Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Weather and the pain in fibromyalgia: are they related?

Objectives: To examine the association between fibromyalgic pain and weather to determine the nature of their interrelationship. Methods: The daily pain ratings of 55 female patients previously diagnosed with fibromyalgia were recorded on visual analogue scales (VAS) over 28 days. These ratings were then related to the official weather parameters and a composite weather variable using time series methodology. Effect sizes r were calculated from the t values and df. Results: A composite weather variable did not significantly predict changes in pain, either the same day (t=−1.15, df=1483, p=0.25) or on the next day (t=−1.55, df=1483, p=0.12)—that is, the weather was not a factor for changes in the subjective pain of FM. Patients' pain did not predict weather change in this sample, and neither same day (t=−0. 69, df=1483, p<0.49) nor previous day pain (t=−1.31, df=1483, p<0.19) predicted weather changes. A post hoc exploratory analysis showed that those with <10 years of fibromyalgia experienced significantly greater weather sensitivity to pain (t=− 2.73, df=389, p<0.006) than those with longer illness. Conclusion: A statistically significant relationship between fibromyalgic pain and the weather was not found in this sample, although it is possible that a group of patients with less chronic fibromyalgia might be weather sensitive.
Association between angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and migraine: a meta-analysis

Background: Many studies investigated the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and migraine, with controversial results. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to better evaluate the correlation of this polymorphism and migraine. Methods: We retrieved studies published up to September 2014 about the ACE gene polymorphism and migraine from electronic database. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to examine the strength of association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and migraine, using random-effects models. Results: We identified 14 separate studies, in which 7334 migraineurs and 22 990 healthy controls were eligible for the meta-analysis. The results showed no relationship between the ACE I/D polymorphism and any migraine. Stratification revealed a protective effect in the Turkish population against migraine with aura for the II genotype model (II vs. DD: pooled OR = 0.366, 95% CI = 0.137–0.980; II vs. DI + DD: pooled OR = 0.370, 95% CI = 0.145–0.945). Similar results were obtained for Turkish people with migraine without aura (II vs. DD: pooled OR = 0.386; 95% CI = 0.166–0.900; II vs. DI + DD: pooled OR = 0.347; 95% CI = 0.156–0.773). Conclusions: The data suggest that the ACE II genotype could exert a protective effect against migraine with aura and without aura at least in the Turkish population.
Psychological distress following a motor vehicle crash: evidence from a statewide retrospective study examining settlement times and costs of compensation claims

Objective To determine whether psychological distress associated with musculoskeletal injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash (MVC), regardless of time of onset, impacts compensation outcomes such as claim settlement times and costs. Second, to identify factors routinely collected by insurance companies that contribute to psychological distress during the compensation process. Design Statewide retrospective study. Data source Analysis of the New South Wales statewide (Australia) injury register for MVC survivors who lodged a compensation claim from 2011 to 2013. Participants 6341 adults who sustained a musculoskeletal injury and who settled a claim for injury after an MVC. Participants included those diagnosed with psychological distress (n=607) versus those not (n=5734). Main outcome measures Time to settlement and total costs of claims, as well as socio-demographic and injury characteristics that may contribute to elevated psychological distress, such as socio-economic disadvantage, and injury severity. Results Psychological distress in those with a musculoskeletal injury was associated with significantly longer settlement times (an additional 17 weeks) and considerably higher costs (an additional $A41 575.00 or 4.3 times more expensive). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified risk factors for psychological distress including being female, social disadvantage, unemployment prior to the claim, not being at fault in the MVC, requiring ambulance transportation and rehabilitation as part of recovery. Conclusions Results provide compelling evidence that psychological distress has an adverse impact on people with musculoskeletal injury as they progress through compensation. Findings suggest that additional resources should be directed toward claimants who are at risk (eg, the socially disadvantaged or those unemployed prior to the claim), the major aim being to reduce risk of psychological distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and associated risk of increased settlement times and claim costs. Prospective studies are now required that investigate treatment strategies for those at risk of psychological distress associated with an MVC.
Accounting and Small Business Profitability

We exploit survey data from the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics to investigate the role of accounting in the likelihood that a small business achieves and maintains positive operating cash flow (profitability). We examine several potential aspects of accounting including the entrepreneur’s: 1) accounting background, 2) intent to use various financial statements and projections, and 3) intent to use professional accountants. We find that entrepreneurs with an accounting background are more likely to achieve profitability. Perhaps more importantly, we document that the intended use of certain statements (e.g., income statements) and projections (e.g., break-even analysis) are associated with small business profitability. However, these statements and projections are only associated with future profitability for entrepreneurs with an accounting background, suggesting that the benefits of these statements primarily accrue to entrepreneurs who have an understanding of accounting. Consistent with this notion, we fail to find evidence that the use of professional accountants is associated with small business profitability. Combined, our evidence suggests various aspects of accounting are associated with profitability in the largely unregulated environment where small businesses operate.
Supporters’ Perceptions of Benefits Delivered by Different Charity Activities

