Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Topological Graphs for 2-D Sensor Networks

For an efficient usage of the sensor technology, several design factors (e.g., topology and sensing coverage) should be taken into account. In this paper, we focus on the underlying topology of sensor networks in two-dimensional environments and enhance a set of recently proposed graphs \cite{TNT}. The new enhanced graphs are referred to as the Derived Circles version 2 ($DC^{\alpha}v2$) graphs. We show that $DC^{\alpha}v2$ graphs are locally constructed, connected, have the rotation-ability property, and have the Euclidean Minimum Spanning Tree (EMST) as their subgraphs. Moreover, we show that the new set of graphs has a bounded Euclidean/length and power dilation when $0.5 \leq \alpha \leq 1$. Furthermore, via simulations, we confirm most of these properties, and demonstrate that the $DC^{\alpha}v2$ graphs also have bounded Euclidean and power dilations when $0< \alpha < 0.5$. In addition, we demonstrate that $DC^{\alpha}v2$ graphs outperform the Half Space Proximal ($HSP$) and the Relative Neighbourhood Graph ($RNG$) graphs in terms of the network dilation, Euclidean dilation, and power dilation. This, in turn, increases the speed for message delivery, reduces the energy consumption of nodes and accordingly prolongs the network lifetime.
Puffing and inhalation behaviour in cigarette smoking: Implications for particle diameter and dose

Inhalation of tobacco smoke aerosol is a two-step process involving puffing followed by inhalation. Measured smoke deposition efficiencies in the lung (20-70%) are greater than expected for smoke particles of diameter 150 -- 250 nm CMD. Various mechanisms have been put forward to explain this enhanced deposition pattern, including coagulation, hygroscopic growth, condensation and evaporation, changes in composition, or changes in inhalation behaviour. This paper represents one of a series of studies seeking to better quantify smoke chemistry, inhalation behaviour and cumulative particle growth. The studies have been conducted to better understand smoke dosimetry and links to disease as part of a wider programme defining risk and potential harm reduction. In this study, it was noted that particle deposition increased with increasing inhalation depth, and that smoke inhalation volumes were generally greater than normal tidal breathing volumes. A weak association was observed between particle diameter and puff flow, but no strong association between particle diameter and retention efficiency.
Clinical Trial Registration in Physical Therapy Journals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Clinical trial registration has become an important part of editorial policies of various biomedical journals, including a few physical therapy journals. However, the extent to which editorial boards enforce the need for trial registration varies across journals. Objective The purpose of this study was to identify editorial policies and reporting of trial registration details in MEDLINE-indexed English-language physical therapy journals. Design This study was carried out using a cross-sectional design. Methods Editorial policies on trial registration of MEDLINE-indexed member journals of the International Society of Physiotherapy Journal Editors (ISPJE) (Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, Journal of Hand Therapy, Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, Journal of Physiotherapy [formerly Australian Journal of Physiotherapy], Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Manual Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy in Sport, Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Research International, Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, and Revista Brasileira de Fisioterapia) were reviewed in April 2013. Full texts of reports of clinical trials published in these journals between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2012, were independently assessed for information on trial registration. Results Among the 13 journals, 8 recommended trial registration, and 6 emphasized prospective trial registration. As of April 2013, 4,618 articles were published between January 2008 and December 2012, of which 9% (417) were clinical trials and 29% (121/417) of these reported trial registration details. A positive trend in reporting of trial registration was observed from 2008 to 2012. Limitations The study was limited to MEDLINE-indexed ISPJE member journals. Conclusions Editorial policies on trial registration of physical therapy journals and a rising trend toward reporting of trial registration details indicate a positive momentum toward trial registration. Physical therapy journal editors need to show greater commitment to prospective trial registration to make it a rule rather than an option.
Cognitive impairment in peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of moderate to severe cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients is more than double the prevalence in the general population. This study describes cognitive impairment occurrence in a peritoneal dialysis cohort compared with a cohort without chronic kidney disease (CKD). STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 51 English-speaking peritoneal dialysis patients from 2 urban dialysis units compared with 338 hemodialysis patients from 16 urban dialysis units and 101 voluntary controls without CKD from urban general medicine clinics. PREDICTOR 45-minute battery of 9 validated neuropsychological tests (cognitive domains memory, executive function, and language). OUTCOMES Mild, moderate, or severe cognitive impairment, classified according to a previously designed algorithm. RESULTS Of the peritoneal dialysis cohort, 33.3% had no or mild, 35.3% had moderate, and 31.4% had severe cognitive impairment; corresponding values were 60.4%, 26.7%, and 12.9% of the non-CKD cohort and 26.6%, 36.4%, and 37.0% of the hemodialysis cohort. A logistic regression model including age, sex, race, education, hemoglobin level, diabetes, and stroke showed that only nonwhite race (P = 0.002) and low education (P = 0.002) were associated with moderate to severe cognitive impairment in the peritoneal dialysis cohort. Compared with hemodialysis patients, more peritoneal dialysis patients had moderate to severe memory impairment (58% vs 51%), but fewer had impaired executive function (one-third vs one-half). Peritoneal dialysis was associated with a more than 2.5-fold increased risk of moderate to severe global cognitive impairment compared with no CKD (OR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.02-6.53), as was hemodialysis (OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.91-5.24), in an adjusted logistic regression model. LIMITATIONS Small sample size, participation rate somewhat low. CONCLUSIONS Similar to hemodialysis patients, two-thirds of peritoneal dialysis patients had moderate to severe cognitive impairment, enough to interfere with safely self-administering dialysis and adhering to complex medication regimens. These patients could benefit from cognitive assessment before and periodically after dialysis therapy initiation.
Quantile-based classifiers

