Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FDA: Between Process and Product Evaluation

Several institutions and agencies around the world, from both the private and public sectors, have adopted the practice of software validation and certification to ensure higher levels of confidence in software. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is one of these organisations. The FDA has published several guidance documents concerning the validation of medical device software. In its guidance documents for both the medical software industry and FDA staff, FDA recommends certain activities to be undertaken and certain deliverables to be prepared. This is believed by the FDA to achieve higher confidence in the software quality and, accordingly, better validation. In this paper, we question the clarity and practicability of the FDA approach for medical software validation. We examine the FDA approach by evaluating the FDA guidance documents. We base our analysis on considering the product versus process evaluation criterion. By focusing on these two concepts, we believe that the FDA validation approach leads to confusion in the minds of both software producers and evaluators and it may well lead to lower quality software than desired being certified, at the time the FDA considers its approach as the least burdensome. As a demonstration of our claim, we analyze "quality planning" as the first activity in the FDA approach. We discuss the corresponding effort for this activity in another product-oriented evaluation approach, the common criteria (CC) for information technology security evaluation. As its main objective, the comparison aims to highlight both the inconsistency and the vagueness of the FDA evaluation function. Reconsideration of these issues by the FDA will lead to a more objective evaluation function and higher confidence in the medical software, which represents the most important concern among the evaluation community and the general public.
IMPACT OF MARKETING STRATEGIES ON CUSTOMER RETENSION IN COMMERCIAL BANK: A CASE STUDY OF HBL SUKKUR

The current research investigates relationship marketing enhance customer retention and cross buying in Commercial bank. Data were collected from cross section survey method. Data were analyzed by using SPSS-21 version. It was revealed that relationship marketing enhance the customers retention and satisfaction. The Chi-Square might have been used to judge those variety for watched variables to demonstrating the idle variables. Numerous regressions were utilized on provide for those Decision for the stated hypotheses. From the study, a fulfilled client won't constantly enter under a long haul relationship with the firm. However, those conferred client with level of trust enters under An long haul association for those firm. The outcomes recommend that, An long haul customer-organization association is essential in making longer-term client maintenance.
Homogenization of metamaterial surfaces and slabs: the crossed wire mesh canonical problem

The objective of this paper is to discuss the differences between the homogenization of a bulk metamaterial and the homogenization of a thin metamaterial slab (complex surface). To this end, we study the canonical problem of propagation of electromagnetic waves in a mesh of crossed metallic wires embedded in a dielectric slab. We prove that it may not be appropriate to characterize the complex surface with the same effective parameters as the bulk metamaterial and the usual boundary conditions. We develop a modified homogenization procedure that is suitable to homogenize the complex surface using the bulk material effective parameters. The results of our analytical model are compared with full wave numerical results, yielding an excellent agreement for long wavelengths. Our formulation is valid for slabs of arbitrary thickness. We hope that this work may contribute to a more profound understanding of the interaction of electromagnetic waves with the emerging metamaterials.
Induced Dendritic Cell Differentiation of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Blasts Is Associated with Down-Regulation of BCR-ABL1

Although differentiation of leukemic blasts to dendritic cells (DC) has promise in vaccine strategies, the mechanisms underlying this differentiation and the differences between leukemia and normal progenitor-derived DC are largely undescribed. In the case of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), understanding the relationship between the induction of DC differentiation and the expression of the BCR-ABL oncogene has direct relevance to CML biology as well as the development of new therapeutic approaches. We now report that direct activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by the phorbol ester PMA in the BCR-ABL+ CML cell line K562 and primary CML blasts induced nonterminal differentiation into cells with typical DC morphology (cytoplasmic dendrites), characteristic surface markers (MHC class I, MHC class II, CD86, CD40), chemokine and transcription factor expression, and ability to stimulate T cell proliferation (equivalent to normal monocyte-derived DC). PKC-induced differentiation was associated with down-regulation of BCR-ABL mRNA expression, protein levels, and kinase activity. This down-regulation appeared to be signaled through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Therefore, PKC-driven differentiation of CML blasts into DC-like cells suggests a potentially novel strategy to down-regulate BCR-ABL activity, yet raises the possibility that CML-derived DC vaccines will be less effective in presenting leukemia-specific Ags.
Automatic segmentation of fetal brain using diffusion-weighted imaging cues

Segmentation of the developing cortical plate from MRI data of the post-mortem fetal brain is highly challenging due to partial volume effects, low contrast, and heterogeneous maturation caused by ongoing myelination processes. We present a new atlas-free method that segments the inner and outer boundaries of the cortical plate in fetal brains by exploiting diffusion-weighted imaging cues and using a cortical thickness constraint. The accuracy of the segmentation algorithm is demonstrated by application to fetal sheep brain MRI data, and is shown to produce results comparable to manual segmentation and more accurate than semi-automatic segmentation.
Folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.

