Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Risk in a Multiethnic Cohort: Findings From the Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS)

Background and Purpose— The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD), race–ethnicity, and vascular outcomes. Methods— A prospective, multiracial cohort of 3298 stroke-free subjects with 6.5 years of mean follow-up time for vascular outcomes (stroke, myocardial infarction, vascular death) was used. Kidney function was estimated using serum creatinine and Cockcroft-Gault formula. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to evaluate the relationship between kidney function and vascular outcomes. Results— In multivariate analysis, Cockcroft-Gault formula between 15 and 59 mL/min was associated with a significant 43% increased stroke risk in the overall cohort. Blacks with Cockcroft-Gault formula between 15 and 59 mL/min had significantly increased risk of both stroke (hazard ratio, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.47 to 4.77) and combined vascular outcomes (hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.10–2.92). Conclusion— Chronic kidney disease is a significant risk factor for stroke and combined vascular events, especially in blacks.
KARAKTERISTIK PERUSAHAAN DAN PENGUNGKAPAN TANGGUNG JAWAB SOSIAL

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menguji secara empiris pengaruh karakteristik perusahaan terhadap pengungkapan tanggung jawab sosial perusahaan manufaktur yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia. Variabel karakteristik perusahaan yang diduga mempunyai pengaruh terhadap pengungkapan tanggung jawab sosial perusahaan terdiri dari 7 variabel, yaitu ukuran perusahaan, profitabilitas, profile perusahaan, ukuran dewan komisaris, leverage, kepemilikan manajemen dan efisiensi operasi. Â Hasil pengujian terhadap 39 sampel yang dipilih secara purposip sampling dengan periode pengamatan tahun 2008 dan 2009 menemukan bahwa variabel ukuran perusahaan, profile perusahaan dan ukuran dewan komisaris mempunyai pengaruh positip signifikan terhadap pengungkapan tanggung jawab sosial perusahaan, sedangkan variabel leverage mempunyai pengaruh negatip signifikan terhadap pengungkapan tanggung jawab sosial perusahaan. Hasil ini mengindikasikan bahwa pengungkapan tanggung jawab sosial perusahaan cenderung lebih besar pada perusahaan yang mempunyai karakterisik: ukuran perusahaan besar, perusahaan termasuk dalam high profile dan mempunyai ukuran dewan komisaris yang besar. Sebaliknya pengungkapan tanggung jawab sosial perusahaan cenderung lebih rendah pada perusahaan yang mempunyai leverage tinggi. Adapun pengujian terhadap ketiga variabel independen lainnya, yaitu profitabilitas, kepemilikan manajemen dan efisiensi operasi tidak mempunyai pengaruh signifikan terhadap pengungkapan tanggung jawab sosial perusahaan. Â Kata kunci: pengungkapan tanggung jawab sosial perusahaan, karakteristik perusahaan, good corporate governance.
Embedding Multiple Trajectories in Simulated Recurrent Neural Networks in a Self-Organizing Manner

Complex neural dynamics produced by the recurrent architecture of neocortical circuits is critical to the cortex's computational power. However, the synaptic learning rules underlying the creation of stable propagation and reproducible neural trajectories within recurrent networks are not understood. Here, we examined synaptic learning rules with the goal of creating recurrent networks in which evoked activity would: (1) propagate throughout the entire network in response to a brief stimulus while avoiding runaway excitation; (2) exhibit spatially and temporally sparse dynamics; and (3) incorporate multiple neural trajectories, i.e., different input patterns should elicit distinct trajectories. We established that an unsupervised learning rule, termed presynaptic-dependent scaling (PSD), can achieve the proposed network dynamics. To quantify the structure of the trained networks, we developed a recurrence index, which revealed that presynaptic-dependent scaling generated a functionally feedforward network when training with a single stimulus. However, training the network with multiple input patterns established that: (1) multiple non-overlapping stable trajectories can be embedded in the network; and (2) the structure of the network became progressively more complex (recurrent) as the number of training patterns increased. In addition, we determined that PSD and spike-timing-dependent plasticity operating in parallel improved the ability of the network to incorporate multiple and less variable trajectories, but also shortened the duration of the neural trajectory. Together, these results establish one of the first learning rules that can embed multiple trajectories, each of which recruits all neurons, within recurrent neural networks in a self-organizing manner.
Unconventional behavior of the noisy min-sum decoder over the binary symmetric channel

This paper investigates the behavior of the noisy Min-Sum decoder over binary symmetric channels. A noisy decoder is a decoder running on a noisy device, which may introduce errors during the decoding process. We show that in some particular cases, the noise introduce by the device can help the Min-Sum decoder to escape from fixed points attractors, and may actually result in an increased correction capacity with respect to the noiseless decoder. We also reveal the existence of a specific threshold phenomenon, referred to as functional threshold. The behavior of the noisy decoder is demonstrated in the asymptotic limit of the code-length, by using “noisy” density evolution equations, and it is also verified in the finite-length case by Monte-Carlo simulation.
A novel genetic mechanism regulates dorsolateral hinge-point formation during zebrafish cranial neurulation

