Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Micro- and Macroalbuminuria in Diabetic Subjects and Entire Population of Nauru

Rates of elevated urinary albumin concentration, defined as microalbuminuria (30–299 μg/ml) and macroalbuminuria (≥300 μg/ml), were determined on random morning urine specimens in the population of Nauru, which has a high prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of elevated urinary albumin levels in the total Nauruan population was very high: 26 and 30% of men and women, respectively, had microalbuminuria, whereas 13% of both sexes had macroalbuminuria. Of the subjects with macroalbuminuria, 66% had diabetes. The prevalence increased with worsening glucose tolerance; 26% of subjects with normal glucose tolerance had either micro- or macroalbuminuria, increasing to 43% of subjects with impaired glucose tolerance, 63% of newly diagnosed diabetic subjects, and 75% of previously diagnosed diabetic subjects. Associations between elevated urinary albumin concentration and putative risk factors were assessed for both the total population (n = 1184) and the diabetic subgroup alone (n = 318). Fasting plasma glucose and hypertension were the most important independent correlates for the whole population, whereas plasma creatinine was also important in diabetic subjects. Age at onset and duration of diabetes were not found to be significantly associated with elevated albumin concentration. In subjects with normal glucose tolerance, hypertension and hyperuricemia were the most important associated factors. These results suggest that blood glucose, blood pressure, and possibly obesity and plasma uric acid are important modifiable risk factors for both micro- and macroalbuminuria in this population.
Chemokines stimulate human T lymphocyte transendothelial migration to utilize VLA‐4 in addition to LFA‐1

Lymphocyte infiltration in inflammation is induced by the dual actions of chemokines and cell adhesion molecules. The role of LFA‐1 and VLA‐4 in chemokine‐induced T cell transendothelial migration (TEM) across cytokine‐activated endothelium has not been examined. LFA‐1, but not VLA‐4, mediated blood T cell TEM to RANTES, macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α (MIP‐1α), and stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1), and across tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) or interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) ‐stimulated endothelial cells (EC). Chemokine stimulation in combination with TNF‐α activation of EC induced TEM, which was partially mediated by VLA‐4. SDF‐1 increased a β1‐integrin activation epitope on T cells and enhanced VLA‐4‐mediated adhesion. Thus, LFA‐1 mediates TEM under most conditions, but VLA‐4 can also mediate TEM, although, in contrast to LFA‐1, this requires exogenous chemokines and EC activation. In addition, an LFA‐1‐ and VLA‐4‐independent pathway of lymphocyte TEM can also be induced by SDF‐1.
The Bereitschaftspotential preceding stepping in patients with isolated gait ignition failure

The cerebral activity preceding voluntary, self‐paced ankle dorsiflexion movements while seated was compared with that before a stepping movement of the same foot while standing in four patients with isolated gait ignition failure. Results within the patient group were variable, but all exhibited some increase in the Bereitschaftspotential (BP) amplitude when stepping as compared with sitting, similar to that seen in normal subjects. This differs from previous results in patients with Parkinson's disease in which stepping was not accompanied by a normal increase in BP amplitude. This difference suggests that the mechanisms responsible for the start hesitation that is common to both Parkinson's disease and gait ignition failure may differ in the two conditions.
Trading on Sunspots

In a model with multiple Pareto-ranked equilibria, we show that the set of equilibria shrinks if we allow trade in assets that pay based on the realization of a sunspot acting as an equilibrium-selection device. When the probability of a low-output outcome is high, the desire to insure against it leads the poor to promise large transfers to the rich in the high-output state. The rich then lose the incentive to exert the effort needed to sustain the high output. Thus the opening of financial markets may destroy the high equilibrium. (JEL D51, D53, D82, E44, G12, G14, G21)
International marketing: Theory and practice from developing countries

