Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Determinants of Unhappiness for Ethnic Minority Men in Britain

This paper explores the determinants of unhappiness for ethnic minority men living in Britain, and compares these findings with those for White males. Data is drawn from the Fourth National Survey of Ethnic Minorities conducted in 1994, which has the advantage of over-sampling members of Britain's ethnic minority population. Using this unique data source we are able to provide some of the first evidence of the psychological impact of unemployment, low levels of household income, residing in an ethnic enclave and living in fear of racial harassment for Black Caribbean and South Asian men. Copyright 2002 by Scottish Economic Society.
Link between Platelet Activity and Outcomes after an Ischemic Stroke

Background: Platelets play an important role in atherosclerosis and thromboembolic events. We examined the relationship between platelet activity and outcomes after an ischemic stroke. Methods: Using flow cytometry, we serially measured the fractions of circulating platelet activity (CD62p expression) after an ischemic stroke in early (<48 h), recent (day 7), convalescent (day 21) and chronic (day 90) phases in 92 consecutive patients with an ischemic stroke. Patients were classified into high (CD62p expression >3.16%) and low (CD62p expression ≤3.16%) platelet activity groups according to the median value of CD62p expression in the early phase of a stroke. Results: The composite end point – death, recurrent stroke and severe neurological impairment (alive in care), defined as a score of >13 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale – within the first 30 days and at an interval of 8.2 ± 1.5 months of follow-up was determined for each group. In the first 30 days, the composite end point occurred in 37.0% of patients in the high platelet activity group as compared with 6.5% in the low platelet activity group (p = 0.0004). At a mean follow-up of 8.2 ± 1.5 months, the composite end point occurred in 36.6% of patients in the high platelet activity group as compared with 10.9% in the low platelet activity group (p = 0.0044). Multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis displayed that high platelet activity (p = 0.011), age (p = 0.013) and the presence of coronary artery disease (p = 0.021) were independently associated with adverse outcomes at the intermediate-term follow-up. Conclusions: Results of this study showed that high platelet activity is strongly associated with adverse clinical outcomes after an early ischemic stroke.
Discovery and characterization of a novel humanized anti-IL-15 antibody and its relevance for the treatment of refractory celiac disease and eosinophilic esophagitis

ABSTRACT Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a critical regulator of immune responses, especially at mucosal interfaces within the gastro-intestinal tract. Here, we describe the discovery and characterization of a humanized antibody to IL-15. Data from its epitope and mode of action, cell biology and primate pharmacology, as well as translational studies in human samples and in vivo proof-of-concept experiments in mouse models demonstrate the therapeutic potential of this new antibody targeting IL-15 for refractory celiac disease and eosinophilic esophagitis.
The Relationship Between Growth and Investment

This paper utilizes the growth accounting framework to derive and analyze the relationship between the rate of growth of output and the ratio of investment to output. With plausible parametric assumptions this framework is used to examine the recent controversy in Fiji on investment and growth. Our results support the concerns of some USP economists that a 5% growth rate for Fiji needs significantly higher investment rates and institutional reforms.
Similar chromosomal changes in cisplatin and oxaliplatin‐resistant sublines of the H69 SCLC cell line are not associated with platinum resistance

