Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Title Adiponectin Mediated MHC Class II Mismatched Cardiac GraftRejection in Mice Is IL-4 Dependent

Background: Adiponectin regulates glucose and fatty-acid metabolism but its role in chronic graft rejection mediated by Th2 cytokines remains ill-defined. Methodology/Principal Findings: Wild type and adiponectin-null mice were used as graft recipients in mouse MHC class II disparate cardiac transplantation (bm12 toB6) and the graft rejection was monitored. In adiponectin-null mice we observed that the cellular infiltrate of eosinophils, CD4 and CD8 T cells was reduced in grafts compared to the controls as was collagen deposition and vessel occlusion. A similar outcome was observed for skin transplants except that neutrophil infiltration was increased. Low levels of IL-4 were detected in the grafts and serum. The effect of adiponectin signaling on IL4 expression was further investigated. Treatment with AMPK and p38 MAPK inhibitors blocked adiponectin enhanced T cell proliferation in mixed lymphocyte reactions. Inhibition of AMPK reduced eosinophil infiltration in skin grafts in wild type recipients and in contrast AMPK activation increased eosinophils in adiponectin-null recipients. The addition of adiponectin increased IL-4 production by the T cell line EL4 with augmented nuclear GATA-3 and phospho-STAT6 expression which were suppressed by knockdown of adiponectin receptor 1 and 2. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a direct effect of adiponectin on IL-4 expression which contributes to Th2 cytokine mediated rejection in mouse MHC class II histoincompatible transplants. These results add to our understanding of the interrelationship of metabolism and immune regulation and raise the possibility that AMPK inhibitors may be beneficial in selected types of rejection. Citation: Li D, Tsang JYS, Peng J, Ho DHH, Chan YK, et al. (2012) Adiponectin Mediated MHC Class II Mismatched Cardiac Graft Rejection in Mice Is IL-4 Dependent. PLoS ONE 7(11): e48893. doi:10.1371/journal.pone. 0048893 Editor: Francesco Annunziato, University of Florence, Italy Received June 14, 2012; Accepted October 3, 2012; Published November 14, 2012 Copyright: 2012 Li et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Funding: This work was supported by Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research from the University of Hong Kong (200811159035) and the General Research Fund (HKU 762108M). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. * E-mail: ychenc@hku.hk (YC); paultam@hku.hk (PT) ¤ Current address: Bureau of Health of Ordos Municipality, Inner Mongolia, China
Mobile money and Somali social networks: Cultivating monetary alternatives in a volatile world.

In recent years, a discussion on how to harness information and communication technologies (ICTs) for ? banking the unbanked? has emerged within the broader field of study and practice on the ICT for development (ICT4D). Framed as a critical technology to ? financially include the poor? , mobile telephony is increasingly used to deliver financial services through mobile money platforms, such as Kenya? s M-Pesa, the most successful experience to date. The purpose of this paper is to examine the usage of M-Pesa among urban Somali refugees in Nairobi, Kenya. In particular, it endeavours to understand how this innovation is integrated within the Somali repertoire of financial institutions, engaging with the way actors navigate across different monetary circuits. Based on an ethnography conducted in the mostly Somali inhabited estate of Eastleigh, Nairobi, it argues that the interplay of M-Pesa and Somali financial arrangements occurs in accordance with culturally oriented ideas of finance and money and problematizes the assumptions behind the design and the implementation of services, borne out of partnerships between the humanitarian and the business sector, to financially include the poor. Illustrating the strategies deployed by the actors to cultivate multiplicity and preserve financial alternatives in a volatile environment, it aims to contribute to the reflection on the mutual shaping of ICT4D and pre-existing institutions.
Usage of blood products in multiple-casualty incidents: the experience of a level I trauma center in Israel.

OBJECTIVE To predict how much blood will be needed based on the number of injured patients arriving after a multiple-casualty incident. DESIGN A retrospective study evaluating data collected in 18 consecutive terrorist attacks in the city of Tel Aviv between January 1997 and February 2005. SETTING A large, urban trauma center. PATIENTS A total of 986 patients in 18 events. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Number of packed red blood cell (PRBC) units transfused per patient. RESULTS A total of 332 U of PRBCs were transfused. Half of the PRBC units were administered as massive transfusions to 4.7% of the patients. The number of PRBC units transfused per patient index (PPI) was related to incident size (mean [SD], 0.70 [1.60] to 1.50 [1.60]). The most frequent major blood group transfused was type O (50%). Half of the units of PRBCs were supplied during the first 2 hours. CONCLUSIONS One unit of blood per evacuated victim is sufficient in a small multiple-casualty incident and 2 U is sufficient in a large multiple-casualty incident. Half of the PRBC units should be blood group O.
Firm’s knowledge creation structure for new product development

