Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The relationship of MS to physical trauma and psychological stress: report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.

To the Editor: I was shocked to see the Special Article on the relationship of MS to physical trauma and psychological stress.1 As a member of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee, I had been under the impression that I would not only have an opportunity to review the final version of the report, but also to file a dissent or minority report. The simple notice that I had reviewed the report implies approval and fails to indicate my strong disagreement with its content. The final draft includes none of my comments on preliminary versions to Dr. Goodin, nor does it cite any of the important references in support of my position that certain types of trauma to the head, neck, and upper back, in some MS patients, results in the appearance or recurrence of the symptoms of MS. Although it is true that most of my papers on the subject are cited in the references, they are quickly dismissed without any allusion to their content or detailed documentation. Sadly, no epidemiologic study has ever been conducted on the most frequent form of trauma responsible for the appearance or recurrence of MS symptoms, the whiplash injury, which results from the often overlooked or forgotten, and rarely asked about, rear-end collision. None of the three epidemiologic studies cited in the report2–4 mention such injuries. Unfortunately, Goodin et al. ignored the seminal publications by Brain and Wilkinson5 and by Oppenheimer6 on the relationship between cervical spondylosis and cervical plaques. I had sent Dr. Goodin pictures of cervical MRIs of MS patients showing the direct geographical relationship between cord compression and cervical plaques, clearly confirming the Brain and Wilkinson and Oppenheimer hypotheses. Cervical cord plaques appearing at the site of compression by spondylosis were first reported by Thomas et al.7 and by Poser.8 Similar images have since appeared in my Atlas of Multiple Sclerosis.9 Finally, I must express my concern about the motivation for the study and its publication; I fail to discern any remotely possible relationship to the practice of neurology and the care of the MS patient. The report will, of course, be of enormous help to lawyers defending insurance companies against the claims of disabled MS patients whose disease suddenly and inexplicably became worse shortly after what the AAN has ruled to be a totally irrelevant head or neck injury.
The Impact of Relational Marketing Bonds on Retailers' Economic and Social Satisfaction

In the literature on channel relationships, there is a complex and hostile relationship between manufacturers and large retailers, especially given the growing strength of retail organizations in the global context. This study thus examines (a) the impacts of relational marketing bonds on economic and social satisfaction and (b) the role of economic satisfaction in the relationships between relational marketing bonds and social satisfaction in the manufacturer–retailer relationship. This quantitative study presents empirical findings from a survey of 140 large retailers using partial least squares. The results revealed that organizational bonds, but not interpersonal bonds, were crucial in affecting retailers' economic satisfaction. Meanwhile, interpersonal bonds were crucial in affecting retailers' social satisfaction. The results also provided strong evidence of the relationship between retailers' economic and social satisfaction as well as the crucial role of economic satisfaction as a mediator between organizational bonds and social satisfaction. Theoretical and managerial implications are extracted from these findings.
Medications Adherence and Associated Factors among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence to anti-diabetic medications among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) seeking medical care in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 369 primary care patients with type 2 DM from October to December 2016. Adherence to medications was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4). Socio-demographic and clinical variables, provider–patient relationship, health literacy, and health belief were examined for each patient. Univariate, binary logistic regression and multiple linear regression were applied to determine the independent factors influencing adherence to anti-diabetic medications using SPSS version 22. Results Of all the respondents, 214 (58%), 146 (39.5%), and nine (2.5%) had high (MMAS score = 0), medium (MMAS score = 1 + 2), and low (MMAS score ≥ 3) adherence to anti-diabetic medications, respectively. Factors that were independently associated with adherence to anti-diabetic medications were as follows: female gender [odds ratio (OR): 1.657, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.065–2.578] and perception of disease’s severity (OR: 1.510, 95% CI: 0.410–5.560). Elderly (t = 1.345) and longer duration of DM (t = 0.899) were also predictors of adherence but showed no statistical significance (p > 0.05). Conclusion The level of complete adherence to anti-diabetic medications was sub-optimal. New strategies that aim to improve patients’ adherence to their therapies are necessary taking into consideration the influencing factors and the importance of having diabetes educators in the primary care centers.
A parameter-dependent Lyapunov function for a polytope of matrices

