Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aggregating Varieties of Democracy Data

The Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) project is generating a new dataset of indicators for various facets of democracy. Although many of the indicators are quite useful by themselves, most users of V-Dem data probably require measures of democracy at a higher level of aggregation.This paper discusses the benefits and drawbacks of aggregation, the challenges faced when aggregating V-Dem data, and several strategies that the V-Dem team will employ to deal with these challenges. It may be that some concepts commonly used in democratic theory are not very useful for describing the most salient empirical dimensions of variation and that less prominent, yet familiar, concepts perform this function well. This aggregation effort therefore has the potential to reshape the way we think about what democracy is, what types of democracy there are, what they have in common, and how they differ.
How sensitive are estimated trends to data definitions? Results for East Asian and G-5 countries

This paper examines whether test results characterizing per capita output as either trend or difference stationary are sensitive to whether output is valued in domestic currency terms, or in some international numeraire, such as the Summers and Heston (1991) international dollar. Using the conventional ADF test, and the Kwiatkowski et al. (1992) test with a trend stationary null, we find that for economies such as those of the East Asian countries, the best description of the persistence of the data does depend upon the valuation of output. No such discrepancy is found for the output series of the G-5 countries. We conclude that researchers should be extremely cautious about making generalizations regarding the time series properties of output.
Chronic exercise accelerates the degeneration–regeneration cycle and downregulates insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in muscle of mdx mice

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of chronic running exercise on degenerative–regenerative processes in the hindlimb muscles of dystrophin‐deficient mdx mice. The number of large‐sized degenerative–regenerative groups (DRGs) was markedly decreased, whereas that of small‐sized DRGs was unchanged by exercise. Expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (Igf1), as well as a myogenic factor MyoD (Myod1), was downregulated in mdx muscles by exercise. The downregulation of Igf1 may well correlate with the decrease in the population of early regenerating fibers, which existed predominantly in DRGs, because IGF‐1 was mainly localized in these fibers. Our data indicate that chronic exercise may accelerate the active cycle of degeneration–regeneration in mdx skeletal muscles. This means that mdx skeletal muscles can temporarily cope with work‐induced injury by enhancing muscle regeneration and repair, but we speculate that an early decline of IGF‐1 will accelerate age‐dependent muscle wasting and weakness in the later stage of life in mdx mice. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Interactive nano manipulator based on an atomic force microscope for scanning electron microscopy

Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPMs) are well known as measurement tools of nanometer scale resolution. SPMs can be used not only for surface observation but also for local surface manipulation. The typical manipulation techniques using SPM are directly transferring or scratching some samples on surfaces with the probe. However, it is difficult to control precise positioning of the probe edge at exact target on the sample and move it for manipulation because there are no monitoring systems of the probe in conventional SPM operation. Thus, real time monitoring systems have been desired during the SPM manipulations. In this paper, we describe a novel nano manipulator capable to be operated inside the sample chamber of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The nano manipulator is based on an atomic force microscope (AFM). A self-sensitive cantilever is employed for the AFM operation. This system allows us to fabricate and observe micro- and nano-scale samples under SEM observation. Furthermore, the AFM have multi-functional tools such as several type cantilevers, micro needle, micro tweezers, and micro scissors, which can be switched each other for multi-purpose measurement and fabrication. This system would be very useful for nanometer-scale measurement and engineering.
Adenovirus early region 4 34-kilodalton protein directs the nuclear localization of the early region 1B 55-kilodalton protein in primate cells

The localization of the adenovirus type 5 34-kDa E4 and 55-kDa E1B proteins was determined in the absence of other adenovirus proteins. When expressed by transfection in human, monkey, hamster, rat, and mouse cell lines, the E1B protein was predominantly cytoplasmic and typically was excluded from the nucleus. When expressed by transfection, the E4 protein accumulated in the nucleus. Strikingly, when coexpressed by transfection in human, monkey, or baby hamster kidney cells, the E1B protein colocalized in the nucleus with the E4 protein. A complex of the E4 and E1B proteins was identified by coimmunoprecipitation in transfected HeLa cells. By contrast to the interaction observed in primate and baby hamster kidney cells, the E4 protein failed to direct the E1B protein to the nucleus in rat and mouse cell lines as well as CHO and V79 hamster cell lines. This failure of the E4 protein to direct the nuclear localization of the E1B protein in REF-52 rat cells was overcome by fusion with HeLa cells. Within 4 h of heterokaryon formation and with protein synthesis inhibited, a portion of the E4 protein present in the REF-52 nuclei migrated to the HeLa nuclei. Simultaneously, the previously cytoplasmic E1B protein colocalized with the E4 protein in both human and rat cell nuclei. These results suggest that a primate cell-specific factor mediates the functional interaction of the E1B and E4 proteins of adenovirus.
The Influence of Ownership Structure on the Corporate Performance of Malaysian Public Listed Companies

