Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Predictors for Lack of Favorable Vascular Response to Statin Therapy in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Serial Optical Coherence Tomography Study

Background Previous studies have demonstrated that statin therapy improves cardiac outcomes, probably by stabilizing thin‐cap fibroatheroma in patients with coronary artery disease. However, major adverse cardiac events still occur in some patients, despite statin therapy. The aim of this study is to identify clinical predictors for the lack of a favorable vascular response to statin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods and Results A total of 140 nonculprit plaques from 84 patients with coronary artery disease who were treated with a statin and had serial optical coherence tomography imaging (median interval, 6.3 months) were included. Thin‐cap area (fibrous cap thickness, <200 μm) was measured using a novel 3‐dimensional computer‐aided algorithm. Overall, the thin‐cap area significantly decreased from baseline (median, 2.852 mm2; 25th–75th percentile, 1.023–6.157 mm2) to follow‐up (median, 1.210 mm2; 25th–75th percentile, 0.250–3.192 mm2; P<0.001), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased from baseline (mean±SD, 92.9±30.1 mg/dL) to follow‐up (mean±SD, 76.3±23.3 mg/dL; P<0.001). The general linear model with multiple predictor variables revealed that the thin‐cap area was significantly higher in patients with chronic kidney disease than in those without it (regression coefficient b, 1.691 mm2; 95% confidence interval, 0.350–3.033 mm2; P=0.013) and lower in patients with acute coronary syndrome (regression coefficient b, −1.535 mm2; 95% confidence interval, −2.561 to −0.509 mm2; P=0.003). Conclusions Chronic kidney disease is an independent predictor for the lack of a favorable vascular response to statin therapy, whereas acute coronary syndrome is an independent predictor for favorable vascular response to statin therapy. These findings should be further warranted in future prospective studies. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT01110538.
Minimum‐cost dynamic flows: The series‐parallel case

A dynamic network consists of a directed graph with capacities, costs, and integral transit times on the arcs. In the minimum‐cost dynamic flow problem (MCDFP), the goal is to compute, for a given dynamic network with source s, sink t, and two integers v and T, a feasible dynamic flow from s to t of value v, obeying the time bound T, and having minimum total cost. MCDFP contains as subproblems the minimum‐cost maximum dynamic flow problem, where v is fixed to the maximum amount of flow that can be sent from s to t within time T and the minimum‐cost quickest flow problem, where is T is fixed to the minimum time needed for sending v units of flow from s to t. We first prove that both subproblems are NP‐hard even on two‐terminal series‐parallel graphs with unit capacities. As main result, we formulate a greedy algorithm for MCDFP and provide a full characterization via forbidden subgraphs of the class 𝒢 of graphs, for which this greedy algorithm always yields an optimum solution (for arbitrary choices of problem parameters). 𝒢 is a subclass of the class of two‐terminal series‐parallel graphs. We show that the greedy algorithm solves MCDFP restricted to graphs in 𝒢 in polynomial time. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Sham Surgery Debate and the Moral Complexity of Risk-Benefit Analysis

nonmoral evil, which is the result of trying to achieve this value, would be the potential risks of harm or even death. The ethical question is whether the value of beneating subjects and society outweighs the nonmoral evil of potential harms. To determine whether a proper relationship exists between the speciac value and the other elements of the act, McCormick (1978) proposed three criteria for the establishment of proportionate reason:
A GENERAL THEORY OF RENT CREATION.

Two distinct causal mechanisms -- resource-picking and capability-building -- have been proposed in the strategic management literature about how firms create rents. Under the resourcepickingmechanism (e.g., Barney, 1986), managers gather information and analysis to outsmart the resource market in picking resources, similar to the way that a mutual fund manager tries to outsmart the stock market in picking stocks. Under the capability-building mechanism (e.g., Amit& Schoemaker, 1993; Teece, Pisano, & Shuen, 1997), managers design and construct organizationalsystems to enhance the productivity of whatever resources the firm acquires. These two rent-creation mechanisms are certainly not mutually exclusive, and it is likely that firms generally use both of them. It is therefore important to consider the interaction between these two rent-creation mechanisms: Do they complement each other? Or are they substitutes for each other? In other words, do they enhance each other's value, or detract from each other's .
An Experience of Group Work with Parents of Children and Adolescents with Gender Identity Disorder

