Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advanced Circuit-Level Model for Temperature-Sensitive Read/Write Operation of a Magnetic Tunnel Junction

A circuit-level model of a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) that accurately depicts the spin-transfer torque switching behavior of an MTJ along with its voltage/temperature dependency is presented. The unified switching model that was suggested in our previous work is suitable for the circuit-level model because the model seamlessly covers the entire current pulsewidth region. Based on this switching behavior model, a method of dynamic current monitoring is proposed for an advanced circuit-level model. The voltage/temperature characteristics of an MTJ are also integrated for a more accurate circuit-level simulation. The proposed model corresponds well with the experimental data for switching characteristics at different temperatures. The design margin in the read/write circuits with an MTJ is analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model.
Corporate governance and carbon transparency: Australian experience

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between corporate governance (CG) mechanisms and the extensiveness of carbon disclosure. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model with data from 2009 to 2012 for largest Australian companies that voluntarily disclose their information to the carbon disclosure project. Findings The authors find that board independence, board diversity and managerial ownership are significantly correlated with the degree of carbon transparency, while the existence of environmental committee is not. Practical implications The findings of this paper should be useful for government and capital market regulators who concern the quality of CG and carbon actions. First, the evidence in this paper suggests that current CG practice that emphasize board diversity and independence seems encouraging an environment friendly decision and adopt carbon reduction initiatives. Second, however, the current version of CG codes need more stress on none financial goals that should help corporate executives to balance value enhancement vis-à-vis ecosystem protection. Finally, another implication for policy-makers is CG should be re-structured so as to motivate firms to pursue long-term sustainable development instead of taking short-sight view of firm performance. Originality/value This paper contributes in the increasing body of literature indicating that CG encourages a proactive corporate strategy in general and carbon disclosure in particular. The authors add new empirical evidence which has policy implication that CG should be improved so as to encourage executives to engage in more sustainable development and stakeholder long-term value protection.
Identification and Utility of Native Fish Conservation Areas in the Upper Snake River Basin, USA

—Native fish conservation areas (NFCAs) are watersheds where management emphasizes proactive conservation and restoration for longterm persistence of native fish assemblages while allowing for compatible uses. Native fish conservation areas are intended to complement traditional fisheries management approaches that are often reactive to population stressors and focused on single-species conservation efforts rather than complete assemblages. We identified potential NFCAs in the upper Snake River basin above Hells Canyon Dam using a process that ranked all subwatersheds (Hydrologic Unit Code 12) and used empirical data on distribution, abundance, and genetics for three native trout species (Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus, Columbia River Redband Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri, and Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout O. clarkii bouvieri, including the fine-spotted form) and both known occurrences and modeled potential distributions of native nongame fishes. Rankings also incorporated drainage network connectivity and land-protection status (e.g., national park, wilderness). Clusters of highranking subwatersheds were identified as potential NFCAs that were then classified according to the presence of nongame fishes identified as species of greatest conservation need in state wildlife action plans. The Pacific Creek * Corresponding author: troutdna@gmail.com
Long-term reorganization of motor cortex outputs after arm amputation

Objective: To investigate the reorganization of the corticospinal system long after arm amputation at different levels. Methods: Focal transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was performed in 15 patients 21 to 65 years after arm amputation at the level of the forearm, upper arm, or shoulder. Cortically elicited electromyographic responses were investigated in muscles immediately proximal to the stump. TMS was performed on a skull surface grid overlying the motor cortex. The response threshold, number of effective stimulation sites, and the sum of the amplitudes elicited at these sites were evaluated for slightly contracted muscles. Results: Seven of eight patients with forearm amputation had larger stimulation effects in the biceps supplied by the motor cortex contralateral to amputation, as indicated by variable patterns of lowered response thresholds, increased response amplitudes, or increased numbers of effective stimulation sites. In seven patients with a more proximal amputation, the motor responses were investigated in the deltoid and trapezoid muscle. In only two of them, the motor cortex contralateral to amputation showed an increased excitability. Three patients presented with a higher excitability of the motor cortex contralateral to the intact arm and two with a balanced type of excitability. Conclusion: Reorganization of the motor system can be present more than 20 years after amputation. Furthermore, differential patterns of reorganized corticospinal output were found for different stump muscles, which might be due to varying amounts of ipsilateral corticospinal projections.
Role of metallothionein in coagulatory disturbance and systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice

