Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characteristics of Group B Streptococci Isolated from Adults with Invasive Infections in Japan

ABSTRACT Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus) isolates (n = 443) obtained from Japanese adults with invasive infections between April 2010 and March 2013 were analyzed for capsular serotype, multilocus sequence type (ST), antibiotic susceptibility, and resistance genes. Among these cases, bacteremia without primary focus was the most common variety of infection (49.9%), followed by cellulitis (12.9%) and pneumonia (9.0%). Concerning patient age (18 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 to 79, 80 to 89, and 90 years old or older), the incidence of pneumonia increased in patients in their 70s and 80s (P < 0.001), while younger patients (18 to 59 and 60 to 69 years old) were more likely to have abscesses (P < 0.05). The mortality rate was 10.2% for all ages. The most common capsular serotype was Ib (39.5%), followed by V (16.0%), III (13.8%), VI (9.5%), and Ia (8.6%). The main ST of serotype Ib strains was ST10, which belonged to clonal complex 10 (88.0%). The predominant clonal complexes of serotypes V and III, respectively, were 1 (78.9%) and 19 (75.4%). Among these isolates, 9 strains (2.0%) were identified as group B streptococci with reduced penicillin susceptibility, reflecting amino acid substitutions in penicillin-binding protein 2X (PBP2X). In addition, 19.2% of all strains possessed mef(A/E), erm(A), or erm(B) genes, which mediate macrolide resistance, while 40.2% of strains were resistant to quinolones resulting from amino acid substitutions in GyrA and ParC. Our data argue strongly for the continuous surveillance of microbial characteristics and judicious antibiotic use in clinical practice.
Relating Structural and Functional Connectivity in MRI: A Simple Model for a Complex Brain

Advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow to gain critical insight into the structure of neural networks and their functional dynamics. To relate structural connectivity [as quantified by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) tractography] and functional connectivity [as obtained from functional MRI (fMRI)], increasing emphasis has been put on computational models of brain activity. In the present study, we use structural equation modeling (SEM) with structural connectivity to predict functional connectivity. The resulting model takes the simple form of a spatial simultaneous autoregressive model (sSAR), whose parameters can be estimated in a Bayesian framework. On synthetic data, results showed very good accuracy and reliability of the inference process. On real data, we found that the sSAR performed significantly better than two other reference models as well as than structural connectivity alone, but that the Bayesian procedure did not bring significant improvement in fit compared to two simpler approaches. Nonetheless, we also found that the values of the region-specific parameters inferred using Bayesian inference differed significantly across resting-state networks. These results demonstrate 1) that a simple abstract model is able to perform better that more complex models based on more realistic assumptions, 2) that the parameters of the sSAR can be estimated and can potentially be used as biomarkers, but also 3) that the sSAR, while being the best-performing model, is at best still a very crude model of the relationship between structure and function in MRI.
America in the World

Acknowledgments vii Introduction: The Long American Century 1 1Motives of Expansion 7 2Imperial America: War with Spain and the Philippines 32 3Varieties of Empire 56 4The Rise and Fall of Wilsonianism 79 5Isolation and Intervention 107 6World War II 131 7The Beginning of the Cold War 157 8The Korean War and the Cold War of the 1950s 182 9The Nationalist Challenge 206 10Years of Crisis 231 11The Vietnam War 255 12The Era of Detente 281 13Escalating and Ending the Cold War 305 14Globalization after the Cold War 331 15The Age of Terror 354 Sources 379 Index 395
Evaluation of ischemic states using bispectrum parameters of EEG and neural networks

No doubt a noninvasive technique for detection of focal cerebral ischemic extent, before the focus is formed, is extremely valuable. This work presents a new approach to early evaluate the degree of focal ischemic injury by combining bispectrum estimation of electroencephalograms (EEGs) with artificial neural network (ANN). The graded ischemic injuries in 24 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were induced for different periods of 8, 18, 30 min. Four channels of EEG were collected in each rat at the scheduled time of ischemia. The maximum bicoherence index and the weighted center of EEG bispectrum (WCOB) were extracted from the EEG bispectrum and were used as the input feature vector of a four layer (12-7-2-1) ANN for prediction. Training and testing the ANN used the 'leave one out' strategy. The levels of ischemic injury were verified and classified by observing the ischemic area in the heat shock protein (HSP70) test. The proposed system was able to correctly detect the ischemic extent in average accuracy of 91.67% of the cases. The results show that the scheme can be expected to diagnose ischemic cerebral injury in its earlier phases.
Behavioural treatment for chronic low-back pain.

