Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of the optimal first‐order gradient moment for flow‐sensitive dephasing magnetization‐prepared 3D noncontrast MR angiography

Flow‐sensitive dephasing (FSD) magnetization preparation has been developed for black‐blood vessel wall MRI and noncontrast MR angiography. The first‐order gradient moment, m1, is a measure of the flow‐sensitization imparted by an FSD preparative module. Determination of the optimal m1 for each individual is highly desirable for FSD‐prepared MR angiography. This work developed a 2D m1‐scouting method that evaluates a range of m1 values for their effectiveness in blood signal suppression in a single scan. The feasibility of using the 2D method to predict blood signal suppression in 3D FSD‐prepared imaging was validated on a flow phantom and the popliteal arteries of 5 healthy volunteers. Excellent correlation of the blood signal measurements between the 2D scouting and 3D FSD imaging was obtained. Therefore, the optimal m1 determined from the 2D m1‐scouting scan may be directly translated to 3D FSD‐prepared imaging. In vivo studies of additional 10 healthy volunteers and 2 patients have demonstrated the proposed method can help significantly improve the signal performance of FSD MR angiography, indicating its potential to enhance diagnostic confidence. Further systematic studies in patients are warranted to evaluate its clinical value. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Drivers and Inhibitors of Big Data as a Service Adoption in India

Abstract The purpose of this research articles is to analyze the characteristics of big data as a service (BDaaS) markets which is currently in its initial stages from adoption driving and inhibiting perspectives. This study theoretically classifies the BDaaS market into drivers and inhibitors through the PEST analysis based on previous literature. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) matrix was used to analyze the segmentation, drivers and inhibitors, to understand the nature of the early BDaaS market. This study has proposed a new theoretical methodology for analyzing the early market of BDaaS and it is expected that this methodology may be used in the market analysis of other fields beyond the BDaaS market. Customer factors in the consumerization phenomenon and social, political, and technological factors in the PEST analysis were the important drivers of BDaaS adoption. Suppliers from the consumerization phenomenon and political factors in the PEST analysis were the most important inhibitors of BDaaS adoption. The results have important implications for policymaking and fostering other newly established BDaaS markets in emerging economies.
Antisaccade deficit after anterior cingulate cortex resection

Suppression of unwanted reflexive saccades is a crucial process allowing to sustain voluntary fixation, when required. This inhibition process, which is mainly controlled by the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, may also involve other cortical and subcortical structures. We prospectively studied the effect of frontal cortical resections involving adjacent regions to the anterior cingulate cortex on the ability to inhibit reflexive saccades. This lesion study included six patients undergoing resection of frontal low grade gliomas, studied prior and after surgery with electro-oculography, using the antisaccade paradigm. Lesions were normalized and mapped in Talairach space allowing to detail the structures whose lesions were associated with antisaccade deficits. In three of the six patients significant early post-operative antisaccade errors were associated with resection of a common critical region, mainly involving the posterior part of the anterior cingulate cortex. This same region was spared in the three remaining patients with no antisaccade deficit, suggesting that the anterior cingulate cortex, known as the cingulate eye field, could play a role in suppression of unwanted saccades.
How do we assess the quality of corporate financial reporting? A methodological issue

