Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant from MRL/MpJ Super-Healer Mice Does Not Improve Articular Cartilage Repair in the C57Bl/6 Strain

Background Articular cartilage has been the focus of multiple strategies to improve its regenerative/ repair capacity. The Murphy Roths Large (MRL/MpJ) “super-healer” mouse demonstrates an unusual enhanced regenerative capacity in many tissues and provides an opportunity to further study endogenous cartilage repair. The objective of this study was to test whether the super-healer phenotype could be transferred from MRL/MpJ to non-healer C57Bl/6 mice by allogeneic bone marrow transplant. Methodology The healing of 2mm ear punches and full thickness cartilage defects was measured 4 and 8 weeks after injury in control C57Bl/6 and MRL/MpJ “super-healer” mice, and in radiation chimeras reconstituted with bone marrow from the other mouse strain. Healing was assessed using ear hole diameter measurement, a 14 point histological scoring scale for the cartilage defect and an adapted version of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International scale for assessment of osteoarthritis in mouse knee joints. Principal Findings Normal and chimeric MRL mice showed significantly better healing of articular cartilage and ear wounds along with less severe signs of osteoarthritis after cartilage injury than the control strain. Contrary to our hypothesis, however, bone marrow transplant from MRL mice did not confer improved healing on the C57Bl/6 chimeras, either in regards to ear wound healing or cartilage repair. Conclusion and Significance The elusive cellular basis for the MRL regenerative phenotype still requires additional study and may possibly be dependent on additional cell types external to the bone marrow.
X-Ray Observations of Optically Selected, Radio-quiet Quasars. I. The ASCA Results

We present the result of 27 ASCA observations of 26 radio-quiet quasars (RQQs) from the Palomar-Green (PG) survey. The sample is not statistically complete, but it is reasonably representative of RQQs in the PG survey. For many of the sources, the ASCA data are presented here for the first time. All the RQQs were detected except for two objects, both of which contain broad absorption lines in the optical band. We find the variability characteristics of the sources to be consistent with Seyfert 1 galaxies. A power law offers an acceptable description of the time-averaged spectra in the 2-10 keV (quasar frame) band for all but one data set. The best-fitting values of the photon index vary from object to object over the range 1.5 ≲ Γ2-10 ≲ 3, with a mean ⟨Γ2-10⟩ ≃ 2 and dispersion σ(Γ2-10) ≃ 0.25. The distribution of Γ2-10 is therefore similar to that observed in other RQ active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and seems to be unrelated to X-ray luminosity. No single model adequately describes the full 0.6-10 keV (observed frame) continuum of all the RQQs. Approximately 50% of the sources can be adequately described by a single power law or by a power law with only very subtle deviations. All but one of the remaining data sets were found to have convex spectra (flattening as one moves to higher energies). The exception is PG 1411+442, in which a substantial column density (NH,z ~ 2 × 1023 cm-2) obscures ~98% of the continuum. We find only five (maybe six) of 14 objects with z ≲ 0.25 to have "soft excesses" at energies ≲1 keV, but we find no universal shape for these spectral components. The spectrum of PG 1244+026 contains a rather narrow emission feature centered at an energy ~1 keV (quasar frame). The detection rate of absorption due to ionized material in these RQQs is lower than that seen in Seyfert 1 galaxies. In part, this may be due to selection effects. However, when detected, the absorbers in the RQQs exhibit a similar range of column density and ionization parameter as Seyfert 1 galaxies. We find evidence of Fe K-shell emission in at least eight RQQs. These are all low-luminosity objects, and the line parameters are consistent with those of other low-luminosity RQ AGNs. However the construction of the mean data/model ratios for various luminosity ranges reveals a trend whereby the profile and strength of the Fe K-shell emission changes as a function of luminosity.
Peer-to-Peer Overlays and Data Integration in a Life Science Grid

Institut fur¨ Telematik, Universit¨at Karlsruhe (TH), 76128 Karlsruhe, Germany{cramer|fuhrmann}@tm.uka. deLion Bioscience AG, 69123 Heidelberg, Germanyandrea.schafferhans@lionbioscience.comAbstract. Databases and Grid computing are a good match. With theservice orientation of Grid computing, the complexity of maintaining andintegrating databases can be kept away from the actual users. Data accessand integration is performed via services, which also allow to employ anaccess control.While it is our perception that many proposed Grid applications rely ona centralized and static infrastructure, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) technologiesmight help to dynamically scale and enhance Grid applications. Thefocus does not lie on publicly available P2P networks here, but on theself-organizing capabilities of P2P networks in general. A P2P overlaycould, e.g., be used to improve the distribution of queries in a data Grid.For studying the combination of these three technologies, Grid comput-ing, databases, and P2P, in this paper, we use an existing applicationfrom the life sciences, drug target validation, as an example. In its cur-rent form, this system has several drawbacks. We believe that they canbe alleviated by using a combination of the service-based architecture ofGrid computing and P2P technologies for implementing the services.The work presented in this paper is in progress. We mainly focus on thedescription of the current system state, its problems and the proposednew architecture. For a better understanding, we also outline the maintopics related to the work presented here.
Interpretation of benthic foraminiferal stable isotopes in subtidal estuarine environments

