Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Anesthesia during Intra-Arterial Mechanical Thrombectomy for theTreatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background Type of sedation (conscious sedation (CS) or general anesthesia (GA)) during Intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy (IAMT) for treatment of acute ischemic stroke may affect patient outcomes. Previous studies suggested that CS cohorts have a higher probability of good outcome than GA cohorts. However, CS cohorts had lower initial NIH stroke scores (NIHSS). This study offers an investigation into outcomes after IAMT based on sedation type. Methods Patients at our institution who underwent IAMT for treatment of acute ischemic stroke caused by anterior circulation occlusion between 2013-2015 were included in the study. Primary endpoint was functional outcome on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days post-IAMT. Secondary endpoints included NIHSS at 48 hours post-IAMT, time from CT scan to puncture and from puncture to initial recanalization, recanalization as defined by the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (TICI) score, intensive care and hospital length of stay, and all-cause in-hospital mortality. Results Thirty nine patients were included in analysis; 17 received GA and 22 received CS. Cohorts were similar in baseline characteristics, including NIHSS. The 90-day mRS was not significantly different between cohorts, as was the case for most secondary endpoints. Successful recanalization was higher in both groups than previously reported and a significantly higher TICI 3 recanalization rate was achieved in the GA cohort. Conclusions We show that equal outcomes are possible with either CS or GA if initial NIHSS is comparable. It seems reasonable for neuro-interventionalists to continue practicing using their personal preference for sedation. However, prospective randomized trials are still needed.
Sensory Processing Contextual modulation of sensitivity to naturalistic image structure in macaque V 2

Ziemba CM, Freeman J, Simoncelli EP, Movshon JA. Contextual modulation of sensitivity to naturalistic image structure in macaque V2. J Neurophysiol 120: 409–420, 2018. First published April 11, 2018; doi:10.1152/jn.00900. 2017. —The stimulus selectivity of neurons in V1 is well known, as is the finding that their responses can be affected by visual input to areas outside of the classical receptive field. Less well understood are the ways selectivity is modified as signals propagate to visual areas beyond V1, such as V2. We recently proposed a role for V2 neurons in representing the higher order statistical dependencies found in images of naturally occurring visual texture. V2 neurons, but not V1 neurons, respond more vigorously to “naturalistic” images that contain these dependencies than to “noise” images that lack them. In this work, we examine the dependency of these effects on stimulus size. For most V2 neurons, the preference for naturalistic over noise stimuli was modest when presented in small patches and gradually strengthened with increasing size, suggesting that the mechanisms responsible for this enhanced sensitivity operate over regions of the visual field that are larger than the classical receptive field. Indeed, we found that surround suppression was stronger for noise than for naturalistic stimuli and that the preference for large naturalistic stimuli developed over a delayed time course consistent with lateral or feedback connections. These findings are compatible with a spatially broad facilitatory mechanism that is absent in V1 and suggest that a distinct role for the receptive field surround emerges in V2 along with sensitivity for more complex image structure.
Hypoxia increases reepithelialization via an αvβ6‐dependent pathway

Reepithelialization is an essential step in successful cutaneous wound healing. Human keratinocytes, integral in this process, have been shown to have increased motility in the hypoxic healing edge of wounds correlating with the clinical success of semiocclusive hypoxic dressings, although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Subconfluent human keratinocyte cell monolayers were exposed to 1% hypoxia for up to 24 hours or control conditions. Re‐oxygenation studies were performed up to 72 hours. Cellular αv subunit and αvβ6 integrin expression was measured by flow cytometry. Migration scratch assays on fibronectin following hypoxic exposure were performed over 24 hours. Relative matrix metallo‐proteinase (MMP)‐2, 9 activity was determined by gelatin zymography with TIMP‐1 levels assayed by enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Sustained increases in αv and αvβ6 expression were shown up to 48 hours in re‐oxygenation studies (P < 0.001). Standardized scratch assays confirmed increased migration in the hypoxic group (P < 0.05). This effect was attenuated by the addition of a specific inhibitor of the αvβ6 integrin. MMP‐2 and ‐9 activity was up‐regulated following hypoxic exposure (P < 0.001; P < 0.05, respectively), whereas increased MMP expression was significantly retarded by addition of an αvβ6 inhibitor (P < 0.05). Migration on fibronectin was attenuated by a specific gelatinase inhibitor. We conclude that integrin αvβ6‐dependent MMP‐2 and ‐9 up‐regulation is an important feature of increased migration in hypoxic human keratinocytes.
On the Capacity Regions of Cloud Radio Access Networks With Limited Orthogonal Fronthaul

