Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting Neural Activity Patterns Associated with Sentences Using a Neurobiologically Motivated Model of Semantic Representation

We introduce an approach that predicts neural representations of word meanings contained in sentences then superposes these to predict neural representations of new sentences. A neurobiological semantic model based on sensory, motor, social, emotional, and cognitive attributes was used as a foundation to define semantic content. Previous studies have predominantly predicted neural patterns for isolated words, using models that lack neurobiological interpretation. Fourteen participants read 240 sentences describing everyday situations while undergoing fMRI. To connect sentence-level fMRI activation patterns to the word-level semantic model, we devised methods to decompose the fMRI data into individual words. Activation patterns associated with each attribute in the model were then estimated using multiple-regression. This enabled synthesis of activation patterns for trained and new words, which were subsequently averaged to predict new sentences. Region-of-interest analyses revealed that prediction accuracy was highest using voxels in the left temporal and inferior parietal cortex, although a broad range of regions returned statistically significant results, showing that semantic information is widely distributed across the brain. The results show how a neurobiologically motivated semantic model can decompose sentence-level fMRI data into activation features for component words, which can be recombined to predict activation patterns for new sentences.
Monetary Policy Rules and Inflation Processes in Open Emerging Economies

This paper has three objectives. First, it aims to reveal the logic of interest rate settings pursued by the monetary authorities of twelve new EU members. Using an estimation of an augmented Taylor rule, we find that central banks in countries with flexible exchange rates respond mainly to (expected) inflation, though often rather loosely. Countries with fixed exchange rates seem to apply an interest rate peg with the euro. Second, it sheds light on the inflation processes of these countries. To this end, we estimate an open economy Phillips curve (PC) and find that inflation rates are not only driven by backward persistency, but also have a forward-looking component. Finally, we assess the viability of existing monetary arrangements for price stability, using the conditional inflation variance obtained from a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity estimation of the PC. We conclude that inflation targeting is preferable to an exchange rate peg because it allows for decreasing inflation rates as well as anchoring inflation volatility.
Classification of Congenitally Fused Cervical Patterns in Klippel-Feil Patients: Epidemiology and Role in the Development of Cervical Spine-Related Symptoms

Study Design. A retrospective cohort and series review. Objectives. To determine the role of cervical spine fusion patterns on the development of cervical spine-related symptoms (CSS) in patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) and evaluate age- and time-dependent factors that may contribute to fused cervical patterns and the development of the CSS. Summary of Background Data. Although the “hallmark” of KFS is the presence of congenitally fused cervical vertebrae, the epidemiology and role of specific cervical fused patterns are limited. In addition, the incidence of symptoms and various age- and time-dependent factors that are directly attributed to the congenitally fused cervical segments in KFS patients is unknown. Methods. A radiographic and clinical review of 28 KFS patients at a single institution. Radiographically, Type I patients were defined as having a single congenitally fused cervical segment. Type II patients demonstrated multiple noncontiguous, congenitally fused segments, and Type III patients had multiple contiguous, congenitally fused cervical segments. Clinical records were reviewed for patient demographics, presence and type of symptoms, and clinical course. Results. Twelve males and 16 females were reviewed for clinical follow-up (mean, 8.5 years) and radiographic assessment (mean, 8.0 years). The mean age at presentation was 7.1 years; mean age of onset of CSS was 11.9 years. Clinically, 64% had no complaints referable to their cervical spine. Radiographically, 25%, 50%, and 25% were Type I, Type II, and Type III, respectively. At final clinical follow-up, 2 patients were myelopathic (Type II and Type III) and 2 were radiculopathic (Type II and Type III). Type III patients were largely asymptomatic but were associated with the highest risk in developing radiculopathy or myelopathy than Type I or Type II patients. Axial symptoms were predominantly associated with Type I patients. Myelopathic patients developed initial CSS earlier (meanage, 10.6 years) than patients with predominant axial (mean age, 13.0 years) or radiculopathic symptoms (mean age, 18.6 years) (P > 0.05). Patients with radiculopathy or myelopathy were diagnosed at a mean age of 17.9 years. Type I patients were predominantly females, while males were largely Type III. Surgery entailed 11% of patients, composed of 2 myelopathic patients (Type II and Type III) and 1 radiculopathic patient (Type II). Conclusions. In our review, 36% of KFS patients had CSS and the majority had axial symptoms. Axial neck symptoms were highly associated with Type I patients, whereas predominant radicular and myelopathic symptoms occurred in Type II and Type III patients. This classification system has promise for early detection for CSS. Activity modification should be stressed in KFS patients at high risk for neurologic compromise.
STW 5, a Phytopharmacon for Patients With Functional Dyspepsia: Results of a Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Study

