Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning Transferable Lessons from Single Cases in Comparative Policy Analysis

ABSTRACT Policy exemplars offer potential value to policy professionals seeking new ideas. Realizing that value typically assumes a learner who is both equipped with a well-specified policy or process objective and able to model causal connections to extract lessons. Yet there is a gap in explicating how, exactly, policy professionals find ideas worth pursuing. This article draws on the concepts of abduction and phronesis – broadly a flash of insight and practical judgement, occasioned by an observation – to fill that gap. The natural capabilities associated with abduction and phronesis rely on noticing what stands out, making analogical connections, and discerning which connections merit following up. With attention to these capabilities, policy professionals can extend their learning of transferable lessons from single cases.
EVOLUTION OF COURTSHIP SONG AND REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATION IN THE DROSOPHILA WILLISTONI SPECIES COMPLEX: DO SEXUAL SIGNALS DIVERGE THE MOST QUICKLY?

Reproductive isolation increases with genetic distance between species. Although sexual selection may drive divergence of sexual signals and traits, causing rapid evolution of sexual isolation, quantitative data supporting this idea are rare. We examine the rates of divergence of a species‐specific courtship signal, sexual isolation, and postmating isolation in the Drosophila willistoni group. Both types of isolation increase with genetic distance and postmating isolation is the most strongly correlated with genetic divergence, suggesting this has the least variable divergence rate. Song divergence is not correlated with genetic divergence. Homoplasy in song pattern results in poorly resolved phylogenies that are different from molecular phylogenies. Song evolves more quickly than sexual isolation, which evolves more quickly than postmating isolation.
Chronic illness: the process of integration.

AIM The aim of this study was to explore how adults with a chronic illness integrate the illness experience into their life context. BACKGROUND Adults with chronic illnesses are challenged to learn self-management strategies to prevent complications and achieve an acceptable quality of life. Integration represents the process undertaken by an individual to achieve a sense of balance in self-managing a chronic illness and living a personally meaningful life. DESIGN A mixed-method descriptive design was employed to recruit English-speaking adults with a chronic illness. A semi-structured interview was completed, transcribed verbatim and content analysed. Descriptive data were collected on demographics, co-morbidity and depressive symptoms. The research was undertaken in Connecticut, USA. RESULTS The sample (n = 26) was diverse with respect to age (25-80 years), education (8-24 years), duration of illness (1-39 years), gender (63% female) and ethnicity (63% white). Participants reported a mean of four chronic illnesses and 31% of the sample had increased depressive symptoms. The process of integration was complex and multifactorial. Themes of integration included: shifting sands, staying afloat, weathering the storms, rescuing oneself and navigating life. Numerous factors including treatment side effects, a progressive or uncertain illness trajectory, co-morbidity, bad days, financial hardships and interpersonal/environmental challenges contributed to a disruption or difficulty in the integration process. CONCLUSION All participants made considerable effort to integrate the illness into their life context and participate in a personally meaningful life. However, it was easy to be consumed with 'living an illness' as the daily tasks, the changing symptoms and the fluctuating emotions could be overwhelming. There was a complex co-existence between 'living a life' and 'living an illness'. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE There were numerous challenges to the process of integration and ongoing self-management, psychosocial, vocational and existential support appears indicated, particularly with individuals with multiple chronic illnesses, progressive chronic illnesses and limited resources.
New Cellular and Molecular Immune Pathways in Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a multi‐factorial antigen‐independent inflammatory condition that profoundly affects both early and long‐term function of the allograft as suggested by both clinical and experimental data. In recent years, the acute phase of IRI has been increasingly viewed as part of the innate immune response. Identification of novel molecular pathways and new insights into the mechanisms of known mediators of IRI have established links among innate immunity, adaptive immune responses and organ regeneration, and thus long‐term graft function. This review approaches these novel aspects of IRI in the context of solid organ transplantation, presenting data on new observations with kidney, liver and heart allografts.
Estimation of the optimal futures hedge ratio for equity index portfolios using a realized beta generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model

This paper employs a realized beta generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model for optimal futures hedging. The model has a flexible structure and is complete because all observed returns and realized measures are jointly modeled in a system. This enables the incorporation of important features that may affect the hedge ratio estimation. The model is applied to equity indices, and substantial dependence between return and volatility indicates the essential of modeling statistical leverage. Predictive ability testing confirms the superiority of the model for reducing the hedged portfolio risk. The predictive ability of the model can translate into pronounced economic benefits, particularly for short‐term hedges.
A robust nonlinear controller for a StatCom based on a 3-phase neutral point clamped converter

This paper presents a three-level three-phase diode clamped inverter that uses an auxiliary circuit to equalize its DC-bus capacitor voltages. The proposed converter is used in a Static Compensator (StatCom) and a controller is designed for this new StatCom. A state space model of this compensator connected to a grid is obtained first. Three single input single output (SISO) robust controllers are designed to control the StatCom terminal voltage, to regulate the DC-bus voltage and to equalize the capacitor voltages. The effectiveness of the control strategy is guaranteed by the fact that each of the SISO controllers is provided with appropriate nonlinear terms that compensate the interactions between the StatCom sub-modules. The StatCom performance is evaluated. The results demonstrate that it is capable to maintain its terminal voltage and its DC-bus voltage at their reference values while equalizing the capacitor voltages despite significant variations of grid parameters.
Long-term outcome of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) peritonitis: surgery can be avoided.

