Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Utility of repeated assessment after invalid baseline neurocognitive test performance.

CONTEXT Although the prevalence of invalid baseline neurocognitive testing has been documented, and repeated administration after obtaining invalid results is recommended, no empirical data are available on the utility of repeated assessment after obtaining invalid baseline results. OBJECTIVE To document the utility of readministering neurocognitive testing after an invalid baseline test. DESIGN Case series. SETTING Schools, colleges, and universities. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 156 athletes who obtained invalid results on ImPACT baseline neurocognitive testing and were readministered the ImPACT baseline test within a 2-week period (mean = 4 days). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Overall prevalence of invalid results on reassessment, specific invalidity indicators at initial and follow-up baseline, dependent-samples analysis of variance, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Reassessment resulted in valid test results for 87.2% of the sample. Poor performance on the design memory and three-letter subscales were the most common reasons for athletes obtaining an invalid baseline result, on both the initial assessment and the reassessment. Significant improvements were noted on all ImPACT composite scores except for reaction time on reassessment. Of note, 40% of athletes showed slower reaction time scores on reassessment, perhaps reflecting a more cautious approach taken the second time. Invalid results were more likely to be obtained by athletes with a self-reported history of attention-deficit disorder or learning disability on reassessments (35%) than on initial baseline assessments (10%). CONCLUSIONS Repeat assessment after the initial invalid baseline performance yielded valid results in nearly 90% of cases. Invalid results on a follow-up assessment may be influenced by a history of attention-deficit disorder or learning disability, the skills and abilities of the individual, or a particular test-taking approach; in these cases, a third assessment may not be useful.
A Prospective Radiological Study of Thin-Section Computed Tomography to Predict Pathological Noninvasiveness in Peripheral Clinical IA Lung Cancer (Japan Clinical Oncology Group 0201)

Purpose: Pathological noninvasiveness needs to be precisely predicted in preoperative radiological examinations of patients with early lung cancer for the application of limited surgery. Patients and Methods: Patients with clinical T1N0M0 peripheral lung cancer were recruited. Radiological findings of the main tumor were evaluated as to ground-glass opacity with thin-section computed tomography. The primary end point was specificity, i.e., the proportion of patients with radiologically diagnosed invasive lung cancer to patients with pathologically diagnosed invasive lung cancer. The precision-based planned sample size was 450. We expected that the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for specificity should be satisfied in ≥97% of patients. Results: We enrolled 811 patients from 31 institutions between December 2002 and May 2004. The primary end point was evaluated in 545 patients. The specificity and sensitivity for the diagnosis of pathologically diagnosed invasive cancer were 96.4% (161/167, 95% CI: 92.3–98.7%) and 30.4% (115/378, 95% CI: 25.8–35.3%), respectively, i.e., a negative result. Nevertheless, the specificity for lung adenocarcinoma ≤2.0 cm with ≤0.25 consolidation to the maximum tumor diameter was 98.7% (95% CI: 93.2–100.0%), and this criterion could be used to radiologically define early adenocarcinoma of the lung. Conclusions: Although our predetermined criterion for specificity was not statistically confirmed, radiological diagnosis of noninvasive lung cancer with a thin-section computed tomography scan corresponded well with pathological invasiveness. Radiological noninvasive peripheral lung adenocarcinoma could be defined as an adenocarcinoma ≤2.0 cm with ≤0.25 consolidation.
Systematic review of the literature on assessment, feedback and physicians’ clinical performance: BEME Guide No. 7

