Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is the association between smoking and the retinal venular diameter reversible following smoking cessation?

PURPOSE Wider retinal venular caliber is shown to be associated with an increased risk of stroke, and smoking is associated with a wider retinal venular caliber. However, the impact of smoking cessation on the retinal vessels has not been previously reported. We examined this issue in an adult cohort of atomic bomb survivors. METHODS In the Adult Health Study of Japanese atomic bomb survivors, 1664 subjects had retinal photographs taken from 2006 to 2008. The central retinal artery and vein equivalents (CRAE and CRVE) were calculated using a semiautomated software program. Multiple surveys have assessed the effects of smoking since 1963. The associations between smoking, the time since cessation, and the retinal vessel caliber were determined using linear mixed effects models. RESULTS The CRVE was associated with an increased number of cigarettes smoked per day among women after adjusting for potential confounding factors (age, sex, blood pressure, hypertensive medications, white blood cell count, diabetes, body mass index, lipids, and radiation dose). Females who smoked 10 cigarettes per day had a 6.9-μm wider mean CRVE (P = 0.001) than nonsmokers. Females who had stopped smoking for 10 or more years had a mean CRVE similar to those who had never smoked (191.8 vs. 194.4 μm; P = 0.23). These associations were not observed in males or for CRAE. CONCLUSIONS Wider retinal venular caliber is associated with smoking in Japanese females; however, this association becomes nonsignificant after 10 or more years of smoking cessation, suggesting that the impact of smoking on retinal venular dilation is reversible following long-term smoking cessation.
Women professors and the academic housework trap

ABSTRACT Women constitute just over one fifth of full professors in UK higher education and whilst work has emerged in recent years on professors as leaders, there has been comparatively little research about how this under-represented cadre define and practise their role as intellectual leaders. This paper seeks to analyse how women see their role as full professors through autobiographical accounts of their intellectual and career histories via interviews with women professors, and a small comparison group of male professors. A range of freedoms and responsibilities connected with the professorial role are identified along with personal qualities considered central to success. Both female and male professors understand their role principally in terms of research leadership, but women are more likely to emphasise the importance of academic citizenship, especially mentoring, compared to their male counterparts, an obligation that weighs especially heavily on women working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics areas. While these findings are indicative of the continuing effect of so-called ‘academic housework’ in holding back the academic careers of women, they are also a positive indicator of a commitment to an all-round role as an intellectual leader.
Inactivating ion channels augment robustness of subthreshold intrinsic response dynamics to parametric variability in hippocampal model neurons

• Voltage‐gated ion channels (VGICs) play a critical role in determining how neurons respond to oscillatory inputs at various frequencies. How do inactivating VGICs regulate neuronal response properties to oscillatory inputs? • T‐type Ca2+ channels mediate resonance in response to oscillatory inputs, without being accompanied by a lead in the intrinsic phase response, and A‐type K+ channels act analogous to a leak channel with reference to many measurements characterizing intrinsic response dynamics (IRD). • Coexpression of these channels with a hyperpolarization‐activated h channel augmented the range of parameters over which they sustained resonance and phase lead. • Global sensitivity analysis demonstrates that functionally similar models could be achieved even when underlying parameters displayed tremendous variability and exhibited weak pair‐wise correlations. • A simplistic one‐parameter‐a‐time analysis that does not account for the complex and non‐linear interactions between channels would fail to provide a full understanding of subthreshold IRD.
The First Days of Spring: An Analysis of the International Treatment of Homosexuality

In recent history, the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) persons have been in constant fluctuation. Many states criminalize homosexual behavior while other states legally recognize same-sex marriages and same-sex adoptions. There are also irregular patterns where LGBT interest groups form across the globe. With this research project, I begin to explain why these discrepancies in the treatment of homosexuality and the formation of LGBT interest groups occur. I develop a theory that the most obvious contrast across the globe occurs when analyzing the treatment of homosexuals in OECD member states versus non-OECD countries. OECD nations tend to see the gay community struggle for more advanced civil rights and government protections, while non-OECD states have to worry about fundamental human rights to life and liberty. I find that this specific dichotomization is what causes the irregular LGBT interest group formation pattern across the globe; non-OECD nations tend to have fewer LGBT interest groups than their OECD counterparts. When looking at why non-OECD nations and OECD nations suppress the rights of their gay citizens, I find that religion plays a critical role in the suppression of the gay community. In this analysis, I measure religion several different ways, including the institution of an official state religion as well as the levels of religiosity within a nation. Regardless of how this variable is manipulated and measured, statistical analysis continuously shows that religion’s influence is the single most significant factor in leading to a decrease in both human and civil rights for gays and lesbians across the globe. Further analysis indicates that Judaism plays the most significant role out the three major world religions in the suppression of civil rights for homosexuals in OECD nations.
A dynamic programming procedure for automated ultrasonic measurement of the carotid artery

