Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychological treatments for the management of postsurgical pain: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Background Inadequately managed pain is a risk factor for chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP), a growing public health challenge. Multidisciplinary pain-management programs with psychological approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based psychotherapy, have shown efficacy as treatments for chronic pain, and show promise as timely interventions in the pre/perioperative periods for the management of PSP. We reviewed the literature to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of these psychotherapy approaches on pain-related surgical outcomes. Materials and methods We searched Medline, Medline-In-Process, Embase and Embase Classic, and PsycInfo to identify studies meeting our search criteria. After title and abstract review, selected articles were rated for risk of bias. Results Six papers based on five trials (four back surgery, one cardiac surgery) met our inclusion criteria. Four papers employed CBT and two CBT-physiotherapy variant; no ACT or mindfulness-based studies were identified. Considerable heterogeneity was observed in the timing and delivery of psychological interventions and length of follow-up (1 week to 2–3 years). Whereas pain-intensity reporting varied widely, pain disability was reported using consistent methods across papers. The majority of papers (four of six) reported reduced pain intensity, and all relevant papers (five of five) found improvements in pain disability. General limitations included lack of large-scale data and difficulties with blinding. Conclusion This systematic review provides preliminary evidence that CBT-based psychological interventions reduce PSP intensity and disability. Future research should further clarify the efficacy and optimal delivery of CBT and newer psychological approaches to PSP.
DIVISION OF THE HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES CALIFORNIA

What behavior can be explained as the Bayes equilibrium of some game? The main finding is almost anything, Given any Bayesian (coordination) game with positive priors and given any vector of nondominated strategies, there is an increasing transformation of each utility function such that the given vector of strategies is a Bayes (Nash) equilibrium of the transformed game. Any nondominated behavior can be rationalized as Bayes equilibrium behavior, Some comments on the implications of these results for game theory are
Chronic Probucol Treatment Decreases the Slow Component of the Delayed-Rectifier Potassium Current in CHO Cells Transfected With KCNQ1 and KCNE1: A Novel Mechanism of QT Prolongation

Abstract: Indirect effects of drugs on ion channel expression levels on plasma membrane are focused as the cause of QT prolongation, and we explored the chronic effects of QT-prolonging drugs on the slow component of the delayed-rectifier potassium current (IKs). Chinese Hamster Ovary cells expressing IKs channels were constructed by transfecting KCNQ1/KCNE1 genes, and the IKs values were measured using IonWorks Quattro in the population patch-clamp mode. After 24 hours of treatment with IKs blockers (HMR1556, L-768673, or chromanol 293B) or human Ether-à-go-go related gene channel trafficking inhibitors (amiodarone,17-AAG, brefeldin A, pentamidine, thioridazine, or probucol), brefeldin A, pentamidine, and probucol decreased IKs. Probucol, which is a cholesterol-lowering drug and clinically reported to cause QT prolongation, potently inhibited the IKs in a concentration-dependent manner, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 149.1 nM. A reduction in the IKs by 1 &mgr;M of probucol was observed beginning 2 hours after treatment, and the current was reduced by about 80% at 24 hours. The activation and deactivation time constants of residual IKs currents became faster compared with that in the vehicle-treatment group. Acute application of probucol did not directly inhibit IKs channels at concentrations of up to 10 &mgr;M. Western blotting analysis indicated the reduction of multimeric complex of KCNQ1 proteins by probucol treatment but not monomeric form. These results suggest that chronic probucol treatment may contribute to QT prolongation in humans by decreasing the functional IKs channel complexes.
Perceived Picture Quality of Frame-Compatible 3DTV Video Formats

In the stereoscopic high-definition (HD) frame-compatible formats, the separate left and right views are reduced in resolution and packed to fit within the same video frame as a conventional two-dimensional high-definition signal. Since they do not require additional transmission bandwidth and entail limited changes to the existing broadcasting infrastructure, these formats have been suggested for 3DTV. However, the convenience of frame-compatible formats comes at the expense of lower picture quality of the 3D signal. In this study, we evaluated the loss in picture quality of two frame-compatible formats: 1080i Side-by-Side and 720p Top/Bottom, using a subjective assessment experiment.
Cooperation or Confrontation in U.S.-Japan Trade? Some General Equilibrium Estimates

