Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Emergence and Social Acceptance of Electric Vehicles as Next-Generation Models for the Automobile Industry

This study explores potential factors of drivers’ intentions to use electric vehicles and proposes an integrated adoption model. Results of a structural equation modeling analysis with 988 samples indicate that drivers’ intentions are predicted by one negative factor (cost) and three positive ones (satisfaction, usefulness, and attitude). In addition, the total standardized effects of potential factors on the intention are computed. The current study also validates the original technology acceptance model. Based on the results of the current study, practical and academic implications with potential limitations are examined and presented.
Effect of tumor necrosis factor on substrate and amino acid kinetics in conscious dogs.

Two groups of conscious dogs were studied using isotopic tracer techniques to test the hypothesis that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) affects glucose production, lipolysis, amino acid, and protein kinetics. [1-13C]leucine, [15N2]urea, [6,6-2H2]glucose, and [2H5]glycerol were infused to determine the leucine, urea, glucose, and lipid kinetics, and NaH14CO3 was infused to determine the rate of CO2 production. In one group, after a 2-h basal period (period 1), recombinant human TNF was infused (prime, 2.5 micrograms/kg; constant, 62.5 ng.kg-1.min-1) for 2 h (period 2; group 1, n = 15). Group 2 received saline rather than TNF in period 2 (n = 3). TNF infusion caused a significant increase in endogenous glucose production, a significant increase in glucose clearance rate, and a decrease in glycerol flux. Although TNF infusion did not change leucine flux, leucine oxidation increased by 49% (P < 0.0001), and nonoxidative leucine disappearance decreased during TNF infusion by 13% (P < 0.0001). TNF infusion also caused a significant increase (18%) in endogenous urea production. TNF significantly increased plasma glucagon concentration. We conclude that TNF causes a shift toward carbohydrate metabolism and stimulates the oxidation of amino acids. Whereas whole body protein breakdown is not affected by TNF, protein synthesis is impaired, leading to an increase in net protein breakdown.
Direct Monitoring of Microvascular Anastomoses with the 20‐MHz Ultrasonic Doppler Probe: An Experimental and Clinical Study

The 20-MHz ultrasonic Doppler probe was used to determine its efficacy as a continuous monitoring technique for microvascular anastomoses. A 1-mm2 piezoelectric crystal embedded in a soft silicone sleeve was sutured directly to the blood vessel distal to the anastomosis. Using the dog femoral artery, simultaneous measurement of velocity and blood flow with an electromagnetic flowmeter established a direct correlation between flow and velocity with a 14 percent error at maximum flow and an 18 percent error at minimum flow conditions. The probe was then implanted in the rabbit femoral artery for 1 week (n = 3) and 4 weeks (N = 6), demonstrating that a continuous tracing could be obtained without injury to the vessel. Our clinical study included 63 patients undergoing free-tissue transfers monitored with the implantable probe for 7 to 29 days (average 10.5 days). Twenty-three flaps were buried. Two patients experienced loss of arterial tracing due to malfunction of the probe (3 percent). Three patients had a venous thrombosis with a present arterial tracing. There were no flap failures per se. All probes were removed without mishap, and there were no complications related to the probe. We conclude that the 20-MHz ultrasonic Doppler probe holds promise as a useful monitoring method.
Ultrasonographically Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Intrathoracic Tumors

Purpose: Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy and complication frequency at ultrasonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of intrathoracic tumors. Material and Methods: A total of 134 ultrasonographically guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsies were performed on 128 patients with intrathoracic tumors abutting on the pleura. A cytologic diagnosis was obtained in 119 patients (93%). Results: In 83 patients, cytologic malignancy was found; in 34, benignity; and in 2, cellular atypia. A total of 117 diagnoses were correct and 2 diagnoses were false-positive. A malignancy subtyping based on the cytologic aspirates was made in 80 patients. In 40 (93%) of 43 histologically proven subtypes, the subtyping was correct. The complication frequency in terms of pneumothorax was 3.7%. Conclusion: Ultrasonographically guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a safe and reliable method of establishing the cytologic diagnosis of intrathoracic tumors.
The effect of ageing and fitness on thermoregulatory response to high‐intensity exercise

