Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BMI growth rates and the nutrition transition: The role of income, inequality and income growth in Russia

This study analyzes the extent to which nutritional status in terms of weight change has been affected by the income distribution as the economy has grown. Is BMI growth different at different tails of the income distribution? Health and nutritional outcomes are not normally expected to be uniform across the income distribution and over time. Using recent individual level data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS) from 1994 to 2012, we scrutinize the influence of transitional processes, particularly economic transitions on nutritional and health outcomes. We test the hypothesis that the income gradient of individual body weight growth (i.e. the relationship between income and BMI growth) follows an inverted U-shape and thus changes its sign from positive to negative in the process of economic development. For the case of Russia, we could not find clear evidence that the income-BMI-growth gradient has already shifted. Turning points have not yet been reached. Expenditure increases have significant positive effects on BMI levels and on BMI growth rates. Better educated women have lower BMI levels than women with less than secondary education whereas men who completed tertiary education have higher BMI levels than men with less than secondary education.
North Pacific Intermediate Water Transports in the Mixed Water Region

Abstract Initial mixing between the subtropical and subpolar waters of Kuroshio and Oyashio origin occurs in the mixed water region (interfrontal zone) between the Kuroshio and Oyashio. The relatively fresh water that enters the Kuroshio Extension from the Mixed Water Region is this already mixed subtropical transition water. Subtropical transition water in the density range 26.64–27.4 σθ can be considered to be the newest North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) in the subtropical gyre; this density range is approximately that which is ventilated in the subpolar gyre with significant influence from the Okhotsk Sea. Freshening of the Kuroshio Extension core occurs between 140° and 165°E in the upper part of the NPIW (26.64–27.0 σθ), with the greatest freshening associated with the eastern side of the first and second Kuroshio meanders. Kuroshio Extension freshening in the lower part of the NPIW (27.0–27.4 σθ) occurs more gradually and farther to the east. There is nearly no distinction in water properties .
ELEVATED CIRCULATING LEVELS OF TNFα AND ITS p55 SOLUBLE RECEPTOR ARE ASSOCIATED WITH AN ADVERSE PROGNOSIS IN LYMPHOMA PATIENTS

In 88 newly diagnosed lymphoma patients, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and soluble TNF type I receptor (p55‐R‐TNF) were prospectively determined in plasma by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) and ELISA methods respectively. These 88 patients included 19 with centrocyto‐centroblastic lymphoma, 13 patients with other low‐grade lymphoma, and 56 with high‐grade lymphoma. Median TNFα plasma values were 20 pg/ml (range 5–380 pg/ml) in patients versus 7 pg/ml (range 4–9 pg/ml) in 20 healthy control subjects. Presence of TNFα level ≥20 pg/ml was significantly associated with elevated LDH level (P < 0.0001), serum β2‐microglobulin level ≥ 3 mg/l (P < 0.0001), haemoglobin ≤ 12 g/dl (P = 0.0001), Ann Arbor stage III or IV disease (P< 0.005), and with bulky tumour (P = 0.01). High level of TNFα was also associated with B symptoms (P < 0.005), poor performance status (P < 0.05), and serum albumin ≤ 35 g/l (P < 0.05). Levels of p55‐R‐TNF were also markedly elevated in these lymphoma patients (median of 3.5 ng/ml, range 0.8–18.8 ng/ml) versus 1.45 ng/ml in control subjects (range 1.1–2.3 ng/ml). Level of p55‐R‐TNF ≥ 3.5 ng/ml was significantly associated with poor performance status (P < 0.0001), B symptoms (P < 0.0001), β2‐microglobulin levels ≥ 3 mg/l (P < 0.0001), serum albumin ≤ 35 g/l (P = 0.0001), C‐reactive protein > 6 mg/l (P = 0.0003), elevated (> 20 pg/ml) IL‐6 level (P < 0.005), haemoglobin ≤ 12 g/dl (P < 0.005), and bulky tumour (P < 0.001). In the whole group of 88 patients, both high TNFα and p55‐R‐TNF levels strongly predicted short progression‐free survival (P < 0.005 for both variables) and overall survival (P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001 respectively). In multivariate analyses the elevation of p55‐R‐TNF retained a higher significance over the other variables and therefore improved the predictive value of the International Prognostic Index. This study suggests that elevated TNFα and p55‐R‐TNF levels have a high correlation with other adverse prognostic factors in lymphoma patients and may predict a poor outcome.
Do Earnings Reported Under IFRS Improve the Prediction of Future Cash Flows? Evidence from European Banks