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) initially responds well to DNA damaging drugs such as cisplatin, however this is transitory as resistance normally develops. To investigate whether changes in chromosomal copy number caused by platinum drug treatment contributes to platinum resistance, we have analyzed H69 SCLC cells and two low‐level platinum‐resistant sublines, H69CIS200 and H69OX400, derived by cisplatin and oxaliplatin treatment, respectively. Affymetrix 10K SNP array showed that cisplatin and oxaliplatin have independently caused similar changes including loss of segments 6q21‐qter and 13pter‐13q.14. 11 and duplication of chromosome 21. Interestingly, despite using equally cytotoxic doses of drug in the development of the cell lines, oxaliplatin caused three times more chromosomal changes than cisplatin. The resistant cell lines lose their resistant phenotype after 3 months of drug‐free culture. The revertant cell lines, denoted H69CIS200‐S and H69OX400‐S, were also analyzed by Affymetrix array to determine if chromosomal changes associated with resistance remain after the resistant phenotype is lost. In the H69OX400‐S many of the changes observed in the resistant cells were absent suggesting that they contributed to the resistant phenotype including: loss of 1q23.3‐qter, 10q11.23, and 19q13.12‐q13.2 and duplication of segments 6p21.2‐p12.3, 16q12.1‐16q13, 16q21‐q23.1, and 19q12. However, out of the similar changes induced by cisplatin and oxaliplatin, both the loss of 6q21‐qter and gain of 21 were still present in the H69CIS200‐S and H69OX400‐S cells. This suggests that cisplatin and oxaliplatin induced similar changes due to inherent vulnerabilities in the H69 cells rather than changes associated with platinum resistance. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Steps towards a Deeper Economic Integration: The Internal Market in the 21st Century

The aim of this paper is to analyse the effects of the implementation of the Internal Market Programme and to propose ideas on how its potential can be better exploited. First, the paper offers a broader perspective to the analysis of the Internal Market by exploring its close links to the rapidly changing economic environment. Second, it puts together a comprehensive body of empirical evidence, based on the analysis of trade, FDI, M&A, prices and regulation data, which allows for a thorough stock taking exercise of what has been achieved in terms of European economic integration. Thirdly, it analyses the remaining barriers to the completion of the Internal Market while presenting a critical review of the adequacy of the instruments that have been used so far. Overall the paper concludes that the Internal Market is a powerful instrument to promote economic integration and to increase competition within the EU and that it has been the source of large macro-economic benefits. However, these gains could have been substantially larger if the removal of most of the remaining cross-border barriers was achieved.
Strategic, Organizational, and Cultural Fit: Effects on Performance in China‐US Joint Ventures

We explore the effects of three categories of fit on US‐China joint‐venture performance using four performance measures. Many studies prescribe strong fit across multiple categories as necessary for high performance, but little rigorous analysis supports this. Three important threads of existing “fit” research resonate in the literature: strategic, cultural and organizational fit. We analyze an original survey dataset of over 80 US‐China JVs, and test for effects of fit‐categories using two measures for each thread. Additionally, multiple control factors give a compelling look at a complete model of fit’s effects on JV performance. Objective congruence (strategic fit) among JV partner‐firms, impacts two performance‐measures. Efficacy of managerial communications (cultural fit) also matters, as does harmony regarding hiring decisions (organizational fit). Our findings are a step forward empirically, and partly resolve persistent questions about partner‐fit in JVs and performance.
Stock Dividends, Stock Splits, and Signaling

This paper provides evidence that firms signal their private information about future earnings by their choice of split factor. Split factors are increasing in earnings forecast errors, after controlling for differences in pre-split price and firm size. Further more, price changes at stock dividend and split announcements are significantly correlated with split factors, holding other factors constant, and with earnings forecast errors. These correlations suggest that management's choice of split factor signals private information about future earnings and that investors revise their beliefs about firm value accordingly. The analysis also suggests, however, that announcement returns are significantly correlated with split factors after controlling for earnings forecast errors. This suggests that earnings forecast errors measure management's private information about future earnings with error, that split factors signal other valuation-relevant attributes, or that a signaling explanation is incomplete. Copyright 1990 by American Finance Association.
Capital budgeting methods, management control systems and the R&D intensity of the firm

