Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feeding Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs): actual and potential contributions from LTER-Italy

The conceptual framework of Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) aims to capture the major dimensions of biodiversity change by structuring biodiversity monitoring and by ruling data collection amongst different providers. Amongst the research infrastructures adopting and implementing the EBV framework, LTER-Europe - the European node of ILTER (International Long-Term Ecological Research) - follows the approach to compare site-based biodiversity observations within and across its networks. However, a synoptic overview of their contributions with EBVs-relevant data is still missing, since data are not made available for several reasons. In this paper, we assess the capacity of LTER-Italy, one of the richest and heterogeneous networks of LTER sites in Europe, to provide data to “Species Distribution” and “Species Abundance” EBVs without inspecting and downloading their contents. To this aim, we mine the EBVs information which is publicly structured and shared by LTER site managers through DEIMS-SDR, the LTER-Europe online metadata repository. We classify the sites according to two types of contributions: (i) the actual contribution, based on metadata of datasets and (ii) the potential contribution, based on metadata of sites. Through these assessments, we investigate if LTER-Italy monitoring activities can provide EBVs measures and which sites currently provide datasets. By comparing the two contributions, we pinpoint the factors hampering the accessibility of LTER-Italy data and suggest solutions to increase the discoverability and reusability of LTER-Italy EBVs measurements. The research provides the first overview of EBVs monitored in LTER-Italy and the corresponding data management practices, as well as an evaluation of the interoperability of this network with respect to other research organisations for legal and technical aspects.
TAO Kinase 3 Overexpression Is a Poor Prognosis Marker for Lung Adenocarcinoma and Predicts Paclitaxel Resistance

High expression of TAOK3 has been observed in several cancers, but very little about TAOK3-involved mechanisms has been reported. In this study, we investigated the role of TAOK3 in the therapeutic effect of paclitaxel treatment. Protein expression of TAOK3 was evaluated among 121 patients by using immunohistochemical staining. TAOK3 expression was estimated by analyzing the gene’s expression and its correlation with the IC50 of paclitaxel in cells. The expression of TAOK3 in lung cancer was highly correlated with poor overall survival, progression-free survival, and recurrence rate in lung cancer patients. The expression level of TAOK3 was positively correlated with paclitaxel resistance in the lung cancer cell lines. The depletion of TAOK3 could enhance the sensitivity of paclitaxel in lung cancer and vice versa. TAOK3 expression is associated with paclitaxel-resistance and could be a clinical predictor for disease recurrence and a potential therapeutic target in lung cancer.
Hand Hygiene Deficiency Citations in Nursing Homes

Hand hygiene (HH) is recognized as an effective way to decrease transmission of infections. Little research has been conducted surrounding HH in nursing homes (NHs). In this research, deficiency citations representing potential problems with HH practices by staff as identified in the certification process conducted at almost all US NHs were examined. The aims of the study were to identify potential relationships between these deficiency citations and characteristics of the NH and characteristics of the NH environment. We used a panel of 148,900 observations with information primarily coming from the 2000 through 2009 Online Survey, Certification, And Reporting data (OSCAR). An average of 9% of all NHs per year received a deficiency citation for HH. In the multivariate analyses, for all three caregivers examined (i.e., nurse aides, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses) low staffing levels were associated with receiving a deficiency citation for HH. Two measures of poor quality (i.e., [1] Quality of care deficiency citations and [2] J, K, or L deficiency citations, that is deficiency citations with a high extent of harm and/or more residents affected) were also associated with receiving a deficiency citation for HH. Given the percentage of NHs receiving deficiency citations for potential problems with HH identified in this research, more attention should be placed on this issue.
Down Syndrome and Nonautoimmune Hypothyroidisms in Neonates and Infants

Down syndrome is characterized by a high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction during childhood. In this paper, we review the different kinds of thyroid dysfunction that occur excluding those of autoimmune origin: congenital hypothyroidism (elevated plasma TSH with low plasma T4 occurring at birth usually detected by neonatal screening), subclinical hypothyroidism (elevated plasma TSH with plasma T4 in the normal range, which can be congenital or acquired) and acquired primary hypothyroidism (elevated plasma TSH and low plasma T4 occurring after birth). These dysfunctions, while not due to autoimmunity, are of thyroidal origin. However, the mechanisms leading to these different thyroidal abnormalities have not been clearly defined; in particular, it is difficult to determine whether the different types of dysfunction have a common cause, or if the causes are distinct. Treatment is prescribed according to the type of thyroidal abnormality.
Royal Family Members and Firm Performance: Evidence from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This study examines the relationship between Royal family members on the board of directors and firm performance of 573 publicly listed in the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) during 2007-2011 periods. This study utilizes two measurements of the firm performance: (1) Tobinâ€™s Q and (2) ROE. Using the WLS, the result of this study shows that the existence of Royal family members on the board of Saudi-listed companies is significantly associated with firm performance. This study provides evidence on the role played by Royal family members in reducing agency conflicts and information asymmetries in Saudi Arabia where firms may be influenced by the cultural issues related to political ties and family involvement. The result of this study contributes to the existing theory and empirical evidence of how Royal family members add value to the firm. It offers policy-makers additional evidence on the positive impact of Royal family members on firm performance.
Should Interest Expenses Be Tax Deductible?