There are conflicting reports as to whether ageing causes a decreased thermoregulatory response, or if observed differences in previous studies are related to maximal aerobic capacity or training status. This study hypothesized that thermoregulatory response to severe exercise‐heat stress is maintained with ageing when both young and older subjects are well trained. Seven older highly trained (OHT = 51–63 years) cyclists were matched with two groups of young cyclists (19–35 years); one group matched for training status [young highly trained (YHT) participants, n = 7] and another for V ˙ O 2 max [young moderately trained (YMT), n = 7]. Each participant exercised at 70% V ˙ O 2 max in hot (35°C, 40% relative humidity) and thermoneutral (20°C, 40% relative humidity) conditions for 60 min. Final rectal temperature in the thermoneutral and heat (YHT = 39.13 ± 0.33°C, YMT = 39.11 ± 0.38°C, OHT = 39.11 ± 0.51°C) tests were similar between all three groups. %HRmax (heat test: YHT = 92.5 ± 6.0%, YMT = 91.6 ± 4.4%, OHT = 88.6 ± 5.1%), skin temperature, and cutaneous vascular conductance during cycling in both environments were similar between groups. Lower sweat loss and evaporative heat loss in the heat test in the OHT and YMT groups when compared with the YHT group reflected lower metabolic heat production. The findings of the present study suggest that thermoregulatory response is maintained with age among highly trained subjects.
The Fundamental Contradiction of Capitalism Revisited

We build an overlapping generations model to analyse the evolution of inequality as an economy develops. Our model economy resembles a ‘very capitalist society’. Initially, wealth is exclusively concentrated in a rich dynasty. We ask whether or not this type of capitalist economy contains a fundamental contradiction, as claimed by Piketty in his recent book. We derive a condition under which the economy is driven to a state of perpetual inequality. However, we also show that an economy where capital deepening triggers the development process is very unlikely to be absorbed in that state.
Comparisons of physical characteristics and performances among female collegiate rowers

Abstract The physical characteristics and performances of female collegiate rowers were examined from two perspectives: level (novice, varsity) and years of participation (0, 1, 2, 3) in collegiate rowing. The participants were 90 female collegiate rowers from three US Division I university teams, of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Height, body mass, sitting height, arm span, skinfolds, limb circumferences, and skeletal breadths were measured. Leg length was estimated and Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotypes were calculated. Performance measures included lower-back flexibility, vertical jump, and 2-km time on a rowing ergometer. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the total sample and by level and years of experience. Multivariate analysis of variance and a Bonferroni-adjusted alpha level (P < 0.05) were used to test differences. Varsity rowers had significantly more rowing experience (∼0.5 years) before college, higher vertical jumps (∼3 cm), faster 2-km times (∼25 s), and lower endomorphic characteristics than novice rowers. Anthropometric and performance differences among rowers by years of experience were negligible with the exception of slower 2-km times (∼32 s) in rowers with no collegiate experience than rowers with collegiate experience. In conclusion, collegiate rowers differ to some extent in physical and performance characteristics by level and experience.
Genome stability in Arabidopsis cells exhibiting alternative lengthening of telomeres

Indefinite proliferation of eukaryotic cells depends on telomerase that counteracts the depletion of DNA from chromosome termini due to the end replication problem. The requirement for telomerase can, under certain conditions, be circumvented by employing homologous recombination-based mechanisms for telomere maintenance. Whereas yeast and mammalian cells lacking telomerase appear to readily adopt alternative telomere lengthening (ALT), in Arabidopsis ALT is inhibited by the Ku heterodimer. Although we failed to establish ALT cell lines from Ku-proficient lines, ALT can be efficiently induced in cells derived from mutants deficient for telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and Ku70. In this study, we describe the growth performance, genome stability and long-term maintenance of telomeric DNA in Arabidopsis ku70 tert ALTcultures. ALT activation increases karyotype stability in the majority of tert ku70 cell lines, which contrasts with ongoing chromosomal rearrangements detected in survival tert cultures that lack any detectable telomeric sequences. Curiously, ku70 tert ALT lines and tert survivor cultures proliferate at a similar rate, although the latter display remarkable chromosomal abnormalities, including giant circular and linear megachromosomes that seem to arise by fusions of multiple chromosomes. This observation underlies the extraordinary tolerance of plant cells to telomere dysfunction.
Does relative efficiency matter? An analysis of market uncertainty