This volume offers an excellent understanding of international marketing theory and practice within a constantly-changing and increasingly-complex global environment, with greater emphasis on developing countries. Designed for academics, researchers, students, practitioners, and policy-makers in the fields of international marketing, international business, and international trade, the book provides in-depth knowledge and understanding of contemporary theories and their applications in international marketing functions and practices. It exposes the readers to the global environmental forces that impact on international marketing involvement and the basic marketing strategies suitable for international marketing. As such, it will enable the reader to develop skills for effective planning, organization, execution, and control of international marketing operations. While a great deal of effort has been spent on meaningfully integrating the theoretical foundations and actual business practices, various concepts are supported by compelling exhibits, industry-specific examples, and illustrations from developing countries. The questions at the end of each chapter are designed to test the readers' understanding and application of what they have learned in actual situations.
Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Val158Met Modulation of Prefrontal–Parietal–Striatal Brain Systems during Arithmetic and Temporal Transformations in Working Memory

Working memory (WM) is critically mediated by dopaminergic tuning of signal-to-noise in cortical neural assemblies. However, little is known about the distributed neuronal networks impacted by dopaminergic modulation in the component processes of WM. Here, we used the genotype of the Val158Met polymorphism in catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) as an index of relative cortical dopamine bioavailability and tuning efficiency, to examine the spatial and subprocess specificity by which dopaminergic modulation occurs within the prefrontal-parietal-striatal network during WM, thus empirically showing that dopamine plays key roles in updating and stabilizing new information at the neural systems level. In an event-related fMRI task dissociating component numerical WM subprocesses, baseline numerical size comparison engaged ventrolateral prefrontal cortical activation that correlated with COMT Val-allele load (COMT Val>Met), while performing arithmetic transformations further engaged this genotype effect in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), as well as in parietal and striatal regions. Critically, additional temporal integration of information in WM disproportionately engaged greater COMT Val>Met effects only at DLPFC. COMT Val>Met effects were also observed in DLPFC during encoding of new information into WM, but not at its subsequent retrieval. Thus, temporal updating operations, but less so the retrieval of already encoded representations, engaged relatively specific dopaminergic tuning at the DLPFC. Manipulating and rapidly updating representations were sensitive to dopaminergic modulation of neural signaling in a larger prefrontal-parietal-striatal network. These findings add to the integration of dopaminergic signaling in basic cortical assemblies with their roles in specific human brain networks during the orchestration of information processing in WM.
En Bloc Resection for Primary and Metastatic Tumors of the Spine: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUNDThe efficacy of en bloc resection for spinal tumors is unknown because most of the current evidence is provided by small, single-institution clinical series or case reports. OBJECTIVETo combine all previously published reports of en bloc resection for primary and metastatic spinal tumors, to describe the overall pattern of disease-free survival, and to investigate potentially prognostic factors for recurrence. METHODSA complete MEDLINE search for all articles reporting survival data for en bloc resection of spinal tumors was undertaken; 44 articles met inclusion criteria from which 306 eligible patients were identified. RESULTSThere were 229 cases of primary tumors with a mean follow-up of 65.0 months and 77 cases of solitary metastatic tumors with a mean follow-up of 26.5 months. Median time to recurrence was 113 months for the primary group and 24 months for the metastatic group. Disease-free survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 92.6%, 63.2%, and 43.9%, respectively, for the primary group and 61.8%, 37.5%, and 0%, respectively, for the metastatic group; 5-year disease-free survival rates were 58.4% for chordoma and 62.9% for chondrosarcoma. After adjusting for covariates, age, male sex, metastatic tumors, and osteosarcomas were significantly associated with a tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONThis study provides the largest published series of patients undergoing en bloc resection for spinal tumors. Median time to recurrence reached almost 10 years in patients with primary tumors; however, it was only 2 years in those with isolated metastatic tumors.
Why is Business Model Innovation so poorly innovative ? Uncovering the critical role of collaborative design in Business Model Innovation

