Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE VERTICAL CHAIN OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

This paper examines the relationship between basic and applied pharmaceutical research. The authors focus on three stages of RD publication in medical journals; and industry-funded applied R&D. They estimate that a one percent increase in basic research in a particular therapeutic category causes a 0.76 percent increase in industry R&D in that category, and a 1.71 percent increase in other categories, over seven years. The authors also find that research incentives differ across government, academic, and industry researchers. For example, government funding favors diseases that are less prevalent and more debilitating than industry funding. Copyright 1995 by Oxford University Press.
Multiple sperm storage organs facilitate female control of paternity

It has been proposed that multiple sperm storage organs (spermathecae) could allow polyandrous females to control paternity. There is little conclusive evidence for this since insemination of individual spermathecae is generally not experimentally manipulable. Here, we examined sperm use patterns in the Australian redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti), which has paired, independent spermathecae. We assessed paternity when two rivals were forced to inseminate a single storage organ or opposite storage organs. When males inseminated a single spermatheca, mean paternity of the female's first mate was 79.8% (median 89.4%), and 38% of first mates achieved 100% paternity. In contrast, when males inseminated opposite organs, the mean paternity of the first mate was 49.3% (median 49.9%), only 10% of males achieved complete precedence, and paternity was normally distributed, suggesting sperm mixing. Males responded to this difference by avoiding previously inseminated female reproductive tracts. Complete sperm precedence can only be achieved if females permit males to copulate with both reproductive tracts. Females often cannibalize smaller males during their first copulation, thus limiting their paternity to 50%. These data show that multiple sperm storage organs can increase female control of paternity.
A polysomnography study of eszopiclone in elderly patients with insomnia

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of eszopiclone 2 mg in elderly patients (aged 64-86 years) with chronic insomnia. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 2‐week study. Patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for primary insomnia and screening polysomnography criteria (wakefulness after sleep onset [WASO] ≥ 20 min and latency to persistent sleep ≥ 20 min) were randomized to 2 weeks of nightly treatment with eszopiclone 2 mg (n = 136) or placebo (n = 128). Efficacy was assessed using polysomnography (Nights 1, 2, 13, and 14) and patient reports (Nights 1–14); safety was assessed using adverse events, clinical labs, physical examination, and vital signs. The mean of all efficacy results during the double-blind period was used for the efficacy analysis. Results: Results indicated that eszopiclone was associated with significantly shorter sleep onset, less WASO, higher sleep efficiency, more total sleep time, and greater patient-reported quality and depth of sleep scores than placebo ( p < 0.05 for all) with a trend in patient-reported morning sleepiness ( p = 0.07). Other measures of daytime functioning (ability to function, daytime alertness, and sense of well-being) were not significantly different between the two treatment groups. Among patients who napped, eszopiclone patients reported fewer naps ( p = 0.03) and less cumulative naptime (median: 98 min placebo, 70 min eszopiclone, p = 0.07). Unpleasant taste, dry mouth, somnolence, and dizziness were higher in the eszopiclone group (12.5%, 8.8%, 6.6%, and 6.6%, respectively) than in the placebo group (0%, 1.6%, 5.5%, and 1.6%, respectively). Conclusion: In this study, eszopiclone was well tolerated and produced significant improvements in both polysomnographic and patient-reported measures of sleep maintenance, sleep induction, and sleep duration in elderly patients with chronic primary insomnia.
Portfolio optimization under the Value-at-Risk constraint

In this paper we analyse the effects arising from imposing a Value-at-Risk constraint in an agent's portfolio selection problem. The financial market is incomplete and consists of multiple risky assets (stocks) plus a risk-free asset. The stocks are modelled as exponential Brownian motions with random drift and volatility. The risk of the trading portfolio is re-evaluated dynamically, hence the agent must satisfy the Value-at-Risk constraint continuously. We derive the optimal consumption and portfolio allocation policy in closed form for the case of logarithmic utility. The non-logarithmic CRRA utilities are considered as well, when the randomness of market coefficients is independent of the Brownian motion driving the stocks. The portfolio selection, a stochastic control problem, is reduced, in this context, to a deterministic control one, which is analysed, and a numerical treatment is proposed.
MINIMIZING TRANSACTION COSTS OF OPTION HEDGING STRATEGIES

This paper introduces a method for constructing option hedging strategies in the presence of transaction costs. the approach begins with the prescription of a large, but tractable class of strategies. A variational problem is constructed in which the expected square replication error is minimized subject to a fixed initial portfolio value from among the class of strategies. the solution of this variational problem results in a replicating strategy which simulations show outperforms strategies previously considered. We illustrate this method in a particular class of strategies which contains Leland's discrete time replication scheme. We show that a strategy which uses varying time intervals between hedging can significantly reduce replication error for a given initial wealth. We will also construct and assess strategies obtained by optimizing a mean-variance criterion. This methodology extends to other optimization problems involving initial portfolio value and expected square replication error, as well as to other classes of strategies. Copyright 1996 Blackwell Publishers.
Family Background and Optimal Schooling Decision