This paper analyzes how shareholder wealth, firm characteristics, and public finance would be impacted if tax deductibility of interest expenses were eliminated. We find that shareholder value would decrease by 3.5%. Under the new regime, firms would be smaller and less levered, would have less productive capital, and would feature lower default probabilities. The effects on aggregate output and employment would be negative. However, the government's revenues from corporate income tax would increase by 3% in the long-run and could be used to partially offset the negative side effects of the reform. The current period of historically low corporate bond yields is probably the best time to change the treatment of interest expenses.
Impact of adjuvant radiotherapy on survival of patients with node-positive prostate cancer.

PURPOSE The role of adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT) in treating patients with pN1 prostate cancer is controversial. We tested the hypothesis that the impact of aRT on cancer-specific mortality (CSM) in these individuals is related to tumor characteristics. METHODS We evaluated 1,107 patients with pN1 prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy and anatomically extended pelvic lymph node dissection between 1988 and 2010 at two tertiary care centers. All patients received adjuvant hormonal therapy with or without aRT. Regression tree analysis stratified patients into risk groups on the basis of their tumor characteristics and the corresponding CSM rate. Cox regression analysis tested the relationship between aRT and CSM rate, as well as overall mortality (OM) rate in each risk group separately. RESULTS Overall, 35% of patients received aRT. At multivariable analysis, aRT was associated with more favorable CSM rate (hazard ratio [HR], 0.37; P < .001). However, when patients were stratified into risk groups, only two groups of men benefited from aRT: (1) patients with positive lymph node (PLN) count ≤ 2, Gleason score 7 to 10, pT3b/pT4 stage, or positive surgical margins (HR, 0.30; P = .002); and (2) patients with PLN count of 3 to 4 (HR, 0.21; P = .02), regardless of other tumor characteristics. These results were confirmed when OM was examined as an end point. CONCLUSION The beneficial impact of aRT on survival in patients with pN1 prostate cancer is highly influenced by tumor characteristics. Men with low-volume nodal disease (≤ two PLNs) in the presence of intermediate- to high-grade, non-specimen-confined disease and those with intermediate-volume nodal disease (three to four PLNs) represent the ideal candidates for aRT after surgery.
A theory of actor-network for cyber-security

Abstract This article argues that some core tenets of Actor-Network Theory (ANT) can serve as heuristics for a better understanding of what the stakes of cyber-security are, how it operates, and how it fails. Despite the centrality of cyber-incidents in the cyber-security discourse, researchers have yet to understand their link to, and affects on politics. We close this gap by combining ANT insights with an empirical examination of a prominent cyber-incident (Stuxnet). We demonstrate that the disruptive practices of cyber-security caused by malicious software (malware), lie in their ability to actively perform three kinds of space (regions, networks, and fluids), each activating different types of political interventions. The article posits that the fluidity of malware challenges the consistency of networks and the sovereign boundaries set by regions, and paradoxically, leads to a forceful re-enactment of them. In this respect, the conceptualisation of fluidity as an overarching threat accounts for multiple policy responses and practices in cyber-security as well as attempts to (re-)establish territoriality and borders in the virtual realm. While this article concentrates on cyber-security, its underlying ambition is to indicate concretely how scholars can profitably engage ANT’s concepts and methodologies.
Cytokine-Dependent gp130 Receptor Subunit Regulates Rat Modified Axial-Pattern Epigastric Flap