Quantile classifiers for potentially high-dimensional data are defined by classifying an observation according to a sum of appropriately weighted component-wise distances of the components of the observation to the within-class quantiles. An optimal percentage for the quantiles can be chosen by minimizing the misclassification error in the training sample. It is shown that this is consistent, for $n \to \infty$, for the classification rule with asymptotically optimal quantile, and that, under some assumptions, for $p\to\infty$ the probability of correct classification converges to one. The role of skewness of the involved variables is discussed, which leads to an improved classifier. The optimal quantile classifier performs very well in a comprehensive simulation study and a real data set from chemistry (classification of bioaerosols) compared to nine other classifiers, including the support vector machine and the recently proposed median-based classifier (Hall et al., 2009), which inspired the quantile classifier.
Modulation of the Behavioral and Neurochemical Effects of Psychostimulants by κ‐Opioid Receptor Systems

Abstract: The repeated, intermittent use of cocaine and other drugs of abuse produces profound and often long‐lasting alterations in behavior and brain chemistry. It has been suggested that these consequences of drug use play a critical role in drug craving and relapse to addiction. This article reviews the effects of psychostimulant administration on dopaminergic and excitatory amino acid neurotransmission in brain regions comprising the brain's motive circuit and provides evidence that the activation of endogenous κ‐opioid receptor systems in these regions opposes the behavioral and neurochemical consequences of repeated drug use. The role of this opioid system in mediating alterations in mood and affect that occur during abstinence from repeated psychostimulant use are also discussed.
Production of parathyroid hormone-related protein by the mammary gland of the goat.

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHRP) has been quantified by sensitive specific immunoassays in mammary venous blood and milk from 7 days before to 7 days after parturition in the goat. A significant venous-arterial concentration gradient in plasma PTHRP 1-86 concentrations was demonstrated across the mammary gland, indicating that PTHRP enters the maternal circulation and may have a role in calcium homoeostasis during lactation. Significant and sustained increases in mammary venous and milk PTHRP 1-86 concentrations were found from 1 day before parturition to 7 days afterwards, with peak concentrations of 1.57 +/- 0.58 pmol/l (plasma) and 8.69 +/- 2.95 nmol/l (milk) (mean +/- S.E.M.) occurring on day -1 and the day of parturition respectively. Estimates of the mammary output of PTHRP into plasma in four goats averaged 9% (range 1-25%) of that secreted into milk. Suppression of maternal prolactin concentrations by bromocriptine significantly reduced milk yield and the mammary venous PTHRP concentration, without affecting the concentration of PTHRP in milk. In conclusion, parturition in the goat is associated with a sustained increase in secretion of PTHRP into both plasma and milk; the former may be involved in maternal calcium homoeostasis, whereas the latter may have a role in the neonate.
Trade credit, the financial crisis, and firm access to finance

