Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is Poland at risk of the zero lower bound

In early 2015, the policy (open market operations) rate of Narodowy Bank Polski was reduced to an all--time low of 1.5%. At the same time, prices of consumer goods and services dropped by 1.5% in year-on-year terms. This raised concerns that Poland might become the next country to hit the zero lower bound (ZLB) constraint on nominal interest rates. The purpose of this paper is to examine the scale of this risk and its possible consequences. According to our results, the odds of the Polish economy hitting the ZLB remain low, despite having risen considerably in 2014−2015. At the same time, the consequences of such a scenario would be substantial as the ZLB would amplify the economy’s responses to adverse demand shocks and make their impact more persistent. The current level of the inflation target (2.5%) protects the Polish economy against the zero lower bound to a signifficant degree. However, its potential reduction would significantly increase the likelihood that this threat materializes.
Prevalence of elevated hepatic transaminases among Jordanian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and Objectives : Since the extent of elevation of liver transaminases in type 2 diabetics in Jordan and most of the Middle East is unknown, we estimated the prevalence of elevated liver transaminase levels among patients with type 2 diabetes and determined associated risk factors. Methods : This study was performed on 1014 consecutive type 2 diabetic outpatients who attended the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics in Amman, Jordan. The patients′ age ranged between 26-85 years with a mean age of 56.8 (+9.8). Three- hundred and fifty three (54.5%) were males with a median age of 58 years (ranging between 26-82 years), and four hundred and sixty one (45.5%) were females with a median age of 57 years (ranging between 28-85 years). Body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile, and hepatic transaminase levels were recorded. Ultraonography was performed in those with elevated alanine transaminase levels. Results : Overall, the prevalence of elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) level was 10.4% (n=105) with the gender-wise prevalence being 12.8% (n=71) in men and 7.4% (n=34) in women. The prevalence of elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) levels was 5.4% (n=56) with the gender-wise prevalence being 5.6% (n=31) in men and 5.4% (n=25) in women. Only 4.5% (n=44) showed elevated levels of both ALT and AST. Male gender (OR=2.35, CI:1.5-3.8) and high waist circumference (OR=1.9, CI:1.2-3.2) were associated with increased risk of elevated ALT levels. Younger patients had a higher tendency to have elevated ALT compared to those over 65 years (OR=12.4 for patients aged 25-45years, and OR=5.8 for those who were 45-65 years old). Non-insulin use was associated with a high odds ratio for elevated ALT levels (OR=1.7, CI: 1.1-2.9). Conclusions : Elevated ALT and AST levels are found in 10.4% and 5.4% of our type 2 diabetic patients respectively. Male gender, younger age, higher waist circumference; as an indicator of central obesity, as well as non insulin use are independent predictors of elevated liver transaminase levels.
Activation of Sp1 and Its Functional Co-operation with Serum Amyloid A-activating Sequence Binding Factor in Synoviocyte Cells Trigger Synergistic Action of Interleukin-1 and Interleukin-6 in Serum Amyloid A Gene Expression*

The serum amyloid A (SAA) protein has been implicated in the progression and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis through induction of collagenase activity in synovial fibroblast cells that line the joint tissues. We demonstrate that SAA is synergistically induced in synovial cells by interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 that are present at significantly high level in the synovial fluid of arthritis patients. These cytokines induced phenotypic changes in synovial cells, promoting protrusion and increased cellular contact. Induction of SAA under this condition is mediated by promoter elements located between −254 and −226, which contains binding sites for transcription factors Sp1 and SAA activating sequence binding factor (SAF). Mutation of these sequences abolishes SAA promoter response to IL-1 and IL-6. The role of Sp1 in SAA induction was demonstrated by increased DNA binding activity, phosphorylation, and increased protein content of Sp1 during cytokine treatment. Sp1 interacts with the SAA promoter in association with SAF as an SAF·Sp1 heteromeric complex. Furthermore, using a phosphatase inhibitor, we demonstrated increased transactivation potential of both Sp1 and SAF as a consequence of a phosphorylation event. These results provide first evidence for cytokine-mediated activation of Sp1 in synovial fibroblast cells and its participation in regulating SAA expression by acting in conjunction with SAF.
New Theories in Financial Economics and Financial Econometrics with Applications and Real-Life Practice

