Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kenneth Arrow, moral obligations, and public policies

Kenneth Arrow is a founder of the social choice theory as well as a main developer of modern theories of market economies. Moral obligations and social norms are at the core of Arrow's ethical considerations to understand and overcome his well-known impossibility theorem of preference aggregation. Interestingly, he thinks that moral obligations and social norms are very important to overcome failures of market economies. Also, he proposed some interaction between public policies and evolution of social norms. Here, we can find a consistent and systematic thinking of Arrow's ethical considerations, which might be overlooked in spite of its importance. We believe that Arrow has political philosophy (or a theory of justice), which is quite useful to understand recent developments of behavioral economics and theories of non-market economies. Arrow's thought is totally different from Amartya Sen and John Rawls, which are dominant in modern theories of justice. Arrow's approach can shed some new lights on the subject of social justice.
Associative recognition and the hippocampus: Differential effects of hippocampal lesions on object‐place, object‐context and object‐place‐context memory

The hippocampus is thought to be required for the associative recognition of objects together with the spatial or temporal contexts in which they occur. However, recent data showing that rats with fornix lesions perform as well as controls in an object‐place task, while being impaired on an object‐place‐context task (Eacott and Norman ( 2004 ) J Neurosci 24:1948–1953), suggest that not all forms of context‐dependent associative recognition depend on the integrity of the hippocampus. To examine the role of the hippocampus in context‐dependent recognition directly, the present study tested the effects of large, selective, bilateral hippocampus lesions in rats on performance of a series of spontaneous recognition memory tasks: object recognition, object‐place recognition, object‐context recognition and object‐place‐context recognition. Consistent with the effects of fornix lesions, animals with hippocampus lesions were impaired only on the object‐place‐context task. These data confirm that not all forms of context‐dependent associative recognition are mediated by the hippocampus. Subsequent experiments suggested that the object‐place task does not require an allocentric representation of space, which could account for the lack of impairment following hippocampus lesions. Importantly, as the object‐place‐context task has similar spatial requirements, the selective deficit in object‐place‐context recognition suggests that this task requires hippocampus‐dependent neural processes distinct from those required for allocentric spatial memory, or for object memory, object‐place memory or object‐context memory. Two possibilities are that object, place, and context information converge only in the hippocampus, or that recognition of integrated object‐place‐context information requires a hippocampus‐dependent mode of retrieval, such as recollection. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Single‐dose orally administered quinolone appears to be sufficient antibiotic prophylaxis for radical retropubic prostatectomy

Objective: To evaluate a new prophylaxis routine, which was introduced at our clinic in December 1998, comprising a single oral dose of antibiotic given prior to radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). Material and Methods: A total of 60 men scheduled to undergo RRP were included in a prospective study and received antibiotic prophylaxis in the form of a single oral dose of quinolone. Cultures were made from the tip of the catheter and from urine sampled at the time of extraction as well as 1 and 2 weeks post‐extraction. The outcome of this prospective study of 60 men was then compared to the total numbers of patients operated on in 1998 (n = 103) and 1999 (n = 140) by means of a retrospective analysis of clinical files. Results: No cases of sepsis occurred. Two weeks after catheter removal, 15/60 patients had persisting bacteriuria. No other signs of infection were detected. Six patients developed a stricture of the anastomotic area during follow‐up (mean duration 18.9 months). When the study group was compared to all patients operated on in 1998 and 1999 no increases in the incidence of anastomotic strictures or serious infections or in the length of hospitalization could be detected. Conclusion: A single dose of antibiotic given before RRP appears to be sufficient prophylaxis.
Impact of case volume on survival of septic shock in patients with malignancies*

Objective:Septic shock is a frequent and severe complication in the course of malignancies. In a large multicenter cohort of septic shock patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, we assessed the temporal trend in survival and the prognostic factors, with particular emphasis on case volume. Design:A 12-yr multicenter retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data. Patients and Methods:Cancer patients with septic shock were selected over a 12-yr period (1997–2008) from a French regional database (CUB-Réa). The following variables were extracted: demographic characteristics, type of malignancy, characteristics of infection, severity-of-illness score (Simplified Acute Physiology Score II), organ failure supports, and vital status. For each unit, a running mean annual volume of admissions was calculated for the purpose of categorization into volume tertiles. Prognostic factors were analyzed by a conditional multivariate logistic model after matching on a propensity score of being admitted to a high-volume unit and on the year of admission. Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results:A total of 3,437 patients were included in the study. The intensive care unit mortality rate dramatically dropped over time (from 70.4% in 1997 to 52.5% in 2008, relative decrease 25.4%, p < .001). Participating units were distributed into low-volume (< five patients per year), medium-volume (five to 12 patients per year), and high-volume (≥13 patients per year) tertiles. A medical cause for intensive care unit admission, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, invasive mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, fungal infections, and unknown microorganism were identified as poor prognostic factors. Case volume demonstrated a strong influence on survival, admission in a high-volume unit being associated with a marked decrease in mortality as compared to low-volume units (adjusted odds ratio 0.63; 95% confidence interval [0.46–0.87], p = .002). Conclusions:Survival of septic shock patients with malignancies markedly increased over the recent years. Furthermore, we identified case volume as a major prognostic factor in this setting.
A preliminary study of the percentage of gutta-percha-filled area in the apical canal filled with vertically compacted warm gutta-percha.

