Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
China and International Housing Price Growth

We document Chinese effects on international residential property price growth. We show that faster growth of the housing prices is associated with larger declines in recent past growth of China's GDP, larger increases in China's savings rate, or stronger rise in China's risks. These results are consistent with the notion of Chinese investing in overseas property markets when faced with less promising investment opportunities at home and when they have the means to invest offshore. These effects are stronger for countries where English is the primary spoken language, with better tertiary education quality, and that exhibit lower correlations between local property market price growth and China's interest rate.
Health outcomes following treatment for six months with once daily tiotropium compared with twice daily salmeterol in patients with COPD.

BACKGROUND A study was undertaken to record exacerbations and health resource use in patients with COPD during 6 months of treatment with tiotropium, salmeterol, or matching placebos. METHODS Patients with COPD were enrolled in two 6-month randomised, placebo controlled, double blind, double dummy studies of tiotropium 18 micro g once daily via HandiHaler or salmeterol 50 micro g twice daily via a metered dose inhaler. The two trials were combined for analysis of heath outcomes consisting of exacerbations, health resource use, dyspnoea (assessed by the transitional dyspnoea index, TDI), health related quality of life (assessed by St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ), and spirometry. RESULTS 1207 patients participated in the study (tiotropium 402, salmeterol 405, placebo 400). Compared with placebo, tiotropium but not salmeterol was associated with a significant delay in the time to onset of the first exacerbation. Fewer COPD exacerbations/patient year occurred in the tiotropium group (1.07) than in the placebo group (1.49, p<0.05); the salmeterol group (1.23 events/year) did not differ from placebo. The tiotropium group had 0.10 hospital admissions per patient year for COPD exacerbations compared with 0.17 for salmeterol and 0.15 for placebo (not statistically different). For all causes (respiratory and non-respiratory) tiotropium, but not salmeterol, was associated with fewer hospital admissions while both groups had fewer days in hospital than the placebo group. The number of days during which patients were unable to perform their usual daily activities was lowest in the tiotropium group (tiotropium 8.3 (0.8), salmeterol 11.1 (0.8), placebo 10.9 (0.8), p<0.05). SGRQ total score improved by 4.2 (0.7), 2.8 (0.7) and 1.5 (0.7) units during the 6 month trial for the tiotropium, salmeterol and placebo groups, respectively (p<0.01 tiotropium v placebo). Compared with placebo, TDI focal score improved in both the tiotropium group (1.1 (0.3) units, p<0.001) and the salmeterol group (0.7 (0.3) units, p<0.05). Evaluation of morning pre-dose FEV(1), peak FEV(1) and mean FEV(1) (0-3 hours) showed that tiotropium was superior to salmeterol while both active drugs were more effective than placebo. CONCLUSIONS Exacerbations of COPD and health resource usage were positively affected by daily treatment with tiotropium. With the exception of the number of hospital days associated with all causes, salmeterol twice daily resulted in no significant changes compared with placebo. Tiotropium also improved health related quality of life, dyspnoea, and lung function in patients with COPD.
A Novel Approach for Describing Goals with DLs in Intelligent Agents

An important feature of intelligent agents is their ability to pursue goals in dynamic and complex domain autonomously. The goals of an intelligent agent represent its motivational stance and are the main source for the agentpsilas actions. Therefore, the explicit representation of goals and the ability to reason about them play an important role in goal-oriented intelligent agents systems, and are being regarded as one of significant study domain in computer science. Nevertheless, currently available goals representations do not represent them explicitly. This leads to a gap between design and implementation with respect to the available concepts. In this paper, we provide an explicit structure for goals, which integrate two types' goals: declarative goals and procedural goals into one concept based on Description Logics (DLs), which are able to represent structural knowledge in a formal and well-understood way. The object of this proposal is aimed at providing a feasible way between agent specification and implementation of goals. We also illustrate an application in migrating workflow system (MWfS) representing Migrating Instance (MI) with this approach in the end.
Design of energy-aware video codec-based system

