Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Testing of Hysteresis in Unemployment

Traditional approaches for testing and describing of hysteresis hypothesis are based on unit root tests and on various specifications of the Phillips curve. From this point of view, suggestions about roots of hysteresis phenomenon are related mainly to the process of a wage setting within the frame of the Insider-Outsider model. In this contribution, a little more general wage bargaining model is presented. From the theoretical point of view, we are able to decide whether hysteresis effect is the rule rather than the exception. Using macroeconomic data of the Czech Republic, parameters of this model are estimated and compared with empirical results within the framework of traditional approaches. Conclusions about the patterns of Czech unemployment are made.
Demonetization of Indian Economy: Philosophical Critics

What is money? Is it only a medium of exchange simply? Is “money” absent in the barter system? Is it an instrument of settlement of payment only or is it an instrument to store value for future consumption or to facilitate future transaction or exchange value for completion of the underlying the transaction? Is it not an instrument to exercise authority or to transform value from one form to another form or to redistribute the power to transact over time? Is it an authoritarian concept or pluralistic one? The connotation “money”, however, has different meanings in the orthodox vis-a-vis heterodox philosophy of economics. In the philosophy of orthodox economics, the money is described within the framework of "rationality–individualism–equilibrium” nexus while that in the heterodox philosophy, it is within the “institutions–history–social structure” nexus. The study critically views both the concepts with the philosophical perspectives and reviews the state theory of money (STM) and the modern theory of money (MTM). The study employs implicit learning and tacit knowledge methodology and explores them theoretically and holistically concludes with the reference to recent demonetisation in India.
PROGRESS TOWARDS A REVOLUTE-JOINT ROBOT FOR THE PRECISION POSITIONING OF MATERIAL SAMPLES OR AN X-RAY DETECTOR

At the Advanced Photon Source (APS), the desire to combine sample handling, sample positioning or goniometer functionality into one piece of equipment has provided the impetus for the development of a precision six degree-of-freedom robot with approximately 2 μm dynamic positioning uncertainty. This specification is driven by the need for a positioning uncertainty that should be 10 to 20 percent of possible x-ray detector resolution. Six-degree-of-freedom robots with 20 μm static positioning uncertainty are presently used at the APS in sample-changing applications. A history of these existing APS robotic sample-handling systems will be presented, along with discussion concerning the theoretical, computational and experimental issues associated with the design of a sample or detector manipulator with high trajectory precision. A computational model being developed is intended to capture the unique dynamics associated with the robot harmonic drive gearboxes. Incorporation of an accurate harmonic drive model into a multibody model is a novel approach to completely capturing the robot dynamics. The dynamic representation of the multibody model allows it to be used as a design tool and incorporated into a control architecture for use in the next-generation multi-degree-of-freedom manipulators for use on synchrotron beamlines. The successful operation of a multi-degree-of-freedom sample manipulator will represent a new paradigm in x-ray experimental sample positioning.
Using Humanoid Robot to Instruct and Evaluate Performance of a Physical Task

In this paper, we present a tool to assess users ability to change tasks. To do this, we use a variation of the Box and Blocks Test. In this version, a humanoid robot instructs a user to perform a task involving the movement of certain colored blocks. The robot changes randomly change the color of blocks that the user is supposed to move. Canny Edge Detection and Hough Transformation are used to assess user perform the robot's built-in camera. This will allow the robot to inform the user and keep a log of their progress. We present this method for monitoring user progress by describing how the moved blocks are detected. We also present the results of a pilot study where users used this system to perform the task. Preliminary results show that users do not perform differently when the task is changed in this scenario.
Analysis on the Magnetic Force Characteristics of Segmented Magnet Used in Large Permanent-Magnet Wind Power Generator

