Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Langerhans cell histiocytosis: a 16-year experience.

OBJECTIVES To describe the clinical course of Langerhans cell histiocytosis and to compare its outcome according to age, staging of the disease and treatment response. METHODS Retrospective analysis of data on 33 children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis followed at Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 1988 and 2004. RESULTS Age at diagnosis ranged from 2 months to 16 years (median: 2.5 years). Seventeen children were male. The follow-up period varied from 21 days to 16.2 years (median: 3.4 years). The most common clinical manifestations at diagnosis were osteolytic lesions, enlarged lymph nodes and skin lesions. The overall survival rate for the whole group was 86.1% at 16 years (95%CI 66.6-94.6%). Deaths occurred in patients with multisystem disease and organ dysfunction at diagnosis. Those patients who had a "better" response to treatment in the sixth week were likely to have a significantly higher overall survival rate than those who showed disease progression. Overall survival rate was significantly higher for patients with single-system disease. The disease-free survival rate for the whole group was 30.9% at 16 years (95%CI 15.6-47.5%), and was significantly higher for those with single-system disease. Age groups were not associated with different disease-free survival rates. Diabetes insipidus was the most common sequela. No cases of secondary neoplasms were observed. CONCLUSION The clinical manifestations of Langerhans cell histiocytosis vary widely, with a high relapse rate and low mortality rate.
Nutrient and Fiber Intake and Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma

This study examines the association between nutrient and fiber intake and the risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Between 1994 and 1997 in 8 Canadian provinces, mailed questionnaires were completed by 1,138 incident, histologically confirmed cases of RCC and 5,039 population controls. Measurement included information on socioeconomic status, lifestyle habits, and diet. A 69-item food frequency questionnaire provided data on eating habits 2 yr before data collection. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were derived through unconditional logistic regression. Intakes of total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, trans-fat, and cholesterol were associated with the risk of RCC; the ORs for the highest vs. the lowest quartile were 1.67, 1.53 and 1.46, 1.31, and 1.48, respectively. The positive association was apparently stronger in women, overweight or obese, and never smokers. Sucrose was related to the risk of RCC. High fiber intake was inversely associated with RCC risk. No association was found with intake of total protein and polyunsaturated fat, n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and total carbohydrates. The results were consistent across strata of sex, tobacco, and BMI. The findings suggest that a diet low in fats and cholesterol and rich in fiber could favorably affect the risk of RCC.
Writing about life goals: Effects on rumination, mood and the cortisol awakening response

Rumination is a vulnerability factor for the onset and maintenance of emotional distress. This study examined whether writing about life goals is associated with a decrease in ruminative thinking and a reduced cortisol awakening response. 68 healthy participants either wrote about their personal life goals or a control topic. Writing about life goals was associated with a modest decrease in ruminative thinking and a reduced cortisol awakening response at the post-intervention assessment. Results provide initial evidence that writing about life goals can be a helpful aid in decreasing rumination and physiological stress reactivity.
Balancing Power among Academic and Community Partners: The Case of El Proyecto Bienestar

Balancing power among academic and community partners, addressing community-identified needs, and strengthening community capacity are ethical values unique to community-based participatory research (CBPR). Negotiation of these values in one CBPR environmental justice project was evaluated to advance the environmental and occupational health of a Hispanic agricultural community in central Washington State. Data were collected through document review and participant observation. Applied conversation and discourse analysis were used to interpret the data. Within the organization, farmworkers primarily served an advisory role. Facilitation style influenced how participants negotiated environmental justice. Research goals were advanced in the project, but no direct actions were taken to improve farmworker health. Implementing CBPR's ethical values requires a willingness to confront institutional and interpersonal challenges, and offers a vision of research that builds knowledge and strengthens communities.
Collaborative Learning Processes in Social Impact Bonds: A Case Study from the Netherlands

ABSTRACT Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) bring together organizations from various sectors, with different organizational logics. Successful cross-sector collaboration, therefore, is challenging. In this paper, the collaborative learning process between partners of the SIB The Colour Kitchen (The Netherlands) is analysed. By analysing a good practice case, this paper shows (1) how collaborative governance theory helps to understand the dynamics of an SIB partnership, (2) provides insight into theoretical and empirical favourable conditions and actions for collaboration in an SIB, and (3) illustrates the complexity of SIBs and shows why such a normative proposition is still not widely practised.
Understanding and Visualizing the District of Columbia Capital Bikeshare System Using Data Analysis for Balancing Purposes