Uplink and downlink cloud radio access networks are modeled as two-hop <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${K}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-user <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${L}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-relay networks, whereby small base-stations act as relays for end-to-end communications and are connected to a central processor via orthogonal fronthaul links of finite capacities. Simplified versions of network compress–forward (or noisy network coding) and distributed decode–forward are presented to establish inner bounds on the capacity region for uplink and downlink communications, that match the respective cutset bounds to within a finite gap independent of the channel gains and signal to noise ratios. These approximate capacity regions are then compared with the capacity regions for networks with no capacity limit on the fronthaul. Although it takes infinite fronthaul link capacities to achieve these “fronthaul-unlimited” capacity regions exactly, these capacity regions can be approached <italic>approximately</italic> with finite-capacity fronthaul. The total fronthaul link capacities required to approach the fronthaul-unlimited sum-rates (for uplink and downlink) are characterized. Based on these results, the capacity scaling law in the large network size limit is established under certain uplink and downlink network models, both theoretically and via simulations.
Relative duration of quiet periods between events inﬂuences noise annoyance: a laboratory experiment with helicopter sounds

Besides the commonly considered time-averaged noise exposure metrics such as the L den , additional indicators (e.g., maximum level, eventfulness, or relative quiet time) might improve the prediction of noise annoyance. An experiment was carried out on the effects of relative duration of quiet periods on annoyance reactions to helicopter noise scenarios, with the relative duration being the ratio of total duration of quiet periods in a sound scenario to its total duration. Recorded ﬂybys were spatially reproduced with a hemispherical loudspeaker array in the laboratory. Ninety-second noise scenarios were prepared, containing two, three, four, or ﬁve ﬂybys. All scenarios exhibited the same L eq of 66.5 dB(A), however, differed in the number of ﬂight events and the exposure levels of individual ﬂybys. Subjects were asked to make paired comparisons (i.e., two-alternative forced choices) for three pairs of scenarios. In each pair, one scenario had a larger number of ﬂybys than the other; i.e., 4 vs. 2, 5 vs. 2, or 5 vs. 3. An analysis of the data of 56 subjects was carried out to investigate the effect of the relative duration of quiet periods between events on annoyance. The results indicate that longer quiet periods may mitigate noise annoyance.
MAJOR AND TRACE ELEMENTS DISTRIBUTION IN MOLDAVIAN SOILS

The content of seven major and 26 trace elements were investigated by Epithermal Neuron Activation Analysis in a set of 17 samples of soil collected at a depth of 20 to 40 cm from Romanesti and Cricova vineyards. All data were interpreted within the Upper Continental Crust and Average Soil models as well as in accordance with sanitary norms concerning soil contamination. It was evidenced that the mineral material is very close to the Upper Continental Crust with a certain degree of chemical weathering and a prolonged process of sorting and recycling, which sustains the hypothesis of a mature, well developed soil. The content of Cr, Mn, Co, Zn and As, proved that, with excepting As, the soil have no traces of anthropogenic contamination. The As content, according to existing data, can be regarded as a characteristic of Moldavian soils, not related to any industrial polluting process.
Perceived Benefits and Making a Career Choice in the Hospitality Industry: Is it Worth it?

Over the years, the university has graduated students in the Hotel and Hospitality (H&H) fields. However, existing statistics reveal that the majority of these graduates are not looking for work in the hotel industry or starting a business in their field of study. This paper discusses the findings of a study that seeks to establish demographic factors that influence the attitudes of undergraduate hotels and hospitality students towards career choices in the industry. The study was conducted at Moi University, Hotel and Hospitality Management Department, Uasin Gishu District, and the Department of Ecotourism, Hotel and Institutional Management of Maseno University (ECOHIM) in Kisumu District and used a sample of 145 respondents. Data were collected using a questionnaire and interview schedule and analyzed using SPSS ver. 25. The results of the study suggest that perceived benefits have a positive and significant effect on students' career choices in the industry (β = 0.013, ρ <0.05). As a result, this paper argues that personal interests play an important role in attitude formation. Most students see this industry as having a reputation and have no qualms about working in it. However, it was noted that there were students who were less interested and had negative attitudes about the industry. This paper thus recommends that attention be given to these students through career guidance and counseling. Educators must communicate the benefits of working in the industry and the possibility of a career in the hospitality industry and companies to students. They must make them aware of the development of mobility, diversity of jobs in industry and other career information to create greater student interest in careers in the industry. Indeed, knowledge of career identity and long-term career planning will better enable students to build realistic and suitable career expectations.
Tympanoplasty with and without mastoidectomy for non-cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media

