Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D following weight loss does not contribute to the improvement in insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and β-cell function

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations have been reported to increase following weight loss. Moreover, both weight loss and higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations have been associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the increase in serum 25(OH)D concentration following weight loss is associated with improved insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and disposition index (β-cell function). Data from two prospective lifestyle modification studies had been combined. Following a lifestyle-modifying weight loss intervention for 1 year, eighty-four men and women with prediabetes and a BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 were divided based on weight loss at 1 year: < 5 % (non-responders, n 56) and ≥ 5 % (responders, n 28). The association between the change in serum 25(OH)D concentration and changes in insulin sensitivity (homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity (HOMA%S) and Matsuda), insulin secretion (AUC of C-peptide) and disposition index after adjustment for weight loss was examined. Participants in the responders' group lost on average 9·5 % of their weight when compared with non-responders who lost only 0·8 % of weight. Weight loss in responders resulted in improved insulin sensitivity (HOMA%S, P= 0·0003) and disposition index (P= 0·02); however, insulin secretion remained unchanged. The rise in serum 25(OH)D concentration following weight loss in responders was significantly higher than that in non-responders (8·9 (sd 12·5) v. 3·6 (sd 10·7) nmol/l, P= 0·05). However, it had not been associated with amelioration of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function, even after adjustment for weight loss and several confounders. In conclusion, the increase in serum 25(OH)D concentration following weight loss does not contribute to the improvement in insulin sensitivity or β-cell function.
Thresholds of hope: stories of lacking generosity

ABSTRACT Hope is a pivotal part of recovery in a broad range of health conditions, including those relating to the field of mental health and substance abuse. People who experience co-occurring mental health and substance-use problems are often bound to use services that are not suited to their needs. In this study, our aim is to explore how service users experience barriers to help and assistance, and to determine the manner by which these barriers may influence their experiences of hope. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with nine participants, and these were analyzed using a thematic approach. This analysis produced the following three overarching themes: “battles with bureaucracy”; “distance, disempowerment, and de-individualization”; and “no clean slates. ”
Variation, Jumps, Market Frictions and High Frequency Data in Financial Econometrics

We will review the econometrics of non-parametric estimation of the components of the variation of asset prices. This very active literature has been stimulated by the recent advent of complete records of transaction prices, quote data and order books. In our view the interaction of the new data sources with new econometric methodology is leading to a paradigm shift in one of the most important areas in econometrics: volatility measurement, modelling and forecasting. We will describe this new paradigm which draws together econometrics with arbitrage free financial economics theory. Perhaps the two most influential papers in this area have been Andersen, Bollerslev, Diebold and Labys(2001) and Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard(2002), but many other papers have made important contributions. This work is likely to have deep impacts on the econometrics of asset allocation and risk management. One of our observations will be that inferences based on these methods, computed from observed market prices and so under the physical measure, are also valid as inferences under all equivalent measures. This puts this subject also at the heart of the econometrics of derivative pricing. One of the most challenging problems in this context is dealing with various forms of market frictions, which obscure the efficient price from the econometrician. Here we will characterise four types of statistical models of frictions and discuss how econometricians have been attempting to overcome them.
Modelling Skewness and Kurtosis in the London Stock Exchange Ft‐Se Index Return Distributions

This paper provides an empirical examination of the distribution of daily returns to the three London Stock Exchange indices, the FT-SE 100, Mid 250 and the 350, over the period 1986-92. Empirical densities are fitted to each of the return distributions before their shapes are explored by using Tukey's g- and h-distributions. The returns are characterized by highly non-Gaussian behaviour, being both skewed and extremely kurtotic, although the shapes of the distributions depend on whether data from 1986 and 1987 are included or not. Some implications for portfolio analysis are drawn.
Liver regeneration versus direct hyperplasia

