Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Significance of Serum and Urinary Neopterin Concentrations in Patients with Rectal Carcinoma Treated with Chemoradiation.

AIM To analyze the prognostic significance of serum and urinary neopterin concentrations in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma treated with (chemo)radiation. PATIENTS AND METHODS Urinary and serum neopterin and peripheral blood cell count were determined in 49 patients with rectal carcinoma before the start of (chemo)radiation. RESULTS Neopterin concentrations exhibited a significant inverse correlation with hemoglobin and positive correlation with leukocyte count, platelet count and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio. Increased serum neopterin concentration was associated with significantly inferior relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival. However, a significant association was observed only in 28 patients treated in the neoadjuvant setting. Although increased urinary neopterin was also associated with inferior RFS and overall survival, this was not statistically significant. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was also associated with poor prognosis. CONCLUSION The data presented herein indicate a prognostic significance of serum neopterin concentrations in patients with rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation.
Defects in GaSe grown by Bridgman method

Optical quality GaSe crystals have been grown by vertical Bridgman method. The structural properties and micromorphology of a cleaved GaSe(001) surface have been evaluated by RHEED, SEM and AFM. The cleaved GaSe(001) is atomically flat with as low roughness as ∼0.06 nm excepting local hillock type defects. The hillock‐type formations are round‐shaped with a bottom diameter of ∼200 nm and a height of ∼20–35 nm. The drastic depletion of the hillock material by gallium has been indicated by EDX measurements.
Misidentification of Major Constituents by Automatic Qualitative Energy Dispersive X-ray Microanalysis: A Problem that Threatens the Credibility of the Analytical Community

Automatic qualitative analysis for peak identification is a standard feature of virtually all modern computer-aided analysis software for energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry with electron excitation. Testing of recently installed systems from four different manufacturers has revealed the occasional occurrence of misidentification of peaks of major constituents whose concentrations exceeded 0.1 mass fraction (10 wt%). Test materials where peak identification failures were observed included ZnS, KBr, FeS2, tantalum-niobium alloy, NIST Standard Reference Material 482 (copper–gold alloy), Bi2Te3, uranium–rhodium alloys, platinum–chromium alloy, GaAs, and GaP. These misidentifications of major constituents were exacerbated when the incident beam energy was 10 keV or lower, which restricted or excluded the excitation of the high photon energy K- and L-shell X-rays where multiple peaks, for example, Kα (K-L2,3)–Kβ (K-M2,3); Lα (L3-M4,5)–Lβ (L2-M4)–Lγ (L2-N4), are well resolved and amenable to identification with high confidence. These misidentifications are so severe as to properly qualify as blunders that present a serious challenge to the credibility of this critical analytical technique. Systematic testing of a peak identification system with a suite of diverse materials can reveal the specific elements and X-ray peaks where failures are likely to occur.
Age: A Truly Confounding Variable

As Hinshaw (1981) has noted, the process of designing research might best be conceptualized as a series of informed decisions that involve constant trade-offs and compromise. With each advantage gained by a particular theoretical or methodological decision, the researcher inherits a certain number of threats to the study's internal and external validity and a potential number of error sources. Because of the nature of the research questions of interest to nurses and because of situational and contextual constraints in the clinical setting, nurse researchers often are required to select samples that contain small or large proportions of elderly subjects. The purpose of this article has been to raise some of the theoretical and methodological issues associated with the selection of both age-heterogeneous samples and age-homogeneous samples. Although in research all possible error sources cannot be controlled, it is possible to reduce the amount of error by a clear understanding of the implications of choices regarding age-related issues and inclusion of design features that reduce the amount of error introduced when research subjects who are relatively young are studied along with research subjects who are elderly.
Birth Order and Fratricide: An evaluation of Sulloway's hypothesis

Sulloway (1996) suggested that older siblings were more likely to be fratricidal than younger ones. Our data, based on 113 case studies found in the psychiatric, psychological and criminological literature since 1959, confirms his hypothesis. In 72 out of the 92 cases (78%) where age could be determined, the aggressor was older than the victim. The same held true even when the age of aggressor, sex of aggressor and victim, presence or not of a blood tie, and presence of one or more victims are taken into account. Surprisingly, most of the aggressors in our sample were under the age of 18 years. Also, firstborns were more often the aggressor than the victim. This result seems to confirm the Adlerian theory of dethronement. Some suggestions and hypotheses are advanced for future research to improve our understanding of this phenomenon.
Evidence on formal strategic planning and company performance

