Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PIER Working Paper 01-016 “ Minimum Distance Estimation of Nonstationary Time Series Models ” by Hyungsik

This paper establishes the consistency and limit distribution of minimum distance (MD) estimators for time series models with deterministic or stochastic trends. We consider models that are linear in the variables, but involve nonlinear restrictions across parameters. Two complications arise. First, the unrestricted and restricted parameter space have to be rotated to separate fast converging components of the MD estimator from slowly converging components. Second, if the model includes stochastic trends it is desirable to use a random matrix to weigh the discrepancy between the unrestricted and restricted parameter estimates. In this case, the objective function of the MD estimator has a stochastic limit. We provide regularity conditions for the non-linear restriction function that are easier to verify than the stochastic equicontinuity conditions that typically arise from direct estimation of the restricted parameters. We derive the optimal weight matrix when the limit distribution of the unrestricted estimator is mixed normal and propose a goodness-of-fit test based on over-identifying restrictions. As applications, we investigate cointegration regression models, present-value models, and a permanent-income model based on a linear-quadratic dynamic programming problem.
The most abundant small cytoplasmic RNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has an important function required for normal cell growth

The most abundant RNA visible between 5.8S and 18S rRNA on an ethidium bromide-stained gel of total Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNA has an apparent size of about 600 nucleotides. By purifying the band and using it as a probe to screen a genomic library, we isolated and sequenced the unique gene for this RNA. The transcribed sequence, determined to be 519 nucleotides long, contains elements typical of RNA polymerase III transcription. The RNA is predominantly cytoplasmic, so we called it small cytoplasmic RNA 1 (scR1). ScR1 is neither 3'-polyadenylated nor 5'-trimethylguanosine capped. We constructed a null mutation of the gene by deleting 252 base pairs from the transcribed region. Haploid strains carrying the scr1-delta lesion grew very slowly, segregated cytoplasmic petites [( rho-]) at high frequency, and showed signs of aberrant cell division. A secondary structure model for scR1 shows some of the conserved features of the signal recognition particle 7SL RNAs.
Factors in successful narcotics renunciation.

The authors studied 17 former narcotic addicts in order to determine what factors enabled them to successfully renounce drug use. Among their most important findings were that most of these ex-addicts had grown up in intact families, with fathers who provided suitable models for work roles; that antisoical behavior was not prominent before addiction; and that, in most cases, traumatic events coincided with both the beginning and the end of drug use.
[Analysis on the intervention services status of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS in China].

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to get to know the intervention services implementation status of prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS in China, and the trend of recent five years. METHODS We carried out relevant surveys and investigations among the areas where PMTCT work had been implemented during January 2005 to December 2009. Health providers in these fields provided routine maternal health care, HIV counseling and test for 10 360 655 pregnant women and comprehensive intervention measures to 10 123 HIV infected pregnant women which included antiretroviral (ARV) drugs usage, safety delivery, and exclusive breastfeeding, and collected relevant data and materials to analysis the ratio of main interventions and its change trend. RESULTS The HIV/AIDS counseling rate was increasing year by year (χ(2)(trend) = 3184.5, P < 0.001), during 2005 to 2009 the rate was 69.8% (406 151/581 975), 84.5% (1 346 745/1 594 579), 90.3% (1 582 757/1 753 191), 93.7% (1 926 224/2 055 232), 82.3% (3 599 228/4 375 678) respectively. HIV/AIDS test rate was increasing (χ(2)(trend) = 146 194.7, P < 0.001), the rate from 2005 to 2009 was 57.8% (336 459/581 975), 80.8% (1 287 812/1 594 579), 87.0% (1 524 595/1 753 191), 89.2% (1 833 246/2 055 232), 85.5% (3 741 337/4 375 678)respectively. The total number of HIV/AIDS infected maternities was 10 123 during 2005-2009, 6156 of them delivered, the general usage rate of ARVs was 71.0% (4373/6156), and increasing to 75.3% (1554/2065) by the end of 2009, the rates of 2005 to 2008 were 64.6% (362/560), 66.9% (623/931), 66.7% (857/1284), 74.2% (977/1316) respectively. The difference was significant (χ(2)(trend) = 47.6, P < 0.001). The proportion of using ARVs during pregnant period was 58.5% (2557/4373). The proportion of using ARVs among born infants of HIV infected maternities was 83.4% (4999/5994), and increasing yearly, 77.2% (409/530) of 2005, 80.1% (720/899) of 2006, 83.8% (1053/1257) of 2007, 89.4% (1116/1249) of 2008, 82.6% (1701/2059) of 2009, the difference was significant (χ(2)(trend) = 13.0, P < 0.001). The general rate of exclusive breastfeeding was 92.9% (5276/5681) and the rate of HIV test in 18 months was 74.6% (2482/3324). CONCLUSION The rate of HIV/AIDS counseling and test of general maternities is increasing and the proportion of mainly intervention measures have been increased year by year.
Diaqua[5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)porphyrinato-κ4 N]iron(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate–4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde–water (1/1/2)

