Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Importance of Fiscal Fundamentals for Sovereign Risk Spread

The chapter examines the importance of fiscal fundamentals for sovereign risk spread in the period of 1995-2015, and its goal is to test whether stronger fiscal discipline reduces sovereign risk premiums. The empirical evidence is based on unbalanced annual panel data of 15 EU countries (its time span is divided into a pre-crisis and a post-crisis period). The study applies the generalized method of moments. Evidence shows that before the financial crisis, investors generally ignored bond risk factors in individual countries, but that the spreads sharply diverged starting from the year 2008. The results confirm a statistically significant impact of fiscal fundamentals on government bond yield spread. The improvement of the governments’ fiscal position reduces sovereign yield spread. In a post-crisis period, findings report the raising of the importance of fiscal variables for spread, and GDP growth became a major determinant of government bond yield spreads, followed by the budget balance and debt development. Importance of Fiscal Fundamentals for Sovereign Risk Spread
Long non-coding RNAs: a rising biotarget in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common gastrointestinal cancer, with a high incidence and high mortality. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the development, invasion and metastasis, early diagnosis, prognosis, the chemoresistance and radioresistance of CRC through interference with mRNA activity, directly combining with proteins to regulate their activity or alter their localization, influencing downstream gene expression by inhibiting RNA polymerase and regulating gene expression as competing endogenous RNAs. Recent progress in next generation sequencing and transcriptome analysis has revealed that tissue and cancer-type specific lncRNAs could be useful prognostic markers. Here, the CRC-associated lncRNAs from recent studies until October 2016 are reviewed and multiple studies that have confirmed CRC-associated lncRNAs are summarized. This review may be helpful in understanding the overall relationships between the lncRNAs involved in CRC.
Comparison of spinal anesthesia dosage based on height and weight versus height alone in patients undergoing elective cesarean section

Background Spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine, typically used for elective and emergency cesarean section, is associated with a significant incidence of hypotension resulting from sympathetic blockade. A variety of dosing regimens have been used to administer spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of hypotension following two different fixed dosing regimens. Methods This was a randomized double-blind clinical trial with a two-sided design, 5% significance level and 80% power. After approval of the hospital ethics review committee, 60 patients were divided randomly into two groups. In one group, the local anesthetic dose was adjusted according to height and weight, and in the other, the dose was adjusted according to height only. Results Sixty women with a singleton pregnancy were included. Of the factors that could affect dose and blood pressure, including age, weight, height, and dose, only height differed between the groups. Mean heart rate was similar between the groups. Hypotension was significantly more frequent with dosage based on height alone than with two-factor dose calculation (56.7% vs. 26.7%; P = 0.018). Conclusions Adjusting the dose of isobaric bupivacaine to a patient's height and weight provides adequate anesthesia for elective cesarean section and is associated with a decreased incidence and severity of maternal hypotension and less use of ephedrine.
Evaluating theories of alcohol-related aggression using observations of young adults in bars.

AIMS The objective of the present study is to evaluate 36 explanations of alcohol-related aggression that have been proposed in the research literature in terms of their relevance to naturally-occurring incidents of aggression involving alcohol. DESIGN The study involved content analysis of descriptions of 105 incidents of aggression. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Bars frequented by young adults. MEASUREMENTS Step-by-step descriptions of incidents of aggression reported by researcher-observers based on 93 nights of observation in bars between midnight and 3 a.m. FINDINGS Some explanations relating to the effects of alcohol (e.g. focused on the present, reduced anxiety about sanctions or danger, heightened emotionality) and the environment (e.g. generally permissive environment, expectation by patrons that aggression will be tolerated) were found to be relevant to most incidents, while other explanations (e.g. crowding, release of pent-up anger) were directly relevant to only a few or no incidents. Incidents involving male-to-male aggression were more likely than incidents involving both males and females to be attributable to expectations, acceptance of aggression, power concerns, male honor and "macho" values. Principal components analysis identified five groupings of explanations: risk-taking effects of alcohol, cognitive impairment from alcohol, hyperemotional effects of alcohol, "macho" subculture, and permissive environment. CONCLUSIONS The findings are consistent with a model of alcohol-related aggression that involves multiple contributing factors including alcohol effects and situational contexts. The greater relevance of certain explanations and the natural groupings of explanations point to directions for future research.
Social Isolation Poststroke: Relationship Between Race/Ethnicity, Depression, and Functional Independence

