Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gonorrhea (GC) and Chlamydia (CT) Infection in a Large, Well-Characterized Military Cohort: Prevalence, Incidence, Site of Infection, and Patient Characteristics

Abstract Background In the US military, routine extra-genital (EG) GC/CT testing in persons living with HIV was implemented in 2012. This study examines the prevalence/incidence and risk factors associated with genital (GU) and EG GC/CT infections in the US Military HIV Natural History Study (NHS), a cohort of HIV-infected Department of Defense beneficiaries. Methods Since 2012, willing NHS subjects have undergone nucleic acid-based tests (NAAT) to identify anorectal (AR)/ pharyngeal (PH) GC/CT infections. Incident cases had a positive test following an initial negative test. Risk factors for incident GC/CT infections were assessed with a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Results A total of 405 GC and 457 CT infections were observed among 1998 subjects (median age 28.7 years, 94% male, 44.1% African-American [AA]); 21% of GC and 18% of CT cases were re-infections. The incidence of AR GC, PH GC, and AR CT increased over time (P = 0.02, P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively). Incident GC infections were associated with younger age [HR 0.61 per 5 year increase (0.57–0.66)], AA ethnicity [HR 1.46 (1.06–2.00)], higher viral load [HR 1.63 per log increase (1.47–1.80)] and a prior history of syphilis [HR 2.20 (1.62–2.99)]. Incident CT infections were associated with younger age [HR 0.7 per 5 year increase (0.66–0.74)], male gender [HR 5.82 (1.86–18.20)], higher viral load [HR 1.61 for each log increase (1.47–1.76)], lower CD4 count [HR 0.86 per 200 cell increase (0.79–0.95)], prior GC [HR 1.55 (1.15–2.08)] and prior syphilis [HR 2.16 (1.67–2.79)]. Conclusion Incident AR GC and CT infections are increasing in the NHS and approximately 20% of infections were repeat infections. The increased incidence is attributable at-least in part to the increased uptake of EG testing. Our study highlights the importance of prevention in positive programs to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Table. Incidence rate per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval) by site GC CT Year ARa PHa GU ARa PH GU 2012 1.3 (0.7–2.3) 1.9 (1.1–2.9) 2 (1.2–3) 2.7 (1.8–4) 1 (0.5–1.9) 4.4 (3.2–5.9) 2013 1.8 (1.1–2.6) 2 (1.3–2.8) 1 (0.6–1.7) 2.5 (1.8–3.5) 0.5 (0.2–1) 2.2 (1.5–3.1) 2014 1.2 (0.7–1.9) 1.3 (0.7–2) 1.2 (0.7–1.9) 2.4 (1.7–3.4) 0.4 (0.2–1) 1.5 (0.9–2.2) 2015 2.1 (1.4–3.1) 2.3 (1.6–3.2) 1.1 (0.6–1.8) 3.1 (2.3–4.3) 0.8 (0.4–1.5) 1.8 (1.1–2.6) 2016 2 (1.3–3) 2.4 (1.6–3.4) 1.1 (0.6–1.8) 3.8 (2.7–5) 0.8 (0.4–1.5) 1.5 (0.9–2.4) aSignificant change over time. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
Structural Fire as an Urban Parasite: Population Density Dependence of Structural Fire in New York City, and its Implications

In further exploration of structural fire as an urban parasite, the influence of areal population density and housing overcrowding on incidence and average size of structural fires is analyzed. Because the more people per square mile and per room the greater the incidence and size of the structural fires, the destruction of housing by fire and fire-related building abandonment creates fertile ground for even greater fire damage due to the crowding of the refugees into the remaining housing stock. The vicious circle of housing overcrowding and fire holds serious implications with respect to other density dependent factors, such as public health, the public transportation system, and sanitation. Parasitology continues to provide insight into the mechanisms of the behavior of structural fire and its impacts.
Response of retinal terminals to loss of postsynaptic target neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the adult cat

