Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Biliary Atresia: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this meta-analysis was to summarize the evidence on the accuracy of various ultrasound findings for excluding a diagnosis of biliary atresia. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched MEDLINE and the Web of Science databases for the period from January 1990 to May 2015. To be included, studies had to satisfy two criteria. First, the data needed to include 2 × 2 contingency data on the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in identifying biliary atresia in at least 10 patients with and 10 patients without disease. Second, the study needed to use surgery or biopsy for biliary atresia and surgery, biopsy, clinical follow-up, or some combination of the three as the reference standard for the exclusion of biliary atresia. The methodologic quality of each study was assessed with version 2 of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Estimated sensitivity and specificity of each ultrasound characteristic were calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS Twenty-three studies published during 1998-2015 were included. Summary sensitivity and specificity were 0.85 (95% CI, 0.76-0.91) and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.81-0.97), respectively, for gallbladder abnormalities in 19 studies; 0.74 (95% CI, 0.61-0.84) and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95-0.99), respectively, for triangular cord sign in 20 studies; and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.70-0.99) and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.79-0.94), respectively, for the combination of the triangular cord sign and gallbladder abnormalities in five studies. Subgroup analysis of an absent gallbladder in 10 studies yielded a summary specificity of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.93-1.00). CONCLUSION The triangular cord sign and gallbladder abnormalities are the two most accurate and widely accepted ultrasound characteristics for diagnosing or excluding biliary atresia. Other ultrasound characteristics are less valuable for diagnosis or exclusion of biliary atresia.
Pathology of Ocular Irritation with Bleaching Agents in the Rabbit Low-Volume Eye Test

Despite differences in the processes leading to tissue damage, the ocular irritation response to various surfactants, two concentrations of an acid and an alkali, and an acetone, alcohol, aromatic amine, and aldehyde has been shown to depend on the extent of initial injury. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which this fundamental relationship exists for bleaching agents in the rabbit low-volume eye test. Ten μl of sodium perborate monohydrate (NaBO 3), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 10% hydrogen peroxide (H2O 2), and 15% H2O2 was applied directly to the cornea of the right eye of each rabbit. Macroscopic assessments for irritation were made 3 hours after dosing and periodically until 35 days. Light microscopic examinations were conducted on tissues obtained at 3 hr and on 1, 3, and 35 days. In vivo confocal microscopy (CM) and measurements of dead corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes at 3 hours and 1 day were used to characterize quantitatively initial corneal injury, while in vivo CM performed at 3 hours and 1, 3, 7, 14, and 35 days was used to characterize quantitatively the corneal changes over time. The changes with NaBO3 and NaOCl were consistent with mild irritancy. For both, corneal injury was limited to the epithelium and superficial stroma. The changes with 10% H2O2 and 15% H2O2 were consistent with severe irritation. Both concentrations affected the epithelium and deep stroma, with 15% H2O 2 also at times affecting the endothelium. However, unlike other irritants previously studied, with 10% H2O2 and 15% H2O 2 there was an incongruity between the extent of epithelial and stromal injury, with stromal injury being more extensive than epithelial injury. A similar, although less dramatic, effect was observed with NaBO3. Additionally, there was still significant keratocyte loss at 35 days with 10% H2O2 and 15% H2O2 even though the eyes at times were considered to be macroscopically normal. These observations highlight the need to include both epithelial and stromal components in an ex vivo or in vitro alternative assay. In conclusion, these results continue to support and extend our hypothesis that ocular irritation is principally defined by the extent of initial injury despite clear differences in the means by which irritants cause tissue damage. Importantly, we have identified unique differences in the ocular injury and responses occurring with bleaching agents that are important to consider in the development and validation of alternative ocular irritation tests to characterize a broad range of materials differing in type and irritancy.
Do people with an ileostomy have a different back pain experience to those with a colostomy? A postal survey in Northern Ireland

Background. The abdominal muscles play a vital role in lumbar stability. The stoma surgery creates a permanent flaw in the abdominal wall and this may increase the risk of low back pain for people with a stoma. Purpose. To determine whether there was a difference in back pain experience between the two stoma groups: ileostomy and colostomy. Method. A postal questionnaire sent to people in Northern Ireland with an ileostomy or colostomy. Results. Over half (56.7%, n = 417) had back pain in the last 6 months and the primary perceived cause was the stoma surgery. There was a statistically significant deterioration in functional activities in those with back pain when ‘today’ was compared with ‘before surgery’. Those with a colostomy had generally poorer outcomes in respect of pain and disability, than those with an ileostomy. Conclusion. Low back pain in people with a stoma is a real and complex issue, especially as there are significant differences between those with an ileostomy when compared with people with a colostomy. Many factors are likely to contribute to a person developing low back pain, not least, the underlying reason for the surgery and the surgical procedure itself.
1/ $f$ Noise in As-Processed and Proton-Irradiated AlGaN/GaN HEMTs Due to Carrier Number Fluctuations

