Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute versus chronic sodium bicarbonate ingestion and anaerobic work and power output.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare and contrast the effects of acute versus chronic sodium bicarbonate ingestion. METHODS PARTICIPANTS Eight male, (mean+/-SE): age, 20.8+/-0.4 yrs; height, 179.6+/-0.6 cm; body mass, 79.4+/-0.85 kg, Sigma7skf, 48.6+/-4.8 mm, VO2max=55.9+/-0.8 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) volunteer subjects, ingested NaHCO3 in either a dose of 0.5 g x kg(-1) body mass acutely or the same dose daily over a period of six days in order to determine whether there were any differences in performance of 90 sec maximal cycling ergometry. INTERVENTION After subjects undertook an initial control (C) test session, all were then randomly assigned to one of two groups, acute or chronic NaHCO3 ingestion. Subjects in the acute ingestion (AI) group completed their supplemented test on day one, and then on the following day. Chronic ingestion (CI) subjects completed the test after one day of chronic ingestion as well as following six days of bicarbonate ingestion. Following ten days rest, subjects repeated the protocol in the opposite group. MEASURES Blood samples were taken pre- and postingestion, daily, and pre- and postexercise and were analysed for, pH, Base excess (BE), HCO3-, PO2, PCO2, Na+, K+, Cl-, and lactate. RESULTS Both the chronic (CI) and acute ingestion (AI) groups were significantly different to the control (C) value (p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS We would suggest using chronic ingestion as a means to improve high intensity work rather than the acute ingestion of sodium bicarbonate. The ingestion of sodium bicarbonate, over a period of six days, significantly improved work output two days after bicarbonate ingestion ceased.
Team leaders' technology choice in virtual teams

Virtual teams face challenges arising from geographical distance, cultural differences, and differing modes of interaction. Team leaders in particular face these challenges because they are primarily responsible for efficient team management. Technology choices made by leaders have become a focus of interest in communication studies, but questions regarding media choice in virtual teams have not been widely studied. This article describes an in-depth, ethnographic exploration of Finnish virtual team leaders who work in natural teams in organizational contexts. The principal goal was to examine their choice of communication technologies in daily work. The results indicate that the choice was based on four factors. First, there are two factors that are person-related: ACCESSIBILITY and SOCIAL DISTANCE. Accessibility refers to people's ease of access through a particular medium, and social distance suggests that the technology selection is based on the social distance between the persons involved. Second, there are two task-related factors: idea sharing and informing. These factors describe team leaders' media selection by the nature of the task at hand. The findings suggest that team leaders' technology choice can be partly explained by traditional media selection theories, but in virtual contexts, accessibility becomes an important determinant of which technology is chosen.
Attitudes and predictive factors for live kidney donation in British Columbia. A comparison of recipients and wait-list patients.

INTRODUCTION Live donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) is both medically and economically superior to cadaver kidney transplantation in the treatment of patients with chronic renal failure. Unfortunately, fewer than 50% of patients on the transplant waiting list have a relative or friend who contacts the transplant program about possible donation. We hypothesized that both the potential recipient and potential donor have identifiable and modifiable characteristics that contribute to the likelihood of a live donor transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS Specifically-designed and validated questionnaires addressing personal characteristics, knowledge and beliefs about LDKT were mailed to patients who had previously received a LDKT (N = 163) and patients on the cadaver transplant waiting list (N = 251). Response rates were 81% and 67% respectively. RESULTS There were significant differences between groups in age, ethnicity, marital status, hours worked per week, annual income, and time on the waiting list. Significant differences were found between groups in both knowledge and beliefs about live donor kidney transplantation. All wait-list patients could identify at least one family member (mean = 7 potential donors per wait-list patient) who might serve as a live kidney donor but less than 13% of these potential donors have actually undergone an evaluation. CONCLUSIONS In British Columbia, an enormous pool of potential live kidney donors exists for patients who are currently waiting for a cadaver kidney transplant. Educational strategies designed for wait-list patients may correct knowledge deficits and alter unfavorable beliefs about LDKT which, in turn, may increase their willingness to seek and accept an offer of live kidney donation.
Prediction of psychosis