We have used the neurotoxin kainic acid to produce rapid degeneration of neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the adult cat. This degeneration mimics the rapid loss of geniculate neurons seen after visual cortex ablation in the neonate. Subsequent anterograde transport of horseradish peroxidase injected into the eye was used to reveal the projection patterns of retinal ganglion cell axons at different survival periods after the kainic acid injection. The density of retinal projections to the degenerated regions of the geniculate was reduced considerably at 4 and 6 months survival, but at 2 months was not significantly different from normal. The laminar pattern of projections to degenerated regions of the geniculate did not change in any animals studied, even when an adjacent lamina contained surviving cells. Electron microscopic examination of degenerated dLGN revealed intact retinal (RLP) and RSD terminals at all survival times, although the density of terminals appeared much reduced when compared to controls. Some RLP terminals exhibited the “dark reaction” of degeneration and these degenerating terminals were most numerous at 2 months survival. These findings demonstrate that, in response to degeneration of their usual target cells, mature retinal ganglion cells will withdraw their axon terminals from these regions of degeneration. We conclude that mature retinal ganglion cells continue to be dependent on target integrity for the maintenance of a normal axonal arborization.
HRM and performance: What's next?

abstract The last decade of empirical research on the added value of human resource management (HRM), also known as the HRM and Performance debate, demonstrates evidence that ‘HRM does matter’ (Huselid, 1995; Guest, Michie, Conway and Sheehan, 2003; Wright, Gardner and Moynihan, 2003). Unfortunately, the relationships are often (statistically) weak and the results ambiguous. This paper reviews and attempts to extend the theoretical and methodological issues in the HRM and performance debate. Our aim is to build an agenda for future research in this area. After a brief overview of achievements to date, we proceed with the theoretical and methodological issues related to what constitutes HRM, what is meant by the concept of performance and what is the nature of the link between these two . In the final section, we make a plea for research designs starting from a multidimensional concept of performance, including the perceptions of employees, and building on the premise of HRM systems as an enabling device for a whole range of strategic options. This implies a reversal of the Strategy-HRM linkage. 2
Particle Contamination in Experimental Fiber Preparations

Abstract Two samples of refractory ceramic fibers (RCF1 and RCF1a) were tested in rats exposed by inhalation for 3 wk and followed thereafter for 12 mo. RCF1 and RCFIa have similar fiber chemistry but differ in the fiber size distributions and the contents of nonfibrous particles (2% for RCFIa, 25% for RCFli. For both test samples the target aerosol concentration was 130 fibers/ml > 20 µm but the RCF1 aerosol contained more short fibers (less than 20 µm long) and more nonfibrous particles. Radioactive tracer measurements carried out during a period of 90 days after exposure demonstrated an almost complete abolition of alveolar clearance in RCFI-exposed animals. With RCFIa the half-time of46Sc2O3 particles was 80 days, compared to 60 days for controls (not statistically different). Biochemical and cytological analyses were carried out in bronchoalveolar lavage at days 3, 17, 31, 94, and 365 postexposure. They revealed a more important and more persistent inflammation in RCFI-exposed animals compared to RCFIa. These observations show that the biological activity of synthetic vitreous fibers (SVFs) assessed by inhalation experiments depends not only on the chemical composition of the fiber type but also on the physical characteristics of the test sample. They are in line with results of previous studies and support the hypothesis of a synergistic effect between fibrous and nonfibrous particles. They raise questions about the interpretation of the so called RCC experiments in which the several SVFs samples tested were not prepared using the same method and differed in their physical characteristics. In particular, these differences existed especially between the RCF and MMV F samples.
The Design of Reform Packages under Uncertainty

The authors present a model of large-scale economic reforms, modeled on the transition process in Eastern Europe, with aggregate and individual uncertainty concerning the outcome of reforms. The government is assumed to choose the speed and sequencing of reforms. The authors compare big-bang strategies with gradualist reform packages. They show that gradualist reform packages may be easier to get started, optimal sequencing of reforms should aim at creating constituencies for further reforms, and gradualism may generate a higher investment response because of a lower option value of waiting than would a big-bang approach. Copyright 1995 by American Economic Association.
Essays in Financial Economics

