Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does the Right to Choose Matter for Defined Contribution Plans?

We find that sensitivity of fund flows and fund performance are both related to participants’ right to choose their investments in defined contribution plans. Under the Mandatory Provident Fund system of Hong Kong, both employers and employees are required to contribute to a retirement account. Originally, employees’ investment choices were restricted to a subset of funds chosen by their employers. The system was later modified so that employees are allowed to invest in any fund within the system. We present evidence that flows of fund have become more sensitive to past fund performance after this policy change, and that average fund performance in the system has also improved. Based on the improvement in fund performance, we estimate the accumulated cost of the lack of choice to be around 10% of the current total asset value of the system.
High-Throughput Screening Assay for Inhibitors of TonB-Dependent Iron Transport

The TonB-dependent Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane protein FepA actively transports the siderophore ferric enterobactin (FeEnt) into the periplasm. We developed a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay that observes FeEnt uptake through FepA in living Escherichia coli, by monitoring fluorescence quenching that occurs upon binding of FeEnt, and then unquenching as the bacteria deplete it from solution by transport. We optimized the labeling and spectroscopic methods to screen for inhibitors of TonB-dependent iron uptake through the outer membrane. The assay works like a molecular switch that is on in the presence of TonB activity and off in its absence. It functions in 96-well microtiter plates, in a variety of conditions, with Z factors of 0.8–1.0. TonB-dependent iron transport is energy dependent, and the inhibitory effects of the metabolic inhibitors carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, 2,4-dinitrophenol, azide, cyanide, and arsenate on FeEnt uptake were readily detected by the assay. Because iron acquisition is a determinant of bacterial pathogenesis, HTS with this method may identify inhibitors that block TonB function and constitute novel therapeutics against infectious disease caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
Protein labeling by iTRAQ: A new tool for quantitative mass spectrometry in proteome research

A novel, MS‐based approach for the relative quantification of proteins, relying on the derivatization of primary amino groups in intact proteins using isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) is presented. Due to the isobaric mass design of the iTRAQ reagents, differentially labeled proteins do not differ in mass; accordingly, their corresponding proteolytic peptides appear as single peaks in MS scans. Because quantitative information is provided by isotope‐encoded reporter ions that can only be observed in MS/MS spectra, we analyzed the fragmentation behavior of ESI and MALDI ions of peptides generated from iTRAQ‐labeled proteins using a TOF/TOF and/or a QTOF instrument. We observed efficient liberation of reporter ions for singly protonated peptides at low‐energy collision conditions. In contrast, increased collision energies were required to liberate the iTRAQ label from lysine side chains of doubly charged peptides and, thus, to observe reporter ions suitable for relative quantification of proteins with high accuracy. We then developed a quantitative strategy that comprises labeling of intact proteins by iTRAQ followed by gel electrophoresis and peptide MS/MS analyses. As proof of principle, mixtures of five different proteins in various concentration ratios were quantified, demonstrating the general applicability of the approach presented here to quantitative MS‐based proteomics.
Determinants of unpaid overtime: Exploring this phenomenon from the perspective of the embeddedness theory

This paper attempts to be the pioneer literature review for unpaid overtime and further suggest an integrative framework for better understanding. The author begins the research with a simple question: is unpaid overtime an organizational driven behavior or a self-serving behavior? After reviewing the contradictory research results from Europe and Japan, the author applies the embeddedness theory to make up for the theoretical gaps and create twelve determinants to illustrate the complicated nature of unpaid overtime. Key words: Unpaid overtime, embeddedness theory, human capital theory, signaling theory.
Prenatal Drug Use and the Production of Infant Health

We estimate the effect of illicit drug use during pregnancy on two measures of poor infant health: low birth weight and abnormal infant health conditions. We use data from a national longitudinal study of urban parents that includes postpartum interviews with mothers, hospital medical record data on the mothers and their newborns, and information about the neighborhood in which the mother resides. We address the potential endogeneity of prenatal drug use. Depending on how prenatal drug use is measured, we find that it increases low birth weight by 4-6 percentage points and that it increases the likelihood of an abnormal infant health condition by 7-12 percentage points.
DYNAMIC TRADING VOLUME

We derive the process followed by trading volume, in a market with finite depth and constant investment opportunities, where a large investor, with a long horizon and constant relative risk aversion, trades a safe and a risky asset. Trading volume approximately follows a Gaussian, mean‐reverting diffusion, and increases with depth, volatility, and risk aversion. Unlike the frictionless theory, finite depth excludes leverage and short sales because such positions may not be solvent even with continuous trading.
Rotor saturation impact in synchronous reluctance and PM assisted reluctance motors

