Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial Optimism, Credit Availability, and Cost of Financing: Evidence from U.S. Small Businesses

Using a large sample of U.S. small businesses and a new measure of optimism, we examine the role of entrepreneurial optimism in small business lending. We provide evidence that optimistic entrepreneurs are not rationed by lenders. Quite the opposite, our results suggest that they often have better credit accessibility and obtain lower cost of financing. Our results are robust to alternative measures of optimism and controls for private information between lenders and borrowers.
Concentric Annular Ring Slot Antenna for Global Navigation Satellite Systems

In this letter, we present the design of a concentric annular ring slot antenna with right-hand circular polarization. Two concentric rings have been etched in the ground plane to generate a dual-band response. A broadband feeding network and a thicker substrate below the slots have been used to improve the axial-ratio bandwidth and gain. The proposed antenna covers the bands of the positioning systems GPS and Galileo. Experimental results show a 3-dB axial-ratio bandwidth for the lower and upper band of 19.2% and 18%, respectively. The measured gain is higher than 4 dB in both bands.
Preventive and curative effects of radon inhalation on chronic constriction injury‐induced neuropathic pain in mice

Radon therapy is clinically useful for the treatment of pain‐related diseases. However, there have been no studies regarding the effects of radon inhalation on neuropathic pain. In this study, we aimed to determine whether radon inhalation actually induced a remission of neuropathic pain and improved the quality of life.
Dietary diversity score and cardiovascular risk factors in Tehranian adults

Abstract Aim To evaluate the relationship between dietary diversity score (DDS) and cardiovascular risk factors in Tehranian adults. Methods In this population-based cross-sectional study, a representative sample of 581 subjects (295 males and 286 females) aged over 18 years, residents of Tehran, participated. Hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program. Diabetes was defined as fasting plasma glucose concentration ≥ 126 mg dl−1 or 2-h post challenge glucose concentration ≥ 200 mg dl−1. Hypertension was defined on the basis of the sixth report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. Dietary diversity was defined according to the Diet Quality Index revised. Results Mean (±standard deviation) DDS was 6.15 ± 1.02. The probability of having diabetes (odds ratio (OR) among quartiles: 1.45, 1.26, 1.11 and 1.00, respectively; P for trend = 0.04) and hypertriglyceridaemia (OR = 1.41, 1.23, 1.05 and 1.00, respectively; P for trend = 0.04) decreased with increasing quartile of the diversity score for whole grains. The probability of having obesity (OR among quartiles: 1.39, 1.06, 1.03 and 1.00, respectively; P for trend = 0.03), hypercholesterolaemia (OR = 1.46, 1.28, 1.11 and 1.00, respectively; P for trend = 0.03), hypertension (OR = 1.32, 1.17, 1.13 and 1.00, respectively; P for trend = 0.03) and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (OR = 1.25, 1.12, 1.07 and 1.00, respectively; P for trend = 0.04) decreased with increasing quartile of the diversity score for vegetables. The probability of having hypercholesterolaemia, high LDL-C, hypertension and diabetes decreased with quartile of the DDS. But the probability of being obese increased with quartile of the DDS (P for trend = 0.03). Conclusion DDS was inversely associated with cardiovascular risk factors in this cross-sectional study. Increased diversity scores of diets, to increase the variety score for vegetables, may be emphasised in programmes attempting to bring about changes in lifestyle.
Analytical Force Calculations for High-Precision Planar Actuator With Halbach Magnet Array

In this paper, an analytical approach is presented to calculate the magnetic force between the mover and the stator of an electromagnetic planar actuator. The key is to use the coenergy method to calculate the force, in such a way that the stator current can be predicted properly to offer the accurate orientation and location for the real-time control of the high-precision planar actuator. The proposed approach affords the advantage of fast and straightforward computation. Both the simulation with ANSYS finite-element method (FEM) and the experimentation are given to support the validity.
Combined Inhibitory Effects of Pyruvate and Low Temperature on Postovulatory Aging of Mouse Oocytes1

