Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Whose Inflation Is It Anyway? Inflation Spillovers Between the Euro Area and Small Open Economies

For the last two years, inflation has been steadily falling across the countries of the European Union, generating mounting deflationary pressures. Recent studies suggest that apart from the global determinants influencing broad inflation measures (e.g., plummeting commodity prices), core inflation components are subject to the rising influence of globalization. Our analysis focuses on two aspects: the percentage of Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) components affected by deflation, and the spillovers of headline, core, non-energy goods and services inflation between the euro area and selected small open economies. In order to address the issue of inflation broadness, we calculate the percentages of HICP components whose annual growth rates fall into certain ranges and introduce a simple measure, the discrepancy index, to show the relative strength of deflationary and inflationary groups. To address the problem of quantifying inflation spillovers across the selected economies, we use the Diebold and Yilmaz spillover indices. The results indicate that the share of deflationary groups for most countries has been consistently rising since 2010, with the discrepancy index approximating its all-time lows in the fourth quarter of 2014. Simultaneously we show that the spillover index for non-energy industrial goods and services inflation has recently risen considerably, with the measure for headline inflation remaining elevated and the one for core inflation dropping. The euro area remains a net inflation transmitter in most cases.
Efficacy of Lactobacillus GG in prevention of nosocomial diarrhea in infants.

OBJECTIVE Nosocomial diarrhea is a major problem in pediatric hospitals worldwide. We evaluated the efficacy of orally administered Lactobacillus GG (LGG) in the prevention of this disease in young children. STUDY DESIGN Eighty-one children aged 1 to 36 months who were hospitalized for reasons other than diarrhea were enrolled in a double-blind trial and randomly assigned at admission to receive LGG (n = 45) at a dose of 6 x 10(9) colony-forming units or a comparable placebo (n = 36) twice daily orally for the duration of their hospital stay. RESULTS LGG reduced the risk of nosocomial diarrhea (> or =3 loose or watery stools/24 h) in comparison with placebo (6.7% vs 33.3%; relative risk: 0.2; [95% CI: 0.06-0.6]; number needed to treat: 4 [95% CI: 2-10]). The prevalence of rotavirus infection was similar in LGG and placebo groups (20% vs 27.8%, respectively; relative risk: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.33-1.56). However, the use of LGG compared with placebo significantly reduced the risk of rotavirus gastroenteritis (1/45 [2.2%] vs 6/36 [16.7%], respectively; relative risk: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.02-0.79; number needed to treat: 7; 95% CI: 3-40). CONCLUSIONS Prophylactic use of LGG significantly reduced the risk of nosocomial diarrhea in infants, particularly nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis.
Coordinated Control Algorithm for Distributed Battery Energy Storage Systems for Mitigating Voltage and Frequency Deviations

Energy storage systems (ESSs) are essential in future power systems because they can improve power usage efficiency. In this paper, a novel coordinated control algorithm is proposed for distributed battery ESSs (BESSs). The neighboring BESSs of a simulation system are grouped and controlled by a main control center. The main control center sends charging or discharging operation signals to each BESS. The primary objective of the proposed coordinated control scheme is to mitigate voltage and frequency deviations. In order to verify the proposed algorithm, the BESSs are connected to a distribution system of the Korea Electric Power Corporation. The results are compared with those obtained using uncoordinated control scheme with on-load tap changer considering aspects of power quality (voltage and frequency variation). The simulation results show that the voltage and frequency deviations are reduced with the proposed coordinated control algorithm.
The Lactating Breast: MRI Findings and Literature Review

Abstract: Normal physiologic changes in the breast related to pregnancy and lactation can reduce the sensitivity of imaging modalities, such as mammography. This is likely to be true for other breast imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although malignancy is relatively uncommon in lactating breasts, patients may develop palpable abnormalities that require imaging evaluation. Physiologic changes from pregnancy and lactation can complicate breast imaging. We report the MRI appearance of the lactating breast and address potential difficulties that may be encountered in this clinical situation.
Changes in Wheat Leaf Polysomal Messenger RNA Populations during the Early Stages of Rust Infection: EFFECTS OF CHLORAMPHENICOL AND LINCOMYCIN ON CELL-FREE TRANSLATION BY POLYSOMES FROM HEALTHY AND INFECTED LEAVES.