Bike sharing systems' popularity has consistently been rising during the past years. Managing and maintaining these emerging systems are indispensable parts of these systems. Visualizing the current operations can assist in getting a better grasp on the performance of the system. In this paper, a data mining approach is used to identify and visualize some important factors related to bike-share operations and management. To consolidate the data, we cluster stations that have a similar pickup and drop-off profiles during weekdays and weekends. We provide the temporal profile of the center of each cluster which can be used as a simple and practical approach for approximating the number of pickups and drop-offs of the stations. We also define two indices based on stations' shortages and surpluses that reflect the degree of balancing aid a station needs. These indices can help stakeholders improve the quality of the bike-share user experience in at-least two ways. It can act as a complement to balancing optimization efforts, and it can identify stations that need expansion. We mine the District of Columbia's regional bike-share data and discuss the findings of this data set. We examine the bike-share system during different quarters of the year and during both peak and non-peak hours. Findings reflect that on weekdays most of the pickups and drop-offs happen during the morning and evening peaks whereas on weekends pickups and drop-offs are spread out throughout the day. We also show that throughout the day, more than 40% of the stations are relatively self-balanced. Not worrying about these stations during ordinary days can allow the balancing efforts to focus on a fewer stations and therefore potentially improve the efficiency of the balancing optimization models.
A Comparative Study on the Indexing and Ranking of the Content Objects Including the MARCXML and Dublin Core's Metadata Elements by General Search Engines

Purpose – The purpose of this research was to assess and compare the indexing and ranking of XML‐based content objects containing MARCXML and XML‐based Dublin Core (DCXML) metadata elements by general search engines (Google and Yahoo! ), in a comparative analytical study.Design/methodology/approach – One hundred XML content objects in two groups were analyzed: those with MARCXML elements (50 records) and those with DCXML (50 records) published on two web sites (www.dcmixml.islamicdoc.org and www.marcxml.islamicdoc.org). The web sites were then introduced to the Google and Yahoo! search engines.Findings – The indexing of metadata records and the difference between their indexing and ranking were examined using descriptive statistics and a non‐parametric Mann‐Whitney U test. The findings show that the visibility of content objects was possible by all their metadata elements. There was no significant difference between two groups' indexing, but a difference was observed in terms of ranking.Practical implicatio.
Examining the antecedents and the effects of CSR implementation: an explanatory study

Purpose Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a concept with increasing importance for global and local organisations. Despite its importance, there is still lack in the understanding of its complete role, within and outside organisational boundaries. The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a conceptual framework (research model) that examines the antecedents (drivers) and the effects of CSR implementation. Design/methodology/approach The proposed conceptual framework was tested, using a newly developed structured questionnaire, in a sample of 80 large private Greek organisations. Key respondents were the executive managers of these organisations. The reliability and the validity of the questionnaire were thoroughly examined, while research hypotheses were tested using the “Structural Equation Modelling” technique. Findings Research findings suggest that three factors (“CSR awareness”, “relevant cost of CSR”, “appropriateness of CSR strategies”) have a direct effect on CSR implementation, while one factor (“knowledge of CSR”) has an indirect effect, through “CSR awareness”. On the other hand, CSR implementation seems to have a positive effect on “employee commitment”, “customer satisfaction” and “company reputation”. It should be underlined that these results reflect the opinions expressed by the top management of the companies that participated in the study. Originality/value The present study proposes an original, three-dimensional, conceptual framework that examines both the antecedents and the effects of ERP implementation. Such a multidimensional approach has randomly been attempted in the existing literature. Second, the present study examines the subject of CSR in an economy under crisis. This approach is rather unique among previous empirical studies of the same field. Third, the results of the present study may be generalised in other countries with similar economic realities and characteristics (e.g. Cyprus, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Ireland). Finally, the study offers specific managerial implications to business executives.
Genome variants of adenovirus 41 (subgroup G) from children with diarrhoea in South Africa

Fifteen strains of faecal adenovirus from 3 continents (4 from Europe, 4 from Canada, and 7 from South Africa) were typed as Ad41a by restriction enzyme analysis of the DNA using Sma I. The DNA of the strains was further compared by digestion with 9 other restriction enzymes. All strains had the same cleavage sites for enzymes Bam HI, Bgl I, Sst I, Pvu II, and Xho I, indicating a close relationship. The Canadian and European strains also had the same cleavage sites for Hind III, Eco RI, Bst EII, and Kpn I, within the limits of resolution of the technique. Only one of the 7 South African strains had a combination of restriction sites identical to the European and Canadian strains, whereas Hind III, Eco RI, Bst EII, and Kpn I digests of the other 6 South African Ad41 DNAs showed the existence of 4 other genome types of Ad41. All 15 Ad41a strains studied were easily distinguished from Ad40 strains using any of the 10 restriction enzymes.
Leadership of information systems development projects

