Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relation of magnesium with insulin resistance and inflammatory markers in subjects with known Coronary artery disease

Background: Magnesium plays an important role in regulating insulin action and secretion. Dietary magnesium deficiency and hypomagnesemia have been associated with inflammation. There is paucity of data regarding this in Indian subjects. Hence, we studied the relation of serum and dietary magnesium with insulin resistance (IR) and inflammatory markers. Methods & Results: We studied the relation of serum high sensitive C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP), interlukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) with cardiovascular risk factors in three hundred coronary artery disease patients. Nutrition assessment was done at the time of recruitment. Patients were evaluated for anthropometry, cardiovascular risk factors, and blood samples were collected. Patients were divided into three groups according to serum magnesium levels; ≤1.6 (Group 1), >1.6–2.6 (Group 2) and: >2.6 mg/dl (Group 3) and into two groups according to recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for magnesium (≤350 mg/day and >350 mg/day). More than half of patients (58.6%) were having hypomagnesemia and 62% were consuming magnesium below RDA. Insulin and IR was significantly higher and insulin sensitivity was significantly lower in group 1 compared to group 2 and 3. Insulin and IR was correlated negatively; and insulin sensitivity was correlated positively with serum magnesium. Similarly inflammatory markers were significantly higher in group1 when compared with group 2 and 3 and they were correlated negatively with serum magnesium. Dietary magnesium was positively correlated with serum magnesium. Insulin and IR were significantly higher and insulin sensitivity was significantly lower in subjects with low RDA for magnesium. Insulin and IR were correlated negatively and sensitivity was correlated positively with dietary magnesium. Inflammatory markers; IL-6, TNF-α, and hs CRP were significantly high in subjects with low RDA for magnesium and were correlated negatively with dietary magnesium. Conclusion: Hypomagnesemia and low dietary magnesium is associated with IR and inflammatory markers in patients with coronary artery disease. Key words: Inflammatory markers; Hypomagnesemia; C-reactive protein; Interleukin-6; Tumor necrosis factor–alpha; Coronary artery disease.
Behavior of hematopoietic stem cells in a large animal.

To study the behavior of hematopoietic stem cells in vivo, we transplanted glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) heterozygous (female Safari) cats with small amounts of autologous marrow. The G6PD phenotypes of erythroid burst-forming units and granulocyte/macrophage colony-forming units were repeatedly assayed for 3.5-6 years after transplantation to track contributions of stem cell clones to the progenitor cell compartment. Two phases of stem cell kinetics were observed, which were similar to the pattern reported in comparable murine studies. Initially there were significant fluctuations in contributions of stem cell clones. Later clonal contributions to hematopoiesis stabilized. The initial phase of clonal disequilibrium, however, extended for 1-4.5 years (and not 2-6 months as seen in murine experiments). After this subsided, all progenitor cells from some animals expressed a single parental G6PD phenotype, suggesting that blood cell production could be stably maintained by the progeny of one (or a few) cells. As the hematopoietic demand of a cat (i.e., number of blood cells produced per lifetime) is over 600 times that of a mouse, this provides evidence that an individual hematopoietic stem cell has a vast self-renewal and/or proliferative capacity. The long phase of clonal instability may reflect the time required for stem cells to replicate sufficiently to reconstitute a large stem cell reserve.
Determinants of Merger & Acquisition success in global logistics

The logistics industry has experienced a strong consolidation since the early 1990s. In this paper, the value implication of 200 logistics mergers and acquisitions (M&A) that have taken place between 1991 and 2006 is analysed by applying event study methodology. The impacts on acquirers, targets, and combined entities are examined and it is determined that significant positive abnormal returns can be realised. By assessing subsamples according to transactionbased success factors, it has been identified that operationally focusing transactions within the same product market are more successful than those that follow a diversification strategy. Crossborder mergers outperform national mergers within the same regional market. Transactions with a large volume are more successful than small ones.
Earnings Timeliness and Seasoned Equity Offering Announcement Effect

