Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Off-Pump Surgery Is Associated With Reduced Occurrence of Stroke and Other Morbidity as Compared With Traditional Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Meta-Analysis of Systematically Reviewed Trials

Background and Purpose— There is growing enthusiasm for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Although deleterious effects of CPB are known, it remains to be proven that avoiding CPB will result in reduction in morbidity. We sought to determine whether off-pump surgery is associated with reduced occurrence of adverse outcomes as compared with CABG with CPB. Methods— Studies were identified by searching the MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Register 1980 to 2006 (February). We also searched the reference lists of randomized clinical trials (RCT) and reviews to look for additional studies. Study selection: RCTs comparing off-pump surgery to CABG with CPB. No restriction applied on the size of the trial or end point reports. Data extraction: 2 reviewers independently searched for studies, read abstracts and abstracted all data. Data synthesis: combined estimates were obtained using fixed or random effect meta-analyses. Relative risks and risk differences were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using &khgr;2 and I2 values. Results— There were 3996 patients enrolled in 41 RCTs (mean age 62, 22% female). No study reported information on race. Off-pump CABG was associated with a 50% reduction in the relative risk of stroke (95% CI, 7% to 73%), 30% reduction in atrial fibrillation (AF; 95% CI, 16% to 43%) and 48% reduction in wound infection (95% CI, 26% to 63%) with no heterogeneity among RCTs. This translated into avoidance of 10 strokes, 80 cases of AF and 40 infections per 1000 CABG. Fewer distal grafts were performed and there was evidence for >10 reinterventions per 1000 with off-pump CABG. Long-term follow-up is not yet reported in the trials. Conclusions— Off-pump CABG is associated with reduced risk of stroke, AF and infections as compared with CABG with CPB. Evidence should be generalized taking into account RCT enrollment limitations, drawbacks related to training requirements, propensity to perform fewer grafts and likely reinterventions after off-pump surgery.
Rate of passage of digesta in sheep

1. The rates of passage of markers of fluid and particulate digesta through the sheep alimentary tract have been described mathematically in single-injection experiments by analysing the concentration curves of marker excretion in faecal dry matter and then predicting these concentrations by means of an equation containing two exponential terms. Three components related to this equation are a transit time for digesta in the intestines, a half-time of marker in the reticulo-rumen and a half-time tentatively associated with the passage of marker through the caecum and proximal colon. With this approach no surgical interference with an animal is required to obtain meaningful information about gut function. 2. Abomasal cannulation did not affect the rate of passage of 51Cr EDTA through the gut. 3. The mean half-times (T1/2) for 51Cr EDTA in the reticulo-rumen and hind-gut, respectively, were 646 and 236 min for a roughage diet and 890 and 607 min for a diet consisting mainly of wheat grain, both diets providing approximately the same amounts of digestible dry matter. These results indicated that the changes in half-times were proportionately much greater in the caecum and proximal colon than in the reticulo-rumen. The mean transit time of marker through the digestive tract also increased from 721 to 1345 min when the concentrate diet was given. 4. The complex of chromium-51 with EDTA was excreted faster in faeces than cerium-144–praseodymium-144 when both were given together as a single injection into the reticulorumen. This was caused mainly by differential rates of elimination of water and particulate matter from the reticulo-rumen.
Paucity of Sjogren-like syndrome in a cohort of HIV-1-positive patients in the HAART era. Part II.

OBJECTIVE This study was performed in order to investigate the prevalence of Sjögren-like syndrome (SLS) in the highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) era in a cohort of HIV-1-positive Greek patients. METHODS One hundred and thirty-one unselected patients were screened by the validated European Union (EU) criteria for Sjögren's syndrome. Of the 31 who gave a positive EU-validated questionnaire, 17 consented to undergo minor salivary gland biopsy and other tests. RESULTS Only two patients had a positive salivary gland biopsy and both belonged to the non-compliant HAART group, whereas none of the compliant HAART patients had histological findings. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that SLS, the prevalence of which in the pre-HAART era was 7.8%, has disappeared, possibly as a result of the protective action of HAART.
Demons: Maxwell's demon, Szilard's engine and Landauer's erasure-dissipation

This talk addressed the following questions in the public debate at HoTPI: (i) energy dissipation limits of switches, memories and control; (ii) whether reversible computers are possible, or does their concept violate thermodynamics; (iii) Szilard's engine, Maxwell's demon and Landauer's principle: corrections to their exposition in the literature; (iv) whether Landauer's erasure–dissipation principle is valid, if the same energy dissipation holds for writing information, or if it is invalid; and (v) whether (non-secure) erasure of memories, or the writing of the same amount of information, dissipates most heat.
Modeling and Simulation of Wide-Area Communication for Centralized PMU-Based Applications

