Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuroimaging findings in scleroderma en coup de sabre

Objectives: To describe the neuroimaging and clinical findings in patients with localized scleroderma en coup de sabre (LScs). Methods: Patients with LScs were evaluated by high-resolution MRI and CT. The authors performed three-dimensional reconstructions of MRI and CT scans to evaluate brain and bone structures. Results: Nine patients with LScs were evaluated (five women), with ages ranging from 6 to 53 years (mean, 30.7 years). Brain CT showed bone deformities with thinning of the skull under the skin lesions in six patients. MRI scans showed focal atrophy and blurring of the gray-white matter interface localized under the skin lesion in all patients. In three patients it was associated with hyperintense signal on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T2-weighted images. Follow-up MRI showed extension of the brain lesion in one patient; in the remaining patients, the lesion did not progress. Four of the nine patients had partial epilepsy. One had surgery for management of refractory seizures, and pathologic findings indicated a focal inflammatory process. Conclusion: Localized scleroderma en coup de sabre is associated with focal, and in some progressive, brain lesions underlying the skin atrophy. Epilepsy, when present, is related to these brain lesions. Imaging findings and histopathology indicated that the process, most likely focal inflammatory, may be progressive.
The consequences of audit committee quality

This study aims to examine the consequences when audit committees have different economic incentives (i.e. incentive-based compensation) to switch auditors. ,The author focuses on companies experiencing an auditor switching event (client-initiated dismissals) and uses Heckman’s (1997) two-stage estimation procedure to control endogenous bias. Audit committee quality is measured by the level of incentive-based compensation. Accrual quality and abnormal audit fees are examined over the periods of auditor switches. ,Using 1,087 US companies between 2006 and 2014, the author found that audit committees’ incentive-based compensation is negatively (positively) associated with accruals quality (abnormal audit fees) only when companies switch from Big 4 to non-Big 4 auditors or switch within non-Big 4 auditors. For companies that switch from non-Big 4 to Big 4 auditors, she found no evidence. ,This study provides a detailed discussion of the consequences of audit committee quality. The findings also contribute to the literature by concluding that economic incentives are associated with ineffective oversight, particularly after auditor switches. ,Sarbanes–Oxley Act and its associated regulations significantly expanded the oversight role of audit committees. However, regulators bypassed restrictions on audit committee compensation. Accordingly, the author suggests that regulators focus on the issue of economic incentives to improve audit committee quality. ,Minimal research has been conducted on the role of audit committees when companies switch to a new external auditor. The author shows that when companies switch auditors, incentive-based compensation significantly affects the monitoring quality of audit committees.
An ultrasound look at Korotkoff sounds: the role of pulse wave velocity and flow turbulence

Aims The aim of this study was to analyze the temporal relationships between pressure, flow, and Korotkoff sounds, providing clues for their comprehensive interpretation. Materials and methods When measuring blood pressure in a group of 23 volunteers, we used duplex Doppler ultrasonography to assess, under the arm-cuff, the brachial artery flow, diameter changes, and local pulse wave velocity (PWV), while recording Korotkoff sounds 10 cm downstream together with cuff pressure and ECG. Results The systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were 118.8±17.7 and 65.4±10.4 mmHg, respectively (n=23). The brachial artery lumen started opening when cuff pressure decreased below the SBP and opened for an increasing length of time until cuff pressure reached the DBP, and then remained open but pulsatile. A high-energy low-frequency Doppler signal, starting a few milliseconds before flow, appeared and disappeared together with Korotkoff sounds at the SBP and DBP, respectively. Its median duration was 42.7 versus 41.1 ms for Korotkoff sounds (P=0.54; n=17). There was a 2.20±1.54 ms/mmHg decrement in the time delay between the ECG R-wave and the Korotkoff sounds during cuff deflation (n=18). The PWV was 10±4.48 m/s at null cuff pressure and showed a 0.62% decrement per mmHg when cuff pressure increased (n=13). Conclusion Korotkoff sounds are associated with a high-energy low-frequency Doppler signal of identical duration, typically resulting from wall vibrations, followed by flow turbulence. Local arterial PWV decreases when cuff pressure increases. Exploiting these changes may help improve SBP assessment, which remains a challenge for oscillometric techniques.
Primary care and public health services integration in Brazil's unified health system.

