Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crossing the digital divide: evaluating online communication between patients and their providers.

OBJECTIVE To address provider, payer, and patient concerns about the use of online communication in healthcare settings by performing a randomized controlled trial of a Web-based patient-provider communication tool in primary care. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Forty-one staff physicians and 91 residents in 4 primary care centers were randomized to a Web-based online communication system. Patients of intervention physicians were encouraged to communicate via the system about health issues, scheduling, prescription renewals, referrals, and billing. Data collected included patient Web use, e-mail use, telephone calls, visit distribution, and physician and patient attitudes toward and satisfaction with communication. RESULTS One thousand thirty-eight patients sent 2238 messages during the 40-week study. Half of the messages were directly related to a patient's health; half were administrative. Patient Web use peaked at 8.5 weekly messages per 100 scheduled visits. Patient e-mail and telephone volume remained similar across groups. Intervention physicians reported more positive attitudes toward Web-based communication than control physicians (mean Web benefits scale score, 4.0 vs 1.1; P = .008), but there were no between-group differences in attitudes toward communication in general. Patients and physicians reported differential preferences for the use of online communication based on problem complexity and sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS Web-based messaging was lower than expected because of patient-related factors and limitations of the technology. Patients, physicians, and staff had positive attitudes toward online communication. There was no detectable difference in communication volume between study groups, but more sensitive measures of work burden need to be developed and evaluated.
A general model for the CO–H2 conversion factor in galaxies with applications to the star formation law

The most common means of converting an observed CO line intensity into a molecular gas mass requires the use of a conversion factor (XCO). While in the Milky Way this quantity does not appear to vary significantly, there is good reason to believe that XCO will depend on the larger-scale galactic environment. With sensitive instruments pushing detections to increasingly high redshift, characterizing XCO as a function of physical conditions is crucial to our understanding of galaxy evolution. Utilizing numerical models, we investigate how varying metallicities, gas temperatures and velocity dispersions in galaxies impacts the way CO line emission traces the underlying H2 gas mass, and under what circumstances XCO may differ from the Galactic mean value. We find that, due to the combined effects of increased gas temperature and velocity dispersion, XCO is depressed below the Galactic mean in high surface density environments such as ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs). In contrast, in low-metallicity environments, XCO tends to be higher than in the Milky Way, due to photodissociation of CO in metal-poor clouds. At higher redshifts, gas-rich discs may have gravitationally unstable clumps that are warm (due to increased star formation) and have elevated velocity dispersions. These discs tend to have XCO values ranging between present-epoch gas-rich mergers and quiescent discs at low z. This model shows that on average mergers do have lower XCO values than disc galaxies, though there is significant overlap. XCO varies smoothly with the local conditions within a galaxy, and is not a function of global galaxy morphology. We combine our results to provide a general fitting formula for XCO as a function of CO line intensity and metallicity. We show that replacing the traditional approach of using one constant XCO for starbursts and another for discs with our best-fitting function produces star formation laws that are continuous rather than bimodal, and that have significantly reduced scatter.
Doing away with ‘study skills’

This paper argues that the widespread approach to enhancing student learning through separate study skills courses is ineffective, and that the term ‘study skills’ itself has misleading implications, which are counterproductive to learning. The main argument is that learning how to study effectively at university cannot be separated from subject content and the process of learning. The role of ‘study skills’ within universities’ skills frameworks, and as a component of students’ long-term development is discussed. Then, it is examined, with a focus on academic writing, what learning at university entails, and what is needed to support this learning. Finally, effective approaches to the enhancement of learning at university and beyond are considered.
Deletions of specific regions of the simian sarcoma-associated virus genome are found in defective viruses and in the simian sarcoma virus

Extrachromosomal DNA was isolated from tissue culture cells that were acutely infected with simian sarcoma virus (SSV) and its associated helper (simian sarcoma-associated virus [SSAV]). Two sizes of closed circular viral genomic DNA intermediates were isolated, cleaved at the single EcoRI site, and ligated to the Charon 21A phage lambda vector. Cloned molecules of the larger size all represented the full-length (9.0-kilobase [kb]) SSAV molecule. A heterogeneous group of clones was derived from the smaller DNA circles. These included the SSV genome and SSAV deletion mutants. When two SSV clones were compared with the helper, they contained the following three characteristic deletions: (i) a 250-base pair deletion in the gag gene about 1.0 kb from the 5' end of the genome; (ii) a 1.85-kb deletion in the pol gene; and (iii) a 1.9-kb deletion at the 3' end, which included part of the env gene. This latter deletion was the site of the onc gene substitution. Six other clones of the smaller molecules represented the following variants of the SSAV genome: (i) two clones of the entire genome containing only one long terminal repeat unit; (ii) one clone with the 1.85-kb deletion of the pol gene observed in SSSV; and (iii) three clones having a deletion of the 3' end of the SSAV genome. In each of the latter clones, the 5' border of the deletion was indistinguishable from the 5' border of the onc substitution in SSV. The fidelity of genetic deletions observed suggested that certain regions of the SSAV genome were deleted at a high frequency. In certain cases, these deletions may have been accompanied by a substitution of cellular sequences to generate SSV.
Integrin and Defensin Modulate the Mechanical Properties of Adenovirus

