Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of drugs counselling by an undergraduate pharmacist on cardiac surgical patient’s compliance to medicines

Open heart surgery is a procedure which warrants patient education about the complexity of drug regimens and lifestyle modifications. Patient nonadherence is likely to have a considerable negative impact on the patients’ quality of life post-cardiac surgery. Objective To evaluate the impact of pharmacist intervention on patients’ adherence to medication and lifestyle changes. Methods This case-controlled study was conducted at the Cardiac Surgical Ward and Outpatients Clinic of Mater Dei Hospital, Malta. Eighty consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass or heart valve surgery were interviewed on their day of discharge using the ‘Past Medical History Questionnaire’. The patients were then randomized to receive pharmacist intervention or usual care. Those who received intervention (40 patients) were given a chart with pictorial explanation of the time of day together with a colorful photograph of each tablet prescribed. This group of patients was also counselled to comply to oral analgesia and exercise and also on the avoidance of alcohol and smoking during the recovery period. The control patients received usual care without the pharmacist intervention. All patients were re-interviewed eight weeks after discharge using the ‘Assessing Patient Compliance Questionnaire’. Any differences between the control and experimental groups were analysed using Chi-square, Three-Way Cross tabulation One-Way ANOVA and Two-Way ANOVA tests using the SPSS software version 17.0. Results A statistically significant difference between the two groups in the mean percentage compliance was registered following pharmacist intervention (p<0.05). Patients in the experimental group had a higher mean percentage compliance score (88%) than patients in the control group (66%). Conclusions The statistically significant difference in the mean percentage compliance between the two groups following pharmacist intervention shows conclusive evidence of the advantage patients gain when offered this intervention. The pharmacist intervention provides patients with sufficient information to help them achieve optimal benefit from the medication prescribed.
Management of Gastric Varices Unsuccessfully Treated by Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration: Long-Term Follow-Up and Outcomes

Our aim was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of percutaneous transhepatic obliteration (PTO) alone and combined with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) for gastroesophageal varices refractory to BRTO alone. Between July 1999 and December 2010, 13 patients with gastroesophageal varices refractory to BRTO were treated with PTO (n = 6) or a combination of PTO and BRTO (n = 7). We retrospectively investigated the rates of survival, recurrence, or worsening of the varices; hepatic function before and after the procedure; and complications. The procedure achieved complete obliteration or significant reduction of the varices in all 13 patients without major complications. During follow-up, the varices had recurred in 2 patients, of which one had hepatocellular carcinoma, and the other died suddenly from variceal rebleeding 7 years after PTO. The remaining 11 patients did not experience worsening of the varices and showed significant improvements in the serum ammonia levels and prothrombin time. The mean follow-up period was 90 months, and the cumulative survival rate at 1, 3, and 5 years was 92.9%, 85.7%, and 85.7%, respectively. Both PTO and combined PTO and BRTO seem as safe and effective procedures for the treatment of gastroesophageal varices refractory to BRTO alone.
KŐNIG’S LINE COLORING AND VIZING’S THEOREMS FOR GRAPHINGS

The classical theorem of Vizing states that every graph of maximum degree $d$ admits an edge coloring with at most $d+1$ colors. Furthermore, as it was earlier shown by Kőnig, $d$ colors suffice if the graph is bipartite. We investigate the existence of measurable edge colorings for graphings (or measure-preserving graphs). A graphing is an analytic generalization of a bounded-degree graph that appears in various areas, such as sparse graph limits, orbit equivalence and measurable group theory. We show that every graphing of maximum degree $d$ admits a measurable edge coloring with $d+O(\sqrt{d})$ colors; furthermore, if the graphing has no odd cycles, then $d+1$ colors suffice. In fact, if a certain conjecture about finite graphs that strengthens Vizing’s theorem is true, then our method will show that $d+1$ colors are always enough.
Receptive Language Organization in High-Functioning Autism

