Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of the concept of social savings and consumer surplus in studies on the impact of innovation on economic growth

Aim: The main objective of the paper was to calculate social savings (and consumer surplus) of innovation on the example of railroads in Germany for 1985. The railways were among the most important innovations in the nineteenth century. Being aware of the limits of the social savings technique, the author included the concept of consumer surplus in his calculation Design / Research methods: For the purpose of the research, the author used the concept of social savings proposed by Robert Fogel and consumer surplus. Conclusions / findings: For the year 1895, social savings amounted to 2.82% (first equation) of GDP and 5.04% of GDP (second equation), taking into account elasticity of demand (-1,38), social savings amounted to 1.27% of GDP and 2.18% of GDP for Germany. The result thus elicited the author referred to the social savings from railroads as made available in literature and the author’s previous research. The author demonstrated that the social savings from the innovation were relatively small. Originality / value of the article: The results of research are useful for examining the impact of innovation, such as railroads, on the level of social savings. The paper fills the gap in the Polish economic thinking on the use of counterfactual methods. Implications of the research: The concept of social savings which takes into account demand elasticity can be applied successfully in evaluating the impact of (various) innovations on economic growth. Limitations of the research: The weakness of the method may be the lack of knowledge about the real level of elasticity of demand for innovation, as well as determining the level of prices of an alternative good, especially if the use of innovation at the initial stage of bringing it to the market involves a relatively high price.
The case of aphasia or neglect after striatocapsular infarction.

The occurrence of aphasia or neglect was related to anatomo-structural (CT/MRI), functional [regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF)] and pathogenetic features [duration of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion and degree of cortical leptomeningeal anastomoses] in 57 cases (26 with and 31 without aphasia or neglect) with strictly subcortical infarcts of one defined type, i.e. striatocapsular infarcts. No distinct pattern of language disturbances was found. Aphasic syndromes did not differ in the amount of involvement of the putamen, pallidum, head of caudate nucleus and white matter. Patients with aphasia or neglect had larger infarcts than those without. However, there was no specific involvement of the basal ganglia, the internal capsule or the deep white matter in patients with aphasia or neglect. Patients with aphasia or neglect had a significantly longer duration of MCA occlusion and mostly poor leptomeningeal collaterals. The cortical rCBF was significantly decreased in the cortical MCA territory in the patients with aphasia or neglect only. The rCBF remained low at follow-up after 1 year and corresponded to focal cortical atrophy on MRI, although neglect had subsided completely in all patients and aphasia had improved considerably in almost 75% of the cases. Aphasia or neglect after striatocapsular infarcts are most likely due to selective neuronal loss of the cerebral cortex due to prolonged MCA occlusion and insufficient collateral blood flow. Individual differences in recovery from aphasia after striatocapsular infarction can be explained in terms of the number of surviving cortical neurons.
Increased Anxiety and Impaired Pain Response in Puromycin-Sensitive Aminopeptidase Gene-Deficient Mice Obtained by a Mouse Gene-Trap Method

A mouse mutation, termed goku, was generated by a gene-trap strategy. goku homozygous mice showed dwarfism, a marked increase in anxiety, and an analgesic effect. Molecular analysis indicated that the mutated gene encodes a puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (Psa; EC 3.4.11.14), whose functionsin vivo are unknown. Transcriptional arrest of the Psa gene and a drastic decrease of aminopeptidase activity indicated that the function of Psa is disrupted in homozygous mice. Together with the finding that the Psa gene is strongly expressed in the brain, especially in the striatum and hippocampus, these results suggest that the Psa gene is required for normal growth and the behavior associated with anxiety and pain.
Promoting Socio-scientific Issues-based Learning in Biology: Indonesian Students’ and Teacher’s Perceptions and Students’ Informal Reasoning

