Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regional variation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest incidence and outcome.

CONTEXT The health and policy implications of regional variation in incidence and outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remain to be determined. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether cardiac arrest incidence and outcome differ across geographic regions. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Prospective observational study (the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium) of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in 10 North American sites (8 US and 2 Canadian) from May 1, 2006, to April 30, 2007, followed up to hospital discharge, and including data available as of June 28, 2008. Cases (aged 0-108 years) were assessed by organized emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, did not have traumatic injury, and received attempts at external defibrillation or chest compressions or resuscitation was not attempted. Census data were used to determine rates adjusted for age and sex. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence rate, mortality rate, case-fatality rate, and survival to discharge for patients assessed or treated by EMS personnel or with an initial rhythm of ventricular fibrillation. RESULTS Among the 10 sites, the total catchment population was 21.4 million, and there were 20,520 cardiac arrests. A total of 11,898 (58.0%) had resuscitation attempted; 2729 (22.9% of treated) had initial rhythm of ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia or rhythms that were shockable by an automated external defibrillator; and 954 (4.6% of total) were discharged alive. The median incidence of EMS-treated cardiac arrest across sites was 52.1 (interquartile range [IQR], 48.0-70.1) per 100,000 population; survival ranged from 3.0% to 16.3%, with a median of 8.4% (IQR, 5.4%-10.4%). Median ventricular fibrillation incidence was 12.6 (IQR, 10.6-5.2) per 100,000 population; survival ranged from 7.7% to 39.9%, with a median of 22.0% (IQR, 15.0%-24.4%), with significant differences across sites for incidence and survival (P<.001). CONCLUSION In this study involving 10 geographic regions in North America, there were significant and important regional differences in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest incidence and outcome.
Alcohol Consumption, Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Gene Polymorphisms, and Cardiovascular Health in Korea

Alcohol consumption is a serious health issue in Korea in terms of the amount consumed and the behavior related to its consumption. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a key enzyme in alcohol metabolism that degrades acetaldehyde to nontoxic acetic acid. The enzyme is coded by the ALDH2 gene, which is commonly polymorphic in East Asian populations. A point mutation in the ALDH2 gene (the rs671 allele) yields an inactive form of ALDH2 that causes acetaldehyde accumulation in the body after alcohol consumption, thereby inhibiting normal alcohol metabolism. Individuals who are homozygous for polymorphism in ALDH2 tend to refrain from drinking alcohol, decreasing their chances of developing alcoholism and exposure to the associated risks. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have demonstrated that alcohol consumption predicted by ALDH2 genotype is causally related to cardiovascular risks. Moreover, recent MR studies suggest that the ALDH2 variant has mechanistic effects on some disease outcomes or mortality through increased blood levels of acetaldehyde, showing differences therein between heterozygotes (ALDH2*2*2) and homozygotes (ALDH2*1*2) in those who consume alcohol. Accordingly, consideration of ALDH2 genotype in alcohol prevention programs is warranted. In conclusion, strategies that incorporate genetic information and provide an evidential basis from which to help people make informed decisions on alcohol consumption are urgently required.
Investigación sobre redes sociales y emprendimiento: revisión de la literatura y agenda futura

This work consisted of a review of the recent literature about entrepreneurship networks. Theoretical descriptions about how social networks' content and structure contribute towards the success of an entrepreneur's activity were integrated from an instrumental point of view. It was concluded that networks represent a means for entrepreneurs to gain access to a variety of resources and how they manage to obtain key benefits by obtaining privileged information. Entrepreneurs use networks in their search for orientation, discovering opportunities, gaining access to other tangible and intangible resources and resolving problems; different types of social network are required for different proposals, the usefulness of the type of network and the links which they represent, essentially depending on the stage of entrepreneurship being developed. This review starts by dealing with the different approaches for studying the relationship between social networks and entrepreneurship. It then tackles the different definitions and topologies regarding the current concept of a social entrepreneurship network. Five models are then presented explaining the relationship between network dynamics and the stages of entrepreneurship's evolution. Networks' instrumental role for entrepreneurs in developing their activity is then looked at, concentrating on explaining how entrepreneurs use networks for obtaining social and cognitive legitimacy. Some conclusions are then drawn and elements suggested for consideration in future research.
A prospective randomized comparison of sublingual and oral misoprostol when combined with mifepristone for medical abortion at 12-20 weeks gestation.

