Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Extensive Examination of Regression Models with a Binary Outcome Variable

: Linear regression is among the most popular statistical models in social sciences research, and researchers in various disciplines use linear probability models (LPMs)—linear regression models applied to a binary outcome. Surprisingly, LPMs are rare in the IS literature, where researchers typically use logit and probit models for binary outcomes. Researchers have examined specific aspects of LPMs’ but not thoroughly evaluated their practical pros and cons for different research goals under different scenarios. We perform an extensive simulation study to evaluate the advantages and dangers of LPMs, especially with respect to big data, which is now common in IS research. We evaluate LPMs for three common uses of binary outcome models: inference and estimation, prediction and classification, and selection bias. We compare its performance to logit and probit under different sample sizes, error distributions, and more. We find that coefficient directions, statistical significance, and marginal effects yield results similar to logit and probit. In addition, LPM estimators are consistent for the true parameters up to a multiplicative scalar. This scalar, although rarely required, can be estimated assuming an appropriate error distribution. For classification and selection bias, LPMs are on par with logit and probit models in terms of class separation and ranking and is a viable alternative in selection models. LPMs are lacking when the predicted probabilities are of interest because predicted probabilities can exceed the unit interval. We illustrate some of these results by modeling price in online auctions using data from eBay.
Laser altimetry reveals complex pattern of Greenland Ice Sheet dynamics

Significance We present the first detailed reconstruction of surface elevation changes of the Greenland Ice Sheet from NASA’s laser altimetry data. Time series at nearly 100,000 locations allow the characterization of ice sheet changes at scales ranging from individual outlet glaciers to larger drainage basins and the entire ice sheet. Our record shows that continuing dynamic thinning provides a substantial contribution to Greenland mass loss. The large spatial and temporal variations of dynamic mass loss and widespread intermittent thinning indicate the complexity of ice sheet response to climate forcing, strongly enforcing the need for continued monitoring at high spatial resolution and for improving numerical ice sheet models. We present a new record of ice thickness change, reconstructed at nearly 100,000 sites on the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) from laser altimetry measurements spanning the period 1993–2012, partitioned into changes due to surface mass balance (SMB) and ice dynamics. We estimate a mean annual GrIS mass loss of 243 ± 18 Gt⋅y−1, equivalent to 0.68 mm⋅y−1 sea level rise (SLR) for 2003–2009. Dynamic thinning contributed 48%, with the largest rates occurring in 2004–2006, followed by a gradual decrease balanced by accelerating SMB loss. The spatial pattern of dynamic mass loss changed over this time as dynamic thinning rapidly decreased in southeast Greenland but slowly increased in the southwest, north, and northeast regions. Most outlet glaciers have been thinning during the last two decades, interrupted by episodes of decreasing thinning or even thickening. Dynamics of the major outlet glaciers dominated the mass loss from larger drainage basins, and simultaneous changes over distances up to 500 km are detected, indicating climate control. However, the intricate spatiotemporal pattern of dynamic thickness change suggests that, regardless of the forcing responsible for initial glacier acceleration and thinning, the response of individual glaciers is modulated by local conditions. Recent projections of dynamic contributions from the entire GrIS to SLR have been based on the extrapolation of four major outlet glaciers. Considering the observed complexity, we question how well these four glaciers represent all of Greenland’s outlet glaciers.
Neuropsychologic performance in school-aged children with sickle cell disease: a report from the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease.

