Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Capital Accumulation and Unemployment: New Insights on the Nordic Experience

This paper takes a fresh look at the analysis of labour market dynamics and argues that capital accumulation plays a fundamental role in shaping unemployment movements. This role has generally been examined by considering indirect transmission channels of the capital stock effects, i.e. using variables like interest rates or investment ratios in the estimation of single-equation unemployment rate models. Here we advocate a different approach. We directly estimate the effects of capital stock in the labour market by applying the chain reaction theory of unemployment, and we find that capital stock is a major determinant of unemployment in the Nordic countries. In particular, the different unemployment experiences of these economies derive from the temporary (albeit prolonged) negative shocks to capital stock growth in Denmark and Sweden, and the permanent downturn of capital stock growth in Finland. We are thus able to explain why the crisis of the early 1990s had a more acute impact in Finland than in its twin economy, Sweden.
The Effect of Pretest Exercise on Baseline Computerized Neurocognitive Test Scores

Background: Baseline neurocognitive assessment plays a critical role in return-to-play decision making following sport-related concussions. Prior studies have assessed the effect of a variety of modifying factors on neurocognitive baseline test scores. However, relatively little investigation has been conducted regarding the effect of pretest exercise on baseline testing. Purpose/Hypothesis: The aim of our investigation was to determine the effect of pretest exercise on baseline Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) scores in adolescent and young adult athletes. We hypothesized that athletes undergoing self-reported strenuous exercise within 3 hours of baseline testing would perform more poorly on neurocognitive metrics and would report a greater number of symptoms than those who had not completed such exercise. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The ImPACT records of 18,245 adolescent and young adult athletes were retrospectively analyzed. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, participants were dichotomized into groups based on a positive (n = 664) or negative (n = 6609) self-reported history of strenuous exercise within 3 hours of the baseline test. Participants with a positive history of exercise were then randomly matched, based on age, sex, education level, concussion history, and hours of sleep prior to testing, on a 1:2 basis with individuals who had reported no pretest exercise. The baseline ImPACT composite scores of the 2 groups were then compared. Results: Significant differences were observed for the ImPACT composite scores of verbal memory, visual memory, reaction time, and impulse control as well as for the total symptom score. No significant between-group difference was detected for the visual motor composite score. Furthermore, pretest exercise was associated with a significant increase in the overall frequency of invalid test results. Conclusion: Our results suggest a statistically significant difference in ImPACT composite scores between individuals who report strenuous exercise prior to baseline testing compared with those who do not. Since return-to-play decision making often involves documentation of return to neurocognitive baseline, the baseline test scores must be valid and accurate. As a result, we recommend standardization of baseline testing such that no strenuous exercise takes place 3 hours prior to test administration.
Modelling MAC-layer saturation throughput in WLAN mesh networks

This paper focuses on modelling the medium access control MAC layer saturation throughput in IEEE 802.11s wireless local area network WLAN mesh networks. The authors first analyse the request-to-send RTS collision range and the data collision range that induced by the hidden terminal problem and obtain the RTS collision probability and the data collision probability, respectively. The authors confirm that the fundamental problem of modelling the saturation throughput in multi-hop environments is to distinguish the different backoff procedures induced by RTS collisions and data collisions. To this end, the authors introduce the concept of pseudo state and put forward a novel bidimensional Markov model which fully takes the discrepancy of these two kinds of backoff procedures into account. Moreover, the authors derive the accurate expression of the saturation throughput of WLAN mesh networks. Finally, the authors evaluate the accuracy of the proposed model through extensive simulations, and the results demonstrate the efficiency of the model.
Scalable Upconversion Medium for Static Volumetric Display

