Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A pooled analysis of vitamin D dose requirements for fracture prevention.

BACKGROUND The results of meta-analyses examining the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and fracture reduction have been inconsistent. METHODS We pooled participant-level data from 11 double-blind, randomized, controlled trials of oral vitamin D supplementation (daily, weekly, or every 4 months), with or without calcium, as compared with placebo or calcium alone in persons 65 years of age or older. Primary end points were the incidence of hip and any nonvertebral fractures according to Cox regression analyses, with adjustment for age group, sex, type of dwelling, and study. Our primary aim was to compare data from quartiles of actual intake of vitamin D (including each individual participant's adherence to the treatment and supplement use outside the study protocol) in the treatment groups of all trials with data from the control groups. RESULTS We included 31,022 persons (mean age, 76 years; 91% women) with 1111 incident hip fractures and 3770 nonvertebral fractures. Participants who were randomly assigned to receive vitamin D, as compared with those assigned to control groups, had a nonsignificant 10% reduction in the risk of hip fracture (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80 to 1.01) and a 7% reduction in the risk of nonvertebral fracture (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.99). By quartiles of actual intake, reduction in the risk of fracture was shown only at the highest intake level (median, 800 IU daily; range, 792 to 2000), with a 30% reduction in the risk of hip fracture (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.86) and a 14% reduction in the risk of any nonvertebral fracture (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.96). Benefits at the highest level of vitamin D intake were fairly consistent across subgroups defined by age group, type of dwelling, baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, and additional calcium intake. CONCLUSIONS High-dose vitamin D supplementation (≥800 IU daily) was somewhat favorable in the prevention of hip fracture and any nonvertebral fracture in persons 65 years of age or older. (Funded by the Swiss National Foundations and others.).
2016 Romanian regional elections report

ABSTRACT Regional elections in Romania are more important politically than it would generally be the case in a highly centralized country. Despite the limited regional autonomy of the territorial units named județe (counties) which host those elections, regional elections have become more and more important because of their electoral forecasting potential. As explained in this elections report, county elections have grown up as barometer elections, turning, through their capacity to accurately indicate the outcome of the national elections into a ‘subspecies’ of second-order elections. The report will therefore emphasize their special relationship with national elections due to election timing, constituency design and electoral formula similarities. Finally, the report evaluates the 2016 elections outcomes, by strengthening the concept of barometer elections as a type of second-order elections in the framework of a highly nationalized party-system.
Positive self-representations, sustainability and socially organised denial in UK tourists: discursive barriers to a sustainable transport future

ABSTRACT This paper provides an empirical application of some recent developments in the social science of sustainability to understanding sustainable transport behaviour. We analyse talk about holidaymaking taken from interviews with self-defined “eco” or “sustainable” tourists. The focus of this paper explores the ways in which participants understand and reconcile the potential conflict of air transport and the notion of sustainable holidays. We identify a number of discursive strategies participants used to project and maintain positive self-representations in the context of complex, often incompatible constructions of sustainability derived from this particular dilemma. Such strategies are considered as concrete examples of the psychosocial organisation of denial and thus offer discursive barriers to sustainable transport futures. However, the analysis also demonstrates the ways in which some individuals were able to resist or challenge such forms of socially organised denial. The potential implications of these discursive barriers and strategies for sustainable transport futures and the tourism sector are discussed.
Integration and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells transplanted to the chick embryo

Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells that can differentiate into a large array of cell types and, thus, hold promise for advancing our understanding of human embryology and for contributing to transplantation medicine. In this study, differentiation of human ES cells was examined in vivo by in ovo transplantation to organogenesis‐stage embryos. Colonies of human ES cells were grafted into or in place of epithelial‐stage somites of chick embryos of 1.5 to 2 days of development. The grafted human ES cells survived in the chick host and were identified by vital staining with carboxyfluorescein diacetate or use of a green fluorescent protein–expressing cells. Histologic analysis showed that human ES cells are easily distinguished from host cells by their larger, more intensely staining nuclei. Some grafted cells differentiated en masse into epithelia, whereas others migrated and mingled with host tissues, including the dorsal root ganglion. Colonies grafted directly adjacent to the host neural tube produced primarily structures with the morphology and molecular characteristics of neural rosettes. These structures contain differentiated neurons as shown by β‐3‐tubulin and neurofilament expression in axons and cell bodies. Axons derived from the grafted cells penetrate the host nervous system, and host axons enter the structures derived from the graft. Our results show that human ES cells transplanted in ovo survive, divide, differentiate, and integrate with host tissues and that the host embryonic environment may modulate their differentiation. The chick embryo, therefore, may serve as an accessible and unique experimental system for the study of in vivo development of human ES cells. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fiscal institutions and the funding of US state and local pension plans

