Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Open data: Empowering the empowered or effective data use for everyone?

This paper takes a supportive but critical look at “open data” from the perspective of its possible impact on the poor and marginalized and concludes that there may be cause for concern in the absence of specific measures being taken to ensure that there are supports for ensuring a wide basis of opportunity for “effective data use”. The paper concludes by providing a seven element model for how effective data use can be achieved.
Parental Experiences of Medication Administration to Children at Home and Understanding of Adverse Drug Events

Background:Medication administration errors are the most common type of error in pediatric medicine. Preventing medication errors is an important part of ensuring safe and quality patient care for pediatric patients. Few studies have described this issue from the perspective of the parents of pediatric patients. Purpose:This study describes parents’ administration of medication to their children at home and the understanding of these parents of adverse drug events (ADEs). Methods:A cross-sectional survey design was used to gather data from 179 parents of pediatric patients at two pediatric units at a hospital and three children’s daycare centers in Korea. Data were collected from July to August 2012 using a self-reported questionnaire. Results:Participants reported administering antipyretics (94.4%), decongestants (89.4%), and antibiotics (77.7%) to their children at home. The major source of medication information was instruction sheets. Parents more commonly used dosing cups (43.6%) and droppers (32.9%) when administering liquid medication to children. Furthermore, 12.3% of the children experienced ADEs. Only 48% of the participants were provided information on ADEs, 15.1% were unsure about the recommended dosage, and 11.2% were unsure of the recommended method for administering the medication. Analysis of variance and post hoc tests showed that level of parental education and monthly income each had a significant impact on participant understanding of ADEs. Conclusions/Implications for Practice:This study suggests that parents should be educated about ways to avoid common medication errors in children. In addition, in the case of low-income families, home visits should be carried out to understand how to reduce home medication errors and provide drug-related information to parents. Strategies are needed to reduce pediatric home medication errors and minimize ADEs and to provide medication information to parents.
The influence of muscle spindle discharge on the human H reflex and the monosynaptic reflex in the cat.

1. Experiments were carried out to test the effect of changes in spindle resting discharge on the size of monosynaptic reflexes in the cat and on the H reflex in humans. Resting discharge was altered by contracting the triceps surae muscle at longer (hold‐long) or shorter (hold‐short) lengths than that at which the reflex was tested. 2. The reflex in the cat was larger after hold‐long than after hold‐short conditioning, and the difference, after an initial decline, was well maintained. For the human H reflex a similar pattern was observed except that 15 s after muscle conditioning the difference in reflex size had disappeared. 3. Monosynaptic reflex depression immediately after hold‐long conditioning, when most of the muscle spindles are silent, was attributed to the high level of spindle discharge during the immediately preceding hold‐long period. The time course of this inhibition was too long to be accounted for by presynaptic inhibition. 4. In the cat heteronymous muscle conditioning was used to test whether presynaptic inhibition could be responsible for reflex depression using the synergist muscle pair lateral gastrocnemius‐soleus and medial gastrocnemius. Conditioning one of the pair did not affect the reflex in the other, the opposite result to that expected with presynaptic inhibition. A similar experiment in which the triceps H reflex in human subjects was facilitated by a quadriceps volley gave the same result. 5. Thus this study presents evidence that monosynaptic reflexes are depressed by the on‐going discharge of muscle spindles in the homonymous muscle, but that this depression does not appear to involve "classical' presynaptic inhibition.
Exchange Rate, Money, and Wages: What is Driving Prices in Armenia?

This paper is the first attempt to look at inflation dynamics and monetary transmission mechanisms in Armenia in the context of a full information model containing three interrelated markets: foreign exchange, money, and labor. Using the vector error correction model (VECM) approach, we find that the exchange rate pass-through to prices is very strong relative to credit, wage, and interest rate channels. The analysis suggests a relatively fast adjustment of prices to long-run disequilibria in the exchange rate market, albeit with initial overshooting of the price level. In addition, we find no evidence of prices responding to changes in money and wages in a statistically significant manner.
CTLA‐4 gene polymorphism confers susceptibility to insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) independently from age and from other genetic or immune disease markers

