Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Market Volatility, Monetary Policy and the Term Premium

Based on empirical VAR models, we investigate the role of (option-implied) stock and bond market volatilities and monetary policy in the determination of the US 10-year term premium. Our preliminary findings are that an unexpected loosening of monetary policy - through a cut in the federal funds rate in the pre-crisis sample or an increase in bond purchases post-Lehman - typically leads to a decline in both expected stock and bond market volatilities and the term premium. However, while conventional monetary policy boosts economic activity in the precrisis period, bond purchases are found to have no statistically significant real effects postcrisis. Second, expected equity market volatility (VIX) is found to be more important than bond market volatility (MOVE). Pre-crisis, a shock to the VIX leads to a concomitant rise in the MOVE, a contraction of economic activity, a fall in broker-dealer leverage and a rise in the term premium, consistent with pro-cyclical swings in market liquidity. Post-crisis, an innovation to the VIX is instead associated with a drop in the term premium, suggesting the prevalence of flight to quality effects.
Growth and nutritional status of rural South African children 3–10 years old: The Ellisras growth study

This study presents cross‐sectional data from an ongoing mixed‐longitudinal study of growth of rural children from Ellisras, South Africa. The physical growth and nutritional status of 1,335 children (684 boys, 651 girls), 3–10 years of age, was determined using standard anthropometric techniques. Weight‐for‐age, height‐for‐age, and weight‐for‐height were expressed as Z‐scores of the NHANES I and II or NCHS reference sample. A Z‐score of less than −2 was used as the cut‐off point to determine the prevalence of stunting and wasting. Mean heights increased parallel to the 50th centile up to 6 years of age, thereafter both sexes diverged from the NHANES reference by approximately 0.5 cm per year. Mean weights followed a more consistent pattern from 3–7 years for both sexes, which was parallel to just below the 10th centile, but diverged between 8 and 10 years of age. Z‐scores of weight‐for‐height in both sexes varied between −1 to −2 throughout the age range and BMI values were lower than the 5th centile of NHANES, indicating a significant amount of wasting within the sample. The sample exhibited a high prevalence of stunting, rising from less than 10% at 7 years to more than 30% by 10 years of age. Increments of the mean heights and weights indicate that the effects of stress may be a gradually accumulating process and that the growth increments of these children became increasingly poor in contrast to those of the reference sample. Since stunting in childhood is permanent, it may lead to a loss of physical work capacity in adulthood. Therefore, further investigation of the cause of poor growth among these rural children is imperative. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 12:42–49, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Glycine on Valproate Toxicity in Rat Hepatocytes

Summary: The interaction between the amino acid glycine and valproate (VPA), an antiepileptic drug (AED) that occasionally causes hepatotoxicity, was studied in rat hepatocytes in monolayer culture. Valproate caused a doseependent increase in leakage of lactic acid dehy‐drogenase (LDH), and glycine prevented this toxic response. L‐Carnitine, L‐lanine, and L‐cysteine did not protect hepatocytes from VPA. Glycine also partially antagonized inhibition of fatty acid β‐oxidation by VPA, as estimated by the generation of acid‐soluble products from [14C]palmitic acid. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that glycine prevents VPA toxicity by removing acyl‐CoA esters, which accumulate during VPA exposure and interfere with fatty acid p‐oxidation. Glycine, however, also antagonized the toxic effects of acetaminophen on hepatocytes, although at higher concentrations than required to protect hepatocytes from VPA. Because the mechanism of toxicity of acetaminophen probably is different from that of VPA, a nonspecific cytoprotective effect may contribute to glycine antagonism of valproate toxicity. Our results emphasize the importance of glycine in protecting hepatocytes from noxious insult in general as well as from VPA in particular.
Preconcentration and Determination of Cadmium by GFAAS after Solid-Phase Extraction with Synthetic Zeolite

