Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding Precipitation Changes in Iberia in Early Spring: Weather Typing and Storm-Tracking Approaches

March monthly accumulated precipitation in the central and western regions of the Iberian Peninsula presents a clear continuous decline of 50% during the 1960-97 period. A finer analysis using daily data reveals that this trend is exactly confined to the month of March. However, this is merely the most visible aspect of a larger phenomenon over the North Atlantic/European sector. The European precipitation trends in March for the period 1960-2000 show a clear distribution of increasing precipitation in the northern regions (the British Isles and parts of Scandinavia) together with decreasing trends throughout the western Mediterranean Basin. Relevant circulation changes over the North Atlantic and European sectors explain these precipitation trends. First, a regional Eulerian approach by means of a weather-type (WT) classification shows that the major rainfall contributors in March display significantly decreasing frequencies for the Iberian Peninsula, in contrast to the corresponding "wet" weather types for the U.K./Ireland sector, which display increasing frequencies. Within a larger context, a Lagrangian approach, based oil the analysis of storm tracks over Europe and the North Atlantic region, reveals dramatic changes in the location of cyclones in the last four decades that coincide with the corresponding precipitation trends in Europe. The North Atlantic Oscillation is suggested to be the most important large-scale factor controlling both the circulation changes and the precipitation trends over the Euro-Atlantic area in March. Finally, the potential impact of reduced precipitation for rivers and water resources in the Iberian Peninsula is considered.
Investigating the Therapeutic Mechanism of Cannabidiol in a Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Call (iPSC)-Based Cellular Model of Dravet Syndrome.

Dravet syndrome is an infantile epileptic encephalopathy primarily caused by loss-of-function variants of the gene SCN1A Standard treatment regimens have very limited efficacy to combat the life-threatening seizures in Dravet syndrome or the behavioral-cognitive comorbidities of the disease. Recently there has been encouraging progress in developing new treatments for this disorder. One of the clinical advances is cannabidiol (CBD), a compound naturally found in cannabis and shown to further reduce convulsive seizures in patients when used together with existing drug regimens. Like many other natural products, the exact therapeutic mechanism of CBD remains undefined. Previously we have established a human cellular model of Dravet syndrome by differentiating patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into telencephalic inhibitory and excitatory neurons. Here we have applied this model to investigate the antiepileptic mechanism(s) of CBD at the cellular level. We first determined the effect of escalating the concentrations of CBD on neuronal excitability, using primary culture of rat cortical neurons. We found modulatory effects on excitability at submicromolar concentrations and toxic effects at high concentrations (15 µM). We then tested CBD at 50 nM, a concentration that corresponds to the estimated human clinical exposure, in telencephalic neurons derived from a patient iPSC line and control cell line H9. This 50 nM of CBD increased the excitability of inhibitory neurons but decreased the excitability of excitatory neurons, without changing the amplitude of sodium currents in either cell type. Our findings suggest a cell type-dependent mechanism for the therapeutic action of CBD in Dravet syndrome that is independent of sodium channel activity.
Direct Policy Transfer via Hidden Parameter Markov Decision Processes

Many situations arise in which an agent must learn to solve tasks with similar, but not identical, dynamics. For example, a robot might be tasked to manipulate objects with slightly different masses and volumes; a clinician may treat patients with unique—but still all human adult—physiologies. In such situations, if one has already seen several instances of the related tasks, it is inefficient to start learning a new task from scratch. Indeed, in some domains, such as medicine, one does not have multiple episodes to learn a personalized treatment policy: decisions must be optimized from only a few interactions with the patient.
Tobacco Advertising, Anti-Tobacco Information Exposure, Environmental Smoking Restrictions, and Unassisted Smoking Cessation Among Chinese Male Smokers: A Population-Based Study

The study examined the prevalence of unassisted smoking cessation among Chinese urban male smokers and factors important in the decision to quit. A cross-sectional survey employing multistage sampling involving 5,782 participants in six cities in China was conducted. Survey respondents reported their smoking cessation status and related individual and environmental variables. Among current smokers 1,112 or 35.0% (95% CI [31.0%, 40.8%]) had attempted to quit and of those who had made such an attempt 87.6% reported that they had done so without assistance. Of all former smokers (3,389), most (97.6%; 95% CI [96.7%, 98.5%]) quit without assistance. Logistic regression analysis showed those who engaged in physical exercise and who had more belief in their ability to quit were more than twice as likely to make a quit attempt and be successful than those in comparable reference groups. Exposure to tobacco advertising was negatively associated with both unassisted quit attempts and success. By contrast, exposure to anti-tobacco information was positively associated with unassisted quit attempts while household and workplace smoking restrictions were negatively associated with unassisted attempts to quit. Most attempts to quit smoking among Chinese males are unassisted. Unassisted attempts to quit smoking and success rates are highly influenced by the presence of environmental smoking restrictions, tobacco advertising, and exposure to anti-tobacco information. Smoking cessation programs and policies in China need to pay greater attention to the social and cultural norms, which perpetuate high levels of smoking.
Unsupervised Deep Generative Adversarial Hashing Network

