Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 levels in human plasma obtained from 758 Japanese healthy subjects.

Plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D3) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25-OH-D2) in 758 Japanese healthy subjects (most of them adults) were determined by a high-performance liquid chromatographic method previously reported (6) and the following results were obtained: The mean and standard deviation (M +/- SD) of the assayed values of 25-OH-D (sum of 25-OH-D3 and 25-OH-D2) was 23.8 +/- 10.1 ng/ml. 25-OH-D3 was detected in all the samples and the M +/- SD was 23.0 +/- 10.1 ng/ml. The plasma levels clearly showed the seasonal variation that the levels in summer were significantly higher than those in winter. Moreover, the plasma levels were significantly correlated with the amounts of UV light in solar radiation. These results strongly suggested that 25-OH-D3 in plasma mainly originated from endogenous vitamin D3 formed by photo-conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol in skin. 25-OH-D2 was detected only in 18.3% of the plasma samples and the M +/- SD in the detected samples was 4.4 +/- 2.9 ng/ml which was much lower than those of 25-OH-D3. The results suggested that few healthy Japanese are taking daily exogenous vitamin D2 from multivitamin preparations or others. The M +/- SD values of 25-OH-D3 plasma levels in men and women were 26.2 +/- 10.4 and 19.3 +/- 8.0 ng/ml, respectively. The formers were significantly higher than the latters. The results were thought to be due to the reason that men might be outdoors for longer periods than women. When age variation of plasma 25-OH-D3 levels was examined, the levels in the twenties were significantly lower than the other generations. This was confirmed to be due to the low values observed in the female twenties group, but the detailed reason is unclear at the present time. When 4 healthy volunteers were orally administered 400 I.U. /day of vitamin D2 every day for 8 weeks, maximum levels (average: 11.5 ng/ml) were observed at the 8 weeks and the levels gradually decreased after stopping the administration. The results suggested that the half life of 25-OH-D2 in plasma might be 4-5 weeks.
Fiscal Policy in a Structural VAR Model for Germany

This paper examines the eects of fiscal policy measures on GDP and the government budget balance in a structural VAR model. In order to identify expenditure shocks we follow Blachard/Perotti (2002) and assume that government expenditure is partly predetermined in the budget. For the identification of tax policy shocks we exploit changes in tax law in Germany between 1967 and 2008. Our results support significant short term eects of fiscal expansionary policies. In the medium term, however, the model predicts substantial increases in government debt. Applying the model to the recent stimulus programmes in Germany, we find that the stimulus programme had substantial eect on output in the short run.
Project ES3: attempting to quantify and measure the level of stress.

INTRODUCTION The WHO has qualified stress as a 'world epidemic' due to its increasingly greater incidence on health. The work described in this paper represents an attempt to objectively quantify the level of stress. AIM The aim of the method developed here is to measure how close or how far a subject is from a situation that can be considered 'normal' in medical and social terms. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The literature on the pathophysiology of stress and its methods of study in experiments on both animals and humans was reviewed. Nine prospective observational studies were undertaken with different types of subjects and stressors covering the different types of stress. RESULTS The results of the literature review made it possible to identify the different types of stress, the indicators that yield significant results, the psychometric tests and the well-documented 'stressors'. This material was then used to design the general method and the details of the nine clinical trials. The preliminary results obtained in some of the studies were used to validate the indicators as well as the efficacy of the techniques used experimentally to diminish stress or to produce it. CONCLUSIONS The early results obtained in the experimental trials show that we are on the right path towards defining and validating multivariable markers for quantifying levels of stress and also suggest that the method can be applied in a similar way to the study of mental disorders.
Swedish diabetes register, a tool for quality development in primary health care

Introduction In Sweden, quality indicators in health care have been the basis for developing National Quality Registers. The Swedish National Diabetes Register (NDR) – one of the largest diabetes registers globally – was introduced in primary health care (PHC) in the county of Östergötland by an implementation project, 2002–2005. Aim The aim of the present paper was to investigate, by using the results of the NDR, whether the registration led to sustained outcomes of medical results of diabetes care in PHC in the county during the period 2005–2009. Method HbA1c, blood pressure (BP), albuminuria and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were registered online in the NDR. In 2005 and 2006, goal achievement for HbA1c was measured and compared between PHC centres (PHCC) within the county. In 2007, achievements to national goals were compared between the PHCCs within the county and with those Swedish counties that had attained a sufficiently high registration rate. In 2008 and 2009, the average county results were compared with the corresponding national average measurements for all 21 Swedish counties combined. Result In 2005, a clear improvement trend for HbA1c and BP was shown within the county. In 2007–2009, goal achievements in the county studied were slightly better than the other counties measured and the country as a whole in almost every comparison. Discussion The present study has shown association between medical results and registration in the NDR. As the project was primarily a quality improvement work, the results have continuously influenced the development of diabetes care. Both the health professions and the county council now have – in the NDR – an effective and rapid method for evaluation and follow-up of diabetes care. The systematic documentation, followed by comparisons and analyses, create ideas for care improvements.
Pea aphid symbiont relationships established by analysis of 16S rRNAs

The pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) harbors two morphologically distinct procaryotic intracellular symbionts. The genes for the 16S rRNA from these symbionts have been cloned and sequenced. Comparisons with sequences of 16S rRNAs from selected procaryotes indicate that the two symbionts are evolutionarily distinct from each other and are members of the gamma-3 subdivision of the class Proteobacteria. One of the symbionts is a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae, while the other constitutes a lineage distinct from these organisms. Both symbionts appear to have only one copy of their rRNA operon.
Surface passivation effects in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on high-resistivity Si substrate

AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) were successfully fabricated on high- resistivity (HR) Silicon substrate. Surface passivation effects on AlGaN/GaN HEMTs were studied using Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> dielectric layer grown by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The device direct-current current-voltage (I<sub>DS</sub>-V<sub>DS</sub>) characteristics, pulsed I<sub>DS</sub>-V<sub>DS</sub> characteristics, microwave small-signal and large-signal characteristics were studied before and after passivation. An enhancement of drain current (I<sub>D</sub>) density and the extrinsic transconductance was observed for the devices with full Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> passivation. An improvement of f<sub>T</sub>, f<sub>max</sub> and device output power (P<sub>out</sub>) was also observed after surface passivation. A new evaluation method implemented to identify the I<sub>D</sub> collapse related traps from AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. More than 80% of I<sub>D</sub> collapse suppression and 80% of increase in P<sub>out</sub> were observed in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs by Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> passivation. The P<sub>out</sub> increase in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs by surface passivation is in good agreement with the I<sub>D</sub> collapse suppression in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs by surface passivation.
Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in skin and soft tissue infections in patients presenting to Canadian emergency departments.

BACKGROUND Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an increasingly common cause of skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) worldwide. The prevalence of MRSA in SSTIs across Canada has not been well described. Studies in the United States have shown significant geographic variability in the prevalence of MRSA. This study characterizes the geographic prevalence and microbiology of MRSA in patients presenting to Canadian emergency departments with SSTIs. METHODS Using a prospective, observational design, we enrolled patients with acute purulent SSTIs presenting to 17 hospital emergency departments and 2 community health centres (spanning 6 Canadian provinces) between July 1, 2008, and April 30, 2009. Eligible patients were those whose wound cultures grew S. aureus. MRSA isolates were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. All patients were subjected to a structured chart audit, and patients whose wound swabs grew MRSA were contacted by telephone to gather detailed information regarding risk factors for MRSA infection, history of illness, and outcomes. RESULTS Of the 1,353 S. aureus-positive encounters recorded, 431 (32%) grew MRSA and 922 (68%) wounds grew methicillin-susceptible S. aureus. We observed significant variation in both the prevalence of MRSA (11-100%) and the proportion of community-associated strains of MRSA (0-100%) across our study sites, with a significantly higher prevalence of MRSA in western Canada. INTERPRETATION MRSA continues to emerge across Canada, and the prevalence of MRSA in SSTIs across Canada is variable and higher than previously expected.
Lesions predictive for prostate cancer in a screened population: First and second screening round findings

We evaluated the incidence of prostate cancer, high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and lesions suspicious for prostate cancer (LSPC) in sextant biopsies in two subsequent screening rounds at a 4‐year interval and their predictive value for subsequent prostate cancer detection.
Predictive Factors for Child-Pugh Score Elevation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Treated with Conformal Radiation Therapy: Dose-Volume Histogram Analysis

Aims and background We designed the study to identify the clinical and dose-volumetric parameters associated with the risk of Child-Pugh score elevation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with conformal radiation therapy. Methods and study design All 161 hepatocellular carcinoma patients in the study underwent 4D-computed tomography simulation, and a dose-volume histogram was generated after radiotherapy planning. Patients who had an elevated Child-Pugh (e-CP) score of 2 or more without progressive disease within 3 months were defined as e-CP positive. Results Twenty-six of 142 patients without progressive disease were e-CP positive. Pretreatment Child-Pugh class, further treatment within 30 days of radiotherapy, lymph node metastasis, mean liver dose, V20 Gy, V25 Gy, and V30 Gy were significantly correlated with e-CP positivity. The e-CP developed in 13 of 106 patients (12.3%) with V30 Gy of ≤28.1% and in 13 of 36 patients (36.1%) with V30 Gy >28.1% (P = 0.001). Conclusions Our data demonstrate that mean liver dose, V10 Gy, V20 Gy, V25 Gy, and V30 Gy are independent dose-volumetric predictors for e-CP positivity in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with conformal radiation therapy. V30 Gy should be limited to less than 28.1% to minimize the risk of e-CP.
Explaining Party Ideological Stances: From Simulation to Real Elections

