Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Air Pollution and Acute Myocardial Infarction Hospital Admission in Alberta, Canada: A Three-Step Procedure Case-Crossover Study

Adverse associations between air pollution and myocardial infarction (MI) are widely reported in medical literature. However, inconsistency and sensitivity of the findings are still big concerns. An exploratory investigation was undertaken to examine associations between air pollutants and risk of acute MI (AMI) hospitalization in Alberta, Canada. A time stratified case-crossover design was used to assess the transient effect of five air pollutants (carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO), ozone (O3) and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 (PM2.5)) on the risk of AMI hospitalization over the period 1999–2009. Subgroups were predefined to see if any susceptible group of individuals existed. A three-step procedure, including univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and bootstrap model averaging, was used. The multivariate analysis was used in an effort to address adjustment uncertainty; whereas the bootstrap technique was used as a way to account for regression model uncertainty. There were 25,894 AMI hospital admissions during the 11-year period. Estimating health effects that are properly adjusted for all possible confounding factors and accounting for model uncertainty are important for making interpretations of air pollution–health effect associations. The most robust findings included: (1) only 1-day lag NO2 concentrations (6-, 12- or 24-hour average), but not those of CO, NO, O3 or PM2.5, were associated with an elevated risk of AMI hospitalization; (2) evidence was suggested for an effect of elevated risk of hospitalization for NSTEMI (Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction), but not for STEMI (ST segment elevation myocardial infarction); and (3) susceptible subgroups included elders (age ≥65) and elders with hypertension. As this was only an exploratory study there is a need to replicate these findings with other methodologies and datasets.
Effect of Humic Acid on Physical and Engineering Properties of Lime-Treated Organic Clay

The study of lime stabilisation has been established for a long time and its implementation in geotechnical engineering has improved regularly. The present work deals with the stabilisation of organic clay using hydrated lime, which resulted in three favourable combinations of artificial organic clay. The idea of using artificial organic clay is to reduce possible inconsistencies that may happen during testing and to ensure the repeatability of the results of the test. This is vital for comparative study that involves varying additive contents and curing periods. Due to the complex nature of natural soils, a series of experiments was carried out using the manufactured kaolin which represents the clay mineral and different commercial humic acid contents (0.5%, 1.5%, and 3%), which are the main constituents of organic matter that impede the lime stabilisation process. The amount of hydrated lime (5%, 10% and 15% based on dry weight of soil) was taken beyond the initial consumption of lime (ICL) value. Results are presented in three aspects: (1) behaviour of physical properties, (2) shear strength development and (3) microstructure changes due to shear strength. Results produced by physical testing show that the presence of humic acid has a drawback effect on untreated and limetreated organic clay. The decrease in specific gravity value is accompanied by a decrease in dry density and strength of kaolin prepared with higher humic acid content. Plasticity of untreated organic clays also decreases with increased humic acid content. Some notable increases in shear strength at 7 days curing period were observed in the limetreated sample for up to 5% lime content. However shear strength of lime-treated organic clay decreased at longer curing periods. A slight decrease in shear strength occurred for samples treated with 0.5% and 1.5% humic acid. The significant decrease in shear strength can be observed at 3% humic acid content. Thus it can be concluded that lime stabilisation is not effective with the presence of more than 1.5% humic acid at longer curing periods. A microstructure analysis was carried out on untreated and limetreated specimens at OLC (5%) with 1.5% and 3% humic acid content at a 14 days curing period, which represent the duration of the modification process. The findings reveal that the fabric of untreated organic clay for both specimens prepared at different humic acid contents reveals no apparent aggregations. More pore spacing was clearly observed for lime-treated clay minerals with 1.5% humic acid than for 3% humic acid soil structure. Flocculating structure was more visible at lower humic acid contents with particles dispersed by large openings.
Chronic Gastric Volvulus with Laparoscopic Gastropexy after Endoscopic Reduction: A Case Report

Gastric volvulus is an uncommon clinical entity. There are three types of gastric volvulus; organoaxial, mesenteroaxial and combined type. This condition can lead to a closed-loop obstruction or strangulation. Traditional surgical therapy for gastric volvulus is based on an open approach. Here we report a successful case of a patient with chronic gastric volvulus with a laparoscopic treatment. A 79-year-old woman came to the emergency department with epigastric pain accompanied by nausea for 2 weeks. Abdominal computed tomography revealed markedly distended stomach with transposition of gastroesophageal Junction and gastric antrum. Barium meal study revealed presence of the antrum was folded over 180 degrees that was located above gastroesophageal junction. We attempted an endoscopic reduction, but it was unsuccessful. The patient got laparoscopic anterior gastropexy. Based on our result, laparoscopic gastropexy can be considered as a good choice of the treatment for gastric volvulus.
Monetary Policy, Hot Housing Markets and Leverage