It is important to increase the production efficiency of large wind power generators. Because magnet segmentation reduces the size of each magnet, the segmented magnets can be fabricated relatively easily. It also features the advantages of reducing the cogging torque and improving the efficiency of permanent-magnet machines by decreasing the eddy-current loss. Despite this benefit, a disadvantage exists as the side segmented magnets could be detached from the rotor because of the magnetic force between the magnets, such as the attractive force or repulsive force. Hence, in this study, we will analyze the characteristics of the magnetic force acting on the segmented magnets and predict the events they can possibly cause.
The Inhibitory Effect of Ginger Extract on Ovarian Cancer Cell Line; Application of Systems Biology

Purpose: Ginger is a natural compound with anti-cancer properties. The effects of ginger and its mechanism on ovarian cancer and its cell line model, SKOV-3, are unclear. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of ginger extract on SKOV-3. Methods: SKOV-3 cells were incubated with ginger extract for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Cell toxicity assay was performed. Different data mining algorithms were applied to highlight the most important features contributing to ginger inhibition on the SKOV-3 cell proliferation. Moreover, Real-Time PCR was performed to assay p53, p21 and bcl-2 genes expression. For co-expression meta-analysis of p53, mutual ranking (MR) index and transformation to Z-values (Z distribution) were applied on available transcriptome data in NCBI GEO data repository. Results: The ginger extract significantly inhibited cancer growth in ovarian cancer cell line. The most important attribute was 60 µg/ml concentration which received weights higher than 0.50, 0.75 and 0.95 by 90%, 80% and 50% of feature selection models, respectively. The expression level of p53 was increased sharply in response to ginger treatment. Systems biology analysis and meta-analysis of deposited expression value in NCBI based on rank of correlation and Z-transformation approach unraveled the key co-expressed genes and co-expressed network of P53, as the key transcription factor induced by ginger extract. High co-expression between P53 and the other apoptosis-inducing proteins such as CASP2 and DEDD was noticeable, suggesting the molecular mechanism underpinning of ginger action. Conclusion: We found that the ginger extract has anticancer properties through p53 pathway to induce apoptosis.
Three-Dimensional Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship and Comparative Molecular Field Analysis of Dipeptide Hydroxamic Acid Helicobacter pylori Urease Inhibitors

ABSTRACT A homology model of Helicobacter pylori urease was developed by using the crystal structure of urease from Klebsiella aerogenes (EC 3.5.1.5) as a template. The acetohydroxamic acid moiety was docked into the active pocket of the enzyme model, followed by relaxation of the complex by use of molecular dynamics. The resulting conformation was used as a template to construct 24 potential dipeptide hydroxamic acid inhibitors with which comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) was performed. The resulting model provided a cross-validation correlation coefficient (q2L00) of 0.610, a conventional r2 value of 0.988, and an F (Fisher indication of statistical significance) value of 294.88. We were able to validate the CoMFA model by using the 50% inhibitory concentrations of six compounds that were not included in the construction of the model. A very good structural correlation was observed between the amino acids in the model urease's active pocket and the contour maps derived from the CoMFA model. This correlation, accompanied by the validation supplied by use of the CoMFA data, illustrates that the model can aid in the prediction and design of novel H. pylori urease inhibitors.
Proteomic and functional characterization of endogenous adiponectin purified from fetal bovine serum

Adiponectin is a plasma protein exclusively secreted from fat tissue. Many recent pharmacological studies suggest that recombinant adiponectin has multiple therapeutic potentials for obesity‐related metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. However, the physiological relevance of these findings remains to be further established. In the present study, we have purified endogenous adiponectin from fetal bovine serum and characterized its post‐translational modifications and physiological functions in animal models. Endogenous bovine serum adiponectin consists predominantly of full‐length proteins that form multiple oligomeric complexes, including trimers, hexamers and higher molecular species. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that bovine serum adiponectin exists as multiple post‐translationally modified isoforms with distinct molecular weight and isolectric point. Further analysis using mass spectrometry and Edman degradation sequencing demonstrated that five conserved lysine residues (Lys 28, 60, 63, 72 and 96) within the collagenous domain of bovine adiponectin are hydroxylated and glycosylated by a glucosylα(1–2)galactosyl group. Injection of endogenous bovine adiponectin into C57 mice potently decreased circulating glucose levels and enhanced lipid clearance after a high fat meal. Chronic administration of this protein for a period of two weeks significantly increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, and depleted hepatic lipid accumulation in high‐fat fed mice. These results provide direct evidence that endogenous bovine adiponectin is a physiological hormone that can regulate lipid and glucose metabolism.
Regional actorness and interregional relations: ASEAN, the EU and Mercosur