Describes a computerized technique for automated ultrasonic measurements of the carotid artery based on dynamic programming. Local measurements vessel echo intensity, edge strength, and continuity were extracted by image analysis techniques and included as weighted terms in a cost function. The dynamic programming procedure was used for determining the locations of the vessel interfaces in a way that the cost function was minimized. Then lumen diameter (LD) and intima-media thickness (IMT) were computed. Inter-method (auto versus manual) variability as well as inter- and intraobserver variability was studied by computing conventional coefficient of variation (CV). Inter-method (n=22), inter-observer (n=50), and intra-observer (n=47) variability of LD measurements were 1.2, 0.90, and 1.0%, respectively. Corresponding values for IMT were 3.2, 4.7, and 3.6%. These results indicate that the carotid artery can be automatically measured with accuracy. <<ETX>>
KORRIGAN, an Arabidopsis Endo-1,4-β-Glucanase, Localizes to the Cell Plate by Polarized Targeting and Is Essential for Cytokinesis

The formation of the cell plate, a unique structure in dividing plant cells, is pivotal for cytokinesis. A mutation in the Arabidopsis KORRIGAN (KOR) gene causes the formation of aberrant cell plates, incomplete cell walls, and multinucleated cells, leading to severely abnormal seedling morphology. The mutant, designed kor1-2, was identified as a stronger allele than the previously identified kor1-1, which appears to be defective only in cell elongation. KOR1 encodes an endo-1,4-β-d-glucanase with a transmembrane domain and two putative polarized targeting signals in the cytosolic tail. When expressed in tobacco BY2 cells, a KOR1-GFP (green fluorescence protein) fusion protein was localized to growing cell plates. Substitution mutations in the polarized targeting motifs of KOR1 caused the fusion proteins to localize to the plasma membrane as well. Expression of these mutant genes in kor1-2 plants complemented only the cell elongation defect but not the cytokinesis defect, indicating that polarized targeting of KOR1 to forming cell plates is essential for cytokinesis. Our results suggest that KOR1 plays a critical role during cytokinesis.
LIETUVOS SOCIALINIO MODELIO BRUOŽAI: DEFEKTYVAUS VYSTYMOSI ASPEKTAI

In the article there is presented the evaluation of the development of Lithuanian social model during the restored independence years of 1990–2012. This evaluation is based on the main social development data and indicators and reflects not only the features of welfare states typology, which was created in the West, but social administration aspects as well. The main idea of the article is the evaluation of Lithuanian social model’s formation as defective development. The defective social features became especially visible in Lithuania after beginning of 21-st century when the welfare model began its drifting from corporative „bismarckian“ to liberal – marginal model. The manifestation of social unjustice in Lithuania is the existence of special additional benefits system. KEY WORDS: social indicators , social security, efficiency, social exclusion, defective development.
Clinical findings in 78 suspected cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Great Britain

The clinical findings in 59 cows with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) were compared with those in 19 cattle that were submitted as BSE suspects but not confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Both groups were also compared with a control group of 20 healthy cows. Abnormalities in behaviour, temperament, mental status and activity, neurogenic disorders of gait and hyperreactivity to touch were frequently observed in the cattle with BSE. Not every animal with BSE displayed clinical signs in all these categories, and the severity of the signs was not always useful for differentiating them from the BSE suspects that were not confirmed by pathology. The neurological examination was better than passive observations for the clinical diagnosis of BSE. Tests of the animals' responses to sudden auditory, visual and tactile stimuli were very useful for distinguishing cases of BSE from unconfirmed BSE suspects if the cases did not display signs in all the categories.
Taxation and Property Rights

Taxation is only sustainable if the general public complies with it. The theoretical public finance literature has interpreted tax constitutions as binding contracts by which the power to tax is irretrievably conferred by individuals to government, which can then levy any tax it chooses. However, in the absence of an outside party enforcing contracts between members of a group, no arrangement within groups can be considered a binding contract, and therefore the power to tax must be sanctioned by individuals on an ongoing basis. In this paper we show how the sustainability of taxation is linked with property rights and their enforcement. (This is a revision of 'Viable Tax Constitutions,' Warwick Economics Research Paper No. 683, 2003)
Vagus nerve stimulation: state of the art of stimulation and recording strategies to address autonomic function neuromodulation

Objective. Neural signals along the vagus nerve (VN) drive many somatic and autonomic functions. The clinical interest of VN stimulation (VNS) is thus potentially huge and has already been demonstrated in epilepsy. However, side effects are often elicited, in addition to the targeted neuromodulation. Approach. This review examines the state of the art of VNS applied to two emerging modulations of autonomic function: heart failure and obesity, especially morbid obesity. Main results. We report that VNS may benefit from improved stimulation delivery using very advanced technologies. However, most of the results from fundamental animal studies still need to be demonstrated in humans.
The December Phenomenon: Month-of-the-Year Effect in the Indian Stock Market

