Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in cervical length and the risk of preterm labor.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the value of cervical length change as a predictor of preterm labor. STUDY DESIGN We used an historic cohort of 154 women to compare change in cervical length and preterm birth. Independent variables included cervical length at the first sonogram, absolute change of cervical length, and change per unit time. Covariates included age, parity, and history of preterm birth. Eligible patients had 2 or more sonograms that included cervical length. RESULTS The risk of preterm delivery increased as the length of the cervix declined, after an adjustment was made for the initial cervical length (P <.05). There were no significant interactions between initial length and the change of length; however, the highest rate of preterm deliveries occurred among women with a cervical length <3 cm at the first sonogram (23%). If the change in cervical length was expressed as a unit equal to a decline of 1 cm per month, the odds of giving birth to a preterm baby were 6.8-fold greater per unit change (P <.05). CONCLUSION A cervical length of <3 cm before 16 weeks of gestation is associated strongly with preterm birth; independently of baseline length, more rapid shortening of the cervix increases the risk of preterm birth.
Slovenian Case of Strategic Change Management in the Public Sector: Towards the Lisbon Strategy

The paper focuses on the Slovenian case of strategic change management process with emphasis on the movement towards the implementation of Lisbon Strategy goals. The EU will be “the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world”, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. These are crucial priorities of the Lisbon strategy. These changes in public sector organizations have enormous significance for regional development in Slovenia. The aim of the paper is to consider and discuss the development of Slovenian public administration priorities in the process directed towards the implementation of Lisbon Strategy goals. Paper also highlights recent achievements of Slovenian e-administration strategy. In the paper the explanatory case study research method was used (Yin, 2002), with focus on longitudinal and pre-post methodological techniques. The research findings outline, that strategic management methods applied in the case support the implementation of Lisbon Strategy goals in Slovenia.
CO-POIESIS: THE JOINT BIRTH OF KNOWLEDGE ACROSS ORGANIZATIONAL BOUNDARIES

Knowledge generation across allying firms undoubtedly enriches a firm's knowledge base. While there is vast literature on knowledge transfer, i.e. absorption, there is however little research on joint knowledge creation across partners. We address this phenomenon as "co-poiesis", informed by the literature on collective mental models. We identify two distinct managerial antecedents of learning: pre-elaborated and emergent frames of alliance management. We investigate how these styles influence the development of relational knowledge and alliance performance. Our empirical study using SEM analyzes 196 project alliances in the New Media Industry. Findings indicate the need to align management styles to knowledge objectives.
Systems biology of lung development and regeneration: current knowledge and recommendations for future research

The lung begins as a simple outpouching of the foregut and develops by stages into a highly complex organ, the proper function of which is essential to life for terrestrial mammals. Interruption of normal lung development can result in death or chronic disease. Conversely, repair after lung injury, as well as many acquired diseases, involves recapitulation, often aberrant, of developmental pathways. The principal paradigms in lung development are branching morphogenesis and alveolar septation, but others, such as vasculogenesis, are critical. These are partially understood at the level of cellular differentiation and molecular signaling, but a true systems biology analysis of lung development and lung repair/regeneration, including bioinformatics analysis and integration of data from unbiased and complementary ‘‐omics’ level studies, is still lacking. The past decade has seen increasing numbers of genomic, proteomic, metabolomics, and epigenomic studies of lung development and lung remodeling. In many cases, these studies have confirmed the importance of pathways uncovered painstakingly through single‐molecule approaches, but they have also uncovered novel and unexpected pathways and new paradigms such as noncoding RNA. Future studies will need to combine data from multiple repositories and apply novel mathematical and computational models in order to establish a systems‐level understanding of this remarkable organ. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2013, 5:125–133. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1205
Valuation of exotic options in the framework of Levy processes

In this paper we explore a straightforward procedure to price derivatives by using the Monte Carlo approach when the underlying process is a jump-diffusion. We have compared the Black-Scholes model with one of its extensions that is the Merton model. The latter model is better in capturing the market’s phenomena and is comparative to stochastic volatility models in terms of pricing accuracy. We have presented simulations of asset paths and pricing of barrier options for both Geometric Brownian motion and exponential Levy processes as it is the concrete case of the Merton model. A desired level of accuracy is obtained with simple computer operations in MATLAB for efficient computational time.
Plasmids for in vivo construction of integrative Candida albicans vectors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A general system has been devised for the in vivo construction of Candida albicans integrative vectors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The system is especially useful for the integration of genes in C. albicans that cannot be propagated in Escherichia coli, possibly because of their toxic effects. The ligation of S. cerevisiae 2 µ sequences to a C. albicans integrative vector permits in vivo maintenance and gap repair cloning within S. cerevisiae. After the vector assembly, it can be purified from S. cerevisiae or amplified by PCR and then used for transformation of C. albicans. The S. cerevisiae 2 µ sequence is completely removed by linearization prior to C. albicans transformation, such that no unwanted DNA is transferred in the final construct. The system was successfully used to clone and reintegrate the C. albicans JEN2 gene, which encodes a membrane protein that is apparently toxic to E. coli. Three popular C. albicans integrative vectors, CIp10, CIp20 and CIp30, are now available in versions that permit gap repair in S. cerevisiae. GenBank Accession Nos CIp10–2 µ (GU550119), CIp20–2 µ (GU550120) and CIp30–2 µ (GU550121). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hardware‐Based Volumetric Knit‐Wear

