Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Israel Health Insurance Law on the Negev Bedouin Population — A Survey Study

The extension of universal health service insurance to national populations is a relatively new phenomenon. Since 1995, the Israeli National Health Insurance Law (NHIL) has provided universal health services to every resident, but the effect of this law on health and health services among minorities has not been examined sufficiently. The goals of this study were to track some of the first changes engendered by the NHIL among the Negev Bedouin Arabs to examine the effects of universal health care services. Methods included analysis of historical and health policy documents, three field appraisals of health care services (1994, 1995, 1999), a region-wide interview survey of Negev Bedouins (1997), and key informant interviews. For the interview survey, a sample of 515 households was chosen from different Bedouin localities representing major sedentarization stages. Results showed that prior to the NHIL, a substantial proportion of the Negev Bedouins were uninsured with limited, locally available health service. Since 1995, health services, particularly primary care clinics and health manpower, have dramatically expanded. The initial expansion appears to have been a marketing ploy, but real improvements have occurred. There was a high level of health service utilization among the Bedouins in the Negev, especially private medical services, hospitals, and night ambulatory medical services. The NHIL brought change to the structure of health services in Israel, namely the institution of a national health system based on proportional allocation of resources (based on size and age) and open competition in the provision of quality health care. The expansion of the pool of potential members engendered by the new universal coverage had profound effects on the Health Funds' attitudes towards Negev Bedouins. In addition, real consumer choice was introduced for the first time. Although all the health care needs of this rapidly growing population have yet to be met fully, the assurances under the Law and the new level of competition promise a higher level of service in the future.
Active Quant: Applied Investment Research in Emerging Markets

Active quantitative models for stock selection use analysts’ expectations, momentum, and fundamental data. The authors find support for simple and regression-based composite modeling using these sources of data for global and emerging market stocks during the period 2003–2016. They also find evidence for the use of Axioma multifactor models for portfolio construction and risk control. The authors create portfolios for the period January 2003–December 2016. They report four conclusions: 1) analysts’ forecast information was rewarded by the global market between January 2003 and December 2016; 2) analysts’ forecasts can be combined with reported fundamental data, such as earnings, book value, cash flow, and sales, and also with price momentum, in a stock selection model for identifying mispriced securities; 3) emerging markets efficient frontiers dominate non-U.S. and global efficient frontiers; and 4) the portfolio returns of the multifactor risk-controlled emerging market portfolios are consistent with real-time emerging market excess returns.
Microglial expression of αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins is regulated by cytokines and the extracellular matrix: β5 Integrin null microglia show no defects in adhesion or MMP‐9 expression on vitronectin

As the primary immune effector cells in the CNS, microglia play a central role in regulating inflammation. The extracellular matrix (ECM) protein vitronectin is a strong inducer of microglial activation, switching microglia from a resting into an activated potentially destructive phenotype. As the activating effect of vitronectin is mediated by αv integrins, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the requirement of the αvβ5 integrin in mediating microglial adhesion and activation to vitronectin, by studying these events in β5 integrin‐null murine microglia. Surprisingly, β5 integrin null microglia were not defective in adhesion to vitronectin. Further analysis showed that microglia express the αvβ3 integrin, in addition to αvβ5. Flow cytometry revealed that microglial αv integrin expression is regulated by cytokines and ECM proteins. αvβ3 integrin expression was downregulated by IFN‐γ, TNF, LPS, and TGF‐β1. αvβ5 expression was also reduced by IFN‐γ, TNF, and LPS, but strongly increased by the antiactivating factors TGF‐β1 and laminin. Gel zymography revealed that β5 integrin null microglia showed no deficiency in their expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 in response to vitronectin. Taken together, these data show that microglia express two different αv integrins, αvβ3 and αvβ5, and that expression of these integrins is independently regulated by cytokines and ECM proteins. Furthermore, it reveals that the αvβ5 integrin is not essential for mediating microglial adhesion and MMP‐9 expression in response to vitronectin. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupational Regulation in the European Union: Coverage and Wage Effects