This paper investigates the relationship between the funded ratio of US public pension plans and several fiscal institutions adopted by state governments. The author analysed a large data set from 1997 to 2012, and found that states with stricter balanced budget requirements and debt limits had a lower pension funded ratio, whereas states with tax and spending limits in place had a higher funded ratio. The findings contribute to the current debate on public sector pension reforms in the US and internationally.
End‐to‐side neurorrhaphy

End‐to‐side neurorrhaphy, a possible strategy for treating nerve lesions without useable proximal nerve stumps, has been experimentally and clinically investigated. In end‐to‐side neurorrhaphy, three main elements should be considered: 1) the induction of axonal collateral sprouting in the donor nerve; 2) the ability of the collateral axons to pierce the different conjunctival layers, including the ability the donor nerve basal laminae, to reinnervate the recipient nerve; and 3) the functional plasticity and behavioral readjustment of single motoneurons that have eventually adopted new motor units. This article reviews the following areas of research and clinical investigation: animal models, axonal collateral sprouting from end‐to‐side neurorrhaphy, effect of epineurotomy and perineurotomy on axon regeneration, motor reinnervation, and clinical trials. © 2002 Wiley Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 22:122–127 2002
GDF11 modulates NGN3+ islet progenitor cell number and promotes β-cell differentiation in pancreas development

Identification of endogenous signals that regulate expansion and maturation of organ-specific progenitor cells is a major goal in studies of organ development. Here we provide evidence that growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a member of the TGF-β ligand family, governs the number and maturation of islet progenitor cells in mouse pancreas development. Gdf11 is expressed in embryonic pancreatic epithelium during formation of islet progenitor cells that express neurogenin 3. Mice deficient for Gdf11 harbor increased numbers of NGN3+ cells, revealing that GDF11 negatively regulates production of islet progenitor cells. Despite a marked expansion of these NGN3+ islet progenitors, mice lacking Gdf11 have reduced β-cell numbers and evidence of arrested β-cell development, indicating that GDF11 is also required for β-cell maturation. Similar precursor and islet cell phenotypes are observed in mice deficient for SMAD2, an intracellular signaling factor activated by TGF-β signals. Our data suggest that Gdf11 and Smad2 regulate islet cell differentiation in parallel to the Notch pathway, which previously has been shown to control development of NGN3+ cells. Thus, our studies reveal mechanisms by which GDF11 regulates the production and maturation of islet progenitor cells in pancreas development.
Dimerization of the Extracellular Domain of the Receptor for Epidermal Growth Factor Containing the Membrane-spanning Segment in Response to Treatment with Epidermal Growth Factor*

A recombinant fragment of the human receptor for epidermal growth factor containing both its extracellular domain and its membrane-spanning segment, when dissolved with Triton X-100, was observed to dimerize in response to addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) even at the lowest concentration of this fragment that could be assayed (4 nm). Consequently, the dissociation constant for the dimer of this fragment is at least 10,000-fold smaller than that for dimers of soluble, recombinant forms of the extracellular domain lacking the membrane-spanning segment. The second-order rate constant for dimerization of the fragment containing the extracellular domain and the membrane-spanning segment was estimated to be greater than 0.3 nm −1min−1, more than 10-fold that of the native enzyme under the same conditions. This result suggests that the cytoplasmic domain of the intact enzyme sterically hinders its dimerization. When EGF is removed from the dimer of the fragment, the rate constant for its dissociation is greater than 0.2 min−1, more than 40-fold that of the native enzyme. This result suggests that interfaces between cytoplasmic domains of intact EGF receptor impart significant stabilization to the dimer of the enzyme.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Topiramate in Japanese Pediatric and Adult Patients With Epilepsy Using Routinely Monitored Data

