Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear phase correction of navigated multi‐coil diffusion images

Cardiac pulsatility causes a nonrigid motion of the brain. In multi‐shot diffusion imaging this leads to spatially varying phase changes that must be corrected. A conjugate gradient based reconstruction is presented that includes phase changes measured using two‐dimensional navigator echoes, coil sensitivity information, navigator‐determined weightings, and data from multiple coils and averages.
The importance of opportunity recognition behaviour and motivators of employees when engaged in corporate entrepreneurship

Organisational innovation depends on individuals and managers fostering and maintaining the innovative capacities of the firm, where opportunity recognition is important for promoting corporate entrepreneurship. The study is unique in its focus on understanding opportunity recognition behaviours and motivators of employees and how these perceptions may influence corporate entrepreneurial activity. The study is conducted in an under-researched emerging market context, where 187 respondents were surveyed in the financial sector industry. The empirical findings indicate that employees perceive themselves as having high levels of opportunity recognition behaviours and motivators which are positively associated with willingness to engage in corporate entrepreneurial initiatives. The results further show that there is a significant positive relationship between opportunity recognition behaviours and the frequency of opportunities recognised. Implications highlight the importance of fostering opportunity recognition behaviours within an organisation and motivating employees to act innovatively.
High‐resolution crystal structures reveal a mixture of conformers of the Gly61‐Asp62 peptide bond in an oxidized flavodoxin from Bacillus cereus

Flavodoxins (Flds) are small proteins that shuttle electrons in a range of reactions in microorganisms. Flds contain a redox‐active cofactor, a flavin mononucleotide (FMN), and it is well established that when Flds are reduced by one electron, a peptide bond close to the FMN isoalloxazine ring flips to form a new hydrogen bond with the FMN N5H, stabilizing the one‐electron reduced state. Here, we present high‐resolution crystal structures of Flavodoxin 1 from Bacillus cereus in both the oxidized (ox) and one‐electron reduced (semiquinone, sq) state. We observe a mixture of conformers in the oxidized state; a 50:50 distribution between the established oxidized conformation where the peptide bond is pointing away from the flavin, and a conformation where the peptide bond is pointing toward the flavin, approximating the conformation in the semiquinone state. We use single‐crystal spectroscopy to demonstrate that the mixture of conformers is not caused by radiation damage to the crystal. This is the first time that such a mixture of conformers is reported in a wild‐type Fld. We therefore carried out a survey of published Fld structures, which show that several proteins have a pronounced conformational flexibility of this peptide bond. The degree of flexibility seems to be modulated by the presence, or absence, of stabilizing interactions between the peptide bond carbonyl and its surrounding amino acids. We hypothesize that the degree of conformational flexibility will affect the Fld ox/sq redox potential.
The Failure of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM): An Update and Discussion

Dempsey (2013) highlights the empirical failure of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM). I study the beta, value and momentum anomalies using industry returns, with particular emphasis on the post-1993 period. Strong evidence of these effects is observed over the whole sample. However in recent years, while the value and momentum anomalies appear to continue, the beta anomaly appears to have weakened. Notwithstanding these results, I show that the value and momentum anomalies, and the value of beta, are largely irrelevant to the calculation of industry cost of equity
Suppressive effects of Sairei‐to on monoclonal antibody 1–22–3‐induced glomerulonephritis: Analysis of effective components

