Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Central Neck Dissection Using a Bilateral Axillo-Breast Approach for Robotic Thyroidectomy: Comparison With Conventional Open Procedure After Propensity Score Matching

Background:Despite advancements in surgical robot technology, the da Vinci-assisted central neck dissection (CND) in thyroid cancer remains challenging. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of robotic thyroidectomy and CND. Methods:Between March 2011 and July 2012, 515 consecutive patients who had undergone thyroidectomy and CND for papillary thyroid carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. A thyroid surgeon performed either an open thyroidectomy and CND (n=392) or a robotic thyroidectomy and CND (n=123) using the bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA). Propensity score matching using 10 clinicopathologic factors was used to generate 2 matched cohorts, each composed of 123 patients. Results:Mean age, body mass index, and tumor size were lower in those who underwent BABA compared with an open procedure before propensity matching. Evaluation of stimulated thyroglobulin levels did not show significant differences between the 2 groups. After cohort matching, significant differences in age, body mass index, and tumor size between the 2 groups were no longer present. The matched cohort showed that the number of retrieved lymph nodes was lower in the BABA (8.74±5.13) than in the open thyroidectomy (10.71±6.68) (P=0.006). Conclusions:BABA robotic thyroidectomy revealed that a less-extensive CND was obtained when compared with an open procedure. BABA may be suitable for thyroid cancer without lymphadenopathy in central neck compartment. Conversely, BABA should not be recommended to a patient with thyroid cancer when multiple lymph node metastases in the lower central neck compartment are suspected.
On efficient algorithms for computing parametric local cohomology classes associated with semi-quasihomogeneous singularities and standard bases

A new algorithm is given for computing parametric local cohomology classes associated with semi-quasihomogeneous singularities. The essential point of the proposed algorithm involves Poincaré polynomials and weighted degrees. The proposed algorithm gives a suitable decomposition of the parameter space depending on the structure of the parametric local cohomology classes. As an application, an algorithm for computing parametric standard bases of zero-dimensional ideals, is given. These algorithms work for non-parametric cases, too.
Use of the Stress-Relaxation and Dynamic Tests to Evaluate the Viscoelastic Properties of Dough from Soft Wheat Cultivars

© 2012 Magana-Barajas et al., licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Use of the Stress-Relaxation and Dynamic Tests to Evaluate the Viscoelastic Properties of Dough from Soft Wheat Cultivars
Opening–closing dynamics of the mitochondrial transcription pre-initiation complex

Promoter recognition and local melting of DNA are key steps of transcription initiation catalyzed by RNA polymerase and initiation factors. From single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies of the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mitochondrial RNA polymerase Rpo41 and its transcription factor Mtf1, we show that the pre-initiation complex is highly dynamic and undergoes repetitive opening–closing transitions that are modulated by Mtf1 and ATP. We found that Rpo41 alone has the intrinsic ability to bend the promoter but only very briefly. Mtf1 enhances bending/opening transition and suppresses closing transition, indicating its dual roles of nucleating promoter opening and stabilizing the open state. The cognate initiating ATP prolongs the lifetime of the open state, plausibly explaining the ‘ATP sensing mechanism’ suggested for the system. We discovered short-lived opening trials upon initial binding of Rpo41-Mtf1 before the establishment of the opening/closing equilibrium, which may aid in promoter selection before the formation of stable pre-initiation complex. The dynamics of open complex formation provides unique insights into the interplay between RNA polymerase and transcription factors in regulating initiation.
Long-Term Outcome of Bone Mineral Density in Children who Underwent a Successful Liver Transplantation

