Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Article in press-uncorrected proof Determinants of oxidative stress related to gender : relevance of age and smoking habit

Background: Magnitude and major causes of oxidative stress may be different between sexes, although limitedly addressed in clinical studies with controversial results. The present study aimed to determine whether any gender-related difference exists concerning oxidative stress in a population of 332 subjects of both sexes, in a wide age range, with and without cigarette smoking habit. Methods: The Oxidative-INDEX was calculated after evaluation of serum hydroperoxides (ROMs) and total antioxidant capacity (OXY) by means of commercial kits (d-ROMs and Oxy-adsorbent Tests, Diacron, Italy) subtracting the OXY standardized variable from the ROMs standardized variable. Results: The Oxidative-INDEX resulted higher in women with respect to men (p-0.001), in smokers (p-0.01) than in non-smokers, and correlated with cigarette number (p-0.01), age (p-0.001), and post-menopausal status (p0.001). The multivariate analysis identified age, high blood pressure, and smoking habit as factors independently associated with the Oxidative-INDEX in men, whereas cigarette smoking and age represented the independent risk factors for an elevated oxidative stress status in women. Conclusions: Gender-based differences in oxidative stress levels may provide a biochemical basis for the epidemiologic differences in the disease susceptibility between sexes, and suggest different strategies for risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment specifically targeted to men and women. *Corresponding author: Dr. Cristina Vassalle, PhD, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana and Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica-CNR, Via Moruzzi 1, I-56124, Pisa, Italy Phone: q39-050-3152199, Fax: q39-050-3152166, E-mail: cristina.vassalle@ifc.cnr. it Received March 14, 2011; accepted April 15, 2011; previously published online June 17, 2011
Crystal structures of lamprophyllite-2M and lamprophyllite-2O from the Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola peninsula, Russia

The crystals of lamprophyllite-2 M and lamprophyllite-2 O were found coexisting in an ussingite-microcline-sodalite veins in the Alluaiv Mt., Lovozero alkaline massif, in association with ussingite, aegirine, microcline, sodalite, albite, mangan- neptunite, vuonnemite, sphalerite, lomonosovite and betalomonosovite. The chemical composition of the polytypes corresponds to the formula (Sr 1.18Na0.66Ca0.12)S1.96Na (Na1.30Mn0.36Fe0.22Mg0.12)S2.00Ti3O2(Si2O7)2(OH)2. The structures of lamprophyllite-2 M (C2/m, a = 19.215(5), b = 7.061(2), c = 5.3719(15) A , b = 96.797(4) o, V = 723.7(4) A3) and lamprophyllite-2 O (Pnmn, a = 19.128(4), b = 7.0799(14), c = 5.3824(11) A , V = 728.9(3) A3) have been refined to R = 0.040 for 688 reflections (| Fo| ‡ 4sF) and to R = 0.084 for 571 reflections (| Fo| ‡ 4sF), respectively. The structures of both polytypes are based on the HOH layer consisting of a central O sheet of edge-sharing Na(1)O 6, Na(2)O6 and Ti(2)O6 octahedra sandwiched between two heterophyllosilicate H sheets. The H sheet is built by corner-sharing of Ti(1)O 5 square pyramids and Si 2O7 groups and consists of two types of rings of polyhedra: (i) six-membered rings (6 R) formed by two Si 2O7 groups and two TiO 5 square pyramids and (ii) four-membered rings (4R) formed by two silicate tetrahedra and two TiO 5 square pyramids. The Sr atom is located in the interlayer and is coordinated by six anions from 6 R of the upper H sheet and four anions from 4 R of the lower H sheet. The difference between monoclinic and orthorhombic lamprophyllites can be described in terms of different orientations of HOH layers. Whereas in lamprophyllite-2 M, all HOH layers are in the same orientation, in lamprophyllite-2 O, two adjacent layers are in different orientations.
Explaining Abnormal Returns in Stock Markets: An Alpha-Neutral Version of the CAPM

