Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling Long Maturity Interest Rates

It is natural to assume that interest rates mean-revert, and natural consequence of this is that long forward rates are asymptotically constant. However, from US Treasury STRIPs data, forward rates slope increasingly downwards, and do not attenuate in volatility, as maturity increases beyond about 15 years. We fit an equilibrium model which reconciles this behavior with mean reversion. The key is to extract a latent factor, which the forward rate follows, but overshoots, causing mean reversion on a time scale in terms of weeks. This allows the forward rates to mean revert over the long term in the objective measure but not in the risk neutral measure. We show that this mean reversion can in principle be exploited for profit, and argue that it is not present in the risk neutral dynamic. Our model falls into the Essentially Affine class. We finally set our analysis in the context of similar models for shorter maturities, and discuss applications to managing positions in long maturity bonds and associated derivatives.
The Little Ice Age as Recorded in the Stratigraphy of the Tropical Quelccaya Ice Cap

The analyses of two ice cores from a southern tropical ice cap provide a record of climatic conditions over 1000 years for a region where other proxy records are nearly absent. Annual variations in visible dust layers, oxygen isotopes, microparticle concentrations, conductivity, and identification of the historical (A.D. 1600) Huaynaputina ash permit accurate dating and time-scale verification. The fact that the Little Ice Age (about A.D. 1500 to 1900) stands out as a significant climatic event in the oxygen isotope and electrical conductivity records confirms the worldwide character of this event.
Design of a novel Three-Finger haptic grasping system: Extending a Single point to Tripod grasp

Present day haptic devices have yet to achieve multi-finger kinesthetic plus tactile feedback. This paper discusses the design of a Three-Finger gripper module that can attach to a commercial haptic device like the Novint Falcon. It will mimic grasping and lifting action and provide kinesthetic feedback via the Falcon and tactile feedback via the gripper. We first present a study on the forces exerted and typical angle and orientation of fingers while lifting or grasping an object. Based on the results obtained, we present a custom designed Three-Finger gripper module that fits on to the Novint Falcon. We show that when the user places his fingers in the finger holders and when the motors are actuated, the finger holders pull on the users' fingers and provide the required sensation.
Performance in assessment: Consensus statement and recommendations from the Ottawa conference

A modern approach to defining performance assessment in medical education requires recognition of the dynamic nature of the perspectives and definitions. These changes result from the variations in which clinical practice and education are delivered and a lack of clarity in defining competence and performance (Murphy et al. 2009). Competence describes what an individual is able to do in clinical practice, while performance should describe what an individual actually does in clinical practice. Clinical competence is the term being used most frequently by many of the professional regulatory bodies and in the educational literature (Miller 1990; Rethans et al. 2002; General Medical Council 2009). There are several dimensions of medical competence including the scientific knowledge base and other professional practice elements; such as history taking, clinical examination skills, skills in practical procedures, doctor–patient communication, problem-solving ability, management skills, relationships with colleagues and ethical behaviour (Epstein & Hundert 2002; General Medical Council 2003; Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education 2009). In the last 50 years, a wide range of assessment frameworks have been developed examining these different dimensions. Ensuring these are reliable and valid is, however, challenging (Schuwirth & Van der Vleuten 2006). Summary of group recommendations
Consensus features in amyloid fibrils: sheet–sheet recognition via a (polar or nonpolar) zipper structure

Amyloid fibrils characterized as highly intractable thread-like species are associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. Although neither the mechanism of amyloid formation nor the origin of amyloid toxicity is currently completely understood, the detailed three-dimensional atomic structures of the yeast protein Sup35 and Aβ amyloid protein determined by recent experiments provide the first and important step towards the comprehension of the pathogenesis and aggregation mechanisms of amyloid diseases. By analyzing these two amyloid peptides which have available crystal structures and other amyloid sequences with proposed structures using computational simulations, we delineate three common features in amyloid organizations and amyloid structures. These could contribute to an improved understanding of the molecular mechanism of amyloid formation, the nature of the aggregation driving forces that stabilize these structures and the development of potential therapeutic agents against amyloid diseases.
[Human papillomavirus: association with head and neck cancer].

BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the 6th most common cancer worldwide. In 2005, 400,000 cases of HNSCC were diagnosed worldwide. The most frequently affected site is the oral cavity. Alcohol/tobacco consumption is the most important risk factor for this neoplasia; nevertheless, since 1983 it has been suggested that human papilloma viruses (HPV) have a role in HNSCC, mainly in the oropharynx (level 1 evidence). We undertook this study to determine HPV prevalence and types in patients with HNSCC. METHODS Presence of HPV was determined by polymerase chain reaction and staged by in situ hybridization. We analyzed stage, tumor site of origin, sexual practices, and alcohol/tobacco consumption. Fisher's exact test and Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis. We performed a multiple regression analysis for adjustment of variables. RESULTS There were 118 patients were HPV positive and oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer patients were the most frequently affected (55% and 50%, respectively). HPV-16 was most frequently isolated (70%). Laryngeal cancer patients suffered the highest ratio of HPV-16 infection (68.7%). Factors associated with HPV (univariate analysis) were age >50 years, tobacco/alcohol consumption and male gender. In multivariate analysis, none of the variables showed importance (p >0.5); HPV infection was more frequent in patients with history of alcohol/tobacco consumption (p = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS There was HPV presence in 42% of HNSCC patients, HPV-16 in 70%, with the oropharynx and larynx being the most affected sites. No variables are associated with the virus presence. HPV is a co-factor in HNSCC etiology.
Inhibition, ADHD, and Computer Games: The Inhibitory Performance of Children with ADHD on Computerized Tasks and Games

Contrary to empirical reports of inhibitory dysfunction in ADHD, parental reports suggest that when playing computer games, the inhibitory abilities of children with ADHD are unimpaired. This small-scale preliminary investigation into this phenomenon looks at inhibition of an ongoing response and activity exhibited by children with ADHD between 6 and 14 years old on two commercially available games, on the Conners's Continuous Performance Test II (CPT II), and on a more game-like version of the same task that incorporates characteristics commonly found in commercially available computer games. The performance of participants with ADHD on commercially available games is equivalent to that of typically developing participants and is significantly better on the more game-like version of the CPT II.
Congestion Control and Packet Scheduling for Multipath Real Time Video Streaming

Real time video traffic has stringent delay requirement and is bandwidth demanding when streaming over the internet. Single path transmission may provide unsatisfactory picture quality to users due to packet loss, jitter, and low bandwidth. Multipath transmission is another option to achieve better service by aggregating bandwidth and exploiting path diversity. As utility maximization theory shows, to achieve better satisfaction is to provide higher throughput and lower frame delivery delay for real time video traffic. The congestion control is responsible to probe maximum available bandwidth and packet scheduling is to take advantages of path diversity, which are two key research points in multipath context and are also the main concern in this paper. Given the BBR congestion control algorithm causes high-packet loss rate and large transmission delay when BBR flows competing for bandwidth resource, a delay response BBR (Delay-BBR) algorithm is proposed for real time video transmission. The main idea is that the sender will actively reduce the rate to let intermediate routers drain the excess occupied buffer once round trip delay signal exceeds a certain threshold. The results show that the delay-BBR can achieve lower transmission delay and lower packet loss rate when compared with QUIC-BBR and WebRTC-BBR. The rate stable feature makes delay-BBR appropriate for real time video transmission. Moreover, a packet scheduling algorithm works in coordination with the rate control algorithm achieves lower frame delivery delay further compared with the benchmark algorithms.
Changes in body composition with yogurt consumption during resistance training in women.

INTRODUCTION Resistance training is an effective method to decrease body fat (BF) and increase fat-free mass (FFM) and fat oxidation (FO). Dairy foods containing calcium and vitamin D might enhance these benefits. This study investigated the combined effects of habitual yogurt consumption and resistance training on body composition and metabolism. METHODS Untrained women (N = 35) participated in an 8-wk resistance-training program. The yogurt group (Y) consumed 3 servings of yogurt containing vitamin D per day, and the control groups maintained their baseline low-dairy-calcium diet. Postexercise, Y consumed 1 of the 3 servings/d fat-free yogurt, the protein group consumed an isocaloric product without calcium or vitamin D, and the carbohydrate group consumed an isocaloric product without protein. Strength, body composition, fasted resting metabolic rate (RMR) and FO, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured before and after training. RESULTS Calories (kcal x kg-1 x d-1) and protein (g x kg-1 x d-1) significantly increased from baseline for Y. FFM increased (main effect p = .002) and %BF decreased (main effect .02) for all groups with training, but Group x Time interactions were not observed. RMR and FO did not change with training for any group. CONCLUSION Habitual consumption of yogurt during resistance training did not augment changes in body composition compared with a low-dairy diet. Y decreased %BF as a result of training, however, even with increased calorie consumption.
The Modus Operandi of New Consensus Macroeconomics in Brazil, Chile and Mexico

