Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross‐Sectional Geometry, Bone Strength, and Bone Mass in the Proximal Femur in Black and White Postmenopausal Women

Osteoporosis is characterized by both a low bone mass and a disruption of the architectural arrangement of bone tissue, leading to decreased skeletal strength and increased fracture risk. Although there are well‐known ethnic differences in bone mass and fracture risk, little is known about possible ethnic differences in bone structure. Therefore, we studied cross‐sectional geometry in the hip in a sample of postmenopausal black and white women in order to investigate ethnic differences that might contribute to differences in bone strength and ultimately hip fracture risk. We recruited 371 postmenopausal black and white women who were entering the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trials in Detroit. Bone density measurements of the proximal femur were done by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) using a Hologic 1000 Plus bone densitometer. The DXA data were used for hip structure analysis, which treats the entire proximal femur as a continuous curved beam from the proximal shaft to the femoral neck. This permits the analysis of cross‐sectional geometric properties in two narrow regions corresponding to thin (5 mm) cross‐sectional slabs seen on edge. The results indicate significant ethnic differences in bone density, cross‐sectional geometry, and dimensional variables. Specifically, the black women have a significantly higher bone density in both locations (10.1% and 4.1% for the neck and shaft, respectively); greater cross‐sectional geometric properties in the neck (ranging from 6.1% to 11.6%), but a smaller endocortical diameter in the neck (3.6%). There are fewer significant differences in cross‐sectional geometry in the shaft location. Our data suggest that the spatial distribution of bone is arranged in the femoral neck to resist greater loading in black women compared with white women.
How conceptualizing influences fluency in first and second language speech production

ABSTRACT When speaking in any language, speakers must conceptualize what they want to say before they can formulate and articulate their message. We present two experiments employing a novel experimental paradigm in which the formulating and articulating stages of speech production were kept identical across conditions of differing conceptualizing difficulty. We tracked the effect of difficulty in conceptualizing during the generation of speech (Experiment 1) and during the abandonment and regeneration of speech (Experiment 2) on speaking fluency by Dutch native speakers in their first (L1) and second (L2) language (English). The results showed that abandoning and especially regenerating a speech plan taxes the speaker, leading to disfluencies. For most fluency measures, the increases in disfluency were similar across L1 and L2. However, a significant interaction revealed that abandoning and regenerating a speech plan increases the time needed to solve conceptual difficulties while speaking in the L2 to a greater degree than in the L1. This finding supports theories in which cognitive resources for conceptualizing are shared with those used for later stages of speech planning. Furthermore, a practical implication for language assessment is that increasing the conceptual difficulty of speaking tasks should be considered with caution.
Simulation Tools for Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) are formed by a large number of networked sensing nodes. It is rather complex, or even unfeasible, to model analytically a WSN and it usually leads to oversimplified analysis with limited confidence. Besides, deploying test-beds supposes a huge effort. Therefore, simulation is essential to study WSN. However, it requires a suitable model based on solid assumptions and an appropriate framework to ease implementation. In addition, simulation results rely on the particular scenario under study (environment), hardware and physical layer assumptions, which are not usually accurate enough to capture the real behavior of a WSN, thus, jeopardizing the credibility of results. However, detailed models yields to scalability and performance issues, due to the large number of nodes, that depending on application, have to be simulated. Therefore, the tradeoff between scalability and accuracy becomes a major issue when simulating WSN. In this survey a suitable model for WSN simulation is introduced, together with guidelines for selecting an appropriate framework. In addition, a comparative description of available tools is provided.
The Electrophysiological Properties of Normal Neonatal and Adult Canine Cardiac Purkinje Fibers

To determine the basis for age-related changes that occur in the transmembrane action potentials (AP) of canine cardiac Purkinje fibers (PF), we used standard microelectrode techniques to study PF from normal neonatal and adult beagles. As previously shown, neonatal PF AP have a less negative maximum diastolic potential (MDP), a lower AP amplitude (amp) and maximum upstroke velocity of phase 0 (Vmax), and shorter AP duration measured at 50% and 100% repolarization than have those of adults. Further, the termination of phase 1 and the peak of phase 2 occur at more positive levels of membrane potential in neonatal PF. The less negative MDP in neonatal PF is associated with a lower intracellular potassium activity (aK′) as demonstrated with a K+-sensitive microelectrode. Neonatal PF showed greater depression of AP amp and Vmax during superfusion with the rapid Na+ channel blocker, tetrodotoxin (TTX), than did adult PF. The attainment of more negative voltages at the termination of phase 1 in adult compared to neonatal PF was not attributable to age-related differences in response to changes in drive cycle length, temperature, or external Cl” concentration. However, 4-aminopyridine, a blocker of the early, repolarizing potassium current, altered this variable in adult and not in neonatal PF. The effects of verapamil and AHR-2666, both slow inward current blockers; of TTX, which blocks a background inward Na+ current; and of TEA+, which blocks repolarizing K+ current, were studied on AP repolarization. Adult PF AP were more sensitive to the effects of AHR-2666, verapamil, and TEA* and less sensitive to the effects of TTX than neonates.
Using Z as a Substrate for an Architectural Style Description Language 1