This research was conducted to examine the outcomes of promoting socio-scientific issues (SSIs)-based instruction in secondary school biology classrooms in Indonesia. To attain its purpose, four research questions led this research in regard to knowing: whether a development of an instrument for assessing students’ perceptions of SSI-based instruction can produce a reliable and valid instrument, how Indonesian students’ perceive of SSIs-based learning in biology, what type of informal reasoning that can be performed by students in SSIs-based learning, and Indonesian biology teachers’ perceptions of SSIs teaching practice. As this research is attempting to develop and implement an innovation (i.e SSIsbased instruction) in the context of Indonesia, this research is carried out as a case study design. Based on research questions, two phases of research were implemented. The first phase was conducted in dealing with research question one, and the second phase was for the remaining three research questions. For the first research question, this study utilised both qualitative and quantitative approaches within three stages. The first stage was analysis and construction of the items for the defined scales including contextualisation of SSIs, attitude toward SSIs-learning, student involvement, and SSI-learning objective. Following the first stage, the proposed items constructed were reviewed and validated for substantial statements as well as language conformity. The 28-developed items of the questionnaire in Bahasa Indonesia then were administered to 284 grade 10 and 11 students of senior high schools in Central Java, Indonesia. Data from the administration were analysed using factor analysis with varimax rotation. Based on the factor loading results, four items were removed because they were not loaded on one factor. Thus, the 24 remaining items supported the four-scale structure suggesting that the questionnaire has statistical validity. Moreover, the Cronbach alpha coefficient for each scale was calculated above 0.70 which indicates that they have internal consistency reliability. Following the first phase, four biology teachers with various teaching experiences were involved in phase two of this research. They are from different secondary
Predicting individual tree mortality in northern hardwood stands under uneven-aged management in southern Québec, Canada

This study proposes a generalized linear mixed model to predict individual tree mortality in northern hardwood stands under uneven-aged management. The model is based on a complementary log-log (CLL) link function, and was calibrated using permanent-plot data. Tree vigor, stem product, diameter at breast height and stand basal area were tested as explanatory variables. A plot and an interval random effect were specified to account for spatial correlations. When compared with the traditional logit link function, the CLL facilitates the inclusion of the time factor. In this case study, there was an important variability of mortality predictions between the plots and the intervals for a given plot. The interval random effect is thought to be associated with catastrophic mortality. Since both tree vigor and stem product proved to be significant mortality predictors, we recommend that these variables be evaluated to increase the accuracy of mortality models. RésuméCette étude présente un modèle linéaire mixte généralisé pour la prévision de la mortalité dans les peuplements de feuillus nobles sous aménagement. Le modèle utilise une fonction de lien log-log complémentaire (LLC) et a été étalonné à l’aide de données de placettes permanentes. La vigueur de l’arbre, le produit, le diamètre à hauteur de poitrine et la surface terrière ont été testés comme variables explicatives. Des effets aléatoires de placette et d’intervalle ont été spécifiés dans le modèle afin de tenir compte des corrélations spatiales. Comparée au traditionnel logit, la fonction de lien LLC facilite l’inclusion du facteur temps. Dans ce cas d’étude, il existait une importante variabilité des prévisions entre les placettes et les intervalles de temps d’une même placette. On présume que l’effet aléatoire d’intervalle représente la mortalité catastrophique. Puisque la vigueur et le produit des tiges se sont avérés être des variables significatives, il est recommandé de les évaluer afin d’améliorer la précision des modèles de mortalité.
Intrauterine device insertion in the postpartum period: A systematic review

