Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Prevalence and issues of screening for alcohol consumption among elderly inpatients admitted to acute geriatric inpatient unit].

BACKGROUND alcohol use disorders in the elderly are often underdiagnosed in spite of their effects worsened by age-related physiological changes, comorbidities and frequent polymedication. OBJECTIVE the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of alcohol use in a geriatric acute care unit. SUBJECTS AND METHODS a prospective and descriptive study was carried out in an acute care geriatric unit in France, from November 2011 to March 2012. It included inpatients aged 75 and older. We gathered medical data from medical records and conducted one-to-one interviews assessing the inpatients' weekly alcohol intake and personal history of alcohol use. We screened alcohol abuse and dependence by using parts of the MINI (Mini international neuropsychiatric interview). We also assessed benzodiazepine and tobacco consumption. Comprehensive geriatric assessment was conducted using the CIRS-G (cumulative illness scale in geriatrics), the MMSE (Mini mental state evaluation), the MNA (Mini nutritional assessment), the mini GDS (mini Geriatric depression scale) and the 4-IADL (4-Instrumental activities of daily living). Patients were dispatched in five groups according the DSM-IV-TR classification. RESULTS the study included consicutively 100 inpatients (53 women and 47 men), with a mean age of 84.8±5.4 years. Forty-four percent had alcohol use disorders (29% at-risk users, 11% harmful users and 4% dependent). Very few inpatients with alcohol use disorders had been asked in the past about their alcohol consumption. They used benzodiazepine more often than the others. We did not find any differences in geriatric assessment when comparing the two sub-groups. CONCLUSION alcohol use disorders are very common in elderly inpatients of acute geriatric care units, especially when considering the group of at-risk users. Alcohol use should thus be screened for every elderly inpatient.
Mapping the scholarly development of strategic management

In an effort to move from speculative to scientific discourse, a key meta-issue in strategic management is addressed by systematically tracing the intellectual development of this sub-discipline. The flow of scholarly knowledge is mapped over time by combining multivariate statistics and other techniques. Observed citation frequencies are fitted to a chi-square model of importance, receptivity and similarity, while cluster analysis is employed to map changes in journal relationships over time. The results contradict at least one widely espoused and previously uncontested assertion, by revealing that the strategic management sub-discipline has evolved from a receptor to a transmitter of interdisciplinary knowledge and entered the mainstream of social science. The study demonstrates the potential to shed objective light on the social construction of knowledge and to address important issues in other scholarly disciplines.
Inverse Scattering Using a Joint $L1-L2$ Norm-Based Regularization

Inverse scattering problems suffer from ill-posedness and ill-conditioning, necessitating the use of regularization methods to get meaningful solutions. Commonly used regularizations are L2 norm based, but these generate over-smooth solutions. We propose a regularization method using both the L1 and L2 norms to obtain sharp object boundaries, while also achieving good interior reconstruction of the object permittivity. Knowledge about the permittivity can also be used as a priori information. The applicability of the method is demonstrated on synthetically generated data for two-dimensional (2-D) microwave imaging using the Born-iterative method (BIM). The optimization routine systematically estimates all parameters, while minimizing the cost function. Different objects chosen to represent realistic features have been considered to evaluate the performance. The reconstructed images indicate that the method can produce accurate object localization, shape identification, and good permittivity estimation.
Whole genome sequencing for improved understanding of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission in a remote circumpolar region

Abstract Few studies have used genomic epidemiology to understand tuberculosis (TB) transmission in rural and remote settings – regions often unique in history, geography and demographics. To improve our understanding of TB transmission dynamics in Yukon Territory (YT), a circumpolar Canadian territory, we conducted a retrospective analysis in which we combined epidemiological data collected through routine contact investigations with clinical and laboratory results. Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from all culture-confirmed TB cases in YT (2005–2014) were genotyped using 24-locus Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Units-Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (MIRU-VNTR) and compared to each other and to those from the neighbouring province of British Columbia (BC). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of genotypically clustered isolates revealed three sustained transmission networks within YT, two of which also involved BC isolates. While each network had distinct characteristics, all had at least one individual acting as the probable source of three or more culture-positive cases. Overall, WGS revealed that TB transmission dynamics in YT are distinct from patterns of spread in other, more remote Northern Canadian regions, and that the combination of WGS and epidemiological data can provide actionable information to local public health teams.
Black-backed jackal diet in relation to food availability in the Natal Drakensberg