Abstract Knowledge has many different characteristics and scholars in epistemology, economics and management have dealt with them ever since knowledge has emerged as the leading source of firms’ competitive advantages. New product development requires new ideas and new ideas are stemming from knowledge. Knowledge originates from tacit knowledge. Therefore, firms need to enact tacit knowledge. Enactment takes different forms depending on the context of knowledge and organizational characteristics. This paper conducts an in-depth literature review on the nature of knowledge and knowledge creation structure and investigates how The Dow Chemical Company uses a knowledge creation structure to elicit tacit knowledge and exploit knowledge for new product development. The Dow Chemical Company is known as one of the leading innovative firms in the world. We believe that this case enriches research on knowledge creation and new product development although it has limitations in generalizing its findings and practices. In solidifying the knowledge-based theory of the firm, we need a multi-dimensional approach such as a survey, case study, and theory development. This study develops a knowledge creation theory and apply it to the real business case.
Islet transplantation provides superior glycemic control with less hypoglycemia compared to continuous subcutaneous

Background The aim was to compare efficacy of multiple daily injections, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and islet transplantation to reduce hypoglycemia and glycemic variability in type 1 diabetes (T1D) subjects with severe hypoglycemia. Methods This was a within-subject, paired comparison of multiple daily injections (MDI) and CSII and CSII with 12 months‟ post islet transplantation in 10 T1D subjects referred with severe hypoglycemia, suitable for islet transplantation. Individuals were assessed with HbA1c, HYPOscore, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and in 8 subjects measurements of glucose variability using standard deviation of glucose (SD glucose) from CGM and continuous overlapping net glycemic action using a 4 hour interval (CONGA4). Results After changing from MDI to CSII before transplantation, 10 subjects reduced median HYPOscore from 2028 to 1085 (p<0.05) and hypoglycemia events from 24 to 8 per patientyear (p<0.05). While HbA1c, mean glucose and median percent time hypoglycemic on CGM were unchanged with CSII, SD glucose and CONGA4 reduced significantly (p<0.05). At 12 months posttransplant 9 of 10 were C-peptide positive, (5 insulin independent). Twelve months post islet transplantation there were significant reductions in all baseline parameters versus CSII; respectively HbA1c (6.4% cf 8.2%); median HYPOscore (0 cf 1085); mean glucose (7.1 cf 8.6 mmol.L -1 ); SD glucose (1.7 cf 3.2 mmol/L); and CONGA4 (1.6 cf 3.0). AC CE PT ED Copyright © Wolters Kluwer Health. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. Conclusion In subjects with severe hypoglycemia suitable for islet transplantation, CSII decreased hypoglycemia frequency and glycemic variability compared with MDI whereas islet transplantation resolved hypoglycemia and further improved glycemic variability regardless of insulin independence.
Working Paper Series Interbank Markets under Currency Boards

This paper analyzes interbank markets under currency board s. Under such an environment, problematic endogeneity issues common to oth er monetary regimes do not arise. Using daily data from the interbank markets in B ulgaria and Lithuania we show, that contrary to the existing literature, overn ight interest rates tend to decrease towards the end of the reserve holding period. Empi rical results are supported by a finite horizon heterogeneous agents model showin g that interest rates tend to decrease in the case of excess aggregate reserves in t h banking system. Results contrast with Quirós and Mendizábal (2006) who fin d that interest rates should be increasing regardless of the outstanding aggrega te liquidity in the market. We also show that responsiveness of banks to interest ra t ch nges diminishes as the end of reserve holding period approaches. Under certa in circumstances this could lead to multiple equilibria with increasing or decrea sing interest rates. Journal of Economic Literature Classification: E52, E58
Early Intervention Service Delivery Models and Their Impact on Children and Families.

This study examined the variety of service delivery models being used to provide services to infants and toddlers with disabilities in nine communities across three states (Colorado, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania). Information was derived primarily from focus groups and interviews conducted with community early intervention program administrators, service providers, and families, and analysis of policies and interagency questionnaires completed by representatives of the Local Interagency Coordinating Council in each community. Analysis revealed six qualitatively different organizational models: (1) single-program oriented; (2) network of programs; (3) loosely coupled systems; (4) moderately coupled interagency systems; (5) strongly coupled interagency systems; and (6) a comprehensive system for all children. Each model is described in terms of overall organizational structure, amount and nature of interagency decision making, target population, and scope and nature of service resources. The two most influential factors that affected the development of specific models were state policies and the leadership within the community intervention system. In general, more comprehensive and coordinated service delivery models resulted in a broader array of services, better linkages, and greater individualization. Recommendations include policy direction from state administrators and training in interagency coordination. (Contains 50 references.) (DB) ******************************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * ******************************************************************************** ildhood esearch Institute on
Self-similar shear thickening behavior in CTAB/NaSal surfactant solutions

