Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical fitness and activity as separate heart disease risk factors: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE Public health policies for physical activity presume that the greatest health benefits are achieved by increasing physical activity among the least active. This presumption is based largely on studies of cardiorespiratory fitness. To assess whether studies of cardiorespiratory fitness are germane to physical activity guidelines, we compared the dose-response relationships between cardiovascular disease endpoints with leisure-time physical activity and fitness from published studies. DATA SOURCES Twenty-three sex-specific cohorts of physical activity or fitness (representing 1,325,004 person-years of follow-up), cited in Tables 4-1 and 4-2 of the Surgeon General's Report. DATA SYNTHESIS Relative risks were plotted as a function of the cumulative percentages of the samples when ranked from least fit or active, to most fit or active. To combine study results, a weighted average of the relative risks over the 16 physical activity or seven fitness cohorts was computed at every 5th percentile between 5 and 100%. The analyses show that the risks of coronary heart disease or cardiovascular disease decrease linearly in association with increasing percentiles of physical activity. In contrast, there is a precipitous drop in risk occurring before the 25th percentile of the fitness distribution. As a consequence of this drop, there is a significant difference in the risk reduction associated with being more physically active or physically fit (P < or = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Being unfit warrants consideration as a risk factor, distinctly from inactivity, and worthy of screening and intervention. Formulating physical activity recommendations on the basis of fitness studies may inappropriately demote the status of physical fitness as a risk factor while exaggerating the public health benefits of moderate amounts of physical activity.
Indirect measurement of saliva secretion in sheep fed diets of different structures and the effect of such diets on ruminal fluid kinetics and fermentation pattern

Four Suffolk x Dorset sheep were allocated in a 4 x 4 Latin square design and received a hay‐barley‐molasses diet in one of four different physical structures: (1) pelleted; (2) pelleted:chopped (60:40); (3) chopped:pelleted (60:40); or (4) chopped. The animals were penned individually and the diet was restricted to provide 20 g of dry matter (DM) per kilogram live weight daily. The effects of the diets on rumen fluid kinetics, fermentation pattern and microbial nitrogen (MN) supply were examined. Saliva secretion was estimated using an indirect method based on water balance in the rumen. When the animals were fed the chopped diet, the salivation rate, rumen fluid volume and rumen liquid outflow were all increased significantly (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). No consistent effect of dietary structure on rumen fluid dilution rate, purine derivative (PD) excretion or MN supply was observed. Dietary structure had no effect on the rumen fermentation pattern, digestibility of DM or nitrogen.
On the Benefit of Inventory‐Based Dynamic Pricing Strategies

We study the optimal pricing and replenishment decisions in an inventory system with a price-sensitive demand, focusing on the benefit of the inventory-based dynamic pricing strategy. We find that demand variability impacts the benefit of dynamic pricing not only through the magnitude of the variability but also through its functional form (e.g., whether it is additive, multiplicative, or others). We provide an approach to quantify the profit improvement of dynamic pricing over static pricing without having to solve the dynamic pricing problem. We also demonstrate that dynamic pricing is most effective when it is jointly optimized with inventory replenishment decisions, and that its advantage can be mostly realized by using one or two price changes over a replenishment cycle.
An electromyographic analysis of shoulder function in tennis players