Background The identification of people at high risk of becoming psychotic within the near future creates opportunities for early intervention prior to the onset of psychosis to prevent or minimise later ill-health. The present study combines current knowledge about risk factors for schizophrenia with our knowledge of psychotic prodromes in an attempt to identify a group particularly vulnerable to impending psychosis. We wanted to identify people with high likelihood of transition to psychosis within a follow-up period of 12 months, and to determine the rate of transition to psychosis in this group. Method Various state and trait risk factors for psychosis were used alone and in combination to operationally define a putatively high-risk group. Operationalised criteria for onset of psychosis were established. The individuals were assessed monthly on measures of psychopathology for six months. Results Eight out of 20 people made the transition to frank psychosis within a six-month follow-up period. Follow-up of this group is still in progress, and the 12 month transition rate might prove to be higher still. Conclusions We have demonstrated that it is possible to identify individuals with a high likelihood of onset of psychosis within a brief follow-up period. This lays the foundation for early treatment in an attempt to prevent, delay or minimise the severity of first onset of schizophrenia.
Alterations in Cardiac Parasympathetic Indices in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats

Autonomic neuropathy involving parasympathetic innervation is a complication of diabetes mellitus. Biochemical and morphological indices of the parasympathetic innervation of the heart were investigated in rats after diabetes mellitus was induced with streptozocin (STZ). Choline acetyltransferase (CAT) activity was used as a biochemical marker for parasympathetic innervation. Total CAT activity within the hearts of diabetic rats was unchanged after 1 and 2 wk of diabetes and was significantly reduced after 4, 8, and 12 wk. Morphological changes within the cardiac portion of the parasympathetic innervation were assessed at 8 wk when CAT activity was decreased. In diabetic rats, there was a reduction in both cardiac ganglion cell size and number. In contrast, in insulin-treated STZ-induced diabetic rats, ganglion cells were similar in size and number to those in a control group given 3-O-methylglucose to prevent induction of diabetes mellitus by STZ. Thus, diabetes mellitus is associated with alterations in cardiac parasympathetic innervation in rats, and supplemental insulin protects against these changes. These alterations may contribute to impaired parasympathetic neural control of the heart in diabetes mellitus.
The effect of reporting quality on stock returns of listed companies on the Tehran Stock Exchange

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of earnings quality (as a proxy for financial reporting quality) of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) and the quality of their financial information disclosure on stock returns. Design/methodology/approach The authors test the hypotheses by conducting panel data analysis on a sample of 1,680 firm-year observations from companies listed on the TSE during 2009-2014. The authors also conduct the variance inflation factor and unit root tests to control for the severity of multicollinearity in their ordinary least squares regression analysis and whether the time series variables are non-stationary and possess a unit root. Findings Using Francis et al. (2005) and modified Jones (1991) models as measures for earnings quality, the results are indicative of a significant and positive relationship between firms’ earnings quality and their stock returns. However, the research findings suggest that earnings management as well as disclosure quality (DQ) is not significantly associated with firms’ stock return. Research limitations/implications Although the authors controlled for some of the factors affecting stock returns, there are still some other factors such as the operating environment, institutional setting and/or information uncertainty that could influence stock returns, and accordingly, the authors were not able to exclude their possibility and get the most robust results. Moreover, there are several models proposed in different studies for measuring earnings quality which have led to mixed results particularly without a general consensus on what a good model is, and whether earnings quality is a priced risk factor. Originality/value Taken as a whole, the paper could provide new insights into the determinants of stock returns which has rarely been considered by prior finance literature. Furthermore, the unique institutional context of the paper could contribute substantially to the literature on the relationship between financial reporting and DQ and stock returns.
Discussion of ‘Making Deferred Taxes Relevant’

