Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relation of coronary heart disease incidence and total mortality to plasma cholesterol reduction in randomised trials: use of meta-analysis.

The first randomised trials designed to test the effect of plasma cholesterol reduction came out in the mid-sixties and were largely carried out on patients who already had coronary heart disease. The trials were small and had relatively few new incidents of coronary heart disease in the treatment groups. Even in these high risk populations no general agreement on the benefit of cholesterol lowering was reached, and there was even the suggestion of an excess of non-cardiac related deaths in the treated groups. The first meta-analysis of randomised trials of cholesterol lowering, however, found no indication of an excess of cancer or total mortality in the groups treated by diet
Toward a Unified Transaction Cost Theory of Economic Organization

This paper develops a general equilibrium model endogenizing labor specialization, firm size, firm specialization, interfirm trade, and economic fragmentation. In contrast to the standard neoinstitutionalist understanding of firms and markets as substitutes in organizing production, firms and markets are shown to be complements in reaping economies to the division of labor. As a result, firm size varies directly, rather than inversely, with the extent of interfirm trade. Growth is facilitated by increases in the complexity of economic organization, involving increases in the division of labor, the size and specialization of firms, market size, and the complexity of interfirm trade.
Repeated sucrose access influences dopamine D2 receptor density in the striatum

A decrease in D2 dopamine receptor subtype (D2R) binding in the striatum has been reported in obese individuals and drug addicts. We examined D2R density in the striatum of food-restricted rats that had contingent access to food with different incentive values. Results showed that animals receiving limited access to 0.3 M sucrose paired 2 h with a chow meal for 7 days had a significantly lower D2R binding in nucleus accumbens shell and dorsolateral striatum compared with animals that had limited access to chow. There was no differential binding, however, in the accumbens core in any of the groups. These findings indicate that feeding conditions and sucrose intake influence D2R density specifically in subregions of the striatum.
Spatial information retrieval with place names

This work outlines an approach to handle the spatial dimension of information retrieval, i.e. queries of the type concept @ location. It applies a low-level notion of spatial relevance that is closely linked to the location, or geo-reference, of an information object. Methods for the semi-qualitative representation of spatial regions, and for the evaluation of the relative spatial relevance of information objects that are indirectly geo-referenced by place names, are presented. The approach supports a representation of crisp and vague geographic regions that is adequate for most information retrieval tasks. A graph-based abstraction of the underlying discrete referencing system of polygonal tessellations reduces data volumes and supports efficient reasoning algorithms. By combining a semi-qualitative approximation of Euclidean distance with a relative measure for the hierarchical part-of relations of regions into one simple metric, the partonomic semantics of hierarchical place name structures can be leveraged for information retrieval processes. The method was evaluated against a large-scale operational metainformation system (Umweltdatenkatalog UDK ). Implementations include the BUSTER information broker middleware and an OGC compatible catalogservice within a spatial data infrastructure. Other potential application areas include the creation of machine-readable indices of digital maps, the development of spatial reasoning modules for highly distributed ad-hoc (P2P) networks and Semantic Web applications, as well as the integration into new light-weight and location-based applications.
Role of TGF‐β in a Mouse Model of High Turnover Renal Osteodystrophy

Altered bone turnover is a key pathologic feature of chronic kidney disease‐mineral and bone disorder (CKD‐MBD). Expression of TGF‐β1, a known regulator of bone turnover, is increased in bone biopsies from individuals with CKD. Similarly, TGF‐β1 mRNA and downstream signaling is increased in bones from jck mice, a model of high‐turnover renal osteodystrophy. A neutralizing anti‐TGF‐β antibody (1D11) was used to explore TGF‐β's role in renal osteodystrophy. 1D11 administration to jck significantly attenuated elevated serum osteocalcin and type I collagen C‐telopeptides. Histomorphometric analysis indicated that 1D11 administration increased bone volume and suppressed the elevated bone turnover in a dose‐dependent manner. These effects were associated with reductions in osteoblast and osteoclast surface areas. Micro‐computed tomography (µCT) confirmed the observed increase in trabecular bone volume and demonstrated improvements in trabecular architecture and increased cortical thickness. 1D11 administration was associated with significant reductions in expression of osteoblast marker genes (Runx2, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin) and the osteoclast marker gene, Trap5. Importantly, in this model, 1D11 did not improve kidney function or reduce serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, indicating that 1D11 effects on bone are independent of changes in renal or parathyroid function. 1D11 also significantly attenuated high‐turnover bone disease in the adenine‐induced uremic rat model. Antibody administration was associated with a reduction in pSMAD2/SMAD2 in bone but not bone marrow as assessed by quantitative immunoblot analysis. Immunostaining revealed pSMAD staining in osteoblasts and osteocytes but not osteoclasts, suggesting 1D11 effects on osteoclasts may be indirect. Immunoblot and whole genome mRNA expression analysis confirmed our previous observation that repression of Wnt/β‐catenin expression in bone is correlated with increased osteoclast activity in jck mice and bone biopsies from CKD patients. Furthermore, our data suggest that elevated TGF‐β may contribute to the pathogenesis of high‐turnover disease partially through inhibition of β‐catenin signaling. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Symbiosis as a source of selectable epigenetic variation: taking the heat for the big guy