ABSTRACT This study tested the hypothesis that oocyte aging could be prevented for a longer time by reducing the culture temperature while supplementing the culture medium with more pyruvate. Newly ovulated mouse oocytes were cultured at various temperatures for various times in HCZB medium (Kimura and Yanagimachi, Biol Reprod 1995; 52:709–720) containing various concentrations of pyruvate before examining for aging parameters and developmental potential. The increase in susceptibility to activating stimuli was efficiently prevented when oocytes were cultured in HCZB with 10.27 mM pyruvate at 37°C for 6 h, 25°C for 24 h, 15°C for 96 h, and 5°C for 48 h. Satisfactory blastocyst development of both parthenotes and fertilized zygotes was achieved after oocyte culture in HCZB containing 10.27 mM pyruvate at 37°C for 6 h, 25°C for 24 h, 15°C for 36 h, and 5°C for 24 h. Transfer of two-cell embryos or blastocysts showed no difference between newly ovulated control oocytes and oocytes cultured at 15°C for 36 h in either term pregnancy, live young per pregnant recipient, live young/transferred embryos, or birth weight of young. Oocytes with impaired developmental potential after culture at 15°C for 96 h and at 5°C for 48 h showed unrecoverable decreases in the content of glutathione, the glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio, the BCL2 content, and in the numbers of oocytes with normal spindles and cortical granule distribution, suggesting induction of oxidative stress, which caused oocyte apoptosis and cytoskeleton alterations by downregulating BCL2. Because oocytes cultured at 15°C for 36 h were activated or fertilized after a 6-h recovery culture, aging of ovulated mouse oocytes has been successfully prevented for 42 h without impairing their developmental potential.
British Historical Statistics

Originally published in 1988, this reference book provides the major economic and social statistical series for the British Isles from the twelfth century up until 1980â€“81. It is the successor of Abstract of British Historical Statistics and the Second Abstract of British Historical Statistics, which were compiled by the author in collaboration with Phyllis Deane and Hywel Jones respectively. The text presents the user of historical statistics with informed access to a wide range of economic data, without the labour of identifying sources or of transforming many different annual sources into a comparable time series. The statistics selected for presentation are arranged in sixteen chapters. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in British history and historical statistics.
Outsourcing and Offshoring Engineering Projects: Understanding the Value, Sourcing Models, and Coordination Practices

In this paper, we review recent developments in the field of outsourcing and offshoring and the implications for engineering management. We examine three aspects involved in outsourcing and offshoring, namely, sourcing models, coordination, and value extracted from outsourcing projects. We conclude that additional research is needed on recent trends in outsourcing and the impact of such change process on the practice of engineering management.
Consideration of physiological effect of robot assisted activity on dementia elderly by electroencephalogram (EEG): Estimation of positive effect of RAA by neuroactivity diagram

Electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement on dementia elderly in nursing home was carried out in order to estimate positive effect of robot assisted activity (RAA). AIBO (ERS-7, SONY ERC) was used as robotic pet for RAA session. Neuroactivity diagram was derived from EEG data by using ‘Dimension’ (BFL; Brain Function Lab.). It was found that improvement of neuroactivity was observed after 15 min. RAA, especially RAA by using remote controlled robot. We also investigate neuroactivity change by RAA for normal young subjects, and Data showed that RAA was not so effective for young person
Risk factors of locoregional relapse in locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy following mastectomy and radiotherapy