BACKGROUND Behavioural treatment, commonly used in the treatment of chronic low-back pain (CLBP), is primarily focused at reducing disability through the modification of environmental contingencies and cognitive processes. In general, three behavioural treatment approaches are distinguished: operant, cognitive and respondent. OBJECTIVES To determine if behavioural therapy is more effective than reference treatments for CLBP, and which type of behavioural treatment is most effective. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycLIT databases up to October 2003. References of identified randomised trials and relevant systematic reviews were screened. SELECTION CRITERIA Only randomised trials on behavioural treatment for non-specific CLBP were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality and extracted the data. The magnitude of effect was assessed by computing a pooled effect size for post-treatment and long-term results for each comparison, for each domain (i.e., behavioural outcomes, overall improvement, back pain specific and generic functional status, return to work, and pain intensity) using the random effects model. MAIN RESULTS Seven studies (33%) were considered high quality. Comparing behavioural treatment to waiting list control (WLC) revealed strong evidence (4 trials, 134 people) in favour of a combined respondent-cognitive therapy for a medium positive effect on pain, and moderate evidence (2 trials, 39 people) in favour of progressive relaxation for a large positive effect on pain and behavioural outcomes (short-term only). When comparing operant treatment to WLC no significant differences could be detected on general functional status (strong evidence: 2 trials, 87 people) or on behavioural outcomes (moderate evidence; 3 trials, 153 people) (short-term only). There is limited evidence (1 trial, 98 people) that a graded activity program in an industrial setting is more effective than usual care for early return to work and reduced long-term sick leave. There is limited evidence (1 trail, 39 people) that there are no differences between behavioural treatment and exercises. Finally, there is moderate evidence (6 trials, 210 people) that there are no significant differences in short-term and long-term effectiveness when behavioural components are added to usual treatment programs for CLBP (i.e. physiotherapy, back education) on pain, generic functional status and behavioural outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Combined respondent-cognitive therapy and progressive relaxation therapy are more effective than WLC on short-term pain relief. However, it is unknown whether these results sustain in the long term. No significant differences could be detected between behavioural treatment and exercise therapy. Whether clinicians should refer patients with CLBP to behavioural treatment programs or to active conservative treatment cannot be concluded from this review.
Brain studies--image co-registration and template creation.

Image co-registration requires special software, which is usually available for Unix workstations. This work presents two programs running under MS Windows, one for study co-registration and one for template creation. The co-registration can be done by minimising/maximising the count difference, squared difference, shape and mutual information. The quality of the fit can be estimated by evaluating the contours with different tools. The aligned images can be used for template creation. Both programs can be downloaded from http://www.homolka. cz/nm.
Help-seeking preferences for psychological distress in primary care: effect of current mental state.

BACKGROUND There is much debate over when it is appropriate to intervene medically for psychological distress, and limited evidence on patients' perspectives about a broad range of possible treatment options. It is currently unclear whether preferences may differ for those patients with milder symptoms compared to those experiencing more severe distress. AIM To determine patient preferences for professional, informal, and alternative help for psychological distress in primary care, and the impact of their current mental state on these. DESIGN OF STUDY Cross-sectional survey in seven general practices across suburban/urban London. METHOD Participants were 1357 consecutive general practice attenders aged 18 years and over. The main outcome measure was the General Health Questionnaire 12-item version and a questionnaire on help-seeking preferences. RESULTS Overall, only 47% of participants reported wanting 'some help' if feeling stressed, worried, or low and it was affecting their daily life. Those currently experiencing mild-to-moderate distress preferred informal sources of help such as friends/family support, relaxation/yoga, exercise/sport, or massage along with general advice from their GP and talking therapies. Self-help (books/leaflets or computer/internet) was not popular at any level of distress, and less favoured by those with mild-to-moderate distress (odds ratio [OR] = 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.35 to 0.70). Those experiencing severe distress were much more likely to want talking therapies (OR = 3.43, 95% CI = 2.85 to 4.14), tablets (OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 2.00 to 4.71), and support groups (OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.72 to 5.47). CONCLUSION People with mild-to-moderate distress appear to prefer informal sources of help and those involving human contact, compared to medication or self-help. This has implications for the implementation of potential interventions for psychological distress in primary care.
Avulsion Injury of the Serratus Anterior: A Case History

ObjectiveWe report the first documented case of avulsion of the serratus anterior muscle. A young man had difficulty in abducting his arm the day after using a rowing ergometer. Examination showed a firm mass on his lateral thoracic wall. This became firm with protraction of the scapula. Avulsion was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning. Rest and modified activities resulted in resolution of symptoms. DiscussionThis case highlights the role of serratus anterior in the rowing action and supports its implication in stress fractures of the ribs. An imbalance between rhomboids and serratus anterior is the proposed cause of such avulsion injury. ConclusionsDifficulty with abducting the arm may result from pathology outside the glenohumeral joint. Athletes should be advised to use care when starting any new exercise.
Safety and efficacy of long-term use of rimantadine for prophylaxis of type A influenza in nursing homes

