Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transgelin-expressing myofibroblasts orchestrate ventral midline closure through TGFβ signalling

Ventral body wall (VBW) defects are among the most common congenital malformations, yet their embryonic origin and underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly characterised. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signalling is essential for VBW closure, but the responding cells are not known. Here, we identify in mouse a population of migratory myofibroblasts at the leading edge of the closing VBW that express the actin-binding protein transgelin (TAGLN) and TGFβ receptor (TGFβR). These cells respond to a temporally regulated TGFβ2 gradient originating from the epithelium of the primary body wall. Targeted elimination of TGFβR2 in TAGLN+ cells impairs midline closure and prevents the correct subsequent patterning of the musculature and skeletal components. Remarkably, deletion of Tgfbr2 in myogenic or chondrogenic progenitor cells does not manifest in midline defects. Our results indicate a pivotal significance of VBW myofibroblasts in orchestrating ventral midline closure by mediating the response to the TGFβ gradient. Altogether, our data enable us to distinguish highly regulated epithelial-mesenchymal signalling and successive cellular migration events in VBW closure that explain early morphological changes underlying the development of congenital VBW defects. Summary: A population of migratory myofibroblasts at the leading edge of the closing ventral body wall expresses cytoskeletal components and TGFβR2 and responds to an epithelial TGFβ2 morphogen gradient to drive midline closure.
The Industrial Organization of Markets with Two-Sided Platforms

Two-sided platforms (2SPs) cater to two or more distinct groups of customers, facilitating value-creating interactions between them. The village market and the village matchmaker were 2SPs; eBay and Match.com are more recent examples. Other examples include payment card systems, magazines, shopping malls, and personal computer operating systems. Building on the seminal work of Rochet and Tirole (2003), a rapidly growing literature has illuminated the economic principles that apply to 2SPs generally. One key result is that 2SPs may find it profit-maximizing to charge prices for one customer group that are below marginal cost or even negative, and such skewed pricing pattern is prevalent, although not universal, in industries that appear to be based on 2SPs. Over the years, courts have also recognized that certain industries, notably payment card systems and newspapers, now understood to be based on 2SPs, are governed by unusual economic relationships. This chapter provides an introduction to the economics of 2SPs and its application to several competition policy issues.
“You Either Pay More Advance Rent or You Move Out”: Landlords/Ladies’ and Tenants’ Dilemmas in the Low-income Housing Market in Accra, Ghana

Policy-makers world-wide are concerned about severe housing problems experienced in cities of the developing world. This paper examines the rental housing situation in Accra, Ghana. It presents findings of a qualitative investigation of the experiences of property owners (n = 21) and tenants (n = 23) in an informal private housing market that caters to the housing needs of an expanding section of Accra residents but lacks an institutional framework for regulating landlord/lady–tenant relations. The specific focus of the investigation is on perceptions of an intensifying tenancy management practice called the advance rent system. Overall, the findings reveal severe rental housing pressures and conflicting relations between renters and property owners rooted in asymmetrical perceptions regarding this system. The paper describes the conditions that shape landlords/ladies’ behaviours towards renters and their reactions to what are generally perceived as fraudulent tenure terms that property owners arbitrarily impose on tenants in this market. The paper concludes by suggesting policy recommendations to mitigate constraints plaguing a dysfunctional rental market system.
Extracorporeal shock‐wave therapy enhanced wound healing via increasing topical blood perfusion and tissue regeneration in a rat model of STZ‐induced diabetes

Extracorporeal shock‐wave therapy (ESWT) has a significant positive effect in accelerating chronic wound healing. However, the bio‐mechanisms operating during ESWT of wounds remain unclear. This study investigated the effectiveness of ESWT in the enhancement of diabetic wound healing. A dorsal skin defect (area, 6 × 5 cm) in a streptozotocin‐induced diabetes rodent model was used. Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group I consisted of nondiabetic control; group II included diabetic control receiving no ESWT; group III included rats that underwent one session of ESWT (ESW‐1) on day 3 (800 impulses at 0.09 mJ/mm2) postwounding; group IV included rats that underwent two sessions of ESWT (ESW‐2) on days 3 and 7; and group V included rats that underwent three sessions of ESWT (ESW‐3) on days 3, 7, and 10. The wound healing was assessed clinically. Blood perfusion scan was performed with laser Doppler. The VEGF, eNOS, and PCNA were analyzed with immunohistochemical stain. The results revealed that the wound size was significantly reduced in the ESWT‐treated rats, especially in the ESW‐2 and ESW‐3 groups, as compared with the control (p<0.01). Blood perfusion was significantly increased after ESWT compared with the controls. Histological findings revealed a significant reduction in the topical pro‐inflammatory reaction in the ESWT group as compared with the control. In immunohistochemical stain, significant increases in VEGF, eNOS, and PCNA expressions were observed in the ESWT group, especially in the ESW‐2 and ESW‐3 groups, as compared with the control. In conclusion, treatment with an optimal session of ESWT significantly enhanced diabetic wound healing associated with increased neo‐angiogenesis and tissue regeneration, and topical anti‐inflammatory response.
Activity based costing, modernity and the transformation of local government

