Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Importance of Awareness

A number of philosophers have recently argued that agents need not be conscious of the reasons for which they act or the moral significance of their actions in order to be morally responsible for them. In this paper, I identify a kind of awareness that, I claim, agents must have in order to be responsible for their actions. I argue that conscious information processing differs from unconscious in a manner that makes the following two claims true: (1) an agent's values ought to be identified with attitudes of which she is conscious, because having a value entails having a set of dispositions produced by conscious attitudes alone, and (2) only actions settled upon by conscious deliberation are deeply attributable to agents, because only such actions express the agent's evaluative stance.
A controlled study of a standardized behavioral stepped treatment for hypertension.

&NA; A standardized behavioral stepped care (SC) treatment for hypertension (blood pressure monitoring followed by self‐administered systolic blood pressure biofeedback and relaxation, in sequence, as needed) was administered to 51 patients whose blood pressures were medically controlled to within normal limits. The effects of treatment upon blood pressure, medication requirements, and cost of care were compared with those of 51 referred care (RC) control patients who continued their usual care for hypertension. SC and RC patients were matched in groups on the basis of medication requirements (Group I, diuretics; Group II, beta‐blockers alone or with a diuretic; and Group III, vasodilators alone or with a drug from Group I or II). The duration of the SC procedure was 1, 4, or 7 months—as necessary—and the follow‐up period was 12 months. The RC protocol lasted 19 months. Medication requirements for SC patients declined to levels significantly (p less than 0.05) lower than those of RC patients from the biofeedback phase throughout follow‐up for all drug groups combined. However, when the drug groups were analyzed separately, this was true for Groups I and II only. Similarly, the cost of care for all drug groups combined was lower for SC patients from the biofeedback phase through 9 months of follow‐up, also reflecting changes seen in Drug Groups I and II only. Blood pressure levels remained controlled, in all groups, throughout the investigation. Clinical possibilities for combined behavioral and pharmacological treatment of hypertension are discussed relative to the pathophysiology of hypertension, and questions for future research are suggested.
A simplified functional simulation model for three-phase voltage-source inverter using switching function concept

In this paper, a functional simulation model for the voltage-source inverter (VSI) using the switching function concept is studied and the actual implementation of the model is proposed with the help of Matlab Simulink. Also, this concept is extended to the voltage-doubler-type pulse width-modulated (PWM) AC-DC rectifier and the PWM AC-DC-AC converter. With the developed functional model, the simplification of the static power circuits can be achieved so that the convergence and long run-time problems can be solved. Also, in the functional model, the design parameters, such as voltage and current ratings of the power semiconductor switches and load current, can be easily calculated. The general switching function concept is reviewed in brief and the proposed functional models for the VSI, voltage-doubler rectifier, and PWM AC-DC-AC converter and their implementations using Matlab Simulink are explained in detail. Also, several informative simulation results verify the validity of the proposed models.
The Transgeneticists Toolbox: Novel Methods for the Targeted Modification of Eukaryotic Genomes

Abstract Classical techniques for gene transfer into mammalian cells involve tedious screening procedures to identify transgenic clones or animals with the appropriate level and stability of expression or with the correct developmental patterns. These first generation technologies are clearly inadequate for complex genetic strategies by which gene regulation can be studied in its entire complexity. While site-specific insertions can principally be achieved by homologous recombination or by adapting the recombination apparatus from phages or yeast, these methods usually lack the required efficiency or they perturb expression patterns by the co-insertion of prokaryotic vector parts. Virtually all of these problems can be overcome by recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) techniques which cleanly replace a resident cassette that is flanked by two hetero-specific recombination target sites for a second cassette with the analogous design, presented on a targeting vector. After illustrating the fundamentals of site-specific recombination by selected experiments, the authors (arranged in the chronological order of their contribution) will describe their efforts to develop RMCE into a method of wide applicability. Further developments that have been initiated utilizing the particular potential of the RMCE principle will be outlined.
Screening methods for influenza antiviral drug discovery

Introduction: Influenza antiviral high-throughput screens have been extensive, and yet no approved influenza antivirals have been identified through high-throughput screening. This underscores the idea that development of successful screens should focus on the exploitation of the underrepresented viral targets and novel, therapeutic host targets. Areas covered: The authors review conventional screening applications and emerging technologies with the potential to enhance influenza antiviral discovery. Real-world examples from the authors' work in biocontained environments are also provided. Future innovations are discussed, including the use of targeted libraries, multiplexed assays, proximity-based endpoint methods, non-laboratory-adapted virus strains, and primary cells, for immediate physiological relevance and translational applications. Expert opinion: The lack of successful anti-influenza drug discovery using high-throughput screening should not deter future efforts. Increased understanding of the functions of viral targets and host–pathogen interactions has broadened the target reservoir. Future screening efforts should focus on identifying new drugs against unexploited viral and host targets using currently developed assays, and on the development of novel, innovative assays to discover new drugs with novel mechanisms. Innovative screens must be designed to identify compounds that specifically inhibit protein–protein or protein–RNA interactions or other virus/host factor interactions that are crucial for viral replication. Finally, the use of recent viral isolates, increased biocontainment (for highly-pathogenic strains), primary cell lines, and targeted compound libraries must converge in efficient high-throughput primary screens to generate high-content, physiologically-relevant data on compounds with robust antiviral activity.
Association between adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines and improved survival in patients with colon cancer

