Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Catalytic Effect of IMF Lending: Evidence from Sectoral FDI Data

ABSTRACT Our study contributes to the search for the elusive catalytic effect of International Monetary Fund (IMF) lending on inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI). Recent scholarship has found that the catalytic effect is conditional on political regime and program stringency. We contribute to this literature by developing and testing a theory which describes how the catalytic effect also varies by economic sector. This is a departure from existing studies, which have tended to focus on aggregate FDI flows after crises. Our findings corroborate previous research, which finds that in general IMF lending has a substantial and negative effect on FDI. However, we find that the negative effect is concentrated in sectors that are highly dependent on external capital and have low sunk costs in the host country. Our findings are robust to several alternative explanations common in IMF literature, namely the importance of IMF program design and the ability of governments to make credible commitments to reform. Substantively, our findings suggest that investors are more likely to use IMF lending as an escape hatch in countries where FDI is dependent on external capital and has low sunk costs.
Secondary Outcomes of a Legislated Stadium Subsidy

Abstract Legislated stadium subsidies—the allocation of public funding toward stadium projects without a direct vote by citizens—has been the primary funding mechanism in more than 80% of the major professional sport stadium projects occurring in North America between 2005–2020. In the absence of a public vote, the degree to which citizens support a stadium subsidy is unclear. To investigate how citizens first appraise, and then respond to, a legislated stadium subsidy, we surveyed voters in Franklin County, Ohio, about the public purchase of Nationwide Arena, the anchor property of Columbus’s downtown Arena District. The results of structural model testing provided support for eight of 11 hypotheses. Both perceived stadium impact and trust in government were significant predictors of one’s evaluation of the public-financing plan. In turn, this evaluation impacted voter attitudes toward the stadium’s primary tenant, policymakers associated with the plan, and the democratic process in general.
TREATMENT OF GROWTH FAILURE IN CHILDREN AFTER RENAL TRANSPLANTATION1

Growth failure continues to be a problem in the management of children with renal failure. Children have improved growth after successful renal transplantation, but seldom have “catch-up” growth, or normal adult height. In this study we report the findings of an open label pilot study to determine the safety and efficacy of the use of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in children with growth failure after successful renal transplantation. Eleven children completing at least 1 year of treatment had a mean age of 11.5 years (±3.3) and mean bone age of 8.4 years (±2.4), and were significantly growth-retarded (mean standard deviation score of −3.18 [+1.1]). After receiving rhGH (0.05 mg/kg) sub-cutaneously each day the height velocity increased from 5.2 cm/year to 8.4 cm/year (P=0.003), and the standard deviation score improved from −3.18 to −2.23 (P=0.004). Treatment was associated with advancement in Tanner stage from 1 to 2.8 (P=0.004), increased bone age from 8.4 years to 10.9 years (P=0.0002), and although it was not at the point of statistical significance, moderate decrease in creatinine clearance from 75 ml/1.73m2/min to 60 ml/1.73m2/min (P=0.1). The advancement in Tanner stage and bone age was not out of proportion to the advancement in height age. These data suggest that children with functioning renal allografts have improved growth with supraphysiologic doses of rhGH.
Alternatives to Suspension: A Government Initiative

Student discipline and the ineffectiveness of out-of-school suspension is examined in light of the Ontario (Canada) legislative reform that supported a greater emphasis on progressive discipline alternatives to out-of-school suspension. Alternative discipline herein is explored via the behavior education plan, the school survival group, and conflict resolution training. As well, the need for alternative learning programs and school centers has been illuminated within a positive discipline mode, which may include various programs, advisory centers, as well as behaviorist and diagnostic approaches.
Fine-motor skill deficits in childhood predict adulthood tic severity and global psychosocial functioning in Tourette's syndrome.

BACKGROUND Most children with Tourette's syndrome (TS) experience a significant decline in tic symptoms during adolescence. Currently no clinical measures have been identified that can predict whose tic symptoms will persist into adulthood. Patients with TS have deficits on neuropsychological tests involving fine-motor coordination and visual-motor integration. We seek to determine if these neuropsychological tests are useful in predicting future symptom severity. METHODS Thirty-two children, aged 8-14, with TS underwent clinical evaluation and a focused neuropsychological testing battery consisting of the Purdue Pegboard, Beery Visual-Motor Integration (VMI) Test and the Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure Task (RCFT). A follow-up clinical assessment was performed on these children an average of 7.5 years later. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to correlate neuropsychological testing at Time 1 with tic severity, OCD severity and global psychosocial functioning at Time 2. RESULTS Poor performance with the dominant hand on the Purdue Pegboard test predicted worse adulthood tic severity and correlated with tic severity at the time of childhood assessment. Poor performance on the VMI and Purdue Pegboard tests (both dominant and non-dominant hand) also predicted worse adulthood global psychosocial functioning. None of the neuropsychological tests were useful in predicting the future course of OCD symptoms in TS patients. CONCLUSION Fine motor skill deficits may be a predictor of future tic severity and global psychosocial function in children with TS. We hypothesize that performance on the Purdue Pegboard test may serve as a useful endophenotype in the study of TS and provide a rough measure of the degree of basal ganglia dysfunction present in TS patients.
Predicting recurrence of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer after transurethral resection.