This paper examines the relation between the Seasoned Equity Offering (SEO) announcement effect and earnings timeliness. I predict that firms with greater earnings timeliness tend to have less information asymmetry between managers and investors, thus decreasing the magnitude of the price drop at the SEO announcement. As anticipated, I find that SEO negative announcement effect varies inversely with earnings timeliness.
A Study of Consumer Trust in Internet Shopping And the Moderating Effect of Risk Aversion in Mainland China

Having many advantages that traditional shopping channels lack of, Internet shopping is now enjoying its prevalence and rapid development in Mainland China. Famous online shopping websites including Taobao.com and Amazon.cn attract millions of transactions as well as new users every day. In many previous researches, focus has been found in the relationship between consumer trust and its antecedents. Researchers have also established that online purchase intentions are the product of consumer trust. The objective of this study is to reexamine some factors affecting consumer trust in Mainland China as well as to investigate the effect of risk aversion as a moderator on the relationship between trust and purchase intention. This paper provided evidence that trust in Internet shopping is built on high service quality as well as website quality. Size of online retailers is found to be negatively related to trust. Notably, risk aversion moderates negatively on the effect of trust toward consumer purchase intention. Implications and suggestions for further research are also provided in the study. Table of
Molecular Dynamics Study of Self-Assembly of Aqueous Solutions of Poly[9,9-bis(4-Sulfonylbutoxyphenylphenyl) Fluorene-2,7-diyl-2,2’-Bithiophene] (PBS-PF2T) in the Presence of Pentaethylene Glycol Monododecyl Ether (C12E5)

Results are presented using molecular dynamics (MD) of the self-assembly of the conjugated polyelectrolyte poly[9,9-bis(4-sulfonylbutoxyphenylphenyl) fluorene-2,7-diyl-2,2’-bithiophene] (PBS-PF2T) with 680 mM pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E5) in water. Simulations are used to examine the interaction between PBS-PF2T and C12E5 and suggest a break-up of PBS-PF2T aggregates in solution. These systems are dominated by the formation of cylindrical phases at temperatures between 0 °C and 20 °C and also between 45 °C and 90 °C. More diffuse phases are seen to occur between 20 °C and 45 °C and also above 90 °C. Simulations are related to previous computational and experimental studies on PBS-PF2T aggregation in the presence of tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E4) in bulk and thin films.
A delayed response enhancement during hippocampal presynaptic plasticity in mice

High frequency afferent stimulation of chemical synapses often induces short‐term increases in synaptic efficacy, due to increased release probability and/or increased supply of readily releasable synaptic vesicles. This may be followed by synaptic depression, often caused by vesicle depletion. We here describe an additional, novel type of delayed and transient response enhancement phase which occurred during prolonged stimulation at 5–20 Hz frequency of excitatory glutamatergic synapses in slices from the adult mouse CA1 hippocampal region. This second enhancement phase, which was most clearly defined at physiological temperatures and essentially absent at 24°C, was dependent on the presence of F‐actin filaments and synapsins I and/or II, and could not be ascribed to changes in presynaptic action potentials, inhibitory neurotransmission or glutamate receptor desensitization. Time course studies showed that the delayed response phase interrupted the synaptic decay 3–4 s after stimulus train initiation and continued, when examined at 5–10 Hz frequencies, for approximately 75 stimuli before decay. The novel response enhancement, probably deriving from a restricted pool of synaptic vesicles, may allow maintenance of synaptic efficacy during prolonged periods of excitatory synaptic activity.
An exploratory study of executive hubris and its effect on how chief executive officers in small to medium enterprises make strategic management decisions

