Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AMA production in primary biliary cirrhosis is promoted by the TLR9 ligand CpG and suppressed by potassium channel blockers

We previously reported that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) produce significantly higher levels of polyclonal IgM than controls after exposure to CpG. Furthermore, the prevalence and unusually high levels of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) in patients with PBC suggest a profound loss of B cell tolerance. We have addressed the issue of whether CpG will promote the production of AMAs and whether new experimental agents that inhibit the lymphocyte potassium channels Kv1.3 and KCa3.1 can suppress CpG‐mediated B cell activation and AMA production. PBMCs were stimulated with and without CpG and were subsequently analyzed for phenotype, including expression of TLR9, CD86, and KCa3.1 concurrent with measurements of AMA and responses to a control antigen, tetanus toxoid, in supernatants. Additionally, K+ channel expression on B cells from PBC patients and controls was studied using whole‐cell patch‐clamp technology. In patients with PBC, CpG induces secretion of AMAs in PBMCs and also up‐regulates B cell expression of TLR9, CD86, and KCa3.1. Additionally, K+ channel blockers suppress secretion of AMA without a reduction of CpG‐B–enhanced IgM production. Furthermore, there is diminished up‐regulation of TLR9 and CD86 without affecting proliferation of B cells, B cell apoptosis, or viability. Conclusion: These data suggest that the hyperresponsiveness of B cells in PBC accelerates B cell–mediated autoimmunity. (HEPATOLOGY 2007;45:314–322.)
Market maturity: China commercial real estate market

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to explore the evolutionary path to market maturity that China property market has taken over the last few decades. The focus is on the commercial real estate markets in Beijing and Shanghai. It will help international investors understand the market environment, risk and market activity process. Design/methodology/approach - – In this research, the authors apply the market maturity framework and its key determinants based on previous work undertaken by Keogh and D’Arcy (1994) and Chin Findings - – The findings reveal that the respondents felt the commercial property markets in Shanghai and Beijing were now moderately mature. However, issues such as poorer level of standard market information, development instability, low transparency of the legal system, high taxes and high government invention still existed in China’s commercial property market, therefore hindering its progress towards greater market maturity. Research limitations/implications - – The small same size of the survey is the major limitation of the research. Practical implications - – International investors and analysts can benefit from the research findings through a better understanding of the behaviour and trends in this unique market which will be reflected in their decision-making process. Originality/value - – An explorative approach was used due to the lack of data to examine the perception of China’s commercial property market’s evolution and maturity. The findings can then be placed in the context of other Southeast Asian cities. The evolutionary process of China’s property market is rarely examined in previous studies of China property market due to the lack of data and transparency.
Phenotypic differences between the sexes in the sexually plastic mangrove rivulus fish (Kryptolebias marmoratus)

ABSTRACT To maximize reproductive success, many animal species have evolved functional sex change. Theory predicts that transitions between sexes should occur when the fitness payoff of the current sex is exceeded by the fitness payoff of the opposite sex. We examined phenotypic differences between the sexes in a sex-changing vertebrate, the mangrove rivulus fish (Kryptolebias marmoratus), to elucidate potential factors that might drive the ‘decision’ to switch sex. Rivulus populations consist of self-fertilizing hermaphrodites and males. Hermaphrodites transition into males under certain environmental conditions, affording us the opportunity to generate 40 hermaphrodite–male pairs where, within a pair, individuals possessed identical genotypes despite being different sexes. We quantified steroid hormone levels, behavior (aggression and risk taking), metabolism and morphology (organ masses). We found that hermaphrodites were more aggressive and risk averse, and had higher maximum metabolic rates and larger gonadosomatic indices. Males had higher steroid hormone levels and showed correlations among hormones that hermaphrodites lacked. Males also had greater total mass and somatic body mass and possessed considerable fat stores. Our findings suggest that there are major differences between the sexes in energy allocation, with hermaphrodites exhibiting elevated maximum metabolic rates, and showing evidence of favoring investments in reproductive tissues over somatic growth. Our study serves as the foundation for future research investigating how environmental challenges affect both physiology and reproductive investment and, ultimately, how these changes dictate the transition between sexes. Highlighted Article: The sex-changing mangrove rivulus fish (Kryptolebias marmoratus) exhibits significant, sex-specific phenotypic differences, which may promote their transition between sexes.
THE DEMAND FOR BOOKS AND OTHER PERIODIC PUBLICATIONS IN SPAIN