In the title compound, [Fe(C44H24Cl4N4)(H2O)2](SO3CF3)·C8H8O3·2H2O, the FeIII cation is chelated by the four N atoms of the deprotonated tetrakis(4-chlorotetraphenyl)porphyrin (TClPP) and further coordinated by two water molecules in a distorted octahedral geometry. In the crystal, the cations, anions, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde and water molecules of crystallization are linked by classical O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H⋯O and C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. The crystal packing is further stabilized by weak C—H⋯π interactions involving pyrrole and benzene rings. π–π stacking between parallel benzene rings of adjacent 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde molecules is also observed, the centroid–centroid distance being 3.8003 (13) Å. The three F atoms of the anion are disordered over two sets of sites, with a refined occupancy ratio 0.527 (12):0.473 (12). The O atom of one water molecule of crystallization is also disordered over two positions in an occupancy ratio of 0.68 (5):0.32 (5).
Identification of altered MicroRNA expression patterns in synovial sarcoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding small RNAs that function as an endogenous regulator of gene expression. Their dysregulation has been implicated in the development of several cancers. However, the status of miRNA in soft tissue sarcomas has not yet been thoroughly investigated. This study examined the global miRNA expression in synovial sarcoma and compared the results to those in another translocation‐associated sarcoma, the Ewing family of tumors, and in normal skeletal muscle. The 3D‐Gene miRNA microarray platform (Toray, Kamakura, Japan) and unsupervised hierarchical clustering revealed a distinct expression pattern of miRNAs in synovial sarcoma from Ewing tumors and skeletal muscle. Thirty‐five of the more than 700 miRNAs analyzed were differentially expressed in synovial sarcomas in comparison to other tissue types. There were 21 significantly up‐regulated miRNAs, including some miRNAs, such as let‐7e, miR‐99b, and miR‐125a‐3p, clustered within the same chromosomal loci. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction also demonstrated that these miRNAs were over‐expressed in synovial sarcomas. The down‐regulation of let‐7e and miR‐99b by anti‐miR miRNA inhibitors resulted in the suppression of the proliferation of synovial sarcoma cells, and modulated the expression of their putative targets, HMGA2 and SMARCA5, suggesting that these molecules have a potential oncogenic role. The unique miRNA expression pattern including the over‐expressed miRNA clusters in synovial sarcoma warrants further investigation to develop a better understanding of the oncogenic mechanisms and future therapeutic strategies for synovial sarcoma. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Do Business Cycles Have Long‐Term Impact for Particular Cohorts?