This paper develops a behavioural asset pricing model in which traders are not fully rational as is commonly assumed in the literature. The model derived is underpinned by the notion that agents’ preferences are affected by their degree of optimism or pessimism regarding future market states. It is characterized by a representation consistent with the Capital Asset Pricing Model, augmented by a behavioural bias that yields a simple and intuitive economic explanation of the abnormal returns typically left unexplained by benchmark models. The results we provide show how the factor introduced is able to absorb the “abnormal” returns that are not captured by the traditional CAPM, thereby reducing the pricing errors in the asset pricing model to statistical insignificance.
Dynamic Downscaling of Seasonal Climate Predictions over Brazil

Abstract Climate projections for March–April–May (MAM) 1985 and 1997 made with the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) GCM over South America on a 4° latitude by 5° longitude grid are “downscaled” to 0.5° grid spacing. This is accomplished by interpolating the GCM simulation product in time and space to create lateral boundary conditions (LBCs) for synchronous nested simulations by the regional climate model (RCM) of the GISS/Columbia University Center for Climate Systems Research. Both the GCM and the RCM simulations use sea surface temperature (SST) predictions based on persisted February SST anomalies. Each downscaled prediction is evaluated from an ensemble of five simulations and each is compared to a control ensemble of five RCM simulations driven by synchronous NCEP reanalysis data. An additional five-run control ensemble for MAM 1997 tests the impact of “perfect” SST predictions on the RCM forecast. Results are compared to observational evidence that includes NCEP reanalysis data, Clim.
Analysis of the innovation capacities and resource spillovers for systemic innovation of the renewable energy sector in the European Union

Innovation in the renewable energy (RE) sector has built upon the increased complementarities of resources between different thematic areas and geographical region. It, thus, needs to be conducted in a systemic way to address the entire innovation cycle. However, developing successful policies for the systemic innovation in the RE sector requires an in-depth understanding of the innovation environment of the respective country as well as its patterns of sharing the innovation resources with other countries. Therefore, this research aims to establish a conceptual and analytic framework to analyze the existing circumstances for the systemic innovation of the RE sector in the countries of the European Union (EU) and their resource spillovers. By developing indexes, this study, firstly, measures the current status of each country? s absorptive and desorptive capacities with respect to the systemic innovation in the RE sector. In the next step, the inter-influences of the EU countries for the resource exchange in the EU-funded innovation networks are examined. The results show that these interactions are not evenly distributed across the EU but are concentrated around a few countries with superb absorptive capacities in the RE area. In addition, the resource spillovers are rather driven by the superiority of the absorptive capacity, which indicates that the EU policies have been ineffective in supporting the market exploitation and closing the innovation cycle. Finally, the findings suggest implications to complement the limited resources for the systemic innovation in the RE sector within the EU, especially under the Horizon2020 program.
Reverse Knowledge Transfer from Subsidiaries to MNCs in Korea : Size Matters 1

This paper attempts to identify the effects of knowledge transfer capacity and relational capital on the reverse transfer of local market information from subsidiaries within MNC networks. In particular, we try to examine the different influences of those determinants in organizations of different sizes. By using Spearman rank order correlation coefficients, we find that the key drivers for large subsidiaries are knowledge development capability, subsidiary autonomy and trust between subsidiaries and MNCs. The key drivers for medium-size firms are subsidiary willingness, trust and organizational distance. In the case of small firms, reverse knowledge transfer is driven by knowledge development capability, subsidiary autonomy and socialization mechanisms. We believe that these findings offer valuable implications for both MNC managers and also for theory.
Quantum Fan-out is Powerful

