tested on either 16 or 48 individuals of A. c. huico and/or 26 individuals of A. inornata. Ten of the 13 primers were also tested against a panel of 31 additional whiptail taxa. We detected three to nine alleles per locus in A. c. huico and four to 19 alleles per locus in A. inornata, with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.60 to 0.87 and from 0.15 to 1.00, respectively. These primers will be an important resource for surveys of genetic variation in these lizards.
Nonsurgical acute traumatic subdural hematoma: what is the risk?

OBJECT The Brain Trauma Foundation has published guidelines on the surgical management of traumatic subdural hematoma (SDH). However, no data exist on the proportion of patients with SDH that can be selected for conservative management and what is the outcome of these patients. The goals of this study were as follows: 1) to establish what proportion of patients are initially treated conservatively; 2) to determine what proportion of patients will deteriorate and require surgical evacuation; and 3) to identify risk factors associated with deterioration and delayed surgery. METHODS All cases of acute traumatic SDH (869 when inclusion criteria were met) presenting over a 4-year period were reviewed. For all conservatively treated SDH, the proportion of delayed surgical intervention and the Glasgow Outcome Scale score were taken as outcome measures. Multiple factors were compared between patients who required delayed surgery and patients without surgery. RESULTS Of the 869 patients with acute traumatic SDH, 646 (74.3%) were initially treated conservatively. A good outcome was achieved in 76.7% of the patients. Only 6.5% eventually required delayed surgery, and the median delay for surgery was 9.5 days. Factors associated with deterioration were as follows: 1) thicker SDH (p<0.001); 2) greater midline shift (p<0.001); 3) location at the convexity (p=0.001); 4) alcohol abuse (p=0.0260); and 5) history of falls (p=0.018). There was no significant difference in regard to age, sex, Glasgow Coma Scale score, Injury Severity Score, abnormal coagulation, use of blood thinners, and presence of cerebral atrophy or white matter disease. CONCLUSIONS The majority of patients with SDH are treated conservatively. Of those, only 6.5% later required surgery, for raised intracranial pressure or SDH progression. Patients at risk can be identified and followed more carefully.
Magnitude of IFN-gamma production in HIV-1-infected children is associated with virus suppression.

BACKGROUND Little is known about the cytokine production by peripheral blood cells of pediatric patients who have suppressed HIV-1 replication after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the effect of HAART on the production of T(H)1 and T(H)2 cytokines by HIV-infected children who have suppressed HIV replication. METHODS At 3- to 6-month intervals over a 5-year period, CD4(+) T cells were enumerated, plasma HIV-1 RNA was measured, and levels of cytokine production by whole blood cultures were determined in 21 HIV-1-infected children. RESULTS Ten patients achieved an HIV-1 RNA level of less than 3000 copies/mL of plasma and maintained that level for at least 15 months (virus-suppressed [VS] group). Eleven patients had a mean HIV-1 RNA level of greater than 10(4) copies/mL of plasma and a mean CD4(+) T-cell count of less than 500/microL of blood (active infection group). The median levels of anti-CD3-induced IL-2, IFN-gamma, and IL-10 in the active infection group were significantly lower than those in the VS group after suppression of the virus. The median slope of IFN-gamma production by means of PHA-stimulated culture after achieving VS status (4.04) was significantly higher than the level before VS status (-1.31, P =.004). The difference in the median slopes for IL-10 production by anti-CD3-stimulated cultures before (0.21) and after (-0.16) achieving VS status was statistically different (P =.027). CONCLUSION The immune restoration of HIV-1-infected children receiving HAART might be related to an increase in IFN-gamma production and a decrease in the rate of IL-10 production after virus suppression.
Sequences of the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Large Internal Repeat Form the Center of a 16-Kilobase-Pair Palindrome of EBV (P3HR-1) Heterogeneous DNA

