Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oral contraceptive steroids as promoters of hepatocarcinogenesis in female Sprague-Dawley rats.

A number of reports have described the occurrence of liver cell adenomas in women using oral contraceptives. Circum stantial evidence derived from human and early experimental animal data, together with the recent report of Taper [Cancer (Phila.), 42: 462-467, 1978], suggests that oral contraceptive steroids may be liver tumor promoters. The objective of this study was to determine whether the feeding of two commonly used oral contraceptive steroids, mestranol and norethynodrel, can promote diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-initiated hepatocarcinogenesis. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were partially hepatectomized and intubated with either water or DEN (5 mg/kg body weight) 24 hr later. Twenty-four hr after carcinogen treatment, the animals were separated into seven groups (15 rats/group). The treatment groups were as follows: DEN â€”Â» mestranol, DEN â€”>norethynodrel, DEN â€”Â» mestranol plus norethynodrel, DEN -> 0.05% phA©nobarbital, DEN -Â»basal diet, H? O â€”>phA©nobarbital,and H2O â€”Â» mestranol plus nor ethynodrel. Steroid consumption was mestranol = 0.02 to 0.03 mg/kg body weight/day and norethynodrel = 0.5 to 0.75 mg/ kg/day. These doses are equivalent to 10 to 15 times the human dose. Five animals from each group were killed after 4 months and ten after 9 months. Histochemically detectable yglutamyl transpeptidase positive foci, together with hematoxylin and eosin-detectable lesions and y-glutamyl transpeptidase enzyme activity were scored in each liver. At both kill times, DEN-initiated animals fed diets containing mestranol, mestranol plus norethynodrel and phA©nobarbitalhad significantly greater numbers of y-glutamyl transpeptidase foci (p < 0.05) than did the controls. In addition, DEN-initiated animals fed diets con taining mestranol or mestranol plus norethynodrel had greater numbers of basophilic foci than did animals in the other groups. These results suggest that the oral contraceptive steroid mes tranol is a promoter of the appearance of putative precursor lesions of hepatocarcinogenesis.
Scleral Fibroblasts Humon Leukocyte Antigen Expression ond Complement Production

The authors investigated the ability of recombinant human gamma-interferon (rhIFN-7) to influence production of complement and expression of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) by human scleral fibroblasts in culture. Cell cultures were established by explanting sclera from normal human donor eyes. To study complement production, fibroblasts were treated with 500 units/ml rhIFN-7 in cell culture, and media were tested for complement components by hemolytic assay after 0,1, 3, 6, 9, and 11 days. To induce Class II HLAs, fibroblasts were exposed to rhIFN-7 at concentrations ranging from 10-500 units/ml and incubated for 1,3, and 6 days. The HLAs were detected by immunofluorescence in conjunction with flow cytometry. Class I antigen was detected using a monoclonal antibody directed against beta2-microglobulin. Class II histocompatibility antigens were identified using monoclonal antibodies specific for HLA-DR, -DP, and -DQ. Although complement component Cl was produced constitutively in cell culture, the addition of rhIFN-7 resulted in an increase in production. Complement components C2 and C4 were detected only after treatment with rhIFN-7. Complement production was completely inhibited by cycloheximide, and C3, C5, C6, and C7 were not present in cell culture media with or without rhIFN-7. Class I antigen was present on all cells before induction, and an increase in expression was noted after exposure to rhIFN-7. Class II antigens were absent before induction with rhIFN-7. After treatment with rhIFN-7, scleral fibroblasts expressed HLA-DR, -DP, and -DQ in a dose-dependent, time-related fashion. These findings suggest that rhIFN-7 has multiple effects on scleral fibroblasts: (1) increased production of Cl, (2) production of C2 and C4, (3) up-regulation of Class I antigen expression, and (4) expression of Class II antigens. They also suggest that scleral fibroblasts have the potential to participate in immunologic diseases of the eye. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 31:2412-2419, 1990
Environmentally sustainable textile and apparel consumption: the role of consumer knowledge, perceived consumer effectiveness and perceived personal relevance