OBJECTIVES To compare the results of serial neuropsychologic testing in children with sickle cell disease with the results of serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, particularly to evaluate neuropsychologic function in the absence of overt stroke. STUDY DESIGN In the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease, serial neuropsychologic and MRI tests were performed in 373 patients (255 with hemoglobin SS and 118 with hemoglobin SC), 6 to 18 years of age. MRI of the brain and a neuropsychologic battery that included the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-R or WISC-III) and the Woodcock-Johnson Math and Reading Achievement Tests were performed concurrently and repeated every 2 to 3 years. A silent infarct was defined as an MRI finding of increased signal intensity on T(2) imaging in a patient without a history of stroke. RESULTS Twenty-seven patients, all with hemoglobin SS, had overt strokes and 62 had silent infarcts (52 with hemoglobin SS). Patients with hemoglobin SS and silent infarcts had significantly lower scores for math and reading achievement, Full-Scale IQ, Verbal IQ, and Performance IQ, when compared with those with normal MRI findings. In children with hemoglobin SS and normal MRI findings, the scores for Verbal IQ, math achievement, and coding (a subscale of Performance IQ) declined with increasing age. CONCLUSIONS School-aged children with sickle cell disease had compromised neuropsychologic function in the presence of silent infarcts. In addition, they had declines in performance in certain areas of function over time. Therapeutic interventions that prevent or lessen cognitive impairment are needed before school entry for children with sickle cell disease.
A Controlled Experiment for Evaluating Quality Guidelines on the Maintainability of Object-Oriented Designs

The paper presents a controlled experiment, focusing on the impact of applying quality design principles such as the ones provided by P. Coad and E. Yourdon (1991) on the maintainability of object oriented designs. Results, which repeat the findings of a previous study, strongly suggest that such design principles have a beneficial effect on the maintainability of object oriented designs. It is argued that object oriented designs are sensitive to poor design practices because the cognitive complexity introduced becomes increasingly unmanageable. However, as our ability to generalize these results is limited, they should be considered as preliminary, i.e., it is very likely that they can only be generalized to programmers with little object oriented training and programming experience. Such programmers can, however, be commonly found on maintenance projects. As well as additional research, external replications of this study are required to confirm the results and achieve confidence in these findings.
Evaluation of Short Stature, Carbohydrate Metabolism and Other Endocrinopathies in Bloom’s Syndrome

Aims: To obtain an understanding of the etiology of proportional dwarfism and endocrinopathies of Bloom’s syndrome (BS). Methods: Admission for 5-day periods to an NIH-supported Clinical Research Center of a randomly selected population of persons with BS (n = 11; mean age 11.5 years, range 9 months to 28.5 years) for clinical and genetic history-taking, physical examination, and endocrinological, gastroenterological and immunological testing. Results: An oral glucose tolerance test was performed in all participants. Impaired glucose tolerance was present in 4 individuals, insulin resistance was observed in 6 individuals, and previously unrecognized diabetes was found in 1. Growth hormone provocation was normal in the 10 individuals tested. Overnight frequent GH sampling was suggestive of neurosecretory dysfunction in 3. Compensated hypothyroidism was found in 2 participants. Lipid profile abnormalities were present in 5 of 10 individuals. Low immunoglobulin concentrations (IgG and/or IgM) were seen in all tested. Intestinal absorption by D-xylose and/or fecal fat measurement was normal in all individuals tested as well. Conclusion: Altered carbohydrate metabolism is very common in BS, and is present from childhood. BS dwarfism is not related to growth hormone deficiency or malabsorption. The basis for the growth restriction in BS remains to be elucidated.
The Inhibition of Human Neutrophil Phagocytosis and Oxidative Burst by Tricyclic Antidepressants

BACKGROUND: Tricyclic antidepressants are being investigated as long-acting analgesics for topical application in wounds or IV for postoperative pain relief. However, it remains unclear if tricyclic antidepressants affect the host defense and if reported toxic effects on neutrophils are of relevance in this setting. We therefore investigated the effects of amitriptyline, nortriptyline, and fluoxetine on human neutrophil phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and neutrophil toxicity in a human whole blood model. METHODS: Heparinized blood samples from healthy volunteers were incubated with amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or fluoxetine (10−6 to 10−3 M) for 0, 1, or 3 h. Staphylococcus aureus in a bacteria:neutrophil ratio of 5:1 and dihydroethidium (for the determination of oxidative burst) were added. Phagocytosis was stopped after 5, 10, 20, and 40 min. After lysis of red blood cells, samples were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: In concentrations up to 10−4 M, none of the compounds affected neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst. At 10−3 M, all three compounds were highly toxic for neutrophils. Amitriptyline preserved morphological integrity, but completely suppressed neutrophil function. Nortriptyline and fluoxetine caused a marked disruption of neutrophils. The effects of the investigated antidepressants were not time-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Phagocytosis and intracellular host defense are largely unaffected by antidepressants in concentrations of 10−4 M and below. Our results confirm that antidepressants are highly toxic to neutrophils in millimolar concentrations. The neurotoxic effects and clinical side effects, but not effects on neutrophil functions, therefore, are likely to be the limiting factors in using antidepressants as analgesics.
Brainstem auditory evoked reponses in man. I. Effect of stimulus rise--fall time and duration.

