Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Money-manager capitalism, capital flows and development in emerging market economies: a Post-Keynesian Institutionalist analysis

This timely book rethinks economic theory and policy by addressing the problem of economic instability and the need to secure broadly shared prosperity. It stresses that advancing economics in the wake of the Great Recession requires an evolutionary standpoint, greater attention to uncertainty and expectations, and the integration of finance into macroeconomics. The result is a broader array of policy options – and challenges – than conventional economics presents.
Selective proton permeability and pH regulation of the influenza virus M2 channel expressed in mouse erythroleukaemia cells.

1. The M2 protein of influenza A virus is implicated in transmembrane pH regulation during infection. Whole‐cell patch clamp of mouse erythroleukaemia cells expressing the M2 protein in the surface membrane showed a conductance due to M2 which was specifically blocked by the anti‐influenza drug rimantadine. 2. The ion selectivity of the rimantadine‐sensitive current through M2 was determined. Reversal potentials were close to equilibrium potentials for transmembrane pH gradients and not to those for Na+, K+ or Cl‐ concentration gradients. M2 permeability to Na+ relative to H+ was estimated to be less than 6 x 10(‐7). 3. The M2 conductance increased as external pH decreased below 8.5 and approached saturation at an external pH of 4, effects attributable to increased permeability due to increased driving potential and to activation by low external pH. Both activation and permeation could be described by interaction of protons with sites on M2, with apparent dissociation constants of approximately 0.1 microM and 1 microM, respectively, under physiological conditions. 4. The M2 protein can transfer protons selectively across membranes with the H+ electrochemical gradient, properties consistent with its role in modifying virion and trans‐Golgi pH during virus infection.
Racial differences in scleroderma among women in Michigan.

OBJECTIVE To examine racial differences in disease onset, extent, manifestations, and survival among women with scleroderma. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of women with scleroderma, diagnosed in Michigan between 1980 and 1991, was conducted. Clinical, laboratory, and demographic data were abstracted from the patients' medical records. RESULTS A total of 514 women with scleroderma were identified: 117 (23%) were black and 397 (77%) were white. Among black women, the mean age at diagnosis was lower (44.5 years versus 51.5 years; P < 0.001) and diffuse disease was more common (49.6% versus 24.9%; P < 0.001) than among white women. The overall incidence of scleroderma was 14.1 per million per year: 22.5 per million per year in black women versus 12.8 per million per year in white women (P < 0.001). Pericarditis (P = 0.009), pulmonary hypertension (P < 0.001), pleural effusions (P = 0.01), myositis (P = 0.02), and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate >40 mm/hour (P < 0.001) were more frequent among black women, while white women were more likely to have digital infarctions (P < 0.001). Survival at 7 years from diagnosis was 72.5% among black women and 77.6% among white women. Age-adjusted survival was significantly reduced among black women (P = 0.033), most likely because of increased diffuse involvement. Survival among those with renal or pulmonary involvement was also significantly reduced. CONCLUSION Black women with scleroderma were significantly more likely than white women to develop diffuse disease, be diagnosed at a younger age, have a higher incidence of inflammatory features, and have a worse age-adjusted survival rate.
Bone repair in the twenty–first century: biology, chemistry or engineering?

Increases in reconstructive orthopaedic surgery, such as total hip replacement and spinal fusion, resulting from advances in surgical practice and the ageing population, have lead to a demand for bone graft that far exceeds supply. Consequently, a number of synthetic bone–graft substitutes (BGSs) have been developed with mixed success and surgical acceptance. Skeletal tissue regeneration requires the interaction of three basic elements: cells, growth factors (GFs) and a permissive scaffold. This can be achieved by pre–loading a synthetic scaffold with GFs or pre–expanded cells; however, a ‘simpler’ approach is to design intrinsic ‘osteoinductivity’ into your BGS, i.e. the capability to recruit and stimulate the patient's own GFs and stem cells. Through investigation of the mechanisms controlling bone repair in BGSs, linking interactions between the local chemical and physical environment, scientists are currently developing osteoinductive materials that can stimulate bone regeneration through control of the scaffold chemistry and structure. Moreover, this body of research is providing the foundations for future generations of BGSs and bone–repair therapies and may ultimately contribute towards improving the quality of life through maintenance of the skeleton and reversal of disease states, as opposed to the mending of broken bones that we currently practice. Will we be able to grow our own bones in a bioreactor for use as autologous graft materials in the future? Could surgery be limited to accidental trauma cases, with greater restoration of function through biochemical or gene therapies? The technology and research probes necessary to this task are currently being developed with the advent of nanotechnology, genomics and proteomics: are we about to embark on a chemical revolution in medicine? This paper aims to discuss some of the current thinking on the mechanisms behind bioactivity and biocompatibility in bone and how a fuller understanding of the interactions between cells and the materials used today could bring about completely new approaches for the treatment of bone fracture and disease tomorrow.
Verifying Quantitative Stigma and Medication Adherence Scales Using Qualitative Methods among Thai Youth Living with HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS-related stigma has been linked to poor adherence resulting in drug resistance and the failure to control HIV. This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine stigma and its relationship to adherence in 30 HIV-infected Thai youth aged 14 to 21 years. Stigma was measured using the HIV stigma scale and its 4 subscales, and adherence was measured using a visual analog scale. Stigma and adherence were also examined by in-depth interviews. The interviews were to determine whether verbal responses would match the scale’s results. The mean score of stigma perception from the overall scale and its 4 subscales ranged from 2.14 to 2.45 on a scale of 1 to 4, indicating moderate levels of stigma. The mean adherence score was . 74. The stigma scale and its subscales did not correlate with the adherence. Totally, 17 of the respondents were interviewed. Contrary to the quantitative results, the interviewees reported that the stigma led to poor adherence because the fear of disclosure often caused them to miss medication doses. The differences between the quantitative and the qualitative results highlight the importance of validating psychometric scales when they are translated and used in other cultures.
Informationally Efficient Markets in Grossman and Stiglitz (1980)

