Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vivo and in vitro iron deficiency reduces protein kinase C activity and translocation in murine splenic and purified T cells

We investigated the effects of iron deficiency anemia, iron repletion, and iron chelation by deferoxamine on protein kinase C (PKC) activity, an enzyme that plays a crucial role on T lymphocyte proliferation. The study involved 23 control (C), 18 pairfed (PF), and 24 iron deficient (ID) mice or ID mice that were repleted for 3 (n = 14), 7 (n = 17), or 14 (n = 14) days. The low iron (0.09 mmol iron/kg) and iron‐supplemented (0.9 mmol iron/kg) diets were fed to mice for 53 days. Mean hemoglobin, hematocrit, and liver iron stores of ID mice were one third of those of C mice. Lymphocyte proliferation was reduced (P < 0.05) in spleen and purified T cells in ID but not PF mice. In concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin, and anti‐CD3 antibody‐treated and untreated cells that were incubated in serum‐free and serum‐containing medium, PKC activity was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in ID but not PF mice and returned to normal before correction of anemia. In mitogen‐treated cells, while the ratios of membrane‐bound to cytosol activity increased nearly seven‐fold (from 0.4–0.63 in resting cells to 1.43–7.23) in spleen cells from C, PF, and repleted mice and 11‐fold in T cells (P < 0.005), they remained below 1 in ID mice suggesting reduced translocation. In vitro iron chelation by deferoxamine for 120 min prior to cell activation reduced (P < 0.05) PKC activity by 46–60% in C and PF and 28–53% in ID mice. The data suggest that: 1) it is iron‐deficiency but not anemia or differences in the proportion of immunocompetent T cells that reduced PKC activity in cells from ID mice; 2) reduced PKC translocation may play an important role on altered lymphocyte proliferation and associated functions in iron‐deficient individuals. J. Cell. Biochem. 74:468–478, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in Earnings Inequality: The Role of Demand Shifts

That the relative demand for labor in the upper segment of the skill distribution has been shifting is a widely accepted 'stylized fact' in the literature on the increase in earnings inequality that has occurred since the late 1970s. Explanations of the causes of the relative demand shifts range from effects of increased integration of the world economy to skill-based technological change (reflecting, in part, the computerization of production processes). However, relative demand for skilled labor has been increasing fairly steadily since 1940, a fact having implications about the causes of both the demand shifts and recent increases in inequality.
NEW ECONOMY INNOVATION SYSTEMS: BIOTECHNOLOGY IN EUROPE AND THE USA

It is proposed that developments in the commercialization of science and technology in "new economy" sectors such as telecommunications, information technology and biotechnology presage a new kind of systemic innovation. This is both regionalized and localized around hubs of knowledge-driven entrepreneurship, and subject to extremely rapid exploitation in consequence of search and invest activities of corporate venturing arms of large firms, venture capitalists and business angels. The millennium meltdown of Internet stocks has brought caution but also learning gains to new economy investors, but the underlying model remains robust. Unlike the typical European regional innovation system, which is supported by extensive public sector enterprise support activities, "New Economy Innovation Systems" are far less dependent on public enterprise support intervention. Learning this new, rapid mode of exploitation is essential if commercialization gaps between Europe and North America are to be reduced. The key questions concern the appropriate role of public innovation support, the commercialization advantages and limits of venture capital, and the prospects for the new approach in less-favoured regional settings.
Response of the Formosan Subterranean Termite to Neighboring Con-Specific Populations After Baiting With Noviflumuron

Abstract Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki are economically important subterranean termites, particularly in the Southeastern United States where they are considered invasive. Where two C. formosanus populations met, aggressive encounters resulted in blockages in tunnels, but reinvading termites unblocked obstructions or constructed new tunnels. Experiments in planar arenas in which one population of C. formosanus was baited resulted in elimination of baited termites and subsequent reinvasion of territory by neighboring termites. Territories held by unbaited neighboring termites increased significantly, nearly doubling after reinvasion. Reinvading termites consumed baits left by baited colonies and were eliminated.
Water Quality: Assessment of the Current Situation in Asia