The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of ownership structure on the corporate performance of the Malaysian public listed companies (PLC). Empirical evidence suggests that insider and institutional shareholding do not influence the corporate performance of the Malaysian PLC. The results seem to suggest that institutional shareholders have failed in their monitoring role and principal agent problem will not be solved by increasing the director’s shareholding in the company. Despite segmenting the company according to market capitalization, results do not differ significantly. The relationship between corporate performance and insider and institutional shareholding is only significant in big market capitalization companies.
Chitosan–poly(butylene succinate) scaffolds and human bone marrow stromal cells induce bone repair in a mouse calvaria model

Tissue engineering sustains the need of a three‐dimensional (3D) scaffold to promote the regeneration of tissues in volume. Usually, scaffolds are seeded with an adequate cell population, allowing their growth and maturation upon implantation in vivo. Previous studies obtained by our group evidenced significant growth patterns and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) when seeded and cultured on melt‐based porous chitosan fibre mesh scaffolds (cell constructs). Therefore, it is crucial to test the in vivo performance of these in vitro 3D cell constructs. In this study, chitosan‐based scaffolds were seeded and cultured in vitro with hBMSCs for 3 weeks under osteogenic stimulation conditions and analysed for cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Implantation of 2 weeks precultured cell constructs in osteogenic culture conditions was performed into critical cranial size defects in nude mice. The objective of this study was to verify the scaffold integration and new bone formation. At 8 weeks of implantation, scaffolds were harvested and prepared for micro‐computed tomography (µCT) analysis. Retrieved implants showed good integration with the surrounding tissue and significant bone formation, more evident for the scaffolds cultured and implanted with human cells. The results of this work demonstrated that chitosan‐based scaffolds, besides supporting in vitro proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, induced bone formation in vivo. Thus, their osteogenic potential in orthotopic location in immunodeficient mice was validated, evidencing good prospects for their use in bone tissue‐engineering therapies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is commercial property a hedge against inflation? A cointegration approach

Historically, investment in commercial property has been perceived as providing a hedge against inflation. A complete hedge against inflation is formally defined as an asset where the nominal returns vary in a positive one‐for‐one way with inflation. The belief that commercial property is an inflation hedge has persisted, notwithstanding the fact that many empirical tests have proven inconclusive. Use of the traditional methodology in this paper also produces poor results, although the hypothesis that commercial property is a hedge cannot be rejected. Explores the reasons for these poor results, and introduces a method of testing for a long‐run hedging relationship, based on cointegration. Cointegration techniques reject the hypothesis that commercial property is a consistent long‐run hedge against inflation.
Influence of fluoroquinolones on expression and function of P fimbriae in uropathogenic Escherichia coli

P fimbriae are the major adhesins mediating attachment of pyelonephritogenic Escherichia coli to urinary tract tissues, and they therefore constitute a recognized virulence factor. In this work, the effect of fluoroquinolones on P fimbria expression and function in E. coli SS142 and C1212 was assessed. Ciprofloxacin, fleroxacin, and norfloxacin were compared with their precursor nalidixic acid and with trimethoprim in sublethal concentrations ranging from 1/32 to 1/4 of the MIC. Fimbria function was assessed in a standard hemagglutination assay and in a parallel hemagglutination inhibition assay in which the tier of antifimbrial antiserum necessary to inhibit hemagglutination by SS142 was determined. Adhesion of antibiotic-exposed bacteria to human uroma T24 cells in suspension was also measured. Fimbria production was quantitated in an inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Trimethoprim produced a dose-dependent decrease of three to four hemagglutination titers for both strains and a decline in the antiserum titer from 1:16 (control) to 1:128 (1/4 MIC) for E. coli SS142. Adherence exhibited similar decrements from 130 +/- 28 (control) to 16 +/- 3 (1/4 MIC) and from 83 +/- 19 (control) to 30 +/- 11 (1/4 MIC) E. coli cells per uroepithelial cell (mean +/- standard error) for SS142 and C1212, respectively (P less than 0.015). By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the inhibition following exposure decreased in a dose-dependent manner from 31% (control) to 8% (1/4 MIC). By contrast, none of the quinolones produced significant changes in the parameters assessed above. At sublethal concentrations, trimethoprim decreased fimbria production. Following exposure to fluoroquinolones, however, E. coli expressed morphologically and functionally intact P fimbriae.
A Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter, Controlled Evaluation of the Use of Dehydrated Amniotic Membrane Allograft Compared to Standard of Care for the Closure of Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcer.