How best to lead an information systems project team continues to be an open issue. For three decades, the research literature has contrasted between the leadership of the "chief programmer" led team to that of the "egoless" software team with little clarity as to what is appropriate leadership and under what circumstances. Software project teams, like other knowledge teams, are characterized by distributed expertise, the reliance on methodologies, high levels of collaboration, as well as the need to meet the expectations of a diverse set of stakeholders. We propose a theoretical model of information systems project team leadership that focuses on empowering and directive leadership practices and investigate whether this leadership is more effective than the use of traditional coordination mechanisms; we also test whether these relationships are moderated by factors such as task uncertainty or professional experience. We test this model using data from 69 software development teams. Our results indicate that empowering leadership has an important impact on team performance but only under conditions of high task uncertainty or team expertise.
Association of Neurexin 3 polymorphisms with smoking behavior

The Neurexin 3 gene (NRXN3) has been associated with dependence on various addictive substances, as well as with the degree of smoking in schizophrenic patients and impulsivity among tobacco abusers. To further evaluate the role of NRXN3 in nicotine addiction, we analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a copy number variant (CNV) within the NRXN3 genomic region. An initial study was carried out on 157 smokers and 595 controls, all of Spanish Caucasian origin. Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström index and the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The 45 NRXN3 SNPs genotyped included all the SNPs previously associated with disease, and a previously described deletion within NRXN3. This analysis was replicated in 276 additional independent smokers and 568 controls. Case–control association analyses were performed at the allele, genotype and haplotype levels. Allelic and genotypic association tests showed that three NRXN3 SNPs were associated with a lower risk of being a smoker. The haplotype analysis showed that one block of 16 Kb, consisting of two of the significant SNPs (rs221473 and rs221497), was also associated with lower risk of being a smoker in both the discovery and the replication cohorts, reaching a higher level of significance when the whole sample was considered [odds ratio = 0.57 (0.42–0.77), permuted P = 0.0075]. By contrast, the NRXN3 CNV was not associated with smoking behavior. Taken together, our results confirm a role for NRXN3 in susceptibility to smoking behavior, and strongly implicate this gene in genetic vulnerability to addictive behaviors.
Hepatic Arterial Embolization and Chemoembolization for Imatinib-Resistant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Objectives:We evaluated the efficacy of embolotherapy including hepatic arterial embolization and chemoembolization in patients with imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors with progressive liver metastases. Methods:Medical records and computed tomography images of patients with imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumor with progressive liver metastases who underwent embolotherapy from January 2002 through January 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Response was assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and modified CT response criteria that assessed tumor density changes. Progression-free survival in the liver and overall survival rates were calculated from the date of the initial embolotherapy session using the Kaplan-Meier method. Correlations between disease status or treatment variables and survival were tested in univariate and multivariate analyses using the log-rank test, and the Cox proportional hazards model, respectively. Results:Fourteen patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor who had been treated with imatinib for 7 to 61 months underwent 26 sessions of embolotherapy. Radiologic response could be evaluated in 13 patients. On the basis of response evaluation criteria in solid tumors, 1 patient demonstrated a partial response and the remaining 12 patients demonstrated stable disease. On the basis of the modified CT response criteria, 7 patients demonstrated a partial response and 6 patients demonstrated stable disease. Progression-free survival rates in the liver were 78.7%, 31.4%, and 31.4% at 6 months, 1, and 3 years, respectively; the median progression-free survival time was 7.0 months. Overall survival rates were 78.6%, 45.8%, and 45.8% at 6 month, 1 year, and 3 year, respectively; the median overall survival time was 9.7 months. Patients who had progressive extrahepatic metastases at the time of treatment and those who received only 1 embolotherapy treatment had shorter OS than did patients with liver-only progression and those who received 2 or more treatment sessions, respectively. Conclusions:Hepatic arterial embolization and chemoembolization induced radiologic response or disease stabilization in most patients with imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumor with progressive liver metastases. Patients with progressive extrahepatic metastases or those who are not amenable to more than 1 embolotherapy sessions, however, did not demonstrate an appreciable survival benefit following embolotherapy.
Exploring mental health issues of rural senior women residing in southwestern Ontario, Canada: a secondary analysis photovoice study.

