Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Debt renegotiation with incomplete contract

A debt contract usually does not include a provision about renegotiation. The right to seize the borrower’s asset and the rules of this process are usually stipulated in the contract. Such a promise not to renegotiate is not credible since renegotiation can mitigate the dead-weight loss of liquidating insolvent borrowers. Once the initial contract may not consider the renegotiation procedure and renegotiation may occur, this paper investigates why a complete contract is not offered. It shows that the lender does not need to stipulate the renegotiation procedure on the initial contract because he is indifferent about committing or not to the terms of a contract. This indicates that a complete contract gives the lender the same expected return as an incomplete contract, in which the renegotiation process is determined after the occurrence of default.
Patency and clinical outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with polytetrafluoroethylene‐covered stents versus bare stents: A meta‐analysis

Background and Aim: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with polytetrafluoroethylene‐(PTFE)‐covered stent has been increasingly used for patients with complications of portal hypertension. It is still debated whether the new endoprostheses will improve some clinical outcomes (except for shunt patency) compared to the bare stents. The aims of our meta‐analysis were to explore the patency and clinical outcomes of TIPS with PTFE‐covered stent‐grafts versus bare stents.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency among Men

Method: The study was carried out in the second and third weeks of April 2012. Three hundred sixty-four men (husbands of mothers who presented in labor) participated in the study. A questionnaire was administered and vitamin D level was measured in the blood. Bivariate and multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate differences between variables. P-value <0.05 was considered significant.
Ghost-free high-dynamic range imaging using layered exposed images based on local histogram equalization

In this paper, we present a novel high dynamic range (HDR) imaging method using a single input image. Conventional multiple image-based HDR methods are successful only on condition that there is no motion in the scene during the acquisition of multiple, differently exposed low dynamic range (LDR) images. If these constraints are not satisfied, a ghost artifact is produced in the resulting HDR image. In order to overcome these limitations, we generate multiple, differently exposed LDR images from a single input image. We call these multiple images a set of layered exposed (LE) images. In order to generate an appropriate set of LE images, the proposed method divides input image into 9 subregions and computes local mean in each subregion to estimate the minimum and maximum local mean. The estimated local means become ranges of histogram equalization (HE). HDR image is generated by fusing differently exposed LE images. More specifically, given a set of LE images, we perform weighted fusion to produce the resulting HDR image, which is inherently free from ghost artifacts since all LE images are geometrically identical. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the existing algorithms in the sense of both removing ghost artifacts and enhancement of image contrast.
Efficacy of wound analgesia for controlling post-thoracotomy pain: a randomized double-blind study†.

OBJECTIVES Continuous wound infusion of local anaesthetics has been successfully applied for postoperative pain control in several procedures but, surprisingly, it is underused in thoracic surgery. We aimed to investigate the effects of wound analgesia associated with systemic patient-controlled analgesia in patients undergoing lung cancer resection with muscle-sparing thoracotomy. METHODS Sixty consecutive patients undergoing lung cancer resection via standard muscle-sparing thoracotomy were randomized into two groups (wound analgesia and placebo groups). Bupivacaine in the wound group and free-saline solution in the placebo group were injected using a multiholed catheter connected to an elastomeric pump inserted at the end of operation between the pericostal sutures and the serratus muscle and removed 48 h after. The inter-group differences were assessed by the following criteria: (i) level of cytokines [IL-6, IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)]; (ii) pain on a visual analogue scale at rest and after coughing; (iii) recovery of respiratory functions (flow expiratory volume in 1 s % and forced vital capacity %) and (iv) narcotic medication consumption at different time points of the postoperative course. RESULTS Five out of a total of 60 patients were excluded from the final analysis. Thus, the wound and placebo groups comprised 27 and 28 patients, respectively. The wound group compared with the placebo group had a significant decrease of IL-6 (P < 0.001), IL-10 (P < 0.001) and TNF-alpha (P < 0.001) blood concentration levels, pain scores at rest (P < 0.001) and after coughing (P = 0.01), and a reduction of additional morphine intake (P = 0.03) and Ketorolac (P = 0.01) during the entire postoperative course. The recovery of the flow expiratory volume in one second % (P = 0.01) and the forced vital capacity % (P = 0.02) was also better in the wound than in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS Our data prove that wound analgesia is an effective, easy and safe procedure. It significantly reduces systemic inflammatory markers, pain scores and opioid intake; and accelerates the recovery of respiratory function. Catheter placement does not require particular manoeuvres by the surgeon nor does the elastomeric pump need any adjustment or care by physicians or nurses.
In Vitro Evaluation of Enamel Microhardness after Application of Two Types of Fluoride Varnish.

