Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of One‐Step and Two‐Step Meta‐Analysis Models Using Individual Patient Data

The problem of combining information from separate trials is a key consideration when performing a meta‐analysis or planning a multicentre trial. Although there is a considerable journal literature on meta‐analysis based on individual patient data (IPD), i.e. a one‐step IPD meta‐analysis, versus analysis based on summary data, i.e. a two‐step IPD meta‐analysis, recent articles in the medical literature indicate that there is still confusion and uncertainty as to the validity of an analysis based on aggregate data. In this study, we address one of the central statistical issues by considering the estimation of a linear function of the mean, based on linear models for summary data and for IPD. The summary data from a trial is assumed to comprise the best linear unbiased estimator, or maximum likelihood estimator of the parameter, along with its covariance matrix. The setup, which allows for the presence of random effects and covariates in the model, is quite general and includes many of the commonly employed models, for example, linear models with fixed treatment effects and fixed or random trial effects. For this general model, we derive a condition under which the one‐step and two‐step IPD meta‐analysis estimators coincide, extending earlier work considerably. The implications of this result for the specific models mentioned above are illustrated in detail, both theoretically and in terms of two real data sets, and the roles of balance and heterogeneity are highlighted. Our analysis also shows that when covariates are present, which is typically the case, the two estimators coincide only under extra simplifying assumptions, which are somewhat unrealistic in practice.
Multilateralism and the Endogenous Formation of Ptas

This paper examines the interaction between preferential trade agreements (PTAs) and multilateral tariff reduction in a model of imperfect competition. A growing literature finds that the formation of PTAs alters the incentives for and the sustainability of multilateral tariff reduction. We show that the causation is not one-sided -- multilateral tariff reduction also affects the formation of PTAs. Specifically, tariff reduction enhances the incentives to form a PTA and increases the likelihood that it is self-enforcing. Thus, each round of multilateral tariff reduction should lead to a new wave of PTAs. This may help to explain the current trend towards regionalism.
Spiritual Needs of Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Diagnosis of cancer can cause huge spiritual crisis in a person and affect different aspects of life. At this stage, patients have certain spiritual needs. Aim: This study was conducted to explain spiritual needs of cancer patients in Iran. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative study, 18 cancer patients, referred to the Cancer Institute of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran were selected using purposive sampling method, and their spiritual needs emerged out of conventional content analysis of interviews conducted with them. Results: From 1850 initial codes, 4 themes (connection, peace, meaning and purpose, and transcendence) were identified that contained categories of social support, normal behavior, inner peace, seeking forgiveness, hope, acceptance of reality, seeking meaning, ending well, change of life meaning, strengthening spiritual belief, communication with God, and prayer. Conclusions: Spiritual needs of cancer patients should be recognized, realized, and considered in care of patients by the medical team. An all-out support of health system policy makers to meet patients’ spiritual needs is particularly important.
On the cumulants of population size for the stochastic power law logistic model.

The deterministic power law logistic model is used to describe density-dependent population growth in cases where the ordinary logistic model is insufficient. This paper investigates an analogous stochastic power law logistic model. The exact (unconditional) population size distributions and the cumulant functions for this stochastic model are intractable for large population sizes. Approximating cumulant functions are derived for populations of any size, and are illustrated with examples of assumed Africanized honey bee population dynamics. Outstanding among the findings is that the approximations for the cumulant functions are very accurate for these examples. The stochastic power law logistic model is very general and may be applied to describe the growth of many other natural populations.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns and Macrolide Resistance Genes of β-Hemolytic Streptococci in Korea

ABSTRACT In 540 beta-hemolytic streptococci, the rates of resistance to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and clindamycin were 80.0, 22.8, 20.2, and 19.1%, respectively. Of the erythromycin-resistant isolates, 63.3% had the constitutive macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB) resistance phenotype, 23.9% had the M phenotype, and 12.8% had the inducible MLSB resistance phenotype. The constitutive MLSB resistance phenotype with the erm(B) gene was dominant in Korea.
The natural history of chronic hepatitis B

Summary. The natural history of chronic hepatitis B is dependent on the age of acquiring the hepatitis B infection. Those who are infected at adolescence or adulthood (including most of the Caucasians) tend to have stable disease after hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion with normal serum alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels <105 copies/mL (20 000 IU/mL). In contrast, those who are infected at birth or early childhood (including the majority of the world’s hepatitis B carriers, i.e. Asians) have a prolonged immune tolerance phase followed by a prolonged immune clearance phase. A proportion of these patients have progressive disease after HBeAg seroconversion with HBV DNA <104 copies/mL (<2000 IU/mL) and ALT between 0.5 and 2× upper limit of normal. Core promoter mutations may play a part in the development of cirrhosis‐related complications. However, continuing viral replication, even at a relatively low level of <104 copies/mL (<2000 IU/mL), is probably the most important factor for the development of complications.
Two new lignans from twigs of Aglaia odorata

