Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Convergence of Angiotensin II and Platelet-derived Growth Factor Receptor Signaling Cascades in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (*)

Signaling cascades elicited by angiotensin II resemble those characteristic of growth factor stimulation. In this report, we demonstrate that angiotensin II converges with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) β-receptor signaling cascades, independent of PDGF. Stimulation of smooth muscle cells with angiotensin II resulted in tyrosine phosphorylation on Shc proteins and subsequent complex formation between Shc and growth factor receptor binding protein-2 (GRB2). A 180-kDa protein co-precipitating with ShcGRB2 complexes also demonstrated increased phosphorylation in response to angiotensin II. Immunoblot analyses and proteolytic digests failed to distinguish this 180-kDa protein from authentic PDGF β-receptors. Corresponding with Shc and PDGF receptor phosphorylation induced by angiotensin II was the recruitment and phosphorylation of c-Src. Autocrine release of platelet-derived growth factor failed to account for Shc complex formation at the PDGF receptor following angiotensin II treatment, and a specific angiotensin II type I receptor antagonist, losartan, abolished the response. These results support a novel model for cross-talk between the G-protein-linked angiotensin II receptor and the PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase in vascular smooth muscle cells. Communication with the PDGF receptor may account for the ability of angiotensin II to elicit responses typical of growth factor signal transduction.
Foregut Fermentation in the Hoatzin, a Neotropical Leaf-Eating Bird

The only known case of an avian digestive system with active foregut fermentation is reported for the hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), one of the world's few obligate folivorous (leaf-eating) birds. Hoatzins are one of the smallest endotherms with this form of digestion. Foregut fermentation in a flying bird may be explained by increased digestive efficiency by selection of highly fermentable and extremely patchy resources, coupled with microbial nutritional products and secondary compound detoxification. This unexpected digestive system gives a new perspective to the understanding of size limitations of vertebrate herbivores and to the evolution of foregut fermentation.
Relationship of blog and video usage patterns to academic performance in undergraduate mechanics

This article describes a study about blogging and video technology usage and academic performance in a sophomoremechanics class with enrollment of 120 students. Two conceptual frameworks from learning science inform the discussionof student usage of social technologies and their impact on academic performance. This study employs data collected from83 consented students on three surveys, technology usage data, and gradebook data to triangulate how students use thetechnologies, and what academic outcomes they achieve. Students are divided into four student cohorts, broken down byfinal course grade, and the results explore attitudes, usage, and technology adoption for each cohort. Open response datahelp describe the complex ecosystem driving student choices about technology usage as well as their academic outcomes.Although generally viewed as helpful, the video resources have a differential impact on student performance across gradebands. Students who earn good grades have better command of their resources (both the technology content, and theirpeers), using them both efficiently and effectively. Poor students struggle to use their resources effectively and are less activecollaborators—either in person or online.
The reliability and concurrent validity of scapular plane shoulder elevation measurements using a digital inclinometer and goniometer

This study investigated the reliability and concurrent validity of active shoulder elevation in the scapular plane (scaption) using a digital inclinometer and goniometer. Two investigators used a goniometer and digital inclinometer to measure scaption on 30 asymptomatic participants in a blinded repeated measures design. Good reliability was present with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intrarater reliability of goniometry = 0.87, intrarater digital inclinometry = 0.88, interrater goniometry = 0.92, and interrater digital inclinometry = 0.89. The minimal detectable change (MDC95) for the interrater analysis indicated that a change equal to or greater than 8 degrees for goniometry and 9 degrees for inclinometry is required to be 95% certain that the change is not due to intertrial variability or measurement error. The concurrent validity between goniometry and digital inclinometry was excellent with an ICC value of 0.94 for both raters. The 95% limits of agreement suggest that the difference between these two measurement instruments can be expected to vary by up to ±11 degrees. The results support the interchangeable use of goniometry and digital inclinometer for measuring scaption. Clinicians and researchers should consider the MDC values presented when interpreting change during subsequent measurement sessions.
Epidemiological Study of Road Traffic Accidents and Detection of Accident Hot Spot in Golestan Province, Northern Iran

