Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insurance Coverage Policies for Personalized Medicine

Adoption of personalized medicine in practice has been slow, in part due to the lack of evidence of clinical benefit provided by these technologies. Coverage by insurers is a critical step in achieving widespread adoption of personalized medicine. Insurers consider a variety of factors when formulating medical coverage policies for personalized medicine, including the overall strength of evidence for a test, availability of clinical guidelines and health technology assessments by independent organizations. In this study, we reviewed coverage policies of the largest U.S. insurers for genomic (disease-related) and pharmacogenetic (PGx) tests to determine the extent that these tests were covered and the evidence basis for the coverage decisions. We identified 41 coverage policies for 49 unique testing: 22 tests for disease diagnosis, prognosis and risk and 27 PGx tests. Fifty percent (or less) of the tests reviewed were covered by insurers. Lack of evidence of clinical utility appears to be a major factor in decisions of non-coverage. The inclusion of PGx information in drug package inserts appears to be a common theme of PGx tests that are covered. This analysis highlights the variability of coverage determinations and factors considered, suggesting that the adoption of personal medicine will affected by numerous factors, but will continue to be slowed due to lack of demonstrated clinical benefit.
Corruption and Sensitive Soccer Games: Cross-Country Evidence

We utilize data from sensitive soccer games in 75 countries between the years 2001 and 2013. In these games one team was in immediate danger of relegation to a lower division (Team A) and another team was not affected by the result (Team B). Using within-country variation, our difference-in-difference analysis reveals that the more corrupt the country, according to Corruption Perceptions Index, the higher is the probability that Team A would achieve the desired result in the sensitive games relative to achieving this result in other, non-sensitive games against the same team. We also find that in the later stages of the following year, the probability that Team A would lose against Team B compared to losing against a similar team (usually better than Team B) is significantly higher in more corrupt countries than in less corrupt countries. This result serves as evidence of quid pro quo behavior.
Numerical analysis of the effects of the magnetic self-field on the transport properties of a multilayer HTS cable

In this paper, the effects of the magnetic self-field on the transport properties of a multilayer high-T/sub c/ superconducting (HTS) cable are investigated by means of two-dimensional finite-element method (FEM) simulations. Analyzed is a three-layer HTS cable, but the developed methods can be used for a different number of layers. The superconductor is described by the nonlinear power-law relation E=E/sub c/(J/J/sub c/)/sup n/, where the parameters J/sub c/ and n depend on the magnetic field experienced by the material. This dependence decreases the global transport capacity of the superconductor, enhancing its AC losses. It is shown that, especially at high transport currents, the AC losses are considerably higher than in the case where the dependence on the magnetic field is neglected. A simple electrical model, considering the cable from macroscopic point of view, has been proposed for finding the optimal winding pitches, leading to a uniform current repartition. The use of this electrical model allows to overcome the difficulties of direct three-dimensional FEM computations. In addition, the rapidity of solutions by the electric model gives the possibility of testing quickly many geometrical configurations in order to find the ones leading to an even current repartition. This optimization process would not be possible with detailed FEM simulations.
Dual-Loop Control Strategy for DFIG-Based Wind Turbines Under Grid Voltage Disturbances

