Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Severity of respiratory syncytial virus disease related to type and genotype of virus and to cytokine values in nasopharyngeal secretions.

BACKGROUND Investigations concerning the severity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease as related to (1) RSV type and genotype determined respectively by PCR and restriction enzyme analysis and (2) interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) values in samples of nasopharyngeal secretion (NPS) have not been previously reported. METHODS We prospectively studied 105 RSV infections in the lower respiratory tract of infants and young children admitted to a pediatric department in Copenhagen during three winter seasons, 1993, 1994 and 1995. RSV strains were typed and genotyped, respectively, by PCR and nucleic acid restriction analysis and correlated to the severity of the disease. The ratio IL-6:TNF-alpha, determined from IL-6- and TNF-alpha values in samples of NPS, was related to the severity of the disease. Concentrations of IL-6 and of TNF-alpha were determined in serum samples taken during 5 weeks after the onset of illness. RESULTS Type B infections produced more severe disease than did type A infections, as assessed on the length of the hospital stay, use of respiratory support and the presence of an infiltrate on a chest radiograph. This difference was age-related. It was observed in infants 0 to 5 months old, but not in older age groups. Type B genotype B1122 produced more severe disease than type A genotype A2311 in infants 0 to 11 months old. Increased serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were detected in samples taken 1 to 2 days after the onset of illness. Whereas TNF-alpha serum concentrations remained high, IL-6 serum concentrations decreased during the following 3 to 4 weeks. The IL-6:TNF-alpha ratio in samples of NPS was related to the severity of the disease. A high ratio was related to a low severity. CONCLUSIONS The severity of disease in patients admitted with acute RSV infections can be correlated to the RSV type as determined by PCR, to the RSV genotype as determined by nucleic acid restriction analysis and to the ratio IL-6:TNF-alpha in NPS.
Empirical Tests for Creative Destruction in the Pharmaceutical Industry

We propose an empirical strategy for estimating competition in innovation markets based on a model of creative-destruction. Our method relates equity in a firm to information about patent citation patterns. Two innovations we introduce are using daily abnormal stock returns rather than annual measures of Tobin's q and creating citation patterns related to the area of science a firm patents in as represented by the detailed patent classification system. We find that firm's market value increases when their patent portfolio is cited and when there are citations to an area of science in which they are prominent. We interpret these findings consistent with "important" R&D creating value. Our tests of a patent portfolio being passed over are not consistent with value destruction.
ADVICE OF THE ROSE: EXPERIMENTAL COEVOLUTION OF A TREMATODE PARASITE AND ITS SNAIL HOST

Abstract Understanding host-parasite coevolution requires multigenerational studies in which changes in both parasite infectivity and host susceptibility are monitored. We conducted a coevolution experiment that examined six generations of interaction between a freshwater snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) and one of its common parasites (the sterilizing trematode, Microphallus sp.). In one treatment (recycled), the parasite was reintroduced into the same population of host snails. In the second treatment (lagged), the host snails received parasites from the recycled treatment, but the addition of these parasites did not begin until the second generation. Hence any parasite-mediated genetic changes of the host in the lagged treatment were expected to be one generation behind those in the recycled treatment. The lagged treatment thus allowed us to test for time lags in parasite adaptation, as predicted by the Red Queen model of host–parasite coevolution. Finally, in the third treatment (control), parasites were not added. The results showed that parasites from the recycled treatment were significantly more infective to snails from the lagged treatment than from the recycled treatment. In addition, the hosts from the recycled treatment diverged from the control hosts with regard to their susceptibility to parasites collected from the field. Taken together, the results are consistent with time lagged, frequency-dependent selection and rapid coevolution between hosts and parasites.
Virtual Assessment of the Endocranial Morphology of the Early Modern European Fossil Calvaria From Cioclovina, Romania

Endocasts provide evidence on size and shape characteristics, blood supply trajectories, and neurological features of the brain, allowing comparative analyses of fossil hominins crucial to our understanding of human brain evolution. Here, we assess the morphological features of the virtual endocast of the Cioclovina Upper Paleolithic calvarium, one of the earliest reliably dated European modern human fossils. Our study was conducted on a computed tomography (CT) scan of the original specimen. The endocranial profile was approximated via a semiautomatic segmentation of the CT data. Virtual reconstructions of the endocast were used for assessing the morphological features of the endocranium and for the estimation of the endocranial volume. Cioclovina exhibits a clockwise torque with a small anterior extension of the left frontal lobe over the right one and a protrusion of the right occipital lobe over the left, most likely due to the superior sagittal sinus coursing over the occipital pole. There is an obvious right predominance of the posterior drainage system. Interestingly, the area of the frontal sinus is occupied by dense bony tissue with small air cells corresponding probably to a natural bony loss in the diploë and to vascular spaces. An estimated endocranial volume of 1498.53 cc was calculated. The convolutional details of the third inferior frontal gyrus (Broca's caps) are indistinguishable from those found in modern Homo sapiens, and the left occipital lobe appears wider than the right, a possible correlate of right‐handedness. Our metric analysis of endocranial measurements also aligns Cioclovina with modern humans. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bio-Based Adhesives and Evaluation for Wood Composites Application

