Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A vasculitis centre based management strategy leads to improved outcome in eosinophilic granulomatosis and polyangiitis (Churg–Strauss, EGPA): monocentric experiences in 150 patients

Objective To evaluate a vasculitis centre based management strategy for eosinophilic granulomatosis and polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss, EGPA). Methods A retrospective cohort study at a vasculitis referral centre was performed. All EGPA patients admitted from 1990 to 2009 were included. A structured interdisciplinary work-up for proof of diagnosis, Disease Extent Index and Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score was performed. Immunosuppressive therapy was initiated and regularly adapted. Treatment targets were induction and maintenance of remission according to definitions given by the European League Against Rheumatism and the European Vasculitis Study Group. Outcomes were mortality, rate of remission, relapses, adverse events and prednisolone-dose. Results Out of 269 patients with suspected EGPA 150 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of those, 104 had more than one follow-up visit resulting in a mean follow up of 53±4.9 months. By using additional data sources the follow-up concerning survival was extended to 92±5 month. Severe organ manifestations occurred at heart (46%), kidney (18%) and lungs (10%). Cyclophosphamide was used in 107 patients (71%). The prednisolone-doses of all patients were within the targeted range (i.e. ≤7.5mg) in 69% of the total follow-up time; the median dose at end of follow-up was 5mg/d. The 10-year survival rate was 89% resulting in mortality comparable to the general population (SMR 1.29). Only patients with cardiac failure associated with EGPA had an increased mortality (SMR 3.06). Conclusions Regular re-evaluation and target-orientated adaption of therapy may lead to normalization of life expectancy and attenuation of disease progression. Continued centre based interdisciplinary treatment should be standard of care.
Anatomy of energetic changes accompanying urea-induced protein denaturation

Because of its protein-denaturing ability, urea has played a pivotal role in the experimental and conceptual understanding of protein folding and unfolding. The measure of urea's ability to force a protein to unfold is given by the m value, an experimental quantity giving the free energy change for unfolding per molar urea. With the aid of Tanford's transfer model [Tanford C (1964) J Am Chem Soc 86:2050–2059], we use newly obtained group transfer free energies (GTFEs) of protein side-chain and backbone units from water to 1 M urea to account for the m value of urea, and the method reveals the anatomy of protein denaturation in terms of residue-level free energy contributions of groups newly exposed on denaturation. The GTFEs were obtained by accounting for solubility and activity coefficient ratios accompanying the transfer of glycine from water to 1 M urea. Contrary to the opinions of some researchers, the GTFEs show that urea does not denature proteins through favorable interactions with nonpolar side chains; what drives urea-induced protein unfolding is the large favorable interaction of urea with the peptide backbone. Although the m value is said to be proportional to surface area newly exposed on denaturation, only ≈25% of the area favorably contributes to unfolding (because of newly exposed backbone units), with ≈75% modestly opposing urea-induced denaturation (originating from side-chain exposure). Use of the transfer model and newly determined GTFEs achieves the long-sought goal of predicting urea-dependent cooperative protein unfolding energetics at the level of individual amino acid residues.
The impact of press releases on stock prices

Press releases are found to be important events that represent a potential explanation for up to 24% of the major stock price movements. The classi ers are able to predict price movements larger than 3% with up to 60% precision. The event study con rms that press releases have a statistically signi cant e ect on stock prices on the rst day. Trading strategies were de ned and shown to be viable for the period tested, but the post-event patterns that motivate them are statistically insigni cant. To better understand stock price movements, and the ability to forecast them, press releases from companies on the New York Stock Exchange are used as data. Classi ers are applied to predict whether the stock price will react strongly to a press release or not. An event study is done to investigate patterns prior and subsequent to a press release being published. Algorithmic trading strategies are de ned and tested based on the results.
Decreased Collagen Synthesis in Stress‐Incontinent Women

Objective: To determine whether there is a difference in collagen metabolism between comparable urinary stress-incontinent and -continent women. Metltods: Fibroblast cultures from skin biopsies were established from seven stress-incontinent and four continent women. Collagen production was investigated in these cultures between passages 3 and 7 by incubation with 3H-proline, followed by quantitation of 3H-proline and 3H-hydroxyproline after hydrolysis of proteins and separation by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The chemical amount of collagen was also quantitated using Sircol Red. Results: Fibroblast cultures established from urinary stress-incontinent women accumulated 30% less collagen than comparable cultures from continent women. The differences were statistically significant (cell layer P = .038, medium P = .004; Student t test). These results were observed both when collagen concentration was measured with chemical methods and when the production of protein-bound 3H-hydroxyproline was quantitated. General protein synthesis was similar in the two groups. Conclusion: Our results suggest that women with urinary stress incontinence have an altered connective tissue metabolism causing decreased collagen production, which may result in insufficient support of the urogenital tract.
Simulations and model of the nonlinear Richtmyer–Meshkov instability