INTRODUCTION Use of fluoride compounds is one of the most effective ways of preventing decay and among these varnishes have high acceptance among different fluoride products. AIM Hence, the aim of this research was to evaluate the micro-hardness of tooth enamel after the usage of two different commercial products of fluoride varnish. MATERIALS AND METHODS This in vitro experimental study was performed on 51 extracted premolar teeth. The teeth were divided randomly into three 17-membered groups. The first group received Duraflor varnish, the second group received Ariadent Iranian varnish while the third group received no treatment. Micro hardness of tooth enamel was measured utilizing Vickers method before and after the use of fluoride varnish. ANOVA, Tukey, and Wilcoxon statistical tests were utilized for statistical analysis of data. RESULTS The comparison of mean change in micro hardness before and after the use of fluoride showed that increase in micro hardness in Duraflor varnish and Ariadent varnish group was significant when compared to control group (p<0.05) but no significant statistical difference was observed in terms of mean of micro hardness after intervention between two groups of Duraflor varnish and Ariadent varnish (p>0.05). CONCLUSION According to the findings, the use of fluoride significantly increased the enamel micro hardness which did not show a significant difference between two groups of Duraflor varnish and Ariadent varnish.
Naturally Occurring Capsid Substitutions Render HIV-1 Cyclophilin A Independent in Human Cells and TRIM-cyclophilin-resistant in Owl Monkey Cells*

In this study, we asked if a naturally occurring HIV-1 variant exists that circumvents CypA dependence in human cells. To address this issue, we sought viruses for CypA independence using Debio-025, a cyclosporine A (CsA) analog that disrupts CypA-capsid interaction. Surprisingly, viral variants from the Main group replicate even in the presence of the drug. Sequencing analyses revealed that these viruses encode capsid substitutions within the CypA-binding site (V86P/H87Q/I91V/M96I). When we introduced these substitutions into viruses that normally rely on CypA for replication, these mutants no longer depended on CypA, suggesting that naturally occurring capsid substitutions obviate the need for CypA. This is the first demonstration that isolates from the Main group naturally develop CypA-independent strategies to replicate in human cells. Surprisingly, we found that these capsid substitutions render HIV-1 capable of infecting Owl monkey (OMK) cells that highly restrict HIV-1. OMK cell resistance to HIV-1 is mediated via TRIM-Cyp, which arose from a retrotransposition of CypA into the TRIM5 α gene. Interestingly, saturation experiments suggest that the Pro86/Gln87/Val91/Ile96 capsid core is “invisible” to TRIM-Cyp. This study demonstrates that specific capsid substitutions can release HIV-1 from both CypA dependence in human cells and TRIM-Cyp restriction in monkey cells.
Evolutionary and ecological patterns in body size, shape, and ornamentation in the Jurassic bivalve Chlamys (Chlamys) textoria (Schlotheim, 1820)