This dissertation consists of three independent essays. Chapter 1, “The Effect of Mortgage Securitization on Foreclosure and Modification,” assesses the impact of mortgage securitization on foreclosure and modification. My primary innovation is using the freeze of private mortgage securitization in the third quarter of 2007 to instrument for the probability that a loan is securitized. I find that privately securitized mortgages are substantially more likely to be foreclosed and less likely to be modified. Chapter 2, “Disagreement and Liquidity,” analyzes how disagreement between investors affects the relationship between trading, liquidity, and asymmetric information. Traditional models predict that asymmetric information should destroy trade and liquidity. In contrast, I document empirical evidence that asymmetric information increases trading volumes in stock, corporate bond, and option markets. To resolve this puzzle, I propose a model of overconfident disagreement trading in which private information enhances trading and liquidity. Chapter 3, “Is Real Interest Rate Risk Priced? Theory and Empirical Evidence," asks whether investors demand compensation for holding assets whose returns covary with real interest rate shocks. Empirically, there is little evidence that real interest rate risk is priced in the cross section of stocks or across asset classes. Theoretically, interest rate risk can be positively or negatively priced depending on whether interest rate changes are due to time preference shocks or consumption growth shocks.
Human Capital Flight: Impact of Migration on Income and Growth

An endogenous growth model with heterogeneous agents is analyzed to show that “human capital flight” or “brain drain” can lead to a permanent reduction in income and growth of the country of emigration relative to the country of immigration. Convergence between the two is therefore rendered unlikely with such migration. While, in a closed economy, subsidizing human capital accumulation at all levels of education can benefit economic growth, in an open economy where the educated are more likely to migrate, growth may be better fostered by subsidizing only lower levels of education.
Effective levels of company taxation within an enlarged EU

The project 'Effective tax rates in an enlarged European Union' is based on the methodology used for the calculation of effective tax rates (ETRs) as set out by Devereux and Griffith (1999, 2003). It extends the scope of the calculation of ETRs conducted under the study on effective levels of company taxation within an enlarged EU (2008). The project includes a focus on the effects of tax reforms in the EU27 for the period 1998-2009 and their impact on the level of taxation for both domestic and cross-border investment.
The European options hedge perfectly in a Poisson-Gaussian stock market model

It is shown that n + 1 European call options written on a stock S with different strike prices (or the stock and n calls) are non-redundant assets in a model for the stock driven by a Brownian motion and n independent Poisson processes. That extends the result obtained for n = 1 by Pham and implies that the proposed model can price and perfectly hedge any integrable derivative on S.
Sustaining Teacher Leadership in Enabling to Inchoate Cultures

This qualitative study used ethnographic and historical approaches to examine teacher leadership in both an enabling and an inchoate culture. The purpose of this study was to discover what factors contributed to or inhibited the sustainability of teacher leadership. Using original documentation from earlier studies that report on eight years of a middle school's reculturing and restructuring experiences, we describe a model for linking leadership and learning and identify components of an enabling culture for teacher leadership: learning, valuing, nurturing, supporting, sharing, and coaching. We describe the development of a learning culture, 5 teachers’ identification with a democratic teacher leadership style, and the sustainability of these leader identities in an inchoate school culture.
Major depressive disorder and sleep disturbance in patients with chronic pain.

