Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Building Civilized Societies with Better Cultures

In this paper, I put forward the concept of culture space, and highlight its three principal axes for referencing values which are the ultimate causes behind all social and individual activities as well as behaviors. And, these three references for gauging values are: people-centric reference for values, familycentric reference for values, and customer-centric reference for values. The culture space is the domain in which all minds evolve and develop. All the differences of behaviors among people, populations and countries are reflected by the paths or trajectories of their minds in the culture space.
The Matrix Protein of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Inhibits Nucleocytoplasmic Transport When It Is in the Nucleus and Associated with Nuclear Pore Complexes

ABSTRACT The matrix (M) protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is a potent inhibitor of bidirectional nuclear transport. Here we demonstrate that inhibition occurs when M protein is in the nucleus ofXenopus laevis oocytes and that M activity is readily reversed by a monoclonal antibody (αM). We identify a region of M protein, amino acids 51 to 59, that is required both for inhibition of transport and for efficient recognition by αM. When expressed in transfected HeLa cells, M protein colocalizes with nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) at the nuclear rim. Moreover, mutation of a single amino acid, methionine 51, eliminates both transport inhibition and targeting to NPCs. We propose that M protein inhibits bidirectional transport by interacting with a component of the NPC or an NPC-associated factor that participates in nucleocytoplasmic transport.
A Review and Analysis of the Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness Studies of Comprehensive Health Promotion and Disease Management Programs at the Worksite: Update VI 2000–2004

This critical review focuses on the 12 new studies focused on the clinical and cost outcomes research focused on worksites and published between 2000 and 2004. Although these new studies indicate further evidence of positive clinical and cost outcomes, the quantity and quality of such research continue to decline. When corporations and health plans are demanding more evidence-based outcomes, this decline in rigorous research marks a serious challenge to the field of health promotion and disease management.
An Accurate Detection for Dynamic Liquid Level Based on MIMO Ultrasonic Transducer Array

In many circumstances, the conventional ultrasonic liquid-level detection presents the unreliable estimations due to the dynamically changed liquid level. In addition, there are circumstances where the level change involves not only the fluctuation but also the rise or fall of liquid level. To improve the measuring accuracy of liquid level using the ultrasonic method in dynamically changed level case, an attractive ultrasonic method, named the liquid-level detection based on the multiple-input multiple-output ultrasonic transducer array, is proposed in this paper. This method is different from the early ultrasonic liquid-level detections, including those that utilize transducer array. Based on the virtual element technology, the method employs the multitransducer array to achieve the reduction of system complexity and cost, and then applies the synthetic aperture technology to realize rapid samples of liquid level. Besides, one adaptive searching scheme of focused position in beamforming of synthetic aperture in each scanning direction is optimized to get the high precise samples of liquid level. The proposed method is verified by simulation and a real system, and compared with the conventional single-channel approach. We still proposed a simulation method of ultrasonic echo signal from liquid level based on the boundary-layer theory and the ultrasonic scattering theory. The simulated and actual measurement results demonstrate that the proposed method is obviously superior to the conventional approach. Meanwhile, the factors influencing on the proposed method are investigated by simulation also. The investigations reveal that the focus position in beamforming, the SNR of echo signal, and the wave size of liquid level have impact on the suggested method. However, it is indicated that the good performance of the proposed method remains, provided that the focus in beamforming is properly set in every scanning direction and the noise of echo signal is effectively controlled.
Distributed framework for prototyping of observability concepts in Smart Grids

Development and testing of distributed monitoring, visualisation, and decision support concepts for future power systems require appropriate modelling tools that represent both the electrical side of the grid, as well as the communication and logical relations between the acting entities. This work presents an Observability Framework for distributed data acquisition and knowledge inference that aims to facilitate the development of these distributed concepts. They are realised as applications that run within the framework and are able to access the information on the grid topology and states via an abstract information model. Data is acquired dynamically over low-level data interfaces that allow for easy integration within heterogeneous environments. A Multi-Agent System platform was chosen for implementation, where agents represent the different electrical and logical grid elements and perform data acquisition, processing, and exchange. The basic capabilities of the framework together with a simple visualisation concept are demonstrated using a simulation of the Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) laboratory distribution grid.
Is it safe to use antidepressants after a stroke?