We analyse for the first time whether trade credit provided an alternative source of external finance to SMEs during the credit crisis. Using firm level panel data on over 40,000 Spanish SMEs we find that credit constrained SMEs depend on trade credit, but not bank loans, to finance capital expenditures and that the intensity of this dependence increased during the financial crisis. Unconstrained firms, in contrast, are dependent on banks loans not trade credit. Overall, this suggests substitution between bank loans and trade credit that is conditional on the level of financing constraints and is more intense during the crisis. (100 words).
Are External Auditors Concerned About Cyber Incidents? Evidence from Audit Fees

While the importance of addressing cybersecurity is widely acknowledged, there is no explicit requirement by regulators or standard setters for auditors to do so. This paper investigates (1) whether external auditors respond to cyber incidents by charging higher audit fees, (2) whether they anticipate and price material cybersecurity risk before cyber incidents occur, and (3) whether increases in audit fees for firms experiencing a cyber incident in the current period are associated with subsequent cyber incidents. We find that only cyber incidents are associated with increases in audit fees and that the association is driven by more severe incidents. We also find that increases in audit fees are smaller for firms with prior cybersecurity risk disclosure after 2011 when the SEC issued cybersecurity disclosure guidance. Finally, larger increases in audit fees for firms experiencing cyber incidents in the current period are associated with a lower likelihood of subsequent cyber incidents.
Bayesian inference for transportation origin–destination matrices: the Poisson–inverse Gaussian and other Poisson mixtures

Transportation origin–destination analysis is investigated through the use of Poisson mixtures by introducing covariate‐based models which incorporate different transport modelling phases and also allow for direct probabilistic inference on link traffic based on Bayesian predictions. Emphasis is placed on the Poisson–inverse Gaussian model as an alternative to the commonly used Poisson–gamma and Poisson–log‐normal models. We present a first full Bayesian formulation and demonstrate that the Poisson–inverse Gaussian model is particularly suited for origin–destination analysis because of its desirable marginal and hierarchical properties. In addition, the integrated nested Laplace approximation is considered as an alternative to Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling and the two methodologies are compared under specific modelling assumptions. The case‐study is based on 2001 Belgian census data and focuses on a large, sparsely distributed origin–destination matrix containing trip information for 308 Flemish municipalities.
GNB3 and FTO Polymorphisms and Pregnancy Weight Gain in Black Women

Background: Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a modifiable risk factor for obesity in women. Black women have the greatest prevalence of high body mass, which predisposes them to excessive GWG. Increased understanding of genetic influences on GWG has implications for the health of women. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations of GNB3 and FTO risk alleles in pregnant women with prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), GWG, and postpartum and infant birth weights. Research design and Methods: This was an observational, prospective candidate gene association study. Pregnant, low-income Black women (N = 97) were enrolled in early pregnancy and followed until 6 months postpartum. Results: GWG differed depending on number of FTO risk alleles. The mean 6-month postpartum BMI differed, although not significantly, by 4 kg/m2 between homozygous women. There was an interaction between the FTO risk allele and prepregnancy BMI (p = .022), with obese homozygote AA women having significantly higher mean GWG than obese TT women. When controlling for age and smoking, the FTO gene and physical activity predicted GWG (p = .032). Although not statistically significant, women who carried the GNB3 T risk allele gained 6 pounds more than noncarriers, and mean 6-month postpartum BMI differed by 2.2 kg/m2 between homozygous women. Neither the GNB3 nor FTO gene predicted prepregnancy BMI, infant birth weight, or postpartum weight. Conclusion: Obese women homozygous for the FTO risk allele were at greater risk of excessive GWG compared to nonrisk allele homozygous obese women or nonobese women. This study provides evidence of the FTO gene’s effect on GWG in Black women.
Probiotics and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Rationale and Clinical Evidence for Their Use

