Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is continuous infusion ceftriaxone better than once-a-day dosing in intensive care? A randomized controlled pilot study.

OBJECTIVES To compare the clinical and bacteriological outcome of critically ill patients with sepsis treated by ceftriaxone administered as a once-a-day intermittent bolus dose or by 24 h continuous infusion. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted an open-label, randomized controlled pilot study in 57 patients clinically diagnosed with sepsis (suspected/proven infection and systemic inflammatory response syndrome) in a tertiary level intensive care unit. Patients were randomized to receive 2 g of ceftriaxone administered by once-daily intermittent bolus dosing or by 24 h continuous infusion. Clinical and bacteriological outcomes were assessed by blinded clinicians. RESULTS Fifty-seven patients were enrolled in the study, 50 of whom fulfilled the a priori definition of treatment for 4 or more days. The infusion (n = 29) and bolus groups (n = 28) were similar in terms of demographics, although the median age of those receiving the infusion was younger. Intention-to-treat analysis found no statistically significant differences in the primary outcomes for clinical response (P = 0.17), clinical cure [infusion n = 13/29 versus bolus n = 5/28; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.74; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.11-12.57; P = 0.06], bacteriological response (P = 0.41) and bacteriological cure (infusion n = 18/29 versus bolus 14/28; AOR = 1.64; 95% CI = 0.57-4.70; P = 0.52). However, logistic regression in patients that complied with the a priori definitions who received ceftriaxone by continuous infusion (AOR = 22.8; 95% CI = 2.24-232.3; P = 0.008) or patients with a low Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (AOR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.54-0.91; P = 0.008) were associated with an improved clinical outcome when age and Sepsis Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score at time of study entry were controlled for. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study suggests clinical and bacteriological advantages of continuous infusion of ceftriaxone over bolus administration in critically ill patients in patients requiring 4 or more days of treatment. This sets the scene for a large multicentre double-blind randomized controlled trial to confirm these findings.
The impact of mobile marketing initiatives on customers’ attitudes and behavioural outcomes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine customers’ behavioural outcomes based on the actual attitudinal responses of mobile marketing initiatives. Design/methodology/approach A total of 764 usable responses was included through a non-probability convenient sampling method. The data used in the study gathered from mobile users of 37 cities from nine states across India. The analysis of moment structures 22.0 and SmartPLS 3.0 statistical programmes were used for measurement validation and to test the structural model. Findings The study indicated that mobile marketing had a more significant effect on customers’ negative attitudes and followed by on positive attitudes. Despite the strong significant effect on customers’ negative attitudes, it does not display more significant effect on negative behavioural outcomes. Finally, the study suggested that customers’ positive attitudes display more favourable behavioural outcomes of mobile marketing initiatives. Practical implications The paper would help the mobile marketers and advertisers to understand the impact of mobile marketing initiatives on customers’ attitudes and behavioural outcomes and how it can be managed to ensure the higher level of adoption and acceptance. Originality/value The results of the analysis indicated that when the users have favourable attitudes of mobile marketing initiatives, it can be highly effective in triggering of favourable behavioural outcomes.
Diagnostic Limitations of Cephalometrics in Orthodontics-A Review

Since from the introduction of cephalometric analysis in diagnosis and orthodontic treatment planninjg, it plays a major role . So many efforts have been made by various studies to standardize the values for different reces , to minimize the distortion and magnification , to create universally accepted analysis, even after this still so many limitations are there in diagnosis of orthodontic treatment. So in this review we have made effort to enlight such limitation and aware during planning treatment using cephalometric analysis.
Heights of Native-Born Whites During the Antebellum Period

This paper uses data on height by age drawn from Civil War muster rolls to analyze the nutritional status of the native-born white population during the antebellum period. Preliminary regression results reveal significant differences in adult heights across occupations, regions, urban-rural and migrant status, and birth cohorts. The economic and demographic implications of these findings are also explored.
Comparison of the Fluorescent Antibody Test and Direct Microscopic Examination for Rabies Diagnosis at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria.