espanolEl proposito de este estudio es mostrar una nueva manera de evaluacion de la calidad de la informacion financiera corporativa. Se evalua la calidad de dicha informacion en Bangladesh, un pais con claro predominio familiar, con, practicamente, un entorno no regulado en el que son los incentivos de gestion, mas que la influencia regulatoria, los que generan mas propension a la divulgacion y otras cuestiones relacionadas con la informacion. Se consideran tanto medidas cuantitativas como cualitativas para dar cabida a distintos aspectos de la informacion financiera, ya que una unica variable proxy no cumple con dicha funcion. Las variables cuantitativas son el indice global de divulgacion de la informacion (proxy 1) y los devengos (corporativos, proxy 2), mientras que como variable cualitativa se utilizan las percepciones de los usuarios externos de la informacion financiera (proxy 3). La consecuencia de una menor calidad en los informes financieros se traduce en un menor indice de divulgacion de la informacion, mayores devengos “corporativos” y una impresion negativa por parte de los usuarios. Este articulo proporciona una nueva manera de medir la calidad de la informacion financiera y aporta dos nuevas variables proxy (proxy 1 y proxy 3) a la literatura existente sobre la cuestion EnglishThe purpose of this study is to show a new way of assessing the quality of corporate financial reporting. We assess the quality of corporate financial reporting in Bangladesh, a country where the family predominates and the business environment is virtually unregulated, with managerial incentives rather than regulatory influence more likely to induce disclosures and to influence other reporting issues. Both quantitative and qualitative measures are taken into consideration to account for various aspects of financial reporting, as a single proxy does not cover multiple aspects. The overall disclosure index (proxy 1) and corporate accruals (proxy 2) are taken as quantitative measures, while external users’ perceptions about financial reporting (proxy 3) are taken as a qualitative measure. Lower disclosure index values, higher corporate accruals, and users’ negative impressions result from lower quality financial reports. This study provides a new way of measuring the quality of financial reporting and contributes two new proxies (proxy 1 and proxy 3) to the existing literature on assessing the quality of financial reporting
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Abstract Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is associated with many symptoms including orthostatic intolerance, fatigue, palpitations, and cognitive dysfunction. Treatment, which typically consists of exercise, increased dietary sodium and fluids, compression garments, and medications for orthostatic intolerance, frequently produces unsatisfactory results. The authors report the case of a 26-year-old woman who presented with a 6-year history of severe fatigue, orthostatic intolerance, heat intolerance, cognitive dysfunction, and diffuse pain. She had previously injured her jaw on an obstacle course. Results of a standing test were consistent with POTS. After standard medical therapy was unsuccessful, the patient was referred for osteopathic manipulative treatment. At her 18-month follow-up, the patient's symptoms had improved dramatically. Physicians should consider osteopathic evaluation and manipulative treatment when caring for patients with POTS. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2014;114(11):874-877 doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2014. 173
Morphometric changes in the rat optic nerve following short-term intermittent elevations in intraocular pressure.

PURPOSE Intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations may occur in patients with glaucoma, but how these fluctuations affect axonal populations in the optic nerve and other structures in the eye has been difficult to assess. This study developed a rat model to evaluate the effect of intermittent controlled elevations in IOP on the morphology of the rat optic nerve. METHODS IOP was transiently elevated for 1 hour on each of 6 days a week over 6 weeks with an adjustable vascular loop around the right topically anesthetized eye of Sprague-Dawley rats. IOP was measured by pneumatonometer before, immediately after, and at the end of 1 hour of treatment with ligature. Globes and optic nerve segments were prepared for histology and morphometry. RESULTS Mean baseline IOP of 14.9 ± 1.8 mm Hg increased to 35.3 ± 2.6 mm Hg (P < 0.001) during 1-hour treatments and returned to 15.0 ± 2.2 mm Hg (P = 0.84) 1 hour after completion. The contralateral untreated eyes had a mean IOP of 14.2 ± 1.9 mm Hg at baseline and 14.6 ± 1.9 mm Hg at the end of treatment. Nerve fiber layer thinning (22%-25%) corresponded with a decrease (7%-10%) in soma number in the ganglion cell layer. Optic nerves displayed axonal degeneration with a modest axon loss of 6% and increased expression of glial acidic fibrillary protein in astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS Controlled daily 1-hour IOP elevations can be performed with an adjustable vascular loop in rats. After only 6 weeks, intermittent elevations in IOP produce changes in optic nerve consistent with early degeneration reported in chronic models of glaucoma.
Long‐term results of primary repair of brachial plexus lesions in children

