Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impaired Coronary Flow Reserve in NIDDM: A Possible Role for Diabetic Cardiopathy in Humans

Diabetic cardiopathy represents a cardiac disorder with involvement of myocardial, interstitial, coronary, and neural structures. One of the main manifestations refers to coronary microangiopathy, which has not yet been clearly identified. Coronary hemodynamics, including the determination of coronary flow reserve, were therefore analyzed in normal subjects and in nine patients with NIDDM and clinically suspected coronary heart disease but normal coronary arteriogram. Coronary flow reserve was determined as the quotient of baseline and minimal coronary resistance after dipyridamole (0.5 mg/kg i.v.). Coronary blood flow was measured quantitatively by the argon method. Systolic left ventricular function was analyzed by ventriculography and diastolic function by M-mode and Doppler echocardiography. Twelve healthy normotensive subjects served as the control group (CON). In the diabetic patients, maximal coronary flow was significantly reduced (172 ± 50 vs. 395 ± 103 ml/min × 100 g; P < 0.001), and minimal coronary resistance was increased (0.60 ± 0.19 vs. 0.24 ± 0.06 mmHg × min × 100 g/ml; P < 0.001). Coronary reserve in the diabetic subjects was markedly reduced (1.84 ± 0.39 vs. 4.23 ± 0.52; P < 0.001). No difference existed with respect to myocardial oxygen consumption (12.4 ± 2.3 vs. 11.8 ± 2.8 ml 02/100 g × min; NS). Global systolic function was normal in all patients (ejection fraction: NIDDM 72 ± 13 vs. CON 77 ± 12%, NS; CI: NIDDM 3.2 ± 0.8 vs. CON 3.3 ± 1.2 1/min × m2, NS). Diastolic function was impaired in diabetic patients with an increase in relaxation time index (97 ± 23 vs. 45 ± 18 ms; P < 0.01) and an impaired diastolic inflow pattern, indicated by the ratio between early and late transmitrai flow (0.75 ± 0.14 vs. 1.66 ± 0.13; P < 0.05). We conclude that the markedly reduced coronary flow reserve in diabetic patients may play a key role in the induction and perpetuation of coronary insufficiency in myocardial ischemia, in diastolic and systolic dysfunction, and in the initiation of diabetic cardiopathy.
Wage and Accounting Conservatism: Evidence from China

Whereas employees want their wages to stay at a sustainably high level, managers want to cut labor costs. This contrast may lead to different accounting conservatism preferences between the two parties. We use Khan and Watts’ (2009) C score model to examine the effects of wage amount and rigidity on accounting conservatism. We find that the degree of accounting conservatism is positively correlated with (1) the amount of wages, (2) the rigidity of wages and (3) the number of employees. In addition, our results also show that conservatism has increased since the enactment of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Employment Contracts in 2008. This paper connects two different fields (wage and accounting conservatism) and expands on contracts related to the conservatism raised by Watts (2003).
Kinetics of Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen and Trimethylamine Formation in Stored Rohu (Labeo rohita) Fish

ABSTRACT Fish freshness estimation has been mostly studied in terms of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N) determination and partially addresses the kinetics, which limits its practical utility. In this study, TVB-N and TMA-N content of Rohu stored under limited refrigerated (5 and 0°C) and frozen (−5°C) conditions for 42 days showed an increasing trend, respectively. TVB-N and TMA-N formation in stored Rohu was higher at higher temperature and their initial and final values were found 4.57 ± 0.321, 0.14 ± 0.047 mg/100g and 46.56 ± 0.994, 3.24 ± 0.112 mg/100g, respectively. The volatile formations in Rohu at −5°C were slow, as the frozen storage arrests the enzymatic and microbial activities in comparison to 0°C and above. The kinetics of TVB-N and TMA-N were investigated using zero, first, and nth-order reaction model. First-order kinetics exhibited the best fit model for TVB-N (R2 = 0.98; χ2 = 0.045), whereas TMA-N formation showed nth-order kinetics (n = −0.4608, R2 = 0.96, χ2 = 0.028) as best fit model. The first-order kinetic reaction contributed activation energy of 58.16 kJ/mol for TVB-N and 10.86 kJ/mol for TMA-N. TVB-N and TMA-N formations were influenced by storage temperature and duration as expected. Kinetic parameters were also significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by storage temperatures.
Continuous prednisolone versus conventional prednisolone with VMCP–interferon‐α2b as first‐line chemotherapy in elderly patients with multiple myeloma