Background: Topiramate is a second-generation antiepileptic drug used as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in adults and children with partial seizures. A population pharmacokinetic (PPK) analysis was performed to improve the topiramate dosage adjustment for individualized treatment. Methods: Patients whose steady-state serum concentration of topiramate was routinely monitored at Kyoto University Hospital from April 2012 to March 2013 were included in the model-building data. A nonlinear mixed effects modeling program was used to evaluate the influence of covariates on topiramate pharmacokinetics. The obtained PPK model was evaluated by internal model validations, including goodness-of-fit plots and prediction-corrected visual predictive checks, and was externally confirmed using the validation data from January 2015 to December 2015. Results: A total of 177 steady-state serum concentrations from 93 patients were used for the model-building analysis. The patients' age ranged from 2 to 68 years, and body weight ranged from 8.6 to 105 kg. The median serum concentration of topiramate was 1.7 mcg/mL, and half of the patients received carbamazepine coadministration. Based on a one-compartment model with first order absorption and elimination, the apparent volume of distribution was 105 L/70 kg, and the apparent clearance was allometrically related to the body weight as 2.25 L·h−1·70 kg−1 without carbamazepine or phenytoin. Combination treatment with carbamazepine or phenytoin increased the apparent clearance to 3.51 L·h−1·70 kg−1. Goodness-of-fit plots, prediction-corrected visual predictive check, and external validation using the validation data from 43 patients confirmed an appropriateness of the final model. Simulations based on the final model showed that dosage adjustments allometrically scaling to body weight can equalize the serum concentrations in children of various ages and adults. Conclusions: The PPK model, using the power scaling of body weight, effectively elucidated the topiramate serum concentration profile ranging from pediatric to adult patients. Dosage adjustments based on body weight and concomitant antiepileptic drug help obtain the dosage of topiramate necessary to reach an effective concentration in each individual.
Tax corruption and private sector development in Vietnam

This article aims to examine the impact of tax corruption on private sector development in Vietnam. It is motivated by two separate but related considerations. First, despite the seriousness of the phenomenon of corruption, there is a paucity of rigorous empirical research of corruption, particularly tax corruption, in Vietnam. Secondly, ineffective control of corruption is viewed as a cause of Vietnam’s recent total factor productivity (TFP) slowdown or its poor industrial policy, both of which may hamper Vietnam’s progress as a low middle-income country. Without some understanding on the impact of tax corruption on the economy, it may not be possible to devise the most effective anti-corruption policy and measures. After a brief literature review that focuses on tax corruption, various conceptual issues relating to tax corruption are discussed and clarified. The extent of petty tax corruption in Vietnam is then discussed, followed by a review of findings and implications of recent studies on how tax corruption impacts on private sector development in Vietnam. Despite perceptions and evidence of widespread petty tax corruption, Vietnam ranks very highly both in terms of tax collection and tax effort.Not unexpectedly, the impact of tax corruption is mixed in the sense that empirical evidence lends credence to both 'sanding the wheels' and 'greasing the wheels' hypotheses. Finally, some broad policy recommendations for combating tax corruption are offered.
A Time Series Analysis of Structural Break Time in Ethiopian GDP, Export and Import

This research examined the structural break dates for GDP, export and import in Ethiopia using annual time series data spanning the years from 1974 through 2013. The study revealed that the economy of Ethiopia has been subject to a structural change and regime shift during the sample period. This paper reviews tests for structural change in linear regression models with Chow test which was formalized from Perron (1989) to perform tests on time series data on the sample period to determine the date(s) at which there was a statistically significant structural break. The study infers that endogenously determined structural break time for the GDP, export and import of Ethiopian economy was found to be 2003. Noteworthy, is that the structural break occurred after eleven years of the regime shift suggesting the policy change is not corresponding with the anticipated structural break in Ethiopian economy. This implies that structural break taking place endogenously well after policy announcement. Citation: Allaro HB (2018) A Time Series Analysis of Structural Break Time in Ethiopian GDP, Export and Import. J Glob Econ 6: 303. doi: 10.4172/23754389.1000303
The Gap between Compliance with the Quality Performance Measure “Perioperative Temperature Management” and Normothermia

Abstract: The National Quality Forum (NQF) has endorsed the process performance measure Perioperative Temperature Management, which is used by the Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Compliance requires either using active warming intraoperatively or achieving normothermia near the end of anesthesia. Compliance may actually be achieved by using forced-air warming incorrectly and without maintaining normothermia. The aim of this study was to determine to what extent compliance with the NQF-endorsed quality performance measure, is congruent with normothermia at the end of the surgical procedure. This study describes the relationship between compliance with this measure and the outcome of normothermia upon admission to the postanesthesia care unit. A retrospective review was undertaken of patients undergoing surgery with general or neuraxial anesthesia during a 48-month period of time in a community hospital. A total of 5.8% of patients for whom the quality performance measure was met were hypothermic upon admission to the postanesthesia care unit. The greatest gaps between compliance with the measure and normothermia were found in urology (8.5%) and orthopedics (7.7%). Patients who receive care compliant with the quality performance measure by receiving active warming are still at risk for hypothermia.
Comparison of Comet 81P/Wild 2 Dust with Interplanetary Dust from Comets

