Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust circadian rhythm in heart rate and its variability: influence of exogenous melatonin and photoperiod

Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) undergo marked fluctuations over the 24‐h day. Although controversial, this 24‐h rhythm is thought to be driven by the sleep–wake/rest–activity cycle as well as by endogenous circadian rhythmicity. We quantified the endogenous circadian rhythm of HR and HRV and investigated whether this rhythm can be shifted by repeated melatonin administration while exposed to an altered photoperiod. Eight healthy males (age 24.4 ± 4.4 years) participated in a double‐blind cross‐over design study. In both conditions, volunteers were scheduled to 16 h–8 h rest : wake and dark : light cycles for nine consecutive days preceded and followed by 29‐h constant routines (CR) for assessment of endogenous circadian rhythmicity. Melatonin (1.5 mg) or placebo was administered at the beginning of the extended sleep opportunities. For all polysomnographically verified wakefulness periods of the CR, we calculated the high‐ (HF) and low‐ (LF) frequency bands of the power spectrum of the R–R interval, the standard deviation of the normal‐to‐normal (NN) intervals (SDNN) and the square root of the mean‐squared difference of successive NN intervals (rMSSD). HR and HRV variables revealed robust endogenous circadian rhythms with fitted maxima, respectively, in the afternoon (16:36 hours) and in the early morning (between 05:00 and 06:59 hours). Melatonin treatment phase‐advanced HR, HF, SDNN and rMSSD, and these shifts were significantly greater than after placebo treatment. We conclude that endogenous circadian rhythmicity influences autonomic control of HR and that the timing of these endogenous rhythms can be altered by extended sleep/rest episodes and associated changes in photoperiod as well as by melatonin treatment.
Post-IPO Operating Performance, Venture Capital and the Bubble Years

We analyse the post-issue operating performance of 316 venture-backed and 274 non-venture UK IPOs 1985-2003. The finding of a statistically significant five-year, operational decline exhibited over the full sample period is not robust. Rather it is driven by the dramatic underperformance during the 1998-2000 bubble years while IPOs perform normally in the remaining years. Cross-section regression results indicate support for venture capital certification in the non-bubble years but a significantly negative relationship between operating performance and venture capitalist board representation during the bubble years. The bubble year underperformance is explained by market timing and by low quality companies taking advantage of investor sentiment. Copyright 2007 The Authors Journal compilation (c) 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Competitiveness Indicators in the Travel and Tourism Industry

The competitiveness of tourist destinations is important, especially as countries strive for a bigger market share. However, competitiveness is a complex concept, encompassing various aspects that are difficult to measure. This paper discusses an innovative approach for measuring tourism competitiveness using eight main indicators – price, openness, technology, infrastructure, human tourism, social development, environment and human resources – for over 200 countries. Weights for each theme are derived using confirmatory factor analysis in order to compute an aggregate index, and it is found that the social and technology indicators have the highest weights while the human tourism and environment indicators have the lowest. Cluster analysis is used to group destinations according to their performance level. The USA, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Australia are found to be the most competitive destinations, while Burkina Faso, Chad, Benin, Ethiopia and Cambodia are the least competitive.
The renewed ‘American Challenge’: a review of employment practice in US multinationals

Despite the extensive literature concerned with IR practice in American multinational companies (MNCs), there are serious gaps in our understanding of how this group of firms manages their international workforces. In this paper, we set out a framework of ‘four key influences’ on the way MNCs approach the management of labour and go on to use this framework to assess existing literature concerned with US MNCs. While this review reveals a number of general tendencies—for example, American MNCs tend to be highly centralised in the decision making on IR matters—it also reveals a number of gaps and weaknesses. In particular, we argue that previous research has failed to develop a convincing understanding of how the ‘embeddedness’ of US MNCs in their country of origin informs the behaviour of these firms as employers outside the USA. The paper ends by outlining a programme of research into US MNCs.
Impact of depression on circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with acute coronary syndromes: a pilot study