The effects of treditional Chinese medlclne (Salrel‐to) on experimental glomerulonephritls Induced In rats by monodonal antibody (mAb) 1–22–3 lnjectlon was examined. The level of proteinuria in the Sairel‐to‐treated group was significantly lower than that In the PBS treated group. This suppressive effect was caused by the major component of Sealer‐to, Syo‐salko‐to but not by another component, Gorel‐san. The suppressive effect of Syo‐salko‐to was Identified In Its components (Bupleuri radix, Pindilae tuber and Zingibers rhizoma), but not In the other combined components (Ginseng radix and Zizyphl fructus). Further study weeled that the suppressive effects of the combined components were mainly derived from Bupleuri radix. It was demonstrated that the actual active Ingredient is probably Salkosaponin‐d. Light microscopy revealed that Sairel‐to and Its effective components suppressed the proliferation of mesanglal cells and mesanglal matrix expansion. Semi quantitative morphological studies of glomerular lesions on the eighth day showed that Syo‐salko‐to and Its combined components (Bupleuri radix, Zinglberis rhizoma and Pinelliae tuber) suppressed mesanglal matrix expansion significantly compared with phosphate‐buffered saline control groups (matrix score: 28.0±19.1 vs 102.3±14.1; 30.9±30.1 vs 102.3±14.1, p<0.005, respectively). It was concluded that Salkosaponln‐d, as well as Bupleuri radix, Syo‐salko‐to and Sairel‐to can suppress proteinurla and morphological changes In the rat glomerulonephritls model Induced by mAb 1–22–3.
Assessing the Feasibility of Monetary Integration in the Former Soviet Republics

The disintegration of the USSR brought with it a turbulent period of transition for the newly emerged independent states. This initiated a process of economic decentralisation and a re-allocation of resources. Various regional formations aiming to create a single market or even a common currency area have been proposed amongst the former Soviet states. Despite this, very little in terms of economic integration has been achieved so far. Economies within the CIS are divergent in terms of size and economic structure, with external shocks being more prominent for regional countries. The empirical analysis provided here examines the sustainability of optimum currency area arrangements within the CIS. The results present weak evidence to support monetary arrangements in the region, nonetheless some evidence was found for Russia-Belarus and to some extent Russia-Kazakhstan. Russia remains the dominant, most diversified and advanced economy in the region. In the case of a monetary union with regional countries, the union is likely to happen by absorption. External shocks have divergent effects on regional countries; the differences to a large extent are attributed to the magnitude of responses, further weakening the argument in favour of the OCA in the region.
Does Union Membership Matter? The Effect of Establishment Union Density on the Union Wage Differential

This paper examines the union's effect on wages using a unique set of variables: dummy variables for the density of unionization in the establishment for which the individual works. The results suggest that after controlling for establishment union density a union member wage gain is only observed for the lowest level, the 1% to 25% density range. For the 26% or greater establishment union density ranges the union's effect on wages is for all individuals working in the establishment and not just union members. The wage gain is 20% for both the establishment union density ranges of 26% to 50% and 51% to 75%. Individuals working for an establishment with a greater than 75% establishment unioni density achieve a wage gain of 64%. Copyright 1996 by MIT Press.
Patient‐controlled Epidural Analgesia with Bupivacaine and Fentanyl on Hospital Wards: Prospective Experience with 1,030 Surgical Patients

Background The efficacy and safety of patient‐controlled yepidural analgesia (PCEA) for postoperative analgesia on hospital wards was studied. Methods Postoperative analgesia was provided for 1,030 patients with PCEA using 0.05% bupivacaine and fentanyl, 4 micro gram/ml, in a standardized manner. Patients were seen at least twice a day by the staff of the anesthesia pain management service. Prospectively gathered data included verbal pain scores at rest and activity (0–10); consumption of bupivacaine and fentanyl; and incidences of pruritus, nausea, sedation, hypotension, motor block, and respiratory depression. Descriptive statistics were used. Risk factors for side effects were determined using logistic regression. Results The study included 552 women and 477 men who underwent a median (mode) of 3 (2) days of PCEA. Their mean age was 59 +/‐ 16 yr and their mean weight was 76 +/‐ 19 kg. There were 454 abdominal, 165 gynecologic, 126 urologic, 108 vascular, 90 thoracic, 83 orthopedic, and 4 plastic surgical procedures. Median (mode) pain scores were 1 (0) at rest and 4 (5) with activity on postoperative day 1. Incidences of side effects were 16.7% (pruritus), 14.8% (nausea), 13.2% (sedation), 6.8% (hypotension), 2% (motor block), and 0.3% (respiratory depression). Reasons for termination of PCEA were elective (82%), displaced epidural catheter (12%), anticoagulation (3%), infection (1%), side effects (1%), inadequate analgesia (1%), and other (< 1%). Risk factors for side effects were female sex, patient weight < 73 kg, patient age < 58 yr, bupivacaine and fentanyl consumption > 9 ml/h, use of analgesic adjuncts, and lumbar placement of epidural catheters. Conclusion Patient‐controlled epidural analgesia provides effective and safe postoperative analgesia on hospital wards.
The Effect of a Gated Community on Property and Beach Amenity Valuation