INTRODUCTION Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has become the preferred method of home dialysis for patients with end-stage renal failure. Peritonitis is a common and serious complication and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to assess what proportion of patients with CAPD peritonitis that required surgical intervention for on-going sepsis or for peritonitis-related bowel obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients presenting with a first episode of CAPD peritonitis during the 5-year period from 1994-1998 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Data collected included patient demographics, details of peritonitis episodes and their treatment, and details of any surgical intervention undertaken. RESULTS A total of 500 episodes were identified in 168 patients of whom 162 had complete follow-up representing 488 peritonitis episodes. Sixty-three patients experienced one episode of peritonitis, 33 two episodes, 20 had three episodes, and 46 had more than three episodes. None of the patients underwent surgery either primarily or for complications of the infective episode. A total of 465 episodes were due to a single organism (95%) and the remainder were due to multiple organisms (5%). The most common causative organisms were Gram-positive cocci (308 episodes; 71%) followed by Gram-negative bacilli (106 episodes; 24%). In 55 patients (34%), the same organism was implicated in consecutive admissions. Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), whilst accounting for 12 of 169 (7%) patients in the cohort, experienced 23 of 125 (18.4%) episodes of peritonitis by Gram-negative cocci. Such infections were seen in 8 of 12 (66.7%) ADPKD patients and accounted for 23 of 40 (57.5%) infections experienced by the ADPKD patients. CONCLUSIONS Whilst CAPD peritonitis is a common problem in the renal failure population, with almost 100 episodes per year, it would appear that most episodes can be managed using intraperitoneal antibiotics without the need for surgical intervention.
EFFECTS OF SOCIAL AND EXTRA‐PAIR MATING ON SEXUAL SELECTION IN BLUE TITS (CYANISTES CAERULEUS)

The contribution of extra‐pair paternity (EPP) to sexual selection has received considerable attention, particularly in socially monogamous species. However, the importance of EPP remains difficult to assess quantitatively, especially when many extra‐pair young have unknown sires. Here, we combine measurements of the opportunity for selection (I), the opportunity for sexual selection (IS), and the strength of selection on mating success (Bateman gradient, βSS) with a novel simulation of random mating tailored to the specific mating system of the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus). In a population where social polygyny and EPP are common, the opportunity for sexual selection was significantly stronger and Bateman gradients significantly steeper for resident males than for females. In general, success with the social mate(s) contributed most to variation in male reproductive success. Effects of EPP were small, but significantly higher than expected under random mating. We used sibship analysis to estimate the number of unknown sires in our population. Under the assumption that the unknown sires are nonbreeding males, EPP reduced the variance in and the strength of selection on mating success, a possibility that hitherto has not been considered.
Campylobacter in Poultry: Filling an Ecological Niche

Abstract Epidemiological studies indicate that Campylobacter species may be responsible for the majority of cases of sporadic gastroenteritis in humans. These studies also suggest that poultry may be one of the most common sources of the bacteria for humans. Campylobacter and related genera in the family Campylobacteraceae are oral and intestinal commensals of vertebrates and some nonvertebrates, a characteristic that complicates rational approaches to controlling Campylobacter contamination of poultry. This review will discuss the phylogeny, genomics, and physiology of campylobacters with the intention of revealing how these organisms have evolved to fill their intestinal ecological niche in poultry and how their physiology must be understood in order to enact effective control strategies.
Market Reaction to Cabinet Reshuffle: The Indonesian Evidence

This event study investigates the Indonesian capital market reaction to the announcement of cabinet reshuffle as a major political event in Indonesia. We also detect the possibility of size effect anomaly related to this political event. Consequently, we not only study 43 large-capitalization firms that are classified into LQ 45 index but also 26 small-capitalization shares. Our findings show that there is no significant abnormal return surrounding the announcement date. We conclude that the announcement of cabinet reshuffle does not contain information value to the market and does not cause size effect.
Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Rakicidin A and Discovery of a Simplified Bioactive Analogue.