Purpose – This empirical study of 113 UK companies attempts to examine the relationship between formal strategic planning and financial performance in a non‐US context while taking into consideration the important contingent variables identified by previous researchers of organizational size, environmental turbulence and industry.Design/methodology/approach – Based on a postal questionnaire primary data was collected from 113 UK companies. A series of multivariate analyses were undertaken to test the hypothesized relationships.Findings – While hypotheses explaining the formality of a company's planning process were well accounted for, no relationship between formal planning process and subjective company performance was observed.Research limitations/implications – Measurement validity may be a problem. The data are cross‐sectional, therefore causal linkages among the variables cannot be firmly established. Related to this point is the fact that firm performance is a function of prior, not current, plannin.
Angiogenesis Is Not Impaired in Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) Knock-out Mice

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a member of the CCN family of growth factors. CTGF is important in scarring, wound healing, and fibrosis. It has also been implicated to play a role in angiogenesis, in addition to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In the eye, angiogenesis and subsequent fibrosis are the main causes of blindness in conditions such as diabetic retinopathy. We have applied three different models of angiogenesis to homozygous CTGF−/− and heterozygous CTGF+/− mice to establish involvement of CTGF in neovascularization. CTGF−/− mice die around birth. Therefore, embryonic CTGF−/−, CTGF+/−, and CTGF+/+ bone explants were used to study in vitro angiogenesis, and neonatal and mature CTGF+/− and CTGF+/+ mice were used in models of oxygen-induced retinopathy and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. Angiogenesis in vitro was independent of the CTGF genotype in both the presence and the absence of VEGF. Oxygen-induced vascular pathology in the retina, as determined semi-quantitatively, and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, as determined quantitatively, were also not affected by the CTGF genotype. Our data show that downregulation of CTGF levels does not affect neovascularization, indicating distinct roles of VEGF and CTGF in angiogenesis and fibrosis in eye conditions.
On the nature (and nurture) of gender differences in work preferences. Evidence from East and West Germany

We study the origins of gender differences in work preferences and examine a nature-versusnurture explanation by exploiting the division of Germany and its reunification in 1990 as a natural experiment. We test hypotheses on how disparate political systems may have nurtured different gender gaps in preferences, based on German-General-Social-Survey data from 1991, 1998 and 2012. Our analyses reveal a substantial East-West difference in the gender gap directly after reunification and no convergence thereafter. In line with the nurture hypothesis, the findings are driven by cohorts who grew up during separation, and are robust to potential pre-separation differences, selective migration and heterogeneity across states. JEL Codes: C21, J24, P51
Chemomechanical mapping of ligand–receptor binding kinetics on cells

The binding kinetics between cell surface receptors and extracellular biomolecules is critical to all intracellular and intercellular activity. Modeling and prediction of receptor-mediated cell functions are facilitated by measurement of the binding properties on whole cells, ideally indicating the subcellular locations or cytoskeletal associations that may affect the function of bound receptors. This dual need is particularly acute vis à vis ligand engineering and clinical applications of antibodies to neutralize pathological processes. Here, we map individual receptors and determine whole-cell binding kinetics by means of functionalized force imaging, enabled by scanning probe microscopy and molecular force spectroscopy of intact cells with biomolecule-conjugated mechanical probes. We quantify the number, distribution, and association/dissociation rate constants of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 with respect to a monoclonal antibody on both living and fixed human microvascular endothelial cells. This general approach to direct receptor imaging simultaneously quantifies both the binding kinetics and the nonuniform distribution of these receptors with respect to the underlying cytoskeleton, providing spatiotemporal visualization of cell surface dynamics that regulate receptor-mediated behavior.
Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and Male Facial Attractiveness: New Data and a Meta-Analysis

Digit ratio (2D:4D) appears to correlate negatively with prenatal testosterone (T) effects in humans. As T probably increases facial masculinity, which in turn might be positively related to male facial attractiveness, a number of studies have looked into the relationship between 2D:4D and male facial attractiveness, showing equivocal results. Here, I present the largest and third largest samples so far, which investigate the relationship between 2D:4D and male facial attractiveness in adolescents (n = 115) and young men (n = 80). I then present random-effects meta-analyses of the available data (seven to eight samples, overall n = 362 to 469). These showed small (r ≈ −.09), statistically non-significant relationships between 2D:4D measures and male facial attractiveness. Thus, 2D:4D studies offer no convincing evidence at present that prenatal T has a positive effect on male facial attractiveness. However, a consideration of confidence intervals shows that, at present, a theoretically meaningful relationship between 2D:4D and male facial attractiveness cannot be ruled out either.
Spillover Effects in Mutual Fund Companies

Our paper investigates spillover effects across different business segments of publicly traded mutual fund management companies. We find that the prior stock price performance of the management company has a significant impact on the money flows and the management turnover of the affiliated mutual funds. Mutual funds managed by poorly performing firms experience unexpectedly low flows of new money and exhibit a significantly higher attrition of fund managers even if the mutual funds themselves performed well. Our results remain strong for companies where mutual funds account for only a small fraction of the overall revenues and hold for both equity and bond mutual funds. These results indicate that the financial health of a diversified firm has a significant impact on the prospects of the various business segments.
Changes in the dendritic organization of neurons in the cerebral cortex following deafferentation.

