Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Significance of a cervical cytologic diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. Favoring a reactive process or low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.

OBJECTIVE To define the clinical significance of qualifying the cytologic diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) as favoring either a reactive process or a low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) in an effort to provide management guidelines. STUDY DESIGN A total of 118 consecutive nonpregnant women with a cytological diagnosis of ASCUS favoring either a reactive process or LSIL were evaluated in our colposcopy clinic by repeat cervical cytologic smear, colposcopy and colposcopically directed biopsies and/or endocervical curettage, as indicated. RESULTS Of the 58 patients evaluated for a smear of ASCUS, favoring a reactive process, 5 (8.6%) had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) CIN 1 documented by biopsy. None had a high grade lesion. Twenty-six (45%) of the 58 patients who had a cytologic diagnosis of ASCUS favoring a reactive process had a repeat smear that was normal. None was found to have CIN. Of the 60 patients who had a cervical diagnosis of ASCUS favoring LSIL, 9 (15%) had CIN 1 or CIN 2. Nineteen (32%) of the 60 patients who had a cytologic diagnosis of ASCUS favoring LSIL had a repeat smear that was normal. One of these patients had CIN 1 on biopsy. The sensitivity of a repeat smear, in this limited series, after an initial smear of ASCUS favoring a reactive process is 100%, while it was 66% after an initial smear of ASCUS favoring LSIL. CONCLUSION This study showed that in our laboratory a cytologic diagnosis of ASCUS favoring either a reactive process or LSIL is associated with a very low risk that the patient is haboring CIN. In the patient whose initial smear shows ASCUS favoring a reactive process, a repeat smear that is normal is reassuring. The patient whose smear shows ASCUS favoring LSIL probably requires further evaluation even in the presence of a normal repeat smear.
Convergence á La Carte: Selective Adoption of EU Environmental Norms in Ukraine

While the EU’s policies towards non-member states are often discussed within frameworks of ‘high politics’, one of the most important features of the European Neighbourhood Policy is its emphasis on the ‘low politics’ of sectoral dialogue in functionally differentiated policy fields. Examining policy change triggered in Ukraine by the EU’s neighbourhood policy framework, the essay focuses on environmental policy as a typical ‘low politics’ policy field. The results show that in four subfields of environmental policy case-specific constellations of domestic veto players, policy specific conditionality and external capacity-building determine domestic policy change.
Modelling Intra-Day Seasonality and Forecasting Densities in Financial Duration Data

In this paper we model intra-daily seasonality in the shape of the residual distribution of the standard ACD model, which is estimated using diurnally (seasonally) adjusted duration data. Specifically, for two of the three companies in our sample, the shapes of the residual distribution for periods corresponding to the mornings and afternoons in a trading day are virtually identical, and are different from the shape of the residual distribution corresponding to the lunch time period. As a next step, we investigate whether the observed seasonality can explain the bias in density and interval ACD model forecasts, which are popular tools for econometric model evaluation and comparison.
A 5.4Gb/s adaptive equalizer with unit pulse charging technique in 0.13µm CMOS

An adaptive equalizer that operates at 5.4Gb/s with unit pulse charging technique is introduced in this paper. The proposed method has a simple architecture with compensating the channel adaptively. The common mode detection of the equalizer filter output with the resister ladder that can generate the reference voltages depending on the common level of the output of the filter is presented as well. The eye opening of the equalizer at 5.4Gb/s is 0.61UI with a 2m DisplayPort cable, and the BER is less than 10-12 at the same conditions. The power consumption is 17.64mW, and our equalizer occupies a core area of 0.069mm2 using 0. 13μm CMOS process.
Hormesis, Cell Death, and Regenerative Medicine for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Although the adult human brain has a small number of neural stem cells, they are insufficient to repair the damaged brain to achieve significant functional recovery for neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. Stem cell therapy, by either enhancing endogenous neurogenesis, or transplanting stem cells, has been regarded as a promising solution. However, the harsh environment of the diseased brain posts a severe threat to the survival and correct differentiation of those new stem cells. Hormesis (or preconditioning, stress adaptation) is an adaptation mechanism by which cells or organisms are potentiated to survive an otherwise lethal condition, such as the harsh oxidative stress in the stroke brain. Stem cells treated by low levels of chemical, physical, or pharmacological stimuli have been shown to survive better in the neurodegenerative brain. Thus combining hormesis and stem cell therapy might improve the outcome for treatment of these diseases. In addition, since the cell death patterns and their underlying molecular mechanism may vary in different neurodegenerative diseases, even in different progression stages of the same disease, it is essential to design a suitable and optimum hormetic strategy that is tailored to the individual patient.
Cost allocation and product costing in Dutch local government