We have previously characterized several genomic rearrangements of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA contained in one of the defective EBV genomes harbored by the P3HR-1 (HR-1) line (H. B. Jenson, M. S. Rabson, and G. Miller, J. Virol. 58:475-486, 1986). One recombinant clone of heterogeneous DNA (het DNA) from this defective genome is an EcoRI fragment of 16 kilobase pairs (kbp) which is a palindrome. DNA digestion fragments specific for the center of this palindrome were present in cells which contained het DNA but not in cells which lacked het DNA. Thus, the palindrome was not an artifact of DNA cloning. The organization of the center of this palindrome was studied by DNA sequencing. The comparable region of the parental HR-1 genome was also studied by DNA sequencing. The central 3,495 base pairs (bp) of the palindrome were composed of sequences derived exclusively from internal repeat 1 of EBV, represented by BamHI W fragment. At each end of the central 3,495 hp was a symmetrical recombination with sequences of BamHI-Z, located more than 50 kbp away on the standard EBV genome. The central 3,495 bp were composed of an unduplicated 341 bp flanked by two perfect palindromic repeats of 1,577 bp. The 341-bp unique region was a portion of a 387-bp region of standard HR-1 BamHI-W which was identical to the central 387 bp of the palindrome. This central 387-bp region contained numerous stretches of dyad symmetry capable of forming a large stem-and-loop structure. The palindromic rearrangement had created two novel open reading frames in het DNA derived from standard HR-1 BamHI-W sequences. These two het DNA open reading frames had different amino termini but identical carboxy termini derived from the large open reading frame in standard HR-1 BamHI-W (HR-1 BWRF1). The BamHI-W sequences found in het DNA did not include either the TATA box of standard HR-1 BamHI-W or the exons which are present in the potentially polycistronic latent mRNAs encoding EBV nuclear antigens. These marked alterations in genomic structure may relate to the unique biologic properties of virus stocks containing het DNA by creation of new polypeptides or by formation or deletion of regulatory or functional signals.
A single-layer radial basis function network classifier and its applications

This paper focuses on using radial basis function (RBF) network classifiers to solve the large-scale learning problems. Above all, a large-scale dataset is divided into multiple limited-scale subsets, and each subset only includes a small part of samples from the original dataset. Naturally, modular single-layer RBF classifiers come into being, in which each module is made up of multiple RBF kernels. The number, locations, widths of kernels may adoptively be determined, and the module with the max output gives the class label of a certain sample. This paper clarifies that a nonlinearly separable problem may still keep so in the kernel space. Two-spirals and letter recognition results show that the proposed method is quite effective.
Ovarian carcinoma initially presenting as metastatic axillary lymphadenopathy.

BACKGROUND Ovarian carcinoma usually presents at advanced stage due to diffuse intraabdominal disease. Presenting signs and symptoms often relate to the degree of intraabdominal spread. It is rare to have distant lymph node metastases, in conjunction with minimal intraabdominal disease, at initial presentation. CASE A 78-year-old woman was noted to have an enlarged axillary lymph node on a routine, screening mammogram. Biopsy revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma, consistent with primary breast cancer. Physical examination, diagnostic mammogram, and magnetic resonance imaging of the breasts were normal. A pelvic computed tomography scan revealed a 7-cm complex, right adnexal mass. At exploratory laparotomy, there was minimal intraabdominal tumor burden; only a 6-cm right ovarian tumor and a single 1.0-cm nodule adherent to the bladder peritoneum were found. After optimal cytoreductive surgery, she received tamoxifen for presumed metastatic breast cancer. One year later, recurrent disease developed in the pelvis. After reexploration and excision of all gross pelvic disease, a revised diagnosis of recurrent ovarian cancer was made, and therapy was changed to carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy. The patient is currently without evidence of disease. CONCLUSION Ovarian carcinoma usually presents with signs and symptoms related to the tumor burden within the peritoneal cavity. The finding of isolated, distant metastatic lymphadenopathy with minimal intraabdominal disease is very unusual. Immunohistochemical tumor markers can help determine the origin of a metastatic adenocarcinoma when the clinical presentation is atypical.
Wireless sensor network reliability evaluation based on genetic algorithm and coarsening combination evidence reasoning

As for the extremely unpredictable factors of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) with constrained resources operating in an unattended mode in uncertain dynamic environments. The distribution optimization and behavior evaluation of sensor-network nodes is vital to reduce the energy consumption and ensure effective information acquisition in distributions sensor network (DSN). Because of Bayesian probability incapability of capturing epistemic uncertainty, one evaluation scheme based on Genetic Algorithm and Dempster Evidence Theory (GDT) is proposed to optimize the node distribution and coarsen, refine combining algorithm. GDT offers an efficient the optimization of node distribution and framework for uncertainty quantifying and partial knowledge processing with sharply decreasing computation complexity. Simulation result can optimize the node distribution in target area and reduce the network energy consumption and increase the whole coverage rate at a relatively low cost , this ubiquitous low-cost computation appropriate to flexible Wireless Sensor Network Management Protocol for prolonging livetime of sensor network.
Impact of Semiconductor and Interface-State Capacitance on Metal/High-k/GaAs Capacitance–Voltage Characteristics

