Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adolescent chronic illness: a qualitative study of psychosocial adjustment.

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychosocial issues facing young people living with a chronic medical condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS Subjects were young people with a range of medical conditions who were on a waiting list to participate in the Chronic Illness Peer Support programme at the Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Young people agreed to in-depth interviews which were taped and transcribed. Thematic analysis was undertaken by two researchers working independently. RESULTS Thirty-five young people were interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed five broad themes: control (in control, under control, out of control); emotional reactions (happiness, frustration, anger, sadness, anxiety); acceptance (of illness, of others, of self); coping strategies, and; a search for meaning. The importance of social connections was emphasised. While illustrating the difficulties of managing a chronic medical condition during adolescence, a generally positive message emerges about these young people. CONCLUSIONS Many young people with chronic illness appear relatively resilient in the face of the adjustment challenges presented by their illness. Interventions that allow a young person to explore meaning, build self-esteem, and acceptance through positive social connections are likely to improve adjustment outcomes in this group.
Survey on forecast bias (analysts and earnings)*

Abstract This literature review surveys some of the main topics regarding analysts and earnings. My primary focus is on analyst forecast bias by highlighting the various incentives, biases, and weightings that can influence the accuracy of analysts’ forecasts. I then demonstrate some of the factors that can influence analysts’ overall accuracy, specifically their career concerns, the tendency for analysts to herd, and information weighting. I study the effect of new regulations and reforms passed in the early 2000s on analysts, brokerage house earnings, and forecast bias.
Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Blocker Rimonabant (SR 141716) for Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: Results From a Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial

Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the endocannabinoid system is implicated in the development of alcohol dependence. In addition, in animal models, the cannabinoid receptor 1 blocker rimonabant was found to decrease alcohol consumption, possibly by indirect modulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. This was a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study to assess the possible efficacy of the cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonist rimonabant 20 mg/d (2 × 10 mg) in the prevention of relapse to alcohol in recently detoxified alcohol-dependent patients. A total of 260 patients were included, 258 were exposed to medication, and 208 (80.6%) were men. Patients had an alcohol history of 15 years on average. More patients in the rimonabant group (94/131 [71.8%]) completed treatment compared with the placebo group (79/127 [62.2%]). Although there was a modest effect of rimonabant with respect to relapse rate, there were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups. Approximately 41.5% of the rimonabant group had relapsed to drinking at the end of the study compared with 47.7% of the placebo group (obtained from Kaplan-Meier-curve). Differences were more marked but not statistically significant in patients who relapsed to heavy drinking: 27.7% versus 35.6%, respectively. Safety and tolerance of the drug were good. Similar rates of adverse events were reported between the 2 groups; less patients experienced serious events or discontinued the treatment with rimonabant compared with placebo. Rates of depression-related events were low (3.8% with rimonabant compared with 1.6% with placebo). Patients on rimonabant lost weight (Mean, −1.7 kg) compared with baseline, whereas there was no such change in the placebo group. Weight loss was more pronounced in patients with a higher body mass index. In addition, there was a significant decrease in leptin levels in the rimonabant group compared with baseline. Lack of efficacy in this study may be explained by a very high response rate in the placebo group and a relatively short treatment duration. Taking the substantial numbers of animal studies suggesting a possible role of CB1 antagonists for the treatment of alcohol dependence into account, it seems worthwhile to further test cannabinoid blockers in the treatment of alcoholism.
Adsorption of mycoplasma virus P1 to host cells

The adsorption of mycoplasma virus P1, a virus which infects some strains of Mycoplasma pulmonis, to host cells was examined. Mutants of M. pulmonis to which P1 virus did not adsorb were isolated. Proteins from the mutants and from wild-type cells were compared by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the only observed difference was in the surface antigen V-1. The electrophoretic properties of V-1 also correlated with the host range of the virus. These data strongly suggest that the V-1 antigen affects adsorption of P1 virus to host cells.
Is Roger Federer more loss averse than Serena Williams?

