Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Performance of Patients with Epilepsy and Calcified Neurocysticercotic Lesions: A Case–Control Study

Neuropsychological tests were applied to 20 patients with focal epilepsy related to calcified neurocysticercosis (NCC) (mean: three lesions/patient; NCC group), 22 patients with focal epilepsy without NCC (EPI group), and 29 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and educational level. The EPI and NCC groups were matched for age at onset of epilepsy, epilepsy duration, frequency of attacks, seizure semiology, interictal EEG findings, and antiepileptic drugs used. There were no differences in the digit span, word span, calculus, and Mini-Mental State examination among the three groups studied. The NCC and EPI groups showed lower scores than controls in immediate and delayed verbal memory, famous faces test, spatial recognition span, abstractions and judgment, and visuoconstructional abilities. The EPI group, but not the NCC group, also had lower scores in a praxis tests. There were no differences between the NCC and EPI groups in any of the tests applied (P > 15), except for the spatial recognition span, which was lower in the former. Cognitive impairment is a prevalent neuropsychological feature of patients with epilepsy and NCC.
Acquisition of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Nonspecific Morbidity in Infants and Their Families: A Cohort Study

Background: Most children are believed to acquire Streptococcus pneumoniae asymptomatically, with only a few developing overt S. pneumoniae disease. This study investigates the relationship between acquisition of S. pneumoniae and mild nonspecific infection leading to general practitioner (GP) consultation. Methods: A prospective birth cohort study of 213 infants assessed at home 9 times during 24 weeks by nasopharyngeal swab and parental interview was conducted. Results: All positive S. pneumoniae swabs (including acquisition and carriage) were significantly associated with GP consultations for infection by the study infant compared with infants with negative swabs [odds ratio (OR), 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–2.2; P = 0.005]. There was a stronger association with S. pneumoniae acquisition alone (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.3–3.4; P = 0.001) than with carriage only (OR 1.4; 95% CI 0.9–2.0; P = 0.1). Multivariate analysis confirmed that S. pneumoniae acquisition by the study subject was independently associated with GP consultations: adjusted hazard ratio, 1.8 (95% CI 1.1–2.9); P = 0.02. A similar and independent association was found between S. pneumoniae acquisition by the study subject, and GP consultations for infection by the family (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.8; 95% CI 1.1–2.8; P = 0.01). Conclusion: Acquisition of S. pneumoniae by the study infant was significantly associated with GP consultations for infection by the infant or family.
Pricing Multiple Barrier Derivatives Under Stochastic Volatility

This work generalizes existing one- and two-dimensional pricing formulas with an equal number of barriers to a setting of n dimensions and up to two barriers in the presence of stochastic volatility. This allows for the consideration of multidimensional single-barrier derivatives with, for example, a collateral triggered by a barrier default of the issuing company. We introduce stochastic volatility to a multidimensional Black–Scholes framework via the common Cox–Ingersoll–Ross process and present semianalytical solutions for collateralized structured products with two barriers, one representing default and the other a market-related option. Our model accommodates implied volatility skew along the lines of displaced diffusions. We show that our semianalytical formulas are more efficient in terms of computational speed than Monte Carlo simulations, particularly for tail scenarios. Moreover, our proposed analytical simplifications permit a twenty-fivefold gain in time savings compared with the results given by the main theorem. These multidimensional structured products gained increasing popularity after the subprime and financial crises. Therefore, we perform comprehensive sensitivity analyses with respect to stochastic volatility parameters and contribute to a better understanding of multidimensional barrier derivatives in a stochastic volatility framework.
Prediction of renal insufficiency in Pima Indians with nephropathy of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND A high prevalence and early onset of type 2 diabetes in Pima Indians is well known. Our objective is to use several statistical models to identify predictors of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) deterioration and develop an algorithm to predict GFR 4 years after the initial evaluation. METHODS All records (n = 86) were randomly assigned to a training set (n = 60) and a testing set (n = 26). Linear regression, generalized additive, tree-based, and artificial neural network models were used to identify predictors of outcome and develop a prediction algorithm. RESULTS Proteinuria remained the single most important predictor of long-term renal function; other predictors included baseline GFR, blood pressure, plasma renin activity, lipid profile, age, weight/body mass index, and diabetes duration. All four models achieved a good correlation (r = 0.73 to 0.78) between observed and predicted 4-year GFRs on a separate (testing) data set. Best results in predicting the value of GFR were achieved using a tree-based model with six terminal nodes (r = 0.78; root mean squared prediction error = 38.9). The tree-based and generalized additive models achieved high positive (91%) and negative (100%) predictive values in identifying subjects, who developed depressed GFRs in 4 years. An artificial neural network achieved the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.91). CONCLUSION GFR depression within 4 years can be predicted with a precision that suggests potential clinical utility. A tree-based model with six terminal nodes has shown the best results in predicting the actual value of GFR, whereas an artificial neural network is the model of choice to identify the group of patients that will develop renal insufficiency.
productivity: Indices of Productivity and Profitability Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). R package version 1.0.0