Using a detailed calibrated general equilibrium model, we evaluate the effects of greater cooperation or confrontation in bilateral trade relations between the U.S. and Japan. Our numerical results indicate that, if a trade war between the two were precipitated, the U.S. would eventually benefit from the mutual imposition of reciprocally optimal tariffs. While this result appears negative for those who advocate free trade, it provides the key to overcoming an important incentive problem of liberalization. Specifically, we find that Japan gains more from U.S. unilateral liberalization than from bilateral liberalization and thus has an incentive to limit its commitment to removing trade barriers. Since the U.S. has a credible threat of retaliation, however, it can bargain with Japan to implement bilateral cooperation. In other words, the strategic environment is neither completely harmonious nor discordant. A credible threat of confrontation can secure the basis of cooperation.
Unphosphorylated MARCKS is involved in neurite initiation induced by insulin‐like growth factor‐I in SH‐SY5Y cells

Myristoylated alanine‐rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) has been suggested to be involved in various aspects of neuronal cell differentiation, including neurite outgrowth. However, the precise mechanisms by which MARCKS phosphorylation is regulated, and how MARCKS contributes to neurite outgrowth, are poorly understood. Here, we found that treatment of SH‐SY5Y cells with insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) induced a rapid and transient decrease in the level of phosphorylated MARCKS (P‐MARCKS) to below the basal level. The decrease in P‐MARCKS induced by IGF‐I was blocked by pretreatment of cells with phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, LY294002 and wortmannin. A decrease in P‐MARCKS was also observed in cells treated with a Rho‐dependent kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, Y27632. Furthermore, IGF‐I induced transient inactivation of RhoA, an upstream effector of ROCK. We showed that MARCKS was translocated to the membrane and colocalized with F‐actin at the lamellipodia and the tips of neurites in the cells stimulated with IGF‐I. Finally, overexpression of wild‐type MARCKS or an unphosphorylatable mutant of MARCKS enhanced the number of neurite‐bearing cells relative to vector‐transfected cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that unphosphorylated MARCKS is involved in neurite initiation, and highlight the important role played by MARCKS in organization of the actin cytoskeleton. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 1029–1038, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Salmonella effector AvrA mediates bacterial intracellular survival during infection in vivo

The enteric pathogen Salmonella typhimurium secretes the preformed AvrA effector protein into host cells. This acetyltransferase has been shown to modulate mammalian intestinal immune and survival responses by inhibition of JNK MAPK. To study the role of this effector in natural enteric infection, we used a mouse model to compare wild‐type S. typhimurium to an isogenic AvrA null Salmonella mutant. Salmonella lacking AvrA induced increased intestinal inflammation, more intense systemic cytokine responses, and increased apoptosis in epithelial cells. Increased apoptosis was also observed in extra epithelial macrophages. AvrA null‐infected mice consistently showed higher bacterial burden within mucosal lymphoid tissues, spleen and liver by 5 days post infection, which indicated a more severe clinical course. To study the molecular mechanisms involved, recombinant adenoviruses expressing AvrA or mutant AvrA proteins were constructed, which showed appropriate expression and mediated the expected inhibition of JNK signalling. Cultured epithelial cells and macrophages transduced with AvrA expressing adenovirus were protected from apoptosis induced by exogenous stimuli. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that Salmonella AvrA modulates survival of infected macrophages likely via JNK suppression, and prevents macrophage death and rapid bacterial dissemination. AvrA suppression of apoptosis in infected macrophages may allow for establishment of a stable intracellular niche typical of intracellular pathogens.
The genetic basis of endometriosis

