Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Explaining the procyclicality of fiscal policy in developing countries

The procyclicality of fiscal policy that is prevalent in developing countries and emerging markets is well known. Its explanation is less clear. Recently, social inequality and the combination of corruption and democracy have been suggested as alternatives to the traditional explanation of these countries’ exposure to boom-bust cycles in international credit markets. Differences in methodological approach are also partly responsible for diverging empirical results. In this paper, competing hypotheses are tested on a comprehensive set of measures of the cyclicality of fiscal policy. The evidence for corruption and democracy is stronger than for social inequality or net foreign debt, but the interpretation of this result is less obvious, since the index of corruption is closely correlated with poor credit ratings. In OECD countries, by contrast, the cyclicality of fiscal policy largely reflects the strength of automatic stabilizers.
Association between hot flashes, sleep complaints, and psychological functioning among healthy menopausal women

Self-report data suggest that sleep hot flashes among menopausal women are associated with sleep problems and in turn impaired psychological functioning. However, few studies have examined these relations with physiologic hot flash measures. A total of 41 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with daily hot flashes underwent nighttime sternal skin conductance monitoring to quantify hot flashes. Participants completed sleep diaries; the Sleep-Wake Experience List (van Diest, 1990); and depression, anxiety, and daily stress measures. Participants experienced a median of 2 physiologically monitored and 1 reported sleep hot flash nightly. Although sleep complaints were significantly and positively associated with psychological functioning, neither sleep complaints nor psychological functioning was significantly related to frequency of physiologically monitored sleep hot flashes. Conversely, results indicate an association between reported sleep hot flashes and acute sleep problems. The frequency of physiologically monitored sleep hot flashes, as opposed to reported sleep hot flashes, may be independent of problems with sleep and mood among menopausal women.
Automatic processing of rare versus novel auditory stimuli reveal different mechanisms of auditory change detection

Automatic detection of rare stimuli or changes in an auditory stimulation can distract ongoing task processing by attracting attention away from task relevant information. Typically, the effectiveness of auditory change detection is tested by rare and unpredictable deviations (compared with an otherwise regular auditory presentation) or by rare environmental sounds. The present study demonstrates that both types of stimuli are capable of triggering automatic orientation of attention and that rare environmental sounds are more effective than deviations in distraction of attention. This finding suggests different mechanisms underlying the detection of auditory change. Moreover, novelty as constituted by unique environmental sounds did not add to the effectiveness of automatic change detection, involuntary control of attention, and distraction.
The Influence of HIV Infection and Antiretroviral Therapy on the Mitochondrial Membrane Potential of Peripheral Mononuclear Cells

Objectives Clinical disorders occurring in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, for example, lactic acidosis and lipodystrophy. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) is the most direct measure of the state of energization of the mitochondria. We analysed ΔΨm of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in HIV-negative, healthy subjects (n=8), HIV-infected, treatment-naive patients (n=30), and HIV-infected patients on ART (n=58). The influence of ART was analysed in six patients who started their first regimen. Methods The ΔΨm of PBMC was measured by flow cytometry using the dye JC-1. Results The ΔΨm was significantly lower in HIV-infected patients than in HIV-negative controls. This difference was detected in both treated (P=0.0001) and untreated patients (P=0.001). The ΔΨm of PBMCs was highly correlated with CD4+ T-cell count in therapy-naive patients (P=0.002, r=0.546) and in treated patients (P=0.028, r=0.288). The ΔΨm increased significantly in therapy-naive patients after starting ART (P=0.001). Patients with lipoatrophy had significantly lower ΔΨm than patients without lipodystrophy or with lipohypertrophy (P=0.023). Conclusions In HIV-infected persons ΔΨm is significantly reduced. Patients with lipoatrophy have significantly reduced ΔΨm. This is the first study showing that the ΔΨm of PBMCs is highly correlated with CD4+ T-cell count in HIV infection.
THE EMISSION SOOT OF BIOMASS FUELS COMBUSTION AS A SOURCE OF ENDOCRINE DISRUPTERS