Aims Depression has been identified as a risk factor for an adverse prognosis and reduced survival in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is an independent predictor of clinical outcomes in patients with ACS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of depression on EPC levels in patients with ACS. Methods Out of 74 ACS patients [23 non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), 48 STEMI], 36 had a diagnosis of major depressive episode (MDE) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria at the time of the inclusion in the study. Control groups were as follows: 15 healthy individuals and 18 patients with current MDE without a history of cardiovascular diseases. EPCs were defined as CD34+CD133+KDR+ and evaluated by flow cytometry. All patients underwent standardized cardiological and psychopathological evaluations. Parametric and nonparametric statistical tests were performed wherever appropriate. Results ACS patients with MDE showed a significant decrease in circulating EPC number compared with ACS patients without MDE (P < 0.001). The ACS study population was then subdivided into STEMI and NSTEMI groups, and within each group patients with MDE again showed a significant decrease in circulating CD34+CD133+KDR+ EPCs compared with others (P <0.001). Conclusion We showed that ACS patients with MDE have a reduced number of circulating CD34+CD133+KDR+ cells compared with ACS patients without MDE, suggesting that the presence of MDE reduces the response of bone marrow to acute ischemic events. Considering the reparative role of EPCs in ACS patients, we propose that patients with MDE might be protected less than patients without MDE.
Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Using Zero‐Fluoroscopy Technique: A Randomized Trial

Recent advances in 3D mapping systems, such as simultaneous visualization of multiple catheters and contact force measurement, have allowed a significant reduction in fluoroscopic times during radiofrequency (RF) ablation (RFA) procedures. The objective was to investigate whether RFA of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) using the CARTO 3 system (Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) can be performed safely without fluoroscopy.
Quantized robust ℋ∞ control of discrete-time systems with random communication delays

The paper considers stability and robust ℋ∞ controller design for discrete-time systems with random communication delays and state quantization. Communication delays between sensors and controllers are modeled by a finite state Markov process. Measurements are assuming to be quantized by a logarithmic quantizer, and the effect of quantization errors are incorporated into the controller design. Based on a Lyapunov-Krasovskii approach, novel methodologies for analyzing stability and designing a time-delay mode-dependent quantized state feedback controller are proposed. The controller is obtained through solving bilinear matrix inequalities (BMIs) using the cone complementarity linearization algorithm.
Low-Dissolved-Oxygen Nitrifying Systems Exploit Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria with Unusually High Yields

ABSTRACT In wastewater treatment plants, nitrifying systems are usually operated with elevated levels of aeration to avoid nitrification failures. This approach contributes significantly to operational costs and the carbon footprint of nitrifying wastewater treatment processes. In this study, we tested the effect of aeration rate on nitrification by correlating ammonia oxidation rates with the structure of the ammonia-oxidizing bacterial (AOB) community and AOB abundance in four parallel continuous-flow reactors operated for 43 days. Two of the reactors were supplied with a constant airflow rate of 0.1 liter/min, while in the other two units the airflow rate was fixed at 4 liters/min. Complete nitrification was achieved in all configurations, though the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration was only 0.5 ± 0.3 mg/liter in the low-aeration units. The data suggest that efficient performance in the low-DO units resulted from elevated AOB levels in the reactors and/or putative development of a mixotrophic AOB community. Denaturing gel electrophoresis and cloning of AOB 16S rRNA gene fragments followed by sequencing revealed that the AOB community in the low-DO systems was a subset of the community in the high-DO systems. However, in both configurations the dominant species belonged to the Nitrosomonas oligotropha lineage. Overall, the results demonstrated that complete nitrification can be achieved at low aeration in lab-scale reactors. If these findings could be extended to full-scale plants, it would be possible to minimize the operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions without risk of nitrification failure.
A qualitative exploration of the public perception of municipal drinking water

