Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Relationship of Ex-ante and Ex-post Volatility: A Sub-period Analysis of S&P CNX Nifty Index Options

In this article, the information content of implied volatility is studied at sub-periods (i.e., pre- and post-crises of 2007–09). The main objective is to judge the predictive power of implied volatility in the pre- and post-crises period, using at-the-money (ATM) non-overlapping monthly implied volatilities of Nifty Index options. A simple ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation is used to analyse the information content of implied volatility in sub-periods. An autoregressive-moving average (ARMA) structure is analysed for the assessment of times series property of ex-ante and ex-post volatility. An autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model is adopted to choose the most advantageous forecasting model for predicting the future volatility. The OLS estimation shows that implied volatility is more biased in the pre-crises period. The two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimation clearly explains that implied volatility is an unbiased estimate of the future realised volatility. An ARMA (1,1) and ARDL (1,0) is the best model of future volatility estimation. This study explains that for Indian derivative market, volatility estimates based on options are useful for the pricing of derivative instruments and portfolio risk management. JEL Classification: G13, G14, C53
Functional analysis of Histoplasma capsulatum-reactive T-cell hybridomas

Activation of CD4+ T cells is a crucial step in the elimination of Histoplasma capsulatum yeast cells from tissues. However, only a limited amount of information exists concerning the immunobiology of H. capsulatum-reactive T cells that are CD4+. To facilitate the analysis of the functional activities of this T-cell subpopulation, we developed a panel of 10 murine T-cell hybridomas from splenocytes of immune C57BL/6 mice. All hybridomas reacted with monoclonal anti-CD4+ antibody and released interleukin-2 after stimulation with histoplasmin. Within 3 weeks, the reactivity of hybridomas to histoplasmin declined dramatically, yet the cells responded vigorously to yeast-phase preparations that were enriched for cytosol, cell wall, or cell membrane. Of 10 hybridomas studied, only one recognized heterologous fungal antigens. Responsiveness to yeast-phase antigens was restricted by I-Ab. We mapped determinants in cytosol and cell wall or cell membrane by the technique of one-dimensional T-cell immunoblotting. The patterns of responses of hybridomas to cytosol were nearly uniform. All hybridomas responded to two immunodominant regions in cytosol with masses ranging from less than or equal to 18 to 26 kilodaltons (kDa) and 35 to 39 kDa. All hybridomas tested responded to determinants in the cell wall or cell membrane preparation with masses of 35 to 39 kDa. These hybridomas provide a useful tool for defining yeast-phase antigens that trigger T-cell activation.
Pediatric Capsule Endoscopy: Review of the Small Bowel and Patency Capsules

Background and Objective: Because capsule endoscopy (CE) avoids ionizing radiation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia, CE may be valuable in pediatrics. We report a single pediatric center's experience with the use and safety of CE. Methods: In a retrospective review of consecutive CE studies, 284 CE studies were performed in 277 patients with a mean age of 15 (±3.7) years during a 5-year period. The youngest to swallow the capsule was 4.6 years old. Twenty capsules were placed. Overall, 245 (86%) patients underwent CE for suspected (184, 65%) or confirmed (61, 21%) Crohn disease (CD); 27 (9.5%) anemia or gastrointestinal bleeding; 6 (2%) polyposis; and 4 (1.4%) celiac disease. Results: Positive findings were observed in 205 (72%) of the studies, with 152 (54%) having small bowel findings. Of these, 72 (47%) were diagnostic. Gastric (95, 33%) and colonic (31, 11%) abnormalities were also identified. Five CE studies (1.8%) resulted in retention of the capsule in nonsurgical patients. A patency capsule before CE in 23 patients allowed 19 CE to proceed with only 1 retained capsule. In 65 (21%) patients, the video capsule did not enter the colon before the video's end. Of these, 36 (65%) had significant findings, including 27 (49%) documenting small bowel (SB) CD. Conclusions: CE is useful to diagnose SB disease in children. Even in a study population with a high prevalence of confirmed and suspected CD, the risk of retention remains small. The patency capsule may lessen that risk. CE may identify gastric or colonic disease even when SB lesions are not present.
Marginal bone loss around implants retaining hinging mandibular overdentures, at 4-, 8- and 12-years follow-up.

