Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased transforming growth factor beta 1 expression mediates ozone-induced airway fibrosis in mice

Ozone (O3), a commonly encountered environmental pollutant, has been shown to induce pulmonary fibrosis in different animal models; the underlying mechanism, however, remains elusive. To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying O3-induced pulmonary fibrosis, 6- to 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were exposed to a cyclic O3 exposure protocol consisting of 2 days of filtered air and 5 days of O3 exposure (0.5 ppm, 8 h/day) for 5 and 10 cycles with or without intraperitoneal injection of IN-1233, a specific inhibitor of the type 1 receptor of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), the most potent profibrogenic cytokine. The results showed that O3 exposure for 5 or 10 cycles increased the TGF-β protein level in the epithelial lining fluid (ELF), associated with an increase in the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), a TGF-β-responsive gene that plays a critical role in the development of fibrosis under various pathological conditions. Cyclic O3 exposure also increased the deposition of collagens and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in airway walls. However, these fibrotic changes were not overt until after 10 cycles of O3 exposure. Importantly, blockage of the TGF-β signaling pathway with IN-1233 suppressed O3-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation, PAI-1 expression, as well as collagens and α-SMA deposition in the lung. Our data demonstrate for the first time that O3 exposure increases TGF-β expression and activates TGF-β signaling pathways, which mediates O3-induced lung fibrotic responses in vivo.
Promoting green tourism: the future of environmental awards

Awards and labels can help consumers choose more environmentally benign tourism products and encourage more attention to the environment by producers. As in other areas, however, there is an increasing clutter of environmental awards and labels in tourism. Concerns exist about the value and appropriateness of some claims associated with these. This paper reviews and assesses environmental awards in tourism and recreation using comparative analysis. Sixteen awards relating to manufacturing, forestry, tourist attractions and tourism companies are appraised under the classifications of focus, criteria, certification system and results. Having identified the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches it is concluded that the time is ripe to rationalise awards and labels in the tourism industry and that an environmental management systems approach provides a flexible template to fulfil such a need and drive the agenda of environmental improvements in the industry.
Property–Liability Insurer Reserve Error: Motive, Manipulation, or Mistake

We use two reserve error definitions found in the literature to investigate the joint impact of previously studied incentives on the magnitude of reserve error. We find many prior conclusions are dependent upon the restricted setting in which the hypotheses are tested and on the definition of the reserve error. We find strong evidence that financially weak insurers underreserve to a greater extent than other insurers. However, our evidence casts doubt on the conclusion that insurers manipulate reserves to avoid solvency monitoring. We also find insurers increase reserves for tax purposes and to reduce the impact of regulatory rate suppression.
Digital subtraction CT angiography for detection of intracranial aneurysms: comparison with three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography.

PURPOSE To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of digital subtraction computed tomographic (CT) angiography in the detection of intracranial aneurysms compared with three-dimensional (3D) rotational digital subtraction angiography (DSA), as reference standard, in a large cohort in a single center. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was waived by the institutional review board because of its retrospective nature. A total of 513 patients clinically suspected of having or with known intracranial aneurysms and other cerebral vascular diseases underwent both digital subtraction CT angiography with a dual-source CT scanner and 3D DSA, with a median interval of 1 day; 436 patients (84.9%) had acute subarachnoid hemorrhage at presentation. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of digital subtraction CT angiography in depicting aneurysm were analyzed on a per-patient and per-aneurysm basis, with 3D DSA as the reference standard. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of digital subtraction CT angiography in depicting aneurysms of different diameter (ie, <3 mm, 3-5 mm, 5-10 mm, and >10 mm) and of aneurysms at different locations in the anterior and posterior circulation were calculated. Kappa statistics were calculated to quantify inter- and intrareader variability in detecting aneurysms by using digital subtraction CT angiography for 100 patients. RESULTS Of 513 patients, 106 (20.7%) had no aneurysms, while 407 patients (79.3%) had 459 aneurysms at 3D DSA. Digital subtraction CT angiography correctly depicted 456 (99.3%) of the 459 aneurysms. By using 3D DSA as the standard of reference, the sensitivity and specificity of depicting intracranial aneurysms were 97.8% (398 of 407) and 88.7% (94 of 106), respectively, on a per-patient basis, and 96.5% (443 of 459) and 87.8% (94 of 107), respectively, on a per-aneurysm basis. Digital subtraction CT angiography had sensitivities of 91.3% (42 of 46), 94.0% (140 of 149), 98.4% (186 of 189), and 100% (75 of 75) in depicting aneurysms of less than 3 mm, between 3 mm but less than 5 mm, between 5 mm but less than 10 mm, and 10 mm or greater, respectively, and of 95.8% (276 of 288) and 97.7% (167 of 171) in depicting anterior circulation and posterior circulation aneurysms, respectively. Excellent inter- and intrareader agreement was found on a per-patient (κ=0.900 and 0.939, both P<.001) and per-aneurysm basis (κ=0.846 and 0.921, both P<.001) for the detection of intracranial aneurysms with digital subtraction CT angiography. CONCLUSION Digital subtraction CT angiography has a high sensitivity and specificity in depicting intracranial aneurysms with different sizes and at different locations, compared with 3D DSA.
Effects of high‐intensity aerobic interval training on cardiovascular disease risk in testicular cancer survivors: A phase 2 randomized controlled trial