Apart from genes in the HLA complex (IDDM1) and the variable number of tandem repeats in the 5′ region of the insulin gene (INS VNTR, IDDM2), several other loci have been proposed to contribute to IDDM susceptibility. Recently, linkage and association have been shown between the cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 (CTLA‐4) gene on chromosome 2q and IDDM. In a registry‐based group of 525 recent‐onset IDDM patients < 40 years old we investigated the possible interactions of a CTLA‐4 gene A‐to‐G transition polymorphism with age at clinical disease onset and with the presence or absence of established genetic (HLA‐DQ, INS VNTR) and immune disease markers (autoantibodies against islet cell cytoplasm (ICA); insulin (IAA); glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65‐Ab); IA‐2 protein tyrosine phosphatase (IA‐2‐Ab)) determined within the first week of insulin treatment. In new‐onset IDDM patients, G‐allele‐containing CTLA‐4 genotypes (relative risk (RR) = 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2–2.0; P < 0.005) were not preferentially associated with age at clinical presentation or with the presence of other genetic (HLA‐DR3 or DR4 alleles; HLA‐DQA1*0301‐DQB1*0302 and/or DQA1*0501‐DQB1*0201 risk haplotypes; INS VNTR I/I risk genotype) or immune (ICA, IAA, IA‐2‐Ab, GAD65‐Ab) markers of diabetes. For 151 patients, thyrogastric autoantibodies (anti‐thyroid peroxidase, anti‐thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor, anti‐parietal cell, anti‐intrinsic factor) were determined, but association between CTLA‐4 risk genotypes and markers of polyendocrine autoimmunity could not be demonstrated before or after stratification for HLA‐ or INS‐linked risk. In conclusion, the presence of a G‐containing CTLA‐4 genotype confers a moderate but significant RR for IDDM that is independent of age and genetic or immune disease markers.
A 500 kyr record of global sea level oscillations in the Gulf of Lion, Mediterranean Sea: new insights into MIS 3 sea level variability

Borehole PRGL1-4 drilled in the upper slope of the Gulf of Lion provides an exceptional record to investi- gate the impact of late Pleistocene orbitally-driven glacio- eustatic sea-level oscillations on the sedimentary outbuild- ing of a river fed continental margin. High-resolution grain- size and geochemical records supported by oxygen isotope chronostratigraphy allow reinterpreting the last 500 ka upper slope seismostratigraphy of the Gulf of Lion. Five main se- quences, stacked during the sea-level lowering phases of the last five glacial-interglacial 100-kyr cycles, form the upper stratigraphic outbuilding of the continental margin. The high sensitivity of the grain-size record down the borehole to sea- level oscillations can be explained by the great width of the Gulf of Lion continental shelf. Sea level driven changes in accommodation space over the shelf cyclically modified the depositional mode of the entire margin. PRGL1-4 data also illustrate the imprint of sea-level oscillations at millennial time-scale, as shown for Marine Isotopic Stage 3, and pro- vide unambiguous evidence of relative high sea-levels at the onset of each Dansgaard-Oeschger Greenland warm intersta- dial. The PRGL1-4 grain-size record represents the first evi- dence for a one-to-one coupling of millennial time-scale sea- level oscillations associated with each Dansgaard-Oeschger cycle.
Development of a human tracking indoor mobile robot platform

In this paper, a differential drive mobile robot platform was developed in order to perform indoor mobile robot researches. The mobile robot was localized and remote controlled. The remote control consists of a pair of 2.4 GHz transceivers. Localization system was developed by using infra-red reflectors, infra-red leds and camera system. Real time localization system was run on an industrial computer placed on the mobile robot. The localization data of the mobile robot is transmitted by a UDP communication program. The transmitted localization information can be received any computer or any other UDP device. In addition, a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging; or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) and a Kinect three-dimensional depth sensor were adapted on the mobile robot platform. LIDAR was used for obstacle and heading direction detection operations and Kinect for eliminating depth data of close environment. In this study, a mobile robot platform which has specialties as mentioned was developed and a human tracking application was realized real time in MATLAB and C# environment.
Following evolution's lead to a single residue switch for diterpene synthase product outcome

There have been few insights into the biochemical origins of natural product biosynthesis from primary metabolism. Of particular interest are terpene synthases, which often mediate the committed step in particular biosynthetic pathways so that alteration of their product outcome is a key step in the derivation of novel natural products. These enzymes also catalyze complex reactions of significant mechanistic interest. Following an evolutionary lead from two recently diverged, functionally distinct diterpene synthase orthologs from different subspecies of rice, we have identified a single residue that can switch product outcome. Specifically, the mutation of a conserved isoleucine to threonine that acts to convert not only the originally targeted isokaurene synthase into a specific pimaradiene synthase but also has a much broader effect, which includes conversion of the ent-kaurene synthases found in all higher plants for gibberellin phytohormone biosynthesis to the production of pimaradiene. This surprisingly facile switch for diterpene synthase catalytic specificity indicates the ease with which primary (gibberellin) metabolism can be subverted to secondary biosynthesis and may underlie the widespread occurrence of pimaradiene-derived natural products. In addition, because this isoleucine is required for the mechanistically more complex cyclization to tetracyclic kaurene, whereas substitution with threonine “short-circuits” this mechanism to produce the “simpler” tricyclic pimaradiene, our results have some implications regarding the means by which terpene synthases specify product outcome.
Virulence, immunity, and vaccine related to Streptococcus pneumoniae.

