Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multisegmental Foot and Ankle Motion Analysis After Hallux Valgus Surgery

Background: Gait changes in patients with hallux valgus, including altered kinematic and temporal-spatial parameters, have been documented in the literature. Although operative treatment can yield favorable clinical and radiographic results, restoration of normal gait in this population remains unclear. Segmental kinematic changes within the foot and ankle during ambulation after operative correction of hallux valgus have not been reported. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in multisegmental foot and ankle kinematics in patients who underwent operative correction of hallux valgus. Methods: A 15-camera Vicon Motion Analysis System was used to evaluate 24 feet in 19 patients with hallux valgus preoperatively and postoperatively. The Milwaukee Foot Model was used to characterize segmental kinematics and temporal-spatial parameters (TSPs). Preoperative and postoperative kinematics and TSPs were compared using paired nonparametric methods; comparisons with normative data were performed using unpaired nonparametric methods. Outcomes were evaluated using the SF-36 assessment tool. Results: Preoperatively, patients with hallux valgus showed significantly altered temporal-spatial and kinematic parameters. Postoperatively, kinematic analysis demonstrated restoration of hallux position to normal. Hallux valgus angles and intermetatarsal angles were significantly improved, and outcomes showed a significant increase in performance of physical activities. Temporal-spatial parameters and kinematics in the more proximal segments were not significantly changed postoperatively. Conclusion: Postoperative results demonstrated significant improvement in foot geometry and hallux kinematics in the coronal and transverse planes. However, the analysis did not identify restoration of proximal kinematics. Clinical Relevance: Further investigation is necessary to explore possible causes/clinical relevance and appropriate treatment interventions for the persistently altered kinematics.
Morphology and Composition of the Surface of Mars: Mars Odyssey THEMIS Results

The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) on Mars Odyssey has produced infrared to visible wavelength images of the martian surface that show lithologically distinct layers with variable thickness, implying temporal changes in the processes or environments during or after their formation. Kilometer-scale exposures of bedrockare observed; elsewhere airfall dust completely mantles the surface over thousands of square kilometers. Mars has compositional variations at 100-meter scales, for example, an exposure of olivine-rich basalt in the walls of Ganges Chasma. Thermally distinct ejecta facies occur around some craters with variations associated with crater age. Polar observations have identified temporal patches of water frost in the north polar cap. No thermal signatures associated with endogenic heat sources have been identified.
The Dilution Effect in Investment Decisions

Investment decisions are among the most important managerial decisions. The purpose of this study is to examine whether non-diagnostic information in investment decisions elicits a dilution effect such that decision outcomes deviate from a Net Present Value (NPV) assessment. We also answer the question of whether the dilution effect is contingent upon the level of uncertainty in investment decisions. We provide theoretical explanations and experimental evidence on how non-diagnostic information affects decision makers and how that reflects in their investment behavior. Based on a lab experiment we find – in line with our expectation – that non-diagnostic information creates a dilution effect in investment decisions and influences investments. We show that the amount of non-diagnostic information is related to the magnitude of the dilution effect. Our results also indicate that decision makers reduce investment amounts when facing uncertainty and that information cue characteristics alter decision outcomes, even if the information provided is non-diagnostic.
Quantitative and three‐dimensional aspects of the rat parathyroid gland in normo‐, hypo‐, and hypercalcemia

The ultrastructure of the rat parathyroid has been under study for more than 35 years, but controversies still exist, especially regarding structure‐function relationships. The present review focuses on recent morphological parathyroid research on rats under normal conditions and in various states of disturbed calcium metabolism. To facilitate discussions on functional aspects, current biochemical data, particularly those dealing with the regulation of parathyroid hormone synthesis and release, are also considered. Our results from quantitative studies and from investigations employing serial sectioning form the basis for the discussions. A central issue is whether the parathyroid secretory cells undergo secretory cycles. Prompted by results obtained from improved fixation procedures and serial sectioning, we question the basis for the theory of secretory cycles. Since the rat parathyroid secretory cell is polar, a single section is not an appropriate sample for estimating functional activity and for comparing the structure and distribution of intracellular components of adjacent cells. The heterogeneity in ultrastructural appearance of intracellular vesicles calls for the use of specific markers in relating the structure of the vesicular compartment to intracellular processing of hormone. The importance of unbiased quantitative techniques is illustrated in discussions on cell number and size for estimating the response of the parathyroid gland to different functional states or disorders demanding changes in secretion of parathyroid hormone, e.g., hyper‐ and hypocalcemia. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Virtual rehabilitation of upper-limb function in traumatic brain injury: A mixed-approach evaluation of the Elements system

