Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chronic kidney disease--mineral and bone disorder: a complex scenario.

The chronic kidney disease-bone and mineral disorders (CKD-MBD) represents a dinamic area of research. Recently, new factors such as FGF-23 have been added to the classic list of regulators of bone metabolism, which include calcium, phosphorus, PTH and calcitriol. Vascular calcification, one of the most important complication of CKD-MBD is regulated by a complex variety of promoters and inhibitors. The relationship between vascular calcification, bone loss and mortality, together with the existence of likely common signaling pathways are subject of interesting investigations.
Assessing association of common variation in the C1Q gene cluster with systemic lupus erythematosus

Recent studies have tested genetic variation at the C1QA, C1QB and C1QC (complement component 1, q subcomponent, A chain, complement component 1, q subcomponent, B chain and complement component 1, q subcomponent, c chain) loci in relation to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) risk. Evidence for a significant effect of C1Q locus gene polymorphisms on SLE predisposition remains unclear. We aimed to identify associations between common C1Q polymorphisms and SLE risk and serum C1q, C3 and C4 levels. We performed family‐based association tests in 295 nuclear families with one affected proband. Tag‐single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) ranging from 35·4 kb upstream of the C1QA gene to 28 kb downstream of the C1QB gene were selected to represent the entire C1Q gene locus. We performed transmission disequilibrium tests for affectation status and continuous traits, including C1q, C3 and C4 levels using family‐based association tests (FBAT). There was no evidence for a significant role of C1Q locus gene polymorphisms in SLE risk predisposition. The strongest association was observed with a variant in the 3′UTR region of the C1QB gene (rs294223, P = 0·06). We found nominally significant associations with a second variant (rs7549888) in the 3′UTR region of the C1QB gene and C1q (P = 0·01), C3 (P = 0·004) and C4 levels (P = 0·01). In a large family‐based association study of C1Q gene cluster polymorphisms no evidence for a genetic role of C1Q locus SNP in SLE risk predisposition was obtained in patients of European ancestry. This is in contrast to other cohorts, in which single variants associated with C1Q, C3 and C4 levels and nephritis have been studied and shown associations.
Anatomy of Initial Public Offerings of Common Stock

Initial public offerings of common stocks are typically underpriced . In this paper, the author develops and tests the hypothesis that underpricing serves as a form of insurance against legal liabili ty and the associated damages to the reputations of investment banker s. The empirical results, based on samples of initial public offering s of common stocks that were brought to the market before and after t he Securities Act of 1933, provide considerable support for the impli cit insurance hypothesis. Specifically, gross underpricing and market segmentation between prestigious and fringe investment bankers in or iginating unseasoned new issues appear to be peculiar to the post-193 3 era. Copyright 1988 by American Finance Association.
Is There a Role for Cardiac Rehabilitation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting? Treatment After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Remains Incomplete Without Rehabilitation.

In Europe, between 1985 to 1989 and 2000 to 2004, a decline of >30% in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease mortality was observed.1,2 However, according to the latest figures of the European Heart Network, the annual mortality of CVD still exceeds 4 million (ie, 47% of all deaths) in Europe and 1.9 million (ie, 40% of all deaths) in the European Union.2 Furthermore, despite a falling trend in most European countries, CVD remains the most common cause of death in women and men. The financial burden for the European Union economy is estimated to be almost €196 billion a year, of which 54% is attributable to healthcare costs, 24% to productivity losses, and 22% to the informal care of people with CVD. Response by Mendes on p 2537 In the United States, an even greater decrease in cardiovascular mortality of 67% was achieved between 1969 and 2013. In addition, during this time period, age-standardized years of potential life lost per 1000 decreased by 68%. 3 Despite this meaningful improvement, >50 years after the first coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 19644 and almost 40 years after the first percutaneous coronary intervention in 1977,5 the incidence and prevalence of CVD remain high. So does the annual rate of CABG, even though it continues to drop, for example, to 1081 CABGs per 1 million adults in 2007 to 2008 in the United States.6 Obviously, coronary revascularization is widely appreciated for alleviating symptoms and improving prognosis. However, as a structural intervention, it does not address disease progression, which is why revascularization must be paired with measures of secondary prevention to maximize benefit. Given the social and economic burden of coronary artery disease, optimization of evidence-based treatment is paramount. According to current guidelines, treatment of …
On perceptual and memory processes in the word-frequency effect.

