Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chapter 13 Mindfulness : Challenges to the cognitive-behavioral approach

This chapter consists of two parts. The first provides some general considerations and introduces the second, a comparison study on mindfulness training as an effective component in treating emotional disorders. Part I. Mindfulness approaches challenge some basic tenets of clinical cognitivism. Firstly, the pivotal aspect in the therapeutic process seems to be ‘deautomatizingdisidentifying’ rather than changing attitudes, schemas, etc. To escape automaticity, patients learn to relate to experiences as mental events within a field of awareness. Secondly, a question is posed by mindfulness approaches: is there a nonconceptual way of conscious knowing? Mindfulness is spoken of as ‘insight meditation’ (i.e. ‘a non-conceptual and penetrating seeing into the nature of mind’; Kabat-Zinn (2003). Such non-conceptual ‘seeing’ is a form of knowing not yet recognized in any cognitive model of mind, and results as the key factor in reducing dysfunctional automaticity. Part II. F. Giommi, H. Barendregt, L. Oliemeulen, J. van Hoof, J. Tinge, A. Coenen, and P. van Dongen conducted a randomized controlled trial. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was compared to Psychoeducation (PE, a standard psychiatric intervention) in a sample of patients with emotional disorders. Assessments were made on symptoms reduction (5 scales of depression, anxiety, quality of life) and attentional functioning (6 neuropsychological tasks, EEG recordings). MBSR was found at least as efficacious as PE. Preliminary results suggest that MBSR exerts a positive effect on attention. To date no comparison with an established intervention has been performed: this was the first exploratory study on such issue, and the first to consider the specific effects of mindfulness on attentional processes. New confidence is gained in applying MBSR as an effective component in treating emotional disorders. Part I: Introduction and some general considerations
Policy briefing: after the Arab uprisings - prospects for a media that serves the public

This briefing explores the evolving relationship between media and politics in the period following the Arab uprisings of 2011. Overview: Over the past several years, the Arab world has been characterised by an increasingly polarised political discourse. ‘After the Arab uprisings: the prospects for a media that serves the public’ argues that national broadcasters have the potential to help to bridge some of these social divides if these institutions can be reformed to serve public, rather than state, interests. To make this case, the briefing looks at four countries undergoing political change - Libya, Egypt, Lebanon and Tunisia – to examine the potential for national broadcasters to play a role that is more explicitly geared towards social cohesion. The briefing finds that: National broadcasters can fulfil a public service mission by instilling the twin public service values of universality and diversity into their programming, underpinned by a clear commitment to editorial independence. Formats that enable inclusive dialogue, rational debate and clear and trusted information can, at least in theory, mitigate conflict by facilitating tolerance, mutual understanding and representation. In all four cases, while the potential to deliver such programming is there, its ultimate realisation hinges critically on a politically enabling environment that does not, by and large, yet exist.
Killing the Goose that Lays the Golden Egg: Institutional Change and Economic Growth in Hong Kong

This article examines how the rule of law and democratic accountability have affected Hong Kong's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate in the past 20 yr. We find that democratic accountability has deteriorated substantially since the changeover of sovereignty in 1997, while the rule of law has remained strong and stable. Empirical results from autoregressive distributed lag bounds tests show a positive long-run relationship between growth and democratic accountability, and Granger causality tests reveal that democratic accountability causes the growth rate of GDP in the short run. These conclusions are robust to control for the effects of investment and the Asian financial crisis in 1997.
Construction of a flagellum-negative mutant of Proteus mirabilis: effect on internalization by human renal epithelial cells and virulence in a mouse model of ascending urinary tract infection

To examine the role of flagella in pathogenesis of urinary tract infection caused by Proteus mirabilis, we constructed a nonmotile, nonswarming flagellum mutant of strain WPM111 (an hpmA hemolysin mutant of strain BA6163, chosen because of its lack of in vitro cytotoxicity in renal epithelial cell internalization studies). A nonpolar mutation was introduced into the flaD gene, which encodes the flagellar cap protein. This mutation does not affect the synthesis of flagellin but rather prevents the assembly of an intact flagellar filament. In in vitro assays, the genetically characterized nonmotile mutant was found to be internalized by cultured human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells in numbers less than 1% of those of the flagellated parent strain. Internalization of the nonmotile mutant was increased significantly (14- to 21-fold) by centrifugation onto the monolayer. To assess virulence in vivo, CBA mice were challenged transurethrally with 10(7) CFU of P. mirabilis BA6163 (wild type) (n = 16), WPM111 (hpmA mutant) (n = 46), or BB2401 (hmpA flaD mutant) (n = 46). Differences in quantitative cultures between the parent strain and the hemolysin-negative mutant were not significant. However, the hpmA flaD mutant was recovered in numbers approximately 100-fold lower than those of the hmpA mutant or the wild-type parent strain and thus was clearly attenuated. We conclude that while hemolysin does not significantly influence virulence, flagella contribute significantly to the ability of P. mirabilis to colonize the urinary tract and cause acute pyelonephritis in an experimental model of ascending urinary tract infection.
Robotic versus open radical cystectomy: identification of patients who benefit from the robotic approach.

