Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are Investors Responsible for Stock Market Contagion

This paper provides empirical evidence that stock market crises are spread between countries through changes in international investors’ asset holdings rather than changes in each country’s market fundamentals. By separating firms into two categories, those eligible for purchase by foreigners (investable) and those that are not (non-investable), we show that international transmissions of crises are more pronounced in investable stocks than non-investable stocks. To do so, we use a variety of measures for computing and comparing the co-movement between crisis country stock index returns, and the investable and non-investable index returns of other markets. Our results show an increase in correlation during crisis periods for the investable stock index returns, and thus provide evidence for contagion induced by international investors. ∗Brian H. Boyer (boyerb@umich.edu) and Kathy Yuan (kyuan@umich.edu) are at the University of Michigan Business School, 701 Tappan Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1234. Tomomi Kumagai (tkumagai@wayne.edu) is at Department of Economics, Wayne State University, 2097 FAB Detroit, MI 48202. The authors wish to thank Xiangming Li at the International Monetary Fund for her assistance, Jerry Hausman, Mark Aguiar, and Campbell Harvey for helpful comments.
The Impact of Endonasal Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Diseases

Introduction: The impact of endoscopic sinus surgery on bronchial asthma has been studied by several groups. According to the latest studies, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) seem to have frequent symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. Our study compares the impact of endoscopic sinus surgery on both the upper and lower airways of patients with bronchial asthma as well as those with COPD. Methods: This study includes 43 patients (bronchial asthma, n = 32, COPD, n = 11) undergoing surgical treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis at the ENT-Department, University of Homburg (Homburg, Germany). To assess the effect of sinus surgery, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 German Adapted Version (SNOT-20 GAV) and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were used both pre- and postoperatively. Results: Both SNOT-20 (p < 0.001) and SGRQ (p = 0.021) scores improved significantly after sinus surgery. The postoperative improvement in bronchial asthma and COPD was similar in both groups, indicating no difference of the diseases in regards to postoperative symptom improvement. There was no difference indicated in SNOT-20 GAV or SGRQ when grouping patients by polyps, aspirin (ASS) intolerance, allergies, eosinophilia or previous surgery. Conclusions: The treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis by sinus surgery may help to improve the therapy outcome of patients with bronchial asthma as well as patients with COPD.
Cyclooxygenase-2 Contributes to Functional Hyperemia in Whisker-Barrel Cortex

The prostanoid-synthesizing enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is expressed in selected cerebral cortical neurons and is involved in synaptic signaling. We sought to determine whether COX-2 participates in the increase in cerebral blood flow produced by synaptic activity in the somatosensory cortex. In anesthetized mice, the vibrissae were stimulated mechanically, and cerebral blood flow was recorded in the contralateral somatosensory cortex by a laser–Doppler probe. We found that the COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 attenuates the increase in somatosensory cortex blood flow produced by vibrissal stimulation. Furthermore, the flow response was impaired in mice lacking the COX-2 gene, whereas the associated increase in whisker-barrel cortex glucose use was not affected. The increases in cerebral blood flow produced by hypercapnia, acetylcholine, or bradykinin were not attenuated by NS-398, nor did they differ between wild-type and COX-2 null mice. The findings provide evidence for a previously unrecognized role of COX-2 in the mechanisms coupling synaptic activity to neocortical blood flow and provide an insight into one of the functions of constitutive COX-2 in the CNS.
Quantizing the B\"acklund transformations of Painlev\'e equations and the quantum discrete Painlev\'e VI equation

Based on the works by Kajiwara, Noumi and Yamada, we propose a canonically quantized version of the rational Weyl group representation which originally arose as "symmetries" or the B\"acklund transformations in Painlev\'{e} equations. We thereby propose a quantization of the discrete Painlev\'{e} VI equation as a discrete Hamiltonian flow commuting with the action of $W(D_4^{(1)})$.
Randomized trial of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion and NRT plus bupropion for smoking cessation: effectiveness in clinical practice