Productivity and profitability, in levels and changes, are measured with various indices. In addition to the classic Malmquist productivity index, the 'productivity' package contains also the multiplicatively complete Fisher, Laspeyres, Paasche, Fare-Primont and Lowe indices. Fare-Primont and Lowe indices verify the transitivity property and can therefore be used for multilateral or multitemporal comparison. Malmquist, Fisher, Laspeyres and Paasche indices not transitive and are only to be used for binary comparison. All indices can also be decomposed into different components providing insightful information on the sources of productivity and profitability improvements. In the use of Malmquist productivity index, the technological change index is further decomposed into bias technological change components. In the case of the Fisher, Laspeyres, Paasche and the transitive Fare-Primont and Lowe indices, it is furthermore possible to rule out technological change. The package also allows to prohibit negative technological change. All the estimations are based on the nonparametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and several assumptions regarding returns to scale are available (i.e. CRS, VRS, NIRS, NDRS). The package allows parallel computing as an option, depending on the user's computer configuration.
Nursing Ethics, Caring and Culture

Recent years have witnessed the publication of numerous articles that draw a critical alignment between ethics and caring. In essence, this theme suggests that caring is a moral pursuit centred on the beneficent attention of one person shown to another. Yet, if such language is to have real poignancy, it must be geared towards an inclusive agenda that meets the needs of all within the community. Research evidence suggests that this is not always the case, especially in terms of the care offered to members of minority ethnic groups. This article will focus on the findings of a qualitative research study that explored the expectations and perceived experiences of nursing care among members of the Pakistani community in Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. The findings suggest that nurses should develop a more informed narrative that readily reflects the needs of the Pakistani community.
Diffusion Tensor MRI Study of Myocardium Structural Remodeling after Infarction in Porcine Model

Investigation of infarct myocardium structure will lead to better understanding of functional adaptation and remodeling. Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) provides a means for rapid and nondestructive characterization of the three-dimensional fiber architecture of myocardium. DTI studies were performed on 10 excised, formalin-fixed hearts of both infarct (two months after left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion surgery, n=4) and control (n=6) porcine. Each slice was divided into eight segments, and fractional anisotropy (FA) value and helix angle were measured in multiples short-axis slices, respectively. Infarct myocardium exhibited decreased FA value, flatter helix angle courses fluctuating around small helix angle with greater standard error of the mean (SEM) and smaller range of helix angle. The results provide structure information of infarct myocardium
Muscle Pathology in Free-Ranging Stranded Cetaceans

Despite the profound impact that skeletal muscle disorders may pose for the daily activities of wild terrestrial and marine mammals, such conditions have been rarely described in cetaceans. In this study, the authors aimed to determine the nature and prevalence of skeletal muscle lesions in small and large odontocetes and mysticetes (n = 153) from 19 different species. A macroscopic evaluation of the epaxial muscle mass and a histologic examination of the longissimus dorsi muscle were performed in all cases. The only macroscopically evident change was variable degrees of atrophy of the epaxial muscles (longissimus dorsi, multifidus, spinalis) in emaciated specimens. The histopathological study revealed single or combined morphological changes in 91.5% of the cases. These changes included the following: degenerative lesions (75.2%), muscle atrophy (37.9%), chronic myopathic changes (25.5%), parasitic infestation (9.2%), and myositis (1.9%). The skeletal muscle is easily sampled during a necropsy and provides essential microscopic information that reflects both local and systemic conditions. Thus, skeletal muscle should be systematically sampled, processed, and examined in all stranded cetaceans.
Exploring Technological Trends in Logistics: Topic Modeling-Based Patent Analysis

With the strategic importance of discerning opportunities and threats from technological development to achieve sustainable competitiveness, exploring technological trends becomes critical for a successful technology strategy in logistics. Given the rapid pace of development and varying technological options, logistics also increasingly requires methodological support and appropriate data to reduce the complexity and burden of exploring technology trends. While previous research has largely relied on experts’ insights, the value of patent-based approaches for exploring technological trends has been underestimated in logistics. To address this gap, this study proposes a topic modeling-based approach using logistics-related patents registered at the United States Patents and Trademark Office (USPTO). The core of the suggested approach is latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), allowing the identification of logistics-related technological topics behind patents. The topics identified by LDA are further investigated regarding both filed-level and firm-level trends. The suggested approach is expected to offer implications of the use of patents for the purpose of exploring the trends of technology development outside the organization in logistics. In addition, we believe that the information on the technological topics and their trends generated by the suggested approach can offer an enhanced understanding of the technological landscape in logistics.
Prospect on China’s Urban System by 2020: Evidence from the Prediction Based on Internal Migration Network

