Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Costimulation Blockade Induces Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells to Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Abstract Transplantation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), like other allogeneic cellular transplants, require immunomodulation or immunosuppression in order to be maintained in the recipient. Costimulation blockade applied at the time of transplantation inhibits costimulatory signals in the immunological synapse leading to a state of anergy in the donor reactive T-cell population and a state of immunological tolerance in the host. In models of solid organ transplantation, tolerance is maintained by the infiltration of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells into the graft. In order to study if regulatory T cells could be generated to hESC transplants, costimulation blockade (CTLA4Ig, anti-CD40L, anti-LFA-1) was administered for the first week after transplantation of two different hESC lines implanted under the kidney capsule of wild-type mice. hESC transplants were maintained indefinitely, and when harvested at long-term follow-up, Foxp3+ T-cells were found surrounding the graft, implying the maintenance of tolerance through the induction of regulatory T cells. These results imply that costimulation blockade could be a useful treatment strategy for the induction of tolerance to hESC transplants and may down-modulate immune responses locally around the graft.
Exchange Rates and Asset Prices in An Open Economy with Rare Disasters

By introducing rare but severe disasters into an otherwise standard open-economy general equilibrium model and allowing the disaster probability to be both time-varying and mean-reverting, several macroeconomics, nance and international nance puzzles can be explained in a single model. The puzzles include the equity premium puzzle, the risk-free rate puzzle, the forward discount puzzle, the excess volatility puzzle and the volatility mismatch puzzle. A mean-reverting disaster probability also generates return predictability and the leverage e¤ect in the stock market. The model, when calibrated with plausible parameter values, can replicate many salient features in the stock price and exchange rate data. The model maintains good tractability by having a representative agent, time-additive and isoelastic preferences and complete markets. Closed-form solutions can be obtained under certain conditions. Finally, the asset pricing implications of rare disasters under the Epstein-Zin-Weil preferences are studied. Besides explaining several above puzzles, a novel implication is that higher returns in the Home stock market relative to the Foreign stock market are associated with a Home currency depreciation, a stock market version of the uncovered interest parity condition which is consistent with empirical ndings. JEL Classi cation: G12, F31, E43 Key Words: Rare Disasters, Asset Prices, Exchange Rates First Draft: June 2007 This Draft: October 2007 I thank Robert Barro, Emmanuel Farhi and Kenneth Rogo¤ for their invaluable advice. I am grateful to John Campbell, Gita Gopinath, Jonathan Heathcote, Keyu Jin, Ian Martin, Roberto Rigobon, John Rogers, Aleh Tsyvinski and Eric Van Wincoop for helpful comments and suggestions. I am also thankful to seminar participants at Harvard University and the Federal Reserve Board. Any remaining errors are mine. Part of this paper was written while the author was a dissertation intern at the Federal Reserve Board. The views expressed in this paper are solely the responsibility of the author and should not be interpreted as reecting the views of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any other person associated with the Federal Reserve System. I also acknowledge nancial support from the Warburg Fund (Harvard University). yTel: 617-495-1129. Email: kaiguo@fas.harvard. edu
Time-to-go Polynomial Guidance Laws with Terminal Impact Angle/Acceleration Constraints

Abstract This paper deals with a generalized impact angle control guidance law with terminal acceleration constraint, which is called the Time-to-go Polynomial Guidance (TPG). The guidance command of TPG is initially assumed as a polynomial form of t go , and then the coefficients of this polynomial function are designed to satisfy the terminal impact angle and zero miss-distance constraints. TPG presents a simple form, and it can easily achieve the terminal acceleration and its time-derivative constraints which are predetermined by the specified values. In this study, linear trajectory solutions of TPG are derived and analytically investigated. Numerical and adjoint simulations are performed to investigate the performance of TPG.
Viral mortality of the marine alga Emiliania huxleyi (Haptophyceae) and termination of algal blooms

The possible roles of viruses in phytoplankton dynamics were investigated in seawater mesocosms with natural assemblages of phytoplankton growing under various nutrient regimes. Blooms of the marine coccolithophorid Emiliania huxleyi (Lohmann) Hay & Mohler were in some cases succeeded by an increase in the abundance of a morphologically homogeneous population of viruses. The viruses had an hexagonal outline and were about 180 nm in diameter. Similar viruses were found both intracellularly and associated with apparently lysed cells. Viral lysis could account for 25 to 100 % of the net mortality of E huxleyi when the blooms declined under non-limiting nutrient conditions or when the nitrate concentration was low. Production of viruses was limited when the phosphate concentration was low. Dur~ng a bloom of E. huxleyi in Norwegian coastal waters in 1990 we found that the concentration of free algal viruses was increasing at the end of the bloom, indicating that viruses of E. huxleyi may be important under natural conditions as well. These results suggest that viral mortality of phytoplankton may be an important factor regulating community structure, diversity and biomass production in marine environments.
WHY IS NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT SO HARD ?

