Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Evaluation of Therapies for Staphylococcus aureus Endocarditis

We retrospectively evaluated antiinfective therapy for methicillin‐sensitive (MSSA) and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) endocarditis in 54 patients who had 57 treatment courses for the disease. Three treatments were assessed: 27 nafcillin‐treated courses of MSSA endocarditis, 18 vancomycin‐treated courses of MSSA endocarditis, and 11 vancomycin‐treated courses of MRSA endocarditis. At baseline, patients with MSSA treated with vancomycin had more chronic conditions (p<0.01), a lower frequency of intravenous drug use (p<0.01), a lower hematocrit concentration (p<0.05), and a higher serum creatinine concentration (p<0.05) than the nafcillin group. Vancomycin‐treated patients had a higher complication rate during therapy (p<0.05) and a longer duration in an intensive care unit (p<0.01) than the nafcillin group. The trend was for a higher complete response rate in the nafcillin group (74% vs 50%, p=0.12), but no difference in mortality (22% vs 28%, p=0.73). Patients with MRSA infection treated with vancomycin had higher mortality than those with MSSA who received that drug (55% vs 28%, p=0.24). Patients with vancomycin‐treated MSSA endocarditis may have a poorer outcome than those who receive nafcillin, but this may be influenced by different or more severe clinical features. (Pharmacotherapy 1997;17(5):990–997)
Spatial and temporal organization of pressure patterns throughout the unprepared colon during spontaneous defecation

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to examine colonic motor events associated with spontaneous defecation in the entire unprepared human colon under physiological conditions.METHODS:In 13 healthy volunteers a perfused, balloon-tipped, 17-lumen catheter (outer diameter, 3.5 mm; intersidehole spacing, 7.5 cm) was passed pernasally and positioned in the distal unprepared colon.RESULTS:In the hour before spontaneous defecation, there was an increase in propagating sequence frequency (p = 0.04) and nonpropagating activity when compared to basal conditions (p < 0.0001). During this hour the spatial and temporal relationships among propagating sequences demonstrated a biphasic pattern. Both the early (proximal) and late (distal) colonic phases involved the whole colon and were characterized by respective antegrade and retrograde migration of site-of-origin of arrays of propagating sequences. There was a negative correlation between propagating sequence amplitude and the time interval from propagating sequence to stool expulsion (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS:The colonic motor correlate of defecation is the colonic propagating sequence, the frequency and amplitude of which begin to increase as early as 1 h before stool expulsion. During the preexpulsive phase, the spatial and temporal relationship among the sites of origin of individual propagating sequences demonstrate a stereotypic anal followed by orad migration, which raises the possibility of control by long colocolonic pathways.
Viral strategies for evading antiviral cellular immune responses of the host

The host invariably responds to infecting viruses by activating its innate immune system and mounting virus‐specific humoral and cellular immune responses. These responses are aimed at conrolling viral replication and eliminating the infecting virus from the host. However, viruses have evolved numerous strategies to counter and evade host's antiviral responses. Providing specific examples from the published literature, we discuss in this review article various strategies that viruses have developed to evade antiviral cellular responses of the host. Unraveling these viral strategies allows a better understanding of the host‐pathogen interactions and their coevolution. This knowledge is important for identifying novel molecular targets for developing antiviral reagents. Finally, it may also help devise new knowledge‐based strategies for developing antiviral vaccines.
Evaluating Approaches to Selectional Preference Acquisition against German Plausibility Judgments

Previous research on the automatic acquisition of selectional preference information has mainly focused on English and on the relation between verbs and their direct objects. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of models of selectional preferences for German verbs and take into account not only direct objects, but also subjects and prepositional complements. A variety of parameter settings are explored. The preference values are compared to human judgments elicited in a magnitude estimation experiment. The results indicate that there exist significant linear correlations between the human judgments and different single algorithms, depending on the grammatical relation being observed.
Utilisation of grain‐oriented electrical steel in permanent magnet fractional‐slot modular machines