This exploratory study examined the nature of the recentiy conceptuaiised notion of executive hubris; and in particular the effect it may have on how chief executive officers in small to medium sized enterprises make their strategic management decisions. It was designed to explore executive hubris and strategic decision making in a limited sample of executives. On this basis the results are limited to this shrdy and are not generalisable. A core aim of the study however; was to test qualitatively and quantitatively in a fundamental, exploratmy way; Hambrick and Hiller' s (2005) propositions that executive hubris has an effect on how these decisions are made; employing basic descriptive statistical data, specifically with a view to attempt to provide assistance and direction to future researchers. The limited body of current research on the possible effects of executive hubris on the decision-making process was explored, with reference to the Human Resource Management; Management; Psychoiogy; Small Business; and Strategic _Management literatures. References to the Psychology literatme however; were limited to specific references to Hambrick and Hiller' s (2005) framework for exploring the possible effect of executive hubris on the decision-making and the allied Core Self Evaluation construct. The blendii1g of the literature facilitated an understanding of the connection between the conceptual basis of executive hubris and its possible effect on the business strategies and decision making process of chief executive officers u1 Smail and JV[edium Sized Enterprises.
Guillain-Barre syndrome, pregnancy, and plasmapheresis

Abstract The case of Guillain-Barre syndrome (acute inflammatory polyradiculoneuritis) in pregnancy reported here brings the total reported number to 35. The patient had plasmapheresis with no maternal or fetal complications. She did not require mechanical ventilation. This is only the fifth reported case of Guillain-Barre syndrome in the gravid patient involving plasmapheresis. There have been no controlled studies assessing the safety of plasmapheresis in the pregnant patient with the disorder. The possible'risks ofthe procedure need to be weighed against the high maternal mortality rate in such a patient.
Corporate Governance and Earnings Informativeness: Evidence from Iran

The purpose of this research is to study of the effect of corporate governance on earnings informativeness of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. The effect of variables of ownership concentration, management ownership, institutional ownership, corporate ownership, board composition, duality of the CEO and chairman roles and size of the board on the earnings response coefficient have been investigated. The sample consists of 70 companies between 2002 and 2008. The statistical model used for testing the suggested hypothesis in this research is ‘panel data’. The results show that earnings informativeness has a positive and significant relationship with ownership concentration and institutional ownership. Also, no evidence was found indicative of the existence of a meaningful relationship between other variables of ownership structure and board structure and earnings informativeness. Furthermore, results show that there is no nonlinear relationship between management ownership and earnings informativeness.
New approach to use of kenaf for paper and paperboard production

This study sought to determine the suitability of fractionation and consequence-selective processing (separation of long fiber and short fiber, beating long fiber, and remixing with short fiber to target freeness) as a new approach to use of kenaf whole stem pulp for paper and paper-board production. A laboratory Bauer-McNett Classifier with screen 18 mesh was used to separate short fibers and long fibers of the unbeaten kenaf whole stem soda-anthraquinone high kappa and low kappa pulps. For comparison, the initial unbeaten pulps were beaten in the PFI mill to the same freeness (300 mL CSF). Results of our patented method showed that the fractionation process was able to provide a good opportunity to beat the long fiber portion at higher PFI revolutions and to achieve better fibrillation, significantly improving all paper properties of kenaf pulps except for tear index and producing sheets with better drainage and strength properties compared to conventionally beaten pulps, especially in the case of kenaf high kappa pulp.
Outcomes of Vitamin D Supplementation in Adults Who are Deficient and Critically Ill: A Review of the Literature

Vitamin D deficiency is known to be common in the general population and has been linked to all-cause mortality. The classically recognized role of vitamin D is its involvement in calcium and phosphorous homeostasis and bone health. Recent evidence suggests that vitamin D may also play a role in other nonskeletal processes, such as anti-proliferation, immunity, regulation of hormone section, and muscle strength. An extensive literature review of vitamin D and critical illness from 2000 to 2015 (PubMed and CINAL) produced multiple observational studies revealing a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in intensive care patients. Many of these studies have indicated that there is an association between vitamin D deficiency and clinical outcomes such as mortality, sepsis, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of stay. This review article provides an overview of vitamin D physiology in adults, a summary of observational studies on vitamin D deficiency in critical illness, and an examination of the few clinical trials on vitamin D supplementation in intensive care patients.
Ultraviolet and Far-Infrared-selected Star-forming Galaxies at z = 0: Differences and Overlaps