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the Elements virtual reality (VR) system for rehabilitation of upper-limb function in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). A mixed-approach design was used. Performance was evaluated at three time points using a within-group design: Preintervention 1 and 2, conducted 4 weeks apart, and Postintervention. Subjective ratings were provided after patients completed exploratory tasks. The intervention consisted of 12 1-hour training sessions over 4 weeks in addition to conventional physical therapy. Nine patients aged 18–48 years with severe TBI were recruited. The Elements system is comprised of a 40-inch tabletop LCD, camera tracking system, tangible user interfaces (i.e., graspable objects), and software. The system provided two modes of interaction with augmented feedback: goal-directed and exploratory. Upper-limb performance was assessed using system-rated measures (movement speed, accuracy, & efficiency), and standardised tests. Planned comparisons revealed little change in performance over the pretest period apart from an increase in movement speed. Significant training effects, with large effect sizes were shown on most measures. Subjective data revealed high levels of presence (inc. user involvement/control) and user satisfaction for the exploratory tasks. These findings support an earlier case study evaluation of the Elements system, further demonstrating that VR training is a viable adjunct in movement rehabilitation of TBI.
Ten year follow-up study comparing conservative versus operative treatment of anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. A matched-pair analysis of high level athletes

Objective: To compare long term outcome of highly active patients with anterior cruciate ligament ruptures treated operatively versus non-operatively. Design: We reviewed high level athletes with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture on either MRI or arthroscopic evaluation more than 10 years previously, who were treated conservatively. They were pair-matched with patients who had had an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patella-tendon-bone, with respect to age, gender and Tegner activity score before injury. Participants: In total 50 patients were pair-matched. Results: We found no statistical difference between the patients treated conservatively or operatively with respect to osteoarthritis or meniscal lesions of the knee, as well as activity level, objective and subjective functional outcome. The patients who were treated operatively had a significantly better stability of the knee at examination. Conclusion: We conclude that the instability repair using a bone-patella-tendon-bone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a good knee stabilising operation. Both treatment options however show similar patient outcome at 10 year follow up.
Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Hormonal Contraceptive Use, and Cardiometabolic Disease Risk in an Ethnically Diverse Population of Young Adults

Objectives: The relationship between vitamin D and cardiometabolic disease risk across ethnic groups is unclear, and it is not known whether the use of hormonal contraceptives (HCs), which affect vitamin D metabolism and are also associated with cardiometabolic disease risk, modifies this relationship. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] < 30 nmol/L) to assess seasonal variation in concentrations of 25(OH)D, and to examine whether 25(OH)D is associated with cardiometabolic biomarkers across ethnic groups and across men, female HC nonusers, and female HC users in an ethnically diverse population of young adults living in Canada. Methods: The study population consisted of Caucasian, East Asian, and South Asian individuals (n = 1384, 69% female) aged 20–29 years. Participants provided overnight fasting blood samples, from which plasma 25(OH)D and cardiometabolic biomarkers were measured. Vitamin D status distributions were compared using χ2 tests, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine seasonal variations in 25(OH)D, as well as the association between 25(OH)D and cardiometabolic biomarkers, across groups. Results: Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations fluctuated seasonally among Caucasians and East Asians and across men, female HC nonusers, and female HC users, but they remained low year-round in South Asians, half of whom were vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher insulin, homeostasis model assessment–estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-beta among Caucasians and East Asians and among men and female HC nonusers and with higher triglycerides among men only. No biomarkers were associated with 25(OH)D among South Asians and female HC users, although nonsignificant trends were observed for higher markers of glycemic dysregulation in those who were vitamin D deficient in both groups. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency varies between ethnic groups and is particularly high among South Asians, and it is associated with biomarkers of glycemic dysregulation; however, HC use among women may attenuate this association. Given the widespread use of HCs by women throughout the world, a better understanding of the extent to which these medications may modify the relationship between vitamin D and processes related to disease is warranted.
Can Sukuk Support Sustainable Development through Monetary Policy Transmission?