Review date: 1966 to April 2003. Background and context: There is a basis for the assumption that feedback can be used to enhance physicians’ performance. Nevertheless, the findings of empirical studies of the impact of feedback on clinical performance have been equivocal. Objectives: To summarize evidence related to the impact of assessment and feedback on physicians’ clinical performance. Search strategy: The authors searched the literature from 1966 to 2003 using MEDLINE, HealthSTAR, the Science Citation Index and eight other electronic databases. A total of 3702 citations were identified. Inclusion and exclusion criteria: Empirical studies were selected involving the baseline measurement of physicians’ performance and follow-up measurement after they received summaries of their performance. Data extraction: Data were extracted on research design, sample, dependent and independent variables using a written protocol. Data synthesis: A group of 220 studies involving primary data collection was identified. However, only 41 met all selection criteria and evaluated the independent effect of feedback on physician performance. Of these, 32 (74%) demonstrated a positive impact. Feedback was more likely to be effective when provided by an authoritative source over an extended period of time. Another subset of 132 studies examined the effect of feedback combined with other interventions such as educational programmes, practice guidelines and reminders. Of these, 106 studies (77%) demonstrated a positive impact. Two additional subsets of 29 feedback studies involving resident physicians in training and 18 studies examining proxy measures of physician performance across clinical sites or groups of patients were reviewed. The majority of these two subsets also reported that feedback had positive effects on performance. Headline results: Feedback can change physicians’ clinical performance when provided systematically over multiple years by an authoritative, credible source. Conclusions: The effects of formal assessment and feedback on physician performance are influenced by the source and duration of feedback. Other factors, such as physicians’ active involvement in the process, the amount of information reported, the timing and amount of feedback, and other concurrent interventions, such as education, guidelines, reminder systems and incentives, also appear to be important. However, the independent contributions of these interventions have not been well documented in controlled studies. It is recommended that the designers of future theoretical as well as practical studies of feedback separate the effects of feedback from other concurrent interventions.
Effect of elevated environmental temperature on the antibody response of mice to Trypanosoma cruzi during the acute phase of infection

When held at 36 degrees C, Trypanosoma cruzi-infected C3H mice survive an otherwise lethal infection with significantly decreased parasitemia levels and enhanced immune responsiveness. Treatment of T. cruzi-infected mice with the immunosuppressive agent cyclophosphamide indicated that the positive effects of increased environmental temperature were primarily due to enhancement of immunity. A parasite-specific, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblot analysis were used to examine the effect of elevated environmental temperature on the production of anti-T. cruzi antibodies. Both the reactivity and diversity of anti-T. cruzi antibodies were found to be lower in infected mice held at 36 degrees C than in infected mice held at room temperature. However, reactivity and diversity could be enhanced by vaccination with culture forms of the parasite.
High resolution disaster data clustering using Graphics Processing Units

Near real time processing and clusters extraction from high-resolution satellite images of disaster affected area aids in monitoring and deployment of rescue activities. In this work the k-medoids clustering algorithm is analyzed for near real time applications. In general, due to the large size of satellite data, the computational time of traditional k-medoids is found to be very high. Hence in order to achieve the aim of near real time processing of such huge data we developed a parallel implementation of k-medoids (GPUPAM) and integrated with CLARA (Clustering for LARge Application), which is one of the variant of kmedoids. The implementation is performed on NVIDIA's Graphical Processing Unit (GPU). The performance improvements that were obtained is demonstrated by a GPU implementation on high resolution Haiti Earthquake QuickBird (2.4 meter resolution) data and compared with the traditional sequential implementation. The results show that the GPU implementation is found to achieve almost 96% performance improvement as compared to the sequential implementation.
SlEEp-DiSOrDErED BrEaTHing in CHilDrEn: prEvalEnCE anD riSkS Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children in a General Population Sample: Prevalence and Risk Factors

