Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Quality of Union Budgets: Need to Go beyond the Deficit Measures

In the run-up to Union Budget 2016–2017, a major difference of opinion emerged within the Union Government over adherence to fiscal consolidation vis-à-vis maintaining adequate expenditure allocation for essential services, such as health, education and infrastructure development (Business Standard, 2016). As the budget document was unveiled, it was clear from the deficit targets met (and sought to be met in the future) that the government did not deviate from its commitments towards fiscal consolidation. These deficit targets, however, provide limited understanding of the overall ‘quality’ of expenditure and receipts of the government. In order to comprehend the overall picture and quantify this qualitative aspect, there is a need to go beyond the conventional measures of deficit. This article discusses the concept, meaning and usage of the various measures of deficits in order to, first, highlight their limitations in understanding the overall quality of budgets and, second, make a case for creation of a ‘composite index’ to reflect the broad quality and composition of budgets. A modest attempt has also been made in this article to evaluate the Union Budgets of the recent years on the basis of one such index developed by Bhide and Panda (2002). Results provide concrete evidence of a discernible improvement in the quality of budgets in the past few years.
Building Capacity for Collective Action to Address Population Health Improvement Through Communities of Practice: A Distance-Based Education Pilot

Improving population health requires a comprehensive array of interventions across individual, organizational, and community levels. Integrating primary care and public health strategies through partnerships is one type of intervention. Workforce development can facilitate this type of integration; however, models and modalities of workforce training primarily focus on individual skill building and may not build the capacity needed for collective action. A collaborative and strategic learning approach, communities of practice, fosters primary care and public health integration to address population health. A Health Resources and Services Administration–funded multistate regional Public Health Training Center (PHTC), the Great Lakes PHTC, undertook an action learning process to develop and pilot a workforce development initiative to promote ongoing learning toward shared goals. Great Lakes PHTC facilitated 11 discussions throughout the region with a total of 100 participants from primary care and governmental public health communities to better understand perceptions, gaps, barriers, and opportunities for integration and training. Findings indicated that a regional, coordinated model to workforce development provided a process for improved, ongoing learning that uncovered gaps in adapting distance-based approaches that can be addressed in future programming efforts. In addition, the process revealed that addressing population health issues through integrated partnerships requires training beyond content and discipline that incorporates multiple modalities and models.
Connective tissue growth factor/CCN2 stimulates actin disassembly through Akt/protein kinase B‐mediated phosphorylation and cytoplasmic translocation of p27Kip‐1

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/ CCN2) is a 38‐kDa secreted protein, a prototypic member of the CCN family, which is up‐regulated in many diseases, including atherosclerosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and diabetic nephropathy. We previously showed that CTGF can cause actin disassembly with concurrent down‐regulation of the small GTPase Rho A and proposed an integrated signaling network connecting focal adhesion dissolution and actin disassembly with cell polarization and migration. Here, we further delineate the role of CTGF in cell migration and actin disassembly in human mesangial cells, a primary target in the development of renal glomerulosclerosis. The functional response of mesangial cells to treatment with CTGF was associated with the phosphorylation of Akt/ protein kinase B (PKB) and resultant phosphorylation of a number of Akt/PKB substrates. Two of these substrates were identified as FKHR and p27Kip‐1. CTGF stimulated the phosphorylation and cytoplasmic translocation of p27Kip‐1 on serine 10. Addition of the PI‐3 kinase inhibitor LY294002 abrogated this response; moreover, addition of the Akt/PKB inhibitor interleu‐kin (IL)‐6‐hydroxymethyl‐chiro‐inositol‐2(R)‐2‐methyl‐3‐O‐octadecylcarbonate prevented p27Kip‐1 phosphorylation in response to CTGF. Immunocytochemistry revealed that serine 10 phosphorylated p27Kip‐1 colocalized with the ends of actin filaments in cells treated with CTGF. Further investigation of other Akt/PKB sites on p27Kip‐1, revealed that phosphorylation on threonine 157 was necessary for CTGF mediated p27Kip‐1 cyto‐plasmic localization; mutation of the threonine 157 site prevented cytoplasmic localization, protected against actin disassembly and inhibited cell migration. CTGF also stimulated an increased association between Rho A and p27Kip‐1. Interestingly, this resulted in an increase in phosphorylation of LIM kinase and subsequent phosphorylation of cofilin, suggesting that CTGF mediated p27Kip‐1 activation results in uncoupling of the Rho A/LIM kinase/cofilin pathway. Confirming the central role of Akt/PKB, CTGF‐stimulated actin depolymerization only in wild‐type mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) compared to Akt‐1/3 (PKB α/γ) knockout MEFs. These data reveal important mechanistic insights into how CTGF may contribute to mesangial cell dysfunction in the diabetic milieu and sheds new light on the proposed role of p27Kip‐1 as a mediator of actin rearrangement. —Crean, J. K. , Furlong, F. , Mitchell, D. , McArdle E. , Godson, C. , and Martin, F. Connective tissue growth factor/CCN2 stimulates actin disassembly through Akt/protein kinase B‐mediated phosphorylation and cytoplasmic translocation of p27Kip‐1. FASEB J. 20, E1037‐E1048 (2006)
Determinants of Postinfarction Ventricular Tachycardia