PURPOSE To identify patients who would benefit from robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), we report perioperative outcomes and complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS We compared patients who underwent RARC to patients who underwent open cystectomy (OC) in our institution. Data included demographics, operative variables, and recovery. Complications were grouped into early (<30 days), intermediate (31-90 days), and late (>90 days). RESULTS There were 58 patients in the RARC group and 84 patients in the OC group. The mean age was 66 ± 1.2 years in the RARC v 67 ± 1.2 in OC (p=0.53) group. Women constituted 21% in the RARC and 30% in OC (p=0.23) group. The mean American Society of Anesthesiologists scores were 2.9 for the RARC and 2.94 for OC (p=0.5). The mean operative time for RARC was 7.8 ± 1.5 hours v 6.6 ± 1.25 hours for OC (p<0.0001). Estimated blood loss was 276 ± 48 mL in RARC v 1522 ± 369 mL in OC (p<0.0001). Positive margin rate was 7% in RARC v 8% in OC (p=0.8). Early complications of any severity (Clavien scores) occurred in 43% in RARC and 64% in OC (p=0.02). There was one mortality in RARC and two mortalities in OC. Patients were grouped by age (≥ 70- and <70-years old). The older group consisted of 19 and 44 patients in RARC and OC, respectively. Both age groups in RARC had less early complications than OC patients (p<0.014). The older group in RARC had less early complication rate (17%) than the younger group in OC (59%). CONCLUSIONS RARC has improved perioperative outcomes with equivalent oncological parameters when compared to open cystectomy. Patients ≥ 70-years old benefit from the robotic approach, particularly when compared to younger patients undergoing open cystectomy.
Correlating the Knowledge-base of Cities with Economic Growth

The competitive advantage of cities in the developed world is increasingly thought to lie in their superior access to the knowledge-base. The generation of new knowledge through investment in research and development leads to new products, services and processes which form the basis of the new economy. Attempts to correlate knowledge creation with economic growth have therefore tended to use R&D measures such as the numbers of research establishments in a rather narrow sense. This paper develops a much wider measure of the knowledge-base comprising tacit knowledge, codified knowledge and knowledge infrastructure for 19 European cities. With the exception of the two world cities, London and Paris, which significantly underperform, there is a broad relationship between the quality of the knowledge-base and economic change as measured by the competitive shift-share residual.
An Unconditional Competing Risk Hazard Model of Consumer Store-Choice Dynamics

In this paper an unconditional competing risk hazard model of consumer store-choice dynamics is developed and tested as an alternative to the negative binomial and Dirichlet models of store choice introduced in the urban planning literature by Wrigley and Dunn. The hazard model is less restrictive in terms of its assumptions regarding duration effects. It is also more flexible in that various distributions can be incorporated into the model, leading to different store choice dynamics. An empirical example, based on Nielsen scanner panel data for Springfield, MO, is provided to illustrate the modelling approach. Results indicate that the model represents the observed store-choice dynamics satisfactorily.
Electroretinogram and Visual-Evoked Potential Assessment of Retinal and Central Visual Function in a Rat Ocular Hypertension Model of Glaucoma

Abstract Purpose/aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the long-term functional changes that may occur in the retina and visual cortex in a rat ocular hypertension (OHT) model of glaucoma, used in our lab for treatment studies, using electroretinogram (ERG) and visual-evoked potential (VEP) cortical recordings in order to test the hypothesis that experimental glaucoma has differential retinal and central effects. Materials and methods: Experimental glaucoma was induced unilaterally in Dark Agouti rats using hypertonic saline injection into the episcleral veins. After 3, 8, 16 and 26 weeks, ERGs and VEPs were recorded under scotopic conditions using brief full-field white flashes (10 μcd s m−2 to 10.4 cd s m−2) and under photopic conditions using a rod-adapting background and white light flashes (0.13–10.4 cd s m−2). Results: At 16 and 26 weeks after OHT induction, there was a significant reduction in the amplitudes of the a- (50% and 30% of unoperated eye values, respectively) and b-waves (55% and 40%, respectively) of the scotopic ERG and the b-waves of the photopic ERG (55% and 45%, respectively) in the glaucomatous eyes. However, no significant changes in the VEPs simultaneously recorded over the visual cortex were seen at any of the time points. Conclusions: The reductions in ERG amplitudes suggest that this model of glaucoma not only causes retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration but also degeneration of the outer retinal cells, and this was confirmed by histology showing a reduction in the outer retinal layers in the glaucomatous eyes. Cortical VEPs did not show detrimental effects suggesting that the retinal damage in this model was not extensive enough to be detected with the VEP methods used or that there could be central compensation in this model of glaucoma.
The effect of taxes on small banks' loan loss provisions

