Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scarring and Selection in the Great Irish Famine

What is the health impact of catastrophic risks on survivors? We use a population exposed to severe famine conditions during infancy to document two opposing effects. The first: exposure leads to poor health into adulthood, a scarring effect. The second: survivors do not themselves suffer health consequences, a selection effect. Anthropometric evidence on over 21,000 subjects born before, during and after the Great Irish Famine (1845-52), among modern history's most severe famines, suggests selection is strongest where mortality is highest. Individuals born in heavily-affected areas experienced no measurable stunted growth, while scarring was found among those born where excess mortality was low. Keywords: catastrophic risk, famine, fetal origins hypothesis, anthropometrics, economic history, Ireland. JEL Classification: I15, I32, J11, N33, Q54.
Pricing Weather Derivatives For Agricultural Risk Management

Existing derivative pricing methods cannot be used to price weather derivatives due to the absence of a hedgeable commodity underlying weather risk and the complexity of weather processes. This study develops a pricing model that considers weather derivatives to be the same as any other financial asset. In this way, the price of a weather derivative is an equilibrium price consistent with both the potential payout at expiry and the market price of risk. We apply this model to the pricing of weather derivatives in the Central Valley of California and find significant differences in prices obtained under alternative weather process assumptions.
[Hearing intervention for > or =55 years old people with hearing impairment within five years recently].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the status of hearing intervention for old people with hearing loss. METHOD Through retrospective analyzing the data from 55 and up 55 years old people with hearing loss who received hearing intervention in five years (from 2000 - 2004) recently. RESULT There were 1008 person-times that received hearing examination within five years, 907 person-times speech frequency pure tone average (PTA) > 26 dB,there were only 73 people with hearing aid, and their speech frequency PTA > 55 dB. CONCLUSION The hearing intervention situation for old people isn't perfect. It needs audiologists cooperate with the family of old people, the whole society and the old people themselves to help them in hearing and improve their quality of life.
Firm Survival and Innovation: Knowledge Context Matters!

The aim of this paper is to explore the differential effect of innovation on firm survival. We consider the effect of product, process and organisational innovations controlling for the role of the knowledge context and of firm absorptive capacity. At the end of the 1990s, an ad hoc survey was performed on a representative sample of manufacturing firms located in a NUTS3 area of southern Italy, and information on firm survival has been collected for 15 years. A multivariate endogenous probit model is applied to simultaneously analyse the determinants of innovation and of subsequent firm survival. Our estimates confirm that process innovation is a determinant of firm survival followed by product innovation, whereas evidence of a more novel type suggests that organisational innovation plays only a weak role. Entrepreneurial general and specific human capital exerts no direct beneficial effect on firm duration. The requirement of proper technological knowledge from the local university has been the driver of firm duration with the highest marginal effect.
Genome‐wide location of yeast RNA polymerase III transcription machinery

RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcribes a large set of genes encoding small untranslated RNAs like tRNAs, 5S rRNA, U6 snRNA or RPR1 RNA. To get a global view of class III (Pol III‐transcribed) genes, the distribution of essential components of Pol III, TFIIIC and TFIIIB was mapped across the yeast genome. During active growth, most class III genes and few additional loci were targeted by TFIIIC, TFIIIB and Pol III, indicating that they were transcriptionally active. SNR52, which encodes a snoRNA, was identified as a new class III gene. During the late growth phase, TFIIIC remained bound to most class III genes while the recruitment of Pol III and, to a lesser extent, of TFIIIB was down regulated. This study fixes a reasonable upper bound to the number of class III genes in yeast and points to a global regulation at the level of Pol III and TFIIIB recruitment.
Is Maternal Marriage Beneficial for Low-Income Adolescents?

The present study investigated the association of mothers' marriage and changes in young adolescents' cognitive and socioemotional development and changes in family processes. Analyses employed longitudinal data from the Three-City Study to track maternal partnerships for 860 low-income adolescents (10–14 years-old in Wave 1) across a 16 month period. No short-term benefits or risks emerged for youth when mothers entered marriage, with few changes in family or maternal functioning linked with marriage formation as well. In contrast, adolescents in stably married families experienced improved academic, behavioral, and psychological well-being compared to youth in stable cohabiting or single-parent families. Stable marriage was similarly linked to improvements across multiple domains of home and mothers' functioning. These patterns were not moderated by the male partner's identity (biological father or stepfather). Results support the benefits of stable marriage on youth development, but suggest that policies supporting movements into new marriages may not result in improved adolescent or family functioning, at least in the short term.
A Study on Information Sharing GIS to Accumulate Local Knowledge in Local Communities