ABSTRACT Emissions of biomass fuel combustion in residential stove from Chinese countryside were analyzed to determine the endocrine disrupters by using recombinant yeast bioassay. The results showed that there were significant steroid modulating activities found in combustion soot of five kinds of biomass fuels, which were wood, crop residue, grass, bush and rice straw. The steroid activities in the different sub-fractions from chromatographic separation were also determined, and the results indicated that polar fraction extracted by methanol and aromatic fraction extracted by benzene had relatively high steroid activities, and aliphatic fraction almost had no activity. The GC/MS results showed that polycyclic aromatic compounds and their derivatives, substituted phenolic compounds and their derivatives, aromatic carbonyl compounds, and higher molecular weight alcohols and ketones may be the main steroid disrupters in these soots.
Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy to Monitor Kai Protein-based Circadian Oscillations in Real Time*

Background: Dynamic protein-protein interactions play a pivotal role in Kai protein-based circadian oscillations. Results: The cyclic complex formation of KaiB and its response to a temperature pulse were automatically and noninvasively monitored with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). Conclusion: FCS is a versatile tool to analyze the protein-based circadian system. Significance: FCS is suitable for the monitoring of biological systems with dynamic protein-protein interactions. Dynamic protein-protein interactions play an essential role in cellular regulatory systems. The cyanobacterial circadian clock is an oscillatory system that can be reconstituted in vitro by mixing ATP and three clock proteins: KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC. Association and dissociation of KaiB from KaiC-containing complexes are critical to circadian phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of KaiC. We developed an automated and noninvasive method to monitor dynamic complex formation in real time using confocal fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and uniformly labeled KaiB as a probe. A nanomolar concentration of the labeled KaiB for FCS measurement did not interfere with the oscillatory system but behaved similarly to the wild-type one during the measurement period (>5 days). The fluorescent probe was stable against repeated laser exposure. As an application, we show that this detection system allowed analysis of the dynamics of both long term circadian oscillations and short term responses to temperature changes (∼10 min) in the same sample. This suggested that a phase shift of the clock with a high temperature pulse occurred just after the stimulus through dissociation of KaiB from the KaiC complex. This monitoring method should improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying this cellular circadian oscillator and provide a means to assess dynamic protein interactions in biological systems characterized by rates similar to those observed with the Kai proteins.
Detection and Identification of a Gammaherpesvirus in Antechinus spp. in Australia

Abstract We detected herpesvirus infection in a male yellow-footed antechinus (Antechinus flavipes) and male agile antechinus (Antechinus agilis) during the period of postmating male antechinus immunosuppression and mortality. Histopathologic examination of tissues revealed lesions consistent with herpesvirus infection in the prostate of both animals. Herpesvirus virions were observed by transmission electron microscopy in the prostate tissue collected from the male yellow-footed antechinus. Herpesvirus DNA was detected in prostate, liver, lung, kidney, spleen, and ocular/nasal tissues using a pan-herpesvirus PCR targeting the viral DNA polymerase. Nucleotide sequencing identified a novel herpesvirus from the Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily that we have tentatively designated dasyurid herpesvirus 1 (DaHV-1).
Public Service Motivation or Sector Rewards? Two Studies on the Determinants of Sector Attraction

Public sector organizations are competing with the private sector for highly qualified staff. But the public sector lost attraction as an employer of choice. Public service motivation (PSM) and different sector rewards have been identified as alternative drivers of sector attraction. However, it is still unclear to what extent PSM is associated with sector attraction, especially when controlling for a comprehensive set of sector rewards. We investigate this sector attraction puzzle through a meta-analysis (Study 1) focusing on the relation between PSM and sector attraction and primary data collected from 600 German final-year students (Study 2). The two studies aggregate the literature on PSM and sector attraction and produce unique empirical evidence. Thus, we extend the knowledge on the relationship between PSM and sector attraction across different settings and in Germany, which enables us to derive implications for public sector recruiters.
One-Stage Immediate Breast Reconstruction: A Concise Review