Although metallothionein (MT) can be induced by inflammatory mediators, its roles in coagulatory disturbance during inflammation are poorly defined. We determined whether MT protects against coagulatory and fibrinolytic disturbance and systemic inflammation induced by intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in MT‐I/II null (? /? ) and wild‐type (WT) mice. As compared with WT mice, MT (? /? ) mice revealed significant prolongation of prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time, a significant increase in the levels of fibrinogen and fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products, and a significant decrease in activated protein C, after LPS treatment. LPS induced inflammatory organ damages in the lung, kidney, and liver in both genotypes of mice. The damages, including neutrophil infiltration, were more prominent in MT (? /? ) mice than in WT mice after LPS treatment. In both genotypes of mice, LPS enhanced protein expression of interleukin (IL)‐1? , IL‐6, granulocyte/macrophage‐colony‐stimulating factor, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1? , MIP‐2, macrophage chemoattractant protein‐1, and keratinocyte chemoattractant in the lung, kidney, and liver and circulatory levels of IL‐1? , IL‐6, MIP‐2, and KC. In overall trends, however, the levels of these proinflammatory proteins were greater in MT (? /? ) mice than in WT mice after LPS challenge. Our results suggest that MT protects against coagulatory and fibrinolytic disturbance and multiple organ damages induced by LPS, at least partly, via the inhibition of the expression of proinflammatory proteins.
Is regional integration in the CFA zone sustainable?

ABSTRACT This article aims to study the long-term sustainability of regional integration in the (Communauté Financière Africaine) CFA zone, based on the theory of the endogeneity of monetary zones. To this end, we consider trade and intra-CFA migration as the two quantitative vectors of regional integration. Using robust estimation techniques to overcome the endogeneity bias, our results show that integration in the CFA zone is moderately sustainable. More precisely, while the monetary unions of the CFA zone, in particular that of the WAEMU, contribute to reinforcing the intra-regional mobility of goods and people, they fail to induce strong synchronization of the macroeconomic cycles.
Volatility Uncertainty and the Cross-Section of Option Returns

This paper studies the relation between the uncertainty of volatility, measured as the volatility of volatility, and future delta-hedged equity option returns. We find that delta-hedged option returns consistently decrease in uncertainty of volatility. Our results hold for different measures of volatility such as implied volatility, EGARCH volatility from daily returns, and realized volatility from high-frequency data. The results are robust to firm characteristics, stock and option liquidity, volatility characteristics, and jump risks, and are not explained by common risk factors. Our findings suggest that option dealers charge a higher premium for single-name options with high uncertainty of volatility, because these stock options are more difficult to hedge.
On Equity Risk Prediction and Tail Spillovers

This paper studies the impact of modelling timeâ€ varying variances of stock returns in terms of risk measurement and extreme risk spillover. Using a general class of regimeâ€ dependent models, we find that volatility can be disaggregated into distinct components: a persistent stable process with low sensitivity to shocks and a high volatility process capturing rather shortâ€ lived rare events. Outâ€ ofâ€ sample forecasts show that, once regime shifts are accounted for, accuracy is improved compared to the standard generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity or the historical volatility model. Volatility plays an important role in controlling and monitoring financial risks. Therefore, by means of a risk management application, we illustrate the economic value and the practical implications of risk control ability of the models in terms of value at risk. Finally, tests for predictability in coâ€ movements in the tails of stock index returns suggest that large losses are strongly correlated, supporting asymmetric transmission processes for financial contagion in the left tail of return distributions, whereas contagion in reverse direction (gains) is weak.
Site‐specific integration of the conjugal Vibrio cholerae SXT element into prfC

Vibrio cholerae O139, the first non‐O1 serogroup of V. cholerae to give rise to epidemic cholera, is characteristically resistant to the antibiotics sulphamethoxazole, trimethoprim, chloramphenicol and streptomycin. Resistances to these antibiotics are encoded by a 62 kb self‐transmissible, conjugative, chromosomally integrating element designated the ‘SXT element’. We found that the SXT element integrates site specifically into both V. cholerae and Escherichia coli K‐12 into the 5′ end of prfC, the gene encoding peptide chain release factor 3. Integration of the SXT element interrupts the chromosomal prfC gene, but the element encodes a new 5′ end of prfC that restores the reading frame of this gene. The recombinant prfC allele created upon element integration is functional. The integration and excision mechanism of the SXT element shares many features with site‐specific recombination found in lambdoid phages. First, like λ, the SXT element forms a circular extrachromosomal intermediate through specific recombination of the left and right ends of the integrated element. Second, chromosomal integration of the element occurs via site‐specific recombination in a 17 bp sequence found in the circular form of the SXT element and a similar 17 bp sequence in prfC. Third, both chromosomal integration and excision of the SXT element were found to require an element‐encoded int gene with strong similarities to the λ integrase family. Based on the properties of the SXT element, we propose to classify this element as a CONSTIN, an acronym for a conjugative, self‐transmissible, integrating element.
Validation of the Malay version of the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS).

