Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimentally induced cam impingement in the sheep hip

Sheep hips have a natural non‐spherical femoral head similar to a cam‐type deformity in human beings. By performing an intertrochanteric varus osteotomy, cam‐type femoro‐acetabular impingement (FAI) during flexion can be created. We tested the hypotheses that macroscopic lesions of the articular cartilage and an increased Mankin score (MS) can be reproduced by an experimentally induced cam‐type FAI in this ovine in vivo model. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the MS increases with longer ambulatory periods. Sixteen sheep underwent unilateral intertrochanteric varus osteotomy of the hip with the non‐operated hip as a control. Four sheep were sacrificed after 14, 22, 30, and 38‐weeks postoperatively. We evaluated macroscopic chondrolabral alterations, and recorded the MS, based on histochemical staining, for each ambulatory period. A significantly higher prevalence of macroscopic chondrolabral lesions was found in the impingement zone of the operated hips. The MS was significantly higher in the acetabular/femoral cartilage of the operated hips. Furthermore, these scores increased as the length of the ambulatory period increased. Cam‐type FAI can be induced in an ovine in vivo model. Localized chondrolabral degeneration of the hip, similar to that seen in humans (Tannast et al., Clin Orthop Relat Res 2008; 466: 273–280; Beck et al., J Bone Joint Surg Br 2005; 87: 1012–1018), can be reproduced. This experimental sheep model can be used to study cam‐type FAI. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 580–587, 2013
Maternal minimum-stay legislation: cost and policy implications.

OBJECTIVES Recently, most state legislatures and Congress have passed laws mandating insurance coverage for a minimum period of inpatient care following delivery. This study analyzed the likely cost implications of one state's law. METHODS Hospital discharge records for Illinois women who gave birth (n = 167,769) and infants born (n = 164,905) during a 12-month period predating the law were analyzed. RESULTS As a percentage of total spending on birth-related admissions and readmissions, the net effect of the law ranges from a savings of 0.1% to a cost of 20.2%. CONCLUSIONS There may be large cost implications to this legislation, even with savings from avoided re-admissions.
Non-invasive ventilation in the recovery room for postoperative respiratory failure: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has become a standard of care in acute respiratory failure. However, little data is available on its usefulness in recovery ward patients after general surgery. The present study aimed to document the feasibility of implementing NIV in this setting, and its impact on lung function. METHODS During a 12-month period, all adult patients who underwent elective general surgical procedures under general anaesthesia during weekdays, were transferred to the recovery ward after extubation, and those who required NIV were included in this prospective observational study. NIV was applied with a bilevel device (VPAP II ST, ResMed, North Ryde, Australia). RESULTS 4622 patients were admitted to the recovery ward, 83 of whom needed NIV. NIV increased pH (7.38 +/- .06 vs 7.30 +/- .05), reduced PaCO2 (7.38 +/- .06 vs 7.30 +/- .05) in hypercapnic patients (44 +/- 9 vs 55 +/- 10 mm Hg), and increased PaO2 in non-hypercapnic patients (80 +/- 10 vs 70 +/- 11 mm Hg). No complications attributable to NIV occurred. Most patients improved after 1-2 NIV trials, and all were transferred to the ward the same day. CONCLUSIONS In recovery ward patients after general surgery, NIV is seldom required. When applied, NIV seems to exert favourable effects on lung function. NIV can be safely implemented with a bilevel device in a recovery ward not accustomed to the use of ICU ventilators. The cost-effectiveness of its systematic use in this setting should be assessed.
Communication, suspicion and stability in marriage : examples from the experiences of married women in two private universities in Ogun state, Nigeria

This study examined communication, suspicion, and stability in marriage from the standpoint experience of married women in two private universities in Ogun State. Two hundred married female respondents were randomly selected using stratified random sampling technique. Family Assessment Device, a subscale of McMaster Family Functioning Scales and Factors Affecting Marital Stability Questionnaire (FAMSQ) were used to measure communication, suspicion, and stability in marriage. Findings from the study revealed that marital suspicion determine stability more than communication and the main implications of these findings are that suspicion in marriage and communication affect stability negatively. It was therefore recommended that government should use the mass media to create massive awareness on the need to improve communication in homes and discourage suspicion, recruit professional counsellors, psychologists and social workers to attend to various needs of couples and intending couples. Gender & Behaviour Vol. 6 (2) 2008: pp. 1765-1784
Influence of Statins and Cholesterol on Mortality Among Patients With Pancreatic Cancer