OBJECTIVES We examined associations between transdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practice, and primary care and public health services integration in Brazil's Family Health Strategy. We aimed to identify practices that facilitate service integration and evidence-based practice. METHODS We collected cross-sectional data from community health workers, nurses, and physicians (n = 262). We used structural equation modeling to assess providers' service integration and evidence-based practice engagement operationalized as latent factors. Predictors included endorsement of team meetings, access to and consultations with colleagues, familiarity with community, and previous research experience. RESULTS Providers' familiarity with community and team meetings positively influenced evidence-based practice engagement and service integration. More experienced providers reported more integration and engagement. Physicians reported less integration than did community health workers. Black providers reported less evidence-based practice engagement than did Pardo (mixed races) providers. After accounting for all variables, evidence-based practice engagement and service integration were moderately correlated. CONCLUSIONS Age and race of providers, transdisciplinary collaboration, and familiarity with the community are significant variables that should inform design and implementation of provider training. Promising practices that facilitate service integration in Brazil may be used in other countries.
Price Adjustments and Transaction Costs in the European Natural Gas Market

The presence of long-term contracts indexed to oil prices is a key feature of the evolution of the European natural gas industry. During the 2000’s, the European Commission (EC) promoted reforms to establish a single and integrated natural gas market, leading to the development of short-term regional markets based on hubs. This paper tests the hypothesis that asymmetric price responses in the continental European hubs derive from transaction costs. By applying linear and nonlinear error correction models, it assesses the price transmission dynamics and the degree of integration between the German, the Belgium and the Dutch spot markets. The models identified cointegration relations, price asymmetries and transaction costs in these markets. Results show a high degree of integration across regions, with prices converging rapidly to their long-run equilibrium. However, asymmetric price adjustments reveal the presence of transaction costs in the German regional hub.
A COLLABORATIVE EXERCISE: Between Graduate and Undergraduate Nursing Students Using a COMPUTER‐ASSISTED SIMULATOR in a Mock Cardiac Arrest

&NA; Faculty at the University at Buffalo designed and implemented a mock cardiac arrest that involved joint participation by both undergraduate and graduate students. Various instruments were developed to evaluate the effectiveness of this teaching modality, including scales that measured pre‐ and postsimulation knowledge and confidence. Students were also asked to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the experience especially regarding teamwork during an emergency situation. Management of the arrest by the graduate students was evaluated using a scale that included competency criteria related to assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and resource management. Undergraduate students' performance was also evaluated. Using paired t‐test statistics, postsimulation knowledge scores were significantly higher than presimulation scores (p = .000), while postsimulation confidence scores were not statistically significant (p = .177). Students at both levels reported high satisfaction with the experience and with the opportunity to participate in a simulated cardiac arrest as a member of the health team. The use of a computer‐assisted human patient simulator involving different levels of nursing students appears to be an effective teaching method; more investigation into specific outcomes is needed.
Germline hMSH2 promoter mutation in a Chinese HNPCC kindred: evidence for dual role of LOH

Hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is a dominantly inherited cancer predisposition syndrome that is caused by germline mutations in mismatch repair genes. By screening the core promoters of hMSH2, hMLH1, and hMSH6 in 37 Chinese suspected HNPCC families, a novel germline mutation c. −78_−79delGT was found in the hMSH2 promoter. Its pathogenic effects were supported by the following findings: (a) it co‐segregated with HNPCC‐related cancers and was not present in the 220 control subjects, (b) tumors harboring the mutation lacked the expression of hMSH2 and showed high microsatellite instability, (c) it significantly decreased the promoter activity, and (d) it abolished the binding ability of the transcription factor E1A‐F. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was found in three of the tumors studied. Intriguingly, in the tumors from patients II:1 and III:1, LOH occurred in the wild‐type allele and agreed well with the traditional ‘two‐hit’ model. In contrast, in the tumor from patient III:3, LOH occurred in the mutant allele. A pathogenic somatic mutation (c.2210+1G>A) was also found in this tumor; therefore, we proposed that the ‘second hit’ was inactivated by somatic mutation, and the mutant allele was lost during tumor progression; this provided evidence for the new hypothesis for the dual role of LOH.
Men's experiences of having a partner who requires Mother and Baby Unit admission for first episode postpartum psychosis

AIMS The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of men during their partner's admission to a Mother and Baby Unit for first episode postpartum psychosis. BACKGROUND Postpartum psychosis can be life-changing for women, however little is known about the impact on their partners or their partners' needs. DESIGN An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach was used to analyse interview transcripts. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants. Interviews were conducted in 2014-2015. FINDINGS Two main themes were identified: 'What the f*** is going on? ' and 'Time to figure out how your family works'. Partners experienced shock and confusion during postpartum psychosis onset. Most felt hospital admission was beneficial, although there were barriers to accessing help and involvement in their partner's care. A process of understanding changes to roles, relationships and family identity was described. Loss was a common experience, with a potentially lasting impact. CONCLUSIONS Men reported a range of challenging and positive experiences associated with their partner's postpartum psychosis. Improvements are needed in awareness of postpartum psychosis, access to appropriate services and support of partners.
Comparison of Diagnostic Accuracy and Concordance of Video Capsule Endoscopy and Double Balloon Enteroscopy in Children

