Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-&kgr;B Ligand (RANKL) and Its Relationship to Coronary Atherosclerosis in HIV Patients

Abstract:HIV-infected individuals have an increased prevalence of coronary artery disease. Receptor activator of nuclear factor-&kgr;B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin have been postulated as mediators of vascular calcification. 78 HIV-infected men and 32 healthy controls without history of coronary artery disease were prospectively recruited to undergo cardiac computed tomography and computed tomography angiography to assess coronary artery calcium and plaque burden. Soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-&kgr;B ligand was lower in HIV-infected individuals than controls [2.52 (1.08–3.98) vs. 3.33 (2.44–4.64) pg/mL, P = 0.01, median (IQR) respectively]. Soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-&kgr;B ligand was negatively associated with the number of coronary segments with plaque (Spearman &rgr; = −0.41, P < 0.001) and Agatston calcium score (&rgr; = −0.30, P < 0.01) in HIV-infected individuals even after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
An automatic multi-lead electrocardiogram segmentation algorithm based on abrupt change detection

Automatic detection of electrocardiogram (ECG) waves provides important information for cardiac disease diagnosis. In this paper a new algorithm is proposed for automatic ECG segmentation based on multi-lead ECG processing. Two auxiliary signals are computed from the first and second derivatives of several ECG leads signals. One auxiliary signal is used for R peak detection and the other for ECG waves delimitation. A statistical hypothesis testing is finally applied to one of the auxiliary signals in order to detect abrupt mean changes. Preliminary experimental results show that the detected mean changes instants coincide with the boundaries of the ECG waves.
Analysis and design of voltage feedforward for stability and power quality of grid-tied inverter

In three-phase grid-tied inverter, grid voltage feedforward is helpful to improve grid-tied power quality for strong grid condition. This paper found that the voltage feedforward had different effect on power quality under weak grid condition compared with that in ideal grid condition. And recent reported studies show that grid voltage feedforward has negative effect for grid-inverter system stability. This paper analyzes the voltage feedforward effects on power quality and system stability, and proposes a proportional voltage feedforward scheme to improve system stability and reserve ability to improve power quality under weak grid condition. Then how to design the proportional voltage feedforward scheme is presented. Theoretical and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed control method for improving system stability and power quality under weak grid condition.
Determinants of Tourist Arrivals and Expenditures in Canada

This study investigated the determinants and functional forms of international tourism demand for travel to Canada from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, theformer West Germany, and Japan. The independent variables, per capita income, exchange rate, travel price index, immigration, crime rate, special events, and a time trend, were hypothesized to influence tourist arrivals and expenditure. Both linear and log-linear functions were estimated, and a statistical method was applied to choose the appropriate functional form. Overall, with few exceptions, the variables examined explained a high percentage of variations in the dependent variables, and most variables had statistically significant coefficients with expected signs. This study shows that determinants of tourism demand may vary by country, suggesting that pooling data across countries needs to be treated with caution. While there appears to be almost universal agreement that the log-linear form is better than the linear form in the inte.
Effects of angiotensin II receptor antagonist, Losartan on the apoptosis, proliferation and migration of the human pancreatic stellate cells.

AIM To investigate the effects of AT1 (Type 1 angiotensin II receptor) antagonist (Losartan) on the apoptosis, proliferation and migration of the human pancreatic stellate cells (hPSCs). METHODS hPSCs were isolated from pancreatic sample of patients with pancreatic carcinoma using radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique to detect the concentration of AngII in culture media and cell homogenate. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) methods were utilized to test AT1 expression in hPSCs. Effects of Losartan on hPSCs proliferation, apoptosis and migration were investigated using BrdU incorporation, TUNEL, flow cytometry (FCM), and phase-contrast microscope separately when cells treated with Losartan. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were applied to quantify the expression of type I collagen in hPSCs. RESULTS There exists AT1 expression in hPSCs, while no AngII was detected in culture media and cell homogenate. Losartan induces cell apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner (apparently at 10(-5) mol/L), no pro-proliferative effect was observed in the same condition. Corresponding dosage of Losartan can also alleviate the motion capability and type I collagen content of hPSCs compared with AngII treatment and non-treatment control groups. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that paracrine not autocrine functions of AngII may have effects on hPSCs, which was mediated by AT1 expressed on cells, while Losartan may exert anti-fibrotic effects by inhibiting hPSCs motion and partly by inducing apoptosis.
System LSI multi-vth transistors design methodology for maximizing efficiency of body-biasing control to reduce vth variation and power consumption

