Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactions inequality-polarization: an impossibility result

Recent literature stresses the multidimensional nature of income distribution. Two of the most relevant components are inequality and polarization. In this paper, we prove the impossibility of keeping simultaneously constant these two aspects whenever the distribution of incomes changes. Distributional change could originate from any economic policy or simply from economic growth. Hence, our result implies an effective restriction for policymakers that they cannot avoid and should not ignore. Our proof embodies a general view of polarization that includes the Wolfson and the Esteban and Ray approaches. The paper also develops other links for the case of controlling only one variable and deducing the implications for the other variable.
Further evidence on the Export-Led Growth Hypothesis

The Export-Led Growth Hypothesis (ELGH) is an interesting subject of research in the field of applied economics. This paper investigates the causal links between exports and output growth in the empirical framework of the Greek economy, using error-correction modelling and multivariate Granger causality. A sensitivity analysis based on impulse responses is implemented to check the robustness of the results. The estimation procedure generates robust results, indicating that the ELGH is not valid in the case of Greece. Furthermore, the empirical findings suggest a strong and consistent causation from output growth to export performance in the long-run.
Roles of ST2, IL‐33 and BNP in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events in acute myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention

This study investigated roles of serum ST2, IL‐33 and BNP in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Blood samples were collected from the included AMI patients (n = 180) who underwent PCI. All patients were divided into the MACEs and MACEs‐free groups. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure serum levels of ST2, IL‐33 and BNP. Severity of coronary artery lesion was evaluated by Gensini score. Pearson correlation analysis was used. A receiver operating characteristics curve was drawn to evaluate the potential roles of ST2, IL‐33 and BNP in predicting MACEs, and Kaplan–Meier curve to analyse the 1‐year overall survival rate. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyse the independent risk factors for MACEs. Compared with the MACEs‐free group, the serum levels of ST2, IL‐33 and BNP were significantly higher in the MACEs group. Serum levels of ST2, IL‐33 and BNP were positively correlated with each other and positively correlated with Gensini score. The area under curves of ST2, IL‐33 and BNP, respectively, were 0.872, 0.675 and 0.902. The relative sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 76.27% and 85.92%, 69.49% and 58.68%, as well as, 96.61% and 77.69%. Serum levels of ST2, IL‐33 and BNP were independent risk factors for MACEs. The 1‐year overall survival rate was higher in AMI patients with lower serum levels of ST2, IL‐33 and BNP. In conclusion, serum levels of ST2, IL‐33 and BNP have potential value in predicting MACEs in AMI patients undergoing PCI.
Building investment is a diminishing source of economic growth

While the UK's capital stock seems to have embodied technical progress at a fairly steady, though probably increasing, rate since the mid-nineteenth century, a fundamental shift in the nature of that embodied technical progress occurred during the early part of the twentieth century. During the nineteenth century commercial buildings and infrastructure were the dominant components of capital investment, both quantitatively and as carriers of the new technologies. However, during the twentieth century, faster rates of technical progress in the manufacture of equipment compared to buildings ensured that its share of capital investment has increased, while its growing dominance as the engine of growth has been reinforced by taking over as the main carrier of new technologies. Whilst this has relegated commercial building to a secondary role as driver of productivity growth, the complementarity of structures and equipment means that the function of buildings as an integrated component of business capital remains as vital as ever. These findings have important implications for the property industry as it attempts to adapt to the demands of the new information economy.
Anterior brain functions and hypnosis: A test of the frontal hypothesis

Abstract Neuropsychological frontal lobe tests were used to compare individuals with high (n = 8) and low (n = 9) hypnotizability during both baseline and hypnosis conditions. Subjects were assessed on two hypnotic susceptibility scales and a test battery that included the Stroop test, word fluency to letter- and semantic-designated categories, tests of simple reaction time and choice reaction time, a vigilance task, and a questionnaire of 40 self-descriptive statements of focused attention. Effects for hypnotic susceptibility and hypnosis/control conditions were scant across the dependent variables. High hypnotizables scored higher on the questionnaire at baseline, and their performance on the word-fluency task during hypnosis was reduced to a greater extent than lows. Findings indicate that although the frontal area may play an important role regarding hypnotic response, the mechanisms seem to be much more complex than mere general inhibition.
FROM LEAN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TO LEAN INNOVATION: SEARCHING FOR A MORE VALID APPROACH FOR PROMOTING UTILITARIAN AND EMOTIONAL VALUE

