Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multilocus Sequence Typing of an Emerging Cryptosporidium hominis Subtype in the United States

ABSTRACT The United States has experienced a substantial increase in the reported incidence of cryptosporidiosis since 2005. Accompanying this is the emergence of a new subtype of Cryptosporidium hominis based on variation at the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) locus, IaA28R4, which has become a frequently identified subtype in both sporadic and outbreak-related cases. In this study, using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) at eight genetic loci, we characterized 62 specimens of IaA28R4 and 33 specimens of three other gp60 subtypes of C. hominis from four U.S. states with increased cryptosporidiosis incidences during the summer of 2008. Extensive genetic heterogeneity was seen within the gp60 subtype IaA28R4, but specimens from Ohio and southwestern states formed two distinct subpopulations, suggesting that there were at least two origins of IaA28R4 within the United States. Discordance in typing results was observed between gp60 and other genetic markers, especially DZ-HRGP, and this discordance was largely the result of genetic recombination within the gp60 subtype IaA28R4. The results of population genetic analyses supported the presence of two subpopulations of IaA28R4 and the occurrence of genetic recombination within this gp60 subtype. Thus, the IaA28R4 subtype at gp60 is likely a fitness marker for C. hominis, and genetic recombination is potentially a driving force in the emergence of the virulent IaA28R4 subtype in the United States. A rapid evolution of IaA28R4 was indicated by the observation of multiple MLST subtypes of IaA28R4 within two large outbreaks that lasted for extended periods and involved multiple swimming pools.
Explaining Vertical Integration Strategies: Market Power, Transactional Attributes and Capabilities

We analyse vertical boundaries of firms by identifying and comparing industrial, transactional and firm-specific factors in such a way that industrial organization, new institutional economics and the capability-based view are all taken into account. After testing the model in 155 firms in the Spanish meat industry, we observe that only factors associated with both transaction costs and capabilities have a statistical and economic relevance for explaining vertical integration. Firms vertically integrate to create specific investment between stages of the value chain, to internally exploit their pool of knowledge and capacities, and to guarantee quality of inputs and services employed. On the other hand, firms avoid high levels of vertical integration in the presence of high demand changes in order to stay flexible. Finally, providers or clients with market power do not seem to affect vertical boundaries in any consistent way. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2007.
Ergodic discretized estimator learning automata with high accuracy and high adaptation rate for nonstationary environments

A novel ergodic discretized learning automaton which is epsilon-optimal is introduced. It utilizes a novel estimator learning algorithm which is based on the recent history of the environmental responses and is able to operate in nonstationary stochastic environments. The proposed automaton achieves significantly higher performance than the classical reward-penalty ergodic schemes. Extensive simulation results indicate the superiority of the proposed scheme. Furthermore, it is proved that it is epsilon-optimal in every stochastic environment. <<ETX>>
Bone formation and reosseointegration in peri-implantitis defects following surgical implantation of rhBMP-2.

This study was designed to evaluate bone formation and reosseointegration following surgical implantation of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in peri-implantitis defects. Hydroxyapatite-coated dental implants were placed bilaterally in the mandibular and maxillary premolar area in four rhesus monkeys and were allowed to osseointegrate for 1 year. Cotton ligatures were then placed around the healing abutments, and plaque was allowed to accumulate for 11 months. Resulting circumferential peri-implantitis defects exhibited a large intrabony and horizontal component. At reconstructive surgery, peri-implantitis defects in contralateral jaw quadrants were randomly assigned to receive rhBMP-2 (0.43 mg/mL implant volume) in an absorbable collagen sponge carrier or a carrier control. The animals were sacrificed 4 months postsurgery, and block sections were prepared for histometric analysis. Summary statistics included means calculated per animal. Paired t tests were used to evaluate differences between experimental conditions (n = 4). Defect depth amounted to 3.4 +/- 0.9 mm and 3.2 +/- 0.9 mm for rhBMP-2 and control defects, respectively. Vertical bone gain in rhBMP-2 defects (2.6 +/- 1.2 mm) was significantly greater than in controls (0.8 +/- 0.8 mm; P < .01). Reosseointegration within the confines of the defect for rhBMP-2 defects (29.0 +/- 10.5%) differed significantly from that in the control (3.5 +/- 2.5%; P < .01). Reosseointegration within the extent of newly formed bone averaged 40.0 +/- 11.0% in rhBMP-2 defects as compared to 8.9 +/- 7.8% in the control (P < .01). Osseointegration in resident bone amounted to 69.5 +/- 6.9% and 72.6 +/- 8.0% for rhBMP-2 and control defects, respectively. There is significant evidence that rhBMP-2 has potential to promote bone formation and reosseointegration in advanced peri-implantitis defects in a demanding nonhuman primate model.
Financial Turmoil in Carbon Markets

