Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment of thoracolumbar spine fractures Tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas da coluna toracolombar

Objective: To evaluate the indications and results of the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures. Methods: Our series consisted of 64 patients (22 women and 42 men, with a mean age of 43 years) with unstable spinal fractures treated operativelly in 2001 in our institution. Patients with multiple fractures, osteoporosis and spinal cord injury were not included in this study. Three subgroups were identified according to the surgical approach. 1) 22 patients operated through anterior approach. 2) 22 patients was operated by combined anterior-posterior approach. 3) 20 patients treated by isolated posterior approach. All patients were preoperatively investigated by plain X-ray, CT and MRI. Classification was performed after complete imaging. Patients with posterior column intact were indicated for anterior approach and patients with posterior column injury were indicated for posterior approach. The extent and severity of damage in anterior column was classified according to LSC in all cases. Six and more points in this classification meant that anterior approach must be added to the surgical treatment. The patients were followed for at least 22 months after operation. Transpedicular fixator, when applied exclusively, was routinely removed after fracture was healed. The end-plates angle of the fractured vertebra was assessed after operation and at the end of follow-up. Results: Type B fractures were most frequent in our series and ocurred in 29 patients. Neither instrumentation failure nor any significant loss of reduction was observed in the first and second groups. In the third group, mean loss of reduction was 3,1°. Conclusion: Progress in imaging technologies provokes the changes in use of traditional classification schemes. We can conclude that adequate imaging examination (Xray, CT, MRI) is crucial for accurate fracture classification including prognostic aspects. Classification viewed in this fashion is the adequate guideline for the selection of the operative approach. Properly selected surgical approach is effective in the prevention of operative treatment failure.
Uncovering Consumer Decision Rules under Complex Dynamic Environments : The Case of Coalition Loyalty Programs

We propose a framework for measuring the impact of a coalition loyalty program on consumers network choice decisions. Unlike single-vendor loyalty programs, coalition loyalty programs generate a very complex dynamic environment in which future rewards from accumulated points influence customers current network choice. In this research, we explicitly model the potential forward-looking incentive of consumers in loyalty programs, while allowing for bounded rationality. Using individuallevel data from a European coalition loyalty program, we apply the Bayesian classification algorithm and estimate heterogeneity in consumer decision rules. Our preliminary results indicate that there is a segment of consumers whose behavior is consistent with the prediction of dynamic programming models, but many consumers do not seem to care about accumulating points until their accumulated points get closer to the threshold level. We provide managerial implications for target marketing designs under such consumer behavior. ∗Associate Professor of Marketing, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. Email: andrew.ching@rotman.utoronto. ca. †Assistant Professor of Marketing, Stern School of Business, New York University. Email: mishihar@stern.nyu. edu.
Collagenous and basement membrane proteins of chordoma: immunohistochemical analysis

Tissue localization of collagenous and basement membrane proteins in the extracellular matrix of five sacro‐coccygeal chordomas and human fetal notochords was examined immunohistochemically to assess the implications for the histogenesis and histological diagnosis of chordoma. Human fetal notochords and conventional chordomas both exhibited basement membrane proteins (such as type IV collagen and laminin) and type VI collagen on the surfaces of cellular cords. Type II collagen, a main structural protein of cartilage, was also present in both tissues. In the chordomas, however, type II collagen was not so widespread as it was in the notochords, and the predominant collagenous protein was type I. In contrast, an altered deposition of these proteins was noticed in a recurrent tumour which, histologically, showed considerable atypia and eventually metastasized to the liver. The characteristic cartilage‐type and basement membrane proteins disappeared and unusual collagen types, such as types III and V, appeared in the stroma. The results further support the notochordal origin of chordoma and suggest that the immunohistochemistry of collagenous and basement membrane proteins may be a helpful criterion for the histological diagnosis and prediction of the biological aggressiveness of chordomas.
Early intervention service for non-abusing parents of victims of child sexual abuse