ABSTRACT Donating time and money are traditional ways individuals support charities. Other support activities include buying charity products, attending events, or sponsoring others. The proliferation of activities means that charity marketers often face difficult decisions when designing a portfolio of support-generating activities. This research draws on the social exchange theory to examine 11 charity-support activities from the supporter’s perspective. Drawing on Australian data from a survey of 248 supporters of a wide range of charities, we use correspondence analysis to map each activity against four benefit dimensions (material, social, expressive, and personal commitment). We quantify overall supporter perceptions of benefits delivered by engaging in each activity and use multinomial logistic regression to identify how past experience can shape perceptions of activities. We discuss academic and managerial implications, including whether or not specific attributes are more useful to recruit or to retain supporters.
Post-transplant liver function score as an early surrogate marker of long-term outcome.

BACKGROUND Currently, there is no universally accepted method to evaluate liver function post-orthotopic liver transplant (OLTx) and there are no early surrogate function markers to assess the impact of perioperative interventions in trial settings. MATERIAL AND METHODS In total, 495 patients were included in the study. On multivariate analysis, PTLF score, defined as normal (score <4) or dysfunctional (score ≥ 4), was the only significant variable for determining significant complications (P=0.014) and graft survival (P=002) during the perioperative period. RESULTS In total, 495 patients were included in the study. On multivariate analysis, PTLF score, defined as normal (score <4) or dysfunctional (score ≥ 4), was the only significant variable for determining significant complications (P=0.014) and graft survival (P=002) during the perioperative period. CONCLUSIONS PTLF score shows promise as an early surrogate marker of post-orthotopic liver transplantation mortality and morbidity by providing results within the first 7 days post-transplantation. PTLF score can potentially be used as a tool to assess the impact of perioperative interventions by predicting long-term outcomes early in the clinical course of transplant patients.
Micromécanismes et comportement macroscopique d'un élastomère fortement chargé

Le principal objectif de la these est d'etudier le comportement du propergol, materiau energetique utilise dans la propulsion. Dans le but de modeliser de facon coherente le comportement mecanique, il est necessaire de comprendre les liens entre la physique du propergol (elastomere fortement charge) et ses proprietes macroscopiques. Une analyse experimentale et numerique multi-echelles est privilegiee dans notre etude. Un plan d'experience est construit et conduit a la fabrication de 22 compositions, dont la microstructure est caracterisee grâce a des essais d'analyse physico-chimique. Une simulation numerique de la deformation de la microstructure permet de plus d'etudier la repartition heterogene des contraintes dans celle-ci. Un essai de resonance magnetique nucleaire (RMN) sous contrainte est mis en place et realise de facon a analyser l'evolution de la mobilite des segments de chaines de polymere lorsque le materiau est deforme. A l'echelle macroscopique, le comportement viscoelastique est caracterise par plusieurs essais d'analyse mecanique dynamique (DMA). L'influence de la predeformation est examinee a temperature ambiante puis en fonction de la temperature. Une forte non linearite du comportement mesure est observee en fonction de cette predeformation et des micromecanismes de deformation sont mis en evidence. Enfin, l'isotropie de ces micromecanismes est analysee grâce a des essais de DMA sous predeformations multiaxiales.
Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oils) for cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND Epidemiological and other studies suggest that a diet rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids (derived from fish oil) may have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects for chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis (CF). OBJECTIVES To determine whether there is evidence that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation reduces morbidity and mortality. To identify any adverse events associated with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. Authors and persons interested in the subject of the review were contacted. Most recent search: April 2007 SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials in people with CF comparing omega-3 fatty acid supplements with placebo. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently selected the studies for inclusion in the review, independently extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of the studies. MAIN RESULTS Searches identified seven studies; three of which, involving 48 participants, were eligible for inclusion in the review. Two studies compared omega-3 fatty acids to olive oil controls for a six-week treatment period. One study compared omega-3 fatty acids in the form of a liquid dietary supplement containing polyunsaturated fatty acids to a liquid dietary supplement control for six months. One short-term study (19 participants) comparing omega-3 to placebo reported a significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second, forced vital capacity and Shwachman score and a reduction in sputum volume in the omega-3 group. The longer-term study (17 participants) demonstrated a significant increase in essential fatty acid content in neutrophil membranes in study participants taking omega-3 supplements compared to placebo, weighted mean difference 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.46 to 1.34). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review found that regular omega-3 supplements may provide some benefits for people with CF with relatively few adverse effects, although the evidence is insufficient to draw firm conclusions or to recommend routine use of supplements of omega-3 fatty acids in people with CF. This review has highlighted the lack of data for many of the outcomes likely to be meaningful to people with or making treatment decisions about CF. A large, long-term, multicentre, randomised controlled study is needed in order to determine if there is a significant therapeutic effect and to assess the influence of disease severity, dosage and duration of treatment. Future researchers should note the need for additional pancreatic enzymes.
The role of diet and other environmental factors in the causation of gastric cancer in Iran—A population based study

