Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Continuous Noninvasive Ventilatory Support Prolongs Survival

OBJECTIVE: To describe survival outcomes with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for full ventilatory support, and a mechanically assisted cough and oximetry protocol in a series of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. METHODS: We monitored end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2), SpO2, vital capacity, maximum insufflation capacity, and cough peak flow. Nocturnal NIV was initiated for symptomatic hypoventilation. An oximeter and mechanically assisted cough device were prescribed when the patient's maximum assisted cough peak flow fell below 300 L/min. Patients used up to continuous NIV and mechanically assisted cough to return SpO2 to ≥ 95% during intercurrent respiratory infections or as otherwise needed. We recorded respiratory and cardiac hospitalizations and mortality, and quantified survival by duration of continuous NIV dependence (ie, unable to maintain oxygenation without the ventilator). RESULTS: With advancing Duchenne muscular dystrophy, 101 nocturnal-only NIV users extended their NIV use throughout the daytime hours and required it continuously for 7.4 ± 6.1 years to 30.1 ± 6.1 years of age, with 56 patients still alive. Twenty-six of the 101 became continuously dependent without requiring hospitalization. Eight tracheostomized users were decannulated to NIV. Thirty-one consecutive unweanable intubated patients were extubated to NIV plus mechanically assisted cough. Of the 67 deaths (including 8 patients who died from heart failure before requiring ventilator use), 34 (52%) were probably cardiac, 14 (21%) were probably respiratory, and 19 (27%) were of unknown or other etiology. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous NIV along with mechanically assisted cough and oximetry as needed can prolong life and obviate tracheotomy in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Unweanable patients can be decannulated and extubated to NIV plus mechanically assisted cough.
Pricing credit-risky bonds and spread options modelling credit-spread term structures with two-dimensional Markov-modulated jump-diffusion

The relationship between company hazard rates and the business cycle becomes more apparent after a financial crisis. To address this relationship, a regime-switching process with an intensity function is adopted in this paper. In addition, the dynamics of both interest rates and asset values are modelled with a Markov-modulated jump-diffusion model, and a 2-factor hazard rate model is also considered. Based on this more suitable model setting, a closed-form model of pricing risky bonds is derived. The difference in yield between a risky bond and risk-free zero coupon bond is used to model a term structure of credit spreads (CSs) from which a closed-form pricing model of a call option on CSs is obtained. In addition, the degree to which the explicit regime shift affects CSs and credit-risky bond prices is numerically examined using three forward-rate functions under various business-cycle patterns.
Whose Maturity is IT Anyway? The Influence of Different Quantitative Methods on the Design and Assessment of Maturity Models

This paper presents results from an ongoing empirical study that seeks to understand the influence of different quantitative methods on the design and assessment of maturity models. Although there have been many academic publications on maturity models, there exists a significant lack of understanding of the potential impact of (a) choice of the quantitative approach, and (b) scale of measurement on the design and assessment of the maturity model. To address these two methodological issues, we analysed a social media maturity data set and computed maturity scores using different quantitative methods prescribed in literature. Specifically, we employed five methods (Additive, Variance, Cluster, Minimum Constraint, and RASCH) and compared the sensitivity of measurement scale and maturity stages. Based on our results, we propose a set of methodological recommendations for maturity model designers.
Rate Motifs Tune Auxin/Indole-3-Acetic Acid Degradation Dynamics1[OPEN]

Sequences flanking the degron accelerate or decelerate the rate of auxin-induced degradation of repressor proteins. Ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation is a common feature in diverse plant cell signaling pathways; however, the factors that control the dynamics of regulated protein turnover are largely unknown. One of the best-characterized families of E3 ubiquitin ligases facilitates ubiquitination of auxin (aux)/indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) repressor proteins in the presence of auxin. Rates of auxin-induced degradation vary widely within the Aux/IAA family, and sequences outside of the characterized degron (the minimum region required for auxin-induced degradation) can accelerate or decelerate degradation. We have used synthetic auxin degradation assays in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and in plants to characterize motifs flanking the degron that contribute to tuning the dynamics of Aux/IAA degradation. The presence of these rate motifs is conserved in phylogenetically distant members of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Aux/IAA family, as well as in their putative Brassica rapa orthologs. We found that rate motifs can act by enhancing interaction between repressors and the E3, but that this is not the only mechanism of action. Phenotypes of transgenic plants expressing a deletion in a rate motif in IAA28 resembled plants expressing degron mutations, underscoring the functional relevance of Aux/IAA degradation dynamics in regulating auxin responses.
Distinct Modes of Dopamine and GABA Release in a Dual Transmitter Neuron