BACKGROUND Preoperative anxiety is a significant problem worldwide that may affect patients' surgical outcome. By using a simple and reliable tool such as the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS), anaesthesiologists would be able to assess preoperative anxiety adequately and accurately. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the Malay version of APAIS (Malay-APAIS), and assess the factors associated with higher anxiety scores. METHODS The authors performed forward and backward translation of APAIS into Malay and then tested on 200 patients in the anaesthetic clinic of University Malaya Medical Centre. Psychometric analysis was performed with factor analysis, internal consistency and correlation with Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-state). RESULTS A good correlation was shown with STAI-state (r = 0.59). Anxiety and need for information both emerged with high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.93 and 0.90 respectively). Female gender, surgery with a higher risk and need for information were found to be associated with higher anxiety scores. On the other hand, previous experience with surgery had lower need for information. CONCLUSION The Malay-APAIS is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of patients' preoperative anxiety and their need for information. By understanding and measuring patient's concerns objectively, the perioperative management will improve to a much higher standard of care.
The Effects of Computers and Acquired Skills on Earnings, Employment and College Enrollment: Evidence from a Field Experiment and California Ui Earnings Records

This paper provides the first evidence on the earnings, employment and college enrollment effects of computers and acquired skills from a randomized controlled trial providing computers to entering college students. We matched confidential administrative data from California Employment Development Department (EDD)/Unemployment Insurance (UI) system earnings records, the California Community College system, and the National Student Clearinghouse to all study participants for seven years after the random provision of computers. The experiment does not provide evidence that computer skills have short- or medium-run effects on earnings. These null effects are found along both the extensive and intensive margins of earnings (although the estimates are not precise). We also do not find evidence of positive or negative effects on college enrollment. A non-experimental analysis of CPS data reveals large, positive and statistically significant relationships between home computers, and earnings, employment and college enrollment, raising concerns about selection bias in non-experimental studies.
Blastocyst culture: Toward single embryo transfers

The routine culture and transfer of viable human blastocysts has been made possible by the development of sequential culture media, formulated to account for the changes in nutrient requirements of the embryo as it develops and differentiates. Resultant implantation rates of blastocysts transferred on day 5 are significantly higher than those obtained by the transfer of cleavage stage embryos transferred on day 2 or day 3 within the same programme. As a direct result of this increase in implantation rate, fewer blastocysts than cleavage stage embryos need to be transferred to obtain acceptable pregnancy rates, thereby reducing the incidence of multiple gestations. Blastocysts developed in sequential culture media are readily cryopreserved. The efficiency of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a general patient population can be calculated using a model that takes into account the number of embryos transferred and cryopreserved, together with their respective implantation rates. Blastocyst transfer is associated with about a 20% increase in the efficiency of IVF compared with the transfer of cleavage stage embryos on day 3. The development of a suitable scoring system has enabled identification of those blastocysts with the highest developmental potential (70% implantation rate). The culmination of this work should be the move to the transfer of a single blastocyst for a significant number of patients.
Segmental effects of epidural spinal cord stimulation in humans.

1. The segmental effects of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) were studied in twenty‐four human subjects who had spinal cord stimulators implanted for the treatment of pain. The cathode was in the epidural space over the dorsum of the thoracic cord. 2. SCS generated action potentials in sensory, motor and mixed nerves which could be recorded with near‐nerve electrodes. These action potentials could follow high frequencies of stimulation and appeared to be due to the antidromic activation of primary afferents in the dorsal columns. 3. Synaptic actions on single lumbosacral motoneurons were derived from peristimulus time histograms (PSTHs) of single motor units. SCS produced a brief short‐latency period of increased firing probability (PIF) in motoneurons of all of the muscles examined, probably representing monosynaptic activation. It is argued that the facilitation arises from the antidromic activation of Ia afferents in the dorsal columns. This is the probable explanation for the muscle contractions that can be induced by SCS. 4. SCS inhibited short‐latency group I homonymous facilitation and reciprocal inhibition. The mechanism appears to be presynaptic to the motoneurons and may represent collision in Ia afferents, presynaptic inhibition or homosynaptic depression. 5. It was difficult to demonstrate consistent effects of SCS on reflex pathways from cutaneous afferents to flexor motoneurons because the effects of stimulation of cutaneous nerves on these motoneurons were themselves variable. 6. It is concluded that SCS applied with epidural electrodes over the dorsal cord activates primary afferents in the dorsal columns. Antidromic activation of these afferents results in strong monosynaptic facilitation of motoneurons as well as reduction in transmission in some reflex pathways to motoneurons.
The role of pain modulators in esophageal disorders – no pain no gain