Abstract In this discussion of Brouwer and Naarding's article ‘Making Deferred Taxes Relevant’, which is published in this issue of Accounting in Europe, I question several aspects of their proposal to change the tax accounting standard. I argue that a quest for more value relevance of individual balance sheet items is not a good guideline for accounting standard setting. The distinction between book-first and tax-first temporary differences may be helpful for some analytical purposes, but it is not sufficiently robust to serve as a basis for an accounting standard. However, I agree with the authors that the efforts to improve IAS 12 should not be abandoned.
Routine patch testing with cadmium chloride

During a 22‐month period, 2.0% cadmium chloride in distilled water was included in our routine patch test series. Twenty‐five of 1502 eczema patients showed reactions (1.7 %), but none had any relevant history. At serial dilution test only one patient reacted to 1.0 % cadmium; all the other dilutions applied gave negative reactions. Analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry of the cadmium chloride used for patch testing showed that it contained less than 1 μg/g of chromium, copper, cobalt and nickel. The conclusion is that no certain case of contact allergy to cadmium chloride has been revealed. An experimental study using the guinea pig maximization test is in progress.
Active proteases in nephrotic plasma lead to a podocin‐dependent phosphorylation of VASP in podocytes via protease activated receptor‐1

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is associated with glomerular podocyte injury. Podocytes undergo dramatic changes in their actin structure, with little mechanistic insight to date into the human disease. Post‐transplantation recurrence of FSGS is the archetypal form of the disease caused by unknown circulating plasma ‘factors’. There is increasing indication that plasma protease activity could be central to this disease. Using clinical plasma exchange material, collected from patients in relapse and remission stages of disease, the effects of FSGS plasma on human conditionally immortalized podocytes (ciPods) were studied. We show that vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) is phosphorylated in response to relapse plasma from ten consecutively tested patients, and not in response to paired remission plasma or non‐FSGS controls. The phosphorylation signal is absent in human podocytes carrying a pathological podocin mutation. To test for a plasma ligand, inhibition of proteases in relapse plasma leads to the loss of VASP phosphorylation. By the use of siRNA technology, we show that proteases in the plasma signal predominantly via protease activated receptor‐1 (PAR1) to VASP. Mechanistically, FSGS plasma increases podocyte motility, which is dependent on VASP phosphorylation. These data suggest a specific biomarker for disease activity, as well as revealing a novel and highly specific receptor‐mediated signalling pathway to the actin cytoskeleton. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of a Pocket Doping on the Device Performance of a Schottky Tunneling Field-Effect Transistor

It is known that a pocket at the drain end of a Schottky barrier tunneling FET (SB-TFET) helps to improve the device performance in terms of greatly suppressed ambipolar current and reduced drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL). A detailed investigation, with the help of a numerical device simulator, of the impact of using such a pocket either at the source end or at both the source and the drain ends of an SB-TFET is reported for the first time in this paper. The performance of the above-mentioned two devices is compared with a device having a pocket at the drain end and a conventional MOSFET. Optimization of the barrier height and the pocket parameters is made before performance comparison. It is observed that a pocket at the drain end helps suppress the ambipolar current and reduce both the subthreshold swing and the DIBL. On the other hand, a pocket at the source end helps to improve the ON-state current ION. Using a pocket at both the source and the drain ends results in overall improvement of the device performance. The effects of scaling on such device performance parameters are also reported.
Cardiac Fibroblasts in Cell Culture Systems: Myofibroblasts All Along?

