Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How much to save to behave fair towards future generations? Fair savings in Poland

In this paper the notion of intergenerational fairness is applied to economic and social intergenerational transfers, such as pensions, social security contributions, investment in education and households’ savings. It is claimed that intergenerational accounts cannot be unfair in the long run. Fair behaviour towards future generations requires fair savings to reduce the intergenerational debt that consists of the explicit public debt and the implicit social security and welfare debt. The paper is aimed at specifying possible forms of fair savings: households’ saving, investment in human capital and social security contributions. The analysis is based on the experience of the Polish economy after the pensions’ reform of 1999. It shows that there is a strong intergenerational imbalance in the pension system in Poland though the pensions’ reform contributed to a slowdown in the growth of the implicit pension debt. It is argued that fair savings of currently living generations in Poland can be found in households’ saving and in households’ investment in human capital.
Treating disability in knee osteoarthritis with exercise therapy: a central role for self-efficacy and pain.

OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on self-efficacy beliefs in older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to determine whether self-efficacy and knee pain mediated the effects of the treatments on stair time performance and health perceptions. METHODS Measures of self-efficacy, knee pain, stair climbing performance, and health perceptions were collected prior to randomization and again at an 18-month followup in older adults with knee OA who were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment conditions: aerobic exercise, resistance training, or health education control. All analyses were conducted on the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS Both exercise treatments increased self-efficacy for stair climbing in comparison to the health education control group. Both knee pain and self-efficacy mediated the effect of the treatments on stair climb time, whereas only knee pain mediated health perceptions. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that control beliefs and changes in physical symptoms such as knee pain are important outcomes in physical activity programs with patients who have OA of the knee. Moreover, these variables mediate the effects that such programs have on disability and health perceptions.
Impacts of Social Media Connection Demands: A Study of Irish College Students

This study investigates the cumulative impacts of connection demands across media channels. A survey with 202 Irish college students showed that the magnitude of connection demands across social media channels increases both negative affect and positive affect. A connection overload path model indicated that difficulties controlling connection habits were related to negative impacts on important life activities, stress, and affect. While negative affect was influenced by connection demands only through an indirect mechanism, there were both indirect and direct links between connection demands and positive affect.
The Effect of Location of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Postoperative Opioid Analgesic Requirement: Acupoint Versus Nonacupoint Stimulation

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been used as a complementary (supplemental) therapy to opioid analgesics for pain relief after surgery.Simultaneous stimulation at a classical Chinese acupoint site and periincisional dermatomes significantly decreases the postoperative analgesic requirement. This sham-controlled study was designed to assess the relative effectiveness of acupoint versus nonacupoint stimulation on the postoperative hydromorphone (HM) requirement, the incidence of opioid-related side effects, and the overall recovery profile. One hundred women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy or myomectomy procedures with a standardized general anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of four postoperative analgesic treatment regimens (n = 25 each): Group I = sham-TENS (no electrical current) at the Zusanli (ST36) acupoints, Group II = nonacupoint-TENS at the shoulders, Group III = dermatomal-TENS at the level of the surgical incision, and Group IV = acupoint-TENS at the Zusanli acupoints. The frequency of TENS was set in the standard dense-and-disperse mode of 2/100 Hz. The intensity of stimulation was set at 0 mA for patients in Group I and at 9-12 mA for patients in Groups II, III, and IV. A patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device programmed to deliver bolus doses of HM 0.2-0.4 mg IV on demand with a minimal lockout interval of 10 min was used to quantify the postoperative opioid analgesic requirement. Standard 100-mm visual analog scales were used to assess pain, as well as sedation, fatigue, and nausea, at specific intervals after surgery. The numbers of PCA demands and delivered bolus doses, requirements for supplemental medication, and any opioid-related side effects were recorded. In the first 24 h postoperatively, the opioid requirements in Groups III and IV were decreased by 37% and 39%, respectively, compared with the control (sham) group and 35% and 38%, respectively, compared with Group II. The duration of PCA usage and the incidences of nausea and dizziness were also significantly decreased in Groups III and IV compared with Groups I and II. We conclude that periincisional dermatomal and Zusanli acupoint stimulation were equally effective in decreasing the postoperative opioid analgesic requirement and in reducing opioid-related side effects. Both of these positions were more effective than the nonacupoint (shoulder) location. Implications: The location of the stimulating electrodes seems to be an important determinant of the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in decreasing the need for opioid analgesics in the postoperative period. This study demonstrates that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation applied at the dermatomal level of the skin incision is as effective as Zusanli acupoint stimulation, and both were more effective than stimulation at a nonacupoint (shoulder) location. (Anesth Analg 1998;87:1129-34)
Cloning, expression and significance of MPT53 for identification of secreted proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Based on our N -terminal amino acid sequence of MPT53 and a deduced DNA sequence, we searched for the corresponding gene in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genomic sequence at the Sanger centre, localizing mpt53 close to mpt70 and mpt83. The gene was cloned and expressed, followed by purification of MPT53 to homogeneity from recombinant M. smegmatis culture fluid. In MPT53 there is 60 % identity with the active site of thioredoxin of M. tuberculosis (MPT46) with two cysteins in a CXXC motif, but MPT53 could not serve as an alternative substrate for thioredoxin reductase. Testing for IgM and IgG1 anti-MPT53 in cattle sera showed that MPT53 is immunogenic following natural and experimental infection with M. bovis. Cloning of mpt53 represents cloning of the last of the 10 proteins originally defined as "secreted proteins" of M. tuberculosis and M. bovis based on determination of their "Localization index" (LI) (J Gen Microbiol 1991;137 : 875-84). The need for a precise definition of the term "secreted protein" is discussed. So far we have observed full concordance between occurrence of an LI value indicating secretion of a protein and occurrence of a signal sequence in the corresponding gene. Signal sequence independent protein secretion in mycobacteria may occur for a limited number of proteins and remains to be established.
Passivity-Based Stability Assessment of Grid-Connected VSCs—An Overview

