Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Parents and Annotation Sharing in Children's Learning Behavior and Achievement using E-Readers

Although previous studies have highlighted the advantages of using e-books for learning, most have compared learning achieved with traditional textbooks with that achieved with e-books in a classroom situation. These studies focused on individual learning instead of on interactions among learners, learning behavior using e- books after school, and parental observations of children using e-books for learning. This research investigated the use of annotatable multimedia e-readers (AMEs) for elementary school-level English and examined the effects of annotation-sharing mechanisms inside and outside the classroom on learning and achievement. The research findings suggest that reading the annotations of high-achieving learners (HLA) via the annotation- sharing function can reinforce learning. Moreover, HLA annotate significantly more in class and after school than do low-achieving learners (LLA). We found a positive correlation among parents' perceptions of after- school learning with AMEs, learners' after-school annotation recording, learning behavior while listening to such recordings, and children's learning achievement.
Electronic Health Record Data Versus the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES): A Comparison of Overweight and Obesity Rates

Background: Estimating population-level obesity rates is important for informing policy and targeting treatment. The current gold standard for obesity measurement in the United States—the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)—samples <0.1% of the population and does not target state-level or health system-level measurement. Objective: To assess the feasibility of using body mass index (BMI) data from the electronic health record (EHR) to assess rates of overweight and obesity and compare these rates to national NHANES estimates. Research Design: Using outpatient data from 42 clinics, we studied 388,762 patients in a large health system with at least 1 primary care visit in 2011–2012. Measures: We compared crude and adjusted overweight and obesity rates by age category and ethnicity (white, black, Hispanic, Other) between EHR and NHANES participants. Adjusted overweight (BMI≥25) and obesity rates were calculated by a 2-step process. Step 1 accounted for missing BMI data using inverse probability weighting, whereas step 2 included a poststratification correction to adjust the EHR population to a nationally representative sample. Results: Adjusted rates of obesity (BMI≥30) for EHR patients were 37.3% [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 37.1–37.5] compared with 35.1% (95% CI, 32.3–38.1) for NHANES patients. Among the 16 different obesity class, ethnicity, and sex strata that were compared between EHR and NHANES patients, 14 (87.5%) contained similar obesity estimates (ie, overlapping 95% CIs). Conclusions: EHRs may be an ideal tool for identifying and targeting patients with obesity for implementation of public health and/or individual level interventions.
C‐Terminal Prenylation of the CLN3 Membrane Glycoprotein Is Required for Efficient Endosomal Sorting to Lysosomes

Mutations in the polytopic lysosomal membrane glycoprotein CLN3 result in a severe neurodegenerative disorder. Previous studies identified two cytosolic signal structures contributing to lysosomal targeting. We now examined the role of glycosylation and the C‐terminal CAAX motif in lysosomal transport of CLN3 in non‐neuronal and neuronal cells. Mutational analysis revealed that in COS7 cells, CLN3 is glycosylated at asparagine residues 71 and 85. Both partially and non‐glycosylated CLN3 were transported correctly to lysosomes. Mevalonate incorporation and farnesyltransferase inhibitor studies indicate that CLN3 is prenylated most likely at cysteine 435. Substitution of cysteine 435 reduced the steady‐state level of CLN3 in lysosomes most likely because of impaired sorting in early endosomal structures, particularly in neuronal cells. Additionally, the cell surface expression of CLN3 was increased in the presence of farnesyltransferase inhibitors. Alteration of the spacing between the transmembrane domain and the CAAX motif or the substitution of the entire C‐terminal domain of CLN3 with cytoplasmic tails of mannose 6‐phosphate receptors have demonstrated the importance of the C‐terminal domain of proper length and composition for exit of the endoplasmic reticulum. The data suggest that co‐operative signal structures in different cytoplasmic domains of CLN3 are required for efficient sorting and for transport to the lysosome.
Genetic diversity of influenza B virus: The frequent reassortment and cocirculation of the genetically distinct reassortant viruses in a community

