Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Birth weight is inversely associated with coronary heart disease in post-menopausal women: findings from the British women’s heart and health study

Objectives: (1) To assess the association between birth weight and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in a cohort of post-menopausal women, (2) to determine the combined effects of birth weight and adult body mass index on CHD, (3) to assess the role of insulin resistance as a mediating factor in the associations. Design: Cross sectional survey. Setting: 23 British towns. Participants: 1394 women aged 60–79 years. Main outcome measures: coronary heart disease (n = 199 cases). Results: Birth weight was inversely associated with CHD: age and survivor status of participant’s mother adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) per 1 standard deviation (0.80 kg) increase in birth weight was 0.84 (0.72 to 0.97). This association strengthened to 0.80 (0.68 to 0.93) with further adjustment for adult body mass index, but there was no evidence of an interaction between birth weight and adult body mass index (p = 0.61). The association was not confounded by childhood or adulthood socioeconomic position or by adult smoking status of the participant. Adjustment for components of the insulin resistance syndrome attenuated the association to 0.87 (0.72 to 1.03). Conclusions: Intrauterine exposures that affect fetal growth also affect future adult CHD risk. The inverse association between birth weight and CHD may in part be mediated via insulin resistance.
Prenatal administration of morphine decreases CREBSerine‐133 phosphorylation and synaptic plasticity range mediated by glutamatergic transmission in the hippocampal CA1 area of cognitive‐deficient rat offspring

The central nervous system (CNS) exhibits remarkable plasticity in early life and can be altered significantly by various prenatal influences. We previously showed that prenatal exposure to morphine altered kinetic properties of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐mediated synaptic currents in the hippocampus of young rat offspring at the age of 14 days (P14). The present study further investigates whether NMDA receptor‐mediated synaptic plasticity and/or cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐responsive element‐binding protein (CREBSerine‐133), an important transcription factor underlying learning and memory, can be altered by prenatal morphine exposure in these offspring. Subsequently, the Morris water maze task was performed at the older ages (P28‐P31). The magnitude of long‐term depression (LTD) generated by a low‐frequency stimulation (LFS, 1 Hz for 15 min) in hippocampal slices from the vehicle‐control offspring (P14) was significantly larger than that in slices from the morphine‐treated offspring, although there was no such difference in the magnitude of long‐term potentiation (LTP) elicited by a high‐frequency stimulation (100 Hz for 1 s) between the two groups. Comparison of the expression range of glutamatergic synaptic plasticity in slices from the vehicle‐control and morphine‐treated offspring, calculated as the difference in the maximal magnitude between LTP and LTD, demonstrated a remarkably smaller range in the slices from the morphine‐treated offspring. In addition, the decreased phosphorylation of CREBSerine‐133 and the impaired ability of spatial learning were also seen in the morphine‐treated offspring, as compared with the vehicle‐control offspring. Collectively, the study suggests that maternal exposure to morphine reduces the range of synaptic plasticity by decreasing the expression of LTD, but not of LTP, in CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus from rat offspring. More importantly, decreased phosphorylation of CREBSerine‐133 may play a role for the impaired spatial learning and memory in rat offspring exposure to prenatal morphine. Thus, the findings here may provide important insights into cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying pathophysiological changes in the CNS of young offspring from morphine‐addicted mothers and serve as a basis for possible therapeutic intervention. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical significance of inflammatory back pain for diagnosis and screening of patients with axial spondyloarthritis

Inflammatory back pain (IBP) is the leading symptom of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), but its value for diagnosis, classification and screening in primary care is not well defined. Although often used since 1977, its clinical significance has not been extensively studied. As shown recently, most but clearly not all patients with axial SpA have IBP. Therefore IBP has not been included in current criteria for axial SpA as a first-line criterion. The value of IBP for diagnosis of SpA increases in the presence of other more or less sensitive and specific features of SpA such as response to exercise and physical therapy and/or treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
SPI-0211 Activates T84 Cell Cl - Transport and Recombinant Human ClC-2 Cl - Currents

The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism of action of SPI-0211 (Lubiprostone), a novel bicyclic fatty acid, under development for the treatment of bowel dysfunction. Adult rabbit intestine was shown to contain mRNA for ClC-2 by RT-PCR, Northern analysis, and in situ hybridization. T84 cells grown to confluence on permeable supports were shown to express ClC-2 channel protein in the apical membrane. SPI-0211 increased electrogenic Cl-transport across the apical membrane of T84 cells with an EC 50 of ≈ 18 nM measured by short circuit current (Isc) after permeabilization of the basolateral membrane with nystatin. SPI-0211 effects on Cl-currents were also measured by whole cell patch clamp using a human epithelial kidney cell line (HEK-293) stably transfected with either recombinant human ClC-2 or recombinant human cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR). In these studies, SPI-0211 activated ClC-2 Cl-currents in a concentration
Phasor Estimation in the Presence of DC Offset and CT Saturation