Efficient up-conversion emitters are necessary to generate a full-color 3D display. Rare-earth, co-doped fluorides that efficiently convert near infrared diode laser emission to visible red, green, and blue light by sequential two photon absorption are necessary to accomplish this. An up-conversion medium for a 3D display, particularly the CSpace “static volumetric display,” can be fabricated by grinding rare earth-doped fluoride bulk crystals and then dispersing the resultant microcrystals within an index matched host. This in turn leads to a reduction in display cost, weight, and growing time, as well as facilitating display scalability. To demonstrate a scalable medium for the CSpace display, several rare earth-doped fluoride bulk crystals were ground into micro crystal powders and then dispersed in liquids of different refractive index, including 1.45, 1.456, 1.46, 1.464, 1.468, 1.47, 1.474, 1.476, 1.48, 1.484, and 1.49. Fluorescence strength and transmission measurements were taken. Different particle concentrations were tested and demonstrated as well, and the detailed experimental results are described. A real volumetric 3D image was constructed inside a prototype display medium of 40×40×10 mm3 using the CSpace display. A potential future solution is presented, and suggestions to improve the scalable medium are given.
[Differentiation between dementia and functional psychiatric disorders in a geriatric ward of a general psychiatric hospital using the 'Amsterdam Dementia-Screening Test'].

OBJECTIVE Investigating the discriminative power of the Amsterdam Dementia Screening Test (ADS) in a heterogeneous elderly psychiatric population. SETTING Observation clinic for the elderly MFC Duinoord, Psychiatric Centre Vogelenzang, Bennebroek, Holland. DESIGN Retrospective comparison of test results and clinical diagnosis. METHOD Patients referred for neuropsychological evaluation in 1991-1992 were selected on the basis of DSM-III-R discharge diagnosis 'dementia' or 'psychiatric syndrome'. The ADS, MMSE and SPMSQ scores of 30 male and 74 female patients were compared with diagnostic classification. RESULTS The ADS appeared to be highly sensitive and specific. Only 10% of the psychiatric patients were incorrectly classified by the ADS, as against 55% using the MMSE, some MMSE items not differentiating at all. A significant correlation was found in the demented group between ADS and MMSE total scores on the one hand and demographic variables such as age and level of education on the other. The latter appears to be related to better performance on visuo-constructive tasks by more highly educated subjects. CONCLUSION Normative data for the ADS come from an inpatient population. This study shows that the ADS discriminates well in a mixed in/outpatient group with dementia syndromes or psychiatric disorders. The visuo-constructive tasks appear to be related to the level of education.
Recon fi gurable Waveguide for Vector Network Analyzer Veri fi cation

A novel simple approach to the verification process for millimeter-wave vector network analyzer waveguide calibration is reported using a single reconfigurable component verification kit. Conventional techniques require multiple verification components and these only exist commercially for operation up to 110 GHz. At millimeter-wave frequencies, the use of multiple components can lead to significant errors due to imperfections in waveguide flange misalignments during the multiple component connections. The reconfigurable component is designed so that its electrical properties can be changed quickly to a broad range of predetermined values without introducing additional errors due to changes in flange alignment. Once connected, the component can be reconfigured to introduce relative changes in the reflected and transmitted signals. For millimeter-wave metrology, where mechanical precision is of paramount importance, this single-component verification approach represents an attractive solution. A proof-of-concept verification process is described, based on full-wave electromagnetic modeling, hardware implementation, and validation measurements using standard WR-15 waveguide (50–75 GHz).
Preparation and optimization of N-trimethyl-O-carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles for delivery of low-molecular-weight heparin

