Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the usefulness of a quantitative ultrasound device in screening of bone mineral density in children

Background : Osteoporosis is a major public health problem, and its prevention is of great importance. It is known that bone mass later in life is determined by the peak bone mass acquired during adolescence and the subsequent rate of bone loss. Therefore we should give special attention to children that are 'at risk' of low bone mass, and we must seek simple yet reliable methods to measure their bone mineral density (BMD) regularly. Aim : We investigated the value of a quantitative ultrasound device (QUS), the Sahara clinical bone sonometer (Hologic), in screening of low bone mass in children. In contrast to dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), the most commonly used technique for measurement of BMD today, the QUS method is free of ionizing radiation, easy to handle and inexpensive. Subjects and methods : Intra- and inter-observer variability of the QUS method was assessed using replicate measurements by two observers in 15 randomly chosen children. QUS parameters were measured in 226 healthy schoolchildren (121 boys, 105 girls) as well as in 41 children at risk for low bone mass (15 boys, 26 girls) between 7 and 18 years old. For comparison we also determined BMD by DEXA in those children at risk. Results : Reproducibility of the QUS device was moderate, as well as the correlation between QUS and DEXA ( r = 0.14-0.50). The QUS device was not able to recognize children with low bone mass as determined by DEXA. Although it is well known that BMD increases with age and pubertal stage, we could not find significant differences in QUS parameters between age and pubertal stage groups. Conclusion : We conclude that there is enough evidence that the Sahara clinical bone sonometer is not useful in screening of low bone mass in children.
Competition between two microbial populations in a nonmixed environment: Effect of cell random motility

In a nonmixed environment, bacterial population growth can be influenced significantly by cell motility properties as well as by growth kinetic properties. Therefore, in a situation of competition between two bacterial populations for a single chemical nutrient in a nonmixed environment, the outcome may depend upon the respective cell motility properties. In this article, the authors have presented a simple mathematical model for competitive growth of two randomly motile (i.e., possessing no chemotactic behavior) populations in a finite nonmixed region. An understanding of the behavior of this model should provide insight into the behavior of a number of common microbial competition problems. Analysis of this model yields the following results: (1) There may be as many as three possible non‐trivial steady‐state (or long‐time) configurations: when species 1 survives, species 2 dies out; when species 2 survives, species 1 dies out; and species 1 and species 2 coexist. (2) The coexistence state can exist even though one species possesses a smaller intrinsic growth rate constant at all nutrient concentrations, if that same species is sufficiently less motile than the other species. (3) In fact, the species with the smaller maximum specific growth rate may grow to a larger population than the other. (4) The possibility of coexistence can be decided essentially from the results for single population growth.
An Empirical Analysis of Voluntarily Supplied Client-Auditor Realignment Reasons

In this paper we investigate whether voluntarily disclosed reasons for auditor‐client realignments (as encouraged by the SEC) have information content for investors. After classifying realignment reasons into two types—verifiable and non‐verifiable, with the latter representing disclosures about the auditor‐client relationship not evident from alternative sources—we find that, as predicted by the “good news” precept of theoretical signaling models, non‐verifiable realignment reasons are positively associated at the time of their announcement with abnormal returns. We also investigate whether voluntarily disclosed realignment reasons are associated with the relative size of the predecessor or successor auditor. We find that clients are more likely to cite service‐related (non‐verifiable) reasons when dismissing large predecessor auditors, and are more likely to cite fee‐related (non‐verifiable) reasons when choosing small successor auditors. These findings are consistent with auditors competing for the cli.
Spatial compounding with tissue harmonic images and monostatic synthetic aperture reconstruction