Short latency (under 10 msec) evoked responses elicited by bursts of white noise were recorded from the scalp of human subjects. Response alterations produced by changes in the noise‐burst duration (on time), interburst interval (off time), and onset and offset shapes are reported and evaluated. The latency of the most prominent response component, wave V, was markedly delayed with increases in stimulus rise time but was unaffected by changes in fall time. Increase in stimulus duration and therefore loudness resulted in a systematic increse in latency, probably due to response recovery processes, as this effect was eliminated with increases in stimulus off time. The amplitude of wave V was insensitive to changes in signal rise and fall times, while increasing signal on time produced smaller amplitude responses only for sufficiently short off times. It is concluded that wave V of the human auditory brainstem‐evoked response is solely an onset response.Subject Classification :[43]65.59. [43]. 65.75.
Closed-Catheter Irrigation Is as Effective as Open Drainage for Treatment of Pyogenic Flexor Tenosynovitis

Surgical treatment of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis traditionally consists of open drainage (OD) and irrigation of the flexor tendon sheath. An alternative, less traumatic method of closed-catheter irrigation (CCI) has been advocated, but no comparative studies have been reported. The authors reviewed 47 cases of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis to determine whether a difference in outcomes exists between these two methods. OD was used in 32 patients and CCI was used in 15 patients. Complications appeared to be more common in the OD group (N = 9) compared with the CCI group (N = 3), but this difference was not significant. This study supports the use of CCI as the preferred treatment for pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis because it provides thorough mechanical tendon sheath irrigation and causes smaller wounds with less scarring, which may offer a more rapid return to function.
The treatment of adolescents with bulimia nervosa

Background: Bulimia nervosa appears to be quite common among adolescents and poses high rates of psychiatric and medical morbidity. Yet, no published accounts of treatment for this population are available. Aims: To briefly describe the clinical presentation of bulimia nervosa in adolescents and review the available information regarding psychological and pharmacological treatments from the adult literature. Method: A narrative review of the available literature. Results: Relatively little information about the treatment of adolescents with bulimia nervosa are available. Family-based treatments as well as cognitive behavioural guided self-help are both promising interventions. Except for one small open trial of fluoxetine, pharmacotherapy remains entirely unexplored. Conclusion: Most of what is known regarding the treatment of adolescents with bulimia nervosa is based on the adult literature, which does not specifically allude to the applicability of these data for adolescent populations. While we await the publication of two current randomized controlled trials, much more work is needed to establish the best treatments for adolescent bulimia nervosa. Declaration of interest: DLG was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, USA (MH01923). The adolescent bulimia nervosa study was supported by the Health Foundation, UK. Conflict of interests: None.
Novel type III polyketide synthases from Aloe arborescens