BACKGROUND Disturbed sleep is a common problem in both chronic pain and major depressive disorder (MDD). Moreover, many patients with chronic pain are depressed. OBJECTIVES To examine the effects of depression on the sleep behaviour of chronic pain patients by comparing patients who did or did not meet diagnostic criteria for MDD. METHODS A total of 60 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain underwent structured diagnostic interviews for MDD and insomnia, and completed questionnaires assessing pain severity, disability, sleep quality, beliefs and attitudes about sleep, and sleep hygiene. For four consecutive days, they also completed a sleep diary, and reported on sleep hygiene practices and presleep arousal. RESULTS Thirty-three patients (55%) met diagnostic criteria for MDD, most of whom (n=32 [97%]) also fulfilled criteria for insomnia disorder. Insomnia was also common among patients without MDD (21 of 27 [78%]). Participants with MDD had higher self-reports of pain, disability, dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, and, on a prospective basis, greater presleep arousal and poorer sleep hygiene. However, diary assessments of specific sleep parameters (eg, sleep onset latency, total sleep time, sleep efficiency) did not differ between the groups. DISCUSSION Chronic pain patients with comorbid MDD exhibited more dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, poorer sleep hygiene practices and greater presleep arousal; however, diary-recorded sleep characteristics may not differ from those of patients without MDD. Chronic pain itself may disturb sleep so extensively that MDD introduces little additive effect. CONCLUSION MDD in chronic pain may be related to the cognitive and behavioural aspects of insomnia, rather than to an incremental disturbance in the initiation or maintenance of sleep.
High Frequency Trading in the Korean Index Futures Market

We investigate the trading behavior of high frequency trading (HFT), the impact of HFT on market quality, its role in the price discovery process, and its profitability, using a very detailed data set of the KOSPI 200 index futures market. We find that high frequency traders (HFTs) do not provide liquidity in the futures market, nor does HFT have any role in enhancing market quality. Indeed, HFT is detrimental to the price discovery process. This finding is contrary to those in the existing literature on HFT in equity markets. We also find that profitable opportunities for HFTs are rare after transaction costs are considered, with the notable exception that foreign HFTs can earn a profit in the index futures market. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 35:31–51, 2015
Results of screening for retinopathy of prematurity in a large nursery in Kuwait: Incidence and risk factors

Aims: The aim of the study was to report the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and severe ROP and identify the risk factors for their development in a large nursery in Kuwait. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, interventional, non-comparative, hospital-based study. Retrospective review of ROP records of premature babies having either birth weight of less than 1501 g or gestational age at birth of 34 weeks or less and born between January 2001 and August 2003. Statistical Analysis: By univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Out of the 599 babies studied, 38.9% developed ROP and 7.8% needed treatment for severe ROP. Multivariate analysis showed low birth weight (OR 13.753, 95% CI 3.66-51.54; (P < 0.001), gestational age (OR 13.75, 95% CI 3.66-51.54; P < 0.001), surfactant (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.04-2.83; P = 0.032) and stay in the intensive care unit for longer than 15 days (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.05-4.85; P = 0.033) to be significant for the development of any ROP. Low birth weight (OR 22.86, 95% CI 3.86-134.82; P = 0.001), bacterial sepsis (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.51-7.05; P = 0.002) and need for surfactant (OR 4.41, 95% CI 0.94 -20.56; P = 0.059) were found to be the risk factors for severe ROP needing laser treatment. Conclusion: The incidence of both any ROP and ROP needing treatment are comparable to other studies. Low birth weight is the most important risk factor for both any ROP and severe ROP.
Exchange trading rules, governance, and trading location of cross-listed stocks

ABSTRACT This paper shows that stock exchange trading rules are of central importance for the trading location of cross-listed stocks. We consider various measures of sovereign governance and shareholder rights across both developed and emerging countries to assess the complementary effects of other legal and institutional drivers of trading activity. The data indicate that the proportion of trades that occurs on an exchange increases at a decreasing rate with the strength of stock exchange trading rules. The effectiveness of stock exchange rules increases with the strength of regulatory institutions in the country hosting the stock exchange. Furthermore, corroborating with our full sample findings, difference-in-difference tests indicate that the promulgation of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, which strengthened trading rules within the European Union (EU), has increased the amount of trade in the EU.
Evolution of GOUNDRY, a cryptic subgroup of Anopheles gambiae s.l., and its impact on susceptibility to Plasmodium infection

