Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the Dollar-Euro Permanent Equilibrium Exchange Rate: Evidence from Multivariate Unobserved Components Models

We propose an alternative approach to obtaining a permanent equilibrium exchange rate (PEER), based on an unobserved components (UC) model. This approach offers a number of advantages over the conventional cointegration-based PEER. Firstly, we do not rely on the prerequisite that cointegration has to be found between the real exchange rate and macroeconomic fundamentals to obtain non-spurious long-run relationships and the PEER. Secondly, the impact that the permanent and transitory components of the macroeconomic fundamentals have on the real exchange rate can be modelled separately in the UC model. This is important for variables where the long and short-run effects may drive the real exchange rate in opposite directions, such as the relative government expenditure ratio. We also demonstrate that our proposed exchange rate models have good out-of sample forecasting properties. Our approach would be a useful technique for central banks to estimate the equilibrium exchange rate and to forecast the long-run movements of the exchange rate.
Chemokine-mediated angiogenesis : an essential link in the evolution of airway fibrosis ?

An emerging body of evidence implicates peripheral and central endocannabinoid pathways in the regulation of feeding behavior and body weight. A report in this issue of the JCI demonstrates the presence of a common endocannabinoid-regulated molecular pathway for peripheral lipogenic and central appetitive regulation (see the related article beginning on page 1298). This pathway involves the activation of the transcription factor SREBP-1c and its associated enzymes, acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 and fatty acid synthase, in the liver and hypothalamus. Activation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in liver plays a key role in increased serum lipid production, fatty liver, and possibly diet-induced obesity. Conversely, stimulation of these receptors in the hypothalamus may lead to an increase in food consumption. Thus, targeting both of these pathways with CB1 antagonists could promote sustained weight loss and favorable serum lipid profiles in obese patients.
Molecular Properties of Drugs Interacting with SLC22 Transporters OAT1, OAT3, OCT1, and OCT2: A Machine-Learning Approach

Statistical analysis was performed on physicochemical descriptors of ∼250 drugs known to interact with one or more SLC22 “drug” transporters (i.e., SLC22A6 or OAT1, SLC22A8 or OAT3, SLC22A1 or OCT1, and SLC22A2 or OCT2), followed by application of machine-learning methods and wet laboratory testing of novel predictions. In addition to molecular charge, organic anion transporters (OATs) were found to prefer interacting with planar structures, whereas organic cation transporters (OCTs) interact with more three-dimensional structures (i.e., greater SP3 character). Moreover, compared with OAT1 ligands, OAT3 ligands possess more acyclic tetravalent bonds and have a more zwitterionic/cationic character. In contrast, OCT1 and OCT2 ligands were not clearly distinquishable form one another by the methods employed. Multiple pharmacophore models were generated on the basis of the drugs and, consistent with the machine-learning analyses, one unique pharmacophore created from ligands of OAT3 possessed cationic properties similar to OCT ligands; this was confirmed by quantitative atomic property field analysis. Virtual screening with this pharmacophore, followed by transport assays, identified several cationic drugs that selectively interact with OAT3 but not OAT1. Although the present analysis may be somewhat limited by the need to rely largely on inhibition data for modeling, wet laboratory/in vitro transport studies, as well as analysis of drug/metabolite handling in Oat and Oct knockout animals, support the general validity of the approach—which can also be applied to other SLC and ATP binding cassette drug transporters. This may make it possible to predict the molecular properties of a drug or metabolite necessary for interaction with the transporter(s), thereby enabling better prediction of drug-drug interactions and drug-metabolite interactions. Furthermore, understanding the overlapping specificities of OATs and OCTs in the context of dynamic transporter tissue expression patterns should help predict net flux in a particular tissue of anionic, cationic, and zwitterionic molecules in normal and pathophysiological states.
The prevalence of smoking and the knowledge of smoking hazards and smoking cessation strategies among HIV- positive patients in Johannesburg, South Africa.