Currently, the Islamic financial sector has become a global concern because it has potential in the development of a country. One of the products in this sector in the Islamic capital market is Sukuk. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of Sukuk on inflation and economic growth in Indonesia through monetary policy transmission. The analytical method used is a cointegration approach to analyze the relationship between the balance of sukuk, inflation and economic growth in the short and long term. The research variables used are the monetary transmission of asset price channel, namely Sukuk, consumption, inflation, interest rate, economic growth, and the composite stock price index. The results showed that in the short term, Sukuk does not have a balance relationship and influence on inflation, but sukuk has a balance and influence relationship on economic growth and composite stock price index through the channel of asset prices. This indicates that it is important for the relevant Indonesian authorities to improve the development of the Islamic capital market especially Sukuk to support sustainable development, because capital financing for companies and financing of fiscal deficits for the government can be obtained from its own population, accordingly that Indonesia's dependence on foreign debt can be reduced and the development process continues. Keywords— Sukuk; Monetary Policy Transmission; Inflation; Economic Growth
Feeding different dietary protein to energy ratios to Holstein heifers: effects on growth performance, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation parameters

Eighteen Chinese Holstein heifers average age 230 ± 14 days were allocated to 1 of 3 dietary crude protein (CP) to metabolizable energy (ME) ratios to examine the effects on growth performance, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation parameters with 90-days experiment. Three different dietary CP:ME ratios were targeted based on the formulation of dietary CP contents of 10.85%, 12.78% and 14.63% on dry matter (DM) basis with similar ME contents (10.42 MJ/kg DM), which were categorized as low, medium and high dietary CP:ME ratios. The actual CP:ME ratios obtained in this study significantly increased from low to high CP:ME ratio groups with a value of 10.59, 11.83 and 13.38 g/MJ respectively. Elevated CP:ME ratios significantly increased CP intake (kg/day) and feed efficiency (FE) which was defined as dry matter intake as a proportion of average daily gain (ADG), whereas little difference was observed in body weight (kg), ADG (kg/day), DM intake (kg/day) and ME intake (MJ/day) among the three different CP:ME ratio groups. Increasing dietary CP to ME ratios significantly increased CP digestibility, whereas digestibility of DM and gross energy remained constant in the current experiment. Blood urea nitrogen and insulin-like growth factor-1 linearly increased with increasing dietary CP:ME ratios. There was significantly dietary treatment effect on rumen fermentation parameters including acetate, propionate, butyrate and total volatile fatty acids. Therefore, this study indicated that increasing dietary CP levels with similar energy content contributed to increased protein intake and its digestibility, as well as FE. Holstein heifers between 200 and 341 kg subjected to 13.38 dietary CP:ME ratio showed improved feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, some blood metabolites and rumen fermentation characteristics for 0.90 kg/day rate of gain.
Job embeddedness and retention: a study among teachers in private Islamic schools in Malaysia

Malaysia is in the midst of embracing the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and is working hard to strengthen the educational sector so that the future human capital possesses high ethical values and morality. Term like internet of things become the buzzword of the day but still, Islamic education providers particularly private Islamic schools in Malaysia are still struggling to survive and coupled with high turnover rates among the teachers, they have difficulty in producing high quality Islamic education. They are in dire needs of teachers who are willing to stay and sacrifice for students. Despite the high turnover rate, there are teachers who are still willing to stay and hence, the study was conducted to investigate the reasons for the teachers to stay. Job embeddedness theory was used in this study because it was able to uncover the reasons why employees stay in organizations and thus, the study examined the relationship between job embeddedness and employee retention among teachers in private Islamic schools in Malaysia. Three hundred and ninety school teachers in private Islamic schools participated in the study and the data was collected using survey forms. The findings revealed that fit to organization, fit to Islamic school practices, fit to community, links to school and organization-related sacrifices were significantly related to employee retention. The findings contribute significantly to the school administrators. Islamic education aims to nurture the young people as the future leaders. High turnover rates could negatively affect the goal of Islamic education and thus, the administrators and the policy makers have to give attention to the pressing issue especially in the era of technological sophistication.
Osteoporosis screening for men: are family physicians following the guidelines?