In this paper we propose to analyze two cases of business model innovation process Uber and a French health care company-with the models developed by design theory. In particular we demonstrate, relying on C-K theory, how the traditionally unchallenged figure of a lone firm performing business model innovation has implications on the outcomes of the process, preventing innovative business models to emerge. In particular we show that the coordination structure chosen by the firms engaging in business model innovation has major consequences. Therefore we propose a categorization of business model innovation process based on the level of implication of each firm. We argue that a more collaborative approach in designing business models that overcomes the difficulties raised by collective design is needed so that the outcomes are innovative. We discuss the implications of this result for business model innovation literature, disruptive innovation theory and design theory. Introduction In this paper, we propose, using recent advances in design theory, to discuss the innovative power of business model innovation. We thus propose analysing two business model innovation processes: the case of Uber business model and an ongoing business model innovation project in a French Health care company. The first case is famous among practitioners as it is used as an example of current disruptions occurring in several industries. The second project is an example of such a process in an incumbent company. Although the study of business models (Amit and Zott, 2001) and in particular business model innovation (Chesbrough, 2010) opens new fields for the innovation literature, the literature seems to focus on the model of a focal firm performing alone a business model innovation process (Amit and Zott,
Training and testing physical capacities for elite soccer players

Elite soccer players spend a substantial amount of time trying to improve physical capacities, including aerobic endurance and strength and the strength derivatives of speed and power. The average oxygen uptake for international soccer teams ranges from 55 to 68 ml · kg−1 · min−1 and the half-squat maximal strength from 120 to 180 kg. These values are similar to those found in other team sports. Recently, it has been shown that the heart's stroke volume is the element in the oxygen chain that mainly limits aerobic endurance for athletes. These findings have given rise to more intensive training interventions to secure high stroke volumes, which, in turn, have proved positive in changing both maximal oxygen consumption and soccer performance in terms of distance covered, contacts with the ball and number of sprints in a game. The training employed has consisted of 4 × 4-min “intervals” running uphill at 90 – 95% of maximal heart rate interspersed with 3 min jogging at 70% of maximal heart rate to facilitate removal of lactate. Research has revealed that a soccer-specific training routine with the ball might be as effective as plain running. Strength training to produce neural adaptations has been effective in changing not only strength in terms of “one-repetition maximum”, but also sprinting velocity and jumping height, in elite soccer players without any change in body mass. The same training has also improved running economy and thus aerobic endurance performance. The training regimen used for a European Champions League team was 4 × 4 repetitions of half-squats with the emphasis on maximal mobilization of force in the concentric action.
Using the Clarion® Cochlear Implant in Cochlear Ossification

This paper is a retrospective review of 5 patients with various degrees of cochlear ossification who were implanted with the CLARION® Multi-Strategy™ Cochlear Implant. Preoperative computed tomography scans, intraoperative findings, surgical technique, and hearing outcomes are discussed in a case report format. Full implantation was achieved in all cases by a systematic approach that included drill-through of proximal obstruction (2 cases), scala vestibuli insertion (2 cases), and complete drill-out (1 case). The only complication was delayed wound healing in a patient with sickle cell disease, chronic active hepatitis, and steroid dependency on antimetabolite therapy. Early results show that the 4 patients with at least 3 months of experience have a mean open-set sentence recognition score of 55% and a mean open-set word recognition score of 24%. The conclusion is that implantation of the Clarion device in ossified cochleas can be successful in all degrees of ossification and can provide significant hearing benefit.
Perforated pyloroduodenal peptic ulcer and sonography.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to illustrate the spectrum of sonographic findings in perforated pyloroduodenal peptic ulcer and discuss the potential role of sonography in the diagnosis. CONCLUSION Although sonography is not the first-line investigation of choice in suspected perforated peptic ulcer, understanding of the characteristic appearances seen during general abdominal sonography may aid the reader in the diagnosis of this important and sometimes overlooked cause of nonspecific abdominal pain. This may shorten time to the diagnosis and ultimate surgical management.
The Effect of Corporate Support Programs on Employees’ Innovative Behavior: A Cross‐Cultural Study