The pathogenesis of bacterial infection involves a series of interactions between the virulence determinants of the microorganisms and the immunity of the host. Studies on the molecular structure and immunological properties of pneumococcal virulence factors have provided general knowledge for the chemical basis of immunogenicity and prevention of bacterial infection. Antibody responses to PS and protein antigens can be greatly affected by their physicochemical properties, e.g., molecular size, specific determinants, conformation, etc. Characterization of group 19 pneumolysins and cloning of their ply genes were studied to examine the relationship of ply to virulence. Group 19 pneumococci all contained ply; the disease-isolated types of 19F and 19A appeared to show a higher specific hemolytic activity and yield than the nonpathogenic types, 19B and 19C. Genomic DNA that contained the ply gene from group 19 strains were analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Type 2 oligonucleotide primers recognized and initiated synthesis of an identical 1.5 kb DNA fragment in types 2, 19F, 19A, 19B, and 19C. Their sizes of restriction DNA fragments were also found to be homologous. Thus, group 19 ply genes showed remarkably similar characteristics. A difficult problem in the development of vaccines against bacterial diseases is the poor immune response of young children to purified PSs. The efficacy of pneumococcal vaccine might be improved by supplementation with inactivated pneumolysin in the form of a PS-protein conjugate.
Perception-based search and manipulation in a semi-structured environment

In this paper we present two new approaches developed in the context of autonomous search for localization and manipulation of books in a semi-structured environment, like a library. Search for books is done by means of visual information which is also integrated with force sensing for book manipulation. Interest regions are located using a local segmentation algorithm with automatic threshold selection. From the extracted visual features, we have implemented a fast tracking method by means of model-based matching. We also apply some recognition techniques in order to find the desired book and to guide the gripper over it. Grasping is finally done by integrating visual and force perception into a global hybrid control law. We have applied the implemented algorithms to the UJI librarian robot and results show the robustness of the implemented search algorithm as well as its fast performance. With respect to the grasping system, vision and force coupling are shown to be an adequate combination of sensors for book manipulation
Patient-centered collaborative care: the impact of a new approach to postpartum rounds on residents' perception of their work environment.

OBJECTIVE At our institution, traditional postpartum rounds consisted of separate visits from all members of the obstetric team. This led to patient care inefficiencies and miscommunication. In an effort to improve patient care, patient-centered collaborative care (PCCC) was established, whereby physicians, residents, medical students, nurses, case managers, and social workers conduct rounds as a team. The goal of this observational study was to evaluate how PCCC rounds affected resident physicians' assessment of their work environment. METHODS Obstetrics and gynecology residents completed a 13-question written survey designed to assess their sense of workflow, education, and workplace cohesion. Surveys were completed before and 6 months after the implementation of PCCC. Responses were compared in aggregate for preintervention and postintervention with Pearson χ(2) test. RESULTS Ninety-two percent of the obstetrics residents (n = 23) completed the preintervention survey, and 79% (n = 19) completed the postintervention survey. For most measures, there was no difference in resident perception between the 2 time points. After implementation of PCCC rounds, fewer residents felt that rounds were educational (preintervention = 39%, postintervention = 7%; P = .03). CONCLUSION Residents did not report negative impacts on workflow, cohesion, or general well-being after the implementation of PCCC rounds. However, there was a perception that PCCC rounds negatively impacted the educational value of postpartum rounds. This information will help identify ways to improve the resident physician experience in the obstetric service while optimizing patient care.
Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy in fluoroscopically invisible solitary pulmonary nodules: a prospective trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Transbronchial biopsy (TBBX) for solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) is usually performed under fluoroscopic guidance, but the diagnostic yield depends on lesion size and varies widely. Nodules < 3 cm frequently cannot be visualized fluoroscopically. An alternative guidance technique, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), also allows visualization of pulmonary nodules. This study assessed the diagnostic yield of EBUS-guided TBBX in fluoroscopically invisible SPNs. DESIGN The study was a prospective trial using a crossover design. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients with SPNs and indications for bronchoscopy were included in the study. An EBUS-guided examination was performed in patients with fluoroscopically invisible nodules. The EBUS probe was introduced through a guide catheter into the presumed segment. If a typical ultrasonic picture of solid tissue could be seen, the probe was removed and the catheter left in place. The biopsy forceps were introduced and specimens taken. RESULTS One hundred thirty-eight consecutive patients with SPNs were examined. Of those, 54 patients presented with SPNs that could not be visualized with fluoroscopy. The mean diameter of the nodules was 2.2 cm. In 48 patients (89%), the lesion was localized with EBUS, and in 38 patients (70%) the biopsy established the diagnosis. The 16 patients with undiagnosed SPNs were referred for surgical biopsy; 10 of those lesions were malignant and 6 were benign. The diagnosis in nine patients (17%) saved the patients from having to undergo a surgical procedure. The only complication was a pneumothorax in one patient. CONCLUSIONS EBUS-guided TBBX is a safe and very effective method for SPNs that cannot be visualized by fluoroscopy. The procedure may increase the yield of endoscopic biopsy in patients with these nodules and avert the need for surgical procedures.
Changes occurring with increasing age in the rat lung: Morphometrical study