We report on a randomised trial that aimed to compare the efficacy of continued daily prednisolone treatment during the entire induction phase, with prednisolone given for 2 weeks of each cycle in combination with VMCP (vincristine, melphalan, cyclophosphamide, prednisolone)–interferon‐α2b (IFN‐α2b) treatment in 299 previously untreated elderly patients (median age: 67 years) with multiple myeloma. After completion of induction treatment patients were randomised to IFN‐α2b with or without prednisolone, thrice weekly. Response rate was 62% in the continuous and 60% in the control arm (intent to treat analysis, P = 0·81). Progression‐free survival [median: 20 months vs. 19 months; hazard ratio (HR): 0·99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·74–1·33, P = 0·97] and overall survival (median: 34 months vs. 37 months; HR: 1·16, 95% CI: 0·85–1·59, P = 0·35) were similar in both groups. Reduced performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, grades 2–4) was the predominant risk factor for poor survival followed by age >65 years, high β2‐microglobulin, and impaired renal function. There was more grades 3–4 dyspnoea and cardiac impairment and grades 1–2 hyperglycaemia, but less nausea, emesis and anaemia in patients on continuous prednisolone therapy. In conclusion, continuing prednisolone treatment during the entire duration of the induction phase with VMCP–IFN‐α2b did not improve outcome.
Posaconazole: An Oral Triazole with an Extended Spectrum of Activity

Objective: To summarize the published clinical data on posaconazole, critically review the New Drug Application data submitted to the Food and Drug Administration, and provide information critical for evaluation and formulary positioning. Data Sources: Reported investigations were identified from MEDLINE (1966-June 30, 2008), bibliographies of manuscripts, www.clinicaltrials. gov, and www.fda. gov. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language articles were selected. AN available in vitro, animal, clinical, and human studies describing the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, safety, and adverse events of posaconazole were reviewed. Data Synthesis: Posaconazole is an oral broad-spectrum triazole with activity against many yeasts and molds. Resistance to posaconazole has been reported, but has been rare to date. Posaconazole, in doses of 200 mg 3 limes daily, reduced breakthrough invasive fungal infections (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.71) and aspergillosis incidence (OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.75) in patients receiving hematopoietic stem-cell transplants compared with those receiving fluconazole. Similarly, the same regimen of posaconazole reduced invasive fungal infections (95% CI -9.7 to -2.5) and aspergillosis (CI not reported, p < 0.001) when compared with fluconazole and itraconazole in neutropenic patients. Posaconazole is non-inferior to fluconazole for treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis (95% CI -6.6 to 5.0), but necessity for this indication remains unclear, as many other treatment options exist. Smaller investigations have analyzed use of posaconazole for patients requiring salvage or alternative treatment for zygomycosis, fusarbsis, cryptococcal meningitis, coccidioidomycosis, and histoplasmosis. Studies are needed to clarify efficacy for such expanded use, and therapeutic drug monitoring may improve outcomes. The most common adverse effects associated with the use of posaconazole include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Conclusions: Posaconazole appears to be a valuable and promising addition to the antifungal armamentarium for prophylaxis and treatment of various fungal processes. At this time, posaconazole should probably be reserved for prophylaxis in patients at high risk for invasive fungal infection, as salvage therapy in refractory or resistant infections, or for patients with intolerance to other therapies.
IT stereotypes in television shows

