Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First-in-Man Transcervical Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement Using the CoreVista System

Objective This study aimed to evaluate a novel device system for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) using a unique new less invasive access approach. The hypothesis is that SAVR can be performed through a short transverse incision in the neck, similar to that used for transcervical thymectomy avoiding chest disruption. Methods A new device system was developed to provide retraction, step-by-step illumination, and on-screen visualization for the new approach. Preliminary feasibility studies were performed in cadavers. Comprehensive risk analysis was performed, and training was implemented in Thiel preserved cadavers. For the first-in-man clinical case, a 63-year-old woman with symptomatic critical aortic stenosis (The Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk, 11%) and heavily calcified aortic valve was selected. A short transverse incision was made in the neck; the device was introduced, and the sternum was elevated; femorofemoral cardiopulmonary bypass was established; substernal dissection was guided by the sequenced illumination, and highdefinition visualization was provided by the device, allowing for optimal exposition of the aorta and aortic valve; and a 23-mm Medtronic ENABLE sutureless valve prosthesis was implanted. Procedure success was evaluated according to the standardized composite end point definition of “device success” proposed by the Valve Academic Research Consortium. Results Access, delivery, and deployment of the valve prosthesis were successful. The correct position and intended performance of the valve were demonstrated (mean gradient, 6 mm Hg; aortic valve area, 2.5 cm2) with the absence of moderate or severe prosthetic aortic regurgitation. Only one valve prosthesis was used. Conclusions Transcervical SAVR with sutureless valve is feasible using this novel access system. The new approach has potential to offer patients substantially shorter stay and fewer, less serious complications, as has been observed in transcervical thymectomy. Further studies are merited.
Lymphoscintigraphy in cutaneous melanoma: a total body atlas of sentinel node mapping.

Lymphoscintigraphy of malignant melanoma has been a reliable method of identifying regional lymph nodes at risk for metastases and is now considered part of the standard of care in patients with melanoma. The status of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) is predictive of the metastatic status of the corresponding regional lymph node group. Lymphatic channel mapping allows identification of the SLN, thereby making selective lymph node sampling possible. Consequently, SLN identification with lymphoscintigraphy results in both less extensive surgery and more efficient pathologic examination of the lymph node specimens. Therefore, it is imperative that radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians know which radiopharmaceuticals to use, recognize different lymphatic drainage patterns from various primary tumor sites throughout the body, use proper imaging techniques, and recognize potential pitfalls in image interpretation.
The Role of Market Orientation and Entrepreneurial Orientation for New Product Development Performance in Manufacturing Firms

Abstract The overall purpose of this article is to examine the relationships between two strategic orientations and performance in new product development. The first orientation considered is market orientation; the second one considered is entrepreneurial orientation, which reflects a firm’s propensity to innovate, to be proactive, as well as its willingness to take risks. Drawing upon a sample of 224 mid-sized manufacturing firms, multiple regressions with and without interaction terms were used for testing seven hypotheses. The results show that a market orientation and innovativeness were positively related to performance in new product development, while proactiveness and risk taking show no such relationship. The results also show that neither product characteristics nor environmental characteristics moderate these relationships. In terms of implications, our results suggest that contradictory and to some extent paradoxical capabilities are needed to increase performance in new product development, and that the different components of an entrepreneurial orientation do not impact new product development performance equally.
Detection of Evolved High-Redshift Galaxies in Deep NICMOS/VLT Impages

A substantial population of high-redshift, early-type galaxies is detected in very deep UBVRIJHK images. Four elliptical profile galaxies are identified in the redshift range 1<z<2, with very red spectral energy distributions implying ages of ≳2 Gyr for standard passive evolution. We also find later type IR-luminous galaxies at similarly high redshift (10 objects with z>1, H<25), with weak UV emission implying single-burst ages of ≳1 Gyr. The number and luminosity densities of these galaxies are comparable to the local E/S0-Sbc populations for Ωm>0.2, suggesting that the major fraction of luminous Hubble sequence galaxies has evolved little since z~2. A highly complete photometric redshift distribution is constructed to H=25 (69 galaxies) that shows a broad spread of redshift, peaking at z~1.5, in reasonable agreement with some analyses of the Hubble Deep Field. Four "dropout" galaxies are detected at z≈3.8 and are compact in the IR, ~0.5 kpc h-1 at rest frame 3500 Å. No example of a blue IR-luminous elliptical galaxy is found, thus restricting the star formation epoch of elliptical galaxies to z≥5-10 for a standard initial mass function and modest extinction.
Work-family boundary management strategies: examining outcomes, and the role of fit

