Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Potential Impact of Requiring a Stand-Alone Board-Level Risk Committee

This paper investigates the effects of the requirement under the Dodd-Frank Act that all large bank holding companies create a stand-alone, board-level risk committee. In addressing this issue I focus on banks that had not voluntarily created such a committee prior to the legislation, as these are the banks that are most affected by the new rule. I find that requiring large banks to maintain a risk committee is associated with increased capital ratios during the global financial crisis, but with decreased capital ratios during more stable economic conditions. The time varying nature of the results highlights the importance of estimating the effect of proposed policy changes over multiple states of the economy. This paper contributes to the literature by investigating the effects of a relatively understudied aspect of board structure, the presence of a risk committee, and by providing an identification strategy that can be used to investigate standard setting and regulatory changes before the changes are put in place.
Exploring Sensitive Label-Free Multiplex Analysis with Raman-Coded Microbeads and SERS-Coded Reporters

Suspension microsphere immunoassays are rapidly gaining attention in multiplex bioassays. Accurate detection of multiple analytes from a single measurement is critical in modern bioanalysis, which always requires complex encoding systems. In this study, a novel bioassay with Raman-coded antibody supports (polymer microbeads with different Raman signatures) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-coded nanotags (organic thiols on a gold nanoparticle surface with different SERS signatures) was developed as a model fluorescent, label-free, bead-based multiplex immunoassay system. The developed homogeneous immunoassays included two surface-functionalized monodisperse Raman-coded microbeads of polystyrene and poly(4-tert-butylstyrene) as the immune solid supports, and two epitope modified nanotags (self-assembled 4-mercaptobenzoic acid or 3-mercaptopropionic acid on gold nanoparticles) as the SERS-coded reporters. Such multiplex Raman/SERS-based microsphere immunoassays could selectively identify specific paratope–epitope interactions from one mixture sample solution under a single laser illumination, and thus hold great promise in future suspension multiplex analysis for diverse biomedical applications.
Collaborating to Integrate Education and Practice: A Model of a Physical Therapy Academic–Clinical Partnership

Background and Purpose. Strong academic–clinical partnerships have been advocated to optimize the training of the next generation of health professionals and to best meet the needs of patients and society. Despite the benefits of partnerships, there is a lack of literature describing successful models for collaboration between physical therapist (PT) schools and academic medical center hospitals. The purpose of this article was to describe the formal partnership between the Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences (DPTHMS) and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, Illinois. Method/Model Description and Evaluation. The partnership is presented through the lens of D'Amour's 4-dimensional model of collaboration highlighting 4 critical dimensions of collaboration: shared goals and activities, internalization, formalization, and governance. Outcomes. The establishment of this partnership has fostered the institutions' achievement of mutual goals supporting their interconnected visions and missions. Examples of the collaboration's shared goal and activities include: the tripling of clinical education experiences for professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students; establishment of 2 post professional PT residency programs; proliferation of DPT teaching opportunities for Shirley Ryan AbiltyLab clinical PTs with formal university academic appointments for 6 Shirley Ryan Ability Lab PTs; and clinical appointments for 7 of 34 eligible DPTHMS faculty members. The internalization dimension is evidenced by regularly scheduled communications; promotion of opportunities for mutual acquaintanceship through shared boards and teams; socialization opportunities; and trust-building across institutions. The primary example of formalization is the legal collaboration agreement signed in 2013 and amended in 2019. Partnership governance is achieved through a structure of designated liaisons, shared boards, and regular interinstitutional leadership meetings. Discussion and Conclusion. D'Amour's structuration model describes predictors for successful interinstitutional clinical–academic partnerships. The model's 4 collaboration dimensions facilitate the assessment of partnership success for both established partnerships and for institutions in the planning stage of such collaborations.
Remote Sensing of Seasonal Variation of Lai and Fapar in a Deciduous Broadleaf Forest

