Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of passive smoking with dental development in young children.

AIM To assess dental development in young children who have been exposed to passive smoking by comparing dental ages with the corresponding features in a healthy control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 90 passive smokers (PS) with a mean age of 5.49 years and 90 healthy age-matched controls were included in this study. The children were investigated for stimulated salivary cotinine level. Three categories were formed with respect to the number of cigarettes smoked. Dental development was analysed using panoramic radiographs. RESULTS The dose-response relationship between the cotinine levels of the PS subjects and the number of cigarettes smoked per day was found to be significantly different for the three exposure categories. A significant difference was found between the chronological and dental ages of PS subjects when compared with those of the control group, but there were no significant differences in dental ages related to gender in both groups. CONCLUSION We could clearly conclude that young children who were PS subjects had delayed dental development.
Offering A Price Transparency Tool Did Not Reduce Overall Spending Among California Public Employees And Retirees.

Insurers, employers, and states increasingly encourage price transparency so that patients can compare health care prices across providers. However, the evidence on whether price transparency tools encourage patients to receive lower-cost care and reduce overall spending remains limited and mixed. We examined the experience of a large insured population that was offered a price transparency tool, focusing on a set of "shoppable" services (lab tests, office visits, and advanced imaging services). Overall, offering the tool was not associated with lower shoppable services spending. Only 12 percent of employees who were offered the tool used it in the first fifteen months after it was introduced, and use of the tool was not associated with lower prices for lab tests or office visits. The average price paid for imaging services preceded by a price search was 14 percent lower than that paid for imaging services not preceded by a price search. However, only 1 percent of those who received advanced imaging conducted a price search. Simply offering a price transparency tool is not sufficient to meaningfully decrease health care prices or spending.
Women's high school and university experiences that influence the pursuit of undergraduate mathematics degrees

This paper situates and describes my current research on gender issues in mathematics at the post-secondary level in Canada. I first present the current situation, a chronology of perspectives on the issue, and other related empirical studies. I then present the findings from my pilot study and the status of my current research, both of which describe and explore the experiences of women who persevered with mathematics at the undergraduate degree level.
Characterization of intra-cortical local field potentials - before, during and after an ischemic event in rats

This study presents different concepts of characterizing local field potentials in the motor cortex before, during, and after ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke produces cell death and disability and may be followed by a spontaneous process of repair and partial recovery. While recovery after weeks to months is anatomically and physiologically well-documented, the underlying neurological recovery processes still remain unclear. The objective of the present study was to establish methods to characterize the underlying neurological processes based on intra cortical local field potential signals. Ten acute experiments were conducted in an animal model of stroke. Evoked motor responses were recorded by a 16 channel electrode array (placed within the motor cortex, M1) before, during and up to 5 hours after stroke. The artificial stroke was induced by light activation of a photosensitive dye solution to the recording area. Frequency analysis of recorded local field potentials in the range < 200 Hz was performed offline. The results showed that the strongest activity occurred in an experiment specific frequency range. The signal response frequencies did not change during the different phases of stroke, but were strongly amplitude modulated. This amplitude modulation showed a similar development for most of the experiments, i.e. the amplitude increased significantly after stroke onset and declined slowly during the further progress. These preliminary studies indicate that LFPs may be suitable to characterize the electrophysiology of a stroke, however the findings should be substantiated by further studies.
HBc and HBe antigenicity and DNA-binding activity of major core protein P22 in hepatitis B virus core particles isolated from the cytoplasm of human liver cells

Highly purified hepatitis B virus core particles were obtained in large amounts from the cytoplasm of infected human liver cells. This DNA polymerase-negative core preparation had only hepatitis B core antigen-specific antigenicity and showed a surprising stability. Two forms of a single protein of 22,000 molecular weight, P22, were resolved electrophoretically; the slower moving species, P22a, appeared to be a reduced form of the protein, and the faster moving species, P22b, could have represented a conformational isomer containing an intramolecular disulfide bond(s). The immunological properties and DNA-binding activity of the reduced form, P22a, were examined following separation by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by transfer onto nitrocellulose membranes (Western blotting). We found that the hepatitis B virus C gene protein shared the antigenic site responsible for both hepatitis B core and e antigen reactivity. We also demonstrated that the core protein(s) bound specifically the genomic hepatitis B virus DNA in comparison with a plasmid DNA (pBR322). This last observation was further substantiated by a radioimmunological method. P22a was also found to be phosphorylated in vitro by the endogenous protein kinase activity, copurified with the hepatitis B core antigen particles. These findings suggest that P22 is a multifunctional protein which is incorporated into core particles within the cytoplasm of the host cell before DNA encapsidation. A critical role of this protein in hepatitis B virus assembly is suggested.
Video-based handwritten Chinese character recognition

