Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences in Immigrant Health

This article draws on theories of gender inequality and immigrant health to hypothesize differences among the largest immigrant population, Mexicans, and a lesser known population of Middle Easterners. Using data from the 2000-2007 National Health Interview Surveys, we compare health outcomes among immigrants to those among U.S.-born whites and assess gender differences within each group. We find an immigrant story and a gender story. Mexican and Middle Eastern immigrants are healthier than U.S.-born whites, and men report better health than women regardless of nativity or ethnicity. We identify utilization of health care as a primary mechanism that contributes to both patterns. Immigrants are less likely than U.S.-born whites to interact with the health care system, and women are more likely to do so than men. Thus, immigrant and gender health disparities may partly reflect knowledge of health status rather than actual health.
Non-Invasive, Temporally Discrete Feedback of Object Contact and Release Improves Grasp Control of Closed-Loop Myoelectric Transradial Prostheses

Human grasping and manipulation control critically depends on tactile feedback. Without this feedback, the ability for fine control of a prosthesis is limited in upper limb amputees. Although various approaches have been investigated in the past, at present there is no commercially available device able to restore tactile feedback in upper limb amputees. Based on the Discrete Event-driven Sensory feedback Control (DESC) policy we present a device able to deliver short-lasting vibrotactile feedback to transradial amputees using commercially available myoelectric hands. The device (DESC-glove) comprises sensorized thimbles to be placed on the prosthesis digits, a battery-powered electronic board, and vibrating units embedded in an arm-cuff being transiently activated when the prosthesis makes and breaks contact with objects. The consequences of using the DESC-glove were evaluated in a longitudinal study. Five transradial amputees were equipped with the device for one month at home. Through a simple test proposed here for the first time-the virtual eggs test-we demonstrate the effectiveness of the device for prosthetic control in daily life conditions. In the future the device could be easily exploited as an add-on to complement myoelectric prostheses or even embedded in prosthetic sockets to enhance their control by upper limb amputees.
Family background and gender: implications for interest in small firm ownership

This paper directly assesses the impact of family background, sex and work experience on interest in small firm ownership and employment. Additional exploration focuses on differentiating family background (parents-only versus extended-only) to assess the impact on small firm career interest. Results indicate that family background, sex and work experience are significant predictors of these interests. Specifically, males are more interested than females in someday owning their own small business. Small firm work experience enhanced interest in small firm employment. When comparing males and females with an extended-only family background, males are significantly more interested than females in small firm ownership. Implications for future research are discussed.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Is Increased Not Only in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients but Also in Alcoholic Fatty Liver Patients

Background/Aims: There are many reports of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). However, there is little information about carotid IMT in alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) patients. We aimed to compare the carotid IMT of NAFLD patients and AFLD patients. Methods: The medical records of individuals who underwent carotid IMT measurement and abdominal ultrasonography between January 2006 and December 2008 at Korea University Ansan Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into group A (no fatty liver without alcohol history), group B (NAFLD), group C (AFLD) and group D (no fatty liver with alcohol history). The carotid IMT results were compared across all groups. Results: The mean carotid IMT was 0.55 ± 0.1 mm for group A, 0.6 ± 0.1 mm for group B, 0.59 ± 0.1 mm for group C, and 0.54 ± 0.1 mm for group D. There were significant differences between groups A and B, groups A and C, and groups C and D (p < 0.05), but there were no differences between groups B and C (p = 0.736). Conclusions: We determined that patients with fatty livers have an increased carotid IMT both in NAFLD and AFLD patients.
A Value-For-Money Pathway: A Two-Country Case Study of Performance Reporting

Introduction and theoretical framework In recent years a rapidly growing body of literature has developed around the theme that public sectors across a wide variety of countries are changing. Within this literature has been a category of contributions examining changes in performance reporting and value-for-money (VFM) initiatives but little of it has linked the two nor made comparisons across countries. Comparative public administration theory and methodology is challenging (Heady, 1996; Moon and Ingraham, 1998; Peters, 1990) and so the literature is not extensive. This paper adds to that literature by examining recent changes in Australian and Japanese public-sector performance reporting and VFM initiatives by second-tier governments in these countries. The first section of this paper proposes a theoretical framework within which to consider performance reporting and VFM. The second provides a case study report of two recent developments in Hokkaido and New South Wales (NSW) with respect to VFM and performance reporting so as to provide the information which the next section can use to consider the differences emerging from the two cases. The fourth section explores some explanatory factors in the observed differences and so leads to the final section in which some tentative conclusions are presented as to what light the experience of Japanese and Australian performance reporting can throw on a pathway to VFM.
FDA Total Diet Study, April 1982-April 1984, dietary intakes of pesticides, selected elements, and other chemicals.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducts the Total Diet Study to determine dietary intakes of selected pesticides, industrial chemicals, and elements (including radionuclides). The current study, which reflects significant redesign implemented in April 1982, involves retail purchase of foods representative of the "total diet" of the U.S. population, preparation for "table-ready" consumption, and individual analyses of 234 items depicting the diets of 8 population groups. The dietary revision was based on 2 nationwide food consumption surveys. The data presented represent 8 food collections (also termed "market baskets") in regional metropolitan areas during the 2-year period. Dietary intakes of over 100 analytes are presented for the 8 population groups, which range from infants to elderly adults. Intakes of selected population groups are compared with representative previous findings. As in the past, average daily intakes are within acceptable limits.
EFM study of injected charges in the silicon nitride of an electrostatic actuated MEMS