The uncontrolled release of sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural run-off continue to affect Asia. Although many Asian countries are getting closer to meeting the improved sanitation targets, much of the waste remains untreated. Comprehensive databases are rarely available and national data indicate that the water quality situation is serious. However, there are many signs of hope. Water quality monitoring efforts are improving and several countries now have systems in place that could guide other nations in the region. The efforts of basin agencies, such as the Mekong River Commission, could lead the way to transboundary or even regional assessments. Many regulatory and economic options are being tested for pollution control, but institutional and social challenges remain, in particular those related to population growth and the various ways in which it is affecting water quality across the region.
Diacylglycerol Kinase η Augments C-Raf Activity and B-Raf/C-Raf Heterodimerization*

The Ras/B-Raf/C-Raf/MEK/ERK signaling cascade is critical for the control of many fundamental cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, and differentiation. This study demonstrated that small interfering RNA-dependent knockdown of diacylglycerol kinase η (DGKη) impaired the Ras/B-Raf/C-Raf/MEK/ERK pathway activated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) in HeLa cells. Conversely, the overexpression of DGKη1 could activate the Ras/B-Raf/C-Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in a DGK activity-independent manner, suggesting that DGKη serves as a scaffold/adaptor protein. By determining the activity of all the components of the pathway in DGKη-silenced HeLa cells, this study revealed that DGKη activated C-Raf but not B-Raf. Moreover, this study demonstrated that DGKη enhanced EGF-induced heterodimerization of C-Raf with B-Raf, which transmits the signal to C-Raf. DGKη physically interacted with B-Raf and C-Raf, regulating EGF-induced recruitment of B-Raf and C-Raf from the cytosol to membranes. The DGKη-dependent activation of C-Raf occurred downstream or independently of the already known C-Raf modifications, such as dephosphorylation at Ser-259, phosphorylation at Ser-338, and interaction with 14-3-3 protein. Taken together, the results obtained strongly support that DGKη acts as a novel critical regulatory component of the Ras/B-Raf/C-Raf/MEK/ERK signaling cascade via a previously unidentified mechanism.
Household Economies of Scale in Consumption: Theory and Evidence

Household economies of scale (arising from the existence of househo ld public goods, increasing returns in household production, and/or bulk discounts) are incorporated into a utility-theoretic model of household demands. Individuals are assumed to be identical and symmetrically treated within households. Economies of scale parameters for five goods are estimated using the quadratic expenditu re system and data from the U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey on expenditures by all-adult households. Results suggest the existence o f significant economies of scale in the consumption of all of the included goods, with economies being especially pronounced in the consumption of shelter. Copyright 1988 by The Econometric Society.
Geometric and Histopathologic Assessment of Yarrow Extracts (Achillea millefolium) and on Healing of Experimental Skin Wounds and its Comparison with Zinc Oxide on Rats

Skin wound healing especially when it occurs on the face or somewhere important for cosmetic reasons, is very significant physiological procedure. It is quite obvious that promoting this healing is important too. In this study we tried to compare the effects of Achillea millefolium and Zinc oxide on secondary intentioned open-wound healing in rats. Zinc oxide is being used worldwide as an absorbent and protective compound. Its pharmacological properties are wide and its non-toxic material allows it to be used as a routine skin care substance. In current study, 70 female wistar rats where included in 5 groups. Full thickness Incisional wound with 23 mm diameter was made with surgical scissors and scalpel. The whole operation was taking place under general Anesthesia and analgesia circumstances. After making surgical wounds, rats are treated as mentioned in the text. Rats are observed for 28 days for wound closure process and inflammatory conditions taking place in wound. Biopsy intervals are 0 (the day of surgery), 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28th day after surgery. In these certain days rats were euthanized and biopsies of wound sites were obtained. Wounds areas are also measured by Scion Image ™ software daily. At last, all data were analyzed using SPSS statistics ver.17. As a result, Achillea millefolium at the dose of 10% has significant healing properties compared to Zinc oxide. These data were validating under confidence surface of 95% (p<0.01).
Who’s Afraid of Tax Competition? Harmless Tax Competition from the New European Member States