Polysomes isolated from a susceptible variety of wheat leaves (cultivar W2691) and those inoculated with the wheat stem rust fungus (f. sp. tritici, race 126-ANZ-6, 7) were incubated in a cell-free protein-synthesizing system. Under these conditions, different size classes of polypeptides, ranging in molecular weight from 10,000 to 80,000, are radiolabeled. Using double-isotope labeling technique, we show that some discrete size classes of polypeptides are synthesized in significantly greater quantitites by polysomes from inoculated leaves compared to the corresponding size classes synthesized by polysomes from healthy leaves. These results confirm our previous observation that there are significant changes in the wheat leaf polysomal messenger RNA populations at 3 days after inoculation with the rust fungus.The effects of the organelle-specific inhibitors of protein synthesis, chloramphenicol and lincomycin, on in vitro polysomal messenger RNA translation were investigated. The polypeptides synthesized by polysomes from healthy and inoculated leaves in the presence of chloramphenicol were compared. The results show that, even in the presence of this antibiotic, the polysomes from inoculated leaves synthesize greater quantities of some size classes of polypeptides. These data indicate that changes in polysomal messenger RNA populations involve, at least in part, cytoplasmic messenger RNA.
Factor Structure of the Multidimensional Orientation Toward Dying and Death Inventory Among Hong Kong College Students: A Preliminary Study

This study examines the factor structures of the Chinese version of the Multidimensional Orientation Toward Dying and Death Inventory (MODDI-F/chin), originally established in German language, in a sample of Hong Kong college students (n = 256). Both confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory factor analysis were performed to examine the factor structures of the MODDI-F/chin. The results showed that, identical to the German version, the MODDI-F/chin consisted of a 5-factor Fear domain and a 3-factor Acceptance domain. The fear of another person's dying was the weakest of the four factors in the Hong Kong sample but represented the first and strongest factor in the German sample of the original study. Although preliminary and not representative of mainland China, our results show that the factor structure of attitudes toward dying and death that had been established empirically with German people can be replicated with Chinese students of Hong Kong.
The role of international trade for the global build-up of innovation capabilities in the wind industry

The global combat on climate change requires that developing countries not only get access to advanced technical equipment, but also rapidly build-up indigenous innovation capabilities for low-carbon technologies. The goal of this paper is to assess the role of international trade as a channel of knowledge diffusion in the wind industry from technologically advanced countries to their trading partners. Using patents as a measure of innovation in a cross-country time-series data analysis, we estimate the effects of the volume and the structure of sector-specific imports on domestic inventions in the wind-energy sector. The estimation results indicate that international trade has contributed to the development of globally distributed innovation capabilities in the wind industry, both through the transfer of technologies embodied in advanced technical equipment, but also through knowledge spillovers from the capabilities of foreign trading partners.
IFN-αβ and Self-MHC Divert CD8 T Cells into a Distinct Differentiation Pathway Characterized by Rapid Acquisition of Effector Functions

Nonvirus-specific bystander CD8 T cells bathe in an inflammatory environment during viral infections. To determine whether bystander CD8 T cells are affected by these environments, we examined P14, HY, and OT-I TCR transgenic CD8 T cells sensitized in vivo by IFN-αβ–inducing viral infections or by polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid. These sensitized cells rapidly exerted effector functions, such as IFN-γ production and degranulation, on contact with their high-affinity cognate Ag. Sensitization required self-MHC I and indirect effects of IFN-αβ, which together upregulated the T-box transcription factor Eomesodermin, potentially enabling the T cells to rapidly transcribe CTL effector genes and behave like memory cells rather than naive T cells. IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, and IFN-γ were not individually required for sensitization to produce IFN-γ, but IL-15 was required for upregulation of granzyme B. These experiments indicate that naive CD8 T cells receive signals from self-MHC and IFN-αβ and that, by this process, CD8 T cell responses to viral infection can undergo distinct differentiation pathways, depending on the timing of Ag encounter during the virus-induced IFN response.
Esophageal Morbidity and Function in Adults With Repaired Esophageal Atresia With Tracheoesophageal Fistula: A Population-Based Long-term Follow-up