This paper introduces a model for the demand of books and other periodic publications (BPP) in Spain based on micro-data from household budget surveys corresponding to 2006, 2007, and 2008. The model is formulated with a truncated or censored dependent variable in which selection is made using a probit model that determines the possibility of whether a given item is purchased or not. Then, based on the results from the initial model, the factors that determine expenditure on BPP are identified. Alternatively, a tobit model has been used. The paper is mainly focused on identifying the price and income elasticity of demand, as well as the influence of various demographic factors such as sex and age, both on the probability of purchase as well as on the expenditure made on BPP.
Corporate governance of Islamic banks: A comparative study between GCC and Southeast Asia countries

Purpose - – This paper aims to understand the current governance practices and governance structure of Islamic banks (IBs) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Southeast Asia countries with the purpose of providing relevant information in guiding the future development of the governance system for IBs. As well, the paper discusses and compares the state of the governance system in GCC countries (Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) and Southeast Asia countries (Malaysia and Indonesia). Design/methodology/approach - – The study utilizes descriptive analysis approach in extracting and analyzing data collected for 83 IBs observed for the period 2002-2011. The authors test for differences in means and medians of corporate governance attributes between a sample of IBs in GCC countries and another one for Southeast Asia countries. They use selected variables of corporate governance of different governance structures, namely, the ownership structure, the board of directors, the Shariah board and the CEO attributes. Findings - – The paper findings argue that there are significant differences and divergence of corporate governance structure of IBs in GCC countries and those in Southeast Asia countries. This position acknowledges that there are shortcomings to the existing governance framework for IBs which needs further improvement and standardization. Practical implications - – The paper is a very useful source of information that may provide relevant guidelines in guiding the future development of corporate governance of IBs. As well, the paper provides relevant guidelines for improving regulations and laws covering the governance of IBs. Originality/value - – This paper provides fresh data and recent information on the actual corporate governance system in IBs in GCC and Southeast Asia countries. As well, the paper discusses a significant shortage in corporate governance literature of Islamic finance.
Deficiences in phenotype expression and function of dentritic cells from patients with early breast cancer.

PURPOSE Monocytes derived from patients with early breast cancer (EBC) have shown functional deficiencies. These functional deficiencies are characterized by changes in phenotype and morphology. We have expanded these investigations to dendritic cells generated from monocytes from patients with early breast cancer. - PATIENTS AND METHODS Peripheral blood from 36 patients with EBC and from 26 healthy age-matched women was drawn and prepared for ex vivo generation of dendritic cells (DC) by incubation with granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin 4 (IL4). The phenotype of DC was examined by flow-cytometry. T cell - proliferation was induced with tetanus toxoid pulsed autologous dendritic cell. - RESULTS Dendritic cells generated from monocytes from EBC-patients showed a significantly lower expression of the phenotype-associated antigens CD1a, CD83, CD80, CD86 and CD54 than the dendritic cells from healthy controls. T cell - proliferation in response to TT-pulsed autologous dendritic cells was significantly decreased when induced with dendritic cells from patients with early breast cancer, when compared to healthy controls. Morphologically, only dendritic cells from healthy women possessed prominent dendrites indicating maturity. - CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that dendritic cells generated from monocytes from patients with early breast cancer express an immature phenotype, exhibit immature morphology and show functional deficits when compared to the cells derived from healthy age-matched controls. Whether these findings offer a potential target for therapeutic interventions remains to be elucidated.
Fads and Facts of E-Government: A Review of Impacts of E-government (2003–2009)

This paper analyzes the impacts of e-government as reported in 55 first-hand empirical peer-reviewed journal publications during the period 2003–2009, using a conceptual framework to identify ICT (information and communication technology) impacts on four domains within the public sector: capabilities, interactions, orientations and value distribution. The analysis shows that research findings mostly report positive impacts in all four dimensions. In the empirical research, the majority of impacts from ICT are reported within the domain of capabilities, which is also the domain that features the most balanced mix of positive and negative findings. Findings show that although e-government has elements that make it different from previous use of ICT in public administration, research on e-government is yet to demonstrate a substantial shift in the nature and directions of impacts in comparison to earlier studies.
Upstream Control and Downstream Liberty of Action?

This article deals with the issue whether the ambition by foreign TNCs to secure quality control, technology and knowledge exclusiveness, cost efficiency and delivery terms among its host country suppliers leads to a strategy to tie up the suppliers to a forced dependence on their customers. It is often assumed that the need by foreign TNCs to secure upstream control in the host country will lead to putting pressure on its local suppliers to limit contacts with competing clients and to become the dominant customer. Our empirical studies among Swedish TNCs, in Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, show instead that the normal pattern was not to become the dominant client among its local suppliers. Rather than resulting in ‘captive’ governance structures, our findings suggest that in these types of value chains, ‘developmental’ buyer–supplier relations are likely, resulting in technological upgrading of less capable, domestic suppliers.
[Idiopathic scoliosis by spinal fusion and brace treatment: evaluation by gait analysis].