This article establishes a theoretical model that sheds light on whether corporate support programs can foster employees’ innovative behavior across nations and which national cultural dimensions moderate this relationship. To validate the arguments empirically, this research consists of two sequential, independent studies. The first study uses secondary data from the 2011 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor special report. Analysis of responses from 11,560 full-time employees in 13 countries shows that the relationship between support and innovative behavior is more positive when the nation's levels of power distance and masculinity are low and individualism is strong. A second experimental study is conducted in Germany and China using employees’ individual behavior as the dependent variable and corporate support programs differentiated into three types of corporate support (providing time, providing budget, and providing advice) as the independent variable. Findings indicate that all three types of corporate support programs positively impact employees’ innovative behavior in the sample from Germany, at least indirectly via feasibility and desirability judgments as mediators, but no significant relationships in the sample from China. This study contributes to the research stream on employees’ innovative behavior and corporate support programs by adding national cultural properties as environmental factors. In addition, this study investigates the mediating effect of feasibility and desirability judgments between three types of corporate support programs and innovative behavior. This study also contributes to innovation research in general and to research on employees’ innovative behavior in particular by building and validating a multilevel model empirically.
Concurrent Use of Alcohol and Cigarettes from Adolescence to Young Adulthood: An Examination of Developmental Trajectories and Outcomes

Concurrent use of alcohol and tobacco is common among adolescents, yet little is known about the developmental patterns of concurrent use, or the consequences associated with such patterns during young adulthood. Using data collected at six time points during 1985–1995 as part of an evaluation of a school-based substance abuse prevention program in California and Oregon, this study used latent growth mixture modeling to identify five distinct developmental trajectories of concurrent use of alcohol and tobacco from ages 13–23 in a cohort of 5873 individuals and compared these distinct groups with respect to demographic characteristics and young adult outcomes (at age 23 and age 29). Results suggest that while it is common during adolescence to drink but not smoke, it is very unusual to smoke and not drink. Compared to young people who smoked and drank consistently throughout their teens and early twenties, those who drank consistently but smoked only occasionally or dramatically decreased their smoking over time had lower rates of deviant behavior and predatory violence at age 23 and were less likely to have a history of arrest and substance use problems by age 29. This close examination of concurrent use of alcohol and cigarette use from ages 13–23 further accentuates the importance of curbing smoking behavior among adolescents before it becomes habitual.
Pinching threads, singularities and the number 0.0304...

The dynamics of capillary pinching of a fluid thread are described by similarity solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations. Eggers [Phys. Rev. Lett. 71, 3458 (1993)] recently proposed a single universal similarity solution for a viscous thread pinching with an inertial–viscous–capillary balance in an inviscid environment. In this paper it is shown that there is actually a countably infinite family of such similarity solutions which are each an asymptotic solution to the Navier–Stokes equations. The solutions all have axial scale t′1/2 and radial scale t′, where t′ is the time to pinching. The solution obtained by Eggers appears to be special in that it is selected by the dynamics for most initial conditions by virtue of being less susceptible to finite‐amplitude instabilities. The analogous problem of a thread pinching in the absence of inertia is also investigated and it is shown that there is a countably infinite family of similarity solutions with axial scale t′β and radial scale t′, where each solution.
The controversy over recovered memories.

