Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of social cognition in schizophrenia during an acute episode and after recovery.

OBJECTIVE Difficulty with social interactions is a characteristic of schizophrenia. The authors used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate brain activation changes during a social cognition paradigm in patients with schizophrenia during and after an acute episode and their association with social and executive function. METHOD In a longitudinal study design, 14 patients with schizophrenia experiencing an acute episode had an fMRI scan. They returned for a follow-up scan after clinical improvement. Fourteen healthy comparison subjects were also scanned twice with approximately the same time interval between scans as in the patient group. The authors employed a social cognition fMRI paradigm involving empathic and forgivability judgments. Schizophrenia symptoms, social functioning and illness insight scales, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test were used to examine whether improvement on these measures was associated with recovery of brain activation in response to the social cognition paradigm. RESULTS After recovery from the acute episode, patients exhibited increased activation in the left medial prefrontal cortex, which was, in turn, significantly correlated with improved insight and social functioning. Decreased symptom severity and improved performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test were not significantly associated with increased left medial prefrontal cortex activation. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to the authors' knowledge to use a social cognition paradigm to reveal improved left medial prefrontal cortex activation in schizophrenia after recovery from an acute episode. These results suggest that restored left medial prefrontal cortex activation may mediate improvement of insight and social functioning in patients with schizophrenia.
Accounting for Real Exchange Rate Changes-Extending the Methodology

The seminal work of Engel (1999) establishes a method for measuring the contributions of traded goods and nontraded goods to the fluctuation of real exchange rates. Two difficulties arise: the assumed price aggregation is likely biased, and the needed data on non-traded goods price is often limited. The present work overcomes these difficulties, as follows. First we generalize Engel’s exchange rate decomposition to a broader class of price indices, and then we show that data on non-traded prices can be avoided altogether, regardless of which price index is used. JEL Classification: F3, F4
Dynamic Average-Value Modeling of 120° VSI-Commutated Brushless DC Motors With Trapezoidal Back EMF

The 120° voltage source inverter driven brushless dc (BLDC) motors are very common in many applications. This paper extends the previous work and presents an improved dynamic average-value model for such BLDC motor-drive systems. The new model is explicit and uses a proper qd model of the permanent magnet synchronous machine with nonsinusoidal rotor flux. The model utilizes multiple reference frame theory to properly include the back EMF harmonics as well as commutation and conduction intervals into the averaged voltage and torque relationships. The commutation angle is readily obtained from the detailed simulation. The proposed model is demonstrated on a typical industrial BLDC motor with trapezoidal back EMF waveforms. The results of studies are compared with experimental measurements as well as previously established models, whereas the new model is shown to provide appreciable improvement.
The determinants of investing in the Pan-Asian markets: a multi-dimensional perspective

1 CHAPTER 1 1. Background and Overview 4 CHAPTER 2 2. Literature Review 15 2.1. Value Investing 17 2.2. Framework for Constructing a Value Portfolio 20 2.3. Information Advantage of Financial Analysts 36 2.4. The Concept of Income and EPS 39 2.5. Analysts, the Agency Problem and the Underlying Repercussions 42 2.6. Analysts’ Forecast Accuracy 45 CHAPTER 3 3. Theoretical Foundations 50 3.1. Efficient Market Hypothesis 51 3.2. Behavioural Finance 58 3.3. Modern Portfolio Theory 72 3.4. Capital Asset Pricing Model 77 3.5. Arbitrage Pricing Theory 84 CHAPTER 4 4. The Determinants of Value Investing in some Pan-Asian Markets: a Cross Country Approach 88 4.
Anatomic Study of the Deltoid Ligament of the Ankle

