Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Excess Costs and Utilization Associated with Methicillin Resistance for Patients with Staphylococcus aureus Infection

Objective. To determine differences in healthcare costs between cases of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infection and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infection in adults. Design. Retrospective study of all cases of S. aureus infection. Setting. Department of Veterans Affairs hospital and associated clinics. Patients. There were 390 patients with MSSA infections and 335 patients with MRSA infections. Methods. We used medical records, accounting systems, and interviews to identify services rendered and costs for Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center patients with S. aureus infection with onset during the period from January 1, 2004, through June 30, 2006. We used regression analysis to adjust for patient characteristics. Results. Median 6-month unadjusted costs for patients infected with MRSA were $34,657, compared with $15,923 for patients infected with MSSA. Patients with MRSA infection had more comorbidities than patients with MSSA infection (mean Charlson index 4.3 vs 3.2; P < .001). For patients with Charlson indices of 3 or less, mean adjusted 6-month costs derived from multivariate analysis were $51,252 (95% CI, $46,041–$56,464) for MRSA infection and $30,158 (95% CI, $27,092–$33,225) for MSSA infection. For patients with Charlson indices of 4 or more, mean adjusted costs were $84,436 (95% CI, $79,843–$89,029) for MRSA infection and $59,245 (95% CI, $56,016–$62,473) for MSSA infection. Patients with MRSA infection were also more likely to die than were patients with MSSA infection (23.6% vs 11.5%; P < .001). MRSA infection was more likely to involve the lungs, bloodstream, and urinary tract, while MSSA infection was more likely to involve bones or joints; eyes, ears, nose, or throat; surgical sites; and skin or soft tissue (P < .001). Conclusions. Resistance to methicillin in S. aureus was independently associated with increased costs. Effective antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention programs are needed to prevent these costly infections.
Chronic But Not Acute Treatment with a Metabotropic Glutamate 5 Receptor Antagonist Reverses the Akinetic Deficits in a Rat Model of Parkinsonism

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have recently been considered as potential pharmacological targets in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and particularly in parkinsonism. Within the basal ganglia, receptors of group I (mGluR1 and mGluR5) are widely expressed; the present study was thus aimed at blocking these receptors in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of Parkinson's disease in the rat. Considering the prominent expression of mGluR5, we have used the selective mGluR5 antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP) to target these receptors. In rats trained to quickly depress a lever after a visual cue, bilateral lesions of the dopaminergic nerve terminals in the striatum produced severe akinetic deficits, which were expressed by increases in delayed responses and reaction times. Acute MPEP injection (1.5, 3, and 6 mg/kg, i.p.) had no effect, whereas chronic administration, ineffective in a control group, significantly reversed the akinetic deficits. Alleviation of these deficits was seen after 1 week of treatment, and the preoperative performance was fully recovered after a 3 week treatment of MPEP at all doses. Chronic MPEP also induced ipsilateral rotation in the unilateral 6-OHDA circling model. However, no effect was seen of MPEP (1.5, 3, or 6 mg/kg, i.p.) on haloperidol-induced catalepsy (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Altogether, these results suggest a specific role of mGluRs in the regulation of extrapyramidal motor functions and a potential therapeutic value for mGluR5 antagonists in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Real-time recognition of activity using temporal templates

A new view based approach to the representation and recognition of action is presented. The basis of the representation is a motion history image (MHI)-a static image where intensity is a function of the recency of motion in a sequence. We develop a recognition method which uses both binary and scalar valued versions of the MHI as temporal templates to match against stored instances of actions. The method automatically performs temporal segmentation, as invariant to linear changes in speed, and runs in real time on a standard platform. The applications we have begun to develop include simple room monitoring and an interactive game.
Integration of exteroceptive and interoceptive information within the hippocampus: a computational study