WORK-FAMILY BOUNDARY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES: EXAMINING OUTCOMES, AND THE ROLE OF FIT by MADHURA CHAKRABARTI December 2011 Advisor: Dr. Boris B Baltes Major: Psychology (Industrial and Organizational) Degree: Doctor of Philosophy As more and more people attempt to effectively manage the simultaneous demands of work and family, researchers are now trying to investigate the various ways by which people choose to do so. The present study investigated the concept of boundary management strategies that describes the work-family interface in terms of cognitive, physical, and behavioral boundaries between work and family domains that individuals actively try to manage in order to balance the two worlds. Research in boundary management strategies has been minimal due to the the novelty of the construct. In this study, specific individual and organizational outcomes like work-family conflict, work engagement, and burnout of boundary management strategies were examined. The study also tested the role of work and family salience as moderators of the hypothesized relationships. Finally, a novel concept of fit between preference and actual use of boundary management strategies was proposed and tested. Findings indicated that boundary management strategies significantly affect work-family conflict, burnout, and certain aspects of work engagement. Some of these relationships were moderated by work involvement which in general implied that the outcomes of using a
Motivos de práctica físico-deportiva en la región de Murcia

The purpose of this study is to find out the reasons why the population of the Region of Murcia does sport and physical activity, taking the way people think about them into account, as well as the importance they place on physical activity and food as elements related to the concept of health. We suggest that these reasons are taken into account in the training process of professionals that work in the field of physical activities so that the latter can be more in line with the requirements of a society immersed in leisure culture and free time. To do this, we analyse what people think sport and physical activity are, according to age and gender, and the influence elements such as physical activity and food have on the concept of health, relating all this to the reasons for doing sport and physical activity. The sample chosen for this research is formed of 1,107 subjects aged between 15 and 64. The information was collected using the CAPAFD instrument (Questionnaire for Analysing Sport and Physical Activities) specifically prepared for this research. After different analyses of independence between variables using Pearson’s χ ² tests completed with residual analyses, among others, the conclusions obtained point towards the fact that physical activity is the most important element defining the concept of health for adults and males. Concern for their physical image and attractiveness is greater among women, young and middle-aged people and clearly decreases in older people. Women and older people are more careful with their food, with this interest starting at an earlier age in females than in males. The idea of everyone doing sport and physical activity is predominant throughout the population of the Region of Murcia. Nevertheless, the diversity of interests and motivations is obvious. Whilst young people tend to prefer competition, adults, older people and women do sport and physical activity because it is fun, relaxing and they interact with other people.
Manifestly gauge-invariant QCD

We uncover a method of calculation that proceeds at every step without fixing the gauge or specifying details of the regularisation scheme. Results are obtained by iterated use of integration by parts and gauge invariance identities. Calculations can be performed almost entirely diagrammatically. The method is formulated within the framework of an exact renormalisation group for QED. We demonstrate the technique with a calculation of the one-loop beta function, achieving a manifestly universal result, and without gauge fixing.
Efficacy of α-lipoic acid in diabetic neuropathy

Introduction: Neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetes. Its management focuses on glycaemic control, multifactorial cardiovascular risk intervention, pathogenesis-oriented therapy, and analgesics where needed. Areas covered: The objective of this review is assessment of efficacy and safety of α lipoic acid (ALA, also thioctic acid) in pathogenesis-oriented treatment of diabetic neuropathy. The mechanisms of action of ALA in experimental diabetic neuropathy include reduction of oxidative stress along with improvement in nerve blood flow, nerve conduction velocity, and several other measures of nerve function. There is ample evidence from randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials and meta-analyses, suggesting that ALA is efficacious and safe for the diabetic neuropathy, accomplishing clinically meaningful improvements. Expert opinion: ALA is a valuable therapeutic option for diabetic neuropathy. When compared with currently licensed analgesic drugs, it is better tolerated, has a more rapid onset of action, and improves paraesthesiae, numbness, sensory deficits, and muscle strength in addition to neuropathic pain. In clinical practice, ALA may be chosen in patients with early neuropathic deficits and symptoms, in whom clinical improvement is more likely. ALA should also be considered when comorbidities render other analgesics less appropriate or in the presence of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy.
POINT CLOUD NON LOCAL DENOISING USING LOCAL SURFACE DESCRIPTOR SIMILARITY