Will the current employment crisis produce lost generations with permanently lower labour market attachment? Taking an explicit cohort perspective and based on Danish data we do not find strong persistence in employment rates at the cohort level. Younger workers tend to be more exposed to business cycle fluctuations than older workers, but importantly they recover more quickly from such set-backs than older workers for whom persistence is stronger. Moreover, no cohorts have been disproportionately affected by exposure to a sequence of adverse shocks. An explicit account of overlapping cohorts is shown to affect assessments of persistence in aggregate employment rates.
Green tea polyphenol (–)‐epigallocatechin gallate reduces neuronal cell damage and up‐regulation of MMP‐9 activity in hippocampal CA1 and CA2 areas following transient global cerebral ischemia

Previous studies have demonstrated that (–)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol, protects against ischemia and reperfusion‐induced injury in many organ systems. Here, we test the hypothesis that part of EGCG's neuroprotective effects may involve a modulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) after cerebral ischemia. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 20 min of transient global cerebral ischemia. EGCG (50 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline) was administered i.p. immediately after ischemia. Brains were examined 3 days after ischemia. The effects of EGCG on MMP (gelatinase) activity and neuronal damage in the hippocampus were assessed. Gelatin gel zymography showed induction of active forms of MMP‐9 protein after transient global cerebral ischemia. In situ zymography showed that ischemic gelatinase activity occurred primarily in pyramidal neuronal areas after brain ischemia. Mice treated with EGCG showed significantly reduced gelatinase levels. Neuronal damage was evident in CA1 and CA2 pyramidal sectors, corresponding to TUNEL‐positive signals. In EGCG‐treated mice, delayed neuronal damage was significantly reduced compared with vehicle‐treated mice. These results demonstrate that the green tea polyphenol EGCG suppresses MMP‐9 activation and reduces the development of delayed neuronal death after transient global cerebral ischemia in mouse brain. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Language mixing in young bilinguals

ABSTRACT The speech of four two-year-old children growing up bilingually in a German-speaking community was studied for periods varying between five and nine months. An analysis of their language mixing revealed an initially higher rate of mixing which diminished with a growth in language development as measured in MLU. The data suggest that the children were at various stages in a gradual process of language differentiation thus providing support for the one-system theory of bilingual acquisition. An examination of the distribution of lexical substitutions by part of speech revealed that nouns were most frequently substituted by all children; however, more function words were substituted than content words overall.
Myocardial structure and vascularization of hypertrophied hearts.

The growth of the coronary artery and the myocardial capillarization in hypertrophied hearts were quantitatively evaluated in reference to myocardial volume. In concentric hypertrophy the mean blood flow per unit volume of the heart muscle estimated by the anatomical radii of the three major branches of coro-nary arteries was practically the same as that in the normal heart. A harmonious growth of the coronary artery with increasing myocardial volume was accordingly concluded. The often asserted view that hypertrophied hearts are subject to coronary insufficiency on account of undergrowth of coronary arteries inherent to cardiac hypertrophy was not supported. The total capillary length was found increased in hypertrophied hearts in parallel with the increase of the total surface area of the muscle fibers. However, the capillary length per unit volume of the heart muscle was reduced in hypertrophied hearts. Histometrical treatments revealed that the configuration of individual heart muscle fibers in concentric hypertrophy was geometrically similar to that in the normal heart. The behavior of the muscle fiber was essentially the same in dilata-tory hypertrophy too, although the growth in length predominated over that in breadth in a small number of cases. A growth in breadth of the muscle fibers not accompanied by one in length did not take place even in concentric hypertrophy. The difference of concentric and dilatatory hypertrophies was sought consequently in different structural arrangement and not in the shape of heart muscle fibers in the myocardial layer.
Alpha activity in the ventral and dorsal visual stream controls information flow during working memory

The electrophysiological mechanisms underlying working memory maintenance of information in the ventral and dorsal visual stream (VVS, DVS) remain elusive. Here we used electrocorticography recordings covering VVS, DVS and prefrontal cortex (PFC) in epilepsy patients while they were performing a delayed match-to-sample task. The experimental conditions (face identity, orientation) were designed to engage either the VVS or DVS. Alpha power was reduced in the VVS during maintenance of face identity and in the DVS during maintenance of spatial orientation of the very same stimuli. The phase of alpha oscillations modulated broadband high-frequency activity (BHA) in both regions. Interestingly, BHA occurred across broader alpha phase ranges when task-relevant information was maintained, putatively reflecting longer excitable “duty cycles”. Our findings support a model in which the VVS and DVS are recruited by the PFC via selective reduction of alpha power. As a result, excitable duty cycles in the relevant area are extended.
Mobile marketing: killer application or new hype?