In this work, we propose a video-based handwritten Chinese character recognition system. By using several error correction techniques, the algorithm works effectively against various shadow and noise problems for video-based stroke-tracing of complex Chinese characters. The stroke temporal information similar to an online OCR system is accurately extracted. Recognition experiments on a large set of handwritten Chinese characters clearly demonstrates the efficacy of the system.
Interstitial cells of Cajal contain signalling molecules for transduction of nitrergic stimulation in guinea pig caecum

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) is an inhibitory signalling molecule in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that is released from neurons and from leucocytes during inflammation. NO stimulates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), elevates cyclic guanosine 3′,5′‐monophospate (cGMP), and subsequently activates cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKG). Targets for NO in the guinea pig caecum were investigated by characterizing the cellular distribution of sGC, cGMP and PKG. Immunoreactivity for both isoforms of sGC, sGCα1 and sGCβ1, was observed in the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and enteric neurons in the tunica muscularis. Double labelling with anti‐Kit and anti‐sGC antibodies showed sGCα1 and sGCβ1‐like immunoreactivity (LI) in almost all intramuscular (IM) and myenteric ICC. Neuronal processes with neuronal NO synthase were closely apposed to ICC expressing sGC‐LI. Cells with sGC‐LI possessed ultrastructural features of ICC‐IM: caveolae, close association with nerve bundles and contacts with smooth muscle cells (SMC). Sodium nitroprusside, added with the phosphodiesterase inhibitors (3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine and zaprinast), enhanced cGMP‐LI in almost all ICC and in some enteric neurons. Nerve stimulation also increased cGMP‐LI in ICC and enteric neurons. In contrast, no resolvable increase in cGMP‐LI was observed in any cells when the sGC inhibitor 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one was present. ICC and SMC also expressed PKG type I‐LI. These data show that ICC express the downstream signalling molecules necessary to transduce nitrergic signals and activate inhibitory pathways and thus are primary targets for NO released from neurons and other cells in the GI tract.
Small open economies in the vast oceanof global high finance

Iceland has a long history of violent cycles of economic exuberance and hardship, of which therecent financial tsunami is only the latest example. We show that this boom-bust pattern isdriven to an important extent by low-frequency co-movement of various financial variables; i.e., acommon “financial cycle”. This cycle is much longer than the typical business cycle, with significantdifferences in economic performance over its different phases. Indeed, almost all of the cycle’s peakscoincide with some type of financial crisis. We find that Iceland is no island in the vast ocean ofglobal high finance, as we uncover strikingly strong spillovers from fluctuations in global financialconditions.
Three essays on non-linear effects in dynamic macroeconomic models

This thesis has aimed to analyse non-linearity in dynamic models. Attention has focused on the class of dynamic models that accommodate the possibility of distributional modification in the models. In chapter 1, I have studied the non-linear effects of policy shocks in the classical DSGE model. The analysis of such model is subject to two types of shocks, technology and monetary policy. I have extended the analysis of classical model by allowing for the distributional modification of monetary policy shock using WSN distribution. This study reveals the extent to which the distribution of macroeconomic variables may response to policy actions and outcomes involved. Moreover, in classical monetary model the long run behaviour of the level of inflation with respect to the inflation uncertainty has investigated. I have also analysed the dynamic model of AR-GARCH time series. I have investigated the possible non-linear and asymmetric effects of distributional assumptions on the behaviour of the QMLE of the parameters in AR(1)-GARCH(1,1) model. A Monte Carlo experiment is set up to evaluate the distributional misspecification in aforementioned model by applying both symmetric and asymmetric WSN distribution across a range of mean and volatility persistence. The other contribution in chapter 2 is computing the quantiles under distributional misspecification in AR-GARCH model. In terms of the accuracy of the estimated quantiles, I have implemented the bootstrap technique. In addition, in chapter 3 the attention has concentrated on the procedures with suitable technique for the analysis of unit root tests. The usefulness of bootstrap technique is investigated in the context of unit root test applying in stock indices and exchange rate series. I evaluate the popular unit root tests including Augmented Dickey Fuller(ADF) and Phillips Perron(PP) as well as DF-GLS. Furthermore, this chapter attempts to answer the question of how the difference in frequency of empirical data say, monthly, weekly, and daily might affect the unit root results.
Study on Secondary Arcing Occurrence on Solar Panel Backside Wires With Cracks

