Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The income elasticity of household energy demand: a quantile regression analysis

ABSTRACT This article examines variation in the income elasticity of household energy demand across the energy expenditure distribution using expenditure data from the five most recent Household Budget Surveys (HBSs) in Ireland: the 1987, 1994/1995, 1999/2000, 2004/2005 and 2009/2010 HBS. The analysis uses a two-stage instrumental variable quantile regression approach and is based on each HBS cross section, as well as the overall pooled observations. The estimated elasticities are compared across low- and high-energy-consumption scenarios and to a benchmark elasticity estimated using two-stage least squares. The results provide evidence that there is significant variation in the income elasticities across the energy expenditure distribution and that care must be taken when using the constant mean elasticity for policy purposes. More specifically, any examination of the future impact of a change in income support policy measures on energy consumption should recognize the substantial context-dependent variation in the income elasticity.
Firm size and compositions of R&D expenditures: evidence from a panel of R&D performing manufacturing firms

Abstract The effect of firm size on diverse compositions of R&D expenditures is analysed in detail using firm-level data on the Korean manufacturing sector. On the grounds that each type of R&D activity differs in terms of salability in disembodied form and growth potential due to innovation, a distinction between product vs. process, and new vs. incremental R&D is made. Empirical tests show that the firm size is significantly associated with both the new and incremental R&D. Moreover, firm size is found to be significantly associated with other types of R&D compositions such as the share of R&D devoted to incremental innovation and multidimensional combinations of product, process, new and incremental R&D. These findings support the idea that large firms possess innovative advantages over smaller firms and firm size is an important determinant for firms’ heterogeneous R&D activities. We also discuss the limitations and the implications of the findings.
Association of MR relaxation and cartilage deformation in knee osteoarthritis

We assessed the relationship between cartilage MR relaxation times and biomechanical response of tibiofemoral articular cartilage to physiological loading in healthy subjects and patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Female subjects above 40 years of age with (N1 = 20) and without (N2 = 10) OA were imaged on a 3T MR scanner using a custom made loading device. MR images were acquired with the knee flexed at 20° with and without a compressive load of 50% of the subject's bodyweight. The subjects were categorized based on the clinical MRI scoring of medial and lateral cartilage surfaces. Data were stratified twice into two equal groups (low and high) at the median value of T1ρ and T2 relaxation time. The change in contact area and cartilage deformation was measured within these groups. Paired Student's t‐test (α = 0.05) was used to analyze the effect of loading on contact area and deformation. The average area of the contact region in the medial compartment was significantly higher in OA subjects compared with normal subjects in both unloaded (314 ± 112 mm2 vs. 227 ± 106 mm2, p = 0.023) and loaded (425 ± 128 mm2 vs. 316 ± 107 mm2, p = 0.01) conditions. The overall relative change of cartilage thickness in the medial compartment was significantly higher than the lateral compartment (−5.3 ± 9.9% vs. −1.9 ± 9.2%, p = 0.042). When cartilage was divided into deep and superficial layers, superficial layers showed higher changes in relaxation time (T1ρ and T2) than the changes in relaxation time of whole cartilage (Normal: 12.5% vs. 6.9%; OA: 10.9% vs. 4.6%). The average T1ρ and T2 times, change in area of contact region, and change in cartilage thickness in subjects with OA were higher when compared to normal subjects. This study provides support for a relationship between the mechanical response of cartilage to physiological loading (cartilage‐on‐cartilage contact area and cartilage deformation) and MR relaxation times (T1ρ and T2) in both OA patients and normal subjects. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:919–926, 2012
Modern Phillips Curve Dynamics and the Median Wage

This research outlines the Phillips Curve history, examines recent developments in the unemployment – inflation research (especially since the Great Recession and its impact on price and wage inflation dynamics) and takes a fresh look at explaining median wage growth movements with a parsimonious non-linear wage Phillips Curve model. The model is evaluated through time and against the Great Recession shock and presents a fruitful line of research closer to the original Phillips specification.
CALL FOR PAPERS Integrative and Translational Physiology: Inflammation and Immunity in Organ System Physiology Acute on chronic exposure to endotoxin in preterm fetal sheep

