Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electroacupuncture Attenuates Bone Cancer Pain and Inhibits Spinal Interleukin-1β Expression in a Rat Model

BACKGROUND:Although pain affects the quality of life of cancer patients, current medical treatments are either ineffective or have side effects. In the present study we investigated the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on cancer-induced hyperalgesia and expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), upregulation of which is related to the maintenance of persistent pain, in a rat model of bone cancer pain. METHODS:Cancer was induced by injecting AT-3.1 prostate cancer cells into the tibia of male Copenhagen rats. The resulting pain was treated with 10 Hz/2 mA/0.4 ms pulse EA for 30 min daily at the equivalent of the human acupoint GB30 (Huantiao) between Days 14 and 18 after cancer cell inoculation. For sham control, EA needles were inserted into GB30 without stimulation. Thermal hyperalgesia, a decrease in paw withdrawal latency to a noxious thermal stimulus, was measured at baseline and 20 min after EA treatment. IL-1β and its mRNA were respectively determined by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTS:Thermal hyperalgesia developed between Days 12 and 18 after cancer cell inoculation. EA significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated this hyperalgesia, increasing paw withdrawal latency from 7.0 ± 0.3 s to 9.2 ± 0.4 s, and inhibited the upregulation of IL-1β and its mRNA compared to the sham control. Intrathecal injection of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra, 0.1 mg/rat) also significantly inhibited cancer-induced thermal hyperalgesia. CONCLUSION:The data suggest that EA alleviates bone cancer pain, at least in part by suppressing IL-1β expression. The results support the clinical use of EA in the treatment of cancer pain.
Casting Wide the Net: Portfolio Assessment in Teacher Education.

As middle level teacher educators, we struggle with the very same assessment is sues that plague classroom teachers. How do we effectively, efficiently and meaning fully capture student learning? Once we have captured that learning, how do we fairly evaluate it? While we struggle with these questions, we are also cognizant that our student teachers pay very close attention to the ways in which we struggle with these issues in our own classrooms; thus, we model a set of answers to these questions. To use Eisner's analogy, what nets are we weaving and what fish are we catching? In its 1992 report to Congress, the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) noted:
Rescaling social policies : towards multilevel governance in Europe

Contents: The rescaling project and this book, Yuri Kazepov Setting the Scene: Rescaling and Governance Rescaling policies towards multilevel governance in Europe: some reflections on processes at stake and actors involved, Yuri Kazepov Part I Towards Multi-Level Governance in Selected Policy Areas: The Changing Area of Labour Market Activation Policy Activation and rescaling: interrelated questions in social policy? , Stefania Sabatinelli A comparative perspective on labour market changes, Eduardo Barberis and Beat Baumann Actors, scaling and governance in activation policy, Vappu Karjalainen The Changing Area of Social Assistance Policy: Social assistance policy models in Europe: a comparative perspective, Eduardo Barberis, Stefania Sabatinelli and Annegret Bieri The territorial organisation of social assistance schemes in Europe, Renate Minas and Einar A"verbye Actors and governance arrangements in the field of social assistance, A.ke Bergmark and Renate Minas The Changing Area of Long-Term Care for Older People: Familiarisation and regional variation in long-term care provision. A comparative perspective on long-term care for older people in Europe, Rahel Strohmeier Navarro Smith The territorial dimension of long-term care for older people, Signy Irene Vabo Actors and governance arrangements in long-term care for older people, Signy Irene Vabo. Part II The Challenges of Multilevel Governance Arrangements within Social Policies: Rescaling processes in Europe: convergence and divergence patterns towards multilevel governance? , Eduardo Barberis, A.ke Bergmark and Renate Minas The coordination challenge, Einar A"verbye, Rahel Strohmeier Navarro Smith, Vappu Karjalainen and JA rgen Stremlow Rescaling of social welfare policies: lessons and future perspectives, Nicolette van Gestel and Jean-Michel Herbillon Appendix: methods and contexts in the study of rescaling, Eduardo Barberis References.
Scaling behavior of convective mixing, with application to geological storage of CO2

CO2 storage in deep saline aquifers is considered a possible option for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from anthropogenic sources. Understanding of the underlying mechanisms, such as convective mixing, that affect the long-term fate of the injected CO2 in deep saline aquifers, is of prime importance. We present scaling analysis of the convective mixing of CO2 in saline aquifers based on direct numerical simulations. The convective mixing of CO2 in aquifers is studied, and three mixing periods are identified. It is found that, for Rayleigh numbers less than 600, mixing can be approximated by a scaling relationship for the Sherwood number, which is proportional to Ra1/2. Furthermore, it is shown that the onset of natural convection follows tDc∼Ra−2 and the wavelengths of the initial convective instabilities are proportional to Ra. Such findings give insight into understanding the mixing mechanisms and long term fate of the injected CO2 for large scale geological sequestration in deep saline aquifers. In addition, a criterion is developed that provides the appropriate numerical mesh resolution required for accurate modeling of convective mixing of CO2 in deep saline aquifers. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Law Design: Methodology

