Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Household Credit and Employment in the Great Recession

How much did the contraction in the supply of credit to households contribute to the decline in employment during the Great Recession? To answer this question I provide new estimates of: (1) the elasticity of employment with respect to household credit; and (2) the size of the supply shock to household credit. I exploit a county’s exposure to the collapse of a large and previously healthy lender as a natural experiment. This gives an estimated elasticity of employment with respect to household credit of 0.3, caused by declines in both housing and non-housing demand. To estimate the size of the credit supply shock I use non-parametric methods to identify lenderspecic supply-side shocks, which I then aggregate into a simple measure of credit supply shocks to counties. Combining this measure with estimates of the elasticity of employment with respect to the measure, I calculate that shocks to household credit were responsible for at least a 3.6% decline in employment from 2007 to 2010.
Differential Responses of Neuronal and Spermatogenic Cells to the Doppel Cytotoxicity

Although structurally and biochemically similar to the cellular prion (PrPC), doppel (Dpl) is unique in its biological functions. There are no reports about any neurodegenerative diseases induced by Dpl. However the artificial expression of Dpl in the PrP-deficient mouse brain causes ataxia with Purkinje cell death. Abundant Dpl proteins have been found in testis and depletion of the Dpl gene (Prnd) causes male infertility. Therefore, we hypothesize different regulations of Prnd in the nerve and male productive systems. In this study, by electrophoretic mobility shift assays we have determined that two different sets of transcription factors are involved in regulation of the Prnd promoter in mouse neuronal N2a and GC-1 spermatogenic (spg) cells, i.e., upstream stimulatory factors (USF) in both cells, Brn-3 and Sp1 in GC-1 spg cells, and Sp3 in N2a cells, leading to the expression of Dpl in GC-1 spg but not in N2a cells. We have further defined that, in N2a cells, Dpl induces oxidative stress and apoptosis, which stimulate ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-modulating bindings of transcription factors, p53 and p21, to Prnp promoter, resulting the PrPC elevation for counteraction of the Dpl cytotoxicity; in contrast, in GC-1 spg cells, phosphorylation of p21 and N-terminal truncated PrP may play roles in the control of Dpl-induced apoptosis, which may benefit the physiological function of Dpl in the male reproduction system.
Caracterización sociodemográfica de estudiantes que rinden la PSU, postulan y se matriculan en universidades del Consejo de Rectores.

This paper analyzes the database of the Educational Evaluation, Measuring and Registry Departament of the University of Chile, for the year 2005 admission process to the universities members of the Council of Presidents of Chilean Universities (Consejo de Rectores de las Universidades Chilenas, CRUCH). The purpose of the study is to describe the candidates according to the various educational characteristics (branch of the educational establishment from which the student graduated and the administrative dependency of the school, score obtained in the University Selection Test and socio-demographic features (gender, region of origin, level of education, parents’ occupation, and self-reported family income).
Efficient implementation of parallel BCD multiplication in LUT-6 FPGAs

Decimal multiplication is one of the most frequent operations used by many financial, business and user-oriented applications but current implementations in FPGAs are very inefficient in terms of both area and latency when compared to binary multipliers. In this paper we present a new method for implementing BCD multiplication more efficiently than previous proposals in current FPGA devices with 6-input LUTs. In particular, a combinational implementation maps quite well into the slice structure of the Xilinx Virtex-5/Virtex-6 families and it is highly pipelineable. The synthesis results for a Virtex-6 device indicate that our proposal outperforms the area and latency figures of previous implementations in FPGAs.
Data-driven Nonlinear Hebbian Learning method for Fuzzy Cognitive Maps

Fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) are a convenient tool for modeling of dynamic systems by means of concepts connected by cause-effect relationships. The FCM models can be developed either manually (by the experts) or using an automated learning method (from data). Some of the methods from the latter group, including recently proposed Nonlinear Hebbian Learning (NHL) algorithm, use Hebbian law and a set of conditions imposed on output concepts. In this paper, we propose a novel approach named data-driven NHL (DD-NHL) that extends NHL method by using historical data of the input concepts to provide improved quality of the learned FCMs. DD-NHL is tested on both synthetic and real-life data, and the experiments show that if historical data are available, then the proposed method produces better FCM models when compared with those formed by the generic NHL method.
Sport-Specific Capacity to Use Elastic Energy in the Patellar and Achilles Tendons of Elite Athletes

Introduction: During running and jumping activities, elastic energy is utilized to enhance muscle mechanical output and efficiency. However, training-induced variations in tendon spring-like properties remain under-investigated. The present work extends earlier findings on sport-specific profiles of tendon stiffness and cross-sectional area to examine whether years of distinct loading patterns are reflected by tendons' ability to store and return energy. Methods:Ultrasound scans were performed to examine the morphological features of knee extensor and plantar flexor muscle-tendon units in elite ski jumpers, distance runners, water polo players, and sedentary controls. Tendon strain energy and hysteresis were measured with combined motion capture, ultrasonography, and dynamometry. Results: Apart from the fractional muscle-to-tendon cross-sectional area ratio being lower in the knee extensors of ski jumpers (−31%) and runners (−33%) than in water polo players, no difference in the considered muscle-tendon unit morphological features was observed between groups. Similarly, no significant difference in tendon energy storage or energy return was detected between groups. In contrast, hysteresis was lower in the patellar tendon of ski jumpers (−33%) and runners (−30%) compared to controls, with a similar trend for the Achilles tendon (significant interaction effect and large effect sizes η2 = 0.2). Normalized to body mass, the recovered strain energy of the patellar tendon was ~50% higher in ski jumpers than in water polo players and controls. For the Achilles tendon, recovered strain energy was ~40% higher in ski jumpers and runners than in controls. Discussion: Advantageous mechanical properties related to tendon spring-like function are observed in elite athletes whose sport require effective utilization of elastic energy. However, the mechanisms underpinning the better tendon capacity of some athletes to retain elastic energy could not be ascribed to intrinsic or morphological features of the lower limb muscle-tendon unit.
Cellular Automata Based Simulation for Smoke and Fire Spreading in Large Buildings

— The buildings fire protection is presently an essential topic for scientific investigations because of possible unwanted events that can occur inside industrial plants, large public buildings or transport facilities, such as fires, explosions, toxic releases, etc. Even small incidents can seriously endanger life, goods and environment. Particularly, fire and smoke spreading in large buildings represents a terrific threat that can be studied using computer simulation to diminish its severe effects. Based on real-time measurements of the major airflows inside the building, we developed a fast and interactive instrument designed for smoke/fire spreading investigation in large buildings. The core of this method is represented by two interconnected cellular automata with adaptive transition rules.
Alcohol Dehydrogenase and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Genotypes and Alcoholism Taiwanese Aborigines among

Previous population association studies have indicated that certain alleles of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) genes may reduce the risk of alcoholism in Oriental populations. In this report we determined the genotypes for three genes, ADH2, ADH3, and ALDH2 among subjects with alcohol dependence (n = 159) and ethnically matched normal controls (n = 149) for the four largest aboriginal groups (Atayal, Ami, Bunun, and Paiwan) in Taiwan. The ethnicity matching used in this study was feasible because there are still few intergroup marriages between these aboriginal groups. On a group level, the rare frequencies of ALDH2*2, the inactive allele of ALDH2, among these aborigines may account partially for their vulnerability to alcohol use disorders. On an individual level, however, the genotypes controlling alcohol metabolism did not account for intragroup differences in vulnerability to alcoholism except in the case of ADH2 for the Ami ethnic group. © 1997 Society of Biological Psychiatry
Bone Response to Surface-Modified Titanium Implants: Studies on the Early Tissue Response to Implants with Different Surface Characteristics

