Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Drinking alcohol at home and in public places and the time framing of risks

The United Kingdom has witnessed a steady rise in per capita consumption of alcohol in the three decades leading up to 2004 since when there has been a decline. Much of this increase can be accounted for by increased drinking away from licensed premises. In this article, we analyse the ways in which people who drink in such settings think about the temporal dimension of risks which they associate with alcohol consumption. We present findings from a qualitative study which explored accounts of drinking away from licensed premises, either at home or in public places such as parks, given by adults and young people of age 13 and over. We found that research participants associated drinking away from licensed premises with immediate risks. Those risks they identified included fights breaking out at home or in a public place, drinking to excess, falling over and becoming ill when intoxicated. Respondents mostly did not express concerns about longer-term health risks. However, some research participants did bring in a more extended time frame in relation to ‘setting boundaries’ so as to prevent gradual escalation of consumption, and avoiding ways in which ‘alcohol can change one’s life’ for the worse. We will argue that the predominance of mostly short-term thinking about alcohol consumption in the face of public health messages about the accumulation of health risks may be accounted for by the contradictory nature of such advice, and/or by the positive cultural and personal value placed on drinking.
Investigation on Photophysical Properties of D–π–A–π–D‐Type Fluorenone‐Based Linear Conjugated Oligomers by Using Femtosecond Transient Absorption Spectroscopy

The effects of π‐spacer and electron donor groups on the photophysical behaviors of fluorenone‐based linear conjugated oligomers have been systemically investigated. Solvent‐dependent steady‐state measurements exhibit that the fluorene vinylene (FV) spacer and the electron‐donating ability of donor group are able to modulate the spectral features of oligomers and the fluorescence quantum yield could decrease with the increasing of the solvent polarity. Meanwhile, quantum chemical calculation simulates their absorption spectra, and analyzes their electron transition components simultaneously. The transient absorption measurements focus on the photoexcitation dynamics of these oligomers in the toluene solution, which show that an intramolecular charge transfer state exists in the relaxation process of excited states, and its generation process could accelerate with the introduction of FV spacer and the enhancement of donor strength.
Feedback control for compass-like biped robot with underactuated ankles using transverse coordinate transformation

SUMMARY This paper deals with the walking control problem of a compass-like biped robot with underactuated ankles in the framework of hybrid control systems. The compass-like biped robot is equipped with a constraint mechanism to lock the hip angle when the swing leg retracts. First, based on the Poincare return map, a limit cycle gait is obtained, and the stability of the gait is also checked. Then, a method based on transverse coordinate transformation is introduced to transform the problem of tracking a desired limit cycle into the stabilization problem of a linear time-invariant impulsive system. A feedback control design for stabilizing the walking gait is then presented. Finally, comparisons to several existing approaches for the similar model are provided to demonstrate the advantages of our proposed approach.
Disadvantaged Children: Health, Nutrition and School Failure.

This book is a passionate plea for social change and political action, a call to conscience, a reading of our lack of true concern for the needs of poor children. As the richest nation in the world. we have prescribed a large dose of verbiage minimally sweetened with money to whichever aspect of a problem currently forces itself upon public notice. At the same time, it is a scientific treatise on the relationships between environmental factors associated with the culture of poverty and the potential of poor children. In the preface, the authors state: we have written this book to call attention to the health problems which underly the school failure of impoverished children. what we hope for is a change from the wistful notion that expressions of good will and a national verbal commitment are sufficient to reduce the spreading problems which are festering along our back
Nonlinear control of parallel manipulators for very high accelerations without velocity measurement: stability analysis and experiments on Par2 parallel manipulator

