Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Transmission Mechanism of Monetary Policy: A Critical Review

Recently, many economists have credited the late-1990s economic boom in the United States for the easy money policies of the Federal Reserve. On the other hand, observers have noted that very low interest rates have had very little positive effect on the chronically weak Japanese economy. Therefore, some theory of how money affects the economy when it is endogenous would be useful. This paper pursues several such explanations, including the effects of interest rate changes on (1) investment; (2) consumer spending; (3) the exchange rate; and (4) financial markets. The theories of such authors as Kalecki, Keynes, Minsky, and J. K. Galbraith are discussed and evaluated, with an emphasis on the role of cash flow. Some of these theories turn out to be stronger than others when subjected to tests of logic and empirical evidence.
Tautologies from Pseudo-Random Generators

Abstract We consider tautologies formed from a pseudo-random number generator, defined in Krajíček [11] and in Alekhnovich et al. [2]. We explain a strategy of proving their hardness for Extended Frege systems via a conjecture about bounded arithmetic formulated in Krajíček [11]. Further we give a purely finitary statement, in the form of a hardness condition imposed on a function, equivalent to the conjecture.
Optimal Magnet Design for Lorentz Force Eddy-Current Testing

We propose a procedure to determine optimal magnet systems in the framework of the nondestructive evaluation technique Lorentz force eddy-current testing (LET). The underlying optimization problem is clearly defined considering the problem specificity of nondestructive testing scenarios. The quantities involved are classified as design variables, and system and scaling parameters to provide a high level of generality. The objective function is defined as the absolute defect response signal (ADS) of the Lorentz force resulting from an inclusion inside the object under test. Associated constraints are defined according to the applied force sensor technology. A numerical procedure based on the finite-element method is proposed to evaluate the nonlinear objective and constraint functions, and the method of sequential quadratic programming is applied to determine unconstrained and constrained optimal magnet designs. Consequently, we propose a new magnet design based on the Halbach principle in combination with high saturation magnetization iron-cobalt alloys. The proposed magnet system outperforms currently available cylindrical magnets in terms of weight and performance. The corresponding defect response signal is increased up to 180% in the case of small defects located close to the surface of the specimen. The combination of active and passive magnetic materials provides an increase of the ADS by 15% compared with the magnet designs that are built solely from permanent magnet material. The proposed procedure provides a highly adaptive optimization strategy in the framework of LET and proposes new magnet systems with inherently improved characteristics.
Structure of the P1 helix from group I self-splicing introns.

The upstream cleavage site of group I self-splicing introns is identified by an absolutely conserved U.G base-pair within a double helix. Mutant introns with a wobble C.A substitute are catalytically active, but all other combinations of nucleotides at these positions abolish splicing, suggesting that an unusual RNA structure generated by the wobble pair is recognized by the catalytic intron core. The solution structure of a 20-mer oligonucleotide containing a UUCG tetraloop hairpin and a U.G wobble pair within a double helix was determined by NMR spectroscopy without any assumptions on RNA conformation. Isotopically (15N/13C)-labelled RNA was used to collect an unusually large number of experimental constraints (703 in total, corresponding to approximately 35 constraints per nucleotide) leading to the determination of a structure with very high precision (overall root-mean-square-deviation (rmsd) between 20 converged structures 1.22 A, local rmsd 0.6 A for the tetraloop and 0.85 A for the stem). Analysis of the double helical structure at the conserved U.G wobble pair reveals local distortions from the regular A-form pattern, that may constitute the characteristic feature of U.G wobble pair recognized by the group I intron core and by amino acyl tRNA synthetases. Re-examination of the previously determined tetraloop structure reveals a novel U.G base-pair with a syn guanosine and hydrogen bonding contacts involving both base protons and a sugar 2'-OH. This explains the great stability of RNA UUCG loops when compared with DNA loops of identical sequence, and is one of the first NMR observations of RNA 2'-OH resonances.
Studies in the dynamics of genetically variable populations. II. Growth of experimental populations of Drosophila melanogaster experiencing intense natural selection.

1. Growth of Drosophila melanogaster populations which were simultaneously subject to intense natural selection for marked fourth chromosomes was characterized in terms of number of progeny and a finite population growth rate.2. There is no indication that the conditions experienced by past generations influenced the population growth potential of a cohort of adult flies; that is, population dynamics possess Markovian properties, justifying their characterization from observations of single-generation transitions.3. The three karyotypes studied in this system exhibited parallel reductions in growth rates to increasing population density; they differed in "carrying capacity" or equilibrium density inconsistently and to a lesser degree than was suggested by adaptive values.4. Experimental variation of the genetic composition of parental cohorts had almost no effect on population dynamics, but population growth rates declined markedly with increasing population density. Selection in this system has been foun.
Relation of Dominant Problems to Stages of Growth in Technology-Based New Ventures