We seek to investigate the prognostic factors that could possibly increase the locoregional recurrence of breast cancer patients who do not achieve pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and to build a prognostic nomogram to predict patients' outcome. The retrospective analysis included 510 patients who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and radiotherapy. 62 locoregional events occurred after a median 61 months of follow-up. The five-year cumulative incidence of local recurrence and regional recurrence were 8.63% and 4.31%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that positivity for ≥ 4 lymph nodes and Ki-67 index ≥ 14% were independent factors. According to our prognostic model, the 5-year locoregional free survival rates in the low, intermediate, and high-risk groups were 95.5%, 89.1%, and 67.1%, respectively (p < 0.001). Annual recurrence curves indicated that the relapse peak after mastectomy emerged in the first 1 year. Positivity for ≥ 4 lymph nodes and Ki-67 index ≥ 14% were independent factors for locoregional recurrence. This prognostic model has considerable clinical value in predicting locoregional recurrence, which could help clinicians to design appropriate locoregional treatment specifically and to perform surveillance individually.
Variance of Cervical Vertebral Artery Measured by CT Angiography and Its Influence on C7 Pedicle Anatomy

Study Design. Observational study using a retrospective single-institute database. Objective. To investigate the variance of the vertebral artery (VA) V2 segment and the anatomical features of the C7 pedicle with or without VA entry based on computed tomographic (CT) angiography in 919 consecutive Japanese subjects. Summary of Background Data. Generally, the level of the VA entrance into the transverse foramen is assumed to be C6. Therefore, surgeons tend to pay less attention to VA injury when inserting a C7 pedicle screw. However, anomalies at C7 surely exist and are considered to be 1 of the major risk factors for VA injury during posterior instrumentation. Methods. Subjects who underwent contrast-enhanced CT or CT angiography from November 2011 to October 2012 were eligible. The entrance into the transverse foramen was reviewed. In addition, anatomical features of C7 with or without VA entrance were measured. Results. A total of 919 subjects with a mean age of 56.1 years were surveyed. From among 1838 VA courses, VA entered the C6 transverse foramen in 95.6% of specimens (1757 of 1838 VA courses). Sixty-seven of 919 subjects (7.3%) had a unilateral anomaly and 7 (0.8%) had a bilateral anomaly. An abnormal level of entrance was observed in 8.1% of subjects (74 of 919 patients), and 4.4% of specimens (81 of 1838 VA courses), with a level of entrance into the C4, C5, or C7 transverse foramen in 0.5% (n = 10), 3.1% (n = 57), and 0.8% (n = 14) of all specimens, respectively. C7 transverse foramen with a VA entrance was wider in those without a VA entrance, and abnormal cases frequently showed an uneven transverse foramen. Therefore, the C7 pedicle diameter with abnormal VA entrance was significantly narrower in those without VA entrance (P < 0.01; t test). Conclusion. CT angiography is recommended in cases with an uneven transverse foramen for confirming vascular anomaly. Level of Evidence: 2
Quality of Life of Adolescents Raised From Birth by Lesbian Mothers: The US National Longitudinal Family Study

Objective: To compare the quality of life (QoL), a measure of psychological well-being, of adolescents reared in lesbian-mother families with that of a matched comparison group of adolescents with heterosexual parents. The adolescents in the comparison group were derived from a representative sample of adolescents in Washington state. The second aim of the study was to assess among teens with lesbian mothers whether donor status, maternal relationship continuity, and self-reported stigmatization are associated with QoL. Methods: In 1986, prospective lesbian mothers were recruited in Boston, Washington, DC, and San Francisco. Currently, 93% of the National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study (NLLFS) families are still participating in the study. This report is based on an online questionnaire completed by 78 NLLFS adolescent offspring—39 girls and 39 boys. Six items of the Youth Quality of Life Instrument were used to assess QoL. Also, the NLLFS adolescents were asked whether they had experienced stigmatization, and if so, to describe these experiences (e.g., teasing and ridicule). Mothers were queried about donor status and maternal relationship continuity. Results: The results revealed that the NLLFS adolescents rated their QoL comparably to their counterparts in heterosexual-parent families. Donor status, maternal relationship continuity, and experienced stigmatization were not related to QoL. Conclusion: Adolescent offspring in planned lesbian families do not show differences in QoL when compared with a matched group of adolescents reared in heterosexual families. By investigating QoL, this study provides insight into positive aspects of mental health of adolescents with lesbian mothers.
Involvement of SHIP in TLR2-Induced Neutrophil Activation and Acute Lung Injury1

