Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tube feeding improves intestinal absorption in short bowel syndrome patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Tube feeding, recommended for patients with short bowel syndrome in only the postoperative period, has not been compared with oral feeding for absorption. We studied whether tube feeding increased absorption in patients with short bowel syndrome following the postoperative period. METHODS A randomized crossover study compared absorption between isocaloric tube feeding and oral feeding in 15 short bowel syndrome patients more than 3 months after short bowel constitution. An oral feeding period combined with enriched (1000 kcal * day(-1)) tube feeding was also tested. We measured the net intestinal absorption rates of proteins, lipids, and total calories using elemental nitrogen, Van de Kamer, and bomb calorimetry methods, respectively. RESULTS Tube feeding increased the mean (+/-SD) percent absorption (P < .001) of proteins (72% +/- 13% vs 57% +/- 18%), lipids (69% +/- 25% vs 41% +/- 27%), and energy (82% +/- 12% vs 65% +/- 16%) compared with oral feeding. In the group given the combined feedings (n = 9), the total enteral intake and net percent absorption increased (P < .001) for proteins (67% +/- 10%), lipids (59% +/- 19%), and total energy (75% +/- 8%) compared with oral feeding. Absorption (kcal * day(-1)) was greater (P < .001) with tube (2225 +/- 457) and combined feedings (2323 +/- 491) than with oral feeding (1638 +/- 458). CONCLUSIONS In patients with short bowel syndrome, continuous tube feeding (exclusively or in conjunction with oral feeding) following the postoperative period significantly increased net absorption of lipids, proteins, and energy compared with oral feeding.
Characterization of BKC-1 Class A Carbapenemase from Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates in Brazil

ABSTRACT Three Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates demonstrating carbapenem resistance were recovered from different patients hospitalized at two medical centers in São Paulo, Brazil. Resistance to all β-lactams, quinolones, and some aminoglycosides was observed for these isolates that were susceptible to polymyxin B. Carbapenem hydrolysis, which was inhibited by clavulanic acid, was observed for all K. pneumoniae isolates that belonged to the same pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) type and a novel sequence type (ST), ST1781 (clonal complex 442 [CC442]). A 10-kb nonconjugative incompatibility group Q (IncQ) plasmid, denominated p60136, was transferred to Escherichia coli strain TOP10 cells by electroporation. The full sequencing of p60136 showed that it was composed of a mobilization system, ISKpn23, the phosphotransferase aph3A-VI, and a 941-bp open reading frame (ORF) that codified a 313-amino acid protein. This ORF was named blaBKC-1. Brazilian Klebsiella carbapenemase-1 (BKC-1) showed a pI of 6.0 and possessed the highest identity (63%) with a β-lactamase of Sinorhizobium meliloti, an environmental bacterium. Hydrolysis studies demonstrated that purified BKC-1 not only hydrolyzed carbapenems but also penicillins, cephalosporins, and monobactams. However, the carbapenems were less efficiently hydrolyzed due to their very low kcat values (0.0016 to 0.031 s−1). In fact, oxacillin was the best substrate for BKC-1 (kcat/Km, 53,522.6 mM−1 s−1). Here, we report a new class A carbapenemase, confirming the diversity and rapid evolution of β-lactamases in K. pneumoniae clinical isolates.
Myofascial Trigger Point-focused Head and Neck Massage for Recurrent Tension-type Headache: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

Objective:Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are focal disruptions in the skeletal muscle that can refer pain to the head and reproduce the pain patterns of tension-type HA (TTH). The present study applied massage focused on MTrPs of patients with TTH in a placebo-controlled, clinical trial to assess efficacy on reducing headache (HA) pain. Methods:Fifty-six patients with TTH were randomized to receive 12 massage or placebo (detuned ultrasound) sessions over 6 weeks, or to wait-list. Trigger point release massage focused on MTrPs in cervical musculature. HA pain (frequency, intensity, and duration) was recorded in a daily HA diary. Additional outcome measures included self-report of perceived clinical change in HA pain and pressure-pain threshold at MTrPs in the upper trapezius and suboccipital muscles. Results:From diary recordings, group differences across time were detected in HA frequency (P=0.026), but not for intensity or duration. Post hoc analysis indicated that HA frequency decreased from baseline for both massage (P<0.0003) and placebo (P=0.013), but no difference was detected between massage and placebo. Patient report of perceived clinical change was greater reduction in HA pain for massage than placebo or wait-list groups (P=0.002). Pressure-pain threshold improved in all muscles tested for massage only (all P’s<0.002). Discussion:Two findings from this study are apparent: (1) MTrPs are important components in the treatment of TTH, and (2) TTH, like other chronic conditions, is responsive to placebo. Clinical trials on HA that do not include a placebo group are at risk for overestimating the specific contribution from the active intervention.
Using Ecological Indices and Economics to Explain Diversity in a Wheat Crop: Examples from Australia and China