Mathai S, Booth LC, Davidson JO, Drury PP, Fraser M, Jensen EC, George S, Naylor A, Gunn AJ, Bennet L. Acute on chronic exposure to endotoxin in preterm fetal sheep. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 304: R189–R197, 2013. First published December 12, 2012; doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00388. 2012. —Acute, high-dose exposure to endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in preterm fetal sheep can trigger periventricular white matter lesions (PVL), in association with severe hypotension/hypoxemia and significant mortality. Intriguingly, however, chronic or repeated exposure to LPS can induce tachyphylaxis. We therefore tested the hypothesis that progressive, acute on chronic fetal infection would be associated with white matter injury with little fetal mortality. Chronically instrumented preterm (0.7 gestational age) fetal sheep were exposed to a continuous low-dose LPS infusion (100 ng over 24 h, followed by 250 ng/24 h for 96 h) or saline. Boluses of 1 g LPS or saline were given at 48, 72, and 96 h; sheep were killed at day 10. Six of 11 fetal sheep exposed to saline infusion LPS boluses died 4–7 h after the first bolus. In contrast, there was no fetal mortality after saline infusions alone (n 9), low-dose LPS infusion saline boluses (n 5), or low-dose LPS LPS boluses (n 9). Low-dose LPS infusion LPS boluses was associated with greater microglial induction than low-dose LPS saline boluses but a similar area of periventricular white matter inflammation. One fetus developed severe focal white matter necrosis after LPS infusion boluses. The acute cardiovascular compromise associated with high-dose, acute exposure to LPS is markedly attenuated by previous low-dose infusions, with limited apparent exacerbation of periventricular white matter injury compared with low-dose infusion alone.
Leadership Rowan: Impact on student development of self-authorship

iv List of Figures . viii List of Tables . ix Chapter I: Introduction . 1 Background of the Problem . 1 Statement of the Problem . 2 Purpose of the Study . 2 Significance of the Study . 3 Assumptions and Limitations . 3 Operational Definitions . 4 Research Questions . 5 Overview of the Study . 5 Chapter II: Literature Review . 6 Introduction to Leadership . 6 Higher Education Student Leadership Programs . 7 Leadership Rowan . 9 Leadership and Self-Authorship . 11 Involvement . 14 Summary of the Literature Review . 16 Chapter III: Methodology . 18 Context of the Study . 18
Daxx is an H3.3-specific histone chaperone and cooperates with ATRX in replication-independent chromatin assembly at telomeres

The histone variant H3.3 is implicated in the formation and maintenance of specialized chromatin structure in metazoan cells. H3.3-containing nucleosomes are assembled in a replication-independent manner by means of dedicated chaperone proteins. We previously identified the death domain associated protein (Daxx) and the α-thalassemia X-linked mental retardation protein (ATRX) as H3.3-associated proteins. Here, we report that the highly conserved N terminus of Daxx interacts directly with variant-specific residues in the H3.3 core. Recombinant Daxx assembles H3.3/H4 tetramers on DNA templates, and the ATRX–Daxx complex catalyzes the deposition and remodeling of H3.3-containing nucleosomes. We find that the ATRX–Daxx complex is bound to telomeric chromatin, and that both components of this complex are required for H3.3 deposition at telomeres in murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs). These data demonstrate that Daxx functions as an H3.3-specific chaperone and facilitates the deposition of H3.3 at heterochromatin loci in the context of the ATRX–Daxx complex.
The effect of pharmacological supplementation with vitamin C on low-density lipoprotein oxidation.