Climate change is affecting the phenology of terrestrial ecosystems. In deciduous forests, phenology in leaf area index (LAI) is the primary driver of seasonal variation in the fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (fAPAR), which drives photosynthesis. Remote sensing has been widely used to estimate LAI and fAPAR. However, while many studies have examined both empirical and model-based relationships among LAI, fAPAR, and spectral vegetation indices (SVI) from remote sensing, few studies have systematically and empiri- cally examined how relationships among these variables change over the growing season. In this study, we examine how and why seasonal-scale covariation differs among time series of remotely sensed SVIs and both LAI and fAPAR based on current understanding and theory. To do this we use newly available remote sensing data sets in combination with time series of in-situ measurements and a canopy radiative transfer model to analyze how seasonal variation in canopy and environmental conditions affect relationships among remotely sensed SVIs, LAI, and fAPAR at a temperate deciduous forest site in central Massachusetts. Our results show that accounting for seasonal variation in canopy shadowing, which is driven by variation in solar zenith angle, improved remote sensing-based estimates of LAI, fAPAR, and daily total APAR. Specifically, we show that the phenology of SVIs is strongly influenced by seasonal variation in near infrared (NIR) reflectance arising from systematic variation in the canopy shadow fraction that is independent of changes in LAI or fAPAR. Results of this work provide a refined basis for understanding how remote sensing can be used to monitor and model the phenology of LAI, fAPAR, APAR, and gross primary productivity in temperate deciduous forests.
Associations between maternal serum concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and pulse pressure in early pregnancy

Purpose Pulse pressure (PP) is the difference between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. Previous research suggests that exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) could affect blood pressure (BP). We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the association of dioxin exposure with PP in early pregnancy. A total of 305 pregnant women in early pregnancy in Yingcheng, China, recruited from May 2018 to December 2019 were included in this study. Methods We measured 17 types of PCDD/Fs in maternal serum via high-resolution gas chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry. A generalized linear regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of dioxin exposure and their relationships with PP. Results The levels of total PCDD/Fs (∑PCDD/Fs) ranged from 163.52 pg/g lipid to 1,513,949.52 pg/g lipid, with a mean of 10,474.22 pg/g lipid. The mean toxicity equivalent (TEQ) of total PCDD/Fs (∑TEQ-PCDD/Fs) was 42.03 pg/g lipid. The ratio of tetrachlorinated to octa-chlorinated congeners in maternal serum was enriched with an increasing number of chlorines. Pregnant women with college and above education had higher concentrations of ∑PCDD/Fs than those with education levels of junior high school and below (β = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.67). The adjusted model for ∑TEQ-PCDD/Fs was significantly and negatively associated with PP (β=-1.79, 95% CI: -2.91, -0.68). Conclusion High levels of dioxins were found in this area, and exposure to dioxins may affect the PP of women in early pregnancy, with health risks.
The Effect of Polymethylsilsesquioxane Concentration on the Liquid Foundation: Characterization of Nanostructure and Biophysical Properties

Aims: Polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMQS) is a silicone derivative that serves as a skin conditioning agent and moisturizer in cosmetics. The objective of this study is to identify the effect of different concentrations PMSQ (0.12, 0.20 and 0.35 wt %) on liquid foundation (LF) and find the optimized composition in vitro. Study Design: Structural and morphological features of the examined nano/micro-sized samples were investigated by different methods. Place and Duration of Study: Hacettepe University, Department of Physics Engineering, X-Rays Laboratory, between September 2017 and September 2019. Methodology: Micro/nano scale structural and morphological properties of samples were investigated by means of a multi-methodological approach based on Small‐ and/or Wide‐Angle X‐ray Scattering (SWAXS), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) Spectroscopy and UV-vis Spectroscopy. The LF (control) and PMSQ-LF films at one-week intervals for 4 weeks, and bovine leather coated samples with LF and PMSQ-LF were also investigated by SWAXS. The effect of PMSQ on biofilm formation activity in E. coli and S. aureus were also examined. Results: The most significant finding of this study is that even the low concentration of polymer in LF showed differences in nano structure and it was found that a decrease in biofilm formation. Nano formation becomes more pronounced, and the number of agglomerations decreases after 4 weeks. The reason for the study over a 4-week period was the desire to take into account the independent effect of each LF use, as well as the periodic stacking and diffusing effect that will occur in the depths of the skin over time. In the UVA range (320-400 nm) lower transmittance values were found for LF and PMSQ - LF films. Conclusion: The results suggest that optimum polymer concentration in liquid foundation should be considered as a main step. The smart and systematic use of polymer additives is directly manifested in the nanoscopic structure and can improve the harmful UV rays prevention properties, which are important for health as well as cosmetic effects for beauty purposes.
Fracture-cavity network model for fracture-cavity carbonate reservoir

In fracture-cavity carbonate reservoir,cavity is the most important storage space and fracture is the main flow path,and the flow resistance of fracture is different from that of cavity.A fracture-cavity network model was proposed according to discrete media characteristics of fracture-cavity reservoir.And an oil-water two-phase flow model was established.The methods of stochastic modeling and history matching were combined to simulate the production performance of TK472CH single well fracture-cavity unit.The results show that the fitting errors of oil production rate and water cut are 5.58 t·d-1 and 12.31% respectively,which are in the acceptable fitting error range.Compared with the coupled model,the reservoir description parameters are simplified and computation cost decreases,so this model could be applied to large-scale engineering project.
Modeling of nonlinear thermal resistance in FinFETs