731 THE PREVALENCE OF SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING (SDB) IN CHILDREN, BASED ON OBJECTIVE FINDINGS, HAS BEEN ESTIMATED IN SEVERAL STUDIES.1-10 These prevalence estimates have varied widely from 0.7% to 13.0%. This wide range of prevalence is at least partially due to the fact that SDB in children was defined based on an assortment of methods of assessing for the presence of SDB. These methods included: only hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) 2,8; SpO2 + airflow3,4; and SpO2 + airflow + effort. 5,7,9 Only 3 of these studies used a full polysomnogram (PSG),1,6,10 however, the number of subjects evaluated in these PSG studies was very small (N = 12–50). The majority of these studies had relatively narrow age ranges,2-4,6-10 while others had relatively wide age ranges.1,5 Some of these studies were primarily focused on ages < 6 years 2-4,8 while others included subjects as old as 18 years.1,5 Another limitation of the available studies is that they have not systematically assessed a wide range of risk factors that may contribute to SDB in children. This may reflect the paucity studies large enough to evaluate potential variables. Thus, the objectives of this study were (1) to establish the prevalence of SDB based on cutoff points of respiratory events that we have previously observed to be associated with a clinically significant risk (i.e., elevated systolic blood pressure), and (2) to identify independent risk factors for SDB. This study is based on the largest population-based sample of elementary school-aged children available to date.
Selected novel 5'-amino-2'-hydroxy-1, 3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ones arrest cell cycle of HCT-116 in G0/G1 phase

A series of 5'-amino-2'-hydroxy-1,3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ones (AC1-AC15) were synthesized by Claisen-Schmidt condensation of 5'-acetamido-2'-hydroxy acetophenone with various substituted aromatic aldehydes. The synthesized compounds were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR and mass spectrometry and evaluated for their selective cytotoxicity using MTT assay on two cancer cell lines namely breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), colon cancer cell line (HCT-116) and one normal kidney epithelial cell line (Vero). Among the tested compounds, AC-10 showed maximum cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cell line with IC50 value 74.7 ± 3.5 µM. On HCT-116 cells, AC-13 exhibited maximum cytotoxicity with IC50 value 42.1 ± 4.0 µM followed by AC-14 and AC-10 with IC50 values 62 ± 2.3 µM and 95.4 ± 1.7 µM respectively. All tested compounds were found to be safe on Vero cell line with IC50 value more than 200 µM. Based on their highest efficacy on HCT-116, AC-10, AC-13 and AC-14 were selected for mechanistic study on this cell line by evaluating changes nucleomorphological characteristics using acridine orange-ethidium bromide (AOEB) dual stain and by analyzing cell cycle with flow cytometry using propidium iodide stain. In AOEB staining, all three tested compounds showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in percentage apoptotic nuclei compared to control cells, with highest increase in apoptotic nuclei by AC-13 treatment (31 %). Flow cytometric studies showed cell cycle arrest by AC-10 and AC-14 treatment in G0/G1 phase and by AC-13 in G0/G1 and G2/M phase. The study reflected the potential of AC-10, AC-13 and AC-14 to be the lead molecules for further optimization.
Mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire device in acute basilar artery occlusion

Aims To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire FR device in revascularization of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO) and to identify the predictive factors for clinical outcome. Methods This prospective single-center study included 31 patients with acute ischemic stroke attributable to ABAO treated within the first 24 h after onset of symptoms with the Solitaire device. Nineteen patients simultaneously received intravenous thrombolysis. Recanalization rates after stent retrieval were determined and the clinical outcome and mortality rate were assessed 180 days after treatment. Results The mean ±SD age of the patients was 61±17 years, the median prethrombectomy NIH Stroke Scale score was 38 (IQR 9–38) and the median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 7 (IQR 4–14). Successful recanalization (TICI 3 or 2b) was achieved in 23 patients (74%). Five symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages were related to the procedure. Ten symptomatic distal migrations of thrombotic material occurred. A favorable outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 0–2, was observed in 35% of patients (11/31). Overall mortality rate was 32% (10/31). In the univariate analysis, elevated baseline glucose (p=0.008) was significantly associated with a poor outcome (mRS >2), whereas a tendency towards significance was observed with age (p=0.06), GCS on admission (p=0.07) and symptom-related lesions on T2 sequences (p=0.10). Patients with successful recanalization tended to have a better outcome (p=0.20). Conclusion Mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire FR device can rapidly and effectively contribute to a high rate of recanalization and improve functional outcome in patients with ABAO and has an acceptable complication rate.
Modelling Word Burstiness in Natural Language: A Generalised Polya Process for Document Language Models in Information Retrieval