The developments in mobile marketing are enabling an extraordinary opportunity to marketers to explore this new channel of promotional marketing. This paper aims to discuss some emerging issues related to mobile marketing, and to provide a simple framework for understanding the potential and effectiveness of the usage of mobile phones as a promotional media. While examining some of the developments in mobile marketing, it details the core dimensions of the conceptual framework. In order to explore its utility, some recent case studies by a major Australian mobile marketing company are analysed using the conceptual framework. The paper finishes with a discussion, conclusions and directions of further research.
Effects of Static Compression With Different Loading Magnitudes and Durations on the Intervertebral Disc: An In Vivo Rat-Tail Study

Study Design. An in vivo rat-tail model was used to study the effects of static compression with different loading magnitudes and durations on the intervertebral disc. Objective. To investigate the effects of static compression with different loading magnitudes and durations on the intervertebral disc over a period of time. Summary of Background Data. A disc degeneration model is essential for studying therapeutic effects on degenerated disc. Static compression can induce degenerative-like changes in the intervertebral disc. However, the consequences of the simulation model over a period of resting have not been clearly documented, which may have confounding effects on the experimental outcome. Methods. Thirty-five rats were used. Static compressions with different loads (11 or 17 N) and durations (1 hour daily or continuous) were applied to the rat-tail caudal 8–9 disc for 2 weeks, and followed with 3 weeks of rest. The disc height was quantified in vivo on days 4, 18, and 39. The rats were killed and the discs were harvested for morphologic examination on day 39 after the disc height measurement. Results. Significant decrease in disc height was observed after continuous static compression for both 11 and 17 N, and continued during the resting period. The morphologic evaluation of the continuous compressed disc showed a decreased nuclear size, reduced number of nuclear cells, and irregular nuclear shape with inward bulging of disorganized annular collagen lamellas. Daily compression of 1 hour was found to induce a transient increase in disc height, but restored after the 3-week resting period. Favorable morphologic changes, including vacuolated nuclear cells and oval nuclear shape with well-organized annular collagen lamellas, were seen in the rat disc specimens with daily compression of 1 hour. Conclusion. Disc degenerative-like changes without recovery were demonstrated in the rat caudal disc after continuous compression. The changes in disc height and disc morphology were found to be dependent on the duration of load application and may have clinical implication.
The rev (trs/art) protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 affects viral mRNA and protein expression via a cis-acting sequence in the env region

The study of expression of several human immunodeficiency virus type 1 proviral mutants in human cells in the presence or absence of rev (trs/art) protein reveals that rev increases the levels of unspliced and env mRNA and the accumulated structural viral proteins. rev protein produced from appropriate expression vectors fully complements the rev-defective mutants. rev requires the presence of a specific cis-acting sequence for its function. This rev-responsive element sequence has been localized within a 520 base-pair fragment in the env region of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. gag and env expression is coordinately regulated by rev. Two independent cis-acting elements localized in the gag and env regions are responsible for the low levels of gag and env mRNA in the absence of rev. These elements are different than the rev-responsive element and act independent of each other.
Practical Issues in Using SNOMED CT as a Reference Terminology

SNOMED CT was created by the merger of SNOMED RT (Reference Terminology) and Read Codes Version 3 (also known as Clinical Terms Version 3). SNOMED CT is considered to be among the most extensive and comprehensive biomedical vocabularies available today. It is considered for use as the Reference Terminology of various institutions. We review the adequacy of SNOMED CT as a Reference Terminology and discuss the issues in its use as such. We discuss issues with content coverage of various clinical domains, data integrity and validity, and the update frequency of SNOMED CT, and why SNOMED CT alone is not adequate to serve as the Reference Terminology of a healthcare organization.
GATA-binding proteins regulate the human gonadotropin alpha-subunit gene in the placenta and pituitary gland

