Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Depression and cancer survivorship: importance of coping self‐efficacy in post‐treatment survivors

An estimated 30% of cancer patients are expected to experience clinically significant psychological distress during the treatment phase of their disease. Despite significant attention being directed to the mental health needs of individuals undergoing and completing treatment, there is less known about the mental health needs of survivors and the role of potential protective factors in survivorship, such as coping self‐efficacy and social support.
International harmonization of models for selecting less toxic chemical alternatives: Effect of regulatory disparities in the United States and Europe

The desire to reduce human exposure to toxic chemicals associated with consumer products that are marketed globally demands the creation of comparative toxicity assessment tools that are based on uniform thresholds of acceptable risks and guidelines for materials use across international boundaries. The Toxic Potential Indicator (TPI) is a quantitative model based on European Union (EU) regulatory standards for toxicity and environmental quality. Here, we describe a version of TPI that we developed with US regulatory thresholds for environmental and human health impacts of toxic materials. The customized US‐based TPI (USTPI) model integrates occupational permissible exposure limits (PELs), carcinogen categories based on the scheme of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and median effect concentration for acute aquatic toxicity (EC50s). As a case study, we compare calculated scores for EU‐based TPI (EUTPI) and USTPI for a large group of chemicals including 578 substances listed in the US Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). Statistical analyses show that the median difference between USTPI and EUTPI scores do not approximate to zero, implying a general discrepancy in TPI score results. Comparison of chemical ranking with Spearman's correlation coefficient suggests a positive but imperfect rank correlation. Although some discrepancies between EUTPI and USTPI may be explained by missing toxicity information in some regulatory categories, disparities between the 2 models are associated mostly with different input parameters, i.e., different regulatory thresholds and guidelines. These results demonstrate that regional differences in regulatory thresholds for material toxicity may compromise the ideals of international agreements, such as the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, and emphasis needs to be placed on eliminating inconsistencies in hazard assessment frameworks for substances. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012; 8: 723–730. © 2012 SETAC
PSU Bank Modeling - A Comparative Modeling Approach Involving Artificial Neural Network and Panel Data Regression

Indian Baking, especially the PSU segment has been facing the fire for quite some time now. Be it NPA, or be it digitization or even be it cash management, they are finding it hard to cope up with the changes. ‘Earnings per Share’ (EPS) is a cardinal parameter which will impact the performance of the bank's share in the bourses. So, in this study the banks of PSU segment that are included in the defined universe of S&P BSE Bankex have been under consideration (namely SBI, BOB and PNB). Determination of EPS with high degree of accuracy will help these banks to attract FPI flow consistently which in turn will be beneficial for their regular cash inflow and thus ease their liquidity crunch. Two distinctintly different methods such as Panel Data Regression (Econometric Method) and Artificial Neural Network (Machine Learning Tool) have in in action to set up an accurate model, with which the EPS prediction could be quite accurate in nature. Thirteen control variables are chosen carefully to construct both the models. Interestingly both the models are depicting similar picture (with accuracy measures) with different combinations.
Upward Nominal Wage Rigidity

In Portugal, as in many other countries in continental Europe, the collective wage agreements between trade unions and employer associations that define wage floors for specific job titles are systematically extended to the whole industry. This means that many firms are obliged to increase the wages of their workforce in order to comply with the newly-agreed bargained wages. With some trepidation, we call this phenomenon upward nominal wage rigidity, in close symmetry with the Keynesian notion of downward nominal wage rigidity. In this paper we provide evidence that firms that are more heavily affected by the change in the bargained wage floors decrease their hiring rates and, more importantly, significantly increase their separation rates. As a complement to our analysis, we suggest the estimation of a measure that attempts to disentangle the strength of internal and external wage conditions. Based on this measure we show that firms whose wages are more influenced by external wages exhibit much lower net job creation rates.
The pain experiences of powered wheelchair users

Purpose: To explore the experience of pain and discomfort in users of electric-powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs (EPIOCs) provided by a National Health Service. Methods: EPIOC users receiving their chair between February and November 2002 (N = 74) were invited to participate in a telephone questionnaire/interview and 64 (aged 10–81 years) agreed. Both specific and open-ended questions examined the presence of pain/discomfort, its severity, minimizing and aggravating factors, particularly in relation to the EPIOC and its use. Results: Most EPIOC users described experiences of pain with 17% reporting severe pain. Over half felt their pain was influenced by the wheelchair and few (25%) considered their chair eased their symptoms. The most common strategy for pain relief was taking medication. Other self-help strategies included changing position, exercise and complementary therapies. Respondents emphasized the provision of backrests, armrests, footrests and cushions which might alleviate or exacerbate pain, highlighting the importance of appropriate assessment for this high dependency group. Conclusions: Users related pain to their underlying medical condition, their wheelchair or a combination of the two. User feedback is essential to ensure that the EPIOC meets health needs with minimal pain. This becomes more important as the health condition of users changes over time. Implications for Rehabilitation Pain is frequently experienced by users of powered wheelchairs and may be severe. Clinicians need to distinguish between wheelchair-related pain and pain due to an underlying health condition. Improved design and additional features to powered wheelchairs should reduce this pain and suffering but at a financial cost.
Identification and Characterization of the PutP Proline Permease That Contributes to In Vivo Survival ofStaphylococcus aureus in Animal Models