This text provides a critical analysis of the experiences of Brazil, Chile and Mexico, countries that have adopted the inflationary targeting monetary policy espoused by New Consensus Macroeconomics (ncm). Using cointegration and error correction models, as well as a discussion of the major facts of the case, we contrast the ncm with the empirical evidence available. One essential feature of its modus operandi in these economies lies in the fact that inflation control is crucially dependent on the appreciation of the exchange rate. The essential hypothesis of the ncm cannot be accepted. Similarly, its monetary policy, in which inflation depends on the product gap, contradicts the export-led growth model adopted by these countries and is a recessive method of stabilizing prices.
Resilience and Flood Risk Management

Since flood disasters still occur and even increase in frequency and severity, flood risk management must be reconsidered. This paper describes a new way of looking at flood risk management by applying a systems approach. This approach may result in flood risk management that is better suited to the socio-economic context in which this flood risk management occurs. The systems approach allows the definition of resilience and resistance strategies for flood risk management. Resistance strategies aim at flood prevention, while resilience strategies aim at minimising flood impacts and enhancing the recovery from those impacts. A resilience strategy is supposed to be able to better cope with uncertainties than a resistance strategy. To enable the evaluation of resilience and resistance strategies under different conditions the concepts of resilience and resistance must first be sufficiently understood. This paper discusses the meaning of resilience and resistance and applies the concepts to flood risk management systems. This discussion is exemplified by The Netherlands’ flood risk management.
The entropy cost of protein association.

The temperature induced unfolding/dissociation of the dimeric subtilisin inhibitor from Streptomyces and its mutant D83C having an S-S crosslink between the subunits has been studied calorimetrically. Comparison of the entropies measured at different concentrations of dimer showed that the entropy cost of crosslinking is small. Its value at the standard concentration of 1 M is of the order of -(5+/-4) cal/K.mol, i.e. it is more than one order of magnitude smaller than the values of translational entropies calculated on the base of statistical thermodynamics, using in particular the Sackur-Tetrode equation, and is close to the cratic entropy value suggested by classical mixing theory.
Introduction to JINS Special Section: Resilience and Wellness after Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury

Miriam H. Beauchamp12 and Keith O. Yeates345 1Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 2Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 3Departments of Psychology, Pediatrics, and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada 4Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada 5Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Efficacy of deoxyspergualine for antibody-mediated rejection and proteinuria after kidney transplantation

A patient showing antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) with severe vasculitis, and massive proteinuria after kidney transplantation was treated with deoxyspergualine (DSG, Spanidin®, Nippon Kayaku). DSG showed marked efficacy for this patient’s symptoms. We report on a patient for whom DSG was effective against AMR after renal transplantation.
Acute myocardial infarction in patients with end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND Ischemic heart disease is the major cause of death in dialysis patients, with 22% of cardiac deaths attributed to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Few data exist on survival of dialysis patients after AMI. METHODS The United States Renal Data System (USRDS) database of 627,983 patients was used to examine outcomes of dialysis patients hospitalized from 1977 to 1995 for AMI. Long-term survival was estimated by life-table method and independent predictors of survival were examined in a comorbidity-adjusted Cox model. In preliminary analyses we examined the utilization of thrombolytic therapy for AMI in 1991 to 1995 and separately analyzed outcomes of dialysis patients hospitalized 1977 to 1994 at our own institution. RESULTS There were 34,189 dialysis patients with AMI. The in-hospital death was 26%. The all-cause mortality was 59% at one year and 73% at two years. The one- and two-year cardiac mortality was 41% and 52%, respectively. Patients with AMI 1990 to 1995 (vs. 1977 to 1984) had decreased mortality with RR (relative risk) 0.87 (0.83, 0.90). There were 16,063 patients with AMI 1991 to 1995 receiving no reperfusion therapy, and only 95 patients received intravenous thrombolytics, of whom 16 received concurrent coronary revascularization. At our institution, the in-hospital death for 113 dialysis patients with AMI was 29% (52% mortality for transmural MI, 16% mortality for nontransmural MI). CONCLUSION We conclude that dialysis patients with AMI suffer dismal long-term survival. Based on preliminary data, thrombolytic therapy appears to be under-utilized in dialysis patients with AMI in the United States.
Printing 3D light field with 1D halftone screening

Lenticular printing is an old technique, which enables stereoscopic 3D by recording pictures taken by two or more cameras onto one medium. It is often awkward in its transition between insufficient images due to sparse sampling from the light space. In this paper, we propose a method for making 3D print which reproduces light space represented as a light field by introducing an ideal halftone screening.
A systematic review of studies on socioeconomic inequalities in dietary intakes associated with weight gain and overweight/obesity conducted among European adults