The objective of the current study was to examine the impact of adherence to guidelines on stage‐specific survival outcomes in patients with stage III and high‐risk stage II colon cancer. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has established working, expert consensus, and evidence‐based guidelines for organ‐specific cancer care, including care of patients with colon cancer.
The regulatory protein PhoP controls susceptibility to the host inflammatory response in Shigella flexneri

The PhoP/PhoQ two‐component regulatory system controls transcription of several key virulence genes essential for Salmonella survival in the host cell phagosome. Here, we determine that the PhoP/PhoQ system also regulates virulence in the aetiological agent of bacillary dysentery, Shigella flexneri, even though this pathogen escapes from the phagosome into the cytoplasm of the host cell. A phoP mutant of Shigella established infections and induced an acute inflammatory response in two different animal models. However, infections with phoP mutant bacteria were resolved more rapidly than infections with wild‐type Shigella. Moreover, the Shigella phoP mutant was more sensitive than the wild‐type strain to killing by polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs), cationic polypeptides extracted from PMNs and other animal‐derived antimicrobial peptides. The phoP mutant, however, invaded epithelial cells, spread intercellularly, induced apoptosis in macrophages and tolerated extreme acid pH as efficiently as the wild‐type strain. PhoP appears to regulate Shigella susceptibility to PMNs and antimicrobial molecules that are important for the late stages of infection with this enteric bacterium.
INTER‐ AND INTRASPECIFIC RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN NUCLEAR DNA CONTENT AND CELL SIZE IN SELECTED MEMBERS OF THE CENTRIC DIATOM GENUS THALASSIOSIRA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) 1

The enormous species diversity of diatoms correlates with the remarkable range of cell sizes in this group. Nuclear DNA content relates fundamentally to cell volume in other eukaryotic cells. The relationship of cell volume to G1 DNA content was determined among selected members of the genus Thalassiosira, one of the most species‐rich and well‐studied centric diatom genera. Both minimum and maximum species‐specific cell volume correlated positively with G1 DNA content. Phylogeny based on 5.8 S and ITS rDNA sequences indicated that multiple changes in G1 DNA content and cell volume occurred in Thalassiosira evolution, leading to a 1,000‐fold range in both parameters in the group. Within the Thalassiosira weissflogii (Grunow) G. A. Fryxell et Grunow species complex, G1 DNA content varied 3‐fold: differences related to geographic origin and time since isolation; doubling and tripling of G1 DNA content occurred since isolation in certain T. weissflogii isolates; and subcultures of T. weissflogii CCMP 1336 diverged in DNA content by 50% within 7 years of separation. Actin, β‐tubulin, and Spo11/TopVIA genes were selected for quantitative PCR estimation of haploid genome size in subclones of selected T. weissflogii isolates because they occur only once in the T. pseudonana Hasle et Heimdal genome. Comparison of haploid genome size estimates with G1 DNA content suggested that the most recent T. weissflogii isolate was diploid, whereas other T. weissflogii isolates appeared to be polyploid and/or aneuploid. Aberrant meiotic and mitotic cell divisions were observed, which might relate to polyploidization. The structural flexibility of diatom genomes has important implications for their evolutionary diversification and stability during laboratory maintenance.
THE CONVERSION OF SHIKIMIC ACID INTO CERTAIN AROMATIC COMPOUNDS BY CELL-FREE EXTRACTS OF AEROBACTER AEROGENES AND ESCHERICHIA COLI.

the former compound before and after hydrolysis allowed estimation of both compounds. Protein. Protein was estimated by the method of Lowry, Rosebrough, Farr & Randall (1951). Chromatography. Ascending paper chromatography was carried out on Whatman no. 1 paper as described by Pittard et al. (1961). The following single-phase solvent systems were used: methanol-butan-l-ol-benzene-water (2:1:1:1, by vol.); benzene-acetic acid-water (125:72:3, by vol.); butan-1-ol-acetic acid-water (12:3:5, by vol.). Spectrophotometry. A Unicam SP. 500 spectrophotometer was used. All spectra were read at 5 m,u intervals or less.
Herramienta para el estudio de protocolos Anticolisión en sistemas de Identificación por Radiofrecuencia