A high precision mechanical add-on module was realized to implement a transmission tomography system around a commercial analog ultrasound system. The modular nature of the add-on lets it be used, however, more universally. Without enormous effort the module could be programmed to be coupled to a fully digital high end commercial ultrasound system. A Siemens Antares was used for this work, which allows the acquisition of RF data of high quality B-scans and tissue harmonic imaging (THI) over the Axius Direct Ultrasound Research Interface (URI). This possibility was exploited to explore some more intricate processing options for image compounding in addition to the conventional spatial compounding approach. Several compounding schemes were implemented. One of the two new strategies for compounding consists of calculation of a compound image from the THI data, as the latter is known to possess a better contrast and lateral resolution. While the RF data acquired from various transducer positions provides all the essential input for monostatic synthetic aperture focusing (SAFT), the other strategy was to implement SAFT imaging. The effect of inhomogeneous speed of sound was studies carefully and two different schemes were implemented to overcome the problems of image registration arising from it. The algorithms were tested on polypropylene fiber phantoms in water and ethylene glycol. While the monostatic synthetic aperture reconstruction technique was found to be best in enhancing signal to noise ratio, the speckle reduction was notably better for the THI compounding scheme than that of the conventional compounding strategy. The resulting spatial resolution of the compound images was comparable for the latter two cases and the former technique outperformed the other ones in this respect.
p16INK4A immunohistochemical staining and predictive value for progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1: A prospective study in China

p16INK4A is strongly expressed in tissues diagnosed as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer in women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), but few prospective studies have evaluated p16INK4A as a marker for the risk of low‐grade CIN (CIN1) progression. We investigated the prevalence of p16INK4A immunostaining by CIN grade and whether overexpression of p16INK4A in CIN1 predicts future risk for high‐grade CIN in Chinese women. 6,557 Chinese women aged 30–49 years were screened from 2003 to 2005 using cytology and carcinogenic HPV test. Colposcopy was performed on women with any abnormal result. p16INK4A Immunostaining was performed on biopsies from all women with CIN1, as well as randomly selected women with normal or CIN grade 2 and worse (CIN2+) biopsies. Women with CIN1 were followed up without treatment. Colposcopy was performed on all untreated women at a 2‐year interval. The prevalence of p16INK4A staining was 2.7%, 42.7%, 75.5%, 79.6% and 100% among women with normal, CIN1, 2, 3 and cancer biopsies, respectively (p < 0.001). HPV positivity was strongly associated with p16INK4A staining [odds ratios (OR) = 12.8; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 5.2–31.6]. p16INK4A staining of CIN1 biopsies at baseline was associated with an increased risk of finding high‐grade CIN over 2 years of follow‐up (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 0.52–3.91). The two‐year cumulative incidence of CIN2+ for p16INK4A positive women was higher at 10.71% than for p16INK4A negative women at 1.30% (crude RR = 8.25, 95% CI: 1.02–66.62). p16INK4A overexpression is strongly associated with grade of CIN and risk of progression to high‐grade CIN in women with low‐grade lesions.
Sex Knowledge and Sexual Attitudes Among Medical and Nursing Students

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between background and sociodemographic variables, attitudes toward controversial aspects of human sexuality and sex knowledge among medical and nursing students. Method: The study design was a questionnaire-based survey of medical and nursing students in Western Australia. Participants were first-through fifth-year medical students at the University of Western Australia and first-through third-year undergraduate nursing students at Edith Cowan University. Outcome measures were students' attitudes toward controversial aspects of human sexuality expressed on a five-point Likert scale and a modified version of the Kinsey Institute/Roper Organization National Sex Knowledge Test. Results: A significant relationship was found between certain background and sociodemographic variables, sexual attitudes and sex knowledge. The background variable most strongly related to both attitudes and knowledge was frequency of attendance at religious services of any religious denomination during the past month, with those attending three or more times more likely to express negative attitudes and have lower sex knowledge scores. Lower sex knowledge was related to negative attitudes toward gay/lesbian/bisexual behaviour, masturbation, premarital sex and contraception. Other important background and sociodemographic variables related to negative attitudes were: never having experienced sexual intercourse; right-wing political orientation; lower family income; gender and ethnicity. Conclusions: Negative attitudes toward controversial aspects of human sexuality and lower sex knowledge scores among medical and nursing students can be predicted on the basis of background and sociodemographic variables. Education aimed at increasing sex knowledge and modifying negative attitudes may increase students' ability to function more effectively as sexual history takers and sex counsellors.
Applied nutritional investigation Effect of pistachio diet on lipid parameters, endothelial function, inflammation, and oxidative status: A prospective study

