Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reading the Leaves’ Palm: Leaf Traits and Herbivory along the Microclimatic Gradient of Forest Layers

Microclimate in different positions on a host plant has strong direct effects on herbivores. But little is known about indirect effects due to changes of leaf traits. We hypothesized that herbivory increases from upper canopy to lower canopy and understory due to a combination of direct and indirect pathways. Furthermore, we hypothesized that herbivory in the understory differs between tree species in accordance with their leaf traits. We investigated herbivory by leaf chewing insects along the vertical gradient of mixed deciduous forest stands on the broad-leaved tree species Fagus sylvatica L. (European beech) with study sites located along a 140 km long transect. Additionally, we studied juvenile Acer pseudoplatanus L. (sycamore maple) and Carpinus betulus L. (hornbeam) individuals within the understory as a reference of leaf traits in the same microclimate. Lowest levels of herbivory were observed in upper canopies, where temperatures were highest. Temperature was the best predictor for insect herbivory across forest layers in our study. However, the direction was opposite to the generally known positive relationship. Herbivory also varied between the three tree species with lowest levels for F. sylvatica. Leaf carbon content was highest for F. sylvatica and probably indicates higher amounts of phenolic defense compounds. We conclude that the effect of temperature must have been indirect, whereby the expected higher herbivory was suppressed due to unfavorable leaf traits (lower nitrogen content, higher toughness and carbon content) of upper canopy leaves compared to the understory.
The Role of Private Equity When Portfolio Firms Go Public: Evidence from ChiNext Board

ABSTRACT We probe into the question of why entrepreneurial firms choose to obtain private equity finance (PE) shortly before going public on the ChiNext Board (the Chinese alternative stock market for smaller firms, part of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, SZSE). Using unique hand-collected data we find that, compared with non–PE-backed firms, firms with PE equity stakes introduced shortly before the IPO did not reduce IPO underpricing or decrease the offering cost. However PE investors increased the probability of approval when the firms applied to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) for listing. We suggest the stock issuance rules for the ChiNext should be reformed to lower entrepreneurial firms’ financing cost and to encourage PE firms to undertake more value-adding activities.
Modifications of the Weil Osteotomy Have No Effect on Plantar Pressure

Previous studies have shown that increasing angulation of the Weil osteotomy produces greater plantar translation of the metatarsal head. Modifications have been proposed to reduce plantar translation. However, there is no evidence that the increased plantar translation with a Weil osteotomy is clinically significant or that these modifications are required. Ten lower extremities consisting of five matched pairs were used to evaluate whether different configurations of the Weil osteotomy altered plantar pressure in a dynamic cadaver model. For each pair, an oblique Weil osteotomy with a 5-mm shift was done on one side and a standard (parallel) Weil osteotomy with a 5-mm shift was done on the matched foot. A 4-mm slice resection and a metatarsal head resection then were done sequentially. Plantar pressures were measured with cyclic loading to 700 N at a frequency of 1 Hz with an F-scan in-shoe sensor on the intact specimens and after each intervention. Increased plantar translation of the metatarsal head with a more oblique Weil osteotomy did not significantly increase plantar pressure, and the 4-mm slice resection did not significantly unload the metatarsal head. Only complete metatarsal head resection significantly unloaded the metatarsal head.
Conversion of magnetocardiographic recordings between two different multichannel SQUID devices

Comparison of biomagnetic measurements performed with different multichannel magnetometers is difficult, because differing sensor types and locations do not allow measurements from the same locations in respect to the body. In this study, two transformation procedures were utilized to compare magnetocardiograms (MCG) recorded with two different multisensor systems. Signals from one sensor array were used to compute parameters of a multipole expansion or minimum-norm estimates at 1-ms steps over the cardiac cycle. The signals of the second sensor array were then simulated from the computed estimates and compared against measured data. Both the multipole- and the minimum-norm-based transformation method yielded good results; the average correlation between simulated and measured signals was 93%. Thus, the methods are useful to compare MCG recordings performed using differing sensor configurations, e.g., for multicenter patient studies. This study provides the first empirical basis for assessing the transformation of MCG data of differing devices by general model-based field reconstructions.
What is important to patients in palliative care? A scoping review of the patient’s perspective