Background—Structural factors contributing to the development of postinfarction ventricular tachycardia (VT) are unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze infarct architecture and electrogram characteristics in patients with and without inducible VT and to identify correlates of postinfarction VT. Methods and Results—Twenty-four postinfarction patients (median age, 64 [53, 70] years) were referred for radiofrequency catheter ablation of VT (n=12) or frequent symptomatic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) (n=12). Delayed-enhanced (DE) MRI was obtained before ablation. Electroanatomical mapping was performed and scar area and electrogram characteristics of the scar tissue compared in patients with and without inducible VT.The median ejection fraction in patients with and without inducible VT was 27% (22%, 43%) and 43% (40%, 47%), respectively (P=0.085). Subendocardial infarct area determined by DE-MRI was larger in patients with inducible VT (43 [38, 62] cm2) than in those with noninducible VT (8 [4, 11] cm2; P=0.002), and unipolar and bipolar voltages on electroanatomical maps were significantly lower in patients with inducible VT (both P<0.05). An infarct volume of >14% identified 11 of 12 patients with inducible VT (area under the curve, 0.94; P=0.007). On electroanatomical mapping, distinct sites with isolated potentials (IPs) were more prevalent in patients with inducible VT than in those without (13.2% versus 1.1% of points within scar; P<0.001). The number of inducible VTs correlated with the number of distinct sites with IPs (R=0.87; P<0.0001). Conclusions—Scar tissue in postinfarction patients with inducible VT shows quantitative and qualitative differences from scars in patients without inducible VT. Scar size and IPs are correlated with VT inducibility.
Exploring Physical Activity and Screen-Viewing Policies in Canadian Childcare Centres

This study aimed to explore the presence and characteristics of physical activity and screen-viewing regulations in Canadian childcare centres. Using a modified version of the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation Self-Report tool (EPAO-SR), an online survey was distributed to childcare directors/administrators. A total of 1,290 childcare representatives accessed the survey, 514 provided complete data. Of these, 295 (44%) centres indicated having a written physical activity policy (with the majority regulated at the provincial-level). Characteristics of these policies included amount of time: spent outdoors (395; 63%); in teacher-led active play (101; 16%); and physical activity education for children (91; 16%). Additionally, 178 (29%) reported a written policy regarding screen-viewing pursuits. Collectively, physical activity and screenviewing policies in childcare were not common in Canada. An opportunity exists for Canada to advance practice by adopting proactive approaches to encouraging young children to be active.
Combination of Blood-Saving Methods Decreases Homologous Blood Requirements in Scoliosis Surgery

