Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constructing European Identity through Mediated Difference: A Content Analysis of Turkey's EU Accession Process in the British Press

An ever expanding and constantly intensifying mass-mediated environment means that we are surrounded by a variety of narratives that shape our sense of identity through mediated notions of difference. The lack of clear boundaries demarcating Europe have made discourses of differentiation particularly important for European identity formation. In the case of European identity, which has been defined historically in contrast to the Eastern frontier, the East continues to be used as an important point of reference for the construction of an opposing Other vis-à-vis Europe today. The empirical part of this research explores the role of mediated Othering in forging European identity, through a quantitative content analysis of British newspaper texts centred on Turkey with a European dimension; in particular, it looks at Turkey’s bid to join the EU. Results show that although the British press communicate an inclusive interpretation of European identity, it continues to portray Turkey in connection with persistent exclusivist perceptions.
Sympathoinhibitory responses to digitalis glycosides in heart failure patients. Direct evidence from sympathetic neural recordings.

Digitalis glycosides exert both excitatory and inhibitory autonomic actions in animals and produce vasoconstriction in normal humans but produce vasodilation in heart failure patients. To determine whether or not these contrasting vascular responses are due to differing autonomic actions of the drug, we compared the responses to intravenous administration of Cedilanid-D (0.02 mg/kg) in eight normal subjects (mean age, 23 +/- 1 years) and eight patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure (mean age, 52 +/- 5 years, NYHA Class III-IV). Hemodynamics and efferent sympathetic nerve activity to muscle (MSNA) were measured during 5-minute periods before (control) and 20 minutes after drug administration. In the heart failure patients, Cedilanid-D significantly increased systolic and pulse pressures, whereas mean arterial pressure was unchanged. There was a decrease in right atrial pressure and a tendency for a decrease in pulmonary artery diastolic pressure with a slowing of heart rate. Cardiac index increased by 24 +/- 7%. Short-term administration of digitalis in these heart failure patients produced a fall in forearm vascular resistance (from 37.6 +/- 8.2 to 31.8 +/- 8.1 units, p less than 0.05) and an early, profound, and sustained decrease in MSNA (from 831.0 +/- 118.4 to 474.4 +/- 103.6 units/100 heart beats, p less than 0.01). Digitalis glycosides produced different vascular and MSNA responses in the normal subjects. In the normal volunteers, the drug significantly increased systolic, mean, and pulse pressures and decreased central venous pressure and heart rate. Despite the significant increase in arterial pressure, there was no change in forearm vascular resistance (from 11.7 +/- 1.0 to 12.7 +/- 1.0 units, p = NS) or MSNA (from 494.8 +/- 88.5 to 369.1 +/- 60.5 units/100 heart beats, p = NS), suggesting a sympathoexcitatory response in normal subjects. To determine whether or not the digitalis-induced sympathoinhibition in the heart failure patients was simply due to an inotropic effect (stimulation of inhibitory cardiac mechanoreceptors), we studied the responses of seven additional patients with heart failure before and during administration of dobutamine (3.4 +/- 0.4 micrograms/kg/min). Dobutamine produced a 34 +/- 3% increase in cardiac index, no significant change in systemic arterial pressures, a decrease in pulmonary artery diastolic and right atrial pressures, and no change in heart rate or forearm vascular resistance (from 30.2 +/- 4.3 to 26.5 +/- 4.7 units, p = NS). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Comparison of the role of nasal polyp and normal nasal mucosal epithelial cells on in vitro eosinophil survival. Mediation by GM–CSF and inhibition by dexamethasone