BACKGROUND While the detrimental effects of smoking among HIV-positive patients have been well documented, there is a paucity of data regarding cigarette smoking prevalence among these patients in South Africa (SA). OBJECTIVES To establish the frequency, demographics, knowledge of harmful effects, and knowledge of smoking cessation strategies among HIV-positive patients in Johannesburg, SA. METHODS We conducted a prospective cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire to interview HIV-positive patients attending the HIV Clinic at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital between 1 July and 31 October 2011. RESULTS Of 207 HIV-positive patients attending an antiretroviral therapy (ART) roll-out clinic, 31 (15%) were current smokers (23.2% of males and 7.4% of females) and a further 45 (21.7%) were ex-smokers. Most of the current smokers (30/31 patients) indicated their wish to quit smoking, and among the group as a whole, most patients were aware of the general (82.1%) and HIV-related (77.8%) risks of smoking and of methods for quitting smoking. Despite this, however, most (62.3%) were not aware of who they could approach for assistance and advice. CONCLUSIONS Given the relatively high prevalence of current and ex-smokers among HIV-positive patients, there is a need for the introduction of smoking-cessation strategies and assistance at ART roll-out clinics in SA.
Public Health Emergencies

During a public health emergency such as an influenza pandemic or a bioterrorism attack, nurses may be at risk for exposure to lethal infectious diseases when caring for victims. The aim of this study was to identify interventions nurses believe will support their ability to cope during public health emergencies. A qualitative research design was used with 33 nurses from designated bioterrorism-receiving hospitals. Nurses recommended adequate protective equipment, education, drills, accessible information and available content experts, and available administrators. Other recommendations included increased security to protect nurses, emotional and physical support, communication with nurses' families, and commitment from institutions to care for ill or injured nurses. Preparations for emergencies should include assessments of nurses' and other stakeholders' concerns. These nurses proposed specific measures to improve safety, reduce anxiety, increase trust in hospitals, and provide physical and emotional support.
Rotavirus infections and development of diabetes‐associated autoantibodies during the first 2 years of life

Rotavirus, the most common cause of childhood gastroenteritis, has been implicated as one of the viral triggers of diabetes‐associated autoimmunity. To study the possible association between rotavirus infections and the development of diabetes‐associated autoantibodies, we measured the prevalence of rotavirus antibodies in serum samples collected at 3–6‐month intervals up to the age of 2 years from 177 children selected from consecutive newborns because they carried HLA‐DQB1 alleles associated with increased risk for type 1 diabetes. Twenty‐nine of the children developed at least two of four diabetes‐associated autoantibodies (ICA, IAA, GADA or IA‐2A) during the first 2 years of life (the cases), whereas 148 children remained autoantibody‐negative matched with the cases for date of birth, gender, living region and HLA‐DQB1 alleles. The temporal association between the development of the first‐appearing diabetes‐associated autoantibody and rotavirus infections was studied by analysing whether the cases had a diagnostic increase in rotavirus antibody titre more often during the 6‐month period that preceded seroconversion to autoantibody positivity than the controls. By the age of 12 months one of the 13 case children (7%), who had a serum sample drawn at that age and who had developed at least one type of diabetes‐associated autoantibodies, had experienced a rotavirus infection, while 12 of the 61 (20%) autoantibody‐negative control children had had a rotavirus infection. By 18 months, four of the 22 autoantibody‐positive cases (18%) and 18 of the 89 controls (20%) had rotavirus antibodies, and by the age of 24 months the respective numbers were five of the 27 cases (19%) and 32 of the 113 (28%) controls. A rotavirus infection occurred during the 6 months preceding the sample which was positive for an autoantibody in four of the 25 periods (16%) for which both necessary samples were available, while the controls had a rotavirus infection during 55 of the 370‐such periods (15%). Accordingly, our data suggest that rotavirus infections are unlikely triggers of beta‐cell autoimmunity in young children with genetic susceptibility to type 1 diabetes.
The Process of Innovation and the Diffusion of Innovation