We derive an equilibrium price that converges to be strong-form informationally efficient in the original Grossman-Stiglitz model (1980). Specifically, we show that when the private signal converges to be perfect or traders converge to be risk neutral, there exists a unique overall equilibrium for any finite information costs in which the price tends to be strong-form efficient. We further find that when the price tends to be fully revealing, informed and uninformed traders have almost homogeneous beliefs about the stock payoff, but there are still significant trades between them. We thus provide an economically meaningful resolution to the Grossman-Stiglitz paradox.
The underlying mechanism of proinflammatory NF-κB activation by the mTORC2/Akt/IKKα pathway during skin aging

Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2), one of two different enzymatic complexes of mTOR, regulates a diverse set of substrates including Akt. mTOR pathway is one of well-known mediators of aging process, however, its role in skin aging has not been determined. Skin aging can be induced by physical age and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation which are intrinsic and extrinsic factors, respectively. Here, we report increased mTORC2 pathway in intrinsic and photo-induced skin aging, which is implicated in the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). UVB-irradiated or aged mice skin revealed that mTORC2 activity and its component, rictor were significantly upregulated which in turn increased Akt activation and Akt-dependent IκB kinase α (IKKα) phosphorylation at Thr23 in vivo. We also confirmed that UVB induced the mTORC2/Akt/IKKα signaling pathway with HaCaT human normal keratinocytes. The increased mTORC2 signaling pathway during skin aging were associated to NF-κB activation. Suppression of mTORC2 activity by the treatment of a mTOR small inhibitor or knockdown of RICTOR partially rescued UVB-induced NF-κB activation through the downregulation of Akt/IKKα activity. Our data demonstrated the upregulation of mTORC2 pathway in intrinsic and photo-induced skin aging and its role in IKKα/NF-κB activation. These data not only expanded the functions of mTOR to skin aging but also revealed the therapeutic potential of inhibiting mTORC2 in ameliorating both intrinsic skin aging and photoaging.
Have Cash Transfers Succeeded in Reaching the Poor in Latin America and the Caribbean?

We present novel estimates of the quality of targeting of conditional cash transfer (CCT) and non-contributory pension (NCP) programs in Latin-America and the Caribbean. Our contribution is novel in that we use both national and international poverty lines, provide differentiated estimates for urban and rural areas, and compare CCT and NCP programs. We show that leakage to the non-poor coexists with pervasive under-coverage of all poor, including the extreme poor. On average, CCTs cover only 50.6 percent of the extreme poor in households with children under 18 years of age. Similarly, NCPs cover only 53.2 percent of the extreme poor in households with elderly members who do not receive a contributory pension. At the same time, 39.2 percent of CCT beneficiaries and 48.6 percent of NCP beneficiaries are not poor, highlighting the potential need for retargeting and recertification. In most countries, retargeting could produce a substantial double benefit in terms of poverty reduction and fiscal savings.
Fuzzy rate control in wireless sensor networks for mitigating congestion

Congestion in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is an important issue. In this paper, a new method is presented to overcome congestion causes. Actually this is a hop-by-hop rate control approach. In our method, queue length of the nodes is monitored continuously. Then, based on a fuzzy inference system, admissible rate for upstream nodes is calculated based upon sensor nodes constraints. This method is simple and adaptable to network conditions. Simulation results show an improvement in the network functionality such as higher utilization, throughput and smaller delay compared to IEEE 802.11.
Characterization of copper germanide as contact metal for advanced MOSFETs

