Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating labour market flexibility in V4 countries

This contribution focuses on evaluation of labour market flexibility in the V4 countries. These countries have similar historical destiny but the economic transition led to new labour market institutions. Labour market outcomes are thus quite different in the last decades. Using a small closed DSGE model with search and matching frictions, the main structural labour market differences among these countries are revealed. These differences are related to the changes in separation rates, matching efficiency, match elasticity of unemployed and the bargaining power of the workers. The models are identified using Bayesian techniques. Comparing the moments of simulated data, we can conclude that the estimated models are able to replicate the main statistical properties of the observed data. The labour market in Hungary seems to be the most flexible regarding the labour market dynamics in the light of the nascent economic recovery. On the other hand, all examined economies are similar to the extent of the low wage bargaining power of the workers.
Prototype IVA module (PIM)

As a result of the Pulsed Power Group's programme to gain expertise in IVA (inductive voltage adder) technology we have designed a prospective module for a future large IVA machine that would be suitable for full scale radiography at AWE. This machine would operate at 13 to 15 MV. The PIM machine has been built at AWE to test a single such module and we have been collecting performance data from it before fixing the design for the full size machine. PIM also provides the basis for the PPG's continued research programme in this area and hence possible other machines for the future. The PIM machine consists of a single inductive cavity pulsed by a water dielectric Blumlein pulse forming line which is charged by a Marx generator. The Marx generator is based on the Sandia hanging Marx design. It is constructed using 32 1.35 uF 100 kV DC capacitors. The Marx pulse charges the 10 ohm water Blumlein. which acts as a fast pulse forming section. The Blumlein switch initially installed was a co-axial two stage rimfire and trigatron switch. A laser triggering configuration utilising two radial switches, designed by Titan PSI, is also to be tested. The inductive cavity incorporates ferromagnetic cores formed from Metglas alloy tape and the fast pulse appears across a perspex (lucite) insulated accelerating gap. The pulse travels along a short vacuum transmission line to a ball/plane e-beam diode test load. Work has been carried out to test the module design. Initially the Marx was characterised into a resistive load to establish its operating regime. The Blumlein PFL and its Rimfire/Trigatron switch were then tested, also using a copper sulphate load. A peak output voltage of 1.7 MV was achieved from the PFL. The inductive cavity has been added and we are in the process of testing it. A pulse of 1.4 MV peak voltage has been successfully applied to it. The latest details of the system's characterisation are presented.
Transdifferentiation of erythroblasts to megakaryocytes using FLI1 and ERG transcription factors

Summary Platelet transfusion has been widely used to prevent and treat life-threatening thrombocytopenia; however, preparation of a unit of concentrated platelet for transfusion requires at least 4–6 units of whole blood. At present, a platelet unit from a single donor can be prepared using apheresis, but lack of donors is still a major problem. Several approaches to produce platelets from other sources, such as haematopoietic stem cells and pluripotent stem cells, have been attempted but the system is extremely complicated, time-consuming and expensive. We now report a novel and simpler technology to obtain platelets using transdifferentiation of human bone marrow erythroblasts to megakaryocytes with overexpression of the FLI1 and ERG genes. The obtained transdifferentiated erythroblasts (both from CD71+ and GPA+ erythroblast subpopulations) exhibit typical features of megakaryocytes including morphology, expression of specific genes (cMPL and TUBB1) and a marker protein (CD41). They also have the ability to generate megakaryocytic CFU in culture and produce functional platelets, which aggregate with normal human platelets to form a normal-looking clot. Overexpression of FLI1 and ERG genes is sufficient to transdifferentiate erythroblasts to megakaryocytes that can produce functional platelets.
Molecularly cloned feline immunodeficiency virus NCSU1 JSY3 induces immunodeficiency in specific-pathogen-free cats