Background: There is heterogeneity in the literature regarding the anatomy and number of ligamentous bands that form the deltoid ligament (DL). Anatomic knowledge of the DL and its variations are important for surgeons who repair ankle fractures. Methods: The DL was dissected in 33 ankles from 17 formalin-fixed cadavers (mean age at death, 76.6 years) to examine its morphology. The length, width, and thickness of its constituent bands were recorded with a digital caliper. Descriptive and correlational statistics were used to investigate the relationships between band size, age at death, and sex. A literature review was conducted to compare our data to those of previous studies. Results: The DL has superficial and deep layers with up to 8 different bands. Conclusion: The DL stabilizes the medial ankle and should be evaluated in flatfoot deformities and severe ankle fractures. Clinical Relevance: Anatomic knowledge of DL variations should aid the surgeon in repairing torn DLs.
The Role of Product Level Entry and Exit in Export and Productivity Growth: Evidence from Estonia

Recent empirical studies of international trade have stressed that firm level decisions about the number of export products or markets represent an important margin of adjustment in response to globalization and changes in economic conditions. We investigate how decisions about the export product mix are associated with aggregate export dynamics and productivity of firms. For that purpose we use detailed product data and export market level data of the full population of Estonia’s firms. Decomposition analysis of trade flows shows that both the relative importance of firms starting exporting and the role of product level churning (firms adding and dropping products) in total Estonian export growth increases significantly after accession to the EU in 2004. We show that starting to export and adding and dropping export products in the same period is associated with higher firm productivity compared to exporters that keep their export mix unchanged or decrease its breadth. Dropping peripheral products is associated with higher productivity only in the case of firms with a relatively large number of export products.
Homeostasis and Function of Regulatory T Cells in HIV/SIV Infection

ABSTRACT Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a pivotal role in the maintenance of tolerance as well as in the control of immune activation, particularly during chronic infections. In the setting of HIV infection, the majority of studies have reported an increase in Treg frequency but a decrease in absolute number in all immune compartments of HIV-infected individuals. Several nonexclusive mechanisms have been postulated to explain this preferential Treg accumulation, including peripheral survival, increased proliferation, increased peripheral conversion, and tissue redistribution. The role played by Tregs during HIV infection is still poorly understood, as two opposing hypotheses have been proposed. A detrimental role of Tregs during HIV infection was suggested based on the evidence that Tregs suppress virus-specific immune responses. Conversely, Tregs could be beneficial by limiting immune activation, thus controlling the availability of HIV targets as well as preventing immune-based pathologies. Despite the technical difficulties, getting a better understanding of the mechanisms regulating Treg dynamics remains important, as it will help determine whether we can successfully manipulate Treg function or number to the advantage of the infected host. The aim of this review is thus to discuss the recent findings on Treg homeostasis and function in the setting of HIV infection.
Upstream and Downstream Strategic Food Safety Interactions

Domestic water consumers in many developing countries boil water before use, presumably concerned about quality control on the part of upstream water authorities. In this paper we investigate strategic incentives for food safety efforts by upstream food processors and downstream consumers. The strategic setting is where food processors move first and consumers react to perceptions about processor behavior. We consider two technological environments in which food safety is assured: i) weakest-link where both processor and consumer behavior must succeed; ii) best-shot where it suffices for efforts by either party to succeed. We study privately optimal behavior under negligence and strict liability rules, and also investigate the role of consumer risk aversion.
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: Why Firms Fragment Production Across Locations

This paper documents the relative importance of labor cost differences, distance to suppliers, and communication technology in a firm's domestic and foreign sourcing decisions. Using an original dataset of U.S. manufacturers' decisions to contract for manufacturing services, I show that domestic fragmentation: i) is far more prevalent than offshoring; ii) changes firms' opportunity cost to offshore; and iii) is facilitated by communication technology. In contrast, communication technology does not necessarily lead firms to offshore. Firms fragment production to access cheaper labor, and countries that offer significant labor cost savings tend not to have the technology infrastructure to support high-tech production.
Follicular Stem Cell Carcinoma: Histologic, Immunohistochemical, Ultrastructural, and Clinical Characterization in 30 Dogs