We demonstrate that the unbounded fan-out gate is very powerful. Constant- depth polynomial-size quantum circuits with bounded fan-in and unbounded fan-out over a fixed basis (denoted by QNC 0 ) can approximate with polynomially small error the follow- ing gates: parity, mod(q), And, Or, majority, threshold(t), exact(t), and Counting. Classi- cally, we need logarithmic depth even if we can use unbounded fan-in gates. If we allow arbitrary one-qubit gates instead of a fixed basis, then these circuits can also be made exact in log-star depth. Sorting, arithmetic operations, phase estimation, and the quantum Fourier transform with arbitrary moduli can also be approximated in constant depth.
Incidence of major Foliar Fungal diseases of Mulberry during different Seasons in relation to Weather Parameters

Assessment of the incidence and intensity of disease in agricultural crops, is essential to avoid economic loss (Gunashekaran and Govindaiah, 1993 ). Mulberry is affected by leaf spot, rust and powdery mildew diseases during different seasons. These disease causes 10-30 percent loss in leaf yield in terms of destruction of leaf lamina, immature leaf fall and depletion in nutritive value (Sastry, 1994; Sundareswaran et al., 1988; Sengupta, et al., 1990 ). The incidence of these diseases depends upon many factors like season, temperature, humidity and mulberry varieties (Krishnaprasad and Siddaramaiah, 1979; Sikdar and Krishna Swami, 1980; Sukumar, 1980; Sukumar and Ramalingam, 1990).
Risk behavior amongst adolescents of a rural land development scheme in Peninsular Malaysia

51.5% dan tingkah-laku berisko tinggi adalah 10.7%. Tingkuh-laku berisiko yang paling prevalen adalah ponteng sekolah (34.4%), melepak (21.5%), membuli (14.4%), mencuri (12.9%) dun merokok (12.0%);). Jantina dun tahap pendidikan ibu-bapa adalah peramal signifikan untuk tingkuh-laku berisiko. Kata kunci : Remaja, tingkah-laku berisiko
Coeliac Disease and Heart Conditions Iron Deficiency and Coeliac

In addition to the better known clinical manifestations suggesting gluten intolerance, recently new disease associations have been reported, such as cardiovascular diseases. The impact of these new associations on coeliac disease (CD) is surely lower than that of other endocrine diseases, anaemia and myeloproliferative disorders. In the literature, references to this subject are few and case studies are often limited. However, these diseases are not negligible and in some cases treatment with a gluten-free diet can be a suitable way to prevent disease development or improve symptoms.
The Grandparents Effect in Social Mobility

Using data from three British birth cohort studies, we examine patterns of social mobility over three generations of family members. For both men and women, absolute mobility rates (i.e., total, upward, downward, and outflow mobility rates) in the partial parents-children mobility tables vary substantially by grandparents’ social class. In terms of relative mobility patterns, we find a statistically significant association between grandparents’ and grandchildren’s class positions, after parents’ social class is taken into account. The net grandparents-grandchildren association can be summarized by a single uniform association parameter. Net of parents’ social class, the odds of grandchildren entering the professional-managerial class rather than the unskilled manual class are at least two and a half times better if the grandparents were themselves in professional-managerial rather than unskilled manual-class positions. This grandparents effect in social mobility persists even when parents’ education, income, and wealth are taken into account.
Precise U–Pb ages of syn-extensional Miocene intrusions in the central Menderes Massif, western Turkey

Western Turkey is an area which has experienced large-scale extension of continental crust. Here we report precise crystallization ages of two intrusions in the central Menderes Massif, the Turgutlu and Salihli granodiorites, using U–Pb dating. Both intrusions occur in the southern footwall of the seismically active Alaşehir graben and were emplaced syntectonically in an extensional top-to-the-NNE shear zone which was active at retrograde greenschist-facies conditions. The U–Pb ages of 16.1 ± 0.2 Ma (monazite, Turgutlu granodiorite) and 15.0 ± 0.3 Ma (allanite, Salihli granodiorite) document that tectonic exhumation of middle-crustal rocks in the central Menderes Massif was already underway at the Early to Middle Miocene transition. Combined with published geochronological, structural and sedimentological data, the new U–Pb ages point to a continued extension since at least 16 Ma. There is no convincing evidence for a late Miocene/Pliocene phase of tectonic shortening.
No 289 Incentives and tranche retention in securitisation : a screening model