In this paper we introduce an original Electrostatic Force Microscopy (EFM) -based methodology which allows a rapid and easy calculation of the charge density value of electric charges injected in a silicon nitride dielectric layer for conditions which prevail during MEMS switch actuation. The calculation of the number of trapped charges is reproducible and in agreement with the results already published in the literature. A physical model is suggested which describes the charge spot behavior inside the silicon nitride. This model can explain the pull-in voltage shift due to dielectric charging in a RF-switch MEMS.
Mean platelet volume and high-residual platelet reactivity in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel or ticagrelor

Objective: High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HRPR) is associated with a two- to ninefold increased risk of recurrent ischemic events among patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for coronary artery disease. However, its determinants are still poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of mean platelet volume (MPV) on platelet reactivity in patients receiving DAPT after an acute coronary syndrome or PCI. Methods: Patients treated with DAPT (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA] and clopidogrel or ticagrelor) were scheduled for platelet function assessment at 30 – 90 days post-discharge. By whole blood impedance aggregometry, HRPR was considered for ASPI test > 862 aggregation units (AU)*min (for ASA) and ADP test values ≥ 417 AU*min (for ADP-antagonists). Results: Our population is represented by a total of 487 patients on DAPT, divided according to MPV tertiles (< 10.4 fl; 10.4 – 11.29 fl; ≥ 11.3 fl). Larger-sized platelets were associated with use of statins (p < 0.001) and beta-blockers (p = 0.03), higher hemoglobin levels (p = 0.002) and lower platelets count (p < 0.001). Higher platelet reactivity was observed at ASPI test in patients with higher MPV (r = 0.12, p = 0.008), but not for ADP-mediated aggregation (r = -0.007, p = 0.88). However, a low prevalence of HRPR was observed with ASA, with no impact of MPV tertiles (1.2 vs 1.1 vs 1.6%, p = 0.70, adjusted OR [95% CI] = 1.05 [0.51 – 1.77], p = 0.87). MPV did not influence the prevalence of HRPR for ADP-antagonists (25.9 vs 1 vs 26.5%, p = 0.89; adjusted OR [95% CI] = 1.1 [0.84 – 1.45], p = 0.50) with similar results among the 259 patients receiving clopidogrel (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 1.15 [0.82 – 1.62], p = 0.43) and the 228 patients on ticagrelor (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 1.46 [0.84 – 2.55], p = 0.18). Conclusion: In patients receiving DAPT, MPV does not affect the response to major antiplatelet therapies. In fact, MPV elevation does not influence the risk of HRPR with clopidogrel, ticagrelor or ASA.
Treatment of chronic dilated cardiomyopathy with immunoadsorption using the staphylococcal A‐Agarose column: A comparison of immunoglobulin reduction using two different techniques

Auto‐antibodies to myocardial antigens have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). A protein A immunoadsorption affinity column system was used to remove IgG antibodies, particularly IgG3. Two techniques, the standard technique (T‐1) used for removal of IgG Factor VIII inhibitors and a technique (T‐2) designed to enhance IgG3 removal and address issues in venous access, minimize positive fluid balance, and adverse reactions were compared. A total of four patients were treated, two patients were treated for 5 consecutive days with each technique. T‐2 resulted in larger, but not significantly so, IgG3 reduction (70% and 63%) than T‐1 (53% and 59%). Both techniques lowered total IgG levels by ≥93%. Because of venous access problems, 60% of T‐1 procedures reached the plasma volume target versus 100% for T‐2. Positive fluid balance was significantly lower for T‐2 (+507 ± 465) ml versus T‐1 (+2,206 ± 724) ml. Overall adverse event (AE) rate (T‐1:16, T‐2:15) was similar between the techniques but demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the types of reactions that occurred. All AE were mild in nature, common to other apheresis procedures, and were easily managed. This small study, demonstrated that a modified technique (T‐2) with superior fluid balance should be used when treating DCM with the Immunosorba® system. J. Clin. Apheresis. 2007 © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A MODEL OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