Abstract Research suggests that individuals recovering from a stroke often experience social isolation, which is linked to increased depressive symptomatology and decreased ability to manage activities of daily living. Research also indicates that different racial and ethnic groups are more adversely affected than whites. This article uses poststroke narratives to explore the relationship between social isolation, depressive symptomatology, and the ability to manage activities of daily living poststroke for white, African American, and Puerto Rican veterans. Findings suggest those who were socially isolated during the first year of poststroke recovery reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and a decreased ability to manage daily activities. Implications for stroke rehabilitation practice are discussed.
Artificial Combined Model Based on Hybrid Nonlinear Neural Network Models and Statistics Linear Models—Research and Application for Wind Speed Forecasting

The use of wind power is rapidly increasing as an important part of power systems, but because of the intermittent and random nature of wind speed, system operators and researchers urgently need to find more reliable methods to forecast wind speed. Through research, it is found that the time series of wind speed demonstrate not only linear features but also nonlinear features. Hence, a combined forecasting model based on an improved cuckoo search algorithm optimizes weight, and several single models—linear model, hybrid nonlinear neural network, and fuzzy forecasting model—are developed in this paper to provide more trend change for time series of wind speed forecasting besides improving the forecasting accuracy. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed model is proved by wind speed data from four wind farm sites and the results are more reliable and accurate than comparison models.
Tyrosine Phosphorylation of Sprouty2 Enhances Its Interaction with c-Cbl and Is Crucial for Its Function*

Mammalian Sprouty (Spry) proteins are now established as receptor tyrosine kinase-induced modulators of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Specifically, hSpry2 inhibits the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway but conversely prolongs activity of the same pathway following epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation, where activated EGF receptors are retained on the cell surface. In this study it is demonstrated that hSpry2 is tyrosine-phosphorylated upon stimulation by either FGFR or EGF and subsequently binds endogenous c-Cbl with high affinity. A conserved motif on hSpry2, together with phosphorylation on tyrosine 55, is required for its enhanced interaction with the SH2-like domain of c-Cbl. A hSpry2 mutant (Y55F) that did not exhibit an enhanced binding with c-Cbl failed to retain EGF receptors on the cell surface. Furthermore, individually mutating hSpry2 residues 52–59 to alanine indicated a tight correlation between their affinity for c-Cbl binding and their inhibition of ERK2 activity in the FGFR pathway. We postulate that tyrosine phosphorylation “activates” hSpry2 by enhancing its interaction with c-Cbl and that this interaction is critical for its physiological function in a signal-specific context.
HIV prevention among injecting drug users: responses in developing and transitional countries.

OBJECTIVE Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection associated with injecting drug use has been reported in at least 98 countries and territories worldwide. There is evidence that new epidemics are emerging in different regions, including Eastern Europe, Latin American, and the eastern Mediterranean. The authors provide a global overview of the situation of HIV infection associated with injecting drug use and responses that have been implemented in various developing and transitional countries. METHODS Although there has been extensive documentation of the extent and nature of of HIV infection associated with injecting drug use in many developed countries and the various interventions implemented in those countries, there is very limited information on the situation in developing and transitional countries. This chapter brings together information from a broad range of sources, including published literature; "gray" or "fugitive" literature; data collected by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP); personal communications; and direct observation by the authors. The authors have traveled extensively to a wide range of developing and transitional countries and have accessed information not readily available to the international research community. RESULTS A wide range of HIV prevention strategies targeting injecting drug users (IDUs) has been implemented in developing countries and countries in transition. Interventions include opioid substitution pharmacotherapy, needle syringe exchange and distribution, condom and bleach distribution, outreach to IDUs, peer education programs, and social network interventions. In some communities, completely new models of intervention and service delivery have developed in response to specific local needs and limitations. CONCLUSIONS Although empirical data may currently be lacking to demonstrate the effectiveness of may HIV prevention programs targeting IDUs in developing and transitional countries, there is evidence that innovative HIV prevention initiatives are being implemented and sustained in a wide range of sociocultural settings.
Measuring Acculturation and Enculturation among Chinese Canadian Older Adults*

