Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of failure risk and outcome scores following meniscus repair among adolescent and adult patients

Background: There are few studies assessing the impact of age at time of surgery on meniscus repair failure risk and patient-reported outcome scores. We sought to determine whether age at time of meniscus repair surgery affects failure risk and patient-reported outcome scores. Methods: Patients who underwent meniscus repair during 2006-2013 were evaluated for meniscus repair failure and patient-reported outcome scores using the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Marx Activity score at mean follow-up 6.5±2.0 yr post-operative. A multivariable linear regression analysis was used to assess the influence of patient age on patient-reported outcome scores following meniscus repair. Results: A total of 170 patients with mean age 27.8±10.1 yr (59% male) were identified, including 29 patients age 18 and younger and 141 patients over 18. Increasing patient age was associated with significantly lower IKDC (P=0.027), KOOS-ADL (P=0.003), and Marx activity scores (P<0.001). Repair failure occurred in 46 patients (27.1%) overall, including 7 failures (24.1%) in patients 18 and under and 39 failures (27.7%) in patients over 18. The logistic regression analysis demonstrated no association between age and meniscus repair failure risk when controlled for ACL reconstruction and BMI (P=0.69). Conclusion: Increased age is associated with poorer IKDC, KOOS-ADL, and Marx Activity scores following meniscus repair. However, there is no difference in failure of healing of meniscus repair between adolescent patients and adults. Level of Evidence: III
DEMS WORKING PAPER SERIES Social comparison and risk taking behavior

We study theoretically and experimentally decision making under uncertainty in a social environment. We introduce an interdependent preferences model that assumes that the decision maker evaluates monetary outcomes in relation both with his individual and his social reference point. In the experiment we reproduce a workplace environment whereby subjects interact in an eﬀort task, earn (possibly) diﬀerent wages from this task and then undertake a risky decision that may give them an extra bonus. Controlling for intrinsic risk attitudes, we ﬁnd that both downward and upward social comparison strongly inﬂuence risk attitudes and that they both generate more risk loving behavior. Moreover, we ﬁnd that a propension to envy counterposes such eﬀect, by increasing risk aversion.
A Verified Estimation of the El Nino Index Nino-3.4 since 1877

Abstract Decadal and longer time-scale variabilities of the best known El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) indexes are poorly correlated before 1950, and so knowledge of interdecadal variability and trend in ENSO indexes is dubious, especially before 1950. To address this problem, the authors constructed and compared physically related monthly ENSO indexes. The base index was El Nino index Nino-3.4, the sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly averaged over the equatorial box bounded by 5°N, 5°S, 170°W, and 120°W; the authors also constructed indexes based on the nighttime marine air temperature over the Nino-3.4 region (NMAT3.4) and an equatorial Southern Oscillation index (ESOI). The Nino-3.4 index used the “uninterpolated” sea surface temperature data from the Second Hadley Centre Sea Surface Temperature dataset (HadSST2), a dataset with smaller uncertainty and better geographical coverage than others. In constructing the index, data at each point for a given month were weighted to take into account the t.
Employment relationship in context Commitment-based HR practices in the UK and Thailand

This paper examines the role of institutional and cultural diﬀerences in the link between employees’ satisfaction with HR practices and their aﬀective commitment by focusing on counter clerks in ﬁnancial services workplaces in the UK and Thailand. The results show that while the connection between satisfaction and commitment is of similar magnitude in the UK and Thailand, that level of commitment is linked with diﬀerent HR practices. The results are consistent with cultural and institutional diﬀerences between the two countries and serve as a reminder that managers should consider the speciﬁc conditions in which they operate rather than simply adopting a best-practice approach to HRM.
A Stratified Model of the Inertial Recirculation

