Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attraction versus Linear and Multiplicative Market Share Models: An Empirical Evaluation

Linear and multiplicative market share models are compared with the attraction specification on the basis of both predictive and descriptive measures. The data used represent 15 brands in three different markets. The results show that linear and multiplicative models with brand-specific parameters estimated by OLS or GLS may perform as well as or better than the attraction specification. The failure of parameter restrictions and ex-post normalization to improve prediction power is explained in terms of the heterogeneity in the estimated parameters. This finding is consistent across brands and models and suggests that the hypothesis of equal response parameters across brands should be tested formally before such restrictions are imposed. The combined results suggest that the attraction model may have considerable intuitive appeal, but that its superiority for descriptive and predictive purposes is not yet established.
HUMA: A human-like musculoskeletal robot platform for physical interaction studies

In a real environment, robots must handle contact with various objects. However, it is hard to model the contacts in advance, since there are a huge variety of objects in our daily lives. Humans have the ability to handle such physical interactions in daily life and such an ability is realized by adapting the physical characteristics produced by the skeletal structure with large DoFs and its actuating system with redundant muscles. In this research, to realize the adaptability of the physical characteristics of a robotic system with commodity type mechanical parts, we developed an actuator network system (ANS) where the motion of multiple actuators are bound by mutually inter-connection. By implementing this system, the response of the robot against various external forces can be modulated or a joint with very large moving range can be realized. In this report, we produced a compliant human-like upper body robot using ANS and investigated the effect of it on the physical characteristic and then the feasibility of the data-driven prediction of the contact force requisite for physical interaction.
A Model of a System for Hierarchical Planning of Structure and Dimension of Internal Global Production Networks

The continuing trend towards distributed production in a network of production sites confronts companies with new challenges. Complex logistic interdependencies of networked production lead to an increased need of coordination and planning.Since conventional production planning and control systems are designed for single-site production they lack functionalities to handle requirements arising from distributed production. In this paper a concept for a planning system designed to fill this gap is presented. This planning system is characterized by a hierarchical decomposition of the complex task of structure and dimension planning of the internal production network into sub-problems and relating these sub-problems to the organizational decision levels of a multi-site company. In the hierarchical planning process introduced in this paper optimization models are used to solve the sub-problems defined before. One of these optimization models is exemplarily presented in detail.
Elevated level of D-dimer increases the risk of stroke

The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the association between D-dimer level and the risk of stroke through performing a meta-analysis. PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched for potentially eligible literature. Prospective observational studies or case-control studies were included. The study characteristics and relevant data were extracted. Hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled to estimate the association between D-dimer level and the risk of stroke. Seven prospective studies with 22,207 patients and three case-control studies with 2,248 patients were included. For the prospective studies, the pooled HRs of higher D-dimer level for all types of stroke, ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke were 1.55 (95% CI, 1.28- 1.87), 1.62 (95% CI, 1.18-2.22) and 1.30 (95% CI, 0.63-2.68), respectively. The pooled HRs per SD increase in log D-dimer for all types of stroke, ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke were 1.16 (95% CI, 1.06-1.26), 1.11 (95% CI, 1.03-1.21) and 1.11 (95% CI, 0.95-1.30), respectively. For the case-control studies, the pooled OR of higher D-dimer level for acute ischemic stroke was 2.06 (95% CI, 1.08-3.96). No significant publication bias was found in the meta-analysis. In conclusion, our results suggested that higher D-dimer level was associated with higher risk of stroke, especially ischemic stroke.
Disruption of Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Lipid Transfer Protein Gene Altered Cuticular Lipid Composition, Increased Plastoglobules, and Enhanced Susceptibility to Infection by the Fungal Pathogen Alternaria brassicicola1[W]