This paper examines the relative costs and benefits of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption in the European Union by testing the ability of earnings computed under IFRS to predict future cash flows. The study considers the contribution of net income, comprehensive income and other comprehensive income to the usefulness of earnings to predict cash flows, and it compares IFRS with domestic Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Evidence from a sample of Continental - European banks shows that IFRS improve the ability of net income to predict future cash flows. Comprehensive income, too, provides relevant information to predict future cash flows, al though with a measurement error, which is higher than that in net income for greater lags of time. In our interpretation, these findings are consistent with unrealized gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income being more transitory and volatile in nature. Overall, our results are relevant to academics and standard- setters debating the merits of IFRS adoption and to those who use financial statements and adopt reported earnings to form expectations about future cash flows.
Interest groups at transnational negotiation conferences: goals, strategies, interactions, and influence

Interest groups partake in transnational negotiation conferences en masse. This is surprising given that the chances for influencing policymaking at these venues appear to be slim while the costs of participation are high. This amounts to an interesting question: why do so many interest groups attend transnational conferences? This article aims to answer this question by offering the first systematic study of the activities of interest groups at transnational conferences. It analyzes the goals, strategies, interactions, and influence of various types of interest groups at two transnational conferences; namely, the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference (2011) and the Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (2012). The data was collected through 349 interviews with interest group representatives and 129 interviews with government delegates who participated in these conferences.
The effects of different doses of intrathecal meperidine on the incidence and severity of shivering during lower extremity orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind-clinical trial

Background: Shivering associated with spinal anesthesia is a common complication. It also causes more usage of oxygen, increased production of carbon dioxide (CO2), and lactic acidosis with movement of clots and bleeding after surgery. This study was performed to compare the different dosages of intrathecal meperidine and their effects on shivering during and after surgery and to compare these to the control group. Materials and Methods: This study is a clinical trial. Target population consisted of the patients who were candidates for lower limb orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia. About 120 patients were chosen and randomly divided into four groups. In group 1, spinal anesthesia was performed with 3 ml marcaine 0.5% and 0.1 mg/kg meperidine. In group 2, 3 ml marcaine 0.5% and 0.2 mg/kg meperidine was given. In group 3, 3 ml marcaine 0.5% and 0.3 mg/kg meperidine, and in the fourth group, 3 ml marcaine 0.5% and normal saline in the same volume were injected. During surgery and recovery, hemodynamic index and shivering were recorded. Results: Based on the analyzed data, in the fourth group 23 patients (76.7%) had shivering. While the prevalence of shivering in the first, second, and third groups was 15 patients (50%), 11 patients (36.7%), and 3 patients (10%), respectively. Chi-square test showed significant difference in the four groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Using higher dosage of intrathecal meperidine (0.3 mg/kg) was more effective than using lower dosage of meperidine (0.1 mg/kg and 0.2 mg/kg) in reducing the incidence and severity of shivering during spinal anesthesia in lower extremity orthopedic surgeries.
A structural basis for substrate specificities of protein Ser/Thr kinases: primary sequence preference of casein kinases I and II, NIMA, phosphorylase kinase, calmodulin-dependent kinase II, CDK5, and Erk1

We have developed a method to study the primary sequence specificities of protein kinases by using an oriented degenerate peptide library. We report here the substrate specificities of eight protein Ser/Thr kinases. All of the kinases studied selected distinct optimal substrates. The identified substrate specificities of these kinases, together with known crystal structures of protein kinase A, CDK2, Erk2, twitchin, and casein kinase I, provide a structural basis for the substrate recognition of protein Ser/Thr kinases. In particular, the specific selection of amino acids at the +1 and -3 positions to the substrate serine/threonine can be rationalized on the basis of sequences of protein kinases. The identification of optimal peptide substrates of CDK5, casein kinases I and II, NIMA, calmodulin-dependent kinases, Erk1, and phosphorylase kinase makes it possible to predict the potential in vivo targets of these kinases.
Correlation of Laser Test Results With Heavy Ion Results for NAND Flash Memory

Pulsed laser test results for NAND flash memories are compared with broad beam heavy ion results and also with heavy ion results obtained with the collimated Milli-Beam™ source. The pulsed laser measurements reported here, with smaller focused spot sizes and as a function of the incident pulse energy, serve to reconcile the previously reported inconsistencies. The Milli-Beam™ and pulsed laser results appear to be consistent, and differences from the broad beam heavy ion results can be explained. The results suggest that the high current SEFIs reported by us and others arise from multiple ion (or multiple photon) interactions, and are not associated with single ion strikes.
Analyzing Determinants of Foreclosure of Middle-Income Borrowers of Color in the Atlanta, GA Metropolitan Area