The cytoarchitecture of the working myocardium is characterized by densely packed cardiomyocytes that are embedded in a three-dimensional network of numerous fibroblasts. Although the importance of cardiac fibroblasts in maintaining an orderly structured extracellular matrix is well recognized, less is known about their potential paracrine and electrotonic interactions with cardiomyocytes. This is partly the result of the complex intermingling of both cell types in vivo that tends to preclude a direct investigation of heterocellular crosstalk. It is for that reason that most of our present knowledge regarding stromal-parenchymal cell interactions is based on culture systems that permit direct access to either cell type. An often disregarded feature of such studies is that cardiac fibroblasts in standard two-dimensional cell culture have a pronounced tendency to undergo a phenotype switch to myofibroblasts. This cell type typically appears in injured hearts where it contributes importantly to fibrotic remodeling. The present review focuses on recent insights into electrical and paracrine crosstalk between myofibroblasts and cardiomyocytes while acknowledging that a comprehensive understanding of stromal-parenchymal cell interactions will depend on future methodological developments that permit retaining the fibroblast phenotype in cell culture systems and that will, most importantly, allow direct investigations of heterocellular crosstalk in intact tissue.
Histologic Changes in Human Vocal Folds Correlated with Aging: A Histomorphometric Study

The voice of aged persons is usually different from that of younger adults — a fact indicating that aging induces changes in the human larynx. The aim of this study was to perform a histomorphometric analysis of the vocal fold and of a fragment of skin in order to determine the modifications related to aging and possible differences between genders. Twenty cadavers, 10 men and 10 women, were studied. Stereological methods were used for histologic analysis. In the vocal folds, we observed a reduction of the lamina propria thickness (p < .001) and of epithelial cell density (p < .001) as a function of age. In the skin, there was a reduction of chorion thickness (p = .02) and of epithelial cell density (p = .01). The decrease in the thickness of the lamina propria of the vocal folds with aging may contribute to the vocal pattern present in the elderly. These changes were more evident in men.
Absence of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells is associated with a loss of regulation leading to increased pathology in Helicobacter pylori‐infected mice

Helicobacter pylori induces symptomatic chronic gastritis in a subpopulation of infected individuals. The mechanism(s) determining the development and severity of pathology leading to symptoms are not fully understood. In a mouse model of H. pylori infection we analysed the influence of immunoregulatory CD4+CD25+ T cells on H. pylori colonization and gastritis. Athymic C57BL/6 nu/nu mice were reconstituted with (a) lymph node (LN) cells (b) LN cells depleted of CD25+ T cells (CD25– LN) or (c) not reconstituted at all. Mice were then infected orally with 3 × 108H. pylori SS1 bacteria. At 2 and 6 weeks after the inoculation there was a significant (P < 0·001) reduction in H. pylori colonization in athymic mice transferred with CD25– LN cells compared to mice transferred with LN cells. Colonization was still reduced at 12 weeks after inoculation. Mice transferred with CD25– LN cells showed an earlier onset and increased severity of gastritis as compared to mice receiving LN cells. Splenic cells isolated from mice receiving CD25– LN cells produced the highest level of IFN‐γ on stimulation with H. pylori antigens in vitro, had a higher H. pylori‐specific DTH response and increased infiltration of CD4+ T cells and macrophages in the gastric mucosa. Athymic mice not transferred with T cells had persistent high H. pylori colonization and displayed a normal gastric epithelium without inflammatory cells. In conclusion, CD4+CD25+ cells reduce immunopathology in H. pylori infection, possibly by reducing the activation of IFN‐γ producing CD4+ T cells, even at the expense of a higher H. pylori load in the gastric mucosa.
Is Bitcoin a Hedge or Safe-Haven for Currencies? An Intraday Analysis

Bitcoin has attracted a wealth of attention in the media and by investors alike and this paper investigates whether Bitcoin can act as a hedge or safe haven against world currencies. Contrary to previous studies, we assess the relationship between Bitcoin and currencies at the hourly frequency since Bitcoin experiences quite large volatility throughout the day. We employ a ADCC model and find that Bitcoin can be an intraday hedge for the CHF, EUR and GBP, but acts as a diversifier for the AUD, CAD and JPY. We also implement the non-temporal Hansen (2000) test to examine the safe haven properties of Bitcoin and find that Bitcoin is a safe haven during periods of extreme market turmoil for the CAD, CHF and GBP. Therefore our results indicate that Bitcoin does act as an intraday hedge, diversifier and safe haven for certain currencies, which will be of great interest to currency, cryptocurrency and high frequency investors alike.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on hepatic steatosis, NAFLD fibrosis score and HSENSI in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: a MR imaging-based pilot open-label study.

