Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The segregation of streptomycin-resistant variants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis into groups with characteristic levels of resistance.

SUMMARY: Three initially streptomycin-sensitive strains of Mycobacterium tuber-cuZosis, two from patients with tuberculosis, and one the laboratory strain H37Rv, were grown for 6 weeks on Herrold s agar medium containing graded concentrations of streptomycin. Discrete colonies of M. tuberculosis that grew on the streptomycin media were tested for streptomycin sensitivity in Tween 80 albumin medium. In all three strains the distribution of resistance was discontinuous, the subcultures from the colonies being either sensitive, or resistant to streptomycin in three distinct ranges of minimal inhibitory concentrations, namely, 0-25-0.5,1-2 and 32-64, ug. /ml. ; and of initial populations of 04-1-0 x lo9 bacilli, about 1000 were in the first, slightly resistant group, about 100 in the second, and about 2 were in the third, highly resistant group. Of the two patients from whom the two of the strains were isolated, one developed a highly resistant strain in his sputum during treatment, whereas the other developed a strain only of slight resistance, in spite of prolonged streptomycin treatment.
Federal Reserve Bank of New York Staff Reports Why Did the Average Duration of Unemployment Become So Much Longer ?

This paper examines the causes of the observed increase in the average duration of unemployment over the past thirty years. First we analyze whether changes in the demographic composition of the U.S. labor force, particularly the age and gender composition, can explain this increase. We then consider the contribution of institutional changes, such as the change in the generosity and coverage of unemployment insurance. We find that changes in the composition of the labor force and institutional changes can only partially account for the longer duration of unemployment. We construct a job search model and calibrate it to U.S. data. The results indicate that more than 70 percent of the increase in the duration of unemployment over the past thirty years can be attributed to an increase in within-group wage inequality. Şahin: Research and Statistics Group, Federal Reserve Bank of New York (e-mail: aysegul.sahin@ny.frb.org). Mukoyama: Department of Economics, Concordia University, and CIREQ, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (e-mail: mukoyama@alcor.concordia.ca). The authors thank Mark Bils, Yongsung Chang, Nikolay Gospodinov, Jeremy Greenwood, Nezih Güner, Mark Huggett, Susumu Imai, Sun-Bin Kim, Per Krusell, Lance Lochner, Adi Mayer, Robert Shimer, Roxanne Stanoprud, Ariel Zetlin-Jones, and seminar participants at the 2002 Canadian Macroeconomics Study Group, the 2003 Rochester Wegmans Conference, and the 2004 Society for Economic Dynamics for their comments and suggestions. They also thank Emy Sok at the Bureau of Labor Statistics for help with the data. All errors are those of the authors. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or the Federal Reserve System.
Stereotypes and recognition memory for faces and voices of good guys and bad guys

This study tested first whether 240 undergraduate students share high consensual agreement in their selection of faces and voices which fit criminal and non-criminal ‘occupations’ second, whether there are significant relationships between trait impressions and voice characteristics for persons selected as exemplars of criminals and non-criminals; and third, whether categorization of targets into ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’ influences recognition memory. Subjects' selections of exemplars of criminals and non-criminals from video recordings of the face and voice, or face-only, or voice-only of 15 white men were done with high confidence in a significantly non-random manner. Significant correlations were found between trait impressions and vocal characteristics in all three presentation modes which differentiated good guys from bad guys. Recognition memory for target voices was significantly inferior to the recognition of face and voice targets, and face-only targets. Recognition confidence scores were significantly higher for good guys over bad guys, especially in the voice-only condition. The results were discussed in terms of the probability that stereotyping of faces and voices can influence decision-making in the legal process.
Minnesota Sex Offender Screening Tool-Revised (MnSOST-R) Technical Paper: Development, Validation, and Recommended Risk Level Cut Scores

This paper describes the development, reliability, and validity of the Minnesota Sex Offender Screening Tool – Revised (MnSOST-R), as well as recommended risk levels and cut scores. Variables from multiple dimensions, both static and dynamic, were reviewed for inclusion in the MnSOST-R. Final items were selected and scored empirically based on clearly defined criteria. The resulting 16 items that comprise the MnSOST-R maximize the positive predictive power of the tool, and perform significantly better than previous versions of the MnSOST. This newest version correlate achieves impressive hit rates with rapists and extrafamilial sex offenders, the population for which the instrument was developed. Very high true positive rates were achieved depending on the selected cut score. Like other researchers, we found the pattern for intrafamilial sex offenders on potential items and the relationship of that pattern to sexual recidivism to be dramatically different from that for other sex offenders, with the exception of intrafamilial sex offenders who essentially raped their related victim(s). The MnSOST-R is currently being used by the Minnesota Department of Corrections as a screening tool for referral for commitment under the state's Sexual Psychopathic Personality and Sexually Dangerous Person laws, and as part of the state’s Community Notification Act.
Experiences of drug use and ageing: health, quality of life, relationship and service implications