At the core of every civil law suit lays a plaintiff's claim of some harm caused by a defendant. Under the current judicial system, the law is structured such that the plaintiff’s entitlement to relief is determined through a verification process in court. This process contains numerous problems, with the main one being that the frequent necessity for the transfer of legal rights (the demand for court services) far outweighs the ability of the court system to supply verdicts in these disputes (the supply of court services). In this paper we develop a methodology that can be used to design legal mechanisms that will induce the parties to reallocate legal rights while fully compensating the right holder without utilizing the court system. To accomplish this, we use “reverse game theory” to structure mechanisms such that the desired outcome is the unique equilibrium of the game. For each mechanism, the designer determines the taking price and sets two payoffs for each player, one if he chooses to comply with the mechanism and one if he chooses not to comply and the dispute ends up in court. The payment in court is lowered so that compliance by both players is the unique equilibrium of the game. We call this methodology “law design. ” We show that there are six sufficient conditions that, in tandem, guarantee that law design will succeed in keeping cases out of court, and demonstrate that the same methodology can be used for designing reallocation mechanisms and allocation mechanisms (when there is uncertainty regarding the allocation of a legal right).
Mapping Horizontal Spread of Activity in Monkey Motor Cortex Using Single Pulse Microstimulation

Anatomical studies have demonstrated that distant cortical points are interconnected through long range axon collaterals of pyramidal cells. However, the functional properties of these intrinsic synaptic connections, especially their relationship with the cortical representations of body movements, have not been systematically investigated. To address this issue, we used multielectrode arrays chronically implanted in the motor cortex of two rhesus monkeys to analyze the effects of single-pulse intracortical microstimulation (sICMS) applied at one electrode on the neuronal activities recorded at all other electrodes. The temporal and spatial distribution of the evoked responses of single and multiunit activities was quantified to determine the properties of horizontal propagation. The typical responses were characterized by a brief excitatory peak followed by inhibition of longer duration. Significant excitatory responses to sICMS could be evoked up to 4 mm away from the stimulation site, but the strength of the response decreased exponentially and its latency increased linearly with the distance. We then quantified the direction and strength of the propagation in relation to the somatotopic organization of the motor cortex. We observed that following sICMS the propagation of neural activity is mainly directed rostro-caudally near the central sulcus but follows medio-lateral direction at the most anterior electrodes. The fact that these interactions are not entirely symmetrical may characterize a critical functional property of the motor cortex for the control of upper limb movements. Overall, these results support the assumption that the motor cortex is not functionally homogeneous but forms a complex network of interacting subregions.
Switching Costs in the Market for Personal Current Accounts: Some Evidence for the United Kingdom

This paper provides an analysis of the competitive process in the market for personal current accounts in the United Kingdom. Using survey data, we first describe some stylised developments in this market over our sample period (1996-2001). We find a gradual change in the distribution of market shares over time. This contrasts with a marked dispersion in price, which appears to persist through time. Analysing the evolution of market shares, we address two key questions: (i) are bank market shares responding to price differentials? ; (ii) if not, which type of imperfect competition best fits the data? Our conclusions point to the existence of customer switching costs as a key determinant of the nature of competition in the market for personal current accounts. The results of this study are therefore broadly supportive of a number of recent initiatives to facilitate switching bank accounts in the United Kingdom.
The efficacy of ticagrelor is maintained in women with acute coronary syndromes participating in the prospective, randomized, PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial

Aims The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between sex and clinical outcomes and treatment-related complications in patients with ST-elevation or non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (ACS) randomized to treatment with ticagrelor or clopidogrel in the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial. Methods The associations between sex subgroup and the primary composite outcomes, secondary outcomes, and major bleeding endpoints as well as interaction of sex subgroup with treatment effects were analysed using Cox proportional-hazards models. Results Sex was not significantly associated with the probability of the primary composite endpoint [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.02 (0.91−1.16)], or other adverse cardiovascular endpoints. Ticagrelor was similarly more effective than clopidogrel in reducing rates of the primary endpoint in women 11.2 vs. 13.2% [adjusted HR: 0.88 (0.74−1.06)] and men 9.4 vs. 11.1% [adjusted HR: 0.86 (0.76−0.97)] (interaction P-value 0.78), all-cause death in women 5.8 vs. 6.8% [adjusted HR: 0.90 (0.69−1.16)] and men 4.0 vs. 5.7% [adjusted HR: 0.80 (0.67−0.96)] (interaction P-value 0.49), and definite stent thrombosis in women 1.2 vs. 1.4% [adjusted HR: 0.71 (0.36−1.38)] and men 1.4 vs. 2.1% [adjusted HR: 0.63 (0.45−0.89)] (interaction P-value 0.78). The treatments did not differ for PLATO-defined overall major bleeding complications in women [adjusted HR: 1.01 (0.83−1.23)] or men [adjusted HR: 1.10 (0.98−1.24)]. Sex had no significant association with these outcomes (interactions P = 0.43−0.88). Conclusion Female sex is not an independent risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in moderate-to-high risk ACS patients. Ticagrelor has a similar efficacy and safety profile in men and women.
Molecular profiles of high‐grade and low‐grade pseudomyxoma peritonei