Background One-stage direct-to-implant immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is performed simultaneously with breast cancer resection. We explored indications, techniques, and outcomes of IBR to determine its feasibility, safety, and effectiveness. Material and Methods We reviewed the available literature on one-stage direct-to-implant IBR, with or without acellular dermal matrix (ADM), synthetic mesh, or autologous fat grafting. We analyzed the indications, preoperative work-up, surgical technique, postoperative care, outcomes, and complications. Results IBR is indicated for small-to-medium nonptotic breasts and contraindicated in patients who require or have undergone radiotherapy, due to unacceptably high complications rates. Only patients with thick, well-vascularized mastectomy flaps are IBR candidates. Expandable implants should be used for ptotic breasts, while anatomical shaped implants should be used to reconstruct small-to-medium nonptotic breasts. ADMs can be used to cover the implant during IBR and avoid muscle elevation, thereby minimizing postoperative pain. Flap necrosis, reoperation, and implant loss are more common with IBR than conventional two-staged reconstruction, but IBR has advantages such as lack of secondary surgery, faster recovery, and better quality of life. Conclusions IBR has good outcomes and patient-satisfaction rates. With ADM use, a shift from conventional reconstruction to IBR has occurred. Drawbacks of IBR can be overcome by careful patient selection.
Long‐Term Outcome Study of Bilateral Mandibular Distraction: A Comparison of Treacher Collins and Nager Syndromes to Other Types of Micrognathia

&NA; A long‐term follow‐up study of patients who underwent bilateral mandibular distraction is presented, and the results of patients with Treacher Collins syndrome and Nager syndrome are compared with results for other forms of congenital micrognathia. It was hypothesized that the factors responsible for the predetermined, syndrome‐specific shape of the mandible in patients with Treacher Collins and Nager syndromes would alter the long‐term results of linear (uniplanar) distraction of the mandible. Thus, over time, the mandibles would remodel to preoperative form while maintaining the increase in volume. To investigate this hypothesis, all patients treated with bilateral mandibular distraction who had at least 1.5 years of follow‐up, including satisfactory cephalometric examinations, were retrospectively reviewed. Two groups were identified. Group 1 (n = 6) were Treacher Collins and Nager syndrome patients (ages, 2 to 13 years; mean, 5.2 years) and group 2 (n = 6) included other forms of bilateral, congenital micrognathia (ages, 1.5 to 19 years; mean, 8.4 years). Serial cephalometric measurements were recorded before distraction, after distraction, and at least 18 months after distraction. Mandibular mean linear distraction distance (as recorded on the device) averaged 24.5 mm in group 1 and 26.2 mm in group 2. In group 1, the antegonial angle (angle from the mandibular plane to the top of the antegonial notch) decreased after distraction by 3.8 degrees, and the antegonial notch height was reduced by 1.6 mm. The posttreatment morphologic change was modified significantly over time, with a 3.7degree increase of the antegonial angle and a 1.2‐mm deepening of the antegonial notch. In group 2, the immediate reduction in height of the antegonial notching was subtler; however, long‐term recurrence of the antegonial notching was also observed. At the end of distraction, the mean group 1 gonial angle became 8 degrees more obtuse. In contrast, patients in group 2 developed a more acute angle (mean, 8 degrees). The mandibles of the Treacher Collins syndrome patients (group 1) maintained their more obtuse postdistraction gonial angle during the period of follow‐up, whereas over time this change was reversed in group 2 patients. In conclusion, experience with bilateral mandibular distraction has demonstrated that long‐term determination of mandibular form is more complex than either the amount of distraction or the direction of the distraction vector. The underlying genotype and the musculoskeletal milieu must be taken into account when planning distraction, as these factors tend to remodel the mandible into its preoperative shape over time, despite the fact that the increased mandibular volume and projection are maintained. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 109: 1819, 2002.)
A Note on Intraday Event Studies