Abstract Background: The research conducted in palliative care is often medically oriented. There are few studies clarifying the patient’s preferences, priorities and desires in palliative care. The occupational therapy research conducted mostly concerns occupational therapy interventions based on the profession’s experiences. Further knowledge is needed regarding what patients in palliative care want to prioritize. Aim: The aim was to describe what patients in palliative care describe as important at the end of life. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the inclusion criteria: articles published in 2004-August 2015; written in English; participants >18 years with life-threatening illness without possible cure; focusing on the patient’s experience. Results: Seventeen articles were included in the review and they were based on interviews. The theme ‘Continuing occupational participation is important for people at the end of life’ was identified. This included five sub-themes: maintaining previous occupational patterns; feeling needed; being involved in the social environment; leaving a legacy; and living as long as you live. Conclusions: The results show that continued occupational participation is important for people in palliative care. Occupational therapists can contribute to this by taking a highly person-centered approach and gaining information about what matters most for their clients.
Evaluation of the QuickLab RSV Test, a New Rapid Lateral-Flow Immunoassay for Detection of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Antigen

ABSTRACT Rapid respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) diagnosis is vital to the prevention of nosocomial RSV infections. We evaluated a new rapid lateral-flow RSV immunoassay, the QuickLab RSV test, that requires use of only one reagent. We compared QuickLab to the Directigen RSV (DIR) assay, which requires six reagents, and direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) testing. DFA results were considered the “gold standard. ” For 133 nasopharyngeal aspirates tested, DFA results were 77 (57.8%) positive, 47 (35.3%) negative, and 9 (6.8%) indeterminate. The sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values of QuickLab and DIR tests were 93.3% (70 of 75) and 80.8% (59 of 73), 95.6% (43 of 45) and 100.0% (46 of 46), 97.2% (70 of 72) and 100.0% (59 of 59), and 89.6% (43 of 48) and 76.7% (46 of 60), respectively. QuickLab was significantly (P = 0.02) more sensitive than DIR; the difference in specificities was not significant. DFA was more sensitive than DIR (P < 0.001) but not more sensitive than QuickLab (P = 0.45). The results of DIR testing were initially uninterpretable and required retesting with 15% of the specimens compared to 3% of QL results (P < 0.001). We conclude that the QuickLab RSV test has sensitivity similar to that of the DFA assay and better than that of the DIR assay. QuickLab testing is also simpler to perform and interpret than both DFA and DIR testing.
Shear Wave Elastography – A New Quantitative Assessment of Post-Irradiation Neck Fibrosis

Abstract Purpose: Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a new technique which provides quantitative assessment of soft tissue stiffness. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of SWE stiffness measurements and its usefulness in evaluating post-irradiation neck fibrosis. Materials and Methods: 50 subjects (25 patients with previous radiotherapy to the neck and 25 sex and age-matched controls) were recruited for comparison of SWE stiffness measurements (Aixplorer, Supersonic Imagine). 30 subjects (16 healthy individuals and 14 post-irradiated patients) were recruited for a reliability study of SWE stiffness measurements. SWE stiffness measurements of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the overlying subcutaneous tissues of the neck were made. The cross-sectional area and thickness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the overlying subcutaneous tissue thickness of the neck were also measured. The post-irradiation duration of the patients was recorded. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficients for the intraoperator and interoperator reliability of deep and subcutaneous tissue SWE stiffness ranged from 0.90 – 0.99 and 0.77 – 0.94, respectively. The SWE stiffness measurements (mean +/- SD) of deep and subcutaneous tissues were significantly higher in the post-irradiated patients (64.6 ± 46.8 kPa and 63.9 ± 53.1kPa, respectively) than the sex and age-matched controls (19.9 ± 7.8 kPa and 15.3 ± 8.37 respectively) (p < 0.001). The SWE stiffness increased with increasing post-irradiation therapy duration in the Kruskal Wallis test (p < 0.001) and correlated with muscle atrophy and subcutaneous tissue thinning (p < 0.01). Conclusion: SWE is a reliable technique and may potentially be an objective and specific tool in quantifying deep and subcutaneous tissue stiffness, which in turn reflects the severity of neck fibrosis.
Resistance to Metocurine‐induced Neuromuscular Blockade in Patients Receiving Phenytoin