Abstract The European Union (EU) has a long tradition of interregional dialogue mechanisms with other regional organisations and is using these relations to project its own model of institutionalised actorness. This is partly motivated by the emerging actorness of the EU itself, which benefits from fostering capable regional counterparts in other parts of the world. This article advances the argument that actorness, which we conceptualise in terms of institutions, recognition and identity, is a relational concept, dependent on context and perception. Taking the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Common Market of the South (Mercosur) and their relations with the EU as case studies, this article demonstrates that the actorness capabilities of all three organisations have been enhanced as result of ASEAN-EU and Mercosur-EU relations. However, there are clear limits to the development of the three components of regional actorness and to the interregional relations themselves. While there is evidence of institutional enhancement in ASEAN and Mercosur, these formal changes have been grafted on top of firmly entrenched normative underpinnings. The formation of different identities and institutional capacities has narrowed the scope of EU interregionalism despite the initial success of improved regional actorness.
Long-term effects of conservative treatment of Milwaukee brace on body image and mental health of patients with idiopathic scoliosis

We aimed to provide a complex assessment of adult females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) after a minimum of 23 years after completed Milwaukee brace treatment. In the present study, a comparison between healthy female and AIS patients’ perception of trunk disfigurement, self-image, mental health, pain level and everyday activity was made. Thirty AIS patients with a mean of 27.77 yrs (SD 3.30) after the treatment were included in the study. The control group consisted of 42 females, matching the age profile of the patient group. Study participants from both groups were examined using the same protocol, except for the radiological evaluation. Patients and healthy controls completed the Polish versions of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22) and Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ). Patients additionally filled the Bad Sobberheim Stress Questionnaire-Deformity (BSSQ-Deformity) and Bad Sobberheim Stress Questionnaire-Brace (BSSQ-Brace). The study group’s SAQ results differ significantly in regard to the total score and all individual domains, indicating better functioning among healthy controls. Except for the General domain (p = 0.002), among the remaining subscales the study group’s results differed significantly at p<0.001. Considering SRS-22 results, it was revealed that the patient group scored higher, signaling better functioning with reference to pain level (p = 0.016), function/activity (p<0.001) and the total score (p<0.001). The findings add to the complexity of long-term effect evaluations of AIS, particularly amongst females treated with a Milwaukee brace. Long-term results were not conclusive in terms of nonverbal assessment of body image and emotional tension regarding the experiences of brace-wearing. Future patients can be reassured that scoliosis treated conservatively does not negatively affect everyday activity, pain level, childbearing and mental health. Subjects who declared to have psychological problems due to scoliosis had a bigger curve size after treatment and in this study than the other AIS patients.
Ascertaining the competitiveness of Thai exports to PRC