Background and objectives: Given the high burden of traffic accidents in Iran, especially in the northern areas, and the importance of identifying the characteristics and geographic distribution of road traffic accidents (RTAs) for policymaking and planning, this study was conducted to investigate the epidemiology of RTAs and determine accident hot spots in the Golestan Province, northern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on all traffic accidents in the suburban roads of the Golestan Province that were reported to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS 115) and registered in a software-based traffic accidents information management system (called SAMAH in Persian) between March 2009 and 2012. The accidents were assessed in terms of setting, time of accident, demographic characteristics of injured people, and consequences. Data were entered into SPSS (version 16) and then analyzed using independent t-test and chi-square test. The ArcGIS10 software was also used for analyzing spatial data and mapping RTAs. Results: Overall, 10522 incidents were recorded in the system, most of which (36.2%) occurred in March 2010-2011. The frequency of RTAs in summer was almost 2-fold higher than other seasons. In addition, the frequency of RTAs was higher in the Gonbad-e-Kavous County (23.4%) and the Gorgan County (21.4%). Among the 11,415 people injured in RTAs, 9,129 (82.1 %) were male, 80.7% were transferred to hospital, and 5.9% were treated at the accident site. The mean age of injured men (29.9±14.9 years) was significantly lower than that of injured women (33.2±17 years) (P≤0.001). Moreover, 163 individuals (1.4%) died because of the RTAs, and mission was canceled in 1393 cases (12%). The most common RTA injuries were multiple traumas (34.6%), head and face injuries (28.3%), and knee and leg injuries (18.1%). Conclusion: We demonstrated that the rate of RTAs in the Golestan Province is high. Offering training to people, especially to younger people who at higher risk of involvement in RTAs, improving road quality and signage in hot spots, and recruitment of highly-trained EMS personnel might be beneficial for reducing the number and complications of RTAs in the province.
1.5×10−9 Ωcm2 Contact resistivity on highly doped Si:P using Ge pre-amorphization and Ti silicidation

Record-low contact resistivity (ρ<sub>c</sub>) for n-Si, down to 1.5×10<sup>-9</sup> Q-cm<sup>2</sup>, is achieved on Si:P epitaxial layer. We confirm that Ti silicidation reduces the pc for n-Si, while an additional Ge pre-amorphization implantation (PAI) before Ti silicidation further extends the pc reduction. In situ doped Si:P with P concentration of 2×10<sup>21</sup> cm<sup>-3</sup> is used as the substrate, and dynamic surface anneal (DSA) boosts P activation. In addition, TiO<sub>x</sub> based metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) contact is also studied on Si:P but is found to suffer from low thermal stability.
Three Essays in Behavioral Finance