All aerial parts of vascular plants are covered with cuticular waxes, which are synthesized by extensive export of intracellular lipids from epidermal cells to the surface. Although it has been suggested that plant lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are involved in cuticular lipid transport, the in planta evidence is still not clear. In this study, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored LTP (LTPG1) showing higher expression in epidermal peels of stems than in stems was identified from an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome-wide microarray analysis. The expression of LTPG1 was observed in various tissues, including the epidermis, stem cortex, vascular bundles, mesophyll cells, root tips, pollen, and early-developing seeds. LTPG1 was found to be localized in the plasma membrane. Disruption of the LTPG1 gene caused alterations of cuticular lipid composition, but no significant changes on total wax and cutin monomer loads were seen. The largest reduction (10 mass %) in the ltpg1 mutant was observed in the C29 alkane, which is the major component of cuticular waxes in the stems and siliques. The reduced content was overcome by increases of the C29 secondary alcohols and C29 ketone wax loads. The ultrastructure analysis of ltpg1 showed a more diffuse cuticular layer structure, protrusions of the cytoplasm into the vacuole in the epidermis, and an increase of plastoglobules in the stem cortex and leaf mesophyll cells. Furthermore, the ltpg1 mutant was more susceptible to infection by the fungus Alternaria brassicicola than the wild type. Taken together, these results indicated that LTPG1 contributed either directly or indirectly to cuticular lipid accumulation.
Incentive Guidance of Crowds by Smart City Lights

Although digital revolution has pervaded almost every part of daily life, cities remained seemingly analogue and furthermore inhabitants are mostly excluded from the digital layer. Considering the increasing wish for safety as well as present accident statistics, society faces the necessity to support the needs of their weakest traffic participants – pedestrians. As for today we propose to guide large crowds in an increasingly complex city by incentive hints. By using established infrastructure of city lights we try to ensure that our concept can be implemented in the most simple and realistic way. With this approach we expect to increase security and traffic optimization within open spaces by creating a more engaging way through the city.
HCV clearance from saliva of HIV-HCV-coinfected patients on treatment with interferon plus ribavirin.

OBJECTIVE To determine hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA clearance from blood and saliva of HIV-HCV-coinfected patients undergoing combined therapy with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (PEG-IFN-RIB). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Study group was formed of 60 HIV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis C who were starting treatment with PEG-IFN-RIB. Blood and saliva samples were taken at baseline, at the end of treatment and 24 and 48 weeks later. A nested RT-PCR technique was used to detect HCV-RNA in saliva. RESULTS HCV-RNA was detected in saliva at baseline in 64.7% of patients. Thirty-four patients completed follow-up. The response rate (undetectable HCV-RNA) in blood was 79.4% at the end of treatment; 55.8% at 24 weeks after the end of treatment and 50% at 48 weeks. HCV was detected in saliva of 13 (38.2%) patients at the end of treatment and in 18 (52.9%) patients at 24 and 48 weeks later. Concordance of HCV clearance from blood and saliva reached its maximum value at 48 weeks after the end of treatment (odds ratio, 112.51). CONCLUSION In HIV-HCV-coinfected patients responders to PEG-IFN-RIB, the salivary glands do not appear to be a sanctuary site for HCV, although viral clearance from saliva may be slower than from blood.
ffect of Insulin Resistance , Dyslipidemia , and ntra-abdominal Adiposity on the Development of ardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Mellitus

bdominal obesity contributes to insulin resistance, a metabolic abnormality linked to the development of ype 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Insulin resistance generally precedes the evelopment of type 2 diabetes. Currently, an estimated 10 million US adults have diabetes and another 5 million have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), an intermediate step between insulin resistance and iabetes. The pathophysiologic mechanisms known to increase CVD risk in individuals with insulin esistance include formation of advanced glycation end products, hypertension, proinflammatory and rothrombotic states, and dyslipidemia (i.e., low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increased evels of triglycerides, small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol particles, apoplipoprotein B, and nflammation). The increased flux of free fatty acids from adipose tissue to the liver promotes dyslipidemia. nsulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance are associated with increased CVD risk. Individuals with oexisting metabolic syndrome and diabetes have the highest prevalence rates of CVD. The Nurses’ Health tudy showed that CVD risk was elevated even before the development of diabetes compared with women ho never developed diabetes. Lifestyle modification is recommended as the first-line treatment for obesity nd its metabolic sequelae. Pharmacotherapy may be useful in patients for whom nonpharmacologic approaches lone are ineffective or insufficient. Primary care physicians play a critical role in the early identification and reatment of patients at increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes and CVD because of their obesity nd associated complications. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Reasons for drinking less and their relationship to sustained remission from problem drinking.

