Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transforming sources to petri nets: a way to analyze execution of parallel programs

Model checking is a suitable formal technique to analyze parallel programs' execution in an industrial context because automated tools can be designed and operated with very limited knowledge of the underlying techniques. However, the specification must be given using dedicated notations that are not always familiar to engineers (so far, model checking on UML raises complex problems that will not be solved immediately). This paper proposes an approach to perform transformation of source code (C programs) into Petri nets, a suitable specification for model checking. To overcome the complexity of the resulting specification, we focus on specific aspects of the program. So, several transformations can be performed to verify some aspects of the processed programs. Parts of this approach could be reused by intrusion detection systems.
Oral Hygiene and Parent-Related Factors during Early Childhood in Relation to Approximal Caries at 15 Years of Age

The aim was to investigate whether oral hygiene habits and parent-related factors, recorded in early childhood, have a predictive value in relation to approximal caries experience (including initial caries lesions) at the age of 15 years (n = 568). Data were selected from examinations, interviews and questionnaires at 1 and 3 years and bitewing radiographs at 15 years. Four levels of cut-off points for the statistical analysis were used: DFa = 0, > 0, ≧4 and ≧8. In the final logistic regression analyses, mother’s self-estimation of her oral health care being less good remained statistically significant and predicted a caries experience of DFa > 0 at 15 years. The following four variables predicted DFa ≧4: (1) female gender, (2) plaque on maxillary incisors at 1 year, (3) mother’s self-estimation of her oral health care being less good and (4) father being less satisfied with his social situation. Two variables predicted DFa ≧8: (1) toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste just once a day, and (2) father being less satisfied with his social situation. Furthermore, children who failed to attend the examination at 1 year of age had 6.95 ± 5.36 (mean ± SD) DFa at 15 years compared with 3.10 ± 3.85 for children who were examined at 1 year of age (p < 0.01). To conclude, factors explaining good dental health at 15 years of age pertained to both children and parents. Thus, it seems that good oral hygiene habits, established in early childhood, provide a foundation for a low experience of approximal caries in adolescents.
Interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) contribute to human tooth agenesis

Phenotypic characteristics expressed in syndromes give clues to the factors involved in the cause of isolated forms of the same defects. We investigated two genes responsible for craniofacial syndromes, FGFR1 and IRF6, in a collection of families with isolated tooth agenesis. Cheek swab samples were obtained for DNA analysis from 116 case/parent trios. Probands had at least one developmentally missing tooth, excluding third molars. In addition, we studied 89 cases and 50 controls from Ohio to replicate any positive findings. Genotyping was performed by kinetic polymerase chain‐reaction or TaqMan assays. Linkage disequilibrium analysis and transmission distortion of the marker alleles were performed. The same variants in the IRF6 gene that are associated with isolated orofacial clefts are also associated with human tooth agenesis (rs861019, P = 0.058; rs17015215—V274I, P = 0.0006; rs7802, P = 0.004). Mutations in IRF6 cause Van der Woude and popliteal pterygium syndromes. The craniofacial phenotypic characteristics of these syndromes include oral clefts and preferential tooth agenesis of incisors and premolars, besides pits on the lower lips. Also it appears that preferential premolar agenesis is associated with FGFR1 (P = 0.014) and IRF6 (P = 0.002) markers. There were statistically significant data suggesting that IRF6 interacts not only with MSX1 (P = 0.001), but also with TGFA (P = 0.03). © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
EXPATRIATE ADJUSTMENT TO FOREIGN ASSIGNMENTS

Ineffective expatriate performance and premature returns have been found to relate primarily to an inability to adjust to the foreign environment rather than a lack of technical competence. Research has identified three dimensions of expatriate adjustment: adjustment to work, adjustment to interactions with people in the foreign country and general adjustment to the culture and living conditions. Five major factors that have been found to influence these dimensions of adjustment and research using these factors provides a framework to help international firms understand and take a more active role in facilitating expatriate adjustment.
Pituitary Adenylyl Cyclase-activating Polypeptide Prevents Induced Cell Death in Retinal Tissue through Activation of Cyclic AMP-dependent Protein Kinase*