In this paper, we describe newly developed multi-Vth transistors design scheme operable for body-biasing control for 65nm-node and beyond. The major issue of body-biasing control on system LSI comprising multi-Vth is that different Vth transistor exhibit different body-biasing sensitivities rendering body-biasing control scheme unfeasible. We have successfully solved the issue by Hf-based dielectric work-function (WF) modulation combined with optimal channel design, with which Vth shift amount under the same body-biasing is equalized among transistors having different Vth. The net result is the excellent body-biasing controllability as well as well-suppressed GIDL and Vth variation. Moreover, die to die Vth variation has been effectively reduced even for dies with multi-Vth transistors using body-biasing. We believe that this methodology is the most suitable for future low power system LSI application due to its simplicity and bulk-design inheritability
Calming Music and Hand Massage With Agitated Elderly

BackgroundAgitated behavior is a widespread problem that adversely affects the health of nursing home residents and increases the cost of their care. ObjectiveTo examine whether modifying environmental stimuli by the use of calming music and hand massage affects agitated behavior in persons with dementia. MethodA four group, repeated measures experimental design was used to test the effect of a 10-minute exposure to either calming music, hand massage, or calming music and hand massage simultaneously, or no intervention (control) on the frequency and type of agitated behaviors in nursing home residents with dementia (N = 68). A modified version of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory was used to record agitated behaviors. ResultsEach of the experimental interventions reduced agitation more than no intervention. The benefit was sustained and increased up to one hour following the intervention (F = 6.47, p < .01). The increase in benefit over time was similar for each intervention group. When types of agitated behaviors were examined separately, none of the interventions significantly reduced physically aggressive behaviors (F = 1.93, p = .09), while physically nonaggressive behaviors decreased during each of the interventions (F = 3.78, p < 01). No additive benefit resulted from simultaneous exposure to calming music and hand massage. At one hour following any intervention, verbally agitated behavior decreased more than no intervention. ConclusionCalming music and hand massage alter the immediate environment of agitated nursing home residents to a calm structured surrounding, offsetting disturbing stimuli, but no additive benefit was found by combining interventions simultaneously.
OPTIMAL TIMING OF THE ANNUITY PURCHASE: COMBINED STOCHASTIC CONTROL AND OPTIMAL STOPPING PROBLEM

The paper examines the optimal annuitization time and the optimal consumption/investment strategies for a retired individual subject to a constant force of mortality in an all-or-nothing framework. We allow for a different utility of consumption before and after annuitization. For a general family of preferences we characterize the value function and the optimal controls of the resulting combined stochastic control and optimal stopping problem. Assuming power utility functions we obtain explicit solutions. We show that if the individual evaluates the consumption flow and the annuity payments stream in the same way, then, depending on the parameters of the economy, the annuity is purchased at retirement or never. In the case when the individual is more risk averse in the annuity assessment, it is optimal to defer the annuitization until her wealth reaches a threshold, and such threshold depends on the parameters of the economy.
Effects of chlorination of chill water on the bacteriologic profile of raw chicken carcasses and giblets.

In March 1989, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service sampled raw chicken carcasses and giblets at a federally inspected slaughter establishment in Puerto Rico to determine the effects of adding chlorine to carcass and giblet chill water on bacterial contents of raw poultry products. Over four 8-hour workdays, 200 carcass rinse samples were collected at 3 sites in the establishment; 39 giblet rinse samples were collected at 1 site. Analyses of the carcass rinse samples indicated that carcasses had average aerobe plate counts of log10 3.20 before chilling and 2.51 after chilling; Enterobacteriaceae counts of log10 2.57 before chilling and 1.75 after chilling; and Escherichia coli counts of log10 2.04 before chilling and 1.20 after chilling. Salmonellae were found on 43% of the carcasses before chilling and on 46% after chilling. Analyses of the giblet and neck rinse samples indicated that raw giblets and necks after chilling had average aerobe plate count of log10 3.49, Enterobacteriaceae count of log10 2.57, and E coli count of log10 1.06. Salmonellae were found on 12% of the giblets and necks sampled. Results compared favorably with giblet and neck rinse sample results obtained during a baseline sampling study in November and December 1987. The baseline results indicated aerobe plate count of log10 3.72; Enterobacteriaceae count of log10 2.90; E coli count of log10 1.14; and salmonellae on 69% of the giblets and necks sampled. Placing raw chicken carcasses in chlorinated chill water reduced aerobe, Enterobacteriaceae, and E coli plate counts. Prevalence of carcasses with salmonellae remained nearly the same. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Quantitative Ecological Assessment of Diving Sites in the Egyptian Red Sea During a Period of Severe Anchor Damage: A Baseline for Restoration and Sustainable Tourism Management