ABSTRACT The propensity for capsid disassembly and uncoating of human adenovirus is modulated by interactions with host cell molecules like integrins and alpha defensins. Here, we use atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation to elucidate, at the single-particle level, the mechanism by which binding of these host molecules affects virus particle elasticity. Our results demonstrate the direct link between integrin or defensin binding and the mechanical properties of the virus. We show that the structure and geometry of adenovirus result in an anisotropic elastic response that relates to icosahedral symmetry. This elastic response changes upon binding host molecules. Whereas integrin binding softens the vertex regions, binding of a human alpha defensin has exactly the opposite effect. Our results reveal that the ability of these host molecules to influence adenovirus disassembly correlates with a direct effect on the elastic strength of the penton region. Host factors that influence adenovirus infectivity thus modulate the elastic properties of the capsid. Our findings reveal a direct link between virus-host interactions and capsid mechanics.
Performance of Dental Ceramics: Challenges for Improvements

The clinical success of modern dental ceramics depends on an array of factors, ranging from initial physical properties of the material itself, to the fabrication and clinical procedures that inevitably damage these brittle materials, and the oral environment. Understanding the influence of these factors on clinical performance has engaged the dental, ceramics, and engineering communities alike. The objective of this review is to first summarize clinical, experimental, and analytic results reported in the recent literature. Additionally, it seeks to address how this new information adds insight into predictive test procedures and reveals challenges for future improvements.
DYNAMICALLY ADAPTABLE IMPROVED OLSR (DA-IOLSR) PROTOCOL

Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) protocol is a proactive type of routing protocol that uses Multipoint Relay (MPR) set as the virtual backbone structure. The existing literature has identified various issues with respect to its backbone structure and has accordingly proposed improvements. In this paper, the focus is on improving the OLSR protocol by employing a Connected Dominating Set (CDS) based virtual backbone structure that is dynamically adaptable to rapid topology changes. A new Dynamically Adaptable Improved Optimized Link State Routing (DA-IOLSR) protocol is proposed that uses the local topology information to adapt the virtual backbone to topology changes. This assumes significance especially in networks that experience very high mobility. Changes in the network topology caused by node additions, node deletions and node mobility are taken care of. Simulations are carried out to assess the performance of DA-IOLSR protocol and OLSR protocol. Packet delivery achieved by both the protocols is examined under varying mobility by using various combinations of node speed and pause time values. It is found that DA-IOLSR protocol provides better packet delivery as compared to OLSR protocol, under varying mobility conditions.
The prevalence of pain in multiple sclerosis

In a multicenter cross-sectional study, the authors assessed pain in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) using a symptom-oriented approach. Out of 2,077 questionnaires, we used 1,672 for data analysis. Pain and frequencies included trigeminal neuralgia 2%, Lhermitte’s sign 9%, dysesthetic pain 18.1%, back pain 16.4%, and painful tonic spasms 11%. Comparison between different groups showed significant differences for age, Expanded Disability Status Scale, disease duration, and disease course, but not for sex. This study underlines the relevance of pain in the clinical history of MS.
Dielectric barrier discharge using nitric acid modified silicone rubber

It is proved that the dielectric barrier is one of the factors which can affect the discharge property in dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). And it has been proved experimentally that the more are the shallow traps (<leV) on the surface of the dielectric barrier, the higher is the pressure range of uniform discharge. Besides the properly selection of the dielectric barriers, the surface modification of the dielectric materials such as the corona modification of silicone rubber which used to obtain more shallow traps has been proved to be a very useful method for realizing a uniform discharge with wider pressure range. In this paper, nitric acid modification on the silicone rubber was employed and compared with corona treatment. The results from thermal stimulated current (TSC) experiment show that the nitric acid modified silicone rubber gains more shallow traps on the surface than the corona treated one. And a wider pressure range of uniform discharge is achieved while using the nitric acid modified silicone rubber as dielectric barrier compared with the corona modified one. Therefore, it is concluded that nitric acid modification on the silicone rubber is not only an effective way on the improvement of the discharge property but also better than the method of corona modification.
Ein neues Interface zur flexiblen Navigation in Videos auf PDAs