We now know of a surprising number of cases where single neurons contain multiple neurotransmitters. Neurons that contain a fast-acting neurotransmitter, such as glutamate or GABA, and a modulatory transmitter, such as dopamine, are a particularly interesting case because they presumably serve dual signaling functions. The olfactory bulb contains a large population of GABA- and dopamine-containing neurons that have been implicated in normal olfaction as well as in Parkinson's disease. Yet, they have been classified as nonexocytotic catecholamine neurons because of the apparent lack of vesicular monoamine transporters. Thus, we examined how dopamine is stored and released from tyrosine hydroxylase-positive GFP (TH+-GFP) mouse periglomerular neurons in vitro. TH+ cells expressed both VMAT2 (vesicular monoamine transporter 2) and VGAT (vesicular GABA transporter), consistent with vesicular storage of both dopamine and GABA. Carbon fiber amperometry revealed that release of dopamine was quantal and calcium-dependent, but quantal size was much less than expected for large dense core vesicles, suggesting that release originated from small clear vesicles identified by electron microscopy. A single action potential in a TH+ neuron evoked a brief GABA-mediated synaptic current, whereas evoked dopamine release was asynchronous, lasting for tens of seconds. Our data suggest that dopamine and GABA serve temporally distinct roles in these dual transmitter neurons.
Management of electronic documents in public sector: analysis of possibilities and trends of development

The article deals with the process of modernization of Lithuanian public sector in the aspect of development of management of electronic documents. In order to ascertain the reasons why institutions of the Lithuanian public sector still hesitatingly move to means of management and administration of electronic documents and to identify the possibilities and trends of development of management of electronic documents in public sector, we carried out the analysis and structuring of scientific publications by Lithuanian and foreign authors, also of published research results, the Republic of Lithuania legislation, strategic plans, reports, international standards, European Union directives, online sources. We also did a qualitative empirical study in institutions of Siauliai city state administration and local self-government. The research carried out by the authors has shown that current system of management of electronic documents and exchange of information by electronic means in Lithuanian public sector in laws and in theoretical insight is clearly different from the implementation of practical solutions. Therefore, in order for Lithuanian public administration system to be in line with the European levels of public administration by the year 2010, more attention should be paid to the rapid deployment of systems of information exchange by electronic means, to transferring of documents to electronic carriers and to strategic development of electronic documents.
Should Smartphones Be Banned for Children or Does Cyberpsychology Have a Bigger Problem?

Letter to the editor. Cite as: Ellis, D. A. , Davidson, B. I. , and Kaye. , L.K. (2019). Should smartphones be banned for children or does cyberpsychology have a bigger problem? Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking. 22(7). DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2019. 29152.lte
Using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers in a well-child clinic in Turkey: Adapting the screening method based on culture and setting

We aimed to adapt the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers to Turkish culture. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers was filled out independently by 191 parents while they were waiting for the well-child examination of their child. A high screen-positive rate was found. Because of this high false-positive rate, a second study was done in which the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers was administered by health-care staff in a short interview with two groups of parents. The first group (the high-risk group) comprised 80 children aged 18–36 months, who were initially diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders. The second group (the low-risk group) comprised 538 children of the same age, who were followed regularly by the well-child clinic. Two screen positives were found in the low-risk group. These two children, a random sample of 120 children from the low-risk group, and all the high-risk group were invited to a clinical evaluation. The diagnostic power of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers was assessed against clinical diagnosis and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The positive predictive value of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers was found to be 75%. Our findings led us to conclude that the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers is a useful tool in Turkey for screening of pervasive developmental disorders in primary care, but in our culture, it is completed more accurately when health-care personnel ask the parents the questions. This study shows that Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers screening should be adapted based on culture and setting.
Tamoxifen induced multinucleated cells (symplasts) and distortion of seminiferous tubules in rat testis.

AIM To evaluate the effect of tamoxifen citrate on male reproductive system of rat. METHODS Groups of male rats were gavaged with tamoxifen at doses of 200 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), 400 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) or 800 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) in 0.1 mL olive oil for 10 consecutive days. Controls were treated with 0.1 mL olive oil. Rats were anesthetized and killed on d 3, d 15 or d 35 after the last dose. Testes were collected, processed for paraffin embedding, sectioned at 5 microm thickness, stained with HE and analyzed microscopically. RESULTS There was a dose-dependent increase in the occurrence of seminiferous tubular distortion with germinal cell sloughing. The highest dose increased the number of multinucleated giant cells on d 3 and d 15. CONCLUSION Tamoxifen citrate induces multinucleated giant cells and germinal epithelial sloughing in a dose-dependent manner and these changes are detrimental to male fertility.
Impact of Alert Specifications on Clinicians' Adherence