One of the core defining components of autism is impairment in communication, typically manifested as a delay in speech development. To date, neuroimaging studies have shed limited light on the mechanisms behind delay in speech development in autism. We performed magnetoencephalographic-based auditory language mapping in 2 cases of high-functioning autism. Overall, 2 distinct characteristics were found, such as the use of atypical language pathways and cortical hyperexcitability. These neurophysiological findings parallel those reported in 2 other developmental disorders, developmental dyslexia and Rett syndrome. We discuss common mechanisms that may account for cognitive delays across these developmental disorders.
China's Emerging Middle Class: Beyond Economic Transformation

The rapid emergence and explosive growth of China's middle class have enormous consequences for that nation's domestic future, for the global economy, and for the whole world. In China's Emerging Middle Class , noted scholar Cheng Li and a team of experts focus on the sociopolitical ramifications of the birth and growth of the Chinese middle class over the past two decades. The contributors, from diverse disciplines and different regions, examine the development and evolution of China's middle class from a variety of analytical perspectives. What is its educational and occupational makeup? Are its members united by a common identity uby a shared political vision and worldview? How does the Chinese middle class compare with its counterparts in other countries? The contributors shed light on these and many other issues pertaining to the rapid rise of the middle class in the Middle Kingdom. Contributors: Jie Chen (Old Dominion University), Deborah Davis (Yale University), Bruce J. Dickson (George Washington University), Geoffrey Gertz (Brookings), Han Sang-Jin (Seoul National University), Hsin-Huang Michael Hsiao (National Taiwan University), Homi Kharas (Brookings), Li Chunling (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences), Jing Lin (University of MarylanduCollege Park), Sida Liu (University of Wisconsinu Madison), Lu Hanlong (Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences), Joyce Yanyun Man (Peking UniversityuLincoln Center), Ethan Michelson (Indiana UniversityuBloomington), Qin Chen (Hohai University), Xiaoyan Sun (Beijing Foreign Studies University), Luigi Tomba (Australian National University), Jianying Wang (Yale University), and Zhou Xiaohong (Nanjing University).
Mammographic Diagnosis for Breast Cancer Biopsy Predictions Using Neural Network Classification Model and Receiver Operating Characteristic ( ROC ) Curve Evaluation

The most common method for screening and diagnosing breast cancer is mammography. However, it lacks high diagnostic accuracy. The low positive predictive values of breast biopsy outcomes using mammogram interpretations often lead to unnecessary biopsies for patients with benign outcomes. In this research report, a mammographic diagnostic method is presented in distinguishing malignant breast cancer and benign disease for biopsy outcome predictions using a neural network classification model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve evaluation. The proposed model uses a two-stage backpropagation neural network approach including both linear and nonlinear components of calculations with iterative training processes and an adjustable learning rate. The iterative training processes along with the adjustable learning rate can ensure that the model has a low minimum mean-square error (MMSE) throughout the training of the model. The probability of misclassification error and performance of our model in diagnosing malignant breast cancer and benign disease for breast biopsy outcome predictions have been evaluated based on a large mammographic mass dataset using the model sensitivity, specificity, and ROC curve analysis. An estimated area of the ROC curve of our model is 0.9626±0.0069 for breast biopsy outcome predictions, which outperforms the diagnostic accuracy of previously reported methods. The sensitivity, specificity, precision, and accuracy of our model simulations are 89.33%, 89.93%, 89.33% and 89.64%, respectively. Therefore, our model along with mammography can provide highly accurate and consistent diagnoses in distinguishing malignant and benign cases for breast cancer biopsy outcome predictions, reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies for patients with benign outcomes.
Molecular Imaging of Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Vascular Disease with Radiolabeled Linear Adrenomedullin