Objective: Recent studies have suggested that nuts have favorable effects beyond lipid lowering. We aimed to investigate effect of the Antep pistachio (Pistacia vera L.)on blood glucose, lipid parameters, endothelial function, inflammation, and oxidation in healthy young men living in a controlled environment. Methods: A Mediterranean diet was administered to normolipidemic 32 healthy young men (mean age 22 y, range 21‐24) for 4 wk. After 4 wk, participants continued to receive the Mediterranean diet but pistachio was added for 4 wk by replacing the monounsaturated fat content constituting z20% of daily caloric intake. Fasting blood samples and brachial endothelial function measurements were performed at baseline and after each diet. Results: Compared with the Mediterranean diet, the pistachio diet decreased glucose (P < 0.001, � 8.8 68.5%), low-density lipoprotein (P < 0.001, � 23.2 6 11.9%), total cholesterol (P < 0.001, � 21.2 6 9.9%), and triacylglycerol (P ¼0.008, � 13.8 6 33.8%) significantly and high-density lipoprotein (P ¼0.069, � 3.1 6 11.7%) non-significantly. Total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratios decreased significantly (P < 0.001 for both). The pistachio diet significantly improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation (P ¼0.002, 30% relative increase), decreased serum interleukin-6, total oxidant status, lipid hydroperoxide, and malondialdehyde and increased superoxide dismutase (P < 0.001 for all), whereas there was no significant change in C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-a levels. Conclusion: In this trial, we demonstrated that a pistachio diet improved blood glucose level, endothelial function, and some indices of inflammation and oxidative status in healthy young men. These findings are in accordance with the idea that nuts, in particular pistachio nuts, have favorable effects beyond lipid lowering that deserve to be evaluated with prospective follow-up studies. 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc.
Effect of physiological levels of atrial natriuretic peptide on hormone secretion: inhibition of angiotensin-induced aldosterone secretion and renin release in normal man.

Large doses of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) inhibit renin and aldosterone secretion in normal man, but the effect of physiological levels is unknown. We, therefore, studied the effect of a low infusion rate of alpha-human ANP (alpha hANP; 0.5 microgram/min for 180 min) on the plasma corticosteroid response to graded physiological doses of angiotensin II (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 ng/kg X min, each for 30 min) and ACTH (6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mIU, each for 30 min) in six normal men eating a low salt diet (10 mmol sodium and 100 mmol potassium daily). The angiotensin II and ACTH infusions were given from 0900-1100 h on separate days, during which randomized infusions of placebo or alpha hANP were given from 0800-1100 h according to a single blind protocol. Plasma immunoreactive ANP levels were less than 10 pmol/L on the placebo day compared to 30-50 pmol/L during the alpha hANP infusions, and were not altered by either ACTH or angiotensin II. Compared with the control observations, there was no significant change in arterial pressure or heart rate during either the alpha hANP or angiotensin II infusions. ACTH infusions evoked an incremental response in plasma aldosterone and cortisol, and the dose-response relationship was unaltered by alpha hANP. In contrast, while an incremental and significant increase in plasma aldosterone in response to angiotensin II occurred with the placebo infusion, no significant increase occurred in response to angiotensin during the alpha hANP infusion. The slope of the angiotensin II/aldosterone regression line was significantly less during all alpha hANP infusions compared to that during the placebo infusion (P less than 0.02). In addition, on the ACTH infusion day significant suppression of both PRA (P less than 0.05) and plasma angiotensin II (P less than 0.008) occurred during the alpha hANP infusion compared to that during the placebo infusion, whereas PRA was equally suppressed by angiotensin II in the presence or absence of alpha hANP. alpha hANP also increased urine volume [176 +/- 31 (+/- SEM) vs. 113 +/- 19 mL/mmol creatinine with placebo; P less than 0.03] and sodium excretion (2.14 +/- 0.48 vs. 0.58 +/- 0.22 mmol/mmol creatinine with placebo; P less than 0.004) on the ACTH infusion days. With angiotensin II, urine volume was also significantly increased by alpha hANP (150 +/- 27 vs. 81 +/- 15 mL/mmol creatinine with placebo; P less than 0.03), and urine sodium excretion doubled. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Pension reform, assets returns and wealth distribution

