Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autocrine Signaling Underlies Fast Repetitive Plasma Membrane Translocation of Conventional and Novel Protein Kinase C Isoforms in β Cells*

PKC signaling has been implicated in the regulation of many cell functions, including metabolism, cell death, proliferation, and secretion. Activation of conventional and novel PKC isoforms is associated with their Ca2+- and/or diacylglycerol (DAG)-dependent translocation to the plasma membrane. In β cells, exocytosis of insulin granules evokes brief (<10 s) local DAG elevations (“spiking”) at the plasma membrane because of autocrine activation of P2Y1 purinoceptors by ATP co-released with insulin. Using total internal reflection microscopy, fluorescent protein-tagged PKCs, and signaling biosensors, we investigated whether DAG spiking causes membrane recruitment of PKCs and whether different classes of PKCs show characteristic responses. Glucose stimulation of MIN6 cells triggered DAG spiking with concomitant repetitive translocation of the novel isoforms PKCδ, PKCϵ, and PKCη. The conventional PKCα, PKCβI, and PKCβII isoforms showed a more complex pattern with both rapid and slow translocation. K+ depolarization-induced PKCϵ translocation entirely mirrored DAG spiking, whereas PKCβI translocation showed a sustained component, reflecting the subplasma membrane Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]pm), with additional effect during DAG spikes. Interference with DAG spiking by purinoceptor inhibition prevented intermittent translocation of PKCs and reduced insulin secretion but did not affect [Ca2+]pm elevation or sustained PKCβI translocation. The muscarinic agonist carbachol induced pronounced transient PKCβI translocation and sustained recruitment of PKCϵ. When rise of [Ca2+]pm was prevented, the carbachol-induced DAG and PKCϵ responses were somewhat reduced, but PKCβI translocation was completely abolished. We conclude that exocytosis-induced DAG spikes efficiently recruit both conventional and novel PKCs to the β cell plasma membrane. PKC signaling is thus implicated in autocrine regulation of β cell function.
Ethnic differences in relations between family process and child internalizing problems.

BACKGROUND Family process variables have been linked to child problem behavior, but recent research suggests that child ethnicity may moderate relations between family process and child outcomes. The current study examined how ethnicity moderates relations between parent conflict, parent-child relationship quality, and internalizing problems. METHODS A sample of 101 mother-child dyads was drawn from a larger longitudinal study of childhood-onset depression. Maternal reports of family process factors were used with child reports of anxiety and depressive symptoms. RESULTS The results indicated a moderating effect of ethnicity for multiple indicators of internalizing symptoms, such that child-rearing disagreement and low levels of mother-child openness were associated with internalizing problems only for European American (not African American) children. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that ethnicity moderates the effects of family process factors on child psychopathology. Ethnic differences may be accounted for by the normativeness of family processes and the meaning that children of different ethnic backgrounds assign to these processes.
Changes in Expression of Transferrin, Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, and Interleukin 4 Receptors after Irradiation of Cells of Primary Malignant Brain Tumor Cell Lines

Abstract Kim, K-U. , Xiao, J., Ni, H-T. , Cho, K. H. , Spellman, S. R. , Low, W. C. and Hall, W. A. Changes in Expression of Transferrin, Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, and Interleukin 4 Receptors after Irradiation of Cells of Primary Malignant Brain Tumor Cell Lines. Radiat. Res. 160, 224–231 (2003). Various immunotoxins have been developed for the treatment of cancer. The toxin is internalized by target cells through cell-surface receptors, and it is essential for these receptors to be expressed for the immunotoxin to have specific anti-tumor activity. Radiation therapy is one of the main treatment modalities for primary malignant brain tumors. The purpose of this study was to determine whether radiation influences the expression of cell-surface receptors. Cells of one human medulloblastoma (Daoy) and two glioblastoma (U373-MG and T98-G) cell lines were tested by exposing the cells to a single dose of 5 Gy γ rays. Expression of transferrin receptors, type-1 insulin-like growth factor receptors (IGF1R), and interleukin 4 receptors (IL4R) was measured by flow cytometry analysis on unirradiated cells and on cells 3 to 120 h after irradiation. In Daoy cells, the absolute expression index of transferrin receptors increased during the 24 h after irradiation with the greatest change of 26% above control at 9 h. The absolute expression index of IGF1R increased 26.5% above control at 12 h. The absolute expression index of IL4R decreased 9 h after irradiation. In U373-MG cells the absolute expression index of transferrin receptors increased during the 24 h after irradiation, and the greatest increase was 45% above control at 9 h. The absolute expression index of IGF1R increased during the 12 h after irradiation with a maximum increase of 33% above control at 6 h. The absolute expression index of IL4R decreased with time after irradiation. In T98-G cells, the absolute expression index of both transferrin receptors and IL4R decreased after irradiation. The results suggest that the expression of growth factor receptors on brain tumor cells may be influenced by radiation. The effect of ionizing radiation on receptor expression should be considered when administration of targeted toxin is combined with radiation. Similar studies with other growth factor receptors used in targeted toxin therapy are recommended.
Forearm blood flow responses to handgripping after local neuromuscular blockade.