En el Grupo de Ingenieria Telematica se trabaja en el estudio y mejora de protocolos anticolision para sistemas RFID. En los ultimos anos, el aumento de protocolos ha provocado que su estudio y comparacion se convierta en una tarea tediosa y dificil de llevar a cabo. Por ello se propone una herramienta capaz de simular protocolos anticolision RFID bajo un mismo escenario, permitiendo generar graficas y almacenar resultados de manera rapida y sencilla, evitando asi el uso de multiples herramientas (p. ej. simular en OMNeT++, tratar los datos en Matlab, generar graficas con Xfig). La herramienta, implementada integramente en Matlab permite, mediante una interfaz grafica, establecer parametros fisicos (del entorno a simular y los dispositivos implicados) y de simulacion, cumple los requisitos de escalabilidad y fiabilidad necesario y permite obtener multiples resultados, representados segun las necesidades del usuario.
Risk factors for reduced survival after traumatic brain injury: A 30-year follow-up study

Primary objective: To evaluate risk factors for reduced survival in subjects with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants and methods: A retrospective follow-up of three decades included 192 subjects with TBI. Cognitive testing was carried out on average 2 years after the injury (at mean age of 39.0 years), during the years 1966–1972. Cox's regression and logistic regression analyses were used and the survival of the subjects was compared with the general population using the standardized mortality ratio (SMR). Results: Reduced survival was significantly associated with age at injury (p < 0.001) and vocational outcome (p = 0.003). Vocational outcome in turn was associated with age (p = 0.010), TBI severity (p < 0.001), cognitive impairment (p = 0.010), later TBIs (p = 0.007) and alcohol abuse (p = 0.015). Mortality in the younger patient group (age at death <40 years) was higher than in the general population (SMR 4.50, 95% CI = 2.02–10.01). Conclusions: A reduced working ability, influenced by age-, injury- and lifestyle-related factors, is associated with long-term survival after TBI. The mortality among younger patients is high, a finding which should be considered when planning the care after TBI.
Exercise Affects Cardiopulmonary Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to comprehensively assess the effects of exercise on cardiopulmonary function indices in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A literature review was performed by searching literatures in PubMed and Embase before June 2016. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by data extraction and a quality assessment of the included studies using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Correlations between exercise and cardiopulmonary function indices [pulse wave velocity, respiratory exchange ratio, and peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak)] were then evaluated using mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. All meta-analyses were conducted using R 3.12 software. Finally, five eligible studies involving 179 CKD patients were included. After intervention, a heterogeneity test showed that the VO2 peak values of the treatment group were greater than those of the control group, whereas no significant differences were found for the other indices. However, a sensitivity analysis showed inconsistent results both before and after intervention. Thus, we concluded that exercise might play an important role in improving the VO2 peak values in CKD patients. Additional studies are needed to verify this conclusion.
Can Item Keyword Feedback Help Remediate Knowledge Gaps?

BACKGROUND In graduate medical education, assessment results can effectively guide professional development when both assessment and feedback support a formative model. When individuals cannot directly access the test questions and responses, a way of using assessment results formatively is to provide item keyword feedback. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the following study was to investigate whether exposure to item keyword feedback aids in learner remediation. METHODS Participants included 319 trainees who completed a medical subspecialty in-training examination (ITE) in 2012 as first-year fellows, and then 1 year later in 2013 as second-year fellows. Performance on 2013 ITE items in which keywords were, or were not, exposed as part of the 2012 ITE score feedback was compared across groups based on the amount of time studying (preparation). For the same items common to both 2012 and 2013 ITEs, response patterns were analyzed to investigate changes in answer selection. RESULTS Test takers who indicated greater amounts of preparation on the 2013 ITE did not perform better on the items in which keywords were exposed compared to those who were not exposed. The response pattern analysis substantiated overall growth in performance from the 2012 ITE. For items with incorrect responses on both attempts, examinees selected the same option 58% of the time. CONCLUSIONS Results from the current study were unsuccessful in supporting the use of item keywords in aiding remediation. Unfortunately, the results did provide evidence of examinees retaining misinformation.
The Accuracy of Age Reporting among Elderly African Americans

This article expands on previous research that has documented disparities in age information for elderly African Americans. Drawing on a sample of death certificates for Maryland-born African Americans purportedly aged 65-79 years, the validity of age data on both death certificates and social security records is examined through comparison with birth dates provided on linked birth records. The commonly assumed relationship between birth registration and quality of age reporting also is investigated. When compared to birth records, age reporting on social security records is significantly more accurate than that on death records. Age agreement between matched death and social security records closely reflects age validity as determined from birth records. Findings based on logistic regression analysis support the hypothesized birth registration effect: Controlling for demographic characteristics, persons known to have birth certificates exhibited significantly greater age agreement on linked death certificates and social security records (odds ratio = 2.3).
Small cell cancer of the bladder: The Leon-Berard cancer centre experience