Background Recent studies have suggested associations between statins and enhanced survival among patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the relationship between statins, cholesterol, and survival remains unclear. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 2142 PDAC patients in a regional integrated healthcare system from 2006 to 2014. Electronic pharmacy records were used to abstract information on the type, length, and dosage of statin exposures starting in the year prior to diagnosis. The cumulative and individual effects of simvastatin, lovastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin on mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression. Statins were evaluated as any use (pre- and postdiagnosis as a time-dependent variable) and baseline use (prediagnosis only). We also evaluated whether low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, measured at various time windows prior to diagnosis, had an independent influence on survival. Additional analyses were performed to examine whether cholesterol mediated the relationship between statins and mortality. All models included age, race, stage, surgery, gemcitabine-based chemotherapy, and the Charlson comorbidity index as covariates. Results Any (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79 to 0.97) and baseline (HR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79 to 0.98) statin use were both associated with a decreased risk in mortality. When assessing individual statins, we found reduced mortality among simvastatin (HR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.77 to 0.98) and atorvastatin (HR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.46 to 0.72) users. Cholesterol was not associated with mortality and did not mediate any relationships between statins and survival. Conclusions Statin use rather than cholesterol level was associated with lower mortality risk in patients with pancreatic cancer. Statins appear to improve survival through a lipid-independent mechanism.
The Aftermath of War Experiences on Kosovo's Generation on the Move — Collective Memory and Ethnic Relations among Young Adults in Kosovo

Experiences of the past are very important in forming collective identities and therefore in shaping collective memories. In the post-war and particularly in divided societies, the politics of memory provides effective mechanism for ethno-political elites to gain power and legitimacy. The memory of war, through narratives, commemoration of sacrifices, and glorification of heroism is omnipresent in post-war Kosovo. Through articulation of war remembrance, the political authorities influence significantly also identities and political affiliation of certain groups. This research will examine the correlation between political power and war remembrance, by exploring the way they are emerged and transmitted in the Kosovar society. Moreover, it examines the impact of war remembrance in the generation of 1990s and particularly in the so called ‘born during the war children’, focusing on how these events are influencing ethno-political attitudes among them. Further it outlines how post-war narratives and memorialisation have emerged and evolved along ethno-national belonging, thus resulting in contested and divided memories, and failing to improve ethnic relations. The article explains further the role of the education system, through history textbooks in building identity and affecting political attitudes of the younger generations.
‘Engineered’ University‐Industry Collaboration: A Social Capital Perspective

While there is an extensive body of knowledge on University-Industry Collaboration (UIC) for technology transfer, two salient gaps remain. First, studies on UIC have predominately focused on situations when the relationship is established based on perceived complementary needs between collaborators. However, research on ‘engineered’ UIC, or when the collaboration has been triggered and coordinated by a third party, is still scarce. Second, we lack proper understanding into the micro foundation of technology transfer process using the lens of social capital (SC). This is a necessary inquiry given the prevailing conception of technology transfer as a sociotechnical process. We address these two gaps by investigating the idiosyncrasy of SC in five case studies of the Faraday Partnership Initiative, a UK public-sponsored program designed to enhance cross-sector technology transfer. As key contributions, we develop a conceptual framework that explains how social capital facilitates technology transfer in engineered UIC. We also advance the debate on academic engagement and commercialization by elaborating how knowledge produced by academics can be transformed into useable forms of technology by distinguishing between technology translation and transfer. The former emerged as a critical element of the latter.
Environmental risk factors in Parkinson's disease

We studied the environmental risk factors of Parkinson's disease (PD) in Finland, particularly those related to rural environment, in a prevalence material in 1992. The population numbered 196,864 people, including urban and rural areas. In this community‐based study, we used a case‐control method with personal investigation of the case subjects (n = 123) and matched control subjects (n = 246). Analyses were carried out by conditional logistic regression model. Case subjects had far fewer domestic animals at home during their lifetime, including cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens. The difference was even more obvious in those under the age of 20 years, including also cats and horses, but diminished after 20 years. The number of different animal species was smaller with case subjects as was the duration of animal contacts. Case subjects found their work physically heavier and exercised more. The mean age at onset in ever‐smoking men was significantly higher than in never‐smoking men. No special reason for non‐smoking increased, and a physical reason decreased the risk of PD. Area of birth or living, farming and other occupations, types of drinking water, pesticide and herbicide use, head injuries, use of alcohol, education, and carbon monoxide poisonings were similar among case subjects and control subjects. In conclusion, domestic animals, or something that is connected with the animals, may have a protecting effect against PD. Alternatively, the observed negative associations of domestic animals at home and subsequent PD may only be a marker of other environmental conditions or lifestyles.
Economic Growth and Public Debt: Beyond Debt-Thresholds. Theoretical and Empirical Issues.