For a multimegawatts doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG), the grid voltage disturbances may affect the stator flux and induce the transient stator flux, due to the direct connection of the stator and the grid. The accumulation of the transient stator flux caused by the variations of the stator voltage may introduce harmful power and torque oscillations to the DFIG, and even lead to rotor overcurrent. For the conventional field-oriented vector control strategy, the design of the controller is based on the steady-state model of the DFIG, which neglects the dynamic of the stator flux, and, therefore, it cannot work well during the transient state to decay the transient flux and to suppress the flux accumulation. In this paper, a dual-loop control strategy, which includes the conventional current loop and an additional flux loop, is proposed to not only control the active and reactive power, but also decay the stator transient flux, and avoid the accumulation of the stator transient flux. Moreover, the proposed strategy can obtain nearly constant stator active power and electromagnetic torque, which may prolong the lifetime of the drive train. A case study on a typical 2-MW DFIG-based wind turbine demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed control methods is verified with simulations in MATLAB/Simulink. The proposed control methods are also experimentally validated using a scaled-down 7.5-kW DFIG. The simulation and experimental results clearly validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed strategy, and show the improved dynamic performances of the DFIG.
Immune effects of therapy with Adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Adalimumab on different immune parameters in patients with RA. Adalimumab was administered (40 mg every other week for 26 weeks) to eight patients with RA that were refractory to conventional drug therapy. Peripheral blood samples were obtained at days 0, 15 and 180 of Adalimumab therapy, and the following immune parameters were assessed: Number, phenotype, and function of regulatory T lymphocytes. The induction of apoptosis of immune cells and the in vitro and in vivo reactivity towards M. tuberculosis were also analysed. All patients responded to Adalimumab (ACR response 50–70), and a modest but significant increase in the number and function of regulatory T cells was observed at day 15 of anti‐TNF‐α therapy. In addition, an increased percent of apoptotic cells was detected in the peripheral blood at day 15 of Adalimumab therapy. Unexpectedly, most of these effects were not further observed at day 180. However, two patients showed a persistent and marked reduction in the reactivity to M. tuberculosis. Although we have found that Adalimumab affects the number and function of regulatory T lymphocytes, and the apoptosis of immune cells, these effects are transient and its possible causal relationship with the therapeutic activity of this biological agent remains to be determined. Nevertheless, the down‐regulatory effect of Adalimumab on the reactivity to M. tuberculosis could be related to an enhanced risk of tuberculosis reactivation.
Self-Fulfilling Deflations

What types of monetary and fiscal policy rules produce self-fulfilling deflationary paths that are monotonic and empirically relevant? This paper presents simple theoretical conditions that guarantee the existence of these paths in a general equilibrium model with sticky prices. These sufficient conditions are weak enough to be satisfied by most monetary and fiscal policy rules. A quantification of the model which combines a real shock a la Hayashi and Prescott (2002) with a simultaneous sunspot that deanchors inflation expectations matches the main empirical features of the Japanese deflationary process during the “lost decade”. The results also highlight the key role of the assumption about the anchoring of inflation expectations for the size of fiscal multipliers and, in general, for any policy analysis.
Twelve-month use of mental health services in the United States: results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication.

BACKGROUND Dramatic changes have occurred in mental health treatments during the past decade. Data on recent treatment patterns are needed to estimate the unmet need for services. OBJECTIVE To provide data on patterns and predictors of 12-month mental health treatment in the United States from the recently completed National Comorbidity Survey Replication. DESIGN AND SETTING Nationally representative face-to-face household survey using a fully structured diagnostic interview, the World Health Organization's World Mental Health Survey Initiative version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, carried out between February 5, 2001, and April 7, 2003. PARTICIPANTS A total of 9282 English-speaking respondents 18 years and older. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Proportions of respondents with 12-month DSM-IV anxiety, mood, impulse control, and substance disorders who received treatment in the 12 months before the interview in any of 4 service sectors (specialty mental health, general medical, human services, and complementary and alternative medicine). Number of visits and proportion of patients who received minimally adequate treatment were also assessed. RESULTS Of 12-month cases, 41.1% received some treatment in the past 12 months, including 12.3% treated by a psychiatrist, 16.0% treated by a non-psychiatrist mental health specialist, 22.8% treated by a general medical provider, 8.1% treated by a human services provider, and 6.8% treated by a complementary and alternative medical provider (treatment could be received by >1 source). Overall, cases treated in the mental health specialty sector received more visits (median, 7.4) than those treated in the general medical sector (median, 1.7). More patients in specialty than general medical treatment also received treatment that exceeded a minimal threshold of adequacy (48.3% vs 12.7%). Unmet need for treatment is greatest in traditionally underserved groups, including elderly persons, racial-ethnic minorities, those with low incomes, those without insurance, and residents of rural areas. CONCLUSIONS Most people with mental disorders in the United States remain either untreated or poorly treated. Interventions are needed to enhance treatment initiation and quality.
Immunologically Distinct Isoforms of Ecto‐5′‐Nucleotidase in Nerve Terminals of Different Areas of the Rat Hippocampus