Background: It was hypothesized that the evolution towards the senile lung is progressive, being initiated in the adult stage; and for this reason changes similar to those described in the senile lung can be detected in the lungs of middle‐aged rats. To test the hypothesis, the following design was used. The lungs of two groups of rats, adult (mean age of 16 weeks) and middle‐aged (mean age of 56 weeks) were morphometrically compared.
tRNA and cytochrome c in cell death and beyond

Both transfer RNA (tRNA) and cytochrome c are essential to cellular function: tRNA mediates protein synthesis while cytochrome c is required for oxidative phosphorylation and apoptosis induction. tRNA has recently been implicated as a direct regulator of the well-conserved apoptotic role of cytochrome c. This finding questions how these molecules interact to coordinate biosynthesis, energy production and apoptosis at an exciting forefront of research. Here we review the diversity and dynamics of tRNA and how this class of non-coding RNAs may regulate the role of cytochrome c in apoptosis. We comment on unanswered questions in the cell biology of this interaction and how answers may influence our understanding of disease.
Effects of Dried Distillers’ Grain on Fecal Prevalence and Growth of Escherichia coli O157 in Batch Culture Fermentations from Cattle

ABSTRACT Distillers’ grains (DG), a by-product of ethanol production, are fed to cattle. Associations between Escherichia coli O157 prevalence and feeding of DG were investigated in feedlot cattle (n = 379) given one of three diets: steam-flaked corn (SFC) and 15% corn silage with 0 or 25% dried distillers’ grains (DDG) or SFC with 5% corn silage and 25% DDG. Ten fecal samples were collected from each pen weekly for 12 weeks to isolate E. coli O157. Cattle fed 25% DDG with 5 or 15% silage had a higher (P = 0.01) prevalence of E. coli O157 than cattle fed a diet without DDG. Batch culture ruminal or fecal microbial fermentations were conducted to evaluate the effect of DDG on E. coli O157 growth. The first study utilized microbial inocula from steers fed SFC or dry-rolled corn with 0 or 25% DDG and included their diet as the substrate. Ruminal microbial fermentations from steers fed DDG had higher E. coli O157 contents than ruminal microbial fermentations from steers fed no DDG (P < 0.05) when no substrate was included. Fecal fermentations showed no DDG effect on E. coli O157 growth. In the second study with DDG as a substrate, ruminal fermentations with 0.5 g DDG had higher (P < 0.01) E. coli O157 concentrations at 24 h than ruminal fermentations with 0, 1, or 2 g DDG. In fecal fermentations, 2 g DDG resulted in a higher concentration (P < 0.05) at 24 h than 0, 0.5, or 1 g DDG. The results indicate that there is a positive association between DDG and E. coli O157 in cattle, and the findings should have important ramifications for food safety.
Release of Bone Markers in Immediately Loaded and Nonloaded Dental Implants

The aim of this study was to compare the release of bone markers during osseointegration of immediately loaded and nonloaded implants. Forty patients who were indicated for rehabilitation with dental implants randomly received either implant and prosthesis placement within 72 hours (group IM) or implant insertion and no prosthesis placement (group NL). Peri-implant crevicular fluid was collected immediately after implant insertion and 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after surgery and levels of osteoprotegerin, transforming growth factors, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and parathyroid hormone were evaluated using Luminex assay. Bleeding index and peri-implantar sulcus depth were also evaluated. The data were compared using statistical tests (α = 5%). No statistical difference was found regarding demographic and clinical parameters (p > .05). Transforming growth factors, osteoprotegerin, osteopontin, and parathyroid hormone presented an earlier release peak in group IM than in NL group (p < .05). Osteocalcin achieved higher levels in group IM versus group NL between 7 and 30 days of evaluation (p < .05). It may be concluded that earlier loading positively modulates bone mediators release around immediately loaded implants when compared with nonloaded dental implants (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01909999).
Performance of RAKE Reception with Decision Aided Channel Estimation Using the UMTS P-CPICH

A decision aided (DA) scheme is proposed in order to estimate the complex channel coefficients (needed for coherent combining in a RAKE receiver) using the UMTS downlink primary common pilot channel (P-CPICH). Thus, the rough estimates resulted after descrambling the corresponding signal are further refined by way of the above mentioned DA scheme. Monte Carlo simulations are carried out to comparatively assess the performance of maximal ratio combining (MRC) and equal gain combining (EGC) RAKE reception, underlining the optimal choice of DA parameters.