This paper investigates the tax sensitivity of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the context of EU enlargement to Eastern European countries. Using two alternative specifications of a gravity equation, it shows that the E25 is heterogeneous as far as FDI location determinants are concerned. However, the results are at odds with usual consensus:while tax differentials do impact on FDI in the EU15, they are shown to have had no impact on the new member states during the period of analysis (1990-2002). Similarly, other factors such as unit labor costs and price-competitiveness fail to explain FDI inflows to the new EU member states. Simulation exercises run on statutory taxation attend to assess empirically the impact of various tax convergence scenarios. They are shown to imply limited changes in FDI inflows, on the basis of FDI flows and tax differentials observed in 2002. JEL classification: F21, F36, H25, H87
INVESTIGATING STUDENT NETBOOK USAGE USING ACTIVITY THEORY

As schools move to 1:1 computing, research is required to inform the design and provision of access and usage by students. Drawing upon Activity Theory as the conceptual framework, and through employing a mixed method methodology, this study seeks to determine whether or not netbooks are an appropriate computing device for Year Seven students. Specifically, it investigated whether or not the ratio or quantum of access to the devices was a significant factor in these effects in the following variations of student access to netbooks: • 1:1 student to netbook access - five days per week for six weeks; • 1:1 student to netbook access - three days per week for ten weeks; • 2:1 student to netbook access - five days per week for six weeks; and, • 2:1 student to netbook access - three days per week for ten weeks. This paper reports early findings of that study designed to investigate four patterns of access and usage in four Year 7 classes in a Non-Government Primary School in Queensland.
Effects of Whole Body Vibration in Patients With COPD

Background: Whole body vibration training (WBVT) improves muscle force in healthy subjects. Resistance training (RT) is an important component of a pulmonary program. Aim: To investigate the effects of either 12 weeks WBVT or RT, both provided after 15 min of aerobic training as warming up. Methods: COPD patients, referred for pulmonary rehabilitation, were randomized to either a WBVT or a conventional RT group. Primary outcome was the change in 6 Minute Walking Distance (6MWD) after 12 weeks. Maximum exercise capacity (Wmax), quadriceps force (QF), quality of life (QoL) and number of responders, defined as the percentage of patients reaching the minimally clinically important difference (MCID) for the aforementioned outcome measurements were the secondary outcomes. Data are expressed as medians (interquartile range). Results: 62 patients with COPD were included. After WBVT, 6MWD improved by 35 (-14-76) m (p = 0.003), Wmax by 7 (2-23) Watt (p = 0.001), QoL by 13 (4-25) points (p = 0.002) and QF by 9 (-16-29) Nm (NS). In the RT-group, 6MWD, Wmax, QoL and QF increased significantly, with 60 (-13-96) m (p < 0.001), 12 (8-18) Watt (p < 0.001), 11 (3-16) points (p = 0.002) and 12 (-3-44) Nm (p = 0.009), respectively. The MCID for 6MWD (54 m) was reached by 8/26 patients in the WBVT-group and by 16/25 patients in RT-group (p = 0.05). No significant differences between groups were observed for the primary and secondary outcomes. Conclusions: WBVT after 15 min aerobic training enhances 6MWD, Wmax and QoL in COPD patients; however only 30% of patients reached the MCID for 6MWD.
Differences Between Private Firms Owned by Novice, Serial and Portfolio Entrepreneurs: Implications for Policy Makers and Practitioners