Evolutionary developmental biology is based on the principle that evolution arises from hereditable changes in development. Most of this new work has centred on changes in the regulatory components of the genome. However, recent studies (many of them documented in this volume) have shown that development also includes interactions between the organism and its environment. One area of interest concerns the importance of symbionts for the production of the normal range of phenotypes. Many, if not most, organisms have ‘outsourced’ some of their developmental signals to a set of symbionts that are expected to be acquired during development. Such intimate interactions between species are referred to as codevelopment, the production of a new individual through the coordinated interactions of several genotypically different species. Within the past 2 years, several research programmes have demonstrated that such codevelopmental schemes can be selected. We will focus on symbioses in coral reef cnidarians symbiosis, pea aphids and cactuses, wherein the symbiotic system provides thermotolerance for the composite organism.
Verbal Fluency in Aphasia and Right Hemisphere Brain Damage: The Effects of Dual-Task Conditions

Adults with aphasia, right hemisphere damage or no brain damage completed a verbal fluency task alone and in competition with a tone discrimination task. The study’s purpose was to specify further resource models of aphasia by examining whether (a) material-specific resource limitations (i.e., verbal fluency in isolation, naming test scores), general cognitive abilities (i.e., attention, working memory, nonverbal fluency test scores), or both are important predictors of dual-task outcomes, and (b) dual-task conditions evoke qualitative changes in naming strategy (i.e., error types; semantic cluster use). Findings relate to the strength and nature of interactions between language and cognition in normal and patient populations.
Who's in charge? Graduates' attitudes to and experiences of career management and their relationship with organizational commitment

This article reports the findings of a study of graduates' expectations and experiences of organizational and individual career management practices and of the relationships between organizational career management, career selfmanagement, and organizational commitment. It finds that, despite the prevailing rhetoric that individuals must take responsibility for their own careers, organizations are still heavily involved in the career management of their graduate recruits. Furthermore, organizational career management makes a positive contribution to graduates' organizational commitment, whereas most forms of career self-management do little to discourage it. However, graduates appear to benefit from different kinds of career management at different stages in their first 10 years in the organization.
Information Security Automation: How Far Can We Go?

Information security management is a very complex task which involves the implementation and monitoring of more than 130 security controls. To achieve greater efficiency in this process it is necessary to automate as many controls as possible. This paper provides an analysis of how many controls can be automated, based on the standards ISO 27001 and NIST SP800-53. Furthermore, we take the automation potential of controls included in the Consensus Audit Guidelines into account. Finally, we provide an overview of security applications that support automation in the operation of information security controls to increase the efficiency of information security management.
Verification and planning for stochastic processes with asynchronous events

Asynchronous stochastic systems are abundant in the real world. Examples include queuing systems, telephone exchanges, and computer networks. Yet, little attention has been given to such systems in the model checking and planning literature, at least not without making limiting and often unrealistic assumptions regarding the dynamics of the systems. The most common assumption is that of history-independence: the Markov assumption. In this thesis, we consider the problems of verification and planning for stochastic processes with asynchronous events, without relying on the Markov assumption. We establish the foundation for statistical probabilistic model checking, an approach to probabilistic model checking based on hypothesis testing and simulation. We demonstrate that this approach is competitive with state-of-the-art numerical solution methods for probabilistic model checking. While the verification result can be guaranteed only with some probability of error, we can set this error bound arbitrarily low (at the cost of efficiency). Our contribution in planning consists of a formalism, the generalized semi-Markov decision process (GSMDP), for planning with asynchronous stochastic events. We consider both goal directed and decision theoretic planning. In the former case, we rely on statistical model checking to verify plans, and use the simulation traces to guide plan repair. In the latter case, we present the use of phase-type distributions to approximate a GSMDP with a continuous-time MDP, which can then be solved using existing techniques. We demonstrate that the introduction of phases permits us to take history into account when making action choices, and this can result in policies of higher quality than we would get if we ignored history dependence.
Accelerated Searches of Gravitational Waves Using Graphics Processing Units