Diet of the black-backed jackal Canis mesomelas was studied in Giant's Castle Game Reserve at the same time that studies were done on small mammal and antelope populations. The examination of 477 jackal scats indicated that mainly mammals are eaten: small mammals 55%, antelope 11%, medium (= size of hare) mammals 9%. The two most abundantly recorded small mammals in faeces were Otomys irroratus and Rhabdomys pumilio. Their relative occurrence is discussed in relation to their abundance, recognition of scats, and activity patterns. Seasonal variation in the amount of antelope in the diet was related to seasonal antelope mortality following the harsh Drakensberg winter. The jackal's feeding strategy in the game reserve is discussed and it is considered to be primarily a searcher, living on the most abundant, conveniently sized prey; and a pursuer or scavenger only opportunistically.
Realidad aumentada: Estrategia didáctica para fortalecer los procesos de Enseñanza y Aprendizaje en el programa Ingeniería de Sistemas de la Universidad de la Amazonia

El presente trabajo de investigacion tiene como proposito implementar la realidad aumentada como estrategia didactica para fortalecer los procesos de ensenanza y aprendizaje en el programa de Ingenieria de Sistemas de la Universidad de la Amazonia. Para abordar el desarrollo de la investigacion se hace uso de un diseno metodologico compuesto por tres metodos: Exploratorio, proyectivo y el metodo de proceso unificado. Como resultados preliminares se busca motivar a los estudiantes a traves de las TIC y generar en los docentes estrategias de ensenanza acordes con las necesidades actuales. Se espera propiciar el autoaprendizaje, el aprendizaje significativo, la interaccion con mundos virtuales, el trabajo colaborativo, el dinamismo, la motivacion y el juego.
The long-term preservation of accurate and authentic digital data: the INTERPARES project

This article presents the InterPARES Project, a multidisciplinary international research initiative aimed at developing the theoretical and methodological knowledge necessary for the long-term preservation of digital entities produced in the course of business or research activity so that their authenticity can be presumed or verified. The methodology, research activities, preliminary findings and projected products are discussed in the context of the issues that the project attempts to address.
Evolutionary Patterns of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in North versus South America Suggest Ecological Differences and Taxonomic Revision

ABSTRACT The eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) complex consists of four distinct genetic lineages: one that circulates in North America (NA EEEV) and the Caribbean and three that circulate in Central and South America (SA EEEV). Differences in their geographic, pathogenic, and epidemiologic profiles prompted evaluation of their genetic diversity and evolutionary histories. The structural polyprotein open reading frames of all available SA EEEV and recent NA EEEV isolates were sequenced and used in evolutionary and phylogenetic analyses. The nucleotide substitution rate per year for SA EEEV (1.2 × 10−4) was lower and more consistent than that for NA EEEV (2.7 × 10−4), which exhibited considerable rate variation among constituent clades. Estimates of time since divergence varied widely depending upon the sequences used, with NA and SA EEEV diverging ca. 922 to 4,856 years ago and the two main SA EEEV lineages diverging ca. 577 to 2,927 years ago. The single, monophyletic NA EEEV lineage exhibited mainly temporally associated relationships and was highly conserved throughout its geographic range. In contrast, SA EEEV comprised three divergent lineages, two consisting of highly conserved geographic groupings that completely lacked temporal associations. A phylogenetic comparison of SA EEEV and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV) demonstrated similar genetic and evolutionary patterns, consistent with the well-documented use of mammalian reservoir hosts by VEEV. Our results emphasize the evolutionary and genetic divergences between members of the NA and SA EEEV lineages, consistent with major differences in pathogenicity and ecology, and propose that NA and SA EEEV be reclassified as distinct species in the EEE complex.
Inhibition of P-glycoprotein-mediated drug transport: A unifying mechanism to explain the interaction between digoxin and quinidine [seecomments].

BACKGROUND Although quinidine is known to elevate plasma digoxin concentrations, the mechanism underlying this interaction is not fully understood. Digoxin is not extensively metabolized, but it is known to be transported by the drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein, which is expressed in excretory tissues (kidney, liver, intestine) and at the blood-brain barrier. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of P-glycoprotein-mediated digoxin transport by quinidine contributes to the digoxin-quinidine interaction. METHODS AND RESULTS First, we demonstrated active transcellular transport of both digoxin and quinidine in cultured cell lines that express P-glycoprotein in a polarized fashion. In addition, 5 micromol/L quinidine inhibited P-glycoprotein-mediated digoxin transport by 57%. Second, the effect of quinidine on digoxin disposition was studied in wild-type and in mdr1a(-/-) mice, in which the gene expressing the major digoxin-transporting P-glycoprotein has been disrupted. Because the in vitro data showed that quinidine itself is a P-glycoprotein substrate, quinidine doses were reduced in mdr1a(-/-) mice to produce plasma concentrations similar to those in wild-type control animals. Quinidine increased plasma digoxin concentrations by 73.0% (P=0.05) in wild-type animals, compared with 19.5% (P=NS) in mdr1a(-/-) mice. Moreover, quinidine increased digoxin brain concentrations by 73.2% (P=0.05) in wild-type animals; by contrast, quinidine did not increase digoxin brain concentrations in mdr1a(-/-) mice but rather decreased them (-30.7%, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Quinidine and digoxin are both substrates for P-glycoprotein, and quinidine is a potent inhibitor of digoxin transport in vitro. The in vivo data strongly support the hypothesis that inhibition of P-glycoprotein-mediated digoxin elimination plays an important role in the increase of plasma digoxin concentration occurring with quinidine coadministration in wild-type mice and thus support a similar mechanism in humans.
Postnatal dendritic morphogenesis of cerebellar basket and stellate cells in vitro