Liver cell growth can be induced in two distinct patterns: compensatory regeneration and direct hyperplasia. In the former, DNA synthesis is preceded by a loss of liver cells such as seen after partial resection of the liver or cell necrosis, whereas in direct hyperplasia, DNA synthesis is stimulated without cell loss. During the past decade, considerable advances have been made in understanding molecular mechanisms of the compensatory regeneration. There is increasing evidence that hepatocyte proliferation induced by some primary mitogens is mediated by patterns of growth factor modulation and signal transduction different from those of compensatory regeneration. Indeed, whereas activation of transcription factors such as NF‐κ and increased expression of immediate early genes such as c‐fos, c‐jun, egr‐1, and c‐myc are induced during compensatory regeneration, such changes are not observed during hyperplasia induced by certain primary mitogens. In addition, although experimental evidence suggests a critical role for growth factors such as hepatocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor‐α for the progression into cell cycle of competent hepatocytes in compensatory regeneration, these growth factors do not appear to play a major role in direct hyperplasia. One class of primary mitogens may trigger their actions through tumor necrosis factor‐α, and the other by activation of nuclear hormone receptors. The differences in molecular events observed between liver regeneration and direct hyperplasia may affect differently the initiation step of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis. Whereas the former supports initiation by chemicals, the latter does not. A similar lack of effect on promotion of carcinogen‐altered cells has also been observed after acute treatment with some primary mitogens. Definition of the mechanisms by which primary mitogens stimulate liver cell proliferation may elucidate the nature of the signals responsible for triggering the entry into cell cycle. Furthermore, due to their low toxicity, primary liver mitogens could have significant clinical applications in gene transfer and liver transplantation. —Columbano, A. , Shinozuka, H. Liver regeneration versus direct hyperplasia. FASEB J. 10, 1118‐1128 (1996)
PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN Bleske-Rechek, Buss / OPPOSITE-SEX FRIENDSHIP Opposite-Sex Friendship: Sex Differences and Similarities in Initiation, Selection, and Dissolution

The authors hypothesized that people form opposite-sex friendships (OSFs), in part, to acquire long-term mates (both sexes), to gain short-term sexual access (men more than women), and to gain physical protection (women more than men). In Study 1, men and women evaluated reasons for initiating OSFs, characteristics preferred in an OSF, and reasons for ending OSFs. Study 2 extended the framework to include individual differences in sociosexual orientation. Compared with women, men judged sexual attraction and a desire for sex as more important reasons for initiating OSFs, reported a preference for sexual attractiveness when selecting OSFs, and judged the lack of sex as a more important reason for dissolving OSFs. Women judged physical protection as a more important reason for initiating OSFs and the lack of it as a more important reason for dissolving them. Across sex, people with an unrestricted sexual style were more likely to perceive OSFs as opportunities for sex. Discussion addresses the implications of the results for understanding conflict in OSFs.
Tomato Expression Database (TED): a suite of data presentation and analysis tools

The Tomato Expression Database (TED) includes three integrated components. The Tomato Microarray Data Warehouse serves as a central repository for raw gene expression data derived from the public tomato cDNA microarray. In addition to expression data, TED stores experimental design and array information in compliance with the MIAME guidelines and provides web interfaces for researchers to retrieve data for their own analysis and use. The Tomato Microarray Expression Database contains normalized and processed microarray data for ten time points with nine pair-wise comparisons during fruit development and ripening in a normal tomato variety and nearly isogenic single gene mutants impacting fruit development and ripening. Finally, the Tomato Digital Expression Database contains raw and normalized digital expression (EST abundance) data derived from analysis of the complete public tomato EST collection containing >150 000 ESTs derived from 27 different non-normalized EST libraries. This last component also includes tools for the comparison of tomato and Arabidopsis digital expression data. A set of query interfaces and analysis, and visualization tools have been developed and incorporated into TED, which aid users in identifying and deciphering biologically important information from our datasets. TED can be accessed at .
A Global Energetic Model for Microquasars (GEMM): A rich and consistent disk+jet solution.

Based on a dynamical model describing how stationary, powerful and self-collimated jets are being launched from a magnetized disk, we build a consistent disk+jet microquasar picture. Our disk is a new type of disk solution called the Jet Emitting Disk (JED), and whose characteristics are directly constrained by the presence of a jet. We assume a one-temperature plasma with thermal particles only. By solving the radiative equilibrium of the disk, we obtain three branches of solutions, a hot and a cold ones (both thermally stable), and an intermediate one, thermally unstable. The hot solution possess the global observed characteristics of what has been often called a "corona" located above the inner disk region. We present this new disk solution, and how the radiative equilibrium is computed. We discuss the richness of the solution, and show the ability of the model to reproduce an observed spectral energy distribution of XTE J1118+480 with reasonable parameters. We finally outline some perspectives of the model.
Optimal Block Size for Variance Estimation by a Spatial Block Bootstrap Method

This paper considers the block selection problem for a block bootstrap variance estimator applied to spatial data on a regular grid. We develop precise formulae for the optimal block sizes that minimize the mean squared error of the bootstrap variance estimator. We then describe practical methods for estimating these spatial block sizes and prove the consistency of a block selection method by Hall, Horowitz and Jing (1995), originally introduced for time series. The spatial block bootstrap method is illustrated through data examples, and its performance is investigated through several simulation studies.
Revisiting the Diversification Value Impact for UK Firms: A Resolution of the Puzzle?