Lifetimes of battery-powered monitoring and surveillance systems are limited by the given battery capacity. This could lead either to a complete loss, or to a significant loss of quality in the recorded image, of events. In this paper, we propose a energy-aware video codec-based system design which exploits event characteristics to minimize the energy consumption through energy-aware architecture exploration. Given event statistics, the proposed energy-aware system design methodology carries out the architecture exploration of a wireless surveillance node (WSN) consisting of image sensor, event detector, video encoder, transceiver and memory. Hierarchical event detection algorithms are utilized for trade-offs between energy consumption and detection accuracy. Even if sophisticated event detection algorithms require high computational complexity, they contribute to reduce the number of false detected events. Based on operational framework of power-rate-distortion relationship analysis, we build an energy-rate-distortion optimization technique which gives an energy-optimal operating point of the video encoder under the given memory constraint. Experimental results show that the proposed method prolongs the lifetime of WSN up to 3.76 times compared to an existing bitrate allocation method which does not consider event statistics and hierarchical event detection.
Elevated cyclic AMP and PDE4 inhibition induce chemokine expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages

Macrophages are central mediators of the innate immune system that can be differentiated from monocytes upon exposure to cytokines. While increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels are known to inhibit many lipopolysaccharide-elicited macrophage inflammatory responses, the effects of elevated cAMP on monocyte/macrophage differentiation are not as well understood. We show here that during differentiation, cAMP agonists can cause a large increase in the mRNA and protein levels of several of the pro-inflammatory CXCL and CCL chemokines. The cAMP mediator-exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) contributes substantially to the increase in these chemokines. These chemokines are known to play an important role in the regulation of immune responses, particularly regarding the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. We also found that a selective cAMP-degrading phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibitor can potentiate the chemokine expression elicited by low-dose forskolin or Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). These data suggest that chemokine receptor antagonists administered in conjunction with a PDE4 inhibitor may improve both the efficacy and safety of PDE4-inhibitor therapy for chronic inflammatory disorders.
Collaborate across silos: Perceived barriers to integration of care for the elderly from the perspectives of service providers

PURPOSE To examine the barriers that hinder collaboration between health care and social care services and to report recommendations for effective collaboration to meet the growing support and care needs of our ageing population. METHODS Data for this qualitative study were obtained from interviews with 7 key informants (n = 42) and 22 focus groups (n = 117) consisting of service providers who were from the health care or social care sectors and supporting elderly patients with multiple chronic diseases or long-term care needs. Data collection was conducted from 2015 to 2016. The data were analysed using an inductive approach on the basis of thematic analysis. FINDINGS Qualitative analysis reviewed a number of factors that play a significant role in setting up barriers at the operational level, including fragmentation and lack of sustainability of discharge programmes provided by non-governmental organisations, lack of capacity of homes for the elderly, limitation of time and resources, and variation of roles in supporting end-of-life care decisions between the medical and social sectors. Other barriers are those of communication to be found at the structural level and perceptual ones that exist between professionals. Of these, perceptual barriers affect attitudes and create mistrust and interprofessional stereotypes and a hierarchy between the health care and social care sectors. CONCLUSION Health care and social care service providers recognise the need for collaborative work to enhance continuity of care and ageing in place; however, their efforts are hindered by the identified barriers that need to be dealt with in practical terms and by a change of policy.
Managing Risks and Stakeholders in the Design of a new Financial Product

This article analyses risk’ and stakeholders’ management in the project to establish a product created by BNDES to provide partial credit guarantees for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Investment Guarantee Fund (FGI). The project went through several adjustments during its development to adapt it to changes in the credit market, the demands of financial agents and credit access’ public policy. For this analysis were used risk management models, stakeholder management in projects and guarantee systems. The methodology used was the single case study with the fund manager, with document analysis and semi-structured interviews. The results of the analysis indicate that the corrections in the direction and the adequacy of the fund project development pace, together with stakeholder management techniques use and project risk management , led to increased security in the Fund implementation, minimizing the need for rework and schedule delays. This context prevented several risks associated with the operation and the adequacy of the final product, contributing to a gradual but steady adoption of the Fund's guarantee by financial agents.
Erythrocyte Mean Corpuscular Volume as a Surrogate Marker for 6-Thioguanine Nucleotide Concentration Monitoring in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated with Azathioprine or 6-Mercaptopurine

