Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis and its impact on venous thromboembolism following total knee and hip arthroplasty in Korea: A nationwide population-based study

Background Limited data is available regarding the pharmacological prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Asian patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty (TKA/THA). Methods We performed a population-based epidemiological study using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database to estimate the rate of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis and its impact on VTE in Korean patients who underwent TKA/THA between 2009 and 2013. Results We identified 306,912 cases (TKA, 261,260; THA, 45,652). The pharmacological thromboprophylaxis rate was 57.16% (TKA, 58.32%; THA, 50.51%), which increased from 42.81% in 2009 to 65.92% in 2013 (P = 0.0165). Both low-molecular-weight-heparin (22.42%) and rivaroxaban (22.71%) were the most common drugs for prophylaxis. The number of patients aged ≥ 60 years (87.31% vs. 81.01%, P < 0.0001), cases requiring general anesthesia (20.70% vs. 18.37%, P < 0.0001), and cases requiring long hospital stay (median, 13 days vs. 12 days, P < 0.0001) were significantly greater in the pharmacological prophylaxis group. The incidence of VTE within 3 months of surgery was 1.52% (TKA, 1.46%; THA, 1.87%). Patients with pharmacological prophylaxis had higher VTE rates (TKA, 1.69% vs. 1.14%; THA, 2.30% vs. 1.43%) than those without prophylaxis, with advanced age, use of general anesthesia, and a longer hospital stay increasing the risk of VTE. However, rivaroxaban significantly reduced the incidence of VTE following TKA (0.82% vs. 1.14%; odd ratio [OR], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.65–0.79). Moreover, ≥ 10 days of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis was significantly associated with lower incidence of VTE after TKA (1.33% vs. 1.52%; OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.81–0.94). Conclusion This represents the largest epidemiological study showing a gradual increase in the use of pharmacological prophylaxis in Korean patients undergoing TKA/THA. Although the incidence of VTE is still low without pharmacological prophylaxis, this study demonstrates that the incidence of VTE can be reduced further using appropriate pharmacological thromboprophylaxis strategies.
Set shifting, central coherence and starvation in eating disorders

Aims: This review aims to evaluate and synthesise previous research on set shifting in eating disorders in order to determine whether individuals with eating disorders have impaired set shifting. It also aims to determine whether set shifting difficulties are a risk factor for eating disorders or a consequence of starvation. Method: A summary and critique of the 13 papers specifically exploring set shifting in eating disorders is presented and followed by a synthesis of the results. Results: There is evidence for set shifting difficulties in Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) however no research has been conducted into Binge Eating Disorder (BED). This review suggests that starvation may have a mediating or maintaining role in neuropsychological impairments, rather than causing them per se. Increased set shifting impairments in recovered AN participants and genetic relatives suggest that set shifting difficulties may be a predisposing trait, increasing vulnerability to eating disorders. However, there are various methodological limitations (such as no power analyses to estimate required sample sizes) which are discussed and should be kept in mind. Conclusions: Although there is evidence for set shifting difficulties in AN and BN, the evidence is still very mixed and there is a need for use of consistent measures and clear reporting of findings with equal importance given to non-significant results.
The Mass Uptake of Cholesterol Ester from Low Density Lipoproteins by Cultured Smooth Muscle and Adventitial Cells of Human Aortas

Cultured human smooth muscle and adventitial cells were incubated with human serum and low density lipoprotein (LDL) to study the Uptake and accumulation of cholesterol ester from exogenous LDL. The cellular total cholesterol varied with the amount of LDL cholesterol in the medium. The cholesterol ester content increased 4-fold after 2 hours of incubation. A 6-fold rise occurred by 24 hours and continued to 72 hours. The cholesterol ester of the adventitial cells was markedly depleted by incubation with abetalipoproteinemic serum or with a lipid-depleted plasma fraction. By the use of14C-labeled LDL free cholesterol in the incubation medium, we calculated that some 70-80% of the total accumulated cholesterol ester after 24 hours of incubation was derived from LDL cholesterol ester, and only 20-30% was synthesized by the cells. These studies demonstrated conclusively that human cells greatly increase their cholesterol ester mass after incubation with LDL. Circ Res 47: 374-383, 1980
Protein oxidation in metabolic syndrome.