: This study aims to develop an information sharing GIS, specially tailored to the efficient accumulation of regional knowledge within regions on the city, town, and village spatial scale. The information sharing GIS is a geographical information system which integrates a Web-GIS, an SNS (Social Networking Service), and a Wiki into a single system. The information sharing GIS uses a design which ameliorates the following three constraints such as time constraints, spatial constraints and continuous operation related constraints, making it possible to design systems in accordance with target cases. After operating the information sharing GIS to accumulate regional knowledge about security information for about one month in the local communities of Chofu City and Mitaka City in Tokyo, the system was evaluated based on the results of a questionnaire survey to users in order to identify improvements.
Prediction of Histological Grade and Completeness of Resection of Intracranial Meningiomas: Role of Peritumoural Brain Edema.

BACKGROUND Meningioma is the commonest primary intracranial tumour in adults. Excision is curative for low grade meningioma, whereas high-grade meningioma requires adjuvant therapy following surgery. Several studies have examined the association between peritumoural brain Edema - a common feature in meningioma - and histological grading with mixed results. The present study attempted to elucidate this association and if peritumoural brain Edema affects the intra-operative judgement of surgeons on the completeness of resection. METHODS An observational study was conducted among those who underwent surgery for meningioma. Eighteen subjects were recruited each for low- and high-grades, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to surgery was employed for interpreting the Edema index and MRI after surgery was used to determine residual tumour. RESULTS Median age was 50 years, male to female ratio was 1:3.5, 69.4% had peritumoural brain Edema and 75% had reported gross resection. Among the reported gross total resection cases, 40.7% had residual tumour. Analysis showed statistically significant association between peritumoural brain Edema (P = 0.027) and tumour volume (P = 0.001) with high-grade meningioma, however multivariate analysis did not present any association. No association was noted between judgement of tumour resection by surgeons and peritumoural brain Edema. CONCLUSION Odds ratio for peritumoural brain Edema remained high and the tumour volume exhibited marginal P-value marginal significance for prediction of high grade meningioma. These two factors may still contribute to the tumour grade and should be included in further studies on the prognosis of meningioma.
Opportunities for a Sustainable European Financial System

The financial system has traditionally been considered a catalyst for economic growth. Yet the financial crisis of 2008 has shown that the financial system is also capable of triggering a process leading to profound economic instability. This article explores the opportunities for European banks to achieve financial sustainability. SWOT analysis shows that, despite numerous weaknesses and threats, the financial system has a vast number of strengths and opportunities. Citation: Climent-Serrano S, Bustos-Contell E, Labatut-Serer G (2018) Opportunities for a Sustainable European Financial System. J Bus Fin Aff 7: 357. doi: 10.4172/2167-0234.1000357
Penetrant diffusion in frozen polymer matrices: A finite-size scaling study of free volume percolation.

The diffusion of penetrant particles in frozen polymer matrices is investigated by means of Monte Carlo simulations of the bond fluctuation model. By applying finite-size scaling to data obtained from very large systems it is demonstrated that the diffusion process takes place on a percolating free volume cluster describable by a correlated site percolation model which falls into the same universality class as random percolation. The diverging correlation length entails a pronounced dependence of the diffusion constant on the size of the simulated system. It is shown that this dependence is appreciable for a wide range of parameters around the transition. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Segmental cystic malformation of the lung with chondrolipomatous component

A peculiar cystic and chondrolipomatous malformation affecting the right upper lobe of the lung as presented in a 10‐year‐old girl with a history of recurrent pneumonia and pneumothorax is reported. The lesion combined bronchial‐type cavities with intervening stroma containing adipose tissue, with cartilage nodules of different sizes. The findings do not fit with any already‐known malformations of the lung. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Noise Factors of RFID-Aided Positioning N

In recent years, Radio Frequency Identification (RF ID) is followed with interest by many researches, espec ially for the purpose of indoor positioning as the innate propert ies of RFID are profitable for achieving it. A lot of algorithms or schemes are proposed to be used in the RFID-based positioning system, bu t most of them are lack of environmental consideration and it induces inaccuracy of application. In this research, a lot of algorithms and schemes of RFID indoor positioning are discussed to see whether eff ctive or not on application, and some rules are summarized for achi eving accurate positioning. On the other hand, a new term “Noise F actor” is involved to describe the signal loss between the target and the obstacle. As a result, experimental data can be obtained but not o ly simulation; and the performance of the positioning system can be ex pressed substantially. Keywords—Indoor positioning, LANDMARC, noise factors, RFID.
The availability of confiding persons for depressed patients

