Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of ethyl glucuronide in hair with self-reported alcohol consumption.

AIMS Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in hair is a proposed biomarker for alcohol consumption. This study compares hair EtG concentrations with self-reported alcohol consumption data, in individuals with a range of alcohol use. METHODS Hair was collected from 100 participants with a range of alcohol use. Participants completed an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test C questionnaire to record alcohol consumption. Participants were categorized into one of the four groups: tee-totallers (consuming 0 units a week), lower-risk drinkers (1-21 units a week), increasing-risk drinkers' consuming (22-50 units a week) and high-risk drinkers (over 50 units a week). Hair from the proximal 3 cm was analysed for EtG using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. RESULTS EtG was detected in 29 out of 100 hair samples. Based on the Society of Hair Testing (SOHT) threshold of 30 pg/mg EtG, the hair test identified alcohol consumption in 57.9% of high-risk drinkers, 45.5% of increasing-risk drinkers and only 9.8% of lower-risk drinkers. EtG sensitivity was highest for high-risk drinkers (consuming more than 50 units a week), identified to be 0.52 using a 30 pg/mg threshold and 0.58 using a 45 pg/mg threshold. A positive result is highly likely to indicate any drinking (positive predictive value, 1.00). A negative result does not provide good evidence for abstinence (negative predictive value, 0.23). CONCLUSIONS EtG has been identified to be a low sensitivity marker that cannot be used quantitatively to determine alcohol exposure. EtG can be used qualitatively to indicate alcohol consumption with a positive result providing strong evidence for an individual drinking within the past 3 months.
Explaining the Cross-section of Stock Returns in France: Characteristics or Risk Factors?

In this study, the three-factor model of Fama and French and the ‘characteristic model’ of Daniel and Titman are tested using the French Stock Market. Stocks are ranked by size and book to market ratio and then by ex-ante β, HML or SMB loadings. Based on average returns, results reject the factor model with ‘characteristic balanced’ portfolios. In contrast, in time-series regressions, results are consistent with the factor pricing model and inconsistent with the characteristic-based pricing model. Because the value premium is small, conclusions must be interpreted carefully. However, size and market premiums allow more powerful tests of the two models.
‘Who owns our schools?’ An analysis of the governance of free schools in England

The legal basis of free schools, provided for in the Academies Act 2010, allows the Secretary of State for Education ‘to enter into Academy arrangements with any person’. A range of debate has ensued over who will govern free schools. This article develops an analysis of the individuals and organizations that have had free school proposals accepted by government. The article progresses, first, by locating free schools in the existing policy trajectories towards privatization and self-governing schools. Second, it draws on a mapping exercise and interviews with a sample of 58 free school proposers, sponsors and suppliers to explore the processes through which free schools are established. The main categories of free school proposers are identified as: local civil society groups; sponsoring organizations; existing educational institutions. Third, the article considers the wider implications for school governance. It is argued free school policy allows governance to become an additional and direct lever through which those with the capacity to do so are able to mould state education in their own interests.
Individualized Mycophenolate Mofetil Dosing Based on Drug Exposure Significantly Improves Patient Outcomes After Renal Transplantation

Efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) may be optimized with individualized doses based on therapeutic monitoring of its active metabolite, mycophenolic acid (MPA). In this 12‐month study, 137 renal allograft recipients from 11 French centers receiving basiliximab, cyclosporine A, MMF and corticosteroids were randomized to receive either concentration‐controlled doses or fixed‐dose MMF. A novel Bayesian estimator of MPA AUC based on three‐point sampling was used to individualize doses on posttransplant days 7 and 14 and months 1, 3 and 6. The primary endpoint was treatment failure (death, graft loss, acute rejection and MMF discontinuation). Data from 65 patients/group were analyzed. At month 12, the concentration‐controlled group had fewer treatment failures (p = 0.03) and acute rejection episodes (p = 0.01) with no differences in adverse event frequency. The MMF dose was higher in the concentration‐controlled group at day 14 (p < 0.0001), month 1 (p < 0.0001) and month 3 (p < 0.01), as were median AUCs on day 14 (33.7 vs. 27.1 mg•h/L; p = 0.0001) and at month 1 (45.0 vs. 30.9 mg•h/L; p < 0.0001). Therapeutic MPA monitoring using a limited sampling strategy can reduce the risk of treatment failure and acute rejection in renal allograft recipients 12 months posttransplant with no increase in adverse events.
Dual Quadrics from Object Detection BoundingBoxes as Landmark Representations in SLAM

