Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation de la prise en charge du phimosis de l'enfant par les médecins généralistes libéraux de Midi-Pyrénées

Objectif : evaluer la prise en charge du phimosis de l'enfant par les medecins generalistes liberaux de Midi-Pyrenees. Materiels et methodes : etude descriptive et retrospective des modes de prise en charge du phimosis de l'enfant par les medecins generalistes de Midi-Pyrenees. 300 questionnaires ont ete distribues par voie postale. Le questionnaire standardise comportait 19 questions en rapport avec l'examen clinique et la prise en charge du phimosis de l'enfant. Les reponses ont ete analysees 1 mois apres la date d'envoi. Resultats : 168 medecins ont repondu a ce questionnaire. La selection de medecins de cette etude paraissait representative de la population des medecins de Midi-Pyrenees en comparaison des donnees du Conseil National de l'Ordre. 95,3% des medecins declaraient prendre en charge des enfants porteurs d'un phimosis. 41,3% des medecins interroges n'utilisaient pas les dermocorticoides dans la prise en charge des adherences preputiales de l'enfant. 34,35% des medecins interroges effectuaient des manœuvres de liberation des adherences preputiales a leur cabinet de consultation. Seulement 42,3% des medecins interroges se sentaient suffisamment informes sur le sujet du phimosis de l'enfant. Conclusion : l'utilisation des dermocorticoides dans la prise en charge des adherences preputiales de l'enfant pourrait etre amelioree dans sa proportion d'utilisation, sa duree de traitement et le nombre de cure a effectuer. Cette etude semble suggerer de la necessite d'informer les medecins generalistes liberaux sur le sujet du phimosis de l'enfant et de continuer la formation medicale initiale sur ce theme.
Microarray Analysis of Lymphatic Tissue Reveals Stage-Specific, Gene Expression Signatures in HIV-1 Infection1

Untreated HIV-1 infection progresses through acute and asymptomatic stages to AIDS. Although each of the three stages has well-known clinical, virologic, and immunologic characteristics, much less is known of the molecular mechanisms underlying each stage. In this study, we report lymphatic tissue microarray analyses, revealing for the first time stage-specific patterns of gene expression during HIV-1 infection. We show that although there is a common set of key genes with altered expression throughout all stages, each stage has a unique gene expression signature. The acute stage is most notably characterized by increased expression of hundreds of genes involved in immune activation, innate immune defenses (e.g., RIG-1, MDA-5, TLR7 and TLR8, PKR, APOBEC3B, 3F, 3G), adaptive immunity, and in the proapoptotic Fas-Fas ligand pathway. Yet, quite strikingly, the expression of nearly all acute stage genes return to baseline levels in the asymptomatic stage, accompanying partial control of infection. This transition from acute to asymptomatic stage is tied to increased expression of a diverse array of immunosuppressive genes (e.g., CLEC12B, ILT4, galectin-3, CD160, BCMA, FGL2, LAG3, GPNMB). In the AIDS stage, decreased expression of numerous genes involved in T cell signaling identifies genes contributing to T cell dysfunction. These common and stage-specific gene expression signatures identify potential molecular mechanisms underlying the host response and the slow, natural course of HIV-1 infection.
Novel Nonnucleoside Inhibitor of Hepatitis C Virus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase

ABSTRACT A novel nonnucleoside inhibitor of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), [(1R)-5-cyano-8-methyl-1-propyl-1,3,4,9-tetrahydropyano[3,4-b]indol-1-yl] acetic acid (HCV-371), was discovered through high-throughput screening followed by chemical optimization. HCV-371 displayed broad inhibitory activities against the NS5B RdRp enzyme, with 50% inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 1.8 μM for 90% of the isolates derived from HCV genotypes 1a, 1b, and 3a. HCV-371 showed no inhibitory activity against a panel of human polymerases, including mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma, and other unrelated viral polymerases, demonstrating its specificity for the HCV polymerase. A single administration of HCV-371 to cells containing the HCV subgenomic replicon for 3 days resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of the steady-state levels of viral RNA and protein. Multiple treatments with HCV-371 for 16 days led to a >3-log10 reduction in the HCV RNA level. In comparison, multiple treatments with a similar inhibitory dose of alpha interferon resulted in a 2-log10 reduction of the viral RNA level. In addition, treatment of cells with a combination of HCV-371 and pegylated alpha interferon resulted in an additive antiviral activity. Within the effective antiviral concentrations of HCV-371, there was no effect on cell viability and metabolism. The intracellular antiviral specificity of HCV-371 was demonstrated by its lack of activity in cells infected with several DNA or RNA viruses. Fluorescence binding studies show that HCV-371 binds the NS5B with an apparent dissociation constant of 150 nM, leading to high selectivity and lack of cytotoxicity in the antiviral assays.
Parallel SURF Algorithm for 3D Reconstruction