AIM To determine clinical prognostic factors and their impact on the risk of recurrence of newly discovered non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. METHODS The study included 120 patients of both sexes aged 45-80 years with newly discovered non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. All the patients were treated surgically by transurethral electro resection (TUER). The outcome of patients with and without recurrence was followed at intervals of three months after surgery, the total of two years. For monitoring the probability of early recurrence the criteria of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) were used. RESULTS The average age of the patients was 65.9 years, 79 (79.2%) males and 21 (20.8%) females. The total of 67 (55.8%) patients had a recurrence during the period of monitoring. The average time to the first and fourth recurrence was 15.4 and 23.9 months, respectively. Numbers of tumors and a degree of invasion had a significant prognostic impact on the risk of recurrence. The EORTC score was a highly significant predictor of recurrence (OR=1.237; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Based on available clinical and pathological prognostic factors and by stratification of patients into three disease risk groups it is possible to predict the possibility of disease. Individual approach and recommendations for the treatment using EORTC risk tables should improve the quality of treatment.
Three essays in financial frictions and international macroeconomics

This dissertation investigates the role of financial frictions stemming from asymmetric information in financial markets on the transmission of shocks, and the fluctuations in economic activity. Chapter 1 uses the targeted factor modeling to assess the contribution of national and international data to the task of forecasting provincial GDPs in Canada. Results indicate using national and especially US-based series can significantly improve the forecasting ability of targeted factor models. This effect is present and significant at shorter-term horizons but fades away for longerterm horizons. These results suggest that shocks originating at the national and international levels are transmitted to Canadian regions and thus reflected in the regional time series fairly rapidly. While Chapter 1 uses a non-structural, econometric model to tackle the issue of transmission of international shocks, the last two Chapters develop structural models, Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models to assess spillover effects of the transmission of national and international shocks. Chapter 2 presents an international DSGE framework with credit market frictions to assess issues regarding the propagation of national and international shocks. The theoretical framework includes the financial accelerator, the bank capital and exchange rate channels. Results suggest that the exchange rate channel, which has long been ignored, plays an important role in the propagation of shocks. Furthermore, with these three channels present, domestic and foreign shocks have an important quantitative role in explaining domestic aggregates. In addition, results suggest that economies whose banks remain well-capitalized when affected by adverse shock experience less severe downturns. These results highlight the importance of bank capital in an international framework and can be used to inform the worldwide debate over banking regulation. In Chapter 3, I develop a two-country DSGE model in which banks grant loans to domestic as well as to foreign firms to study effects of these cross-border banking activities in the transmis-
Constituents of Salvia microphylla

A new phenolic ester 2-( p-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl eicosaheptanoic acid ester (1) and a known one hexacosylferulate (2) were isolated from the acetone extract of Salvia microphylla. In addition, two sesquiterpenes β-eudesmol (3) and 8α-hydroxy-β-eudesmol (4), a diterpene carnosic acid 12-methyl ether (12-methoxycarnosic acid) (5), three triterpenes erithrodiol 3-acetate, oleanolic acid, lupeol and β-sitosterol were obtained as known compounds from this plant extract. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including one- and two- dimensional 1H- and 13C-NMR and MS spectroscopies. The selected compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity against standard bacterial strains, and only carnosic acid 12-methyl ether showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus at 78 µg mL−1.
Model choice for phylogeographic inference using a large set of models

Model‐based analyses are common in phylogeographic inference because they parameterize processes such as population division, gene flow and expansion that are of interest to biologists. Approximate Bayesian computation is a model‐based approach that can be customized to any empirical system and used to calculate the relative posterior probability of several models, provided that suitable models can be identified for comparison. The question of how to identify suitable models is explored using data from Plethodon idahoensis, a salamander that inhabits the North American inland northwest temperate rainforest. First, we conduct an ABC analysis using five models suggested by previous research, calculate the relative posterior probabilities and find that a simple model of population isolation has the best fit to the data (PP = 0.70). In contrast to this subjective choice of models to include in the analysis, we also specify models in a more objective manner by simulating prior distributions for 143 models that included panmixia, population isolation, change in effective population size, migration and range expansion. We then identify a smaller subset of models for comparison by generating an expectation of the highest posterior probability that a false model is likely to achieve due to chance and calculate the relative posterior probabilities of only those models that exceed this expected level. A model that parameterized divergence with population expansion and gene flow in one direction offered the best fit to the P. idahoensis data (in contrast to an isolation‐only model from the first analysis). Our investigation demonstrates that the determination of which models to include in ABC model choice experiments is a vital component of model‐based phylogeographic analysis.
Evaluation of the difference in caries experience in diabetic and non-diabetic children—A case control study