RÉSUMÉ Il est important de déterminer l'adaptation culturelle; cependant, la plupart des mesures d'acculturation sont uni-dimensionnelles, avec peu de données psychométriques pour les immigrants plus âgés. Cette étude a évalué une mesure bi-dimensionnelle, l'indice d'acculturation Vancouver (IAV; Ryder, Alden, et Paulhus, 2000), parmi 149 patients (âge moyen = 73,92 années) Canadiens d'origine chinoise. Les cohérences internes étaient 0,84 et 0,83 pour les sous-échelles du grand public et du patrimoine, respectivement, et ils étaient orthogonal. La validité convergente et discriminante ont été démontrées par des corrélations entre les sous-échelles prévues IAV et l'âge à l'immigration, les années au Canada, la maîtrise de l'anglais, la croyance dans la culture chinoise et l'échelle de valeurs (CCCV; Lai et Chau, 2007). Le VIA a représenté beaucoup plus de la variance dans la capacité de la langue de la BCCV, au-dessus et au-delà des procurations d'acculturation. L'analyse factorielle exploratoire reproduit la structure à deux facteurs signalés par Ryder et al. (2000). Une analyse factorielle confirmatoire a indiqué un ajustement médiocre. Cette étude prend en charge un modèle bi-dimensionnel d'adaptation culturelle entre Canadiens chinois plus âgés. ABSTRACT Cultural adaptation is important to assess; however, most acculturation measures are unidimensional with little psychometric data for older immigrants. This study assessed a bidimensional measure, the Vancouver Index of Acculturation (VIA; Ryder, Alden, & Paulhus, 2000), among 149 (mean age: 73.92 years) Chinese Canadians. Internal consistencies were . 84 and . 83 for the Mainstream and Heritage subscales respectively, and they were orthogonal. Convergent and discriminant validity were demonstrated by predicted correlations between the VIA subscales and age at immigration, years in Canada, English fluency, and the Belief in Chinese Culture and Values Scale (BCCV; Lai & Chau, 2007). The VIA accounted for significantly more variance in language ability than the BCCV, above and beyond acculturation proxies. Exploratory factor analysis replicated the two-factor structure reported by Ryder et al. (2000). A confirmatory factor analysis indicated poor fit. This study supports a bidimensional model of cultural adaptation among older Chinese Canadians.
The evaluation of human papillomavirus genotyping in cervical liquid‐based cytology specimens; using the Roche Linear Array HPV genotyping assay

Objective: To ascertain the usefulness of the Roche Linear Array human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping assay for assessing HPV genotypes in liquid‐based cytology (LBC) samples and to evaluate this methodology within a cytopathology laboratory. These tests are of importance as persistent infection with high‐risk HPV genotypes is considered a causal factor in the development of cervical cancer.
Development of the mossy fibers of the dentate gyrus: I. A light and electron microscopic study of the mossy fibers and their expansions