This article addresses the problem of denoising 3D data from LIDAR. It is a step often required to allow a good reconstruction of surfaces represented by point clouds. In this paper, we present an original algorithm inspired by a recent method developed by (Buades and Morel, 2005) in the field of image processing, the Non Local Denoising (NLD). With a local geometric descriptor, we look for points that have similarities in order to reduce noise while preserving the surface details. We describe local geometry by MLS surfaces and we use a local reference frame invariant by rotation for denoising points. We present our results on synthetic and real data.
Alcohol cognitions and college student drinking: The moderating effect of executive abilities

Research informed by dual process models of addictions has clearly demonstrated an association between automatic and controlled alcohol-related cognitions and alcohol use. However, the literature is limited with respect to examination of the cognitive abilities that may moderate these associations across populations. This study examined executive abilities, automatic and controlled alcohol-related cognitions, and alcohol use and problems in sample of college students. It was hypothesized that the executive abilities of working memory and response inhibition would moderate relations between alcohol-related cognitions and involvement. Specifically, it was anticipated that individuals with weaker abilities in these areas would demonstrate stronger relations between automatic cognitions and use, while individuals with stronger abilities in these areas would demonstrate more robust relations between controlled cognitions and use. Research participants completed two Implicit Association Tasks measuring alcohol-related arousal and relaxation associations. In addition, participants completed questionnaires regarding alcohol expectancies, alcohol consumption and problems, and various measures of neuropsychological functioning. We tested study hypotheses using structural equation modeling and probed significant interactions using simple slope analyses. Support for a moderating effect of inhibition abilities on relations between implicit relaxation associations and alcohol involvement was observed. Findings from this study contribute to our understanding of cognitive and neuropsychological factors that contribute to alcohol misuse with important implications for preventive interventions
Parent Training in Reduction of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder Symptoms in Children

Despite the vast literature supporting the efficacy of behavioral interventions for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), there is an extreme paucity of empirical support for these interventions in developing South Asian countries, such as Pakistan. The present study aimed to implement and evaluate a behavioral parent training program for children with ADHD in a Pakistani urban community. This represents the very first ADHD intervention study conducted in Pakistan. A total of 55, 4-12 year old children with ADHD and their parents were selected to participate for intervention. Pre- and post-treatment parent and teacher rating scales were collected to assess ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Conduct Disorder symptoms and associated impairment. Outcome measures included the Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale-Parent Form, Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale- Teacher Form, Home Situations Questionnaire, and School Situations Questionnaire (Barkley, 1997). Results showed significant difference on measures of ADHD/ODD symptoms and the number and severity of problem situations according to parent reports. However teacher’s reports showed no significant findings for both ADHD and ODD. Reduction rates of symptoms on pre and post measures were noticeable for inattention, ODD, and for conduct disorder. The study provides some preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of Barkley’s behavioral parenting program for Pakistani parents of ADHD children.
Critical Perspectives on Schooling and Fertility in the Developing World

This document brings together analyses from several research perspectives to re-examine the education-fertility relationship and to rethink conventional lines of logic in the education-fertility paradigm. Divided into 10 chapters the introductory part presents a discussion about the empirical associations between schooling and fertility. Chapter 2 summarizes empirical evidence on the education-fertility relationship while chapter 3 describes a model of schooling as social practice in which education and child-bearing represent transformative moments in a life course shaped by the communities of practice. Chapter 4 reviews what young women learn or experience in school that may bear on their entry into parenthood. Chapter 5 addresses the issue of comparability among schools and chapter 6 examines important empirical evidence concerning a possible mechanism through which the negative association between education and fertility might develop. Chapter 7 addresses the key question of who receives schooling and chapter 8 offers analysis of what might be labeled reverse causation through the notion of the "wantedness" of a child or a birth. Chapter 9 focuses on the power of marriage markets in affecting subsequent fertility outcomes. Finally chapter 10 notes the parallels and contrasts in some of the themes covered in the previous chapters with regard to the question on knowledge of fertility and education.
Phenotypic variability in 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‐3 deficiency and diagnostic pitfalls

Objective 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 isoenzyme (17β‐HSD3) is required to produce testosterone for male sex differentiation. Mutations in the HSD17B3 gene cause 17βHSD3 deficiency and result in XY sex reversal of varying degree. We report the phenotypes of 14 subjects with 17βHSD3 deficiency in relation to sex of rearing, androgen production, and HSD17B3 mutations.
Quantitation of human cytomegalovirus in recipients of solid organ transplants by real‐time quantitative PCR and pp65 antigenemia