The effect of salt concentration Cs on the critical shear rate γc required for the onset of shear thickening and apparent relaxation time λ of the shear-thickened phase has been investigated systematically for dilute Cetyl-trimethylammonium bromide/sodium salicylate solutions. Experimental data suggest a self-similar behavior of γc and λ as functions of Cs. Specifically, γc∼Cs−6 whereas λ∼Cs6 such that an effective Weissenberg number We≡λγ for the shear-thickened phase is only weakly dependent on Cs. A procedure has been developed to collapse the apparent shear viscosity versus shear rate data obtained for various values of Cs into a single master curve. The effect of Cs on the elastic modulus and mesh size of the shear-induced gel phase for different surfactant concentrations is discussed. Experiments performed using different flow cells (Couette and cone-and-plate) show that γc, λ and the maximum viscosity attained are geometry independent. The elastic modulus of the gel phase inferred indirectly b.
pH and Salt Effects on the Associative Phase Separation of Oppositely Charged Polyelectrolytes

The classical Voorn-Overbeek thermodynamic theory of complexation and phase separation of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes is generalized to account for the charge accessibility and hydrophobicity of polyions, size of salt ions, and pH variations. Theoretical predictions of the effects of pH and salt concentration are compared with published experimental data and experiments we performed, on systems containing poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as the polyacid and poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) or poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) as the polybase. In general, the critical salt concentration below which the mixture phase separates, increases with degree of ionization and with the hydrophobicity of polyelectrolytes. We find experimentally that as the pH is decreased below 7, and PAA monomers are neutralized, the critical salt concentration increases, while the reverse occurs when pH is raised above 7. We predict this asymmetry theoretically by introducing a large positive Flory parameter (= 0.75) for the interaction of neutral PAA monomers with water. This large positive Flory parameter is supported by molecular dynamics simulations, which show much weaker hydrogen bonding between neutral PAA and water than between charged PAA and water, while neutral and charged PDMAEMA show similar numbers of hydrogen bonds. This increased hydrophobicity of neutral PAA at reduced pH increases the tendency towards phase separation despite the reduction in charge interactions between the polyelectrolytes. Water content and volume of coacervate are found to be a strong function of the pH and salt concentration.
Understanding the Heterogeneous Effects of Gasoline Taxes Across Income and Location

Using disaggregated confidential household data, we estimate spatial variation in household-level gasoline price elasticities and the welfare effects of gasoline taxes. A novel approach allows us to model a discrete-continuous household choice of vehicle bundles, while disaggregating the choice set and including vehicle-specific fixed effects and unobserved consumer heterogeneity. The mean elasticity of demand for gasoline is -0.67, but with tremendous variation across location and income. We find that rural households have 30 percent more negative welfare impacts than urban households from gasoline taxes. Finally, we explore different policies that can help to mitigate welfare inequalities due to these taxes.
desynchronization during observation and execution of facial xpressions in 30-month-old children

Simulation theories propose that observing another’s facial expression activates sensorimotor representations involved in the execution of that expression, facilitating recognition processes. The mirror neuron system (MNS) is a potential mechanism underlying simulation of facial expressions, with like neural processes activated both during observation and performance. Research with monkeys and adult humans supports this proposal, but so far there have been no investigations of facial MNS activity early in human development. The current study used electroencephalography (EEG) to explore mu rhythm desynchronization, an index of MNS activity, in 30-month-old children as they observed videos of dynamic emotional and non-emotional facial expressions, as well as scrambled versions of the same videos. We found significant mu desynchronization in central regions during observation and execution of both
Problem-Solving Skills Appraisal Mediates Hardiness and Suicidal Ideation among Malaysian Undergraduate Students

Objectives Recent evidence suggests that suicidal ideation is increased among university students, it is essential to increase our knowledge concerning the etiology of suicidal ideation among university students. This study was conducted to examine the relationships between problem-solving skills appraisal, hardiness, and suicidal ideation among university students. In addition, this study was conducted to examine problem-solving skills appraisal (including the three components of problem-solving confidence, approach-avoidance style, and personal control of emotion) as a potential mediator between hardiness and suicidal ideation. Methods The participants consisted of 500 undergraduate students from Malaysian public universities. Results Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) estimated that undergraduate students with lower hardiness, poor problem-solving confidence, external personal control of emotion, and avoiding style was associated with higher suicidal ideation. Problem-solving skills appraisal (including the three components of problem-solving confidence, approach-avoidance style, and personal control of emotion) partially mediated the relationship between hardiness and suicidal ideation. Conclusion These findings underline the importance of studying mediating processes that explain how hardiness affects suicidal ideation.
Effect of Garlic on High Fat Induced Obesity