Abstract Objectives Given new research on postpartum placement of levonorgestrel and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), our objective was to update a prior systematic review of the safety and expulsion rates of postpartum IUDs. Methods We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, LILACS, POPLINE, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for articles between the database inception until July 2013. We included studies that compared IUD insertion time intervals and routes during the postpartum period. We used standard abstract forms and the United States Preventive Services Task Force grading system to summarise and assess the quality of the evidence. Results We included 18 articles. New evidence suggests that a levonorgestrel releasing-intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) insertion within 48 hours of delivery is safe. Postplacental insertion and insertion between 10 minutes and 48 hours after delivery result in higher expulsion rates than insertion 4 to 6 weeks postpartum, or non-postpartum insertion. Insertion at the time of caesarean section is associated with lower expulsion rates than postplacental insertion at the time of vaginal delivery. Conclusions This review supports the evidence that insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive within the first 48 hours of vaginal or caesarean delivery is safe. Expulsion rates should be further studied in larger randomised controlled trials. Chinese Abstract 摘要： 目的：鉴于有关产后放置左炔诺孕酮和铜制的宫内节育器（IUDs）的新研究，我们的目的是更新前一个关于产后宫内节育器的安全性和脱落率的系统综述。 方法：我们检索了MEDLINE，CENTRAL，LILACS，POPLINE，Web of Science和ClinicalTrials.gov 数据库自建库到2013年7月的文章。 我们收录的研究比较了产后放置宫内节育器时间间隔和途径。 我们采用标准的抽象形式和美国预防服务工作组的分级系统来总结和评估证据的质量。 结果：我们收录了18篇文章。 新的证据表明，分娩后48小时内放置左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统（LNG-IUS）是安全的。 分娩后10分钟到48小时内放置宫内节育器比产后4-6周或非产后放置宫内节育器具有更高的脱落率。 剖宫产手术时放置宫内节育器的脱落率比阴道分娩产后放置的脱落率低。 结论：本文支持的证据表明，阴道分娩或剖宫产分娩后48小时内放置宫内节育器是安全的。 脱落率应需要更大的随机对照试验进一步研究。
Oral Cyclophosphamide Is on the Verge of Extinction as Therapy for Severe Autoimmune Diseases (Especially Lupus): Should Nephrologists Care?

Some day we will have powerful targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases. Remission will be induced efficiently. Side effects will be mere ripples. Unfortunately, that day is not imminent. Current therapies are powerful but with unintended targets and side effects that can be equivalent to a sea change. For SLE, the current competition to select the ‘gold standard’ immunosuppressant has come down to two regimens: intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCY, standard NIH protocol or its variations) versus oral mycophenolate (MMF). Until recently, IVCY reigned as the gold standard, a title it achieved through a curious journey that did not involve rigorous head-to-head competition. Oral cyclophosphamide (POCY) has not been invited to the current competition to select the gold standard immunosuppressant despite the substantial evidence that POCY can perform at least as well as IVCY or mycophenolate, and compared to IVCY, is far less expensive, easier for the patient, and maybe more effective in African-Americans. Here, we state the case for POCY as therapy for severe autoimmune diseases. We suggest that if POCY is allowed to compete, it will not disappoint.
Bioequivalence of Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Single-Tablet Regimen

Objective:Efavirenz (EFV; 600 mg), emtricitabine (FTC; 200 mg) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF; 300 mg) are preferred agents for treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK) and bioequivalence of an investigational coformulation of EFV/FTC/TDF (test) single-tablet regimen compared with the commercially available individual dosage forms (EFV+FTC+TDF; reference treatment) in healthy subjects. Methods:Subjects were randomized to 1 of 2 treatment sequences (test→reference or reference→test) in an open-label crossover study design. Study drug was administered under fasted conditions, and serial blood samples were obtained over 504 hours after oral administration of each treatment. Formulation bioequivalence was assessed in accordance with the US Food and Drug Administration bioequivalence criteria. Results:Forty-eight subjects were enrolled, and 45 completed the study, with all study treatments being generally well tolerated. For EFV (n = 44), the geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval [CI]) for maximum concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0-last), and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (AUCinf) were 99.9 (93.4 to 107), 95.7 (90.5 to 101), and 95.2 (88.9 to 102), respectively. For FTC (n = 45), the geometric mean ratios (90% CI) for Cmax, AUC0-last, and AUCinf were 88.8 (84.0 to 93.9), 98.0 (94.9 to 101), and 98.0 (94.9 to 101), respectively. For tenofovir (n = 45), the geometric mean ratios (90% CI) for Cmax, AUC0-last, and AUCinf were 91.5 (84.6 to 98.8), 99.3 (91.0 to 108), and 100 (93.2 to 108), respectively. Conclusions:The coformulation of EFV/FTC/TDF is bioequivalent to administration of its individual components.
‘Making the grade’: a grounded theory explaining the student experience of Asian and Middle-Eastern postgraduates in a British university

