Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Loneliness in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases: The Significance of Invalidation and Lack of Social Support

ABSTRACT Rheumatic diseases affect about 20% of the population, leading to common symptoms such as joint problems, pain, fatigue, and stiffness. Loneliness is prevalent in individuals with rheumatic diseases. This could be due to not receiving social support and being stigmatized and invalidated, which might be most common in fibromyalgia, a rheumatic disease that lacks medical evidence. The aim of this study was to compare loneliness in distinct rheumatic diseases and to examine the association of loneliness with social support and invalidation. Participants were 927 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (n = 152), fibromyalgia (n = 341), osteoarthritis (n = 150), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 171), or systemic diseases (n = 113). They completed online questionnaires including an 11-point Likert scale assessing loneliness, the Illness Invalidation Inventory (3*I; Kool et al., 2010), and the Social Support Survey (SSS; De Boer, Wijker, Speelman, & De Haes, 1996; Sherbourne & Stewart, 1991). Patients with fibromyalgia experienced significantly more loneliness than patients with ankylosing spondylitis and patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Besides being younger, having lower education, and not working, in multiple regression analyses both lack of social support and invalidation were independently correlated with loneliness. This suggests that to decrease loneliness, therapeutic attention should be given to both increasing social support as well as decreasing invalidation in patients with rheumatic diseases, especially in patients with fibromyalgia.
The origin of catecholaminergic inputs to the song control nucleus RA in canaries

&NA; Song control nuclei in oscines receive dense catecholaminergic inputs but their anatomical origin is poorly understood. We analyzed catecholaminergic inputs to the nucleus robustus archistriatalis (RA) in canaries by retrograde tract‐tracing combined with immunocytochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase. In both sexes, dopaminergic inputs to RA come mostly from the A1 1 (mesencephalic central gray) and A10 (area ventralis of Tsai) cell groups but the locus coeruleus and subcoeruleus (A6) also send noradrenergic projections to RA. No input originates in the hypothalamic and in the A5 to A1 catecholaminergic groups. These findings and previous work on the high vocal center (HVc) indicate that the two major nuclei of the motor pathway controlling song production (RA and HVc) receive catecholaminergic inputs of similar origins.
Typing of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains by PCR analysis of inter-IS256 spacer length polymorphisms

IS256 elements are present in multiple copies in the staphylococcal genome, either flanking the transposon Tn4001 or independent of it. PCR-based analysis of inter-IS256 spacer polymorphisms was developed for typing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains. Using SmaI macrorestriction analysis resolved by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) as the reference method for MRSA typing, excellent reproducibility (100%), discriminatory power (97%), and in vivo stability were observed. Good concordance of the results with those of other molecular typing methods was found for two MRSA collections. Inter-IS256 PCR analysis of a U.S. collection of MRSA strains (n = 36), previously characterized by 15 typing methods, showed more limited discrimination. Agreement was 78% with PFGE analysis and 83% with ribotyping (HindIII). Analysis of a second set of Belgian MRSA strains (n = 17), categorized into two widespread epidemic clones by PFGE analysis, showed 65% agreement. For typing of S. epidermidis strains (n = 26), inter-IS256 PCR showed complete typeability (100%) and good discriminatory power (85%). Inter-IS256 PCR analysis is proposed as an efficient molecular typing assay for epidemiological studies of MRSA or S. epidermidis isolates.
Intensity and duration of activity bouts decreases in healthy children between 7 and 13 years of age: a new, higher resolution method to analyze StepWatch Activity Monitor data

Assessment of physical, ambulatory, activity using accelerometer-based devices has been reported in healthy individuals across a wide range of ages, as well as in multiple patient populations. Many researchers who utilize the StepWatch Activity Monitor (SAM) rely on the default settings for data collection and analysis. A comparison was made between the standard output from the SAM software, and a novel method to evaluate all walking bouts using an Intensity-Duration-Volume (I-D-V) model in healthy children aged 7–13. 105 children without impairment wore the SAM for a total of 1691 d. Statistically significant differences were seen between 7-8-9 year olds and 10-11-12 year olds using the I-D-V model that were not seen using the standard SAM software default output. The increased sensitivity of this technique could be critical for observing the effect of various interventions on patients who experience physical limitations. This new analytical model also allows researchers to monitor activity and exercise-type behavior in a way which coincides with exercise prescription by assessing intensity, duration and volume of activity bouts.
Fruit and vegetable access programs and consumption in low-income communities