Changes in body size have been the subject of numerous palaeontological and neontological studies, but despite several general postulated “rules”, the underlying processes controlling them are still incompletely understood, and their broad applicability is debated. Here we utilise morphological and ecological data from the Jurassic marine bivalve Chlamys textoria (Schlotheim, 1820) to analyse spatial and temporal trends in body size and ornamentation. We find: (1) fluctuations in body size during the Jurassic and no support for Cope’s rule (the tendency to increase body size over geological time within an individual lineage); (2) a gradual increase in the average height to length ratio of the valves during the Jurassic. In the absence of any obvious adaptive advantage we suggest genetic drift as the causal mechanism; (3) a significantly larger mean body size in mid-palaeolatitudes than in the Jurassic tropics, providing evidence for the validity of Bergmann’s rule (the assertion that body mass increases with latitude); and (4) a complex relationship between the number of plicae and the environment, which we explain as an improvement towards camouflaging the shell.
Major histocompatibility complex class II‐restricted presentation of a cytosolic antigen by autophagy

Biochemical and functional studies have demonstrated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II‐restricted presentation of peptides derived from cytosolic proteins, but the underlying processing and presentation pathways have remained elusive. Here we show that endogenous presentation of an epitope derived from the cytosolic protein neomycin phosphotransferase II (NeoR) on MHC classII is mediated by autophagy. This presentation pathway involves the sequestration of NeoR into autophagosomes, and subsequent delivery into the lytic compartment. These results identify endosomes/lysosomes as the processing compartment for cytosolic antigens and furthermore link endogenous antigen presentation on MHC class II with the process of cellular protein turnover by autophagy.
Can computer-based assessment enhance the acceptance of formative multiple choice exams? A utility analysis

Background Students’ motivation to participate is one of the main challenges in formative assessment. The utility framework identifies potential points of intervention for improving the acceptance of formative assessment [Van Der Vleuten C. 1996. The assessment of professional competence: Developments, research and practical implications. Adv Health Sci Educ 1(1):41–67]. At the Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne, the paper-based version of the Berlin Progress Test has been transformed into computer-based version providing immediate feedback. Aim To investigate whether the introduction of computer-based assessment (CBA) enhances the acceptance of formative assessment relative to paper-based assessment (PBA). Methods In a retrospective cohort study (PBA: N = 2597, CBA: N = 2712), students’ overall acceptance of the two forms of assessment was surveyed, their comments were analyzed, and we analyzed their test behavior and categorized students into “serious” or “non-serious” test takers. Results In the preclinical phase of medical education, no differences were found in overall acceptance of the two forms of assessment (p > 0.05). In the clinical phase, differences in favor of CBA were found in overall acceptance (p < 0.05), the proportion of positive comments (p < 0.001), and the proportion of serious participants (p < 0.001). Conclusions Introduction of immediate feedback via CBA can enhance the acceptance and therefore the utility of formative assessment.
Cancer‐associated somatic DICER1 hotspot mutations cause defective miRNA processing and reverse‐strand expression bias to predominantly mature 3p strands through loss of 5p strand cleavage

Our group recently described recurrent somatic mutations of the miRNA processing gene DICER1 in non‐epithelial ovarian cancer. Mutations appeared to be clustered around each of four critical metal‐binding residues in the RNase IIIB domain of DICER1. This domain is responsible for cleavage of the 3′ end of the 5p miRNA strand of a pre‐mRNA hairpin. To investigate the effects of these cancer‐associated 'hotspot' mutations, we engineered mouse DICER1‐deficient ES cells to express wild‐type and an allelic series of the mutant DICER1 variants. Global miRNA and mRNA profiles from cells carrying the metal‐binding site mutations were compared to each other and to wild‐type DICER1. The miRNA and mRNA profiles generated through the expression of the hotspot mutations were virtually identical, and the DICER1 hotspot mutation‐carrying cells were distinct from both wild‐type and DICER1‐deficient cells. Further, miRNA profiles showed that mutant DICER1 results in a dramatic loss in processing of mature 5p miRNA strands but were still able to create 3p strand miRNAs. Messenger RNA (mRNA) profile changes were consistent with the loss of 5p strand miRNAs and showed enriched expression for predicted targets of the lost 5p‐derived miRNAs. We therefore conclude that cancer‐associated somatic hotspot mutations of DICER1, affecting any one of four metal‐binding residues in the RNase IIIB domain, are functionally equivalent with respect to miRNA processing and are hypomorphic alleles, yielding a global loss in processing of mature 5p strand miRNA. We further propose that this resulting 3p strand bias in mature miRNA expression likely underpins the oncogenic potential of these hotspot mutations. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A TET Homologue Protein from Coprinopsis cinerea (CcTET) That Biochemically Converts 5-Methylcytosine to 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-Formylcytosine, and 5-Carboxylcytosine