ABSTRACT– The availability of confiding persons both within and outside trie household has been investigated in a series of 110 depressed patients and of 98 non‐psychiatric controls. The depressive sample has been classified into diagnostic subgroups of unipolar, bipolar, reactive‐neurotic and unspecified type of depression. The de‐pressives reported lack of confidants lo a significantly higher degree. The only difference among the diagnostic subgroups emerged for the bipolar patients who had about the same availability of a confiding relationship outside the household as the controls.
The use of dipyrone in the ICU is associated with acute kidney injury: A retrospective cohort analysis

BACKGROUND Use of dipyrone (metamizole) in perioperative and ICU pain therapy remains controversial due to a lack of solid evidence weighing dipyrone benefit against its potential life-threatening complications. Although dipyrone has known analgesic and antipyretic properties, its mechanisms of actions are incompletely understood. Although dipyrone effects on renal vasodilator prostaglandin synthesis are documented, little is known about its potential renal side effects, especially in the critical care environment. OBJECTIVE Investigation of the perioperative nephrotoxic potential of dipyrone in patients prone to acute kidney injury (AKI). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Single centre study in a tertiary referral hospital from January 2013 until June 2013. PATIENTS A total of 500 consecutive patients aged 18 years and older referred to the anaesthesia ICU. Patients were excluded if admitted from or discharged to other ICUs, if referred for post resuscitation care, or if repeatedly admitted to the ICU. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence of AKI, as defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes Acute Kidney Injury Work Group criteria, and duration of vasopressor therapy. RESULTS Use of dipyrone was associated with an increased incidence of AKI in a dose-dependent manner with a 1.6-fold increase in the incidence of AKI with each additional gram of intravenous dipyrone per day. Dipyrone dose of more than 2.5 g day−1 was the best risk predictive cut-off for AKI. Patients receiving dipyrone on the ICU presented with a prolonged duration of vasopressor therapy. CONCLUSION Increasing dipyrone dosage is a potential independent risk factor for AKI in adult ICU patients and may prolong vasopressor therapy. Clinical evidence for a benefit of dipyrone therapy in the ICU is insufficient and needs further critical evaluation.
BACTERIAL INTERFERENCE

This paper describes in outline some experiments on bacterial interference already reported by us (1) and presents supplementary evidence from later experiments. Several types of interference are analyzed in an attempt to find a working hypothesis which would account for the wide differences in recorded findings. No attempt is made to give a detailed review of the subject. Our interest in this subject stemmed from studies on the pathogenesis of different types of respiratory infection, principally in the guinea pig and the mouse. With background knowledge of how various organisms went about their jobs in the two host species, it seemed of interest to examine the effect of these same pathogens acting together and to compare the results in the two species. For present purposes attention is directed mainly to investigations with Brucella suis, Bacillus anthracis, Pasteurella pestis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The technique for respiratory exposure has been already described (2).
A Survey of Machine Learning’s Electricity Consumption Models

Electricity is a very important commodity used for both domestic and industrial purposes. It is generated from many sources which include the thermal, coal, nuclear and hydro. Its demand is increasing on regular basis as result of the ever increasing world population coupled with other socioeconomic factors. This therefore requires effective predictions of the future needed electricity to sustain it demand. However, predicting the exact amount of electricity for all times is a challenge. Over predictions can lead to wasteful investment whiles under predictions can lead to inadequate electricity supply with eventual blackouts, social unrest and low economic growth. The aim of this paper is to present the various electricity consumption predictions models indicating the machine learning algorithm and the variables used in the modeling
Backpropagation generalized for output derivatives

Backpropagation algorithm is the cornerstone for neural network analysis. Paper extends it for training any derivatives of neural network's output with respect to its input. By the dint of it feedforward networks can be used to solve or verify solutions of partial or simple, linear or nonlinear differential equations. This method vastly differs from traditional ones like finite differences on a mesh. It contains no approximations, but rather an exact form of differential operators. Algorithm is built to train a feed forward network with any number of hidden layers and any kind of sufficiently smooth activation functions. It's presented in a form of matrix-vector products so highly parallel implementation is readily possible. First part derives the method for 2D case with first and second order derivatives, second part extends it to N-dimensional case with any derivatives. All necessary expressions for using this method to solve most applied PDE can be found in Appendix D.
The expansion of public health insurance in Mexico: health, financial and distributional effects