We present a hardware‐based, volumetric approach for rendering knit wear at very interactive rates. A single stitch is represented by a volumetric texture with each voxel storing the main direction of the strands of yarn inside it. We render the knit wear in layers using an approximation of the Banks model. Our hardware implementation allows specular and diffuse material properties to change from one voxel to the next. This enables us to represent yarn made up of different components or render garments with complicated color patterns. Furthermore, our approach can handle self‐shadowing of the stitches, and can easily be adapted to also include view‐independent scattering. The resulting shader lends itself naturally to mip‐mapping, and requires no reordering of the base geometry, making it versatile and easy to use.
Foundations of Fuzzy Logic and Semantic Web Languages

Managing vagueness/fuzziness is starting to play an important role in Semantic Web research, with a large number of research efforts underway. Foundations of Fuzzy Logic and Semantic Web Languages provides a rigorous and succinct account of the mathematical methods and tools used for representing and reasoning with fuzzy information within Semantic Web languages. The book focuses on the three main streams of Semantic Web languages: Triple languages RDF and RDFS Conceptual languages OWL and OWL 2, and their profiles OWL EL, OWL QL, and OWL RL Rule-based languages, such as SWRL and RIF Written by a prominent researcher in this area, the book is the first to combine coverage of fuzzy logic and Semantic Web languages. The first part of the book covers all the theoretical and logical aspects of classical (two-valued) Semantic Web languages. The second part explains how to generalize these languages to cope with fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic. With an extensive bibliography, this book provides in-depth insight into fuzzy Semantic Web languages for non-fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic experts. It also helps researchers of non-Semantic Web languages get a better understanding of the theoretical fundamentals of Semantic Web languages.
Inflation Dynamics in Yemen: An Empirical Analysis

Yemen has had a high and volatile rate of inflation in recent years. This paper studies the underlying determinants of inflation dynamics in Yemen using three different approaches: (i) a single equation model, (ii) a Structural Vector Autoregression Model, and (iii) a Vector Error Correction Model. The outcomes suggest that inflation dynamics in Yemen are driven by international price shocks, exchange rate depreciation, domestic demand shocks, and monetary innovations. The impact of international prices and exchange rate depreciation indicate a significant pass-through of import prices. In the short run, external shocks of international prices and the exchange rate account for most variations in inflation, but domestic shocks to money supply and domestic demand explain larger variations in the medium term.
Day-ahead electricity price forecasting using optimized multiple-regression of relevance vector machines

In deregulated, auction-based, electricity markets price forecasting is an essential participant tool for developing bidding strategies. In this paper, a day-ahead intelligent forecasting method for electricity prices is presented. The proposed approach is comprised of two steps. In the first step, a set of two relevance vector machines (RVM) is employed where each one provides next day predictions for the price evolution. In the second step, a multiple regression model comprised of the two relevance vector machines is built and the regression coefficients are computed using genetic based optimization. The performance of the proposed approach is tested on a set of electricity price hourly data from four different seasons and compared to those obtained by each of the relevance vector machines. The results clearly demonstrate, in terms of mean square error, the superiority of the proposed method over each individual RVM. (5 pages)
Ecological rather than geographical isolation dominates Quaternary formation of Mediterranean Cistus species

The lack of a comparative approach makes it impossible to determine the main factors influencing colonization and evolution in plants. Here we conducted the first comparative study of a characteristic Mediterranean lineage (white‐flowered Cistus) taking advantage of its well‐known phylogenetic relationships. A two‐scale approach was applied to address the hypothesis of higher levels of isolation in mountain than in lowland species. First, a time‐calibrated phylogeny using plastid sequences of Cistaceae suggested that the origin of Cistus species postdated both the refilling of the Mediterranean Sea (5.59–5.33 Ma) and the onset of the Mediterranean climate (3.2 Ma). Two hundred and sixty‐three additional, plastid sequences from 111 populations showed different numbers of haplotypes in C. laurifolius (7), C. monspeliensis (2) and C. salviifolius (7). Although haplotype sharing among disjunct populations was observed in all species, phylogeographic analyses revealed haplotype lineages exclusive to Europe or Africa only in the mountain species (C. laurifolius). Isolation by either geographical distance or sea barriers was not significantly supported for the lowland species (C. monspeliensis; C. ladanifer from a previous study). The same is true for the less habitat‐specific species of the lineage (C. salviifolius). Comparative phylogeography of the Cistus species leads us to interpret a general pattern of active colonization surpassing Mediterranean barriers. In contrast, ecological conditions (precipitation, temperature, soils) appear to have determined the distribution of the Cistus species of Mediterranean mountains. This study further provides molecular evidence for multiple colonization patterns in the course of successful adaptation of Cistus species to Mediterranean habitats.
Psychological Functioning, Nonadherence and Health Outcomes After Pediatric Liver Transplantation