Abstract An inertial gyre with characteristics very similar to the recirculation observed in eddy-resolving general circulation models is obtained with a simple, analytically tractable, two-layer model. The recirculating gyre is contained in a box of simple geometry, which isolates it from the sverdrup interior. The gyre is forced by prescribing anomalous values of potential vorticity northward in the subtropical gyre or can be though of as a rough parametrization of diabatic forcing. In both cases the forcing is confined to the water above the thermocline, which is represented by the upper layer and is transmitted to the abyssal ocean through interfacial friction. The condition for the abyssal water to be set in motion, is derived and for oceanic values the recirculation goes all the way to the bottom. When this occurs the center of the gyre is dominated by a barotropic flow, while the baroclinic flow is confined to the edges of the gyre. The width and strength of the gyre can be easily calculated in the.
University of Birmingham Complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer is associated with RAS/AKT mutations and high tumour mutational burden

Background: Pathological complete response (pathCR) in rectal cancer is beneficial, as up to 75% of patients do not experience regrowth of the primary tumour, but it is poorly understood. We hypothesised that the changes seen in the pre-treatment biopsies of pathCR but not seen in residual tumour after chemoradiotherapy were the determinants of responsiveness. Methods: Two groups of patients with either complete response (pathCR group, N = 24) or no response (poor response group, N = 24) were retrieved. Pre-treatment biopsies of cancers from these patients underwent high read depth amplicon sequencing for a targeted panel, exome sequencing, methylation profiling and immunohistochemistry for DNA repair pathway proteins. Results: Twenty four patients who underwent pathCR and twenty-four who underwent poor response underwent molecular characterisation. Patients in the pathCR group had significantly higher tumour mutational burden and neoantigen load, frequent copy number alterations but fewer structural variants and enrichment for driver mutations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. There were no significant differences in tumour heterogeneity as measured by MATH score. Methylation analysis demonstrated enrichment for hypomethyation in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. Discussion: The phenomenon of pathCR in rectal cancer may be related to immunovisibility caused by a high tumour mutational burden phenotype. Potential therapy resistance mechanisms involve the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, but tumour heterogeneity does not
Historical population declines prompted significant genomic erosion in the northern and southern white rhinoceros

Large vertebrates are extremely sensitive to anthropogenic pressure, and their populations are declining fast. The white rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum ) is a paradigmatic case: this African megaherbivore has suffered a remarkable decline in the last 150 years due to human activities. Its subspecies, the northern (NWR) and the southern white rhinoceros (SWR), however, underwent opposite fates: the NWR vanished
Paper / Document d ’ analyse 2007-11 Price-Level Targeting and Stabilization Policy : A Review

Bank of Canada discussion papers are completed research studies on a wide variety of technical subjects relevant to central bank policy. The views expressed in this paper are those of the author. No responsibility for them should be attributed to the Bank of Canada. John Murray for helpful discussions. All errors are my own responsibility. Abstract The author surveys recent articles on the costs and benefits of price-level targeting versus inflation targeting, focusing on the benefits and costs of price-level targeting as a tool for stabilization policy. He reviews papers that examine how price-level targeting affects the short-run trade-off between output and inflation variability by influencing expectations of future inflation. The author looks at the implications of this argument for assigning an objective based on price-level targeting to a central bank that is unable to commit to its future policies. He discusses some recent papers that examine how price-level targeting can help to avoid the zero-bound problem, and papers that examine the incentives created by price-level targeting to change the degree of indexation of private contracts. des contrats privés.
Economic Management of Minoan and Mycenaean States and their development

During the Late Bronze Age, Aegean societies (Minoan and Mycenaean) exhibited strong economic development. This resulted from the implementation by the elite of a centralized and hierarchical administrative and social system in order to manage most economic activities. In these palatial economies, the elite organized the extraction of the surplus, therefore avoiding the Malthusian trap. They also organized the division of labor and the specialization in production and the distribution of the collected surplus by means of staple and wealth finance systems, the latter being based on the production of luxury items controlled by the palace. Trade was also encouraged and this strengthened palatial power.
Scotland’s denudational history: an integrated view of erosion and sedimentation at an uplifted passive margin