AIMS Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant but there is limited information on its ability to prevent LDL oxidation and its interaction with other natural antioxidants in vivo. We assessed the effect of 4 weeks pharmacological supplementation with vitamin C 1 g day(-1) on copper induced LDL oxidation and lipid peroxidation. METHODS Blood samples were obtained at baseline and at the end of 4 weeks supplementation from 11 healthy non-smokers and also from nine control subjects. Plasma lipid peroxides were measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) by h.p.l.c. The relationship between vitamin C and two other important antioxidants, vitamin E and glutathione, was also studied. RESULTS There was no difference in baseline values between the two groups and the oxidizability of LDL, assessed as the lag phase of conjugated dienes production and the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), remained unchanged after 4 weeks. In the vitamin C supplemented group only, there was a 2.2-fold increase in plasma ascorbic acid level and a 28% increase in red cell reduced glutathione (GSH) (P<0.001). Vitamin E, measured as alpha-tocopherol, in red cells increased significantly (P<0.02) and plasma MDA was reduced (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin C did not alter LDL oxidation but it may have a protective role against lipid peroxidation as shown by decreased plasma MDA levels and enhanced vitamin E and GSH status.
Test-Retest Reliability and Age-Related Characteristics of the Ocular and Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential Tests

Objective: To determine the test-retest reliability and age-related trends of the cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP and oVEMP, respectively) responses to air-conducted sound and bone-conducted vibration stimulation. Study Design: Prospective study. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: Fifty-three healthy adults with no hearing or vestibular deficits. Intervention(s): All subjects underwent cVEMP and oVEMP testing in response to sounds (0.1-ms clicks and 500-Hz tone bursts) and vibration (midline forehead taps at the hairline, Fz, with a reflex hammer and a Brüel & Kjær Mini-Shaker Type 4810). Twelve subjects underwent an additional testing session that was conducted at a mean of 10 weeks after the first one. Main Outcome Measure(s): Test-retest reliability for VEMP response parameters (latency, peak-to-peak amplitude, and asymmetry ratio) were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: oVEMP amplitudes had excellent test-retest reliability (ICC > 0.75) for all 4 stimuli; cVEMP amplitudes had excellent reliability for hammer taps and fair-to-good reliability for other stimuli. oVEMP asymmetry ratios had excellent reliability for clicks and fair-to-good reliability (ICC = 0.4-0.75) for other stimuli; cVEMP asymmetry ratios had fair-to-good reliability for clicks and hammer taps. Older subjects (>50 years old) were found to have significantly decreased cVEMP amplitudes in response to clicks, tones, and taps with a Mini-Shaker and significantly decreased oVEMP amplitudes in response to clicks, tones, and taps with a reflex hammer. No age-related changes were found for latencies or asymmetry ratios. Conclusion: Overall, oVEMP response parameters demonstrated better test-retest reliability than cVEMP response parameters, but oVEMPs and cVEMPs had similar age-related changes.
Modulation of human neural stem cell differentiation in Alzheimer (APP23) transgenic mice by phenserine

In a previous study, we found that human neural stem cells (HNSCs) exposed to high concentrations of secreted amyloid-precursor protein (sAPP) in vitro differentiated into mainly astrocytes, suggesting that pathological alterations in APP processing during neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) may prevent neuronal differentiation of HNSCs. Thus, successful neuroplacement therapy for AD may require regulating APP expression to favorable levels to enhance neuronal differentiation of HNSCs. Phenserine, a recently developed cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI), has been reported to reduce APP levels in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we found reductions of APP and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in the hippocampus of APP23 mice after 14 days treatment with (+)-phenserine (25 mg/kg) lacking ChEI activity. No significant change in APP gene expression was detected, suggesting that (+)-phenserine decreases APP levels and reactive astrocytes by posttranscription regulation. HNSCs transplanted into (+)-phenserine-treated APP23 mice followed by an additional 7 days of treatment with (+)-phenserine migrated and differentiated into neurons in the hippocampus and cortex after 6 weeks. Moreover, (+)-phenserine significantly increased neuronal differentiation of implanted HNSCs in hippocampal and cortical regions of APP23 mice and in the CA1 region of control mice. These results indicate that (+)-phenserine reduces APP protein in vivo and increases neuronal differentiation of HNSCs. Combination use of HNSC transplantation and treatment with drugs such as (+)-phenserine that modulate APP levels in the brain may be a useful tool for understanding mechanisms regulating stem cell migration and differentiation during neurodegenerative conditions in AD.
Monocytic and promyelocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells may contribute to G‐CSF‐induced immune tolerance in haplo‐identical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