The present study empirically assessed the relationships between adherence behaviors and HRQOL, parent and child psychological functioning and family functioning, and investigated the relationship between adherence behaviors and health outcomes in children who were within 5 years of their liver transplantation. Participants included 38 children (mean = 8.5 years, range 28 months to 16 years) and their parent/guardian(s). HRQOL and psychological functioning were examined using well‐validated assessment measures. Measures of adherence included the rate of clinic attendance and standard deviations (SDs) of consecutive tacrolimus blood levels, which were collected and evaluated retrospectively. Measures of child health status included the frequency of hospital admissions, liver biopsies, episodes of rejection and graft function for the year prior to study participation. Results indicated that nonadherence was related to lower physical HRQOL, more limitations in social and school activities related to emotional and behavioral problems, parental emotional distress and decreased family cohesion. Nonadherence was also related to frequency and duration of hospitalizations, liver biopsies and rejection episodes. These results suggest that empirically based assessment of HRQOL, parenting stress and family functioning may help identify patients at risk for nonadherence, and may allow for the need‐based delivery of appropriate clinical interventions.
The Effect of a Volleyball Practice on Anabolic Hormones and Inflammatory Markers in Elite Male and Female Adolescent Players

Eliakim, A, Portal, S, Zadik, Z, Rabinowitz, J, Adler-Portal, D, Cooper, DM, Zaldivar, F, and Nemet, D. The effect of a volleyball practice on anabolic hormones and inflammatory markers in elite male and female adolescent players. J Strength Cond Res 23(5): 1553-1559, 2009-The effect of a single exercise as well as exercise training on the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) axis and inflammatory cytokines was studied mainly in adults participating in individualized endurance-type sports. The gender-specific effect of exercise on these systems in adolescents is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a typical volleyball practice on anabolic (GH, IGF-I, and testosterone) and catabolic hormones (cortisol) and inflammatory mediators (interleukin-6 [IL-6]) in elite, national team level, male (n = 14) and female (n = 13) adolescent volleyball players (13-18 years, Tanner stage 4-5). Exercise consisted of a typical 1-hour volleyball practice. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after the practice. Exercise led to significant increases in GH (0.2 ± 0.1 to 2.7 ± 0.7 and 1.7 ± 0.5 to 6.4 ± 1.4 ng·mL−1, in men and women, respectively, p < 0.05 for both), testosterone (6.1 ± 0.9 to 7.3 ± 1.0 and 2.4 ± 0.6 to 3.3 ± 0.7 ng·mL−1, in men and women, respectively, p < 0.05 for both), and IL-6 (1.1 ± 0.6 to 3.1 ± 1.5 and 1.2 ± 0.5 to 2.5 ± 1.1 pg·mL−1, in men and women, respectively, p < 0.002 for both). Exercise had no significant effect on IGF-I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3, and cortisol levels. There were no gender differences in the hormonal response to training. Changes in GH and testosterone after the volleyball practice suggest exercise-related anabolic adaptations. The increase in IL-6 may indicate its important role in muscle tissue repair. These changes may serve as an objective quantitative tool to monitor training intensity in unique occasions in team sports.
Illegal Gold Mining and Violence in Colombia

Abstract The increase in the international price of commodities after the international financial crisis in 2008 produced a gold rush in the Colombian economy, making legal and illegal mining a very profitable and attractive business. The increase in the illegal exploitation of metals like gold has exacerbated violence in municipalities with an abundance of such minerals. Gold is believed to be a new engine in the Colombian conflict. This paper documents the phenomenon and quantifies the causal impact that the gold boom has had on indicators of violence such as homicides, forced displacement and massacres. We use the location of national parks, indigenous reserves and geochemical anomalies associated with the presence of gold mines as instruments for illegal mining in order to disentangle the causal effect of illegal mining on violence. By law, it is very difficult to get licenses for the extraction of gold in parks and indigenous reserves, and this might be a factor increasing the prevalence of illegal mining activities in municipalities with these features. In order to have time variation in our instruments, we interact geographical features associated with the presence of gold and illegal gold mining (which vary only at the municipal level) with the international price of gold. Our estimates indicate that the rise of illegal gold mining has caused a statistically significant increase in violence, as measured with the homicide rate and the victims of massacres. However, we do not find a significant causal effect of illegal gold mining on forced displacement. Our interpretation is that the increase in the profitability of illegal mining activities has sparked a dispute over territorial control between illegal armed groups in order to monopolize the extraction of the precious minerals. Nevertheless, illegal mining is a labor intensive activity, and this may have counteracted the incentives of illegal armed groups to displace local populations from their land.
Neural network modeling of developmental effects in discrimination shifts.