ABSTRACT Using data from the high-stakes 2013 Dubai professional tennis tournament, we find that, compared with a tied score, (i) male players have a higher serve speed and thus exhibit more effort when behind in score, and their serve speeds get less sensitive to losses or gains when score difference gets too large, and (ii) female players do not change their serve speed when behind, while serving slower when ahead. Thus, male players comply more with Prospect Theory exhibiting more loss aversion and reflection effect. Our results are robust to controlling for player fixed effects and characteristics with player random effects.
Applications of the Dirichlet-to-Neumann Boundary Operator in Transmission Line Modeling

The DtN operator is a useful tool in the characterization of interconnect structures. In combination with the Method of Moments, it can be used for transmission line modeling or to directly determine the internal impedance of conductors. This paper presents a new calculation method for the Dirichlet-to-Neumann (DtN) boundary operator, in the important case of a rectangular block, based on the superposition of slab waveguide modes. Especially for its non-differential form, some numerical issues need to be addressed. It is further explained how the DtN operator can be determined for composite blocks. The theory is illustrated by some numerical examples.
The pattern of excitation of human lower limb motoneurones by probable group II muscle afferents

1 Heteronymous group II effects were investigated in the human lower limb. Changes in firing probability of single motor units in quadriceps (Q), biceps (Bi), semitendinosus (ST), gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and tibialis anterior (TA) were studied after electrical stimuli between 1 and 3 times motor threshold (MT) applied to common peroneal (CP), superficial (SP) and deep (DP) peroneal, Bi and GM nerves in those nerve‐muscle combinations without recurrent inhibition. 2 Stimulation of the CP and Bi nerves evoked in almost all of the explored Q motor units a biphasic excitation with a low‐threshold early peak, attributable to non‐monosynaptic group I excitation, and a higher threshold late peak. When the CP nerve was cooled (or the stimulation applied to a distal branch, DP), the increase in latency was greater for the late than for the early peak, indicating that the late excitation is due to stimulation of afferents with a slower conduction velocity than group I fibres, presumably in the group II range. In ST motor units the group II excitation elicited by stimulation of the GM and SP nerves was particularly large and frequent, and the non‐monosynaptic group I excitation was often replaced by an inhibition. 3 A late group II‐induced excitation from CP to Q motoneurones and from GM and SP to ST motoneurones was also observed when using the H reflex as a test. 4 The electrical threshold and conduction velocity of the largest diameter fibres evoking the group II excitation were estimated to be 2·1 and 0·65 times those of the fastest Ia afferents, respectively. In the combinations tested in the present investigation the group II input seemed to be primarily of muscle origin. 5 The potent heteronymous group II excitation of motoneurones of both flexors and extensors of the knee contrasted with the absence of a group II effect from DP to GM and from GM to TA. In none of the combinations explored was there any evidence for group II inhibition of motoneurones. The possible contribution to postural reactions of the potent group II excitation of thigh motoneurones is discussed.
Psychophysiological responses to digital media: frontal EEG alpha asymmetry during newspaper reading on a tablet versus print

This paper reports the frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) alpha asymmetry, an index of approach/withdrawal motivation, during natural reading of a newspaper on the traditional print medium and a tablet computer. The moderating influences of dispositional behavioral activation system (BAS) and behavioral inhibition system (BIS) sensitivities, demographics, and reading style on frontal asymmetry were examined. Reading the print newspaper induced relatively greater left frontal cortical activation, suggesting higher approach motivation during reading on paper than on a tablet in the presence of moderating effects of personality, reading style, and level of experience with a tablet. In general, higher scores of Drive and Fun Seeking were associated with higher frontal asymmetry when reading on print than on a tablet. Reading style showed also a moderating effect on frontal EEG asymmetry; focused readers experienced greater approach motivation towards the print newspaper. A higher experience with a tablet predicted a lower approach motivation in the tablet reading condition than in the print reading condition. The results show that dispositional BAS sensitivities, reading style, and level of experience with a tablet have moderating influences on approach motivation elicited during reading on digital media, and thus, these human factors should be taken into account when designing interfaces for newspaper applications.
Phonology in Swedish-speaking 3-year-olds born with unilateral cleft lip and palate treated with palatal closure in one or two stages

Abstract Background: Phonological disorders are common in 3-year-olds born with cleft palate compared to non-cleft peers. However, published results have been based on small samples. The purpose was to expand the knowledge on phonology of Swedish-speaking 3-year-olds with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), treated with primary palatal closure in one or two stages. Methods: The phonology of 26 children with UCLP was assessed with percentage consonants correct adjusted for age (PCC-A) and number of consistent phonological simplification processes (NCP) at age 3. Fifteen of the children were treated with minimal incision technique in one stage (OS) at 13 months and 11 with a two-stage closure (TS) with soft palate repair at 4 months and hard palate repair at 12 months. Their results were compared and then merged with previously obtained data from 10 children treated with OS and nine children treated with TS. Finally, the merged results were compared with those of 20 peers without UCLP. Results: No significant differences between the first two groups were found. In the merged results, NCP in the OS group was significantly lower than in the TS group. The UCLP group displayed significantly poorer results on PCC-A and NCP than peers without UCLP. Conclusion: Surgical procedure did not have a clear impact on phonology at age 3 years. Since children with UCLP are at risk of having impaired phonology at age 3, the results confirm the necessity of having both a phonological and articulatory approach when assessing and treating children born with cleft palate.
Nuclear medicine in the preoperative evaluation of epilepsy