roe b. , beynon c. , pickering l. & duffy p. (2010)Experiences of drug use and ageing: health, quality of life, relationship and service implications. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(9), 1968–1979. Aim This paper is a report of an exploration of older people’s experiences of substance use in the context of ageing, and its impact on health, quality of life, relationships and service use. Background Use of illicit drugs by older people is a neglected policy, research and service provision and is generally perceived as a lifestyle of younger populations. Method A convenience sample of 11 people aged 49–61 years (mean 57 years) in contact with voluntary sector drug treatment services participated in qualitative semi-structured tape-recorded interviews and thematic content analysis was performed. The data were collected in 2008. Findings Drug use can have negative impacts on health status, quality of life, family relationships and social networks that accrue with age. Participants were identified as early or later onset users of drugs due to the impact of life events and relationships. A range of substances had been used currently and throughout their lives, with no single gateway drug identified as a prelude to personal drug careers. Life review and reflection were common, in keeping with ageing populations, along with regret of ever having started to use drugs. Living alone and their accommodation made them more susceptible to social isolation, and they reported experiences of death and dying of their contemporaries and family members earlier than usual in the life course. Conclusion Older people who continue to use drugs and require the support of services for treatment and care are an important emerging population and their specific needs should recognized.
A Descriptive Study of Student Motivation in Online Distance Learning Environments

2014 2 STATEMENT BY THE AUTHOR This thesis has been submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an advanced degree at the University of Arizona. And is deposited in the University Library to be made available to borrowers under rules of the Library. Brief quotations from this thesis are allowable without special permission, provided that accurate acknowledgement of source is made. Requests for permission for extended quotation from or reproduction of this manuscript in whole or in part may be granted by the copyright holder. Date 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To my committee: Dr. Matthew Mars: Your humor and support made this achievement possible. I will never forget your kindness and encouragement through this process. Dr. Ryan Foor: Thank you for supporting me through this trial and error process, and continually guiding me along the path to graduation. Your guidance has helped me progress as a future educator as well as a person in general. I will always be thankful for the lessons you have taught me through our time together. Thank you for always taking time out of your schedule to assist me in this endeavor and sticking out some long nights to make my thesis what it is today. You are all amazing mentors, teachers, and friends and I look forward to our continued work together. Mom and dad thank you for your encouragement and support through my life.
In vitro secretion of cytokines by human mononuclear cells of individuals during and after cutaneous leishmaniasis infection

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated in the presence of Leishmania major promastigotes. The culture supernatants were collected after 24 and 72 h and the cytokine content was measured. It was found that mononuclear cells from cured individuals, in the presence of L. major promastigotes, had increased leishmanicidal activity and secreted increased levels of interferon gamma (IFNγ), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF). The levels of IL‐6, on the other hand, did not differ from the levels secreted by cells from unexposed individuals. The secretion of cytokines by cells from patients in the course of the disease was sometimes elevated, but the pattern they presented was more heterogeneous than that of cured individuals, and showed less correlation with leishmanicidal effector activity. Addition of IFN and IL‐2, but not TNF, to cultures from unexposed individuals caused increased leishmanicidal activity, suggesting that these factors play a role in controlling the parasite infection; the role of TNF is not yet clear, and is probably concentration‐dependent.
Predicting the neurodevelopmental outcome in newborns with hypoxic-ischaemic injury

The prediction of outcome in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a problematic task. Here, the ability of a combination of clinical, heart rate and EEG measures to predict outcome at 2 years is investigated. One hour of EEG and ECG recordings were obtained from newborns 24 hours after birth. Each newborn was reassessed at 24 months to investigate their neurodevelopmental outcome. From the EEG and ECG recordings, a set of 12 features was extracted. To classify each baby's outcome this data, along with clinical information was fed to a support vector machine. On a per patient basis an ROC area of 0.768 was achieved with 73.68% of newborns being assigned the correct outcome. Overall, this system presents a promising step towards the use of multimodal data for the prediction of neurodevelopmental outcome in newborns with HIE.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of trastuzumab in the adjuvant setting for treatment of HER2‐positive breast cancer

Adding trastuzumab to adjuvant chemotherapy provides significant clinical benefit in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive breast cancer. A cost‐effectiveness analysis was performed to assess clinical and economic implications of adding trastuzumab to adjuvant chemotherapy, based upon joint analysis of NSABP B‐31 and NCCTG N9831 trials.
Quantum-Dot Spin-State Preparation with Near-Unity Fidelity

