Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selection and sticklebacks

Over the last decade, there has been increasing circumstantial evidence for the action of natural selection in the genome, arising largely from molecular genetic surveys of large numbers of markers. In nonmodel organisms without densely mapped markers, a frequently used method is to identify loci that have unusually high or low levels of genetic differentiation, or low genetic diversity relative to other populations. The paper by Mäkinen et al. (2008a) in this issue of Molecular Ecology reports the results of a survey of microsatellite allele frequencies at more than 100 loci in seven populations of the three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). They show that a microsatellite locus and two indel markers located within the intron of the Eda gene, known to control the number of lateral plates in the stickleback ( Fig. 1 ), tend to be much more highly genetically differentiated than other loci, a finding that is consistent with the action of local selection. They identify a further two independent candidates for local selection, and, most intriguingly, they further suggest that up to 15% of their loci may provide evidence of balancing selection.
VIETNAM’S STOCK MARKET VOLATILITY UNDER MACROECONOMIC IMPACTS

Purpose - This study investigates whether the volatility of stock market returns is determined by macroeconomic variables either as individual or as a group, within the context of Vietnam – a frontier emerging market. Six macroeconomic factors have been selected, including economic growth (GDP), consumer price index (CPI), broad money supply (M2), interest rate (represented by refinancing rate – FR), foreign exchange rate USD/VND (EX), and foreign direct investment (FDI). Methodology - Using 161 monthly observations collected from August 2000 to December 2013, the paper employs general autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) framework to measure stock market volatility as well as to estimate this volatility under indicated macroeconomic impacts. Findings - Taking the volatility clustering into account, the GARCH (1,1) models reveal that the volatility of Vietnam’s stock market returns is highly persistent, suggesting a long memory of the volatility in response of a shock. Additionally, the stock market volatility could be predicted better using previous shocks (i.e. those originating from GDP, CPI and EX) rather than the previous volatility itself. Conclusion - The prediction of Vietnam’s stock market volatility could be better based on the selected macroeconomic indicators. A monthly change in consumer price index appears as the most essential indicator that help predicting the volatility of the Vietnam’s stock market. Any news about economic growth can be considered as the second significant factor in explaining Vietnam stock return volatility. Furthermore, the univariate analysis shows a statistical significant evidence for the impact of a change in the exchange rate (USD/VNA) on Vietnam’s stock market volatility.
Volatility spillovers among oil and stock markets in the US and Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT In this article, we use high frequency data and an identification via changes in volatility approach to assess the volatility spillovers among oil and the US and Saudi Arabian stock markets. We document the existence of asymmetry in contemporaneous spillover effects. Particularly, during the times when oil’s trading hours overlap with the US and Saudi Arabian stock markets, the volatility spillover from oil to the stock markets is higher than the other way around. We highlight the importance of taking into consideration the information present during continuous trading hours of oil, especially during simultaneous trading hours with the stock markets. We compare our findings based on our structural VAR with those of a traditional reduced-form VAR, and observe that contemporaneous and intraday effects are necessary to be taken into account since the indirect transmission of volatility occurs through them.
The Myth of the Credit Spread Puzzle

Are standard structural models able to explain credit spreads on corporate bonds? In contrast to much of the literature, we find that the Black-Cox model matches the level of investment-grade spreads well. Model spreads for speculative-grade debt are too low, and we find that bond illiquidity contributes to this underpricing. Our analysis makes use of a new approach for calibrating the model to historical default rates that leads to more precise estimates of investment-grade default probabilities. Received October 25, 2016; editorial decision January 12, 2018 by Editor Andrew Karolyi. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Protective effect of radical scavenger edaravone against puromycin nephrosis.