Space environment exposure may create cracks on solar panel backside wires. In terms of the wiring design of the solar array backside, environmental constraints applied on each wire are identical. Thus, the probability of two adjacent wires having cracks facing each other is very high. This configuration presents a risk of secondary arc occurrence, which can lead to a destructive process such as arc tracking. In order to determine in which conditions electrostatic discharges (ESDs) can lead to an arc, we have carried out an experimental study on solar panel backside-like samples. We have tested different types of wires presenting artificial mechanical cracks or space simulation aging cracks, set on a solar panel backside coupon. The wires are connected to a secondary arc test setup including a solar array simulator (SAS) set to different current values. As both direct and inverted potential gradient (IPG) charging are theoretically possible on geostationary orbit and low earth orbit, we have carried out, in the JONAS vacuum chamber (ONERA facility), both charging types. Direct charging was achieved with an electron gun and IPG with a plasma source. Results are presented for the two types of charging, different types of wires, and different SAS current values. They show that, in direct charging conditions, ESD propagates along the wires but the plasma density is too weak to provoke an arc. In IPG situation, ESDs are able to trigger different arc types, such as nonsustain arc, temporary sustain arc, and permanent sustain arc, depending on SAS current values.
Does Information Increase the Take-Up of Social Benefits? Evidence from a New Benefit Program

The effectiveness of transfer programs can be significantly reduced if eligible individuals fail to apply for them. In this paper we study the impact of information provision on the take-up of social benefits. We exploit the implementation of the guarantee pension program in Finland in 2011, which offered a minimum monthly pension (688 euros) to low-income pensioners. The Finnish Social Insurance Institution sent information letters and application forms to a portion of the eligible population a month before implementation. We find clear evidence that this mailing significantly increased take-up and prompted pensioners to apply sooner, showing that simple and inexpensive mailings can have a large effect on benefit take-up among individuals outside the labor force.
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) Analysis of Melanocytic Nevi and Melanomas

A 4-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay, using probes to chromosomes 11q, 6p, 6q, and 6 cent, has recently been proposed as an ancillary tool for the diagnosis of melanoma. The authors report herein their experience with this assay. To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the assay for histopathologically unequivocal cases, they analyzed 50 melanocytic nevi, 50 primary melanomas, and 15 metastatic melanomas. Of 50 melanocytic nevi, 47 were FISH negative on initial readout (test sensitivity, 94%); 49 were FISH negative after correction for tetraploidy (test specificity, 98%). Of 50 primary melanomas, 41 were FISH positive (test sensitivity, 82%). Of 15 metastatic lesions, 13 were FISH positive (test sensitivity, 85%). Of the 9 FISH-negative melanomas, 6 metastasized. The tumors of the 5 patients who had survived thick primary melanoma for more than 5 years without recurrence were all FISH positive. Half of the patients whose primary melanoma was tested by FISH had undergone sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. When the authors compared the FISH results of those 25 melanomas with the SLN status, no statistically significant correlation was found. These findings document limitations of the current FISH assay. A rare nevus may be FISH positive. Some primary metastasizing melanomas are FISH negative. Even metastatic melanomas can be FISH negative. Awareness of the limitations in test sensitivity and specificity of the FISH assay is important to avoid an erroneous diagnosis by overreliance on cytogenetic findings. Correlation with clinical and histopathological findings is paramount for accurate diagnosis.
Reproducibility and accuracy of angle measurements obtained under static conditions with the Motion Analysis video system.

The development of computerized and semi-automated motion analysis systems has made the study of human motion more widely available in research and clinical settings. Although many of these systems are currently used by physical therapists, the accuracy and reproducibility of some of these systems in estimating joint angles have not been reported. In this study, the accuracy and reproducibility of angle measurements obtained by use of the Motion Analysis video system were evaluated under static conditions using a standard goniometer. Reflective markers placed on a goniometer were recorded by two video cameras at 17 angles, from 20 to 180 degrees, in 10-degree increments. Recordings of the goniometer were made at three locations within the field of view of the cameras. The intraclass correlation coefficient for each location tested was . 99. Average within-trial variability was less than 0.4 degree at all locations. A linear regression of the system-calculated angles and reference angles for all locations had slopes near unity (ie, 1) and intercepts that were not statistically different from zero. A preliminary evaluation of the system under dynamic conditions revealed that distances were slightly underestimated, regardless of where the movement occurred within the calibration cube.
Comparison of nonoperative management with renorrhaphy and nephrectomy in penetrating renal injuries.