A full-length feline immunodeficiency virus NCSU1 (FIV-NCSU1) genome (JSY3) was cloned directly from FIV-NCSU1-infected feline CD4+ lymphocyte (FCD4E) genomic DNA and identified by PCR amplification with 5' long terminal repeat, gag, env, and 3' long terminal repeat primer sets. Supernatant from FCD4E cells cocultured with JSY3-transfected Crandell feline kidney (CrFK) cells was used as an inoculum. Cell-free JSY3 virus was cytopathogenic for FCD4E lymphocytes but did not infect CrFK cells in vitro. To determine in vivo infectivity and pathogenesis, six young adult specific-pathogen-free cats were inoculated with cell-free JSY3 virus. Provirus was detected at 2 weeks postinfection (p.i.) and was still detectable at 25 weeks p.i. as determined by gag region PCR-Southern blot analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cell lysates. Infectious virus was recovered from peripheral blood mononuclear cells at 6 and 25 weeks p.i. , and an antibody response to FIV was detected by 4 weeks. In the acute phase of infection, JSY3 provirus was found only in the CD4+ lymphocyte subset; however, by 14 weeks p.i. , the greatest provirus burden was detected in B lymphocytes. All six cats were panlymphopenic at 2 weeks p.i. , CD4+/CD8+ ratios were inverted by 6 weeks p.i. , and five of the six cats developed lymphadenopathy by 10 weeks p.i. To determine if the JSY3 molecular clone caused immunodeficiency similar to that of the parental wild-type FIV-NCSU1, the cats were challenged with the low-virulence ME49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii at 29 weeks p.i. Five of six cats developed clinical signs consistent with generalized toxoplasmosis, and three of six cats developed acute respiratory distress and required euthanasia. Histopathologic examination of the severely affected cats revealed generalized inflammatory reactions and the presence of T. gondii tachyzoites in multiple tissues. None of the six age- and sex-matched specific-pathogen-free cats inoculated with only T. gondii developed clinical disease. Our results suggest that the pathogenesis of the molecularly cloned NCSU1 JSY3 is similar to that of wild-type FIV-NCSU1.
Modeling the different sections of the cardiac conduction system to obtain realistic electrocardiograms

The cardiac conduction system is divided in different sections that play an important role in the cardiac depolarization sequence and define the morphology of the electrocardiogram. In this study we have built several configurations for each section based on anatomical descriptions. The effect of the morphology of the bundle branches, and the density of both Purkinje branches and Purkinje-myocardial junctions (PMJ) has been studied by comparing the pseudo-ECGs obtained with the standard precordial leads of the electrocardiogram. A functional model for the PMJs based on the existence of a conduction adaptation layer is also presented. Simulation results showed a large influence of the His bundle and bundle branches in the pseudo-ECG and helped to elucidate the most appropriate morphology. The functional PMJ model allowed bidirectional communication between the conduction system and the myocardium with realistic transmission delays between both mediums. These results can help to improve current conduction system models and improve depolarization sequences of activation in the ventricles.
Internationalization Strategies to Replicate in Design and Consulting Engineering Services Firms Related to the Energy Industry

ABSTRACT Based on a case study of a Colombian company, HMV Ingenieros Ltda, this article aims to analyze different strategies for expanding consulting and design engineering firms related to the energy industry. Variables taken from internationalization theories, such as the Eclectic paradigm, the Uppsala model, and the five competitive forces, are considered in a longitudinal case study to determine the industry best practices for consulting and design engineering firms. As the focus on these services is relatively new in internationalization and competitiveness studies, this study is believed to be of great interest for research purposes.
Breakpoint cluster regions of the AML-1 and ETO genes contain MAR elements and are preferentially associated with the nuclear matrix in proliferating HEL cells