This Review examined socioeconomic inequalities in intakes of dietary factors associated with weight gain, overweight/obesity among adults in Europe. Literature searches of studies published between 1990 and 2007 examining socioeconomic position (SEP) and the consumption of energy, fat, fibre, fruit, vegetables, energy‐rich drinks and meal patterns were conducted. Forty‐seven articles met the inclusion criteria. The direction of associations between SEP and energy intakes were inconsistent. Approximately half the associations examined between SEP and fat intakes showed higher total fat intakes among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. There was some evidence that these groups consume a diet lower in fibre. The most consistent evidence of dietary inequalities was for fruit and vegetable consumption; lower socioeconomic groups were less likely to consume fruit and vegetables. Differences in energy, fat and fibre intakes (when found) were small‐to‐moderate in magnitude; however, differences were moderate‐to‐large for fruit and vegetable intakes. Socioeconomic inequalities in the consumption of energy‐rich drinks and meal patterns were relatively under‐studied compared with other dietary factors. There were no regional or gender differences in the direction and magnitude of the inequalities in the dietary factors examined. The findings suggest that dietary behaviours may contribute to socioeconomic inequalities in overweight/obesity in Europe. However, there is only consistent evidence that fruit and vegetables may make an important contribution to inequalities in weight status across European regions.
Comorbidity of other pains in schoolchildren with migraine or nonmigrainous headache.

OBJECTIVE To compare the occurrence of pain other than headache in prepubertal children with migraine and those with nonmigrainous headache. STUDY DESIGN An unselected population-based prospective follow-up study on the occurrence of headache in school-aged children was carried out in 1290 children aged 8 to 9 years. The children (n = 725) who reported headache during the preceding 6 months were sent a more detailed questionnaire concerning the occurrence of pain other than headaches; 622 children (86%) returned an acceptably completed second questionnaire. Of them, 53 (8.5%) had migraine. Nonmigrainous headache was found in 460 children (74%). RESULTS Children with migraine reported neck-shoulder pain, abdominal pain, back pain, and otalgia significantly more often than those with nonmigrainous headache. The median of the sum of other pains in children with migraine was significantly higher than that in children with nonmigrainous headache. The sum of other pains correlated positively with the frequency of nonmigrainous headache episodes (r =.40; 95% CI.31-.47), but there was no correlation between the sum of other pains and frequency of migraine attacks (r = -0.09; 95% CI -0.36-0.20). CONCLUSION Children with migraine are more likely to report types of pain other than headaches, regardless of the frequency of attacks. Children with frequent nonmigrainous headaches also report higher frequencies of other types of pain.
Herausforderungen und Perspektiven der empirischen Wahlforschung in Deutschland am Beispiel der German Longitudinal Election Study (GLES)

Abstract Empirical electoral research in Germany has reached a high level of quality both with regard to theoretical approaches and methodological issues. Moreover, it is strongly linked to other disciplines in political science such as comparative political studies or political communication and also highly integrated in international electoral research. However, a changing context of voting and internal deficits are imposing challenges on electoral research in Germany which should be met in the next years and decades. Still, these challenges can also be regarded as perspectives for future electoral research. This paper thus describes the current standing of empirical electoral research in Germany and gives a detailed account of the challenges resulting from this. Further, using the example of the German Longitudinal Election Study (GLES) we show how these challenges can be and are actually met.
The Role of Bacterial Enhancer Binding Proteins as Specialized Activators of σ54-Dependent Transcription

SUMMARY Bacterial enhancer binding proteins (bEBPs) are transcriptional activators that assemble as hexameric rings in their active forms and utilize ATP hydrolysis to remodel the conformation of RNA polymerase containing the alternative sigma factor σ54. We present a comprehensive and detailed summary of recent advances in our understanding of how these specialized molecular machines function. The review is structured by introducing each of the three domains in turn: the central catalytic domain, the N-terminal regulatory domain, and the C-terminal DNA binding domain. The role of the central catalytic domain is presented with particular reference to (i) oligomerization, (ii) ATP hydrolysis, and (iii) the key GAFTGA motif that contacts σ54 for remodeling. Each of these functions forms a potential target of the signal-sensing N-terminal regulatory domain, which can act either positively or negatively to control the activation of σ54-dependent transcription. Finally, we focus on the DNA binding function of the C-terminal domain and the enhancer sites to which it binds. Particular attention is paid to the importance of σ54 to the bacterial cell and its unique role in regulating transcription.