We study two samples of local galaxies, one UV (GALEX) selected and the other FIR (IRAS) selected, to address the question of whether UV and FIR surveys see two sides ("bright" and "dark") of the star formation of the same population of galaxies or two different populations of star-forming galaxies. No significant difference between the Ltot (=L60 + LFUV) luminosity functions of the UV and FIR samples is found. In addition, after the correction for the "Malmquist bias" (bias for flux-limited samples), the FIR-to-UV ratio versus Ltot relations of the two samples are consistent with each other. In the range of 9 ≲ log(Ltot/L☉) ≲ 12, both can be approximated by a simple linear relation of log(L60/LFUV) = log(Ltot/L☉) - 9.66. These are consistent with the hypothesis that the two samples represent the same population of star-forming galaxies, and their well-documented differences in Ltot and in FIR-to-UV ratio are due only to the selection effect. A comparison between the UV luminosity functions shows marginal evidence for a population of faint UV galaxies missing in the FIR-selected sample. The contribution from these "FIR-quiet" galaxies to the overall UV population is insignificant, given that the K-band luminosity functions (i.e., the stellar mass functions) of the two samples do not show any significant difference.
Learning New Productivity Criteria in Transition Economies: Evidence from 450 CIS Companies

The empirical data suggests that the ownership structure of the CIS firms studied did not determine productivity improvements during the years 1995-97. This finding indicates that within this time period, ownership structure was not the main determinant in explaining improvement in organisational performance, but rather than this reflected the transition path, i.e. whether the transformation occurred via the reconstruction of the old or through developing a new organisational entity. The main difference between these two transition paths can be summarised as follows: the transition path of privatised companies can be characterised as organisational revolution whereas the transition path of private start-ups can be described as organisational evolution in a revolutionary business environment. Moreover, the empirical data indicates that there was a significant relationship between the younger age of the top manager and productivity improvement in a company. This finding suggests that adapting Soviet management culture into the post-Soviet environment can be a more complex task than merely learning new organisational practices.
Isolating the Impact of the Volume Control on Customer Satisfaction

By Sergei Kochkin, PhD “need a VC” and consumers “who do not need a VC” have been documented as high as 40% (experienced users in MarkeTrak VI); ■ Use of a VC is rated as a highly desirable hearing instrument feature by 78% of US consumers. ■ Hearing instruments, which are “easier to regulate (volume)” are on the wish list of 72% of US consumers and 65% of German consumers. In my discussions with industry leaders on this topic, there have been four reoccurring, intriguing theories concerning MarkeTrak data on VCs. First, they question whether the differential in customer satisfaction ratings by those who want and those
Integrated ZVT auxiliary commutation circuit for input stage of double-conversion UPSs

This paper proposes an integrated zero voltage transition (ZVT) auxiliary commutation circuit applied to a universal input ac/dc system with a bidirectional converter for dc bus and battery bank interface. With the bidirectional converter it is possible to reduce the cost of the battery bank and virtually eliminate both low and high frequency current ripple in the batteries. An integrated ZVT auxiliary commutation circuit has been included to the system to achieve ZVT commutation at the main switches in all operation modes. In addition, this auxiliary commutation circuit controls the di/dt of the resonant process, allowing the utilization of slow diodes [intrinsic diodes of metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs)] in the bidirectional converter and, therefore, reducing the overall system cost. Integrated commutation circuit is based on a new concept in which the energy involved in one or more commutation processes is utilized to assist another commutation processes. Moreover, a control system has been developed and analyzed for the correct operation of the proposed system. Experimental results based on a 580-W prototype are presented to demonstrate the good performance of the proposed system.
Hair diameter diversity: a clinical sign reflecting the follicle miniaturization.