This paper investigates the effect of the Research and Development (R&D) intensity of the firm on the use of management control systems, capital budgeting methods and the methods to determine the cost of capital. Based on earlier literature, we develop several hypotheses that we test empirically, using survey data of the 101 Finnish firms operating in the capital area. The results indicate that the use of management control systems such as control and bonus systems, budgeting and strategic alliances increases with the degree of the R&D intensity of the firm. The results also indicate that high-R&D-intensity firms use formal capital budgeting methods within large and strategic projects. Finally, our results show that the use of sophisticated capital budgeting methods such as Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) methods increases with the R&D intensity of the firm. Our results remain materially the same after controlling for several firm characteristics.
No indications for altered essential fatty acid metabolism in two murine models for cystic fibrosis Published, JLR Papers in Press, October 1, 2004. DOI 10.1194/jlr.M400238-JLR200

A deficiency of essential fatty acids (EFA) is frequently described in cystic fibrosis (CF), but whether this is a primary consequence of altered EFA metabolism or a secondary phenomenon is unclear. It was suggested that defective long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) synthesis contributes to the CF phenotype. To establish whether cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction affects LCPUFA synthesis, we quantified EFA metabolism in cftr−/−CAM and cftr+/+CAM mice. Effects of intestinal phenotype, diet, age, and genetic background on EFA status were evaluated in cftr−/−CAM mice, ΔF508/ΔF508 mice, and littermate controls. EFA metabolism was measured by 13C stable isotope methodology in vivo. EFA status was determined by gas chromatography in tissues of cftr−/−CAM mice, ΔF508/ΔF508 mice, littermate controls, and C57Bl/6 wild types fed chow or liquid diet. After enteral administration of [13C]EFA, arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were equally 13C-enriched in cftr−/−CAM and cftr+/+CAM mice, indicating similar EFA elongation/desaturation rates. LA, ALA, AA, and DHA concentrations were equal in pancreas, lung, and jejunum of chow-fed cftr−/−CAM and ΔF508/ΔF508 mice and controls. LCPUFA levels were also equal in liquid diet-weaned cftr−/−CAM mice and littermate controls, but consistently higher than in age- and diet-matched C57Bl/6 wild types. We conclude that cftr−/−CAM mice adequately absorb and metabolize EFA, indicating that CFTR dysfunction does not impair LCPUFA synthesis. A membrane EFA imbalance is not inextricably linked to the CF genotype. EFA status in murine CF models is strongly determined by genetic background.
The Amount and Activity of Active Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 Is Suppressed by Estradiol and Progesterone in Human Pelvic Floor Fibroblasts1

Abstract As a key degrader of fibrillar collagens, matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), may contribute to the progression of pelvic organ prolapse. Here we aimed to define the regulation of MMP13 by estradiol and progesterone in the vaginal supportive tissues. Fibroblasts cultured from the arcus tendineous fasciae pelvis of three pre- and three postmenopausal women with prolapse were treated with 17-beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), E2 + P4, or E2 + ICI 182,780 (ICI). Collagenase inhibitor I (CI) and MG-132 were employed to investigate the mechanism of MMP13 degradation into inactive fragments (fragmentation) by hormones. The regulation of MMP13 in vivo was assessed by comparing tissues of ovariectomized (ovx) vs. sham-operated rats. Expression of MMP13 (proenzyme and active and fragment forms) was quantitated by Western immunoblotting, and MMP13 enzymatic activity was measured using a substrate degradation assay. The amount of cellular active MMP13 and MMP13 proteolytic activity decreased in the presence of hormones. The decrease was paralleled by increased proenzyme and fragment forms. MG-132, not CI, suppressed cellular MMP13 fragmentation. Active MMP13 increased in rats following ovx and was suppressed by E2 + P4 supplementation. Active MMP13 is suppressed in vivo and in vitro by estradiol and progesterone, suggesting a protective effect against vaginal supportive tissue deterioration.
The dystrophin–glycoprotein complex, cellular signaling, and the regulation of cell survival in the muscular dystrophies