We present the first EU‐wide study on the prevalence and labour market impact of occupational regulation in the European Union. Drawing on a new EU Survey of Regulated Occupations, we find that licensing affects about 22 per cent of workers in the European Union, although there is significant variability across member states and occupations. On average, licensing is associated with a 4 per cent higher hourly wage. Using decomposition techniques we show that rent capture accounts for one‐third of this effect and the remainder is attributed to signalling. We find considerable heterogeneity in the wage gains by occupation and level of educational attainment. Finally, occupational licensing increases wage inequality. After accounting for composition effects, licensing increases the standard deviation of wages by about 0.02 log points.
Effects of cross-linking molecular weights in a hyaluronic acid–poly(ethylene oxide) hydrogel network on its properties

We examined the effects of cross-linking molecular weights on the properties of a hyaluronic acid (HA)–poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) hydrogel. Swelling behaviors, mechanical strength and rheological behaviors of the HA–PEO hydrogel were evaluated by employing different cross-linking molecular weights (100 kDa and 1.63 mDa) of the HAs in the hydrogel networks. The low molecular weight of HA was obtained in advance by treating high molecular weight HA with a hydrogen chloride solution. Methacrylation of HA was obtained by grafting aminopropylmethacrylate to its caroboxylic acid functional groups. While reduction of the HA molecular weights was confirmed by gel permeation chromatography, the degree of methacrylate grafting to the HA was measured by 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance. Synthesis of the HA–PEO hydrogel was successfully achieved via the Michael-type addition reaction between the methacrylate arm groups in the HA and the six thiol groups in PEO. The hydrogel formation was not dependent upon the HA molecular weights and its gelation behaviors were markedly different. Compared to the properties of the high molecular weight HA-based PEO one, the low molecular weight HA-based hydrogel induced quicker hydrogelation, as observed from the behaviors of the elastic and viscous modulus. Furthermore, the low molecular weight HA-based hydrogel demonstrated stronger mechanical properties as measured with a texture analyzer, lower water absorption as measured with a microbalance and smaller pore sizes on its surface and cross section as observed with scanning electron microscopy. The information about the effects of the cross-linking molecular weights of the gel network on the properties of the HA-based PEO hydrogel may lead to better design of hydrogels, especially in tissue engineering applications.
International Real Business Cycles of the Chinese Economy: Asymmetric Preference, Incomplete Financial Markets, and Terms of Trade Shocks

ABSTRACT This article establishes a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model of the Chinese open real economy, and aims to give a theoretical account of the empirical stylized facts of economic volatility. Specifically, we investigate two questions: first, what are the stylized facts of the Chinese open economy fluctuation? Is there anything particular that makes it different from other major economies? Second, could theoretical models reasonably explain and fit those facts well? To answer the first question, we use four different filters to extract volatility so as to contribute a robust summary of the stylized facts. As for the second question, we find that asymmetric preference, incomplete financial markets, and terms of trade shocks significantly improve the model’s prediction. Negative international co-movement of investment is the special feature of the Chinese economy, and our model caters for that well.
Cladistic analysis of mosquito chromosome data (Anopheles (Cellia) Myzomyia.