A new sufficient condition for a polytope of matrices to be Hurwitz-stable is presented. The stability is a consequence of the existence of a parameter-dependent quadratic Lyapunov function, which is assured by a certain linear constraint for generating extreme matrices of the polytope. The condition can be regarded as a duality of the known extreme point result on quadratic stability of matrix polytopes, where a fixed quadratic Lyapunov function plays the role. The obtained results are applied to a polytope of second-degree polynomials for illustration.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 1 The Relationship between Academic Self-Concept and Achievement in High School and Risky Sexual Behavior in College-Aged Females Over Time Senior Honors Thesis

Using data from the Michigan Study of Adolescent Life Transitions (N=744), this study examines the connection between academic self-concept, academic achievement and risky sexual behavior in college-aged females over time. The current study investigated three hypotheses: 1) academic achievement at Time 1 will be negatively related to risky sexual behavior Time 2, 2) academic self-concept at Time 1 will be negatively related to risky sexual behavior at Time 2, and 3) academic self-concept will moderate the relationship between academic achievement and risky sexual behavior. The association between academic self-concept, achievement, and risky sexual behavior was tested using a hierarchical regression, controlling for student socioeconomic status and grade level. Risky sexual behavior was measured with three scales: frequency of having unprotected sex, risky sexual behaviors and attitudes and using protection during sexual intercourse. Academic self-concept was assessed via academic ability self-concept and academic dissatisfaction. Results indicated that academic achievement and self-concept were linked to certain risky sexual outcomes. Moreover, a significant interaction between academic dissatisfaction, academic performance, and sexual behaviors and attitudes was found. Implications for the importance of studying these aspects in late adolescent females are discussed.
The Use of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in the Evaluation of Racial Differences in Blood Pressure

Ethnic differences in 24 h blood pressure profiles exist, and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring shows that blacks have a higher nocturnal blood pressure associated with a small diurnal change in pressure. Studies in adolescents suggest that these diurnal differences antedate adulthood. Nocturnal blood pressure may be independently important in the pathogenesis of left ventricular hypertrophy.
Asymptotic Expansions for Higher-Order Scalar Difference Equations

We give an asymptotic expansion of the solutions of higher-order Poincaré difference equation in terms of the characteristic solutions of the limiting equation. As a consequence, we obtain an asymptotic description of the solutions approaching a hyperbolic equilibrium of a higher-order nonlinear difference equation with sufficiently smooth nonlinearity. The proof is based on the inversion formula for the z -transform and the residue theorem.
Laboratory and Field Testing of Sampling Methods for Inhalable and Respirable Dust

The performance of four sampling devices for inhalable dust and three devices for respirable dust was tested with different kinds of dusts in the laboratory and in the field. The IOM sampler was chosen as the reference method for inhalable dust, and the IOM sampler provided with the porous plastic foam media was used as the reference method for respirable dust. The other tested instruments were the Button sampler, the optical Grimm aerosol monitor, and the Dekati two-stage cascade impactor with cutoff sizes of 10 and 4 μ m. The study confirmed the applicability of the IOM and Button samplers. The new foam product followed the respirable criteria well. However, the foam sampler was unstable for measuring inhalable dust, probably due to its moisture absorption. In addition, high dust loads should be avoided with the foam sampler due to increase in filtering efficiency. The concentrations of inhalable dust measured with the Button sampler, the Grimm monitor, and the impactor sampler were usually close to those measured with the reference sampler. On the other hand, impactor sampling yielded higher respirable dust concentrations than the reference method in the field, which may have been caused by particle bounce; high dust loads should be avoided while using the impactor. The results also showed that the Grimm monitor enables real-time dust concentration determinations that are accurate enough for routine monitoring of occupational exposure and for testing efficiency of control measures in workplaces.
Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. A Concise Guide to the TRIPs Agreement

Concepts, definitions and institutions trade in IP IP and the GATT IP - technology and development general principles and provisions of GATT TRIPS copyright and neighbouring rights trade marks geographical indications industrial designs patents layout designs (topographies) of integrated circuits trade secrets control of anti-competitive practices enforcement of IP rights dispute resolution institutional arrangements.
Cleaning effectiveness and shaping ability of rotary ProTaper compared with rotary GT and manual K-Flexofile.