China’s rapid urbanization has aroused substantial attention all over the world. Though there exists a strong connection between urban system and intercity migration, an overall prediction of China’s urban population of all cities based on migration network has rarely been conducted. This study proposes an extended NEG (New Economic Geography) model to simulate China’s urban system evolution with actual data and further predicts the future development of China’s urban system under three different urbanization scenarios. We discover that China’s future development trend is centralized urbanization dominated by large cities with a population of above 1 million. This prediction result is of great significance to provide scientific evidence for China’s population flow management and new-type urbanization planning.
Effects of repeated treatment with cholecystokinin sulfated octapeptide on passive avoidance memory under chronic restraint stress in male rats

Background: Cholecystokinin (CCK), a peptide hormone found in the gut is the most abundant peptide neurotransmitter in the brain as well, and its effects on learning, memory, and anxiety have been shown. However, it is not clear whether this substance acts as a mediator for anxiety and stress induction or inhibits them. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of CCK on memory function under stress conditions. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: The control, the control-CCK, the stress, and stress-CCK. To induce stress, the rats were placed within adjustable restraint chambers for 6 h daily, for 24 days. CCK-8S (cholecystokinin sulfated octapeptide was injected before induction of stress (1.6 μg/kg, intraperitoneal) for 24 days. Passive avoidance learning test was used for evaluation of learning and memory. Rats received foot electrical shock before stress induction and CCK injection and step through latencies were evaluated 1-day after the last session of stress and treatments. Results: Stress impaired memory significantly (P < 0.05). Although CCK per se decreased memory (P < 0.05), it prevented the memory impairments in the stress group as there was no significant difference between the control and stress-CCK groups. Conclusion: Stress has a profound effect on cognition and CCK probably acts as a mediator for its action. Our results showed that a high concentration of CCK during stress may be helpful in alleviating the effects of stress on the brain.
Increased Monomerization of Mutant HSPB1 Leads to Protein Hyperactivity in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy*

Small heat shock proteins are molecular chaperones capable of maintaining denatured proteins in a folding-competent state. We have previously shown that missense mutations in the small heat shock protein HSPB1 (HSP27) cause distal hereditary motor neuropathy and axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Here we investigated the biochemical consequences of HSPB1 mutations that are known to cause peripheral neuropathy. In contrast to other chaperonopathies, our results revealed that particular HSPB1 mutations presented higher chaperone activity compared with wild type. Hyperactivation of HSPB1 was accompanied by a change from its wild-type dimeric state to a monomer without dissociation of the 24-meric state. Purification of protein complexes from wild-type and HSPB1 mutants showed that the hyperactive isoforms also presented enhanced binding to client proteins. Furthermore, we show that the wild-type HSPB1 protein undergoes monomerization during heat-shock activation, strongly suggesting that the monomer is the active form of the HSPB1 protein.
Examining Relative Age Effects in Fundamental Skill Proficiency in British Children Aged 6–11 Years

Abstract Birch, S, Cummings, L, Oxford, SW, and Duncan, MJ. Examining relative age effects in fundamental skill proficiency in British children aged 6–11 years. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2809–2815, 2016—The relative age effect (RAE) suggests that there is a clustering of birth dates just after the cutoff used for sports selection in age-grouped sports and that in such circumstances, relatively older sportspeople may enjoy maturational and physical advantages over their younger peers. Few studies have examined this issue in nonselective groups of children, and none have examined whether there is evidence of any RAE in skill performance. The aim of this study was to assess whether there were differences in fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency within children placed in age groups according to the school year. Six FMS (sprint, side gallop, balance, jump, catch, and throw) were assessed in 539 school children (258 boys and 281 girls) aged 6–11 years (mean age ± SD = 7.7 ± 1.7 years). We examined differences in these FMS between gender groups and children born in different quarters of the year after controlling for age and body mass index (BMI). For balance, chronological age was significant as a covariate (p = 0.0001) with increases in age associated with increases in balance. Boys had significantly higher sprint mastery compared with girls (p = 0.012), and increased BMI was associated with poorer sprint mastery (p = 0.001). Boys had higher catching mastery than girls (p = 0.003), and children born in Q1 had significantly greater catching mastery than those born in Q2 (p = 0.015), Q3 (p = 0.019), and Q4 (p = 0.01). Results for throwing mastery also indicated higher mastery in boys compared with girls (p = 0.013) and that children born in Q1 had higher throwing proficiency than those born in Q4 (p = 0.038). These results are important if coaches are basing sport selection on measures of skilled performance, particularly in object-control skills. Categorizing children's skilled performance based on rounded down values of whole-year age may disadvantage children born relatively later in the selection year, whereas children born earlier in the selection year will likely evidence greater skill mastery and subsequent advantage for selection purposes.
Influence of various fluoride agents on working properties and surface characteristics of uncoated, rhodium coated and nitrified nickel-titanium orthodontic wires