A hybrid algorithm for phasor estimation is proposed that is immune to DC offset and current transformer (CT) saturation problems. The algorithm utilizes partial sum (PS)-based and multistage least-squares (MLS)-based methods before and after CT saturation is detected, respectively. The MLS-based method is initiated when the third difference of the secondary current detects the start point of the first saturation period. The determination of each saturation period is based on the sum of the secondary current from the start point of the first saturation period. A least-squares (LS) technique estimates the DC offset parameters from the single-cycle difference of the secondary current in the unsaturated periods. Removal of DC offset from the secondary current yields the sinusoidal waveform portion. Finally, the LS technique is used once again to estimate the phasor from the sinusoidal waveform portion. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated for a-g faults on a 345-kV 100-km overhead transmission line. The electromagnetic transient program was used to generate fault current signals for different fault angles and remanent fluxes. The performance evaluation shows that the proposed algorithm accurately estimates the phasor of a current signal regardless of DC offset and CT saturation. The paper concludes by describing the hardware implementation of the algorithm on a prototype unit based on a digital signal processor.
Two-Stage Revision of an Infected Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Follow-up of 136 Patients

Background and purpose Periprosthetic infection of a total hip arthroplasty (THA) is commonly treated with a two-stage revision procedure. After resection of the infected THA and placement of a cement spacer loaded with antibiotics, a THA is inserted at a second procedure to restore hip function and mobility. Revision surgery carries a significant risk of complications. This study focuses on hip function, rate of complications and reinfection after two-stage revision surgery for an infected THA. Patients and methods From January 1996 to April 2010, 136 patients underwent revision surgery after removal of an infected THA. Follow-up ranged from 2 years to more than 15 years. Hip function was evaluated using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) measured pain. Annual follow-up included radiographs of the affected hip and blood sampling for inflammatory parameters. Results After revision surgery, average mHHS was 63% and average HOOS was 54%. VAS pain averaged 26.8 on a 100-point scale and 40% of patients had no pain. Prosthesis-related complications unrelated to sepsis occurred in 32%. Most common were periprosthetic fractures, leg length discrepancy and dislocation. Reinfection occurred in 13% of these patients and Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (CNS) was isolated in 67%. Conclusion Two-stage revision surgery is an accepted treatment for infected THAs. However, complications are common and hip function afterwards is modest. As previous studies have shown, CNS is an important microorganism in reinfection.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B) helps regulate EGF-induced stimulation of S-phase entry in human corneal endothelial cells

Purpose Human corneal endothelial cells (HCEC), particularly from older donors, only proliferate weakly in response to EGF. The protein tyrosine phosphatase, PTP1B, is known to negatively regulate EGF-induced signaling in several cell types by dephosphorylating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The current studies were conducted to determine whether PTP1B plays a role in regulating cell cycle entry in HCEC in response to EGF stimulation. Methods Donor corneas were obtained from the National Disease Research Interchange and accepted for study based on established exclusion criteria. PTP1B was localized in the endothelium of ex vivo corneas and in cultured cells by immunocytochemistry. Western blot analysis verified PTP1B protein expression in HCEC and then compared the relative expression of EGFR and PTP1B in HCEC from young (<3 years old) and older donors (>60 years old). The effect of inhibiting the activity of PTP1B on S-phase entry was tested by comparing time-dependent BrdU incorporation in subconfluent HCEC incubated in the presence or absence of the PTP1B inhibitor, CinnGEL 2Me, before EGF stimulation. Results PTP1B was localized in a punctate pattern mainly within the cytoplasm of HCEC in ex vivo corneas and cultured cells. Western blots revealed the presence of three PTP1B-positive bands in HCEC and the control. Further western blot analysis showed no significant age-related difference in expression of EGFR (p=0.444>0.05); however, PTP1B expression was significantly higher in HCEC from older donors (p=0.024<0.05). Pre-incubation of HCEC with the PTP1B inhibitor significantly increased (p=0.019<0.05) the number of BrdU positive cells by 48 h after EGF stimulation. Conclusions Both immunolocalization and western blot studies confirmed that PTP1B is expressed in HCEC. Staining patterns strongly suggest that at least a subset of PTP1B is localized to the cytoplasm and most likely to the endoplasmic reticulum, the known site of EGFR/PTP1B interaction following EGF stimulation. PTP1B expression, but not EGFR expression, was elevated in HCEC from older donors, suggesting that the reduced proliferative activity of these cells in response to EGF is due, at least in part, to increased PTP1B activity. The fact that inhibition of PTP1B increased the relative number of cells entering S-phase strongly suggests that PTP1B helps negatively regulate EGF-stimulated cell cycle entry in HCEC. These results also suggest that it may be possible to increase the proliferative activity of HCEC, particularly in cells from older donors, by inhibiting the activity of this important protein tyrosine phosphatase.
Involvement of the renin-angiotensin system in the development of vascular damage in a rat model of arthritis: effect of angiotensin receptor blockers.