Depression is an important complication of stroke. Although antidepressants are widely used for the treatment of poststroke depression (PSD), prescription is critically influenced by their safety, tolerability and by the impact on co-morbidities. The authors reviewed the literature on the use of antidepressants after stroke. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors are effective and have a good profile of safety and tolerability in PSD. They are, therefore, used as first-line drugs in the treatment of PSD, although potential cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects, drug–drug interactions and intolerability in a minority of patients have to be considered. Other antidepressants appear to be safe and effective in selected patients. PSD patients should be classified according to their clinical profile for the selection of the drug of choice in particular sub-groups of patients.
Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Pediatric Oncology Patients: High Rates of Antimicrobial Resistance, Antiseptic Tolerance and Complications

Background: Patients with malignancies represent a population at high risk for drug-resistant infections. We sought to determine the clinical spectrum and molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus infections in pediatric oncology patients followed at Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston, TX). Furthermore, we determined the prevalence of the chlorhexidine resistance gene qacA/B from isolates in this unique population. Methods: Patients with a history of malignancy and a culture-proven S. aureus infection were identified from 2001 to 2011. Antibiotic susceptibility, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and detection of qacA/B by polymerase chain reaction were performed on all isolates. Medical records for all patients were reviewed. Results: During the study period, 213 isolates were identified from 179 patients with malignancies. Thirty-one percent of the isolates were methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The most common infectious diagnosis was bacteremia (85/213 [39.9%], with 72/85 [84.7%] being catheter-associated). Thirteen patients with bacteremia were found to have pulmonary nodules at the time of presentation; only S. aureus was found in tissue in 5 of the 6 patients who underwent lung biopsy. After 2007, 18.2% of isolates were qacA/B positive with a steady increase in prevalence every year (&khgr;2 for trend P = 0.04). Conclusions: S. aureus is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric oncology patients at Texas Children’s Hospital. In addition to the more well-known clinical manifestations, this pathogen can also be associated with pulmonary nodules. Furthermore, the prevalence of S. aureus isolates carrying antiseptic resistance genes increased in this population. Additional clinical and molecular studies and surveillance among pediatric oncology patients are warranted to further explore these findings.
Targeting multiple kinase pathways in leukemic progenitors and stem cells is essential for improved treatment of Ph+ leukemia in mice

It is generally believed that shutting down the kinase activity of BCR-ABL by imatinib will completely inhibit its functions, leading to inactivation of its downstream signaling pathways and cure of the disease. Imatinib is highly effective at treating human Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase but not Ph+ B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and CML blast crisis. We find that SRC kinases activated by BCR-ABL remain fully active in imatinib-treated mouse leukemic cells, suggesting that imatinib does not inactivate all BCR-ABL-activated signaling pathways. This SRC pathway is essential for leukemic cells to survive imatinib treatment and for CML transition to lymphoid blast crisis. Inhibition of both SRC and BCR-ABL kinase activities by dasatinib affords complete B-ALL remission. However, curing B-ALL and CML mice requires killing leukemic stem cells insensitive to both imatinib and dasatinib. Besides BCR-ABL and SRC kinases, stem cell pathways must be targeted for curative therapy of Ph+ leukemia.
Selection of appropriate training and validation set chemicals for modelling dermal permeability by U-optimal design

Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models are being used increasingly in skin permeation studies. The main idea of QSAR modelling is to quantify the relationship between biological activities and chemical properties, and thus to predict the activity of chemical solutes. As a key step, the selection of a representative and structurally diverse training set is critical to the prediction power of a QSAR model. Early QSAR models selected training sets in a subjective way and solutes in the training set were relatively homogenous. More recently, statistical methods such as D-optimal design or space-filling design have been applied but such methods are not always ideal. This paper describes a comprehensive procedure to select training sets from a large candidate set of 4534 solutes. A newly proposed ‘Baynes’ rule’, which is a modification of Lipinski's ‘rule of five’, was used to screen out solutes that were not qualified for the study. U-optimality was used as the selection criterion. A principal component analysis showed that the selected training set was representative of the chemical space. Gas chromatograph amenability was verified. A model built using the training set was shown to have greater predictive power than a model built using a previous dataset [1].
Recent advances in Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus-associated multicentric Castleman disease

Purpose of review The discovery of Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) led to recognition of KSHV-associated multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) as a distinct lymphoproliferative disorder. The pathogenesis of KSHV-MCD is attributed to proliferation of KSHV-infected B cells, production of KSHV-encoded viral interleukin 6 by these cells, and dysregulation of human interleukin 6 and interleukin 10. This article reviews advances in the field of disease pathogenesis and targeted therapies. Recent findings Our understanding of the pathogenesis of KSHV-MCD has increased in recent years and improved therapies have been developed. Recent studies demonstrate that the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab, as well as virus-activated cytotoxic therapy using high-dose zidovudine and valganciclovir, can control symptoms and decrease adenopathy. With treatment, 1-year survival now exceeds 85%. Interestingly, even in the absence of pathologic findings of MCD, KSHV-infected patients may have inflammatory symptoms, excess cytokine production, and elevated KSHV viral load similar to KSHV-associated MCD. The term KSHV-associated inflammatory cytokine syndrome has been proposed to describe such patients. Summary Recent advances in targeted therapy have improved outcomes in KSHV-MCD, and decreased need for cytotoxic chemotherapy. Improved understanding of the pathogenesis of KSHV-MCD and KSHV-associated inflammatory cytokine syndrome is needed, and will likely lead to additional advances in therapy for these disorders.
ISTOPATHLOGICAL CHANGES CAUSED BY THE EXPOSURE OF SUPER BENZENE ON HAEMATOPOIETIC TISSUES (SPLEEN AND BONE MARROW) IN EXPERIMENTAL RATS ( RATTUS NORVIGICUS