Eosinophilic infiltration of the respiratory mucosa is considered an inflammatory hallmark of allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and nasal polyposis. However, the mechanisms involved in this infiltration have not yet been totally elucidated. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the influence of epithelial cell secretions from both nasal polyps (NP) and normal nasal mucosa (NM) on in vitro eosinophil survival. Epithelial cells were identified by microscopy; and immunohislochemisiry. cultured to confluence, and human epithelial cell conditioned media (HECM) was generated from cultures. Eosinophits were isolated at high viability and purity (>90%) from peripheral blood and incubated with HECM. HECM from both NM and NP increased eosinophil survival in a dose‐dependent manner, this effect being maximal at a concentration of 25% for NM (73.4%±5.5%, n= 26, P< 0.001) and of 10% for NP (74.5%± 84%n= 18, P < 0.001). Incubation of monoclonal antibody to human GM‐CSF with HECM, neutralized the induction of eosinophil survival by HECM from both NM and NP. HECM from NP contained higher concentrations of GM‐CSF (111 ± 25.4 pg/ml, n= 17) than HECM from NM (97.1 ± 15.2 pg/ml. n= 8). without reaching statistical significance. Pre‐incubation of dexamethasone with eosinophils also blocked HFCM‐induced eosinophil survival from both NM (10−8‐10−5 M; IC50 = 9.5 nM) and NP (10‐7‐10‐5 M; IC50 = 83 nM). These results suggest that: firstly eosinophil infiltration into the respiratory mucosa during allergic reaction and nasal polyposis may be modulated at least in part by GM‐CSF from epithelial cells; and secondly epithelial cells from NP might have a more potent effect on inducing eosinophil infiltration of the respiratory mucosa than epithelial cells from NM. Finally, we may consider this as a reliable in vitro model to compare the role of epithelial cells from inflammatory (NP) and non‐inflammatory (NM) tissue in respiratory inflammation.
Hypomagnesaemia in the first 10 days of severe leptospirosis

Abstract Magnesium imbalance in leptospirosis has, for the most part, been neglected by the medical and leptospirosis communities. In a recent, retrospective study, serum concentrations of magnesium were followed in 15 patients with severe leptospirosis. The results revealed that 14 of the 15 patients developed hypomagnesaemia at some time during the first 10 days of their illness. In severely ill patients, such magnesium deficiency can worsen clinical outcome. Magnesium concentrations may affect a number of organ systems and mental status. Since altered mental status in leptospirosis is a poor prognostic indicator, it is suggested that serum concentrations of magnesium be monitored closely in patients with leptospirosis. Any hypomagnesaemia can then be treated promptly, in an effort to reduce the morbidity and mortality attributable to the disease.
Transformative service research and service design: synergistic effects in healthcare

ABSTRACT This conceptual paper answers the question: How do we design service experiences in whole to increase the well-being of all participants in the healthcare system – patients, families, and caregivers? In order to do so, we position service design as an essential tool and even a mindset needed for transformative service research success. We discuss the transformative role service design plays in improving service and consumer entities’ well-being with a focus on how this approach can lead to improved healthcare service outcomes. We also add to the conversation surrounding service and consumer entities’ well-being by broadening the concept and application of service design to consider social, existential, psychological, and physical well-being. We particularly explore how healthcare services can benefit from further consumer engagement and collaborative patient–provider relationships, two key factors essential for redesigning the industry.
Tertiary graduates in low-wage jobs in Sweden 2003–2012

ABSTRACT Based on Swedish register data from 2003 to 2012, this study attempts to explain over-education and upward mobility among tertiary graduates. Rarely used explanatory factors are central in the analyses, such as ‘still in study’ and ‘field of education’. Tertiary graduates in low-wage jobs are regarded as over-educated. The results of this work suggest that the general increase in graduates correlates well with the increase in over-educated graduates. Many of those who were categorised as over-educated were students, and graduates from some specific fields were particularly vulnerable to working in low-wage jobs. Sixty per cent of the graduates found more suitable jobs, while up to 40 per cent stayed in jobs related to lower wages. Graduates from fields associated with higher risks of over-education were also less likely to experience upward mobility. The increasing occurrence of over-education among graduates may not only result in a substandard utilisation of human capital (and absence of social mobility), it also seems that the presence of large numbers of over-educated graduates in low-paid work may have implications for unskilled workers, through displacement effects.
Multicenter Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Systemic Propranolol in the Treatment of Airway Hemangiomas