Abstract Denudational history is commonly reconstructed from basin sediments derived from the denuded source area, and less frequently from the source area itself. Northern Britain is an important source area for the surrounding sedimentary basins and this paper reviews the erosional history of Scotland from Devonian time to the present using evidence both from onshore geology and geomorphology and from patterns of sedimentation in surrounding basins. Cover rocks were extensive in Scotland during late Palaeozoic time but the persistence of sediment source areas within the upland areas of Scotland makes it unlikely that basement highs were ever completely buried, and depths of post-Devonian erosion of basement have been correspondingly modest (< 1–2 km). During Mesozoic time, Scotland experienced several major erosional cycles, beginning with uplift, reactivation of relief and stripping of cover rocks, followed by progressive reduction of relief through etchplanation and culminating in extensive marine transgressions in Late Triassic, Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous time. Mid-Paleocene pulses of coarse sediment to the Moray Firth Basin coincided with major uplift. This uplift was associated with major differential tectonics within the Highlands, with warping and faulting along the margins of the Minch and the inner Moray Firth Basins. Tectonic activity was renewed on a lesser scale in late Oligocene time and continued into Late Neogene time. Differential weathering and erosion under the warm to temperature humid climates of Neogene time created the major elements of the preglacial relief, with formation of valleys, basins, scarps and inselbergs, features often closely adjusted to lithostructural controls and, in some cases, with precursors that can be traced back to Devonian time. The history that can be ‘read’ from the onshore region complements the source area history interpreted from sedimentary basins derived from these areas.
Biostratigraphy (Turborotalia cunialensis/Cribrohantkenina inflata Concurrent-Range Zone, P16) of the Late Eocene Dammam Formation, west of the Northern Oman Mountains

Abstract The Eocene biostratigraphy of the Jabal Qatar area located at the border between UAE and Oman is described. The occurrence of the Late Eocene index fossil Turborotalia cunialensis/Cribrohantkenina inflata Concurrent-Range Zone and the homogeneous biozone P16 is reported for the first time. The presence of the T. cunialensis/C. inflata with its associated taxa permits the tripartite division (P15, P16, P17) of the Upper Eocene at Jabal Qatar. The data obtained were used in correlating the Jabal Qatar sequence with stratigraphically equivalent sequences at Jabal Hafit and Jabal Malaqet, near Al-Ain city. Effects of the previously reported eustatic sea level changes at the close of Chron C15r can be recognized in the facies characteristics of the studied sequences.
Growth and reproduction of large-scaled gurnard (Lepidotrigla Growth and reproduction of large-scaled gurnard (Lepidotrigla cavillone Lacepède, 1801) (Triglidae) in the central Aegean Sea, cavillone Lacepède, 1801) (Triglidae) in the central Aegean Sea, eastern Mediterranean eastern Mediterranean

: Age, growth, and reproduction of the large-scaled gurnard were studied in the central Aegean Sea to provide fisheries managers with the essential data for science-based management. A total of 2342 samples were collected by trawl hauls between July 2004 and June 2007 from İzmir Bay (Turkey). The size of the samples ranged from 3.4 to 15.2 cm total length and the samples were composed of 35.2% females, 25.7% males and 39.1% immature individuals, with a female to male ratio of 1:0.73. The length-weight relationship was calculated as W = 0.0086 L 3.16 for all samples. The age composition of the samples was from I to VI and the estimated von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L ∞ = 15.96 cm, W ∞ = 54.35 g, t o = –0.018 year, and k = 0.483 year –1 , with a growth performance index of 2.09 ( ϕ '). Reproduction started in February and continued to June. The total fecundity ranged from 503 to 10,046 oocytes/female and showed a significant correlation with fish length and weight. The size at first maturity was estimated at 10.55 cm total length and the maturity age was found to be 2-year-old in both sexes.
Management of Thyrotoxicosis Induced by PD1 or PD-L1 Blockade