Abstract We investigate the specification and power of intraday event study test statistics. Mean, market, and matched firm models generate well-specified return results for a range of intervals up to 60 min around the event. These models detect return shocks equivalent to one spread in one-minute interval data and three spreads in longer intervals. Researchers using intraday return event studies can, therefore, be confident in their robustness. Some volume event study approaches have reasonable power but they are not generally well specified, while a matched-firm approach gives the best combination of specification and power for spread event studies.
Structuring collective change agency internally - transformers, enforcers, specialists and independents

The purpose of this paper is to identify, describe and evaluate the different ways in which formal collective change agency is structured in specialist units inside 25 diverse organisations. As such it is oriented towards a range of practitioners operating in HR, project management or with responsibility for delivering change in public and private sectors. ,Using a qualitative design, exploratory interview and case study research was conducted in organisations across the UK public and private sectors to explore how different change agency units operate within organisational structures. ,Four dominant types of internal change agency unit are identified, varying in terms of their change impact scope and degree of structural embeddedness in the organisation. These units are described as transformers, enforcers, specialists and independents and share key concerns with securing client credibility and added value, effective relationship management and the use of consulting tools. Their roles and the tensions they experience are outlined along with hybrid forms and dynamic shifts from one type to another. ,The study could be extended outside of the UK and conducted longitudinally to help identify outcomes more precisely in relation to context. ,Each of the four types of change agency unit identified is shown to be suited to certain conditions and to present particular challenges for collective change agency and for specialist management occupations engaged in such work. The analysis could usefully inform organisation design decisions around internal change agency. ,The authors extend debates around the nature of internal change agency which has typically focussed on comparisons with external change agents at the level of the individual. Developing the work of Caldwell (2003), the authors reveal how emergent, team-based or collective approaches to change agency can be formalised, rather than informal, and that structural considerations of change need to be considered along with traditional concerns with change management.
Anomalous trajectory detection using support vector machines

One of the most promising approaches to event analysis in video sequences is based on the automatic modelling of common patterns of activity for later detection of anomalous events. This approach is especially useful in those applications that do not necessarily require the exact identification of the events, but need only the detection of anomalies that should be reported to a human operator (e.g. video surveillance or traffic monitoring applications). In this paper we propose a trajectory analysis method based on Support Vector Machines; the SVM model is trained on a given set of trajectories and can subsequently detect trajectories substantially differing from the training ones. Particular emphasis is placed on a novel method for estimating the parameter v, since it heavily influences the performances of the system but cannot be easily estimated a-priori. Experimental results are given both on synthetic and real-world data.
Characterization of p40/GPR69A as a peripheral membrane protein related to the lantibiotic synthetase component C.

The 40 kDa erythrocyte membrane protein p40/GPR69A, previously assigned to the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily, was now identified by peptide-antibodies and characterized as a loosely associated peripheral membrane protein. This result is in striking contrast to the proposed seven-transmembrane protein structure and function and therefore we wish to correct our previous proposal. p40 is located at the cytoplasmic side of the membrane and is neither associated with the cytoskeleton nor lipid rafts. Refined sequence analysis revealed that p40 is related to the LanC family of bacterial membrane-associated proteins which are involved in the biosynthesis of antimicrobial peptides. Therefore, we rename p40 to LanC-like protein 1 (LANCL1) and suggest that it may play a similar role as a peptide-modifying enzyme component in eukaryotic cells.
Structural analysis of the ErbB‐2 receptor using monoclonal antibodies: Implications for receptor signalling