AIM The aim of the present study was to study the effect of occlusal factors, oral hygiene, gender and age on the long-term maintenance of alveolar bone height around screw-shaped machined surface commercially pure (c.p.) titanium implants retaining hinging mandibular overdentures. METHOD In this retrospective study a long-term (4-, 8-, up to 12-years) follow-up of such implant-retained overdentures was performed. From the population of patients so treated at the University Hospital of the Catholic University Leuven, Department of Periodontology and Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, 158 patients were selected on the basis of being treated before March 1994, and the availability of intra-oral radiographs (paralleling technique) present at abutment connection (baseline) and at years 4, 8, and 12. For each patient, all relevant clinical data were recorded, and measurements of marginal bone height around the implants were performed on intra-oral radiographs by means of a digital sliding caliper. RESULTS Results indicated that only the factor "time" had a significant influence on marginal bone loss. The age and gender of the patients, dental/prosthetic status in the antagonistic jaw, oral hygiene variables, and location of the implants had no significant effect. CONCLUSION The very high cumulative success rate (97.2%) and limited marginal bone loss (on average 1.7 mm) after 12-years, encourage this kind of treatment using this type of implants.
Non-traumatic childhood coma in Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, South Eastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Coma is a medical emergency, and optimal management, especially in a resource-poor setting, would depend on the knowledge of its etiology and predictors of outcome. This communication reviews the etiology and outcome of non-traumatic childhood coma in Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH), Abakaliki. OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence, etiology and outcome of non-traumatic coma in children seen at the EBSUTH, Abakaliki. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of records of all children admitted to the children emergency ward of EBSUTH in coma of a non-traumatic origin between 1 st of January and 31 st of December, 2007. RESULTS Forty children presented with coma out of 673 children admitted during the study period, giving an incidence rate of 5.9%. The majority of the children (62.5%) were aged between 1 and 5 years of age, and 79.5% of them were deeply comatose on admission. Most of the cases (85%) of non-traumatic coma were due to infective causes, mainly cerebral malaria (47.5%), pyogenic meningitis (17.5%) and septicemia (10%). Twenty-four (60%) children recovered while 13 (32.5%) died. CONCLUSION Infections were the predominant causes of non-traumatic coma in EBSUTH. In view of the high mortality among this group of patients, efforts at the control of malaria and other infections would significantly reduce the incidence of non-traumatic coma in this study site.
Antibodies to ureaplasma urealyticum in women with intraamniotic infection and adverse pregnancy outcome

Objective. To determine the association between antibody response to Ureaplasma urealyticum and pregnancy outcome in women with ureaplasmal invasion of the amniotic cavity. Methods. A cross section study was performed in our high risk pregnancy unit. Three groups of pregnant women were identified: 1) 271 women at the midtrimester of pregnancy (16–20 weeks), who underwent transabdominal amniocentesis for genetic indications 2) 161 consecutive women admitted with preterm labor and intact membranes. 3) 118 consecutive patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes. Amniotic fluids were cultured for Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis and also for other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Serum antibodies to Uu were measured by a specific enzyme‐linked‐immunosorbent‐assay. Results. The prevalence of positive AF cultures with Uu in the 3 study groups was 2.9%, 4.3% and 17.8%, and the prevalence of antibodies to Uu in the AF‐colonized patients was 50%, 86% and 57%, respectively. Adverse pregnancy outcome (preterm birth, low birth weight or fetal death) among all AF colonized women, was significantly higher in patients with antibodies to Uu than in those without antibodies; preterm delivery 90% vs. 43%, and low birth weight infants or fetal death 85% vs. 28%, p=0.006 and 0.001 respectively. Conclusion. Women with intraamniotic infection with Uu and elevated levels of antibodies to Uu, had a higher rate of preterm delivery, and low birthweight infantdfetal death than those without antibody to Uu.
Central venous catheter complications in sickle cell disease

