Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Botulinum Toxin on Brow Height and Morphology: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Previous reports have objectively demonstrated the efficacy of botulinum toxin for brow elevation. No clinical trial has compared the variation of the eyebrow shape and height when the lateral eyebrow depressors are injected alone or in combination with the medial eyebrow depressors. Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was designed to evaluate and compare the effect of two different botulinum toxin injection techniques on brow shape and position. Patients were divided into two groups. AbobotulinumtoxinA was injected in the lateral eyebrow depressors alone (group 1) or in both the lateral and medial eyebrow depressors (group 2). Objective eyebrow measurements were performed using standardized preinjection and postinjection photographs. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated. Results: Fifteen patients (30 eyebrows) were included in each group. The brow elevated by 0.6 to 2.1 mm at all positions in group 1. In group 2, the brow elevated from the medial limbus to the lateral edge of the brow (1 to 1.7 mm), with no changes at the level of the medial brow and canthus. When comparing the two injection techniques, the authors found a statistically significant difference in the change of eyebrow height at the level of the medial brow, medial canthus, and lateral brow edge. Ninety-seven percent of patients were satisfied with their results. Conclusion: Different eyebrow injection techniques yield different elevation patterns. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.
Molecularly Cloned SHIV-1157ipd3N4: a Highly Replication- Competent, Mucosally Transmissible R5 Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Encoding HIV Clade C env

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) clade C causes >50% of all HIV infections worldwide, and an estimated 90% of all transmissions occur mucosally with R5 strains. A pathogenic R5 simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) encoding HIV clade C env is highly desirable to evaluate candidate AIDS vaccines in nonhuman primates. To this end, we generated SHIV-1157i, a molecular clone from a Zambian infant isolate that carries HIV clade C env. SHIV-1157i was adapted by serial passage in five monkeys, three of which developed peripheral CD4+ T-cell depletion. After the first inoculated monkey developed AIDS at week 137 postinoculation, transfer of its infected blood to a naïve animal induced memory T-cell depletion and thrombocytopenia within 3 months in the recipient. In parallel, genomic DNA from the blood donor was amplified to generate the late proviral clone SHIV-1157ipd3. To increase the replicative capacity of SHIV-1157ipd3, an extra NF-κB binding site was engineered into its 3′ long terminal repeat, giving rise to SHIV-1157ipd3N4. This virus was exclusively R5 tropic and replicated more potently in rhesus peripheral blood mononuclear cells than SHIV-1157ipd3 in the presence of tumor necrosis factor alpha. Rhesus macaques of Indian and Chinese origin were next inoculated intrarectally with SHIV-1157ipd3N4; this virus replicated vigorously in both sets of monkeys. We conclude that SHIV-1157ipd3N4 is a highly replication-competent, mucosally transmissible R5 SHIV that represents a valuable tool to test candidate AIDS vaccines targeting HIV-1 clade C Env.
The use of monthly indicators to forecast quarterly GDP in the short run: an application to the G7 countries

The delayed release of the National Account data for GDP is an impediment to the early understanding of the economic situation. In the short run, this information gap may be at least partially eliminated by bridge models (BM) which exploit the information content of timely updated monthly indicators. In this paper we examine the forecasting ability of BM for GDP growth in the G7 countries and compare their performance to that of univariate and multivariate statistical benchmark models. We run four alternative one-quarter-ahead forecasting experiments to assess BM performance in situations as close as possible to the actual forecasting activity. BM are estimated for GDP both for single countries (USA, Japan, Germany, France, UK, Italy and Canada), and area-wide (G7, European Union, and Euro area). BM forecasting ability is always superior to that of benchmark models, provided that at least some monthly indicator data are available over the forecasting horizon. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons at different ages and sizes

In rat’s sensory neurons, hyperpolarization-activated inward currents (Ih) play an essential role in mediating action potentials and contributing to neuronal excitability. Classified by the size of neurons and ages, we studied the Ih and transcription levels of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels using electrophysiology and the single-cell RT-PCR. In voltage-clamp studies, Ih and half-maximal activation voltage (V1/2) changed with age and size. An analysis of all HCN subtypes in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons by single-cell RT-PCR was carried out. HCN1 and HCN3 in medium–small elderly neurons had a weak expression. HCN2 in newborns and HCN4 in elderly rats also had a weak expression. The aim of this study is to examine the age-related Ih and HCN channels subunits in different ages and sizes of DRG neurons. The results would be significant in understanding the physiological and pathophysiological function of different sizes of DRG neurons in different age periods.
Effects of short-term heated water-based exercise training on systemic blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension: a pilot study