Homologies are presented among the ovarian polytene chromosomes of the following taxa of the series Myzomyia, subgenus Cellia: Anopheles funestus, parensis, aruni? confusus, rivulorum, fuscivenosus, leesoni, demeilloni, wellcomei, and theileri from the Afrotropical region; and fluviatilis and culicifacies from the Oriental region. Rearrangements involve many paracentric inversions and a possible whole-arm translocation. A cladistic approach was used in constructing a phylogeny, and out-group comparisons were made with other species of the subgenus, primarily rufipes and stephensi of the series Neocellia. Hypotheses were based on the ancestral/derived status of each of the two alternatives of the postulated inversions. Inadequacies of the cladistic methods available for analysis of these data are discussed. The resulting phylogeny showed five groups of taxa, funestus/ confusus/ parensis/ aruni? ; rivulorum/ fuscivenosus; leesoni/ fluviatilis/ culicifacies; demeilloni; and wellcomei/ theileri. Intergroup relationships are not totally clear from this sample; and almost total discontinuity occurs between the first two groups mentioned above and the other groups. The existence of taxa-specific chromosomal arrangements permits, for the first time, an unequivocal means of direct identification of wild-caught adult females in routine malariometric studies of the disease in Africa.
MicroRNA-142-5p Overexpression Inhibits Cell Growth and Induces Apoptosis by Regulating FOXO in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Abnormal expression of microRNA (miR)-142-5p has been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, little information is available regarding the functional role of miR-142-5p in HCC. We aimed to explore the effects of miR-142-5p aberrant expression on HCC cell growth and cell apoptosis, as well as the underlying mechanism. Human HCC cell lines HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells were transfected with miR-142-5p mimic, inhibitor, or a corresponding negative control. Cell viability, cell cycle distribution, and cell apoptosis were then analyzed. In addition, protein expression of Forkhead box, class O (FOXO) 1 and 3, a Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death (Bim), procaspase 3, and activated caspase 3 was measured. After transfection with miR-142-5p inhibitor, FOXO1 and FOXO3 were overexpressed, and then the cell viability and cell apoptosis were determined again. The relative cell viability in both HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells was significantly reduced by miR-142-5p overexpression (p < 0.05). miR-142-5p overexpression displayed a significant blockage at the G1/S transition and significantly increased the percentages of G0/G1 phase. Moreover, the results showed that miR-142-5p overexpression significantly induced cell apoptosis and statistically elevated the protein expression levels of FOXO1, FOXO3, Bim, procaspase 3, and activated caspase 3. However, the cells transfected with miR-142-5p inhibitor showed contrary results. Additionally, the effects of miR-142-5p inhibitor on cell viability and apoptosis were reversed by overexpression of FOXO. In conclusion, our results suggest that miR-142-5p overexpression shows an important protective role in HCC by inhibiting cell growth and inducing apoptosis. These effects might be by regulating FOXO expression in HCC cells.
The relationship between personality, theory of planned behaviour and physical activity in individuals with type II diabetes

Objective The purpose of the present study was to conduct a process analysis of the effects of personality on physical activity intention and behaviour using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Design Prospective study design with data collected by means of two questionnaires. Methods Data were obtained by means of two questionnaires, the initial questionnaire measured demographic characteristics, TPB constructs, physical activity intention and personality. The 2-week follow-up questionnaire assessed self-report physical activity behaviour. A series of regression analysis were undertaken to identify the relationship between the variables and to determine mediation effects of the TPB constructs. Patients A random sample of individuals with type II diabetes was selected from the Diabetes Australia (Queensland) membership database. A total of 74 complete data sets were obtained. Results Intention explained 28% of the variance in physical activity behaviour. Attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control (PBC) explained 73% of variance in physical activity intention. Attitude and PBC mediated the relationship between conscientiousness and physical activity intention. Conclusions These results provide preliminary evidence that targeting constructs proximal to the behaviour (attitudes and PBC) may be effective in overcoming inherent qualities such as personality in order to produce physical activity behaviour change within this sample population.
The dynamics of norm formation and norm decay