A review of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and central venous catheters (CVCs) was performed to evaluate the frequency of catheter complications (infections, thrombotic events, and premature CVC removal. Fifteen evaluable patients were identified during our review of a 7.5‐year period. The median age was 18 years (range, 1.5–30 years); 14 were African American, and 1 was Latino; 5 were male, and 10 were female. Forty‐one CVCs were placed (36 Mediport and 5 Broviac catheters) for a total of 12,120 CVC days. We observed a median of 2 CVCs per patient (range, 1–8 CVCs per patient) with 67 discrete episodes of CVC‐associated infection (range, 0–18 per patient) involving 10 patients. The rate of CVC‐associated infection for patients with SCD at our institution was 5.5 infections per 1,000 CVC days; this rate was significantly higher than the rate of CVC‐associated infection in our patients with cancer (P < 0.001). We also determined that the rate of CVC‐associated thrombosis was 0.99 events per 1,000 CVC days and involved 33% of the patients with SCD; the rate of premature CVC removal was 3.15 per 1,000 CVC days, and 78% of CVCs were removed prematurely. We conclude that patients with SCD are at high risk for CVC‐related complications, and improved care and close monitoring of CVCs should be encouraged to decrease morbidity in these chronically ill patients. Am. J. Hematol. 69:103–108, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic Statistical Parametric Mapping for Analyzing the Magnetoencephalographic Epileptiform Activity in Patients With Epilepsy

Our current purpose is to evaluate the applicability of dynamic statistical parametric mapping, a novel method for localizing epileptiform activity recorded with magnetoencephalography in patients with epilepsy. We report four pediatric patients with focal epilepsies. Magnetoencephalographic data were collected with a 306-channel whole-head helmet-shaped sensor array. We calculated equivalent current dipoles and dynamic statistical parametric mapping movies of the interictal epileptiform discharges that were based in the minimum-L2 norm estimate, minimizing the square sum of the dipole element amplitudes. The dynamic statistical parametric mapping analysis of interictal epileptiform discharges can demonstrate the rapid change and propagation of interical epileptiform discharges. According to these findings, specific epileptogenic lesion—focal cortical dysplasia could be found and patients could be operated on successfully. The presurgical analysis of interictal epileptiform discharges using dynamic statistical parametric mapping seems to be promising in patients with a possible underlying focal cortical dysplasia and might help to guide the placement of invasive electrodes. (J Child Neurol 2005;20:363—369).
Contest Incentives, Effort Levels and Betting Markets in European Football

Tournament theory (Lazear and Rosen, 1981) predicts that effort supplied in contests varies with the incentive structure. Previous research finds that outcomes in individual and team sports events reflect variable effort supply by contestants. We develop evidence that a market-based measure of expected outcomes in contests, betting odds, also reflect variable effort supply. Empirical analysis of more than 40,000 regular season football matches in 10 top domestic European leagues shows that betting odds on matches reflect variation in incentives to supply effort generated by the structure of the league, in terms of the promotion and relegation structure and qualification for pan-European competitions, and the specific position of the teams on the league table.
Employment after childbirth