Corporate diversification decisions and their consequent value impact have received a great deal of attention in the academic literature. However, this literature has been skewed towards the examination of industrial diversification, with less attention paid to its geographic form and has primarily focused on US firms. In light of differences in regulatory and trading environments between the US and those of other regions, it is helpful to have fresh empirical evidence from different institutional regimes. This study exploits the Bodnar et al. (1998) methodology and applies a model that controls for form of diversification in assessing the value impact of diversification for a sample of UK firms drawn from the constituents of the FTSE All Share index, for the period 1996-2000. Inconsistent with prior US studies, we report a significant and perverse geographic discount of 14%, and no systematic industrial value impact. However event studies and value impact assessments can shed only partial light on the diversification decision and regardless of value impact, firms continue to choose to diversify, it is not imposed upon them. Consequently we further, and uniquely, contribute to the corporate diversification literature here by developing a decision choice model, conditional on the diversification decision, which explains and potentially predicts diversification form with a high degree of accuracy. Specifically we find sectoral characteristics, together with size and contemporaneous sales to be highly significant predictors of the dimensions of diversification choice.
Development of oligonucleotide microarrays for simultaneous multi‐species identification of P hellinus tree‐pathogenic fungi

Polyporoid Phellinus fungi are ubiquitously present in the environment and play an important role in shaping forest ecology. Several species of Phellinus are notorious pathogens that can affect a broad variety of tree species in forest, plantation, orchard and urban habitats; however, current detection methods are overly complex and lack the sensitivity required to identify these pathogens at the species level in a timely fashion for effective infestation control. Here, we describe eight oligonucleotide microarray platforms for the simultaneous and specific detection of 17 important Phellinus species, using probes generated from the internal transcribed spacer regions unique to each species. The sensitivity, robustness and efficiency of this Phellinus microarray system was subsequently confirmed against template DNA from two key Phellinus species, as well as field samples collected from tree roots, trunks and surrounding soil. This system can provide early, specific and convenient detection of Phellinus species for forestry, arboriculture and quarantine inspection, and could potentially help to mitigate the environmental and economic impact of Phellinus‐related diseases.
Pregnancy-Related Lumbopelvic Pain: Listening to Australian Women

Objective. To investigate the prevalence and nature of lumbo-pelvic pain (LPP), that is experienced by women in the lumbar and/or sacro-iliac area and/or symphysis pubis during pregnancy. Design. Cross-sectional, descriptive study. Setting. An Australian public hospital antenatal clinic. Sample population: Women in their third trimester of pregnancy. Method. Women were recruited to the study as they presented for their antenatal appointment. A survey collected demographic data and was used to self report LPP. A pain diagram differentiated low back, pelvic girdle or combined pain. Closed and open ended questions explored the experiences of the women. Main Outcome Measures. The Visual Analogue Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index (Version 2.1a). Results. There was a high prevalence of self reported LPP during the pregnancy (71%). An association was found between the reporting of LPP, multiparity, and a previous history of LPP. The mean intensity score for usual pain was 6/10 and four out of five women reported disability associated with the condition. Most women (71%) had reported their symptoms to their maternity carer however only a small proportion of these women received intervention. Conclusion. LPP is a potentially significant health issue during pregnancy.
Magnitudes and sources of dissolved inorganic phosphorus inputs to surface fresh waters and the coastal zone: A new global model

As a limiting nutrient in aquatic systems, phosphorus (P) plays an important role in controlling freshwater and coastal primary productivity and ecosystem dynamics, increasing frequency and severity of harmful and nuisance algae blooms and hypoxia, as well as contributing to loss of biodiversity. Although dissolved inorganic P (DIP) often constitutes a relatively small fraction of the total P pool in aquatic systems, its bioavailability makes it an important determinant of ecosystem function. Here we describe, apply, evaluate, and interpret an enhanced version of the Global Nutrient Export from Watersheds (NEWS)–DIP model: NEWS‐DIP–Half Degree (NEWS‐DIP‐HD). Improvements to NEWS‐DIP‐HD over the original NEWS DIP model include (1) the preservation of spatial resolution of input data sets at the 0.5 degree level and (2) explicit downstream routing of water and DIP from half‐degree cell to half‐degree cell using a global flow‐direction representation. NEWS‐DIP explains 78% and 62% of the variability in per‐basin DIP export (DIP load) for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and global stations, respectively, similar to the original NEWS‐DIP model and somewhat more than other global models of DIP loading and export. NEWS‐DIP‐HD output suggests that hot spots for DIP loading tend to occur in urban centers, with the highest per‐area rate of DIP loading predicted for the half‐degree grid cell containing Tokyo (6366 kg P km−2 yr−1). Furthermore, cities with populations >100,000 accounted for 35% of global surface water DIP loading while covering less than 2% of global land surface area. NEWS‐DIP‐HD also indicates that humans supply more DIP to surface waters than natural weathering over the majority (53%) of the Earth's land surface, with a much larger area dominated by DIP point sources than nonpoint sources (52% versus 1% of the global land surface, respectively). NEWS‐DIP‐HD also suggests that while humans had increased DIP input to surface waters more than fourfold globally by the year 2000, human activities such as dam construction and consumptive water use have somewhat moderated the effect of humans on P transport by preventing (conservatively) 0.35 Tg P yr−1 (∼20% of P inputs to surface waters) from reaching coastal zones globally.
The Antinomies of Globalization: Causes of Contemporary African Immigration to the United States of

