Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Boundary Conditions in AMIP-2 Simulations of the NAO

The simulated North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) teleconnection patterns and their interannual variability are evaluated from a suite of atmospheric models participating in the second phase of the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP-2). In general the models simulate the observed spatial pattern well, although there are important differences among models. The NAO response to interannual variations in sea surface temperature (SST) and snow-cover boundary forcings are also evaluated. The simulated NAO indices are not correlated with the observed NAO index, despite being forced with observed SSTs, indicating that SSTs are not driving NAO variability in the models. Similarly, although a number of studies have identified a link between Eurasian snow extent and the phase of the NAO, no such link is apparent in the AMIP-2 results. It appears that, within the framework of the AMIP-2 experiments, the NAO is an internal mode of atmospheric variability and that impacts of SSTs and Eurasian snow cover on the phase of the NAO are not discernable. However, these conclusions do not necessarily apply to decadal-scale and longer variability or to coupled atmosphere–ocean models.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: a systems biology perspective

Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) have different etiology and heterogenic genomic alterations lead to high complexity. The molecular features of HCC have largely been studied by gene expression and proteome profiling focusing on the correlations between the expression of specific markers and clinical data. Integration of the increasing amounts of data in databases has facilitated the link of genomic and proteomic profiles of HCC to disease state and clinical outcome. Despite the current knowledge, specific molecular markers remain to be identified and new strategies are required to establish novel-targeted therapies. In the last years, mathematical models reconstructing gene and protein networks based on experimental data of HCC have been developed providing powerful tools to predict candidate interactions and potential targets for therapy. Furthermore, the combination of dynamic and logical mathematical models with quantitative data allows detailed mechanistic insights into system properties. To address effects at the organ level, mathematical models reconstructing the three-dimensional organization of liver lobules were developed. In the future, integration of different modeling approaches capturing the effects at the cellular up to the organ level is required to address the complex properties of HCC and to enable the discovery of new targets for HCC prevention or treatment.
Urinary Cadmium Levels in the U.S. Working Population, 1988–1994

Few studies have estimated the prevalence and mean urinary cadmium levels in U.S. workers and the factors associated with high cadmium exposure. In this study, urinary cadmium measurements were obtained on 11,228 U.S. workers aged 18 to 64 years who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988–1994). Urinary cadmium levels ranged from 0.01 to 15.57 μg/L, with a geometric mean of 0.30 μg/L (0.28 μg/g creatinine) for all U.S. workers. The prevalence of urinary cadmium levels ≥5 μg/L was 0.42% (551,000) for U.S. workers aged 18 to 64 years. Among U.S. workers in the metal industry (two-digit Standard Industrial Classification or SIC codes 33 and 34), the geometric mean urinary cadmium level was 0.48 μg/L (0.39 μg/g creatinine), and 0.45% of these workers had urinary cadmium levels ≥10 μg/L. The prevalence of urinary cadmium levels ≥15 μg/L was 0.0028% (3,907). The agriculture industry (two-digit SIC codes 01, 02, and 07–09) was associated with low urinary cadmium levels, compared with repair services industries (two-digit SIC codes 75 and 76). Results from ordinary least squares regression analyses indicated that smokers had significantly higher urinary cadmium levels than nonsmokers (p ≤ 0.0001). The results also showed that there were high urinary cadmium levels among workers in selected occupations and industries.
Microfoundations in heteroscedasticity: A loss-aversion-based explanation of asymmetric GARCH models

This paper provides a theoretical explanation for the heteroscedasticity of asset returns. In line with existing empirical results, our model yields an asymmetric relationship between stock return and volatility. Based on the simple assumptions that investors behave according to Prospect Theory and are subject to mental accounting in a dynamic setting, we analytically derive the unit-root versions of two of the best fitting heteroscedasticity models (EGARCH and TGARCH). The model is supported by our empirical results from two different sides: first, analysis of individual trading data shows that investors indeed become risk-seeking right after losses and more risk-averse subsequent to gains; second, the parameter estimation of our volatility model yields the predicted negative relationship between abnormal returns and subsequent volatility.
Proopiomelanocortin gene expression and β‐endorphin localization in the pituitary, testis, and epididymis of stallion

Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is a precursor protein that contains the sequences of several bioactive peptides including adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), β‐endorphin (β‐EP), and melanocyte‐stimulating‐hormone (MSH). POMC is synthesized in the pituitary gland, brain, and many peripheral tissues. Immunoreactive POMC‐derived peptides as well as POMC‐like mRNA have been evidenced in several nonpituitary tissues, thus suggesting that POMC is actively synthesized by these tissues. The present study was aimed at evaluating if also in the case of stallion POMC‐derived peptide, β‐EP, is produced locally in the testis, thus playing effects in a paracrine/autocrine fashion. To investigate this hypothesis the POMC gene expression was analyzed using 3′ RACE‐PCR and Northern Blot approaches in the testis and epididimys of stallion; moreover, immunocytochemical localization for β‐EP was also performed through confocal laser microscopy. The immunofluorescence results showed a positive β‐EP reaction not only in cellular nest of pituitary but also in the testis and genital tract of stallion, which function could be related with sperm mobility. Such role seem not to be no dependent on the peptide synthesized locally, because the molecular biology approach demonstrated the presence of POMC transcript in the pituitary only. In fact the Northern Blot analysis showed the presence of a single POMC transcript in the pituitary while no signal was detected in the testis and epididimys. The same results were obtained by applied 3′ RACE‐PCR analysis. In conclusion, opioid‐derived peptide β‐EP is present in the genital tract of stallion, but is not locally produced as in other mammalian, and nonmammalian models; its possible biological function at testicular level could be linked to a long‐loop feed‐back mechanisms. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of structural similarity and name frequency on picture naming in Alzheimer's disease

Impairments to either perceptual or word-retrieval processes have been hypothesized to explain confrontation naming impairments in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study measured the effects of structural similarity, which affects perceptual processing, and name frequency, which affects word retrieval, on naming latency and accuracy in 16 AD patients and 16 age-matched controls. AD patients named pictures more slowly and made more errors than control participants. Their naming accuracy was disproportionately affected by name frequency, but not by structural similarity. The findings indicate that the processing of structural properties of objects is unaffected in early-stage AD, and suggest that word-retrieval impairments underlie the naming deficit in AD. (JINS, 1999, 5, 659–667.)
The Relationship Between Placental and Other Perinatal Risk Factors for Neurologic Impairment in Very Low Birth Weight Children

Placental abnormalities reflect antenatal disease processes that may interact with other perinatal risk factors to affect long-term outcome. We performed a nested case control analysis of placental and clinical risk factors associated with neurologic impairment (NI) at 20-mo corrected age (60 cases and 59 controls) using data collected in a prospective study of very low birth weight (less than 1500 g) infants born between 1983 and 1991. In a preliminary analysis we explored the relationship between clinical infection and histologic chorioamnionitis (CA). Only histologic CA with a fetal vascular response correlated with either clinical CA or early onset neonatal sepsis. We then assessed the relative contribution of the nine risk factors (four placental and five clinical) associated with NI at the univariate level by multiple logistic regression. Three risk factors were independent predictors of NI: severe cranial ultrasound abnormalities (odds ratio 13.6, 95% confidence intervals 4.5–66.7), multiple placental lesions (odds ratio 13.2, 95% confidence intervals 1.3–137.0), and oxygen dependence at 36 wk (odds ratio 4.2, 95% confidence intervals 1.2–14.6). Finally, a series of logistic regressions was conducted with the dependent variable changing as we-moved back along the causal chain to explore the relationships between risk factors operating at different stages. This analysis suggested that antenatal variables that were not independent predictors of NI by multiple logistic regression exerted their effects through the following intermediate pathways: fetal grade 3 histologic CA via chorionic vessel thrombi, clinical CA via grade 3 villous edema, and grade 3 villous edema via severe cranial ultrasound abnormalities.
Patellofemoral Stresses during Open and Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises

Rehabilitation of the symptomatic patellofemoral joint aims to strengthen the quadriceps muscles while limiting stresses on the articular cartilage. Some investigators have advocated closed kinetic chain exercises, such as squats, because open kinetic chain exercises, such as leg extensions, have been suspected of placing supraphysiologic stresses on patellofemoral cartilage. We performed computer simulations on geometric data from five cadaveric knees to compare three types of open kinetic chain leg extension exercises (no external load on the ankle, 25-N ankle load, and 100-N ankle load) with closed kinetic chain knee-bend exercises in the range of 20° to 90° of flexion. The exercises were compared in terms of the quadriceps muscle forces, patellofemoral joint contact forces and stresses, and “benefit indices” (the ratio of the quadriceps muscle force to the contact stress). The study revealed that, throughout the entire flexion range, the open kinetic chain stresses were not supraphysiologic nor significantly higher than the closed kinetic chain exercise stresses. These findings are important for patients who have undergone an operation and may feel too unstable on their feet to do closed chain kinetic chain exercises. Open kinetic chain exercises at low flexion angles are also recommended for patients whose proximal patellar lesions preclude loading the patellofemoral joint in deeper flexion.
Influence of Secondary School Principals' Leadership Styles on Teachers' Job Satisfaction: A Study of Embu county-Kenya.