The recent wave of research on the relationship between public debt and growth has been largely dominated by the pursuit of "the" debt-to-GDP ratio beyond which debt depresses growth; yet no univocal conclusion has been reached either about the quantification of the critical ratio or even about its existence. Foundational work is however lacking: why should we expect a negative public debt-growth relationship in the first place? If such a relationship exists, why should it take the specific form of a threshold of the debt-GDP ratio, and why should we expect this threshold to be equally valid across time and space? This chapter surveys the theoretical literature concerning public debt and economic growth. Overall, there is no clear and straightforward answer to the previous questions. Or, from another perspective, there are many possible answers and many elements affecting them, thus reflecting the complexity of the argument, as well as the variety of the empirical situations. In particular, I have found no direct or indirect theoretical foundation to the existence of a critical debt-to-GDP ratio with general validity. I also present a fiscal model of endogenous growth that may help address the theoretical issues in an orderly and consistent manner along two coordinates of the debt assessment: sustainability/unsustainability, and efficiency/inefficiency. The thrust of the model is that no meaningful assessment of debt and its effect on growth at any point in time is possible without reference to the whole debt trajectory and the specific state of the economy along the trajectory. In my view, research should concentrate on the study of specific conditions and cases and abandon the pursuit of a general law.
Loss of Smad4 in Sertoli and Leydig Cells Leads to Testicular Dysgenesis and Hemorrhagic Tumor Formation in Mice1

ABSTRACT As the central component of canonical TGFbeta superfamily signaling, SMAD4 is a critical regulator of organ development, patterning, tumorigenesis, and many other biological processes. Because numerous TGFbeta superfamily ligands are expressed in developing testes, there may exist specific requirements for SMAD4 in individual testicular cell types. Previously, we reported that expansion of the fetal testis cords requires expression of SMAD4 by the Sertoli cell lineage. To further uncover the role of Smad4 in murine testes, we produced conditional knockout mice lacking Smad4 in either Leydig cells or in both Sertoli and Leydig cells simultaneously. Loss of Smad4 concomitantly in Sertoli and Leydig cells led to underdevelopment of the testis cords during fetal life and mild testicular dysgenesis in young adulthood (decreased testis size, partially dysgenic seminiferous tubules, and low sperm production). When the Sertoli/Leydig cell Smad4 conditional knockout mice aged (56- to 62-wk old), the testis phenotypes became exacerbated with the appearance of hemorrhagic tumors, Leydig cell adenomas, and a complete loss of spermatogenesis. In contrast, loss of Smad4 in Leydig cells alone did not appreciably alter fetal and adult testis development. Our findings support a cell type-specific requirement of Smad4 in testis development and suppression of testicular tumors.
Repackaged “urban renewal”: Issues of spatial equity and environmental justice in new construction, suburban neighborhoods, and urban islands of infill

ABSTRACT This study examines environmental justice issues; the tie between infill, sprawl, and inequity; and race and class discrimination as a hindrance to urban sustainability in newly constructed “starter home” neighborhoods in Charlotte, North Carolina, commonly called “cookie-cutter” development. Major findings include a discriminatory practice of locating neighborhoods meant for lower-income and workforce families adjacent to preexisting locally unwanted land uses (LULUs), including environmental hazards and other negative elements in the built environment such as industrial uses or heavy manufacturing, thus placing the most vulnerable populations at greater risk. We find that new construction surrounding the Interstate 485 loop spurred economic development in exurban areas but syphoned it from older inner-ring areas and that the worst location for new starter home neighborhoods is within predominantly low-income urban neighborhoods already challenged on a number of fronts. Rather than acting as a catalyst for positive change, the opposite occurred, and the surrounding problems, instability, and disinvestment spread into the new areas. In such situations, starter homes embody repackaged urban renewal as a new model: islands of suburban-style infill surrounded by decline.
3D–2D image registration for target localization in spine surgery: investigation of similarity metrics providing robustness to content mismatch

In image-guided spine surgery, robust three-dimensional to two-dimensional (3D–2D) registration of preoperative computed tomography (CT) and intraoperative radiographs can be challenged by the image content mismatch associated with the presence of surgical instrumentation and implants as well as soft-tissue resection or deformation. This work investigates image similarity metrics in 3D–2D registration offering improved robustness against mismatch, thereby improving performance and reducing or eliminating the need for manual masking. The performance of four gradient-based image similarity metrics (gradient information (GI), gradient correlation (GC), gradient information with linear scaling (GS), and gradient orientation (GO)) with a multi-start optimization strategy was evaluated in an institutional review board-approved retrospective clinical study using 51 preoperative CT images and 115 intraoperative mobile radiographs. Registrations were tested with and without polygonal masks as a function of the number of multistarts employed during optimization. Registration accuracy was evaluated in terms of the projection distance error (PDE) and assessment of failure modes (PDE > 30 mm) that could impede reliable vertebral level localization. With manual polygonal masking and 200 multistarts, the GC and GO metrics exhibited robust performance with 0% gross failures and median PDE < 6.4 mm (±4.4 mm interquartile range (IQR)) and a median runtime of 84 s (plus upwards of 1–2 min for manual masking). Excluding manual polygonal masks and decreasing the number of multistarts to 50 caused the GC-based registration to fail at a rate of >14%; however, GO maintained robustness with a 0% gross failure rate. Overall, the GI, GC, and GS metrics were susceptible to registration errors associated with content mismatch, but GO provided robust registration (median PDE = 5.5 mm, 2.6 mm IQR) without manual masking and with an improved runtime (29.3 s). The GO metric improved the registration accuracy and robustness in the presence of strong image content mismatch. This capability could offer valuable assistance and decision support in spine level localization in a manner consistent with clinical workflow.
Nonfarm Activities and Household Production Choices in Smallholder Agriculture in Vietnam

