Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tax increases and the demand for cigarettes in

As of October 2014, El Salvador was the only country in Central America and one of the few in the world that had not ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), despite having signed it on 18 March 2004. Although the country passed a tobacco control law on 23 June 2011, tax and price increases have never been part of its tobacco control strategies. For years, increasing tobacco taxes has been considered essential and the most cost-effective strategy in the effort to reduce consumption, as the World Health Organization has recognized (1). Cigarette tax policies should be based on demand estimates, which El Salvador lacks, in contrast to most other countries in the region. This demand study is designed to remedy said deficit. To estimate the demand for cigarettes in El Salvador, updated methodological approaches and recent studies in the region where followed (2, 3). The demand for cigarettes tends to have a price elasticity of less than 1 in absolute value, indicating that demand for cigarettes is relatively rigid: demand falls as a result of cigarettes being a normal good, but less than proportionately to the increases in price. This characteristic is one of the pillars of tax increase policies, since the dual purpose of a price increase via taxation is to reduce consumption and increase tax revenue. An increase in the income of smokers leads to higher quantities of cigarettes demanded; thus, income elasticity has a positive value; with the majority of studies finding a value of nearly 1. This means that cigarettes are a normal good. ABSTRACT Objective. Analyze the shortand long-term elasticities of the demand for cigarettes in El Salvador as a tool for supporting recommendations on tax increases to reduce prevalence and consumption through price increases. Methods. Demand for cigarettes in El Salvador was analyzed through an econometric time-series model using a database from El Salvador’s General Directorate of Internal Revenue (DGII) and the General Directorate of Statistics and Census (DIGESTYC). The analysis period was quarterly: 2000Q1-2012Q4. The usual tests were done to prevent a spurious econometric estimation. It was found that the variables of sales volume, actual sales prices, and actual per capita income exhibited first-order cointegration; this result makes it possible to use an error correction model with shortand long-term elasticity estimates. Results. Only long-term elasticities were found to be statistically significant at the 5% level. Results show a long-term price elasticity (5 quarters) of -0.9287 and an income price elasticity of 0.9978. Conclusions. Absolute price elasticity is somewhat high, although it is within the levels estimated in other studies in low per-capita income countries. A tax increase from a base amount of US$1.04 per pack of 20 cigarettes to US$1.66 within three years would reduce demand by between 20% and 31% and would increase tax revenues by between 9% and 22%.
A feature-based comparison of local search and the christofides algorithm for the travelling salesperson problem

Understanding the behaviour of well-known algorithms for classical NP-hard optimisation problems is still a difficult task. With this paper, we contribute to this research direction and carry out a feature based comparison of local search and the well-known Christofides approximation algorithm for the Traveling Salesperson Problem. We use an evolutionary algorithm approach to construct easy and hard instances for the Christofides algorithm, where we measure hardness in terms of approximation ratio. Our results point out important features and lead to hard and easy instances for this famous algorithm. Furthermore, our cross-comparison gives new insights on the complementary benefits of the different approaches.
Increased left atrial size is associated with higher atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients treated with antiarrhythmic medications

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is highly prevalent, and antiarrhythmic therapy is often used to help with rhythm control. Some common echocardiographic parameters may be useful in predicting AF recurrence among these patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between 3 common echocardiographic parameters (left atrial [LA] size, left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], and mitral regurgitation [MR]) and AF recurrence among patients treated with antiarrhythmic medications.
Paper 1 : From e-Learning Pilot Scheme to Scalable e-Learning Innovations : Wishful thinking or reality ?

Many scholars have contributed efforts to improve education in schools. A major motivation for learning scientists to develop design research as a methodology is to contribute to theory and educational practice through rigorous research without avoiding the complexities and messiness in authentic educational settings. There are many examples of successful implementation of collaborative, knowledge-construction oriented pedagogies using socio-cognitive and socio-metacognitive tools in formal and informal educational settings as well as in teacher professional development. However, there are many challenges to scaling up such innovations beyond small-scale implementation, including that of developing into “fatal mutations” (Brown, 1992). This symposium provides an opportunity for discussion and reflection on the impact that CSCL and Learning Sciences researchers have made on large-scale education reform and what, if any, may be done to extend this impact by bringing together a set of papers describing some large-scale education innovation initiatives in Asia and Europe.
NMR Structures of the Selenoproteins Sep15 and SelM Reveal Redox Activity of a New Thioredoxin-like Family*