We have demonstrated laser cooling of a single electron spin trapped in a semiconductor quantum dot. Optical coupling of electronic spin states was achieved using resonant excitation of the charged quantum dot (trion) transitions along with the heavy-light hole mixing, which leads to weak yet finite rates for spin-flip Raman scattering. With this mechanism, the electron spin can be cooled from 4.2 to 0.020 kelvin, as confirmed by the strength of the induced Pauli blockade of the trion absorption. Within the framework of quantum information processing, this corresponds to a spin-state preparation with a fidelity exceeding 99.8%.
Cellular and molecular characterization of Ca2+ currents in acutely isolated, adult rat neostriatal neurons

Ca2+ currents in acutely isolated, adult rat neostriatal neurons were studied with whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques. In the vast majority of neurons (approximately 90%, n > 250), currents were exclusively of the high-voltage-activated (HVA) type. HVA currents activated near -40 mV and reached their maximum amplitude near 0 mV. Quasi-steady-state inactivation curves in many neurons were well fitted only with a sum of Boltzmann functions, suggesting that the HVA currents were heterogeneous. Although the block of whole-cell current by Cd2+ was well fitted with a single isotherm having an IC50 of near 1 microM, experiments with organic channel antagonists suggested that at least four types of HVA channels were expressed by most cells. On average, the L-channel antagonist nifedipine (5–10 microM) blocked 31 +/- 10% of the whole-cell current (n = 20), the N-channel antagonist omega- conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx) (2–5 microM) blocked 27 +/- 11% (n = 20), and the P-channel antagonist omega-agatoxin IVA (100–500 nM) blocked 21 +/- 10% (n = 18). In many neurons, the block by omega-CgTx was partially or completely reversible. In cells tested with a combination of these antagonists, 34 +/- 17% of the peak Ca2+ current remained unblocked (n = 13). Single-cell expression profiling of medium-sized neurons revealed the presence of rbA and rbB Ca2+ channel alpha 1 subunit mRNAs but low or undetectable levels of rbC mRNA (n = 12). These findings suggest that although adult neostriatal projection neurons do not express significant levels of LVA Ca2+ current, they do express a pharmacologically and structurally heterogeneous population of HVA currents.
Biogenic amine-aldehyde condensation products: tetrahydroisoquinolines and tryptolines (beta-carbolines).

(,B-carbolines) are products of the reaction between indoleamines and aldehydes. In this review we confine ourselves primarily to those compounds that conceivably could be produced in mammals. Other compounds are discussed only when they help provide a better understanding of the formation or actions of these compounds. In a review such as this, with space restrictions, we make no pretense at an encyclopedic coverage of the subject. Undoubtedly some papers will not be mentioned, but the aim is to put the field in perspective in the first extensive review of this subject in the Annual Reviews. The major focus of interest in these compounds recently has been in the area of alcohol actions. How­ ever, they may be important in a number of other areas as well, such as I-dopa therapy for parkinsonism (1, 2) and in phenylketonuria (3). A number of reviews have appeared recently which contain diverse points of view (4-7).
Critical Care Delivery: The Importance of Process of Care and ICU Structure to Improved Outcomes: An Update From the American College of Critical Care Medicine Task Force on Models of Critical Care

In 2001, the Society of Critical Care Medicine published practice model guidelines that focused on the delivery of critical care and the roles of different ICU team members. An exhaustive review of the additional literature published since the last guideline has demonstrated that both the structure and process of care in the ICU are important for achieving optimal patient outcomes. Since the publication of the original guideline, several authorities have recognized that improvements in the processes of care, ICU structure, and the use of quality improvement science methodologies can beneficially impact patient outcomes and reduce costs. Herein, we summarize findings of the American College of Critical Care Medicine Task Force on Models of Critical Care: 1) An intensivist-led, high-performing, multidisciplinary team dedicated to the ICU is an integral part of effective care delivery; 2) Process improvement is the backbone of achieving high-quality ICU outcomes; 3) Standardized protocols including care bundles and order sets to facilitate measurable processes and outcomes should be used and further developed in the ICU setting; and 4) Institutional support for comprehensive quality improvement programs as well as tele-ICU programs should be provided.
Effects of moderate-intensity endurance and high-intensity intermittent training on anaerobic capacity and VO2max.