In this paper, we will first discuss the theories in financial economics we have been developed. We will then theories on financial econometrics and statistics we have been developed. Thereafter, we will discuss the applications of financial economic theories and financial econometric theories on some interesting issues. Last, we will discuss our real life experience in our investment.
Is an Abbreviated Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index Better Than the Original?

Objective: The Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) is a validated measure of disease activity comprised of historical, laboratory and physical examination parameters. It has been suggested that an abbreviated PCDAI may be of similar utility without requiring laboratory evaluations or calculated height velocity. The aim of this study was to compare an abbreviated PCDAI and the original PCDAI and also compare the abbreviated PCDAI and a quality-of-life measurement. Methods: The authors prospectively analyzed quality of life and disease activity, using the IMPACT-35 Questionnaire, the PCDAI and an abbreviated PCDAI consisting of three historical items (abdominal pain, stools and patient functioning) and three physical examination items (weight, abdomen and perirectal disease). Results: Forty subjects aged 5–24 years (22 males) were included in analysis. Correlations were performed between the original PCDAI, an abbreviated PCDAI and the IMPACT-35. There was a significant, strong correlation between the PCDAI and the abbreviated PCDAI (n = 40, r = 0.849, p <0.001), a significant, moderate correlation between PCDAI and IMPACT-35 (n = 29, r = −0.547, p = 0.002) and a significant, moderate correlation between the abbreviated PCDAI and IMPACT-35 (n = 29, r = −0.579, p <0.001). Conclusions: An abbreviated PCDAI predicted disease activity as well as the full PCDAI. The IMPACT-35 correlated well with disease activity based on both PCDAI and an abbreviated PCDAI. An abbreviated PCDAI may offer advantages over the original PCDAI and should be prospectively validated in future studies.
An overview of epidemiological studies on seasonal affective disorder

Objective: To review and systematize all epidemiological studies of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Method: The relevant papers were identified by searches in Medline, Excerpta Medica, PsychLIT and other databases. The primary reports were reviewed for additional citations. The studies were classified into retrospective and prospective population surveys, surveys of patient populations and studies of seasonal variations in psychiatric illnesses other than mood disorders. Results: The prevalence estimates of SAD across 20 retrospective studies varied from 0% to 9.7%. All prospective population studies, except one, find seasonal variations in mood, depressive symptoms usually peaking in winter. SAD was more prevalent at higher northern latitudes, but the prevalence varied across ethnic groups. SAD has also been identified in children and adolescents. Seasonal exacerbations and remissions are not limited to mood disorders, it has also been found in bulimia nervosa, anxiety disorders and other psychiatric illnesses. Conclusions: The actuality of seasonal variation in mood has been documented thoroughly by both retrospective and prospective studies. In the general population, depressive symptoms peak in winter, and the most extreme form of this disposition, SAD, appears to be a relatively common disorder.
The association of a distinctive allele of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase with pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemias with MLL fusion genes in Japan.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The enzyme NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) detoxifies chemicals with quinone rings including benzene metabolites and flavonoids. Previous studies in Caucasian populations have provided evidence that a loss of function allele at nt 609 (C609T, Pro187Ser) is associated with increased risk of infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with MLL-AF4 fusion genes. DESIGN AND METHODS We genotyped 103 infants (<18 months) with ALL or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in Japan and 185 controls for the frequency of allelic variation at nt 609 and 465 in NQO1 using standardized polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology. RESULTS The C609T polymorphism is very common in Japan but we found no link with altered risk for infant ALL. However, a variant of another allele at nt 465 (C465T, Arg139Trp), also associated with diminished enzyme activity, was strongly associated (OR 6.36; CI 1.84-21.90; p=0.002) with infant ALL, especially in t(4;11)(q21;q23), MLL-AF4. No association was found between this allele and risk of infant AML with MLL gene fusions or infant ALL without MLL gene fusions. The same C465T allele has been linked recently, in an Oriental population, to sensitivity to benzene hematotoxicity. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS These data endorse the notion that infant ALL with MLL fusion genes have a unique etiology possibly involving transplacental exposure to chemicals.
Involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke in adolescents: urinary cotinine and environmental factors.