AIM The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the width of apical root canals and the depth of heat application during warm vertical compaction on the percentage of gutta-percha-filled area (PGFA) in the apical root canal. METHODOLOGY Two groups of extracted human canines (total 60) were instrumented and filled with vertically compacted warm gutta-percha up to the apical foramen (AF). Using the Touch 'n Heat device heat was applied 4 mm from the AP in one group and 2 mm in the other. The number of teeth with gutta-percha extrusion was recorded. A horizontal section was cut 1.5 mm from the AF of each tooth. The cross-sectional area of the canal and the gutta-percha was measured using an image-analysis programme. The PGFA was then calculated. Multiple linear regression was performed to investigate the association between the experimental variables and the PGFA, and the occurrence of gutta-percha extrusion. RESULTS A significant association was seen between the depth of heat application and the PGFA (P= 0.000), and between the canal area and the PGFA (P= 0.038). The average PGFA reached 96.1% when heated to 2 mm, as compared with 87.0% when heated to 4 mm. PGFAs were lower in wide apical canals than in small canals. Gutta-percha extruded in seven teeth (12%) and was independent of experimental variables. CONCLUSIONS After warm vertical compaction, the quality of adaptation of gutta-percha to the wall of the apical root canal varies; the influencing factors in this study were the depth of heat application and the width of the apical root canal.
Evaluation of Drug-Drug Interactions between Direct-Acting Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Combination Regimens and the HIV-1 Antiretroviral Agents Raltegravir, Tenofovir, Emtricitabine, Efavirenz, and Rilpivirine

ABSTRACT The three direct-acting antiviral agent (3D) regimen is a novel combination of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) that has proven effective for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Given the potential for coadministration in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection, possible drug interactions with antiretroviral drugs must be carefully considered. Four phase 1, multiple-dose pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in healthy volunteers (n = 66). The 3D regimen of 150/100 mg daily paritaprevir/ritonavir, 25 mg daily ombitasvir, and 400 mg twice-daily dasabuvir was administered alone or in combination with 200 mg daily of emtricitabine and 300 mg daily of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF), 25 mg daily of rilpivirine, or 400 mg of raltegravir twice daily. A 2-DAA regimen of 150/100 mg daily paritaprevir/ritonavir and 400 mg of dasabuvir twice daily was also studied in combination with efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF at 600/200/300 mg daily, respectively (Atripla; Bristol-Myers Squibb). Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined from plasma drug concentrations. No clinically significant drug interactions were observed (≤32% change in exposure) between the 3D regimen and that of emtricitabine plus tenofovir DF. Raltegravir exposure was increased up to 134% when the drug was coadministered with the 3D regimen. Although coadministration with rilpivirine was well tolerated in healthy volunteers, observed elevations in rilpivirine exposures may increase the potential for adverse drug reactions. Concomitant use of the 2-DAA regimen and efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF was discontinued owing to poor tolerability and adverse events. No dose adjustment is required during coadministration of raltegravir, tenofovir DF, or emtricitabine with the 3D regimen. Rilpivirine is not recommended and efavirenz is contraindicated for coadministration with the 3D regimen.
The financial strength anomaly in the UK: information uncertainty or liquidity?