The nonlinear evolution of the Richtmyer-Meshkov (RM) instability is investigated using numerical simulations with the FLASH code in two-dimensions (20). The purpose of the simulations is to develop a nonlinear model of the RM instability that is accurate to the regime of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and ejecta formation, namely, at large Atwood number A and initial amplitude kh{sub o} (k {triple_bond} wavenumber) of the perturbation. The FLASH code is first validated by obtaining excellent agreement with RM experiments well into the nonlinear regime. The results are then compared with a variety of nonlinear models that are based on potential flow. We find that the models agree with simulations for moderate values of A and kh{sub o} but not for the values characteristic of ICF and ejecta formation. As a result, a new nonlinear model is developed that captures the simulation results consistent with potential flow and for a broader range of A and kh{sub o}.
Decision Making and Finite-Time Motion Control for a Group of Robots

This paper deals with the problem of odor source localization by designing and analyzing a decision-control system (DCS) for a group of robots. In the decision level, concentration magnitude information and wind information detected by robots are used to predict a probable position of the odor source. Specifically, the idea of particle swarm optimization is introduced to give a probable position of the odor source in terms of concentration magnitude information. Moreover, an observation model of the position of the odor source is built according to wind information, and a Kalman filter is used to estimate the position of the odor source, which is combined with the position obtained by using concentration magnitude information in order to make a decision on the position of the odor source. In the control level, two types of the finite-time motion control algorithms are designed; one is a finite-time parallel motion control algorithm, while the other is a finite-time circular motion control algorithm. Precisely, a nonlinear finite-time consensus algorithm is first proposed, and a Lyapunov approach is used to analyze the finite-time convergence of the proposed consensus algorithm. Then, on the basis of the proposed finite-time consensus algorithm, a finite-time parallel motion control algorithm, which can control the group of robots to trace the plume and move toward the probable position of odor source, is derived. Next, a finite-time circular motion control algorithm, which can enable the robot group to circle the probable position of the odor source in order to search for odor clues, is also developed. Finally, the performance capabilities of the proposed DCS are illustrated through the problem of odor source localization.
Secretin-enhanced MRCP: review of technique and application with proposal for quantification of exocrine function.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to present a proposal for quantification of exocrine function using secretin-enhanced MRCP for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. The article also reviews the technique and application of secretin-enhanced MRCP in evaluating various pancreatic abnormalities. SUBJECTS AND METHODS One hundred thirty-four consecutive patients with chronic abdominal pain undergoing secretin-enhanced MRCP for suspected chronic pancreatitis were included. Patients were divided into four clinical groups (normal, equivocal, early chronic pancreatitis, established pancreatitis) on the basis of clinical symptoms and additional investigations, including CT (n=98), endoscopic pancreatic function test (n=65), endoscopic ultrasound (n=84), and ERCP (n=36). The volume of secretion was obtained by drawing a region of interest around T2 bright fluid secreted on postsecretin HASTE images. The maximal rate of secretion in response to secretin was obtained by plotting change in signal intensity on sequential postsecretin images. The analysis of variance test was used to compare the clinical groups with the volume and rate of secretion. RESULTS Significant volume differences were found between the normal and established pancreatitis groups (p<0.0001) as well as the equivocal and established pancreatitis groups (p<0.0005). Marginally significant differences were found between the normal and early pancreatitis groups (p=0.0150) as well as early and established pancreatitis groups (p=0.0351). Differences in the maximal rate of secretion were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Secretory volume measurement of secretin-enhanced MRCP data is a simple method that brings out significant differences between normal, early, and established pancreatitis patients.
The truth must dazzle gradually: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the ongoing practice of ignorance in South Africa

Supervisory Committee Dr Matt James, Department of Political Science Supervisor Dr Marlea Clarke, Department of Political Science Departmental Member This thesis examines the long term effects of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Building on existing critique of the TRC’s narrow mandate and sociologist Melissa Steyn’s argument that apartheid was predicated on an ignorance contract amongst South African citizenry, this thesis asks if the mandate of a truth commission can actually serve to entrench ignorances and divisions. More specifically, this thesis asks in what ways can the ignorance contract be seen in South African society now? It identifies key discourses that represent ongoing ignorances in South Africa: nonacknowledgement, denial, misrecognition and truth and ignorance. Looking at the performance of memory and the areas of immigration, emigration, and gender, this thesis finds that the TRC’s mandate has led to ongoing ignorance about apartheid in South Africa.
A second-generation pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for prevention of pneumococcal diseases in children