The solid-phase extraction (SPE) method for the preconcentration of trace amounts of cadmium using synthetic zeolite A-4 and its determination by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) was investigated. The preconcentration conditions, such as the optimum pH range of the sample solution for the adsorption of cadmium and the kind of acid solution for dissolving the cadmium-adsorbed synthetic zeolite A-4, as well as the measurement conditions for the determination of cadmium by GFAAS, e.g. , the ashing and atomizing temperature, were investigated. Quantitative recovery of cadmium onto zeolite A-4 from the sample solution over the pH range 2.0-9.0 was achieved by the batch method. After the solid-phase (cadmium-adsorbed zeolite A-4) was separated from the sample solution by a membrane filter, it was dissolved in 2.0 cm^3 of 2.0 mol dm^−3 nitric acid. An aliquot of the resulting solution was injected into the graphite furnace. In GFAAS measurements an alternate gas (Ar, 90%; O_2, 10%) was used as a sheath gas, and the ashing temperature and atomizing temperature were 400°C and 1600°C, respectively. The detection limit (3 σ ) for cadmium was 0.002 μg dm^−3. The relative standard deviation at 0.010 μg dm^−3 was 3.5-4.5% ( n = 5). The proposed method has been successfully applied to the analysis of trace cadmium in environmental water samples.
Toll-Like Receptors, Transduction-Effector Pathways, and Disease Diversity: Evidence of an Immunobiological Paradigm Explaining All Human Illness?

Membrane-bound Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are frontline guardians in the mammalian innate immune system. They primarily function to recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of invading microorganisms and on activation mount rapid, nonspecific innate responses and trigger sequential delayed specific adaptive cellular responses, which are mediated by complex signal transduction pathways involving adaptor molecules, costimulatory ligands and receptors, kinases, transcription factors, and modulated gene expression. Increasing evidence of multiple functionality and diversity suggests TLRs play critical roles in noninfective medical conditions such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurologic, musculoskeletal, obstetric, renal, liver, and dermatologic diseases, allergy, autoimmunity, and tissue regeneration. The significance of TLR heterogeneity underscores the possibility for establishing a universal immunobiological model to explain all human disease. Novel immunomodulatory therapies targeting specific or multiple TLRs may in the future offer new tools to combat or eradicate pathogenesis potentially transforming the landscape of current medical treatments.
Does Coronary Endarterectomy Adversely Affect the Results of Bypass Surgery?

Coronary endarterectomy (TEA) is performed infrequently during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery due to the impression that it results in higher rates of myocardial infarction (MI), operative mortality (OM), and poor long‐term outcome. To assess the effectiveness of TEA, 1, 228 patients undergoing isolated CABG between 1982 and 1989 were evaluated. The incidence of OM (3.2%) and MI (6.0%) following TEA was similar to conventional CABG (OM = 3.8%, MI = 5.5%, p = NS). The incidence of low output syndrome (LOS, 15.1%) and intraaortic balloon pump insertion (IABP, 4.5%) following TEA was similar to conventional CABG (LOS = 12.6%, IABP = 6.0%, p = NS). The highest level of the cardiac specific isoenzyme (CK‐MB) released following surgery was similar for the TEA group (46 ± 49) and conventional CABG group (42 ± 44, p = NS). Ventricular dysfunction, urgent surgery, left main stenosis, advanced age, and reoperative surgery were similar in the TEA and conventional CABG groups. At a mean follow‐up of 4.2 years, 65.6% of all TEA patients were free of angina, 44.4% were gainfully employed, and 62% were in New York Heart Association Class I. The incidence of late myocardial infarction was 5.4%. The 5‐year actuarial survival was 90%. Patients with double TEA and limited TEA (< 3 cm TEA specimens) tended to have a lower 5‐year survival. With strict criteria for selection of TEA patients and with significant technical experience, the short‐ and long‐term results of TEA are comparable to conventional CABG.
Islet Transplantation Provides Superior Glycemic Control With Less Hypoglycemia Compared With Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion or Multiple Daily Insulin Injections