Abstract. Here we present a novel approach for the interpretation of stable isotope signatures recorded in benthic foraminifera from subtidal estuarine environments. The stable isotopic composition (δ18O and δ13C) of living Ammonia tepida and Haynesina germanica is examined at four stations in the Auray River estuary (Gulf of Morbihan, France) sampled in two contrasting seasons, spring 2006 and winter 2007. Comparing benthic foraminiferal δ18O measurements with theoretical oxygen isotopic equilibrium values, calculated on the basis of water temperature and salinity measurements in the upper and lower estuary, i.e., T-S-δ18Oeq. diagrams, strongly suggests that foraminiferal faunas sampled at the four stations calcified during different periods of the year. This interpretation can be refined by using the benthic foraminiferal δ13C, which is mainly determined by the mixing of sea and river water. In the upper estuary foraminifera mainly calcified in early spring and winter, whereas in the lower estuary calcification mainly took place in spring, summer and autumn. This new method provides insight into the complexity of estuarine benthic foraminiferal stable isotope records. In addition, it can also be used to obtain new information on preferred calcification periods of benthic foraminiferal taxa in different parts of the estuary.
Can VAR Models Capture Regime Shifts in Asset Returns? A Long-Horizon Strategic Asset Allocation Perspective

It is often suggested that through a judicious choice of predictors that track business cycles and market sentiment, simple vector autoregressive (VAR) models could produce optimal strategic portfolio allocations that hedge against the bull and bear dynamics typical of financial markets. However, a distinct literature exists that shows that nonlinear econometric frameworks, such as Markov switching (MS), are also natural tools to compute optimal portfolios in the presence of stochastic good and bad market states. In this paper we examine whether simple VARs can produce portfolio rules similar to those obtained under MS, by studying the effects of expanding both the order of the VAR and the number/selection of predictor variables included. In a typical stock–bond strategic asset allocation problem, we compute the out-of-sample certainty equivalent returns for a wide range of VARs and compare these measures of performance with those typical of nonlinear models for a long-horizon investor with constant relative risk aversion. We conclude that most VARs cannot produce portfolio rules, hedging demands, or (net of transaction costs) out-of-sample performances that approximate those obtained from equally simple nonlinear frameworks. We also compute the improvement in realized performance that may be achieved adopting more complex MS models and report this may be substantial in the case of regime switching ARCH.
Treatment Pattern of Type 2 Diabetes Differs in Two German Regions and with Patients' Socioeconomic Position

Background Diabetes treatment may differ by region and patients' socioeconomic position. This may be particularly true for newer drugs. However, data are highly limited. Methods We examined pooled individual data of two population-based German studies, KORA F4 (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg, south), and the HNR (Heinz Nixdorf Recall study, west) both carried out 2006 to 2008. To ascertain the association between region and educational level with anti-hyperglycemic medication we fitted poisson regression models with robust error variance for any and newer anti-hyperglycemic medication, adjusting for age, sex, diabetes duration, BMI, cardiovascular disease, lifestyle, and insurance status. Results The examined sample comprised 662 participants with self-reported type 2 diabetes (KORA F4: 83 women, 111 men; HNR: 183 women, 285 men). The probability to receive any anti-hyperglycemic drug as well as to be treated with newer anti-hyperglycemic drugs such as insulin analogues, thiazolidinediones, or glinides was significantly increased in southern compared to western Germany (prevalence ratio (PR); 95% CI: 1.12; 1.02–1.22, 1.52;1.10–2.11 respectively). Individuals with lower educational level tended to receive anti-hyperglycemic drugs more likely than their better educated counterparts (PR; 95% CI univariable: 1.10; 0.99–1.22; fully adjusted: 1.10; 0.98–1.23). In contrast, lower education was associated with a lower estimated probability to receive newer drugs among those with any anti-hyperglycemic drugs (PR low vs. high education: 0.66; 0.48–0.91; fully adjusted: 0.68; 0.47–0.996). Conclusions We found regional and individual social disparities in overall and newer anti-hyperglycemic medication which were not explained by other confounders. Further research is needed.
Identification of miR-194-5p as a potential biomarker for postmenopausal osteoporosis