Research in Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) is increasingly moving towards richer world representations involving objects and high level features that enable a semantic model of the world for robots, potentially leading to a more meaningful set of robot-world interactions. Many of these advances are grounded in state-of-the-art computer vision techniques primarily developed in the context of image-based benchmark datasets, leaving several challenges to be addressed in adapting them for use in robotics. In this paper, we derive a formulation for Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) that uses dual quadrics as 3D landmark representations, and show how 2D bounding boxes (such as those typically obtained from visual object detection systems) can directly constrain the quadric parameters. Our paper demonstrates how to jointly estimate the robot pose and dual quadric parameters in factor graph based SLAM with a general perspective camera, and covers the use-cases of a robot moving with a monocular camera with and without the availability of additional depth information.
The atypical antipsychotics quetiapine, risperidone and ziprasidone do not increase insulin release in vitro.

OBJECTIVE In the light of the recent finding that the atypical antipsychotics clozapine and olanzapine have a stimulatory effect on basal insulin release in vitro, the influence on insulin release of three other atypical agents; quetiapine, risperidone and ziprasidone, was examined. METHODS The effect of each atypical antipsychotic in a concentration of 10(-6) M was investigated on both basal and glucose-stimulated insulin release from isolated rat pancreatic islets. RESULTS No difference in effect on insulin release was found for any of the three atypical antipsychotic substances compared to controls without antipsychotics, either in basal or in glucose-stimulated insulin release. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that the main compounds of quetiapine, risperidone and ziprasidone do not increase insulin release from isolated pancreatic islets, which stands in clear contrast to what has been found previously for clozapine and olanzapine. Thus, atypical antipsychotics seem to differ in their effect on insulin release in vitro.
KiDS-450: The tomographic weak lensing power spectrum and constraints on cosmological parameters

We present measurements of the weak gravitational lensing shear power spectrum based on $450$ sq. deg. of imaging data from the Kilo Degree Survey. We employ a quadratic estimator in two and three redshift bins and extract band powers of redshift auto-correlation and cross-correlation spectra in the multipole range $76 \leq \ell \leq 1310$. The cosmological interpretation of the measured shear power spectra is performed in a Bayesian framework assuming a $\Lambda$CDM model with spatially flat geometry, while accounting for small residual uncertainties in the shear calibration and redshift distributions as well as marginalising over intrinsic alignments, baryon feedback and an excess-noise power model. Moreover, massive neutrinos are included in the modelling. The cosmological main result is expressed in terms of the parameter combination $S_8 \equiv \sigma_8 \sqrt{\Omega_{\rm m}/0.3}$ yielding $S_8 = \ 0.651 \pm 0.058$ (3 z-bins), confirming the recently reported tension in this parameter with constraints from Planck at $3.2\sigma$ (3 z-bins). We cross-check the results of the 3 z-bin analysis with the weaker constraints from the 2 z-bin analysis and find them to be consistent. The high-level data products of this analysis, such as the band power measurements, covariance matrices, redshift distributions, and likelihood evaluation chains are available at http://kids.strw. leidenuniv.nl/
Independent Meeting Planners