Family studies have long suggested a role for genetic factors in the aetiology of endometriosis. The influence of genes on disease development has mainly been researched independently of environmental factors, yet their interaction must play an important role. Greater exposure to retrograde menstruation and oestrogen is likely to increase the risk of endometriosis; toxic compounds such as dioxin may increase the risk, although the only direct evidence has come from primate studies. Previous association studies implicated GALT (a gene involved in galactose metabolism), and GSTM1 and NAT2 (genes encoding for the detoxification enzymes) as possible disease susceptibility genes. Recent findings have added to the evidence for the involvement of GSTM1 and NAT2, but have cast doubt on the role of GALT. However, the design of many genetic and epidemiological studies has been inadequate with respect to sample size, consistency in phenotype definition, and the choice of control populations. These features are likely to influence results, and could partly explain the lack of consistency in the findings. Future studies should use a consistent disease definition and be of appropriate epidemiological design.
Alteration in human defensin-5 expression following gastric bypass surgery

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery provides a novel human model to investigate small bowel mucosal innate immunity, in which there is loss of gastric acid-mediated protection against orally-acquired microorganisms. Aim: To study changes in jejunal mucosal immunoreactivity of human defensin (HD)-5, an antimicrobial peptide normally produced by Paneth cells. Methods: Mucosal samples were obtained from 18 female patients (24–54 years), from the same segment of jejunum during and after gastric bypass surgery. Samples were used for bacterial culture and immunohistochemistry using anti-HD-5 antibody. The number of immunoreactive cells per crypt and villus were determined and expressed as mean (SD). Results: No bacteria were cultured from any of the perioperative jejunal samples but colonies of bacteria normally present in the pharynx were identified during culture of all postoperative jejunal biopsy specimens (1–>100 colonies). Paneth cell numbers per crypt were unchanged after gastric bypass (4.16 (0.71) vs 4.24 (0.78)). However, following surgery, there was an increase in HD-5-positive intermediate cells per crypt (0.25 (0.41) vs 1.12 (0.66), p<0.01), HD-5 staining enterocytes per crypt (0.03 (0.09) vs 1.38 (1.10), p<0.01), HD-5 staining material in the crypt lumen (crypt lumens: 5.0% (10.9%) vs 68.1% (27.9%), p<0.01) and HD-5 immunoreactivity coating the luminal surface of villus enterocytes (villi sampled: 15.0% (31.0%) vs 67.5% (42.0%), p<0.01). Conclusions: Bacteria normally resident in the pharynx were present in the proximal jejunal mucosa following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. After gastric bypass, there was increased secretion of HD-5 and an increase in HD-5 expressing intermediate cells and enterocytes in the crypt. The increase in HD-5 expression in the jejunal mucosa following gastric bypass surgery is likely to be secondary to exposure to orally-acquired microorganisms.
United States Investment Returns during Democratic and Republican Administrations, 1928–1993

A major difference in returns from large-capitalization stocks, small-capitalization stocks, various bond indexes, and cash followed elections won by Democratic and Republican presidents from 1928 to 1993. Small-cap stocks had significantly higher returns during Democratic administrations than during Republican administrations, primarily reflecting a lack of losses in the April–December period. This phenomenon was not a manifestation of the January small-firm effect. Indeed, the results indicate a significant small-cap effect outside January during Democratic presidencies. Large-cap stocks had statistically identical returns under both administrations. For both Democratic and Republican administrations, small- and large-cap stock returns were significantly higher during the last two years of the presidential term than during the first two years. Corporate, long-term government, and intermediate government bonds and cash had significantly higher returns during Republican administrations. From 1937 to 1993,.
Ageism and the UK Hospitality Industry

In the context of a gradually ageing labour force and skills shortages, discrimination against older workers has recently become an issue of public policy concern. Ageism is arguably more pervasive in the hospitality industry than elsewhere; a recent follow‐up study confirms that hospitality organizations continue to rely heavily on younger workers and show little disposition to capitalize on the acknowledged benefits which older workers can offer. Consequently, these organizations do not appear to be well placed to manage future developments in the labour market, particularly in relation to obtaining managers.
Exchange rates and foreign exchange reserves in Turkey: nonlinear and frequency domain causality approach