The subjects were pretrained as by Solomon and Postman (1952) and then given both a memory (recall) and a tachistoscopic (recognition) test, either immediately or after one week or both. Recognition and recall both improved with increased pretraining, but this effect on recognition was greatly attenuated after one week. Recognition improved with repeated testing. The number of letters correctly recognized was also analyzed. The findings support a response-bias interpretation of the word-frequency effect in the Solomon and Postman paradigm.
Behavioral Response Demands, Cardiovascular Reactivity, and Essential Hypertension

&NA; Psychophysiologic reactions to behavioral challenges were examined in men aged 55 or less with no prior history of cardiovascular disorder. Three age‐matched groups of twelve were recruited through factory screening: mild hypertensives (blood pressure in the range 175/105‐145/90 persisting on retest), transient hypertensives (blood pressure above criterion on screening, falling on retest), and normotensives. Clinical examination, a laboratory rest session and period of blood pressure self‐monitoring were followed by a laboratory stress session. The latter involved performance of two tasks demanding active behavioral coping (the Stroop interference task and video game) and one passive condition (a distressing movie). Mild hypertensives showed significantly greater pressor reactions (both in absolute and percentage terms) than normotensives to tasks requiring active behavioral coping, but not to the passive condition. The transient hypertension group produced heightened reactions in diastolic but not systolic pressure. Greater heart rate and pulse transit time reactions were also observed in the transient group, suggesting that exaggerated cardiac responsiveness to active challenges may be characteristic of the prehypertensive profile. No differences were recorded in electrodermal or respiratory variables, or in self‐reported tension. Exaggerated pressor responses were also associated with high scores on the Hostility and Direction of Hostility questionnaire, and an absence of coronary‐prone behavior. Implications for the etiology of essential hypertension are considered.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Asymptomatic Shoulder of Overhead Athletes

Background Although several studies have described magnetic resonance imaging findings in shoulders of asymptomatic volunteers, no such investigation has been performed on asymptomatic dominant and nondominant shoulders of elite overhead athletes. Hypothesis Asymptomatic dominant shoulders of elite overhead athletes may have a higher incidence of magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities than either their nondominant shoulder or shoulders of asymptomatic volunteers. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Methods Detailed magnetic resonance imaging scans of asymptomatic dominant and nondominant shoulders of elite overhead athletes were obtained. Three experienced musculoskeletal radiologists interpreted each scan for multiple variables, including rotator cuff appearance. Images from a surgical control group were intermixed to assess accuracy and control for observer bias. A 5-year follow-up interview was performed to determine whether magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities found in the initial stage of the study represented truly clinical false-positive findings or symptomatic shoulders in evolution. Results Eight of 20 (40%) dominant shoulders had findings consistent with partial- or full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff as compared with none (0%) of the nondominant shoulders. Five of 20 (25%) dominant shoulders had magnetic resonance imaging evidence of Bennett's lesions compared with none (0%) of the nondominant shoulders. None of the athletes interviewed 5 years later had any subjective symptoms or had required any evaluation or treatment for shoulder-related problems during the study period. Conclusions Magnetic resonance imaging alone should not be used as a basis for operative intervention in this patient population.
Arabidopsis PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR7 Is a Signaling Intermediate in Phytochrome-Regulated Seedling Deetiolation and Phasing of the Circadian Clock Article, publication date, and citation information can be found at www.plantcell.org/cgi/doi/10.1105/tpc.015065.

To identify new components in the phytochrome (phy) signaling network in Arabidopsis, we used a sensitized genetic screen for deetiolation-defective seedlings. Two allelic mutants were isolated that exhibited reduced sensitivity to both continuous red and far-red light, suggesting involvement in both phyA and phyB signaling. The molecular lesions responsible for the phenotype were shown to be mutations in the Arabidopsis PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR7 (PRR7) gene. PRR7 is a member of a small gene family in Arabidopsis previously suggested to be involved in circadian rhythms. A PRR7–β-glucuronidase fusion protein localized to the nucleus, implying a possible function in the regulation of photoresponsive gene expression. Consistent with this suggestion, prr7 seedlings were partially defective in the regulation of the rapidly light-induced genes CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1) and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY), observable as a premature increase in expression level during the second peak of the biphasic induction profile that is elicited upon initial exposure of dark-grown seedlings to light. A similar 3- to 6-h coordinated advance in peak free-running expression of CCA1, LHY, and TIMING-OF-CAB1, which are considered to encode the molecular components of the circadian oscillator in Arabidopsis, was observed in entrained fully green prr7 seedlings compared with wild-type seedlings. Collectively, these data suggest that PRR7 functions as a signaling intermediate in the phytochrome-regulated gene expression responsible for both seedling deetiolation and phasing of the circadian clock in response to light.
Is Wine a Financial Parachute