Phasor-based wide-area monitoring and control (WAMC) systems are becoming a reality with increased research, development, and deployments. Many potential control applications based on these systems are being proposed and researched. These applications are either local applications using data from one or a few phasor measurement units (PMUs) or centralized utilizing data from several PMUs. An aspect of these systems, which is less well researched, is the WAMC system's dependence on high-performance communication systems. This paper presents the results of research performed in order to determine the requirements of transmission system operators on the performance of WAMC systems in general as well as the characteristics of communication delays incurred in centralized systems that utilize multiple PMUs distributed over a large geographic area. This paper presents a summary of requirements from transmission system operators with regards to a specific set of applications and simulations of communication networks with a special focus on centralized applications. The results of the simulations indicate that the configuration of central nodes in centralized WAMC systems needs to be optimized based on the intended WAMC application.
Endogenous Dividend Dynamics and the Term Structure of Dividend Strips

Many leading asset pricing models are specified so that the term structure of dividend volatility is either flat or upward sloping. These models predict that the term structures of expected returns and volatilities on dividend strips (i.e., claims to dividends paid over a prespecified interval) are also upward sloping. However, the empirical evidence suggests otherwise. This discrepancy can be reconciled if these models replace their proposed dividend dynamics with processes that generate stationary leverage ratios. Under such policies, shareholders are forced to divest (invest) when leverage is low (high), which shifts risk from long- to short-horizon dividend strips.
Measuring Syntactic Complexity in Spoken and Written Learner Language: Comparing the Incomparable?

Abstract Spoken and written language are two modes of language. When learners aim at higher skill levels, the expected outcome of successful second language learning is usually to become a fluent speaker and writer who can produce accurate and complex language in the target language. There is an axiomatic difference between speech and writing, but together they form the essential parts of learners’ L2 skills. The two modes have their own characteristics, and there are differences between native and nonnative language use. For instance, hesitations and pauses are not visible in the end result of the writing process, but they are characteristic of nonnative spoken language use. The present study is based on the analysis of L2 English spoken and written productions of 18 L1 Finnish learners with focus on syntactic complexity. As earlier spoken language segmentation units mostly come from fluency studies, we conducted an experiment with a new unit, the U-unit, and examined how using this unit as the basis of spoken language segmentation affects the results. According to the analysis, written language was more complex than spoken language. However, the difference in the level of complexity was greatest when the traditional units, T-units and AS-units, were used in segmenting the data. Using the U-unit revealed that spoken language may, in fact, be closer to written language in its syntactic complexity than earlier studies had suggested. Therefore, further research is needed to discover whether the differences in spoken and written learner language are primarily due to the nature of these modes or, rather, to the units and measures used in the analysis.
A novel in vitro assay to predict neonatal Fc receptor-mediated human IgG half-life

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) has an unusually long serum half-life in comparison to proteins of a similar size. It is well-known that this phenomenon is due to IgG's ability to bind the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) in a pH-dependent manner. FcRn binding properties can vary among IgGs, resulting in altered in vivo half-lives, and therefore it would be beneficial to accurately predict the FcRn binding properties of therapeutic IgG monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Here we describe the development of an in vitro model capable of predicting the in vivo half-life of human IgG. Using a high-throughput biolayer interferometry (BLI) platform, the human FcRn association rate at acidic pH and subsequent dissociation rate at physiological pH was determined for 5 human IgG1 mAbs. Comparing the combined FcRn association and dissociation rates to the Phase 1 clinical study half-lives of the mAbs resulted in a strong correlation. The correlation was also verified in vivo using mice transgenic for human FcRn. The model was used to characterize various factors that may influence FcRn-mAb binding, including mAb variable region sequence differences and constant region glycosylation patterns. Results indicated that the complementarity-determining regions of the heavy chain significantly influence the mAb's FcRn binding properties, while the absence of glycosylation does not alter mAb-FcRn binding. Development of this high-throughput FcRn binding model could potentially predict the half-life of therapeutic IgGs and aid in selection of lead candidates while also serving as a screening tool for the development of mAbs with desired pharmacokinetic properties.
Dephosphorylation of survival motor neurons (SMN) by PPM1G/PP2Cγ governs Cajal body localization and stability of the SMN complex