In dieser Design-Präsentation stellen wir eine Schnittstelle zur interaktiven Navigation in Videos mit Stifteingabe auf PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) vor. Unsere Lösung erlaubt es Benutzern, auf intuitive Art in unterschiedlichen Granularitätsstufen durch ein Video zu navigieren. Des Weiteren besteht die Möglichkeit einer stufenlos verstellbaren, geschwindigkeitsbasierten Navigation durch die betreffende Datei. Beide Interaktionsmechanismen sind aufeinander abgestimmt und auf eine Weise in das Abspielprogramm integriert, die den nur beschränkt zur Verfügung stehenden Platz optimal ausnutzt.
Topofília, paisatge i sostenibilitat del territori

En este trabajo, realizamos un analisis de las funciones evolutivas que tiene el amor al territorio y al paisaje ( topofilia ). Estas funciones son, basicamente, dos: fijar la poblacion al territorio y establecer relaciones de solidaridad con las generaciones futuras y la comunidad biotica. Entendemos la topofilia como un instrumento biocultural de adaptacion de nuestra especie. Las emociones esteticas y morales que el paisaje provoca son de mucha utilidad para la construccion de una economia moral ecologica. A este uso ecologico y reflexivo del amor al territorio, le llamamos topofilia , que puede ser util para evitar el despotismo generacional en las decisiones democraticas.
Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Senecio biafrae on liver and kidneys function indicesof alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The objective of this research work is to investigate some biochemical parameters in the liver and kidney of alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with Senecio biafrae leaf aqueous extract. Alloxan-induced diabetic rats (150mg/kg) were administered orally with Senecio biafrae leaf aqueous extract (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) for fifteen days after which some biochemical indices in the serum, liver and kidney were measured and compared with the control. The results shows that serum and tissues alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum urea, direct bilirubin and creatinine of untreated diabetic group were significantly higher (p<0.05) when compared with the normal control group and extract treated group, while significant reduction were observed in serum total protein, albumin and globulin of diabetic untreated group when compared to both extract treated and normal control groups. It can be concluded that administration of aqueous leaf extract of Senecio biafrae to diabetic rats did not have any adverse effect on the liver and kidney functions indices in rats, instead it ameliorate the adverse effects of diabetes complications
Visual Phenomena in Long Sensory Deprivation

In order to study the spontaneous production of visual patterns without structured input under the condition of several days of sensory deprivation, the observations of one person over 108 and 128 hr. were tape recorded, one study including immobilization, the other acoustical isolation. The phenomena depended on illumination and on time from start. Very bright light suppressed imagery, bright daylight was associated with moving bright commas, average daylight in the room produced irregular patterns of darker circles, later multiple apparent objects composed of circular elements, often in geometrical arrays. There was a different style of phenomena with closed eyes: colored spots, later showing textural qualities, movements of elements and areas, flickering brightness changes, jumping white lines, and also pictures with dark backgrounds. Phenomena are interpreted as randomly arising events of dark-perception, inhibition, color perception, and as patterns arising from complex functions that have been studied in constancy phenomena.
p16
 INK4A
 Gene alterations are not a prognostic indicator for survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing curative hepatectomy

Background and Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy worldwide that is highly associated with chronic hepatitis B or C infection and cirrhosis. The tumor suppressor gene p16INK4A is an important component of the cell cycle and inactivation of the gene has been found in a variety of human cancers. The present study was performed to determine genetic and epigenetic alterations in the p16INK4A tumor suppressor gene and the effect of these on HCC progression.
Applications of Angiography during Intracranial Operation

Cerebral angiography is usually a pre-operative examination, but postoperative angiography also provides valuable information about the brain circulation and the condition of brain vessels (MOUNT & TAVERAS 1956, NORLIN 1949). There are no valid studies to indicate the best time for angiography after operation. It has been the usual practice to delay it several weeks or months, but we suggest that it might be more useful if the information gained by such an examination were available to the neurosurgeon immediately at operation. This would allow revision or extension of the operation as indicated by the angiogram. Particularly dangerous or complicated vascular lesions could thus be assessed several times during operation so that operative accomplishment could be immediately balanced against the risk of additional surgical treatment. We have carried out cerebral angiography during operation for a variety of intracranial vascular diseases on ten patients to date. There have been no special technical problems. We have found it convenient to prepare and drape the neck separately from the cranium, but to delay carotid puncture until immediately before contrast injection. If several injections have been planned, the carotid cannula is continuously irrigated. Using a specially mounted manu-
Cytochrome c Maturation

