Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flat epithelial atypia (DIN 1a, atypical columnar change): an underdiagnosed entity very frequently coexisting with lobular neoplasia

Aims: Flat epithelial atypia of the breast [FEA; synonyms: ductal intraepithelial neoplasia (DIN) 1a, atypical columnar change] is increasingly recognized by pathologists and shows distinct genetic alterations. The aim of this study was to determine its biological significance as an incidental finding in breast biopsy specimens.
Experimental evaluation of a smartphone based Step Length estimation

Step Length (SL) is an essential parameter in the healthcare field to monitor the gait of patients affected by motor disorders such as Freezing of Gait (FoG), a motor block that provokes an interruption of the normal gait cycle. As a consequence spatio-temporal parameters of gait, in particular SL, are strongly altered before and during a FoG event. In this work we present a non-intrusive and non-invasive architecture applicable in this clinical scenario and we evaluate its reliability of SL estimation on 8 healthy subjects. We obtained mean errors of 7.77%, 6.99% and 6.44% for low, normal and high velocity respectively, which is a sufficient accuracy for FoG detection.
Dopamine transporter polymorphisms are associated with short-term response to smoking cessation treatment

Objectives To examine the association between polymorphisms in the dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3, DAT1) and treatment outcome in smokers attempting to quit using either nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion. Methods The sample consisted of 583 smokers recruited from a smoking cessation clinic, and followed throughout the 4 weeks of post-cessation treatment with behavioural support and either nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion. Results At 1 week after smoking cessation, the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) and the 30-bp intron 8 VNTR DAT1 genotypes were associated with the ability to stop smoking (3′UTR VNTR, odds ratio=2.0, 95% confidence interval=1.2–3.5, novel intron 8 VNTR, odds ratio=1.8, 95% confidence interval=1.0–2.9), controlling for potential confounders. The results were weaker and no longer significant at a 4-week follow-up. Conclusions We find evidence, although modest, of a medium-sized effect of DAT1 genotype on the ability to stop smoking early in a smoking cessation attempt. If the effect is real, and is strongest in the very early stages of smoking cessation, this suggests that the primary utility of DAT1 screening in this field will be in the identification of those most at risk of early relapse after quitting.
A Constrained Independent Component Analysis Based Photometric Stereo for 3D Human Face Reconstruction

In this paper, we propose an improved photometric stereo scheme based on the Lambertian reflectance model and the constrained independent component analysis (cICA) method. When we obtain an object's surface normal vector on each point of an image using the ICA model to reconstruct 3D shapes, we find that the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis values of the normal vector's coordinates are not arranged in turn. Thus, we use the cICA method to solve the problem. We obtain the correct normal vector's sequence form surface, and use a method for enforcing integrability to reconstruct 3D objects. We tested our algorithm on synthetically generated images for the reconstruction of object surfaces and on a number of real images captured from the Yale Face Database B. All the experimental results were compared to those of the existing photometric stereo approaches tested on the same images. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed cICA method is better than some existing approaches.
A systematic review of aripiprazole--dose, plasma concentration, receptor occupancy, and response: implications for therapeutic drug monitoring.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate relationships between aripiprazole dose, plasma level, pharmacologic activity, and clinical outcome in order to evaluate the potential for therapeutic drug monitoring. DATA SOURCES In August 2008, we searched Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases using the keywords aripiprazole, plasma levels, plasma concentration, and therapeutic drug monitoring. STUDY SELECTION Twenty-one reports were retrieved. Eight studies investigating the relationship between blood concentrations of aripiprazole and dose, dopamine D(2)/D(3) occupancy, and/or outcome and adverse effects were then selected. DATA EXTRACTION All data concerning plasma or serum concentrations of aripiprazole were included if concentrations were reported in relation to a dose, dopamine occupancy, or clinical outcome. Those reports solely investigating drug interactions were not included. DATA SYNTHESIS A strong correlation exists between aripiprazole dose and plasma concentration. Positron emission tomography analyses suggest that there are significant relationships between dopamine receptor occupancy and both aripiprazole dose and blood concentration. Dopamine receptor occupancy appears to reach a plateau at doses above 10 mg, supporting the observation found in dose-response studies that 10 mg/d is the optimal dose for aripiprazole. CONCLUSIONS The dose range for aripiprazole is well defined, and it reliably predicts plasma level, dopamine receptor occupancy, and clinical response. Plasma level variation appears to have minimal impact on clinical response, but it may predict some adverse effects. A putative target plasma level range of between 150 and 210 ng/mL is suggested. Therapeutic drug monitoring has limited value in the clinical use of aripiprazole, but it may be useful in assuring adherence and optimizing response in individuals.
The management of localized, infradiaphragmatic Hodgkin's disease: Experience of a rare clinical presentation at St Bartholomew's Hospital

