Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Eccentricity sequences and eccentricity sets in digraphs

The eccentricity e(v) of a vertex v in a strongly connected digraph G is the maximum distance from v. The eccentricity sequence of a digraph is the list of eccentricities of its vertices given in nondecreasing order. A sequence of positive integers is a digraphical eccentric sequence if it is the eccentricity sequence of some digraph. A set of positive integers S is a digraphical eccentric set if there is a digraph G such that S = {e(v), v ∈ V (G)}. In this paper, we present some necessary and sufficient conditions for a sequence S to be a digraphical eccentric sequence. In some particular cases, where either the minimum or the maximum value of S is fixed, a characterization is derived. We also characterize digraphical eccentric sets.
Long-term effect of physical activity on health-related quality of life among menopausal women: a 4-year follow-up study to a randomised controlled trial

Objectives The aim of the study was to explore the long-term effects of physical activity intervention on quality of life (QoL) 4 years after an original randomised controlled trial (RCT). Design Cohort study after an RCT. Setting 95 of the 159 women from the original RCT participated in weight, height and waist circumference measurements, performed the UKK 2 km Walk Test and completed the SF-36 Health Survey questionnaire. Multilevel mixed regression models were performed in order to compare the original and current group in an RCT setting. Participants There were 159 participants in the original RCT; 2.5 years later, 102 of the women responded to a questionnaire and 4-year after the trial, there were 95 respondents. The inclusion criteria in the original RCT were: being symptomatic, experiencing daily hot flushes, age between 40 and 63 years, not using hormone therapy now or in the past 3 months, sedentary lifestyle and having last menstruated 3–36 months earlier. Main outcome measure Health-related QoL as measured with the SF-36 instrument. Results Women in the intervention group had a significantly higher probability of improved physical functioning (OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.99) as compared with women in the control group. In addition, women in the intervention group had higher odds of good role functioning (OR 1.21; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.67), physical health (OR 1.33; 95% CI 0.96 to 1.84) and general health (OR 1.14; 95% CI 0.81 to 1.62), relative to women in the control group, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Women in the intervention group showed positive long-term effects on physical and mental dimensions of QoL after 4 years. Trial registration number ISRCTN54690027.
The Differential Energy Distribution of the Universal Density Profile of Dark Halos

We study the differential energy distribution of dark matter halos by carrying out a cosmological N-body simulation. We give an analytical formula for the differential energy distribution of dark matter in the halos obtained by the numerical simulation. From the analytical formula we reconstruct the density profile described by the Navarro, Frenk, & White (NFW) profile. The NFW profile is consistent with the analytical formula of our fractional mass distribution. We find a parameter in our analytical formula for the differential energy distribution that is related to the slope of the inner cusp of the dark halo. We obtain the distribution function for the NFW profile, which has a sharp cutoff at the high binding energy. We discuss physical reasons for the form of the analytical formula.
An updated prediction model of the global risk of cardiovascular disease in HIV-positive persons: The Data-collection on Adverse Effects of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) study

Background With the aging of the population living with HIV, the absolute risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing. There is a need to further facilitate the identification of persons at elevated risk in routine practice. Methods and results Prospective information was collected on 32,663 HIV-positive persons from 20 countries in Europe and Australia, who were free of CVD at entry into the Data-collection on Adverse Effects of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) study. Cox regression models (full and reduced) were developed that predict the risk of a global CVD endpoint. The predictive performance of the D:A:D models were compared with a recent CVD prediction model from the Framingham study, which was assessed recalibrated to the D:A:D dataset. A total of 1010 CVD events occurred during 186,364.5 person-years. The full D:A:D CVD prediction model included age, gender, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, family history of CVD, diabetes, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, CD4 lymphocyte count, cumulative exposure to protease- and nucleoside reverse transcriptase-inhibitors, and current use of abacavir. A reduced model omitted antiretroviral therapies. The D:A:D models statistically significantly predicted risk more accurately than the recalibrated Framingham model (Harrell’s c-statistic of 0.791, 0.783 and 0.766 for the D:A:D full, D:A:D reduced, and Framingham models respectively; p < 0.001). The D:A:D models also more accurately predicted five-year CVD-risk for key prognostic subgroups. Conclusions An updated, easily recalibrated, global CVD-risk equation tailored to HIV-positive persons was developed using routinely collected CVD risk parameters and incorporating markers on immune function (CD4 lymphocyte count), and exposure to antiretroviral therapies. The estimated CVD risk can be used to quantify risk and to guide preventive care.
Multicomponent Training of Teachers of Students With Severe Disabilities

