Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validation of the revised Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-R) for detecting mild cognitive impairment and dementia in a Japanese population

ABSTRACT Background: Early detection of dementia will be important for implementation of disease-modifying treatments in the near future. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the revised Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-R J) for identifying mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Methods: We translated and adapted the original ACE-R for use with a Japanese population. Standard tests for evaluating cognitive decline and dementing disorders were applied. A total of 242 subjects (controls = 73, MCI = 39, dementia = 130) participated in this study. Results: The optimal cut-off scores of ACE-R J for detecting MCI and dementia were 88/89 (sensitivity 0.87, specificity 0.92) and 82/83 (sensitivity 0.99, specificity 0.99) respectively. ACE-R J was superior to the Mini-Mental State Examination in the detection of MCI (area under the curve (AUC): 0.952 vs. 0.868), while the accuracy of the two instruments did not differ significantly in identifying dementia (AUC: 0.999 vs. 0.993). The inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.999), test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.883), and internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.903) of ACE-R J were excellent. Conclusion: ACE-R J proved to be an accurate cognitive instrument for detecting MCI and mild dementia. Further neuropsychological evaluation is required for the differential diagnosis of dementia subtypes.
Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) protein-loaded nanoparticles prepared by the double emulsion method—processing and formulation issues for enhanced entrapment efficiency

Although extensive research in the field of biodegradable microparticles containing peptide or protein drugs has greatly advanced production know-how, the effects of critical parameters influencing successful drug entrapment have not yet been sufficiently investigated with nano-scaled carriers. This paper deals with the formulation and processing parameters of the w1/o/w2 double emulsion method that can affect nanoparticle size and loading. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) was used as a model protein. Results showed that high FITC-BSA entrapment efficiencies were reached (>80%) when sonication was used for the two emulsification steps of the nanoparticle formation, independently of the mixing durations and intensities. By comparison, the use of a vortex mixer for obtaining the primary w1/o emulsion led to a rather poor entrapment efficiency (∼25%). Some inherent properties of the poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer, such as, for example, high molecular weight, high hydrophilicity or the presence of free carboxylic end groups, enhanced the drug entrapment efficiency. It was also demonstrated that a low nominal drug loading, a large volume of the inner w1 phase or the choice of methylene chloride instead of ethyl acetate as organic solvent favoured the drug entrapment, with entrapment efficiency values often reaching 100%. However, when using methylene chloride, the mean particle size was substantially increased, due to the presence of larger particles. Mean particle size increased also when the polymer concentration in the organic phase was increased.
[Impact of dysexecutive syndrome on autonomy in early Alzheimer's disease and Mild cognitive impairment].

BACKGROUND Early impairment of the cognitive and behavioral executive processes are found in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) as well as in Alzheimer's disease (AD). These processes are strongly linked to autonomy in daily living because they are involved in our adaptation to many new situations. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS To evaluate the executive processes and their links with autonomy, we compared 20 control subjects to 20 patients with MCI, and 20 patients with early AD. All participants completed three executive cognitive task, according to the Miyake's model: set-shifting was assessed by the Trail Making Task, inhibition control by the Hayling test, and working memory by the Updating test. They also completed the Lille Apathy Rating Scale (Lars) evaluating four components of apathy. The autonomy, conceptualized as competency in four domains of daily-living, was evaluated by the Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS), completed by a close relative. RESULTS Control subjects showed higher scores than both clinical groups on the TMT time completion. AD group showed a tendency to make more errors than the control subjects on Hayling test, whereas MCI group didn't differ from the other groups. No other group effect was found on the executive dependent variables. Both MCI and Alzheimer groups had higher scores of apathy than the control group on the Lars total score and its three components. Similar results were found on the PCRS and the Lars three subscales. The best predictors of autonomy were the TMT time completion and the total Lars score. DISCUSSION Loss of competency is found in MCI as well as in AD and is correlate to set-shifting and apathy.
Interval breast cancers in the Screening Mammography Program of British Columbia: analysis and classification.