Between 1969 and 1982, 23 previously untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD) confined to infradiaphragmatic sites were treated at St Bartholomew's Hospital. The distinguishing clinical characteristics of the patient population were a male: female ratio of 20:3. The mean age was 39 years, which was significantly older (P<0·05) than the mean age of patients with supradiaphragmatic HD (32 years) referred during the same period. Sixteen patients underwent formal pathological staging while one additional patient underwent a diagnostic laparotomy without splenectomy. The final pre‐treatment stages were PS IA: 5; PS IIA: 11; CS IIA: 1; PS IIB: 1; CS IIB 5. Splenic involvement correlated closely with the number of nodal sites involved, being detected in 1 / 7 patients with one site only compared with 8/9 with more (P<0·001).
The Arabidopsis Pot1 and Pot2 Proteins Function in Telomere Length Homeostasis and Chromosome End Protection

ABSTRACT Pot1 (protection of telomeres 1) is a single-stranded telomere binding protein that is essential for chromosome end protection and telomere length homeostasis. Arabidopsis encodes two Pot1-like proteins, dubbed AtPot1 and AtPot2. Here we show that telomeres in transgenic plants expressing a truncated AtPot1 allele lacking the N-terminal oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide binding fold (P1ΔN) are 1 to 1.5 kb shorter than in the wild type, suggesting that AtPot1 contributes to the positive regulation of telomere length control. In contrast, telomere length is unperturbed in plants expressing the analogous region of AtPot2. A strikingly different phenotype is observed in plants overexpressing the AtPot2 N terminus (P2ΔC) but not the corresponding region in AtPot1. Although bulk telomeres in P2ΔC mutants are 1 to 2 kb shorter than in the wild type, these plants resemble late-generation telomerase-deficient mutants with severe growth defects, sterility, and massive genome instability, including bridged chromosomes and aneuploidy. The genome instability associated with P2ΔC mutants implies that AtPot2 contributes to chromosome end protection. Thus, Arabidopsis has evolved two Pot genes that function differently in telomere biology. These findings provide unanticipated information about the evolution of single-stranded telomere binding proteins.
Home versus hospital birth.

BACKGROUND A meta-analysis of observational studies have suggested that planned home birth may be safe and with less interventions than planned hospital birth. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to assess the effects of planned home birth compared to hospital birth on the rates of interventions, complications and morbidity as determined in randomised trials. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Date of last search: September 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA Controlled trials comparing planned hospital birth to planned home birth in selected women, assisted by an experienced home birth practitioner, and backed up by a modern hospital system in case transfer should be necessary. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Trial quality was assessed and data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by the other reviewer. Study authors were contacted for additional information. MAIN RESULTS One study involving 11 women was included. The trial was of reasonable quality, but was too small to be able to draw conclusions. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS There is no strong evidence to favour either planned hospital birth or planned home birth for low risk pregnant women.
Aural canal, esophageal, and rectal temperatures during exertional heat stress and the subsequent recovery period.