The survival motor neuron (SMN) complex functions in maturation of uridine-rich small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles. SMN mediates the cytoplasmic assembly of Sm proteins onto uridine-rich small RNAs, and then participates in targeting RNPs to nuclear Cajal bodies (CBs). Recent studies have suggested that phosphorylation might control localization and function of the SMN complex. Here, we show that the nuclear phosphatase PPM1G/PP2Cγ interacts with and dephosphorylates the SMN complex. Small interfering RNA knockdown of PPM1G leads to an altered phosphorylation pattern of SMN and Gemin3, loss of SMN from CBs, and reduced stability of SMN. Accumulation in CBs is restored upon overexpression of catalytically active, but not that of inactive, PPM1G. This demonstrates that PPM1G's phosphatase activity is necessary to maintain SMN subcellular distribution. Concomitant knockdown of unr interacting protein (unrip), a component implicated in cytoplasmic retention of the SMN complex, also rescues the localization defects. Our data suggest that an interplay between PPM1G and unrip determine compartment-specific phosphorylation patterns, localization, and function of the SMN complex.
Qualitative Methods for Family Studies & Human Development

Chapter 1: Qualitative Research and the Art of Learning to See Learning to See The Paradox of Learning to See Paradox of Control and our Ability to See Lessons From the Art World: Positioning Ourselves to See Fully Drawing Informs Research: The Cultivation of Perceptual Skills Chapter 2: Epistemological Considerations in Qualitative Research Epistemology Paradigms Epistemology and Paradigms: Implications for Doing Qualitative Research Chapter 3: Paths of Inquiry for Qualitative Research Deduction Induction Abduction Induction, Deduction and Abduction in Practice: Cycles of Inquiry Chapter 4: Ontology of the Human Realm: Theoretical Foundations for Qualitative Inquiry Ontology and the Nature of Human Reality Ontological Assumptions About Human Development Ontological Assumptions About Families Ontology Shapes Inquiry Chapter 5: Methodology: How Theory Shapes Inquiry Ethnography and the Study of Culture Phenomenology: The Study of Conscious Experience Grounded Theory Methodology Narrative Inquiry: The Study of Story Critical Approaches: The Tradition of Feminist Inquiry and the Example of Participatory Action Research Chapter 6: Methods of Data Collection and Creation Observation Interviews Focus Groups Chapter 7: Research design: Constructing a Research Proposal What Kind of Chef Are You? Level I: Philosophical and Methodological Positioning Level II: Developing a Research Proposal Overview of the Research Plan: Practical Considerations Chapter 8: Positioning the Self: Role Considerations and the Practices of Reflexivity Dimensions of Reflexive Practice Why Do We Do Reflexivity? Reflexivity in Family Research Reflexivity and Social Positioning Balancing Vulnerability and Researcher Presence Chapter 9: Analytical Strategies What is Analysis in Qualitative Research? Analysis for What? Transcription as Part of Analysis Analytic Approaches in Various Methodologies The Diamond Approach: A Theory Development Model for Qualitative Data Analysis Chapter 10: Integrity Practices: Ethics, Credibility and Politics of Conducting Qualitative Research Ethical Guidelines Informed Consent Protecting Participants Through Confidentiality and Anonymity Accountability Credibility issues Conclusion
A Review on Software Development Security Engineering using Dynamic System Method (DSDM)

methodology such as Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP), Feature Driven Development (FDD) and the Dynamic System Development Method (DSDM) have gained enough recognition as efficient development process by delivering software fast even under the time constrains. However, like other agile methods DSDM has been criticized because of unavailability of security element in its four phases. In order to have a deeper look into the matter and discover more about the reality, we conducted a literature review. Our findings highlight that, in its current form, the DSDM does not support developing secure software. Although, there are a few researches on this topic about Scrum, XP and FDD but, based on our findings, there is no research on developing secure software using DSDM. Thus, in our future work we intend to propose enhanced DSDM that will cater the security aspects in software development.
ROLE OF NUMERACY AND COGNITIVE REFLECTION IN BAYESIAN REASONING WITH NATURAL FREQUENCIES

Facilitative effect of natural frequencies in Bayesian reasoning task is a robust phenomenon. However, it does not benefit to everyone and the reasons why remain open. This paper examines to what extent numeracy and cognitive reflection can account for individual differences in Bayesian task performance. Our results showed that participants with good numerical ability and cognitive reflection performed better than participant with lower numerical ability and cognitive reflection, respectively. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that numeracy does not mediate the effect of cognitive reflection on Bayesian performance. The role of numeracy in performance was clarified and cognitive reflection was identified as a new determinant of Bayesian performance. Numeracy and cognitive reflection account for the individual differences of the facilitative effect of the natural frequencies in the process of belief revision. These findings have implications for debate on nature of the facilitation effect and for improving risk communication involving the informed consent.
Comparative efficacy assessment of tamsulosin vs. tamsulosin plus tadalafil in the treatment of LUTS/BPH. Pilot study.

