Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Interface Control Domain Decomposition Method for Stokes-Darcy Coupling

The interface control domain decomposition (ICDD) method of Discacciati, Gervasio, and Quarteroni [SIAM J. Control Optim. , 51 (2013), pp. 3434--3458, doi:10.1137/120890764; J. Coupled Syst. Multiscale Dyn. , 1 (2013), pp. 372--392, doi:10.1166/jcsmd.2013. 1026] is proposed here to solve the coupling between Stokes and Darcy equations. According to this approach, the problem is formulated as an optimal control problem whose control variables are the traces of the velocity and the pressure on the internal boundaries of the subdomains that provide an overlapping decomposition of the original computational domain. A theoretical analysis is carried out, and the well-posedness of the problem is proved under certain assumptions on both the geometry and the model parameters. An efficient solution algorithm is proposed, and several numerical tests are implemented. Our results show the accuracy of the ICDD method, its computational efficiency, and robustness with respect to the different parameters involved (grid siz.
Excellence in IT Consulting: Integrating Multiple Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Top Performers

Information technology (IT) consulting is a job where performance is multidimensional and difficult to measure objectively, and where organizational cultures are often “up or out. ” Thus, a consultant will typically be judged by (implicit) comparison to an observer's mental picture of a “top performer. ” Three linked studies conducted at a large IT consulting firm examine the nature and implications of this process. In the first, we address what it means to be a “top performer” as an IT consultant, both at the entry level and in more senior roles. The second study demonstrates incongruity among various stakeholders in their perceptions of which attributes are of primary and lesser importance as determinants of excellent performance. The third study examines the effects of this incongruence on consultants' attitudes and performance. This research presents a novel operationalization of incongruity that is particularly relevant for understanding IT personnel, and one that has practical implications for their socialization and management.
PURE SINGLET OXYGEN CYTOTOXICITY FOR BACTERIA

We have modified the separated‐surface‐sensitizer singlet oxygen generating system previously described (Midden and Wang, 1983) for the efficient exposure to pure singlet oxygen of bacteria collected on membrane filters. Physical separation of the photosensitizer and the bacteria eliminates the possibility of direct interaction between bacteria and photoexcited sensitizers that could lead to Type I (non‐singlet oxygen) photooxidation processes. This system was used to examine the bacterial cytotoxicity of singlet oxygen. The role of singlet oxygen was confirmed by measuring the decrease in cytotoxicity as the distance between the singlet oxygen source and the bacteria was increased. The gas phase half‐life of the intermediate responsible for cell killing, determined from this distance dependence analysis (24 ± 6 ms), is the same as that calculated from literature data for the gas phase half‐life of singlet oxygen (53 ± 37 ms). Killing of various strains of Salmonella lyphimurium and Escherichia coli was compared at the same dose of singlet oxygen. Bacteria were killed by singlet oxygen at levels several orders of magnitude lower than those effective in killing by H2O2. Altered DNA repair capacities (uvrB, recA, xth, nth, pKM101) did not affect survival. Incomplete cell wall lipopolysaccharide formation decreased survival following singlet oxygen exposure. Overproduction of the singlet oxygen quencher histidine increased survival, as did accumulation of the dipeptide carnosine (β‐alanyl‐L‐histidine). No evidence for mutagenicity of exogenous singlet oxygen exposure was obtained in a variety of S. typhimurium strains killed to 35% survival.
The Effects of Panax Ginseng on Lipid Profile, Pro-oxidant: Antioxidant Status and High-sensitivity C Reactive Protein Levels in Hyperlipidemic Patients in Iran

Background: Because of the conflicting results from previous studies regarding the efficacy of ginseng on lipid profile and anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities of its components, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Panax ginseng on lipid profile, pro-oxidant – anti-oxidant status and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. Methods: Forty Iranian hyperlipidemic patients were randomly assigned to placebo (n = 20) or control (n = 20) groups in this double-blind randomized controlled trial. The ginseng or placebo was taken two capsules twice a day for 8 weeks. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine and hs-CRP levels and pro-oxidant – anti-oxidant balance (PAB) were estimated before and after intervention. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to changes in serum TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C levels. Nor were there significant differences between the two groups with respect to changes in hs-CRP level and PAB from baseline to week 8. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that ginseng does not have significant effects on lipid profile, Hs-CRP level and PAB. Further clinical studies, with a larger sample size, more prolonged period of therapy are needed to investigate the therapeutic effects of ginseng.
Corticosteroid-induced bradycardia