AIM Recent studies have indicated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in the pathogenesis of glomerular injury leading to proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome. In the present investigation, we examined the effects of the radical scavenger edaravone administered at various time points to rats with puromycin nephrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS 35 Wistar rats were divided into five groups: treatment with puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) alone, treatment with PAN followed by edaravone in the early period, treatment with PAN followed by edaravone administration in the late period, treatment with PAN and administration of edaravone for the whole experimental period, and untreated controls. On Days 3, 6 and 9, urinary protein excretion was measured. The levels of glomerular thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBArs) were determined in all animals on Day 10. RESULTS On Day 9, rats that had been administered edaravone showed reduced urinary protein excretion and reduced glomerular TBArs. In particular, edaravone administration in the late period, during which proteinuria was most acute, had the effect of reducing the severity of proteinuria. Glomerular TBArs were suppressed to the control level. Our results indicate that edaravone exerts a protective effect in the acute phase of PAN nephrosis when administered as antioxidant therapy at the onset of proteinuria. CONCLUSIONS Edaravone can ameliorate urinary protein excretion after the onset of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome.
The effects of gemfibrozil upon the hypercoagulable state in dyslipidaemic patients with chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND The dyslipidaemia of chronic renal disease could contribute to a hypercoagulable state by activation of blood coagulation and/or impairment of fibrinolysis, thereby increasing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. METHODS We measured the coagulation activation marker prothrombin fragment F1 + 2 (F1 + 2), fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity (PAI1), interleukin-6 (IL6), insulin, lipids and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), in 12 patients with chronic renal disease before and after gemfibrozil. RESULTS Gemfibrozil significantly reduced triglycerides by 44% and increased HDL-cholesterol by 31% without significant change in LDL cholesterol. Before treatment, patients had increased F1 + 2, fibrinogen and IL6, but similar PAI1 compared with the controls, consistent with a hypercoagulable and persistent inflammatory state. Following treatment, F1 + 2 decreased to within the normal range and this reduction correlated with the decrease in triglycerides and inversely with the increase in HDL-cholesterol. A non-significant decrease in fibrinogen was inversely correlated with a significant increase in albumin. However, Lp(a) and PAI1 activity significantly increased whilst insulin and IL6 were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Gemfibrozil improved the uraemic dyslipidaemia and hypercoagulable state by reduction in activation of blood coagulation, indirectly suggesting a reduction in lipid-dependent extrinsic pathway activity which should contribute to reduced risk of thrombosis and CVD. Reduced fibrinogen and increased albumin are consistent with a reduction in the acute phase response. Increased PAI1 and Lp(a) could impair fibrinolysis and potentially increase CVD risk, although the mechanism for these effects is uncertain but does not appear related to cytokine or insulin mediated mechanisms and requires further study. Large prospective studies are required to determine if gemfibrozil can reduce CVD events in uraemia.
Implementation of Multiple-Slack-Terminal DC Microgrids for Smooth Transitions Between Grid-Tied and Islanded States

Bidirectional interlinking converter (BIC) is normally configured as the slack terminal to regulate system bus voltage for dc microgrid operation in grid-tied state. In case of utility grid fault, BIC is disabled and the system changes to operate in islanded state. Localized battery energy storage (BES) voltage regulation mode (VRM) operation is activated to maintain system power balance. Operating mode changes of BES and BIC during islanding and reconnection might result in system voltage fluctuations and undesirable inrush current. Detailed transition procedure, which is crucial, has seldom been discussed in literature. In this paper, multiple-slack-terminal dc microgrid, in which both BIC and BES operate in VRM with droop control, is implemented to ensure smooth transitions between grid-tied and islanded states. BES operating mode change is eliminated, and thus, system bus voltage is actively regulated throughout the transitions. Contactor is installed at BIC dc side to decouple BIC operating mode change and grid connection. A counter is used to ensure bus voltages at both sides of contactor have been matched stably to minimize inrush current. To enhance system control accuracy, multilevel energy management system is carried out. A lab-scale dc microgrid has been developed for experimental verifications.
Therapeutic Endoscopy for the Control of Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children: A Case Series

Objectives: Gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most common indications for urgent endoscopy in the pediatric setting. The majority of these procedures are performed for control of variceal bleeding, with few performed for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (NVUGI) bleeding. The data on therapeutic endoscopy for NVUGI are sparse. The aims of our study were to review our experience with NVUGI bleeding, describe technical aspects and outcomes of therapeutic endoscopy, and determine gastroenterology fellows’ training opportunities according to the national training guidelines. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of endoscopy database (Endoworks, Olympus Inc, Center Valley, PA) from January 2009 to December 2014. The search used the following keywords: bleeding, hematemesis, melena, injection, epinephrine, cautery, clip, and argon plasma coagulation. The collected data included demographics, description of bleeding lesion and medical/endoscopic therapy, rate of rebleeding, relevant laboratories, physical examination, and need for transfusion and surgery. The study was approved by the institutional review board. Results: During the study period 12,737 upper endoscopies (esophagogastroduodenoscopies) were performed. A total of 15 patients underwent 17 esophagogastroduodenoscopies that required therapeutic intervention to control bleeding (1:750 procedures). The mean ± standard deviation (median) age of patients who required endoscopic intervention was 11.6 ± 6.0 years (14.0 years). Seven out of 17 patients received dual therapy to control the bleeding lesions. All but 3 patients received medical therapy with intravenous proton pump inhibitor, and 3 received octreotide infusions. Six of the patients experienced rebleeding (40%), with 4 out of 6 initially only receiving single modality therapy. Two of these patients eventually required surgical intervention to control bleeding and both patients presented with bleeding duodenal ulcers. There were no cases of aspiration, perforation, or deaths. There were a total of 24 fellows trained in our program during the study period. Less than 1 therapeutic endoscopy per fellow for NVUGI bleeding was performed. Conclusions: NVUGI bleeding requiring therapeutic endoscopic intervention is rare in pediatrics. A high rate (40%) of rebleeding was noted with a large proportion (66%) of patients receiving single modality therapy. Two patients required surgical intervention to control bleeding and both presented with bleeding duodenal ulcers. An insufficient number of therapeutic procedures is available for adequate fellow training requiring supplemental simulator and hands-on animal model, or adult endoscopy unit training.
A Multi-Level Longitudinal Investigation of Transformational Leadership Influence on Team Members Development in Engineering Project Teams

