Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The influence of financial changes on interest rates and monetary policy: a review of recent evidence

Changes in financial regulations, markets, and institutions have been altering the relationships between key interest rates and the effective degree of stimulus or restraint in sectors of the economy. Although the complexity of these developments has made them difficult to monitor, statistical evidence relevant to the topic is becoming available. This article reviews a number of recent studies that directly or indirectly consider the influence of financial changes on the behavior of interest rates and the transmission of monetary policy. Before surveying the empirical evidence, it is useful to describe at a conceptual level how financial changes might affect interest rates and the transmission of policy. In principle, changes to the financial system may alter both the equilibrium level of interest rates—that is, the level consistent with a full employment noninflationary economy—and the size of interest rate changes consistent with the maintenance of good economic performance in the face of shocks to output and prices. If "nonprice" mechanisms that rationed credit in the past have been reduced, then more of the burden of credit allocation among potential borrowers will fall on interest rates. Without a perfectly elastic supply of savings at given interest rates, or any increase for other reasons in the amount of loanable funds available, the equilibrium level of rates will be higher. Moreover, if it is true that in the past the nonprice mechanisms tended to bind especially forcefully when interest rates were high and less so when rates were lower, then once these mechanisms have ceased to operate, interest rates may have to rise and fall more
Serial Clinical Examinations of 100 Patients Treated for Anterior Abdominal Wall Stab Wounds: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: The current approach in stab wounds of the anterior abdominal wall is still unclear. Objectives: The goal of this study was to evaluate serial clinical examinations of patients with abdominal wall stab wounds referred to Poursina Hospital in Rasht. Patients and Methods: In a cross sectional study, 100 cases with stab wounds to the anterior abdominal wall were examined serially (admission time, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours) after wound exploration. Serial hemoglobin test was performed every 8 hours. Laparotomy was performed in cases who were not hemodynamically stable or who showed symptoms of peritonitis. The results were analyzed with SPSS software version 21. Results: Ninety-one men (91%) and 9 women (9%) with mean age of 27 ± 10.7 years were included. Coexisting injuries were prevalent in 12 cases. The duration of hospitalization was 1 day in 31%, 2 days in 30%, 3 - 4 days in 32% and more than 5 days in 7%. Late laparotomy was performed 12 hours after admission in 8% of patients due to peritonitis. There was visceral damage in these cases. No mortality occurred. The cost and duration of hospitalization was significantly higher in cases with coexisting injuries and those who underwent laparotomy. Conclusions: It seems serial clinical examinations are safe and decrease the cost and duration of hospitalization in stable patients with anterior abdominal wall stab wounds.
The Effects of Expert Selection, Elicitation Design, and R&D Assumptions on Experts’ Estimates of the Future Costs of Photovoltaics

Expert elicitations of future energy technology costs can improve energy policy design by explicitly characterizing uncertainty. However, the recent proliferation of expert elicitation studies raises questions about the reliability and comparability of the results. In this paper, we standardize disparate expert elicitation data from five EU and US studies, involving 65 experts, of the future costs of photovoltaics (PV) and evaluate the impact of expert and study characteristics on the elicited metrics. The results for PV suggest that in-person elicitations are associated with more optimistic 2030 PV cost estimates and in some models with a larger range of uncertainty than online elicitations. Unlike in previous results on nuclear power, expert affiliation type and nationality do not affect central estimates. Some specifications suggest that EU experts are more optimistic about breakthroughs, but they are also less confident in that they provide larger ranges of estimates than do US experts. Higher R&D investment is associated with lower future costs. Rather than increasing confidence, high R&D increases uncertainty about future costs, mainly because it improves the base case (low cost) outcomes more than it improves the worst case (high cost) outcomes.
State feedback controller design and stability analysis of networked predictive control systems

In this paper, the problem of state feedback control of networked control systems is investigated. A new networked predictive control method is proposed to compensate for the network-induced delay and data dropout. The closed-loop system is modeled as a switched system with time-varying mode-dependent interval delay. Especially, the upper and lower bounds of the delay are also mode-dependent. Using the average dwell time method, a stability criterion is derived for the closed-loop system. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Finite Rate Feedback Design for Multiple Transmit Antennas

Most practical systems employ a feedback channel to convey the channel state information to the transmitter. In this work, we address the problem of designing feedback, with constraints on the feedback rate, for a multiple transmit antenna system employing transmit beamforming with a single receiver antenna. The important contribution of this work is a design criterion for construction of a finite set of beamformers which leads to near optimal outage performance.
Clinical Outcomes of Neuromyelitis Optica with Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities

Objective: To investigate clinical outcomes of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) patients with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities. Methods: One hundred and thirty-seven patients with NMO were enrolled. Clinical, laboratory, and MRI features were assessed and compared according to different distribution patterns of brain lesions.
Dynamic Linkages in the Pairs (GBP/EUR, USD/EUR) and (GBP/USD, EUR/USD): How Do They Change During a Day?