The results of brachial plexus reconstruction in adults are poor, despite the sophistication of the various methods used. However, the same methods used in neonates after obstetrical brachial plexus injury will give far better results because of the shorter distance, stronger potential of regeneration, and capacity of brain adaptation. Complete paralyses, associated root ruptures, and avulsions are very severe, and the end results cannot be evaluated before the end of growth. Although the end results show that the shoulder and elbow do not do as well as in upper‐type lesions, the results at the level of the hand are encouraging, showing 75% with useful function after 8 years, even in patients with avulsion injuries of the lower roots. These results demonstrate the value of the early exploration and repair of the obstetric plexus. We also review our series of traumatic brachial plexus palsy in children. The results are poorer than in neonates, where may be related, in part, to a greater percentage of associated lesions in these patients. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2006
Arthrodesis with a Short Huckstep Nail as a Salvage Procedure for Failed Total Knee Arthroplasty*

Arthrodesis of the knee with use of a short Huckstep nail was performed in thirty-three patients (thirty-three knees) after failure of a non-constrained total knee arthroplasty. The indication for the arthrodesis was an infection in thirty-one knees and a Charcot joint in two. Three knees had had a failed attempt at arthrodesis with use of external fixation. The Huckstep nail was inserted through the knee, retrograde into the femur, and then antegrade into the tibia. The duration of the operation averaged 104 minutes (range, sixty-five to 155 minutes). Local bone graft was used in all knees. At the time of follow-up, at an average of forty-seven months (range, eighteen to ninety-four months), thirty knees (91 per cent) had radiographic evidence of union. The average time to union was 5.2 months (range, two to ten months) after the arthrodesis. Eight knees that had a grossly purulent infection were treated with débridement, which was followed by the arthrodesis as a second-stage procedure; the other knees had a one-stage arthrodesis. Only one of the thirty-one knees that had had an infection before the arthrodesis had a recurrence after it. Arthrodesis with a short Huckstep nail provides immediate axial and rotational stability and allows weight-bearing without use of external support as well as placement of the knee in a slightly flexed and valgus position. In addition, the nail does not migrate and it may be used even when there is a standard-size prosthesis in the ipsilateral hip.
Fibroblast Growth Factor Homologous Factors and the Islet Brain-2 Scaffold Protein Regulate Activation of a Stress-activated Protein Kinase*

Fibroblast growth factor homologous factors (FHFs) form native intracellular complexes with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) scaffold protein islet-brain 2 (IB2) in adult brain. FHF binding to IB2 facilitates recruitment of the MAPK p38δ (SAPK4), while failing to stimulate binding of JNK, the preferred kinase of the related scaffold IB1 (JIP-1). We now report further biochemical evidence supporting FHFs as regulators of IB2 scaffold activity. Mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) and IB2 synergistically activate p38δ but not the MAPKs JNK-1 and p38α. Binding of p38δ to IB2 is mediated by the carboxyl-terminal half of the scaffold (IB2Δ1–436). FHF2 also binds weakly to IB2Δ1–436 and can thereby increase p38δ interaction with IB2Δ1–436. FHF-induced recruitment of p38δ to IB2 is accompanied by increased levels of activated p38δ, and synergistic activation of p38δ by MLK3 and IB2 is further enhanced by FHF2. Consistent with a role for FHFs as signaling molecules, FHF2 isolated from rat brain is serine/threonine-phosphorylated, and FHF can serve as a substrate for p38δ in vitro. These results support the existence of a signaling module in which IB2 scaffolds a MLK3/MKK/p38δ kinase cascade. FHFs aid in recruitment of p38 to IB2 and may serve as kinase substrates.
Pork Peptone Stimulates Cholecystokinin Secretion from Enteroendocrine Cells and Suppresses Appetite in Rats