In this paper, another aspect of optimizing behavior is considered. Specifically, it asks whether variations in levels of attained schooling across groups can be explained by a model that assumes that capital markets are perfect and that individuals maximize wealth. The logic of the analysis proceeds as follows: First, a model is constructed that allows estimation of costs and returns to education for each individual, based on the assumption that all individuals face the same borrowing rates. Given costs and returns, one can obtain an optimal wealth-maximizing level of education for each individual. Differences between actually acquired and wealth-maximizing levels of education can then be calculated, and one can determine whether or not the residuals are systematically related to background variables. If, for example, low-income individuals have a consistently larger estimated wealth-maximizing level of education than actual level, one could conclude either that returns to schooling differed between groups or that capital market differences exist. The model allows these two explanations to be distinguished. Since differential returns are caused by wage differences across groups, the wealth-maximizing level can take these labor market variations into account. Any residual variation will be due to factors other than differential wage rates, presumably capital cost differences .
A discrete transcriptional silencer in the bam gene determines asymmetric division of the Drosophila germline stem cell

The Drosophila germline lineage depends on a complex microenvironment of extrinsic and intrinsic factors that regulate the self-renewing and asymmetric divisions of dedicated stem cells. Germline stem cells (GSCs) must express components of the Dpp cassette and the translational repressors Nanos and Pumilio, whereas cystoblasts require the bam and bgcn genes. Bam is especially attractive as a target of GSC differentiation factors because current evidence indicates that bam is both necessary and sufficient for cystoblast differentiation. In this paper, we have sought to distinguish between mutually exclusive transcriptional or post-transcriptional mechanisms as the primary regulators of bam expression in GSCs and cystoblasts. We find that bam transcription is active in young germ cells but is repressed specifically in GSCs. Activation depends on a 50 bp fragment that carries at least one germ cell-specific enhancer element. A non-overlapping 18 bp sequence carries a transcriptional silencer that prevents bam expression in the GSC. Promoters lacking this silencer cause bam expression in the GSC and concomitant GSC loss. Thus, asymmetry of the GSC division can be reduced to identifying the mechanism that selectively activates the silencer element in GSCs.
The Diverse Older HIV‐Positive Population: A National Profile of Economic Circumstances, Social Support, and Quality of Life

Summary: The objectives of this study were to provide a national profile of socioeconomic circumstances of the middle‐aged and older population living with HIV and to evaluate variations in social support and quality of life (QOL) across age and socioeconomic subgroups, controlling for indicators of disease progression. The design used was a cross‐sectional analysis of nationally representative interview data on HIV‐infected individuals collected in the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study. Multiple measures of social support and QOL were used. Bivariate comparisons of outcomes across categories of age and exposure category were performed; multivariate analyses to isolate the effect of older age on outcomes within exposure categories were performed, controlling for socioeconomic and clinical co‐variates. Study results indicate that older gay men with HIV/AIDS are a predominantly white population and more likely to have health insurance than their younger counterparts; 38% were employed and 48% reported incomes of more than $25,000. Older injection drug users (IDUs) with HIV/AIDS are a predominantly black population with a particularly high concentration of disadvantages; only 11% were employed and 74% reported incomes of less than $10,000. Older IDUs reported especially low levels of physical functioning and emotional support in comparison with their younger counterparts, whereas older gay men did not significantly differ from younger gay men in these respects. The authors conclude that characteristics and care needs of the older HIV‐positive population are very diverse and vary sharply by exposure route. Interventions need to be tailored to the needs of these distinct subpopulations, with an emphasis on development of supportive care interventions for older IDUs.
The elasticity of substitution of superlative price indices

The paper presents a method for computing the curvature implicit in the use of superlative price indices. It extends the quadratic lemma and allows us to compute the elasticity of substitution of the underlying preferences in the direction of the observed price change for the Tornqvist and the quadratic mean of order r indices. It derives the expressions for the directional shadow elasticity of substitution and applies the results to the Norwegian CPI data base.
Within-session responses to high-intensity interval training in spinal cord injury