HPLC-guided separation of twigs of Aglaia odorata led to the isolation of eight lignans, including two new ones, 3′-methoxy-N-demethylrocaglamide (1) and 4′-O-demethyl-deacetylaglaxiflorin A (2). Compound 1 showed excellent cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines, HeLa, SGC-7901 gastric cancer, and A-549 lung cancer with the values of 0.32, 0.12, and 0.25 μM, respectively.
Price-Dependent Demand in Spatial Models

Abstract This paper introduces price-dependent individual demand into the circular city model of product differentiation. We show that for any finite number of firms, an unique symmetric price equilibrium exists provided that demand functions are not “too” convex. As in the case of unit demand, the number of firms under free entry decreases in the fixed cost of entry while increases in the transportation cost of consumers. However, this number is no longer always in excess of the socially optimal level. Insufficient entry occurs when the fixed and transportation costs are high.
The English Football Industry: Profit, Performance and Industrial Structure

The English (Association) Football League is a long-established industrial cartel selling a highly popular product with only imperfect substitutes. Despite that, the majority of its member clubs lose money and the industry has faced successive financial crises over the last decade. This chapter develops an empirical model of the financial performance of English League clubs using a high-quality data set of 48 clubs over the period 1974—89. The underlying model explains how rents are competed away through the maximising behaviour of club owners subject to production constraints. This model is parameterised by a system of equations which describe the behaviour of a maximising owner subject to demand and production constraints. The model is then used to examine the coordination failure which lies at the heart of the English Football League’s decline and to assess the prospects for the Premier League.
The Environmental Costs and Benefits of Fracking

Unconventional oil and natural gas extraction enabled by horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is driving an economic boom, with consequences described from “revolutionary” to “disastrous. ” Reality lies somewhere in between. Unconventional energy generates income and, done well, can reduce air pollution and even water use compared with other fossil fuels. Alternatively, it could slow the adoption of renewables and, done poorly, release toxic chemicals into water and air. Primary threats to water resources include surface spills, wastewater disposal, and drinking-water contamination through poor well integrity. An increase in volatile organic compounds and air toxics locally are potential health threats, but the switch from coal to natural gas for electricity generation will reduce sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, and particulate air pollution. Data gaps are particularly evident for human health studies, for the question of whether natural gas will displace coal compared with renewables, and fo.
From Pattern Recognition to Image Understanding (Language, Segmentation, Concepts) 1

To resolve the image search problem, an algorithm has to understand images, i.e., be able to describe their content using an adequate language. With that approach the comparison of images becomes comparison of descriptions. To accomplish the above goal the software was developed,, which at the first step segmented the image. The segmentation is based on Dual Clustering procedure, which generates a limited number of segmentations and chooses the best according criteria. At the second step segments are recognized as notions "sky", "vegetation", "water", "ground", "mountains", "buildings" and some more.
Chrie Member Perceptions of Tenure Requirements in Hospitality Education Programs

This study measures the perceptions regarding tenure requirements of mem bers at four-year institutions of CHRIE. They perceive the three most important attributes to gain tenure are (1) a Ph.D or an equivalent terminal degree, (2) a track record of publications, and (3) a track record of good teaching. Differences in perceptions are noted by type of university (public vs. private), level of degree granted by the members' hospitality program, location of the members' program within the university, and differences between faculty and administrators.
IFN‐γ is an Absolute Requirement for Spontaneous Acceptance of Liver Allografts

Experimental liver allografts undergo spontaneous acceptance despite undergoing rejection during the first few weeks post transplant. We explored the role of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) in the spontaneous acceptance of mouse liver allografts. Strain of mouse (CBA) liver allografts transplanted into normal BALB/c mice developed histologic changes typical of rejection that spontaneously regressed, permitting long‐term survival of these allografts similar to that of syngeneic grafts. In contrast, CBA liver allografts in IFN‐γ‐deficient hosts manifested not only infiltration but also hemorrhage and necrosis, with no survival beyond 14 days. Despite differences in survival, local expression of cytotoxic T‐cell genes in the transplant was not increased in IFN‐γ‐deficient hosts, but livers in interferon‐γ‐deficient mice (GKO) hosts displayed much less induction of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II expression. To determine whether the difference in survival was secondary to the direct effects of IFN‐γ on the liver, we transplanted livers from IFN‐γ‐receptor‐deficient mice into normal hosts. Liver allografts lacking IFN‐γ receptors also developed hemorrhage and necrosis with minimal induction of MHC expression. Thus IFN‐γ mediates a direct effect on rejecting liver allografts that reduces hemorrhage and necrosis, induces MHC expression, and is absolutely required for spontaneous acceptance.
Studies of Immune Responses in Candida vaginitis