Despite over 20 years of Information Technology (IT) intervention programs, the proportion of females in the discipline has decreased this century. The depiction of the IT profession on television is a significant source of information about IT careers and may influence student career decisions. In this study, the ways in which male and female IT expert characters were portrayed in five television shows were examined and compared. While many existing stereotypes were challenged, all IT expert characters displayed some stereotypical characteristics, with IT technicians portrayed in the most stereotypical way. Female characters were not as stereotypical as males; but also not well recognised. We posit that the male “geek” technician stereotype overshadows any alternative depictions of IT professionals and reinforces masculinization of the discipline. We suggest that parents and influential adults, the primary audience of these shows, should be included in any future discussions to break down IT media stereotypes.
An 850-nm common-cathode VCSEL driver with tunable energy efficiency for 45 Gbit/s data transmission without equalization

A high-speed laser diode driver (LDD) for vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with direct non-return-to-zero (NRZ) modulation and adjustable energy efficiency is presented. The LDD is designed in a 0.13 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology and assembled with a commercial 850 nm VCSEL with a bandwidth of 20GHz in common cathode (CC) configuration. Optimized driver operation is studied for constant extinction ratio (ER) and highest energy efficiency at different speeds. The highest error-free optical data rate (DR) with a bit error rate (BER) of less than 10−13 was measured to 45Gbit/s. Since the driver does not incorporate any signal equalization or pre-emphasis, only 1.8 pJ/bit are required at this DR. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the highest reported DR for a direct VCSEL modulation without any kind of equalization at the transmitter as well as the receiver side. The best energy efficiency of 1.17 pJ/bit is achieved at 30Gbit/s by adopting the modulation levels of the LDD. By adaptively tuning the VCSEL modulation, the power consumption of the LDD can be reduced by 80% and the energy efficiency can be improved by 500%. Furthermore, no area consuming peaking inductors are used for bandwidth enhancement leading to a compact design with an active area of only 0.15 × 0.12 mm2 which makes the design well suited for low-cost multi-channel optical interconnects.
Measuring the Contribution of Public Infrastructure Capital in Sweden

Our purpose in this paper is to examine how one might evaluate and measure the contribution of public infrastructure capital on private sector output and productivity growth in Sweden. We do this by specifying and implementing empirically a number of alternative econometric models, using annual data for Sweden from 1960 to 1988. Using a dual cost function approach, we find that increases in public infrastructure capital, ceteris paribus, reduce private sector costs. We compute that amount of public infrastructure capital that would rationalize the cost savings incurred by the private business and manufacturing sectors, and find that the amount that can be rationalized in this manner is less than what was in fact available in 1988, but that the extent of excess public infrastructure capital has been falling in the 1980's.
CT fluoroscopy--guided interventional procedures: techniques and radiation dose to radiologists.

PURPOSE To determine the radiation dose to radiologists who perform computed tomographic (CT) fluoroscopic interventional procedures by using a quick-check method and a low-milliampere technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two hundred twenty CT fluoroscopy--guided interventional procedures were performed in 189 patients. Procedures included 57 spinal injections, 17 spinal biopsies, 24 chest biopsies, 20 abdominal aspirations, 44 abdominal biopsies, and 58 abdominal drainages. Procedure details were prospectively recorded and included site, depth, target diameter, milliampere value, kilovolt peak, fluoroscopic time, and CT technique (continuous CT fluoroscopy, quick-check method, or a combination of these techniques). An individual collar and finger radiation detector were worn by each radiologist during each procedure to determine the dose per procedure. RESULTS The quick-check technique was performed in 191 (87%) of 220 procedures. Four procedures were performed with continuous CT fluoroscopy, and a combination technique was used for 25 (11%) procedures. The overall mean CT fluoroscopic time was 17.9 seconds (range, 1.2--101.5 seconds). The mean milliampere value was 13.2 mA (range, 10--50 mA). The overall mean radiologist radiation dose per procedure was 2.5 mrem (0.025 mSv) (whole body). Individual procedure doses ranged from 0.66 to 4.75 mrem (0.007--0.048 mSv). The finger radiation dose was negligible. CONCLUSION By using a low-milliampere technique and the quick-check method, CT fluoroscopic time and radiation exposure can be minimized.
Exploring staff experience of an “enriched environment” within stroke rehabilitation: a qualitative sub-study