Purpose of review A second-generation 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) was licensed and recommended for universal immunization of children through age 5 years in 2010. Its introduction is intended to address the residual burden of pneumococcal diseases that persists a decade after the introduction of PCV7. Recent findings Immunization with PCV7 has resulted in a substantial decline in pneumococcal diseases caused by vaccine serotypes in both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons in the USA. However, an increase in disease due to nonvaccine serotypes, including empyema; the emergence of multidrug, including ceftriaxone, resistant serotype 19A strains; and the need for broader serotype coverage to address the global disease burden provides a rationale for a second-generation conjugate vaccine that includes serotypes 1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F and 19A. Summary This article reviews the lessons learned from a decade of experience with PCV7, the increasing problem of disease due to nonvaccine serotypes, and the likelihood of PCV13 to impact the residual disease burden. We contrast the potential differences in prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease compared with nonbacteremic pneumonia and acute otitis media. We conclude with the current recommendations for PCV13 providing a rationale for immunization through age 5 years to create both direct and indirect protection in the population.
Facial smile detection using convolutional neural networks

Facial expression analysis plays a key role in analyzing emotions and human behaviors. Smile detection is a special task in facial expression analysis with various potential applications such as photo selection, user experience analysis, smiling payment and patient monitoring. Conventional approaches often extract low-level face descriptors and detect smile based on a strong binary classifier. In this paper, we propose an effective architecture of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to detect smile in real-time speed with high accuracy. The experimental results show that our proposed network outperforms recent state-of-the-art methods.
Dispersal, philopatry, and genetic relatedness in a social carnivore: comparing males and females

A balance must be maintained between the proportion of individuals dispersing and the proportion remaining philopatric such that inbreeding and resource competition are minimized. Yet the relative importance of dispersal and philopatric behaviour is uncertain, especially for species with complex social systems. We examine the influence of dispersal on genetic relationships of a white‐nosed coati (Nasua narica: Procyonidae) population from Panama. Field studies of the coati indicate a social system in which all females are highly philopatric and live in bands while all adult males become solitary at maturity, but do not disperse from the home range of their natal band. Based on analyses of multilocus DNA fingerprints, we confirm that female philopatry is the rule, long‐distance dispersal is rare, and that relatedness between most bands is low. However, some new bands result from fission events and these bands retain relatively high relatedness to one another for several years. Adult males inhabiting the home range of a band are closely related to band members. In contrast, males and band members whose ranges do not overlap are unrelated or only slightly related. Adult males are also more closely related to other males whose home ranges they overlap extensively than to males whose home ranges they overlap only slightly. These results indicate that males initially disperse from their natal bands to reduce resource competition and not to avoid inbreeding. Inbreeding avoidance, if it occurs, results from more extensive range movements by males during the mating season.
Concepts and measures of patient empowerment: a comprehensive review.

OBJECTIVE Analyze the definitions and dimensions of empowerment. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of empowerment measures based on the conceptual model. METHOD This was a comprehensive literature review of publications on the MEDLINE and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases. RESULTS Twenty-nine articles were selected. Seventeen definitions and seven dimensions of empowerment, and 10 empowerment measures were selected. Empowerment can be seen as an enabling process involving a shift in the balance of power, or as an outcome of this process. The dimensions reflect outcome indicators, such as participation in decision-making and control, and process indicators, such as knowledge acquisition and coping skills. Six of the tools analyzed by this study could be said to provide a robust measure of patient empowerment. CONCLUSION we propose a definition of empowerment that helps to deepen understanding of the term and, therefore, its operationalization. OBJETIVO Analizar definiciones y dimensiones de empoderamiento. Identificar fortalezas y debilidades de los instrumentos de medida de empoderamiento respecto al modelo conceptual. MÉTODO Revisión integrativa de la literatura en las bases de datos MEDLINE y Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). RESULTADOS Fueram seleccionados 29 artículos . Se identificaron 17 definiciones, 7 propuestas de dimensiones y 10 instrumentos de medida. Empoderamiento puede ser un proceso de capacitación o habilitación en el que se transfiere el poder de un individuo a otro, o bien un resultado producto de ese proceso. Las dimensiones reflejan indicadores de resultados como son la participación en la toma de decisiones y tomar el control, e indicadores relativos al proceso como son la adquisición de conocimientos y las habilidades de afrontamiento. De los instrumentos analizados seis son los instrumentos que presentan mayor robustez. CONCLUSIÓN Se propone una definición de empoderamiento que puede ayudar a mejorar la comprensión del término y por lo tanto a operacionalizarlo.
Sexual selection on male size drives the evolution of male‐biased sexual size dimorphism via the prolongation of male development