The importance of cost allocation and product costing in Dutch local government organizations is increasing for two reasons: first, due to a switch from centralized to decentralized control, which implies a stronger responsibility by divisional managers for the transformation of inputs into outputs; second, because of growing pressure to deliver more value for money, which may lead to incentives for cost conscious behaviour. This paper looks at general concepts of cost allocation and product costing. It also deals with questions concerning the extent to which particular aspects of municipalities must be taken into account. An incomplete operation of the internal market of indirect activities will be explained by 'government-specific' factors, like the heterogeneity and non-quantifiability of outputs, monopolistic supply conditions and the inclination of politicians to directly influence the amount and quality of indirect services.
2-Trifluoromethyl-1H-benzimidazol-3-ium perchlorate

In the title salt, C8H6F3N2 +·ClO4 −, the atoms of the benzimidazole ring (including H atoms) are nearly coplanar (r.m.s. deviation of the fitted atoms = 0.0122 Å) and the triflouromethyl group lies out of this plane. The perchlorate anion adopts a distorted tetrahedral conformation with the Cl—O bond distances ranging from 1.412 (3) to 1.439 (2) Å. The benzimidazolium cations are linked to adjacent anions by intermolecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming chains.
The Cliometric Studies of Innovations

Per definition, cliometric studies of innovations use statistical methods to analyze large quantities of data. That is why historical patent statistics have become the standard measure for innovation. I first discuss the advantages and shortcomings of patent data and then show that the distribution of patents across countries, regions, or inventors is characterized by two salient features: its skewness and its persistence over time. To explain these features, the influence of various supplyside, demand-side, and institutional factors will be discussed. I will stress the importance of path dependency. This chapter ends with a closer look at technological transfer that came along with patent assignments and foreign patenting.
Liberalizing Nirvana: an analysis of the consequences of common pool resource deregulation for the sustainability of Fiji's surf tourism industry

In July 2010, the Fijian government issued a decree that liberalized Fiji's surf breaks and deregulated its surf tourism industry. It did this by canceling licenses that granted resorts exclusive use of surf breaks based on indigenous customary ownership of foreshore and fringing reef fishing areas as common pool resources. This paper analyses the sustainability of surf tourism in Fiji, utilizing a developing framework for sustainable surf tourism. Based on broader sustainable tourism theory and empirical research, the framework considers (1) the impact of economic neo-liberalism, (2) the need for coordinated planning and limits to growth, (3) the advantages of systematic attempts to foster cross-cultural understanding, and (4) the social benefits associated with the development of surfing at the village level. The study found that a lack of regulation is compromising the sustainability of Fiji's surf tourism industry in each of these four dimensions. However, evidence of a growing acceptance of the need for regulation by most stakeholders offers a starting point for a transactive, participative process to find solutions. A fifth element to the framework is recommended for future analyses based on the need for surf tourism to contribute to poverty alleviation in destination communities.
ZEQoS: A New Energy and QoS-Aware Routing Protocol for Communication of Sensor Devices in Healthcare System

This paper proposes a novel integrated energy and QoS-aware routing protocol with the considerations of energy, end-to-end latency, and reliability requirements of body area network (BAN) communication. The proposed routing protocol, called ZEQoS, introduces two main modules (MAC layer and network layer) and three algorithms (neighbor table constructor, routing table constructor, and path selector). To handle ordinary packets (OPs), delay-sensitive packets (DSPs), and reliability-sensitive packets (RSPs), the new mechanism first calculates the communication costs, end-to-end path delays, and end-to-end path reliabilities of all possible paths from a source to destination. The protocol then selects the best possible path(s) for OPs, RSPs, and DSPs by considering their QoS requirement. Extensive simulations using OMNeT++ based simulator Castalia 3.2 demonstrate that the performance of the proposed integrated algorithm is satisfactory when tested on a real hospital scenario, and all data types including OPs, DSPs, and RSPs are used as offered traffic. Simulations also show that the ZEQoS also offers better performance in terms of higher throughput, less packets dropped on MAC and network layers, and lower network traffic than comparable protocols including DMQoS and noRouting.
Management under fire: the transformation of managers in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe

Executive Overview Imagine, if you will, managers, executives, and CEOs working in a stable, predictable, and centrally planned environment, where managerial functions such as production, pricing, exporting, planning, distribution, R&D, and personnel management are performed in a simple, almost mechanistic manner for more than forty years. Imagine, then, how bewildered these managers would become when, almost overnight, the static and predictable environment with which they have become so familiar and comfortable undergoes a total and drastic change. That is exactly what happened to managers in the former Soviet bloc. Since the summer of 1989, the socialist regimes of virtually all central and eastern Europe, as well as the Soviet Union, have been liquidated and democratic governments instituted in many of the countries in this region. Coupled with this change were the moves from a centrally planned and centrally managed economy to a market-driven economy, from a very low inflation rate to rates ranging f.
Executives' Forecasts of Earnings per Share versus Forecasts of Naive Models