High-dose or “pulse” corticosteroid therapy is used to treat a vast array of conditions. There is considerable evidence for their use in musculoskeletal diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, as well as dermatological diseases, such as psoriasis. They are also used in the treatment of a variety of other conditions, including some renal, hematological, ophthalmic, neurological, nephrological, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and neoplastic diseases. Pulse therapy typically refers to the administration of more than 250 mg prednisone (or equivalent) per day in an intermittent fashion to enhance the therapeutic effect and lessen the long-term adverse effects.1 Although the association between bradycardia and high-dose corticosteroids was first documented in 1986,2 it is not a commonly reported adverse effect.1 Cardiac arrhythmias have been reported to occur in 1% to 82% of patients receiving high doses of corticosteroids.3,4 These adverse effects, which include atrial fibrillation/flutter, ventricular tachycardias and sinus bradycardia,5 are usually associated with the intravenous route of administration. New reports have emerged, however, indicating that oral pulse steroids have a similar risk of inducing bradycardia and other arrhythmias.5-7 This is of significance because the oral route of administration is becoming increasingly more common due to the improved patient convenience and cost and similar efficacy.1 In this report, we describe a patient who developed bradycardia after receiving a course of oral corticosteroids for the treatment of a multiple sclerosis exacerbation. We hope that this case serves as a reminder of the critical role that pharmacists can play in preventing and monitoring for corticosteroid-induced bradycardia.
Evidence for a compulsive‐like behavior in rats exposed to alternate access to highly preferred palatable food

Converging evidence suggests that recurrent excessive calorie restriction causes binge eating by promoting behavioral disinhibition and overeating. This interpretation suggests that cognitive adaptations may surpass physiological regulations of metabolic needs after recurrent cycles of dieting and binging. Intermittent access to palatable food has long been studied in rats, but the consequences of such diet cycling procedures on the cognitive control of food seeking remain unclear. Female Wistar rats were divided in two groups matched for food intake and body weight. One group received standard chow pellets 7 days/week, whereas the second group was given chow pellets for 5 days and palatable food for 2 days over seven consecutive weeks. Rats were also trained for operant conditioning. Intermittent access to palatable food elicited binging behavior and reduced intake of normal food. Rats with intermittent access to palatable food failed to exhibit anxiety‐like behaviors in the elevated plus maze, but displayed reduced locomotor activity in the open field and developed a blunted corticosterone response following an acute stress across the diet procedure. Trained under a progressive ratio schedule, both groups exhibited the same motivation for sweetened food pellets. However, in contrast to controls, rats with a history of dieting and binging exhibited a persistent compulsive‐like behavior when access to preferred pellets was paired with mild electrical foot shock punishments. These results highlight the intricate development of anxiety‐like disorders and cognitive deficits leading to a loss of control over preferred food intake after repetitive cycles of intermittent access to palatable food.
Expression of a dominant negative mutant of epidermal growth factor receptor in the epidermis of transgenic mice elicits striking alterations in hair follicle development and skin structure.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a key regulator of keratinocyte biology. However, the physiological role of EGFR in vivo has not been well established. To analyze the role of EGFR in skin, we have generated transgenic mice expressing an EGFR dominant negative mutant in the basal layer of epidermis and outer root sheath of hair follicles. Mice expressing the mutant receptor display short and waved pelage hair and curly whiskers during the first weeks of age, but subsequently pelage and vibrissa hairs become progressively sparser and atrophic. Eventually, most mice present severe alopecia. Histological examination of the skin of transgenic mice shows striking alterations in the development of hair follicles, which fail to enter into catagen stage. These alterations eventually lead to necrosis and disappearance of the follicles, accompanied by strong infiltration of the skin with inflammatory elements. The interfollicular epidermis of these mice shows marked hyperplasia, expression of hyperproliferation‐associated keratin K6 and increased 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine incorporation. EGFR function was inhibited in transgenic skin keratinocytes, since in vivo and in vitro autophosphorylation of EGFR was almost completely abolished on EGF stimulation. These results implicate EGFR in the control of hair cycle progression, and provide new information about its role in epidermal growth and differentiation.
Job Satisfaction Among Young Board-Certified Surgeons at Academic Centers in Europe and North America