Corporations and associations have outsourced meeting-planning functions to third-party planners, who are independent contractors. While the corporations and associations remain responsible for the meetings’ content, independent planners typically handle all other details, in particular, finding venues and negotiating contracts. Most of an independent planner’s business depends on a reputation for fair dealing, referrals, and continued relationships. Thus, the best planners are careful to ensure that all parties are aware of all contract provisions, including those for commissions. Planners also ensure that the hotels treat meeting clients fairly when not all rooms in the block are picked up and it is necessary to invoke attrition clauses.
Self-Employed Nicaraguan Women Under Neoliberalism: Characteristics and Determinants

ABSTRACT This paper explores the characteristics and determinants of self-employed women in Nicaragua during the neoliberal period of the 1990s. The labor market outcomes of women (self-employed, waged and salaried) are analyzed utilizing micro data from the 1998 and 1993 Nicaraguan Living Standards Measurement Surveys. The empirical results derived from the usage of a switching regression choice model suggest that work experience is the major determinant of self-employment. Experience, marriage and residence in the southern region are critical and significant elements of the self-employment decision. Mixed findings are reported for sectoral selection, suggesting that the self-employed may alternate back and forth between sectors with the highest returns. RESUMEN. Este estudio explora las características y determinantes de las mujeres autónomas en Nicaragua durante el período neoliberal de los años 1990. El resultado del mercado laboral femenino (autónomas, empleadas temporales y asalariadas) es objeto de un enfoque analítico basado en datos micro de los años 1998 y 1993 que constan en la Medición de las Encuestas sobre los Estándares de Vida Nicaragüenses. Los resultados empíricos obtenidos usando un modelo selectivo de intercambio regresivo, sugieren que la experiencia laboral es el mayor determinante del empleo autónomo. La experiencia, casamiento y domicilio en la región sureña son elementos críticos e importantes en la toma de decisión de ser autónoma. La mezcla dehallazgos encontrados se expone para facilitar la selección sectorial, sugiriendo que el empleo autónomo puede alternar como péndulo entre los sectores que ofrecen retornos más altos. RESUMO. Este artigo explora as características e determinantes das mulheres autônomas na Nicarágua durante o período neoliberal dos anos noventa. As informações existentes sobre o mercado de trabalho das mulheres (autônomas e assalariadas) são analisadas, a partir dos dados detalhados retirados dos Estudos de Mensuração dos Padrões de Vida Nicaragüenses de 1998 e 1993. Os resultados empíricos derivados do uso de um modelo de escolha baseado no método de switching regression sugerem que a experiência de trabalho é um fator determinante do trabalho autônomo ou auto-emprego. Experiência, casamento e residência na região sul são elementos críticos e significantes da decisão de se auto-empregar ou tornar-se um profissional autônomo. Resultados mistos são reportados para a seleção por setor de atividade, sugerindo que o profissional autônomo ou auto-empregado pode alternar entre setores, indo e vindo em busca daqueles que oferecem retornos mais elevados.
Local Administration of Glial Cell Line-derived Neurotrophic Factor Improves Behavioral and Histological Deficit of Neonatal Erb’s Palsy in Rats

OBJECTIVEWe sought to evaluate from a behavioral and histological viewpoint the effect of local administration of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on neonatal preganglionic Erb’s palsy in rats. METHODSThe Erb’s palsy model was produced by transecting the anterior and posterior roots of the left C5–C7 nerves of 7-day-old rats. The rats were divided into GDNF-treated (n = 10) and vehicle-treated groups (n = 11). After we transected the roots, contact in the proximal and distal stumps of the transected nerves was maintained, and the transected point and the entire intraspinal portion of the transected roots were enclosed by Gelfoam soaked with 10 &mgr;g GDNF or saline. The behavioral evaluation consisted of a foot-fault test and a forepaw muscle strength test, all of which were performed from the third to the seventh weeks after the operation. Seven weeks after the operation, all rats were killed, the number of anterior horn cells was counted at C5–C7, and the differences on each side were compared. RESULTSIn the vehicle-treated group, the foot-fault test indicated an abnormality in forelimb function on the root transection side. In the GDNF-treated group, however, significant improvement in forelimb function was observed on the basis of the foot-fault test results obtained in the third to sixth weeks after the operation. In the histological evaluation, the number of anterior horn cells from the side in which the operation took place in the vehicle-treated group was significantly less than that taken from the contralateral side at each segment. In the GDNF-treated group, however, there was no difference in any of the segments, regardless of the side from which they were taken. CONCLUSIONLocal administration of GDNF in a neonatal preganglionic Erb’s palsy model resulted in significant improvement in deficits on the basis of behavioral and histological evaluations.
Establishment of an experience value model