Background The aim was to compare efficacy of multiple daily injections (MDI), continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and islet transplantation to reduce hypoglycemia and glycemic variability in type 1 diabetes subjects with severe hypoglycemia. Methods This was a within-subject, paired comparison of MDI and CSII and CSII with 12 months postislet transplantation in 10 type 1 diabetes subjects referred with severe hypoglycemia, suitable for islet transplantation. Individuals were assessed with HbA1c, Edmonton Hypoglycemia Score (HYPOscore), continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and in 8 subjects measurements of glucose variability using standard deviation of glucose (SD glucose) from CGM and continuous overlapping net glycemic action using a 4 hour interval (CONGA4). Results After changing from MDI to CSII before transplantation, 10 subjects reduced median HYPOscore from 2028 to 1085 (P < 0.05) and hypoglycemia events from 24 to 8 per patient-year (P < 0.05). While HbA1c, mean glucose and median percent time hypoglycemic on CGM were unchanged with CSII, SD glucose and CONGA4 reduced significantly (P < 0.05). At 12 months posttransplant 9 of 10 were C-peptide positive, (5 insulin independent). Twelve months postislet transplantation, there were significant reductions in all baseline parameters versus CSII, respectively, HbA1c (6.4% cf 8.2%), median HYPOscore (0 cf 1085), mean glucose (7.1 cf 8.6 mmol L−1), SD glucose (1.7 cf 3.2 mmol/L), and CONGA4 (1.6 cf 3.0). Conclusions In subjects with severe hypoglycemia suitable for islet transplantation, CSII decreased hypoglycemia frequency and glycemic variability compared with MDI whereas islet transplantation resolved hypoglycemia and further improved glycemic variability regardless of insulin independence.
Transmission probabilities of HIV and herpes simplex virus type 2, effect of male circumcision and interaction: a longitudinal study in a township of South Africa

Objectives:A synergy between HIV and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections has been reported in observational studies. The objectives of this study were to estimate the per-sex-act female-to-male transmission probabilities (FtoMTPs) of HIV and HSV-2, the effect of each infection on the FtoMTP of the other and the effect of male circumcision on these FtoMTPs. Design:We used longitudinal data collected during the male circumcision trial conducted in Orange Farm (South Africa). Methods:Results were obtained by specific mathematical modeling of HIV and HSV-2 statuses of the men as functions of their sexual behavior and male circumcision status. The model took into account an estimation of the HIV and HSV-2 statuses of each of their female partners. Confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a bootstrap re-sampling method. Results:The HIV and HSV-2 FtoMTPs, during an unprotected sexual contact for an uncircumcised male in the absence of the other virus in both partners, were 0.0047 (95% CI: 0.0014–0.017) and 0.0067 (95% CI: 0.0028–0.014), respectively. HSV-2 in either partner increased HIV FtoMTP with a relative risk (RR) of 3.0 (95% CI: 1.01–7.3). Conversely, HIV in either partner increased HSV-2 FtoMTP (RR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1–6.3). Male circumcision significantly decreased these probabilities with RRs of 0.24 (95% CI: 0.11–0.44) and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.36–0.91), respectively. Conclusion:This study gave the first estimates of HSV-2 per-sex-act FtoMTPs in Africa. It demonstrated a synergy between HIV and HSV-2 infections and a protective effect of male circumcision on HSV-2 acquisition by males.
Thin-film electrodes for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries: influence of phase transformations on stress

In this study, we revisit experiments by Sethuraman et al. (2010 J. Power Sources, 195, 5062–5066. (doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2010.02.013)) on the stress evolution during the lithiation/delithiation cycle of a thin film of amorphous silicon. Based on recent work that show a two-phase process of lithiation of amorphous silicon, we formulate a phase-field model coupled to elasticity in the framework of Larché-Cahn. Using an adaptive nonlinear multigrid algorithm for the finite-volume discretization of this model, our two-dimensional numerical simulations show the formation of a sharp phase boundary between the lithiated and the amorphous silicon that continues to move as a front through the thin layer. We show that our model captures the non-monotone stress loading curve and rate dependence, as observed in recent experiments and connects characteristic features of the curve with the structure formation within the layer. We take advantage of the thin film geometry and study the corresponding one-dimensional model to establish the dependence on the material parameters and obtain a comprehensive picture of the behaviour of the system.
Indonesian EFL Teachers’ Self-Efficacy towards Technology Integration (SETI) and Their Use of Technology in EFL