A study was conducted in patients undergoing surgery for idiopathic scoliosis, to determine whether combining blood-saving methods would decrease the need for homologous blood. Five groups were compared in a prospective, randomized fashion. In control patients (n=13), blood loss was replaced by colloids. Preoperative haemodilution (PHD group) was used in ten patients. In the intraoperative autotransfusion (IAT) group (n=11), washed red cells were returned to the patient. In the PHD+IAT group, both methods were combined (n=13). In the fifth group, in addition, arterial hypotension was maintained with sodium nitroprusside (the PHD+IAT+HA group, n=10). The haemoglobin value was kept above 79 g/l. Total blood loss did not differ between groups. The use of homologous blood in the PHD+IAT and PHD+IAT+HA groups was significantly less than in controls. It is concluded that blood-saving measures can be combined with an augmentative effect.
The human polyomavirus BK: Potential role in cancer

In human cancer, a role has been suggested for the human polyomavirus BK, primarily associated with tubulointerstitial nephritis and ureteric stenosis in renal transplant recipients, and with hemorrhagic cystitis in bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients. After the initial infection, primarily unapparent and without clinical signs, the virus disseminates and establishes a persistent infection in the urinary tract and lymphocytes. There is correlative evidence regarding potential role of polyomavirus BK in cancer. In fact, the BK virus (BKV) DNA (complete genome and/or subgenomic fragments containing the early region) is able to transform embryonic fibroblasts and cells cultured from kidney and brain of hamster, mouse, rat, rabbit, and monkey. Nevertheless, transformation of human cells by BKV is inefficient and often abortive. Evidence supporting a possible role for BKV in human cancer has accumulated slowly in recent years, after the advent of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). BKV is known to commonly establish persistent infections in people and to be excreted in the urine by individuals who are asymptomatic, complicating the evaluation of its potential role in development of human cancer. Therefore, there is no certain proof that human polyomavirus BK directly causes the cancer in humans or acts as a cofactor in the pathogenesis of some types of human cancer. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic role of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

The prognostic role of inflammation index like neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. We conduct a meta‐analysis to determine the predictable value of NLR in the clinical outcome of CRC patients. The analysis was carried out based on the data from 16 studies (19 cohorts) to evaluate the association between NLR and overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) in patients with CRC. In addition, the relationship between NLR and clinicopathological parameters was assessed. Hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as the effect size estimate. Our analysis results indicated that elevated pretreatment NLR predicted poorer OS (HR: 1.813, 95% CI: 1.499–2.193) and PFS (HR: 2.102, 95% CI: 1.554–2.843) in patients with CRC. Increased NLR is also significantly associated with the poorer differentiation of the tumor (OR: 1.574, 95% CI: 1.226–2.022) and higher carcino‐embryonie antigen (CEA) level (OR: 1.493, 95% CI: 1.308–1.705). By these results, we conclude that NLR gains a prognostic value for patients with CRC. NLR should be monitored in CRC patients for rational stratification of the patients and adjusting the treatment strategy.
The WHO Recommendations on the Marketing of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages to Children

Over the last 20 years, unequivocal evidence has accumulated that the marketing of unhealthy food influences children’s preferences, purchase requests and consumption patterns. This is particularly problematic in a world where the number of overweight or obese infants and young children (aged 0 to 5 years) in the world increased from 32 million in 1990 to 42 million in 2013. As part of the strategy to reverse global childhood obesity trends, the then 193 States of the World Health Assembly (WHA) unanimously endorsed a set of WHO recommendations on food marketing to children through Resolution WHA 63.14 in May 2010. The Recommendations, which are evidence-based, clearly acknowledge the relationship between food marketing and childhood obesity and urge Member States to restrict the marketing to children of unhealthy food, including non-alcoholic beverages. However, seven years after the adoption of the Recommendations and despite repeated calls from the international community, Member States have been relatively slow in implementing them. This contribution sets the scene for this edited collection and provides the background for the papers which follow. After briefly presenting the genesis of the Recommendations (II), it highlights some key considerations that Member States are urged to bear in mind when regulating unhealthy food marketing to children (III). It concludes with their limited implementation by Member States, despite the growing consensus at global level that the Recommendations should be implemented as part of effective childhood obesity prevention strategies (IV).
An international integration history of the Zagreb Stock Exchange