One hundred and eighty-nine (189) dog brain samples submitted to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria for rabies diagnosis were assayed by the Direct Microscopic Examination (DME) for Negri bodies, the Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT) for rabies antigens, and the Mouse Inoculation Test (MIT). The MIT was used as a confirmatory test. There were 12(12.5%) false negative and 6(6.7%) false positive results with DME, while there was 2(1.7%) false negative and 2(1.7%) false positive with FAT. The FAT was more sensitive (98.26%) than the DME (87.5%), and also more specific, 97.29% and 93.55% respectively. The FAT predicted positive and negative results more accurately than the DME. Positive predictive value of FAT was 98.26% compared with 93.33% of DME, and the negative predictive value of FAT was 97.29% compared with DME’s 87.88%. The pre-test probability of rabies in Vom was 60.8%. This finding shows that FAT is a sensitive and reliable rabies diagnostic test than DME and its continued use is recommended in Nigeria whenever is feasible. The DME is still useful as a screening test, and the MIT must be used to confirm both FAT and DME Keywords: Fluorescent antibody test, mouse inoculation, direct microscopic examination, rabies diagnosis, Nigeria.
Tissue kallikrein, blood pressure regulation, and hypertension: insight from genetic kallikrein deficiency

Abstract Tissue kallikrein has been suggested to be involved in blood pressure regulation and in protection against hypertension. However, this hypothesis remains debated. Recently, murine genetic models of kallikrein deficiency have been engineered and partial genetic deficiency in kallikrein activity has been characterized in humans. Studies in kallikrein-deficient mice indicate that kallikrein indeed influences blood pressure in the setting of mineralocorticoid excess and salt retention but not in normotensive animals and in high renin hypertension. These observations suggest that kallikrein can have antihypertensive function in physiological situations where sodium retention can trigger blood pressure elevation.
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Harbors a Type IV Pilus Gene Cluster That Contributes to Pathogenicity

ABSTRACT Fimbriae have been shown to play an essential role in the adhesion of pathogenic gram-negative bacteria to host cells. In the enteroinvasive bacterium Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, we characterized a previously unknown 11-kb chromosomal locus involved in the synthesis of type IV pili. The locus consists of 11 open reading frames forming a polycistronic unit and encoding putative Pil proteins, PilLMNOPQRSUVW. When introduced into Escherichia coli, the Y. pseudotuberculosis operon reconstituted bundles of filaments at a pole on the bacterial surface, demonstrating that the pil locus was functional in a heterogenous genetic background. Environmental factors regulated transcription of the Y. pseudotuberculosis operon; in particular, temperature, osmolarity, and oxygen tension were critical cues. Deletion of the type IV pilus gene cluster was associated with a reduction of Y. pseudotuberculosis pathogenicity for mice infected orally. Forty-one percent of Y. pseudotuberculosis strains isolated from human or animal sources harbored the type IV pilus locus. Therefore, the pil locus of Y. pseudotuberculosis might constitute an “adaptation island,” permitting the microorganism to colonize a vast reservoir.
Do Institutional Investors Drive Corporate Social Responsibility? International Evidence

This paper assesses whether shareholders drive the environmental and social (E&S) performance of firms worldwide. Across 41 countries, institutional ownership is positively associated with E&S performance with additional tests suggests this relation is causal. Institutions are motivated by both financial and social returns. Investors increase firms’ E&S performance following shocks that reveal financial benefits to E&S improvements. In cross-section, investors increase firms’ E&S performance when they come from countries where there is a strong community belief in the importance of E&S issues, but not otherwise. As such, these institutional investors transplant their social norms regarding E&S issues around the world.
POPULATION VARIATION IN THE COST AND BENEFIT OF TOLERANCE AND RESISTANCE AGAINST HERBIVORY IN DATURA STRAMONIUM

Abstract In this study we examine the hypothesis that divergent natural selection produces genetic differentiation among populations in plant defensive strategies (tolerance and resistance) generating adaptive variation in defensive traits against herbivory. Controlled genetic material (paternal half-sib families) from two populations of the annual Datura stramonium genetically differentiated in tolerance and resistance to herbivory were used. This set of paternal half-sib families was planted at both sites of origin and the pattern of genotypic selection acting on tolerance and resistance was determined, as well as the presence and variation in the magnitude of allocational costs of tolerance. Selection analyses support the adaptive differentiation hypothesis. Tolerance was favored at the site with higher average level of tolerance, and resistance was favored at the site with higher average level of resistance. The presence of significant environmentally dependent costs of tolerance was in agreement with site variation in the adaptive value of tolerance. Our results support the expectation that environmentally dependent costs of plant defensive strategies can generate differences among populations in the evolutionary trajectory of defensive traits and promote the existence of a selection mosaic. The pattern of contrasting selection on tolerance suggests that, in some populations of D. stramonium, tolerance may alter the strength of reciprocal coevolution between plant resistance and natural enemies.
Fostering Responsible Business: Evidence From Leading Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Networks