This paper assesses damage to diving sites off Hurghada and Safaga, Egypt, and examines management responses and options. Data were obtained using the line-intercept-transect method. Using general field observations, a control site comparison and a historical comparison, it was found that the four diving sites studied suffered varying degrees of physical damage and needed management attention. Some transect locations had experienced severe physical damage while others had escaped damage. The most obvious difference between the control site and the four damaged sites (at both 4 and 8 m depths) was the consistently high percentage cover of hard coral (especially Acropora coral) and low percentage cover of soft corals among all transects at the Giftun Canal control site. Total algae percentages were also consistently higher at impacted transect sites versus the control site. From a historical perspective, at the Small Giftun site from 1987 to 1996, percentage hard coral cover decreased by 43% and algal cover increased over fourfold. If the diving tourism industry is to sustain itself in the Egyptian Red Sea, every management effort must be made to minimise controllable sources of stress on the coral reef system. Dive site management programme options, based on peer-reviewed carrying capacity research and stakeholder involvement, are reviewed.
Pain Management, Palliative Care, and Substance Abuse

The increase in morbidity and mortality from misuse, overuse, and diversion of prescribed opioid analgesics in recent years has become a public health problem. But the undertreatment of pan in has long been a public health concern—some would say a public health crisis. Numerous appropriate reactions to the increase have come in the form of guidelines and governmental initiatives including FDA-mandated Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) and state prescription monitoring programs (PMPs). This journal has recognized the threat to public health from misuse of opioids and has attempted to maintain a balanced approach to this issue.
Differential Impact of the FMR-1 Full Mutation on Memory and Attention Functioning: A Neuropsychological Perspective

Memory and attention processing were examined in a group of 15 adult Fragile-X syndrome (FXS) males with Fragile-X mental retardation 1 (FMR-1) full mutation and compared to two control groups: a learning disabled (LD) control and a normal functioning control. Performance was assessed across a wide range of tasks including working memory, recognition memory, selective attention, sustained attention, and attentional switching. All three groups performed at a comparable level on recognition memory tasks, and the Fragile-X males and LD control group performed worse than the control group on tasks of working memory and sustained attention. On a task of executive function, the Fragile-X males demonstrated a significant deficit in comparison to the LD control group and the normal control group, but performed better than the LD control group and at a comparable level to the control group on tasks of selective attention. Molecular analyses of the lymphocyte DNA provided little evidence for a correlation between expansion size and performance on tasks of memory and attention. The findings from the present study are discussed in the context of functional neuroimaging and brain-behavior-molecular correlates.
On the Stability of Long-run M2 Demand in Japan

In this study we examine the stability of long-run broad money demand in Japan. In contrast to previous studies of Japanese broad money demand, we use a series of tests designed specifically to test for structural instability in the presence of I(1) processes. According to these tests, the Japanese broad money demand function appears to be stable over a period of financial innovation and deregulation.
Determinants of Health Care Utilization for Respiratory Symptoms in the First Year of Life

Objective:Health care utilization for respiratory symptoms is very common in infancy. Little is known about the determinants of visiting a physician for such complaints in infants. We investigated which factors determine the likelihood of visiting a physician for respiratory symptoms in the first year of life of their offspring. Patients and Methods:Infants were participants of the ongoing Wheezing Illnesses Study Leidsche Rijn (WHISTLER), a prospective birth cohort study on respiratory illnesses. Parental reports on respiratory symptoms and possible risk factors were assessed by daily questionnaires. Physician diagnosed respiratory symptoms were classified in medical records using the International Classification of Primary Care. Outcome was defined as a having a child visit a general practitioner for respiratory symptoms in the first year of life. Logistic regression was used to study the likelihood of outcome (yes/no) as a function of putative predictors. Results:Forty-seven percent of the infants visited a physician for respiratory symptoms in the first year of life. Every extra week of respiratory symptoms was associated with a 4.3% higher chance (odds ratio [OR], 1.043; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.022–1.065) of visiting a physician. Furthermore, the chance was higher in boys (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.1), children attending day care (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2–3.0), children with nonwhite mothers (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1–3.2), and children whose mother had supplementary health care insurance (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.7). Findings were similar within the subgroup of children with serious respiratory symptoms (>median: 46 d/yr), but in that group parental age over 30 also determined physician visits (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.6–8.9). Conclusions:Child and parent characteristics, besides complaints per se, play an important role in health care utilization for respiratory illnesses in infancy.
Consumption and Habits: Evidence from Panel Data