We investigated the effects of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) on monocytic (M), promyelocytic (P), and granulocytic (G) myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) both in bone marrow and peripheral blood of 20 healthy donors and the association of MDSCs subgroups with acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (aGvHD/cGvHD) in 62 patients who underwent haplo‐identical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Patients who received a higher absolute counts of M‐MDSCs or P‐MDSCs exhibited lower incidence of grade II–IV aGvHD (P = 0.001; P = 0.031) and extensive cGvHD (P = 0.011; P = 0.021). In the multivariate analysis, absolute counts of MDSCs in allografts emerged as independent factors that reduced the occurrence of grade II–IV aGvHD (M‐MDSCs: HR = 0.087, 95% CI = 0.020–0.381, P = 0.001; P‐MDSCs: HR = 0.357, 95% CI = 0.139–0.922, P = 0.033) and extensive cGvHD (M‐MDSCs: HR = 0.196, 95% CI = 0.043–0.894, P = 0.035; P‐MDSCs: HR = 0.257, 95% CI = 0.070–0.942, P = 0.04). Delayed M‐MDSC reconstitution was associated with aGvHD onset. The 3‐year cumulative incidence of transplant related mortality and relapse, 3‐year probability of disease‐free survival, and overall survival did not differ significantly between these subgroups. Our results suggested that G‐CSF‐induced immune tolerance may be mediated by M/P‐MDSCs in allo‐HSCT. Am. J. Hematol. 90:E9–E16, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Health‐related quality‐of‐life and treatment targets in myasthenia gravis

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine factors affecting health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and to propose appropriate treatment targets for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: We evaluated 640 consecutive patients with MG seen at 11 neurological centers. Two‐year follow‐up data were obtained for 282 patients. Correlations between detailed clinical factors and the Japanese version of the 15‐item MG‐specific QOL scale score were analyzed. Results: In a cross‐sectional analysis of 640 MG patients, multivariate regression revealed that disease severity, as evaluated by the MG Composite (P < 0.0001), total dose of oral prednisolone during the last year (P = 0.002), and Cushingoid appearance index (P = 0.0004), showed significant negative effects on HRQOL, but the quantitative MG score and current prednisolone dose did not. Conclusions: Achieving minimal manifestations (MM) status or better with prednisolone ≤5 mg/day was found to exert a major positive impact on HRQOL in both the cross‐sectional and 2‐year follow‐up patient samples and can be recommended as a treatment target. Muscle Nerve 50: 493–500, 2014
Are laryngeal papilloma virus-infected cells viable in the plume derived from a continuous mode carbon dioxide laser, and are they infectious? A preliminary report on one laser mode

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the potential risk of transmitting viable viral infected cells as well as viral infectivity of laryngeal papilloma in the plume derived from a continuous mode carbon dioxide laser. Each of 10 juvenile recurrent laryngeal papilloma specimens was divided into two equal parts, and one part was irradiated with a carbon dioxide laser employing a continuous mode at the power setting of 10 watts with 0.5 mm spot size and a power density of 1667 W/cm2. The resultant laser plume was trapped and was cultured simultaneously with the other part of the specimen which served as the control. All irradiated specimens tested yielded negative culture results while all the control counterparts revealed viable cell growth. To detect the viral infectivity, laser plume was cultured with two separate cellsystems, one was the porcine PS clone D cell line and the other normal mucosal cells obtained from the same patient, and to control these systems both cell lines were also designed to be infected with polio virus. Both cell lines in the viral infectivity testing systems revealed no sign of viral infection. The results suggest that papilloma virus-infected cells cannot survive the continuous mode of carbon dioxide laser irradiation. We primarily conclude that, to avoid airborne transmission of plume containing laryngeal papilloma viral-infected cells and infectious viral particles, the carbon dioxide laser parameters should be in a continuous mode with the power density equal to, or more than, 1667 W/cm2.
Exploring At-Your-Side Gestural Interaction for Ubiquitous Environments