This article gives an account of an experience of group work with parents and carers who had children or adolescents with gender identity disorder (GID). The history of this intervention within the context of a service for children with gender identity problems is outlined. The limited literature on the subject is reviewed. Group meetings were held monthly for 6 months, facilitated by two therapists (the authors). Selection criteria for group participants, the aims of the group and the methodology for achieving those aims are described. Some information about the group's composition is provided. The structure and content of the group sessions are outlined together with details of some group interactions. Finally, we present the results of an evaluation of the intervention through feedback questionnaires and discuss the value for the children and young people of running such groups.
Biochemical and genetic evaluation of the role of AMP-activated protein kinase in polysaccharide storage myopathy in Quarter Horses.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether biochemical or genetic alterations in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) play a role in the development of polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) in Quarter Horses. ANIMALS 30 PSSM-affected and 30 unaffected (control) Quarter Horses. PROCEDURES By use of an established peptide phosphotransfer assay, basal and maximal AMPK activities were measured in muscle biopsy samples obtained from 6 PSSM-affected and 6 control horses. In 24 PSSM-affected and 24 control horses, microsatellite markers identified from the chromosomal locations of all 7 AMPK subunit genes were genotyped with a fluorescent DNA fragment analyzer. Alleles of 2 of the AMPK gamma subunit genes were genotyped via DNA sequencing. Allele frequencies of DNA markers in or near the AMPK subunit genes were measured in isolated genomic DNA. RESULTS No differences in basal or maximal muscle AMPK enzyme activities between PSSM-affected and control horses were detected. There were also no differences in allele frequencies for microsatellite markers near any of the 7 AMPK subunit genes between the 2 groups. Furthermore, previously known and newly identified alleles of 2 equine AMPK gamma subunit genes were also not associated with PSSM. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results have provided no evidence to indicate that AMPK plays a causative role in PSSM in American Quarter Horses.
A web-based multi-agent system for distributed digital manufacturing

A framework for a web-based multi-agent system (WebMAS) is proposed to facilitate collaborative product development and production among geographically distributed functional agents using digitalized information. Considering the complexity of products created in a distributed manufacturing scenario, this often requires close collaboration among a number of facilities. In this research, a prototype system where different distributed functional agents, namely, a manufacturability evaluation agent, manufacturing resource agent, process-planning agent, manufacturing scheduling agent, shop-floor agent, fault diagnosis agent, etc., interact coherently to realize the development of physical parts. With specific agents having unique functionalities, a manufacturing managing agent acts as the centre of the system thus coordinating the activities of the participating agents while ensuring seamless work flow and collaboration. This facilitates optimization of the part production cycle from product design to final manufacturing because all the production procedures are correlated and considered logically. The agents communicate through the knowledge query manipulation language, which includes many pre-defined performatives to aid the participating agents in carrying out their tasks intelligently by interpreting commands from one another. In this paper, a case study based on the developed prototype WebMAS system is discussed to illustrate the system.
4‐Aminopyridine interrupts the modulation of acetylcholine release mediated by muscarinic and opiate receptors

The effect of 4‐aminopyridine, a potassium channel blocker on the muscarinic and opiate modulation of acetylcholine release, was investigated. Rat frontal cortical slices were loaded with [3H]choline, super‐fused continuously, and stimulated electrically. 4‐Aminopyridine enhanced the stimulation‐evoked release of tritium without affecting basal release. The electrically evoked release of radioactivity was reduced by the muscarinic agonist oxotremorine and the delta selective opiate receptor agonist Metenkephalin, and was enhanced—in the presence of the cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine—by the muscarinic antagonist atropine. These effects were completely abolished by 4‐aminopyridine. Since 4‐aminopyridine blocks potassium permeability of the neuron, it is suggested that the changes in potassium permeability and the consequent alteration of membrane polarization are involved in the presynaptic modulation of acetylcholine release.
Consumer Views of Redress Needs

Betty J. Diener is an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean, School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland. Stephen A. Greyser is Professor of Business Administration at Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration, and Executive Director, Marketing Science Institute, Cambridge, MA. The research reported here was supported by the Marketing Science Institute. cently cited by Gregory J. Ahart, director of the human resources division of the Government Accounting Office, and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Donald Kennedy before the Senate Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Feb. 3, 1978. Their point was that the FDA was unable to regulate the cosmetic indus ry properly because, in part, it lacked the power to obtain complaint records from cosmetic manufactur-
Choosing the right tools for your relationship banking strategy

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the banking industry's expanding use of loyalty marketing programs to build profitable relationships with customers. Banks' relationship‐building strategies fall into two categories: full‐blown multi‐product loyalty programs and narrower programs that expand customer rewards in one or two key product areas.Design/methodology/approach – Innovative loyalty programs launched by various banks are used as examples to show how individual banks are customizing their relationship‐building strategies within the two broad categories. Those categories are broad multi‐product loyalty programs and narrower initiatives focused on key products.Findings – The authors believe their deeper look into relationship banking reveals that, far from a magic bullet approach, banks are customizing their relationship‐building strategies to create value propositions as unique as the institutions and customers they serve. When banks use loyalty programs to engender trust and build confidence in the.
Willingness to Pay for Cause-Related Marketing: The Impact of Donation Amount and Moderating Effects