Objective:We assessed esophageal morbidity and relationships between surgical complications, symptoms, endoscopic findings, immunohistochemistry, and esophageal motility in adults with repaired esophageal atresia (EA). Summary of Background Data:There exist no previous population-based long-term follow-up studies on EA. Methods:Participants were interviewed, and they underwent esophageal endoscopy and manometry. Matched control subjects (n = 287) served as controls. Results:A total of 101 (42%) individuals representative of the entire study population participated at a mean age of 36 years (range, 21–57). Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux had occurred in 34% and dysphagia in 85% of the patients and in 8% and 2% of the controls (P < 0.001 for both). Endoscopic findings included hiatal hernia (28%), Barrett′s esophagus (11%), esophagitis (8%), and anastomotic stricture (8%). Immunohistochemistry revealed esophagitis in 25%, and CDX2-positive columnar epithelial metaplasia in 21%, with additional goblet cells and MUC2 positivity in 6%. Gastroesophageal reflux and dysphagia were equally common in individuals with normal histology, esophagitis, or epithelial metaplasia. Manometry demonstrated nonpropagating peristalsis in 80% of the patients, and low distal wave amplitudes of the esophagus in all the changes being significantly worse in those with epithelial metaplasia (P ≤ 0.022 metaplasia vs. esophagitis/normal). Anastomotic complications (odds ratio [OR]: 8.6–24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7–260, P = 0.011–0.008), age (OR: 20, 95% CI: 1.3–310, P = 0.034), low distal esophageal body pressure (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 0.7–10, P = 0.002), and defective esophageal peristalsis (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 0.4–11, P = 0.014) predicted development of epithelial metaplasia. Conclusions:Significant esophageal morbidity associated with EA extends into adulthood. Surgical complications, increasing age, and impaired esophageal motility predict development of epithelial metaplasia after repair of EA.
Disease progression in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the influence of chronic stress and corticosterone

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron cell loss, muscular atrophy, and a shortened life span. Survival is highly variable, as some patients die within months, while others live for many years. Exposure to stress or the development of a nonoptimal stress response to disease might account for some of this variability. We show in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS that recurrent exposure to restraint stress led to an earlier onset of astrogliosis and microglial activation within the spinal cord, accelerated muscular weakness, and a significant decrease in median survival (105 vs. 122 d) when compared to non‐stressed animals. Moreover, during normal disease course, ALS mice display a cacostatic stress response by developing an aberrant serum corticosterone circadian rhythm. Interestingly, we also found that higher corticosterone levels were significantly correlated with both an earlier onset of paralysis (males: r2=0.746; females: r2=0.707) and shorter survival times (males: r2=0.680; females: r2=0.552) in ALS mice. These results suggest that stress is capable of accelerating disease progression and that strategies that modulate glucocorticoid metabolism might be a viable treatment approach for ALS. —Fidler, J. A. , Treleaven, C. M. , Frakes, A. , Tamsett, T. J., McCrate, M. , Cheng, S. H. , Shihabuddin, L. S. , Kaspar, B. K. , Dodge, J. C. Disease progression in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the influence of chronic stress and corticosterone. FASEB J. 25, 4369–4377 (2011). www.fasebj. org
Characterization of SiPM: Temperature dependencies

Within RAPSODI1 novel types of Silicon Photo-Multiplier (SiPM) from different suppliers were investigated. The main parameters: dark count rate, amplification, dynamic range, quantum detection efficiency and optical cross-talk have been studied to qualify the detectors. Results demonstrate the possibility to apply this detection technology to intense photon fluxes detection as well as to low plurality ones. Characterization protocol for a full SiPM qualification was developed. The most important result is the demonstration of temperature independence of SiPM gain versus over voltage.
Long-term outcome of acute renal injury induced by Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom in rats.