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of systemic propranolol in airway infantile hemangioma (AIH) treatment. Design Case series with chart review. Participants Patients with AIH treated with propranolol between 2009 and 2012 with at least a 1-year follow-up. Outcomes Presenting age, treating institution, syndrome presence, presenting AIH stage, endoscopy status, propranolol initiation location/dose/duration, time to stridor resolution, adjunctive medical and surgical therapy, and treatment-associated complications. Results Twenty-seven patients met inclusion criteria. Average age of diagnosis was 2.3 months (range, 1-5 months). The AIHs were stage 1 in 7 of 27 (26%), stage 2 in 12 of 27 (44%), and stage 3 in 8 of 27 (30%). Propranolol initiation was inpatient in 25 of 27 (93%) and outpatient in 2 of 27 (7%). Propranolol dose was maintained at 2 mg/kg/d in all patients for a minimum of 7 months (range, 7-34 months; median, 15 months). Stridor was eliminated within 24 hours or less of propranolol initiation in 23 of 27 (85%). At diagnosis, staging and propranolol initiation in 11 of 27 (41%) were managed with propranolol alone; the remaining 16 of 27 (59%) also had a steroid injection. The use of adjuvant therapy at the time of propranolol initiation and the size of the AIH were not statistically correlated. Twelve patients had additional treatments after the initiation of propranolol due to recurrence of respiratory symptoms, 1 of 27 (4%) of whom was considered a nonresponder. No complications related to propranolol use were noted. Conclusions This multisite study of AIH treatment with propranolol demonstrates similar effectiveness to surgical treatment modalities. Propranolol therapy for AIH had no complications, had potentially lower resource utilization, and should be considered a first-line AIH treatment.
The role of apoptosis in mineralizing murine versus avian micromass culture systems

Chondrocyte apoptosis is thought to be an important step in the calcification of cartilage in vivo; however, there are conflicting reports as to whether or not this apoptosis is a necessary precursor to mineralization. The goal of this study was to determine whether or not apoptosis is necessary for mineralization in an in vitro murine micromass model of endochondral ossification. C3H10T1/2 murine mesenchymal stem cells were plated in micromass culture in the presence of 4 mM inorganic phosphate with the addition of the apoptogens, camptothecin, or staurosporine, to induce apoptosis. The rate and total accumulation of mineralization was measured with 45Ca uptake. In these studies, both apoptogens increased the rate of mineralization, with staurosporine increasing 45Ca accumulation by about 2.5 times that of controls and camptothecin increasing total amounts of mineralization about 1.5 times that of controls. Inhibiting cell apoptosis with the caspase inhibitor, ZVAD‐fmk, to prevent apoptosis, caused slower rates of 45Ca uptake; however, total amounts of 45Ca accumulation reached the same values by day 30 of culture. FTIR data showed mineralization in all samples treated with 4 mM inorganic phosphate, with the highest mineral to matrix ratios in the camptothecin treated samples. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 653–658, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MR imaging of hepatic iron overload in rat

To investigate the relationship of hepatic signal intensity and T2 with histologic grading in an animal model of oral iron overload and to determine the duration of feeding necessary to produce abnormalities detectable on magnetic resonance (MR) images, hepatic iron overload was induced in 12 rats by feeding them a diet supplemented with 4% car‐bonyl iron for 2–11 weeks. Iron overload seen on MR images was graded independently and blindly by two radiologists as normal, mild, moderate, or severe. The rats were killed, and histologic findings were graded blindly by four pathologists using a similar subjective scale. Hepatic T2 values were estimated from spin‐echo images. In the rats with iron overload, intracellular iron deposition was noted on histologic studies. On MR images, hepatic signal intensity and T2 decreased after only 2 weeks of dietary iron overload, and both continued to decrease with longer duration of feeding. There was significant correlation between iron overload duration and changes on MR images and between MR images and histologic grading (r =.92, P =.0001 for both). The mean T2 of hepatic iron overload decreased with longer duration of feeding.
Factors impacting musculoskeletal knowledge and clinical confidence in graduating medical students.