Many episodic memory studies have critically implicated the hippocampus in the rapid binding of sensory information from the perception of the external environment, reported by exteroception. Other structures in the medial temporal lobe, especially the amygdala, have been more specifically linked with emotional dimension of episodic memories, reported by interoception. The hippocampal projection to the amygdala is proposed as a substrate important for the formation of extero-interoceptive associations, allowing adaptive behaviors based on past experiences. Recently growing evidence suggests that hippocampal activity observed in a wide range of behavioral tasks could reflect associations between exteroceptive patterns and their emotional valences. The hippocampal computational models, therefore, need to be updated to elaborate better interpretation of hippocampal-dependent behaviors. In earlier models, interoceptive features, if not neglected, are bound together with other exteroceptive features through autoassociative learning mechanisms. This way of binding integrates both kinds of features at the same level, which is not always suitable for example in the case of pattern completion. Based on the anatomical and functional heterogeneity along the septotemporal and transverse axes of the hippocampus, we suggest instead that distinct hippocampal subregions may be engaged in the representation of these different types of information, each stored apart in autoassociative memories but linked together in a heteroassociative way. The model is developed within the hard constraint of rapid, even single trial, learning of episodic memories. The performance of the model is assessed quantitatively and its resistance to interference is demonstrated through a series of numerical experiments. An experiment of reversal learning in patients with amnesic cognitive impairment is also reproduced.
Propofol exposure during late stages of pregnancy impairs learning and memory in rat offspring via the BDNF‐TrkB signalling pathway

The brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)‐tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) (BDNF‐TrkB) signalling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating learning and memory. Synaptophysin provides the structural basis for synaptic plasticity and depends on BDNF processing and subsequent TrkB signalling. Our previous studies demonstrated that maternal exposure to propofol during late stages of pregnancy impaired learning and memory in rat offspring. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the BDNF‐TrkB signalling pathway is involved in propofol‐induced learning and memory impairments. Propofol was intravenously infused into pregnant rats for 4 hrs on gestational day 18 (E18). Thirty days after birth, learning and memory of offspring was assessed by the Morris water maze (MWM) test. After the MWM test, BDNF and TrkB transcript and protein levels were measured in rat offspring hippocampus tissues using real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. The levels of phosphorylated‐TrkB (phospho‐TrkB) and synaptophysin were measured by western blot. It was discovered that maternal exposure to propofol on day E18 impaired spatial learning and memory of rat offspring, decreased mRNA and protein levels of BDNF and TrkB, and decreased the levels of both phospho‐TrkB and synaptophysin in the hippocampus. Furthermore, the TrkB agonist 7,8‐dihydroxyflavone (7,8‐DHF) reversed all of the observed changes. Treatment with 7,8‐DHF had no significant effects on the offspring that were not exposed to propofol. The results herein indicate that maternal exposure to propofol during the late stages of pregnancy impairs spatial learning and memory of offspring by disturbing the BDNF‐TrkB signalling pathway. The TrkB agonist 7,8‐DHF might be a potential therapy for learning and memory impairments induced by maternal propofol exposure.
Network Patterns in Cfengine and Scalable Data Aggregation

Network patterns are based on generic algorithms that execute on tree-based overlays. A set of such patterns has been developed at KTH to support distributed monitoring in networks with non-trivial topologies. We consider the use of this approach in logical peer networks in cfengine as a way of scaling aggregation of data to large organizations. Use of 'deep' network structures can lead to temporal anomalies. We show how to minimize temporal fragmentation during data aggregation by using time offsets and what effect these choices might have on power consumption. We offer proof of concept for this technology to initiate either multicast or inverse multicast pulses through sensor networks.
Channel-Aware Decision Fusion in Distributed MIMO Wireless Sensor Networks: Decode-and-Fuse vs. Decode-then-Fuse

We study channel-aware binary-decision fusion over a shared Rayleigh flat-fading channel with multiple antennas at the Decision Fusion Center (DFC). We present the optimal rule and derive sub-optimal fusion rules, as alternatives with improved numerical stability, reduced complexity and lower system knowledge required. The set of rules is derived following both "Decode-and-Fuse" and "Decode-then-Fuse" approaches. Simulation results for performances are presented both under Neyman-Pearson and Bayesian frameworks. The effect of multiple antennas at the DFC for the presented rules is analyzed, showing corresponding benefits and limitations. Also, the effect on performances as a function of the number of sensors is studied under a total power constraint.
Do single or multiple deficit models predict the risk of dyslexia in Standard Indonesian?