CONTEXT The measurement of body temperature is crucial for the initial diagnosis of exertional heat injury and for monitoring purposes during a subsequent treatment strategy. However, little information is available about how different measurements of body temperature respond during and after exertional heat stress. OBJECTIVE To present the temporal responses of aural canal (T(ac)), esophageal (T(es)), and rectal (T(re)) temperatures during 2 different scenarios (S1, S2) involving exertional heat stress and a subsequent recovery period. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING University research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Twenty-four healthy volunteers, with 12 (5 men, 7 women) participating in S1 and 12 (7 men, 5 women) participating in S2. INTERVENTION(S) The participants exercised in the heat (42 degrees C, 30% relative humidity) until they reached a 39.5 degrees C cut-off criterion, which was determined by T(re) in S1 and by T(es) in S2. As such, participants attained different levels of hyperthermia (as determined by T(re)) at the end of exercise. Participants in S1 were subsequently immersed in cold water (2 degrees C) until T(re) reached 37.5 degrees C, and participants in S2 recovered in a temperate environment (30 degrees C, 30% relative humidity) for 60 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) We measured T(ac), T(es), and T(re) throughout both scenarios. RESULTS The T(es) (S1 = 40.19 +/- 0.41 degrees C, S2 = 39.50 +/- 0.02 degrees C) was higher at the end of exercise compared with both T(ac) (S1 = 39.74 +/- 0.42 degrees C, S2 = 38.89 +/- 0.32 degrees C) and T(re) (S1 = 39.41 +/- 0.04 degrees C, S2 = 38.74 +/- 0.28 degrees C) (for both comparisons in each scenario, P < .001). Conversely, T(es) (S1 = 36.26 +/- 0.74 degrees C, S2 = 37.36 +/- 0.34 degrees C) and T(ac) (S1 = 36.48 +/- 1.07 degrees C, S2 = 36.97 +/- 0.38 degrees C) were lower compared with T(re) (S1 = 37.54 +/- 0.04 degrees C, S2 = 37.78 +/- 0.31 degrees C) at the end of both scenarios (for both comparisons in each scenario, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS We found that T(ac), T(es), and T(re) presented different temporal responses during and after both scenarios of exertional heat stress and a subsequent recovery period. Although these results may not have direct practical implications in the field monitoring and treatment of individuals with exertional heat injury, they do quantify the extent to which these body temperature measurements differ in such scenarios.
Adoption of 3D printing technology: an Innovation Diffusion Theory perspective

While every new technology faces multiple challenges during market penetration, some technologies could be viewed by the adopters very differently than most others. The 3D Printing also called as Additive Manufacturing (AM), has been in the market for over a decade now, and is touted to be the next revolution in the industry. Technology has found wide applications in various industries, such as consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, manufacturing and among many others. However, less is known with regards to the adoption and diffusion of 3D Printing technology, especially from the emerging economies. Using a survey method, this study aims to examine the adoption of 3D Printing technology in select industries in India. We found Relative Advantage, Ease of Use and Trialability to be significant. Whereas, Compatibility and Observability emerged as non-significant. We also explored the challenges with respect to 3D Printing Adoption. The knowledge of the major challenges along with the significant factors affecting adoption can help the manufacturers and suppliers of 3D Printing technology to focus on for increasing the rate of adoption.
Macroeconomic convergence in the SADC: Evidence on beta and sigma convergence

This paper examined the prospects for the SADC regional integration by assessing the convergence of real per capita GDP given structural differences across the countries (Conditional beta convergence), and the possibility of reductions in income dispersions across the SADC member states (Sigma convergence). The study also analyzed the real GDP growth. The study finds convergence in the level and growth of real per capita GDP and GDP, based on fixed effects, maximum likelihood estimations, and Cointegration analysis.
Meta‐analysis of continuous outcomes combining individual patient data and aggregate data

Meta‐analysis of individual patient data (IPD) is the gold‐standard for synthesizing evidence across clinical studies. However, for some studies IPD may not be available and only aggregate data (AD), such as a treatment effect estimate and its standard error, may be obtained. In this situation, methods for combining IPD and AD are important to utilize all the available evidence. In this paper, we develop and assess a range of statistical methods for combining IPD and AD in meta‐analysis of continuous outcomes from randomized controlled trials.
Corporate Political Ties and Firm Value: Comparative Analysis in the Korean Market