PURPOSE Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome and in the progression of its complications. Carbonylated proteins are a stable marker of severe oxidative stress because damage to the protein structure is irreversible and may cause an inhibition of their enzymatic activity or an increased susceptibility to proteolysis. There are few data regarding protein oxidation in metabolic syndrome, although elevated levels of carbonyl groups are often detected in subjects with obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension or dyslipidemia, well-known components of the metabolic syndrome. In particular, obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus are frequently associated with increased protein carbonylation. A relationship between insulin resistance, protein oxidative stress and inflammation has also been suggested as well as protein oxidation products are correlated with overexpression of resistin, TNF-α and IL-6. CONCLUSION Therapeutic interventions based on lifestyle modifications and pharmacological agents in order to correct all the main risk factors influence oxidative stress and protein carbonylation.
High-speed and high-precision current winner-take-all circuit

A CMOS high-performance current-mode winner-take-all circuit is presented. The circuit employs a novel technique for inhibitory and excitatory feedbacks based on input currents average computation, achieving both high speed and high precision. The circuit is designed for operation with a wide range of input current values, allowing its integration with circuits operating both in subthreshold and in strong inversion regions. Two circuits, each for a different range of input currents, have been implemented in a standard 0.35-/spl mu/m CMOS process available through MOSIS and are operated via a 3.3-V supply. Their operation is discussed, simulation results are reported and preliminary measurements from a test chip are presented.
Full regularization path for sparse principal component analysis

Given a sample covariance matrix, we examine the problem of maximizing the variance explained by a particular linear combination of the input variables while constraining the number of nonzero coefficients in this combination. This is known as sparse principal component analysis and has a wide array of applications in machine learning and engineering. We formulate a new semidefinite relaxation to this problem and derive a greedy algorithm that computes a full set of good solutions for all numbers of non zero coefficients, with complexity O(n3), where n is the number of variables. We then use the same relaxation to derive sufficient conditions for global optimality of a solution, which can be tested in O(n3). We show on toy examples and biological data that our algorithm does provide globally optimal solutions in many cases.
Shortest node-disjoint paths on random graphs

A localized method to distribute paths on random graphs is devised, aimed at finding the shortest paths between given source/destination pairs while avoiding path overlaps at nodes. We propose a method based on message-passing techniques to process global information and distribute paths optimally. Statistical properties such as scaling with system size and number of paths, average path-length and the transition to the frustrated regime are analyzed. The performance of the suggested algorithm is evaluated through a comparison against a greedy algorithm.
Establishment of New Transmissible and Drug-Sensitive Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Wild Types due to Transmission of Nucleoside Analogue-Resistant Virus

ABSTRACT Sequence analysis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) from 74 persons with acute infections identified eight strains with mutations in the reverse transcriptase (RT) gene at positions 41, 67, 68, 70, 215, and 219 associated with resistance to the nucleoside analogue zidovudine (AZT). Follow-up of the fate of these resistant HIV-1 strains in four newly infected individuals revealed that they were readily replaced by sensitive strains. The RT of the resistant viruses changed at amino acid 215 from tyrosine (Y) to aspartic acid (D) or serine (S), with asparagine (N) as a transient intermediate, indicating the establishment of new wild types. When we introduced these mutations and the original threonine (T)-containing wild type into infectious molecular clones and assessed their competitive advantage in vitro, the order of fitness was in accord with the in vivo observations: 215Y < 215D = 215S = 215T. As detected by real-time nucleic acid sequence-based amplification with two molecular beacons, the addition of AZT or stavudine (d4T) to the viral cultures favored the 215Y mutant in a dose-dependent manner. Our results illustrate that infection with nucleoside analogue-resistant HIV leads in newly infected individuals to mutants that are sensitive to nucleoside analogues, but only a single mutation removed from drug-resistant HIV. Such mutants were shown to be transmissible, stable, and prone to rapid selection for resistance to AZT or d4T as soon as antiretroviral therapy was administered. Monitoring of patients for the presence of new HIV-1 wild types with D, S, or N residues at position 215 may be warranted in order to estimate the threat to long-term efficacy of regimens including nucleoside analogues.
Fluoxetine: a case history of its discovery and preclinical development

Introduction: Depression is a multifactorial mood disorder with a high prevalence worldwide. Until now, treatments for depression have focused on the inhibition of monoaminergic reuptake sites, which augment the bioavailability of monoamines in the CNS. Advances in drug discovery have widened the therapeutic options with the synthesis of so-called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine. Areas covered: The aim of this case history is to describe and discuss the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of fluoxetine, including its acute effects and the adaptive changes induced after long-term treatment. Furthermore, the authors review the effect of fluoxetine on neuroplasticity and adult neurogenesis. In addition, the article summarises the preclinical behavioural data available on fluoxetine's effects on depressive-like behaviour, anxiety and cognition as well as its effects on other diseases. Finally, the article describes the seminal studies validating the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine. Expert opinion: Fluoxetine is the first selective SSRI that has a recognised clinical efficacy and safety profile. Since its discovery, other molecules that mimic its mechanism of action have been developed, commencing a new age in the treatment of depression. Fluoxetine has also demonstrated utility in the treatment of other disorders for which its prescription has now been approved.
The Antifungal Agent Itraconazole Induces the Accumulation of High Mannose Glycoproteins in Macrophages*