Objectives:To identify independent factors influencing job satisfaction of academic surgeons within their first 10 years after board certification. Background Data:Job satisfaction is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor for high performance of individuals and teams in most organizations. Sophisticated tools are now available to assess job satisfaction in medicine. Methods:A survey among 439 faculty surgeons from 16 European countries, United States, and Canada was conducted in 2011. Satisfaction at work was analyzed using the validated Global Job Satisfaction (GJS) instrument (score range, −36 to +36), modified to an extended version (eGJS) (score range, −87 to +87) covering additional personal and environmental factors. Independent factors were identified with multiple logistic regression analysis. Results:Response rate was high at 59% (439/744). Median age of responders was 39 years, with 17% women. North American surgeons scored higher on the eGJS when compared with Europeans (median: 21 vs. 33, respectively, P < 0.001). The surgical specialty with the highest median eGJS score was colorectal, whereas general surgery scored lowest (median: 33 vs 7, respectively, P = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, independent factors of high job satisfaction included protected time for research (odds ratio [OR]: 9), good team relationship (OR: 7), female sex (OR: 5), having a partner (OR: 4), feeling enthusiastic about work (OR: 4), being pleased with life accomplishments (OR: 4), having the standard of living one deserves (OR: 3), and clinical autonomy (OR: 3). In contrast, independent predictors of poor job satisfaction were feeling frustrated by work (ie, a burnout item) (OR: 37), worrying about per-sonal life at work (OR: 3), and having to work too many weekends (OR: 3). Conclusions:Satisfaction in young faculty members mostly relates to research opportunities, clinical autonomy, burnout, and lifestyle. Understanding satisfaction factors may improve productivity and competence.
Conformational properties of native sperm whale apomyoglobin in solution

Apomyoglobin from sperm whale is often used for studies of ligand binding, protein folding, and protein stability. In an effort to describe its conformational properties in solution, homonuclear and heteronuclear (13C and 15N) NMR methods were applied to the protein in its native state. Assignments were confirmed for nuclear Overhauser effects (NOEs) involving side chain and backbone protons in the folded regions of the structure. These NOEs were used to derive distance restraints. The shifts induced by the hydrophobic dye 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) were inspected in the regions remote from its binding site and served as an indicator of conformational flexibility. 3JαH‐NH values were obtained to assess dihedral angle averaging and to provide additional restraints. A family of structures was calculated with X‐PLOR and an ab initio simulated annealing protocol using holomyoglobin as a template. Where the structure appeared well defined by chemical shift, line width, ANS perturbation, and density of NOEs, the low resolution model of apomyoglobin provides a valid approximation for the structure. The new model offers an improved representation of the folded regions of the protein, which encompass the A, B, E, helices as well as parts of the G and H helices. Regions that are less well defined at this stage of calculations include the CD corner and the end of the H‐helix. The EF‐F‐FG segment remains uncharacterized.
Illicit drug use as a challenge to the delivery of end-of-life care services to homeless persons: Perceptions of health and social services professionals

Homeless persons tend to die younger than the housed population and have complex, often unmet, end-of-life care needs. High levels of illicit drug use among this population are a particular challenge for health and social services professionals involved in end-of-life care services delivery. This article explores the challenges of end-of-life care services to homeless illicit drug users based on data collected during a national study on end-of-life care services delivery to homeless persons in Canada. The authors conducted qualitative interviews with 50 health and social services professionals involved in health services delivery to homeless persons in five cities. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Themes were organised into two domains. First, barriers preventing homeless illicit drug users from accessing end-of-life care services, such as competing priorities (e.g. withdrawal management), lack of trust in healthcare providers and discrimination. Second, challenges to end-of-life care services delivery to this population in health and social care settings, including non-disclosure of illicit drug use, pain and symptom management, interruptions in care, and lack of experience with addictions. The authors identify a need for increased research on the role of harm reduction in end-of-life care settings to address these challenges.
Wellbeing – Conceptual Background and Research Practices

The term wellbeing was introduced with the Gross National Product concept (understood as welfare) and then with the Bruntland Commission Statement, together with the concept of sustainable development. It gained momentum after the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2003, 2005), which opened a new field for interdisciplinary projects. The MEA concept means linking wellbeing to ecosystem services and to sustainable development, looking upon them as inextricable elements of one global process, which are necessary to ensure "our common future". Although the term wellbeing is used very frequently in research and literature, there is a lot of confusion about the content of its meaning. It is sometimes understood in purely economic terms, based on the MEA (2005) definition, from a medical/health point of view or in the socio-psychological way – as the fulfilment of needs or happiness. The article above is an attempt to present the main issues of conceptual background and research practices for wellbeing. The author begins with a conceptual background moving on to the research of wellbeing. The last part of the article gives an overview of participant disciplines (their methodologies and perspectives), the main research topics, and finally – the main gaps in contemporary research and challenges for future ones.
Effect of debt on U.S. medical school graduates' preferences for family medicine, general internal medicine, and general pediatrics