The present study was performed to examine the effects of garlic on obesity and blood lipid profiles in high-fat induced obesity mice model, and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for such effect. C57BL/6 mice were fed a. standard diet (STD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 5 weeks to induce obesity. Mice were then randomly divided into four groups with 10 mice per group, and fed experimental diet for 4 weeks; STD group, HFD group, HFD containing 2% or 4% garlic group (HFD + G2 or HFD + G4, respectively). Administration of garlic significantly reduced HFD-induced body weight, epididymal fat accumulation, hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia. Consequently, the atherogenic indexes were reduced by 83% and 91%, respectively, in 2% and 4% garlic supplemented group. Liver steatosis induced by HFD was ameliorated by garlic supplementation. Furthermore, garlic affected the down regulation of expression patterns of epididymal adipose tissue genes such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), adipose specific fatty acid binding protein (aP2), and glycer-ol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH). These results suggest that garlic may have a. potential benefit in preventing obesity.
Branch Exchange Approach to Power Loss Reduction in Reconfiguration Problem of Balanced Distribution Networks

Network reconfiguration is done by changing the status of the switches, mainly for two reasons, active power loss reduction and load balancing. It attracts attention of distribution engineers for quite a long period of time. In this paper, solving method for the active power loss reduction is given. Searching of the radial configurations is done by the branch exchange method. To aid the search, two approximate power flow methods with varying degree of accuracy have been developed. Applied Fortran programs are very fast but can be used only as indication for the loss estimation because of the insufficient method accuracies. At each iteration end it is necessary to run efficient power flow algorithm to determine the real situation concerning loss reduction and go on from this point of calculation. Numerical example for Baran and Wu network is given at the end of the work. Though only indicative, developed methods converge to the global optimum. The time duration of the used methods depends thoroughly on the fast manipulation of incoming data. This flaw makes methods interesting for the time being only in planning stage when the duration is not of primary importance.
Discussion Paper Series Monetary Policy with Sectoral Trade-offs

We formulate a two-sector New Keynesian economy that features sectoral heterogeneity along three main dimensions: price stickiness, consumption goods durability, and the inter-sectoral trade of input materials. The combination of these factors deeply affects inter-sectoral and intra-sectoral stabilization. In this context, we examine the welfare properties of simple rules that adjust the policy rate in response to the output gap and alternative measures of final goods price inflation. Aggregating durable and non-durable goods prices depending on the relative frequency of sectoral price-setting may induce a severe bias. Due to factor demand linkages, the cost of production in one sector is influenced by price-setting in the other sector of the economy. As a result, measures of aggregate inflation that weigh sectoral price dynamics based on the relative degree of price rigidity do not allow the central bank to keep track of the effective speeds of sectoral price adjustment. JEL classification: E23, E32, E52
COLLIDE: OVERSTATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY, BANGLADESH

Manuscript Type: Empirical Research Question/Issue: How do conflicting institutional logics predict and explain the overstatement of corporate governance compliance in a developing country? Research Findings/Insights: A unique opportunity to study overstatement of compliance is available through checklists published in annual reports by companies in Bangladesh. A data set contrasting with that available from the checklists is collected by a confidential survey of company secretaries. Overstatement of compliance with the country’s Corporate Governance Guideline issued in 2006 is measured by comparing the published compliance with that revealed by the survey. There is significant overstatement of compliance in annual reports, particularly with respect to the less directly observable provisions of the Guideline. The overstatement is positively associated with control by a sponsor family and is negatively associated with the presence of an institutional investor on the board of directors. Theoretical/Academic Implications: The logic associated with the regulative framework of an Anglo-American-based corporate governance model conflicts with the logic of a culturalcognitive institutional framework in a developing country. The resulting contest of legitimacy motivates firms to overstate compliance with the Corporate Governance Guideline 2006 in annual reports. Practitioner/Policy Implications: This study highlights the challenges of introducing an Anglo-American model of corporate governance in a developing country. National and international investors should seek to understand the reality of the corporate governance structure of firms in developing countries, rather than relying solely on compliance reported
Agglomeration Economies in the Netherlands

In this paper we measure the strength of agglomeration economies on the basis of Dutch regional data. The drift to the city has been going on for hundreds of years. As a result, most economic activity is concentrated in small geographical areas. The advantages of proximity of people and firms go under the name 'agglomeration economies'. We regress regional labour productivity on a set of agglomeration indices, and find evidence for a productivity effect of concentration of production with a malus for industrial variety. Thus, the evidence supports Marschall-Arrow-Romer economies. The evidence does not support, however, Jacobs economies, nor variants of the Creative Class Hypothesis.