Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Substance use and withdrawal: Neuropsychological functioning over 8 years in youth

This study prospectively examined neuropsychological (NP) functioning associated with adolescent substance use and withdrawal. Participants were youths with histories of substance use disorders (n = 47) and demographically comparable youths with no such lifetime histories (n = 26). They were followed with NP testing and substance involvement interviews at 7 time points spanning 8 years, from ages 16 to 24, on average. After controlling for recent use, age, education, practice effects, and baseline NP functioning, substance use over the 8-year follow-up period significantly predicted performances on tests of memory and attention at Year 8. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms during the follow-up predicted visuospatial and attention scores at Year 8. Findings suggest that use and withdrawal may differentially impact neurocognitive functioning during youth, with heavy use leading to learning, retention, and attentional difficulties, and withdrawal leading to problems with visuospatial functioning. (JINS, 2002, 8, 873–883.)
Peshgi Without Bondage: Reconsidering the Links between Debt and Bonded Labour

This article looks at the link between debt bondage and the ubiquitous advance (or what is called peshgi in Pakistan) in the context of the football-stitching and bangle-making industries of Sialkot and Hyderabad in Pakistan. By drawing on an analysis of the football-stitching and bangle-making industries it disputes the notion that the presence of peshgi inevitably leads to a relationship of debt bondage between employer and workers. This article shows that a sense of shared origin amongst workers and employers can mitigate the factors that lead to a relationship of debt bondage. Specifically, patrilineage (biraderi ) ties in the case of the bangle-making industry of Hyderabad and common geographical and class origin in the case of the football industry of Sialkot have helped cement ties between workers and employers and led to the prevalence of peshgi without the resulting debt bondage. In the case of both these industries, their unique historical development—with the historical emergence of industrialists in Sialkot from the ranks of the artisans and workers and the migration to Hyderabad after Partition of those belonging to the Ferozabad Siddiqui kinship group—helps explain the absence of a more antagonistic relationship between employers and workers in these industries. This article concludes that peshgi does not always lead to debt bondage and certain factors such as a sense of shared origin or patrilineage ties between workers and employers can explain the existence of peshgi without debt bondage.
The new European agencies: regulation by information

The new European agencies have been denied powers normally granted to regulatory bodies. In most cases their functions are limited to providing information and networking with other institutions. Thus, they seem to be doomed to play an auxiliary role; but they could also turn their statutory limitations into opportunities by developing information-based modes of regulation more in tune with current economic and political conditions than the coercive powers denied to them. In fact, a good deal of empirical evidence suggests that regulation by information is often more effective than direct regulation. However, information can change expectations and behaviour only if it is credible. In turn, credibility depends crucially on reputation. It is suggested that networking could help the agencies to enhance their reputation and independence. An agency that sees itself as part of a transnational network is more motivated to defend its independence and professional integrity: unprofessional or politically motivate.
How to monitor renal function in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients

Abstract: The aim is to review the tools for early detection of renal dysfunction after pediatric solid organ transplantation. Currently, the most widely used marker for detection of renal dysfunction involves measurement of GFR. Inulin clearance forms the “gold standard” method for measuring GFR; however, nuclear medicine methods (51Cr EDTA and 99Tc DTPA isotope clearance studies) have replaced inulin clearance. The measurement of serum creatinine has a low sensitivity for the early detection of renal damage. The Schwartz formula using patient height and serum creatinine requires center‐specific constants and has limitations associated with creatinine determination. These limitations may be overcome using a cystatin C‐based GFR estimation. In diabetic nephropathy, and more recently in hemolytic uremic syndrome, microalbuminuria has been established as a useful screening tool for renal damage, while its predictive value in the transplantation setting needs to be established. All transplant recipients should be screened for hypertension. Early referral for ambulatory 24‐h blood pressure monitoring and involvement of pediatric nephrologists should be considered. All pediatric solid organ transplant recipients receiving CNI should be screened regularly for high blood pressure and early evidence of renal damage using either GFR scans or cystatin C‐based GFR estimations.
Comparison of imaging methods for renal artery stenosis