Chronic otitis media is an inflammatory process of the mucoperiosteal lining of the middle ear space and mastoid. Infection represents the single major cause for the failure of tympanoplasty and can result from a hidden mastoid disease. Cortical mastoidectomy is an effective means of repneumatizing the mastoid and eradicating the mastoid source of infection. The effect of mastoidectomy on patients without evidence of active infection remains highly debated and unproven.
The influence of pre-pregnancy BMI and weight gain during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and maternal pregnancy weight gain and pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Ninety-eight pregnant black women were followed up during pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy weight was recorded or calculated by regression analysis, and weekly weight gain was calculated. The correlation between pre-pregnancy BMI, weekly weight gain, blood pressure, and the infants’ birth weight, length and head circumference was assessed, adjusting for gestational age and smoking. Adjustment for HIV status was also done in subjects with known status. Participants were categorised into three groups: pre-pregnancy BMI 26. Results: According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM)’s weight gain recommendations, women in all BMI categories tended to gain excessive weight. Pregnancy weight gain was significantly associated with infant birth weight (χ2=6.25, p=0.04), although no significant correlations were found between weekly weight gain or mothers’ pre-pregnancy BMI, respectively, and birth outcomes. Pre-pregnancy BMI correlated significantly with blood pressure at the second clinic visit. Age and parity correlated significantly with pre-pregnancy BMI; and household income correlated with mothers’ weekly weight gain. Conclusion: Inadequate weight gain was associated with a significantly lower infant birth weight. No correlation was found between infant birth weight and mother’s pre-pregnancy BMI.
Understanding the Informal Sector : Do Informal and Formal Firms Compete ?

The literature on informality has struggled to characterize the role that informal firms play in the macroeconomy. We seek to address a central component of this confusion: do formal and informal sector firms compete? We highlight survey evidence that strongly suggests competition between the formal and informal sector. Motivated by this finding, we construct a theoretical model that resolves lingering conflicts in the literature. The model predicts different patterns of competition across sectors of the economy. We are able to show that within an industry informal firms tend to be smaller and less productive than formal firms; however, in aggregate terms we are able to qualitatively match the evidence that shows an overlap between the productivity distributions of the formal and informal sectors.
Effect of Implementing Educational Program on Diabetic Patient Compliance Regarding to Therapeutic Regimen

Background: The estimated prevalence of diabetes according to World Health Organization about 422 million adults were living with diabetes in 2014, compared to 108 million in 1980. The global prevalence of diabetes has nearly doubled since 1980, rising from 4.7% to 8.5% in the adult population; this reflects an increase in associated risk factors such as being overweight or obese. According to International Diabetes Federation the incidence of diabetes in Egypt, there were 8,222.6 cases of diabetes in 2017. Aim of this study: was to evaluate the effect of implementing educational program on diabetic patient compliance regarding to therapeutic regimen. Design: A quasi experimental design was utilized in the current study. Setting: The study was conducted at outpatient diabetes mellitus clinic at Al-Hussein University Hospital. Sample: A convenient sample (50 patients) male and female diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Tools: Data was collected using two tools. I. socio-demographic data sheet, II. Patient compliance assessment sheet. Results: The current study revealed that highly statistically improvement in patient compliance post program implementation with pvalue at ≤ 0.05. Recommendations: Continuing patient education in outpatient clinic is a very important aspect in providing excellent care and improving patient outcomes.
ScienceDirect Emerging Markets Queries in Finance and Business The influence of financial intermediaries ’ ownership on firm value . Empirical evidence for the companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange

The aim of this study consists in providing the first empirical evidence for the companies listed in Romania regarding the influence of financial intermediaries’ ownership on firm value. The empirical research was carried out for a sample of companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BSE), over the period 2007-2011, being estimated multivariate regression models for panel data, unbalanced, with fixed effects. The companies’ value was measured through Tobin’s Q ratio, but adjusted in order to account for the industry membership diversity of the selected companies. We considered the ownership of the five Romanian Financial Investment Companies (SIF-s), the ownership of the Investment Funds and Financial Investment Service Companies (SSIF-s), as well the sum of shareholdings of all categories of financial intermediaries, including in the last the Property Fund (FP) ownership, but only for 2011, when the Romanian Government became minority shareholder. The results provide support for a positive influence of the five Romanian Financial Investment Companies on firm value, but up to an ownership threshold of 23.71 percent, whereupon the influence becomes negative. By considering the ownership of the Investment Funds and Financial Investment Service Companies, we identified a positive influence on firm value. Further, the results provide support for a positive influence of the sum of shareholdings of all categories of financial intermediaries on firm value, but up to an ownership threshold of 50.3 percent, whereupon the influence becomes negative. Therefore, down to the identified ownership thresholds we could validate the active monitoring hypothesis according to which there are sufficient incentives inside of financial intermediaries in order to oversee corporate performance © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Emerging Markets Queries in Finance and Business local organization
Communicative Profile Comparison between Children Using Hearing Aids and those Using Cochlear Implants