We found that soybean β-conglycinin peptone (BconP) suppresses food intake through cholecystokinin (CCK) release from enteroendocrine cells in association with binding of the peptone to rat small intestinal brush border membrane (BBM). The aim of the present study was to find new appetite suppressing peptides. Peptones from chicken, pork, beef, beef liver, and egg white were examined for activities to bind with rat BBM, CCK-release from enteroendocrine cell line STC-1, and induce satiety in rats. Chicken and pork peptone (ChickP and PorkP) bound to BBM with highest ability as evaluated with a surface plasmon biosensor. PorkP and ChickP released CCK in higher amounts than BconP from STC-1 cells dose-dependently, with highest stimulation by PorkP. An orogastric preload of PorkP, but not ChickP, suppressed food intake similarly to BconP, dose-dependently. These results suggest that PorkP interacts directly with the small intestinal CCK cells to release CCK, and that it suppresses appetite in rats.
Chlamydia trachomatis infections in eastern Europe: legal aspects, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Objectives: Knowledge concerning genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections in eastern Europe is scarce. Data on the legal aspects, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the infection have never been collected, summarised, and presented to the international scientific community. The aim of this study was to present the current situation on the main aspects of chlamydial infections in the countries of eastern Europe. Methods: Written questionnaires concerning legal aspects, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the infection were distributed among national STI operating administrators as well as researchers who had presented papers at earlier meetings of European chlamydia or STI societies. Results: Most of the countries have not legalised reporting of chlamydial infections and in those who have done so, the quality of the reporting system is poor. Contact tracing is mostly done on a voluntary basis. Reported chlamydia incidence varies from 21 to 276 per 100 000 inhabitants. The most commonly used diagnostic test remains the direct immunofluorescence test; however, some tendencies towards nucleic acid amplification are in evidence. Diagnostic services are paid for by the patient himself, while treatment in many countries is partially or completely covered by public insurance. Conclusions: This is the first report summarising data concerning the situation on C trachomatis infections in eastern Europe. The reporting system and diagnosis of C trachomatis infections remain suboptimal, which allows neither control of the epidemiological situation nor optimal treatment of the patients. The most urgent work currently necessary is the education of professionals and the general population.
Neuroimmunological Effects of Exposure to Methylmercury Forms in the Sprague-Dawley Rats. Activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and Lymphocyte Responsiveness

The effects of different methylmercury (MeHg) forms on the immune system and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis were assessed. The lymphocyte response to Concanavalin A (Con A) stimulation, blood levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone in the presence of different MeHg compounds was measured. Rats were exposed to methylmercury sulfide [(MeHg)2S] and methylmercury chloride (MeHgCl) at concentrations of 5 and 500 μg per liter in the drinking water for 8 or 16 weeks. Short-term exposure (8 weeks) at both, low- and high-doses of (MeHg)2S significantly enhanced lymphocyte responsiveness. MeHgCl only induced increased lymphocyte responsiveness at the low-dose exposure. Circulating levels of IL-6 after short-term exposure were increased in the MeHgCl-exposed group. The HPA axis activation was demonstrated by increased levels of ACTH and corticosterone levels. This response was predominant in low-dose exposed animals. Long-term (16 weeks) exposure resulted in a reduction in lymphocyte proliferation after both low- and high-dose MeHgCl exposures. The (MeHg)2S exposure resulted in a 3-fold increase in the proliferative response. Levels of ACTH were elevated 3-fold in the (MeHg)2S-exposed group, and no increase of corticosterone was observed in the high-dose exposed group at 8 weeks, no effect of(MeHg)2S was observed at 16 weeks. The MeHgCl exposed group showed an increase in ACTH and corticosterone levels at 8 weeks; this response was not observed at 16 weeks. These data indicate that exposure to MeHg compounds enhances T-cell proliferation in most of the cases, in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Release of IL-6 also depends on the length of exposure. Early increases in circulating ACTH at 8 weeks also suggest activation of the HPA axis. This may contribute to the production of IL-6 and surveillance of regulatory homeostatic responses against environmental agents that mimic stress-like responses.
Immediate post‐partum initiation of intrauterine contraception and implants: A review of the safety and guidelines for use