The present study was carried out to determine the effect of super benzene inhalathion and its metabolites on haemopoietic tissues(spleen and bone marrow) on experimental rats.Animals were exposed via inhalation to concentrations of (5 and 10) ppm super benzene for 2 hour/day, 5 days /week for 3 months.Histological studies revealed that spleen of the exposed animals to super benzene, were exposed to 5 ppm showed white pulp atrophy and absence of megakaryocytes in red pulp with blood vessels congestion.In 10 ppm showed increased of extramedulary haemopoiesis, acute splenitis and fibrosis as well as showed aggregation of lymphocytes in lymph node, thickness with centeral artery wall also inflammation of inflammatory cells inside centeral artery and vasodilatation in centeral artery in asplenic nodule.While the bone marrow related to the animals exposed to 5 and 10 ppm showed reduced in haemapoietic tissue which partly replaced by adipose tissue.
Energy and Mobility Impacts of System Optimal Dynamic Traffic Assignment for a Mixed Traffic of Legacy and Automated Vehicles

This research develops a system optimal dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) model for mixed traffic of human drivers and automated vehicles (AVs) and investigates network level mobility and energy impacts for different market shares of AVs. A methodology based on vehicle-specific-energy is proposed to estimate the energy consumption from the embedded spatial-queuing traffic flow model within the DTA formulation. Results with a test network indicate that potential travel time and energy consumption reductions are possible with increased AV market share in transportation networks. Results also report a decrease in travel time as high as 49% and energy consumption as high as 28% at the system level. The developed DTA model will be able to assist in transportation planning and the investment decision process by estimating the mobility and energy impacts in future transportation networks with mixed traffic of human drivers and AVs.
GRIT META-ANALYSIS 1 Much Ado about Grit

Grit has been presented as a higher-order personality trait that is highly predictive of both success and performance and distinct from other traits such as conscientiousness. This paper provides a meta-analytic review of the grit literature with a particular focus on the structure of grit and the relation between grit and performance, retention, conscientiousness, cognitive ability, and demographic variables. Our results based on 584 effect sizes from 88 independent samples representing 66,807 individuals indicate that the higher-order structure of grit is not confirmed, that grit is only moderately correlated with performance and retention, and that grit is very strongly correlated with conscientiousness. We also find that the perseverance of effort facet has significantly stronger criterion validities than the consistency of interest facet and that perseverance of effort explains variance in academic performance even after controlling for conscientiousness. In aggregate our results suggest that interventions designed to enhance grit may only have weak effects on performance and success, that the construct validity of grit is in question, and that the primary utility of the grit construct may lie in the perseverance facet.
BIOACTIVE FACTORS OF COLOSTRUM AND HUMAN MILK EXHIBITS A DAY-NIGHT VARIATION

The aim of this study was to determine the chronobiological variations of cytokines (IFN-γ, TGF-β) and hormones (melatonin and cortisol). The sample was collected from 42 mothers at three stages of maturity-day 3 (colostrum), day 10 (transitional milk) and day 30 (mature milk) postpartum, at two times of day: diurnal (12:00 h) and nocturnal (24:00 h), resulting a total of 252 samples. Melatonin concentration was increased in the nocturnal period from all milk maturation stages. This hormone concentration was lower in the mature milk. Cortisol concentration was higher in the mature milk during the diurnal period and it was lower in the nocturnal period when compared to colostrum and transitional milk. IFN-γ concentration did not vary between all periods. The transitional milk displayed higher concentrations of this cytokine in the nocturnal period whereas the concentration of IFN-γ decreased in the nocturnal period from the mature milk. When comparing the types of milk, it was observed lower concentrations of IFN-γ in mature milk in both periods. No significant variation in TGF-β concentration was detected between types of milk or at either time of day. These data support the hypothesis that there is a fluctuation in the production of hormone and cytokines and this leads to a need that adequate time of breastfeeding being crucial to ensure passive transfer of immunity, as well as for establishment of synchronization of newborn.
How to Synchronize a Pausible Clock to a Reference