DESCRIPTION In 1996, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended that all women planning or capable of pregnancy take a multivitamin supplement containing folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects. This recommendation is an update of the 1996 USPSTF recommendation. METHODS The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on folic acid supplementation in women of childbearing age published since the 1996 USPSTF recommendation. The USPSTF did not review the evidence on folic acid food fortification, counseling to increase dietary intake, or screening for neural tube defects. RECOMMENDATION The USPSTF recommends that all women planning or capable of pregnancy take a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400 to 800 microg) of folic acid. (Grade A recommendation).
Breakthrough Effect of Combining Resource Management Models

Nowadays Russia is trying to overcome the difficult times, which are characterized by a complicated international situation, high level of turbulence in social and economic sphere and general uncertainty. In the conditions of extremely fierce competition, companies prefer to use a combination of business models with the aim to take the best from several concepts of management. The goal of this research is to analyze one of the model of modern resource management - “velocity” and to relate it to the current state of the Russian economy. Theoretical and practical aspects of the model are presented. Implementation of the “velocity” in the United Engine Corporation - Gas Turbines, Joint-stock Company is highlighted. This is one of the few examples of using above-mentioned concept in Russia. Summarizing, “velocity” can become a promising strategy in the context of the Russian economic situation and in general in the contemporary conditions of the world economic development.
Dynamic Resource Allocation in Relay Enhanced Cells based on WINNER System

In recent years the research effort devoted to multi-hop communications (or relaying) and multi-antenna transmissions has been constantly growing due to the potential increase in the spectral efficiency that these technologies could provide. In particular, these play a key role for the air interface being designed within the European IST-4-027756 Project WINNER II due to the tight efficiency requirements it poses. In this paper a strategy is proposed for the dynamic resource partitioning in relay enhanced cells (REC). It allows the exploitation of spatial resource sharing through a simple approach based on a logic beam concept. Two different resource partitioning algorithms are proposed and assessed, one aiming at maximize the cell throughput while the other also ensuring fairness between the users. A quite significant performance gain is shown with respect to conventional solutions based on fixed sectorization.
Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Measurement of the Human Vestibular Apparatus

Using a computer-aided three-dimensional reconstruction and measurement method, 12 measurements were made to determine the dimensions of the maculae, cristae ampullares, and semicircular canals in 18 temporal bones from nine pairs of age-matched male and female individuals (1 day to 76 years old). The surface areas of the utricular and saccular maculae were significantly larger in male than in female specimens (two-way analysis of variance, F = 9.00, df = 1, p<0.01; F = 4.57, df = 1, p < 0.05, respectively). The width of the utricular macula and the length of the saccular macula were also significantly greater in male than in female specimens (two-way analysis of variance, F = 5.17, df = 1, p < 0.05; F = 4.33, df = 1, p < 0.05, respectively). Finally, the three semicircular canals were larger in diameter in male vs. female specimens; this difference was statistically significant for the superior semicircular canal (two-way analysis of variance, F = 10.74, df = 1, p < 0.01). By contrast, none of these dimensions of those vestibular structures showed any significant change in size with advancing postnatal age. We propose from these findings that there appears to be sexual dimorphism in the vestibular apparatus.
Identifying Structural Reform Gaps in Emerging Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia

Using data from the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report as an example, this paper compares structural indicators for 25 countries in Emerging Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia with a generic country with similar charactersitics that is 40 percent richer as well as a country with the average EU income. This comparison suggests that improvements will be particularly crucial in the areas of institutions, financial market development, infrastructure, goods and labor market efficiency and areas related to innovation. For the generally more ambitious goal of reaching average EU income, the reform needs are correspondingly larger. The methodology focuses on (approximate) comparisons between countries and does not try to establish the link between structural reforms and growth. While we test for changes in empirical specifications, caveats relate to the quality of structural indicators, possible non-linearities, and reform complementarities. The approach can be applied to other indicators and at a more granular level.
Treatment of Acquired Adult Planovalgus Deformities With Subtalar Fusion

A retrospective review was conducted of isolated subtalar arthrodeses performed on 32 adults (34 fusions) between August 1990 and September 1993. Each fusion was performed using a single large cannulated lag screw through the talar neck. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society standard clinical rating system for the ankle and hindfoot was used to assess outcome. Patients answered subjective questions based on the scale. Followup examination was done to evaluate clinically and radiographically each patient's foot and ankle according to the scale. Average patient age was 53 years (range, 27–80 years). Average followup was 30.8 months (range, 16–55 months). Twenty-four patients answered the subjective questions, and the average subjective score was 47 of a maximum 60 points (range, 9–60 points). Clinical data from 17 patients showed an average objective score of 30 of a maximum 34 points (range, 25–34 points). The average total score was 77 of a maximum 94 possible points (range, 34–94 points). Forty-two percent of the patients indicated a 100% improvement, 42% a 75% improvement, and 16% a 50% improvement. Eighty-three percent stated they definitely would have the procedure again. Results indicate that subtalar arthrodesis is an effective treatment for adult patients with pain and disability secondary to acquired planovalgus, posttraumatic, and inflammatory conditions of the hindfoot. In addition, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society standard rating system of the ankle and hind-foot corresponds to clinical outcome.
Second malignant neoplasms after treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