Investigates the growth patterns of new ventures. A multimethod research design is employed to address criticisms of the literature on stages of growth. While the previous research found that problems influence internal organization, this study determines that problems also influence growth patterns. Two case studies are undertaken to examine the growth patterns of technology-based startups. Sixty managers and other employees were interviewed at two manufacturers of computer-based office products, located in Pennsylvania and Florida. This research generates a midrange theory of growth that applies only to certain organizations. The four stage model includes conception and development, commercialization, growth and stability. The validity of this stage-of-growth model is then assessed by studying the relation of dominant problems to stage. Four primary patterns of association are investigated, using responses to 105 questionnaires sent to a portfolio of firms in 1982. Types of problems include resource acquisition, technology development, vendor relations, production start-up, growth of sales and market share, profitability and internal controls. Results demonstrate that particular dominant problems are linked to each stage of growth. Problems and stages of growth do overlap, but there is also some support for a predictable pattern of problems faced by a firm as it grows. (SFL)
The probe-fed zonal slot antenna cut onto a cylindrical conducting cavity

A zonal slot antenna cut onto a cylindrical cavity is investigated in this paper. An L-probe is placed inside the cavity to feed the antenna efficiently. Ansoft HFSS is used to simulate the input impedance, radiation pattern, and antenna gain of the antenna. It is found that design of the antenna is very easy and simple. The resonant frequency is predominantly controlled by the cavity radius, whereas the impedance match can easily be obtained by varying the cavity height and/or the parameters of the L-probe. Measurements were carried out to verify the simulations, and reasonable agreement between them is found.
Effectiveness of a specific care plan in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: cluster randomised trial (PLASA study)

Objective To test the effectiveness of a comprehensive specific care plan in decreasing the rate of functional decline in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease compared with usual care in memory clinics. Design Cluster randomised trial. Setting 50 memory clinics in France. Participants Patients with Alzheimer’s disease (mini-mental state examination score 12-26). 1131 patients were included: 574 from 26 clinics in the intervention group, and 557 from 24 clinics in the usual care (control) group. Memory clinics were the unit of randomisation. Intervention The intervention included a comprehensive standardised twice yearly consultation for patients and their caregivers, with standardised guidelines for the management of problems identified during the assessment. Main outcome measures The primary outcome measure was change on the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study-activities of daily living scale assessed at 12 and 24 months. Secondary outcome measures were the rate of admission to institutional care and mortality. Results At two years the assessment was completed by 58.4% (n=335) of patients in the intervention group and 61.6% (n=343) in the control group. The rate of functional decline at two years did not differ between the groups. The annual rate of change on the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study-activities of daily living was estimated at −5.73 (95% confidence interval −6.89 to −4.57) in the intervention group and −5.96 (−7.05 to −4.86) in the control group (P=0.78). Conclusion A comprehensive specific care plan in memory clinics had no additional positive effect on functional decline in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Future research should aim to determine the effects of more direct involvement of general practitioners. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00480220.
Investigation the Effect of Relationship Quality, Performance and Exporter Satisfaction on Continuing Export- Import Relationship

The purpose of this study is at reexamining the initiative conceptual models to investigate how relationship quality affects export performance, to what extent export performance affects exporter satisfaction, and to determine whether exporter satisfaction ultimately affects the expectation of continuing the export-import relationship in an emerging market like Iran’s industrial markets. The paper reports the findings of a survey of 389 respondents from the industrial markets in Iran, chosen from a selected sample. The responding exporters and importers were located in Tehran. The data were analyzed using the Lisrel software. The results support all the hypotheses, indicating that there is a significant relationship between exporter, importer relationship quality and financial and strategic export performance. Additionally, positive relationships between financial export performance and exporter satisfaction and between exporter satisfaction and the expectation of continuing the relationship are shown. The findings have practical implications for managers and policy-makers interested in developing effective strategies for building and maintaining high quality export-import relationships, especially in the context of an emerging market in developing countries. In order to accomplish the research goal, the main constructs from two influential streams of literature – social exchange theory and the disconfirmation of expectation theory are utilized.
The E3 protein of bovine coronavirus is a receptor-destroying enzyme with acetylesterase activity

In addition to members of the Orthomyxoviridae and Paramyxoviridae, several coronaviruses have been shown to possess receptor-destroying activities. Purified bovine coronavirus (BCV) preparations have an esterase activity which inactivates O-acetylsialic acid-containing receptors on erythrocytes. Diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) completely inhibits this receptor-destroying activity of BCV, suggesting that the viral enzyme is a serine esterase. Treatment of purified BCV with [3H]DFP and subsequent sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the proteins revealed that the E3 protein was specifically phosphorylated. This finding suggests that the esterase/receptor-destroying activity of BCV is associated with the E3 protein. Furthermore, treatment of BCV with DFP dramatically reduced its infectivity in a plaque assay. It is assumed that the esterase activity of BCV is required in an early step of virus replication, possibly during virus entry or uncoating.
Four‐mode channel interactivity concept and channel preferences