The safety and efficacy of rimantadine for long-term prophylaxis of influenza A (H3N2) infection were evaluated among elderly residents in 10 nursing homes. Within each nursing home, participating residents were randomly assigned to receive placebo or rimantadine at 100 or 200 mg/day. Residents were evaluated daily for symptoms and significant health events as possible side effects, as well as for influenza-like illness. The study medications were administered to 328 residents for up to 8 weeks, with no statistically significant differences in the frequencies of gastrointestinal or central nervous system symptoms between the groups. However, residents in the active medication groups were more likely to withdraw from the study and to experience various health events including death; some but not all of these differences were statistically significant. Efficacy evaluations were carried out on the 68 vaccinated residents in the two nursing homes with demonstrated influenza virus activity. Rimantadine appeared to provide an additional protective effect beyond vaccination in reducing the risk of clinical and laboratory-confirmed influenza-like illness; however, the efficacy estimates were never statistically significant. The efficacies of the 100- and 200-mg/day dosages were generally similar. When data for the 100- and 200-mg/day dosage groups were combined and compared with data for the group receiving placebo, the efficacy of rimantadine in reducing the risk of clinical influenza-like illness was estimated to be 58 percent (P = 0.079). The results suggest the relative safety and clinical efficacy of using rimantadine for influenza prophylaxis among vaccinated elderly individuals and support the recommendation for a dosage reduction to 100 mg/day in this population.
Hepatic Uptake in the Dog: Comparison of Uptake in Hepatocytes and Human Embryonic Kidney Cells Expressing Dog Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide 1B4

Although the dog is frequently used in pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, and drug safety studies, little is known about canine drug transporters. Dog organic anion-transporting polypeptide (Oatp1b4) has recently been cloned (Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 151:393–399, 2010), but the contribution of Oatp1b4 to hepatic uptake has yet to be clarified. This study compares the transport characteristics of dog Oatp1b4 with those of human OATP1B1/1B3 and demonstrates the importance of Oatp1b4 in the uptake of anionic compounds in dog hepatocytes. Oatp1b4 is the predominant Oatp in dog liver with expression levels double and 30 times those of Oatp2b1 and Oatp1a2, respectively. Uptake of a range of typical OATP substrates by Oatp1b4-expressing HEK293 cells was compared with that in fresh dog hepatocytes. All compounds tested were transported by Oatp1b4 and uptake intrinsic clearance (CLint, uptake) in dog hepatocytes in sodium-free buffer was correlated significantly with CLint, uptake in Oatp1b4-expressing cells. Dog in vivo clearance for five substrates was predicted more accurately from CLint, uptake than from metabolic intrinsic clearance (CLint, met), indicating that uptake governs the overall in vivo hepatic clearance of these anionic compounds in dog. The substrate specificities of dog Oatp1b4 appear to be similar to those of human OATP1B1/OATP1B3, whereas the relative uptake clearance of substrates for Oatp1b4 correlate better with OATP1B3 than with the more abundant hepatic analog OATP1B1.
A forward secure threshold signature scheme based on bilinear pairing

Threshold signature is an important digital signature, but many of proposed schemes suffer from conspiracy attack. This paper proposes a forward secure threshold signature based on bilinear pairing. It divides signature course into several periods, the public key is fixed, while the private key is updated by one-way function in each period. So this scheme has the characters of forward security. It can not only satisfy the properties of the threshold signature, but also withstand the conspiracy attack. The security of the scheme is also analyzed and it shows that the proposed scheme is secure and effective.
On the Use of Mean Residual Life as a Condition Index for Condition-Based Maintenance Decision-Making

This paper provides a methodology to analyze the efficiency of mean residual life in condition-based maintenance decision-making. A degradation-threshold-dependent-shock model is used to describe the evolution of a system subject to the dependent and competing failure modes due to degradation and shock. Based on this model, we compute the mean residual life of system and analyze its monotonicity. This property of mean residual life function allows introducing a new condition-based maintenance strategy whose preventive maintenance decision is based on the mean residual life. The proposed strategy is then compared to a maintenance strategy based on the degradation level only. Analyzing the equivalence, the performance and the flexibility of both strategies allow us to give some conclusions on the interest of the mean residual life as a condition index for maintenance decision-making.
Arctic Steppe-Tundra: A Yukon Perspective

The first reliable, securely dated full- and late-glacial pollen stratigraphy from Eastern Beringia forces the rejection of the widely held hypothesis of a steppetundra or grassland associated with extinct vertebrates and early humans. The arctic-alpine fossil flora and low pollen influx suggest a sparse tundra similar to modern herb fell-field vegetation.
Modeling the Dynamics of Money Income in Nigeria: a Co-Integration Approach