“Innovate or Perish” is the marketer's cry of the 1960s. And “Perish as You Innovate” could well be the marketing slogan of the 1970s. But several questions arise. Can innovation be programed to occur? What is the nature of the diffusion process? Can consumer “innovators” be identified and appealed to? How do advertising and personal influence compare in effectiveness for new product diffusion? Here are some answers to these questions.
Opportunities for clinical applications of rest-activity rhythms in detecting and preventing mood disorders

Purpose of review Rest-activity rhythm (RAR) measurements may aid in the detection of depression risk and serve as an important target for depression prevention. This review evaluates the strength of current evidence supporting these potential applications. Recent findings Depression is associated with lower activity levels, that is less regularly patterned, and potentially shifted earlier or later in the day. Specific RAR patterns (combinations of several RAR characteristics) in patients with clinical depression may be unique or partially shared across disorders. Longitudinal research is limited but provides initial evidence that multiple distinct RAR patterns are associated with the risk of developing depression symptoms. Summary RAR measures provide a comprehensive and objective assessment of depression's behavioral manifestations, and therefore may be useful as monitoring tool, providing additional information to help clinicians tailor behavioral treatments to specific patients. RARs also appear to contribute to depression risk and may be an important target for depression prevention. But research has not established valid predictive metrics using RARs to diagnose depression or detect depression risk. Future research should prioritize establishing the specific RAR patterns related to depression risk in high-risk groups, and should seek to place this risk within the known psychosocial and neurobiological risk architecture of depression.
Relation between spasticity and strength in individuals with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

The relation between spasticity and strength in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) has not been extensively researched. Knee and ankle spasticity and strength were quantified in a retrospective analysis of 60 individuals with spastic diplegic CP (mean age 12 years, range 3 to 38) and a group of 50 individuals without disabilities (WD group; mean age 12 years, range 4 to 36). Spasticity was measured using a KinCom dynamometer that stretched the passive knee flexors or ankle plantarflexors at different speeds and recorded the amount of resistive torques. For the strength tests, the participant performed a maximum contraction of the knee flexors/extensors and ankle plantarflexors/dorsiflexors throughout their range of motion at a speed of 10/s on the dynamometer. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine if a relation existed between spasticity and strength within the same muscle group and in opposing muscle groups at the knee and ankle joints. A t‐test was performed to determine if greater spasticity and less strength existed at the ankles compared with the knees in those with CP. Results show that there was no relation between spasticity and strength either within the same muscle group or at opposing muscle groups at the knee and ankle joints in persons with CP. Individuals with spastic diplegic CP were more involved (greater spasticity, less strength) distally at the ankles compared with the knees. The findings conflict with the literature, which contains several assumptions, one of which is that a spastic muscle is a strong muscle and that spasticity causes weakness in the opposing muscle group. We found no relation between spasticity and strength in individuals with CP. Our findings support the literature, which states that individuals with spastic diplegic CP are more involved distally compared with proximally in the lower extremities.
Performance characteristics of the Energy Cat 3EC42 hydrokinetic turbine

Archimedean screw-type hydrokinetic turbine is a design from Jupiter Hydro Inc. that shows promising performance in water tunnel and field experiments. This paper reports on results of field experiments on their second prototype, Energy Cat 3EC42 turbine. Results show an increase in the maximum power coefficient of the screw turbine compared to the first prototype, Delta unit. An instantaneous maximum performance coefficient of 0.50 was obtained in Prony brake torque measurements. Surface roughness appears to increase the efficiency of screw type turbines. It is estimated from results of experiments done on these two prototypes that a screw-type turbine can reach a performance coefficient of 0.45.
Click Chemistry Approach for Bis‐Chromenyl Triazole Hybrids and Their Antitubercular Activity