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections and anti‐HCMV treatment are usually monitored by measuring pp65 antigenemia. This method is time‐consuming, labour‐intensive and requires skilled operators. We have compared results obtained using real‐time Light Cycler™ quantitative PCR (QPCR) and the pp65 antigen assay on serial samples collected from recipients of solid organ transplants. We collected 198 blood samples from 14 solid organ transplant recipients and assayed them for pp65 antigen and with Light Cycler™ PCR. HCMV DNA was extracted from leukocytes and measured using primers and probe located in the UL83 region. The quantity of HCMV DNA was calculated using a standard curve prepared from a plasmid containing the target sequence. There was a good correlation between the number of pp65‐positive cells and the DNA copy number (r = 0.57, P < 0.0001). A clinical threshold of 50 positive polymorphonuclear leukocytes/200,000 cells was equivalent to two log10 genome copies per capillary by Light Cycler™ PCR. HCMV DNA was detected before pp65 antigen in three patients at a mean time of 10 days, whereas the two tests were positive simultaneously for eight patients. Both the pp65 antigen data and DNA copy number decreased over time during antiviral treatment, although the QPCR was positive 28.2 days after the pp65 antigen assay had become negative. The real‐time Light Cycler™ quantitative PCR assay is a rapid and labour‐saving technique. This molecular method could be useful for monitoring infections and antiviral treatment in recipients of solid organ transplants. J. Med. Virol. 69:225–231, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combination effect of PectaSol and Doxorubicin on viability, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in DU‐145 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines

The effect of PectaSol on Dox (Doxorubicin) cytotoxicity in terms of apoptosis and cell cycle changes in PCa (prostate cancer) cell lines (DU‐145 and LNCaP) has been investigated. Combination of PectaSol and Dox resulted in a viability of 29.4 and 32.6% (P<0.001) in DU‐145 and LNCaP cells. The IC50 values decreased 1.5‐fold and 1.3‐fold in the DU‐145 and LNCaP cells respectively. In the DU‐145 cells, combination of PectaSol and Dox resulted in a reduction in p27 gene and protein expression (P<0.001). In LNCaP cells, this combination increased p53, p27 and Bcl‐2 expression. Treatment with both drugs in DU‐145 cells led to an increase in sub‐G1 arrest (54.6% compared with 12.2% in Dox). In LNCaP cells, combination of the drugs led to an increased in G2/M arrest (61.7% compared with 53.6% in Dox). Based on these findings, progressive cytotoxicity effect of Dox and PectaSol together rapidly induce cell death in DU‐145 through apoptosis and in LNCaP cells through cell cycle arrest (G2/M arrest).
Transformational leadership development: Connecting psychological and behavioral change

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate whether leaders whose transformational leadership behavior improves after training exhibit different psychological reactions compared to leaders whose leadership behavior does not improve. Design/methodology/approach – The authors followed 56 leaders taking part in a transformational leadership training program. Questionnaire measures of leaders’ self-efficacy, positive affect, perspective taking, and transformational leadership behavior were obtained pre- and post-training. Findings – Leaders whose self-efficacy, perspective taking and positive affect increased over the training period also reported improvements in their transformational leadership behavior. In addition, leaders whose positive affect increased were more likely to receive improved transformational leadership behavior ratings from their supervisors, team members and peers. Research limitations/implications – The study supports the proposition, derived from social cognitive theory that change in tran.
Mechanism-based modeling of rebound tachycardia after chronic l-propranolol infusion in spontaneous hypertensive rats.

The aims of the study were to characterize the rate and extent of the rebound effect after abrupt cessation of a chronic exposure of l-propranolol in spontaneous hypertensive rats, using exercise-induced tachycardia as a pharmacodynamic endpoint. Thirty-two spontaneous hypertensive rats were randomized to receive either placebo or 4 or 8 mg/kg/day s.c. infusion of l-propranolol for 11 days using osmotic minipumps. The heart rate was measured after standardized physical exercise before and during drug exposure and over 12 days after cessation, using a computerized tail-cuff method. Blood samples were collected after each effect measurement during the infusion. A similar reduction in exercise tachycardia was registered for the two doses. No apparent tolerance development was found, but both doses showed a clear rebound effect of similar extent and intensity. The maximal rebound effect was observed on the second day after cessation and was found to have a duration of about 6 days. A mechanism-based model was developed to describe the rate and extent of changes in beta-adrenoceptor up- and down-regulation with increased sensitivity of the transducer complex. The half-life of disappearance of up-regulated beta-adrenoceptors was estimated to be 2.0 days (1.0-3.9 days). The effect-versus-time data was analyzed by nonlinear mixed-effect modeling with the program NONMEM. A dose-dependent reduction in the growth of body weight was observed during drug treatment, which was reversible. A dose- and time-dependent increase in the alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein concentration was also observed.