This paper analyzes the relationship between Global Wine Industry Share Price Indexes and composite stock market indexes using a Threshold Vector Error Correction Model (TVECM), aiming to investigate if investments in the wine sector play a role in determining financial risk and return to investors who include it in their portfolio. Whilst in most of the literature analyses the return of investments of fine wine, this paper places the focus to “normal” (i.e. non‐fine) wine, using data from the Mediobanca database covering companies in the wine industry listed on regulated stock market in France, US, Australia, Chile and China . The dataset cover the time period going from January 1, 2001, to the end of February 2009. The estimates of the TVECM lead to the following results: i) in more mature markets, like France and the US, the presence of a threshold in the relationship between wine index and composite index permit informed investors to make gainful investments; ii) in less mature markets, like Chile and China, there is evidence suggest that wine is not used as a financial parachute.
Modulating the early allergic response with endotoxin

`It would seem that hay fever has, of late years, been considerably on the increase1⁄4The persons who are most subjected to the action of the pollen belong to a class which furnishes the fewest cases of the disorder, namely, the farming class. ' Blackley CH. Experimental Researches on the Causes and Nature of Catarrhus Aestivus (Hay fever or Hay asthma), 1873 [1]. In Charles Blackley's seminal publication of his research revealing the role of pollens in hay fever, there is a lesser known observation, in a chapter entitled, `On the greater prevalence of hay fever and on the increase of its predisposing and exciting causes', of the paradox that those with the greatest exposure to the pollens Ð farmers Ð rarely manifest the symptoms of hay fever [1]. Nearly 125 years later, it seems that some researchers have picked up where Blackley left off, in search of explanations for this paradox on the farms. Numerous atopy prevalence studies in modern farming communities (including several papers published recently in Clinical and Experimental Allergy) have consistently revealed primarily less allergic rhinitis and allergen sensitization, and some have reported less asthma, in children raised in farming communities [2± 6]. Thus, the farming community environment and lifestyle seem to have a protective influence on atopic disease. While the possible explanations are many, Von Mutius and colleagues [7], have further explored the potential of environmental endotoxin to mediate this effect, by Th1type induction. Endotoxin (a cell wall component of gramnegative bacteria) is a potent inducer of the cytokines supportive of Th1-type development: IL-12 and IFNg [8,9]. What other evidence currently supports this hypothesis? Can environmental endotoxin induce Th1-type immune development and abrogate allergen sensitization?
Frontline: IL‐7 does not prevent pro‐B/pre‐B cell maturation to the immature/sIgM+ stage

IL‐7 plays many fundamental roles during murine B lineage development. One reported function is to maintain progenitors in a developmentally immature state by preventing differentiation to the surface IgM (sIgM)+ stage. Withdrawal of IL‐7 from cultures has been shown to lead to increases in mature traits such as RAG expression, IgL rearrangements and expression of sIgM. These observations have been interpreted as an inductive event promoting the differentiation of progenitor cells. In contrast to this, we reproducibly observe sIgM+ cells that have differentiated in cultures containing IL‐7. We find that sIgM+ cells arise as a normal consequence when B lineage cells are cultured in the presence of IL‐7. However, these cells are short‐lived and are quickly replaced by newly emerging sIgM+ cells that differentiate from sIgM– progenitors. Withdrawal of IL‐7 from these cultures only prevents the survival and proliferation of CD2–sIgM– pro‐B cells but does not change the number of cells that differentiate to the sIgM+ stage. This changes the ratio of sIgM–:sIgM+ cells and results only in an apparent maturation of the culture as a whole. Therefore withdrawal of IL‐7 from these cultures acts as a selection event, not an induction event, for populations that are normally present.
An Impact Assessment of GPS Radio Occultation Data on Prediction of a Rapidly Developing Cyclone over the Southern Ocean

AbstractThe impact of global positioning system (GPS) radio occultation (RO) data on an intense synoptic-scale storm that occurred over the Southern Ocean in December 2007 is evaluated, and a synoptic explanation of the assessed impact is offered. The impact is assessed by using the three-dimensional variational data assimilation scheme (3DVAR) of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model Data Assimilation system (WRFDA), and by comparing two experiments: one with and the other without assimilating the refractivity data from four different RO missions. Verifications indicate significant positive impacts of the RO data in various measures and parameters as well as in the track and intensity of the Antarctic cyclone. The analysis of the atmospheric processes underlying the impact shows that the assimilation of the RO data yields substantial improvements in the large-scale circulations that in turn control the development of the Antarctic storm. For instance, the RO data enhanced the strength of a 500.
Effective classification of 2DPCA and 2DLDA features for face recognition

In order to enhance the classification accuracy of the two-dimensional feature of the image, the idea of a separate classification for each projection direction feature is proposed in this paper. Our method first divides the image into blocks and finds the two-dimensional sub-projection matrix of each sub-block, and then completes the feature extraction by using each column of the projection matrix. At the stage of feature classification, the feature of each projection direction of each sub-block is classified separately, cast a vote towards images classification and the result with the maximum votes wins. We named this method decision level vote classification (DL_VC). The proposed method is equivalent to transforming global features into local features, and the voting method can reduce the influence of local interference. Experiments on face databases demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method.
Responsibilities, recession and the tourism sector: perspectives on CSR among low-fares airlines during the economic downturn in the UK