This paper shows how Z can be used as a substrate for an architectural style description language. The language provides a collection of abstract software types that support the description of execution and interface semantics, logical views, and relationships between logical views. The software types correspond to application-invariant Z schemas, which provide a type-theoretic basis for the language that allows it to be used for describing, analyzing, and comparing various architectural styles and logical views.
Analysis of Online Conversations for Giving Sense to Sustainable Tourism in the Adriatic-Ionian Region

The role of online conversation analysis on tourism and sustainability is underrated, especially in policymaking and management of sustainability of tourist destinations. The paper reports an analysis of online conversations retrieved from Twitter during the 2016 peak season, referring to four main destinations located in the Adriatic-Ionian region. The focus is analyzing the meaning of the expression “sustainable tourism” as emerging from online texting. Findings are that private users do not talk about sustainability and features of sustainable tourism while using Twitter, enforcing the idea that sustainable tourism has popular “meaning” and “appeal” possibly different from scien tific approach. Users tell exclusively on leisure features of destinations, and public bodies neglect the opportunity of using Twitter for image building and web listening. Private companies, public administrators, and policymakers should benefit from the exposed procedures for online conversation analyses in designing and organizing their respec-tive tasks. Researchers and destination managers would be also interested in the existing divide between official documents and statements on sustainability and sustainable tour ism and reality of popular perception of the issue.
Credit Market Disequilibrium in Greece (2003-2011) - A Bayesian Approach

Motivated by the linkage between credit and growth in the Greek economy, and the deceleration of credit since the financial crisis, this paper studies the evolution of credit demand and supply in Greece. A disequilibrium model of demand and supply is estimated spanning the period 2003M1-2011M3. The adopted specification allows for stochastic shocks on both supply and demand. A Bayesian estimation methodology with data augmentation for the latent variables is used. The analysis is carried out separately for each type of loan (short- and long-term business loans, consumer loans and mortgages) enabling the comparative study of the credit rationing and supply constraint effects among loan categories. The results indicate that, for all loan categories, excess demand characterized the boom period. After the intensification of the debt crisis, evidence is provided for the existence of excess demand due to binding constraints on supply. However, demand for short-term business loans has slowed down more than supply, reflecting businesses JEL Classification: D50, E44, E42, C32, G21, G28, P00
The Diffusion of Technology , Education and Income Inequality : Evidence from Developed and Developing Countries

This paper provides empirical evidence that the interaction between technological change and the quality of education explains both the growth of inequality during the 1980s and 1990s, and also the diverse patterns of inequality dynamics observed in developing countries. In order to quantify the change in the arrival rate of new technologies for a broad spectrum of developed and developing countries, I isolate the high skill factor content of imports. This measure captures the new technologies embodied within imports. To do so, I employ a Poisson gravity model of bilateral trade with importer and exporter fixed effects, which generates a proxy for technological change for over one hundred countries. Using cross-country regressions, I find that: (1) a higher skilled factor content of imports significantly increases the change in inequality, reflecting the skill-biased nature of technological change; (2) a higher quality of education reduces the change in inequality, reflecting a greater ability of the work force in adapting to new technologies; and (3) the interaction of these terms is negatively related to the change in inequality. Taken together, the results imply that a faster rate of technological progress increases inequality more so if the quality of education is low. The evidence explains why inequality remained constant or even fell in East Asian countries with a high quality of education, while inequality grew within Latin America with a relatively lower quality of education.
Multimeric nature of voltage-gated proton channels