The postnatal development of the axons of the dentate granule cells—the so‐called mossy fibers—was studied at the light microscopic level in Timm and Golgi preparations and also by transmission electron microscopy. In the Timm‐stained material, there was a distinctive coloration in the hilus and incipient stratum lucidum, indicating the presence of mossy fibers, on the first postnatal day. Over the next two weeks, the stained areas became more extensive, the size and density of the stained particles increased, and the particles became more intensely stained. These signs of progressive development of the mossy fibers appeared to reflect, temporally and topographically, the developmental gradients followed by their parent granule cells.
Exchanging focus groups for individual interviews during qualitative data collection: a discussion

Background : Focus group data are created through interactions between participants while in individual interviews, the dialogue is between the participant and researcher, whose questions set the agenda. Focus groups and individual interviews are therefore used for different reasons and produce different data. However, sometimes researchers exchange focus groups for individual interviews, during data collection. Aim : The aim is to discuss the rationale for focus groups, consider reasons for exchanging focus groups for interviews during qualitative data collection and any implications for research quality. Discussion : The article first considers the unique features of focus groups and how these contrast with individual interviews. The reasons why individual interviews are added into studies designed for focus groups are then considered, based on the researcher’s experience and a selection of research studies. Researchers showed flexibility, adapting data collection plans to include particular individuals, but they could have provided a clearer rationale for using focus groups and for changing research designs during data collection. Conclusion : Researchers should rationalise their choice of research methods and, to enhance quality, adopt a transparent and systematic approach with a clear account of the research process and explanations about any changes to original design plans, Implications for practice : Researchers should recognise the differences between focus group and interview data, reflect on their rationale for using each method and justify data collection decisions. If recruitment is likely to be difficult, researchers intending to use focus groups could include individual interviews within their initial research design.
Extraction Time of Kidneys From Deceased Donors and Impact on Outcomes

Cold ischemia time (from flush to out‐of‐ice) and warm ischemia time (from out‐of‐ice to reperfusion) are known to impact delayed graft function (DGF) rates and long‐term allograft survival following deceased donor kidney transplantation. We propose an additional ischemia time, extraction time, beginning with aortic cross‐clamp and perfusion/cooling of the kidneys, and ending with removal of the kidneys and placement on ice on the backtable. During this time the kidneys rewarm, suffering an additional ischemic insult, which may impair transplant function. We measured extraction times of 576 kidneys recovered and transplanted locally between January 2006 and December 2008, then linked to Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) data for outcomes. Extraction time ranged from 14 to 123 min, with a mean of 44.7 min. In SRTR‐adjusted analyses, longer extraction time and DGF were statistically associated (odds ratio [OR] = 1.19 per 5 min beyond 60 min, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.39, p = 0.03). Up to 60 min of extraction time, DGF incidence was 27.8%; by 120 min it doubled to nearly 60%. Although not statistically significant (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 0.96–1.49, p = 0.11), primary nonfunction rate also rose dramatically to nearly 20% by 120 min extraction time. Extraction time is a novel and important factor to consider when evaluating a deceased donor kidney offer and when strategizing personnel for kidney recovery.
Workaholism in Academe: Strategies for Centers for Teaching and Learning

Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) staff are wisely concerned about the health and well-being of faculty members. We know that over-working, anxious, exhausted professors do not create the optimum environment to nurture healthy students and healthy institutions. Well-balanced, well-grounded faculty members provide better role models and are also in a position to make more substantial contributions to the university and to their disciplines. Thus, CTL staff have reason to be concerned about work-life balance and workaholism. First, we owe it to our faculty to be aware of the serious issues involved with workaholism and to help them prevent or moderate its affects. Second, as CTL staff we sometimes face problems with workaholism ourselves. The authors explain why academics are prone to workaholism, expose myths about work addiction, help identify the extent to which faculty—or faculty developers—may show signs of workaholism, provide 12 steps to restore balance, and offer several suggestions for how centers for teaching and learning can help the situation in academe.
Annual net production of the five Sargassaceae species in Yoro, western Wakasa Bay, Sea of Japan