We introduce a generalised multivariate Polya process for document language modelling. The framework outlined here generalises a number of statistical language models used in information retrieval for modelling document generation. In particular, we show that the choice of replacement matrix M ultimately defines the type of random process and therefore defines a particular type of document language model. We show that a particular variant of the general model is useful for modelling term-specific burstiness. Furthermore, via experimentation we show that this variant significantly improves retrieval effectiveness over a strong baseline on a number of small test collections.
Sliding-sector based variable structure control for a class of uncertain stochastic Markov jump systems

This paper is concerned with sliding sector based variable structure control design of a class of Itô-type stochastic Markov jump system subject to transition rate uncertainties and actuator failure. First, some notions about the sliding-sector for the stochastic Markov jump systems are presented. Sufficient conditions for the design of PR-sliding sector are then established in the framework of linear matrix inequalities(LMIs). The PR-sliding sector based variable structure control is subsequently developed to ensure stochastic stability of closed-loop systems and no chattering phenomenon occurs during whole implementation process. An example is presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Numerical simulation of tensorial impedance metasurfaces

Metasurfaces are thin metamaterial layers characterized by unusual reflection properties of plane waves and/or dispersion properties of surface/guided wave. Metasurfaces can be described through a surface impedance boundary condition; the impedance, possibly tensorial, can vary from place to place (by design) on the surface. We introduce a full-wave method, based on an integral equation formulation, to analyze tensorial metasurfaces with anisotropic behavior. Strategies for a numerical solution of the problem are investigated, with special attention to continuity and regularity issues which play a crucial role.
Approximate value of the know-how of an institution of the regional innovation system in Antioquia

In regional innovation systems, the need has been sharpened to value intangible assets, especially the know how to negotiation and commercial transfer. Therefore, the aim of the article is to identify the main methods of valuing intangibles and deploy an implementation in an institution dedicated to the incubation of new businesses. In terms of methodology, the documentary analysis is combined with the cost method, which consists of collecting the underlying costs for the development of know how. Regarding the results, it was found that for these institutions it is easier and more appropriate to apply the cost method, which allowed estimating the unit cost per transfer.
Plagiarism on the rise? Combating contract cheating in science courses

This paper describes a relatively new, but rapidly expanding, cause for concern for academics and administrators, that of students plagiarizing by using online auctions, a practice also known as “contract cheating”. The prevention and detection of such plagiarism in the context of science education presents particular difficulties. The paper suggests several innovative and possibly controversial methods to minimize the number of occurrences, ensuring that as few students cheat as possible, and describes various techniques to aid in the detection of those that do.
The Contribution of Primary Motor Cortex is Essential for Probabilistic Implicit Sequence Learning: Evidence from Theta Burst Magnetic Stimulation

Theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS) is considered to produce plastic changes in human motor cortex. Here, we examined the inhibitory and excitatory effects of TBS on implicit sequence learning using a probabilistic serial reaction time paradigm. We investigated the involvement of several cortical regions associated with implicit sequence learning by examining probabilistic sequence learning in five age- and IQ-matched groups of healthy participants following continuous inhibitory TBS over primary motor cortex (M1); or the supplementary motor area (SMA) or dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or following intermittent excitatory TBS of M1; or after sham TBS. Relative to sham TBS, probabilistic sequence learning was abolished by inhibitory TBS over M1, demonstrating that this region is critical for implicit motor sequence learning. Sequence learning was not significantly affected by inhibitory TBS over the SMA, DLPFC or excitatory TBS over M1. These results demonstrate that the M1 mediates implicit sequence learning.
Contrast Venography, the Gold Standard for the Diagnosis of Deep-Vein Thrombosis: lmprovement in Observer Agreement