The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive understanding of young consumers' attitudes, perceptions and behavioural intentions towards the consumption of environmentally sustainable textile and apparel products. A total of 701 responses were collected from students attending large universities in the US, South Korea and China. An extended model of planned behaviour was developed and tested based on structural equation modeling approach. The results indicate that consumers' product knowledge, perceived consumer effectiveness and perceived personal relevance significantly affect young consumers' attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control, thereby affecting purchase intentions for environmentally sustainable textiles and apparel. The research findings will benefit both environmental and economic enhancement efforts among policymakers, educators and industry professionals, enabling them to formulate strategies to ensure better communication with consumers to promote desirable consumption behaviour.
Jointly Optimal Monetary and Fiscal Policy Rules Under Borrowing Constraints

We study the welfare properties of an economy where both monetary and fiscal policy follow simple rules, and where a subset of agents is borrowing constrained. The optimized fiscal rule is far more aggressive than automatic stabilizers, and stabilizes the income of borrowing constrained agents, rather than output. The optimized monetary rule features super-inertia and a very low coefficient on inflation, which minimizes real wage volatility. The welfare gains of optimizing the fiscal rule are far larger than the welfare gains of optimizing the monetary rule. The preferred fiscal instruments are government spending and transfers targeted to borrowing-constrained agents.
Statistical characterizaton of a CMOS-MEMS resonator for monolithic ovenized oscillator applications

A statistical study on the resonance frequency, Q-factor, electrostatic frequency tuning coefficient, and thermal resistance (Rth) of a CMOS-MEMS resonator is carried out in this work to evaluate the practical utility for ovenized MEMS oscillator applications. The mean frequency of 1.195 MHz, Q of 1,190, and Rth of 295 K/mW are obtained from 12 resonator chips. The measured 1-σ frequency tolerance of 7,560 ppm not only comes from random etching bias but also attributes to variations in electrical tuning coefficients. The 1-Rth error on Rth less than 4.08% is satisfactory to allow the implementation of ultra-low-power ovenized MEMS oscillators. Moreover, the monolithic CMOS-MEMS oscillator is also characterized through 6 individual chips, and the maximum phase noise difference <; 3 dB is measured at 1-kHz offset. In conclusion, this study confirms the fabrication yield, uniformity of geometry/material properties, and performance reproducibility of CMOS-MEMS resonators for monolithic ovenized oscillator applications.
Central Asia

So this book comes at the right time. It picks up the story of post-Soviet Central Asia from Mr Hiro’s earlier book Between Marx and Muhammad, published in 1994. After 20 years, contrasts between neighbouring countries in the region are growing. In March 2005, Kyrgyz president Askar Akayev was overthrown in the so-called ‘Tulip Revolution’. But, in 2010, Kyrgyzstan was repeatedly rocked by violent anti-government and inter-ethnic riots. The future there looks deeply unsettled. By contrast, just over the border, neighbouring Kazakhstan has grown in political maturity to the point where the Kazakhs have been entrusted by the member countries of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) with the current chairmanship: this is a political coming-of-age. And Kazakhstan’s burgeoning political influence is matched by its economic muscle as one of the world’s top oil and gas exporters.
Towards a definition of a business performance measurement system

Purpose – Scholars in the field of performance measurement tend to use the term business performance measurement (BPM) systems without explaining exactly what they mean by it. This lack of clarity creates confusion and comparability issues, and makes it difficult for researchers to build on one an each other's work. The purpose of this paper is to identify the key characteristics of a BPM system, by reviewing the different definitions of a BPM system that exist in the literature. This work aims to open a debate on what are the necessary and sufficient conditions of a BPM system. It is also hoped that a greater level of clarity in the performance measurement research arena will be encouraged.Design/methodology/approach – The performance measurement literature is reviewed using a systematic approach.Findings – Based on this research, a set of conditions of a BPM system has been proposed from which researchers can choose those which are necessary and sufficient conditions for their studies.Research limitatio.
A Field Experiment of Discrimination in the Norwegian Housing Market: Gender, Class, and Ethnicity