Computerized alerts provided by health care information systems have been shown to enhance clinical practice. However, clinicians still override more than half of the alerts. This indicates that certain aspects of alerts need improvement to fulfill their purpose of supporting clinicians in decision making. This paper reports on a systematic review on studies evaluating alert specifications and their impact on clinicians' alert adherence. The review revealed that use of colors and icons to distinguish different alert severity levels and presenting high severity alerts in an interruptive fashion increases clinicians adherence to alert recommendations. Alert message contents that lack clinical importance or provide incorrect texts increase alert non-adherence. Few studies have yet focused on the impact of alert specifications on clinicians' adherence. A research agenda is needed on alert specifications and their impact on clinicians' adherence in order to develop alerts that truly support clinician decision making.
Short term electricity price forecasting using neural network

This paper presents neural networks applied for short term electricity price forecasting in Ontario energy market.The accuracy in electricity price forecasting is very crucial for the power producer and consumer.With the accurate price forecasting, power producer can maximize their profit and manage short term operation and long term planning. Meanwhile, consumer can maximize their utilities efficiently. The objective of this research is to develop models for day ahead price forecasting using back-propagation neural network during summer.Six models were developed representing six types of inputs. The result shows that 24 models representing 24 hours ahead price forecasting with price and demand inputs gives better result compared to other five models due to unique model developed for each hour rather than a model for a day with mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 18.74%.
Long-term molecular responses to imatinib in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: comparison between complete cytogenetic responders treated in early and in late chronic phase

CML patients who obtain a complete cytogenetic response (CCgR) may harbor different degrees of molecular disease, which are associated with different progression-free survival. We have compared the pattern and the magnitude of the molecular response (MolR) of 54 early chronic phase (ECP) and of 115 late CP patients who achieved a stable CCgR with IM 400 mg/daily. ECP patients obtained earlier, higher and more sustained MMolR.
Peritonitis Remains the Major Clinical Complication of Peritoneal Dialysis: The London, Uk, Peritonitis Audit 2002–2003

Background Over the past two decades, the rate of peritonitis in patients treated by peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been significantly reduced. However, peritonitis remains a major complication of PD, accounting for considerable mortality and hospitalization among PD patients. Objective To compare the outcome of peritonitis in a large unselected group of PD patients with that from singlecenter and selected groups. Method We audited the outcome of peritonitis in PD patients attending the 12 PD units in the Thames area in 2002 and 2003. There were 538 patients on continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) and 325 patients on automated PD (APD) and/or continuous cycling PD (CCPD) at the end of 2002, and 635 CAPD and 445 APD/CCPD patients at the end of 2003. Results There were 1467 episodes of PD peritonitis during the 2-year period, including 129 recurrent episodes, with the average number of months between peritonitis episodes being 14.7 for CAPD and 18.1 for APD/CCPD, p < 0.05. However there was considerable variation between units. Coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) was the most common cause, accounting for around 30% of all peritonitis episodes, including recurrences, followed by non-pseudomonas gram negatives and Staphylococcus aureus. Cure rates were 77.2% for CoNS, 46.6% for S. aureus, and 7.7% for methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The cure rate for pseudomonas was 21.4%, and other gram negatives 56.7%. In total, there were 351 episodes of culture-negative peritonitis, with an average cure rate of 76.9%. Cure rates were higher for those centers that used a combination of intraperitoneal gentamicin and cephalosporins than those centers that used oral-based regimes. A total of 296 PD catheters were removed as a direct consequence of PD peritonitis: 121 due to gram-positive and 123 due to gram-negative organisms. Only 49 catheters were reinserted and the patients returned to PD. 52 patients died during or subsequent to their episode of PD peritonitis, with an overall mortality rate of 3.5%. Conclusion This audit showed that, in a large unselected population of PD patients, the incidence of peritonitis was significantly greater than that reported in single-center short-term studies, and varied from unit to unit. Similarly, the success of treating PD peritonitis varied not only with the cause of the infection but also from unit to unit. PD peritonitis remains a major cause of patients discontinuing PD and switching to hemodialysis.
Measuring Party Identification: Independent or No Partisan Preference?