INTRODUCTION There is inadequate knowledge regarding the prevalence, nature, and severity of mental health issues for rural senior women in Canada. Limited research has explored rural mental health, tending to focus on identifying mental illnesses that rural senior women (aged 65 years or older) experience and overlooking factors that contribute to mental health problems. Therefore, the focus of this research was to examine mental health issues of rural senior women and factors that negatively and/or positively affect their mental health. METHODS For this study, a secondary analysis technique was employed to re-analyze focus group, logbook, and pictorial data from a primary photovoice study. This secondary analysis study more specifically identified findings related to the mental health of rural senior women, such as mental health issues and factors that positively/negatively affected their mental health. The primary study explored general health promotion needs and resources of senior rural women. RESULTS Two main mental health issues were identified: loneliness and negative self-concept. Two factors were found to positively affect these women's mental health: social and community resources, and personal characteristics and resources. The two factors that negatively affected these women's mental health were found to be: inadequate resources and loss in community; and devaluing of rurality, ethnicity, and gender. CONCLUSIONS Study findings substantially contribute to the knowledge base regarding rural mental health by focusing on senior women and key factors in the rural context. Implications of this research are important for rural communities, practice and service delivery, and future research.
Numerical Modelling of Effects of Biphasic Layers of Corrosion Products to the Degradation of Magnesium Metal In Vitro

Magnesium (Mg) is becoming increasingly popular for orthopaedic implant materials. Its mechanical properties are closer to bone than other implant materials, allowing for more natural healing under stresses experienced during recovery. Being biodegradable, it also eliminates the requirement of further surgery to remove the hardware. However, Mg rapidly corrodes in clinically relevant aqueous environments, compromising its use. This problem can be addressed by alloying the Mg, but challenges remain at optimising the properties of the material for clinical use. In this paper, we present a mathematical model to provide a systematic means of quantitatively predicting Mg corrosion in aqueous environments, providing a means of informing standardisation of in vitro investigation of Mg alloy corrosion to determine implant design parameters. The model describes corrosion through reactions with water, to produce magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2, and subsequently with carbon dioxide to form magnesium carbonate MgCO3. The corrosion products produce distinct protective layers around the magnesium block that are modelled as porous media. The resulting model of advection–diffusion equations with multiple moving boundaries was solved numerically using asymptotic expansions to deal with singular cases. The model has few free parameters, and it is shown that these can be tuned to predict a full range of corrosion rates, reflecting differences between pure magnesium or magnesium alloys. Data from practicable in vitro experiments can be used to calibrate the model’s free parameters, from which model simulations using in vivo relevant geometries provide a cheap first step in optimising Mg-based implant materials.
The attitudes of undergraduate college students toward gay parenting.

A sample of undergraduate college students from a large midwestern university (N = 97) read one of four vignettes describing a couple interested in adopting a five-year-old African-American male child. Participants completed questionnaires that assessed their reactions to the couple described in the vignette. The vignettes were identical except that the couples' ethnicity was either African-American, Caucasian, or inter-racial (i.e., African-American and Caucasian) or their sexual orientation was either homosexual or heterosexual. Results indicate that subjects who rated the homosexual couple were more likely to view them as creating a dangerous environment for the child, to create a more insecure home, to be more emotionally unstable, and to be less likely to be awarded custody of the child than the heterosexual couples. Participants who were more theistic, irrationally worried, and tense were more likely to hold negative attitudes toward the gay couple. Recommendations for promoting attitude change toward gay/lesbian parenting is also presented.
Down syndrome and paternal age, a new analysis of case–control data collected in the 1960s

There has been a long‐running debate about the association between paternal age and Down syndrome. Some studies have failed to adequately control for maternal age, and have suffered from high levels of missing paternal age, raising concerns over selection bias. This paper analyzes an anonymously case‐controlled dataset with 98% complete parental age data, originally collected to investigate the association between parental exposure to radiation and Down syndrome. In our methods the cases and controls were matched on maternal age to within 6 months, and conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio associated with a 10‐year increase in paternal age. Our results showed the estimated odds ratio for a Down syndrome pregnancy associated with a 10‐year increase in paternal age was 1.13, 95%CI (0.85, 1.52). There was no statistically significant evidence of an association between paternal age and Down syndrome, but the estimated association was positive. The size of the estimated effect is much smaller than the effect of maternal age. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.