PURPOSE Second malignant neoplasms (SMNs) after diagnosis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are rare events. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed data on risk factors and outcomes of 642 children with SMNs occurring after treatment for ALL from 18 collaborative study groups between 1980 and 2007. RESULTS Acute myeloid leukemia (AML; n = 186), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS; n = 69), and nonmeningioma brain tumor (n = 116) were the most common types of SMNs and had the poorest outcome (5-year survival rate, 18.1% ± 2.9%, 31.1% ± 6.2%, and 18.3% ± 3.8%, respectively). Five-year survival estimates for AML were 11.2% ± 2.9% for 125 patients diagnosed before 2000 and 34.1% ± 6.3% for 61 patients diagnosed after 2000 (P < .001); 5-year survival estimates for MDS were 17.1% ± 6.4% (n = 36) and 48.2% ± 10.6% (n = 33; P = .005). Allogeneic stem-cell transplantation failed to improve outcome of secondary myeloid malignancies after adjusting for waiting time to transplantation. Five-year survival rates were above 90% for patients with meningioma, Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and parotid gland tumor, and 68.5% ± 6.4% for those with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Eighty-nine percent of patients with brain tumors had received cranial irradiation. Solid tumors were associated with cyclophosphamide exposure, and myeloid malignancy was associated with topoisomerase II inhibitors and starting doses of methotrexate of at least 25 mg/m(2) per week and mercaptopurine of at least 75 mg/m(2) per day. Myeloid malignancies with monosomy 7/5q- were associated with high hyperdiploid ALL karyotypes, whereas 11q23/MLL-rearranged AML or MDS was associated with ALL harboring translocations of t(9;22), t(4;11), t(1;19), and t(12;21) (P = .03). CONCLUSION SMNs, except for brain tumors, AML, and MDS, have outcomes similar to their primary counterparts.
Competencies Needed by Agricultural Communication Undergraduates: An Academic Perspective

Communication competencies and skills needed by agricultural communication graduates are constantly changing because of the dynamic nature of the technology used by communication professionals. Although several studies have been conducted in recent years that engaged alumni and industry professionals to determine agricultural communication program graduate competencies, no studies were found which sought out these competencies from the perspective of faculty. Determining the communication competencies faculty deem important will help identify gaps between industry needs and academic perceptions. This Delphi study was conducted to determine the competencies agricultural communication faculty believe are needed for agricultural communication program graduates. Nineteen participants from 14 universities came to consensus on 79 statements. The ten statements receiving the highest level of agreement were “Ability to communicate in writing,” “Ability to write clearly, concisely, tersely, and to get to the point,” “Highly developed writing skills,” “Good writing skills,” “Professional competence able to practice effective communication write / speak correctly, clearly in a style and form that is expected of the audience, profession they will serve,” “Critical thinking,” “Grammar,” “Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, ability to understand conceptual thinking and how it relates to communication,” “Ability to find and use information sources both on and off the internet,” and “Ethics. ” This study provides additonal information to help address Agricultural Communications National Research Priority Area 4: “What are the skills, competencies, and resources necessary to prepare professional agricultural communicators for success in various aspects of agricultural knowledge management? ”
Predicting and Examining Links between IPO Hype, Managerial Expectations, and Firm Outcomes

Hype is a powerful force and it clearly influences people's behavior (Chen, Melessa, & Zhang, 2012; Kothari, Li, & Short, 2009; Lang & Lundholm, 1996). Understanding and being able to identify hype is important, but more important is understanding how hype influences behavior. This dissertation examines the links between media hype and managerial expectations and firm outcomes. The paper begins with a conceptual framework that provides a model for understanding the information environment and how differential relationships between media hype and managerial behavior exist. Key aspects of the model are the sources and timing of hype, particularly a concept called a trigger event. Next, the dissertation suggests a new taxonomy for exploring media hype based on sources of hype to include Community Hype (online traffic), Own Hype (firm-generated press releases), Market Hype (major news periodicals), and Expert Hype (Wall Street analyst reports). Following the presentation of the new taxonomy of hype, a predictive model of the relationship between media hype and managerial behavior is presented and then empirically tested. The sample includes 126 US IPOs from 2007-2011 and longitudinal data is gathered over a two-year period surrounding the IPO event. Measures of over-confidence are develop theoretically and include 1) the allowance of negative earnings surprise events to occur and 2) failure of managers to prudently sell-off a portion of their equity at the expiration of the lock-up period. Hypotheses examine whether or not measures of over-confidence occur, how often they occur, and by how much they occur. Results indicate that managers are influenced by media hype in that they exhibit actions reflecting overconfidence when the media hype generated about the firm surrounding its IPO is volumous, salient with respect to the focal firm and relatively positive in nature. Curiously, results reveal that media's influence is not the same at all times and that it impacts managerial expectations and firm outcomes differently for different types of hype at different times.
The impact of psychiatric and extraintestinal comorbidity on quality of life and bowel symptom burden in functional GI disorders