OBJECTIVE Interval cancers in an annual mammography screening program are defined as cancers detected within 12 months after a mammographic screening in which findings are considered normal. Our objective was to analyze interval cancers for histologic type, tumor size, staging, and histologic grade. A classification for interval cancers is presented. Detection of interval cancers is an integral part of quality control and is required for the establishment of sensitivity rates for screening mammography, a necessary part of implementing the recommendations for breast cancer screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 47,583 mammographic screening examinations of 38,219 women were available for review for the period of July 1988 to March 1991. Linkage with the provincial population-based cancer registry provided identification of all interval cancers of the breast. Histologic analysis of breast cancers was provided by an internationally recognized breast cancer pathologist who interpreted the specimens twice. RESULTS A total of 207 breast cancers were detected at mammographic screening (true-positive cancers) during the first 33 months of the program, and 37 interval cancers were identified during the 33 months of screening plus a 12-month interval. Blinded review by three radiologists experienced in screening mammography resulted in classification of 21 of 37 cases as true interval cancers and 16 cases as misses. No interval cancers were missed because of poor mammographic technique. The sensitivity of screening mammography was 85%, 63% for patients less than 50 years old and 89% for patients more than 50 years old. The specificity was 93% for all patients (both younger and older than 50 years). CONCLUSION The availability of a population-based cancer registry in the province of British Columbia makes an accurate determination of interval cancers and sensitivity rates possible. These data are essential for quality analysis, program planning, and education of radiologists in screening mammography. There were more true interval cancers than misses, and histologic analysis demonstrated that the majority of interval cancers were in stages I and II.
Understanding the relationship of long working hours with health status and health-related behaviours

Background: The objectives of this study are to identify family and job characteristics associated with long work hours, to analyse the relationship between long work hours and several health indicators, and to examine whether gender differences for both objectives exist. Methods: The sample was composed of all salaried workers aged 16–64 years (3950 men and 3153 women) interviewed in the 2006 Catalonian Health Survey. Weekly work hours were categorised as less than 30 h (part-time), 30–40 (reference category), 41–50 and 51–60 h. Multiple logistic regression models separated by sex were fitted. Results: Factors associated with long working hours differed by gender. Among men, extended work hours were related with being married or cohabiting and with being separated or divorced. In men, working 51–60 h a week was consistently associated with poor mental health status (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.31 to 3.24), self-reported hypertension (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.29), job dissatisfaction (aOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.49 to 2.82), smoking (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.72), shortage of sleep (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.85) and no leisure-time physical activity (aOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.64 to 3.60). Moreover, a gradient from standard working hours to 51–60 h a week was found for these six outcomes. Among women it was only related to smoking and to shortage of sleep. Conclusion: The association of overtime with different health indicators among men could be explained by their role as the family breadwinner: in situations of family financial stress men work overtime in order to increase the income and/or accept poor working conditions for fear of job loss, one of them being long working hours.
Does Shareholder Primacy Lead to a Decline in Managerial Accountability

Shareholder primacy is increasingly considered to be the most effective way to foster managerial (corporate) accountability. Contrary to this now standard argument, we consider that shareholder primacy, rather than gatekeeper failure, is directly responsible for the multiplication of accounting irregularities and the dramatic increase in executive compensations. To defend this thesis, we propose a new reading of Berle and Means (1932), Galbraith (1973) and Alchian and Demsetz (1972), stressing the logical failure of a control of the business firm provided for by stock markets: the implementation of shareholder primacy implies a partial disconnection between access to internal knowledge and empowerment. In turn, this disconnection favours deceptive behaviours on the part of corporate insiders. Empirical evidence mostly based on Enron-era financial scandals illustrates our argument.
DC and RF characteristics of InAs-channel MOS-MODFETs using PECVD SiO2 as gate dielectrics

Small-bandgap InAs channel materials are potential candidates for high-speed and low-power applications and have been demonstrated in AlSb/InAs/AlSb QWFETs. Taking advantage of their excellent transport properties, we successfully develop an InAs-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor modulation-doped field-effect transistor (MOS-MODFET) using 100-nm PECVD-deposited SiO2 dielectrics for gate dielectrics. A 2µm-gate-length depletion-mode InAs n-channel MOS-MODFET shows a maximum drain current of 270 mA/mm, a peak transconductance of 189 mS/mm, and a low output conductance of 18 mS/mm in dc characteristics, and a maximum current-gain cut-off frequency of 14.5 GHz and a maximum oscillation frequency of 24.0 GHz in rf performances. The InAs-channel MOS-MODFET presents potentials for further developing complementary circuit devices.
Between first and second order: A comparison of voting behaviour in European and local elections in Britain

In Britain, both local elections and European elections can be regarded as second-order. However, voters believe that even less is at stake in European elections than in local elections, and their behaviour is congruent with this: voters are more likely to turn out in local elections, they are more likely to ‘split their ticket’ they are more likely to report that they vote on issues specific to the second-order arena. Logistic regression of party choices in the local, European and national contexts confirms this. National considerations played less part in the local election and there was some evidence that voters were influenced by the record of the locally-incumbent party. It appears that voting in the European elections has more of an expressive character, and is less instrumental than that in either local or national elections.
Patient preferences for location of care: implications for regionalization.