BACKGROUND:Functional dyspepsia (FD) constitutes a complex picture with a variety of epigastric symptoms. No standard therapy is currently available for FD.OBJECTIVE:This multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of the herbal drug STW 5, mainly comprising a fresh plant extract from Iberis amara.METHODS:Patients with FD were included. Gastrointestinal endoscopy, H. pylori-status, and a 7-day run-in phase were required. A total of 315 patients were treated with 3 × 20 drops/day of either STW 5 or placebo. Symptom assessment: day 0, 2, 4, and 8 wk of treatment. The principal outcome criterion was the change in a validated Gastrointestinal Symptom Score (GIS). Symptom severity was rated using the Likert scale.RESULTS:A total of 315 patients remained in the safety population. Of them, 158 were treated with STW 5 and 157 with placebo. The intention-to-treat population comprised 308 patients. Dropout number was similar in both groups. GIS showed improvement during the treatment period. The STW 5 group improved 6.9 ± 4.8 points up to day 56, placebo group by 5.9 ± 4.3 (P < 0.05). H. pylori did not influence the results. Drug tolerability and safety were similar in both groups.CONCLUSION:This placebo-controlled study with an 8-wk treatment period documents the efficacy of STW 5 in FD.
Silencing the expression of mitochondrial acyl‐CoA thioesterase I and acyl‐CoA synthetase 4 inhibits hormone‐induced steroidogenesis

Arachidonic acid and its lypoxygenated metabolites play a fundamental role in the hormonal regulation of steroidogenesis. Reduction in the expression of the mitochondrial acyl‐CoA thioesterase (MTE‐I) by antisense or small interfering RNA (siRNA) and of the arachidonic acid‐preferring acyl‐CoA synthetase (ACS4) by siRNA produced a marked reduction in steroid output of cAMP‐stimulated Leydig cells. This effect was blunted by a permeable analog of cholesterol that bypasses the rate‐limiting step in steroidogenesis, the transport of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane. The inhibition of steroidogenesis was overcome by addition of exogenous arachidonic acid, indicating that the enzymes are part of the mechanism responsible for arachidonic acid release involved in steroidogenesis. Knocking down the expression of MTE‐I leads to a significant reduction in the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. This protein is induced by arachidonic acid and controls the rate‐limiting step. Overexpression of MTE‐I resulted in an increase in cAMP‐induced steroidogenesis. In summary, our results demonstrate a critical role for ACS4 and MTE‐I in the hormonal regulation of steroidogenesis as a new pathway of arachidonic acid release different from the classical phospholipase A2 cascade.
Technical and clinical evaluation of anti‐ribosomal P protein immunoassays

Autoantibodies to the three ribosomal phospho (‐P) proteins P0, P1, P2, referred to as Rib‐P, are specifically found in 10–40% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The variations in the observed frequency of these autoantibodies is related to a number of factors such as the test system used to detect the antibodies. Several immunoassays that were designed for research and diagnostic laboratory use have been developed. The autoantigens employed in these tests include native proteins, recombinant polypeptides, and synthetic peptides. In this study, we compared the technical and clinical accuracy of anti‐Rib‐P antibody assays from different commercial suppliers including ELISA systems and a novel addressable laser bead assay (from Euroimmun, MBL, Pharmacia Diagnostics, INOVA). Although the assays from all suppliers used in this study performed well in the technical part of the study, relatively poor correlations and significant differences in the clinical accuracy were found. Based on the results, we conclude that the detection of anti‐Rib‐P antibodies strongly depends on both the nature of the antigen and the detection system. We recommend that anti‐Rib‐P assays should be standardized on an international level. The Varelisa® Rib‐P profile and the addressable laser bead Rib‐P assays represent promising tools and platforms for the detection of anti‐Rib‐P antibodies in the future. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 18:215‐223, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative electrophoretic patterns of albumins/globulins extracted from dry grains and green malts of barley varieties

Original scientific paper Izvorni znanstveni clanak SUMMARY Applicability of electrophoretic separations of albumins/globulins, followed by nonspecific protein staining and specific glycoprotein and aminopeptidase detection has been examined for barley variety discrimination. Albumins/globulins extracted from dry grains and green malt of six barley varieties were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (10 % T, pH=8.9) of native and sodium dodecyl sulfate denatured proteins, and by isoelectric focusing in pH gradient of 3.5-9.5 and 4.0-6.5. Analysis of dry grain extracts gave better results than green malt extracts. Obtained data indicate that SDS-PAGE of albumins/globulins and IEF in pH gradient 3.5-9.5 followed by Coomassie Blue staining could be useful in Croatian barley variety discrimination. Angora barley could be clearly distinguished from the other varieties which were grouped as follows: Rodnik/Sladoran, Barun/Rex, and Martin. Glycoprotein patterns did not improve the recognition of individual varieties. Broad specificity, phenylalanine and leucine preferring, and arginine specific aminopeptidase were not found as applicable markers for discrimination of examined barley varieties.
Capital structure and cost efficiency in the Taiwanese banking industry