Voltage-gated potassium channels are comprised of four subunits, and each subunit has a pore domain and a voltage-sensing domain (VSD). The four pore domains assemble to form one single central pore, and the four individual VSDs control the gate of the pore. Recently, a family of voltage-gated proton channels, such as HV or voltage sensor only protein (VSOP), was discovered that contain a single VSD but no pore domain. It has been assumed that VSOP channels are monomeric and contain a single VSD that functions as both the VSD and the pore domain. It remains unclear, however, how a protein that contains only a VSD and no pore domain can conduct ions. Using fluorescence measurements and immunoprecipitation techniques, we show here that VSOP channels are expressed as multimeric channels. Further, FRET experiments on constructs with covalently linked subunits show that VSOP channels are dimers. Truncation of the cytoplasmic regions of VSOP reduced the dimerization, suggesting that the dimerization is caused mainly by cytoplasmic protein–protein interactions. However, these N terminus- and C terminus-deleted channels displayed large proton currents. Therefore, we conclude that even though VSOP channels are expressed mainly as dimers in the cell membrane, single VSOP subunits could function independently as proton channels.
The Sustainable Role of the E-Trust in the B2C E-Commerce of Vietnam

Vietnam, as a new emerging market, especially in e-business, has been promoting its emerging e-commerce market in Southeast Asia using aggressive players such as Lazada. Nonetheless, Vietnam has strong cultural background of risk-averse attitudes, like other developing countries, thereby deferring sustainable transformation into the e-business revolution. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the factors leading to the sustainable performance of e-commerce businesses, because highly risk-avert attitudes still cause many problems due to low levels of trust. In this perspective of trust, this research may contribute to promoting Vietnamese online shopping trends and suggesting ways for sustainable business to achieve success in B2C e-commerce. The purpose of this research is to examine whether or not the characteristics of e-service quality (usefulness, convenience, security, responsiveness, and assurance) have a positive influence on customer loyalty, one of the sustainable success factors in this growing e-commerce industry in Asian markets. Using questionnaires and structural equation modelling, we concluded that it is crucial to promote e-trust as a vital element, because it lacks, in the short-run, an initial e-trust.
The impact of the fourth disulfide bridge in scorpion toxins of the α‐KTx6 subfamily

Animal toxins are highly reticulated and structured polypeptides that adopt a limited number of folds. In scorpion species, the most represented fold is the α/β scaffold in which an helical structure is connected to an antiparallel β‐sheet by two disulfide bridges. The intimate relationship existing between peptide reticulation and folding remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of disulfide bridging on the 3D structure of HsTx1, a scorpion toxin potently active on Kv1.1 and Kv1.3 channels. This toxin folds along the classical α/β scaffold but belongs to a unique family of short‐chain, four disulfide‐bridged toxins. Removal of the fourth disulfide bridge of HsTx1 does not affect its helical structure, whereas its two‐stranded β‐sheet is altered from a twisted to a nontwisted configuration. This structural change in HsTx1 is accompanied by a marked decrease in Kv1.1 and Kv1.3 current blockage, and by alterations in the toxin to channel molecular contacts. In contrast, a similar removal of the fourth disulfide bridge of Pi1, another scorpion toxin from the same structural family, has no impact on its 3D structure, pharmacology, or channel interaction. These data highlight the importance of disulfide bridging in reaching the correct bioactive conformation of some toxins. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parallel Quasi Exhaustive Search of Optimal Asset Allocation for Pension Funds

We present a solution based on a suitable combination of heuristics and parallel processing techniques for finding the best allocation of the financial assets of a pension fund, taking into account all the specific rules of the fund. We compare the values of an objective function computed with respect to a large set (thousands) of possible scenarios for the evolution of the Net Asset Value (NAV) of the share of each asset class in which the financial capital of the fund is invested. Our approach does not depend neither on the model used for the evolution of the NAVs nor on the objective function. In particular, it does not require any linearization or similar approximations of the problem. Although we applied it to a situation in which the number of possible asset classes is limited to few units (six in the specific case), the same approach can be followed also in other cases by grouping asset classes according to their features.
The Effect of Psychological Conditions on Sexuality: A Review

Depression, a leading problem globally is frequently associated with sexual dysfunction in both genders [2]. Sexual dysfunction, meaning loss of sexual desire, loss of sexual enjoyment, sexual aversion, failure of genital response (erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness or failure of lubrication in women), orgasmic dysfunction, premature ejaculation, vaginismus in women, and dyspareunia or pain during sexual intercourse 2012. Epidemiological studies found that the 12-month prevalence of at least one sexual dysfunction is between 30% and 70% in sexually active men and women in high-income countries [3,4]. People’s depression affects their ability to work and function socially, and interestingly, antidepressants are known to adversely affect sexual function, which may then enhance the very depression that they are attempting to address [5].
Noncommunicable Diseases in HIV Infection in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Gastrointestinal, Hepatic, and Nutritional Aspects