To test the hypothesis that acetylcholine "spillover" from motor nerves contributes significantly to skeletal muscle vasodilation during exercise, we measured the forearm blood flow responses during attempted handgripping after local paralysis of the forearm with the neuromuscular-blocking drug pipecuronium. This compound blocks postsynaptic nicotinic receptors but has no impact on acetylcholine release from motor nerves. The drug was administered selectively to one forearm by using regional intravenous drug administration techniques in five subjects. Pipecuronium reduced maximum forearm grip strength from 40.0 +/- 3.2 kg before treatment to 0.0 kg after treatment. By contrast, drug administration had no effect on maximum voluntary contraction in the untreated forearm (41.3 +/- 3.3 vs. 41.4 +/- 2.7 kg). During 2 min of attempted maximal contraction of the paralyzed forearm, the forearm blood flow increased from only 3.4 +/- 0.8 to 4.8 +/- 1.2 ml.100 ml-1.min-1 (P < 0.05). Heart rate increased from 63 +/- 3 to 73 +/- 8 beats/min (P > 0.05) during attempted contraction, and only three of five subjects showed obvious increases in heart rate. Mean arterial pressure increased significantly (P < 0.05) from 102 +/- 6 to 109 +/- 9 mmHg during attempted contractions. When these increases in flow are considered in the context of the marked (10-fold or greater) increases in flow seen in contracting forearm skeletal muscle, it appears that acetylcholine spillover from motor nerves has, at most, a minimal impact on the hyperemic responses to contraction in humans.
Vote Buying in Argentina

We analyze vote buying in Argentina—the payment by political parties of minor benefits (food, clothing, cash) to citizens in exchange for their votes. How widespread is vote buying in Argentina, and what is the profile of the typical vote "seller"? Did the shift toward a neoliberal economic model in the 1990s increase or reduce vote buying? Why do parties attempt to buy votes when the ballot is secret and people could simply accept campaign handouts and then vote as they wish? We analyze responses to surveys we conducted in Argentina in 2002 and offer answers to these questions. Our findings suggest that vote buying is an effective strategy for mobilizing electoral support among low-income people when parties are able to monitor voters' actions, make reasonably accurate inferences about how individuals voted, and credibly threaten to punish voters who defect from the implicit clientelist bargain. Our results point toward ballot reform as one way to reduce vote buying in Argentina.
New-Keynesian model of inflation and its empirical verification

New concepts have been presented in modelling of inflation dynamics recently, among others the New Keynesian Phillips curve (NKPC). There are several traditional ways of NKPC model validity testing, but none of them seems to be practically applicable in conditions of the Czech Republic. We tried to test the validity of the NKPC model by the untraditional method proposed by Demery and Duck (2002). This method does not rely on direct estimation of NKPC parameters, but relatively easy tests based on the cointegration analysis of time series are employed. Its application indicates that the NKPC model cannot be considered as effective in conditions of the Czech Republic; this model does not describe the inflation process sufficiently and it is not a suitable model for inflation prediction or for the choice of appropriate monetary (anti-inflation) policy.
A Theoretically Consistent Version of the Nelson and Siegel Class of Yield Curve Models