Recent reports have described resistance to pancuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in patients chronically receiving anticon-vulsants. This study examines the pharmacokinetics and pharma-codynamics of metocurine (MTC) in 12 patients undergoing cra-niotomy—six on chronic phenytoin therapy and six comparable controls. Each patient received MTC 0.2 mg/kg during the induction of general anesthesia. Quantification of plasma MTC concentration was performed by radioimmunoassay, while the response to MTC was evaluated by evoked compound electromyography (ECEMG). Patients in the phenytoin group were resistant to this dosage of MTC, as demonstrated by their response (83 ± 16% compared with 98 ± 2% depression of ECEMG in control patients, P < 0.05) and by recovery index, defined as the time required for recovery from 25 to 75% of the control ECEMG (53 ± 22 min compared with 125 ± 54 min in control patients, P < 0.01). Similarly, the total duration of neuromuscular blockade, measured to recovery to 90% of control ECEMG, was significantly shorter in the phenytoin group (122 ± 25 min compared with 269 ± 64 min in the control group, P < 0.01). Plasma concentration-time curves were fit to biexponential equations for both groups. These were used to generate two-compartment models. Neither the model parameters nor the plasma concentrations of MTC at any time in the study were significantly different for the two groups. The pharmacody-namic analysis, however, showed that patients on phenytoin require a higher plasma concentration of MTC (0.415 ± 0.095 μg/ml compared with 0.249 ± 0.066 μg/ml in control patients at 50% ECEMG, P < 0.01) to effect a given level of neuromuscular blockade. This resistance could be demonstrated at all levels of neuromuscular blockade (20–80% depression of ECEMG). On the basis of this study, it can be concluded that resistance to metocurine in patients chronically being treated with phenytoin does exist as a result of some, yet undefined, pharmacodynamic alteration in this patient group.
The Role of Informal and Formal Leisure Activities in the Disablement Process

The disablement process model has been used as a framework to investigate factors that accelerate or decelerate disablement among older adults. Although very little is known about the direct and moderating effects of involvement in leisure activities on the disablement process, research has suggested that participation in leisure activities may serve as a factor affecting the disablement pathways. Using longitudinal data from individuals aged 65 and older (N = 535) in the Americans' Changing Lives study, we examined the influence of leisure involvement on the disablement process model. Through regression analyses, we found that involvement in informal and formal leisure activities was significantly associated with the disablement process in this sample of older adults, and that the effect of informal and formal leisure on disablement changed across time points and at different phases of the pathway. Results suggest that leisure activities may be protective of cognitive health and mitigate the effect of functional limitations, perceptions of disability, and depressive symptoms among older adults.
Barrier recovery and influence of irritant stimuli in skin treated with a moisturizing cream

Moisturizers are used daily by many people to alleviate symptoms of clinically and subjectively dry skin. Recent studies suggest that certain ingredients in creams may accelerate the recovery of a disrupted barrier and decrease the skin susceptibility to irritant stimuli. In the present single‐blind study, a moisturizing cream was tested for its influence both on barrier recovery in surfuctant‐damaged skin and on the susceptibility of normal skin to exposure to the irritant sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Parameters measured were transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin corneometer values, indicating degree of hydration. Treatment of surfactant‐damaged skin with the test cream for 14 days promoted barrier recovery, as observed as a decrease in TEWL. Skin corneometer values also normalized more rapidly during the treatment. In normal skin, use or the test cream significantly reduced TFWL after 14 days of treatment, and irritant reactions to SLS were, significantly decreased. Skin corneometer values increased after only 1 application and remained elevated after 14 days. In conclusion, the accelerated rate of recovery of surfactant‐damaged skin and the lower degree of SLS‐induced irritation in normal skin treated with the test cream may be of clinical relevance in attempts to reduce contact dermatitis due to irritant stimuli.
Treatment compliance and dosage administration among rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving infliximab, etanercept, or methotrexate.