Pausible clocking is an efficient means for metastability free communication in heterochronous GALS systems. State-of-the-art implementations are based on ring oscillators, which suffer from bad frequency stability and accuracy. Building a stable pausible clock by simply switching a crystal based clock source, on the other hand, has been shown to incur metastability issues, thus rendering pausible clocking no better than a conventional synchronizer approach. In this paper we propose a solution that provides the stability and accuracy of a crystal based clock while still being free from metastable upsets. It is based on a ring oscillator that can be paused and resumed just like in the traditional approach, but is synchronized with a crystal clock during its stable phases of operation. We will present an appropriate circuit implementation and carefully analyze its operation. We will give evidence that the circuit switches on and off as fast as the traditional one, and that the clock output does not suffer from metastable voltage or spurious pulses at any time.
A Comprehensive Review of the Effectiveness of Different Exercise Programs for Patients with Osteoarthritis

Abstract Exercise is recommended as a first-line conservative intervention approach for osteoarthritis (OA). A wide range of exercise programs are available and scientific evidence is necessary for choosing the optimal strategy of treatment for each patient. The purpose of this review is to discuss the effectiveness of different types of exercise programs for OA based on trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses in the literature. Publications from January 1997 to July 2012 were searched in 4 electronic databases using the terms osteoarthritis, exercise, exercise program, effectiveness, and treatment outcome. Strong evidence supports that aerobic and strengthening exercise programs, both land- and water-based, are beneficial for improving pain and physical function in adults with mild-to-moderate knee and hip OA. Areas that require further research include examination of the long-term effects of exercise programs for OA, balance training for OA, exercise programs for severe OA, the effect of exercise programs on progression of OA, the effectiveness of exercise for joint sites other than the knee or hip, and the effectiveness of exercise for OA by such factors as age, sex, and obesity. Efforts to improve adherence to evidence-based exercise programs for OA and to promote the dissemination and implementation of these programs are crucial.
Inhibition of PKC beta by oral administration of ruboxistaurin is well tolerated and ameliorates diabetes-induced retinal hemodynamic abnormalities in patients.

PURPOSE To assess ocular and systemic safety and pharmacodynamic effects of the oral PKC beta selective inhibitor ruboxistaurin (RBX; LY333531) mesylate in patients with diabetes. METHODS This was a double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel, randomized, single-center clinical study evaluating the effect of oral administration of RBX (8 mg twice a day, 16 mg per day, or 16 mg twice a day) or placebo for 28 days in patients with no or very mild diabetic retinopathy on mean retinal circulation time (RCT), retinal blood flow (RBF), treatment-emergent adverse events, and other safety parameters. RESULTS Twenty-nine persons aged 18 to 65 years with type 1 or 2 diabetes were evaluated. The only treatment-emergent adverse event with a statistically significant difference among treatment groups was abdominal pain, which was more common in placebo-treated subjects (P = 0.049). Statistically significant effects of RBX were observed on several hematologic and laboratory parameters, but values were within the normal reference range and none of the changes was deemed clinically meaningful. In patients receiving 16 mg RBX twice daily, the diabetes-induced increase in RCT was ameliorated, with a baseline-to-endpoint difference of -0.84 seconds (P = 0.046) relative to placebo. Increasing RBX dose was linearly associated with greater effect on RCT (P = 0.03). Similar results were observed with RBF. CONCLUSIONS RBX was well tolerated at doses up to 16 mg twice daily for 28 days in patients with diabetes. It ameliorated diabetes-induced RCT abnormalities. No serious safety problems were identified in this patient population. Compared with prior published data, these findings represent the first direct human evidence of both bioavailability of RBX to retinal vessels and amelioration of diabetes-induced retinal hemodynamic abnormalities by an oral PKC beta inhibitor.
Perceived ideal body size of Ghanaian women: “Not too skinny, but not too fat”

ABSTRACT Body size issues are gaining public health attention because of the fast rising epidemic of overweight and obesity across the globe. This study explored Ghanaian women’s subjective perceptions regarding ideal body size for women. A purposive sampling strategy was employed in recruiting 36 women across the body weight spectrum from Tamale (n = 17) and Accra (n = 19) in Ghana. Qualitative data were obtained from in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Data from the interviews were analyzed deductively. The mean body mass index of participants was 33.5 ± 10 kg/m2: sixteen of the participants were obese, eight were overweight, eleven were normal weight, and one was underweight. The participants almost unanimously had a preference for an ideal body size slightly above the normal, but not necessarily obese. Typically described as “not too skinny, but not too fat,” this preferred ideal reflected a fuller, curvier, and shapelier body, as opposed to the Western ideal of thinner body type. Women often felt pressured by peers and family members to have a slightly heavier body size. Health education efforts are needed to focus on messages that seek to challenge existing body size perceptions that may inhibit women’s willingness to maintain a healthy body weight.