Degenerative changes in the deafferentated neurons of the lateral geniculate body have been demonstrated (Le Gros Clark & Penman, 1933) and similar dependence of neuron populations on the integrity of their afferent input has been sought elsewhere in the central nervous system. Allison (1954) has described changes in the neurons of the prepiriform cortex after degeneration of the olfactory tract, in Nissl-stained preparations. In the present study we have examined Golgi-Cox preparations of the prepiriform cortex of the rat brain after olfactory bulb resection. previous the perikaryon, we of dendrite
Human synovial cells secrete a 39 kDa protein similar to a bovine mammary protein expressed during the non-lactating period.

By SDS/PAGE analysis we have observed that human synovial cell monolayers secrete a prominent 39 kDa protein which could not be detected in skin and lung fibroblasts. This protein was purified to homogeneity by heparin-Sepharose chromatography and reverse-phase h.p.l.c. The N-terminal sequence was found to be almost identical to that of a recently described bovine protein detected in the mammary secretions during the involutionary phase of the lactational cycle. Characterization of this 39 kDa protein may provide a useful marker for classification of connective tissue cells.
Cats and toxoplasmosis risk in HIV-infected adults.

OBJECTIVE To establish the prevalence and incidence of toxoplasmosis in an adult human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) population, and to determine if cat ownership contributes to the risk of toxoplasmosis. DESIGN Retrospective record and laboratory review, coupled with a patient survey. SETTING A tertiary-care military hospital HIV program. PATIENTS A total of 723 HIV-infected adults, all former or current US military personnel. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence and incidence of serologic evidence of toxoplasmosis infection. RESULTS A total of 723 HIV-infected patients had serial Toxoplasma IgG antibody determinations. Seventy patients (9.7%) were positive on their initial screen; the seronegative patients were tested annually for 1 to 5 years (mean duration of follow-up, 2.1 years). Only 13 patients (2.0%) who were initially seronegative acquired antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. None of the patients who seroconverted developed clinical disease. A pet history was available on 12 of 13 patients who seroconverted; only one (8.3%) had owned or lived in a household with a cat during the period of seroconversion. The calculated attributable risk of cat ownership/exposure for toxoplasmosis seroconversion in this population is -2.9 per 100 persons annually. CONCLUSION Toxoplasma antibody seroconversion in an adult HIV-infected population is unusual and appears unrelated to cat ownership or exposure.
AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTION AND AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE IN RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Background. Abnormal circadian blood pressure (BP) rhythm (nondipping) and autonomic dysfunction are both common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is not known whether these abnormalities are related or if they are associated with greater left ventricular hypertrophy. Methods. Nineteen renal transplantation (RT) recipients, aged 22–67 years, who were transplanted at least 12 months (1–29 years) previously, were studied with 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Autonomic function was tested by automated analysis of heart rate variations and echocardiography was used to estimate left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Results. Thirteen patients (68%) were nondippers. Although seven (37%) patients had significant parasympathetic dysfunction, this was not related to dipper status. Neither abnormality showed a tendency to diminish with time after RT. Systolic hypertension, diagnosed by ABPM, occurred in 5% of patients during the awake period and in 52% during sleep, whereas diastolic hypertension occurred in 47% when awake and in 63% when asleep. Awake systolic BP was the strongest predictor of LVMI (r=0.7, P <0.001), and was considerably better than systolic BPs recorded at the clinic (r=0.48, P <0.05). Conclusions. Nondipping is common after RT but is not related to the degree of autonomic dysfunction. These findings suggest that autonomic dysfunction is not a major contributor to nondipping in ESRD. In RT patients, ABPM is a more sensitive measure of hypertension and a stronger predictor of LVMI than clinic BP.
Semidefinite relaxation approximation for multivariate bi‐quadratic optimization with quadratic constraints

In this paper, we consider the NP‐hard problem of finding global minimum of quadratically constrained multivariate bi‐quadratic optimization. We present some bounds of the considered problem via approximately solving the related bi‐linear semidefinite programming (SDP) relaxation. Based on the bi‐linear SDP relaxation, we also establish some approximation solution methods, which generalize the methods for the quadratic polynomial optimization in (SIAM J. Optim. 2003; 14:268–283). Finally, we present a special form, whose bi‐linear SDP relaxation can be approximately solved in polynomial time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Maternal Attitudes on Children with Reading Disabilities