An apparatus for making a semiconductor at atmospheric pressure having a first electrode and second electrode which are adapted to receive an RF voltage to perform corona discharge, the first electrode and second electrode together forming a corona discharge chamber, a supporter for supporting a substrate below the discharge chamber, a gas supply system for supplying a reactive gas to the discharge chamber, and an exhaust system installed around the substrate supporter and the electrodes and adapted to prevent a substrate supported by the supporter from being contaminated by external air, wherein the gas supply system and gas exhaust system maintain a region above the supporter at atmospheric pressure during a corona discharge operation.
Expression of p53 gene in 184 unifocal hepatocellular carcinomas: association with tumor growth and invasiveness.

To elucidate the biological significance of the p53 gene expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the p53 protein was studied in 184 resected unifocal primary HCCs, including 102 small (< or = 5 cm) and 82 large HCCs (> 5 cm), using immunocytochemistry. The p53 mRNA expression was analyzed in 69 cases using Northern hybridization. The p53 protein, which was detected in 58 HCCs (31.5%), was overexpressed more frequently in HCC with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein level (37.9 versus 25%, P < 0.04), in large HCC (39.0 versus 25.5%, P < 0.03), and in invasive HCC (35.1 versus 13.3%, P < 0.01). The overexpression of p53 protein closely correlated with p53 mRNA overexpression (75 versus 44.4%, P < 0.003), and p53 gene mutation (76.9 versus 19.2%, P < 1 x 10(-9)). HCCs with p53 protein expression (group A) and those negative for both p53 protein and mRNA expression (group B) had an unfavorable outcome, while HCC with no p53 protein but with p53 mRNA overexpression (group C) had the best outcome; the 4-year survival was 26.1, 26.3, and 62.5%, respectively. The p53 gene mutation was significantly higher in group A HCC (76.9%) than in groups B (27.3%) and C (23.5%), P < 0.0001. The results suggest that the p53 protein and mRNA expression patterns in HCC correlate with p53 gene mutation and tumor behavior and may serve as a molecular prognostic factor.
Adjustment of Animal Growth Rate Responses in Repeat MeasurementGrazing Trials

In animal-response grazing trials there are sources of uncertainty in one-period one-off measurements, which as partial factorisation over time, become traceable and quantifiable sources of variation in repeat measurement trials. This is illustrated for a trial comparing sheep and goat live-weight gains under two stocking rates on mixed species pastures established by three contrasting sowing methods. It used variable plot size to give uniform animal numbers and tracked changes in individual animal performance and pasture growth in different periods. It was repeated on the same plots and animals over 17 grazing cycles. The variation explainable was greater with growth rates expressed as percent live-weight increase per day, than as weight or metabolic weight increase per day. The base data sets were adjusted for specific weighing-day effects of estimated gut-fill using moving averages, and for calibration for individual animal effects by genotype/environment analysis. Collectively these significantly increased the proportion explainable by 3.1-3.8% in variance analyses using qualitative treatment variables, and 2.7-3.7% in response function analyses relative to measured climate, pasture, plot and collective animal covariates. Simulation studies, to allow for variability in the independent variables as well as the dependent variables, indicated that the proportion explainable could increase by a further 0-1.2% and 1.1-1.9% respectively for the variance or response function approaches.
Testing the Input Timing Robustness of Real-Time Control Software for Autonomous Systems

The functional layer of an autonomous system such as a robot is required to carry out multiple real-time control activities in parallel. These activities are launched by asynchronous calls from clients situated at higher layers, so there is a need for the functional layer to provide built-in protection to ensure that it is robust with respect to requests that are issued at instants that are incompatible with its current state and could therefore cause catastrophic system failure. This paper addresses the testing of the robustness provided by such protection mechanisms. A hybrid black-box robustness testing approach is considered by which test cases are generated by random mutation of a valid sequence of requests and test verdicts are obtained by a set of property-based robustness oracles applied to a logged trace of requests and responses. An application of the proposed framework to an experimental planetary explorer robot is described.