Surveys of water consumption patterns in Canada and the USA show a high frequency of alternative water use, including bottled water and water treatment devices. An in-depth understanding of the public perception of municipal water would enable public health and water utility professionals better to address the needs of residents in their jurisdictions. We explored these perceptions and the self-described behaviour and needs of participants served by municipal water systems in the City of Hamilton, Ontario (Canada). We conducted three focus groups; two with men and women aged between 36 and 65 years, and one with men and women aged between 20 and 35 years. In general, participants expressed negative views of the municipal water supplied to their homes. Concerns included unpleasant sensory qualities of the water, perceived poor source-water protection, a perceived insufficiency in water treatment and testing and potential contamination along the distribution system. Reasons for alternative water use included perceived improvements in quality and safety over regular tap water, although convenience also contributed to bottled water use. Participants wanted more information on water testing and suggested a variety of dissemination approaches. This study suggested important lines of inquiry and action regarding the perception of municipal drinking water in this population.
Necessity and Opportunity Entrepreneurs in Germany: Characteristics and Earning s Differentials

In this paper we discuss necessity and opportunity entrepreneurship. We use panel data to analyze how these two types of entrepreneurs differ in general, and in their ability to discover and exploit entrepreneurial opportunities. We find that the opportunities exploited by opportunity entrepreneurs are generally more profitable than are those exploited by necessity entrepreneurs. We also find that the determinants of success differ to a strong degree. Standard wage equations seem to work better for opportunity than for necessity entrepreneurs. Our findings indicate a need to distinguish between the two groups in entrepreneurship theory and practice.
Amplitude, frequency, and phase analysis of hippocampal theta during sensorimotor processing in a jump avoidance task

In the current study, rats implanted with hippocampal recording electrodes were trained to avoid shock in a jump avoidance task, using three separate heights, 28, 33, and 38 cm. The objectives were to measure the progression of Type 2 (immobility‐related) hippocampal theta amplitude and frequency recorded during jump avoidances at each of the levels, and determine if there was a consistent relationship between the phase of the Type 1 (movement related) theta jump wave and the moment of movement initiation at each of the jump heights. The results demonstrated that the immobility period prior to the execution of the jump could be divided into two components: a sensory processing period and a movement preparation period. Comparing these two periods, average amplitudes were higher while frequency remained relatively constant during the sensory processing period. During the movement preparation period there was a negative correlation between amplitude and frequency: amplitude declined rapidly and frequency increased rapidly. During the execution of the jump, theta amplitude (Type 1) and frequency were positively correlated, both reaching peak values. The separate analyses of the individual jump heights provided further support for the precise relationships between theta parameters and the magnitude of the required movements. A significant phase preference was demonstrated for the highest jump height, with movement initiation occurring around the trough of theta recorded from the stratum moleculare of the dentate region. The findings supported the conclusion that the generation of hippocampal theta band oscillation and synchrony was related to sensorimotor processing and integration. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An Empirical Analysis of Productivity and Quality in Software Products

We examine the relationship between life-cycle productivity and conformance quality in software products. The effects of product size, personnel capability, software process, usage of tools, and higher front-end investments on productivity and conformance quality were analyzed to derive managerial implications based on primary data collected on commercial software projects from a leading vendor. Our key findings are as follows. First, our results provide evidence for significant increases in life-cycle productivity from improved conformance quality in software products shipped to the customers. Given that the expenditure on computer software has been growing over the last few decades, empirical evidence for cost savings through quality improvement is a significant contribution to the literature. Second, our study identifies several quality drivers in software products. Our findings indicate that higher personnel capability, deployment of resources in initial stages of product development (especially design) and improvements in software development process factors are associated with higher quality products.
Evaluation of Chemical Variability of Cured Vanilla Beans (Vanilla tahitensis and Vanilla planifolia)

In order to establish a chemical fingerprint of vanilla diversity, thirty samples of V. planifolia J. W. Moore and V. tahitensis G. Jackson cured beans from seven producing countries were examined for their aroma and fatty acid contents. Both fatty acid and aroma compositions were found to vary between vanilla species and origins. Vanillin was found in higher amounts in V. planifolia (1.7-3.6% of dry matter) than in V. tahitensis (1.0-2.0%), and anisyl compounds were found in lower amounts in V. planifolia (0.05%) than in V. tahitensis (1.4%-2.1%). Ten common and long chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LCFA) were identified and were found to be characteristic of the vanilla origin. LCFA derived from secondary metabolites have discriminating compositions as they reach 5.9% and 15.8% of total fatty acids, respectively in V. tahitensis and V. planifolia. This study highlights the role of the curing method as vanilla cured beans of two different species cultivated in the same country were found to have quite similar fatty acid compositions.
SeqSIMLA2: Simulating Correlated Quantitative Traits Accounting for Shared Environmental Effects in User‐Specified Pedigree Structure