The frequency dispersion of the maximum capacitance of GaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors is studied. The frequency dispersion behavior observed in the capacitance-voltage characteristics of GaAs MOS capacitors is a result of low semiconductor capacitance and an interface-state capacitance that varies with frequency. The traditional approach for calculating interface-state capacitance does not result in frequency dispersion of the maximum capacitance. An interface-state capacitance model based on an extremely high number of interface states in a thin disordered interfacial region is presented to explain the frequency dispersion behavior. The model shows an excellent match with the experimental results. The model also suggests that maximum capacitance values in low-frequency capacitance-voltage characteristics may be determined by the capacitance associated with the interface traps rather than the semiconductor charge and does not necessarily indicate the presence of free carriers.
Agreement Between Temporospatial Gait Parameters of an Electronic Walkway and a Motion Capture System in Healthy and Chronic Stroke Populations

Stokic DS, Horn TS, Ramshur JM, Chow JW: Agreement between temporospatial gait parameters of an electronic walkway and a motion capture system in healthy and chronic stroke populations. Objectives:To determine agreement between temporospatial gait parameters derived from an electronic walkway and a video-based motion capture system in healthy and chronic stroke subjects. Design:Data were acquired simultaneously by a walkway (GAITRite) and an eight-camera motion capture system (Motion Analysis Corporation) in 52 healthy subjects (age 47 ± 15 yrs) and 20 people with stroke (age, 58 ± 20 yrs; 4 ± 7 yrs poststroke). Gait velocity, stride time, stride length, step length, percent single support, and percent total support were compared by the limits-of-agreement method. Results:The mean differences between the two methods were small and measured 1.5% or less of the parameter mean value. The velocity difference was significantly (P < 0.001) larger in healthy (1.37 ± 0.93 cm/sec) than in stroke subjects (0.50 ± 0.63) and in stroke subjects who did not use an assistive device (0.75 ± 0.67 cm/sec) compared with those who did (0.13 ± 0.32). Conclusions:Electronic walkway and video-based gait analysis provide comparable temporospatial gait information in healthy and stroke subjects. The differences between the two methods were greater with increasing speed but overall still negligible considering expected changes resulting from stroke recovery, experimental manipulations, or therapeutic interventions. Therefore, electronic walkway and video-based gait analysis may be used interchangeably for evaluating temporospatial gait parameters after stroke for clinical and research purposes.
Valuing investments in distribution networks with DG under uncertainty

After deregulation of the electricity sector, Distributed Generation (DG)has received increasing interest in the power systems development. The identification of efficient and well-timed investments in electric distribution networks that cope with large power market uncertainties is currently an open issue of significant research interest. Strategic flexibility for seizing opportunities and cutting losses contingent upon an unfavorable unfolding of the long-term uncertainties is an attribute of enormous value when assessing irreversible investments in Distribution Systems. In this sense, DG units appear as an effective manner of adding flexibility to the distribution expansion planning. This article proposes an investment valuation approach which properly assesses the option value of deferring investments in distribution feeders whereas gaining flexibility by investing in DG units. The flexibility provided by DG investments -option to abandon and to relocate-is assessed through a Real Option Valuation approach based on the novel Least Square Monte Carlo method(LSM). In order to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed valuation approach, a traditional expansion strategy (distribution feeders) and a flexible investment strategy (distribution feeders and DG) are compared in a study case. The article shows that a proper arrangement of feeders and DG may lead to efficient investments by allowing a progressive adaptation of the distribution grid to the changing scenarios.
Decreased Soluble Adenylyl Cyclase Activity in Cystic Fibrosis Is Related to Defective Apical Bicarbonate Exchange and Affects Ciliary Beat Frequency Regulation*

