Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vascular and Neural Anatomy of the Thenar Area of the Hand: Its Surgical Applications

&NA; Thirty fresh cadaver hands were injected with a silicone rubber compound (Microfil) and dissected to examine the vascular and neural supplies of the thenar area. In 10 specimens, a selective injection technique was used to determine the extent of skin territory nourished by the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. The purpose of this study was to clarify the anatomic basis for clinical applications of vascularized free‐ or island‐Hap transfers from the thenar area. The superficial palmar branch of the radial artery was found in all hands; the average diameter of the branch measured at its bifurcation site was 1.4 mm (0.8 to 3.0 mm). The constant area nourished by the superficial palmar branch was an area approximately 4 × 3 cm located over the proximal parts of the abductor pollicis brevis and opponens pollicis muscles. These results indicate that a fasciocutaneous flap from the radial thenar region can be raised based on the superficial palmar branch and consistently transferred as a free flap. In 63 percent of the hands dissected, the superficial palmar branch was connected to other arteries in the palm, suggesting that the flap can be transferred as a reverse‐pedicle island flap in such hands. Innervation of the flap was provided chiefly by a branch of the superficial radial nerve. The radial aspect of the thenar eminence can provide a new and useful donor source for an innervated and vascularized free‐ or island‐flap transfer for reconstruction of various skin defects of the volar side of the fingers.
ACTH FUNCTION IN WOMEN WITH THE POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

Serum androgen levels, including dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHAS) which is thought to be solely of adrenal origin, are elevated in women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome. We have investigated the possibility that this may be due to a mild form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia by measuring basal and stimulated levels of ACTH in women with this condition and have compared them to levels in normal women. We found no difference in the diurnal rhythm of ACTH between patients and normal subjects nor any difference in stimulated levels achieved after a single‐dose oral metyrapone test. Thus there is no evidence from this study to support the idea that these patients might have congenital adrenal hyperplasia. There are two alternative hypotheses to explain the elevated DHAS levels. They may be associated with the high oestrogen levels, which interfere with the enzyme 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, or there may be alteration of the factors controlling adrenal androgen secretion.
Human Natural Killer Cells Express Different Integrins and Spread on Fibronectin

Human natural killer (NK) cells adhered and most of them also actively spread on cellular fibronectin (cFn). plasma Fn (pFn) and its M, 120,000–140,000 or Mr 105,000 cell‐binding proteolytic Fn‐fragments as well as on heparin‐binding Fn‐fragments containing the alternative ceil binding site. The cells did not spread on vitronectin, laminin or collagens. Adhesion on M, 105,000 Fn fragment containing the cell binding site, could be prevented by the synthetic peptide GRGDS but not by an inactive peptide, whereas adhesion on heparin‐binding Fn fragments was unaffected by the peptide. Spreading of the NK cells led to a distinct reorganization of F‐actin. Immunoprecipitation with monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) against the β1integrin subunit of radioactively surface‐labelled cells revealed a broad polypeptide band of M, 140,000 under reducing conditions and a polypeptide doublet of Mr 160,000 and Mr110,000 under non‐reducing conditions. Identical polypeptides. corresponding to the α‐and β‐subunits of the Fn‐receptor complex, were bound to the Mr 105,000 chymotryptic Fn‐fragment coupled to Sepharose® Similar experiments with small lymphocytes did not reveal any polypeptides. Immunofluorescence results with McAbs suggested that among the α‐subunits of integrins the α3α4, and α5subunits are expressed in NK cells. The present results suggest that non‐activated NK cells, but not small lymphocytes, express β1‐integrins, and that at least the Fn‐receptors α4β1and α5β1may function in the adhesion and migration of NK cells.
Determinants of FPI in Developed and Developing Countries

