Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with racing performance of Thoroughbreds undergoing lag screw repair of condylar fractures of the third metacarpal or metatarsal bone.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate effects of sex, fracture configuration, affected limb, and screw placement on outcome of Thoroughbreds with condylar fractures involving the third metacarpal or metatarsal bone. DESIGN Cohort study. Animals-56 horses. PROCEDURE Age, sex, affected limb, fracture configuration, fracture length, fracture fragment width, and distance of the most distal screw from the articular surface were analyzed in logistic regression models. RESULTS Females were more likely to have displaced fractures and race in fewer races after surgery than males. Sex and fracture configuration were associated with number of postoperative races. Among horses that returned to racing, those with thicker fracture fragments were 11 times as likely as horses with thinner fracture fragments to win a race after surgery. Horses with longer fractures and older horses had fewer postoperative races. Horses in which the most distal screw had been placed further from the joint surface had more races. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggest that female horses with displaced condylar fractures and male horses with nondisplaced condylar fractures are more likely to be referred for treatment. The effect of sex on outcome for these horses cannot be clearly separated from the effect of fracture configuration. When adjusted for fracture configuration, males were 6 times as likely as females to race after surgery. When adjusted for sex, horses with nondisplaced fractures were 17 times as likely as horses with displaced fractures to race after surgery. Results suggest that the most distal screw should be placed above the epicondylar fossa.
Warts Transmitted in Families and Schools: A Prospective Cohort

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cutaneous warts are common in primary schoolchildren; however, knowledge on the routes of transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) causing warts is scarce. This study examines the association between the degree of HPV exposure and incidence of warts in primary schoolchildren to support evidence-based recommendations on wart prevention. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, the hands and feet of all children in grades 1 to 7 (aged 4–12 years) of 3 Dutch primary schools were inspected for the presence of warts at baseline and after 11 to 18 months of follow-up. Data on the degree of HPV exposure included information obtained from parental questionnaires: preexistent warts, warts in family, prevalence of warts at baseline in the class, and use of public places (eg, swimming pools). RESULTS: Of the 1134 eligible children, 97% participated; the response rate from parental questionnaires was 77%, and loss to follow-up was 9%. The incidence for developing warts was 29 per 100 person-years at risk (95% confidence interval [CI] 26–32). Children with a white skin type had an increased risk of developing warts (hazard ratio [HR] 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–3.9). Having family members with warts (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.52–2.86) and wart prevalence in the class (HR 1.20 per 10% increase, 95% CI 1.03–1.41) were independent environmental risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of HPV exposure in the family and school class contributes to the development of warts in schoolchildren. Preventive recommendations should focus more on limiting HPV transmission in families and school classes, rather than in public places.
Overexpression of the human major vault protein in astrocytic brain tumor cells

Evidence has shown that the major human vault protein (MVP), which is identical to lung resistance‐related protein (LRP), may be causally involved in a special type of multidrug resistance (MDR). The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and cellular localization of MVP in cells derived from brain tumors and other tumors of neuroectodermal origin. Using both established cell lines (n = 22) and primary explants (n = 30), we show that a distinct overexpression of the MVP gene at the mRNA (RT‐PCR) and protein (Western blot) levels is a characteristic feature of cells derived from astrocytic brain tumors. Primary cultures obtained from meningioma specimens also expressed high MVP levels, in contrast to neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma cells, which rarely contained detectable amounts of MVP. Normal human astrocytes cultured in vitro expressed MVP, although at low amounts compared with most malignant cell types. Basal MVP expression correlated with resistance against diverse antineoplastic drugs including anthracyclins, cisplatin and etoposide. By Western blot, MVP was also detected in all tumor samples taken from 7 glioma and 3 meningioma patients. Taken together, these data suggest overexpression of MVP as one explanation for the low efficacy of chemotherapeutic treatment of astrocytic brain tumors. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ANALYSIS OF LOW-CARBON TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER BY CDM:AN EMPIRICAL STUDY FROM CHINA

Low-carbon technology transfer(TT) by CDM is most important to Chinese enterprises' technological progress and China's mission of energy-saving and emission-reduction.Based on a two-step empirical study via Logit Model,this paper investigates the influencing factors of TT in China's CDM projects and their mechanisms.It is found that the ultimate driving forces for TT lie in CER revenues,through which TT can be further influenced by other factors including project size,CER prices and their formation mechanism,type of buyers and their market power,as well as fees imposed on CER revenues by the Chinese government.It is also found that TT can be facilitated with consultation provided by carbon traders,research institutes or government departments.In addition,CER traders can promote TT by virtue of specialization in CDM or efficiency in allocation of resources.To the contrary,TT can be significantly retarded if financial institutes acting as traders manipulate CER prices,or if a project is located in least developed regions where a new type of market failure arises from enterprises' pure pursuit for short-term interests.Furthermore,odds of TT can be reduced with the accumulation of existing similar projects.Finally,this paper proposes suggestions on countermeasures.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental disorders in the general population after Lorca’s earthquakes, 2011 (Murcia, Spain): A cross-sectional study

