Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of interference on temporal order memory in premanifest and manifest Huntington's disease.

BACKGROUND Frontal-striatal dysfunction has been linked to cognitive impairment in Huntington's disease (HD). The frontal lobes play a role in memory for the temporal order in which items occur in a sequence. However, little is known about temporal order memory in HD or how it may be affected by interference. OBJECTIVE The study assessed temporal order memory in patients with manifest HD (n = 20), premanifest gene carriers for HD (Pre-HD; n = 18), and controls (n = 25) using a computerized radial 8-arm maze. METHODS On the sample phase of each trial, participants viewed a random sequence of circles appearing one at a time at the end of each arm. On the choice phase, participants viewed two sample phase circles and chose the circle occurring earliest in the sequence. Manipulations of the temporal lag (defined as the number of circles occurring in the sample phase sequence between the two choice phase circles) were conducted to systematically vary interference. Temporally proximal lags were hypothesized to generate more interference relative to temporally distal lags. RESULTS The Pre-HD group was significantly impaired (p < 0.05) compared to controls on proximal temporal lags (high interference) but matched controls on distal lags (low interference). HD patients improved as a function of increased lag but demonstrated significant impairments (p < 0.05) across lags relative to controls. CONCLUSIONS Temporal order memory is differentially affected by interference during the premanifest and manifest stages of HD. The study identifies a fundamental, yet relatively unexamined, deficit associated with HD.
Vascular density in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia correlates to biological factors and outcome

The issue of angiogenesis and its clinical relevance in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is controversial. In the present study, microvessel density (MVD), analysed in 185 diagnostic bone marrow biopsies, was higher in T‐cell ALL compared to B‐cell precursor (BCP)‐ALL (P = 0·013). In the BCP group, cases with t(12;21) were characterized by a low MVD while patients with high‐hyperdiploid leukaemia (HeH, 51–61 chromosomes) showed a high MVD compared to other BCP patients (P = 0·001 and 0·002 respectively). There was a correlation between MVD and white blood cell (WBC) count in high‐risk BCP patients (P = 0·021). In addition, BCP patients with a high marrow reticulin fibre density and high MVD had an unfavourable outcome compared to the other BCP patients (P = 0·002). The fraction of vessels in which lumina were filled with blasts (blast congested vessel fraction) correlated strongly with WBC count (P < 0·001). These findings indicate that the angiogenic process interacts with other stroma‐factors, such as reticulin fibre density, in its effect on outcome, and is coupled to both the ALL genotype and phenotype. One possible implication is that different subtypes of childhood ALL may respond differently to anti‐angiogenic drugs as a supplement in first‐line treatment.
The IRA, Social Media and Political Polarization in the United States, 2012-2018

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl. edu/senatedocs Part of the Defense and Security Studies Commons, Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation Commons, Policy History, Theory, and Methods Commons, Public Administration Commons, Public Affairs Commons, and the Public Policy Commons
Language impairment in Swedish bilingual children: a comparison between bilingual and monolingual children in Malmö

In this study two groups of children were compared, 192 bilingual and 246 monolingual, referred over a 12‐mo period to University Hospital in Malmo for suspected language impairment. Compared with monolingual children, bilingual children ran a significantly lower risk (RR = 0.76, p < 0.0001) of being referred by a child health centre, and a significantly higher risk (RR = 1.54, p < 0.0103) of being referred after 5 y of age. In the bilingual group there was also a significantly higher risk of parental refusal of assessment (RR = 2.35, p<0.0016) and of the children being diagnosed with a severe language impairment (RR=1.87, p<0.0009). The risk for bilingual children with severe language impairment being discharged owing to non‐attendance was high (RR = 6.20, p < 0.0002) compared to monolingual children. The risk increased with severity of language impairment.
Are socially responsible firms less engaged in earnings management? Evidence from ADX listed companies

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures have gained great attention both in media and academic community. In this paper, we check if socially responsible firms adopt transparent financial reporting strategy, or opportunistically manipulate accounting figures. Using a sample of 34 listed companies during five years (2010-2014), our results show a positive relationship between abnormal accruals and the level of CSR disclosures thereby enhancing the opportunistic hypothesis of earnings management but not the transparent financial reporting hypothesis. By contrast, we find no relationship between CSR disclosures and the three real manipulation proxies: abnormal operating cash-flows, abnormal production costs and abnormal discretionary expenses. Moreover, there is a positive relationship between CSR disclosures and the extent of income smoothing consistent with the opportunistic perspective of earnings management. Overall, our study shows that opportunistic and transparent financial reporting perspectives are not mutually exclusive since earnings management practice conducted by socially responsible firms may be context-oriented.
Biochemical Genetics of Opossum Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 3 : Evidence for Three ALDH 3 A-Like Genes and an ALDH 3 B-Like Gene