Green and Segall evaluated the predictive power of first-quarter earnings reports in two papers,' both of which generated criticisms and comments.2 Near the end of each paper, they presented data which implied that forecasts made by managers do not appear to be "better" than forecasts produced by naive models. Specifically, they concluded in the first paper that "on almost any reading we do not find the executives' forecasts impressive. If the executives' forecasts haVe any validity and are not biased, we may say that the naive forecasts are not inferior to actual, presumably less naive, forecasts. "3 Their replication states, "We are still not impressed with the executives' forecasts. "4 This particular conclusion encouraged two reviewers to question the validity of their whole study,5 for it seems intuitive, in a normative sense, that managers having more inside information and making forecasts later in the year than the forecasts of naive models should produce better forecasts. Green and Segall's conclusion on the model versus actual comparison has been questioned on the following grounds: (1) their sample of actual forecasts was too small,6 (2) the sample was nonrepresentative,7 and (3) the year(s) selected were nonrepresentative.8 This investigation replicates the model versus actual comparison part of the Green and Segall studies using newer data and a different sampling plan. Our conclusions are in conflict with those of Green and
Inhibition of myostatin with emphasis on follistatin as a therapy for muscle disease

In most cases, pharmacologic strategies to treat genetic muscle disorders and certain acquired disorders, such as sporadic inclusion body myositis, have produced modest clinical benefits. In these conditions, inhibition of the myostatin pathway represents an alternative strategy to improve functional outcomes. Preclinical data that support this approach clearly demonstrate the potential for blocking the myostatin pathway. Follistatin has emerged as a powerful antagonist of myostatin that can increase muscle mass and strength. Follistatin was first isolated from the ovary and is known to suppress follicle‐stimulating hormone. This raises concerns for potential adverse effects on the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and possible reproductive capabilities. In this review we demonstrate a strategy to bypass off‐target effects using an alternatively spliced cDNA of follistatin (FS344) delivered by adeno‐associated virus (AAV) to muscle. The transgene product is a peptide of 315 amino acids that is secreted from the muscle and circulates in the serum, thus avoiding cell‐surface binding sites. Using this approach our translational studies show increased muscle size and strength in species ranging from mice to monkeys. Adverse effects are avoided, and no organ system pathology or change in reproductive capabilities has been seen. These findings provide the impetus to move toward gene therapy clinical trials with delivery of AAV‐FS344 to increase size and function of muscle in patients with neuromuscular disease. Muscle Nerve 39: 283–296, 2009
Analysing the behavioural intention of using telehomecare from a management viewpoint - an application of artificial neural network

This study applies the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based on health belief model to explore the key factors affecting the Behavioural Intention (BI) of using telehomecare. This study interviewed 369 samples in Taiwan. The results suggest that the most effective method to enhance the BI of using telehomecare is to improve the perceived benefits for potential users. The application of ANN is also proven to be feasible in analysing the BI of using telehomecare. The contributions of this study include modelling and identifying the key factors for both practical and management aspects. These findings may serve as a reference to future studies.
Rat Osteosarcoma Cells as a Therapeutic Target Model for Osteoregeneration via Sclerostin Knockdown

There are various conceptually different strategies to improve bone regeneration and to treat osteoporosis, each with distinct inherent advantages and disadvantages. The use of RNA interference strategies to suppress the biological action of catabolic factors or antagonists of osteogenic proteins is promising, and such strategies can be applied locally. They are comparably inexpensive and do not suffer from stability problems as protein-based approaches. In this study, we focus on sclerostin, encoded by the SOST gene, a key regulator of bone formation and remodeling. Sclerostin is expressed by mature osteocytes but also by late osteogenically differentiated cells. Thus, it is difficult and requires long-term cultures to investigate the effects of SOST silencing on the expression of osteogenic markers using primary cells. We, therefore, selected a rat osteosarcoma cell line, UMR-106, that has been shown to express SOST and secrete sclerostin in a comparable fashion as late osteoblasts and osteocytes. We investigated the effects of differentiating supplements on SOST expression and sclerostin secretion in UMR-106 cells and found that addition of 100 ng/ml of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 strongly induced sclerostin secretion, whereas dexamethasone inhibited secretion. Effects of silencing SOST in UMR-106 cells cultured in various differentiation media including BMP-2 and/or dexamethasone were determined next with the aim to find promising test conditions for a readout system for the evaluation of future small interfering RNA release formulations for local induction of bone formation. We found a direct correlation between attenuated SOST expression and an increase in the osteogenic potential of UMR-106 cells. The combination of SOST silencing and BMP-2 could synergistically improve osteogenic factors. A lowered proliferation rate in silenced groups may indicate a faster switch to differentiation.
Face Personalization: Animated Face Modeling Approach using Radial Basis Function