BACKGROUND The degree of androgenetic alopecia is generally evaluated either by global clinical scales or time-consuming methods like phototrichogram or histological studies. We describe a new clinical and reliable scoring method based on hair diameter diversity. OBSERVATIONS (1) The clinical macroscopic scoring we propose for hair density was significantly correlated with Hamilton classification and with histological hair density. (2) Diversity in hair diameter was the main and most accurate clinical parameter linked to follicle miniaturization. (C) The anagen-telogen ratio decreased in parallel with the decrease in clinical hair density score. CONCLUSIONS Considering that hair follicle miniaturization is the key point during androgenic alopecia onset and development, diversity in hair diameter represents an important feature to consider as an accurate clinical sign reflecting hair follicle miniaturization. Moreover, diversity in hair diameter seems to be an easily accessible and reliable parameter that should be taken into consideration for further characterization of hair disorders. By itself, we believe that this clinical feature constitutes a new tool of substantial help for the diagnosis and management of androgenic alopecia.
SEP-Nets: Small and Effective Pattern Networks

While going deeper has been witnessed to improve the performance of convolutional neural networks (CNN), going smaller for CNN has received increasing attention recently due to its attractiveness for mobile/embedded applications. It remains an active and important topic how to design a small network while retaining the performance of large and deep CNNs (e.g., Inception Nets, ResNets). Albeit there are already intensive studies on compressing the size of CNNs, the considerable drop of performance is still a key concern in many designs. This paper addresses this concern with several new contributions. First, we propose a simple yet powerful method for compressing the size of deep CNNs based on parameter binarization. The striking difference from most previous work on parameter binarization/quantization lies at different treatments of $1\times 1$ convolutions and $k\times k$ convolutions ($k>1$), where we only binarize $k\times k$ convolutions into binary patterns. The resulting networks are referred to as pattern networks. By doing this, we show that previous deep CNNs such as GoogLeNet and Inception-type Nets can be compressed dramatically with marginal drop in performance. Second, in light of the different functionalities of $1\times 1$ (data projection/transformation) and $k\times k$ convolutions (pattern extraction), we propose a new block structure codenamed the pattern residual block that adds transformed feature maps generated by $1\times 1$ convolutions to the pattern feature maps generated by $k\times k$ convolutions, based on which we design a small network with $\sim 1$ million parameters. Combining with our parameter binarization, we achieve better performance on ImageNet than using similar sized networks including recently released Google MobileNets.
Effectiveness of the mechanisms of fraud prevention and detection in Nigeria

Whereas the problem of fraud is a global one, the rate and extent to which it is perpetrated in Nigeria, particularly in the public sector, is quite high and alarming. Literature reveals that different fraud prevention and detection mechanisms are being adopted to combat the menace of fraud. Forensic accounting techniques appears to be the most effective and are currently used in most developed countries of the world. However, the extent to which forensic accounting techniques are being applied in fraud prevention and detection in Nigeria is not known.This study was therefore aimed at investigating the mechanisms of fraud prevention and detection, and their levels of effectiveness in Nigeria.The study involved the collection of quantitative data from accounting practitioners. The questionnaire served as the survey instrument.The study identified several fraud prevention and detection mechanisms that are currently used in Nigeria, such as systems of internal controls, operational audits and corporate code of conduct. Students’ t-test indicates a significant difference between the perceived effectiveness and actual usage of fraud prevention and detection mechanisms in Nigeria. It was further discovered that the most effective mechanisms, like the forensic accounting techniques, are the least used in fraud prevention and detection. This implies that the current mechanisms of fraud prevention and detection are not proactive in dealing with the fraud menace. The study recommended that proactive measures in terms of mechanisms be employed in tackling fraud manace in Nigeria.