Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Market-Based Structural Determinants of Australian CDS Spreads

We analyse the determinants of Australian corporate credit default swap (CDS) spreads. In addition to structural determinants, consisting of equity returns, equity volatility and risk-free interest rates, we show that CDS spreads are impacted by the uncertainty of asset values as proxied by the dispersion in equity analysts’ price targets. Market-based variables including the changes in the S&P/ASX200 index return and stock-level option-implied volatility also contain valuable information about spreads. The analysis of spread determinants also shows that during the financial crisis equity-based market variables featured more prominently in the pricing of CDS spreads than credit ratings.
A 7.9-GHz Transformer-Feedback Quadrature Oscillator With a Noise-Shifting Coupling Network

A noise-shifting coupling network is proposed for nonlinear passively coupled quadrature voltage-controlled oscillators (QVCOs). Both detailed analysis and circuit implementation demonstrate that the noise contribution by the coupling network can be minimized by re-aligning the phases of the noise modulation function and the impulse sensitivity function with a reduced magnitude. In addition, the QVCO with the proposed coupling network also incorporates the transformer-feedback technique to improve its performance in terms of phase noise, quadrature phase error, and low supply voltage. Fabricated in a 65-nm CMOS process, the QVCO prototype operating at 7.9-GHz measures phase noise at 10-MHz offset frequency of −143 dBc/Hz and minimum quadrature phase error of 0.23° while consuming 27.2 mW with a 0.8-V supply voltage.
Flupenthixol versus placebo for schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND Flupenthixol, first made available in the UK in 1965, has been used as a treatment for schizophrenia for decades. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the absolute clinical effects of flupenthixol for schizophrenia in comparison with placebo. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Trials Register (August 2011), inspected references of all included or excluded studies for further trials, and contacted authors of trials for additional information. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared flupenthixol with placebo for adults with schizophrenia or related disorders by any means of diagnosis. Primary outcomes of interest were clinically important change in global state, mental state and behaviour, and adverse effects. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We extracted data from the one included study, discussed any disagreement, documented decisions and contacted the authors of the included study for further information. We analysed binary outcomes using a standard estimation of the risk ratio (RR) and its 95% confidence intervals (CI). For homogenous data we used a fixed-effect model. For rare events we analysed dichotomous data using Peto Odds ratio (OR), again with 95% CIs. MAIN RESULTS We could include only one small (n = 45) study of moderate quality. When the active α-flupenthixol was compared with the inactive placebo or β-flupenthixol groups combined, fewer people in the active treatment group needed additional antipsychotic medication by around four weeks for deterioration in their general state (n = 45, OR 0.19 CI 0.05 to 0.71). There was no clear difference in social functioning at one year (n = 45, RR 1.33 CI 0.91 to 1.96). We found no clear data on mental state and behaviour, adverse effects, service use, satisfaction with treatment or costs. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We were surprised that this well-established drug had so few data from trials investigating its absolute effects. We think this is unlikely to be rectified some 50 years after its launch and know that this would not happen today. However, even though data are very limited, flupenthixol may well be worthy of careful investigation - partly to ensure that this inexpensive active drug is not forgotten.
Temporal and spatial e‐service value

Purpose – To develop a conceptual framework for temporal and spatial e‐service value.Design/methodology/approach – In the empirical study, the temporal and spatial value of e‐services is qualitatively explored. Positioned within service research, a conceptualisation of customer perceived value based on benefit and sacrifice of technical, functional, temporal and spatial dimensions is used.Findings – The qualitative study identifies subdimensions of temporal and spatial value. In addition to benefits such as access and flexibility, these subdimensions also involve aspects related to temporal and spatial sacrifice. The subdimensions indicate the versatility of the dimensions. Another finding is the interdependence between the benefit and sacrifice of service value.Research limitations/implications – Extends prior research by qualitatively describing benefit and sacrifice of temporal and spatial value. Presents a conceptual model of temporal and spatial e‐service value. Future research needs to quantitativel.
Noisy Univariate Marginal Distribution Algorithm and its mathematical model

In the present article, a new algorithm called Noisy Univariate Marginal Distribution Algorithm (NUMDA) is proposed as an improvement of UMDA. The main idea is to introduce stochastic item into the probabilistic model of the selected solutions. Numerical experiments show that NUMDA has a better performance on some problems than UMDA. In addition, the updating progress of this new algorithm can be described by a set of stochastic differential equations (SDEs) approximately. The strategy of constructing a potential function has been applied to study the new evolutionary algorithm theoretically. And some interesting results can be drawn from this novel methodology.
Erythromycin Resistance and Genetic Elements Carrying Macrolide Efflux Genes in Streptococcus agalactiae