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen of humans and other animals, causing bacteremia, abscesses, endocarditis, and other infectious syndromes. A signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) system was adapted for use in studying the genes required for in vivo survival of S. aureus. An STM library was ultimately created in S. aureus RN6390, with Tn917 being used to create the transposon mutations. Pools of S. aureusRN6390 mutants were screened in mouse abscess, bacteremia, and wound infection models for growth attenuation after in vivo passage. One of the mutants that was identified displayed marked attenuation following large-pool screening in all three animal models, which was confirmed in bacteremia and endocarditis models of infection with a smaller pool of mutants. Sequence analysis of the entire open reading frame showed a 99% identity to the high-affinity proline permease (putP) gene characterized in another strain of S. aureus. In wound and murine abscess infection models, the putP mutant was approximately 10-fold more attenuated than was wild-type strain RN6390. Another S. aureus strain transduced with theputP mutation also displayed an attenuated phenotype after passage in the wound model. A [3H]proline uptake assay showed that less proline was specifically transported into theputP mutant than into strain RN6390. The reduced viability of the bacteria possessing the mutation in the S. aureushigh-affinity proline permease suggests that proline scavenging by the bacteria is important for in vivo growth and proliferation and that analogs of proline may serve as potential antistaphylococcal therapeutic agents.
The Effects of a Selective Dopamine D2 Receptor Agonist on Behavioral and Pathological Outcome in 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-Treated Squirrel Monkeys

In this study, we investigated antiparkinsonian activity of the novel, highly selective dopamine D2 receptor agonist sumanirole compared with two clinically effective dopaminergic therapies in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) primate model of Parkinson's disease. Squirrel monkeys were rendered parkinsonian by chronic administration of MPTP and subsequently dosed with vehicle, l-DOPA plus carbidopa (l-DOPA), ropinirole, or sumanirole over a duration of 8 weeks. Antiparkinsonian effects measured with a parkinsonian primate rating scale (PPRS) showed that sumanirole elicited improved functional outcome compared with vehicle. The dopamine D2/D3 agonist ropinirole improved behavioral outcome similar to sumanirole, whereas l-DOPA treatment yielded the most significant symptomatic improvement. The relative rank of therapies that elicited normalization of PPRS was l-DOPA > sumanirole; ropinirole did not normalize PPRS in any of the treated monkeys. Dyskinesias were present with l-DOPA treatment but were not observed in sumanirole-, ropinirole-, or placebo-treated primates. Pathologically, all MPTP-treated animals displayed neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and reactive astrocytosis. Neurons immunoreactive with antibodies to the nuclear transcription factor ΔFosB were most significantly increased in the striatum of l-DOPA-treated monkeys. These results suggest that sumanirole can exert antiparkinsonian effects similar to l-DOPA without the behavioral and morphological consequences of the latter.
Tikhonov Regularization for Long Short-Term Memory Networks

It is a well-known fact that adding noise to the input data often improves network performance. While the dropout technique may be a cause of memory loss, when it is applied to recurrent connections, Tikhonov regularization, which can be regarded as the training with additive noise, avoids this issue naturally, though it implies regularizer derivation for different architectures. In case of feedforward neural networks this is straightforward, while for networks with recurrent connections and complicated layers it leads to some difficulties. In this paper, a Tikhonov regularizer is derived for Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM) networks. Although it is independent of time for simplicity, it considers interaction between weights of the LSTM unit, which in theory makes it possible to regularize the unit with complicated dependences by using only one parameter that measures the input data perturbation. The regularizer that is proposed in this paper has three parameters: one to control the regularization process, and other two to maintain computation stability while the network is being trained. The theory developed in this paper can be applied to get such regularizers for different recurrent neural networks with Hadamard products and Lipschitz continuous functions.
Succeeding with freemium: strategies for implementation

The purpose of this article is to highlight the key points for succeeding with the freemium business model in online digital business from a strategic point of view. The freemium business model has recently become one of the most dominant business models in online markets. However, entrepreneurs and managers still have a limited understanding of why some freemium business models become successful and sustainable while others do not. ,The findings and recommendations derive from the study of online digital companies and applications, which either succeeded or failed to develop a sustainable freemium model. These are LinkedIn, Spotify, Box, Eventbrite, Chargify, Gasketball and TravelCrony. ,The article describes the generic strategy and the key strategic choices that enable and support successful freemium business model execution in an online digital business. ,The research is limited to digital companies applying a freemium business model and offering their products and services online. ,The findings and recommendations can help new and existing companies, first, to evaluate if the freemium business model is feasible for them, and second, to adjust strategies to develop a successful freemium business model and scale it up. ,The article extends the current understanding of the freemium business model logic.
Nitric oxide and vasoactive intestinal peptide as co-transmitters of airway smooth-muscle relaxation: analysis in neuronal nitric oxide synthase knockout mice.