Abstract:The purpose of this review was to outline the interaction between HIV and noncommunicable diseases affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, liver, and nutritional disorders in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and to identify research priorities. Noncommunicable GI tract disorders are only moderately influenced by HIV, and peptic ulceration is actually less common. However, the impact of HIV on GI cancers needs further investigation. HIV interacts strongly with environmental enteropathy, exacerbating malabsorption of nutrients and drugs. HIV has 2 major effects on noncommunicable liver disease: drug-induced liver injury and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (particularly in persons of African genetic descent). The effect of HIV on nutrition was one of the first markers of the epidemic in the 1980s, and HIV continues to have major nutritional consequences. Childhood malnutrition and HIV frequently coexist in some regions, for example, southern Africa, resulting in powerful negative interactions with poorer responses to standard nutritional rehabilitation. HIV and nutritional care need to be better integrated, but many questions on how best to do this remain unanswered. Across the spectrum of GI, hepatic, and nutritional disorders in HIV infection, there is increasing evidence that the microbiome may play an important role in disease pathogenesis, but work in this area, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is in its infancy.
Optimal Control of Compliant Bipedal Gaits and Their Implementation on Robot Hardware

Legged animals exhibit diverse locomotion patterns known as gaits, which are capable of robustly traversing terrains of variable grade, roughness, and compliance. Despite the success of legs in nature, wheeled solutions still dominate the field of robotics. State-of-the-art humanoid robots have not yet demonstrated locomotion behaviors that are as robust or varied as their biological counterparts. While humans use a wide range of dynamic motions to ensure stable locomotion, most bipedal robots either reject externaldisturbances without changing gait or fall. Modern modelbased control schemes often target individual gaits rather than realizing multiple behaviors within a single framework. Recently, researchers have proposed using the spring mass model as a compliant locomotion paradigm to create unified controllers for walking and running on bipedal systems. Although initial studies have revealed policies capable of transitioning through different gaits, most of these control laws are designed empirically using heuristics.Furthermore, these controllers have not yet been demonstrated on physical hardware, and thus their utility for real-world machines remains unclear. This thesis investigates the optimal control of simplified bipedalpoint-mass models for designing unified walking and running control policies. We examine the theoretically maximum performance these models can achieve and evaluate their utility for controlling higher-order robot hardware. We hypothesize that it is not necessary to hand design these policies using heuristics. Instead, existing numerical optimization tools can generate approximate globallyoptimal policies, which can be used to find parametric control laws. We then attempt to transfer these low-dimensional plans onto a physical bipedal robot using a model-based controller to embed the underlying simplified model. We show that this control methodology leads to stable locomotion across several different gaits on the ATRIAS biped robot.
The Determinant of Behavioral Intention to Use Village Financial Information System Case in Indonesia

E-Village budgeting (EVB), the village financial administration system, were applied using in 189 villages in Banyuwangi Regency, Indonesia. The research examine technology acceptance model (TAM) in implementation of EVB system. There are five hypothesis that tested based on TAM. The data analysis technique used structural equation model with the analysis of moment structure program. Structural equation model is defined as a set of statistical techniques that allow testing of a relatively complex set of relationships. Research variables include the association perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude to using, and intention to use. Perceived ease of use relates to perceived benefits and attitude in the use of EVB information systems. The perceived usefulness is not related to the intention to use the EVB information system. Attitude to using has a relationship with the intention to use the EVB information system which indicates that attitude is related to the desire to use the system.
THE INFLUENCE OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TO FIRM VALUE BY TAX AVOIDANCE AS INTERVENING VARIABLE

This study examines the assessment of Indonesian companies on Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance on all samples of State-ownership Enterprise listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Analyze further whether these firms have changed tax avoidance activities since 2011-2015 when the Indonesian government enacted stricter auditing of tax regulation along with policy of company being responsibility to stakeholder in around companies. Our findings show that both corporate social responsibility and corporate governance are negatively significant associated with tax avoidance. These results indicate that policy of corporate responsibility can be influence policy of financial reporting through tax behavior. As we know many company will be considering lower tax costs to increase shareholder value through dividing profit after tax. Alongside company, government is also response through combining policy of tax and corporate responsibility in from a tax benefits, then companies and governments build and cooperate in creating a prosper public. Considering good corporate governance practice in every decision making will be facilitate company in planning tax policy by using tax benefits without harm government. We also report that corporate social responsibility can be increasing significantly firm value, because legitimate theories explain that by participating from the company to stakeholders, this will be increasing shareholder value. Another results is how corporate governance negatively affects significantly with firm value. This is signs that corporate governance in state-owned enterprise cannot be work well, because there is a lot of political interest regarding for taking policy in manage state-owned enterprise. Furthermore, our results suggest that firm arrange tax policy will get tax benefits through higher profit after tax, and then investor will be encouraged where the value of company will be increasing in the market.