ABSTRACT The macrolide resistance determinants and genetic elements carrying the mef(A) and mef(E) subclasses of the mef gene were studied with Streptococcus agalactiae isolated in 2003 and 2004 from 7,084 vaginorectal cultures performed to detect carrier pregnant women. The prevalence of carriage was 18% (1,276 isolates), and that of erythromycin resistance 11.0% (129 of the 1,171 isolates studied). erm(B), erm(A) subclass erm(TR), and the mef gene, either subclass mef(A) or mef(E), were found in 72 (55.8%), 41 (31.8%), and 12 (9.3%) erythromycin-resistant isolates, while 4 isolates had more than 1 erythromycin resistance gene. Of the 13 M-phenotype mef-containing erythromycin-resistant S. agalactiae isolates, 11 had the mef(E) subclass gene alone, one had both the mef(E) and the erm(TR) subclass genes, and one had the mef(A) subclass gene. mef(E) subclass genes were associated with the carrying element mega in 10 of the 12 mef(E)-containing strains, while the single mef(A) subclass gene found was associated with the genetic element Tn1207.3. The nonconjugative nature of the mega element and the clonal diversity of mef(E)-containing strains determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis suggest that transformation is the main mechanism through which this resistance gene is acquired.
A High-Vacuum High-Electric-Field Pulsed Power Interface Based on a Ceramic Insulator

Improving the flashover voltage in a vacuum interface between a pulsed power system and a vacuum region has been a goal for many years. The interface problem is difficult because of the electrical, mechanical, and vacuum issues that must be satisfied simultaneously. In this paper, according to the theories of vacuum flashover and the design rules for high-electric-field insulators, a ceramic-insulated vacuum interface is presented. The electrostatic field along the ceramic surface was obtained by ANSYS simulations. By optimizing the field shaper and shielding rings, the electric fields were well distributed and the fields around the cathode and anode triple junctions were effectively controlled. The high-voltage test was carried out on an ~600-kV, ~100-ns pulser, and the results show that the vacuum interface can work stably with a holdoff E-field stress of 40 kV/cm. The experimental results agree with the theoretical and simulated results. Finally, the influence of the surface treatment on the ceramic flashover characteristics was also discussed.
Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation

The efficacy of n-3 PUFAs in preventing recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is controversial and their effects on inflammation and oxidative stress in this population are not known. This study examined the effects of high-dose marine omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) added to conventional therapy on the recurrence of AF and on markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF were randomized to n-3 PUFAs (4g/d) (n=126) or placebo (n=64) in a 2:1 ratio in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study. The primary outcome was time to recurrence of AF. Secondary outcomes were changes in biomarkers of inflammation (serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, tissue necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)), N-terminal-pro-brain type natriuretic peptide (NTpBNP), and oxidative stress (urinary F2–isoprostanes (IsoPs)). Atrial fibrillation recurred in 74 (58.7%) patients randomized to n3PUFAs and in 30 (46.9%) who received placebo; time to recurrence of AF did not differ © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Correspondence C. Michael Stein, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 542 Robinson Research Building, Nashville TN, 37232-6602 Phone: +1 615-936-3420 Fax: +1 615-936-2746; michael.stein@vanderbilt.edu. Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. Conflict of Interest Disclosures None NIH Public Access Author Manuscript Am J Cardiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2016 January 15. Published in final edited form as: Am J Cardiol. 2015 January 15; 115(2): 196–201. doi:10.1016/j.amjcard. 2014.10. 022. N IH -P A A uhor M anscript N IH -P A A uhor M anscript N IH -P A A uhor M anscript significantly in the two groups (hazard ratio 1.20; 95% CI 0.76 1.90, adjusted P=0.438). Compared to placebo, n3-PUFAs did not result in clinically meaningful changes in concentrations of inflammatory markers, NTpBNP or F2-Isops. In conclusion, in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF treatment with n3-PUFAs 4g/day did not reduce the recurrence of AF, nor was it associated with clinically important effects on concentrations of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Mitochondrial membrane potential in single living adult rat cardiac myocytes exposed to anoxia or metabolic inhibition.