The design of synchronous reluctance machines involves a lot of variables that usually lead to unpredictable machine performance. It is difficult to achieve a proper rotor barrier design that yields satisfactory results, in terms of torque ripple, average torque, etc. Geometry optimizations could be required to find optimum solutions on the basis of some objective functions. However, a good knowledge of the machine performance behavior due to rotor geometry variables is necessary to start with the machine design, as well as to know what has to be changed for obtaining the desired performance. This paper investigates the effect of a different level of saturation of the magnetic rotor path, comparing the performance of some synchronous reluctance machines. The effect of the insertion of permanent magnets is also investigated. The comparison has been carried out on the basis of finite element analysis, considering average torque, torque ripple, power factor, torque and power versus speed curves and efficiency. A prototype has been tested to compare the simulation results with the experimental measurements.
Econometric modelling of UK executive compensation

Looks briefly at theories underlying the correlation between company performance and executive compensation, develops a mathematical model and applies it to results which show a significant positive link between the highest paid director’s compensation and total shareholder returns, but not with earnings per share. Considers consistency with other research, notes the influence of company size on executive pay and calls for further research on this important issue of corporate governance.
How Human Resource Management Practices Contribute to Learning for Pharmaceutical Innovation in Mexico: Drawing From Internal and External Sources of Knowledge

ABSTRACT How and why do human resource management practices contribute to learning for innovation? Based on evidence from the Mexican pharmaceutical industry, we found that the influence of human resource management strategies on learning processes is more perceptible as learning becomes more exploratory in nature. The provision of training and, to a lesser extent, worker empowerment and the regulation of hiring practices underpin learning for pharmaceutical innovation. However, the influence of firm's characteristics on the adoption of strategies to learn from internal and external sources of knowledge tends to outweigh that of the human resources management practices of the firm.
A comparative study of eight cell lines derived from human testicular teratocarcinoma

Eight independent cell lines, derived from human testicular germ‐cell tumors, were examined for the expression of various markers. These included major histocompatibility and embryonic antigens, chorionic gonadotropin, alpha fetoprotein, alkaline phosphatase, plasminogen activator, and infectivity by SV40. No line consisted primarily of choriocarcinoma or yolk sac cells, but several contained cells resembling murine embryonal carcinoma; some of these lines formed tumors with the distinctive features of embryonal carcinoma when injected into immunosuppressed animals. It is proposed that human embryonal carcinoma cells, unlike those of the mouse, correspond to a preblastocyst stage of development.
Effects of 7.5% CO2 inhalation on allocation of spatial attention to facial cues of emotional expression

Increased vigilance to threat-related stimuli is thought to be a core cognitive feature of anxiety. We sought to investigate the cognitive impact of experimentally induced anxiety, by means of a 7.5% CO2 challenge, which acts as an unconditioned anxiogenic stimulus, on attentional bias for positive and negative facial cues of emotional expression in the dot-probe task. In two experiments we found robust physiological and subjective effects of the CO2 inhalation consistent with the claim that the procedure reliably induces anxiety. Data from the dot-probe task demonstrated an attentional bias to emotional facial expressions compared with neutral faces regardless of valence (happy, angry, and fearful). These attentional effects, however, were entirely inconsistent in terms of their relationship with induced anxiety. We conclude that the previously reported poor reliability of this task is the most parsimonious explanation for our conflicting findings and that future research should develop a more reliable paradigm for measuring attentional bias in this field.
Development and assessment of novel all-in-one parenteral formulations with integrated anticoagulant properties for the concomitant delivery of 5-fluorouracil and calcium folinate

5-Fluorouracil in combination with its biomodulator folinic acid maintains a pivotal position in current anticancer treatment regimens. However, limitations in clinical management persist with the administration of these drugs. These limitations are associated with the use of a high pH to maintain 5-fluorouracil in solution, resulting in high rates of phlebitis and catheter blockages. Herein, we describe and compare initial studies on novel all-in-one formulations of 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid incorporating either sulfated or hydroxypropyl &bgr;-cyclodextrins at physiological pH that potentially address these issues. All formulations markedly improved the stability of supersaturated solutions of 5-fluorouracil in the presence of folinic acid. In-vitro evaluation of the PC-3, HCT-116, MDA-MB-231, PC-14, and COLO-201 human carcinoma cell lines showed that all formulations exhibited equivalent or better cytotoxicity compared with cells exposed to 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid. Thus, these cyclodextrins do not compromise the cytotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil. Preliminary in-vivo dose tolerance profiles of the formulations were also equivalent to 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid administered separately. Furthermore, given the association between thrombosis and cancer, the potentially beneficial anticoagulant activity of the sulfated cyclodextrin-based formulations was also confirmed in vitro. Extended activated partial thromboplastin times and prothrombin times were observed for the sulfated cyclodextrins in human plasma both as individual compounds and as components of the formulations. In conclusion, these novel all-in-one formulations maintain the in-vitro potency while overcoming the accepted incompatibility of 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid, and represent improved injectable forms of 5-fluorouracil that may reduce phlebitis, catheter blockages, and thromboembolic events.
Cobalt-60, proton and electron irradiation of a radiation-hardened active pixel sensor