ABSTRACT States, cities, and communities are implementing a variety of programs to increase access to fruits and vegetables, but relatively little is known about their impact, especially among low-income populations. To determine factors associated with program utilization and fruit and vegetable consumption, we interviewed 217 participants in three types of programs – farmers market Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) incentives, subsidized farm stands, and subsidized produce bag distribution – as well as a comparison group of 90 non-participants, all in King County, Washington. Demographics and utilization differed by program. Participation in the farmers market SNAP incentive program was positively associated with fruit and vegetable consumption.
Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse quantitative elastography: a new noninvasive technique for the evaluation of parotid glands. A preliminary study in controls and in patients with irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

AIM We aim to define the values of the shear wave velocity (SWV) in the normal parotid glands (PG) and to identify the modifications of tissue stiffness in patients with irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty normal parotid glands pertaining to 30 healthy volunteers and 40 pathological parotid glands pertaining to 20 patients who had had underwent radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma were included in this study. The patients underwent a B mode ultrasonography examination and the volume of the parotid gland was determined. A subsequent Acoustic Radiation Forde Impulse Imaging (ARFI) examination was performed and the SWV were determined for the central and the periphery of the glandular parenchyma. RESULTS The mean volume of the gland in the volunteers' group (12.02+/-0.6 ml) was significantly higher than in the group of patients who underwent radiation therapy (10.3+/-0.74 ml) (p<0.0001). The SWV values in the normal group were lower compared to the patients group (1.54+/-0.6 m/s vs. 1.76+/-0.73 m/s, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION Elastography using the ARFI technique constitutes an objective method used for the evaluation of glandular stiffness in both normal and post radiotherapy glands. The SWV values determined in patients who underwent head and neck radiotherapy are increased, indicating a greater tissue stiffness thereby implying a structural transformation of the glandular parenchyma.
Postoperative Radiographs After Pinning of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: Are They Necessary?

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the necessity of early postoperative radiographs after pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures by determining both the percentage of patients who displayed change in fracture fixation and whether these changes affected their outcome. Methods: A series of 643 consecutive patients who underwent operative management of Gartland type II and III fractures at our institution between January 2002 and December 2010 were reviewed. Demographic data were obtained through chart review, including age, sex, extremity, fracture type, and mechanism. Intraoperative fluoroscopic images were compared with postoperative radiographs to identify changes in fracture alignment and pin placement. Results: A total of 643 patients (320 females, 323 males) with a mean age of 6.1 years (range, 1.1 to 16.0) were reviewed. Fifty-seven percent of fractures were classified as type II and 43% were type III. The overall complication rate was 8.8% (57/643). Pin backout or fracture translation was seen in 32 patients (4.9%) at the first postoperative visit. All of these patients sustained type III fractures. One of these patients required further operative management. Patients with changes in pin or fracture alignment did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in time to first postoperative visit (P=0.23), days to pin removal (P=0.07), or average follow-up time (P=0.10). Fracture severity did not correlate with change in alignment (P=0.952). No postoperative neurological complications were observed in patients with alignment changes. Conclusions: Mild alignment changes and pin migration observed in postoperative radiographs after pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures have little effect on clinical management parameters or long-term sequelae. Radiographs can therefore be deferred until the time of pin removal provided adequate intraoperative stability was obtained. Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Photoelectronic Responses in Solution-Processed Perovskite CH$_{\bf 3}$ NH$_{\bf 3}$PbI $_{\bf 3}$ Solar Cells Studied by Photoluminescence and Photoabsorption Spectroscopy

Photoelectronic responses of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 on mesoporous TiO2 electrodes are investigated. On the basis of near-band-edge optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra, the bandgap energy and exciton binding energy as a function of temperature are obtained. The exciton binding energy is much smaller than thermal energy at room temperature, which means that most excitons are thermally dissociated, and optical processes are determined by the photoexcited electrons and holes. We determined the temperature dependence of exciton binding energy, which changes from ~30 meV at 13 K to 6 meV at 300 K. In addition, the bandgap energy and the exciton binding energy show abrupt changes at 150 K due to structural phase transition. Our fundamental optical studies provide essential information for improving the device performance of solar cells based on halide perovskite semiconductors.
Nitrogen fertility effects of alfalfa, pea green manure, and poultry manure on organic wheat productivity in a semiarid climate

ABSTRACT Maintaining soil available nitrogen levels in organic systems is a particularly large challenge in the semiarid inland Pacific Northwest. This study compared the nitrogen fertility effects of alfalfa forage, winter pea green manure, and poultry manure for organic wheat production. Soil inorganic nitrogen and wheat yields were the greatest following poultry manure application and the least following winter pea green manure and alfalfa forage, but winter pea biomass production was positively correlated with wheat yields. Soil total nitrogen (TN) was the greatest following alfalfa, but more research is needed to identify practices that increase the release of nitrogen from legume residues in semiarid organic systems.
The composite dividend tax rate