The spatial organization in interphase nuclei of the breakpoint cluster regions (BCRs) of the AML-1 and ETO genes frequently participating in reciprocal t(8;21) translocations was studied using cytological and biochemical approaches. Both BCRs were found to be localized preferentially, but not exclusively, to the nuclear matrix, as shown by hybridization of specific probes with nuclear halos. This association was not related to transcription, because the transcribed regions of both genes located far from BCRs were located preferentially in loop DNA, as shown by in situ hybridization. The sites of association with the nuclear matrix of the intensely transcribed AML-1 gene were mapped also using the biochemical PCR-based approach. Only the BCR was found to be associated with the nuclear matrix, whereas the other transcribed regions of this gene turned out to be positioned randomly in respect to the nuclear matrix. The data are discussed in the framework of the hypothesis postulating that the nuclear matrix plays an important role in determining the positions of recombination-prone areas.
An Accurate Analysis of Numerical Dispersion for 3-D ADI-FDTD with Artificial Anisotropy

In this paper, an accurate numerical dispersion relationship is developed for 3-D ADI FDTD with artificial anisotropy. The numerical dispersion relation with accurate mathematical model helps to calculate the anisotropic parameters, which are used to control the error of the numerical phase velocity. Numerical example shows that the proposed method helps to reduce the numerical dispersion significantly. The effects of anisotropic parameters on the numerical dispersion with different mesh resolution, courant number and cell dimension ratio, are shown for three-dimensional anisotropic ADI-FDTD. A comparison has been made for anisotropic ADI FTDD and conventional ADI FDTD in terms of accuracy and CPU time for the calculation of resonant frequencies of rectangular cavity.
Heterogeneity in Euro-Area Monetary Policy Transmission: Results from a Large Multi-Country BVAR Model

We study cross-country differences in monetary policy transmission across the large four euro-area countries (France, Germany, Italy and Spain) using a large Bayesian vector autoregressive model with endogenous prior selection. Drawing both on the posterior distributions of the cross-country differences in impulse responses as well as on a battery of other tests, we find real output to respond less negatively in Spain to monetary policy tightening than in the other three countries, while the decline in the price level is weaker in Germany. Bond yields rise more strongly and more persistently in France and Germany than in Italy and Spain.
Effect of short‐term starvation versus high‐fat diet on intramyocellular triglyceride accumulation and insulin resistance in physically fit men

It is currently believed that intramyocellular triglyceride (IMTG) accumulation and insulin resistance are a consequence of dietary fat ingestion and/or the elevated circulating lipid levels associated with chronic fat surplus. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of short‐term starvation versus low‐carbohydrate (CHO)/high‐fat diet on IMTG accumulation and the development of insulin resistance in physically fit men. Intramyocellular triglyceride content, measured as intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS), and glucose tolerance/insulin sensitivity, assessed by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT), were determined after 67 h of: (a) water‐only starvation (S); and (b) very low‐CHO/high‐fat diet (LC). These diets had in common significant restriction of CHO availability but large differences in fat content. All results were compared with those measured after a mixed CHO diet (C). Dietary interventions were administered by cross‐over design. The level of dietary‐induced IMTG accumulation (P= 0.46), insulin resistance (P= 0.27) and glucose intolerance (P= 0.29) was not different between S and LC treatments. Intramyocellular triglyceride content and insulin sensitivity were negatively correlated (r=−0.63, P < 0.01). Therefore, whilst insulin resistance may be due to fat accumulation at a cellular level, in the integrated human organism this outcome is not exclusively a function of dietary fat intake. The comparable level of IMTG accumulation and insulin resistance following S and LC may suggest that these metabolic perturbations are largely a consequence of the increased lipolytic response associated with CHO restriction.
Prostate surface segmentation from 3D ultrasound images

