Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MBS Ratings and the Mortgage Credit Boom

We study credit ratings on subprime and Alt-A mortgage-backed securities (MBS) deals issued between 2001 and 2007, the period leading up to the subprime crisis. The fraction of highly-rated securities in each deal is decreasing in mortgage credit risk (measured either ex-ante or ex-post), suggesting ratings contain useful information for investors. However, we also find evidence of significant time-variation in risk-adjusted credit ratings, including a progressive decline in standards around the MBS market peak between the start of 2005 and mid-2007. Conditional on initial ratings, we observe underperformance (high mortgage defaults and losses, and large rating downgrades) amongst deals with observably higher-risk mortgages based on a simple ex-ante model, and deals with a high fraction of opaque low-documentation loans. These findings hold over the entire sample period, not just for deal cohorts most affected by the crisis.
Dose–response and histopathological study, with special attention to the hypophysis, of the differential effects of domoic acid on rats and mice

The effects of the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA) in the central nervous system of rodents (essentially rats and mice) after intraperitoneal administration have been profusely studied in the past. These observations have shown that the toxin induces similar symptoms and pathology in both species, but the lethality varies greatly. This article addresses the common and specific histopathological effects in rats and mice and the difference in sensitivity of these species to DA. Various sublethal and lethal doses were employed in mice (from 3 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg) to observe their neurotoxicity by using different histological techniques, and these results were compared with the pathological effects after the administration of LD50 in rats (2.5 mg/kg). Additionally we also detected the presence of this toxin in various tissues by means of immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that rats are more vulnerable than mice to the neurotoxic effects of DA after intraperitoneal inoculation: lethality was extremely high in rats and the toxin produced hippocampal damage in rats surviving the intoxication, while lesions were not observed in DA‐inoculated mice. As for similarities between rats and mice, both displayed similar clinical signs and in both the toxin was detected in the hypophysis by immunohistochemistry, a brain region not reported to date as target of the toxin. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:396–403, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multivalued Evolutionary Algorithms

One feature of evolving populations is that genetic operators act on the genotypic level while selection acts on the phenotypic level. We call the transformation between genes and phenes a developmental process because of its dynamics. Generally, no inferences can be made from phenes to genes, i.e. the mapping from genes to phenes is not an isomorphic one as it is assumed in Genetic Algorithms and Evolution Strategies. Based on this observation we present a Multival-ued Evolutionary Algorithm (MEA).
Catalase, a remarkable enzyme: targeting the oldest antioxidant enzyme to find a new cancer treatment approach

Abstract This review is centered on the antioxidant enzyme catalase and will present different aspects of this particular protein. Among them: historical discovery, biological functions, types of catalases and recent data with regard to molecular mechanisms regulating its expression. The main goal is to understand the biological consequences of chronic exposure of cells to hydrogen peroxide leading to cellular adaptation. Such issues are of the utmost importance with potential therapeutic extrapolation for various pathologies. Catalase is a key enzyme in the metabolism of H2O2 and reactive nitrogen species, and its expression and localization is markedly altered in tumors. The molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of catalase, the oldest known and first discovered antioxidant enzyme, are not completely elucidated. As cancer cells are characterized by an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a rather altered expression of antioxidant enzymes, these characteristics represent an advantage in terms of cell proliferation. Meanwhile, they render cancer cells particularly sensitive to an oxidant insult. In this context, targeting the redox status of cancer cells by modulating catalase expression is emerging as a novel approach to potentiate chemotherapy.
Chardin: an off-chip transient current monitor with digital interface for production testing

We present a measurement module that computes the charge from the transient supply current and provides a digital value of this magnitude. The module is constructed to provide a feasible implementation of transient current testing in production-like environments. Experimental results demonstrate up to 1 GHz analog bandwidth, while the effective test speed is mainly determined by the A/D converter included in the module.
The Conotruncus: I. Its Normal Inversion and Conus Absorption

The processes which are involved in the development of the normal outflow tracts of the ventricles are the following: The ostium bulbar torsion accounts for the concordant flow between the ventricles and the proximal conuses. The leftward shift of the ostium bulbi accounts for the partial overriding of the aorta over the left ventricle. The truncal rotation accounts for the twisted relationships of the great vessels and for the definitive interrelationships of the semilunar valves. The aortic conus absorption accounts for the aorticomitral fibrous continuity. These processes are not necessarily linked to each other. In the normal, mature heart the conus is represented by the subpulmonary portion of the right ventricular outflow tract.
A Systems Approach for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Radiological and Nuclear Detection Architectures in Urban Areas

