Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monetary Policy, Financial Conditions, and Financial Stability

We review a growing literature that incorporates endogenous risk premiums and risk-taking in the conduct of monetary policy. Accommodative policy can create an intertemporal tradeoff between improving current financial conditions at a cost of increasing future financial vulnerabilities. In the United States, structural and cyclical macroprudential tools to reduce vulnerabilities at banks are being implemented, but may not be sufficient because activities can migrate and there are limited tools for non-bank intermediaries or for borrowers. While monetary policy itself can influence vulnerabilities, its efficacy as a tool will depend on the costs of tighter policy on activity and inflation. We highlight how adding a risk-taking channel to traditional transmission channels could significantly alter a cost-benefit calculation for using monetary policy, and that considering risks to financial stability—as downside risks to employment—is consistent with the dual mandate.
A Method for Placement of DG Units in Distribution Networks

In this paper, a method for placement of distributed generation (DG) units in distribution networks has been presented. This method is based on the analysis of power flow continuation and determination of most sensitive buses to voltage collapse. This method is executed on a typical 34-bus test system and yields efficiency in improvement of voltage profile and reduction of power losses; it also may permit an increase in power transfer capacity, maximum loading, and voltage stability margin.
Characteristics and Performance of Image Sensor Communication

A complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor can be used for communication, in addition to imaging. This paper investigates noise characteristics and system performance for CMOS image sensor communication. Different signal-dependent and independent noise sources are categorized and comprehensively analyzed in conjunction with sensor measurements. Accordingly, a unified channel model in the pixel-matched case is proposed, and the communication signal-to-noise ratio is defined and demonstrated in different parameter settings. Moreover, the channel capacity with mixed noise and bounded input is derived and is proven to be achievable by a discrete input distribution of finite number of probability mass points. Simulation shows that capacity of more than 7 b/s/Hz per pixel or 8–10 b/s/Hz per block of multiple pixels is achievable.
Epithelial‐stromal interactions in tumors. A morphologic study of fibroepithelial tumors of the breast

Background and Methods. The known spatial interaction between normal breast epithelium and its surrounding stroma prompted an investigation of the spatial relationship between stromal mitoses and the epithelial component of fibroepithelial tumors of the breast. The authors applied a novel computerized morphometric technique to routinely processed histologic sections of 23 fibroepithelial tumors (13 fibroadenomas and 10 phyllodes tumors). The proportional area of epithelium in successive concentric annuli surrounding stromal mitoses was measured, and its distribution was compared with that around suitable control points.
Force production characteristics of leg extensor, trunk flexor and extensor muscles in male and female basketball players.

Eleven male and nine female basketball players from two teams at the same relative competitive level were studied for the force production characteristics of their leg extensor, trunk flexor and extensor muscles. As expected, the male players demonstrated greater (p less than 0.001) absolute maximal strength in the three muscle groups than the females. When the force values were related to body weight, the differences became smaller but the male group could still produce higher values especially for the trunk flexor (p less than 0.01) and extensor muscles (p less than 0.05). The males demonstrated higher (p less than 0.001) values than the females for maximal vertical jumping height both in the squat jump (41.5 +/- 3.0 and 21.5 +/- 2.4 cm) and in the counter movement jump (43.9 +/- 4.0 and 24.8 +/- 2.5 cm). As expected, the times required to produce the same absolute force levels in the isometric force-time curves were significantly (p less than 0.001) shorter in the male team than in the female. However, the times needed to produce the same relative force levels were also shorter (p less than 0.05) in the male group. In the whole subject sample the individual values in maximal leg extension force correlated significantly (p less than 0.001) with the vertical jumping height. The present results suggest that the differences observed in force production characteristics between the male and female groups may not be explained only by the sexual difference but also by the differences in the overall volume and/or the type of strength and power training during the preparatory training season(s). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Comparison between the effect of lumbopelvic belt and home based pelvic stabilizing exercise on pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain; a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE Pelvic girdle pain is a common complaint of pregnant women. There are limited data on comparison between the effectiveness of stabilizing exercises and lumbopelvic belt on the treatment of these patients. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of lumbopelvic belt plus information, home based pelvic girdle stabilizing exercises plus information and information alone on pain intensity, functional status and quality of life of pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain. METHODS In this randomized clinical trial pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain (n=105) were randomly allocated to three groups; Control group (n=35) that received general information, exercise group (n=31) that in addition to general information were asked to perform specific pelvic stabilizing exercises at home and belt group (n=31) that received non-rigid lumbopelvic belt and the information. The primary outcome variables were pain intensity and functional status of the participants which were measured using visual analogue scale and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) respectively. Quality of life of participants was measured using WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. All measurements were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks after the study conduction. RESULTS The pain intensity of patients in belt group in comparison to other groups was decreased significantly at both 3 and 6 weeks follow-ups. The mean score of ODI of patients in belt group was also improved more than exercise and control groups significantly. CONCLUSIONS On base of our results, it can be found that in short term lumbopelvic belt and information in treatment of pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain is superior to exercise plus information or information alone.
Dynamic Entry with Demand and Supply Side Spillovers