Aloe arborescens is a medicinal plant rich in aromatic polyketides, such as pharmaceutically important aloenin (hexaketide), aloesin (heptaketide) and barbaloin (octaketide). Three novel type III polyketide synthases (PKS3, PKS4 and PKS5) were cloned and sequenced from the aloe plant by cDNA library screening. The enzymes share 85–96% amino acid sequence identity with the previously reported pentaketide chromone synthase and octaketide synthase. Recombinant PKS4 and PKS5 expressed in Escherichia coli were functionally identical to octaketide synthase, catalyzing the sequential condensations of eight molecules of malonyl‐CoA to produce octaketides SEK4/SEK4b. As in the case of octaketide synthase, the enzymes are possibly involved in the biosynthesis of the octaketide barbaloin. On the other hand, PKS3 is a multifunctional enzyme that produces a heptaketide aloesone (i.e. the aglycone of aloesin) as a major product from seven molecules of malonyl‐CoA. In addition, PKS3 also afforded a hexaketide pyrone (i.e. the precursor of aloenin), a heptaketide 6‐(2‐acetyl‐3,5‐dihydroxybenzyl)‐4‐hydroxy‐2‐pyrone, a novel heptaketide 6‐(2‐(2,4‐dihydroxy‐6‐methylphenyl)‐2‐oxoethyl)‐4‐hydroxy‐2‐pyrone and octaketides SEK4/SEK4b. This is the first demonstration of the enzymatic formation of the precursors of the pharmaceutically important aloesin and aloenin by a wild‐type PKS obtained from A. arborescens. Interestingly, the aloesone‐forming activity was maximum at 50 °C, and the novel heptaketide pyrone was non‐enzymatically converted to aloesone. In PKS3, the active‐site residue 207, which is crucial for controlling the polyketide chain length depending on the steric bulk of the side chain, is uniquely substituted with Ala. Site‐directed mutagenesis demonstrated that the A207G mutant dominantly produced the octaketides SEK4/SEK4b, whereas the A207M mutant yielded a pentaketide 5,7‐dihydroxy‐2‐methylchromone.
Suppression of thermosensitive initiation of DNA replication in a dnaR mutant of Escherichia coli by a rifampin resistance mutation in the rpoB gene

The thermosensitivity of the Escherichia coli dnaR130 mutant in initiation of DNA replication was suppressed by a spontaneous rifampin resistance mutation in rpoB, the gene for the beta subunit of RNA polymerase. Among the dnaR-suppressing rpoB alleles obtained was rpoB22, which was able to suppress the thermosensitivity of the dnaA46 or dnaA167 mutant, but not that of the dnaA5 mutant, in initiation of replication. Some dnaA-suppressing rpoB alleles obtained from rifampin-resistant derivatives of the dnaA mutants were able to suppress the dnaR defect. The dnaR mutant with the rpoB22 allele was deprived of thermoresistance by the dnaA5 mutation and of viability at low and high temperatures by the dnaA46 but not the dnaA167 mutation. The results show that the rpoB-mediated suppression of the dnaA or dnaR defect depends on the functions of both dnaA and dnaR products. I propose that the dnaR product has a key role in transcriptional activation of the replication origin for the dnaA-dependent initiation of DNA replication.
Age, acquired immunity and the risk of visceral leishmaniasis: a prospective study in Iran

In order to investigate the phenomenon of age-related immunity to visceral leishmaniasis, a 1 year prospective survey was carried out on 5671 people in a Leishmania infantum focus in north-west Iran. The average incidence rate of infection since 1985 was 2·8%/year with all ages equally at risk. One in 13 infections in children led to visceral leishmaniasis (VL), and this ratio decreased significantly with age. Seroprevalence also dropped rapidly with age, suggesting that the same process may affect both clinical outcome and the humoral immune responses. Cell-mediated immunity was associated with a reduction in the seroconversion rate and an increase in the serorecovery rate. Even amongst people with no detectable cell-mediated immunity to Leishmania, the seroconversion rate decreased and the serorecovery rate increased with age. All current VL patients had a negative leishmanin skin test response. Hence, adults may develop protection against L. infantum through 2 processes, 1 dependent and 1 independent of acquired cell-mediated immunity.
Beyond an AFLP genome scan towards the identification of immune genes involved in plague resistance in Rattus rattus from Madagascar