SUMMARY This paper presents a comparison between control/state estimation methods applied on Par2 parallel manipulator for pick-and-place applications as well as a discussion about the mechanical vibrations issue that may become important when reaching very high accelerations. Real-time experiments were performed first to compare two controllers (a linear Proportional-Derivative controller and a nonlinear/adaptive Dual Mode (DM) controller) complied with the same High-Gain Observer (HGO) to estimate articular velocities, and second to compare three state observers (a Lead-lag-based, an Alpha-beta-gamma (ABG) and an HGO) complied with the same nonlinear DM controller. The stability analysis of the Par2 robot under the control of the proposed DM controller (complied with the HighGO for joint velocity estimation) is also provided. Some small mechanical vibrations were noted when reaching 20 G acceleration, which means that it can become an important issue for higher accelerations. Some suggestions are then made for future investigations to avoid/damp these vibrations.
Lean and learning: action learning for service improvement

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine questions concerning service improvement and the possible contribution of action learning as a means of bringing about both personal and organisational development. A second companion paper deals with the facilitation issues in this context (submitted to Leadership in Health Services, December 2007). Design/methodology/approach – This research reports on the experiences of participants on a leadership development programme, who were seeking to effect service improvements in their professional domains. Data were collected via telephone interviews, focus groups, action learning sets and a world cafe event.Findings – The paper concludes that the definition of “service improvement” is multiple and problematic. It concludes that action learning and service improvement can be natural partners but only if the action learning design is crafted to the specifics of the context.Research limitations/implications – This case study was developed at a time of great turmoi.
Real-time multiview data fusion for object tracking with RGBD sensors

SUMMARY This paper presents a new approach to accurately track a moving vehicle with a multiview setup of red–green–blue depth (RGBD) cameras. We first propose a correction method to eliminate a shift, which occurs in depth sensors when they become worn. This issue could not be otherwise corrected with the ordinary calibration procedure. Next, we present a sensor-wise filtering system to correct for an unknown vehicle motion. A data fusion algorithm is then used to optimally merge the sensor-wise estimated trajectories. We implement most parts of our solution in the graphic processor. Hence, the whole system is able to operate at up to 25 frames per second with a configuration of five cameras. Test results show the accuracy we achieved and the robustness of our solution to overcome uncertainties in the measurements and the modelling.
Thyrotropin receptor-stimulating Graves' disease immunoglobulins induce hyaluronan synthesis by differentiated orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy not only via cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND Both expression of the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) and the production of hyaluronan (HA) by orbital fibroblasts (OF) have been proposed to be implicated in the pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). HA is synthesized by three types of HA synthase. We hypothesized that TSHR activation by recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) and TSHR-stimulating Graves' disease immunoglobulins (GD-IgGs) via induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling increases HA synthesis in differentiated OF from GO patients. METHODS Cultured human OF, obtained during decompression surgery from 17 patients with severe GO, were stimulated in vitro to differentiate into adipocytes. Differentiation was evaluated by phase-contrast microscopy. The differentiated OF were stimulated by rhTSH or by TSHR-stimulating GD-IgG. We measured cAMP using a biochemical assay, HA synthase mRNA expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and HA in the supernatant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS All differentiated OF cultures expressed higher levels of TSHR mRNA than nondifferentiated OF cultures. Stimulation by rhTSH induced a marked cAMP response in 11 of 12 differentiated OF cultures, but no measurable HA response in all but one differentiated OF cultures. By contrast, stimulation by GD-IgG induced a moderate cAMP response in a number of differentiated OF cultures, but a marked HA response in the majority of differentiated OF cultures. CONCLUSION Stimulation of differentiated OF by GD-IgG, but not by rhTSH, induces HA synthesis in the majority of patients, suggesting that in most patients TSHR-mediated cAMP signaling does not play a pivotal role in GD-IgG-induced HA synthesis in differentiated OF cultures.
The Evolution and Functional Role of Flavin‐based Prokaryotic Photoreceptors