The performance improvement of using grain-oriented electrical steels (GOES) in the stator of PM fractional-slot modular machines is analysed in this study. Several models using a finite element tool are examined and it is concluded the techniques used in the actual software are not accurate for simulating anisotropic behaviour. Consequently, a simplified yet accurate modelling technique is proposed to simulate the performance of this type of electrical machines equipped with GOES. The advantages as well as the drawbacks of using GOES on the electromagnetic performance are investigated for different pole/slot combinations. It is concluded that the use of GOES is beneficial from an electromagnetic point of view mainly due to an increase on the radial component of the airgap flux density.
Professional and Parental Attitudes Toward iPad Application Use in Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study explored the attitudes of parents and professionals who work with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) toward the utilization of iPads and use of iPad applications by children with ASD. A survey of parents (n = 90) and professionals (n = 31) assessed information and communication technology (ICT) anxiety and self-efficacy, attitude toward ICT and iPad applications, and iPad utilization. Both parents and professionals held positive attitudes toward ICT and iPad use for children with ASD. Parents reported high use of iPads by their children, and professionals reported some, albeit limited, utilization as part of their practice. These findings suggest that iPad applications are not being used by professionals to a degree that is consistent with their favorable attitudes toward them. iPad use has been enthusiastically adopted by many parents; however, there appears a need for training in their use and research to establish an evidence base.
Recent methods for measuring dopamine D3 receptor occupancy in vivo: importance for drug development

There is considerable interest in developing highly selective dopamine (DA) D3 receptor ligands for a variety of mental health disorders. DA D3 receptors have been implicated in Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. The most concrete evidence suggests a role for the D3 receptor in drug-seeking behaviors. D3 receptors are a subtype of D2 receptors, and traditionally the functional role of these two receptors has been difficult to differentiate. Over the past 10–15 years a number of compounds selective for D3 over D2 receptors have been developed. However, translating these findings into clinical research has been difficult as many of these compounds cannot be used in humans. Therefore, the functional data involving the D3 receptor in drug addiction mostly comes from pre-clinical studies. Recently, with the advent of [11C]-(+)-PHNO, it has become possible to image D3 receptors in the human brain with increased selectivity and sensitivity. This is a significant innovation over traditional methods such as [11C]-raclopride that cannot differentiate between D2 and D3 receptors. The use of [11C]-(+)-PHNO will allow for further delineation of the role of D3 receptors. Here, we review recent evidence that the role of the D3 receptor has functional importance and is distinct from the role of the D2 receptor. We then introduce the utility of analyzing [11C]-(+)-PHNO binding by region of interest. This novel methodology can be used in pre-clinical and clinical approaches for the measurement of occupancy of both D3 and D2 receptors. Evidence that [11C]-(+)-PHNO can provide insights into the function of D3 receptors in addiction is also presented.
Flexible substrate and manufacturing method thereof and display device

The invention provides a flexible substrate and a manufacturing method thereof and a display device. The flexible substrate comprises a flexible base and a capacitor, wherein the capacitor is arranged on the flexible base, and comprises a first pole plate, a capacitor dielectric layer and a second pole plate; the first pole plate is arranged on the flexible base; the capacitor dielectric layer is arranged on the first pole plate; the second pole plate is arranged on the capacitor dielectric layer; the second pole plate comprises a first part with a first thickness and a second part with a second thickness; the first part and the second part are formed in the same layer; and the first thickness is not equal to the second thickness. According to the flexible substrate provided by the invention, the risk that the second pole plate is broken off can be reduced.
A dendrodendritic reciprocal synapse provides a recurrent excitatory connection in the olfactory bulb

Neuronal synchronization in the olfactory bulb has been proposed to arise from a diffuse action of glutamate released from mitral cells (MC, olfactory bulb relay neurons). According to this hypothesis, glutamate spills over from dendrodendritic synapses formed between MC and granule cells (GC, olfactory bulb interneurons) to activate neighboring MC. The excitation of MC is balanced by a strong inhibition from GC. Here we show that MC excitation is caused by glutamate released from bulbar interneurons located in the GC layer. These reciprocal synapses depend on an unusual, 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid-resistant, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor. This type of feedback excitation onto relay neurons may strengthen the original sensory input signal and further extend the function of the dendritic microcircuit within the main olfactory bulb.
Synchronic variability and diachronic change in basic color terms

Abstract The main purpose of this paper is to relate recent findings regarding the evolution of basic color term systems to current research in linguistic variation and language change. More specifically it is to provide in the area of lexical semantics a demonstration of the hypothesis that all linguistic change has its roots in synchronic heterogeneity of the speech community (cf. Weinreich, Labov & Herzog (1968: 188) for a general statement of this position, also many empirical demonstrations already reported, such as those by Labov (1972) and Wang (1969) in phonology and by Bickerton (1973) in syntax). Before taking up this topic, I summarize some recent revisions in the basic color term theory itself. (Ethnographic semantics, color terms, language variation, evolutionary universals in linguistic change.)
Evaluating Performance of Network Metrics for Bug Prediction in Software