The existence of gravitational waves was predicted by Albert Einstein. Black hole and neutron star binary systems will product strong gravitational waves through their inspiral and eventual merger. The analysis of the gravitational wave data is computationally intensive, requiring matched filtering of terabytes of data with a bank of at least 3000 numerical templates that represent predicted waveforms. We need to complete the analysis in real‐time (within the duration of the signal) in order to enable follow‐up observations with some conventional optical or radio telescopes. We report a novel application of a graphics processing units (GPUs) for the purpose of accelerating the search pipelines for gravitational waves from coalescing binary systems of compact objects. A speed‐up of 16 fold in total has been achieved with an NVIDIA GeForce 8800 Ultra GPU card compared with a standard central processing unit (CPU). We show that further improvements are possible and discuss the reduction in CPU number required for the detection of inspiral sources afforded by the use of GPUs.
Oral contraceptive use and measurable cardiovascular risk factors in Korean women aged 20–50 years: The Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2009 (KNHANES IV)

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effects of oral contraceptives (OCs) on cardiovascular risk factors according to the duration of use. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using data from the Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of reproductive-age women. Subjects were classified into three groups based on OC use: non-users, short-term users (0–12 months) and long-term users (>12 months). Measurable cardiovascular risk factors, defined by 2009 consensus criteria, were included as metabolic syndrome components. Results: Of the 2225 women surveyed, 1924 (86.5%) were non-users of OCs, 186 (8.4%) were short-term users and 115 (5.2%) were long-term users. The use of OCs for longer durations was not associated with increased levels of blood pressure or fasting glucose, or larger waist circumference. After adjusting the covariates, long-term OC use was associated significantly with elevated triglycerides (TG, >150 mg/dL) compared with non-users (odds ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.18–3.97). In addition, the use of OCs for longer durations was associated negatively with the risk of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (<50 mg/dL) (p for trend = 0.038). Conclusion: These results suggest that the long-term use of OCs is associated with elevated TG. With the exception of lipid profile, it may be concluded that OCs are unlikely to affect cardiometabolic risk.
Induction of Apoplastic Invertase of Chenopodium rubrum by D-Glucose and a Glucose Analog and Tissue-Specific Expression Suggest a Role in Sink-Source Regulation

Photoautotrophic suspension-culture cells of Chenopodium rubrum that were shifted to mixotrophic growth by adding glucose were used as model system to investigate the influence of the source-sink transition in higher plants on the expression and enzyme activities of intracellular and extracellular invertases. The complete cDNA coding for an extracellular invertase was cloned and sequenced from C. rubrum, and its identity has been proven by heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The higher activity of extracellular invertase after preincubation in the presence of glucose was paralleled by an increased expression of the corresponding gene. The induction by glucose could be mimicked by the nonmetabolizable glucose analog 6-deoxyglucose. Both enzyme activity and mRNA level of extracellular invertase showed a sink-tissue-specific distribution in plants. The activity of neutral and acidic intracellular invertases were not affected by preincubation of autotrophic tissue cultures with sugars, nor did they show a tissue-specific distribution in plants. The data suggest that apoplastic invertase not only has an important function in phloem unloading and carbohydrate partitioning between source and sink tissues but may also have a role in establishing metabolic sinks.
Pericyte Regulation of Vascular Remodeling Through the CXC Receptor 3

Objective—To understand the role, if any, played by pericytes in the regulation of newly formed vessels during angiogenesis. In this study, we investigate whether pericytes regulate the number of nascent endothelial tubes. Approach and Results—Using an in vitro angiogenesis assay (Matrigel assay), we demonstrate that pericytes can inhibit vessel formation and induce vessel dissociation via CXCR3-induced involution of the endothelial cells. In a coculture Matrigel assay for cord formation, pericytes prevented endothelial cord formation of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells but not umbilical vein endothelial cells. Blockade of endothelial CXCR3 function or expression inhibited the repressing effect of the pericytes. We further show that pericytes are also able to induce regression of newly formed microvascular cords through CXCR3 activation of calpain. When CXCR3 function was inhibited by a neutralizing antibody or downregulated by siRNA, cord regression mediated by pericytes was abolished. Conclusions—We show for the first time that pericytes regulate angiogenic vessel formation, and that this is mediated through CXCR3 expressed on endothelial cells. This suggests a role for pericytes in the pruning of immature vessels overproduced during wound repair.
Optimal energy management scheme for electric vehicle integration in microgrid

Electric vehicles (EV) connected to a charging station in a microgrid system is a potential power source for participation in energy management (EM). However, an autonomous controller scheme is required to schedule the charging and discharging of the EV battery for optimal EM. This paper proposes an intelligent EM controller for a workplace with EV integration. A Multi-Agent System (MAS) based coordinated optimization scheme is developed for EM. The optimal charging and discharging schedule is obtained by forecasting the trip pattern of EV based on regression by discretization methodology. Furthermore, the optimization scheme is designed considering monetary benefits to the workplace and the EV owner. The controller scheme is developed using Java Agent Development framework (JADE). The proposed EM scheme is tested with real-world data and the results are verified.
Sensitive attunement to infants’ internal states: operationalizing the construct of mind-mindedness