Shoulder injuries in tennis players are common because of the repetitive, high-magnitude forces generated around the shoulder during the various tennis strokes. An understanding of the complex sequences of muscle activity in this area may help reduce injury, enhance performance, and assist the rapid rehabilitation of the injured athlete. The supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, mid dle deltoid, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, biceps brachii, and serratus anterior muscles were studied in six uninjured male Division II collegiate tennis players using dynamic electromyography (EMG) and synchro nized high-speed photography. Each subject performed the tennis serve and the forehand and backhand groundstrokes, and each stroke was divided into stages. The tennis serve contains four stages. Three stages characterize the forehand and backhand ground strokes. Our results indicate that the subscapularis, pectoralis major, and serratus anterior display the greatest activity during the serve and forehand. The middle deltoid, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus are most active in the acceleration and follow-through stages of the backhand. The biceps brachii increases its activity during cocking and follow-through in the serve with a similar pattern noted in the acceleration and follow-through stages of the forehand and back hand. The serratus anterior demonstrates intense activ ity in the serve and forehand, thus providing a stable platform for the humeral head and assisting in gleno humeral-scapulothoracic synchrony. The tennis serve and forehand and backhand ground strokes are accomplished by complex sequences of muscle activity that incorporate contributions from the lower extremities and trunk into smooth, coordinated patterns. Although our study focused on shoulder function in the uninjured tennis player, it may provide a basis for understanding abnormal shoulder biomechanics that contribute to pain and dysfunction. The serratus anterior deserves special emphasis, for our study showed that its activity is essential to each of the three tennis strokes. Because of the similarities between the tennis serve and overhead throw, a conditioning program comparable to one pitchers use many be appropriate for tennis players.
CAR NEWS MGR MGR NEWS FIRM FIRM NEWS SIZE SIZE NEWS LOSS LOSS NEWS

This paper studies the capital market consequences of managers establishing an individual forecasting style. Using a manager-firm matched panel dataset, I examine whether and when manager-specific credibility matters. If managers' forecasting styles affect their perceived credibility, then the stock price reaction to forecast news should increase with managers' prior forecasting accuracy. Consistent with this prediction, I find that the stock price reaction to management forecast news is stronger when information uncertainty is high and when the manager has a history of issuing more accurate forecasts, indicating that individual managers benefit from establishing a personal disclosure reputation.
Improving Healthcare with Interactive Visualization

Visualization and visual analytics re-searchers can contribute substantial technological advances to support the reliable, effective, safe, and validated systems required for personal health, clinical healthcare, and public health policy-making. The Web extra at http://youtu.be/KLlStIfGUZQ is a video showing how Oracle Health Sciences Institute is supporting research at the University of Maryland that is helping medical professionals analyze millions of patient records by developing a powerful data visualization tool called EventFlow.
How Did Increased Competition Affect Credit Ratings?

The credit rating industry has historically been dominated by just two agencies, Moody's and S&P, leading to longstanding legislative and regulatory calls for increased competition. The material entry of a third rating agency (Fitch) to the competitive landscape offers a unique experiment to empirically examine how in fact increased competition affects the credit ratings market. Increased competition from Fitch coincides with lower quality ratings from the incumbents: rating levels went up, the correlation between ratings and market-implied yields fell, and the ability of ratings to predict default deteriorated. We offer several possible explanations for these findings that are linked to existing theories.
Characterization of Biosynthetic Enzymes for Ectoine as a Compatible Solute in a Moderately Halophilic Eubacterium, Halomonas elongata

ABSTRACT 1,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid (ectoine) is an excellent osmoprotectant. The biosynthetic pathway of ectoine from aspartic β-semialdehyde (ASA), in Halomonas elongata, was elucidated by purification and characterization of each enzyme involved. 2,4-Diaminobutyrate (DABA) aminotransferase catalyzed reversively the first step of the pathway, conversion of ASA to DABA by transamination with l-glutamate. This enzyme required pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and potassium ions for its activity and stability. The gel filtration estimated an apparent molecular mass of 260 kDa, whereas molecular mass measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was 44 kDa. This enzyme exhibited an optimum pH of 8.6 and an optimum temperature of 25°C and had Kms of 9.1 mM forl-glutamate and 4.5 mM for dl-ASA. DABA acetyltransferase catalyzed acetylation of DABA to γ-N-acetyl-α,γ-diaminobutyric acid (ADABA) with acetyl coenzyme A and exhibited an optimum pH of 8.2 and an optimum temperature of 20°C in the presence of 0.4 M NaCl. The molecular mass was 45 kDa by gel filtration. Ectoine synthase catalyzed circularization of ADABA to ectoine and exhibited an optimum pH of 8.5 to 9.0 and an optimum temperature of 15°C in the presence of 0.5 M NaCl. This enzyme had an apparent molecular mass of 19 kDa by SDS-PAGE and a Km of 8.4 mM in the presence of 0.77 M NaCl. DABA acetyltransferase and ectoine synthase were stabilized in the presence of NaCl (>2 M) and DABA (100 mM) at temperatures below 30°C.
Acute Human Trial of the Floating Mass Transducer

