Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sharing Topics in Pinterest: Understanding Content Creation and Diffusion Behaviors

Pinterest provides a social curation service where people can collect, organize, and share content (pins in Pinterest) that reflect their interests. This paper investigates (1) the differences in pinning (i.e., the act of posting a pin) and repinning (i.e., the act of sharing other user's pin) behaviors by topics and user gender, and (2) the relations among topics in Pinterest. We conduct a measurement study using a large-scale dataset (1.6 M pins shared by 1.1 M users) in Pinterest. We show that there is a notable discrepancy between pinning and repinning behaviors on different topics. We also show that male and female users show different behaviors on different topics in terms of dedication, responsiveness, and sentiment. By introducing the notion of a Topic Network (TN) whose nodes are topics and are linked if they share common users, we analyze how topics are related to one another, which can give a valuable implication on topic demand forecasting or cross-topic advertisement. Lastly, we explore the implications of our findings for predicting a user's interests and behavioral patterns in Pinterest.
On the Welfare Effects and Political Economy of Competition-Enhancing Policies

We analyse the welfare effects of policies that intensify product market competition, and the channels through which they operate. Using a circular model of horizontal product differentiation with asymmetric costs, we study the effects of increased price competition on market selection among incumbent firms, cost reduction effort, and entry of new firms. The model also generates an endogenous demand for competition-enhancing or retarding policies arising from cost heterogeneity, and we demonstrate the possibility of a 'low-competition' political economy trap. Simulations of the model illustrate that the selection effects we analyse, which traditional cost-benefit analysis is unlikely to capture, can be large.
Effects of Enzyme Induction and/or Glutathione Depletion on Methimazole-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice and the Protective Role of N-Acetylcysteine.

PURPOSE Methimazole is the most convenient drug used in the management of hyperthyroid patients. However, associated with its clinical use is hepatotoxicity as a life threatening adverse effect. The exact mechanism of methimazole-induced hepatotoxicity is still far from clear and no protective agent has been developed for this toxicity. METHODS This study attempts to evaluate the hepatotoxicity induced by methimazole at different experimental conditions in a mice model. Methimazole-induced hepatotoxicity was investigated in different situations such as enzyme induced and/or glutathione depleted animals. RESULTS Methimazole (100 mg/kg, i.p) administration caused hepatotoxicity as revealed by increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity as well as pathological changes of the liver. Furthermore, a significant reduction in hepatic glutathione content and an elevation in lipid peroxidation were observed in methimazole-treated mice. Combined administration of L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), as a glutathione depletory agent, caused a dramatic change in methimazole-induced hepatotoxicity characterized by hepatic necrosis and a severe elevation of serum ALT activity. Enzyme induction using phenobarbital and/or β-naphtoflavone beforehand, deteriorated methimazole-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. N-acetyl cysteine (300 mg/kg, i.p) administration effectively alleviated hepatotoxic effects of methimazole in both glutathione-depleted and/or enzyme induced animals. CONCLUSION The severe hepatotoxic effects of methimazole in glutathione-depleted animals, reveals the crucial role of glutathione as a cellular defense mechanism against methimazole-induced hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, the more hepatotoxic properties of methimazole in enzyme-induced mice, indicates the role of reactive intermediates in the hepatotoxicity induced by this drug. The protective effects of N-acetylcysteine could be attributed to its radical/reactive metabolite scavenging, and/or antioxidant properties as well as glutathione replenishment activities.
The aging self in a cultural context: the relation of conceptions of aging to identity processes and self-esteem in the United States and the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVES To study the aging self, that is, conceptions of one's own aging process, in relation to identity processes and self-esteem in the United States and the Netherlands. As the liberal American system has a stronger emphasis on individual responsibility and youthfulness than the social-democratic Dutch system, we expect that youthful and positive perceptions of one's own aging process are more important in the United States than in the Netherlands. METHODS Three hundred and nineteen American and 235 Dutch persons between 40 and 85 years participated in the study. A single question on age identity and the Personal Experience of Aging Scale measured aspects of the aging self. The Identity and Experiences Scale measured identity processes and Rosenberg's scale measured self-esteem. RESULTS A youthful age identity and more positive personal experiences of aging were related to identity processes and self-esteem. These conceptions of one's own aging process also mediate the relation between identity processes and self-esteem. This mediating effect is stronger in the United States than in the Netherlands. DISCUSSION As expected, the self-enhancing function of youthful and positive aging perceptions is stronger in the liberal American system than in the social-democratic Dutch welfare system. The aging self should therefore be studied in its cultural context.
Uric Acid Stimulates Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein‐1 Production in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Via Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase and Cyclooxygenase‐2

