Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Productivity and Profitability of Forest Machines in the Harvesting of Normal and Overgrown Willow Plantations

Nacrtak Forage harvesters used in Short Rotation Willow Coppice (SRWC) plantations in Sweden suffer from an inability to efficiently harvest stems thicker than 6 - 7 cm at stump height. An alternative, when harvesting in such plantations, might be to use forest machines fitted with accumulating felling heads. This study aimed to measure the time consumption and to compare the costs of two forest machine systems in a normal (N) and an overgrown (O) SRWC, where the respective biomass densities were 36 and 56 Oven-Dry tonnes (OD t) per ha. The first machine system included a harvester and a forwarder and the second consisted of a harwarder (one-machine system). When harvesting and forwarding the biomass for 250 m, the productivity of the two and one-machine system was on average 2.3 (sd = 0.6) and 0.9 (sd = 0.2) OD t/Productive Work hour, respectively. Biomass density or stem sizes had a mar- ginal effect on the time consumption per hectare for the two-machine system, but were signi- ficant for the one-machine system. The productivity for the two-machine and one-machine system in the O area, compared to the N area, was 40% and 36% higher, respectively. The net income was positive when using the harvester-forwarder system but it was negative for the harwarder. Increases in biomass density or stem sizes increased the profitability of the machine systems studied. Thus, if dealing with more overgrown plantations than those studied, forest machines, and especially a harvester-forwarder system, may offer an efficient and economical alternative to conventional forage harvesters.
Estimates of African, European and Native American Ancestry in Afro-Caribbean Men on the Island of Tobago

Background/Aims: The Tobago Afro-Caribbean population is a valuable resource for studying the genetics of diseases that show significant differences in prevalence between populations of African descent and populations of other ancestries. Empirical confirmation of low European and Native American admixture may help in clarifying the ethnic variation in risk for such diseases. We hypothesize that the degree of European and Native American admixture in the Tobago population is low. Methods: Admixture was estimated in a random sample of 220 men, from a population-based prostate cancer screening survey of 3,082 Tobago males, aged 40 to 79 years. We used a set of six autosomal markers with large allele frequency differences between the major ethnic populations involved in the admixture process, Europeans, Native Americans and West Africans. Results: The ancestral proportions of Tobago population are estimated as 94.0 ± 1.2% African, 4.6 ± 3.4% European and 1.4 ± 3.6% Native American. Conclusions: We conclude that Tobago Afro-Caribbean men are predominantly of West African ancestry, with minimal European and Native American admixture. The Tobago population, thus, may carry a higher burdenof high-risk alleles of African origin for certain diseases than the more admixedAfrican-American population. Conversely, this population may benefit from a higher prevalence of protective alleles of African origin.
Thermometry in paediatric practice

Body temperature is commonly measured to confirm the presence or absence of fever. However, there remains considerable controversy regarding the most appropriate thermometer and the best anatomical site for temperature measurement. Core temperature is generally defined as the temperature measured within the pulmonary artery. Other standard core temperature monitoring sites (distal oesophagus, bladder, and nasopharynx) are accurate to within 0.1–0.2°C of core temperature and are useful surrogates for deep body temperature. However, as deep-tissue measurement sites are clinically inaccessible, physicians have utilised other sites to monitor body temperature including the axilla, skin, under the tongue, rectum, and tympanic membrane. Recent studies have shown that tympanic temperature accurately reflects pulmonary artery temperature, even when body temperature is changing rapidly. Once outstanding issues are addressed, the tympanic site is likely to become the gold standard for measuring temperature in children.
A no-reflow prediction model in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction and primary drug-eluting stenting

Abstract Objectives. This study was undertaken to assess independent no-reflow predictors in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) and primary drug-eluting stenting in the current interventional strategies. Design. One thousand four hundred and thirteen patients with STEMI were successfully treated with primary drug-eluting stenting within 12 h after AMI. All clinical, angiographic and procedural data were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent no-reflow predictors. Results. The no-reflow was found in 297 (21%) of 1413 patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression identified that age (>65 years, OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.46–1.49; p = 0.007), long time-to-reperfusion (>6 h, OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.16–1.40; p = 0.001), admission plasma glucose (>13.0 mmol/L, OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.16–1.40; p = 0.027), collateral circulation (0–1, OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.25–2.29; p = 0.001), pre-PCI thrombus score (≥4, OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.16–1.79; p = 0.011), and IABP use before PCI (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.65–5.05; p < 0.0001) were independent no-reflow predictors. The no-reflow rate significantly increased as the number of independent predictors increased (0%, 6%, 15%, 25%, 40%, 50% and 100% in patients with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 independent predictors, respectively; p < 0.0001). Conclusions. The prediction model consisted of six no-reflow predictors in patients with STEMI and primary drug-eluting stenting and should be confirmed in large-scale prospective studies.
Comparison of tuberculin skin test and interferon‐γ assays in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who are candidates for antitumour necrosis factor‐α therapy