This paper examines the month-of-the-year in the Indian stock market during the period 1999-2008. The GARCH model and Exponential GARCH have been employed to test for calendar anomalies using the monthly returns of the National Stock Exchange Index. The results confirm the presence of a significant 'December effect' in the Indian stock market even after taking time varying volatility into account. There are no information asymmetries in the Indian stock market as seen in the results produced by the EGARCH model.
Expected Utility and Equilibrium with Subjective Choice Sets and Strategic Reporting

This paper studies an economy where agents trade using a shared language, so that they do not need to meet in person with goods physically present. Agents provide vague descriptions of proposed net trades, which we interpret as arising either from inherent limitations in what the agents can describe or from strategic presentations of information. We construct a family of orders over terms in the language, arising from an individual's preferences over consumption as subjectively perceived, illustrate the induced order's properties, and show the constructive existence of competitive equilibrium. Finally, we illustrate the relationship between the existence of a competitive equilibrium obtained in the language and the one that would result from an interaction involving perceived consumption sets.
Measuring Value Change in Western Industrialized Societies: The Impact of Unemployment

During the past two decades a four-item battery administered in biannual Euro-Barometer surveys has been used to measure changing value priorities in Western European countries. We provide evidence that the measure is seriously flawed. Pooled cross-sectional time series analyses for the 1976–86 period reveal that the Euro-Barometer postmaterialist-materialist value index and two of its components are very sensitive to short-term changes in economic conditions, and that the failure to include a statement about unemployment in the four-item values battery accounts for much of the apparent growth of postmaterialist values in several countries after 1980. The aggregate-level findings are buttressed by analyses of panel data from three countries.
Central diabetes insipidus in dogs: 20 cases (1986-1995).

OBJECTIVE To assess clinical signs, biochemical findings, results of modified water deprivation and other diagnostic tests, response to treatment, and survival time in dogs with central diabetes insipidus (CDI). DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS 20 dogs with CDI. PROCEDURE Signalment, history, physical examination, results of diagnostic tests, response to treatment, and survival time were extracted from the medical record of each dog and supplemented with information obtained from owners via telephone. RESULTS Isosthenuria or hyposthenuria was a consistent finding. Seven dogs with complete CDI and 13 dogs with partial CDI were identified on the basis of results of a modified water deprivation test. Dogs treated with desmopressin acetate responded well to treatment. Seven dogs were alive 18 to 72 months (median, 36 months) after diagnosis, and 10 dogs died or were euthanatized 1 week to 2 years (median, 2 months) after diagnosis. Seven of 10 dogs that died developed neurologic signs after diagnosis of CDI. Computed tomography revealed a mass in the region of the pituitary gland in 5 of 7 dogs. Necropsy of 6 dogs, including 2 dogs on which computed tomography had been performed, revealed neoplasia in the pituitary gland. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Onset of neurologic signs after diagnosis of CDI in middle- to old-aged dogs indicates that CDI may not be a benign disease that is treated easily. Brain imaging is recommended after diagnosis of CDI in middle- to old-aged dogs. Also, because many dogs are isosthenuric on initial examination, CDI cannot be ruled out as a cause of polyuria and polydipsia on the basis of lack of hyposthenuria.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Protease Cleavage Site Mutations Associated with Protease Inhibitor Cross-Resistance Selected by Indinavir, Ritonavir, and/or Saquinavir

ABSTRACT We examined the prevalence of cleavage site mutations, both within and outside the gag region, in 28 protease inhibitor (PI) cross-resistant patients treated with indinavir, ritonavir, and/or saquinavir compared to control patients treated with reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Three human immunodeficiency virus protease cleavage sites within gag (p2/NC, NC/p1, and NC/TFP) showed considerable in vivo evolution before and after therapy with indinavir, ritonavir, and/or saquinavir. Another gag cleavage site (p1/p6 gag ) showed a trend compared to matched controls. The other eight recognized cleavage sites showed relatively little difference between PI-resistant cases and controls. An A→V substitution at the P2 position of the NC/p1 and NC/TFP cleavage sites was the most common (29%) change selected by the PIs used in this study.
Assessing New Public Mana gement's Focus on Performance Measurement in the Public Sector

New Public Management, with its emphasis on debureaucratization, decentralization, and accountability, has attempted to make public sector organizations function in the same way as those in the private sector. Its implications for traditional governmental entities, including the public school system, are yet to be fully determined. The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 was intended to decrease achievement gaps caused by race, class, first language, and learning abilities. The act's foci of accountability, testing, sanctions, and rewards in the educational process are central to the federal government's framework for shaping the goals and outcomes of educational policy across the United States. The present research indicates that the development and use of performance measures to hold educators accountable and improve performance is limited by organized employee groups and enhanced by minority student populations. At this time, significant increases in student performance as a result of NCLB efforts are not evidenced.
Energy Efficiency Consultants as Change Agents? Examining the Reasons for EECs’ Limited Success