PURPOSE To compare the cleaning efficacy and shaping ability of engine-driven ProTaper and GT files, and manual preparation using K-Flexofile instruments in curved root canals of extracted human teeth. METHODS 45 canals of maxillary and mandibular molars with curvatures between 25 degrees and 40 degrees were divided into three groups. The groups were balanced with regard to the angle and the radius of canal curvature. Canals in each group were prepared to an apical size of 25 with either the rotary ProTaper or GT system, or manually with K-Flexofile using the modified double-flared technique. Irrigation was done with 2 mL 2.5% NaOCl after each instrument and, as the final rinse, 10 mL 2.5% NaOCl then 10 mL 17% EDTA and finally 5 mL distilled water. The double-exposure radiographic technique was used to examine for the presence of apical transportation. The time required to complete the preparation, as well as any change in working length after preparation were recorded. The roots were then grooved and split longitudinally. The amounts of debris and smear layer were evaluated at the apical, middle and coronal regions under the scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed either parametrically with the F-test or non-parametrically using the Kruskal-Wallis test, where appropriate. RESULTS Two GT files but none of the K-Flexofile and ProTaper instruments separated. For debris removal, the ProTaper group achieved a better result than GT (P < 0.05) but not the K-Flexofile group at all three regions (apical, middle and coronal). K-Flexofiles produced significantly less smear layer than ProTaper and GT files only in the middle third of the canal (P < 0.01). Both NiTi rotary instruments maintained the original canal shape better than the K-Flexofiles (P < 0.05) and required significantly less time to complete the preparation.
The Public-Private Sector Wage Differential: Gender, Workplaces and Family Friendliness

This study examines the role of individual characteristics, occupation, and workplace features accounting for differences in hourly earnings between male and female fulltime employees in the public and private sectors. Using new linked employeeemployer data for Britain in 2004, we find that the nature of the public private pay gap differs between genders and that of the gender pay gap differs between sectors. The analysis shows that essentially none of the gender earnings gap in both the public and private sector can be explained by differences in observable characteristics. Decomposition analysis further reveals that the contribution of differences in workplace characteristics to the public private earnings gap is sizeable and significant. Whilst the presence of performance related pay and company pension schemes is associated with higher relative earnings for those in the private sector, the key workplace characteristic for the public private pay gap is the presence of familyfriendly employment practices. Increased provision is associated with higher relative earnings in the public sector for both men and women.
Fatal bacterial meningitis after spinal anaesthesia

A 37-y-old male was admitted to the ICU because of meningitis and respiratory failure with epileptic seizures. Spinal fluid grew Streptococcus salivarius. Prior to presentation the patient underwent surgical excision of a chronic toe ulcer, performed under spinal anaesthesia, which raised the suspicion of iatrogenic origin of the disease. The clinical situation deteriorated over the following d and the patient died from multi-organ failure. Careful hygiene measures are needed to prevent such a severe complication.
Effect of Chronic Psychogenic Stress Exposure on Enkephalin Neuronal Activity and Expression in the Rat Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus

Abstract: This study tested the hypothesis that the activation pattern of enkephalinergic (ENKergic) neurons within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) in response to psychogenic stress is identical whether in response to repeated exposure to the same stress (homotypic; immobilization) or to a novel stress (heterotypic; air jet puff). Rats were assigned to either acute or chronic immobilization stress paradigms (90 min/day for 1 or 10 days, respectively). The chronic group was then subjected to an additional 90‐min session of either heterotypic or homotypic stress. A single 90‐min stress session (immobilization or air jet) increased PVH‐ENK heteronuclear (hn) RNA expression. In chronically stressed rats, exposure to an additional stress session (whether homotypic or heterotypic) continued to stimulate ENK hnRNA expression. Acute immobilization caused a marked increase in the numbers of Fos‐immunoreactive and Fos‐ENK double‐labeled cells in the dorsal and ventral medial parvicellular, and lateral parvicellular subdivisions of the PVH. Chronic immobilization caused an attenuated Fos response (∼ 66%) to subsequent immobilization. In contrast, chronic immobilization did not impair ENKergic neuron activation within the PVH following homotypic or heterotypic stress. These results indicate that within the PVH, chronic psychogenic stress markedly attenuates the Fos response, whereas ENKergic neurons resist habituation, principally within the ventral neuroendocrine portion of the nucleus. This suggests an increase in ENK effect during chronic stress exposure. Homotypic (immobilization) and heterotypic (air jet) psychogenic stressors produce similar responses, including Fos, ENK‐Fos, and ENK hnRNA, within each subdivision of the PVH, suggesting similar processing for painless neurogenic stimuli.
Establishing Primary Angioplasty as the Preferred Treatment for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective : To report procedural results and mortality rates from the first 4 years after establishing primary angioplasty as the preferred treatment for acute myocardial infarction in a single Scandinavian centre. Design and results : From August 1995 to October 1999 all patients with the diagnosis of suspected acute myocardial infarction ( n = 529, mean age 62 - 13 years, 72% men), either transferred (73%) or directly admitted to our institution for coronary angiography with the intention of performing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (primary PCI), were prospectively registered. Procedural success in terms of residual stenosis h 30% and a final Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 3 flow was achieved in 94 and 85% of patients treated, respectively. In-hospital delay and procedure times decreased significantly during the 4-year study period. A low in-hospital mortality was observed in each of the 4 years studied (8.7, 8.7, 7.7 and 6.0%). Conclusion : In a centre with both directly admitted and transferred patients primary angioplasty can be established as the preferred treatment for acute myocardial infarction with an initially low complication and mortality rate. During the first years after implementing the primary angioplasty programme a learning effect can be anticipated with reductions in procedural times.
A look at allied dental education in the United States.