Abstract— Previous studies have reported that uric acid stimulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation in vitro. We hypothesized that uric acid may also have direct proinflammatory effects on VSMCs. Crystal‐ and endotoxin‐free uric acid was found to increase VSMC monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) expression in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner, peaking at 24 hours. Increased mRNA and protein expression occurred as early as 3 hours after uric acid incubation and was partially dependent on posttranscriptional modification of MCP‐1 mRNA. In addition, uric acid activated the transcription factors nuclear factor‐[kappa]B and activator protein‐1, as well as the MAPK signaling molecules ERK p44/42 and p38, and increased cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) mRNA expression. Inhibition of p38 (with SB 203580), ERK 44/42 (with UO126 or PD 98059), or COX‐2 (with NS398) each significantly suppressed uric acid–induced MCP‐1 expression at 24 hours, implicating these pathways in the response to uric acid. The ability of both n‐acetyl‐cysteine and diphenyleneionium (antioxidants) to inhibit uric acid–induced MCP‐1 production suggested involvement of intracellular redox pathways. Uric acid regulates critical proinflammatory pathways in VSMCs, suggesting it may have a role in the vascular changes associated with hypertension and vascular disease.
Optimization of Surface Roughness in Hard Turning of AISI 4340 Steel using Coated Carbide Inserts

The use of multilayer coated carbide tool in hard turning has several advantages over grinding process such as; reduction of processing costs, increased productivity, short cycle time, compatible surface roughness and less enviornment problems without the use of cutting fluid. In the present study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the performance of multilayer coated carbide inserts during dry turning of hardened AISI 4340 steel (47 HRC). The effect of machining parameters (depth of cut, feed and cutting speed) on surface roughness (Ra) was investigated by applying ANOVA. The experiments were planned based on Taguchi’s L27 Orthogonal array design. Results showed that surface roughness (Ra) mainly influenced by feed and cutting speed, whereas depth of cut exhibits neglegible influence on surface roughness. The experimental data were further anlyzed to predict the optimal range of surface roughness (Ra). Finally a second order regression model was developed to find out the relationship between the machining parameters and surface roughness.
New challenges and directions in Casimir force experiments

This article is divided in three sections. In the first section we briefly review some high precision experiments on the Casimir force, underlying an important aspect of the analysis of the data. In the second section we discuss our recent results in the measurement of the Casimir force using non-trivial materials. In the third section we present some original ideas for experiments on new phenomena related to the Casimir effects.
A Promoter Fragment of the sycp1 Gene Is Sufficient to Drive Transgene Expression in Male and Female Meiotic Germ Cells in Zebrafish1