Abstract Context: Thyrotoxicosis is a common immune-related adverse event in patients treated with PD1 or PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors. A detailed endocrinological assessment, including thyroid ultrasound and scintigraphy is missing, as are data on response to treatment and follow-up. Objectives: To better characterize the thyrotoxicosis secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitors, gaining insights into pathogenesis and informing management. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 20 consecutive patients who had normal thyroid function before starting immunotherapy and then experienced thyrotoxicosis upon PD1 or PD-L1 blockade. Clinical assessment was combined with thyroid ultrasound, scintigraphy, and longitudinal thyroid function tests. Results: Five patients had normal scintigraphic uptake (Sci+), no serum antibodies against the TSH receptor, and remained hyperthyroid throughout follow-up. The other 15 patients had no scintigraphic uptake (Sci-) and experienced destructive thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism (N= 9) or euthyroidism (N= 6). Hypothyroidism was more readily seen in those with normal thyroid volume than in those with goiter (P= 0.04). Among Sci- subjects, a larger thyroid volume was associated to a longer time to remission (P<0.05). Methimazole (MMI) was effective only in Sci+ subjects (P<0.05). Conclusions: Administration of PD1 or PD-L1 blocking antibodies may induce two different forms of thyrotoxicosis that appear similar in clinical severity at onset: a type 1 characterized by persistent hyperthyroidism that requires treatment with MMI, and a type 2 characterized by destructive and transient thyrotoxicosis that evolves to hypo- or eu-thyroidism. Thyroid scintigraphy and ultrasound help differentiating and managing these two forms of iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis
Processes of evaporation from vegetation of the uplands of Scotland

ABSTRACT The results of a series of experiments to study the physical processes governing the evaporation from upland vegetation in Scotland, i.e. coniferous forest, heather and grass, are described. Particular attention is given to the interception process occurring in heather, one of the dominant indigenous species in Scottish upland catchments. Attention is also given to the interception of snow precipitation which in the Scottish uplands is a significant proportion of the total precipitation. A comparison of the parameters describing the efficiency of the transport process of water vapour for coniferous forest and heather indicates that the process is more efficient than predicted by classical diffusion theory: additional transport mechanisms are considered. A simple model, based upon the results of the process studies, was applied to data from the Monachyle catchment (Balquhidder) and the model predictions compared with observations. This study, in conjunction with recent results from the Balquhidder catchment experiment, illustrates the necessity of further investigations to give a fuller understanding of the evaporation from high altitude grassland.
Safe at home? Factors inﬂuencing the safety strategies used by people with intellectual disability

Little is known about how people with intellectual disability understand personal safety, or what strategies they call upon when they do not feel safe in their homes. In this participatory research, 20 people with intellectual disability talked about the ways they keep themselves safe in the places where they live, and what helps them or makes it hard for them to stay safe. Interviews with nine disability policy-makers were also conducted to include a systemic perspective about how personal safety is addressed by funded disability support services. A series of factors either support people or make it difficult for them to put their strategies into action, influencing the degree to which they were able to draw upon their own strategies to protect themselves from potential harm.
Late Pleistocene to Holocene mammalian faunal succession in the Japanese Islands, with comments on the Late Quaternary extinctions

On decrit les faunes mammaliennes du Pleistocene final et de l'Holocene des iles d'Hokkaido, Honshu-Shikoku-Kyushu et Ryuku. La faune du debut du Pleistocene recent de Honshuu, Shikoku, Kyushu, correspond a une foret temperee avec un pourcentage eleve d'especes endemiques. La plupart des especes ayant survecu au Pleistocene recent ont elles-meme disparu entre 20000 et 10000 BP. On pense que l'extinction de ces especes est en relation avec la transition culturelle du Paleolithique aux periodes de Jomon, autour de 12000 BP
Can stigma attitudes be prevented in psychology students?