OBJECTIVE To explore the involvement of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the development of vascular damage in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats. METHODS Angiotensin II (Ang II; 0.25 or 1.0 mg/kg/day) was infused in control rats and rats with AIA for 21 days, and the impact of systemic inflammation on Ang II-induced hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular hypertrophy was evaluated. Expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT(1)R) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the aortas of rats with AIA were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot analyses. Losartan (3 mg/kg/day) or irbesartan (5 mg/kg/day), both of which are AT(1)R blockers, was administered orally to rats with AIA for 21 days. In situ superoxide production in aortas was assessed according to the fluorogenic oxidation of dihydroethidium to ethidium. The expression and activity of NAD(P)H oxidases in aortas were examined by real-time PCR analysis and lucigenin chemiluminescence assay. Endothelial function in rats with AIA treated in vivo or ex vivo with AT(1)R blockers was also determined. RESULTS The Ang II-induced hypertensive response, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular hypertrophy were exacerbated in rats with AIA. Expression of AT(1)R and ACE was increased in the aortas of rats with AIA. Both losartan and irbesartan decreased the levels of superoxide and the expression and activity NAD(P)H oxidases in the aortas of rats with AIA. The endothelial dysfunction in AIA was improved by the in vivo or ex vivo treatment with AT(1)R blockers. CONCLUSION The locally activated RAS is involved in the increased vascular oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in AIA. Our findings have important implications for clinical approaches to the reduction of cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Real-Business-Cycle Models and the Forecastable Movements in Output, Hours, and Consumption

The authors study the movements in output, consumption, and hours that are forecastable from a vector autoregression and analyze how they differ from those predicted by standard real-business-cycle models. They show that actual forecastable movements in output have a variance about one hundred times larger than those predicted by the model. The authors also find that forecastable changes in the three series are strongly positively correlated with each other. On the other hand, for parameters whose implications are plausible in other respects, the model implies that output, consumption, and hours should not all be expected to move in the same direction. Copyright 1996 by American Economic Association.
Prior bowel resections, perianal disease, and a high initial Crohn's disease activity index are associated with corticosteroid resistance in active Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVES:Some patients with Crohn's disease (CD) do not respond to corticosteroid therapy. Furthermore, corticosteroids frequently cause side effects. Thus, predictive parameters for treatment refractoriness would be helpful for treatment decisions.METHODS:A total of 300 patients with active CD (i.e., with a Crohn's Disease Activity Index [CDAI] >200) entered the study. Treatment started with 60–100 mg/day prednisolone equivalent, which was then tapered to 10–15 mg/day within 6 wk and maintained at that dose for another 4 wk. After 10 wk of treatment, response to steroids was defined by a CDAI <150, steroid resistance by a CDAI always ≥150 and steroid dependency by a relapse after dose reduction. Of 239 eligible patients, 196 were responders, 26 were steroid resistant, and 17 were steroid dependent.RESULTS:Prior bowel resections, a high initial CDAI, and perianal disease were associated with steroid resistance. Of the steroid resistant patients 53.9% were bowel-resected compared to 20.4% of the responders (relative risk = 3.63; 95% CI = 1.79–7.36). Perianal disease was observed in 42.3% of steroid resistant patients versus 21.9% of responders (relative risk = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.12–4.66) and initial CDAI was 347 ± 91 in resistant patients versus 301 ± 81 in responders (p < 0.05). Parameters for steroid dependent patients were not significantly different from those of responders.CONCLUSIONS:In this study (thus far the largest study for the evaluation of predictive factors for treatment refractoriness to corticosteroids in CD), only prior bowel resection, perianal disease, and a high initial CDAI were found to be predictive of resistance to steroid treatment.
Treponema denticola TroR is a manganese- and iron-dependent transcriptional repressor