During neurulation, vertebrate embryos form a neural tube (NT), the rudiment of the central nervous system. In mammals and birds, a key step in cranial NT morphogenesis is dorsolateral hinge-point (DLHP) bending, which requires an apical actomyosin network. The mechanism of DLHP formation is poorly understood, although several essential genes have been identified, among them Zic2, which encodes a zinc-finger transcription factor. We found that DLHP formation in the zebrafish midbrain also requires actomyosin and Zic function. Given this conservation, we used the zebrafish to study how genes encoding Zic proteins regulate DLHP formation. We demonstrate that the ventral zic2a expression border predicts DLHP position. Using morpholino (MO) knockdown, we show zic2a and zic5 are required for apical F-actin and active myosin II localization and junction integrity. Furthermore, myosin II activity can function upstream of junction integrity during DLHP formation, and canonical Wnt signaling, an activator of zic gene transcription, is necessary for apical active myosin II localization, junction integrity and DLHP formation. We conclude that zic genes act downstream of Wnt signaling to control cytoskeletal organization, and possibly adhesion, during neurulation. This study identifies zic2a and zic5 as crucial players in the genetic network linking patterned gene expression to morphogenetic changes during neurulation, and strengthens the utility of the zebrafish midbrain as a NT morphogenesis model.
Constructing and testing the thermodynamic limits of synthetic NAD(P)H:H2 pathways

NAD(P)H:H2 pathways are theoretically predicted to reach equilibrium at very low partial headspace H2 pressure. An evaluation of the directionality of such near‐equilibrium pathways in vivo, using a defined experimental system, is therefore important in order to determine its potential for application. Many anaerobic microorganisms have evolved NAD(P)H:H2 pathways; however, they are either not genetically tractable, and/or contain multiple H2 synthesis/consumption pathways linked with other more thermodynamically favourable substrates, such as pyruvate. We therefore constructed a synthetic ferredoxin‐dependent NAD(P)H:H2 pathway model system in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) and experimentally evaluated the thermodynamic limitations of nucleotide pyridine‐dependent H2 synthesis under closed batch conditions. NADPH‐dependent H2 accumulation was observed with a maximum partial H2 pressure equivalent to a biochemically effective intracellular NADPH/NADP+ ratio of 13:1. The molar yield of the NADPH:H2 pathway was restricted by thermodynamic limitations as it was strongly dependent on the headspace : liquid ratio of the culture vessels. When the substrate specificity was extended to NADH, only the reverse pathway directionality, H2 consumption, was observed above a partial H2 pressure of 40 Pa. Substitution of NADH with NADPH or other intermediates, as the main electron acceptor/donor of glucose catabolism and precursor of H2, is more likely to be applicable for H2 production.
Design of a hopping mechanism using a voice coil actuator: Linear elastic actuator in parallel (LEAP)

Among legged robots, hopping and running robots are useful because they can traverse terrain at high speeds and are a benchmark platform for locomotion actuators; if an actuator can power a hopping robot, it can power a walking robot. We aim to create a hopping mechanism for a small-scale, one-legged, untethered hopping robot. A parallel-elastic actuator is an efficient way to do this, and enables the actuator to directly inject energy into the spring, but requires a high-speed, low-inertia actuator. Voice coil actuators are electrically-powered direct-drive translational motors that have very low moving inertia, low friction, can produce force at high speeds, and have a linear force output. These qualities make them ideal candidate motors for a linear elastic actuator in parallel (“LEAP”). Here, we derive an electromechanical model of the LEAP mechanism, develop a simple bang-bang hopping controller, and simulate hopping with a range of spring parameters to find an optimal spring stiffness that maximizes hopping height. We detail our implemented design, and characterize its performance through a series of experiments. We test our robot with different spring stiffnesses, and demonstrate hopping at a maximum steady-state of 3.5 cm ground-clearance (approx. 20% leg length). Our results suggest that the LEAP mechanism may serve the weight-bearing functions of a robot leg.
Cation–chromatin binding as shown by ion microscopy is essential for the structural integrity of chromosomes