By utilizing a sample of 44 Taiwanese banks, this study analyses whether banks can mitigate agency costs, to increase firm performance through optimization of capital structure. The stochastic frontier approach is adopted to determine cost efficiency as the firm performance indicator, an approach that is capable of controlling outside environmental factors. Furthermore, this study uses two-stage least squares to estimate two simultaneous equations that are then used to examine the relationship between capital structure and firm performance. This study includes indicators of ownership structure. The main results are: first, optimal capital structure is selected by the manager to combat the agency problem and thus improve performance, yielding results consistent with agency theory; and second, reducing managerial share ownership will decrease agency cost and increase firm performance, a finding that is consistent with the Entrenchment Hypothesis.
PD-1 Expression in Acute Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection Is Associated with HCV-Specific CD8 Exhaustion

ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific CD8 cell exhaustion may represent a mechanism of HCV persistence. The inhibitory receptor PD-1 has been reported to be up-regulated in exhausted CD8 cells. Therefore, we studied PD-1 expression longitudinally during acute HCV infection. Most HCV-specific CD8 cells expressed PD-1 at the time of acute illness, irrespective of the final outcome. PD-1 expression declined with the acquisition of a memory phenotype and recovery of an efficient CD8 cell function in resolving HCV infections, whereas high levels were maintained when HCV persisted and HCV-specific CD8 cells remained dysfunctional. Blocking PD-1/PDL-1 interaction with an anti-PDL-1 antibody improved the capacity of expansion of virus-specific CD8 cells.
Using a computer to teach patients about fecal occult blood screening

AbstractOBJECTIVE: To determine whether a multimedia computer program could effectively teach patients about fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and increase screening rates. DESIGN: Randomized trial. SETTING: University-affiliated, community-based Internal Medicine outpatient practice. PARTICIPANTS: All English-speaking patients aged 50 years and older who were offered FOBT screening by their providers were invited to participate. Two hundred and four patients enrolled in the study. Ten patients were later determined to be ineligible. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to either the educational multimedia computer program or usual nurse counseling about FOBT screening. Screening instructions were based on the material pre-printed on each test kit. Educational sessions were held in a private setting immediately after each patient’ office visit. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A knowledge-assessment questionnaire was administered in a blinded fashion by telephone the following day. Successful screening was defined as return of the test kits within 30 d. Completion of the FOBT kits was similar in both groups: 62% (58/93) in the computer group and 63% (64/101) in the nurse group (P=.89). Mean knowledge scores were also similar, but there was a trend toward increased knowledge mastery in the computer group (56% vs 41%, P=.09). CONCLUSIONS: A multimedia educational computer program was as effective as usual nurse counseling in educating patients and achieving adherence to FOBT screening. Future studies are needed to determine whether computer-assisted instruction can improve health outcomes.
Tendinitis and Other Chronic Tendinopathies

&NA; Chronic tendon problems are common in orthopaedic patients. Relatively little is known about the etiology of these common problems and the efficacy of available treatments. It is believed that the cause of many injuries is repetitive mechanical trauma followed by an inflammatory response. Other factors, such as age‐related degeneration and relative avascularity in the tendon, may play an important etiologic role as well. Histopathologic studies have generally revealed degenerative lesions consistent with tendinosis and/or inflammation of the peritendinous tissues consistent with peritendinitis. Initial treatment should focus on patient counseling and correction of associated mechanical factors, if present. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs can give pain relief, but there is no convincing evidence that they alter the natural history. Corticosteroid injections can be used selectively in resistant cases, but recurrences are frequent. Surgery can be very successful when the affected tendon is treated directly.
Self-Employed Workers: Calling the Shots or Hesitant Independents? A Consideration of the Trends