No test currently exists for molecular imaging of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Adrenomedullin is a vasodilator peptide predominantly cleared by pulmonary endothelial receptors. We developed a linear adrenomedullin derivative radiolabeled with 99mTc (99mTc-AM-L) for imaging of pulmonary circulation and tested its capacity to detect anomalies of pulmonary circulation caused by PAH. Methods: PAH was induced by monocrotaline in rats and compared with controls. After 5 wk, 99mTc-AM-L was injected intravenously. Plasma kinetics were measured, lung activity was determined in vivo after 30 min using a nuclear camera, and lung activity was determined ex vivo in explanted lungs. Expression of adrenomedullin receptors was measured in lung homogenates. Results: The plasma levels of 99mTc-AM-L significantly increased in PAH by approximately 2-fold. Uptake by the lungs was homogeneous but greatly reduced in PAH by about 70%. In vivo retention was 14% ± 1% (mean ± SD) of the injected dose in controls and 4% ± 1% in PAH (P < 0.0001). A similar reduction was measured ex vivo (6.0 ± 1.6 percentage injected dose per gram [%ID/g] vs. 0.95 ± 0.21 %ID/g, P < 0.0001). The expression of the heterodimeric component of the adrenomedullin receptor, receptor activity modifying protein 2, was also greatly reduced in PAH lungs (P < 0.001). Interestingly, right ventricular uptake of 99mTc-AM-L was increased by PAH (P = 0.02) and correlated with the degree of right ventricular hypertrophy (r = 0.83, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Pulmonary uptake of 99mTc-AM-L is greatly reduced in monocrotaline-induced PAH. This novel molecular imaging agent may be useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of pulmonary vascular disorders.
Stellar Populations in the Nuclei of Late-Type Spiral Galaxies

As part of an ongoing effort to study the stellar nuclei of very late type, bulge-less spirals, we present results from a high-resolution spectroscopic survey of nine such nuclear star clusters, undertaken with the VLT UVES. We fit the spectra with population synthesis models and measure Lick-type indices to determine mean luminosity-weighted ages, which range from 4.1 × 107 to 1.1 × 1010 yr and are insensitive to assumed metallicity or internal extinction. The average metallicity of nuclear clusters in late-type spirals is slightly subsolar (⟨Z⟩ = 0.015) but shows significant scatter. Most of the clusters have moderate extinctions of 0.1-0.3 mag in the I band. The nuclear cluster spectra are best described by age-composite stellar populations, as only such models yield mass-to-light ratios that match those obtained from dynamical measurements. For our nine sample clusters, the last star formation episode was on average 34 Myr ago, while all clusters experienced some star formation in the last 100 Myr. We thus conclude that the nuclear clusters undergo repeated episodes of star formation. Our results are robust to possible contamination from the underlying galaxy disk, as demonstrated by comparison to a similar analysis using smaller aperture spectra obtained with the HST STIS. Also considering the 2005 results from Walcher et al., we have thus shown that the stellar nuclei of bulge-less galaxies are massive and dense star clusters that form stars recurrently until the present day. This set of properties is unique among the various classes of star clusters. To elucidate whether and how these unique properties are related to the nuclear location of the cluster in its host galaxy remains a challenging question.
The Effect of Low Tidal Volume Ventilation during Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Postoperative Pulmonary Function

Background: Postoperative pulmonary dysfunction is one of the most frequent complications after cardiac surgery and it is believed to result from the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In this study, we investigated the effect of low tidal volume ventilation during CPB on postoperative gas exchange and lung mechanics. Methods: This prospective randomized study included 100 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting. In 50 patients, low tidal volume ventilation [tidal volume (TV) = 3 ml/kg, respiratory rate (RR) = 12/min, fraction of inspiratory oxygen (FIO2)= 1.0, positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) = 5 cmH2O] was applied during CPB (group I); and in the other 50 patients (group II), the lungs were open to the atmosphere without ventilation. Measurements were taken preoperatively, after CPB, and before discharge. Results: Post-bypass PaO2 (just after CPB 85 versus75) was higher significantly in group I (P value < 0.05). Decrease in postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second (25% versus 30%) and forced vital capacity (32% versus 35%) was less significant in group I. Also, time to extubation (5 hrs versus 5.5 hrs) was shorter in group I. Conclusion: Continued low tidal volume ventilation during CPB improved post-bypass oxygenation and lung mechanics.
Sustainable operations management: recent trends and future directions

Of the total number of articles published in IJOPM since 2001, only 3.3% have investigated some aspect of sustainable OM. Of these sustainable OM articles, 64% are environmental articles, and there is an emerging trend for social articles, or articles that address the triple bottom line. We distinguish between studies that focus on internal operations, and articles that explore sustainability between organisations in supply chains. We briefly describe each paper in the special issue, and give an overview of how the papers address different aspects of sustainability.
Mutation in BMPR2 Promoter: A ‘Second Hit’ for Manifestation of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?

