Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genome wide association study for plasma levels of natural anticoagulant inhibitors and protein C anticoagulant pathway: the MARTHA project

Deficiencies of antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC) and protein S (PS) or an impaired PC anticoagulant pathway increase the risk of venous thrombosis (VT). By conducting a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) on two independent samples of VT patients totalling 951 subjects typed for 472 173 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we observed that common SNPs explain 21% and 27% of the genetic variance of plasma AT and PS levels, even though no SNP reached genome‐wide significance. For PC, we showed that two PROCR SNPs, rs867186 (Ser219Gly) and rs6060278, additionally explained c. 20% (P = 1·19 × 10−31) of the variance of plasma PC levels. We also observed that c. 40% of the remaining genetic variance of PC levels could be due to yet unidentified common SNPs. The PROCR locus was also found to explain c. 8% (P < 10−10) of agkistrodon contortrix venom (ACV) (exploring the PC pathway) variability which was under the main control of the F5 and F2 loci that further explained about 40% and 10%, respectively. We presented here the first GWAS for plasma AT and free‐PS levels and ACV in Caucasian samples. We identified three independent loci associated with ACV (F2, F5 and PROCR) and replicated two independent effects on plasma PC levels at the PROCR locus.
Nonlinear finite element analysis versus ex vivo strain gauge measurements on immediately loaded implants.

PURPOSE To evaluate the level of agreement between nonlinear finite element stress analysis (NL-FEA) and ex vivo strain gauge analysis (EV-SGA) on immediately loaded implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four 4.1-mm-diameter, 12-mm-long implants were placed bilaterally into the lateral and first premolar regions of completely edentulous maxillae of four human cadavers. Two-element 90-degree rosette strain gauges were bonded to the labial cortical bone around the implants, and 100 N maximal load was applied over two miniature load cells on bar-retained overdentures while simultaneous data acquisition from load cells and strain gauges was performed at a sample rate of 10 KHz. Individualized numeric models of the cadavers were constructed, and contact analysis with normal contact detection and separation behavior was performed between the implants and bone. Upon simulation of the loading regimen, axial and lateral strains were recorded. The NL-FEA data and EV-SGA data were compared. RESULTS There was a high level of agreement regarding the quality of strains, as determined by both techniques, although the mean values obtained with EV-SGA were higher than those found with NL-FEA. However, the strains recorded by NL-FEA did not differ significantly (P<.05) from the strains recorded by EV-SGA. CONCLUSION Considering the complex biomechanical behavior of human hard and soft tissues, EV-SGA and NL-FEA did not suggest inconsistency in the detection of the quality of strains. Further, the methods provided comparable values for the quantification of strains on implants supporting maxillary overdentures.
Comparison of dynamical model atmospheres of Mira variables with mid-infrared interferometric and spectroscopic observations

We present a comparison of dynamical model atmospheres with mid-infrared (~11 μ m) interferometric and spectroscopic observations of the Mira variable o Cet. The dynamical model atmospheres of Mira variables pulsating in the fundamental mode can fairly explain, without assuming ad-hoc components, the seemingly contradictory mid-infrared spectroscopic and interferometric observations of o Cet: the 11 μ m sizes measured in the bandpass without any salient spectral features are about twice as large as those measured in the near-infrared. Our calculations of synthetic spectra show that the strong absorption due to a number of optically thick H 2 O lines is filled in by the emission of these H 2 O lines originating in the geometrically extended layers, providing a possible physical explanation for the picture proposed by Ohnaka (2004a) based on a semi-empirical modeling. This filling-in effect results in rather featureless, continuum-like spectra in rough agreement with the observed high-resolution 11 μ m spectra, although the models still predict the H 2 O lines to be more pronounced than the observations. The inverse P-Cyg profiles of some strong H 2 O lines observed in the 11 μ m spectra can also be reasonably reproduced by our dynamical model atmospheres. The presence of the extended H 2 O layers manifests itself as mid-infrared angular diameters much larger than the continuum diameter. The 11 μ m uniform-disk diameters predicted by our dynamical model atmospheres are in fair agreement with those observed with the Infrared Spatial Interferometer (ISI), but still somewhat smaller than the observed diameters. We discuss possible reasons for this discrepancy and problems with the current dynamical model atmospheres of Mira variables.
Expressed emotion and early onset schizophrenia: a one year follow-up