Human airway cilia contain soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) that produces cAMP upon HCO3−/CO2 stimulation to increase ciliary beat frequency (CBF). Because apical HCO3− exchange depends on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), malfunctioning CFTR might impair sAC-mediated CBF regulation in cells from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). By Western blot, sAC isoforms are equally expressed in normal and CF airway epithelial cells, but CBF decreased more in CF than normal cells upon increased apical HCO3−/CO2 exposure in part because of greater intracellular acidification from unbalanced CO2 influx (estimated by 2′,7′-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) fluorescence). Importantly, ciliated cell-specific cAMP production (estimated by FRET fluorescence ratio changes of tagged cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) subunits expressed under a ciliated cell-specific promoter) in response to increased apical HCO3−/CO2 perfusion was higher in normal compared with CF cells. Inhibition of bicarbonate influx via CFTR (CFTRinh172) and inhibition of sAC (KH7) and PKA activation (H89) led to larger CBF declines in normal cells, now comparable with changes seen in CF cells. These inhibitors also reduced FRET changes in normal cells to the level of CF cells with the expected exception of H89, which does not prevent dissociation of the fluorescently tagged PKA subunits. Basolateral permeabilization and subsequent perfusion with HCO3−/CO2 rescued CBF and FRET changes in CF cells to the level of normal cells. These results suggest that CBF regulation by sAC-produced cAMP could be impaired in CF, thereby possibly contributing to mucociliary dysfunction in this disease, at least during disease exacerbations when airway acidification is common.
Rituximab and 17‐allylamino‐17‐demethoxygeldanamycin induce synergistic apoptosis in B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Treatment options for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) are limited and eventually fail because of the development of toxicities or drug resistance. Thus, identification of new therapeutic strategies and targets is a high priority. The semisynthetic geldanamycin derivative 17‐allylamino‐17‐demethoxygeldanamycin (17‐AAG) inhibits heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) binding to client proteins, thereby leading to their degradation. We demonstrate that at biologically active and clinically attainable levels (1 μmol/l), 17‐AAG treatment of CLL B cells in vitro causes modest apoptosis as well as decreased AKT protein levels. Given the potential activation of AKT following antibody therapy in CLL, we evaluated the combination of 17‐AAG and rituximab. These agents produced synergistic cytotoxicity of CLL cells in vitro. However, rituximab‐mediated antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity was modestly reduced with 17‐AAG, and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity was not altered. We conclude that the combination of Hsp90 inhibitors with therapeutic antibodies, such as rituximab may represent a novel strategy to enhance therapeutic response in CLL. Furthermore, our data indicates that AKT and Hsp70 protein levels are relevant pharmacodynamic endpoints to monitor the in vivo effect of 17‐AAG therapy.
Effects of the amount and quality of dietary protein on nitrogen metabolism and protein turnover of pigs

1. The interrelations between protein accretion and whole-body protein turnover were studied by varying the quantity and quality of protein given to growing pigs. 2. Diets with 150 or 290g lysine-deficient protein/kg were given in hourly meals, with or without lysine supplementation, to female pigs (mean weight 47 kg). 3. After the animals were adapted to the diets, a constant infusion of [14C]urea was given intra-arterially for 30 h, during the last 6 h of which an infusion of [4,5-3H] leucine was also infused at a constant rate. At the same time, yeast-protein labelled with 15N was given in the diet for 50 h. 4. The rate of urea synthesis was estimated from the specific radioactivity (SR) of plasma urea. The rate of leucine flux was estimated from the SR of plasma leucine. The irrevocable breakdown of leucine was estimated from the 3H-labelling of body water. Total N flux was estimated from the 16N-labelling of urinary urea. 5. Addition of lysine to the low-protein diet significantly increased N retention, with a substantial reduction in leucine breakdown, but there was no significant change in the flux of leucine or of total N. 6. Increasing the quantity of the unsupplemented protein also increased N retention significantly, with concomitant increases in leucine breakdown and in the fluxes of leucine and of total N. 7. It is concluded that a doubling of protein accretion brought about by the improvement of dietary protein quality is not necessarily associated with an increased rate of whole-body protein turnover.
LAMP‐1 and LAMP‐2, but not LAMP‐3, are reliable markers for activation‐induced secretion of human mast cells

Mast cells are resident tissue cells that induce anaphylactic reactions by rapidly releasing mediators after antigen‐mediated cross‐linking of immunoglobulin E receptors. In the similarly active peripheral blood basophilic leukocyte, lysosome‐associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP‐3; CD63) has been described as an activation marker, but LAMPs have not been investigated in normal tissue mast cells.
Presenting tactile stroking sensations from a touch screen using the cutaneous rabbit illusion

Information presentation through tactile sensation is actively studied these days, and various tactile displays using different actuators have been introduced by many researchers so far. It is, however, still hard to assume that information presentation through tactile medium would be suitably applied to products for general public. The authors have been developing micro-vibration actuators using shape-memory alloy (SMA) wires to display various tactile sensations, and in this paper an innovative tactile presentation technique for presenting tactile stroking sensations from a touch screen will be introduced. The cutaneous rabbit illusion is introduced firstly, together with its presentation by employing the SMA wire actuators. Then, the construction of a touch screen to present tactile sensation as a feedback against touch and flicking inputs of a user is described.