In this paper aims to investigate the asymmetric relationship between nominal-real exchange rate and foreign exchange reserves of Central Bank in Turkey over the period of 2003:01-2014:01. The study benefits from the recent advance in the nonlinear time series econometric analysis and carries out nonlinear cointegration, causality and frequency domain causality tests. The results find strong evidence of nonlinear cointegration between real exchange rate and Central Bank foreign exchange reserves. Empirical results of both Hansen-Seo (2002) and frequency domain causality analyses imply that there is no relationship from foreign exchange reserves to nominal and real exchange rate, while there is a causal relationship running from nominal and real exchange rate to foreign exchange reserves in Turkey. Diks-Panchenko (2006) non-linear Granger causality test results indicate that there is a causality relationship from foreign exchange reserves to nominal and real exchange rate. By the way of conclusion that Central Bank of Turkish Republic uses the real exchange rate take into account in the context of inflation targeting regime.
The determinants of voluntary disclosure of adjusted earnings per share measures by UK quoted companies

Abstract This study describes and explains the variety of disclosure practices employed by UK companies to report earnings per share measures following the introduction of FRS3. In addition to describing the practices of UK companies we construct an econometric model designed to explain the observed variation in the willingness of firms to disclose additional earnings per share measures. We conclude that the willingness of firms to disclose alternative earnings per share measures is driven by two main types of considerations. First, the general disclosure stance of the company: firms that generally exhibit high levels of disclosure are more likely to disclose alternative earnings per share measures. Second, except for firms in loss situations, firms generally appear to be motivated to present a more favourable earnings profile. Firms in loss situations seem to be concerned to divert investor attention away from reported losses either by reporting an alternative EPS that is positive when FRS3 EPS is negative, or by failing to report a negative alternative EPS when FRS3 EPS is positive. We find that the likelihood of a firm disclosing losses under FRS3 reporting a lower loss per share, is much smaller than the likelihood of a firm reporting profits under FRS3 reporting a higher alternative profit per share, perhaps because managers fear any alternative figure will be interpreted by the market as a measure of sustainable earnings. This finding is consistent with management not wanting to create the impression that a current loss is likely to be sustained.
Posterior parietal cortex in rhesus monkey: II. Evidence for segregated corticocortical networks linking sensory and limbic areas with the frontal lobe

We have examined the circuitry connecting the posterior parietal cortex with the frontal lobe of rhesus monkeys. HRP‐WGA and tritiated amino acids were injected into subdivisions 7m, 7a, 7b, and 7ip of the posterior parietal cortex, and anterograde and retrograde label was recorded within the frontal motor and association cortices. Our main finding is that each subdivision of parietal cortex is connected with a unique set of frontal areas. Thus, area 7m, on the medial parietal surface, is interconnected with the dorsal premotor cortex and the supplementary motor area, including the supplementary eye field. Within the prefrontal cortex, area 7m's connections are with the rostral sector of the frontal eye field (FEF), the dorsal bank of the principal sulcus, and the anterior bank of the inferior arcuate sulcus (Walker's area 45). In contrast, area 7a, on the posterior parietal convexity, is not linked with premotor regions but is heavily interconnected with the rostral FEF in the anterior bank of the superior arcuate sulcus, the dorsolateral prefrontal convexity, the rostral orbitofrontal cortex, area 45, and the fundus and adjacent cortex of the dorsal and ventral banks of the principal sulcus. Area 7b, in the anterior part of the posterior parietal lobule, is interconnected with still a different set of frontal areas, which include the ventral premotor cortex and supplementary motor area, area 45, and the external part of the ventral bank of the principal sulcus. The prominent connections of area 7ip, in the posterior bank of the intraparietal sulcus, are with the supplementary eye field and restricted portions of the ventral premotor cortex, with a wide area of the FEF that includes both its rostral and caudal sectors, and with area 45. All frontoparietal connections are reciprocal, and although they are most prominent within a hemisphere, notable interhemispheric connections are also present.
Data acquisition system of over Giga-Bps of data rate for user experiment at X-ray Free-Electron Laser facility SACLA