UNLABELLED We have investigated the differences in gait between 68 idiopathic scoliosis patients and 186 normal subjects, and differences in gait before and after treatment of the scoliosis by two different methods. The idiopathic scoliosis patients were divided into two groups according to which treatment they had received; one group of 17 cases had been treated by spinal fusion and the other group of 51 cases had been treated by bracing. Gait analysis was performed using a 1.2 m wide and 10.8 m long force plate walkway. Three components of each step (the lateral, horizontal and vertical components) were measured. Gait velocity, step length, step width and cadence were evaluated as temporal and distance factors, and symmetry, reappearance, smoothness, sway, rhythm and impact were evaluated as gait factors. RESULTS Before treatment, there was no difference in any temporal or distance factor between the scoliosis patients and the normal subjects. However, the index of symmetry, and of sway, in the vertical component prior to treatment in the scoliosis patients was significantly inferior to that in the normal subjects. A positive correlation was found between the index of sway in the vertical component and the pretreatment Cobb angle. This correlation was found in the right-convex single curve group and in the double curve group, but not in the left-convex single curve group. After spinal fusion, the step width became wider and the index of sway significantly improved, but index of symmetry was unchanged. No gait factor became worse postoperatively. In contrast, in the bracing group, the step width became wider, but the index of symmetry, and of sway in the vertical component, did not improve with the brace. The gait of scoliosis patients could be objectively and quantitatively analyzed by the force plate. The gait analysis was useful for evaluating the effects of spinal fusion, and of brace treatment, in idiopathic scoliosis patients.
Does European regional competitiveness influence sports? An analysis of three sports

The main objective of this work was to test European regional determinants of sports competitiveness. We studied competitiveness in volleyball, basketball and handball. We developed a theoretical model based on the model proposed by Bernard and Busse (2004) to analyse the effect of regional institutions and sport environments that can interfere with sports competitiveness. To test our model, we constructed an enlarged database for all European NUTS2 since 1995, which we analysed using panel data techniques (censored Tobit models). Our results reveal that the regions that are able to maintain player performance do so by persistent effort and external influences. These factors contribute more to regional competitiveness than a region’s central location or political prominence.
Examining climate change mitigation and adaptation behaviours among public sector organisations in the USA

Climate change has become a more salient issue on the US policy agenda at all levels of government. Increasing empirical evidence and identification of its potential risks to human populations have increased media, public, and policy-maker interest. There is a gap, however, in our knowledge of sub-national decision-making which suggests several questions: Are community leaders deciding to take action in response to climate change action, and, if so, what is the solution focus – mitigation or adaptation? Our study addresses this gap in the literature by reporting the results of a national survey of local, regional, and state decision-makers whose organisations will be addressing community responses to the threat of climate change. We find that, in general, these agencies are not engaged in climate change policy, nor is the issue on their agendas. Among organisations considering policy responses, there is variation between types of agency and type of solution, mitigation versus adaptation.
Selection adverse et aversion pour le risque

The purpose of this paper is to study a simple example of an adverse selection problem in a Principal-Agent relationship, where uncertainty is not resolved at the time the contract is signed. It is shown that the agent's risk-aversion then plays a critical role in determining the shape of the optimal contract; more precisely, a bunching phenomenon will occur for large (but finite) values of the agent's absolute index of risk-aversion. Since this phenomenon is absent in the two extreme cases of zero or infinite risk-aversion, it is argued that one would miss important points in focussing on these (simpler) cases, as is usually done.
Microfranchising in Base–of–the–Pyramid Markets: Institutional Challenges and Adaptations to the Franchise Model

Microfranchising has attracted interest as a potential strategy for rapid scaling within base–of–the–pyramid (BOP) markets. However, our findings suggest that while microfranchising might provide a number of social benefits to microfranchisees and underserved communities, the institutional contexts that characterize BOP markets create a number of significant challenges to the economic sustainability of the microfranchisor and the overall microfranchising model. Simultaneously, our data also suggest several unique adaptations to the microfranchising model that might help mitigate the institutional challenges associated with agency concerns, resource scarcity, and branding/standardization within BOP markets.
An Extinction Threshold for Protostellar Cores in Ophiuchus