W ESTHEAD P., U CBASARAN D. and W RIGHT M. (2003) Differences between private firms owned by novice, serial and portfolio entrepreneurs: implications for policy makers and practitioners, Reg. Studies 37 , 187-200. Policy makers can target "hard' (i.e. financial) and "soft' (i.e. technical) assistance to firms. Some policy makers and practitioners are considering whether resources could be more effectively utilized if they were targeted towards habitual entrepreneurs, rather than in the form of additional initiatives to increase the pool of pure nascent entrepreneurs and novice entrepreneurs. To inform this policy debate, similarities and differences between 354 firms owned by novice, serial and portfolio entrepreneurs in Scotland are highlighted with regard to the process of financing businesses, organizational capabilities as well as the size and performance of the surveyed businesses. Presented empirical evidence confirms that portfolio entrepreneurs have more diverse experiences and more resources than either serial or novice entrepreneurs. On average, portfolio entrepreneurs appear to offer more attractive growth prospects than other entrepreneurs. A case for targeted support tailored to the aspirations and needs of portfolio (and serial) entrepreneurs is presented.
Why Did You Choose This Job? Comparing Career Motivators of IS Students & IS Practitioners

This paper reports findings from the second stage of a research program aimed at achieving a better fit between university courses and professional practise in information systems. The paper presents the results of a survey of IS students from three Victorian universities and IS practitioners from around Australia. The survey investigates attitudes towards employment incentives and conditions that may be used by employers hoping to attract and retain scarce and talented information technology professionals. Respondents were asked to rate the importance of eleven conditions that they considered important in their decision to accept and remain working in an organization. The findings suggest that both are more attracted by a friendly work environment, supportive superiors, and perceived promotional opportunities. Economic incentives such as provision of travel opportunities and other fringe benefits were rated as rather less important. Implications for employers who are dealing with an ongoing global shortage of information technology staff are discussed.
Variations in presentation, management, and patient outcomes of urinary tract infection: a prospective four-country primary care observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND Regional variations in the presentation of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) and pathogen sensitivity to antibiotics have been cited as reasons to justify differences in how the infections are managed, which includes the prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics. AIM To describe presentation and management of UTI in primary care settings, and explore the association with patient recovery, taking microbiological findings and case mix into account. DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective observational study of females with symptoms of uncomplicated UTI presenting to primary care networks in England, Wales, the Netherlands, and Spain. METHOD Clinicians recorded history, symptom severity, management, and requested mid-stream urine culture. Participants recorded, in a diary, symptom severity each day for 14 days. Time to recovery was compared between patient characteristics and between countries using two-level Cox proportional hazards models, with patients nested within practices. RESULTS In total, 797 females attending primary care networks in England (n = 246, 30.9% of cohort), Wales (n = 213, 26.7%), the Netherlands (n = 133, 16.7%), and Spain (n = 205, 25.7%) were included. In total, 259 (35.8%, 95% confidence interval 32.3 to 39.2) of 726 females for whom there was a result were urine culture positive for UTI. Pathogens and antibiotic sensitivities were similar. Empirical antibiotics were prescribed for 95.1% in England, 92.9% in Wales, 95.1% in Spain, and 59.4% in the Netherlands There were no meaningful differences at a country network level before and after controlling for severity, prior UTIs, and antibiotic prescribing. CONCLUSION Variation in presentation and management of uncomplicated UTI at a country primary care network level is clinically unwarranted and highlights a lack of consensus concerning optimal symptom control and antibiotic prescribing.
Return to tourist destination. Is it reputation, after all?

In this paper the hypothesis that repeated purchases in the tourism markets could be considered as a consequence of asymmetrical information problems is studied. This hypothesis is analysed with the case study of the island of Tenerife using the estimation of a count data model. It was found that the length of the stay and the information obtained from previous visits and/or relatives and friends might increase the return to a destination suggesting the presence of a reputation mechanism as proposed by Shapiro (1983). The determinants of the willingness to return were also estimated, confirming the main results.
Does central bank communication affect bank risk-taking?