—In this paper, we proposed a parallel SURF algorithm for 3d reconstruction to solve the problem of rapid feature extraction and matching in multi-view 3d reconstruction. SURF algorithm is an effective algorithm for feature extraction. Compared with the classic SIFT algorithm for feature extraction, it has improved somewhat in speed. However, SURF algorithm is still a time-consuming process. In this paper, we improved SURF algorithm. Aiming at the time-consuming problem of feature detection and description, we proposed a parallel algorithm based on multi-core OpenMP and CUDA architecture, and apply it to three-dimensional reconstruction. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves a certain acceleration ratio under the condition of 100% accuracy compared with the original algorithm.
In Germany the CAPM is Alive and Well

Using data on all firms listed in the top segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange during the years 1960 to 2007, we investigate how the (Sharpe-Lintner) CAPM performs under the assumption that the German capital market is totally segmented from other capital markets. We also check whether this model should be extended by the firm characteristics size and book-to-market. We can identify strong size and book-to-market effects in the German stock market. However, their direction, strength, and interaction are different in the two subperiods 1960-1990 and 1990-2007. We use the standard test procedures (BJS, GRS, Fama/MacBeth) to test the CAPM and do a large number of tests which differ by the length of the test period, the length of the return interval, beta calculations, firm level and portfolio data, sorting, and weighting. The total number of CAPM rejections is somewhat higher than what we would expect based on the statistical significance level. Long-term GRS tests often lead to rejections of the CAPM, especially in the second subperiod and in sorts on anomalies. Short term GRS-tests always reject the CAPM during the years 2000 to 2005. The results of Fama/MacBeth cross-sectional regressions depend on sorting, weighting and beta calculation. When we sort on beta and use value-weight portfolios the results for the full period, 1960 to 2007, are fully in line with the CAPM. Our interpretation of the results is that in Germany the pure domestic version of the CAPM works better than an extended model. It also works better for large firms than for small firms.
Internal jugular vein sampling in adrenocorticotropic hormone‐dependent Cushing's syndrome: a comparison with inferior petrosal sinus sampling

objective Distinguishing between pituitary‐dependent Cushing's syndrome (CS) and occult ectopic ACTH syndrome can be extremely difficult. Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling has been shown to have the highest diagnostic accuracy in this subtype evaluation. Internal jugular vein sampling (IJVS) has been reported as a potentially safer invasive alternative, but data are limited. Our objective was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of bilateral IJVS and bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) in patients with ACTH‐dependent CS.
An Online Classification Approach Based on Universal Inter-arrival Time

In this paper we present an approach for online traffic classification based on the statistical analysis of protocol behaviour at IP level. Then we use the statistics of protocol attribute and Bayesian network method to build a classifier,which can classify unknown flows dynamically as packets pass through the classifier, deciding if a flow belongs to a given application. Distinct from other methods, we use the ldquouniverse inter-arrival timerdquo to overcome the influence of RTT variance so that the statistic of universe inter-arrival time is site-independent and time-independent. At last, the experimental results show that our approach performs better than other methods using tradition inter-arrival time.
Short-Run Beef Supply Response

It is hypothesized that the frequently observed zero or negative supply elasticity for beef is not the result of poor data or faulty statistical analysis. Theoretical specification of supply functions for the separate components of beef slaughter—steers, cows, and heifers—leads to an expected positive sign for the supply elasticity of steer slaughter, and an expected negative sign for the supply elasticity of cow slaughter. For heifer slaughter the sign cannot be ascertained from a priori considerations. The empirical evidence from statistical analyses of time-series data is consistent with and confirms the theoretical expectations. Total beef slaughter was disaggregated into three major components—steers, heifers, and cows. The estimated parameters in the regressions imply positive elasticity for steers and negative elasticity for cows. Only the heifer equation seems unsatisfactory. The parameter estimates fluctuate widely with slight changes in the estimating equation. Also the high autocorrelation of the errors implies inadequate specification of the heifer model.
Comparison of radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) and wire localization for non‐palpable breast cancers: A meta‐analysis

Four randomized trials encompassing 449 patients of non‐palpable breast cancer undergoing with radio‐guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) or wire guided localization (WGL). In the fixed effects model, accurate localization, peri‐procedural complications, and reoperation rate were comparable between two techniques. Risk of having positive resection margins following WGL was higher. Duration of localization and surgical excision was shorter for ROLL. Volume and weight of the excised occult breast lesion was similar in WGL and ROLL groups. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:852–858. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Examination of the Relationships among IT Capability Intentions, IT Infrastructure Integration and Quality of Care: A Study in U.S. Hospitals