SYNOPSIS Key relatives of 33 first or early admission psychotic patients (mainly schizophrenics) were interviewed to determine household levels of expressed emotion (EE). The patients were followed up for 12 months from index admission, during which time 13 (39%) experienced psychotic relapse. There was no association between relapse rate and household EE, but correlations between individual components of EE and pre-morbid measures suggest that level of criticism may be related to less acute onset of index episode, greater elapsed time since first signs of illness, and poor adjustment in the realm of work/study. The results are discussed in the context of continuing uncertainties about the precise nature of the relationship between EE and relapse.
Elevated C-Reactive Protein Levels and Enhanced High Frequency Vasomotion in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease during Brachial Flow-Mediated Dilation

Purpose The physiological role of vasomotion, rhythmic oscillations in vascular tone or diameter, and its underlying mechanisms are unknown. We investigated the characteristics of brachial artery vasomotion in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Methods We performed a retrospective study of 37 patients with IHD. Endothelial function was assessed using flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and power spectral analysis of brachial artery diameter oscillations during FMD was performed. Frequency-domain components were calculated by integrating the power spectrums in three frequency bands (in ms2) using the MemCalc (GMS, Tokyo, Japan): very-low frequency (VLF), 0.003–0.04 Hz; low frequency (LF), 0.04–0.15 Hz; and high frequency (HF), 0.15–0.4 Hz. Total spectral power (TP) was calculated as the sum of all frequency bands, and each spectral component was normalized against TP. Results Data revealed that HF/TP closely correlated with FMD (r = −0.33, p = 0.04), whereas VLF/TP and LF/TP did not. We also explored the relationship between elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and vasomotion. HF/TP was significantly increased in subjects with high CRP levels (CRP;>0.08 mg/dL) compared with subjects with low CRP levels (0.052±0.026 versus 0.035±0.022, p<0.05). The HF/TP value closely correlated with CRP (r = 0.24, p = 0.04), whereas the value of FMD did not (r = 0.023, p = 0.84). In addition, elevated CRP levels significantly increased the value of HF/TP after adjustment for FMD and blood pressure (β = 0.33, p<0.05). Conclusion The HF component of brachial artery diameter oscillation during FMD measurement correlated well with FMD and increased in the presence of elevated CRP levels in subjects with IHD.
Formation and Entrapment of Tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum from 8-Hydroxyquinoline in Anodic Porous Alumina

The formation and entrapment of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3) molecules on the surface of anodic porous alumina (APA) immersed in an ethanol solution of 8-hydroxyquinoline (HQ) were investigated by absorption, fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopies. The effects of the selected APA preparation conditions (galvanostatic or potentiostatic anodization method, anodizing current and voltage values, one- or two-step anodizing process, and sulfuric acid electrolyte concentration) on the adsorption and desorption of Alq3 species were examined. Among the listed parameters, sulfuric acid concentration was the most important factor in determining the Alq3 adsorption characteristics. The Alq3 content measured after desorption under galvanostatic conditions was 2.5 times larger than that obtained under potentiostatic ones, regardless of the adsorbed quantities. The obtained results suggest the existence of at least two types of adsorption sites on the APA surface characterized by different magnitudes of the Alq3 bonding strength. The related fluorescence spectra contained two peaks at wavelengths of 480 and 505 nm, which could be attributed to isolated Alq3 species inside nanovoids and aggregated Alq3 clusters in the pores of APA, respectively. The former species were attached to the adsorption sites with higher binding energies, whereas the latter ones were bound to the APA surface more weakly. Similar results were obtained for the Alq3 species formed from the HQ solution, which quantitatively exceeded the number of the Alq3 species adsorbed from the Alq3 solution. Alq3 molecules were formed in the HQ solution during the reaction of HQ molecules with the Al3+ ions in the oxide dissolution zone near the oxide/electrolyte interface through the cracks and the Al3+ ions adsorbed on surface of pore and cracks. In addition, it was suggested that HQ molecules could penetrate the nanovoids more easily than Alq3 species because of their smaller sizes, which resulted in higher magnitudes of the adsorption.
Microsatellite instability in sporadic gastric cancer: its prognostic role and guidance for 5‐FU based chemotherapy after R0 resection