he growth in self employment between the late 1970s and mid 1990s gave rise to a large multi-disciplinary body of research. More recently a number of theoretical perspectives have postulated a significant role for self employment in the new economic circumstances of the late 20th and early 21st century. However, there is sharp disagreement about the type of self employment and associated prospects that will emerge. For example, within a ‘knowledge economy’ perspective (Castells, 2000), the scope for professional, rewarding, de-institutionalized self employment is considerable, while the image of a second modernity, associated with a ‘Brazilianisation’ (Beck, 2000) of employment conditions is characterized by highly precarious and low quality non-standard contracts including self employment. During the 1980s and early 1990s, explanations of rising self employment polarized into two perspectives: entrepreneurial growth versus the marginalized worker. Conservative governments of the time claimed to have unleashed a previously repressed independence of spirit among the British workforce, a view supported by a number of commentators (Bannock and Peacock, 1989; Casson, 1990; Daly, 1991). Critics, however, associated the growth in self employment with high levels of unemployment and large organization restructuring (Blanchflower and Oswald, 1990; Linder, 1992; Rainbird, 1991). More recently this debate has resurfaced in different terms, prompted by further organizational and labour supply developments, with the self-employed conceptualized as either ‘portfolio’ or marginalized workers. In brief, self-employed portfolio workers are typically professionals, favoured by education, who flexibly exploit an emerging ‘new deal’
Differential Effects of Anesthetic Agents on Outcome from Near‐complete but Not Incomplete Global Ischemia in the Rat

Background It has been postulated that anesthetic agents that reduce cerebral metabolic rate will protect the brain against ischemia when electroencephalographic (EEG) activity is persistent, but will provide no protection when ischemia is severe enough to cause EEG isoelectricity. No outcome studies have addressed this issue. The authors studied anesthetic agents to determine if they provide differential effects on outcome from global cerebral ischemic insults that cause either an attenuated or isoelectric EEG. Methods Fasted rats were subjected to either (1) incomplete ischemia (attenuated EEG; 20 min of mean arterial pressure [MAP] = 50 mmHg and bilateral carotid occlusion) or (2) near‐complete ischemia (isoelectric EEG; 10 min of MAP = 30 mmHg and bilateral carotid occlusion) while anesthetized with 1.4% isoflurane, 1 mg [middle dot] kg‐1 [middle dot] min‐1 ketamine, or 25 [micro sign]g [middle dot] kg‐1 [middle dot] h‐1 70% nitrous oxide and fentanyl. The brain was maintained at normothermia during ischemia and for 22 h after ischemia. Five days later, hippocampal CA1 and cortical injury were measured. Results There was no difference among anesthetic agents during incomplete ischemia for mean +/‐ SD percentage dead CA1 neurons (fentanyl, 38% +/‐ 20%; isoflurane, 31% +/‐ 10%; ketamine, 40% +/‐ 19%; P = 0.38). During near‐complete ischemia, there was a difference among anesthetic agents (fentanyl, 88% +/‐ 9%; isoflurane, 37% +/‐ 20%; ketamine, 70% +/‐ 28%; P = 0.00008). Isoflurane was protective compared with fentanyl (P = 0.00007) and ketamine (P = 0.0061). There was no difference between fentanyl and ketamine (P = 0.143). Similar observations were made in the cortex. Neurologic function correlated with histologic damage. Conclusions Outcome from near‐complete but not incomplete cerebral ischemia depended on the anesthetic agent administered during the ischemic insult.
Capitalism in Medieval Islam

He who looks for the term “capitalism” in the Islamic sources of the Middle Ages will look in vain. On the other hand, the term “capital” has been known since the beginning of Islamic culture. Even in the Holy Book of Islam, in the Sūrat al-Baḳara, the idea of capital appears in connection with trade, business, and the illicit practice of loaning for profit—usury. “O you who believe, keep your duty to Allah and relinquish what remains [due] from usury, if you are believers. But if you do [it] not, then be apprised of war from Allah and His messenger; and if you repent, then you shall have your capital. Wrong not, and you shall not be wronged. ” In the same Sūrah God forbids usury but not Bai', trading, or buying. At another place God's commands clear the way for investments. “O you who believe, devour not your property among yourselves by illegal methods, although you may engage in trading by mutual consent. And kill not your people. Surely Allah is merciful to you. ”The Islamic merchant tried to follow this system of ethics.
What matters to performance? Structural and institutional dimensions of water utility governance

A prolific theoretical and empirical literature has examined the relevance of structures and institutions to public utility performance, with a particular emphasis on the discrete role of ownership. The empirical findings are inconsistent and mostly indeterminate. A narrow emphasis on ownership deflects attention from the inextricable role of governance. The impact of privatization may be marginal compared with alternative governance reforms. Offered here is an informal, practical, and parsimonious conceptual model that distinguishes between structural (endogenous) and institutional (exogenous) governance. Three structural dimensions (ownership form, practice standards, and enterprise autonomy) are juxtaposed against three institutional dimensions (market contestability, external review, and economic regulation). Each dimension may be complementary or substitutive. Given persistent monopoly, privatization may be unnecessary and will be insufficient for ensuring performance. Economic regulation is a prerequisite for privatization but privatization is not a prerequisite for reform. Focusing on the US water sector, this paper offers a descriptive analysis for understanding why this is the case. A pragmatic approach is to strengthen core governance capacities in relation to performance priorities, which ultimately matter most of all.