This study employs a multiple respondent research technique to assess the efficacy of a framework intended to improve the quality of health care provided to patients. We use survey data from 78 matched respondents to answer the question to what extent does IT capability intentions affect a hospital's ability to detect and reduce clinical errors. We investigate empirically the impact of IT capability intentions and IT infrastructure integration on elements of IT-enabled quality of care. Our findings position IT capability intentions as an antecedent to IT infrastructure integration and suggest IT infrastructure integration is the key component in overcoming a highly fragmented delivery system. The degree of IT infrastructure integration has significant effects on quality of care, in terms of both patient-centric responsiveness and error detection and reduction.
Effects of Reperfusion on ADC and CBF Pixel-by-Pixel Dynamics in Stroke: Characterizing Tissue Fates using Quantitative Diffusion and Perfusion Imaging

The effects of reperfusion on the spatiotemporal dynamics of transient (60 minutes) focal ischemic brain injury in rats were evaluated on a pixel-by-pixel basis using quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements every 30 minutes for 3 hours and compared to post-mortem histology at 24 hours. Four biologically relevant clusters were classified based on ADC (0.53 ± 0.02 × 10−3mm2/s, SD) and CBF (0.30 ± 0.09ml/g/min) viability thresholds, namely: (1) the “normal” cluster with ADC and CBF > thresholds; (2) the “mismatch” cluster with ADC > threshold but CBF < threshold; (3) the “core” cluster with ADC and CBF < thresholds; and (4) “non-nourishing reperfusion zone” where ADC < threshold but CBF > threshold. The spatio-temporal progression of tissue volumes, ADC and CBF of each cluster were evaluated. Pixels of each cluster on the CBF-ADC space were mapped onto the image space. Following reperfusion, 28% of the “core” pixels and 90% of the “mismatch” (defined at 60 minutes) pixels were salvaged at 180 minutes, which correlated with histology. The ADC and CBF of subsequently salvaged tissues were significantly higher than those became infarcted. Salvaging “core” pixels indicated that reduced ADC was not synonymous with irreversible injury; duration of exposure and severity of reduced ADC and CBF were likely critical. Projection profiles showed a bimodal ADC, but uni-modal CBF, distributions. The ADC bimodal minima, obtained without histological correlation, were similar to the histology-derived ADC and CBF viability thresholds, and could have potential clinical applications. This study demonstrated a simple but powerful approach to evaluate, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the spatio-temporal evolution of ischemic brain injury, and a potential for statistical prediction of tissue fate.
Development of a Draft Core Set of Domains for Measuring Shared Decision Making in Osteoarthritis: An OMERACT Working Group on Shared Decision Making

Objective. Despite the importance of shared decision making for delivering patient-centered care in rheumatology, there is no consensus on how to measure its process and outcomes. The aim of this Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) working group is to determine the core set of domains for measuring shared decision making in intervention studies in adults with osteoarthritis (OA), from the perspectives of patients, health professionals, and researchers. Methods. We followed the OMERACT Filter 2.0 method to develop a draft core domain set by (1) forming an OMERACT working group; (2) conducting a review of domains of shared decision making; and (3) obtaining opinions of all those involved using a modified nominal group process held at a session activity at the OMERACT 12 meeting. Results. In all, 26 people from Europe, North America, and Australia, including 5 patient research partners, participated in the session activity. Participants identified the following domains for measuring shared decision making to be included as part of the draft core set: (1) identifying the decision, (2) exchanging information, (3) clarifying views, (4) deliberating, (5) making the decision, (6) putting the decision into practice, and (7) assessing the effect of the decision. Contextual factors were also suggested. Conclusion. We proposed a draft core set of shared decision-making domains for OA intervention research studies. Next steps include a workshop at OMERACT 13 to reach consensus on these proposed domains in the wider OMERACT group, as well as to detail subdomains and assess instruments to develop a core outcome measurement set.
The changing nature of employment : how self-employed professionals manage their lives, learning and knowledge

This research has investigated how one particular group of knowledge workers, self-employed human resource professionals, are managing their lives, learning and knowledge. Its contextual background is the changing nature of work and employment in late 20th century Britain, informed by the 'informational technological paradigm' (Castells, 1996), and the changing landscape of careers. Although there is other empirical work that has investigated the lives of individuals pursuing nontraditional career models (e.g. 'portfolio career', or 'lifestyle career'), this research is different. First, it is based on a broader view of a career, where the term career is seen as applying to all lifeareas, not just an individual's working life. Second, it has adopted a different methodological approach, applying the Life History Methodology. The research sample included twenty-six participants, seventeen male and nine female, identified through non-probability sampling. By taking a broader perspective of the term career the research has illuminated how the decisions that these individuals make about their work career is balanced with the needs and demands from other life-areas e.g. family and learning, together with the availability of key resources. The findings include: a description of the structural changes that occur in these individuals' lives; the benefits, threats, opportunities and paradoxes associated with the self-employed lifestyle, and the strategies adopted for managing their learning and knowledge. Whilst formal learning was found to have an important place in these individuals' lives, at strategic points, much of their learning falls into six informal learning categories. The thesis concludes by discussing the implications and opportunities for policy making. These fall into two main areas. First, the insights into the different ways that individuals construct work-life balance could help organisations rethink policies aimed at addressing the phenomenon of work-life balance. Second, the insights into the tensions that these professionals experience with their learning could help inform the provision of learning resources aimed at 'Self-employed professionals.
Strategy for structural elucidation of drugs and drug metabolites using (MS)n fragmentation in an electrospray ion trap.