In a series of experimental studies, the bone formation around systematically modified titanium implants is analyzed. In the present study, three different surface modifications were prepared and evaluated. Glow-discharge cleaning and oxidizing resulted in a highly stoichiometric TiO2 surface, while a glow-discharge treatment in nitrogen gas resulted in implants with essentially a surface of titanium nitride, covered with a very thin titanium oxide. Finally, hydrogen peroxide treatment of implants resulted in an almost stoichiometric TiO2, rich in hydroxyl groups on the surface. Machined commercially pure titanium implants served as controls. Scanning Auger Electron Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Atomic Force Microscopy revealed no significant differences in oxide thickness or surface roughness parameters, but differences in the surface chemical composition and apparent topography were observed. After surface preparation, the implants were inserted in cortical bone of rabbits and evaluated after 1, 3, and 6 weeks. Light microscopic evaluation of the tissue response showed that all implants were in contact with bone and had a large proportion of newly formed bone within the threads after 6 weeks. There were no morphological differences between the four groups. Our study shows that a high degree of bone contact and bone formation can be achieved with titanium implants of different surface composition and topography.
The Autoregulatory and Transactivating Functions of the Human Cytomegalovirus IE86 Protein Use Independent Mechanisms for Promoter Binding

ABSTRACT The functions of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IE86 protein are paradoxical, as it can both activate and repress viral gene expression through interaction with the promoter region. Although the mechanism for these functions is not clearly defined, it appears that a combination of direct DNA binding and protein-protein interactions is involved. Multiple sequence alignment of several HCMV IE86 homologs reveals that the amino acids 534LPIYE538 are conserved between all primate and nonprimate CMVs. In the context of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC), mutation of both P535 and Y537 to alanines (P535A/Y537A) results in a nonviable BAC. The defective HCMV BAC does not undergo DNA replication, although the P535A/Y537A mutant IE86 protein appears to be stably expressed. The P535A/Y537A mutant IE86 protein is able to negatively autoregulate transcription from the major immediate-early (MIE) promoter and was recruited to the MIE promoter in a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. However, the P535A/Y537A mutant IE86 protein was unable to transactivate early viral genes and was not recruited to the early viral UL4 and UL112 promoters in a ChIP assay. From these data, we conclude that the transactivation and repressive functions of the HCMV IE86 protein can be separated and must occur through independent mechanisms.
The Distance to Supernova Remnant CTB 109 Deduced from Its Environment

We conducted a study of the environment around the supernova remnant (SNR) CTB 109. We found that the SNR is part of a large complex of H II regions extending over an area of 400 pc along the Galactic plane at a distance of about 3 kpc at the closer edge of the Perseus spiral arm. At this distance, CTB 109 has a diameter of about 24 pc. We demonstrated that including spiral shocks in the distance estimation is an ultimate requirement to determine reliable distances to objects located in the Perseus arm. The most likely explanation for the high concentration of H II regions and SNRs is that the star formation in this part of the Perseus arm is triggered by the spiral shock.
Electronic capture of patient-reported and clinician-reported outcome measures in an elective orthopaedic setting: a retrospective cohort analysis