ABSTRACT Although our understanding of reading acquisition has grown, the study of dyslexia in Standard Indonesian (SI) is still in its infancy. A recently developed assessment battery for young readers of SI was used to test the feasibility of Pennington et al.’s (2012) multiple-case approach to dyslexia in the highly transparent orthography of SI. Reading, spelling, phonological skills, and nonverbal IQ were assessed in 285 first, second, and third graders. Deficits in reading-related cognitive skills were classified and regression analyses were conducted to test the fit of single and multiple deficit models. Naming speed (NS) was the main predictor of reading and decoding fluency, followed by phonological awareness (PA), and verbal working memory (VWM). Accounting for 33% of the cases that satisfied both methods of individual prediction (i.e., classification of deficits and regression analysis), the hybrid model proved the best fit. None of the deficits in PA, NS, or VWM alone was sufficient to predict a risk of dyslexia in the present sample, nor was a deficit in PA necessary. Hence, there are multiple pathways to being at risk of dyslexia in SI, some involving single deficits, some multiple deficits, and some without deficits in PA, NS, or VWM.
Dynamic performance improvement of DC microgrids during Constant-Power Load transients

Constant-Power Loads (CPLs) can cause unstable behavior within microgrids, which can be observed as voltage drops or oscillations in the dc bus during load transients. Traditionally, the converters feeding the CPLs of a microgrid are compensated using linear controllers, which can only provide a limited dynamic response. This work proposes to substitute the slow controller ruling one of the converters in the microgrid by a much faster alternative, a Circular Switching Surfaces boundary controller. The solution introduced in this work provides major improvements in the overall dynamic performance of the system, achieving lower voltage drops and faster transient responses against CPL sudden changes. Simulations of a microgrid with three converters feeding a CPL are provided. Experimental results will be included in the final version of the paper.
Using the Shapley Value for Fair Consumer Compensation in Energy Demand Response Programs: Comparing Algorithms

Integrating information and communication technologies (ICT) in the power grid underpins sustainable development in the power industry by introducing the "smart grid". ICT capabilities have a great impact especially on low-voltage distribution networks, by optimally matching supply and demand. Load curtailment is a key demand-side energy management activity that is deployed in case of system contingencies or on economic grounds, where consumers are compensated when they partially or fully curtail their demand. Despite the big potential of load curtailment programs targeting small-scale electricity consumers at the aggregate level, little effort has been put into investigating the different aspects of such programs (i.e. compensation, performance measurement, etc.). In this paper, we propose an approach to consumer compensation for load curtailment, viewed as a weighted voting game. We leverage the Shapley value, a solution concept from cooperative game theory, to fairly compensate a group of residential consumers who collectively reduce demand during a load curtailment event, and investigate the scalability and accuracy of our approach using three algorithms for computing the exact or approximate Shapley value. Our work, thus, provides curtailment service providers with options for rewarding consumer coalitions of different sizes.
Preparing preservice teachers for bilingual and bicultural classrooms in an era of political change