Social norms are a ubiquitous feature of social life and pervade almost every aspect of human social interaction. However, despite their importance we still have relatively little empirical knowledge about the forces that drive the formation, the maintenance and the decay of social norms. In particular, our knowledge about how norms affect behavior and how norm obedience and violations shape subsequent normative standards is quite limited. Here, we present a new method that makes norms identifiable and continuously observable and, thus, empirically measurable. We show – in the context of public goods provision – the quick emergence of a widely accepted social cooperation norm that demands high contributions but – in the absence of the punishment of free-riders – norm violations are frequent and, therefore, the initial normative consensus as well as the high cooperation demands required by the norm break down. However, when peer punishment is possible, norm violations are rare from the beginning and a strong and stable normative consensus as well as high contribution requests prevail throughout. Thus, when norm compliance is costly social norms tend to unravel unless norm violations are kept to a minimum. In addition, our results indicate that – in an environment that has previously shown to be detrimental for cooperation and welfare – the opportunity to form a social norm unambiguously causes high public good contributions and group welfare when peer-punishment is possible.
ADAMs in cancer cell proliferation and progression

A disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs) are a new gene family of proteins with sequence similarity to the reprolysin family of snake venomases that share the metalloproteinase domain with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). They are structurally classified into two groups: the membrane‐anchored ADAM and ADAM with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS). These molecules are involved in various biological events such as cell adhesion, cell fusion, cell migration, membrane protein shedding and proteolysis. Studies on the biochemical characteristics and biological functions of ADAMs are in progress, and accumulated lines of evidence have shown that some ADAMs are expressed in malignant tumors and participate in the pathology of cancers. The activities of ADAMs are regulated by gene expression, intracytoplasmic and pericellular regulation, activation of the zymogens and inhibition of activities by inhibitors. Many ADAM species, including ADAM8, ADAM9, ADAM10, ADAM12, ADAM15, ADAM17, ADAM19, ADAM28, ADAMTS1, ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5, are expressed in human malignant tumors. Many of them are involved in the regulation of growth factor activities and integrin functions, leading to promotion of cell growth and invasion, although the precise mechanisms of these are not clear at the present time. In this article, we review recent information about ADAM family members and their implications for cancer cell proliferation and progression. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 621–628)
Impact of acute and chronic risk factors on use of evidence-based treatments in patients in Australia with acute coronary syndromes

Objective: To determine whether acute risk factors (ARF) and chronic risk factors (CRF) contribute differently to the use of evidence-based treatments (EBT) for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Design: Data were collected through a prospective audit of patients with ACS. Management was analysed by the presence of acute myocardial risk factors and chronic comorbid risk factors at presentation. Setting: 39 hospitals across Australia. Patients: 2599 adults presenting with ACS. Interventions: None. Main outcome measures: Use of EBT, in-hospital and 12-month death, recurrent myocardial infarction and bleeding. Results: The number of ARF and CRF at presentation predicted in-hospital and 12-month death, recurrent myocardial infarction and bleeding. Patients with higher numbers of ARF were more likely to receive EBT (aspirin at presentation, 81.1% for zero ARF to 85.7% for ⩾3 ARF, p<0.001; angiography 45.9% to 67.5%, p<0.001; reperfusion for ST elevation 50% to 70%, p = 0.392; β blocker at discharge 66.5% to 74.4%, p<0.001). Patients with higher numbers of CRF were less likely to receive EBT (aspirin at presentation 90.4% for zero CRF to 68.8% for ⩾4 CRF, p<0.001; angiography 78.8% to 24.7%, p<0.001; reperfusion for ST elevation 73.4% to 30%; p<0.001, β blocker at discharge 75.2% to 55.6%; p<0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, ARF and CRF were the strongest predictors of receiving or failing to receive EBT, respectively. Conclusions: Patients presenting with many ARF are more likely to receive EBT, while patients presenting with many CRF are less likely to receive them. This has important implications for future quality-improvement efforts.
Microfluidic device for a rapid immobilization of Zebrafish larvae in environmental scanning electron microscopy