Unsupervised deep hash functions have not shown satisfactory improvements against their shallow alternatives, and usually require supervised pretraining to avoid overfitting. In this paper, we propose a new deep unsupervised hashing function, called HashGAN, which efficiently obtains binary representation of input images without any supervised pretraining. HashGAN consists of three networks, a generator, a discriminator and an encoder. By sharing the parameters of the encoder and discriminator, we benefit from the adversarial loss as a data-dependent regularization in training our deep hash function. Moreover, a novel hashing loss function is introduced for real images, which results in minimum entropy, uniform frequency, consistent and independent hash bits. Furthermore, we employ a collaborative loss in training our model, enforcing similar random inputs and hash bits for synthesized images. In our experiments, HashGAN outperforms the previous unsupervised hash functions in image retrieval and achieves the state-of-the-art performance in image clustering on benchmark datasets. We also provide an ablation study, showing the contribution of each component in our loss function.
Medication adherence and patient satisfaction among hypertensive patients attending outpatient clinic in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Background of the Study: Low adherence is an essential element responsible for impaired effectiveness and efficiency in the pharmacological treatment of hypertension. Patient satisfaction is an important measure of healthcare quality and is a crucial determinant of patients' perspective on behavioural intention. Aims: This study determined the association between medication adherence and treatment satisfaction among hypertensive patients attending hypertension outpatient clinic in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Setting – The study setting was LUTH; a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Study design – Hypertensive patients were consecutively recruited from the outpatient clinic. Medication adherence was assessed using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and treatment satisfaction was assessed using the 14-item Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication. Statistical Analysis: Univariate and linear regression analyses were conducted using STATA software version 14.1 (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA). Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 500 respondents with a mean age of 58.9 ± 13.3 years participated in the study. Overall, majority (446 [89.2%]) of the respondents in this study had 'moderate' adherence to antihypertensive medication. However, only five (1.0%) respondents reported 'high' adherence. Mean scores were highest in the moderate adherence category for all satisfaction domains and overall domain. Treatment satisfaction was associated with medication adherence, and was statistically significant (P = 0.000). Conclusion: One in every hundred patients had high adherence to hypertensive medication in this study, and there was a positive association between treatment satisfaction and medication adherence. Continuous patient-specific and tailored adherence education and counselling for hypertensive patients is recommended.
Vagal stimulation and laryngeal electromyography for recurrent laryngeal reinnervation in children

Ansa‐to‐recurrent laryngeal nerve (ANSA‐RLN) reinnervation procedures are now often first‐line treatments for some children with unilateral vocal fold immobility. Although many describe that children with prolonged denervation and true vocal fold atrophy should not undergo this procedure, there has been no gold‐standard means of identifying true denervation. Here, we describe a novel technique using evoked vagal electromyography to predict degree of chronic nerve injury prior to recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation in children. This is a simple, readily available technique that may play an important role in predicting likelihood of success with pediatric ANSA‐RLN reinnervation.
Cartilage abnormalities and osteophytes in the fingers of elite sport climbers: An ultrasonography-based cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT The impact of extensive loads on the cartilage of the proximal interphalangeal- (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of the fingers in elite sport climbers are relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the cartilage of the PIP and DIP joints as well as the existence of osteophytes, in fingers of elite sport climbers with a minimum of 15 years of climbing history. Thirty-one elite male sport climbers and 20 male non-climbers volunteered for the current cross-sectional observation. By means of ultrasonography, the thickness of cartilage of the PIP and DIP joints in a sagittal and frontal plane of the digits II to V of both hands, as well as the existence of osteophytes on the dorsal aspect of the phalanges were assessed. The main results were: (1) cartilage thickness revealed to be significantly greater in climbers than non-climbers,; (2) larger cartilage thickness differences were found at the DIP joints; (3) while climbers showed a substantial occurrence of osteophytes with highest relative frequencies at Dig III, in the group of non-climbers no osteophytes were observed; (4) small to moderate correlations were found between the cartilage and osteophyte thickness of climbers at the PIP and DIP joints and Dig III. In conclusion, an accumulation of repetitive climbing-related stress to the fingers of elite sport climbers over the career may induce degenerative changes at the PIP and DIP joints.
Behavioral Pattern of Native Food Isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia intermedia under Simulated Time-Temperature Combinations of the Food Chain