So far the earnings management literature has failed to establish the impact of taxes on the Loan Loss Provisions (LLPs) of financial institutions. We extend the discretionary LLP literature to a less studied area regarding the role of taxes in determining the behaviour of LLPs in a sample of 300 small banks in the period 1990â€“2004. Due to tax provisions that allow small banks to use LLPs, we find support for the hypothesis that taxes affect banks' discretionary LLPs. This finding is contrary to the findings of the few studies on this subject (Beatty et al., 1995; Scholes et al., 1990) that, using large banks, find little or no linkage between taxes and LLPs. We find that banks that were likely to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) tended to lower their LLP. In addition, low Marginal Tax Rate (MTR) banks tend to have greater LLP than high MTR banks. Although the results may not be generalisable to the general population of banks and because LLPs are a large proportion of banks' income, these findings are important for bank regulators and analysts who may want to analyse LLP drivers.
The Propeptide Is Nonessential for the Expression of Human Cathepsin D (*)

When the 44-amino acid propeptide of human procathepsin D was deleted by mutagenesis in vitro, the mature protein was stably expressed and secreted from transfected mammalian cells. The secreted protein was correctly folded as judged by its binding to pepstatinyl-agarose. We were unable to detect lysosomal targeting of the propeptide-deleted protein, and targeting was not restored by the substitution of the propeptides from pepsin or renin. We conclude that its propeptide is not essential for the folding of nascent cathepsin D. Efficient lysosomal targeting in mammalian cells appears to require the precursor form of the molecule.
Impact of Recombinant Baculovirus Field Applications on a Nontarget Heliothine Parasitoid, Microplitis croceipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Abstract The kill times of two viruses infectious to the heliothine pest complex indigenous to Texas cotton have been significantly reduced by expressing a scorpion toxin gene. Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) and Helicoverpa zea NPV express the toxin only in permissive lepidopteran hosts. The toxin, however, could indirectly harm members of upper trophic levels that feed upon and parasitize infected larvae producing the toxin. In this study, the effects of recombinant and wild-type viruses on Microplitis croceipes (Cresson) were studied in cotton using Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) as hosts. Two recombinant viruses, their two wild-type progenitor viruses, and untreated cotton served as the five treatments of study. Larvae were previously parasitized 2 and 4 d before being confined for 72 h to cotton terminals treated with field rates of virus or left untreated. The sexes of adult M. croceipes that emerged from the recovered H. virescens larvae were determined and their head capsule widths were measured. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) searched their extracts for virus DNA. There were no differences in percentage emergence and sex ratios of parasitoids among recombinant, wild-type, and control treatments. Significantly more wasps emerged from the 4-d cohort, but these wasps were significantly smaller than wasps from the 2-d cohort regardless of treatment. Finally, PCR found only 15–25% of the recovered H. virescens larvae and none of the emergent M. croceipes had detectable levels of viral DNA. Recombinant and wild-type viruses had a similar, minimal impact on emergent wasps, and the probability of virus dispersal via parasitoids is low in the system tested.
Accounting for South/Non-South Real Wage Differentials and for Changes in Those Differentials over Time

A unified accounting framework for analyzing differences in real wages between the South and non-South in 1979 and for changes in South/non-South wage ratios between 1973 and 1979 is outlined. Cross-section analysis of real wage differentials allows two sources of regional wage variation: (1) worker and job characteristics; and (2) returns to those characteristics. Our results suggest that differences in the latter may be as important in accounting for regional wage differentials as the former. An interactive specification permits decomposition of changes in regional wage ratios into direct effects of changes in characteristics and indirect effects of region, year, and region-year variations in returns. More than half the predicted changes in South/non-South wage ratios can be accounted for by changing relative returns to characteristics between the South and non-South.
Triiodothyronine Has Diverse and Multiple Stimulating Effects on Expression of the Major Myelin Protein Genes

Abstract: If the importance of triiodothyronine (T3) on brain development including myelinogenesis has long been recognized, its mechanism of action at the gene level is still not fully elucidated. We studied the effect of T3 on the expression of myelin protein genes in aggregating brain cell cultures. T3 increases the concentrations of mRNA transcribed from the following four myelin protein genes: myelin basic protein (Mbp), myelin‐associated glycoprotein (Mag), proteolipid protein (Plp), and 2′,3′‐cyclic nucleotide 3′‐phosphodiesterase (Cnp). T3 is not only a triggering signal for oligodendrocyte differentiation, but it has continuous stimulatory effects on myelin gene expression. Transcription in isolated nuclei experiments shows that T3 increases Mag and Cnp transcription rates. After inhibiting transcription with actinomycin D, we measured the half‐lives of specific mRNAs. Our results show that T3 increases the stability of mRNA for myelin basic protein, and probably proteolipid protein. In vitro translation followed by myelin basic protein‐specific immunoprecipitation showed a direct stimulatory effect of T3 on myelin basic protein mRNA translation. Moreover, this stimulation was higher when the mRNA was already stabilized in culture, indicating that stabilization is achieved through mRNA structural modifications. These results demonstrate the diverse and multiple mechanisms of T3 stimulation of myelin protein genes.
Intertemporal preference parameters for some European monetary union countries