BACKGROUND The American Dental Association conducts surveys of educational programs in dental assisting, dental hygiene and dental laboratory technology. The 2002-2003 survey included questions about enrollment, graduates, program information and trends. METHODS The ADA Survey Center mailed the Survey of Allied Dental Education to 548 program directors of dental assisting, dental hygiene and dental laboratory technology educational programs. They also sent several follow-up notices as a reminder to complete the survey. A 100 percent response rate is mandatory for continued accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Association staff members resolved inconsistencies in the data and analyzed them before producing a final report. RESULTS The number of applications to, first-year enrollment in and number of graduates in dental hygiene and dental assisting educational programs have increased during the last five years. During the same period, the number of applications to, and graduates of, dental laboratory technology educational programs decreased, but first-year enrollment increased slightly. CONCLUSIONS Results from these surveys help address the concerns of the public and the profession regarding allied dental manpower levels. They also provide information for those interested in applying to individual allied dental educational programs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Private dental practices employ the majority of graduates of allied dental educational programs. Recent graduates of dental assisting and hygiene programs continue to supply the office staff members needed to support the delivery of dental care.
Supplementary Material for “DualNet: Learn Complementary Features for Image Recognition”

Besides ResNet-20, we further evaluate DualNet based on the deeper ResNet [6], e.g., with 32 layers and 56 layers (denoted as ResNet-32&ResNet-56, referring to the third-party implementation available at [2]). ResNet32&ResNet-56, as well as the corresponding DualNet (denoted as DNR32&DNR56), are also trained on the augmented CIFAR-100 and the experimental results are shown in Table 1. The performance comparison demonstrates that DualNet performs well with ResNet-32 and ResNet-56. For DNR56, although the joint finetuning does not helps a lot, the performance (75.57%) is still 2.76% higher than the base model (72.81%). Table 1. The top-1 accuracy on the augmented CIFAR-100 achieved by the standard deep model (ResNet-32&ResNet-56) and the corresponding DualNet (DNR32&DNR56). The first row shows the results of ResNet-32&ResNet-56 and the rest are all achieved by DNR32&DNR56. After the iterative training, we respectively evaluate the performance of the Fused Classifier and the weighted average of three classifiers, while the latter one can help validate the necessity of the joint finetuning.
Russian Banking: The State Makes a Comeback?

The purpose of this paper is to carefully assess the size of public sector within the Russian banking industry. We identify and classify at least 78 state-influenced banks. For the state-owned banks, we distinguish between those that are majority-owned by federal executive authorities or Central Bank of Russia, by sub-federal (regional and municipal) authorities, by state-owned enterprises and banks, and by ‘state corporations’. We estimate their combined market share to have reached 56% of total assets by July 1, 2009. Banks indirectly owned by public capital are the fastest-growing group. Concentration is increasing within the public sector of the industry, with the top five state-controlled banking groups in possession of over 49% of assets. We observe a crowding out and erosion of domestic private capital, whose market share is shrinking from year to year. Several of the largest state-owned banks now constitute a de facto intermediate tier at the core of the banking system. We argue that the direction of ownership change in Russian banking is different from that in CEE countries.