Spatial diversity indicators may serve policymakers as they seek to manage crop genetic diversity and externalities associated with diffusion of some genetically modified crops. This paper adapts ecological indices of spatial diversity to area distributions of modern wheat varieties in contrasting production systems of Australia and China. The variation in three concepts of spatial diversity—richness, abundance, and evenness—is explained using Zellner’s seemingly unrelated regression (SUR). Determinants of wheat diversity differ by concept, but include variety traits other than yield potential, environmental factors, and policies affecting the supply of varieties, research spill-ins, and market liberalization.
Taxation of e‐commerce in Hong Kong: applying UK and US experience

Due to the rapid growth of electronic commerce worldwide, the traditional approach of taxing business profits in Hong Kong, a source‐based common law jurisdiction, warrants a close review as to its compatibility with such a modern way of doing business. Although the Inland Revenue Department of Hong Kong has issued its views on the taxation of electronic commerce profits as Departmental Interpretation and Practice Note 39, much of the treatment of such profits follow the conventional wisdom of taxing business profits as set in the source‐based rules. This paper reviews the present situation of taxing profits arising from electronic commerce transactions in Hong Kong and compares it with the cases of the UK and the USA. Problems in formulating water‐tight tax law, accounting standards for intangible assets, and coping with cross‐border fraud, indicate that progress may not be straightforward. Issues as to fairness, and the difficulty of taxing such receipts are raised, followed by recommendations.
Heterocycles [h]-Fused onto 4-Oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic Acid. Part X [1]. Synthesis and X-Ray Structure of a Model 4- Oxo[1,4]benzoxazepino[2,3-h]quinoline-3-carboxylic Ester

Direct interaction of salicylaldehyde oxyanion with ethyl 7-chloro-8-nitro-4-oxoquinoline-3- carboxylate (2) delivered the respective 7-(2-formyl-phenoxy)-8-nitro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic ester 3. Reductive cyclization of 3 furnished the corresponding 4-oxo-[1,4]benzoxazepino[2,3- h]quinoline-3-carboxylic ester 5. Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the esters 3/5 produced the respective acids 4/6. Structural assignments for the new compounds 3 - 6 are supported by microanalytical and spectral (IR, HRMS, NMR) data and confirmed by X-ray structure determination for compound 5. Interestingly, compound 6 exhibited good antifungal activity against C. albicans. Graphical Abstract Heterocycles [h]-Fused onto 4-Oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic Acid. Part X [1]. Synthesis and X-Ray Structure of a Model 4- Oxo[1,4]benzoxazepino[2,3-h]quinoline-3-carboxylic Ester
Analysis of the electroencephalogram in growing calves by use of power spectrum and cross correlation.