In the European Monetary Union, the estimation and analysis of preference parameters in its members is of special interest because possible differences could help us to understand why a common monetary policy could have different effects on the different economies involved. In this article, we have focused our attention on the elasticity of intertemporal substitution, one of the key preference parameters in intertemporal macroeconomic models. Several studies have shown a possible underestimation of such elasticity for different countries. It is common practice to estimate the parameter using only nondurable goods and services consumption data, without referring to the flow of services generated by durable consumption. This is only admissible if the intratemporal utility can be separated among the different consumption components. Our first objective is, therefore, to test the assumption of intratemporal separability for a selection of European countries (Germany, Spain and France), and then to analyse the effect of durable consumption on the estimated values of the intertemporal elasticity of substitution of these countries, our ultimate goal. Knowledge of such elasticity will enable us to characterise how saving in these economies reacts to variations in the real interest rate.
The correlation between LIN28B gene potentially functional variants and Wilms tumor susceptibility in Chinese children

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common urologic cancer in children. However, genetic bases underlying WT remain largely unknown. Previous studies indicated that Lin28 homolog B (LIN28B) level is significantly elevated in some WTs. Enforced expression of Lin28b during kidney development could induce WT. Genetic variations in the LIN28B gene may be related to WT susceptibility.
Using Convolutional Neural Networks to Classify Hate-Speech

The paper introduces a deep learning-based Twitter hate-speech text classification system. The classifier assigns each tweet to one of four predefined categories: racism, sexism, both (racism and sexism) and non-hate-speech. Four Convolutional Neural Network models were trained on resp. character 4-grams, word vectors based on semantic information built using word2vec, randomly generated word vectors, and word vectors combined with character n-grams. The feature set was down-sized in the networks by max-pooling, and a softmax function used to classify tweets. Tested by 10-fold cross-validation, the model based on word2vec embeddings performed best, with higher precision than recall, and a 78.3% F-score.
Employee Equity Incentives and Venture Capitalist Involvement: Examining the Effects on IPO Performance

We examine the effects of venture capitalist involvement and equity incentives for all employees on the performance of initial public offering firms. Data was collected from 402 IPO firms, representing 242 non-VC backed and 160 VC backed firms. Results indicate venture capitalists positively influence the likelihood the portfolio firm will offer equity incentives to all employees. Consistent with the agency theory argument that monitoring and incentives can behave as complements to one another, the results suggest venture capitalist backing and incentive stock options for all employees operate in concert to have a positive effect on stock price performance three years after the initial public offering.
Building “Community” in Mixed-Income Developments

As an urban-redevelopment strategy, the goals of mixed-income development are often talked about in terms of building “community”—the shaping of environments, opportunities, and social arrangements that promote healthy neighborhood life, particularly for the low-income people who live there. This article explores the strategies engaged, expectations for, and early responses to efforts to build “community” in three mixed-income developments being built on the footprint of former public housing developments in Chicago. In doing so, it investigates the expectations among residents and stakeholders, distills and explores three major strategic orientations being engaged by developers and their partners, and examines how these strategies in particular—and the building of community more generally—is playing out across sites, including the dynamics and conditioning factors that promote or inhibit participation, engagement, interaction, and the shaping of social cohesion and social control.
GMM Estimation of Fiscal Rules: Monte Carlo Experiments and Empirical Tests

This paper focuses on the estimation of fiscal response functions for advanced economies and on the performance of alternative specifications of the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator for the rule’s parameters. We first estimate the parameters on simulated data through Monte Carlo experiments; we then run an empirical test on data for the European Monetary Union (EMU). We estimate both the Cyclicallyadjusted primary balance (CAPB) and the Primary balance (PB) models, and check the robustness of the estimates to different specifications of the GMM estimator and to alternative settings of the parameters. We also compare alternative instrument reduction strategies in a context where several endogenous variables enter the model. We find that the system GMM estimator is the best-performing in this framework and the high instrument count comes out not to be problematic. We also make the algebraic links between the parameters in the CAPB and in the PB models explicit, suggesting an effective strategy to estimate the discretionary fiscal response from the coefficients of the PB model. In the empirical application on a dataset for EMU Countries, we find that the evidence of a-cyclicality of discretionary policies is robust to all the specifications of the GMM estimator.