Diagnostic records of 30 primary and one metastatic follicular stem cell carcinomas in 30 dogs were reviewed. Neoplastic cells had a clear cytoplasm and formed lobules and nests surrounded by a basement membrane. Trichoepitheliomatous and apocrine differentiations were noted in 22 of 30 (73%) and 21 of 30 (70%) primary tumors, respectively. Glycogen was present in 20 of 20 (100%) tumors tested, suggesting tricholemmal differentiation. Antibodies against AE1/AE3 cytokeratin, vimentin, and melanA/MART1 stained 29 of 30 (97%), 29 of 30 (97%), and 12 of 27 (44%) primary tumors, respectively. Small amounts of melanin were identified in 14 primary tumors, either on the hematoxylin and eosin-stained section (n = 6), or on the Fontana-stained section (n = 8 of 14). Ultrastructural features of neoplastic cells included cell junction complexes, swollen mitochondria, neuroendocrine-like granules, and intracytoplasmic non-membrane-bound accumulation of proteinaceous material. Features of this neoplasm are consistent with a follicular stem cell origin. Follow-up information was available for eight dogs. Metastases developed in the draining lymph node at the time of excision of the primary tumor (n = 1) or subsequently (n = 3).
Cellular and molecular immunological mechanisms in eosinophilic esophagitis: an updated overview of their clinical implications

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a pathophysiologically complex disorder driven by distinct, multiple mechanisms involving a large number of cells, molecules, and genes. Associated with food allergy from its initial descriptions, a key role for the Th2-type cytokines IL-5 and IL-13 in recruiting and activating eosinophils has been described. Epithelial cells have been recognized as major effectors in initiating EoE, both through their recruitment of iNKT cells towards the esophageal epithelium, which constitutes a major cytokine source, and through the release of eotaxin-3 and other chemoattractants. Epithelial and mesenchymal-released TSLP is a key regulator for which a connecting role between the adaptive and innate mucosal-associated immune response has been suggested. Finally, activated eosinophil- and mast cell-derived TGF β1 secretion is crucial in EoE-associated tissue remodeling.
EFFECT OF FATTY‐ACID DOUBLE‐BOND POSITION ON THE SELECTIVITY OF RAT‐BRAIN ENZYMES: THE INCORPORATION OF OLEIC AND CIS‐VACCENIC ACIDS INTO LYSOLECITHIN IN VITRO

Abstract— —Selectivity in the esterification of fatty acids to lysolecithin by rat‐brain enzymes in vitro was investigated using free fatty acids (activation plus esterification) and CoA esters (esterification) of two naturally‐occurring monoenoic fatty‐acid isomers, oleic acid [18:1 (n ‐ 9)] and cis‐vaccenic acid [18:1 (n ‐ 7)]. Esterification of free acids to l‐acyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphorylcholine (1‐acyl GPC) was dependent on CoA and ATP, and was stimulated by MgCl2 and NaF. Under comparable conditions, fatty‐acid activation (acyl‐CoA synthetase [acid: CoA ligase (AMP)] EC 6.2. 1.3. ) appeared to be rate‐limiting to 1‐acyl GPC acyltransferase (acyl‐CoA:l‐acylglycero‐3‐phosphocholine O‐acyltrans‐ferase, EC 2.3.1.23.), since rates were always less with free fatty acids than with the CoA esters. A comparison of substrate curves obtained with free fatty acids and CoA esters suggests a preference for oleic acid during activation. Acyltransferase activity with 2‐acyl GPC was similar with both acyl‐CoA isomers, whereas with 1‐acyl GPC, activity with oleoyl‐CoA consistently exceeded that with cis‐vaccenoyl‐CoA. This difference between patterns of selectivity in esterification of positions 1 and 2 of lecithin suggests that separate enzymes catalyze the two reactions. The transfer of the isomers to the 2 position was affected in a similar manner by changes in pH and temperature, as well as in protein, fatty acid (or acyl‐CoA), and 1‐acyl GPC concentrations. Patterns of incorporation with simultaneous incubation of both isomers suggests one enzyme. Differences in acyltransferase activity with the two isomerie acyl‐CoA's were observed in subcellular distribution, activity changes with brain maturation, and loss of activity on preincubation of microsomes at 45C. From these results it is not certain whether oleic and cis‐vaccenic acids are esterified to the 2 position by separate enzymes, or by one enzyme with different affinities for the isomers. However, the investigation clearly indicates that acyltransferases, and possibly acyl‐CoA synthetases in brain possess selectivity related to subtle differences in double‐bond position. These selectivities probably are important in determining the specific fatty‐acid composition of the complex lipids of brain.
High-speed and highly accurate evaluation of electrical characteristics in MOSFETs