Background Childhood sexual abuse is a non-specific risk factor for psychopathological disorders in childhood and later life. The response of non-abusing parents to disclosure of abuse may influence the child's outcome. Aims To assess the level of psychopathological symptoms in parents and children following disclosure of sexual abuse and the changes following a parental treatment intervention. Method Parents completed standardised rating scales about their own and their child's symptoms. These were repeated following the intervention. Results Thirty-nine parents of 31 children completed scales at the baseline assessment; 18 repeated these following interventions. Initially, parents reported high rates of psychopathological symptoms in themselves and their children, which were reduced following the intervention. Conclusions This study confirms the high rates of psychopathological symptoms found in parents of children following disclosure of sexual abuse. Children clinically identified for intervention had higher measured levels of psychopathological symptoms. Targeted treatment interventions are needed.
Chronic repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation failed to change dopamine synthesis rate: Preliminary L‐[β‐11C]DOPA positron emission tomography study in patients with depression

We have examined the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on central dopaminergic function in patients with depression using positron emission tomography with L‐[β‐11C]DOPA, a ligand to assess the rate of endogenous dopamine synthesis. Eight patients were treated with 10‐daily sessions of rTMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Positron emission tomography scanning was performed in each patient twice, before the first session and 1 day after the last session. Although four out of eight patients responded to rTMS, there were no changes in the striatal dopamine synthesis rate (k) following rTMS. These results suggest that chronic rTMS had a limited effect on the dopaminergic system.
Electrical Energy Storage — The future roles and challenges

The recent IEC white paper on Electrical Energy Storage presented that energy storage has played three main roles. First, it reduces cost of electricity costs by storing electricity during off-peak times for use at peak times. Secondly, it improves the reliability of the power supply by supporting the users during power interruptions. Thirdly, it improves power quality, frequency and voltage. Energy storage is expected to solve many problems including excessive power fluctuation and undependable power supply due to the use of large penetration levels of renewable energy. Electric vehicles with batteries are the most promising technology to replace fossil fuels by electricity from mostly renewable energy sources. This tutorial presents the future roles and challenges of electrical energy storage.
Stackelberg-game based distributed energy-aware resource allocation in device-to-device communications

Despite the numerous benefits brought by device-to-device (D2D) communications, user equipments (UEs) are typically handheld devices with limited battery life and can quickly run out of battery if power consumption is ignored in the system design. Compared to previous works that have not taken power consumption into consideration, we model the utility function as a weighted sum of achievable transmission rate, power consumption, and interference revenue (or cost) based on multi-objective optimization (MOO) methods. The resource allocation process is modeled as a two-stage Stackelberg game with transmission power and quality of service (QoS) constraints, in which cellular UEs are game leaders who charges D2D UEs for reusing channels, and D2D UEs are game followers who buy channel resources from cellular UEs. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and how the system parameters affect the pricing and transmission power strategies.
Current Sharing and Redistribution in Superconducting DC Cable

Uniform current distribution is shown to be an important requirement in superconducting dc cables. The role of nonuniform critical currents of individual tape sections on current sharing in a multistrand cable was investigated using a controlled parallel network of superconducting tapes with deliberately unequal critical current values. It was shown that if there is a significant variation in the critical currents of individual tape sections used for fabricating the cable, there is a potential that the tapes with lowest critical current carry current close to their critical current even when the cable as a whole is operating below its critical current. The results presented suggest that selection of tape sections with equal critical current prevents hotspots and potential catastrophic damage to the cables. The effect of nonuniform current sharing is particularly important in cables cooled with gaseous helium because of the limited cooling capacity.
Cloning and structure of the human immune interferon‐gamma chromosomal gene.

Two clones containing the human immune interferon‐gamma (IFN‐gamma) chromosomal gene were isolated from a human DNA library present in lambda Charon4A phage. DNA from these clones specified biologically active interferon upon injection into the nuclei of Xenopus laevis oocytes. Analysis of the clones revealed that they were derived from the same chromosomal segment. Restriction fragments that hybridized with 32P‐labeled cDNA probes were subcloned into plasmids and the complete sequence of the IFN‐gamma gene was determined. Unlike IFNs‐alpha and ‐beta, IFN‐gamma does contain introns. Their presence was also revealed by electron microscopy. It is intriguing that the smallest of the three introns is located just in the middle of the Glu‐Glu sequence which is conserved among all three forms of interferon at approximately the same position. The promoter region was found to contain a prototype TATA box, many palindromic structures and several repeating sequences and two symmetrical structures. Particularly interesting was the existence of two sequences homologous to those present in the chicken albumin and the human IFN‐beta gene promoter region. A sequence GTGTTG common to several other genes was found in the region approximately 10 nucleotides downstream from the polyadenylation site.
CArG, CCAAT, and CCAAT-like protein binding sites in avian retrovirus long terminal repeat enhancers