Women have become an integral part of the labour market: their labour force participation is more constant today, even throughout the childbearing years. This trend has both economic and social implications. Understanding womenis work patterns can help employers manage birth-related work interruptions and, in the end, retain experienced employees. The timing of the return to work after childbirth is also of concern to women themselves. Labour
Plasma adiponectin concentration in patients after successful kidney transplantation--a single-center, observational study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Adiponectin is an anti-inflammatory protein secreted almost exclusively by adipocytes which improves insulin sensitivity and presents antiatherogenic properties. Plasma adiponectin concentration is almost 3 times higher in hemodialysis patients and markedly decreased after successful kidney transplantation. However, until now, there are no studies analyzing plasma adiponectin concentration in kidney transplant patients (KTx) during the long-term period after transplantation. Therefore, the aim of present study was to examine plasma adiponectin concentration in KTx patients during the wide range of time after transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHOD Single center, cross-sectional study including 228 KTx adult recipients (143 M and 85 F) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > or = 15 ml/min, 80 hemodialysis patients (34 M and 46 F) and 52 healthy subjects (33 M and 19 F). Plasma adiponectin concentration was estimated together with HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index) and plasma lipid profile. RESULTS In KTx patients plasma adiponectin concentration 14.0 (13.1-15.0) microg/ml was significantly (p < 0.001), lower than in hemodialysis ones 29.0 (24.7-33.3) microg/ml, however, significantly (p < 0.001) higher than in healthy subjects 10.1 (8.8-11.5) microg/ml. Among KTx patients the highest plasma adiponectin concentration was observed in the subgroup of patients surviving with the functioning graft more than 8 years after transplantation. In KTx patients, significant, negative correlations were found between plasma adiponectin concentration and BMI (p = 0.017), HOMA-IR (p = 0.02) and estimated GFR (p < 0.009), respectively. Multiple regression analysis performed in the group of KTx patients, with plasma adiponectin concentration as the dependent variable and BMI, age, gender, estimated GFR as independent variables showed that in this model (R2 = 0.09) plasma adiponectin concentration significantly depends on BMI (p = 0.035), gender (p = 0.004) and eGFR (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS Patients with long-term renal graft survival are characterized by a higher plasma adiponectin concentration. Kidney graft function (assessed as estimated GFR) is an important factor influencing plasma adiponectin concentration.
The role of oxygen on the growth of palladium clusters synthesized by gas aggregation source

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. The Role of Oxygen on the Growth of Palladium Clusters Synthesized by Gas Aggregation Source William Chamorro-Coral, Amaël Caillard, Pascal Brault, Pascal Andreazza, Christophe Coutanceau, Steve Baranton
Modification of the initial release of a highly water-soluble drug from ethyl cellulose microspheres.

The aim of this study was to develop a microspherical dosage form for a highly water-soluble drug, fenoterol HBr, by using the water insoluble, non-biodegradable polymer, ethyl cellulose. Fenoterol HBr was used as a model drug, based on its pharmacokinetic properties, i.e. the short half-life, incomplete absorption from the gastrointestinal tract due to the first pass effect. Three factors, the initial amount of drug, the volume of non-solvent (petroleum benzin) and the stirring speed of homogenizer, were varied during microsphere preparation. The release of fenoterol HBr from these microparticulate delivery systems was compared, and a possible release mechanism was proposed. The encapsulation efficiency of the drug, the morphology and the particle size of the microspheres were also investigated. The oil-in-oil solvent evaporation method efficiently encapsulated fenoterol HBr in these ethyl cellulose microspheres. A significant increase in the encapsulation efficiency of fenoterol was observed when the drug/polymer ratio was decreased from 15% to 5% (p < 0.05). The particle size of microparticles was in the range of 10-250 microm, and most microspheres had a particle size smaller than 100 microm. Only the volume of petroleum benzin showed a significant effect on the particle size of prepared microspheres (p < 0.05). Both the initial drug loading and the addition of nonsolvent significantly affected the initial release of fenoterol from the ethyl cellulose microspheres. The diffusion-controlled release followed by a constant release was exhibited in these microspheres.
Key Drivers of Private Equity FirmCertification at Initial Public Offering

Private equity firms have been shown to add considerable value to investee companies. This article examines buy-side financial analyst perceptions of the determinants of private equity firm value added. The findings reveal significant relationships between the attractiveness of private equity firms’ IPOs and 1) their reputations, 2) their level of retained ownership, 3) the duration of their involvement prior to the IPO, and 4) the interaction between duration and intensity of involvement. The research reveals certification effects are best explained by theories of resource exchange and reduced informational asymmetries with reduced agency risk being a much lesser influence.
Evaluation of dietary methionine requirement of male Korean native ducks for 3 weeks post-hatching.