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) patients report poor health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and experience high rates of psychiatric and extraintestinal functional disorder (EIFD) comorbidity. The independent influence of these comorbidities on HRQOL and symptom burden remains unknown. We sought to determine whether FGID with mood or EIFD comorbidity have poorer HRQOL and greater GI symptom burdens; to determine the influence of comorbidities on HRQOL in FGID independent of bowel symptoms.
Clinical Efficacy of a Single Two Gram Dose of Azithromycin Extended Release for Male Patients with Urethritis

To clarify the clinical efficacy of a single oral 2 g dose of azithromycin extended-release for heterosexual male patients with urethritis, and the current antimicrobial sensitivity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to azithromycin, a prospective clinical trial was conducted from 2011–2013. In patients with gonococcal urethritis, the eradication rate was 90.9% (30 of 33). The susceptibility rates of isolated Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains to ceftriaxone, spectinomycin, cefixime and azithromycin were 100%, 100%, 95.3% (41/43) and 37.2% (16/43), respectively. In the patients with nongonococcal urethritis, the eradication rate was 90.0% (45 of 50). The microbiological eradication rates for the pathogens were 90.9% (30/33) for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 91.5% (43/47) for Chlamydia trachomatis, 71.4% (5/7) for Mycoplasma genitalium, and 100% (13/13) for Ureaplasma urealyticum. The main adverse event was diarrhea and its manifestation rate was 35.2% (32 of 120). The symptom of diarrhea was mostly temporary and resolved spontaneously. The conclusion was that the treatment regimen with a single oral 2 g dose of azithromycin extended-release would be effective for patients with urethritis. However, the antimicrobial susceptibilities of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium should be carefully monitored because of possible treatment failure.
Mass turnover and recovery dynamics of a diverse Australian continental radiation

Trends in global and local climate history have been linked to observed macroevolutionary patterns across a variety of organisms. These climatic pressures may unilaterally or asymmetrically influence the evolutionary trajectory of clades. To test and compare signatures of changing global (Eocene‐Oligocene boundary cooling) and continental (Miocene aridification) environments on a continental fauna, we investigated the macroevolutionary dynamics of one of Australia's most diverse endemic radiations, pygopodoid geckos. We generated a time‐calibrated phylogeny (>90% taxon coverage) to test whether (i) asymmetrical pygopodoid tree shape may be the result of mass turnover deep in the group's history, and (ii) how Miocene aridification shaped trends in biome assemblages. We find evidence of mass turnover in pygopodoids following the isolation of the Australian continental plate ∼30 million years ago, and in contrast, gradual aridification is linked to elevated speciation rates in the young arid zone. Surprisingly, our results suggest that invasion of arid habitats was not an evolutionary end point. Instead, arid Australia has acted as a source for diversity, with repeated outward dispersals having facilitated diversification of this group. This pattern contrasts trends in richness and distribution of other Australian vertebrates, illustrating the profound effects historical biome changes have on macroevolutionary patterns.
The negative effect of repeated equine chorionic gonadotropin treatment on subsequent fertility in Alpine goats is due to a humoral immune response involving the major histocompatibility complex.

In dairy goats, the use of eCG as a convenient hormone for the induction of ovulation is necessary for out-of-season breeding and artificial insemination. However, repeated eCG treatments are followed by decreased fertility in goats inseminated at a fixed time after treatment. In this report, we show the presence of anti-eCG antibodies in plasma of treated goats. A 500 IU eCG injection induces a humoral response, with variable concentrations of anti-eCG antibody being produced in individual goats. The analysis of successive anti-eCG immune responses over several years has demonstrated the existence of different populations of goats, defined as low, medium, and high responders. By the use of two caprine microsatellites located inside (OLADRB) and outside (BM1258) the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a significant association (p < 0.05) between the anti-eCG antibody response and some MHC-DRB alleles was found. Goats with high antibody concentrations at the time of eCG injection (> 2.5 microg/ml) exhibited a much lower kidding rate than did other females (41.3% vs. 66.7%). Lower fertility of these goats, inseminated at a fixed time after eCG treatment, might be due to the observed delay in estrus occurrence and the preovulatory LH surge.