The interconnection stability of a grid-connected voltage-source converter (VSC) can be assessed by the passivity properties of the VSC input admittance. If critical grid resonances fall within regions where the input admittance acts passively, i.e., has nonnegative real part, then their destabilization is generally prevented. This paper presents an overview of passivity-based stability assessment, including techniques for space-vector modeling of VSCs whereby expressions for the input admittance can be derived. Design recommendations for minimizing the negative-real-part region are given as well.
Surgical correction of disc pathology in fighter pilots: a review of 14 cases.

BACKGROUND Disorders of the spine are common in fighter crewmembers. The high cost of training and experience for pilots makes it important to use all reasonable clinical means to restore grounded pilots to their flying duties, provided that all safety standards are maintained. To date, there has been limited research into specific surgical treatment of spine injury in pilots. This study was designed to examine the efficacy of surgical procedures in Spanish Air Force fighter pilots with injuries to the spine, as well as the aeromedical disposition of such pilots. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted using the medical records of 14 fighter pilots with symptomatic spinal disorders treated by surgery. RESULTS The 14 pilots underwent surgery: 12 cases involved fusion of vertebral structures (arthrodesis), while 2 pilots underwent discectomy. All pilots were subsequently given waivers to resume flying duties. DISCUSSION The successful return to flight status of these pilots indicates the practical application of surgical techniques that safely stabilize the spine. However, due the sample limited size of the sample, further studies are needed.
Evaluation of an immunoassay of whole blood sirolimus in pediatric transplant patients in comparison with high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract Background: Sirolimus is widely used as an immunosuppressant, along with calcineurin inhibitors. Because of its variable pharmacokinetics and narrow therapeutic range, therapeutic drug monitoring of sirolimus is critical to optimize its therapeutic effect and to minimize toxicity. Although liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry is considered the method of choice, the technical and financial challenges of this method are obstacles to its use. A microparticle enzyme immunoassay on the Abbott IMx has recently been reintroduced to the clinical diagnostic market. Methods: We evaluated this immunoassay using high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry as the reference method. Precision and carryover were evaluated using an expanded CLSI EP10-A2 protocol. Linearity was studied by serial dilution of high-level whole blood samples, and clinical utility was demonstrated by correlation with the reference method using 56 de-identified pediatric patient samples. Results: The total imprecision was less than 12% across the concentrations tested. The method was linear from 2.6 to 31nM. The immunoassay showed a mean positive bias of 11.5% in patient specimens relative to high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (p<0.001), with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.953. Conclusion: We conclude that the reintroduced immunoassay is useful for therapeutic drug monitoring of sirolimus.
Update to: Application of Bayesian decision-making to laboratory testing for Lyme disease and comparison with testing for HIV

php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/). By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms (https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php). International Journal of General Medicine 2017:10 291–292 International Journal of General Medicine Dovepress
Role of vasopressin and its antagonism in stroke related edema