The SHIP converts phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5 triphosphate to phosphatidyl 3,4 biphosphate. SHIP has negative regulatory functions on PI3K-dependent signaling pathways, which occupy important roles in modulating neutrophil functions. We used neutrophils from transgenic SHIP−/− and SHIP+/+ mice that were stimulated with peptidoglycan (PGN) to examine the role of SHIP in TLR2-induced neutrophil activation. SHIP−/− neutrophils demonstrated significantly increased activation of the PI3K-dependent kinase Akt after exposure to PGN. Release of cytokines and chemokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and MIP-2, was also increased in SHIP−/− compared with SHIP+/+ neutrophils. There was no difference in the nuclear translocation of the transcriptional factor NF-κB between PGN-stimulated SHIP−/− and SHIP+/+ neutrophils. However, phosphorylation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB, an event essential for optimal transcriptional activity of NF-κB, was increased in TLR2-activated SHIP−/− neutrophils. SHIP−/− neutrophils demonstrated greater activation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPKs than did SHIP+/+ neutrophils after exposure to PGN. The severity of acute lung injury induced by PGN was greater in SHIP−/− as compared with SHIP+/+ mice. These results demonstrate that SHIP has a negative regulatory role in TLR2-induced neutrophil activation and in the development of related in vivo neutrophil-dependent inflammatory processes, such as acute lung injury.
Effect of switching antipsychotics on antiparkinsonian medication use in schizophrenia: population-based study.

BACKGROUND The extent to which atypical antipsychotics have a lower incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms than typical antipsychotics has not been well-evaluated in community practice. AIMS To examine the effects of switching antipsychotics on antiparkinsonian medication use among individuals with schizophrenia in UK general practices. METHOD We included those switched from typical to atypical antipsychotics (n=209) or from one typical antipsychotic to another (n=261) from 1994 to 1998. RESULTS Antiparkinsonian drug prescribing dropped by 9.2% after switching to atypical antipsychotics (P<0.0001). Switching to olanzapine decreased the rate by 19.2% (P<0.0001), but switching to risperidone had no impact. After switching from one typical antipsychotic to another, antiparkinsonian drug prescribing increased by 12.9% (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Reduction in antiparkinsonian medication use after switching to atypical antipsychotics was substantial in community practice but not as large as in randomised controlled trials. The rate of reduction varied according to the type of medication.
Bleeding Following Deep Hypothermia and Circulatory Arrest in Children

Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) is a technique of extracorporeal circulation commonly used in children with complex congenital heart defects undergoing surgical repairs. The use of profound cooling (20°C) and complete cessation of circulation allow adequate exposure and correction of these complex lesions, with enhanced cerebral protection. However, the profound physiologic state of DHCA results in significant derangement of the coagulation system and a high incidence of postoperative bleeding. This review examines the impact of DHCA on bleeding and transfusion requirements in children and the pathophysiology of DHCA-induced platelet dysfunction. It also focuses on possible pharmacologic interventions to decrease bleeding following DHCA in children.
Three-dimensional distribution of transient interactions in the nuclear pore complex obtained from single-molecule snapshots

The translocation of large macromolecules through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) of eukaryotic cells is hindered by the phenylalanine-glycine (FG) nucleoporin (Nup) barrier unless molecules are chaperoned by transport receptors. The precise mechanism of facilitated translocation remains unclear due to the challenges of measuring the series of transient interactions between a transport receptor and the FG-Nups. This study developed single-point edge-excitation subdiffraction microscopy to obtain a three-dimensional density map of the transient interactions with a spatiotemporal resolution of 9 nm and 400 μs. Three unique features were observed under real-time trafficking conditions that have escaped detection by conventional electron microscopy: (i) the spatial density of interaction sites between Importin β1 (Imp β1, a major transport receptor) and the FG-Nups gradually increases from both sides of the NPC and is highest in the central pore region; (ii) cargo-free or cargo-bound Imp β1 rarely occupies an axial channel with a diameter of approximately 10–20 nm at its narrowest point through the NPC; and (iii) the pathway of facilitated translocation through the NPC depends more on the interaction sites of the FG-Nups than on the NPC architecture.
Nanoscale Landscape of Phosphoinositides Revealed by Specific Pleckstrin Homology (PH) Domains Using Single-molecule Superresolution Imaging in the Plasma Membrane*