This article assesses the impact of financial turmoil on carbon markets. The carbon trading behavior aligned with security trading is incorporated into a model of the price-volume relationship. The model indicates that correlation increases when stock prices plunge, which is referred to as contagion. Empirical studies to estimate the model parameters for EUA futures prices, FTSE 100, and DAX suggest that the correlations between EUA and stock indices decrease with the stock indices, consistent with the existence of contagion driven by financial markets. High volatilities in both stock indices and carbon prices come from low stock prices, implying an absence of an inverse leverage effect not only in FTSE 100 and DAX but in EUA futures prices. More importantly, high volatility in carbon prices driven by low stock prices may represent the impact of financial turmoil on carbon price volatility. In addition, we show that the positive relationship between EUA futures prices and FTSE 100 or DAX indices for phase II of the EU-ETS is more enhanced than phase I of the EU-ETS. Moreover, we investigate the differences of the correlations between carbon prices and stock indices regarding the type of carbon assets, that is, EUA and CER. It is found that EUA correlates with FTSE 100 and DAX more strongly than CER on average. Finally, almost the same empirical study results are obtained using the correlations between EUA and FTSE 100 or DAX and using the volatilities calculated from the Engle’s dynamic conditional correlation model.
Crop Insurance Valuation Under Alternative Yield Distributions

Considerable disagreement exists about the most appropriate characterization of farm-level yield distributions. Yet, the economic importance of alternate yield distribution specifications on insurance valuation, product designs and farm-level risk management has not been investigated or documented. The results of this study demonstrate that large differences in expected payments from popular crop insurance products can arise solely from the parameterization chosen to represent yields. The results suggest that the frequently unexamined yield distribution specification may lead to incorrect conclusions in important areas of insurance and risk management research such as policy rating, and assessment of expected payments from policies.
Harmonic balance analysis and control of period doubling bifurcation in buck converters

Period doubling bifurcation in buck converters is studied by using the exact harmonic balance method. A simple dynamic model of a buck converter under voltage mode or current mode control is proposed. A period doubling bifurcation condition is obtained. A feedforward control is designed to eliminate the bifurcation. This results in a wider range of allowed source voltage, and also in improved line regulation.
Effects of low-dose cyclosporine prophylaxis in nonobese diabetic mice.

Among female nonobese diabetic mice, ketotic insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) develops spontaneously in 80% between 12 and 26 weeks of age. This condition resembles human type I diabetes. IDDM developed in 0 of 11 (0%) mice prophylactically treated with 10 mg of cyclosporine A (CyA) per kg s.c. every 4th day from 8 to 26 weeks of age; 8 of 10 (80%) of sex- and age-matched controls developed IDDM; 2 of 8 (25%) followed up to 5 months beyond the time of drug administration developed IDDM. The distribution of specific radioactivity ([3H]CyA) was used to calculate the concentrations of CyA in serum, blood cells and various organs. Serum values of CyA produced by radioimmunoassay were higher than those estimated by the [3H]CyA method. Pancreata of CyA-treated mice were histologically normal. Pancreata of control mice showed lymphocytic infiltration of the islets of Langerhans. Neither hepatotoxicity nor nephrotoxicity assessed by biochemical and histological data was detectable in CyA-treated mice. The insulin secretory capacity of trypan blue viable functional pancreatic islets isolated post-treatment; was significantly lower in controls than in CyA-treated mice; islet content of insulin was not statistically different between controls and CyA-treated mice. We conclude that low nontoxic doses of CyA abrogate completely the development of diabetes in the female nonobese diabetic mouse and abolish lymphocytic infiltration of the islets of Langerhans against which there is autoimmunity. The effect of CyA persists well past the duration of therapy.
Gender Equity and Fertility in Italy and Spain

Abstract Gender equity and its effects on fertility vary across socio-political contexts, particularly when comparing less with more developed economies. But do subtle differences in equity within more similar contexts matter as well? Here we compare Italy and Spain, two countries with low fertility levels and institutional reliance on kinship and family, but with employment equity among women during the 1990s slightly greater in Italy than Spain. The European Community Household Panel is used to explore the effect of this difference in gender equity on the likelihood of married couples having a second birth during this time period. Women's hours of employment reduce the birth likelihood in both countries, but non-maternal sources of care offset this effect to different degrees. In Spain, private childcare significantly increases birth likelihood, whereas in Italy, father's greater childcare share increases the likelihood, particularly among employed women. These results suggest that increases in women's employment equity increase not only the degree of equity within the home, but also the beneficial effects of equity on fertility. These equity effects help to offset the negative relationship historically found between female employment and fertility.
Social And Intellectual Capital Formation In Leading Indian Pharmaceutical Companies