This paper sets out to explore the link between the style ofleadership adopted by principals in secondary schools in Embu County and job satisfaction of their teachers. The study seeks to establish whether principals' leadership styles stimulate teacher job satisfaction. The study was guided by the Transformational leadership Theory, to test whether teachers under a principal who exhibits the transformational leadership styles of initiative, consideration and participative management had higher levels of job satisfaction than those working under principals who did not. The dependent variable for the study was teachers' job satisfaction while the independent variable was principals' leadership style. The intervening variables include locus of control, perceived task ability, experience, need for achievement, need for clarity, employee task and the authority system. The study used descriptive survey design targeting 142 principals and 2130 teachers from public schools in Embu County. Stratified random sampling was used to select 20 principals and 100 teachers who participated in the study. Data was collected using two questionnaires, one for the principals and the other for the teachers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data obtained. The analysed data was presented in summary form using frequency distribution tables and bar graphs. Data was analysed focusing on the objectives of the study. Using random sampling, 120 questionnaires were distributed to public secondary school teachers in Embu County and a total of97 responses were collected. Descriptive analysis was performed on the three types of variables. Inferential analysis was also performed in order to answer the research objectives. The results show that different leadership style factors will have different impacts on employee job satisfaction components. The researcher found that the dominant leadership style was democratic. Individualized consideration and the need for promotion to higher job groups increase teachers' job satisfaction.
Taxing the Good? Distortions, Misallocation, and Productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa

This paper uses comprehensive and comparable firm-level manufacturing censuses from four Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries to examine the extent, costs, and nature of within-industry resource misallocation between heterogeneous production units. This paper finds evidence of severe misallocation in which resources are diverted away from high-productivity firms towards low-productivity ones, although the magnitude differs across countries. Estimated aggregate productivity gains from the hypothetical equalization of marginal returns range from 30 percent in Côte d’Ivoire to 160 percent in Kenya. The magnitude of reallocation gains appears considerably lower when performing the same counterfactual exercise based on the World Bank Enterprise Surveys once the value-added shares of industries are adjusted using the census data. This suggests that linking firm-level survey data to aggregate outcomes requires census-type data or sampling methods that take the true structure of production into account.
ANALYSIS OF INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

The government which statutorily bears the costs of public universities in the country now faces tight budget constraints, hence, the diversification of income streams is a very complex process. The study populations are the principal officers in the management and administrative cadre of the Universities in Ondo State Purposive random sampling method was used to pick the two oldest universities out of the three public Universities in Ondo State. A total number of fifty (50) management staff was used. An inventory tagged ‘Inventory on Internally Generated Revenue in Ondo State Public Universities (IIGROSPU) was used to gather data. Two research questions were raised and one hypothesis tested. Centre for Diploma and PreDegree Studies got the highest percentage (49.04%)in AAUA and (44.23%) in FUTA of the total IGR obtained on average for the ten years under consideration. A negative and significant relationship between Internally Generated Revenue and Amount Spent on Infrastructural in public universities in Ondo State in the study period. (r = -.038, P< 0.05). The study concludes that, each university management should create an IGR coordination centre and university managements should make attractive the profit sharing formula between the central administration and the departments where IGR is generated.
Combining Microfocused Ultrasound With Botulinum Toxin and Temporary and Semi-Permanent Dermal Fillers: Safety and Current Use

BACKGROUND A microfocused ultrasound system with visualization (MFU-V) is currently indicated for use as a noninvasive dermatological aesthetic treatment to lift the eyebrows, lax submental and neck tissue, and improve lines and wrinkles of the décolleté. OBJECTIVE To determine the existence of any safety signals when combining MFU-V with botulinum toxin-A and/or semipermanent and temporary dermal fillers. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed using subjects who received aesthetic treatments including incobotulinumtoxinA injection, cohesive polydensified matrix hyaluronic acid (CPM HA) dermal fillers, and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) dermal fillers within 6 months of treatment with MFU-V in the same or different anatomic areas. RESULTS All subjects (N = 101; 96 female; 25–70 year old) received MFU-V, 18% received incobotulinumtoxinA injections, and 81% were treated with CPM HA and/or CaHA fillers. Seven adverse events (7%) were reported: bruising/purpura (n = 4), swelling (n = 1), paresthesia (n = 1), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) outbreak (n = 1). Only the HSV outbreak was considered to be related to combined treatments. CONCLUSION Although limited by relatively few subjects, the results of the present study suggest that the safety profile of MFU-V combined with other aesthetic products is consistent with the safety profiles of the individual treatments.
The Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg model of absence epilepsy exhibits alterations in fear conditioning and latent inhibition consistent with psychiatric comorbidities in humans