Foreclosures have disproportionately affected borrowers and communities of color. Many studies have concentrated on the nation and specific metropolitan areas, but few academic studies have focused on Atlanta. Using a merged data set consisting of Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), U.S. Census, and Lender Processing Services (LPS) data and utilizing a logistic regression model, we analyze the likelihood of foreclosure in the Atlanta, GA metropolitan area. We find that African American borrowers are 52 percent and Hispanic borrowers 159 percent more likely to go into foreclosure, controlling for key financial variables. We also find that African American middle-income borrowers are 35 percent more likely to go into foreclosure. Moreover, we find that exotic mortgage products, such as balloon mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) and mortgages with a prepayment penalty have a higher likelihood of foreclosure than standard 30-year fixed rate mortgages.
Interdisciplinary management recommendations for toxicity associated with interferon‐alfa therapy

Adjuvant interferon‐α (IFN‐α) therapy in patients with melanoma has been established as standard therapy since more than 10 years.During IFN‐α therapy, flu‐like symptoms, gastrointestinal disorders, arthralgias and neuropsychiatric symptoms are the most common side effects. The management and prophylaxis of these side effects have been improved by a more detailed understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms and increased clinical experience. New insights in the relevance of detection of autoantibodies and development of autoimmunity have influenced the clinical pathway substantially. This review covers the pathomechanisms, incidence and optimized therapy of IFN‐α‐associated side effects.
Modulation of human T-lymphocyte functions by the consumption of carotenoid-rich vegetables

A human intervention study was conducted to determine the effect of the consumption of carotenoid-rich vegetables on the immune system. Subjects, (twenty-three men), who were non-smokers, were not restricted in their daily diet, except that they had to abstain from fruit and vegetables high in carotenoids throughout the whole study period. The study was divided into four periods, each lasting 2 weeks: weeks 1–2: low-carotenoid period; throughout weeks 3–8: daily consumption of 330 ml tomato juice (40 mg lycopene/d, 1·5 mg β-carotene/d) (weeks 3–4), 330 ml carrot juice (21·6 mg β-carotene/d, 15·7 mg α-carotene/d, 0·5 mg lutein/d) (weeks 5–6), 10 g dried spinach powder (11·3 mg lutein/d, 3·1 mg β-carotene/d) (weeks 7–8). Blood was collected weekly from subjects after a 12 h fast. T-lymphocyte functions were assessed by measuring proliferation and secretion of immunoreactive cytokines. The consumption of a low-carotenoid diet resulted in a significantly reduced proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cultured with concanavalin A. After 2 weeks of tomato juice consumption and until the end of the intervention period lymphocyte proliferation was not significantly changed compared with proliferation at the end of the depletion period. Secretion of cytokines by T-helper-1-like lymphocytes (interleukin (IL)-2) and by T-helper-2-like lymphocytes (IL-4) was influenced by the dietary intervention. IL-2 and IL-4 secretion values were significantly suppressed after the low-carotenoid diet (P <0·001 and P < 0·05 respectively compared with baseline). Tomato juice consumption significantly enhanced IL-2 (P < 0·001) and IL-4 secretion (P < 0·05) compared with the end of depletion period. After carrot juice and spinach powder consumption the cytokine secretion capacity of PBMC was not significantly different from that at the end of the depletion period. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that a low-carotenoid diet reduces T-lymphocyte functions and addition of tomato juice restores these functions. This modulation could not be explained by changes in the plasma carotenoid concentrations. The active constituents in tomato juice as well as the biological significance of this immunomodulation remain to be determined.
A Novel Mammalian Complex Containing Sin3B Mitigates Histone Acetylation and RNA Polymerase II Progression within Transcribed Loci

ABSTRACT Transcription requires the progression of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) through a permissive chromatin structure. Recent studies of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have demonstrated that the yeast Sin3 protein contributes to the restoration of the repressed chromatin structure at actively transcribed loci. Yet, the mechanisms underlying the restoration of the repressive chromatin structure at transcribed loci and its significance in gene expression have not been investigated in mammals. We report here the identification of a mammalian complex containing the corepressor Sin3B, the histone deacetylase HDAC1, Mrg15, and the PHD finger-containing Pf1 and show that this complex plays important roles in regulation of transcription. We demonstrate that this complex localizes at discrete loci approximately 1 kb downstream of the transcription start site of transcribed genes, and this localization requires both Pf1's and Mrg15's interaction with chromatin. Inactivation of this mammalian complex promotes increased RNAP II progression within transcribed regions and subsequent increased transcription. Our results define a novel mammalian complex that contributes to the regulation of transcription and point to divergent uses of the Sin3 protein homologues throughout evolution in the modulation of transcription.
Risk Information Impact on Investment Decisions: Experimental Test of PMM Theory, a Case of Indonesia