Background. It has previously been shown that bone mineral density (BMD) during the first year after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in children with osteodystrophy increases remarkably and according to height. The effect of posttransplant factors possibly influencing bone mass in the long-term after a successful OLT in children is unknown. Methods. Eighteen patients (9 male), median age 13.3 (range 4.7–23.7) years, median time after OLT 8.3 (1.1–17.3) years were enrolled. Indications for OLT were biliary atresia (8), Alagille (3), hepatoblastoma (2), NonA-NonG acute liver failure (2), intrahepatic cholestasis, cryptogenic cirrhosis, and cholesteryl-ester disease (1 each). At OLT, all were prepubertal and 12 were severely cholestatic. We recorded anthropometric data, immunosuppression, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), biochemical markers of bone metabolism, and liver function. Results. Six children were on steroid therapy, eight were on cyclosporine, nine on tacrolimus. Median L1 to L4 spinal BMD was 0.720 (range 0.524–1.127) g/cm2, Z score −0.70 (−2.2–+2.1), height Z score −0.31 (−1.83–+1.96). Median bone mineral apparent density was 0.112 (0.084–0.142) (normal value 0.10–0.14) g/cm3. Median alanine aminotransferase level was 22 (range 11–79) IU/L, urinary free deoxypyridinolines 20.6 (7.1–62) nmol/mmol creatinine, osteocalcin 14 (2.3–45) &mgr;g/L, parathyroid hormone 51 (2–87) ng/L, Vitamin D3 67 (17–102) nmol/L. Conclusion. BMD after the first year from a successful pediatric liver transplantation is normal. Our study suggests that normal bone density in this setting is maintained for at least 1 decade.
A study of non-prescription usage of antibiotics in the upper respiratory tract infections in the urban population

Ellagic acid is a natural phenolic compound found in numerous fruits and vegetables including strawberries and pomegranates. Experiments on animals point out its several health benefits[3] as well as non-toxic nature even at relatively high concentrations. [7] Therefore, ellagic acid may be used in combination with isoniazad‐rifampicin (first‐line therapy for tuberculosis) in the treatment of tuberculosis to prevent liver damage.
Competitive Effects of Partial Control in an Input Supplier

Motivated by recent competition policy cases, we study an industry where downstream firms partially own a supplier. If ownership corresponds to control, then consumer surplus is higher and possibly non-monotonic with respect to the ownership share. We provide conditions such that consumers are better off when ownership of the upstream firm is shared by the downstream firms; and when ownership is partial (i.e., less than 100%). These results are based on two effects of partial ownership: first, a vertical-control effect, which effectively reduces the extent of double marginalization; and second, a tunneling effect, whereby the downstream firms use the wholesale price as a means to transfer value from independent upstream shareholders.
Internal Performance Evaluation in American Multinational Enterprises

One of the major managerial functions is the maintenance of proper control over the operations of a corporation. In fulfilling this function domestic corporations have utilized many different controlling techniques. The key for successful operations of any corporation, however, remains with its accounting information system. It is through this system that management controls its day-to-day activities and coordinates its different operations. As the number of international business transactions increases, the need for coordination and control of the different activities of a multinational enterprise (ME) becomes more urgent. Simultaneously, the management of an ME must adjust its activities to the everchanging foreign environment. In addition, the passage of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, which represents an amendment to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, mandated the maintenance of adequate internal accounting control systems and of adequate record-keeping. In order to adhere to the provisions of this antibribery legislation, U.S. based MEs were forced to reexamine their information system. The objective of this paper is to deal with the effect of the environmental forces surrounding the operations of U.S. based MEs on the selection of the accounting tools used to control and coordinate these operations.
An Overview of CellML 1.1, a Biological Model Description Language

CellML is an XML-based exchange format developed by the University of Auckland in collaboration with Physiome Sciences, Inc. CellML 1.1 has a component-based architecture allowing a modeller to build complex systems of models that expand and reuse previously published models. CellML Metadata is a format for encoding contextual information for a model. CellML 1.1 can be used in conjunction with CellML Metadata to provide a complete description of the structure and underlying mathematics of biological models. A repository of over 200 electrophysiological, mechanical, signal transduction, and metabolic pathway models is available at www.cellml. org.
Advanced Burkitt's lymphoma presenting with jejunal perforation.