We examine how location in a gated community affects the value of a single-family home and the valuation of a beach. Using data on 2,358 sales on barrier islands near Charleston, South Carolina, the empirical results indicate that homeowners pay a premium of 18.6% for a property in a gated community. The value of location near a beach is greater in gated than nongated communities. (JEL R21, Q51)
Blood pressure and hypertension distribution in a lower middle class urban community in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE To determine the awareness level, blood pressure profile and its correlates in Metroville Health Study and to compare the results with those of Pakistan National Health Survey and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of USA. METHODS Sample consisted of 400 households of Metroville, included after informed consent. Demographic data was collected and Blood pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Glucose, Height and weight were measured. Obesity was calculated as BMI. The results were compared with those of the Pakistan National Health Survey and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of USA. RESULTS For both sexes and all age groups, hypertension was more prevalent in MHS than Pakistan National Health Survey (PNHS) and U.S. MHS hypertensives were more likely to be aware of and treated for their condition than hypertensives of PNHS, but less likely than U.S. hypertensives. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) rose with increased age in all three populations. Blood pressure also rose with increased body mass index (BMI) in MHS as well as PNHS and NHANES, with little differences in the degree of rise among them. A one-kg/Height (in m approximately) increment in BMI was associated with a 0.40-0.67 mmHg increment in systolic pressure in men and a 0.56-0.74 mmHg increment in women. The main difference between USA and two Pakistani surveys was the level of DBP, which was significantly higher in Pakistani Surveys than NHANES, for both men and women. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of Hypertension in Metroville was high. It showed a quantitative relationship to increasing age and BMI. Hypertension and obesity were the major public health problems in the lower middle class community of Metroville. It is recommended that awareness should be increased and preventive measures implemented.
Study of daily solar Irradiance forecast based on chaos optimization neural networks

In this works, artificial neural network is combined with wavelet analysis for the forecast of solar irradiance. This method is characteristic of the preprocessing of sample data using wavelet transformation for the forecast, i.e., the data sequence of solar irradiance as the sample is first mapped into several time-frequency domains, and then a chaos optimization neural network is established for each domain. The forecasted solar irradiance is exactly the algebraic sum of all the forecasted components obtained by the respective networks, which correspond respectively the time-frequency domains. On the basis of combination of chaos optimization neural network and wavelet analysis, a model is developed for more accurate forecasts of solar irradiance. An example of the forecast of daily solar irradiance is presented in the paper, the historical daily records of solar irradiance in Shanghai constituting the data sample. The results of the example show that the accuracy of the method is more satisfactory than that of the methods reported before.
Effects of Ambient Air Particulate Exposure on Blood–Gas Barrier Permeability and Lung Function

