Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel clinical features of recurrent human respiratory syncytial virus infections

Children and elderly individuals are often infected easily and repeatedly with human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV); however, the features of recurrent infection in the same individual are defined poorly. To clarify the clinical significance of repeated HRSV infections in relation to subgroup epidemiology, this study performed prospective and longitudinal analyses in children with lower respiratory tract infections over 20 consecutive epidemics between 1985 and 2005 at a pediatric outpatient clinic in Kawasaki, Japan. HRSV infections were confirmed by 2 types of reverse‐transcription PCR. Samples obtained from patients with repeated infections were subjected to sequence analysis and cloning analysis. A total of 1,312 lower respiratory tract infections observed in 1,010 patients were diagnosed as HRSV infections. Repeated HRSV infections occurred in 208 of the 1,010 patients. Analysis of the patients with repeated infections revealed that children were often infected multiple times even within a single short epidemic. Some patients were re‐infected with strains having the same or virtually identical N gene sequences. In patients infected more than 4 times, cloning analysis revealed more frequent dual infections with both subgroups (23.8%). The HRSV‐A subgroup caused subsequent homologous infections more frequently than did HRSV‐B; furthermore, HRSV‐A infections provided no protection from a second homologous infection. In contrast, HRSV‐B infections offered significant protection against a second homologous infection. Statistical analysis revealed alleviation of symptoms with a reduced rate of dyspnoeic attacks only in the group re‐infected with homologous HRSV‐A strains. Thus, this study elucidates new clinical features of recurrent HRSV infection. J. Med. Virol 86: 1629–1638, 2014. © 2013 The Authors Journal of Medical Virology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How is energy consumed in smartphone display applications?

Smartphones have emerged as a popular and frequently used platform for the consumption of multimedia. New display technologies, such as AMOLED, have been recently introduced to smartphones to fulfill the requirements of these multimedia applications. However, as an AMOLED screen's power consumption is determined by the display content, such applications are often limited by the battery life of the device they are running on, inspiring many researches to develop new power management schemes. In this work, we evaluate the power consumption of several applications on a series of Samsung smartphones and take a deep look into AMOLED's power consumption and its relative contributions for multimedia apps. We improve AMOLED power analysis by considering the dynamic factors in displaying, and analyze the individual factors affecting power consumption when streaming video, playing a video game, and recording video via a device's built-in camera. Our detailed measurements refine the power analysis of smartphones and reveal some interesting perspectives regarding the power consumption of AMOLED displays in multimedia applications.
Comparison of the Effects of Flexion and Extension of the Thumb and Fingers on the Position and Cross-Sectional Area of the Median Nerve

Objective To assess the separate effects of thumb and finger extension/flexion on median nerve position and cross-sectional area. Methods Ultrasonography was used to assess median nerve transverse position and cross-sectional area within the carpal tunnel at rest and its movement during volitional flexion of the individual digits of the hand. Both wrists of 165 normal subjects (11 men, 4 women, mean age, 28.6, range, 22 to 38) were studied. Results Thumb flexion resulted in transverse movement of the median nerve in radial direction (1.2±0.6 mm), whereas flexion of the fingers produced transverse movement in ulnar direction, which was most pronounced during flexion of the index and middle fingers (3.2±0.9 and 3.1±1.0 mm, respectively). Lesser but still statistically significant movements were noted with flexion of the ring finger (2.0±0.8 mm) and little finger (1.2±0.5 mm). Flexion of the thumb or individual fingers did not change median nerve cross-sectional area (8.5±1.1 mm2). Conclusions Volitional flexion of the thumb and individual fingers, particularly the index and middle fingers, produced significant transverse movement of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel but did not alter the cross-sectional area of the nerve. The importance of these findings on the understanding of the pathogenesis of the carpal tunnel syndrome and its treatment remains to be investigated.
Queueing analysis of OFDM/TDMA systems

In this paper, we analyze the radio link level queueing performance of a OFDM/TDMA network under Rayleigh fast fading channel. The probability mass function of transmission rate is derived analytically. A vacation queueing model is used to capture the data transmission corresponding to a particular user. The probability transition matrix for the queue of that particular user is formulated as quasi-birth-and-death process, and a matrix geometric method is used to obtain the queue-length distribution. The proposed model is verified by extensive simulations. Also, we demonstrate how the model can be used for admission control so that the radio link level queueing performances for the different users can be satisfied
Program Self-Evaluation for Continuous Improvement