During the past decade, the Mexican government launched an ambitious expansion of public health insurance through the Seguro Popular programme (SP). As a result, health care access was legislated as citizens’ entitlement, a generous benefit package was offered, and public health expenditure was significantly increased. In 2011, the programme had reached 52 million affiliates. However, there is limited evidence on its effects on a number of outcomes and their distribution. This thesis analyses three aspects that are key to evaluate health system performance. Specifically, using quasi-experimental methods and recent distributional measures of pure health, it examines the effect of universal insurance coverage on infant mortality, non-medical consumption, and health inequalities. Drawing on municipality-level data, the first article finds that the programme led to a 3.9 per cent decrease in infant and neonatal mortality. These reductions were concentrated in more populated, urban, and less marginalised municipalities, however, probably because this type of municipalities have been traditionally better equipped and are thus better prepared to offer all the interventions from the benefit package. Based on data from the Mexican Family Life Survey (MxFLS), the second article shows that unexpected health events such as accidents and deterioration in physical capacity are associated with large declines in non-medical consumption. Social security seems to provide protection against both types of shocks, but endogeneity-corrected estimates show that the SP only protects consumption against accidents. This suggests that income losses associated with disability shocks for which the programme does not offer protection, are likely larger than medical care expenditures, and poses the question of whether other social security benefits, such as disability insurance, should also be extended. Finally, the third article analyses the distribution of health in the context of the SP implementation. Unlike traditional studies, pure health inequality and mobility are analysed using a recently developed class of indices appropriate for categorical data. If a downward-looking definition of status is employed, the distribution of health appears stable, but if an upward-looking definition is adopted, a significant increase in inequality is observed. Evidence of strong persistence in health was also found. This lack of improvement in the health distribution suggests that factors other than health insurance coverage, such as institutional performance, are more important determinants of health inequalities. Overall, this thesis finds important health effects from extending health insurance coverage but limited effects on economic welfare and the distribution of health status across the entire population.
Peripheral arterial disease: Epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis and treatment

Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects approximately 10% of the American population, with 30% to 40% of these patients presenting with claudication symptoms. The prevalence of PAD increases with age and the number of vascular risk factors. More importantly, it is a marker of atherosclerotic disease burden, and is associated with increased mortality from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular causes. There have been recent advances in noninvasive imaging, endovascular approaches for revascularization, and aggressive risk factor management for prevention of cardiac and cerebrovascular complications in PAD. There is now a trend toward aggressive risk factor modification and endovascular revascularization for most patients, with surgical interventions reserved for certain situations only. In the present article, a systematic review is presented, focusing on the key aspects of the disease epidemiology, presentation, natural history, diagnosis and available management options.
Transplantation of Genetically Modified Fibroblasts Expressing BDNF in Adult Rats with a Subtotal Hemisection Improves Specific Motor and Sensory Functions

Objective: We have previously reported that grafting fibroblasts genetically mod ified to express brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) into a subtotal cervical hemisection site that destroys the entire lateral funiculus will promote regeneration of rubrospinal axons and growth of other axons, prevent atrophy and death of axo tomized red nucleus neurons, and improve forelimb use during spontaneous vertical exploration. We have now extended these studies by using additional sensorimotor tests to examine recovery. Methods: The range of tests used included those in which the intervention did not improve recovery, those in which the intervention was as sociated with recovery, and those that showed little deficit. The selected tasks tested both sensory and motor functions and both forelimb and forelimb function. We used the open-field locomotor rating scale (BBB), locomotion on a narrow beam, forelimb use during swimming, horizontal rope walking, and a somatosensory asymmetry (patch- removal) test. After testing during an 8-week recovery period, a second lesion was made just rostral to the initial lesion/transplant site to test the role of the transplant in recovery. The rats were then retested for a further 5 weeks after the repeated le sion. Results: The horizontal rope, swim, and patch-removal tests were reliably sen sitive to the subtotal hemisection injury. Fb/BDNF-transplanted animals recovered motor functions on the horizontal rope-crossing test, and this recovery was abolished by a second lesion just rostral to the first lesion/transplant. In the patch-removal test, the latency to contact the affected limb was shorter in Fb/BDNF-treated rats than in the control group, and this effect was completely abolished by a second lesion. Con clusions : The rope-crossing and patch-removal tests are particularly useful tasks for assessing the beneficial effects of BDNF-expressing grafts in this injury model. Key Words: BDNF—Fibroblasts—Transplants—Recovery of function.