Abstract Background: Environmental Enrichment (EE) is shown to facilitate recovery of motor and cognitive function in animal models of stroke. The efficacy of EE in the clinical setting with stroke survivors remains unknown. Successful implementation of EE in a busy rehabilitation unit requires identification of barriers and enablers which are best informed by staff feedback. Aim: To qualitatively explore the experiences of nursing staff involved in a pilot study investigating the feasibility of EE in a rehabilitation ward. Methods: This was a qualitative study consisting of analysis of semi-structured interviews with nine nursing staff who were asked to reflect on “routine care” and their own “experience of the EE study”. An inductive thematic approach was used to collect and analyse data using a process of constant comparison. Results: Male and female staff with varying years of experience working in stroke rehabilitation participated in focus group and individual interviews. Three key themes were identified concerning the implementation of EE including: (i) “Nurses are so busy” – perceptions on routine work practice; (ii) “A better outlook” – perceptions of the benefit of EE; (iii) “They’re just not going to participate” – perceptions of barriers to EE. Indeed, the challenges identified in this study align with practice change literature, which indicates that staff workload, routine and attitudes can influence the implementation of a new practice. Discussion: Staff perceived the use of an EE in their rehabilitation unit promoted activity/participation and increased patient moral. The barriers and enablers experienced by staff in this study may be used to inform the design and conduct of future studies investigating the efficacy of EE during inpatient stroke rehabilitation after stroke. Implications for Rehabilitation Results from animals models suggest that environmental enrichment (EE) is an important paradigm for consideration in stroke rehabilitation. It is concerning that many stroke survivors are inactive during their admission for inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Preliminary results suggest that rehabilitation nurses perceive that EE promoted patient activity/participation. Results highlight the importance of social support and participation in the ward environment and potential benefits for patient’s mood levels.
Fiscal Decentralization in Comparative Perspective: Analysis of the Intergovernmental Grant Systems in Indonesia and Thailand

Abstract Decentralization can inadvertently lead to local fiscal disparity. One type of intergovernmental fiscal transfers, the general-purpose grant, can help equalize local fiscal imbalances. This article examines the extent to which the general-purpose grant systems in Indonesia and Thailand help mitigate local fiscal disparity. The findings show that the general-purpose grant system in Thailand does not effectively address disparities in local fiscal conditions. Localities with more own-source revenues and higher per capita income receive more general-purpose grants than those with weak fiscal capacity. In contrast, Indonesia’s general-purpose grant allocation system provides more resources for economically disadvantaged and conflict-ridden provinces.
Extreme Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is a potentially fatal condition and is defined by a serum potassium level (K+) of greater than 5.5 mmol/L. The associated prevalence of cardiac arrhythmia increases directly with the degree of hyperkalemia. The danger in the majority of hyperkalemia cases is cardiac dysrhythmia, and often ventricular fibrillation or asystole is the terminating event. Although there are many previous reports addressing this threatening problem and associated therapeutic maneuvers, there have not been many previous reports citing the fatal concentration of hyperkalemia irrespective of the causes. However, it is uniformly accepted that a K+ concentration greater than 10.0 mmol/L is fatal unless urgent treatment is instituted. This report describes a case of nonfatal hyperkalemia of 14 mmol/L with intact survival and complete recovery. Potassium homeostasis is revisited, and some explanations are proffered regarding the protective mechanism against hyperkalemia, including transcellular flux, renal tubular function, and endocrine responses.
Persistence in Mutual Fund Performance and Time-Varying Risk Exposures