This article is designed to help educational leaders and university faculty who prepare them become aware of the increasing need to view the self-evaluation of leadership preparation programs as a pivotal new starting point in efforts to improve schools. An effective self-evaluation will lead to better preparation programs and, with other conditions, to better subsequent practice. The article begins with an outline of incentives and disincentives for proceeding with self-evaluation. It continues with highlights of inner structural changes required for initiating self-evaluation. The rest of the article offers a selfevaluation model that includes the use of outcome-based standards. The evaluation design is presented step-by-step and in great detail, including evaluation questions, evaluation criteria, evaluation data, and data collection procedures and analyses, as well as faculty and student roles in each step of the process. The model is offered as an example rather than as a dictum, a debate opener rather than a debate summarizer.
Adult Panhypopituitarism Presenting as Idiopathic Growth Hormone Deficiency in Childhood

ABSTRACT. We report two patients who presented in childhood with isolated growth hormone deficiency and in whom progressive loss of anterior function led to panhypopituitarism in early adult life. The need for continued follow‐up and reassessment of pituitary function in adult life is stressed in the light of the natural history of these patients.
Simple Bivalency Proofs of the Lower Bounds in Synchronous Consensus Problems

A fundamental problem of fault-tolerant distributed computing is for the reliable processes to reach a consensus. For a synchronous distributed system of n processes with up to t crash failures and f failures actually occur, we prove using a straightforward bivalency argument that the lower bound for reaching uniform consensus is (f + 2)-rounds in the case of 0 < f ≤ t − 2, and a new lower bound for early-stopping consensus is min (t + 1, f + 2)-rounds where 0 ≤ f ≤ t. Both proofs are simpler and more intuitive than the traditional methods such as backward induction. Our main contribution is that we solve the open problem of proving that bivalency can be applied to show the (f + 2)-rounds lower bound for synchronous uniform consensus. Index Terms — consensus, synchronous distributed system, bivalency, and early-stopping.
On the Estimation of Life of Power Apparatus Insulation Under Combined Electrical and Thermal Stress

Results of combined electrical and thermal stress aging studies conducted on scaled-down models of rotating machine insulation are presented. In order to save time and cost, accelerated stress testing procedure with type II censoring is adopted. The service life of insulation is estimated by extrapolation. The model for aging used here is essentially a power law, the parameters of which are treated as temperature dependent. These parameters and their statistical variability have been evaluated using relevant statistical techniques.
lymphoblastic leukemia : a case-control study ) and risk of relapse in childhood B-cell precursor acute GSTP 1 , GSTT 1 , GSTM 1 Polymorphisms within glutathione S-transferase genes

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Race and Pathways to Power in the National Football League

Recent studies have found that African American managers and executives tend to have relatively few opportunities to exercise higher order and reward-relevant job functions such as job authority, job autonomy, and substantive complexity of work. Most of this research has focused on minority access to job authority in mainstream corporate America. The authors focus on a very specific industry—the National Football League (NFL)—to examine minority access to job authority. Using data collected on all active coaches in the NFL between the 2000 and 2006 seasons, this study examines the influence of race on the attainment of job authority in the NFL. Logistic regression analyses reveal significant direct effects of race on being (a) assigned to coach central positions, (b) appointed as offensive or defensive coordinators, and (c) hired as head coaches, net of measured objective qualifications, including experience, leadership, and performance. Thus, race appears to have both direct and indirect effects on access to managerial authority in the NFL.
Identification of an Essential Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis Virulence Factor

ABSTRACT Francisella tularensis, the highly virulent etiologic agent of tularemia, is a low-dose intracellular pathogen that is able to escape from the phagosome and replicate in the cytosol. Although there has been progress in identifying loci involved in the pathogenicity of this organism, analysis of the genome sequence has revealed few obvious virulence factors. We previously reported isolation of an F. tularensis subsp. tularensis strain Schu S4 transposon insertion mutant with a mutation in a predicted hypothetical lipoprotein, FTT1103, that was deficient in intracellular replication in HepG2 cells. In this study, a mutant with a defined nonpolar deletion in FTT1103 was created, and its phenotype, virulence, and vaccine potential were characterized. A phagosomal integrity assay and lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 colocalization revealed that ΔFTT1103 mutant bacteria were defective in phagosomal escape. FTT1103 mutant bacteria were maximally attenuated in the mouse model; mice survived, without visible signs of illness, challenge by more than 1010 CFU when the intranasal route was used and challenge by 106 CFU when the intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, or intravenous route was used. The FTT1103 mutant bacteria exhibited dissemination defects. Mice that were infected by the intranasal route had low levels of bacteria in their livers and spleens, and these bacteria were cleared by 3 days postinfection. Mutant bacteria inoculated by the subcutaneous route failed to disseminate to the lungs. BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice that were intranasally vaccinated with 108 CFU of FTT1103 mutant bacteria were protected against subsequent challenge with wild-type strain Schu S4. These experiments identified the FTT1103 protein as an essential virulence factor and also demonstrated the feasibility of creating defined attenuated vaccines based on a type A strain.
Postinfectious Bronchiolitis obliterans in Children: Clinical and Radiological Profile and Prognostic Factors