BACKGROUND Both vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide (NO) relax airway smooth muscle and are potential co-transmitters of neurogenic airway relaxation. The availability of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) knockout mice (nNOS-/-) provides a unique opportunity for evaluating NO. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relative importance of NO, especially that generated by nNOS, and VIP as transmitters of the inhibitory nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) system. STUDY DESIGN In this study, we compared the neurogenic (tetrodotoxin-sensitive) NANC relaxation of tracheal segments from nNOS-/- mice and control wild-type mice (nNOS(+/+)), induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS). We also examined the tracheal contractile response to methacholine and its relaxant response to VIP. RESULTS EFS (at 60 V for 2 ms, at 10, 15, or 20 Hz) dose-dependently reduced tracheal tension, and the relaxations were consistently smaller (approximately 40%) in trachea from nNOS-/- mice than from control wild-type mice (p < 0.001). VIP (10(- 8) to 10(-6) mol/L) induced concentration-dependent relaxations that were approximately 50% smaller in nNOS-/- tracheas than in control tracheas. Methacholine induced concentration-dependent contractions that were consistently higher in the nNOS-/- tracheas relative to wild-type mice tracheas (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Our data suggest that, in mouse trachea, NO is probably responsible for mediating a large (approximately 60%) component of neurogenic NANC relaxation, and a similar (approximately 50%) component of the relaxant effect of VIP. The results imply that NO contributes significantly to neurogenic relaxation of mouse airway smooth muscle, whether due to neurogenic stimulation or to the neuropeptide VIP.
Full wave analysis and design of RF tunable filters

In this paper, a systematic design method for the finline structure tunable filter is presented based on filter synthesis and the full wave analysis using Ansoft EM simulation software HFSS. The varactor effects have been discussed. Two filter examples, one in Ka- and the other in K-band, are built and tested to verify the design. The measurement results are in agreement with the simulations.
History of regulation of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in the USA: A work in progress

The advent of human assisted reproductive technology (ART) has engendered much legal and ethical debate. This article examines the evolution of regulation in ART in the USA and discusses the impetus for, and repercussions of, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in the UK. Key differences in government legislation between the UK and USA have driven the evolution of a distinct regulatory body that oversees ART in the USA. The National Advisory Board on Ethics in Reproduction (NABER) serves as an unofficial advisory body that addresses ethical issues in reproduction. The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) maintains a registry that collects, reports and verifies data for individual ART clinics. Clinic-specific success rates are readily available through annual reports published through a collaboration of SART, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the National Infertility Association (RESOLVE). The ASRM has assumed a strong advisory role in addressing ethical issues and practice guidelines in assisted reproduction. Thus, although there is no central body to regulate ART in the USA, basic legislation, standards and guidelines that drive the provision of these services do exist in the USA.
GA-Based Design of Multi-Ring Arrays With Omnidirectional Conical Beam Pattern

The optimal design is presented of single- and multi-ring arrays with an omnidirectional conical beam by using a genetic algorithm (GA). The design parameters to be optimized are ring radii, excitation phases and amplitudes, requiring that the excitations of all elements in the same ring have the same amplitude and periodic phase for minimal azimuth-dependence in beam pattern. Parametric studies of the beam pattern were conducted and the theoretical radiation pattern was also validated from the experimental result with a single ring array antenna. As examples of GA-based design, two types of conical beam pattern were considered, illuminating a significant circular zone for satellite communications on moving vehicles. All results gave an omnidirectional conical beam pattern, in good agreement with the desired mask pattern.
Colonization of the female genital tract with Staphylococcus saprophyticus