In the paper, we document how conditional dependencies observed in the FOREX market change during a trading day. The analysis is performed for the pairs (GBP/EUR, USD/EUR) and (GBP/USD, EUR/USD) of exchange rates. We consider daily returns calculated using the exchange rates quoted at different hours of a day. The dynamics of the dependencies is modeled by means of 3-regime Markov regime switching copula models, and the strength of the linkages is described using dynamic Spearman’s rho and the dynamic coefficients of tail dependence. The established approach allows us to monitor the changes in the dependence structure.
NEAR‐DEATH EXPERIENCES AND SPIRITUALITY

Abstract. Some individuals when they come close to death report having experiences that they interpret as spiritual or religious. These so-called near-death experiences (NDEs) often include a sense of separation from the physical body and encounters with religious figures and a mystical or divine presence. They share with mystical experiences a sense of cosmic unity or oneness, transcendence of time and space, deeply felt positive mood, sense of sacredness, noetic quality or intuitive illumination, paradoxicality, ineffability, transiency, and persistent positive aftereffects. Although there is no relationship between NDEs and religious belief prior to the experience, there are strong associations between depth of NDE and religious change after the experience. NDEs often change experiencers' values, decreasing their fear of death and giving their lives new meaning. NDEs lead to a shift from ego-centered to other-centered consciousness, disposition to love unconditionally, heightened empathy, decreased interest in status symbols and material possessions, reduced fear of death, and deepened spiritual consciousness. Many experiencers become more empathic and spiritually oriented and express the beliefs that death is not fearsome, that life continues beyond, that love is more important than material possessions, and that everything happens for a reason. These changes meet the definition of spiritual transformation as “a dramatic change in religious belief, attitude, and behavior that occurs over a relatively short period of time. ” NDEs do not necessarily promote any one particular religious or spiritual tradition over others, but they do foster general spiritual growth both in the experiencers themselves and in human society at large.
Spectrum allocation policy modeling for elastic optical networks

Today, optical transmission technologies are able to support 400Gbps over a single optical channel. However, this capacity cannot tit in the current fixed frequency grid optical spectrum. On the other hand, high rate optical channels have to co-exist with different ranges of line rates in order to serve heterogeneous bandwidth requests from variety of internet applications. Today's fixed rate and rigid frequency grid optical transmission systems cause over provisioning, where usually more spectral resources are provided than necessary. Recently, the concept of elastic optical networks has been proposed in order to reduce this waste of resources. In networks with such feature enabled, modulation parameters and central frequencies are not fixed and the resources can be allocated with a fine granularity, in contrast to the traditional WDM networks. This flexibility makes it possible to adapt to the granularity of the requested bandwidth without over provisioning. However, this heterogeneous bandwidth allocation may on the other hand result in fragmentation of spectral resources under dynamic traffic. In this study we quantify the fragmentation in elastic optical networks and calculate the blocking probability (BP) together with fragmentation on an elastic optical channel. In this regard, an analytical model based on a Markov Chain is developed under dynamic and flexible bandwidth traffic scenario. By using this analytical model different spectrum allocation policies are compared. A novel spectrum allocation policy is proposed which has lower BP and fragmentation ratio compared to the existing strategies.
Selective modulation of interactions between ventral premotor cortex and primary motor cortex during precision grasping in humans

In humans, the rostral part of the ventral premotor cortex (PMv), the homologue of F5 in monkeys, is known to be critically involved in shaping the hand to grasp objects. How does information about hand posture, that is processed in PMv, give rise to appropriate motor commands for transmission to spinal circuits controlling the hand? Whereas PMv is crucial for skilled visuomotor control of the hand, PMv sends relatively few direct corticospinal projections to spinal segments innervating hand muscles and the most likely route for PMv to contribute to the control of hand shape is through cortico‐cortical connections with primary motor cortex (M1). If this is the case, we predicted that PMv–M1 interactions should be modulated specifically during precision grasping in humans. To address this issue, we investigated PMv–M1 connections by means of paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and compared whether they were differentially modulated at rest, and during precision versus power grip. To do so, TMS was applied over M1 either in isolation or after a conditioning stimulus delivered, at different delays, over the ipsilateral PMv. For the parameters of TMS tested, we found that, at rest, PMv exerted a net inhibitory influence on M1 whereas, during power grip, this inhibition disappeared and was converted into a net facilitation during precision grip. The finding that, in humans, PMv–M1 interactions are selectively modulated during specific types of grasp provides further evidence that these connections play an important role in control of the hand.
Counting squarefree values of polynomials with error term