We investigated axial-pattern flap survival by modulating the cytokine receptor component, gp130, to elucidate the mechanism of the cytokine receptor modulation subsequently leading to the initiation of local angiogenesis and blood-flow augmentation. Fifty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The flap size was 8 2 8 cm, with the medial middle branch of the superficial epigastric artery as the only nutrient supply vessel. Group 1 received only a control vehicle, group 2 received leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF), cDNA treated, group 3 received combined treatment of LIF and anti-gp130 antibody, and group 4 was the anti-gp130-treated group. All groups received 0.1 mL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) via 30-gauge needle injected into the proximal site of the femoral artery after distal sites of the bifurcated femoral artery to epigastric artery and vein were clamped. All clamps were removed after 10 min of incubation of the injected agents. During the first 3 postoperative days, the flap survival was significantly more improved in the anti-gp130-treated and combined-treated groups than in the control (88 - 1.5% and 77 - 5.3 vs. 45 - 7.8, respectively, p < .01). Laser blood flowmetry on day 3 showed a significant increase of blood flow in three different flap sites in anti-gp130-treated and combined-treated groups than in the other groups ( p < .001). Microangiography showed remarkable differences between all four groups. The anti-gp130-treated flap showed augmented vessel formation at the base of the pedicle, which elongated the vessel interconnection up to the distal area. Strong gp130 transcripts and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were observed in all groups, as determined using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The intensity of VEGF expression was the strongest in the anti-gp130-treated group. Attenuation of the gp130 receptor subunit can improve axial-pattern flap survival along with angiogenesis.
Binge drinking causes endothelial dysfunction, which is not prevented by wine polyphenols: a small trial in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND Binge drinking (the consumption of large quantities (>5 units) of alcohol in a short period) is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Wine polyphenols are considered to be protective against cardiovascular diseases. We conducted an experimental study to evaluate the acute effects of alcohol consumption on flow-mediated vasodilation and general cardiovascular parameters, using beverages with high polyphenolic content (HPC) and low polyphenolic content (LPC). METHODS Two groups of ten volunteers were asked to drink two different kinds of beverages. in 45 minutes, three units of red wine or an alcoholic beverage with a low polyphenolic count were consumed. Then 45 minutes were allowed for complete uptake of the alcohol or polyphenolic compounds. Next, all volunteers underwent blood pressure readings, ECG and flow-mediated vasodilation. Blood samples were taken at the same time for routine chemistry, inflammation parameters and lipids. Then the entire cycle was repeated once (in total six units of alcohol in 180 minutes). RESULTS No differences were found between the two drinks. Alcohol itself dose-dependently increased forearm blood flow by vasodilation of both arterioles and distribution arteries. However, flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) for the LPC group (n=10) decreased from 7.31 +/- 4.78 (% +/- sd) to 2.82 +/- 2.9 after three drinks and 1.21 +/- 3.25 after six drinks. The FMD values for the HPC group (n=10) decreased from 8.61 +/- 1.78 to 1.78 +/- 3.71 and 1.19 +/- 2.6. There were no significant changes between the LPC and the LPC group at the three time points. CONCLUSION Although ethanol produces vasodilation at the level of the distribution artery as well as at an arteriolar level, it causes a decrease in flow-mediated vasodilation. This endothelial dysfunction is not corrected by the polyphenols present in wine.
An Assessment of 30-Day Complications in Primary Cleft Palate Repair: A Review of the 2012 ACS NSQIP Pediatric

Objective This study uses the American College of Surgeons Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP Pediatric), a multicenter database, to identify risk factors for complications after cleft palate repair. Design Patients undergoing Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 42200 and 42205 were extracted from the 2012 ACS NSQIP Pediatric. Patients older than 36 months or those who had undergone an additional surgery that altered the risk were excluded. Outcome variables were combined to create a complication variable. Fisher's exact, Pearson chi-square, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used for analysis. Results Eligibility criteria were met by 751 patients. Of these, 192 (25.6%) had unilateral clefts, 146 (19.4%) bilateral, and 413 (55.0%) were unspecified. The average age at time of surgery for those without and with complications was 421.1 ± 184.8 and 433.6 ± 168.0 days, respectively (P = .76). Of the 21 (2.8%) patients with complications, respiratory complications were the most common. Risk factors associated with complications included American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of 3 (P = .003), nutritional support (P = .013), esophageal/gastric/intestinal disease (P = .016), oxygen support (P = .003), structural pulmonary/airway abnormality (P = .011), and impaired cognitive status (P = .009). Patients undergoing concurrent laryngoscopy (P = .048) or other surgeries (P = .047) were also found to be associated with increased complications. The 30-day fistula rate was 0.5%, and the readmission rate was 1.9%. Conclusion Perioperative complications for primary palatoplasty were 2.8% according to the ACS NSQIP Pediatric. Preoperative patient-related factors as well as concurrent surgeries may affect 30-day complication rates. These results help target those at greater risk for complications and allow for appropriate interventions to mitigate risks.
Using a Sankofa intervention to influence Black girls' racial identity development and school -related experiences