BACKGROUND Sublingual misoprostol has been shown to be effective in medical abortion. A prospective double-blinded placebo-controlled trial was done to compare the efficacy and side-effects of sublingual to oral misoprostol when used with mifepristone for medical abortion from 12 to 20 weeks gestation. METHODS A total of 120 women at 12-20 weeks of gestation were randomized to receive 200 mg oral mifepristone followed by either sublingual or oral misoprostol 400 mg every 3 h for a maximum of five doses 36-48 h later. The course of misoprostol was repeated if the woman did not abort within 24 h. RESULTS There was no significant difference (P = 0.43) in the success rate at 24 h [relative risk = 1.075; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.94-1.19]. Abortion occurred in 91.4% in the sublingual group (95% CI: 81.0-96.7%) as compared to 85.0% (95% CI: 73.7-92.1%) in the oral group. The median induction-to-abortion interval was significantly shorter (P = 0.009) in the sublingual group (5.5 h) as compared to the oral group (7.5 h). The incidence of fever was higher in the sublingual group (P < 0.0001). The incidences of other side-effects were similar. CONCLUSION Sublingual misoprostol, when combined with mifepristone, is effective for medical abortion in the second trimester. The induction-to-abortion interval is shorter when sublingual misoprostol is used when compared to oral misoprostol.
Detection of acute and treated lesions of hepatosplenic candidiasis: Conparison of dynamic contrast‐enhanced CT and MR Imaging

Dynamic contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) was compared with 1.5‐T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with FLASH (fast low‐angle shot), gadolinium‐enhanced FLASH (Gd‐FLASH), and T2‐weighted fat‐suppression (T2FS) sequences in 11 patients with hematologic malignancies, five with biopsy‐confirmed hepatosplenic candidiasis treated with antifungal chemotherapy and six with a clinical history suggestive of acute hepatosplenic candidiasis. CT and MR images were separately interpreted in a prospective fashion. MR imaging showed lesions compatible with candidiasis in the liver in six patients, the spleen in five, and the kidneys in one. CT showed candidiasis‐compatible lesions in the liver in three patients and the spleen in one; no renal lesions were shown. Differences between acute and treated candidal lesions were observed. Gd‐FLASH images showed the most liver lesions (n = 106), followed by FLASH (n = 85), T2FS (n = 20), and CT (n = 18). MR imaging performed better than CT in distinguishing candidal hepatic lesions from recurrent lymphoblastic lymphoma in one patient and from hepatic infarcts in another. The results suggest that MR imaging may be superior to CT in detecting lesions of hepatosplenic candidiasis.
Gains from trade: Competition and the factor market.

How do international trade and economic integration alter competitive pressures in economies. Can economic integration increase welfare by alleviating factor market distortions. What are the precise channels through which trade triggers welfare gains. This thesis examines how economic integration can alter competitive pressures in both product and factor markets. Endogenising product market imperfections, the new trade theory highlighted a number of previously unrecognised sources of gains from trade. This thesis will suggest that further gains from trade can be derived by endogenising factor market imperfections. Although these gains have been commonly alleged to by practitioners, they have hardly been formalised. Chapter 2 empirically assesses the importance of the various channels through which procompetitive gains from trade may be attained. Using a panel of 2400 Mexican firms between 1984-1990, it is shown that markups fell with trade liberalisation. It is also suggested that liberalisation has increased total factor productivity of the firms in the sample. The remainder of the thesis is of a theoretical nature. Chapter 3 focuses on the market for intermediate inputs in the presence of hold-up. In a closed economy, a bilateral monopoly is operating and inefficiencies arise in both product and factor markets. As the economy opens up to trade, procompetitive effects suppress the margin between prices and marginal costs increasing allocative efficiency. If downstream firms become internationally mobile, productive gains may arise from increasing returns to scale and intensified competition in the input market. Chapter 4 focuses on the unionised labour market. If countries are symmetric, trade will increase competition in the product market raising labour demand. The effect on wages is ambiguous. If firms are internationally mobile, the threat of firm mobility reduces both wages and unemployment.
Ultrastructural features of chondrogenesis in the human hand plate: a cytochemical and autoradiographic study

