Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Monetary Policy and Fiscal Interactions in a Non-Ricardian Economy

This paper studies optimal discretionary monetary policy and its interaction with fiscal policy in a New Keynesian model with finitely lived consumers and government debt. Optimal discretionary monetary policy involves debt stabilization to reduce consumption dispersion across cohorts of consumers. The welfare relevance of debt stabilization is proportional to the debt-to-output ratio and inversely related to the household’s probability of survival that affects the household’s propensity to consume out of financial wealth. Debt-stabilization bias implies that discretionary optimal policy is suboptimal compared with the inflation-targeting rule that fully stabilizes the output gap and the inflation rate while leaving debt to freely fluctuate in response to demand shocks.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of itraconazole after oral and intravenous administration to horses.

OBJECTIVE To determine the pharmacokinetics of itraconazole after IV or oral administration of a solution or capsules to horses and to examine disposition of itraconazole in the interstitial fluid (ISF), aqueous humor, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes after oral administration of the solution. ANIMALS 6 healthy horses. PROCEDURE Horses were administered itraconazole solution (5 mg/kg) by nasogastric tube, and samples of plasma, ISF, aqueous humor, and leukocytes were obtained. Horses were then administered itraconazole capsules (5 mg/kg), and plasma was obtained. Three horses were administered itraconazole (1.5 mg/kg, IV), and plasma samples were obtained. All samples were analyzed by use of high-performance liquid chromatography. Plasma protein binding was determined. Data were analyzed by compartmental and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic methods. RESULTS Itraconazole reached higher mean +/- SD plasma concentrations after administration of the solution (0.41 +/- 0.13 microg/mL) versus the capsules (0.15 +/- 0.12 microg/mL). Bioavailability after administration of capsules relative to solution was 33.83 +/- 33.08%. Similar to other species, itraconazole has a high volume of distribution (6.3 +/- 0.94 L/kg) and a long half-life (11.3 +/- 2.84 hours). Itraconazole was not detected in the ISF, aqueous humor, or leukocytes. Plasma protein binding was 98.81 +/- 0.17%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Itraconazole administered orally as a solution had higher, more consistent absorption than orally administered capsules and attained plasma concentrations that are inhibitory against fungi that infect horses. Administration of itraconazole solution (5 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h) is suggested for use in clinical trials to test the efficacy of itraconazole in horses.
[Childhood drowning in the Netherlands].

OBJECTIVE To investigate susceptible groups and risk factors for childhood drowning in the Netherlands with the aim of improving prevention campaigns. DESIGN Prospective and partly retrospective. METHOD Information about drowning accidents in 2010 and 2011 was collected using two methods. Firstly, drowning - with or without a fatal outcome - was added to the list of conditions to be reported to the Netherlands Paediatric Surveillance Unit (NSCK). Paediatricians received a comprehensive questionnaire when they had reported on drowning. Additional information on drowning was collected from online media (news websites and online journals). RESULTS A total of 82 reports of drowning were analysed (63 from the paediatricians' survey and 19 additional reports from online media). Twenty-three children died as a result of drowning in the Netherlands in 2010 and 2011. Fifty-four percent of all cases of drowning were in children younger than 4 years. Boys were victims in 71% of the cases. Half (51%) of the accidents happened because the parents or caregivers lost sight of the children. In 27% of cases the accident took place in or around the home. Twenty-one children (26%) were victims of drowning in a public swimming pool and 5 of these children died. CONCLUSION Better and continuous supervision of young children could help prevent more cases of drowning. Open water in proximity to the home should be fenced off. Continuous good supervision is also essential in public swimming pools.
GONE WITH THE EURO: A REAPPRAISAL OF THE PESETA’S ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM (1870-1998)*

Abstract The peseta was the Spanish currency for more than a century and, during this time, it played a remarkable role in adjusting the balance of payments. This paper presents a chronology of the moments when the adjustment was crucial, which, consistent with the macro-trilemma, coincided with periods of external openness. Moreover, this paper provides empirical support to the thesis that links the exceptionality of a floating peseta during the gold standard with fiscal profligacy. Resumen La peseta, durante el tiempo en que fue la moneda española, desempeñó un destacado papel en el ajuste de los desequilibrios externos. Este artículo establece una cronología de aquellos momentos en los que el ajuste fue más intenso y que, de acuerdo con el trilema, coinciden con momentos de apertura. Además, este artículo refuerza empíricamente la tesis que vincula la excepcionalidad de la flotación de la peseta durante el patrón oro con el problema de control fiscal.
Assessing Corporate Sustainability with the Enterprise Sustainability Evaluation Tool (E-SET)