There has been a rapid growth in research and innovation of bio-based adhesives in the engineered wood product industry. This article reviews the recent research published over the last few decades on the synthesis of bio-adhesives derived from such renewable resources as lignin, starch, and plant proteins. The chemical structure of these biopolymers is described and discussed to highlight the active functional groups that are used in the synthesis of bio-adhesives. The potentials and drawbacks of each biomass are then discussed in detail; some methods have been suggested to modify their chemical structures and to improve their properties including water resistance and bonding strength for their ultimate application as wood adhesives. Moreover, this article includes discussion of techniques commonly used for evaluating the petroleum-based wood adhesives in terms of mechanical properties and penetration behavior, which are expected to be more widely applied to bio-based wood adhesives to better evaluate their prospect for wood composites application.
Cross-clade-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in HIV-1-infected children.

We studied cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) cross-reactivity between human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtypes within a group of infants infected with either HIV-1 B or non-B clade. Fifteen children were infected with a clade B virus. Nine were infected with non-B virus, including two clade A, four clade D, two clade F, and one clade G. CTL activities from in vitro activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were tested against autologous cell line infected with recombinant vaccinia viruses encoding for Env, Gag, Pol, or Nef proteins from a clade A or B isolate. HIV-1-specific CTL elicited from infection with clade B virus could lyse targets expressing clade A proteins, and vice versa. In infants with positive CTL responses, cross-clade recognition was predominant and was detected within 88% of the Pol, 83% of the Nef, 67% of the Gag, and 55% of the Env responders. Longitudinal studies showed that CTL cross-reactivity to both B and A targets was stable for several years. Elicitation of CTL reactivities capable of elimination of virus-infected cells is an important goal for the development of an efficient AIDS vaccine. The significant cross-reactivity of CTL shown in this study supports the concept that vaccines developed using a single-clade immunogen may be applicable to induce broadly reactive T cell responses.
[Effect of flavonoid fractions of Solidago virgaurea L on diuresis and levels of electrolytes].

The flavonoid fractions of Solidago virgaurea L.S. gigantea Ait. , S. canadensis var. canadensis and S. canadensis var. "scabra" flowers were administrated p.o. to rats and showed diuretic activity. Increase in overnight diuresis reached 57-88%. Decrease of overnight excretion of potassium and sodium also occurred after administration of form examined fractions. The flavonoids from S. virgaurea and S. canadensis var. canadensis caused increased excretion of calcium with urine.
Residual Demand Curves for Modeling the Effect of Complex Offering Conditions on Day-Ahead Electricity Markets

Residual demand curves (RDCs) can be used to represent the strategic interaction of participants in electricity markets. RDCs relate the energy that an agent can buy or sell in one hour with the clearing market price that would be obtained in such hour, assuming the market is organized as simple bid independent auctions. Despite the fact that they have been widely used in the literature, the existence of time and/or spatial constraints in the market clearing algorithm makes the RDCs not directly applicable. This paper tries to overcome these difficulties by extending the concept of RDCs to zonal pricing markets where complex offering conditions and transmission constraints are taken into account. Therefore, the RDCs are redefined in order to capture such effects, which are usually neglected or oversimplified. A new method for computing the redefined RDCs is established and its application to the Iberian electricity market is presented. The results show that modeling complex conditions and transmission constraints in RDCs can have a significant effect when compared to the standard approach found in the literature. Therefore, the method presented in this paper modeling the effect of firm's decisions on market prices in a more accurate way.
Comparing Public and Private Management: An Exploratory Essay