Dear Editor, Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) is a high grade B-cell neoplasm under the umbrella of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. It is predominantly seen in children but may also present in adults. There exist 3 major clinical types: the endemic (African) form which is a common childhood malignancy strongly associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in central Africa, the non-endemic (Sporadic) form which is rare (100 cases in the United States every year, less than 20% of cases associated with EBV) and the immunodeficiency-related BL, most often seen in AIDS patients. The endemic form of BL is predominantly a disease of the mandible and maxilla, whereas the sporadic typically presents as extranodal disease.1 BL is a rapidly progressive disease primarily treated with intensive chemotherapy and thus the presence of sepsis or any other condition, that necessitates the delay of chemotherapy treatment, will worsen the prognosis significantly. Thus, it is of importance to diagnose the disease before complications occur and initiate treatment immediately. We present a case of a patient with advanced BL of the jejunum complicated by sepsis due to bowel perforation.
Low serum folate levels: a risk factor for sudden sensorineural hearing loss?

Objective Ischemic vascular damage of the inner ear is one of the known causes of sensorineural sudden hearing loss (SSHL). Folate is an emerging risk factor associated with an increased risk of vascular damage. The aim of this study was to investigate whether low serum folate levels are associated with SSHL. Material and Methods Serum folate levels were determined in 43 patients with SSHL and in 24 controls. Results Folate levels were found to be significantly lower in SSHL patients than in controls (mean difference −1.96 ng/ml; 95% CI −3.31, −0.59 ng/ml; p=0.006). No significant relationship between folate levels and either sex, age, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption or hypertension was observed, while a significant relationship was found between low folate levels and high homocysteine (HCY) levels in all 43 patients (p<0.01). The potential influence of low folate levels on hearing impairment in SSHL patients can be explained by the effects on HCY metabolism and the diminution of folate antioxidant capacity. Conclusion Further studies are needed to elucidate whether low folate levels can be considered a risk factor for SSHL.
Reputation as an Entry Barrier in the Credit Rating Industry

We study competition between an incumbent Credit Rating Agency (CRA) and a sequence of entrant CRAs that are potentially more effective but whose ability in appraising default risk is unproven when they enter the market. We show that free entry competition fails to select the most competent CRA as long as two conditions are met. First, investors and issuers trust the incumbent CRA to provide a sincere, although imperfect, assessment. Second, CRAs cannot charge higher fees for low rating than for high rating. Then, a rather incompetent CRA can dominate the market without concerns about entry. We derive policy implications.
PENGARUH CAR, LDR DAN NPL TERHADAP ROA PADA SEKTOR PERBANKAN DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh capital adequacy ratio , loan to deposit ratio dan non performing loan terhadap return on assets pada sektor perbankan di Bursa Efek Indonesia dalam 5 tahun pengamatan(2009-2013). Populasi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah 31 perusahaan perbankan serta teknik pengambilan sampelnya adalah teknik purposive sampling. Berdasarkan hasil analisis regresi linier berganda maka dapat disimpulkan Capital adequacy ratio berpengaruh positif dan tidak signifikan terhadap return on assets, Loan to deposit ratio berpengaruh positif dan tidak signifikan terhadap return on assets,Non performing loan berpengaruh negatif dan signifikan terhadap return on assets. Kata kunci: Capital Adequacy Ratio , Loan To Deposit Ratio, Non Performing Loan, dan Return On Assets ABSTRACT This study aims to determine the effect of capital adequacy ratio, loan to deposit ratio and non-performing loans to the return on assets in the banking sector in Indonesia Stock Exchange within 5 years of observation(2009-2013). The population used in this study were 31 banking companies as well as sample collection technique is purposive sampling technique. Based on the results of multiple linear regression analysis it can be concluded Capital adequacy ratio and no significant positive effect on return on assets, Loan to deposit ratio and no significant positive effect on return on assets, Non-performing loans and a significant negative impact on the return on assets. Keywords: Capital Adequacy Ratio, Loan to Deposit Ratio, Non Performing Loan, and Return On Assets
Pacing in Olympic track races: Competitive tactics versus best performance strategy