By relying on survey-data from the CSES (Comparative Study of Electoral Systems) project, we run a number of simulated scenarios assuming that parties are interested in vote-maximizing, and we compute for each election the distribution of party ideological positions that corresponds to a Nash Equilibrium along a one-dimensional space. This is accomplished with the help of an original package that we have developed in R that implements Merill and Adams (2001) iterative algorithm. Through that it becomes possible to evaluate in a systematic way which are the factors that can push parties toward a more centrifugal (i.e., extreme) positions in equilibrium. Secondly, we show how the equilibrium positions so derived can become a counterfactual scenario against which contrasting the actual (perceived) position of parties. The aim of the comparison is to understand the nature of the electoral incentives facing parties, and deriving insights on real party system competition.
Pathways to sustainable intensification of the coffee-banana agroecosystems in the Mt. Elgon region

Abstract Despite the importance of coffee and banana as key income and food sources for millions of farmers inhabiting the densely populated East African highlands as well as and urban dwellers, there are declining yields. One of the causes for this decline is increased soil degradation that has led to recent conversions of more forest land into crop land in marginal and sensitive mountain ecosystems. However, evidence shows that only a few households manage the desired shift to sustainable production systems, mainly due to social, economic and environmental constraints. In this study we therefore, set out to find out typologies of coffee-banana farms based on intensification levels and pathways taken using a number of agricultural intensification surrogate indicators. We also sought to find the driving factors and barriers for intensification. Using Principal Component, cluster and Pearson correlation analyses, and later both a Generalised Linear and Multinomial Logit models, results revealed four distinct intensification pathways, one of which is a high-input-high-output conventional pathway and the other three were low-to-medium input agroecological pathways. Adoption of an intensification pathway could be impeded by geographical location, wealth status in form of livestock, land and lack of credit access. We found the hypothesis that resource-rich farmers intensify by capital investments, while the resource-constrained farmers intensify through labour true for the conventional and agroecological intensification pathways respectively. The existence of intermediary pathways under the agroecological classification creates opportunities for interventions that target to increase yields while reducing degradation and negative environmental impacts of agriculture.
Using supervised machine learning algorithms to detect suspicious URLs in online social networks

The increasing volume of malicious content in social networks requires automated methods to detect and eliminate such content. This paper describes a supervised machine learning classification model that has been built to detect the distribution of malicious content in online social networks (ONSs). Multisource features have been used to detect social network posts that contain malicious Uniform Resource Locators (URLs). These URLs could direct users to websites that contain malicious content, drive-by download attacks, phishing, spam, and scams. For the data collection stage, the Twitter streaming application programming interface (API) was used and VirusTotal was used for labelling the dataset. A random forest classification model was used with a combination of features derived from a range of sources. The random forest model without any tuning and feature selection produced a recall value of 0.89. After further investigation and applying parameter tuning and feature selection methods, however, we were able to improve the classifier performance to 0.92 in recall.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE EXPECTATIONS IN INDONESIA: REGIME SWITCHING CHARTISTS AND FUNDAMENTALISTS APPROACH

In this research, the effect of central bank intervention within a heterogeneous expectation exchange rate model is investigated. The results are supporting both chartists and fundamentalist regimes. In the period investigated, chartist dominates in determining the exchange rate. While BI foreign exchange intervention can effectively push the market exchange-rate to its long-run fundamental equilibrium, however, Bank Indonesia’s effort to exert a stabilizing effect of foreign exchange interventions, the result does not show a success. Keywords: exchange rates, foreign-exchange intervention, switching regression JEL Classification: F31, E52, C24
Imperative Role of Dental Pulp Stem Cells in Regenerative Therapies: A Systematic Review