The purpose of this Paper is to test for the presence of habit formation in consumption decisions using household panel data. We use the test proposed by Meghir and Weber (1996) and estimate the within-period marginal rate of substitution between commodities, which is robust to the presence of liquidity constraints. To that end, we use a Spanish panel dataset in which households are observed up to eight consecutive quarters. This temporal dimension is crucial, since it allows us to take into account time invariant unobserved heterogeneity across households ('fixed effects') and, therefore, to investigate if the relationship between current and past consumption reflects habits or heterogeneity. Our results confirm the importance of accounting for fixed effects when analysing intertemporal consumption decisions allowing for time non-separabilities. Once fixed effects are controlled for and a proper set of instruments is used, the results yield supporting evidence of habit formation in the demand system of food at home, transport and services.
The 2013 Maltese General Election: Unplugging the Blockage

On 9 March the Maltese electorate overwhelmingly voted into office the Labour Party (PL), led by Joseph Muscat, bringing to an end 15 years of Nationalist Party (PN) rule. With a background of relative economic stability, the issues dominating the electoral campaign bore little resemblance to the latest elections in struggling Mediterranean economies like Spain, Greece and Italy (Dinas and Rori 2013; Garzia 2013; Kennedy 2012). Instead the election mostly hinged on competence and credibility. Maltese elections typically deliver a high voter turnout and a bi-party outcome. This time around turnout was 93 per cent, practically the same as in 2008, and once again only two parties gained seats, with the green party Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) gaining in votes but still far short of a seat. Two-party only representation has been the unbroken rule since 1966, despite the system of proportional representation by single transferable vote (PR-STV). Handed down to Malta by Britain in 1921 with precisely the intention of producing multi-party representation (Fenech 2005), it somehow only worked as intended in times of major turmoil or critical political junctures. The small size of constituencies, a high degree of party identification, easy access to politicians and a corresponding sense that people’s personal lives are affected by the choice of government act to thwart the theoretical claims of the system. The strong sense that every vote counts leaves little space for third parties such as AD, whose poor performance since it joined the game in 1992 belies the good sense of its programme. Following from keen party loyalty, a further usual feature of Maltese electoral contests is narrow margins of victory. This time, however, the PL won by a staggering 11.5 percentage points, the largest majority obtained by any party since 1955. The landslide is the more significant when considering that Labour since 1987 has spent a scarce two years in office (1996–98), with
Obesity is associated with breast cancer in African‐American women but not Hispanic women in South Los Angeles

Obesity is considered a risk factor for breast cancer. Modifying life styles that reduce obesity offers the potential for prevention and improved outcomes from cancer. The effects of obesity and breast cancer among African‐American women and Hispanic women have been explored in a limited number of studies. The objective of the current study was to investigate the association of obesity with breast cancer in a minority cohort.
Earnings Management Effect In Different Stock Market Cycles

This study examines the association between stock prices and discretionary accruals in different stock market cycles. The study presents evidence for a discrepancy in prior research and shows that investors are able to identify earnings management only in some cases. We argue that investors’ reaction to the true nature of EPS varies in different market cycles. We suggests that investors pay less attention to the nature of EPS changes in an optimistic cycles, and are more critical in neutral or pessimistic cycles. Therefore, investors are more likely to detect and count for any earnings management in the neutral or pessimistic cycle than in the optimistic cycle. The test results indicated that the association between discretionary accruals and abnormal stock returns were insignificant in the neutral market cycle, significant and positive in the optimistic cycle and significant and negative in the pessimistic cycle. These findings indicate that investors tend to ignore the income-increasing effect of discretionary accruals on EPS changes in an optimistic market. The findings suggest that researchers investigating the association between stock prices and earnings management should control for the type of the market cycle from which their samples are drawn.
Perceptions of Justice in Connection with Individualized Pay Setting

Individualized pay is typically assumed to enhance employee work motivation, but a precondition for such beneficial effects is that employees perceive the pay-setting process to be fair. The aim of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the nature, determinants and consequences of pay justice. Questionnaire data, obtained from a Swedish nationally representative sample of nurses, provided support for distinguishing between distributive, procedural, interpersonal and informational justice. The results also showed that perceptions of pay justice were predicted by both work climate variables and factors related to the pay-setting procedure, even after controlling for demographic characteristics. Although pay justice had only marginal effects on employee work attitudes and behaviour when demographics, work climate and pay-related factors had been taken into account, justice was found to be an important goal in itself, given that a prerequisite for the success of any pay system is that it is perceived as fair.