the Mann–Whitney test. The point prevalence of AD was determined at 19 locations in a large area in central Netherlands. The prevalence of AD in Dutch children younger than 4 years was 7Æ5%. More boys than girls were affected (P < 0Æ0005), and the prevalence of AD was greater in younger (< 2 years) than in older children (Fig. 1). Most of the children were white skinned. The mean TIS score was 3 both in boys and in girls with AD (P = 0Æ63), and in groups of different ages (P = 0Æ48). This is the first study on the prevalence and severity of AD in Dutch children aged 0–4 years. The point prevalence was 7Æ5%, and 1 in 10 (10%) was referred to a general practitioner. There were more boys than girls with AD. This difference was particularly marked at the age of < 2 years. The severity of AD was equally distributed over age and gender. Atopy and eczema develop differently in boys and girls. Boys with AD are more often atopic than girls, who more often have intrinsic AD. It may be assumed that the observed prevalence of AD in this age group reflects the real situation, as does the level of severity at which medical aid is sought.
Molecular characterization of the ligand binding site of the human galanin receptor type 2, identifying subtype selective interactions

To define the specific role of the galanin receptors when mediating the effect of galanin, effective tools for distinct activation and inhibition of the different receptor subtypes are required. Several of the physiological effects modulated by galanin are implicated to be mediated via the GalR2 subtype and have been distinguished from GalR1 effects by utilizing the Gal(2–11) peptide, recognizing only GalR2 and GalR3. In this study, we have performed a mutagenesis approach on the GalR2 subtype and present, for the first time, a molecular characterization of the interactions responsible for ligand binding and receptor activation at this receptor subtype. Our results identify four residues, His252 and His253 located in transmembrane domain 6 and Phe264 and Tyr271 in the extracellular loop 3, to be of great significance. We show evidence for the N‐terminal tail of GalR2 to participate in ligand binding and that selective binding of Gal(2–11) includes interaction with the Ile256 residue, located at the very top of TM 6. In conclusion, we present a mutagenesis study on GalR2 and confer interactions responsible for ligand binding and receptor activation as well as selective recognition of the Gal(2–11) peptide at this receptor subtype. The presented observations could be of major importance for the design and development of new and improved peptide and non‐peptide ligands, selectively activating the GalR2 subtype.
[The preoperative electrocardiogram: meaningless routine or essential tool?].

The clinical assessment prior to any surgical intervention is generally carried out by an anaesthesiologist, however, in many cases the cardiologist is also required given that the cardiovascular risk has the greatest clinical and prognosis significance in the majority of interventions. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a firmly established element of the preoperative cardiological assessment. Official guidelines on clinical practice take it for granted that the ECG forms part of the basic preoperative assessment, in addition to risk stratification using the normal scales. They even state that an abnormal ECG determines the need for a cardiological consultation. It has been shown that the simple classification of preoperative ECGs into normal and abnormal improves the prognosis utility of the clinical assessment, based on the patient and intervention risk. However, 51% of preoperative ECGs are abnormal and this rarely has an impact on the therapeutic attitude or is correlated to results among the low risk population. In contrast however, information from Letters to the Editor
The Future Is Now: Prospective Temporal Self-Appraisals Among Defensive Pessimists and Optimists

Three studies found that prospective temporal self-appraisals can be part of defensive pessimists’ strategy; they felt closer to equally distant negative than positive futures. In Study 1, defensive pessimists felt closer to future failures and reported more negative affect than those considering success. In Study 2, when manipulated negative futures were close, defensive pessimists felt bad and performed well; results suggested that viewing negative futures as close may be part of their natural strategy. Study 3 found that prospective self-appraisals influenced performances through felt preparation. Optimists did not use prospective self-appraisals (Study 1) and their performances were unaffected by manipulated temporal distance (Studies 2 and 3). Discussion centers on prospective self-appraisals and multiple strategies of defensive pessimists.
Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Reveals BAG3 as a Potential Target To Suppress Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Replication