The relationship between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and urinary cotinine was studied in 434 14-y-old schoolchildren. To estimate the independent contribution of physiological and environmental variables to cotinine concentrations, we conducted a multiple regression analysis of log-transformed cotinine (R(2) = . 21, p < . 0001). Environmental tobacco smoke exposure was associated with sharing a household with members who smoked. The most profound associations were linked to (a) the smoking habits of the mother (beta = 5.135, p = .0397); (b) the combined smoking habits of the mother and other family members (beta = 8.201, p = .0020); and (c) the total number cigarettes smoked each day by family members in the household (beta = 0.217, p = .0008). Passive smoke exposure of adolescents is a preventable risk that could be reduced by improving ventilation and by increasing the living space available to each family member. Parents should avoid smoking at home in the presence of their children.
Helicity of α(404–451) and β(394–445) tubulin C‐terminal recombinant peptides

We have investigated the solution conformation of the functionally relevant C‐terminal extremes of α‐ and β‐tubulin, employing the model recombinant peptides RL52a3 and RL33b6, which correspond to the amino acid sequences 404‐451(end) and 394–445(end) of the main vertebrate isotypes of α‐ and β‐tubulin, respectively, and synthetic peptides with the α‐tubulin(430–443) and β‐tubulin(412–431) internal sequences. α(404–451) and β(394–445) are monomeric in neutral aqueous solution (as indicated by sedimentation equilibrium), and have circular dichroism (CD) spectra characteristic of nearly disordered conformation, consistent with low scores in peptide helicity prediction. Limited proteolysis of β(394–445) with subtilisin, instead of giving extensive degradation, resulted in main cleavages at positions Thr409‐Glu410 and Tyr422‐Gln423‐Gln424, defining the proteolysis resistant segment 410–422, which corresponds to the central part of the predicted β‐tubulin C‐terminal helix. Both recombinant peptides inhibited microtubule assembly, probably due to sequestration of the microtubule stabilizing associated proteins. Trifluoroethanol (TFE)‐induced markedly helical CD spectra in α(404–451) and β(394–445). A substantial part of the helicity of β(394–445) was found to be in the CD spectrum of the shorter peptide β(412–431) with TFE. Two‐dimensional 1H‐NMR parameters (nonsequential nuclear Overhauser effects (NOE) and conformational CαH shifts) in 30% TFE permitted to conclude that about 25% of α(404–451) and 40% of β(394–451) form well‐defined helices encompassing residues 418–432 and 408–431, respectively, flanked by disordered N‐ and C‐segments. The side chains of β(394–451) residues Leu418, Val419, Ser420, Tyr422, Tyr425, and Gln426 are well defined in structure calculations from the NOE distance constraints. The apolar faces of the helix in both α and β chains share a characteristic sequence of conserved residues Ala,Met(+4),Leu(+7),Tyr(+11). The helical segment of α(404–451) is the same as that described in the electron crystallographic model structure of αβ‐tubulin, while in β(394–451) it extends for nine residues more, supporting the possibility of a functional coil → helix transition at the C‐terminus of β‐tubulin. These peptides may be employed to construct model complexes with microtubule associated protein binding sites.
5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase 677 and 1298 Polymorphisms, Folate Intake, and Microsatellite Instability in Colon Cancer