This study consists of two training experiments using a mechanically braked cycle ergometer. First, the effect of 6 wk of moderate-intensity endurance training (intensity: 70% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), 60 min.d-1, 5 d.wk-1) on the anaerobic capacity (the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit) and VO2max was evaluated. After the training, the anaerobic capacity did not increase significantly (P > 0.10), while VO2max increased from 53 +/- 5 ml.kg-1 min-1 to 58 +/- 3 ml.kg-1.min-1 (P < 0.01) (mean +/- SD). Second, to quantify the effect of high-intensity intermittent training on energy release, seven subjects performed an intermittent training exercise 5 d.wk-1 for 6 wk. The exhaustive intermittent training consisted of seven to eight sets of 20-s exercise at an intensity of about 170% of VO2max with a 10-s rest between each bout. After the training period, VO2max increased by 7 ml.kg-1.min-1, while the anaerobic capacity increased by 28%. In conclusion, this study showed that moderate-intensity aerobic training that improves the maximal aerobic power does not change anaerobic capacity and that adequate high-intensity intermittent training may improve both anaerobic and aerobic energy supplying systems significantly, probably through imposing intensive stimuli on both systems.
Severity and stability of glaucoma: patient perception compared with objective measurement.

OBJECTIVE To elucidate the relationship between the subjective assessment in patients with glaucoma of (1) the severity of their visual loss, and (2) any deterioration in their visual function and their objective visual fields as measured by computed perimetry. DESIGN First, patients completed a questionnaire relating to perceived visual disability and underwent binocular visual field testing. Second, a separate group of patients answered a question about perceived visual deterioration: their monocular visual field tests were analyzed retrospectively by pointwise linear regression to establish stability or deterioration. SETTING The Glaucoma Service of a specialist eye hospital, which is a tertiary referral center and serves the local community. SUBJECTS One hundred twenty-three patients with glaucoma including 62 for the severity arm of the study and 61 for the progression arm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Questionnaire responses, Esterman binocular disability score, and objective visual field deterioration. RESULTS Questions strongly associated with Esterman binocular disability scores related to bumping into things, problems with stairs, and finding things that have been dropped. There was a strong association between perceived visual deterioration and measured bilateral visual field deterioration (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS There is a strong association between some types of perceived visual disability and the severity of binocular field loss. A patient who notices gradual visual deterioration is twice as likely to have bilateral visual field deterioration as not. The findings in this sample of patients with mild-to-moderate glaucoma challenge the belief that glaucoma is an insidious process in which the symptoms do not appear until the end stage of the disease.
CaMKII is essential for the cellular clock and coupling between morning and evening behavioral rhythms

Daily behavioral rhythms in mammals are governed by the central circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and calcium is thought to play a role in the oscillation of the SCN. Kon et al. now find that Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activity promotes dimerization of CLOCK and BMAL1 and is essential for the cellular oscillation and synchronization among oscillators in the SCN. Kinase-dead CaMKIIα weakened the behavioral rhythmicity and elicited decoupling between the morning and evening activity rhythms.
Cosmological Parameters from Redshift-Space Correlations

We estimate how clustering in large-scale redshift surveys can constrain various cosmological parameters. Depth and sky coverage of modern redshift surveys are greater than ever, opening new possibilities for statistical analysis. We have constructed a novel maximum likelihood technique applicable to deep redshift surveys of wide sky coverage by taking into account the effects of both curvature and linear velocity distortions. The Fisher information matrix is evaluated numerically to show the bounds derived from a given redshift sample. We find that intermediate-redshift galaxies, such as the luminous red galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, can constrain cosmological parameters, including the cosmological constant, unexpectedly well. The importance of the dense as well as deep sampling in designing redshift surveys is emphasized.
Corticostriatal Plastic Changes in Experimental L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesia

In Parkinson's disease (PD), alteration of dopamine- (DA-) dependent striatal functions and pulsatile stimulation of DA receptors caused by the discontinuous administration of levodopa (L-DOPA) lead to a complex cascade of events affecting the postsynaptic striatal neurons that might account for the appearance of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). Experimental models of LID have been widely used and extensively characterized in rodents and electrophysiological studies provided remarkable insights into the inner mechanisms underlying L-DOPA-induced corticostriatal plastic changes. Here we provide an overview of recent findings that represent a further step into the comprehension of mechanisms underlying maladaptive changes of basal ganglia functions in response to L-DOPA and associated to development of LID.
Reviving Growth in the Arab World

Why has growth in the Arab world been so disappointing? Stagnating since 1985, the little growth that does exist is volatile and unstable, and the region has lagged behind both the gains of other developing countries and the region’s own pre‐1985 performance. This article attempts to encourage the revitalization of growth in the Arab world by addressing the following two questions: why has growth been so low, specifically in comparison to the high performers of East Asia, and why has it been so erratic and unstable? I estimate two growth models of the determinants of long‐term growth and the persistence of growth, using global panel data drawn from more than 70 countries. I conclude by describing two strategies and one development constraint important in explaining the growth process specific to the Arab world.