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare disease exhibiting a distinct clinical feature caused by cancerous cells that produce mucinous fluid in the abdominal cavity. PMPs originate most frequently from the appendix and less frequently from the ovary. This disease can range from benign to malignant, and histologically, PMP is classified into two types: disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis (DPAM) representing the milder phenotype, and peritoneal mucinous adenocarcinomas (PMCA) representing the aggressive phenotype. Although histological classification is clinically useful, the pathogenesis of PMP remains largely unknown. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying PMP, we analyzed 18 PMP tumors comprising 10 DPAMs and 8 PMCAs. DNA was extracted from tumor and matched non‐tumorous tissues, and was sequenced using Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Panel containing 50 cancer‐related genes. Analysis of the data identified a total of 35 somatic mutations in 10 genes, and all mutations were judged as pathological mutations. Mutations were frequently identified in KRAS (14/18) and GNAS (8/18). Interestingly, TP53 mutations were found in three of the eight PMCAs, but not in the DPAMs. PIK3CA and AKT1 mutations were also identified in two PMCAs, but not in the DPAMs. These results suggested that KRAS and/or GNAS mutations are common genetic features of PMP, and that mutations in TP53 and/or genes related to the PI3K‐AKT pathway may render malignant properties to PMP. These findings may be useful for the understanding of tumor characteristics, and facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies.
Emerging and Re-Emerging Zoonoses of Dogs and Cats

Simple Summary Dogs and cats have been sharing our environment for a long time and as pets they bring major psychological well-being to our modern urbanized society. However, they still can be a source of human infection by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Abstract Since the middle of the 20th century, pets are more frequently considered as “family members” within households. However, cats and dogs still can be a source of human infection by various zoonotic pathogens. Among emerging or re-emerging zoonoses, viral diseases, such as rabies (mainly from dog pet trade or travel abroad), but also feline cowpox and newly recognized noroviruses or rotaviruses or influenza viruses can sicken our pets and be transmitted to humans. Bacterial zoonoses include bacteria transmitted by bites or scratches, such as pasteurellosis or cat scratch disease, leading to severe clinical manifestations in people because of their age or immune status and also because of our closeness, not to say intimacy, with our pets. Cutaneous contamination with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Leptospira spp. , and/or aerosolization of bacteria causing tuberculosis or kennel cough are also emerging/re-emerging pathogens that can be transmitted by our pets, as well as gastro-intestinal pathogens such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. Parasitic and fungal pathogens, such as echinococcosis, leishmaniasis, onchocercosis, or sporotrichosis, are also re-emerging or emerging pet related zoonoses. Common sense and good personal and pet hygiene are the key elements to prevent such a risk of zoonotic infection.
An Integrative Theory-Driven Positive Emotion Regulation Intervention

Over the past fifteen years, positive psychology research has validated a set of happiness enhancing techniques. These techniques are relatively simple exercises that allow happiness seekers to mimic thoughts and behavior of naturally happy people, in order to increase their level of well-being. Because research has shown that the joint use of these exercises increases their effects, practitioners who want to help happiness seekers need validated interventions that combine several of these techniques. To meet this need, we have developed and tested an integrative intervention (Positive Emotion Regulation program – PER program) incorporating a number of validated techniques structured around a theoretical model: the Process Model of Positive Emotion Regulation. To test the effectiveness of this program and to identify its added value relative to existing interventions, 113 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to a 6-week positive emotion regulation pilot program, a loving-kindness meditation training program, or a wait-list control group. Results indicate that fewer participants dropped out from the PER program than from the Loving-Kindness Meditation training. Furthermore, subjects in the PER group showed a significant increase in subjective well-being and life satisfaction and a significant decrease in depression and physical symptoms when compared to controls. Our results suggest that the Process Model of Positive Emotion Regulation can be an effective option to organize and deliver positive integrative interventions.
Will Students Earnestly Attempt Learning Questions if Answers are Viewable