We test for gender, class, and ethnic discrimination in the Norwegian rental housing market by using fake application letters. Females, individuals with high job status, and ethnic Norwegians are more likely to receive positive responses. For example, being an Arabic man and working in a warehouse is associated with a 25 percentage point lower probability of receiving a positive response when showing interest in an apartment, as compared to an ethnically Norwegian female economist. We conclude that gender, class, and ethnic discrimination do exist in the Norwegian housing market, and ethnic discrimination seems to be the most prevalent form of discrimination. (JEL R21)
A Glass Half Empty or Half Full? On the Perceived Gap between Urban Geography Research and Dutch Urban Restructuring Policy

Abstract The Dutch urban restructuring policy, initiated in 1997, has generated much urban geography research. As with so many other fields, the associated debate has witnessed the perception of a gap between policy and research among both researchers and policymakers. Using four examples, this paper argues that this perception of a gap fails to reflect properly what is happening in the interchange between research and policy. Drawing on a broader typology of the use of research in policy-making (Stevens, 2007), the paper shows that the relationship is more complex and critically highlights the role of researchers herein. Moreover, ignoring or ‘cherry-picking’ of research by policymakers does not necessarily reflect a lack of relevance, which is a fundamental discussion within current geography research. The four discussed examples are: ambivalent outcomes of relocation research, the selection of renewal target areas, potential negative spillover effects on other areas, and the stubbornness of the concept of social cohesion in policy.
Irrational Market Makers

We analyze a model where irrational and rational informed traders exchange a risky asset with irrational market makers. Irrational traders misperceive the mean of prior information (optimistic/pessimistic bias) and the variance of the noise in their private signal (overconfidence/ underconfidence bias). Irrational market makers misperceive both the mean and the variance of the prior information. We show that moderately underconfident traders can outperform rational ones and that irrational market makers can fare better than rational ones. Lastly, we find that extreme level of confidence implies high trading volume.
Hidden problems in precise calibration on microstrip

A study of calibration problems on microstrip with respect to interaction of electromagnetic fields around SMA to microstrip launcher and microstrip short was carried out in frequency band up to 26 GHz. Omni Spectra SMA to microstrip launcher, 50 Omega microstrip line on Arlon CuClad 223 0.508 mm thick substrate and microstrip shorts with reflective wall above the upper side of substrate as a calibration elements were used for simulations in CST Microwave Studio. Strong influence of dimensions of shorts and distance between the shorts and the launcher on simulated calibration data was observed. Reasonable dimensions of the short and the distance between the short and the launcher making possible correct precise calibration were determined.
Audit Standard Setting and Inspection for U.S. Public Companies: A Critical Assessment and Recommendations for Fundamental Change

SYNOPSIS: The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) established the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) to oversee the accounting firms that audit publicly traded companies in the United States. In this commentary we outline why we believe the PCAOB’s audit standard-setting and inspection models are inefficient and dysfunctional. We assert that the Board’s ability to achieve its mission is limited by its early choices, together with its incentives, organizational composition, and structure. We support our assertions with a number of indicators of serious problems and flaws in the current approach. We also present high-level recommendations for change for policy makers, regulators, and leaders in the profession to consider in developing improved approaches to audit standard setting, inspection, and enforcement.
Effect of an axial magnetic field upon the development of the vacuum arc between opening electric contacts