This paper builds on the growing concern in certain areas of the accountability literature that there is a need to understand current practices in actual organisations before making prescriptive pronouncements about these practices. This interest brings the literature on accountability closer to certain studies in accounting addressed to understanding these practices in the organisational contexts in which they are exercised. The paper summarises the current 'skeletal’theoretical insights concerning accountability in practice and then‘fleshes’out this model by looking at the specific financial accountability practices of the Church of England. It concludes with certain situation-specific insights as well as pointers for both the skeletal model and research in this area more generally.
Stock And Bond Price Dynamics-Evidence From An Emerging Economy

The motivation for this study is that real stock prices are observed to overreact to changes in interest rates. The real stock prices drop when long-term interest rates rise. It has been observed that bonds and stock prices are typically studied in isolation. The present paper attempts to analyze the dynamic linkages between stock and bond prices in India. One of the important contributions of this study is that in India, very little/almost no work has been done to understand the dynamics of the stock and bond prices after the recent recession. The present study examined the bivariate causal relationship between stock prices and bond prices. In the long term; i.e., periods from 2004 to 2007 and 2008 to 2009, there is no causality from stock market to bond market and vice versa. However, it is found that the bond and stock prices had a bivariate causality in the year 2009 and univariate causality in 2010. The results are interesting and support the view that excess volatility causes granger between the stock and bond markets. This can be inferred as a result of recession investors moving to bond markets and after the signs of recovery the investors might be returning to the stock markets. It is also evident that short-term interest rates have power to forecast short-term stock returns and risk premiums on observation of co-movement between stock and bond prices. This is reiterated by many empirical studies that have shown that the term “structure of nominal interest rates” contains information potentially useful for the conduct of monetary policy.
The Classification of Various Insulins

In an annotation in the British Medical Journal (1953) in which the Novo insulin preparations were announced, attention was drawn to the confusion that might arise when a larger variety of insulins became available. This problem needs extensive consideration for several reasons. In some cases the new insulin preparations show no superiority over those already in use, but in others they are a distinct improvement. Most doctors who treat diabetic patients use a special brand of insulin, and thus do not take advantage of the intensive research that is going on in the laboratories of the insulin manufacturers. %
Silicosis and lung cancer in North Carolina dusty trades workers.

Since 1940, 760 cases of silicosis have been diagnosed as part of the State of North Carolina's (NC) pneumoconiosis surveillance program for dusty trades workers. Vital status was ascertained through 1983 for 714 cases that had been diagnosed since 1940 and death certificates were obtained for 546 of the 550 deceased. Mortality from tuberculosis, cancer of the intestine and lung, pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, pneumoconiosis, and kidney disease was significantly increased in whites. Mortality from tuberculosis, ischemic heart disease, and pneumoconiosis was significantly increased in non-whites. The standardized mortality ratio (95% CI) for lung cancer based on U.S. rates was 2.6 (1.8-3.6) in whites, 2.3 (1.5-3.4) in those who had no exposure to other known occupational carcinogens, and 2.4 (1.5-3.6) in those who had no other exposure and who had been diagnosed for silicosis while employed in the NC dusty trades. Age-adjusted lung cancer rates in silicotics who had no exposure to other known occupational carcinogens were 1.5 (.8-2.9) times higher than that in a referent group of coal miners with coalworkers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) and 2.4 (1.5-3.9) times higher than that in a referent group of non-silicotic metal miners. Age- and smoking-adjusted rates in silicotics were 3.9 (2.4-6.4) times higher than that in metal miners. This analysis effectively controls for confounding by age, cigarette smoking, and exposure to other known occupational carcinogens, and it is unlikely that other correlates of silica exposure could explain the excess lung cancer mortality in the silicotics.
Dopamine D2‐Like Receptor Function is Converted from Excitatory to Inhibitory by Thyroxine in the Developmental Hippocampus