Background Hereditary pulmonary arterial hypertension (HPAH) can be caused by autosomal dominant inherited mutations of TGF-β genes, such as the bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) and Endoglin (ENG) gene. Additional modifier genes may play a role in disease manifestation and severity. In this study we prospectively assessed two families with known BMPR2 or ENG mutations clinically and genetically and screened for a second mutation in the BMPR2 promoter region. Methods We investigated the BMPR2 promoter region by direct sequencing in two index-patients with invasively confirmed diagnosis of HPAH, carrying a mutation in the BMPR2 and ENG gene, respectively. Sixteen family members have been assessed clinically by non-invasive methods and genetically by direct sequencing. Results In both index patients with a primary BMPR2 deletion (exon 2 and 3) and Endoglin missense variant (c.1633G>A, p.(G545S)), respectively, we detected a second mutation (c.-669G>A) in the promoter region of the BMPR2 gene. The index patients with 2 mutations/variants were clinically severely affected at early age, whereas further family members with only one mutation had no manifest HPAH. Conclusion The finding of this study supports the hypothesis that additional mutations may lead to an early and severe manifestation of HPAH. This study shows for the first time that in the regulatory region of the BMPR2 gene the promoter may be important for disease penetrance. Further studies are needed to assess the incidence and clinical relevance of mutations of the BMPR2 promoter region in a larger patient cohort.
The impact of poor health on total factor productivity

Abstract A number of recent studies have illustrated the link between health and economic growth. This paper argues that a key mechanism through which health affects growth is via total factor productivity (TFP). We first estimate TFP based on a production function and then estimate the determinants of TFP, paying particular attention to three indicators of health that are particularly problematic in developing regions: malnutrition, malaria and water borne diseases. We find the impact of poor health on TFP to be negative, significant, and robust across a wide variety of specifications.
Causal and Stable Input/Output Structures on Multidimensional Behaviours

In this work we study multidimensional (nD) linear differential behaviours with a distinguished independent variable, called "time". We define in a natural way causality and stability of input/output structures with respect to this distinguished direction. We make an extension of some results in the theory of partial differential equations, demonstrating that causality is equivalent to a property of the transfer matrix. We also quote results which in effect characterize time-autonomy for the general systems case. Stability is likewise characterized by a property of the transfer matrix.
Advancing a culture of high expectations: Academic press, school conditions and student achievement

Title of Dissertation: ADVANCING A CULTURE OF HIGH EXPECTATIONS: ACADEMIC PRESS, SCHOOL CONDITIONS AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Shyrelle N. Eubanks, Doctor of Education, 2012 Dissertation directed by: Professor Emeritus Willis Hawley Department of Teaching, Learning, Policy and Leadership This study explores the extent to which an ethos of high performance for all students—also known as ―Academic Press‖—correlates with school conditions and student achievement in schools that have taken the National Education Association’s (NEA) Keys to Excellence in Your School (KEYS) Survey. This study uses KEYS survey results from over 300 schools to examine how Academic Press relates to school characteristics and conditions by conducting multiple linear regression analyses. Results indicate significant correlations between Academic Press and certain school conditions. Regression results identified Effectiveness and Supportiveness of Leadership and Frequency and Focus of Professional Development as the most significant predictors of the two dimensions of Academic Press School Academic Ethos and Teacher Press. The model is statistically significant (p <.001) accounting for 75% of the variance in School Academic Ethos and 51% of the variance for Teacher Press (p < .001). Elementary schools were more likely to have high School Academic Ethos (β =.243, p <.001) and Teacher Press (β = -.365). The Percent of ESL population (β = -.002, p < .05) also had a small, statistically significant negative influence on School Academic Ethos only. Teacher Empowerment had a modest relationship to Teacher Press only (β=.156, p<.05). Finally, School Size, Teacher Experience and Teacher Stability were found to have no significant relationship to School Academic Ethos or Teacher Press. ADVANCING A CULTURE OF HIGH EXPECTATIONS: ACADEMIC PRESS, SCHOOL CONDITIONS AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Intrinsic Mechanisms for Adaptive Gain Rescaling in Barrel Cortex