Aim To evaluate the caries prevalence and related variables in Type 1 diabetic and non-diabetic children and among the diabetic children according to their metabolic status. Methods Sixty-eight diabetic and 136 non-diabetic children, matching by gender and age (4–14 years) were enrolled. The diabetic children were divided: a) 20 children in good metabolic control (Hb1ac≤7.5) and b) 48 children in bad metabolic control (Hb1ac>7.5). Dietary and oral hygiene habits were investigated. Caries status was registered using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Oral microflora was analysed using the checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridisation method. Plaque acidogenicity was recorded after a sucrose rinse. Results Sugared beverage and snack intake was higher in diabetic group compared to non-diabetic group (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively) and in subjects in bad metabolic control (p = 0.03 and p<0.01, respectively). Oral hygiene habits were similar, except for the use of fluoridated adjuvants, higher in non-diabetic children (p = 0.04). No statistically significant differences were observed regarding caries figures, but a higher number of caries free subjects was found in diabetic subjects in good metabolic control (p<0.01). Significant difference for the main cariogenic bacteria was found between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects (p<0.05). The pH values showed statistically significant differences between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects and between diabetic subjects in good and bad metabolic control (p<0.01). Conclusions Diabetic children in good metabolic control might even be considered at low caries risk, while those in bad metabolic control showed an oral environment prone to a high caries risk.
Sectoral variability and the foundations of optimal inflation rate

ABSTRACT The recent monetary search models argue that the real effects of inflation on economic activity can be gauged through relative price variability (RPV). Our study uses a large panel data of 32 developed and emerging European economies to test the relationship between inflation and RPV. We use a panel threshold model to explore the regime-specific effects of inflation on RPV. Our results confirm a non-linear profile of the relationship between inflation and RPV. Consistent with the monetary search models, our results show that the effects of inflation on the RPV are more significant in its low (below 0.792% per annum) and high (beyond 2.064% per annum) regimes. Finally, we also report a strong moderating role of central bank independence (CBI) in the inflation–RPV relationship.
Estimation of Total Body and Extracellular Water Using Single-and Multiple-Frequency Bioimpedance

OBJECTIVE: To determine the precision and bias of single- and multiple-frequency bioimpedance estimates of total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) volumes in comparison with the true values for these volumes established by gold standard dilution techniques. DESIGN: Controlled, prospective, open-label investigation. SETTING: Private, not-for-profit university-affiliated, acute care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Normal, healthy men (n=8) and women (n=6) volunteers, 25–46 years of age. INTERVENTIONS: A single oral dose of a mixture of deuterium oxide 10 g and bromine 30 mmol; bioimpedance analysis pre- and three hours postrnixture administration. MAIN OUTCOME PARAMETERS: TBW and ECW volumes established by deuterium oxide and bromine dilutional spaces (gold standards), respectively, and single- and multiple-frequency bioimpedance estimates of those same volumes. RESULTS: The mean multiple-frequency bioimpedance (MFB) and single frequency bioimpedance (SFB) estimates of TBW, 41.2 and 42.1 L, respectively, were not statistically different (NS) from the 41.2 L deuterium oxide value. Although the two methods had similar precision (NS), MFB was less biased. For ECW, the mean MFB and SFB values of 19.5 and 24.8 L, respectively, were significantly different from the bromine value of 18.8 L (p=0.013 and p=0.001, respectively). MFB was the more precise and less biased predictor of ECW. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with SFB, the MFB approach is a more precise and less biased predictor of TBW and ECW volumes in young, healthy adults, and may offer more accurate assessment in subjects with aberrant physiology.
Analysis of Recombinant Human Semenogelin as an Inhibitor of Human Sperm Motility1