The 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene plays a critical role in folate metabolism. Studies on the association between MTHFR polymorphisms and length changes in short tandem repeat DNA sequences [microsatellite instability (MSI)] are inconsistent. Using data from colon cancer cases (n = 503) enrolled as part of an existing population-based case-control study, we investigated the association between MTHFR 677 and MTHFR 1298 polymorphisms and MSI. We also examined whether the association was modified by folate intake. Participants were case subjects enrolled as part of the North Carolina Colon Cancer Study. Consenting cases provided information about lifestyle and diet during in-home interviews as well as blood specimens and permission to obtain tumor blocks. DNA from normal and tumor tissue sections was used to determine microsatellite status (MSI). Tumors were classified as MSI if two or more microsatellite markers (BAT25, BAT26, D5S346, D2S123, and D17S250) had changes in the number of DNA sequence repeats compared with matched nontumor tissue. Tumors with one positive marker (MSI-low) or no positive markers (microsatellite stable) were grouped together as non-MSI tumors (microsatellite stable). MTHFR 677 and MTHFR 1298 genotypes were determined by real-time PCR using the 5′ exonuclease (Taqman) assay. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). MSI was more common in proximal tumors (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.7-8.4) and in current smokers (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.6-9.7). Compared with MTHFR 677 CC referent, MTHFR 677 CT/TT genotype was inversely associated with MSI among White cases (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16-0.81) but not significant among African Americans. Although not statistically significant, a similar inverse association was observed between MTHFR 677 CT/TT genotype and MSI among the entire case subjects (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.26-1.10). Among those with adequate folate intake (>400 μg total folate), we found strong inverse associations between combined MTHFR genotypes and MSI (677 CC + 1298 AC/CC, OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-0.59; 677 CT/TT + 1298 AA, OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02-0.85) compared with the combined wild-type genotypes (677 CC + 1298 AA). This protective effect was not evident among those with low folate (<400 μg total folate) intake. Our results suggest that MTHFR variant genotypes are associated with reduced risk of MSI tumors under conditions of adequate folate intake, although the data are imprecise due to small numbers. These results indicate that the relationship between MTHFR genotypes and MSI is influenced by folate status.
Diagnostics of primary arcing in electronics of satellite telecommunication systems

In this paper we propose a modern theoretical approach for complex diagnostics of onboard electronic equipment for the occurrence of primary electric arcing in satellite telecommunication systems. Our method based on the gradual partitioning of the electronic device into regions potentially vulnerable to primary arcing. We solve complete plasma physics problem with parametric sweep for each vulnerable region as an independent computational plasma physics problem in order to obtain the critical parameters diagram. It shows most dangerous and least dangerous ranges of critical parameters with respect to the possibility of arcing in spacecraft operating conditions. A large set of two- and three-dimensional critical parameters diagram is widely used for complex diagnostics and development of arc-resistant electronic systems.
ASSOCIATION BY CONTIGUITY.

As experience clusters certain ideas into sets, so does the mind too, by its occult nature, cluster certain ideas into sets. These sets have various forms of connection. The simplest are sets of things all on one footing and agreeing in each belonging to the set. Such a set is a class. The clustering of ideas into classes is the simplest form which the association of ideas by the occult nature of ideas, or of the mind, can take. Now, just as in association by contiguity an idea calls up the idea of the set in which experience has placed it, and thence one of the other ideas of that set, so in association by resemblance an idea calls up the idea of the set in which the mind’s occult virtue places it, and that conception perhaps gives, owing to some other circumstance, another of the particular ideas of the same set.
Structural and evolutionary relationships among five members of the human gamma-crystallin gene family