Two series of experiments are reported. In the first, a Helmholtz coil provides an independent, constant axial magnetic field B/sub ax/ in the gap between opening Bruce profile, chromium-copper (Cr-Cu) contacts. Peak arc currents up to 40 kA at 50 Hz are studied with B/sub ax/ up to 112 mT. For each peak current, a critical field B/sub crit/ is determined above which anode spots did not form. For B/sub ax/ greater than B/sub crit/, the time from contact parting to the formation of a diffuse vacuum arc is linearly dependent upon separation current, with a change in slope at 7-8 kA. In the second series, the contacts are designed to generate a self B/sub ax/ when current flows. The magnitude of this field is approximately proportional to the current waveform through the contacts, and it is always higher than the B/sub crit/ predicted for the instantaneous current. The time from contact parting to the formation of the diffuse arc is consistent with the first experimental series. <<ETX>>
Relationship between response to inhaled salbutamol and methacholine bronchial provocation in children with suspected asthma

Fifty children (27 females, 23 males) ages 6–15 years who were referred for evaluation of suspected asthma had baseline FEV1 and FEF25‐75 of ⩾ 80% and FEF50 ⩾ 70% of predicted values. All had these tests repeated on the same day, after inhaling salbutamol. On a subsequent day PC‐20 (methacholine) was determined as an index of bronchial hyperreactivity (BH). Fourteen age‐matched healthy children (6 females, 8 males) were studied in a similar manner. There was no significant relationship between the PC20 and the change in FEF25‐75 or FEF50 following salbutamol. There was a negative correlation between the initial FEV1 (% predicted) and the percent change in FEV1 following salbutamol (P < 0.01). An increase in FEV1 of >6% occurred in 7/12 (58.3%) patients with PC20 ⩽ 0.25 mg/mL (Group I); in 7/24 (29.2%) patients with PC20 = 0.26–2.0 mg/mL (Group II); in only 1/14 (7.1%) patients with PC20 > 2.1 mg/mL (Group III) and in none of those asymptomatic (control) children with PC20 > 8.0 mg/mL (Group IV). All subjects who had a change in FEV1 > 6% after salbutamol had a PC20 < 8 mg/mL and this test detected the majority of patients with severe BH. However, although the sensitivity of the test was 100%, the predictive value was only 36%. We conclude that in the presence of a normal baseline FEV1 a change of > 6% following salbutamol inhalation is indicative of bronchial hyperreactivity. Pediatr Pulmonol 1991; 10:244–248.
Evaluating the Success of a Science Academic Development Programme at a Research-intensive University

Academic development (AD) programmes for students not complying with the entrance requirements of mainstream programmes in science have been running at a number of universities in South Africa. In this study we contribute to the debate on criteria for the success of AD programmes, specifically in the context of research-intensive universities in South Africa. We identify five quantitative criteria for evaluating such a programme: retention, completion rate, migration to other faculties, comparison with other institutions and enrolment in graduate studies. Most of these criteria are relatively common in evaluating similar programmes whereas the extent of migration to other faculties is particular to this study. We illustrate the use of these criteria evaluating the BSc Four Year Programme at the University of Pretoria based on the group of students who registered for the programme in 2008. We found that around 15% of this group had completed their studies in the minimum time while the eventual completion rate of students getting degrees is expected to be in the order of 50%. The attrition rate across the four year science degree programme was high (43%), but the majority of students who terminated their studies did so during the first year. Of those still enrolled in their fourth year a high percentage of students remained in science-related programmes (79%). The fact that more than half of first graduates had enrolled for postgraduate programmes in 2012 is a criterion for success that is especially important for a research-intensive university.
Strategy Implementation Success: The Moderating Effects of Size and Environmental Complexity and the Mediating Effects of Involvement

This study examines the importance of foodservice managers’ and organizational members’ involvement in the implementation of strategy. The study assesses the direct and moderating effects of managers’ perception of environmental complexity and firm size on level of involvement during strategy implementation. Findings indicate that firms operating in an environment of greater complexity bring more organizational members into the implementation process. Firm size interacted with complexity to drive higher involvement levels for small and large firms. Furthermore, foodservice firms that utilized implementation processes that involved more organizational members across the hierarchy achieved greater success in strategy implementation. Level of involvement was shown to mediate the relationship between external complexity and implementation success.
Family Firms and Entrepreneurial Orientation in Publicly Traded Firms