OBJECTIVE To determine postnatal maturation of findings in the electroencephalogram (EEG) of calves and estimate the degree of electrophysiologic activity, using power spectrum and cross-correlation analyses of the EEG. ANIMALS 10 clinically normal Japanese Black calves ranging in age from 1 to 10 weeks. PROCEDURE EEG were recorded at various stages of consciousness. Power spectrum and cross-correlation analyses were applied to a relaxed state EEG. RESULTS After the second week of age, rhythmic waves with frequencies of 6 to 9 Hz (alpha rhythm-like pattern) appeared in the EEG during the relaxed state, and were recorded in the occipital and vertex areas; duration of appearance was < 30 seconds. By use of power spectrum analysis, power distribution of the 7.5- to 10-Hz frequency band in the occipital area significantly increased after the sixth week. The highest frequency (18 to 30 Hz) band increased in the frontal and occipital areas after the seventh week. Normalized cross-correlation coefficients at 0 time shift were > 0.6 throughout the experimental period. The normalized cross-correlation coefficients obtained from caudal interhemispheric sites increased after the second week, and were significantly greater than those in rostral sites. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Developmental changes in the EEG of calves during the first 10 weeks could be characterized by appearance of the alpha rhythm-like pattern and increase of the power distributions of the 7.5- to 10-Hz and 18- to 30-Hz frequency bands, which might be a useful indicator for estimating brain activity in young calves and as standard data for evaluating abnormal brain activity in calves.
Why Has the Euro Been Falling?

This paper reconsiders the determinants of the exchange rate by studying the historical episode after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Testing a modified portfolio balance model, we attribute the strength of the deutschmark in the early nineties and the puzzling decline of the euro during its virtual existence to changes in the demand for deutschmarks in eastern Europe and to variations in the demand for black money balances in Europe as a whole. We reject the view that the strength of the dollar and the weakness of the euro reflect the prosperity of the US and the weakness of the European economy on both theoretical and empirical grounds.
Treatment of nonspecific thoracic spine pain with trigger point dry needling and intramuscular electrical stimulation: a case series.

STUDY DESIGN Case Series. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are a common occurrence in many musculoskeletal issues and have been shown to be prevalent in both subjects with nonspecific low back pain and whiplash associated disorder. Trigger point dry needling (DN) has been shown to reduce pain and improve function in areas such as the cervical and lumbar spine, shoulder, hip, and knee, but has not been investigated in the thoracic spine. The purpose of this case series was to document the use of DN with intramuscular electrical stimulation (IES) in subjects with nonspecific thoracic spine pain. CASE DESCRIPTION The subjects were both active duty military males aged 31 and 27 years who self-referred to physical therapy for thoracic spinal pain. Physical examination demonstrated thoracic motor control dysfunction, tissue hypertonicity, and tenderness to palpation of bilateral thoracic paraspinal musculature in both subjects. This indicated the presence of possible MrTPs. Objective findings in the first subject included painful thoracic flexion and bilateral rotation in each of these planes of movement. Pain reduction was observed when postural demands of the spine and trunk musculature were reduced through positional changes. Patient 1 demonstrated pain with posterior to anterior (P/A) pressure at T9 to T12. The second subject had bilaterally limited and painful thoracic rotation actively with normal passive rotation and demonstrated pain with P/A pressure at T4 to T7. INTERVENTION The subjects were treated with DN and IES for a total of two visits each. DN was performed to paraspinal and multifidus musculature at the levels of elicited pain with P/A testing and IES set at a frequency level of 4 (1.5Hz) for 20 minutes. OUTCOMES Subject 1 reported reduced pain with standing flexion from a 62mm VAS score on initial evaluation to 26mm at his second visit. Subject 2 reported being "quite a bit better" in symptoms on the GROC following his second treatment. His VAS score reported following weightlifting activities changed from 43mm on initial evaluation to 20mm at his second visit. Both subjects also demonstrated a 10 degree improvement in active thoracic spinal rotation (on the right for Subject 1 and bilateral for Subject 2) following their second treatment. DISCUSSION Both subjects demonstrated motor control dysfunctions and pain with P/A pressure in the thoracic spine. With the use of DN and IES, immediate reduction was seen in subject perceived symptoms, and pain free ROM was improved. Extended treatment and follow up was not plausible due to the high pace tempo and demands of their operational training schedule. With research indicating the influence of MTrPs on a multitude of musculoskeletal issues and the prevalence of thoracic spine pain, further research is indicated for examining the effects of DN and IES for motor control and painful conditions occurring in the thoracic spine. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4.
Auditor Litigation and Modified Reporting on Bankrupt Clients