1. The relation between mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi m) and cell function was investigated in single adult rat cardiac myocytes during anoxia and reoxygenation. delta psi m was studied by loading myocytes with JC‐1 (5,5',6,6'‐tetrachloro‐1,1',3,3'‐ tetra‐ethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide), a fluorescent probe characterized by two emission peaks (539 and 597 nm with excitation at 490 nm) corresponding to monomer and aggregate forms of the dye. 2. De‐energizing conditions applied to mitochondria, cell suspensions or single cells decreased the aggregate emission and increased the monomer emission. This latter result cannot be explained by changes of JC‐1 concentration in the aqueous mitochondrial matrix phase indicating that hydrophobic interaction of the probe with membranes has to be taken into account to explain JC‐1 fluorescence properties in isolated mitochondria or intact cells. 3. A different sensitivity of the two JC‐1 forms to delta psi m changes was shown in isolated mitochondria by the effects of ADP and FCCP and the calibration with K+ diffusion potentials. The monomer emission was responsive to values of delta psi m below 140 mV, which hardly modified the aggregate emission. Thus JC‐1 represents a unique double sensor which can provide semi‐quantitative information in both low and high potential ranges. 4. At the onset of glucose‐free anoxia the epifluorescence of individual myocytes studied in the single excitation (490 nm)‐double emission (530 and 590 nm) mode showed a gradual decline of the aggregate emission, which reached a plateau while electrically stimulated (0.2 Hz) contraction was still retained. The subsequent failure of contraction was followed by the rise of the emission at 530 nm, corresponding to the monomer form of the dye, concomitantly with the development of rigor contracture. 5. The onset of the rigor was preceded by the increase in intracellular Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) monitored by mag‐indo‐1 epifluorescence. Since under these experimental conditions intracellular [Ca2+] and pH are fairly stable, the increase in [Mg2+]i was likely to be produced by a decrease in ATP content. 6. The inhibition of mitochondrial ATPase induced by oligomycin during anoxia was associated with a rapid and simultaneous change of both the components of JC‐1 fluorescence, suggesting that delta psi m, instead of producing ATP, is generated by glycolytic ATP during anoxia. 7. The readmission of oxygen induced a rapid decrease of the monomer emission and a slower increase of the aggregate emission. These fluorescence changes were not necessarily associated with the recovery of mechanical function. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
HPV and Therapeutic Vaccines: Where are We in 2010?

The discovery of human papillomavirus (HPV) as a necessary etiological factor for cervical cancer has spurred the development of preventive and therapeutic HPV vaccines for the control of HPV-associated malignancies including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and a subset of head and neck cancers. The commercial preventive HPV vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix, use HPV virus-like particles to generate neutralizing antibodies against HPV major capsid protein L1. However, they do not exert therapeutic effects on existing lesions and are unlikely to have an immediate impact on the prevalence of cervical cancer due to their cost and limited availability in developing countries, which account for more than 80% of cer- vical cancers. Thus, there is an urgent need for therapeutic HPV vaccines. Therapeutic HPV vaccines can eliminate pre- existing lesions and infections by generating cellular immunity against HPV-infected cells. HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins represent ideal targets for therapeutic intervention because of their constitutive expression in HPV-associated tumors and their crucial role in the induction and maintenance of HPV-associated disease. This review discusses the current progress of various therapeutic HPV vaccine approaches, including live vector-based, peptide/protein-based, nucleic acid-based and cell-based vaccines targeting E6 and/or E7 antigens, and their future prospects for the control of HPV-associated ma- lignancies.
An assessment of the current standard of real estate valuation practice in Nigeria

A B ST R A C T This study appraised the current approach, methodology and reporting standards of real estate valuation in Nigeria. Primary data were sourced through structured questionnaires administered to practitioners in Lagos metropolis, while secondary data were mainly from valuation reports prepared by valuers (appraisers) operating within the study area and documents from the regulatory bodies. Using the yardstick of transparency, rationality and consistency - the universal hallmarks of reliable asset pricing; and the International Valuation Standards Committee’s as well as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ recommended “minimum content of valuation report”, the study revealed that the real estate valuation practice in the country presently falls short of international standards and best practices. While acknowledging remedial steps that were recently put in place, the study recommended other measures that will revolutionize the local practice. These include formation of bigger firms, a more proactive regulatory framework and a comprehensive review of training curricular. Substantial amendments to the present national valuation standards and guidance notes to reflect and accommodate the peculiarity and the particular needs of the local market place with adequate measures for enforcement/sanctions should also be considered. Above all, practitioners must be willing to embrace necessary changes in practice.
The Impact of Depth of Infection and Postdischarge Surveillance on Rate of Surgical-Site Infections in a Network of Community Hospitals