This paper presents neural network simulations of developmental phenomena in discrimination shifts. The discrimination shift literature is reviewed in order to identify the empirical regularities. Leading theoretical accounts of the development of shift learning are reviewed, and the lack of a thorough account is highlighted. Recent unsuccessful neural network simulations of shift learning are also reviewed. New simulations, using the cascade-correlation algorithm, show that networks can capture the regularities of the discrimination shift literature better than existing psychological theories. Manipulation of the amount of training that networks receive, which affects depth of learning, simulates developmental phenomena. It is suggested that human developmental differences in shift learning arise from spontaneous overtraining by older participants, an interpretation consistent with the overtraining literature.
Empirical Tests for Differences in Equilibrium Risk Measures with Application to Downside Risk in Small and Large UK Companies

Several authors have proposed CAPM-style linear pricing models which utilise alternative notions of risk than the variance. The question then arises of whether these models produce equilibrium measures of risk, i.e. Betas, which are statistically different from that off the mean-variance CAPM. This paper surveys the models testing for such differences, a procedure involving making a distributional assumption for the excess return on the market portfolio which allows re-estimation of the model so that the maintained hypothesis is tested. This augmented procedure is then applied to a range of different datasets, including both emerging markets and small and large UK companies. The emerging markets data are found to be unsuitable for testing as the CAPM-style models are inapprop- riate for modelling extreme events while, for the UK data, smaller companies are more likely than larger ones to reject the mean-variance CAPM in favour of either the mean-semivariance CAPM or an unspecified alternative.
A new bio-inspired , antagonistically actuated and stiffness controllable manipulator

Robotic manipulators can be divided into different classes, including discrete, serpentine and continuum robots [1]. Most robots in use today have a number of discrete and usually rigid links connected by simple joints. Our work though has been inspired by biology [2], [3] specifically by the octopus, with its soft tentacles and virtually infinite number of degrees of freedom (DoFs). Biological studies show that the octopus is capable of actuating the different types of muscles in such a way that it can control the stiffness of its arms, enabling the animal to catch fish, move stones or even walk across the seabed. Taking inspiration from the antagonistic behaviour of octopus arms, our robot manipulator makes use of two fundamental actuation means, pneumatic actuation and tendon-based actuation, able to oppose each other and thus capable of varying the arms’ stiffness over a wide range. Our robot arm can be said to employ two main actuation mechanisms in a hybrid fashion intrinsic (pneumatics in our case) and extrinsic (tendon actuation in our case) [1], [4].
Characterization of the Natural History of Extracellular Matrix Production in Tissue-Engineered Vascular Grafts during Neovessel Formation

Background: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a critical determinant of neovessel integrity. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six (polyglycolic acid + polycaprolactone and poly lactic acid) tissue-engineered vascular grafts seeded with syngeneic bone marrow mononuclear cells were implanted as inferior vena cava interposition grafts in C57BL/6 mice. Specimens were characterized using immunohistochemical staining and qPCR for representative ECM components in addition to matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Total collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents were determined. MMP activity was measured using zymography. Results: Collagen production on histology demonstrated an initial increase in type III at 1 week followed by type I production at 2 weeks and type IV at 4 weeks. Gene expression of both type I and type III peaked at 2 weeks, whereas type IV continued to increase over the 4-week period. Histology demonstrated fibrillin-1 deposition at 1 week followed by elastin production at 4 weeks. Elastin gene expression significantly increased at 4 weeks, whereas fibrillin-1 decreased at 4 weeks. GAG demonstrated abundant production at each time point on histology. Gene expression of decorin significantly increased at 4 weeks, whereas versican decreased over time. Biochemical analysis showed that total collagen production was greatest at 2 weeks, and there was a significant increase in elastin and GAG production at 4 weeks. Histological characterization of MMPs showed abundant production of MMP-2 at each time point, while MMP-9 decreased over the 4-week period. Gene expression of MMP-2 significantly increased at 4 weeks, whereas MMP-9 significantly decreased at 4 weeks. Conclusions: ECM production during neovessel formation is characterized by early ECM deposition followed by extensive remodeling.