This paper considers the role of lean product development (LPD) as part of a company's overall innovation strategy. Our discussion contends that the value-concept in LPD is too strongly tied to product features, and that this may lead to: (i) overemphasis on utilitarian value, (ii) preference for reliability over validity, and (iii) a defensive approach to market-trends. These factors can compromise the philosophy's ability to maximize customer value, and represent a challenge in making LPD fit beyond incremental innovation in the technological domain. Lean innovation (LI) is therefore introduced as an extension of LPD, building on a value concept that embraces emotional as well as utilitarian characteristics. It is suggested that lean principles should not be limited to product development, but should concern all aspects of a company's innovation efforts relevant to offering a pleasurable customer experience.
Implications of EU emission trading in the Nordic countries

This research report analyses the effects of EU emissions trading schemes on the Nordic energy intensive industries. We employ simulations with a modified version of the dynamic GTAP-model and a long-run baseline, constructed particularly for analysis of energy and climate policy. The analysis covers CO2 mitigation costs and their impacts on industry competitiveness, the risks of carbon leakage, and the combined effects from energy efficiency improvements. We also evaluate the effect of subsidies allowed in the EU emission trading directive to industries for compensation of the loss of competitiveness. According to the simulation results, the single most important factor affecting the cost of cutting CO2 emissions is economic growth, as it is accompanied with increasing demand and price of energy. Other important factors include the ambition level and coverage of global climate agreement. For the permit price at emissions trading market and for climate policy effectiveness, advances in energy efficiency also have a significant impact. Energy efficiency and emission reduction targets are intertwined, and the reduction target alone leads to significant decrease in primary energy use. Global improvement in energy efficiency also reduces world emissions and carbon leakage. Unilateral EU policy seems ineffective for global emissions reduction, whereas commitment of all Annex I countries has a much larger impact. Subsidies to the EU industries for compensating the loss of competitiveness would limit the carbon leakage to other regions, and the overall impact on EU economies appears favourable.
Information Rigidities, Inflation Perceptions, and the Media: Lessons from the Euro Cash Changeover

The objective of theoretical models of information rigidities is to capture the fact that people are constrained in their ability to acquire and process all available information. Given that most people obtain their information about the economy from the media, press coverage of the economy may exert an influence on peoples' attitudes. This paper tests for this influence by examining consumers' inflation perceptions in the aftermath of the euro cash changeover, which serves as a natural experiment. Using a new data set, that quantifies the intensity and tone of media reports, we document that media reporting has had a statistically significant and economically meaningful impact on inflation perceptions and contributed to their sharp rise in the aftermath of the euro cash changeover and to the divergence between inflation perceptions and actual inflation rates. (JEL E53, D83)
A 7.9-fJ/conversion-step 8-b 400-MS/s 2-b-per-cycle SAR ADC with A preset capacitive DAC

This paper presents an 8-b 400-MS/s 2-b-per-cycle SAR ADC with a preset capacitive DAC, which is simulated in 65-nm CMOS process. This SAR ADC achieves rapid conversion rate and low power, leading SNDR to 48.9dB, SFDR to 57.8dB, and ENOB to 7.83 bits at 400-MS/s sampling rate and in 186MHz input signal. The ADC consumes 0.766mW, and the FoM is 7.9fJ/conversion-step at 400-MS/s sampling rate from a 1.2-V supply voltage.
A noninferiority trial of a problem-solving intervention for hospice caregivers: in person versus videophone.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Problem-solving therapy (PST) has been found effective when delivered to informal caregivers of patients with various conditions. In hospice, however, its translation to practice is impeded by the increased resources needed for its delivery. The study purpose was to compare the effectiveness of a PST intervention delivered face-to-face with one delivered via videophone to hospice primary caregivers. DESIGN AND METHODS The study design was a randomized noninferiority trial with two groups, Group 1 in which caregivers received PST face-to-face, and Group 2 in which caregivers received PST via videophone. Family hospice caregivers were recruited from two urban hospice agencies and received the PST intervention (in three visits for Group 1 or three video-calls in Group 2) in an approximate period of 20 days after hospice admission. Standard caregiver demographic data were collected. Psychometric instruments administered to caregivers at baseline and at study completion included the CQLI-R (Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Revised), the STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and the PSI (Problem-Solving Inventory). RESULTS One hundred twenty-six caregivers were recruited in the study; 77 were randomly assigned to Group 1 and 49 to Group 2. PST delivered via video was not inferior to face-to-face delivery. The observed changes in scores were similar for each group. Caregiver quality of life improved and state anxiety decreased under both conditions. CONCLUSIONS The delivery of PST via videophone was not inferior to face-to-face. Audiovisual feedback captured by technology may be sufficient, providing a solution to the geographic barriers that often inhibit the delivery of these types of interventions to older adults in hospice.
Micro-CT for Anatomic Referencing in PET and SPECT: Radiation Dose, Biologic Damage, and Image Quality