This study investigated whether MSI status can be used as a prognostic biomarker and whether it is helpful for predicting which patients will benefit from 5‐FU based adjuvant chemotherapy. Between 2005 and 2008, an MSI status examination was performed in 1,990 gastric cancer patients who had undergone curative gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. MSI was analyzed by PCR amplification with fluorescent dye‐labeled primers of mononucleotide markers (BAT25 and BAT26) and dinucleotide markers (D5S346, D2S123 and D17S250) specific to the microsatellite loci. Patients with MSI‐H tumors accounted for 8.5% (n = 170) of the total study population. They tended to be older and female and to have distal tumor location, lower tumor stage, intestinal type of Lauren classification and differentiated histological type. The disease‐free survival curves showed no significant differences between MSS/MSI‐L and MSI‐H patients at each stage of I, II, III and IV. In gastric cancer patients with stage II and III, 5‐FU‐based adjuvant chemotherapy showed better disease‐free survival in the MSS/MSI‐L group, but showed no benefits in the MSI‐H group. By multivariate analysis, patients with MSS/MSI‐L tumors benefited from 5‐FU‐based adjuvant chemotherapy in terms of tumor disease‐free survival. MSI status in gastric cancer is not itself a prognostic indicator. However, it appears to be a possible guidance for the use of 5‐FU‐based chemotherapy in stage II and III gastric cancers after R0 resection.
The Effects of Lamotrigine on Sleep in Patients with Epilepsy

Summary: Purpose: The older antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have a variety of effects on sleep, including marked reduction in REM, slow‐wave sleep (SWS) and sleep latency, and increased percentage of light sleep. The effects of the newer AEDs on sleep are unknown. Our purpose was to study the effect of lamotrigine (LTG) on sleep.
Users' perspectives on the benefits of FM systems with cochlear implants

Abstract This study explored: (1) the benefits of an FM system in real-world environments from the perspective of adults with coch-lear implants, and (2) the factors and barriers to using an FM system with a cochlear implant. Using a qualitative research design, 14 adults with unilateral cochlear implants recorded their experiences during a two-month trial period with a personal FM system and responded to a questionnaire at the end of the trial. A detailed analysis of 169 journal entries (230 hours of FM use) permitted a description of the benefits and negative aspects associated with FM use in everyday listening environments. The primary benefits were related to improved access to and quality of sound, improved distance listening, ease of listening, and better social integration. Negative perceptions were associated with the equipment both with regard to physical aspects and adjustments. In addition, technical, individual, social, and environmental factors were identified that can influence the user's decision to use the FM device. Questionnaire responses indicated that the majority of individuals rated the FM system as somewhat or very helpful. The findings suggest that FM systems can improve communication in everyday listening environments for some adults with cochlear implants. Sumario Este estudio exploró: (1) los beneficios de un sistema FM en ambientes de la vida real desde la perspectiva de adultos con implante coclear, y (2) los factores y barreras del uso de un sistema FM con un implante coclear. Durante un periodo de 2 meses y mediante un diseño de investigación cualitativo, 14 adultos con implantes cocleares unilaterales registraron sus experiencias con un sistema personal de FM y respondieron a un cuestionario al final del ensayo. Un análisis detallado de 169 de anotaciones en el diario (230 horas de uso del FM) permitieron una descripción de los beneficios y los aspectos negativos asociados con el uso del FM en ambientes de escucha cotidianos. Los beneficios primarios estuvieron relacionados con mejor acceso y mejor calidad de sonido, mejoría en la audición a distancia, facilidad para escuchar y mejor integración social. Las percepciones negativas se asociaron con el equipo, tanto en relación con sus aspectos físicos, como con los ajustes. Además, se identificaron factores técnicos, individuales, sociales y ambientales que pueden influir en la decisión del usuario de utilizar un dispositivo de FM. Las respuestas del cuestionario indicaron que la mayoría de los individuos calificaron el sistema de FM como un tanto útil o muy útil. Los hallazgos sugieren que los sistemas FM pueden mejorar la comunicación en los ambientes cotidianos de escucha para algunos adultos con implante coclear.
Early-onset insulin-resistant diabetes in obese Caucasians has features of typical type 2 diabetes, but 3 decades earlier.