In OLG framework, it is generally admitted that PAYG pension system generates a lower capital accumulation, a higher level of interest rate but is more inequality reducing. By taking into account different assets returns and unequal access to them, we find that the PAYG pension system generates lower level of interest rate and increases wealth inequality. By using Matsuyama's (2000) technology that generates dynamic endogenous inequality, we represent the bequest and saving behaviour of the agents in an OLG model. This allows us to characterize the optimal investment choice of agents across two assets as a function of their initial endowment and a unique inheritance threshold depending on the equilibrium interest rate. This inheritance threshold divides the population into two categories : the rich-borrowers and the poor-lenders. In this context, we find that, the effect of increasing the contribution rate to the pension system is to increase inequality. Indeed, it increases the number of constrained agents and decreases the equilibrium interest rate. More the initial wealth distribution is egalitarian, more these effects are amplified. As the interest rate is the lending rate of poor-constrained agents, they lose from the reform while unconstrained-rich agents benefit from the reform since the decrease of the interest rate increases the net return of their investment. Unconstrained-rich agents benefit from the reform at the expense of constrained-poor agents.
Union Learning Funds and Trade Union Revitalization: A New Tool in the Toolkit?

This article examines the potential of union-led learning through union learning funds to contribute to trade union revitalization. Empirical data are drawn from an evaluation of the Scottish Union Learning Fund. Findings suggest that union-led learning can contribute to revitalization by enhancing relationship building with members, potential members, employers and government. However, problems exist in each case, and the findings suggest that a more strategic orientation to learning is required by unions.
Public Education Expenditures, Human Capital Investment and Intergenerational Mobility: A Two-Stage Education Model

We show in this paper that, depending on the initial distribution of material wealth and that of individuals’ abilities, economies converge in the long run towards different proportions of the skilled workforce and different levels of average wealth. We also show that the growth process raises net economic mobility, the long-run proportion of the skilled population and the long-run levels of wealth held by both rich and poor dynasties. Unless the income tax rate is too high, the increase in total public funds is associated, in the long run, with higher net mobility, a larger fraction of the skilled workers and higher levels of wealth of all the dynasties. In addition, the reallocation of public expenditures from basic to advanced education can result in lower mobility, a lower long-run size of the skilled workforce, and a lower long-run level of wealth held by rich dynasties, if the transfer of resources comes at the expense of excessively lowering the quality of education at the basic schooling level.
Notes on the Journal of Industrial Economics Website: An Introduction to the 1999 Advertising and Industry Survey

In this paper we introduce a significant new dataset gained from the Advertising and Industry Survey of the advertising managers of UK firms that took place during 1999. The dataset is lodged with the ESRC databank, study number 4209, and contains information from over 800 firms on issues such as advertising levels and motivation, Internet advertising and the conjectured actions to rival companies. We describe the survey process, report tests for response bias and summarise some of the key data. In addition, we report mean advertising to sales ratios by SIC industry code at various levels of aggregation.
Ten-Year Survival After First-Ever Stroke in the Perth Community Stroke Study