Summary To determine whether the Rabinov-Paulin or the long-leg venography technique should be preferred in the diagnostic management of patients with clinically suspected deep-vein thrombosis, two independent experienced radiologists blindly assessed two different series of venograms of consecutive outpatients with clinically suspected deep-vein thrombosis. Venograms were obtained from two outpatient clinics of primary referral centres. In one centre the venograms were performed according to the technique of Rabinov and Paulin with the use of 100 ml of radiographic material and spot films of the calf, popliteal and more proximal veins. In the other centre, long-leg films were obtained after the administration of 150 ml of contrast material. The percentage venograms adjudicated as inadequate by at least one radiologist and inter-observer disagreement for both series were used as the main study outcome measures. Prior to the study, both radiologists agreed on the standardized criteria for a normal, abnormal and inadequate test result using a separate set of films. An inadequacy rate of 20% was found for the Rabinov-Paulin venography series (n = 123), whereas only 2% of the L26long-leg films were inadequate for interpretation (p <0.001). The interobserver disagreement for inadequacy, presence or absence of deep-vein thrombosis was 2I% for the Rabinov and Paulin venograms and 4o/" for the long-leg films (kappa, 0.65 and 0.92; 95% confidence intervals: 0.53 to 0.77 and 0.84 to 0.99, respectively; p <0.002). We conclude that the long-leg method is superior to the Rabinov-Paulin method in the venographic diagnosis of deep-vein thrombosis in symptomatic outpatients since noninterpretable test results are rarely observed and it reduces both unnecessary treatment of patients without deep-vein thrombosis and limits the undertreatment of patients with the disease.
Continuous Biodiesel Production over Various Heterogeneous Acidic and Alkaline Catalysts

Biodiesel is meant to be used in standard diesel engines and is thus distinct from the vegetable and waste oils used to fuel converted diesel engines. It is commonly produced by the transesterification of the vegetable oil or animal fat feedstock with short chain alcohols. There are several methods for carrying out this conversion continuously over heterogeneous catalysts, including the acidic and alkaline catalysts. In this article, continuous biodiesel production over heterogeneous catalysts is described and commented.
L‐type calcium channel activity regulates sodium channel levels in rat pituitary GH3 cells

The effects of chronic pharmacological modulation of L‐type Ca2+ channel activity on the cell surface expression of Na+ channels were examined in GH3 cells. Prolonged inhibition (4–5 days) of L‐channels with nimodipine caused a 50–60 % decrease in the peak amplitude of whole‐cell Na+ currents recorded with the patch‐clamp technique. On the contrary, prolonged exposure to the L‐channel agonist Bay K 8644 induced an ≈2.5‐fold increase in peak Na+ current. In both cases, there were only minor changes in cell capacitance and no significant changes in Na+ channel gating properties. Measurements of the specific binding of radiolabelled saxitoxin to intact cells showed that nimodipine treatment reduced the number of cell surface Na+ channels, whereas treatment with Bay K 8664 produced the opposite effect. The dual regulation of Na+ channel abundance explained the mentioned changes in Na+ current amplitude. Plasma membrane Na+ channels had a half‐life of ≈17 h both in control cells and in cells treated with Bay K 8644, as estimated from the rate of decay of peak Na+ current after inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide. Actinomycin D, an inhibitor of gene transcription, and also cycloheximide, occluded the stimulatory effect of Bay K 8644 on Na+ current density when measured over a 24 h period. These findings indicate that the entry of Ca2+ through L‐type channels influences in a positive way the number of functional Na+ channels in GH3 cells, and suggest that Ca2+ influx stimulates either Na+ channel gene expression or the expression of a regulatory protein that promotes translocation of pre‐assembled Na+ channels into the plasma membrane.