Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Review of Central Bank Independence and Macroeconomic Performance

This article introduces western scholars' different definitions on Central Bank Independence(CBI) and its theoretical basis;then analyses the relationship between CBI and macroeconomic performance theoretically and empirically. Finally,the conclusions are drawn as follow: The relations between CBI and inflation is quite explicit,but its relation with other variables is still inexplicit.Increasing CBI can effectively reduce inflation rate,but "cut down" on inflation cannot become the exclusive theoretical basis for supporting CBI.Whether or not to enhance the CBI should integrate its relations with price,employment,and economy growth.
Apoptotic markers in human blood platelets treated with peroxynitrite

Platelets are anucleated cells that upon activation by agonists or during storage may develop apoptotic events. The role of peroxynitrite and its reactive intermediates in apoptotic process in blood platelets is unknown. In order to study the appearance of biomarkers of apoptosis in platelets after treatment with peroxynitrite and with thrombin different markers were chosen: annexin V binding (phosphatidylserine exposure), platelet microparticle formation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, caspase-3 activation and P-selectin expression. In gel-filtrated platelets treated with different concentrations of peroxynitrite (0.01, 0.1, 1.0 mM, 10 minute, 37°C) a significant increase of phosphatidylserine exposure (about 36% at the highest concentration, p < 0.01) and the platelet microparticle formation were observed. Peroxynitrite caused a dose-dependent caspase-3 activation and depolarization of mitochondrial potential. The same apoptotic markers were appeared in thrombin-activated platelets. Dose-dependent tyrosine nitration in platelet proteins caused by peroxynitrite was reduced in the presence of (−)-epicatechin. Moreover, (−)-epicatechin distinctly reduced the level of apoptotic markers. The obtained results indicate that peroxynitrite responsible for oxidative/nitrative stress and changes in platelet function may promote in vitro apoptotic events in human gel-filtrated platelets via intrinsic pathway. Nitration of tyrosine seems to be partly associated with the appearance of apoptotic markers in platelets.
A Survey on Data Cleaning Methods in Cyberspace

Cyberspace offers users and information communication systems the opportunity to interact with each other for business. Data, as the carrier of information, represents the processing content of different business work. In order to improve the quality of data, data cleaning plays an important role in various cyberspace scenarios, such as RFID and sensor, ETL process etc. This paper presents a survey of the art-of-the-state data cleaning methods in cyberspace. According to the characteristics of data cleaning, we extract the relevant key elements of cyberspace to classify the existing works. After elaborating and analyzing each category, we summarize the description and challenges of data cleaning core technologies, such as data quality rules, models and crowdsourcing. Furthermore, we give suggestions for future research on data cleaning in cyberspace from both technology and interactive perspective.
Low-intensity wheelchair training in inactive people with long-term spinal cord injury: A randomized controlled trial on fitness, wheelchair skill performance and physical activity levels.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of low-intensity wheelchair training on wheelchair-specific fitness, wheelchair skill performance and physical activity levels in inactive people with long-term spinal cord injury. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS Inactive manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury for at least 10 years (n = 29), allocated to exercise (n = 14) or no exercise. METHODS The 16-week training consisted of wheelchair treadmill-propulsion at 30-40% heart rate reserve or equi-valent in terms of rate of perceived exertion, twice a week, for 30 min per session. Wheelchair-specific fitness was determined as the highest 5-s power output over 15-m overground wheelchair sprinting (P5-15m), isometric push-force, submaximal fitness and peak aerobic work capacity. Skill was determined as performance time, ability and strain scores over a wheelchair circuit. Activity was determined using a questionnaire and an odometer. RESULTS Significant training effects appeared only in P5-15m (exercise vs control: mean +2.0 W vs -0.7 W, p = 0.017, ru=0.65). CONCLUSION The low-intensity wheelchair training appeared insufficient for substantial effects in the sample of inactive people with long-term spinal cord injury, presumably in part owing to a too-low exercise frequency. Effective yet feasible and sustainable training, as well as other physical activity programmes remain to be developed for inactive people with long-term spinal cord injury.
Diabetes (db/db) Mutation-Induced Ovarian Involution: Progressive Hypercytolipidemia