Mammalian interphase and mitotic cells were analyzed for their cation composition using a three-dimensional high resolution scanning ion microprobe. This instrument maps the distribution of bound and unbound cations by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). SIMS analysis of cryofractured interphase and mitotic cells revealed a cell cycle dynamics of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+. Direct analytical images showed that all four, but no other cations, were detected on mitotic chromosomes. SIMS measurements of the total cation content for diploid chromosomes imply that one Ca2+ binds to every 12.5–20 nucleotides and one Mg2+ to every 20–30 nucleotides. Only Ca2+ was enriched at the chromosomal DNA axis and colocalized with topoisomerase IIα (Topo II) and scaffold protein II (ScII). Cells depleted of Ca2+ and Mg2+ showed partially decondensed chromosomes and a loss of Topo II and ScII, but not hCAP-C and histones. The Ca2+-induced inhibition of Topo II catalytic activity and direct binding of Ca2+ to Topo II by a fluorescent filter-binding assay supports a regulatory role of Ca2+ during mitosis in promoting solely the structural function of Topo II. Our study directly implicates Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+ in higher order chromosome structure through electrostatic neutralization and a functional interaction with nonhistone proteins.
Sign Characteristics of Regular Hermitian Matrix Pencils under Generic Rank-1 and Rank-2 Perturbations

The spectral behavior of regular Hermitian matrix pencils is examined under certain structure-preserving rank-1 and rank-2 perturbations. Since Hermitian pencils have signs attached to real (and infinite) blocks in canonical form, it is not only the Jordan structure but also this so-called sign characteristic that needs to be examined under perturbation. The observed effects are as follows: Under a rank-1 or rank-2 perturbation, generically the largest one or two, respectively, Jordan blocks at each eigenvalue lambda are destroyed, and if lambda is an eigenvalue of the perturbation, also one new block of size one is created at lambda. If lambda is real (or infinite), additionally all signs at lambda but one or two, respectively, that correspond to the destroyed blocks, are preserved under perturbation. Also, if the potential new block of size one is real, its sign is in most cases prescribed to be the sign that is attached to the eigenvalue lambda in the perturbation.
Discovering Spatial Interaction Communities from Mobile Phone Data

In the age of Big Data, the widespread use of location‐awareness technologies has made it possible to collect spatio‐temporal interaction data for analyzing flow patterns in both physical space and cyberspace. This research attempts to explore and interpret patterns embedded in the network of phone‐call interaction and the network of phone‐users’ movements, by considering the geographical context of mobile phone cells. We adopt an agglomerative clustering algorithm based on a Newman‐Girvan modularity metric and propose an alternative modularity function incorporating a gravity model to discover the clustering structures of spatial‐interaction communities using a mobile phone dataset from one week in a city in China. The results verify the distance decay effect and spatial continuity that control the process of partitioning phone‐call interaction, which indicates that people tend to communicate within a spatial‐proximity community. Furthermore, we discover that a high correlation exists between phone‐users’ movements in physical space and phone‐call interaction in cyberspace. Our approach presents a combined qualitative‐quantitative framework to identify clusters and interaction patterns, and explains how geographical context influences communities of callers and receivers. The findings of this empirical study are valuable for urban structure studies as well as for the detection of communities in spatial networks.
Can spike timing dependent plasticity compensate for process mismatch in neuromorphic analogue VLSI?

Analogue VLSI can be used to implement spike timing dependent neuromorphic training algorithms. This work presents a circuitry that uses spike timing to "adapt out" the effects of device mismatch in such circuits. Simulation results for the circuit implemented in 0.35 /spl mu/m CMOS process are reported.
Enterprise Systems in Transition Economies: An Initial Literature Review

In spite of the fact that enterprise systems have become essential in modern organizations, there is a scarcity of research on this topic in the context of transition economies, defined as countries that are in the process of moving or have recently moved from a centrally planned economic system to a market driven system. In this initial study, we conduct a review of 27 journal papers on enterprise systems in transition economies published in the years 2004-2014. We examine the research focus, research approach, and theoretical foundation. Based on the analysis of themes and current trends in the existing literature we identify gaps and propose opportunities for future research.
Analysing the perception–choice process in Situational Action Theory. A randomized scenario study

In Situational Action Theory (SAT), crime is seen as the result of the interplay between individual and setting characteristics. This replication study focuses on the perception–choice process. The perception–choice process refers to the process whereby one sees the breaking of rules (stated in laws) as an action alternative and deliberately (or habitually) carries out an act of rule-breaking, given that one sees the breaking of a specific rule as an action alternative. The unique contribution of this study to the empirical literature is that it tests the interaction between choosing a violent response, propensity, and exposure to scenario criminogeneity using a web-based randomized scenario study. The results indicate that individuals who have low levels of crime propensity rarely choose a violent response, independent of scenario criminogeneity (as measured by provocation and the absence of monitoring agents). The likelihood of choosing a violent response increases as a result of the interplay between scenario criminogeneity and crime propensity. The implications for future tests of SAT are discussed.
Is a Switch From Insulin Therapy to Liraglutide Possible in Japanese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients?