1,4‐Disubstituted bis‐chromenyl triazole hybrids 5a–m have been synthesized in a three‐step reaction sequence from 4‐(bromomethyl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones 3a–m. The intermediate azides 4a–m underwent a regioselective 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition with a 2H‐chromen‐2‐one linked acetylenic dipolarophile in the presence of Cu (II)/ascorbate/water/n‐butanol reaction medium. Three compounds 5h–j exhibited 6.25 μg/mL MIC against M. tuberculosis. Among the compounds screened for antifungal activity, lowest MIC of 6.25 μg/mL was observed for 5c against A. niger that also exhibited DNA cleavage observed by agarose gel electrophoresis. All the compounds were moderately active against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial strains. The cytotoxic effect of potent compounds on normal cells (V79 and HBL100) was assessed by MTT assay.
A critic's assessment of our approach to cardiac arrest.

In this issue of the Journal, Weisfeldt et al.1 report that ventricular fibrillation is identified less frequently during sudden cardiac arrest in the home than in public places, even when the arrest is witnessed. The authors surmise that age and coexisting illnesses are responsible and that the location of sudden cardiac arrest may be a surrogate for underlying disease severity. In addition, poorer outcomes were observed with use of the automated external defibrillator (AED) in the home, as compared with public AED use. The authors conclude that perhaps AEDs should be reserved for public locations and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) .
Who Benefits and How Does It Work? Moderators and Mediators of Outcome in an Effectiveness Trial of a Parenting Intervention

We examined mediators and moderators of change in conduct problems, in a multiagency randomized trial of the Incredible Years parenting program. Preschoolers (n = 153) at risk for conduct problems were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 104) and wait-list (n = 49) groups. Boys and younger children, and those with more depressed mothers, tended to show greater improvement in conduct problems post-intervention. Other risk factors (i.e., teen or single parenthood, very low income, high initial levels of problem behavior) showed no predictive effects, implying intervention was at least as successful at helping the most disadvantaged families, compared to more advantaged. Mediator analyses found change in positive parenting skill predicted change in conduct problems.
College Women’s HPV Vaccine Decision Narratives

Drawing on 38 in-depth qualitative interviews with college women and college health clinicians, we collected human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine decision narratives to identify the implicit and explicit values underlying HPV vaccine decision making. Narratives of vaccine acceptance and resistance were identified. Vaccine acceptance narratives consisted of four themes: supportive family messages, explicit health care provider endorsement, peer descriptive norms reducing stigma of vaccination, and disease framing (e.g., cancer, HPV) shaping vaccine benefit perceptions. Vaccine resistance narratives consisted of five themes: skepticism of vaccine safety, invoking alternative prevention strategies, articulating stigmatizing HPV messages, overcoming self-efficacy barriers (e.g., cost, availability, time, and fear of parental disclosure), and delay strategies. Common to all decision narratives was that relationship status framed college women’s perceptions of HPV susceptibility. Theoretical and practical implications for designing HPV vaccine messages aimed at college-aged women are discussed.
Risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism after stopping treatment in cohort studies: recommendation for acceptable rates and standardized reporting

C. K EARON,* A . I O R IO and G . PAL ARET I ON BEHA LF OF THE SUB COMMI TTEE O N C ONTROL OF ANT I COAGULA T ION OF THE SSC OF T HE IST H *Department Internal Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine/Stroke Unit, University of Perugia; and Angiology and Coagulation Disorders Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) inhibits saquinavir metabolism in‐vitro and enhances its bioavailability in rats