High blood pressure (BP) increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and its control is a clinical challenge. Regular exercise lowers BP in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. No data are available on the effects of heated water-based exercise in hypertensive patients. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of heated water-based exercise on BP in patients with resistant hypertension. We tested the effects of 60-min heated water-based exercise training three times per week in 16 patients with resistant hypertension (age 55±6 years). The protocol included walking and callisthenic exercises. All patients underwent 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) before and after a 2-week exercise program in a heated pool. Systolic office BP was reduced from 162 to 144 mmHg (P<0.004) after heated-water training. After the heated-water exercise training during 24-h ABPM, systolic BP decreased from 135 to 123 mmHg (P=0.02), diastolic BP decreased from 83 to 74 mmHg (P=0.001), daytime systolic BP decreased from 141 to 125 mmHg (P=0.02), diastolic BP decreased from 87 to 77 mmHg (P=0.009), night-time systolic BP decreased from 128 to 118 mmHg (P=0.06), and diastolic BP decreased from 77 to 69 mmHg (P=0.01). In addition, BP cardiovascular load was reduced significantly during the 24-h daytime and night-time period after the heated water-based exercise. Heated water-based exercise reduced office BP and 24-h daytime and night-time ABPM levels. These effects suggest that heated water-based exercise may have a potential as a new therapeutic approach to resistant hypertensive patients.
Organizational characteristics fostering intellectual capital in Canada and the Middle East

Purpose – This study sets out to examine how organizational characteristics are related to intellectual capital and how these variables are different between Canadian and Middle East contexts.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was developed to measure the four major study constructs, i.e. intellectual capital, culture, climate, and organizational traits. Each of these constructs was represented by a number of subscales that were subjected to ANOVA and correlations to test the hypotheses.Findings – The analysis showed that all three categories of characteristics (culture, climate, and other traits) are significantly correlated with IC management. The results also indicated significant differences in all organizational characteristics and IC management between Canada and the Middle East.Research limitations/implications – Culture, climate, and other traits are important enablers for the effective management of IC. Although the research tested three culture variables, four climate variables, and t.
Some new results involving general standby systems

This article presents a stochastic comparison on the total lifetime of the general standby system and a discussion of the optimal allocation of a general standby component in a series system with two independent components. Several examples are also presented to justify the main results, which provide nice generalizations of some existing conclusions in the literature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid Prototyping of a Model-Based Control With Friction Compensation for a Direct-Drive Robot

The development and application of the most recent model-based control schemes for robots require the investigation and solution of problems concerning various aspects, from the real-time (RT) simulation and control issues, to the necessity of determining a robot model suitable for control, and of experimentally testing the control performances. In this paper, different aspects are investigated for a planar, two-link direct-drive manipulator, with particular attention to the joint friction compensation within the control loop. A real-time architecture, based on the RT-Lab software by Opal-RT, is developed and used to carry out all the design phases, from the identification of the robot model, including joint friction torques, to the application of the inverse dynamics control schemes, with different solutions for the robot dynamics and friction compensation. The performances of such schemes are investigated executing various trajectories, suitable to check the effectiveness of the friction compensation
Once-daily intravenous busulfan in children prior to stem cell transplantation: study of pharmacokinetics and early clinical outcomes

We studied the pharmacokinetics and clinical outcome of a new once-daily intravenous area under the curve-targeted dosing scheme for busulfan based on body surface area. Eighteen children undergoing busulfan-based conditioning for allogeneic stem cell transplantation were enrolled. The age of the children ranged from 0.5 to 16 years. For all children, the starting dose was 80 mg/m2. Unlimited dose adjustment was allowed to reach the target area under the curve (3800 μmol/l · min). This target area under the curve was determined on the basis of a previous study in our hospital. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed after the first dose. The median area under the curve on day 1 was 2616 (range 1781–5040) μmol/l · min at a dose of 80 mg/m2. This resulted in a median dose increment to 114 (range 62–168) mg/m2 to reach the target area under the curve. In only one patient, the dose was decreased. Donor engraftment was established in 14 out of 18 patients (78%). Two of the four patients were successfully retransplanted. Relapse occurred in two patients (one died, one received additional treatment). Fourteen patients survived with a median follow-up of 1.6 years (1.0–2.2 years). The disease-free survival was 66% (12 of 18 patients). Despite the high systemic peak levels, there was no new unexpected or unusual toxicity. Moderate veno-occlusive disease was seen in one patient only. We conclude that intravenous busulfan in children administered once daily is safe, convenient and feasible, and can be dosed surface-based, independent of age. There was very limited (liver) toxicity, but the rejection rate was relative high, which can be probably overcome by a higher exposure to busulfan. Future investigations should be aimed at further optimizing the target area under the curve of intravenous busulfan for specific patient groups.
Cell tracking using magnetic resonance imaging