This article examines whether bank risk-taking is influenced by monetary policies as well as by communication policies of a central bank. In particular, we analyse whether the signal emitted by the central bank about a likely rise (fall) in the basic interest rate for the next policy meeting and its pessimistic (optimistic) perception regarding the macroeconomic environment are responsible for inducing banks to take less (more) risks. We provide evidence for the link between monetary policies, central bank communication and bank risk-taking. The findings reveal central bank communication influences the behaviour of banks once their risk perceptions are affected.
A Time—Motion Study of the Activities of Attending Physicians in an Internal Medicine and Internal Medicine—Pediatrics Resident Continuity Clinic

Purpose To describe the activities of attending physicians in a residency-based continuity clinic and to examine factors that affect their teaching of, supervision of, and interaction with residents. Method Six full-time board-certified faculty members (three internal medicine, three internal medicine-pediatrics) in an urban residency program participated in a descriptive observational time-motion study. The attending faculty were directly observed by “shadow” technique for 30 half-day sessions from April 1994 through September 1994. Each activity was measured by a trained research assistant using a digital stopwatch. The observed activities were assigned to one of 16 subcategories. Results 6,389 minutes of activities were observed. Activities were distributed among four general categories: direct contact with residents (43.1%), clinic operations (33.7%), personal and/or professional activities (18.0%), and miscellaneous time (5.2%). Attending physicians spent the most time in direct contact with residents when the patient-to-attending ratio was 10–14:1. Discussion The activities of the clinic's attending physicians were quite varied. Less than half of their time in the clinic was spent in contact with residents. This contact time may be significantly increased by changes to clinic policies, such as optimizing the patient-to-faculty ratio and increasing administrative support for the clinic. These findings can be used as a reference point for studies of attending physicians' activities since the federally mandated rules changes regarding their responsibilities for supervising residents.
Microarray Analysis of Gene Expression Reveals that Cyclo-oxygenase-2 Gene Therapy Up-regulates Hematopoiesis and Down-regulates Inflammation During Endochondral Bone Fracture Healing

Background Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (Cox-2) is an inflammatory mediator that is necessary for the tissue repair, including bone fracture healing. Although the application of Cox-2 gene therapy to a murine closed femoral fracture has accelerated bony union, but the beneficial effect was not observed until the endochondral stage of bone repair that is well after the inflammatory stage normally subsides. Methods To identify the molecular pathways through which Cox-2 regulates fracture healing, we examined gene expression profile in fracture tissues in response to Cox-2 gene therapy during the endochondral bone repair phase. Cox-2 gene therapy was applied to the closed murine femur fracture model. Microarray analysis was performed at 10 days post-fracture to examine global gene expression profile in the fracture tissues during the endochondral bone repair phase. The entire repertoire of significantly expressed genes was examined by gene set enrichment analysis, and the most up-regulated individual genes were evaluated further. Results The genes that normally promote inflammation were under-represented in the microarray analysis, and the expression of several inflammatory chemokines was significantly down-regulated. There was an up-regulation of two key transcription factor genes that regulate hematopoiesis and erythropoiesis. More surprisingly, there was no significant up-regulation in the genes that are normally involved in angiogenesis or bone formation. However, the expression of two tissue remodeling genes was up-regulated. Conclusions The down-regulation of the inflammatory genes in response to Cox-2 gene therapy was unexpected, given the pro-inflammatory role of prostaglandins. Cox-2 gene therapy could promote bony union through hematopoietic precursor proliferation during endochondral bone repair and thereby enhances subsequently fracture callus remodeling that leads to bony union of the fracture gap.
Network Effects in Infrastructure Regulation: Principles and Paradoxes

Among the many crucial issues in infrastructure regulation has been how to handle network effects. These can both cause monopoly and complicate the management of partial transitions to competition in telecommunications and electricity. The recent global financial crisis itself reflects network effects. Reviewing the variety of definitions, manifestations, and policy consequences of network effects, in sectors both traditionally regulated and outside such regulation, can promote understanding of when networks should be regulated, what about them should be regulated, who should do the regulating  and why we should intervene.