Code-based metrics and network analysis based metrics are widely used to predict defects in software. However, their effectiveness in predicting bugs either individually or together is still actively researched. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of these metrics using three different techniques, namely, Logistic regression, Support vector machines and Random forests. We analysed the performance of these techniques under three different scenarios on a large dataset. The results show that code metrics outperform network metrics and also no considerable advantage in using both of them together. Further, an analysis on the influence of individual metrics for prediction of bugs shows that network metrics (except out-degree) are uninfluential.
Second-Grade Children Speak: Artistic Expressions of Sin and Forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Despite a long-standing historical debate in Catholicism about whether second grade is an age-appropriate time to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, there has been a virtual absence of Catholic children? s own voices and perspectives about this sacrament and its spiritual and moral effects. Joining a growing number of religious scholars who stress the need to engage in child-centered research, I conducted a qualitative study interviewing Catholic second graders about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The purpose of this article is to analyze their drawings of this religious ritual. According to many psychologists and art therapists, children can best capture how they think, feel, and visualize through the medium of art. Because I was interested in exploring how this sacrament impacted children cognitively, affectively, morally, and spiritually, asking them to draw about their experiences seemed to be most the promising medium for children to express in depth what occurred during Reconciliation.
Robust Parallel Newton { Multilevel

The present paper is devoted to the numerical solution of nonlinear boundary value problems arising in the magnetic eld computation and in solid mechanics. These problems are discretized by using nite elements. The nonlinearity is handled by a nested Newton solver, and the linear systems of algebraic equations within each Newton step are solved by means of various iterative solvers, namely multigrid methods and conjugate gradient methods with DD preconditioners as well as BPX preconditioners. All solvers are based on a non-overlapping domain decomposition data structure such that they are well-suited for implementations on parallel machines with MIMD architecture. We compare by numerical examples the performance of the diierent iterative solvers which are applied within each Newton step.
Y Chromosome of D. pseudoobscura Is Not Homologous to the Ancestral Drosophila Y

We report a genome-wide search of Y-linked genes in Drosophila pseudoobscura. All six identifiable orthologs of the D. melanogaster Y-linked genes have autosomal inheritance in D. pseudoobscura. Four orthologs were investigated in detail and proved to be Y-linked in D. guanche and D. bifasciata, which shows that less than 18 million years ago the ancestral Drosophila Y chromosome was translocated to an autosome in the D. pseudoobscura lineage. We found 15 genes and pseudogenes in the current Y of D. pseudoobscura, and none are shared with the D. melanogaster Y. Hence, the Y chromosome in the D. pseudoobscura lineage appears to have arisen de novo and is not homologous to the D. melanogaster Y.
Productive Strategies for Raising Student Achievement in Algebra

High school students continue to struggle in algebra, especially in large inner-city schools with underprivileged students. Students are not the only ones skirmishing with algebra. Teachers and school leaders are just as frustrated as they search for answers to complex teaching and learning problems. Two high school principals report the results of action research they gleaned from visitations to successful high schools similar to their own in demographics in order to raise proficiency levels in mathematics in their own schools. Among the results include the focused and empowered leadership of department chairs and specific instructional pedagogies that are fostered and shared among teachers and mathematics coaches.
Polyclonal Mucosa-Associated Invariant T Cells Have Unique Innate Functions in Bacterial Infection

ABSTRACT Mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a unique population of αβ T cells in mammals that reside preferentially in mucosal tissues and express an invariant Vα paired with limited Vβ T-cell receptor (TCR) chains. Furthermore, MAIT cell development is dependent upon the expression of the evolutionarily conserved major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ib molecule MR1. Using in vitro assays, recent studies have shown that mouse and human MAIT cells are activated by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) infected with diverse microbes, including numerous bacterial strains and yeasts, but not viral pathogens. However, whether MAIT cells play an important, and perhaps unique, role in controlling microbial infection has remained unclear. To probe MAIT cell function, we show here that purified polyclonal MAIT cells potently inhibit intracellular bacterial growth of Mycobacterium bovis BCG in macrophages (MΦ) in coculture assays, and this inhibitory activity was dependent upon MAIT cell selection by MR1, secretion of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), and an innate interleukin 12 (IL-12) signal from infected MΦ. Surprisingly, however, the cognate recognition of MR1 by MAIT cells on the infected MΦ was found to play only a minor role in MAIT cell effector function. We also report that MAIT cell-deficient mice had higher bacterial loads at early times after infection compared to wild-type (WT) mice, demonstrating that MAIT cells play a unique role among innate lymphocytes in protective immunity against bacterial infection.
The Prevalence and Clinical Impact of Reported Cognitive Difficulties (Fibrofog) in Patients With Rheumatic Disease With and Without Fibromyalgia