ABSTRACT The synaptonemal complex protein 1 (Sycp1) is required for the formation of crossovers that occurs during the meiotic prophase. The tissue and cell-specific expression pattern of the Sycp1 protein have been studied in mammals and fish, but data on the corresponding transcript remain scarce. In this report, we described for the first time in zebrafish the tissue- and cell-specific expression pattern of the sycp1 gene. In ovary, the expression of the sycp1 transcript was restricted to the early primary oocytes. In testis, the sycp1 transcript was observed in primary spermatocytes in agreement with a previous report describing the localization of the Sycp1 protein in those cells. Unexpectedly, sycp1 transcript expression remained high in spermatids. To gain insight on the genomic region responsible for the sycp1 gene expression pattern, we generated four independent Dr_sycp1:eGFP transgenic zebrafish lines carrying the −1482/+338 gene fragment fused to the enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter gene. We demonstrate that this promoter fragment contains the information required for the cell-specific expression of the endogenous sycp1 gene in males and in females. However, the GFP protein and its associated fluorescence persist in spermatozoa and maturing oocytes. The Dr_sycp1:eGFP zebrafish lines have the potential to be valuable models to trace meiosis onset in zebrafish and constitute the first transgenic lines expressing the GFP reporter protein only in the male meiotic and postmeiotic cells in fish.
Cost and feasibility analysis of self-deployed cellular network

A self-deployed network is considered to be one of cost-efficient deployment solutions by skipping an expensive network planning process. However, it may result in the serious degradation of capacity or the infeasibility of coverage constraint due to the rise of interference although radio adaptation techniques are employed. Therefore, deployment decision makers, e.g., operators, need to identify when and where the self-deployed network is feasible and economical compared with the planned network. For this, we estimate the average network throughput of the self-deployed network subject to a coverage constraint and compare it with the planned network. Three distinct regions of self-deployment are identified where different deployment strategies are required: infeasible, cost-effective, and uneconomical. We evaluate how the regions alter according to different channel environments and make suggestions for economical deployment.
Positron emission tomography of esophageal carcinoma using (11)C-choline and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose: a novel method of preoperative lymph node staging.

BACKGROUND Accurate preoperative staging is an important but difficult problem in determining therapy for patients with esophageal carcinoma. Positron emission tomography (PET) is used with [methyl-(11)C]choline ((11)C-choline) and 2-[(18)F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) to detect a variety of malignancies. The authors used PET with both of these agents to detect lymph node metastases in patients with esophageal carcinoma. METHODS Lymph node metastases in 33 patients with biopsy-proven esophageal carcinoma (16 patients with tumors classified as T1 and 17 patients with tumors classified as T2-4) was examined by PET using (11)C-choline and (18)F-FDG, and the accuracy of the results was correlated with pathology findings after surgery. RESULTS (11)C-choline PET was more effective than (18)F-FDG PET and computed tomography (CT) in detecting very small metastases localized in the mediastinum. It was ineffective, however, in detecting metastases localized in the upper abdomen, because of the normal uptake of (11)C-choline in the liver. (18)F-FDG PET was superior to CT in detecting metastases in the mediastinum and the upper abdomen, whereas (11)C-choline PET was superior to (18)F-FDG PET in detecting metastases in the mediastinum. When (11)C-choline PET and (18)F-FDG PET were used in combination, they were very effective in evaluating the lymph node status in both the mediastinum and the upper abdomen, and detected 85% of the metastatic lymph nodes (n = 46). CONCLUSIONS In this study, the combination of (11)C-choline PET and (18)F-FDG PET was very effective in evaluating the lymph node status of patients with esophageal carcinoma preoperatively.
Component-resolved evaluation of the content of major allergens in therapeutic extracts for specific immunotherapy of honeybee venom allergy

ABSTRACT Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only curative treatment of honeybee venom (HBV) allergy, which is able to protect against further anaphylactic sting reactions. Recent analyses on a molecular level have demonstrated that HBV represents a complex allergen source that contains more relevant major allergens than formerly anticipated. Moreover, allergic patients show very diverse sensitization profiles with the different allergens. HBV-specific immunotherapy is conducted with HBV extracts which are derived from pure venom. The allergen content of these therapeutic extracts might differ due to natural variations of the source material or different down-stream processing strategies of the manufacturers. Since variations of the allergen content of therapeutic HBV extracts might be associated with therapeutic failure, we adressed the component-resolved allergen composition of different therapeutic grade HBV extracts which are approved for immunotherapy in numerous countries. The extracts were analyzed for their content of the major allergens Api m 1, Api m 2, Api m 3, Api m 5 and Api m 10. Using allergen-specific antibodies we were able to demonstrate the underrepresentation of relevant major allergens such as Api m 3, Api m 5 and Api m 10 in particular therapeutic extracts. Taken together, standardization of therapeutic extracts by determination of the total allergenic potency might imply the intrinsic pitfall of losing information about particular major allergens. Moreover, the variable allergen composition of different therapeutic HBV extracts might have an impact on therapy outcome and the clinical management of HBV-allergic patients with specific IgE to particular allergens.
The scale of edges