Abstract The purpose of this study was to describe pacing strategies in the 800 to 10,000-m Olympic finals. We asked 1) if Olympic finals differed from World Records, 2) how variable the pace was, 3) whether runners faced catastrophic events, and 4) for the winning strategy. Publically available data from the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games gathered by four transponder antennae under the 400-m track were analysed to extract descriptors of pacing strategies. Individual pacing patterns of 133 finalists were visualised using speed by distance plots. Six of eight plots differed from the patterns reported for World Records. The coefficient of running speed variation was 3.6–11.4%. In the long distance finals, runners varied their pace every 100 m by a mean 1.6–2.7%. Runners who were ‘dropped’ from the field achieved a stable running speed and displayed an endspurt. Top contenders used variable pacing strategies to separate themselves from the field. All races were decided during the final lap. Olympic track finalists employ pacing strategies which are different from World Record patterns. The observed micro- and macro-variations of pace may have implications for training programmes. Dropping off the pace of the leading group is an active step, and the result of interactive psychophysiological decision making.
MELD scores with incorporation of serum sodium and death prediction in cirrhotic patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation: a single center experience in southern Brazil

To compare the accuracy of standard model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score with that of four MELD‐based scores incorporating serum sodium (SNa) to predict three‐ and six‐month mortality in cirrhotic patients after their placement on the waiting list for liver transplantation (LT). A cohort study was performed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for MELD, MELD incorporating SNa (MELD‐Na, MELD‐Na2), integrated MELD (iMELD), and MELD to SNa ratio (MESO) index to assess the predictive accuracy of these scores to determine three‐ and six‐month mortality. The c‐statistic (area under the ROC curve [AUC]) was used to determine predictive power and the Cox proportional‐hazard ratio to estimate death risk. We studied 558 patients. There was a statistically significant difference in the predictive accuracy of scores at three months (AUCs: MELD = 0.79 [95% CI = 0.72–0.87]; MELD‐Na = 0.84 [95% CI = 0.78–0.90]; MELD‐Na2 = 0.85 [95% CI = 0.80–0.91]; iMELD = 0.85 [95% CI = 0.80–0.90]; MESO = 0.81 [95% CI = 0.80–0.91]) and at six months (MELD = 0.73 [95% CI = 0.67–0.80]; MELD‐Na = 0.79 [95% CI = 0.73–0.84]; MELD‐Na2 = 0.80 [95% CI = 0.74–0.85]; iMELD = 0.80 [95% CI = 0.75–0.85]; MESO = 0.75 [95% CI = 0.69–0.81]) (p < 0.001). Death risk was independent of age and sex. Sodium‐modified MELD scores are able to more accurately predict three‐ and six‐month mortality among cirrhotic patients awaiting LT.
KERAGAAN PRODUKSI SUSU DAN EFISIENSI USAHA PETERNAKAN SAPI PERAH RAKYAT DI INDONESIA