We find that the low-frequency 1/<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$f$ </tex-math></inline-formula> noise of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs before and after 1.8-MeV proton irradiation is more consistent with a carrier-number fluctuation model that includes a non-constant defect-energy distribution <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${D}_{t}$ </tex-math></inline-formula><italic>(<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${E}_{f}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>)</italic> than with the Hooge mobility fluctuation model. A strongly varying <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${D}_{t}$ </tex-math></inline-formula><italic>(<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${E}_{f}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>)</italic> in these devices is confirmed by measurements of the voltage and temperature dependence of the noise. First-order estimates of effective border-trap density before and after 1.8-MeV proton irradiation are obtained for commercial and research-grade devices using a simple number-fluctuation model. The input-referred noise magnitude of GaN/AlGaN HEMTs decreases at biases that are much more positive than threshold because the gated region of the HEMT comprises a relatively small portion of the channel, and the noise is attenuated by the voltage divider formed by the gated and ungated regions of the channel.
Spatio-frequency local descriptor for content based image retrieval

This paper presents a novel feature extraction framework for content-based image retrieval (CBIR). Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) based Local tetra pattern (LTrP) is used to obtain the feature map from an input image. Decomposition of DWT up to single level and the features obtained from it would make the CBIR system very sensitive to noise. Therefore, decomposition up to three scales is used to remove noise. On each of the sub band LTrP is applied and 130 features are extracted. Further, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is employed for index matching and image retrieval task which gives the classification accuracy of 97.9 % for Corel 1K database. We have compared our proposed feature extraction scheme with LTrP and other existing local descriptor. Results show that combination of DWT and Local Tetra Patterns (DWT + LTrP) extracts more robust features than LTrP alone. Also, the effect of different wavelet filters on the accuracy of the system has been analyzed. Proposed framework has been tested on Corel-1000 and Corel-10000 databases. We have used average retrieval rate, precision, and recall for performance measure of the CBIR system. Proposed method outperforms the retrieval rate from 75.9% using LTrP to 97.9% using proposed method on Corel 1K database. Improvement in performance measures as compared to the other existing methods evidence that, the proposed spatio-frequency local descriptor is more robust for image retrieval task.
Quality control of bone densitometry in a national health survey (NHANES III) using three mobile examination centers

A quality control (QC) program for bone mineral measurements at the proximal femur by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) was designed for the osteoporosis component of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Major elements of the QC program are (1) a QC center for review of all scans, (2) setup procedures for and continuous monitoring of daily QC procedures, (3) reference standards for cross‐calibration, (4) longitudinal studies for assessment of instrument stability, (5) monitoring of technologist performance, and (6) training. This report describes the results of the QC program of the first half of this 6 year study, which began in 1988. Measurements were performed on 7376 subjects in three mobile examination centers, which traveled to a new location about every 3 months, a total of 44 locations. A small percentage (3.5%) of all scans were rejected, mostly because of patient motion during scanning, but 33% of the remaining scans required reanalysis at the QC center to refine the location of the regions of interest. Precision in spine and hip phantoms was below 1% at all ROIs. In 535 subjects with duplicate scans, age 20–91 of both sexes, examined in a blinded review, precision for BMD at the femur neck ROI was 3.2% (CV) and 5.1% for Ward's triangle BMD. The central review improved scan quality, increased the number of usable scans, and reduced significantly the range of the mean percentage difference in the duplicate scans. Minor alterations in machine function were observed and corrected. QC results on phantoms were similar to those obtained with stationary instruments in dedicated laboratories. Retrospective analysis of the regression slopes from QC records did not show a need for correction of the data base, indicating that the instruments were stable during the course of the study.
Task-based augmented merge trees with Fibonacci heaps

This paper presents a new algorithm for the fast, shared memory multi-core computation of augmented merge trees on triangulations. In contrast to most existing parallel algorithms, our technique computes augmented trees. This augmentation is required to enable the full extent of merge tree based applications, including data segmentation. Our approach completely revisits the traditional, sequential merge tree algorithm to re-formulate the computation as a set of independent local tasks based on Fibonacci heaps. This results in superior time performance in practice, in sequential as well as in parallel thanks to the OpenMP task runtime. In the context of augmented contour tree computation, we show that a direct usage of our merge tree procedure also results in superior time performance overall, both in sequential and parallel. We report performance numbers that compare our approach to reference sequential and multi-threaded implementations for the computation of augmented merge and contour trees. These experiments demonstrate the runtime efficiency of our approach as well as its scalability on common workstations. We demonstrate the utility of our approach in data segmentation applications. We also provide a lightweight VTK-based C++ implementation of our approach for reproduction purposes.
An integrative model of destination brand equity and tourist satisfaction