This study examines whether modified audit reports issued prior to bankruptcy protect auditors from certain effects of legal liability, including both lawsuits claiming audit failure and payments made to resolve such suits. Using a sample of 655 public companies that declared bankruptcy between 1972 and 1992 with Big Six (Big Eight) auditors prior to bankruptcy, we compare auditor reporting among three groups of firmsthose with auditor litigation, those with reporting and disclosure litigation not involving auditors (other litigation), and those with no reporting and disclosure litigation. The first two groups provide evidence on the overall level of reporting and disclosure litigation against bankrupt companies and the extent of auditors' involvement in such litigation. We provide insights on why auditors are (are not) included as defendants in this litigation; of particular interest is the role of modified reporting. Finally, we identify and discuss a number of empirical regularities regarding auditor reporting for those bankrupt clients with litigation against auditors.
Control of Position and Tracking ArcSenh for a Magnetic Levitator 1D

In this work the model of the magnetic force of a System of Levitation is obtained and a position control and tracking are designed with a structure based on the function ArcSenh, which presents the characteristic of limiting the force given to the actuadores for not saturating them contrary to the PD. The tracking sign is of the type senoidal. It is also carried out the analysis of stability via Lyapunov. It is found that the position and tracking controls present an acceptable behavior.
Forecasting Stock Index Realized Volatility with an Asymmetric HAR-FIGARCH Model: The Case of S&P 500 and DJI Stock Indices

The approximate long memory Heterogeneous Autoregressive (HAR) model proposed by Corsi is extended in order to account for leverage effects in the realized volatility process and the long memory of the conditional variance of the HAR residuals. The proposed model is estimated using ten years of S&P 500 and DJIA indices intraday data, revealing a heterogeneous component structure in asymmetric effects and a statistically significant long memory property in the “volatility of realized volatility”. Compared with established HAR and ARFIMA realized volatility models, the proposed model exhibits superior in-sample fitting, as well as out-of-sample day-ahead realized volatility forecasting performance. On a day-ahead Value at Risk (VaR) application, the proposed model outperforms all of its competitors when the opportunity cost of the reserved capital is taken into account, satisfying also Christoffersen’s conditional coverage test criteria for the DJIA index.
Growth and finance constraints in Indian manufacturing firms

In this article, we attempt to evaluate the impact of finance constraints on the growth of firms. We also take in our purview some of the other debated issues relating to firm growth such as growth distribution, persistence and influence of size and maturity. For a sample of 2282 Indian manufacturing firms in the period 1994 to 2009, we show that the growth process of firms does not follow normal distribution; growth of firms is persistent; and size, maturity and finance constraints negatively influence the growth of firms. We check the robustness of our results using alternative samples, firm growth measures and estimation techniques.
BIDM - The Business Intelligence Development Model

: Business Intelligence (BI) has been a very dynamic and popular field of research in the last few years as it helps organizations in making better decisions and increasing their profitability. This paper aims at creating some structure in the BI field of research by creating a BI development model that relates the current BI development stages and their main characteristics. This framework can be used by organizations to identify their current BI stage and provide insight into how to improve their BI function
Envy‐Motivated Merger Waves

This study examines whether top managerial executive envy plays an important role in merger waves. Since managerial benefits, especially compensation, always increase with firm size, the envy hypothesis conjectures that top executive officers rush into acquisitions due to their envious psychology once other executives initiate them. Six empirical predictions of the envy hypothesis concerning – bidder (target) size, transaction size, value creation for bidders, compensation increases for top managers, likelihood of bidding, as well as total gains (synergies) from mergers – are tested in the context of the banking industry and find that merger waves are motivated by envy‐pay.
Consistent Covariance Matrix Estimation with Cross-Sectional Dependence and Heteroskedasticity in Financial Data

Abstract This paper provides a simple method to account for heteroskedasticity and cross-sectional dependence in samples with large cross sections and relatively few time-series observations. The method is motivated by cross-sectional regression studies in finance and accounting. Simulation evidence suggests that these estimators are dependable in small samples and may be useful when generalized least squares is infeasible, unreliable, or computationally too burdensome. We also consider efficiency issues and show that, in principle, asymptotic efficiency can be improved using a technique due to Cragg (1983).
Do Banks Pass Through Credit Expansions to Consumers Who Want To Borrow?