My dissertation consists of three chapters that examine the role of behavioral biases in both expert updating and asset pricing. It provides empirical evidence for confirmatory bias and Bayesian reassessment in expert updating, and utilizes a unique, regression-discontinuity approach for identifying confirmatory bias, using insights from a new model of confirmatory bias. Additionally, I propose a rational explanation for the home underdog bias, which has been found in many sports betting markets. I use evidence from a set of binary choice models to propose that betting houses intentionally leave betting on home underdogs open for profitable betting in order to eliminate the behavioral strategy of betting on hot teams. Chapter 1 considers how experts use Bayes’ rule, the common benchmark for expert updating. Experts are regularly relied upon to provide opinions in financial markets, but the expert’s incentives to truthfully reveal his opinions depend on the environment, making it difficult to identify forms of expert bias. I consider how experts report their beliefs in an environment devoid of incentives. Using data from an incentive-free environment—the Associated Press Top 25 Poll for college football— I find that experts reassess data selectively, depending on their prior hypotheses over time. I also find that experts do not fully incorporate all of the information contained in a signal for a given time, as they “reassess” the quality of information in light of new information. Furthermore, I also find that experts react more strongly to imprecise
Opposite associations of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin and gamma-glutamyltransferase with prevalent coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND Moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), but excessive alcohol consumption is probably harmful to the heart. We analyzed the association of 2 commonly used markers of alcohol consumption-carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)-and self-reported alcohol consumption with prevalent CHD. METHODS The study included a random sample of 3666 Finnish men aged 25 to 74 years who participated in a risk factor survey in 1997. The cross-sectional association of CDT, GGT, and self-reported drinking with CHD was analyzed by means of logistic regression models. RESULTS The CDT level was inversely and GGT level positively associated with CHD risk. The odds ratios (adjusted for age, smoking, total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, systolic blood pressure, and body mass index) of CHD among men in the fourth quartiles of CDT and GGT, as compared with the first quartiles, were 0.69 and 1.76, respectively. In a composite risk assessment, men with normal CDT levels (< or =20 U/L) and elevated GGT levels (>80 U/L) had nearly 8-fold adjusted risk of CHD as compared with the men with normal GGT levels and elevated CDT levels. Self-reported alcohol consumption had an inverse association with CHD risk, which disappeared after adjustment for the other risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Levels of CDT and GGT may be indicators of factors behind the curvilinear association between alcohol consumption and CHD risk. The CDT level seems to be related to beneficial biological changes and GGT level with the changes that are detrimental to the cardiovascular system. The inverse association of CDT level with CHD risk will be examined further in a forthcoming prospective study.
Modelling the dynamics of the term structure of interest rates

In order to provide tractable bond pricing formulae, the arbitrage theories of the term struc­ ture make specific assumptions as to the number, identity and process generating the underlying forcing variables. This paper assesses the empirical plausibility of these common assumptions. It is found that there are three underlying factors, one more than is usually permitted. However, by careful examination of the dynamics of suitable instrumental variables to these factors, it is found that the further factor may be represented by the autoregressive conditional volatility of one of these factors. Thus, it can be readily integrated into existing two factor models.
Relationship of Tumoral Hyaluronic Acid and Cathepsin D Contents with Histological Type of Gastric Carcinoma

The aim of this work was to evaluate the cytosolic contents of hyaluronic acid (HA) and cathepsin D (CatD) in gastric carcinomas and their possible relationships with the clinicopathological parameters of the tumors. Our study demonstrated a wide variability in the cytosolic levels of HA (mean ± SEM: 3748 ± 411 ng/mg protein) and cathepsin D (52 ± 4 pmol/mg protein) in the tumors of 78 gastric cancer patients. In addition, the tumoral contents of HA and CatD were significantly higher (p<0.005) in diffuse type (HA: 6027 ± 1099 ng/mg protein; CatD: 75 ± 13 pmol/mg protein) than in intestinal type (HA: 2735 ± 242 ng/mg protein; CatD: 42±3 pmol/mg protein) carcinomas. These data suggest that both markers may contribute to the biological characterization of gastric carcinomas.
An ideR mutant of Mycobacterium smegmatis has derepressed siderophore production and an altered oxidative‐stress response

The mycobacterial IdeR protein is a homologue of the diphtheria‐toxin repressor DtxR. We have previously demonstrated that Mycobacterium tuberculosis IdeR, like DtxR, represses transcription of Corynebacterium diphtheriae iron‐regulated promoters in vivo and binds to C. diphtheriae operators in a metal‐dependent manner in vitro. We show here that ideR mutants of M. smegmatis, constructed by allelic replacement, were defective in their ability to repress siderophore biosynthesis in the presence of iron. They were also more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide and had decreased levels of catalase/peroxidase (KatG) and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn‐SOD). This indicates that IdeR is a negative regulator of siderophore production and is required for the response to superoxide‐ and hydrogen peroxide stress. We propose that IdeR is the mycobacterial counterpart of the Escherichia coli Fur protein, i.e. it is a pleiotropic regulator that couples iron metabolism to the oxidative‐stress response.
Ion recombination and polarity corrections for small‐volume ionization chambers in high‐dose‐rate, flattening‐filter‐free pulsed photon beams