Barrel cortex neuronal responses adapt to changes in the statistics of complex whisker stimuli. This form of adaptation involves an adjustment in the input–output tuning functions of the neurons, such that their gain rescales depending on the range of the current stimulus distribution. Similar phenomena have been observed in other sensory systems, suggesting that adaptive adjustment of responses to ongoing stimulus statistics is an important principle of sensory function. In other systems, adaptation and gain rescaling can depend on intrinsic properties; however, in barrel cortex, whether intrinsic mechanisms can contribute to adaptation to stimulus statistics is unknown. To examine this, we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of pyramidal cells in acute slices while injecting stochastic current stimuli. We induced changes in statistical context by switching across stimulus distributions. The firing rates of neurons adapted in response to changes in stimulus statistics. Adaptation depended on the form of the changes in stimulus distribution: in vivo-like adaptation occurred only for rectified stimuli that maintained neurons in a persistent state of net depolarization. Under these conditions, neurons rescaled the gain of their input–output functions according to the scale of the stimulus distribution, as observed in vivo. This stimulus-specific adaptation was caused by intrinsic properties and correlated strongly with the amplitude of calcium-dependent slow afterhyperpolarizations. Our results suggest that widely expressed intrinsic mechanisms participate in barrel cortex adaptation but that their recruitment is highly stimulus specific.
Fitting Parameterized Three-Dimensional Models to Images

Model-based recognition and motion tracking depend upon the ability to solve for projection and model parameters that will best fit a 3-D model to matching 2-D image features. The author extends current methods of parameter solving to handle objects with arbitrary curved surfaces and with any number of internal parameters representing articulation, variable dimensions, or surface deformations. Numerical stabilization methods are developed that take account of inherent inaccuracies in the image measurements and allow useful solutions to be determined even when there are fewer matches than unknown parameters. The Levenberg-Marquardt method is used to always ensure convergence of the solution. These techniques allow model-based vision to be used for a much wider class of problems than was possible with previous methods. Their application is demonstrated for tracking the motion of curved, parameterized objects. >
Mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in obesity-associated hypertension

Obesity is strongly associated with high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions synergistically increase the risk of cardiovascular events. A number of central and peripheral abnormalities can explain the development or maintenance of high blood pressure in obesity. Of great interest is endothelial dysfunction, considered to be a primary risk factor in the development of hypertension. Additional mechanisms also related to endothelial dysfunction have been proposed to mediate the development of hypertension in obese individuals. These include: increase in both peripheral vasoconstriction and renal tubular sodium reabsorption, increased sympathetic activity and overactivation of both the renin-angiotensin system and the endocannabinoid system and insulin resistance. The discovery of new mechanisms regulating metabolic and vascular function and a better understanding of how vascular function can be influenced by these systems would facilitate the development of new therapies for treatment of obesity-associated hypertension.
Perfect Equilibria in a Trade Liberalization Game

The credibility of temporary protection is examined in a simple infinite horizon, perfect information game of timing in which the domestic government uses the threat of future liberalization to induce the domestic firm to invest. All pure strategy subgame-perfect equilibria are cyclical and, surprisingly, one of them implements optimal temporary protection. However, this equilibrium fails to pass another credibility criterion called "renegotiation-proof. " The game has a unique stationary subgame-perfect equilibrium in mixed strategies. Copyright 1990 by American Economic Association.