Purpose – This paper has two purposes. First, it aims to propose an alternative conceptualization for interactivity that distinguishes between four interactivity modes: human, medium, message, and product. Second, it seeks to develop a framework of channel preferences that integrates the four‐mode concept of channel interactivity.Design/methodology/approach – A synthesis of interactivity literature streaming from several disciplines (social psychology, computer science, communication, object interaction, and marketing) was used to develop the four‐mode concept. A framework is proposed to illustrate how consumers' perceptions of, and preferences for, the four interactivity modes impact channel preferences.Findings – The propositions developed suggest: channels are perceived as offering different modes of interactivity; preferences for interactivity modes are shaped by personal and situational characteristics; and a match/mismatch between consumers' perceptions of and preferences for the interactivity modes.
Communications in Mathematical Physics Wall Crossing as Seen by Matrix Models

The number of BPS bound states of D-branes on a Calabi-Yau manifold depends on two sets of data, the BPS charges and the stability conditions. For D0 and D2-branes bound to a single D6-brane wrapping a Calabi-Yau 3-fold X , both are naturally related to the Kähler moduli space M(X). We construct unitary one-matrix models which count such BPS states for a class of toric Calabi-Yau manifolds at infinite ’t Hooft coupling. The matrix model for the BPS counting on X turns out to give the topological string partition function for another Calabi-Yau manifold Y , whose Kähler moduli space M(Y ) contains two copies of M(X), one related to the BPS charges and another to the stability conditions. The two sets of data are unified in M(Y ). The matrix models have a number of other interesting features. They compute spectral curves and mirror maps relevant to the remodeling conjecture. For finite ’t Hooft coupling they give rise to yet more general geometry ̃ Y containing Y .
All-Cause Mortality After Diabetes-Related Amputation in Barbados

OBJECTIVE—To determine the mortality rate after diabetes-related lower-extremity amputation (LEA) in an African-descent Caribbean population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We conducted a prospective case-control study. We recruited case subjects (with diabetes and LEA) and age-matched control subjects (with diabetes and no LEA) between 1999 and 2001. We followed these groups for 5 years to assess mortality risk and causes. RESULTS—There were 205 amputations (123 minor and 82 major). The 1-year and 5-year survival rates were 69 and 44% among case subjects and 97 and 82% among control subjects (case-control difference, P < 0.001). The mortality rates (per 1,000 person-years) were 273.9 (95% CI 207.1–362.3) after a major amputation, 113.4 (85.2–150.9) after a minor amputation, and 36.4 (25.6–51.8) among control subjects. Sepsis and cardiac disease were the most common causes of death. CONCLUSIONS—These mortality rates are the highest reported worldwide. Interventions to limit sepsis and complications from cardiac disease offer a huge potential for improving post-LEA survival in this vulnerable group.
The Study of Soil Moisture Retrieval Algorithm from GNSS-R

The L1 band (1.58 GHz)on board GPS satellite is very suitable for monitoring the change of soil moisture. The research for retrieval of soil moisture from GNSS-R is just beginning. This paper makes an analysis by using simulation data from AIEM model and experiment data from SMEX02. The analysis for simulation data from AIEM model shows that scattering signal of GPS is influenced much by angle and roughness, so the retrieval algorithm should consider the angle and roughness. The analysis of experiment data in SMEX02 indicates that the average correlation coefficient is above 0.85 between soil moisture and GNSS-R SNR for a single field site, so the soil moisture can be accurately retrieved by GNSS-R for single site, and the retrieval algorithm should be built for single site under considering incidence angle.
Functional and symbolic attributes of product selection

Purpose – This paper seeks to identify the functional and symbolic attributes of product and brand selection that are of importance to 18‐24 consumers across food and toiletries products.Design/methodology/approach – The investigation used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The initial quantitative study (268 respondents) aimed to identify in order of importance (using ANOVA) the variables that drive purchase behaviour across the four product categories of soap, coffee, breakfast cereal and toothpaste.Findings – The study identified the key importance of sensory (e.g. taste, scent) attributes in the selection of the specific products studied. These sensory attributes may define the brand positioning of the products.Practical implications – This paper has implications for new product development.Originality/value – Identifies the functional and symbolic attributes of product and brand selection that are of importance to 18‐24 consumers across food and toiletries products.
Delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae after acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning: affection of motor function, memory, vision and hearing