BACKGROUND Despite the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, the degree to which medical schools are providing students with the knowledge and confidence to treat these problems is unclear. This study evaluated the factors that impact musculoskeletal knowledge and clinical confidence among fourth-year medical students. METHODS Over a three-year period, 253 fourth-year medical students participated in the study at a single institution. Musculoskeletal knowledge was evaluated using a National Board of Medical Examiners' musculoskeletal medicine subject examination. Factors analyzed included sex, class year, musculoskeletal elective experience, duration of musculoskeletal elective, career choice, and musculoskeletal curriculum satisfaction. RESULTS The participation rate was 95%. The mean National Board of Medical Examiners' musculoskeletal assessment score (and standard deviation) was 70.7 ± 9.5 points for all fourth-year medical students. Taking a musculoskeletal elective significantly increased knowledge (p < 0.001) but not clinical confidence. Increased satisfaction with how musculoskeletal medicine was taught was associated with increased clinical confidence (p < 0.001). No significant differences were seen if students were going into musculoskeletal medicine or primary care for either musculoskeletal knowledge or clinical confidence. Multivariate analysis of musculoskeletal knowledge found that taking a musculoskeletal elective for two weeks led to an increase of 6 points (from a possible 100 points) in the National Board of Medical Examiners' subject examination scores. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that participation in a clinical elective is the only factor that led to a significant increase in musculoskeletal knowledge in fourth-year medical students. A two-week clinical elective can be sufficient time to have an impact on musculoskeletal knowledge, but it alone does not increase clinical confidence. Further studies are needed to determine how to improve musculoskeletal clinical confidence.
Treatment of Recurrent or Metastatic Low-Grade Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma: Three Case Reports

Background: The treatment of recurrent or metastatic low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LG-ESS) is still controversial. Recurrent disease mainly develops in the lung or in the pelvis. When the evidence of extrauterine tumor extension exists, debulking is recommended. Responses to hormonal therapy have been reported, because of the presence of estrogen and progestin receptors. Also chemotherapy has been used, but the percentage of response is low. Cases: Three patients with lung and pelvic localization of LG-ESS are reported. The first patient showed lung relapse 22 months after pelvic surgery. The second patient developed pelvic and abdominal recurrences, managed by surgery, 33 months after primary treatment and a subsequent lung recurrence 11 years later. The third patient had lung metastases at the primary diagnosis. All these patients underwent hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and exeresis of lung recurrences. Our 3 patients were all treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate for long periods. They all presented regression or stabilization of metastatic lesions. At present, they are alive and without any evidence of disease (39, 70, and 28 months). Conclusions: In LG-ESS, the combined treatment of surgery and progestin therapy is effective in achieving both local and distant disease control. Metastatic lesions, especially pulmonary lesions, seem to benefit from surgical removal, followed by progestin therapy. Hormonal therapy should be maintained for an indefinite period. On account of the long period existing between primary tumor and recurrent disease, a long-term follow-up is always recommended after the primary treatment.
Temporal Dynamics of CD8+ T Cell Effector Responses during Primary HIV Infection