BACKGROUND Regionalization of high-risk surgical procedures to selected high-volume centers has been proposed as a way to reduce operative mortality. For patients, however, travel to regional centers may be undesirable despite the expected mortality benefit. OBJECTIVE To determine the strength of patient preferences for local care. DESIGN Using a scenario of potentially resectable pancreatic cancer and a modification of the standard gamble utility assessment technique, we determined the level of additional operative mortality risk patients would accept to undergo surgery at a local rather than at a distant regional hospital in which operative mortality was assumed to be 3%. We used multiple logistic regression to identify predictors of willingness to accept additional risk. SUBJECTS One hundred consecutive patients (95% male, median age 65) awaiting elective surgery at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in White River Jct. , VT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Additional operative mortality risk patients would accept to keep care local. RESULTS All patients preferred local surgery if the operative mortality risk at the local hospital were the same as the regional hospital (3%). If local operative mortality risk were 6%, which is twice the regional risk, 45 of 100 patients would still prefer local surgery. If local risk were 12%, 23 of 100 patients would prefer local surgery. If local risk were 18%, 18 of 100 patients would prefer local surgery. Further increases in local risk did not result in large changes in the proportion of patients preferring local care. CONCLUSIONS Many patients prefer to undergo surgery locally even when travel to a regional center would result in lower operative mortality risk. Therefore, policy makers should consider patient preferences when assessing the expected value of regionalizing major surgery.
Future Productivity Growth in Canada: Comparing to the United States

In this second contribution to the Symposium included in this volume on Future Productivity in Canada, Tiff Macklem of the Bank of Canada compares sources of recent productivity growth in Canada and the United States. Macklem sees aggregate labour productivity growth in Canada advancing at around a 2 per cent average annual rate in the medium term. This view is based on the increased share of machinery and equipment investment in GDP, Canada's high degree of exposure to international trade and investment, the supportive macro-economic environment of low inflation and improved fiscal positions, increased spillovers from rapid and sustained U.S. productivity growth, and the significant gap between Canadian and U.S. productivity levels, which suggests potential for catch-up.
Knowledge-Based Approaches to the Theory of the Firm: Some Critical Comments

It is argued that Kogut and Zander (Kogut, B., U. Zander. 1992. Knowledge of the firm, combinative capabilities, and the replication of technology. Organ. Sci. 3 383--397.) and Conner (Conner, K. R. 1991. A historical comparison of resource-based theory and five schools of thought within industrial organization economics: Do we have a new theory of the firm? J. Management 17 121--154.) erred in the specific way in which they claimed that a distinct theory of the multi-person firm can be constructed on the basis of a theory of organizational knowledge or from resource-based insights. It is not possible to tell very much of a story about why there should be firms in lieu of notions such as “opportunism” or “moral hazard. ” However, properly interpreted, knowledge-based theories may help shed light on issues relating to the boundaries and internal organization of the firm.
Bad Apples, Goody Two Shoes and Average Joes: The Role of Peer Group Definitions in Estimation of Peer Effects

The potential influence of peers and social networks on individual outcomes is important to a variety of educational policy debates including school vouchers, special education, middle school grade configurations and tracking. Researchers usually address the identification problems associated with credibly estimating peer effects in these settings but often do not account for ad-hoc definitions of peer-groups. In this paper, we use extensive information on peer groups to demonstrate that accurate definitions of the peer network seriously impact estimation of peer effects. We estimate the effect of peers’ smoking, drinking, sexual behavior and educational achievement on a teen’s propensity to engage in like-minded behavior and address the major identification problems that plague estimation of these effects.
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Gestational diabetes mellitus.

BERRY CAMPBELL, M.D. University of South Carolina School of Medicine Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine GESTATIONAL DIABETES: DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES: • To identify risk factors for gestational diabetes. • To discuss methods of screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes. • To discuss the complications of gestational diabetes and pregestational DM. • To discuss the management of diabetes in pregnancy.
Running economy and energy cost of running with backpacks.