Mean corpuscular volume may correlate with erythrocyte 6-thioguanine nucleotide concentrations in patients treated with azathioprine and 6-mercaptourine. We conducted a study of 166 patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine to determine the relationship between mean corpuscular volume and erythrocyte 6-thioguanine nucleotide concentrations, disease activity as measured by the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (active disease <170, remission >170), and leukopenia. Blood was submitted for mean corpuscular volume, whole blood 6-thioguanine nucleotide concentration, and leukocyte count. The mean ± SD mean corpuscular volume during treatment was 94.7 ± 6.6 fL and the mean ± SD change in mean corpuscular volume was 7.5 ± 6.3 fL. There were significant correlations between mean corpuscular volume and erythrocyte 6-thioguanine nucleotide concentration (rs = 0.33, p < 0.001) and between change from baseline in mean corpuscular volume and erythrocyte 6-thioguanine nucleotide concentration (rs = 0.26, p = 0.001). There was no correlation between Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire scores and mean corpuscular volume values (rs = 0.01, p = 0.94). The mean corpuscular volume values in 55 patients with active disease and 111 patients in remission were similar (95.1 vs. 94.5 fL, p = 0.57). There was a weak negative correlation between the mean corpuscular volume and the leukocyte count, (rs = −0.18, p = 0.022). In patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine, mean corpuscular volume and change from baseline in mean corpuscular volume correlated with erythrocyte 6-thioguanine nucleotide concentrations and negatively with leukocyte counts, but did not correlate with disease activity as measured by the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire. Measurement of mean corpuscular volume is a simple and inexpensive alternative to measurement of 6-thioguanine nucleotide concentrations in patients treated with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine.
Aromatic Hydroxyl Group Plays a Critical Role in Antibacterial Activity of the Curcumin Analogues

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the aromatic substituents of the curcumin scaffold on the antibacterial activity of the resulting curcumin analogues. Six curcumin analogues with different aromatic substituents were prepared and their antibacterial activities were evaluated against two Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacteria. The structure-activity relationship study demonstrated that antibacterial activity of the curcumin analogues was critically dependent upon the aromatic hydroxyl group. Thus, hydroxycurcumin with an additional aromatic hydroxyl group on the curcumin scaffold showed antibacterial activity against all six pathogens tested and it remained effective even against ampicillin-resistant Enterobacter cloacae. Along with the previously reported antioxidative effect, the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of the hydroxycurcumin warrants further investigation of its biological activity as well as extensive structure-activity relationship study of the curcumin analogues with various aromatic substituents.
Experiments on Monetary Policy and Central Banking

Abstract In this article, we survey experiments that are directly related to monetary policy and central banking. We argue that experiments can also be used as a tool for central bankers for bench testing policy measures or rules. We distinguish experiments that analyze the reasons for non-neutrality of monetary policy, experiments in which subjects play the role of central bankers, experiments that analyze the role of central bank communication and its implications, experiments on the optimal implementation of monetary policy, and experiments relevant for monetary policy responses to financial crises. Finally, we mention open issues and raise new avenues for future research.
Tribology of Total Artificial Joints

The tribology of total artificial replacement joints is reviewed. The majority of prostheses currently implanted comprise a hard metallic component which articulates on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene surface. These relatively hard bearing surfaces operate with a mixed or boundary lubrication regime, which results in wear and wear debris from the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene surface. This debris can contribute to loosening and ultimate failure of the prostheses. The tribological performance of these joints has been considered and a number of factors which may contribute to increased wear rates have been identified. Cushion bearing surfaces consisting of low elastic modulus materials which can articulate with full fluid film lubrication are also described. These bearing surfaces have shown the potential for greatly reducing wear debris.
Differential effects of leucine and methionine enkephalin on morphine-induced analgesia, acute tolerance and dependence.