I. VALUING THE COMMONS The failure of markets to allocate environmental public goods and handle externalities satisfactorily has long vexed economists. The tragedy of the commons stands in sharp rebuke to the idea that unsophisticated, privately organized markets work well enough to please Pareto. Since Paul Samuelson (1954) laid out the problem of efficient production of public goods in simple terms, the economic theory of the problem has been well understood. The work of Lindahl, Groves, and Ledyard has established mechanisms that can be used, in principle, to get consumers to reveal true values of public goods and avoid "free ridership"; see Hurwicz (1986), Werner and Groves (1993). Solutions to the allocation problem based on these theories require a sophisticated market manager and taxing authority with the information and skill necessary to administer a complex and pervasive system of specific taxes. An important development in economics, starting with Coase (1937), is the recognition that sophisticated markets in contingent contracts, exchanged in a organizational setting that provides legal mechanisms for enforcement, can internalize many externalities, and avoid some commons tragedies. However, Coasian solutions work well only when the parties are clearly identifiable, the externality is publicly observable, and enforcement costs are not burdensome. In practice, the Coasian contract between an oil company who wants to exploit a remote wilderness, and consumers who benefit from the contribution of this wilderness to biodiversity and global air quality, requires an agent to represent consumers in the negotiation, and to monitor contract compliance. But this agent is simply the government, and the natural resource damage assessment statues and legal mechanisms in place are our practical approximation to the Coasian contract. Viewed in this way, the principalagent problem between the government and its consumers is the problem, and one is led back to the issue posed by Samuelson, Lindahl, and others as to how to measure what the consumer principals truly want.
PUBLIC CRIMINOLOGY, VICTIM AGENCY AND RESEARCHING STATE CRIME

using the example of Australia's immigration detention policies, this article engages with contemporary debates about public criminology to explore how, when researching state crime, criminologists should conceptualize victims. it is argued that what is missing from the debates about public criminology (and much state crime research) is a systematic discussion of victim agency. A number of questions will be addressed throughout the discussion: can victims be the "object" of "neutral" research? Should detainees, for example, be seen primarily as passive victims of state abuse? What role is played by institutional ethics policies, especially those based on medical models? it will be argued that state crime research should acknowledge - if not emphasize - the potential subjective role played by victims; that there is a complex and dynamic inter-relationship between the researcher and the victim that confronts traditional perceptions of criminological research; and that victim resistance, combined with criminological research, can be crucial in designating particular state activities as criminal and constructing the social audience that rejects them.
Anthropogenic mortality, intraspecific competition, and prey availability influence territory sizes of wolves in Montana

Abstract Territoriality in animals is of both theoretical and conservation interest. Animals are territorial when benefits of exclusive access to a limiting resource outweigh costs of maintaining and defending it. The size of territories can be considered a function of ecological factors that affect this benefit–cost ratio. Previous research has shown that territory sizes for wolves (Canis lupus) are largely determined by available biomass of prey, and possibly pack size and density of neighboring wolf packs, but has not been interpreted in a benefit–cost framework. Such a framework is relevant for wolves living in the Northern Rocky Mountains where conflicts with humans increase mortality, thereby potentially increasing costs of being territorial and using prey resources located near humans. We estimated territory sizes for 38 wolf packs in Montana from 2008 to 2009 using 90% adaptive kernels. We then created generalized linear models (GLMs) representing combinations of ecological factors hypothesized to affect the territory sizes of wolf packs. Our top GLM, which had good model fit (R2 = 0.68, P < 0.0005), suggested that territory sizes of wolves in Montana were positively related to terrain ruggedness, lethal controls, and human density and negatively related to number of surrounding packs relative to the size of the territory. We found that the top GLM successfully predicted territory sizes (R2 = 0.53, P < 0.0005) using a jackknife approach. Our study shows that territory sizes of group-living carnivores are influenced by not only intraspecific competition and availability of limiting resources, but also by anthropogenic threats to the group's survival, which could have important consequences where these territorial carnivores come into conflict with humans.
A Multicore Tool for Constraint Solving

In Constraint Programming (CP), a portfolio solver uses a variety of different solvers for solving a given Constraint Satisfaction / Optimization Problem. In this paper we introduce sunny-cp2: the first parallel CP portfolio solver that enables a dynamic, cooperative, and simultaneous execution of its solvers in a multicore setting. It incorporates state-of-the-art solvers, providing also a usable and configurable framework. Empirical results are very promising. sunny-cp2 can even outperform the performance of the oracle solver which always selects the best solver of the portfolio for a given problem.
The Effects of Tax Rules on Nonresidential Fixed Investment: Some Preliminary Evidence from the 1980s