Over the last decade, the obligation of general and special educators to utilize evidence-based instructional practices has become more prominent. Research increasingly suggests the failure of didactic teacher training alone to ensure implementation with fidelity of these practices by teachers in their classrooms. Multicomponent training (MCT) strategies utilizing didactic presentations, followed by coaching with role-play and specific performance feedback, offer a useful strategy for training teachers of students with severe disabilities in the evidence-based practices of their field. This pilot study successfully demonstrated the efficiency, feasibility, and acceptability of a school-based MCT strategy in the training of four teachers of students with severe disabilities in the use of simultaneous prompting (SP). The MCT strategy utilized demonstrated the efficacy of a research-based performance feedback process. Implications for the comprehensive and rigorous training of teachers of students with severe disabilities are discussed.
Revisiting cAMP signaling in the carotid body

Chronic carotid body (CB) activation is now recognized as being essential in the development of hypertension and promoting insulin resistance; thus, it is imperative to characterize the chemotransduction mechanisms of this organ in order to modulate its activity and improve patient outcomes. For several years, and although controversial, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was considered an important player in initiating the activation of the CB. However, its relevance was partially displaced in the 90s by the emerging role of the mitochondria and molecules such as AMP-activated protein kinase and O2-sensitive K+ channels. Neurotransmitters/neuromodulators binding to metabotropic receptors are essential to chemotransmission in the CB, and cAMP is central to this process. cAMP also contributes to raise intracellular Ca2+ levels, and is intimately related to the cellular energetic status (AMP/ATP ratio). Furthermore, cAMP signaling is a target of multiple current pharmacological agents used in clinical practice. This review (1) provides an outline on the classical view of the cAMP-signaling pathway in the CB that originally supported its role in the O2/CO2 sensing mechanism, (2) presents recent evidence on CB cAMP neuromodulation and (3) discusses how CB activity is affected by current clinical therapies that modify cAMP-signaling, namely dopaminergic drugs, caffeine (modulation of A2A/A2B receptors) and roflumilast (PDE4 inhibitors). cAMP is key to any process that involves metabotropic receptors and the intracellular pathways involved in CB disease states are likely to involve this classical second messenger. Research examining the potential modification of cAMP levels and/or interactions with molecules associated with CB hyperactivity is currently in its beginning and this review will open doors for future explorations.
Realistic Idealism and Classical Liberalism: Evaluating Free Market Fairness

ABSTRACT In Free Market Fairness, John Tomasi defends classical-liberal principles not because of real-world considerations but on ideal-theoretic grounds. However, what constitutes a sufficiently “ideal” ideal theory is debatable since, as Tomasi shows, regimes that range from laissez faire to heavily interventionist can all be classified as legitimate from the perspective of ideal theory. Conversely, if ideal theory can allow for realistic constraints, as Rawls does, then we should recognize that even under ideal-theoretic conditions, political actors face logistical, epistemic, and motivational challenges that only intensify in the real world, where questions of feasibility become paramount.
Transferability of economic evaluations: approaches and factors to consider when using results from one geographic area for another

ABSTRACT Background: Geographic transferability of economic evaluation data from one country to another has the potential to make a more efficient use of national and international evaluation resources. However, inappropriate transferability of economic data can provide misleading results and lead to an inefficient use of scarce health care resources. Objectives: The objective of this study was to review, summarize and categorize the literature on: (i) factors affecting the geographic transferability of economic evaluation data; and (ii) approaches which have either been proposed or used for transferability. Methods: A systematic literature review on transferability was conducted. Electronic databases, hand searching and bibliographic searching techniques were utilized. Inclusion criteria for the review included conceptual or empirical papers with mention of factors affecting, or approaches for, transferability of economic evaluation data across geographic locations. Exclusion criteria included papers published prior to 1966, non-English language papers, pure science studies and animal studies. Three databases were involved in the primary search: Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL. In addition to the primary search, the Heath Economic Evaluation Database (OHE HEED), the NHS EED database and the EconLit databases were searched. Transferability factors were classified into major and minor categories, a classification of alternative transferability approaches was developed, and the number of empirical studies was catalogued according to this classification. Results: There is a substantial amount of literature on factors potentially affecting transferability. Based on these papers we identified 77 factors and subsequently developed a classification system which grouped these factors into five broad categories based on characteristics of the patient, the disease, the provider, the health care system and methodological conventions. Another 40 studies were identified which attempted to transfer economic evaluation data from one country to another and these were classified according to the sources for clinical efficacy, resource utilization and unit cost data. Conclusions: There is strong evidence indicating that transferability of economic evaluation data is a difficult and complex task. Approaches which have been used for transferability suggest that, at a minimum, there is a need for country-specific substitution of practice pattern data as well as unit cost data. A limitation of this review relates to the lack of empirical studies which prevents stronger conclusions regarding which transferability factors are most important to consider and under which circumstances.
An Empirical Examination of Initial Trust in Mobile Banking