Purpose – Previous research is mainly devoted to value connotations obtained from the physical environment, rather than the effect on experience value from the perspective of customers' self‐efficacies and involvement. This paper attempts to combine multivariate statistical analysis and nonlinear fuzzy neural network model for data analysis.Design/methodology/approach – Convenience sampling was adopted to investigate the employees from dozens of hi‐tech enterprises in the Hsinchu science‐based Industrial Park and Tainan Science‐based Industrial Park.Findings – Customers' involvement levels have a positive effect on experience value; customers' positive moods have stronger positive effect than negative moods; customers' experience value may vary due to different environmental atmospheres and self‐efficacies.Research limitations/implications – The investigation for the employees of a hi‐tech industry may deduce different implications due to various parent samples or sampling errors. So, subsequent research .
Protein Kinase C‐Mediated Suppression of the Presynaptic Adenosine A1 Receptor by a Facilitatory Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor

Abstract: KCl‐evoked glutamate exocytosis from cerebrocortical synaptosomes can be inhibited by the adenosine A1 receptor agonist cyclohexyladenosine (CHA). Inhibition is associated with a decreased KCl‐evoked Ca2+ level elevation, and the effect of the agonist is occluded by prior incubation with the Agelenopsis aperta neurotoxin ω‐agatoxin‐IVA at 250 nM. The inhibition is suppressed in the presence of 3 nM phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) or by activation of the protein kinase C (PKC)‐coupled metabotropic glutamate receptor by 100 µM (1S,3R)‐1‐aminocyclopentane‐1,3‐dicarboxylate [(1S,3R)ACPD]. A tonic inhibition of release by leaked exogenous adenosine can be reversed by adenosine deaminase or by PDBu addition. The CHA‐induced inhibition can be enhanced by the PKC inhibitor Ro 31‐8220. The mechanism for the suppression of the adenosine A1 receptor‐mediated inhibition is distinct from that previously described for the (1S,3R)ACPD‐evoked, PKC‐mediated, facilitatory pathway, which enhances phosphorylation of the MARCKS protein, 4‐aminopyridine‐induced action potentials, and release of glutamate because the latter requires at least 100 nM PDBu [or the combination of (1S,3R)ACPD and arachidonic acid] and is not seen following KCl depolarization. Both PKC‐mediated pathways may be involved in the presynaptic events associated with the establishment of synaptic plasticity.
An Investigation into the Diversification-Performance Relationship in the U.S. Property-Liability Insurance Industry

This article investigates the relationship between product diversification and firm performance in the U.S. property–liability insurance industry using data over the 1994 through 2002 time period. Using various measures of product diversification and firm performance, we find that the extent of product diversification shares a complex and nonlinear relationship with firm performance. Our findings suggest that performance benefits associated with product diversification are contingent upon an insurer's degree of geographic diversification. Robustness tests using subsamples and market returns for public firms show consistent results.
Tips for TIFs: Policies for Neighborhood Tax Increment Financing Districts