Implementing a sustainable business strategy entails assessment of corporate sustainability. In this communication, the Enterprise Sustainability Evaluation Tool (E-SET) is presented and its importance is illustrated. E-SET was developed using the indicators from six global sustainability reporting frameworks and the programming language R. The platform, which can be used for self-assessment and comparison purposes, will provide a comprehensible sustainability score and its graphical representation. Although different sector-specific indicators are proposed in existing literature, E-SET, which is intended to promote sustainability in business practices, incorporates indicators relevant to the three pillars of sustainability. The free and easy tool is expected to help managers of all industries assess their companies, and, based on the results, they would be able to judge their sustainability standing and take remedial steps founded upon the low-scoring sustainability elements. Wider adoption of E-SET will help firms to contribute significantly to national sustainability goals.
Study of the Influence of Transverse Velocity on the Design of Cold Cathode-Based Electron Guns for Terahertz Devices

This paper presents the design of an electron gun for terahertz vacuum tubes realized with a nanowire or nanotube cold cathode. This technology is particularly interesting in this field since it allows the reduction of gun dimensions and of power consumption with respect to the thermionic guns. We found that focusing is a rather critical aspect since cold cathodes show a relevant transverse velocity, which increases the divergence of the beam and typically induces high current losses on the anode. An analysis of the parameters that influence the transverse velocity has been performed together with the identification of a proper design procedure that reduces the transverse velocity effects. Different electron guns have been designed that deliver a circular beam in the range of 1-4 mA with a radius in the range of 30 μm.
Self-efficacy mechanism at work: The context of environmental volunteer travel

Abstract As public funding to support nature conservation continues to decline, building a commitment to ecological restoration through volunteer travel is key to addressing a range of environmental concerns. This study contributes the first utilization of Bandura’s self-efficacy (SE) mechanism in the context of environmental volunteer travel demonstrating how environmental stewardship, hedonic experience, and environmental SE relate to one another in this particular setting. The study results suggest that while environmental volunteer travelers appear to be driven by one’s beliefs that participation in ecological restoration is a worthwhile activity; motivations to participate in ecological restoration projects can be strengthened or weakened depending on the promise of hedonic experiences. These results shed light on the likely shift in what motivates young adults to engage in travel and volunteering in ecological restoration projects around the world. This is important because a better understanding of what can persuade young adults to travel and engage in ecological restoration enables for the tailoring of environmental volunteering programs to meet individuals’ expectations.
SL651498: an anxioselective compound with functional selectivity for alpha2- and alpha3-containing gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) (GABA(A)) receptors.

SL651498 [6-fluoro-9-methyl-2-phenyl-4-(pyrrolidin-1-yl-carbonyl)-2,9-dihydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-1-one] is a novel pyridoindole derivative that displays high affinity for rat native GABA(A) receptors containing alpha(1) (K(i) = 6.8 nM) and alpha2 (K(i) = 12.3 nM) subunits, and weaker affinity for alpha5-containing GABA(A) receptors (K(i) = 117 nM). Studies on recombinant rat GABA(A) receptors confirm these data (K(i), alpha1beta2gamma2 = 17, alpha2beta2gamma2 = 73, alpha5beta3gamma2 = 215 nM) and indicate intermediate affinity for the alpha3beta2gamma2 subtype (K(i) = 80 nM). SL651498 behaves as a full agonist at recombinant rat GABA(A) receptors containing alpha2 and alpha3 subunits and as a partial agonist at recombinant GABA(A) receptors expressing alpha1 and alpha5 subunits. SL651498 elicited anxiolytic-like activity similar to that of diazepam [minimal effective dose (MED): 1-10 mg/kg, i.p.] in three conflict models, in the elevated plus-maze, the light/dark test, and the defense test battery in rats and mice. Results from activity tests and electroencephalogram analysis indicated that SL651498 induced muscle weakness, ataxia, or sedation at doses much higher than those producing anxiolytic-like activity (MED > or = 30 mg/kg, i.p.). Repeated treatment for 10 days with SL651498 (30 mg/kg, i.p., b.i.d.) in mice was not associated with the development of tolerance to its anticonvulsant effects or physical dependence. Furthermore, SL651498 was much less active than diazepam in potentiating the depressant effects of ethanol in mice. The "anxioselective" profile of SL651498 points to a major role for GABA(A) alpha2 subtype in regulating anxiety and suggests that selectively targeting GABA(A) receptor subtypes can lead to drugs with increased clinical specificity.
Rosuvastatin is cost-effective in treating patients to low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol goals compared with atorvastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin: analysis of the STELLAR trial.