ABSTRACT This paper examines two potential key drivers of the financial strength (F-Score) investment strategy: information uncertainty and liquidity. We use novel, direct measures of information uncertainty related to the variability of financial strength signals themselves. However, financial strength strategy returns are not generally strongly related to these information uncertainty proxies. We also examine two proxies for liquidity. Financial strength strategy returns are generally substantially larger for illiquid firms. A zero-cost arbitrage strategy based on F-Score generates a 20% return in illiquid UK stocks and 12% in liquid UK stocks. The enhanced F-Score effect is driven by a flight from illiquidity amongst financially weak stocks. Overall, the profitability of the F-Score investment strategy appears more closely related to liquidity than to information uncertainty.
Development of a Computer-Aided Reference System for Differential Diagnostics Support

Abstract In a situation of uncertain diagnosis, physicians may spend valuable time consulting relevant literature, often with unsatisfactory results. Therefore, our aim was to develop a computer system which supports differential diagnostics via rapid and comprehensive searches through information in literature. Based on entered signs and symptoms our prototype is able to offer probable diagnoses. Subsequently, further examinations and tests are suggested to confirm or exclude a certain disease. Thus, the final diagnosis is made gradually by differentiation of possible diseases. Our first attempt consisted in representing knowledge in a rule-based PROLOG system. However, because nearly all information for a sign-oriented differential diagnosis can be represented with very few relations only, we turned to a fact-oriented representation of signs and diseases. Access was possible via PROLOG or an imperative programming language. The index-sequential access on a fact-oriented representation of knowledge was suitable to manage a large knowledge base, which is necessary for a thorough differential diagnosis. A pointer structure was recently examined in order to handle different object-to-object relations. Efficient information processing is now possible which provides short response times using even broad knowledge bases.
Government Expenditure and Economic Growth in South Africa: Causality and Cointegration Nexus

ii DEDICATION. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iv TABLE OF CONTENTS . v LIST OF TABLES . ix LIST OF FIGURES . x ACRONYMS . xi CHAPTER ONE . 1 1.
Pilot Study: Effect of Age on Visual Acuity with Defocus and Astigmatism

Purpose To investigate how distance visual acuity in the presence of defocus and astigmatism is affected by age and whether aberration properties of young and older eyes can explain any differences. Methods Participants were 12 young adults (mean [±SD] age, 23 [±2] years) and 10 older adults (mean [±SD] age, 57 [±4] years). Cyclopleged right eyes were used with 4-mm effective pupil sizes. Thirteen blur conditions were used by adding five spherical lens conditions (−1.00 diopters [D], −0.50 D, plano/0.00 D, +0.50 D, and +1.00 D) and adding two cross-cylindrical lenses (+0.50 DS/−1.00 DC and +1.00 D/−2.00 DC, or 0.50 D and 1.00 D astigmatism) at four negative cylinder axes (45, 90, 135, and 180 degrees). Targets were single lines of high-contrast letters based on the Bailey-Lovie chart. Successively smaller lines were read until a participant could no longer read any of the letters correctly. Aberrations were measured with a COAS-HD Hartmann-Shack aberrometer. Results There were no significant differences between the two age groups. We estimated that 70 to 80 participants per group would be needed to show significant effects of the trend of greater visual acuity loss for the young group. Visual acuity loss for astigmatism was twice that for defocus of the same magnitude of blur strength (0.33 logMAR [logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution]/D compared with 0.18 logMAR/D), contrary to the geometric prediction of similar loss. Conclusions Any age-related differences in visual acuity in the presence of defocus and astigmatism were swamped by interparticipant variation.
Effect of Natural Sunlight on Sleep Problems and Sleep Quality of the Elderly Staying in the Nursing Home

This study was designed as an intervention study to determine the effect of light therapy on sleep problems and sleep quality of elderly people. The study sample was composed of a total of 61 elderly persons from Social Security Institution Narlıdere Municipal Nursing Home, 30 in the test group and 31 in the control group. Those 65 years and older, not diagnosed with major depression, not exercising regularly, not having sun allergy, not using sleeping pills, independent in activities of daily living, and having bad sleep quality were included in the study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Demographic Data Form, and the Follow-up Form for Elderly were used for data collection, whereas the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used for sample selection. It was found that exposure to direct sunlight between 8 AM and 10 AM for 5 days seems to be effective in increasing the global sleep quality score (P < .001). In light of the findings in this study, it is suggested that allocating living places in the institution's architectural setting and providing social opportunities for elderly persons to get direct sunlight exposure can help increase the sleep quality of older adults.
Human Cytomegalovirus DNA in Plasma and Serum Specimens of Renal Transplant Recipients Is Highly Fragmented