INTRODUCTION The high incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in aging men and the same pathophysiology make probable to treat both disorders with the same treatment. Numerous authors evaluated the actions of PDE5i in improving the LUTS/(benign prostate hyperplasia) BPH. AIM To assess the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day vs. tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day plus tadalafil 20 mg/day in patients with LUTS in a crossover design study. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), IPSS Quality of Life (IPSS-QOL), maximum flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual volume (PVR), International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function Domain (IIEF-EF), Global Assessment Quality (GAQ). For the statistical analysis, a Tukey-Kramer multicomparison test was used. METHODS A randomized, double-blind, crossover study was conducted from September 2007 to February 2008 in one center. Thirty men, older than 50 years old, with a history of LUTS/BPH of at least 6 months, were randomized into two groups to receive tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day vs. tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day plus tadalafil 20 mg/day for 45 days, and then switched to the other treatment mode for other 45 days. RESULTS Twenty-seven patients completed the study. Improvements of IPSS score and IPSS-QOL were significant with both treatments but greater with the drug combination. Both regimens similarly improved the Qmax and decreased the PVR volume from baseline (P < 0.001) with no significant differences between tamsulosin alone vs. tamsulosin and tadalafil (P > 0.05). The IIEF improved with tamsulosin plus tadalafil (P < 0.001) but not with tamsulosin alone (P > 0.05). The GAQ showed that all patients preferred the combination scheme. Both treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSION; Tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day plus tadalafil 20 mg/day was more effective than tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day alone to improve LUTS and erectile dysfunction and was also well tolerated. Large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled studies are needed to further assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of these agents in treating LUTS/BPH with or without ED.
Chapter Six. Civic Engagement And Church Policy In The Making Of Religious Vocations: Cross-National Variation In The Evolution Of Priestly Ordinations

The evolution of Roman Catholic priestly ordinations is a matter of enormous practical significance and considerable relevance to scholars, yet the phenomenon has been insufficiently studied and inadequately understood. This chapter examines the significance of this phenomenon and offers a descriptive review of data that has assembled on changes in the national-level vocation rate in seventeen countries during the fifty years following World War II. It introduces a theoretical perspective emphasizing the role of socially solidaristic and civic commitments in the broader set of factors leading to new vocations. The chapter briefly reviews other theoretical perspectives including the claim attributing to Vatican II reforms primary responsibility for the decrease in new ordinations, and offers a partial assessment of the social solidarity/civic commitment approach and the Vatican II hypothesis.Keywords: civic commitments; national-level vocation; Roman Catholic priestly ordinations; Vatican II
Decay Kinetics of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Specific Effector Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes after Combination Antiretroviral Therapy

ABSTRACT Little is known of the changes in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific effector cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) after potent antiretroviral therapy. Using HLA/peptide tetrameric complexes, we show that after starting treatment, there are early rapid fluctuations in the HIV-1-specific CTL response which last 1 to 2 weeks. These fluctuations are followed by an exponential decay (median half-life, 45 days) of HIV-1-specific CTL which continues while viremia remains undetectable. These data have implications for the immunological control of drug-resistant virus.
Introductory programming, criterion-referencing, and bloom

In the traditional norm-referencing approach to grading, all students in a CS1 class attempt the same programming tasks, and those attempts are graded "to a curve". The danger is that such tasks are aimed at a hypothetical average student. Weaker students can do little of these tasks, and learn little. Meanwhile, these tasks do not stretch the stronger students, so they too are denied an opportunity to learn. Our solution is two-fold. First, we use a criterion-referenced approach, where fundamentally different tasks are set, according to the ability of the students. Second, the differences in the nature of the tasks reflect the differing levels of Bloom's taxonomy. Weaker CS1 students are simply required to demonstrate knowledge and comprehension; the ability to read and understand programs. Middling students attempt traditional tasks, while the stronger students are set open-ended tasks at the synthesis and evaluation levels.