Objectives To determine whether an entirely electronic system can be used to capture both patient-reported outcomes (electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, ePROMs) as well as clinician-validated diagnostic and complexity data in an elective surgical orthopaedic outpatient setting. To examine patients' experience of this system and factors impacting their experience. Design Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Setting Single centre series. Outpatient clinics at an elective foot and ankle unit in the UK. Participants All new adult patients attending elective orthopaedic outpatient clinics over a 32-month period. Interventions All patients were invited to complete ePROMs prior to attending their outpatient appointment. At their appointment, those patients who had not completed ePROMs were offered the opportunity to complete it on a tablet device with technical support. Matched diagnostic and complexity data were captured by the treating consultant during the appointment. Outcome measures Capture rates of patient-reported and clinician-reported data. All information and technology (IT) failures, language and disability barriers were captured. Patients were asked to rate their experience of using ePROMs. The scoring systems used included EQ-5D-5L, the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score. Results Out of 2534 new patients, 2176 (85.9%) completed ePROMs, of whom 1090 (50.09%) completed ePROMs at home/work prior to their appointment. 31.5% used a mobile (smartphone/tablet) device. Clinician-reported data were captured on 2491 patients (98.3%). The mean patient experience score of using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) was 8.55±1.85 out of 10 and 666 patients (30.61%) left comments. Of patients leaving comments, 214 (32.13%) felt ePROMs did not adequately capture their symptoms and these patients had significantly lower patient experience scores (p<0.001). Conclusions This study demonstrates the successful implementation of technology into a service improvement programme. Excellent capture rates of ePROMs and clinician-validated diagnostic data can be achieved within a National Health Service setting.
Occupational Stress of Academic Staff in South African Higher Education Institutions

The objectives in this study were to identify the indicators of occupational stress for academic staff in South African higher education institutions, to analyse the differences between the occupational stress of different demographic groups, and to investigate whether occupational stressors predict ill health and a lack of organisational commitment of academics in higher education institutions. A cross-sectional survey design was used (N = 595). An Organisational Stress Screening Tool (ASSET) and a biographical questionnaire were administered. Compared to the normative data, academics reported higher levels of stress relating to pay and benefits, overload and work-life balance. Analysis of variance revealed differences between the levels of occupational stress and ill health of demographic groups. Two stressors, namely, overload and work-life balance contributed significantly to ill health of academics. Four occupational stressors, overload, job control, resources and communication, and job characteristics contributed significantly to the commitment of academics to their institutions.
Effects of aerobic and anaerobic training programs together with omega-3 supplement on interleukin-17 and CRP plasma levels in male mice

Background: Herein, we studied the effects of two different exercise protocols on IL-17 and CRP plasma levels along with the anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) consumption along with two different types of physical activities on IL-17 and CRP plasma levels in trained male mice. Methods: A total of 130 adult male mice of Syrian race with the age of 2 months and the weight of 35±1 grams were selected. At the beginning, 10 mice were killed in order to determine the amounts of pre-test variables. The rest of the mice were randomly divided into 6 groups including control group (n=20), supplement (n=20), aerobic exercise (n=20), anaerobic exercise (n=20), supplementaerobic exercise (n=20), and supplement-anaerobic exercise (n=20). Blood samples were withdrawn from the tail under intraperitoneal ketamine and xylasine anaesthesia. The anaerobic training program included 8 weeks of running on treadmill, 3 sessions per week; the aerobic training program included 8 weeks of running on treadmill, 5 sessions per week. At the end of the training program, the blood sample from each group was taken in order to measure the CRP and IL-17 levels. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the differences among the groups. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference in IL-17 and CRP plasma levels between the groups after 8 weeks (P<0.05). Conclusion: Following the two different training programs, both IL-17 and CRP plasma levels increased, although these observed increases were not same for two measured variables. The results might also show that the effect of the supplement depends on the type of training.
Internal and External Barriers, Cognitive Style, and the Career Development Variables of Focus and Indecision

One hundred and thirty final year high school students were administered scales tapping optimism/pessimism, self-esteem, external career barriers, career decision-making self-efficacy, career focus and career indecision. It was hypothesised, first, that cognitive style (optimism/pessimism) would predict both internal (self-esteem) and external career-related barriers, second, that internal barriers would interact with external barriers and impact on career decision-making self-efficacy, and third, the previously mentioned variables would subsequently predict career focus and career indecision. Results demonstrated that cognitive style was influential in determining the perception of internal barriers (for females and males) and external barriers (females only). Internal and external barriers, along with optimistic/pessimistic cognitive style, were found to predict career decision-making self-efficacy (in males, but not in females). There was no evidence that internal and external barriers interacted to predict career decision-making self-efficacy. Last, it was found that career decision-making self-efficacy, internal and external barriers, and optimistic/pessimistic cognitive style were able to predict career focus (males and females) and career indecision (males only). Results are discussed in the context of Carver and Scheier's (1981) control theory.
Resolving the ionized wind of the post-red supergiant IRC +10 420 with VLTI/AMBER