Particulate air pollution is associated with increased risk of pulmonary diseases and detrimental outcomes related to the cardiovascular system, including altered vessel functions. This study's objective was too evaluate the effects of ambient particle exposure on the blood–gas permeability, lung function and Clara cell 16 (CC16) protein release in healthy young subjects. Twenty-nine nonsmokers participated in a randomized, two-factor crossover study with or without biking exercise for 180 min and with 24-h exposure to particle-rich (6169–15,362 particles/cm3; 7.0–11.6 μg/m3 PM2.5; 7.5–15.8 μg/m3 PM10−2.5) or filtered (91–542 particles/cm3) air collected above a busy street. The clearance rate of aerosolized 99mTc-labeled diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) was measured as an index for the alveolar epithelial membrane integrity and permeability of the lung blood–gas barrier after rush-hour exposure. Lung function was assessed using body plethysmography, flow-volume curves, and measurements of the diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide. CC16 was measured in plasma and urine as another marker of alveolar integrity. Particulate matter exposure had no significant effect on the epithelial membrane integrity using the methods available in this study. Exercise increased the clearance rate of 99mTc-DTPA indicated by a 6.8% (95% CI: 0.4–12.8%) shorter half-life and this was more pronounced in men than women. Neither particulate matter exposure nor exercise had an effect on the concentration of CC16 in plasma and urine or on the static and dynamic volumes or ventilation distribution of the lungs. The study thus demonstrates increased permeability of the alveolar blood–gas barrier following moderate exercise, whereas exposure to ambient levels of urban air particles has no detectable effects on the alveolar blood–gas barrier or lung function.
Tangible Long-Lived Asset Impairments and Future Operating Cash Flows under US GAAP and IFRS

This paper investigates the predictive value of tangible long-lived asset impairments for changes in future operating cash flows under US GAAP and IFRS. We find that impairments reported under IFRS are negatively associated with changes in future operating cash flows whereas those under US GAAP, on average, are not. We investigate whether differences in the predictive value are attributable to differences in recognition or measurement, providing evidence suggesting impairment recognition under US GAAP is delayed. Evidence also suggests that the value-in-use measurement attribute, allowed under IFRS, does not induce underimpairing as IFRS and US GAAP impairments are similarly related to future impairments. The main result of a negative association under IFRS but not US GAAP holds after considering future impairments to control for measurement differences, macro-economic factors, and firm reporting incentives. Further, impairment losses under IFRS are more predictive in high enforcement countries.
Salivary and plasma cortisol and testosterone responses to interval and tempo runs and a bodyweight-only circuit session in endurance-trained men

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the acute response to plasma and salivary cortisol and testosterone to three training protocols. Ten trained endurance athletes participated in three experimental trials, such as interval training (INT), tempo run (TEMP) and bodyweight-only circuit training (CIR), on separate days. Blood and saliva samples were collected pre- and 0, 15, 30 and 60 min post-exercise. Peak post-exercise salivary cortisol was higher than pre-exercise in all trials (P < 0.01). After INT, salivary cortisol remained elevated above pre-exercise than 60 min post-exercise. Salivary testosterone also increased post-exercise in all trials (P < 0.05). Plasma and salivary cortisol were correlated between individuals (r = 0.81, 0.73–0.88) and within individuals (r = 0.81, 0.73–0.87) (P < 0.01). Plasma and salivary testosterone was also correlated between (r = 0.57, 0.43–0.69) and within individuals (r = 0.60, 0.45–0.72), (P < 0.01). Peak cortisol and testosterone levels occurred simultaneously in plasma and saliva, but timing of post-exercise hormone peaks differed between trials and individuals. Further investigation is required to identify the mechanisms eliciting an increase in hormones in response to CIR. Furthermore, saliva is a valid alternative sampling technique for measurement of cortisol, although the complex, individual and situation dependent nature of the hormone response to acute exercise should be considered.
Race and Home Ownership: A Century-Long View

This paper uses census IPUMS data to analyze trends in racial differences in home ownership and housing values and to examine the connection between residential segregation and the housing status of blacks relative to whites. A widening in the ownership gap between 1940 and 1960 is explained largely by the increasing concentration of blacks in central city areas whereas a narrowing in the ownership gap between 1960 and 1980 is explained only by changes in the relative characteristics of the black and white populations. Residential segregation did not widen the racial gap in home ownership rates in 1940 or 1980, but did widen the gap in housing values after 1940.
Contamination by the Israeli military industry and its impact on apartment sale prices in an adjacent Tel Aviv neighborhood: a hedonic pricing model study