The human glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene is expressed in two quite dissimilar tissues, the placenta and anterior pituitary. Tissue-specific expression is determined by combinations of elements, some of which are common and others of which are specific to each tissue. In the placenta, a composite enhancer confers specific expression. It contains four protein-binding sites: two cyclic AMP (cAMP) response elements that bind CREB, a trophoblast-specific element that binds TSEB, and a sequence motif, AGATAA, that matches the consensus binding site for a family of transcription factors termed the GATA-binding proteins. In pituitary gonadotropes, the cAMP response elements remain important for expression, TSEB is absent, and elements further upstream participate in tissue-specific expression. Here we establish a regulatory role for the GATA element in both the placenta and pituitary by demonstrating that a mutation of this element decreases alpha-subunit gene expression 15-fold in JEG-3 human placental cells and 2.5-fold in alpha T3-1 mouse pituitary gonadotropes. In JEG-3 cells, human GATA-2 (hGATA-2) and hGATA-3 are highly expressed and both proteins bind to the alpha-subunit gene GATA element. In alpha T3-1 cells, the GATA motif is bound by mouse GATA-2 (mGATA-2) and an mGATA-4-related protein. Cotransfection of hGATA-2 or hGATA-3 into alpha T3-1 cells activates the alpha-subunit gene threefold. These studies establish a role for the GATA-binding proteins in placental and pituitary alpha-subunit gene expression, significantly expanding the known target genes of GATA-2, GATA-3, and perhaps GATA-4.
Normalization of CA19-9 following resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is not tantamount to being cured?

BACKGROUND Postoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) is an independent predictor of survival for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and more powerful than preoperative CA19-9. However, making decisions just dependent on postoperative CA19-9 may result in necessary treatments not being performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 178 patients with resected PDAC were eligible for this retrospective study, classified into two corresponding subgroups according to postoperative CA19-9. Prognostic significance of all clinicopathologic factors was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS Postoperative CA19-9, preoperative CA125 and lymph node status were independent predictors. Better predictive performances for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were achieved by postoperative CA19-9 compared to preoperative CA125 and lymph node status. Particularly, preoperative CA125 was associated with poor OS (p<0.001 for the normalized CA19-9 patients, p=0.012 for the elevated) and RFS (p=0.005 for the normalized, p=0.004 for the elevated). Moreover, preoperative CA125 levels related with survival in double- negative patients. CONCLUSIONS Normalization of CA19-9 is not tantamount to be cured. Preoperative CA125 is a critical predictor for PDAC patients, especially in double-negative patients.
Clinical and Histopathologic Features and Immunologic Variables in Patients with Severe Chilblains: A Study of the Relationship to Lupus Erythematosus

We investigated 33 patients affected with chilblain lesions following a persisting course of more than 1 month. We focused on the incidence of an underlying connective tissue disease, mostly lupus erythematosus (LE), and we analyzed features of idiopathic chilblains compared with those of chilblain lesions associated with connective tissue disease. We also carried out a prospective follow-up of patients. Eleven patients included in the study were free of any clinical and/or laboratory abnormality suggestive of connective tissue disease, while 22 of 33 patients showed 1 or several abnormalities raising suspicion for connective tissue disease, and among them 8 had a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) established at initial evaluation based on the American College of Rheumatology revised criteria. The comparative analysis of patients with idiopathic chilblains and patients with chilblains associated with LE showed that female sex and persistence of lesions beyond cold seasons were significantly associated with chilblain LE. Histopathologic studies of chilblain lesions did not reveal features typical of LE in any case, but revealed a higher incidence of a deep perisudoral infiltrate in idiopathic chilblains. In patients showing signs of connective tissue disease, positive cutaneous immunofluorescence was correlated with the presence of circulating antinuclear antibodies. Two patients had an ascertained diagnosis of SLE with severe manifestations during prospective follow-up, requiring treatment with oral steroids in both cases. Chilblains following a chronic course may reveal connective tissue disease, and patients affected with chilblains associated with autoimmune abnormalities may develop severe SLE. Accordingly, long-term follow-up of these patients is warranted.