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of initial trust on mobile banking user adoption.Design/methodology/approach – Based on the valid responses collected from a survey questionnaire, structural equation modeling (SEM) technology was employed to examine the research model.Findings – The results indicate that structural assurance and information quality are the main factors affecting initial trust, whereas information quality and system quality significantly affect perceived usefulness. Initial trust affects perceived usefulness, and both factors predict the usage intention of mobile banking.Research limitations/implications – The sample was mainly composed of users having rich mobile Internet experience, which may affect their trust in mobile banking. Future research needs to generalize these results to other samples, such as those users without much mobile Internet experience.Originality/value – Extant research has mainly adopted information technology adoption theories such as TA.
Intravenous immunoglobulin in adult Still's disease refractory to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

OBJECTIVE Adult onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a systemic disorder with an uncertain outcome at the time of diagnosis. The clinical response to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is often unsatisfactory in adult patients. Chronic use of steroids is frequently required, but may result in severe side effects. We report the results of an uncontrolled, unblinded trial of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in 7 patients with AOSD. METHODS Seven consecutive patients unresponsive or poorly responsive to NSAIDs were enrolled. None of them had received steroids previously. AOSD was defined by the Yamaguchi criteria (J Rheumatol 1992; 19: 424). IVIG were administered every 4 weeks. NSAIDs were initially maintained. A positive response was defined by the disappearance of fever and arthritis within 2 weeks after the first IVIG infusion. RESULTS Two patients failed to respond. Five patients initially considered to be good responders were given a total of 4 to 6 IVIG infusions. One of them relapsed at the time of the fourth IVIG infusion. The four others had a favourable clinical and biological course. At the time of evaluation 3 patients were symptom-free and off therapy, while one was still receiving low dose NSAIDs. CONCLUSION This short, uncontrolled, unblinded study suggests that IVIG might represent a potential alternative to classical steroid therapy in patients with AOSD refractory to NSAIDs. These preliminary results need to be confirmed, however, in a double-blind randomized study.
Teaching Self-Catheterization Skills to a Child with Myelomeningocele in a Preschool Setting

This study examined the effects of simulation training and a prompt hierarchy on the acquisition of self-catheterization skills by a 4-year-old male with myelomeningocele. Training was conducted in the subject's preschool setting. The child was first taught to perform clean intermittent catheterization on a doll, then on himself. Catheterization skills were identified through task analysis. The skills were clustered into three tasks of diapering, cleansing, and catheterization. Edible reinforcers were used to reward the child for self-catheterization skills performed to criterion. Results of a multiple baseline design across tasks showed that simulation training and the prompt hierarchy facilitated acquisition of clean intermittent catheterization.
Cost effectiveness of community leg ulcer clinics: randomised controlled trial

Abstract Objectives: To establish the relative cost effectiveness of community leg ulcer clinics that use four layer compression bandaging versus usual care provided by district nurses. Design: Randomised controlled trial with 1 year of follow up. Setting: Eight community based research clinics in four trusts in Trent. Subjects: 233 patients with venous leg ulcers allocated at random to intervention (120) or control (113) group. Interventions: Weekly treatment with four layer bandaging in a leg ulcer clinic (clinic group) or usual care at home by the district nursing service (control group). Main outcome measures: Time to complete ulcer healing, patient health status, and recurrence of ulcers. Satisfaction with care, use of services, and personal costs were also monitored. Results: The ulcers of patients in the clinic group tended to heal sooner than those in the control group over the whole 12 month follow up (log rank P=0.03). At 12 weeks, 34% of patients in the clinic group were healed compared with 24% in the control. The crude initial healing rate of ulcers in intervention compared with control patients was 1.45 (95% confidence interval 1.04 to 2.03). No significant differences were found between the groups in health status. Mean total NHS costs were £878.06 per year for the clinic group and £859.34 for the control (P=0.89). Conclusions: Community based leg ulcer clinics with trained nurses using four layer bandaging is more effective than traditional home based treatment. This benefit is achieved at a small additional cost and could be delivered at reduced cost if certain service configurations were used. Key messages Leg ulcer clinics based in the community using four layer compression bandaging can be more clinically effective than usual care provided by the district nursing service Community based leg ulcer clinics could be provided more cost effectively than usual home based care for venous leg ulcers Recurrence of venous leg ulcers is an important variable that should be measured in future trials of venous leg ulcer care It is difficult to measure improvements in health related quality of life among people with venous leg ulcers
The influence of gender labelling on preschoolers' gender constancy judgements.