CONTEXT Limited clinical data suggest Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection may contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis. OBJECTIVES The effect of Hp eradication on hepatic steatosis (magnetic resonance imaging), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and HSENSI (Homocysteine, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis Index) in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients. METHODS Thirteen adult patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, asymptomatic for gastrointestinal disease, underwent 13C urea breath test; Hp positive patients received eradication therapy until repeat test become negative. Hepatic fat fraction, standard biochemical tests and calculation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and HSENSI were performed at baseline and month 12. RESULTS Hepatic fat fraction was similar for between and within group comparisons. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score showed a non-significant trend towards decrease in Hp(+) [-0.34 (-1.39-0.29) at baseline and -0.24 (-0.99-0.71) at month 12; P = 0.116], whereas increase in Hp(-) group [-0.38 (-1.72-0.11) and -0.56 (-1.43-0.46), respectively; P = 0.249]. HSENSI was significantly decreased only in Hp(+) group [1.0 (1.0-2.0) at baseline and 1.0 (0-1.0) at month 12; P = 0.048]. CONCLUSIONS Hp eradication had no long-term effect on hepatic steatosis, but showed a trend towards improvement in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and HSENSI. These results warrant larger studies with paired biopsies.
The State of New Keynesian Economics: A Partial Assessment

In August 2007, when the first signs emerged of what would come to be the most damaging global financial crisis since the Great Depression, the New Keynesian paradigm was dominant in macroeconomics. Ten years later, tons of ammunition has been fired against modern macroeconomics in general, and against dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models that build on the New Keynesian framework in particular. Those criticisms notwithstanding, the New Keynesian model arguably remains the dominant framework in the classroom, in academic research, and in policy modeling. In fact, one can argue that over the past ten years the scope of New Keynesian economics has kept widening, by encompassing a growing number of phenomena that are analyzed using its basic framework, as well as by addressing some of the criticisms raised against it. The present paper takes stock of the state of New Keynesian economics by reviewing some of its main insights and by providing an overview of some recent developments. In particular, I discuss some recent work on two very active research programs: the implications of the zero lower bound on nominal interest rates and the interaction of monetary policy and household heterogeneity. Finally, I discuss what I view as some of the main shortcomings of the New Keynesian model and possible areas for future research.
Lung Cancer Associated With Cystic Airspaces

Objective This study aimed to define computed tomographic morphologic features of lung cancer associated with cystic airspaces, their modifications in serial computed tomographic scans, and 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography uptake. Methods Computed tomographic scans and 18F-FDG positron emission tomography in 24 patients with lung cancer (17 adenocarcinomas, 7 squamous cell carcinomas, 12 stage I and 12 stage II to IV) associated with cystic airspaces were reviewed. Results Mean diameter of airspace was initially 17.6 mm (range, 5–30 mm), and 4 morphologic patterns were recognized: solid nodule protruding externally (type I, n = 5) or internally (type II, n = 4) from the cyst wall; circumferential thickening of the cyst wall (type III, n = 8); and tissue intermixed within clusters of cysts (type IV, n = 7). With tumor growth, airspace size decreased in 9, increased in 6, and was unchanged in 9 cases. Five cases evolved from type III to type I, and 5 lesions became completely solid. 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake was initially absent to mild in 7 and moderate to marked in 14 lesions. Conclusions Progressive wall thickening or appearance/increase of a nodule inside or outside a cystic airspace should raise suspicion of lung cancer irrespective of FDG uptake.