This study investigated the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the metabolism of saquinavir by cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) in‐vitro using rat liver microsomes and in‐vivo using rats. DHA showed a concentration‐dependent inhibition of in‐vitro saquinavir metabolism with Km, Vmax and Ki values of 2.21 μM, 0.054 μmol h−1 (mg protein)−1 and 149.6 μM, respectively. After oral co‐administration with 250 μg kg−1 DHA, the bioavailability of saquinavir significantly increased approximately 4 fold (P < 0.01) without affecting the elimination half‐life, as compared with the control. In contrast, oral administration of DHA did not affect the kinetic parameters of saquinavir administered intravenously. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of DHA on saquinavir metabolism predominantly takes place in the gut and imply that DHA impairs the function of enteric, but not of hepatic, CYP3A. The pharmacokinetic interaction occurred only when DHA was taken simultaneously with oral administration of saquinavir. These results considered together with the lack of time‐dependent saquinavir metabolism inactivation effects in‐vitro, imply that the inhibitory effect of DHA is primarily reversible. It is concluded that DHA inhibited saquinavir metabolism in‐vitro and enhanced the oral bioavailability of saquinavir in rats.
Decadal changes in the aragonite and calcite saturation state of the Pacific Ocean

Based on measurements from the WOCE/JGOFS global CO2 survey, the CLIVAR/CO2 Repeat Hydrography Program and the Canadian Line P survey, we have observed an average decrease of 0.34% yr−1 in the saturation state of surface seawater in the Pacific Ocean with respect to aragonite and calcite. The upward migrations of the aragonite and calcite saturation horizons, averaging about 1 to 2 m yr−1, are the direct result of the uptake of anthropogenic CO2 by the oceans and regional changes in circulation and biogeochemical processes. The shoaling of the saturation horizon is regionally variable, with more rapid shoaling in the South Pacific where there is a larger uptake of anthropogenic CO2. In some locations, particularly in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre and in the California Current, the decadal changes in circulation can be the dominant factor in controlling the migration of the saturation horizon. If CO2 emissions continue as projected over the rest of this century, the resulting changes in the marine carbonate system would mean that many coral reef systems in the Pacific would no longer be able to sustain a sufficiently high rate of calcification to maintain the viability of these ecosystems as a whole, and these changes perhaps could seriously impact the thousands of marine species that depend on them for survival.
Protective Effects of Molsidomine Against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity.

BACKGROUND Cisplatin, an effective chemotherapeutic agent, is used for the treatment of several types of cancers. However, cisplatin has some severe side effects such as nephrotoxicity. On the other hand, molsidomine, a NO donor, has anti-oxidative and vasodilator effects. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to estimate the protective effects of molsidomine on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: (1) control; (2) received a single-dose intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 5 mg/kg cisplatin; (3) received single i.p. dose of molsidomine (4 mg/kg/day) for 3 consecutive days before cisplatin treatment; (4) received single i.p. dose of molsidomine (4 mg/kg/day) for 3 consecutive days. The specific biochemical markers, including antioxidants, and the histopathological alterations were evaluated. RESULTS Cisplatin significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels and decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPX) level. Molsidomine significantly decreased MPO level nearly to control level; however, its ameliorating effects on MDA, SOD, CAT and GPX did not reach to significant levels. Cisplatin-induced elevation of blood-urea-nitrogen and serum-creatinine were diminished after molsidomine administration. Cisplatin also induced severe tubular degeneration, nuclear condensation, apoptosis and scattered patchy inflammation in the histological examination. Molsidomine improved all of these histological damages. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the beneficial effect of molsidomine against cisplatin nephrotoxicity has been evaluated for the first time.
Variation in the activities of late stage filaggrin processing enzymes, calpain‐1 and bleomycin hydrolase, together with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid levels, corneocyte phenotypes and plasmin activities in non‐sun‐exposed and sun‐exposed facial stratum corneum of different ethnicities

Knowledge of the ethnic differences and effects of photodamage on the relative amounts of natural moisturizing factor (NMF) together with filaggrin processing enzymes in facial stratum corneum is limited. Our aim was to characterize the activities of calpain‐1 (C‐1), bleomycin hydrolase (BH) and the levels of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) as a marker for total NMF levels and to relate them to plasmin activities and corneocyte maturation.