In this paper, self-consistent three-dimensional (3D) device simulations for exact analysis of thermal transport in FinFETs are performed. We analyze the temperature rise in FinFET devices with the variation in the number of fins (Nfin), shape of fins and fin pitch (Fpitch). We investigate that the thermal resistance Rth has nonlinear dependency on Nfin and Fpitch. We formulate a model for thermal resistance behavior correctly with Nfin and Fpitch variation. The proposed formulation is implemented in industry standard Berkeley short-channel independent gate FET model for common multi-gate transistors (BSIM-CMG) and validated with both experimental data and TCAD simulations.
Error Compensation Method for Electronic Compass Based on Best Ellipse-Matching Error Compensation Algorithm

Direction data of electronic compass can be used as the initial alignment data of the navigation system, however,compass deviation grows while external magnetic field produces its impact upon electronic compass in practical utilization. Compass deviation must be offset so as to improve the initial alignment precision of the navigation system. In this paper,the best ellipse-matching error compensation algorithm was proposed and applied to initial alignment of the SINS-GPS navigation,the compensation proposal and relative data were also given in detail. Experiment showed that best ellipse-matching error compensation algorithm can effectively eliminate the compass deviation,compass system after compensated can be used in common navigation initial alignment field and other areas.
Assessment of genetic variability, diversity, and identification of promising lines in linseed germplasm for harnessing genetic gain in central plain of the Indian subcontinent

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), cultivated in more than 60 countries, is grown for fiber and oilseed worldwide. Here effort was made to assess the genetic variability in linseed germplasm and identify some promising lines used as parents in the linseed hybridization program. The study was designed with a total of 82 germplasm and a national check in RCBD for genetic variability for 11 agronomic traits. In this study, a considerable variation was observed for all the studied traits by using PCA analysis. It was also found that single plant yield, number of seeds per capsule, and number of capsules are ideal for linseed improvement through the selection in central India. Few high yielding accessions such as RL-10129 and Padmini showed maximum diversity with the popular variety T-397, and can be used in the hybridization program. Similarly, we identified a few potential accessions such as NDL-2013-03, EC-41741, Ruchi, EC-704, RL-10129 to be used as parents in the breeding program.
Fluoromethylketone-fragment conjugates designed as covalent modifiers of EcDsbA are atypical substrates

Disulfide bond protein A (DsbA) is an oxidoreductase enzyme that catalyzes the formation of disulfide bonds in Gram-negative bacteria. In Escherichia coli, DsbA (EcDsbA) is essential for bacterial virulence, thus inhibitors have the potential to act as antivirulence agents. A fragment-based screen was conducted against EcDsbA and herein we describe the development of a series of compounds based on a phenylthiophene hit identified from the screen. A novel thiol reactive and “clickable” ethynylfluoromethylketone was designed for reaction with azide-functionalized fragments to enable rapid and versatile attachment to a range of fragments. The resulting fluoromethylketone conjugates showed selectivity for reaction with the active site thiol of EcDsbA, however unexpectedly, turnover of the covalent adduct was observed. A mechanism for this turnover was investigated and proposed which may have wider ramifications for covalent reactions with dithiol-disulfide oxidoreducatases.
Applying the exposome concept to working life health

Exposures at work have a major impact on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Current risk reduction policies and strategies are informed by existing scientific evidence, which is limited due to the challenges of studying the complex relationship between exposure at work and outside work and health. We define the working life exposome as all occupational and related nonoccupational exposures. The latter includes nonoccupational exposures that may be directly or indirectly influenced by or interact with the working life of the individual in their relation to health. The Exposome Project for Health and Occupational Research aims to advance knowledge on the complex working life exposures in relation to disease beyond the single high exposure–single health outcome paradigm, mapping and relating interrelated exposures to inherent biological pathways, key body functions, and health. This will be achieved by combining (1) large-scale harmonization and pooling of existing European cohorts systematically looking at multiple exposures and diseases, with (2) the collection of new high-resolution external and internal exposure data. Methods and tools to characterize the working life exposome will be developed and applied, including sensors, wearables, a harmonized job exposure matrix (EuroJEM), noninvasive biomonitoring, omics, data mining, and (bio)statistics. The toolbox of developed methods and knowledge will be made available to policy makers, occupational health practitioners, and scientists. Advanced knowledge on working life exposures in relation to NCDs will serve as a basis for evidence-based and cost-effective preventive policies and actions. The toolbox will also enable future scientists to further expand the working life exposome knowledge base.
Implications of Heterogeneity of Epithelial-Mesenchymal States in Acromegaly Therapeutic Pharmacologic Response