To characterize the genetic diversity of influenza B viruses isolated during one influenza season, the antigenic and genetic relationships among 20 strains of influenza B virus isolated in February and March 2001 at one pediatric clinic in Yamagata City, Japan, were investigated. The HA gene and seven other gene segments were phylogenetically divided into three distinct sublineages (Harbin/7/94‐, Tokyo/6/98‐, and Shiga/T30/98‐related lineage) of the Yamagata/16/88‐like lineage. The NS genes of the viruses belonging to the Harbin/7/94‐related lineage have additional three nucleotides at positions 439–447, and were phylogenetically distinguishable from those of the currently circulating Yamagata/16/88‐ and Victoria/2/87‐like lineages, but were closely related to that of the Yamagata/16/88‐like lineage isolated before 1994. Moreover, four strains of influenza B virus isolated in the same community between 2002 and 2003 were further examined. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that a virus of Victoria/2/87‐like lineage isolated in 2003 had acquired the NA, NS, M, and PA gene segments from a Shiga/T30/98‐like virus, and two strains of Harbin/7/94‐related lineage had acquired the various gene segments from Shiga/T30/98‐like virus through a reassortment event. These results indicate that genetically distinct multiple viruses can combine to cause an influenza B epidemic in a community and that the frequent reassortment among these viruses plays a role in generating the genetic diversity of influenza B viruses. J. Med. Virol. 74:132–140, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A bacterium that degrades and assimilates poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Some bacteria think plastic is fantastic Bacteria isolated from outside a bottle-recycling facility can break down and metabolize plastic. The proliferation of plastics in consumer products, from bottles to clothing, has resulted in the release of countless tons of plastics into the environment. Yoshida et al. show how the biodegradation of plastics by specialized bacteria could be a viable bioremediation strategy (see the Perspective by Bornscheuer). The new species, Ideonella sakaiensis, breaks down the plastic by using two enzymes to hydrolyze PET and a primary reaction intermediate, eventually yielding basic building blocks for growth. Science, this issue p. 1196; see also p. 1154 Two specialized enzymes from a newly isolated bacterium break down plastic into its simplest building blocks. [Also see Perspective by Bornscheuer] Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is used extensively worldwide in plastic products, and its accumulation in the environment has become a global concern. Because the ability to enzymatically degrade PET has been thought to be limited to a few fungal species, biodegradation is not yet a viable remediation or recycling strategy. By screening natural microbial communities exposed to PET in the environment, we isolated a novel bacterium, Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6, that is able to use PET as its major energy and carbon source. When grown on PET, this strain produces two enzymes capable of hydrolyzing PET and the reaction intermediate, mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalic acid. Both enzymes are required to enzymatically convert PET efficiently into its two environmentally benign monomers, terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol.
The PIAS3-Smurf2 sumoylation pathway suppresses breast cancer organoid invasiveness

Tumor metastasis profoundly reduces the survival of breast cancer patients, but the mechanisms underlying breast cancer invasiveness and metastasis are incompletely understood. Here, we report that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Smurf2 acts in a sumoylation-dependent manner to suppress the invasive behavior of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell-derived organoids. We also find that the SUMO E3 ligase PIAS3 inhibits the invasive growth of breast cancer cell-derived organoids. In mechanistic studies, PIAS3 maintains breast cancer organoids in a non-invasive state via sumoylation of Smurf2. Importantly, the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity is required for sumoylated Smurf2 to suppress the invasive growth of breast cancer-cell derived organoids. Collectively, our findings define a novel role for the PIAS3-Smurf2 sumoylation pathway in the suppression of breast cancer cell invasiveness. These findings lay the foundation for the development of novel biomarkers and targeted therapeutic approaches in breast cancer.
Influence of acid suppressants on gastric emptying: Cross‐over analysis in healthy volunteers

Background: Gastric emptying plays an important role in gastroesophageal reflux disease. Acid suppressants such as H2 receptor antagonists and/or proton pump inhibitors are often used in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, it remains controversial whether H2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors delay or accelerate gastric emptying. Here, the influence of acid suppressants on gastric emptying was evaluated via a cross‐over study using the [13C]‐labeled acetate breath test.
Histatin-Derived Monomeric and Dimeric Synthetic Peptides Show Strong Bactericidal Activity towards Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus In Vivo

ABSTRACT Homodimerization of histatin-derived peptides generally led to improved bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. In vivo, monomers and dimers were equally active in killing bacteria in mice with a soft tissue infection. Altogether, these peptides are promising compounds for the development of novel therapeutics against infections with drug-resistant bacteria.
Part II: Predictors of Depression after Stroke and Impact of Depression on Stroke Outcome: An Updated Systematic Review of Observational Studies

Background We previously published a systematic review in 2005 on factors associated with the development of depression in people with stroke. Aim To update and expand that review to include published data on the impact of depression on stroke outcome. Methods We included all published observational studies (to May 31, 2013) with prospective consecutive recruitment of people with a clinical diagnosis of stroke where an attempt was made to assess the variables associated with, or predictive of, the development of depression. Results We included data from 23 studies including 18 374 people. Depression after stroke was associated with prestroke depression, more severe neurological deficit and physical disability in the acute phase, and later after stroke. No consistent relationship between depression and demographic parameters or stroke features was identified. The review of the impact of depression on stroke outcome included data from 14 cohorts, including 4498 people, and found that depression was negatively associated with functional outcome in stroke survivors. Conclusions Early identification of patients at high risk of depression after stroke, those with a history of depression and physical disability after stroke, would enable the early implementation of effective management and prevention strategies for depression. The reciprocal relationship between depression and physical disability highlights the need for interventions that reduce disability after stroke, which may in turn improve mood and overall recovery for an increasingly large number of stroke survivors.
Review of physiologic mechanisms in response to anemia