Ultrastructural features of chondrogenesis are correlated with the appearance of collagen and proteoglycan components of the cartilage matrix in the developing human hand (stages 16–18). Prechondral mesenchymal cells comprising the digital plate (stage 16) exhibit euchromatic nuclei, sparse granular endoplasmic reticulum, few polysomes, broad cell to cell associations, little enhancement of electron density after postfixation with osmium tetroxide/potassium ferrocyanide and scanty incorporation of3H-proline. Extracellular matrix is electron-lucent. During stage 17, early chrondroblasts acquire affinity for OsO4/K4Fe(CN)6G, develop filopodia, lose broad intercellular attachments, assemble cytoplasmic polysomes, incorporate 3H-proline and the extracellular matrix acquires electron-dense particles (10–20 nm indiameter). By stage 18, chondrogenic cells of digital blastemata exhibit affinity for osmium-ferrocyanide, and particles (10–20 nm in diameter) and filaments (5 nm in diameter) are present in the extracellular matrix. Mature chondrocytes are present.
Developing and implementing a stochastic decision-support model within an organizational context: The experience

Purpose – Discusses why it is necessary to align a mathematical model with the organization in order to achieve the desired results. The structure of a model's input must fit with the structure of data collection in the firm, and the output must be consistent with the decision structure. Otherwise, data collection will not be properly taken care of and the results of a model will not find their way to where decisions are made. Five years passed from the cooperation first started with the university until the model came on-line. Design/methodology/approach – Parts 1 and 2 of this series of papers discussed the stochastic programming model itself and the relationship between the model and the organization. The results are now reported. Findings – Reports on both organizational and financial results. Practical implications – Shows that, although a lot of work is needed to implement a complicated stochastic programming model within an organization, it can be done and can lead to good results. However, it takes time to adjust an organization to a new way of thinking, as a model like this can never work unless supported by upper management as well as those who use the model daily. Originality/value – The main value is to demonstrate in rather large detail how a somewhat complicated model can be developed and used in an organization, which, originally, was not well aligned with the ideas of the modellers.
Conditional Activation of Janus Kinase (JAK) Confers Factor Independence upon Interleukin-3-dependent Cells

Cytokines play crucial roles in the growth and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. They bind to specific cell membrane receptors that usually do not possess intrinsic protein-tyrosine kinase activity. Janus kinases (JAKs) are cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinases that physically interact with intracellular domains of the cytokine receptors and have been implicated in playing important roles in signal transduction triggered by the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. However, it is still uncertain whether JAK activation alone suffices to induce cell proliferation. In this work, we modified Tyk2, a member of the JAK family, by adding a membrane localization sequence and a chemical dimerizer (coumermycin)-dependent dimerization sequence. The modified Tyk2 was activated in a coumermycin-dependent manner, and the activated Tyk2 conferred cytokine independence upon interleukin-3-dependent pro-B lymphoid cells. This cytokine-independent proliferation was completely inhibited by dominant-negative Ras. These results indicate that activation of JAK through membrane-proximal dimerization is sufficient to induce cell cycle progression and that Ras is essentially involved in JAK-triggered mitogenesis.
A gereral test of reference price theory in the presence of threshold effects

The theory of reference prices has great theoretica1 appeal and considerable managerial significance. This paper provides a test of reference price theory in a general setting allowing for threshold effects and asymmetric market response with respect to the threshold. The theory is rigorously evaluated on the basis of predictive tests using the methodology of switching regressions, and the empirical results show strong corroboration for it. The paper concludes witth a discussion of managerial implications of reference price theory for promotional and pricing strategy.
Fuzzy-Based Reactive Power and Voltage Control in a Distribution System