The mechanism by which a lack of thyroid hormone in the early development of the brain causes permanent mental retardation in cretins is currently unknown. On the other hand, an abnormality in dopamine‐related brain function is believed to underlie some forms of mental illness. In this study, we demonstrate that although the activation of a dopaminergic D2‐like receptor inhibited glutamatergic transmission in the hippocampal slices of normal adult rats, indicating the inhibitory action of the D2‐like receptor on glutamatergic transmission, it markedly enhanced glutamatergic transmission both in a mutant hypothyroid rat with a missense mutation in thyroglobulin and in hypothyroid rats treated with methylmercaptoimidazole (MMI), indicating the excitatory action of the D2‐like receptor on glutamatergic transmission. Paired pulse facilitation of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials was reduced by the activation of the D2‐like receptors from MMI‐induced hypothyroid rats, suggesting a presynaptic locus of the excitatory action of the D2‐like receptors. In normal rats, the excitatory D2‐like dopamine receptors were observed in the developing stages and were completely replaced by normal inhibitory responses up to adulthood. Furthermore, the continuous supplement of thyroxine from birth exerted a normalising effect on the abnormal excitatory property of D2‐like dopamine receptors in the hippocampal slices of MMI‐treated hypothyroid rats. From these results, it is suggested that thyroxine may play a crucial role in reversing the excitatory property of D2‐like dopaminergic receptors in the immature brain to an inhibitory one in the mature brain. Moreover, we suggest that the abnormal excitatory property of D2‐like dopaminergic receptors may develop in response to a lack of thyroxine and may contribute to some central nervous system deficits, including cognitive dysfunctions accompanied by hypothyroidism.
The endo-β-1,3-glucanase eng1p is required for dissolution of the primary septum during cell separation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells divide by medial fission throughout contraction of an actomyosin ring and deposition of a multilayered division septum that must be cleaved to release the two daughter cells. Although many studies have focused on the actomoysin ring and septum assembly, little information is available concerning the mechanism of cell separation. Here we describe the characterization of eng1+, a new gene that encodes a protein with detectable endo-β-1,3-glucanase activity and whose deletion is not lethal to the cells but does interfere in their separation. Electron microscopic observation of mutant cells indicated that this defect is mainly due to the failure of the cells to degrade the primary septum, a structure rich in β-1,3-glucans, that separates the two sisters cells. Expression of eng1+ varies during the cell cycle, maximum expression being observed before septation, and the protein localizes to a ring-like structure that surrounds the septum region during cell separation. This suggests that it could also be involved in the cleavage of the cylinder of the cell wall that covers the division septum. The expression of eng1+ during vegetative growth is regulated by a C2H2 zinc-finger protein (encoded by the SPAC6G10.12c ORF), which shows significant sequence similarity to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ScAce2p, especially in the zinc-finger region. Mutants lacking this transcriptional regulator (which we have named ace2+) show a severe cell separation defect, hyphal growth being observed. Thus, ace2p may regulate the expression of the eng1+ gene together with that of other genes whose products are also involved in cell separation.
Destination Competitiveness: Determinants and Indicators

The paper develops a model of destination competitiveness that will enable comparisons between countries and between tourism sector industries. The model seeks to capture the main elements of competitiveness highlighted in the general literature, while appreciating the special issues involved in exploring the notion of destination competitiveness as emphasised by tourism researchers. Associated with the model is a set of indicators that can be used to measure the competitiveness of any given destination. These indicators, comprising both objective and subjective measures, were identified from the major elements comprising the generic destination competitiveness model and also from discussions at workshops held in Korea and Australia. This paper has four major objectives: to develop a model of destination competitiveness that identifies key success factors in determining destination competitiveness; to develop an appropriate set of indicators of destination competitiveness; to highlight the advantages and limitations of the model; and to identify areas for further conceptual and empirical research. The development of a model of destination competitiveness and an associated set of indicators allows identification of the relative strengths and weaknesses of different tourism destinations, and can be used by industry and governments to increase tourism numbers and expenditure, and enhance socioeconomic prosperity.
Legislative Professionalism and Government Spending: Do Citizen Legislators Really Spend Less?

In this article, the authors consider the effect of legislative professionalism on state government spending. Arguments are examined for why citizen legislatures should have systematically different spending patterns than professional ones. Using data from the U.S. states, the authors find that state government expenditure per capita is significantly lower the less professionalized the state legislature. They conclude that reducing legislative professionalism is one of the instruments citizens may use to contain the growth of government.
Realizing MIMO gains without user cooperation in large single-antenna wireless networks

This paper considers wireless networks where L single-antenna source-destination terminal pairs communicate concurrently through a common set of K single-antenna relay terminals using one-hop relaying. It is shown that asymptotically in K, the sum capacity of this network scales as C=(L/2) log (K)+O(1) and can be achieved without cooperation between any of the terminals.