We present the key results of multiple radiation characterization campaigns of the HAS2 radiation-hardened active pixel sensor (APS). These characterizations encompassed Cobalt-60 total ionizing dose, proton and electron displacement damage tests at room and low temperature. This gives us the opportunity to discuss the influence on this APS of two phenomena that had been previously observed on charge coupled devices (CCDs): room temperature displacement damage defect annealing, and non-ionizing energy loss (NIEL) scaling between electron and proton irradiations.
A monoclonal antibody blocking human T cell function

The possible functional role of T cell surface antigens defined by monoclonal antibodies was investigated. Five monoclonal anti‐T cell reagents as well as an anti‐la and anti‐β2‐microglobulin antibody were examined for their effect on T cell function. It was shown that an antibody termed anti‐T3, reactive with all peripheral T cells, blocked T cell proliferative responses to soluble and cell surface antigens. This inhibition was seen when T lymphocytes were treated with as few as 104 anti‐T 3 molecules per cell. Although anti‐T 3 could block the generation of cytotoxic T cells in mixed lymphocyte culture, once generated, anti‐T3 had no effect on cytotoxicity. In addition, anti‐T 3 abrogated the ability of T cells to provide help to B cells in a pokeweed mitogen‐driven immunoglobulin system. More importantly, these functional effects were not seen with the other monoclonal antibodies. Both the appearance of this antigen in intrathymic ontogeny and its critical role in T cell function suggests that the T3 molecule is related to an important antigen recognition receptor or cell‐cell interaction molecule.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the representative cancers that show a marked difference in morbidity by race and region. In the U.S.A. , the annual frequency for the diagnosis of prostate cancer is ranked first among all cancers excluding skin cancer, and it is the second leading cause of death following lung cancer. Meanwhile, the incidence of prostate cancer in Asian countries, including Japan, is considerably low. It is actually reported that the difference in incidence between African Americans, showing the highest prevalence, and the Japanese, is at least ten times. Based on epidemiological information, it is speculated that the long-term exposure to certain environmental factors, including diet, acts as a risk for prostate cancer. Certain genetic factors also participate. Recent epidemiological studies on human cancer not only demonstrate the risk factors for cancer, but also greatly contribute in illuminating the processes of carcinogenesis, enabling the identification of highly suspected groups of carcinogens, and finally, establishing an effective strategy of preventive measures against cancer. In the control of prostate cancer, the identification of risk factors and the promotion of active preventive medicine can provide enormous benefits to the super-aging society of our future.
Empirical Regularities of Chilean Business Cycles

This paper documents the empirical regularities characterizing business cycles in Chile in a wide range of economic activities. While the country presents many of the typical features of business fluctuations in OECD countries, Chilean cycles present some striking peculiarities. Trade represents an important part of economic activity as exports move contemporaneously with output and the terms of trade lead the cycle long in advance. Besides, public policies play a significant role in short-run economic fluctuations: government expenditures and monetary policy variables lead the cycle 2 to 3 quarters in advance. Kydland and Prescott's (1990) ``monetary myth'' is alive in Chile.
C-MYC locus amplification as metastasis predictor in intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinomas: CGH study in Brazil.

BACKGROUND The genetic events involved in gastric cancer, the third most frequent cancer in the world with a high incidence in Pard State, Brazil, remain largely unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-one primary gastric adenocarcinomas were investigated by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and the relationships between genomic abnormalities and histopathological features were evaluated. RESULTS Eighty-one percent of cases presented DNA copy-number changes. Chromosomal gains were the most frequent finding, losses occurring only in the diffuse type. The main copy-number gains were on chromosome 8, principally on 8q24.1 (8/21 cases), 8p21 (3/21) and 8p23.2-8p12 (2/21). Gain of region 8q24. 1, where C-MYC is located, was the main finding, exclusively in the intestinal type with metastasis. CONCLUSION C-MYC locus amplification may be predictor of aggressiveness in intestinal-type gastric cancer, playing an important role in its development and progression. Moreover, other genes on 8q24 should be investigated. Gastric adenocarcinomas of differing histopathological features were associated with distinct genetic alterations, supporting the hypothesis that they evolve through distinct genetic pathways.
Extended Uses of Would in Some Asian Englishes