The advance of technology nowadays has encouraged many English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers to use technology in EFL teaching. However, some EFL teachers are still reluctant to take the opportunity. Low level of self-efficacy has been identified as a factor that hinders EFL teachers to use technology in EFL teaching. While a lot of research on EFL teachers’ self-efficacy has been reported in the literature, EFL teachers’ Self-Efficacy towards Technology Integration (SETI) has been rarely studied, especially in the Indonesian context of EFL teaching. Therefore, this study aimed to examine Indonesian EFL teachers’ SETI and their use of technology in EFL teaching. It involved 23 EFL teachers. Data were collected by using survey and interview. Analysis of the data showed that there is a relation between the EFL teachers’ SETI and their use of technology in EFL teaching.
The Antennal Lobe of Orthoptera – Anatomy and Evolution

The first odor-processing neuropils of insects comprise glomeruli, islets of neuropil, that are supplied by olfactory receptor neurons and give rise to efferent axons to higher brain centers. Glomeruli size and organization varies in a taxon-specific manner across the Insecta, suggesting possible correlates between their organization and chemosensory behaviors in different insect groups. Comparative studies of antennal lobe glomeruli within the Orthoptera have been used to infer how the various taxon-specific arrangements of odorant-processing structures (glomeruli) might have evolved. The cellular arrangements in glomeruli have been surveyed using anterograde filling and Golgi impregnation of antennal receptor neurons projecting to the antennal lobe in Stenopelmatidae, Tettigoniidae, Gryllidae, Tetrigidae and Acrididae. These taxa, which represent the two sub-orders of Orthoptera, reveal a high correlation between the neural architecture of the glomeruli and structures within the glomeruli. Using a recent molecular phylogeny of the Orthoptera we have mapped the occurrence of glomerular characteristics to infer the evolution of antennal lobe structures in orthopterans. The functional implications of these results are discussed.
Do Spouses Coordinate Their Work Exits? A Combined Survey and Register Analysis From Norway

Research on spouses’ joint work exits is scarce, although household factors such as spouses’ work status, marital quality, and caregiving burdens are likely to affect seniors’ work engagement. We therefore examine whether the work exit probability of one spouse affects that of the other. Discrete-time hazard regression analyses of survey data linked to later registry information including all gainfully employed married respondents aged 50–74 with a working spouse (N = 1,764) were used to assess subsequent work exits. A spouse’s work exit is a strong predictor of a respondent’s work exit (hazard ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval [2.5, 4.0]). Educational attainment, poor marital quality, and spouses’ health and care needs do not predict work exits. Surprisingly, no gender differences are observed. Research on larger survey samples to distinguish different work exit routes and reasons for spouses’ joint work exits appears warranted. To account for cultural and welfare state characteristics, cross-national studies ought to be undertaken.
Altered Expression Profile of IgLON Family of Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules in the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex of Schizophrenic Patients

Neural adhesion proteins are crucial in the development and maintenance of functional neural connectivity. Growing evidence suggests that the IgLON family of neural adhesion molecules LSAMP, NTM, NEGR1, and OPCML are important candidates in forming the susceptibility to schizophrenia (SCZ). IgLON proteins have been shown to be involved in neurite outgrowth, synaptic plasticity and neuronal connectivity, all of which have been shown to be altered in the brains of patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Here we optimized custom 5′-isoform-specific TaqMan gene-expression analysis for the transcripts of human IgLON genes to study the expression of IgLONs in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of schizophrenic patients (n = 36) and control subjects (n = 36). Uniform 5′-region and a single promoter was confirmed for the human NEGR1 gene by in silico analysis. IgLON5, a recently described family member, was also included in the study. We detected significantly elevated levels of the NEGR1 transcript (1.33-fold increase) and the NTM 1b isoform transcript (1.47-fold increase) in the DLPFC of schizophrenia patients compared to healthy controls. Consequent protein analysis performed in male subjects confirmed the increase in NEGR1 protein content both in patients with the paranoid subtype and in patients with other subtypes. In-group analysis of patients revealed that lower expression of certain IgLON transcripts, mostly LSAMP 1a and 1b, could be related with concurrent depressive endophenotype in schizophrenic patients. Additionally, our study cohort provides further evidence that cannabis use may be a relevant risk factor associated with suicidal behaviors in psychotic patients. In conclusion, we provide clinical evidence of increased expression levels of particular IgLON family members in the DLPFC of schizophrenic patients. We propose that alterations in the expression profile of IgLON neural adhesion molecules are associated with brain circuit disorganization in neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia. In the light of previously published data, we suggest that increased level of NEGR1 in the frontal cortex may serve as molecular marker for a wider spectrum of psychiatric conditions.
Attitudes, Perceptions, and Utilization of Evidence-Based Practices in Residential Care