Cognitive dysfunction in patients with rheumatic disease encompasses a range of impairment. Their prevalence, co-occurrence, and impact on symptom severity were assessed in 57 patients with fibromyalgia (FMS) and 57 patients with rheumatic disease without FMS. Information pertaining to memory decline, mental confusion, and speech difficulty was extracted from questions embedded in a health questionnaire and a blind retrospective chart review. Pain, morning stiffness, fatigue, and sleep difficulty were established on a 0- to 100-mm visual analog scale. Variables of mental confusion, fatigue, tension, depression, anger, and vigor were assessed using the Profile of Mood States. Compared with the non-FMS sample, patients with FMS complained more often of memory decline (70.2–24.6%), mental confusion (56.1–12.3%), and speech difficulty (40.4–3.5%). Memory decline and mental confusion were coupled more often in patients with FMS (50.9–8.8%). Patients with FMS with this combination of cognitive problems reported more pain (76.0–45.4%), stiffness (79.7–43.7%), fatigue (79.6–52.6%), and disturbed sleep (59.2–36.6%) compared with patients with FMS with memory problems alone. Patients with rheumatic disease substantially differ in cognitive vulnerability, with patients with FMS at considerably higher risk for cognitive difficulty. More importantly, the prevalence of a combined disturbance in memory and mental clarity is high and closely associated with the perception of increased illness severity and diminished mental health in FMS. That this linkage has the possibility of having a great deal to do with an important clinical variant of FMS underscores the need for greater clinical recognition of this underrecognized pattern and for further research. Patients with fibromyalgia frequently report memory and concentration problems, especially if asked about them. Clinicians could judge these complaints as similar to adult attention deficit syndrome and reassure the patient. Trying medication to improve attention and concentration is sensible but untested in fibromyalgia.
Distinguishing Imaging Features between Spinal Hyperplastic Hematopoietic Bone Marrow and Bone Metastasis

MR, FDG-PET, and CT images from 8 patients with proven spinal findings of hyperplastic hematopoietic bone marrow were compared with those of 24 patients with spinal metastases. If a lesion was isointense to hyperintense to normal-appearing marrow on MR imaging or had a maximum standard uptake value of >3.6, the lesion was metastatic. A normal appearance on CT or bone scintigraphy excluded metastasis. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Systematic investigations of the distinguishing imaging features between spinal hyperplastic hematopoietic bone marrow and bone metastasis have not been reported, to our knowledge. The purpose of this study was to determine the distinguishing imaging features of the 2 entities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the radiologic images of 8 consecutive male patients (age range, 52–78 years; mean, 64 years) with suspected spinal metastasis on MR imaging and FDG-PET, which was later confirmed as hyperplastic hematopoietic bone marrow. MR imaging, FDG-PET, CT, and bone scintigraphy images were qualitatively and/or quantitatively evaluated. Imaging findings in 24 patients with spinal metastasis were compared, and differences were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: All 8 vertebral hyperplastic hematopoietic bone marrow lesions were hypointense on T1- and T2-weighted images; lesions contiguous with the adjacent vertebra were significantly more often seen in hyperplastic hematopoietic bone marrow than in metastasis (P = .035). T2 signal intensity of the lesion was significantly different between the 2 entities (P = .033). FDG-PET showed slightly higher uptake in all hyperplastic hematopoietic bone marrow lesions; their maximum standard uptake value was significantly lower than that of metastatic lesions (P = .037). CT attenuation of hyperplastic hematopoietic bone marrow was equal to or slightly higher than that of adjacent normal-appearing vertebra; the CT appearances of hyperplastic hematopoietic bone marrow and metastasis were significantly different (P < .01). Bone scintigraphy showed normal uptake for all vertebrae with hyperplastic hematopoietic bone marrow; the uptake was significantly different from that of metastasis (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: If a lesion was isointense to hyperintense to normal-appearing marrow on MR imaging or had a maximum standard uptake value of >3.6, the lesion was considered metastatic. A normal appearance on CT or bone scintigraphy excluded metastasis.
DOA estimation of IR-UWB signals using coherent signal processing

In this paper coherent signal subspace method (CSM) is used to estimate the direction of arrival (DOA) of ultra wide band (UWB) signals in a multipath, non line of sight (NLOS) environment. As the name suggests it focuses the signal space of the wideband signal into a narrow subspace and the pseudospectrum of the resultant focused signal is calculated. The focusing frequency is calculated by minimizing the subspace fitting error. The frequency hence obtained gives better estimation results as compared to the case where the mid frequency of the spectrum is taken as the focusing frequency. This method proves to be the best choice for a wideband signal as it involves the multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm, which has this innate ability to seperate multipath channels.