Abstract Objective. To analyze the effect of various fluoride formulations in commercially available agents on working properties of various nickel-titanium orthodontic wires. Materials and methods. Uncoated (NiTi), rhodium coated (RhNiTi) and nitrified (NNiTi) wires were immersed to dH2O, MiPaste, Elmex and Mirafluor for 1 h. Unloading slope characteristics (average force, bending action of the force and average plateau length) and the percentage of useable constant force during unloading were observed. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured. SEM and EDS were used for observation of the surface. Results. NiTi had decreased loading and unloading elastic modulus (E) and yield strength (YS) after immersion to MIPaste and Mirafluor. The unloading YS decreased in the RhNiTi by the MIPaste. The loading and unloading YS of the NNiTi increased in Elmex and increased average plateau force. RhNiTi showed higher average plateau length and the percentage of useful constant force during unloading in Mirafluor and the average plateau force lowered after immersion to MIPaste. The unloading slope characteristics for NiTi were affected by all three prophylactic agents, mostly by Mirafluor, and produced significantly lower forces during both loading and unloading, similarly to the NNiTi wires. The RhNiTi had the lowest forces during both loading and unloading in MIPaste. All results were at significance; p < 0.05. Difference in Ra was observed for RhNiTi after immersion to the MI Paste (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.761). Conclusion. The NiTi and NNiTi wires lose less working force when combined with Elmex. The RhNiTi improve their working properties with Mirafluor and deteriorate when combined with MiPaste.
Histological and Stereological Changes in Growing and Regressing Chicken Ovaries During Development

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sequence of the histological and stereological changes that occur in diverse components of left growing and right regressing ovaries of Gallus domesticus as well as the variations in the number and size of the different cell subpopulations from 8‐day‐old chicken embryo to 4‐week‐old chickens. Results indicate a bilateral asymmetry in favor of the left ovary at all ages studied. The left ovary shows cortex and medulla, but the right ovary has no cortex, only a medulla. Stereological results show in the left ovary an increase in total volume of all components of the ovarian medulla with advancing development. The right ovary follows a similar pattern until the age of 1‐day‐old chicken, to regress afterward, thereby, reducing the total volume of blood vessels, lacunar channels, and interstitium, but increasing the total volume of interstitial cells as development progresses; consequently, the total volume of interstitial cells is the dominant component in the right ovary of 4‐week‐old chickens. Results also reveal that the increase in total volume of interstitial cells in the left ovary at all ages and in the right ovary from 8‐day‐old chicken embryo to 1‐day‐old chicken is due to hyperplasia and cell hypertrophy of interstitial cells; hence, in the right ovary, cell hypertrophy is the main cause for the increase in the total volume of interstitial cells from 1‐week‐old to 4‐week‐old chickens. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ESTABLISHMENT OF MINIMAL AND MAXIMAL TRANSCRIPT LEVELS FOR NITRATE TRANSPORTER GENES FOR DETECTING NITROGEN DEFICIENCY IN THE MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON ISOCHRYSIS GALBANA (PRYMNESIOPHYCEAE) AND THALASSIOSIRA PSEUDONANA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) 1

Nitrate transporter genes (Nrt2) encode high‐affinity nitrate transporters in marine phytoplankton, and their transcript levels are potential markers of nitrogen deficiency in eukaryotic phytoplankton. For the proper interpretation of measured Nrt2 transcript abundances, a relative expression assay was proposed and tested in Isochrysis galbana Parke (Prymnesiophyceae) and Thalassiosira pseudonana (Hust.) Hasle et Heimdal (Bacillariophyceae). The minimal transcript levels of Nrt2 genes were achieved by the addition of 100 μM ammonium, which led to a rapid decline in Nrt2 transcripts in 10–30 min. Experiments using a concentration series revealed that the effective dosage of ammonium to create a minimal transcript level of ∼1 μmol · mol−1 18S rRNA was ≥25 μM in both species. On the other hand, the addition of l‐methionine sulfoximine (MSX), an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, enhanced the Nrt2 transcript level in I. galbana but did not affect that in T. pseudonana. Nitrogen deprivation was used as an alternative means to create maximal Nrt2 transcript levels. By transferring cells into N‐free medium for 24 h, Nrt2 transcript levels increased to ∼90 μmol · mol−1 18S rRNA in I. galbana, and to ∼800 μmol · mol−1 18S rRNA in T. pseudonana. The degree of nitrogen deficiency thus can be determined by comparing original Nrt2 transcript levels with the minimal and maximal levels.