Expansionary monetary policy can increase household leverage by stimulating housing liquidity. Low mortgage rates encourage buyers to enter the housing market, raising the speed at which properties can be sold. Because lenders can resell seized foreclosure inventory at lower cost in such a hot housing market, ex-ante they are comfortable financing a larger fraction of the house purchase. Consistent with this mechanism, this study documents empirically that both the housing sales rate and loan-to-value ratios increase after expansionary monetary policy. Calibrating a New Keynesian macroeconomic model to fit the response of housing liquidity to monetary policy, the interaction between credit frictions and housing market search frictions generates endogenous movements in the loan-to-value ratio which amplify the economy's response to monetary policy.
Game-Based Learning: The effects on student cognitive and affective aspects

Game-based learning, is one of teaching approach quite populer presently. The existing game, however, merely fun game without particular learning method underpinned it. This study attempts to investigate the effect of game-based learning that developed based on problem-solving method, on students cognitive and affective aspects. Ninety-six students of grade eight (M = 13.5; SD = 0.5 year) from Indonesian school were randomly selected to participated in this study. Performance on cognitive and affective were measured using test and questionnaire. The data were analysed by using qualitative and quantitative methods. Results indicated that students who were exposed to the game-based learning within problem-solving method, obtain positive effect on cognitive and affective aspects. Through this research, it provided evidence that the use educational games could support and increase the mathematics learning outcome.
Antibodies against Proinsulin and Homologous MAP Epitopes Are Detectable in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Sardinian Patients, an Additional Link of Association

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the prevailing organ-specific autoimmune disease in Sardinia, often complicated with other autoimmune disorders, most commonly type 1 diabetes (T1D). While numerous studies describe levels of anty-thyroid antibodies (Abs) in T1D patients, few papers evaluate the status of anti-islet autoimmunity in subjects affected by HT. Previously, we portrayed Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) as an environmental factor strongly associated with both diseases. In this study, we analyzed plasma of Sardinian HT patients (n=177) and healthy controls (HCs; n=175) for the presence of Abs against proinsulin and MAP-derived homologous epitopes: MAP1,4αgbp157-173/PI64-80 were recognized by 5,08% and 18,64% of HT vs 0,57% and 7,43% of HCs (AUC=0,6 for both; p<0,0003 and 0,002, respectively), whereas the prevalence of Abs against MAP2404c70-85/PI46-61 peptides was higher but not significant in patients when compared to HCs. In women (n=152), Abs against MAP1,4αgbp157-173 were detected in 12,50% of HT vs 2,75% of HCs (AUC=0,63; p<0,0002), while positivity to its human homolog PI64-80 was observed in 16,42% of HT vs 6,42% of HCs (AUC=0,61; p<0,001). In men (n=25), a significant anti-PI46-61 Abs levels were detected in 4% of HT vs none of the HCs (AUC=0,7; p<0,003). Age-related analyses revealed the highest prevalence between 31-40 years old (45,83%) in the total study population and among males (33,33%); in contrast, women had a higher seroreactivity between 51-60 years (42,11%). A further follow-up and determination of anti-islet Abs levels is needed to evaluate the association of immune responses directed against the MAP/PI homologous peptides with progression to overt diabetes in HT subjects.
Effectiveness versus efficacy: more than a debate over language.

As the physical therapy profession continues the paradigm shift toward evidence-based practice, it becomes increasingly important for therapists to base clinical decisions on the best available evidence. Defining the best available evidence, however, may not be as straightforward as we assume, and will inevitably depend in part upon the perspective and values of the individual making the judgment. To some, the best evidence may be viewed as research that minimizes bias to the greatest extent possible, while others may prioritize research that is deemed most pertinent to clinical practice. The evidence most highly valued and ultimately judged to be the best may differ based on which perspective predominates. One issue that highlights the importance of perspective in judging the evidence is the difference between efficacy and effectiveness approaches to research. These terms are frequently assumed to be synonyms and are often used incorrectly in the literature. There is actually a meaningful distinction bet.
Aerosol Monitoring during Carbon Nanofiber Production: Mobile Direct-Reading Sampling