Flavin‐based photoreceptor proteins of the LOV (light, oxygen and voltage) superfamily are ubiquitous and appear to be essential blue‐light sensing systems not only in plants, algae and fungi, but also in prokaryotes, where they are represented in more than 10% of known species. Despite their broad occurrence, only in few cases LOV proteins have been correlated with important phenomena such as bacterial infectivity, selective growth patterns or/and stress responses; nevertheless these few known roles are helping us understand the multiple ways by which prokaryotes can exploit these soluble blue‐light photoreceptors. Given the large number of sequences now deposited in databases, it becomes meaningful to define a signature for bona fide LOV domains, a procedure that facilitates identification of proteins with new properties and phylogenetic analysis. The latter clearly evidences that a class of LOV proteins from alpha‐proteobacteria is the closest prokaryotic relative of eukaryotic LOV domains, whereas cyanobacterial sequences cluster with the archaeal and the other bacterial LOV domains. Distance trees built for LOV domains suggest complex evolutionary patterns, possibly involving multiple horizontal gene transfer events. Based on available data, the in vivo relevance and evolution of prokaryotic LOV is discussed.
Electric Field‐Assisted Photochemical Water Splitting Should Operate with 287 nm Light

The major photoreaction of water is the homolytic splitting of one O–H bond starting from the 11B1 excited state (λmax = 167 nm). This reaction produces H• and •OH radicals. The combination of two H• atoms leads to the potential energy carrier dihydrogen. However, the energy required to obtain the photoreactive 11B1 electronic state is about 7.4 eV, which cannot be effectively provided by solar radiation. The sun light spectrum on earth comprises the visible and ultraviolet region, but shows vanishing intensity near 7 eV (177.1 nm). This work provides theoretical evidence that the photoreactive 11B1 state of water can be shifted into the ultraviolet (UV‐B) light region (≈287 nm) by including explicitly an electric field in the calculations of the water absorption spectrum. To accomplish such bathochromic shift, a large field strength of 3.08 VÅ−1 is required. The field‐dependent excitation energies were calculated by applying the symmetry‐adapted cluster configuration interaction (SAC‐CI) procedure. Based on this theoretical analysis, we propose that photochemical water splitting can be accomplished by means of 287 nm light provided the water molecule is favorably oriented by an external electric field and is subsequently activated by a reversal of the field orientation.
Intensive management of electrical storm and incessant ventricular arrhythmias

Abstract Electrical storm (ES) is defined as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation occurring at least three times in 24 h leading to hemodynamic unstable state that needs cardioversion or defibrillation. ES may cause fast hemodynamic impairment, leading to “low-perfusion” or “no perfusion” state of the organs, a vicious circle pointing toward cardiogenic shock, multi-organ failure, and pulseless electrical activity. ES in ICD patients may be a strong predictor of arrhythmic and nonarrhythmic death, as well as of rehospitalization. The first step is to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation to achieve complete hemodynamic stabilization to prevent the low-flow or no-flow state. The patient has to be transported to an intensive care unit for further specific treatment. The arrhythmia should be treated with specific antiarrhythmic agents, for example, amiodarone, lidocain and bretylium, and then all the reversible causes have to be detected and treated as fast as possible. Underlying heart disease .
Inhibition of the histamine‐induced Ca2+ influx in primary human endothelial cells (HUVEC) by volatile anaesthetics