The authors discuss 4 issues in this commentary: (a) the assumptions and evidence used to support the case for dissociated and recovered memories (noting that the evidence is weak and the assumptions internally inconsistent as well as contradictory to a mass of experimental evidence about human memory); (b) the process by which dissociated memories are said to be recovered (events that were originally very poorly encoded as fragmentary, kinesthetic memories cannot be recovered with accuracy later); (c) 4 bodies of relevant, but neglected, research on human memory (reminiscence and hypermnesia, effectiveness of retrieval cues, priming in implicit memory tests, and intentional forgetting); and (d) the issue of appropriate research strategies to gain evidence on the thorny issues of long-delayed retrieval of information. Current evidence does not support the conclusion that memories of repeated abuse are dissociated and recovered with accuracy years later.
Scalable Cache Component in ICN Adaptable to Various Network Traffic Access Patterns

Information-centric networking (ICN) has received increasing attention from all over the world. The novel aspects of ICN (e.g., the combination of caching, multicasting, and aggregating requests) is based on names that act as addresses for content. The communication with name has the potential to cope with the growing and complicating Internet technology, for example, Internet of Things, cloud computing, and a smart society. To realize ICN, router hardware must implement an innovative cache replacement algorithm that offers performance far superior to a simple policy-based algorithm while still operating with feasible computational and memory overhead. However, most previous studies on cache replacement policies in ICN have proposed policies that are too blunt to achieve significant performance improvement, such as firstin first-out (popularly, FIFO) and random policies, or impractical policies in a resource-restricted environment, such as least recently used (LRU). Thus, we propose CLOCK-Pro Using Switching Hash-tables (CUSH) as the suitable policy for network caching. CUSH can identify and keep popular content worth caching in a network environment. CUSH also employs CLOCK and hash-tables, which are low-overhead data structure, to satisfy the cost requirement. We numerically evaluate our proposed approach, showing that our proposal can achieve cache hits against the traffic traces that simple conventional algorithms hardly cause any hits. key words: Information-centric networking, Content-centric networking, Caching, Cache replacement algorithm
Foreign Direct Investment and Institutional Diversity in Trade Agreements: Credibility, Commitment, and Economic Flows in the Developing World, 1971–2007

International trade agreements lead to more foreign direct investment (<small class="caps">fdi </small>) in developing countries. This article examines the causal mechanisms underpinning this trade-investment linkage by asking whether institutional features of preferential trade agreements (<small class="caps">pta </small>s), which allow governments to make more credible commitments to protect foreign investments, indeed result in greater <small class="caps">fdi </small>. The authors explore three institutional differences. First, they examine whether <small class="caps">pta </small>s that have entered into force lead to greater <small class="caps">fdi </small> than <small class="caps">pta </small>s that have merely been negotiated and signed, since only the former constitute a binding commitment under international law. Second, they ask whether trade agreements that have investment clauses lead to greater <small class="caps">fdi </small>. Third, they consider whether <small class="caps">pta </small>s with dispute-settlement mechanisms lead to greater <small class="caps">fdi </small>. Analyses of <small class="caps">fdi </small> flows into 122 developing countries from 1971 to 2007 show that trade agreements that include stronger mechanisms for credible commitment induce more <small class="caps">fdi </small>. Institutional diversity in international agreements matters.
Microbial metabolism of homocyclic and heterocyclic aromatic compounds under anaerobic conditions.

INTRODUCTION. 43 ANAEROBIC MICROBIAL PROCESSES . 43 Microbial Diversity. 0 43 Representative Degradative Pathways of Aromatic Compounds under Anaerobic Conditions . 44 METABOLISM OF HOMOCYCLIC AROMATIC COMPOUNDS UNDER ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS . 45 Anaerobic Photometabolism . 45 Catabolism by Denitrifying Microorganisms . 46 Fermentation.48 Catabolism by Sulfate-Reducing Microorganisms. p 48 Metabolism under Methanogenic Conditions. 49 Summary. 53 METABOLISM OF HETEROCYCLIC AROMATIC COMPOUNDS UNDER ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS. 52 AnaerobicPhotoreduction. 52 Fermentation . 52 Metabolism by Sulfate-Reducing Microorganisms . , 54 Metabolism under Methanogenic Conditions. 54 Summary.55 IN SITU BIODEGRADATION OF AROMATIC COMPOUNDS IN ANAEROBIC SUBSURFACE ENVIRONMENTS. 55 CONCLUSIONS. 56 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 56 LITERATURE CITED . , 56