Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Negotiating Exclusion

In the US, blood donors face a variety of restrictions that leave many people excluded entirely from the donor pool. This paper explores the specific circumstances and meanings surrounding the donor ban on Men-who-have-Sex-with-Men (MSM). The ban on MSM is one of the few existing donor guidelines to receive considerable criticism on grounds that it effectively prohibits any sexually active gay man from donating blood and thus discriminates against gays. Due in part to these questions of fairness, the Blood Products Advisory Committee (BPAC) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met to reconsider the decades-old policy, first in 1997 and again in 2000. The FDA asked its advisory committee to address the efficacy and utility of the MSM ban in light of technological developments in blood-banking, epidemiological data on the spread of HIV, and mounting pressures from gay rights and blood-banking organizations to update the policy. Through a detailed reading of meeting and conference transcripts that took place between 1997 and 2000, I argue that ‘MSM’ became a contested definitional category during the FDA’s reappraisal of the policy. During and between the Committee’s discussions, presenters and experts debated the differences between sexual behavior and sexual identity in relation to HIV and, eventually, HHV-8, a virus known to cause Kaposi’s sarcoma in immunosuppressed individuals. I argue that the underlying flexibility in the meanings behind the term ‘MSM’ allowed Committee members, in the end, to retract their more nuanced discussions of human behavior and HIV and to uphold the contested policy. Finally, I suggest how the debates surrounding the MSM donor ban can help us to better understand the place of sexuality in discussions and claims of biopolitical citizenship in early 21st-century America.
The speechless brain : behavioral studies of memory and emotion during anesthesia

textabstractThis thesis describes investigations into memory function in surgical patients under anesthesia. In a worst case scenario, sleep (hypnosis) is insufficiently induced and/or maintained and the patient regains consciousness, is aware of surgery and possibly in pain. Such an experience is often traumatic and may have devastating, long-term psychological consequences. Ideally, anesthesia induces unconsciousness and recollection of intraoperative events is lost. The latter scenario provided the research setting for this thesis, which specifically addresses two questions: 1) Does memory function depend on hypnotic adequacy? 2) Does memory function depend on the type of information? Outline Studies were conducted in healthy, ambulatory patients scheduled for relatively short elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia. In all cases, anesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol, an intravenous anesthetic with favorable clinical and pharmacodynamic properties for this type of patient and surgery. Novel psychological and neurophysiological techniques were combined to assess memory function during two levels of anesthesia: adequate hypnosis and deep sedation. Each level was examined in separate studies, as was the effect of non-emotional and emotional information. Both the influence of hypnotic state and type of information on memory function (2 x 2 factorial design) were addressed, and four experiments were conducted. The first chapter introduces behavioral studies of memory and emotion in general, and during anesthesia in particular. Part one provides a background to memory assessment and reviews recent technological developments in monitoring hypnotic state during anesthes·la. Part two briefly reviews human and animal responses to emotional stimuli, and describes the neurobiological basis of emotion. The chapters that follow report on the experiments that were conducted to address the aims of this thesis. With the use of a memory priming paradigm with relatively familiar Dutch words, chapters 2 and 3 describe investigations into memory function during adequate hypnosis and deep sedation, respectively. In chapter 3, individual differences in memory function are addressed as well. Chapter 4 highlights patient awareness that was observed during deep sedation from a phenomenological and neurophysiological point of view, and describes its relation to postoperative conscious recall. Chapter 5 investigates processing of emotional information and its effect on memory function during adequate hypnosis. A similar paradigm is adhered to during deep sedation, which is reported on in chapter 6. In chapter 7, finally, the main findings and conclusions of the studies presented in this thesis are discussed.
Adjustment mechanisms and exchange rate regimes in 2004 new EU members during the financial crisis

The global economic crisis confronted emerging European countries with abrupt external shocks, while adjustment mechanisms differed according to exchange rate regimes. ‘Fixers’ were forced to accept internal devaluation, while ‘floaters’ used the exchange rate as a shock absorber. Empirical research is based on six emerging European countries in January 2004–December 2010 and the January 2008–December 2010 crisis period. This article explores the real exchange rate as an adjustment mechanism variable, crisis transmission to the real economy, and foreign exchange intervention as a way of exchange rate management/defence. The relations investigated are observed using VAR models in order to distinguish between the groups of ‘floaters’ and ‘fixers’.
Cancer and the risk of suicide in older Americans.