Small vertebrate model organisms have recently gained popularity as attractive experimental models that enhance our understanding of human tissue and organ development. Despite a large body of evidence using optical spectroscopy for the characterization of small model organism on chip‐based devices, no attempts have been so far made to interface microfabricated technologies with environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Conventional scanning electron microscopy requires high vacuum environments and biological samples must be, therefore, submitted to many preparative procedures to dehydrate, fix, and subsequently stain the sample with gold–palladium deposition. This process is inherently low‐throughput and can introduce many analytical artifacts. This work describes a proof‐of‐concept microfluidic chip‐based system for immobilizing zebrafish larvae for ESEM imaging that is performed in a gaseous atmosphere, under low vacuum mode and without any need for sample staining protocols. The microfabricated technology provides a user‐friendly and simple interface to perform ESEM imaging on zebrafish larvae. Presented lab‐on‐a‐chip device was fabricated using a high‐speed infrared laser micromachining in a biocompatible poly(methyl methacrylate) thermoplastic. It consisted of a reservoir with multiple semispherical microwells designed to hold the yolk of dechorionated zebrafish larvae. Immobilization of the larvae was achieved by a gentle suction generated during blotting of the medium. Trapping region allowed for multiple specimens to be conveniently positioned on the chip‐based device within few minutes for ESEM imaging. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Patterns and predictors of alcohol use among 7-12th grade students in New York State.

A survey was conducted to determine prevalence and patterns in the use of alcohol and other substances among 7-12th grade students in New York State. Of this representative sample of 27,335 secondary school students, 71% are drinkers and 13% are heavy drinkers, i.e., they drink at least once a week and typically consume 5 or more drinks per occasion. White and American Indian students have higher rates of drinking and of heavy drinking than do Hispanic, Black, West Indian and Oriental students. The rates of drinking in New York State are higher than those reported in recent national surveys of adolescents. The heavy drinking student can be characterized by frequent school misconduct, first becoming drunk at an early age, having a greater number of friends who get drunk weekly, parental approval of drinking, poor grades in school, being an older adolescent, and being male and White.
FM based passive bistatic radar target range improvement - Part II

The bistatic radar has been revitalized over the last few years through the rapid development of the passive bistatic radar technology. Passive bistatic radar systems have unique properties, especially is time on target high compared to traditional radar systems, as well as the freedom in choosing from the available transmitters of opportunity. This paper will focus on how to take advantage of the latter of these two special properties in order to achieve better range resolution.
National and provincial estimated costs and cost effectiveness of a programme to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission in South Africa.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the cost and cost effectiveness nationally and for each province of a programme to reduce mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV in South Africa. METHODS A model developed to estimate cost and cost effectiveness of interventions in Hlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal, was modified and applied to each province. This model predicts a 37% reduction in paediatric HIV infections if short-course oral zidovudine (ZDV) plus infant formula feed for 4 months is provided within a strengthened health system. Estimates of the number of pregnancies and HIV prevalence among pregnant women per province in 1997 were combined with an estimated 30% MTCT rate. Costs were calculated from a health system perspective, and effectiveness was estimated as cost per infection averted and cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) gained. RESULTS In 1997, 63,397 paediatric HIV infections were estimated to have occurred in South Africa, mainly in KwaZulu-Natal (18,513, 29%) and Gauteng (10,417, 16%). The cost of a national programme is estimated at R155.9 million (1997 rand costs, 0.94% of the national health budget). Major cost items are drugs (R46.4 m, 30%), staff salaries (R45.8 m, 29%), and formula feed (R37.1 m, 24%). Most money would need to be spent in KwaZulu-Natal (R37.6 m, 24% of national cost), Gauteng (R25.2 m, 16%) and the Eastern Cape (R24 m, 15%). National cost per infection averted is R6,724, and R213 per DALY gained. Provincial DALY costs range from R176 to R369. CONCLUSIONS A national programme preventing 37% of expected paediatric HIV infections would cost a small fraction of the national health budget, at a cost equivalent to R3.89 per capita total population. The cost per DALY gained compares well with established public health and clinical interventions in middle-income countries, even without factoring in the care costs that would be saved through a successful programme. Cost effectiveness is greatest where HIV prevalence is highest.