The material and electrical characteristics of /spl epsiv/-Cu/sub 3/Ge as a contact metal were investigated. The samples were prepared by direct copper deposition on germanium wafers, followed by rapid thermal annealing. The /spl epsiv/-Cu/sub 3/Ge formed at 400 /spl deg/C has a resistivity of 6.8 /spl mu//spl Omega//spl middot/cm, which is lower than typical silicides for silicon CMOS. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy showed smooth germanide/germanium interface, with a series of nanovoids aligning close to the top surface. These voids are believed to be the results of Kirkendall effect arising from the different diffusion fluxes of copper and germanium. The specific contact resistivity of Cu/sub 3/Ge, obtained from four-terminal Kelvin structures, was found to be as low as 8/spl times/10/sup -8/ /spl Omega//spl middot/cm/sup 2/ for p-type germanium substrate. This low resistivity makes Cu/sub 3/Ge a promising candidate for future contact materials.
Genetic variation within and between populations of Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) for susceptibility to Melampsora pinitorqua Rostr. (pine twist rust)

The genetic variability of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) for twist rust susceptibility and the consequences for genetic improvement of the species were evaluated after artificial inoculation of 1-year-old seedlings in greenhouse tests. Wind-pollinated progenies, factorial and incomplete diallel mating designs were used to compare two natural populations of Scots pine (Haguenau, France, and Taborz, Poland) and their hybrids (Haguenau × Taborz). Families from Taborz were significantly (P < 0.001) less susceptible to twist rust than those from Haguenau. Inter-population hybrids were as susceptible as the Haguenau population. No clear relationship between severity of infection, shoot length and phenological stage at time of inoculation was observed in intra- and interpopulation crosses. Differences observed between the two natural populations for their response to twist rust are suggested to be the consequence of local adaptation simultaneously for climatic conditions and pathogen pressure. Within each of the two populations, the effects of general combining abilities (GCA) for rust susceptibility were predominant, although estimation of individual heritabilities remained at a moderate level (0.30–0.54). In interpopulation crosses, GCA effects of Haguenau and Taborz populations were still predominant. Moreover, hybrid performance could be predicted with confidence based on the intrapopulation GCA values of parents. Genetic gain on twist rust resistance could be achieved quickly through intrapopulation mass or backward selection based on wind-pollinated progeny tests.
Definitive hematopoietic stem cells first develop within the major arterial regions of the mouse embryo

The aorta–gonad–mesonephros (AGM) region is a potent hematopoietic site within the mammalian embryo body, and the first place from which hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) emerge. Within the complex embryonic vascular, excretory and reproductive tissues of the AGM region, the precise location of HSC development is unknown. To determine where HSCs develop, we subdissected the AGM into aorta and urogenital ridge segments and transplanted the cells into irradiated adult recipients. We demonstrate that HSCs first appear in the dorsal aorta area. Furthermore, we show that vitelline and umbilical arteries contain high frequencies of HSCs coincident with HSC appearance in the AGM. While later in development and after organ explant culture we find HSCs in the urogenital ridges, our results strongly suggest that the major arteries of the embryo are the most important sites from which definitive HSCs first emerge.
Treatment satisfaction with paliperidone extended-release tablets: open-label study in schizophrenia patients dissatisfied with previous antipsychotic medication

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in treatment satisfaction after switching to paliperidone extended-release (ER) in Chinese schizophrenia patients dissatisfied with their previous antipsychotic treatment. Methods In this 8-week, open-label, single-arm, multicenter, prospective study, 1,693 patients dissatisfied with previous antipsychotic medication were enrolled and switched to paliperidone ER tablets (3–12 mg/d) based on clinical judgment. The primary efficacy end point was change in Medication Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) score from baseline to week 8. The secondary end points included percentage of patients with MSQ score ≥4, as well as changes in Clinical Global Improvement-Severity (CGI-S) and Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scores. Results MSQ scores increased significantly from baseline (mean [standard deviation {SD}]: 2.48 [0.55]) to week 8 (5.47 [0.89], P<0.0001; primary end point, full analysis set). The percentage of patients with MSQ score ≥4 was 95.9% at week 8, indicating that most of the patients were satisfied with their treatment. Significant (P<0.0001) improvements from baseline to week 8 were noted in CGI-S score (2.37 [1.20]) and PSP score (25.5 [15.0]). A total of 174 (10.28%) patients experienced adverse events (AEs). The most common (>10 patients) events were extrapyramidal disorder (n=84, 4.96%), poor quality sleep (n=18, 1.06%) and akathisia (n=13, 0.77%). The majority of AEs were mild to moderate in severity. No deaths occurred. Conclusion Treatment satisfaction improved after switching to paliperidone ER from the previous antipsychotic in Chinese patients with schizophrenia.
Full-Length IL-33 Promotes Inflammation but not Th2 Response In Vivo in an ST2-Independent Fashion