A MULTI-LEVEL LONGITUDINAL INVESTIGATION OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP INFLUENCE ON TEAM MEMBERS DEVELOPMENT IN ENGINEERING PROJECT TEAMS Nathapon Siangchokyoo Old Dominion University, 2018 Director: Dr. Charles B. Daniels The purpose of the current study is to contribute to the existing Transformational Leadership literature. Despite the overwhelming support that Transformational Leadership theory has garnered over the recent years, the underlying mechanisms and processes by which these leaders exert influence on their followers have yet to be adequately examined. More importantly, while the majority of advances in leadership research can largely be attributed to traditional areas of management and social sciences, studies of leadership in the context of engineering still remain relatively unexplored. Drawing on previous empirical research as well as the concept of Core SelfEvaluations, this study sets out to examine an antecedent of Transformational Leadership in the context of engineering project teams. Using a longitudinal research design, this study also examines the relationship between Transformational Leadership and followers’ Core SelfEvaluations developments. Data were collected over 16 weeks from 143 undergraduate engineering students enrolled in their respective department-required engineering design courses. Results illustrate a positive and significant relationship between leader Core Self-Evaluations and followers’ perception of Transformational Leadership. A multi-level and longitudinal analysis also revealed that Transformational Leadership is positively related to increases in followers’ Core Self-Evaluations. These findings contribute to a better understanding of Transformational Leadership in the context of engineering. Both the theoretical and practical implications from this research are discussed. Limitations and suggestions for future research are also provided.
Melatonin excretion is not related to sleep in the elderly

Abstract: We examined the association between 6‐sulphatoxymelatonin (6‐SMT) excretion and sleep in 68 volunteers 60–79 years of age who complained of insomnia or depression. An Actillume wrist monitor was worn for 5–7 consecutive days and nights in home‐living conditions. Activity was used to estimate total sleep time (TST) and wake after sleep onset (WASO). Throughout two 24 hr periods, urine was collected approximately every 2 hr during the day and after any voidings during the sleep period. During the next week, subjects spent 5 nights and 4 days in the laboratory. Sleep was measured and scored with standard polysomnographic techniques. Urine was collected, as for home recording, on days 1 and 4. Urinary concentrations of 6‐SMT were assayed. Cosine‐ fitting of urine data across both days at home and both laboratory collections established the mesors and amplitudes of 24 hr 6‐SMT excretion rhythms, but neither was significantly correlated with sleep. Mean and peak 6‐SMT excretion during the sleep period was also determined. Significant correlations were found between mean 6‐SMT during the laboratory sleep period and TST and WASO. However, these associations were not independent of circadian timing: sleep was better when sleep occurred near the circadian acrophase of 6‐SMT excretion. These data indicate that low melatonin production may not be an important factor in insomnia among the elderly.
Neurons expressing relaxin 3/INSL 7 in the nucleus incertus respond to stress

Relaxin 3/INSL 7 has recently been identified as a new member of the insulin/relaxin superfamily. Although it was reported to be dominantly expressed in the brain, its detailed distribution and function in the central nervous system are still obscure. In the present study we demonstrated that in the rat relaxin 3 was mainly expressed in neurons of the nucleus incertus (NI) of the median dorsal tegmental pons. Other relaxin 3‐expressing neurons were scattered in the pontine raphe nucleus, the periaqueductal gray and dorsal area to the substantia nigra in the midbrain reticular formation. Relaxin 3‐immunoreactive fibers projected particularly densely in the septum, hippocampus, lateral hypothalamus and intergeniculate leaflet of the thalamus. Ultrastructural examination revealed that relaxin 3 was localized in the dense‐cored vesicles in the perikarya and was also observed in the synaptic terminals of axons. As almost all relaxin 3‐containing neurons express corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) type 1 receptor in the NI, we examined the response of relaxin 3 neurons to intracerebroventricular administration of CRF; 65% of relaxin 3 neurons expressed c‐Fos 2 h after intracerebroventricular administration of 1 µg CRF. We then confirmed that c‐Fos was induced in 60% of relaxin 3 neurons in the NI and the expression of relaxin 3 mRNA increased significantly in the NI after water‐restraint stress. Collectively, these results suggest that relaxin 3 produced in the NI is released from nerve endings and is involved in the regulation of the stress response.
Does Consumer Innovativeness Matter? Predicting Customer Behaviour of A New Financial Architecture