Acromegaly is caused by excess growth hormone (GH) produced by a pituitary tumor. First-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs) are the first-line treatment. Several studies have linked E-cadherin loss and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with resistance to SRLs. Our aim was to study EMT and its relationship with SRLs resistance in GH-producing tumors. We analyzed the expression of EMT-related genes by RT-qPCR in 57 tumors. The postsurgical response to SRLs was categorized as complete response, partial response, or nonresponse if IGF-1 was normal, had decreased more than 30% without normalization, or neither of those, respectively. Most tumors showed a hybrid and variable EMT expression profile not specifically associated with SRL response instead of a defined epithelial or mesenchymal phenotype. However, high SNAI1 expression was related to invasive and SRL-nonresponsive tumors. RORC was overexpressed in tumors treated with SRLs before surgery, and this increased expression was more prominent in those cases that normalized postsurgical IGF-1 levels under SRL treatment. In conclusion, GH-producing tumors showed a heterogeneous expression pattern of EMT-related genes that would partly explain the heterogeneous response to SRLs. SNAI1 and RORC may be useful to predict response to SRLs and help medical treatment decision making.
Modeling and Forecasting Commodity Futures Prices: Decomposition Approach

Price instability is a paramount concern since commodity prices are associated with the livelihood and the economy of a nation as a whole; any extraordinary price fluctuation in the futures market shows that forecasts in commodities is an essential venture. The difficulties in predicting commodity prices are due to the unpredictability of the world’s financial issues, fiscal dispensation, the speculative market’s exacerbation, and several other elements. This study aims to model and forecast the market price of commodity futures. We applied decomposition techniques, empirical mode decomposition (EMD), and variational mode decomposition (VMD) to three commodities: corn, crude oil, and gold over the commodity spot market prices. We used the Granger causality test to establish mutual relationships amongst the three commodity futures prices. Three commodity price data with different periods were decomposed into several intrinsic modes. Using three forecasting performance evaluation criteria, statistical measures such as mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean percentage error (MAPE) to compare the capabilities of the suggested models. We also introduced Diebold Mariano (DM) test in selecting the optimal models for each commodity, since MAE, RMSE and MAPE have some shortcomings. We found that the combined models outperformed the individual back propagation neural network (BPNN) and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models in forecasting corn and crude oil futures prices series, while BPNN emerged as the optimal model for predicting gold futures prices series. Variational mode decomposition emerged as the ideal data pre-treatment method and contributed to enhancing the predicting ability of the BPNN and the ARIMA models. The empirical results showed that models combined with decomposition methods predict commodity futures prices accurately and can easily capture the volatility in commodity futures prices.
Heat-Killed Enterococcus faecalis EF-2001 Attenuate Lipid Accumulation in Diet-Induced Obese (DIO) Mice by Activating AMPK Signaling in Liver

To explore the inhibitory mechanism of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis, EF-2001 on hepatic lipid deposition, a diet-induced obese (DIO) animal model was established by high-fat diet (HFD). The DIO C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: the normal group without HFD (ND, n = 8), obesity group (HFD, n = 8), experimental group (HFD + EF-2001, 200 mg/kg, n = 8), and positive control group (HFD + Orlistat, 60 mg/kg, n = 8). After 4 weeks, liver and adipose tissue were fixed in 10% paraformaldehyde, followed by embedding in paraffin for tissue sectioning. The differences in body mass, body fat ratio, fatty cell area, and lipid profiling of the liver (TC, LDL, and HDL) were also determined. Moreover, Western blot was performed to analyze the expression of lipid accumulation-related proteins, including AMPK, PPARγ, SREBP-1, ACC, and FAS. Compared with the HFD group, the HFD + EF-2001 group exhibited decreased fat mass, liver index, adipocyte area, TC, and LDL, and an increased level of HDL. The results of liver hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and oil red O staining showed that the mice in each intervention group were improved on hepatic lipid accumulation, and the mice in the HFD + EF-2001 group were the most similar to those in the normal group when compared with the HFD group. From the Western blot results, we proved that EF-2001 activated the AMPK signaling pathway. EF-2001 significantly upregulated the expressions of p-AMPK and p-ACC and downregulated PPARγ, SREBP-1, and FAS in murine liver. Taken together, these results suggest that EF-2001 decrease lipid accumulation in the DIO model mice through the AMPK pathway and ameliorate liver damage by HFD.