Background: Postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) designates a clinical syndrome of chronic airflow obstruction associated with inflammatory changes in the small airways. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the etiology, clinical and radiological features and define prognostic factors of postinfectious BO in children. Methods: We undertook a review of the medical records of 20 children with postinfectious BO, who were followed up between January 1994 and August 2001. Results: Postinfectious BO was diagnosed in 11 boys and 9 girls with a median age of 21.5 months (6–69 months) who were followed up for a median of 23 months. Cough and wheezing persisted since the initial lung infection in all patients. Postinfectious BO was diagnosed in an average of 6 months (1–42 months) after the acute illness. Adenoviruses were the most common etiologic agents identified serologically. The diagnoses of postinfectious BO was made by thoracic high-resolution computed tomography and clinical features. Corticosteroid therapy was used in 17 patients and supportive treatment was applied in all patients. Age at initial lung infection, gender, time of starting corticosteroid treatment, presence of bronchiectasis or atelectasis and etiologic agents identified on presentation did not predict severity in our study. Conclusions: Despite the prominent role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of postinfectious BO, the use of anti-inflammatory agents remains controversial. We could not identify any prognostic factors related to disease severity. In order to minimize associated complications, patients with postinfectious BO should be closely followed up and receive meticulous lung care.
Gender constructions and negotiations in physical education: case studies

In Denmark as in other European countries, many girls, and especially Muslim girls, seem to lose interest in physical activities and sport with increasing age. However, in a Danish context, little is known about the reasons why girls drop out of sport and which role physical education (PE) plays in this process. In this article we present results of a qualitative study on gendered discourses and doing gender in a PE class at a Danish high school. Drawing on constructivist and post-structuralist approaches to gender and ethnicity, we explore the different opportunities of girls in PE based on in-depth interviews and video observations. Three case studies of three girls are the focus of this article: Nanna, the Danish ‘athletic girl’ who found a balance between (en)acting femininity and presenting herself as a competent athlete; Iram, the ‘Muslim girl’ whose position as a Muslim causes her to hide her sporting abilities and Ida, the Danish ‘normal girl’ who re-interprets PE and adapts it to her needs. These three girls act in and react to a discourse that emphasises competitive sport and is orientated towards male sport tastes and sport practices. The results of this study indicate that PE, with its focus on games and performances, meets the requirements and expectations of many boys but contributes to the decrease in sporting interests and activities among numerous girls.
The Renal Protective Effects of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE To review the renal protective effects of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. DATA SOURCES A MEDLINE search (1966-March 2004) was completed using irbesartan, candesartan, losartan, valsartan, eprosartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, renal protection, nephropathy, albuminuria, and type 2 diabetes mellitus as key words. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All identified English-language articles were reviewed. References of the identified sources were used to identify additional articles. Articles representative of the subject matter of our review were included. DATA SYNTHESIS ARBs have extensive data showing their renal protective benefits in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria or proteinuria. The benefits are over and above that of blood pressure reduction alone and extend to normotensive diabetic patients as well. Maximizing the ARB dose before adding additional therapies or another renal-protecting agent (angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitor or non-dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker) may be superior to adding another class of antihypertensive, even if similar blood pressures can be achieved. CONCLUSIONS ARBs are an important therapy for hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients and can benefit normotensive diabetic patients as well. ARB dosage optimization or the addition of a second renoprotective agent (ACE inhibitor or non-dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker) may be important for optimal renoprotection, although further research is clearly needed in this area.
Construction of a synthetic messenger RNA encoding a membrane protein