ABSTRACT A shipyard worker was poisoned by hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and rescued after 15‐20 min. He regained consciousness after 2 days. Three days later his condition deteriorated, and he was more or less comatose for a month. When he woke up, he was amnesic, nearly blind, had reduced hearing, and had a moderate spastic tetraparesis and ataxia. Two months after the accident, he had greatly improved. Audiograms showed hearing loss with maximum at 2000 Hz and significantly poorer speech discrimination. EEG showed generalized dysrhythmia. At follow‐up 5 years later he had not been able to resume his work, and had slight motor, memory and visual symptoms. CT and MRI showed slight cerebral atrophy. EEG and evoked responses were normal.
Do Miniaturized Extracorporeal Circuits Confer Significant Clinical Benefit Without Compromising Safety? A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Miniaturized extracorporeal circulation (mECC) attempts to reduce the adverse effects of conventional extracorporeal circulation (CECC) bypass. However, the potential benefits remain unclear and safety concerns persist. A systematic literature review identified 29 studies incorporating 2,355 patients: 1,181 (50.1%) who underwent cardiac surgery with CECC and 1,174 (49.9%) with mECC. These were meta-analyzed using random effects modeling. Heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, and risk of bias were assessed. Primary endpoints were 30-day mortality, neurovascular compromise, and end organ dysfunction. Secondary endpoints were length of stay and transfusion burden. Miniaturized extracorporeal circulation significantly reduced postoperative arrhythmias (p = 0.03), but no significant difference in 30-day mortality, neurocognitive disturbance, cerebrovascular events, renal failure, or myocardial infarction was identified. Miniaturized extracorporeal circulation also significantly reduced mean blood loss (p < 0.00001) and number of patients transfused (p < 0.00001); however, duration of hospitalization, units transfused per patient, chest tube drainage, and revision for rebleeding remained unchanged. Subgroup analysis of larger studies (10 studies, n ≥ 31) showed mECC to significantly reduce ventilation period, hospital stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Similarly, a significant reduction in neurocognitive disturbance was seen in studies with closely matched demographic groups. Miniaturized extracorporeal circulation is not associated with increased cerebrovascular injury and may confer an advantage, reducing postoperative arrhythmia, blood loss, and transfusion burden.
The role of SPARC expression in pancreatic cancer progression and patient survival

Abstract Background. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular glycoprotein that has been implicated in tumor–stroma interactions in pancreatic cancer. Here we evaluated the expression of SPARC during the progression of pancreatic cancer and its correlation with survival following curative intent surgery. Methods. The expression profile of SPARC was investigated in normal pancreas, invasive adenocarcinoma, and lymph node metastasis by immunohistochemistry. Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox regression were used to assess for mortality risk. Results. None (0%) of 10 normal pancreata, 68 (77%) of 88 primary tumors, and 28 (67%) of 42 lymph node metastases were labeled with the SPARC antibody used in this study. SPARC was expressed exclusively in stromal cells. The survival of patients with high stromal SPARC expression was significantly worse than that of the patients with low stromal SPARC expression (11.5 vs 25.3 months; p = 0.020). Multivariate analysis showed that stromal SPARC expression (hazard ratio (HR) 2.12; p = 0.012), tumor location (body/tail) (HR 2.95; p = 0.003), and adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 0.55; p = 0.018) were significant independent risk factors. Conclusion. This study describes the pattern of SPARC expression in pancreatic neoplastic progression and supports the role of stromal SPARC expression as a prognostic factor and target for directed therapy.
Supplementation of an adapted formula with bovine lactoferrin. 2. Effects on serum iron, ferritin and zinc levels

Breast milk provides an excellent supply of most nutrients for newborn infants. Infant formulae should be nutritionally comparable to breast milk especially with regard to critical nutrients like iron and other trace elements. Infant formulae supplemented with various amounts of bovine lactoferrin were given to two groups of infants. These infants were compared with infants receiving unsupplemented formula and breast‐fed infants. The effects of these diets on levels of haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum iron, ferritin and zinc were examined for a study period of 150 days. At birth, concentrations of iron, haemoglobin, haematocrit and zinc were comparable in all four feeding groups. The fact that the serum zinc level was not altered by lactoferrin supplementation appears to rule out an in‐vivo effect of lactoferrin on zinc nutrition of infants. Ferritin levels of breast‐fed infants were significantly higher than in non‐supplemented formula‐fed infants at day 30 and day 90. This difference was seen only at day 30, when comparing breast‐fed infants to lactoferrin‐supplemented formula‐fed infants. Comparing the infants receiving formulae, the formula supplemented with the higher amount of bovine lactoferrin induced significantly higher serum ferritin levels compared to the unsupplemented formula at day 90 and day 150. These observations favour the idea that lactoferrin may be involved in iron absorption. Since this effect was pronounced only after 90 days, it has to be discussed as to whether this effect is a convincing argument for supplementing infant formulae with bovine lactoferrin.