Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Explosive Dynamics in House Prices? An Exploration of Financial Market Spillovers in Housing Markets Around the World

Asset prices in general, and real house prices in particular, are often characterized by a nonlinear data-generating process which displays mildly explosive behavior in some periods. Here, we investigate the emergence of explosiveness in the dynamics of real house prices and the role played by asset market spillovers. We establish a timeline of periodically-collapsing episodes of explosiveness for a panel of 23 countries from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas? International House Price Database (Mack and Martnez-Garca (2011)) between first quarter 1975 and fourth quarter 2015 using the recursive unit root test methodology proposed by Phillips et al. (2015a,b). Motivated by the theory of financial arbitrage, we examine within a dynamic panel logit/probit framework whether macro fundamentals? and, more specifically, financial variables? help predict episodes of explosiveness in real house prices. We find that interest rate spreads and real stock market growth together with standard macro variables (growth in personal disposable income per capita and inflation) are amongst the best predictors. We, therefore, argue that financial developments in other asset markets play a significant role in the emergence of explosiveness in housing markets.
Period Gene Expression in the Brain of a Dual-Phasing Rodent, the Octodon degus

Clock gene expression is not only confined to the master circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) but is also found in many other brain regions. The phase relationship between SCN and extra-SCN oscillators may contribute to known differences in chronotypes. The Octodon degus is a diurnal rodent that can shift its activity-phase preference from diurnal to nocturnal when running wheels become available. To understand better the relationship between brain clock gene activity and chronotype, we studied the day-night expression of the Period genes, Per1 and Per2, in the SCN and extra-SCN brain areas in diurnal and nocturnal degus. Since negative masking to light and entrainment to the dark phase are involved in the nocturnalism of this species, we also compare, for the first time, Per expression between entrained (EN) and masked nocturnal (MN) degus. The brains of diurnal, MN, and EN degus housed with wheels were collected during the light (ZT4) and dark (ZT16) phases. Per1 and Per2 mRNA levels were analyzed by in situ hybridization. Within the SCN, signals for Per1 and Per2 were higher at ZT4 irrespective of chronotype. However, outside of the SCN, Per1 expression in the hippocampus of EN degus was out of phase (higher values at ZT16) with SCN values. Although a similar trend was seen in MN animals, this day-night difference in Per1 expression was not significant. Interestingly, daily differences in Per1 expression were not seen in the hippocampus of diurnal degus. For other putative brain areas analyzed (cortices, striatum, arcuate, ventromedial hypothalamus), no differences in Per1 levels were found between chronotypes. Both in diurnal and nocturnal degus, Per2 levels in the hippocampus and in the cingulate and piriform cortices were in phase with their activity rhythms. Thus, diurnal degus showed higher Per2 levels at ZT4, whereas in both types of nocturnal degus, Per2 expression was reversed, peaking at ZT16. Together, the present study supports the hypothesis that the mechanisms underlying activity-phase preference in diurnal and nocturnal mammals reside downstream from the SCN, but our data also indicate that there are fundamental differences between nocturnal masked and entrained degus.
Does Inflation Uncertainty Matter for Validity of Romer’s Hypothesis? Evidence from Nigeria.

Romer (1993) posits openness to international restricts inflation. He offers an explanation based on time-inconsistency of monetary policy, however ensuing studies have raised questions on the validity of Romer’s assertion and its explanation. The aim of this paper was to estimate the effect of trade openness on inflation employing quantile regression analysis, contrary to traditional mean regression methods using annual data from Nigeria for the period 1970 to 2016. The paper also tested the hypothesis of whether inflation uncertainty influence the validity of Romer’s hypothesis for Nigeria. The study adopted two measures of openness – share of trade to GDP and KOF globalization index. The results of the study validate Romer’s hypothesis for both openness indexes that openness restrict inflation. With the inclusion of inflation uncertainty, the estimated impact of trade openness on inflation was quantitatively larger and the t-statistic on the interaction variable is significant in all quantiles except for the median quantile (0.50) and their coefficients are positive. The study concluded that in all distributions of inflation, inflation uncertainty reduces the ability of openness to trade in curbing inflation. Therefore, it recommends that policy maker should target and control inflation uncertainty when openness is employed as key policy instrument for controlling inflation.
Body composition analysis using abdominal scans from routine clinical care in patients with Crohn’s Disease