ABSTRACT The discovery of a novel coronavirus (CoV) as the causative agent of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has highlighted the need for a better understanding of CoV replication. The replication of SARS-CoV is highly dependent on host cell factors. However, relatively little is known about the cellular proteome changes that occur during SARS-CoV replication. Recently, we developed a cell line expressing a SARS-CoV subgenomic replicon and used it to screen inhibitors of SARS-CoV replication. To identify host proteins important for SARS-CoV RNA replication, the protein profiles of the SARS-CoV replicon cells and parental BHK21 cells were compared using a quantitative proteomic strategy termed “stable-isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture-mass spectrometry” (SILAC-MS). Our results revealed that, among the 1,081 host proteins quantified in both forward and reverse SILAC measurements, 74 had significantly altered levels of expression. Of these, significantly upregulated BCL2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) was selected for further functional studies. BAG3 is involved in a wide variety of cellular processes, including cell survival, cellular stress response, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Our results show that inhibition of BAG3 expression by RNA interference led to significant suppression of SARS-CoV replication, suggesting the possibility that upregulation of BAG3 may be part of the machinery that SARS-CoV relies on for replication. By correlating the proteomic data with these functional studies, the findings of this study provide important information for understanding SARS-CoV replication.
A qualitative study of breast cancer self‐help groups

This study reports on the experience of women in four community breast cancer self‐help groups in Ontario, Canada. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 24 women, asking them about benefits and limitations of their group involvement, and about their perspectives on group processes and structures. Overall, participants reported their group involvement to be extremely helpful for navigating the short and long‐term impact of breast cancer. Emotional support benefits included connecting with other breast cancer survivors, feeling understood and sharing experiences, providing hope, and sharing healing laughter. Informational and practical support benefits included sharing of important information and learning how to get what you want. Even where there were concerns about limitations or tensions of group experience, these occurred against a backdrop of appreciation and commitment. From the discussion of group processes and structures, a number of issues were identified as problematic. Most notable were how to deal with deaths of group members and how to balance the group's primary purpose of providing mutual support with secondary goals of dealing with group business and engaging in meaningful advocacy. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dyslexia, Learning, and the Brain

Dyslexia research has made dramatic progress since the mid-1980s. Once discounted as a "middle-class myth," dyslexia is now the subject of a complex -- and confusing -- body of theoretical and empirical research. In Dyslexia, Learning, and the Brain, leading dyslexia researchers Roderick Nicolson and Angela Fawcett provide a uniquely broad and coherent analysis of dyslexia theory. Unlike most dyslexia research, which addresses the question "what is the cause of the reading disability called dyslexia? " the authors' work has addressed the deeper question of "what is the cause of the learning disability that manifests as reading problems? " This perspective allows them to place dyslexia research within the much broader disciplines of cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience and has led to a rich framework, including two established leading theories, the automatization deficit account (1990) and the cerebellar deficit hypothesis (2001). Nicolson and Fawcett show that extensive evidence has accumulated to support these two theories and that they may be seen as subsuming the established phonological deficit account and sensory processing accounts. Moving to the explanatory level of neural systems, they argue that all these disorders reflect problems in some component of the procedural learning system, a multiregion system including major components of cortical and subcortical regions. The authors' answer to the fundamental question "what is dyslexia? " offers a challenge and motivation for research throughout the learning disabilities, laying the foundations for future progress.
Insufficient irrigation induces peri-implant bone resorption: an in vivo histologic analysis in sheep.