AIMS To compare representative general population and treated samples on their reasons for drinking less and whether particular reasons were related to sustained remission from problem drinking for either group. PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN A total of 659 problem drinking adults in a Northern California county identified through a probability survey in the general population (n = 239) and a survey of consecutive admissions to public and private alcohol and drug programs (n = 420), who reported drinking less at the one-year follow-up and provided reasons for reducing their drinking, were assessed 1-, 3-, and 5-years post-baseline regarding their problem drinking status. MEASUREMENTS Logistic regression models were used to predict sustained remission from problem drinking. RESULTS While the treated sample endorsed a majority of reasons in significantly higher proportions than the general population sample, the same three reasons were significant for both groups in predicting sustained remission from problem drinking: hitting rock bottom, experiencing a traumatic event and undergoing a spiritual awakening. Interventions by medical personnel and family members were either non-significant predictors or significantly negatively related to sustained improvement for both general population and treated problem drinkers. CONCLUSIONS General population and treatment samples have similar reasons for cutting down as they relate to sustained remission from problem drinking.
mRNA Composition and Control of Bacterial Gene Expression

ABSTRACT The expression of any given bacterial protein is predicted to depend on (i) the transcriptional regulation of the promoter and the translational regulation of its mRNA and (ii) the synthesis and translation of total (bulk) mRNA. This is because total mRNA acts as a competitor to the specific mRNA for the binding of initiation-ready free ribosomes. To characterize the effects of mRNA competition on gene expression, the specific activity of β-galactosidase expressed from three different promoter-lacZ fusions (Pspc-lacZ, PRNAI-lacZ, and PRNAII-lacZ) was measured (i) in arelA+ background during exponential growth at different rates and (ii) in relA+ and ΔrelA derivatives of Escherichia coli B/r after induction of a mild stringent or a relaxed response to raise or lower, respectively, the level of ppGpp. Expression from all three promoters was stimulated during slow exponential growth or at elevated levels of ppGpp and was reduced during fast exponential growth or at lower levels of ppGpp. From these observations and from other considerations, we propose (i) that the concentration of free, initiation-ready ribosomes is approximately constant and independent of the growth rate and (ii) that bulk mRNA made during slow growth and at elevated levels of ppGpp is less efficiently translated than bulk mRNA made during fast growth and at reduced levels of ppGpp. These features lead to an indirect enhancement in the expression of LacZ (or of any other protein) during growth in media of poor nutritional quality and at increased levels of ppGpp.
Non-photorealistic rendering

The ubiquity of computer-generated imagery around us, in movies, advertising or on the Internet is already being taken for granted and what impresses most people is the photorealistic quality of the images. Pictures, as we have often been told, are worth a thousand words and the information transported by an image can take many different forms. Many computer graphics researchers are exploring non-photorealistic rendering techniques as an alternative to realistic rendering. Defined by what it is not, non-photorealistic rendering brings art and science together, concentrating less on the process and more on the communication content of an image. Techniques that have long been used by artists can be applied to computer graphics to emphasize subtle attributes and to omit extraneous information. This book provides an overview of the published research on non-photorealistic rendering in order to categorize and distill the current research into a body of usable techniques. A summary of some of the algorithms as well as pseudo-code for producing some of the images is included.
Mutations associated with the therapeutic efficacy of adefovir dipivoxil added to lamivudine in patients resistant to lamivudine with type B chronic hepatitis