The Stardust mission returned the first sample of a known outer solar system body, comet 81P/Wild 2, to Earth. The sample was expected to resemble chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles because many, and possibly all, such particles are derived from comets. Here, we report that the most abundant and most recognizable silicate materials in chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles appear to be absent from the returned sample, indicating that indigenous outer nebula material is probably rare in 81P/Wild 2. Instead, the sample resembles chondritic meteorites from the asteroid belt, composed mostly of inner solar nebula materials. This surprising finding emphasizes the petrogenetic continuum between comets and asteroids and elevates the astrophysical importance of stratospheric chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles as a precious source of the most cosmically primitive astromaterials.
Next generation computer-aided tools: Supporting integrated Sustainable Mass-Customized product developments

Supporting integrated Sustainable Mass-Customized (S-MC) product developments requires true computer integrated manufacturing environments and sustainable supporting tools (lifecycle assessments) in order to integrate diverse product development methods and tools, and manage different and sometimes contradictory engineering, customization and sustainability constraints and/or requirements at product, process/manufacturing system and supply chain entity levels to design, engineer, manufacture, deliver and recycle S-MC products. This paper presents a state-of-the-art report on existing computer-aided tools by describing their current and needed features in order to support integrated S-MC product developments, and includes a case study where computer-aided tools support value is shown for developing a S-MC product within an integrated product, process/manufacturing system and supply chain framework.
RHO gene products, putative small GTP‐binding proteins, are importnat for activation of the CAL1/CDC43 gene product, a protein geranylgeranyltransferase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Two multicopy suppressors of the call‐1 mutation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been isolated and characterized. They are identical to the yeast RHO1 and RHO2 genes, which encode putative small GTP‐binding proteins. Multiple copies of either RHO gene suppressed temperature‐sensitive growth of the call‐1 mutant but did not suppress the call null mutant. Genetic analysis suggests that overproduction of either RHO gene product acts for activation of the CAL1 gene product.
Housing and Financial Asset Allocations of Heterogeneous Homeowners

Market constraints (e.g. borrowing constraint, no-short-selling constraint) are important for household portfolio choices especially for housing. A structural model naturally generates alternative portfolio regimes with different binding constraints. But empirically we cannot observe which households are constrained in safe, risky or housing finance and housing. We use a semiparametric approach on data from Wealth and Asset Survey (WAS) to determine this. We find distinct patterns of housing and financial assets allocation among homeowners by fitting a multivariate Gaussian mixture model via a censored data expectation-maximisation (EM) algorithm. Estimation results reveal that on average about 80% of the households are no-short-selling constrained in risky asset investment and with low net worth. Among other things, we find that households who are younger, less educated with lower income are more likely to be no-short-selling constrained in risky asset investment and with lower net worth. Our predicted regime classification is aligned to those of the structural model.
Effects of tolterodine extended release on patient perception of bladder condition and overactive bladder symptoms*

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of tolterodine extended release (ER) versus placebo at 1 and 12 weeks using questionnaires and diary measures. Research design and methods: Subjects with overactive bladder (OAB) were randomized to receive tolterodine ER (4 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks. This double-blind study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT00143377). Main outcome measures: Subjects completed the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) and 3-day bladder diaries at baseline and weeks 1 and 12, and the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q) at baseline and week 12. PPBC score changes were analyzed using 2-category (improvement, no improvement), 3-category (improvement, no change, deterioration), and 4-category (≥2-point improvement, 1-point improvement, no change, deterioration) stratifications. Categorical change in PPBC scores from baseline to week 12 was the primary endpoint. Results: A total of 617 subjects were randomized (tolterodine ER, n = 410; placebo, n = 207). At week 1, a significantly higher percentage of subjects receiving tolterodine ER reported improvement on the PPBC compared with placebo (p < 0.05). Subjects receiving tolterodine ER also had a significantly greater reduction in all OAB symptoms versus placebo (all p < 0.05). At week 12, a higher percentage of tolterodine ER subjects reported PPBC improvement versus placebo subjects. This was significant in the 3- and 4-category analyses (both p < 0.05) but not in the 2-category analysis (the prespecified method of analysis; p = 0.098). Compared with the placebo group, the tolterodine ER group reported significantly greater week 12 improvements in all bladder diary variables (all p < 0.01) as well as in OAB-q Symptom Bother, total Health-Related Quality of Life, Coping, and Concern scores (all p ≤ 0.02). Conclusions: Compared with placebo, subjects receiving tolterodine ER reported significantly greater improvements in nondiary patient-reported outcomes and OAB symptoms at week 12. Improvements in subjects’ perception of their bladder-related problems and in OAB symptoms were observed as early as week 1. Further research is required to assess which aspects of subjects’ bladder-related problems were improved. A large placebo effect may have prevented the prespecified 2-category analysis of PPBC improvement from reaching statistical significance at week 12, which was the primary endpoint.