AIM To investigate the long-term functional and morphological changes of the kidney induced by acute intoxication of Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom in rats. METHODS Experimental model of acute renal injury was established in the Sprague-Dawley rats with oral administration of decoctions of Chinese herb, Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom, at dosages of 50 g.kg-1.d-1 and 30 g.kg-1.d-1 for 7 consecutive days, and 20 g.kg-1.d-1 for 15 consecutive days. Renal function was assayed at months 0 (right after treatment), 1, 3, and 6 of the experiment. Renal histological examination was also performed. RESULTS 1) At month 0, the renal functional changes of acute renal injury included azotemia, low molecular weight proteinuria, glycosuria, hypoosmotic urine, and NAG enzymuria. Histopathological changes showed acute tubular necrosis, predominantly at the corticomedullary junction. 2) At months 1 and 3, the renal function of rats of the experiment was gradually restored and histopathologic examination suggested that the tubular lesions gradually recovered. In HE sections, basophilic deposits were observed in the tubular cytoplasm. And interstitial infiltration of inflammatory cells was not prominent. 3) At months 6, renal preneoplastic lesions, renal tumors, and extrarenal tumors occurred in rats. The occurrence of renal preneoplastic lesions at dosages of 50 g.kg-1.d-1, 30 g.kg-1.d-1, and 20 g.kg-1.d-1 were 100.0% at all three doses, renal tumors 42.8%, 25.0%, and 0%, respectively, extrarenal tumors 14.4%, 12.5%, and 12.5%, respectively, and systemic tumors 57.2%, 37.5%, and 12.5%, respectively. The occurrence of basophilic deposits, renal preneoplastic lesions, renal tumors, and extrarenal tumors in normal control group was nil. CONCLUSIONS 1) Administration of large dosage of Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom induces acute renal failure in rats. 2) The long-term renal function and histopathologic changes of acute renal injury induced by Aristolochia manshuriensis Komrecover spontaneously. 3) Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom has been proved to be oncogenic for the first time.
The Nexus Between Health and Economic Growth In Selected Asian Countries

This study has two objectives. The first objective is to analyse the typology of the relationship between economic growth and health while the second objective is to examine short-run and long-run causality between economic growth and health. Annual data from the World Bank were used and Asian countries having at least 24 years of continuous annual data were selected for the study. The result of typology shows that countries in Asia are proportionally distributed into four cycles (virtuous, vicious, health lopsided and economic growth lopsided cycles). Lower middle-income countries have the most dynamic cycles since they are distributed into all four cycles while the other countries are only distributed into two cycles. Moreover, the results of the Granger causality test generate three conclusions. First, causality between economic growth and health is more likely to occur in the long-run than in the short-run. Second, the direction of causality is dynamic, as indicated by the causality direction in the short-run and the long-run, which are not necessarily the same. Lastly, the direction of causality between economic growth and health vary between countries. The Asian countries tend to concentrate in the long-run causality running from economic growth to health rather than running from health to economic growth.
An Arbitrage-Free Nelson-Siegel Model with Unspanned Stochastic Volatility for the Pricing of Interest Rate Derivatives

We propose a generalized arbitrage-free Nelson-Siegel model under the HJM framework. It features unspanned stochastic volatility factors while maintaining a Nelson-Siegel factor loading structure. The price of the interest rate derivatives, including European options, Caps and Swaptions are then obtained in semi closed-form. We calibrate the model using an extensive panel data, including the US Libor rates, Swap rates, caps and swaptions. By estimating our model via the extended Kalman filter, we find strong evidence that our model prices interest rates and their derivatives accurately.
Differences in treatment advice for common poisons by poisons centres – An international comparison