Testicular cancer survivors (TCS) have an increased risk of treatment‐related cardiovascular disease (CVD), which may limit their overall survival. We evaluated the effects of high‐intensity aerobic interval training (HIIT) on traditional and novel CVD risk factors and surrogate markers of mortality in a population‐based sample of TCS.
Prices and Poverty in India, 1987-2000

Using consumption data from the 43rd, 50th and 55th rounds of the National Sample Survey, this paper computes for each of the large Indian states, by urban and rural sectors separately, a range of consumer prices indexes for 1999-2000 relative to 1993-94 and for 1993-94 relative to 1987-88. The main focus of the paper is to explain the methodology underlying the new price indexes and to incorporate them into poverty lines.
Internet pricing: a two sided market perspective

We adopt a two-sided market model to represent the interaction of internet service providers (ISP), internet users and content providers to study the optimal pricing strategy for the ISP. We allow the ISP to vary all four components of the price, that is, subscription and usage price to the internet user, and subscription and usage price to the content provider. We offer a potential business advantage to the ISP describing how the total charges can be allocated between the internet user and the content provider and how the price charged to one side can be allocated between the subscription and usage parts. Under a realistic assumption, we show that a profit maximising ISP would prefer to provide access subsidy to both the internet user and the content provider and derive profit from the usage volume.
Why Do People Veto? An Experimental Analysis of the Valuation and the Consequences of Varying Degrees of Veto Power

By vetoing one question mutually efficient agreements. On the other hand, the threat of vetoing may prevent exploitation. Based on a generalization of ultimatum bargaining (Suleiman, 1996), we first elicit the responders' certainty equivalents for three different degrees of veto power. Afterwards the corresponding bargaining rule is implemented. The experimental data reveal that proposers are afraid of more veto power, and that responders only care about commanding veto power but not its degree.
Your Face is Your Fortune: Does Adolescent Attractiveness Predict Intimate Relationships Later in Life?

Objective A growing literature documents the importance of physical attractiveness in young and middle adulthood for romantic, marital, and sexual relationships, but little is known about how attractiveness in adolescence matters to intimate relationships in later life. We ask: does attractiveness early in life convey ongoing benefits late in life, or do such benefits erode over time? Methods We use multivariate regression models and more than 50 years of data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study to examine the connections between adolescent physical attractiveness and intimate relationships (i.e., sexual activity and access to potential sexual partners) in later life. Results We find that adolescent attractiveness facilitates sexual activity in later life. This relationship is largely driven by attractiveness increasing the probability of having access to potential sexual partners. However, attractiveness is not related to sexual activity among married couples, even after controlling for marital duration. Men, those in good health, and wealthier individuals are also more likely to engage in several facets of intimate relationships. Discussion These findings highlight the importance of relationship context for later life sexual activity and begin to explicate the pathways through which factors across the life course-particularly attractiveness-influence sexual activity in later life.
The Perfusion Paradox and Vascular Instability in Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) exhibits a curious coexistence of contrasting perfusion profiles in the circulatory system: hypoperfusion is endemic in microcirculatory beds occluded by hemoglobin S‐containing erythrocytes while hyperperfusion characterizes the systemic (macro)circulation and a number of regional vascular circuits. This review highlights this perfusion paradox of SCD, focusing on forearm blood flow and the renal circulation, and exploring the extent to which alterations in vasoactive systems (such as nitric oxide and prostanoids) are involved. Also reviewed are the mechanisms and pathways that contribute to altered vascular reactivity and vascular instability observed in SCD. Finally, the possibility that the induction of heme oxygenase‐1, recently described in SCD, may confer a protective response in the vasculature and other tissues is discussed.
Heat transfer in serpentine passages with turbulence promoters