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was firstly to describe the experiences of international students living and studying in a UK university, to understand and explain their responses to those experiences and to make recommendations to stakeholders in the light of the findings. The research found that international students’ two biggest concerns are their English language skills and their detachment from domestic students. International students were surprised at the size of the challenges they faced and worked hard to bridge the gap between their academic and sociocultural skills and those needed in the UK. International students provided emotional, practical and academic support to each other, but the academic support they offered to each other was not always reliable. International students engaged in a process of identity change during which they gained the skills they needed to be academically successful. Recommendations in regard to the academic and pastoral support of international students are made.
Alterations of Notch/Jagged mRNA and protein expression after partial hepatectomy in rats

Objective. To investigate alterations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, the Notch/Jagged signaling pathway, and hepatocyte proliferation, and their correlation in rats subjected to partial hepatectomy. Material and methods. Blood and liver tissues were sampled immediately (0), 5, 15, 30, 60, 180, 360, and 720 min, and 1, 2, 4, and 7 days after partial (70%) hepatectomy to measure plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Notch-1 and Jagged-1 protein, and mRNA in liver tissue. Results. Systemic levels of IL-6 significantly correlated with the expression of PCNA in hepatocytes (p<0.05) after partial (70%) hepatectomy. The increased expression of Notch-1 protein was located in the sinusoidal endothelium, while Jagged-1 protein was predominantly located in bile duct cells. Expression of both proteins was increased around the portal vein. mRNA expression of Notch-1 decreased between 6 h and 2 days after partial hepatectomy, while Jagged-1 increased between 3 and 6 h, decreased between 12 h and 2 days, and normalized on day 4 after hepatectomy. Conclusions. Partial hepatectomy-induced hepatocyte proliferation was accompanied by an increase in systemic levels of IL-6, a pro-inflammatory response that plays a part in the proliferative process. The Notch/Jagged signaling pathways are activated and probably represent important contributors to the regenerative process following hepatectomy including both hepatocyte proliferation and bile duct formation and growth.
In utero exposure of high-dose di-n-butyl phthalate resulted in opposite effects on testicular cell apoptosis in late embryonic and pubertal male rat offspring

Objective: To investigate the effects of in utero exposure to high-dose di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) on testicular cell apoptosis in late embryonic and pubertal male rat offspring. Methods: Twenty pregnant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into two groups. During gestation day (GD) 12 to GD 19, control group was given 1 ml day−1 of olive oil and experimental group was given DBP 500 mg kg−1 day−1 by gavage. On GD 19.5 and postnatal day (PND) 45, the testes were removed. Morphological analysis of the testes was observed by transmission electron microscopy and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Testicular cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and p53 was presented by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot. Data of the two groups was compared using independent samples t-test and Mann–Whitney test by SPSS 20.0. Results: H&E staining showed that spermatogenetic cells were significantly decreased in DBP exposed pubertal rat testis. The apoptosis index of testes in DBP-treated group was significantly lower on GD 19.5 but higher on PND 45 than that of the controls (p < 0.01). IHC and western blot revealed significantly increased expression of Bcl-2 in GD 19.5 rat testis and Bax and p53 in PND 45 rat testis after DBP exposure, compared with the control (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In utero exposure of high-dose DBP resulted in opposite effects on testicular cell apoptosis in late embryonic and pubertal rat offspring. The overexpression of Bcl-2, Bax, and p53 might be related to the occurrence of abnormal apoptosis and finally produce male infertility.
Migraine and migraine subtypes in preadolescent children