Multiple neuroactive substances are secreted by neurons and/or glial cells and modulate the sensitivity to cell death. In the developing retina, it has been shown that increased intracellular levels of cAMP protect cells from degeneration. We tested the hypothesis that the neuroactive peptide pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has neuroprotective effects upon the developing rat retina. PACAP38 prevented anisomycin-induced cell death in the neuroblastic layer (NBL) of retinal explants, and complete inhibition of induced cell death was obtained with 1 nm. A similar protective effect was observed with PACAP27 and with the specific PAC1 receptor agonist maxadilan but not with glucagon. Photoreceptor cell death induced by thapsigargin was also prevented by PACAP38. The neuroprotective effect of PACAP38 upon the NBL could be reverted by the competitive PACAP receptor antagonist PACAP6–38 and by the specific PAC1 receptor antagonist Maxd.4. Molecular and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated PAC1 receptors, and treatment with PACAP38 induced phospho-cAMP-response element-binding protein immunoreactivity in the anisomycin-sensitive undifferentiated postmitotic cells within the NBL. PACAP38 produced an increase in cAMP but not inositol triphosphate, and treatment with the cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitorR p-cAMPS blocked the protective effect of PACAP38. The results indicate that activation of PAC1 receptors by PACAP38 modulates cell death in the developing retina through the intracellular cAMP/cAMP-dependent protein kinase pathway.
Fatty acids of Treponema pallidum and Borrelia burgdorferi lipoproteins

A fundamental ultrastructural feature shared by the spirochetal pathogens Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (T. pallidum) and Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agents of venereal syphilis and Lyme disease, respectively, is that their most abundant membrane proteins contain covalently attached fatty acids. In this study, we identified the fatty acids covalently bound to lipoproteins of B. burgdorferi and T. pallidum and examined potential acyl donors to these molecules. Palmitate was the predominant fatty acid of both B. burgdorferi and T. pallidum lipoproteins. T. pallidum lipoproteins also contained substantial amounts of stearate, a fatty acid not typically prevalent in prokaryotic lipoproteins. In both spirochetes, the fatty acids of cellular lipids differed from those of their respective lipoproteins. To characterize phospholipids in these organisms, spirochetes were metabolically labeled with [3H]palmitate or [3H]oleate; B. burgdorferi contained only phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine, while T. pallidum contained phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, and cardiolipin. Although palmitate predominated in the lipoproteins, there were no apparent differences in the incorporation of these two fatty acids into phospholipids (putative acyl donors). Phospholipase A1 and A2 digestion of phosphatidylcholine from B. burgdorferi and T. pallidum labeled with either [3H]palmitate or [3H]oleate also revealed that neither fatty acid was incorporated preferentially into the 1 and 2 positions (potential acyl donor sites) of the glycerol backbone. The combined findings suggest that fatty acid utilization during lipoprotein synthesis is determined largely by the fatty acid specificities of the lipoprotein acyl transferases. These findings also provide the basis for ongoing efforts to elucidate the relationship between lipoprotein acylation and the physiological functions and inflammatory activities of these molecules.
Studies of the nucleoside transporter inhibitor, draflazine, in the human myocardium

1 The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the nucleoside transporter inhibitor, draflazine, on the force of contraction in human myocardium and the affinity of the compound for the nucleoside transporter. Nucleoside transport inhibitors, like draflazine, are of potential importance for cardiopreservation of donor hearts for heart transplantation. 2 Functional experiments were performed in isolated electrically driven (1 Hz, 1.8 mmol l−1 Ca2+) human atrial trabeculae and ventricular papillary muscle strips. The affinity of draflazine for the myocardial nucleoside transporter was studied in isolated membranes from human ventricular myocardium and human erythrocytes in radioligand binding experiments using [3H]‐nitrobenzylthioinosine ([3H]‐NBTI). Dipyridamole was studied for comparison. 3 In membranes from human myocardium and erythrocytes, [3H]‐NTBI labelled 1.18 pmol mg−1 protein and 23.0 pmol mg−1 protein, respectively, nucleoside transporter molecules with a KD value of 0.8 nmol l−1. Draflazine concentration‐dependently inhibited binding of [3H]‐NBTI to myocardial and erythrocyte membranes with a Ki‐value of 4.5 nmol l−1. The potency as judged from the Ki values was ten times greater than that of dipyridamole in both myocardial and erythrocyte membranes. 4 Draflazine, at concentrations up to 100 μmol l−1, did not produce negative inotropic effects in atrial and ventricular myocardium. (−)‐N6‐phenylisopropyladenosine (R‐PIA) and carbachol did not reduce force of contraction in ventricular myocardium, but exerted concentration‐dependent direct negative inotropic effects in atrial myocardium. 5 The data provide evidence that draflazine specifically binds to the nucleoside transporter of the human heart and erythrocytes with high affinity. The compound does not produce negative inotropic effects at concentrations as high as 100 μmol l−1. 6 Draflazine could be a useful agent for cardiopreservation because it does not produce cardiodepressant effects. Thus, it may be possible to perfuse explanted hearts directly with this agent without the hazard of cardiodepression.
Diversified Knowledge, R&D Team Centrality and Radical Creativity