Although the benefits of the marriage between Islamic principles of Shari’ah and financial services as a new financial architecture have been well documented, however, its adoption within the industry’s core markets was lesser than necessary to move the world’s economic potential. This study proposed consumer innovativeness as a marketing strategy to improve customers’ adoption of the new financial architecture. Utilizing cross sectional study, a survey questionnaire responses were elicited among Islamic banking customers in Northern Nigeria and responses were analyzed using Partial Least Square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings indicated that consumer innovativeness, attitude, as well as subjective norm significantly predicted respondents’ intention, while perceived behavioural control was found insignificantly related to behavioural intention. Also, consumer innovativeness moderated the relationship connecting attitude and intention, while evidence for the interaction effect between consumer innovativeness and social norm was not supported. The integration of the theories of planned behaviour and diffusion of innovation in conceiving and initiating appropriate marketing strategy for the new financial architecture were provided and suggestions for future studies discussed.
Predictive Value of RAPID Assessed Perfusion Thresholds on Final Infarct Volume in SWIFT PRIME (Solitaire With the Intention for Thrombectomy as Primary Endovascular Treatment)

Background and Purpose— Computed tomography perfusion imaging can estimate the size of the ischemic core, which can be used for the selection of patients for endovascular therapy. The relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) thresholds chosen to identify ischemic core influence the accuracy of prediction. We aimed to analyze the accuracy of various rCBV and rCBF thresholds for predicting the 27-hour infarct volume using RAPID automated analysis software from the SWIFT PRIME trial (Solitaire With the Intention for Thrombectomy as Primary Endovascular Treatment) data. Methods— Patients from the SWIFT PRIME study who achieved complete reperfusion based on time until the residue function reached its peak >6 s perfusion maps obtained at 27 hours were included. Patients from both the intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator only and endovascular groups were included in analysis. Final infarct volume was determined on magnetic resonance imaging (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images) or computed tomography scans obtained 27 hours after symptom onset. The predicted ischemic core volumes on rCBV and rCBF maps using thresholds ranging between 0.2 and 0.8 were compared with the actual infarct volume to determine the most accurate thresholds. Results— Among the 47 subjects, the following baseline computed tomography perfusion thresholds most accurately predicted the actual 27-hour infarct volume: rCBV=0.32, median absolute error (MAE)=9 mL; rCBV=0.34, MAE=9 mL; rCBF=0.30, MAE=8.8 mL; rCBF=0.32, MAE=7 mL; and rCBF=0.34, MAE=7.3. Conclusions— Brain regions with rCBF 0.30 to 0.34 or rCBV 0.32 to 0.34 thresholds provided the most accurate prediction of infarct volume in patients who achieved complete reperfusion with MAEs of ⩽9 mL. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT01657461.
Limited capsular release and controlled manipulation under anaesthesia for the treatment of frozen shoulder

Background In light of recent interest in the cost-effectiveness of the treatment options available for frozen shoulder, we aimed to determine the results of limited anterior capsular release and controlled manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) in the treatment of primary frozen shoulder in terms of patient-related outcomes measure, range of motion and re-intervention rates. Methods This single-surgeon series included prospectively collected data on all patients undergoing capsular release with MUA from March 2011 until June 2013, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months from the index procedure. Outcome measures included pre- and postoperative Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), range of motion and need for re-intervention. Results Fifty-four procedures were performed in 52 patients. Mean age 50 years (range 42 years to 59 years); male: female ratio = 11: 41. There was a highly statistically significant improvement in both pain and function modules of the OSS (p < 0.005) and range of motion (p < 0.005) at 6 months. The median postoperative score was 41 from a maximum of 48 points, with an average mean improvement of 24 points. Seventeen patients were diabetics. There was no significant difference in pre-operative and postoperative OSS or range of motion between the diabetic group and the non-diabetic groups. No patients required surgical re-intervention. Conclusions A combination of limited capsular release and MUA for the treatment of primary frozen shoulder is a safe and effective procedure resulting in marked improvement in pain, function and range of motion.