Objective: To determine the nature and quality of the physiologic evidence regarding an “optimum” hemoglobin concentration in anemic patients or in patients with specific diseases. Literature search and selection: Searches of MEDLINE from January 1966 to December 1996 were combined with manual searches of the bibliographies and references from experts. Citations were chosen by 2 reviewers if they were related to red blood cell transfusion practice and, more specifically, to physiologic adaptation to anemia. Disagreement was resolved through consensus. Literature synthesis: The articles selected from the literature search were classified by study design and topic areas. Evidence-based inferences were derived from the literature. Results: Of the 160 articles included in this review, 58 (36%) were human studies and 102 (64%) were laboratory studies. Most studies (84) fell into the “hemodilution” category, and were predominantly in animal models (70). Overall, 90 studies (56%) used a valid design with appropriate experimental and concurrent control groups (graded as level I or II). The distribution of grading was uniform throughout the categories. The quality of the evidence was deemed weaker for laboratory studies evaluating cardiac adaptation to anemia, largely because of a lack of reported concurrent controls in most studies. Inferences drawn from the literature were graded on a 4-point scale assessing the quality of the evidence; 13 of 18 statements were given the highest grade. The clinical significance of the Bohr effect and the shifts in the oxyhemoglobin curve following changes in pH were thought to be poorly studied and were rated lowest. The studies evaluating maximum oxygen delivery in anemia were rated as weak, partly because of conflicting reports. Of all identified studies, 56% were well designed and reported. Important adaptive responses to anemia consist of an elevation of cardiac output and its redistribution to favour the coronary and cerebral circulations at the expense of the splanchnic vascular beds; studies supporting these statements were rated highly. The evidence also suggests that patients with cardiac disease are at risk of adverse events from anemia. Conclusions: There is a significant body of evidence supporting cardiovascular adaptive responses to anemia. However, there is a remarkable lack, in both quality and quantity, of clinical studies addressing how the “normal” physiologic adaptations may be affected by a variety of diseases. The physiologic evidence alone is insufficient to inform most decisions about red blood cell transfusion.
Home diagnosis of sleep apnea: a systematic review of the literature. An evidence review cosponsored by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the American Thoracic Society.

Abbreviations: AASM American Academy of Sleep Medicine; ACCP American College of Chest Physicians; AHI apnea-hypopnea index; AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; ATS American Thoracic Society; CPAP continuous positive airway pressure; EMG electromyogram; ERC Evidence Review Committee; LR likelihood ratio; RDI respiratory disturbance index; REM rapid eye movement; ROC receiver operating characteristic; RTI-UNC Research Triangle Institute-University of North Carolina
Case based Reasoning as a Tool to Improve Microcredit

This paper will discuss the possibility to adopt the Case-Based Reasoning approach to improve microcredit initiatives. In particular, we will consider the Kiva microcredit system, which provides a characterisation (rating) of the risk associated to the field partner supporting the loan, but not of the specific borrower which would benefit from it. We will discuss how the combination of available historical data on loans and their outcomes (structured as a case base) and available knowledge on how to evaluate the risk associated to a loan request (exploited to actually rate past cases and therefore bootstrap the CBR system), can be used to provide the end-users with an indication of the risk rating associated to a loan request based on similar past situations. From this perspective, the case-base and the codified knowledge about how to evaluate risks associated to a loan represent two examples of knowledge IT artifacts.
An insertion mutation in the adenovirus type 12 early region 1A 13S mRNA unique region

An adenovirus type 12 mutant, in203S, was constructed to contain an insertion of two amino acids in the early region 1A (E1A) 13S mRNA-coding region and in the E1A 12S mRNA intron. in203S could not grow in HeLa and KB cells. Virus DNA replication was scarcely detected at a low multiplicity of infection, but was detected at a high multiplicity of infection. The transcription of early genes other than E1A was not detected at 13 h after infection, but became detectable after longer incubation. The transcription of the E1A gene was also reduced to about one-fifth of the wild-type level. The mutant induced fewer foci of smaller sizes than the wild type in rat 3Y1 and secondary rat kidney cells. The induction of cellular DNA synthesis was reduced in rat 3Y1 cells infected with in203S as compared with that in wild type-infected cells. These results show that the E1A 13S mRNA-derived polypeptide of adenovirus type 12 is required for activation of early genes, cell transformation, and induction of cellular DNA synthesis.
Facebook@Work - The Use of Social Media for Work-related Exchange and Support