ABSTRACT As teacher educators, we continually ask ourselves how to most effectively prepare our teacher candidates with the professional knowledge and critical consciousness to engage in meaningful work with learners who are marginalized by structures of schooling and turbulent mainstream politics. In this article, we discuss our critically conscious teacher preparation framework and four foundations we consider non-negotiable in preparing all teachers to embrace language and culture as the cornerstone from which to build anti-racist, anti-biased, and asset-oriented classroom communities. These four foundations of knowledge include (a) establishing critically conscious pedagogy, (b) disrupting historical regression, (c) revitalizing democratic values in public education, and (d) becoming advocates and action-oriented practitioners. A critically conscious teacher preparation framework maintains the significance of developing knowledge, skills, and dispositions in teachers, but also realizes the call for action central to critical and transformative teacher preparation. A discussion ensues as to how the action-oriented foundations are essential to building a solid identity as a teacher of bilingual learners. Implications for teacher education programs are presented. This work promotes a strong commitment and sense of urgency in preparing critically conscious teachers who will uphold culture and language as central in the schooling of their future learners and understand that teaching and learning are never politically neutral.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls Disturb Differentiation of Normal Human Neural Progenitor Cells: Clue for Involvement of Thyroid Hormone Receptors

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous environmental chemicals that accumulate in adipose tissues over the food chain. Epidemiologic studies have indicated that PCBs influence brain development. Children who are exposed to PCBs during development suffer from neuropsychologic deficits such as a lower full-scale IQ (intelligence quotient), reduced visual recognition memory, and attention and motor deficits. The mechanisms leading to these effects are not fully understood. It has been speculated that PCBs may affect brain development by interfering with thyroid hormone (TH) signaling. Because most of the data are from animal studies, we established a model using primary normal human neural progenitor (NHNP) cells to determine if PCBs interfere with TH-dependent neural differentiation. NHNP cells differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in culture, and they express a variety of drug metabolism enzymes and nuclear receptors. Like triiodothyronine (T3), treatment with the mono-ortho-substituted PCB-118 (2,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl; 0.01–1 μM) leads to a dose-dependent increase of oligodendrocyte formation. This effect was congener specific, because the coplanar PCB-126 (3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl) had no effect. Similar to the T3 response, the PCB-mediated effect on oligodendrocyte formation was blocked by retinoic acid and the thyroid hormone receptor antagonist NH-3. These results suggest that PCB-118 mimics T3 action via the TH pathway.
The impact of directors’ high-tech experience on innovation in low-tech firms

Abstract This study investigates whether, and if so, how, the presence of directors with experience in high-tech industries influences firm innovation in low-tech firms. Based on a sample of 1,095 listed U.S. firms with 10,327 directors for the period 2008–2012, our results suggest that the level of firm innovation in low-tech companies is positively related to directors’ experience stemming from simultaneously sitting on the board of a high-tech company. This relationship is accentuated for smaller, less financially leveraged, and faster growing firms. Our findings have implications for the literature on cross-sectoral board experience and innovation outcomes in low-tech firms and can inform practice, particularly with respect to the selection of board members.
Television and Preadolescents’ Objectified Dating Script: Consequences for Self- and Interpersonal Objectification

Sexually objectifying media have been claimed to provide adolescents with heterosexual scripts. The endorsement of such scripts has been linked to negative dating attitudes. Evidence supporting these assumptions in a younger sample is currently lacking. Accordingly, the current cross-sectional study among 727 preadolescents (Mage = 11.57, SD = .52) sought to examine the link between preadolescents’ exposure to sexually objectifying television scripts and self- and interpersonal objectification. A moderated mediation model revealed that exposure to sexually objectifying television scripts was positively related to preadolescents’ endorsement of an objectified dating script. In turn, the endorsement of an objectified dating script caused girls and, to a lesser extent, boys to objectify themselves. No gender differences were found for interpersonal objectification: Boys’ and girls’ endorsement of an objectified dating script was positively related to objectifying notions about girls and women in general.
Mapping the Structure, Evolution and Geo-Spatiality of a Social Media Network