BACKGROUND Rosuvastatin calcium (CRESTOR) has demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, healthcare providers and authorities require information on its cost-effectiveness in the treatment of dyslipidaemia. DESIGN A retrospective pharmacoeconomic analysis was performed using data from the Statin Therapies for Elevated Lipid Levels compared Across doses to Rosuvastatin (STELLAR) trial. The cost-effectiveness of rosuvastatin 10-40 mg was compared with atorvastatin 10-80 mg, pravastatin 10-40 mg and both branded and generic simvastatin 10-80 mg in achieving Third Joint European Task Force LDL-C goals in patients with hypercholesterolaemia. METHODS The analysis was conducted from the perspective of the UK National Health Service, using clinical data from the STELLAR trial and drug acquisition costs. Cost-effectiveness was compared using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), with sensitivity analyses applied to both efficacy and cost parameters. RESULTS In terms of patients achieving goal, rosuvastatin 10 mg dominated (was more effective at equal or lower cost) atorvastatin 10 and 20 mg, pravastatin 20 and 40 mg, branded simvastatin 10-80 mg and generic simvastatin 40 and 80 mg. Where rosuvastatin 10 mg did not dominate, ICERs ranged from 36 pounds sterling to 162 pounds sterling per extra patient to goal. Rosuvastatin 20 and 40 mg were cost-effective compared with milligram-equivalent and higher doses of other branded statins. Sensitivity analyses showed that the results were robust to variations in both statin efficacy and price. CONCLUSION In patients with hypercholesterolaemia, rosuvastatin is a cost-effective statin option in treating to LDL-C goals.
Pharmacological MRI of the choroid and retina: Blood flow and BOLD responses during nitroprusside infusion

Nitroprusside, a vasodilatory nitric oxide donor, is clinically used during vascular surgery and to lower blood pressure in acute hypertension. This article reports a novel application of blood flow (BF) and blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) MRI on an 11.7T scanner to image the rat chorioretinal BF and BOLD changes associated with graded nitroprusside infusion. At low doses (1 or 2 μg/kg/min), nitroprusside increased BF as expected but decreased BOLD signals, showing an intriguing BF–BOLD uncoupling. At high doses (3−5 μg/kg/min), nitroprusside decreased BF and markedly decreased BOLD signals. To our knowledge, this is the first pharmacological MRI application of the retina. This approach has potential to open up new avenues to study the drug‐related hemodynamic functions and to evaluate the effects of novel therapeutic interventions on BOLD and BF in the normal and diseased retinas. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Searching to bridge the gaps: a new typology of university-industry interaction

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a new typology to leverage the different knowledge gaps existing between universities and industries. This new typology classifies interactions into training-oriented, diffusion-oriented, service-oriented, development-oriented, and research-oriented. Design/methodology/approach The Brazilian 2010 Census data available from the CNPq Research Group Directory were used to test the typology. Findings It was found that, among the five types of interactions proposed, the most frequent were the development-oriented (39 per cent), diffusion-oriented (23 per cent), and research-oriented (16 per cent) ones. These findings indicate that it is likely that university-industry (U-I) interactions have improved in terms of quality in an attempt to attain a joint higher technological development. Originality/value The paper provides the U-I interaction debate with a new perspective about the kinds of interactions that could effectively bridge the knowledge gaps between universities and industries, especially in a developing country context.
Effects of flecainide and quinidine on arrhythmogenic properties of Scn5a+/Δ murine hearts modelling long QT syndrome 3