Despite a declining trend in the incidence of gastric cancer (GC), it is still a major global public health concern of the 21st century. The rates of GC reported from Ardabil Province, Iran, are among the highest in the world. To investigate risk factors for GC in Ardabil, we undertook a population‐based case‐control study. The study aimed to recruit all Ardabil residents newly diagnosed with GC in the time period of 2004–2005, and 2 controls per case. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Ten milliliters of blood was collected for blood grouping and investigating the presence of IgG antibodies against Helicobacter pylori. During the study period, 217 people with GC and 394 controls were recruited. In multivariate analysis, diet and Helicobacter pylori infection (OR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.35–4.32) were found to be the factors that were most strongly related to GC. High intake of Allium vegetables (OR = 0.35) and fruit, especially citrus fruit (OR = 0.31) and consumption of fresh fish (OR = 0.37) were significantly protective. On the other hand, consumption of red meat (OR = 3.40) and dairy products (OR = 2.28) were positively associated with the risk of GC. People who had a preference for higher salt intake (OR = 3.10) and drinking strong and hot tea (OR = 2.64 and 2.85, respectively) were at higher risk. In conclusion, Helicobacter pylori infection as measured by serum IgG as well as the consumption of red meat and dairy products increases the risk of GC in Ardabil, while the intake of fresh fruit and fresh fish decrease the risk. © 2009 UICC
Analysis of shear modes in a piezoelectric vibrator

A shear piezoelectric vibrator has been analyzed in detail. There are two types of shear motion associated with the same shear stain deformation. It is found experimentally that the lower frequency mode among the two has lower strength and its vibration amplitude continuously decreases as the long dimension of the vibrator increases. A nearly pure shear mode may be obtained with the aspect ratio greater than 20, but the influence of the other low frequency mode could not be totally eliminated even at such a large aspect ratio. We found that such phenomena can be understood by the conservation of angular momentum and the shared origin of these two types of shear motion. The ratio of the driving forces for these two types of shear motion is related directly to the aspect ratio of the vibrator. Formulas for calculating k15 from the resonant and antiresonant frequencies using both type of shear modes are given.
Pricing Cryptocurrency Options: The Case of Bitcoin and CRIX

Cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin (BTC), which comprise a new revolutionary asset class, have drawn extraordinary worldwide attention. The characteristics of the cryptocurrency/ BTC include a high level of speculation, extreme volatility and price discontinuity. In this paper, we propose a pricing mechanism based on a stochastic volatility with correlated jump (SVCJ) model and compare it to a flexible co-jump model by Bandi and Reno (2016) allowing for non-affine structure. The calibration results of both models confirm the impact of jumps and co-jumps on options obtained via simulation and an analysis of the implied volatility curve. We show that a sizeable proportion of price jumps are significantly and contemporaneously anti-correlated with jumps in volatility. Our study comprises pioneering research on pricing BTC options. We show how proposed pricing mechanism underscores the importance of jumps in the cryptocurrency derivatives markets.
Influence of tube type, storage time, and temperature on the total and free concentration of valproic acid.

The influence of storage conditions on the total and free concentration of valproic acid (VPA) was studied in six normal male subjects who ingested 750 mg of VPA (3 X 250 mg Depakene capsules; Abbott Laboratories). Blood samples were collected in various types of Vacutainer tubes (red top, no additives; green top, sodium heparin; blue top, sodium citrate; and purple top, EDTA) 2 h post administration of VPA. Either these samples were centrifuged immediately or stored for various periods of time at room temperature or refrigerated, or the supernate was frozen prior to analysis. Free VPA samples were obtained utilizing the Amicon ultrafiltration system. All VPA samples were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. Total VPA concentrations obtained from plasma collected with sodium citrate were lower (p less than 0.05) than either serum or plasma collected with other anticoagulants. There were no differences (p greater than 0.05) in total or free VPA concentrations between samples collected in serum or in plasma collected with heparin or EDTA. Storing samples for 96 h at room temperature did not alter the total VPA concentrations but was found to increase the free fraction of VPA (p less than 0.05). The refrigeration or freezing of the supernate from the blood samples for 7 days did not alter (p greater than 0.05) the total or the free fraction of VPA. The results of this study demonstrate that total and/or free VPA may be collected from either serum or plasma, provided sodium citrate is not used to collect plasma. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH ISLAMIC MICROFINANCE: EXPERIENCE OF BMT BERINGHARJO