A total of 336 1-day-old male Korean native ducks (KND) were used in a completely randomized design with seven dietary methionine levels (0.30-0.90% with 0.1% increment) to determine the methionine requirement of male Korean native ducks for 3 weeks after hatching. Each dietary treatment had six replicates with eight ducklings per pen. One duckling from each pen (n = 6) was sacrificed to weigh empty body and drumsticks at the end of the experiment. Final body weight and weight gain of 3 weeks old KND were increased with increasing dietary methionine levels up to 0.4%, and then decreased (P < 0.05) with a further increasing dietary methionine level. In contrast, feed conversion ratio of the KND decreased up to 0.4% and increased (P < 0.05) with the increasing dietary methionine level. Both empty body weight and proportions of empty body weight were linearly increased (P < 0.05) while the dietary methionine level elevated up to 0.4%. Estimated dietary methionine requirement for maximum body weights, daily gain and minimum feed conversion ratio were 0.36, 0.39 and 0.40%, respectively, when it was fitted into linear- and quadratic-plateau models.
Gastrointestinal motor and secretory responses to cholinergic stimulation in humans. Differential modulation by muscarinic and cholecystokinin receptor blockade

Abstract. The present study investigated how a cholinergic agonist modifies interdigestive motility and secretion of the upper gastrointestinal tract and how muscarinic and cholecystokinin receptor blockade interfere with this direct cholinergic stimulation. In eight healthy volunteers, gastrointestinal motor and secretory responses to bethanechol (12.5, 25, and 50 μg kg‐1 h‐1) with and without a background of atropine (5 μg kg‐1 h‐1) or loxiglumide (10 mg kg‐1 h‐1) were studied. Stepdoses of bethanechol caused a parallel stimulation of antroduodenal motility and gastropancreatic secretion (P < 0.01) without inducing a fed pattern. However, duration of phase I was shortened (P < 0.05). Only high doses of bethanechol enhanced gastrin (P < 0.05), cholecystokinin (P < 0.05), and pancreatic polypeptide (P < 0.01) release. Atropine completely antagonized motor and secretory responses to cholinergic stimulation. Loxiglumide left cholinergically stimulated motility and pancreatic enzyme secretion unaltered. With co‐infusion of bethanechol and loxiglumide, PP release dropped by 63% (P < 0.01); gastric acid output, gastrin and CCK release increased by 56%, 16%, and 25%, respectively (P < 0.05). We conclude that stimulation by a cholinergic agonist preserves the interdigestive pattern. Low dose muscarinic receptor blockade abolishes cholinergic stimulation over the full dose range. Inhibition of somatostatin release would explain stimulation of gastrin release and gastric acid secretion with co‐infusion of bethanechol and loxiglumide. Endogenous CCK appears to interact with direct cholinergic stimulation at the pancreatic PP cell and the gastric D‐cell but not at pancreatic acinar and antroduodenal smooth muscle cells.
An Examination of Sociocultural Factors Associated With Mammography Screening Among Latina Immigrants

Introduction: The study hypothesized that sociocultural factors would be associated with breast cancer screening within the past 2 years among Latina immigrant women. Method: This study employed a survey design and included 82 Latina immigrant female participants 40 to 64 years of age for the analysis. Two multivariable binary logistic regression models were estimated, one for the sociocultural deterrents and the other for the symptomatic deterrents from the Cultural Cancer Screening Scale. Results: The results indicated two constructs of the Cultural Cancer Screening Scale, sociocultural deterrents (odds ratio = 2.00; 95% confidence interval = 1.04-3.86) and symptomatic deterrents (odds ratio = 1.65; 95% confidence interval = 1.08-2.54), were associated with screening in the past 2 years, when adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence for the importance of sociocultural factors in Latina immigrant women’s timely mammography screening.