Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Standard Setting: A Comparison of Case‐author and Modified Borderline‐group Methods in a Small‐scale OSCE

Purpose To compare cut scores resulting from the case-author method and the modified borderline-group method (MBG) of standard setting in an undergraduate objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), and to review the feasibility of using the MBG method of standard setting in a small-scale OSCE. Method Sixty-one fourth-year medical students underwent a ten-station OSCE examination. For the eight stations used in this study, cut scores were established using the case-author and MBG methods. Cut scores and pass rates were compared for individual stations and the entire exam. Results The case-author and MBG methods of standard setting produced different cut scores for the entire examination (5.77 and 5.31, respectively) and for each station individually. The percentage of students failing the examination based on the case-author cut score was 42.2%, and based on the MBG cut score it was 15.25%. Conclusions The case-author and MBG methods of standard setting produced different cut scores in an undergraduate OSCE. Overall, the MBG method was the more credible and defensible method of standard setting, and appeared well suited to a small-scale OSCE.
Sequence and Characterization of the Ig Heavy Chain Constant and Partial Variable Region of the Mouse Strain 129S11

Although the entire mouse genome has been sequenced, there remain challenges concerning the elucidation of particular complex and polymorphic genomic loci. In the murine Igh locus, different haplotypes exist in different inbred mouse strains. For example, the Ighb haplotype sequence of the Mouse Genome Project strain C57BL/6 differs considerably from the Igha haplotype of BALB/c, which has been widely used in the analyses of Ab responses. We have sequenced and annotated the 3′ half of the Igha locus of 129S1/SvImJ, covering the CH region and approximately half of the VH region. This sequence comprises 128 VH genes, of which 49 are judged to be functional. The comparison of the Igha sequence with the homologous Ighb region from C57BL/6 revealed two major expansions in the germline repertoire of Igha. In addition, we found smaller haplotype-specific differences like the duplication of five VH genes in the Igha locus. We generated a VH allele table by comparing the individual VH genes of both haplotypes. Surprisingly, the number and position of DH genes in the 129S1 strain differs not only from the sequence of C57BL/6 but also from the map published for BALB/c. Taken together, the contiguous genomic sequence of the 3′ part of the Igha locus allows a detailed view of the recent evolution of this highly dynamic locus in the mouse.
Guidelines for Pharmacotherapy of Atrial Fibrillation (JCS 2013).

Released online June 26, 2014 Mailing address: Scientific Committee of the Japanese Circulation Society, 18F Imperial Hotel Tower, 1-1-1 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011, Japan. E-mail: meeting@j-circ.or. jp This English language document is a revised digest version of Guidelines for Pharmacotherapy of Atrial Fibrillation reported at the Japanese Circulation Society Joint Working Groups performed in 2012 (Website: http://www.j-circ.or.jp/guideline/pdf/JCS2013_inoue_d.pdf). Joint Working Groups: The Japanese Circulation Society, The Japanese College of Cardiology, The Japanese Society of Electrocardiology, The Japanese Heart Rhythm Society ISSN-1346-9843 doi: 10.1253/circj.CJ-66-0092 All rights are reserved to the Japanese Circulation Society. For permissions, please e-mail: cj@j-circ.or. jp Guidelines for Pharmacotherapy of Atrial Fibrillation (JCS 2013) – Digest Version –
Degeneration of neuronal cell bodies following axonal injury in WldS mice