Although the scale of isotropic visual elements such as blobs and interest points, e.g. SIFT[12], has been well studied and adopted in various applications, how to determine the scale of anisotropic elements such as edges is still an open problem. In this paper, we study the scale of edges, and try to answer two questions: 1) what is the scale of edges, and 2) how to calculate it. From the points of human cognition and physical interpretation, we illustrate the existence of the scale of edges and provide a quantitative definition. Then, an automatic edge scale selection approach is proposed. Finally, a cognitive experiment is conducted to validate the rationality of the detected scales. Moreover, the importance of identifying the scale of edges is also shown in applications such as boundary detection and hierarchical edge parsing.
Tibolone in postmenopausal women: a review based on recent randomised controlled clinical trials

Aim. To critically discuss the use of tibolone (T), in light of a series of very recent double-blind placebo (PL) controlled trials (LISA, LIFT, OPAL, THEBES, LIBERATE) conducted worldwide in a large number of postmenopausal women (PMW). Methods. The most relevant publications on T therapy in PMW were considered with emphasis on menopausal symptoms, quality of life, sexuality, bone, cardiovascular system (CVS) and oncologic risk. Results. T significantly relieves climacteric symptoms and improves mood and sexual well-being (LISA). T is as effective as estrogen–progestin therapy in preventing bone loss and reducing the relative risk of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures (LIFT). By using surrogate endpoints of the individual risks for the CVS, studies show mixed results, but a favourable effect on acute miocardial infarction and thromboembolism has been documented (THEBES, LIFT, OPAL). Although findings about endometrial and colon cancer are reassuring, conclusive data on breast cancer risk with T are not available and an increased risk of recurrence in women with previous breast cancer emerged (LIBERATE). Conclusions. T is effective in treating menopausal syndrome with a good tolerability profile. In spite of some unsolved issues in term of safety, T is still a good treatment option for early PMW.
Total Thyroidectomy as Primary Definitive Treatment for Graves’ Hyperthyroidism

The objective of this study was to compare the results of total thyroidectomy (TT) for hyperthy-roidism secondary to Graves’ disease (GD) with TT for other benign thyroid diseases to determine if TT should be considered more often as first-line therapy for GD. Seven hundred eighty patients underwent TT for benign disease: 203 for GD, 56 for other hyperthyroidisms, and 521 for other benign diseases from March 1, 2003, to December 31, 2009. The perioperative results of these three groups were compared for demographics, blood loss, operative time, complications, and hospitalization. There were no significant differences among the three groups except the patients with GD were more likely to be younger (42 vs 56 vs 57 years; P < 0.001), have more blood loss (154 vs 99 vs 110 mL; P = 0.05), and were more likely to develop permanent hypoparathyroidism (1.0 vs 1.8 vs 0%; P = 0.03) when compared with other causes of hyperthyroidism and other benign thyroid diseases. Permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury did not occur in the GD group (0 vs 0 vs 0.4% nerves at risk; P = 0.69) with transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurring in 1.7 versus 2.7 versus 3.1 per cent nerves at risk (P = 0.35). The lack of a euthyroid state preoperatively had no influence on surgical outcomes or complications. Eighty percent of the TTs for GD were done as same-day outpatient procedures. TT offers a safe, low-risk, and rapid cure for GD to justifiably be considered as a reasonable first-line therapy in selected patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism.
Disruption of mCry 2 restores circadian rhythmicity in mPer 2 mutant mice