OBJECTIVES To measure in vivo impact of dense bone overheating on implant osseointegration and peri-implant bone resorption comparing different bur irrigation methods vs. no irrigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty TI-bone implants were inserted in the inferior edge of mandibles of sheep. Different cooling procedures were used in each group: no irrigation (group A), only internal bur irrigation (group B), both internal and external irrigation (group C), and external irrigation (group D). The histomorphometric parameters calculated for each implant were as follows: %cortical bone-implant contact (%CBIC) and %cortical bone volume (%CBV). Friedman's test was applied to test the statistical differences. RESULTS In group A, we found a huge resorption of cortical bone with %CBIC and %CBV values extremely low. Groups B and C showed mean %CBIC and %BV values higher than other groups The mean %CBV value was significantly different when comparing group B and group C vs. group A (P < 0.05). Significant differences in %CBIC were found also between group C and group A (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Thermal injury, due to insufficient irrigation, of hard bone caused massive resorption of the cortical bone and implant failure. Drilling procedures on hard bone need an adequate cooling supply because the bone matrix overheating may induce complete resorption of dense bone around implants. Internal-external irrigation and only internal irrigation showed to be more efficient than other types of cooling methods in preventing bone resorption around implants.
Support vector machine and its application in handwritten numeral recognition

The support vector machine (SVM) is a new learning machine with very good generalization ability, which has been applied widely in pattern recognition and regression estimation. Four practical handwritten numeral SVM classifiers are proposed in this paper, which has been utilized successfully in Chinese check recognition system. The experiment on NIST numeral database and the actual check samples show that compared with other classifiers, SVM possesses better generalization ability.
Variation in numbers of CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ T cells with normal immuno‐regulatory properties in long‐term graft outcome

Chronic rejection (CR) is a major cause of long‐term graft loss that would be avoided by the induction of tolerance. We previously showed that renal transplant patients with CR have lower numbers of peripheral CD4+CD25high T cells than operationally tolerant patients, patients with stable graft function and healthy volunteers (HV). We explored here the profile of CD4+CD25high blood T cells in these patients focusing on their expression of the regulatory T cells (Treg) gene Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3) and their suppressive function. We show that CR is associated with a decreased number of CD4+CD25highFOXP3+T cells with normal regulatory profile, whereas graft acceptance is associated with CD4+CD25highFOXP3+T cell numbers similar to HVs. These data suggest that Treg numbers, rather than their intrinsic suppressive capacity, may contribute to determining the long‐term fate of renal transplants.
Democracy and Conflict Resolution

Democratic political processes regulate competition among groups with conflicting preferences. Although much of the competition occurs peacefully within existing political institutions, democratic practices can also facilitate the resolution of intense conflict when the political system is challenged from within by groups fighting against the established government, and when it is challenged from without and on the brink of interstate war. This chapter provides an overview of the scholarly literature linking democracy to peace and conflict resolution, including pertinent theoretical propositions and the balance of evidence generated by empirical researchers. The promise of peace associated with civil liberty, political openness, and the foreign policies of democratic states has long figured into the writings of moral and political philosophers, perhaps most notably in Immanuel Kant’s essay Perpetual Peace, published in 1795. But the burgeoning academic literature in recent decades is largely the product of social scientific research, much (but not all) of which is built upon the analysis of large quantitative data sets. Our primary focus, then, is what social science, and in particular political science, tells us about the relationship between democracy, conflict resolution, and peace between and within states.
The diuretic action of 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine, a selective A1 adenosine receptor antagonist

1 The diuretic effect of the selective A1 adenosine receptor antagonist, 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (CPX), was investigated in anaesthetized rats. 2 CPX (0.1 mg kg−1, i.v.) produced significant increases in urine flow, and the excretion rate and fractional excretion of both sodium and chloride. By contrast, CPX administration did not result in any significant change in the excretion of potassium. 3 The diuretic effect of CPX was accompanied by a transient increase in inulin clearance although p‐amino‐hippurate clearance was unaffected, indicating the CPX induced a temporary elevation of glomerular filtration rate but no change in renal blood flow. 4 The fractional excretion of lithium (a marker of delivery of fluid out of the proximal tubule) was also significantly increased by CPX. However, other measures of tubular function derived from lithium clearance indicated that there were no changes in the handling of sodium or water in the distal regions of the nephron. 5 CPX did not significantly alter the relationship between either free water reabsorption or free water clearance and the distal delivery of sodium, which suggests that CPX does not affect the renal concentration/dilution mechanism. 6 The results of this study show that the diuresis and increased excretion of sodium and chloride induced by CPX (0.1 mg kg−1) in the rat, occurs with only transient elevation in glomerular filtration rate and no change in renal blood flow. The primary reason for the diuresis appears to be inhibition of sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule. Furthermore, the results provide evidence that production and release of endogenous adenosine modifies renal excretory function via stimulation of the A1 receptor subtype.