Five patients underwent acute implantation of the Floating Mass Transducer™ (FMT™) to evaluate the ability of the FMT to produce measurable auditory thresholds when temporarily placed in the middle ears of patients undergoing routine stapedotomy procedures. The FMT was placed on the long process of the incus in an inferior position, as is planned for clinical application, and in two additional positions. The ability of the FMT to produce measurable auditory thresholds was demonstrated in all patients. Results were affected by the lack of a healing period, the presence of a fixed stapes and an open middle ear space, and patient sedation.
Pediatric elbow trauma

Acute pediatric elbow trauma is commonly seen in the emergency department (ED). Reports confirm that, compared to other fractures, children's elbow fractures are commonly misdiagnosed in the ED. In addition, missed orthopedic injuries are one of the leading causes of malpractice claims in emergency medicine. Radiologic diagnosis of these injuries is challenging, as a large portion of the pediatric elbow is composed of radiolucent cartilage. Knowledge of the normal anatomy and ossification centers around the elbow is essential for correct diagnosis. Acute neurovascular injury is frequently associated with these injuries, but is often difficult to assess in an apprehensive child. Immediate orthopedic consultation is indicated for any child with an elbow injury in whom neurologic or vascular compromise is suspected. Consultation should be strongly considered for children with displaced supracondylar fractures and/or significant echymosis and swelling about the cubital fossa.
Systematic review and meta-analysis: is bowel preparation still necessary in small bowel capsule endoscopy?

ABSTRACT Introduction: Optimal bowel preparation for small bowel capsule endoscopy(SBCE) is controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of laxatives in SBCE. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted for studies investigating the use of laxatives in SBCE. The primary outcome was diagnostic yield(DY) for SB findings; secondary outcomes SB visualization quality(SBVQ) and completion rate(CR). Pooled odds ratios(ORs) with 95% confidence intervals(CIs) and number needed to treat(NNT) were calculated. Results: Forty studies (4380 patients with laxatives, 2185 without) were included. Laxative use did not improve DY of SB findings overall (OR 1.11 (95%CI 0.85–1.44)) or for significant SB findings (OR 1.10 (95%CI 0.76–1.60)). However, SBVQ improved with the use of laxatives (OR 1.60 (95%CI 1.08–2.06)), NNT 14. The OR for completed SBCE was 1.30 (95%CI 0.95–1.78). Patients given polyethylene glycol(PEG) had lower DY than sodium phosphate(NaP). SBVQ improved more with NaP (NNT 7) than PEG (NNT 53). Conclusions: Laxatives do not significantly improve DY or CR in SBCE, but do improve SBQV. The use of laxatives may be beneficial in patients likely to have subtle findings. There are significant differences in methodology/definitions between studies, hence the need for standardized visualization scoring and recording of SBCE findings.
Mechanism for Prevention of Infection in Preterm Neonates by Topical Emollients: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Topical applications of emollients such as sunflower seed oil and Aquaphor have been shown to reduce the incidence of bloodstream infections and mortality of preterm infants in resource-poor settings. The causal mechanism for prevention of infection through cutaneous portals of entry is not well understood. Methods: We examined the relationship between skin condition score as a measure of skin barrier integrity and risk for bloodstream infection, and the effect of emollients on that relationship. Data for this study come from a randomized controlled trial of the impact of topical emollient therapy on nosocomial infections in 491 preterm infants <33 weeks gestational age at Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Bangladesh. Latent growth trajectory model with random-coefficient and multivariable logistic regression were utilized. Results: Rate of deterioration of skin condition was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in both emollient arms compared with the untreated control group. Adjusted odds ratio of skin score for infection was 1.32 (95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.65). Emollients reduced the incidence of infection only when the skin had no signs of deterioration [Aquaphor incidence rate ratio: 0.43 (95% confidence interval: 0.19–0.97) and sunflower seed oil incidence rate ratio: 0.46 (95% confidence interval: 0.21–0.99)]. Conclusion: Skin condition deteriorated progressively after birth and compromised skin condition increased the risk of infection. Emollients preserved skin integrity and thus prevented infection in preterm neonates. To optimize benefits of emollients for the prevention of bloodstream infection, use of emollients should begin immediately after birth when the skin is still intact.
PENGARUH INFLASI DAN NILAI TUKAR TERHADAP INDEKS SAHAM SYARIAH INDONESIA

Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia (ISSI) merupakan indeks saham yang mencerminkan keseluruhan saham syariah yang tercatat di Bursa Efek Indonesia dan terdaftar dalam Daftar Efek Syariah. Dilihat dari pergerakan ISSI yang mengalami perkembangan signifikan tentu hal tersebut dipengaruhi oleh beberapa variabel makroekonomi dan moneter, seperti inflasi, jumlah uang beredar, nilai tukar, dan lain-lain. Penelitian ini bertujuan 1) Untuk mengetahui pengaruh secara parsial antara inflasi dan nilai tukar terhadap Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia, 2) Untuk mengetahui pengaruh secara simultan antara inflasi dan nilai tukar terhadap Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia, 3) Untuk mengetahui besarnya pengaruh antara inflasi dan nilai tukar terhadap Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode analisis deskriptif, uji asumsi klasik, analisis regresi berganda, uji F, uji t, koefisien korelasi, dan koefisien determinasi dengan bantuan program SPSS. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa variabel inflasi secara parsial tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia. Hal ini dapat dilihat dari nilai t hitung pada variabel inflasi lebih kecil dari t tabel , yaitu (-1,097 0,05). Dan variabel nilai tukar secara parsial tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia. Hal ini dapat dilihat dari nilai t hitung pada variabel nilai tukar lebih kecil dari t tabel , yaitu (-1,493 0,05). Sedangkan variabel inflasi dan nilai tukar secara simultan tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia. Hal ini dapat dilihat dari nilai F hitung lebih kecil dari F tabel , yaitu (1,934 0,05). Adapun hasil perhitungan koefisien determinasi (R 2 ) adalah sebesar 0,064. Hal ini berarti variabel inflasi dan nilai tukar dapat menjelaskan pengaruhnya terhadap Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia sebesar 6,4% sedangkan sisanya 93,6% dijelaskan oleh variabel lain diluar penelitian
Three energy variables predict ant abundance at a geographical scale