PURPOSE To determine whether the risk of suicide is greater among patients with cancer than among patients with other medical illnesses. PATIENTS AND METHODS A case-control study of the suicide risk associated with medical illness among older Americans that used healthcare utilization data linked to prescription and mortality files. The patient population was comprised of 1,408 New Jersey residents age 65 years or older who were enrolled in Medicare and in a pharmaceutical insurance program. Patient cases (n = 128) died as a result of suicide during the study period of 1994 to 2002. Control patients (n = 1,280) were frequency-matched to patient cases on age and sex. Data were analyzed by using the odds ratio (OR) of suicide adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, medical and psychiatric comorbidity, and use of prescription medications. RESULTS In adjusted analyses, the only medical condition that remained associated with suicide was cancer (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 4.8). Suicide also remained associated with a diagnosis of affective disorder (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.2), anxiety/personality disorder (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.6), treatment with antidepressants (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2 to 3.2), and treatment with opioid analgesics (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0 to 2.5). CONCLUSION The risk of suicide in older adults is higher among patients with cancer than among patients with other medical illnesses, even after psychiatric illness and the risk of dying within a year were accounted for.
Geographies of knowledge and learning : the example of Medical Technology

This paper brings a geographical perspective to debates in research on knowledge and learning for the innovation of products and firms. The importance of understanding the development of “composite knowledge,” which should be understood as knowledge developed through the bridging of different knowledge fields, is stressed. The empirical focus of the study is medical technology. The arguments in this paper are based on a literature review, secondary data, and a “knowledge biography” case study of a firm located in Stockholm, Sweden. The discussion describes how knowledge networks may be multilocal, thus connecting partners in local, national, and international geographical settings. This paper shows that synergies and complementary relations between regional, network, and corporate spaces are focal points for the processes of knowledge dynamics. It also illustrates how “soft” factors in innovations (in addition to important and “hard” factors of technology and functionality improvements, for instance) are important. “Soft” factors include market, process and input innovations, and aesthetic expressions.
Knowledge orientations and team effectiveness

The critical importance of knowledge as a resource has been recognised in recent years and many firms are looking at how they can make their knowledge base accessible and use it effectively. Within the aerospace industry, recent initiatives - including concurrent engineering, project teams and multi-functional working - have heightened the concern with managing knowledge. The literature contains a profusion of prescriptive work on knowledge management, but relatively little attention has been paid to describing how knowledge is actually managed by technical specialists within organisations. This paper describes empirical work on how aerospace engineers acquire, disseminate and store technical knowledge. On the basis of this research, we propose an outline theory of the dimensions relevant to learning and knowledge management within organisations. We conclude with a critical review of how technical knowledge can be systematically managed at the level of the team and the potential difficulties that may be g.
Title Influence of TCF 7 L 2 gene variants on the therapeutic response to the dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitor linagliptin

Aims/hypothesis Individuals carrying variants of the transcription factor 7-like 2 gene (TCF7L2) are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes. These metabolic genetic risk factors have been linked to diminished pancreatic islet-cell responsiveness to incretins, thus pharmacological interventions aimed at amplifying endogenous incretin biology may be affected. However, clinical evidence from randomised controlled trials so far is lacking. We investigated the influence of TCF7L2 risk a l l e l e s on the response to t r ea tmen t wi th the dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor linagliptin from four 24 week, phase III, placebo-controlled trials. Methods Pharmacogenomic samples and clinical data were available from 961 patients with type 2 diabetes. Whole-blood DNA samples were genotyped for TCF7L2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in conjunction with assessments of 24 week changes in HbA1c. Results Linagliptin lowered HbA1c meaningfully in all three genotypes of rs7903146 (non-risk variant carriers CC [n=356]: −0.82% [−9.0 mmol/mol], p<0.0001; heterozygous CT [n=264]: −0.77% [−8.4 mmol/mol], p<0.0001; homozygous risk variant carriers TT [n=73]: −0.57% [−6.2mmol/mol], p<0.0006). No significant treatment differences were seen between CC and CT patients, although HbA1c response was reduced in TT compared with CC patients (~0.26% [~2.8 mmol/mol], p=0.0182). Conclusions/interpretation Linagliptin significantly improved hyperglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes both with and without the TCF7L2 gene diabetes risk alleles. However, differences in treatment response were observed, indicating that diabetes susceptibility genes may be an important contributor to the inter-individual variability of treatment response.
Joint Prioritized Scheduling and Resource Allocation for OFDMA-Based Wireless Networks