Segmenting, or outlining, the prostate boundary is a very important task in diagnosing and treating cancer. In this paper, an algorithm is described for semiautomatic segmentation of the prostate from 3D ultrasound images. The algorithm uses model-based initialization and mesh refinement using an efficient deformable model. Initialization requires the user to select only six points from which the outline of the prostate is estimated using shape information. The estimated outline is then automatically deformed to better fit the prostate boundary. The performance of the algorithm with a single user was compared to manual outlining by the same user. The average distance between semiautomatically and manually outlined boundaries was found to be 1.19 mm, and the average difference in volumes was 7.2%.
Frequency based EMG power spectrum analysis of Salat associated muscle contraction

Mean frequency (MNF) based EMG power spectrum analysis is presented to determine Salat associated muscle fatigue and indices. The main complexity of the parameter is a non-linear relationship between muscle fatigue and feature value, especially in large muscle and in cyclic dynamic contraction which is solved by this proposal. By this work, we can compute frequency dependent MNF for dynamic contractions and relaxations. Through Acknowledge software, FB-MNF is calculated and compared with the standard MNF. The results demonstrate that mean parameter of selected FB-MNF has a better linear relationship with muscle contraction compared to the others for different subjects. In addition, it has been observed through analysis of variance (ANOVA), compared to the traditional methods and have a significant difference (p<;0.05) between feature values among the MNF signal data of EMG power spectrum for different subjects. Furthermore, we have computed Mean Power (MNP), Total Power (TTP) and Peak Frequency (PKF) to determine both muscle load and muscle fatigue indices.
The frequency of actions and thoughts scale: development and psychometric validation of a measure of adaptive behaviours and cognitions

Abstract This paper describes the development and preliminary psychometric evaluation of an instrument that measures the frequency of adaptive behaviours and cognitions related to therapeutic change during cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), for symptoms of anxiety and depression. Two studies were conducted. In study one, 661 participants completed an online survey with 28 items targeting adaptive behaviours and cognitions. Exploratory factor analysis performed on part of the sample (n = 451) revealed that a four-factor solution ‘characterised’ the data. This led to the development of a 12-item instrument, the Frequency of Actions and Thoughts Scale (FATS). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to confirm the factor structure of the FATS using the remaining sample (n = 210), which revealed an acceptable model fit. In study two, 125 participants with clinically significant symptoms of anxiety, depression, or both were recruited to an Internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) treatment course. Participants completed the FATS and other measures throughout treatment, after treatment, and at three-month follow-up. Correlations and residual change scores of the FATS and its subscales with measures of anxiety, depression, behavioural activation, and CBT-related skills usage supported the construct validity of the FATS. A significant increase in FATS scores over treatment was also observed. The findings provide preliminary support for the psychometric properties of the FATS, which appears to have utility in research investigating mechanisms of change in CBT.
ESwab as an Optional Collection Device for Use with the Affirm VPIII Microbial Test System

ABSTRACT The ESwab collection device was compared to the collection swab provided as part of the Affirm VPIII microbial identification test kit for testing vaginal specimens with the Affirm test system. There was excellent agreement between the two sampling devices for Candida spp. , Gardnerella vaginalis, and Trichomonas vaginalis.
Argumentation Accelerated Reinforcement Learning for Cooperative Multi-Agent Systems

Multi-Agent Learning is a complex problem, especially in real-time systems. We address this problem by introducing Argumentation Accelerated Reinforcement Learning (AARL), which provides a methodology for defining heuristics, represented by arguments, and incorporates these heuristics into Reinforcement Learning (RL) by using reward shaping. We define AARL via argumentation and prove that it can coordinate independent cooperative agents that have a shared goal but need to perform different actions. We test AARL empirically in a popular RL testbed, RoboCup Takeaway, and show that it significantly improves upon standard RL.
Translational Accuracy during Exponential, Postdiauxic, and Stationary Growth Phases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT When the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae shifts from rapid growth on glucose to slow growth on ethanol, it undergoes profound changes in cellular metabolism, including the destruction of most of the translational machinery. We have examined the effect of this metabolic change, termed the diauxic shift, on the frequency of translational errors. Recoding sites are mRNA sequences that increase the frequency of translational errors, providing a convenient reporter of translational accuracy. We found that the diauxic shift causes no overall change in translational accuracy but does cause a strong reduction in the frequency of one type of programmed error: Ty +1 frameshifting. Genetic data suggest that this effect may be due to changes in the relative amounts of tRNA participating in translation elongation. We discuss possible implications for expression strategies that use recoding.
Critical Postcraniotomy Cerebrospinal Fluid Hypovolemia: Risk Factors and Outcome Analysis