Background: Stigmatizing attitudes have been found among psychology students in many studies, and they are becoming more common with time. Aims: This study examines whether participation in clinical psychology lessons reduces levels of stigmatization in a population of psychology students and whether it leads to any change in stigmatization. Method: The study is a pre/post evaluation of the effectiveness of clinical psychology lessons (63 hours of lectures) as a tool to fight stigma. The presence of stigmatizing attitudes was detected using the Italian version of the Attribution Questionnaire-27 (AQ-27-I). Stigmatization was described before and after the lessons with structured equation modeling (SEM). Results: Of a total of 387 students contacted, 302 (78.04%) agreed to be involved in the study, but only 266 (68.73%) completed the questionnaires at both t0 and t1. A statistically significant reduction was seen in all six scales and the total score on the AQ-27-I. The models defined by the SEM (pre-and post-intervention) showed excellent model fit indices and described different dynamics of the phenomenon of stigma. Conclusions: A cycle of clinical psychology lessons can be a useful tool for reducing stigmatizing attitudes in a population of students seeking a psychology degree.
Competitive Auctions

We study a class of single-round, sealed-bid auctions for items in unlimited supply, such as digital goods. We introduce the notion of competitive auctions. A competitive auction is truthful (i.e., encourages buyers to bid their utility) and yields profit that is roughly within a constant factor of the profit of optimal fixed pricing for all inputs. We justify the use of optimal fixed pricing as a benchmark for evaluating competitive auction profit. We show that several randomized auctions are truthful and competitive and that no truthful deterministic auction is competitive. Our results extend to bounded supply markets, for which we also get truthful and competitive auctions. A preliminary version of this paper appeared in [6, 7]. The new paper contains new results and refines some of the results and concepts introduced in the preliminary version.
The Effects of a Unique Bergamot Supplement on Fitness Factors and Mood in Menopausal Women: An Initial Investigation

Menopause is natural phenomenon in women that typically occurs in the early 50s. It is associated with additional health issues for women that affect general wellbeing, fitness and quality of life, as well as complicating the aging process. Many menopausal women exercise yet note that results both in the physical as well as psychological dimension lag behind results that were typical or expected before menopause. The current study looked at the impact of a nutritional supplement based upon Bergamot combined with already exercising women, and its’ effect on both physiological and psychological variables. In review, the supplement produced significantly better results in both areas compared to a placebo group in exercise-matched women. This presents a previously untested addition to exercise effectiveness for this group and appears to hold promise for clinicians in the use of polyphenols
DELIMITATION OF FLOODED AREAS BASED ON SENTINEL-1 SAR DATA PROCESSED THROUGH MACHINE LEARNING: A STUDY CASE FROM CENTRAL AMAZON, BRAZIL

– Delimitation of areas subject to flooding is crucial to understand water dynamics and fluvial changes. This study analyzed the potential of C-band Synthetic Aper­ ture Radar (SAR) images acquired by the Sentinel-1 satellite in 2017, 2018, and 2019 to delineate flooded areas in the Central Amazon. The images were processed by the Artificial Neural Network Multi­Layer Perceptron (ANN-MLP) and two K­Nearest Neighbor (KNN-7 and KNN-11) machine learning (ML) classifiers. Pre-processing of Single Look Complex (SLC) SAR images involved the following methodological steps: orbit­file application; radio-metric calibration (σ 0 ); Range­Doppler terrain correction; speckle noise filtering; and conversion of linear data to backscattering coefficients (units in dB). We applied the Lee filter, with a window size of 3x3, for speckle filtering. A set of 6000 randomly distributed samples for training (70%), validation (20%), and test (10%) was obtained based on visual interpretation of Sentinel-2 optical satellite image acquired in the same years of SAR images. We found the largest flooded areas in 2019 in the study area (municipality of Parintins and Urucará, Amazonas River, Brazil): 6244km 2 by the ANN-MLP classifier; 6268km 2 by KNN-7; and 6290km 2 by KNN-11, while the smallest flooded areas were found in 2018: 5364km 2 by ANN-MLP; 5412km 2 by KNN-7; and 5535km 2 by KNN-11. The three classifiers presented Kappa coefficients between 0.77 and 0.91. ANN-MLP showed the best accuracy. The presence of shadow effects in the SAR images increased the commission errors.