Background: Small cell bladder carcinoma is an uncommon tumor. In this retrospective study we report our experience dealing with this disease at the Leon-Berard Cancer Centre. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed various characteristics of small cell bladder carcinoma: patient demographics, histological diagnosis, disease stage, treatment effects and outcome, in 14 non-metastatic small cell bladder carcinoma patients treated at our institution between 1995 and 2006. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 60 years (range, 45-77). All patients were male. Seventy-five per cent were smokers. All had locally advanced disease. Ten patients (71.4%) were treated by cystoprostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node resection, one by cystoprostatectomy alone. Two patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and four received adjuvant chemotherapy. One patient was treated by radiotherapy with concomitant cisplatin after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). One patient refused surgery and was treated by chemotherapy alone. One patient was lost to follow-up after TURBT. After 49-month median follow-up, 12 patients had relapsed. Disease-free survival was 5.7 months. The most frequent sites of relapse were the retroperitoneal lymph node (seven patients) and the liver (three patients). Nine patients died of metastasis. Median overall survival was 29.5 months. Survival probability at two years was 58%. Median overall survival was 34 months in the mixed small carcinoma group, as compared with 9.5 months in the pure small cell carcinoma group (P=0.01). Mean overall survival was 27.2 months for all patients and 38.6 months for patients treated with cystectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion: To date, the optimal treatment for locally advanced small cell bladder carcinoma is not clear. Cystectomy with neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy appears as a viable option.
Task-Invariant Aspects of Goodness in Perceptual Representation

In two experiments, pairs of Garner's classical 5-dot patterns were presented with an interstimulus interval of 500 ms in a same–different task in which a physical sameness criterion was used: Rotated or reflected versions of the same pattern were rated as different. Patterns varied in “goodness” according to Garner's equivalence set size measure. Both first and second pattern goodness affected reaction time and accuracy. This result and fits of models to reaction time data indicate that equivalence set representations are used in the task, as in a related categorical matching task in previous studies. Two effects were observed that contrast with the categorical matching task: One is a conflict between the need to respond different to patterns that are categorically equivalent under the equivalence set representation; the other is that extra time is needed for rechecking of the representation if pattern structures are hard to distinguish. In combination with previous studies, the present results show that even though the processes differ, the same representational mechanism is used across tasks.
Genetic Polymorphism in β-lactoglobulin Gene of Some Goat Breeds in Egypt and its Influence on Milk Yield

Beta-lactoglobulin (β-LG) is one of the most important proteins in mammals’ milk. It plays a crucial role in the milk quality. The polymorphism of β-LG gene can be used as a marker system. To determine the genotypes of β-LG gene and its influence on milk yield in some goat breeds reared at Sakha farm, Kafrelsheikh province, Egypt, 20 female goats representing four different breeds including; Egyptian Nubian (Zarayby), Damascus, Alpine and Balady Hybrid were used in this study. The obtained results showed that in Balady Hybrid and Zarayby breeds AB genotype were significantly (p<0.05) higher in milk production where in Damascus and Alpine AA genotype were significantly (p<0.05) higher in milk production. The sequence results revealed a substitution of G with A at nucleotide no. 6705 in both Balady Hybrid and Damascus breeds. Another substitution of G with A was recorded at nucleotide no. 6751 in the same breeds. Meanwhile, the sequence analysis of promoter region did not show any nucleotide differences among different breeds. Our results revealed that, the milk production may vary between different genotypes according to the breed. [Kh. Kahilo, S. EL-Shazly, A. El-Khadrawy and I. Fattouh. Genetic Polymorphism in β-lactoglobulin Gene of Some Goat Breeds in Egypt and its Influence on Milk Yield. Life Sci J 2014;11(10):232-238]. (ISSN:10978135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 32
AFSRs synthesis with the extended Euclidean rational approximation algorithm

Pseudo-random sequence generators are widely used in many areas, such as stream ciphers, radar systems, Monte-Carlo simulations and multiple access systems. Generalization of linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs) and feedback with carry shift registers (FCSRs), algebraic feedback shift registers (AFSRs) [ 7 ] can generate pseudo-random sequences over an arbitrary finite field. In this paper, we present an algorithm derived from the Extended Euclidean Algorithm that can efficiently find a smallest AFSR over a quadratic field for a given sequence. It is an analog of the Extended Euclidean Rational Approximation Algorithm [ 1 ] used in solving the FCSR synthesis problem. For a given sequence $\mathbf{a}$, $2\Lambda(\alpha)+1$ terms of sequence $\mathbf{a}$ are needed to find the smallest AFSR, where $\Lambda(\alpha)$ is a complexity measure that reflects the size of the smallest AFSR that outputs $\mathbf{a}$.