The phenotype of WldS (“slow Wallerian degeneration”) mice demonstrates prolonged survival of injured axons. However, whether the WldS mutation delays degeneration of the neuronal cell body following axonal injury is unclear. We used a retrograde model of axonal transport failure in WldS mice to test whether the mutant WldS protein has any beneficial effect on the neuronal cell body. Retrograde axonal transport was physically blocked by optic nerve crush and confirmed by the absence of Fluoro‐Gold labeling in wild‐type and in WldS mice. After this axonal injury, there was marked protection of axonal degeneration in the WldS phenotype, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. However, the WldS protein, localized in the nucleus of retinal ganglion cells, did not prevent or delay degeneration of the retinal ganglion cell body, confirmed by TUNEL staining and Fluoro‐Gold labeling. These results imply that, after axonal injury, Wallerian degeneration of axons and degeneration of the neuronal cell body have different mechanisms, which are autonomous and independent of each other. Although the WldS phenotype can be used to demonstrate stable enucleate axons, the mutation is unlikely to protect neurons in neurodegenerative diseases in which there is failure of retrograde transport. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Down's syndrome in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: clinical characteristics and treatment outcome in four consecutive BFM trials. Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster Group.

Clinical characteristics, treatment response and outcome were evaluated in children with Down's syndrome (DS) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as compared to other children with ALL (NDS). Sixty-one DS and 4049 NDS patients, receiving intensive antileukemic treatment during four consecutive trials (ALL-BFM 81, 83, 86 and 90) of the Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster Group (BFM), were retrospectively analyzed. DS and NDS children did not differ with respect to sex, leukocyte count, CNS leukemia and cytogenetic translocations. The DS cohort was slightly older (P=0.04), presented predominantly with the common while lacking the T immunophenotype (P=0.005), had a lower frequency of hyperdiploidy (P=0.004) and tended to have a better initial steroid response (P=0.057). Therapy-associated morbidity especially during high-dose methotrexate and a subsequent need for treatment modification occurred in 43% of all DS patients. Event-free survival (EFS) was slightly worse in children with DS (58+/-8% vs 70+/-1%, P=0.14), mainly due to rather late bone marrow recurrences. However, EFS in DS patients was comparable to the NDS group once they either received treatment with no major modifications (65+9% vs 70+/-1%, P=0.66) or were <6 years of age, irrespectively of therapy modifications (73+/-9% vs 74+/-1%, P=0.7). Cox regression analysis revealed that DS was an adverse prognostic factor for patients having completed therapy (P=0.0107), but was not prognostic at diagnosis (P=0.103). Age > or = 6 years, suboptimal treatment and infectious problems contributed to the slight inferior EFS in children with ALL and Down's syndrome. Therefore, most of these patients can be successfully treated if receiving intensive antileukemic treatment with no major modifications, but they require more sophisticated management of toxicity.
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome in Neonates: An 8‐Year Retrospective Study in a Single Institution

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a rare disorder in children. Complications may occur without timely treatment. Mortality in children with SSSS is approximately 4%. Other than a limited number of case reports, data on SSSS in neonates are limited. The objective of the current study was to investigate SSSS in neonates. A retrospective review of neonates with a diagnosis of SSSS from January 2004 to January 2012 was performed. Population distribution, historical features, physical examination findings including laboratory tests, antibiotic therapies, and outcomes were evaluated. Thirty‐nine cases were included, 31 (79.5%) in the last 4 years. The mean patient age was 17.4 ± 7.7 days. Boys (25 cases) were more commonly affected, and occurrence during summer and autumn months was more frequent. The face was the most common body part affected and the area most commonly initially affected. Fever, high white blood cell count, and high C‐reactive protein levels were uncommon. Pneumonia was the most frequent complication (74.4%). The positive rate of Staphylococcus aureus isolation was low (23.5%). Drug susceptibility tests showed that amoxicillin with clavulanic acid and cephalosporins were effective in practice. The median length of hospitalization was 9.0 days. All of the 39 neonates were cured without scarring. This study established basic epidemiologic characteristics of a group of neonates diagnosed with SSSS. In the presence of a clinical suspicion of SSSS, even with apparently normal laboratory tests, immediate treatment with cephalosporins, β‐lactamase‐resistant semisynthetic penicillin, or both is advocated.
Distribuição do sistema radicular de plantas jovens de lima ácida 'Tahiti' sob diferentes níveis de irrigação