Background and aims Bupropion was introduced for smoking cessation following a pivotal trial showing that it gave improved efficacy over the nicotine patch and also suggesting combination treatment was beneficial. We tested in clinical practice for an effectiveness difference between bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), whether the combination improves effectiveness and whether either treatment might be more beneficial for certain subgroups of smokers. Design Open-label randomized controlled trial with 6-month follow-up. Setting Four UK National Health Service (NHS) smoking cessation clinics. Participants Smokers (n = 1071) received seven weekly behavioural support sessions and were randomized to an NRT product of their choice (n = 418), bupropion (n = 409) or NRT plus bupropion (n = 244). Measures The primary outcome was self-reported cessation over 6 months, with biochemical verification at 1 and 6 months. Also measured were baseline demographics, health history, smoking characteristics and unwanted events during treatment. Findings Abstinence rates for bupropion (27.9%) and NRT (24.2%) were not significantly different (odds ratio = 1.21, 95% confidence interval = 0.883–1.67), and the combination rate (24.2%) was similar to that for either treatment alone. There was some evidence that the relative effectiveness of bupropion and NRT differed according to depression (χ2 = 2.86, P = 0.091), with bupropion appearing more beneficial than NRT in those with a history of depression (29.8 versus 18.5%). Several unwanted symptoms were more common with bupropion. Conclusion There is no difference in smoking cessation effectiveness among bupropion, nicotine replacement therapy and their combination when used with behavioural support in clinical practice. There is some evidence that bupropion is more beneficial than nicotine replacement therapy for smokers with a history of depression.
Learning Deep ℓ0 Encoders

Despite its nonconvex nature, ℓ0 sparse approximation is desirable in many theoretical and application cases. We study the ℓ0 sparse approximation problem with the tool of deep learning, by proposing Deep ℓ0 Encoders. Two typical forms, the ℓ0 regularized problem and the M-sparse problem, are investigated. Based on solid iterative algorithms, we model them as feed-forward neural networks, through introducing novel neurons and pooling functions. Enforcing such structural priors acts as an effective network regularization. The deep encoders also enjoy faster inference, larger learning capacity, and better scalability compared to conventional sparse coding solutions. Furthermore, under task-driven losses, the models can be conveniently optimized from end to end. Numerical results demonstrate the impressive performances of the proposed encoders.
Dissemination of Sulfonamide Resistance Genes (sul1, sul2, and sul3) in Portuguese Salmonella enterica Strains and Relation with Integrons

ABSTRACT In 200 sulfonamide-resistant Portuguese Salmonella isolates, 152 sul1, 74 sul2, and 14 sul3 genes were detected. Class 1 integrons were always associated with sul genes, including sul3 alone in some isolates. The sul3 gene has been identified in isolates from different sources and serotypes, which also carried a class 1 integron with aadA and dfrA gene cassettes.
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) and Endothelial Dysfunction: Implications for Atherogenesis

Atherosclerotic coronary heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries, and endothelial dysfunction is considered a precursor phenomenon. The nitric oxide produced by the endothelium under the action of endothelial nitric oxide synthase has important antiatherogenic functions. Its reduced bioavailabilty is the beginning of the atherosclerotic process. The addition of two methyl radicals to arginine, through the action of methyltransferase nuclear proteins, produces asymmetric dimethylarginine, which competes with L-arginine and promotes a reduction in nitric oxide formation in the vascular wall. The asymmetric dimethylarginine, which is itself considered a mediator of the vascular effects of the several risk factors for atherosclerosis, can be eliminated by renal excretion or by the enzymatic action of the dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolases. Several basic science and clinical research studies suggest that the increase in asymmetric dimethylarginine occurs in the context of chronic renal insufficiency, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and hyperhomocysteinemy, as well as with other conditions. Therapeutic measures to combat atherosclerosis may reverse these asymmetric dimethylarginine effects or at least reduce the concentration of this chemical in the blood. Such an effect can be achieved with competitor molecules or by increasing the expression or activity of its degradation enzyme. Studies are in development to establish the true role of asymmetric dimethylarginine as a marker and mediator of atherosclerosis, with possible therapeutic applications. The main aspects of the formation and degradation of asymmetric dimethylarginine and its implication in the atherogenic process will be addressed in this article.
SELF-COMPASSION AND SOCIAL SUPPORT

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between self-compassion and social support. Participants were 273 university students. In this study, the Selfcompassion Scale and the Multidimensional Scale for Social Support (MSPSS) were used. The relationships between self-compassion and social support were examined using correlation analysis. Self-kindness (r=.23, p<.01), common humanity (r=.22, p<.01), and mindfulness (r=.21, p<.01) related positively to social support. In contrary, self-judgment (r=–.20, p<.01), isolation (r=–.24, p<.01), and overidentification (r=–.17, p<.01) were found negatively associated with social support. There were also significant correlations between dimensions of self-compassion. Results were discussed in the light of the related literature.
Measurements Of Shear-Wave Azimuthal Anisotropy From Ultrasonic Dipole Data

