Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of MP2RAGE B1+ sensitivity on inter-site T1 reproducibility and morphometry at 7T

Most neuroanatomical studies are based on MR images, whose intensity profiles are not solely determined by the tissue’s longitudinal relaxation times (T1) but also affected by varying non-T1 contributions, hampering data reproducibility. In contrast, quantitative imaging using the MP2RAGE sequence, for example, allows direct characterization of the brain based on the tissue property of interest. Combined with 7 Tesla (7T) MRI, this offers unique opportunities to obtain robust high-resolution brain data characterized by a high reproducibility, sensitivity and specificity. However, specific MP2RAGE parameters choices – e.g., to emphasize intracortical myelin-dependent contrast variations – can substantially impact image quality and cortical analyses through remnants of B1+-related intensity variations, as illustrated in our previous work. To follow up on this: we (1) validate this protocol effect using a dataset acquired with a particularly B1+ insensitive set of MP2RAGE parameters combined with parallel transmission excitation; and (2) extend our analyses to evaluate the effects on hippocampal and subcortical morphometry. The latter remained unexplored initially but will provide important insights related to generalizability and reproducibility of neurodegenerative research using 7T MRI. We confirm that B1+ inhomogeneities have a considerably variable effect on cortical T1 and thickness estimates, as well as on hippocampal and subcortical morphometry depending on MP2RAGE setup. While T1 differed substantially across datasets initially, we show inter-site T1 comparability improves after correcting for the spatially varying B1+ field using a separately acquired Sa2RAGE B1+ map. Finally, as for cortical thickness, removal of B1+ residuals affects hippocampal and subcortical volumetry and boundary definitions, particularly near structures characterized by strong intensity changes (e.g. cerebral spinal fluid and arteries). Taken together, we show that the choice of MP2RAGE parameters can impact T1 comparability across sites and present evidence that hippocampal and subcortical segmentation results are modulated by B1+ inhomogeneities. This calls for careful (1) consideration of sequence parameters when setting acquisition protocols; as well as (2) interpretation of results focused on neuroanatomical changes due to disease. Highlights Previously observed effects of B1+ inhomogeneities on cortical T1 and thickness depend strongly on MP2RAGE parameters Inter-site comparability of cortical T1 and thickness greatly improves after removal of B1+ residuals Post-hoc MP2RAGE B1+ correction affects hippocampal (and subcortical) size and shape analyses Neuroradiological research would benefit from careful examination of imaging protocols and their impact on results, especially when B1+ maps are not acquired
Bronchial challenge testing in mild to moderate asthmatics

Background: Bronchial challenge is almost confirmatory test for airway reactivity, a significant test for confirming asthma. Methodology: Already established methodology for the test was used by the direct method using graded concentrations of histamine and using FEV1 as parameter. Results: Fifty mild to moderate asthmatic patients were assessed for airway hyper-responsiveness The youngest was 18 years, the oldest 51 years, the mean age was 34 years. Forty-four percent were males and 56% were females. Bronchial challenge tests were positive in 90% of mild to moderate asthmatic patients. Conclusion: There was a significant linear correlation of PC20 levels with forced expiratory volume in the first second. There was no significant correlation of PC20 levels with serum IgE levels.
Assessment of under-five immunization coverage among the population of slum areas in Mangalore taluk, India

Background: Immunization coverage is better in urban than rural areas. However, we anticipate and argue that within the urban areas disparities and inequities persist in immunization coverage and that the socioeconomically disadvantaged, particularly those who reside in slum areas are more vulnerable and may contribute to the lower uptake of immunization. The objectives of the study were to assess the under-five immunization coverage amongst the households in slums of Mangalore taluk and to identify determinants of full immunization uptake among under 5 in the slums population and to know the reasons for non-immunization or partial immunization of children . Methods: Community Based Cross sectional study was conducted in the notified slum areas of Mangalore during August-November 2015. Information was collected from the parents regarding vaccination of their children and sociodemographic variables using a semi-structured interview schedule. Results: 88 (57.7%) of under 5 children were fully immunized, 62 (41.3%) were partially immunized in the slum areas of Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Mean age of the children in our study was found to be 35.15 months. Immunization coverage was found to be associated with the presence of immunization card, occupation of mother, knowledge about universal immunization programme (UIP), knowledge about protection offered by vaccines . Conclusions: Unfortunately, the immunization coverage was found to be very bad in the slum areas of Mangalore city, Karnataka, India. There is an urgent need to ensure that regular health education sessions are conducted. Secondly, slum areas should be the target of RCH programme with special focus on immunization related activities e.g. ensuring that all households with children should have immunization cards, as the slum areas remain the neglected section of the society due to various reasons.
Bortezomib in combination with dexamethasone for patients with relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma: results of a prematurely closed phase II study (NCT00148018)