Treponema denticola harbours a genetic locus with significant homology to most of the previously characterized Treponema pallidum tro operon. Within this locus are five genes (troABCDR) encoding for the components of an ATP‐binding cassette cation‐transport system (troABCD) and a DtxR‐like transcriptional regulator (troR). In addition, a σ70‐like promoter and an 18 bp region of dyad symmetry were identified upstream of the troA start codon. This putative operator sequence demonstrated similarity to the T. pallidum TroR (TroRTp) binding sequence; however, the position of this motif with respect to the predicted tro promoters differed. Interestingly, unlike the T. pallidum orthologue, T. denticola TroR (TroRTd) possesses a C‐terminal Src homology 3‐like domain commonly associated with DtxR family members. In the present study, we show that TroRTd is a manganese‐ and iron‐dependent transcriptional repressor using Escherichia coli reporter constructs and in T. denticola. In addition, we demonstrate that although TroRTd possessing various C‐terminal deletions maintain metal‐sensing capacities, these truncated proteins exhibit reduced repressor activities in comparison with full‐length TroRTd. Based upon these findings, we propose that TroRTd represents a novel member of the DtxR family of transcriptional regulators and is likely to play an important role in regulating both manganese and iron homeostases in this spirochaete.
Testing Downside-Risk Efficiency Under Distress

In moments of distress downside-risk measures like Lower Partial Moments (LPM) are more appropriate than the standard variance to characterize risk. The goal of this paper is to study how to compare portfolios in these situations. In order to do that we show the close connection between mean-risk efficiency sets and stochastic dominance under distress episodes of the market, and use the latter property to propose a hypothesis test to discriminate between portfolios across risk aversion levels. Our novel family of test statistics for testing stochastic dominance under distress makes allowance for testing orders of dominance higher than zero, for general forms of dependence between portfolios and can be extended to residuals of regression models. These results are illustrated in the empirical application for data from US stocks. We show that mean-variance strategies are stochastically dominated by mean-risk efficient sets in episodes of financial distress. JEL classification: C1, C2, G1.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON SYSTEMS , MAN , AND CYBERNETICS — PART A : SYSTEMS AND HUMANS

This paper reports on the design and comparison of two economically inspired mechanisms for task allocation in environments where sellers have finite production capacities and a cost structure composed of a fixed overhead cost and a constant marginal cost. Such mechanisms are required when a system consists of multiple self-interested stakeholders that each possess private information that is relevant to solving a systemwide problem. Against this background, we first develop a computationally tractable centralized mechanism that finds the set of producers that have the lowest total cost in providing a certain demand (i.e., it is efficient). We achieve this by extending the standard Vickrey–Clarke–Groves mechanism to allow for multiattribute bids and by introducing a novel penalty scheme such that producers are incentivized to truthfully report their capacities and their costs. Furthermore, our extended mechanism is able to handle sellers’ uncertainty about their production capacity and ensures that individual agents find it profitable to participate in the mechanism. However, since this first mechanism is centralized, we also develop a complementary decentralized mechanism based around the continuous double auction. Again, because of the characteristics of our domain, we need to extend the standard form of this protocol by introducing a novel clearing rule based around an order book. With this modified protocol, we empirically demonstrate (with simple trading strategies) that the mechanism achieves high efficiency. In particular, despite this simplicity, the traders can still derive a profit from the market which makes our mechanism attractive since these results are a likely lower bound on their expected returns.
The Effect of Gang Membership on Victimization

The current study represents the first attempt to examine how genetic and environmental factors work in concert to influence gang membership, victimization, and the effect of gang membership on victimization experiences. Using data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, the present study employs behavioral genetic modeling (i.e., the ACE model and the DeFries-Fulker model) to examine these associations. The findings indicate that gang affiliation is influenced significantly by both genetic factors and environmental factors that are uniquely experienced by the individual. Controlling for heritable influences, gang membership increased the risk of victimization over time. The latter finding suggests that gang membership operates as a nonshared environmental influence on victimization.
Literacy in the Southern Sudan: A Case Study of Variables Affecting Literacy Programs

The adoption of a multilingual educational policy resulting in the acquisition of literacy in different indigenous languages is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon throughout the world. Although comprehensive discussions of the role of literacy in development (Bokamba elsewhere in this volume), the patterns available for literacy acquisition (Ferguson 1971), critical questions (Srivastava elsewhere in this volume), and problems (Bokamba and Tlou 1977, Bamgboṣe 1976b, Chishimba 1981, Abu-Absi 1981, Kachru 1981) related to the implementation of multilingual educational policies exist, individual accounts of literacy projects tend to focus more on the goals and the programmatic development of materials and methods (e.g., Larsen and Davis 1982). Evaluations of specific projects, when they are available, are often reported in terms of the number of students reached (e.g., Teferra 1982), teachers trained, or certificates awarded (Bendor–Samuel 1980), rather than in actual acquisition of literacy skills. One major literacy project in East Africa which has been subjected to fairly rigorous formative evaluation since shortly after its inception is the Local Languages Literacy Project in the Southern Sudan. Drawing on the Sudan experience, this paper will delineate what appear to be the more important variables that affect the success of large-scale literacy programs in Africa, will make recommendations for the evaluation design of such projects, and will conclude with observations concerning the benefits to be gained from them.