Four methods for analyzing azimuthal anisotropy from dipole logging data are described and attempted in this paper. These techniques are based on the phenomena of flexural wave splitting in anisotropic materials and are analogous to the techniques used for vertical seismic profiling (VSP) data processing. The laboratory measured dipole data obtained with a scaled tool and a scaled borehole drilled in an anisotropic material (phenolite) are employed to simulate the flexural modes propagating in transversely isotropic (TI) formation with symmetry axis perpendicular to the borehole, and to examine and compare these methods. Amplitude and particle motion analyses of the laboratory data demonstrate that, under the conditions of our laboratory measurements and numerical simulation, only the polarization direction of the fast flexural mode is consistent in accordance with the fast principal direction of the anisotropic material. The slower mode, which is much easier to excite and is of much larger amplitude than the fast mode, turns out to be subject to interferences and is complicated; it has not been well-understood. The particle motion of this guided mode is highly elliptical, and its polarization direction always changes irregularly with the source orientations. The first three methods used in VSP data processing-the linear-transform technique, the technique of rotating the data matrix in the time domain, and the technique of rotating the propagator matrix in the frequency domain-do not work well for the case of flexural modes. The fourth method-determining the eigen-direction of a TI material by identifying the the polarization with polar energy spectrum-works best for the data used in this study.
The relation between volume and outcome of coronary interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS Although various studies reported better outcomes in centres performing a high volume of procedures of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), it is unclear how strong this relation is and whether it pertains to today's practice. METHODS AND RESULTS Medline, Embase, and conference reports were searched for studies reporting the effect of high volume of CABG or PCI on in-hospital mortality, adjusted for differences in case-mix. Of 140 potentially relevant papers, 15 were included, 2 of which reported data on both CABG and PCI. Meta-analysis of 10 studies on PCI, comprising 1 322 342 patients in 1746 hospitals, indicated an odds ratio (OR) of in-hospital mortality for patients treated in a high-volume hospital of 0.87 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83-0.91) compared to those treated in a low-volume hospital. The 7 CABG studies taken together, comprising 1 470 990 patients in 2040 hospitals, also revealed a significant effect of high volume (OR 0.85; CI 0.79-0.92). A differential effect for specific cut-off points could not be identified. Meta-regression did not show notable changes in the effect size over the years. CONCLUSIONS Patients undergoing CABG or PCI in a high-volume hospital exhibit lower in-hospital mortality than those treated at low-volume hospitals. Our meta-analysis does not support the view that this relation has attenuated over time.
Measuring Substance Abuse among the Deaf

This paper presents results from 2 years' experience in attempting to measure the extent of substance abuse within the deaf community, and preliminary findings of substance abuse incidence and prevalence from that effort. It also describes a new technology, the Interactive Video-Questionnaire, developed to interview deaf persons using questionnaires in multi-media format that are manually signed on a computer screen in American Sign Language and Signed English, as well as mouthed in Speechreading—all of which are simultaneously captioned in English text with Touchscreen™ input and automatic data capture. This technology emerged as one product of a Small Business Innovative Research grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse designed to overcome the difficulties associated with surveying the deaf population and specifically targeted at addressing the extent of substance abuse among the deaf populations in New York and New Jersey.
Visual representations for recursion

Visualcode is a visual notation that uses coloured expressions and graphical environments to describe the execution of Scheme programs. RainbowScheme is a program visualization system which is designed to produce visualcode representations of step-by-step execution of Scheme programs. This article presents a new approach of teaching recursion using visualcode and RainbowScheme. Experimental evaluation indicates that viewing RainbowScheme-produced visual traces and requiring students to use visualcode to generate visual evaluation steps of recursive programs can enhance the learners' ability to evaluate recursive programs as well as to solve recursive programming problems.
Examining the sustainability of teacher learning following a year-long science professional development programme for inservice primary school teachers

This two-year, mixed-methods study explored teacher learning during a year-long professional development programme and during the year following the programme. The study examined patterns of change in primary school teachers’ inquiry practices, inquiry beliefs and physical science content knowledge during both years as well as the effects of school-level and individual-level factors on these changes in the year following the programme. Fifteen fourth-grade through sixth-grade teachers from three low-performing US schools participated. Results indicated that the programme was effective in advancing teacher change during the programme year, as scores in all three measures increased at statistically significant rates. Only content knowledge scores increased significantly in the year following the professional development. A combination of school-level and individual-level factors impacted the year 2 changes. School-level factors were: having supportive same-grade teams and/or a supportive mentor who advocated inquiry science and who prioritized science as a subject; principal prioritization of science; and having easy access to and training in the use of relevant materials. The primary individual-level factor was the degree of teachers’ willingness and readiness to change beliefs in fundamental ways. Implications for professional development providers and school administrators are discussed.
Identification of non-coding RNAs with a new composite feature in the Hybrid Random Forest Ensemble algorithm