Women are particularly susceptible to unintended pregnancies in the first year after birth, with 10–44% of pregnancies being unintended. In many settings, post‐partum birth control is initiated at the six‐week post‐partum visit but most women are sexually active by this time, and ovulation can occur as early as day 28. There are many potential advantages of initiating intrauterine contraception (IUC) and implants use in the immediate post‐partum period, including their high efficacy and reversibility which rivals sterilisation as well as ease of access to providers trained in their insertion. This review aims to describe the benefits and risks of use of IUC and implants in the immediate post‐partum period. It discusses the maternal and infant health safety issues of early initiation of the progestogen containing methods and provides a critical review of existing international guidelines. Overall low rates of adverse effects such as pain, bleeding, infection and perforation, are documented to occur in all studies regardless of the timing or route of IUC insertion. Expulsion rates are significantly higher immediately after vaginal delivery compared to interval insertions, but are no higher after insertion at caesarean section. Post‐partum implants appear to have the same side effects as interval insertions, and to date, no adverse impact on breast milk or infant growth has been demonstrated. Most international evidence‐based guidelines support the initiation of IUC and progestogen containing contraceptive methods in the immediate post‐partum period as they regard the advantages of provision at this time to outweigh the risks.
Neuromuscular, metabolic, and kinetic adaptations for skilled pedaling performance in cyclists.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to clarify the reason for the difference in the preferred cadence between cyclists and noncyclists. METHODS Male cyclists and noncyclists were evaluated in terms of pedal force, neuromuscular activity for lower extremities, and oxygen consumption among the cadence manipulation (45, 60, 75, 90, and 105 rpm) during pedaling at 150 and 200 W. Noncyclists having the same levels of aerobic and anaerobic capacity as cyclists were chosen from athletes of different sports to avoid any confounding effect from similar kinetic properties of cyclists for lower extremities (i.e., high speed contraction and high repetitions in prolonged exercise) on both pedaling performance and preferred cadence. RESULTS The peak pedal force significantly decreased with increasing of cadence in both groups, and the value for noncyclists was significantly higher than that for cyclists at each cadence despite the same power output. The normalized iEMG for vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles increased in noncyclists with rising cadence; however, cyclists did not show such a significant increase of the normalized iEMG for the muscles. On the other hand, the normalized iEMG for biceps femoris muscle showed a significant increase in cyclists while there was no increase for noncyclists. Oxygen consumption for cyclists was significantly lower than that for noncyclists at 105 rpm for 150 W work and at 75, 90, and 105 rpm for 200 W work. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that cyclists have a certain pedaling skill regarding the positive utilization for knee flexors up to the higher cadences, which would contribute to a decrease in peak pedal force and which would alleviate muscle activity for the knee extensors. We speculated that pedaling skills that decrease muscle stress influence the preferred cadence selection, contributing to recruitment of ST muscle fibers with fatigue resistance and high mechanical efficiency despite increased oxygen consumption caused by increased repetitions of leg movements.
Glycated albumin and risk of death and hospitalizations in diabetic dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Relative to hemoglobin (Hb) A(₁c), glycated albumin (GA) more accurately reflects glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus and ESRD. We determined the association between GA, HbA(₁c), and glucose levels with survival and hospitalizations in diabetic dialysis patients. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Quarterly GA levels were measured for up to 2.33 years in 444 prevalent patients with diabetes and ESRD. Proportional hazard time-dependent covariate models were computed with adjustment for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and laboratory variables. Similar analyses were performed for available HbA(₁c) and monthly random serum glucose determinations. RESULTS The participants were 53% male, 54% African American, 43% Caucasian, 90% on hemodialysis, with a mean (SD) age of 62 (12) years and median follow-up duration of 2.25 years. GA and HbA(₁c) mean ± SD 21.5% ± 6.0%, median 20.4% and mean ± SD 6.9% ± 6.6%, median 1.6%, respectively. There were 156 deaths during the observation period. In best-fit models, predictors of death included increasing GA, increasing age, presence of peripheral vascular disease, decreasing serum albumin, and decreasing hemoglobin concentrations. HbA(1c) and random serum glucose concentrations were not predictive of survival. Increasing GA levels were associated with hospitalization in the 17 days after measurement, whereas HbA(₁c) was not. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to the HbA(₁c) and random serum glucose values, GA accurately predicts the risk of death and hospitalizations in patients with diabetes mellitus and ESRD. The GA assay should be considered by clinicians who care for patients with diabetes on dialysis.