Abstract Aim: Completion of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) increases maximal oxygen uptake and health status, yet its feasibility in persons with spinal cord injury is unknown. Purpose: To compare changes in cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables between two interval training regimes and moderate intensity exercise. Method: Nine adults with spinal cord injury (duration = 6.8 ± 6.2 year) initially underwent determination of peak oxygen uptake. During subsequent sessions, they completed moderate intensity exercise, HIIT, or sprint interval training. Oxygen uptake, heart rate, and blood lactate concentration were measured. Results: Oxygen uptake and heart rate increased (p < 0.05) during both interval training sessions and were similar (p > 0.05) to moderate intensity exercise. Peak oxygen uptake and heart rate were higher (p < 0.05) with HIIT (90% peak oxygen uptake and 99% peak heart rate) and sprint interval training (80% peak oxygen uptake and 96% peak heart rate) versus moderate intensity exercise. Conclusions: Despite a higher intensity and peak cardiorespiratory strain, all participants preferred interval training versus moderate exercise. Examining long-term efficacy and feasibility of interval training in this population is merited, considering that exercise intensity is recognized as the most important variable factor of exercise programming to optimize maximal oxygen uptake. Implications for Rehabilitation Spinal cord injury (SCI) reduces locomotion which impairs voluntary physical activity, typically resulting in a reduction in peak oxygen uptake and enhanced chronic disease risk. In various able-bodied populations, completion of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been consistently reported to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and other health-related outcomes, although its efficacy in persons with SCI is poorly understood. Data from this study in 9 men and women with SCI show similar changes in oxygen uptake and heart in response to HIIT compared to a prolonged bout of aerobic exercise, although peak values were higher in response to HIIT. Due to the higher peak metabolic strain induced by HIIT as well as universal preference for this modality versus aerobic exercise as reported in this study, further work testing utility of HIIT in this population is merited.
Multiscale Detection in ECG Multifractal Structure

In this paper, we introduce a novel measure to characterize multifractality of the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, the mass exponent spectrum curvature. This parameter reflects nonlinear accumulations of discrepancies of singularity strengths from all adjacent points of the curve. Larger values of it denote stronger multifractality. Moreover, we propose the multiscale analysis method to find the most effective indicators for expressing complex dynamic characteristics during cardiac electrical activities. After carrying out drugs experiments on the mice, we find there always exists a certain scale factor range in which the absolute magnitudes of ECG mass exponent spectra curvature are larger than others, and this range is not changed with data length and maximal scale factor. These conclusions might provide the theoretical bases for early diagnoses and clinical applications.
Vocal Fold Immobility due to Birth Trauma: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis

Objectives To describe the present understanding of birth trauma–related vocal fold immobility and quantitatively compare it with idiopathic congenital vocal fold immobility to explore whether it is a discrete entity. Data Sources PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane databases. Review Methods English-language, observational, or experimental studies involving infants with idiopathic congenital or birth trauma–related vocal fold immobility were included. Data from these studies were pooled with our institution’s vocal fold immobility database, with the resultant idiopathic congenital and birth trauma cohorts compared regarding patterns and outcomes of immobility. Results The search returned 288 articles, with 24 meeting inclusion criteria. Of studies reviewing all-cause immobility, 8 of 9 (88.9%) identified birth trauma as an etiology, although birth trauma definitions and proposed mechanisms of immobility varied. The study subjects, combined with our institution’s database, yielded 188 idiopathic congenital and 113 birth trauma cases. Compared with idiopathic congenital cases, birth trauma cases had a higher proportion of unilateral immobility (72 of 113 [63.7%] vs 52 of 188 [27.7%], P < .001) and rate of resolution (41 of 51 [80.4%] vs 91 of 159 [57.2%], P = .003). Resolution occurred in 24 of 26 (91.3%) unilateral and 17 of 25 (68.0%) bilateral birth trauma cases and in 30 of 40 (75.0%) unilateral and 59 of 109 (54.1%) bilateral idiopathic congenital cases (P = .11 and .20, respectively). Conclusion While the definition and mechanism of birth trauma–related vocal fold immobility warrant further investigation, these findings suggest that it is distinct from idiopathic congenital vocal fold immobility, with a unique presentation and potentially more favorable outcomes. This can inform counseling and management for infants with otherwise unexplained immobility but known birth trauma.
The Use of Fixed Appliances in the UK: A Survey of Specialist Orthodontists