Research on informal Social Networks such as Facebook has so far mainly focused on participants’ private exchange, addressing topics like self-disclosure, self-presentation, privacy issues and so on. However, informal Social Networks, despite their more private nature, might also be used for work-related exchange and private support for workplace challenges and problems. In this paper we investigate to what extent informal Social Networks are used for work-related exchange and whether this is related to forms of social support the participants experience. To that end an online survey was conducted among users of Facebook. Results show that while work-related Facebook use is generally low, there is some potential to use Social Networks as a vehicle to build a strong support network for seeking of valuable information and advice to cope with possible work-related challenges, especially as participants showed a high willingness to extend help and support to other users.
Adjustment for baseline covariates: an introductory note

The CPMP is the European Union body that advises the European Commission on the licencing of medicinal products. The CPMP issues a range of guidance on topics relevant to drug development for two main reasons, rstly to assist pharmaceutical companies in preparing their European regulatory applications and secondly to guide regulatory assessors in their review of those applications. Some of this guidance has been developed as part of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) process and, in these cases, the resulting documents are agreed upon by regulators and industry in Europe, the U.S.A. and Japan. For statisticians, the best known is the ICH E9 guideline [1, 2] entitled ‘Statistical Principles for Clinical Trials’. In 1999, the CPMP commissioned further statistical guidance on a number of methodological topics arising in controlled clinical trials that had been a source of di culty during their consideration of recent European licencing applications, and that had not been resolved by reference to ICH E9. This guidance was initially intended only to inform the judgements of CPMP and its assessors, but it quickly became apparent that it would be of broader interest. As a result, the documents that were subsequently developed were designated as ‘Points to Consider’ so as to incorporate public consultation on the texts. PtCs are reserved for the situation in which the state of knowledge or the material is not appropriate for a full ‘Note for Guidance’. Guidance documents that apply to the evaluation of clinical e cacy and safety are developed by the E cacy Working Party (EWP) of the CPMP before being approved by the CPMP itself. A draft of each document is made available for public comment prior to completion, and the comments that are received are used to assist with the nal revision of the document.
Response of acute asthma to a beta 2 agonist in children less than two years of age.

The management of the young asthmatic child is still controversial and it has been questioned whether the infant and very young child with asthma respond to beta 2 agonists. We studied the response to nebulized beta 2 agonists in 43 children under the age of 2 years who presented to the emergency room with acute asthma. Clinical score and oxygen saturation were determined on admission to the emergency room and at least 30 minutes after each inhalation. The clinical score was defined as the sum of five variables (heart rate, respiratory rate, dyspnea, accessory muscle use, and wheezing), each graded as 0 or 1. The mean clinical score improved significantly after nebulized albuterol (mean +/- SD, 3.75 +/- 1.2 versus 2.80 +/- 1.65, P less than .01). Mean oxygen saturation did not change significantly (mean +/- SD, 94.8% +/- 2.85 versus 95.2% +/- 2.54). Only three patients had a decrease in arterial oxygen saturation of greater than 2% (3% in each one of them) following bronchodilator therapy. Our results suggest beta 2 inhalation to be beneficial to the majority of asthmatic children younger than 2 years of age and safe to administer. The combination of clinical score and oxygen saturation provides a simple noninvasive method of monitoring the response to therapy in young children with acute asthma.
Bioavailability of angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitory peptides

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a significant health problem worldwide. Bioactive peptides that inhibit angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) in the cardiovascular system can contribute to the prevention and treatment of hypertension. These ACE inhibitory peptides are derived from many food proteins, especially milk proteins. An ACE inhibitory activity in vitro does not always imply an antihypertensive effect in vivo. Even if it does, it is very difficult to establish a direct relationship between in vitro and in vivo activity. This is mainly due to the bioavailability of the ACE inhibitory peptides after oral administration and the fact that peptides may influence blood pressure by mechanisms other than ACE inhibition. To exert an antihypertensive effect after oral ingestion, ACE inhibitory peptides have to reach the cardiovascular system in an active form. Therefore, they need to remain active during digestion by human proteases and be transported through the intestinal wall into the blood. The bioavailability of some ACE inhibitory peptides has been studied. It is also known that (hydroxy)proline-containing peptides are generally resistant to degradation by digestive enzymes. Peptides can be absorbed intact through the intestine by paracellular and transcellular routes, but the potency of the bioactivity after absorption is inversely correlated to chain length. In addition, some strategies are proposed to increase the bioavailability of ACE inhibitory peptides. Further research into the bioavailability of ACE inhibitory peptides will lead to the development of more effective ACE inhibitory peptides and foods.