A strong enhancer element is located within the long terminal repeats (LTRs) of exogenous, oncogenic avian retroviruses, such as Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) and the avian leukosis viruses. The LTRs of a second class of avian retroviruses, the endogenous viruses (evs), lack detectable enhancer function, a property that correlates with major sequence differences between the LTRs of these two virus groups. Despite this lack of independent enhancer activity, we previously identified sequences in ev LTRs that were able to functionally replace essential enhancer domains from the RSV enhancer with which they share limited sequence similarity. To identify candidate enhancer domains in ev LTRs that are functionally equivalent to those in RSV LTRs, we analyzed and compared ev and RSV LTR-specific DNA-protein interactions. Using this approach, we identified two candidate enhancer domains and one deficiency in ev LTRs. One of the proposed ev enhancer domains was identified as a CArG box, a motif also found upstream of several muscle-specific genes, and as the core sequence of the c-fos serum response element. The RSV LTR contains two CArG motifs, one at a previously identified site and one identified in this report at the same relative location as the ev CArG motif. A second factor binding site that interacts with a heat-stable protein was also identified in ev LTRs and, contrary to previous suggestions, appears to be different from previously described exogenous virus enhancer binding proteins. Finally, a deficiency in factor binding was found within the one inverted CCAAT box in ev LTRs, affirming the importance of sequences that flank CCAAT motifs in factor binding and providing a candidate defect in the ev enhancer.
HMM-Based Style Control for Expressive Speech Synthesis with Arbitrary Speaker's Voice Using Model Adaptation

This paper presents methods for controlling the intensity of emotional expressions and speaking styles of an arbitrary speaker's synthetic speech by using a small amount of his/her speech data in HMM-based speech synthesis. Model adaptation approaches are introduced into the style control technique based on the multiple-regression hidden semi-Markov model (MRHSMM). Two different approaches are proposed for training a target speaker's MRHSMMs. The first one is MRHSMM-based model adaptation in which the pretrained MRHSMM is adapted to the target speaker's model. For this purpose, we formulate the MLLR adaptation algorithm for the MRHSMM. The second method utilizes simultaneous adaptation of speaker and style from an average voice model to obtain the target speaker's style-dependent HSMMs which are used for the initialization of the MRHSMM. From the result of subjective evaluation using adaptation data of 50 sentences of each style, we show that the proposed methods outperform the conventional speaker-dependent model training when using the same size of speech data of the target speaker.
Extensive Scalp Angioedema following High-Dose Diphenylcyclopropenone for Alopecia Areata

Objective To describe a case of an unusual adverse drug reaction to diphenylcyclopropenone for the treatment of alopecia areata. Case summary A 31-year-old Caucasian male presented with extensive angioedema to the head with neck involvement 10 days following treatment with diphenylcyclopropenone 2% solution in acetone topically on his scalp to treat alopecia areata. Findings on patient presentation included edema of the soft tissues (deeper dermis and subcutaneous tissue) of the head and face with mild neck involvement, acute inflammatory changes from chemical-induced irritation, scalp erythema, and serous fluid drainage from inflamed and fissured edematous scalp. Acute treatments used for control of the reaction included intravenous steroids and antihistamines during hospitalization followed by oral steroids and antihistamines for maintenance during outpatient treatment of the resolving condition. Discussion The role of topical diphenylcyclopropenone in this case of alopecia areata is probable according to the Naranjo criteria, with a score of 8. Diphenylcyclopropenone is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, but it has been used by many clinicians for the treatment of alopecia areata. Diphenylcyclopropenone causes an allergic contact dermatitis in the area of hair loss. In general, diphenylcyclopropenone is applied at a high concentration of 2% once and then at lower concentrations once weekly after the sensitization dose. This patient applied the 2% concentration on multiple consecutive days. Conclusion Frequent use of topical diphenylcyclopropenone 2% applied to the scalp may cause scalp angioedema.
TUMOR MARKERS: A REV IEW

: During the last decade, there has been increasing interest in the use of biomarkers in cancer epidemiology to enhance exposure assessment, to gain insight into disease mechanism, and to understand acquired or inherited susceptibility. To facilitate the use of biomarkers in health research, biomarkers have been divided into categories that depict the spectrum of cancer pathogenesis from exposure to disease. In this paper we are discussing the advantages, disadvantages, and logistical considerations in using biomarkers to answer research questions.
Relationship between plasma testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentrations and male facial hair growth