Modern online learning materials may include built­in learning questions that are used for some of a class' homework points. To encourage learning, question solutions may be easily available to students. We sought to determine to what extent students earnestly attempt to answer learning questions when solutions are available via a simple button click. An earnest attempt means to try answering a question at least once before viewing the solution. We analyzed data from 550 students in four classes, at a four­year public research university, a four­year public teaching college, and two community colleges. We found average earnestness was a rather high 84%. We also found that 89% of students earnestly attempted 60%­100% of questions, with 73% earnestly attempting 80%­100%. Only 1% of students blatantly "cheat the system" by earnestly attempting less than 20% of questions. Thus, the heartening conclusion is that students will take advantage of a well­designed learning opportunity rather than just quickly earning points. We noted that earnestness decreased as a course progressed, with analyses indicating the decrease being mostly due to tiredness or some other student factor, rather than increasing difficulty. We also found that analyzing per­question earnestness can help question authors find questions that need improvement. In addition to providing results of our earnestness analysis, this paper also describes the style by which the learning questions were made ­­ how they complement text, teach rather than test, take only a small amount of time each, always include explanations, strive to occasionally "trick" students to explicitly dispel common misconceptions, avoid drill/kill and instead each teach a unique concept, create questions where alternative right answers are less likely to be marked wrong, and more. Via such design, students seem to discover that the questions are worth their time and effort, and thus most students earnestly try. We also discuss processes that can hurt earnestness, such as assigning excessive work. We describe our philosophy of not limiting student attempts for such learning questions, to create a safe learning environment (whereas other activities may indeed benefit from limits).
Inter-Generational Redistribution in an Endogenous Growth Model

This paper applies the Blanchard overlapping generations model to examine the effects of inter-generational redistribution on aggregate growth. The results reveal that whether or not a change in policy causes growth rates to rise or fall depends in part on whether the government has chosen to distribute in favor of the young or old, and in part on household preferences.
United States Interest Rates and the Interest Rate Dilemma for the Developing World

A major economic dilemma for the developing world--how to achieve interest rate levels that are not inflationary but are high enough to encourage saving and domestic development--is brought into sharp focus by a leading economist with over twenty-five years experience working with third world governments. In this comprehensive analysis of the causes and international consequences of high US interest rates, Benoit thoughtfully considers many factors. Contrasting Islamic and Western banking practices; describing the real causes of the international debt crisis; revealing the strategies of creditor banks, debtor countries and others; and focusing particularly on Third World dependence on US economic health, the author offers an honest appraisal of the extent to which developing countries are responsible for their own predicament. He questions the basic premises underlying US and other aid policies and calls for increased efficiency, honesty, and self-reliance on the part of developing countries.
Selective Maintenance & Redundancy Allocation Problem with Interval Coefficients

This article is an attempt to obtain a compromise allocation of a reliability optimization problem in case of maintenance components and in case of redundancy. In first case, time taken and the cost spent on system maintenance is minimized simultaneously for the required reliability R* (say) and in case second cost, weight and volume of the system is minimized simultaneously for the required reliability R* (say). Since in real world problems decision makers do not know the precise value of parameters like time, cost, weight, volume etc, therefore, to deal with these uncertainties we assume these parameters as interval numbers. The problem of obtaining compromise allocation is formulated as Bi-Objective Selective Maintenance Allocation Problem (BSMAP) and Redundancy Allocation Problem (RAP) with interval coefficients in the objective functions and solved by goal programming technique with separation method. A numerical example is also presented to illustrate the computational details.
Political Institutions and Financial Development

Contents Contributors 000 Acknowledgments 000 Chapter 1: Political Institutions and Financial Development 000 Stephen Haber, Douglass C. North, and Barry R. Weingast Chapter 2: Political Institutions and Financial Development: Evidence from the Political Economy of Bank Regulation in Mexico and the United States 000 Stephen Haber Chapter 3: The Political Economy of Early U.S. Financial Development 000 Richard Sylla Chapter 4: Answering Mary Shirley's Question, or: What Can the World Bank Learn from American History? 000 John Joseph Wallis Chapter 5: Beyond Legal Origin and Checks and Balances: Political Credibility, Citizen Information, and Financial Sector Development 000 Philip Keefer Chapter 6: The Microeconomic Effects of Different Approaches to Bank Supervision 000 James R. Barth, Gerard Caprio, and Ross Levine Chapter 7: Political Drivers of Diverging Corporate Governance Patterns 000 Peter Gourevitch and James Shinn Chapter 8: Credible Commitment and Sovereign Default Risk: Two Bond Markets and Imperial Brazil 000 William R. Summerhill Chapter 9: Legal Origin vs. the Politics of Creditor Rights: Bond Markets in Brazil, 1850\-2002 000 Aldo Musacchio Chapter 10: Conclusion: Economics, Political Institutions, and Financial Markets 000 Douglass C. North and Mary Shirley Index 000