CT is widely used for anatomic referencing of PET and SPECT images of small animals but requires sufficiently high radiation doses capable of causing significant DNA damage. Therefore, we described the relationship between radiation dose, biologic damage, and image quality to determine whether CT can be used without significantly compromising radiotherapy and tumor development studies. Methods: The CT dose index generated by the nanoSPECT/CT system was compared with measurements using EBT2 gafchromic film. The effects of micro-CT were evaluated in 2 mouse strains that differ in sensitivity to radiation. γH2AX foci analysis to determine leukocyte, liver, and jejunum DNA damage and hematoxylin and eosin staining to investigate macroscopic jejunum damage were performed. Signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and scanner linearity were determined to assess image quality. Results: For the standard settings, that is, as set by the manufacturers, EBT2 gafchromic film dosimetry showed that the nanoSPECT/CT system underestimated the absorbed dose. Moreover, significant doses were obtained, resulting in a significant increase in γH2AX formation in leukocytes, liver, and jejunum 40 min after CT, using preset parameters when compared with nonimaged controls. The jejenum response was more pronounced for the more radiosensitive strain. In contrast to leukocytes, the liver and jejunum still showed evidence of DNA damage 3 d after CT. Contrast-to-noise ratio, signal-to-noise ratio, and scanner linearity were sufficient to allow for anatomic referencing for both imaging protocols tested. Conclusion: Anatomic reference images can be produced with no observable DNA damage or compromising image quality using low radiographic voltage, flux, and duration.
The Law and Economics of Marriage Contracts

Growth in property ownership has raised the stakes in the distribution of financial assets on divorce. Given high risks of marital failure, this has stimulated the demand for private ordering through enforceable marriage contracts. This paper surveys the existing law and economics literature and legal practice to consider the state of knowledge on the economic theory, scope and limits of written nuptial agreements.
Human herpesvirus 8 in Brazilian Amerindians: a hyperendemic population with a new subtype.

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) epidemiology in Brazilian Amerindians was studied. Use of an immunofluorescence (IFA) test for latent antibody demonstrated that the prevalence of HHV-8 in 781 Amerindians of diverse tribes (overall, 53% prevalence) was not related to language group or sex but rather increased gradually from 41% in children <10 years of age to 65% in adults >/=30 years of age. In IFA-positive subjects, HHV-8 DNA was detected in 3 (16%) of 19 mononuclear cell samples from peripheral blood and in 1 of 16 saliva samples. The sequences of conserved ORF22 and K6 genes were typical of HHV-8, but the variable K1 gene sequences were only 70%-75% identical to other known HHV-8 strains. Thus, a new HHV-8 subtype, E, is hyperendemic in Brazilian Amerindians, although Kaposi's sarcoma has not been reported. Transmission is probably oral rather than sexual. The limited genetic pool in isolated groups may permit more frequent transmission of a virus with a low prevalence in heterogeneous populations.
A regulatory role for CRM1 in the multi-directional trafficking of splicing snRNPs in the mammalian nucleus