Background and objective: Vasoactive substances such as histamine, acetylcholine or ATP increase the [Ca2+]i of endothelial cells, which leads to the activation of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The NO produced by this enzyme relaxes the underlying smooth muscle. Evidence suggests that eNOS activation is dependent on agonist‐induced Ca2+ entry. Recently we have shown that in human endothelial cells (HUVEC), this Ca2+ entry is sensitive to isoflurane. The objective here was to study the mechanism by which volatile anaesthetics can depress the histamine‐induced Ca2+ entry into HUVEC cells. Methods: HUVECs on coverslips were loaded with the Ca2+ indicator Fluo‐3 and inserted in a gastight, temperature‐controlled perfusion chamber. Excitation was at 488 nm and fluorescence signals were monitored with a confocal laser scanning microscope (MRC1024, Biorad). Direct measurement of the Ca2+ influx was with Mn2+ as surrogate for calcium at 360 nm in cells loaded with Fura‐2. Results: Addition of histamine induces a biphasic [Ca2+]i increase consisting of Ca2+ release from internal stores and a Ca2+ influx from the external medium (plateau phase). The plateau phase was dose‐dependently inhibited by enflurane and sevoflurane (13.7 resp. 21.9% inhibition by 1 MAC anaesthetic). Direct measurement of the Ca2+ influx using the Mn2+ quench of the Fura‐2 fluorescence gave similar results. The inhibition of the anaesthetics was not reduced by inhibition of the cGMP pathway, inactivation of protein kinase C, depolarization of the cells or the presence of specific Ca2+‐dependent K+ channel inhibitors. Interestingly, unsaturated fatty acids inhibit the histamine‐induced Ca2+ influx in a similar way as the volatile anaesthetics. Conclusions: Volatile anaesthetics dose‐dependently inhibit the histamine‐induced Ca2+ influx in HUVECs by a mechanism that may involve unspecific perturbation of the lipid bilayer.
Value of Information of a clinical prediction rule: Informing the efficient use of healthcare and health research resources

Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the potential cost-effectiveness and expected value of perfect information of a recently derived clinical prediction rule for patients presenting to emergency departments with chest discomfort. Methods: A decision analytic model was constructed to compare the Early Disposition Prediction Rule (EDPR) with the current standard of care. Results were used to calculate the potential cost-effectiveness of the EDPR, as well as the Value of Information in conducting further research. Study subjects were adults presenting with chest discomfort to two urban emergency departments in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The clinical prediction rule identifies patients who are eligible for early discharge within 3 hours of presentation to the emergency department. The outcome measure used was inappropriate emergency department discharge of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Results: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the EDPR in comparison to usual care was (negative) $2,999 per inappropriate ACS discharge prevented, indicating a potential cost-savings in introducing the intervention. The expected value of perfect information was $16.3 million in the first year of implementation, suggesting a high benefit from conducting further research to validate the decision rule. Conclusions: The EDPR is likely to be cost-effective; however, given the high degree of uncertainty in the estimates of costs and patient outcomes, further research is required to inform the decision to implement the intervention. The potential health and monetary benefits of this clinical prediction rule outweigh the costs of doing further research.
PARP‐1/PAR Activity in Cultured Human Lens Epithelial Cells Exposed to Two Levels of UVB Light

This study investigated poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) activation in cultured human lens epithelial cells exposed to two levels of UVB light (312 nm peak wavelength), 0.014 and 0.14 J cm−2 (“low” and “high” dose, respectively). At the low dose, PARP‐1 and poly(ADP‐ribose) (PAR) polymers acted to repair DNA strand breaks rapidly with no subsequent major effects on either cell morphology or viability. However, following the high UVB dose, there was a dramatic second phase of PARP‐1 activation, 90 min later, which included a sudden reappearance of DNA strand breaks, bursts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation within both the mitochondria and nucleus, a translocation of PAR from the nucleus to the mitochondria and an ultimate 70% loss of cell viability occurring after 24 h. The results provide evidence for an important role for PARP‐1 in protecting the human lens epithelium against low levels of UVB light, and possibly participating in the triggering of cell death following exposure to toxic levels of radiation.
A Closer Look at Dark Toxicity of the Photosensitizer TMPyP in Bacteria