This study quantifies the effect of environmental degradation due to contamination from Taas Magen, an Israeli Defense Force industrial facility, on the nearby housing market. A model was constructed so as to isolate the impact of the contamination from that of the facility itself by incorporating information regarding public awareness of the contamination. The resulting regression analysis suggests that distance from the site of the facility affected home prices only after the general public became aware of the contamination. Therefore, it is specifically the environmental contamination, rather than the facility as of itself, that negatively impacted prices. As a result of the contamination, apartment prices fell by an average of $24,665 (2006 dollars), equal to approximately 14% of the sales price of an average apartment in the sample area. Total losses to the surrounding housing market are accordingly estimated at between $267 and $287 million. These loss estimates serve as a lower bound for the total social and economic costs incurred by the greater community due to the contamination, which are estimated to total at least $358 million. Assuming the government were to fund the estimated $33 million cleanup costs, a minimum gain of 1.5% in sale prices within this $2.2 billion housing market would create the necessary economic benefit to offset the cost of decontaminating the site. Similarly, a more technologically advanced, yet expensive, remediation process would require a gain of 10.1% in housing market prices to offset its costs. Ultimately, reclaiming a lost aquifer, reduction in human health risks, restoration of environmental integrity, and further increases in housing market value are all benefits of remediation that may greatly outweigh the required cleanup costs.
Learning Causal AMP Chain Graphs

Andersson-Madigan-Perlman chain graphs were originally introduced to represent independence models. They have recently been shown to be suitable for representing causal models with additive noise. In this paper, we present an algorithm for learning causal chain graphs. The algorithm builds on the ideas by Hoyer et al. (2009), i.e. it exploits the nonlinearities in the data to identify the direction of the causal relationships. We also report experimental results on real-world data.
Reassessing the Impact of Option Introductions on Market Quality: A Less Restrictive Test for Event-Date Effects

Prior research concludes that option introductions improve the average liquidity of the underlying stocks. We develop an improved, generalizable test to assess whether market quality changes occur on or near an event date. Applying this method to option listing events, we conclude that options do not systematically improve the market quality of the underlying security; rather, the market quality of the underlying security improves before the listing decision. Hazard model tests indicate that improving liquidity is a selection criterion in the option listing decision. Moreover, these tests suggest that the size of a stock's bid-ask spread is the single most important option listing determinant.
Techno-economic assessment of flexible combined heat and power plant with Carbon Capture and Storage

As Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is now regarded as on its way to become a mature technology to reduce dramatically CO2 emissions from conventional generation, its economic ineffectiveness may still be preventing its large-scale adoption. In this respect, new strategies for flexible operation of Carbon Capture and Storage systems could bring substantial benefits allowing achieving both ambitious CO2 reductions and higher profits. In addition, further economic and environmental benefits could be achieved by adopting high efficiency Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants. On these premises, this paper investigates the benefits of coupling a flexible CCS system and a flexible CHP plant, with the aim of deploying the flexibility available in both CCS and CHP to consume/produce more or less electricity in response to market conditions. A mathematical model is developed to maximise profit responding to volatile market prices by optimally switching the CCS and CHP plants between different operating modes. The effectiveness and the usefulness of the proposed model are demonstrated on a realistic case study with extensive sensitivity analyses.
ECONOMIC INCENTIVES AND HOSPITALIZATION IN GERMANY

The dramatically rising health expenditures have become a matter of prime concern. Using a rich panel dataset this paper contributes to this debate by investigating factors determining the demand for hospitalization in Germany. While most previous studies have found a significant impact of social insurance on the demand for hospital trips, the empirical results presented here cast doubts on the role of those economic incentives. There are also important differences in the hospitalization behaviour of men and women, and between the full sample and those with chronic conditions, which have been neglected by the literature. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.