Distinct pathways of ribonucleoprotein transport exist within the nucleus, connected to their biogenesis and maturation. These occur despite evidence that the major mechanism for their movement within the nucleus is passive diffusion. Using fusions of Sm proteins to YFP, CFP and photoactivatable GFP, I have demonstrated that pathways with uni-directional bulk flow of complexes can be maintained within the nucleus despite multi-directional exchange of individual complexes. Newly imported splicing small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) exchange between Cajal bodies (CBs) within a nucleus and access the cytoplasm, but are unable to accumulate in speckles. By contrast, snRNPs at steady-state exchange freely in any direction between CBs and speckles, but cannot leave the nucleus. In addition to these surprising qualitative observations in the behaviour of nuclear complexes, sensitive live-cell microscopy techniques can detect subtle quantitative disturbances in nuclear dynamics before they have had an effect on overall nuclear organization. Inhibition of the nuclear export factor, CRM1, using leptomycin B results in a change in the dynamics of interaction of newly imported snRNPs with CBs. Together with the detection of interactions of CRM1 with Sm proteins and the survival of motor neurons (SMN) protein, these studies suggest that the export receptor CRM1 is a key player in the molecular mechanism for maintaining these pathways. Its role in snRNP trafficking, however, appears to be distinct from its previously identified role in small nucleolar RNP (snoRNP) maturation.
The Careful Nursing philosophy and professional practice model.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To present the Careful Nursing philosophy and professional practice model which has its source in the skilled practice of 19th century Irish nurses and to propose that its implementation could provide a relevant foundation for contemporary nursing practice. BACKGROUND Nursing models are widely considered not relevant to nursing practice. Alarming instances of incompetent and insensitive nursing practice and experiences of powerlessness amongst nurses are being reported. Professional practice models that will inspire and strengthen nurses in practice and help them to address these challenges are needed. Nursing history has been suggested as a source of such models. DESIGN Discursive. METHODS Content analysis of historical documents describing the thinking and practice of 19th century Irish nurses. Identification of emergent categories and subcategories as philosophical assumptions, concepts and dimensions of professional nursing practice. RESULTS A philosophical approach to practise encompassing the nature and innate dignity of the person, the experience of an infinite transcendent reality in life processes and health as human flourishing. A professional practice model constructed from four concepts; therapeutic milieu, practice competence and excellence, management of practice and influence in health systems and professional authority; and their eighteen dimensions. CONCLUSION As a philosophy and professional practice model, Careful Nursing can engage nurses and provide meaningful direction for practice. It could help decrease incidents of incompetent and insensitive practice and sustain already exemplary practice. As a basis for theory development, it could help close the relevance gap between nursing practice and nursing science. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Careful Nursing highlights respect for the innate dignity of all persons and what this means for nurses in their relationships with patients. It balances attentive tenderness in nurse-patient relationships with clinical skill and judgement. It helps nurses to establish their professional practice boundaries and take authoritative responsibility for their practice.
Yolk sac development in lizards (Lacertilia: Scincidae): New perspectives on the egg of amniotes

Embryos of oviparous reptiles develop on the surface of a large mass of yolk, which they metabolize to become relatively large hatchlings. Access to the yolk is provided by tissues growing outward from the embryo to cover the surface of the yolk. A key feature of yolk sac development is a dedicated blood vascular system to communicate with the embryo. The best known model for yolk sac development and function of oviparous amniotes is based on numerous studies of birds, primarily domestic chickens. In this model, the vascular yolk sac forms the perimeter of the large yolk mass and is lined by a specialized epithelium, which takes up, processes and transports yolk nutrients to the yolk sac blood vessels. Studies of lizard yolk sac development, dating to more than 100 years ago, report characteristics inconsistent with this model. We compared development of the yolk sac from oviposition to near hatching in embryonic series of three species of oviparous scincid lizards to consider congruence with the pattern described for birds. Our findings reinforce results of prior studies indicating that squamate reptiles mobilize and metabolize the large yolk reserves in their eggs through a process unknown in other amniotes. Development of the yolk sac of lizards differs from birds in four primary characteristics, migration of mesoderm, proliferation of endoderm, vascular development and cellular diversity within the yolk sac cavity. Notably, all of the yolk is incorporated into cells relatively early in development and endodermal cells within the yolk sac cavity align along blood vessels which course throughout the yolk sac cavity. The pattern of uptake of yolk by endodermal cells indicates that the mechanism of yolk metabolism differs between lizards and birds and that the evolution of a fundamental characteristic of embryonic nutrition diverged in these two lineages. Attributes of the yolk sac of squamates reveal the existence of phylogenetic diversity among amniote lineages and raise new questions concerning the evolution of the amniotic egg. J. Morphol. 278:574–591, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
External Financing, Growth and Stock Returns

In this paper we investigate the relation of the value/growth anomaly with the anomaly on corporate financing activities. We confirm and expand earlier results that value/growth and external financing indicators are, to some degree, related predictors of stock returns in the cross section. We show that external financing indicators are incrementally informative since they pick up stock returns associated with earnings quality. Portfolios that combine information from both these indicators generate significantly higher returns than portfolios containing each individual indicator. More importantly, our analysis strongly suggests that the external financing anomaly is, to some extent, distinct from the value/growth anomaly, in that it may also reflect investors’ misunderstanding of the effects of opportunistic earnings management.
Note—Managing Sickle Cell Anemia in Zaire

This paper analyzes the long term effects of various genetic policies that could be applied at a national level in Zaire to fight sickle cell anemia: the prohibition of marriages between individuals with the sickle cell trait, increased efficacy of the medical cure of sickle cell anemia, selective birth control, and eradication of malaria. We show that combined application of the last two policies would lead to progressive disappearance of the disease. The first two policies lead to disastrous effects in the long run, since the proportion of those who have the sickle cell trait would increase from the present 25%. Due to major differences between Zaire and the United States, the results differ markedly from those of Meredith (Meredith, J. 1977. Managing the incidence of sickle cell Anemia through genetic counseling. Management Sci. 23 1261-1272.) who presented the results of a similar study in the United States in a previous article in Management Science.