Objective To investigate the use of fixed appliances in the UK. Design Prospective postal questionnaire. Setting UK. Participants All members of the General Dental Council Specialist List in Orthodontics still in active practice and not in training posts. Method A preemptive letter of explanation was sent inviting orthodontists to participate in the survey. The questionnaire was subsequently posted to 935 specialists. Data analysis investigated differences in clinical practice related to varying provider groups, level of operator experience and geographical region. Results The response rate achieved was 66·3%. A majority of orthodontists routinely used the 0·022 inch pre‐adjusted edgewise system, standard size Siamese pattern stainless steel brackets, conventionally ligated and bonded using standard etch and light cured composite. Nickel titanium and stainless steel were the most popular archwire materials. Anchorage was supported routinely by palatal and lingual arches in up to 25% and by headgear in over a third of respondents. Newer innovations showed variable popularity. Self‐etching primer was used routinely by one‐third of respondents with 11% use of self‐ligating brackets. Banding of first molars was preferred by over 60% of clinicians. Bone screw implants were used by only 0·2% of respondents. Clinicians with less than 10 years experience used more headgear, light curing, MBT prescription and molar bonding. Operators with over 20 years experience used more chemically cured bonding, Roth prescription, banded first molars, 0·018 inch slot size and Tip‐EdgeTM, with less use of headgear. Fixed appliance use differed from that reported in the US with lower use in the UK of standard edgewise and Roth systems, aesthetic, miniaturised and 0·018 inch slot brackets and rapid maxillary expansion. Conclusion Most UK orthodontic specialists routinely used the 0·022 inch pre‐adjusted edgewise system with standard size Siamese steel brackets bonded using standard etch and light cured composite with conventional ligation. Variations were seen between different provider groups, types of treatment funding, levels of operator seniority and geographical regions. Differences were noted particularly in the use of bracket prescription and design, types of molar attachment and anchorage control.
Are Oecd Macroeconomic Variables Trend Stationary? Evidence From Panel Stationarity Tests Allowing For A Structural Break And Cross-Sectional Dependence

This article applies the panel stationarity test with a break proposed by Hadri and Rao (2008) to examine whether 14 macroeconomic variables of OECD countries can be best represented as random walk or stationary fluctuations around a deterministic trend. In contrast to previous studies, based essentially on visual inspection of the break type or just applying the most general break model, we use a model selection procedure based on BIC. We do this for each time series so that heterogeneous break models are allowed for in the panel. Our results suggest, overwhelmingly, that if we account for a structural break, cross-sectional dependence and choose the break models to be congruent with the data, then the null of stationarity cannot be rejected for all the 14 macroeconomic variables examined in this article. This is in sharp contrast with the results obtained by Hurlin (2004), using the same data but a different methodology.
Coupling academia and civic responsibility: impact of incorporating service-learning into selected courses

Cheri N. James COUPLING ACADEMIA AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY: IMPACT OF INCORPORATING SERVICE-LEARNING INTO SELECTED COURSES 2011/12 Burton R. Sisco, Ed.D. Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration The demand on universities across America to produce civic-minded students is ever increasing. These demands are necessary to answer the constantly evolving needs of society due to advancing technology, the economy, war, politics, and social media. Volunteerism and community engagement can offer students the opportunity for connecting to their university and the surrounding community by presenting a reciprocal approach to meeting students’ needs for involvement, fulfilling the university mission statement, and providing valuable service to the local community. This study investigated the service-learning practices at Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ. The findings suggest there is a strong level of agreement between student participation in previous community service and enrollment in a service-learning course. This suggests that when students have a positive experience in service, they are likely to continue the practice when offered service-learning as part of the curriculum. The findings also suggest that selected students enrolled in service-learning courses perceived a positive impact on their academic, civic, developmental, social-skills, and personal related outcomes. Students also perceived a positive impact in taking a service-learning courses in comparison to traditional courses. ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would first like to thank my parents, who always believed in me, and my wonderful husband and sons, who inspired and supported me. I never would have come this far without all of you. I would also like to thank Dr. Elaine Hatala, Dr. Jennifer Regina, and Dr. MaryBeth Walpole for their support and for allowing me to use their courses for my thesis. I would like to acknowledge and thank the Office of Service Learning, Volunteerism, and Community Engagement for giving me a first-hand look into servicelearning, volunteerism, and community engagement. In closing, I’d like to show my extreme gratitude to my academic advisor, Dr. Burton Sisco. Your support, encouragement, and knowledge have helped me gain a deep understanding of the world of higher education. TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments ii Appendixes v List of Tables vi CHAPTER PAGE
Self-tuning fuzzy PI dc-bus voltage controller and fuzzy switching sequences selection for direct power control of PWM AC/DC converter

In the present work, we introduce a new control approach, called fuzzy direct power control (F-DPC) method for three-phase PWM AC/DC converters. In this study, the control of the dc-bus voltage is performed by self-tuning fuzzy PI regulator and the selection of PWM converter switching-sequences is based on fuzzy logic rules. These rules directly use the instantaneous active and reactive power errors and the position of grid voltage vector as fuzzy variables. The proposed F-DPC strategy is an effective tool to control the dc-bus voltage, the active and reactive power to their references and to ensure a high unity power factor (UPF) operation. Numerical simulation results obtained using MATLAB/Simulink environment are presented. These extensive results show that the F-DPC gives the good performance and excellent robustness.