The pattern of capital inflows in developed and developing economies are different because of dissimilar economic and political structures. From the point of view of host country, especially the developing countries, portfolio flows are considered to play a pivotal role in bridging the saving investment gap and providing foreign exchange to finance current account deficit. While the investors of developed country invest in portfolios of different countries to diversify the risk and earn more returns, foreign portfolio investors generally go for short-term investment to reap the benefits of good economic conditions and they tend to withdraw their investments during the period of recession. This article identifies the determinants of foreign portfolio investment (FPI) in developed and developing economies. Though the movement of capital among different countries is researched in depth by existing literature, the present study adds to literature by identifying the institutional factor involving freedom index. The institutional factors aid in identifying the determinants of FPI among select developed and developing countries. This study seeks to answer, where the funds of foreign portfolio investors are headed. And also the reasons of attractiveness for FPI among different sets of countries. The sample of the study is limited to a set of 19 developed and developing counties for the period of 10 years (2004–2013). We study the determinants of FPI for a group of developed and developing countries using fixed and random effects. Additionally, we use panel generalized method of moments (GMM) suggested by Arellano and Bond (1991, The Review of Economic Studies, 58(2), 277–297). This methodology is suitable to remove the problem of endogeneity which static model is not able to capture. The results of model also incorporates persistence effect considering lagged value of dependent variable. The study empirically tests the various factors that determine the inflows of FPI and analyses their performance during different stages of the economic cycle in the last 10 years. Implicitly, in case of developed countries, it was observed that interest rate differential, trade openness, host country stock market performance and US stock market returns are significant trendsetter, while in developing countries, freedom index, interest rate differential, host country stock market performance, trade openness, US stock market returns and crisis period (2006–2008) significantly influence the inflow of FPIs. Dynamic model supports that as a group of 19 countries, portfolio investments are significantly influenced by interest rate differentials, freedom index, US stock market and host country stock market returns.
Metabolic surgery profoundly influences gut microbial–host metabolic cross-talk

Background and aims Bariatric surgery is increasingly performed worldwide to treat morbid obesity and is also known as metabolic surgery to reflect its beneficial metabolic effects especially with respect to improvement in type 2 diabetes. Understanding surgical weight loss mechanisms and metabolic modulation is required to enhance patient benefits and operative outcomes. Methods The authors applied a parallel and statistically integrated bacterial profiling and metabonomic approach to characterise Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) effects in a non-obese rat model. Results Substantial shifts of the main gut phyla towards higher concentrations of Proteobacteria (52-fold), specifically Enterobacter hormaechei, are shown. Low concentrations of Firmicutes (4.5-fold) and Bacteroidetes (twofold) in comparison with sham-operated rats were also found. Faecal extraction studies revealed a decrease in faecal bile acids and a shift from protein degradation to putrefaction through decreased faecal tyrosine with concomitant increases in faecal putrescine and diaminoethane. Decreased urinary amines and cresols were found and indices of modulated energy metabolism were demonstrated after RYGB, including decreased urinary succinate, 2-oxoglutarate, citrate and fumarate. These changes could also indicate renal tubular acidosis, which is associated with increased flux of mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. A surgically induced effect on the gut–brain–liver metabolic axis is inferred from modulated faecal γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate. Conclusion This profound co-dependence of mammalian and microbial metabolism, which is systematically altered after RYGB surgery, suggests that RYGB exerts local and global metabolic effects. The effect of RYGB surgery on the host metabolic–microbial cross-talk augments our understanding of the metabolic phenotype of bariatric procedures and can facilitate enhanced treatments for obesity-related diseases.
Recent Advances in 2-μm GaSb-Based Semiconductor Disk Laser—Power Scaling, Narrow-Linewidth and Short-Pulse Operation

An overview of the recent progress in a 2-μm GaSb-based semiconductor disk laser will be presented in this paper. Significant advances could be recently achieved in scaling the output power as well as in narrow-linewidth and short-pulse operation. Moreover, we will discuss the limiting effect for the output power imposed by laser emission perpendicular to the beam propagation, i.e., lateral lasing, and show means to suppress this phenomenon adversely affecting the laser performance. By using several gain elements in one laser cavity, the demonstration of more than 10-W output power from a GaSb-based SDL will be reported. Furthermore, employing a high-stability setup optimized for single-frequency emission more than 1-W output power at a linewidth below 50 kHz will be shown. Further comprehensive stability analyses were conducted paving the path for future stability improvements. Moreover, electro-optic cavity dumping of disk lasers will be demonstrated to be an effective means for achieving <;3 ns pulses at peak powers exceeding 30 W.
Auditory Brainstem Evoked Potentials in Early-Treated Congenital Hypothyroidism

To evaluate the effect of early treatment of congenital hypothyroidism on central nervous system development, auditory brainstem evoked potentials were determined in 32 patients with hyperthyrotropinemia diagnosed during neonatal screening. The patients included 27 with congenital hypothyroidism and 5 with transient hypothyroidism. Abnormal auditory brainstem evoked potential tracings were found in 8 patients (congenital hypothyroidism in 7 and transient hypothyroidism in 1). Four of these patients had increased peripheral conduction time (wave I prolongation), and the other 4 had increased central conduction time (wave III or V prolongation). The patients with abnormal auditory brainstem evoked potentials did not show increased initial manifestations, yet 6 of them had lower initial thyroxine levels. Specific auditory brainstem evoked potential abnormalities were found in 25% of early-treated patients with congenital hypothyroidism. The possible causal relationship between deviant auditory brainstem evoked potential patterns and later neurodevelopment demands further clarification. This study suggests the usefulness of auditory brainstem evoked potential assessment to provide information about electrophysiologic deviation of the auditory pathway in patients with early-treated congenital hypothyroidism. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:510-514).
The effects of thoracic spine manipulation in subjects with signs of rotator cuff tendinopathy.

STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. OBJECTIVES To assess scapular kinematics and electromyographic signal amplitude of the shoulder musculature, before and after thoracic spine manipulation (TSM) in subjects with rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT). Changes in range of motion, pain, and function were also assessed. BACKGROUND There are various treatment techniques for RCT. Recent studies suggest that TSM may be a useful component in the management of pain and dysfunction associated with RCT. METHODS Thirty subjects between 18 and 45 years of age, who showed signs of RCT, participated in this study. Changes in scapular kinematics and muscle activity, as well as changes in shoulder pain and function, were assessed pre-TSM and post-TSM using paired t tests and repeated-measures analyses of variance. RESULTS TSM did not lead to changes in range of motion or scapular kinematics, with the exception of a small decrease in scapular upward rotation (P = .05). The only change in muscle activity was a small but significant increase in middle trapezius activity (P = .03). After TSM, subjects demonstrated decreased pain during performance of the Jobe empty-can (mean ± SD change, 2.6 ± 1.1), Neer (2.6 ± 1.3), and Hawkins-Kennedy (2.8 ± 1.3) tests (all, P<.001). Subjects also reported decreased pain with shoulder flexion (mean ± SD change, 2.0 ± 1.5; P<.001) and improved shoulder function (force production, 2.5 ± 1.4 kg; Penn Shoulder Score, 7.7 ± 9.4; sports/performing arts module of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, 16.4 ± 13.2) (all, P<.001). CONCLUSION Immediate improvements in shoulder pain and function post-TSM are not likely explained by alterations in scapular kinematics or shoulder muscle activity. For people with pain associated with RCT, TSM may be an effective component of their treatment plan to improve pain and function. However, further randomized controlled studies are necessary to better validate this treatment approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapy, level 4.
Challenges and Contradictions in the ‘Normalising’ of Precarious Work

Precarious work is increasingly considered the new ‘norm’ to which employment and social protection systems must adjust. This article explores the contradictions and tensions that arise from different processes of normalisation driven by social policies that simultaneously decommodify and recommodify labour. An expanded framework of decommodification is presented that identifies how the standard employment relationship (SER) may be extended and flexibilised to include those in precarious work, drawing examples from a recent study of precarious work across six European countries. These decommodification processes are found to be both partial and, in some cases, coexisting with activation policies that position precarious work as an alternative to unemployment, thereby recommodifying labour. Despite these challenges and contradictions, the article argues that a new vision of SER reform promises greater inclusion than alternative policy scenarios that give up on the regulation of employers and rely on state subsidies to mitigate against precariousness.
Decreased number of acetylcholine receptors is the mechanism that alters the time course of muscle relaxants in myasthenia gravis: a study in a rat model

Background: In myasthenic patients, the time course of action of non‐depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents is prolonged and the sensitivity is increased. We used our antegrade perfused rat peroneal nerve anterior tibialis muscle model to investigate if this altered time course of effect and sensitivity can be explained by the decreased acetylcholine receptor concentration that is caused by the disease. Methods: Functional acetylcholine receptors were reduced by administration of α‐bungarotoxin or by injecting monoclonal antibodies against rat acetylcholine receptors (experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis). After induction of anaesthesia, the model was set up and perfusion of the tibialis anterior muscle with blood was started. After stabilization of the twitch, rocuronium or pancuronium were infused until 90% block was obtained. Twitch data and infusion data were recorded and used to calculate the time course of effect and potency. Results: The potency of neuromuscular blocking agents was increased and the offset of the neuromuscular block was prolonged in both the α‐bungarotoxin groups and the experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis groups compared to controls. Conclusion: This study shows that the increased sensitivity to neuromuscular‐blocking agents in myasthenia gravis can be accounted for by a decreased number of acetylcholine receptors. It also shows that the antegrade perfused rat peroneal nerve anterior tibialis muscle model is a suitable model to study the effects of myasthenia gravis on the time course of effect of neuromuscular blocking agents.
PathGuide: an efficient clustering based indexing method for XML path expressions