OBJECTIVE To examine treatment compliance and dosage administration associated with infliximab, etanercept, and methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis using administrative and claims data from a large US health plan. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were Medicare or commercial enrollees in a health plan with a pharmacy benefit and had a diagnosis of RA. The first (index) claim for infliximab, etanercept, or methotrexate occurred between July 1, 1998, and December 31, 2000. Continuous enrollment in the plan was required from 182 days before to 365 days after the index claim. Treatment groups were compared according to compliance (defined as the actual number of therapy administrations or filled prescriptions divided by the expected number) and changes in dosage administration over time. The costs of infliximab therapy also were explored. RESULTS A total of 2662 patients (infliximab = 141; etanercept = 853; and methotrexate = 1668) were included in the analyses. Infliximab patients were older and more likely to have a Medicare benefit. In addition, infliximab patients had more comorbidities and had greater medical costs preceding the index claim. Compliance with at least 80% of the expected dosages was significantly lower for etanercept (odds ratio [OR] 0.462; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.290-0.736) and methotrexate (OR 0.385; 95% CI 0.245-0.604) patients than infliximab patients. Methotrexate patients had the largest dosage increases (61.6%), followed by infliximab (37.4%) and etanercept (7.4%) patients. Assuming 6.5 dosages per year, the annual cost of infliximab was dollars 10446 to dollars 12363, or dollars 1887 to dollars 1902 per administration, depending on site of service. CONCLUSIONS Compliance is higher with infliximab compared with etanercept or methotrexate; whereas, fewer etanercept patients change dosages. The cost of infliximab was lower than expected based on previous predictions, even with a 37% increase in dosage.
The Mdm2 Oncoprotein Interacts with the Cell Fate Regulator Numb

ABSTRACT The Mdm2 oncoprotein is a well-known inhibitor of the p53 tumor suppressor, but it may also possess p53-independent activities. In search of such p53-independent activities, the yeast two-hybrid screen was employed to identify Mdm2-binding proteins. We report that in vitro and in transfected cells, Mdm2 can associate with Numb, a protein involved in the determination of cell fate. This association causes translocation of overexpressed Numb into the nucleus and leads to a reduction in overall cellular Numb levels. Through its interaction with Numb, Mdm2 may influence processes such as differentiation and survival. This could potentially contribute to the altered properties of tumor cells which overexpress Mdm2.
Trends in time to completion of mammographic screening and follow-up services.

OBJECTIVE The popular press has raised questions about mammographic capacity in the United States, but mammographic utilization data have not been used to inform these concerns. We used data for the period 1995-2002 from the New Mexico Mammography Project to assess trends in time to completion of mammographic screening and follow-up services. CONCLUSION The median time to return mammographic screening changed little over time, but trends in the time required to complete recommended follow-up services varied by type of service and urban or rural residence. Further monitoring of time required to complete screening and follow-up services in other regions can inform debates on mammographic capacity.
The Effects of Internal Board Networks: Evidence from Closed-End Funds

Recent literature emphasizes the importance of a director's external network of social connections. I use a sample of closed-end funds to show that internal, within-board connections are also significant determinants of shareholder value. I find that boards with shared education, employment, and family backgrounds exhibit lower market values, higher expense ratios, higher director compensation levels, and an increased likelihood of financial misrepresentation. Director turnover is lower within these boards, and new director appointments are more likely to share connections with incumbent directors. I conclude that internal board networks negatively impact a firm's governance environment and overall monitoring quality.
Genomic and phenotypic analyses of Mycoplasma pneumoniae strains