The evidence presented in this study confirms that tax-induced changes in the profitability of investment have had a powerful effect on the share of GNP devoted to nonresidential fixed investment. More specifically, we have reestimated two models of aggregate investment initially presented in Feldstein, "Inflation, Tax Rules and Investment: Some Econometric Evidence,"(Econometrica, 1982). The present study extends the previous analysis byusing revised national income accounts, by improving the estimation of the effective tax rate and the profitability of new investments, and by extending the sample to include the years 1978 through 1984. Despite these changes, the new statistical estimates are remarkably close to the previous results. The statistical estimates are also very robust with respect to sample period, estimation method, and the presence of other variables.The first model relates the investment-GNP ratio to the real net-of-tax rate of return received by the providers of debt and equity capital to the nonfinancial corporate sector and to the rate of capacity utilization. Our estimates imply that each percentage point increase in the real net return raises the investment-GNP ratio by 0.4 percentage points. A one percent age point increase in the net return is equivalent to a ten percentage point reduction in the overall effective tax rate. Since the net nonresidential fixed investment averaged 3 percent of GNP during the past three decades, a ten percentage point tax reduction induces a 13 percent rise in the investment-GNP ratio.Our second model relates the investment-GNP ratio to the difference between the maximum potential net return that firms can support by investing in a "standard investment project" and the net cost of debt and equity capital. The statistical estimates imply that each percentage point change in this measure of the rate of return over cost raises the investment-GNP ratio by 0.3 percentage points or 10 percent of its three-decade average.The estimates imply that the 1985 tax bill passed by the House of Representatives would reduce the investment-GNP ratio by between 10 percentand 15 percent of its average value, depending on the model used to make the calculation. Such reductions would represent between one-half and three-fourths of the rise in the investment-GNP ratio since the 1981 investment incentives were adopted.
A Putative P-Type ATPase Required for Virulence and Resistance to Haem Toxicity in Listeria monocytogenes

Regulation of iron homeostasis in many pathogens is principally mediated by the ferric uptake regulator, Fur. Since acquisition of iron from the host is essential for the intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, we predicted the existence of Fur-regulated systems that support infection. We examined the contribution of nine Fur-regulated loci to the pathogenicity of L. monocytogenes in a murine model of infection. While mutating the majority of the genes failed to affect virulence, three mutants exhibited a significantly compromised virulence potential. Most striking was the role of the membrane protein we designate FrvA (Fur regulated virulence factor A; encoded by frvA [lmo0641]), which is absolutely required for the systemic phase of infection in mice and also for virulence in an alternative infection model, the Wax Moth Galleria mellonella. Further analysis of the ΔfrvA mutant revealed poor growth in iron deficient media and inhibition of growth by micromolar concentrations of haem or haemoglobin, a phenotype which may contribute to the attenuated growth of this mutant during infection. Uptake studies indicated that the ΔfrvA mutant is unaffected in the uptake of ferric citrate but demonstrates a significant increase in uptake of haem and haemin. The data suggest a potential role for FrvA as a haem exporter that functions, at least in part, to protect the cell against the potential toxicity of free haem.
Stakeholders‐oriented banks and bank performance

Purpose – This research paper aims at examining the relationship between the relatively strong banking industries and the values of stakeholder systems. The authors compare international successful stock markets systems such as the US and the UK with successful stakeholder systems such as Japan, Germany, and most of continental Europe.Design/methodology/approach – The issue of the banks' compatibility to support the stakeholder's interests is examined by two separate questionnaires designed and tested for the issues of reliability and validity. The questionnaires are addressed to two groups in the banking industry: corporate loan managers; and finance directors.Findings – The findings show that finance directors share with the corporate loan managers the concerns of corporate stakeholders' interests and the importance of shareholders and creditors as complementary sources of financing. Regarding the stakeholders' effects on banks performance, the results show that: banks' support to shareholders interests.
Pharmacopuncture in Korea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background. Pharmacopuncture is a new form of acupuncture combining acupuncture with herbal medicine, and it has been used under various conditions in Korea. The aim of this study is to establish clinical evidence for the safety and efficacy of pharmacopuncture in Korea. Methods. We searched 9 databases and two relevant journals up to December 2014 using keywords, such as pharmacopuncture. All randomized, controlled trials evaluating pharmacopuncture under any conditions in Korea were considered. Results. Twenty-nine studies involving 1,211 participants were included. A meta-analysis of two studies on obesity showed that 5 to 8 weeks of pharmacopuncture reduced weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) more than normal saline injections. In the 5 studies of musculoskeletal conditions, 7 to 30 days of pharmacopuncture had additional effects on the reduction of pain intensity, and this benefit was maintained by limiting analyses to studies with a low risk of bias for randomization and/or allocation concealment. Conclusions. This systematic review suggests the potential of pharmacopuncture for obesity and musculoskeletal diseases. However, it is difficult to recommend pharmacopuncture as an evidence-based treatment because of methodological flaws and small sample sizes of the included studies. Further well-designed trials are needed to draw a definitive conclusion.
Multinational Firms and Productivity Catching-Up: The Case Of Chilean Manufacturing