Inhibitory interneurons in the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex play an essential role in cerebellar physiology by providing feed‐forward inhibition to efferent Purkinje cells. Morphologic characteristics have been utilized to classify these cells as either basket cells or stellate cells. Conflicting evidence exists as to whether these cells are of distinct lineage and develop by employing discrete genetic programs, or whether their characteristic morphologic differences result from external cues that they encounter only after they have settled in their final territory in the molecular layer. We used primary dissociated cerebellar cultures established from early postnatal mice to study dendritogenesis of basket/stellate cells, identified by immunostaining for parvalbumin, under experimentally controlled conditions. We find that the radial axonal orientation of stem dendrites is non‐random, suggesting a cell‐intrinsic component defining this morphologic trait. In contrast, the expanse and complexity of basket/stellate cell dendrites is modulated by the granule cell derived neurotrophin, BDNF. BDNF‐induced morphogenetic effects decline with ongoing development. Overall, our data do not provide evidence for a distinct lineage or genetic makeup of cerebellar molecular layer inhibitory interneurons. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photosensitivity of electron field emission from B-doped Si-tip arrays

The electron current from field-emitting B-doped Si-tip arrays under illumination was studied. An improved cathode design with a patch of 271 tips yielded a reproducible cathode current between 0.2-2000 nA in the electric field range of 3.8-6.6 V/μm. The plateau in the Fowler-Nordheim plot shows the actual carrier depletion and leads to a very stable emission at ~1 μA with a current noise of less than 3.3 %. Color-filtered halogen lamp illumination was used to investigate the photo-sensitivity of the saturation current. The intensity-normalized current switching ratio increases nonlinearly with the photon energy. This hints either for secondary generation in the conduction band or deeper valence band excitation. The first is supported by a rough estimation of the quantum efficiency. Further experiments with a tunable laser and electron spectroscopy are planned.
A structural module in RNase P expands the variety of RNA kinks

RNA structures are built from recurrent modules that can be identified by structural and comparative sequence analysis. In order to assemble sets of helices in compact architectures, modules that introduce bends and kinks are necessary. Among such modules, kink-turns form an important family that presents sequence and structural characteristics. Here, we describe an internal loop in the bacterial type A RNase P RNA that sets helices bound at the junctions exactly in the same relative positions as in kink-turns but without the structural signatures typical of kink-turns. Our work suggests that identifying a structural module in a subset of RNA sequences constitutes a strategy to identify distinct sequential motifs sharing common structural characteristics.
Reproducibility and Sensitivity of the 6-Minute Stepper Test in Patients with COPD

Abstract The aims of this study were to test the reproducibility of the 6-minute stepper test (6MST), and evaluate its accuracy in detecting improved functional capacity after pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Thirty-five COPD outpatients performed two 6MSTs in the same session, before (6MST1 and 6MST2) and after (6MST3 and 6MST4) PR. The performance, perceived exertion, heart rate and arterial oxygen saturation were measured during each 6MST. The performance was higher during the second 6MST of the same session (before PR: 514 strokes during the 6MST2 > 471 strokes during the 6MST1, and after PR: 559 strokes during the 6MST4 > 508 strokes during the 6MST3; p = 0.04). After PR, 6MST performance was higher than before PR (6MST3 > 6MST1 and 6MST4 > 6MST2; P < 0.01). The bias (the difference in the number of strokes) between the two 6MSTs from the same session (before PR: 6MST2-6MST1 = 42 strokes vs after PR: 6MST4-6MST3 = 52 strokes) was not different (P = 0.34). However, both bias were greater than 0 (P < 0.001). The mean performances for the two 6MSTs of the same session (before PR: 6MST1 and 6MST2 and after PR: 6MST3 and 6MST4) were correlated with the bias between these performances (P < 0.01; r = 0.32). The perceived exertions were lower after PR (P < 0.02). The systematic improvement of performance (8–10%) during the second 6MST of the each session may be explained from the warming of hydraulic jacks of the stepper and/or learning effect. On the other hand, the 6MST seems sufficiently sensitive to detect functional capacity improvements after PR in patients with COPD.
Lung distensibility and airway function in intermediate alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (Pi MZ)