Expression of IL-33 is elevated in patients with pulmonary diseases, and full-length (not proteolytically processed) IL-33 is the predominant form in the lungs in health and disease. To determine whether activation of IL-33 is needed for functional effects, activities of full-length mouse and mature mouse (mm) forms of IL-33 were compared in vivo. Replication-deficient adenoviral constructs were used for gene delivery. Both isoforms caused pulmonary infiltration of lymphocytes and neutrophils, whereas mmIL-33 also caused pulmonary eosinophilia and goblet cell hyperplasia and increased expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, MCP-1, and KC. The different effects were not associated with differential release from IL-33–producing cells or by differences in subcellular distributions of IL-33 isoforms. Germline deficiency of the cell surface receptor chain ST2 abrogated the mmIL-33–induced Th2-associated effects (pulmonary eosinophilia, goblet cell hyperplasia, and increased IL-4 and IL-5), yet the lymphocytic infiltration induced by full-length mouse IL-33 or mmIL-33 was not fully abrogated by the absence of ST2. The similar effects of IL-33 isoforms were associated with comparable regulation of gene expression, notably matrix metalloproteinases 3, 10, and 13. Thus, full-length IL-33 is functionally active in vivo in an ST2-independent fashion, and its effects are partially different from those of mature IL-33. The different effects of these isoforms, particularly the pro-Th2 effects of mature IL-33, are due to differential utilization of the IL-33R chain ST2, whereas their similar effects result from regulation of gene expression.
A Simple Probabilistic Approach to the Pricing of Credit Default Swap Covenants

In its original credit derivatives definitions, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association set out six credit events that can trigger payment on a default swap and many other obligation and settlement clauses that potentially affect the value of a credit default swap. Market participants have since attempted to reduce the list of events that could trigger payouts by eliminating so-called 'soft' credit events. Such events are indeed more akin to credit deterioration than default. In many instances, financial institutions are now left with mismatching contract clauses leading to potential basis risks in their books (contracts traded before and after changes in market practices but also contracts containing deliberate changes to standard clauses). The purpose of this analysis is to provide a few simple rules for calculating more precisely the impact of the different contract provisions on the price of a default swap.
The Identification of Factors Contributing to Self-Reported Anomalies in Civil Aviation

The main objective of this study was to analyze anomalies voluntarily reported by pilots in civil aviation sector and identify factors leading to such anomalies. Experimental data were obtained from the NASA aviation safety reporting system (ASRS) database. These data contained a range of text records spanning 30 years of civilian aviation, both commercial (airline operations) and general aviation (private aircraft). Narrative data as well as categorical data were used. The associations between incident contributing factors and self-reported anomalies were investigated using data mining and correspondence analysis. The results revealed that a broadly defined human factors category and weather conditions were the main contributors to self-reported civil aviation anomalies. New associations between identified factors and reported anomaly conditions were also reported.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for nonneonatal acute respiratory failure.

HYPOTHESIS Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is effective in nonneonatal acute respiratory failure under certain circumstances. DESIGN Retrospective medical record review. SETTING The intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS Thirty-four nonneonatal patients (mean age, 22 years; range, 8 days to 56 years), with ratios of the PaO2 to the fraction of inspired oxygen persistently below 70, who were treated with ECMO after maximal ventilator therapy had failed (mean time of ventilator therapy, 6.9 days; range, 1-41 days). The mean ECMO duration was 304 hours (range, 56-934 hours). Patients were grouped into 7 categories based on their diagnosis: sepsis or sepsis syndrome (n = 3), bacterial or fungal pneumonia (n = 10), viral pneumonia (n = 5), trauma or burn (n = 2), inhalation injury without burn (n = 1), immunocompromised state (due to transplantation or chemotherapy) (n = 8), and acute respiratory failure of unknown origin (n = 5). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Survival to hospital discharge following ECMO therapy. RESULTS Overall survival was 53% (18 patients). All 6 patients (100%) with viral pneumonias or isolated inhalation injuries survived. Of 13 patients with bacterial pneumonia, sepsis, or sepsis syndrome not complicated by multiorgan failure, 10 (77%) survived. In contrast, all but 1 of the immunocompromised patients died. Survival in patients who were intubated for less than 9 days before ECMO was 64%, whereas survival fell precipitously to 22% for patients who experienced mechanical ventilation for 9 or more days before the implementation of ECMO. Finally, the proportion of patients who died while receiving ECMO therapy was greater when the ECMO duration exceeded 300 hours (62% vs. 38%; P<.05). CONCLUSIONS Nonneonatal survival with ECMO therapy is strongly dependent on the diagnosis. Pre-ECMO intubation for less than 9 days had little effect on survival. Survival rates decreased when the length of time of receiving ECMO exceeded 300 hours.