Supply side spillovers have been used to explain firms' entry behavior in the pharmaceutical industry. In contrast, demand side spillovers have received less attention. This paper identifies supply and demand spillovers using a dynamic model of strategic interaction. The results indicate that demand side spillovers are more significant than the supply side spillovers to generic drug firms, and the demand side spillovers increase a firm's market share by 3%–4% on average in subsequent market entry. In addition, with supply side spillovers alone, lowering entry barriers can increase future entry rates, while in the case of demand side spillovers, lowering entry barriers will have the opposite effect. (JEL L110, L130, D220)
Simultaneous control of two rhythmical behaviors. I. Locomotion with paw-shake response in normal cat.

We investigated the ability of normal cats, trained to maintain a constant position while walking on a treadmill, to combine the paw-shake response with quadrupedal locomotion. Hindlimb paw-shake responses were elicited during walking after the right hindpaw was wrapped with tape. To assess intralimb and interlimb coordination of the combined behaviors, electromyographic (EMG) recordings from forelimb extensor muscles and from selected flexor and extensor muscles at the three major hindlimb joints were correlated with joint motion by using high-speed, cinefilm analysis. When paw shaking was combined with walking, the response occurred during the swing phase of the taped hindlimb. To accommodate the paw-shake response, swing duration of the shaking hindlimb and of the homolateral forelimb increased and was followed by a brief recovery step. Concurrently, to compensate for the response, stance durations of the contralateral forelimb and hindlimb increased. The magnitude of these adjustments in interlimb coordination was influenced by the number of paw-shake cycles, which ranged from one to four oscillations. Transitions between the muscle synergies for the paw-shake response and swing were smooth in the shaking limb. Early in the swing phase, when the flexor muscles were still active (F phase), the paw shake was initiated by an early onset of knee extensor activity, which preceded extensor activity at the hip and ankle. This action provided a transition from the general reciprocal synergy between flexor and extensor muscles of locomotion to the mixed synergy that is typical of the paw shake (30). Following the last paw-shake cycle, an extensor synergy initiated the E-1 phase of swing, and the resultant joint motion was in-phase extension of the hip, knee, and ankle to lower the paw for stance. Average cycle period and burst duration for muscles participating in the paw-shake response were similar to those reported for normal cats assuming a standing posture (28, 30). The average number of paw-shake cycles, however, decreased from eight to three when the response occurred during walking, suggesting that the response was truncated to provide for continued locomotion. Further, hip motion was variable when the paw shake was combined with swing, and sometimes the hip failed to oscillate and its trajectory was similar to that of an unperturbed swing phase. When hip joint oscillations occurred during the paw-shake response, they were in-phase with ankle motions. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Consumption of omega‐3 fatty acids and the risk of skin cancers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Skin cancers have a higher incidence than all other cancers combined and are a major cause of morbidity worldwide. Laboratory data suggest certain dietary constituents, notably omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs), could potentially protect against skin malignancy, although no large‐scale review has been conducted in humans. The objective of this review and meta‐analysis was to determine the relationship between dietary n‐3 PUFAs and skin cancer incidence. It considered all published randomized controlled trials and observational studies up to March 2013. Five studies (two case–control and three cohort) were identified pertaining to oral n‐3 PUFA consumption and incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma (or a combination) and were included in a random‐effects meta‐analysis. A further six studies considering nondietary n‐3 PUFA exposure (e.g. by tissue analysis) and/or recognized biological markers of skin cancer risk (e.g. p53 expression) were analyzed qualitatively. Dietary n‐3 PUFAs were not associated with BCC (pooled OR 1.05, 95% CIs 0.86–1.28). Consumption of high levels of n‐3 PUFAs were inversely associated with melanoma, although with only one estimate available (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34–0.78), and SCC, although nonsignificantly (pooled OR 0.86, 95% CIs 0.59–1.23). Available evidence is suggestive, but currently inadequate, to support the hypothesis that n‐3 PUFAs protect against skin malignancy.
The impact of different policy environments on land use in Europe