We conducted a two-stage phase II study to investigate the activity of bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma. The study was prematurely closed after the first stage with twelve enrolled patients because no response was observed. A meta-analysis of all four available studies evaluating bortezomib in this population showed no activity of bortezomib (combined response rate: 0.03; 95%-CI: 0.01 to 0.12). Haematologica 2007; 92:568-569 Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg cells are known to be resistant to apoptosis due to over-expression of nuclear factorκB (NF-κB). 1 The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib is known to inhibit the activation of NF-κB. 2 Its activity has been shown in HL-derived cell lines. 3 We therefore evaluated the anti-tumor activity of bortezomib in combination with dexamethasone in patients with relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma. Ethical approval was sought in every participating institution before initiation of this phase II study. All participants gave written informed consent before entering the study. Patients must have had progressive, histologically proven Hodgkin's lymphoma after at least one chemo- or radiotherapy. All patients were treated with 1.3 mg/m 3
Time-dependent electroadhesive force degradation

This paper concerns a comprehensive investigation of time-dependent electroadhesion (EA) force degradation. EA shear force tests on different object materials (a PET, glass, ABS, and wood plate) have shown that force degradation was dominated by residual polarization charges trapped in the EA pad dielectric rather than in the substrate dielectric from which the object to be prehended is made. In order to explain this dynamic physical phenomenon, a model of dielectric polarization and depolarization has been proposed. According to the derived relationship between EA force and discharge time, three different methods intended to mitigate this problem has been compared: (1) the natural discharge method, (2) the high voltage resistor discharge method, and (3) the discharge prior to field polarity reversal method. These methods are useful for generating repeatable and stable EA forces, which are required for the characterization of EA pads and their subsequent employment in material handling, mobile robot crawling and climbing tasks.
Attitude of researchers towards ethics committee at a medical research institute in Coimbatore: a cross sectional study

The Helsinki declaration made a clear description of the role of ethics committee in research. It highlighted the transparency and independency of ethics committee. The committee was also to function according to the local laws and regulations. In addition, it confers the right of monitoring of research and also serious adverse events during the conduct of research. Any changes or amendments made to the submitted and approved protocol has to be communicated to the ethics committee and the researcher must also submit a final report containing a summary of the study findings and conclusions.
Multicenter phase II trial of neoadjuvant carboplatin, weekly nab-paclitaxel, and trastuzumab in stage II-III HER2+ breast cancer: A BrUOG study.

619 Background: Patients (pts) with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 amplified (HER2+) breast cancers (BrCa) who achieve a pathologic complete response (pCR) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) + trastuzumab (T) have an excellent prognosis (Cortazar, SABCS 2012). We tested a novel NAC + T regimen, designed to avoid potential cardiac and other toxicities associated with anthracyclines (A) and eliminate steroid premedication by replacing standard paclitaxel with nab-paclitaxel (nP). Methods: Clinical stage IIA-IIIC HER2+ BrCa pts received single agent either nP or T, with research biopsies and MRIs obtained before and after, then carboplatin (Cb) AUC 6 q3wks, nP 100 mg/m2and T 2 mg/kg weekly x 18 wks. If present, residual tumor was collected at surgery. Post-op pts complete a year of T; other adjuvant treatment is at MD discretion. Endpoints include clinical + pathologic response (pCR is defined as no invasive BrCa in breast + axillary nodes), residual cancer burden (RCB), treatment delivery and tox.
Boys negotiate violence and masculinity in the primary school

Abstract In this paper, we contribute to the understandings of young masculinities by turning attention to the South African schooling primary school context. In the context of scarcity of interventions around violence in the primary school, we focus on how young boys construct, negotiate and experience violence. Notwithstanding dominant discourses around childhood innocence we argue that young boys are active participants in violent gendered cultures at school. We show how boys’ bodies are key sites for the enactment of violence and is especially a valuable resource in the context of food insecurity. The paper also shows the fluidity of masculinity as boys who are regarded as ‘victims’ can also defend and resuscitate masculinity that endorses violence. Implications for addressing young masculinities in the primary school within local context are considered in the conclusion of the paper.
APD Nonlinearity and Its Impact on PAM-Based Visible Light Communication

Avalanche photo-diode (APD) is the most commonly used photo-detector in visible light communication (VLC) systems. This letter investigates the photo-detection process under strong incident light and provides a precise output model for the APD-based receiver by taking into account the signal-dependent multiplication factor. It further studies the influence of nonlinearity on the bit-error-rate performance in a PAM-based VLC system and the outage probability in the presence of channel turbulence.
Managers’ financial practices and financial sustainability of Nigerian manufacturing companies: Which ratios matter most?