Renovascular hypertension (RVH) is the result of a signi®cant decrease in renal blood ̄ow secondary to a severe arterial lesion (unilateral or bilateral). This review focuses on renal artery stenosis (RAS) which is the most frequent cause of RVH. The prevalence of RVH in the general population of hypertensive patients does not exceed 0.5±1% [1]. Therefore, to avoid false-positive results, the radiological screening of patients must be preceded by clinical selection. The clinical criteria currently accepted as suggestive of RVH are abrupt onset or worsening of hypertension, severe hypertension in a smoker or in a patient with evidence of occlusive arterial disease elsewhere, onset before 20 years of age or after the age of 50, hypertension refractory to standard therapy, abnormal physiological ®ndings such as grade III or grade IV retinopathy, or localized systolic/diastolic bruit over the renal artery. The prevalence of RVH in this selected population may reach 47% [2]. Detection of RVH is important because it is potentially curable by revascularization (percutaneous angioplasty or surgery). Even if medical treatment can be effective for RVH, the detection of RVH is still justi®ed to avoid lifelong medication. Also, if left untreated, RAS is a source of thrombosis, with resultant loss of renal function. The natural history of RAS is dif®cult to assess because of the dif®culties in follow-up. However, in a recent study using duplex ultrasonography (US), Zierler et al. [3] showed in 78 patients that the mean rate of progression of RAS was 8% per year and was most commonly from a degree of stenosis of <60% to one of >60%. There is a major debate about the `gold standard' for diagnosing RVH. A partial or total remission of hypertension obtained 2 months after a revascularization procedure is now considered the gold standard. a
A Linear Approximate Acreage Allocation Model

It is shown that the first-order differential acreage allocation model developed by Bettendorf an Bloome and by Barten and Vanloot, and based on certainty equivalent profit maximization, may be extended to a levels version. The levels model, referred to as a linear approximate acreage allocation model, is potentially useful when panel or cross-sectional data are employed. An empirical application with U.S. state-level corn flex acreage data for the period 1991-95 indicates the feasibility of the approach. Estimated price and scale elasticities are generally larger than previous estimates, and are perhaps indicative of acreage response under the provisions of the 1996 Farm Act.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging mapping of the motor cortex in patients with cerebral tumors.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) to map cerebral functions in patients with frontal or parietal tumors. METHODS Charts and images of patients with cerebral tumors or vascular malformations who underwent FMRI with an echoplanar technique were reviewed. The FMRI maps of motor (11 patients), tactile sensory (12 patients), and language tasks (4 patients) were obtained. The location of the FMRI activation and the positive responses to intraoperative cortical stimulation were compared. The reliability of the paradigms for mapping the rolandic cortex was evaluated. RESULTS Rolandic cortex was activated by tactile tasks in all 12 patients and by motor tasks in 10 of 11 patients. Language tasks elicited activation in each of the four patients. Activation was obtained within edematous brain and adjacent to tumors. FMRI in three cases with intraoperative electrocortical mapping results showed activation for a language, tactile, or motor task within the same gyrus in which stimulation elicited a related motor, sensory, or language function. In patients with > 2 cm between the margin of the tumor, as revealed by magnetic resonance imaging, and the activation, no decline in motor function occurred from surgical resection. CONCLUSIONS FMRI of tactile, motor, and language tasks is feasible in patients with cerebral tumors. FMRI shows promise as a means of determining the risk of a postoperative motor deficit from surgical resection of frontal or parietal tumors.
Variably protease‐sensitive prionopathy: A new sporadic disease of the prion protein

The objective of the study is to report 2 new genotypic forms of protease‐sensitive prionopathy (PSPr), a novel prion disease described in 2008, in 11 subjects all homozygous for valine at codon 129 of the prion protein (PrP) gene (129VV). The 2 new PSPr forms affect individuals who are either homozygous for methionine (129MM) or heterozygous for methionine/valine (129MV).
Extending LTE to unlicensed band - Merit and coexistence

Innovations enabling efficient spectrum utilization is a key element to optimize user experience with growing data demand. This paper discusses the approach of extending enhancements in cellular technology like LTE to unlicensed band for higher spectral efficiency and better user experience. A key challenge for such extension is the coexistence with legacy technology such as Wi-Fi. The description herein highlights techniques for effective coexistence. The results include evaluation and lab data that demonstrate how the technology provide benefit to surrounding Wi-Fi deployment and contribute towards enhancing spectral efficiency of the unlicensed band.
Developing an 'energy sustainability index' to evaluate energy policy

Abstract How well are industrialised nations doing in terms of energy policy? Without a standardised set of metrics to evaluate national energy systems, it is difficult to determine the extent to which energy resources, technologies and infrastructure are truly keeping up with emerging challenges related to climate change, the environment, population growth and economic wellbeing. In response, we propose the creation of an energy sustainability index (ESI) to inform policymakers, investors and analysts about the status of energy conditions. Using the United States as an example, the ESI shows that the country has failed to truly progress on solving some of its most pressing energy problems, and that in many respects conditions have deteriorated. The proposed ESI builds on the substantial body of literature on 'sustainability', and draws on past efforts to measure progress in environmental and energy systems.
A Convoluted Structure for Miniaturized Frequency Selective Surface and Its Equivalent Circuit for Optimization Design