Social media is the baby born out of the confluence of digital technology and human beings' desire to collaborate. Past researches in social media networks have mostly concentrated on investigation of large networks, which do not fully capture the micro-level dynamics of the network. In this study, an in-depth topological analysis of a small network (n=200) formed on Twitter during a 24 h period was carried out. The results showed that the network had both small-world and scale-free characteristics. Geo-spatiality revealed more interest by users in regions where the subject of tweets had its stake. The most influential nodes were those whose tweets got re-tweeted the most. Temporal analysis showed faster formation of network when there was a tweet of interest. Traditional news media had a powerful hold on the tweets being made by users. Communities formed around tweets of a certain theme and there was a common theme that kept the entire network together.
The correlation between serum HBsAg levels and viral loads depends upon wild‐type and mutated HBV sequences rather than the HBeAg/anti‐HBe status

Despite several studies regarding the correlation between serum HBsAg titers and viral loads, the association remains uncertain. Eighty‐nine individuals were selected randomly from a Chinese cohort of 2,258 subjects infected persistently with hepatitis B virus (HBV) for cross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis. Viral loads of mutant HBV are lower than those of wild type HBV. The serum HBsAg titers correlate positively with viral loads in both HBeAg positive and negative subjects (r = 0.449, P = 0.013; r = 0.300, P = 0.018, respectively). No correlation between serum HBsAg titer and viral loads was found in any of the four phases of chronic HBV infection. The serum HBsAg titers correlate positively with viral loads in the group with wild type sequences of the PreS/S, basal core promoter (BCP), and preC regions of HBV(r = 0.502, P = 0.040). However, the correlation was not seen in the group with mutations in these regions (r = 0.165, P = 0.257). The correlation between HBsAg titers and viral loads was seen in individuals with wild type PreS/S sequences but not in the subgroup with BCP double mutations or PreC stop mutation, although their sequences in the preS/S regions were wild type. All these findings were confirmed by the longitudinal analysis. In conclusion, the correlation between serum HBsAg levels and viral loads may not differ between HBeAg positive and negative individuals but may depend on wild‐type or mutated genomic sequences. Therefore, HBsAg quantitation may be used as a surrogate for viral loads in only wild‐type HBV infections. J. Med. Virol. 87:1351–1360, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Medical Virology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical Validation of Reduced Alcohol Consumption After Treatment for Alcohol Dependence Using the World Health Organization Risk Drinking Levels

Background Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a highly prevalent public health problem associated with considerable individual and societal costs. Abstinence from alcohol is the most widely accepted target of treatment for AUD, but it severely limits treatment options and could deter individuals who prefer to reduce their drinking from seeking treatment. Clinical validation of reduced alcohol consumption as the primary outcome of alcohol clinical trials is critical for expanding treatment options. One potentially useful measure of alcohol treatment outcome is a reduction in the World Health Organization (WHO, International Guide for Monitoring Alcohol Consumption and Related Harm. Geneva, Switzerland, 2000) risk levels of alcohol use (very high risk, high risk, moderate risk, and low risk). For example, a 2‐shift reduction in WHO risk levels (e.g., high risk to low risk) has been used by the European Medicines Agency (2010, Guideline on the Development of Medicinal Products for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence. UK) to evaluate nalmefene as a treatment for alcohol dependence (AD; Mann et al. 2013, Biol Psychiatry 73, 706–13). Methods The current study was a secondary data analysis of the COMBINE study (n = 1,383; Anton et al., 2006) to examine the association between reductions in WHO risk levels and reductions in alcohol‐related consequences and mental health symptoms during and following treatment in patients with AD. Results Any reduction in WHO risk drinking level during treatment was associated with significantly fewer alcohol‐related consequences and improved mental health at the end of treatment and for up to 1 year posttreatment. A greater reduction in WHO risk drinking level predicted a greater reduction in consequences and greater improvements in mental health. Conclusions Changes in WHO risk levels appear to be a valid end point for alcohol clinical trials. Based on the current findings, reductions in WHO risk drinking levels during treatment reflect meaningful reductions in alcohol‐related consequences and improved functioning.