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) arises when the net effects of natural and sexual selection on body size differ between the sexes. Quantitative SSD variation between taxa is common, but directional intraspecific SSD reversals are rare. We combined micro‐ and macroevolutionary approaches to study geographic SSD variation in closely related black scavenger flies. Common garden experiments revealed stark intra‐ and interspecific variation: Sepsis biflexuosa is monomorphic across the Holarctic, while S. cynipsea (only in Europe) consistently exhibits female‐biased SSD. Interestingly, S. neocynipsea displays contrasting SSD in Europe (females larger) and North America (males larger), a pattern opposite to the geographic reversal in SSD of S. punctum documented in a previous study. In accordance with the differential equilibrium model for the evolution of SSD, the intensity of sexual selection on male size varied between continents (weaker in Europe), whereas fecundity selection on female body size did not. Subsequent comparative analyses of 49 taxa documented at least six independent origins of male‐biased SSD in Sepsidae, which is likely caused by sexual selection on male size and mediated by bimaturism. Therefore, reversals in SSD and the associated changes in larval development might be much more common and rapid and less constrained than currently assumed.
Dependence on the External Network Ties of the Outside Directors: Evidence from Groups of Large-Scale Enterprises in Korea

Using a sample of chaebol groups in Korea, we investigate the impact of outside directors who had been public officials on the firm’s performance. We find that chaebol-affiliated firms prefer to co-opt the outside directors who had positions of higher public rank than the other outside directors who were public officials. By Bonacich power centrality, we find that the network ties among ex-public officials has a positive relation with the firm’s performance, such as asset and sales growth rates. This paper’s contribution to the corporate governance literature is that we extend the role of the outside directors on the firm’s performance by focusing on their advisory function, which is little studied. This paper also is the first that measures the political network ties of these directors by using the Bonacich power centrality.
Necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates undergoing the hybrid approach to complex congenital heart disease*

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonates undergoing the Stage I hybrid procedure for palliation of complex congenital heart disease (CHD). Neonates undergoing the Norwood surgery for hypoplastic left-heart syndrome have the highest risk for NEC of all CHD patients. The hybrid procedure is another palliative option for hypoplastic left-heart syndrome, but NEC in neonates undergoing this procedure has not been reported. Design: Retrospective chart review of 73 neonates who underwent the hybrid procedure for palliation of complex CHD. Demographic, perinatal, perioperative, clinical, and procedural data were collected. NEC was defined as modified Bell's Stage II and above. Setting: The cardiothoracic and neonatal intensive care units in a large free-standing children's hospital. Patients: All neonates who underwent the hybrid Stage I procedure for the palliation of complex CHD from April 2002 through April 2008. Measurements and Main Results: Seventy-three neonates were reviewed and 11.0% (eight of 73) developed NEC. Of the patients with NEC, 37.5% (three of eight) died and two patients required abdominal surgery. Earlier gestational age (<37 wks), lower maximum dose of prostaglandin infusion, and unexpected readmission to the intensive care unit were statistically associated with NEC (p = .009, 0.02, and 0.04, respectively). No other demographic, perinatal, perioperative, clinical, or procedural variables were associated with the development of NEC in this patient population, including enteral feeding regimens, umbilical artery catheters, inotrope use, and average oxygen saturation and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions: The prevalence of NEC in patients undergoing the hybrid procedure is comparable to that reported for neonates undergoing the Norwood procedure. Earlier gestational age is a significant risk factor for NEC in patients who undergo the hybrid Stage I procedure. Multidisciplinary approaches to better understand abdominal complications and to develop feeding regimens in neonates undergoing the hybrid approach to complex CHD are needed to improve outcomes and decrease morbidities.
Measuring Digital Divide: The Exploration in Macao

Digital divide is one of the most ill defined concepts in Internet-related social science investigations. This paper begins with the review of literature of digital divide and introduces problematic examples of conceptualization and operationalization of the concept. In particular, we focus on the methods researchers have been using for the purpose of quantifying the magnitude of digital divide. As previous research efforts have been largely made from a descriptive approach, which has inevitably yielded diverse presentation and interpretation, we then justify the necessity of using a standard measure of distribution inequality, i.e., Gini coefficient, in the studies of digital divide. A defining framework which encompasses three key constitutive components--levels of analysis, inequality types and types of ICT involved is also elaborated. With these theoretical and methodological preparations, we then attempt to explore the dynamic nature of digital divide by constructing six digital divide indexes from the survey databank over a period of six years collected in Macao. The empirical investigation of the “dynamic disequilibria” of digital divide reveals that different evolutive patterns between access divide and usage divides exist.