A popular class of yield curve models is based on the Nelson and Siegel approach of ‘fitting’ yield curve data with simple functions of maturity. However, such models cannot be consistent across time. This article addresses that deficiency by deriving an intertemporally consistent and arbitrage‐free version of the Nelson and Siegel model. Adding this theoretical consistency expands the potential applications of the Nelson and Siegel approach to exercises involving a time‐series context, such as forecasting the yield curve and pricing interest rate derivatives. As a practical example, the intertemporal consistency of the model is exploited to derive a theoretical framework for forecasting the yield curve. The empirical application of that framework to United States data results in out‐of‐sample forecasts that outperform the random walk over the sample period of almost 50 years, for forecast horizons ranging from six months to three years.
A Single-Blinded Case-Control Study of Memantine in Severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common debilitating psychiatric illness that typically improves but does not remit with first-line medication and behavioral treatments. Serotonergic agents including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and clomipramine have provided the mainstay of OCD medication management for decades. Combined dopamine/serotonergic agents such as atypical antipsychotics are presently the only OCD-augmenting strategies proven effective via randomized controlled trials. Despite increasing evidence for a pathogenic role of glutamate in OCD, no controlled trials of glutamatergic augmenting agents have been reported. Methods: An intent-to-treat sample included 44 subjects receiving standard treatment at the McLean/Massachusetts General Hospital Intensive Residential Treatment (IRT) program, 22 of whom also received memantine augmentation. Admission, monthly and discharge measures of OCD, depression, and psychosocial functioning were collected by raters blinded to augmentation status. Matched controls were selected based on sex, initial OCD severity, psychosocial functioning, and timing of admission. The Clinical Global Improvement Scale captured global clinical change. Results: Mean (SD) Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale score decreases were 7.2 (6.4) among the cases and 4.6 (5.9) among the matched controls, reflecting mean clinical improvement among the cases (27.0% decrease) but not the controls (16.5% decrease). Mean (SD) depression severity score decreases were 5.8 (9.5) among the cases and 4.7 (9.9) among the controls. Initial intrusive obsessions were significantly more severe among marked responders compared with limited response or nonresponse cases (4.4 vs 2.9; t = 2.15; P = 0.048). Conclusions: This study provides preliminary supportive evidence for the effectiveness of memantine as a glutamatergic augmenting agent in severe OCD. Future randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials are warranted.
Exists A Relationship Between Strategic Human Resources Management, Innovation And Competitive Advantage?

This paper is purely theoretical, having as starting points both existing information in the literature and their correlations. The text does not have a generalized, but represent personal opinions and conclusions. Critically analyzing the definitions given in the literature the term "strategic human resource management ", we found that most of them referred to the involvement he has it in obtaining competitive advantage of an organization. Also, starting from the study of different approaches to strategic management of human resources, we can see that besides the role that obtain competitive advantage, it supports innovative activity of a company. So we can talk about a link between strategic management of human resources, innovation and achieving competitive advantage. By presenting how strategic human resource management can be implemented in an organization, its high performance practices for human resources, it demonstrates that they support employee creativity through free expression of ideas, involvement in decision making, resulting in the way to innovation and thus to obtain competitive advantage. This work, theoretical, was completed by a presentation that show the interdependencies that exist between the three think elements: strategic human resources management, innovation, competitive advantage.
Origins and Mobility of Phosphorus Forms in the Sediments of Lakes Taihu and Chaohu, China

Abstract Phosphorus release from the sediment is generally an important factor for lake eutrophication. We have investigated phosphorus forms in surface sediments from Lake Taihu and Lake Chaohu by a chemical extraction method. The results showed that the concentrations of Fe/Al-bound phosphorus (Fe/Al-P) and organic phosphorus (Org-P) had significant correlations with those of amorphous Fe/Al oxides and organic matter in the sediments. Furthermore, Ca-bound phosphorus (Ca-P) concentrations were well related to total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations. The results also indicated that higher pH weakened the association of phosphates with the Fe/Al hydroxides and then resulted in Fe/Al-P release. The increase of pH was companied with autogenetic progresses of calcium carbonate and then elevated Ca-P concentrations in the sediments. In conclusion, external P loadings determine spatial distribution of P fractions, especially Fe/Al-P and Org-P, and partially contribute to additional Ca-P fractions in these highly human-disturbed lakes. The pH-induced phosphorus mobility in the sediments is very important for these lakes.
Forecasting the 10‐year US treasury rate

This study compares the performance of two forecasting models of the 10-year Treasury rate: a random walk (RW) model and an augmented‐autoregressive (A‐A) model which utilizes the information in the expected inflation rate. For 1993–2008, the RW and A‐A forecasts (with different lead times and forecast horizons) are generally unbiased and accurately predict directional change under symmetric loss. However, the A‐A forecasts outperform the RW, suggesting that the expected inflation rate (as a leading indicator) helps improve forecast accuracy. This finding is important since bond market efficiency implies that the RW forecasts are optimal and cannot be improved. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catching the sun: An investigation of sun-exposure and skin protective behaviour

This study, conducted at the end of a UK heatwave, used qualitative and quantitative questionnaire measures to investigate sun protection in the context of the potentially conflicting attractions of sun exposure. It examined attitudes to the good weather, beliefs about the benefits and harmful effects of the sun and perceptions of risk amongst a sample of students in the UK. Participants could think of more benefits than harmful effects of the sun for both their health and appearance. Most enjoyed sunbathing, protected themselves inadequately and did not intend to change this behaviour. Those who knew someone who had suffered skin cancer, who perceived higher risk and who wrote more about the harmful effects of skin cancer on their appearance (but not their health) were more likely to engage in skin protective behaviours.
Knowledge Sharing in an Online Community of Volunteers: The Role of Community Munificence

This study examines how perceived benefits, and context in online communities, shape members' intentions to share their knowledge. We build a model of knowledge-sharing intention and provide empirical evidence using survey data collected from a community in which members voluntarily exchange their experiences, ideas, and questions on photographic equipment via online platforms. We find the perceived benefits and favorable conditions provided by a community (community munificence) – which consists of collective knowledge, experienced interdependence, opportunity structures, and psychological safety – influence individuals' motivation to contribute knowledge. We discuss managerial implications and outline suggestions for future theory building and empirical research.
Does international trade provide incentives for efficient behaviour of Russian manufacturing firms?