The impact of team knowledge network structure on team creativity has seldom been explored. To address this gap, we argue that research and development (R&D) teams' radical creativity is not only associated with the source of diversified knowledge (insiders of the team, outsiders of the team and internet professional forums), but also with team knowledge network centrality. Data from 32 R&D teams in seven research institutions support our contention that diversified knowledge from all three sources positively affects team radical creativity. In addition, the betweenness centrality of R&D team knowledge networks moderates the relationship between two sources of diversified knowledge (insiders of the team and outsiders of the team) and team radical creativity.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Altered Systemic Metabolism and Pancreatic Cancer Risk

Abstract : An increased risk of pancreatic cancer and reduced survival is seen among patients with altered systemic metabolism, including obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia. However, the mechanisms by which altered metabolism may promote pancreatic cancer development and growth remain to be identified. The primary purpose of the funded research is to understand the metabolic alterations that promote development of early pancreatic cancers and impact their proliferation. To explore altered metabolism is patients with pancreatic cancer, we are conducting studies in participants from four large prospective cohorts, where individuals provide extensive data on metabolic phenotypes, such as obesity and diabetes, and banked plasma samples for interrogation. The potential impact of understanding the mechanisms underlying early pancreatic cancer growth is substantial, with an improved ability to: (a) diagnose pancreatic cancer at an earlier stage when cure is possible, (b) formulate preventative recommendations based on an individuals metabolic phenotype, and (c) identify novel treatment strategies that disrupt pancreatic tumor metabolism.
Brachial Plexus Blocks for Upper Extremity Orthopaedic Surgery

Abstract Regional anesthesia of the upper extremity has several clinical applications and is reported to have several advantages over general anesthesia for orthopaedic surgery. These advantages, such as improved postoperative pain, decreased postoperative opioid administration, and reduced recovery time, have led to widespread acceptance of a variety of regional nerve blocks. Interscalene block is the most commonly used block for shoulder surgery. Other brachial plexus nerve blocks used for orthopaedic surgery of the upper extremity are supraclavicular, infraclavicular, and axillary. Several practical and theoretical aspects of regional nerve blocks must be considered to optimize the beneficial effects and minimize the risk of complications.
A unified model of non-profit sport organizations performance: perspectives from the literature

Little consensus has emerged about how organizational performance should be defined and measured. Most studies have used traditional approaches to give their own perspective about organizational performance and effectiveness, but none have recently tried to encompass these different views into one unified model. In the present paper, Chelladurai's systems view of organizations is used to integrate the dimensions of organizational performance highlighted by previous studies on non-profit sport organizations (NPSOs). These organizational performance dimensions are highlighted and categorized into macro-dimensions (e.g. financial resources acquisition, size, internal atmosphere, organizational operating, financial independence, achieving elite sport success and mass sport participation). Relationships between these macro-dimensions are analyzed. A multidimensional framework is developed which gives an overview of which dimensions constitute organizational performance in NPSOs and of how to measure them. Further research directions and management implications are discussed.
Quality Hackathon: Evaluating the Products of Online Co-Production Systems

This full-day workshop focuses on building Big Social Data research competencies for scholars interested in issues of contribution quality and contributor performance in online co-production systems that generate value through contributions by volunteers. The workshop is designed to engage discussion and promote co-working through a hackathon format to stimulate productive conversation and learning, using shared data sets to provide a common focus for participants to engage questions of contribution quality and contributor performance with multiple disciplinary, theoretical, and analytical backgrounds.
Long-Range Organization of Membrane-Curving Proteins

Biological membranes have a central role in mediating the organization of membrane-curving proteins, a dynamic process that has proven to be challenging to probe experimentally. Using atomic force microscopy, we capture the hierarchically organized assemblies of Bin/amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) proteins on supported lipid membranes. Their structure reveals distinct long linear aggregates of proteins, regularly spaced by up to 300 nm. Employing accurate free-energy calculations from large-scale coarse-grained computer simulations, we found that the membrane mediates the interaction among protein filaments as a combination of short- and long-ranged interactions. The long-ranged component acts at strikingly long distances, giving rise to a variety of micron-sized ordered patterns. This mechanism may contribute to the long-ranged spatiotemporal control of membrane remodeling by proteins in the cell.
The prevalence of undiagnosed pulmonary arterial hypertension in subjects with connective tissue disease at the secondary health care level of community-based rheumatologists (the UNCOVER study).