This paper develops an integrative model that includes the dimensions of destination brand equity (i.e. awareness, image, quality and loyalty), as well as a key behavioural variable that is tourist satisfaction. In particular, our paper aims to contribute to the literature: (1) by examining the relationships between the dimensions of destination brand equity, which is not a deeply investigated issue so far; and (2) by adding tourist satisfaction, a key concept in loyalty formation, to the variables usually considered in destination brand equity models. The model was tested in two samples, national and international tourists visiting a destination in Spain, in order to also explore the role of the geographical and cultural distance between tourist and destination. Our results from a multi-group analysis indicate: (1) a robust link between “quality-satisfaction-loyalty” in both samples of tourists; (2) a chain of effects among awareness, image (separately considering the cognitive and affective dimensions) and perceived quality, although with the presence of some significant difference between both samples of tourists; and (3) a positive influence of cognitive image on affective image in both cases.
Accounting Reform in Italy and Perceptions on the Local Government Consolidated Report

ABSTRACT The article aims to explore the perception of local government (LG) financial officers on the users, the uses, and the utility of the consolidated financial report in Italy, since it was one of the first countries to expressly provide for compulsory adoption. A questionnaire was sent to a statistical stratified sample of LG, collecting 133 responses (response rate 17%). The results, tested through the structural equation model we observe that social legitimization pressure rather than accountability patterns or performance analysis drive more the adoption process. The evidence indicates that the report is perceived as a potential tool for pursuing performance assessment strategies in a group context. However, this potentiality depends on the coordination effort made by the LG. The article finds out the rise of the topic of the public governance and the role of coordinating the local public group.
Causal Relationship between Teachers’ Job Performance and Students’ Academic Achievement in Secondary Schools in Nigeria

The study investigated teachers’ job performance and students’ academic achievement in secondary schools for the existence of bi-causal relationship in Nigeria. The ex-post facto research design was adopted in the study. The population of the study covered all the Economic teachers and senior school students in class two (SSS II) of selected public Secondary Schools in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. Two instruments were used for the collection of data namely: Academic Achievement Inventory (AAI) and Teachers’ Job Performance Questionnaire (TEJOPAQ). They were used to collect data on students’ academic achievement and teachers’ job performances on termly basis (in the first, second and third term of the 2015/2016 school years). With a Cronbach alpha reliability of (α) 0.79, data was analysed using the step-wise multiple linear regression analysis. Findings showed that teachers’ job performance in the three terms jointly predicted students’ academic achievement and vice versa (F*=53.638, 50.530, p<0.05); indicating the existence of bi-causal relationship between the variables. It was recommended that teachers need to be aware of how seriously they need to take their instructional duties because their job performance in each term has cumulative effect on students’ academic achievement in the promotional term. Key Words : Bi-causality, Teachers’ Job Performance, Students’ Academic Performance, Lag effect
Trastuzumab emtansine in advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer

Introduction: Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted antibody-drug conjugate composed of trastuzumab, a stable linker (MCC), and the cytotoxic agent DM1 (derivative of maytansine; mertansine). T-DM1 retains the mechanisms of action of trastuzumab, but also acts as a, selectively delivered, tubulin inhibitor. Following antigen-mediated binding to the tumor cell, T-DM1 is endocytosed and intracellularly catabolized resulting in the release of its cytotoxic moiety. Areas covered: T-DM1 has completed Phase III development and compared favorably with the lapatinib/capecitabine combination with a superior response rate (objective response rate [ORR]) and duration of response, longer duration of disease control (progression-free survival [PFS]), prolonged overall survival and improved tolerability and quality of life in patients with prior treatment with trastuzumab and a taxane. In a separate Phase III, T-DM1 was compared with any other chosen regimen in patients who had at least received two prior HER2-directed therapies. T-DM1 nearly doubled PFS. Expert opinion: T-DM1 (Kadcyla) has become the treatment of choice in second-line and beyond for patients with advanced HER2-expressing breast cancer.
The use of figural reproduction tests as measures of nonverbal memory in epilepsy surgery candidates