Local heat transfer rates and overall pressure losses were determined for serpentine passages of square cross section. The flow entered an inlet leg, turned 180 deg and then passed through an outlet leg. Results were obtained for a passage with smooth walls for three different bend geometries and the effect of turbulence promoters was investigated. Turbulence promoters between 0.6 and 15% of the passage height were tested. Local heat transfer rates are determined from thermocouple measurements on a thin electrically heated Inconel foil and pressure drop is measured along the flow path.
Big data and competitive advantage at Nielsen

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how an international company, Nielsen Holdings, reacted to changes in their highly competitive industry brought about by advances in technology. This case presents the strategic management decisions that enabled Nielsen to regain its competitive advantage. This case further describes the functioning of the resource-based view (RBV) of strategy, dynamic capabilities framework, and digital data genesis (DDG), in a turbulent business environment. Design/methodology/approach – The case study is based primarily upon secondary data to include annual reports, press releases, company web site, as well as articles. Findings – The case study provides an example of the functioning of a once durable competitive advantage that was eroded due to advances in technology, and the steps the company took to regain that advantage. The paper illustrates the functioning of a capability and a dynamic capability in DDG. Practical implications – This case can be used for the te.
On the demand for city living

The determinants of whether households live in a central city or a suburb of a central city in the United States are examined. Particular attention is given to the relationship between college education and household location. It is shown that college education increases the probability that non-Hispanic white households live in central cities of relatively large metropolitan areas. The college education relationship with city location is shown to be negative for minority households. Copyright 2005, Oxford University Press.
Attitudes Toward Land-Use Planning and Controlled Population Growth in Jackson Hole

AbstractThis paper examines the attitudes of Wyoming’s Jackson Hole toward controlled growth. Faced with population growth, a severe limitation on the availability of private lands, and a community concern about protecting the scenic beauty of the area, land-use planning and controls have become one of the most significant public issues in Teton County. A survey of attitudes toward land use disclosed that newer residents generally supported local government control in contrast to older residents and large landowners who favored control by the individual landowner. The older residents and large landowners are a numerical minority whose views no longer dominate the political strength of the county. Such strength now resides in the newcomer group. The newcomers are attempting to limit and to control the change which they themselves have brought to the county. This study implies that future population growth and economic development will continue within a framework of local government control over the use of .
Earmarks and Subcommittee Government in the U.S. Congress

In recent years, considerable scholarly attention has focused on earmarks, the quintessential example of pork barrel politics. We assess the degree to which existing theories can explain the distribution of earmarks in the U.S. House of Representatives. First, drawing on informal interviews with individuals on Capitol Hill regarding the earmark process, we argue that assessing institutional and constituency-level factors that affect the earmark receipts of individual members requires examination at the level of the Appropriations subcommittees. Second, we demonstrate that both distributive and partisan theories of legislative organization are applicable to the distribution of earmarks. Finally, we present results indicating that contrary to the conventional wisdom, most subcommittees do not distribute pork based on electoral vulnerability. Rather, legislators’ status in the appropriations process has the most influence. These findings offer insights into the path forward as debate continues over congressionally directed spending.
Forecast Combination and the Bank of England's Suite of Statistical Forecasting Models

The Bank of England has constructed a 'suite of statistical forecasting models' (the 'Suite') providing judgement-free statistical forecasts of inflation and output growth as inputs into the forecasting process, and to offer measures of relevant news in the data. The Suite focuses on combining in an optimal way a small number of forecasts generated using different sources of information and methodologies. The main combination methods employ weights that are equal or based on the Akaike information criterion (using likelihoods built from estimation errors). This paper sets a general context for this exercise, and describes some features of the Suite as it stood in May 2005. The forecasts are evaluated over the period of Bank independence (from 1997 Q2) by a mean square error criterion. The forecast combinations generally lead to a reduction in forecast error, although over this period some of the benchmark models are hard to beat.
Why are Developing Countries so Slow in Adopting New Technologies? The Aggregate and Complementary Impact of Micro Distortions

We explore how regulatory or institutional distortions to resource reallocation limit the ability of developing countries to adopt new technologies. An efficient economy innovates quickly; but when the economy is unable to redeploy resources away from inefficient uses, technological adoption becomes sluggish, growth is reduced, and income lags further behind the leading economy. We use a firm dynamics model to analyze income gaps between the U.S. and several developing countries. For the median country, the model accounts for one-third of the income gap with respect to the U.S., with 60% of the simulated gap explained by firm renewal distortions taken individually and 40% by their interaction.
AirSim-W: A Simulation Environment for Wildlife Conservation with UAVs