We report a concise asymmetric synthesis of rakicidin A, a macrocyclic depsipeptide that selectively inhibits the growth of hypoxic cancer cells and stem-like leukemia cells. Key transformations include a diastereoselective organocatalytic cross-aldol reaction to build the polyketide portion of the molecule, a highly hindered ester fragment coupling reaction, an efficient Helquist-type Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) macrocyclization, and a new DSC-mediated elimination reaction to construct the sensitive APD portion of rakicidin A. We further report the preparation of a simplified structural analogue (WY1) with dramatically enhanced hypoxia-selective activity.
Zero-crossing point detection using differentiation circuit for boundary current mode converters

This paper presents a novel zero-crossing point detection method for boundary current mode PFC converter. In the conventional boundary current mode, the zero-crossing point is detected by observing the inductor voltage. When the digital controller is used in the conventional method, the detection of the zero-crossing point is delayed due to the delay time caused by the processing of DSP. And the detection of the zero-crossing point is also delayed by the effect of the parasitic capacitance of main components in the PFC converter. As a result, the boost converter operates under the discontinuous mode. The harmonic currents occur and the power factor becomes low when the boost converter operates under the discontinuous mode. In order to make the boost converter to operate under the boundary current mode, it is necessary to reduce the delay time caused by the DSP's processing and the parasitic capacitance. The proposed zero-crossing detection circuit is formed by the differentiation circuit and the differential amplifier circuit and the RS-FF. In the proposed method, the delay time of zero-crossing point detection can be reduced and the boost converter can operate under the boundary current mode with high accurate. Simulation results show that compared with the conventional method, the zero-crossing point detection delay time characteristics are improved in the proposed method.
SpxB Is a Suicide Gene of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Confers a Selective Advantage in an In Vivo Competitive Colonization Model

ABSTRACT The human bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae dies spontaneously upon reaching stationary phase. The extent of S. pneumoniae death at stationary phase is unusual in bacteria and has been conventionally attributed to autolysis by the LytA amidase. In this study, we show that spontaneous pneumococcal death is due to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), not LytA, and that the gene responsible for H2O2 production (spxB) also confers a survival advantage in colonization. Survival of S. pneumoniae in stationary phase was significantly prolonged by eliminating H2O2 in any of three ways: chemically by supplementing the media with catalase, metabolically by growing the bacteria under anaerobic conditions, or genetically by constructing ΔspxB mutants that do not produce H2O2. Likewise, addition of H2O2 to exponentially growing S. pneumoniae resulted in a death rate similar to that of cells in stationary phase. While ΔlytA mutants did not lyse at stationary phase, they died at a rate similar to that of the wild-type strain. Furthermore, we show that the death process induced by H2O2 has features of apoptosis, as evidenced by increased annexin V staining, decreased DNA content, and appearance as assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Finally, in an in vivo rat model of competitive colonization, the presence of spxB conferred a selective advantage over the ΔspxB mutant, suggesting an explanation for the persistence of this gene. We conclude that a suicide gene of pneumococcus is spxB, which induces an apoptosis-like death in pneumococci and confers a selective advantage in nasopharyngeal cocolonization.
Pathological extension of prostate cancer as defined by Gleason score on biopsy.

INTRODUCTION Based on the importance of the Gleason score on the behavior of prostate adenocarcinoma, this study attempts to predict the extension of prostate adenocarcinoma pre-operatively, as defined by the Gleason score on biopsy, in individuals who will undergo radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We selected 899 individuals who underwent retropubic radical prostatectomy from 1988 to 2004. Clinical and pathological data obtained in the preoperative period were retrospectively analyzed through digital rectal examinations of the prostate, initial serum PSA levels and pathological data provided by biopsy. The Gleason score on biopsy was assessed and divided into 3 groups: 2 to 6, 7, and 8 to 10, and correlated with the possibility of the disease being confined to the prostate. RESULTS From the 899 selected patients, 654 (74%) showed Gleason scores of 2 to 6, 165 (18%) had a score of 7 and 80 (9%) had scores of 8 to 10 on biopsy. The likelihood of confined diseases, extraprostatic extensions, invasion of seminal vesicles and lymph nodal involvement were respectively: 74%, 18%, 8% and 0.8% for a Gleason score of 2 to 6, 47%, 30%, 19% and 4% for a Gleason score of 7, and 49%, 29%, 18% and 4% for a Gleason score of 8 to 10. CONCLUSION In patients who will undergo radical prostatectomy due to prostate adenocarcinoma, a Gleason score of 7 on biopsy shows the same behavior as a Gleason score of 8 to 10 in relation to extension of disease.
Fall-detection solution for mobile platforms using accelerometer and gyroscope data