Simulation tools that simulate sequence data in unrelated cases and controls or in families with quantitative traits or disease status are important for genetic studies. The simulation tools can be used to evaluate the statistical power for detecting the causal variants when planning a genetic epidemiology study, or to evaluate the statistical properties for new methods. We previously developed SeqSIMLA version 1 (SeqSIMLA1), which simulates family or case‐control data with a disease or quantitative trait model. SeqSIMLA1, and several other tools that simulate quantitative traits, do not specifically model the shared environmental effects among relatives on a trait. However, shared environmental effects are commonly observed for some traits in families, such as body mass index. SeqSIMLA1 simulates a fixed three‐generation family structure. However, it would be ideal to simulate prespecified pedigree structures for studies involving large pedigrees. Thus, we extended SeqSIMLA1 to create SeqSIMLA2, which can simulate correlated traits and considers the shared environmental effects. SeqSIMLA2 can also simulate prespecified large pedigree structures. There are no restrictions on the number of individuals that can be simulated in a pedigree. We used a blood pressure example to demonstrate that SeqSIMLA2 can simulate realistic correlation structures between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure among relatives. We also showed that SeqSIMLA2 can simulate large pedigrees with large chromosomal regions in a reasonable time frame.
Foreign direct investment and economic growth in Mauritius.

This paper investigates whether foreign direct investment enhances economic growth in Mauritius using time series data for the period 1975-2000. Domestic private investment and public investment are also utilized to estimate a neoclassical production function in the long run as well as in the short run. The long run results, based on the newly developed auto-regressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test approach to cointegration, indicate that foreign direct investment exerts a highly significant positive impact on economic growth in Mauritius. As for domestic investments, private investment shows positive and highly significant impact, whilst the effect of public investment is positive but only significant at the 10 percent level. The main policy recommendation of this paper is that Mauritius should continue to attract FDI and at the same time promote polices that would further encourage private investment.
Elevated fibrinogen ratio is associated with cardiovascular diseases and acute phase reaction but not with clinical outcome

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Nominations: An Actor-Network Approach

This paper offers an empirical assessment of the potential benefits to housing studies of actor-network theory (ANT). Gabriel & Jacobs' paper in this journal has suggested that certain ‘classic’ sites of housing studies are being re-imagined by studies within the post-social turn. This paper is an empirical study of the nominations process, through which registered social landlords are enrolled into allocating social housing to households prioritised by local authorities on their housing registers. The study draws on three ANT stories—the nominations agreement, monitoring nominations and exclusions—to demonstrate how human and non-human actors interact. In particular, it considers how agreements, numbers, unsurveyed ‘customers’, or boxes on forms, talk, who does the talking and the purposes of such talking. The paper concludes with occasionally sceptical observations about the utility of ANT to housing research.
Extracellular Matrix Dynamics in Scar-Free Endometrial Repair: Perspectives from Mouse In Vivo and Human In Vitro Studies1

Repair of the postmenstrual endometrium presents a unique opportunity to examine nonscarring repair in an adult tissue. We aimed to characterize and determine the importance of extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics in cell migration during endometrial repair. Utilizing an in vivo mouse model of postmenstrual repair and an in vitro model of human endometrial re-epithelialization, we determined the dynamic changes in expression of ECM and related factors in both models by array analysis of repairing areas. We also validated expression of integrins, growth factors, protease inhibitors, basement membrane, and adhesion molecules in vitro and in both mouse and human repairing endometrium by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical studies. Finally, we determined the functional importance of integrin–fibronectin interactions and matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-facilitated cell movement during re-epithelialization and propose a model for cell locomotion during postmenstrual repair. These data demonstrated the dynamic expression and functional importance of ECM interactions in endometrial repair, which may be important for scar-free repair. Dynamic alterations in extracellular matrix expression are essential for endometrial repair.