Annual net production of the five Sargassaceae species was investigated in Yoro, western Wakasa Bay, Sea of Japan. The Sargassaceae species were collected at a depth of 2.0–2.5 m and subjected to stratified clipping for 13 months. Annual net production was estimated at 2407 g dry wt/m2 for Sargassum patens, 2132 g dry wt/m2 for Sargassum macrocarpum, 1458 g dry wt/m2 for Sargassum siliquastrum. 1197 g dry wt/m2 for Myagropsis myagroides, and 1471 g dry wt/m2 for Sargassum piluliferum. The ratio of annual net production to maximum biomass (P/Bmax) for these species ranged between 1.3 and 1.7, being higher than in previous studies which used the same method. Winter storms with strong wave exposure and relatively calm condition in Yoro were considered to augment P/Bmax. The total losses estimated from the different units of stratified clipping were compared. If larger and less segregated units were applied, the total loss would decrease. It was suggested that a 50 cm stratum would be applicable to the larger species (3 m or longer) and a stratum of 20 cm or less would be applicable to mid-sized or smaller species (less than 3 m).
Probiotics in obese pregnancy do not reduce maternal fasting glucose: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial (Probiotics in Pregnancy Study).

BACKGROUND Recent studies have reported beneficial effects of probiotics on maternal glycemia in healthy pregnant women. Obesity significantly increases risk of impaired glucose tolerance in pregnancy, but glycemic effects of probiotics in this specific obstetric group require additional investigation. OBJECTIVE The aim of the Probiotics in Pregnancy Study was to investigate the effect of a probiotic capsule on maternal fasting glucose in obese pregnant women. DESIGN In this placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial, 175 pregnant women with an early pregnancy body mass index (BMI; in kg/m²) from 30.0 to 39.9 were recruited from antenatal clinics at the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Exclusion criteria were BMI <30.0 or >39.9, prepregnancy or gestational diabetes, age <18 y, multiple pregnancy, and fetal anomaly. Women were randomly assigned to receive either a daily probiotic or a placebo capsule from 24 to 28 wk of gestation in addition to routine antenatal care. The primary outcome was the change in fasting glucose between groups from preintervention to postintervention. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of gestational diabetes and neonatal anthropometric measures. RESULTS In 138 women who completed the study (63 women in the probiotic group; 75 women in the placebo group), mean (±SD) early pregnancy BMI was 33.6 ± 2.6, which differed significantly between probiotic (32.9 ± 2.4) and placebo (34.1 ± 2.7) groups. With adjustment for BMI, the change in maternal fasting glucose did not differ significantly between treated and control groups [-0.09 ± 0.27 compared with -0.07 ± 0.39 mmol/L; P = 0.391; B = -0.05 (95% CI: -0.17, 0.07)]. There were also no differences in the incidence of impaired glycemia (16% in the probiotic group compared with 15% in the placebo group; P = 0.561), birth weight (3.70 kg in the probiotic group compared with 3.68 kg in the placebo group; P = 0.723), or other metabolic variables or pregnancy outcomes. A secondary analysis of 110 women, excluding antibiotic users and poor compliers, also revealed no differences in maternal glucose or other outcomes between groups. CONCLUSION Probiotic treatment of 4 wk during pregnancy did not influence maternal fasting glucose, the metabolic profile, or pregnancy outcomes in obese women.
New Technology for High‐Speed and High‐Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography a

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an optical imaging technique that is capable of performing micron-scale, cross-sectional imaging of internal microstructure in biological systems. OCT is analogous to ultrasound B mode imaging except that it uses light rather than sound and performs imaging by measuring the back-scattered intensity of light from structures in tissue. We describe recent advances in OCT technology including the application of short pulse solid state lasers based on Ti: Al2O3 and Cr: Mg2SiO4 to enable high-resolution, high-speed imaging as well as the development of OCT catheter/endoscope delivery to permit imaging of internal organ systems. OCT enables the nonexcisional, in situ, real-time imaging of tissue microstructure and is thus a powerful and promising technique for optical biopsy.