Abstract The study aims to identify which aspects of financial practices of managers need to be given priority in achieving a turnaround in the financial sustainability of these manufacturing companies across long-term returns, sustainable growth and financial distress. Currently, the Nigerian manufacturing sector experiences a decline in financial sustainability, thus forcing financially unsustainable companies out of business. Financial practices that improve the long-term financial position and performance need to be implemented. These financial practices can be measured across short-term profitability, efficiency, liquidity and solvency. Some studies have considered sustainability from a financial perspective using one or two measures but very few focus on the Nigerian manufacturing sector. This study fills these gaps by investigating the impact of financial practices on financial sustainability across these measures. Panel dataset for 17 companies from 2008 to 2016 was collected and analysed using the correlation matrix and random effect model. All regressors were significant in explaining financial distress. However, only short-term profitability and efficiency ratios were consistently significant across all three models, thus indicating the superiority of financial practices that affect short-term profits and efficiency. The study recommends that companies should implement financial policies that address periodic costs and productivity while maximizing marketing efforts simultaneously.
Some effects of Vowel Space Area (VSA) reduction in speech intelligibility

This study intends to verify the presence of a correlation between the size of vowel space and the speech intelligibility. A reduced intelligibility is a common problem for those individuals suffering from dysarthria. They show a compressed vowel space with an important degree of acoustic centralization. A recent metric employed to distinguish healthy from dysarthric speech is represented by the Vowel Space Area (VSA). We have tested this parameter by comparing subjects with Down Syndrome to control speakers. The results of the present research, the first available data for Italian language, proved that the VSA is a suitable acoustic predictor of an impaired intelligibility
SCHOOL-WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR AND SUPPORTS WITH SCHOOL-WIDE RESTORATIVE PRACTICES: A PRESCRIPTION FOR CHANGE

Effectively interacting with students who demonstrate disruptive behaviors in the school environment, requires the use of evidenced based strategies. Throughout the nation, schools have successfully implemented positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS) strategies to improve the atmosphere on school campuses and guide student behavior (Gage, Sugai, Lunde, & DeLoreto, 2013; Sugai & Simonsen, 2012; Turnbull, Wilcox, Stowe, & Turnbull, 2001). While PBIS has been effective for most students, there is a population of students that continue to struggle with complying with the site's behavioral norms after implementation of the strategies. This study's intention was to confirm that by implementing restorative practices (RP) in combination with PBIS strategies, schools can decrease disruptive behaviors, improve campus culture, and build positive relationships. By combining these strategies, educators can develop an inclusive culture that provides opportunities for increased student engagement and a place where all students belong. The aims of this study were to understand teacher perspectives on the value of relationships, the implementation process of PBIS and RP, and the correlation between professional learning on the two multi-tiered systems and school climate. Through researching teachers' perspectives, this study showed that the fidelity of implementation of PBIS and RP had a direct relationship to the improvement of school climate. The understanding of this relationship provides school administrators and officials with a pathway to strategically implement the two multi-tiered systems of support, promote healthy relationship building between stakeholders, and increase academic achievement for all students.
Introducing divisive inhibition in the Wilson-Cowan model

Both subtractive and divisive inhibition has been recorded in cortical circuits and recent findings suggest that different interneuronal populations are responsible for the different types of inhibition. This calls for the formulation and description of these inhibitory mechanisms in computational models of cortical networks. Neural mass and neural field models typically only feature subtractive inhibition. Here, we introduce how divisive inhibition can be incorporated in such models, using the Wilson-Cowan modelling formalism as an example. In addition, we show how the subtractive and divisive modulations can be combined. Including divisive inhibition in neural mass models is a crucial step in understanding its role in shaping oscillatory phenomena in cortical networks.
A phase I study of selumetinib (AZD6244/ARRY-142866) in combination with cetuximab (cet) in refractory solid tumors and KRAS mutant colorectal cancer (CRC).