The clinical usefulness of nuclear medicine in the preoperative evaluation of epilepsy is highlighted with regard to non-lesional temporal lobe epilepsy, extratemporal epilepsy, bitemporal interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) and in dual pathology and cortical dysgenesis. Ictal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) shows good sensitivities in the correct lateralization of an electroencephalogram-defined epileptic focus in lesional and, to a lesser extent, non-lesional epilepsy. Positron emission tomography (PET) using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose or 11C-flumazenil gives a good detection rate of the seizure onset zone in non-lesional cases and extratemporal epilepsy. The investigation of patients with bitemporal IEDs can confirm the existence of bitemporal seizure onset. For patients with a dual pathology or cortical dysgenesis nuclear medicine offers the opportunity to delineate the existence or extension of abnormalities possibly responsible for the seizure disorder.
Dynamics of the growth–inequality nexus in China: roles of surplus labor, openness, education, and technical change in province-panel analysis†

The paper examines the complex interrelationship between economic growth and the urban–rural income inequality in China by estimating a simultaneous equation system. This study uses a panel data-set that covers 29 provinces from 1988 to 2007, and compares the earlier period with the later period. It finds a robust and positive impact of the rural surplus labor on urban–rural inequality, which is consistent with Lewis’ dual economy theory. Economic growth is found to aggravate the urban–rural inequality in the earlier period, but there is no hard evidence in the later period. This implies that China has not yet, or at least by 2007, entered the second stage of the Kuznets curve. We also find no robust evidence on the impact of the inequality on growth in either period, but find robust evidence on the impact of both foreign direct investment and exports on the increasing inequality during the earlier period, whereas no significant impact in the later period is found. Finally, the spread of education reduced the inequality in the earlier period, but no such impact is robust in the later period.
Collagen binding, elastase production, and slime production associated with coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from bovine intramammary infections

Collagen binding, elastase production, slime production, and associated somatic cell counts were determined with 160 strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from bovine intramammary infections. Mean binding values for type I and II collagen with Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. chromogenes, and S. hyicus strains were 5.8, 6.6, and 7.4 and 4.3, 4.2, and 4.9%, respectively. Eleven of 28 (39.3%) S. epidermidis, 1 of 38 (2.6%) S. chromogenes, and 1 of 94 (1.1%) S. hyicus strains were elastase positive. Slime production was noted with 12 (42.9%) S. epidermidis, 1 (2.6%) S. chromogenes, and 11 (11.7%) S. hyicus strains. No differences in somatic cell counts were observed with type I or type II collagen binding, elastase production, or slime production with S. epidermidis or S. chromogenes. However, somatic cell counts associated with S. hyicus strains with collagen type I binding affinities of greater than 5 and type II binding affinities of greater than 3 were 320.7 x 10(3) compared with 163.9 x 10(3) for strains with lower binding affinities.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characterization of Brain Structure and Function in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Review

Given the predicted increase in prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the coming decades, early detection and intervention in persons with the predementia condition known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is of paramount importance. Recent years have seen remarkable advances in the application of neuroimaging and other biomarkers to the study of MCI. This article reviews the most recent developments in the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to characterize brain changes and to prognosticate clinical outcomes of patients with MCI. The review begins with description of methods and findings in structural MRI research, delineating findings regarding both gross atrophy and microstructural brain changes in MCI. Second, we describe the most recent findings regarding brain function in MCI, enumerating findings from functional MRI and brain perfusion studies. Third, we will make recommendations regarding the current clinical use of MRI in identification of MCI. As a conclusion, we will look to the future of neuroimaging as a tool in early AD detection.
Dual-task gait performance among community-dwelling senior women: the role of balance confidence and executive functions.

BACKGROUND Exploring factors that contribute to dual-task gait performance among seniors is of particular interest in falls prevention because dual-task-related gait changes are associated with increased falls risk. It is unclear currently which specific executive processes are most relevant to dual-task gait performance and whether "balance confidence" is independently associated with dual-task gait performance. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of 140 senior women aged 65-75 years old. Balance confidence was assessed by the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale. Three key executive processes were assessed by standard neuropsychological tests: (i) set shifting, (ii) working memory, and (iii) response inhibition. Dual-task gait performance was assessed by the simple and complex versions of the walking while talking (WWT) test. Two linear regression models were constructed to determine the independent association of executive functions and balance confidence with: (i) simple WWT completion time and (ii) complex WWT completion time. RESULTS Balance confidence was independently associated with both simple and complex WWT completion times after accounting for age, time to walk 40 ft without talking, and global cognition. Set shifting was independently associated with complex WWT completion time; no executive processes were independently associated with simple WWT completion time. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights that balance confidence is independently associated with dual-task gait performance. Furthermore, executive functions do not play a significant role in dual-task gait performance when the concurrent cognitive load is low. Clinicians may need to consider balance confidence and executive functions in the assessment and rehabilitation of dual-task gait performance among community-dwelling seniors.
Preferences for end-of-life treatment: concordance between older adults with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their spouses