Corporate social responsibility networks and associations play a significant role in fostering responsible business yet there exists a lacuna in the literature regarding the role of these networks and associations in augmenting responsible business practices. Furthermore, research studies with regard to how they function seem to be non-existent. Following this line of argument, this study attempts to shed light on these ambiguities by examining three leading networks. The results suggest that corporate sustainability and responsibility networks and associations play the role of facilitators, by providing tools and services, and incentivize business organizations to take measurable actions towards corporate sustainability. Moreover, they function as the engine of growth for responsible and sustainable business ecosystem. With their growing influence and the mainstreaming of responsible practices, a review of their objectives, organizational structures, types of activities, practices and impacts using a reviewing framework would provide a solid background for future research.
Nice Guideline on Osteoarthritis: Is it Fair to Acupuncture? Yes

The NICE Osteoarthritis Guideline Development Group (GDG) has been challenged for not using the available acupuncture evidence in the most appropriate manner in three crucial areas. This response explains the methods used by the GDG with particular reference to the economic analysis, and illustrates that the methods used were those most appropriate for developing a NICE clinical guideline. The cost-effectiveness conclusions made by the GDG are supported by the currently available evidence.
The Stagnation of Vascular Device Technology

Ten years ago, I wrote about my opinion on the status of vascular device technology. At the turn of the century, the decline in the rate of development of these devices was already evident. This decline was related in part to decreasing investment in research and development and also to shifting interest in the device industry away from long-term goals. Corporate interests started to focus on small companies with marginal improvement projects, many of them from outside of the United States. A new generation of small entrepreneurs, many former employees of the corporate device companies, appeared along with venture capitalists willing to risk investing in only small projects with short-term return expectations. Blue-sky disruptive ideas did not fit this financial scheme, but the “keep it simple” paradigm did. Certainly, novel implantable Class III devices have always been complex projects with lengthy Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval times ranging from 5 to 10 years. The time factor alone conflicts with the objective of a quick return of investment, hence the predominance of marginal improvements seen in the vascular stent arena in the past 20 years. Today, large companies play it safe, focused on maintaining their share of the vascular device market. Things have not changed much lately, and stagnation has set in. Even earlier, in 2004, I wrote about my vision of intravascular stents and other vascular implantables, following a dream filled with nanomolecular self-assembly, biological/ prosthetic composite materials, interactive microelectronics, microrobotic actuators, microfluidics-based sensors, and other related microtechnologies. Not only did I wish we would go in any or all of these directions, I was certain that by now they would have become commonplace. I was proven wrong. Obviously, foretelling the future was not in my set of skills. The implantable stent technology, an industry I helped pioneer, went into areas I did not anticipate and with which I did not always agree.
A proposed approach to improve current sustainable product development

Systematic consideration of environmental aspects within the early stages of product development (PD) can be considered highly significant in order for the overall environmental performance of the product to be improved. Many methods and tools have been developed aiming to enable this consideration and provide the properties that need to be considered and improved. This article provides an overview of some well-known and more applicable tools and methods that have been developed and are available today. The identified tools are generally classified in two groups: Guidelines and Analytical tools. The limitations and barriers of current tools are assessed and categorized and two areas for work are proposed in order to address current limitations in the existing literature. One of the areas is followed and a scoring model is proposed as a new tool for sustainable PD.
Clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ganciclovir and valganciclovir in children with cytomegalovirus infection

Introduction: Among infants and immunocompromised children cytomegalovirus (CMV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Areas covered: This review describes the clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ganciclovir and valganciclovir for the treatment and prevention of CMV infection in children. Expert opinion: A 24-h ganciclovir area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC0 – 24) of 40 – 60 μg h/ml decreased the risk of CMV infection for adults undergoing CMV prophylaxis. For adults undergoing treatment for active CMV disease, a target AUC0 – 12 of 40 – 60 μg h/ml has been suggested. The applicability of these targets to children remains uncertain; however, with the most sophisticated dosing regimens developed to date only 21% of patients are predicted to reach these targets. Moving forward, identification of optimal pediatric ganciclovir and valganciclovir dosing regimens may involve the use of an externally validated pediatric population pharmacokinetic model for empirical dosing, an optimal sampling strategy for collecting a minimal number of blood samples for each patient and Bayesian updating of the dosing regimen based on an individual patient’s pharmacokinetic profile.
The neurobiology of agrammatic sentence comprehension: a lesion study