BACKGROUND We reviewed our experience with penetrating renal injuries to compare nonoperative management of penetrating renal injuries with renorrhaphy and nephrectomy in light of concerns for unnecessary explorations and increased nephrectomy rates. METHODS In this retrospective study, we reviewed the records of 98 penetrating renal injuries from 2003 to 2008. Renal injuries were classified according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma and analyzed based on nephrectomy, renorrhaphy, and nonoperative management. Patient characteristics and outcomes measured were compared between management types. Continuous variables were summarized by means and compared using t test. Categorical variables were compared using χ² test. RESULTS Nonoperative management was performed in 40% of renal injuries, followed by renorrhaphy (38%) and nephrectomy (22%). Of renal gunshot wounds (n = 79), 26%, 42%, and 32% required nephrectomy, renorrhaphy, and were managed nonoperatively, respectively. No renal stab wound (n = 16) resulted in a nephrectomy and 81% were managed conservatively. Renal injuries managed nonoperatively had a lower incidence of transfusion (34 vs. 95%, p < 0.001), shorter mean intensive care unit (ICU) (3.0 vs. 9.0 days, p = 0.028) and mean hospital length of stay (7.9 vs. 18.1 days, p = 0.006), and lower mortality rate (0 vs. 20%, p = 0.005) compared with nephrectomy but similar to renorrhaphy (transfusion: 34 vs. 36%, p = 0.864; mean ICU: 3.0 vs. 2.8 days, p = 0.931; mean hospital length of stay: 7.9 vs. 11.2 days, p = 0.197; mortality: 0 vs. 6%, p = 0.141). The complication rate of nonoperative management was favorable compared with operative management. CONCLUSIONS Selective nonoperative management of penetrating renal injuries resulted in a lower mortality rate, lower incidence of blood transfusion, and shorter mean ICU and hospital stay compared with patients managed by nephrectomy but similar to renorrhaphy. Complication rates were low and similar to operative management.
Syntabulin–Kinesin-1 Family Member 5B-Mediated Axonal Transport Contributes to Activity-Dependent Presynaptic Assembly

The mechanism by which microtubule-based axonal transport regulates activity-dependent presynaptic plasticity in developing neurons remains mostly unknown. Our previous studies established that syntabulin is an adaptor capable of conjoining the kinesin family member 5B (KIF5B) motor and syntaxin-1. We now report that the complex of syntaxin-1–syntabulin–KIF5B mediates axonal transport of the active zone (AZ) components essential for presynaptic assembly. Syntabulin associates with AZ precursor carriers and colocalizes and comigrates with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-Bassoon-labeled AZ transport cargos within developing axons. Knock-down of syntabulin or disruption of the syntaxin-1–syntabulin–KIF5B complex impairs the anterograde transport of GFP-Bassoon out of the soma and reduces the axonal densities of synaptic vesicle (SV) clusters and FM4-64 [N-(3-triethylammoniumpropyl)-4-(p-dibutylaminostyryl)pyridinium, dibromide] loading. Furthermore, syntabulin loss of function results in a reduction in both the amplitude of postsynaptic currents and the frequency of asynchronous quantal events, and abolishes the activity-induced recruitment of new GFP-Bassoon into the axons and subsequent coclustering with SVs. Consequently, syntabulin loss of function blocks the formation of new presynaptic boutons during activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in developing neurons. These studies establish that a kinesin motor–adaptor complex is critical for the anterograde axonal transport of AZ components, thus contributing to activity-dependent presynaptic assembly during neuronal development.
Altman’s Z-Score Discriminant Analysis and Bankruptcy Assessment of Banks in Nigeria

This study aims to determine the distress level subsisting in the bridge banks set up by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2011 to take over the nationalized banks; and the 2011-classified unsound banks using the Altman’s discriminant analysis model. Secondary data from four sampled classified distressed and unsound banks from the declared six for two years preceding their nationalization and two years after using the stratified sampling technique were analysed using the Alman Z-score discriminant analysis. Results shows that there are marginal improvements in the financial status of the sampled banks between 2010-2013 but they are still in a bankrupt position with Union Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Ltd and Mainstreet Bank Ltd having a Z-score of -0.56, 0.417, 1.5 and 0.45 respectively at 2013, all below the minimum threshold of 2.675 for classification of a bank as sound and non-bankrupt. This implies that the general broad-based monetary policy measures introduced by the CBN for the financially distressed bank are not much effective in resolving their financial crises in general, making necessary the introduction of bank-specific monetary and financial policies to solve identified bank-specific problems, and the CBN directly supervising these banks with daily monitoring of their operations.