Objective. To describe the epidemiology of surgical-site infections (SSIs) in community hospitals and to explore the impact of depth of SSI, healthcare location at the time of diagnosis, and variations in surveillance practices on the overall rate of SSI. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. Thirty-seven community hospitals in the southeastern United States. Patients. Consecutive sample of patients undergoing surgical procedures between July 1, 2007, and December 31, 2008. Methods. ANOVA was used to compare rates of SSIs, and the F test was used to compare the distribution of rates of SSIs. Wilcoxon rank-sum was used to test for differences in performance rankings of hospitals. Results. Following 177,706 surgical procedures, 1,919 SSIs were identified (incidence, 1.08 per 100 procedures). Sixty-four percent (1,223 of 1,919) of these were identified as complex SSIs; 87% of the complex SSIs were diagnosed in inpatient settings. The median proportion of superficial-incisional SSIs was 37% (interquartile range, 29.6%–49.5%). Postdischarge SSI surveillance was variable, with 58% of responding hospitals using surgeon letters. As reporting focus was narrowed from all SSIs to complex SSIs (incidence, 0.69 per 100 procedures) and, finally, to complex SSIs diagnosed in the inpatient setting (incidence, 0.51 per 100 procedures), variance in rates changed significantly (P = .02). Performance ranking of individual hospitals, based on rates of SSIs, differed significandy, depending on the reporting method utilized (P = .0006). Conclusions. Inconsistent reporting mediods focused on variable depths of infection and healthcare location at time of diagnosis significandy impact rates of SSI, distribution of rates of SSI, and hospital comparative-performance rankings. We believe that public reporting of SSI rates should be limited to complex SSIs diagnosed in the inpatient setting. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(3):276-282
Corporate Social Responsibility in Australia: A Review

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is currently one of the most discussed topics by business people and scholars alike. The concept has been enthusiastically supported by three very disparate groups - by government, by non-government organisations (NGOs) ranging from charities to national and international industry groups, and by business itself, in particular large corporations. In 2000, a study by the Centre for Corporate Public Affairs and the Business Council of Australia found around half of Australia's large companies had policies related to community involvement, social responsibility or stakeholder engagement. More than half of these companies had developed policies in the last decade. In 2001, Cronin and Zappala concluded from their survey of Australia's top 100 companies that just over 70 percent of companies surveyed had corporate community involvement (CCI) or CSR policies. Increasing numbers of companies in Australia have policies and programs that purport to reflect their commitment to the community, society and the environment. Yet, despite the prolific amount of literature on CSR - particularly from the perspective of companies themselves and from practioners in the thriving industry of CSR consultancy - there is a dearth of empirical studies examining whether, and if so to what extent and in what manner, Australian companies are responding in practice to the increasing momentum surrounding CSR. This review outlines and discusses the small number of studies that have been conducted in Australia over the past decade by academics, business associations, government, non-profit organisations and by consultancies into these issues.
ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION Expression of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense genes in the kidney of inbred mice after intestinal ischemia and reperfusion 1

PURPOSE: To determine the gene expressions profile related to the oxidative stress and the antioxidant response in the kidneys of mice subjected to intestinal ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS: Twelve inbred mice (C57BL/6) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the control group (CG) underwent anesthesia and was observed for 120 min and the ischemia/reperfusion group (IRG), animals were anesthetized and subjected to laparotomy and ischemia for 60 minutes followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. The expressions of 84 genes from the kidney were determined by the Reverse Transcription qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). All genes that were up regulated by more than threefold using the algorithm [2(ΔΔCt)] were considered statically significant (p≤0.05). RESULTS: In the IRG group 29 (34.52%) of 84 genes, were up regulated by more than threefold. The genes that were differentially up regulated in the glutathione peroxidase cluster (10 genes): were Gpx2 and Gpx7. The genes that were up regulated in the peroxidase cluster (16 genes) were following: Duox1, Epx, Lpo, Mpo, Ptgs2, Rag2, Serpinb1b, Tmod1 and Tpo. The genes that up regulated in the reactive oxygen species cluster (16 genes): Il19, Il22, Nos2, Nox1, Noxa1, Noxo1, Recql4 and Sod2. The genes that were up regulated in the oxidative stress cluster (22 genes) were: Mpp4, Nudt15, Upc3 and Xpa. The genes that were up regulated in the oxygen carriers cluster (12 genes) were: Hbq1, Mb, Ngb, Slc38a1 and Xirp1. The peroxiredoxins genes (10) showed no consistent differential regulation. CONCLUSION: The genes related to oxidative stress and antioxidant defense showed increased expression in renal tissue trigged intestinal ischemia and reperfusion.
An Approach for Tracking Within-Segment Shifts in Market Shares

Most approaches to examining the effects of marketing variables on market shares treat the market as a single aggregate. Examining the marketing effects at the segment level would be more useful managerially. Recently, Grover and Srinivasan proposed that a market segment be defined as a group of consumers homogeneous in terms of the probabilities of choosing the different brands in a product class. The market is thereby segmented into brand loyal segments and multiple switching segments. The authors extend this approach to allow the within-switching-segment market shares to vary across periods. The changes over time in within-segment market shares are related to marketing variables such as price and promotion through a logit model. Application of the model to data from a scanner panel shows that the proposed approach produces a modest improvement in predictive validity in comparison with the traditional approach of treating the market as a single aggregate.