Abstract: Ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase is regarded as being the key enzyme in the formation of the neuromodulator adenosine from released ATP. However, the association of ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase with nerve terminals is not consensual. Only enzyme histochemical and biochemical studies, but not immunocytochemical studies, agree on a general synaptic location of the enzyme. To clarify this issue further we tested the effect of an antibody against ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase, previously used in immunocyto‐chemical studies, on the activity of ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase in fractions of nerve terminals isolated from different areas of rat hippocampus. The specific activity of extracellular AMP catabolism was higher in synaptosomes from the CA3 area (0.81 ± 0.06 nmol/min/mg of protein) than from synaptosomes from the CA1 area or the dentate gyrus or from the whole hippocampus (0.49‐0.68 nmol/min/mg of protein). The catabolism of AMP (10 μM) was equally inhibited (85‐92%) in synaptosomes from whole hippocampus, CA1, CA3, or dentate gyrus by α,β‐methylene‐ADP (100 μM) and equally unaffected by p‐nitrophenyl phosphate (0.5 mM) or rabbit IgGs (100 μg/ml). However, the antiserum against ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase (100 μg/ml) inhibited extracellular AMP catabolism by 44% in CA3 synaptosomes but had little or no effect in synaptosomes from CA1, dentate gyrus, or whole hippocampus. A similar difference in the inhibitory potential of the antibody was observed between fractions of isolated 5′‐nucleotidase binding to concanavalin A‐Sepharose (70%) and fractions not retained by the lectin column (18%). Taken together, these results suggest that immunological isoforms of ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase exist in the rat hippocampal nerve terminals, with predominance in the CA3 area.
By Reducing Production of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Octreotide Improves the Peritoneal Vascular Alterations Induced by Hypertonic Peritoneal Dialysis Solution

Objective Chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) may eventually result in vascular alterations of varying degree, which lead to progressive reduction in dialytic efficacy. Although the pathogenesis has not been elucidated yet, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been proposed to play a central role in the process leading to vascular alterations. Design Rats were allocated to three groups: no treatment, intraperitoneal introduction of hypertonic PD solution alone, and intraperitoneal introduction of hypertonic PD solution plus octreotide. After 4 weeks, a 1-hour peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was performed. Dialysate-to-plasma urea ratio (D/P urea), glucose reabsorption (D1/D0 glucose), ultrafiltration volume (UF), and levels of dialysate protein and VEGF were determined. Peritoneal membrane histology was evaluated by light microscopy. Results Compared with the control group, rats treated with hypertonic PD solution showed dramatically deranged peritoneal function tests (UF: 5.8 ± 0.9 mL vs 1.3 ± 0.6 mL; D/P urea: 0.49 ± 0.1 vs 0.74 ± 0.04; D1/D0 glucose: 0.55 ± 0.05 vs 0.34 ± 0.06) and morphology (thickness: 4.6 ± 0.4 μ vs 62 ± 12 μ; neovascularisation: 0.1 ± 0.3 vessels per field vs 2.2 ± 0.3 vessels per field). Similarly, a higher level of VEGF was found in the rats treated with hypertonic PD solution. In rats treated with hypertonic solution plus octreotide, peritoneal thickness was not completely reduced (25 ± 5 μ), but peritoneal functions were protected (UF: 4.0 ± 0.5 mL; D/P urea: 0.58 ± 0.02; D1/D0 glucose: 0.51 ± 0.02). Moreover, VEGF level and neoangiogenesis were significantly less in the octreotide group than in the group treated with hypertonic dextrose alone. Conclusion Our data document that, by increasing the production of VEGF, a high glucose concentration can cause vascular alterations within the peritoneal membrane. Octreotide can protect against the vascular alterations and preserve peritoneal function by inhibiting overexpression of VEGF and regulating the inflammatory response in the peritoneum.
Theta Oscillations Modulate Attentional Search Performance Periodically