The widespread occurrence of vaginal candidiasis and the development of resistance against anti-fungal agents has stimulated interest in understanding the pathogenesis of this disease. The aim of our work was to characterize, in an animal model of vaginal candidiasis, the mechanisms that play a role in the induction of mucosal immunity against C. albicans and the interaction between innate and adaptive immunity. Our studies evidenced the elicitation of cell-mediated immunity (CMIs) and antibody (Abs)-mediated immunity with a Th1 protective immunity. An immune response of this magnitude in the vagina was very encouraging to identify the proper targets for new strategies for vaccination or immunotherapy of vaginal candidiasis. Overall, our data provide clear evidence that it is possible to prevent C. albicans vaginal infection by active intravaginal immunization with aspartyl proteinase expressed as recombinant protein. This opens the way to a modality for anti-Candida protection at the mucosa. The recombinant protein Sap2 was assembled with virosomes, and a vaccine PEVION7 (PEV7) was obtained. The results have given evidence that the vaccine, constituted of virosomes and Secretory aspartyl proteinase 2 (Sap2) (PEV7), has an encouraging therapeutic potential for the treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.
MRI safety assessment of a generic deep brain stimulator

The radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field of magnetic resonance (MR) scanners can result in significant tissue heating due to the RF coupling with the conducting parts of medical implants. The objective of this paper is to assess the safety of a generic deep brain stimulator (DBS) during MRI scans based on a combined numerical and experimental procedure described in [1]. The evaluation is performed for 1.5 T MR scanners using a generic model of a deep brain stimulator with a helical lead. The results show that the approach is technically feasible and provides sound and conservative information on the potential heating of implants.
A fuzzy multiple criteria decision framework for engineering performance evaluation

Engineering and design activities are crucial to construction projects which certainly require an effective tool to evaluate engineering performance among alternative projects. This paper presents a framework for engineering performance evaluation using Multiple Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM). It demonstrates the merits or drawbacks of the engineering performance measures among alternative projects. The appropriate actions are applied to manage and control a project. Fuzzy logic is applied to address the vagueness and imprecision of human subjectivity in the evaluating process. An illustrative application is provided through expert opinion to show the assessment of total and relative engineering performance.
The effects of situational and personal factors on employee motivation for relocation

Globalisation leads to mobilisation of human capital and an increase in the number of employees who leave their countries because of relocation. Relocation or recruitment of local employees to work in a foreign country requires good adjustment skills. Studies have found a high rate of failure in relocation. The current article suggests that one important reason for failure may have to do with the motivation shown by expatriates prior to relocation. Employee whose motivation is questionable will find the task especially difficult. The paper reviews the situational and personal factors that can influence the motivation for relocation.
Reducing excess readmissions: promising effect of hospital readmissions reduction program in US hospitals.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the financial penalty effect of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) on 30-day inpatient readmissions for pneumonia (PN), acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and heart failure (HF) among hospitals identified as having excess readmissions. SETTING Short-term, acute care hospitals in the USA. DESIGN Secondary data analysis of publicly available HRRP Supplemental Data to examine the effect of HRRP on reducing excess hospital readmissions by utilizing repeated-measures analysis of variance models. PARTICIPANTS A total of 3395 nonfederal, short-term acute care hospitals under the Inpatient Prospective Payment System that are subject to the HRRP program and that reported discharges data for PN, AMI and HF for the calculation of readmission ratios for the fiscal years 2013, 2014 and 2015. INTERVENTION Implementation of the HRRP in October 2012 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reduce Medicare payments to hospitals with excess readmissions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Thirty-day hospital readmission ratios for PN, AMI and HF. RESULTS There was a significant decrease in excess readmissions for PN, AMI and HF between FY 2013 and FY 2015. The reduction in excess readmission ratios was 0.035 for PN (P < 0.001), 0.082 for AMI (P < 0.001) and 0.034 for HF (P < 0.001). The effect of HRRP on excess readmissions was greater for small hospitals, public hospitals and hospitals located in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS HRRP to reduce payments to hospitals with excess readmissions had a significant effect on the inpatient readmissions for PN, AMI and HF in US Hospitals.
Carboxytherapy for Conservative Treatment of Peyronie's Disease