There is considerable disagreement about whether family firm characteristics hinder or support entrepreneurial activities. This article highlights the existence of an entrepreneurial orientation in family firms, and it examines differences between family and nonfamily firms on the entrepreneurial orientation dimensions of autonomy, competitive aggressiveness, innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk taking, using content analysis of shareholder letters from S&P 500 firms. As such, family firms exhibit language consistent with an entrepreneurial orientation for all dimensions but use less language than that of nonfamily firms in relation to autonomy, proactiveness, and risk taking.
Forecasting Spot Interest Rate Volatility

This paper compares the in-sample and out-of-sample forecasting performance of models of the spot interest rate volatility using French and Germany short-term interest rates, 1981-1997. For a one-week horizon, the volatility forecasts evaluation shows that the model with the best fit does not have the highest forecasting power. The out-of-sample evidence supports that models with only news effect have similar forecasting power and effciency to models with mixed level and news effect, which have the best fit. Also, sample variance forecasts calculated using exponentially declining weights present forecasting power and effciency similar to the best volatility models.
Environmental liability and harmonization in the presence of transboundary effects and hidden assets

Within the context of transboundary disputes, this paper seeks to determine which liability concept, negligence or strict liability, performs better when assets are secure against foreign claims for transboundary damages. Our results indicate that, if assets are hidden from foreign claims, strict liability will not implement the socially optimal outcome, but neither will negligence. However, even though the socially optimal outcome is not always achieved, strict liability weakly dominates negligence. These results suggest that the harmonization of statues that deal with transboundary pollution should be based on strict liability not negligence.
The Impact of Globalization on Income Distribution: The Case of Hungary

This study investigates using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) methodology the impact of globalization on income distribution for the period 1990–2009 in Hungary. The empirical findings are in line with the conventional wisdom that opening up a national economy into the international market tends to decrease income inequality. Income distribution can be fairer by increasing trade volume and foreign capital penetration, while remittances can also have a positive effect. However, huge trade volume with negative trade balance or foreign direct investments that favor only the more skilled workers may lead to negative results. The globalization process can be beneficial but its nature should be closely monitored.
Equity Market Price Interactions between China and the Other Markets within the Chinese States Equity Markets

This study examines the cointegrating and long-term causal relationships of equity market prices in equity markets of Chinese states namely, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. I cover the period between October 5, 1992 and March 20, 2006, taking into account both the Asian financial crisis and the opening-up of China’s equity markets in recent years. First, I analysis the cointegration by utilizing Johansen’s (1988) cointegration tests. I find that a long-term equilibrium relationship measured by cointegration has been established among Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Taiwanese markets and, to a lesser degree, between these markets and the Singapore market since 1998. Secondly, this study examines causality by exploring the bootstrapped Toda-Yamamoto non-causality tests. I find that there is strong evidence of a bi-directional causality between Shanghai and Shenzhen markets after 1998. Furthermore, I also find that there are more causal linkages between the Chinese states equity markets: two mainland Chinese markets, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore became more dependent on each other. The robustness of the above findings is confirmed by the use of a bootstrap test employed to test the validity of my results.
Family illness and temporary work absence

The literature contains much research examining the economics of absenteeism and the relationship between an individual's labour supply and his or her own health status. But very little has examined the effect of a family illness on an individual's labour supply. This paper presents an analysis of the length of temporary work absences subsequent to a family illness. Conceptually, workers have varying degrees of family-specific psychic work costs: the greater those costs, the greater the familial pull in the event of a family problem, and therefore the greater the degree of work loss subsequent to a family illness. Empirical results obtained using microdata from the University of Michigan PSID indicate that family factors do have a significant impact on the duration of work absence. The results would seem to carry policy relevance in light of the passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.