Growing evidence suggests a potential role of intestinal microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathophysiology and symptom generation. Earlier studies based on classic microbiologic techniques hypothesized the presence of qualitative changes in intestinal microbiota in IBS patients. Recently, studies with molecular techniques have provided evidence of significant changes in microbial profiles in IBS and that the composition may be correlated with certain symptoms reported by patients. Although these studies are far from being exhaustive and conclusive they provide promising results that deserve further investigation. In addition, initial evidence indicated the presence of increased amounts of bacteria in the upper small intestine of IBS patients, a condition know as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. However, the results of these studies have provided contradictory results suggesting that this area requires further work. These qualitative and quantitative changes in intestinal microbiota may induce different effects on the intestinal mucosa including mucosal barrier defects and immune activation which may contribute to symptom generation. Studies in IBS patients have attempted to target changes in intestinal microflora with different therapeutic approaches, such as the use of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and nonabsorbable and systemic antibiotics. Overall, the results obtained in probiotic clinical trials suggest some beneficial effect over placebo in the relief of IBS symptoms. However, these results, although encouraging, should be confirmed in larger well-designed, placebo-controlled studies. A number of open questions remain to be addressed, including the dose, type, and time of administration of probiotics.
LOCALIZATION OF SEROTONIN- AND CHROMOGRANIN A-POSITIVE NEUROENDOCRINE CELLS IN FELINE PROSTATE GLAND

Summary Dimitrov, R. , M. Gulubova & A. Vodenicharov, 2010. Localization of serotonin- and chromogranin A-positive neuroendocrine cells in feline prostate gland. Bulg. J. Vet. Med., 13, No 3, 154−161. Immunohistochemical investigation of serotonin- and chromogranin A-positive neuroendocrine cells was carried out in prostate glands of 8 sexually mature, clinically healthy male European shorthair cats aged 1−2 years and weighing 2.8−4 kg. For the first time, serotonin- and chromogranin Apositive neuroendocrine cells were described by us in the feline prostate. Light microscopy showed that prostatic neuroendocrine cells were morphologically heterogeneous with irregular small processes and low density. They were located among the adjacent epithelial cells of the glandular alveoli and duct rarely extended to the alveolar lumen. Both serotonin-positive and chromogranin Apositive endocrinocytes were observed, mainly of the closed cell type, i.e. their processes did not extend to the alveolar lumen. Chromogranin A-sensitive cells demonstrated higher density and size compared to serotonin-sensitive ones. The presence of neuroendocrine cells among the cylindrical epithelial prostatic cells was probably related to their role in the regulation of prostatic fluid excretion through the stimulating effect of serotonin upon smooth muscle motility.
Cerebellar Symptoms Are Associated With Omission Errors and Variability of Response Time in Children With ADHD

Objective: We examined the presence of cerebellar symptoms in ADHD and their association with behavioral markers of this disorder. Method: Sixty-two children with ADHD and 62 typically developing (TD) children were examined for cerebellar symptoms using the ataxia rating scale and tested using Conners’ Continuous Performance Test. Results: Children with ADHD had significantly more cerebellar symptoms compared with the TD children. Cerebellar symptom scores decreased with age in the ADHD group; in the TD group remained stable. In both groups, cerebellar symptoms were associated with parent-rated hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, variability of response time standard error (RT-SE) and increase of RT-SE as the test progresses. More variables were associated with cerebellar symptoms in the ADHD group including omission errors, overall RT-SE and its increase for prolonged interstimulus intervals. Conclusion: Our results highlight the importance of research into motor functions in children with ADHD and indicate a role for cerebellar impairment in this disorder.
[Preliminary exploration of transcription factor Nkx2.5 mutations and congenital heart diseases].