Ovarian atrophy and reproductive tract incompetence are recognized consequences of the progressive expression of the overt, diabetes-obesity syndrome (DOS) in C57BL/KsJ (db/db) mutant mice. The present studies evaluated the progressive changes in ovarian cytoarchitecture, endocrine expression, and reproductive tract cytolipidemic parameters that promote reproductive failure and ovarian involution during the pre-onset, initial, progressive, and chronic expression stages of the DOS. Paired littermate control (normal: +/? ) and diabetic (mutant: db/db) C57BL/KsJ females were selected for analysis of ovarian parameters at 2 weeks (pre-onset expression of DOS), 4 weeks (initial DOS expression), 8 weeks (progressive DOS: hyperglycemic/lipidemic), and 16 weeks (overt/chronic DOS expression) of age. All 4- to 16-week-old (db/db) groups were obese, hyperglycemic, and hyperinsulinemic as compared with age-matched (+/? ) controls. Prior to phenotypic expression of the DOS (2 week groups), ovarian interstitial cytolipidemia characterized the perifollicular and cortical regions of db/db tissue samples relative to +/? indices, while comparable body weight, blood glucose, as well as serum insulin and ovarian steroid hormone concentrations characterized both the +/? and db/db groups. Overt DOS expression in the 4-week-old db/db groups was characterized by body obesity, systemic hyperglycemia-hyperinsulinemia, and extensive hypercytolipidemia of ovarian folliculothecal compartments, as well as enhanced tissue lipase activities. By 8 weeks of age, progressive hypercytolipidemia characterized interstitial, thecal, and follicular granulosa cell layers of db/db tissue samples concurrent with suppressed ovarian steroid hormone production, enhanced lipid sequestration, and exacerbation of systemic hyperglycemia/insulinemia. By 16 weeks of age, the chronic-DOS was characterized by extensive ovarian follicular involution, cortical perivascular hyperlipidemic infiltration, thecal cell atrophy, and follicular granulosa lipid imbibition. These data indicate that db/db mutation-induced ovarian structural and functional involution is a direct reflection of the cellular metabolic shift towards lipogenesis, indicated by the progressive cytoarchitectural transformation into adipocyte-like entities. The cytological indications of cellular metabolic compromise, which precede the phenotypic expression of the DOS indices, suggests that correction of these abnormal shifts in ovarian endocrine and cellular metabolism may restore, delay, or prevent the further compromise of ovarian function by db/db mutation expression.
ABOLITION OF THE DOUBLE SHIFT SYSTEM OF SCHOOLING IN GHANA: POLICY AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN THE PUBLIC BASIC SCHOOLS. : A CASE STUDY OF SCHOOLS UNDER THE ACCRA METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY.

II ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.III TABLE OF CONTENT . V LIST OF FIGURE . X LIST OF TABLES . X ABBREVIATION AND ACRONYMS.X CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION.1 1.1 Background to the study.1 1.2 Aim of the study.5 1.3 Research Problem.6 1.4 Objectives of the research.8 1.5 Organization of the study.8 CHAPTER TWO: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK & LITERATURE REVIEW.10 2.1 Structural Functionalist Perspective of Society.10 2.2 Discussions on selected Concepts: Educational, Economic, Social, and Other Factors.12 2.2.1 Educational Factors.12 2.2.2 Economic Factors.14
Rising incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) in Wessex, Southern England