Purpose This study aims to fundamentally focus on the comparative advantage measurement and the trend of change in the international competitiveness of five Thai economic products exporting to the People’s Republic of China during the first half of the 2010s via the analysis of the revealed comparative advantage (RCA) index and market share. Design/methodology/approach The RCA index has been computed to show the comparative advantages of the product to a certain extent: whether it is cost-effective to produce that product in a certain location compared to opportunity cost of the resources in producing that product. The data set of number and value of five important export products from Thailand to China during 2010-2013 has been obtained from the Thai Ministry of Commerce and Thai-Chinese Business Information Centre. Findings The study reveals that of these five important economic products, cassava has the highest comparative advantage and continues to have a rapid growth trend, whilst computer equipment and components have been shown to have comparative disadvantage and the lowest comparative advantage index scores. Research limitations/implications Measuring with various sophisticated indices may provide clearer results. Also, according to unavailability of data set, the four-year period may not be able to show the long-term trend of competitiveness. Future studies are encouraged to study in the longer-term period with numerous indices. Practical implications The research also provides policy implications and measures to develop each sector to enhance competitiveness. Originality/value This is the original attempt to use both indices to assess the competitiveness of important Thai exports to the Chinese market.
Does a therapeutic conversation intervention in an acute paediatric setting make a difference for families of children with bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To measure the benefit of a short-family therapeutic conversation (STC) intervention in an acute paediatric unit. BACKGROUND Studies of children with bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have shown that this virus may have an impact on their respiratory system in the form of a wheezing disorder, asthma and even allergy during their childhood. Studies of the parents of these children indicate that they experience distress, vulnerability and anxiety through the illness period and therefore need support from healthcare professionals. However, little is known about what intervention is of most benefit for these parents. DESIGN Quasi-experimental. METHOD Data were collected from a convenience sample from February throughout April 2009 at an acute unit at a children's hospital in Iceland. Parents of infants diagnosed with bronchiolitis caused by RSV were invited to attend. In total, there are 41 participants: 21 in the intervention group (n = 21) and 20 in the control group (n = 20). Parents in both groups answered questionnaires about perceived support and family expressive functioning both before the intervention and on an average of 11 days after the intervention. RESULTS The main findings showed that mothers in the intervention group perceive significantly higher support after the intervention compared with the control group. The findings also showed a significant difference between the genders (mothers and fathers) in the intervention group. The mothers perceived higher cognitive support than the fathers. CONCLUSIONS Despite the often chaotic environment in an acute care setting, the research findings give paediatric nurses reason to conclude that a STC intervention benefits mothers of infants with bronchiolitis caused by RSV. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE A STC intervention offered by a nurse within an acute paediatric unit can support families in handling the illness experience.
Efficient Isolation of Wild Strains of Canine Distemper Virus in Vero Cells Expressing Canine SLAM (CD150) and Their Adaptability to Marmoset B95a Cells

ABSTRACT We have previously shown that canine signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM; also known as CD150) acts as a cellular receptor for canine distemper virus (CDV). In this study, we established Vero cells stably expressing canine SLAM (Vero.DogSLAMtag cells). Viruses were isolated in Vero.DogSLAMtag cells one day after inoculation with spleen samples from five out of seven dogs with distemper. By contrast, virus isolation with reportedly sensitive marmoset B95a cells was only successful from three diseased animals at 7 to 10 days after inoculation, and no virus was recovered from any dogs when Vero cells were used for isolation. The CDV strain isolated in Vero.DogSLAMtag cells did not cause cytopathic effects in B95a and human SLAM-expressing Vero cells, whereas the strain isolated in B95a cells from the same dog did so in canine or human SLAM-expressing Vero cells as well as B95a cells. There were two amino acid differences in the hemagglutinin sequence between these strains. Cell fusion analysis after expression of envelope proteins and vesicular stomatitis virus pseudotype assay showed that their hemagglutinins were responsible for the difference in cell tropism between them. Site-directed mutagenesis indicated that glutamic acid to lysine substitution at position 530 of the hemagglutinin was required for the adaptation to the usage of marmoset SLAM. Our results indicate that Vero cells stably expressing canine SLAM are highly sensitive to CDV in clinical specimens and that only a single amino acid substitution in the hemagglutinin can allow the virus to adapt to marmoset SLAM.
Characterization of [FeFe] Hydrogenase O2 Sensitivity Using a New, Physiological Approach*