To identify non-coding RNA (ncRNA) signals within genomic regions, a classification tool was developed based on a hybrid random forest (RF) with a logistic regression model to efficiently discriminate short ncRNA sequences as well as long complex ncRNA sequences. This RF-based classifier was trained on a well-balanced dataset with a discriminative set of features and achieved an accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 92.11%, 90.7% and 93.5%, respectively. The selected feature set includes a new proposed feature, SCORE. This feature is generated based on a logistic regression function that combines five significant features—structure, sequence, modularity, structural robustness and coding potential—to enable improved characterization of long ncRNA (lncRNA) elements. The use of SCORE improved the performance of the RF-based classifier in the identification of Rfam lncRNA families. A genome-wide ncRNA classification framework was applied to a wide variety of organisms, with an emphasis on those of economic, social, public health, environmental and agricultural significance, such as various bacteria genomes, the Arthrospira (Spirulina) genome, and rice and human genomic regions. Our framework was able to identify known ncRNAs with sensitivities of greater than 90% and 77.7% for prokaryotic and eukaryotic sequences, respectively. Our classifier is available at http://ncrna-pred.com/HLRF.htm.
Algebraic Comparison of Partial Lists in Bioinformatics

The outcome of a functional genomics pipeline is usually a partial list of genomic features, ranked by their relevance in modelling biological phenotype in terms of a classification or regression model. Due to resampling protocols or to a meta-analysis comparison, it is often the case that sets of alternative feature lists (possibly of different lengths) are obtained, instead of just one list. Here we introduce a method, based on permutations, for studying the variability between lists (“list stability”) in the case of lists of unequal length. We provide algorithms evaluating stability for lists embedded in the full feature set or just limited to the features occurring in the partial lists. The method is demonstrated by finding and comparing gene profiles on a large prostate cancer dataset, consisting of two cohorts of patients from different countries, for a total of 455 samples.
Bandwidth Aware Slot Allocation in Hybrid MAC

Hybrid medium access control (MAC) protocols combine the strength of random and schedule based MAC schemes. From random MAC schemes, hybrid MAC protocols borrow flexibility and ease of operation while also incorporating the scalability and high capacity performance of schedule based schemes. A number of hybrid approaches exist. The most effective of those, as shown in (I. Chlamtac, 2000), can dynamically adapt to the contention level in the medium. They achieve this adaptability by combining TDMA (schedule-based) and CSMA (random-based). Whereas the combination of TDMA and CSMA enhance contentions resolution, the existing solutions do not allocate slots in proportion to the bandwidth requirements of the individual nodes. This affects the performance adversely. In this paper we propose an algorithm to optimize slot allocations during the schedule-based phase of the hybrid MAC protocol. Through simulations, we evaluate the performance of our algorithm in both single-hop and multihop networks. Our results show an improvement of up to 40% in some cases
Kingella kingae Expresses Four Structurally Distinct Polysaccharide Capsules That Differ in Their Correlation with Invasive Disease

Kingella kingae is an encapsulated gram-negative organism that is a common cause of osteoarticular infections in young children. In earlier work, we identified a glycosyltransferase gene called csaA that is necessary for synthesis of the [3)-β-GalpNAc-(1→5)-β-Kdop-(2→] polysaccharide capsule (type a) in K. kingae strain 269–492. In the current study, we analyzed a large collection of invasive and carrier isolates from Israel and found that csaA was present in only 47% of the isolates. Further examination of this collection using primers based on the sequence that flanks csaA revealed three additional gene clusters (designated the csb, csc, and csd loci), all encoding predicted glycosyltransferases. The csb locus contains the csbA, csbB, and csbC genes and is associated with a capsule that is a polymer of [6)-α-GlcpNAc-(1→5)-β-(8-OAc)Kdop-(2→] (type b). The csc locus contains the cscA, cscB, and cscC genes and is associated with a capsule that is a polymer of [3)-β-Ribf-(1→2)-β-Ribf-(1→2)-β-Ribf-(1→4)-β-Kdop-(2→] (type c). The csd locus contains the csdA, csdB, and csdC genes and is associated with a capsule that is a polymer of [P-(O→3)[β-Galp-(1→4)]-β-GlcpNAc-(1→3)-α-GlcpNAc-1-] (type d). Introduction of the csa, csb, csc, and csd loci into strain KK01Δcsa, a strain 269–492 derivative that lacks the native csaA gene, was sufficient to produce the type a capsule, type b capsule, type c capsule, and type d capsule, respectively, indicating that these loci are solely responsible for determining capsule type in K. kingae. Further analysis demonstrated that 96% of the invasive isolates express either the type a or type b capsule and that a disproportionate percentage of carrier isolates express the type c or type d capsule. These results establish that there are at least four structurally distinct K. kingae capsule types and suggest that capsule type plays an important role in promoting K. kingae invasive disease.