OBJECTIVE To explore the association between the gene mutation of transcription factor Nkx2.5 and Chinese patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). METHODS Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were used to check 99 CHD patients and 90 normal control subjects from the Zhong Da Hospital of Southeast University. After amplifying the exons 1 of the Nkx2.5 gene by PCR, we purified the PCR products and conducted the sequencing reaction, analyzed the mutation screening of the exon 1 of the Nkx2.5, investigated whether or not the Nkx2.5 is related with the CHD in Chinese population. RESULTS A mutation (A239G) in the exon 1 of the Nkx2.5 was identified in 3 of 90 normal control subjects and 12 of 99 CHD patients, including 3 of 24 with VSD, 7 of 35 with ASD, 1 of 13 with PS and 1 of 21 with PDA. CONCLUSION There are some associations between the Nkx2.5 gene mutation and occurrence of congenital heart disease in Chinese people.
Are insolvent firms being kept afloat by excessively low interest rates

Since the crisis, interest rates on bank loans to firms have fallen sharply, but have also become more widely dispersed. This indicates that banks are discriminating more in the credit market on the basis of borrower risk. Lending to struggling firms at low interest rates remains rare. This tends to suggest there has been no significant rise in zombie lending, i.e. the provision of loans at artificially low interest rates to help keep otherwise insolvent companies afloat.
Current trends in live liver donation

The introduction of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has been one of the most remarkable steps in the field of liver transplantation (LT), able to significantly expand the scarce donor pool in countries in which the growing demands of organs are not met by the shortage of available cadaveric grafts. Although the benefits of this procedure are enormous, the physical and psychological sacrifice of the donors is immense, and the expectations for a good outcome for themselves, as well as for the recipients, are high. We report a current overview of the latest trends in live liver donation in its different aspects (i.e. donor's selection, evaluation, operation, morbidity, mortality, ethics and psychology). This review is based on our center's personal experience with almost 200 LDLTs and a detailed analysis of the international literature of the last 7 years about this topic. Knowing in detail how to approach to the different aspects of living liver donation may be helpful in further improve donor's safety and even recipient's outcome.
Corporate entrepreneurship capability model for contractors

i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS . iii LIST OF FIGURES. viii LIST OF TABLES. x Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION. 1 1.1 BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION FOR RESEARCH. 1 1.2 RESEARCH AIM AND OBJECTIVES. 5 1.3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY. 5 1.4 THESIS OUTLINE. 7 Chapter 2 ENTREPRENEURSHIP.10 2.
The competitive advantage of positive stakeholder returns on strategic philanthropy

The purpose of this study examines the critical changes of strategic philanthropy prevailing in the US industry in the post recession period between 2008-2011 specific to the selected information technology firms with regards to school of thought that returns has positive effect on strategic philanthropy. Specifically this study focus on Measurement of the impact of strategic philanthropy behavior on profitability measures: Return on Assets (ROA), and Return on Equity (ROE). This study also aims to measure Gross margin and Turnover as a model of strategic philanthropy in the selected firms. This research jumpstart with audited consolidated financial statement of 59 listed companies comprising of 471 subsidiaries that were operating in the four years under study to obtain the secondary data. Initial approach of Statistical analysis method using IBM SPSS version 21 is used to analyze the data obtained from the secondary source. Simple and Multiple Regression Analysis; Multiple Discriminant Analysis are used to evaluate categorical data; Factor Analysis are used to analyze the relationship between the variables and examine the relationship between elements that make up a particular variable;. ANOVA tests is also used to determine how the various groups within the data collected may have greater or lesser influence on the success of strategic philanthropy as discretionary management tool. The research findings reveal that strategic philanthropy do not impact the firm performance positively. There was no evidence to proof this hypothesis. Based on the research findings, directions for future research are discussed.