Factors influencing the therapeutic efficacy of adefovir dipivoxil added to continuing lamivudine have not been elucidated in lamivudine‐resistant patients with type B chronic hepatitis. The viral mutations influencing the efficacy of treatment with adefovir dipivoxil were investigated by sequencing analysis of the whole virus genome. Thirty patients resistant to lamivudine receiving adefovir dipivoxil therapy added to lamivudine were studied. From serum samples obtained before the administration of adefovir dipivoxil, full‐length viral DNA sequences were determined by PCR‐direct sequencing. Susceptibility of the virus to adefovir was examined further using in vitro transfection analysis. By screening the whole viral genome, the presence of two mutations, a T‐to‐C/G/A mutation at nt1753 (V1753) and an A‐to‐C mutation at nt2189 (C2189), correlated with the higher incidence of sustained viral DNA clearance during therapy (P < 0.005 and P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, the V1753 (P = 0.001) and the C2189 (P = 0.007) mutations, and elevated transaminase (P = 0.011) and low viral load (P = 0.008) at the baseline were selected as significant independent factors associated with improved antiviral efficacy. In vitro transfection analysis showed no differences in susceptibility to adefovir among wild‐type virus and C1753 and C2189 mutant viruses, suggesting that the virus possessing these mutations may be eradicated more efficiently than the wild‐type virus by treatment regardless of a direct antiviral effect of adefovir. J. Med. Virol. 81:798–806, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current Trends in the Diagnosis of Vascular Prosthesis Infection

Abstract Early diagnosis of an infected vascular prosthesis, a potentially life-threatening disease, is a precondition of adequate treatment. The most frequently used diagnostic imaging method is computer tomography. Non-acute infections caused by low grade agents may pose a challenge with ambiguous CT-images and other ancillary imaging methods are used for these cases, each offering different levels of diagnostic sensitivity. These methods come from the fields of radiology (magnetic resonance imaging - MRI) and nuclear medicine studies using labelled leukocytes (“‘In or 99mTc- HMPAO), 99mTc labelled antigranulocyte antibodies, 67Ga-citrate or labelled antibiotics (99mTc-ciprofloxacin) or avidin in combination with ‘“In-biotin. Positron emission tomography (PET) or hybrid PET/CT using 18F-FDG are becoming increasingly popular. The authors of this review article point out the diagnostic potential of the different methods and current trends, including the possibilities of microbiological demonstration of the agent, as well as their potential position in the diagnostic algorithm.
Survival of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts under various environmental pressures

The survival of various isolates of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts under a range of environmental pressures including freezing, desiccation, and water treatment processes and in physical environments commonly associated with oocysts such as feces and various water types was monitored. Oocyst viability was assessed by in vitro excystation and by a viability assay based on the exclusion or inclusion of two fluorogenic vital dyes. Although desiccation was found to be lethal, a small proportion of oocysts were able to withstand exposure to temperatures as low as -22 degrees C. The water treatment processes investigated did not affect the survival of oocysts when pH was corrected. However, contact with lime, ferric sulfate, or alum had a significant impact on oocyst survival if the pH was not corrected. Oocysts demonstrated longevity in all water types investigated, including seawater, and when in contact with feces were considered to develop an enhanced impermeability to small molecules which might increase the robustness of the oocysts when exposed to environmental pressures.
l‐DOPA activates ERK signaling and phosphorylates histone H3 in the striatonigral medium spiny neurons of hemiparkinsonian mice