ABSTRACT In this paper, we examine whether relative efficiency provides useful information for investment decisions. We find that efficient firms have lower levels of stock price volatility compared to inefficient firms. The results suggest that market participants consider relative efficiency when making investment decisions. This finding is consistent with investors speculating in inefficient firms due to potential stock return opportunities that increase the uncertainty levels of inefficient firms. Next, we test whether higher levels of investment and disinvestment in inefficient firms are due to potential investment opportunities. We find a positive relation between stock price volatility and market returns. Moreover, we find a negative relation between stock returns and relative efficiency. These findings show that inefficient firms provide high-risk, high-return potential investment opportunities; and efficient firms can be considered low-risk, low-return investment opportunities.
Modified-Release Calcifediol Effectively Controls Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Associated with Vitamin D Insufficiency in Chronic Kidney Disease

Background/Aims: Vitamin D insufficiency drives secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). SHPT is poorly addressed by current vitamin D repletion options. The present study evaluated a novel investigational vitamin D repletion therapy: a modified-release (MR) formulation of calcifediol designed to raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in a gradual manner to minimize the induction of CYP24 and, thereby, improve the SHPT control. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated MR calcifediol in CKD subjects (n = 78) with plasma intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) >70 pg/ml and serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D <30 ng/ml. Subjects received daily treatment for six weeks with oral MR calcifediol (30, 60 or 90 µg) or a placebo. Results: More than 90% of subjects treated with MR calcifediol achieved serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels ≥30 ng/ml versus 3% of subjects treated with placebo (p < 0.0001). Mean plasma iPTH decreased from baseline (140.3 pg/ml) by 20.9 ± 6.2% (SE), 32.8 ± 5.7 and 39.3 ± 4.3% in the 30, 60 and 90 µg dose groups, respectively, and increased 17.2 ± 7.8% in the pooled placebo group (p < 0.005). No clinically significant safety concerns arose during MR calcifediol treatment. Conclusion: Oral MR calcifediol appears safe and highly effective in treating SHPT associated with vitamin D insufficiency in CKD.
Vitamin D May Be a Link to Black-White Disparities in Adverse Birth Outcomes

In the United States, significant, intractable disparities exist in rates of major pregnancy outcomes between non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white women. A previously unexplored candidate influence on the black-white disparity in adverse birth outcomes is maternal vitamin D status. This review summarizes the evidence relating maternal vitamin D to preeclampsia, spontaneous preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and fetal growth restriction, and addresses gaps in our understanding of the contribution of vitamin D to the intractable black-white disparity in these conditions. The literature reviewed highlights strong biologic plausibility of role for vitamin D in the pathophysiology of these poor pregnancy outcomes. Data also suggest that maternal vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Less research has been done in support of relations with spontaneous preterm birth and gestational diabetes, and fetal and infant survival have rarely been studied. Few trials of vitamin D supplementation have been conducted in pregnant women with adequate power to test effects on birth outcomes. Importantly, black pregnant women have rarely been studied in vitamin D—birth outcomes research. Although vitamin D is a promising candidate influence on black-white disparities in preeclampsia, spontaneous preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and gestational diabetes, these associations require further study in large samples of black US women. Because vitamin D deficiency is widespread and black-white disparities in pregnancy outcomes and infant survival have been resistant to previous interventions, research to test vitamin D as a causal factor is of major public health significance. Target Audience: Obstetricians & Gynecologist, Family Physicians. Learning Objectives: After completion of this educational activity, the reader will be able to appreciate risk factors for inadequate vitamin D status. Understand the basic aspects of vitamin D metabolism. Become aware of recent literature linking inadequate vitamin D status and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia and preterm birth.
Effects of castration on antler growth in fallow deer (Dama dama L.).