Triple-stage quadrupole (TSQ) electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and ion trap ESI-MS/MS can be used to cleave protonated molecules to produce carbocations and neutral molecules in the positive ion mode. Dissociation products which correspond to protonated forms of neutral fragment molecules can also be trapped and detected. These protonated molecules in turn can cleave via carbocation cleavage, ipso cleavage, onium cleavage or McLafferty or related rearrangements. One can elucidate the structures of metabolites from the differences in m/z ratios of the fragments arising from the original drug compound and its metabolite. This strategy for structural elucidation is further facilitated by estimates of the reactivity of drugs with oxygen diradicals involved in cytochrome P-450 cycles.
Multilevel Approach to Sustainability Report Assurance Decisions

type="main"> Using generalised linear mixed models as a statistical tool, this paper analyses the factors that explain the decision of a company to assure their sustainability report and of the choice of a Big 4 auditor as assuror. Specifically, we investigate the variables that affect the two dependent variables, existence of assurance and the profile of the assuror, at two different levels: the characteristics of the reporting company, and the country in which the company is located. Previous literature has explained this relationship as the result of linear regression models, considering only the fixed effects of the factors. Taking into account random effects, we are able to arrive at more precise conclusions on the effect of country (legal tradition and European membership) and company variables (size, public or non-public, industry and integrated reporting), on the existence of assurance and the profile of the assuror.
The P 2 Y 2 receptor mediates the epithelial injury response and cell migration

Boucher I, Rich C, Lee A, Marcincin M, Trinkaus-Randall V. The P2Y2 receptor mediates the epithelial injury response and cell migration. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 299: C411–C421, 2010. First published April 28, 2010; doi:10.1152/ajpcell.00100. 2009. —Injury to epithelial cells results in the release of ATP and stimulation of purinergic receptors and is thought to alter cell migration and wound repair. Medium from the injured cells triggers Ca mobilization and phosphorylation of ERK, both of which are inhibited if the medium is pretreated with apyrase. To understand the wound repair mechanism that occurs with injury, our goal was to determine which purinergic receptor(s) was the critical player in the wound response. We hypothesize that the P2Y2 receptor is the key player in the response of corneal epithelial cells to cell damage and subsequent repair events. Cells transfected with short interfering RNA to either P2Y2 or P2Y4 were stimulated either by injury or addition of UTP and imaged using fluo 3-AM to monitor changes in fluorescence. When cells with downregulated P2Y2 receptors were injured or stimulated with UTP, the intensity of the Ca release was reduced significantly. However, when cells with downregulated P2Y4 receptors were stimulated, only the UTP-induced Ca response was reduced significantly. In addition, downregulation of the P2Y2 receptor inhibited wound closure compared with unstimulated cells or cells transfected with nontargeting sequence. This downregulation resulted also in an attenuation in phosphorylation of Src and ERK. Together, these data indicate that the P2Y2 receptor plays a major biological role in the corneal injury response and repair mechanisms.
Do Asset Price Developments Matter? Evidence for the United States and the Euro Area

There is an open debate about the role of asset prices in the conduct of monetary policy. The current crises and the burst of housing bubble give occasion to revisit this question. We present Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimates of the Taylor rule by using its classic version (Taylor, 1993), together with an augmented one with a proxy for asset price developments. We use data spanning from 1999:01 to 2009:06, for the United States and the Euro Area. Our estimations suggest three important results. The Taylor principle is respected when we estimate Taylor rules with output gap and inflation. The Fed seems react to developments in the financial sector, while there is no response to stock price movements by the ECB. Finally, Fed’s response to an asset price boom varies from 100 to 300 basis points, indicating a striking reaction against asset price developments.
Efficient Data Transmission Using Multiple-Valued Pulse-Position Modulation

This paper proposes multiple-valued pulse position modulation (MVPPM) techniques to achieve highly efficient data transmission in VLSI systems. The MVPPM coding employs 2-dimensional information representation in both time and amplitude domain to increase data rates. This time-domain information processing uses timing resolution, and therefore fits well with advanced high-speed low-voltage CMOS processes. An MVPPM transceiver is designed and simulated using SPICE to demonstrate the capability of compensating for deterioration of signals caused by interconnections.