Free-space gestural systems are faced with two major issues: a lack of subtlety due to explicit mid-air arm movements, and the highly effortful nature of such interactions. With an ever-growing ubiquity of interactive devices, displays, and appliances with non-standard interfaces, lower-effort and more socially acceptable interaction paradigms are essential. To address these issues, we explore at-one's-side gestural input. Within this space, we present the results of two studies that investigate the use of side-gesture input for interaction. First, we investigate end-user preference through a gesture elicitation study, present a gesture set, and validate the need for dynamic, diverse, and variable-length gestures. We then explore the feasibility of designing such a gesture recognition system, dubbed WatchTrace, which supports alphanumeric gestures of up to length three with an average accuracy of up to 82%, providing a rich, dynamic, and feasible gestural vocabulary.
Systems initiatives reduce healthcare-associated infections: a study of 22,928 device days in a single trauma unit.

BACKGROUND "Implementation research" promotes the systematic conversion of evidence-based principles into routine practice to improve the quality of care. We hypothesized a system-based initiative to reduce nosocomial infection would lower the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), urinary tract infection (UTI), and bloodstream infection (BSI). METHODS From January 2006 to April 2008, 7,364 adult trauma patients were admitted, of which 1,953 (27%) were admitted to the trauma intensive care unit and comprised the study group. Tight glycemic control was maintained using a computer algorithm for continuous insulin administration based on every 2-hour blood glucose testing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions of nosocomial infections were used. Evidence-based infection reduction strategies included the following: a VAP bundle (spontaneous breathing, Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale, oral hygiene, bed elevation, and deep vein thrombosis/stress ulcer prophylaxis), UTI (expert insertion team and Foley removal/change at 5 days), and BSI (maximum barrier precautions, chlorhexidine skin prep, line management protocol). An electronic dashboard identified the at-risk population, and designated auditors monitored the compliance. Infection rates (events per 1,000 device days) were measured over time and compared annually using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS The study group had 22,928 device exposure days: 6,482 ventilator days, 9,037 urinary catheter days, and 7,399 central line days. Patient acuity, demographics, and number of device days did not vary significantly year-to-year. Annual infection rates declined between 2006 and 2008, and decreases in UTI and BSI rates were statistically significant (p < 0.05). These decreases pushed UTI and BSI rates below Centers for Disease Control and Prevention norms. CONCLUSIONS Over 28 months, a systems approach to reducing nosocomial infection rates after trauma decreased nosocomial infections: UTI (76.3%), BSI (74.1%), and VAP (24.9%). Our experience suggests that infection reduction requires (1) an evidence-based plan; (2) MD and staff education/commitment; (3) electronic documentation; and (4) auditors to monitor and ensure compliance.
Organ-Specific Autoimmunity and HLA-DR Antigens as Markers for β-Cell Destruction in Patients With Type II Diabetes

Islet cell antibodies (ICAs), thyrogastric antibodies, and HLA-DR antigens were determined in 204 patients with type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes controlled with diet and/or oral hypoglycemic agents (NIR) and in 108 age-matched patients who required insulin to control their hyperglycemia (IR). β-Cell function measured as C-peptide response to glucagon was evaluated in relation to the presence of ICAs and HLA-DR antigens. The IR patients differed from the NIR patients with respect to higher frequency of ICAs (P < .001), thyroid antibodies (P < .02), and the HLA antigen DR4 (P < .02). The highest frequency of ICAs and thyroid antibodies was observed in female insulin-treated subjects (51.2 and 46.4%). Patients who were heterozygous for HLA-DR3/DR4 showed significantly higher frequency of ICAs (P < .01) and complement-fixing ICAs (P < .001) than patients without the heterozygous form DR3/DR4. Neither the presence of ICA alone nor DR3/DR4 alone was associated with a significant impairment of β-cell function. However, when both ICA and DR3/DR4 were present in a diabetic individual, β-cell function was markedly impaired (P < .001), suggesting that both genetic and autoimmune factors are necessary to facilitate the process leading to β-cell destruction of the patients. Our findings suggest that type II diabetes is a heterogeneous disorder including at least two major subgroups, which can be further characterized by HLA-DR antigens and organ-specific antibodies