Morphology and histological structure of antlers grown after castration (performed on March 25) were studied in six young fallow bucks. In the year after castration, antlerogenesis occurred during the species-specific time span, and the shape of the antlers, which remained permanently in velvet, was normal. During a cold period in December/January, the distal parts of the antlers suffered from frostbite and were subsequently detached. The process of sequestration was similar to that leading to normal antler casting. The sequestration sites were soon covered with skin, but (limited) regrowth of antler tissue from the stumps was not observed before late April/early May, i.e., the time of normal antler regeneration. Simultaneously, growth of knobby protuberances started on the surface of the antlers. Histological analysis of biopsies taken on December 20 in the year after castration revealed that the central parts of the antlers consisted of cancellous lamellar bone with mainly secondary osteons. Peripheral to this, the bone tissue (forming the protuberances) was of a more immature nature and exhibited larger intertrabecular spaces. The outermost layer consisted of woven bone formed by intramembranous ossification from the periosteum and was undergoing active growth and remodeling at the time of biopsy. Thus, bone formation at these sites occurred during a period when no antler growth is observed in normal fallow bucks. The velvet covering the bony protuberances was of normal appearance.
Immunohistochemical expression of pi class glutathione S-transferase and alpha-fetoprotein in hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic liver disease.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether tumor marker pi glutathione transferase (GST-pi) is expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other chronic liver diseases and to compare its expression with that of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). STUDY DESIGN Samples used were formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver tissues: normal (n = 3), chronic hepatitis B (n = 15), cirrhosis (n = 15) and HCC (n = 30). The expression of AFP and GST-pi was detected by using immunohistochemistry with the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. AFP immunoreactivity was based on the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes, while GST-pi immunoreactivity was based on the nuclei of hepatocytes. RESULTS In normal liver tissues, AFP was not expressed. However, there was strong staining of GST-pi in bile duct epithelium cells and weak staining in hepatocytes. Our results showed higher AFP immunoreactivity in cases of HCC (36.7%) as compared to cirrhosis (6.7%) and hepatitis B (0%), whereas GST-pi immunoreactivity was lower in cases of HCC (53.3%) as compared to cases of cirrhosis (100.0%) and hepatitis B (93.3%). Percent sensitivity of AFP determination for HCC was 36.7% as compared to 53.3% for GST-pi, thus making GST-pi a more sensitive marker for detection of HCC. This study showed a significant relationship between the intensity and percentage of cells stained in hepatitis B, cirrhosis and HCC for GST-pi immunoreactivity (P < .001, .001 and .05, respectively) but not for AFP (P > .05). Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant relationship between expression of AFP and GST-pi in cirrhosis and HCC cases. Hepatitis B virus infection in HCC cases showed a positive rate of 46.7%, with AFP staining positively in 42.9% of tissues and GST-pi staining positively in 57.1% of tissues. CONCLUSION AFP is a diagnostic but rather insensitive tissue marker for HCC. However, the absence of AFP in benign chronic liver disease makes this marker useful in differentiating between HCC and other chronic liver diseases, whereas GST-pi can be used as a diagnostic marker for HCC as well as in detecting other chronic liver diseases.
Validation of the medical outcomes study family and marital functioning measures in SLE patients in Singapore

Objective: To validate the Medical Outcomes Study Family and Marital Functioning Measures (FMM and MFM) in a multi-ethnic, urban Asian population in Singapore. Methods: English speaking Chinese, Malay or Indian SLE patients (n ‘ 120) completed a selfadministered questionnaire containing the FFM and MFM at baseline, after 2 weeks and after 6 months. Lupus activity, disease-related damage and quality of life were assessed using the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG), Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) Damage Index and SF-36 Health Survey respectively. Scale psychometric properties were assessed through factor analysis, Cronbach's a, quantifying test-retest differences and known-groups construct validity. Results: Factor analysis of scores obtained at baseline and after 6 months identified 3 factors corresponding to the FFM (1 factor) and the MFM (2 factors). Both scales showed acceptable internal consistency, with Cronbach's a of 0.95 for the FFM and 0.70 for the MFM. Mean (s.d.) test-retest differences were 7 0.31 (3.82) points for the FFM and 7 0.70 (4.26) points for the MFM. Eleven out of 13 a priori hypotheses relating both the FFM and MFM to demographic, disease and quality of life variables were confirmed, supporting the construct validity of these scales. Conclusion: The FFM and MFM are valid and reliable measures of family and marital functioning in a multi-ethnic cohort of Asian SLE patients in Singapore.
Th1/Th2 cytokine pattern in Arab children with severe asthma.