Abstract Eppin (epididymal protease inhibitor [SPINLW1]) is present in a protein complex on the human sperm surface that contains lactotransferrin, clusterin, and semenogelin (SEMG1). During ejaculation the presence of semenogelin inhibits sperm progressive motility until semenogelin is hydrolyzed by prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Although eppin binds all three components in its protein complex, the binding of semenogelin to eppin appears to be critical for the inhibition of progressive motility. The effect of the originally identified seminal plasma motility inhibitor fragment has not been clearly defined on live spermatozoa. Therefore, we have used recombinant semenogelin (rSEMG1) and its fragments, including a semenogelin mutant in which cysteine 239 was changed to glycine, coupled with a computer assisted sperm analysis assay to study the motility inhibitory properties of semenogelin. Each fragment and the mutant were tested for their effects on motility. Recombinant semenogelin significantly inhibited sperm progressive motility in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The C-terminal semenogelin fragment (amino acids 164–283) containing cysteine 239 significantly inhibited sperm progressive motility, whereas the N-terminal fragment (amino acids 24–163), a short C-terminal fragment (amino acids 172–215) without cysteine 239, and the mutant fragment (amino acids 24–283 with glycine 239) did not inhibit motility. After treatment with recombinant semenogelin, spermatozoa could be washed and treated with PSA, partially reversing the inhibition of progressive motility. Cysteine 239 of rSEMG1 appears to be the critical amino acid for both binding to eppin and inhibiting sperm motility.
Moderate hypothermia improves imbalances of thromboxane A2 and prostaglandin I2 production after traumatic brain injury in humans

ObjectiveTo examine the levels of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto prostaglandin F1&agr; (6-keto PGF1&agr;) production in arterial and internal jugular bulb sera in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is associated with arachidonate release and may be associated with an imbalance of vasoconstricting and vasodilating cyclooxygenase metabolites. DesignA prospective, randomized study. SettingThe intensive care unit of a medical university hospital. InterventionsTwenty-six ventilated TBI patents (Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission, ≤8 points) were divided randomly into two groups: a hypothermic group (n = 15), in which the patients were cooled to 32 to 33°C after being giving vecuronium, midazolam, and buprenorphine; and a normothermic group (n = 11), in which the patients’ body temperature was controlled at 36 to 37°C by surface cooling using the same treatment as the hypothermic group. Body temperature control including normothermia was started 3 to 4 hrs after injury. The duration of hypothermia usually lasted for 3 to 4 days, after which the patients were rewarmed at a rate of approximately 1°C per day. Measurements and Main ResultsBlood sampling for TXB2 and 6-keto PGF1&agr; was started shortly after admission in both groups. Arterial TXB2 levels on admission in both groups were elevated remarkably, but not 6-keto PGF1&agr;, thereby causing an imbalance of the prostanoids after injury. In the normothermic group, TXB2 decreased transiently, but this prostanoid increased again 3 days after the injury. In the hypothermic group, such prostanoid differences disappeared shortly after therapy, and the condition was sustained for 10 days. Hypothermia attenuated differences in TXB2 levels between arterial and internal jugular bulb sera, which may reflect reduced cerebral prostanoid production. The Glasgow Outcome Scale score 6 months after the insult in the hypothermic group was significantly higher than that in the normothermic group (p = .04). ConclusionThe current results from a limited number of patients suggest that moderate hypothermia may reduce prostanoid production after TBI, thereby attenuating an imbalance of thromboxane A2 and prostaglandin I2. However, it must be clarified whether the changes in the prostanoid after moderate hypothermia are a secondary effect of other mediator changes or whether they simply represent an epiphenomenon that is mechanistically unrelated to damage in TBI.
Differentially Regulated Micro-RNAs and Actively Translated Messenger RNA Transcripts by Tumor Suppressor p53 in Colon Cancer

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of p53 in regulating micro-RNA (miRNA) expression due to its function as a transcription factor. In addition, p53 may also affect other cellular mRNA gene expression at the translational level either via its mediated miRNAs or due to its RNA-binding function. Experimental Design: The possible interaction between p53 and miRNAs in regulating gene expression was investigated using human colon cancer HCT-116 (wt-p53) and HCT-116 (null-p53) cell lines. The effect of p53 on the expression of miRNAs was investigated using miRNA expression array and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis. Results: Our investigation indicated that the expression levels of a number of miRNAs were affected by wt-p53. Down-regulation of wt-p53 via small interfering RNA abolished the effect of wt-p53 in regulating miRNAs in HCT-116 (wt-p53) cells. Global sequence analysis revealed that over 46% of the 326 miRNA putative promoters contain potential p53-binding sites, suggesting that some of these miRNAs were potentially regulated directly by wt-p53. In addition, the expression levels of steady-state total mRNAs and actively translated mRNA transcripts were quantified by high-density microarray gene expression analysis. The results indicated that nearly 200 cellular mRNA transcripts were regulated at the posttranscriptional level, and sequence analysis revealed that some of these mRNAs may be potential targets of miRNAs, including translation initiation factor eIF-5A, eIF-4A, and protein phosphatase 1. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that wt-p53 and miRNAs interact in influencing gene expression and providing insights of how p53 regulates genes at multiple levels via unique mechanisms.