A number of Indian pharmaceutical firms have achieved high levels of success globally in product and process development. They are competing effectively in the generic pharmaceutical markets of the USA and Europe. They have progressively accumulated process development and manufacturing capabilities which meet the stringent criteria of the US and European Union regulators, and have also acquired drug "discovery" skills to a level which has gained some recognition from major Western pharmaceutical companies. This paper analyses evidence from a range of documentary sources in order to elucidate how two of the leading Indian companies have accumulated the intellectual and social capital which has enabled this degree of innovative success. It finds evidence that environmental factors have opened up opportunities which drew on the firms' early capabilities, while requiring additional skills. In response, these firms have invested in expanding their initial internal competences through a number of routes, including hiring Indian-born, Western-trained scientists and industry executives, membership of an internationally oriented industry association, etc. As their profits and reputations have grown, they have also been able to access external knowledge through Western alliances and acquisitions. It concludes that they have built a broad business and technical knowledge-base and very wide networks, which have been effectively integrated thus far in pursuit of business objectives, but raises the question of whether they should now adopt a more focused approach.
The Spatial Mismatch Hypothesis: What Has the Evidence Shown?

This paper reviews 20 years' worth of empirical evidence on the 'spatial mismatch' hypothesis. After briefly surveying the relevant models from urban and labour economics and recent trends in employment and population suburbanisation, the empirical evidence on spatial effects is examined. This literature includes evidence on the effects of residential segregation, residential suburbanisation and employment suburbanisation, and direct measures of 'access' (such as travel times). The most recent evidence suggests that spatial mismatch is relevant for explaining black/white employment differences, though the magnitudes of these effects remain unclear.
A Comparison of Three Viewing Media for Assessing Dental Arch Relationships in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Objective To determine the repeatability and reproducibility of using three different viewing media to assess the outcomes of the dental arch relationships of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using the GOSLON Yardstick. Design The GOSLON Yardstick was used to rate the dental arch relationships of 29 patients with UCLP. Three experienced calibrated orthodontists rated the plaster study models, digital study models, and stereoscopic projected three-dimensional (3D) study models separately. There was a minimum of a 1-week interval between each rating session. All three rating sessions were repeated 1 month later. A linear weighted kappa statistic was performed to assess intrarater repeatability and inter-rater reproducibility, as well as the comparison between different viewing media using Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance (Kendall's W) statistic. Results Intra-rater repeatability was very good for all three viewing media (kappa = 0.83-0.92). Inter-rater reproducibility was good to very good across the three viewing media (kappa = 0.63-0.88). Agreements between plaster study models and digital study models or stereoscopic projected 3D study models were good to very good (kappa = 0.78-0.97 and kappa = 0.72-0.97, respectively), and a Kendall's W ranging from 0.86 to 0.92 (P < .001). Conclusions Stereoscopic projected 3D is an alternative method to assess the outcomes of dental arch relationships in patients with cleft lip and palate using the GOSLON Yardstick. It could also be used for viewing patient records, as it recovers the full 3D information captured at the time of the clinical examination.
Forecasting by factors, by variables, or both?

We consider forecasting with factors, variables and both, modeling in-sample using Autometrics so all principal components and variables can be included jointly, while tackling multiple breaks by impulse-indicator saturation. A forecast-error taxonomy for factor models highlights the impacts of location shifts on forecast-error biases. Forecasting US GDP over 1-, 4- and 8-step horizons using the dataset from Stock and Watson (2009) updated to 2011:2 shows factor models are more useful for nowcasting or short-term forecasting, but their relative performance declines as the forecast horizon increases. Forecasts for GDP levels highlight the need for robust strategies such as intercept corrections or differencing when location shifts occur, as in the recent financial crisis.
Panacea, Curse, or Nonevent? Unconventional Monetary Policy in the United Kingdom

The Bank of England's current "quantitative easing" strategy has given rise to a controversial debate about the effects and risks of unconventional monetary policy. The present paper makes two contributions to this debate. First, it provides a systematic overview of unconventional policy options, drawing from existing theoretical and empirical studies. Against this backdrop, it then analyzes the BoE's specific policies, discussing their effectiveness so far and putting them into a cross-country context. Tentative evidence on the BoE's quantitative easing is moderately encouraging, although the strategy is neither guaranteed to succeed nor as perilous as some of its detractors claim.
Angiotensin-(1–9) regulates cardiac hypertrophy in vivo and in vitro