This is a study of the implementation of the UK central government's modernization policies for local government. The specific focus of the study is on one particular implementation tool which local authorities were required to use by central government edict: activity based costing. This article uses institutional theory, and in particular, isomorphism, to examine the manner in which local authorities responded to this initiative. The findings have implications for the implementation of ABC in government settings, for modernization programmes and for the further development of institutional theory.
DEPLETION OF SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI LUNG-STAGE SCHISTOSOMULA CHOLESTEROL BY METHYL-β-CYCLODEXTRIN DRAMATICALLY INCREASES SPECIFIC ANTIBODY BINDING TO SURFACE MEMBRANE ANTIGENS

Schistosoma mansoni lung-stage larvae appear to not bind antibodies from radiation vaccine or infection sera in the membrane immunofluorescence test. However, treatment of ex vivo lung-stage schistosomula with methyl-β-cyclodextrin, a hydrophobic oligosaccharide that specifically extracts cholesterol from plasma membranes, induced readily detectable binding of specific antibodies in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Surface membrane antigen binding of specific antibodies was also conclusively demonstrated by quantitative absorption of anti-schistosome sera with intact ex vivo larvae. These data together suggest that confinement of lung-stage schistosomula surface membrane antigens in cholesterol-rich sites allows only monovalent antibody binding, which can be detected by absorption and not by direct serology.
Outcomes of Environmental Management Systems: the Role of Motivations and Firms’ Characteristics

This article analyzes the influence of the sources of motivation that lead companies to adopt environmental management systems (EMSs) on the outcomes of these systems. A set of hypotheses derived from an extensive review of the literature is analyzed using cluster analysis – in order to identify groups of companies – as well as correlation and regression analyses, with data obtained from a survey of 361 Spanish organizations that have environmental certification. The results reveal that, for the groups identified, companies from the holistic cluster (with high levels of both internal and external drivers) and from the internal focus cluster (with more intensive internal sources of motivation) secure greater benefits from the process of adopting an EMS. This article also sheds light on the influence on the outcomes of some variables that have been under-researched, such as the economic resources invested in an EMS and whether or not the certified companies belong to a sector with high environmental pressure. The findings help to characterize the firms with environmental certification and may also help managers, policy makers and other stakeholders to anticipate the potential benefits of EMSs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Assessing performance of management institutions

Purpose – Utilizing data envelopment analysis (DEA), this paper seeks to examine the performance of 20 Indian B‐Schools, separating their profitability and marketability. The technique allows one to identify those management institutions which are able to utilize their resources in a most efficient way such that the overall goals of the organization are satisfied and total outcome maximized. If a management institution means to be effective in developing professionals who are going to be competent leaders and managers, then it would be useful to know the performance of the management institutes. However, measuring the performance of management institutes has received very little attention compared with other industries because it is difficult to measure its output.Design/methodology/approach – A DEA model is used to evaluate the relative efficiency of a group of decision‐making units (DMUs) in their use of multiple inputs to produce multiple outputs where the form of production is neither known nor specif.
A Comparison of City Region Dynamics in the UK, Spain and Italy: More Similarities than Differences?