Falls are a major health risk that diminish the quality of life among elderly people. Apart from falls themselves, most dramatic consequences are usually related with long lying periods that can cause serious side effects. These findings call for pervasive long-term fall detection systems able to automatically detect falls. In this paper, we propose an effective fall detection algorithm for mobile platforms. Using data retrieved from wearable sensors, such as Inertial Measurements Units (IMUs) and/or SmartPhones (SPs), our algorithm is able to detect falls using features extracted from accelerometer and gyroscope. While mostly of the mobile-based solutions for fall management deal only with accelerometer data, in the proposed approach we combine the instantaneous acceleration magnitude vector with changes of the user's heading in a Threshold Based Algorithm (TBA). In such a way, we were able to handle falls detection with minimal computational load, increasing the overall system accuracy with respect to traditional fall management methods. Experimental results show the strong detection performance of the proposed solution in discriminating between falls and typical Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) presenting fall-like acceleration patterns.
Expression of NADPH Oxidase by Trophoblast Cells: Potential Implications for the Postimplanting Mouse Embryo1

ABSTRACT Cytochemical localization of hydrogen peroxide-generating sites suggests NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 3-phosphate [reduced form]) oxidase expression at the maternal-fetal interface. To explore this possibility, we have characterized the expression and activity of the NADPH oxidase complex in trophoblast cells during the postimplantation period. Implantation sites and ectoplacental cones (EPCs) from 7.5-gestational day embryos from CD1 mice were used as a source for expression analyses of NADPH oxidase catalytic and regulatory subunits. EPCs grown in primary culture were used to investigate the production of superoxide anion through dihydroxyethidium oxidation in confocal microscopy and immunohistochemical assays. NADPH subunits Cybb (gp91phox), Cyba (p22phox), Ncf4 (p40phox), Ncf1 (p47phox), Ncf2 (p67phox), and Rac1 were expressed by trophoblast cells. The fundamental subunits of membrane CYBB and cytosolic NCF2 were markedly upregulated after phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) treatment, as detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Fluorescence microscopy imaging showed colocalization of cytosolic and plasma membrane NADPH oxidase subunits mainly after PMA treatment, suggesting assembly of the complex after enzyme activation. Cultured EPCs produced superoxide in a NADPH-dependent manner, associating the NADPH oxidase-mediated superoxide production with postimplantation trophoblast physiology. NADPH-oxidase cDNA subunit sequencing showed a high degree of homology between the trophoblast and neutrophil isoforms of the oxidase, emphasizing a putative role for reactive oxygen species production in phagocytic activity and innate immune responses.
Housing Inequality: Racial Disparities in the Homeownership and Home Equity Patterns of Cuban-Americans

of a thesis at the University of Miami. Thesis supervised by Professors Nick Petersen and George Wilson. No. of pages in text. (56) This thesis presents a critical exploration of Eduardo-Bonilla Silva’s Latin Americanization Thesis using the 2015 American Community Survey to explore the determinants of homeownership and home values among Cubans in the United States. Homeownership is an important wealth-generating mechanism, and access to it can determine the future socio-economic standing of subsequent generations. Results reveal racial inequalities in both homeownership and house values. White Cubans are more likely to own homes and have higher home values compared to other race and black Cubans. These results highlight the importance of considering racial inequality within select immigrant groups. Similar to previous research, demographic, economic, and housing characteristics have varying effects on housing tenure within the regression models. The concluding remarks address the theoretical implications of the findings using the Latin Americanization Thesis as well as the historical context in which these inequalities were created and persist. As the legal status of Cuban migration drastically changes, this project provides an important understanding for the ways in which one Latinx group encounters the United States racial system.
A prospective study of the association of cerebrospinal fluid monoamine metabolite levels with lethality of suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVES Bipolar disorder is a severe illness that is associated with suicidal behavior. A biological predictor of highly lethal suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder would be valuable. We hypothesized that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) monoamine metabolite levels are related to lethality of suicide attempts in bipolar patients and examined the relation between CSF 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) levels and maximum lethality of suicide attempts at baseline and during a 2-year follow up. METHODS Twenty-seven bipolar depressed patients participated in the study. Demographic and clinical parameters were examined and recorded. Lumbar punctures were performed and CSF 5-HIAA, HVA, and MHPG were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Following discharge, patients were evaluated after 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Each follow-up interview included an in-depth assessment of suicidal behavior during the intervening time period. RESULTS Six subjects made suicide attempts during the 2-year follow-up. Bipolar patients who attempted suicide during the follow-up period had higher aggression and hostility scale scores compared to bipolar subjects who did not make a suicide attempt during the follow-up period. CSF 5-HIAA, HVA, and MHPG levels were negatively correlated with the maximum lethality of suicide attempts during the 2-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Our finding is the first observation that CSF monoamine metabolite levels may be predictors of lethality of suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder. Further studies are necessary to answer the question whether CSF monoamine metabolite levels are clinically useful biochemical predictors of highly lethal suicide attempts or completed suicides.