The public health significance of Yersinia spp. gives a new dimension to the prevailing food chain, wherein the foods do get exposed to heat and cold treatments. In this study, the effect of heat treatment on the native isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica CFR 2301 and Y. intermedia CFR 2303 revealed the D-values ranging from the lowest of 0.08 min at 65℃ in skim milk/beef gravy to the highest of 18.52 min at 50℃ in beef gravy. The heat sensitivity of both these cultures was in the order of Milli-Q water > 0.85% saline > skim milk > beef gravy. The z-values of the test cultures ranged from 7.55℃ for Y. intermedia to 12.08℃ for Y. enterocolitica. The heat sensitivity in Y. enterocolitica appeared to be related with growth incubation temperatures and also fatty acid profile of cell membrane. The effect of low temperature treatments (–20 ℃, 0℃ and 4℃ for 20 d) in water, saline and skim milk revealed the ability of Y. enterocolitica to survive more efficiently at –20℃, while Y. intermedia was more tolerant at 0℃. In packaged drinking water, Y. enterocolitica could survive and grow at 4℃ and 16℃, while at 30℃, inactivation was rapid. The findings did indicate that heat and cold treatments would not always ensure safety from Y. enterocolitica and Y. intermedia in the food chain.
The influence of social value and self-congruity on interpersonal connections in virtual social networks by Gen-Y tourists

This research focuses on the relationship of self-congruity and perceived social value with the interpersonal connections established by Generation Y tourists in virtual social networks. A quantitative study was performed using a sample of young travelers from Spain. The methodologies of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Models (SEM) were used to analyze the results. The findings of the research show that self-congruity influences the perceived social value; the perceived social value leads to satisfaction and the creation of interpersonal connections in virtual social networks; and the interpersonal connections in virtual social networks influence the use of these tools by Generation Y travelers.
Estimating the Risk of Pneumonia in Patients With Schizophrenia Newly Receiving Clozapine: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND Patients with schizophrenia are vulnerable to pneumonia. Clozapine is associated with the greatest risk of pneumonia. We investigated the risk factors of pneumonia in patients with schizophrenia who use clozapine. METHODS/PROCEDURES We used a large cohort of patients with schizophrenia (N = 22,774) who newly use clozapine (baseline). We divided the data set into a training cohort (entry between 1998 and 2008, n = 18,496) and test cohort (entry between 2009 and 2012, n = 4278), where 483 and 168 patients developed pneumonia requiring hospitalization within 1 year after baseline, respectively. For prediction, we developed a static model using Cox proportional hazards regression and a dynamic model using Cox regression with time-dependent modeling. Areas under receiver operating curves (AUCs) for the predictive model were estimated in the training cohort and then in the test cohort for validation. FINDINGS/RESULTS Based on the baseline characteristics, the static model for predicting pneumonia in 3 periods (90, 180, and 365 days) was unsatisfactory (AUCs, 0.64, 0.64, and 0.65, respectively). The predictors were older age, male sex, history of nonpsychiatric hospitalization, dementia, asthma, and tuberculosis within 1 year before baseline. However, the results were improved (AUCs, 0.83, 0.79, and 0.77, respectively) after control for time-dependent variables, namely, duration of clozapine use and concomitant medications (ie, benzodiazepines, valproic acid, systemic corticosteroids). IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS Several risk factors for predicting subsequent pneumonia after initial use of clozapine were explored, including older age, male, history of nonpsychiatric hospitalization, dementia, asthma, tuberculosis, benzodiazepines, valproic acid, systemic corticosteroids, and the use duration of clozapine. Clinical staff can use the risk factors to administer evidence-based treatment.
Changing Rates of Self-Harm and Mental Disorders by Sex in Youths Presenting to Ontario Emergency Departments: Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To document the rates of intentional self-harm and mental disorders among youths aged 13 to 17 years visiting Ontario emergency departments (EDs) from 2003-2017. Methods: This was a repeated cross-sectional observational design. Outcomes were rates of adolescents with (1) at least 1 self-harm ED visit and (2) a visit with a mental disorder code. Results: Rates of youths with self-harm visits fell 32% from 2.6/1000 in 2003 to 1.8 in 2009 but rose 135% to 4.2 by 2017. The slope of the trend in self-harm visits changed from –0.18 youths/1000/year (confidence interval [CI], –0.24 to –0.13) during 2003 to 2009 to 0.31 youths/1000/year (CI, 0.27 to 0.35) during 2009 to 2017 (P < 0.001). Rates of youths with mental health visits rose from 11.7/1000 in 2003 to 13.5 in 2009 (15%) and to 24.1 (78%) by 2017. The slope of mental health visits changed from 0.22 youths/1000/year (CI, 0.02 to 0.42) during 2003 to 2009 to 1.84 youths/1000/year (CI, 1.38 to 2.30) in 2009 to 2017 (P < 0.001). Females were more likely to have self-harm (P < 0.001) and mental health visits (P < 0.001). Rates of increase after 2009 were greater for females for both self-harm (P < 0.001) and mental health (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Rates of adolescents with self-harm and mental health ED visits have increased since 2009, with greater increases among females. Research is required on the determinants of adolescents’ self-harm and mental health ED visits and how they can be addressed in that setting. Sufficient treatment resources must be supplied to address increased demands for services.
Family Business Survival and the Role of Boards