Residential energy consumption has been increasingly singled out by public policies as a key area for potential emission reduction. The public implementation of energy efficiency consultants (EECs) as change agents aims at the diffusion of innovation in residential building efficiency and overcoming information asymmetries in the construction sector. However, the success of these measures has been described as low. We conducted a case study involving 17 in-depth expert interviews to examine the causes of this failure in the case of Germany. In Germany, EECs are organized in a certification scheme which is prerequisite to participate in the publicly funded subsidy system. This analysis has important implications for EECs in general and hence other European countries pursuing such policies. We show that information asymmetries (ex-ante/ex-post) in the ECC market lead to a low willingness to pay. Certification of EECs does not suffice to overcome information asymmetries. We also identify a mismatch between EECs and customer incentives. As top-down policies have failed to facilitate a viable EEC market, we recommend a greater role for private and private-public networks, the cutting of EEC subsidies and a closer alignment between climate policy goals and home owners’ economic efficiency considerations.
Global Public Signals, Heterogeneous Beliefs, and Stock Markets Comovement

We build an information-based two-country general equilibrium model. There are two dividend processes with correlated growth rates. Agents observe a global public signal informative about both growth rates. We first let agents rationally process information, and then we allow for reasonable departures from rationality. That is, agents are overconfident with respect to the signal, and thus have heterogeneous beliefs. We report a significant increase in comovement between stock returns. Moreover, we find that a small amount of misinterpretation of the global signal is sufficient to generate sizable comovement, as compared to the benchmark case of rational expectations. As an additional implication of overconfidence, we show that our model is able to produce a substantial home equity bias.
Avatars Mirroring the Actual Self versus Projecting the Ideal Self: The Effects of Self-Priming on Interactivity and Immersion in an Exergame, Wii Fit

As exergames are increasingly being used as an interventional tool to fight the obesity epidemic in clinical studies, society is absorbing their impact to a more intense degree. Interactivity and immersion are key factors that attract exergame consumers. This research asks, What are the effects of priming the actual self versus the ideal self on users' perceived interactivity and immersion in avatar-based exergame playing? and What are important moderators that play a role in exergame users' self-concept perception? To answer these research questions, this study leveraged the Wii's avatar-creating function (Mii Channel) and exergame feature (Wii Fit) in a controlled, randomized experimental design (N = 126). The results of a 2 x 2 factorial design experiment demonstrated the significant main effect of self-priming on interactivity and the moderating role of the actual-ideal self-concept discrepancy in influencing immersion during exergame playing. Game players who created an avatar reflecting the ideal self reported greater perceived interactivity than those who created a replica avatar mirroring the actual self. A two-way ANOVA demonstrated the moderating role of the actual-ideal self-concept discrepancy in determining the effects of the primed regulatory focus on immersion in the exergame play. The underlying theoretical mechanism is derived from and explained by Higgins's self-concept discrepancy perspective. Practical implications for game developers and managerial implications for the exergame industry are discussed.
Role of Charge Properties of Bacterial Envelope in Bactericidal Action of Human Group IIA Phospholipase A2against Staphylococcus aureus*

Mammalian Group IIA phospholipases A2 (PLA2) potently killStaphylococcus aureus. Highly cationic properties of these PLA2 are important for Ca2+-independent binding and cell wall penetration, prerequisites for Ca2+-dependent degradation of membrane phospholipids and bacterial killing. To further delineate charge properties of the bacterial envelope important in Group IIA PLA2 action against S. aureus, we examined the effects of mutations that prevent specific modifications of cell wall (dltA) and cell membrane (mprF) polyanions. In comparison to the parent strain, isogenicdltA − bacteria are ∼30–100× more sensitive to PLA2, whereas mprF − bacteria are <3-fold more sensitive. Differences in PLA2sensitivity of intact bacteria reflect differences in cell wall, not cell membrane, properties since protoplasts from all three strains are equally sensitive to PLA2. A diminished positive charge in PLA2 reduces PLA2 binding and antibacterial activity. In contrast, diminished cell wall negative charge by substitution of (lipo)teichoic acids with d-alanine reduces antibacterial activity of bound PLA2, but not initial PLA2 binding. Therefore, the potent antistaphylococcal activity of Group IIA PLA2 depends on cationic properties of the enzyme that promote binding to the cell wall, and polyanionic properties of cell wall (lipo)teichoic acids that promote attack of membrane phospholipids by bound PLA2.