The authors assess the importance of educational debt in graduates' primary care specialty choices, and the variety of mechanisms through which debt may influence career decisions. Logistic regression models were used to identify significant predictors of the primary care specialty choices made by the 1991 and 1992 graduates of U.S. medical schools. These predictors were debt itself; other financial indicators; certain medical school characteristics; certain practice location plans; certain demographic factors; aspects of academic performance; and students' predisposition to a primary care specialty. Data for this study were gathered from a variety of sources at the Association of American Medical Colleges and from the Health Education Assistance Loans program. Both direct and indirect effects of debt were identified under specific conditions. The study revealed complex relationships between debt and the other predictors identified. For example, debt operated in relation to the levels of the graduates' expected incomes; debt from subsidized loan sources was significant for women who chose general internal medicine; debt was important in choices of family practice; and debt by itself was significant for those planning to practice in the West and who chose general internal medicine. Also, seemingly opposing effects of debt occurred. For example, in the family practice model used in this study, the threshold effect of debt was positive, while the linear effect of debt above the threshold was negative. Such vriations help explain the conflicting findings of some past research. These and other findings prompt the authors to state that when investigating the effects of debt, it is not fruitful to ask what the effect of the debt is on all three primary care fields as a group. It is more appropriate to ask several questions, such as: under what conditions does debt influence specialty plans? Among which groups of students does debt have an impact on specialty plans? Are all of the primary care specialties similarly affected by the issues surrounding debt? Does the effect of debt change over time? The authors conclude by indicating possible policy implications of their findings.
The sphenopalatine foramen in man: anatomical, radiological and endoscopic study.

BACKGROUND Epistaxis is a frequent problem otorhinolaryngologists faces of in their practice. The variations of the sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) and consequ-ently the artery may be one of the major sources of such bleeding. The present work aimed to localise the site of SPF and also to illustrate its different shapes, number and any other variation. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the current study, 20 adult skulls of both sexes with total 40 half skulls were used in addition to 20 heads of adult living subjects of both sexes aged between 30 and 60 years examined with multislice helical com-puted tomography with 3-dimensional reconstruction of SPF. Then, examination of another ten dried skulls with endoscope was performed. RESULTS The number of the SPF is varied being single in nearly 80% and multiple in 20% of examined cases. The shape of the foramen also is varied; regular in 67.5% and irregular in 32.5% of all cases. The site of the foramen on the lateral nasal wall is placed in the superior meatus in most of examined skulls (62.5%) while in the rest (37.5%) they are found in the superior meatus and extending to the middle one. CONCLUSIONS There are variation of the number, shape and site of the SPF, and consequently of the branches of the sphenopalatine artery, and this may explain the surgical failure in management of severe epistaxis. The data obtained from the current work support the predication of more than one sphenopalatine ar-teries and gives ample knowledge on the endoscopic study of the lateral nasal wall and consequently the surgical treatment of severe epistaxis. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 2: 345-355).
Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on development of erosive esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms: a post hoc analysis of eight double blind prospective studies

OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to assess the development of erosive esophagitis, the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in patients without prior symptomatic or endoscopic GERD, and the worsening of GERD symptoms in patients with prior symptomatic GERD in a post hoc analysis of eight double-blind prospective trials of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) therapy in 1165 patients.METHODS:Patients with active or past duodenal ulcer and without baseline erosive esophagitis had end of study endoscopies 4–30 wk after completion of therapy. A total of 533 patients had heartburn and regurgitation scores assessed at baseline and 4 wk after end of therapy, and were divided into two groups: 1) no prior GERD symptoms (n = 127) and 2) prior GERD symptoms (n = 406). H. pylori was assessed at baseline and ≥4 wk after therapy by rapid urease test, histology, and culture.RESULTS:Erosive esophagitis developed in 24 (4%) of 621 patients with cure versus 14 (3%) of 544 with persistent H. pylori (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 0.78–2.97). In the longest study (28–30-wk follow-up), esophagitis developed in two (7%) of 28 patients with cure versus five (7%) of 76 with persistent infection. New GERD symptoms developed in 13 (14%) of 92 patients with cure versus seven (20%) of 35 with persistent infection (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.24–1.82). GERD worsened in 20 (7%) of 269 with cure vs 20 (15%) of 137 with persistent H. pylori (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.24–0.91; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS:Our results do not support the hypothesis that H. pylori eradication in patients with duodenal ulcer disease leads to the development of erosive esophagitis, the development of new symptomatic GERD, or worsening of symptoms in patients with pre-existing GERD.