ABSTRACT Background: There is considerable debate about the ability of proxies to adequately reflect patients' preferences regarding end-of-life care, when patients are no longer capable of stating their preferences. This study evaluated concordance in end-of-life preferences between patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia and their spouses. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 106 respondents (53 couples) was recruited in two psychogeriatric clinics. Bivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the degree of agreement between the patients' preferences and those of their spouses. Results: Patients were more likely to opt for more treatment than their spouses. Moderate agreement between patients and spouses was evident for preferences regarding end-of-life decisions for the patients. There was little concordance between the wishes of spouses regarding their own preferences and what they wanted for the patient or what the patient wanted. When incorrectly predicting patients' preferences, spouses were more likely to ask for treatment. Conclusions: Our results show that regarding end-of-life preferences for patients, there is moderate agreement between patients and their spouses, but limited evidence for projection of spouses’ preferences on patients (i.e. spouse making a prediction based on own wishes). Potential differences in end-of-life preferences between older adults with MCI or mild dementia and their caregivers should be taken into consideration in the preparation of advance care planning.
Ribavirin small-particle-aerosol treatment of influenza B virus infection

In a randomized double-blind trial of aerosolized ribavirin for the treatment of influenza B virus infection, no significant difference was found in the febrile course or symptom score of the ribavirin-treated versus placebo-treated patients. The apparent lack of efficacy in this study as compared with that in previous studies is unexplained.
Banking Efficiency and Remittances: The Mexican Case

This study examines the efficiency of the Mexican banking industry from 2000 to 2009. Using Data Envelopment Analysis and the production approach (where the number of loans and deposit accounts are considered outputs) I estimate efficiency scores for every state in Mexico. Results show that efficiency scores are on average 0.83 for the whole sample, with a minimum average efficiency score of 0.49. Central states, Mexico, Hidalgo and Michoacan specifically, are on average more efficient than some northeastern and southwestern states. There is high variation in efficiency scores implying high heterogeneity in financial access across Mexico. Furthermore, by identifying two subsamples, high remittance-recipient states and low remittance-recipient states, I find statistically significant differences between efficiency scores. High remittance-recipient states are statistically more efficient than low remittance-recipient states for every year in the sample.
Recruitment and Baseline Characteristics of American Indian Tribal College Students Participating in a Tribal College Tobacco and Behavioral Survey.

INTRODUCTION American Indians (AIs) have the highest cigarette smoking rates of any racial/ethnic group in the United States. Although the overall smoking prevalence in the United States for nonminority populations has decreased over the past several decades, the same pattern is not observed among AIs. The purpose of this observational study was to collect cigarette smoking and related information from American Indian tribal college students to inform tailored interventions. METHODS We conducted a repeated cross-sectional survey of American Indian tribal college students, Tribal College Tobacco and Behavior Survey (TCTABS), with a focus on recruiting all incoming freshman at three participating tribal colleges in the Midwest and Northern Plains regions. A total of 1256 students participated in the baseline surveys between April 2011 and October 2014. RESULTS The overall smoking prevalence of this sample was 34.7%, with differences by region (Northern Plains-44.0% and Midwest-28%). The majority, 87.5% of current smokers reported smoking 10 or less cigarettes per day, 41% reported smoking menthol cigarettes, 52% smoked Marlboro brand, and the mean age of their first cigarette was 14 years. The majority, 62% had made at least one quit attempt in the past year. The overwhelming majority of respondents, regardless of their smoking status, thought that the current smoking prevalence on campus was greater than 41% and approximately one-third believed that it was as high as 61%. CONCLUSIONS Very few studies of smoking have been conducted in this population and results from our study confirm the need for effective interventions. IMPLICATIONS AIs have the highest cigarette smoking rates compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Furthermore, limited studies have examined the epidemiology of cigarette smoking among tribal college students. This study addresses health disparities related to smoking among college students by examining the demographic, cultural, and environmental characteristics of smoking and quitting. Results from this study could lead to the development of a culturally-tailored smoking cessation and prevention program for American Indian tribal college students.