Long QT(3) (LQT3) syndrome is associated with incomplete Na+ channel inactivation, abnormal repolarization kinetics and prolonged cardiac action potential duration (APD). Electrophysiological effects of flecainide and quinidine were compared in Langendorff‐perfused wild‐type (WT), and genetically modified (Scn5a+/Δ) murine hearts modelling LQT3. Extra stimuli (S2) following trains of pacing stimuli (S1) applied to the right ventricular epicardium triggered ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 16 out of 28 untreated Scn5a+/Δ and zero out of 12 WT hearts. Paced electrogram fractionation analysis then demonstrated increased electrogram durations (EGD), expressed as EGD ratios, in arrhythmogenic Scn5a+/Δ hearts, and prolonged ventricular effective refractory periods in initially non‐arrhythmogenic Scn5a+/Δ hearts. Nevertheless, comparisons of epicardial and endocardial monophasic action potential recordings demonstrated negative transmural repolarization gradients in both groups, giving ΔAPD90 values at 90% repolarization of −20.88 ± 1.93 ms (n= 11) and −16.91 ± 1.43 ms (n= 23), respectively. Flecainide prevented initiation of VT in 13 out of 16 arrhythmogenic Scn5a+/Δ hearts, reducing EGD ratio and restoring ΔAPD90 to + 7.55 ± 2.24 ms (n= 9) (P < 0.05). VT occurred in four out of eight non‐arrhythmogenic Scn5a+/Δ hearts in the presence of quinidine, which increased EGD ratio but left ΔAPD90 unchanged. In contrast (P < 0.05), WT hearts had positive ΔAPD90 values (+ 11.72 ± 2.17 ms) (n= 20). Flecainide then increased arrhythmic tendency and EGD ratio but conserved ΔAPD90; reduced EGD ratios and unaltered ΔAPD90 values accompanied the lower arrhythmogenicity associated with quinidine treatment. In addition to the changes in EGD ratio shown by WT hearts, these findings attribute arrhythmogenesis and its modification by flecainide and quinidine to alterations in ΔAPD90 in Scn5a+/Δ hearts. This is consistent with a hypothesis in which incomplete Na+ channel inactivation in Scn5a+/Δ hearts generates functional substrates dependent on altered refractoriness that cause abnormalities in activation and conduction of subsequent cardiac impulses. Any spatial heterogeneities between the epicardial and endocardial layers would thus cause fragmentation of the activation wavefront and contribute to electrogram spreading.
Marke forces, competitive strategies and small business performance: Evidence from Mexico`s low-income market

En el sureste de México, los pequeños negocios son dirigidos por emprendedores de bajos ingresos, quienes operan estos negocios en un mercado local para obtener un ingreso diario. Este estudio analiza el efecto de las fuerzas del mercado sobre las estrategias competitivas genéricas y el desempeño de los pequeños negocios. Se analiza (1) qué estrategia tiene el mayor efecto en el desempeño de los pequeños negocios, (2) cual es la fuerza de mercado más representativa, y (3) cómo estas fuerzas de mercado influyen en la relación entre el desempeño y la estrategia competitiva. Los resultados sugieren que la estrategia de diferenciación es la que tiene el mayor efecto sobre el desempeño, que la de liderazgo en costos; pero que una combinación de ambas estrategias competitivas tiene mejores resultados en el desempeño para este tipo de contextos.
What is the Optimum Fusion Technique for Adult Isthmic Spondylolisthesis—PLIF or PLF? A Long-Term Prospective Cohort Comparison Study