Increases in poaching levels have led to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) to count animals, locate animals in parks, and even find poachers. Finding poachers is often done at night through the use of long wave thermal infrared cameras mounted on these UAVs. Unfortunately, monitoring the live video stream from the conservation UAVs all night is an arduous task. In order to assist in this monitoring task, new techniques in computer vision have been developed. This work is based on a dataset which took approximately six months to label. However, further improvement in detection and future testing of autonomous flight require not only more labeled training data, but also an environment where algorithms can be safely tested. In order to meet both goals efficiently, we present AirSim-W, a simulation environment that has been designed specifically for the domain of wildlife conservation. This includes (i) creation of an African savanna environment in Unreal Engine, (ii) integration of a new thermal infrared model based on radiometry, (iii) API code expansions to follow objects of interest or fly in zig-zag patterns to generate simulated training data, and (iv) demonstrated detection improvement using simulated data generated by AirSim-W. With these additional simulation features, AirSim-W will be directly useful for wildlife conservation research.
Changes in health risk behaviors for males and females from early adolescence through early adulthood.

OBJECTIVE We sought to identify (a) the course of changes in smoking, alcohol and marijuana use, violence, and sexual behavior from early adolescence through young adulthood for males and females, (b) points of divergence and convergence for 5 health risk behaviors between males and females, and (c) whether the trajectories of change in health risk behaviors differed for males and females. METHOD Data from four waves of the nationally representative National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) followed 18,911 youth from early adolescence through the transition to adulthood (ages 13 through 31 years) and were analyzed using zero-inflated negative binomial growth models and logistic growth models. RESULTS Generally, health risk behaviors steadily increased through adolescence into the early 20s, subsequently leveling off or decreasing. Results indicated early adolescent females were more likely to smoke and have more sexual partners, and 14- and 18-year-old females had higher rates of increase for getting drunk. The majority of findings, however, indicated that adolescent and young adult males engaged in more risk behaviors and were increasingly likely to engage over time. Among youth engaged in health risk behaviors, males reported greater frequency and increases in rates over time for most risk behaviors. CONCLUSIONS We identify several critical groups for health professionals to address: early adolescent females not previously identified as more engaged in health risks; adolescent females "catching up" to male health risks; early and mid-adolescent males shifting into adult patterns of heightened health risk behaviors; and the group of risk-taking males across age groups.
Database Evaluation of the Effects of Long‐Term Rosiglitazone Treatment on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Recent meta‐analyses suggest an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with rosiglitazone. These meta‐analyses have drawn considerable criticisms. Retrospective observational studies do not consistently support this association. The objective of this study was to compare rates of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in T2DM patients treated with rosiglitazone alone or combined with metformin or metformin alone. This retrospective study, using the health maintenance organization database, included patients who were dispensed rosiglitazone (alone or with metformin) for at least 6 months as follows: rosiglitazone alone (n = 745), rosiglitazone and metformin (n = 2753), and metformin alone (n = 11 938). Adverse cardiovascular outcomes were new diagnosis of AMI, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), coronary revascularization (CRV), congestive heart failure (CHF), and all‐cause mortality. Mean on‐treatment follow‐up was 30 months. After adjustment for covariates found to be significant in univariate analyses, rosiglitazone was associated only with CHF (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41‐1.95) with no increase of risk for AMI (HR = 1.13; 95%CI: 0.60‐2.12), ACS (HR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.57‐1.26), coronary revascularization (HR = 1.22; 95% CI:0.82‐1.54), or all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.85‐1.56). In this community‐based cohort, 30 months of therapy with rosiglitazone treatment was associated with increased risk of CHF but was not associated with increased risk of AMI, ACS, coronary revascularization, or all‐cause mortality.
Analyzing conflict and its management within ICT4D partnerships: an institutional logics perspective

ABSTRACT Promotion and presence of partnerships have been growing within information and communication technology for development (ICT4D). Yet – despite limited analytical literature on this topic – it is clear that the reality of ICT4D partnerships often undershoots the potential, with frequent reports of failure, particularly arising from conflict between partners. This paper addresses calls for more and better-conceptualized research into ICT4D partnerships, with a specific focus on understanding the roots and management of conflict in such partnerships. We use qualitative field data from a Malaysian IT “impact sourcing” public–private partnership case study, viewed through the lens of institutional logics and conflict management strategies. Analysis of three vignettes from the negotiation of the initiative shows one partner always used a competitive approach to conflict management. This led issues to remain unresolved and led the partnership arrangement to steadily loosen. The outcome was always domination of private logic over public logic. As a result, and lacking an overt advocate, welfare goals of the partnership were somewhat sidelined. Our paper contributes by showing (a) how institutional logics helps explain the outcome of ICT4D partnerships, and (b) how the conflict management strategies framework helps explain the practice of conflicting institutional logics in such partnerships.