This study aims to analyze the benefits of empowering women program through Islamic microfinance program by focusing on the case of Baitulmal wat Tamwil (BMT) in Beringharjo, Indonesia. It is expected to fill the gap in the literature since most of the current studies have been focusing on conventional microfinance rather than Islamic microfinance. This study used primary data collected by interviewing participants of the Islamic microfinance program offered by the BMT. The Qualitative Content Analysis method has been used to extend the conceptual theoretical framework and give wider results description that could not be captured by the quantitative approach. The result shows that there were improvements in various socio-economic aspects of the participants such as higher income and expenditure, and more involvements in community activities, decision making and children’s education. While the focus of this study is only limited to the case of BMT Beringharjo in Jogjakarta, Indonesia, the findings from this study can be generalized and would contribute towards further improvements of future women empowerment programs throughout the globe.
MicroRNA-221/222 Negatively Regulates Estrogen Receptorα and Is Associated with Tamoxifen Resistance in Breast Cancer*

A search for regulators of estrogen receptor α (ERα) expression has yielded a set of microRNAs (miRNAs) for which expression is specifically elevated in ERα-negative breast cancer. Here we show distinct expression of a panel of miRNAs between ERα-positive and ERα-negative breast cancer cell lines and primary tumors. Of the elevated miRNAs in ERα-negative cells, miR-221 and miR-222 directly interact with the 3′-untranslated region of ERα. Ectopic expression of miR-221 and miR-222 in MCF-7 and T47D cells resulted in a decrease in expression of ERα protein but not mRNA, whereas knockdown of miR-221 and miR-222 partially restored ERα in ERα protein-negative/mRNA-positive cells. Notably, miR-221- and/or miR-222-transfected MCF-7 and T47D cells became resistant to tamoxifen compared with vector-treated cells. Furthermore, knockdown of miR-221 and/or miR-222 sensitized MDA-MB-468 cells to tamoxifen-induced cell growth arrest and apoptosis. These findings indicate that miR-221 and miR-222 play a significant role in the regulation of ERα expression at the protein level and could be potential targets for restoring ERα expression and responding to antiestrogen therapy in a subset of breast cancers.
Visibility and Scope for Information and Communication Functions in India’s Development Sector

The paper investigates the visibility and demand for communication for development (C4D) related careers and functions in the development sector in India. Differentiating between information and communication functions that constitute C4D, the empirical study, based on analysis of popular job websites in the sector, reveals that while the combined share of information and communication job positions account for a miniscule proportion of the overall new openings in the sector, the visibility of communication specific jobs is particularly inconsequential. Corroborating this finding further by triangulating responses from both employers and employees in the sector, the paper calls for the need to acknowledge the relevance of trained communication personnel in programme planning, implementation and evaluation. The paper contends that contrary to popular perception in the field, information and communication functions in the sector need specialised skill sets, and professionals trained in the discipline are better suited for the purpose. Pointing out some key areas where professionals trained in information and communication particularly suit in the development sector in India, the paper argues that the sector should open up the space for such professionals. Academic and training centres need to respond by providing the right type of perspective and training as required by the field.
The Implied Bail-in Probability in the Contingent Convertible Securities Market

The issuance of contingent convertible securities (CoCos) has increased not only in Europe but also in Asia and other areas over the past several years. In this paper, we extend the existing model used to price CoCos to estimate the implied bail-in probability for a variety of CoCos by modifying loss rates for investors due to bail-ins of CoCos. Using our model for empirical analyses, we find that when the events that may lead to a deterioration in the soundness of the issuer banks occur, the bail-in probabilities of the CoCos increase by more than the default probabilities implied by credit default swaps (CDS). The result suggests that the bail-in probability can be used as an early warning indicator of financial crises. We also find that the conditional default probability after bail-in tends to be lower the more CoCos a bank has issued. This finding indicates that investors believe financial institutions become less likely to default as issuing more CoCos strengthens their loss absorption capacity. Overall, our analysis suggests that the market prices of CoCos contain useful information on financial stability.