The recent discovery of a previously unknown genetic subgroup of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato underscores our incomplete understanding of complexities of vector population demographics in Anopheles. This subgroup, named GOUNDRY, does not rest indoors as adults and is highly susceptible to Plasmodium infection in the laboratory. Initial description of GOUNDRY suggested it differed from other known Anopheles taxa in surprising and sometimes contradictory ways, raising a number of questions about its age, population size and relationship to known subgroups. To address these questions, we sequenced the complete genomes of 12 wild‐caught GOUNDRY specimens and compared these genomes to a panel of Anopheles genomes. We show that GOUNDRY is most closely related to Anopheles coluzzii, and the timing of cladogenesis is not recent, substantially predating the advent of agriculture. We find a large region of the X chromosome that has swept to fixation in GOUNDRY within the last 100 years, which may be an inversion that serves as a partial barrier to contemporary gene flow. Interestingly, we show that GOUNDRY has a history of inbreeding that is significantly associated with susceptibility to Plasmodium infection in the laboratory. Our results illuminate the genomic evolution of one of probably several cryptic, ecologically specialized subgroups of Anopheles and provide a potent example of how vector population dynamics may complicate efforts to control or eradicate malaria.
Effects of Financial Development and Industrial Maturity on Economic Growth

The study is an effort to explore the relationship between financial improvement and the economic growth of the country. In this investigation process, study captures the time series data from 1970-2013 in case of Pakistan. Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL) method is employed for the statistical findings of the mentioned variables. To establish more extensive connectivity between variables study includes part of industrial performance and government spending under consideration. Results of the exploration provide the evidence that enhancement of financial sector with maturity endorses the economic growth that is measured by Gross domestic product of per capita. Long run and short run results validate the importance of the measured variable for the economic growth. Accordingly, in policy making process strategies for the financial development, enhanced industrial performance and constructive government spending could be encouraging for country’s progress.
Heading for Divergence? Regional Growth in Europe Reconsidered*

This article analyses regional growth in the European Union (EU) in the postwar period. We examine the levels and growth of per capita GDP for a sample of 70 regions, covering six of the EU Member States. We find that after a slow, but steady reduction of differences in GDP per capita across European regions during most of the post-war period, there are now some signs of a reversal in this trend. This does not imply that differences in levels of productivity and income across European regions are now reduced to a negligible level. Rather, the explanation is that other variables, notably R&D effort, investment support from the EU, the structure of GDP and differences in unemployment have had a diverging impact. We also find some support for the idea of a 'Europe at different speeds', with at least three different 'growth clubs' characterized by different dynamics, productivity and unemployment levels. Copyright 1996 BPL.
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ON INSERVICE TEACHERS: AN EXPERIMENT ON BACHELOR OF EDUCATION LEARNERS STUDYING THROUGH DISTANCE EDUCATION SYSTEM

Learning needs assessment continuously from the beginning and up to the end of the course. We call this continuous evaluation as formative evaluation. In general assignments, project work, practical etc. are for making internal assessment. Internet helps to collect information for writing assignments, to carryout project works and other practical works. It is obvious that the difficulties in network searching for valuable information by the Distance learners. Internal assessment is an integral part of the teaching learning process. Many of the learners wanted to use networking services for their preparation and submission of their assignment and other practical works at their work place itself. They face problem to have a link with their educators as a result internal assessment is not up to the level. Based on these views this study was carried out, the result were such as distance learners need to have internal assessment and 60% of them are like to use ICT for this purpose.
Sub-national growth rate differentials in South Africa: an econometric analysis

This research note examines the determinants of economic growth at the sub-national level in South Africa, and investigates cross-regional medium term (1998-2002) growth rate differentials between 354 magisterial districts. A dynamic panel data regression model is used that includes measures of geography (distance and natural resources) as well as recent estimates of physical and human capital. We find that the significant determinants of local economic growth are distance from internal markets, human capital, export propensity, and the capital stock. Distance from international harbours, as a measure of transport costs, and urban agglomeration (or density) affects growth indirectly through its significant effect on the ability of a region to export. Overall, these results indicate that geography is important, independent of its effects on institutions, for economic growth. Bearing in mind a medium-term focus, no evidence of absolute convergence could be found over a five-year period, but the evidence tentatively suggests beta convergence. Copyright (c) 2006 the author(s). Journal compilation (c) 2006 RSAI.