H istorically in America two different institutional approaches to management science have developed: one in the private sector and one in the public sector. This dual development, however, has not gone unchallenged. For perhaps two generations scholars and practitioners have realized that management can be viewed as a generic process, with universal implications and with application in any institutional setting-whether a private firm or a public agency. More recently, on the assumption that public and private management have much to share, a new body of literature has developed around the idea of general management. Especially significant, entire new management schools are being founded on the generic model. The historic "separate but equal" doctrine is being challenged by a nascent integrationist movement. Like the movement in the race area, however, the integrationist policy is not progressing with "due speed. " There are many reasons for this. One is the traditional mistrust or misunderstanding between the public and private practitioner. Another is the perceived threat which the merger poses to free-standing schools of business and to schools of public administration. A more significant reason perhaps, is the lack of development of the concept that public and private management have points in common. If one examines the literature, or pages through the brochures of the new schools of management, there is little specific comparative analysis that is discussion of points where public and private management converge or diverge. The important question then is what are the areas of comparison; and what specifically are the similarities and differences? In short, are public and private management comparable? The central purpose of this article is to explore * Historically in America two branches of management science have developed: one in the private sector and one in the public sector. Recently, this conventional taxonomy has been challenged and around the country there is emerging a more generic approach to management. This article argues that management has universal applications whether it be in the profit or business sector or in the non-profit public sector. While there are important distinctions to be made, this article concludes that management in the private sector and in the public sector are more similar than different.
Return to play after hamstring injuries in football (soccer): a worldwide Delphi procedure regarding definition, medical criteria and decision-making

There are three major questions about return to play (RTP) after hamstring injuries: How should RTP be defined? Which medical criteria should support the RTP decision? And who should make the RTP decision? The study aimed to provide a clear RTP definition and medical criteria for RTP and to clarify RTP consultation and responsibilities after hamstring injury. The study used the Delphi procedure. The results of a systematic review were used as a starting point for the Delphi procedure. Fifty-eight experts in the field of hamstring injury management selected by 28 FIFA Medical Centres of Excellence worldwide participated. Each Delphi round consisted of a questionnaire, an analysis and an anonymised feedback report. After four Delphi rounds, with more than 83% response for each round, consensus was achieved that RTP should be defined as ‘the moment a player has received criteria-based medical clearance and is mentally ready for full availability for match selection and/or full training’. The experts reached consensus on the following criteria to support the RTP decision: medical staff clearance, absence of pain on palpation, absence of pain during strength and flexibility testing, absence of pain during/after functional testing, similar hamstring flexibility, performance on field testing, and psychological readiness. It was also agreed that RTP decisions should be based on shared decision-making, primarily via consultation with the athlete, sports physician, physiotherapist, fitness trainer and team coach. The consensus regarding aspects of RTP should provide clarity and facilitate the assessment of when RTP is appropriate after hamstring injury, so as to avoid or reduce the risk of injury recurrence because of a premature RTP.
Alcohol Use Predicts 10-Year Depressive Symptom Trajectories in the Health and Retirement Study

Objective: To determine effects of late-middle-aged adults’ baseline drinking behavior on their subsequent 10-year depressive symptom trajectories. Method: Health and Retirement Study participants (N = 7,939) were assessed on baseline demographic, health, and drinking characteristics, and biennially assessed for the next 10 years on their depressive symptoms. Results: Growth mixture modeling generated four classes of depressive symptom trajectories: Consistently low (72%), consistently elevated (6%), increasing (12%), and decreasing (10%). Baseline abstinence from alcohol, possibly enforced by poorer health and a history of drinking problems, and heavier drinking, “binge” drinking, and having a history of drinking problems, raised risk of membership in the “consistently elevated” class. Abstinence by participants without history of drinking problems—and light, moderate, and heavier drinking—protected against membership in the “increasing” class. Abstinence by participants without history of drinking problems elevated—and moderate drinking reduced—likelihood of membership in the “decreasing” class. Discussion: Late-middle-aged adults’ alcohol use is associated with the subsequent long-term course of their depressive symptoms.
Appreciating Mrican American Rhetoric Through the Lens of Afrocentricity

本文透过非洲中心主义这个视角来讨论美国黑人话语的丰富性。 这种美国黑人话语主要体现在诺莫人(Nommo)这个首要概念上,以及该概念的对于理解非洲中心世界观极其关键的各种特质上。 本文将从理论上考察非洲中心主义的修辞,并阐释非洲中心主义的理论/哲学层面以及非洲中心主义与欧洲中心主义在话语理论化方式上的差异。 本文指出理解诺莫人(Nommo)这个植根于非洲哲学和本体论的核心概念对有效分析和深入理解美国黑人话语至关重要。
The Tigers and Their Stripes: Types of VC Firms and Their Investment Patterns in India

The venture capital and private equity industry in India has grown significantly in recent years. Using data from 2004–2008, a life cycle analysis provides findings that can impact the long-term growth of the industry. A large proportion of the deals are Round 1 investments, with a dramatic drop in subsequent rounds. Most investments are in late-stage financing and take place many years after the incorporation of the investee firm. The industry is also characterized by the short duration of the investments. To ensure long-term growth of the industry in India, investments should be made in early stage financing, investors should stay invested for a longer duration, and larger rounds of funding should be made in the portfolio companies.
Prediction of Early Readmission in Medical Inpatients Using the Probability of Repeated Admission Instrument