BACKGROUND Running is a popular recreational activity and additional weight is often carried in backpacks on longer runs. Our aim was to examine running economy and other physiological parameters while running with a 1-kg and 3-kg backpack at different submaximal running velocities. METHODS Ten male recreational runners (age 25±4.2 years, VO2peak 60.5±3.1 mL/kg/min) performed runs on a motorized treadmill of 5 minutes durations at three different submaximal speeds of 70, 80 and 90% of anaerobic lactate threshold (LT) without additional weight, and carrying a 1-kg and 3-kg backpack. Oxygen consumption, heart rate, lactate and RPE were measured and analyzed. RESULTS Oxygen consumption, energy cost of running and heart rate increased significantly while running with a backpack weighing 3 kg compared to running without additional weight at 80% of speed at lactate threshold (sLT) (P=0.026, P=0.009 and P=0.003) and at 90% sLT (P<0.001, P=0.001, and P=0.001). Running with a 1-kg backpack showed a significant increase in heart rate at 80% sLT (P=0.008) and a significant increase in oxygen consumption and heart rate at 90% sLT (P=0.045 and P=0.007) compared to running without additional weight. Also running at 70% sLT running economy and cardiovascular effort increased with weighted backpack running compared to running without additional weight, however these increases did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS Running economy deteriorates and cardiovascular effort increases while running with additional backpack weight especially at higher submaximal running speeds. Backpack weight should therefore be kept to a minimum.
The impact of the traditional business–government relationship on the Europeanization of Japanese firms

Abstract This article, based on 30 interviews with firms, business associations, and EU institutions, explores the Europeanization/harmonization of Japanese firms' lobbying strategies, and assesses how they have adapted to the constantly evolving EU public policy-making system. We provide an empirical investigation of interaction between traditional Japanese lobbying practices and the EU institutional environment in forming firms' preferences for particular lobbying strategies in the automobile and electronics sectors. In short, a key objective is to highlight the variations in Japanese lobbying, with special attention to the firms' efforts to blend into the EU policy-making process, on the one hand, and their embeddedness in traditional business culture, on the other. This article concludes that Japanese firms have restructured their political behaviours to suit the EU policy-making process; however, the degree of such Europeanization of lobbying strategies has significantly varied across sectors and firms owing to the ranging influence of several institutional factors.
Peginterferon alfa-2a (40 kDa) monotherapy: a novel agent for chronic hepatitis C therapy

Current therapy for hepatitis C remains far from optimal. The modification of IFN by the attachment of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety has produced long-lasting IFNs. A 40 kDa branched peginterferon alfa-2a (40 kDa) (PEG-IFN alfa-2a) has unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. PEG-IFN alfa-2a is absorbed in a sustained manner and its clearance is reduced substantially compared with IFN alfa-2a, resulting in sustained serum drug concentrations. These constant serum drug levels stay above the EC50 values (effective concentration 50%) needed for antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory actions. Sustained virological responses were significantly greater in patients who received PEG-IFN alfa-2a versus IFN alfa-2a, with a similar side effect profile. Histological improvements were seen in patients who achieved sustained virological responses and were frequently observed among patients who did not achieve a virological response. The advantages of PEG-IFN alfa-2a were also seen in patients with cirrhosis or hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1.
The European parliament and the co‐decision procedure: A reassessment

In this paper, I reassess the co‐decision legislative procedure introduced by the Maastricht Treaty on European Union. Specifically, I examine the dispute as to whether co‐decision enhanced or diminished the European Parliament's influence over EU law making. Employing a combination of formal analysis of the different stages of the procedure and evidence from its actual operation, I argue that Garrett and Tsebelis’ claim that co‐decision reduces Parliament's legislative powers is both theoretically and empirically unsupported. The implications for the Parliament's position within European politics are evaluated in the conclusion.
A deep generative model for gene expression profiles from single-cell RNA sequencing

We propose a probabilistic model for interpreting gene expression levels that are observed through single-cell RNA sequencing. In the model, each cell has a low-dimensional latent representation. Additional latent variables account for technical effects that may erroneously set some observations of gene expression levels to zero. Conditional distributions are specified by neural networks, giving the proposed model enough flexibility to fit the data well. We use variational inference and stochastic optimization to approximate the posterior distribution. The inference procedure scales to over one million cells, whereas competing algorithms do not. Even for smaller datasets, for several tasks, the proposed procedure outperforms state-of-the-art methods like ZIFA and ZINB-WaVE. We also extend our framework to account for batch effects and other confounding factors, and propose a Bayesian hypothesis test for differential expression that outperforms DESeq2.