Visual search—finding a target element among similar-looking distractors—is one of the prevailing experimental methods to study attention. Current theories of visual search postulate an early stage of feature extraction interacting with an attentional process that selects candidate targets for further analysis; in difficult search situations, this selection is iterated until the target is found. Although such theories predict an intrinsic periodicity in the neuronal substrates of attentional search, this prediction has not been extensively tested in human electrophysiology. Here, using EEG and TMS, we study attentional periodicities in visual search. EEG measurements indicated that successful and unsuccessful search trials were associated with different amounts of poststimulus oscillatory amplitude and phase-locking at ∼6 Hz and opposite prestimulus oscillatory phase at ∼6 Hz. A trial-by-trial comparison of pre- and poststimulus ∼6 Hz EEG phases revealed that the functional interplay between prestimulus brain states, poststimulus oscillations, and successful search performance was mediated by a partial phase reset of ongoing oscillations. Independently, TMS applied over occipital cortex at various intervals after search onset demonstrated a periodic pattern of interference at ∼6 Hz. The converging evidence from independent TMS and EEG measurements demonstrates that attentional search is modulated periodically by brain oscillations. This periodicity is naturally compatible with a sequential exploration by attention, although a parallel but rhythmically modulated attention spotlight cannot be entirely ruled out.
The Effects of School Principals’ Trust in Teachers on School Climate

Article History: Received 19.02. 2017 Received in revised form 06.05. 2017 Accepted 27.05. 2017 Available online 01.10. 2017 The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of school principals’ trust in teachers on the school climate from the perspective of the teachers. The qualitative aspect of this study that has been conducted based on exploratory mixed method relies on phenomenological research design, while its quantitative aspect relies on the descriptive survey method based on general survey model, causal-comparative design and relational design. The purposive sampling method of the maximum variation sampling was used in the qualitative aspect of this study and the study group consisted of 24 principals and 27 teachers. The quantitative sample of this study consists of 600 teachers being selected based on stratified sampling method. While the qualitative data of this study was collected through semi-structured interviews, the quantitative data was gathered via “Scale for Determining the Trust Level of Principals In Teacher” and “School Climate Scale”. The qualitative data was analysed by using descriptive and content analyses, and the quantitative data was analysed by using descriptive statistical analyses, t-test, Single Direction Variance Analysis, Multi Linear Regression Analysis. As a result of the study, it has been determined that qualitative and quantitative findings obtained with regard to the effect of principals' trust in teachers on the school climate show consistency and that qualitative findings can be generalized for a larger sample group. © 2018 IOJES. All rights reserved
Cellular life histories and bow tie biology