Responsibility has featured prominently in recent discussions about tourism governance. Nevertheless, research into corporate social responsibility (CSR) among travel and tourism businesses is at a relatively early stage. This paper reports on external stakeholders' perceptions of CSR among low-fares airlines (LFAs) in peripheral regions of the UK in late 2008; that is, during the current global economic downturn. LFAs, their business plans and their ability to contribute towards sustainable development have been the source of much public discourse and media scrutiny in the last decade. This paper does not set out to reopen that debate per se. Rather, it contributes to a deeper understanding of CSR in the tourism sector by arguing for a more nuanced approach to external stakeholders, one which is also informed by primary empirical research from qualitative sources, and which is conceptually informed by the latest thinking from other sectors of economic activity. Important inter-regional variations exist in external stakeholders' perceptions and valorisations of CSR, they are context-specific, and they are not static as their responses to the recent downturn reveal.
Impact of technology scaling on RF CMOS

Inspired by the huge improvement in the RF properties of CMOS, RF designers are invading the wireless market with all-CMOS RF transceivers and system-on-chip implementations. In this work, the impact of technology scaling on the RF properties of the CMOS; frequency properties, noise performance, linearity, stability, and non-quasi static effects, is investigated to provide RF designers with an insight to the capabilities of future CMOS technologies. Using the BSIM4 model it is found that future CMOS technologies have high prospects in the RF industry.
Multiple Sclerosis: Relapses and Timing of Remissions

Background: Relapse is a relatively sudden worsening of neurological status in multiple sclerosis patients. The aim of this paper is to describe the frequency and timing of the subsequent clinical remission, and factors linked to a possible lack of recovery. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-three relapses in 62 multiple sclerosis patients were examined retrospectively. Kurtzke’s Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were calculated every 3 months from 1 year before to 1 year after. Remission was defined as improvement vs. the EDSS as scored during the relapse. Recovery was defined as return to the EDSS as scored before the relapse. Results: The frequency of improvement was 78% at 3 months, 86% at 6, and lower in males (65 vs. 81%). The frequency of recovery was 55% at 3 months, 71% at 6. Kaplan-Meier curves showed stabilization after 6 months, with improvement in 90% of patients, 100% without further relapses. Relapses without recovery were only 30%; 15% excluding short-term relapses. Conclusions: Incomplete remissions do not appear to be linked to the evolution of the relapse, but to further relapses in the following months; in other words, to the short-term relapse rate.
A Webometric Analysis of Travel Blogs and Review Hosting: The Case of Catalonia

ABSTRACT Today, destination-marketing organizations and researchers are increasingly focusing their attention on travel blogs and reviews due to their potential for projecting the image of a specific destination and for influencing travel behavior and decision making. However, the criteria used to select the Web sites hosting travel blogs and reviews for study are unclear, and very few quantitative or demographic studies about users (bloggers and readers) have been conducted. The aim of this study is to propose a method in which a webometric analysis is used to select the most suitable Web sites for a specific case study and to obtain information about users. The proposed webometric analysis consists of an integrated formula including visibility, popularity, and size metrics. This method was used to rank 11 suitable Web sites for studying the case of Catalonia.
A sustainability assessment of a high-yield agroecosystem in Huantai County, China

Sustainable agricultural development is a perennial issue for agricultural researchers, government managers, and policy makers worldwide, but especially in developing countries. In China, farms in Shandong Province epitomize modern agriculture and play a vital role in providing food for the burgeoning population. However, Chinese agriculture is being challenged by declining resources and environmental deterioration resulting from modern farming practices. China must establish an efficient agricultural sustainability index (ASI) to evaluate agricultural conditions and offer recommendations for sustainable development. Here, we use Huantai County, Shandong Province to test a regionalscale ASI from social, economic and ecological factors that includes 11 sustainability indicators. To further evaluate the complex agroecosystem, we employed the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and AMOEBA methods to assess agricultural sustainability from 1982 to 2003. The results show that environmental problems, especially groundwater depletion, are limiting regional sustainable development.
Incentives, Solidarity, and the Division of Labor

In this paper, we consider a version of the Holmstr¨om-Milgrom linear model with two tasks, production and administration, where performance is harder to measure in the latter. Both the principal and agent can devote effort to these tasks. We assume there are gains from specialization and that players have a preference for solidarity in work. As the gains from specialization increase, the principal eventually prefers to hire the agent solely for production purposes over autarky. As these gains increase still further, the principal increasingly specializes in administration and in the limit there is a complete division of labor. At the same time, the nature of the employment contract is transformed from one based on solidarity to one based on incentives. We therefore formalize aspects of the thought of Smith and Marx, who held that a division of labor leads to exchange and a deterioration in social relations.