C-type cytochromes are characterized by having the heme moiety covalently attached via thioether bonds between the heme vinyl groups and the thiols of conserved cysteine residues of the polypeptide chain. Previously, we have shown the in vitro formation of Hydrogenobacter thermophilus cytochrome c 552 (Daltrop, O., Allen, J. W. A., Willis, A. C., and Ferguson, S. J. (2002) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 99, 7872–7876). In this work we report that thioether bonds can form spontaneously in vitro between heme and the apocytochromes c from horse heart and Paracoccus denitrificans via b-type cytochrome intermediates. Both apocytochromes, but not the holo forms, bind 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate, indicating that the apoproteins each have an affinity for a hydrophobic ligand. Furthermore, for both apocytochromes c an intramolecular disulfide can form between the cysteines of the CXXCH motif that is characteristic of c-type cytochromes. In vitroreaction of these apocytochromes c with heme to yield holocytochromes c, and the tendency to form a disulfide, have implications for the different systems responsible for cytochrome c maturation in vivo in various organisms.
The potential role of fecal microbiota transplantation in the treatment of inflammatory Bowel disease

Abstract Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of an unknown etiology. Its pathogenesis involves an interplay of infectious, genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. The current therapeutic options have various limitations in terms of cost, side effect profile, and the development of drug resistance and dependence. Therefore, there is a need to develop future therapeutic options which are safe and effective to control the inflammatory process. This review focuses in a method for the administration of fecal matters (which contains a mixture of various commensals) from a healthy donor to the inflamed colon called fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) aiming to correct the underlying dysbiosis in the gut as one of the major driving force for the inflammatory process. IBD patients have reduced number of protective (e.g., clostridia and bacteroids) and increased number of pathogenic (e.g., adhesive invasive E. coli and mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis) commensals, and this method is aimed to shift these changes in the gut. Recent studies from animal models and clinical trials suggest promising effects of this method in treating patients with IBD, but more studies are urgently needed to confirm its efficacy and safety, since the etiology of this chronic inflammatory disease is not fully understood and caution should be taken when transplanting fecal matters between individuals which might transfer other infectious organisms and diseases.
Management Integration through Software Applications: Japanese Manufacturing Firms in the UK Expert Control

Through the 1970s to the present time the governance of the Japanese firm overseas has changed, moving towards a more international form of operation rather than operating as a peripheral organisation based solidly on the Japanese headquarters office. Notwithstanding the evolution of their formal and informal management structures this research questions in detail the nature of computer software that may have been imported from Japan to the UK to control imported production systems and/or to control management data flows. This research stems from noting in the 1980s that imported Japanese production machines contained Japanese language instructions beneath their cover plates, so when maintenance was to take place, the UK engineers became baffled, and then frustrated. In the research reported here we ask if the computer programs used to control this imported machinery carry embedded Japanese documentation which may prove difficult to interpret by software engineers in the UK? As an adjunct to this question, we note the origin of their control software (and other software used by the Japanese production subsidiaries in the UK), its modification (if any, and where, and by whom), and the natural language used to communicate with the HQs in Japan. As an emergent finding, we report on the tensions arising from the data-integration of the Japanese firmsâ€™ operations in Europe through the use of enterprise resource planning software.
Deriving Policies Based on the Evaluation of the Suitability of Integrating Opportunistic Networks with Wireless Infrastructures

It is expected that the wireless world will need to encompass more local/temporary structures which can be created for exploiting dynamically appearing opportunities. Such structures, which can be called Opportunistic Networks (ONs), may comprise various terminals/devices, potentially organized in an infrastructure-less (ad-hoc) network mode, and be terminated at a set of access points of the infrastructure-based network. In this context, an operator owning a wireless network infrastructure, can exploit ONs for complementing the infrastructure, e.g., in order to resolve coverage expansions or for achieving green targets. Given the existence of opportunities in terms of available nodes and spectrum, the suitability of creating an ON can be determined by the type of involved applications and mobility levels. In this respect this paper aims to evaluate the suitability of establishing an ON as an extension to the wireless infrastructure by considering the anticipated benefits that such integration will bring about. The evaluation is based on extensive simulations so as to increase validity of results and recommendations with respect to the investigated ON suitability conditions. Finally, the simulation results and recommendations extracted from this evaluation study are used to derive policies that can be used by the operator of the wireless infrastructure to control the decision upon creating the ONs.
The journal's policy on cost-effectiveness analyses.

Concern about cost now dominates many decisions about the use of drugs and other therapeutic interventions. Increasingly, such decisions are being influenced by published economic analyses that relate the effectiveness of treatments and their associated costs (cost-effectiveness analyses). Many of these analyses are supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or other neutral sources. Some, however, are funded by companies that hope these analyses will put their products in a favorable light1. Companies might then even use particularly favorable analyses to justify the prices of new drugs. A cost-effectiveness analysis is usually performed by developing a .