Obesity has dramatically increased in Irish adolescents and young adults and is related to changes in physical activity and diet (1,2). Severe obesity is associated with a much earlier presentation of type 2 diabetes (3—6), as noted in Irish Caucasian patients (7). Most studies of early-onset type 2 diabetes have been in minority populations with higher risk of type 2 diabetes than Caucasians (4—6). The potential for diabetes complications in these young individuals has immediate implications for diagnosis and treatment and longer-term implications for public health. We measured insulin resistance, insulin secretion, and a range of cardiovascular risk markers in an obese group of young Irish subjects with type 2 diabetes and compared them with a matched group of obese nondiabetic subjects and a representative group of older subjects with type 2 diabetes. All of the subjects were from the same clinic, and all were matched for obesity and duration of diabetes. Eleven subjects with early-onset (age 40 years) type 2 diabetes were recruited, as well as 13 nondiabetic control subjects who were age and obesity matched to the young type 2 diabetic group. The protocol had ethical approval, and written informed consent was obtained. An oral glucose tolerance test was used to confirm glucose tolerance. ### Intravenous glucose tolerance test An insulin-modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed (8,9). Oral hypoglycemic agents were withheld for 7 days before the …
Department of Economics Working Paper Series Intertemporal Substitution and Sectoral Comovement in a Sticky Price Model Intertemporal Substitution and Sectoral Comovement in A

Strong procyclical fluctuations in the durable production are the most prominent feature of the empirical response to monetary shocks. This paper investigates the role of preferences in matching this feature of the data in a two-sector sticky price model with flexibly priced durables. The reaction of durables depends crucially on whether preferences are separable between labor and aggregate consumption. When preferences are separable, the model exhibits perverse behavior. Flexibly priced durables contract during periods of economic expansion. However, sticky price model with non-separable preferences can replicate the empirically plausible response of durable spending. The key to the model's success hinges upon the fact that the non-separable preferences imply the complementarity between aggregate consumption and labor supply, absent in the separable preference. Finally, we present empirical evidence supporting the non-separable preferences.
Practicing What We Preach (and Sometimes Study): Methodological Issues in Experimental Laboratory Research

At the core of any causal claim is an experimental study, and laboratory research often provides the most valid arena for conducting experiments. Laboratory experiments allow researchers to provide internal validity to any phenomena they examine. However, researchers must consider and address certain methodological concerns when conducting lab research. Before participants ever agree to participate, forces are beginning to affect how they will respond to experimental manipulations. These and additional concerns continue during and after the completion of the experiment, yet many researchers do not fully understand their implications. As serious as these issues have always been, the introduction of social media and Internet data collection only highlight the importance of understanding and addressing methodological issues in laboratory experiments. In the following article, we discuss potential methodological flaws in laboratory research, examine research relevant to these problems, review evidence that suggests problems actually do contaminate our data, and suggest areas for future research. We conclude by providing recommendations for eliminating or alleviating these problems in future research, considering the role of replication studies as a post-hoc means of detecting these issues, and apply our conclusions to experimental research performed outside or a laboratory. In all, we believe that addressing these concerns in experimental research and practice will strengthen the validity of our conclusions, the replicability of our findings, and science as a whole.
Harmonic current characteristic analysis for wind turbines