This study reports on results of a national survey conducted in the United States about the attitudes, perceptions, and utilization of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in residential care settings. Seventy-five of 118 member agencies (63.6% response rate) of a voluntary national residential care association responded to a web-administered structured survey, which included the Evidence-Based Practices Attitude Scale. Results show overwhelmingly positive attitudes toward EBPs. Concerns were reported mainly with regard to cost and impeding a client-driven practice approach. The study also showed a high degree of utilization of EBPs with over 88% of programs reporting the use of at least one practice they considered to be evidence-based. Altogether 53 different practices were reported although it is unknown at this point whether practices were delivered with fidelity. Behaviorally-based and trauma-focused interventions constituted the most common interventions used by residential care agencies. Practices were subsequently validated against four national clearinghouse sites, indicating that only slightly over half of all reported practices had been evaluated by at least one clearinghouse and rated as having some research evidence for effectiveness. Divergent views about what practices are evidence-based point to the need for continued discussion between the practice and research fields about conceptualizations of evidence.
Ultrasonographic assessment of the thyroid gland and adjacent anatomic structures in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus).

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of ultrasonography for thyroid gland assessment in healthy Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), describe the ultrasonographic appearance of the thyroid gland and adjacent anatomic structures, and identify potential associations between variations in thyroid gland morphology and demographic features in this species. ANIMALS 18 captive Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. PROCEDURES 1,404 ultrasonographic examinations of the thyroid gland and adjacent anatomic structures (eg, cervical lymph nodes, musculature, and vasculature) were performed during the > 3-year study period. Shape, echogenicity, and homogeneity of thyroid glands were assessed, and glands were categorized into morphological configurations on the basis of results of 2-D and 3-D ultrasonographic evaluation. Associations between demographic factors and thyroid gland morphology were assessed. RESULTS Thyroid lobes appeared elliptical or fusiform in the transverse scan plane and round to oval in longitudinal scan planes; morphologically, glands comprised 2 lobes joined by an isthmus or a roughly diamond-shaped structure located on the ventral surface of the trachea. Major blood vessels and cervical lymph nodes were identified. Thyroid parenchyma was typically uniform and homogeneous, with echogenic reticulations and well-defined borders. Thyroid glands were hypoechoic or isoechoic relative to the sternocephalicus muscle; echogenicity was greater in adolescents than in adults. Thyroid gland volume differed between sexes, between sexually mature and immature dolphins, and among age groups and was positively correlated with body length and weight. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Ultrasonography provided a reliable and repeatable method for evaluation of thyroid glands and adjacent anatomic structures in live dolphins.
The causality relationships between tourism development and foreign direct investment: an empirical study in EU countries

ABSTRACT The main focus of this paper is the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI), official exchange rate and trade on international tourism using panel data of 27 countries over 1995–2014. The result based on the pooled mean group estimator of dynamic panels shows that there is no causality relationship between FDI and tourist receipts and a bidirectional causality relationship between real exchange rate, trade openness and tourist receipts and explains that FDI plays a significant role in expanding the tourism sector in EU countries. The appropriate policies to explore tourism resources and plans which develop new tourist venues and facilities may need to be considered in order to meet the increasing tourism receipts.