The data acquisition and control system for user experiments at the X-ray Free Electron Laser facility, SACLA, has been in stable operation since March 2012. The system handles up to 5 Gbps throughput of X-ray imaging data that are produced by a mega-pixel two-dimensional detector, in synchronization with the 60 Hz of the beam repetition cycle. In the autumn of 2014, a new beamline, now under construction, will be in commissioning towards the public use. The data acquisition system will be upgraded to handle two data streams from simultaneous experiments on two beamlines. A tag number distribution system and the MADOCA II framework provide more flexibility and robustness for the system. A 90 TFLOPS supercomputer has been set up this spring, to cope with the anticipated increase in the of users' requirement for the analysis of large data sets.
Nurses’ Knowledge of Inhaler Technique in the Inpatient Hospital Setting

Purpose/Objectives: High rates of inhaler misuse in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma contribute to hospital readmissions and increased healthcare cost. The purpose of this study was to examine inpatient staff nurses’ self-perception of their knowledge of proper inhaler technique compared with demonstrated technique and frequency of providing patients with inhaler technique teaching during hospitalization and at discharge. Design: A prospective, descriptive study. Setting: A 495-bed urban academic medical center in the Midwest United States. Sample: A convenience sample of 100 nurses working on inpatient medical units. Methods: Participants completed a 5-item, 4-point Likert-scale survey evaluating self-perception of inhaler technique knowledge, frequency of providing patient education, and responsibility for providing education. Participants demonstrated inhaler technique to the investigators using both a metered dose inhaler (MDI) and Diskus device inhaler, and performance was measured via a validated checklist. Findings: Overall misuse rates were high for both MDI and Diskus devices. There was poor correlation between perceived ability and investigator-measured performance of inhaler technique. Frequency of education during hospitalization and at discharge was related to measured level of performance for the Diskus device but not for the MDI. Conclusions: Nurses are a key component of patient education in the hospital; however, nursing staff lack adequate knowledge of inhaler technique. Implications: Identifying gaps in nursing knowledge regarding proper inhaler technique and patient education about proper inhaler technique is important to design interventions that may positively impact patient outcomes. Interventions could include one-on-one education, Web-based education, unit-based education, or hospital-wide competency-based education. All should include return demonstration of appropriate technique.
Partially Irreversible Investment Decisions and Taxation under Uncertainty: A Real Option Approach

Abstract The paper applies contingent claims analysis in a real option investment model in order to investigate taxation's influence on investor's decisions under uncertainty. The results show the distortion from realistic-type tax systems, allow to identify a tax-induced paradox in option valuation for specific settings and acknowledge the property of investment neutrality of well-known `ideal' tax systems in the context of different degrees of irreversibility. Furthermore, it is clarified that the idea of risk-neutral valuation cannot be adopted by the real option approach in general.
An ensemble of neural networks for breast cancer diagnosis

Since breast cancer is a common disease in society all over the world, early diagnosis is of vital importance in order to treat patients before it reaches an irreversible phase. Expert systems are being developed to make it easier to diagnose the disease. In this study, an ensemble of neural networks named radial basis function network (RBFN), generalized regression neural network (GRNN) and feed forward neural network (FFNN) is implemented to separate breast cancer data samples into benign/malignant classes. The utilities of these common methods and the proposed hybrid model which is a combination of these methods are explored and their performances are comparatively presented. The experimental results on Wisconsin Diagnostic Breast Cancer (WDBC) dataset have proven that the proposed method presents a promise for diagnosis of breast cancer. The proposed model can be used as a tool to assist medical specialists in making their decision on the disease.