Although many approaches have been tried in the attempt to reduce the devastating impact of stroke, tissue plasminogen activator for thromboembolic stroke is the only proved, effective acute stroke treatment to date. Vasopressin, an acute‐phase reactant, is released after brain injury and is partially responsible for the subsequent inflammatory response via activation of divergent pathways. Recently there has been increasing interest in vasopressin because it is implicated in inflammation, cerebral edema, increased intracerebral pressure, and cerebral ion and neurotransmitter dysfunctions after cerebral ischemia. Additionally, copeptin, a byproduct of vasopressin production, may serve as a promising independent marker of tissue damage and prognosis after stroke, thereby corroborating the role of vasopressin in acute brain injury. Thus, vasopressin antagonists have a potential role in early stroke intervention, an effect thought to be mediated via interactions with aquaporin receptors, specifically aquaporin‐4. Despite some ambiguity, vasopressin V1a receptor antagonism has been consistently associated with attenuated secondary brain injury and edema in experimental stroke models. The role of the vasopressin V2 receptor remains unclear, but perhaps it is involved in a positive feedback loop for vasopressin expression. Despite the encouraging initial findings we report here, future research is required to characterize further the utility of vasopressin antagonists in treatment of stroke. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The importance of the intrathecal infusion test in the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus

The intrathecal infusion test is a reliable method in diagnosing normal pressure hydrocephalus. Between May 1982 and January 2000 we investigated 300 patients suspected of having normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) by carrying out an intrathecal infusion test in a constant flow technique. The resistance to cerebrospinal fluid outflow (R(out)) in the intrathecal infusion test was the main criterion of grouping patients into those with normal pressure hydrocephalus or those with cerebral atrophy. A further differentiation into early stage and late stage was made by measuring the compliance (C(p)) - this being the secondary criterion. In 162 patients (54%) the diagnosis of NPH could be confirmed. Of these, 154 patients (95%) underwent a shunt operation. Graduation of NPH and cerebral atrophy following the results of the infusion test at an early stage and an advanced stage allow the conclusion of prognostic evaluations about the course of disease to be made. Patients with NPH in an early stage report in the follow up an improvement of their symptoms after a shunt operation in 65 percent of cases, and those with advanced stage NPH, in 50 percent of cases. The computer aided infusion test allows a reliable differentiation between patients with NPH and those with cerebral atrophy.
Accountability in Central and Eastern Europe: concept and reality

This article deals with accountability in EU new member states (the EU-10). First, the different meanings of the concept of accountability are reviewed. Second, accountability in the EU-10 is analysed in terms of three theoretical perspectives (accountability deficits, overloads and traps). Then the specificity of the accountability regime in the EU-10 is discussed as well as its possible explanations. It is argued that the accountability regime in the EU-10 is characterized by discrepancy between the formal existence of many accountability mechanisms and their actual performance (‘sleeping accountability’). This might be explained by the context in which accountability mechanisms are embedded (the high level of corruption, clientelism, low level of trust), frequent changes in political representation and public administration and the lack of knowledgeable and impartial accountees. The article concludes with implications for empirical comparative research and theory-building. Points for practitioners Accountability is one of the most important public administration concepts, but its empirical investigation is underdeveloped, especially in Central and Eastern European countries. Empirical research must be led by propositions that have practical relevance. Three such propositions – the accountability deficit, overload and asymmetry – are suggested. This includes considering the broader contexts in which accountability is embedded, analysing accountability relations over time, and carefully distinguishing between de jure and de facto accountability.
Presalvage prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and PSA doubling time as predictors of biochemical failure of salvage cryotherapy in patients with locally recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy

The value of presalvage cryotherapy serum PSA level in predicting biochemical failure in patients with local recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) after radiotherapy was documented; however, little is known about the predictive value of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) doubling time (DT) in this patient group. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate serum PSA level and PSA DT as predictors of salvage cryotherapy outcomes in patients being treated for postradiotherapy locally recurrent PCa.
Combining qualitative and quantitative methods in environmental accounting research