GIORDANO B. and ROLLER E. (2003) A comparison of city region dynamics in the UK, Spain and Italy: more similarities than differences? , Reg. Studies 37, 911–927. How relations between the city and the regional scales of governance will be framed has been largely ignored in the devolution debate in the UK, and especially in England, thus far. It is imperative, then, to compare the experiences of other European countries which share longer histories of devolution. This paper, therefore, focuses upon a comparison with the Italian and Spanish experiences, which are especially pertinent because local and regional authorities in both countries have wide-ranging powers. In both countries, however, the situation is often problematical and therefore important lessons can be drawn for the on-going situation in England, and the UK as a whole.GIORDANO B. et R OLLER E. (2003) Une comparaison de la dynamique urbano-régionale au Royaume-Uni, en Espagne et en Italie: y a-t-il plus de dissemblances que de ressemblances? , Reg. Studies 37, 911–927. Au coeur du débat au Royaume-Uni à propos de la régionalisation, on a fait peu d' attention jusqu'ici à la délimitation des relations entre les niveaux d'administration municipal et régional, surtout en Angleterre. Aussi est-il impératif que l'on le compare aux expériences d'autres pays européens dont l'histoire de la régionalisation remonte à plus loin. Ainsi, cet article cherche à le comparer aux expériences acquises en Italie et en Espagne qui y ont rapport vu les compétences de grande envergure des administrations municipale et régionale dans ces deux pays. Toujours est-il que, dans ces deux pays, la situation s'avè re problématique. Donc il y a d'importantes leçons à en tirer pour ce qui est de la situation en vigueur en Angleterre, et au Royaume-Uni dans son ensemble.GIORDANO B. und R OLLER E. (2003) Ein Vergleich der Stadtregionendynamik im Vereinigten Königreich, Spanien und Italien – mehr Ähnlichkeiten als Unterschiede? , Reg. Studies 37, 911–927. Wie Beziehungen zwischen Hauptstadt und regionalem Umfang der Regierungskompetenzen zu umreißen sind, ist bisher im UK und besonders in England in der Debatte um Dezentralisierung größtenteils vernachlässigt worden. Es ist deshalb unbedingt geboten, die Erfahrungen anderer europäischer Länder mit einer längeren Geschichte der Dezentralisierung zum Vergleich heranzuziehen. Dieser Aufsatz konzentriert sich deshalb auf einen Vergleich zwischen in Italien und Spanien gemachten Erfahrungen, die besonders sachdienlich sind, weil in beiden Ländern Orts – und Regionalverwaltungen weitreichende Machtbefugnisse haben. In beiden Ländern ist die Lage jedoch oft problematisch, und wichtige Lehren können deshalb für die gegenwärtige Situation in England, und in UK überhaupt, gezogen werden.
The cost of non-compliance to beef market specifications

Strategic sourcing of cattle that are more likely to meet market specification is a critical challenge for buyers purchasing animals for feedlot finishing. Missing target specifications has the potential to result in a large discount in carcass value. Costs associated with carcass weight and external fat depth that is out of specification impact on both the ability of suppliers to meet customer requirements and levels of productivity or slaughter rates that are nearer to the processor’s cost-minimising level of production. This analysis used a subset of Australian beef industry feedlot data from two long-fed feedlots to assess both the costs and causes of carcasses out-of-specification. The economic value associated with products that are out-of-specification can be illustrated by the Taguchi Quadratic Loss Function, carcass specifications, and industry grid prices. At the nominated carcass weight specification (300kg - 400kg) in the short-fed export market, there were 28 per cent outside of specification, while in the long-fed export market (380kg - 450kg), 29 per cent were outside specification. A P8 fat depth specification of 10mm-26mm showed 16 per cent outside of specification in the short-fed market. At the nominated marbling score specification (3+) in the long-fed market, 70 per cent were outside of
Naringenin induces laxative effects by upregulating the expression levels of c-Kit and SCF, as well as those of aquaporin 3 in mice with loperamide-induced constipation

Constipation is a common affliction which causes discomfort and affects the quality of life of affected individuals. Naringenin (NAR), a natural flavonoid widely found in citrus fruits and tomatoes, has been reported to exhibit various pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, anti-mutagenic, hepatoprotective and anticancer effects. Increasing evidence has indicated that NAR has potential for use in the treatment of constipation. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the laxative effects of NAR in mice with loperamide-induced (Lop-induced) constipation. The data indicated that NAR relieved Lop-induced constipation in mice based on the changes of fecal parameters (numbers, weight and water content), the intestinal charcoal transit ratio and the histological alteration. ELISA revealed that NAR regulated the production levels of gastrointestinal metabolic components, such as motilin (MTL), gastrin (Gas), endothelin (ET), substance P (SP), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in serum. The expression levels of enteric nerve-related factors, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), c-Kit, stem cell factor (SCF) and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) were examined by western blot analysis and RT-PCR analysis. The results of this study suggest that NAR relieves Lop-induced constipation by increasing the levels of interstitial cells of Cajal markers (c-Kit and SCF), as well as AQP3. Thus, NAR may be effective as a candidate in patients suffering from lifestyle-induced constipation.
The Performance of Long-Run Stock Returns Following Issues of Public and Private Debt

This study uses a balance sheet-based method to identify both public and private debt issues. This feature is important because there have been no studies of the information content of private debt issues, while private debt is substantially more prevalent than public debt. We find no abnormal returns following straight debt issues. However, convertible debt issuers under-perform the market on the order of 50 to 70 percent in the following five years. In pursuit of explanations, we find that convertible debt issues signal a deterioration of future profitability, which accounts for at least part of the stock price underperformance. Copyright Blackwell Publishers Ltd 1999.
A Social Discount Rate for Appraisal of Regional Investments: Evidence from Russia