Companies increasingly employ cause-related marketing to enhance customer goodwill and improve their image. However, because these efforts have major implications for pricing strategy and firm profitability, understanding the relationship between the company's donation amount and customers’ willingness to pay is important. In particular, little is known about the moderating effects that influence this relationship or their underlying mechanisms. Study 1 confirms that two types of customer predispositions moderate the link between donation amount and willingness to pay: donation-related and cause-related predispositions. Three additional studies focus on the negative moderating effect of company–cause fit and provide insights into the underlying moderation process. Specifically, the motives customers attribute to the company mediate the moderating impact of fit on the donation amount–WTP link (Study 2), which occurs particularly in cases of utilitarian (Study 3) and privately consumed products (Study 4).
Inadequate Provision for Electoconvulsive Therapy in the New South Wales Mental Health Act 1983

Division 2 of Part X of the NSW Mental Health Act 1983 lays down a set of conditions which must be satisfied before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be given. These provisions are too restrictive and would deny ECT to a considerable proportion of the patients who are most likely to benefit from it. For many of them it would be the only effective treatment. Principles which should govern the authorisation of ECT are proposed.
Regain of homogeneous binding activity after recombination of chains of "mono- focal" antibody.

Chain recombination studies were carried out with two purified “monofocal” anti-DNP antibody preparations and purified serum anti-DNP antibody. The results indicated that after separation and recombination of H and L chains the “monofocal” antibodies completely regained their hapten-binding capacity whereas serum antibody showed a 10-fold decrease in the association constant of its binding with hapten. The regain in activity of “monofocal” antibodies is attributed to their homogeneity, and the loss of activity upon separating and recombinating chains of serum antibody is the result of chain mispairing rather than of denaturation. These results serve as further evidence for the homogeneous nature of “monofocal” antibodies and their probable monoclonal origin.
Return Dispersion and the Predictability of Stock Returns

This paper analyzes whether stock return dispersion (cross-sectional variance of equity portfolio returns) provides useful information about future stock returns, both at the aggregate and portfolio levels. Return dispersion consistently forecasts a decline in the (excess) stock market return, and compares favorably with alternative predictors. Furthermore, return dispersion outperforms the alternative variables in forecasting the (excess) market return out-of-sample. The results from both in-sample and out-of-sample regressions show that return dispersion has greater forecasting power for large and growth stocks compared to small and value stocks, respectively. Return dispersion also helps to forecast stock market volatility at short horizons.
THE AUDITOR'S GOING CONCERN DECISION AND ALTER- NATIVE FINANCIAL RATIOS

This study contributes to the existing literature in two ways by producing new information for the auditor’s going concern evaluation. Firstly, instead of concentrating on viable and distressed companies, or only on distressed companies, in this study the empirical data consist of viable companies and companies that have temporary financial difficulties, i.e. companies undergoing restructuring. Secondly, we contribute to existing literature by focusing on the same period of time as auditors do, i.e. one year. Instead of static comparisons of financial ratios one, two, and three years prior to financial distress, we divide the post-audit accounting period into two sub periods. We use these shorter sub-periods to evaluate the usefulness of alternative financial ratios in going concern prediction. Our data consist of a sample of Finnish firms that have published annual financial statements during the research period, accounting years 2003-2007. Our sample included 106 companies that had filed their application for restructuring and matched them with 106 viable companies that have not had financial distress during the research period. The data include financial statements and the date of the filed application for restructuring proceedings. The results indicate that, statistically, some financial ratios lose their classification ability significantly when the time period between financial statement and restructuring event lengthens. Accrual based financial ratios seemed to have more classification power than cash flow based ratios and the point in time for classification did not affect this result. The best classifiers, which also kept their classification accuracy until the end of post-audit period, are accounts payable turnover, quick assets to total assets, total liabilities to total assets, current ratio, and quick assets to current liabilities. Index Terms — going concern, financial ratio, classification accuracy, restructuring —————————— ——————————
A New Approach for Adaptive Selection of Antennas in Spatial Modulation for Transceivers

A significant increase in spectrum efficiency is required to cope with the exponentially increasing traffic loads. These challenges the design of multipleinput multiple-output (MIMO) systems associated with the BS (Base Station). A typical long-term evolution BS consists of radio-frequency (RF) chains, direct current to direct current converters, cooling fans, etc. An adaptive antenna selection method for optimum transmission is proposed here. For multi stream MIMO, it aims to reduce the BER (Bit Error Rate) and average bit error probability (ABEP). It selects the best combination of signal and spatial constellation sizes, which minimizes the ABEP, BER. Results are also compared with the existing techniques.
much do we need? Northern Ireland: how much do we do and how Stroke thrombolysis in England, Wales and