This study examined the relationship between real output, monetary aggregates, price, interest rate and exchange rate usingNigerian data. Analysis of the time series properties of the data revealed that the series are cointegrated which indicated that there is along- run relationship among the variables. We specified an error correction model to analyze the nature of relationship among thevariables. The data for the analysis were sourced mainly from the publications of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The result of theparsimonious model revealed that the error correction term of the broad money model came out with the right sign and significant, implyingthat a shock is rapidly (39%) accounted for in subsequent periods. A one period lag of real exchange rate and price has a negativerelationship with output and significant while M2 and interest rate are positively related to real output and also significant. The result ofthe variance decomposition analysis revealed that the Nigerian data supports the Monetarists’ explanations of business cycles andrecommends however that a combination of both monetary and fiscal policies be explored by the relevant authorities.
Determinants of Food Security Among The Rural Farming Households in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to identify the determinants of food security among rural households in Kwara State. Data used for this study was collected from a total of one hundred and sixty five rural farming households using a three-stage random sampling technique. The main tools of analysis for this study include descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. The study shows that about one third of the rural farming households sampled were food insecure and that farm size of the households, gross farm income, total non farm income and household size are the significant determinants of rural household food security in the study area. The study recommends the need to assist farming households in the study area diversify their sources of income in order to be able to meet their minimum food requirement especially during the off-season.
Chapter 11 Gender and Critical Evaluation in Popular Music

Abstract Previous research suggests that women receive less critical attention and acclaim in popular music. The authors expect that gender differences in the amount and content of media discourse about popular musicians occur because music critics draw on the cultural frame of gender as a primary tool for critical evaluation. In order to explore the role of gender as a frame through which aesthetic content is evaluated, the authors conduct detailed content analyses of 53 critical reviews of two versions of the popular album 1989 – the original released by Taylor Swift in 2014 and a cover version released by Ryan Adams less than a year later. Despite Swift’s greater popularity and prominence, the authors find that reviews of her version of the album are more likely to focus on her gender and sexuality; less likely to describe her as emotionally authentic; and more likely to use popular aesthetic criteria in evaluating her music. By contrast, Ryan Adams was more likely to be seen by critics as emotionally authentic and to be described using high art aesthetic criteria and intellectualizing discourse. The authors address the implications of the findings for persistent gender gaps in many artistic fields.
Estimation of radiological doses over Turkey by using atmospheric dispersion model after Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Accident

Fukushima Nukleer santral Kazasinin Anadolu Yarimadasi uzerindeki etkileri uc farkli kaynak terim ile atmosferik dagilim modeli kullanilarak arastirilmistir. 131I parcaciklarinin haca konsantrasyon degerleri 0.1 mBqm-3 ile 0.5 mBqm-3, 137Cs degerleri 0.01 mBq m-3 ile 0.05 mBqm-3, for 131I gaz degerleri 1 mBqm-3 ile 10 mBqm-3arasindadir. Bulunan degerler olcum degerleriyle kiyaslanmis ve bu degerler kullanilarak Anadolu Yarimadasi icin radyolojik doz degerleri hesaplanmistir. Bulunan efektif doz degerleri Fukushima Nukleer Guc Santrali Kazasinin etkilerinin Cernobil Nukleer Guc Santrali ile kiyaslandiginda oldukca sinirli oldugunu gostermektedir .
Should the U.S. Continue its Family-Friendly Immigration Policy?

An ongoing debate is whether the U.S. should continue its family-based admission system, which favors visas for family members of U.S. citizens and residents, or adopt a more skills-based system, replacing family visas with employment-based visas. In many ways this is a false dichotomy: family-friendly policies attract highly-skilled immigrants regardless of their own visa path, and there are not strong reasons why a loosening of restrictions on employment migrants need be accompanied by new restrictions on family-based immigration. Moreover, it is misleading to think that only employment-based immigrants contribute to the U.S. economy. Recent immigrants, who have mostly entered via kinship ties, are economically productive, a fact hidden by a flawed methodology that underlies most economic analyses of immigrant economic assimilation.
A Long-Term Hydrologically Based Dataset of Land Surface Fluxes and States for the Conterminous United States: Update and Extensions*

AbstractThis paper describes a publicly available, long-term (1915–2011), hydrologically consistent dataset for the conterminous United States, intended to aid in studies of water and energy exchanges at the land surface. These data are gridded at a spatial resolution of latitude/longitude and are derived from daily temperature and precipitation observations from approximately 20 000 NOAA Cooperative Observer (COOP) stations. The available meteorological data include temperature, precipitation, and wind, as well as derived humidity and downwelling solar and infrared radiation estimated via algorithms that index these quantities to the daily mean temperature, temperature range, and precipitation, and disaggregate them to 3-hourly time steps. Furthermore, the authors employ the variable infiltration capacity (VIC) model to produce 3-hourly estimates of soil moisture, snow water equivalent, discharge, and surface heat fluxes. Relative to an earlier similar dataset by Maurer and others, the improved dataset h.