Abstract Objective: Crohn’s Disease is associated with body composition changes, which have important treatment and prognostic implications. Measurement of body composition usually requires dedicated scanning or measurement, with retrospective analysis of existing datasets impossible. We sought to determine whether single slice analysis of abdominal scans, obtained during routine clinical care, in patients with Crohn’s Disease accurately predicts body composition compartments. Materials and methods: Abdominal CT images of patients with Crohn’s disease were analyzed and comparison was made with total body fat-free mass, total body fat mass, femoral neck t-score, and other parameters reported from DXA, the reference method. Results: Thirty-seven subjects were identified, 15 male and 22 female, with a mean age of 43.8 years. There was significant correlation (Pearson r = 0.923, p < 0.001) between skeletal muscle area from CT and total fat-free mass measured by DXA. Similarly, total body fat mass correlated strongly (r = 0.928, p < 0.0001) with subcutaneous fat area. In this cohort of ambulatory Crohn’s Disease patients, low muscle mass/sarcopenia was prevalent and predictive of lower bone mineral density. Conclusions: Fat mass, fat-free mass, and appendicular skeletal muscle index can be predicted by analysis of a single CT slice in patients with Crohn’s Disease. Similar to published data from healthy subjects, the L3 vertebral body level provided the most robust correlation with most parameters. This study represents the first published use of routinely obtained abdominal imaging to demonstrate this relationship – and to predict body composition components – in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
ECG-gated cardiac CT angiography using 64-MDCT for detection of patent foramen ovale.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to show the feasibility of ECG-gated, 64-MDCT cardiac angiography for the detection of patent foramen ovale (PFO). MATERIALS AND METHODS Chart review was performed on 214 consecutive patients referred for clinically indicated 64-MDCT angiography. The study cohort consisted of 20 patients who had previously undergone transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Blinded consensus review of each CT angiography was performed by two experienced cardiac radiologists and results were compared with TEE, which served as a reference standard. CT criteria for the diagnosis of PFO were distinct left atrial "flap" in the expected location of the septum primum, continuous column of contrast material connecting this flap to the right atrium, and a "jet" of contrast material from the column into the right atrium. RESULTS Of the 20 patients who underwent both TEE and cardiac CT angiography, six (30%) were found to have a PFO by TEE. Using the presence of a left atrial flap as the only diagnostic criterion, all six cases of PFO were detected using CT (sensitivity = 100%). Of the 14 patients with no PFO seen on TEE, 12 of these were correctly identified using CT (specificity = 86%). Using all three criteria together, the sensitivity decreased to 66% and the specificity increased to 100%. CONCLUSION ECG-gated cardiac CT angiography performed with a 64-MDCT scanner can be used to reliably detect PFO.
Cancer risk in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

To assess the cancer risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) we identified 1229 cases of MGUS in the period 1978 to 1993. Data on cancer occurrence in the MGUS cohort were obtained from the Danish Cancer Registry. The expected numbers of cancer cases were calculated from age‐, sex‐, county‐, and period‐specific cancer incidence rates. In the MGUS cohort 64 new cancers with a known association with M‐components were diagnosed versus 5.0 expected giving a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 12.9 (95% confidence interval, 9.9–16.5). The relative risks of developing multiple myeloma (SIR 34.3), Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (SIR 63.8), and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (SIR 5.9) were significantly increased and independent of time passed from detection of the M‐component. The relative risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia was not significantly increased, SIR 2.7 (0.5‐7.7). Among cancer sites without known association with M‐components 141 cases were observed versus 94.6 expected giving a SIR of 1.5 (1.3‐1.8). This enhanced risk was seen for several non‐hematological cancer sites but for most cancer sites the risk was dependent on time passed from detection of the M‐component, indicating a bias rather than a causal role of MGUS. Am. J. Hematol. 63:1–6, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased Levels of Urinary PGE-M, a Biomarker of Inflammation, Occur in Association with Obesity, Aging, and Lung Metastases in Patients with Breast Cancer