The main issue in the dairy farm business managed by the communities is the relatively low efficiency level of the businesses run by some of the farmers. The research objectives were to analyze the performance of dairy farm business, factors that influence dairy production, and technical efficiency level of the community dairy farm businesses in Indonesia. The research was conducted by surveys so that the primary data from the samples of farmers’ households were obtained through interviews and questionnaires. The analytical method used in this study was the stochastic frontier production function. The results of the analysis showed that the number of the lactating cows raised in small-scaled farm businesses decreased from the previous year; on the other hand, the number of the lactating cows in large-scaled farm businesses increased. Meanwhile, the average milk productions have declined in both small and large-scaled farm businesses. The results of the analysis of the stochastic frontier production function showed that forage fodder input (HMT), concentrates, employment and number of lactating cows are influential factors on milk production.Thus, the efficiency analysis suggests that the level of technical efficiency of large-scaled farm businesses is higher than that of the small-scaled farm businesses, while the efficiency distribution is predominantly in the range of 0,80 to 1,00, which means that most farm businesses have achieved a high level of technical efficiency. The individual factors from the farmers which are influential in decreasing business inefficiency include age and education level; on the contrary, the influences of experience and ownership of the garden affect the efficiency in the opposite way. Keywords: technical efficiency, production function, frontier stochastic, dairy
The utility of dimensional and categorical approaches to understanding dissociation in the eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE The present study compared levels of dissociation across groups of eating-disordered women, investigating the utility of dimensional and categorical measures of dissociation in understanding diagnoses and behaviours in the eating disorders. METHODS The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II) was completed by 170 eating-disordered women (drawn from out-patient assessment clinics) and 203 nonclinical women. The clinical group also supplied information regarding eating behaviours and related features (alcohol abuse, reported history of sexual abuse). The DES-II and a subset of its items (DES-Taxon) were used as dimensional and categorical discriminators of the groups and of the presence/absence of specific features and symptoms. RESULTS When treated as dimensional measures, the DES-II and DES-Taxon had similar levels of clinical utility (particularly discriminating the binge-purge anorexics from the other clinical groups). However, the DES-Taxon was a superior categorical measure, discriminating groups more clearly and predicting the presence of many symptoms and features much more powerfully. CONCLUSIONS The DES-Taxon is a potentially valuable self-report measure for indicating the level and presence of dissociative psychopathology in the eating disorders. As well as being convenient to administer and score, it has the clinical and research value of indicating those patients in whom treatment might need to include addressing pathological dissociation.
Slack resources, firm performance, and the institutional context: Evidence from privately held European firms

Research summary: Integrating the behavioral and institutional perspectives, we propose that a country's formal institutions, particularly its legal frameworks, affect managers' deployment of slack resources. Specifically, we explore the moderating effects of creditor and employee rights on the performance effects of slack. Using longitudinal data from 162,633 European private firms in 26 countries, we find that financial slack enhances firm performance at diminishing rates, whereas human resource (HR) slack lowers performance at diminishing rates. However, financial slack has a more positive effect on firm performance in countries with weaker creditor rights, whereas HR slack has a more negative effect on performance in countries with stronger employee rights. The results provide a richer view of the relationship between slack and firm performance than currently assumed in the literature. Managerial summary: A key dilemma managers often encounter is whether, on the one hand, they should build in excess resources to buffer their firms from internal and external shocks and to pursue new opportunities or whether, on the other hand, they should develop “lean” firms. Our study suggests that excess cash resources—which are usually viewed as easy to redeploy—benefit firm performance, especially when firms operate in countries with weaker creditor rights. However, excess human resources—which are usually viewed as more difficult to redeploy—hamper firm performance, particularly when firms operate in countries with stronger labor protection laws. Thus, the management of slack resources critically depends on the characteristics of these resources (e.g., redeployability) and the institutional context in which managers operate. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Update on the surgical management of adenomyosis

Purpose of review Adenomyosis is a benign gynaecological condition associated with menstrual symptoms and pelvic pain in premenopausal women, it has also been linked to subfertility. Improvement in ultrasound and MRI imaging has allowed accurate diagnosis of this condition prior to histological confirmation. Patients opting for surgical management need to be counselled regarding the surgical options available. This review summarizes the surgical management of adenomyosis and reviews the recent surgical developments. Recent findings For patients who wish to preserve their fertility, cytoreductive surgery is an option in centres with surgical expertise. Recently, modified surgical procedures to remove extensive adenomyosis known as an adenomyomectomy have been described. These operations may enhance subsequent fertility. Summary Access to accurate imaging modalities such as MRI and transvaginal ultrasound allows for adequate patient counselling preoperatively. Depending on the fertility requirements and the extent of adenomyosis, patients can be offered various surgical treatment options including laparoscopic hysterectomy or adenomyomectomy.