OBJECTIVE To determine rates of screening for osteoporosis among men older than 65 years and to find out whether family physicians are following the recommendations of the Osteoporosis Society of Canada's 2002 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Osteoporosis in Canada. DESIGN Chart audit. SETTING The Family Medicine Centre at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston, Ont. PARTICIPANTS All male patients at the Family Medicine Centre older than 65 years for a total of 565 patients associated with 20 different physicians' practices. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Rates of screening with bone mineral density (BMD) scans for osteoporosis, results of BMD testing, and associations between results of BMD testing and age. RESULTS Of the 565 patients reviewed, 108 (19.1% of the study population) had received BMD testing. Rates of screening ranged from 0% to 38% in the 20 practices. Among 105 patients tested (reports for 3 patients were not retrievable), 15 (14.3%) were found to have osteoporosis, 43 (41.0%) to have osteopenia, and 47 (44.8%) to have normal BMD results. No significant association was found between BMD results and age. Screening rates were higher among men older than 75 years than among men aged 65 to 75 and peaked among those 85 to 89 years old. CONCLUSION On average, only about 20% of male patients older than 65 years had been screened for osteoporosis, so most of these men were not being screened by BMD testing as recommended in the guidelines. Considering the relatively high rates of osteoporosis and osteopenia found in this study and the known morbidity and mortality associated with osteoporotic fractures in this population, higher rates of BMD screening and more widespread treatment of osteoporosis could prevent many fractures among these patients. Family physicians need to become more aware of the risk factors indicating screening, and barriers to screening and treatment of osteoporosis in men need to be identified and addressed.
Apolipoprotein A-I and cholesterol in synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate lipid and apolipoprotein (Apo) levels in synovial fluid (SF) and serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS SF of 44 patients (14 RA, 14 PsA, 16 OA) was tested for Apo A-I, HDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), IL-1Beta, TNF-alpha, white blood cell count (WBC) and polymorphonucleate (PMN) percentage. Blood samples, collected simultaneously to the SF, were examined for Apo A-I, HDL-C, TC, TNF-alpha, serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Thirty-three healthy donors served as a control group. RESULTS Serum levels of Apo A-I, HDL-C and TC were higher in OA as compared with RA, PsA and the control group. The patients with inflammatory arthritis had lower serum levels of Apo A-I and HDL-C than did the controls. Apo A-I concentrations were higher in SF of RA patients, while PsA showed the highest concentration of TC, though not reaching statistical significance. A negative correlation was found between serum Apo A-I and synovial WBC (r=-0.48 p=0.002) and IL-1Beta (r=-0.42 p=0.016). There was a strong positive correlation between the Apo A-I SF/serum ratio and synovial WBC (r=0.73 p<0.001), IL-1Beta (r=0.68 p<0.001) and a weak, yet significant, correlation with serum CRP (r=0.49 p=0.002) and SAA (r=0.41 p=0.008). CONCLUSION Our study confirms that in RA Apo A-I and TC levels are decreased in plasma and increased in SF, thus suggesting infiltration of HDL particles in the inflamed joint with inhibition of the local production of proinflammatory cytokines. On the other hand, it can be hypothesized that the sequestration of Apo A-I in the inflamed tissue may, in part, account for the reduction of circulating HDL and the excess cardiovascular risk in RA and PsA patients.
Corporate Debt Composition and Business Cycles

Based on empirical evidence, I propose a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with two financial sectors to analyze the role of corporate debt composition (bank versus bond financing) in the transmission of economic shocks. It is shown that in the presence of monetary and financial shocks, cyclical changes in corporate debt composition significantly attenuate the effects on investment and output. An additional result of the theoretical model is that a bank-dependent economy is more affected by financial shocks, which is in line with empirical results by Gambetti and Musso (2016), who report stronger real effects of loan supply shocks in Europe (with an excessive reliance on bank debt) than in the US.
The Social Clock of the Honeybee

The honeybee has long been an important model for studying the interplay between the circadian clock and complex behaviors. This article reviews studies further implicating the circadian clock in complex social behaviors in bees. The article starts by introducing honeybee social behavior and sociality and then briefly summarizes current findings on the molecular biology and neuroanatomy of the circadian system of honeybees that point to molecular similarities to the mammalian clockwork rather than to that of Drosophila. Foraging is a social behavior in honeybees that relies on the circadian clock for timing visits to flowers, time-compensated sun-compass navigation, and dance communication used by foragers to recruit nestmates to rewarding flower patches. The circadian clock is also important for the social organization of honeybee societies. Social factors influence the ontogeny of circadian rhythms and are important for social synchronization of worker activities. Both queen and worker bees switch between activities with and without circadian rhythms. In workers this remarkable plasticity is associated with the division of labor; nurse bees care for the brood around the clock with similar levels of clock gene expression throughout the day, whereas foragers have strong behavioral circadian rhythms with oscillating brain clock gene levels. This plasticity in circadian rhythms is regulated by direct contact with the brood and is context-specific in that nurse bees that are removed from the hive exhibit activity with strong behavioral and molecular rhythms. These studies on the sociochronobiology of honeybees and comparative studies with other social insects suggest that the evolution of sociality has influenced the characteristics of the circadian system in honeybees.