UNLABELLED Delayed closure of foot ulcers is a primary factor leading to lower extremity amputation in patients with diabetes, creating great demand for products or therapies to accelerate the rate of wound closure in this population. This study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02209051) was designed to evaluate dehydrated amniotic membrane allograft (DAMA) (AMNIOEXCEL, Derma Sciences Inc, Princeton, NJ) plus standard of care (SOC) compared to SOC alone for the closure of chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel group trial was implemented at 8 clinical sites in the United States. Eligibility criteria included adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus who have 1 or more ulcers with a Wagner classification of grade 1 or superficial 2 measuring between 1 cm2 and 25 cm2 in area, presenting for more than 1 month with no signs of infection/osteomyelitis; ABI > 0.7; HbA1c Less than 12%; and serum creatinine less than 3.0 mg/dL. Eligible subjects were randomized (1:1) to receive either SOC alone (n = 14) or DAMA+SOC (n = 15) until wound closure or 6 weeks, whichever occurred first. The endpoint was the proportion of subjects with complete wound closure (defined as complete reepithelialization without drainage or need for dressings). RESULTS Thirty-five percent of subjects in the DAMA+SOC cohort achieved complete wound closure at or before week 6, compared with 0% of the SOC alone cohort (intent-to-treat population, P = 0.017). There was a more robust response noted in the per protocol population, with 45.5% of subjects in the DAMA+SOC cohort achieving complete wound closure, while 0% of SOC-alone subjects achieved complete closure (P = 0.0083). No treatment-related adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION The results suggest DAMA is safe and effective in the management of DFUs, but additional research is needed.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a 20-year-old technique originally introduced to noninvasively investigate nervous propagation along the corticospinal tract, spinal roots, and peripheral nerves in humans. TMS is extensively used in clinical neurophysiology, including rehabilitation and intraoperative monitoring. Single-pulse TMS and other more recent versions (paired-pulse TMS, repetitive TMS, integration with structural and functional MRI, and neuronavigation) allow motor output to be mapped precisely to a given body district. Moreover, TMS can be used to evaluate excitatory/inhibitory intracortical circuits and to provide information on brain physiology and pathophysiology of various neuropsychiatric diseases as well as on the mechanisms of brain plasticity and of neuroactive drugs. TMS applied over nonmotor areas made it possible to extend research applications (often complementary with other functional neuroimaging techniques) in several fields of psychophysiology, causally testing brain–behavior relationships. Being able to induce relatively long-lasting excitability changes, repetitive TMS has made the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases linked with brain excitability dysfunctions possible. These uses, however, warrant further large-scale studies. In emerging fields of research, TMS-EEG co-registration is considered a promising approach to evaluate corticocortical connectivity and brain reactivity with high temporal resolution. However, safety and ethical limitations of TMS technique need a high level of vigilance.
Implementing an advance emergency contraception policy: what happens in the real world?

CONTEXT Advance provision of emergency contraception increases the likelihood of its use, yet little is known about the factors that influence successful implementation of an advance provision policy in publicly funded family planning clinics. METHODS Data on knowledge of, attitudes toward and use of emergency contraception were collected from 211 patients attending four Title X-funded clinics in Pennsylvania in 2001-2002. In addition, 22 staff from the four clinics were interviewed regarding barriers to and facilitators of advance provision in 2004-2005, and 111 staff from 46 clinics completed related surveys in 2005. Qualitative data underwent content analysis, and frequencies and bivariate associations between variables were calculated for the survey data. RESULTS Most patients said they would use emergency contraception (80%) and believed it should be easy to obtain (93%), although 46% thought it is a form of abortion. Patients' familiarity with the method, attitudes toward it and self-efficacy regarding its use were not associated with most demographic or reproductive health characteristics. While nearly all interviewed staff endorsed routine advance provision, only about half of survey respondents offered it "very often" at patients' initial or annual visits. Barriers to advance provision included staff prejudgment of patients' needs and ability to use the method, time constraints and inefficiencies in clinic procedures. CONCLUSIONS Strategies that may facilitate advance provision of emergency contraception include emphasizing the need for staff to offer it during all patient visits, providing patient-friendly information and streamlining clinic procedures.
The competitive advantage of nations: the role of HRM and its socio-cultural context

This study focuses on the links between human resource management practices and the socio-cultural characteristics of nations, on the one hand, and their competitive advantage in the international market, on the other. The particularly important conclusion is that some nations' cultures offer their managers a higher repertoire of modes of management practices than some others. In high repertoire nations, organizations appear to be better equipped to compete internationally than their counterparts in low repertoire nations.
Post‐splenectomy thrombocytopenia: implications for regional analgesia