A convoluted frequency selective surface (FSS) is proposed to provide the unit cell dimension as small as 4.84% of the free space wavelength at resonant frequency. The FSS exhibits high resonant stability for various polarizations and incident angles. Its simple geometry is beneficial for not only easy design but also realizing the single and dual bandpass performances. By introducing an inductance in series connected with the traditional LC parallel resonant circuit, an improved equivalent circuit is established, which can describe the FSS frequency responses more accurately. Furthermore, a set of closed forms related to circuit and dimension parameters are developed. It can serve as the substitute of the full-wave solver to enhance the FSS design efficiency significantly. Finally, a dual bandpass FSS operating at 2.5 and 4.95 GHz was fabricated and measured. The measurement results exhibit satisfactory consistency with the full-wave simulation results.
Sources of small family farm production inefficiency, recôncavo region, Bahia, Brazil

The main objective of this study was to identify and analyze the sources of inefficiency in family operated small agricultural properties in the Brazilian state of Bahias Reconcavo region from a sample of 44 producers. A non-parametric approach, in the context of cost minimizing behavior under constant returns to scale, was used to estimate the indices of technical, scale, allocative, and total (economic or cost) efficiency. Results indicated that the largest source small family farm inefficiency in the Reconcavo region is allocative inefficiency, that is to say, the non-observance of price relationships when making production decisions. On the average, 79.1% of these farms total inefficiency is due to allocative inefficiency, 9.3% to technical inefficiency, and 11.7% to scale inefficiency.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Intranasal Midazolam and Chloral Hydrate for Procedural Sedation in Children

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intranasal midazolam and chloral hydrate syrup for procedural sedation in children. Study Design Prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial (double blind, double dummy). Setting Tertiary care hospital over 18 months. Subjects and Methods Eighty-two children, 1 to 6 years old, undergoing auditory brainstem response testing were randomized to receive either intranasal midazolam with oral placebo or chloral hydrate syrup with placebo nasal spray. Intranasal midazolam was delivered at 0.5 mg/kg (100 mcg per spray) and oral syrup at 50 mg/kg. Children not sedated at 30 minutes had a second dose at half the initial dose. The primary outcomes measured were safety and efficacy. Secondary outcomes were time to onset of sedation, parental separation, nature of parental separation, parental satisfaction, audiologist’s satisfaction, time to recovery, and number of attempts. Results Forty-one children were in each group, and no major adverse events were noted. The chloral hydrate group showed earlier onset of sedation (66%) compared with the intranasal midazolam group (33%). Significant difference in time to recovery was noted in the chloral hydrate group (78 minutes) versus the intranasal midazolam group (108 minutes). The parents’ and audiologist’s satisfaction was higher for chloral hydrate (95% and 75%) than for intranasal midazolam (49% and 29%, respectively). Overall, sedation was 95% with chloral hydrate versus 51% with intranasal midazolam. Both drugs maintained sedation. Conclusions Intranasal midazolam and chloral hydrate are both safe and efficacious for pediatric procedural sedation. Chloral hydrate was superior to intranasal midazolam, with an earlier time to onset of sedation, a faster recovery, better satisfaction among parents and the audiologist, and successful sedation.
Human prostatic adenocarcinoma: Some characteristics of a serially transplantable line in nude mice (PC 82)

Transplantation of tissue from a cribriform human prostatic carcinoma resulted in a serially transplantable tumor line in nude mice, PC 82. During 2 1/2 years the tumor has not changed its histological appearance and remained a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. The cells contain large amounts of prostatic acid phosphatase. It has a slow rate of growth and regresses after castration and estrogen treatment. This preliminary information suggests that the PC 82 tumor line may be a suitable model for hormone‐dependent human prostatic cancer.
Efficacy of bevacizumab plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: Updated results from a large observational registry in the US (BRiTE).