This article provides estimates of a social discount rate (SDR) to inform government policy in Russia. We find that a SDR should be determined for the whole country as well as for particular regions. We apply the social rate of time preferences approach and estimate values for public sector projects at national and regional levels. All calculations are based on data from the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia. Findings help the decision-making process in the public sector of economics. Suggestions are useful for Russia as well as for post-Soviet countries and other developing economies with regional diversity.
Career and collaboration patterns in tourism research

Research collaboration has become an important characteristic of contemporary academia and is of prime importance for the academic career opportunities of young scholars. For the purposes of this study research collaboration is a formal manifestation of intellectual collaboration in scientific research and involves the participation of two or more authors in the production of a joint publication. The paper reports the findings of a quantitative online survey sent to tourism scholars to explore their career and collaboration patterns in co-authored publications in tourism research. The results indicate that there are divergent perspectives on research collaboration and that collaboration characteristics change as scholars progress through their careers. The paper proposes a research career lifecycle to explain the patterns in tourism research collaboration.
Sleep Problems are Associated With Chronic Pain Over and Above Mutual Associations With Depression and Catastrophizing

Introduction:Pain, mood problems, and sleeping difficulties are often comorbid and contribute to reduced physical function and quality of life for those with chronic pain. However, the way in which these factors interact is unclear. Until recently it was thought that the effect of sleep on pain and physical function was simply a result of its common association with mood problems. However, a growing body of research suggests that sleep may have a unique contribution. Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine whether sleep disturbances were associated with pain and poor physical function independent of psychological distress in patients attending a tertiary pain medicine unit. Materials and Methods:101 patients with chronic pain completed a set of questionnaires measuring pain, sleep, and mood, and also completed a selection of physical assessments conducted by a physiotherapist. Results:In total, 75.2% of participants had insomnia and 84.3% reported the presence of at least 1 sleep problem. Significant positive correlations with pain were detected for depression, catastrophizing, insomnia, short sleep duration, and poor sleep quality. Sleep duration had a significant independent association with pain after accounting for depression and catastrophizing. Sleep duration also had an independent association with physical function after accounting for pain and catastrophizing. Conclusions:Given that sleep has an important and unique contribution to pain and physical function, it is important that sleep disturbances are addressed both in the assessment and treatment of chronic pain.
Polymerase chain reaction based detection of fungi in infected corneas

Aims: To evaluate a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assay to detect fungi in scrapings from infected corneas. Methods: A PCR assay was developed to amplify a portion of the fungal 18S ribosome gene. Corneal scrapings from 30 patients with presumed infectious keratitis were evaluated using this assay, as well as by standard microbiological techniques, and the results were compared. Conjunctival swabs from each patient's healthy, fellow eye were also evaluated by PCR. Results: PCR and fungal culture results matched (were both positive or both negative for fungi) in 22 (74%) of 30 scrapings from infected corneas. Three (10%) of 30 samples were PCR positive but fungal culture negative; two of these appeared clinically to represent fungal infections, and the third was clinically indeterminate. Four (13%) scrapings were positive by PCR but also by bacterial and not fungal culture. One specimen (3%) was PCR negative but fungal culture positive. Of the conjunctival swabs from each patient's healthy fellow eye, five (17%) of 30 were positive by PCR, and the opposite, infected eye of all five of these harboured a fungal infection. Conclusions: PCR is promising as a means to diagnose fungal keratitis and offers some advantages over culture methods, including rapid analysis and the ability to analyse specimens far from where they are collected.
European Community internal market technical legislation : a critical review of the processes in the context of the free movement of goods

This research project was initiated in response to concerns held by the author on aspects of the European Community (EC) internal market. These concerns applied particularly to what was understood at the time to be the perceptions of EC internal market practitioners; their perceptions on the process of EC internal market technical legislative change and on how well the EC internal market was functioning. A literature review was undertaken to determine if, and if so where, the EC internal market technical legislative change process was defined and to determine which organisations were the important players in the process. The literature review was then extended to determine more about the players in the process and the information exchanges between the defined process and individuals, such as EC internal market practitioners, having a legitimate interest in the process. Also within the literature review the views of other commentators are noted and assessed. A methodological review was undertaken. This review gave rise to the formulation of a structured interview that was applied to a purposive sample of EC internal market practitioners. Two main areas were examined via the structured interview. The first was the knowledge of the overall EC internal market technical legislative change process and of its main players. The second area was the perception of the completeness of the functioning of the EC internal market possessed by EC internal market practitioners. This research concludes that there are a number of flaws in the treaty establishing the European Community; this is the treaty that includes the high level description of the EC internal market technical legislative process. One of these flaws particularly affects the EC internal market technical legislative process. The research also concludes that the application of the treaty is not consistent and that the knowledge of the EC internal market technical legislative process exhibited by EC internal market practitioners is poor. Based on the conclusions a number of recommendations are made.