We examined the role of intermediate alpha,-antitrypsin deficiency in predisposing to abnormalities of lung distensibility and airway function in 20 heterozygotes (Pi MZ) who were individually matched with a control Pi M subject of similar age, height, and smoking habits drawn from the same male, working population. There were no significant differences between the heterozygotes and their controls in the results of spirometry, maximum expiratory flow-volume curves (breathing air), single breath nitrogen test, arterialised capillary blood oxygen pressure, or single breath carbon monoxide transfer. Additional studies were made in 12 of the pairs of Pi MZ and Pi M subjects. Comparison of maximum expiratory flow-volume curves breathing air and 80% helium-20% oxygen showed no differences between the Pi MZ and Pi M subjects. Although airway function was similar in the two groups, four of 12 Pi MZ subjects showed abnormalities of the pressure-volume curve of the lung (reduction in lung recoil pressure, abnormal shape factor, increase in functional residual capacity). Abnormalities of washout of a helium-sulphur hexafluoride gas mixture, of a type previously described as characteristic of emphysema, were found in two of the men with abnormal pressure-volume curves. The results suggest that Pi MZ subjects have an increased susceptibility to alveolar abnormalities without increased abnormalities of airway function; this may explain the increased frequency of emphysema at necropsy despite many studies showing no predisposition to abnormal airway function in life. The functional changes we observed would be unlikely to cause symptoms. The risk of disablement from chronic lung disease appears to be only slightly enhanced by intermediate alpha,-antitrypsin deficiency. The serum alpha,-
Investigation of Insulation Deterioration in 15 KV and 22 KV Polyethylene Cables Removed from Service - Part III

This paper is a continuation of the investigation reported previously1,2. The relationship of electro- chemical and electrical trees found in service-aged cables is evaluated. Additional observations and evaluations are made in light of new knowledge of electrochemical treeing including the use of a dyeing technique which affects the data previously reported. Two cable designs which have been shown to be particularly susceptible to electrochemical treeing and early failure are described.
A Trust Cloud Model for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks

Nowadays, the study of underwater WSNs (UWSNs) has become a hot topic. However, UWSNs have not been fully utilized in the complex underwater environment, since there are some difficulties in controlling mobile sensor nodes and underwater environment conditions. In addition, how to ensure the security of UWSNs and the safety of underwater mobile sensor nodes has not been solved well. In this article, we study the problem of trust establishment between nodes in UWSNs. We first give a detailed overview of existing trust management mechanisms. Since UWSNs possess specific characteristics, it is noted that those existing mechanisms are not applicable for UWSNs. We then introduce a trust cloud model that is suitable for trust management in UWSNs.
Current trends in the diagnosis and management of haemoglobinopathies

The inherited disorders of haemoglobin, or haemoglobinopathies, are the commonest monogenic diseases. Although they reach their highest frequency in the populations of tropical countries, due to population movements they are now encountered in almost every country of the world. Although there are hundreds of inherited variants in the structure or synthesis of haemoglobin, only three groups, alpha and beta thalassaemia and the sickle-cell disorders, cause a significant public health problem [1]. Over the last 40 years a great deal has been learned about the pathophysiology and molecular pathology of the haemoglobinopathies and there have been major advances in their control and management, at least in the developed countries. There are, however, two major problems which have to be overcome for the development of programmes for the control of the haemoglobinopathies. First, even within individual countries their distribution is extremely heterogeneous. Second, like all monogenic diseases the haemoglobinopathies show remarkable phenotypic variability, even in those who inherit the same mutation. There is increasing evidence that the high frequency of the haemoglobinopathies in many tropical countries reflects heterozygote advantage against severe malaria. Because transmission rates for malaria show marked regional variation it follows that the haemoglobinopathies also vary widely in their frequency, even over small geographical distances. The basis for the regional diversity in the non-tropical regions such as the countries of North Europe reflects the tendency for immigrant groups to settle in localized regions. As time goes on of course, due to outbreeding these genes will tend to become disseminated among these populations. But in most countries this heterogeneity of distribution still raises problems for the development of screening programmes. The second issue which still provides a major challenge for screening and counselling for the haemoglobinopathies is their remarkable clinical heterogeneity. Although the basis for some of this variability in clinical phenotype is now understood, and reflects the action of a variety of genetic modifiers and environmental factors, much remains to be learned. For