Mutations of different components of the dystrophin–glycoprotein complex (DGC) cause muscular dystrophies that vary in terms of severity, age of onset, and selective involvement of muscle groups. Although the primary pathogenetic processes in the muscular dystrophies have clearly been identified as apoptotic and necrotic muscle cell death, the pathogenetic mechanisms that lead to cell death remain to be determined. Studies of components of the DGC in muscle and in nonmuscle tissues have revealed that the DGC is undoubtedly a multifunctional complex and a highly dynamic structure, in contrast to the unidimensional concept of the DGC as a mechanical component in the cell. Analysis of the DGC reveals compelling analogies to two other membrane‐associated protein complexes, namely integrins and caveolins. Each of these complexes mediates signal transduction cascades in the cell, and disruption of each complex causes muscular dystrophies. The signal transduction cascades associated with the DGC, like those associated with integrins and caveolins, play important roles in cell survival signaling, cellular defense mechanisms, and regulation of the balance between cell survival and cell death. This review focuses on the functional components of the DGC, highlighting the evidence of their participation in cellular signaling processes important for cell survival. Elucidating the link between these functional components and the pathogenetic processes leading to cell death is the foremost challenge to understanding the mechanisms of disease expression in the muscular dystrophies due to defects in the DGC. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 1575–1594, 2001
On zero sum-partition of Abelian groups into three sets and group distance magic labeling

We say that a finite Abelian group Γ has the constant-sum-partition property into t sets (CSP(t)-property) if for every partition n = r1 +r2 + . +rt of n, with ri ≥ 2 for 2 ≤ i ≤ t, there is a partition of Γ into pairwise disjoint subsets A1, A2, . , At, such that |Ai| = ri and for some ν ∈ Γ, ∑ a∈Ai a = ν for 1 ≤ i ≤ t. For ν = g0 (where g0 is the identity element of Γ) we say that Γ has zero-sum-partition property into t sets (ZSP(t)-property). A Γ-distance magic labeling of a graph G = (V,E) with |V | = n is a bijection ` from V to an Abelian group Γ of order n such that the weight w(x) = ∑ y∈N(x) `(y) of every vertex x ∈ V is equal to the same element μ ∈ Γ, called the magic constant. A graph G is called a group distance magic graph if there exists a Γ-distance magic labeling for every Abelian group Γ of order |V (G)|. In this paper we study the CSP(3)-property of Γ, and apply the results to the study of group distance magic complete tripartite graphs.
The Impact of Conditional Cash Transfers on Children’s School Achievement: Evidence from Colombia

Conditional cash transfer programmes have expanded in developing countries as a way to foster human capital accumulation. Despite evidence of these programmes' positive impact on school enrolment, little is known about their impact on school achievement. This study estimated the effect of Familias en Accion on school achievement. It found that the programme has a positive effect on school achievement for children aged seven to 12 living in rural areas. However, the study found a negative effect on the school achievement of adolescents, particularly those living in rural areas. Possible mechanisms of these effects are explored and discussed.
The Impact of Macroeconomic Uncertainty on Bank Lending Behavior

In this paper we empirically investigate the link between bank lending and macroeconomic uncertainty using annual and quarterly U.S. bank level data. For both data sets, we show that as macroeconomic uncertainty increases, captured by an increase in the variability of industrial production or inflation, banks behave more conservatively, leading to a narrowing of the cross-sectional distribution of banks' loan--to-asset ratios. Our results are robust to the inclusion of macroeconomic factors, and provide broadly similar findings across three major categories of bank loans and total loans.
The Effects of Minimum Wages on Teenage Employment and Enrollment: Evidence from Matched CPS Surveys

The recent debate over minimum wages raises two questions. First, should policy makers no longer believe that minimum wages entail negative consequences for teenagers? Second, should economists discard the competitive labor market model? Our evidence for teenagers, using matched CPS surveys, suggests that the answer to both of these questions is no. We find that although increases in minimum wages have small net effects on overall teen employment rates, such increases raise the probability that more-skilled teenagers leave school and displace lower-skilled workers from their jobs. These findings are consistent with the predictions of a competitive labor market model that recognizes skill differences among workers. In addition, we find that the displaced lower-skilled workers are more likely to end up non-enrolled and non-employed. Thus, despite the small net disemployment effects for teenagers as a group, there are significant enrollment and employment shifts associated with minimum wage changes that should be of concern to policy makers.
Guided tissue regeneration for the treatment of periodontal intrabony and furcation defects. A systematic review.