Threshold voltage variability, random telegraph signal, and leakage current of gate oxides and pn junctions of numerous MOSFETs are evaluated by the array test circuits. By converting from current signal of MOSFETs to the voltage signal in the test circuit, accurate and high speed measurement can be obtained. These numerous data of variability, noise, and leakage current caused by the defects in MOSFETs are very useful for the process development and constructing the device structures.
Ethical climate and job satisfaction among organizational buyers: an empirical study

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between ethical climate and facets of job satisfaction among organizational buyers. Design/methodology/approach – This research is an empirical study. Data are collected from the industrial buyers using online panel. The INDSALES scale, the scale developed to measure job satisfaction of boundary spanners, was used to measure the job satisfaction. Partial least squares, a components-based structural equation modeling approach, was employed to conduct data analysis. Findings – The key finding was that buyer’s organizational policy mediates the relationship between buyers’ perception of ethical climate and buyers’ satisfaction with pay and promotion as well as satisfaction with coworkers and supervisors. The findings also show that work satisfaction can be achieved at different levels based on particular components associated to the work environment. Practical implications – The role of ethical climate in this study offers insights into manag.
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and its treatment.

UNLABELLED Osteoporosis and fractures are frequent and important consequences of glucocorticoid therapy. Many factors contribute to bone loss during glucocorticoid therapy, such as underlying disease, malnutrition, vitamin D insufficiency, hypogonadism, and low body weight. Bone loss occurs particularly in the first few months of glucocorticoid treatment and affects more cancellous than cortical bone, with reduced bone formation and increased bone resorption. The risk of fracture increases rapidly in patients with glucocorticoid therapy. The existence of a threshold is not well defined but the risk of fracture is increased in patients with higher doses of glucocorticoids. Other effects include altered production of gonadal sex hormones, inhibition of intestinal calcium absorption, and enhancement of renal excretion of calcium. Prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is based on general measures such as calcium and vitamin D supplementation, adequate protein intake, regular physical exercise, and specific therapies. Bisphosphonates, which are potent bone resorption inhibitors, have been shown to increase bone mineral density and to decrease fracture risk, so that they represent the first choice in the prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is a major burden to those whom it affects. It can be prevented provided efficacious preventive measures are introduced early during glucocorticoid treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V (expert opinion). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of the levels of evidence.
Genetic analysis of the regulation of the voltage-gated calcium channel homolog Cch1 by the γ subunit homolog Ecm7 and cortical ER protein Scs2 in yeast

The yeast Cch1/Mid1 Ca2+ channel is equivalent to animal voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and activated in cells incubated in low Ca2+ medium. We herein investigated the third subunit, Ecm7, under the same cell culture conditions. The deletion of ECM7 slightly lowered Ca2+ influx activity in the CNB1+ background, in which calcineurin potentially dephosphorylates Cch1, but markedly lowered this activity in the cnb1Δ background. The deletion of the C-terminal cytoplasmic region of Ecm7 also reduced Ca2+ influx activity. We identified a novel Cch1-interacting protein, Scs2, which is known as a cortical endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein. The deletion of SCS2 did not affect Ca2+ influx activity when calcineurin was inhibited by FK506, but enhanced this activity by 35% when the enzyme was not inhibited. However, this enhancement was canceled by the deletion of ECM7. These results suggest that Cch1/Mid1 is regulated differentially by Ecm7 and Scs2 in a manner that is dependent on the phosphorylation status of Cch1.
Treatment of Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery by Intravascular Balloon Occlusion: Long‐term Follow‐up of 58 Patients: 23