A key mission for the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) is to build state and local capabilities through radiological and nuclear (RN) detection, support equipment, and training systems. To support DNDO’s capabilities at local jurisdictional levels within the US interior, this study contributes to the state‐of‐the‐art by extending the systems engineering approach toward identifying challenges to the practical effectiveness of RN detection architectures protecting potential urban area RN target and source sites. The study outcomes point to the technological challenges that need to be addressed for a viable urban detection system. Characteristics of RN target and source sites are discussed, and a detection probability model for a system of detectors is presented. Different detection layouts are evaluated, and implementation impacts are estimated in terms of vehicular delays. The methodology is illustrated in a case study application for regions within the State of California.
Measurement invariance of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) by country, gender and age

Abstract Background: Although the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) is the most widely used instrument to measure life satisfaction with its validation having been carried out across ages and countries, few studies have analyzed SWLS measurement cross‐cultural invariance with adolescents. With respect to Spanish adolescents, measurement invariance across gender has not been found and the one‐factor structure has not been confirmed in Mexican adolescents through Structural Equation Modeling. Method: The main purpose of this study was to explore the measurement invariance of the SWLS in a sample of 701 adolescents (Mage = 14.93, SD = 1.83), 47.1% boys and 52.9% girls, from two different countries: Spain (74.2%) and Mexico (25.8%). A multigroup confirmatory factorial analysis is performed to test the invariance of the unifactorial structure. of SWLS with respect to the variables country, gender and age. Results: Results support a single‐factor structure as well as the internal consistency of the SWLS. Similarly, the tests of measurement invariance support its strict invariance regarding country and gender, and strong invariance regarding age. Conclusions: These results suggest that the SWLS is a useful singlefactor measure of life satisfaction in Spanish and Mexican adolescents. Resumen Invarianza de la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (SWLS) en función del país, del sexo y la edad. Antecedentes: aunque la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (SWLS) es el instrumento más utilizado para medir la satisfacción con la vida y su validación se ha llevado a cabo en diferentes edades y países, pocos estudios han analizado la invarianza intercultural del SWLS en la adolescencia; con respecto a los adolescentes españoles, no se ha confirmado la invarianza en función del sexo y la estructura unifactorial no ha sido confirmada en adolescentes mexicanos a través de modelos de ecuaciones estructurales. Método: el objetivo principal de este estudio fue explorar la invarianza del SWLS en una muestra de 701 adolescentes (M = 14,93, DT = 1,83), 47,1% varones y 52,9% mujeres de dos países: España (74,2%) y México (25,8%). Se realiza un análisis factorial confirmatorio multigrupo para probar la invarianza de la estructura unifactorial. de SWLS. Resultados: los resultados apoyan la estructura de un solo factor, así como la consistencia interna del SWLS. Del mismo modo, los resultados apoyan la invarianza estricta respecto al país y el sexo, y la invarianza fuerte respecto a la edad. Conclusiones: estos resultados sugieren que el SWLS es una escala unifactorial útil para la medida de la satisfacción con la vida en adolescentes españoles y mexicanos. Palabras clave: satisfacción con la vida, invarianza, análisis factorial confirmatorio, estudios transculturales.
Chondritis associated with fatal intramural bronchial fibrosis.

In a case of progressive and ultimately fatal stenosis of the main bronchi due to intramural bronchial fibrosis associated with degeneration of the bronchial cartilage plates there were pathological similarities to relapsing polychondritis, but unlike previously re- ported cases the disease was confined to the major bronchi.
Differences in cardiovascular sensitivity to propofol in a chromosome substitution rat model.

AIM Based on previous observations of strain-related alterations in sensitivity to anesthetics, this study used a newly established genetic rat model to identify differences in cardiovascular sensitivity to the commonly used, clinically relevant, anesthetic propofol and to correlate such differences with specific chromosomal substitutions. METHODS Cardiovascular sensitivity to propofol was compared in groups of normotensive Dahl Salt Sensitive (SS) and Brown Norway (BN) inbred rats, as well as in a unique panel of consomic rats based on these SS and BN parentals. The consomics were produced by introgression of individual BN chromosomes into an otherwise unchanged SS genetic background. Cardiovascular sensitivity was assessed by measuring the infusion rate of propofol required to reduce mean arterial blood pressure by 50% and cause cardiovascular collapse in each parental and consomic strain. RESULTS Significantly lower propofol infusion rates caused both a 50% reduction in mean arterial pressure and ultimate cardiovascular collapse in SS compared to BN. Substitution of BN chromosome 13, but not of any other BN chromosome, reversed the enhanced propofol sensitivity in SS rats to the level of BN rats. CONCLUSIONS Differential propofol sensitivity exhibited by SS and BN rat strains is associated with chromosome 13. This is consistent with earlier findings and represents the first complete screening of all rat autosomes for their relationship to anesthetic sensitivity. Initial localization of this sensitivity reversal to chromosome 13 provides a basis upon which additional, more selective genetic screening studies can be applied. Such studies may serve to identify specific regions of the genome responsible for different physiological responses to various anesthetic agents.
Natural Language Programming: Styles, Strategies, and Contrasts