The extracellular part of ErbB‐2 is formed by 4 domains, specifically, L1, L2 that adopt a β‐helical structure and S1, S2 that consist of several cysteine‐rich, EGF‐fold modules. These ectodomains mediate ErbB‐2 dimerisation with itself or with other members of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family, events essential to both ErbB‐2 signaling and the development of certain malignancies. The anti‐ErbB‐2 monoclonal antibodies N12, N28 and L87 bind to the polypeptides C531‐A586, T216‐C235 and C220‐C235 respectively. In this study, glycine walking and random mutagenesis were used to further delineate the critical residues involved in antibody binding. A molecular model of ErbB‐2 ectodomains was then constructed based on the recently published coordinates of the EGFR (EGFR) model. This model rationalized successfully many features of our epitope mapping, including their location in modules within the S1 and S2 domains and the importance of Arg545, Gln548 and Leu561 for N12 binding. Further investigation of the functional effects of the anti‐ErbB‐2 monoclonal antibodies demonstrated that N28 strongly stimulated ErbB‐2 phosphorylation and MAPK activation whereas N12 had no effect. As bivalency is required for the action of these antibodies we propose that at least 2 different kinds of ErbB‐2 homodimers can be formed as relative rotational isomers and that the S1 and S2 domains are instrumental in determining the relative orientations of the ErbB‐2 homodimers, such that different signaling effects are induced. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mergers with interfirm bundling: a case of pharmaceutical cocktails

Pharmaceutical cocktails often consist of two or more drugs produced by competing firms. The component drugs are often also sold as stand-alone products. We analyze the effects of a merger between two pharmaceutical firms selling complements for colorectal cancer treatment. In this setting there are two merger effects: the standard upward pricing pressure due to firms internalizing the substitution between the stand-alone products, and an additional effect where the firms internalize the impact of selling complements and reduce the price of the cocktail product. The net impact of a merger is a modest price increase, or even a price decrease.
Histology of Sinoatrial Node in the Dromedary Camel Foetus

The histological structure of the sinoatrial node (SAN) in the dromedary camel foetus was investigated using routine histological techniques and some special stains. Twenty foetuses were used. They were divided into two groups 10 foetuses were in the second trimester (131-260 days); the rest in the third trimester (261-423.5 days of gestation). Samples were collected from the right atrium cranial to the opening of cranial vena cava. The SAN in the camel foetus was found in subepicardial region cranial to the opening of cranial vena cava at the junction between the cranial vena cava and right atrium. Two types of cells were observed; the first type had dark cytoplasm and large spherical lightly stained nucleus. The cells of the second type were small and spindle in shape with dark small nuclei. It is concluded that SAN in camel foetuses in the second and third trimesters had the same location as in the adult and also had two types of cells as in other animal species.
Visualization of Field Distributions of Waveform-Selective Metasurface

We demonstrate numerical simulations of recently reported waveform-selective metasurfaces by developing a new electromagnetic (EM) simulation method based on the Transmission Line Modeling (TLM) method. As opposed to a conventional method integrating an EM simulator with a circuit simulator, this simulation method allows us to fully visualize electromagnetic fields around the metasurfaces. Therefore, this demonstrates how the waveform selectivity varies the surrounding fields in response to the pulse width of the incoming wave even at the same frequency. This simulation method is expected to be useful for testing other kinds of circuit-based metasurfaces and metamaterials as well.
A scheme for measuring and extracting level-1 parameter of FET device applied toward POSFET sensors array

In this paper we presents the algorithms for I-V measurements of the diode and FET devices using Keithley® instruments. The data from the I-V measurements was acquired and processed according to the proposed characterization algorithms. The characterization algorithms were used in the extractions of transconductance coefficient, threshold voltage and lambda parameters. The instrument setup and algorithms were used for measurement and extraction of level-1 parameters from the NFET devices present in Piezo-electric Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor sensors (POSFET) array. The result shows that the developed approach was useful for the quick characterization of the FET devices in our lab.