Detailed investigations were conducted at a facility that manufactures and processes carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Presented research summarizes the direct-reading monitoring aspects of the study. A mobile aerosol sampling platform, equipped with an aerosol instrument array, was used to characterize emissions at different locations within the facility. Particle number, respirable mass, active surface area, and photoelectric response were monitored with a condensation particle counter (CPC), a photometer, a diffusion charger, and a photoelectric aerosol sensor, respectively. CO and CO2 were additionally monitored. Combined simultaneous monitoring of these metrics can be utilized to determine source and relative contribution of airborne particles (CNFs and others) within a workplace. Elevated particle number concentrations, up to 1.15 × 106 cm−3, were found within the facility but were not due to CNFs. Ultrafine particle emissions, released during thermal treatment of CNFs, were primarily responsible. In contrast, transient increases in respirable particle mass concentration, with a maximum of 1.1 mg m−3, were due to CNF release through uncontrolled transfer and bagging. Of the applied metrics, our findings suggest that particle mass was probably the most useful and practical metric for monitoring CNF emissions in this facility. Through chemical means, CNFs may be selectively distinguished from other workplace contaminants (Birch et al., in preparation), and for direct-reading monitoring applications, the photometer was found to provide a reasonable estimate of respirable CNF mass concentration. Particle size distribution measurements were conducted with an electrical low-pressure impactor and a fast particle size spectrometer. Results suggest that the dominant CNF mode by particle number lies between 200 and 250 nm for both aerodynamic and mobility equivalent diameters. Significant emissions of CO were also evident in this facility. Exposure control recommendations were described for processes as required.
Bank Efficiency in Transition Economies: Recent Evidence from South-Eastern Europe

This study examines the cost and profit efficiency of banking sectors in six transition countries of South-Eastern Europe over the period 1998–2008. Using the stochastic frontier approach, our analysis reveals that the average cost efficiency of SEE banks is 68.59% and the average profit efficiency is 53.87%. The second-stage regressions on the determinants of bank efficiency further show that foreign banks are associated with higher profit efficiency but moderately lower cost efficiency. Government banks are associated with lower profit efficiency. The efficiency gap between foreign banks, domestic private banks and government banks, however, has narrowed over time. We also find that the degree of individual banks’ competitiveness has a positive association with both cost and profit efficiency. Finally, institutional development, proxied by progress in banking reforms, privatization and corporate governance restructuring, also has a positive impact on bank efficiency.
Synergistic Activity of Deguelin and Fludarabine in Cells from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients and in the New Zealand Black Murine Model

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains an incurable disease, and despite the improvement achieved by therapeutic regimes developed over the last years still a subset of patients face a rather poor prognosis and will eventually relapse and become refractory to therapy. The natural rotenoid deguelin has been shown to induce apoptosis in several cancer cells and cell lines, including primary human CLL cells, and to act as a chemopreventive agent in animal models of induced carcinogenesis. In this work, we show that deguelin induces apoptosis in vitro in primary human CLL cells and in CLL-like cells from the New Zealand Black (NZB) mouse strain. In both of them, deguelin dowregulates AKT, NFκB and several downstream antiapoptotic proteins (XIAP, cIAP, BCL2, BCL-XL and survivin), activating the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Moreover, deguelin inhibits stromal cell-mediated c-Myc upregulation and resistance to fludarabine, increasing fludarabine induced DNA damage. We further show that deguelin has activity in vivo against NZB CLL-like cells in an experimental model of CLL in young NZB mice transplanted with spleen cells from aged NZB mice with lymphoproliferation. Moreover, the combination of deguelin and fludarabine in this model prolonged the survival of transplanted mice at doses of both compounds that were ineffective when administered individually. These results suggest deguelin could have potential for the treatment of human CLL.
The impact of affect on organizational justice perceptions: A test of the affect infusion model

Abstract How individuals form justice perceptions has been a fundamental question for organizational justice research. While most researchers have treated justice perceptions as a result of deliberate cognitive processes, a limited number of studies have examined the role of affect in forming justice perceptions. Using the affect infusion model, we investigate the predictive role of affect in forming justice perceptions and consider two moderating contextual factors: personal relevance and group context. Two experimental studies, with a student sample and an employee sample, were conducted. Results confirm that participants in positive affective states perceived higher distributive and procedural justice than those in negative affective states. Moreover, personal relevance moderates the relationships between affect and both distributive and procedural justice perceptions, and the relationship is enhanced as the level of personal relevance increases. The results also suggest that group context constrains the influence of an individual participant’s affect on procedural justice.
Class III PI3K-mediated prolonged activation of autophagy plays a critical role in the transition of cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy often leads to heart failure. Activation of autophagy has been shown in pathological hypertrophic hearts. Autophagy is regulated positively by Class III phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K). However, it is unknown whether Class III PI3K plays a role in the transition of cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure. To address this question, we employed a previously established cardiac hypertrophy model in heat shock protein 27 transgenic mice which shares common features with several types of human cardiomyopathy. Age‐matched wild‐type mice served as control. Firstly, a prolonged activation of autophagy, as reflected by autophagosome accumulation, increased LC3 conversion and decreased p62 protein levels, was detected in hypertrophic hearts from adaptive stage to maladaptive stage. Moreover, morphological abnormalities in myofilaments and mitochondria were presented in the areas accumulated with autophagosomes. Secondly, activation of Class III PI3K Vacuolar protein sorting 34 (Vps34), as demonstrated by upregulation of Vps34 expression, increased interaction of Vps34 with Beclin‐1, and deceased Bcl‐2 expression, was demonstrated in hypertrophic hearts from adaptive stage to maladaptive stage. Finally, administration with Wortmaninn, a widely used autophagy inhibitor by suppressing Class III PI3K activity, significantly decreased autophagy activity, improved morphologies of intracellular apartments, and most importantly, prevented progressive cardiac dysfunction in hypertrophic hearts. Collectively, we demonstrated that Class III PI3K plays a central role in the transition of cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure via a prolonged activation of autophagy in current study. Class III PI3K may serve as a potential target for the treatment and management of maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy.
The training and accreditation of teachers for English medium instruction: an overview of practice in European universities