Background Data are limited on the proportion of stroke patients nationally appropriate for thrombolysis either within the 3 h time window or the recently tested 4.5 h. This information is important for the redesign of services. Methods Data on case mix, eligibility for thrombolysis, treatment and outcomes were extracted from the National Sentinel Stroke 2008 Audit dataset. This contains retrospective data on up to 60 consecutive stroke admissions from each acute hospital in England, Wales and Northern Ireland between 1 April and 30 June 2008. Findings All relevant hospitals participated, submitting data on 11 262 acute stroke patients. 2118 patients arrived within 2 h and 2596 within 3 h of the onset of symptoms and 587 people were already in hospital.
Efficient Learning of Structured Predictors in General Graphical Models

In this paper we derive an efficient message-passing algorithm to learn the parameters of structured predictors in general graphical models. We define the extended log-loss, which relates the log-loss of CRFs and the hinge-loss of structured SVMs through a temperature parameter. We then investigate the primal and dual properties of the extended log-loss, showing that the dual programs of both CRFs and structured SVMs perform moment matching using different selection rules. Utilizing the graphical models of the predictors, we describe a low dimensional extended log-loss formulation, which is derived from pseudo moment matching and a fractional entropy approximation selection rule in the dual setting. We propose an efficient message-passing algorithm that is guaranteed to converge to the optimum of the low dimensional primal and dual programs. Unlike many of the existing approaches, this allows us to learn efficiently high-order graphical models, over regions of any size, and very large number of parameters. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, while presenting state-of-the-art results in stereo estimation, semantic segmentation, shape reconstruction, and indoor scene understanding.
Linking Traits to Energetics and Population Dynamics to Predict Lizard Ranges in Changing Environments

I present a dynamic bioenergetic model that couples individual energetics and population dynamics to predict current lizard ranges and those following climate warming. The model predictions are uniquely based on first principles of morphology, life history, and thermal physiology. I apply the model to five populations of a widespread North American lizard, Sceloporus undulatus, to examine how geographic variation in traits and life histories influences ranges. This geographic variation reflects the potential for species to adapt to environmental change. I then consider the range dynamics of the closely related Sceloporus graciosus. Comparing predicted ranges and actual current ranges reveals how dispersal limitations, species interactions, and habitat requirements influence the occupied portions of thermally suitable ranges. The dynamic model predicts individualistic responses to a uniform 3°C warming but a northward shift in the northern range boundary for all populations and species. In contrast to standard correlative climate envelope models, the extent of the predicted northward shift depends on organism traits and life histories. The results highlight the limitations of correlative models and the need for more dynamic models of species’ ranges.
Coding and interaction of sex pheromone and plant volatile signals in the antennal lobe of the codling moth Cydia pomonella

SUMMARY In the codling moth Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) plant volatiles attract males and females by upwind flight and synergise the male response to the female-produced sex pheromone, indicating a close relationship between the perception of social and environmental olfactory signals. We have studied the anatomical and functional organisation of the antennal lobe (AL), the primary olfactory centre, of C. pomonella with respect to the integration of sex pheromone and host-plant volatile information. A three-dimensional reconstruction of the glomerular structure of the AL revealed 50±2 and 49±2 glomeruli in males and females, respectively. These glomeruli are functional units involved in the coding of odour quality. The glomerular map of the AL was then integrated with electrophysiological recordings of the response of individual neurons in the AL of males and females to sex pheromone components and behaviourally active plant volatiles. By means of intracellular recordings and stainings, we physiologically characterised ca. 50 neurons in each sex, revealing complex patterns of activation and a wide variation in response dynamics to these test compounds. Stimulation with single chemicals and their two-component blends produced both synergistic and inhibitory interactions in projection neurons innervating ordinary glomeruli and the macroglomerular complex. Our results show that the sex pheromone and plant odours are processed in an across-fibre coding pattern. The lack of a clear segregation between the pheromone and general odour subsystems in the AL of the codling moth suggests a level of interaction that has not been reported from other insects.
Evaluation of no-reference models to assess image sharpness

In the past decades, massive attention has been paid toward no-reference or blind image sharpness assessment (BISA) and many algorithms have achieved good performance. This paper provides an evaluation of 12 state-of-the-art BISA methods based on Gaussian blurring images collected from four simulation databases (LIVE, CSIQ, TID2008 and TID2013). The prediction performance is estimated with two metrics after four-or five-parameter non-linear score fitting. Experimental results indicate that the algorithm RISE achieves the best performance. Additionally, the effect of different non-linear scoring fitting methods on the performance evaluation is insignificant. In general, RISE is a visible and significant milestone for BISA algorithm development at present and the future work might be toward novel and real-life applications.