OBJECTIVE:Critical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypovolemia may cause acute postoperative clinical deterioration in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients after craniotomy for microsurgical aneurysm clipping. We sought to identify risk factors for critical CSF hypovolemia and determine this syndrome’s effect on clinical outcome. METHODS:Between April 2001 and June 2004 at Columbia University Medical Center, 16 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients were diagnosed with postoperative critical CSF hypovolemia, whereas 151 patients who underwent craniotomy for clipping were not. The demographics, as well as the presenting radiographic and clinical characteristics, of these groups were evaluated. In addition, a 2:1 matched case-control comparison of patients with and without critical CSF hypovolemia was completed using clinical data, operative variables, and outcome data. Outcome analysis was performed with a battery of tests designed to assess global outcome, cognitive function, independence, and quality of life. RESULTS:There was no difference in clinical grade, Fisher score, age, and sex distribution between patients diagnosed with critical CSF hypovolemia and the general aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage population at Columbia University Medical Center. Subsequent 2:1 matched case-control comparison demonstrated a higher incidence of global cerebral edema on admission computed tomographic scans (75 versus 31%; P < 0.01) and a significantly longer operative time for patients with critical CSF hypovolemia (5 h 18 min versus 4 h 22 min; P < 0.03). No significant differences were observed between groups in outcome assessments at the time of hospital discharge or the 3-month follow-up examination. CONCLUSION:Risk factors associated with an increased incidence of critical CSF hypovolemia after aneurysm surgery include the presence of global cerebral edema on admission head computed tomographic scans and prolonged operative time. In such patients, heightened suspicion of CSF hypovolemia is crucial because rapid and appropriate management obviates excess morbidity and mortality.
Identification of prognostic indicators for patient outcomes in extensor tendinopathy at the elbow

Extensor tendinopathy is a degenerative overuse condition involving the common extensor tendon at the lateral humeral epicondyle. The diagnosis and management of this condition are clinically based. Our aims were to determine if through patient history and clinical examination we could ascertain prognostic factors affecting time to symptom resolution in extensor tendinopathy. Symptomatic patients (N=28) had a thorough history and examination, and rehabilitation monitored regularly for 6 months. Patient outcomes at 6 months were then correlated with specific factors on initial presentation. Factors implicated as having prognostic significance regarding patient outcomes were a current history of manual work (P=0.04, effect size −0.29), and a current history of weekly participation in racquet sports (P=0.01, effect size −0.41). These individual factors had a significantly decreased chance of symptom resolution at the 6‐month stage, and when combined had an effect size of −0.6 (P=0.001). Negative patient outcomes may be related to current high and repetitive levels of tendon stress, and rest from recreational and occupational use of wrist extensor tendons may be necessary to enhance the chances of complete symptom resolution. Enforced rest has monetary and quality‐of‐life implications, but is probably preferable to an incomplete recovery and prolonged tendon pain and dysfunction.
Facing the Challenge of a Changing System

Abstract The state of Kansas' implementation of a privatized child welfare system is arguably an ambitious shift in child welfare service delivery. In an attempt to drastically improve services to vulnerable families, privatization resulted in intended and unintended consequences for the child welfare workforce. Some of these consequences, including the influx of inexperienced new workers, high worker turnover, and managing relationships with multiple partners, are issues that affect training needs of child welfare professionals. The following paper offers one approach to addressing these needs as well as identifying the challenges involved in training in a privatized environment.