We have observed continuum emission at λ = 850 μm over ~4 deg2 of the Ophiuchus star-forming cloud using the Submillimeter Common-User Bolometric Array on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, producing a submillimeter continuum map 20 times larger than previous Ophiuchus surveys. Our sensitivity is 40 mJy beam-1, a factor of ~2 less sensitive than earlier maps. Using an automated identification algorithm, we detect 100 candidate objects. Only two new objects are detected outside the boundary of previous maps, despite the much wider area surveyed. We compare the submillimeter continuum map with a map of visual extinction across the Ophiuchus cloud derived using a combination of Two Micron All Sky Survey and R-band data. The total mass in submillimeter objects is ≈50 M☉ compared with ≈2000 M☉ in observed cloud mass estimated from the extinction. The submillimeter objects represent only 2.5% of the cloud mass. A clear association is seen between the locations of detected submillimeter objects and high visual extinction, with no objects detected at AV < 7 mag. Using the extinction map, we estimate pressures within the cloud from P/k ≈ 2 × 105 cm-3 K in the less-extincted regions to P/k ≈ 2 × 106 cm-3 K at the cloud center. Given our sensitivities, cold (Td ≈ 15 K) clumps supported by thermal pressure, had they existed, should have been detected throughout the majority of the map. Such objects may not be present at low AV because they may form only where AV > 15, by some mechanism (e.g., loss of nonthermal support).
The Intraday Behavior of European Bond Futures

STEPHEN THOMAS is professor of finance at the European Business Management School. ntraday regularities in U.S. financial markets are by now well accepted, and any number of theories try to explain them. To develop more evidence to disI criminate among competing theories, we examine the behavior of returns, returns volatility, traded volume, and autocorrelations of transaction returns using data on government bond futures contracts traded on the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE). Our examination of a European market provides an independent test and validation of evidence in U.S. markets. U.S. data show that stock returns and returns variance follow a U-shaped intraday pattern (Wood, McInish, and Ord [1985] and Harris [1986]). Returns on stock indexes tend to be positive near both the open and the close of trading, although Harris [1986] finds Monday returns to be negative near the open. Jain and Joh [1988] find a U-shaped pattern in hourly returns and returns volatihty for the S&P 500 index. Both Neal [1988] and Jordan et al. [1988] report the same pattern for volatility and volume in their analyses of soybean futures contracts. Ekman [1992] extends the analysis to S&P 500 index futures, and finds that returns follow the pattern for the underlying index described by Harris [1986]. He reports a U-shaped intraday pattern in volatility and number of recorded trades (a proxy for volume). Ederington and Lee [ 19931, however, find an L-shaped intraday pattern in volatility for U.S. interest rate and currency futures. The theories that seek to explain such intraday patterns focus on the interaction of privately informed traders, liquidity traders, and market makers. Admati and Pfleiderer [1988] explain intraday regularities using
Modeling Myeloid Malignancies Using Zebrafish

Human myeloid malignancies represent a substantial disease burden to individuals, with significant morbidity and death. The genetic underpinnings of disease formation and progression remain incompletely understood. Large-scale human population studies have identified a high frequency of potential driver mutations in spliceosomal and epigenetic regulators that contribute to malignancies, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and leukemias. The high conservation of cell types and genes between humans and model organisms permits the investigation of the underlying mechanisms of leukemic development and potential therapeutic testing in genetically pliable pre-clinical systems. Due to the many technical advantages, such as large-scale screening, lineage-tracing studies, tumor transplantation, and high-throughput drug screening approaches, zebrafish is emerging as a model system for myeloid malignancies. In this review, we discuss recent advances in MDS and leukemia using the zebrafish model.
International asset returns and exchange rates

We present a consumption-based international asset-pricing model to study global equity premiums, the US riskfree rate and the cross section of international asset returns. The model entails idiosyncratic, country-specific consumption risk, which helps explain the magnitude of global equity premiums. It also features country-specific habit formation, which helps explain the level of the interest rate on the US short-term Treasury bills traded by domestic and international investors. We find that the model explains approximately 40–50% of the cross section of currency and equity premiums as well as expected returns from value and growth portfolios of at least a dozen countries. Changes in real exchange rates are responsible for explaining approximately half of the cross section of international asset returns.
Use of derivatives in public sector organizations

The present paper develops and tests a model explaining public sector derivative use in terms of budget discrepancy minimization. The model is different from private sector models. Private sector models do not readily translate into the public sector, which typically faces different objectives. Hypotheses are developed and tested using logistic regression over a sample of Australian Commonwealth public sector organizations. It is found that public sector organization derivative use is positively correlated with liabilities and size consistent with the hypotheses concerning budget discrepancy management.