Theorists contend that Black girls are mistreated in a manner consistent with racial and gender stereotypes, each of which is equally salient and negatively evaluated by society. Yet, very few empirical studies have investigated the question of how the girls are able to understand and integrate the racial and gender aspects of their identity and withstand the multiple forms of negativity (e.g. gender marginalization and racial oppression) to which they are exposed. The present study examined the socialization experiences of a sample of Black girls (N=14) enrolled in the 9 grade in a predominantly White high school setting. The girls participated in a semi-structured 25-week mentoring intervention intended to provide positive racial and gender socialization experiences. Pre-post interviews investigated the following themes: (a) the girls’ perceptions of their experiences, (b) the relationship of these experiences to the girls’ racial identity, and (c) the impact of the school-based intervention on Black girls’ racial identity, self-concepts, and perceptions of their academic experiences.
Dissociation between blood pressure and heart rate response to hypoxia after bilateral carotid body removal in men with systolic heart failure

What is the central question of this study? Carotid body denervation removes the ventilatory response to acute hypoxia, although haemodynamic responses to acute hypoxia after carotid body removal have not been described conclusively in humans. What is the main finding and its importance? Carotid body removal results in dissociation of heart rate and blood pressure responses to hypoxia in human subjects. While the heart rate response (tachycardia) is maintained, there is a significant attenuation of the blood pressure response (hypertension), which indicates the existence of different sensory afferent pathways in the haemodynamic response to hypoxia that has important clinical implications for this novel therapeutic modality.
Career satisfaction of physical therapy faculty during their pretenure years.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compile information about and define variables that are influential in the career satisfaction of tenure-track, full-time, physical therapy faculty who have been employed in academia for 5 years or less but who do not yet have tenure. SUBJECTS AND METHODS An investigator-developed instrument was used to collect the data. The self-report instrument contained 80 items in four categories: demographics, social supports, teaching, and scholarly activity. Questionnaires were sent to junior physical therapy faculty at the 127 physical therapist schools in the United States and Puerto Rico listed by the American Physical Therapy Association in 1993. There were 163 responses to the survey, representing an estimated 85% of the population of junior faculty as defined by this survey. RESULTS Eighty-three percent of junior faculty surveyed were satisfied with having taken an academic position, despite feelings of loneliness, tenure anxiety, heavy work loads, and the desire for more guidance from colleagues. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION Social and collegial supports such as relationship with senior faculty and experienced colleagues are key elements influencing faculty satisfaction. Information is given that could be utilized by directors and faculty who are planning to guide the professional development of new faculty.
The Effect of Corporate Taxation on Bank Transparency: Evidence from Loan Loss Provisions

We examine how the corporate tax system, through its treatment of loan losses, affects bank financial reporting. Exploiting cross-country and intertemporal variation in income tax rates and loan loss provision deductibility, we find that loan loss provisions are increasing in the tax rate for countries that permit general provision tax deductibility. When general provisions are deductible, a 1 percentage point rate increase leads to a provision increase of 4.9% of the sample average. This effect is driven by the tax system's encouragement of timelier loan loss recognition, suggesting that corporate taxation is an important determinant of bank financial reporting transparency.
The Impact of Multilingualism on Spanish Language Acquisition Among Immigrants in Spain

This article uses micro-data from the Spanish National Immigrant Survey to analyze the acquisition of Spanish language skills for immigrants in Spain. The motivation of the paper is threefold. Language skills are important for an individual's labour market performance, Spain offers an important non-English speaking country instance and the main novelty of our paper is to explore the impact of speaking multiple foreign languages on host language learning for immigrants. The results reveal a strong positive association between multilingualism and the probability of reporting good or very good Spanish language proficiency for immigrants in Spain.
Revisiting the effect of regulation, supervision and risk on banking performance: Evidence from European banks based on PSTR model

Purpose - – This paper aims to present an analysis of how regulatory and supervisory policies affect risk-performance nexus. Design/methodology/approach - – Empirically, on a sample of 60 large European banks over the period 2005-2011, the authors explore this relationship by using the panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) modeling because the nexus between risk and performance is nonlinear and it depends on specific national factors especially regulatory and supervisory policies. Findings - – The major finding of this study is that the effect of risk on banking performance is conditional by the improvement of banking governance in Europe. Practical implications - – The PSTR helps to account for a change of regime in the effects of risk on performance. Originality/value - – This paper explains the use of PSTR modeling.