3103 Background: KRAS mutations have been recognized as clinically important predictors of resistance to EGFR-directed therapies in CRC. Oncogenic activation of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling cascade mediates proliferation independent of growth factor receptor signaling. We hypothesized that targeting MEK with selumetinib could overcome resistance to cet in KRAS mutant CRC. A phase I study (NCT01287130) was undertaken to determine the tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profiles of the combination of selumetinib and cet, with an expanded cohort in KRAS mutant CRC at the MTD dose to evaluate preliminary anti-tumor activity. Methods: In the dose escalation portion, patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors received fixed dose cet with escalating doses of selumetinib in cohorts of 3-6 pts. In the expansion cohort, 14 pts with KRAS mutant CRC were enrolled at the MTD level. Results: 15 pts (9 M, 6 F), average age of 60 (41-73) years were treated at 3 dose levels in the dose escalation cohort and 14 pts were trea.
Eighteen-Step Inverter: A Low-Loss Three-Phase Inverter for Low-Cost Standalone Applications

In this article, a new three-phase seven-level inverter is proposed with a new switching algorithm. This algorithm has eighteen switching steps. The switching algorithm is implemented on a topology, which consists of three legs and each leg has four switches. The switching frequency for six switches is the same as output wave frequency. The proposed algorithm results in lower switching losses, higher efficiency, and lower number of switches. This inverter has low cost and low volume, and is especially suitable for standalone applications. In addition, a modified pulsewidth modulation (PWM)-based version is proposed for eighteen-step switching algorithm to reduce the filter size and increase the controllability of the output waveform. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate good performance of the proposed inverter.
Use of dermal matrices in breast augmentation complications.

Since the first breast augmentation carried out by Czerny in 1985 with a lipoma, the alloplastic materials and autologous tissues used with inconstant results are multiple. In 1917, Barlett performed breast augmentation with abdominal fat implant to mastectomized patient. In 1953, Bames performed breast augmentation with gluteus dermogram graft due to aesthetic cause. In 1959, Cronin performed breast augmentation using a prosthesis with solid silicone coverage. In 1963, a saline solution was replaced by silicone gel.
Quality of work life and its related factors: A survey of nurses

Background: Improving the quality of work life (QWL) is a comprehensive process essential to attracting and retaining employees, especially in health care. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to determine quality of nursing work life and its related factors at nurses Kashan city hospitals in 2014. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 157 ICU nurses from September to November, 2014 at 4 educational hospitals of Kashan, Iran. A three part questionnaire was used in this study: demographic and professional characteristics, quality of nursing work life (QNWL), and the national aeronautics and space administration task load index (NASA-TLX). Data were analyzed using the t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the chi square and Fisher’s exact test with SPSS software, version 16. Results: The majority of the participants (N = 112) were female (83.3%), and the mean age of the subjects was 33 ± 6.98 years. Age, education, job position, job location, and a second nursing job in another hospital were found to predict QNWL. Among the six subscales of NASA-TLX, frustration and mental demand had the lowest and highest rating score, respectively. Temporal demand, frustration, and effort levels were significantly correlated with QNWL. Conclusions: It is necessary to pay more attention to the QNWL and its related factors, especially nursing workload, to improve quality of care.
Embedding an allied health service in the Nelson hospital emergency department: A retrospective report of a six month pilot project

Embedding allied health into the emergency department (ED) was considered the best option by a 2011 Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB) strategic planning group exploring innovative ways to bridge the gap between primary care and the ED and thus enhance the service. A six month pilot project implemented in 2012 aimed to provide a more timely multidisciplinary approach to patient care, facilitate safe discharge and linkages into the primary care sector, reduce multiple presentations and keep within ED designated time frames. Physiotherapy and social work practitioners worked as part of an inter-disciplinary team to comprehensively assess clients’ specific needs. The establishment of primary physiotherapy contact, where appropriate patients were identified directly from initial presentation, solely assessed and treated by the physiotherapist improved patient flow for lower triage presentations and made full use of staffing resources. Data collection over the first 22 weeks showed the allied health practitioners in ED had 749 new patient contacts, including 120 primary physiotherapy contacts. ED patients found the service extremely helpful. Survey responses from key stakeholders and ED staff highlighted the benefit of allied health interventions in improving safety of ED discharges, and the value of comprehensive client centred patient care. The Executive Leadership Team of the NMDHB unanimously endorsed the continuation of the allied health service in the emergency department from December 2012. Holmes C, Hollebon D, Scranney A, Exton H (2016) Embedding an Allied Health Service in the Nelson Hospital Emergency Department: a retrospective report of a six month pilot project. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy 44(1): 17-25. doi: 10.15619/NZJP/44.1. 03