The construct of nonverbal memory, as assessed by figural reproduction tests, has recently been questioned by a number of investigators. The purpose of this study was to reexamine this construct and its relationship to right temporal lobe dysfunction. Figural reproduction test scores were examined in 757 epilepsy surgery candidates obtained from 8 epilepsy centers participating in the Bozeman Epilepsy Consortium. All participants exhibited unequivocal evidence of left (LTL) or right (RTL) temporal lobe epilepsy observed in ictal and interictal EEG recordings. All subjects also had IQ scores exceeding 70, right-hand preference, and left hemisphere language dominance confirmed by intracarotid sodium amytal testing. Comparisons of LTL and RTL groups showed no significant differences in scores on the Visual Reproduction subtests from the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) or Wechsler Memory Scale–Revised (WMS–R) or on the copy and delayed recall conditions of the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT). Significant differences were observed among centers on WMS and ROCFT scores, which are likely to be a result of variations in administration and/or scoring procedures. The lack of significant differences between LTL and RTL groups in this large sample raise questions about the nature of nonverbal memory and its relationship to right temporal lobe dysfunction. (JINS, 1997, 3, 435–443.)
A faith-based organization's program planning for the next generation

This action research case study investigated the dynamics of program planning around youth engagement in a faith-based organization. Four research questions guided the study: (1) What are the challenges to planning, implementing, and evaluating youth engagement programs in a faith-based organization? ; (2) How are the challenges negotiated during the program planning process? ; (3) What changes in a faith-based organization’s activities result in the increased engagement of youth? ; and (4) What learning occurs at the individual, group, and system levels as a result of the action research team engaging in program planning for youth? The principal investigator worked alongside 10 congregants from the faith-based organization through the action research phases of construction, planning action, taking action, and evaluating action. Program planning theory, negotiation theory, and systems change theory informed the project. Data were collected using a combination of survey instruments, meeting notes, researcher reflection interviews, critical incident exit interviews, observation, and researcher journal entries. Based on the analysis of the findings, four conclusions were drawn: (1) Negotiation of culture and power is required at the planning table and is critical for a successful intervention; (2) tenets from interest-based negotiation can be utilized to overcome disagreements during program planning and to advance decision making; (3) engaging in the action research process can promote action learning at individual, group, and system levels; and (4) youth program planning is dependent on corresponding changes in other parts of faith-based organizations. Study implications include attentiveness to commitment and population at the planning table, inclusion of youth and parents in planning, and the need to change other parts of the system to accommodate and sustain change effort. INDEX WORDS: Action Research, Faith-Based Organizations, Program Planning Theory, Negotiation Theory, Systems Change Theory, Youth Engagement A FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATION’S PROGRAM PLANNING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION: AN ACTION RESEARCH CASE STUDY
Entropy Analysis of Financial Time Series

This thesis applies entropy as a model independent measure to address three research questions concerning financial time series. In the first study we apply transfer entropy to drawdowns and drawups in foreign exchange rates, to study their correlation and cross correlation. When applied to daily and hourly EUR/USD and GBP/USD exchange rates, we find evidence of dependence among the largest draws (i.e. 5% and 95% quantiles), but not as strong as the correlation between the daily returns of the same pair of FX rates. In the second study we use state space models (Hidden Markov Models) of volatility to investigate volatility spill overs between exchange rates. Among the currency pairs, the co-movement of EUR/USD and CHF/USD volatility states show the strongest observed relationship. With the use of transfer entropy, we find evidence for information flows between the volatility state series of AUD, CAD and BRL. The third study uses the entropy of S&P realised volatility in detecting changes of volatility regime in order to re-examine the theme of market volatility timing of hedge funds. A one-factor model is used, conditioned on information about the entropy of market volatility, to measure the dynamic of hedge funds equity exposure. On a cross section of around 2500 hedge funds with a focus on the US equity markets we find that, over the period from 2000 to 2014, hedge funds adjust their exposure dynamically in response to changes in volatility regime. This adds to the literature on the volatility timing behaviour of hedge fund manager, but using entropy as a model independent measure of volatility regime.
Contract Theory in the Spotlight: Oliver Hart and Bengt Holmström, 2016 Nobel Prize Winners

Oliver Hart and Bengt Holmstrom were awarded the 2016 Swedish National Bank's Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel for their contributions to the Theory of Contracts. Their works build a theory of firms and organizations that is based on two pillars: (1) Parties exert efforts or incur investments that increase the value of their relationships, but these actions are sometimes hidden, not directly observed, and thus cannot be contractually enforced by courts, and (2) contracts and ownership structures are (imperfect) responses to such informational frictions. Together, the contributions of these authors have paved the way for a complete renewal of the Theory of the Firm and Organizations Theory.