3537 Background: Bevacizumab (BV) prolongs overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) when added to standard chemotherapy (CT) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). BRiTE is a large, community-based observational registry of patients with mCRC receiving BV plus first-line CT. Safety and efficacy information in unselected patients with mCRC are collected. Chemotherapy regimen choice is at the physician's discretion. METHODS 1968 patients receiving BV plus first-line CT were enrolled at 248 sites in 49 states between Feb 2004 and Jun 2005. Patients are followed for up to 3 years, with data reporting every 3 months (mo) including disease status as assessed by investigator using his/her method of choice. Patients were grouped twice by CT. Cox regression models, adjusted and unadjusted for treatment assignment, were used to identify baseline characteristics (BC) and differential chemotherapy effects on PFS. RESULTS Cohort demographics were consistent with the NCI Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for mCRC. Median study follow-up was 10 months by Nov 4, 2005. CT regimens included FOLFOX (55.8%), FOLFIRI (14.1%), and IFL (9.7%). Based on observed progression events (n=800) or deaths (n=123), projected median PFS is 11.3 mo (95% CI: 10.4-11.7). Median PFS was comparable in patients treated with CT regimen based on irinotecan (11.3 mo), oxaliplatin (11.4 mo), or neither (10.2 mo) (CT Grouping 1); or 5FU infusion (11.5 mo), 5-FU bolus (9.7 mo), or capecitabine (11.6 mo) (CT Grouping 2). Significant BC in adjusted and unadjusted models are ECOG performance status (PS), primary disease site, and albumin, with no significant difference among CT regimens. CONCLUSIONS This large, community-based registry included a patient population with demographics consistent with the SEER database for mCRC. Preliminary median PFS of 11.3 mo compares favorably to that reported in the pivotal trial. Median PFS appears to be comparable for all CTs when combined with BV. Higher baseline albumin, PS of 0, and primary disease site of rectum were associated with improved outcome. [Table: see text].
Retail Price Cycles and Response Asymmetry

Weekly retail gasoline prices in Windsor, Ontario, from 1989 to 1994 appear to respond faster to wholesale price increases than to decreases, but exhibit a cyclic pattern inconsistent with a common explanation of response asymmetry. I reconcile these observations through a model of price cycles. Prices on the downward portion of the cycle appear insensitive to costs, compared with price increases, supporting the theory that price decreases result from battles over market share. This pattern resembles a faster response to cost increases than to decreases, and the conclusion that asymmetry indicates a role for competition policy may be inappropriate.
Banking and Borrowing in the EU ETS: A Review of Economic Modelling, Current Provisions and Prospects for Future Design

This article deals with the issue of banking and borrowing in the context of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) by attempting to provide a policy-oriented unifying theoretical framework. After describing the main features of the EU ETS, the core part of the article consists of variations of an inter-temporal continuous time optimization model. Additional elements include flexibility measures currently discussed and proposed in other emissions trading systems (USA, Australia), which include the use of safety valves, minimum price auctioning or offsets from domestic or international projects.
The decision-making process of young adult women with cancer who considered fertility cryopreservation.

OBJECTIVE To provide an in-depth description of the decision-making process that women who are diagnosed with cancer undergo as they decide whether to accept or decline fertility cryopreservation. DESIGN A qualitative, grounded theory approach. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Twenty-seven women (mean age = 29 years) who were diagnosed with cancer and were eligible for egg, embryo, or ovarian tissue cryopreservation were recruited from the Internet and two university centers. METHODS Each woman participated in a semistructured interview by phone (n = 21) or e-mail (n = 6). Data were analyzed using the constant-comparative method to inductively ascertain the women's decision-making process. NVivo 8 software was used to assist with data retrieval and analysis. RESULTS The decision-making process consists of four major phases that women experience to actively formulate a decision: identify, contemplate, resolve, and engage. In the identify phase, women acquire knowledge and experience a "double hit" scenario that is often devastating. Within the contemplate phase, five interrelated dimensions emerged including constructing and/or endorsing preferences and values and undergoing decisional debriefing sessions. A decision is reached in the resolve phase and carried out in the engage phase. Among the participants, 14 declined fertility cryopreservation and 13 accepted egg and/or embryo cryopreservation. CONCLUSION The descriptive theoretical framework clarifies the underlying processes that women with cancer undergo to decide about fertility cryopreservation. Quality of care for women with cancer can be improved by implementing appropriately timed information and tailored developmental and contextual counseling to support decision making.
Clostridium difficile infection: an update on epidemiology, risk factors, and therapeutic options

Purpose of review The incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) around the world has increased over the past 20 years due to the emergence of hypervirulent strains, increased use and misuse of antibiotics, and the increase of susceptible at-risk populations. Treatments currently available for CDI are inadequate to impede the increasing spread and virulence of the infection, avoid recurrence in chronic patients or prevent infection in at-risk populations. Recent findings New and promising evidence has been presented during the past year, focusing on two major points: preservation of gut microflora and optimization of immune response to CDI and toxins. Summary The review aims to summarize the most recent evidence available on the epidemiology, risk factors and treatment of CDI. New antibiotics with selected action on C. difficile and limited effect on microflora (fidaxomicin) and donor fecal transplantation seem to have a relevant efficacy in treating CDI and reducing its recurrence. The use of selected monoclonal antibodies directed against C. difficile toxins in addition to standard therapy is a new, promising approach for the treatment of recurrent cases. Vaccination could be an additional weapon against CDI. New robust data are needed before recommendations can be made to abandon current treatment based on vancomycin and metronidazole and move toward new frontiers.