Behavioural, neurological, and genetic similarities exist in epilepsies, their psychiatric comorbidities, and various psychiatric illnesses, suggesting common aetiological factors. Rodent models of epilepsy are used to characterize the comorbid symptoms apparent in epilepsy and their neurobiological mechanisms. The present study was designed to assess Pavlovian fear conditioning and latent inhibition in a polygenetic rat model of absence epilepsy, i.e. Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) and the non‐epileptic control (NEC) strain. Electrophysiological recordings confirmed the presence of spike‐wave discharges in young adult GAERS but not NEC rats. A series of behavioural tests designed to assess anxiety‐like behaviour (elevated plus maze, open field, acoustic startle response) and cognition (Pavlovian conditioning and latent inhibition) was subsequently conducted on male and female offspring. Results showed that GAERS exhibited significantly higher anxiety‐like behaviour, a characteristic reported previously. In addition, using two protocols that differed in shock intensity, we found that both sexes of GAERS displayed exaggerated cued and contextual Pavlovian fear conditioning and impaired fear extinction. Fear reinstatement to the conditioned stimuli following unsignalled footshocks did not differ between the strains. Male GAERS also showed impaired latent inhibition in a paradigm using Pavlovian fear conditioning, suggesting that they may have altered attention, particularly related to previously irrelevant stimuli in the environment. Neither the female GAERS nor NEC rats showed evidence of latent inhibition in our paradigm. Together, the results suggest that GAERS may be a particularly useful model for assessing therapeutics designed to improve the emotional and cognitive disturbances associated with absence epilepsy.
Effects of hydrostatic pressure on the kinetics reveal a volume increase during the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle.

A protein structural change in the photocycle of the proton pump, bacteriorhodopsin, detected earlier in the M photointermediate by diffraction, consists mainly of changes at the cytoplasmic surface that include an outward tilt of the cytoplasmic end of helix F. Such a conformational rearrangement would result in greater exposure of the interhelical cavity to the medium, increased binding of water, and thus an increase in volume. In order to correlate the structural change with the kinetics of the photoreaction cycle, we measured the effects of hydrostatic pressure between 1 bar and 1 kbar on the rate constants of the photocycles of wild type bacteriorhodopsin and the D96N mutant. Combining the results provided all of the activation volumes and, therefore, the changes of volume in the various states after the K photointermediate is formed. There is an approximately 32 mL/mol volume increase after deprotonation of the retinal Schiff base to the extracellular side, during the M1 --> M2 reaction, that is not reversed until well after its reprotonation from the cytoplasmic side. The magnitude of this volume increase is about as predicted by the increase of the lattice constant in the M state. It occurs in the photocycle at the proposed reprotonation switch, supporting the idea that this conformation change is what alters the accessibility of the Schiff base from one membrane side to the other. Additionally, we observe a large positive (approximately 50 mL/mol) activation volume for proton exchange between D96 and the Schiff base of the wild type protein. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Policy Debates as Dynamic Networks: German Pension Politics and Privatization Discourse

How do policy debates work? How can interest groups and legislators influence political processes through the media? This book introduces discourse network analysis as a methodological toolbox for the study of policy debates. With this set of methods, political discourse is cast as a temporal network of actors and their statements in the media over time. In a case study, Philip Leifeld applies discourse network analysis to the policy debate on old-age security in Germany. Demonstrating that German pension politics was characterized by an increasing polarization of competing coalitions towards the end of the 1990s, Leifeld shows how structural breaks in the discourse network can explain major policy changes and a radical turn to privatization in 2001.
The Perceptions and Practices of Members of Ontario College Boards Regarding Board Self Evaluation

The main purpose of this study was to examine the practices and perspectives of Ontario college board members with respect to board self evaluation. A mixed methodology approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods was employed. Document collection, a survey and interviews were the principal methods used to gather data. This study added to the knowledge provided by the 2005 Deloitte Study of Ontario College Boards by updating the data regarding the current rates of Ontario college boards self evaluation practice and by offering more clarity on the rigour of those boards’ self evaluation practices. The findings of this study provide insights into why some boards do self evaluations while others do not. The findings demonstrate strong support for board self evaluation but also reveal that some boards are still not performing evaluations of their own performance and that more attention must be given to improving the effectiveness of current self evaluation practices. Twelve recommendations to improve board self evaluation practices, grounded in the responses of this study’s participants and the findings in the literature, are offered. This study provides new knowledge about board member beliefs with respect to self evaluation but also raises questions for further research such as exploring possible differences between board members of self evaluating boards versus those from non-self evaluating boards. Personal reflections were presented based on my own experience serving on boards and my readings of the literature. In summary, a case for board self