Cell tracking by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requires strategies of labelling the cells with MRI contrast agents. The principal routes to achieve efficient cell labelling for neurological applications are discussed with methodological advantages and caveats. Beyond temporo‐spatial localization of labelled cells, the investigation of functional cell status is of great interest to allow studies of functional cell dynamics. The two major approaches to reach this goal, use of responsive contrast agents and generation of transgenic cell lines, are discussed.
The determinants of corporate capital structure: Japanese evidence

This paper features a cross–sectional regression analysis of the determinants of the company debt to value ratios of a sample of 125 Japanese industrial and commercial companies for the period 1980–1983 inclusive. The regression equations include a set of dummy variables designed to capture industry effects, and a number of other variables acting as proxies for likely determinants of debt ratios suggested in the empirical literature; such as profitability, non–debt tax shields, risk, etc. The results are consistent with the existence of industry effects, and suggest that, paralleling recent American findings, profitability is the most significant determinant of Japanese company debt ratios.
The Predictability of Small Enterprise Failures: Evidence and Issues

Gregory E. P. Shailer is a lecturer in accounting and finance at The Flinders University of South Australia. Small enterprise failures have stimulated much research. However, emphasis has tended to be on analysis of failure rates, speculation on causes, and policy matters. There have been few attempts at anticipating failures. Failure prediction models have received much attention in large corporation research, but this cannot be directly applied to the small enterprise sector. This paper discusses several attempts at redressing this deficiency (which provide some evidence of the feasibility of failure models for small enterprises),. and the limitations of such research.
The Role of Lending Banks in Forced CEO Turnovers

This article investigates the governance role of banks exercised through the replacement of underperforming CEOs in borrowing firms. An average level of bank loans outstanding implies a 24% to 47% increase in the forced turnover probability of a borrowing firm’s CEO if a firm’s industry adjusted performance is one standard deviation below average. This increase is much larger, 68% to 92%, when an underperforming firm violates its loan covenants. Overall, the paper’s findings suggest that banks play a key role in the governance of underperforming firms, especially when covenants are violated.
The Potential Macroeconomic Impact of the Unconventional Oil and Gas Boom in the United States

This paper uses two of the IMF's structural macroeconomic models to estimate the potential global impact of the boom in unconventional oil and natural gas in the United States. The results suggest that the impact on the level of U.S. real GDP over roughly the next decade could be significant, but modest, ranging between 1 and 1½ percent. Further, while the impact on the U.S. energy trade balance will be large, most results suggest that its impact on the overall U.S. current account will be negligible. The impact outside of the United States will be modestly positive on average, but most countries dependent on energy exports will be affected adversely.
Acquisition Pattern Analysis for Relationship Marketing: A Conceptual and Methodological Redefinition

Traditionally, relationship marketing focuses upon the interaction between suppliers and consumers. In this article, the authors propose that relationship marketing cannot ignore another type of (long-term) interaction: the one between consumers and products. Both types of interaction should be taken into account when assessing the nature and the quality of the relationship. The relevant literature on consumer–product interactions is limited. Existing theoretical concepts, including brand loyalty, cannot adequately cover the full notion of consumer–product interactions. Acquisition pattern analysis (APA) seems capable of providing an alternative. It provides an insight in the structure of product sets and acquisition orders. However, the available techniques for APA cause confusion by their emphasis on either the structure or the order of product acquisitions. The authors propose a methodological improvement, which has analytical implications as well. A study on purchases of financial products demonstrates the proposed alternative approach, and managerial implications are discussed.
The collapse of the graduate labour market in South Africa: evidence from recent studies

This article examines the problem of rising unemployment among graduates from post‐school institutions in South Africa such as the further education and training (FET) colleges, universities of technology and universities. Although an emerging problem elsewhere in the world, the rate of growth of unemployed graduates is escalating at a rapid pace in South Africa. The analysis presents results from several recent graduate employment studies. It then identifies a number of causal factors that contribute to the accentuation of the problem; chief among these being the collapse of structured pathways from education and training into work in key areas of employment.
Individual Lysine Acetylations on the N Terminus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae H2A.Z Are Highly but Not Differentially Regulated*