Objectives: To compare the diagnostic yield, sensitivity, and specificity of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) with double balloon enteroscopy (DBE), including comparison with histological findings as well as degree of concordance of the studies. Methods: Retrospective review of pediatric patients who had DBE following VCE at a single center from 2006 to 2013. VCEs were interpreted by 1 of 4 pediatric gastroenterologists and DBEs were performed by a single endoscopist. Results: Thirty-six patients ranging from 5 to 20 years had DBE following VCE. There were positive findings in 32 (88.8%) of VCE and 21 (58.3%) of DBE. Significant histological findings were identified in 16 patients (44.4%). When comparing VCE with DBE findings, VCE had a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 20%. Overall concordance between VCE and DBE findings was weak with calculated kappa index of 0.1702; however, this varied widely by indication. VCE had sensitivity 100% and specificity 20% for detecting histologically significant lesions. DBE had sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 65%. Conclusions: This is the first pediatric study to evaluate diagnostic accuracy and concordance of VCE and DBE and to compare both to histological findings. Our study supports the high diagnostic utility of both the studies. VCE is highly sensitive with an excellent negative predictive value both for DBE findings and for histological findings; however, the utility of VCE is limited by low specificity. Sensitivity and specificity of DBE for detecting histologically significant findings were good. Overall agreement between VCE and DBE is low but varies by indication for the study. These results support the use of VCE and DBE as complementary studies.
Protective effect of allograft inflammatory factor-1 on the apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in patients with rheumatic arthritis induced by nitro oxide donor sodium nitroprusside

Objectives: Inadequate apoptosis of rheumatic arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) plays a crucial role in the immunopathogenesis of RA. Allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) is a novel member of the cytokine network that has been found to be involved in the immunological process underlying RA. This study was undertaken to investigate the potential effects of AIF-1 on nitric oxide donor (NO) sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced RA-FLS apoptosis, and the possible molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Method: FLS obtained from patients with active RA were cultured in vitro and treated with SNP in the present or absence of AIF-1. RA-FLS viability was tested by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. RA-FLS apoptosis was analysed by flow cytometry and terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). The levels of phospho-Akt (p-Akt) and phospho-BAD (p-BAD) protein were detected by Western blot. Results: A 24-h AIF-1 pretreatment at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 ng/mL increased the viability of RA-FLS and prevented RA-FLS apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of SNP. AIF-1 induced phosphorylation of Akt and BAD in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The effect was reversed by treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY2940042 (LY) and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). Conclusions: AIF-1 can protect RA-FLS from apoptosis induced by NO by upregulating the expression of p-Akt and p-BAD.
Therapeutic potential of panduratin A, LKB1‐dependent AMP‐activated protein kinase stimulator, with activation of PPARα/δ for the treatment of obesity

Aim: AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators have shown potential as therapeutic agents for metabolic disorders. This study was conducted to evaluate therapeutic potential of panduratin (PAN) A, a natural AMPK stimulator, with activation of PPARα/δ for the treatment of obesity.
Recommending Move Method refactorings using dependency sets

Methods implemented in incorrect classes are common bad smells in object-oriented systems, especially in the case of systems maintained and evolved for years. To tackle this design flaw, we propose a novel approach that recommends Move Method refactorings based on the set of static dependencies established by a method. More specifically, our approach compares the similarity of the dependencies established by a source method with the dependencies established by the methods in possible target classes. We evaluated our approach using systems from a compiled version of the Qualitas Corpus. We report that our approach provides an average precision of 60.63% and an average recall of 81.07%. Such results are, respectively, 129% and 49% better than the results achieved by JDeodorant, a well-known move method recommendation system.
Embryonic gene expression and pro‐protein processing of proSAAS during rodent development

In vitro assays have demonstrated that peptides derived from the recently–identified proSAAS precursor inhibit prohormone convertase 1 (PC1) suggesting that this novel peptide may function as an endogenous inhibitor of PC1. To further understand the role of proSAAS in vivo, we have investigated the expression of proSAAS mRNA and processing of proSAAS during pre‐ and early postnatal rodent development. In situ hybridization showed that, by embryonic day 12.5 (e12.5) in the rat, proSAAS mRNA was present in essentially all differentiating neurons in the mantle layer of the myelencephalon, metencephalon, diencephalon, spinal cord and several sympathetic ganglia. During later stages of prenatal development, widespread proSAAS expression continues in post‐mitotic neurons of both the CNS and PNS and begins in endocrine cells of the anterior and intermediate pituitary. Although proSAAS expression overlaps with PC1 in several regions, its overall expression pattern is significantly more extensive, suggesting that proSAAS may be multifunctional during development. Processed forms of proSAAS are present by at least mid‐gestation with marked accumulation of two C‐terminal forms, comprising the PC1 inhibitory fragment of proSAAS.
Barriers and Facilitators of Implementing Electronic Data Summaries in HIV/AIDS Care