Background Angiotensin-(1–9) is present in human and rat plasma and its circulating levels increased early after myocardial infarction or in animals treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. However, the cardiovascular effects of this peptide are unknown. Objective To determine whether angiotensin-(1–9) is a novel anti-cardiac hypertrophy factor in vitro and in vivo and whether this peptide is involved in the pharmacological effects of cardiovascular drugs acting on the renin–angiotensin system. Methods and results The administration of angiotensin-(1–9) to myocardial infarcted rats by osmotic minipumps (450 ng/kg per min, n = 6) vs. vehicle (n = 8) for 2 weeks decreased plasma angiotensin II levels, inhibited angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and also prevented cardiac myocyte hypertrophy. However, cardiac myocyte hypertrophy attenuation triggered by angiotensin-(1–9) was not modified with the simultaneous administration of the angiotensin-(1–7) receptor antagonist A779 (100 ng/kg per min, n = 6). In experiments in vitro with cultured cardiac myocytes incubated with norepinephrine (10 μmol/l) or with insulin-like growth factor-1 (10 nmol/l), angiotensin-(1–9) also prevented hypertrophy. In other experimental setting, myocardial infarcted rats (n = 37) were randomized to receive either vehicle (n = 12), enalapril (10 mg/kg per day, n = 12) or angiotensin II receptor blocker candesartan (10 mg/kg per day, n = 13) for 8 weeks. Both drugs prevented left ventricle hypertrophy and increased plasma angiotensin-(1–9) levels by several folds. Angiotensin-(1–9) levels correlated negatively with different left ventricular hypertrophy markers even after adjustment for blood pressure reduction. Conclusion Angiotensin-(1–9) is an effective and a novel anti-cardiac hypertrophy agent not acting via the Mas receptor.
Corporate Governance, Ownership Structure and Corporate Efficiency: The Case of Ukraine

The goal of this paper is to examine the effects of different ownership structures and of the quality of corporate governance on the Farrell measure of efficiency. Data Envelopment Analysis and Limited Dependent Variable Estimations are applied to the set of Ukrainian joint-stock companies listed on the main Ukrainian stock exchange, First Securities Trading System. Domestic ownership of the organization is found to enhance efficiency the most, whereas managerial ownership has a detrimental effect on efficiency. Foreign owned firms are relatively inefficient; however foreign ownership is found to have a positive and significant effect on corporate governance quality. Concentrated ownership rights (including state ownership) improve efficiency, possibly reflecting country-specific factors. The quality of corporate governance is found to have a positive impact on the efficiency of domestically owned firms. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Status of personal health requirement for graduation at institutions of higher education in the United States

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the proportion of higher education institutions in the United States that require a personal health course (PHC) for graduation and to describe the nature of such requirements. Participants: This study included a random sample of public and private institutions of higher education (IHE) with undergraduate programs within the United States (N = 310). Data were collected between September 2014 and May 2015. Methods: University catalogs were accessed from the institutions' public Web sites to determine whether a PHC was offered, and whether it was exclusively or optionally required for graduation. Results: The majority (55.8%) of the sample offered at least 1 PHC, with only 10% exclusively requiring the course and an additional 10% optionally required the course. Conclusions: Although the utility of undergraduate students completing a PHC is clear, the majority of institutions do not require such a course for degree conferral.
Tax Tilting and Politics: Some Theory and Evidence for Latin America

A government budget deficit can exist for at least two possible reasons: tax smoothing and/or tax tilting. Under tax-smoothing, deficits are temporary phenomena resulting from the decision not to vary the tax rate in response to fluctuations in government spending (as a share of output). This is done in order to minimize the distortionary cost of taxes. Tax tilting occurs whenever the government has an incentive to discount the losses to society from taxes at a higher rate than society discounts them; hence it delays taxes or advances spending introducing an upward trend in total government debt. This paper develops a model that implies that tax-tilting tends to increase with political risk. An increase in political risk, measured by the probability of losing power, increases the rate at which the government discounts the future, causing government policy to be relatively more myopic. Hence it delays taxes or advances spending and its deficit increases. Using data from a panel of 19 Latin-American countries for the period 1984–2009, the paper presents estimation results that strongly support the proposition that an increase in political risk increases the degree of tax-tilting.