Genome scans using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers became popular in nonmodel species within the last 10 years, but few studies have tried to characterize the anonymous outliers identified. This study follows on from an AFLP genome scan in the black rat (Rattus rattus), the reservoir of plague (Yersinia pestis infection) in Madagascar. We successfully sequenced 17 of the 22 markers previously shown to be potentially affected by plague‐mediated selection and associated with a plague resistance phenotype. Searching these sequences in the genome of the closely related species Rattus norvegicus assigned them to 14 genomic regions, revealing a random distribution of outliers in the genome (no clustering). We compared these results with those of an in silico AFLP study of the R. norvegicus genome, which showed that outlier sequences could not have been inferred by this method in R. rattus (only four of the 15 sequences were predicted). However, in silico analysis allowed the prediction of AFLP markers distribution and the estimation of homoplasy rates, confirming its potential utility for designing AFLP studies in nonmodel species. The 14 genomic regions surrounding AFLP outliers (less than 300 kb from the marker) contained 75 genes encoding proteins of known function, including nine involved in immune function and pathogen defence. We identified the two interleukin 1 genes (Il1a and Il1b) that share homology with an antigen of Y. pestis, as the best candidates for genes subject to plague‐mediated natural selection. At least six other genes known to be involved in proinflammatory pathways may also be affected by plague‐mediated selection.
Antigen presenting cells costimulatory signaling during preimplantation pregnancy *

Success of pregnancy depends on many factors. Three phenomena inducing immune tolerance against semi-allogeneic conceptus may play a crucial role in the pre-implantation period of pregnancy: influence of sex hormones in sex cycle, presence of oocyte or embryo and the presence of semen in the female reproductive tract. On the other hand dendritic cells are the most effective antigen-presenting cells in regulation of immune phenomena and also are considered as potent participants in inducing immune tolerance in the pregnancy. They communicate with T cells in cell contact-dependent manner or via cytokines. During cell-cell contacts, costimulatory molecules play a key role and their expression is often dependent on cytokines milieu. Both costimulatory molecules and cytokines influence generation of T regulatory cells. Interactions of these molecules are closely related. In this paper we would like to pay attention to the importance of antigen presenting cells costimulatory potency in immune regulation during a pre-implantation period of pregnancy.
Caribbean and Latin America

Economic performance across Latin America during 2002 varied. Overall growth, however, was adversely affected by the serious economic problems in Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela. While some states achieved modest growth, most experienced a downturn and at least five went into recession. Per capita income is now lower than it was five years ago, consumption is stagnant and investment has receded to its lowest point in the past decade. Future prospects are mixed and depend in large part on the fragile recovery in the US, although some nations will also benefit from real exchange-rate depreciations that will boost exports and curtail imports. The region, however, will continue to be overshadowed by the uncertainty in Argentina, fears over Brazil’s macroeconomic stability and continuing social unrest. In 2002 regional defence spending was US$28.4bn, down from US$32.1bn in 2001, mainly as a result of the weaker Argentinean peso. Although the economic situation in Argentina has improved in recent months many problems remain. Since mid-2002 there has been modest recovery in terms of real gross domestic product (GDP), an increase in consumer confidence and a fall in unemployment. Indeed, although the peso has recently appreciated and monthly inflation rates are declining, real GDP is still 20% lower than it was in 1998, unemployment is 18% and poverty rates remain extremely high. Against this backdrop, the 2003 defence budget increased from P3.4 billion ($1.1bn) to P4.5bn ($1.6bn), representing about 9% of total government spending, and in line with conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Brazil had a difficult year, as the consequences of its heavy debt burden continued to exert pressure on fiscal stability. Although the markets stabilised as the year went on, and the election of President Lula da Silva reduced uncertainties, the debt position continues to cause concern. One of the first acts of the new Brazilian president was to defer the F-X BR fighter procurement programme until 2004. To meet the combat-capability shortfall, the air force will either have to extend the life of its elderly Dassault Mirage IIIs or consider one of a selection of second-hand aircraft on offer. Even if Brazil adheres to the new schedule, and there is every likelihood that it could slip again, it would be 2007 before F-X deliveries begin and at least another year before initial operating capability is reached. So far, tight budgetary conditions have not affected other major air force projects, including the $270 million purchase of 12 EADS CASA C-295