Max Planck Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Department of Medicine, Division of Biochemistry, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, 980-8575 Sendai, Japan.
Reconstitution of the latent T-lymphocyte response to Epstein-Barr virus is coincident with long-term recovery from posttransplant lymphoma after adoptive immunotherapy

Background. Adoptive transfer of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) has been used to treat EBV-induced posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) in solid-organ recipients. This study defines, in detail, the temporal relationship between adoptive transfer and the clinical response, EBV DNA load, and CTL response to EBV latent and lytic antigens in a patient with a subcutaneous PTLD presentation treated with adoptive transfer of autologous CTL. Methods. A heart transplant patient developed multiple subcutaneous PTLD deposits and was treated with a total of six doses (20 × 106 CTL per dose) of cultured autologous polyclonal EBV-specific CTL by adoptive transfer. Results. Complete regression occurred after the sixth CTL dose, and the patient has remained disease-free from 47 weeks to the present (136 weeks). Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed a reduction in viral load after therapy. Enzyme-linked immunospot analysis using defined EBV CTL epitopes showed that the CTL precursor frequency (pCTL) toward a lytic antigen epitope was elevated early in the course of disease but tended to decrease to lower levels after long-term regression of PTLD. The most dramatic result was seen in relation to three latent CTL epitopes studied. Long-term regression of PTLD was characterized by high pCTL toward the latent antigens. Conclusions. Increased pCTL reactivity to latent EBV CTL epitopes is coincident with recovery from disease after adoptive transfer of autologous CTL. Furthermore, the results are compatible with the belief that activation of a sustained CTL response to EBV latent epitopes is protective and may be a characteristic of patients in long-term remission from PTLD.
In addition to insulin resistance and obesity, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome in Chinese--a population-based study (Taichung Community Health Study, TCHS).

AIM To investigate the association between arterial stiffness (present with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV)) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a population-based study of middle-aged Chinese. METHODS MetS was defined using the AHA/NHLBI criteria. A total of 1,018 subjects aged 40 years and over were recruited in 2004. Homeostasis model assessment was applied to estimate the degree of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The baPWV was divided into four groups by quartiles. RESULTS The prevalence of MetS and its individual components increased by the increase in baPWV quartiles. After adjusting for age, BMI, HOMA-IR, smoking, alcohol drinking, betel nut chewing, and physical activity status, multiple logistic regression revealed that baPWV groups were significantly associated with MetS. Compared with the lowest baPWV quartile, the adjusted odds ratio of having MetS in baPWV quartile II, III, IV was 2.10 (1.034.28), 4.48 (2.169.26), 10.4 (4.5324.0) in men, and 4.20 (1.4712.0), 14.6 (5.2240.6), 16.3 (5.4848.2) in women, respectively. The prevalence of MetS increased with the increase of age, HOMA-IR, and BMI groups. The optimal cut-off values of baPWV for MetS were 1,539 cm/sec in men and 1,482 cm/sec in women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In addition to insulin resistance and obesity, baPWV was strongly related to MetS in middle-aged Taiwan Chinese. The cut-off value of baPWV for cardiovascular disease differed between genders.
A 60GHz on-chip antenna in standard CMOS silicon Technology

This paper presents a compact and efficient 60-GHz on chip antenna that may be realized with the back-end-of-line process of standard CMOS silicon Technology on low resistivity 10 Ω. cm silicon substrate. A planar tab monopole antenna structure is adopted and the feeding network is designed with 50Ω substrate-shielded CPW line. The designed antenna has a compact size of 1.5mm*1.0mm, including feed line and pads which are the integral parts of the antenna. Ansoft HFSS is used for design simulation with results centered at 60 GHz as following: the maximum gain is around 0.1dBi, the radiation efficiency is around 39%, the VSWR is less than 1.5 from 51.5 GHz to 70.6 GHz and the minimum return loss is around -36dB to achieve a better quality of impedance matching. The designed on-chip antenna can be used for the integration of a 60 GHz single-chip transceiver.