DISTRIBUICAO DO SISTEMA RADICULAR DE PLANTAS JOVENS DE LIMA ACIDA ‘TAHITI’ SOB DIFERENTES NIVEIS DE IRRIGACAO Jose Alves Junior; Mateus dos Santos Lourencao; Tonny Jose Araujo da Silva; Claudio Ricardo da Silva; Marcos Vinicius FolegattiDepartamento de Engenharia Rural, Escola Superior de Agricultura “ Luiz de Queiroz”, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Piracicaba-SP, jalves@esalq.usp. br 1 RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a distribuicao do sistema radicular de lima acida ‘Tahiti’ (Citrus latifolia Tan), irrigada por gotejamento, sob o efeito de diferentes lâminas de irrigacao em condicoes de campo. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em duas repeticoes com arranjo fatorial de cinco lâminas de irrigacao (0%; 25%; 50%; 75% e 100% da evapotranspiracao da cultura medida em um lisimetro de pesagem), duas profundidades (0,0-0,3 e 0,3-0,6 m) e quatro pontos de amostragem (0,3; 0,6; 0,9 e 1,2 m de distância do tronco). A analise foi realizada em um pomar com 30 meses de idade e 17 meses de fornecimento das diferentes lâminas de irrigacao. Os resultados mostraram que nao houve diferencas entre as lâminas quanto a distribuicao das raizes em profundidade, concentrando-se na camada de 0,0-0,3m. Entretanto, a distribuicao horizontal foi maior nos niveis baixos (0%; 25% e 50%) do que nos maiores niveis (75% e 100%). Nas plantas irrigadas com 75% e 100% houve concentracao das raizes ate 0,6 m, indicando que o deficit hidrico induziu o crescimento horizontal das raizes. UNITERMOS: citros; raiz; manejo da irrigacao; Citrus latifolia Tan ALVES JUNIOR, J.; LOURENCAO, M.S.; SILVA, T.J.A. ; SILVA, C.R. ; FOLEGATTI, M.V. ROOT SYSTEM DISTRIBUTION OF YOUNG ‘TAHITI’ ACID LIME TREES UNDER DIFFERENT LEVELS OF IRRIGATION 2 ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the root system distribution of young ‘Tahiti’ (Citrus latifolia Tan) acid lime irrigated by drip system under field conditions. The experiment was carried out in a factorial design with two replications that consisted of five levels of irrigation (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of crop evapotranspiration measured by a weighing lysimeter) and two depths (0.,0-0.3 and 0.3-0.6 m) as well as four horizontal sample points (0.3; 0.6; 0.9 and 1.2 m of distance from trunk). The analysis was carried out in a 30-month-old orchard and 17 months after the beginning of irrigation levels. The results showed that there were no differences in root distribution as to depths, most of them at 0.0-0.3m. However, the horizontal distribution was bigger at lower levels (0, 25 and 50%) than in the highest levels (75 and 100%). In the latter, root concentration reached up to 0.6m, indicating that water stress induced the root growth horizontally KEYWORDS: citrus; root; irrigation management; Citrus latifolia Tan
Some trace elements and vitamins A, C, and E levels in ewes infected with gastrointestinal parasites.

The aim of this study was to investigate some trace elements and vitamins A, C, and E levels in sheep wi th gastrointestinal parasites and uninfected sheep. Th is study was conducted on 30 Akkaraman sheep consist ing of 10 healthy sheep and 20 sheep infected with some gastrointestinal par asites. In the statistical analyses, serum Cu, Zn, F e and vitamins A, C, and E levels in sheep with gastrointestinal parasitism wer e found to be less than those of control group (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). In the final course of our investigation we came to the conviction that the Cu, Zn, Fe and vitamins A, C, E preparations should be used in order to obtain a more affective and earlie r cure against gastrointestinal parasites in the sh eep infected with gastrointestinal parasites together with the other treatment protocol s.
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) downregulated MMP-9 by modulating its regulatory molecules