This study examines how "Independents" have been classified by the traditional measure of party identification in the Center for Political Studies' national election series. The studies have combined "no-preference" respondents and self-labeled "Independents" into the same category, thereby clouding the meaning of declining party identification. A steady increase in "no-preference" respondents between 1964 and 1980 accounts for the growth in nonpartisanship over these years. The "no-preference" nonpartisans are distinct from Independents in their level of political involvement and attitudes toward political independence. The declining party identification in recent years reflects the reduced saliency of parties in the political process more than dissatisfaction with party performance.
TRITURUS NEWTS DEFY THE RUNNING‐SWIMMING DILEMMA

Abstract Conflicts between structural requirements for carrying out different ecologically relevant functions may result in a compromise phenotype that maximizes neither function. Identifying and evaluating functional trade‐offs may therefore aid in understanding the evolution of organismal performance. We examined the possibility of an evolutionary trade‐off between aquatic and terrestrial locomotion in females of European species of the newt genus Triturus. Biomechanical models suggest a conflict between the requirements for aquatic and terrestrial locomotion. For instance, having an elongate, slender body, a large tail, and reduced limbs should benefit undulatory swimming, but at the cost of reduced running capacity. To test the prediction of an evolutionary trade‐off between swimming and running capacity, we investigated relationships between size‐corrected morphology and maximum locomotor performance in females of ten species of newts. Phylogenetic comparative analyses revealed that an evolutionary trend of body elongation (increasing axilla‐groin distance) is associated with a reduction in head width and forelimb length. Body elongation resulted in reduced maximum running speed, but, surprisingly, also led to a reduction in swimming speed. The evolution of longer tails was associated with an increase in maximal swimming speed. We found no evidence for an evolutionary trade‐off between aquatic and terrestrial locomotor performance, probably because of the unexpected negative effect of body elongation on swimming speed. We conclude that the idea of a design conflict between aquatic and terrestrial locomotion, mediated through antagonistic effects of body elongation, does not apply to our model system.
A new slope suppression technique to compensate for voltage unbalance in multilevel inverters

Voltage fluctuation is one of the major issues encountered in multilevel inverters as it requires many isolated DC sources. The effect of source voltage unbalance results in unbalanced load current with reduced modulation index. This paper proposes slope suppression techniques to compensate for the source unbalance and achieve balanced output current. It is operated at its maximum modulation index. In order to analyze these effects, two methods namely carrier slope suppression (CSS) and reference slope suppression (RSS) techniques have been identified. An even level multilevel inverter topology comprising of a base six switch inverter, cascaded with H bridge modules in each phase is considered for analysis. Conventional sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) is developed for a four level inverter and its inadequacy to produce a balanced output under unbalanced voltage condition is analyzed. A comparison is made among the SPWM, CSS and RSS techniques. To validate the algorithm, simulation and experimental verification was done using MATLAB/SIMULINK and NEXYS 2 SPARTAN 3E FPGA with 3ϕ Induction Motor load.
Stage I nonsmall cell lung carcinoma

Skepticism about the radical curability of lung carcinoma, even when diagnosed in Stage I, has been long fostered by the epidemiologists' dogma against lung cancer screening, and by official recommendations not to screen for lung carcinoma. Follow‐up of patients with asymptomatic screen‐detected Stage I nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), however, shows that patients who underwent radical resection have long term survival rates, whereas patients nonsurgically treated or undergoing suboptimal operations have much poorer prognosis. The latter clinical outcome data strongly suggest the importance of detecting lung carcinoma when it is in Stage I and cast serious doubts on the recommendation not to screen for lung carcinoma.
Management of BK virus nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients at the Royal Hospital - Clinical Audit - Oman.

OBJECTIVES Nephropathy from BK virus (BKV) infection is a growing challenge in kidney transplant recipients globally. It is the result of contemporary potent immunosuppressives aimed at reducing acute rejection and improving allograft survival. Untreated BK virus infections lead to kidney allograft dysfunction or loss. Decreased immunosuppression is the principle treatment but predisposes to acute and chronic rejection. Screening for early detection and prevention of symptomatic BK virus nephropathy may improve outcomes. Although no approved antiviral drug is available, leflunomide, cidofovir, quinolones, and intravenous immunoglobulin have been used. Since the introduction of the new immunosuppressive agents in the transplant regimen at the Royal Hospital, Few cases of BK virus have been detected, and the challenge was to decide upon the best treatment option. MATERIALS AND METHODS The audit was carried out at the Royal Hospital-Oman between January 2010 and December 2012. The nephrology consultant and the clinical pharmacist reviewed all the BK cases and the Royal Hospital. Extensive literature review carried out by the pharmacist to look into the prevalence, prognosis and treatment of BK nephropathy. A treatment protocol was prepared by the clinical pharmacist through guidance of the consultant and was peer reviewed by team of clinical pharmacists and nephrology doctors and approved by the consultant. RESULTS The audit included 19 patients with positive BK virus ployoma nephropathy. The treatment options were applied stepwise in all the patients with BK virus nephropathy with success rate more than 70%. CONCLUSIONS BK virus nephropathy is emerging at an alarming rate and requires increasing awareness. The uses of current treatment options are still questionable. Our audit confirms that reducing immunosuppression appears to be the criterian standard for the treatment of BK nephropathy.