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a key mediator in the development of Gram-negative septic shock, which is a major health problem. The effect of LPS on myeloid cells is mediated by a multicomplex receptor system in which CD14, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoprotein, and Toll-like receptor 4 are the major players. We have found that incubation of macrophages with itraconazole (ICZ), an azole antifungal commonly used in humans, altered both the expression and glycosylation of CD14. This glycoprotein, which is endo H-resistant in untreated cells, becomes endo H-sensitive following ICZ treatment. The effect of ICZ on glycan processing was observed in all newly synthesized glycoproteins as indicated by incorporation of [2-3H]mannose. In addition, cells treated with ICZ increased surface concanavalin A (ConA) binding, corroborating an increase in high mannose surface glycoproteins. Although the glycosylation pattern of CD14 was altered, this glycoprotein was delivered to the cell surface or was secreted. Moreover, it appeared functional as demonstrated by the release of LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-α under conditions specific for a CD14-mediated activation process. The effect of ICZ on glycosylation was not dependent on inhibition of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway and was specific for this drug because other azole antifungals, such as ketoconazole and econazole, did not alter glycan processing. These results suggest a possible secondary effect of ICZ that impacts the processing of glyconjugates and may alter cellular function and homeostasis.
The Influences of Drought and Land-Cover Conversion on Inter-Annual Variation of NPP in the Three-North Shelterbelt Program Zone of China Based on MODIS Data

Terrestrial ecosystems greatly contribute to carbon (C) emission reduction targets through photosynthetic C uptake.Net primary production (NPP) represents the amount of atmospheric C fixed by plants and accumulated as biomass. The Three-North Shelterbelt Program (TNSP) zone accounts for more than 40% of China’s landmass. This zone has been the scene of several large-scale ecological restoration efforts since the late 1990s, and has witnessed significant changes in climate and human activities.Assessing the relative roles of different causal factors on NPP variability in TNSP zone is very important for establishing reasonable local policies to realize the emission reduction targets for central government. In this study, we examined the relative roles of drought and land cover conversion(LCC) on inter-annual changes of TNSP zone for 2001–2010. We applied integrated correlation and decomposition analyses to a Standardized Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and MODIS land cover dataset. Our results show that the 10-year average NPP within this region was about 420 Tg C. We found that about 60% of total annual NPP over the study area was significantly correlated with SPEI (p<0.05). The LCC-NPP relationship, which is especially evident for forests in the south-central area, indicates that ecological programs have a positive impact on C sequestration in the TNSP zone. Decomposition analysis generally indicated that the contributions of LCC, drought, and other Natural or Anthropogenic activities (ONA) to changes in NPP generally had a consistent distribution pattern for consecutive years. Drought and ONA contributed about 74% and 23% to the total changes in NPP, respectively, and the remaining 3% was attributed to LCC. Our results highlight the importance of rainfall supply on NPP variability in the TNSP zone.
Regression of Coronary Atherosclerosis by Simvastatin: A Serial Intravascular Ultrasound Study

Background—Angiography of the coronary arteries reflects only changes in luminal dimensions. With intravascular ultrasound, cross-sectional images can be obtained and area measurements can be added to calculate volumes of the external elastic membrane (EEM), plaque plus media (P+M), and lumen. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lipid lowering by simvastatin on coronary atherosclerotic P+M as changes in volumes of EEM, P+M, and lumen. Methods and Results—In 40 male patients with hypercholesterolemia, ischemic heart disease, and a nonsignificant coronary artery lesion in a not previously revascularized coronary artery, serial intravascular ultrasound studies with an ECG-triggered pullback were performed at baseline, after 3 months on a lipid-lowering diet, and after another 12 months on simvastatin 40 mg/d. Mean length of the analyzed atherosclerotic segments was 5.9±3.3 mm. After 12 months on simvastatin, a significant reduction in P+M volume of 6.3% (P = 0.002) was observed, whereas only a nonsignificant reduction in EEM volume of 1.8% was seen without any concomitant change in lumen volume. A significant reduction in total cholesterol of 31.0% (6.1±0.8 versus 4.2±0.7 mmol/L, P <0.001) and LDL cholesterol of 42.6% (4.0±0.8 versus 2.2±0.6 mmol/L, P <0.001) was obtained. Conclusions—Lipid-lowering therapy with simvastatin for 12 months is associated with a significant P+M regression in coronary arteries measured as reduction in P+M and EEM volumes without any concomitant change in lumen volume.
Reevaluating Spending in Gubernatorial Races: Job Approval as a Baseline for Spending Effects