Photodynamic inactivation of bacteria (PIB) is based on photosensitizers which absorb light and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), killing cells via oxidation. PIB is evaluated by comparing viability with and without irradiation, where reduction of viability in the presence of the photosensitizer without irradiation is considered as dark toxicity. This effect is controversially discussed for photosensitizers like TMPyP (5,10,15,20‐Tetrakis(1‐methyl‐4‐pyridinio)porphyrin tetra(p‐toluensulfonate). TMPyP shows a high absorption coefficient for blue light and a high yield of ROS production, especially singlet oxygen. Escherichia coli and Bacillus atrophaeus were incubated with TMPyP and irradiated with different light sources at low radiant exposures (μW per cm²), reflecting laboratory conditions of dark toxicity evaluation. Inactivation of E. coli occurs for blue light, while no effect was detectable for wavelengths >450 nm. Being more susceptible toward PIB, growth of B. atrophaeus is even reduced for light with emission >450 nm. Decreasing the light intensities to nW per cm² for B. atrophaeus, application of TMPyP still caused bacterial killing. Toxic effects of TMPyP disappeared after addition of histidine, quenching residual ROS. Our experiments demonstrate that the evaluation of dark toxicity of a powerful photosensitizer like TMPyP requires low light intensities and if necessary additional application of substances quenching any residual ROS.
Mental health policy reforms and case complexity in CMHTs in England: replication study

AIMS AND METHOD Community mental health team (CMHT) services in many Western countries have been remodelled to focus on people with the most severe illnesses and complex problems. Complexity scores using the Matching Resource to Care (MARC2) measure from CMHT cases in 2004–2005 ( n =1481) are compared with scores in 1997–1998 ( n =3178) in the same locations, before the introduction of the National Service Framework, and before the impact of the creation of integrated mental health trusts in England. RESULTS The 2004–2005 baseline complexity scores are all worse than those in 1997–1998. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS If increased targeting brought about by the National Service Framework and other reforms has led to a greater proportion of people with complex problems in case-loads, what care services, if any, are now being received by people who were in receipt of CMHT services before the reforms?
The Ability of Functionalized Fullerenes and Surface‐Modified TiO2 Nanoparticles to Photosensitize Peroxidation of Lipids in Selected Model Systems

Photochemical properties of a new class of inorganic nanoparticles, namely a cationic C60 fullerene substituted with three quaternary pyrrolidinium groups (BB6) and a surface‐modified nanocrystalline TiO2 with bromopyrogallol red (Brp@TiO2) were examined for their effectiveness in photogenerating singlet oxygen and free radicals. In particular, their ability to photosensitize peroxidation of unsaturated lipids was analyzed in POPC:cholesterol liposomes and B16 mouse melanoma cells employing a range of spectroscopic and analytical methods. Because melanoma cells typically are pigmented, we examined the effect of melanin on the photosensitized peroxidation of lipids in liposomes and B16 melanoma cells, mediated by BB6 and Brp@TiO2 nanoparticles. The obtained results suggest that peroxidation of unsaturated lipids, photosensitized by BB6 occurs mainly, although not exclusively, via Type II mechanism involving singlet oxygen. On the other hand, if surface‐modified TiO2 is used as a photosensitizer, Type I mechanism of lipid peroxidation dominates, as indicated by the predominant formation of the free radical‐dependent cholesterol oxidation products. The protective effect of melanin was particularly evident when BB6 was used as a photosensitizer, suggesting that melanin could efficiently interfere with Type II processes.
Developments and advances concerning the hyperpolarisation technique SABRE

To overcome the inherent sensitivity issue in NMR and MRI, hyperpolarisation techniques are used. Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE) is a hyperpolarisation technique that utilises parahydrogen, a molecule that possesses a nuclear singlet state, as the source of polarisation. A metal complex is required to break the singlet order of parahydrogen and, by doing so, facilitates polarisation transfer to analyte molecules ligated to the same complex through the J‐coupled network that exists. The increased signal intensities that the analyte molecules possess as a result of this process have led to investigations whereby their potential as MRI contrast agents has been probed and to understand the fundamental processes underpinning the polarisation transfer mechanism. As well as discussing literature relevant to both of these areas, the chemical structure of the complex, the physical constraints of the polarisation transfer process and the successes of implementing SABRE at low and high magnetic fields are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.