Purpose: To explore how the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods can enhance a study on the environmental reporting decisions made by Malaysian companies using the emergent stakeholder theory. Methodology/approach: The paper provides an illustration of how the descriptive, exploratory and explanatory type of research is entrenched with the objectives of the research and how the combination of quantitative (statistical regression and weighting/mean ranking) and qualitative (archival analysis, qualitative interviews) methods may enhance accounting research not only from results that corroborate. Findings: The three-fold objective of this study, corresponding to its three phases, illustrates that combining qualitative and quantitative methods involves considerations at each phase of the investigation. The research design shows that when the researcher work with different types of data within the same project, the way data is used varies according to the objective and type of each phase (descriptive, explanatory and/or explanatory) of the research project. Each phase may have a particular aim and may address different concerns. However, taken together, the quantitative and qualitative findings may either corroborate, elaborate, complement or even contradict each other. Originality/value: The paper claims that the enhancement of accounting research is not only achieved when the findings from mixed methods corroborate. Rather, it is submitted that the value of combining methods arise from different research outcomes – be it corroborative, elaborative, complementary or even contradictory.
Effect of Surface Treatment on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Nickel-Titanium Orthodontic Archwires by Fine Particle Shot Peening Method

Surface treatment on metal can alter physical and mechanical properties. Understanding the physical and mechanical properties of the archwires is essential for the management of orthodontic treatment. Methods: This study used digital micrometer, universal testing machine, and surface hardness tester for measuring dimension, unloading force, and surface hardness of two different type of nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) archwires: commercially available Ni-Ti (NT-N) and surface treated Ni-Ti by fine particle shot peening (FPSP) method (NT-F). Statistical analysis was undertaken using a paired T-test (α=0.05). Results: No significant difference was found on both vertical and horizontal dimensions of NT-N and NT-F (p= 1.00 and 0.796 respectively). For bending and surface hardness test, significance difference was found (p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively). Conclusions: The NT-F archwire provided lower unloading force and surface hardness but there was no change in size when compared with NT-N.
The cost of catching up: increased winter mortality following structural growth compensation in the wild

Although laboratory and observational studies suggest that many animals are capable of compensatory growth after periods of food shortage, few field experiments have demonstrated structural growth compensation in the wild. Here, we addressed the hypotheses that (i) food restriction can induce structural compensatory growth in free-living animals, (ii) that compensation is proportional to the level of body size retardation and (iii) that compensation induces mortality costs. To test these, wild brown trout (Salmo trutta) yearlings were brought to the lab, tagged individually, subjected to four levels of food deprivation (including a control), released back into the native stream and recaptured after one, five and ten months. Brown trout fully restored condition and partially restored mass within a month, whereas compensation in structure (i.e. body length) was not evident until after five months, supporting hypothesis 1. As the level of growth compensation was similar among the three deprived groups, hypothesis 2 was not supported. A final recapture after winter revealed delayed mortality, apparently induced by the compensatory response in the deprived groups, which is consistent with hypothesis 3. To our knowledge, this is the first field experiment demonstrating structural compensatory growth and associated costs in a wild animal population.
Superficial Necrolytic Dermatitis (Necrolytic Migratory Erythema) in Dogs

Twenty-two dogs with superficial necrolytic dermatitis were evaluated prospectively, twenty-one of which had characteristic crusting lesions of the paw pads. Histologically, epidermal lesions included parakeratosis and laminar intracellular edema. The plasma amino acid concentrations of eight dogs were markedly depressed. Nine dogs had terminal diabetes mellitus. These clinical and morphologic findings were strikingly similar to those of necrolytic migratory erythema in human beings, the most common cause of which is hyperglucagonemia due to islet cell tumor of the pancreas. No pancreatic tumors were found in these dogs; plasma glucagon concentrations in the five dogs tested were normal. The serum alkaline phosphatase concentrations were elevated in all dogs. Severe vacuolar hepatopathy, suggesting metabolically or hormonally induced hepatic dysfunction, was found in 21 dogs at necropsy or by biopsy; one dog had ultrasonographic abnormalities of the liver. Histopathologically, severe vacuolar alteration resulted in parenchymal collapse and nodular regeneration, which grossly mimicked cirrhosis. Although the definitive metabolic stimulus was not discovered for the cutaneous and hepatic lesions, the similarity of the cutaneous and biochemical features of canine superficial necrolytic dermatitis to human necrolytic migratory erythema warrants further investigation into possible underlying pancreatic hormonal dysfunction.