Persistence in mutual fund performance is usually measured by the risk-adjusted returns of the portfolio that is long the top and short the bottom past year return deciles. A key challenge is to properly adjust for the time-varying risk exposures of this portfolio. We show that the Fama and French model overestimates persistence at 10.6 percent per annum whilst the Carhart model underestimates persistence at an insignificant 1.9 percent per annum. It is important to consider the dependence of the risk exposures on the sign and magnitude of past factor returns as well as the dispersion in the mutual fund exposures because they determine which funds will be in the top and bottom deciles. Doing so results in a significant risk-adjusted alpha of 6.7 percent per annum. Hence persistence exists.
Perceptions on Inclusion in Elementary Schools

The purpose of this study was to examine how perceptions on inclusion impact supports of both special needs and regular education students in first grade. In order to grow a stronger understanding of what perceptions are in place, the perception had by teachers and administrations, and their direct impact on supports provided, two first grade classes, two classroom teachers, and one administrator were used to seek the answers we were looking for. This study explored the impact perceptions had on two first grade teachers, one administrator, and the impacts of support on 32 first grade students. Quantitative and qualitative methods of data were collected using semi-structured interviews, observations, the Teacher Attitudes Towards Inclusion Education survey, and a self-created survey modeled by the Teacher Attitudes Towards Inclusion Education survey. Over a six week data collection period, themes were noted between teacher and the administrator responses with a direct connection to supports and inclusion efforts discovered during the two classroom observations. The research recommended two implications to practice. These implications included recommendations for administrators to be more aware of how their perceptions directly impact measures of inclusion occurring in the school and teachers, as well as administrators, sharing their perceptions freely amongst each other to set forth effective inclusion measures to best meet all student needs. Perceptions on Inclusion in Schools 2
Gambling Preferences, Options Markets, and Volatility

Abstract This study examines whether the gambling behavior of investors affects volume and volatility in financial markets. Focusing on the options market, we find that the ratio of call option volume relative to total option volume is greatest for stocks with return distributions that resemble lotteries. Consistent with the theoretical predictions of Stein (1987), we demonstrate that gambling-motivated trading in the options market influences future spot price volatility. These results not only identify a link between lottery preferences in the stock market and the options market, but they also suggest that lottery preferences can lead to destabilized stock prices.
Reproducibility of the pink esthetic score--rating soft tissue esthetics around single-implant restorations with regard to dental observer specialization.

PURPOSE The pink esthetic score (PES) evaluates the esthetic outcome of soft tissue around implant-supported single crowns in the anterior zone by awarding seven points for the mesial and distal papilla, soft-tissue level, soft-tissue contour, soft-tissue color, soft-tissue texture, and alveolar process deficiency. The aim of this study was to measure the reproducibility of the PES and assess the influence exerted by the examiner's degree of dental specialization. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen examiners (three general dentists, three oral maxillofacial surgeons, three orthodontists, three postgraduate students in implant dentistry, and three lay people) applied the PES to 30 implant-supported single restorations twice at an interval of 4 weeks. Using a 0-1-2 scoring system, 0 being the lowest, 2 being the highest value, the maximum achievable PES was 14. At the second assessment, the photographs were scored in reverse order. Differences between the two assessments were evaluated with the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (R). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparisons of differences between the ratings. A significance level of p < 0.05 was chosen for both tests. RESULTS Observer results indicated that the agreement between the first and second rating for all occupational groups was 70.5%, with a broad correlation between the two ratings and a high statistical significance (Spearman's R = 0.58, p = 0; Wilcoxon T = 163,182, Z = 3.383599, p = 0.000716). The most agreement between the first and second rating was obtained by orthodontists with 73.5% (R = 0.67), and the least by lay people 65.9% (R = 0.50). Very poor and very esthetic restorations showed the smallest deviations. Orthodontists were found to have assigned significantly poorer ratings than any other group. The assessment of postgraduate students and laypersons were the most favorable. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The PES allows for a more objective appraisal of the esthetic short- and long-term results of various surgical and prosthetic implant procedures. It reproducibly evaluates the peri-implant soft tissue around single-implant restorations and results in good intra-examiner agreement. However, an effect of observer specialization on rating soft-tissue esthetics can be shown.