The prevalence of colonization by Staphylococcus saprophyticus of the urogenital tracts of 276 women from an outpatient gynecology practice was determined by using selective and enrichment culture techniques. Nineteen subjects (6.9%) were found to be colonized by S. saprophyticus. The rectum was the most frequent site of colonization and was responsible for 40% of the isolates; this was followed in decreasing order by the urethra, urine, and cervix. Women colonized by S. saprophyticus were more likely to have experienced a urinary tract infection in the previous 12 months (P = 0.058; odds ratio, 2.844; 95% confidence interval, 1.054 to 7.671). Patients colonized by S. saprophyticus tended to have had their menstrual periods more recently (P = 0.066), experienced sexual intercourse more recently (P = 0.168), and had a recent or concurrent diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis (P = 0.111; odds ratio, 2.393; 95% confidence interval, 0.877 to 6.528). A seasonal variation in colonization was observed, with colonization most likely occurring during the summer and fall. Follow-up for an average of 6.75 months failed to document any colonized woman progressing to symptomatic urinary tract infection. In addition, 21 women colonized by non-S. saprophyticus, novobiocin-resistant, coagulase-negative staphylococci were identified and characterized.
Increased Transcription of a Major Stress Gene in Spontaneously Hypertensive Mice

Environmental stress factors, including temperature, modify the severity of hypertension, a genetic disease. Hypertensive animals and humans respond abnormally to heat exposure, and this abnormality is reflected at the cellular level by an increment in a major stress (heat-shock) gene expression. The present studies demonstrate that increased hsp70 gene expression is due to its heightened transcription rate. The genetic basis of environmental susceptibility to hypertension may thus involve an abnormal control of heat-shock genes.
A Preliminary Study of the Effect of Imaginary Sexual Stimulation on the Perceived Covariation Between Freedom and Responsibility

Abstract The authors evaluated subjective estimates of the relationship between freedom and responsibility under predictions made in accordance with cognitive-experiential self-theory (CEST; V. Denes-Raj & S. Epstein, 1994; S. Epstein, A. Lipson, C. Holstein, & E. Huh, 1992; S. Epstein, R. Pacini, V. Denes-Raj, & H. Meier, 1996; L. A. Kirkpatrick & S. Epstein, 1992). Half of the participants viewed sexually stimulating primes before making judgments. The other participants viewed neutral stimuli before making judgments. Two dependent measures were used: A set of alternate-forms propositions measured perceived relationships between the variables, and response latencies were used to evaluate the hypothesis that persons operating experientially would make judgments faster than persons operating rationally. Results indicated a significant effect for the priming condition with respect to the within-subject dependent variable. In accordance with predictions, further analysis indicated that positive contingency items were endorsed less often by primed participants, and negative contingency items were endorsed more often by primed participants. Results are in line with predictions afforded by the CEST model. Implications are discussed.
Essays on model uncertainty in macroeconomics

My dissertation grapples with the issues of model uncertainty in macroeconomics, and analyzes its consequences for monetary policy. It consists of three essays. In the first essay (Chapter 1), “Monetary Policy under Misspecified Expectations”, I examine policy choices for the central bank that faces uncertainty about the process of expectation formation by economic agents. The economy contains both “rule-ofthumb” agents who base their expectations on recent observations and agents who have rational expectations. The central bank is uncertain about the fraction of the rule-of-thumb agents. This uncertainty concern enables me to partially rationalize the over cautious policy stance of the Fed: empirically observed policy in the past two decades involves much weaker responses than optimal policies derived from various micro-founded models. It is well understood that when the economy is more forwardlooking, the central bank displays more aggressive responses to inflation and output. But the uncertainty-averse central bank evaluates policies by the performance in the worst case. In my economy this has a high fraction of agents that are backwardlooking. The best policy the central bank chooses thus involves moderate responses. That is to say, this minimax policy moves closer toward actual less responsive policy. In the second essay (Chapter 2), “Phillips Curve Uncertainty and Monetary Policy”, I investigate the effect of model uncertainty on policy choices employing a more general approach, which nests the minimax and Bayesian approaches as limiting cases.
Analyzing enablers of sustainable supply chain: ISM and fuzzy AHP approach

Purpose This paper aims to intend to help focal firms which are keen to develop a sustainable supply chain by identifying enablers, in knowing the interrelationships involved and in ranking the enablers. Design/methodology/approach Interpretive structural modeling and fuzzy MICMAC were used for the modeling and clustering of the enablers and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process has been used for the ranking purpose. Findings Awareness about sustainability incentives, pressure from stakeholders, support from supply chain partners and demand from customer for sustainable products were found very important for developing a sustainable supply chain. Research limitations/implications This research will help practitioners to appreciate the importance of the enablers to focus on the making sustainability adoption feasible across the supply chain. This would also facilitate focal firm management to develop a sustainability culture across the supply chain. Originality/value Similar work has not been carried before in which interaction among enablers and their priorities were analyzed using hybrid methodologies in developing country context.
Air pollution: A threat to the health of our children

Background/methods: Current air pollution levels pose a threat to the health of children starting from conception. The scientific evidence is presented for mortality, morbidity, and sub‐clinical effects. The first section deals with exposure data, the following sections with the evidence of health effects from epidemiology and toxicology leading to recommendations.