The vitamin A derivative all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is considered as a potent chemotherapeutic drug for its capability of regulating cell growth and differentiation. We aimed to study the effect of ATRA on MMP-9 in MDA-MB-231, human breast cancer cells and the probable molecular mechanisms through which ATRA exerts its effect. Results: Our experimental findings demonstrate that ATRA enters into the nucleus and regulates various signaling pathways viz. Integrin, FAK, ERK, PI-3K, NF-κB and also EGFR and down regulates pro-MMP-9 activity as well as its expression. As a result MDA-MB-231 cell migration on fibronectin medium gets retarded in presence of ATRA. ATRA up regulates TIMP-1 expression. Conclusions: Our study may help to understand the role of ATRA as a regulator of MMP-9 and the possible signaling pathways which are involved in this ATRA mediated down regulation of MMP-9.
Somatoform disorders: severe psychiatric illnesses neglected by psychiatrists

Background Somatoform disorders have few peers in terms of personal morbidity and cost to the health service, yet many psychiatrists train without any experience of them. Aims To review the prevalence, disability and economic burden of somatoform disorders, and to explore the reasons why they are neglected by psychiatrists. Method A selective review of the key literature. Results Psychiatrists' current preoccupation with so-called ‘serious mental illness’ gives somatoform disorders low priority. Some health planners have erroneously equated severity with diagnosis rather than level of need and disability. As a consequence the development of psychiatric services has been neglected. Conclusions Greater recognition of the importance of somatoform disorders will only occur if high quality research and teaching receive priority, and if the Royal Colleges continue to press for increasing public awareness of their importance. Services should be driven by clinical need rather than diagnosis.
Evidence for surface-enhanced Raman scattering on nonmetallic surfaces: Copper phthalocyanine molecules on GaP small particles.

We have been able to observe the enhanced Raman scattering from copper phthalocyanine molecules deposited on layers of gas-evaporated GaP small particles. It is found that the enhancement factor increases as the average particle size increases; a maximum enhancement factor obtained in the size range between 400 and 1100 A\r{} is as high as 700. We show by calculating the efficiency of electric field enhancement at the surface of a GaP sphere that the electromagnetic mechanism of enhancement can operate even for a nonmetallic particle, in which surface plasmon modes are not excited.
Understanding frequent emergency room use by Medicaid-insured children with asthma: a combined quantitative and qualitative study.

BACKGROUND Medicaid-insured asthmatic children frequently use emergency rooms (ERs). The reasons are unclear and have predominantly been studied in inner-city populations. METHODS We used billing data and focus groups to clarify reasons for frequent ER use by Medicaid-insured children with asthma living in rural areas and 23 towns in Kansas. RESULTS High ER utilization was concentrated in a small percentage of provider practices and children with asthma. Parents expressed strong preference for primary care treatment, and identified real or perceived difficulties in using primary care as the principal reasons for ER use. Difficulties included trouble contacting primary care physicians or obtaining urgent appointments, limited continuity of care, practice systems poorly adapted to patient needs, a perception that physicians preferred patients to use emergency services, and difficulties in obtaining medications. Parents were not aware of preventive measures or case management but reported high interest in these. Parents did not recall provider discussion of asthma risk factors/preventive strategies during primary care visits, although all children with high ER utilization had multiple risk factors, including exposure to high levels of household smoking. CONCLUSIONS Reducing ER utilization by Medicaid-insured asthmatic children depends on overcoming barriers to effective treatment in primary care and in greater attention to preventive services.
Temporal changes in cytokine/chemokine profiles and pulmonary involvement in severe acute respiratory syndrome

Objective and background: Pathological changes in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) suggest that SARS sequelae are associated with dysregulation of cytokine and chemokine production. To improve understanding of the immuno‐pathological processes involved in lung injury associated with SARS, the temporal changes in cytokine/chemokine profiles in the sera of SARS patients were compared with those of patients with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP), according to the degree of lung involvement.
The power of affirming group values: Group affirmation buffers the self-esteem of women exposed to blatant sexism