Objective. To investigate how poisons centres advise on management of common drug poisonings and compare advice on gut decontamination with the EAPCCT/AACT Position Statements. Methods. An interactive questionnaire was sent to 14 poisons centres asking about working practices, “top 20” enquiries in 2002, and management of 4 specific drug poisonings. Results. Replies were received from centres in 11 countries. Annual telephone enquiry numbers varied from 620 (Sri Lanka) to over 50,000 (Germany for 2000). Recommendations for gut decontamination for acetaminophen poisoning were: activated charcoal (AC) alone (5 centres); gastric lavage (GL) alone (); AC and/or GL (); AC, GL and/or ipecac (). Only 40% (4/10) recommended AC and 50% (3/6) GL within 1 hour. Intervention doses for gut decontamination ranged from 100–200 mg/kg (nine centres) and for “high–risk” groups 75–100 mg/kg (). Plasma concentration for N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment ranged from 150 mg/L (four centres) to 200 mg/L () at 4 hours. Results were similarly varied for three other common drug poisons (benzodiazepines, amitriptyline, and paroxetine). Conclusions. Most poisons centres have protocols that differ in terms of gut decontamination, timing, and intervention doses. Many centres recommend charcoal or gastric lavage after the 1-hour limit proposed in the Position Statements. There is scope for rationalization of approaches to the management of common poisons.
The use of estrogen therapy in women's sexual functioning (CME).

INTRODUCTION Estrogen is relevant to women's well-being including sexual functioning. Aim. The goal of this Continuing Medical Education article was to provide a comprehensive review of the effect of exogenous estrogen use on women's sexual function. Main Outcome Measures. We present a literature review. METHODS The medical literature was accurately searched (1990-2008) with regard to estrogen therapy in menopausal women by using several terms related to and including the terms "estrogen" and "sexual function. " RESULTS A review of the studies most useful to guide menopausal practice. CONCLUSIONS Estrogen decline is one of the key factors contributing to sexual functioning during menopausal transition and beyond. Systemic estrogen treatments are associated with significant benefits in some domains of menopausal sexual function, especially when estradiol is delivered transdermally, whereas local estrogens are effective in preventing urogenital aging. Even tibolone, a selective tissue estrogenic activity regulator, displays positive effects in postmenopausal women with sexual complaints. However, a tailored approach to the individual woman is always needed.
The street-based sex workers' contribution for a socio-educational model of intervention

Sex workers are rarely involved in the design, implementation and evaluation of projects that concern them. Usually, these are run by NGOs and focus mainly on harm reduction and HIV prevention. The purpose of this study is to understand the needs of a group of street-based female prostitutes. We aim to assess and understand their opinions about the service, and any inherent discrimination, provided by the outreach teams. As the first, planning, step of an action research project, this study has adopted a descriptive and analytic qualitative methodology. Data were collected through participant observation, informal interviews (field notes), and 12 semistructured interviews. We concluded that outreach is essential for the respondents, who emphasize the need to control STI. The intervention suggestions made by the respondents reveal the empowering effect of including them in socio-educational projects. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Cognitive - crcs. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the Guest Editor.
Interferon alpha 2b in the Treatment of Uveitic Cystoid Macular Edema

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of interferon alpha 2b in the treatment of refractory, uveitic cystoid macular edema (CME). Methods: Retrospective chart review of 4 patients attending the uveitis clinic at the Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University. Results: All 4 patients had uveitis and refractory CME, resistant to a variety of immunosuppressants. All patients, except one with severe scleral thinning, had tried and failed therapy with locally injected corticosteroids. Treatment with systemic interferon alpha 2b produced dramatic improvement in CME (central macular thickness: 563 to 267 µm, p = .002) and visual acuity (logMAR: +0.81 to +0.45, p = .0004) in all 4 cases. All patients have been able to reduce the interferon dosage, but none has discontinued it completely. All patients had some mild adverse response that did not necessitate stopping therapy. Conclusions: Interferon alpha 2b is an effective option to treat refractory CME secondary to uveitis.