Selenium has significant health benefits, including potent cancer prevention activity and roles in immune function and the male reproductive system. Selenium-containing proteins, which incorporate this essential micronutrient as selenocysteine, are proposed to mediate the positive effects of dietary selenium. Presented here are the solution NMR structures of the selenoprotein SelM and an ortholog of the selenoprotein Sep15. These data reveal that Sep15 and SelM are structural homologs that establish a new thioredoxin-like protein family. The location of the active-site redox motifs within the fold together with the observed localized conformational changes after thiol-disulfide exchange and measured redox potential indicate that they have redox activity. In mammals, Sep15 expression is regulated by dietary selenium, and either decreased or increased expression of this selenoprotein alters redox homeostasis. A physiological role for Sep15 and SelM as thiol-disulfide oxidoreductases and their contribution to the quality control pathways of the endoplasmic reticulum are discussed.
Designing scratchpad memory architecture with emerging STT-RAM memory technologies

Scratchpad memories (SPMs) have been widely used in embedded systems to achieve comparable performance with better energy efficiency when compared to caches. Spin-transfer torque RAM (STT-RAM) is an emerging nonvolatile memory technology that has low-power and high-density advantages over SRAM. In this study we explore and evaluate a series of scratchpad memory architectures consisting of STT-RAM. The experimental results reveal that with optimized design, STT-RAM is an effective alternative to SRAM for scratchpad memory in low-power embedded systems.
Ultrafast Photoalignment: Recording a Lens in a Nanosecond

Liquid crystals can be photoaligned with a single nanosecond pulse acting on thin photoanisotropic coatings on the cell substrates. This phenomenon was demonstrated for pulses of 532 nm and 355 nm wavelengths (second and the third harmonics of a Nd:YAG laser). Direct printing of liquid crystal cycloidal diffractive waveplates and diffractive waveplate lenses characterized by high spatial frequencies required only a mJ energy. The liquid crystal alignment dynamics reveal a fast component related to photoalignment of molecules within the photoanisotropic layer and a slower component related to alignment of the liquid crystal within the cell.
Characterization of cellulose nanocrystal surfaces by SPM

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques have been used to investigate cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) surface chemistry and mechanical properties. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure topography, stiffness, and pull-off force of CNC surfaces exposed to N2 atmosphere with a 0.1% relative humidity (RH). Changes in the stiffness and pull-off force as a function of location along CNC surfaces were used to assess the uniformity in mechanical properties and surface chemistry, respectively. This work showed that the contact geometry affected all measurements and needs to be accounted for in the data analysis. Qualitatively, after taking into consideration effects of contact geometry, we find that the stiffness and pull-off force were reasonably uniform across the CNC length.
Mechanical performance of double gated injected metallic looking polypropylene parts

The metallic effect obtained by incorporation of metal particles in polymers by injection molding has the advan- tage of eliminating post-processing techniques reducing production cost and time. Nevertheless, undesired defects in the final appearance of parts are common. In this work PP/aluminum pigments were obtained by direct injection molding and the influence of metallic particles on the aesthetic, morphological and mechanical properties of the parts was assessed. Aes- thetic aspects could be improved by manipulating processing conditions: high melt temperatures diminished differential shrinkage and made weld lines less noticeable. Also at high melt temperatures Al particles increased thermal conductivity of PP generating a thicker skin, which combined with an inherent gradient temperature and typical shear stresses developed during injection molding, induced the formation of ! -PP phase. Mechanical performance of parts showed to be dependent on PP morphology. Distinct deformation behaviors were seen according to the presence of PP polymorph, ! -PP counteract- ing the detrimental effect of not bonded Al flakes, and making PP-Al moldings to have similar toughness as PP moldings with the added value of metallic looking.
Accurate Classification of NF1 Gene Variants in 84 Italian Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common autosomal dominant genetic diseases. It is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene encoding for the large protein, neurofibromin. Genetic testing of NF1 is cumbersome because 50% of cases are sporadic, and there are no mutation hot spots. In addition, the most recognizable NF1 clinical features—café-au-lait (CALs) spots and axillary and/or inguinal freckling—appear early in childhood but are rather non-specific. Thus, the identification of causative variants is extremely important for early diagnosis, especially in paediatric patients. Here, we aimed to identify the underlying genetic defects in 72 index patients referred to our centre for NF1. Causative mutations were identified in 58 subjects, with 29 being novel changes. We evaluated missense and non-canonical splicing mutations with both protein and splicing prediction algorithms. The ratio of splicing mutations detected was higher than that reported in recent patients’ series and in the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD). After applying in silico predictive tools to 41 previously reported missense variants, we demonstrated that 46.3% of these putatively missense mutations were forecasted to alter splicing instead. Our data suggest that mutations affecting splicing can be frequently underscored if not analysed in depth. We confirm that hamartomas can be useful for diagnosing NF1 in children. Lisch nodules and cutaneous neurofibromas were more frequent in patients with frameshifting mutations. In conclusion, we demonstrated that comprehensive in silico analysis can be a highly specific method for predicting the nature of NF1 mutations and may help in assuring proper patient care.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium porcinum CSURP1564