Purpose: To investigate ion recombination and polarity effects in scanning and microionization chambers when used with digital electrometers and high‐dose‐rate linac beams such as flattening‐filter‐free (FFF) fields, and to compare results against conventional pulsed and continuous photon beams. Methods: Saturation curves were obtained for one Farmer‐type ionization chamber and eight small‐volume chamber models with volumes ranging from 0.01 to 0.13 cm3 using a Varian TrueBeam™ STx with FFF capability. Three beam modes (6 MV, 6 MV FFF, and 10 MV FFF) were investigated, with nominal dose‐per‐pulse values of 0.0278, 0.0648, and 0.111 cGy/pulse, respectively, at dmax. Saturation curves obtained using the Theratronics T1000 60Co unit at the UWADCL and a conventional linear accelerator (Varian Clinac iX) were used to establish baseline behavior. Jaffé plots were fitted to obtain Pion, accounting for exponential effects such as charge multiplication. These values were compared with the two‐voltage technique recommended in TG‐51, and were plotted as a function of dose‐per‐pulse to assess the ability of small‐volume chambers to meet reference‐class criteria in FFF beams. Results: Jaffé‐ and two‐voltage‐determined Pion values measured for high‐dose‐rate beams agreed within 0.1% for the Farmer‐type chamber and 1% for scanning and microionization chambers, with the exception of the CC01 which agreed within 2%. With respect to ion recombination and polarity effects, the Farmer‐type chamber, scanning chambers and the Exradin A26 microchamber exhibited reference‐class behavior in all beams investigated, with the exception of the IBA CC04 scanning chamber, which had an initial recombination correction that varied by 0.2% with polarity. All microchambers investigated, with the exception of the A26, exhibited anomalous polarity and ion recombination behaviors that make them unsuitable for reference dosimetry in conventional and high‐dose‐rate photon beams. Conclusions: The results of this work demonstrate that recombination and polarity behaviors seen in conventional pulsed and continuous photon beams trend accordingly in high‐dose‐rate FFF linac beams. Several models of small‐volume ionization chambers used with a digital electrometer have been shown to meet reference‐class requirements with respect to ion recombination and polarity, even in the high‐dose‐rate environment. For such chambers, a two‐voltage technique agreed well with more rigorous methods of determining Pion. However, the results emphasize the need for careful reference detector selection, and indicate that ionization chambers ought to be extensively tested in each beam of interest prior to their use for reference dosimetry.
The dynamics of trust and trouble

Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this volume focuses on the trust processes between people within organizations, with an emphasis on empirical studies. Rational foundations and psychological motivations for trust are taken into account through conceptual and empirical chapters. The authors begin by summarizing a number of key elements from the literature including how trust develops in time, and how its development is affected by social-psychological phenomena. This includes the notion of ‘framing': the interpretive context in which actions are perceived and evaluated. A conceptual framework is then used to analyse trust and power in the internal relationships of the organization. The contributors take up this issue in an evolutionary analysis of competition between trust and cheating.
Tidewater Glaciers and Bedrock Characteristics Control the Phytoplankton Growth Environment in a Fjord in the Arctic