Mammalian ALDH3 isozymes participate in peroxidic and fatty aldehyde metabolism, and in anterior eye tissue UV-filtration. BLAT analyses were undertaken of the opossum genome using rat ALDH3A1, ALDH3A2, ALDH3B1 and ALDH3B2 amino acid sequences. Two predicted opossum ALDH3A1-like genes and an ALDH3A2-like gene were observed on chromosome 2; as well as an ALDH3B-like gene, which showed similar intron-exon boundaries with other mammalian ALDH3-like genes. Opossum ALDH3 subunit sequences and structures were highly conserved, including residues previously shown to be involved in catalysis and coenzyme binding for rat ALDH3A1 by Liu and coworkers (1997). Eleven glycine residues were conserved for all of the opossum ALDH3-like sequences examined, including two glycine residues previously located within the stem of the rat ALDH3A1 active site funnel. Phylogeny studies of human, rat, opossum and chicken ALDH3like sequences indicated that the common ancestor for ALDH3Aand ALDH3B-like genes predates the appearance of birds during vertebrate evolution.
Long-term follow-up case study of atrial fibrillation after treatment

A case study is presented, based on long-term ECG measurements of a patient with diagnosed persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) that undergone the classical diagnostic procedures. The long-term measurements have been performed with an ECG body sensor. Based on the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) guidelines for treatment of atrial fibrillation the left atrial catheter cryo-ablation with an endpoint of pulmonary vein isolation was performed. After the cryo-ablation PeAF still persists, therefore an additional catheter radiofrequency ablation was performed. After the second procedure and in combination with antiarrhythmic drugs the atrial fibrillation (AF) was controlled on the level of relatively rare and short documented AF episodes. A detailed analysis of a long-term measurement has enabled detection of a large spectrum of arrhythmias, which have been documented over a ten-week period of measurements. Those include atrial extrabeats and nonsustained atrial tachycardias that might be the initial triggers for AF. The initial study motivates new hypotheses about the long-term impact of ablation procedures and antiarrhythmic drugs on the outcome of medical therapies, which deserves to be further elucidated with a larger and more systematic study.
Parameter extraction for symmetric coupled-resonator filters

A new parameter extraction procedure for symmetric coupled-resonator filters is presented. Closed form recursive formulas are derived for the synthesis of all the filter parameters from known zeros and poles of the even- and odd-mode input impedance functions. The simple and straightforward procedure can eliminate complicated optimization routines and have extensive applications in design and tuning of filters.
Rising Powers in Global Economic Governance: Mapping the Flexibility‐Empowerment Nexus

Given long‐standing criticism of global economic institutions by rising powers, it is puzzling that these same governments supported the transfer of substantial resources and responsibilities to the IMF and the World Bank during recent reform negotiations. We argue rising powers’ support for international organization (IO) empowerment is linked to their concerns regarding an IO's flexibility. We introduce two types of flexibility as being most relevant for rising powers. These include governance flexibility – the extent to which rising powers may participate in IO decision‐making – and issue flexibility – the extent to which rising power preferences are incorporated into IO policies and programs. We illustrate our argument by examining the preferences of the BIC states (Brazil, India and China) towards IMF and World Bank reforms between 2008 and 2012. Drawing on archival material with over 50 statements from BIC representatives, we find, first, that there were clear links between Bank and Fund governance flexibility and the BICs’ support for empowerment of these IOs, but that this was not true for issue flexibility. Second, we find evidence indicating the strategies of individual BIC governments differ within these IOs, suggesting a need to undertake more differentiated studies of rising powers’ IO activities.
Collagen-IV and laminin-1 regulate estrogen receptor α expression and function in mouse mammary epithelial cells

The expression level and functional activity of estrogen receptor α is an important determinant of breast physiology and breast cancer treatment. However, it has been difficult to identify the signals that regulate estrogen receptor because cultured mammary epithelial cells generally do not respond to estrogenic signals. Here, we use a combination of two- and three-dimensional culture systems to dissect the extracellular signals that control endogenous estrogen receptor α. Its expression was greatly reduced when primary mammary epithelial cells were placed on tissue culture plastic; however, the presence of a reconstituted basement membrane in combination with lactogenic hormones partially prevented this decrease. Estrogen receptor α expression in primary mammary fibroblasts was not altered by these culture conditions, indicating that its regulation is cell type specific. Moreover, estrogen receptor-dependent reporter gene expression, as well as estrogen receptor α levels, were increased threefold in a functionally normal mammary epithelial cell line when reconstituted basement membrane was added to the medium. This regulatory effect of reconstituted basement membrane was reproduced by two of its components, collagen-IV and laminin-1, and it was blocked by antibodies against α2, α6 and β1 integrin subunits. Our results indicate that integrin-mediated response to specific basement membrane components, rather than cell rounding or cell growth arrest induced by reconstituted basement membrane, is critical in the regulation of estrogen receptor α expression and function in mammary epithelial cells.
Safety of spinal decompression using an ultrasonic bone curette compared with a high-speed drill: outcomes in 337 patients.