ABSTRACT Mycobacterium porcinum is a rapidly growing environmental mycobacterium responsible for opportunistic infections. The 7,025,616-bp draft genome of M. porcinum strain CSURP1564 exhibits a 66.71% G+C content, 6,687 protein-coding genes, and 65 predicted RNA genes. In silico DNA-DNA hybridization confirms its assignment to the Mycobacterium fortuitum complex.
Can Wearable Devices Accurately Measure Heart Rate Variability? A Systematic Review

Abstract Background: A growing number of wearable devices claim to provide accurate, cheap and easily applicable heart rate variability (HRV) indices. This is mainly accomplished by using wearable photoplethysmography (PPG) and/or electrocardiography (ECG), through simple and non-invasive techniques, as a substitute of the gold standard RR interval estimation through electrocardiogram. Although the agreement between pulse rate variability (PRV) and HRV has been evaluated in the literature, the reported results are still inconclusive especially when using wearable devices. Aim: The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate if wearable devices provide a reliable and precise measurement of classic HRV parameters in rest as well as during exercise. Materials and methods: A search strategy was implemented to retrieve relevant articles from MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases, as well as, through internet search. The 308 articles retrieved were reviewed for further evaluation according to the predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results: Eighteen studies were included. Sixteen of them integrated ECG - HRV technology and two of them PPG - PRV technology. All of them examined wearable devices accuracy in RV detection during rest, while only eight of them during exercise. The correlation between classic ECG derived HRV and the wearable RV ranged from very good to excellent during rest, yet it declined progressively as exercise level increased. Conclusions: Wearable devices may provide a promising alternative solution for measuring RV. However, more robust studies in non-stationary conditions are needed using appropriate methodology in terms of number of subjects involved, acquisition and analysis techniques implied.
Theoretical discrepancy between cage size and efficient tibial tuberosity advancement in dogs treated for cranial cruciate ligament rupture

Summary Objectives: To calculate the difference between the desired tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) along the tibial plateau axis and the advancement truly achieved in that direction when cage size has been determined using the method of Montavon and colleagues. To measure the effect of this difference on the final patellar tendon-tibial plateau angle (PTA) in relation to the ideal 90°. Methods: Trigonometry was used to calculate the theoretical actual advancement of the tibial tuberosity in a direction parallel to the tibial plateau that would be achieved by the placement of a cage at the level of the tibial tuberosity in the osteotomy plane of the tibial crest. The same principle was used to calculate the size of the cage that would have been required to achieve the desired advancement. The effect of the difference between the desired advancement and the actual advancement achieved on the final PTA was calculated. Results: For a given desired advancement, the greater the tibial plateau angle (TPA), the greater the difference between the desired advancement and the actual advancement achieved. The maximum discrepancy calculated was 5.8 mm for a 12 mm advancement in a case of extreme TPA (59°). When the TPA was less than 31°, the PTA was in the range of 90° to 95°. Clinical significance: A discrepancy does exist between the desired tibial tuberosity advancement and the actual advancement in a direction parallel to the TPA, when the tibial tuberosity is not translated proximally. Although this has an influence on the final PTA, further studies are warranted to evaluate whether this is clinically significant.
Association of diabetes diagnosis with dietary changes and weight reduction

ABSTRACT Background: Lifestyle modifications are associated with better outcomes for patients with diabetes. Patients’ awareness of having diabetes may promote lifestyle changes, but there is limited evidence to support this assertion. This study examined whether a report of physician-diagnosed diabetes is associated with dietary changes and efforts to lose weight. Methods: Cross-sectional comparison of individuals with and without diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis, matched on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, socio-demographic characteristics, and health status using propensity-score matching analysis. Non-pregnant US adult participants (aged 20 and older with an HbA1c level between 5.7% and 7.5%) in the 1999–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included (N = 10,781). Results: Compared with matched controls who did not report having diabetes or prediabetes (N = 1,769), persons with a diagnosis of diabetes or prediabetes (N = 1,769) reported less sugar consumption (14.9 grams [95% CI: 8.9 to 21.0]); less carbohydrate consumption (11.6 grams [95% CI: 1.7 to 21.5]); higher rates of trying to lose weight (12.3 percentage points [95% CI: 5.3 to 19.2]); and a greater one-year weight reduction (4.8 ounces [95% CI: 3.3 to 6.4]). Conclusions: Awareness of a diagnosis of diabetes or prediabetes from a health profession is associated with the uptake of recommended life-style modifications.
Evaluation of the Contribution of Multiple DAMPs and DAMP Receptors in Cell Death-Induced Sterile Inflammatory Responses