Background To evaluate the efficacy of switching from insulin to the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Methods The subjects were 231 outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus being treated with liraglutide for the first time. For 161 patients, liraglutide was continued for 24 weeks (continuation group), and for 70 patients, liraglutide was discontinued before 24 weeks (discontinuation group). Fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, HbA1c, body weight, and insulin dose were evaluated before the switch to liraglutide (baseline) and at 12 and 24 weeks of administration. Trends in HbA1c and weight were compared at 12 and 24 weeks of administration. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify clinical factors predicting a successful switch to liraglutide. Results Multiple regression analysis with ΔHbA1c as the dependent variable in the continuation group indicated that HbA1c at 12 weeks of administration decreased with higher baseline HbA1c and increased with higher baseline daily insulin doses. Multiple regression analysis with Δweight as the dependent variable indicated that Δweight at 24 weeks of liraglutide administration was higher with higher baseline daily insulin doses and longer duration of diabetes. Based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, cut-off values of 19 units for daily insulin dose and nine years for duration of diabetes were identified. Conclusions Switching from insulin to liraglutide therapy is possible for carefully selected patients. Daily insulin dosage and duration of insulin therapy appear to be clinically useful indicators for the efficacy of liraglutide therapy.
THE INFLUENCE OF INDIVIDUALS’ MIDDLE SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOL, AND UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE MUSIC PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCES ON SELF- EFFICACY AND PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR OWN SUCCESS AS ADULTS

i Chapter One: Introduction and Overview of the Study 1 Statement of the Problem 2 Rationale 6 Potential Benefits of the Research 7 Definition of Key Terms 9 Chapter Two: Review of the Related Literature 11 Theoretical Rationale 13 Self-efficacy Theory 13 Self-efficacy Theory Applied 15 Self-efficacy 15 Self-efficacy and Music 23 The Generalizability of Self-efficacy 27 Generalizability, Neuropsychology, and Cognition 34 Outcomes of Music Education 36 Research Questions 46
An improved bug localization using structured information retrieval and version history

Locating buggy files is a time consuming and challenging task because defects can deflate from a large variety of sources. So, researchers proposed several automated bug localization techniques where the accuracy can be improved. In this paper, an information retrieval based bug localization technique has been proposed, where buggy files are identified by measuring the similarity between bug report and source code. Besides this, source code structure and frequently changed files are also incorporated to produce a better rank for buggy files. To evaluate the proposed approach, a large-scale experiment on three open source projects, namely SWT, ZXing and Guava has been conducted. The result shows that the proposed approach improves 7% in terms of Mean Reciprocal Rank (MRR) and about 8% for Mean Average Precision (MAP) compared to existing techniques.
The Peculiar Magnetic Field Morphology of the White Dwarf WD 1953–011: Evidence for a Large-Scale Magnetic Flux Tube?

We present and interpret new spectropolarimetric observations of the magnetic white dwarf WD 1953–011. Circular polarization and intensity spectra of the Hα spectral line demonstrate the presence of two-component magnetic field in the photosphere of this star. The geometry consists of a weak, large-scale component, and a strong, localized component. Analyzing the rotationally modulated low-field component, we establish a rotation period Prot = 1.4480 ± 0.0001 days. Modeling the measured magnetic observables, we find that the low-field component can be described by the superposition of a dipole and quadrupole. According to the best-fit model, the inclination of the stellar rotation axis with respect to the line of sight is i ≈ 20°, and the angle between the rotation axis and the dipolar axis is β ≈ 10°. The dipole strength at the pole is about 180 kG, and the quadrupolar strength is about 230 kG. These data suggest a fossil origin of the low-field component. In contrast, the strong-field component exhibits a peculiar, localized structure (“magnetic spot”) that confirms the conclusions of Maxted and coworkers. The mean field modulus of the spot (|Bspot| = 520 ± 7 kG) together with its variable longitudinal magnetic field having a maximum of about +400 kG make it difficult to describe it naturally as a high-order component of the star’s global poloidal field. Instead, we suggest that the observed strong-field region has a geometry similar to a magnetic flux tube.
Slope stability analysis by ®nite elements

The majority of slope stability analyses performed in practice still use traditional limit equilibrium approaches involving methods of slices that have remained essentially unchanged for decades. This was not the outcome envisaged when Whitman & Bailey (1967) set criteria for the then emerging methods to become readily accessible to all engineers. The ®nite element method represents a powerful alternative approach for slope stability analysis which is accurate, versatile and requires fewer a priori assumptions, especially, regarding the failure mechanism. Slope failure in the ®nite element model occurs `naturally' through the zones in which the shear strength of the soil is insuf®cient to resist the shear stresses. The paper describes several examples of ®nite element slope stability analysis with comparison against other solution methods, including the in ̄uence of a free surface on slope and dam stability. Graphical output is included to illustrate deformations and mechanisms of failure. It is argued that the ®nite element method of slope stability analysis is a more powerful alternative to traditional limit equilibrium methods and its widespread use should now be standard in geotechnical practice.