This paper analyzes the harmonic current characteristic of wind turbines. Field measurement, data sorting, and analysis are conducted for wind turbine. Most wind turbines at present use a power converter and are equipped with harmonic filters, the control results of these equipments will become highly stochastic as wind speed changes. Even if there is a slight difference in the wind speed, harmonic output of wind turbine will be quite different. If harmonic currents are segmented and the probability density distributions are calculated, then different viewpoints as can be observed. Although harmonic currents of the wind turbine are stochastic, the probability density distributions are close to normal distribution. A stochastic harmonic current predictor is then proposed in this paper based on the probability density distributions of harmonic current. Test results show that the harmonic currents of a wind turbine in long-term operation can be effectively analyzed by the established probability density distributions.
Determinants of Spectator Attendance at NCAA Division II Football Contests

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between spectator attendance at NCAA Division II football contests and selected determinants by estimating multiple economic demand models. The two primary determinants analyzed were winning percentage and promotional activity. Demand models were estimated using OLS and fixed-effect regression analysis. The results suggested that both current and previous year winning percentages are positively related to attendance. Furthermore, it is shown that the effect of previous season winning on attendance diminishes while the effect of current season winning increases as the season progresses. The results also indicated that promotional activities, the number of enrolled students, and market competition significantly affected attendance. Overall, the demand models explained between 37 and 70 percent of the variation in spectator attendance. The findings of this study may aid Division II athletic administrators who are attempting to increase revenues by att.
Salivary α-amylase and cortisol after exercise in menopause: influence of long-term HRT

Abstract Objectives This observational prospective study analyzed the effect of an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on the secretion of salivary biomarkers of the adrenergic nervous system and hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity by measuring salivary α-amylase and cortisol diurnal trajectories in the setting of long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Methods Fifteen healthy sedentary postmenopausal women who were current HRT users and 15 women who had never used HRT were consecutively recruited. α-Amylase and cortisol were measured in salivary samples collected on the CPET day and on a rest day. Cardiovascular and respiratory fitness parameters were recorded during the CPET challenge. Results The participants had very homogeneous somatic characteristics, and they were all in generally good health. The postmenopausal never-HRT users presented an abnormal diurnal pattern of α-amylase at baseline and a flattened response to CPET. In contrast, women on HRT had a physiological α-amylase diurnal pattern and increased salivary α-amylase production during the CPET-induced challenge. The CPET challenge physiologically activated the HPA axis activity, as shown by the increase in the concentration of salivary cortisol during the effort test. HPA axis activity was not affected by long-term HRT. Postmenopausal women using HRT exhibited a cardiorespiratory functional capacity that was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of non-users. Conclusions Our findings show that healthy postmenopausal women present an asymmetry between adrenergic nervous system and HPA axis activities under both basal and stress conditions. HRT was able to modify the abnormal adrenergic nervous system activity, most likely by reducing the sympathetic hyperactivity that characterizes menopause.
Task Relevance Induces Momentary Changes in the Functional Visual Field During Reading

In the research reported here, we examined whether task demands can induce momentary tunnel vision during reading. More specifically, we examined whether the size of the functional visual field depends on task relevance. Forty participants read an expository text with a specific task in mind while their eye movements were recorded. A display-change paradigm with random-letter strings as preview masks was used to study the size of the functional visual field within sentences that contained task-relevant and task-irrelevant information. The results showed that orthographic parafoveal-on-foveal effects and preview benefits were observed for words within task-irrelevant but not task-relevant sentences. The results indicate that the size of the functional visual field is flexible and depends on the momentary processing demands of a reading task. The higher cognitive processing requirements experienced when reading task-relevant text rather than task-irrelevant text induce momentary tunnel vision, which narrows the functional visual field.