We investigate stock market co-movements among the Croatian and several other markets (in the US, UK, Germany, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary) in the period from 3 September 1997 to 19 August 2016 with dynamic correlation coefficient models. This allows us to analyse long-term trends of the international financial integration of the Zagreb Stock Exchange in the last two decades as well as the separate impacts of major events that influenced financial markets during that period. Our results imply a relatively low level of international financial integration of the Croatian stock market, but some convergence in co-movement with the analysed markets over time is present. The strongest market co-movement is related to the subprime mortgage crisis, and EU accession seems to have made Croatian international integration less segmented.
The effect of long term oestradiol implantation on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women who have undergone hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy

Twelve women who had received oestradiol implantation on demand for at least 15 years following hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy, underwent bone densitometry of hip and spine. Bone mass of hip and spine was significantly elevated above that of both the age matched mean to a degree hitherto undocumented. This suggests that oestrogen in high doses or over a long period may produce a true anabolic effect on bone mass.
EVALUATING ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF LOCATION-BASED SERVICES

In recent years, mobile device and mobile network usage have been rapidly growing. Location-based services (LBS), in particular, have become an indispensable aspect of future mobile commerce. In order to develop a model for the antecedents and consequences of LBS, this study used questionnaires to collect survey data. Analysis of this data occurred through the structural equation model (SEM). The data show that service function, media richness, and personalization of LBS help to generate value in LBS. This study concludes that LBS obtain their value through the “3Rs” of relevance, reliability, and recreation. The 3R values enhance users’ customer engagement, purchase intention, and functional alternatives. Overall, recreation is the most influential value, with media richness being the key element of this value. These findings can help LBS research, as well as LBS providers and marketers, in discovering a more tactical approach. To cite this document: I-Ping Chiang and Ching-Hsiang Chen, "Evaluating antecedents and consequences of location-based services", International Journal of Electronic Commerce Studies, Vol.8, No.1, pp.47-76, 2017. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi. org/10.7903/ijecs.1374
Pulmonary vasodilation with structurally altered pulmonary vessels and pulmonary hypertension.

To evaluate pulmonary vasodilation in a structurally altered pulmonary vascular bed, we gave endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine) and endothelium-independent [sodium nitroprusside, prostaglandin I2 (PGI2)] vasodilators in vivo and to isolated lobar pulmonary arteries from neonatal calves with severe pulmonary hypertension. Acetylcholine, administered by pulmonary artery infusion, decreased pulmonary arterial pressure from 120 +/- 7 to 71 +/- 6 mmHg and total pulmonary resistance from 29.4 +/- 2.6 to 10.4 +/- 0.9 mmHg.l-1.min without changing systemic arterial pressure (90 +/- 5 mmHg). Although both sodium nitroprusside and PGI2 lowered pulmonary arterial pressure to 86 +/- 4 and 96 +/- 4 mmHg, respectively, they also decreased systemic arterial pressure to 65 +/- 4 and 74 +/- 3 mmHg, respectively. Neither sodium nitroprusside nor PGI2 was as effective as acetylcholine at lowering total pulmonary resistance (18.0 +/- 3.6 and 19.1 +/- 2.2 mmHg.l-1.min, respectively). Right-to-left cardiac shunt through the foramen ovale was decreased by acetylcholine from 1.6 +/- 0.4 to 0.1 +/- 0.2 l/min but was not changed by sodium nitroprusside or PGI2. Isolated lobar pulmonary arteries from pulmonary hypertensive calves did not relax in response to acetylcholine, whereas isolated pulmonary arteries from age-matched control calves did relax in response to acetylcholine. Control and pulmonary hypertensive lobar pulmonary arteries relaxed equally well in response to sodium nitroprusside. We concluded that acetylcholine vasodilation was impaired in vitro in isolated lobar pulmonary arteries but was enhanced in vivo in resistance pulmonary arteries in neonatal calves with pulmonary hypertension.
Fetal nutrition in lecithotrophic squamate reptiles: Toward a comprehensive model for evolution of viviparity and placentation