Background: In the absence of an instrument to predict risk of early readmission, examination of the well-validated probability of repeated admission (Pra) for this new purpose is indicated. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the use of the Pra in accurately identifying and predicting adult medical inpatients at risk of early readmission. Methods: Over 20 months, 1,077 consecutively admitted medical patients were enrolled in this prospective cohort study at a Midwestern tertiary care medical center. Pra score values were calculated within 2 days of discharge. Databases at the index medical center and other institutions were queried to identify readmission within 41 days. Results: Prevalence of readmission was 14% (confidence interval = 12.4%-15.6%). Pra score values ranged from . 16 to . 75. Indices to identify and predict readmission for a range of cut points were reported to minimize loss of information. The likelihood ratio for patients with a Pra score value ≥. 53 was 1.67. Using a Pra cut point of ≥. 45, readmission of patients with a high Pra was 2.3 times more likely than that of patients with a low Pra (p < .001, confidence interval = 1.63-3.27). Comparisons between cohorts indicated that differences existed with four of the eight variables used to calculate the Pra score: diabetes (p = .01), self-rated health status (p = .007), and number of doctor visits (p < .001) and hospitalizations (p < .001) in the past year. Discussion: Within this heterogeneous sample, prediction of readmission using the Pra was better than chance. These findings may facilitate development of a better predictive model by combining select Pra variables with other variables associated with early readmission.
Extracellular PH 2.5 optimum acid phosphatase from Aspergillus ficuum: immobilization on modified fractogel.

Aspergillus ficuum pH 2.5 optimum acid phosphatase (orthophosphoric monoesters phosphohydrolase, E.C.3.1.3.2) was covalently immobolized on 2-fluoro-1-methylpyridinium toluene-4-sulfonate (FMP)-activated Fractogel TSK HW-50F. The catalytic parameters and stability of the immobilized enzyme were compared with those of the free enzyme. While the Km and the temperature optima were unchanged, the Ki for orthophosphate was changed from 185 microM to 422 microM and greater stability was observed against heat treatment.
Complexity of physiological responses decreases in high-stress musical performance

For musicians, performing in front of an audience can cause considerable apprehension; indeed, performance anxiety is felt throughout the profession, with wide ranging symptoms arising irrespective of age, skill level and amount of practice. A key indicator of stress is frequency-specific fluctuations in the dynamics of heart rate known as heart rate variability (HRV). Recent developments in sensor technology have made possible the measurement of physiological parameters reflecting HRV non-invasively and outside of the laboratory, opening research avenues for real-time performer feedback to help improve stress management. However, the study of stress using standard algorithms has led to conflicting and inconsistent results. Here, we present an innovative and rigorous approach which combines: (i) a controlled and repeatable experiment in which the physiological response of an expert musician was evaluated in a low-stress performance and a high-stress recital for an audience of 400 people, (ii) a piece of music with varying physical and cognitive demands, and (iii) dynamic stress level assessment with standard and state-of-the-art HRV analysis algorithms such as those within the domain of complexity science which account for higher order stress signatures. We show that this offers new scope for interpreting the autonomic nervous system response to stress in real-world scenarios, with the evolution of stress levels being consistent with the difficulty of the music being played, superimposed on the stress caused by performing in front of an audience. For an emerging class of algorithms that can analyse HRV independent of absolute data scaling, it is shown that complexity science performs a more accurate assessment of average stress levels, thus providing greater insight into the degree of physiological change experienced by musicians when performing in public.
THE MINIMUM CLINICALLY IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE ON THE VISA-A AND LEFS FOR PATIENTS WITH INSERTIONAL ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY.

STUDY DESIGN Cohort study of subjects with insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT). OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to establish the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) on the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles Questionnaire (VISA-A) and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) for patients with IAT. BACKGROUND The VISA-A and LEFS are two measures commonly utilized for patients with IAT. Previous authors have estimated the MCID for the VISA-A, but a MCID has not been formally established. The MCID for the LEFS has been established for patients with lower extremity conditions in general, but it is not clear if this MCID is applicable to patients with IAT. METHODS Fifteen subjects participating in a randomized controlled trial studying the effectiveness of intervention for IAT over a 12-week period were included in this study. Subjects completed the VISA-A and LEFS forms at baseline and 12 weeks after the initiation of treatment. All subjects also completed a 15-point global rating of change (GROC) questionnaire at 12 weeks after the initiation of treatment. Subjects were classified as improved or stable based on their GROC scores. RESULTS The area under the curve (AUC) for the VISA-A was 0.97 and a MCID of 6.5 points was identified. The AUC for the LEFS was 0.97 and a MCID of 12 points was identified. CONCLUSION The VISA-A and LEFS are both useful outcome measures to assess response in patients with IAT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.