When cells die by necrosis in vivo they stimulate an inflammatory response. It is thought that this response is triggered when the injured cells expose proinflammatory molecules, collectively referred to as damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which are recognized by cells or soluble molecules of the innate or adaptive immune system. Several putative DAMPs and/or their receptors have been identified, but whether and how much they participate in responses in vivo is incompletely understood, and they have not previously been compared side-by-side in the same models. This study focuses on evaluating the contribution of multiple mechanisms that have been proposed to or potentially could participate in cell death-induced inflammation: The third component of complement (C3), ATP (and its receptor P2X7), antibodies, the C-type lectin receptor Mincle (Clec4e), and protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2). We investigate the role of these factors in cell death-induced inflammation to dead cells in the peritoneum and acetaminophen-induced liver damage. We find that mice deficient in antibody, C3 or PAR2 have impaired inflammatory responses to dying cells. In contrast there was no reduction in inflammation to cell death in the peritoneum or liver of mice that genetically lack Mincle, the P2X7 receptor or that were treated with apyrase to deplete ATP. These results indicate that antibody, complement and PAR2 contribute to cell death-induced inflammation but that Mincle and ATP- P2X7 receptor are not required for this response in at least 2 different in vivo models.
Gas-Kinetic Theory-Based Flux Splitting Method for Ideal Magnetohydrodynamics

A gas-kinetic flux splitting method is developed for the ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations. The new scheme is based on the direct splitting of the flux function of the MHD equations with the inclusion of “particle” collisions in the transport process. Consequently, the artificial dissipation in the new scheme is greatly reduced in comparison with the MHD flux vector splitting method. Numerical results from the current scheme are favorable compared with those from the well-developed Roe-type MHD solver. In the current paper, the general principle of splitting the macroscopic flux function based on the gas-kinetic theory is presented. The flux construction strategy may shed some light on the possible construction of accurate and robust hybrid schemes for the compressible flow simulations. c © 1999 Academic Press
Sustained-release nanoART formulation for the treatment of neuroAIDS

A novel approach was developed for the coencapsulation of an anti-HIV drug (tenofovir) and a latency-breaking agent (vorinostat), using magnetically guided layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled nanocarriers for the treatment of neuroAIDS. Ultrasmall iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (10±3 nm) were synthesized and characterized. The LbL technique was used to achieve a sustained release profile, and application of 2 bilayers ([tenofovir+dextran sulphate]2+vorinostat) to magnetic nanoparticles resulted in a 2.8 times increase in drug (tenofovir) loading and also resulted in an increase in the drug release period by 30-fold, with 100% drug release in sustained manner over a period of 5 days with the simultaneous stimulation of latent HIV expression. Nanoformulation showed a good blood–brain barrier transmigration ability (37.95%±1.5%) with good in vitro antiviral efficacy (~33% reduction of p24 level) over a period of 5 days after HIV infection in primary human astrocytes, with good cell viability (>90%). Hence, LbL arrangements of drugs on magnetic nanoparticles provides sustained release and, therefore, may improve the patient’s adherence to therapy and lead to better compliance.
Beyond Silence: A Randomized, Parallel-Group Trial Exploring the Impact of Workplace Mental Health Literacy Training with Healthcare Employees

Objective: This study sought to evaluate whether a contact-based workplace education program was more effective than standard mental health literacy training in promoting early intervention and support for healthcare employees with mental health issues. Method: A parallel-group, randomised trial was conducted with employees in 2 multi-site Ontario hospitals with the evaluators blinded to the groups. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 group-based education programs: Beyond Silence (comprising 6 in-person, 2-h sessions plus 5 online sessions co-led by employees who personally experienced mental health issues) or Mental Health First Aid (a standardised 2-day training program led by a trained facilitator). Participants completed baseline, post-group, and 3-mo follow-up surveys to explore perceived changes in mental health knowledge, stigmatized beliefs, and help-seeking/help-outreach behaviours. An intent-to-treat analysis was completed with 192 participants. Differences were assessed using multi-level mixed models accounting for site, group, and repeated measurement. Results: Neither program led to significant increases in help-seeking or help-outreach behaviours. Both programs increased mental health literacy, improved attitudes towards seeking treatment, and decreased stigmatized beliefs, with sustained changes in stigmatized beliefs more prominent in the Beyond Silence group. Conclusion: Beyond Silence, a new contact-based education program customised for healthcare workers was not superior to standard mental health literacy training in improving mental health help-seeking or help-outreach behaviours in the workplace. The only difference was a reduction in stigmatized beliefs over time. Additional research is needed to explore the factors that lead to behaviour change.