In this paper, we propose a novel facial animation system. A template head model has been built up with anatomical structure to synthesize the various facial expression. To make the template model suitable for different facial geometry, landmarks compliant to MPEG-4 Facial Definition Parameters (FDP) are labeled on this model. Then another personalized 3D head with different geometrical information is labeled with a subset of these feature points. An iterative training process is performed to get a transformation function from the template model to the personalized model. We use Radial Basis Function (RBF) as the transformation function. A curvature based searching scheme is employed to find the feature points in the iterative process.
Short-term pulmonary vasodilation with L-arginine in pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND Endothelial dysfunction may contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension through impaired production of the endothelium-derived vasodilator nitric oxide (NO). L-Arginine, the substrate for NO synthase (NOS), has a vasodilatory effect in systemic vascular beds and can correct abnormal endothelium-dependent vasodilation. It has been suggested that these two effects of L-arginine are mediated through NOS metabolism and enhanced NO production. Therefore, we assessed the short-term pulmonary hemodynamic effects of exogenous L-arginine in patients with pulmonary hypertension of various origins. METHODS AND RESULTS During continuous hemodynamic monitoring, 10 subjects with pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure [PAP], 54 +/- 5 mm Hg [mean +/- SEM]) received a 30-minute control infusion of hypertonic saline followed by a 30-minute infusion of 500 mg/kg of L-arginine. The hemodynamic effects of L-arginine were compared with those of prostacyclin titrated to maximally tolerated doses. The hemodynamic response to L-arginine was also studied in 5 subjects with heart failure but without pulmonary hypertension (mean PAP, 20 +/- 2 mm Hg) and 5 healthy control subjects. In subjects with pulmonary hypertension, infusion of L-arginine reduced mean PAP by 15.8 +/- 3.6% (P < .005) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) by 27.6 +/- 5.8% (P < .005) compared with decreases of 13.0 +/- 5.5% (P < .005) and 46.6 +/- 6.2% (P < .005), respectively, with prostacyclin. L-Arginine infusion also increased the mean plasma level of L-arginine from 59 +/- 6 mumol/L to 10,726 +/- 868 mumol/L (P < .005), which was associated with a significant increase in the plasma level of L-citrulline, the immediate product of NOS metabolism of L-arginine. Moreover, the peak plasma level of L-citrulline correlated significantly with the reductions in mean PAP (r = .71, P < .05) and PVR (r = .70, P < .05), consistent with vasodilation mediated by NOS metabolism of exogenous L-arginine and increased NO production. L-Arginine also had a modest hypotensive effect in healthy control subjects and reduced systemic vascular resistance in subjects with heart failure in the absence of pulmonary hypertension. However, only small reductions in absolute pulmonary vascular resistance were observed in this latter group in response to L-arginine that did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS An exaggerated short-term pulmonary vasodilatory response to L-arginine in patients with pulmonary hypertension suggests a relative impairment in pulmonary vascular endothelial NO production that may contribute to increased pulmonary vascular tone and thus be important in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension.
A framework for the management of product variety

This study introduces a framework for the management of product variety in strategy and operations. It combines the analysis of five case studies in the UK and Brazil with a research background based on the existing literature. The framework describes the elements and steps involved in the process of dealing with product variety needs in manufacturing systems. The results suggest how operations management should evaluate the gaps between the importance and performance of product variety to develop appropriate adaptive and flexibility measures when dealing with product variety requirements in operations and strategy.
Notas Críticas sobre a Curva de Demanda Agregada

Franklin Serrano Romulo Tavares Ribeiro Resumo A curva de demanda agregada "bem comportada" (negativamente inclinada) se constitui na base do consenso da macroeconomia neoclassica de que nao existem restricoes de demanda efetiva a longo prazo. O objetivo destas notas e sistematizar a critica aos pressupostos teoricos por tras da curva de demanda agregada tradicional. Analisando em conjunto os principais obstaculos a operacao dos efeitos Keynes e Pigou, mostramos que nao ha bons motivos para se esperar que a flexibilidade de precos e salarios nominais por si so elimine automaticamente restricoes de demanda agregada, tanto na economia fechada quanto em economias abertas. Abstract The "well behaved" (negatively sloped) aggregate demand curve is the basis for the consensus in neoclassical macroeconomics which claims that there are no effective demand constraints in the long run. The objective of these notes is to systematise the critique of the theoretical presuppositions behind the traditional aggregate demand curve. Analysing the main obstacles to the operation of both the Keynes and Pigou effects , we show that there are no good reasons to expect that the flexibility of prices and nominal wages would automatically eliminate by themselves aggregate demand constraints, neither in closed nor in open economies.