We explore the vexing question of whether family firms are more likely to survive than nonfamily firms, focusing on the role of board composition. Utilizing a unique data set of over 700,000 private family and nonfamily firms in the U.K. during 2007–2010, we find that family firms are significantly less likely to fail than nonfamily firms. We identify the board characteristics associated with survival/failure in all firms and determine that it is these characteristics that are important in explaining the lower failure probability of family firms. We conclude with an agenda for further research on boards and family firm survival.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Comparison of Dose Protocols

Purpose: A variety of treatment plans including an array of prescription doses have been used in radiosurgery treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). However, despite a considerable experience in the radiosurgical treatment of TN, an ideal prescription dose that balances facial dysesthesia risk with pain relief durability has not been determined. Methods and Materials: This retrospective study of patients treated with radiosurgery for typical TN evaluates two treatment doses in relation to outcomes of pain freedom, bothersome facial numbness, and patient satisfaction with treatment. All patients were treated with radiosurgery for intractable and disabling TN. A treatment dose protocol change from 80 to 85 Gy provided an opportunity to compare two prescription doses. The variables evaluated were pain relief, treatment side-effect profile, and patient satisfaction. Results: Typical TN was treated with 80 Gy in 26 patients, and 85 Gy in 37 patients. A new face sensory disturbance was reported after 80 Gy in 16% and after 85 Gy in 27% (p = 0.4). Thirteen failed an 80 Gy dose whereas seven failed an 85 Gy dose. Kaplan–Meier analysis found that at 29 months 50% failed an 80 Gy treatment compared with 79% who had durable pain relief after 85 Gy treatment (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The 85 Gy dose for TN provided a more durable pain relief compared to the 80 Gy one without a significantly elevated occurrence of facial sensory disturbance.
The relationships between perceived stress and psychological well-being among mothers and fathers of children with down syndrome

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being among parents of children with Down syndrome. The relationship between perceiving one’s parenthood and well-being was also studied. The sample consisted of 126 parents (75 mothers and 51 fathers, aged 25 – 69) of children with Down syndrome. Our results show that ego-resiliency is a partial mediator of the relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being. Moreover, there is a difference in well-being between parents who perceive their parenthood as a burden or challenge, and parents who report happiness and satisfaction.
Treatment of Unstable Pediatric Tibial Shaft Fractures with Titanium Elastic Nails

Background and objectives: Pediatric tibial shaft fractures often have satisfactory outcomes after closed reduction and casting. However, surgical treatment may be required in unstable or open fractures. Titanium elastic nails (TENs) are a good option for the surgical treatment of pediatric tibial fractures due to their advantages such as short hospitalization periods, easy applicability, early weight bearing, and early union. In this study, we evaluated radiological and functional outcomes in pediatric patients with tibial shaft fractures that underwent fixation with TENs. Materials and methods: A total of twenty tibial shaft fractures that were treated with TENs in our clinic between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age at injury was 8.9 ± 2.78 (range of 3–14) years. Seven (35%) out of 20 fractures were open fractures, of which one fracture was classified as Grade I and six fractures were classified as Grade II. In each patient, antegrade nailing was performed by inserting a TEN in the medial and another TEN in the lateral side of the proximal metaphysis. Clinical outcomes including union, alignment, leg-length inequality, and complications were evaluated using modified Flynn’s criteria. Results: The mean time to union was 10.85 ± 3.39 (range of 6–20) weeks. No patient had a sagittal or coronal angulation of over 10°. One patient had a leg-length inequality of 10 mm. Among three patients with open fractures, two of them had superficial wound infections and the other patient had a deep wound infection. All the infections were successfully treated with appropriate antibiotic therapies. Four other patients had pin tract irritation that required no intervention. No significant difference was observed between patients with open and closed fractures with regard to the clinical and radiological findings although patients with open fractures had a significantly higher complication rate compared to patients with closed fractures (p < 0.05). No patient had a restricted range of motion of the ankle and knee joints. Twelve (60%) patients had an excellent outcome, and eight (40%) patients had a satisfactory outcome. Conclusions: Intramedullary fixation with TENs provides favorable outcomes and reduced complication rates in the treatment of unstable pediatric tibial shaft fractures that cannot be reduced with conservative treatment modalities or cannot be casted due to the presence of an edema or open wound.