Energy theory posits three processes that link local abundance of ectotherms to geographical gradients in temperature. A survey of 49 New World habitats found a two order of magnitude span in the abundance (nests m−2) of ground nesting ants (Formicidae). Abundance increased with net primary productivity (r2=0.55), a measure of the baseline supply of harvestable energy. Abundance further increased with mean temperature (r2=0.056), a constraint on foraging activity for this thermophilic taxon. Finally, for a given mean temperature, ants were more abundant in seasonal sites with longer, colder winters (r2=0.082) that help ectotherm taxa sequester harvested energy in non–productive months. All three variables are currently changing on a global scale. All should be useful in predicting biotic responses to climate change.
Efficacy and safety of an extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) in adults with acute bronchitis. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND New evidence-based treatment options are required to avoid antibiotic overuse in acute bronchitis and to replace potentially inefficacious initial antibiotic treatment. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) compared to placebo in patients with acute bronchitis. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial using a multi-stage adaptive design. SETTING 36 primary care physicians (investigators) at the out-patient care setting. PATIENTS 468 adults with acute bronchitis present < or = 48 hours, Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS) > or = 5 points, and informed consent. INTERVENTION EPs 7630 or placebo (30 drops three times daily) for 7 days. MEASUREMENT The primary outcome criterion was the change of BSS on day 7. RESULTS The decrease of BSS from baseline to day 7 was 5.9 +/- 2.9 points under EPs 7630 (n = 233), and 3.2 +/- 4.1 points under placebo (n = 235). The 95% CI for the difference of effects between the two treatment groups (EPs 7630 minus placebo) was calculated as [-3.359; -2.060] showing a significant superiority of EPs 7630 compared to placebo on day 7 (p < 0.0001). Working inability decreased to 16% in the EPs 7630 group compared to 43% in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). In addition, the duration of illness was significantly shorter for patients treated with EPs 7630 compared to placebo (p < 0.001). Within the first four days, onset of treatment effect was recognized in 53.6% of patients under EPs 7630 compared to 36.2% of patients under placebo, only (p < 0.0001). Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 36/468 patients (EPs 7630: 20/233 patients, placebo: 16/235 patients). All events were assessed as non-serious. CONCLUSION EPs 7630 was superior in efficacy compared to placebo in the treatment of adults with acute bronchitis. Treatment with EPs 7630 clearly reduced the severity of symptoms and shortened the duration of working inability for nearly 2 days.
Learning consumption: Media, literacy, and the legacy of One Laptop per Child

ABSTRACT This article examines one of the largest interventions in computer-based learning currently underway, the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) project, with 2.5 million laptops in use worldwide. Drawing on 2010 and 2013 fieldwork investigating a project in Paraguay with 10,000 of OLPC's “XO” laptops, I explore the ways in which participants interpreted leisure laptop use as “learning. ” I show that the most captivating uses of the laptops were not “productive” or programming-centric, as OLPC's developers hoped, but “consumptive” and media-centric, focused on music, videos, and video games. I discuss the learning benefits and drawbacks of this use, as understood by participants and in light of education research, and in light of the broader context of transnational corporations interested in marketing to these children. In the process, I weigh OLPC's utopian dreams against the interests of the child beneficiaries, concerns of media imperialism, and a potential shift in the meaning of computers.
Analysis of session-RPE and profile of mood states during a triathlon training camp.

AIM The aim of the present study was to monitor the internal training load and profile of mood states (POMS) during a training camp in junior-elite triathletes. METHODS Sixteen (10 male and 6 female) young triathlon athletes (junior-elite: 18±1 yrs) were included in this study. All triathletes had been training for 7±3 years, and regularly trained 4 times a week 3h per session, throughout the year. The training camp (5 days) included two daily supervised training sessions. The CR-10RPE scale was used 30 minutes after every training session to evaluate session-RPE. POMS was administered 3 times during the training camp: at the beginning, on the 3rd day, and at the end of training camp. RESULTS Session-RPE throughout the different training days showed significant differences (P<0.001). POMS scores showed a significant increase (P<0.001) in fatigue from the first (7.8±1.4), to the third (10.5±2.2) and to the last day of training (14.2±3.4). At the end of the camp, lower (P<0.01) vigour values (12.7±2.8) emerged with respect to the first day (15.8±3.0), whereas anger decreased (P=0.015) the last day (8.6±2.2) with respect to the intermediate evaluation (9.6±2.7). CONCLUSION The 45% increase in fatigue, the 24% decrease in vigour, and the intraindividual variability in session RPE that emerged, indicates that young triathletes need to be monitored closely during training camps in order to individualize training to avoid training maladaptation such as non-functional overreaching.