Background and Purpose— Very few studies have provided information regarding long-term prognosis after stroke. We aimed to determine the absolute and relative survival over 10 years among patients with first-ever stroke from a population-based study in Perth, Western Australia. Methods— For a 12-month period beginning February 1989, all individuals with a suspected acute stroke or transient ischemic attack who were resident in a geographically defined and representative region of Perth, Western Australia, were registered prospectively and assessed according to standardized diagnostic criteria. Patients with a definite first-ever stroke were followed up prospectively at 4 months, 12 months, 5 years, and 10 years after the index event. Results— A total of 251 patients with first-ever stroke were registered, and 244 (97%) were followed up at 10 years, by which time 197 (79%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 74 to 84) had died. The major causes of death were the direct effects of the initial stroke (27%; 95% CI, 21 to 33) and cardiovascular disease (26%; 95% CI, 20 to 32). Among 1-year survivors of stroke, the average annual case fatality was 4.8%, which was 2.3 (95% CI, 1.9 to 2.7) times greater than for the general population of the same age and sex. Conclusions— One in 5 patients with first-ever stroke survived to 10 years. The average annual case fatality was 4.8% between years 1 and 10 after stroke, which was twice that expected for the general population. Vascular disease is the major cause of death among long-term survivors of stroke.
Anti‐SLA/LP alone or in combination with anti‐Ro52 and fine specificity of anti‐Ro52 antibodies in patients with autoimmune hepatitis

Antibodies (Abs) to soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas (anti‐SLA/LP) are considered markers of worse prognosis and outcome in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) although this assumption has recently been attributed to their frequent co‐expression with Abs against Ro52 (anti‐Ro52). To assess the clinical significance of anti‐SLA/LP Abs alone or in combination with anti‐Ro52 in AIH patients and determine the immunodominant Ro52 epitopes according to the anti‐SLA/LP status.
Results of transvenous embolization of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula: a single-center experience with emphasis on complications and management.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To describe the results of transvenous embolizations of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistua (cDAVF) with an emphasis on identifying the incidence, characteristics, and management strategies associated with the complications of transvenous embolization of cDAVFs. METHODS Fifty-six consecutive patients who were treated by transvenous embolization for cDAVFs were reviewed. The approach routes, angiographic results, complications, and clinical outcome were assessed. RESULTS Retrograde inferior petrosal sinus (n = 36), transfacial vein (n = 7), transcontralateral intercavernous sinus (n = 4), and direct superior ophthalmic vein (n = 3) approaches were used. Angiographic results showed complete occlusion (n = 29), nearly complete occlusion (n = 13), and incomplete occlusion (n = 14). Complications associated with the procedures were cranial nerve palsy (n = 6), venous perforation (n = 3), and brain stem congestion (n = 2). The cranial nerve signs resolved with conservative treatment. Venous perforations were managed by coil embolizations at the site of the tear with no significant neurologic sequelae. One case of brain stem congestion resulted in hemiplegia after conservative treatment. The other case showed venous congestion as a result of rerouting of the shunted flow after venous embolization that was successfully managed by covered stent deployment for occlusion of the residual feeders. Clinical follow-up data were available in 46 patients. Complete resolution or improvement of symptoms was seen in 42 patients (91%). CONCLUSIONS Cavernous DAVFs may be effectively treated by transvenous embolization. However, the procedure can be associated with various complications, some of which can potentially result in significant morbidity. Prompt diagnosis of the complications with appropriate management strategies is mandatory for a safe procedure.
Can Benefits in Recreational Parks in Malaysia Be Transferred? A Choice Experiment (CE) Technique

This paper analyses benefit transfer in the case of recreational parks using the choice experiment (CE) technique. The CE was employed because it allows different changes in recreational park attributes to be taken into account. The analyses were performed in terms of transferability of valuation function and willingness to pay (WTP) values. The results for the valuation function suggest that the estimated coefficients between the two sites are not transferable. However, the estimated WTP values can be transferred. The results suggest the suitability of using the CE approach in analysing benefit transfer if the objective is to transfer the WTP values rather than the valuation function. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.