BACKGROUND Many clinical studies have demonstrated that guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a successful treatment modality of periodontal reconstructive surgery and it has become an accepted procedure in most periodontal practices. RATIONALE The purpose of this structured review was to assess the efficacy of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) procedures in patients with periodontal osseous defects compared with surgical controls on clinical, radiographic, adverse, and patient-centered outcomes. It extends the scope of previous GTR systematic reviews, which were limited to randomized controlled studies, by the scope of outcome measures examined, and the duration of the study. FOCUSED QUESTION In patients with periodontal osseous defects, what is the effect of physical barriers compared with surgical controls on clinical, radiographic, adverse, and patient-centered outcomes? SEARCH PROTOCOL An electronic search of the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register and MEDLINE databases was performed. Manual searching of journals included Journal of Clinical Periodontology, Journal of Periodontology, and Journal of Periodontal Research up to January 2002. This manual search also included review of relevant bibliographies. Two manufacturers of GTR devices were contacted regarding unpublished data. SELECTION CRITERIA INCLUSION CRITERIA Studies were selected for review if the evidence level was 3B (cohort) or above, at least 6 months duration, and compared a test GTR intervention with a surgical control. EXCLUSION CRITERIA Studies with experimental design problems; histologic or microbiological investigations; or those with outcome measurements, study populations, or study duration not consistent with the inclusion criteria were excluded. Primary outcome measures for intrabony defects were: clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, probing depth reduction (PD), gingival recession (REC) reduction; for furcation defects: vertical probing attachment level (VPAL) gain, vertical probing depth reduction (VPD), horizontal probing depth reduction (HPD), horizontal open probing attachment level gain (HOPA), and vertical open probing attachment level gain (VOPA). Meta-analysis was performed to compare GTR procedures to other surgical treatments and to examine the resulting clinical outcomes. MAIN RESULTS 1. For the primary outcome variables, in both intrabony-defect and furcation-defect studies, GTR was favored over open flap debridement (OFD) therapies (P < 0.0001). 2. No differences were detected among barrier types, but barrier types could explain some heterogeneity in the results. 3. Augmentation of the GTR barrier with a particulate graft enhanced VPD (P < 0.05), VPAL, and HOPA, but none of the intrabony outcomes. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Overall, GTR is consistently more effective than OFD in the gain of clinical attachment and probing depth reduction in the treatment of intrabony and furcation defects.
the role of adult education in community development

Community development, by this definition as well as by common usage, is not the same thing as adult education. Yet, like other manyfaceted, collaborative, continuing activities, community development requires learning by those who take part in it-learning about the community : its history and traditions, its economic and social structure, its agencies and organizations, its relationships with the &dquo;outside world&dquo;, its problems, resources, and opportunities, the needs and aspirations of its citizens; learning of methods of communication among the various neighborhoods, population groups, agencies, and organizations; learning how to discover relevant facts about the community in such a way that they become matters of common interest
Embedded culture and intercultural adaptation: implications for managing the needs of Chinese Students

Students who travel abroad for study bring with them a wealth of cultural resources and expectations that influence their ability to adapt and acculturate into their new environment. While the ability to fit into their new context is a largely personal endeavour, for students from Confucian heritage societies, the cultural expectations of family can have a significant impact on these students. Building on research into the influence of culture and parents on the decision to study abroad, this paper highlights the need for and benefits of developing internationalisation policy and management procedures that reflect and support an understanding of the embedded cultural needs and expectations of Chinese students and their families. This paper offers theoretical insight into the situations of the people involved, practical suggestions for higher education administrators wanting to develop a more effective internationalisation policy and meaningful intercultural strategies and support for international students.