Objectives: To conduct a population-based study describing school performance in children with episodic migraine (EM), chronic migraine (CM), and probable migraine (PM), relative to controls. Methods: Children (n = 5,671) from 87 cities and 18 Brazilian states were interviewed by their teachers (n = 124). First, teachers were asked to provide information on the performance of the students while at school, which consisted of the same information provided to the educational board, with measurements of the overall achievement of competencies for the school year. The MTA-SNAP-IV scale was then used to capture symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and to provide objective information on the performance of the students. Parents were interviewed using a validated headache questionnaire and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, which measures behavior in 5 domains. Multivariate models estimated determinants of school performance as a function of headache status. Results: EM occurred in 9% of the children, PM in 17.6%, and CM in 0.6%. Poor performance at school was significantly more likely in children with EM and CM, relative to children without headaches, and was significantly influenced by severity (p < 0.001) and duration (p < 0.001) of headache attacks, by abnormal scores of mental health (p < 0.001), and by nausea (p < 0.001), as well as by headache frequency, use of analgesics, and gender. Conclusion: Children with migraine are at an increased risk of having impairments in their school performance and factors associated with impairment have been mapped. Future studies should address the directionality of the association and putative mechanisms to explain it.
Labour Contribution and Productivity in the European Union: A Cluster Analysis

Abstract The paper deals with an analysis of dynamics and the differentiation of basic features that characterize employment in European Union countries. The conducted research considered characteristics of the labour force such as the share of total labour compensation in the GDP, the number of hours worked and labour productivity. According to economic theory, this last variable plays a crucial role in the formation of the long-term economic growth. Also examined in the paper was the influence of the economic crisis on the behaviour of the indicated variables. A main statistical data source was the Total Economy Database published by the Conference Board. It can be seen from the results of the research that there exists growing international differences between the basic characteristics of labour force utilization and productivity. The conclusions were drawn on the grounds of a cluster analysis, which allowed deriving homogenous groups of countries according to the specificity of labour utilization and efficiency.
Are adolescents with frequent pain symptoms more depressed?

Objective - To study predicting value of pain symptoms in detecting depression among adolescents. Design - A population-based classroom survey of 14-16-year-old adolescents. Setting - Secondary schools in two regions of Finland (Vaasa and Pirkanmaa). Subjects - Every secondary school in these two regions was asked to participate in the study. The final sample comprised 17 643 adolescents in 8th and 9th grades (mean age 15.3 years). Main outcome measures - The subjects were asked to rate the frequency of headache, stomach-ache, low back pain and neck or shoulder pain. Depression was measured using the Finnish modification of the short Beck Depression Inventory (R-BDI). Trait anxiety was questioned in an item formulated analogously to R-BDI questions. Results - Prevalence of depression was higher among adolescents with recurrent pain symptoms. Each of the four measured pain symptoms predicted depression independently and accumulation of different pain symptoms increased the odd ratios for depression. Anxiety did not change the association between pain symptoms and depression. Conclusion - Recurrent pain symptoms are associated with depression among adolescents. Clinicians working with adolescents should be aware of this association and interview adolescents with recurrent pains for possible underlying depression.
Assessment for Learning in International Contexts: approaches and challenges in researching teacher values and practices

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in The Curriculum Journal on the 6th of November 2014, available online: http://wwww.tandfonline. com/10.1080/09585176.2014. 975732. This version will be under embargo until the 6th of May 2016.
Pancreatic and bile duct brushing cytology in 1000 cases

Duct brushing cytology is an important tool in evaluation of the extrahepatic biliary tract and large pancreatic ducts. The emergence of neoadjuvant therapies underscores the importance of accurate preoperative diagnosis by noninvasive means. Liquid‐based preparation methods, such as ThinPrep, have become popular for nongynecologic cytology specimens.
Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Impairs Advanced Social Cognition

Summary: Purpose: Although memory, language, and executive functions have been extensively studied in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), investigations into advanced social cognitive abilities have been neglected. In the present study, we investigated the ability to detect social faux pas and studied possible mediating clinical and demographic variables in patients with MTLE compared with patients with an epilepsy not originating within the MTLE and healthy controls.