This paper presents fuzzy-based reactive power and voltage control in a distribution system. The main purpose is to find the combination of main transformer load tap changer (LTC) positions and capacitor on/off switching operations in a day, such that the voltage deviations at the secondary bus of main transformer become as small as possible, while the reactive power flows through the main transformer and the real power losses at feeders become as little as possible. To minimize system repair cost, the total number of switching operations of LTC and capacitors in a day must be kept as few as possible. The linguistic expressions such as "as small as possible," "as little as possible," and "as few possible" are not close. In this paper, the reactive power and voltage control problem is first formulated with fuzzy sets, and then an annealing search technique is used to find a proper combination of LTC positions and capacitors on/off switching operations in a day. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, reactive power and voltage control in a distribution system within the service arm of Yumlin District Office of Taiwan Power Company (TPC) is analyzed. It is found that a proper dispatching schedule for LTC positions and capacitors switching operations can be reached by the proposed method.
What role do community pharmacists currently play in the management of headache? A hospital‐based perspective

Of one hundred consecutive patients with headache referred by general practitioners to general neurology outpatient clinics, only 15 had at any time consulted a community pharmacist for advice about headache or its treatment; none spontaneously volunteered this information. Community pharmacists may represent an underused resource in the management of headaches in primary care, but would require specific training to fulfil such a role.
The Politics of Choice and Competition in Public Services

The politics of choice and competition in public services are complex. Only public service users seem basically to want choice. Providers prefer alternative models of service delivery especially those that rely upon trust. Social democrats prefer voice and trust; conservatives want choice and competition to be exercised in the context of a full private market. Yet, so long as they are properly designed, policies aimed at promoting choice and competition can serve the interests of all these groups better than the alternatives.
Effects of Strength and Power Training on Neuromuscular Adaptations and Jumping Movement Pattern and Performance

Abstract Lamas, L, Ugrinowitsch, C, Rodacki, A, Pereira, G, Mattos, ECT, Kohn, AF, and Tricoli, V. Effects of strength and power training on neuromuscular adaptations and jumping movement pattern and performance. J Strength Cond Res 26(12): 3335–3344, 2012—This study aimed at comparing the effects of strength and power training (ST and PT) regimens on neuromuscular adaptations and changes on vertical jump performance, kinetics, and kinematics parameters. Forty physically active men (178.2 ± 7.0 cm; 75.1 ± 8.6 kg; 23.6 ± 3.5 years) with at least 2 years of ST experience were assigned to an ST (n = 14), a PT (n = 14), or a control group (C; n = 12). The training programs were performed during 8 weeks, 3 times per week. Dynamic and isometric maximum strength, cross-sectional area, and muscle activation were assessed before and after the experimental period. Squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, kinetics, and kinematics parameters were also assessed. Dynamic maximum strength increased similarly (p < 0.05) for the ST (22.8%) and PT (16.6%) groups. The maximum voluntary isometric contraction increased for the ST and PT groups (p < 0.05) in the posttraining assessments. There was a main time effect for muscle fiber cross-sectional area (p < 0.05), but there were no changes in muscle activation. The SJ height increased, after ST and PT, because of a faster concentric phase and a higher rate of force development (p < 0.05). The CMJ height increased only after PT (p < 0.05), but there were no significant changes in its kinetics and kinematics parameters. In conclusion, neuromuscular adaptations were similar between the training groups. The PT seemed more effective than the ST in increasing jumping performance, but neither the ST nor the PT was able to affect the SJ and the CMJ movement pattern (e.g., timing and sequencing of joint extension initiation).
Measurement by Epigastric Impedance of Gastric Emptying in Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy

Changes in impedance across the epigastrium form the basis of a new non‐invasive method of assessing gastric emptying of liquids. The apparatus is simple to use at the bedside and, in conjuction with conventional investigations, is of value in diagnosing gastroparesis in patients with diabetic autonomic neuropathy and symptoms of recurrent vomiting. We measured gastric emptying of liquids in 22 diabetics aged 33.4 ± 9 years (mean ± SD) with severe symptomatic autonomic neuropathy (mean heart rate variability 4.9 ± 2.2 SD beats/min), and 15 normal controls. Median ‘half emptying’ time in the diabetics with autonomic neuropathy was prolonged overall but it was not always abnormal (12.25 min, range 6.5‐>30 compared to 8.0 min, range 3–17; p<0.01). Results in five diabetics with symptoms of recurrent vomiting corresponded with those using conventional radiological methods, confirming gastroparesis in three instances and excluding it in two. The effect of metoclopramide was also studied and was shown to accelerate gastric emptying in some but not all of the patients. Assessment of gastric emptying using the impedance method assists in establishing the diagnosis of gastroparesis and is of value for repeated measurements.
Authoritarianism in Central Asia: Curse or cure?

The former Soviet republics of Central Asia-Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan-have largely resisted the movement toward democracy that has swept over other former communist states. Many factors can account for this: low levels of economic development, traditional culture, weak civil societies, the leading-role of the old nomenklatura in these new states, and ethnic cleavages. The larger question is what effect continued authoritarianism will have in these states. Should such governments be condemned as 'backwards' or do they serve a function, such as state-building, maintenance of inter-ethnic peace, or facilitators of economic growth? This article argues that the regimes of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, on balance, do serve a positive purpose, preserving order and discouraging expression of radical nationalism. On the other hand, success for democracy in these countries is far from likely, and limited democratic experience in Kyrgyzstan shows that it can exacerbate.
Reversal of Vascular 18F-FDG Uptake with Plasma High-Density Lipoprotein Elevation by Atherogenic Risk Reduction

Vascular 18F-FDG uptake marker represents inflammation in atherosclerotic lesions, but whether inflammation can be reversed by risk-modifying interventions has not, to our knowledge, been demonstrated. In this study, we evaluated the change of vascular 18F-FDG uptake in response to lifestyle intervention on serial PET/CT scans and further assessed how the findings relate to atherogenic risk reduction. Methods: A total of 60 healthy adults underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scans and atherogenic risk-factor assessment at baseline and again after 17.1 ± 8.3 mo of practicing lifestyle modification. The PET/CT images were evaluated for the presence of vascular 18F-FDG lesions, and vessel–to–blood-pool 18F-FDG ratios were measured. Indices from summed ratios of positive lesions were compared and correlated to atherogenic risk factors. Results: At follow-up, significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.05), total cholesterol (P < 0.05), and low-density lipoprotein level (P < 0.05) and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level (P < 0.0001) were demonstrated. On the initial PET/CT scan, 50 of 60 subjects showed 1 or more 18F-FDG–positive lesions (5.9 ± 5.0/subject), leading to a total of 352 vascular sites. On follow-up, 18F-FDG–positive lesions were significantly reduced to 2.1 ± 2.2 sites per subject (P < 0.0001) and a total of 124 sites (64.8% reduction). Follow-up 18F-FDG–positive rates were significantly reduced for the aorta and iliac arteries. In addition, significant reductions in the whole-body 18F-FDG index from 1.39 ± 1.23 to 0.53 ± 0.59 (P < 0.0001) and carotid 18F-FDG index from 0.08 ± 0.16 to 0.03 ± 0.06 (P = 0.01) were shown. The whole-body 18F-FDG index correlated with total cholesterol (P < 0.05) and HDL level (P < 0.05), and the magnitude of reduction in the 18F-FDG index closely correlated to the amount of increase in plasma HDL level (P = 0.005). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that vascular 18F-FDG uptake is reversed in response to atherogenic risk reduction by lifestyle intervention and that the magnitude of improvement correlates to increases in plasma HDL levels. Thus, serial 18F-FDG PET/CT may be useful for monitoring improvements in the inflammatory component of atherosclerotic lesions in response to risk modification.