In this paper, we study the joint prioritized link scheduling and resource allocation for OFDMA-based wireless networks, which serve two classes of wireless links, namely, non-prioritized (low-priority) and prioritized (high-priority) links. Our design aims to maximize the number of scheduled non-prioritized links and their sum rate, while guaranteeing the minimum required rates of all active prioritized and non-prioritized links. We present the problem formulation as a single-stage optimization problem, which simultaneously maximizes the number of scheduled non-prioritized links and their sum rate. We propose a monotonic-based optimal approaching (MBOA) algorithm to solve this problem by employing the monotonic global optimization technique and an efficient rounding procedure. We prove that the MBOA algorithm can schedule the maximum number of non-prioritized links with slight and controllable degradation in the minimum required rates of non-prioritized links. For low-complexity design, we propose an iterative convex approximation algorithm, which sequentially performs power allocation and link removal in each iteration. We then describe how the proposed algorithms can be implemented in the standardized LTE-based cellular system. Finally, we conduct numerical studies for device-to-device communications underlaid cellular networks under perfect or imperfect channel state information (CSI). Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms can be applied to the imperfect CSI scenario with slight degradation in the network performance. Moreover, in the perfect CSI scenario, the proposed algorithms significantly outperform the conventional algorithms both in the number of scheduled non-prioritized links and their sum rate.
Gender differences on job satisfaction of the five‐star hotel employees: The case of the Turkish hotel industry

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to examine gender differences while controlling for select variables on job satisfaction using data collected from employees in the hospitality industry.Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted on 397 employees (234 males and 163 females) in five‐star hotels in Ankara, Turkey.Findings – The level of job satisfaction is determined by four factors: “management conditions”, “personal fulfillment”, “using ability in the job”, and “job conditions”. The study results show that significant gender differences exist with regard to the “using ability in the job” dimension of job satisfaction. After controlling such variables as age, marital status, monthly income level, education, type of department, position held, length of time in the organization, length of time in the tourism sector, and frequency of job change, most gender differences remained significant.Research limitations/implications – The use of hotel employees solely representing five‐star hotels ma.
Theories and Empirical Studies of International Institutions

Studies of international institutions, organizations, and regimes have consistently appeared in the pages of International Organization. We review the theoretical and empirical work on international institutions and identify promising directions for the institutionalist research program. Early studies of international institutions were rich with empirical insights and often influenced by theoretical developments in other fields of political science, but lacking an overarching analytical framework they failed to produce a coherent body of scholarship. Current efforts to reinvigorate the study of international institutions draw on a new body of theory about domestic institutions. We argue that the assumptions of this new approach to institutions are more appropriate to international studies than those of earlier attempts to transfer theories across levels of analysis. We suggest that the most productive questions for future research will focus on specifying alternative mechanisms by which institutions can influence outcomes and identify particular sets of questions within this agenda that are especially promising.
Decoding Black Swan: A Quantitative Approach to Tactical Stock Investing

In this paper we examine unanticipated outliers of stock market. Weather these outliers are truly Black Swans that can not be anticipated or they are avoidable? Also we try to evolve a quantitative strategy to earn superior returns. The simple strategy not only removes outliers from portfolio but also increases average daily returns from 0.05% to 0.35%. To test the risk return proposition we have used Sharpe ratio. We are also able to conclude that the daily Sharpe ratio shoots up 15 times in the results. We found increase in volatility in a declining market as Standard Deviation increases in declining market. We also conclude that returns are generated only during up trend in the market.
Will the Convergence Towards a ‘High Quality’ Accounting Standard be the Natural Result?; A Study on a Game Theory for the Consequences of Global Accounting Convergence

The purpose of this paper is to study whether or not the convergence towards a ‘high quality’ accounting standard will be the natural result. One of the purposes of IASB is to make high quality accounting standards because of the convergence. It seems that the best strategy for the convergence, but can it be true? The result of this study shows the convergence to a ‘high quality’ standard is not always the natural result. This is an interesting consequence against the objective of IASB. The methodology in this research is based on a comparative institutional analysis (Aoki 2001, Grief 2006) and we think an institution as the Nash equilibrium of game theory (Binmore 2010). In this study, I adopt a 3×3 coordination game because one of the essential factors of global accounting convergence is to coordinate accounting standards (Hail et al. 2009, Taguchi 2009).
An addendum to continuous-time dynamic system identification with multisine random excitations — From frequency response to transfer function

In this paper an approximation algorithm allowing to calculate parameters of rational and fractional continuous-time transfer functions as well as transfer functions being their series connections with delay from the identified frequency response is proposed. Parameters of the mentioned transfer functions are obtained by an optimisation algorithm utilizing ideas of randomized search. The presented discussion is illustrated by simulation experiments devoted to calculating parameters of rational, rational with delay and fractional with delay transfer function approximations. The corresponding frequency responses are identified using an approach in which as an excitation are used realisations of continuous-time multisine random processes.
THE EFFICACY AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF VEHICLE INSPECTION. A STATE SPECIFIC ANALYSIS USING TIME SERIES DATA