PD (Peyronie’s disease) is an acquired disorder of tunica albuginea characterized by the formation of plaques of fibrous tissue often associated to symptoms like ED (erectile dysfunction) and coital pain. The inflammatory process is unknown, even if it is known that Activated inflammatory cells produce many ROS (radical oxygen species), leading to fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Endothelian dysfunction is the responsible of infiammatory chain reaction in which an inflammatory protein, NF-kB seems involved in ROS synthesis. Conservative treatments (laser, ultrasound, iono/iontophoresis) seem to have poor therapeutic effects in PD. Clinical studies have indicated that altered CO2 (carbon dioxide) levels can impact upon disease progression. CO2 levels can be sensed by cells resulting in the initiation of pathophysiologic responses with a sensibile reduction of oxydative phenomena (Bohr/Haldane effects). We have tried carboxytherapy, by using sovrapubic subcutaneous injection of sterile CO2 gas in 20 patients aged from 40 to 65, affected by PD. After the cycle of treatment of 10 weekly applications. We have observed in all patients a subjective reduction of penile deviation, an improvement of quality of erections and a sensible reduction of plaque's dimensions, documented by ultrasound controls and IIEF questionary before and after the end of cycle. We should consider co2 as a powerful antioxidant against endothelian dysfunction and oxydative stress. NF-kB is a target of CO2 antioxidant power. Preliminary qualitative results could encourage an extended use of carboxytherapy in PD treatment.
Genomic Collaboration of Estrogen Receptor α and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 2 in Regulating Gene and Proliferation Programs

ABSTRACT The nuclear hormone receptor, estrogen receptor α (ERα), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play key roles in hormone-dependent cancers, and yet their interplay and the integration of their signaling inputs remain poorly understood. In these studies, we document that estrogen-occupied ERα activates and interacts with extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), a downstream effector in the MAPK pathway, resulting in ERK2 and ERα colocalization at chromatin binding sites across the genome of breast cancer cells. This genomic colocalization, predominantly at conserved distal enhancer sites, requires the activation of both ERα and ERK2 and enables ERK2 modulation of estrogen-dependent gene expression and proliferation programs. The ERK2 substrate CREB1 was also activated and recruited to ERK2-bound chromatin following estrogen treatment and found to cooperate with ERα/ERK2 in regulating gene transcription and cell cycle progression. Our study reveals a novel paradigm with convergence of ERK2 and ERα at the chromatin level that positions this kinase to support nuclear receptor activities in crucial and direct ways, a mode of collaboration likely to underlie MAPK regulation of gene expression by other nuclear receptors as well.
Synesthesia : Is F-Sharp Colored Violet ?

It is generally agreed that synesthesia occurs when an individual receives a stimulus in one sense modality and experiences a sensation in another. Historical difficulties of subjecting cross-modality to rigid scientific analysis, however, has led commentators to cast the phenomenon in terms of abnormality, philosophy and metaphor. Clearly discernable patterns of correspondence were not obvious and the often contradictory historical data were comprised of lists of stimuli and synesthetic responses. For example, accounts such as those attributed to Scriabin and RimskyKorsakov equated colors with given musical notes and keys (e.g. see Cytowic 1995; Harrison, 2001). Yet, reportedly, Scriabin claimed the key of C-Minor was red, while Rimsky-Korsakov perceived it as white (Harrison, 2001). This confusing and haphazard body of work is now being re-visited as researchers design studies capable of examining cross-modal sensation from a neural perspective. Although exciting findings have reinvigorated synesthesia research, of greater interest is that many documented accounts that were perceived as incoherent now appear to be essentially correct in light of what laboratory experiments are revealing (Harrison, 2001; Mattingly et al., 2001; Ramachandran & Hubbard, 2001). Moreover, the validation of older accounts complements a long historical literature on sensory inter-relationships that is robust and cross-cultural. The range is particularly thoughtprovoking when contrasted with current research findings regarding the phenomena. One of the earliest efforts to make sense of these relationships was the Pythagorean quest to assign a particular color to each musical note, about the 6th century BCE. In more recent times, the list of famous figures who were involved with the synesthetic experience includes Charles Baudelaire, Arthur Rimbaud, Nikolai RimskyKorsakov, Alexander Scriabin, Vassily Kandinsky, Vladimir Nabokov, Sergei Eisenstein, Oliever Messiaen, David Hockney and Richard Feynman. These attributions are based on some of the intriguing comments we find in their writings or remarks they have made about their own work. In Journal of the History of the Neurosciences 2004, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 58–65
Optimal hybrid array configuration scheme to reduce mismatch losses of photovoltaic system

This paper proposes a hybrid array configuration technique to reduce mismatch losses in the photovoltaic (PV) array under partial shading condition. The reduction in PV array output power does not depend linearly on the shaded PV module, instead it is highly dependent on the extent of mismatch. The extend of mismatch depends upon several factors like type of configuration, array size and shading patterns. Here, different array configuration techniques like series-parallel (SP), total-cross-tied (TCT), bridge-linked (BL), honey-Comb (HC) along with a new hybrid array configuration technique have been discussed to contemplate the effects of mismatch conditions. A comparative analysis is being accomplished using different irradiance test conditions for determining the configuration having lowest amenability to power loss under mismatch condition.