It was shown by Granville that the ABC conjecture allows one to prove asymptotic estimates on the number of squarefree values of polynomials. However, his proof gives no information on the error term of the asymptotic formula. On the ABC conjecture, we prove an asymptotic formula with error term using a different technique. From the ABC conjecture we also deduce an asymptotic formula with error term for the number of squarefree values of polynomials on certain sets of integers that are residually well distributed in a suitable sense.
Evolutionary Interactions between N-Linked Glycosylation Sites in the HIV-1 Envelope

The addition of asparagine (N)-linked polysaccharide chains (i.e., glycans) to the gp120 and gp41 glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope is not only required for correct protein folding, but also may provide protection against neutralizing antibodies as a “glycan shield. ” As a result, strong host-specific selection is frequently associated with codon positions where nonsynonymous substitutions can create or disrupt potential N-linked glycosylation sites (PNGSs). Moreover, empirical data suggest that the individual contribution of PNGSs to the neutralization sensitivity or infectivity of HIV-1 may be critically dependent on the presence or absence of other PNGSs in the envelope sequence. Here we evaluate how glycan–glycan interactions have shaped the evolution of HIV-1 envelope sequences by analyzing the distribution of PNGSs in a large-sequence alignment. Using a “covarion”-type phylogenetic model, we find that the rates at which individual PNGSs are gained or lost vary significantly over time, suggesting that the selective advantage of having a PNGS may depend on the presence or absence of other PNGSs in the sequence. Consequently, we identify specific interactions between PNGSs in the alignment using a new paired-character phylogenetic model of evolution, and a Bayesian graphical model. Despite the fundamental differences between these two methods, several interactions are jointly identified by both. Mapping these interactions onto a structural model of HIV-1 gp120 reveals that negative (exclusive) interactions occur significantly more often between colocalized glycans, while positive (inclusive) interactions are restricted to more distant glycans. Our results imply that the adaptive repertoire of alternative configurations in the HIV-1 glycan shield is limited by functional interactions between the N-linked glycans. This represents a potential vulnerability of rapidly evolving HIV-1 populations that may provide useful glycan-based targets for neutralizing antibodies.
Identification of Cellular Genes Targeted by KSHV-Encoded MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 19 to 23 nucleotide–long RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Human cells express several hundred miRNAs which regulate important biological pathways such as development, proliferation, and apoptosis. Recently, 12 miRNA genes have been identified within the genome of Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus; however, their functions are still unknown. To identify host cellular genes that may be targeted by these novel viral regulators, we performed gene expression profiling in cells stably expressing KSHV-encoded miRNAs. Data analysis revealed a set of 81 genes whose expression was significantly changed in the presence of miRNAs. While the majority of changes were below 2-fold, eight genes were down-regulated between 4- and 20-fold. We confirmed miRNA-dependent regulation for three of these genes and found that protein levels of thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) were decreased >10-fold. THBS1 has previously been reported to be down-regulated in Kaposi sarcoma lesions and has known activity as a strong tumor suppressor and anti-angiogenic factor, exerting its anti-angiogenic effect in part by activating the latent form of TGF-β. We show that reduced THBS1 expression in the presence of viral miRNAs translates into decreased TGF-β activity. These data suggest that KSHV-encoded miRNAs may contribute directly to pathogenesis by down-regulation of THBS1, a major regulator of cell adhesion, migration, and angiogenesis.
Effect of Asphalt Film Thickness on Short- and Long-Term Aging of Asphalt Paving Mixtures

It is generally believed that an asphalt paving mixture should have an adequate asphalt film thickness around the aggregate particles to ensure reasonable durability (resistance to aging) of the mixture. The minimum asphalt film thickness generally recommended ranges from 6 to 8 μm. However, no significant background research data are available in the literature to support these recommended minimum asphalt film thicknesses. Some states specify minimum asphalt film thickness for mix designs. This study was undertaken to quantify the relationship between various asphalt film thicknesses and the aging characteristics of the asphalt paving mix so that an optimum film thickness desirable for satisfactory mix durability could be established. Mixes prepared with asphalt binder film thickness ranging from about 4 to 13 μm were subjected to accelerated aging using Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) procedures to simulate both short- and long-term aging. Both the aggregate (RD) and the asphalt cement (AAM-1) used in this study were obtained from the SHRP Materials Reference Library. The aged, compacted mix was tested for tensile strength, tensile strain at failure, and resilient modulus. The aged asphalt cement was recovered and tested for penetration, viscosity, complex modulus, and phase angle. Aging indexes were obtained from these tests, and the relationship between film thickness and the aged mix/aged asphalt cement properties were determined using regression analysis. For the particular aggregate/asphalt cement combination used in this study, it was found that accelerated aging would occur if the asphalt binder film thickness was less than 9 to 10 μm in an asphalt paving mixture compacted to 8 percent air void content.
Temptation and Taxation