Elevated levels of COX-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) occur in inflamed tissues. To evaluate the potential links between inflammation and breast cancer, levels of urinary prostaglandin E metabolite (PGE-M), a stable end metabolite of PGE2, were quantified. We enrolled 400 patients with breast cancer: controls with early breast cancer (n = 200), lung metastases (n = 100), and metastases to other sites (n = 100). Patients completed a questionnaire, provided urine, and had measurements of height and weight. Urinary PGE-M was quantified by mass spectrometry. Ever smokers with lung metastasis who had not been exposed to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) had the highest PGE-M levels. PGE-M levels were increased in association with elevated body mass index (BMI; P < 0.001), aging (P < 0.001), pack-year smoking history (P = 0.02), lung metastases (P = 0.02), and recent cytotoxic chemotherapy (P = 0.03). Conversely, use of NSAIDs, prototypic inhibitors of COX activity, was associated with reduced PGE-M levels (P < 0.001). On the basis of the current findings, PGE-M is likely to be a useful biomarker for the selection of high-risk subgroups to determine the use of interventions that aim to reduce inflammation and possibly the development and progression of breast cancer, especially in overweight and obese women. Cancer Prev Res; 6(5); 428–36. ©2013 AACR.
Using Individual-Oriented Relationship Education to Prevent Family Violence

Relationship aggression has negative effects on adults, children, and society. In this article, we outline the potential benefits of using relationship education programs that are designed for and delivered to individuals (rather than couples) for preventing relationship aggression. Next, we briefly review one such program, Within My Reach, and related research on its effectiveness in preventing relationship aggression. Implications of this research for future research, clinical practice, and policy are also discussed.
New Reverse Transcription-PCR Assay for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Enterovirus Genomes in Cerebrospinal Fluid Specimens of Patients with Aseptic Meningitis

ABSTRACT Enterovirus (EV) detection by a new commercially available reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assay (Penter RT-PCR test) was compared with EV isolation from cell cultures and with EV detection by an in-house RT-PCR assay. Of the 54 cerebrospinal fluid specimens collected during a summer outbreak of aseptic meningitis, 52% were positive by cell culture versus 76% by in-house RT-PCR assay and 80% by the new RT-PCR test (52 versus 76 versus 80%; P = 0.003). This new reliable EV RNA detection test is suitable for clinical diagnosis of EV-related meningitis and may improve the management of EV-related neurological syndromes.
Effectiveness of autologous transfusion system in primary total hip and knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND Autologous transfusion has become a cost-efficient and useful option in the treatment of patients with high blood loss following major orthopaedic surgery. However, the effectiveness of autologous transfusion in total joint replacement remains controversial. OBJECTIVE The current study analyzed the efficacy of autologous transfusion with washed shed blood (WSB) in primary total knee and total hip arthroplasty (TKA, THA). METHODS Between January 2011 and December 2011, patients being treated with a primary TKA (n=162) and/or THA (n=227) and who met the inclusion criteria were recruited to the study in consecutive fashion. RESULTS The patient age, BMI and ASA scores showed no statistically significant correlation to the degree of blood loss, quantity of autotransfusion necessary or Hb differential in TKA patients. The use of an autologous transfusion system in TKA and THA is not correlated statistically to a reduction in the amount of allogenic or autologous transfusion. CONCLUSIONS The use of the autotransfusion system does not correlate significantly with the amount of allogenic transfusion in TKA and THA in the current authors' patient cohort. Age, BMI and ASA score appeared not to exert significant influence on the total amount of autotransfusion or Hb difference.
Investigation on SAW properties of LGS and optimal cuts for high-temperature applications