Intracerebroventricular (40-80 microgram) or i.p. (5-20 mg/kg) injection of leucine enkephalin 15 min before or after s.c. morphine administration resulted in a marked, dose-dependent enhancement of morphine analgesia as measured by the mouse tail-flick assay. Further, i.p. injection of leucine enkephalin (5 mg/kg) enhanced the analgesia produced by methadone and levorphanol in the tail-flick assay but not that by nalorphine in the abdominal constriction assay. Met- but not leu-enkephalin was an active analgesic in the abdominal constriction assay with the doses used. (D-Ala2, D-leu5)-enkephalin (1 mg/kg) treatment also markedly enhanced morphine analgesia. Similarly, administration of leucine enkephalin enhanced the development of acute tolerance and dependence produced by a single dose of morphine. Methionine enkephalin had no effect on any of the pharmacological responses produced by morphine, methadone or levorphanol. Morphine brain levels of mice after treatment with leucine or methionine enkephalin were found to be no different than those of saline-treated control animals. These results suggest that leucine enkephalin may be an important and potent physiological modulator of narcotic efficacy.
Correlation between bone markers and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between bone markers and bone mineral density (BMD) in an effort to identify their utility in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. METHODS Eighty-two consecutive postmenopausal women with untreated osteoporosis were included in the study. Forearm, spinal, and femoral BMD by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and markers of bone formation (serum osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and bone resorption (urinary free deoxypyridinoline) were measured in all patients. Patients with low serum vitamin D levels, secondary osteoporosis, or clinically significant systemic disease were excluded from the study. The patients were classified on the basis of BMD of the lumbar spine into the following 3 groups: mild (n = 23) (T score -2.5 through -3), moderate (n = 42) (T score -3.1 through -4), or severe (n = 17) (T score <or=-4.1) osteoporosis. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation were used for statistical analysis, with a P value <. 05 being considered significant. RESULTS Serum osteocalcin was significantly different among the 3 study groups (4.1 +/- 2.7, 4.5 +/- 3.1, and 6.7 +/- 5.6 ng/mL, respectively; P = .0349) and had a significant negative correlation with BMD (r2 = -0.0779; P = .0168). Other bone markers such as bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and urinary free deoxypyridinoline did not correlate with the underlying BMD. CONCLUSION In our study, osteocalcin was significantly correlated with BMD in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Other bone markers did not correlate with BMD. Further large-scale population data and analyses are needed to confirm these findings.
Time of perinatal immunization, thimerosal exposure and neurodevelopment at 6 months in breastfed infants

Aim: Brazilian newborns immunized with hepatitis‐B (thimerosal containing vaccine, TCV) receive the first dose within 24 h if delivered in public hospitals, but at a later time if born in private hospitals. We compared neurodevelopment (ND) in infants born in a state hospital (immunized within 24 h) and in privately run hospitals (immunized 2–4 days postnatally).
Treatment effects of removable functional appliances in patients with Class II malocclusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE To assess the treatment effects of removable functional appliances (RFAs) in treated versus untreated patients with Class II malocclusion by means of lateral cephalometric radiographs. SEARCH METHODS Unrestricted electronic search of 18 databases and manual searches up to October 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA Prospective randomized and non-randomized controlled trials reporting on cephalometric angular measurements of Class II patients treated with RFAs and their matched controls. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes were annualized and stratified to short- and long-term effects. Methodological limitations were evaluated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Downs and Black checklist. Mean differences (MDs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from random-effects meta-analyses. Patient- or appliance-related subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed with mixed-effects models. RESULTS Seventeen studies were included (1031 patients; mean age: 10.6 years), with most of them originating from university clinics and reporting short-term effects (directly after the removal of RFAs). Treatment was associated with minimal reduction of SNA angle (11 studies, MD = -0.28 degree/year, 95% CI: -0.44 to -0.12 degree/year), minimal increase of SNB angle (11 studies, MD = 0.62 degree/year, 95% CI: 0.36-0.88 degree/year), and small decrease of ANB angle (10 studies, MD = -1.14 degree/year, 95% CI: -1.52 to -0.77 degree/year) compared to untreated Class II patients. RFAs caused significant dentoalveolar changes (predominantly retroclination of the upper incisors) and significant soft tissue changes. Skeletal changes were more pronounced with the Twin Block appliance. Various patient- or appliance-related factors influenced the results of the subgroup analyses, while the sensitivity analyses indicated robustness. Existing evidence was inadequate to assess the long-term effectiveness of RFAs. CONCLUSIONS The short-term evidence indicates that RFAs are effective in improving Class II malocclusion, although their effects are mainly dentoalveolar, rather than skeletal.
Multiple predictive control of an anaerobic digestion process of microalgae

This paper proposes a multiple predictive control strategy in order to control a combination of substrate concentrations inside of an anaerobic digestion process of microalgae. Based on the linear approximation of the original nonlinear model, an optimal control algorithm was developed and tested by simulation experiments. The obtained results validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm.
L-Chord: Routing Model for Chord Based on Layer-Dividing

Chord is a kind of structured P2P networkbut the routing table in Chord suffers serious information redundancy and it is not very efficient. Therefore, a routing model and algorithm implementation for Chord based on layer-dividing(L-Chord) is proposed. Simulation experiments show that L-Chord compress- es the routing table length of most nodes into only one so as to eliminate repetitious entries and reduce the average lookup path length.L-Chord coordinates loo- kup efficiency and routing table length well.