In this paper we attempt to (i) extend the competitive equilibrium neoclassical growth model to incorporate consumer preferences that are of the Gul-Pesendorfer variety; (ii) use the model to analyze taxation and welfare; and (iii) extend and specialize the Gul-Pesendorfer temptation formulation to be dynamic and, in particular, quasi-geometric, thus providing a link to, and possibly an interpretation of, the Laibson model.
Genome-Wide Transcript Profiling of Endosperm without Paternal Contribution Identifies Parent-of-Origin–Dependent Regulation of AGAMOUS-LIKE36

Seed development in angiosperms is dependent on the interplay among different transcriptional programs operating in the embryo, the endosperm, and the maternally-derived seed coat. In angiosperms, the embryo and the endosperm are products of double fertilization during which the two pollen sperm cells fuse with the egg cell and the central cell of the female gametophyte. In Arabidopsis, analyses of mutants in the cell-cycle regulator CYCLIN DEPENDENT KINASE A;1 (CKDA;1) have revealed the importance of a paternal genome for the effective development of the endosperm and ultimately the seed. Here we have exploited cdka;1 fertilization as a novel tool for the identification of seed regulators and factors involved in parent-of-origin–specific regulation during seed development. We have generated genome-wide transcription profiles of cdka;1 fertilized seeds and identified approximately 600 genes that are downregulated in the absence of a paternal genome. Among those, AGAMOUS-LIKE (AGL) genes encoding Type-I MADS-box transcription factors were significantly overrepresented. Here, AGL36 was chosen for an in-depth study and shown to be imprinted. We demonstrate that AGL36 parent-of-origin–dependent expression is controlled by the activity of METHYLTRANSFERASE1 (MET1) maintenance DNA methyltransferase and DEMETER (DME) DNA glycosylase. Interestingly, our data also show that the active maternal allele of AGL36 is regulated throughout endosperm development by components of the FIS Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), revealing a new type of dual epigenetic regulation in seeds.
Modelling the liquidity ratio as macroprudential instrument

The Basel III Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) is a microprudential instrument to strengthen the liquidity position of banks. However, if in extreme scenarios the LCR becomes a binding constraint, the interaction of bank behaviour with the regulatory rule can have negative externalities. We simulate the systemic implications of the LCR by a liquidity stress-testing model, which takes into account the impact of bank reactions on second round feedback effects. We show that a flexible approach of the LCR, in particular one that recognises less liquid assets in the buffer, is a useful macroprudential instrument to mitigate its adverse side effects during times of stress. At extreme stress levels the instrument becomes ineffective and the lender of the last resort has to underpin the stability of the system.
Western Journal of Emergency Medicine: Integrating Emergency Care with Population Health Randomized Controlled Trial of Electronic Care Plan Alerts and Resource Utilization by High Frequency Emergency Department Users with Opioid Use Disorder

and 2) high frequency ED Three with identical were randomized into “Care Plan” versus “Usual Care following: 1) opioids (morphine mg equivalents) prescribed to patients upon discharge and administered to ED and inpatients; 2) total medical charges, and the numbers of; 3) ED visits, 4) ED visits with advanced radiologic imaging (computed tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) studies, and 5) inpatient admissions. total of enrolled. For ED and inpatients in the “Usual Care” group, the proportion of morphine mg equivalents received in the post-period compared with the pre-period was 15.7%, while in the “Care Plan” group the proportion received in the post-period compared with the pre-period 4.5%
A predictive nomogram improved diagnostic accuracy and interobserver agreement of perirectal lymph nodes metastases in rectal cancer

Objective To develop a predictive nomogram to improve the diagnostic accuracy and interobserver agreement of pre-therapeutic lymph nodes metastases in patients with rectal cancer. Materials and Methods An institutional database of 411 patients with rectal cancer was used to develop a nomogram to predict perirectal lymph nodes metastases. Patients' clinicopathological and MRI-assessed imaging variables were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The model was externally validated and the performance was assessed by area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves. The interobserver agreement was measured between two independent radiologists. Results The diagnostic accuracy of the conventional MRI-assessed cN stage was 68%; 14.2% of the patients were over-staged and 17.8% of the patients were under-staged. A total of 35.1% of the patients had disagreed diagnosis for the cN stage between the two radiologists, with a kappa value of 0.295. A nomogram for predicting pathological lymph nodes metastases was successfully developed, with an AUC of 0.78 on the training data and 0.71 on the validation data. The predictors included in the nomogram were MRI cT stage, CRM involvement, preoperative CEA, tumor grade and lymph node size category. This nomogram yielded improved prediction in cN stage than the conventional MRI-based assessment. Conclusions By incorporating clinicopathological and MRI imaging features, we established a nomogram that improved the diagnostic accuracy and remarkably minimized the interobserver disagreement in predicting lymph nodes metastases in rectal cancers.