Mycoplasma pneumoniae strains PI-1428, M129, B176, FH, and MAC were analyzed for homology by DNA-DNA hybridization, thermal elution midpoints of the DNA-DNA heteroduplexes, DNA cleavage patterns with restriction endonucleases, and protein gel electrophoretic profiles. These properties were compared with biological assays, such as antigenic reactivity with reference antisera in the growth inhibition and metabolic inhibition tests, as well as the ability to attach to human WiDr cell cultures. The avirulent, nonhemadsorbing strain B176 could be differentiated from the others by diminished attachment capacity to WiDr cells and by slightly reduced DNA homology. The other strains appeared to be identical when examined by these procedures. No significant differences were detected among any of the strains by the metabolic inhibition or growth inhibition tests. The DNA cleavage patterns of the five strains were also similar, although strains FH and MAC differed from the other three strains in a few bands. These results demonstrate that these five strains are similar and that the species M. pneumoniae is remarkably homogeneous.
Dose response of intravenous heparin on markers of thrombosis during primary total hip replacement.

BACKGROUND Thrombogenesis in total hip replacement (THR) begins during surgery on the femur. This study assesses the effect of two doses of unfractionated intravenous heparin administered before femoral preparation during THR on circulating markers of thrombosis. METHODS Seventy-five patients undergoing hybrid primary THR were randomly assigned to receive blinded intravenous injection of either saline or 10 or 20 U/kg of unfractionated heparin after insertion of the acetabular component. Central venous blood samples were assayed for prothrombin F1+2 (F1+2), thrombin-antithrombin complexes (TAT), fibrinopeptide A (FPA), and D-dimer. RESULTS No changes in the markers of thrombosis were noted after insertion of the acetabular component. During surgery on the femur, significant increases in all markers were noted in the saline group (P < 0.0001). Heparin did not affect D-dimer or TAT. Twenty units per kilogram of heparin significantly reduced the increase of F1+2 after relocation of the hip joint (P < 0.001). Administration of both 10 and 20 U/kg significantly reduced the increase in FPA during implantation of the femoral component (P < 0.0001). A fourfold increase in FPA was noted in 6 of 25 patients receiving 10 U/kg of heparin but in none receiving 20 U/kg (P = 0.03). Intraoperative heparin did not affect intra- or postoperative blood loss, postoperative hematocrit, or surgeon's subjective assessments of bleeding. No bleeding complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that 20 U/kg of heparin administered before surgery on the femur suppresses fibrin formation during primary THR. This finding provides the pathophysiologic basis for the clinical use of intraoperative heparin during THR.
The crystal structure of phenylpyruvate decarboxylase from Azospirillum brasilense at 1.5 Å resolution

Phenylpyruvate decarboxylase (PPDC) of Azospirillum brasilense, involved in the biosynthesis of the plant hormone indole‐3‐acetic acid and the antimicrobial compound phenylacetic acid, is a thiamine diphosphate‐dependent enzyme that catalyses the nonoxidative decarboxylation of indole‐ and phenylpyruvate. Analogous to yeast pyruvate decarboxylases, PPDC is subject to allosteric substrate activation, showing sigmoidal v versus [S] plots. The present paper reports the crystal structure of this enzyme determined at 1.5 Å resolution. The subunit architecture of PPDC is characteristic for other members of the pyruvate oxidase family, with each subunit consisting of three domains with an open α/β topology. An active site loop, bearing the catalytic residues His112 and His113, could not be modelled due to flexibility. The biological tetramer is best described as an asymmetric dimer of dimers. A cysteine residue that has been suggested as the site for regulatory substrate binding in yeast pyruvate decarboxylase is not conserved, requiring a different mechanism for allosteric substrate activation in PPDC. Only minor changes occur in the interactions with the cofactors, thiamine diphosphate and Mg2+, compared to pyruvate decarboxylase. A greater diversity is observed in the substrate binding pocket accounting for the difference in substrate specificity. Moreover, a catalytically important glutamate residue conserved in nearly all decarboxylases is replaced by a leucine in PPDC. The consequences of these differences in terms of the catalytic and regulatory mechanism of PPDC are discussed.