OBJECT Unintended durotomies are a common complication of spine surgery and are often correlated with increased postoperative morbidity. Recently, ultrasonic bone curettes have been introduced in spine surgery as a possible alternative to the conventional high-speed drill, offering the potential for greater bone-cutting precision and less damage to surrounding soft tissues. To date, however, few studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of the ultrasonic bone curette in reducing the rates of incidental durotomy compared with the high-speed drill. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 337 consecutive patients who underwent posterior cervical or thoracic decompression at a single institution between January 2009 and September 2011. Preoperative pathologies, the location and extent of spinal decompression, and the use of an ultrasonic bone curette versus the high-speed drill were noted. The rates of incidental durotomy, as well as hospital length of stay (LOS) and perioperative outcomes, were compared between patients who were treated using the ultrasonic bone curette and those treated using a high-speed drill. RESULTS Among 88 patients who were treated using an ultrasonic bone curette and 249 who were treated using a high-speed drill, 5 (5.7%) and 9 (3.6%) patients had an unintentional durotomy, respectively. This finding was not statistically significant (p = 0.40). No patients in either cohort experienced statistically higher rates of perioperative complications, although patients treated using an ultrasonic bone curette tended to have a longer hospital LOS. This difference may be attributed to the fact that this series contained a statistically higher number of metastatic tumor cases (p < 0.0001) in the ultrasonic bone curette cohort, likely increasing the LOS for that patient population. In 13 patients, the dural defect was repaired intraoperatively. No patients who experienced an incidental durotomy had new-onset or permanent neurological deficits postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS The safety and efficacy of ultrasonic bone curettes in spine surgery has not been well established. This study shows that the ultrasonic bone curette has a similar safety profile compared with the high-speed drill, although both are capable of causing iatrogenic dural tears during spine surgery.
Information Technology and Sustainability: Evidence from an Emerging Economy

Research in operations management and information systems suggests that information technology (IT) can play an important role in managing operations that support environmentally sustainable (green) growth. Yet, few studies have empirically assessed the efficacy of green IT investments and initiatives, particularly in emerging economies such as India. This study examines the performance consequences of green IT investment and implementation in terms of energy conservation and profit impact. We analyze an archival dataset constructed from a survey of nearly 300 organizations in India, matched partially with objective data from a secondary source. We find that green IT investment is positively associated with a higher profit impact and that this association is partially mediated by a reduction in IT equipment energy consumption. In addition, we find that operations‐oriented green IT implementation is positively associated with both IT equipment energy consumption reduction and profit impact, whereas supplier‐oriented green IT implementation is positively associated only with reduction in IT equipment energy consumption. Our findings are robust to objective measures of firm‐level total income and profit after tax. We highlight opportunities for further research and discuss the implications of the study for managerial practice to encourage the implementation of green IT initiatives that promote greater environmental sustainability.
BUDWEISER IN THE 2017 SUPER BOWL: DIALECTIC VALUES ADVOCACY AND THE RHETORICAL STAKEHOLDER

OF THESIS BUDWEISER IN THE 2017 SUPER BOWL: DIALECTIC VALUES ADVOCACY AND THE RHETORICAL STAKEHOLDER Organizational-public relations discourse is changing given the advent of social media, and corporate statements are evaluated under different criteria in the digital age. Grounding Budweiser’s response to controversy over their 2017 Super Bowl advertisement in terms of consumer expectations for corporate social responsibility provides a new perspective for approaching Bostdorff and Vibbert’s (1994) conceptualization of values advocacy. This study recognizes the power of the rhetorical stakeholder, a discursively created public, and demands re-evaluation of the values common to society from a cocreational OPR perspective. Conceptualizing dialectic values advocacy outlines the changing values among contemporary, common stakeholders as well as the means for communicating these values superficially to promote unanimity among publics and organizations. Previously successful universal values like unity and patriotism have since been replaced with sensationalism and discord; formally engendering these values through ambiguous controversy allows an organization to strategically construct audience perceptions of reputation.
Assessment of Histologic Disease Activity in Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review