A promising perspective for surface acoustic wave (SAW) device applications at high temperature has been opened by langasite (LGS). The SAW properties of LGS in singly and doubly rotated cuts at 250/spl deg/C are investigated. Three noticeable regions for SAW-cut orientations and propagation directions at high temperature are put forward and are defined by Euler angles [0/spl deg/, 20/spl deg//spl rarr/50/spl deg/, 35/spl deg//spl rarr/45/spl deg/], [0/spl deg/, 85/spl deg//spl rarr/110/spl deg/, 0/spl deg/5/spl deg/], and [0/spl deg/, 138/spl deg//spl rarr/145/spl deg/, 20/spl deg/23/spl deg/], respectively. The first region includes zero or comparatively reduced temperature coefficient of delay (TCD) (<2 ppm) and smaller electromechanical coupling factor (K/sup 2/) (0.2%-0.35%); the second one exhibits higher K/sup 2/ (0.35%-0.45%) arid moderate TCD (<5 ppm); and the highest K/sup 2/ (>0.45%) and larger TCD (25-30 ppm) characterize the last region. For some typical orientations within the above-mentioned three regions, the temperature dependency of SAW characteristics (up to 1000/spl deg/C) is discussed. The second region [0/spl deg/, 85/spl deg//spl rarr/110/spl deg/, 0/spl deg//spl rarr/5/spl deg/], especially the orientation [0/spl deg/, 90/spl deg/, 0/spl deg/], has better comprehensive characteristics of SAW and is more suitable for high-temperature applications. Therefore, we should give a top priority to the orientation [0/spl deg/, 90/spl deg/, 0/spl deg/] in the design of SAW devices operating at high temperature. Comparison between published experimental results and numerical predictions based on LGS constants and their temperature coefficients available in the literature reveals that the theoretical results of TCD under 250/spl deg/C are in agreement with the experimental ones (the relative error of TCD is within 10%).
STUDY ON PARASITIC INFECTIONS OF QUAILS IN GARMSAR, IRAN

In this study parasitic infection of bobwhite and Japanese quails were clarified in farms of Garmsar city in province of Semnan. Forty quails from two breeds randomly were selected and they examined to identify all internal and external parasites . Finding was shown that five percent of the quails examined harbored one or more species of helminthes. Two cestodes, Raillietina echinobothrida and Raillietina cysticillus were found in small intestine. One of female bobwhite quails was infected by R.echinobothrida and one male bobwhite quails was infected by R.cysticyllus. Eight of forty quails harbored intestinal Cryptosporidiosis (20%) and thirteen of forty quails had tracheal cryptosporidiosis (32.5%). Intestinal cryptosporidiosis was clarified in three male and one female of both bobwhite and Japanese quails and tracheal cryptosporidiosis was found in four male and five female of bob white quails and three male and one female of Japanese quails. Also in this study significant difference was determined between female Bob white breed & female Japanese breed in case of tracheal cryptosporidiosis (p<0.05). In this study, there was no ectoparasite on quails.
A Role for Caveolae/Lipid Rafts in the Uptake and Recycling of the Endogenous Cannabinoid Anandamide*

The mechanisms responsible for the uptake and cellular processing of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide are not well understood. We propose that anandamide uptake may occur via a caveola/lipid raft-related endocytic process in RBL-2H3 cells. Inhibitors of caveola-related (clathrin-independent) endocytosis reduced anandamide transport by ∼50% compared with the control. Fluorescein derived from fluorescently labeled anandamide colocalized with protein markers of caveolae at early time points following transport. In this study, we have also identified a yet unrecognized process involved in trafficking events affecting anandamide following its uptake. Following uptake of [3H]anandamide by RBL-2H3 cells, we found an accumulation of tritium in the caveolin-rich membranes. Inhibitors of both anandamide uptake and metabolism blocked the observed enrichment of tritium in the caveolin-rich membranes. Mass spectrometry of subcellular membrane fractions revealed that the tritium accumulation observed in the caveolin-rich membrane fraction was not representative of intact anandamide, suggesting that following metabolism by the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), anandamide metabolites are rapidly enriched in caveolae. Furthermore, HeLa cells, which do not express high levels of FAAH, showed an accumulation of tritium in the caveolin-rich membrane fraction only when transfected with FAAH cDNA. Western blot and immunocytochemistry analyses of RBL-2H3 cells revealed that FAAH was localized in intracellular compartments distinct from caveolin-1 localization. Together, these data suggest that following uptake via caveola/lipid raft-related endocytosis, anandamide is rapidly metabolized by FAAH, with the metabolites efficiently recycled to caveolin-rich membrane domains.
Two Biosynthetic Pathways for Aromatic Amino Acids in the Archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis

ABSTRACT Methanococcus maripaludis is a strictly anaerobic, methane-producing archaeon. Aromatic amino acids (AroAAs) are biosynthesized in this autotroph either by the de novo pathway, with chorismate as an intermediate, or by the incorporation of exogenous aryl acids via indolepyruvate oxidoreductase (IOR). In order to evaluate the roles of these pathways, the gene that encodes the third step in the de novo pathway, 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase (DHQ), was deleted. This mutant required all three AroAAs for growth, and no DHQ activity was detectible in cell extracts, compared to 6.0 ± 0.2 mU mg−1 in the wild-type extract. The growth requirement for the AroAAs could be fulfilled by the corresponding aryl acids phenylacetate, indoleacetate, and p-hydroxyphenylacetate. The specific incorporation of phenylacetate into phenylalanine by the IOR pathway was demonstrated in vivo by labeling with [1-13C]phenylacetate. M. maripaludis has two IOR homologs. A deletion mutant for one of these homologs contained 76, 74, and 42% lower activity for phenylpyruvate, p-hydoxyphenylpyruvate, and indolepyruvate oxidation, respectively, than the wild type. Growth of this mutant in minimal medium was inhibited by the aryl acids, but the AroAAs partially restored growth. Genetic complementation of the IOR mutant also restored much of the wild-type phenotype. Thus, aryl acids appear to regulate the expression or activity of the de novo pathway. The aryl acids did not significantly inhibit the activity of the biosynthetic enzymes chorismate mutase, prephenate dehydratase, and prephenate dehydrogenase in cell extracts, so the inhibition of growth was probably not due to an effect on these enzymes.
Genomic and gene expression responses to genotoxic stress in PAC2 zebrafish embryonic cell line

PAC2 cell line is, along most of the developed zebrafish cell lines, poorly characterized concerning its response to genotoxicants. To define the PAC2 cell line response to different forms of genotoxic stress, we exposed the cells to model genotoxic agents (benzo[a]pyrene, B[a]P, and ethyl methanesulfonate) and subsequently monitored DNA damage and alterations by using the battery of tests, including the Comet assay, quantitative random‐amplified polymorphic DNA and amplified fragment length polymorphism. The expression of several DNA repair (xpc, xpd, hr23b, rad51, msh2) and oxidative stress response (sod (Cu/Zn)) genes was monitored as well. To obtain an indication of the PAC2 cell line metabolizing capacity, the expression of genes belonging to cyp1, cyp2 and cyp3 families was assessed upon exposure to B[a]P. Genotoxic responses were observed in all the used methods, and quantitative random‐amplified polymorphic DNA and amplified fragment length polymorphism proved to be more sensitive by revealing DNA alterations even when the Comet assay indicated lack of significant damage. The PAC2 cell line demonstrated basal and B[a]P‐induced expression of several cyp genes, suggesting its ability to metabolize indirect acting xenobiotics to a certain point. Based on these results, PAC2 cells seem to be sensitive zebrafish in vitro model in the genotoxicity assessment of the direct acting genotoxicant; however, they are less sensitive toward the indirect acting genotoxicant due to their limited metabolizing properties. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring wellness among resident physicians

Requirements to include professionalism in residency curricula have generated a substantial body of literature concerning the environments that fail to nurture professionalism. Local and national surveys provide evidence that a high prevalence of depersonalization and emotional exhaustion exists among residents and that clinical practice is impaired as a result of these factors. A group of 34 residents from ten residency programmes participated in the psychometric testing of a resident wellness assessment instrument that can be rapidly administered, scored, and interpreted. The Brief Resident Wellness Profile is composed of a Mood faces graphical rating item and a six-question subscale. The six-item subscale had good reliability (alpha = 0.83; r = 0.84), convergent validity (r = 0.63), discriminant validity (r = −0.37), and concurrent validity ( p = 0.007). The Mood faces item had good convergent validity (r = 0.66), discriminant validity (r = −0.71), and concurrent validity ( p = 0.008). The Brief Resident Wellness Profile appears to be a reliable and valid instrument that measures residents’ sense of professional accomplishment and mood and can be rapidly administered, scored, and interpreted.