Background: Phosphatidylinositides in the plasma membrane (PM) are pivotal for cellular functions. Results: Superresolution imaging reveals homogeneous distribution of PI(4,5)P2, PI4P, and PI(3,4,5)P3 in the major area of the PM. Conclusion: Phosphatidylinositides detected by PH domains are uniformly distributed in the major regions of the PM, with limited concentration gradients. Significance: This result may imply a new working model of phosphatidylinositides at nanometer scale. Both phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) are independent plasma membrane (PM) determinant lipids that are essential for multiple cellular functions. However, their nanoscale spatial organization in the PM remains elusive. Using single-molecule superresolution microscopy and new photoactivatable fluorescence probes on the basis of pleckstrin homology domains that specifically recognize phosphatidylinositides in insulin-secreting INS-1 cells, we report that the PI(4,5)P2 probes exhibited a remarkably uniform distribution in the major regions of the PM, with some sparse PI(4,5)P2-enriched membrane patches/domains of diverse sizes (383 ± 14 nm on average). Quantitative analysis revealed a modest concentration gradient that was much less steep than previously thought, and no densely packed PI(4,5)P2 nanodomains were observed. Live-cell superresolution imaging further demonstrated the dynamic structural changes of those domains in the flat PM and membrane protrusions. PI4P and phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3) showed similar spatial distributions as PI(4,5)P2. These data reveal the nanoscale landscape of key inositol phospholipids in the native PM and imply a framework for local cellular signaling and lipid-protein interactions at a nanometer scale.
Functional evaluation of dog ejaculates with priority given to the aspect of acrosome integrity

38 ejaculates of dogs of various breeds from 2 to 6 years old were examined in a short-term 120 min survival test. The examination focused on the functional parameters of sperm (motility, percentage of live spermatozoa, acrosomal integrity) and their morphology. The levels of relationship between individual criteria of sperm analysis were demonstrated. Statistically highly significant correlations between motility, ratio of live spermatozoa, percentage of intact acrosomes and percentage of spermatozoa with altered superficial structures were proven. Our findings proved the sensitivity of superficial structures, primarily plasmatic membranes, and the higher resistance of structures with an organelle basis. Strict morphological sperm analysis provides important information about the rise in qualitative alterations of ejaculates caused by changes in superficial structures during the course of a short-term survival test.
Physical and Functional Interactions between Daxx and DNA Methyltransferase 1-Associated Protein, DMAP11

Daxx has been shown to play an essential role in type I IFN-αβ-mediated suppression of B cell development and apoptosis. Recently, we demonstrated that Tyk2 is directly involved in IFN signaling for the induction and translocation of Daxx, which may result in growth arrest and/or apoptosis of B lymphocyte progenitors. To clarify how Daxx regulates B cell development, we examined Daxx interacting partners by yeast two-hybrid screening. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1)-associated protein (DMAP1) was identified and demonstrated to interact with Daxx. The interaction regions in both proteins were mapped, and the cellular localization of the interaction was examined. Both Daxx and DMAP1 formed a complex with DNMT1 and colocalized in the nucleus. DMAP1 enhanced Daxx-mediated repression of glucocorticoid receptor transcriptional activity. Furthermore, Daxx protected protein degradation of DMAP1 in vivo. These results provide the novel molecular link between Daxx and DNMT1, which establishes a repressive transcription complex in the nucleus.