Hospital computerised records were reviewed to identify patients who had undergone splenectomy, then chart their platelet count before and for the 5 days after the operation. A pre‐operative platelet count less than 100 × 109.l−1 occurred in 66% of leukaemia (n = 35), 56% of lymphoma (n = 41) and 5% of solid tumour (n = 39) patients. Platelet supplementation prior to epidural catheter insertion may reduce the risks of spinal bleeding. However, accidental catheter removal during a postoperative period of thrombocytopenia may lead to formation of an epidural haematoma. The lowest postoperative platelet count was less than 100 × 109.l−1 in 66% of leukaemia, 27% of lymphoma and 13% of solid tumour patients. Platelet counts varied considerably, so predicting an individual patient's postoperative nadir from the pre‐operative count would be impossible. Consequently, placement of an epidural catheter in many of these patients could expose them to an increased risk of spinal bleeding if the catheter is removed accidentally.
Hilar Mossy Cells Share Developmental Influences with Dentate Granule Neurons

Mossy cells are the major class of excitatory neurons in the dentate hilus. Although mossy cells are involved in a range of physiological and pathological conditions, very little is known about their ontogeny. To gain insight into this issue, we first determined the developmental stage at which mossy cells can be reliably identified with the molecular markers calretinin and GluR2/3 and found that hilar mossy cells were first identifiable around the end of the 1st postnatal week. Birthdating studies combined with staining for these markers revealed that the appearance of mossy cells coincided with the first wave of dentate granule cell production during mid-gestation. Since mossy cells are born as the first granule cells are produced and it is believed that mossy cells originate from the neuroepithelium adjacent to the dentate progenitor zone, we examined to what extent the development of mossy cells is controlled by the same molecular pathways as that of granule cells. To do this, we analyzed the production of mossy cells in Lef1 and NeuroD mutant animals, in which granule cell production is disrupted during precursor proliferation or neuronal differentiation, respectively. The production of mossy cells was almost entirely lost in both mutants. Collectively, these data suggests that hilar mossy cells, unlike CA subfield pyramidal cells, are influenced by many of the same developmental cues as dentate granule cells.
Contagion among Central and Eastern European Stock Markets during the Financial Crisis

This paper contributes to the literature on international stock market comovements and contagion. The novelty of our approach lies in the application of wavelet tools to high-frequency financial market data, which allows us to understand the relationship between stock markets in the time-frequency domain. While a major part of economic time series analysis is done in the time or frequency domain separately, wavelet analysis combines these two fundamental approaches. Wavelet techniques uncover interesting dynamics of the correlations between Central and Eastern European (CEE) stock markets and the German DAX at various investment horizons. The results indicate that the connection of the CEE markets to the leading market of the region is significantly lower at higher frequencies than at lower frequencies. Contrary to previous literature, we document significantly lower contagion between the CEE markets and the German DAX after the large 2008 stock market crash.
Validation of the Arabic version of the score for allergic rhinitis tool

BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common inflammation of the nasal mucosa in response to allergen exposure. We translated and validated the Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) into an Arabic version so that the disease can be studied in an Arabic population. OBJECTIVES SFAR is a non-invasive self-administered tool that evaluates eight items related to AR. This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the SFAR questionnaire into Arabic, and assess the validity, consistency, and reliability of the translated version in an Arabic-speaking population of patients with suspected AR. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Tertiary care hospital in Riyadh. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS The Arabic version of the SFAR was administered to patients with suspected AR and control participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Comparison of the AR and control groups to determine the test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the instrument. RESULTS The AR (n=173) and control (n=75) groups had significantly different Arabic SFAR scores (P<.0001). The instrument provided satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.7). The test-retest reliability was excellent for the total Arabic SFAR score (r =0.836, P<.0001). CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that the Arabic version of the SFAR is a valid tool that can be used to screen Arabic speakers with suspected AR. LIMITATIONS The absence of objective allergy testing
Labour Market Performance of Tertiary Education Graduates in Vietnam

The objective of this study is to evaluate the external efﬁciency of higher educa-tion in Vietnam as preparation for the labour market. The data were obtained fromthe Higher Education Tracer Study, implemented by the Ministry of Labour Inva-lids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) as part of the World Bank-Vietnam EducationFinancing Sector Study (VEFSS). The sampling framework was designed to en-sure representation by region and institutional specialization. From lists provided,there were names for 42,754 graduates from 60 institutions. A representativesample of 1,829 graduates was followed up for incorporation in this study. Threetopics are identiﬁed for analysis: the relationship between earnings, education andsupplementary training; duration of job search; and incidence of employment/unemployment.