Criticism of traditional gender constancy assessment has focused on the unrealistic nature of the perceptual stimuli used to elicit gender judgements. Recent modifications of the traditional task have made use of more realistic perceptual information, but have also altered the linguistic structuring of constancy judgement requests. Subsequent improvements in preschooler performance have been attributed solely to changes in perceptual stimuli. This study examines the possibility that changes in linguistic structuring also affect performance in significant ways. Thirty-nine preschoolers completed one of two versions of a modified gender constancy task; in one version pictured changes in appearance and activity were accompanied by gender labelling (approximating traditional tests). The second version was identical to the first except that gender labels were eliminated (as in recent modified tasks). Performance was significantly improved when labels were omitted. Implications for interpreting preschooler performance under modified task conditions are discussed.
Evidence for at least three alternative mechanisms targeting the p16INK4A/cyclin D/Rb pathway in penile carcinoma, one of which is mediated by high‐risk human papillomavirus

A comprehensive analysis of 53 penile carcinomas was performed to determine which mechanisms might be involved in the disruption of the p16INK4A/cyclin D/Rb pathway. To that end, human papillomavirus (HPV) presence, p16INK4A expression and promoter methylation, and expression of the BMI‐1 polycomb gene product were studied. Sixteen (30%) of the carcinomas were found to harbour high‐risk HPV DNA, 15 of which contained HPV 16. HPV 16 E6/E7 oncogene transcripts were detected in 13 (87%) of the carcinomas that contained HPV 16. Strong immunostaining for p16INK4A was significantly more frequent in carcinomas that contained high‐risk HPV DNA (p < 0.001) and amongst those with HPV 16 DNA, it was more frequent in lesions in which E6/E7 transcripts were detectable (p = 0.029). This supports an active role for HPV E7 in interfering with the p16INK4A/cyclin D/Rb pathway. Methylation of the p16INK4A promoter or overexpression of the BMI‐1 polycomb gene product may provide alternative modes of interference with this pathway. These phenomena were mutually exclusive and found in the absence of HPV in 15% and 10% of the penile carcinomas, respectively. These data indicate that there are at least three plausible mechanisms by which the p16INK4A/cyclin D/Rb pathway can become disrupted during penile carcinogenesis. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The MTHFR C677T Polymorphism and Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in a Chinese Han Population

Background Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism has been speculated to be and extensively investigated as a risk factor for various vascular diseases, including intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, results from published studies regarding the role of C677T polymorphism in ICH risk in Chinese populations were contradictory rather than conclusive. Material/Methods In this study, a total of 180 ICH patients and 180 matched controls of Chinese Han ethnicity were enrolled. The MTHFR C677T polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-ligation detection reaction (PCR-LDR). A meta-analysis was conducted by combining our data with previous relevant studies in Chinese populations. Results In our case-control study, similar allele frequency (p=0.492) and genotype distribution (p=0.748) of MTHFR C677T polymorphism were detected between ICH patients and controls. Further analysis based on hematoma location did not show a significant association. When combined with previous studies, however, C677T polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk for ICH in Chinese populations (recessive model: OR=1.57, 95%CI=1.29–1.91). When focusing on the Han ethnicity, carriers of the TT genotype had an increased risk of ICH (recessive model: OR=1.36, 95%CI=1.05–1.75). Conclusions In this case-control study we did not observe that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism was associated with ICH risk in people of Chinese Han ethnicity. However, when combined with previous published studies, a significant association of C677T polymorphism with an increased risk of ICH was detected in Chinese populations, and also in the subgroup analysis focusing on Han ethnicity.
Effects of evaluative (in-)consistency and perceived self-efficacy on attitude formation.

Hypothesized that attitude judgments about unfamiliar objects are affected by the evaluative inconsistency of relevant attributes. It was further predicted that individuals' perceived self-efficacy moderates the effect of inconsistency on attitude latencies: Individuals with high perceived self-efficacy in regard to systematic processing are expected to persist in their judgmental process and to show deliberative processing when information is inconsistent but not when it is consistently positive or consistently negative. Evaluatively consistent information should lead to an elimination of or even a reversal of this difference between high- and low-efficacy individuals.
The influence of HR practices and job satisfaction on interpersonal deviance in the workplace

Abstract We examined the influence of human resource practices on interpersonal deviance at work through job satisfaction. A survey was carried out among 372 manufacturing employees of various occupational levels in manufacturing companies in the northern region of Malaysia. We collected data by distributing questionnaires to participants, with the assistance of human resource department. We asked them to indicate how often they know whether any of their workmates engaged in different types of interpersonal deviance. Regression analysis showed that human resource practices of job description, employment security, and internal career opportunities have significant relationships with interpersonal deviance. Hierarchical regression indicated that the dimensions of job satisfaction have a direct relationship with interpersonal deviance. The dimensions also mediated the relationship between human resource practices and interpersonal deviance. Implications to managers and practitioners are discussed.