Linear facial hair growth and the density of facial hair were measured by a photographic method and their relationship to plasma testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentra tions was examined in twelve healthy men. In addition, we investigated eight men with coeliac disease in whom we had previously demonstrated reversible androgen resistance. The divergence of plasma T (increased) and DHT (decreased) concentrations in this condition enabled examination of possible independent actions of these androgens on facial hair growth.
Psychosocial Aspects in Renal Patients

It is not uncommon for renal patients to present with psychosocial problems and behavioral problems. This paper briefly discusses some of the psychosocial factors associated with renal disease and peritoneal dialysis, considers the role that those factors play in relation to clinical treatment, and suggests nursing interventions that involve problem-solving with patients and providing support to caregivers. Because nurses are on the front line in encounters with patients, their contribution can facilitate support for the psychosocial situations of their patients through effective communication within a committed multidisciplinary team that share a vision of the significance of psychosocial intervention.
An electrophysiological analysis of the protective effects of felbamate, lamotrigine, and lidocaine on the functional recovery from in vitro ischemia in rat neocortical slices

We used field potential recording techniques to examine whether felbamate (FBM), lamotrigine (LTG), and lidocaine (LID) protect against the irreversible functional damage induced by transient ischemia. Five minutes of ischemia caused a depression of the field potential in rat cortical slices, which did not recover even after more than 1 h of washout. The N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) antagonist ketamine (50 μM) protected against depression of the field caused by ischemia. On the other hand, the non‐NMDA antagonist 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2.3‐dione (CNQX) (10 μM) had protective effects only if co‐applied with ketamine. We found that either FBM (30–300 μM), which did not modify the amplitude of the field EPSP, or LTG (10–300 μM), which reversibly depressed the excitatory synaptic transmission, had a marked protective effect when superfused before and during the ischemic insult. After FBM (100 μM) and LTG (100 μM), the field EPSP recovered by 84 ± 1% and 73 ± 2.7% of control, respectively. Furthermore, LID (30–300 μM) was less effective than FBM and LTG in inducing a functional recovery from the damage caused by ischemia (58 ± 1.8%). The rank order of potency, based on the maximal protection caused by the three drugs, was FBM > LTG > LID. Our results suggest that a noticeable neuroprotection can be obtained during glucose and O2 deprivation by preventive therapeutic regimens which use the two recently marketed anticonvulsant drugs, FBM and LTG. Synapse 30:371–379, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rescue of the Skeletal Phenotype of Vitamin D Receptor-Ablated Mice in the Setting of Normal Mineral Ion Homeostasis: Formal Histomorphometric and Biomechanical Analyses1.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 has been shown to play an important role in vitro in regulating osteoblast gene transcription and promoting osteoclast differentiation. To address the role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in skeletal homeostasis, formal histomorphometric analyses were performed in VDR null mice in the setting of impaired mineral ion homeostasis as well as in VDR null mice in whom normal mineral ion homeostasis had been preserved. In hypocalcemic VDR null mice, there was an increase in bone volume as a result of a dramatic increase in osteoid. There was also an increase in the number of osteoblasts without a significant change in the number of osteoclasts. Examination of the growth plate revealed marked disorganization, with an increase in vascularity and matrix. Biomechanical parameters demonstrated increased bone fragility in the hypocalcemic VDR null mice. In the VDR ablated mice in whom normal mineral ion homeostasis had been preserved, none of these measurements was significantly different fro.
Past, present, future time perspectives and maladaptive cognitive schemas: associations with student engagement and attrition rates in an online unit of study

The aim of the current study was to investigate time perspectives and maladaptive cognitive schemas as predictors of students’ academic engagement and unit withdrawal. Two hundred and sixteen students studying an online introductory unit in psychology completed an online questionnaire at the start of the unit. Their enrolment status was checked at the end of the unit. The strongest predictors of unit withdrawal were cognitive schemas and time perspectives associated with failure and hedonism. The strongest predictors of academic engagement were cognitive schemas and time perspectives associated with self-control and a focus on future outcomes. Based on these findings, psychological and pedagogical interventions aimed at increasing student engagement and reducing student attrition in online units of study are suggested.