Aims. The paper investigates the milli-arcsecond scale structure of the present-day wind of the post-red supergiant IRC +10420. Methods. We use three telescopes of the VLT Interferometer in combination with the AMBER near-infrared beam combiner to measure spectrally dispersed correlated fluxes in the K-band around the Bry transition. The resulting visibilities are compared with predictions of various simple models in order to infer the size of the observed emission region. Results. The Bry line is resolved by VLTI+AMBER on all three baselines, with the maximum projected baseline extending 69 m and a PA ranging between 10° and 30°. A differential phase between line and continuum is detected on the longest baseline. The best fitting model, a Gaussian flux distribution, implies a size of the Bry emission region of 3.3 milli-arcsec (FWHM). The size of the continuum emission is not constrained by the observations. From a comparison of the AMBER equivalent width of Bry with measurements from various epochs, we find that the stellar photosphere contributes about 60% of the total continuum light at 2.2/μm. The remaining 40% continuum emission originates from structures larger than the 66 mas AMBER field of view. This independently confirms similar results made by previous studies. If the Bry emission is optically thin, then the observations do not allow to make any inferences about the shape of the line forming region. However, there is indirect evidence that the hydrogen recombination line emission is optically thick. In that case, using simple arguments, we find that the line emitting region is elongated. This is because the spectrum indicates that the projected line emitting area is about twice that of the stellar surface. A circular Bry line emitting area, however, would have a size an order of magnitude larger using the size of the emission region measured along our baseline. We briefly mention the possibilities whether such a structure is due to a bi-polar flow or a circumstellar disk.
EEG BASED AUTOMATED DETECTION OF ANESTHETIC LEVELS USING A RECURRENT ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK

A recurrent, neural network-based fuzzy logic system includes in a rule base layer and a membership function layer neurons which each have a recurrent architecture with an output-to-input feedback path including a time delay element and a neural weight. Further included is a recurrent, neural network-based fuzzy logic rule generator wherein a neural network receives and fuzzifies input data and provides data corresponding to fuzzy logic membership functions and recurrent fuzzy logic rules.
Disposition, metabolism and mass balance of [14C]apremilast following oral administration

Apremilast is a novel, orally available small molecule that specifically inhibits PDE4 and thus modulates multiple pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, and is currently under clinical development for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The pharmacokinetics and disposition of [14C]apremilast was investigated following a single oral dose (20 mg, 100 μCi) to healthy male subjects. Approximately 58% of the radioactive dose was excreted in urine, while faeces contained 39%. Mean Cmax, AUC0–∞ and tmax values for apremilast in plasma were 333 ng/mL, 1970 ng*h/mL and 1.5 h. Apremilast was extensively metabolized via multiple pathways, with unchanged drug representing 45% of the circulating radioactivity and <7% of the excreted radioactivity. The predominant metabolite was O-desmethyl apremilast glucuronide, representing 39% of plasma radioactivity and 34% of excreted radioactivity. The only other radioactive components that represented >4% of the excreted radioactivity were O-demethylated apremilast and its hydrolysis product. Additional minor circulating and excreted compounds were formed via O-demethylation, O-deethylation, N-deacetylation, hydroxylation, glucuronidation and/or hydrolysis. The major metabolites were at least 50-fold less pharmacologically active than apremilast. Metabolic clearance of apremilast was the major route of elimination, while non-enzymatic hydrolysis and excretion of unchanged drug were involved to a lesser extent.