The loss of HIV-specific CD8+ T cell cytolytic function is a primary factor underlying progressive HIV infection, but whether HIV-specific CD8+ T cells initially possess cytolytic effector capacity, and when and why this may be lost during infection, is unclear. Here, we assessed CD8+ T cell functional evolution from primary to chronic HIV infection. We observed a profound expansion of perforin+ CD8+ T cells immediately following HIV infection that quickly waned after acute viremia resolution. Selective expression of the effector-associated transcription factors T-bet and eomesodermin in cytokine-producing HIV-specific CD8+ T cells differentiated HIV-specific from bulk memory CD8+ T cell effector expansion. As infection progressed expression of perforin was maintained in HIV-specific CD8+ T cells with high levels of T-bet, but not necessarily in the population of T-betLo HIV-specific CD8+ T cells that expand as infection progresses. Together, these data demonstrate that while HIV-specific CD8+ T cells in acute HIV infection initially possess cytolytic potential, progressive transcriptional dysregulation leads to the reduced CD8+ T cell perforin expression characteristic of chronic HIV infection.
Learning to rank for bug report assignee recommendation

Projects receive a large number of bug reports, and resolving these reports take considerable time and human resources. To aid developers in the resolution of bug reports, various automated techniques have been proposed to identify and recommend developers to address newly reported bugs. Two families of bug assignee recommendation techniques include those that recommend developers who have fixed similar bugs before (a.k.a. activity-based techniques) and those recommend suitable developers based on the location of the bug (a.k.a. location-based techniques). Previously, each of these techniques has been investigated separately. In this work, we propose a unified model that combines information from both developers' previous activities and suspicious program locations associated with a bug report in the form of similarity features. We have evaluated our proposed approach on more than 11,000 bug reports from Eclipse JDT, Eclipse SWT and ArgoUML projects. Our experiments show that our unified model can outperform a location-based baseline by Anvik et al. and an activity-based baseline by Shokripour et al. In terms of correct recommendations at top-1 position, our unified model outperforms the activity-based baseline 50.0%-100.0%, and the location-based baseline by 11.1%-27.0%.
The Stabilizing Role of Net Foreign Asset Returns

With the rapid growth of countries' foreign asset and liability positions over the last two decades, financial returns on those positions ('NFA returns') have become material drivers of current accounts and net stock positions. This paper documents the relative importance of NFA return versus trade channels in driving NFA dynamics, for a sample of 52 economies over 1990-2015. While persistent trade imbalances have been a strong force leading to diverging NFA positions, NFA returns have played an important stabilizing role, mitigating NFA divergence. The stabilizing role of NFA returns primarily reflects the response of asset prices, rather than yield differentials or exchange rates. There is also evidence of heterogeneity in the speed of NFA adjustment, with emerging market economies adjusting more rapidly than advanced economies, and reserve-currency countries adjusting more slowly than others. The paper also documents the role of NFA returns as insurance against domestic and global income shocks, with a focus on reserve-currency countries.
Relationship between sexual function, body mass index and levels of sex steroid hormones in young men.

INTRODUCTION In older men, sexual disorders may be the result of a decrease in testosterone and an increase in sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) serum levels. Although obesity may enhance the decline of testosterone, it is also the cause of metabolic disorders, which are additional risk factors of erectile dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether elevated body weight is associated with decreased serum testosterone concentrations and reduced sexual function in young men. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data on general health, medication, depressive symptomatology and sexual life was obtained from 136 men aged 20-49 years. Blood levels of LH, total testosterone (TT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), oestradiol, SHBG, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides were determined. Body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and free testosterone index (FTI) were calculated. RESULTS A significantly reduced occurrence of sexual fantasies, morning erections and erectile function scores was observed in the oldest group compared to the youngest men with normal BMI, although orgasmic function was unchanged. A significant decrease in TT serum levels was observed in obese 30-year-olds compared to men with normal BMI, while in obese 40-year-olds decreased LH and SHBG levels were also found. No differences in the levels of lipids and sexual achievements were found among men with different BMI. However, erectile function and morning erections significantly negatively correlated with age, BMI and WHR, and positively with FTI, but not with other studied hormones and lipids. CONCLUSIONS In young men, obesity can lead to a deterioration of erectile function as a result of lower testosterone levels as the only reason.