In the dopamine‐depleted striatum, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling is implicated in the development of l‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia. To gain insights on its role in this disorder, we examined the effects of l‐DOPA on the state of phosphorylation of ERK and downstream target proteins in striatopallidal and striatonigral medium spiny neurons (MSNs). For this purpose, we employed mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of the promoters for the dopamine D2 receptor (Drd2‐EGFP mice) or the dopamine D1 receptor (Drd1a‐EGFP mice), which are expressed in striatopallidal and striatonigral MSNs, respectively. In 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned Drd2‐EGFP mice, l‐DOPA increased the phosphorylation of ERK, mitogen‐ and stress‐activated kinase 1 and histone H3, selectively in EGFP‐negative MSNs. Conversely, a complete co‐localization between EGFP and these phosphoproteins was observed in Drd1a‐EGFP mice. The effect of l‐DOPA was prevented by blockade of dopamine D1 receptors. The same pattern of activation of ERK signaling was observed in dyskinetic mice, after repeated administration of l‐DOPA. Our results demonstrate that in the dopamine‐depleted striatum, l‐DOPA activates ERK signaling specifically in striatonigral MSNs. This regulation may result in ERK‐dependent changes in striatal plasticity leading to dyskinesia.
Spontaneous resolution of retinal detachment occurring after macular hole surgery.

OBJECTIVE To document the spontaneous resolution of retinal detachment developing after macular hole surgery. METHODS We identified all patients who developed a postoperative retinal detachment after undergoing macular hole surgery at Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo; the surgery was performed by one of us (L.V.D.P. or H.J.K.) between 1991 and 1996. RESULTS Six of 73 eyes developed a postoperative retinal detachment; the retinal detachment was inferior in all cases. Two eyes that had inferior retinal breaks underwent further surgery to repair the retinal detachment. Retinal breaks could not be identified in the other 4 eyes; the retinal detachment resolved without further surgery in all 4 of these eyes. CONCLUSION The recognition that retinal detachment occurring after macular hole surgery can resolve without additional surgery may result in the avoidance of further surgical intervention in some eyes.
Importance of cerebrovascular disease in studies of myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Myocardial infarction and stroke are both predominantly manifestations of atherosclerosis, yet stroke is commonly ignored in prognostic studies and therapeutic trials of ischemic heart disease. Our objective was to assess, in a community setting, the relative importance of stroke among patients at high risk for myocardial infarction. METHODS We analyzed 1985 survey data from the National Academy of Science Twin Registry of white male veterans. To minimize confounding by genetic and environmental factors, we restricted our analysis to the rates of stroke and myocardial infarction among monozygotic twins counted as individuals or as twin pairs. RESULTS Among 2764 monozygotic twins aged 58 to 68 years, the overall rate of myocardial infarction was 10% and stroke 3.1%. Among 2632 individual monozygotic twins (95%) with complete responses, the rate of stroke among men with a history of myocardial infarction was 7.5% (17/228) compared with 2.4% (58/2404) among those without myocardial infarction (odds ratio = 3.3, chi square 2 = 19.1, P<.001). A strong association between stroke and myocardial infarction was also found when the data were analyzed for twin pairs (chi square 2 = 135, P<.0005). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that stroke, in addition to myocardial infarction, should be considered as an outcome in clinical investigations of ischemic heart disease.
Using the MMPI–2–RF to Discriminate Psychometrically Identified Schizotypic College Students From a Matched Comparison Sample

This study investigates the extent to which the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 Restructured Form (MMPI–2–RF) profiles of 52 individuals making up a psychometrically identified schizotypes (SZT) sample could be successfully discriminated from the protocols of 52 individuals in a matched comparison (MC) sample. Replication analyses were performed with an additional 53 pairs of SZT and MC participants. Results showed significant differences in mean T-score values between these 2 groups across a variety of MMPI–2–RF scales. Results from discriminant function analyses indicate that schizotypy can be predicted effectively using 4 MMPI–2–RF scales and that this method of classification held up on replication. Additional results demonstrated that these MMPI–2–RF scales nominally outperformed MMPI–2 scales suggested by previous research as being indicative of schizophrenia liability. Directions for future research with the MMPI–2–RF are suggested.