This paper explores the effects of labour movement into nonfarm activities on household production choices in rural Vietnam. It finds that agricultural production declines and there are negative effects on farm revenue. However, these conclusions are limited in the North. Households in the North readjust their production structure by investing in livestock and other crops that require less labour. Rice farmers in the South have managed to keep their rice production unaffected by hiring more labour, and investing more capital to switch to less labourintensive farming. Evidence of relaxing liquidity constraints is found, at least in the short run. While the decline in agricultural revenue in the north suggests some level of substitution between farming and nonfarm activities, the stability in rice production at the national level brings good news to policy makers and for food security despite rapid structural change over the past decades.
Characterisation of the Rat SK4/IK1 K+ Channel

Background and Aims: The Ca2+-activated K+ channel rSK4 is the rat homologue of the human SK4/IK1 (KCNN4) channel. In colonic mucosa rSK4 plays a key role during acetylcholin-induced secretion. This study was aimed to characterize the properties of the rat SK4 channel.Methods: Electrophysiological measurements were performed on rSK4 expressing Xenopus laevis oocytes and rat colonic crypts. Intracellular Ca2+ activity was assessed by Oregon Green fluorescence measurements.Results: The 10 pS rSK4 expressed in oocytes was Ca2+-sensitive and inhibited by calmodulin antagonists. 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (1-EBIO), a known activator of SK4/IK1 channels, also activated rSK4. 1-EBIO affected the current neither at saturating Ca2+ activities nor under Ca2+-free conditions, but increased the Ca2+ sensitivity of rSK4. rSK4 was strongly activated by cytosolic ATP. However, PKA itself, PKA inhibitors and mutation of the PKA phosphorylation site (S332A) did not affect channel activity. The PKC activator 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol and the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide also failed to influence rSK4.Conclusion: The Ca2+-sensitive rSK4 is activated by 1-EBIO probably via facilitation of the Ca2+-calmodulin-rSK4 interaction. The strong ATP-activation of rSK4 is likely to be caused by phosphorylation via a yet unknown kinase and might involve additional subunits.
Oral Health-related Quality of Life

Despite its relatively recent emergence over the past few decades, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has important implications for the clinical practice of dentistry and dental research. OHRQoL is a multidimensional construct that includes a subjective evaluation of the individual’s oral health, functional well-being, emotional well-being, expectations and satisfaction with care, and sense of self. It has wide-reaching applications in survey and clinical research. OHRQoL is an integral part of general health and well-being. In fact, it is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an important segment of the Global Oral Health Program (2003). This paper identifies the what, why, and how of OHRQoL and presents an oral health theoretical model. The relevance of OHRQoL for dental practitioners and patients in community-based dental practices is presented. Implications for health policy and related oral health disparities are also discussed. A supplemental Appendix contains a Medline and ProQuest literature search regarding OHRQoL research from 1990-2010 by discipline and research design (e.g., descriptive, longitudinal, clinical trial, etc.). The search identified 300 articles with a notable surge in OHRQoL research in pediatrics and orthodontics in recent years.
Priority of the french national network in microelectronics and nanotechnologies towards the attractiveness of young high-schoolers

It is well known that during the last fifteen years, a strong decrease of interest of the young pupils and high-schoolers for exact sciences was observed in the major part of Europe. A way to invert this trend consists in educating young generations in microelectronics, microtechnology and nanotechnologies, a specific topic of the electrical and information engineering. The Higher Education in these fields is organized in France through a network (GIP-CNFM) that coordinates the 12 regional interuniversity centres that have facilities as well in technological processes as in design of microelectronics devices and circuits. The main role of the GIP-CNFM is to harmonize and financially support the activities of the 12 centres essentially involved in higher education. But new objectives concern the attractiveness of young high-schoolers by the way of the organization of special sessions of for them as well for their teachers (educators), by the way of a one-day internship of training courses, scheduled on the facilities of the technological platforms. Since 2009, several experiments in this scheme have been setup through the GIP-CNFM network. Thanks to these prioneering experiments, several tens of secondary classes were brought to a better knowledge of microelectronics and nanotechnologies impact on science, technology and daily life.