We examine the ability of policymakers to stimulate household spending during the Great Recession by reducing banks’ cost of funds. Using panel data on 8.5 million credit cards and 743 credit limit regression discontinuities, we find that the one-year marginal propensity to borrow (MPB) is declining in credit score, falling from 59% for consumers with FICO scores below 660 to essentially zero for consumers with FICO scores above 740. We use the same credit limit discontinuities, combined with a model of lending, to estimate banks’ marginal propensity to lend (MPL) out of a decrease in their cost of funds. For the lowest FICO score consumers, higher credit limits sharply reduce profits from lending, limiting banks’ incentives to pass through credit expansions to these consumers. We conclude that banks’ MPL is lowest for consumers with the highest MPB and discuss the implications for policies that aim to stimulate the economy through banks.
Early Discontinuation and Related Treatment Costs After Initiation of Basal Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Aims: The aim was to compare early discontinuation and related treatment costs in type 2 diabetes in primary care after initiation of insulin glargine or human basal insulin (NPH). Methods: Overall, 2765 glargine and 1554 NPH patients from 1072 general practices were analyzed (Disease Analyser). Early discontinuation was defined as switching to a different basal insulin or another insulin treatment regimen within 90 days after first basal insulin prescription (index date, ID). Treatment costs were assessed 365 days prior and post ID in both groups. Propensity score matching and linear regression was used to adjust cost differences (post vs prior ID: discontinued vs continued patients) for age, sex, diabetes duration, antidiabetic comedication, diabetologist care, disease management program participation, costs before ID, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Results: Within 3 months after ID, 13% of glargine patients switched to other insulin treatment regimens (NPH: 18%; P < .05). After propensity score matching, adjusted cost differences in 146 discontinued versus 1342 continued glargine patients were calculated (NPH: 146 vs 1342). Diabetes-related prescription costs were lower among persistent glargine patients compared to persistent NPH patients (EUR–49 [19]; P = .0109). Mean cost difference for diabetes-related prescriptions was lower among those who persisted on glargine compared to those who switched to other treatment regimens (EUR–74 [42], P = .0780). Conclusions: Treatment persistence within 3 months after basal insulin initiation was significantly higher under insulin glargine compared to NPH. Diabetes-related prescription costs were significantly lower among patients who adhered to insulin glargine compared to persistent NPH patients.
CASP-8 −652 6N ins/del polymorphism and cancer risk: A literature-based systematic HuGE review and meta-analysis

Caspase-8 (encoded by the CASP-8 gene) is crucial in generating cell death signals and eliminating potentially malignant cells. Genetic variation in CASP8 may affect susceptibility to cancer. The CASP-8 −652 6N ins/del (rs3834129) polymorphism has been previously reported to influence the progression to several cancers. However, the overall reported studies have shown inconsistent conclusions. In this human genome epidemiology (HuGE) review and meta-analysis, the aim was to identify the association between CASP-8 −652 6N ins/del polymorphism and cancer risk. According to the inclusion criteria, 19 case-control studies with a total of 23,172 cancer cases and 26,532 healthy controls were retrieved. Meta-analysis results showed that the del allele, del allele carrier and ins/del genotype of −652 6N ins/del in the CASP-8 gene were negatively associated with cancer risk (OR=0.91, 95% CI=0.84–0.98, P=0.01; OR=0.88, 95% CI=0.80–0.96, P=0.005; OR=0.91, 95% CI=0.85–0.98, P<0.001; respectively, while no significant correlation was observed between the del/del genotype of −652 6N ins/del and cancer risk (OR=0.89, 95% CI=0.79–1.01, P=0.08). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, the meta-analysis indicated that Caucasian populations harboring the del allele, del allele carriers and ins/del genotype had a lower cancer risk (OR=0.96, 95% CI=0.93–1.00, P=0.05; OR=0.86, 95% CI=0.75–1.00, P=0.05; OR=0.91, 95% CI=0.84–0.98, P=0.01; respectively). In addition, a negative association was found between the del allele of −652 6N ins/del in the CASP-8 gene and cancer risk in the Asian population (OR=0.89, 95% CI=0.83–0.97, P=0.005). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that the del allele, del allele carrier and ins/del geno-type of the −652 6N ins/del polymorphism in the CASP-8 gene may be protective factors for cancer risk.