Background There has been a significant increase in the incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) over the last 25 years although there is no recent data from England. We aimed to analyse changes in incidence within a defined English population over the last decade and compare this to recent and historical incidence data from comparable studies. Methods The new diagnosis incidence of PIBD (age less than or equal to 16 years) was recorded from a prospective database for a geographically defined area within Southern England (2002–2012). Data were analysed for two separate time periods (cohort 1:2002–2006 and cohort 2:2008–2012) and compared to data from the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) survey in 1998/1999. Data were analysed by age, sex and disease type. Results There has been an increase in incidence of PIBD from 6.39/100 000/year during cohort 1 to 9.37/100 000/year during cohort 2 (p=0.0002). This compares with the BPSU incidence data in England (1998–1999) of 5.2/100 000/year. There was no statistically significant difference in median age of diagnosis between cohorts (p=0.46). The incidence of Crohn's disease (CD) was 3.8/100 000/year in cohort 1 rising to 5.85/100 000/year in cohort 2 (p=0.001). The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) was 2.01/100 000/year in cohort 1 rising to 2.62/100 000/year in cohort 2 (p=0.1458). Overall PIBD incidence is higher in males in cohort 1 (male-to-female ratio 1.35:1) and cohort 2 (male-to-female ratio 1.5:1). Conclusions The incidence of PIBD continues to increase with a rise of almost 50% in the last decade in Southern England. The reasons for this increase remain unclear.
Acceptability of low molecular weight heparin thromboprophylaxis for inpatients receiving palliative care: qualitative study

Abstract Objective To find out what inpatients with advanced cancer who are receiving palliative care think about the effect of thromoprophylaxis on overall quality of life. Design Qualitative study using audiotaping of semistructured interviews. Setting Regional cancer centre in Wales. Participants 28 inpatients with advanced metastatic cancer receiving palliative care and low molecular weight heparin. Main outcome measures Recurring themes on the effect of thromboprophylaxis on overall quality of life. Results Major emerging themes showed that patients knew about the risks of venous thromboembolism and the purpose of treatment with heparin. Media coverage had raised awareness about venous thromboembolism, and many had previous experience of thromboprophylaxis. All found low molecular weight heparin an acceptable intervention, and many said that it improved their quality of life by giving them a feeling of safety and reassurance. Antiembolic stockings were considered uncomfortable and had a negative impact on quality of life. Patients were concerned that because they had advanced disease they might not be eligible for thromboprophylaxis. Conclusion Low molecular weight heparin is acceptable to inpatients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care and has a positive impact on overall quality of life. Antiembolic stockings are an unacceptable intervention in this patient group. Guidelines on thromboprophylaxis are urgently needed for palliative care inpatient units and hospices.
Genetic epidemiological study of keratoconus: evidence for major gene determination.

Keratoconus (KC) is a noninflammatory corneal thinning disorder and the major cause of cornea transplantation in the Western world. Genetic factors have been suggested in the cause of KC. We conducted a family study to investigate genetic contributions to the development of KC by evaluating familial aggregation and testing genetic models with segregation analysis. KC was diagnosed based on clinical criteria. Familial aggregation of KC was evaluated using both clinical status and three videokeratography indices generated by the Topographic Modeling System (TMS-1). The estimated KC prevalence in first-degree relatives was 3.34% (41/1,226, 95% CI: 3. 22-3.46%), which is 15 to 67 times higher than that in the general population (0.23-0.05%). For all three videokeratography indices, CK, IS, and KISA, KC propositi had significantly higher mean values than controls (all P < 0.0001). Clinically unaffected parents also had significantly higher values for these indices than controls (all P < 0.016). The correlation of KISA in sib and parent-offspring pairs (r = 0.30 and 0.22, respectively, both P < 0.0005) was significantly greater than that in marital pairs (r = 0.14), and the latter was not significantly different from zero. We performed segregation analysis on KISA in 95 families ascertained through KC propositi. Hypotheses of both sporadic and environmental models were rejected (P < 0.001); a major gene model was not rejected (P > 0.1). Additionally, the most parsimonious model was autosomal recessive. In conclusion, we observed strong evidence of familial aggregation in KC and its subclinical indices and this aggregation is likely due to a major gene effect.
Short QT syndrome: clinical findings and diagnostic-therapeutic implications.