Study Design: Long-term prospective observational cohort study. Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the long-term functional outcomes of posterolateral fusion (PLF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for the treatment of adult isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS). Summary of Background Data: PLIF has the theoretical advantage of improving sagittal alignment and providing a larger, more consistent fusion mass in patients with IS compared with PLF. Studies to date though have not shown a clinical difference, with follow-up of 2 years. Methods: An prospective cohort study was performed of a single surgeon’s patients with IS treated surgically over a 10-year period. Average follow-up was 7 years and 10 months. Preoperative patient characteristics between the 2 groups were not significantly different. The return rate of the long-term questionnaires was 83%. Outcome measures were the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Low Back Outcome Score (LBOS), Short Form (SF)-12v2, and SF-6D R2. Results: PLIF provided better short-term and long-term results than PLF. The PLIF group had significantly better LBOS scores in the long term, and nonsignificantly better RMDQ scores. As measured by the RMDQ Minimal Clinically Important Difference set at 4 and 8, the LBOS Minimal Clinically Important Difference set at 7.5 points and by SF-12v2 Physical Component Score, PLIF patients performed better than PLF patients. When analyzing single-level fusions alone, the difference is more pronounced, with Physical Component Score, Mental Component Scores, and SF-6D R2 all being significantly better in the PLIF group rather than the PLF group. Conclusions: This study strongly supports the use of PLIF to obtain equivalent or superior clinical outcomes compared with PLF for spinal fusion for lumbar IS. Although there are considerable issues when commenting on the results of observational studies, the results of this study are the first to report long-term follow-up beyond 2 years, and further larger long-term randomized studies are suggested.
Disseminated histoplasmosis in AIDS: findings on chest radiographs.

OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine the findings of disseminated histoplasmosis on chest radiographs of patients with AIDS. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chest radiographs of 50 AIDS patients with documented extrapulmonary histoplasmosis were analyzed retrospectively. The radiographs were evaluated for the presence of parenchymal opacities, pleural effusions, adenopathy, cavitation, and calcified granulomas and lymph nodes. A modification of the International Labour Office scheme was used to classify parenchymal abnormalities as nodular, linear or irregular, reticulonodular, or air-space opacities. RESULTS Abnormalities were present on radiographs in 23 patients. Nodular opacities were present in 10 patients and were diffusely distributed in nine patients. Linear or irregular opacities were present in seven patients, with diffuse distribution in four and limited involvement in three. Air-space opacities were present in seven patients; the distribution varied from segmental to diffuse involvement of the lung. Small pleural effusions were present in five patients. Adenopathy and Kerley's B lines were each present in three patients. In 27 patients, the chest radiographs were normal. Four of these patients had clinical or microbiological evidence of lung involvement. CONCLUSION The chest radiographic findings of disseminated histoplasmosis in AIDS patients are varied and nonspecific. The presence of diffuse nodular or linear/irregular opacities in an AIDS patient, especially one who resides in or has resided in an endemic area, should suggest the possibility of disseminated histoplasmosis. Normal findings on chest radiographs do not exclude disseminated infection or lung involvement.
Neuroprotective properties of 17β‐estradiol, progesterone, and raloxifene in MPTP C57Bl/6 mice

Previous work from our laboratory showed prevention of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced dopamine depletion in striatum of C57Bl/6 mice by 17β‐estradiol, progesterone, and raloxifene, whereas 17α‐estradiol had no effect. The present study investigated the mechanism by which these compounds exert their neuroprotective activity. The hormonal effect on the dopamine transporter (DAT) was examined to probe the integrity of dopamine neurons and glutamate receptors in order to find a possible excitotoxic mechanism. Drugs were injected daily for 5 days before MPTP (four injections, 15 mg/kg ip at 2‐h intervals) and drug treatment continued for 5 more days. MPTP induced a decrease of striatal DAT‐specific binding (50% of control) and DAT mRNA in the substantia nigra (20% of control), suggesting that loss of neuronal nerve terminals was more extensive than cell bodies. This MPTP‐induced decrease of striatal [125I]RTI‐121 specific binding was prevented by 17β‐estradiol (2 μg/day), progesterone (2 μg/day), or raloxifene (5 mg/kg/day) but not by 17α‐estradiol (2 μg/day) or raloxifene (1 mg/kg/day). No treatment completely reversed the decreased levels of DAT mRNA in the substantia nigra. Striatal [125I]RTI‐121 specific binding was positively correlated with dopamine concentrations in intact, saline, or hormone‐treated MPTP mice. Striatal NMDA‐sensitive [3H]glutamate or [3H]AMPA specific binding remained unchanged in intact, saline, or hormone‐treated MPTP mice, suggesting the unlikely implication of changes of glutamate receptors in an excitotoxic mechanism. These results show a stereospecific neuroprotection by 17β‐estradiol of MPTP neurotoxicity, which is also observed with progesterone or raloxifene treatment. The present paradigm modeled early DA nerve cell damage and was responsive to hormones. Synapse 41:131–138, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.