Our objective in this study was to obtain detailed empirical information about the nature of natural language “programming” to bring to bear on the issueosf increasing the usability of computer language interfaces. Although we expected numerous difficulties to be detected concerning the potentioalf actually implementing a system to interpret natural language programs, we were not prepared for the magnitude of what we see as being the three major obstacles: style, semantics, and world knowledge. Concerning the first, there is little way in which the vast differences in styles could be increased: programming-language style is simply alien to natural specification. With respect to semantics, we also were unprepared to find out the extent to which the selection of the appropriate “meaning” (to a word, phrase, or sentence) is dependent upon the immediate and prior context. And as for world nowledge, we suspect that the extent to which shared experiences and knowledge are critical to procedural communication and understanding among people has barely been hintaetd by our present data.
Preattentive auditory information processing under exposure to the 902 MHz GSM mobile phone electromagnetic field: A mismatch negativity (MMN) study

Previous studies on the effects of the mobile phone electromagnetic field (EMF) on various event‐related potential (ERP) components have yielded inconsistent and even contradictory results, and often failed in replication. The mismatch negativity (MMN) is an auditory ERP component elicited by infrequent (deviant) stimuli differing in some physical features from the repetitive frequent (standard) stimuli in a sound sequence. The MMN provides a sensitive measure for cortical auditory stimulus feature discrimination, regardless of attention and other contaminating factors. In this study, MMN responses to duration, intensity, frequency, and gap changes were recorded in healthy young adults (n = 17), using a multifeature paradigm including several types of auditory change in the same stimulus sequence, while a GSM mobile phone was placed on either ear with the EMF (902 MHz pulsed at 217 Hz; SAR1g = 1.14 W/kg, SAR10g = 0.82 W/kg, peak value = 1.21 W/kg, measured with an SAM phantom) on or off. An MMN was elicited by all deviant types, while its amplitude and latency showed no significant differences due to EMF exposure for any deviant types. In the present study, we found no conclusive evidence that acute exposure to GSM mobile phone EMF affects cortical auditory change detection processing reflected by the MMN. Bioelectromagnetics 30:241–248, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adaptive Radiation: Contrasting Theory with Data

Biologists have long been fascinated by the exceptionally high diversity displayed by some evolutionary groups. Adaptive radiation in such clades is not only spectacular, but is also an extremely complex process influenced by a variety of ecological, genetic, and developmental factors and strongly dependent on historical contingencies. Using modeling approaches, we identify 10 general patterns concerning the temporal, spatial, and genetic/morphological properties of adaptive radiation. Some of these are strongly supported by empirical work, whereas for others, empirical support is more tentative. In almost all cases, more data are needed. Future progress in our understanding of adaptive radiation will be most successful if theoretical and empirical approaches are integrated, as has happened in other areas of evolutionary biology.
Prognostic significance and frequency of EGFR expression and amplification in surgically resected advanced gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to find the frequency and the role of epidermal growth factor receptor expression as a prognostic biomarker in gastric cancer. METHODS We evaluated the prognostic value and frequency of epidermal growth factor receptor expression and amplification using immunohistochemistry and silver in situ hybridization in a large cohort of curatively resected gastric cancer. RESULTS Of the total of 935 cases, 294 (31.4%), 101 (10.8%) and 36 (3.9%) patients showed epidermal growth factor receptor 1+, 2+ and 3+ expression on immunohistochemistry, respectively. Epidermal growth factor receptor-positive (2+/3+) patients more frequently had intestinal type than epidermal growth factor receptor-negative (0/1+) patients (82.5 vs. 44.1%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for sex, age, stage and adjuvant chemotherapy, epidermal growth factor receptor-positive patients had a favorable overall survival outcome compared with epidermal growth factor receptor-negative patients (hazard ratio, 0.734; 95% confidence interval, 0.541-0.997; P = 0.047), especially in Stage III disease (hazard ratio, 0.676; 95% confidence interval, 0.472-0.968; P = 0.033). Among the 393 cases available for in situ hybridization, the correlation between immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization was statistically significant (P = 0.001). Thirteen patients with gene amplification (3.3%) did not show different survival outcome with others (P = 0.359). CONCLUSION Epidermal growth factor receptor positivity was an independent favorable prognostic factor for gastric cancer, especially in Stage III disease.
Maternal experience of Lego Therapy in families with children with autism spectrum conditions: What is the impact on family relationships?