Abstract Extending the group affirmation literature to the domain of prejudice, this study investigated whether group affirmation buffers the self-esteem of women exposed to blatant sexism. In accordance with Self-Affirmation Theory and group affirmation research, we hypothesized that when one aspect of the collective self is threatened (gender identity), self-esteem can be maintained via the affirmation of an alternative aspect of the collective self. In a 2 × 2 between-participants design, female students were randomly assigned to read about discrimination directed toward women or a non-self-relevant disadvantaged group (the Inuit). All then participated in a (fictitious) second study, in which half completed a group affirmation manipulation (wrote about the top three values of a self-defining group) and half completed a control writing exercise. The self-esteem of women who were threatened by sexism, but group affirmed, was protected from the negative effects of perceiving sexism.
Help Options and Multimedia Listening: Students' Use of Subtitles and the Transcript

As multimedia language learning materials become prevalent in foreign and second language classrooms, their design is an important avenue of research in ComputerAssisted Language Learning (CALL). Some argue that the design of the pedagogical materials should be informed by theory such as the interactionist SLA theory, which suggests that input modification can help comprehension, but does not provide specific guidance regarding choices designers should make when they attempt to implement theory-based features like modified input. This empirical study was designed to provide evidence about one such issue: whether subtitles or transcripts are more effective in providing modified input to learners. A multimedia listening activity containing a video of an academic lecture was designed to offer help in the form of target language subtitles (captions) and lecture transcripts in cases of comprehension breakdowns. Eighteen intermediate ESL students enrolled in an academic listening class at a research university participated in the study. Two tests and questionnaires in addition to screen recordings were used to analyze students' performance on the activity and their use of help. The results indicate that participants interacted with the subtitles more frequently and for longer periods of time than with the transcript. Also, the study identified four patterns of learner interaction with the help options. Since, overall, the participants interacted with help less than half of the time they opened help pages, an important challenge in investigating help options lies in finding ways to promote the use of help.
Overexpressions of miR-212 are associated with poor prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND The miR-212 was among the top differentially expressed miRNAs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of miR-212 in PDAC and evaluate its correlation with major clinicopathologic features and patients' survival. METHODS Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was adopted to examine miRNA expression in 45 pancreatic cancer and 20 normal pancreatic tissues. The relationship of miR-212 expression with clinicopathologic parameters and clinical outcome was evaluated. RESULTS miR-212 was confirmed to have significantly higher expression in PDAC compared with normal pancreatic tissues (51.1% vs 10%, p< 0.01). High expression of miR-212 was significantly associated with tumor size (p = 0.048) and tumor stage (p = 0.023). Moreover, in univariant analysis, patients with high expression of miR-212 demonstrate significantly poorer overall survival (p= 0.02). CONCLUSIONS High expression of miR-212 in PDAC is associated with shorter overall survival. It may be not only a potential prognostic marker, but also a possible therapeutic target in PDAC.
Identifying student and teacher difficulties in interpreting atomic spectra using a quantum model of emission and absorption of radiation

Our study sets out to identify the difficulties that high school students, teachers, and university students encounter when trying to explain atomic spectra. To do so, we identify the key concepts that any quantum model for the emission and absorption of electromagnetic radiation must include to account for the gas spectra and we then design two questionnaires, one for teachers and the other for students. By analyzing the responses, we conclude that (i) teachers lack a quantum model for the emission and absorption of electromagnetic radiation capable of explaining the spectra, (ii) teachers and students share the same difficulties, and (iii) these difficulties concern the model of the atom, the model of radiation, and the model of the interaction between them.
Deviations from Rayleigh Statistics in Ultrasonic Speckle

The statistics of speckle patterns in ultrasound images have potential for tissue characterization. In “fully developed speckle” from many random scatterers, the amplitude is widely recognized as possessing a Rayleigh distribution. This study examines how scattering populations and signal processing can produce non-Rayleigh distributions. The first order speckle statistics are shown to depend on random scatterer density and the amplitude and spacing of added periodic scatterers. Envelope detection, amplifier compression, and signal bandwidth are also shown to cause distinct changes in the Signal distribution.