This paper focuses on caregiver sensitivity, its relation to mind-mindedness (caregivers’ attunement to their infants’ internal states), and how well both constructs predict infant attachment security. The seminal Baltimore research on sensitivity and its relation to attachment security is summarized, highlighting the conclusion that mothers in the insecure-resistant and insecure-avoidant categories could not be distinguished on the basis of sensitivity. The contrast between the complex, sophisticated construct detailed in the original studies and the broad-based nature of the sensitivity coding scale is discussed. This paper argues that we should return to Ainsworth, Bell, and Stayton’s (1971, 1974) original emphasis on the caregiver’s ability to perceive things from the child’s point of view in defining a measure of the quality of early infant–caregiver interaction. This approach led to the development of the construct of mind-mindedness. There are two mind-mindedness indices: caregivers’ tendency during infant–caregiver interaction to (a) comment appropriately on their infants’ putative thoughts and feelings (appropriate mind-related comments), and (b) misread their infants’ internal states (non-attuned mind-related comments). Both indices predict independent variance in infant–caregiver attachment security, and together can distinguish between the secure, avoidant, and resistant categories. The specific, multidimensional nature of mind-mindedness complements the global construct of sensitivity.
Environmental mass spectrometry: emerging contaminants and current issues.

This biennial review covers developments in environmental mass spectrometry over the period of 2004-2005. A few significant references that appeared between January and February 2006 are also included. Analytical Chemistry’s current policy is to limit reviews to include 100-200 significant references and to mainly focus on new trends. As a result, as was done in the previous 2004 Environmental Mass Spectrometry review (1), this 2006 review will be limited in its focus to new, emerging contaminants and environmental issues that are driving most of the current research. Even with a more narrow focus, only a small fraction of the quality research publications could be discussed. Thus, this review will not be comprehensive, but will highlight new areas and discuss representative papers in the areas of focus. I welcome any comments you have, in particular regarding this more narrow focus, whether you find it more (or less) useful than a broader approach (richardson.susan@epa.gov). Numerous abstracts were consulted before choosing the best ones to present here. Abstract searches were carried out using Current
Specifying Determinants of Auditing Professional Skepticism

Background: We used Hurtt's [Hurtt, R.K. (2010), Development of a scale to measure professional skepticism, A Journal of practice & theory. 29(1), 149–171. ] theory to specify determinants of auditors‘ skepticism. Objective: In this paper we concentrate on exploring concept of skepticism and find relationship between auditors‘ characteristics and professional skepticism. We expect professional skepticism of auditors is determined by factors such as selfdetermination and confidence, suspension in judgment, questioning mind, search for knowledge, and interpersonal understanding. Also, we expect that auditors' professional experience has a positive influence on their professional skepticism. We survey professional accountants in Iran, which is an emerging market, to test our hypotheses. Results: We obtain some support for our hypothesis related to effect of knowledge, self-confidence, and interpersonal understanding on auditors professional skepticism. This study contributes to the literature by investigating the impact of culture of auditors in emerging market of Iran and compare attained results of individual-auditor level with obtained results of other countries
[Adenosine myocardial perfusion SPECT with Tc-99m-MIBI in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease: correlation between quantitative coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound measurements].

OBJECTIVE To correlate myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) with Tc-99m-MIBI and adenosine infusion using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). METHODS Seventy patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) referred for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) with MIBI and adenosine were studied. Clinical, electrocardiographic (ECG), and scintigraphic findings were correlated with variables of visual and quantitative angiographic analysis, as well as to those of IVUS. RESULTS The mean age of patients was 60.6 years, and 39 were male. Coronary angiography showed percentage of diameter stenosis (% DS) of 49.94% in 105 arteries, 83 of which were re-evaluated by QCA (79%), mean of 44.20%, p<0.05. ST-segment depression during adenosine infusion was associated with higher degrees of % DS (55.0% vs. 47.8%), p<0.05). Scintigraphic ischemia was correlated with greater cross-sectional area of lumen obstruction by IVUS (% CSA). Clinical, ECG, and IVUS findings were considered together and expressed as global ischemic versus non-ischemic responses. Ischemia was associated with lower values of minimal lumen diameter (MLD) and minimal lumen area (MLA) determined by QCA and IVUS. CONCLUSION Tc-99m-MIBI and adenosine myocardial SPECT is correlated with % CSA on IVUS, perfusion images considered. Global results assessment showed association between lumen diameter and area at obstructed sites as determined by QCA and IVUS.