Background:Crohn's disease (CD) is an idiopathic, chronic, transmural inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Because mucosal involvement is near-universal, endoscopic healing has emerged as an important aspect in improving outcome. However, resolution of histologic disease activity has potential to convey additional benefit beyond that attained with endoscopic healing alone. Validated scoring systems of histologic disease activity are required to further assess this possibility. The aim of this study was to systematically review the existing histologic disease activity indices (HDAI) for CD and to assess their operating properties and potential use as outcome measures in clinical trials. Methods:MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), PubMed, the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), and Digestive Disease Week (DDW) abstracts were searched from 1981 to April 2013 for applicable studies to identify relevant studies for review and analysis. Results:In total, 3732 citations were screened to obtain 89 articles for inclusion. Sixty-six HDAIs were characterized as either stepwise or numerical instruments. These HDAIs were used for either assessment of response to medical therapy or for comparison with biomarkers or imaging tests. None of the HDAIs identified was developed according to currently accepted methods for developing evaluative instruments, and none have been formally validated. Conclusions:Measurement of histologic disease activity has potential value in CD; however, no validated measures are available. Additional research is needed to develop a methodologically rigorous instrument for use in clinical investigation and potentially for clinical practice.
Theoretical-empirical analysis of the role of the SGAFF in financing of farmers’ activities

The paper deals with the theoretical-empirical analysis of the role of the SgAFF in financing of farmers’ activities based on the dynamic optimal model and time series analysis. The dynamic optimization problem is solved by the Lagrange method. The application of the theoretical model shows that the lower is the interest rate paid by the farmer, the lower is the optimal consumption and consequently the farmer is willing to employ a higher part of the capital in the production. Thus, the initial capital is more effectively employed. The empirical part shows that the SgAFF’s activities significantly support the farmers’ investments. in spite of the problems in the setting of the SgAFF’s policy, the role of the SgAFF in financing of agricultural activities can be regarded as positive in the analyzed period. Moreover, the application of the theoretical model and the empirical analysis suggest that the SgAFF contributes to a more effective capital employment and thereby increases the competitiveness of czech agriculture in the long run.
Corporate social responsibility disclosure in small and medium-sized entities and large companies

PurposeCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) literature has focused mainly on larger firms. Only recently has discussion of the engagement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in CSR emerged in research studies. Here we contribute to that growing discussion of CSR in SMEs by analyzing the disclosure practices of 57 Portuguese companies of different sizes (small, medium, large). Design/methodology/approachWe use stakeholder theory to identify the stakeholders that SMEs and large firms prioritize. By means of thematic content analysis and an index of disclosure (calculated according to company type and stakeholder type) we analyze whether business characteristics influence CSR disclose strategies.FindingsCompanies give priority to CSR activities that are directly related to maintaining business and achieving economic results. CSR disclosure practices of SMEs and large companies do not differ significantly. However, larger companies disclose more information on Environment and Society. Companies who are closer to consumers disclose more information on Customers, Community and Society. The act of assuring a CSR report drives system improvements and extended CSR disclosure.Research limitations/implicationsWe recognize that it is difficult to compare CSR in Small and large enterprises. For this reason, we have developed a methodology based on the most basic aspects of the CSRD, and therefore applicable without distinction to large and small companies.Practical implicationsA framework to evaluate the CSRD of SMEs was developed. We identify CSR indicators divided in five dimensions (customers, employees, environment, community and society) that are applicable to firms of all sizes.Originality/valueThis study extends knowledge of CSR by comparing the disclosure practices of SMEs and large (listed and un-listed) Portuguese companies. This study takes account of the particularities of SMEs and other fundamental business characteristics using a replicable assessment framework.
Rumination syndrome.

Rumination is a syndrome characterized by repetitive regurgitation of small amounts of food from the stomach. The food is then partially or completely rechewed, reswallowed, or expelled. This syndrome is relatively common in infants and mentally challenged persons, but it also occurs in adults with normal intelligence. The rumination syndrome is an underappreciated condition in adults who frequently receive a misdiagnosis of vomiting due to gastroparesis or gastroesophageal reflux. Difficulties in establishing the correct diagnosis may be caused by a lack of awareness of the condition among physicians. This syndrome must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient with regurgitation, vomiting (especially postprandial), and weight loss. Reassurance, explanations, and behavioral therapy are currently the mainstays of treatment in adults with normal intelligence who have the rumination syndrome. Appropriately controlled trials are needed to establish the best therapy.
Physiological basis for a causal relationship of obstructive sleep apnoea to hypertension

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is causally related to systemic hypertension through sustained sympathoexcitation. The causes of this sympathoexcitation remain uncertain; however, substantial animal and human data suggest that cyclic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), as is experienced at night by patients with OSA, provides the causal link between upper airway obstruction during sleep and sympathetic activation during waking. Direct and indirect evidence indicates that CIH leads to sympathoexcitation by two mechanisms: (1) augmentation of peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity (hypoxic acclimatization); and (2) direct effects on sites of central sympathetic regulation, such as the subfornical organ and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Initial reports suggest that the molecular mechanisms influencing peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity and central sympathetic activity may be the same, involving such neuromodulators as angiotensin II, endothelin and nitric oxide.