[FeFe] hydrogenases catalyze rapid H2 production but are highly O2-sensitive. Developing O2-tolerant enzymes is needed for sustainable H2 production technologies, but the lack of a quantitative and predictive assay for O2 tolerance has impeded progress. We describe a new approach to provide quantitative assessment of O2 sensitivity by using an assay employing ferredoxin NADP+ reductase (FNR) to transfer electrons from NADPH to hydrogenase via ferredoxins (Fd). Hydrogenase inactivation is measured during H2 production in an O2-containing environment. An alternative assay uses dithionite (DTH) to provide reduced Fd. This second assay measures the remaining hydrogenase activity in periodic samples taken from the NADPH-driven reaction solutions. The second assay validates the more convenient NADPH-driven assay, which better mimics physiological conditions. During development of the NADPH-driven assay and while characterizing the Clostridium pasteurianum (Cp) [FeFe] hydrogenase, CpI, we detected significant rates of direct electron loss from reduced Fd to O2. However, this loss does not interfere with measurement of first order hydrogenase inactivation, providing rate constants insensitive to initial hydrogenase concentration. We show increased activity and O2 tolerance for a protein fusion between Cp ferredoxin (CpFd) and CpI mediated by a 15-amino acid linker but not for a longer linker. We suggest that this precise, solution phase assay for [FeFe] hydrogenase O2 sensitivity and the insights we provide constitute an important advance toward the discovery of the O2-tolerant [FeFe] hydrogenases required for photosynthetic, biological H2 production.
Development and elimination of presynaptic elements on polylysine‐coated beads implanted in neonatal rat cerebellum

Polylysine‐coated sepharose beads were implanted in the cerebellum of neonatal rats and examined at 3 hr, 3 days, 14 days, and 21 days after surgery. Previous studies at 5 or 8 days after implantation showed that axons formed neuronal swellings that appeared to be presynaptic elements, with the bead surface in the position of a postsynaptic element. Results reported here show that no beads at 3 hr had presynaptic elements, whereas the number of beads with presynaptic elements increased to high levels at 3 and 7 days but dropped to low values at 14 and 21 days after implantation. Presynaptic elements were seen on beads regard less of their distance from cerebellar tissue except at 3 hr, when no axons were seen in the implant, indicating that axons first grew into the implant and then formed presynaptic elements. The morphological measurements of presynaptic elements on beads at 3 to 7 days after implantation showed increases in area and number of synaptic vesicles, which then decreased at 14 and 21 days after implantation.
Characterization of Oral Yersinia enterocolitica Infection in Three Different Strains of Inbred Mice

ABSTRACT Several studies have highlighted differences in the resistances of various mouse strains to intravenous (i.v.) infection with Yersinia enterocolitica. In particular, differences in resistance and immunological response between BALB/c and C57BL/6 mouse strains have been determined. Following i.v infection, C57BL/6 mice are more resistant to Y. enterocolitica than are BALB/c mice. However, because Y. enterocolitica is typically a food-borne pathogen, the oral route of infection more accurately reflects the natural route of infection. Therefore, it was of interest to ascertain if the differences in resistance between mouse strains observed for an i.v. infection can be recapitulated following an oral infection. C57BL/6j, BALB/cj, and 129X1/Svj mouse strains presented no differences in 50% lethal dose (LD50) following oral infection with Y. enterocolitica. Subsequent analysis of cytokine levels, bacterial colonization and immune cell populations following oral infection confirmed characteristics previously described following i.v. Y. enterocolitica infection. All tissues analyzed from each mouse strain demonstrated a polarized Th1 cytokine profile and inflammatory cell influx throughout a 7-day course of infection. This immune response was present in all tissues and increased as bacterial colonization progressed. The lack of a differing LD50 phenotype and common trends in immunological response among the three mouse strains tested suggests that oral infection is a useful model for studying the host response to Y. enterocolitica infection.