The aim of this study is to examine the Probabilistic Mental Model (PMM) Theory as an explanation of the framing effect in the context of reporting risk in different formats in Indonesia. The study was conducted using an online field experimental method with 3x4x2 mixed design, involving 54 investment analysts as participants. Experiments were conducted to test whether different formats of risk information—given the time sequence associated with the framing effect as explained by the PMM Theory—influence the investment decision-making process. The results show that participants chose to take action that is not at risk when the information presented is in a positive frame. Gains or a loss of information that accompanies the risk information does not affect participants’ decision relating to investments they would do. The investment decisions tend to avoid risk. Decision makers in a positive frame risk conditions do not make decision that reduce the risk of gains they already have. When risk information is presented in a negative frame, the participants chose to make decisions that minimize losses that may arise as the results of an investment decision. Practical implication of this study is that the investor needs to respond to the framing effect because a similar problem with a different frame may result in a different choice. Investors need to be encouraged to improve the knowledge and reduce bias in decision-making caused by the presence of framing in a single set of accounting information. This study has proven to be useful in improving the ability to analyze risk reports by financial analyst.
Gender and ethnic differences in the prevalence of alcohol, cigarette, and illicit drug use over time in a cohort of young Hispanic adolescents in south Florida.

The purpose of this study was to describe patterns of substance use among young Hispanic adolescents of Cuban and Central/South American heritage, many of whom are recent immigrants to the U.S. At present there are very little epidemiologic data on these Hispanic ethnic subgroups, particularly for girls. A cohort of 848 middle school boys and girls in Miami, Florida completed questionnaires in 7th, 8th, and 9th grades concerning their use of alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and other illicit drugs. African Americans and White non-Hispanics were used as comparison groups. In general, White non-Hispanics and U.S.-born Hispanics had the highest lifetime and past year prevalence rates of substance use. While no statistically significant gender differences were found for any of the racial/ethnic groups, the use of substances among Hispanic girls often exceeded that of their male counterparts. A progressive increase in use of alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and other illicit drugs was evident over the two and one-half year duration of the study for both gender groups.
Pricing Efficiency & Performance of Exchange Traded Funds in India

Exchange Traded Funds are a remarkable example of financial innovation that provides the investors with unique inherent feature of a mutual fund and an ordinary corporate stock. The present study is motivated by the need to examine the performance, index tracking capabilities and pricing efficiency of ETFs. The purpose of the study is to address three objectives; (i) do the ETFs fully replicate the returns of the underlying benchmark, (ii) is there any pricing deviation between trading price and NAV of the respective ETFs studied and (iii) the magnitude and persistence of premium/discounts in the market. The results of regression show that selected Indian ETFs do not follow full replication strategies and beta estimates deviate from unity with statistically insignificant alpha. Due to imperfect tracking ability of ETFs, there is presence of tracking error with significant magnitude. The difference between market price and NAV of ETF reveal presence of discount (excess of NAV over market price) and pricing inefficiencies. The premium/discount persist in the market for an average period of three days but exceptional persistence of five days was observed for two ETFs.
Increased CCR5 and CXCR4 expression in Ethiopians living in Israel: environmental and constitutive factors.

HIV coreceptors play a major role in determining susceptibility and HIV cell tropism. The present work studied whether the high expression of these coreceptors found on lymphocytes and monocytes of Ethiopian immigrants to Israel (ETH) is the result of environmental and/or constitutive genetic factors. The study of 26 ETH shortly after their arrival to Israel (new ETH), 22 ETH in Israel over 7 years (old ETH), and 20 Caucasian Israelis (non-ETH) enabled us to address this issue. The new ETH had elevated levels of activated HLA-DR+CD4+ and CD38+CD8+ cells in comparison with both old ETH and non-ETH groups (P < 0.01), most probably related to chronic helminthic infections. Surface CCR5 expression, i.e., the percentage of CCR5+ cells and the number of CCR5 molecules/cell, was higher (2- to 3- and 8- to 31-fold, respectively) in activated than in nonactivated CD4+ cells, in all groups. However, CCR5 expression, in both activated and nonactivated CD4+ cells, was higher in both ETH groups than in the non-ETH group. CXCR4 expression was higher in nonactivated CD4+ cells in all groups and was also higher in both ETH groups, in both activated and nonactivated CD4+ cells, than in the non-ETH group. These findings suggest that constitutive factors, in addition to immune activation caused by environmental factors, account for the elevated expression of CCR5 and CXCR4 on CD4+ cells of ETH. This increased HIV coreceptor expression may make ETH more susceptible to HIV infection and may account in part for the rapid spread of AIDS in Ethiopia and the rest of Africa as well.