Considering the life‐long influences of fetal growth biology, it is of interest to further elucidate the nature of the fetal growth process itself. Previous analyses of longitudinal fetal ultrasound data led to the hypothesis that hypoxia signals were important aspects of normal growth biology and directed attention to the place of oxygen as a basic nutrient. From the perspective of the cell, both hypoxia and lack of energy substrate trigger a common adaptive pathway through their effects on ATP availability. Comparative data from animal studies and cell culture provide evidence for an integrated energy/oxygen signaling system that acts redundantly and hierarchically with cellular differentiation programs, providing opportunities for developmental flexibility in response to variable ecologic or environmental challenge. The multinodal and interactive design of the fetal growth process suggests that it follows what has been described as the “bow tie” model of metabolism, with implications for robust and inventive approaches to cell, organ, and whole organism construction. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 17:66–80, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glenohumeral subluxation, scapula resting position, and scapula rotation after stroke: a noninvasive evaluation.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether scapular downward tilt (ScDT) and dynamic scapular lateral rotation (ScLR) in subjects with and without stroke is associated with subluxation, and to prove the reliability of a Scapula Locator System in an elderly population. DESIGN Repeated measures of ScLR by 2 observers. SETTING Outpatient rehabilitation department of a district general hospital. PARTICIPANTS To test device reliability, 5 healthy men (mean age +/- standard deviation, 72 +/- 5 yr). To test scapula position, 30 stroke patients (19 men, 11 women; mean age, 73 +/- 6 yr) and 15 healthy controls (12 men, 3 women; mean age, 62 +/- 6 yr). INTERVENTIONS The control subjects' ScDT was compared with stroke subjects' ScDT after stratification according to 3 patterns of ScLR symmetry and the presence of palpable glenohumeral subluxation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES For device reliability, 3-way analysis of variance. For scapula position, triangulated location by Scapula Locator System of acromion, inferior angle, and root of the scapular spine; then measurement of scapula motion to determine symmetry, lag, or lead. RESULTS The inter- and intraobserver reliability of the Scapula Locator System device was high (1% of variance each). Normal ScDT was positive (left side: 10.94 degrees +/- 2.62 degrees; right side: 9.69 degrees +/- 4.36 degrees ), indicating a downward-facing glenoid fossa. This finding was unchanged by stroke (10.46 degrees +/- 2.42 degrees ). All controls and 16 stroke subjects had symmetry between shoulders for ScLR rate and ScDT. Two other patterns (p <.01) of ScLR were found after stroke: 8 subjects had a slower rate of affected arm ScLR (lag) with a correspondingly greater ScDT on the affected side (2.61 degrees +/- 6.7 degrees ); 6 subjects had a faster rate of affected arm ScLR (lead) but with an upward-facing glenoid fossa on the affected side (ScDT: -11.84 degrees +/- 8.48 degrees ). No significant inter- or intrasubject difference in ScDT existed in the 6 cases of glenohumeral subluxation. CONCLUSIONS The scapula normally tilts downward with or without stroke. The effect of stroke is similar on tonic (ScDT) and phasic (ScLR) control of scapula position. Subluxation is not linked with a particular scapular resting position after stroke.
Neuronal and glial alterations in the cerebellar cortex of maternally deprived rats: Gender differences and modulatory effects of two inhibitors of endocannabinoid inactivation

Adult animals submitted to a single prolonged episode of maternal deprivation (MD) [24 h, postnatal day 9–10] show behavioral alterations that resemble specific symptoms of schizophrenia. Accordingly, this experimental procedure has been proposed as an animal model of schizophrenia based on the neurodevelopmental hypothesis. We have recently reported that MD‐induced sex‐dependent alterations in the hippocampus of neonatal rats. In view of recent evidence for important implications of the cerebellum in neurodevelopmental psychiatric diseases, we have now addressed possible degenerative changes in the cerebellar cortex of neonatal Wistar rats of both genders. To evaluate the presence of degenerated nerve cells, we used Fluoro‐Jade C staining and for the study of astrocytes, we employed glial fibrillary acidic protein. Further, we analyzed the modulatory actions of two inhibitors of endocannabinoids inactivation, the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor N‐arachidonoyl‐serotonin, AA‐5‐HT, and the endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitor, OMDM‐2 (daily subcutaneous injections during the postnatal period 7–12). The animals were sacrificed at postnatal Day 13. MD induced significant increases in the number of Fluoro‐Jade C positive cells (indicative of degenerating neurons) and in the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein positive cells, only in males. The two cannabinoid compounds reversed or attenuated these effects. The present results provide new insights regarding the psycopathological implications of the cerebellum, the role of the endocannabinoid system in neural development, and the possible neurodevelopmental basis of gender differences in schizophrenia. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008
Voice through exit: Changing working conditions by independent contractors’ participation

In the course of worldwide reforms in health care systems, flexible employment is of increasing relevance in medicine and also includes the highly skilled workforce of hospital physicians. With reference to Hirschman’s seminal work on exit, voice and loyalty, this article analyzes the phenomenon of deploying locum tenens physicians as independent contractors in hospitals. The results of two qualitative empirical studies drawing on 30 qualitative interviews show conditions and consequences of exit–voice–loyalty behavior on different levels. On the meso level of organizations, locum tenens physicians help to enforce improvements in everyday hospital practices because as independent contractors, they gain a new, more autonomous position – they receive voice through exit.