The purpose of this study was to describe case managers' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to implementing two different electronic data summaries (EDS), a USB-based and Web-based Continuity of Care Document (CCD) for patients living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) in New York City. The primary aim of this descriptive qualitative study was to understand case managers' perceptions of the two systems. Focus group methodology was used to gather perceptions from 48 participants. Major themes by factor included: barriers (technical difficulties, quality of data, and confidentiality breaches), and facilitators (training/ user support, work efficiency, and improved coordination of care). EDSs may be particularly useful in improving coordination of services and information sharing for HIV case managers. Careful attention must be paid to barriers and facilitators for use of these EDSs so that they can best meet the healthcare and social service needs of PLWH.
How Do Demographic Trends Change? The Onset of Birth Masculinization in Albania, Georgia, and Vietnam 1990–2005

The theory of demographic transistion assumes the gradual move from a pre-transitional equilibrium of birth and death rates to a new equilibrium corresponding to lower vital rates. While this model remains largely correct,research on more than two centuries of demographic change has pointed to a signifcant number of variants and departures from the model. For instance, the secular decline in vital rates was often preceded by a short-term rise, starting from different high-fertility levels (Dyson and Murphy1985), and was at times followed by unexpected stalls and rebounds as in post war Europe (Van Bavel and Reher 2013), Southeast Asia (Hull 2012),sub-Saharan Africa (Shapiro and Gebreselassie 2013), and Central Asia(Spoorenberg 2015).
Ranking from pairs and triplets: information quality, evaluation methods and query complexity

Obtaining judgments from human raters is a vital part in the design of search engines' evaluation. Today, a discrepancy exists between judgment acquisition from raters (training phase) and use of the responses for retrieval evaluation (evaluation phase). This discrepancy is due to the inconsistency between the representation of the information in both phases. During training, raters are requested to provide a relevance score for an individual result in the context of a query, whereas the evaluation is performed on ordered lists of search results, with the results' relative position (compared to other results) taken into account. As an alternative to the practice of learning to rank using relevance judgments for individual search results, more and more focus has recently been diverted to the theory and practice of learning from answers to combinatorial questions about sets of search results. That is, users, during training, are asked to rank small sets (typically pairs). Human rater responses to questions about the relevance of individual results are first compared to their responses to questions about the relevance of pairs of results. We empirically show that neither type of response can be deduced from the other, and that the added context created when results are shown together changes the raters' evaluation process. Since pairwise judgments are directly related to ranking, we conclude they are more accurate for that purpose. We go beyond pairs to show that triplets do not contain significantly more information than pairs for the purpose of measuring statistical preference. These two results establish good stability properties of pairwise comparisons for the purpose of learning to rank. We further analyze different scenarios, in which results of varying quality are added as "decoys". A recurring source of worry in papers focusing on pairwise comparison is the quadratic number of pairs in a set of results. Which preferences do we choose to solicit from paid raters? Can we provably eliminate a quadratic cost? We employ results from statistical learning theory to show that the quadratic cost can be provably eliminated in certain cases. More precisely, we show that in order to obtain a ranking in which each element is an average of O(n/C) positions away from its position in the optimal ranking, one needs to sample O(nC2) pairs uniformly at random, for any C > 0. We also present an active learning algorithm which samples the pairs adaptively, and conjecture that it provides additional improvement.
The inferior colliculus encodes the Franssen auditory spatial illusion

Illusions are effective tools for the study of the neural mechanisms underlying perception because neural responses can be correlated to the physical properties of stimuli and the subject's perceptions. The Franssen illusion (FI) is an auditory spatial illusion evoked by presenting a transient, abrupt tone and a slowly rising, sustained tone of the same frequency simultaneously on opposite sides of the subject. Perception of the FI consists of hearing a single sound, the sustained tone, on the side that the transient was presented. Both subcortical and cortical mechanisms for the FI have been proposed, but, to date, there is no direct evidence for either. The data show that humans and rhesus monkeys perceive the FI similarly. Recordings were taken from single units of the inferior colliculus in the monkey while they indicated the perceived location of sound sources with their gaze. The results show that the transient component of the Franssen stimulus, with a shorter first spike latency and higher discharge rate than the sustained tone, encodes the perception of sound location. Furthermore, the persistent erroneous perception of the sustained stimulus location is due to continued excitation of the same neurons, first activated by the transient, by the sustained stimulus without location information. These results demonstrate for the first time, on a trial‐by‐trial basis, a correlation between perception of an auditory spatial illusion and a subcortical physiological substrate.