BACKGROUND Bronchial Asthma has recently emerged as one of the most prevalent diseases in Arab countries. Environmental and geographical influences were shown to be the reasons of the variations in the rates of prevalence; no analyses have nevertheless yet been performed on the immunologic background associated with this condition in Arabic children. OBJECTIVES To examine the cytokine production from T cells in children with and without asthma, and to determine the role of the most related cytokine patterns in childhood asthma. METHODS A total of 195 Saudis children (98 asthma pediatric patients and 97 healthy controls) were randomly selected from the Riyadh Cohort Study for inclusion. Asthma was based on established pediatric diagnosis and medications taken. RESULTS Significant differences were observed between the two groups, thus, GMCSF, INF-γ, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8 and IgG-3 were reduced in patients compared to controls; in these same patients IgE, resistin, IL-4 and IgG-4 were significantly increased. In contrast with these results no differences between patients and controls were seen in CRP, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-2, IL-7, IL-10, IL-13, IgG-1, IgG-2, IgG-A and IgG-M. Result of a principal component analysis suggested that IL4. INF-γ and IgE are major players in the pathogenesis of asthma in Arabic children. CONCLUSION These are the first data obtained in asthmatic children in Saudi; data herein confirm that this disease is associated with a profound degree of immune impairment independently of the peculiar genetic of the analyzed individuals, and of the environmental conditions that are present in this part of the world.
The c‐IAP‐1 and c‐IAP‐2 proteins are direct inhibitors of specific caspases

The inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family of proteins are highly conserved through evolution. However, the mechanisms by which these proteins interfere with apoptotic cell death have been enigmatic. Recently, we showed that one of the human IAP family proteins, XIAP, can bind to and potently inhibit specific cell death proteases (caspases) that function in the distal portions of the proteolytic cascades involved in apoptosis. In this study, we investigated three of the other known members of the human IAP family, c‐IAP‐1, c‐IAP‐2 and NAIP. Similarly to XIAP, in vitro binding experiments indicated that c‐IAP‐1 and c‐IAP‐2 bound specifically to the terminal effector cell death proteases, caspases‐3 and ‐7, but not to the proximal protease caspase‐8, caspases‐1 or ‐6. In contrast, NAIP failed to bind tightly to any of these proteases. Recombinant c‐IAP‐1 and c‐IAP‐2 also inhibited the activity of caspases‐3 and ‐7 in vitro, with estimated Kis of ≤0.1 μM, whereas NAIP did not. The BIR domain‐containing region of c‐IAP‐1 and c‐IAP‐2 was sufficient for inhibition of these caspases, though proteins that retained the RING domain were somewhat more potent. Utilizing a cell‐free system in which caspases were activated in cytosolic extracts by addition of cytochrome c, c‐IAP‐1 and c‐IAP‐2 inhibited both the generation of caspase activities and proteolytic processing of pro‐caspase‐3. Similar results were obtained in intact cells when c‐IAP‐1 and c‐IAP‐2 were overexpressed by gene transfection, and apoptosis was induced by the anticancer drug, etoposide. Cleavage of c‐IAP‐1 or c‐IAP‐2 was not observed when interacting with the caspases, implying a different mechanism from the baculovirus p35 protein, the broad spectrum suicide inactivator of caspases. Taken together, these findings suggest that c‐IAP‐1 and c‐IAP‐2 function similarly to XIAP by inhibiting the distal cell death proteases, caspases‐3 and ‐7, whereas NAIP presumably inhibits apoptosis via other targets.