Although prior studies have viewed corporate political ties as unethical, this study investigates whether changes in the political environment can significantly affect the net value of firms over time in emerging and transitioning economies. Analysis of a panel of South Korean listed firms in the Gyeongsang and Jeolla provinces from 1998 to 2013 reveals that political network ties to the regime currently in power provide significantly more positive benefits to politically connected firms than to non-connected firms. However, political network ties to the rival of the regime in power have significantly more negative effects on politically connected firms than on non-connected firms. More importantly, unexpected political regime changes strongly affect the shift from positive to negative effects on firm value over time, and political network ties continue to significantly and positively affect firm value over time during regime changes after political and economic liberalization in South Korea. These results line up with various robustness tests.
The influence of psychological factors on breastfeeding duration.

AIM This paper reports on a study examining the relationship between women's psychological characteristics and breastfeeding duration, after controlling for socio-demographic factors. BACKGROUND The literature suggests that psychological factors may influence breastfeeding behaviour, but studies are few. Existing evidence and the results of phase 1 of our study were used to construct a list of psychological factors, which were tested for their association with breastfeeding duration in the current design. METHOD Participants were postnatal inpatients in one of two regional hospitals between October and December 2005 and they completed the initial questionnaire within 14 days of giving birth (n = 375). Infant feeding method at 6 months and the timing of introduction of other food(s), where relevant, were ascertained by telephone interview. FINDINGS Forty-four per cent of the sample showed signs of postnatal distress in the 14 days following the birth. Breastfeeding duration was statistically significantly associated with psychological factors including dispositional optimism, breastfeeding self-efficacy, faith in breastmilk, breastfeeding expectations, anxiety, planned duration of breastfeeding and the time of the infant feeding decision. As a set, these psychological factors were more predictive of breastfeeding duration than was the set of socio-demographic characteristics. The duration of any breastfeeding was uniquely predicted by faith in breastmilk, planned breastfeeding duration and breastfeeding self-efficacy. CONCLUSION This increased knowledge of the factors influencing breastfeeding will assist in identifying women at risk of early weaning and in constructing programmes capable of increasing the length of time for which women breastfeed.
Pharmacokinetics of Carbenicillin in Neonates of Normal and Low Birth Weight

A single intramuscular dose of 100 mg carbenicillin/kg produced measured peak concentrations of approximately 150 to 175 μg/ml in newborn infants. The carbenicillin serum half-life of 1.0 hr in normal adults was prolonged to 2.7 hr in infants of normal birth weight and to 4.0 hr in babies of low birth weight in the first week of life. One-third of a dose administered to babies of low birth weight and two-thirds of that given to babies weighing over 2,500 g was excreted by the kidney in 12 hr. Postadministration 6-hr urinary carbenicillin concentrations averaged 1,399 μg/ml after an intramuscular dose of 50 mg/kg and 2,689 μg/ml after a 100 mg/kg injection. Although carbenicillin is excreted by both glomerular and tubular mechanisms in adults, serum half-life and urinary carbenicillin excretion correlated well with creatinine clearance. Recommendations for dosage of carbenicillin and intervals of administration in the neonatal period are made based upon mathematical predictions from pharmacokinetic data.
Implication of frequenin in the facilitation of transmitter release in Drosophila.