This study uses for the first time a time series analysis of the efficacy of inspection in reducing fatalities, injuries and accidents, using New Jersey data. An econometric model is developed to evaluate inspection while accounting for various socio-economic factors, as well as technology and driving-related variables. The results of the econometric study are then used to carry out a partial cost/benefit analysis of the system of motor vehicle inspection. The study indicates that vehicle inspection in New Jersey significantly reduces the number of highway fatalities. The time series regression analysis shows that in New Jersey it reduces highway fatalities by 304 deaths per year. The models investigated, however, do not show that vehicle inspection significantly reduces the number of injuries. Finally, the analysis indicates that it reduces the number of highway accidents by 37910 accidents per year. (TRRL)
Robotic-assisted Versus Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Outcome and Cost Analyses of a Case-matched Control Study

Objective:To compare safety and costs of robotic-assisted and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. Background:Technical benefits of robotic-assisted surgery are well documented. However, pressure is currently applied to decrease costs, leading to restriction of development, and implementation of new technologies. So far, no convincing data are available comparing outcome or costs between computer assisted and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods:A prospective case-matched study was conducted on 50 consecutive patients, who underwent robotic-assisted cholecystectomy (Da Vinci Robot, Intuitive Surgical) between December 2004 and February 2006. These patients were matched 1:1 to 50 patients with conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy, according to age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, histology, and surgical experience. Endpoints were complications after surgery (mean follow-up of 12.3 months [SD 1.2]), conversion rates, operative time, and hospital costs (ClinicalTrial.gov ID: NCT00562900). Results:No minor, but 1 major complication occurred in each group (2%). No conversion to open surgery was needed in either group. Operation time (skin-to-skin, 55 minutes vs. 50 minutes, P < 0.85) and hospital stay (2.6 days vs. 2.8 days) were similar. Overall hospital costs were significantly higher for robotic-assisted cholecystectomy $7985.4 (SD 1760.9) versus $6255.3 (SD 1956.4), P < 0.001, with a raw difference of $1730.1(95% CI 991.4–2468.7) and a difference adjusted for confounders of $1606.4 (95% CI 1076.7–2136.2). This difference was mainly related to the amortization and consumables of the robotic system. Conclusions:Robotic-assisted cholecystectomy is safe and, therefore, a valuable approach. Costs of robots, however, are high and do not justify the use of this technology considering the lack of benefits for patients. A reduction of acquisition and maintenance costs for the robotic system is a prerequisite for large-scale adoption and implementation.
Molecular Circuits of Resolution: Formation and Actions of Resolvins and Protectins1

The cellular events underlying the resolution of acute inflammation are not known in molecular terms. To identify anti-inflammatory and proresolving circuits, we investigated the temporal and differential changes in self-resolving murine exudates using mass spectrometry-based proteomics and lipidomics. Key resolution components were defined as resolution indices including Ψmax, the maximal neutrophil numbers that are present during the inflammatory response; Tmax, the time when Ψmax occurs; and the resolution interval (Ri) from Tmax to T50 when neutrophil numbers reach half Ψmax. The onset of resolution was at ∼12 h with proteomic analysis showing both haptoglobin and S100A9 levels were maximal and other exudate proteins were dynamically regulated. Eicosanoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids first appeared within 4 h. Interestingly, the docosahexaenoic acid-derived anti-inflammatory lipid mediator 10,17S-docosatriene was generated during the Ri. Administration of aspirin-triggered lipoxin A4 analog, resolvin E1, or 10,17S-docosatriene each either activated and/or accelerated resolution. For example, aspirin-triggered lipoxin A4 analog reduced Ψmax, resolvin E1 decreased both Ψmax and Tmax, whereas 10,17S-docosatriene reduced Ψmax, Tmax, and shortened Ri. Also, aspirin-triggered lipoxin A4 analog markedly inhibited proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines at 4 h (20–50% inhibition), whereas resolvin E1 and 10,17S-docosatriene’s inhibitory actions were maximal at 12 h (30–80% inhibition). Moreover, aspirin-triggered lipoxin A4 analog evoked release of the antiphlogistic cytokine TGF-β. These results characterize the first molecular resolution circuits and their major components activated by specific novel lipid mediators (i.e., resolvin E1 and 10,17S-docosatriene) to promote resolution.
Antithrombotic therapy after left atrial appendage closure

It is important to prevent on-device thrombus formation without increasing the risk for bleeding complications after successful interventional left atrial appendage closure. Therefore, choosing the optimal antithrombotic therapy poses a challenging task. While major clinical studies investigated patients eligible for oral anticoagulation using vitamin K antagonists, the vast majority of implants in ‘real life’ are performed in patients with contraindications to oral anticoagulation after serious bleeding events. In this patient population, strategies using dual antiplatelet therapy were found to be a sound alternative; however, the optimal duration of antithrombotic therapy remains unclear. Future studies will have to investigate the role of direct anticoagulants for post-implant thrombus formation and address the question of whether left atrial appendage closure obviates the need for long-term aspirin therapy.