OBJECTIVE Most of the data about the prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are from tertiary centers that are biased toward seeing more severe cases; therefore, the true prevalence of PAH among patients with connective tissue disease is unknown. We sought to determine the point prevalence of undiagnosed PAH in community-based rheumatology practices. METHODS The study design was a multicenter, prospective and retrospective survey and analysis of clinical cases in 50 community rheumatology practices. We evaluated a total of 909 patients with either scleroderma (systemic sclerosis [SSc]) or mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). If a subject had not been diagnosed as having PAH, then a new Doppler echocardiogram was obtained to measure cardiac parameters, including estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (ERVSP), and a full review of medical records was done. RESULTS Of 909 screened patients, 791 were evaluable and completed the study; 669 had not previously been studied for PAH. Of these 669 patients, 89 (13.3%) were found by Doppler echocardiography to have an ERVSP of > or = 40 mm Hg. Of these 89 patients, 82 (92.1%) had SSc and 7 (7.9%) had MCTD. The total prevalence of PAH in the survey was 26.7% (211 of 791 patients, including 122 with known PAH and 89 newly diagnosed as having PAH). Doppler echocardiographic data showed 20 of 89 patients (22.5%) with ERVSP of > or = 50 mm Hg, 20 of 89 patients (22.5%) with increased RV dimension, and 25 of 89 patients (28.1%) with right atrial enlargement. Patients with ERVSP > or = 40 mm Hg had decreased exercise tolerance compared with those with ERVSP <40 mm Hg (27% compared with 9.5%, respectively, were severely symptomatic). CONCLUSION A significant number of patients with SSc or MCTD (13.3%) followed up in a community rheumatology practice setting have undiagnosed elevated ERVSP consistent with PAH.
Factor analysis of demand growth for information technology input in Japan

The purpose of this article is to decompose demand changes for factor input and explore the factor that information technology (IT) capital stock has largely increased in Japan. The Allen partial elasticities of substitution are calculated and the variations in factor input demand are broken down into two effects—price effect and output effect, using industry-level data. From an estimation of the total cost function, the following conclusions are presented. While IT capital stock and ordinary capital stock are complementary, IT serves as a substitute for labor. The factors influencing the high growth rate in IT capital stock are the decrease in the prices of IT and ordinary capital services, and the increase in the labor price, in addition to the output effect. On the other hand, labor demand declines due to both the downward rigidity of wages and the decrease in prices of two kinds of capital services.
Carbon Gold Rush and Carbon Cowboys: A New Chapter in Green Mythology?

Individual and collective efforts to mitigate climate change in the form of carbon offsetting and emissions trading schemes have recently become the focus of much media attention. In this paper we explore a subset of the UK national press coverage centered on such schemes. The articles, selected from general as well as specialized business and finance newspapers, make use of gold rush, Wild West, and cowboy imagery which is rooted in deeply entrenched myths and metaphors and allows readers to make sense of very complex environmental, political, ethical, and financial issues associated with carbon mitigation. They make what appears complicated and unfamiliar, namely carbon trading and offsetting, seem less complex and more familiar. A critical discussion of this type of imagery is necessary in order to uncover and question tacit assumptions and connotations which are built into it and which might otherwise go unnoticed and unchallenged in environmental communication.
Crystals, inflammation, and osteoarthritis

Purpose of reviewCalcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) and basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals are common components of osteoarthritic joint fluids and tissues. Why these crystals form and how they contribute to joint damage in osteoarthritis remain unclear. With renewed interest in inflammation as a key component of osteoarthritis the role of calcium-containing crystals in this common disease warrants re-examination. Recent findingsThere is ample evidence supporting a pathogenic role for inflammation in osteoarthritis, and the innate immune system likely participates in this inflammatory process. Recent work reinforces the almost universal existence of calcium-containing crystals in tissues from patients with end-stage osteoarthritis. Calcium-containing crystals may contribute to inflammation in osteoarthritis tissues through their direct interactions with components of the innate immune system, as well as by inducing or amplifying other inflammatory signals. SummaryThere is increasing evidence that calcium-containing crystals contribute to osteoarthritis and their inflammatory properties may mediate detrimental effects through innate immunity signals. Calcium-containing crystals may thus represent important therapeutic targets in osteoarthritis.
A Possible Explanation of the Gender Gap Among Accounting Academics: Evidence from the Choice of Research Field

Despite the significant increase in the number of women in accounting research over past decades, the percentage of female full professors in accounting is still low. One of the problems may relate to the research area(s) they choose to specialize in. Is the relatively slow promotion of women due to their decision to concentrate in ‘nonmainstream’ fields of research? In this study, we collect data on 1,042 male and female accounting academics. Using the research interests declared on each academic web page, we find that accounting researchers show no significant gender differences in their choice of research fields. Hence, we conclude that the underpromotion of women cannot be attributed to their choice of ‘nonmainstream’ fields.
Improved efficiency of DFIG wind energy conversion systems by operating in the rotor-tied configuration

An alternative connection topology for a wind turbine with doubly-fed induction generator is explored, wherein the rotor is tied directly to the power grid and the stator is connected through a power electronic converter. Experiments are performed on a 7.5-kW machine to evaluate the topology. The proposed configuration is found to be more efficient than current practice.