ABSTRACT: LONG‐TERM EVALUATION OF patients with aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA) treated by intravascular balloon occlusion has not been reported. From 1977 to 1992, 58 patients (age 14 to 81 years) with ICA aneurysms were treated at our institution by this technique. The aneurysms included 40 intracavernous carotid, 5 petrous carotid, 3 cervical carotid, and 10 ophthalmic segment aneurysms. Presenting symptoms were caused by mass effect in 45 patients, transient ischemia or cerebral infarction as a result of emboli in 6, subarachnoid hemorrhage in 4, and epistaxis in 3. Preoperative temporary balloon occlusion of the ICA combined with cerebral blood flow monitoring and induced hypotension were used to determine tolerance for occlusion. Two patients not tolerating test occlusion required an extracranial‐intracranial bypass procedure, and another patient underwent extracranial‐intracranial bypass prior to test occlusion because of contralateral ICA stenosis. In 55 patients, aneurysms were excluded from the circulation by either occluding the proximal ICA or trapping the aneurysm neck. In three patients, the aneurysm was directly obliterated with intravascular balloons with preservation of the parent ICA. Three patients died during treatment, one from subarachnoid hemorrhage and two from cerebral infarction. Mean follow‐up was 76 months (range, 6 months to 15 years). Six patients who developed transient ischemia caused by emboli responded to volume expansion and anticoagulation treatment. Two patients developed a delayed infarction, and one patient developed aneurysm enlargement that required surgical clipping and obliteration. Two patients suffered a delayed subarachnoid hemorrhage, one from a de novo aneurysm arising from the anterior communicating artery and another from a contralateral A1‐A2 junction aneurysm that had enlarged after treatment for the ICA aneurysm. In long‐term follow‐up, intravascular balloon occlusion was a relatively safe, effective treatment for eliminating ICA aneurysms that posed low risk for early or delayed ischemia or infarction. Intravascular balloon occlusion is the treatment of choice for extradural aneurysms and some distal carotid aneurysms.
Infant and young child feeding practices among children under 2 years of age and maternal exposure to infant and young child feeding messages and promotions in Dar es Salaam , Tanzania

Adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is critical for optimal health, growth and development. Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age and continued breastfeeding until 24 months of age and beyond are recommended by the World Health Organization (1). Complementary feeding is defined as the process starting when breastmilk alone is no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of infants, and other foods and liquids are needed along with continued breastfeeding (2). However, complementary feeding needs to be promoted in a way that both protects breastfeeding and encourages the consumption of nutritious complementary foods (3). In 1981, the World Health Assembly adopted the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes (BMS) to stop the promotion of breastmilk substitutes. Recognizing that promotion of some other types of commercial foods may also undermine optimal infant and young child feeding practices, including breastfeeding, the World Health Assembly has recently requested guidance on inappropriate promotion of foods for infants and young children (3).
Histopathology of Vascular Injury in Sprague-Dawley Rats Treated with Phosphodiesterase IV Inhibitor SCH 351591 or SCH 534385

Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were conducted to characterize vascular injuries in rats treated with phosphodiesterase (PDE) IV inhibitors SCH 351591 or SCH 534385. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered PDE IV inhibitors by gavage at a range of doses and times. The two PDE IV inhibitors induced comparable levels of vascular injury, primarily in the mesentery and to a lesser extent in the pancreas, kidney, liver, small intestine, and stomach. Mesenteric vascular changes occurred as early as one hour, progressively developed over twenty-four to forty-eight hours, peaked at seventy-two hours, and gradually subsided from seven to nine days. The typical morphology of the vascular toxicity consisted of hemorrhage and necrosis of arterioles and arteries, microvascular injury, fibrin deposition, and perivascular inflammation of a variety of blood vessels. The incidence and severity of mesenteric vascular injury increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner in SCH 351591- or SCH 534385-treated rats. Mesenteric vascular injury was frequently associated with activation of mast cells (MC), endothelial cells (EC), and macrophages (MØ). Immunohistochemical studies showed increases in CD63 immunoreactivity of mesenteric MC and in nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity of mesenteric EC and MØ. The present study also provides a morphological and cellular basis for evaluating candidate biomarkers of drug-induced vascular injury.