Stem cells are primitive cells that can differentiate and regenerate organs in different parts of the body such as heart, bones, muscles and nervous system. This has been a field of great clinical interest with immense possibilities of using the stem cells in regeneration of human organ those are damaged due to disease, developmental defects and accident. The knowledge of stem cell technology is increasing quickly in all medical specialties and in dental field too. Stem cells of dental origin appears to hold the key to various cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine, but most avenues are in experimental stages and many procedures are undergoing standardization and validation. Long-term preservation of SHED cells or DPSC is becoming a popular consideration, similar to the banking of umbilical cord blood. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are the adult multipotent cells that reside in the cell rich zone of the dental pulp. The multipotent nature of these DPSCs may be utilized in both dental and medical applications. A systematic review of the literature was performed using various internet based search engines (PubMed, Medline Plus, Cochrane, Medknow, Ebsco, Science Direct, Hinari, WebMD, IndMed, Embase) using keywords like "dental pulp stem cells", "regeneration", "medical applications", "tissue engineering". DPSCs appears to be a promising innovation for the re-growth of tissues however, long term clinical studies need to be carried out that could establish some authentic guidelines in this perspective.
Hate Crimes on Campus

Colleges and universities across the US have prioritized minority enrollments in their recruitment strategies, but theories offer to possible outcomes of increasing diversity on campus—increased racial harmony or increased racial tension. This study examines the impact of racial diversity on the reported number of hate crimes that occur on campus. Findings suggest that those schools that are most successful in recruiting the hardest to recruit minorities (Black and Latino students) report fewer hate crimes on campus. Implications for campus climate and racial dynamics on campus, as well as future research, are discussed.
Search-and-Matching Frictions and Labour Market Dynamics in Latvia

This paper examines, in an estimated, full-fledged New Keynesian DSGE model with Nash wage bargaining, sticky wage and high value of leisure akin to Christiano, Trabandt and Walentin (2011), whether search-and-matching frictions in the labour market can explain aggregate labour market dynamics in Latvia. If vacancies are not observed, the model can, to a reasonable degree, generate realistic variance and dynamics of unemployment and the correlation between unemployment and (latent) vacancies, yet at the expense of too volatile vacancies. As a by-product, one quarter ahead forecasts of hours worked and GDP exhibit less excess volatility and, thus, are more precise compared to a model without search-and-matching frictions. However, if both unemployment and vacancies are observed and a shock to matching efficiency is allowed for, then cyclical behaviour of forecasted vacancies as well as correlation between unemployment and vacancies tend to counter the data (to the advantage of a better fit of vacancy volatility), and the smoothed matching efficiency is counter-intuitively counter-cyclical. Hence the model cannot fit the three statistics – variance of unemployment and vacancies, and correlation between the two, simultaneously.
The ferrous iron transporter FtrABCD is required for the virulence of Brucella abortus 2308 in mice

Iron transport has been linked to the virulence of Brucella strains in both natural and experimental hosts. The genes designated BAB2_0837–0840 in the Brucella abortus 2308 genome sequence are predicted to encode a CupII‐type ferrous iron transporter homologous to the FtrABCD transporter recently described in Bordetella. To study the role of the Brucella FtrABCD in iron transport, an isogenic ftrA mutant was constructed from B. abortus 2308. Compared with the parental strain, the B. abortus ftrA mutant displays a decreased capacity to use non‐haem iron sources in vitro, a growth defect in a low iron medium that is enhanced at pH 6, and studies employing radiolabelled FeCl3 confirmed that FtrABCD transports ferrous iron. Transcription of the ftrA gene is induced in B. abortus 2308 in response to iron deprivation and exposure to acid pH, and similar to other Brucella iron acquisition genes that have been examined the iron‐responsiveness of ftrA is dependent upon the iron response regulator Irr. The B. abortus ftrA mutant exhibits significant attenuation in both cultured murine macrophages and experimentally infected mice, supporting the proposition that ferrous iron is a critical iron source for these bacteria in the mammalian host.
Handbook of Research Methods and Applications in Transport Economics and Policy

Transport economics and policy analysis is a field which has seen major advances in methodology in recent decades, covering issues such as estimating cost functions, modelling of demand, dealing with externalities, examining industry ownership and structure, pricing and investment decisions and measuring economic impacts. This Handbook contains reviews of all these methods, with an emphasis on practical applications, commissioned from an international cast of experts in the field.
Narrative identity in female patients with remitted bipolar disorder: a negative past and a foreshortened future

ABSTRACT The present study examined narrative identity and subjective well-being in outpatients with remitted bipolar disorder (BD) and a healthy control group. Fifteen female outpatients with remitted BD and 15 healthy control participants identified past and future chapters in their life stories, gave their age for the beginning and end of each chapter, rated emotional tone as well as positive and negative self-event connections associated with the chapters, and for future chapters rated the probability of the chapter. The BD patients reported less positive emotional tone and self-event connections for past chapters, but not for future chapters. However, the patients did describe fewer future chapters with shorter temporal projection into the future, and reported lower probability of future chapters. These characteristics of chapters were related to lower subjective well-being. The study suggests that a more negative narrative identity with a foreshortened future perspective may contribute to lower subjective well-being in patients with BD.