We have characterized five human gamma-crystallin genes isolated from a genomic phage library. DNA sequencing of four of the genes revealed that two of them predict polypeptides of 174 residues showing 71% homology in their amino acid sequence; the other two correspond to closely related pseudogenes which contain the same in-frame termination codon at identical positions in the coding sequence. Two of the genes and one of the pseudogenes are oriented in a head-to-tail fashion clustered within 22.5 kilobases. All three contain a TATA box 60 to 80 base pairs upstream of the initiation codon and a highly conserved segment of 44 base pairs in length immediately preceding the TATA box. The two genes and the two pseudogenes are similar in structure: each contains a small 5' exon encoding three amino acids followed by two larger exons that correspond exactly to the two similar structural domains of the polypeptide. The first intron varies from 100 to 110 base pairs, and the second intron ranges from 1 to several kilobases, rendering an overall gene size of 1.7 to 4.5 kilobases. At least one of the two pseudogenes appears to have been functional before inactivation, suggesting that their identical mutation was generated by gene conversion.
Tailbud-derived Bmp4 drives proliferation and inhibits maturation of zebrafish chordamesoderm

In zebrafish, BMP signaling establishes cell identity along the dorsoventral (DV) axis during gastrulation. Owing to the early requirements of BMP activity in DV patterning, it has been difficult to assign later roles in cell fate specification to specific BMP ligands. In this study, we have taken advantage of two follistatin-like genes (fstl1 and fstl2), as well as a transgenic zebrafish line carrying an inducible truncated form of the BMP-type 1 receptor to study the role of Bmp4 outside of the context of DV specification. Characterization of fstl1/2 suggests that they exert a redundant role as BMP antagonists during late gastrulation, regulating BMP activity in axial mesoderm. Maintenance of appropriate levels of BMP signaling is crucial for the proper development of chordamesoderm, a subset of axial mesoderm that gives rise to the notochord, but not prechordal mesoderm, which gives rise to the prechordal plate. Bmp4 activity in particular is required during a crucial window beginning at late gastrulation and lasting through early somitogenesis to promote chordamesoderm proliferation. In the absence of Bmp4, the notochord precursor pool is depleted, and the notochord differentiates prematurely. Our results illustrate a role for Bmp4 in the proliferation and timely differentiation of axial tissue after DV axis specification.
Propagation and phenotypic preservation of rabbit limbal epithelial cells on amniotic membrane.

PURPOSE To describe the phenotypic characteristics of a limbal epithelial cell sheet outgrowth from a limbal explant cultured on amniotic membrane. METHOD Immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscopy were used to examine the expressions of p63, Ki-67, keratins 3 and 14, connexin 43, and the integrin alpha6/beta4 and alpha3/beta1 subunits in corneal and limbal tissues in a limbal explant and epithelial outgrowth cultured for 2 weeks on amniotic membrane. RESULTS The expression patterns of p63, Ki-67, keratins, integrins, and connexin 43 in a limbal explant with an epithelial outgrowth cultured for 2 weeks on amniotic membrane resembled those in freshly prepared limbus. Moreover, the distribution of integrin subunits in positive cells of the limbal explant and its epithelial outgrowth was similar to that of the corneal epithelial cells during wound repair. CONCLUSIONS The epithelial cell sheet grown from a limbal explant on amniotic membrane exhibited a phenotype similar to that of the limbus, suggesting that amniotic membrane is a substrate capable of supporting the propagation and preservation of p63-positive limbal epithelial cells.
Modulation of Immunological Abnormalities of Growth Hormone‐Deficient Children by Growth Hormone Treatment

We studied the immunomodulatory role of growth hormone (GH) treatment in GH‐deficient children. CH potentiated natural killer (NK)cell activity and the PHA and Con‐A lymphocytoproliferative response. Two‐color fluorescence using monoclonal antibodies (CLM, 2H4, CD8 and CD11) showed a moderate reduction of the helper T cells and NK cells, but no changes of suppressor T cells or cytotoxic T‐cells during GH therapy. Cancer and slow viral infection in GH‐deficient children have been watched for carefully before and after GH therapy.