This article studies the relationship between exporting and past productivity at the firm level. Panel data from two surveys of Russian manufacturing firms conducted in 2005 and 2009 are used. We analyse the difference between continuing and new exporters, and study how drivers to exporting differ if firms export to CIS or high-wage advanced countries. We find empirical evidence for the self-selection hypothesis: both continuing and new exporters are more productive and larger than non-exporters and export quitters. Path dependence in the nature of foreign trade ceased to exist: serving the markets of the former Soviet Union requires the same productivity advantage as exporting to the developed countries.
The Structure of Social Capital: An Austrian Perspective on its Nature and Development

Abstract As the literature on social capital has emerged over the past two decades, both advocates and critics of the concept have grappled with the question ‘what is the nature of “social capital? ”’. By viewing this question through the lens of Austrian capital theory (particularly under Lachmann's influence) we can understand social capital as being structural in nature, made up of heterogeneous and often complementary elements. This way of thinking about social capital opens the door for understanding the role of the ‘social entrepreneur’ as discovering new combinations within the social capital structure. By carving out a role for the change agent, we see social capital development as a process of social learning that extends the cognitive reach of individuals beyond what they can know directly. An Austrian approach to social capital advances the theoretical debate by linking the literature on network analysis (in which the focus is on individualistic accumulation of social capital) and broader questions of social capital embedded within community-wide norms. Further, an Austrian understanding of social capital informs policy debates, such as the question of whether social capital development can be, or needs to be, part of a deliberate development strategy.
What determines the behaviour and performance of health professionals? Public service motivation, professional norms and/or economic incentives

Theories about professions, public service motivation (PSM) and economic incentives provide different explanations for the behaviour and performance of the producers of public services. PSM theory expects higher performance in the public sector due to the higher levels of public service motivation among public employees, whereas the economic incentive perspective expects performance and behaviour to depend on economic incentives, and the sociology of professions stresses the importance of the employees' occupation. Few have attempted to integrate these three theories, and little is known about the relative strength of the motives. This article aims to analyse the effects of PSM, professional norms and economic incentives on the behaviour and performance of health professionals. Interviews, surveys and register data are used to investigate how professional norms, public service motivation and economic incentives affect the behaviour and performance of Danish dentists, GPs and orthopaedic surgeons. The results indicate that when strong professional norms exist, economic incentives are unimportant. As this is not always the case, however, the perspectives ought to be combined. Points for practitioners The article will be of interest to practitioners working with professionals, not only healthcare professionals, but all kinds of occupations with specialized, theoretical knowledge and occupational norms. Practitioners, especially those who design incentive systems for professionals, will find the article helpful, as it shows how both economic incentives and professional norms should be taken into consideration when such systems are designed. The key finding is that the performance and behaviour of professionals with different incentives is almost similar for services governed by firm norms within the profession, whereas performance and behaviour depend on the economic incentives in the absence of professional norms. This implies that while we may depend on the professional norms to constrain some behaviour, even highly professionalized employees can be moved by selfish motives.
The Economics of Travel and Tourism

This book examines the economics of the travel and tourism industries and their customer markets - tourists. It clearly identifies the special factors within tourism which distinguish its analysis, in economic terms, from other activities. There is a general emphasis on microeconomic aspects and issues in the first half of the book, especially travel and accommodation as this is where the bulk of commercial payments in tourism lie. The second part broadens to the macroeconomic level, looking into tourism's role within national economies and the international transactions of most countries. Specific problems such as unpriced services, the environment and the multinational enterprise are examined. Practical examples from Europe, Australasia and the Americas are included throughout. It is aimed at BTEC and HND and undergraduate students of travel and tourism, business studies and economics.
Financial Deregulation and Household Saving

An overlapping generation model of the effects of financial deregulation is developed. The results indicate that deregulation will produce an exogenous short-run fall in saving, some of which will be recouped over time, while increasing the sensitivity of saving to wealth, current income, real interest rates and demographic factors. Empirical tests using regional saving data for the United Kingdom are reported, and found to generally accord with the theoretical model. It is estimated that deregulation caused an autonomous fall of 2 1/4% in the personal saving rate of the United Kingdom over the 1980s.