1. We have investigated the possible role of frequenin in the modulation of synaptic facilitation at the larval Drosophila neuromuscular junctions. Excitatory junctional currents (EJCs) and presynaptic nerve terminal currents were recorded by external electrodes in normal larvae and in transgenic larvae carrying an extra insertion of the frequenin cDNA. 2. Motor nerve stimulation by twin pulses or trains of stimuli provoked EJC facilitation which was about three times higher in transgenic larvae compared to controls. Unconditioned EJCs revealed, however, similar quantal content and Ca2+ sensitivity in both Drosophila strains. 3. Differences between normal and transgenic Drosophila in the quantal content of the facilitated EJC do not depend on differences in the duration of the repolarization phase of the presynaptic action potential. 4. Perfusion of tetrodotoxin or of low‐Na+ solutions abolished the enhancement of the EJC facilitation observed in the transformants. These treatments only slightly affected the facilitation of normal junctions. 5. These results suggest that (i) internal Na+ accumulation can enhance facilitation of transmitter release in Drosophila neuromuscular junctions overexpressing frequenin, and (ii) this effect possibly depends on a modulation of the activity of the Na(+)‐Ca2+ exchanger by frequenin.
Understanding the recent Sino-U.S. trade conflict

ABSTRACT To understand Sino-U.S. trade relations, this article interprets the trade imbalance between China and the United States from the Trump administration’s perspective. The Trump administration claims that the Chinese government’s subsidies and high import tariffs cause the Sino-U.S. trade deficit, resulting in job losses in the U.S. The Trump administration therefore argues that imposing high tariffs on Chinese exports can resolve the deficit. The article finds that U.S. statistical accounting overestimates the deficit. Reducing China’s imports cannot increase U.S. employment, and China provides the United States with low-price and high-quality products. Chinese investors tend to invest the surplus by purchasing U.S. Treasury bonds. In addition, the United States limits Chinese investments due to ‘national security’ concerns. China’s upgrading to the high end of the global value chain is a consequence of economic development. Therefore, the two countries should rebalance Sino-U.S. trade by seeking economic and trade cooperation via trade negotiations.
Small Congenital Nevi Associated with Melanoma: Case Reports and Considerations

Melanocytic nevi, both congenital and acquired, are considered to be precursors of melanomas. Data about the malignant potential of these nevi are conflicting, particularly with reference to the nevus of the smallest size. Patients with preexisting melanocytic nevi (both congenital and acquired) have risks of developing melanoma that differ from those of subjects without them. The purpose of this study was to verify the presence of melanoma in preexisting nevi both congenital (congenital nevus associated melanoma) (CNAM) and acquired (ANAM). In particular, we investigated melanomas associated with small congenital nevi (SCN). A cohort of 190 patients with primary melanomas was studied. Congenital nevi were called “small” (SCN) when their diameters were less than 1.5 cm. Epiluminescence microscopy (ELM) was performed to further improve the clinical diagnosis and to observe the more subtle changes in the preexisting nevi. Forty of the 190 cases of melanoma were associated with preexisting nevi; of these, 15 had congenital features with a CNAM largest diameter of 1.5 cm. These 15 cases were melanomas of the superficial type with a mean tumor thickness lower than that of ANAM (0.33 vs 1.50). There were no differences between the locations of CNAM and other melanomas. Male patients were significantly more affected. ELM microscopy permitted us to detect the early malignant changes in nevi and thus to improve our diagnosis. A high percentage of small congenital nevi were found to be associated with melanomas. They may be considered as melanomas precursors. Because of their large number and frequency, prophylactic removal of all SCN is not feasible. However, they should be removed as soon as possible when clinical or ELM changes are observed.
The Determinants of Foreign Tourism Demand: Separating Elasticities for the Extensive and the Intensive Margin

This paper estimates the elasticities of Italy’s foreign tourism demand to relative prices, nominal and real exchange rates using a dataset for tourism flows to Italy (and its macro-regions) over the period 1997-2015. By separating total tourism expenditure into the number of arrivals and per-capita expenditure, the effect of each explanatory variable can be divided into an extensive and an intensive margin. This disaggregation helps to clarify the reasons behind the mixed evidence found in the literature and offers a richer interpretation of elasticities. We find that the elasticities of tourism expenditure to relative prices and to nominal and real exchange rates are negative and range from -0.5 to -0.7, in line with previous results found in the literature. The effect on expenditure is channelled mainly via the extensive margin (i.e. the number of arrivals). Southern Italy shows higher price elasticities than the rest of the country, signalling a higher exposure to the competitive pressures from other Mediterranean destinations.