This paper focuses on the performance improvement for long-path XML query processing. It is motivated by the fact that the existing inverted index and join algorithms are efficient for short path XML queries, but are inefficient for long path XML queries since the response time of the existing approaches is exponential to the length of paths. We propose a clustering based indexing method, called PathGuide, in this paper, which enhances the XML inverted index with the clustering technique. The element nodes are clustered based on their path patterns and the summary for such path information is kept in a suffix tree as the index of these element nodes. In addition, new operations are proposed to fully utilize PathGuide. With the assistance of PathGuide, unlike the path expansion approach used in Lore, the set of a relative location path can be found via one-step index lookup. Compared to the existing structural join method, PathGuide significantly reduces both join overhead and disk I/O cost. The extensive experimental studies are conducted and our results show that PathGuide outperforms the structural joins at least four times in most cases.
Reproductive Healthcare Information-Seeking Behavior in Undeserved Women: An Exploratory Study

v LIST OF TABLES . vii CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY.1 CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.13 CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY.44 CHAPTER IV: RESULTS . 57 CHAPTER V: SUMMARY, IMPLICATIONS AND FUTURE RESEARCH.80 REFERENCES . 104 APPENDIX A: SURVEY INSTRUMENT . 127
Thinner Plantar Fascia Predicts Decreased Pain after Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

Increased plantar fascia thickness is common with chronic plantar fasciitis, and reduction of the thickness after extracorporeal shock wave therapy or steroid injection has been reported. We hypothesized a decrease of plantar fascia thickness was associated with pain reduction after extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Fifty-three eligible patients with 78 symptomatic feet were randomly treated with piezoelectric-type extracorporeal shock wave therapy of two intensity levels (0.12 and 0.56 mJ/mm2). Two thousand shock waves for three consecutive sessions were applied at weekly intervals. A visual analog scale for pain, the Foot Function Index, the Short Form-36 Health Survey, and ultrasonographic measurement of plantar fascia thickness were evaluated at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment. We analyzed the association between pain level and plantar fascia thickness with generalized estimating equation analysis and adjusted for demographic and treatment-related variables. Patients with thinner plantar fascia experienced less pain after treatment; high-intensity treatment and regular exercise were associated with lower pain level. The overall success rates were 63% and 60% at the 3- and 6-month followups. High- and low-intensity treatments were associated with similar improvements in pain and function. Receiving high-intensity treatment, although associated with less pain at followup, did not provide a higher success rate.Level of Evidence: Level I, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Media Representations and Public Attitudes towards Nanotechnology in Taiwan

In order to provide a comprehensive and clear investigation of media representation and public attitude toward Nanotechnology (Nano) in Taiwan, this thesis includes three studies. Study 1 investigates the media representation of Nano in Taiwan and the relationship among different Nano-based themes, frames, and media attitudes in the Taiwan. Study 2 is attempts to make salient the most visible actors of Nano-related news in the Taiwanese media discourse and how the relationship among main actors, framing effects, and media attitudes toward Nano Study 3 explores the overview of the Taiwanese public attitude toward Nano and how the Taiwanese public attitude toward Nano is influenced by framing effects and public confidence in news sources. In short, the results of the above studies showed that the Taiwanese media attitude and public attitude toward Nano are both overwhelmingly positive. The impression and role of Nano in the Taiwanese media has been shaped as an emerging scientific idol which not only benefits public daily life but also increases the national interest and competitiveness of Taiwan. This is of concern, since there is little evidence that the public understands the risks associated with Nano. This lackluster public and media-related risk awareness regarding Nano is exacerbated by a weak connection between the public and scientists. Nano has become a vital component of future science and technology development and a potential competitive economic benefit for Taiwan in the global economy. However, the importance and necessity of increased and enhanced science communication regarding Nano has not kept pace with public interest or commercial production of Nano-based products that are quickly becoming ubiquitous in Taiwanese society.
The Use of Hazard Models for the Analysis of Income Inequalities in Poland

Abstract The aim of the paper is to examine the income inequalities of men and women in Poland. We estimate conditional cumulative distribution functions for incomes in both groups of people using a flexible hazard-function based estimator in the presence of covariates. The conditional piecewise-constant exponential hazard models are applied. Then, we decompose the estimated income differences along the whole income distribution. For this purpose, we construct the counterfactual distribution, which is the distribution of incomes that would prevail for women if they had the distribution of men’s characteristics. The method allowed to investigate the structure of inequalities in the entire range of income values for the two analyzed groups of people. The empirical investigation is based on the data collected within the EU-SILC project.