Abstract The aim of this study was preparation, optimization and in vitro characterization of nanoparticles composed of 6-[O-carboxymethyl]-[N,N,N-trimethyl] (TMCMC) for oral delivery of low-molecular-weight heparin. The chitosan derivative was synthesized. Nanoparticles were prepared using the polyelectrolyte complexation method. Box–Behnken response surface experimental design methodology was used for optimization of nanoparticles. The morphology of nanoparticles was studied using transmission electron microscopy. In vitro release of enoxaparin from nanoparticles was determined under simulated intestinal fluid. The cytotoxicity of nanoparticles on a Caco-2 cell line was determined, and finally the transport of prepared nanoparticles across Caco-2 cell monolayer was defined. Optimized nanoparticles with proper physico-chemical properties were obtained. The size, zeta potential, poly-dispersity index, entrapment efficiency and loading efficiency of nanoparticles were reported as 235 ± 24.3 nm, +18.6 ± 2.57 mV, 0.230 ± 0.03, 76.4 ± 5.43% and 12.6 ± 1.37%, respectively. Morphological studies revealed spherical nanoparticles with no sign of aggregation. In vitro release studies demonstrated that 93.6 ± 1.17% of enoxaparin released from nanoparticles after 600 min of incubation. MTT cell cytotoxicity studies showed no cytotoxicity at 3 h post-incubation, while the study demonstrated concentration-dependent cytotoxicity after 24 h of exposure. The obtained data had shown that the nanoparticles prepared from trimethylcarboxymethyl chitosan may be considered as a good candidate for oral delivery of enoxaparin.
Robustness analysis for rotorcraft pilot coupling with helicopter flight control system in loop

Robustness analysis method is proposed for rotorcraft pilot coupling with helicopter flight control system in loop. Combining with the lateral identification model of BO-105 helicopter, McRuer's pilot model, and the designed stability augmentation system, frequency domain model is established for rotorcraft pilot coupling analysis. μ analysis method and performance specifications in ADS-33E are adopted to compare robust performances of the closed loop, furthermore, the worst case in uncertain model set is studied using robust performance detection. Moreover, the properties of root locus, damping ratio and mode frequency are studied from flight control system aspect. Feasible measures to improve the robust performance are discussed from the controller design consideration. Results show that the analysis method proposed can not only reveal the physical nature of coupling qualitatively, but also calculate the performances and boundaries quantitatively, which have theoretical reference significance in flight control system design.
The Integrative Weaning Index in Elderly ICU Subjects

BACKGROUND: With increasing life expectancy and ICU admission of elderly patients, mechanical ventilation, and weaning trials have increased worldwide. METHODS: We evaluated a cohort with 479 subjects in the ICU. Patients younger than 18 y, tracheostomized, or with neurologic diseases were excluded, resulting in 331 subjects. Subjects ≥70 y old were considered elderly, whereas those <70 y old were considered non-elderly. Besides the conventional weaning indexes, we evaluated the performance of the integrative weaning index (IWI). The probability of successful weaning was investigated using relative risk and logistic regression. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was used to calibrate and the C statistic was calculated to evaluate the association between predicted probabilities and observed proportions in the logistic regression model. RESULTS: Prevalence of successful weaning in the sample was 83.7%. There was no difference in mortality between elderly and non-elderly subjects (P = .16), in days of mechanical ventilation (P = .22) and days of weaning (P = .55). In elderly subjects, the IWI was the only respiratory variable associated with mechanical ventilation weaning in this population (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The IWI was the independent variable found in weaning of elderly subjects that may contribute to the critical moment of this population in intensive care.
Ankle Osteoarthritis and Arthroplasty

The World Health Organization estimates that 10% of the world’s population over the age of 60 suffers from osteoarthritis (OA) [1]. The majority of these cases involve the hip and knee. Symptomatic osteoarthritis of the ankle with radiographic changes is seen in approximately 11% of patients seeking treatment for “arthritis” [1]. Idiopathic arthritis, as seen in the hip and knee, is rare in the ankle joint. The majority of ankle arthritis is secondary to trauma (70%), with a smaller percentage being attributed to inflammatory arthropathies such as RA (12%) and only 7% attributed to primary OA [2]. Ankle arthritis can be a debilitating dis‐ ease. In fact, the mental and physical disability associated with end-stage arthritis of the an‐ kle is at least as severe as that associated with end stage hip arthritis [3].
Identification and Expression Profiles of microRNA in Dolphin

Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) are focused on the role of biomarker because they are stable in serum and plasma, and some of them express in the specific organs and increase with the organ injury. Thus miRNAs may be very useful as biomarkers for monitoring the health and condition of dolphins and for detecting disorders in aquariums. Here, a small RNA library was made from dolphin lung, liver and spleen, and miRNA expression patterns were then determined for 15 different tissues. We identified 62 conserved miRNA homologs in the dolphin small RNA library and found high expression miRNAs in specific tissues: miR-125b and miR-221 were highly expressed in brain, miR-23b in heart, miR-199a and miR-223 in lung, and miR-122-5p in liver. Some of these tissue-enriched miRNAs may be useful as specific and sensitive diagnostic blood biomarkers for organ injury in dolphins.
Surface Electromyography: its Role and Potential in the Development of Exoskeleton (Review)

This study evaluates the effectiveness of superficial electromyography (sEMG) in the development of biocontrolled exoskeletons, through an analysis based on the findings of foreign and domestic literature on the subject. A brief historical background is provided. The features reviewed include the registration, processing and analysis of the signals from superficial electromyograms in respect of biocontrol. It is demonstrated that testing exoskeleton devices in association with sEMG provides an informative analytical tool for assisting in the optimization of exoskeleton design in order to reduce the metabolic “cost” of locomotion. The use of signals from superficial myograms during the operation of an exoskeleton have also been reviewed. The role of myography in studies of the fundamental physical processes involved while adapting to an exoskeleton is described. We conclude that the potential for the use of sEMG in respect of biocontrol is related to the new technical and mathematical possibilities available for the registration, transformation and classification of bioelectrical signals from the muscles, and the isolation of their patterns of muscular activity.
Efferent Auditory System Functioning and Speech Perception in Noise in Individuals with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: There could be efferent system damage in individuals with type II diabetes mellitus. The study attempts to determine the efferent auditory system functioning through contralateral suppression of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and speech perception in noise (SPIN) in individuals with type II diabetes mellitus (DM). Method: The study was carried out on twenty five participants (50 ears) with type II DM patients who were diagnosed by an endocrinologist and twenty five healthy age matched controls (50 ears) were included in the study. Contralateral suppression of OAE and SPIN were administered on both the groups and they were compared and correlated. Results: The results of the study show that individuals with type II DM had statistically significant lower contralateral suppression values and had poorer speech perception in noise. In addition, there were significant correlations between SPIN scores and the amount of suppression in individuals with type II DM. Conclusion: The individuals with DM showed difficulty understanding speech in presence of noise and that can be attributed to efferent system damage. Thus, contralateral suppression can be a useful marker in early diagnosis of cochleopathy and auditory efferent disorder. The present study can provide important evidence for early diagnosis and early treatment of diabetic complications.
Microtubule dynamics and the regulation by microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs).

Individual microtubules (MTs) repeat alternating phases of polymerization and depolymerization, a process known as "dynamic instability. " The dynamic instability is regulated by various protein factors according to the requirement of cellular conditions. Heat-stable MAPs regulate the dynamic instability by increasing the rescue frequency. To explore the influence of MAP2, a heat-stable MAPs abundant in neuron, on in vitro MT dynamics, the distribution of MAP2 on individual MTs was correlated with the dynamic phase changes of the same MTs by optical microscopy. MAP2 distributed inhomogeneously along the length of MTs by forming high-density regions, clusters. Stops of depolymerization were always found to occur only at the cluster sites. Every cluster did not stop depolymerization, but depolymerization did always stop at a cluster site. We suggest that mode of distribution along MT is an important factor of the function of heat-stable MAPs.
An empirical evaluation of multifarious outcomes in pharmacogenetics: beta-2 adrenoceptor gene polymorphisms in asthma treatment