The incidence of osteoporosis is high in postmenopausal women due to altered estrogen levels and continuous calcium loss that occurs with aging. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the development of osteoporosis. These miRNAs may be used as potential biomarkers to identify women at a high risk for developing the disease. In this study, whole blood samples were collected from 48 postmenopausal Chinese women with osteopenia or osteoporosis and pooled into six groups according to individual T-scores. A miRNA microarray analysis was performed on pooled blood samples to identify potential miRNA biomarkers for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Five miRNAs (miR-130b-3p, -151a-3p, -151b, -194-5p, and -590-5p) were identified in the microarray analysis. These dysregulated miRNAs were subjected to a pathway analysis investigating whether they were involved in regulating osteoporosis-related pathways. Among them, only miR-194-5p was enriched in multiple osteoporosis-related pathways. Enhanced miR-194-5p expression in women with osteoporosis was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis. For external validation, a significant correlation between the expression of miR-194-5p and T-scores was found in an independent patient collection comprised of 24 postmenopausal women with normal bone mineral density, 30 postmenopausal women with osteopenia, and 32 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (p < 0.05). Taken together, the present findings suggest that miR-194-5p may be a viable miRNA biomarker for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Employment Effects of Labour Taxation in an Efficiency Wage Model with Alternative Budget Constraints and Time Horizons

In an efficiency wage economy with variable profits, a shift from payroll to employment taxes will reduce unemployment if the tax level is held constant at the initial wage. However, unem-ployment will rise if firms are constrained to zero profits in the long-run and if tax revenues are constant. This reversal of employment effects occurs because the shift in taxes reduces wages. This implies a budget deficit. Hence, taxes will have to be raised if revenues are held constant. If the firm’s profits cannot change, the tax increase will cause some firms to close down and unemployment will rise. Thus, the predicted employment consequences of changes in the tax structure depend on assumptions about the time-horizon and budget constraint.
The Edinburgh Modified Cage: Effects of Group Size and Space Allowance on Brown Laying Hens

Abstract Modified laying cages are being developed in a number of European countries in response to public and legal pressure for improvement of laying hen welfare. The Edinburgh Modified Cage (which has a perch, nest box, and dust bath) is one design which is practical for commercial production. The trial reported here was concerned with specifications including group size and space allowance. There were no major management problems during the year except for an outbreak of red mite which was successfully treated, and egg production was above breeders’ standards (with few downgraded eggs). Hens used the space and facilities well. For example, they showed settled nesting behavior and laid 94% of eggs in nest boxes. Their physical condition was also improved in several respects compared to control birds in conventional cages. A group size of five or fewer proved most suitable, with a space allowance of about 675 cm2/bird in the main part of the cage (915 cm2 including the nest box) for brown birds. Egg production will cost more in modified cages than in conventional cages, but less than free range.
THE EFFECTS OF MODIFIED VARIABLES ON AN ITERATED LEARNING MODEL OF LINGUISTIC EVOLUTION BY CULTURAL TRANSMISSION

It has been suggested that human language emerged as a function of three adaptive processes: evolution by natural selection, individual learning, and cultural evolution (Kirby & Hurford, 2002). In this paradigm, biological evolution is intrinsically difficult to explore due to the ephemeral nature of language; however, the interface between learning and cultural evolution has been tested in a variety of mathematical, computational, and experimental models. These models demonstrate that systematic linguistic structure can arise from the transmission of language across multiple language users. Kirby, Cornish, and Smith (2008) introduced an experimental method for studying the cumulative effect that cultural transmission has on language, and their iterated learning model represented the first experiment on human participants to suggest that the cultural transmission of language leads cumulatively to the appearance of linguistic design without any explicit designer. A new version of this experiment was conducted with a number of modified variables allowing us to test the resilience of the experimental paradigm. The modifications introduced to this version of the experiment were:
The bankruptcy decision

This paper investigates the circumstances under which a firm will be forced into bankruptcy. The model developed can be viewed as part of a larger framework which would be necessary to address the question of optimal financial policy in a world of taxation, bankruptcy costs, investment and depreciation, uncertainty, etc. The model focuses on the conflicts of interest among various claimants to the assets and income flows of the firm (the stockholders, bond-holders, and bank lenders). We derive conditions under which the necessary funds for continuation will not be forthcoming and illustrate the importance of the liquidity of the assets and the maturity structure of the debt in staving off bankruptcy. Several examples highlight the major conclusions of the paper. The conditions for bankruptcy, which have some intuitive appeal, are more complex than those appearing in the previous literature. The latter part of the paper considers merger with a healthy company as an alternative to bankruptcy. We show that the tax system has an important effect on the choice between merger and bankruptcy.
Three‐dimensional simulations of stratospheric N2O: Predictions for other trace constituents

The Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) three-dimensional general circulation/tracer model has been used to investigate the stratospheric behavior of N2O under a range of photodestruction hypotheses. A comparison of observations with these simulations shows that the atmospheric N2O lifetime lies between 100 and 130 years. For the three experiments conducted, it was found that the model-derived global one-dimensional eddy diffusion coefficients Kz for one experiment are appropriate for the other two experiments as well. In addition, the meridional slopes of N2O mixing ratio isolines are virtually identical in the lower stratosphere for all three experiments. The generality of these two results was explored with a simple “two-slab” model. In this model the equilibrium meridional slopes of trace gas isolines and Kz values are solved directly. The model predicts that long-lived gases with weak photodestruction rates should have similar meridional slopes, but the effect of faster destruction is to flatten the meridional slopes. The simple model also predicts that Kz depends upon chemical processes through a direct dependence upon the meridional slope for a given gas as well as upon the intensity with which upward propagating tropospheric disturbances force the stratospheric zonal winds. The three N2O experiments have been compared against detailed observational analyses. These analyses show that the model meridional N2O slopes are too flat by about 30%. The simple two-slab model indicates that this results from a somewhat weak forcing of the model stratospheric zonal winds. A comparison of the temporal variability of model N2O against the “Δ” statistics of Ehhalt et al. (1983) shows good agreement. Another simple theoretical model is proposed that shows why Δ statistics are so useful and predicts the circumstances under which different destruction chemistries should lead to different Δ statistics. These results have allowed a very general extrapolation of the three N2O numerical experiments to predicted structure for a wide class of long-lived trace gases. Specifically, the supporting theoretical developments allow predictions for the effect of chemistry on the global (one-dimensional) behavior, meridional-height (two-dimensional) structure, and local temporal variability. Finally, some examples of transient behavior are presented through model time series at points corresponding to available measurements. These time series, with the support of horizontal N2O charts, show complex behavior, including pronounced seasonal cycles, transport-produced N2O “inversions,” and detailed meridional transport events associated with transient stratospheric disturbances.
COHESION IN ANNE HATHAWAY’S SPEECH TEXT ON “PAID PARENTAL LEAVE IS ABOUT CREATING FREEDOM TO DEFINE ROLES”

This research aims to identify the grammatical and lexical cohesion used in Anne Hathaway’s speech text on “Paid Parental Leave is about Creating Freedom to Define Roles”, and interpret how grammatical and lexical cohesion are used in Anne Hathaway’s speech text on “Paid Parental Leave is about Creating Freedom to Define Roles”. The type of this research is descriptive qualitative research. The result of this research shows that all types of grammatical and lexical cohesion are used in the speech text. For the grammatical cohesions are: reference (personal, demonstrative and comparative reference), substitution (nominal substitution), ellipsis (verbal and clausal ellipsis) and conjunction (additive, adversative, causal and temporal conjunction). Meanwhile, the lexical cohesions are: reiteration (repetition, synonym, superordinate and general word) and collocation. The most dominant of cohesive devices used in the speech text is reference especially for personal reference. All those cohesive devices are used clearly, it means that the speech text of Anne Hathaway entitled “Paid Parental Leave is about Creating Freedom to Define Roles” used grammatical and lexical cohesion well. Finally, the writer suggests that cohesion is important to be studied in language learning because cohesion can be used as a strategy to construct and comprehend any text especially for speech.
Total Economic Values of Increasing Gray Whale Populations: Results from a Contingent Valuation Survey of Visitors and Households

The consistency of an individual's willingness to pay (WTP) responses for increases in the quantity of an environmental public good (whale populations) is tested along three lines. First, we test whether WTP for 50% and 100% increases in whale populations are statistically different from zero. Second, we ask whether the incremental WTP from a 50% increase to a 100% increase is statistically significant. Finally, we test whether there is diminishing marginal valuation of the second 50% increment in gray whale populations. The paired t-tests on open-ended WTP responses supported all three sets of hypotheses. Both visitors and households provided WTP responses that were statistically different from zero and increased (but in a diminishing fashion) for the second increment in WTP. In this survey both visitors and households provided estimates of total economic value (including non-use or existence values) for large changes in wildlife/fishery resources that were consistent with consumer theory.
Automatic discovery of non-linear ranking functions of loop programs

We present a method for the synthesis of non-linear ranking function of a program loop. Based on the region-based search, it reduces the non-linear ranking function discovering to the inequality checking. The inequality prover BOTTEMA then can be utilized to check validity for inequalities. In contrast to other approaches, the new approach can also discover the ranking function with the radicals due to BOTTEMA's distinct features. Several interesting examples are given to illustrate our technique.