AIMS Clinical presentation, occurrence of sudden infant death, and results of the available therapies in the largest group of patients with short QT syndrome (SQTS), studied so far, are reported. METHODS AND RESULTS Clinical history, physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), exercise stress testing, electrophysiological study, morphological evaluation, genetic analysis and therapy results in 29 patients with SQTS and personal and/or familial history of cardiac arrest are reported. The median age at diagnosis was 30 years (range 4-80). In all subjects, structural heart disease was excluded. Eighteen patients were symptomatic (62%): 10 had cardiac arrest (34%) and in 8 (28%) this was the first clinical presentation. Cardiac arrest had occurred in the first months of life in two patients. Seven patients had syncope (24%); 9 (31%) had palpitations with atrial fibrillation documented even in young subjects. At ECG, patients exhibited a QT interval < or = 320 ms and QTc < or = 340 ms. Fourteen patients received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and 10 hydroquinidine prophylaxis. At a median follow-up of 23 months (range 9-49), one patient received an appropriate shock from the ICD; no patient on hydroquinidine had sudden death or syncope. CONCLUSION SQTS carries a high risk of sudden death and may be a cause of death in early infancy. ICD is the first choice therapy; hydroquinidine may be proposed in children and in the patients who refuse the implant.
The Delivery of Public Health Interventions via the Internet: Actualizing Their Potential

The Internet increasingly serves as a platform for the delivery of public health interventions. The efﬁcacy of Internet interventions has been demonstrated across a wide range of conditions. Much more work remains,however,toenhancethepotentialforbroadpopulationdissem-ination of Internet interventions. In this article, we examine the effectiveness of Internet interventions, with particular attention to their dissemination potential. We discuss several considerations (characterizing reach rates, minimizing attrition, promoting Web site utilization, use of tailored messaging and social networking) that may improve the implementation of Internet interventions and their associated outcomes. We review factors that may inﬂuence the adoption of Internet interventions in a range of potential dissemination settings. Finally, we present several recommendations for future research that highlight the potential importance of better understanding intervention reach, developing consensus regarding Web site usage metrics, and more broadly integrating Web 2.0 functionality.
Characterization of Cysteinyl Leukotriene Receptors on Human Saphenous Veins: Antagonist Activity of Montelukast and its Metabolites

The aims of this study were to determine the cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) receptors expressed in the human saphenous vein, to examine contractile response to LTC4 and LTD4, to evaluate antagonist activity of montelukast, a specific CysLT1 receptor antagonist used in asthma, and to characterize the CysLT receptors involved in the contractile response. The analysis by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction indicated that CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptors are expressed by saphenous veins. In varicose vein rings, the potencies (pD2) of LTC4 and LTD4 were similar: 7.4 ± 0.2 and 7.4 ± 0.1, respectively. Pretreatment with acivicin, a &ggr;–glutamyl transpeptidase (&ggr;-GT) inhibitor, to prevent potential metabolism of LTC4 to LTD4, did not alter the response to LTC4. In nondistended vein rings from patients undergoing arterial bypass, the LTC4 pD2 was 7.8 ± 0.1, and pretreatment with S-hexyl-GSH, a potent &ggr;-GT inhibitor, caused a fourfold rightward shift of the LTC4 concentration–response curve. In varicose and nondistended saphenous vein rings, montelukast (10−8 and 10−7M) exerted a potent activity against LTD4 and LTC4, in the presence or absence of &ggr;-GT inhibitors. In varicose vein rings, the two active metabolites of montelukast also exerted antagonist activities with potencies similar to montelukast. BAY u9773 (CysLT2 agonist/dual CysLT1/CysLT2 antagonist) did not cause contraction and inhibited the LTC4- and LTD4-induced contractions. In conclusion, human saphenous veins express CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptors, but only CysLT1 receptors are implicated in the contraction.
The dispersal of colidia of Sclerotinia fructicola (Wint.) Rehm.

The dispersal of conidia of Sclerotinia fructicola (Wint.) Rehm. was studied in a peach orchard and in the laboratory, with the use of traps for water-borne spores and an automatic volumetric spore trap. In the orchard, little aerial dispersal was detected by using a trap less than 10 ft from the nearest trees, but large numbers of spores were dispersed by rain falling on sporulating blossoms. In the laboratory, splash droplets from a drop of water falling onto a sporulating fruit or glass slide dusted with conidia were recorded at distances of up to 36 cm. More than two-thirds of the droplets contained spores, the numbers ranging from 3 to more than 7000 per droplet. Aerial dispersal was detected in the laboratory when sporulating peach fruits were placed 3 ft from the volumetric trap. Dispersal was greatest at minimum humidities and maximum air temperatures. The results of the experiments suggest that splash dispersal is more important than aerial dispersal of conidia of S. fructicola in the epidemiology of brown rot of stone fruits.
Comparison of Foot Pronation and Lower Extremity Rotation in Persons With and Without Patellofemoral Pain