Abstract Extended would is argued to derive from the common tentative use of would found in Standard English, in turn an extension of its hypothetical use. The development of extended would in the New Englishes is most likely motivated by the desire that speakers have to exploit the capacity of this form to convey a high level of polite and tactful unassuredness. The study, which was based on a grammaticality judgement test and inspection of naturally occurring corpus data in a set of six Asian Englishes, noted extended would to be widely accepted in Indian English, Hong Kong English and Philippine English, but less in favour in Singapore English (possibly due to the more advanced evolutionary status of that variety). It was found to be less in favour in the Expanding Circle varieties examined – Indonesian English, Japanese English and Korean English – possibly as a result of exonormative influence.
Myth of the Triad? The Geography of Trade and Investment ‘Blocs’

The notion that the world is increasingly divided into a triad of economic regions based on North America, the European Union and Japan has become a form of conventional wisdom across a range of disciplines. However, despite the near ubiquitous use of the idea of a triadized world, it remains a somewhat normative assertion, the empirical existence of which has yet to be demonstrated. By using the intramax method to analyze the intensity of international trade and foreign direct investment flows during 1985 and 1995, we examine the changing shape of trade and investment ‘blocs’ globally. We find that while international trade is increasingly organized around fewer world regions, the presumed outcome of a triad-based world economy remains questionable. We further show that investment intensity patterns do not currently conform to any bloc-like formation, but exhibit instead, globally diffused network regions.
Extraordinary Experience: Re-enacting and Photographing at Screen Tourism Locations

This paper explores the ways in which screen tourism locations and their associated tourist experiences are (re)produced, contextualised and performed through production and consumption of a Korean television drama series entitled, Winter Sonata. As an exploratory case study based on visual image analysis, this paper examines the context and meanings of photographs taken by tourists who are re-enacting scenes from the series during their visit to Nami Island, the main filming location of Winter Sonata, in South Korea. The photographs are compared with the still images of original scenes in the series. The findings of this comparison suggest that previous viewing experiences of the television series not only created personalised memories and attachment with its filming location, but also produced new touristic spaces. The previous viewing experiences also induced the audiences to visit the filming locations and to perform reflexive and extraordinary touristic experiences in the form of re-enacting scenes from the series and photographing their re-enactment.
Clinical spectrum of nasal leishmaniasis in Muzaffarabad.

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of nasal leishmaniasis and the presentation of disease involving nose as well as nasal mucosa in patients reporting from the Muzaffarabad district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). STUDY DESIGN Case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Combined Military Hospital, Muzaffarabad, from January 2006 to May 2008. METHODOLOGY All patients belonging to Muzaffarabad district of AJK, clinically suggestive of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) and supported by laboratory diagnosis were registered. Diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical characteristics of the lesions, laboratory demonstration of leishmania trophozoite bodies on skin smears or skin biopsies and therapeutic trials. Those having lesions primarily on nose, irrespective of age and gender were included in the study. All those cases with primary lesion elsewhere over face and secondarily involving nose (by extension of primary lesion) were excluded. Various demographical features of the patients and clinical patterns of the lesions were recorded in all cases and subsequently categorized accordingly. RESULTS Seventy three out of 252 (29%) cases of nasal leishmaniasis were encountered. Male to female ratio was 43:30. Fifty five had solitary lesions which were restricted only to nose in 51 patients. Morphological patterns included psoriasiform (30), furunculoid (8), nodular (13), lupoid (8), mucocutaneous (4), rhinophymous (3), erysipeloid (1), basal cell carcinoma-like (1), discoid lupus erythematosis-like (1), mutilating (2), verruciform (1) and keloidal (1). CONCLUSION Nose was a common site of involvement in CL, where the disease can present in various forms. In endemic areas, CL should be included in the differential diagnosis of all nasal lesions.
Lead exposure is a risk for worsening bone mineral density in middle-aged male workers

Abstract Objective: Lead exposure linked to osteoporosis in women. However, there is no direct evidence whether lead exposure has effects on bone metabolism in middle-aged male subjects. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between bone mineral densitometry measurements, bone markers, endocrine hormones and blood lead levels. Material and methods: The present study included lead exposure patients (n: 30) and control subjects (n: 32). We recorded information on patient demographics and risk factors of osteoporosis. Blood lead levels were evaluated using Varian AA 240Z atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bone mineral density measurements were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Each lumbar T and Z scores in the lead exposure group were lower than the control group. There were no significant differences in femur neck and femur total T and Z scores between two groups. Blood lead levels were also negatively correlated with lumbar 2-4 T score, total lumbar T score, lumbar 2-4 Z score and total lumbar Z score. Urinary hydroxyproline and urinary deoxypyridinoline levels in the lead exposure group were significantly higher compared to controls. Blood lead levels were strong, positively correlated with urinary deoxypyridinoline. Endocrine hormone levels and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 levels were comparable between lead exposure and control group. Conclusion: Lead exposure in male workers is an important factor for deterioration in bone mineral density. We should be screening blood lead levels and history of lead exposure in male osteoporosis.