Pain modulators have been primarily used for the management of functional esophageal disorders. Recently, these drugs have also been used for the management of other esophageal disorders, such as non‐erosive reflux disease, the hypersensitive esophagus, and heartburn that is not responsive to proton pump inhibitor treatment. Several etiologies have been identified in patients with functional esophageal disorders, and these include esophageal hypersensitivity due to peripheral and/or central sensitisation, altered central processing of peripheral stimuli, altered autonomic activity, and psychological comorbidity such as depression and anxiety. Different antidepressants have been used as pain modulators and have demonstrated a beneficial effect on patients with the aforementioned esophageal disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants are the most commonly used class of drugs in clinical practice. Other antidepressants that have been used, some with more clinical success than others, include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and trazodone. Other medications that have been used as pain modulators in esophageal disorders include adenosine antagonists, serotonin agonists, antiepileptics, and medications that ameliorate peripheral neuropathy. The mechanism by which many of the pain modulators confer their visceral analgesic effect remains to be fully elucidated. Regardless, their role and value in treating esophageal disorders have markedly increased in the last decade.
A furanquinone from Paulownia tomentosa stem for a new cathepsin K inhibitor

In the search for novel inhibitors of cathepsin K, a new furanquinone compound, methyl 5‐hydroxy‐dinaphtho[1,2‐2′3′]furan‐7,12‐dione‐6‐carboxylate (1a), showed in vitro inhibitory activities for cathepsin K. Compound 1a was isolated originally from Paulownia tomentosa stem and its derivatives were synthesized. Furanquinone compounds (1a, 1b, 1c and 1d) were also found to be capable of inhibiting cathepsin L, which is closely related to cathepsin K. The inhibitory activity of the parent compound 1a (IC50 = 21 µm) for cathepsin K was slightly higher than those of the other three derivatives that have a methoxy (1b), propoxy (1c) or acetoxy (1d) group (IC50 = 33–66 µm) in the 5‐position of compound 1a. This implies that the 5‐hydroxyl functional group of 1a may have favorable effects on the reduction potential which are related to the cathepsin K inhibitory activities of furanquinone compounds. Therefore, the cathepsin K inhibitory activity of a new furanquinone compound is proposed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancement by Terpenes of 5‐Fluorouracil Permeation through the Stratum Corneum: Model Solvent Approach

5‐Fluorouracil permeates the stratum corneum through the intercellular pathway. 5‐Fluorouracil is hydrophilic and, therefore, its partitioning from the aqueous region into the hydrocarbon interior of stratum corneum lipids is expected to be an important stage of its permeation and a target for some permeation enhancers. It has also been reported that complexation plays a role in the enhancement effect of some accelerants. These mechanisms have been investigated.
Post-Fomc Announcement Drift in U.S. Bond Markets

There is post-FOMC announcement drift in Treasury markets after Fed Funds target changes. The expectations hypothesis holds on FOMC announcement days, but fails thereafter. The same-day response of 10-year Treasury yields to a 10 bps. surprise in the Fed Funds rate is only 1.7 bps, but, after 50 days, 10-year yields have increased by 14 bps. Mutual fund investors respond to Fed Funds target rate increases by selling short and intermediate duration bond funds, thus gradually increasing the effective supply of these bonds. Using FOMC-induced variation in bond fund flows, we estimate short-run demand for Treasurys to be inelastic, especially for longer maturities. The gradual increase in supply, and the low demand elasticity, account for the post-announcement drift. Mutual fund investors help the Fed control long-term interest rates.
An exploration of the relationship between religion and spirituality and acculturation stress among international students in the western Massachusetts

This quantitative study examined the relationship between religion and spirituality and acculturative stress among international students (n=38) in two colleges in Western Massachusetts. This study utilized three well-validated tools to measure acculturative stress for international students, religion and spirituality, and intrinsic religious motivation to test the hypothesis that religion and spirituality can help international students lessen their acculturative stress. The findings suggested no significant correlation between the variables, possibly due to a small sample size. The results showed that over 55% of students had some type of religious affiliation, and over 63% indicated they either attended churches or practiced meditation and prayers. The results also indicated a high level of acculturative stress from the participants in the study, suggesting over 45% of the students may be in need of counseling and psychological intervention. This study makes recommendations for attending to the mental health needs and acculturative stress of international students. AN EXPLORATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY AND ACCULTURATIVE STRESS AMONG INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS A project based upon an independent investigation, submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work. Mun Ying Kennis Cheng Smith College School for Social Work Northampton, Masschusetts 01063