Aims To describe the prevalence and severity of mental disorders and to examine differences in risk among those with and without a lifetime history prior to a moderate magnitude earthquake that took place in Lorca (Murcia, Spain) at roughly the mid-point (on May 11, 2011) of the time interval in which a regional epidemiological survey was already being carried out (June 2010 –May 2012). Methods The PEGASUS-Murcia project is a cross-sectional face-to-face interview survey of a representative sample of non-institutionalized adults in Murcia. Main outcome measures are prevalence and severity of anxiety, mood, impulse and substance disorders in the 12 months previous to the survey, assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 3.0). Sociodemographic variables, prior history of any mental disorder and earthquake-related stressors were entered as independent variables in a logistic regression analysis. Findings A total number of 412 participants (response rate: 71%) were interviewed. Significant differences in 12-month prevalence of mental disorders were found in Lorca compared to the rest of Murcia for any (12.8% vs 16.8%), PTSD (3.6% vs 0.5%) and other anxiety disorders (5.3% vs 9.2%) (p≤ 0.05 for all). No differences were found for 12-month prevalence of any mood or any substance disorder. The two major predictors for developing a 12-month post-earthquake mental disorder were a prior mental disorder and the level of exposure. Other risk factors included female sex and low-average income. Conclusions PTSD and other mental disorders are commonly associated with earthquake disasters. Prior mental disorders and the level of exposure to the earthquakes are the most important for the development of a consequent mental disorder and this recognition may help to identify those individuals that may most benefit from specific therapeutic intervention.
Dynamic portfolio selection based on serially correlated return-Dynamic mean-variance formulation

This paper investigates dynamic portfolio selection based on serially correlated returns for an investor who optimizes the mean and variance of the terminal wealth.Through embedding the mean-variance model into the quadratic utility model and then adopting dynamic programming,we get an analytical expression for the optimal investment strategy.The efficient frontier is analyzed.We also get an index measuring dynamic investment value of the risky asset,which can reflect the impact of serial correlations of returns on the investment value,and which is equivalent to the Sharpe Ratio in the static case.The investment value affects the optimal invest strategy and determines the slop of the efficient frontier.Under the optimal invest strategy,the expected terminal wealth tends to a target value which increases with the investment value of the risky asset.At last an example of AR(1) process is used to illustrate the impact of serial correlations on the optimal strategy,which is shown to be significant.
CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester)‐based propolis extract (Bio 30) suppresses the growth of human neurofibromatosis (NF) tumor xenografts in mice

Dysfunction of the NF1 gene coding a RAS GAP is the major cause of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), whereas neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is caused primarily by dysfunction of the NF2 gene product called merlin that inhibits directly PAK1, an oncogenic Rac/CDC42‐dependent Ser/Thr kinase. It was demonstrated previously that PAK1 is essential for the growth of both NF1 and NF2 tumors. Thus, several anti‐PAK1 drugs, including FK228 and CEP‐1347, are being developed for the treatment of NF tumors. However, so far no effective NF therapeutic is available on the market. Since propolis, a very safe healthcare product from bee hives, contains anticancer ingredients called CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester) or ARC (artepillin C), depending on the source, both of which block the oncogenic PAK1 signaling pathways, its potential therapeutic effect on NF tumors was explored in vivo. Here it is demonstrated that Bio 30, a CAPE‐rich water‐miscible extract of New Zealand (NZ) propolis suppressed completely the growth of a human NF1 cancer called MPNST (malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor) and caused an almost complete regression of human NF2 tumor (Schwannoma), both grafted in nude mice. Although CAPE alone has never been used clinically, due to its poor bioavailability/water‐solubility, Bio 30 contains plenty of lipids which solubilize CAPE, and also includes several other anticancer ingredients that seem to act synergistically with CAPE. Thus, it would be worth testing clinically to see if Bio 30 and other CAPE‐rich propolis are useful for the treatment of NF patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studying Positive and Negative Direct and Extended Contact: Complementing Self-Reports With Social Network Analysis