ABSTRACT English-medium instruction (EMI) is widely believed in higher education contexts to support the internationalisation of universities, to make study programmes more accessible to international students and to enhance the international prestige of academic staff. However, the pressure on European institutions to offer subjects through English raises the issue of whether a sufficient number of teachers are capable of teaching their subject content through the language. Although some recent research has found that EMI programme directors are largely satisfied with the English proficiency of their teaching staff (Wächter and Maiworm, 2014. English-Taught Programmes in European Higher Education. The State of Play in 2014. Bonn: Lemmens. Accessed November 17, 2017. http://www.aca-secretariat.be/fileadmin/aca_docs/images/members/ACA-2015_English_Taught_01.pdf), other reviews of current practice have highlighted a need for a more structured and rigorous approach to the language and methodology training of teachers (Dearden 2015. “English as a Medium of Instruction – A Growing Global Phenomenon.” Accessed 17 November 2017. http://www.britishcouncil.org/education/ihe/knowledge-centre/english-language-higher-education/report-english-medium-instruction; Halbach and Lázaro 2015. “La acreditación del nivel de lengua inglesa en las universidades españolas: Actualización 2015.” Accessed November 17, 2017. http://www.britishcouncil.es/sites/britishcouncil.es/files/british-council-la-acreditacion-del-nivel-de-lengua-inglesa.pdf). This article reports on the findings of a survey of 70 European universities carried out in 2014–2015 which provides an overview of current practices in the training and accreditation of university teachers in EMI. The findings reveal a very eclectic range of approaches to training and accrediting teachers working in this area.
Length Dependence of Activation Studied in the Isovolumic Blood‐Perfused Dog Heart

In studies utilizing the isolated isovolumic blood-perfused canine heart, left ventric ular pressure was measured following a sudden expansion of ventricular volume. An increase in performance occurred in two phases: first, there was an instantaneous rise of developed pressure simultaneous with ventricular distension; in the second phase, developed pressure continued to increase for several minutes until a final steady state was reached. The immediate increase in developed pressure occurred with a prolongation of the time-to-peak pressure, and there was no further change of time-to-peak pressure during the time-dependent increase of developed pres sure. In another series of experiments, systolic pressure was elevated without changing resting volume, and mechanical performance changed in a different manner: after an increase in systolic load, there was a modest and transient decrease of developed pressure; thereafter, ventricular pressure recovered only to original values. The influence of different degrees of ventricular expansion, calcium, and verapamil were studied. Under higher ventricular dilations the immediate as well as the slow increase of contraction were heightened and the time to reach half of the slow increase was shortened. When ventricular dilation was induced during an infusion of calcium chloride, higher values for the immediate pressure increase were observed, whereas the time-dependent increase and the time to reach half of the slow increase did not change in comparison with control studies. Verapamil decreased the immediate and the time-dependent enhancement of contraction. The time-dependent increase in developed pressure occurs more slowly with verapamil. These findings in the intact heart are in accord with the hypothesis that myocardial stretch is followed by an increase in intracellular calcium stores, and with the concept that the Frank-Starling mechanism involves an activation of the contractile state.
Optimal Monetary Policy in an Optimizing Stochastic Dynamic Model with Sticky Prices

Recently macroeconomic researchers have begun studying models of optimal monetary policy within the Real Business Cycle (RBC) framework. A standard RBC model is augmented by New Keynesian elements like sticky prices and monopolistically competitive firms. The monetary authority acts as a social planner maximizing the utility of a representative agent while at the same time taking care of the optimal price setting behavior of the firms via an implementation constraint. King/Wolman (1999) analyze the outcome of such a model with respect to the appropriate monetary policy of the central bank. They conclude that the central bank achieves a complete stabilization of the price level. Inflation is not only constant at the steady state but also through time. It is shown that this very special result does not hold under alternative preference specifications that allow for a richer set of substitution effects between consumption and labor.