Research on campaign spending has tried to resolve the issue of differential effects for incumbent and challenger spending. This analysis offers two new perspectives to the spending effects literature: (1) It extends the scope of this research to include gubernatorial elections, and (2) it uses job approval ratings to control for governors’ popularity. This approval measure sets a pre-campaign baseline for the expected vote that keeps campaign variables from being credited with pre-existing levels of incumbent popularity. A two-stage least squares (TSLS) analysis of two decades of gubernatorial races shows that incumbent spending (unlike challenger spending) does not have a significant effect on the vote. If incumbent spending wins little new support in the course of campaigns, generous public funding for statewide candidates will boost spending by challengers without reducing challenger competitiveness via higher incumbent spending.
HCV Proteins and Immunoglobulin Variable Gene (IgV) Subfamilies in HCV-Induced Type II Mixed Cryoglobulinemia: A Concurrent Pathogenetic Role

The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type II mixed cryoglobulinemia (MCII) is well established, but the role played by distinct HCV proteins and by specific components of the anti-HCV humoral immune response remains to be clearly defined. It is widely accepted that HCV drives the expansion of few B-cell clones expressing a restricted pool of selected immunoglobulin variable (IgV) gene subfamilies frequently endowed with rheumatoid factor (RF) activity. Moreover, the same IgV subfamilies are frequently observed in HCV-transformed malignant B-cell clones occasionally complicating MCII. In this paper, we analyze both the humoral and viral counterparts at the basis of cryoglobulins production in HCV-induced MCII, with particular attention reserved to the single IgV subfamilies most frequently involved.
Gibbs Sampling in Factorized Continuous-Time Markov Processes

A central task in many applications is reasoning about processes that change over continuous time. Continuous-Time Bayesian Networks is a general compact representation language for multi-component continuous-time processes. However, exact inference in such processes is exponential in the number of components, and thus infeasible for most models of interest. Here we develop a novel Gibbs sampling procedure for multi-component processes. This procedure iteratively samples a trajectory for one of the components given the remaining ones. We show how to perform exact sampling that adapts to the natural time scale of the sampled process. Moreover, we show that this sampling procedure naturally exploits the structure of the network to reduce the computational cost of each step. This procedure is the first that can provide asymptotically unbiased approximation in such processes.
A cross-cultural study of accounting concepts applied in international financial reporting standards

The aim in this study was to explore a different approach to examine the influence of culture on accounting practice by adapting Schwartz’s (1992) universal structure of individual-level human motivational values to the domain of accounting. A mail survey was conducted on accountants in Malaysia to obtain their attitudes, beliefs and opinions about their motivational goals, and their interpretations and judgments in financial reporting. The results reveal a set of individual-level accounting motivational values that is a more comprehensive and theoretically valid representation of the accounting sub-culture compared to the Hofstede-Gray framework. Significant relationships were found linking the accountants’ motivational values with their interpretations and judgments in financial reporting. Empirical evidence of cultural diversity within the accounting sub-culture was also found. Although the low response rate was a problem, the consistency of the respondents’ demographic profile with the population and the insignificant non-response bias suggest that the results are generalisable. The discovery of the accounting motivational values has contributed to the understanding of the depth, richness and complexity of the accounting sub-culture and its effects on accounting practice. As an individual-level construct, the motivational values can be applied to explain the influence of culture on judgments and decisions in accounting. The existence of cultural diversity within the accounting sub-culture provides evidence of the importance of intra-country cultural variations. The knowledge of the accounting motivational values and its effects on judgments and decisions have important implications to the global drive for convergence in accounting and auditing practices, as well as the formulation of accounting education and professional development strategies.
Symmetrically approximately continuous functions, consistent density theorems, and Fubini type inequalities

Using the continuum hypothesis, Sierpinski constructed a non-measurable function f such that {h : f( x + h) not equal f(x - h)} is countable for every x: Clearly, such a function is symmetrically approximately continuous everywhere.Here we to show that Sierpinski's example cannot be constructed in ZFC. Moreover, we show it is consistent with ZFC that if a function is symmetrically approximately continuous almost everywhere, then it is measurable.
Technical Efficiency of Shrimp and Prawn Farming: Evidence from Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Shrimp and prawn farming in Bangladesh have experienced spectacular growth in response to expanding global demand and higher economic return. In 2011, 180 shrimp and prawn farms were surveyed in Bangladesh to estimate their production efficiency and determine factors affecting the efficiency level. The results show that there are substantial inefficiencies among shrimp and prawn farms. The technical efficiency ranges from 55% to 97% (Mean±SD: 88±9%) for shrimp farms and from 39.56% to 99.79% (72.41±16%) for prawn farms, suggesting that shrimp and prawn farms could increase their output by 12% and 27.59%, respectively. For a land scarce country like Bangladesh this gain could increase income and ensure better livelihood for farmers. The results of the stochastic production frontier approach indicate that farmers could operate at an optimal scale for increasing their product. Farmers’ education, training, age and water quality significantly affect efficiency.