The research team investigated Tax Increment Financing (TIF), which can often help cities address critical needs to revitalize neighborhoods. Nevertheless, how planners and policy-makers define “neighborhood,” how they construct state-enabling statutes, and how local governments actually apply TIF may determine the success of Tax Increment Financing. A TIF designation should attract growth, it should be used in limited areas for limited durations, and it must include citizen-based planning. If a neighborhood is to receive a TIF designation, slow growth in taxable values might be more appropriate than designating the neighborhood as “physical blight. ” Determining which revenue streams are eligible for capture is perhaps the most significant issue in financing. If a TIF district captures all property tax increments, schools and other public associations will be disadvantaged. In contrast, limiting a TIF district's tax base to the general revenues of municipal government will substantially limit the outcomes of a TIF designation. In designating TIF districts, planners and policy-makers must balance assessments of need with investment potential. Finally, the success of neighborhood TIFs depends on planners to anticipate private investment increases on property values to generate funds for planned improvements. The initial characteristics of a TIF district often influence the amount of investment attracted. Municipal planners and policymakers must balance citywide and neighborhood needs to avoid creating multiple tax jurisdictions as “have” and “have not” neighborhoods.
Mobile Ad Hoc Network for Motorway Transport Applications

Mobile ad hoc networks in road transport applications exhibit special characteristics, mainly due to their dynamic chain behaviour. In this paper, we introduce a node decision algorithm in both the routing and packet priority mechanism, based on the node's driving direction with respect to the next hope towards packet destination. In the routing algorithm, a router direction index (RDI) parameter is introduced to enhance the performance of AODV in updating its routing table, as well as to assist the destination nodes to choose route requests from different paths in inter-vehicular ad hoc network scenarios. A packet transmission priority is set according to the driving direction of both transmitter and receiver of the packet. Simulation results of the proposed algorithm for 200 vehicles travelling at speeds between 60 ~ 120 km/h on a 2-directional highway demonstrate a performance increase in the packet delivery ratio, and decrease in the packet end to end delay and routing overhead for the proposed algorithm
Religion, Democracy, and the "Twin Tolerations"

Are all, or only some, of the world’s religious systems politically compatible with democracy? This is, of course, one of the most important and heatedly debated questions of our times. My goal is to contribute to this debate from the perspective of comparative politics. More specifically, as a specialist in political institutions and democratization, I intend to discuss three questions, the answers to which should improve our understanding of this critical issue. First, what are the minimal institutional and political requirements that a polity must satisfy before it can be considered a democracy? Building on this analysis, what can we then infer about the need for the “twin tolerations”—that is, the minimal boundaries of freedom of action that must somehow be crafted for political institutions vis-a÷-vis religious authorities, and for religious individuals and groups vis-a÷-vis political institutions? Second, how have a set of longstanding democracies—the 15 countries in the European Union (EU)—actually met these requirements, and what influential misinterpretations of the Western European experience with religion and democracy must we avoid? Third, what are the implications of the answers to our first two questions for polities heavily influenced by such cultural and religious traditions as Confucianism, Islam, and Eastern Orthodox Christianity—traditions that some analysts, starting from a civilizational as opposed to an institutional perspective, see as presenting major obstacles to democracy? Before addressing these three questions, let me briefly give some Alfred Stepan, Wallace Sayre Professor of Government at Columbia University, is coauthor with Juan J. Linz of Problems of Democratic Transition and Consolidation: Southern Europe, South America, and Post-Communist Europe (1996). A much longer and more extensively footnoted version of this essay will appear in his forthcoming book, Arguing Comparative Politics (Oxford, 2001).
Birth order as a market segmentation variable

Birth order studies have an established history in the academic world just as demographics have an established history in marketing. Discusses how birth order may influence several socio‐economic mechanisms and thereby influence select consumption behaviors. As a likely influence of certain consumption behaviors, birth order may be useful in segmenting certain markets. Offers a corporate advertising example to demonstrate the practical significance of investigating links among birth order, consumption, and market segmentation. Analysis of responses from 156 subjects who were shown the advertisement revealed birth order relationships. Few, if any, empirical studies currently link birth order, consumption, and segmentation, perhaps because of a priori convictions that such links do not exist. The time is at hand, however, to refute or confirm the existence of such links empirically. Offers five hypotheses for initiating research. Postulates characteristics of first borns, only children, middle borns and las.