DNA methylation (5-methylcytosine, 5mC) plays critical biological functions in mammals and plants as a vital epigenetic marker. The Ten-Eleven translocation dioxygenases (TET1, 2, and 3) have been found to oxidize 5mC to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and then to 5-formylcytosine (5fC) and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC) in mammalian cells. We report herein three mushroom TET homologues from Coprinopsis cinerea that can mediate 5mC oxidation. Specifically, one homologue (CC1G_05589, CcTET) shows similar activity to its mammalian TET homologues. Biochemically, CcTET actively converts 5mC to 5hmC, 5fC, and 5caC under natural conditions (pH 7.0). Interestingly, CcTET also converts the majority of 5mC to 5fC under slightly acidic (pH 5.8) and neutral conditions. Kinetics analyses of the oxidation by CcTET under neutral conditions indicate that conversion of 5mC to 5hmC and 5hmC to 5fC are faster than that of 5fC to 5caC, respectively. Our results provide an example of a TET homologue in a non-mammalian organism that exhibits full 5mC-to-5caC oxidation activity and a slight preference to producing 5fC. The preferential accumulation of 5fC in the in vitro oxidation reactions under both neutral and acidic conditions may have biological implications for 5mC oxidation in fungi species.
Relationship among Nurses Role Overload, Burnout and Managerial Coping Strategies at Intensive Care Units

Work life takes up an important place in human life, and an employee faces many stimuli from internal and external environments and is affected by them in a positive or negative way. Aim: was to investigate relationship among nurses role overload , burnout and managerial coping strategies at Intensive Care Units in Assiut University Hospital. Results: Showed that role overload had highest mean score in General and Casuality ICUs. In addition, coping strategies highest mean scores of rational problem solving , resigned distancing, and seeking support/ventilation were in Casuality and post operative ICUs respectively except passive wishful thinking had highest mean scores in General and Casuality ICUs respectively. Also, burnout had highest mean scores in post operative and general ICU respectively. Conclusions: Nurses employed at ICUs in Assiut University Hospital reported high burnout and use managerial coping strategies as rational problem solving, resigned distancing, seeking support/ ventilation and passive wishful thinking to handle burnout and role overload except passive wishful thinking not used with role overload.
Sperm morphology of the eurasian beaver, Castor fiber: An example of a species of rodent with highly derived and pleiomorphic sperm populations

The structural organization of the spermatozoon from the Eurasian beaver, Castor fiber (Family: Castoridae), was determined and compared to that of other sciuromorph rodents. The beaver spermatozoon has a head, which is variable in form but usually paddle‐shaped, with a small nucleus and very large acrosome, and a tail that is relatively short compared to that of most other rodents. Transmission electron microscopy indicates that in most testicular spermatozoa the acrosome projects apically, although in a few it becomes partly flexed. During the final stages of maturation, however, the acrosome becomes highly folded so that the apical segment comes to lie alongside part of the acrosome that occurs lateral to the nucleus, with, in some cases, fusion taking place between the outer acrosomal membranes. The sperm nucleus is wedge‐shaped, being broader basally and narrowing apically with an occasional large nuclear vacuole occurring. This spermatozoon structure is markedly different from that found in the other species of Geomyoidea, which is the sister group of the Castoridae. The findings thus emphasize the highly divergent nature of the beaver spermatozoon and demonstrate that, within the proposed Infraorder Castorimorpha, very large differences in sperm structure have evolved. J. Morphol. , 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SeaSonde Radial Velocities: Derivation and Internal Consistency