Broca’s area has long been implicated in sentence comprehension. Damage to this region is thought to be the central source of “agrammatic comprehension” in which performance is substantially worse (and near chance) on sentences with noncanonical word orders compared to canonical word order sentences (in English). This claim is supported by functional neuroimaging studies demonstrating greater activation in Broca’s area for noncanonical versus canonical sentences. However, functional neuroimaging studies also have frequently implicated the anterior temporal lobe (ATL) in sentence processing more broadly, and recent lesion-symptom mapping studies have implicated the ATL and mid temporal regions in agrammatic comprehension. The present study investigates these seemingly conflicting findings in 66 left hemisphere patients with chronic focal cerebral damage. Patients completed two sentence comprehension measures, sentence-picture matching and plausibility judgments. Patients with damage including Broca’s area (but excluding the temporal lobe; n=11) on average did not exhibit the expected agrammatic comprehension pattern, e.g. their performance was > 80% on noncanonical sentences in the sentence-picture matching task. Patients with ATL damage (n=18) also did not exhibit an agrammatic comprehension pattern. Across our entire patient sample, the lesions of patients with agrammatic comprehension patterns in either task had maximal overlap in posterior superior temporal and inferior parietal regions. Using voxel-based lesion symptom mapping (VLSM), we find that lower performances on canonical and noncanonical sentences in each task are both associated with damage to a large left superior temporal-inferior parietal network including portions of the ATL, but not Broca’s area. Notably however, response bias in plausibility judgments was significantly associated with damage to inferior frontal cortex, including gray and white matter in Broca’s area, suggesting that the contribution of Broca’s area to sentence comprehension may be related to task-related cognitive demands.
Liraglutide in the treatment of obesity

Introduction: Obesity is a global epidemic with important healthcare and financial implications. Most current antiobesity pharmacological therapies are unsatisfactory due to undesirable side effects. Many drugs have been withdrawn due to safety concerns. Maintaining weight loss remains the Achilles’ heel of antiobesity therapy. Areas covered: This is an overview of the use of liraglutide for obesity treatment. Clinical efficacy on weight, cardiovascular parameters, as well as safety and tolerability issues are discussed. Expert opinion: Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which has a protracted pharmacokinetic profile compared to native GLP-1 while maintaining its biological activity. It induces weight loss by reducing appetite and energy intake. It stimulates insulin release and decreases glucagon secretion in response to hyperglycaemia. Treatment with liraglutide, in addition with diet and exercise, induces sustained mean weight loss of 7.6 kg at 2 years (weight loss induced by orlistat = 5.7 kg, phentermine/topiramate controlled release 15/92 = 10.9 kg). It reduces blood pressure and improves glycaemic control, which has clinically relevant significance on reducing obesity-related morbidity and mortality. Liraglutide is reasonably well tolerated with gastrointestinal side effects being most commonly encountered. Novo Nordisk filed for regulatory approval of liraglutide 3.0 mg for obesity treatment in December 2013.
Bestellprozesse auf Online-Shops: Analyse und Vergleich von Standards, Anforderungen und Erwartungen im europäischen Vergleich

Die Kaufund Bestellprozesse im eCommerce unterscheiden sich zwischen Anbietern, Domänen und Ländern. Die User Experience wird unterschiedlich geprägt und für international auftretende Shops sollten die verschiedenen Standards bekannt sein und berücksichtigt werden. In einer Untersuchung für Frankreich, Deutschland und das Vereinigte Königreich wurde der Bestellvorgang auf jeweils 100 Shops analysiert und den Ergebnissen von Befragungen in den einzelnen Ländern gegenübergestellt. Der Vergleich offenbart Abweichungen von den Erwartungen der Nutzer und zeigt, welche internationalen Unterschiede aus Benutzersicht gerechtfertigt sind.
A Novel Nonlinear Modeling Method for Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors

A field-circuit-coupled parameter adaptive modeling method for a permanent magnet synchronous motor is proposed in this paper. The model combines the merits of a mathematical model and a magnetic field model. It takes into consideration the magnetic saturation, current harmonics, cross coupling, eddy current, and hysteresis loss effect in terms of the corresponding adaptive parameters obtained from the JMAG-finite element analysis (JMAG-FEA) tool in the model. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed model, three modeling methods are comparatively studied through an offline simulation. In addition, a hardware-in-the-loop experiment platform is built combining one DSP-based controller and a dSPACE-based controller, where the three models are located. The results of both, the simulation and HIL experiment, demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed model and the feasibility of the integration scheme of motor design and control. Moreover, the proposed model approximates the actual machine well and can be customized conveniently according to different requirements.
Enhancing social interaction and user participation in the development of social applications

Every now and then existing methods in the User-Centered Design (UCD) process evolve and new methods are being introduced. In this position paper we discuss our new approach for studying communities within the new media landscape. First, this new approach contains ways to improve the relations between the designers, researchers and developers on the one hand and the users on the other hand. Second, we suggest encouraging more contact between the users themselves during the research phase. Ultimately these two factors contribute to a better user involvement and participation in the study which provides better results and richer information from that study.