The multi-functional histone variant Htz1 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae H2A.Z) is acetylated on up to four N-terminal lysines at positions 3, 8, 10, and 14. It has thus been posited that specific acetylated forms of the histone could regulate distinct roles. Antibodies against Htz1-K8Ac, -K10Ac, and -K14Ac show that all three modifications are added by Esa1 acetyltransferase and removed by Hda1 deacetylase. Completely unacetylatable htz1 alleles exhibit widespread interactions in genome scale genetic screening. However, singly mutated (e.g. htz1-K8R) or singly acetylable (e.g. the triple mutant htz1-K3R/K10R/K14R) alleles show no significant defects in these analyses. This suggests that the N-terminal acetylations on Htz1 are internally redundant. Further supporting this proposal, each acetylation decays with similar kinetics when Htz1 transcription is repressed, and proteomic screening did not find a single condition in which one Htz1Ac was differentially regulated. However, whereas the individual acetylations on Htz1 may be redundant, they are not dispensable. Completely unacetylatable htz1 alleles display genetic interactions and phenotypes in common with and distinct from htz1Δ. In addition, each Htz1 N-terminal lysine is deacetylated by Hda1 in response to benomyl and reacetylated when this agent is removed. Such active regulation suggests that acetylation plays a significant role in Htz1 function.
Does Agricultural Growth Cause Manufacturing Growth?

type="main" xml:id="ecca12142-abs-0001"> The role of agricultural development for industrialization is central to several theories of economic development and policy. However, empirically assessing the impact of agricultural growth on manufacturing growth is challenging because of endogeneity concerns. To address the identification challenge, I use random weather variations to instrument agricultural growth. The instrumental variable estimations show that agricultural growth has a significant positive impact on manufacturing growth. I discuss the empirical implications for efficiency of the manufacturing sector and the role of agriculture in Africa's industrialization.
Local Government Efficiency: Evidence from Western Australia

The state government of Western Australia has suggested there are economies of scale in local government service delivery and that council amalgamations would allow substantial efficiencies to be realised. In this article, the Data Envelopment Analysis method is used to measure efficiency at 98 local councils in Western Australia in 2009 and 2010. Although many councils were found to be operating under increasing returns to scale, many others were found to be operating under decreasing returns to scale. This suggests there is room for either scaling down or expanding for some local councils to achieve optimal scale.
Right-sided lateralisation of ovarian cancer and right bias asymmetry for involved pelvic lymph nodes by ovarian cancer cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate if there is a possible lateralisation for ovarian cancers, to re-examine left–right asymmetry in pelvic lymph nodes distribution in patients with ovarian cancer, and to investigate if pelvic lymph node involvement by metastatic invasion of ovarian cancer cells is ipsilateral or contralateral. There was right-sided lateralisation for ovarian cancer. The numbers of external iliac and hypogastric+obturator lymph nodes were higher on the right side in patients with ovarian cancer on the right side; but they were about equal for right and left sides in patients with ovarian cancer in their left side. The numbers of external iliac and hypogastric+obturator lymph nodes involved by metastatic cancer cells were higher on the right side in patients with ovarian cancer on the both right and left sides. This case may result from the stronger cell-mediated immune activity in the left sides of humans.
Determining Optimal Building Height

The paper examines how building height is determined in the absence of building height regulatory restrictions. A model is developed for determining optimal height using simple neo-classical economic analysis; this is then tested using empirical data from Hong Kong. The results show that the observed building heights are consistent with the optimal height predicted by the model. In addition, it was also found that the point of optimality varied positively with the quality of the external environment. An important practical implication is that town planners and policy-makers can make use of the model as a benchmarking tool to assess and quantify the effect of imposing or relaxing height restrictions.
Energy Allocation in Immunochallenged and Testosterone-treated White-footed Mice ( Peromyscus leucopus

The cost of mounting an immune response was studied in control and testosterone-treated male, white-footed mice. Our null hypotheses assumed that there is no change in metabolic rate after stimulation of the immune system (i.e., immunochallenge), and that there is no change in energy allocation to other systems during an immunochallenge. Four test groups were established: control, testosterone-treated, immunochallenged and immunochallenged plus testosterone. Injections of testosterone propionate were given to elevate testosterone level. Animals were injected with sheep red blood cells and phytohemmaglutinin to challenge the humoral and cellmediated branches of the immune system. The daily metabolic rate (DMR) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) of each animal was determined and body organ masses were measured. When compared with control animals, immunochallenged animals had a significantly higher RMR, but no difference in DMR. Thus, our first hypothesis was partially supported. Immunochallenge had no significant effect on intestinal and vital organ masses, but was associated with significantly heavier reproductive organ masses. Hence, our second hypothesis was rejected. We concluded that there was a significant cost associated with mounting an immune response, but there was also an increase in energy allocation to reproductive organs. Thus, our results suggested that when food is readily available, an increase in immune function does not necessarily detract from energy allocation to reproductive organs.