Background: The use of hearing aids (HA) or cochlear implantation (CI) can partially or fully restore hearing. Consequently speech production can improve over time and enters the normal rang when traditional amplification Devices (hearing aids) are unable to restore access to the full range of phonemic components of speech, a cochlear implant (CI) is a widely used treatment option for children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the functional benefit of the communicative skills of children with CI in relation to those using hearing aid in order to compare the role of each amplification device on the communicative abilities of severe to profound and profound sensorineural hearing impaired children. Method: This study has a prospective design. It started after fitting all children with bilateral behind the ear hearing aids provided that the primary language assessment before rehabilitation is present in the medical files of these children. A 2nd language assessment was done after 12 months of language therapy to detect the progress of the language development to take the decision either to complete with hearing aids or to decide upon a cochlear implant. Then a 3rd language assessment was done after another 12 months of rehabilitation. These sixty patients were divided into two groups: Group A: Thirty children, who have used behind the ear hearing aids for two years and attended regular language therapy. Those children are not candidates for cochlear implants due to satisfactory progress with the hearing aids. Group B: Thirty children, who used bilateral behind the ear hearing aids and had regular language therapy for one year with poor response, so they shifted to cochlear implantation, and were enrolled in auditory training and language therapy for another year. Results: Total language age of children using cochlear implant is significantly higher than that in the children while using hearing aids. Also, there is highly significant difference between frontal and back speech sounds in the children after implantation with positive correlation. Conclusion: cochlear implant is safe & reliable technique. The fact that many profoundly hearing impaired children using cochlear implant can develop functional levels of speech perception & production, develop competency level in a language other than their primary language and continuation of language therapy together with proper mapping accordingly is a must to enroll these children in main stream education.
Joslin's Diabetes Mellitus

SECTION I: BASIC MECHANISMS OF ISLET DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTION 19 SECTION II: HORMONE ACTION AND THE REGULATION OF METABOLISM 125 SECTION III: DIABETES: DEFINITION, GENETICS, AND PATHOGENESIS 329 SECTION IV: OBESITY AND LIPOPROTEIN DISORDERS 531 SECTION V: TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS 585 SECTION VI: BIOLOGY OF THE COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES 793 SECTION VII: DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS: CLINICAL ASPECTS 885 SECTION VIII: HYPOGLYCEMIA AND ISLET CELL TUMORS 1145 Index 1189
The Impact of EU Grants Absorption on Land Cover Changes - the Case of Poland

The main goal of the paper is to verify the impact of the absorption of European Union (EU) grants on land cover changes in Polish municipalities in the years 2012–2018. The selection of the research area was justified by the fact that Poland is the largest and significantly spatially differentiated transition economy in Central-Eastern Europe, recognised as a substantial beneficiary of EU accession in 2004. The time range of analysis was set as the result of a comparison of data availability in Corine Land Cover (CLC) and Statistics Poland. The CLC dataset referring to land cover and land use changes between 2012 and 2018 was used. The focus on modifications taking place within one of the main land cover groups at level 3 of detail was applied in this research. These changes were analysed as percentages referring to the area of the municipality and to the total area of changes in the investigated period. Two categories of EU grants were considered: total and infrastructural (granted under EU Operational Programme “Infrastructure and Environment”). Moreover, some control economic, social, demographic, institutional, infrastructural, and environmental variables were applied to better explain land cover changes. Moran’s local statistic was employed to detect spatial hot-spots of EU grants absorption, as well as hot-spots of land cover changes. Then, a collection of various variables related to determinants of land cover changes was set. Economic factors, including EU grants absorption, as well as factors related to accessibility, agrarian structure, demography, environment, and spatial planning were investigated. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to convert the set of all considered variables into a set of few uncorrelated predictors. Finally, Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) was applied to describe the spatially varied impact of investigated determinants, including EU grants, represented by estimated principal components on land cover changes.