This paper describes the methods presently used to produce unaveraged radial velocity maps from radar voltage cross spectra measured by a SeaSonde, including a discussion of the multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm as it is applied to SeaSonde data and methods employed to alleviate difficulties associated with the use of measured antenna patterns. We also describe internal consistency checks including visual observation of the radial velocity map, consideration of the computed uncertainties and quantitative tests of radial velocities measured by two radars along the baseline between the systems. Baseline analysis is illustrated by application to two SeaSonde networks, with contrasting results that lead to a better understanding of SeaSonde output
Incorporating voice of the consumer: does it really work?

Purpose – This study attempts to address the question of whether and how new product development (NPD) performance can be enhanced by interacting with users at specific stages in the process and whether performance can be affected by user knowledge management.Design/methodology/approach – In this study, data were collected from firms in the software industry in Taiwan and a model of knowledge management capabilities was adopted to analyze the effectiveness of a firm's user knowledge.Findings – The findings demonstrate that user interaction during NPD stages significantly promotes new product performance in the early stages and that user knowledge management competence has a positive effect on NPD performance – especially through the process capability dimension.Originality/value – Drawing from the findings of this paper, further research directions and theoretical and managerial implications are projected.
Rapid and Accurate Identification by Real-Time PCR of Biotoxin-Producing Dinoflagellates from the Family Gymnodiniaceae

The identification of toxin-producing dinoflagellates for monitoring programmes and bio-compound discovery requires considerable taxonomic expertise. It can also be difficult to morphologically differentiate toxic and non-toxic species or strains. Various molecular methods have been used for dinoflagellate identification and detection, and this study describes the development of eight real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU rRNA) gene of species from the genera Gymnodinium, Karenia, Karlodinium, and Takayama. Assays proved to be highly specific and sensitive, and the assay for G. catenatum was further developed for quantification in response to a bloom in Manukau Harbour, New Zealand. The assay estimated cell densities from environmental samples as low as 0.07 cells per PCR reaction, which equated to three cells per litre. This assay not only enabled conclusive species identification but also detected the presence of cells below the limit of detection for light microscopy. This study demonstrates the usefulness of real-time PCR as a sensitive and rapid molecular technique for the detection and quantification of micro-algae from environmental samples.
The performance of MelaFind: a prospective multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of MelaFind, a noninvasive and objective computer-vision system designed to aid in detection of early pigmented cutaneous melanoma. DESIGN A prospective, multicenter, blinded study. The diagnostic performance of MelaFind and of study clinicians was evaluated using the histologic reference standard. Standard images and patient information for a subset of 50 randomly selected lesions (25 melanomas) were used in a reader study of 39 independent dermatologists to estimate clinicians' biopsy sensitivity to melanoma. SETTING Three academic and 4 community practices in the United States with expertise in management of pigmented skin lesions. PATIENTS A total of 1383 patients with 1831 lesions enrolled from January 2007 to July 2008; 1632 lesions (including 127 melanomas-45% in situ-with median Breslow thickness of invasive lesions, 0.36 mm) were eligible and evaluable for the study end points. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sensitivity of MelaFind; specificities and biopsy ratios for MelaFind and the study investigators; and biopsy sensitivities of independent dermatologists in the reader study. RESULTS The measured sensitivity of MelaFind was 98.4% (125 of 127 melanomas) with a 95% lower confidence bound at 95.6% and a biopsy ratio of 10.8:1; the average biopsy sensitivity of dermatologists was 78% in the reader study. Including borderline lesions (high-grade dysplastic nevi, atypical melanocytic proliferations, or hyperplasias), MelaFind's sensitivity was 98.3% (172 of 175), with a biopsy ratio of 7.6:1. On lesions biopsied mostly to rule out melanoma, MelaFind's average specificity (9.9%) was superior to that of clinicians (3.7%) (P=.02). CONCLUSION MelaFind is a safe and effective tool to assist in the evaluation of pigmented skin lesions. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00434057.