Traditionally, studies of intergroup contact have primarily relied on self-reports, which constitute a valid method for studying intergroup contact, but has limitations, especially if researchers are interested in negative or extended contact. In three studies, we apply social network analyses to generate alternative contact parameters. Studies 1 and 2 examine self-reported and network-based parameters of positive and negative contact using cross-sectional datasets (N = 291, N = 258), indicating that both methods help explain intergroup relations. Study 3 examines positive and negative direct and extended contact using the previously validated network-based contact parameters in a large-scale, international, and longitudinal dataset (N = 12,988), demonstrating that positive and negative direct and extended contact all uniquely predict intergroup relations (i.e., intergroup attitudes and future outgroup contact). Findings highlight the value of social network analysis for examining the full complexity of contact including positive and negative forms of direct and extended contact.
N 6-methyladenosine alters RNA structure to regulate binding of a low-complexity protein

Abstract N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA), and affects almost every stage of the mRNA life cycle. The YTH-domain proteins can specifically recognize m6A modification to control mRNA maturation, translation and decay. m6A can also alter RNA structures to affect RNA–protein interactions in cells. Here, we show that m6A increases the accessibility of its surrounding RNA sequence to bind heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein G (HNRNPG). Furthermore, HNRNPG binds m6A-methylated RNAs through its C-terminal low-complexity region, which self-assembles into large particles in vitro. The Arg-Gly-Gly repeats within the low-complexity region are required for binding to the RNA motif exposed by m6A methylation. We identified 13,191 m6A sites in the transcriptome that regulate RNA–HNRNPG interaction and thereby alter the expression and alternative splicing pattern of target mRNAs. Low-complexity regions are pervasive among mRNA binding proteins. Our results show that m6A-dependent RNA structural alterations can promote direct binding of m6A-modified RNAs to low-complexity regions in RNA binding proteins.
The effect of valproate on silent period and corticomotor excitability.

OBJECTIVE To investigate, by transcranial magnetic stimulation, the effects of valproate on silent period and corticomotor excitability. METHODS thirty patients with generalized epilepsy were studied at baseline, and re-examined 4 (S1) and 25 (S2) weeks after the administration of valproate (mean dose: 1040 +/- 284 mg). Transcranial magnetic stimulation was performed with a figure of eight coil (recording, first dorsal interosseous). Threshold was measured at 1% steps. Silent period was measured using a recently described protocol. Briefly, silent periods were elicited at 5% increments from 0 to 100% maximum stimulus intensity. At each stimulus intensity, 4 silent periods were obtained and the average value of silent period duration was used to construct a stimulus/response curve of stimulus intensity versus silent period. The resulting curves were then fitted to a Boltzman function and were statistically compared. The motor-evoked potential recruitment curve was constructed under active conditions and analyzed in a similar way. RESULTS Valproate increased threshold from 36.5 +/- 5.99% at baseline to 41.02 +/- 7.84% at S1 (p < 0.0001, paired t-test). The maximum value of the silent period curve decreased from 257.5 +/- 3.9 ms at baseline to 230.3 +/- 3.9 ms at S1 (p < 0.0001, F-test and AIC) while the other best-fit values (V(50), slope, threshold) were not significantly affected. Regarding the motor-evoked potential recruitment curve, the maximum value decreased significantly post-drug (from 0.449 +/- 0.007 to 0.392 +/- 0.009, p < 0.01, F-test and AIC test), whereas the rest of the best-fit values remained unaffected. CONCLUSION In patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, valproate increases threshold and reduces the maximum values of the silent period curve and the motor-evoked potential recruitment curve. These findings probably reflect valproate's effects on voltage-dependent Na(+) channels, as well as an activation of GABA(A) receptors.
Structure and properties of electronic and hole centers in CsBr from theoretical calculations

The electronic structure, geometry, diffusion barriers and optical properties of fundamental defects of CsBr are calculated using hybrid functional DFT and TD-DFT methods. The B3LYP functional with a modified exchange contribution has been used in an embedded cluster scheme to model the structure and spectroscopic properties of the self-trapped triplet exciton, interstitial Br atoms and ions, self-trapped holes and Br vacancies. The calculated migration barriers and positions of maxima of optical absorption bands are in good agreement with experiment, justifying the obtained defect geometries. The off-center triplet exciton luminescence energy is also accurately calculated.
Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right