In this paper, we study Total Factor Productivity (TFP) catching-up using 20 years of plant-level data for Chilean manufacturing. This paper addresses two key issues: first, we analyse whether there is evidence that low-productivity plants experience higher TFP growth than those closer to the technology frontier. Second, we investigate the role of multinational plants in accelerating the catching-up process by non-frontier domestic plants. Our results show evidence of productivity catching-up, and that a larger presence of multinationals positively contributes to this phenomenon. These findings are consistent with the idea of technology spillovers from high to low-productivity plants or that a higher presence of multinationals increase competitiveness and productivity in domestic markets.
Initiation of reflex swallowing from the naso- and oropharynx.

SINCLAIR, WILLIAM J. Initiation of rejlex swallowing from the nasoand oropharynx. Am. J. Physiol. 218(4) : 956-960. 1970. ~In 15 electrolytically decerebrated cats, the pharynx was exposed surgically from the ventral aspect and divided in the midline. The pharynx was mechanically stimulated with light pressure using a wooden applicator 4 mm in diameter. Swallowing was noted visually and later verified electromyographically. Areas eliciting swallows which occurred within l-3 set after application of the stimulus were recorded on a map of the pharynx. Observations were made on the effects of surface area stimulated, pressure, and movement patterns. The results showed that the posterior pillars were most reflexogenic, the posterior pharyngeal wall was slightly less, and the lateral pharyngeal wall was least reflexogenic. These areas extended into the nasopharynx. Larger diameter probes and heavier pressures appeared to be no more effective. Movement made mechanical stimulation more effective and showed directional sensitivity. Selective sectioning of the glossopharyngeal nerve (GPN) and the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (PhX) demonstrated that the GPN is the prime afferent of the swallow reflex initiated from the pharynx and that the PhX plays a minor role.
La difusión de la agricultura ecológica en Europa

In this work we analyse the evolution of organic agriculture in Europe from the point of view of Innovations Diffusion Theory in order to understand the characteristics of the process, and the factors that have determined its course in the past. From the corresponding diffusion models for data concerning the spread of or- ganic farming in the fifteen countries belonging to the EU from 1985 to 2002, we conclude that the diffusion advance of organic cultivation has been driven by imita- tion. Furthermore, there is evidence that the characteristics of the diffusion process in each country depend on certain economic characteristics related with the purchasing power of its population, on the influence and experience of neighbouring countries that have adopted before and the moment at which any innovation is introduced.
Direction of Association between Bite Wounds and Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Badgers: Implications for Transmission

Background Badgers are involved in the transmission to cattle of bovine tuberculosis (TB), a serious problem for the UK farming industry. Cross-sectional studies have shown an association between bite wounds and TB infection in badgers which may have implications for M. bovis transmission and control, although the sequence of these two events is unclear. Transmission during aggressive encounters could potentially reduce the effectiveness of policies which increase the average range of a badger and thus its opportunities for interaction with other social groups. Methods Data were obtained on badgers captured during a long term study at Woodchester Park, UK (1998–2006). Many badgers had multiple observations. At each observation, the badger was assigned a “state” depending on presence of bite wounds and/or TB infection. Hence each badger had a “transition” from the previous state to the current state. We calculated the numbers of each type of transition and the time spent in each state. Transition rates were calculated for each transition category, dividing the number of such transitions by the total time at risk. We compared the rate of bite wound acquisition in infected badgers with that for uninfected badgers and the rate of positive M.bovis test results in bitten badgers with that in unbitten badgers. Results The rate of bite wound acquisition in infected badgers (0.291 per year) was 2.09 (95% CI: 1.41, 3.08) times that in uninfected badgers (0.139 per year). The rate of positive M.bovis test results in bitten badgers (0.097 per year) was 2.45 (95% CI: 1.29, 4.65) times that in unbitten badgers (0.040 per year). Conclusions We found strong evidence of both potential sequences of events consistent with transmission via bite wounds and distinctive behaviour in infected badgers. The complex relationship between behaviour and infection must be considered when planning TB control strategies.