Dividends often impose taxes on investors. However, as certain prior financial models indicate, they also can produce a tax gain from leverage. Hence the composite marginal dividend tax rate can be specified as the nominal rate minus the offsetting tax gain from leverage. Although this principle has been embedded in theoretical models for more than 40 years, no prior study has examined empirically whether the dividend-induced tax gain from leverage influences dividend policy. We address this empirical void and find dividends decrease in the nominal dividend tax rate and increase in the offsetting tax gain from leverage. In addition, we find the composite tax rate outperforms traditional measures in explaining dividend policy for our full sample of firms. Consistent with prior theory, we also find the composite rate varies in influence according to the financing source for a dividend.
Cingulo-Opercular Function During Word Recognition in Noise for Older Adults with Hearing Loss

Background/Study Context: Adaptive control, reflected by elevated activity in cingulo-opercular brain regions, optimizes performance in challenging tasks by monitoring outcomes and adjusting behavior. For example, cingulo-opercular function benefits trial-level word recognition in noise for normal-hearing adults. Because auditory system deficits may limit the communicative benefit from adaptive control, we examined the extent to which cingulo-opercular engagement supports word recognition in noise for older adults with hearing loss (HL). Methods: Participants were selected to form groups with Less HL (n = 12; mean pure tone threshold, pure tone average [PTA] = 19.2 ± 4.8 dB HL [hearing level]) and More HL (n = 12; PTA = 38.4 ± 4.5 dB HL, 0.25–8 kHz, both ears). A word recognition task was performed with words presented in multitalker babble at +3 or +10 dB signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) during a sparse acquisition fMRI experiment. The participants were middle-aged and older (ages: 64.1 ± 8.4 years) English speakers with no history of neurological or psychiatric diagnoses. Results: Elevated cingulo-opercular activity occurred with increased likelihood of correct word recognition on the next trial (t(23) = 3.28, p = . 003), and this association did not differ between hearing loss groups. During trials with word recognition errors, the More HL group exhibited higher blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) contrast in occipital and parietal regions compared with the Less HL group. Across listeners, more pronounced cingulo-opercular activity during recognition errors was associated with better overall word recognition performance. Conclusion: The trial-level word recognition benefit from cingulo-opercular activity was equivalent for both hearing loss groups. When speech audibility and performance levels are similar for older adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, cingulo-opercular adaptive control contributes to word recognition in noise.
Emergence of Language with Multi-agent Games: Learning to Communicate with Sequences of Symbols

Learning to communicate through interaction, rather than relying on explicit supervision, is often considered a prerequisite for developing a general AI. We study a setting where two agents engage in playing a referential game and, from scratch, develop a communication protocol necessary to succeed in this game. Unlike previous work, we require that messages they exchange, both at train and test time, are in the form of a language (i.e. sequences of discrete symbols). We compare a reinforcement learning approach and one using a differentiable relaxation (straight-through Gumbel-softmax estimator) and observe that the latter is much faster to converge and it results in more effective protocols. Interestingly, we also observe that the protocol we induce by optimizing the communication success exhibits a degree of compositionality and variability (i.e. the same information can be phrased in different ways), both properties characteristic of natural languages. As the ultimate goal is to ensure that communication is accomplished in natural language, we also perform experiments where we inject prior information about natural language into our model and study properties of the resulting protocol.
Digital Connections and Family Practices

I frame my discussion of digital connections and family practices under two headings: (1) intergenerational connections, and (2) connections of sexuality, intimacy, and over fractured spaces. A final section discusses research agendas, focusing on what we know, what we need to know and how to go about knowing. In this I claim for the use of multiple methods to develop knowledge about digital transformations in family practices and beyond, vital for current social sciences.
Midterm Results of Intentional Celiac Artery Coverage During TEVAR for Type B Aortic Dissection