In the late 1980s, Richard Fink, the principal political aide of Charles Koch, laid out a blueprint for a takeover of American politics. The first phase required investments in intellectuals and think tanks to produce ideas and turn them into marketable policy initiatives. The next phase involved subsidizing " grassroots " citizen groups that would elect politicians primed to enact the policies — and along with " special interest " lobbyists, keep the pressure on them and government agencies. Faced with serious threats to their energy businesses from environmentalists in and outside the government, Charles and David Koch (whose father was a founding member of the John Birch Society) committed hundreds of millions of dollars to this " vertically and horizontally integrated " plan to establish a libertarian, anti-tax, anti-regulation, anti-union, antisocial welfare, pro-corporate America. In " Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right, " Jane Mayer, a staff writer for The New Yorker and the author of " The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals, " provides an extraordinarily well-documented account of the influential, interlocking organizations with innocuous names created by the Koch brothers.
Depletion of neutrophils by filter during aortocoronary bypass surgery transiently improves postoperative cardiorespiratory status.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine whether inclusion of a leukocyte specific filter into the extracorporeal circuit during aortocoronary bypass surgery alters postoperative cardiopulmonary function. DESIGN Randomized, double-blinded control trial. SETTING Tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS Convenience sampling of patients undergoing elective aortocoronary bypass between October 1992 and June 1993. INTERVENTIONS A total of 32 patients were randomized to a leukocyte specific filter (n = 16) or to a standard blood filter (n = 16) during the surgical procedure. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS White blood cell count in the standard filter group (12.2 +/- 3.6 10(9)/L) was higher (p = 0.047) than in the leukocyte filter group (9.9 +/- 2.6 10(9)/L) at 4 h postoperatively but counts were similar (p = 0.063) at 24 h (10.8 +/- 2.7 vs 8.9 +/- 2.6 10(9)/L, respectively). Leukocyte activation assessed by chemiluminescence was similar between groups at all measurement periods. We noted transient improvements (p < 0.05) in intrapulmonary shunt (19 +/- 50% vs 24 +/- 9%) and mean blood pressure (85 +/- 8 vs 76 +/- 9 mm Hg, respectively) in the leukocyte filter group compared with the standard filter group, respectively. Otherwise there were no differences noted between groups. CONCLUSIONS Inclusion of a leukocyte filter during cardiopulmonary bypass caused transient cardiorespiratory improvement that was lost within 24 h and did not offer any significant clinical benefits.
CpG oligonucleotides accelerate and boost the immune response elicited by AVA, the licensed anthrax vaccine

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing unmethylated CpG motifs act as immune adjuvants, improving the immune response elicited by coadministered vaccines. Combining CpG ODN with anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA), the licensed human vaccine, can increase the speed, magnitude and avidity of the resultant anti-anthrax response in mice, rhesus macaques and humans. Adsorbing the CpG ODN onto cationic poly(actide-coglycolides) microparticles further boosts immunity to coadministered AVA. The antibody response induced by CpG ODN plus AVA confers protection against systemic anthrax challenge in multiple animal models. These findings suggest that CpG ODN, alone or in combination with other adjuvants and delivery strategies, may support the development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against biothreat pathogens.
Modified fast-sample/fast-hold approximation and γ-independent H ∞-discretisation for general sampled-data systems by fast-lifting

This article is concerned with the fast-lifting approach to H ∞ analysis and design of sampled-data systems, and extends our preceding study on modified fast-sample/fast-hold (FSFH) approximation, in which the direct feedthrough matrix D 11 from the disturbance w to the controlled output z was assumed to be zero. More precisely, this article removes this assumption and shows that a γ-independent H ∞ discretisation is still possible in a nontrivial fashion by applying what we call quasi-finite-rank approximation of an infinite-rank operator and then the loop-shifting technique. As in the case of D 11 = 0, the modified FSFH approach retains the feature that both the upper and lower bounds of the H ∞-norm or the frequency response gain can be computed, where the gap between the upper and lower bounds can be bounded with the approximation parameter N and is independent of the discrete-time controller. This feature is significant in applying the new method especially to control system design, and this study indeed has a very close relationship to the recent progress in the study of control system analysis/design via noncausal linear periodically time-varying scaling. The significance of a key lemma pertinent to the fast-lifting approach is suggested in connection with such a relationship, and also with its application to time-delay systems.
Summation and quantity judgments of sequentially presented sets by capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella)

Capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) were presented with two sets of food items, identical in food type but differing in number. Animals selected one set and were permitted to consume their choice. Set sizes ranged from 1 to 6 items. In experiment 1, each set was uncovered and recovered before a response was made, and the monkeys selected the larger set at high levels. Experiment 2 presented sets that had both visible and nonvisible food items in them at the time of the response, thus requiring the monkeys to sum the total amount of food that was available. The monkeys again selected the larger set with no decrement in performance. Overall, the data indicate that capuchins, like other more extensively studied primate species in this area of research, are responsive to quantitative differences between sets. Capuchins succeed in making these quantity judgments when sets are nonvisible at choice time and when summation of items must be performed, thus demonstrating coordination of quantification skills and memory. Capuchins also inhibit responses to visible food items when those items are only part of an overall smaller quantity of food compared with a completely nonvisible set. Am. J. Primatol. 70:191–194, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.