The impact of globalization on trade, production and land-use was key to the Doha development round. Although many studies have shown the positive influence of liberalization on trade and production, the environmental questions remain unanswered in most studies. Here we present a combination of an economic (GTAP) and a biophysical (IMAGE) model. The methodology is innovative as it combines state of the art knowledge from both the economic and biophysical worlds. First, the treatment of agriculture and land use is improved in the economic model. For example, information from the OECD Policy Evaluation Model (PEM) was incorporated to improve the agricultural production structure and a new land allocation methodology was introduced using regional land supply curves to facilitate the conversion of idle land to productive land while giving consideration to the level of intensification. Secondly, the adapted economic model is linked to the biophysical modeling framework IMAGE allowing feedbacks of detailed heterogeneous information on land productivity to the economic framework. While often a rather pessimistic picture is portrayed for future developments of the agricultural sector in the EU (especially in liberalizing scenarios), our results show that no drastic decrease in land for agricultural purposes is expected for the EU25 the coming 30 years, since the global food market will experience an increase in demand because of expected growth in GDP and population in many developing countries. Moreover, the negative impact of liberalization of agricultural policies on European agricultural land use is small because on the one hand loss in EU’s competitiveness leads partly to extensification instead of land abandonment, and secondly, the recent agricultural reforms of the EU changed the protection from market to income support which has less production effects. Changes in land use will be more outspoken in developing countries like Africa.
Physiological effects of an ultra-cycle ride in an amateur athlete - a case report.

The physiological effects of ultraendurance exercise are poorly investigated. The present case report describes the exercise intensity of ultraendurance cycling and its physiological impacts on various organ functions in an amateur cyclist performing the Ötztal Radmarathon twice en bloque in a circuit of 2 identical laps (distance 460 km; cumulative altitude difference 11,000 m). In a pre-race laboratory test the athlete's performance capacity was measured as the maximal aerobic power (VO2max= 70 ml.kg(-1). min(-1)), a maximal power output (5.7 W.kg(-1)) and lactate threshold of 89%. The overall intensity during the ride was moderate (HRmean = 131 b.min(-1); %HRmax = 0.71) and significantly declined during the course of the race. Extensive biochemical laboratory testing performed pre- and post-race excluded major exercise-induced organ disturbances. For further confirmation and better understanding of the physiological effects of ultra-cycle events future studies of larger athlete populations are required.
Population-based incidence of childhood leukaemias and lymphomas in Spain (1993–2002)

The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of leukaemias and lymphomas in children according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer third edition (ICCC-3) in the population covered by the Girona, Valencia, and Zaragoza population-based cancer registries and compare it with the incidence rates in other European countries. All haematological malignancies (HMs) registered between 1993 and 2002 in children below 15 years of age were included in the study. Pathological and haematological diagnoses were reviewed, recoded according to International Classification of Diseases for Oncology-3 and reclassified on the basis of ICCC-3. Sex and age-adjusted incidence rates were calculated, using the world population as standard. Five hundred and seventy-one HMs were registered in the Girona, Valencia and Zaragoza Cancer Registries during the study period. According to ICCC-3, precursor cell leukaemias were the most frequent HMs in children and constituted 60% of all HMs (an age-adjusted incidence rate of 42.7 per million children-years). The second most frequent childhood HM was Hodgkin lymphoma (11.2% of all HMs), yielding an age-adjusted standardized incidence rate of 6.3 per million children-years. With regard to myeloid lineage, acute myeloid leukaemias were the most frequent with a rate of 7.9 per million children-years. The standardized incidence rates for lymphoid leukaemia (1.19) and Burkitt lymphoma (3.94) were statistically higher than the rates observed in Europe. Compared with European data, Spain has a high incidence of lymphoid leukaemias and lymphomas. In particular, a high incidence of Burkitt lymphoma was observed. The causes of this geographical variation are still unknown.
Early motion of the ankle after operative treatment of a rupture of the Achilles tendon. A prospective, randomized clinical and radiographic study.