ABSTRACT Quantitation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in plasma and serum by PCR is increasingly used to identify patients at risk for developing CMV disease and to monitor the efficacy of antiviral therapy. Although CMV DNA levels are generally interpreted as viral loads, the exact nature of the viral DNA in these specimens is unknown. We studied the state of CMV DNA in plasma and serum specimens obtained from three renal transplant recipients at peak viral DNA levels during primary CMV infection. For this purpose, DNA isolated from these specimens was fractionated by size, and CMV DNA levels in the resulting DNA fractions were measured by quantitative PCR targeted at large (578-bp) and small (134-bp) amplicons. These experiments showed that the molecular sizes of DNA fragments from which CMV DNA is amplified were small (<2,000 bp), indicating that CMV DNA in plasma and serum is highly fragmented. Furthermore, CMV DNA levels were consistently higher when targeted at the smaller amplicon, providing additional evidence for the fragmentation of viral DNA. In conclusion, the first results with three patients have shown that CMV DNA in plasma and serum is highly fragmented and does not necessarily reflect the amount of infectious virus. These observations have potential consequences for understanding CMV pathogenesis and interpreting CMV DNA levels in individual patient management.
Functionalized Fe3O4@Au superparamagnetic nanoparticles: in vitro bioactivity

The interaction of nanoparticles with cells has been a focus of interest during the past decade. We report the fabrication and characterization of hydrosoluble Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles functionalized with biocompatible and fluorescent molecules and their interaction with cell cultures by visualizing them with confocal microscopy. Gold covered iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by reducing metal salts in the presence of oleylamine and oleic acid. The functionalization of these particles with an amphiphilic polymer provides a water soluble corona as well as the possibility to incorporate different molecules relevant for bio-applications such as poly(ethylene glycol), glucose or a cadaverine derived dye. The particle size, and the presence of polymer layers and conjugated molecules were characterized and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric measurements and infrared spectroscopy. A complete magnetic study was performed, showing that gold provides an optimum coating, which enhances the superparamagnetic behaviour observed above 10–15 K in this kind of nanoparticle. The interaction with cells and the cytotoxicity of the Fe3O4@Au preparations were determined upon incubation with the HeLa cell line. These nanoparticles showed no cytotoxicity when evaluated by the MTT assay and it was demonstrated that nanoparticles clearly interacted with the cells, showing a higher level of accumulation in the cells for glucose conjugated nanoparticles.
A Longitudinal Examination of a Pay-for-Performance Program for Diabetes Care: Evidence From a Natural Experiment

Background:Numerous studies have examined the impacts of pay-for-performance programs, yet little is known about their long-term effects on health care expenses. Objectives:This study aimed to examine the long-term effects of a pay-for-performance program for diabetes care on health care utilization and expenses. Methods:This study represents a nationwide population-based natural experiment with a 4-year follow-up period under a compulsory universal health insurance program in Taiwan. The intervention groups consisted of 20,934 patients enrolled in the program in 2005, and 9694 patients continuously participated in the program for 4 years. Two comparison groups were selected by propensity score matching from patients seen by the same group of physicians. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate differences-in-differences models to examine the effects of the pay-for-performance program. Results:Patients enrolled in the pay-for-performance program underwent significantly more diabetes specific examinations and tests after enrollment; the differences between the intervention and comparison groups declined gradually over time but remained significant. Patients in the intervention groups had a significantly higher number of diabetes-related physician visits in only the first year after enrollment and had fewer diabetes-related hospitalizations in the follow-up period. Concerning overall health care expenses, patients in the intervention groups spent more than the comparison group in the first year; however, the continual enrollees spent significantly less than their counterparts in the subsequent years. Conclusions:The program seemed to achieve its primary goal in improving health care and providing long-term cost benefits.
Crucial factors influencing international logistics operations for African landlocked countries – A case study of Burkina Faso

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the crucial factors influencing international logistics operations for African landlocked countries. To this end, a case study and a questionnaire survey were conducted. A total of 147 usable responses from container shipping firms were obtained as a result of the questionnaire survey. The results of factor analysis revealed that transportation capability, external risks, information integration, logistics infrastructure, local agents’ logistics capability, and national law and policy were crucial factors influencing the logistics operations of African landlocked countries. Specifically, local agents’ logistics capability was perceived by respondents to be the most important factor. Moreover, the results of the study also indicated that the highest factor mean values of small shipping companies were related to transportation capability, external risks and the local agents’ logistics capability, whereas container shipping companies that arranged trucks for inland transportation paid more attention to the external risks, logistics infrastructure, the local agents’ logistics capability, and national law and policy.
The Long-Term Effects of the Rwandan Genocide on Child Work

We estimate the effect of the Rwandan genocide on children born after the genocide using commune variation in genocide intensity and child work and schooling in the 2010 Demographic and Health Survey. We instrument for killings with the commune’s distance to the Ugandan border. Doubling killings per capita increases the probability of a child working by 3.35 percentage points and decreases the probability of a child attending school by 3.68 percentage points. Our results suggest a long-term impact of the genocide likely to affect Rwanda’s development into the future.