Objective Pharmacogenetics promises to individualize therapeutics. Concerns, however, exist about the lack of replication of discoveries. Selective use of different endpoints, times of assessment, types of interventions and genetic groups across studies may lead to spurious results. Here, we examined the variability of definitions of endpoints and analyses reported across studies addressing the association of the Arg16Gly and/or Gln27Glu polymorphisms of the &bgr;2-adrenergic receptor gene with clinical response to &bgr;2-agonist therapy in asthma. Methods We systematically calculated the number and type of endpoints and analyses reported across studies and recorded the appraisal of their statistical significance. Results Across 21 studies, the total number of probed and reported associations was 487 when the multiple endpoints and types of comparisons presented by multiple comparisons were considered (337 for Arg16Gly, 98 for Gln27Glu and 52 for their haplotypes): 465 (95%) were probed only once; only six associations were probed twice and two associations were probed five times, for the same endpoint, time of assessment, type of interventions and genetic group. Most studies (17/21) claimed at least one significant association. Overall, however, 243/487 (49.9%) probed and reported associations were not statistically significant, 120 (24.6%) were of unspecified statistical significance, 86 (17.7%) were statistically significant only for specific selected genetic contrasts and only 38 (7.8%) were genuinely statistically significant for the comparison between all available genetic groups. Conclusions The multifarious outcomes in this literature are inconsistent across studies and susceptible to selective reporting. The lack of standardization hinders the evaluation of replication validity for reported discoveries.
Silibinin-mediated metabolic reprogramming attenuates pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia and tumor growth

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. Cancer-associated cachexia is present in up to 80% of PDAC patients and is associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. In the present studies we evaluated an anti-cancer natural product silibinin for its effectiveness in targeting pancreatic cancer aggressiveness and the cachectic properties of pancreatic cancer cells and tumors. Our results demonstrate that silibinin inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner and reduces glycolytic activity of cancer cells. Our LC-MS/MS based metabolomics data demonstrates that silibinin treatment induces global metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic cancer cells. Silibinin treatment diminishes c-MYC expression, a key regulator of cancer metabolism. Furthermore, we observed reduced STAT3 signaling in silibinin-treated cancer cells. Overexpression of constitutively active STAT3 was sufficient to substantially revert the silibinin-induced downregulation of c-MYC and the metabolic phenotype. Our in vivo investigations demonstrate that silibinin reduces tumor growth and proliferation in an orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic cancer and prevents the loss of body weight and muscle. It also improves physical activity including grip strength and latency to fall in tumor-bearing mice. In conclusion, silibinin-induced metabolic reprogramming diminishes cell growth and cachectic properties of pancreatic cancer cells and animal models.
Flow-mediated vasodilation partially reflects nitric oxide-mediated endothelial function.

This letter is in response to the Point:Counterpoint series “Flow-mediated dilation does/does not reflect nitric oxide-mediated endothelial function” that appeared in the September issue (vol. 99: 1233–1238, 2005; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00601.2005; http://jap.physiology.org/content/vol99/issue3/2005).
Moonlighting activity of the epigenetic machinery restrains infection

Intracellular bacterial pathogens have evolved a range of mechanisms, including manipulation of the host cell epigenetic machinery and host cell gene expression rewiring, to parasitize and thrive inside host phagocytes. A new study in The EMBO Journal (Yaseen et al, ) reports that, conversely, host macrophages can use epigenetic modulators to modify the cell surface of invading pathogens and counteract infection. This study opens new avenues to better understand host–pathogen interactions and to develop novel, more effective antimicrobial strategies.
Giant Cell Tumor of the Talus: 19-Year Follow-Up of a Patient.

Giant cell tumor in small bones is a rare condition characterized by extensive bony destruction and a high recurrence rate. Intralesional excision with curettage and autologous bone grafting has been used as a standard treatment method for giant cell tumor of the bones. We report the case of a 30-year-old female with giant cell tumor of the talar body. She was followed up for 19 years after intralesional curettage and autologous bone grafting treatment.