The primary pattern of embryonic nutrition for squamate reptiles is lecithotrophy; with few exceptions, all squamate embryos mobilize nutrients from yolk. The evolution of viviparity presents an opportunity for an additional source of embryonic nutrition through delivery of uterine secretions, or placentotrophy. This pattern of embryonic nutrition is thought to evolve through placental supplementation of lecithotrophy, followed by increasing dependence on placentotrophy. This review analyzes the relationship between reproductive mode and pattern of embryonic nutrition in three lecithotrophic viviparous species, and oviparous counterparts, for concordance with a current model for the evolution of viviparity and placentation. The assumptions of the model, that nutrients for oviparous embryos are mobilized from yolk, and that this source is not disrupted in the transition to viviparity, are supported for most nutrients. In contrast, calcium, an essential nutrient for embryonic development, is mobilized from both yolk and eggshell by oviparous embryos and reduction of eggshell calcium is correlated with viviparity. If embryonic fitness is compromised by disruption of a primary source of calcium, selection may not favor evolution of viviparity, yet viviparity has arisen independently in numerous squamate lineages. Studies of fetal nutrition in reproductively bimodal species suggest a resolution to this paradox. If uterine calcium secretion occurs during prolonged intrauterine egg retention, calcium placentotrophy evolves prior to viviparity as a replacement for eggshell calcium and embryonic nutrition will not be compromised. This hypothesis is integrated into the current model for evolution of viviparity and placentation to address the unique attributes of calcium nutrition. The sequence of events requires a shift in timing of uterine calcium secretion and the embryonic mechanism of calcium retrieval to be responsive to calcium availability. Regulation of uterine calcium secretion and the mechanism of embryonic uptake of calcium are important elements to understanding evolution of viviparity and placentation. J. Morphol. , 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dual-mode control of cascade buck-boost PFC converter

This paper proposes a simple and effective control method for unity-power-factor rectifiers based on cascade buck-boost (CBB) converter. The proposed "dual-mode" control method effectively exploits the additional degree of control freedom provided by the CBB converter and achieves sinusoidal input current while providing a tight output voltage regulation. In addition, the control method also de-couples the output voltage control loop from the often-slow input-current-reference generator, resulting in excellent output voltage dynamic response. The theoretical analysis, choice of circuit elements, and the applicable range of operating conditions of the proposed control scheme are also presented in the paper. Excellent steady-state and transient performance of the converter are demonstrated through simulation and experimental results. A qualitative comparison of the converter performance with the popular PFC converters has also been done.
A Model to Enhance Students Intention to Adopt and use Mobile Learning in Ugandan Universities

M-learning systems have become the order of the day for universities in countries like Uganda to conduct studies to their students. The main attention towards M-learning is the increase in the number of mobile devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, Smart Phones, laptops, and iPads as well as enhancements in the technological capabilities of these devices. The purpose of this study was to develop a model to enhance studentsâ€™ intention to adopt and use mobile learning. A number of factors have hindered the adoption and use of M-learning. Various solutions have been put forward but they have not adequately addressed the issue of adoption and use of M-learning in Ugandan Universities. In developing countries, M-learning adoption and use is also constrained by lack of information about its requirements. The need therefore remains, to determine requirements and customize existing M-learning adoption models to suit the needs of universities in developing countries.