We have synthesized microgram quantities of a functional eucaryotic mRNA by in vitro transcription. For this purpose, we constructed a plasmid in which the Escherichia coli lactose promoter was 5' to the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) G protein gene (Rose, J. K., and C. J. Gallione, 1981, J. Virol., 39:519-528). This DNA served as the template in an in vitro transcription reaction utilizing E. coli RNA polymerase. The RNA product was capped using the vaccinia guanylyltransferase. A typical preparation of the synthetic G mRNA was equivalent to the amount of G mRNA that can be isolated from approximately 10(8) VSV- infected cells. This synthetic mRNA was translated by a wheat germ extract in the presence of microsomes, producing a polypeptide that was indistinguishable from G protein in its size, antigenicity, degree of glycosylation, and its membrane insertion. This technique should aid in identifying features needed by proteins for insertion into membranes.
A Conceptual Model for the Pathophysiology of Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome

Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (vestibulitis), the most common type of chronic vulvovaginal pain, impairs the psychologic, physical, and reproductive health of approximately 10% of women at some point in their lives. Research on the pathophysiology of vestibulitis suggests abnormalities in 3 interdependent systems: vestibular mucosa, pelvic floor muscles, and central nervous system pain regulatory pathways. To date, causes and relative contributions of these abnormalities to the development and maintenance of vestibulitis remain poorly understood. Research consistently supports the conceptualization of vestibulitis as a chronic pain disorder—akin to fibromyalgia, irritable bowel disorder, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD)—that is far more complex than vestibular hypersensitivity alone. Nevertheless, the clinical diagnosis of vestibulitis continues to rely on subjective report of pain during intercourse and vestibular sensitivity on clinical examination after exclusion of other gynecologic disorders. We propose that current diagnostic criteria, which are based on highly subjective patient and clinician measures, are not sufficient to describe and properly classify the heterogeneous clinical presentations of this disorder. To inform clinical care or research, we must be able to objectively characterize women with vestibulitis. This narrative review critically appraises current conceptualization of vestibulitis and presents a context for studying vestibulitis as a chronic pain disorder, emphasizing the need for objective assessment of clinical features. Target Audience: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians Learning Objectives: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to state that vulvar vestibulitis is common; recall that the disorder has three major pathophysiological pathways and that understanding of these pathways is important in selecting treatment options, and explain that the clinician must attempt to properly classify the clinical presentations of the disorder.
Transfer of Methamphetamine (MA) into Breast Milk and Urine of Postpartum Women who Smoked MA Tablets during Pregnancy

Background: Methamphetamine (MA) use by pregnant women remains a growing problem in South East Asia. After delivery, a negative maternal urine MA assay is assumed to reflect the absence of MA in breast milk and marks breastfeeding initiation. To date, no data exist that describe the relationship between the peripartum and postpartum transfer of MA into breast milk and its urinary excretion in women, following recreational use by smoking. Objective: This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetic of smoked MA in breast milk and its relationship to urinary MA excretion in postpartum women who tested positive for MA before delivery. Methods: Timed urine and breast milk samples of 33 women who had positive urine drug screens for MA prior to delivery were analyzed for MA using Acquity Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (Waters, Milford, Massachusetts, USA) with the ACQUITY UPLC Photodiode Array Detector (Waters). Those participants with 4 or more timed breast milk samples were included for pharmacokinetic calculation using log-linear trapezoidal rule. Results: Pharmacokinetic data from 2 women were analyzed. The half-life values for MA in the breast milk were 11.3 and 40.3 hours. The absolute infant doses were 21.3 and 51.7 µg/kg/day. Methamphetamine disappears from breast milk approximately 1 day before the maternal urine MA becomes negative. Conclusion: Smoked MA shows a similar breast milk pharmacokinetic pattern to previously reported intravenous MA. Breastfeeding can be safely initiated in mothers whose urine MA screen has turned negative for ≥ 24 hours. However, concurrent maternal substance use treatment and screening is necessary for continued promotion of lactation.
Democratising Social Work - A Key Element of Innovation: From 'client' as object, to service user as producer

The aim of this discussion is to put participation in social work in ideological, historical and theoretical context. To do this, it will consider social work in the broader context of social policy and identify the two dominant modern political discourses which initially in the UK, but also beyond have provided the context for this discussion. While the discussion comes primarily from a UK perspective, it has wider ramifications, both for European and international situations more generally. The article outlines the development of counter discourses from social care and welfare service users. It also explores the two key competing ideologies which have underpinned different models and understandings of participation and examine the implications of these different approaches to participation, considering their regressive and liberatory potential. It will begin to examine the possibilities and problems now being highlighted for participation in social work in theory and practice, taking the UK as a case study with wider implications.