This paper examines the power of di¤erent contractual mechanisms to inuence an originators choice of costly e¤ort to screen borrowers when the originator plans to securitise its loans. The analysis focuses on three potential mechanisms: the originator holds a vertical slice, or share of the portfolio; the originator holds the equity tranche of a structured nance transaction; the originator holds the mezzanine tranche, rather than the equity tranche. These mechanisms will result in di¤ering levels of screening, and the di¤erences arise from varying sensitivities to a systematic risk factor. Equity tranche retention is not always the most e¤ective mechanism, and the equity tranche can be dominated by either a vertical slice or a mezzanine tranche if the probability of a downturn is likely and if the equity tranche is likely to be depleted in a downturn. If the choice of how much and what form to retain is left up to the originator, the retention mechanism may lead to low screening e¤ort, suggesting a potential rationale for government intervention. Monetary and Economic Department, Bank for International Settlements, Centralbahnplatz 2, 4002 Basel, Switzerland, tel: +41 61 280 8415, email: ingo.fender@bis.org yFinancial Stability Department, National Bank of Belgium, Boulevard de Berlaimont 14, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium, tel: +32 2 221 3459, email: janet.mitchell@nbb.be. zThe views expressed in this paper remain those of the authors and do not necessarily reect those of the BIS or the NBB. The usual disclaimer regarding errors and omissions applies. We would like to thank Ulrike Neyer, Patrick Legros, and Rafael Repullo for helpful comments, together with seminar participants at the joint Bundesbank-CEPRCFS conference Risk transfer: challenges for nancial institutions and markets, the RTF/Banco de España workshop Challenges in banking research, the BIS, and the NBB.
Knowledge , Risk Factors and Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis Among Pregnant Women at Primary Health Care Level in Ibadan , Southwestern Nigeria

Recent information on prevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women is lacking despite awareness of its teratogenicity. This study determines the prevalence of anti-Toxoplama IgG and risk factors of Toxoplasma infection among pregnant women at primary health care level. In a cross-sectional study 377 pregnant women selected by two stage sampling from primary health care centres in Ibadan were interviewed using structured interviewer administered and pretested questionnaire. Information was collected on respondents socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge about Toxoplasmosis and exposure to associated risk factors. Two milliliters of blood was collected from each woman and screened for anti-Toxoplasma IgG using Enzyme Linked Immunoassay. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi square and logistic regression at significant p-value = 0.05. Mean age of the respondents was 26.2±4.6years. Two hundred and fifteen 215(57.8%) were Christians, while 173 (49.4%) gestational age between 14 and 28weeks. There was no knowledge of toxoplasmosis and its transmission among respondents. Respondents reported habitual eating unwashed fruits and vegetables (150, 44.7%) and and undercooked meat (172, 46.9%) while 48(13.2%) had pet in their houses and 16(4.4%) had ever received blood transfusion. There was significant association between Toxoplasma IgG seroprevalence and religion (p=0.015), eating unwashed vegetables and unwashed fruits (p=0.011), pet possession (0.037) and blood transfusion (p=0.014). Having ever received blood transfusion was 9 times more likely associated with Toxoplasma infection (OR = 8.76; CI: 1.14 – 67.129). Health education and screening for Toxoplasmosis among pregnant women is recommended to interrupt transmission of toxoplasmosis in the community.
The association between treatment adherence to nicotine patches and smoking cessation in pregnancy