This study aimed to explore mothers’ experience of implementing Lego Therapy at home within the family. Following a Lego Therapy training session, mothers carried out hourly sessions with their child with an autism spectrum condition and the child’s sibling, once a week, for 6 weeks. Mothers were interviewed following the intervention, and the data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Themes emerged around improved family relationships, a positive impact on the child as an individual, and changed maternal, sibling and child perspectives. Challenging and facilitative aspects also emerged, as did some ambivalence about the impact of the intervention in the wider context. The findings are supportive of previous Lego Therapy studies and have implications for strengths-based service provision.
A review of the current situation of aflatoxin M1 in cow’s milk in Serbia: risk assessment and regulatory aspects

ABSTRACT The aim of this systematic review is to provide information regarding the incidence and levels of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw and heat processed cow’s milk in Serbia during 2015–16 and to compare these with collected data on the occurrence of AFM1 in raw milk and dairy products during the last decade in our region. Estimation of dietary exposure (EDI) and hazard index (HI) calculations for different age groups of the population were also carried out, based on the AFM1 content of milk samples and on available food consumption data in Serbia. AFM1 was detected in 69.9% (984/1408) of raw milk samples in 2015 versus 84.9% (3094/3646) in 2016, while in heat-processed milk, AFM1 was detected in 77.8% (364/468) in 2015 versus 98.5% (753/765) in 2016. On the basis of the obtained results, 450 (9%) of raw and 14 (1.1%) of heat-processed milk samples were contaminated with AFM1 levels above the maximum permitted level in Serbia (0.25 μg kg−1). However, a large percentage of raw and heat processed milk in Serbia (30.1% and 17.3%, respectively) was contaminated with AFM1 levels above the maximum permitted level regulated in the European Union (0.05 μg kg−1). Therefore, in order to protect consumer health, it is extremely important to further control the level of aflatoxins in milk, and this should be considered as a high priority for risk management actions.
Unique Colorability and Clique Minors

For a graph G, let h(G) denote the largest k such that G has k pairwise disjoint pairwise adjacent connected nonempty subgraphs, and let s(G) denote the largest k such that G has k pairwise disjoint pairwise adjacent connected subgraphs of size 1 or 2. Hadwiger's conjecture states that h(G)≥χ(G) , where χ(G) is the chromatic number of G. Seymour conjectured s(G)≥|V(G)|/2 for all graphs without antitriangles, that is, three pairwise nonadjacent vertices. Here we concentrate on graphs G with exactly one χ(G) ‐coloring. We prove generalizations of the following statements: (i) if χ(G)≤6 and G has exactly one χ(G) ‐coloring then h(G)≥χ(G) , where the proof does not use the four‐color‐theorem, and (ii) if G has no antitriangles and G has exactly one χ(G) ‐coloring then s(G)≥|V(G)|/2 .
An Ectopic Stromal Implant Model for Hematopoietic Reconstitution and in Vivo Evaluation of Bone Marrow Niches

In adults, hematopoiesis takes places in the bone marrow, where specialized niches containing mesenchymal nonhematopoietic cells (stroma) harbor the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC). These niches are responsible and essential for the maintenance of HSCs. Attempts to expand HSCs fail to keep the general properties of stem cells, which depend on several niche components difficult to reproduce in in vitro culture systems. Here, we describe a methodology for in vivo study of hematopoietic stroma. We use stroma-loaded macroporous microcarriers implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of experimental animals and show that the ectopic stroma implant (ESI) is able to support hematopoiesis. Moreover, lethally irradiated mice can be rescued by ESI preloaded with HSCs, showing that they function as an ectopic bone marrow. ESI is also shown as a good system to study the role of different niche components. As an example, we used stromas lacking connexin 43 (Cx43) and confirm the importance of this molecule in the maintenance of the HSC niche in vivo. We believe ESI can work as an ectopic bone marrow allowing in vivo testing of different niches components and opening new avenues for the treatment of a variety of hematologic conditions particularly when stromal cell defects are the main cause of disease.
Visual information retrieval from large distributed online repositories

Digital images and video are becoming an integral part of human communications. The ease of capturing and creating digital images has caused most on-line information sources look more “visual”. We use more and more visual content in expressing ideas, reporting, education, and entertainment. With the tremendous amount of visual information becoming on-line, how does one find visual information from distributed repositories efficiently, at least to the same extent as that of existing information retrieval systems. With the growing number of on-line users, how does one design a system with performance scalable to a large extent?