This study focused on attitudes expressed by mothers of 38 children with reading disabilities, as well as upon the intellective function of these children. Results indicated that the children manifested relatively superior verbal ability but, in spite of this fact, had failed to develop adequate reading skills. The youngsters also demonstrated inferior retentive ability which did not appear to be in keeping with their over-all intellectual ability. The results of the survey of maternal attitudes suggested that the mothers appeared to be authoritarian and controlling, with problems in the area of accepting their maternal role and a consequently higher degree of marital disharmony that is presumed to have a deleterious effect upon the child's development. It was concluded that maternal attitudes probably have a significant effect upon the motivation of the child to develop reading skills and that the lack of development of reading skills may reflect an attempt by the child to resist maternal pressures for achievement.
The design of pilot telecare projects and their integration into mainstream service delivery

summary We studied the introduction of a telecare and rehabilitation scheme in north-west Surrey. It was decided not to create a new team to provide the new services, but to involve established teams and individuals. The introduction of telecare therefore added to the roles and responsibilities of these teams. This staffing policy helped to establish awareness of the project within the local care system and to support its subsequent deployment. An education and training unit was established to demonstrate what the technology could do and to act as a focus for training health and social care professionals. The study suggested that for telecare to achieve its full potential, pilot projects must be designed to be evaluated, and more attention must be paid to the degree of integration with the care system as a whole.
Selection for restraint in competitive ability in spatial competition systems

The absence of ‘super competitors’ in nature is usually attributed to organisms facing trade‐offs in resource allocation. Here we identify another mechanism, dependent on indirect interactions among species and non‐random spatial organization, in which selection favours restraint in competitive ability. In simple spatial models of a three‐species intransitive network, indirect interactions favour slower growth and selection limits the difference in growth rate among species. The mechanism involves a trade‐off between selection at the individual level, which selects for increased growth rate, and at the community level, which acts to limit growth rate to less than the maximum possible. If the difference in growth rates among species becomes too large, then the community becomes unstable and collapses to a monoculture of the slowest growing species. The mechanism requires both the intransitive network structure and self‐organized spatial structure in the system. Similar behaviours arise in more complex systems of more than three species, and where there are reversals in interaction outcomes between species pairs. The work suggests that spatial self‐structuring, indirect interactions and selection acting on community properties can be important in evolution. It provides a partial explanation of the high level of species coexistence and apparent restraint in interspecific interactions evident in some assemblages of sessile marine colonial organisms.
Doripenem population pharmacokinetics and dosing requirements for critically ill patients receiving continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration.

OBJECTIVES Doripenem is a newer carbapenem with little data available to guide effective dosing during renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to determine the population pharmacokinetics of doripenem in critically ill patients undergoing continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) for acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS This was an observational pharmacokinetic study in 12 infected critically ill adult patients with AKI undergoing CVVHDF and receiving 500 mg of doripenem intravenously every 8 h as a 60 min infusion. Serial blood samples were taken on 2 days of treatment and used for population pharmacokinetic analysis with S-ADAPT. RESULTS The median (IQR) age was 62 (53-71) years, the median (IQR) weight was 77 (67-96) kg and the median (IQR) APACHE II score was 29 (19-32). The median blood, dialysate and replacement fluid rates were 200, 1000 and 1000 mL/h, respectively. A two-compartment linear model with doripenem clearance described by CVVHDF, renal or non-renal mechanisms was most appropriate. The mean value for total doripenem clearance was 4.46 L/h and volume of distribution was 38.0 L. Doripenem clearance by CVVHDF was significantly correlated with the replacement fluid flow rate and accounted for ∼30%-37% of total clearance. A dose of 500 mg intravenously every 8 h achieved favourable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics for all patients up to an MIC of 4 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS This is the first paper describing the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of doripenem in critically ill patients with AKI receiving CVVHDF. A dose of 500 mg intravenously every 8 h was appropriate for our CVVHDF settings for infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
Screening for Adjustment Disorders and Major Depressive Disorders in Cancer In-Patients

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), a four-point, 14-item questionnaire, was tested as a screening method for adjustment disorders and major depressive disorders in a sample of 210 cancer in-patients. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed, giving the relationship between the true positive rate (sensitivity) and the false positive rate (1 – specificity). This makes it possible to choose an optimal cut-off point that takes into account the costs and benefits of treatment of psychological distress. For screening for major depressive disorders only, a cut-off score of 19 gave 70% sensitivity and 75% specificity. For screening for adjustment disorders and major depressive disorders taken together, a cut-off score of 13 gave 75% sensitivity and 75% specificity. HADS appears in this study to be a simple, sensitive and specific tool for screening for psychiatric disorders in an oncology in-patient population.