Background: In non-pregnant “quitters,” adherence to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) increases smoking cessation. We investigated relationships between adherence to placebo or NRT patches and cessation in pregnancy, including an assessment of reverse causation and whether any adherence: cessation relationship is moderated when using nicotine or placebo patches. Methods: Using data from 1050 pregnant trial participants, regression models investigated associations between maternal characteristics, adherence and smoking cessation. Results: Adherence during the first month was associated with lower baseline cotinine concentrations (β −0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.15 to −0.01) and randomization to NRT (β 2.59, 95%CI 1.50 to 3.68). Adherence during both treatment months was associated with being randomized to NRT (β 0.51, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.72) and inversely associated with higher nicotine dependence. Adherence with either NRT or placebo was associated with cessation at 1 month (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.13) and delivery (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.09), but no such association was observed in the subgroup where reverse causation was not possible. Amongst all women, greater adherence to nicotine patches was associated with increased cessation (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.32 to 4.63) but greater adherence to placebo was not (OR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.44 to 2.18). Conclusion: Women who were more adherent to NRT were more likely to achieve abstinence; more nicotine dependent women probably showed lower adherence to NRT because they relapsed to smoking more quickly. The interaction between nicotine-containing patches and adherence for cessation suggests that the association between adherence with nicotine patches and cessation may be partly causal.
Medical ethics course for undergraduate medical students: a needs assessment study

Education needs assessment is one of the essential components of curriculum development. In this study, we aimed to assess the educational needs of general physicians for medical ethics. We conducted a three-stage Delphi study of general physicians’ views on important ethical issues in their practice. In the item generation stage we retrieved 45 important educational items from a survey of general physicians, patients, well known ethical clinicians, and a review of other universities’ curricula and international literature. The questionnaire was designed to ask the importance of each generated item. We then sent the questionnaire to general physicians. Items scored as highly important by more than 80% of the respondents in the first or second consensus development surveys were considered as educational priorities. Four academic medical ethics teachers reviewed and commented on the findings. The response rate to the first consensus development survey was 38%, of whom 77% also responded to the second survey. We developed consensus on 24 medical ethics items for inclusion in medical ethics curriculum. All items were also considered important by medical ethics teachers, and they added four further items to the list. Despite the attention given to ethical issues originating from technological advances, the most important educational needs of general physicians in medical ethics are still the traditional issues concerning the doctor-patient relationship and professionalism.
Archaeological and environmental investigations of a Lateglacial and Holocene river sedimentary sequence on the River Soar at Croft, Leicestershire, UK

The sediments, stratigraphy and archaeology of several sections through Lateglacial and Holocene deposits associated with the past course of the Thurlston Brook at Croft, Leicestershire, UK are outlined. The results of pollen, plant macrofossil and insect analyses from these deposits are presented and this information is used to provide a detailed reconstruction of changing river conditions and human land use at this location during the Holocene. Despite the presence of hiatuses in the record seen at Croft, and other sites of this scale, with accurate work and clear dating controls it is possible to 'stitch' together continuous detailed sequences. The general pattern of Holocene landscape and fluvial change appears to echo that seen in the Trent valley region and nationally. It is suggested that small headwater catchments such as at Croft have the potential to provide detailed and sensitive records of Holocene events comparable with those from 'standard' sediment sequences.
ETHNOVETERINARY REMEDIES USED FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE IN SOME SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF PLATEAU STATE NIGERIA

Newcastle Disease (ND) has been recognized for a long time as one of the major production constraints to rural poultry. Knowledge of disease control in rural poultry sector have been suggested as the best way to improve the economic status of the communities engaged in poultry farming and guarantee the supply of animal protein to the populace. A Studies on remedies adopted by rural chicken farmers in management of ND in rural chickens was conducted in 32 villages involving 1, 240 households in four Local Government Areas (LGA) of Plateau State, Nigeria. The results indicated that majority of the rural chicken farmers (53.2 %) used ethnoveterinary medicines for the management of chickens suffering from ND, 25.1 % used bark and root of mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) and 20.3 % used wild garden egg (Solanum nodiflorum) and 7.8 % bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina). Whereas 29.4 % of the rural chicken farmers sought for modern veterinary services. However, 17.4 % of the farmers were reluctant to reveal the type of remedies they used when their chickens were suffering from ND. It was concluded that ethnoveterinary remedies have been found to be widely used by rural chicken farmers in Plateau State.