BACKGROUND Different regimens of early motion of the ankle after operative treatment of a ruptured Achilles tendon have been suggested since the late 1980s. However, as far as we know, no controlled studies comparing these regimens with conventional immobilization in a cast have been reported. METHODS In a prospective study, seventy-one patients who had an acute rupture of the Achilles tendon were randomized to either conventional postoperative management with a cast for eight weeks or early restricted motion of the ankle in a below-the-knee brace for six weeks. The brace was modified with an elastic band on the posterior surface, in a manner similar to the principle of Kleinert traction. Metal markers were placed in the tendon, and the separation between them was measured on serial radiographs during the first twelve weeks postoperatively. The patients were assessed clinically when the cast or brace was removed, at twelve weeks postoperatively, and at a median of sixteen months postoperatively. RESULTS The separation between the markers at twelve weeks postoperatively was nearly identical in the two groups, with a median separation of 11.5 millimeters (range, zero to thirty-three millimeters) in the patients managed with early motion of the ankle and nine millimeters (range, one to forty-one millimeters) in the patients managed with a cast. The separation was primarily correlated with the initial tautness of the repair (r[S] = 0.45). No patient had excessive lengthening of the tendon. The patients managed with early motion had a smaller initial loss in the range of motion, and they returned to work and sports activities sooner than those managed with a cast. Furthermore, there were fewer visible adhesions between the repaired tendon and the skin in the patients managed with early motion, and these patients were subjectively more satisfied with the overall result. The patients in both groups recovered a median of 89 percent of strength of plantar flexion compared with that of the noninjured limb, as measured with an isometric strain-gauge at 15 degrees of dorsiflexion. The heel-rise index was similar for both groups: 0.88 for the patients managed with early motion and 0.89 for those managed with a cast. CONCLUSIONS Early restricted motion appears to shorten the time needed for rehabilitation. There were no complications related to early motion in these patients. However, early unloaded exercises did not prevent muscle atrophy.
Cytokine profile and supposed contribution to scarring in cicatricial pemphigoid.

BACKGROUND The progressive scarring observed in cicatricial pemphigoid (CP) is still partially unexplained but recently the release of soluble fibrogenic factors by inflammatory infiltrating cells has been considered as pathogenically relevant. In the present study we evaluated the expression of mRNA for IL-4, IL-5, TGF-beta1, IFN-gamma in CP in comparison to bullous pemphigoid (BP) patients, investigating the role of cytokine profile as possible cause of the different disease evolution. METHODS Biopsies from patients with oral (n = 10), preputial (n = 3) and cutaneous (n = 1) CP were studied by in situ hybridisation performing a new amplification system based on biotinyl-tyramide. As control, four patients affected by BP were also examined, together with healthy tissue from two CP and two BP patients, respectively. RESULTS In CP IL-4 mRNA expression was present in 4 out of 14 cases analysed. IL-5 was detected in 12 CP biopsies. TGF-beta1 and IFN-gamma mRNAs were identified in 9 and 11 CP cases, respectively. In BP, IL-4 hybridisation signal could not be observed in any of the cases. By contrast IL-5, TGF-beta1 and IFN-gamma mRNA analyses were positive in all BP cases. Healthy specimens did not show any expression for IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-gamma, while a poor staining for TGF-beta was found in epithelium and subjunctional areas. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the presence of a mixed cytokine pattern in the cellular infiltrate of both blistering diseases, with a corresponding increase of Th2-like activity in fully developed lesions, irrespective of the different sites involved. In addition, the constant presence of TGF-beta1 mRNA in the different lesional phases of CP, and its overlapping expression in BP suggest that the involvement of additional factors is responsible for the scarring course typical of CP.
Grid stability benefits with Seatwirl vs horizontal shaft windpower plant

In an ac power system the generated power should be equal to the consumed power in addition to the system losses. In case of any steady state imbalance between generation and consumption, the system frequency will deviate from its rated value. To keep the frequency stable, control power plants have to intervene. This intervention will not be immediate, which highlights the increasing importance of the instantaneous inertial response. In this thesis it is discussed how the inertia reduction in the power system due to large penetration of renewable energy sources that will effect the power system stability; non-inherent inertia generation consisting of fast-responding energy storage is proposed and financially compared with each other and with the synthetic inertia technology in the wind turbines. Seatwirl technology - A new floating wind turbines design with the ability of providing synthetic inertia- is introduced and simulated showing its ability to generate synthetic inertia, a technical comparison is made between Seatwirl and the previously suggested inertia generation methods. This thesis also highlights the benefits of using Seatwirl technology on the stability of electrical networks.