Meltwater discharge from tidewater glaciers impacts the adjacent marine environment. Due to global warming tidewater glaciers are retreating and will eventually terminate on land. Yet, the mechanisms through which meltwater runoff and subglacial discharge from tidewater glaciers influence marine primary production remain poorly understood, as data in close proximity to glacier fronts are scarce. Here, we show that subglacial meltwater discharge and bedrock characteristics of the catchments control the phytoplankton growth environment inside the fjord, based on data collected in close proximity to tidewater glacier fronts in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard from 26 to 31 July 2017. In the southern part of the inner fjord, glacial meltwater from subglacial discharge was rich in fine sediments derived from erosion of Devonian Old Red Sandstone and carbonate rock deposits, limiting light availability for phytoplankton (0.6 mg m–3 Chl a on average, range 0.2-1.9 mg m-3). In contrast, coarser sediments derived from gneiss and granite bedrock and lower subglacial discharge rates were associated with more favourable light conditions facilitating a local phytoplankton bloom in the northern part of the inner fjord with mean Chl a concentration of 2.8 mg m-3 (range 1.3-7.4 mg m-3). In the northern part, glacier meltwater was a direct source of silicic acid through weathering of the silica-rich gneiss and granite bedrock. Upwelling of the subglacial freshwater discharge plume at the Kronebreen glacier front in the southern part entrained large volumes of ambient, nutrient-rich bottom waters which led to elevated surface concentrations of ammonium, nitrate and partly silicic acid. Total dissolved inorganic nitrogen transported to the surface with the upwelling of the subglacial discharge plume has a significant potential to enhance summer primary production in Kongsfjorden, with ammonium released from the seafloor being of particular importance. The transition from tidewater to land-terminating glaciers may, thus reduce the input of nutrients to the surface layer with negative consequences for summer productivity.
Amygdala reactivity to fearful faces correlates positively with impulsive aggression

ABSTRACT Facial expressions robustly activate the amygdala, a brain structure playing a critical role in aggression. Whereas previous studies suggest that amygdala reactivity is related to various measures of impulsive aggression, we here estimate a composite measure of impulsive aggression and evaluate whether it is associated with amygdala reactivity to angry and fearful faces. We estimated amygdala reactivity with functional magnetic resonance imaging in 47 men with varying degree of aggressive traits (19 incarcerated violent offenders and 28 healthy controls). We modeled a composite “impulsive aggression” trait construct (LVagg) using a linear structural equation model, with a single latent variable capturing the shared correlation between five self-report measures of trait aggression, anger and impulsivity. We tested for associations between amygdala reactivity and the LVagg, adjusting for age and group. The LVagg was significantly positively associated with amygdala reactivity to fearful (p = 0.001), but not angry faces (p = 0.9). We found no group difference in amygdala reactivity to fearful or angry faces. The findings suggest that that amygdala reactivity to fearful faces is represented by a composite index of impulsive aggression and provide evidence that impulsive aggression is associated with amygdala reactivity in response to submissive cues, i.e., fearful faces.
Impact of human resource management on performance in competitive priorities

Purpose – Human resource management (HRM) is considered an important issue in operations strategy (OS). Furthermore, OS effectiveness depends on performance in competitive priorities (CP). However, little empirical evidence exists about the relationship between them. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of HRM on performance in CP. Design/methodology/approach – The research was conducted by surveying a sample of medium and large manufacturing companies in the Colombian coffee region. Three groups of variables were studied: performance in CP, HRM practices and factors related to employees. A regression analysis was conducted to test the hypotheses. Findings – No significant relationship was found between HRM practices and performance in CP. Regarding the factors related to employees, two findings were relevant: first, when the companies involve features about the individuals in OS decision making (motivations, personal goals, abilities, etc.) better performance can be observed in CP.
Memory for Emotionally Arousing Stimuli: A Comparison of Younger and Older Adults

The authors compared emotional memory in younger (aged 18-32 years) and older (aged 59-84 years) adults. Previous researchers who investigated the emotion-memory relationship in younger adults consistently showed that emotional arousal enhances memory for central detail. The present authors' goal was to determine whether a similar effect could be found with older adults. Younger and older adults viewed a series of 12 slides, accompanied by a taped narrative, that showed emotionally arousing or neutral scenes in the middle phase (Slides 5-8). Participants then completed recognition tests that were scored for central detail, peripheral detail, and gist. The results indicated that, although younger adults showed higher performance than older adults did, both groups showed increased memory for central detail. In contrast, the authors found no such enhancement for peripheral detail or gist in either group. These results indicated that the arousal manipulation produced a similar effect on memory in younger and older adults. Furthermore, these results were consistent with the notion of poststimulus elaboration, which is the continued processing of central detail after the termination of an arousing event.