Abnormal foot pronation and subsequent rotation of the lower extremity has been hypothesized as being contributory to patellofemoral pain (PFP). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that subjects with PFP would exhibit larger degrees of foot pronation, tibia internal rotation, and femoral internal rotation compared to individuals without PFP. Twenty-four female subjects with a diagnosis of PFP and 17 female subjects without PFP participated. Three-dimensional kinematics of the foot, tibia, and femur segments were recorded during self-selected free-walking trials using a six-camera motion analysis system (VICON). No group differences were found with respect to the magnitude and timing of peak foot pronation and tibia rotation. However, the PFP group demonstrated significantly less femur internal rotation compared the comparison group. These results do not support the hypothesis that individuals with PFP demonstrate excessive foot pronation or tibial internal rotation compared to nonpainful individuals. The finding of decreased internal rotation in the PFP group suggests that this motion may be a compensatory strategy to reduce the quadriceps angle.
Black-white differences in risk perceptions of breast cancer survival and screening mammography benefit

BACKGROUND: Given differences in cancer survival by race, black women may differ from white women in breast cancer risk perceptions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate black-white differences in risk perceptions of breast cancer survival and screening mammography benefit. DESIGN: A written survey was administered to a random sample of women attending general internal medicine clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Black and white women, ages 40 to 69. MEASUREMENTS: Risk perceptions were measured regarding (1) average 5-year survival after a breast cancer diagnosis and (2) relative risk reduction of screening mammography. Women’s risk perceptions were defined as being accurate, as well as more or less pessimistic. Measured patient characteristics included race, age, family history of breast cancer, income, insurance, education, and numeracy. Unadjusted Pearson x 2 tests and adjusted multivariable regression analyses were done. RESULTS: Black women were more likely than white women to accurately perceive breast cancer survival in both unadjusted (48% vs 26%, P<.001) and adjusted analyses (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=3.58; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.56 to 8.21). Black women were also more likely to accurately perceive the benefit of screening mammography in unadjusted (39% vs 15%, P<.001) and adjusted analyses (AOR=2.70; 95% CI=1.09 to 6.69). Black women were more likely to have a more pessimistic perception of mammography benefit in unadjusted (47% vs 15%, P<.0001) and adjusted analyses (AOR=3.94; 95% CI=1.62 to 9.56). CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of risk perceptions can help physicians to tailor patient education. Physician acknowledgment of more accurate risk perceptions among black women may serve as a basis to improve patient-physician communication.
Life-cycle funds: Much Ado about Nothing?

The core idea of life-cycle funds or target-date funds is to decrease the fund's equity exposure and conversely increase its bond exposure towards the fund's target date. Such funds have been gaining significant market share and were recently set as default choice of asset allocation in numerous defined contribution schemes or related old-age provision products in several countries. Hence, an assessment of life-cycle funds’ risk-return profiles – that is, the probability distribution of returns – is essential for sustainable financial planning of a large group of investors. This paper studies the risk-return profile of life-cycle funds in particular compared to simple balanced or lifestyle funds that apply a constant equity portion throughout the fund's term instead. In a Black–Scholes model, we derive balanced funds that reproduce the risk-return profile of an arbitrary life-cycle fund for single and regular contributions. We then analyze the accuracy of our results under more complex asset models with stochastic interest rates, stochastic equity volatility and jumps. We further show that frequently used ‘rule of thumb approximations’ that only take into account the life-cycle fund's average equity portion are not suitable to approximate a life-cycle fund's risk-return profile. Our results on the one hand facilitate sustainable financial planning and on the other hand challenge the very existence of life-cycle funds since appropriately calibrated balanced funds can offer a similar (often dominating) risk-return profile.