Purpose To report the outcome of intended celiac artery coverage during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection with an intimal tear near the celiac artery (CA) orifice. Methods Between 2007 and 2011, 13 patients (10 men; mean age 61.3 years, range 46–70) with type B aortic dissection underwent primary (n=9) or secondary (n=4) TEVAR with intentional CA coverage. Preoperative imaging was performed to confirm the existence of collateral circulation between the celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery. A short stent-graft was then deployed to cover both the entry tear and the CA. Follow-up was at 2 weeks; 1, 3, and 6 months; and every year thereafter. Preoperative diameters of the true and false lumens at the CA level, 8 cm above the CA, and at the aortic bifurcation, along with the maximum aortic diameter in the dissected segment, were compared to similar measurements at 6 months. Results All stent-graft procedures were successful and without complication. No immediate or delayed endoleak was identified in 8 of 13 patients over a mean 25-month follow-up (range 3–38). The other 5 patients had type II endoleak on completion imaging; these all resolved within 3 months after operation. Postoperative blood liver function and amylase assays were normal in all patients. No abdominal symptoms or signs of spinal cord ischemia were discovered. Expansion of the true lumen after TEVAR was statistically significant vs. at baseline in both groups (primary p<0.001, secondary p=0.023). Both the false lumen and the entire aorta showed signs of shrinkage after TEVAR in the 2 groups as well, although only the secondary group showed significant change (p<0.005) vs. baseline. Conclusion TEVAR with intentional CA coverage is effective in excluding an infradiaphragmatic entry tear near the CA level. The incidence of abdominal ischemia is low if collateral circulation has been confirmed preoperatively. Type II endoleak is a major complication, yet most cease under observation.
Chemical Extraction of Microorganisms from Water‐Saturated, Packed Sediment

Microbial characterization of aquifers should combine collection of suspended and attached microorganisms (biofilms). This study investigated chemical extraction of microorganisms from water‐saturated, packed sediment containing established biofilms. It compares the use of different detachment‐promoting agent (DPA) solutions with tap water as eluent in column experiments. Extraction efficiency was determined from cell concentrations in the column effluent. Adenosine triphosphate concentrations were measured to confirm cell extraction and as an indicator of cell membrane integrity. Quality of extracted bacterial communities was assessed by comparing their terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism profiles with destructively sampled sediment‐community profiles. Extraction efficiency increased more than 8‐fold when deionized water, D‐amino acids, or enzymes were used as a DPA. Community profiles recovered by individual DPA solutions showed more pronounced differences at the level of rare microbial groups, whereas abundant groups appeared ubiquitous across treatments. These results suggest that comparison of communities extracted by different DPAs can provide improved information on the occurrence of rare microbial groups in biofilms.
Antiprothrombin antibodies detected in two different assay systems

Summary We evaluated the clinical significance of aPT and aPS-PT by testing for the presence of these antibodies in 212 SLE patients and in 100 healthy individuals. Results show that anti-prothrombin antibodies were found in 47% of the patients (aPT in 31% and aPS-PT in 31%). Their presence did not correlate with that of aCL, anti-β 2GPI, LA and/or anti-protein S. IgG but not IgM aPT were more frequently found in patients with thrombosis than in those without. IgG and IgM aPS-PT were also more frequent in patients with thrombosis (venous and/or arterial) than in those without. Levels of IgG aPT and IgG and IgM aPS-PT were higher in patients with thrombosis than in those without. Although aPT and aPS-PT were more frequently found in women with adverse obstetric history than in those without, the differences were not statistically significant. More significantly, 48% of the patients with aPL-related clinical features who were negative for standard tests had antiprothrombin antibodies. We can conclude that aPT and aPS-PT are frequently found in SLE. Their presence is associated with thrombosis, making these antibodies potential markers for the APS. Testing for these antibodies could be of clinical benefit in patients who are negative for the routinely used tests.
Property Right Restriction and House Prices

Using a natural experiment in Singapore, we examine the economic impact of temporarily restricting owners’ rights to transfer their property. Executive condominiums (ECs), introduced to address housing affordability for the middle class, are subject to restrictions regarding their transferability within the first ten years, unlike private condominiums. If applying to the option theory, EC buyers have the forward start American put option with the right to sell their properties only after the contract date. Among transacted units matched by location, completion and transaction dates, and complexand unit-level characteristics, we find that prices of new EC units are about 21% lower compared to counterpart private condominiums. At the tenth year, when property right restrictions are fully removed, the price gap between ECs and private condominiums narrows to about 3%. These results suggest that property right restrictions and illiquidity generated by the forward start American put option for 10 years lead to about an 18% discount. An implication for affordable housing policies is that middle-class domestic beneficiaries enjoy initial price discounts.
Full Steam Ahead or Dead in the Water? European Union Environmental Policy after the Economic Crisis

For the EU, environmental policy has been posited as both a source of legitimacy and an opportunity for international leadership. However, concerns have been raised that the 2007–8 economic crisis and its consequences have negatively affected the EU’s environmental ambition. This chapter addresses this issue by comparing the pre-crisis and post-crisis policy intensity of three EU environmental policy subsectors (environment–industry, climate and energy, and air-quality policy) using the Index of Policy Activity (IPA). The results suggest that average policy intensity has increased in these subsectors since the economic crisis. The pre-crisis policy intensity in the climate and energy subsector was significantly lower than environment–industry or air-quality policy, but a rapid increase has led to a post-crisis convergence.